Sinulog Short Film Festival 2016

When life's significant experiences are projected on big screen, it forms part of the unique legacy of a certain community of a present generation. This year's short films are products of one's unique imagination and the valuing of local stories centered on or with reference to our reverence to Señor Santo Niño as well as the theme of the International Eucharistic Congress.

And so the films are expected to follow or at least have semblance of compliance. Take for instance this year's best short film "Igsuon" by Christian Paolo Lat. The film depicts the strong bond of brotherhood and the love of family. It shows that one has to go back to the very caring fold and love of one's family. Though there's only a particular scene that shows the adoring faith to the Holy Child, Señor Santo Niño, but it carries a unifying and enduring faith to the unseen hand through one's strong religious devotion.

While in the second best short film "Lunch Box" by director Remton Siega Zuasola, this year's best director, advocates an anti-bullying campaign. However, even of this sensitive issue, the film successfully integrates the festival's aim to highlight the very reason of the celebration. The spirit and love for the Holy Child, in a way, has touched the characters of the story that made them a unified family once again. In other words, the works of the miraculous hand of the most powerful Holy Child is still manifested. Miracle finds its way to heal broken hearts, and families.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank these two very young yet accomplished directors for the chance they have given me. Working with them is both personally and professionally rewarding. They each have a unique way of treating the field but I can see in them the passion and dedication to the craft. And for the past years they have become mainstays in the Sinulog Short Film Festival.

They have become frontliners in promoting the local film industry. In the case of director Lat, though he is a Manileño and was raised in Canada but since he is now based in Cebu, he is now very much engaged in various activities in line with the promotion of Cebu arts and culture. Director Zuasola, on the other hand, though he is practically busy doing some films in Manila and attending international film festivals for his feature film Swap, finds time to be in his roots.

The third best film "Ang Bitoon ug ang Barungoy" by Lindsey Banaynal, a story of a flying fish and a star, is generally an animation and a wonderful children's story. Set in a story telling way, a grandmother telling her granddaughter, it gives us lessons of hope and determination. That despite the obvious impossibility, there must be another way of finding one's true love.    

Thank you to director Januar Yap for my third film "Sa Tuong Kamot." The film made it to the final cut though it is Januar's first venture in short film. The film allowed me to meet people whose passion to their craft is equally incomparable. Barangay Captain Joel Garganera, Publio Briones, Oscar Rodolfo Pineda and Alex Badayos.

Though it is my first venture in a film for the Sinulog film festival, to be nominated as best supporting actress is an initial validation of my unceasing participation. I'll make it a continuing commitment in line with my advocacy to promote local arts and culture, and my undying faith to the Señor Santo Niño.

In his inspirational message, Msgr. Agustin "Ting" Ancajas, Chairman of International Eucharistic Congress 2016 Cultural Events Committee, thanked the Sinulog Foundation, Inc. that through the short films, photos and documentaries the very aims of the international congress have also been extensively espoused and promoted.  

I believe in our people's stories. I have strong faith in the proliferation of our arts and culture. Our language is a powerful and potent tool in telling our stories. And through films, our dreams and aspirations will forever be devotedly remembered. 

To the men and women behind the Sinulog Foundation, Inc: Mr. Ricky Ballesteros, Ma'am Dolly Suzarra, Ms. Anna Marie Conejero , and the over-all director of the Sinulog Film Festival 2016 Mr. Ron Heri Tan, congratulations! Viva Señor Santo Niño! Pit Señor!