Article and photos contributed by Sandy Cagurangan
Another season of Cinemalaya is here, and Kaka Sa Yawan is among this year’s finalists. Produced by Bryce Entertainment Production and IGMM Film Productions, the film is directed by Alpha Habon.
Photo courtesy of Queenay Mercado
It introduces Dennis Dato and stars Nicolo Mercader, Beaver Magtalas, Luis Alandy, and Nikki Valdez, together with Queenay Mercado, Karl Medina, and Noelle Polack, and the special participation of Benedix Ramos.
At its heart is a story of friendship rooted in authenticity, humility, and hope. Born out of the director’s long attachment to Mindoro and his frequent visits there, the film draws from the beliefs of the community and features the culture and the arts of the Tadyawan-Mangyan of Mindoro, Philippines.
The cast and crew spent time in immersion in Oriental Mindoro, and the film sets out to bring audiences into the natural beauty and living culture of the Tadyawan-Mangyan.
“I always want to tell stories about representing indigenous communities like this time Tadyawan Mangyan,” Direk Alpha said.
“It’s a story about the indigenous of the Tadyawan Mangyan but also at its very core it’s a story of friendship and grief by the loss of friendship and I’m sure a lot of people can relate to that,” he added.
Behind the Scenes (courtesy of Cinemalaya):
Several scenes, he shared, were lifted from his own life.
For Nikki Valdez, the shoot was a first on more than one count.
“This is my first Cinemalaya experience, sobrang masaya po ako to be immersed with the Mangyan tribe, people. Hindi biro yung naging experience but it was a very good one especially for someone like me na first time mag Cinemalaya,” she said.
Actress-content creator Queenay Mercado echoed her gratitude for the project.
“Sobrang thankful po ako and I’m so happy na naging part po ako ng pelikulang ito,” she said.
Lead cast member Beaver Magtalas hopes the film opens a window into a way of life many Filipinos have yet to see.
“Gusto po namin maipakita pa yung buhay nila sa Mindoro, ayaw rin po namin makalimutan yung ganung culture dito sa Pilipinas,” he said, adding that the film advocates greater awareness of the culture’s continued presence in the country.
Catch Kaka Sa Yawan, a Cinemalaya entry about brotherhood, friendship, and the culture and arts of our very own Tadyawan-Mangyan.
