Six individuals from different generations recall the golden age of Cebuano cinema, modern Cebuano cinema, their experiences, and discuss their aspirations about the future of Cebu’s film scene.
Chai Fonacier
as
Suzette Ranillo
Keith Deligero
Victor Villanueva
Carl Joseph Lara
Grace Marie Lopez
A one-of-a-kind legacy project produced by TBA Studios, Habambuhay is a homage to the centennial anniversary of Philippine cinema–an insightfully entertaining documentary series, revisiting the personal experiences of those who work in front of or behind the cameras, those who have shaped the film industry of the Philippines for the longest time.
Despite being only a five-minute boat ride away from Cebu City, at the foot of the country’s record-breaking new expressway, Shell Island is an unfamiliar name to many Cebuanos today. “Dalangpanan” sheds light on the island, following a day in the life of one of its residents to uncover the stories and struggles of living on a forgotten, desolate land amidst progressive, bustling cities. Through the voices of the Shell locals, audiences learn why and how they ended up settling there, and what their future could possibly be. The documentary’s title, which literally translates to “refuge” in Cebuano, is a nod to what the island might mean to those living on it—a home, a source of hope, or even more.
Suffering from blindness since childhood, Tatay Ening continues his life pursuits from climbing bamboo shoots to selling bamboo coin banks alone in a city, kilometers away from his home. His light to the darkness keeps him safe during unimaginable times.
Film: American Beginnings of Philippine Cinema is the second episode in Deocampo's evolving saga of the country's history of Philippine cinema. Based on his recent book, Film: American Influences on Philippine Cinema, this 3D-animated documentary ventures from Escolta through Avenida as we discover how film came to be in the Philippines.
Carbon vendors fight for their rights to protect their stalls from oppressors.
A romantic comedy detailing the funny and quirky last 30 days of a relationship between two college sweethearts who attempt to break up without the drama.
Employees and customers are trapped in a supermarket while, outside, a typhoon ravages the country. It's time for confidences and revelations. Zombies, they say, in a society that is not easy for any of them. In a limited space, they try to discover their stories. And that could be their last day.
A self-centered influencer on his way to a gig finds himself babysitting a lost, loud-mouthed, 9-year-old girl who snuck into his van to find her way back home.
In this heartwarming ensemble comedy, Mary’s adoptive gay mother’s last dying wish was to reunite their all-queer volleyball team. Even with the challenges that she is faced with, including her own personal affairs, and financial troubles, Mary tries to fulfil the wish. She must convince her disjointed chosen family to join the one day volleyball league, with hopes of winning the cash grand prize to pay for a proper funeral for Mary’s mother.
David asks help from Elise for a special occasion during the pandemic in which everyone is required to stay at home. Will things be successful when unspoken feelings become more visible in one of them?
In the midst of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, a group of five disgraced and imprisoned Filipino soldiers, led by Sergeant Sanchez, are offered a pardon in exchange for a near-suicidal mission. They must intentionally get captured and sent to a brutal Japanese prison camp to rescue two American officers who hold a vital, secret message from General MacArthur. Once inside, they discover the camp is run by the cunning Major Hayashi and that a traitor among the Filipino prisoners is feeding him information, foiling all escape attempts. Realizing their own plan to tunnel out is compromised, Sanchez and his allies devise a new, more audacious strategy: to tunnel directly into the commander's office. The mission culminates in a violent and desperate breakout, where they must secure the message, capture the enemy commander, and fight for their freedom and honor.
When Iyay, a single mother, learns that her estranged husband has died, she drags the entire family on a road trip from Cebu to Dumaguete to attend the funeral.
Inspired by true events, a gifted yet rebellious high school student transfers from a prestigious academy to a notorious "cursed section" in a public school. There, he befriends a group of misfits known as "The Boys at the Back" and embarks on a mission to help them graduate, showcasing the transformative power of unity and friendship.
Amidst the grueling heat of General Santos City, a sapphic flame sparked between senior high schoolers Rhea and Erich. Sadly, Rhea’s tricycle driver dad—Tito Rey—and his beliefs blew the fire out. One day, on her way back to school, Erich accepted a ride from Tito Rey. As they pass streets brimming with memories, Tito Rey reveals he is open to let his daughter and Erich rekindle their relationship.
A girl named Merry Pascual, a typical college girl, who wants to finish her academic studies in the toughest and most respected institutions in the country, Super Hard University. Her life turned when she transferred to a boarding house owned by Miss Edwina. Little did Merry know that Miss Edwina has the power to see spirits from another reality. Until Miss Edwina got caught in an accident, Merry was the successor of Miss Edwina of owning the third eye. Having a third eye wasn’t part of Merry’s plans in life. So she seeks for a paranormal expert who can remove the third eye from her.
A tailor named Ricardo, a classic Filipino film enthusiast, embraces these toxic masculine ideas, cultures, and behaviors from the films he watches. His wife Linda and their worker Jun will soon face the consequences of these behaviors.
Jacob, a breadwinner call center agent crosses paths with a nurse every night in the most unexpected location — the terminal.
A young boy's innocence is slowly deprived by digital overstimulation and the War on Drugs. Surrounded by a world of vices, his future becomes uncertain when he learns the truth about the people around him.
An experimental lo-fi love story told through still photographs, an unseen character longingly admires a young woman from afar.
