'Smashing validation': Filipino documentary 'Delikado' bags Emmy nomination!

An astounding achievement for the Filipino documentary scene, the Palawan-centric environmental exposé, "Delikado," has been recognized with a prestigious nomination for the Outstanding Investigative Documentary at the 44th News and Documentary Emmy Awards.

'"Stunned" by Emmy's Recognition'

"STUNNED. Delikado is nominated for an Emmy!!!!!" stated Kara Alikpala, the journalist and producer of the documentary, on her Facebook page. "Delikado's" official Facebook handle hailed the Emmy nomination as a "smashing validation" of the efforts to spotlight the courageous land defenders of Palawan. 

'A Global Salute to Palawan's Guardians'

"Delikado" intricately weaves the story of environmental champions Efren Balladares, Robert Chan of Palawan NGO Network Inc., and former El-Nido mayor Nieves Rosento. Their relentless quest to shield the island paradise of Palawan from natural resource exploitation forms the crux of this compelling piece.

The documentary is a collective work of journalist Kara Alikpala, Emmy-nominated filmmaker Marty Syjuco, Storytellers International Inc. co-founder Tom Bannigan, and Michael Collins, who dons the hat of the producer, editor, and writer.

This Emmy nomination is not the only feather in "Delikado's" cap. The riveting enviro-thriller has previously garnered numerous accolades such as the Sustainable Future Award at the 2022 Sydney Film Festival, Best Documentary at the 2022 Newburyport Documentary Film Festival, and Best Documentary and Best Cinematography at the Social Impact Media Awards 2023, as reported by the documentary's website.

This Emmy nod not only catapults "Delikado" to international acclaim but also thrusts the narrative of Palawan's valiant land defenders to a global audience. With stiff competition from HBO Max's "Escape from Kabul," Netflix's "Fifa Uncovered," Amazon Prime's "Flight/Risk," and Netflix's "I Am Vanessa Guillen," the Emmy road may be tough, but the global spotlight on Palawan's defenders is a victory in itself.

As we wait for the glittering award ceremony at the Palladium Times Square in New York City this September, let's cheer for "Delikado," the shining beacon from the Philippines on the global Emmy stage.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)