Dubai-based film producer Aquino Plotado remains optimistic about the future of Philippine cinema, even as Lala Sotto, chairperson of Movie and Television Review Classification Board (MTRCB), recently described 2025 as a “bad year” for local films.
And he has every reason to stay hopeful.
His film As The Call, So The Echo, which he produced, won Best Actor and Best Director at the 11th Emirates Short Film Festival in 2025.
Read: Enzo Pineda grateful for Best Actor win at Emirates Film Festival
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Aquino said that despite the industry’s challenges, "I will definitely continue producing and supporting films."
AQUINO PLOTADO: GLOBAL GROWTH
Following the critical success of his latest project, Aquino is now setting his sights beyond purely Filipino productions.
"My main focus in the coming years is to develop international projects, particularly a film that will feature actors and actresses from India and Egypt." he said.
"By doing this, we are expanding our audience beyond Filipinos and opening doors to Indian and Arab markets.
"I believe that international collaboration is one strong way to help sustain and strengthen Filipino filmmaking despite the current challenges."
Read: Aquino Plotado considers new film project with Enzo Pineda
He emphasized that global partnerships can help Filipino filmmakers gain a wider international audience.
"For me, the biggest contribution will come through international collaborations,” Aquino told PEP.
"Working with foreign talents and production partners will naturally create international exposure for Filipino filmmakers and creatives."
Beyond partnerships, Aquino stressed several key elements necessary for the continued growth of the local film industry.
"Strong storytelling remains essential," he said.
"With well-written scripts, unique film locations, and smart use of advanced technology—such as AI-assisted post-production tools, modern editing techniques, and high-level cinematography—we can significantly improve quality while managing costs and production challenges."
When asked what government support he believes should be prioritized to help filmmakers and bring audiences back to theaters, Aquino pointed to easing financial burdens on productions.
"I believe one important step would be to lower taxes and regulatory costs for film productions, including fees related to filming permits and locations," he explained.
"More discounts and incentives for shooting venues would also help, especially since film productions promote locations and support tourism."
He added that he hopes for more flexibility in implementing the Eddie Garcia Law, while still upholding the welfare and safety of actors and production staff.
"A balanced and practical approach would create a win-win situation for producers, artists, and crews," he said.
AQUINO PLOTADO: GLOBAL FILIPINO STAR ICON AWARDS
Aquino expressed his gratitude for being among the honorees at the Global Filipino Star Icon Awards held at Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai on January 31, 2026.
He received the Global Filipino Legacy Award for Film, Real Estate, and Philanthropy, joining a distinguished roster of awardees that included Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, who was honored with the Global Icon of Beauty, Advocacy, and Culture Award, and Piolo Pascual, who received the Lifetime Achievement in Filipino Arts and Global Representation Award.
Veteran journalist Atom Araullo was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement in Public Service Journalism Award, while beauty and business pioneer Ricky Reyes received the Lifetime Icon of Beauty and Business Innovation Award.
Fashion icon Renee Salud was named Global Ambassador of Filipino Fashion and Heritage, and designer Rian Fernandez earned the Designer of the Year title.
Other honorees included Carl E. Balita for Lifetime Achievement in Education and Professional Empowerment, Zeinab Harake as Empowered Woman of the New Media Generation, Glenda Dela Cruz for Global Visionary in Beauty and Entrepreneurship, and Pia Marie Yanson, who was awarded the Iconic Filipina in Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy Award.
Aquino said the award is personally meaningful because he began his UAE journey in 2011 as a hotel receptionist facing limited career opportunities due to his background and nationality.
He recalled: "I came to the UAE in 2011 on a tourist visa and started working as a hotel receptionist.
"At that time, career growth was very difficult, not only because of my educational background as a nursing undergraduate, but also because nationality and language often play a major role in promotion and opportunities.
"This recognition reminds me that no matter where you start, you already carry the tools, the potential, and the chance to succeed."
Aquino further shared that the recognition reminds him that Filipinos can rise beyond entry-level roles and excel on the global stage through talent, creativity, and leadership.
"It proves that Filipinos are not limited to frontline or lower-level positions," he said.
"We can compete on a global stage and be recognized for our world-class talent, creativity, and leadership."
When asked which of his three fields—film, real estate, or philanthropy—feels most meaningful to him now, Aquino revealed that real estate currently holds the greatest importance because it serves as the foundation and primary source of funding for his creative and charitable endeavors.
"Here in the UAE, the real estate market is very dynamic, with many millionaires and billionaires actively investing,” he said.
"This allows me to build stronger platforms for my future ventures. Winning this award has inspired me to aim higher and diversify even more."
Drawing from his own journey, Aquino also offered advice to Filipinos planning to work in Dubai, emphasizing the importance of emotional, mental, and spiritual readiness.
"You will face many challenges, from difficult work environments to misunderstandings with colleagues, supervisors, and even employers," he said.
"The journey is not easy, and there will be moments when you feel discouraged.
"My advice is to be authentic, stay grounded, and always do the right thing—even when no one is watching.
"Success is not built only on hard work and intelligence; it is built on character, transparency, and integrity.
"Your long-term opportunities will depend on who you are as a person, not only on what you can do."
FUTURE PROJECTS
Meanwhile, PEP also asked Aquino about his upcoming film projects, and he revealed that his full-length feature is already in the pre-production stage. He added that he plans to cast Enzo Pineda once again in the lead role.
"I am developing a full-length international film featuring foreign actors and actresses, together with Filipino talents,” he shared.
“Enzo Pineda will continue to be part of the films that I produce."
Apart from this, Aquino is also working on a documentary focused on life inside the world of beauty pageants.
"I am preparing a documentary about life in the world of beauty pageants,” he said.
"As a country, the Philippines has a deep passion for pageantry, and I would like to tell that story from the cultural, emotional, and human perspective behind the competitions."
Beyond filmmaking, Aquino also revealed that he has several new ventures lined up.
"In 2026, I plan to venture into music production, organize a pageant competition in the Philippines, and explore opportunities in the fashion industry," he told PEP.
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