BUTUAN CITY β In a historic win for the institution, The Watchguild team entered the SineBalangay Film Lab 2026 with a bold script and a point to proveβand emerged victorious for the entire campus. Through three days of non-stop pitching, intensive script breakdowns, and fierce regional competition, the team officially earned PECIT a proud place on the independent cinema stage.
Their short film concept, Anino Ng Nakalimutang Ako, written by student filmmaker Mane Talibong and brought to life alongside The Watchguild production crew, was named one of the 10 Official Entries selected for the SineBalangay Independent Film Festival 2027.
Out of dozens of competitive entries across the region, the team from The Watchguildβthe official campus publication of the Philippine Electronics and Communication Institute of Technology (PECIT)βproved that student journalists can step out from behind the camera lens and master cinematic storytelling. Facing industry veterans and mentor panels from September 23 to 25 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Talibong and the crew defended their vision until it secured its spot on the festival roster.
Anino Ng Nakalimutang Ako delivers a raw, psychological exploration of identity, visibility, and human connection. Watching Talibong pitch the narrative and seeing the panel recognize its deep emotional resonance marks a defining achievement for our student creators. This victory stands as a testament to what PECIT has always fostered: creative, competitive talent capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the regionβs best storytellers.
As the team transitions from lab selection to a silver-screen premiere in February 2027, the real work of production begins. Bringing a vision of this scale to life demands technical camera packages, audio equipment, location logistics, and robust production funding.
The Watchguild crew has already delivered the story and proven PECIT’s place among the best. As pre-production kicks off, rallying behind Anino Ng Nakalimutang Ako presents a prime opportunity for the PECIT administration, student body, and local sponsors to champion campus talent on a regional platform.
We would like to extend our deepest thanks to our mentors, Direk Arnel Mardoquio and Direk Arnel Barbarona, for sharing their knowledge, guidance, and expertise with us. We also sincerely thank Direk Junlou Tordos for bringing this opportunity and providing a platform for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their talents, creativity, and passion for filmmaking.
Congratulations to Mane Talibong and The Watchguild production team! You have brought home the finalist spotβand with full institutional support, PECIT is set to make an indelible mark at SineBalangay 2027.
Words | Manuelitojake Manaya
