From Philippines to Abroad: Arla Emanuele Trinidad Bañas Brings Filipino Stories to the World Stage
From the four corners of the classroom of iACADEMY to global recognition, Arla Emanuele Trinidad Bañas proves that Filipino talent knows no boundaries. A proud graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Animation, Batch 2018, she finished her bachelor's degree with the distinction of Cum Laude, an early sign of excellence she would continue to embody on the world stage.
Now based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Arla has grown into a multifaceted creative force: illustrator, writer, and game designer. Her passion for storytelling recently culminated in a remarkable academic milestone, earning her Master’s degree with honors from Massey University. Her thesis, “On the Bones of Batala: Exploring the Colonization of the Tagalog Region through Tabletop Role-Playing Game Design,” stands as a powerful fusion of history, her story and interactive design, and has been formally published in the university’s official online repository.
More than an academic achievement, her work amplifies Filipino narratives on an international platform, reimagining heritage through innovative media.
On April 15, 2026, Arla will walk the stage at Massey University for her graduation and recognition ceremony, holding with her not only the medals and honors, but also the pride of the nation and the inspiration of every aspiring Game-Changer who dares to dream Beyond Borders.
Now based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Arla has grown into a multifaceted creative force: illustrator, writer, and game designer. Her passion for storytelling recently culminated in a remarkable academic milestone, earning her Master’s degree with honors from Massey University. Her thesis, “On the Bones of Batala: Exploring the Colonization of the Tagalog Region through Tabletop Role-Playing Game Design,” stands as a powerful fusion of history, her story and interactive design, and has been formally published in the university’s official online repository.
More than an academic achievement, her work amplifies Filipino narratives on an international platform, reimagining heritage through innovative media.
On April 15, 2026, Arla will walk the stage at Massey University for her graduation and recognition ceremony, holding with her not only the medals and honors, but also the pride of the nation and the inspiration of every aspiring Game-Changer who dares to dream Beyond Borders.