By Crisdeniele H. Clemente

Ryand Angelo Ugalde, a third-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication student, bagged the 2nd Best Documentary Award with his entry "Byukon" at the Far Eastern University’s 16th Sinepiyu Film Festival held from April 29 to May 3, 2024, at the FEU campus in Morayta, Manila.

In his documentary, Ugalde featured Jan Marc Austria, more popularly known as Adha Stone, who is a perennial Miss Gay contender. The film explored Adha’s journey in the world of beauty pageants, which has become her source of livelihood. Ugalde's documentary shed light on the untold stories of Miss Gay candidates, both their triumphs and challenges.

In receiving the award, Ugalde expressed his gratitude to Adha and other Miss Gay contenders involved in the film for letting him share their stories. The young filmmaker also thanked MMSU for its support of creative endeavors.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis commended Ugalde for bringing home another accolade to MMSU. “I am glad our filmmakers continue to reach wider audiences, bringing otherwise ignored stories into the national consciousness.” 

Last year, Ugalde`s ‘Arapaap’ advanced to the finals in the documentary category of the 35th Gawad Alternatibo organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 2023. The documentary film depicting the challenges faced by a student amid the COVID-19 pandemic was also featured during the first MMSU Film Festival staged by the Office for Strategic Communication in January.