Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Anna Cerezo

ABS-CBN News

<p>“Food Delivery” remains determined to raise the voice of the quiet heroism unfolding in the West Philippine Sea as it pushes for additional screenings nationwide. </p><p>With only eight cinemas currently showing the documentary, director Baby Ruth Villarama thanked Michelle Lopez and her husband, Ernie Lopez, for organizing a block screening at the Power Plant Mall in Makati to help rally more support. </p><p>“Nakakatulong ng malaki for us to have screening like this one. Just for this one, mga bigatin ang dumating and we are very grateful to them for organizing. The conversation continues because of it,” Villarama said in an interview.</p><p>For the Lopezes, hosting the event was about sustaining dialogue and awakening Filipinos to the issue.  </p><p>“Maganda ito para maintindihan ng mga tao ano nangyayari at ano ang mga issues— talagang hindi lang ito sa mga mangingisda, para sa ating lahat to,” Ernie noted, adding how the film made him realize the deep connection between the WPS and the daily lives of Filipinos. “Dati hindi ko naiintindihan kaugnayan ng WPS sa buhay ko, pero sa movie na to narealize ko, kababayan natin ito— pinapakain nila pamilya nila at tayo.” </p><p> Among those motivated to likewise pass on the documentary’s message is Dr. Victoria “Vicki” Belo, who is now eyeing to hold her own block screening.</p><p> “Naiyak ako. I felt a little hopeless ang laki ng China, ang liit ng Pinas.  But even for small boats, the fishermen were so inspiring they are really caryying the fight. So brave,” she shared.</p><p> “Like Ernie I want to sponsor more screenings to fight disinformation. Kailangan niyo po manuod,” she added.</p><p> PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela believes increasing viewership can help break through one of the biggest obstacles the issue faces—disinformation. </p><p>“Every time we engage with the youth, I ask them if West Philippine Sea ba ay disputed— and 8 out of 10 disputed daw. It is very difficult to win the battle if ang kabataan ngayon does not recognize WPS ay sa Pilipinas,” he admonished. “Ang documentary will awaken the sense of patriotism ng Pilipino.” </p><div> </div><p>For Lucas Davila Sta. Ana, one of the attendees, “Food Delivery” brings the real stories from the waters to the public, bridging the gap between classroom lessons and lived realities.</p><p> “It is extremely eye-opening. In schools, you only learn the economic side—you don’t really hear the stories of the people. When you watch the movie, you see it’s more than numbers and statistics; it’s about the people,” he said.</p><p> For fishermen Arnel Satam and Paolo Pomicmic Osman, whose daily battles in the West Philippine Sea often go unnoticed, the block screening was a rare moment of being seen. It affirmed their sacrifices, offered hope for justice, and reminded them they are no longer alone in the fight.</p><p> “Masaya ako nabigyan pansin documentary na ito. Pero katiting na bahagi pa lang sa pag-abuso ng China sa amin. Napaka rami. Sabi ko nga kung ikwento ko lahat baka abutin ng dalawang araw. Minsan mga masama ko, pati ako, parang na-trauma na din,” Osman admitted.</p><p> “Masaya kami kasi may nakapag bigay pansin sa aming mangingisda. Sana matulungan pa kami, kasi marami pa gusto mangisda sa amin, mga bata pa ngayon,” Satam added.  </p><p>Each additional ticket and screening can help their campaign to reach the Oscars—not just for the honor, but for the chance to share these stories of the “unsung heroes” with the rest of the world.</p><p> “The WPS, hindi lang sa atin. We want to share it to other shores. We want to unite the regions because david and goliath ang sitwasyon. Kailangan natin mag tulungan,” Villarama said.</p><div> </div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1AcXZtg4r0U?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>“Food Delivery” remains determined to raise the voice of the quiet heroism unfolding in the West Philippine Sea as it pushes for additional screenings nationwide.</p>

“Food Delivery” remains determined to raise the voice of the quiet heroism unfolding in the West Philippine Sea as it pushes for additional screenings nationwide.

‘Food Delivery’ grateful for support, pushes for more screenings

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‘Food Delivery’ grateful for support, pushes for more screenings

Anna Cerezo,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 24, 2025 12:20 AM PHT

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Updated August 24, 2025 07:04 PM PHT

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West Philippine Sea

Food Delivery

Movie

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