This #PassionWednesday, we recognize various Lasallian students, faculty, and alumni as they live out their passion for filmmaking in the 1st Bacolod Film Festival.
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Xavier Duane Nojas, a fourth-year Computer Science student and first-year Communications student Fahleen Fang Casidsid clinched the Best Editing Award as the directors of photography for “Laragway sa Karon” directed by Pau Ortaliz Santos and Lasallian alumna Nina Aira Villanueva. The film was also granted the Audience Choice Award.
“I’m so thankful to La Salle for giving platforms to students like me to utilize my creative side through clubs and organizations. One really special thing that overwhelms me is that we belong to the same Lasallian legacy of some of the most creative minds in the Philippines and film industry,” Xavier shared.
With Fahleen being a first-year student, he found a spark of interest in his current craft way back during the pandemic when he started doing school video projects and joined a short film competition of the Film Development Council of the Philippines. He regards Japanese film director Hirokazu Koreeda as a source of inspiration in nurturing his enthusiasm for film. Now, he has been navigating the industry for roughly five years. Fahleen also shared that his journey made him realize that he could never imagine himself being born in this world without any interest in art—for it is one of the greatest things that gives him fulfillment and satisfaction. As an artist, he reckons respect, teamwork, and creativity as the core values that keeps him going.
Fahleen is a living embodiment of how humble aspirations can be transformed into monumental feats.
Another Lasallian, third-year Interdisciplinary Studies student Alvin “Swoop” Diaz, was awarded the Best Makeup award for “Glub”, a film directed by Lasallian alumnus Zack Verzosa.
As a queer, make-up allows Swoop to express what he wants and become who he wants to be through the wonders of his hands. Swoop enjoys running around with a makeup kit and brushes doing touch-ups while working behind cameras and backstage. He developed his deep interest in make-up artistry while he was in grade school where he learned to blend shades and express his creativity in a unique medium.
For Swoop, La Salle offers the best network of people one will ever meet and know. This is why he’s deeply thankful to the Lasallian community for being with him in his success in life, whether big or small. With these experiences, he wishes to live his dream by turning his passion into a profession.
The film festival, themed “Stories with a Smile”, premiered a total of ten short films at Ayala Malls Capitol Central and SM City Bacolod Cinemas from September 12 to 15 as a new local government initiative to promote local film development, talent showcasing, and cultural appreciation.
AB Communications faculty member Rene Hinojales, known for his multiple acting roles since 1987, was hailed as the Best Supporting Actor for “Puli Na, Diche Lesly” directed by Willbryan Garcia and produced by Salekula Dahlia Studios.
Alumnus Rosco Cofreros won the Best Cinematography for “Aninaw” directed by alumna Charlene Tupas. The film was also acknowledged as the Jury’s Prize Winner for Ensemble Acting, featuring Milton Dionzon and Reynaldo Amaguin.
Furthermore, alumnus Rolf Baynosa secured the Best Sound award for “Chicken Inasal (Those Little Things)” directed by Poli Gonzales and Massah Gonzales-Gamboa. Alumna Margaret Kathryn Tecson-Baynosa also bagged the Best Production Design award.
Lasallian talents also took part in several other films showcased during the festival including "The Mansion" directed by Alvin “Swoop” Diaz, "A Flower a Day" directed by Nursing student Chelsea Tasic, featuring Communications student Marcus Rei Sardua as cast, "Manokan Country" starring Jerianne Panisales, and "Blind Date" featuring Pau Dimaranan. There were also several Lasallians who were part of the film crews and actors who participated in the film fest.
Whatever program we may hail from, the stories of these Lasallian filmmakers stand as a testament that endless possibilities await anyone who dares to imagine—from simple dreams to big screens.
Congratulations and padayon, Lasallians!