Advancing local animation to establish Cebu as a creative hub

CEBU, Philippines — As part of efforts to position Cebu as a creative hub, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is working to strengthen the local animation sector, from forging partnerships with studios to grassroots education.

During the Creative Entertainment Business Forum held last August 29 and 30 at Montebello Villa Hotel, global speakers shared insights on how their countries developed their own animation industries.

Among the speakers was Ikuko Kogiso, president of Creative Minds, the studio behind titles such as “Go Astro Boy Go!” She said local animators can learn from Japan’s animation sector without necessarily putting the country at the center of their narratives, citing their title “Fly with Yaya” as an example, which is a Malaysian educational docu-animated series that highlights Muslim-friendly tourist sites.

Kogiso noted that these localized projects could potentially generate revenue through merchandise and pop-up booths — similar to how successful anime series have cultivated strong fan bases.

The Philippines already hosts several notable animation studios, including Cebu-based Kuan Media Productions and Emottoons Animation Studio. Building on this, CCCI aims to further develop the industry as part of its broader push to establish Cebu as a creative hub.

“It’s proven that the Philippines has the artistic capabilities because of our affinity with Western culture. We can capture facial expressions and understand its humor. That has been our competitive edge,” Animation Council of the Philippines Chairman Miguel Del Rosario told reporters backstage.

Cebu Creative Council President Mario Panganiban said the council hopes to expand its initiatives beyond Metro Cebu to reach more cities and municipalities.

“There is a need for more talent,” Panganiban said. “A lot of animators went back to their provinces to continue their work during the pandemic. That’s why we want to tap Bogo, Danao, and Carcar. These hubs could be simple, like a coffee shop or restaurant with shared service facilities that include a computer workstation.”

The council also plans to implement workshops for students as young as the elementary level to encourage animation as a viable career.

“We want them to first watch animation from an appreciation level. If they are interested, they can start creating their own. In high school, they can further develop their craft. By the time they graduate, you already have a pool of animation talents prepared,” Panganiban said.

“Drawing in class, which used to be taboo, can now be a real job. What we are saying is that there is potential there,” added CCCI President Jay Yuvallos.

Animation is not the sole focus of the Cebu Creative Council, which also aims to boost other sectors such as film, theater, and game development. Ideally, these industries could share a communal space to foster collaboration.

“Having a district here in Cebu is what Hollywood is all about. It’s about building that whole ecosystem where there is everything — from props, make-up artists, casting, all sectors of the creative community,” Yuvallos said.

“We have plans for those sectors, too. Sometimes, altogether. That’s why we are aggressively looking for partnerships,” Panganiban added. “This is what the council wants to promote. The CCCI is focused on developing the business side of Cebu’s creative industry. Teaching everyone that they can make a business out of what they are doing, so they are properly compensated for their work.”

The CCCI emphasized the need for the creative industries to adapt to rapid technological changes, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence — another focal point of the Creative Entertainment Business Forum.

“The convergence between tech and artistry is now a must, and that’s where young people have to excel. Even artists now have to learn the basics of IT because of AI,” Del Rosario said.

Added Yuvallos, “If you don’t adapt, you will be gone in a few years. That’s why everyone is adapting to new technologies. There’s this intersection between digital and entertainment. It’s all about selling your stories as products.” — (FREEMAN)