The latest Rolling Stone Philippines Social Club powered by ZYN, held last August 19 at the Rizal Lounge of Manila House was a celebration that brought together filmmakers, creatives, and cultural voices rallying around Sunshine, 2024 sports drama by Antoinette Jadaone that has carved a place in the canon of contemporary Philippine cinema.
Fresh off its critical success and addition to the Philippines’ Oscars submission shortlist, the film served as the anchor for the gathering, its momentum fueling conversations on artistry, collaboration, and the future of local film.
Building a Space for Culture
Rolling Stone Philippines Publisher Anne Bernisca set the tone early in the evening. “This space was created with a clear purpose: to foster a community,” she said. “It is a place for us to gather, connect, and celebrate the storytellers who are defining our culture.”
That sense of community carried throughout the night, with tables arranged not only for dinner but also for conversation. The Rolling Stone Philippines Social Club, which has previously staged discussions on the state of film and culture at Sine Pop, has evolved into more than a series of gatherings. It functions as a cultural workshop, a place where creators meet like-minded individuals who engage with their work.
At the center of this exchange was Sunshine, a film that, as Bernisca pointed out, goes beyond entertainment by provoking the kinds of meaningful conversations that Philippine cinema has always been capable of sparking.
ZYN, Wherever the Moment Demands
With ZYN powering the event, the evening was a celebration of being completely in the moment. Donica Alyanna Pile, ZYN Brand Manager, explained the brand’s philosophy clearly: “At ZYN, we believe moments are meant to be felt and experienced in full. Whether you’re mid-conversation or mid-scene in a dark theater, it’s there when you need it. No breaks, no distractions. Just presence, whenever and wherever it finds you.”
Within that perspective, ZYN reflected the character of the evening. It moved with the rhythm of culture and stayed aligned with the stories that matter. Pile highlighted how Sunshine carries the same spirit, describing the film as “raw, modern, and deeply grounded in truth.”
The alignment was clear. ZYN adapts naturally to everyday spaces, including cinemas, where you can enjoy discreet nicotine satisfaction without disrupting the experience, while Sunshine weaves itself into conversations that extend far beyond the screen. Both are reminders of what it means to remain fully present in moments that continue to resonate.
Framing the Conversation
Before welcoming the evening’s main honoree, Rolling Stone Philippines Chief of Editorial Content Jonty Cruz took the stage. He articulated the very essence of the Rolling Stone Philippines Social Club. “At Rolling Stone Philippines, we champion the narratives that challenge the status quo, and we celebrate those who have the courage and the guts to tell them,” Cruz said. “That same spirit is what we bring to every event, and it’s the foundation of this Rolling Stone Philippines Social Club.”
His attention then turned to Jadaone’s Sunshine. Cruz praised the film for being a story that “doesn’t flinch.” He described it as a narrative that “gets to the heart of a conversation this country needs to have.” Everyone agreed, understanding that Sunshine is more than a sports drama; it is a mirror held up to our culture, our values, and the significant gaps that exist between them.
Cinema as a Collective Act
Known for films that tug at both heartstrings and cultural nerve endings, Jadaone didn’t downplay her philosophy. “For a lot of us filmmakers, we do it to connect,” she said. “We do it to hold a mirror up to who we are and to spark conversations that matter. The success of Sunshine is a powerful reminder of why we tell these stories — it proves that they matter.”
Jadaone then shifted the focus away from herself. “This film was never mine alone. It was a collective act of faith from our incredible cast, our tireless crew, and everyone who believed in this story from the very start,” she reminded the room. With her characteristic insight, she pushed the conversation beyond celebrating the film to imagining the future it could help create. “Supporting local cinema is about ensuring a future where more Filipino artists can dream and create.”
Celebrating Stories That Last
The evening concluded with a celebratory toast from Don Jaucian, Rolling Stone Philippines’ Features Editor, followed by dinner and more music. The feeling of the night remained. This Rolling Stone Philippines Social Club proved to be more than a networking space; it was a testament to the vitality of local cinema. It showed that Filipino film is alive, urgent, and deserving of both critical attention and communal celebration.
If Sunshine is a story of resilience and truth-telling, the night itself was a living extension of that spirit. In partnership with ZYN, Rolling Stone Philippines created a space where presence mattered, conversations had weight, and community — much like cinema — was understood as something built together.
Perhaps that is the greater message. Films like Sunshine do not only shine on screen. They also glow in the spaces we create for them, in the communities we form around them, and in the stories that ripple outward long after the credits have rolled.
To learn more about ZYN nicotine pouches, visit ZYN.com and follow @zyn.phl on Facebook and Instagram.
Government Warning: This product is harmful and contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance. This is for use only by adults and is not recommended for use by non-smokers
