STUDIO PROFILE — OPEN-SOURCE DISCLOSURE
Iconopixel Multimedia Production
The studio behind PAMANA’s operations
A public profile of the creative studio managing this website and PAMANA’s day-to-day production — who runs it, how it is registered, and the body of work it brings to the program.
01 — ABOUT THE STUDIO
A studio at the intersection of art, anthropology & media
Iconopixel Multimedia Production is a creative studio operating at the intersection of visual anthropology, fine arts, film reproduction, and modern digital media.
Registered with the Bureau of Internal Revenue in San Fernando, Pampanga, under sole proprietor Ruston O. Banal Jr., the production studio serves as the engine for cultural documentation, experimental new media, and high-impact visual storytelling across the Philippines and abroad. Within PAMANA, Iconopixel is responsible for program operations — maintaining this website and the e-nomination system, and producing the multimedia documentation of honored culture bearers.
02 — EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & PROFILE
At a glance
| Entity | Iconopixel Multimedia Production |
|---|---|
| Founder & Creative Director | Ruston O. Banal Jr. (Visual Anthropologist, Artist, Educator) |
| Tax Registration / TIN | 242-485-247-00000 |
| Primary Industry | Film, Video Reproduction & Multimedia Production (PSIC 18203) |
| Core Philosophy | Fusing deep-rooted cultural heritage with cutting-edge visual technology, OSINT research, and deconstructed new media art. |
03 — VISIONARY LEADERSHIP
Ruston O. Banal Jr.
Founder & Creative Director
Internationally acclaimed photographer & interdisciplinary artist
- Academic credentials Fine Arts degree in Art History from the University of the Philippines Diliman, followed by a dual-degree MA / PG Cert in Designing Education from Miriam College and Goldsmiths, University of London.
- Global acclaim Winner of the SONY World Photography Award in London, and an Ani ng Dangal ng Bayan honoree from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
04 — TEAM
Chin Chin Nuguid
Social Media Manager, Copy Editor & Assistant to Multimedia
Iconopixel Multimedia Production
Chin Chin Nuguid supports Iconopixel’s channels and editorial output, and assists on multimedia production for PAMANA and the studio’s other projects.
Broadcast note — She is a graduate student of Broadcast Communication at the UP College of Media and Communication, University of the Philippines Diliman, and hosts on Bright FM.
05 — FLAGSHIP & RECENT PROJECTS
Reshaping visual culture
Iconopixel continues to reshape visual culture with groundbreaking initiatives that span media art, cultural preservation, and digital forensics.
CULIDECO (Culinary Deconstruction)
A new media art exhibition and conceptual framework exploring the hidden narratives, heritage, and social structures behind heirloom regional dishes. Fuses culinary craft with multimedia visual installation.
Image Forensics & Critical Image Analysis (OSINT)
Pioneered at Goldsmiths, University of London, this social justice and research project utilizes open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools to detect image manipulation and combat digital propaganda and misinformation.
Saving Duman Cultural Preservation Project
Multimedia documentation and advocacy production centered around preserving traditional Kapampangan culinary and agricultural practices.
Visual Ethnography & “Impressiography”
Ongoing documentary series capturing localized rituals — ranging from the iconic Kuraldal photo series to high-concept street studies in New York City and textured portraiture.
06 — CORE COMPETENCIES
What the studio brings to PAMANA
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Documentary Film & Video Production
Production and reproduction of cultural, historical, and anthropological media.
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New Media & Exhibition Design
Curation and technical design of conceptual installations bridging digital tech and traditional heritage.
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Visual Media Research & Forensics
OSINT-driven analysis, visual literacy framing, and anti-disinformation campaigns.
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Artistic Direction & Print Production
Fine art photography, archival reproduction, and design consultancy.
07 — ROLE WITHIN PAMANA
Program operations
Within the PAMANA (Parangal sa Manlilikhang Natatangi) program — originated by the Department of Tourism – Region III and partnered/funded by the HANN Foundation — Iconopixel Multimedia Production is credited for program operations: building and maintaining pamananggitnangluzon.com and its e-nomination system, and producing the cinematic tributes and documentation that accompany each honoree at the awarding ceremony.
This page is published as open-source disclosure of who operates and manages PAMANA’s website and production work, in keeping with the program’s own values of transparency and cultural documentation.