The 28th CCP Independent Film & Video Festival at Cinemalaya 2016

Last Monday night (August 8) was my first time to visit one of our country's most famous buildings, none other than the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Why was I there? Because I attended the 28th CCP Independent Film & Video Festival (Ika‐28 Gawad CCP Para Sa Alternatibong Pelikula At Video) at Cinemalaya 2016.

"Yaman" is directed by Christian Baña and produced by Esmeralda Bucog.

As I have written last Wednesday, my hubby Pepe is part of the documentary film "Yaman" (treasure) which is one of the finalists at the Gawad CCP. It was produced by young filmmakers from the Colegio de San Juan de Letrán. Together with other finalists, it was to be shown only once. Since I am a proud wifey, I decided to be there to see my husband onscreen. You'll be surprised to know that I went there all by myself because my hubby had to attend to his night shift, our kids were at school, and the show started at 6:15 PM. I left our place very early, at 3:30 PM, to avoid rush hour traffic. Thank goodness I arrived early.

Right outside the Tanghalang Manuel Conde.

The moment I entered CCP, I was delighted and astounded by the place! I felt like I was in a big palace, and I couldn't help but smile in amazement while going up the grand staircase all the way to the second floor. I was truly amazed at the place! From time to time, I took photos of the place (and selfies, too!). Out of excitement, being my first time there, I asked some of the staff and other guests I encountered to take pictures of me, hahaha! =)

Roaming around while waiting for the film showing to begin.

A huge tarpaulin (left) and Cinemalaya souvenir items (right).

The show began on time. Like in all cinemas, taking pictures are not allowed inside the Tanghalang Manuel Conde where the documentaries where shown. That's why I wasn't able to take photos or even video clips of Pepe's several appearances in the documentary. As mentioned during my last blogpost, Yaman is a documentary about the Aetas of Zambales. My hubby was one of the resource persons interviewed since he is a historian.

I was shocked by my hubby's controversial statements in the documentary. I think what he had shared on the documentary about the Aetas and other indigenous groups of our country was the most frank that I've ever heard from a historian (before I watched the documentary, he didn't tell me anything at all about what he had said there). Sad but true for most people, but my husband is just exposing the truth about the indigenous peoples of our country and the Filipinos' Hispanic roots, according to what he had studied and researched, and that is why I am so proud of him. He is not scared at all to tell the historical truth about the Aetas of Zambales and the other indigenous groups of our country like the Ifugaos, T'bolis, etc. After the show, the audience gave a hearty applause. I even heard someone to my right who whispered to his companion, "Grabe si José Mario Alas." I'm happy and proud that my husband was able to give everyone inside the venue something to think about regarding our past and the truth about our national identity, and that we have nothing to be ashamed of who we really are. Those who were disturbed by what he said in the documentary shouldn't get mad at him because he is a historian who has carefully studied our past since his teenage years. He's just being honest and frank. So peace out! ♥ =)

After the show, I still roamed around the place, with an excitement in me that I couldn't explain especially since it's just my first time to have entered the CCP. I thought of the rest of my family. How I wish they were with me that night. I even imagined my hubby beside me, the two of us walking together and enjoying the ambience of the place... oh my, hahaha!

Right after the film showing. Bravo!

I was still on the mood to take more pictures of the place. There were still many people inside the CCP even if it was almost 9 in the evening. I also saw many famous actors and actresses. The antique chandeliers of the CCP fascinated me so much. Viewing them from the outside seems that you're in a foreign place. But I noticed that the stairs below the ground level are already wobbly, maybe because they're old. The design of the building is simple, elegant, and vintage (my hubby told me that it was designed by National Artist Leandro Locsín). Take note that you will not be tired of exploring every nook and cranny of the place because of the interesting designs, as if the building is an architectural park. You will feel relaxed even though it is old. Anyway, I love old structures and other heritage sites. ♥ ♥ ♥

I saw viewers falling in line to watch a full length film. I also chatted with some young people who called themselves "Team Ponching". They are so friendly and warm! I took pictures of them, including the ladies who were taking care of the free passes for the documentary films. ¡Muchas gracias a ustedes! =)

Before I left the place, I noticed the famous and more familiar water fountain. I was so overwhelmed with the view because there was a light rain. The raindrops added an effect to the view. I couldn't resist taking more selfies, hehehe! I asked another stranger to take a photo of me right beside the fountain with the façade of the CCP as my background, LOL!

The CCP Complex right behind me!

SO MUCH HAPPINESS!!! I HAD A GREAT NIGHT!!!

Cinemalaya started last August 5 and will continue to run until August 14. "Yaman" will not be shown anymore because all documentary films were shown for one night only! But there are still more films to be showcased during Cinemalaya 2016. All of them are definitely A MUST WATCH, from short films to documentaries full length films. Please visit the CCP when you have time. The place and the event will make you feel really good and proud to be a Filipino. The REAL happenings about our society are in Cinemalaya. All of the films are of great quality and intelligently written. Impressive cinematography and realistic conversation can be witnessed only in Cinemalaya.

I'd love to go back there next time with my whole family, La Familia Viajera! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

For more info or questions about Cinemalaya 2016, please call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or 832-3706, or call Ticket World at 891-9999. You can also visit the CCP website at www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and the Cinemalaya website at www.cinemalaya.org. And for more of photos of my Cinemalaya visit, click here. And don't forget to Like Us on Facebook!

-Yeyette-