King Palisoc’s “Song of the Fireflies,” a dramatization of the true story of the rise of the Loboc Children’s Choir from its small town roots in Loboc, Bohol to worldwide acclaim, won four of the six Audience Awards, voted on by MIFF goers. The drama-musical, written by Sarge Lacuesta and produced by Culturtain Musical Productions, MQuest, Hartman and CMB Film Services, Inc., bagged Best Picture, Best Actress (Morissette), Best Supporting Actress (Rachel Alejandro) and Best Supporting Actor (Noel Comia Jr.).

“Song of the Fireflies,” as the Audience Best Picture winner, received a $150,000 coproduction package deal from Birns & Sawyer, one of the oldest film equipment rental companies in Hollywood, run by CEO, FilAm Mari Acevedo.

“Song of the Fireflies” also won a Special Award for promoting Philippine music, arts and culture through the inspiring story of the Loboc Children’s Choir.

“My Future You,” a comedy-fantasy-romance about two people who meet on a dating app, but it turns out that they live in two different timelines, bagged Best Director (Crisanto B. Aquino) and Best Actor (Seth Fedelin).

BingoPlus brand ambassador Maine Mendoza Atayde is also joyful about this collaboration, saying that Filipino movie makers are capable of doing more.

“It means so much you know because we never really get the chance to do this worldwide and I think it’s about time for Filipinos to be known globally, I mean we have so much to offer and I think this is just the beginning.”

A stage like the MIFF is a perfect medium to present the expertise of Philippine cinema to different parts of the world.

In addition, bringing entertainment to the people is among the valued missions of BingoPlus. By sponsoring the MIFF, it has given them a chance to give pleasure and reach wider audiences through film. Four-time Emmy award winner and author of the Manila International Film Festival, Lisa Lew, says that bringing leisure is the common ground between BingoPlus and MIFF.

“We would love to make sure people enjoy their lives and have a good time. And I think that’s where we really come together. BingoPlus is making an effort to be a part of a broader world.”

Moreover, Song of the Fireflies, directed by King Palisoc, a movie inspired by the Loboc Children’s Choir, won the ‘best picture’ during the awards night. The film also won ‘best actress,’ ‘best supporting actor,’ and ‘best supporting actress.’

First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos was also awarded the ‘visionary award.’ She admired Filipino art when it came to visual creative media. In a statement she said last year during a meeting with famed Filipino directors, she highlighted that it’s time for the Philippine film industry to be recognized on the international stage.

“The best way to help the movie industry is to tell the world that Filipinos are good, we’re talented.”

MIFF showed that the whole country, including BingoPlus, is behind our movie makers. This success marked a significant milestone for the industry. As Filipino films continue to gain international recognition, the future of Philippine cinema looks brighter than ever.

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging experiences in interactive gaming and sports entertainment. DigiPlus also operates SpinPlus, and GameZone, with more to come. For more information, visit: www.digiplus.com.ph.