Village Connect
Filipino storytelling and its place in the global creative landscape took center stage during the Philippine launch of Culturally Intelligent Storytelling for Southeast Asian Creators, where industry leaders, educators, filmmakers, and media practitioners explored how local narratives can connect with audiences beyond the country’s borders while remaining true to their cultural roots.
Held on July 23, 2026, at The Loft, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, the event was organized by the Rizal Library in partnership with Areté. Rather than following the traditional format of a book launch, the gathering became a forum for exchanging ideas on how Filipino stories can succeed internationally without sacrificing authenticity.
The event also highlighted the growing role of educational institutions in promoting creative thought. Instead of a commercial venue, the Rizal Library served as the official host after recognizing the value of the publication for students and aspiring storytellers. The initiative began when author Ned Legaspi donated copies of his book to the library following his appointment as a part-time faculty member at Ateneo’s Department of Communication, where he teaches Writing for Film.
Library officials, including Edz Santos, Mark James G. Cayabyab, and University Librarian Joenabie E. Arevalo, expanded the idea into a formal Philippine launch, making the Rizal Library the first library in the country to house the publication through a donation program that Legaspi hopes to extend to other academic institutions.
Instead of delivering a lengthy presentation about the book, Legaspi structured the program as a moderated discussion featuring professionals representing different aspects of the storytelling industry. The format encouraged participants to examine how stories evolve—from conception to international distribution—and the challenges creators face along the way.
The first panel focused on the realities of bringing Filipino content to the global market. Media executive Mark Nepomuceno emphasized that international expansion is becoming essential for long-term growth in the creative industry. Director Ruel S. Bayani argued that stories resonate across cultures not because of their scale or spectacle but because of their emotional honesty rooted in local experiences. Writer-producer Ken de Leon added that today’s streaming platforms and international collaborations require creators to understand both culture and global production environments.
The discussion then shifted toward the storytellers themselves.
Writer and talent manager Noel Ferrer encouraged creators to remain authentic instead of altering their cultural identity simply to appeal to international audiences. According to him, stories become more meaningful when they remain faithful to the people and communities they represent.
Dr. Christine Cox, Chair of Ateneo’s Department of Communication, reinforced the importance of writing from one’s own perspective instead of imitating foreign storytelling styles. Meanwhile, psychologist Dr. Regina Hechanova-Alampay explained that while research helps explain human behavior, storytelling creates emotional understanding that allows audiences to connect across cultures.
The conversations were facilitated by co-hosts Galvin Radley Ngo of Ateneo SALT and broadcaster Jervi Wrightson, popularly known as KaladKaren, who balanced academic insights with perspectives from the entertainment industry.
Closing the program, Legaspi introduced the CIS Bamboo Framework presented in his book. The framework encourages creators to reflect on four key areas: cultural foundations, creative execution, industry pathways, and the long-term impact of stories on audiences.
Rather than presenting storytelling as a formula for international success, Legaspi emphasized that creators should continually ask how their stories preserve cultural identity, communicate meaning across cultures, and build genuine connections with audiences around the world.
The Philippine launch marked the third international stop for Culturally Intelligent Storytelling for Southeast Asian Creators, following earlier launches in Santa Monica and San Francisco. Published by BrightGlobe Books, the book is now available in the Philippines through Fully Booked, online marketplaces, and Simplicitive Ventures, Inc., its official local distributor.
Loading…