FDCP to showcase classics and contemporary LGBTQIA+ films through Pelikulaya 2024

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is celebrating Pride Month in vibrant colors by showcasing Filipino classics and contemporary LGBTQIA+ cinema through Pelikulaya from June 19 to 30.

Continuing with the theme “Mga Kuwentong Mapagpalaya,” the films included in the lineup celebrate queer lives in all their joy, resilience, and beauty through the storytelling of renowned Filipino filmmakers such as National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Lino Brocka, film historian Nick Deocampo, and director Luciano Carlos.

The lineup also features works by contemporary Filipino filmmakers including Ryan Machado, Jay Altarejos, Alvin Yapan, Joseph Mangat, Ivan Payawal, and Jun Lana, further enriching the celebration with their unique perspectives on LGBTQIA+ experiences.

Pelikulaya will also present the acclaimed world cinema titles “Close” by Lukas Dhont and “Monster” by Kore-eda.

Along with the full-length films, Pelikulaya is showcasing a selection of critically acclaimed queer short films by local and student filmmakers such as JT Trinidad, Mark Felix Ebreo, Louisse Carlo Ledonio, Xeph Suarez, Trishtan Perez, Apa Agbayani, and Myra Soriaso.

“Through the celebration of the Month of Pride, we see the rainbow not only as a symbol of hope but as a sampler of human beings bound together by acceptance, compassion and understanding.” FDCP Chairman and CEO Jose Javier Reyes said in a statement.

The Pelikulaya 2024 titles is set to screen at The Metropolitan Theater, Robinsons Galleria, and Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Davao, Nabunturan, Negros, and Iloilo. Moviegoers from Manila may purchase their tickets through fdcp.ph/cinemathequecentremanila with prices ranging from Php 150.00 to Php 200.00 depending on the film.

JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel is also streaming a curated lineup of Pelikulaya titles starting on June 21 for only PHP 99.00/month.

Here is the 2024 Pelikulaya’s selection of Filipino classics and award-winning films:

Onsite film screenings at Cinematheque Centres Nationwide from June 19-30

● Facifica Falayfay (1969) by Luciano Carlos

● Huling Palabas (2023) by Ryan Machado

● Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa (2011) by Alvin Yapan

● Kasal (2014) by Jay Altarejos

● Divine Factory (2022) by Joseph Mangat

● Ang Tatay Kong Nanay (1978) by Lino Brocka

● Oliver (1983) by Nick Deocampo

● Close (2022) by Lukas Dhont

● Kaming Mga Talyada (1962) by Tony Cayado

Pelikulaya Short Film Set screening at the Cinematheque Centres Nationwide

● Astri and Tambulah by Xeph Suarez

● The River that Never Ends by JT Trinidad

● I Get So Sad Sometimes by Trishtan Perez

● Abutan Man Tayo ng Houselights by Apa Agbayani

● A Catholic Schoolgirl by Myra Soriaso

● Congratulations, Dx! by Mark Felix Ebreo

● Crush by Louisse Carlo Ledonio

Online streaming on JuanFlix:

● Si Astri maka si Tambulah by Xeph Suarez

● I Get So Sad Sometimes by Trishtan Perez

● Nang Maglublob Ako Sa Isang Mangkok ng Liwanag by Kukay Zinampan

● This is Not a Coming Out Story by Mark Felix Ebreo

● Markova: Comfort Gay by Gil Portes

● Jay by Francis Xavier Pasion

● Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa by Alvin Yapan

● 2 Cool 2 Be 4Gotten by Petersen Vargas

● Mamu (and a Mother Too) by Rod Singh

● Sila Sila by Giancarlo Abrahan

● Metamorphosis by J.E. Tiglao

● Happy Together by Wong Kar Wai

Film screenings at Robinsons Galleria on June 22 and 30:

● Close (2022) by Lukas Dhont

● Monster (2023) by Kore-eda

● Huling Palabas (2023) by Ryan Machado

● Becky and Badette (2023) by Jun Lana

● About Us But Not About Us (2023) by Jun Lana

Film screening at The Metropolitan Theater on June 23:

● Gameboys: The Movie (2021) by Ivan Payawal

Pelikulaya is also featuring a series of Film Talks, Special Screenings, and talkback sessions held at Cinematheque Centres Nationwide, which aims to create an inclusive platform for reflection, celebration, and dialogue.

Through this, the FDCP aims to honor and celebrate the experiences and identities within the LGBTQIA+ community by showcasing narratives that respect and amplify gender diversity.

Pelikulaya 2024 is presented by the FDCP, JuanFlix, and Cinematheque Centres, supported by Robinsons Galleria and The Metropolitan Theater.

For more updates on Pelikulaya, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

PH delegation joins the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market in France

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) leads the Philippine delegation and hosts the Philippine Pavilion at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Marché International du Film d'Animation (MIFA) in France.

The Philippine Pavilion is a dedicated space for business meetings and networking events to foster collaborations between Filipino delegates and global counterparts.

The FDCP’s FilmPhilippines Office (FPO) is also set to showcase the country’s filmincentives that cater to animation projects to international stakeholders.

“Iti Mapukpukaw” at the festival’s Feature Films Contrechamp and “EWA” at MIFA’s Southeast Asia Pitch

Carl Joseph Papa’s “Iti Mapukpukaw” (“The Missing”) is in competition at the festival’s Feature Films Contrechamp category. This Filipino-Ilocano rotoscope animated film follows a young man named Eric whose life unravels after the arrival of a familiar alien, which triggers Eric to remember his past and untangle his memories.

“Iti Mapukpukaw” is produced by Project 8 Projects and supported by the FDCP’s CreatePHFilms funding program. It made history as the Philippines’ first animated entry to the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.

Keith Sicat’s “EWA” was selected to join the Southeast Asia Pitch where projects in development can find international partners, financiers, or sales agents.

Produced by Kino Arts and supported by CreatePHFilms, this animated science fiction film takes place in a future of intergalactic migrant workers, one of whom is an idealistic scientist who struggles to reconnect with her child who is lightyears away.

Featured Filipino projects in development at MIFA 2024

Eight (8) Filipino projects in development are featured at the world’s biggest animation film market for the opportunity to acquire funding and co-production deals. Filipino representatives have the chance to pitch their respective projects and establish connections with their global counterparts.

● AD MEMORIAM

When a rock band suddenly rises to game thanks to a series of deaths, an old detective races against time to save the singer from the clutches of her own demons, figuratively and literally.

Director: Ria Lu

Producers: Leveret Group and Wayfarer Media

● AFTERNOONS WITH LAPU-LAPU

Paula, a third generation Fil-Am teen, must take care of her sick grandfather.

However, babysitting Grandpa is not so easy when he thinks he is one of Philippine history’s greatest warrior – Lapu-Lapu.

Director: Marla Rausch

Producers: Kampilan Production, Animation Vertigo Asia, and Puppeteer Studios

● ANITO

Anito is the story of a young boy named Aaren who falls into the mythological spirit world full of fantastical and vicious creatures of Filipino legends. He finds himself lost and haunted by these creatures as he struggles to find his way home.

Director: John Aurthur Mercader

Producer: The Puppeteer Animation Studios, Inc.

● EWA

In a future of intergalactic migrant workers, Ewa is an idealistic scientist forced to take a dangerous job in outer space to provide for your young son’s future. When she is marooned on a hostile world, she struggles to reconnect with her child who is lightyears away.

Director: Keith Sicat

Producer: Kino Arts

● FLAN FLAN

A tiny, rambunctious cat and her stalwart companions are on an epic adventure to defeat the Demon King and bring peace to the land of Fandania - but first they need

to learn how to fight.

Director: Karla Circe Consolacion

Producer: Meowsmouse

● LEADER, BORED

Four unlikely friends leap into video game-inspired challenges each morning.

Director: Tobie Abad

Producer: Taktyl Studios

● STEAMPULP SOCIETY

Hughes Hector, boomer billionaire leader of the Steampulp Society, has never feared for the future until he is forced to team up with the younger and unpredictable digital native A.I. recruit, Itzel. Meanwhile, Sheba, an efficient X adventurer with no filter, is stuck in between them. They must find ways to work together and thwart the schemes of the mysterious Megalomind.

Director: Tobie Abad

Producer: Taktyl Studios

● TALES OF HASHEESH

The story follows a 20 year old French man on his journey from Paris to the Middle East, finding the best supplies for his father's struggling business.

Director: Mari Nicole Mendoza

Producers: Half Wolf Entertainment Inc. and Martinii Animation Studio

Participating Filipino animation companies at MIFA

The Philippines is also represented by ten (10) animation companies to introduce Filipino talents, original content, and services to the global film market.

● Animation Vertigo

● Kampilan Productions

● J. Legaspi Computer Graphics

● Kino Arts

● Leveret Group

● Martinii Animation Studio

● Puppeteer Studios

● TeamApp, Inc.

● Toon City

● Top Draw Animation

Government and organization partners at MIFA

The Philippine delegation in Annecy is presented by the FDCP in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and with the support of Creative Content Creators Association of the Philippines, Inc. (SIKAP) and Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI).

To learn more about the country’s participation at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market, follow FDCP’s official pages on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Earthquake-affected SSS members in Taiwan can now apply for a calamity loan

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet today announced that members affected by the recent Magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Taiwan may now avail of a calamity loan until August 20, 2024.

Macasaet said that SSS offered a Calamity Loan Assistance Program (CLAP) to its members living, residing, or working in Taiwan when the earthquake struck the island on April 3, 2024.

“The calamity loan offered to members in Taiwan was a historic first for SSS since we have never extended financial assistance to calamity-hit members outside of the Philippines until now. It only proved that we are always ready to assist our members wherever they are,” he said.

Macasaet said calamity-affected members can submit their loan applications online using their My.SSS account from May 21 to August 20, 2024.

“However, members must first visit the SSS Taiwan Foreign Office in Neihu District, Taipei City, to secure a Calamity Loan Reference Number (CLRN) needed in their loan applications. The CLRN is a unique 12-alphanumeric identifier provided to SSS members and among the requirements for the calamity loan,” he explained.

Under the CLAP, SSS Senior Vice President for Lending and Asset Management Group Pedro T. Baoy said qualified members can borrow a loan equivalent to one monthly salary credit or up to P20,000.

To qualify, Baoy said affected members must meet the following requirements:Have a My.SSS account at www.sss.gov.ph;
Have at least 36 monthly contributions, six of which must be posted within the last 12 months before the month of filing of application;

Must be an OFW SSS member;
Must be living, residing, or working in Taiwan during the time of the earthquake;
Must be 65 years old and below at the time of loan application;
Have not been granted any final benefit such as permanent total disability or retirement;
Have no past due SSS Short-Term Member Loans;
Have no outstanding restructured loan or calamity loan.

“Once approved, the loan proceeds will be credited to the member’s registered Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID)-ATM Card or their active accounts with a Philippine Electronic Fund Transfer System and Operations Network (PESONet) participating bank,” Baoy explained.

He said members could pay the calamity loan in two years or 24 equal monthly installments with an annual interest rate of 10 percent, and the one percent service fee has already been waived.

Baoy said the first loan amortization will start in the second month following the loan approval date. “For example, if their loan was approved on May 22, 2024. They will start paying their loan amortization by July 2024.”

He reminded member-borrowers that the loan’s payment deadline is every last day of the month following the applicable month. “If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, members may still make payment on the next working day. Late payments will be charged a one percent monthly penalty,” he added.