Last November 20, 2025 the docu-film The Road to Sydney had its special screening in Puerto Princesa City—a place that was once home to its lead star, Sydney Loyola, a local icon in Palawan’s dancing scene.
As a Palaweno who personally knew Sydney (way back when she was known as Wawa Jay), the film felt inherently personal. It explores the complexity of her journey from the shores of our city to the bustling metropolises of the United States. While the story was tough and hard to digest at first, by the end, it opens many windows—not only into personal struggle but also into themes of courage and fighting for identity.
The film, written and directed by Benito Bautista, is, honestly, beautifully crafted. From the choice of events to highlight to the various visuals of dance, I must call it genius. Without you realizing it, you become deeply attached to her story, especially the segment concerning the search for her father who had abandoned her for so long.
The Road to Sydney relies heavily on Sydney’s decision to transition—from being Jay to becoming the beautiful heart that is Sydney. The phases she undergoes—the preparation, the surgery, the caring friends, and attending Pride events—are all colorful and fun. The storytelling masterfully captures how and why she needed to pass through all of this, and the motive and awareness she wants to convey are given clear answers. The film does not shy away from the hardships she faced, such as losing a job and a home merely because of her decision to change.
Being a Palaweno, I connected deeply with the part where she shares how water shaped her—how our identity was molded by the waves and the air we breathe, allowing us to eventually excel. The message is clear: it’s not the place you are from, but the dream that matters most.
As a par excellence dancer and choreographer, Sydney’s rendition of our traditional dance is given a major platform in the movie. It is where her soul is truly seen and felt; her movements are convincing. This is her dream, and that dream should not be stopped because she chose a preference that technology and science offer; rather, it is the spirit that uplifts her in so many ways.
The film also features the stories of other LGBTQ+ people in the community who, like Sydney, have faced bullying and harassment simply for fighting for the freedom they believe is right, even when it challenges societal norms.
After watching, it really made sense: even the biggest nations, like the USA, can sometimes limit the freedom of expression for their people. This is especially true for young kids who grew up in rural places like our city once was. While the environment in which we are raised can shape us, it should never stop us from aiming high. Life should be cherished, and we should never allow pain to be inflicted upon others.
The movie is expected to grace many international film festivals, and a public screening in our City is hopefully coming soon.
