Award-winning singer-songwriter and Himig Handog alumnus, Jeff Cifra, is marking his 42nd birthday in style with a one-of-a-kind concert event you won’t want to miss! Aptly titled “FUNK YOU @ FORTY TWO”, this concert promises an electrifying night filled with exhilarating music, captivating performances, and a whole lot of funk.
Get Ready to Funk It Up!
Jeff Cifra: FUNK YOU @ FORTY TWO The Funk Party by The Falsetto Prince Date: September 21, 2024 Time: Saturday, 8PM Venue: The Banquet Hall, The Brittany Hotel Villar City, Daang Hari, Bacoor, Cavite
A Night of Ecstatic Vocals & Nostalgic Hits
Prepare to be taken on a journey through decades of iconic tunes from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. Jeff will be performing songs that have shaped his unique musical style, influenced by the legends of Funk, Soul, Disco, Motown, and of course, OPM. Fans can expect to groove to timeless hits, retro classics, and Jeff’s own original chart-toppers.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Jeff’s music, his signature humor and electrifying stage presence will make this a night to remember!
Special Guest Performances
Joining Jeff on this star-studded evening are a roster of sensational artists ready to set the stage on fire, including:
Stephen Yco – Upcoming livestreamer & independent musician
Mark Enriquez – Featured in Esquire Magazine’s “16 Best OPM Albums & EPs of 2023”
With very special participation from Direk Andrew “Mamu De Real”, The Father of Live Comedy Entertainment in the Philippines, this night promises to be as full of laughter as it will be of music.
Ticket Details
Be part of this exciting celebration with Diamond tickets priced at just PhP1,500! For seats, table reservations, and payment inquiries: Call or text: 09178428228 Or message Jeff via his official Facebook page HERE.
Sponsors and Partners
This extraordinary event is co-presented by The Brittany Hotel Villar City, and made possible by The Grandew Corp., MonkinPH, ICONA Elements, RV Shots Multimedia, with additional support from Joseph Canceran Lights & Sounds, Click The City, Japan Teruma Trading, and BuenasOros.
*Jeff Cifra is the first recipient of the Outstanding Performing Artist of the Year Award at the 2024 Malikhaing Bacooreño Creative Awards, proudly presented by the City Government of Bacoor and the Bacoor Arts Community.
Don’t Miss Out!
Join the party, feel the funk, and celebrate with The Falsetto Prince at Jeff Cifra: FUNK YOU @ FORTY TWO. It’s going to be a night of music, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime!
Filipino singers wanted! Universal Pictures Philippines wants aspiring singers from across the country to take a leap and submit your rendition of the song “Defying Gravity” from the hit musical “Wicked.” Winners will get a chance to sing the Philippines’ rendition of the song in a music video in the “Awiting Wicked” contest.
The official Universal Pictures Philippines TikTok account (@UniversalPicsPH) has posted the Awiting Wicked announcement and clips from the upcoming film “Wicked,” with the instrumental version of “Defying Gravity” that contestants can duet with. Entries should be tagged #AwitingWicked and entrants should set their accounts to public privacy setting so the video is visible. The promo will run from September 18 to September 29, 2024, after which thirty (30) winners will be given the chance to sing their rendition of “Defying Gravity,” and be part of the music video that will debut alongside “Wicked” as it arrives in Philippine cinemas on November 20, 2024.
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.
Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff.
Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.
Subway® brings the happy hour vibe to everyone’s taste buds with the Smoky Malt BBQ Pulled Pork sub! This newest offering is available in all Subway® restaurants nationwide until November 19, 2024.
This mouthwatering masterpiece features tender pulled pork generously topped with rich, smoky malt bbq sauce, savoury cheddar cheese, and a medley of crisp, fresh veggies, including lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, green pepper, and white onions layered in for a satisfying crunch that will surely turn any hour into a happy hour.
Stacked from 16 images. Method=B (R=8,S=4)
Freshly prepared every day, the new Smoky Malt BBQ Pulled Pork sub is inspired by our well-loved beverage to bring cheers to a happy hour with every bite!
Just when you thought happy hour couldn’t get happier, Subway® guests can enjoy a FREE exclusive Subway x A&W coaster for every purchase of a Smoky Malt BBQ Pulled Pork regular meal with choices from 6-inch, footlong, or wrap. This offer is available on Mondays and Thursdays from 2pm to 5pm.
On weekends, indulge in the Subway® bundle offer, which includes two (2) Smoky Malt BBQ Pulled Pork subs or wraps, paired with two (2) smooth A&W Root Beers, and two (2) exclusive coasters. This happy hour offer is ideal for friends and family looking to savor the rich flavors together while enjoying a refreshing beverage and a unique keepsake. This is available at participating restaurants for takeout only on Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 5pm.
The Subway® Smoky Malt BBQ Pulled Pork sub and the associated offers are available until November 19, 2024. Don’t miss your chance to experience this limited-time delight that’s sure to become your newest happy hour craving. Head to any Subway® restaurant near you to experience happy hour anytime today! For more information, visit Subway® Philippines’ official social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram
The iconic Drag Race Philippines is officially back on our screens. Following the resounding success of seasons one and two, the showcase of Pinoy drag excellence has returned with a third run. Eleven of the fiercest, most fabulous Filipino drag artists from all over the world are competing in new challenges, dazzling the runways, and more. Drag Race Philippines Season three is currently available to stream on WOW Presents Plus and HBO GO in the Philippines, with multi-awarded Filipino actor, model, and drag artist Paolo Ballesteros returning as series host – alongside iconic Drag Race alum Jiggly Caliente and popular Filipina writer, TV personality, and activist KaladKaren as judges.
Fans can celebrate this new season with the return of PLDT Home’s Drag to Store– themed events in collaboration with HBO GO, featuring exciting activities and performances. The events make a part of PLDT Home’s “We are here for you” advocacy to help create an inclusive environment for the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community.
This year, PLDT Home is hosting Drag to Store in select Metro Manila stores, giving drag fans and members of the LGBTQIA+ community not just a unique and fun retail experience – but also an opportunity to share inspiring stories. These events include performances by Drag Race Philippines Season three drag queens and surprise appearances of Seasons one and two queens. PLDT Home customerscan also enjoy mini challenges inspired by nostalgic Filipino party games and meet and greet with the queens right inside the stores.
Drag to Store atPLDT SM Southmall(August 31, 2024)
Baby queens also get to shine in the second “Drag to Store Superstar Search 2024.” Six contestants are on a mission to showcase not just their looks and stories, but also electrifying performances for a chance to take home a cash prize of P30,000.
PLDT Home’s Drag to Store kicked off at the SM Mall of Asia and SM Southmall in August and at SM Megamall early September. It will run until the end of the month. Mark your calendars and don’t miss your chance to watch amazing performances and meet your favorite queens at Festival Mall (September 14) and SM City Sta. Mesa (September 28).
Drag Race Philippines is now available on WOW Presents Plus and HBO GO and is best streamed with PLDT Home. Since Season one, the show has brought out the artistry of Filipino drag into the mainstream. It has also touched the hearts of viewers as it highlights real-life stories of LGBTQIA+ Filipinos.
PLDT Home lets you enjoy unli-entertainment with reliable and super fast internet connection. Stream new episodes of Drag Race Philippines Season three on HBO GO every Wednesday for only P199/month when you subscribe through your PLDT Home subscription. Visit pldthome.com/hbogo to know more.
Catch Drag Race Philippines Season three on HBO GO at no extra cost when you apply for Fiber Plan P1699 or up. Visit pldthome.com/drph-s3 for more details.
Birthdays are a time to celebrate individuality and what better way to make a celebration extra special than with a cake that reflects the unique personality of the birthday celebrant? Goldilocks, a beloved Filipino brand, offers a delightful range of premium cakes that can turn any birthday into a memorable occasion. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, indulgent, or playful, Goldilocks has the perfect cake to match every celebrant’s personality and taste.
A Dreamy Treat for the Sweet at Heart: Mango Dream & Ube Dream
When it comes to showing appreciation for the loving moms and grandparents in your life, Goldilocks’ Mango Dream and Ube Dream cakes are the perfect sweet touch.
The Mango Dream cake is a tropical delight with three layers of soft chiffon cake filled with a light mango whipped cream and topped with fresh mango bits and a zesty mango coulis. This cake is ideal for those who love a refreshing and fruity dessert that’s not overly sweet.
For fans of classic Filipino flavors, the Ube Dream cake is a must-try. Made with layers of ube chiffon, real halaya, and rich ube mousse, it’s finished with smooth ube cream icing and delicate macapuno jelly strings. Every bite is a nostalgic taste of Filipino tradition, perfect for family celebrations.
For Coffee and Chocolate Lovers: Coffee Layered Crunch & Choco Cherry Torte
If the celebrant is a fan of coffee or chocolate, Goldilocks has two indulgent cakes that will be instant favorites: the Coffee Layered Crunch and Choco Cherry Torte.
The Coffee Layered Crunch cake combines everything a coffee lover could ask for—layers of brownie, mocha chiffon, coffee mousse, and whipped cream, topped with crunchy cashew praline. It’s the perfect cake for any coffee enthusiast who craves both flavor and texture in their dessert.
Meanwhile, the Choco Cherry Torte offers a balance of richness and tartness. This decadent cake pairs moist chocolate cake with strawberry cream and maraschino cherries, making it a delightful choice for those who love the classic combination of chocolate and cherries. It’s a sophisticated yet fun dessert that can satisfy the chocolate lover’s cravings.
For the Playful and Colorful: Rainbow Magic Cake
For the little ones, or the young-at-heart, Goldilocks’ Rainbow Magic Cake brings joy and whimsy to any celebration. This colorful cake features layers of vanilla, ube, and strawberry chiffon, filled with creamy ube and strawberry buttercream, and topped with vanilla icing. The vibrant colors and flavors are sure to add a magical touch to any kid’s birthday party, making it a delightful centerpiece that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Celebrate Life’s Sweetest Moments with Goldilocks
Goldilocks has been a trusted name for decades, known for its dedication to creating cakes that reflect the tastes and personalities of its customers. Each cake is baked with love and attention to detail, ensuring that it not only looks stunning but also tastes unforgettable.
With such a wide variety of flavors and styles, Goldilocks is the go-to for every celebration. Whether you’re honoring a milestone or simply making someone feel special, these premium cakes are guaranteed to make any birthday celebration a little sweeter.
Order Your Goldilocks Cake Today
Craving one of these delicious cakes for your next celebration? Goldilocks makes it easy to order through various platforms. You can order through GrabFood, Foodpanda, or by visiting www.goldilocksdelivery.ph for more details. Follow Goldilocks on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates and special promotions.
Make every birthday unforgettable with Goldilocks—where every slice is a celebration of life’s sweetest moments.
Two years ago, artists and friends Brando Limon Bati and Adler Llagas had a two-man show at ARTablado Robinsons Antipolo.
ARTablado, a Robinsons Land initiative launched in 2020, has been supporting talented Filipino artists by providing them with venues so they can showcase their art and reach a bigger audience. You can find ARTablado, a portmanteau of the words “art” and “entablado” (stage), at Robinsons Antipolo, Robinsons Galleria, Summit Ridge Tagaytay and Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila.
This month, Brando and Adler return to Robinsons Antipolo not for a two-man show but for an exhibit with their families. Their wives and daughters are artists as well and now, they’ve also joined the ARTablado family.
“Dreams to Reality,” which runs until September 15, is an art exhibit that celebrates the creativity and connections of the two intertwined families. The unique show brings together the artistic visions of two close friends and their families, who are united by their shared passion for art.
“Dreams to Reality” is a testament to the bonds that tie us together. Through their diverse styles and stories, the artists explore themes of family, friendship, and creativity, offering a glimpse into the shared experiences that shape their work.
At the heart of the exhibit are the fathers, Brando and Adler, who are both accomplished artists. The two, who have supported their families with their art, now serve as mentors for their wives and daughters.
Brando, who has been painting since 1982, is a Tanay-based artist known for painting figures and still life using oil, pastel, pencil color and watercolor. His work has received recognition and awards and has been exhibited all over the country and abroad.
Adler, from Baras, Rizal, is a self-taught landscape artist who has been participating in solo and group exhibitions in the Philippines and abroad since 1996. He was recently commissioned by the Church of the Latter-day Saints to do two mural-sized paintings.
In the early days of Adler’s and Brando’s artistic careers, their wives Lucia Llagas and Teresa Demeterio Bati doted on them and supported them in different ways—from making them coffee and cleaning their studio and brushes to taking care of the kids while their husbands were busy painting.
The husbands and wives also worked together in overcoming financial challenges. Teresa said, “I had a small business and would find other ways in case no paintings were sold so I could help my husband with our daily needs.” She also recalls going with Brando to deliver paintings he had sold.
Inspired by her husband, Teresa had actually started painting using watercolor in 1997 but put it on hold to focus on working and her business. Last year, upon the encouragement of Brando, she returned to her love for painting, filling canvases with bouquets of flowers done in acrylic. She has previously participated in a group show called “Dreams” and her work has been purchased by art collectors. Her artworks always remind her to be like flowers: “Bloom. But at the perfect time.”
Teresa is grateful for how supportive her husband has been throughout her art journey. “He always has a canvas ready for me,” she said.
Though she’s had experience in export commercial painting when she was younger, it was also Lucia Llagas’ husband who influenced her art journey. “I decided to start painting because I’ve always watched him working in the art industry, and he inspired me.”
Lucia finds relaxation and happiness in painting. “Dreams to Reality” is her second exhibit.
Brando and Teresa’s daughter Candys Bati Fulgado and Adler and Lucia’s daughter Aicel Lacerna Llagas were also inspired by their fathers to go into art.
Candys discovered her passion for art and painting as a young girl, after witnessing her father working. In 2020, her father encouraged her to paint again and she did, using acrylic on canvas. Seeing her father and mother both paint continues to inspire her. Like her mother, she loves painting flowers—spring flowers, in particular, as she sees them as symbols of new beginnings, renewal, and hope.
She is proud to have parents who are both visual artists.
Brando hopes his daughter has learned from witnessing his perseverance in his art. He wants to tell her, “Keep going, no one can take your talent away from you.”
Aicel, the second child of Adler and Lucia, also adores flowers and has decided to make them the focus of her paintings. Aicel had grown up watching her father work but, she said, “I wasn’t initially all that interested in painting.”
That changed while she was stuck at home during the pandemic. She asked her father if she could give painting a try. “He said that I could, but that I should start with a pencil… I decided to sketch flowers as my theme, and I do so every day until it’s dawn.”
Aicel’s father Adler continues to be her biggest inspiration and motivator. Aicel, who has already participated in several exhibits, is grateful to her parents for their unwavering support for her passion. “It feels good. Painting is a way for us to bond. It’s quality time for us.”
“I’m so glad that we now also get to paint together and even have exhibits together. Art really brings us together,” said Adler about his wife and daughter.
Brando is happy to see his wife and daughter painting as well. He said that their exhibit is called “Dreams to Reality” because that’s exactly what it is—a dream turned into reality. “A lot of artists dream about exhibiting with their families but it doesn’t usually happen,” he said.
“What started as a dream is now a reality. It’s so rare for an artist to have family members who are also as passionate about painting,” said Adler.
For the Batis and the Llagases, art is a family affair.
“Dreams to Reality” runs until September 15 at ARTablado Upper Ground Floor, Main Mall, Robinsons Antipolo.
This month of September, moviegoers and cinephiles are in for a spooky treat at Eastwood City’s Ultra 7 Cinema with the release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. The highly anticipated sequel to the 1988 horror comedy classic released in theaters last September 4, and fans can now enjoy Tim Burton’s macabre masterpiece at the premier cinema in Quezon City’s entertainment capital.
Fans of the original cult favorite are thrilled to see the return of Michael Keaton as the mischievous titular character, alongside Winona Ryder reprising her role as Lydia Deetz. Joining the iconic duo are Wednesday star Jenna Ortega, Monica Bellucci, and Willem Dafoe. This nostalgic revival promises to deliver both a trip down memory lane and a fresh, entertaining experience for new generations.
The Ultra 7 cinema, pioneer of the Ultra Cinema concept in the Philippines, features the iconic plush reclining chairs with adjustable positions along with unparalleled butler service and unlimited popcorn and drinks — the perfect setting for enjoying the eccentric gothic dark comedy.
Be sure to catch Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice at the Eastwood Cinema’s Ultra 7! Book your tickets now at megaworldcinemas.com.
Eastwood City, the pioneer township of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls and Retail Asia Awards Winner for Mall of the Year 2024, stands as the entertainment capital of Quezon City, offering a vibrant mix of residential spaces, world-class retail and dining establishments, dynamic alfresco spaces, and one-of-a-kind experiences.
For more updates on the latest happenings, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call their hotline at 8-462-8888 or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram (@MegaworldLifestyleMalls), and TikTok (@megaworldlifestylemalls).
The Daltons try to survive as their dream vacation turns into a psychological nightmare in Speak No Evil, the latest thriller from Blumhouse. In the film, the contrast between the Dalton family and Paddy’s family sets the tone for the insidious horror that simmers and eventually gets unleashed.
The Daltons, an American family struggling with their life in England, have a chance meeting with a British family during a trip to Italy, and get invited to get away from it all on their rustic countryside farmhouse. The Daltons consist of Ben(Scoot McNairy), his wife Louise(Mackenzie Davis), and their daughter Agnes. Ben is stuck in an unfulfilling rut as his career was upended shortly after moving his whole family to London from the United States. He feels emasculated at the prospect of unemployment and not being able to provide for his family.
Louise Dalton, dragged to the opposite side of the ocean into a prospect that went nowhere, feels unhappy and anxious about the future of her family, which carries over to her relationship with her husband and daughter. She finds herself feeling disconnected from Ben, and her anxiety makes her overprotective with Agnes (Alix West Lefler), who feels the tension within the family as well. A smart pre-teen, she manages her tendency to worry with her comfort plushy, Hoppy, which Ben feels that she’s too old to be carrying around everywhere.
In contrast, Paddy’s family seems very in tune with their countryside lifestyle, which they offer to share with the Daltons for the weekend. Paddy (James McAvoy), a former physician, the unnervingly hypermasculine head of the family. His strong opinions and rejection of modern societal norms, bely a darkness within him, but on the surface he is refreshingly brash. His wife Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) is undoubtedly his better half, with a softer charm and inviting personality. They seem to be a perfect match, and to top it all off is their son Ant (Dan Hough). Mute from a genetic condition, he seems to be shy, but hits it off with Agnes immediately. Paddy’s family seems to be picture perfect, and what the Daltons aspire to be, until the darkness takes hold and the weekend getaway turns into a fight for survival.
It all comes to a head as Speak No Evilis iunleashed in Philippine cinemas on September 11, from Universal Pictures International.
Garmin announced the Approach® Z30 laser range finder, the latest addition to the Garmin golf ecosystem to help golfers see the course in a new way. This innovative device offers excellent ranging performance and introduces the Range Relay feature, which sends ranged distances to a compatible Garmin smartwatch or theGarmin Golf smartphone app. Once the target has been locked in by the Approach® Z30, the ranged distance and a laser range arc will display on the paired Garmin device to give players a visual indication of the pin position and everything in play around it.
Designed to provide golfers with even more situational awareness on the course, the Approach Z30 delivers fast and precise distance readings1 up to 400 yards away, gives players six times magnification through the viewfinder and vibrates once it locks in on the pin.
“Golfers will love using the Approach Z30, which seamlessly integrates with many other products in Garmin’s ecosystem. You’ll never have to guess your distance to the pin as the Z30 provides quick and accurate measurements and displays them on your compatible smartwatch or smartphone. It’s also an excellent standalone device with its speed and accuracy, making it an exceptional addition for any golfer.” –Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales
Elevate your game
Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy the on-course features to help them find more precise distances and have confidence that they’re selecting the correct club.
Key information: View distance from the pin and to the front and back of the green to help gauge how to play a shot2.
PlaysLike distance: See how far each shot should actually play with yardage adjusted for elevation changes. For an even greater level of accuracy, pair with a compatible device to receive PlaysLike distance that factors in air density, which affects how far a ball will travel.
Garmin golf ecosystem: Make the most of the Range Relay feature by pairing the Approach Z30 with the Garmin Golf App, or popular smartwatches including Approach S70, Approach S62, Approach S42, fēnix® 7 series, epix®(Gen 2) series, MARQ® (Gen 2) collection and more.
Tournament mode: An external indicator light lets competitors know that the device is only providing data within the rules.
Magnetic mount: Conveniently store the range finder with an included magnetic mount when riding in a golf cart. It also comes with a handy carrying case with a carabiner, allowing it to hang from a golf bag if walking the course or after a round.
Find My Garmin: If the Approach® Z30 is ever misplaced, players can utilize a feature through the Garmin Golf app to see its last known location.
Designed with all types of golf weather in mind, Approach® Z30 is built with an IPX7 water rating, allowing it to withstand light to steady rain, wind and sunlight. The range finder also features a replaceable battery with exceptional life, providing players with up to a full year of use.
Become a Garmin Golf member
Not only does the Garmin Golf app provide players with premium features on the Approach Z30, but a Garmin Golf membership ($9.99/month or $99.99/year) also gives users access to Green Contour Data, allowing them to see the slope direction of the green on certain courses from their phone or Garmin device. Using the slope information, golfers can figure out how much the ball will release after pitching, know which side of the pin is better to putt from and know the best miss for worst-case scenarios.
Available now, the Approach Z30 laser range finder has a suggested retail price of Php 25,490. To learn more, visit garmin.com/golf.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin outdoor recreation products have revolutionized life for adventurers, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Committed to developing products that enhance experiences and enrich lives, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday.
To date, Cinemalaya has nurtured over 200 Filipino filmmakers and showcased over 1,000 of their works, including full-feature films, shorts, documentaries, Filipino film classics, and art films.
The country’s biggest and pioneering independent film festival has been relentless in developing and supporting the production of independent Filipino films since it was founded in 2005, bringing new narratives that embody the ever-evolving landscape of Filipino cinema each year.
Shortly after celebrating its 20th year, the Cinemalaya has once again welcomed another batch of filmmakers for their turn in articulating and freely interpreting the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity. With two decades under its belt and more than a handful of filmmakers bolstered to success, we look back to some of the pioneers who started the tradition.
“Hindi ako makapaniwala na magiging direktor ako,” said 2005 Cinemalaya director Michael Angelo Dagñalan. “Nagbukas ng napakaraming pintuan at bintana ang pagsali ko sa Cinemalaya.”
Dagñalan is a writer, director, and a composer/vocalist for the alternative rock band KontraLuz. He also founded Kuwentista Productions, a creative studio for film, television, and advertising. His debut full-length film Isnats is a crime-comedy film about a snatcher stealing a drug dealer’s phone.
He worked with a script he already finished writing before joining Cinemalaya – a script he peddled to directors for two years, to no avail. When Cinemalaya came, he seized the opportunity to finally see his work come to life.
“Malaking bagay siya kasi parang nabigyan ka ng pagkilala, ng kredibilidad na makatapos ng feature film na mahirap i-mount talaga. Kahit hanggang ngayon naman, mahirap mag-mount ng pelikula. Nakakatawa kasi nag-hang pa nga ‘yung DVD ng Isnats during premiere night.”
Isnats also won First Prize at the Dulang Pampelikula category of the 52nd Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. It was chosen as an exhibition film at the 7th Cinemanila International Film Festival and included in the official selection at the New York Filipino Film Festival.
For Rica Arevalo, the first to win the Balangay trophy for Best Director, Cinemalaya was a great experience since they were trained to be professional filmmakers.
“Secondary na lang ‘yung awards para sa akin,” she said. “Ginawa ko ‘yung film kasi gusto ko siyang gawin at meron akong gustong sabihin.”
Arevalo is a writer, director, and educator. She is currently the head of the Education Division of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).
The filmmaker revealed she had a soft spot for films about family, which led her to debut with ICU Bed #7, a quiet, funny and moving family drama about an ailing father and how his two daughters are torn whether to end or prolong his life.
Arevalo fondly shared how she already thought about Eddie Garcia as her main actor even while she was still writing the script back in 2003. Through Raymond Red, she was able to meet Garcia and cast him as the ailing father. She praised his professionalism as a veteran actor, which inspired her all the more in her craft.
ICU Bed #7 was also nominated for Digital Movie of the Year, with Arevalo for Digital Movie Director of the Year and Eddie Garcia for Movie Actor of the Year, at the 2006 Star Awards for Movies. Arevalo won second place at the 53rd Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature for the same film.
Like Dagñalan and Arevalo, multi-awarded writer, director, producer, and creative executive Aloy Adlawan joined the rest of the pioneer Cinemalaya directors as a first-time full-length filmmaker.
“I’ve been with TV since 1994 until 2002. Kaya sabi ko, baka kailangan ko na magpelikula,” enthused Adlawan. “I wanted to push through with filmmaking since I already had access to the industry.”
A chemical engineer by profession, Adlawan tested the waters of making films with his debut full-length Room Boy, a drama film about a motel room boy who falls in love with a prostitute helping him find a new place to live in. It was inspired by one of the episodes he wrote for Star Drama Presents, an ABS-CBN Saturday program which featured a mix of veteran and upcoming stars from the Philippine entertainment industry from 1993 to 2001.
“Tinwist ko siya, ginawa kong pelikula na dramatic and may love story,” Adlawan mentioned. “Character-driven din, kaya doon nabuhay.”
Adlawan also shared how his ongoing career in the entertainment industry helped him with the casting, as he would write scripts with a potential actor already in mind: “Some actors look for something edgy, something dramatic, or offbeat for them, just so they can deeply explore their craft.”
In relation to exploring crafts, Dagñalan emphasizes the freedom in producing art. As someone who started out in theater and writing before transitioning to film, he celebrates the newfound accessibility of tools and resources for aspiring artists to pursue their passion.
“Excited ang tao na magkuwento dahil natural ‘yan sa atin,” Dagñalan said. “Wala naman kasing edad ang sining, ito ay imortal. Anuman ang estado mo, mayaman, mahirap, may pinag-aralan o wala, pwede kang maging kuwentista ng bayan.”
For Arevalo, who rejoices at the thriving community of young filmmakers today, new talents are always something to look forward to.
“Mas daring kasi sila, mas malakas ang loob. Kakaiba ‘yung paraan ng pagkukwento nila.”
Meanwhile, Adlawan urges aspiring filmmakers to find their voice and strive for authenticity in their craft: “Kung ganun ka ka-passionate, and you know who you are as a storyteller, as a filmmaker, as an artist, or whatever you call herself, you will always land on your feet and find yourself in the right place.”
For its next editions, Cinemalaya will surely continue to uphold its vision to discover, encourage, support, train and recognize gifted Filipino independent filmmakers.
