CinemaBravo

Award-winning director-writer-producer Nijel de Mesa—formerly known as “Njel”—recently brought his core team from NDMstudios, including Executive Vice President Jan Christine and Creative Director Arci Muñoz, to attend the Hong Kong Filmart and visit Disneyland.

While the main objective of the trip was to acquire content suitable for a global audience, Direk Nijel has long expanded his vision beyond the Philippines. His operations now span across various regions worldwide, supported by a selected foreign council that includes attachés fluent in Japanese, Mandarin, Korean, English, and Filipino—making global business transactions, particularly in the APAC region, seamless.

The trip also served as a “loyalty incentive” for NDMstudios members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and care for the company. Joining Direk Nijel, Ms. Jan Christine, and Arci Muñoz on the trip were artists from Japan, Kazuo Nawa and Keiko Makikawa; Taipei-based Johnson Ching and Pau Cantos; NDMstudios’ homegrown film actress Shane Santos; seasoned managing director Junna Mangalindan; and award-winning director Carlo Alvarez.

“It has been quite an emotional journey for all of us, because we never knew there would be a time that members from our international offices will be able to meet in a different country. Work a little bit, bond, and have a bit of fun,” shared Direk Nijel de Mesa, elaborating on his “Fly-Film-Fun” business model.

“Basically, our filming culture says it all. We fly to another destination, we film something, and then we have fun while we’re doing it. Sort of an ‘Ikigai’ moment for us,” he added.

“Ikigai,” a Japanese philosophy that fuses purpose with profitability and a broader worldview, reflects the spirit of the trip and the studio’s evolving direction.

In line with this outlook, NDMstudios Animation is set to open this month, and plans are underway for the launch of a film and performing arts academy. Direk Nijel is actively looking to provide more job opportunities—currently seeking actors for his Palanca Award-winning stage musical, Subtext, and hiring teachers for the upcoming academy.

Interested applicants may send a letter of intent through NDMstudios’ official Facebook page or via email at ndmstudiosph@gmail.com.