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POWHOUSE Studios’ animated film “Ano Ka, Aso?” took second place at the 38th CCP Gawad Alternatibo awards last August 13, 2026, in Cinema 3, Red Carpet Cinema, Shangri-La Plaza.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Gawad Alternatibo is the longest-running independent film festival and competition in Southeast Asia open to all Filipino filmmakers. Known for producing and showcasing experimental films, CCP challenges perspectives and addresses prevalent social and political issues through art, including films, and screens creative submissions with free admission to all screenings.

“Ano Ka, Aso?” — directed and produced by Marc Trisha Domingo from the Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (BS EMC) course of HAU — follows the story of Chet, a young man who bonds with a discarded and overlooked stray dog whom he sees as akin to himself. The film explores themes of love and abandonment; Domingo conveyed a sentiment that “hits close to home,” and it has been praised for its resonance with modern resentments. “Beautifully raw, authentic, and an embrace for those who see themselves in my characters,” Domingo recalls as feedback personally voiced by a judge in the Gawad Alternatibo competition. The film also earned praise for its unique reference to late 90s and early 2000s art styles, which have become the signature of Domingo’s work.

Before the 38th CCP event, the film was first submitted to the 22nd “Piling Obrang Vidyo” hosed by the University of the Philippines Diliman under the theme “Kalampag ng Kulay” where they were nominated for Best Director and Best Poster. It was later streamed on JuanFlix from June 12 to 18 2026. Building on this recognition, Domingo and her team at POWHOUSE Studios also participated in the “Animahenasyon 2025”, and the “PelikuLGBTQ+” by UP Diliman last June 10 2026. More details about the team are showcased in production snippets on the official POWHOUSE Studios Instagram page, continually connecting with their audience and sharing stories.

Looking ahead to the world of Chet and the film’s characters, effects editor Ayen Dizon from the BS EMC course, discussed future storylines exploring the characters’ journeys and lore. She also shared the team’s current focus, “Kanita, qng Karikutan”, an upcoming animated short film and fourth-year EMC students’ capstone project, noting that the team remains active and consistently creating. 

Domingo added that they were even invited to Friendship Fest, to be among the 11 animated short films featured for viewing in Sine Pop, Cubao on August 27.

For Domingo, Dizon, and POWHOUSE Studios, the recognition was more than an honor and a step towards greater appreciation for Filipino animated films. “Let your love for storytelling be a campaign to stir curiosity with Filipino-made films,” Dizon said.  Domingo shared, “Your story won’t be for everyone, but there’s a wide audience who needs to know you.” As they continue to bring narratives alive, POWHOUSE Studios stands as a reminder that storytelling can touch lives beyond the screen.

by Gabrielle Dizon

Media courtesy of POWHOUSE Studios