What if a milk tea cup could speak its mind? What if it could tell its side of the story—lament the plight of its kind and call out humanity for its careless waste? That’s exactly what Ang Panawagan ni Googly did, and it clinched the grand prize at the Real to Reel Competition, organized by Pioneer Insurance.
The winning short film, created by Jerry Surpia from Leyte Normal University, reimagines the life of a disposable milk tea cup named Googly, who stars in a mock interview. With humor and heartbreak, Googly vents about the unfair blame placed on milk tea cups for the environmental crisis while addressing the broader issue of waste mismanagement.
This creative approach captivated judges and audiences alike, highlighting not just the raw talent of the filmmaker but also the ability of the younger generation to tackle pressing issues through bold and unconventional storytelling.
From witty dialogue to its poignant environmental message, Ang Panawagan ni Googly stood out in a competition brimming with Gen Z creativity and social relevance.
A Spotlight on Creativity and Advocacy
Pioneer Insurance’s Real to Reel Competition provided a platform for young filmmakers to bring their unique perspectives to the screen, focusing on social issues that resonate with today’s world. Googly’s story wasn’t the only standout—second place went to Calor by Troy Bryan Fontanar of Visayas State University, a powerful take on climate change, while Trapo (Traditional Politics) by Danreb Dela Cruz, Myro Andrada, and John Rhey Flores from Doña Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School took third place for its bold critique of political systems.
Through Googly’s “interview,” the film called for reflection, sparking a conversation about paccountability, sustainability, and the role each of us plays in protecting the environment. If a milk tea cup can speak up for change, what’s stopping us?
