Feature film ‘The Blind Cook’ wraps Iloilo shoot

Bente Productions wrapped up filming in Iloilo on Sunday, March 30, for Kusinerang Bulag (The Blind Cook), a new feature drama written and directed by Hugo “Boboy” Yonzon III that showcases the region’s culinary heritage as a backdrop for a story about a chef, family, and the emotional power of food.

The film is executive produced by Marilyn Magampon Manila and Cyrene Grace Lubigan for Bente Productions, which is backed by CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI).

The filmmakers said they were thrilled to bring production to Iloilo, whose rich culinary traditions and vibrant culture provide a fitting backdrop for the story.

The film stars Arra San Agustin as Luz, a young chef who loses her sight after tragedy but refuses to abandon her family’s restaurant, discovering that resilience — like cooking — comes from learning to trust senses beyond sight.

Acclaimed actress Jean Garcia leads an ensemble cast that blends veteran performers with rising Filipino screen talent. In a notable element of the production, Garcia appears alongside her real-life daughter Jennica Garcia, who portrays her daughter on screen.

The cast also includes Victor Neri, known for his roles in Baler and BuyBust; Samantha Samarita, an emerging actress known for her commercial work as well as roles in the film Uninvited and the recent stage play based on the acclaimed film Dagitab; and Madeleine Nicolas.

Production took place in Iloilo City and the Batanes Islands, whose landscapes and cultural traditions helped shape the emotional world of the story.

The Blind Cook marks the second feature film from Bente Productions, following the company’s debut release I Remember You, the Boracay-set romance drama starring JC Santos and Valeen Montenegro.

Bente Productions aims to contribute to the growing international visibility of Filipino cinema while bringing stories rooted in Filipino culture to audiences around the world.

Iloilo City has been increasingly attracting film and television productions in recent years, with its heritage architecture, food culture, and urban-provincial character offering a distinctive visual and narrative setting for Filipino filmmakers.