Star Powerhouse

Many Filipinos still fondly remember BJ Forbes as Tolits, the energetic kid from the iconic laundry detergent commercial, or as the quick-witted child host on “Eat Bulaga! ”  Since his early breakout years, which spawned roles in fantasy shows “Mulawin” (2004), “Etheria: Ang Ikalimang Kaharian ng Encantadia” (2005) and “Fantastikids” (2006), sitcoms “ Ful Haus” (2007) and “ Moomoo and Me” (2009), and films like “ Ispiritista: Itay, May Moomoo!” (2005), “Exodus: Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom” (2005), “Enteng Kabisote 3: Okay Ka, Fairy Ko: The Legend Goes On and On and On” (2006), “Dobol Trobol: Lets Get Redi 2 Rambol!” (2008), “Ang Panday” (2009), and “Ded na si Lolo” (2009), among others, Forbes has practically grown up before the nation’s eyes.  Now, the veteran performer is charting a path toward deeper artistic maturity. Forbes recently proved that a true artist’s education never really ends. This after officially graduating from The Masters Series: FDCP Actin...

FDCP Chair and CEO Jose Javier Reyes with Session 1 speakers Atty. Janice Tejano and Atty. Nick Pichay with moderator Wanggo Gallaga The Film Development Council of the Philippines recently hosted the Film Industry Conference 2025 at Lanson Place in Pasay City.  The event brought together filmmakers, industry experts, and enthusiasts for one whole day of crucial discussions and collaborative sessions aimed at shaping the local filmmaking landscape.  The conference also offered both onsite and online access, broadening its reach to allow more participants to engage with the conversations driving Philippine cinema. The FIC 2025 featured three hybrid sessions that tackled pressing issues faced by the industry. Session 1, entitled “Own Your Story: Navigating the Copyright Legal Rights and Remedies of Filipino Screenwriters and Directors,” focused on intellectual property rights for screenwriters and directors. Atty. Nick Pichay and Atty. Janice Tejano shed light on the standard pr...

  The Film Development Council of the Philippines recently co-hosted the first Academic Film Society meeting of 2025 with iACADEMY. The event brought together representatives from different universities, colleges, and high schools nationwide, all united in offering film education.    This initiative underscores the FDCP’s commitment to nurturing the future of Philippine cinema. The national agency is focused on empowering students by providing them with workshops, financial assistance, and other support necessary to develop their skills in filmmaking.    The AFS is an FDCP-led program designed to foster a community of student filmmakers. Beyond supporting student development, the AFS also aims to integrate film into broader academic activities and provide educators with training on effectively using film in teaching.    The AFS gathering, held at iACADEMY’s multipurpose hall, served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration. The meeting focused on o...