Love, grief, and unresolved family wounds take center stage in “Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam,” a full-length feature competing at Cinemalaya 22. Directed by Mapúa University School of Multimedia and Digital Arts Dean David R. Corpuz and co-written with Iar Arondaing, the 110-minute drama examines the fragile bonds that hold a family together when illness forces painful histories back into the open.
A Shared Life Suddenly Fractured
The film follows Neil, played by Martin del Rosario, and Bong, portrayed by Miguel Odron, long-time partners whose life is closely intertwined with Bong’s mother, Gloria, played by Yayo Aguila.
Their small but tightly knit world begins to fracture when Bong suffers a sudden, debilitating illness that leads to hospitalization.
Caught between the demands of his job and the emotional weight of bedside caregiving, Neil struggles to keep himself together. Gloria, meanwhile, tries to remain strong for her son even as fear and grief begin to take their toll.
The situation becomes even more complicated with the arrival of Benjie, Bong’s long-estranged father, played by Epy Quizon. Returning with hopes of reconciliation, Benjie must confront the resentment and unspoken pain that have divided the family for years.
At its heart, “Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam” brings together three people with different histories and unresolved wounds, all trying to stand beside the person they love most.
A Powerful Ensemble and Creative Team
Alongside del Rosario, Odron, Aguila, and Quizon, the film features an accomplished supporting cast that includes Madeleine Nicolas, Bodjie Pascua, Bong Cabrera, Adrian Lindayag, and Nour Hooshmand.
The film is produced by Kristine Camille Sulit and Patricia Salic, with Adam Dumaguin and Corpuz serving as executive producers.
Its creative team includes Dumaguin as cinematographer, Joris Fernandez as editor, David Esguerra as production designer, Elian Idioma as sound designer, and Glenn Barit as musical scorer.
“There is something magical about seeing a world I initially imagined in solitude become a vision shared by a team, and eventually, something that strangers can experience together,” Corpuz shared.
Balancing Filmmaking and Academic Leadership
For Corpuz, bringing the story to the big screen also meant navigating the demands of two intense roles: filmmaker and Dean of the School of Multimedia and Digital Arts at Mapúa University.
Reflecting on the journey from the project’s selection as a Cinemalaya finalist in October 2025 to its festival debut, Corpuz recalled the doubts surrounding his decision.
“Someone told me I was crazy for putting myself in this situation, joining a film festival while serving as the Dean of a school,” he said. “Perhaps they had a point. But at that moment, the desire to create mattered more to me than the pressure of being judged on the outcome.”
Managing both responsibilities required strong support from the Mapúa University administration, including University President Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, Executive Vice Presidents Lilibeth D. Sabino and Raul Victor B. Tan, Vice President Margarita V. Camacho, and Joanne V. Mar.
Corpuz also credited the Mapúa SoMDA and Mapúa Film communities for helping him bring the project to life.
While he was on set, Karen Rey served as Officer-in-Charge Dean, with support from faculty members Dr. Jonah Lim, Aleia Garcia, Shé Andes, Normandy Manalaysay, and Jay-Ann Laurio.
For Corpuz, the experience demonstrated how academic institutions can become powerful incubators for creative practice when their leaders actively support artistic work.
Cinemalaya Celebrates 22 Years of Independent Cinema
Cinemalaya returns from August 6 to 18 with the theme “Cinemalaya 22: Reel Reflections.”
Presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc., the festival features nine full-length films and 10 short films exploring identity, memory, justice, family relationships, and other urgent realities.
Since its launch in 2005, Cinemalaya has screened more than a thousand works, providing Filipino filmmakers with an essential platform for telling bold, honest, and deeply personal stories.
Through films such as “Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam,” the festival continues to reflect the complexities of everyday Filipino life while creating space for fresh voices and meaningful conversations.
For screening schedules and ticket information, visit the official Cultural Center of the Philippines and Cinemalaya websites. Updates are also available through their official Facebook, X, and Instagram.
