Image showing panelists, mentors, and the top 9 participants during the Post-Animahenasyon: Creative Mentoring and Pitching Competition held on April 30, 2025, in Makati City, Philippines.
In photo: DTI, ACPI, Panelists, Mentors, and Top 9 Participants of the Post-Animahenasyon: Creative Mentoring and Pitching Competition during the culminating event held on 30 April 2025.

Makati City, Philippines—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines, successfully organized the Post-Animahenasyon: Creative Mentoring and Pitching Competition on April 30.

This key initiative of the DTI’s Creative Industries Development Office (CIDO) under the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, highlights the agency’s commitment to nurturing Filipino creativity and empowering local storytellers to share our unique narratives globally. This is achieved through collaboration, capacity-building, and industry linkages, that comprise hands-on-training, one-on-one mentorship, and creative exchange.

During the event, participants received guidance from two renowned experts—Mr. Bobby Pontillas, co-founder of Rise Up Animation; and Mr. Keith Sicat, an award-winning independent filmmaker. These mentors provided in-depth coaching on the fundamentals of storytelling, visual development, and pitching.

Following the mentoring session, the Creative Pitching Competition featured finalists from the 2024 Animahenasyon Festival and Young Creatives Challenge Season 1. These promising individuals presented their original animated content to a distinguished panel of judges, who assessed each entry based on creativity, originality, storytelling strength, and market potential.

During the Post-Animahenasyon event, select finalists also received a significant boost in the form of concrete support from TOP PEG Animation and Creative Studio, and Mothership Recording Studio. This recognition underlines the panelists’ strong belief in the finalists’ potential to make a significant impact on the animation and creative sectors, demonstrating the industry’s readiness to invest in dynamic Filipino talent.

The esteemed judging panel comprised key figures from animation sector and media, including Ms. Carol Wee, Production Manager of Warner Bros. Discovery; Ms. Melissa Lim, Lead of Acquisitions & Co-Productions of Warner Bros. Discovery; Ms. Grace Dimaranan, CEO of TOP PEG Animation and Creative Studio; Mr. Avid Liongoren, Founder of Rocketsheep; Mr. Butch Ibanez, Head of the National Committee on Cinema of the National Commission of the Culture and the Arts ; Mr. Brian Matthew Ligsay, Voice Actor of Mothership Recording Studios; and Mr. Lorenz Olivarez, Chief Operating Officer of Mulave Studios.

“This event is more than just a pitching competition—it’s a platform of promise. It is where potential meets opportunity, and where the voices of Filipino creatives are amplified in shaping our cultural and creative legacy,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista.

“If you experience failure, it’s okay to stumble—but you must get up. The future is yours to draw, animate, and define,” Asec. Nylah added.

DTI-CIDO Officer-in-Charge Director Lilian Salonga, also delivered a message, emphasizing the role of creative capacity-building in fueling inclusive economic growth.

Meanwhile, ACPI Chairman Juan Miguel Del Rosario addressed the participants, while ACPI President Marlyn Montano and Executive Director Daniel Enriquez reiterated their commitment to cultivating homegrown talent and building sustainable career pathways for Filipino animators.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Deputy Director General Nelly Nita N. Dillera also attended the event and reaffirmed their mandate in developing creative workforce through skills training and upskilling programs.

As chair of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council, the DTI implements the Malikhaing Pinoy Program—a flagship effort that advances the Philippines’ creative industries by spotlighting Filipino talent, cultural heritage, and ingenuity.

For more updates and future training opportunities, follow the official Facebook page of the DTI-CIDO (@DTI.CIDO). ♦

Date of Release: 07 May 2025

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