Honoring the triumphs of Far Eastern University (FEU) Communication (Comm) students, winners were hailed for their eminence at the Tamaraw Media Awards (TMA) 2025 held at the FEU Main Auditorium last May 30. 

With the theme ‘Odyssey to Greatness,’ this year’s TMA aimed to celebrate the legacies and stories of the nominees in braving the challenges they have faced throughout their Comm journey. 

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Project Manager Chloe Madlangbayan urged Comm students to continue being passionate in accomplishing their works. 

“Continue lang nila ‘yung mga ginagawa nila ngayon, 'yung mga passion nila, kasi ayon ‘yung pagiging Comm… 'yon ‘yung tatak Comm (Just continue on what they are doing now, their passion—because that is what Comm is. That is the symbol of Comm),” she stated. 

Moreover, the project manager highlighted the importance of the awards night in appreciating the hardworks of Tamaraw Comm students. 

“Kaya sobrang crucial din magkaroon ng Tamaraw Media Awards para ma-recognize ‘yung drive and passion nila [Comm students], para mas makita natin kung ano nga ba ‘yung deserve nila mapanalunan (It is really crucial to have the Tamaraw Media Awards to recognize their drive and their passion, and for us to also see what they deserve to win),” Madlangbayan added.

Additionally, she revealed that this year’s TMA focused mostly on the “story behind the students’ greatness”.

Championing greatness in stories 

Much like the Odyssey written by Homer, TMA showcased the accomplishments of Comm students backed by the diversity of their creative processes, collaboration, and strength in the path to excellence. 

Mariah Villaflores, director of Best Short Film winner ‘Oplan Ligaya’ by Bulok Productions, revealed that their short film is crafted for the victims of extrajudicial killings under Duterte’s War on Drugs.

“‘Yung Oplan Ligaya is para sa mga pinatahimik na boses 'tsaka para sa mga biktima nga, mga pamilya na naiwan, at mga hindi pa rin natutuyong luha mula doon sa trahedya sa EJK… Ayon, tuloy lang sa paggawa ng pelikula—patuloy sa paninindigan kahit may panunupil (Oplan Ligaya is for the voices silenced and for the victims, the family, and for the tears yet to dry from the tragedy of the EJK. Continue on making films—on standing firm despite repressions), ” the director shared. 

Moreover, Clio’s Muse Awardee for Best Documentary ‘Eyan Kami Deyuhan (We Are From Here)’ by Ninuno Pictures showcased the stories and struggles of the indigenous people of Dumagat. 

“The whole point of this documentary po ay mamulat ang mga Pilipino na ito ang mga karanasan ng ating mga katutubo—lack of access sa edukasyon, sa healthcare, pagkakamkam ng lupa, even red-tagging, mga panggigipit ng militar sa kanayunan (The whole point of this documentary is for the Filipinos to be aware that these are the experiences of our indigenous people—lack of access to education and healthcare, expropriation of land, and even red tagging, the pressure of the military in the countryside),” Executive Producer Christine Cangmaong stated in their winning speech. 

In addition, ‘Lily’ by The Yellow Bus Productions bagged the Best Film award. 

Also awarded in the TMA ‘25 were Charles Dewey Vito for the Apollo’s Flame Award Performer of the Year award, James Sta. Maria and Kenjie Sabio for the Dionysus Award: Best Theater Actor for Male, and Chloe Clemente for the Dionysus Award: Best Theater Actor for Female. 

Chariah Janessa Barangay was awarded the Eikon Laureate or the Photographer of the Year award, while Rajah Myzqah Siriban was given the Daedalus Award for the Video Editor of the Year.

Moreover, Luke John Salazar from the Digital Cinema Track and Angelica Lyn Sanchez from the Convergent Media Track were awarded as the Outstanding Senior Communication Students. 

The Tamaraw Media Awards is an annual event recognizing the creative and outstanding outputs of Communication students from their respective professional courses. 

- Julliane Nicole B. Labinghisa

- With reports from Randy Espares Jr. 

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)