Pride in Filipino storytelling comes alive at SINE x Cinemalaya, a gathering of some of the country's most celebrated actors, directors, and film personalities.
Mounted by Summit Books, together with PEP.ph (Philippine Enetratinment Portal) and in cooperation with Cinemalaya, the event celebrates the legacy of Philippine cinema.
Below are the details of the upcoming gathering.
Read: SINE. FILM. PELIKULA: A canon of outstanding Filipino films
What is SINE x Cinemalaya all about?
At the heart of the event is SINE • FILM • PELIKULA: The 100+ Greatest Films of Philippine Cinema—what Summit Books refer to as its definitive “canon of outstanding Filipino films.”
Curated by veteran journalist Jo-Ann Q. Maglipon in collaboration with renowned film scholar Dr. Joel David, the 300-page coffee table book features 127 synopses and reviews of some of the country's most influential films released between 1937 and 2020.
From timeless classics such as Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, Manila by Night, and Himala to modern favorites like One More Chance, That Thing Called Tadhana, Heneral Luna, and On the Job, the book pays tribute to the films, filmmakers, and performers who kept the pulse of Philippine cinema alive in the last seven decades.
Stories from the printed page will serve as talking points for a live conversation with some of the film personalities featured in the book.
There will also be a kudos ceremony for the stars, directors, and producers present at the event.
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Who will be there?
Guests can expect an afternoon filled with stories from some of the biggest names in Philippine cinema.
Among the confirmed guests are celebrated actors Charo Santos-Concio, Richard Gomez, Gerald Anderson, Tirso Cruz III, Gina Alajar, Amy Austria, Ara Mina, and Phillip Salvador.
Joining them are award-winning filmmakers Joel Lamangan, Jeffrey Jeturian, Antoinette Jadaone, Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, Lawrence Fajardo, as well as Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairperson Joey Reyes, and producers Roselle Monteverde-Teo and Atty. Joji Alonso.
The event will also welcome former Senator Grace Poe as a special guest who will pay tribute to her father, National Artist Fernando Poe Jr., fondly remembered as the "King of Philippine Movies."
When is the event?
It will take place on August 10, 2026 (Monday), from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M., as part of Cinemalaya's Monday line-up at Shangri-La Plaza, with activities beginning at 5:00 P.M. for invited and registered guests.
Where will it be held?
The event will be held at Cinema 3, Red Carpet Cinemas, 6th level of Shangri-La Plaza, Shaw Blvd., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.
Shangri-La Plaza is conveniently connected to MRT-3 Shaw Boulevard Station via a covered walkway, making it easily accessible by both public transportation and private vehicles.
Guests may proceed to the Red Carpet Cinemas located on the upper cinema level of the mall, where registration opens ahead of the program.
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What can audiences expect?
Rather than a traditional book launch, PEP Spotlight SINE x Cinemalaya is designed as a celebration of Philippine cinema.
As mentioned earlier, there will a be kudos ceremony, where a book page–style plaque will be given to the film personalities.
Guests can also look forward to:
live forum
Hear firsthand stories from filmmakers and actors whose works are immortalized in the pages of SINE, as Jo-Ann Maglipon leads a conversation about the films, collaborations, and experiences behind them.
PEP Pop Quiz
One of PEP's signature audience engagement activities makes its way to Cinemalaya.
Attendees will have the chance to test their knowledge of Filipino movies, iconic scenes, memorable characters, and local cinema trivia for a chance to win prizes..
Read: A nod to Mike de Leon films in Summit Books' cinema opus
Where can you buy the SINE • FILM • PELIKULA book?
Copies of “SINE • FILM • PELIKULA: The 100+ Greatest Films of Philippine Cinema” will be available during the event.
A National Book Store booth will be set up at the cinema lobby, where guests may purchase copies before or after the program.
Why you shouldn't miss it
There is no shortage of unforgettable Filipino films, only not enough afternoons spent talking about them.
Their stories continue to find new audiences across generations, with the promise of reaching moviegoers who have yet to be born.
Great films never run out of people to move, challenge, or inspire.
PEP Spotlight SINE x Cinemalaya celebrates that enduring tradition by bringing together the artists, filmmakers, and storytellers who have devoted their lives to the craft.
It is an homage to the people whose unwavering commitment to Philippine cinema has kept its stories alive, one film at a time.
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