SneakPick peeks into Cinemalaya 2013

SneakPick Indie Films and Stage Plays Philippines attended the opening ceremonies of Cinemalaya 2013. Now on its 9th year with a theme Synergy of the Senses, Cinemalaya remains firm in its commitment "to discover, encourage and honor cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers that boldy articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity."

Running up to 04 August 2013 at the CCP, Trinoma, Greenbelt 3 and Alabang Town Center, film enthusiasts could feast on 25 new digital films (5 director's showcase, 10 full-length and 10 short films). 

Here's a SneakPick into the Shorts: 

1. Bakaw by Ron Segismundo

Synopsis: "When a child has no choice but to work. We follow a day in the life of a kid who steals at the Navotas fish port."

Main Cast: Jaypee Asuncion, Salvador Villabrille, Angelica Salanatin, Angelo Rosento 

Take a peek, here's the Trailer

2. Katapusang Labok by Aiess Athina E. Alonso

Synopsis: "In a rural seaside town located north of Cebu, fisher folks face the harsh reality of environmental conditions caused by human abuse. 

Randy, a fisherman, leaves the sea and turns to religion and cockfighting. Then a fellow fisherman invites him to join the fight against coral harvesting. Randy is caught between his devotion and the struggle of the fisher folk."

Main Cast:  Nicolo Manreal, Iva Zaldarriaga, Dulcita Siroy

Take a peek, here's the Trailer

3. Missing by Zig Dulay

Synopsis: "On the eve of his birthday, Makuy goes home from an exposure trip. After witnessing the squabble of his parents, he leaves home to search for Carl and to celebrate with him instead. On his way to find his partner, a gripping truth unfolds. Makuy is one of the increasing numbers of victims of enforced disappearances in the country. He is one of those imprisoned in a society oblivious of justice and truth. "

Main Cast: Joeffrey Javier, Mark Luz, Upeng Fernandez, Alex Tiglao 

Take a peek, here's the Trailer.  

4. Onang by JE Tiglao

Synopsis: "A 12-year-old girl named Onang found herself at the doorstep of reaching her dreams - to become a performer. Onang, who lived all her life with her widowed father Tatang at the mountain top in Ilocos  Sur, joined a choir thta would represent their town at a competition in Manila. Despite her father's disapproval, she went on and left for the city. With hopes of realizing her dreams and living a new life, Onang learned that staying was more impossible than leaving."   

Main Cast: Yssa Ramos, Ronnie Lazaro  

Take a peek, here's the Trailer. 

5. Para kay Ama by Relyn Angkuan Tan

Synopsis: "The film tells of Hannah, a Chinese-Filipino girl who discovers that she has a half-brother and meets him for the first time on the last day of her father's wake."

Main Cast: Che Ramos, Shamaine Buencamino, Dexter Doria, Lito Legaspi, Emerson Lee 

Take a peek, here's the Trailer. 

6. Pukpok by Joaquin Pantaleon, Stephan Domingo, Immanuel Canicosa 

Synopsis: "Mac-Mac stands on the threshold of manhood. He must hurdle a case characterized by excessive blood, superstitions, and an old man with failing eyesight." 

Main Cast: Jomari "Aki" Sioco, Norman Loteria, Nelwin Buaron, Oliver Torre, Noriebelle Lagunay, Grace Villablanca, Redjie Jimenez, Timothy Obra, Antonio Canicosa III, Ivam Dioso

Take a peek, here's the Trailer.

7. Sa Wakas by Nica Santiago 

Synopsis: "The film tells the story of a father who rushes his daughter to find a health center that would admit her as she loses so much blood. Will they make it or would the life of young Kat-Kat be put to waste? It is a paramount reflection of a father-daughter bond tested by cultural, political and religious hypocrisy." 

Main Cast: Raul Morit, Divie Aucina, Meann Espinosa 

Take a peek, here's the Trailer. 

8. Taya by Adi Bontuyan

Synopsis: "12 year-old Junjun finds himself running around his new found home, with children who taught him various Filipino games. Unaware of the impending relocation plans set to destroy their new dwelling, Junjun continues to learn and play Bangsak, Bente Uno and other local games with his friends. He soon discovers this demolition during a series of games that briefly halts their play. Set against the backdrop of a slum area in Quezon City, Junjun and his friends return to their game -- with or without a house to come home to. Through play and imagination, the film highlights how traditional Filipio games reflect the realities and disparities of our society." 

Main Cast: Luis Amodan, Sherleen Jan Surian, Michael Bonapos, Alvin Salipo, Elvis J. Sabellano, Mark Asi Villanueva, Billy Carosa, Elora Espano, Roger Cruz, Jan Pablo, Ron Conise, Mike Enteria, Alexandra Villanueva, John Sacnanas, Christian Renosa, Myrna Lacdao, Abby Bergantin, Edna Malibago, Sally Suarez, Imelda Bagonoc, Vevencia Padre, Joy Marabag

Take a peek, here's the Trailer. 

9. The Houseband's Wife by Paolo O' Hara

Synopsis: "Husband Tonyo and wife Isa, struggling for a better life, were separated when she was forced to work abroad. Tonyo stayed home to take care of the household and their three children.

The family managed to keep in touch through Skype, an Internet-based video call system, where they could go on with their lives as if she was never out of the country. She would see the children to school, check on his husband’s errands and one day, even caught his husband keeping someone else’s “bra” hanging in their closet.

Enraged, the wife vowed she would do the same--sleep with another man--even before hearing the husband’s explanation. After admitting the act to his husband, she discovered that he didn’t cheat after all. Tonyo sidelines in some drag show and uses the bra as costume. Angry and dismayed, Tonyo, vowed to retaliate--sleep with another woman."
  
Main Cast:  Diana Alferez, Max Celada, Gianna Lamadrid, Renoa Lamadrid, Janielle Anne Ponce, Paolo O’Hara

Take a peek, here's the Trailer 

 What Cinemalaya short do you intend to watch? Share your pick. 

Bayanihan para sa Kalinangan Launched

SneakPick Indie Films and Stage Plays Philippines, is a socially-responsive marketing company committed to bring distinct, heart-warming and thought-provoking Filipino stage plays and independent films to everyone. 

Inspired to cultivate and promote culture and arts to the grassroots level, SneakPick seeks able Ka-Bayani advocates to support their banner program Bayanihan para sa Kalinangan which bridges culture advocates from companies, government and the academe to collaborate with creative affiliates or Ka-Linangan partners in giving the underprivileged equal access to experience free of charge, quality Filipino independent films and stage plays. 

Above, at the recent launch of Bayanihan para sa Kalinangan held at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde of the CCP (Dream Theater) were pioneer Ka-linangan partners: Director Dave Cecilio, President of CineCilio Productions, Aya A. Dupaya, Founder of SneakPIck Indie Films and Stage Plays Philippines, Rod Barry Manalang and Aldo Vencilao representing James Villafuerte, Founder of Villa Teatro Company. Not in photo are Director Michael Angelo Dagnalan, President and Ma-an Asuncion, Vice President of Kuwentista Productions. 

Interested donors, sponsors and project collaborators may contact SneakPick at (0915) 3518179 or (02) 2097085 or visit their website at http://bayanihan4kalinangan.blogspot.com. 

Our Accredited Shows for SY 2013-2014

Our Roster of Independent Films 

A.    KUWENTISTA PRODUCTIONS

LAYANG BILANGGO - Set in a rural milieu, LAYANG BILANGGO is a story about the everyday struggles of abandoned senior citizens living inside the walls of a home for the aged. And as they go through their common routines, by chance, they stumble upon a revelation about an ongoing tragedy of fate between a hired gun and the daughter he abandoned.

Cast: Pen Medina, Miriam Quiambao, Jaime Fabregas, Will Devaughn, Sue Prado, Archi Adamos, Mailes Kanapi, Ama Quiambao, Lui Quiambao-Manansala, Hermie Concepcion, Pocholo Montes, Johnny Barnes, Neil Sese, Bombi Plata, Tom Olivar, Raymond Rinoza, Yonie Batoctoy.

(Source: http://www.agimat.net/film/100340.php)

PAGLAYA SA TANIKALA - Young Berto is a glue-sniffing, street child that has fallen prey to human traffickers. When the street urchin meets Somascan Bro. Jerry, he finds refuge in the Casa Miani orphanage. But the brotherhood of the streets compel him to follow their code.

Cast: Matteo Guidicelli, Micko Laurente, Nicco Manalo, Jaime Fabregas, Lui Villaruz, Sue Prado, Clarence Delgado, Gary Lim, Marife Necesito, Bor Ocampo, Weng Concepcion, Raul Morit, Leon Miguel, Heart Eusebio, Ching Danseco, Joseph Santos, Kristoffer King.

(Source: http://www.kuwentistaproduction.com/what-we-do/films/paglaya-sa-tanikala-freedom-from-chains/)

B.     CINECILIO

WATAWAT - A 90-minute full-length independent digital period film that recounts how the Philippine flag became an emblem of national freedom and how it evolved over the century. Highlighting the contribution of Marcela Agoncillo, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and Andres Bonifacio, the film traverses through history, retelling tales of bravery and nationalism as Philippine Independence is achieved.

Cast: ChinChin Gutierrez, James Blanco, Carlos Morales, Monsour del Rosario, DJ Durano.

(Source: http://pinoypower.ph/2011/01/19/carlo-morales-and-james-blanco-star-in-watawat/)

MUSIKO  - An inspirational and educational full length film which depict the value of being a “marching band musician” — his life, struggle, and passion for the love of music.

Cast: Tommy Abuel, Martin Escudero and Melai Cantiveros.

(Source: http://elysplanet.com/2012/06/12/musico-musician-movie-mart-escudero/)

Our Accredited Shows for SY 2013-2014

Our Repertoire of Stage Plays in partnership with Villa Teatro 

A.    FILIPINO CLASSICS

1.     IBONG ADARNA - The famous Philippine folklore about a mythical creature, the Adarna bird that possesses healing powers. This is the reason why the almost dying King Fernando of Berbania tasked his three sons to catch the magical bird. This folklore about love, sacrifice and bravery is usually studied as part of the curriculum for freshmen students in secondary schools.

2.     FLORANTE AT LAURA - The story is about the love and determination of Duke Florante and Princess Laura of Albania while being pursued by the usurper Count Adolfo. Considered as a masterpiece in Philippine literature, this epic written by Francisco Balagtas is usually covered as part of the curriculum of sophomore students in secondary schools.

3.     NOLI ME TANGERE and EL FILIBUSTERISMO – Based on the famous novels written by our National Hero, Jose Rizal, who exposed the ills or what he refers to as cancer of Philippine society during the Spanish era. The books of Rizal advocated enlightenment and have indirectly influenced a revolution. Republic Act 1425 or more popularly known as Rizal Law required all levels in Philippine Schools to teach the novel as part of their curriculum. Noli is being taught to junior HS students while its sequel El Fili is being taught to senior HS students. The novels are also incorporated as a subject in College as part of their study of Rizal.

B.    ENGLISH CLASSICS

4.     ROMEO & JULIET - One of William Shakespeare’s most eponymous tragedies. A family feud between the Capulets and Montagues pushed the lovers to go great lengths even death in order to be together.

5.     HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME  - Based on the famous novel of Victor Hugo which features the Notre Dame Cathedral as the central setting of the story. Quasimodo, the deformed hunchback bell-ringer fell in love with a beautiful gypsy Esmeralda. A story about faith and religion...power and love.

C.    CONTEMPORARY

6.     HINDI KASI AKO TAPOS - Istorya ng pagbabaliktanaw sa pinagdaanan ng magkakabarkada matapos ang sampung taong di pagkikita. Ang dula ay sumisentro sa kahalagahan ng edukasyon upang marating ang mga pangarap at magkaron ng direksyon ang buhay.

7.     LANDAS – Isang kwento ng tagumpay at pagkabigo, pag-ibig at pagseselos, karangyaan at kahirapan...ng patag na daan at matinik na landas.

8.     DAVID AT GOLIATH – Dulang pambata hango mula sa Biblia...ang pagkabigo ng higanteng si Goliath sa isang pastol na si David na bagamat maliit ay may angking katalinuhan at napupuno ng pagmamahal sa Panginoon. Kalaunan ay kinilala si David na pinakatanyag na hari sa kasaysayan ng Israel.

Before the #BKLaunch Day

An Infographics from www.entrepreneur.com

This is it! Tomorrow's the simple, classy much-awaited big day for Bayanihan para sa Kalinangan. 

Albeit excited, we know we are in the deepest dip now. Our funds are low to almost none, the guests not RSVP-ing, some logistic concerns, health issues and partnership questions. Yes, we know we all have a cross bear. In our case its not one major cross big enough for us to be laid on and get crucified. Ours are small ones but many that it strikes us from all sides. 

The image of Never Give Up couldn't have been received more timely. We  need to and we will push till we pull up from the pit.  

The BK Launch may be far from perfect but the team did the best we could. We exceeded our eye-lid threshold, toiled through 3-hours chat-con meetings and stayed up till 1am tossing, brewing and relishing ideas for the BK Day. Our effort (yes! blood, sweat, tears and saliva included)were all selflessly shared and must by all means be given the opportunity to see the light of day. This is our simple way of being a hero and it is our heroic way to stay simple and unsung.    

~oOo~

There is no backing out now. After all, our attendance confirmation rate is at 80% as of yesterday afternoon. There would be school and company representatives, the sacred and the secular, the young and the young at heart all said they will be there...and we believe they will come. 

From the get go, we are fully aware that this is a humble journey towards an ambitious goal.  

We aim to change the marketing landscape of Filipino independent films and stage plays . We aim to spread the word, promote and not just "market" it. We'd like these masterpieces seen and experienced by everyone everywhere. We are after sustainability. 
 
Admittedly our climb has been slow yet steady. The eureka came around February, went live online early March and now our numbers have been encouraging. 

From ground zero, we now have 132 likes, a weekly reach of 3,547 and an increase of 1,066.7% Talking About it rate.    

Exploring the reach further, its a delight to see that our posts reached the US, Canada, UAE, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Australia.  

Operating on volunteerism, faith and sheer persistence plus hardwork...if this is not a miracle, I don't know what is. We still have a couple hours left till the launch...and we are  anticipating for more miracles to come. 

This early, to all our partners -- Kuwentista Productions, CineCilio, Villa Teatro and Tanghalan Mandaluyong -- thank you very much. May our partnership be strong, fruitful and meaningful. 

For the surprises of the day and the days to come, may we remain  grateful and hopeful. Positive possibilities are ahead!   



  

100...isang 0 na lang 1000 na!

Bawat isa mahalaga. 

Taong 2006 ng masaksihan ang pelikulang 300. Tungkol ito sa determinasyon, tatag ng loob at tapang ng 300 Spartans na pinamunuan ni Haring Leonidas laban sa libo-libong kawal Persyano sa Labanan sa Thermopylae. 

Ganito rin ang tila tunggalian ng mga pelikulang Filipino na independent laban sa mainstream Hollywood films. Ano nga ba ang laban ng simpleng Filipino production na stage play sa klasikong Phantom of the Opera? Nakapagtataka na bat mas atubili tayong bumili ng Php250.00 na ticket para sa gawang Filipino kesa sa Php 2,500.00 na banyagang palabas. Bakit sa Gangnam ni Psy ay nagsusumiksik tayo samantalang aalog-alog ang ibang mga sinehan na may palabas na indie?       

Madugo man at tila impossible gaya ng Labanan sa Thermopylae, naniniwala kaming may pag-asa ang Filipino sa Labanan sa Teatro't Sinehan. Anong uri ng palabas ang gusto mong makita? Ano ang pwede nating gawin? Tara... sumama ka sa Bayanihan na ito. 

Limang (5) tulog na lang mga Ka-Bayani. May 100 upuan para sa launching ng Bayanihan para sa Kalinangan. Libre ito para sa mga naglalayong sumuporta sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalabas ng indie film o stage play sa kani-kanilang mga tanggapan, opisina, organisasyon o eskwelahan. Libre ito para sa mga may proyektong ka-linya ng aming adhikain. Para ito sa Pilipino at sa kinabukasan ng sining at kultura ng Pilipinas sa larangan ng teatro at pelikula. 

Ka-bayani, pupunta ka ba? 

Admit Two for a Ka-Bayani like You

What is a Ka-Bayani Advocate? [ka-ba-ya-nee ædvəkət]

1. As a /noun/ - person or people; film enthusiasts, theater lovers, engagement managers, HR officers, company representatives, school owners or directors across all levels from K to 12, HS and higher education, civic organizations, youth organizations, bloggers, pretty much everyone committed, able and willing to spread arts and culture within their sphere of influence.

2. As an /ˈajiktiv/ - as a co-hero to the promotion and cultivation of Filipino arts and culture through film and theater, a Ka-Bayani modifies the world. They enrich and make life more meaningful. They pave the way in broadening one's horizon. They enable creativity, imagination and inspire hope.

3. As a  /vərb/ - watching is an action word. It is tantamount to helping the under-privileged Filipino in the public schools, baranggays or our Indigenous brothers have the opportunity to experience quality Filipino films and stage plays for FREE. 

Help us make BK happen. 

Join us in the launch and get to know our advocacy. Share in the vision. Be with us for a night of communal collaboration for culture. 

Be a Ka-bayani Advocate. 

Please RSVP by April 6th to the SneakPick Secretariat so we can reserve a seat for you.