‘But “Food Delivery” was never meant to stay small. We believe it deserves to be seen by audiences across the Philippines.’
The documentary “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea” has generated significant buzz, particularly after its unexpected pull-out from the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.
The good news is “Food Delivery” is finally making its world premiere this June 2025 at Doc Edge in New Zealand — an Oscar-qualifying festival and the largest documentary film festival in the Asia Pacific.
We’re seeing a wave of interest as schools, universities and communities across the country reach out for screenings. This growing momentum is a powerful reminder of how urgent and relevant this story is.
But “Food Delivery” was never meant to stay small. We believe it deserves to be seen by audiences across the Philippines. That’s why the producers, Baby Ruth Villarama and Chuck Gutierrez, are now actively seeking cinema partners, distributors and institutional allies who believe in stories grounded in truth, patriotism and justice.
The documentary is expected to spark honest dialog and raise awareness about the challenges faced by Filipino fishermen and the importance of sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
Director Baby Ruth Villarama hopes the film will open hearts and help imagine a path toward peace in the region. The public is eager to see the documentary, with many anticipating its global premiere at the Doc Edge Festival 2025.
“Food Delivery” has officially received a Parental Guidance (PG) rating from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). This means the film is deemed suitable for audiences that includes young viewers, with guidance, and it’s a huge step forward for the film.
This milestone not only clears the way for theatrical screenings, but also opens doors for wider engagement in schools, universities and public venues nationwide. It gives us the green light to bring the conversation to more communities — exactly where this story belongs.
If we all remember last March, just two days before its scheduled screening, the producers were abruptly informed that “Food Delivery” was being pulled out — citing only vague “external factors.” No explanation. It was implied that political and economic pressures influenced the decision.
While the producers remain thankful for the early support, the sudden cancellation exposes a harsh reality: there are powerful forces who would rather keep audiences in the dark about what’s happening in the West Philippine Sea.
This film doesn’t whisper. It tells the truth about our sovereignty, our fishermen, our soldiers and the quiet war unfolding in our waters. And when truth becomes inconvenient, censorship becomes the weapon of choice.
Co-producer and editor Chuck Gutierrez said it best: “But this is precisely why ‘Food Delivery’ must be seen. When a film is silenced, it means it hit a nerve. So we say this to every Filipino: watch it. Talk about it. Share it. Because the more they try to bury the truth, the louder we must fight to unearth it.”
As to their distribution plans, he shared, “We hope to take ‘Food Delivery’ far beyond the festival circuit —because this is just the beginning. Our dream is a nationwide rollout: in cinemas, on campuses, in community halls. Anywhere and everywhere Filipinos gather to listen, reflect and act. This is a story that almost didn’t make it to the screen. And now, it’s one we believe everyone deserves to see.
“We’re starting to build a coalition of partners — schools, civic groups, cinemas, brands and private individuals — who share our belief that stories rooted in truth, courage and love for country matter. This isn’t just a film; it’s a call to remember what’s at stake, and to recognize the quiet bravery of those standing guard over our seas.
“‘Food Delivery’ is the kind of film that lingers after the credits roll. Because it’s not fiction—it’s our reality. It’s raw, urgent and deeply Filipino.
“We’re calling on producers, cinema owners, educators, institutions and everyday believers to stand with us. Help us bring this story to every screen we can reach—because we don’t know how far certain forces will go to keep it from being seen. Their fear has only made the film more powerful.
“This is no longer just a documentary. It’s a national conversation disguised as cinema. And we’re only getting started.
If you’re a cinema operator, educator, or part of an organization that values storytelling as a force for change — this is your call. Let’s work together to bring ‘Food Delivery’ to every corner of the country. The time is now.”
While there’s no direct confirmation yet on whether “Food Delivery” will be submitted to the Oscar Awards for consideration, its global premiere at Doc Edge Festival 2025 could potentially pave the way for future submissions. To be eligible for the Oscars, the documentary would need to meet specific criteria, including a qualifying run in a recognized film festival or theatrical release.
As audiences, we hope and expect that the showing of “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea” will raise awareness and shed light on the struggles of Filipino fishermen and the importance of sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. We hope to form an emotional bond with the stories and struggles of the fishermen; and hopefully, the film will inspire viewers to take action, whether it’s supporting local fishermen or advocating for the Philippines’ territorial rights.
With all our efforts, “Food Delivery” can become a powerful tool for promoting national awareness, empathy and support for local industries, ultimately benefiting the Filipino community.
