Joel Lamangan

MANILA, Philippines -- An indie movie we watched recently that touched and inspired us was Joel Lamangan’s “Patikul,” which he considers one of his most important projects so far. The movie focuses on the problem of illiteracy in Patikul, Sulu. The situation called for violence but the filmmaker did it in a lyrical manner. It’s actually a subtle take on violence but the director said it was intentional.

“For a change, I wanted the gunshots and violence to be heard, not seen – but felt,” he added. “In contrast, I wanted to show the panoramic vista in a lyrical way. I didn’t want to exploit violence in this film. It’s already ingrained in the story, and therefore should not be graphic anymore in its depiction… I’d rather keep the heart of the story. I want this film to be very simple and yet heartwarming…”

Joel revealed that he “found” the story when he served as one of the jurors in the 2010 Carlos Palanca Awards for Literature Screenplay category. He read the script of “Patikul” (by Kristoffer Brugada) and fell in love with it. He offered to buy the script.

“Patikul” won first prize. 

Joel went on to submit the script to the Director’s Showcase of the 2011 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and it was chosen to be one of the finalists.

“Patikul” shows that most Filipinos put premium on education. The plot tells of the plight of Amman (Allen Dizon) who leads a group of fighting farmers/parents to keep their children in school.

“The story of a dedicated principal abducted and beheaded by the bandits (credibly played by Marvin Agustin) is based on a true account of the tragedy that befell Gabriel Canizares, principal of Kan-ague Elementary School. He was beheaded when his family failed to raise the ransom money,” Joel related.

Allen and Marvin are joined in the cast by Ciara Sotto, Glaiza de Castro, Jaime Pebanco, Richard Quan, Rubi-Rubi, Rico Barrera, Sue Prado, May Fabros, and child actors Martin de los Santos, Jeon Macatangay and Angeli Nicole Sanoy.

“Patikul” is jointly presented by Cinemalaya Foundation and XITI Productions, in cooperation with Sine Totoo Productions. Its gala premiere will be held July 16 at 9 p.m. at the CCP Main Theater. It will also be screened at the Greenbelt Theater.

ASOP, a different music festival

UNTV launched recently “ASOP (A Song of Praise) Music Festival,” a songwriting competition encouraging songwriters to give glory to God.

The competition started as a church annual songwriting competition. Through the years, it has produced beautifully created songs of praise. It is now open to amateur and professional songwriters nationwide.

The contest will be aired on TV with Ms. Toni Rose Gayda and Richard Reynoso as hosts. It will be aired every Sunday from 7-8:30 p.m. on UNTV starting in September.

The Best Song and the Best Performer will be chosen weekly and monthly until a champion is named in the grand finals. Among the judges are Vehnee Saturno and Noel Cabangon.

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