Although it was “unfortunate” that the documentary “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea” was not shown as part of the 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, festival director Chris Cahilig remained optimistic that the withdrawal could lead to a larger global audience.

Cahilig said that Baby Ruth Villarama’s much-talked-about documentary, which pulled out from the festival just days before the kickoff, now has a stronger chance of securing a world premiere.

“Lahat nagkagulatan… Gano'n talaga, may negative side to it pero may positibo din nangyari. Remember, international film festivals — ang problem, if lumabas na sa local, wala ka nang world premiere. So gusto ng malaki international film festival, mag-world premiere. It gives them the opportunity to get accepted in the best platform for the world premiere,” Cahilig explained in an interview during this year’s CinePanalo Film Festival Awards night in Quezon City on Wednesday.

West Philippine Sea docu withdraws from CinePanalo

Cahilig believes “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea” packs both heart and impact, making it a strong contender to captivate global audiences and shine on bigger stages.

“Iba kasi ang 'Food Delivery,' sinusundan ang character na nagde-deliver ng food. Mga coast guard nagde-deliver sa island sa on duty, and Filipino fisherfolks. They deliver to us. Makikita mo sacrifices ng mga taong ito, makikita mo ang konteksto bakit mahalaga sa atin itong WPS,” he explained.

“More than anything, we are looking at creating more opportunities for the film moving forward. Sayang ang material. Naa-excite ako sa possible na mangyari sa pelikula,” he added.

In a previous interview, Villarama revealed her documentary, which references the ongoing maritime tensions between the Philippines and China, is about empathy, unity, sacrifice, and the Filipino spirit.

“We want the audience to understand that sovereignty is not just a political issue; it’s a deeply personal one for every Filipino. Atin ang West Philippine Sea. Pero marami pa rin sa kababayan natin ang naiipit sa kaguluhan dito. Marami rin ang gustong tumulong,” the director pointed out.

“From the fishermen risking their lives to feed their families, to the Coast Guard and Navy personnel delivering food to the soldiers on remote outposts, ‘Food Delivery’ illustrates the shared sacrifice and the collective love we all have to protect our way of life.”

Baby Ruth Villarama’s documentary on West Philippine Sea creates buzz

Cahilig assured that they are committed to finding the perfect platform for the film to share its powerful story of the Filipino people.

“Tinutulungan natin. Definitely mag-international route. Maraming bagay na kailangang unahin muna abroad. Example, 'Sunshine.' 'Yung documentaries, especially if gusto mo ma-consider sa Oscars,” he explained. “Because of the buzz, madaming nag-offer. I hope lang makahanap siya ng tamang platform. Sa ganda ng pelikula, I watched from start to finish —sure ako, mapapanood ito soon.”

"Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea" would have been the first documentary festival entry produced by Puregold, which is owned by one of the wealthiest Chinese-Filipino families listed by Forbes.