A new chapter in Filipino diaspora culture opened in Saudi Arabia on May 1, 2026, as the inaugural FilCom Film Festival held its Gabi ng Parangal at Shola Mall in Al-Wafa, Riyadh — timed deliberately to coincide with Labor Day, a date that carries deep resonance for overseas Filipino workers.
Reggie Layar took home Best Director honors at the ceremony, which recognized excellence across acting and technical categories in a competition built entirely around Filipino voices in the Kingdom. The festival drew four official entries — PATHS, Hanggang sa Magsawa, Leah: Ang Bagong Bayani, and FilCom Showbiz — each produced by members of the Filipino community in Saudi Arabia.
Leah: Ang Bagong Bayani emerged as the festival’s first-ever Grand Winner, with Hanggang sa Magsawa placing first, PATHS second, and FilCom Showbiz third in the rankings.
The acting awards were distributed across multiple films. Ashley Yumi claimed Best Actress while Dylan took Best Actor. Neyney was recognized as Best Supporting Actress, and a young performer identified as Chuchay received the Child Performer award.
Beyond the screenings and awards, the event drew a festive crowd to a bazaar offering Filipino food and clothing, with Philippine Airlines and Jollibee among the major partners present at the venue.
Organizers have expressed their intent to hold the festival annually every May 1st, positioning it as a permanent fixture in the Filipino community calendar in Saudi Arabia.
Highlights of the event:
Grand Winner: Leah ang Bagong Bayani
1st Place Hangang sa Magsawa
2nd Place: Paths
3rd Place: Filcom Showbiz
Best Actress: Ashley Yumi
Best Actor: Dylan
Supporting Actress: Neyney
Child Performer: Chuchay
Best Director: Reggie Layar
