Carlo Obispo’s “1-2-3” opened the 12th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, ongoing until Aug. 14 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
The film “1-2-3” follows a country boy’s search to find his sister, locked up in a brothel. Luis is just one of the teenage boys in the idyllic and fishing island of Silag.
He goes through the issues of adolescence with his childhood sweetheart, Maricar, while his younger sister, Lulu, busies herself by joining amateur singing contests in hopes of becoming a star.
One day, a talent manager discovers her and offers her vocal coaching in Manila, and later to join a popular TV singing contest. Lulu eagerly takes the opportunity and leaves for the city, thinking her dreams are finally coming true. However, after a few months, Lulu’s family loses communication with her. This drives Luis to go to Manila in search for his sister.
Obispo is a Cinemalaya alumnus. He directed his first full-length film, “Purok 7,” which was one of the finalists in the full-length feature category in the 2013 Cinemalaya.
Born and raised in Camiling, Tarlac, Carlo “Arc” Obispo went to Saint Louis University to major in Philosophy, minor in Communication Arts.
This year’s Cinemalaya carries the theme “Break the Surface.” Nineteen new digital independent films will compete in the full-length feature and short feature categories. In addition to the main competition, Cinemalaya will offer Festival’s Best, Asian Showcase, Cinemalaya Documentaries, Tribute to Francis Pasion and Cinemalaya Institute showcase.
The Cinemalaya Campus, a major component of the festival, was held Aug. 9-10 at the CCP Little Theater.
The Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Video, which is considered the longest-running independent film competition of its kind in the Asean/Asian region, will have its 28th run during Cinemalaya.
Cinemalaya is a project of the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc., Cultural Center of the Philippines and Ayala Malls Cinemas.
Xin Tian Di mooncakes
Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria’s Chinese specialty restaurant Xin Tian Di is offering variations of mooncakes to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Mooncakes are available in a box of four large pieces or six mini pieces in Snow Skin, 2-Egg Yolk and Traditional flavors. Each box includes 50-percent discount vouchers on Xin Tian Di’s Dim Sum Unlimited and Set Menus.
Mooncakes symbolizes completeness and prosperity for the whole family, and are traditionally given as gifts to friends and relatives.
Selling period is ongoing; redemption period is Sept. 1-15. E-mail [email protected].
