A team of talented student creatives from the Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (BSEMC) program of the College of Computer Studies, Aklan State University in Kalibo, has earned a spot in the Top 10 AI-assisted short films selected from across Western Visayas for AI Fest PH 2025. With the theme โCoding a Better Future: Responsible AI for Cities and Communities,โ this pioneering tech festival brings together developers, educators, creatives, and policymakers to explore ethical, inclusive, and community-driven AI applications.
The ๐๐ฌ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฏ ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ถ๐ฆ๐ถ๐ฎ team โ composed of Nicole D. Gonzales, Joe Honey L. Custodio, Kate Lynneth O. Fernandez, Heights V. Fernandez, and Ken Jero M. Balad-on, masterfully merged regional storytelling with emerging AI technologies. They were joined by Ms. Ruffa Resentes, a dedicated faculty member of the College of Computer Studies, whose guidance helped enrich the teamโs creative and technical process.
Following their selection, the team was invited to join the SineAI Talks and Workshops held on July 14, and from July 16 to 18, 2025. These sessions immersed them in the evolving world of AI-enhanced filmmaking, covering tools and techniques such as machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision, which they used to enhance their production workflow and narrative design.
Faculty members Mr. Ronald O. Tan and Prof. Dennis M. Barrios II also attended the workshops, representing ASU Kaliboโs continued commitment to integrating emerging technologies into its curriculum and creative initiatives.
Their entry, titled โPaadto Ka Pa Eang, Pabalik Eon Akoโ by Team Akean Manueum, is a compelling blend of drama and science fiction, developed during the SineAI Workshop. Infused with Akeanon language and identity, the film bridges ancestral heritage and futuristic imagination. The fusion of local dialects with AI-driven creative tools highlights how tradition and technology can coexist meaningfully in todayโs digital age.
The success of Team Akean Manueum places Aklan State University at the forefront of creative technology in the region and affirms the role of youth in building a responsible AI future. Through this achievement, ASU Kalibo strengthens its reputation as a hub for innovation, cultural relevance, and forward-thinking education.
AI Fest PH 2025 is scheduled to take place from August 11 to 13, 2025, at the Iloilo Convention Center, gathering leading institutions and innovators to celebrate responsible AI for cities and communities. As the digital age continues to evolve, it is efforts like this that ensure technology remains human, grounded, and inclusive.
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