Former TF fotog wins best Sinulog documentary anew

CEBU, Philippines - Former The FREEMAN photojournalist Aldo Nelbert Banaynal bagged the award for best video documentary among other awards in last night's Sinulog 2014 video documentary, short film, and photo contest awarding ceremony.

Banaynal's entry, entitled "The Keeper", was also awarded as best story, best director and best packaging.

The story revolves around Banaynal's real-life late grandmother, Estrelita "Titang" Diola, the keeper of the original Sinulog beat.

"Wa ko nag-expect na makadaog ni kay ang theme sa contest is 'Pagbangon' unya simang ako story, but I'm thankful kay na-share nako ang significant contribution sa akong lola sa atong heritage," said Banaynal.

Banaynal received P50,000 and a trophy from the Sinulog Foundation, Inc. for the grand prize. It was his fourth time to win the contest.

The category's second placer is "Sagbayan" of Alex Badayos and the third was Noel Samson's "Awit Halad Kanimo."

The other winners in last night's awarding ceremony were:

Best short film 1st place - Aftershock (Remton Siega Zuasola)

Best short film 2nd place - Padulong sa Pinuy-anan (Fedwilyn "Eden" Villarba)

Best short film 3rd place - Kauban (Franz Arrogante)

Aftershock also won the award for best in production design, best story, best direction, and best actor Matt Daclan. It tells the story of a broken-hearted man who tried to commit suicide twice, but fate intervened as the two calamities that recently devastated Visayas, the earthquake last October 15 and Typhoon Yolanda last November 8, somehow prevented him from killing himself.

The actor eventually diverted his energy by helping the calamity victims.

The winners all got cash prizes and trophies.  (FREEMAN)