Jun Robles Lana’s critically-acclaimed first independent film “Bwakaw” has been chosen by the Film Academy of the Philippines as the country's official entry to the 2013 Academy Awards.

“Bwakaw” is a Cinemalaya entry starring veteran actor Eddie Garcia and the acting dog named Princess (the two are also stars of GMA-7’s “Aso ni San Roque”). The film tackles the story of a gay old man who lives alone with his pet dog.

Although it did not win Best Picture in this year’s Cinemalaya Film Festival, “Bwakaw” took home the Audience Choice and NETPAC awards and Best Actor for Eddie Garcia.

Actor Leo Martinez announced earlier today (Monday) that the heartwarming dramedy was chosen by the committee as the Philippine entry to the Best Foreign Language Film category of the 84th Academy Awards next year.

“Bwakaw” bested other films in consideration like the Urian Best Picture winner “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” starring Rocco Nacino, Jean Garcia and Paulo Avelino; “Manila Kingpin: Asiong Salonga Story” starring Jeorge “E.R.” Estregan and Carla Abellana; the MMFF entry “Segunda Mano” starring Kris Aquino, Dingdong Dantes, and Angelica Panganiban; “A Mother’s Story” starring Pokwang; “The Witness” starring Gwen Zamora; the Brillante Mendoza film “Captive” starring Isabelle Huppert, Mercedes Cabral and Joel Torre; and the Aureus Sotto film “Busong” starring Alessandra de Rossi.