Internationally acclaimed Director Allan Michael Ibañez was honored in Bayambang, his hometown, on December 4 at the Balon Bayambang Events Center for achieving excellence in his chosen field.

The Bayambang native has directed multi-awarded movies including the comedy-drama “1st Sem,” his debut film with co-director Dexter Paglinawan Hemedez which was an official entry to the CineFilipino Film Festival.

He has bagged multiple awards such as the Grand Jury Prize feature film at the San Diego International Kids’ Film Festival, the Best Feature Film award under the Debut Directors category at the All Lights India International Film Festival, and Honorable Mention for Best Feature Film at the 12th Buffalo Niagara Film Festival.

Ibañez finished his elementary and secondary education in Bayambang Central School and Bayambang National High School before taking up B.S. Statistics at the University of the Philippines Diliman.