‘BUGSAY’: A Creative Documentary Honoring an Ilonggo Icon to Premiere at SM City Iloilo

SM City Iloilo is proud to host the exclusive by-invitation screening of “Bugsay”, the newest creative documentary film by award-winning Ilonggo filmmaker Kevin Pison Piamonte, happening on November 22, 2025. While this premiere offers limited seating to invited guests, “Bugsay” is set for regular public screenings later this year, giving Ilonggos and Philippine audiences the chance to experience this powerful and deeply personal work on the big screen.

A Portrait of a Man Who Helped Shape Ilonggo Gastronomy

“Bugsay” is a creative documentary that chronicles the life of Honorato ‘Tatoy’ Espinosa, founder of the iconic Tatoy’s Manokan and Seafood Restaurant, a culinary landmark that has shaped Iloilo’s identity for more than five decades. Told through the eyes of his grandson, John Lex Espinosa Bayombong, the film traces Tatoy’s humble beginnings as a coconut tapper and fisherman, his rise as a pioneering restaurateur, and the values that guided him through a life of grit, generosity, and quiet faith.

Through archival memories, family interviews, poetic reenactments, and scenes drawn from coastal life in Iloilo, the film paints a heartfelt tribute to a man whose legacy contributed to Iloilo City’s recognition as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy — with Tatoy’s restaurant standing as one of the pillars of this honor.

A Story Rooted in Memory, Food, and Identity

For narrator John Lex Espinosa Bayombong, “Bugsay” is more than a documentary — it’s personal history. Having grown witnessing its evolution, he reconnects with his grandfather’s life story and uncovers their family values, local culture, mysticism, and the enduring power of shared meals.

The film’s title, ‘Bugsay’ becomes a metaphor for perseverance: the idea that it is not the paddle itself that moves us forward, but the belief behind each stroke.

Directed by an Ilonggo Visionary

Director Kevin Pison Piamonte, known for his award-winning films rooted in Western Visayas culture, brings his signature cinematic blend of lyricism and cultural empathy to “Bugsay”. His direction elevates the film beyond biography — turning it into a reflection on family, food, identity, and the spirit of the Ilonggo.

A Film Worth Celebrating

“Bugsay” arrives at a moment when Iloilo’s cultural and culinary heritage is gaining wider national and international attention. This premiere at SM City Iloilo serves not only as a tribute to Tiyo Tatoy Espinosa and his legacy but also as a celebration of Ilonggo storytelling and homegrown filmmaking.

Regular screenings will be announced soon. Audiences are encouraged to follow official channels for updates.