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Senator Bam Aquino showed his support for longtime volunteer and actress Bea Binene by hosting a special block screening of her latest film, Pee Mak, at a mall in Mandaluyong City on Friday, October 30, 2026.
The event brought together supporters of the senator and the actress for a celebration of Filipino cinema, with Aquino and the audience also surprising Binene with an advance birthday song ahead of her November 4 birthday.
The screening highlighted a friendship and working relationship that extends beyond entertainment, as Binene has been one of Aquino’s most consistent celebrity volunteers throughout his political career.
Before the screening, Binene expressed her gratitude to Aquino and his office for organizing the event.
“Gusto ko munang pasalamatan si Sen. Bam and the Office of Senator Bam Aquino for making this block screening possible. Alam n’yo po, palagi kong kinukulit si Sen. Bam. Noong premiere night pa lang, ini-invite ko na siya. Kaya lang, ang tagal matapos ng impeachment,” she said, drawing attention to the senator’s busy legislative schedule.
The actress also encouraged audiences to watch Pee Mak, emphasizing that the Filipino adaptation offers something culturally distinct despite being based on an existing story.
“It’s an adaptation, pero I’m sure it’s an adaptation that will still make you feel your pagka-Filipino. It’s something that we, as Filipinos, can be proud of,” she added.
In the film, Binene portrays Pee Nang, a woman who dies during childbirth while her soldier husband, Mak, played by Wilbert Ross, is away at war.
The story blends horror, comedy, romance, and Filipino sensibilities in its adaptation of the popular Thai film Pee Mak.
Aquino took the opportunity to recognize Binene’s longstanding support, describing her as one of the most dedicated volunteers who have helped his team over the years.
“Alam n’yo naman, guys, si Bea is our number one volunteer. Actually, mula pa noong first term ko, hanggang sa panahong wala ako sa politics, at hanggang sa 2025 campaign, kung saan marami rin sa inyo ang tumulong, Bea has always been there for us,” the senator shared.
He revealed that Binene continues to assist his office even after the election.
“Until today, si Miss Bea Binene po ay tumutulong pa rin sa ating opisina. Sa lahat ng volunteer artists natin, I think si Bea na ang may pinakamaraming na-volunteer sa ating opisina,” he added.
Binene was among the personalities who accompanied Aquino when he filed his certificate of candidacy for the 2025 senatorial elections.
Their continued collaboration reflects the actress’s involvement in volunteer initiatives beyond her acting career.
Bam Aquino hopes ‘Pee Mak’ becomes an even bigger box-office hit
Aquino also expressed optimism about the film’s theatrical performance, noting that the screening was intended to encourage more Filipinos to support local productions.
“We’re here to support her and, of course, to support Philippine cinema. Alam n’yo po, ang ‘Pee Mak’ ay box-office hit na, pero nais nating maging mas malaking hit pa ito. ‘Di ba?” he said.
He revealed that Binene had shared the production team’s box-office aspirations with him.
“Binubulong sa akin ni Bea na may mga goals sila for the film, and we’re hoping na maabot natin iyon,” Aquino added.
The senator expressed hope that the special screening and continued social media promotion would help the movie reach a wider audience.
The Pee Mak event follows another block screening organized by Aquino for 2 Valid IDs, starring comedienne Pokwang, who has also supported the senator and his advocacies.
Directed by Ma-an L. Asuncion-Dagñalan and produced by Geo Lomuntad, 2 Valid IDs follows Sylvia, a farmer portrayed by Pokwang, who struggles to obtain two valid identification cards to claim a remittance needed for her hospitalized husband’s medical expenses.
Beyond organizing film screenings, Aquino has also been advocating stronger institutional support for the country’s creative industries.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship, he has filed Senate Bill No. 2517, or the proposed Philippine Agency for the Creative Economy (PACE) Act.
Developed in collaboration with P-pop group SB19 and its management company, 1Z Entertainment, the measure seeks to establish a dedicated government agency to help Filipino creative professionals expand their opportunities internationally.
Among its proposed initiatives are assistance with visas, travel arrangements, international festivals, overseas performances, distribution partnerships, and access to global markets.
The bill also seeks to strengthen funding and support mechanisms for the Philippine creative sector.
Recognizing Filipino talent on the global stage
Aquino has likewise filed Senate resolutions recognizing Filipino performers who have achieved international milestones.
These include Senate Resolution No. 545 commending SB19 for its historic performance at Lollapalooza in Chicago and Senate Resolution No. 370 honoring BINI for its participation in the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California.
He also filed Senate Resolution No. 591 recognizing dance groups Femme MNL, HQ, The Crew, Folk Jumpers, and Sayawatha Jr. for their achievements at the 2026 World Hip Hop Dance Championship in Phoenix, Arizona.
For Aquino, supporting Filipino entertainment extends from celebrating individual artists to advocating policies that could help creative professionals build sustainable careers.
