Mass-based organization builds slate of films

CARD MRI’s production house aims for wider audience with films that are both entertaining and have deep messages

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BENTE PRODUCTIONS, a film production outfit that is part of a group of companies that provides services to the poor, is set to finish its second film this year.

Bente Productions is the multimedia arm of CARD MRI (CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions), a group of initiatives directed at providing key services to the poor, including those in remote areas. Founded by Jaime Aristotle Alip in 1986, its network of companies spans banking, finance, insurance, information technology, education, and culture.

“All of the products and services of the different companies work toward the universal goal of the CARD MRI group, which is poverty eradication in the Philippines. Our entire network addresses the different facets of poverty,” said Marilyn Manila, president of Bente Productions, in an exclusive Zoom interview with Business World.

“We are documenting everything, telling the world about organizations like us and opportunities which Filipinos can use to elevate their lives. We are capturing that in films, YouTube videos, and online content like talent shows and talk shows, where we try to package the message of hope in a popular platform,” she explained.

ROMANCE IN BORACAY

Bente Productions’ first film was the romantic drama I Remember You, starring JC Santos and Valeen Montenegro. Released in 2025 and directed by Boboy Yonzon, it follows a bank manager sent to Boracay to help a struggling community and eventually finding love as well.

The production company was formally founded in 2024, but CARD MRI had been producing films and videos even before that, Ms. Manila said.