‘Alon ng Kabayanihan’ launch brings Filipinos together to support WPS

Celebrities, government officials, civic groups, and social media personalities gathered on August 25, 2025, to support the launch of Alon ng Kabayanihan, a powerful short film about the West Philippine Sea.

The film, produced by CIRIS (Center for Information Resilience and Integrity Studies) in partnership with Hot and Fresh Creative Productions, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), premiered on National Heroes Day as a reminder that defending sovereignty is not just a task for frontliners—it is a responsibility shared by all Filipinos.

“As a director, my job was to take something many see as distant or political and make it deeply personal,” said Kevin Mayuga. “I believe a four-minute film can start a bigger conversation than an hour of debate if it moves people emotionally. My goal was never just for audiences to know the truth, but to feel it.”

Among the attendees were notable figures such as celebrities IC Mendoza and Pinoy Big Brother alumna Jyra Agpangan. Defense officers also graced the event including PCG Commanding Officer Jomark Angue and several PCG officers, Philippine Navy Major Roy Trinidad, and Philippine Army Major Bala Tamayo. Also present were Virgilio Bueno, Jeric Bueno, and Jonathan Bueno—the courageous WPS fisherfolk who portrayed their own “real-life” roles in the film.

The diverse mix of guests highlighted the powerful representation of various sectors of society, united by a shared cause.

“This film shows that heroism isn’t limited to those on the frontlines,” said Michel Andre P. Del Rosario, CIRIS Executive Director. “Every Filipino has a role to play—whether by staying informed, challenging disinformation, or simply standing united in defense of what is ours.”

Producer Chris Esguerra said Alon ng Kabayanihan is a reminder of how storytelling—especially visual storytelling—can build understanding in ways facts alone often can’t.

“Visual storytelling has an advantage—it can break through the noise and misinformation with emotion and clarity,” Esguerra said. “A short film like Alon ng Kabayanihan doesn’t try to explain everything. It makes people feel something first. From there, we hope it pushes them to ask questions, seek facts, and engage in real conversations about sovereignty, truth, and national identity.”

Actor Sid Lucero, who portrays a fisherman in the film, struggled to hold back tears, saying he was overwhelmed by the passion and sense of purpose behind the project. He called it his “most favorite role of all time,” adding, “This project made me realize how deeply interconnected we all are. When it comes to protecting what’s ours, no Filipino is ever too far removed from the fight.”

Ryza Cenon, who plays a military officer, said immersing herself in the role deepened her appreciation for the sacrifices of frontliners. “Saludo ako sa mga nasa West Philippine Sea. Their courage inspires us to be vigilant and to unite as one nation,” she said.

Carlo Aquino, who portrays an AFP officer, said the role gave him a profound respect for real-life defenders. “Being on the same ship with soldiers who protect our country made me feel their bravery and deep love—not just for their families, but for the Philippines,” Aquino said. “As a father, I see this not just as the AFP’s fight, but every Filipino’s—hindi lang para sa ngayon, kundi para sa kinabukasan.”

The event was marked by a call for unity under the banner of “Every Filipino a Bayani”—emphasizing that sovereignty is not an abstract issue, but one that touches every Filipino.

Concluding the event, Mayuga made a simple yet powerful call to action for Filipinos to spark the conversation on the matter. “Talk about this with your friends, classmates, families, colleagues, all your fellow Filipinos. Regardless of political preferences, you need to talk about this–because this is not a political issue, this is a ‘Filipino’ issue.”

Del Rosario echoed this sentiment, saying, “Whether you like it or not, as long as you’re Filipino, you are affected by this. In your own small way, you can contribute to this campaign. So, do something about it, because you can do something about it. Help spark the conversation through Alon ng Kabayanihan.”