Benedict Yalung, son of Filipino producer-director Ben Yalung, is no stranger to the entertainment industry. But unlike many kids who ride on their parents’ coattails, he is determined to make his own mark — one project at a time.
Under his advertising agency, Universal Vision, Benedict produced promotional videos for the Department of Tourism (DOT), the “Love the Philippines” featuring the beauty of the archipelago and another with “Asia’s Phoenix” Morisette Amon. Both have sparked excitement among locals and foreigners alike, reigniting wanderlust for the country’s pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture.
“If you see the latest DOT commercial, ‘Love the Philippines,’ we were the ones who did that and we also chose Morisette together with the DOT secretary. Morisette was really proud to represent our country, and we’re very happy with how the music video turned out. Right now, it’s still gaining traction,” Benedict shared.
The video not only highlighted the Philippines’ tourism potential but also proved Benedict’s eye for compelling storytelling — a trait he undoubtedly inherited from his father, Ben “M7” Yalung, known for directing and producing classics like “Kumander Dante” and “Zuma.”
“We at Universal Vision plan on expanding, of course. Right now, we’re working with Villa Escudero and TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority) as their agency on record, helping them spread awareness about their projects,” he said.
“There are plans to collaborate with the DOT again. We’d love to work with Morisette once more — the feedback has been great. The ‘Love the Philippines’ campaign was well-received, so we’re discussing future projects with the DOT Secretary and the current administration.”
While his recent work with the DOT has been making waves, Benedict is also eyeing a return to film production. One project, in particular, has sparked speculation: Zuma, the iconic Aztec demigod anti-hero created by the late comic book artist Jim Fernandez. The character remains a fan favorite, but reviving it isn’t as simple as greenlighting a script — they first need to secure permission from Fernandez’s family.
“I was the only one who followed in our dad’s footsteps. I’ve always been behind the scenes, admiring his work as a director — it was his passion. I studied film production in the States and returned to the Philippines, but my early career leaned more toward corporate projects. Back in 2000, my first client was Megaworld,” he recalled.
“But we still want to make movies. In the future, we plan to return to film production,” Benedict admitted.
“Actually, my dad and I have been discussing a project — we’re just waiting for the right timing. We’re exploring the possibility of reviving Zuma. Hopefully, it works out. That’s the plan.”
