Cinemalaya XX STARS: Marian, Mylene, Ina and More

Marian Rivera with Writer/Director Kip Oebanda of BALOTA. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

by  Jude Bautista

The 20th edition of Cinemalaya a.k.a XX, has the hottest stars in its roster of films. Although, through the years the premiere independent film festival of the country has attracted more than its share of big screen names like Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos and Coco Martin to name a few.

Mylene Dizon (Madonna) of THE HEARING; Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

This year its Marian Rivera in Kip Oebanda’s political thriller BALOTA, Mylene Dizon and Ina Feleo in Lawrence Fajardo’s THE HEARING, highlighting the issues of sexual abuse on the deaf and Violence Against Women and Children in general.

Jane Oineza (Ayla) and RK Bagatsing (Paolo) of LOVE CHILD; Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

Then there’s RK Bagatsing and Jane Oineza in a rom com focusing on special needs LOVE CHILD by Jonathan Jurilla. The cast and their directors were present during a press conference and launch of CINEMALAYA XX at the Manila Metropolitan Theater last July 10, 2024.

These names have their own fan base and are sure to attract a huge audience to Cinemalaya’s new home in the Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY, where the screenings will run from August 2-11, 2024.

During its 10-day run, Cinemalaya films in competition and exhibitions will be screened at Cinema 2, Cinema 8, Cinema 9, and Cinema 10. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024.

Amidst ongoing rehabilitation of the CCP Main Building, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. proudly bring this cinematic feast to Ayala Malls Manila Bay. For over two decades, Ayala Malls has steadfastly supported CCP and Cinemalaya as a valued partner.

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During its 10-day run, Cinemalaya films in competition and exhibitions will be screened at Cinema 2, Cinema 8, Cinema 9, and Cinema 10. These screenings secure a safe space for independent filmmakers to tell their stories and share perspectives on issues shaping the nation, while propelling the Philippine cinema industry to new heights.

From right: Co-Directors: Richard Salvadico and Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay, Line Producer Jo Andrew Torlao, Cinematographer Pabelle Manikan, Executive Producers: Sheron Dayoc and Sonny Calvento of TUMANDOK (The Inhabitants). Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

FULL LENGTH Films

Competing for the Best Film Balanghai Trophy in the Full-Length Category are: ALIPATO AT MUOG by JL Burgos; AN ERRAND by Dominic Bekaert and Sarge Lacuesta; TUMANDOK by Arlie Sweet Sumagaysay and Richard Jeroui Salvadico; BALOTA by Kip Oebanda; GULAY LANG MANONG (No More Than Veggies) by BC Amparado; KANTIL (Trench) by Joshua Caesar Medroso; KONO BASHO by Jaime Pacena II; LOVE CHILD by Jonathan Jurilla; THE HEARING by Lawrence Fajardo and Honee Alipio; and THE WEDDING DANCE by Julius Lumiqued.

From right: Director Julius Lumiqued, Production Manager Diana Grace Delos Santos, Line Producer Giul Sanchez, Cristal Mae Dagupan (Madulimay), Arvin Balageo (Awiyao) and Producer/ Editor May-I Padilla of THE WEDDING DANCE. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

BALOTA

Marian Rivera is joined by young stars Will Ashley, Royce Cabrera, Raheel Bhyria, Esnyr, Sassa Gurl, Donna Cariaga, Sue Prado and Joel Saracho.

Marian Rivera as main character Emmy in BALOTA. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024.

Marian is fresh off the success of REWIND with hubby Ding Dong Dantes from the recent MMFF, which was a huge commercial hit. Most of the cast are a part of the GMA Network Talent pool. Will Ashley was recently cast as the young romantic lead of Ina Raymundo in X&Y released in April. Will is a mainstay of GMA’s PRINSESA NG CITY JAIL.

Royce Cabrera on the other hand has gotten rave reviews as a villain in MAKILING. Raheel Bhyria is from ABOT KAMAY NA PANGARAP. All of them get to display a more intense and dramatic side to their acting, because of the complex and realistic storyline of BALOTA.

BALOTA cast with Ayala Malls Team From left: Ayala Cinemas Senior Manager Rhia Arda, actor Raheel Bhyria, Ayala Malls Senior Mktg Mgr Lissa Alvarado, Ayala Cinemas Booking & Promo Manager James Bartolome and actress Sassa Gurl. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

Internet sensations Esnyr and Sassa Gurl round out the cast and may be the comic relief roles for the film. Sassa idolizes Marian Rivera and reminds viewers that Marian is a queer icon, having had roles as DARNA (2009), DYESEBEL (2008) and MARIMAR (2007).

Internet sensation Esnyr in BALOTA; Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. (9)

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Your Vote Counts And More

Writer Director Kip Oebanda was inspired by the challenges of Philippine elections. For him reforming the political process should be an ongoing effort both by the people and government. “It’s probably best that we don’t only think about elections when it’s near. By that time, it’s too late. As a filmmaker this is my response to the electoral lies, revisionism, violence and cheating we experienced first-hand – to satirize it without necessarily polarizing those who already belong to political echo chambers.”

From left: Will Ashley, Donna Cariaga, Marian Rivera and Sassa Gurl of BALOTA. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

With such a complex issue as the election, making a film may have been the best way to express his message, “Historically, humor and drama have been a potent tools to get ideas across. Personally, the 2022 elections was particularly painful to me, and I don’t think I will ever recover. Much like the teacher in the film, I know many of us feel the heaviness of the broken system we are inextricably bound to.”

BALOTA by Writer/Director Kip Oebanda stars Marian Rivera. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024.

THE HEARING

Mylene Dizon and Ina Feleo lead a powerful cast in THE HEARING by Lawrence Fajardo. The three of them are OGs in Cinemalaya. Mylene has four previous roles in the fest:

MARIQUINA (2014), BELLE DOULEUR (2019),  APARISYON (2012). With no less than a Best Actress award for 100 in 2008. She is also in the current hit TV series PAMILYA SAGRADO with Piolo Pascual.

From left: Mylene Dizon (Madonna), Enzo Osorio (Lucas) and Ruby Ruiz (Hermana) of THE HEARING. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

Dizon shared that Cinemalaya always has a special place in her heart. She finds fulfillment in performing unique stories/subject matter and directorial vision not usually found in networks or commercial projects.

Ina Feleo as Sign interpreter Maya in THE HEARING. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

Ina Feleo, like Will Ashley is also part of the much awaited PRINSESA NG CITY JAIL. Ina has had two Cinemalaya Projects ENDO (2007) and SANGLAAN (2009). Fajardo also found a gem in child actor Enzo Osorio who plays main character Lucas. Enzo will be making his silver screen debut in Cinemalaya .

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Lawrence Fajardo was part of the first Cinemalaya batch having won Special Jury Prize for his short film KULTADO in 2005. Later on he won Best Editing for AMOK in 2011. He has carved out a reputation for making socially relevant and realistic movies with an edge. Most recently he was recognized for his MMFF cop thriller A HARD DAY (2021) with John Arcilla and Ding Dong Dantes. A HARD DAY won FAMAS, Gawad Urian and MMFF awards for Best Editing (Law Fajardo), Best Director (Law Fajardo), Best Supporting Actor (John Arcilla), Best Actor (Dingdong Dantes), Best Cinematography (Rodolfo Aves Jr) and many more.

From left: Ina Feleo ( Maya), Mylene Dizon (Madonna), Enzo Osorio (Lucas), Ruby Ruiz (Hermana), Director Lawrence Fajardo, Producer Krisma Maclang and Neil Tolentino (Kapitan). Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

Abuse of Hearing Impaired

THE HEARING referring to both a trial and those who are supposed to be able to hear the truth. Fajardo wants to tackle the struggles that those in the deaf community have suffered. He also credited the work of screenwriter Honee Alipio and Researcher Helena Capco.

Lawrence Fajardo said, “We have found great stories in our research, but there’s a stronger sense of urgency with certain stories which demand to be told because action must be taken. Through this film, we want to try to give voice to those who cannot stand up and speak for themselves. About 70 percent of deaf children are sexually abused in the Philippines regardless of their gender. There are legal and language barriers; many  cases are unreported, and as there are very few sign language interpreters in the country, especially in the regions,  many cases are dismissed simply because of this lack.”

From left: Director Lawrence Fajardo, Enzo Osorio (Lucas) and Screenwriter Honee Alipio of THE HEARING. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

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LOVE CHILD

Director Jonathan Jurilla was able to utilize the real life romance of RK Bagatsing and Jane Oineza to cast them in this touching drama.

From right: Director Jonathan Jurilla, Jane Oineza (Ayla), Regal SVP Keith Monteverde and RK Bagatsing (Paolo) of LOVE CHILD. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

In the space of a year (2023) the couple was able to complete 3 film projects: Joey Reyes’ modern romance US AGAIN, the controversial SWING, where a couple experiments with different sex partners directed by RC Delos Reyes and then the latest in horror franchise SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL EXTREME.

RK Bagatsing (Paolo) and Jane Oineza (Ayla) of LOVE CHILD. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024.

The real chemistry between the two translates to realism and a palpable romance onscreen as well. This time their relationship is tested as they are a young couple Paolo and Ayla with a child diagnosed with autism. The point of view of the couple and child are the main subject of the film as they deal with prejudice from society.

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Director Jonathan Jurilla of LOVE CHILD; Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

It’s a very personal project for Jurilla who shares his own background, “My son, Oyen, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at age two. For the past 13 years, my family and I have dedicated ourselves to addressing his condition, which has tested our commitment, stretched our capabilities, and redefined our love. This journey has profoundly impacted our careers and perspectives on life.”

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Just last year, Jurilla won a Palanca Award (First Place) in the Dulang Pampelikula Category for the screenplay of LOVE CHILD. This is the resulting Cinemalaya film, co-produced by Sheron Dayoc, Regal SVP Keith Monteverde, Sonny Calvento and Regal Head of Creative JP Abellera.

From right: RK Bagatsing (Paolo), Jane Oineza (Ayla), Director Jonathan Jurilla, Producer Sheron Dayoc, Regal SVP Keith Monteverde, Producer Sonny Calvento and Regal Head of Creative JP Abellera of LOVE CHILD. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista (19)

LOVE CHILD written and directed by Jonathan Jurilla; Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024.

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Docu filmmaker JL Burgos (ALIPATO AT MUOG); Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

From right: Writer/Director BC Amparado, Ranzel Magpantay (Razer), BJ Forbes ( Ricky Sabado), Cedrick Juan (Ariel Lacson), Producer Tin Velasco and Talent Coordinator Hannah Lee of GULAY LANG MANONG! (No More Than Veggies). Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Newly appointed CCP President Kaye Tinga; Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

From left: Nor Domingo (Dante), Ina Feleo ( Maya), Mylene Dizon (Madonna), Enzo Osorio (Lucas), Ruby Ruiz (Hermana), Director Lawrence Fajardo, Producer Krisma Maclang, Neil Tolentino (Kapitan), Researcher Helena Capco, Co-Editor Ysabel Denoga, Screenwriter Honee Alipio and Production Designer Hai Balbuena of THE HEARING. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

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From right: Director Joshua Cesar Medroso, Andre Miguel (Elong), Edmund Telmo (Paleng) and Producer Jake Muñoz Consing of KANTIL (Trench). Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

During its 10-day run, Cinemalaya films in competition and exhibitions will be screened at Cinema 2, Cinema 8, Cinema 9, and Cinema 10. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024.

From right: Associate Producer Angel Tomas, Writer Director Jaime Paceña II, Line Producer Catsi Catalan and Cinematographer / Producer Dan Villegas of KONO BASHIO (This Place). Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista (26)

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RK Bagatsing (Paolo) and Jane Oineza (Ayla) of LOVE CHILD. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024.

From left: Regal SVP Keith Monteverde, Jane Oineza (Ayla) and RK Bagatsing (Paolo) of LOVE CHILD. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

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From left: Nanding Josef (Mang Ben), Elora Españo (Brenda), Director Dominic Bekaert and Screenwriter/Producer Sarge Lacuesta of AN ERRAND. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024. Photo by Jude Bautista

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THE HEARING by Lawrence Fajardo stars Mylene Dizon and Enzo Osorio. Cinemalaya XX will be screened in Ayala Cinemas of AYALA MALLS MANILA BAY from August 2-11, 2024.

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