OPPO has teamed up with Discovery and the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) to produce a new short film about the T’boli community of Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.
The project is part of Discovery’s ongoing “Culture in a Shot” program. For its 2025 theme, “Celebrate the Moment,” the program is highlighting the Philippines after previously featuring stories from 15 other countries and regions. The goal is to offer a respectful and accurate look into the T’boli people’s creativity as well as daily life.
To create the film, the production used the camera system of the OPPO Reno14 Series 5G smartphones. The company stated that the phone’s AI imaging technology was used to capture the community’s cultural practices in high detail, aiming to help preserve their living heritage.
Joanarc Sales, the Associate Marketing Director of OPPO Philippines, explained the project’s purpose. “At OPPO, we believe technology should go beyond convenience. It should empower communities and preserve heritage. This partnership with Department of Tourism and Discovery allows us to do just that,” Sales said.
The filmmakers worked closely with the DOT Region XII office and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). All activities were conducted with the free, prior, and informed consent of T’boli elders to ensure the portrayal was done with respect and accuracy.
The film highlights sacred T’boli traditions. This includes the art of T’nalak weaving, which is guided by the spirit of Fu Dalu, and the symbolic brasswork of Sesotunawa. The OPPO Reno14 Series 5G has been used to shoot on location to capture clear low-light footage, stable handheld recordings, and colors that are true to life.
Filipinos can view the short film on the large 3D billboard located at One Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City.
There is also a contest for viewers who watch the short film. Those who take a creative photo with the billboard feature and post it publicly on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok using the hashtag #OPPOLovesThePhilippines will have a chance to win an OPPO Reno14 F 5G.