Pioneer Insurance honors short film competition winners

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PIONEER Insurance showcased the creativity of the younger generation at the "Real to Reel: Gen Z Short Film Competition" Grand Finals held at Greenbelt Cinema 3, impressing a star-studded panel of judges and Gen Z audiences, online and in cinemas.

SUPPORTING YOUNG FILMMAKERS Pioneer Group head Lorenzo Chan Jr. (leftmost) and Fire and Ice Entertainment CEO Liza Diño (rightmost) award the grand prize winners of Pioneer Insurance’s ‘Real to Reel: Gen Z Short Film Competition,’ namely (from left) Glenn Faller, Jerry Surpia and Jaff Jaro from Leyte Normal University. PHOTO FROM PIONEER INSURANCE

"Ang Panawagan ni Googly," submitted by Jerry Surpia from Leyte Normal University, emerged as the top entry among over 120 submissions from Gen Z students representing top universities and public schools nationwide.

The winning film, starring a used plastic milk tea container named "Googly," addresses the pressing issue of climate change in a unique way, highlighting pollution caused by the country's waste problem.

Pioneer Group head Lorenzo Chan Jr., who served as one of the judges in the competition, shared his insights on the results, commending the vision of Gen Zs.

"It became clear today that two of the top concerns young people have about the future are, first, climate change, ranging from global warming to other related issues, and second, politics, including graft and corruption," Chan said.

"These issues are clearly top of mind for them. What's even more impressive is how they've tackled these topics in such creative ways using drama, comedy and other genres. I'm optimistic that these films will inspire the next-gen and viewers of all ages to work towards a better future," he added.

Meanwhile, award-winning actress and Fire and Ice Entertainment CEO Liza Diño, who led the formidable panel, was particularly impressed at how outspoken the younger generation are regarding their stance on social issues.

"The competition revealed what these kids care about. They are very aware of social issues and want to make a difference," Diño shared.

Aside from Chan and Diño, the panel of judges also included the multi-awarded director Chris Martinez, President and CEO of Unitel Straight Shooters Media Inc. Madonna Tarrayo, and game and experience design agency Octopus & Whale founder Joey Tiempo.

The second-place award was given to "Calor" by Troy Bryan Fontanar from Visayas State University, featuring "Quip," a robot living underground in a climate-ravaged future embarking on a journey to witness the Earth's remaining greenery.

"Trapo" by Danreb Dela Cruz, Myro Andrada and John Rhey Flores from Doña Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School was named third placer for its sharp critique on traditional politics in the Philippines.

The short film "Siya Na Walang Pangalan" was also awarded as the Online Favorite after garnering the most number of likes on Pioneer Insurance's Facebook page.

The film captured mental health through the lens of Leah Oliquino, Clare Puno, Jexel Keane Alejo, Gera Escobar and Bien Bisenio from the University of the Philippines Baguio.

More than just a competition, "Real to Reel" is part of Pioneer's longstanding advocacy to empower the youth to take control of their future and make every moment count.