UFS ‘Akda’ dominates ‘SiLab Dos: UNO’ FRANCINE IVANNA GABAY UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA Caceres Film Society’s (UFS) entry, ‘Akda’, a film showcasing the societal status of women in an oppressive society, was declared as best short film of the SiLab Dos: UNO (SIning na UmaaLAB) 2021 Regional Short Film Competition last March 20. The said film depicts the unfair treatment that women are experiencing up to this day through the life story of ‘Jane’ who despite all the things she suffered as a woman, took courage and left her miserable life at home. However, destiny seems too harsh on her when a group of drunkards took advantage of her innocence but in the end, someone whom she did not expect helped and made her believe what true virtue is. The said character was brought to life by Vanna Rain Gepayo as created by John David Goyena, Aquinnah Tongbaban, and Shanley Ogayon. The film was also edited and translated by Romar Castro and Ian Geroy, respectively. Their win would also be impossible without the help of John Patrick Regidor, John Murphy Bustamante, and Gilbert Laguardia Jr. who helped in the set production, cinematography, and sound design. “We would say that our film converts every word with equipped full emotions. We make sure that our film truly stands with all the women who suffered and continue encountering oppression and mistreatment from our society,” Zeus Tenerife, the Director of ‘Akda’, said in an interview. Behind the team’s win, they revealed that creating their first-ever short film was difficult to do especially this time of the pandemic. They even resulted in minimizing the number of production staff and actors that really
tested their skills and most especially their teamwork. “The team limited the shooting in a few days and we follow the protocols needed...we shoot during the weekends so we can assure that everyone in the team still focuses on their academics,” they said in an interview. On a Facebook post made by the organizers of the said competition, Teatro de Sta. Luisa - Unibersidad de Santa Isabel,
FROM PAGE 10
UNC appoints... Plus, we will have an improved consultation period to coach and guide the learners, both for FlexiTech and FlexiKit modalities, to accomplish their weekly tasks,” Gurnot answered. In the same survey, 54 Grade 12 learners also said that they are not college-ready after graduating in the online set-up but Gurnot said that the learning facilitators are doing their best to champion excellence and using their experience last school year. He believes that the SHS Department can provide better service to the learners to become college-
18 NEWS
they’ve mentioned that despite the pandemic, they still received a total of 21 entries from 11 different schools in Bicol. The selection process starts from choosing the top five among the total number of entries that garnered at least 70% of the judges’ scores. Once chosen, the top five finalists have to fill in the remaining 30% through the power viewing that occurred for five days on YouTube. Upon knowing the number of entries for the short film competition,
ready and work-ready individuals. “This school year, we are planning to implement the second run of STEM Engineering. Aside from that, we will launch another program under the STEM strand-STEM Science. This program will cater to those learners who are planning to take science or medical-related programs in college,” he continued. Based on the observation and recommendation of the learning supervisors, he will also implement free coaching and consultation hours for the learners to focus on specific activities related to the course scheduled for a day. They added that they will also enhance the students’ activities to be led by Assistant Principal for Student Affairs Melinda Susanna Dy and the club moderators.
Gepayo, the portrayer of ‘Jane’, told The Pantograph x Malaya that she actually felt intimidated, “I was shocked to know that they picked me for the role, but it is what it is. A big shout out to my best friend Shanley who never left me on this AKDA journey, also to my UFS fam who helped me a lot.” The SiLab Dos: UNO Regional Competition’s theme ‘Babayi: Pagyurak...Pagbangon...Paglaya’ aimed to tackle current socio-political issues that women are facing right now in celebration of Womens’ Month. “As a woman, the role given to me let me open my mind even more. It made me think that life is pretty complex, anything can happen to each and everyone, but the sure thing is there’s always a ray of hope, it’s your choice to pick it or not. In the end, chances were always given. All is in your hands,” Gepayo shared during the interview. She also said that she can relate with ‘Jane’ as a woman who remains to be strong and resilient despite this judgemental society and uncertainties that are stopping every woman to excel in life. Aside from their teamwork and being goal-oriented, the UFS would also like to thank their friends, family, and the institution for their utmost support in promoting the short film and helped during the power viewing for them to win the competition. Last March 27, the team already received their trophy during the awarding of winners in Unibersidad de Sta. Isabel but when asked if they are preparing for another short film competition, they’ve answered that they are still quite unsure if they will join another contest since they are busy preparing for some activities in connection with the Dance Troupe’s Concert. “Ang future competitions namin is the Peñafrancia Film Festival for the next school year,” they stated.
FROM PAGE 11
‘SSG Officers are... stressed. The rest of the SSG Officers are Sofia Suzaine Jacinto, Secretary; Babylen Belen, Treasurer; Janelle Louise Disuanco, Auditor; Czarina Jasmine Delos Reyes, Public Information and Relations Officer; Zena Ticiamae Chavez, ABM representative; Sandara Meaida Ricafort, GAS representative; Cris Paulo Tolosa, TVL Representative. Meanwhile, Kyla Baniel will replace Kenneth Gavino as the STEM representative after the latter resigned a fews days after the proclamation due to personal reasons.
