I was recently invited at the 1st Palawan International Film Festival. I thought I could not make it due to a very tight schedule but yeah, praise heavens, I'm glad I had the chance. The #PIFFMax was, indeed, one of the more memorable vacay I had to date. Here's sharing what happened during the 4-day festival.
1. SAN VICENTE, PALAWAN WAS THE VENUE FOR THIS EVENT.
I have been to Palawan several times already. Being back at one of the world's best islands sure had me excited. The Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan was home to the first Palawan International Film Festival.
San Vicente, Palawan is some 3 hours ride from Puerto Princesa. It was a long trip and a series of winding roads made it difficult to take some nap (at least for me), but we all know that difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations,right? As soon as we have arrived at the place, my jaw dropped! The Long Beach of San Vicente was a sight to behold!
The shoreline stretches up to 14km. They say it is 3 times longer than that of Boracay's. White sand, soft waves, clear waters, you bet the thalassophile in me was happy!
It was the best venue to have a film fest. It went against the usual couch in a cold, dark movie house. There was no red carpet welcome- but had green grass and white sands for a change. As we watched the film entries during the night, we sat on folding beach chairs, under the coconut trees bending together as though whispering secrets, the distant stars glimmering steadily in dark skies.
2. DIRECTOR DANTE NICO GARCIA SPEARHEADED THE EVENT.
Director Dante Nico Garcia was the man behind the outdoor film festival and media arts expo that promote positive values. Direk Ga, as his close friends would call him, is best known for his masterpiece Ploning, a movie that starred Judy Ann Santos and won him Best Director at the 2008 Asian Festival of First Films. It was also our country's entry to the Best Foreign Language Film at the 81st Academy Awards.
3. 13 SHORT FILMS MADE IT TO THE FESTIVAL; ONE CAME FROM KENYA.This dream of starting a film festival in Palawan started when I got the chance to attend one in 2008... and it never went away.I just waited for God’s perfect time and I am loving how He brings beautiful people to help me and animals crossing my way to remind me that I have to slow down, enjoy the process, do my best, and leave it all up to Him.|Direk Dante Nico Garcia
38 entries were submitted for the PIFF. 13 films that promote positive values and environmental awareness made it to the exhibition. They are as follows:
The Marble Confessions
Jocelyn “Len” Frago, Alda “Dang” Dalisay, Anna Mikaela “Mika” Quizon
Paano Pumatay Ng Bayani? (To Kill A Hero)
Maiqui Therese D. Tolentino
Binhi ni Lakapati
Sophia Pranses Piedad, Michelle Soriano
Pua Iyam (Coming Out)
Juan Pablo Pineda III
Msista
Ian Isaboke
Pompoms
AJ Amar
Siyudad sa Bulawan (City of Gold)
Jarell Mahinay Serencio
AMY
John Craig de Guzman
Kiko
Jojo Driz
Himurasak (A Harvest of Souls)
Francis Raphael Solajes
Balud (Water Snake)
Francis Raphael Solajes
Erintes (Touch)
Francis Raphael Solajes
Atmeneti
Francis Raphael Solajes, Tareck Raffoul, Vera Gaszner , Svitlana Shymko, Arun Bhattarai
4. PIFF IS MORE THAN FILMS- IT IS A CELEBRATION OF ARTS ,CULTURE and LOVE.
The 4-day festival highlighted several films including Ka Oryang and Woman of the Ruins that featured Alessandra de Rossi. Direk Mike Sandejas was also there and his films Tulad ng Dati and Dinig Sana Kita were also presented. Attendees were treated to a 75 hour movie marathon- truly, it was 'Walang Tulugan'.
But aside from the movies showcased, PIFF was also a celebration of arts, culture and love. Volunteers from different countries were there to help set up the place, run errands, prepare food and welcome the guests. At the festival lounge, young artist Noah Josh Javier had a one-man art exhibit- 8 of his paintings were sold! Also, we were treated to Tangway- Palawan Brewery's local craft beer.
IV of Spades also gave performance last May 1.
And while binge-watching was ultimately the biggest thing here (imagine 75 hours of movie marathon!), the 4-day festival was an opportunity to bond with friends and meet new ones- now this is love! :)
Young painter Noah Josh Javier poses with his art works.
Palawan Brewery's Tangway- local craft beer. Photo credit: Leo Mendiola (OHOHLEO)
International love!Volunteers from different countries were there.
Rubbing elbows. :)
Our team enjoying some time outside the festival.
5. THE FIVE FINALISTS.
From the 13 short films, the creme de la creme have been chosen. Completing the five short films finalists are:
Binhi ni Lakapati | Maiqui Therese Tolentino
Msista | Ian Isaboke
Siyudad sa Bulawan(City of Gold) | Jarell Mahinay Serencio
Himurasak ( A Harvest of Souls) | Francis Raphael Solajes
Atmeneti | Francis Raphael Solajes, Tareck Raffoul, Vera Gaszner, Sutlana Shymko, Arum Battaria
6. AND THE PIFF BEST SHORT FILM AWARD GOES TO..
A Special citation- Gender Sensitivity Award- was given to Juan Pablo Pineda III for Pua Iyam.

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