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Dubai-based film producer Aquino Plotado was recently recognized at the prestigious Global Filipino Icon Awards 2025 held in Dubai on April 5, 2025.

He won a Star Icon Award for Outstanding Filipino Entrepreneur in Property and Entertainment, recognizing his significant impact in both business and the creative industries.

Plotado who made notable strides in the creative sector, produced the short film "As The Call, So The Echo," starring Enzo Pineda and directed by Rusty Palacio Guarin. It became a finalist at the 11th Emirates Short Film Festival 2025. The film garnered multiple accolades, including Best Actor for Enzo Pineda and Best Director for Rusty Palacio Guarin, along with nominations for Best Film and Best Child Actor (Prince España).

In an exchange of messages on Facebook with GMANetwork.com, Plotado says the recognition motivated him more to produce films.

"Getting two major awards and two nominations for 'As The Call So The Echo' was incredibly encouraging. It made me feel proud, but more importantly, it pushed me to keep going, to tell stories that matter and create films that can stand out internationally. It's a reminder that meaningful work really does get noticed," he said.

In his future project, Plotado hopes to produce socially relevant documentary films.

"I'm focusing on developing more documentary films that shed light on underrepresented stories and real-world issues. There's so much depth in everyday lives that often goes unnoticed. I want to use film to inform, inspire, and engage audiences both locally and internationally, through compelling, truth-driven narratives."

He also mentioned, "I'm already talking to a few Filipino actors, some active, some who've taken a break from the spotlight. One of them is Railey Valeroso. I've always felt he had great potential, and I'd love to give him a more mature, challenging role, something that goes beyond his heartthrob image.

"Right now, I'm not aiming for mainstream box office hits. I'm focused on telling strong, meaningful stories that can make it to international festivals, especially as I'm just starting in this industry."

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Aside from Plotado, the Global Filipino Icon Awards 2025 also celebrated outstanding achievements across journalism, entertainment, fashion, culinary arts, music, and other creative fields, with Ms. Kara David serving as Guest of Honor.

Among the notable awardees were Arci Muñoz, Sheryl Cruz, Thirdy Ravena, Shereen Ahmed, Troy Laureta, Chef JP Anglo, Harvey Cenit, and Ron Awa alongside internationally acclaimed fashion designer Michael Cinco.

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Supporting students

Outside his professional ventures, Aquino Plotado is deeply committed to philanthropy through his charity organization, the Aquino Plotado Philanthropy Foundation.

Recently, he made a significant contribution to his alma mater, Potrero National High School in Malabon City, Philippines. Through a donation of PhP1 million, he supported the school's development programs, in addition to providing nine printers for various academic departments and a sound system for school events and Sunday Masses.

To honor his former teachers and the school community, Plotado organized and fully funded a heartfelt tribute event titled "A Celebration of Gratitude Honoring Our Teachers and School," held on March 30, 2025.

Although he could not attend personally due to business commitments, he allocated a total budget of nearly PhP3 million to cover the donations, cash gifts to teachers and alumni, and full event production. The event was made even more memorable with a special guest appearance by Filipino celebrity Mark Herras.

Plotado's efforts were further acknowledged when he was invited to serve as guest speaker for the school's 2025 High School Recognition Day on April 8, 2025, where he delivered an inspirational video message.

The Aquino Plotado Philanthropy Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to uplift public schools across the Philippines, providing students and educators with better resources and greater opportunities for success.

For the Potrero National High School community and beyond, Aquino Plotado's unwavering generosity stands as a testament to the enduring power of gratitude, education, and giving back to the community that shaped him.