The Benildean Press Corps (BPC), De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s official student-journalists’ organization, secured nominations in three categories at the 46th Student Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA), which was announced on Oct. 8 through their official Facebook page. 

Under the Best Student Organ for the college category, The Benildean: Impulse is nominated along with Status Quo: Inception (Batangas State University The National Engineering University, Alangilan Campus), The Weekly Sillimanian (Silliman University), Orange (First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities or FAITH Colleges), Likhang Habi (University of Batangas, Lipa City Campus), and The Guilds - Magazine (Bataan Peninsula Statement University-Main Campus).

The Benildean: Impulse is a magazine-journal that reflects on impulsive decisions made in response to political uncertainty and sociocultural trends. Split-second decisions lead to navigating the fast-paced generation, with some thriving under pressure while others are left misdirected. A year into the new Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration, the legacy of former President Rodrigo Duterte continues to shape the nation's direction, with propagandistic narratives burying the truth and complicating people's decision-making processes even further.

Meanwhile, for the Best Literary Publication, Shades of Gray: Crossroads shared the category with Captcha (Bataan Peninsula State University - Balanga Campus), The Guilds Literary Folio “Ang Pinakamasarap na Adobo” (Bataan Peninsula State University-Main Campus), and Singkaw XIII - Konnawen (President Ramon Magsaysay State University - Iba Campus). 

Shades of Gray (SOG): Crossroads, the official literary folio of the students of the College, explores the theme of fate against free will, asking what drives life forward. Entries show a mix of fate and free will, reflecting the different facets of life Filipinos experience that express a love for life, with individuals yearning for more or wishing to cherish the past. 

In an online interview with The Benildean, former Editor in Chief and Platform Editor of BPC, Jorel Gabrielle Mari Magistrado, shared their appreciation for the nomination of the folio under their leadership saying, “Five years since our last nomination, it is an honor to once again be in the running for Best Literary Publication in the Catholic Mass Media Awards. The main goal for us during the making of this folio was for readers to be connected to pieces that they may have needed to read, stories that encompass the thoughts they may not have the proper words for.”

Magistrado hopes that folios like Shades of Gray will continue to be a space for writers and literary enthusiasts to share and express their stories through writing.

“Moving forward, we hope that writers all around the College may be encouraged to pick up the pen more and share the love for literature,” they added.

Lastly, the Best Student Short Film, Beyond Her Words: A Mother’s Day 2023 Film, directed by former BPC Video Producer Richard Soriano, is nominated alongside Pik! Pak! Boom! (FEU Institute of Technology), Tinubdan Sa Palaum (Holy Cross of Davao College), Portrait Of My Love (Our Lady of Caysasay Academy), and Para Saan Po Ba (Our Lady of Caysasay Academy). 

The short film captures the essence of sacrifice, care, and maternal love through a raw portrayal of the challenges mothers face. By highlighting their strength and resilience, it resonates deeply with audiences of all backgrounds.

In an online interview with The Benildean, Soriano shared about the direction behind the film and how it captivated the hearts as well as formed the conscience of the young towards a personal fervor.

“What distinguishes this film is its capacity to not only evoke emotional depth but also to remind viewers that we may sometimes underestimate a mother’s trials because of her words. Yet, those words are a testament to her love and care,” he explained.

He celebrates that the film showcases reflection on how BPC opened his eyes to create more impactful storytelling that increases passion for meaningful narratives in the future.

“I am proud to be part of a film that honors individual strength and resilience, showcasing stories that invite viewers to reflect on their own experiences. This recognition not only validates our hard work but also deepens my commitment to exploring themes of perseverance and human connection,” he added.

The CMMA, organized by the Catholic Mass Media Awards Foundation since 1978 by former Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, continues to be a benchmark for excellence in various media categories. The awards aim to recognize and promote quality content that upholds Christian values and contributes positively to society.

The date for the awarding ceremony has yet to be announced by the CMMA.