Victory and humanity - these two words make up the theme of the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines, which mark the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan on April 27 and the Philippine part in the first circumnavigation of the world from March 16 to October 28.

National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Kidlat Tahimik thinks the theme accurately represents our point-of-view (POV) because it focuses on the experiences and values of Filipinos rather than highlighting the arrival of foreigners in the country.

Victory refers to the valor of Mactan chieftain Lapulapu and his men in 1521 while humanity pertains to the compassion of our ancestors in Homonhon, Eastern Samar, who saved the sick and starving first circumnavigators of the world.

"Itong pakikipagkapwa is a very unique orientation natin sa Pilipinas," he pointed out. "We always include the other."

Five centuries later, the Filipinos' winning and giving ways have continued to impact society not only in grand historical moments but also in daily life. These stories, which depict the gallant and compassionate Filipino spirit, must be given more space in our industry that is dominated by sagas of foreign comic book superheroes.

That is why the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), responsible for the economic, cultural, and educational development of the Filipino film industry, partnered with Tatay Kidlat Tahimik to encourage the youth of today to discover the significance of our own local heroes and make films about them.

In this age of social media where negativity is rampant and foreign influences are common, we want to propagate the love of country.

"Let's focus on the unsung heroes," said the National Artist born Eric de Guia, adding that they also deserve the spotlight because they exemplify admirable Filipino values such as kadikalaan and pakikipagkapwa.

Kidlat Tahimik’s Unsung Sariling Bayani (USB) Short Film Competition is a project of the Film Development Council of the Philippines in partnership with the National Quincentennial Committee (NQC), and headed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and Department of Education (DepEd).

Championing lesser-known heroes

Kidlat Tahimik's advocacy for increased local storytelling of everyday heroes spurred the creation of the Unsung Sariling Bayani (USB) Short Film Competition, a project of the FDCP in partnership with the National Quincentennial Committee (NQC), headed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), and Department of Education (DepEd).

The competition (fdcp.ph/sariling-bayani) accepts short films of any genre as long as they depict the life and times of documented unsung local heroes. Selected entries will premiere in November at the USB Online Film Festival on the FDCP Channel.

It is open to Filipino adults and senior high school students, providing an opportunity for the youth to let their voices be heard. The competition also gives Filipinos the chance to contribute to our film archives by recognizing unsung heroes and reigniting nationalism.

We launched the USB on April 27 to commemorate the Victory at Mactan headed by Lapulapu. It was a very meaningful launch because it was held on the day when Lapulapu and his men bravely displayed patriotism, which Filipinos, especially the youth, must uphold and value.

"I think it is a good occasion na tayong mga storytellers, balikan natin iyong kadakilaan ng ating mga bayani. At itong mga next few months, gumawa tayo ng mga kuwento tungkol sa mga hindi kilala, hindi pa na-di-discover, mga hindi pa binibigyan ng monumento, mga bayani na galing sa mga sulok ng ating mga barangay o sulok ng ating probinsya," remarked the 78-year-old Kidlat Tahimik.

The educational component of USB

The USB, which is supported by the DepEd's Bureau of Learner Support Services-Youth Formation Division, is not your typical short film competition. It is currently offering the free FDCP Film School Basic Workshops on Filmmaking, much to the delight of cineastes and aspiring filmmakers.

The response for the pre-registration was overwhelming, and our four workshops last weekend were each attended by 700 to 1,000 participants. The mentors were Jag Garcia for Production Management, Dos Ocampo for Creative Producing, Benjamin Padero for Production Design, and Wango Gallaga for Scriptwriting.

This weekend, we have Tey Clamor for Cinematography, Anthony Falcon for Acting, Erwin Tagle for Action Design, and Che Espiritu for Directing. Next month's workshops will feature Joe Alandy for Post-Production Supervision/Management, Ilsa Malsi for Editing, Glenn Barit for Sound Design, and Pepe Manikan for Musical Score.

"Storming with Kidlat: Usapang Bayani Forum" will also be held so that participants may consult with our National Artist, the leading proponent of USB. This forum will surely be memorable and rewarding because when you listen to Kidlat Tahimik discuss his thoughts and ideas, his genius, nationalism and humility always shine through.

The advocacy for local storytelling

Tatay Kidlat has been so passionate about USB because he has been advocating for more local stories in Philippine Cinema for the longest time. When he magnificently talked about how USB could instigate change in Philippine Cinema, we at the FDCP knew that we had to make it happen.

We fully support him in pushing for this cinematic movement that seeks to promote the local storytelling of unheralded acts of heroism.

"We, the small filmmakers, can contribute to the archives of our relevant local history," he declared.

With the guidance and support from our dear National Artist Kidlat Tahimik and the esteemed filmmaking mentors, our USB filmmakers will hopefully be more inspired to promote the appreciation for lesser-known heroes and relate it to the victory and humanity in every Filipino in order to showcase our insights, culture, and values.

The USB competition transcends the notion that it solely promotes nationalism by also aiming to instill values for the common good, intensify social awareness and cultural cohesiveness, and foster creativity to help boost the country's socio-economic growth.

At the end of the day, Kidlat Tahimik wants all filmmakers to realize this through the USB, "Wow, ang yaman natin bilang isang kultura! Ang yaman natin bilang isang katauhan. Ang yaman natin in so many respects."

He finally urged, "Maniwala tayo na 'Wow, ang galing ng ating mga sariling kuwento!'"

Notes from the Chair
The Sunday Times Magazine  - The Manila Times

Notes from the Chair is part of the Arts Awake section of The Sunday Times Magazine published by The Manila Times. Click HERE to view the article on The Manila Times website.