We turn everyday moments into extraordinary narratives.

In 2005, I set out to produce a documentary on my grandfather, Felipe Padilla de Leon, a composer and the National Artist for Music in the Philippines. That documentary was aptly named The Maestro. 

I always knew of my grandfather’s musical legacy, but curiosity pulled me deeper. I raised funds for a camera and journeyed to the Philippines—seeking his story, and unexpectedly, finding my own. I unearthed roots, history, and the truth that if I didn’t tell this story, no one else could – at least not with the unique perspective I had as his grandson.

After the documentary, I had everything I needed to continue: a camera, a bank account for the film, and an entrepreneurial itch. And so, Maestro Filmworks was born. For a few years, I was a one-man band. But as the ensemble grew, we began telling bigger, bolder stories. No matter how large we get, what gives me the most satisfaction is our shared passion to create—and to proudly share a piece of ourselves with the world, something I learned from my grandfather.