Pokwang’s Indie Film “2 Valid IDs” Crosses ₱100-Million Mark in Cinemas
The independent film “2 Valid IDs,” led by Marietta “Pokwang” Subong, has officially earned ₱100 million at the Philippine box office. The milestone is rare for a socially themed indie movie, which usually struggles to compete with mainstream releases.
According to ABS-CBN News, the producers credited word of mouth and a growing audience campaign for the film’s success. The movie, which also stars Joey Marquez, Meryll Soriano and Zaijian Jaranilla, is now on its fourth week in theaters.
“We didn’t have a big marketing budget, but we had something just as powerful: our audience and the cineaste community,” executive producer Geo Lomuntad said in a statement. He thanked directors, critics and moviegoers who spread the word and encouraged others to watch the film.
Producer Super! Entertainment first disclosed the ₱100-million figure on November 6, a little over three weeks after the film opened nationwide on October 14, as reported by Rappler. At that point, it was still showing in 150 cinemas across the country. Rappler estimated that around 400,000 people have already seen the movie, assuming an average ticket price of ₱250.
Directed by Ma-an L. Asuncion-Dagñalan and written by Abet Pagdagdagan Raz, the film follows Sylvia, a poor provincial farmer who seeks financial help for her hospitalized husband, Ramon, only to be blocked by a requirement for two valid IDs. At Cinemalaya 2026, it won Best Actress for Pokwang, the Special Jury Prize and the Audience Choice Award.
Pokwang celebrated the news on Facebook on November 8. “PALDO ang manang Sylvia naka 100M na si 2Valid IDs and counting!!!!” she wrote, as quoted by LionhearTV.
The film’s message also appears to have reached government offices. Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director General Ernesto Perez said on “Unang Hirit” that agencies should no longer require two valid IDs, adding that one valid ID, especially the National ID, is already sufficient. He also urged the public to report offices that still impose the extra requirement through ARTA’s complaints channel.
For a small film that started at an indie festival, “2 Valid IDs” has proven that a story about ordinary Filipinos can draw crowds and even spark real change.
