‘Agapito’ gets Film Academy of PH support in bid for Oscars consideration
MANILA — The short film “Agapito,” directed by Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero, has received support from the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) as it vies for consideration in the Best Live Action Short Film category of the Academy Awards.
The filmmakers shared the development in a statement, expressing their gratitude to FAP as well as the cast, crew and supporters who have been behind the project since its beginning.
“We are honored and grateful that our film AGAPITO directed by Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero will be supported by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) as it vies for Oscars consideration in the Best Live Action Short Film category,” the team said.
“Thank you to the entire cast and crew of Agapito and to everyone who believed in Agapito from Day 1. Mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilipino sa buong mundo!”
For Belarmino, the recognition is also deeply personal, as the film connects to people close to both directors.
“Masaya po, and siyempre gusto namin itong i-dedicate ni Kyla at ng 901 Studios din sa mga mahal namin sa buhay dahil ito rin yung simbolismo ng pelikula,” Belarmino said.
He shared that the film’s title was inspired by his brother, Agapito, while part of the story’s inspiration is connected to Romero’s father, who once worked as a sports facilitator.
“Siyempre, dinededicate ko ito sa brother ko na Agapito din yung name. And then sa father naman ni Kyla who was once a sports facilitator before,” he said.
Set within a bowling community, “Agapito” follows a group of pinboys and pingirls whose relationships have grown beyond work and into what Belarmino describes as a “chosen family.”
The group awaited the arrival of a special member of their chosen family, setting the stage for what the filmmaker described as a “magical experience.”
At its core, Belarmino said “Agapito” explores the different ways love can exist not only within traditional families, but also within friendships and the families people find for themselves.
“It’s really an appreciation or somehow a different meaning of love na puwede natin ipakita sa pamilya, sa chosen family and friends. Love is universal,” he said.
Filipino audiences will also get another opportunity to see the film as part of the 25th edition of PELÍCULA>PELIKULA, the Manila Spanish Film Festival.
Belarmino said he is excited to bring “Agapito” back to audiences in Manila.
“I’m so happy na ngayon ay ma-share ulit namin siya sa Filipino audiences dito sa Manila Spanish Film Festival,” he said.
Organized by Instituto Cervantes de Manila in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain and partner institutions, the festival will celebrate its silver anniversary from October 4 to 11, 2026.
This year’s edition will feature 23 films from Spain, Latin America and the Philippines, with its main program running from October 5 to 11 at Power Plant Cinema 2 in Makati City. Screenings and activities will also be held at Instituto Cervantes’ Intramuros branch, Casa Azul.
The festival, established in 2002, will also mark its 25th anniversary with the Galardón XXV Aniversario or XXV Anniversary Award, which will recognize Filipino actor Ronnie Lazaro for his contribution to strengthening cultural ties between the Philippines and the Spanish-speaking world.