4th Singkuwento International Film Festival Runs From Feb 15 - 22 2019

In celebration of the 100th year of Philippine Cinema this year and the National Arts Month this February, the Singkuwento International Film Festival Manila Philippines (SIFFMP) 2019 is back on the scene.

At a time in history wherein there is a renewed public interest and a spirited revival of Pinoy Cinema, SIFFMP was founded by its festival director Perry Escaño, himself an independent filmmaker.

Now on its fourth edition, the festival will be held on February 15 to 22, 2019 at the NCCA Theater in Intramuros, Manila, presented by MPJ Entertainment Productions, in cooperation with Asian Television Content Corporation (headed by Engr. Rey Sanchez), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and Film Development Council of the Philippines (headed by Chair Liza Diño).

The festival’s main objective is to feature works of various Filipino and foreign filmmakers.  It is an avenue for Filipinos both here and abroad to share their voice, sentiments and thoughts via the films they have created. 

It is also the festival’s aim to provide a channel for non-Filipinos to share their impressions of the Philippines and its people.

This year, legendary and iconic actor Mr. Eddie Garcia is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, based on his outstanding achievements during his long career, and whose contributions to the improvement and promotion of the local film industry over the years are truly exceptional.

During the previous years, the festival bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Awards to world-renowned Filipino director Brillante Mendoza and multi-awarded actress, Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor.

 Opening Film

The dramatic and controversial-themed "Immaculada, Pag-Ibig Ng Isang Ina”, starring award-winning actress Ara Mina, is the Opening Film of the 2019 Singkuwento International Film Festival Manila Philippines (SIFFMP).

The film is a dark tale of a mother's love to his son. A continuation of a twisted love that seemed like a curse, one that was ended by an incomprehensible act of a mother's love. Based on true stories.

Immaculada, Pag-Ibig Ng Isang Ina

Starring: Ara Mina, Ms. Elizabeth Oropesa, John Estrada Akihiro Blanco, Elijah Canlas

Directed By: Arlyn Dela Cruz

  

 The Official Finalists in 3 Categories are:

Full Length Films

“Promdi” is a story about farm boy Fernie who dreams of a better future not just for himself but for his family. He leaves his simple life in the province to study in the city thru a scholarship. He takes part-time jobs just to support his daily expenses.

Starring: Kiko Estrada, Shaira Diaz, Chris Leonardo, Kervin Rivas, Mavi Lozano

Directed By: Charlotte Dianco

 “Rendezvous” is about a water entity named “balud”, a merman, who falls in love with a girl, Mira. It’s a sweet, charming fantasy movie with waves of zany scenes and ripples of dramatic tensions.

Starring:  Ms. Gina Pareño, Patani Daño, Jiana Aurigue, Tonz Are

Directed By:  Marvin C. Gabas

“Playground” is about an out-of school boy from the province who goes to Manila with a dream of becoming a professional dota player to earn enough money for the educational needs of his younger sister.

Starring: Neptali Toribio, Buboy Villar, Lance Raymundo , China Roces, and Rosanna Roces  

Directed By: Dave Chicano Cecilio

Kapayapaan sa Gitna ng Digmaan is an extraordinary story of love that endured great challenges and found peace in the midst of war. In the midst of war, the only thing Yoshiaki wants is, in his own little way, he ensures that Filipinos are safe.  

Starring:  Richard Quan, Celina Talavera, and Christopher Roxas.

Directed By: Nestor Malgapo Jr

 

“Pur Laine” is a story about an old man who suddenly dies, leaving his most recent wife to sell the house and start a new life. When his daughter from a previous marriage appears and claims the house is hers, all hell breaks loose.

Starring: : Christian Paolo Lat, Celestine Caravaggio, and Issabelle Lafond

Directed By:  Alexander Cruz (aka Roy Kruiser)

Short Films

 Set A

"Ang Huling Bucket List” by Bibo Ebuen

"Ang Nagliliyab Na Kasaysayan Ng Pamilya Dela Cruz" (The Flaming History of the Dela Cruz Family) by Miguel Louie de Guzman

 

 Ang Lumunod Sa Atin” (What Drowned Us) by Sonia Regalario

  

"Apo Dios" (God) by Victor Elijah Gador

 "Bisperas" (Eve) by Ralph Lauren Quincena

 Set B

"Brujo” (Witch Doctor) by Kurt Jimenez

 

 "Cicatriz” (Scar) (drama) by Rosahlee Bautista

"Dalit” (Poision)  by Belle Loyola

 

"Dama” (Checker) by Trisha Mae Antonio

 

 "Delta"  by James Garcia and Eluigi Macalintal

 

Set C

"Healing" by Karla Urquiaga

 "Joker" by Egai Castañeda

"Kumari" by One Carlo Diaz and Angela Aguila

"Kung ‘Di Man Dumating Ang Gabi" (If The Night Never Comes) by Maggie Lirio and Therese Bayabo

 

 

"Limang Oras” (Five Hours) by Maricel Cariaga

Set D

 "No Man Is An Island" by Nash Ang

"Paano Bihisan Ang Isang Ina" (How To Dress A Mother?) by Tim Rone Villanueva

"Saglit” (Moment) by Devine Angeo and Kristine Medenilla

"Saranggola” (Kite) by Cielo Bagabaldo and Gloria Soriano

"Sayote Man" by Conan Altatis

Set E

 "Sintas” (Shoelace) by Arjanmar Rebeta

"Starlight" by Reinette Natividad

 

"The Rookie" by Jojo Nadela

"Theo" by Summer Castro

"Wa Nan" by Marie Tayag

Documentary Shorts

1.  “Durungawan” (Window) – directed by Daniela Mariel Laygo
2.  “Landong” (Shadow) – directed by Ma. Toiza Gorantes
3.  “Takip Sining” (Hidden Art) – directed by Sophia Louise Geslani
4.  “Serbedora” (Servant) – directed by Roxanne Gomez
5.  “Liwanag” (Light) – directed by Arby and Christine Laraño

 Screening Schedule

FEBRUARY 15 (FRIDAY)

7:00 PM – OPENING CEREMONIES

7:30 PM -- OPENING FILM: “IMMACULADA, PAG-IBIG NG ISANG INA” by Arlyn Dela Cruz (World Premiere) Starring: Ara Mina, Elizabeth Oropesa, John Estrada, Akihiro Blanco

 

FEBRUARY 16 (SATURDAY)

12:00 NN – SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILMS in Competition (77 mins)
"Durungawan” (Window) by Daniela Mariel Laygo / "Landong “(Shadow) by Ma. Toiza Gorantes / “Takip Sining” (Hidden Art) by Sophia Louise Geslani / "Serbedora” (Servant) by Roxanne Gomez / "Liwanag” (Light) by Arby and Christine Laraño 

1:30 PM -- SET “A” SHORT FILMS in Competition (76 mins)
"Ang Huling Bucket List" by Bibo Ebuen / "Ang Nagliliyab Na Kasaysayan Ng Pamilya Dela Cruz" (The Flaming History of the Dela Cruz Family) by Miguel Louie de Guzman / "Ang Lumunod Sa Atin” (What Drowned Us) by Sonia Regalario / "Apo Dios" by Victor Elijah Gador / "Bisperas" (Eve) by Ralph Lauren Quincena 

3:00 PM – SET “B” SHORT FILMS in Competition (84 mins)
"Brujo” (Witch Doctor) by Kurt Jimenez / "Cicatriz” (Scar) by Rosahlee Bautista / "Dalit” (Poision) by Belle Loyola / "Dama” (Checker) by Trisha Mae Antonio / "Delta" by James Garcia and Eluigi Macalintal 

5:00 PM – Gala Screening: “PLAYGROUND” by Dave Chicana Cecilio (90 mins/ Full Length Film In Competition) -- World Premiere

7:00 PM – Gala Screening: “RENDEZVOUS” by Marvin C. Gabas (132 mins/ Full Length Film In Competition) -- Manila Premiere

FEBRUARY 17 (SUNDAY)

12:00 NN – SET “C” SHORT FILMS In Competition (82 mins)
"Healing" by Karla Urquiaga / "Joker" by Egai Castañeda / "Kumari" by One Carlo Diaz and Angela Aguila / "Kung ‘Di Man Dumating Ang Gabi" (If The Night Never Comes) by Maggie Lirio and Therese Bayabo / "Limang Oras (Five Hours)" by Maricel Cabrera-Cariaga

 

1:45 PM -- SET “D” SHORT FILMS In Competition (75 mins)
"No Man Is An Island" by Nash Ang (from Korea) / "Paano Bihisan Ang Isang Ina" (How To Dress A Mother) by Tim Rone Bagnas Villanueva / "Saglit“ (Moment) by Devine Angeo and Kristine Medenilla / "Saranggola” (Kite) by Cielo Bagabaldo and Gloria Soriano / "Sayote Man" by Conan Altatis

 

3:30 PM – “GUERRERO” by Carlo Ortega Cuevas (102 mins/ Full Length Exhibition Film) 

5:30 PM – Gala Screening: “KAPAYAPAAN SA GITNA NG DIGMAAN” (Peace In The Midst of War) by Nestor Malgapo Jr, (90 mins/ Full Length Film In Competition) – Manila Premiere

7:30 PM – Gala Screening: “PROMDI” by Charlotte Dianco (82 mins/ Full Length Film In Competition) – World Premiere

 

FEBRUARY 18 (MONDAY)

12:00 NN – SET “E” SHORT FILMS In Competition (93 mins)
"Sintas” (Shoelace) by Arjanmar Rebeta / "Starlight" by Reinette Natividad / "The Rookie" by Jose Johnny Nadela / "Theo" by Summer Castro / "Wa Nan" by Marie Tayag 

2:00 PM – “JOURNEYMAN FINDS HOME: THE SIMONE ROTA STORY” by Albert Almendralejo and Maricel Cariaga (60 mins) and “MAN IN MY DREAMS” by Charlotte Dianco (30 mins, World Premiere) – Exhibition Films (twinbill)

4:00 PM – “PLAYGROUND” by Dave Chicana Cecilio (90 mins/ Full Length Film In Competition)

5:30 PM – Gala Screening: SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILMS in Competition (77 mins)
"Durungawan” (Window) by Daniela Mariel Laygo / "Landong “(Shadow) by Ma. Toiza Gorantes / “Takip Sining” (Hidden Art) by Sophia Louise Geslani / "Serbedora” (Servant) by Roxanne Gomez / "Liwanag” (Light) by Arby and Christine Laraño

7:30 PM – Gala Screening: “PUR LAINE” by Alexander Diaz (88 mins/ Full Length Film In Competition) -- International Premiere

FEBRUARY 19 (TUESDAY)

12:00 NN – “RENDEZVOUS” by Marvin Gabas (132 mins/ Full Length Film In Competition) – Manila Premiere

2:30 PM – “PLAYGROUND” by Dave Chicana Cecilio (90 mins/ Full Length Film In Competition) 

4:15 PM – “JOURNEYMAN FINDS HOME: THE SIMONE ROTA STORY” by Albert Almendralejo and Maricel Cariaga (60 mins) and “MAN IN MY DREAMS” by Charlotte Dianco (30 mins) – Exhibition Films (twinbill)

6:00 PM – Gala Screening: SET “C” SHORT FILMS In Competition (82 mins)

"Healing" by Karla Urquiaga / "Joker" by Egai Castañeda / "Kumari" by One Carlo Diaz and Angela Aguila / "Kung ‘Di Man Dumating Ang Gabi" (If The Night Never Comes) by Maggie Lirio and Therese Bayabo / "Limang Oras (Five Hours)" by Maricel Cariaga 

7:45 PM – Gala Screening: SET “D” SHORT FILMS In Competition (75 mins)
"No Man Is An Island" by Nash Ang (from Korea) / "Paano Bihisan Ang Isang Ina" (How To Dress A Mother) by Tim Rone Villanueva / "Saglit“ (Moment) by Devine Angeo and Kristine Medenilla / "Saranggola” (Kite) by Cielo Bagabaldo and Gloria Soriano / "Sayote Man" by Conan Altatis 

FEBRUARY 20 (WEDNESDAY)

12:00 NN -- “GUERRERO” by Carlo Ortega Cuevas (102 mins/ Full Length Exhibition Film)

2:00 PM – “KAPAYAPAAN SA GITNA NG DIGMAAN” (Peace In The Midst of War) by Nestor Malgapo, Jr. (90 mins/ Full Length Film In Competition)

4:00 PM -- “RENDEZVOUS” by Marvin Gabas (132 mins/ Full Length Film In Competition)

6:30 PM – Gala Screening: SET “E” SHORT FILMS In Competition (93 mins)
"Sintas” (Shoelace) by Arjanmar Rebeta / "Starlight" by Reinette Natividad / "The Rookie" by Jojo Nadela / "Theo" by Summer Castro / "Wa Nan" by Marie Tayag 

8:00 PM – Gala Screening: SET “A” SHORT FILMS in Competition (76 mins)
"Ang Huling Bucket List" by Bibo Ebuen / "Ang Nagliliyab Na Kasaysayan Ng Pamilya Dela Cruz" (The Flaming History of the Dela Cruz Family) by Miguel Louie de Guzman / "Ang Lumunod Sa Atin” (What Drowned Us) by Sonia Regalario / "Apo Dios" by Victor Elijah Gador / "Bisperas" (Eve) by Ralph Lauren Quincena 

FEBRUARY 21 (THURSDAY)

12:00 NN -- “PUR LAINE” by Alexander Cruz (88 mins/ Full Length Film In Competition)

2:00 PM -- “PROMDI” by Charlotte Dianco (82 mins/ Full Length Film In Competition)

3:45 PM – “IMMACULADA, PAG-IBIG NG ISANG INA” by Arlyn Dela Cruz (Opening Film/ Full Length Exhibition Film) 

5:45 PM – “JOURNEYMAN FINDS HOME: THE SIMONE ROTA STORY” by Albert Almendralejo and Maricel Cariaga (60 mins) and “MAN IN MY DREAMS” by Charlotte Dianco (30 mins) – Exhibition Films (twinbill)

7:45 PM – Gala Screening: SET “B” SHORT FILMS in Competition (84 mins)
"Brujo” (Witch Doctor) by Kurt Jimenez / "Cicatriz” (Scar) by Rosahlee Bautista / "Dalit” (Poision) by Belle Loyola / "Dama” (Checker) by Trisha Mae Antonio / "Delta" by James Garcia and Eluigi Macalintal 

FEBRUARY 22 (FRIDAY)

12:00 NN -- “PROMDI” by Charlotte Dianco (82 mins/ Full Length Film In Competition)

1:45 PM -- “KAPAYAPAAN SA GITNA NG DIGMAAN” (Peace In The Midst of War) by Nestor Malgapo, Jr. (90 mins/ Full Length Film In Competition)

3:30 PM -- “PUR LAINE” by Alexander Cruz (88 mins/ Full Length Film In Competition)

5:15 PM – CLOSING FILM: “TALE OF THE LOST BOYS” by Joselito Altarejos (93 mins/ Full Length Exhibition Film) Starring: Oliver Aquino and Ta Su

Tickets are at P150. only (per screening), available at major Ticket World outlets and at the entrance lobby of NCCA.

For ticket inquires, call Ticket World at 891-9999, text Ms. Louise Cruz at 0945-3784412, email at singkuwento2019@yahoo.com, or visit the Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/5kuwento/