CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The rich aroma of heritage and the vibrant spirit of youth came together in a groundbreaking celebration as Pampanga culminated the first-ever Cuisinema Short Film Festival—a bold fusion of cinema and Kapampangan cuisine.
Designed to showcase the province’s cultural identity through the creative lens of young filmmakers, the festival served as a platform to tell stories that are deeply rooted in tradition, memory, and culinary prowess.
The festival’s Awards Night, held at Kingsborough International Convention Center, set the stage for a grand celebration of artistry and excellence. Spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Pampanga under the leadership of Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda and Vice Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, the event was organized through the Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office of Pampanga.
Board member Claire Lim, chairperson for arts, culture, and education, along with fellow board members Fritzie David-Dizon and Cherry Manalo, personally congratulated the students and academic institutions whose creativity and storytelling brought Kapampangan culture vividly to life on screen.
Meanwhile, provincial tourism officer Michael Castañeda noted that the event was designed to celebrate the creative courage of the participants while highlighting the vital role of youth-driven storytelling in preserving and promoting Pampanga’s cultural identity.
The night also welcomed renowned Kapampangan chef Jam Melchor, along with influencers Mak Mariano and Bubuy Bautista, who shared inspiring words about heritage, creativity, and the power of local narratives to transcend the screen. Topping the list of winners was Holy Angel University’s Kulkul, which featured the iconic arobung camaru set in the picturesque Magalang town. The film swept major categories including Best Film, Best Director for Princess Ghiewel Gomez, Best Actor for Lorenzo Guarin, Best Supporting Actor for Sean Baluyut, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Movie Poster, and the Pampanga Cultural Award. It also received a Special Jury Award for the performance of Angel Martinez.
National University Clark’s Mara and Pi’s Loving Pasalubong, a heartfelt portrayal centered on family drama and the classic sansrival, earned Second Best Film, with Aya Ranas taking home Best Actress and Ma. Cristina Villanueva receiving a Special Jury Award.
Pampanga State Agricultural University’s Ganaka, a narrative built around sisig, received Third Best Film, while Guagua National Colleges’ Kokak, inspired by betuteng tugak, won Best Supporting Actress for Aby Maaghop and Best Soundtrack.
Prior to the awards night, a special screening was held at SM City San Fernando Downtown. The event drew an appreciative audience and was filled with applause, reflection, and pride.
Lim delivered remarks that celebrated the depth of talent among Kapampangan youth. While Castañeda also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the filmmakers for sharing their voices, stories, and passion for both cinema and culture.
Eight higher education institutions were represented in the festival: Angeles University Foundation, City College of Angeles, Don Honorio Ventura State University, Guagua National Colleges, Holy Angel University, National University Clark, Our Lady of Fatima University Pampanga, and Pampanga State Agricultural University.
Supported by the Center for Kapampangan Studies and the Department of Tourism Region III, Cuisinema proved that storytelling can be both flavorful and transformative. The success of this inaugural festival reflects a growing movement to preserve and celebrate local identity—one film, one flavor, and one frame at a time.
