This year, PHACTO aims to instill the heroism and patriotism of Bulakenyos in the minds of their fellow Filipinos by setting the theme “Bayani ng Kanyang Panahon, Inspirasyon Natin Ngayon” (Hero of His/Her Time, Our Inspiration Today) for the competition. As such, participants were asked to conduct a comprehensive research about Bulakenyo heroes and their contributions to our country’s history.
When the dust has settled, the Karatig Film Circle bagged Best Documentary Film and three other awards for their entry “El Heroe Verdadero: Don Antonio Bautista” during the awards night held at the Nicanor Abelardo Auditorium, Hiyas ng Bulacan Sentrong Pangkultura in the City of Malolos, Bulacan.
The documentary about Don Antonio Bautista’s life and sacrifices brought home P100,000 in cash and a trophy for winning the top prize, and additional P30,000 and a trophy for Best Cinematography, P20,000 and a trophy for Best Editing, and P5,000 for Best Trailer.
Writer Flor Katrina Capadusa thanked the 140 actors who shared their talents for free and other people behind the scene who tirelessly helped them come up with their entry. “Isandaan at apatnapung tauhan ng produksyon, tatlong lumang bahay, anim na location shoot, walong araw na shooting at walang katapusang editing para sa isang 15-minute na documentary. Maraming salamat po sa inyong panahon at suporta. Salamat rin po sa Pamilya Bautista sa lahat po ng naitulong ninyo sa amin.”
Now that they have won cash prizes for their feat, she also revealed that they plan to turn the documentary into a full-length film.
Ciriaco: Bayaning Limot won Best Research with a corresponding prize of P30,000 and a trophy. Meanwhile, Maestro: Ang Pasyon ni Hen. Eusebio Roque took home the Special Jury Prize and Best Poster Design with P30,000 and P5,000, respectively, and trophies for each award.
In addition, Palatandaan (Tandaan Pala?) received the Special Award for Advocacy while Ina ng Biak na Bato: Isang Inspirasyon got the Special Award for Women Empowerment. They were both awarded P10,000 and a trophy each.
The other SINEliksik Bulacan Docufest 2019 finalists are Viola: Ang Anino sa Likod ng Mga Pahina, Sa Mga Mata ni Tikbalang and Dapit Hapon (Buhay at Kamatayan ng Isang Bayani). They received P10,000 for being selected to the finals while those who failed to make it to the shortlist got P5,000.
The documentaries will be included in the Bulacaniana Collection of the Bulacan Provincial Library and will be distributed to public schools, libraries, and offices in the province.
PHACTO Head Dr. Eliseo Dela Cruz believes that Bulacan is fortunate to have many heroes who defended the country’s freedom in the past. He also stressed that there are Bulakenyos who are reliving their heroic deeds at present to pass it on to the next generation.
“Kayo po na gumawa nito ang siyang dahilan kung bakit nabubuhay ang alaala nila sa puso at isipan ng ating mga kabataan. Kayo po ang dahilan kung bakit ang mga ito ay maipamamana natin sa mga susunod na salinlahi,” he tearfully shared, as the organizers also recognized the featured heroes by awarding them with tokens of appreciation which, in turn, were received by their descendants.
Board Member Emily Viceo, judges Dr. Lars Raymund Ubaldo from the De La Salle University-Manila Department of History and award-winning director Ray Defante Gibraltar, film and communication educator Seymour Sanchez, Project Saysay Design Head Billy Joe Marciano, and Museo ng 1899 Curator Jose Ruel Paguiligan also graced the event.
PHACTO, which partnered with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and National Commission for Culture and the Arts to stage the event, launched the theme for next year, which is “Alagad ng Sining na Bulakenyo, Dangal ng Lahing Pilipino!”
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How to get a copy of this article on hard copy? for our filling
maraming salamat po