CCP TURNS GOLD!

"CCP TURNS GOLD, LAUNCHES FUND-RAISING FOR REHABILITATION PROJECT"

FIFTY years have passed since the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) opened its doors to the Filipino people and showcased the best of Philippine arts and culture.

By April 1966, a plan to “construct, establish and maintain in a single site a national theater, a national music hall, an art and such other buildings and facilities” had been brewing.  The idea was to build a Center that aimed to awaken the consciousness of the Filipino people to the Philippine cultural heritage and encourage them to participate in its preservation, promotion and development.

It was two months after, on June 25, 1966, when the actual construction began through the initiative of former First Lady Imelda Marcos.  The delay on the actualization of the plan lay on finding the capital for its construction.  Being highly involved in the project, Mrs. Marcos ventured into one of the most ambitious fund-raising initiatives to date.

“The Flower drum Song” served as the fund-raising event.  Through the ticket sales alone, approximately $50,000 had been collected.  Mrs. Marcos also persuaded the late President Johnson, during his state visit with his family, to pledge $3.5 million from the Special Education Fund for the project.

It took three years to complete the Brutalist building, which was designed by National Artists Leandro Locsin and Ildefonso Santos Jr.  The Center was built on a reclaimed land along the Manila Bay.

On September 8, 1969, the Center welcomed its very first guests to the premiere of “The Golden Salakot: Isang Dularawan.”  Then California Governor Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy, who represented President Nixon, attended the inauguration.

Through the years, the CCP remains true to its mandate - to make arts matter to every Filipino.  It has become the leading institution for arts and culture in the Philippines by promoting artistic excellence and nurturing the broadest audiences to participate in art making and appreciation.

The CCP has been the premiere showcase of the arts in the Philippines and remains peerless in its achievements in nurturing excellent artists, producing high quality works and developing audiences for the performing arts.  It has been one of the first major venues for the performing arts in Asia, and considered one of the world’s finest examples of brutalism architecture.

This September, the CCP kickstarts its golden anniversary celebration with “Bulawan: The CCP 50th Anniversary Gala,” a night of enchanting performances by the country's best and brightest artists.  The CCP Gala will be on September 20 and 21, 8pm, at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).  The Gala is underwritten by BDO, one of the country's leading bank companies.

Directed by Loy Arcenas, the Gala features artists who have been part of CCP productions in the past 50 years, including the resident companies namely the Ballet Philippines, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Tanghalang Pilipino, the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group and the Philippine Madrigal Singers.

Pianist and former CCP president Raul Sunico will delight the crowd with his virtuoso piano music, while theatre actress Joanna Ampil will sing West End.

Dancer master Ligaya Amilbangsa, Ballet Philippines alummus Candice Adea with her fellow dancer from West Australian Ballet Julio Blanes will take the art of dance on the stage.  Sopranos Rachelle Gerodias and Andion Fernandez, contemporary artists Poppert Bernadas, Gian Magdangal and Lara Maigue will bring symphonic harmony fit for every kind of audiences.

Veteran actors Celeste Legaspi, Nonie Buencamino, Shamaine Buencamino, Audie Gemora, Monique Wilson will showcase their artistic talents in a series of performances.  With composer-director Jerrold Tarrog and editor Chuck Gutierrez, there will be a Cinemalaya segment paying homage to the golden years of Philippine cinema.

The creative team for the CCP Gala include: Katsch Catoy for lighting design, GA Fallarme for video projections, Dennis Marasigan for the script, Aji Manalo for sound engineering and Barbie Tan Tiongco for technical direction.

PPO principal conductor and musical director Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura and resident conductor Herminigildo Ranera will take the baton; while Mark Anthony Carpio will serve as musical consultant and choral conductor.

The September Gala launches the five-year fund raising initiative to rehabilitate the iconic but ageing building and bring it up to standards of the 21st century, placing it at par with the world's best art venues such as the Lincoln Center, the Sydney Opera House and other theaters worldwide which have become iconic landmarks in their respective countries.

“The CCP turns 50 this year, and it has been showing signs of its time.  The Main Building is now in need of major renovation and technical upgrading, if it is to remain a cultural landmark and a leading showcase of the performing arts.  The challenge for us is to raise P1 billion pesos (in cash, supplies and services) in the next three to five years,” said CCP Chairperson Margie Moran-Floirendo.

The funds raised will go to structural rehabilitation and renovation, including electrical and plumbing renovations, purchasing art lighting and sound equipment, upgrading fire systems, installing security systems, wifi connectivity, interior designing and landscaping, rehabilitating the hydraulic system for the main theater's orchestra pit, among others.

“The renovation project aims to provide the best facility for the production and presentation of performing arts and visual arts in the Philippines.  With the facility upgrades, we hope to provide enhanced performing arts experience, pleasing both the artists - local and international alike - and the audiences.  By embarking on this journey, we hope to recuperate the CCP's reputation as one of the best performing arts centers in Asia,” shared CCP vice president-artistic director Chris Millado.

The CCP Gala is just the beginning of the year-long celebration.  The Cultural Center of the Philippines invites everyone to celebrate this milestone, with various activities and other events happening from September 2019 to September 2020.

"CCP GIVES BACK WITH AFFORDABLE TICKETS FOR THE 50th ANNIVERSARY’S PEOPLE’S GALA"

WHERE can your Php 100 or Php 50 take you?

It can give you a night to remember when you buy a Balcony 1 or Balcony II ticket for the “Bulawan: CCP 50th Anniversary Concert,” happening on September 21, 8pm, at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).

As a way of giving back to the Filipino people who have supported the Cultural Center of the Philippines throughout the past 50 years, the country's premiere art institution will make the Balcony 1 and Balcony II tickets of the People's Gala affordable, for Php 100 and Php 50, respectively.

With that ticket, you can enjoy a West End experience with theater actress Joanna Ampil or listen to virtuoso music by renowned pianist Raul Sunico.

Get inspired as BP alumnus Candice Adea, with her fellow dancer from West Australian Ballet Julio Blanes, take the art of dance on the stage.

Experience operatic arias with soprano Rachelle Gerodias, or groove with contemporary artists Poppert Bernadas, Gian Magdangal and Lara Maigue as they bring rhythm and melody fit for every kind of audiences.

Veteran actors Celeste Legaspi, Nonie Buencamino, Shamaine Buencamino, Audie Gemora, Monique Wilson will share their artistic talents in a series of performances.

With composer-director Jerrold Tarrog and editor Chuck Gutierrez, there will be a Cinemalaya segment paying homage to the golden years of Philippine cinema.

Directed by award-winning director Loy Arcenas, the People's Gala features artists who have been part of CCP in the past 50 years, including the resident companies namely the Ballet Philippines, the Philippine Ballet Theater, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Tanghalang Pilipino, the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, UST Symphony Orchestra, NAMCYA, and the Philippine Madrigal Singers.

The creative team for the CCP Gala includes: Katsch Catoy for lighting design, GA Fallarme for video projections, Dennis Marasigan for the script, Aji Manalo for sound engineering and Barbie Tan Tiongco for technical direction.

PPO principal conductor and musical director Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura and resident conductor Herminigildo Ranera will take the baton; while Mark Anthony Carpio will serve as musical consultant and choral conductor.

The Bulawan concert kicks off the year-long celebration for the CCP's golden anniversary. Expect various activities and other events, happening from September 2019 to September 2020, at affordable prices or even for free.

Come and celebrate with the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

For tickets, you may call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704. For other inquiry, please call the CCP Sales and Promotions Department at 832-3706 or 832-3704 loc. 1803, or visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph, follow the CCP official Facebook and Instagram accounts.

(THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO MR. RUBEN VINTA FOR THE CCP YOUTUBE.COM VID ABOVE. CREDITS GOES TO HIM.---rms***)

CARLO MENDOZA: THE NEW PADRE SALVI IN GANTIMPALA THEATER FOUNDATION'S "KANSER 2019"...

"I am learning a lot", Carlo Mendoza, the new Padre Salvi in Gantimpala Theater Foundation's Kanser 2019, said at the start of an interview. "The process may be hard, but I know, it's a good training for me. Coming from the world of Pop, my venture into theater acting now is a big challenge. It just came accidentally and I grabbed it at once because I know I also have the passion towards it.

"Once you really wanna' do the things you really like, everything's gonna be easier after", he continued. "Because you are willing to learn and my heart is full. It's a total dedication now on my part and I know, my efforts will be paid-off."

Carlo gets good moral support from his manager Jobert Sucaldito in his venture into Theater.

"He told me I must do my best, my very best", Carlo said. "He encouraged me to research further on my character Padre Salvi in the play Kanser. I got to read the book Noli Me Tangere by Dr. Jose Rizal when I was in high school to which the play was adapted upon. Yeah, I have an idea who Padre Salvi was. And portraying the role needed my all-out focus.

"Nanay Jobert also told me that to be included in the play Kanser is such a great honor and privilege", again he continued to say. "Not all new singers or actors are given a chance like this. So I am really so pressured now, I really must do it well."

Carlo will also be having singing scenes in the play and he could use his voice to further convince everyone that he's right for the part.

"I had voice lessons with the musical director Joed Balsamo and acting workshops with our co-actor Neil Tolentino to further prepare me for the part", Carlo revealed. "It was a great help. And Kuya Kiel Alo always reminds me to memorize the script and the lines. And whenever I came to the rehearsals, I am ready. But you see, when my nervousness attacks, that's it, I can not even move my feet during the rehearsals. But later on, everything subsided. I am more relaxed now."

According to some media people, Carlo's parents are not really that keen on Carlo becoming a theater actor. They want Carlo to simply handle their construction business.

"But I will soon prove to them that they will be proud of me once they watched me perform at Kanser 2019", he guaranteed by saying. "I know they will understand me better soon. I will show to them that I am also good in acting at the theater."

And last question for Carlo, how much does he know about the character of Padre Salvi?

"Padre Salvi is a deceiving Spanish Priest", he said in the end. "he has a secret eye on Maria Clara. He is among Crisostomo Ibarra's many nemesis. He is young and very passionate."

Good luck to you, Carlo Mendoza.




(written by robert manuguid silverio)
vid of the Finale Scene of Kanser 2018 (last year), courtesy of AXL powehouse network.**

LANCE RAYMUNDO, THE FITNESS BUFF WILL SOON SHOW-OFF HIS MUSCLES IN ONE PHOTO-SHOOT BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER....

Regularly seen at Gold's Gym together with his fitness coach Culver Padilla wherein he rigidly trims-off those baby fats, actor-singer Lance Raymundo will soon show-off those wonderful muscles in one photo shoot out to be done by the end of September.

WHEN YOU'VE GOT IT, FLAUNT IT, that's a saying that everybody seems to be doing now. The body forms of Lance, almost like that of a Greek god- in perfect sculpture and details, is such an envy to fatty guys and other celebrities who don't discipline themselves well-enough in terms of fitness and proper diet.

"Even though my schedules are so tight these days, I see to it that I can still regularly go to the gym", Lance told a blogger. "And I feel that, the more I must go to the gym. Because when you're busy, you tend to eat much and forget about your diet. You also neglect seeing those baby fats popping-out from your body. They must be shelved-off by going to the gym.

"I have a great fitness coach in person of Culver Padilla", Lance continued to say. "He's the one reminding me to be consistent about my diet and my being physically fit. He knows the proper program. As an actor, it's my obligation to always look good and be physically fit to inspire others out there to do the same."

Lance and his gym buddies all belong to a group called KPFITNESS, and they recently shot a video in a beach in Morong, Bataan. They have some advocacy in mind and it's for a good cause.

Lance is now deep into the promotions of his latest single SANA, it's under Viva Records and is now out on all Digital Music Platforms. The Lyric Video of his song is now also uploaded at YouTube.Com. So better check it out.

Going back to Lance's upcoming photo shoot by the end of September which will show-off his great physique, a young and very artistic Photographer was chosen to do the shoot.

According to the Creative Director of the photo shoot, Lance won't really go totally naked in the photo shoot, just in shorts. But there's gonna be sweat, wetness, extreme shots of his body forms. Oh, my.

"I've worked hard to attain a good physique", Lance said in the end. "A lot of people have been noticing how good my body is. So I guess, there's nothing wrong to simply show-off those muscles and forms. No pain, no gain."


That's pretty right, Lance.





(as the words were written by robert silverio)

LANCE RAYMUNDO STARTS HIS RADIO TOURS, TV APPEARANCES AND OTHER PROMOTIONAL GIGS THIS WEEK FOR HIS NEW SONG "SANA"....

Starting this week (September 9 and the following days), singer-actor Lance Raymundo will start promoting his new singer under Viva Records entitled Sana. He'll be doing rounds of promotional tours in different radio programs and radio stations, will also do some TV appearances to promote his new single, and other promotional gigs alongside.

"That's why I am really going to be very busy starting September 9 and my schedule is fully-booked", lance revealed. "And I guess, it will end until the month of December.

"Why until December? It's because my Christmas Song-, Silent Night, which had its first launching last year will be relaunched by November 3", he continued to say. "At tuloy-tuloy na 'yun. That's why my new song Sana and my Christmas song Silent Night will somehow be heard along the airwaves and digital platforms by that time- September, October, November and until December."

As of press time, Lance's video teasers for the song Sana had reached more than 25k Likes on the viral world. The lyric video of the song could now be seen at YouTube.Com.

"The MTV of my song Sana will be used in an Ice Cream promo, that's why we could not yet release it", Lance explained. "I feel more happier now, because as much as I enjoyed writing my new song, the same happiness that people feel whenever they hear my song. And I am more confident this time around."

There will also be an official radio station wherein the song Sana will be played regularly. And people from Viva records are now pretty excited about the good outcome of the song.

"Two more songs before the year ends to promote and be busy with  really gives me zest and energy to continue doing what I want as a singer", Lance said in finality. "My singing career, I know is on the right direction. I am so thankful that Viva Records people are very supportive of me."

See you at the radio stations, TV channels, plus more, Mr. Lance Raymundo. Break a leg!!!




(as the words were written by robert silverio)
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MR. WILSON FERNANDEZ (of liwayway magazine)

LANCE RAYMUNDO AUDITIONS FOR CINEMALAYA 2020 FILMS AT THE CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES...

Right at this very moment that this article is being written, singer-actor Lance Raymundo is auditioning for the ten selected full-length films of Cinemalaya 2020/Cinemalaya 16 up for release next year August 2020.

Because of some unforeseen events, a blogger failed to do Lance's acting piece for the said auditions and also failed to accompany Lance at the auditions. But nevertheless, Lance still went to the auditions, even much ready than anyone else.

"One of the people behind the Cinemalaya 2020 texted me and told me to audition", Lance said to a blogger. "It's been quite some time since I auditioned there and had a movie included on that great film festival. My very last Cinemalaya film was Ang Paglilitis kay Andres Bonifaco in which I portrayed the role of Emilio Aguinaldo and was directed there by the late film Master Mario O'Hara. Before that, I also did the film Nerseri, which was my very first Cinemalaya movie and it even won awards. Oh wow, I really missed doing a new movie on that fest.

"My other movies like Fidel and the international film The Thief, The Kid, and The Killer were simply screened there for exhibitions and were not official film entries", Lance continued. "What I really want is, to be really a part of the Cinemalaya film festival and it's been a while, really. Because you see, Robert, most of my films in the last couple of years were entries of other film festivals like Cinema One and the likes, but not Cinemalaya. That's why now, I am really auditioning. Hopefully, I would be given a part."

Lance fully remembered, it was two years ago when he last auditioned there at the Cinemalaya, but on the last minute that he was already among those people who were lining-up and were given audition numbers, he backed out all too-suddenly.

"Because I was told I must have one audition piece or an acting piece to perform there at the auditions more than a couple of years ago", Lance revealed to a blogger. "I was not really prepared at that time and I had no Acting Piece to impress the selection committee. Instead of being felt embarrassed, I simply walked-out of the line and went home. 

"But I also remembered, in the year 2014, I also auditioned there", Lance continued. "But when direk Lou Veloso saw me as among those people lining up to get some parts on those movies, direk Lou pulled me out of the line and told me to portray Jesus Christ on his Senakulo- Ang Martir Sa Golgota. I guess, it was a social media influencer- Mr. Dennis T. Sebastian, who suggested me to direk Lou, and from thereon, I was performing Jesus Christ na yearly on the Senakulo."

You see, actor-singer Lance Raymundo has got that humility and professionalism that many had not seen from other less-established performers. While other ordinary 'audition-participants' complained that popular actors were being prioritized on the line of the audition and being put first, Lance never agreed to be treated as that. He always does things fairly and squarely. He was among those ordinary people on the LINE.

"Yeah, that's right", Lance said in finality. "But this time, on the Cinemalaya 2020 auditions, I won't sweat it harder on the line. Because I will go there exactly 9 a.m. and I guess, by that early, I won't be far on the line. If you are early, you will be among the first to audition. 'Coz you see, Robert, I am happier being among those actors who does things on the right way, on the right, and on the right place."

Certainly, Mr. Lance Raymundo.

By the way, another article on Mr. Raymundo tomorrow again on this blog site. Let's talk about his promo tours and TV and radio guestings for his new song "Sana". Tomorrow!





(as written by ROBERT SILVERIO)
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: MR. LANCE RAYMUNDO and MR. WILSON FERNANDEZ (of liwayway magazine)
(note from the blogger: the vid above "wake me up when september ends" acapella version is not connected in any way from lance raymundo's present activities. it was simply put-upon for artistic purposes. thank you.---**)

PAMANA: THE CULTURAL LEGACIES OF LUZON AT CCP SEPTEMBER 5

 THE Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) through its Cultural Exchange Department (CED) presents  three leading performing groups from Luzon in “PAMANA:  The Cultural Legacies of Luzon” on September 5 at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm at the  CCP Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater) under the CED Ugnayan sa Sining program.

Pamana performing groups include the Baao Children’s Choir from Baao-Camarines Sur, Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe from Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas City, and the Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation, Inc. (BKFI) from Malolos City-Bulacan.  The collaboration of these three groups began in 2014 when they first performed and toured the Visayas (Bacolod, Sta. Barbara and Iloilo) as part of the 35th Anniversary of the CCP Outreach Programs, followed by another exchange tour in 2015 in Batangas, Olongapo and Munoz-Nueva Ecija and in 2016 in Tagum City and Nabunturan-Compostela Valley.

The Legend of Lam-Ang, Bernardo Carpio, Ulo ng Apo and Bul-ul are some of the mythical stories from Luzon region which are part of the Pamana program.  Melandro N. Pascual, writer-director of the production, hopes that efforts to revitalize the Filipinos’ interest and appreciation for Philippine folk tales and legends can be sustained.  Many of the stories emulate the good traits and practices of the people of Luzon as portrayed by the actors of BK. Lam-Ang shows everyone how skillful and clever he is, while the Bul-ul is known for protecting the rice fields, it signifies loyalty in giving service to its owner according to the very purpose of why it was created.  Isabela’s Bambanti demonstrates preparedness, Ulo ni Apo reveals the bravery and devotion of the people of Olongapo and Bernardo Carpio’s fearlessness reflects the life ways of the natives of Region IV.

With the folk songs (e.g. pamulinawen, kataka-taka, ang maya) carefully selected by conductor Hermelino Briones of the Baao Children and Youth Choir and the folk dances (e.g. bendian, salatimais, subli, cariñosa) creatively choreographed by Rodel Fronda of the Lahing Batangan Dance Troupe, the storytelling becomes even more engaging, more visual, and more harmonious.

After the CCP run, Pamana moves to Bataan from September 6-9, 2019.  The CCP run and move-over performance are presented in partnership with the Barasoain Kalinangan Foundation Inc.

From 2014-2018, the CCP CED under its program entitled “Ugnayan sa Sining” successfully mounted and toured four collaborative productions which highlighted the cultural expressions and traditions of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.  For 2019, the productions will be presented at the CCP little theater starting February to October.  The Mindanao collaborative production opened the series last February followed by the Visayas collaborative production last July 25.  The Luzon performing groups are the third featured regional artists.

The 2019 Ugnayan sa Sining performances @ the CCP are offerings of the center as part of its 50th Anniversary and the 40th Year of its Outreach Program and are intended for the students and local communities who have limited or no access/means to experience live cultural engagements at the CCP. 

For more information, contact the CCP Cultural Exchange Department at 832-1125 locals 1708-1709.

CALL FOR ENTRIES TO 2021 CINEMALAYA FILM COMPETITION

ENTRIES are now being accepted for the Full-Length Film category of the 2021 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival and Competition.

All Filipino filmmakers are welcome to submit their entries for the Cinemalaya main full-length competition.  Interested filmmakers must submit their application on or before October 25, 2019 (Friday), 6:00 p.m. to the Film, Broadcast and New Media Division of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

Application must include: duly accomplished 2021 Entry Form, which can be downloaded from the CCP and Cinemalaya websites; synopsis in Filipino or English; detailed sequence treatment; two (2) recent photos of proponent/s; and sample of a short film (between 5 to 20 min in DVD format), directed by the proponent/s.  All applications must be submitted in six (6) copies in a long brown envelope properly labeled with the proponent's name, title of the film entry and contact details.

For entry forms and complete guidelines, visit www.cinemalaya.org, www.culturalcenter.gov.phor call the CCP Film, Broadcast and New Media Division at 832-1125, local 1705 and 1702. You can visit CCP FBNMD during office hours (9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), from Tuesday to Friday, at 4/F CCP Main Building, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

The ten (10) finalists for the Cinemalaya full-length film competition will be announced on August 16, 2020 during the Awards Night of the 16th edition of the film festival.

Established in 2005, Cinemalaya is an all-digital film festival and competition that aims to discover, encourage and honor cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers. Considered the country’s biggest indie film festival, it has supported and promoted the production of 156 full feature independent films and 138 short films; many of these films have won awards in local and international competitions and festivals.  Through the annual festival, Cinemalaya has showcased over 1,000 works by independent filmmakers including full feature films, shorts, documentaries, Filipino film classics and art films.

10 FULL-LENGTH FILMS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN CINEMALAYA 2020

THE 10 DIRECTORS OF THE 10 CINEMALAYA 2020 FILMS

THE cinematic energy is still high from the recently concluded 2019 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, but the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation are already gearing towards its 16th edition with the announcement of the 10 full-length finalists who will compete and vie for the plum Best Film award.

As announced during the Cinemalaya Awards Night, the 10 finalists are: ANG HALIMAW by Emmanuel Q. Palo; ANGKAS by Rainerio Yamson II; BAKIT DI MO SABIHIN (Tell Her) by Real Florido; BULA SA LANGIT by Sheenly Gener; DALAGITA SA LIKOD NG PAWIKAN by Paul Sta. Ana; KARGO by TM Malones; KATHOEY by Joris Fernandez, Paolo Valconcha; PAROLE by Briliant Juan; RHINO GIRL by Jav Velasco; and SEPERATE/SEPARATE by David Corpuz.

“Ang Halimaw” follows a group of underground activists who take a 10-year old boy under their wing while the boy waits to be reunited with his parents who are high-value targets of the Marcos military.

“Angkas” is about two estranged friends who try to rebuild their embittered past as they travel dangerously together in a habal-habal and retrieve a dead pal.

In “Bakit Di Mo Sabihin (Tell Her),” while a mute couple decides on what to do with their marriage after they separated, they learned that it is not the disability to speak that tore them apart.

After a six-month siege in Marawi, a young soldier comes back home and faces a different war in “Bula Sa Langit.”

“Dalagita sa Likod ng Pawikan” follows an island girl’s quest to find meaning and hope in the midst of personal tragedy and environmental degradation.

“Kargo” is about a woman who carries with her a heavy burden from her past – an encumbrance what will only be relieved when she finally exacts revenge on the man who murdered her entire family.

“Kathoey” narrates how a conservative Filipino father searches for his estranged transdaughter and receives the most unexpected help from a Thai transgender prostitute.

In “Parole,” a paroled ex-convict tries to adjust back to society after being imprisoned for 30 long years for a crime he did not commit, while looking for his long lost friend.

“Rhino Girl” contains two stories of desire for beauty and perfection. It follows a waitress with an average Filipino nose who raises funds for her rhinoplasty through a GoFundMe page, and a struggling fashion model who gets addicted to plastic surgery and finds herself pushing her boundaries to what the price of beauty really is.

To lull his sorrow after being abandoned by his mother, Justine joins the school spelling bee in “Seperate/Separate.”

Established in 2005, Cinemalaya is an all-digital film festival and competition that aims to discover, encourage and honor cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers. Considered the country’s biggest indie film festival, it has supported and promoted the production of 156 full feature independent films and 138 short films; many of these films have won awards in local and international competitions and festivals.

Catch these full-length film finalists at the 16th edition of Cinemalaya Film Festival, slated on August 7 to 16, 2020.