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The Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival’s Gabi ng Parangal gave tribute to outstanding independent filmmakers last September 8, 2024 at the Manila Metropolitan Theatre. It was a night of celebrating the exceptional creativity that was showcased in the 6^th edition of the Sinag Maynila Film Festival.

The Gabi ng Parangal was graced by founders Director Brillante Mendoza and Mr. Wilson Tieng. It was also attended by Film Development Council Chairman and CEO, Director Jose Javier Reyes, Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna, Manila City Vice Mayor Yul Servo, and City Government Department Head III of the Department of Tourism Culture and Arts of Manila Charlie Dungo. Filmmakers, actors, and esteemed guests also arrived in their best Filipiniana attire, and paraded the hallways of the historic MET.

The evening started with socials prepared by the festival’s sponsors. The ballroom was packed with like-minded people with a common goal of uplifting the Philippine Film Industry. The guests enjoyed their interactions until it was time to proceed with the main event.

The atmosphere inside the theatre was electric in anticipation of the announcement of winners.

Short Film Category

3rd Best Short Film: Ang Maniniyot ni Papa Jisos 

2nd Best Short Film: Bisan Abo Wala Bilin  

1st Best Short Film: As the Moth Flies

Documentary Category

Best Documentary: INO 

Documentary Jury Prize: Pag-Ibig ang Mananaig  

Documentary Jury Prize: Ghost of Kalantiaw

Full-Length Film Category

Best Film: Her Locket  

Best Screenplay: Her Locket (J.E. Tiglao )

Best Production: Her Locket  

Best Cinematography: Her Locket (Jag Concepcion) 

Best Editing: Banjo (Bryan Wong)  

People’s Choice Award: Talahib  

Best Actor: Ronnie Lazaro (The Gospel of the Beast)  

Best Director: J.E. Tiglao (Her Locket)

Best Ensemble Acting: Her Locket  

Best Actress: Rebecca Chuaunsu (Her Locket) 

Best Supporting Actress: Elora Españo (Her Locket)

The Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival thanks all the participants and congratulates all the winners of its 6^th edition.

The Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival 2024, in partnership with the City Government of Manila, travelled all the way to Centro Escolar University last August 22, 2024. It was the first leg of the Sinag Maynila 2024 Campus Tour and Film Appreciation Talk by world renowned director Brilliante Mendoza.

The Sinag Maynila Team visited the students of the Centro Escolar University for a day of celebrating Philippine cinema.The Escolarians were very thrilled as they lined up to register for the Film Appreciation Talk as well as a chance to get to know more about Director Brilliante Mendoza. Students also got to enjoy freebies from various sponsors.

The atmosphere was full of excitement as students packed the Librada Avelino Auditorium. The program started on a high note with lively introductions by their very own hosts JC Sotto and Christine Torres. The students got to know more about the festival, how it started, and how it has been helping shape the Philippine’s film industry.

Before the workshop, students got to see an exclusive behind the scenes video of the film Ma’Rosa . This gave them a glimpse of how Director Brilliante Mendoza does his work and how he collaborates with all the artists involved in his films. This was followed by a full screening of Ma’Rosa.

Director Brilliante Mendoza started his talk with inspiring messages and proceeded to sharing his craft. The students eagerly listened with what he had to say about the industry in which he gave his heart and soul into. The program ended with a question and answer forum wherein students got to ask questions from the world renowned director.

The finalists of the 6th Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival was announced at the grand press conference in Gateway Cineplex last August 4, 2024. The founders of the festival – world renowned Director Brilliante Mendoza and Mr. Wilson Tieng of Solar Entertainment Corporation graced the event to personally congratulate the filmmakers.

Sinag Maynila received hundreds of finished film entries for the full-length, documentary, and short film categories. These entries were meticulously watched and deliberated by the selection committee that consisted of members of the academe, film experts, and film organizations. All the finalists were awarded certificates of recognition during the program. Representatives from the press were also given a chance to ask questions to the filmmakers during the question and answer forum.

FULL LENGTH FILM CATEGORY

The finalists for the full-length film consists of 7 films that come from a variety of genres. These films will be shown in select cinemas from September 4 to 10. The finalists for the full-length film are as follows: Banjo by Bryan Wong, Maple Leaf Dreams by Benedict Mique, Talahib by Alvin Yapan , Salome by Gutierrez Mangansakan II, What You Did by Joan Lopez Flores, Her Locket by J.E. Tiglao, and the Gospel of the Beast by Sheron Dayoc.

DOCUMENTARY FILM CATEGORY

The Documentary Film Category finalists are as follows: “Ghosts of Kalantiaw” by Chuck Escasa, “Ino” by Ranniel Semana, “Natatanging Palayok” (The Exceptional Pot) by Ein Gil Randall S. Camuñas, “Pag-Ibig Ang Mananaig” (Love Will Prevail) by Jenina Denise A. Domingo, “Panatag” (Tranquil) by Allan Lazaro, “Untitled/ Unfinished” by Matthew Victor Pastor, and “Way of the Balisong” by Paul Factora.

SHORT FILM CATEGORY

The finalists for the Short Film Category are as follows: “14 Days” by Nars Santos, “Ang Maniniyot ni Papa Jisos” (Father Jisos’ Photographer) by Franky Arrocena, “As the Moth Flies” by Gayle Oblea, “Bisan Abo Wala Bilin” (Even Ashes, Nothing Remains) by Kyd Torato, “Kiyaw” (Hill Myna) by Jericho Jeriel, “ILO” by Serafin Emmanuel P. Catangay, “Mananguete” (The Coconut Sap Collector) by Mery Grace Rama-Mission, “Ina Bulan” by Melver Ritz L. Gomez, “Sa Paglupad Ka Banong” (The Flight of Banog) by Elvert Bañares, and “Suka and Toyo Can Make Adobo (Vinegar and Soy Sauce Can Make Adobo) by Jude Matanguihan.

The grand press conference culminated with a one-on-one interview by representatives from the press. The directors and cast members from the full-length category finalists got to share their thoughts, insights, and experiences during their filming process.

The Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival will be part of the City Government of Manila’s Tourism Month from September 4 to 10. For announcements and more details, visit Sinag Maynila’s Facebook page @SinagMaynila.

Sinag Maynila Foundation Inc. and the City Government of Manila solidified its partnership in a momentous signing event last July 8, 2024 to kick-off the Sinag Maynila 2024 festivities. This event is in line with the City of Manila’s Department of Tourism Culture & Arts Office for their Tourism Month celebration in September. 

Respected guests, employees of the Manila City Hall, as well as friends from the media graced the Gat. Antonio J. Villegas Hall (Bulwagang Katipunan) to witness this extraordinary moment. 

Honorable Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, Vice Mayor Yul Nieto, Director Brilliante Mendoza, and Solar Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Wilson Y. Tieng, each gave their words of appreciation and expressed their dedication to this project. 

This partnership proves that the artistry and creativity that comes with producing high quality films is recognized by the government. This also shows that government officials can work hand-in-hand with film directors and producers to support and uplift the film industry in the Philippines. 

SINAG MAYNILA- “Sine Lokal, Pang Internasyonal”

The Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival has been a staple in the media and film industry since its establishment in 2015, and has been an avenue for students, filmmakers, and film enthusiasts. 

The Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival was founded by internationally renowned independent film director Brillante Mendoza alongside film producer and Solar Entertainment Corporation President Wilson Tieng. 

Sinag Maynila holds the tagline “Sine Lokal, Pang-International,” upholding its vision to show independent films of international caliber, as well as to give a voice and a creative space to independent filmmakers. 

6^th SINAG MAYNILA INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL 2024

This year’s edition of Sinag Maynila is in partnership with the City of Manila’s Department of Tourism Culture & Arts Office, the film festival will be held in September 2024 in select cinemas, culminating with the GABI NG PARANGAL to be held at The Metropolitan Theatre.

With the theme “SINE LOKAL, PANG INTERNASYONAL”, the 6^th Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival will showcase Filipino stories made by Filipinos for the worldwide audience in the following categories:

• Full Length (70-120 mins)
• Short Films (5-15 mins)
• Documentaries (15-30 mins)

Solar Entertainment Corporation traveled all the way up North last February 27 to March 3 for the spectacular Solarfest Baguio Panagbenga 2024. Held at the Melvin Jones Grandstand, this event became a captivating display of culture, music, and entertainment. 

The Panagbenga Festival is an annual celebration that commemorates the rich heritage, traditions, and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras. The term “Panagbenga” comes from the Kankanaey term meaning “the season of blooming”. 

The Solarfest Baguio Panagbenga 2023 kicked-off with an array of sponsors’ booths, welcoming locals and tourists through each of their activities. Everyone had a great time going around, playing games and winning special prizes. 

The stage came alive during the main event on March 2. Guests flocked to the Melvin Jones Grandstand along with their friends and family for an evening of entertainment. Attendees got to see spontaneous bursts of energy in the form of flash mobs brought to them by sponsors. They also got to do dance challenges on stage. 

One of the highlights of the night was an electrifying performance by Michelle Dysangco, a licensed professional teacher, dance artist, choreographer, and entrepreneur. She is also known for advocating dance as a tool to provide a safe place for the youth. Hailing from the Cordillera Region, Michelle showcased her talent, leaving the audience in awe of the talent she has brought to the stage. 

The evening was capped off with live performances by bands from the north. The attendees were serenaded by The Edralins, Purple Hail, and Silent Disco.

The night ended on a high note, leaving guests with smiles on their faces and memories, proving that the Solarfest Baguio Panagbenga 2024  was a great success.