From Mactan to Cannes: Bong Cabrera and Lav Diaz Conquer the Red Carpet
- Heart Of Hollywood Team
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
By RB Borinaga,
Hold up — who just turned heads at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, owning the red carpet like it was made for him? It was none other than world-class Filipino actor Bong Cabrera, walking in stride with the legendary filmmaker Lav Diaz. Total power duo.
Yes, you heard that right — these two creative forces just fulfilled the ultimate cinephile fantasy: the Cannes Red Carpet moment.
Bong Cabrera steps into the historical shoes of Raja Kolambu, the chieftain of Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte, Philippines — the guy who met Ferdinand Magellan back in 1521. Kolambu played a key role in the early days of Spanish contact: Limasawa was where the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines went down. Wanting to protect his people, he chose diplomacy over resistance, embracing the Spaniards and their teachings on the Bible and Christianity. He became an early conduit for spreading the faith to his community.
And Bong? He takes a softer approach. Understated but deliberate, he leans into Kolambu’s humility — calm, compliant, and radiating a quiet energy.
And let’s talk about Lav Diaz — the man, the myth, the visual poet. With Magellan, Diaz delivers his first-ever multilingual epic (yes, in Portuguese and Spanish, no less), and it’s nothing short of cinematic immersion. His direction, combined with the visually arresting cinematography of Artur Tort, transports viewers straight into the visceral heart of 16th-century Southeast Asia. You don’t watch this film — you live it.
Artur Tort, by the way, is no ordinary DOP. The guy’s a juggernaut in the cinematography world — a César Award winner, a Lumière Prize honoree, and a Gaudí Award recipient for his breathtaking work on Pacifiction. His creative alliance with Albert Serra already put him on the map, and now, with Magellan, he teams up with Diaz to create pure visual poetry.
Starring none other than Gael García Bernal as the doomed explorer himself, Magellan assembles a powerhouse cast including Roger Alan Koza, Dario Yazbek Bernal, Rafael Morais, Angela Ramos, Amado Arjay Babon, Ronnie Lazaro and Hazel Orencio.
The story follows in the 16th century, Ferdinand Magellan, a young and ambitious Portuguese navigator, rebels against the power of the King of Portugal, who doesn't support this dream of discovering the world, and persuades the Spanish monarchy to fund his bold expedition to the fabled lands of the east.
This international co-production — a collaboration between Rosa Filmes, Andergraun Films, BlackCap Pictures, and Volos Films — had its world premiere in the Cannes Premiere section on May 18, 2025. And the verdict? Thunderous applause. Standing ovations. A cinematic triumph.
On the fashion front, Bong stunned in a white ensemble with an orchid, designed by Harvey Cenit and styled by Rione Palacios. The traditional Barong he wore was designed by Calivo Couture, also styled by Palacios — a perfect blend of modern elegance and Filipino heritage.
Meanwhile, Lav Diaz wore a Barong with hand-painted designs by Rene Salud, adding an artisanal touch that echoed the film’s deep cultural roots.
With Bong Cabrera lighting up the red carpet and Lav Diaz delivering a cinematic masterwork, it’s clear: Filipino artists aren't just participating on the world stage — they're redefining it. As more Filipino talents break through international barriers, one thing is certain — Hollywood stardom is no longer a distant dream. It’s happening now, and more are rising to shine even brighter.
