Drag icon Precious Paula Nicole and director Jon Galvez bag international awards for Lip Sync Assassin
The recent triumph of the Filipino short film Lip Sync Assassin at international and local film festivals shows the power of storytelling rooted in personal and cultural experiences. Celebrated as an achievement for the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community, the film’s success highlights the importance of representation and the beautiful and relatable stories that connect audiences worldwide.
Director Jon Galvez expressed gratitude for the recognition received at the Cinepride Film Festival in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. He shared, “Sobrang grateful na we got to represent the Philippines. Sa Cinepride, kami lang ‘yung Filipino film. Very grateful na na-appreciate nila and we were so blessed na na-recognize nila. Hindi namin ine-expect, gusto lang talaga namin na gumawa kami ng pelikula para mapanood ng mga tao.” His sentiments reflect the humble beginnings and pure intentions behind their project. Galvez’s appreciation extended to the experience of working alongside talented filmmakers: “Nakakatuwa kasi siyempre, English-an dun eh. Naubos ‘yung baon ko, dalawang maleta. Pero siyempre, ‘yung ma-recognize kaming dalawa, Best Director and Best Lead Performance, bonus lang talaga siya kasi ‘yung mapaligiran ka ng mga napakagaling na filmmakers, napanood kasi namin ‘yung ibang entries.”
Lip Sync Assassin earned the awards Best Director for Galvez and Best Lead Performance for Precious Paula Nicole at Cinepride, as well as a special citation at the Sinag Maynila 2025 Awards Night. The film, which continued to screen until September 30 at various cinemas in Metro Manila, tells a story that resonates deeply within the Filipino LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
Galvez explained the story behind the story. He said, “Ang main inspiration, gusto ko kasi talaga magkuwento about breadwinners. So, ako din, I’m a breadwinner of our family. Kinailangan kong mag-work abroad for fourteen years sa Singapore para ma-suportahan ‘yung family ko. So, nakakalungkot lang na may mga taong katulad ko na kailangan pang mag ibang bansa para masuportahan ang family.” The narrative centers on Sampaguita, a drag queen who also works as a contract assassin to support her family — a “breadwinner story” that reflects both personal sacrifice and the resilience of many overseas Filipinos.
Galvez’s choice to cast Precious Paula Nicole in the role was deliberate and heartfelt. “When I was writing it, ang nasa isip ko na talaga si Precious. ‘Yun pa lang, naisip ko na na maja-justify ni Precious ‘yung pagiging drag artist ni Sampaguita na unbeatable sa lipsyncing. Complex din kasi ‘yung character ni Sampaguita, kailangan puno siya ng puso, kasi ‘yun nga, willing siyang ibigay lahat para sa pamilya.” He further emphasized, “Yun eh, all heart ang binibigay niya. ‘Yun pa lang, that would justify her character Sampaguita. Nanalo pa ng lead performance. So for me, very well deserved and no one else can play Sampaguita but Precious Paula Nicole.”
The film’s success and recognition reflect its resonance beyond the local scene. Nicole, who received a Special Citation for Best Performance at the Sinag Maynila Awards, shared her perspective, “Mahirap siya talaga, ako nga po after 20 years nangyari sa akin yung pag-arte, pero hindi ko binitawan.” Her journey is a display of perseverance, serving as motivation for others to chase their dreams regardless of challenges.
The film’s narrative is deeply personal and socially relevant. Galvez shared, “It’s very fictionalized, but the core of the story, ‘yung kay Sampaguita, is very real for many Filipinos. It’s a story about sacrifice, love, and resilience.”
The celebration of Lip Sync Assassin at CinePride amplifies the voices of the LGBTQIA+ and drag communities in the Philippines and globally. It uses film to promote understanding and pride. As Nicole reflected, “Hoping na yung milestone ko bilang isang artista ay makatulong para mas maraming tao ang mangarap, na kahit mahirap, ‘di sumuko.”
With screenings nationwide and international acclaim, the film continues to inspire and uplift marginalized voices, showcasing that stories of real people and their sacrifices truly deserve to be told and celebrated.
