Regional films at its finest

GREETINGS from the Cultual Center of the Philippines. It’s my second year to be part of the CINEMA REHIYON component of the Philippine International Arts Festival. It is the gathering of regional filmmakers from all over the Philippines.

  Cinema Rehiyon’s theme is well put as its aim to bring forth new generations and new breed of filmmakers apart from those of the Manila mainstream film industry. Since it’s my second time here at CCP, I got to meet old friends from last year and new ones from this year’s leg. It is pretty overwhelming.

  Cinema Rehiyon is spearheaded by the National Commission for Cultural and the Arts under the leadership of the head of committee on cinema-Dr. Mike Rapatan and festival director, Mr. Gabby Fernandez. The films curated come from Bacolod,Baguio, Calabarzon, Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo, Pampanga, Naga and of course Northern Mindanao which I am representing for the second straight year. I am with the curator for Cagayan de Oro - Iligan films, Mr. Hobart Savior and young filmmakers from Iligan, Glenmark Doromal and Catherine Codas.

  The experience is great, we get to spend time with filmmakers from other regions. they tell us stories that somehow takes to their place and how beautiful their culture is. we met peque gallaga too and direk lore reyes, this was one opportunity i would cherish for all time. we learned a lot from him when he had a small converstation with us northern mindanaoans. to note: he said that our film culture is growing and that we should hone it, and even said he loves going to cagayan de oro.

  The films from the regions are mesmerizing, some wer more visual than narrative but the important thing was that they told their stories - and that is the most important part. films must evolve around stories not commercialism, fresh new plots should be brought to life as this is the spirit of true independent film making.

  My film pili-ay was recieved widely and i got praises from the audience with matching photo opp. hehehehe. that is why i would like to thank my conematographer and good friend ronald mastail, lawrence babanto, my students felisa escalona - who acted for the second time under my direction, krisha dawn mainit, ivan obsioma, leah libot and steph salvador. thank you to all who supported me in this endeavor, my family, friends, and of course the almighty father. i dedicate this achievement to the fallen men  and women of the media and those who constantly fight injustice, greed and corruption.

Live life, rock on.