Don't look now, but the 2026 Sinag Maynila Film Festival Best Director is a Waraynon.
Cris Fuego, a Southern Leyte native, just took home one of the most coveted plums at the 8th edition of the fest.
When Cris' name was called onstage as the winner, the filmmaker was hailed by the crowd, specifically his cohorts, supporters and admirers.
Onstage, Fuego was obviously ecstatic when he accepted his trophy, a very symbol of excellence in filmmaking.
According to an earlier interview conducted with him by entertainment writer Mell T. Navarro, he works in Canada as an engineer.
He just came to attend the festival which eventually conferred him honors.
And what did you know?
He was recognized as the best in his lot even surpassing the veterans like Joel Lamangan, Vince Tanada and Louie Ignacio.
From the looks of it, the engineer in Cris made the film more analytical, masterfully crafted and probing.
"We have spent six years or so in making the film," said Cris.
It's just like building a sanctuary, a formidable edifice that could last for years, even centuries.
From Pintuyan, Southern Leyte, Fuego created a world apart from the usual landscape but still representative of the coastal society.
"Pinikas" is a story of a young woman who wants to experience the convenience of life in its material sense so she engages in digital explorations to look for a foreigner who could offer her the advantages in life.
After winning the Best Film as well, Cris has readied his next film project no matter his migration to Canada.
He will, he said, prepare so much to realize his dream.
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