Just in time for the celebration of National Heroes Day on August 25, 2025, the short film “Alon ng Kabayanihan” was launched to spotlight the enduring sovereignty and responsibility of Filipinos in protecting the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The four-minute film stars Carlo Aquino, Ryza Cenon, and Sid Lucero, portraying fishermen and uniformed personnel who serve as the nation’s frontliners in the fight for maritime rights. It is produced by the Center for Information Resilience and Integrity Studies (CRIS), in partnership with Hot and Fresh Creative Productions, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Stepping into the shoes of heroes
For the cast, wearing the uniform went beyond acting, it carried a sense of pride and duty.
Ryza Cenon, who played a military officer, shared how the role gave her newfound respect for the country’s defenders.
“’Pag suot mo na yung uniform, parang mayroon kang responsibilidad. Responsibilidad na sabihin sa kanila ‘yong totoong mensahe tungkol sa WPS. Ang laki ng respeto ko sa mga frontliners dahil grabe ‘yong sakripisyong binigay nila,” she said.
Carlo Aquino echoed the sentiment, describing how the uniform symbolized national pride.
“No’ng suot ko yung uniporme, parang suot ko ‘yong bandila ng Pilipinas. Dapat proud ka, dapat ipaglaban mo,” he expressed.
Meanwhile, Sid Lucero, who portrayed a fisherman, reflected on the weight of representing ordinary Filipinos.
“I do believe that leadership starts in your house. We are representing a certain group of people in our country and that is difficult, because you are putting it into one body… That was difficult for me,” he admitted.
More than just a film
The film’s director emphasized that Alon ng Kabayanihan seeks to move beyond facts and figures by stirring emotions and sparking dialogue.
“I believe a four-minute film can start a bigger conversation than an hour of debate if it moves people emotionally,” he said.
Meanwhile in an exclusive interview with Rear Admiral Roy Vincent T Trinidad PN, AFP Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, he praised the people behind the short film because of its timely launch and ensures that AFP is in full support and effort to report to the public the situation in the WPS.
"Kudos to the people behind the production of Alon ng Kabayanihan. It's very timely... It is important that every Filipino will understand the situation in the West Philippine Sea," he said.
Alon ng Kabayanihan is now available for streaming on Facebook and YouTube, serving as a timely reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and unity needed to defend the nation’s sovereignty.
