By Mikee Natinga Norico
Rodmar Eli Valenzuela Ador receives his trophy and cash award after being named Best Actor at PelikulAgraryo 2025, held at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City.
Rodmar Eli Valenzuela Ador, an incoming fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Digital Media and Interactive Arts (BSDMIA) student at ĢƵ, has been named Best Actor at PelikulAgraryo 2025, a regional film festival organized by the Department of Agrarian Reform Western Visayas (DAR WV). The awarding ceremony was held on June 26, 2025, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City.
Ador earned the recognition for his moving performance in Ang Pagtililipon sang mga Damgo, a powerful film that tells the story of farmers fighting for their right to land ownership against oppressive governance. The film, produced by The Lay, a team composed of CPU College of Computer Studies students, also took home major awards including Best Film, Best Cinematography, and Best Screenplay under the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) category.
Though Ador’s passion began with editing and visual effects, it was his time as a Special Program in the Arts (SPA) student at Roberto H. Tirol National High School that first exposed him to performance arts. ĢƵIĢƵve always been interested in film, especially action movies,ĢƵ he shared. ĢƵActing wasnĢƵt really my forte at first. I was more focused on cinematography and editing, but dancing helped me unlock another side of storytelling.ĢƵ
His years in oration contests and experience as part of Sea Eagle News Patrol further built his confidence in front of the camera. It wasnĢƵt until his college years at CPU, where filmmaking projects often demanded on-screen participation, that he began to seriously hone his acting craft.
When invited by his friends and fellow creatives from The Lay to take the lead role in Ang Pagtilipon sang mga Damgo, Ador initially hesitated. But the opportunity to explore his limits as an actor and contribute to a socially relevant narrative convinced him otherwise.
The film tells the story of a farmer who becomes a symbol of hope for his community. ĢƵMy character is someone who inspires his fellow farmers to fight for their land,ĢƵ Ador explained. ĢƵIt was important for me to portray him authenticallyĢƵto really connect with the pain, courage, and resilience that farmers go through.ĢƵ
To prepare, Ador immersed himself in the script, repeatedly practicing his lines and refining his facial expressions with the help of his director. Despite facing multiple challenges during productionĢƵranging from erratic weather to tight schedules and technical setbacksĢƵAdor credits his teamĢƵs collaboration and creativity for pushing through.
More than the recognition, Ador said that the experience deepened his understanding of agrarian reform and the realities of ARBs and ARBOs.
ĢƵLand ownership isnĢƵt just about paperworkĢƵitĢƵs about dignity and justice,ĢƵ he said. ĢƵThis project made me realize how important it is for farmers to know their rights and how they can seek help through DAR.ĢƵ
He believes that storytelling through film is a vital tool for raising awareness. ĢƵFilm allows people to connect emotionally. It gives a voice to those often unheard and turns social realities into something relatable and urgent.ĢƵ
For fellow Centralians who wish to explore the world of filmmaking, Ador has this message: ĢƵFilmmaking isnĢƵt about the gearĢƵitĢƵs about your vision and creativity. Start with what you have. Even a smartphone can tell a story that moves people.ĢƵ
He encourages young storytellers to embrace challenges, stay curious, and always be open to learning. ĢƵThe most powerful films are those that come from the heart.ĢƵ
Ador extended his heartfelt thanks to The Lay production team, his family, his partner, and the Department of Agrarian Reform. ĢƵWinning Best Actor and seeing our film recognized made everything worth it. IĢƵll forever be grateful for this journey and for the people who believed in me.ĢƵ
Aside from PelikulAgraryo 2025, Ador and his team also won Best Film for Ang Pulong sang mga Baboy at the CPU SIGRAB Film Festival 2025. In 2024, they earned 2nd Place for Best Short Film in the DENR EMB WV’s One Degree Better Short Film Festival for Pag-ani sang Dugo, where Ador contributed primarily behind the scenes.
While he humbly considers himself a ĢƵwork in progress,ĢƵ there’s no doubt that Rodmar Eli Valenzuela Ador is already making his markĢƵone story, one role, and one powerful performance at a time.