The Making of ‘Mindanao’s Float

Mindanao‘s float prepared before the MMFF 2019 Parade of the Stars

Powerful. Unique. Majestic.

These are perhaps the three best words to describe Mindanao the movie’s float, which are the same words one can use to describe the film and certainly, the people of Mindanao, and the many Filipino heroes the film is paying tribute to.

Judy Ann Santos riding Mindanao‘s float, photo by writer Honee Alipio

Most of the time we only get to see the resulting work, and we shall, presently, delve on how this particular float stunned and delighted the crowd last December 22 during the Metro Manila Film Festival 2019 Parade of the Stars, but let us first show how, little by little, the Mindanao float is built, and appreciate the hard work put into it.

We had the opportunity to every now and then visit Brillante Mendoza’s Center stage Productions (CSP) aka Secret Garden in Mandaluyong in order to observe how the construction of the float was progressing. It was this blog’s decision not to immediately publish what we have seen as it is part of Metro Manila Film Festival’s competition and is meant to be revealed as a surprise, but here it is!

Mindanao‘s float is a big boat that interestingly features very colorful pandalas billowing in the wind, gold-fringed umbrellas that conveniently sheltered the passengers, and a dragon blowing smoke, its eyes glowing red.

Preparing Mindanao’s big boat photo by BT of CSP

The above photo was taken at night, after the tired crew had gone home to rest after a good day’s work. Here is the boat, painted brown, the pandalas still being attached to its body. The dragon is still in its original color, white. Just look at the work area! Center Stage Productions mean business.

Below is Mendoza applying gold paint on a dragon, taken about 10 in the morning; he had a child helping him with the brush strokes, and before you scream ‘child labor!’—no, the help was happily and voluntarily given by the boy. (fun video to follow)

Applying the initial gold paint on the dragon, photo by BM of CSP

Below is the dragon’s glowing eye being tested. Center Stage Productions think of these small details, with wonderful effect.

Mindanao‘s dragon, eyes glowing, photo by CSP

Here is Brillante Mendoza working with the ever- ready and cheerful working staff in CSP.

Painting Mindanao‘s dragon

That the float ended up as something very unique and one of the crowd favorites is most likely due to the team’s cooperation and Mendoza taking the time to design and personally work on the project. A graduate of fine arts and having experience as production designer before he became a film director, the skill and the experience proved handy in the creation of this float. No knowledge is ever wasted.

Brillante Mendoza working on the details of Mindanao‘s float, photo by CSP

Details matter. Another would have stopped at painting the dragon gold, but not Team Mindanao; above shows Mendoza adding darker colors and shadows on the dragon’s body, and veins on its wings; the finishing touches a day before the parade.

We will not even tell you about the budget allotted for the float’s construction but let it suffice that for all its grandiose appearance the cost was, with much effort, kept at a minimum.

There is truth in the thought that when we are passionate about something we should not simply spend money for it then leave it for others to fix—we must personally attend to it; we give time and effort to the things that matter most. And that is what the film Mindanao is about.

Mendoza looking at Mindanao’s float featured in PDI.

In this case, with Team Mindanao’s collective passion, attention to details and a sincere interest in building and creating a wonderful thing— the result cannot be avoided: Mindanao’s float is spectacular.

Catch Mindanao in theaters near you this December 25!

See you—and Merry Christmas!

Mindanao The Movie’s Animation Dubbing

Creating the film Mindanao was not easy. It involves a lot of hard work from a lot of people, who often do so behind the limelight, but of course let us take the time to appreciate them.

The animation is based on the legend of Indarapatra and Sulayman and tells how the warrior-brothers Raja and Sulayman saved Mindanao from dragons that destroyed the lives of the island’s inhabitants.

It was on short notice when the sisters Linda and Nadjoua Bansil were called upon to assist in Brillante Mendoza’s Mindanao for the animated characters’ dubbing, as they were newly bereaved—their mother had just passed away. But being the ever reliable children of Maguindanao, they did not hesitate to help and thankfully were able to call in the troop—Mr. Jihad who helped in the translation, Putri, Norodin, Nasrodin and Madz who voiced the dragons, Sultan Nabi, and the brothers Raja and Sulayman. 

Brillante Mendoza at the studio photo by BT of CSP

Mendoza was in the studio to help guide them. They were also able to meet and have their picture taken with Ms. Judy Ann Santos at the WildSound Studio who was also there to record her character Saima’s story-telling part.

Putri, Judy Ann Santos, Nadj Bansil and Norodin (not the best photo, we agree, but we hope to give you a better one.)

Their voices became quite hoarse, as they sometimes had to repeat lines and of course study the perfect timing appropriate for the characters’ movements, but with sufficient persistence, they got it just right.

One of Metro Manila Film Festival’s selected entries, please do not hesitate to watch Mindanao and its Maguindanaon dubbing in cinemas near you this coming December 25, 2019.

Mindanao The Movie and The House of Hope Davao

Judy Ann Santos as Saima and Yuna Tangog as Aisa

A selected entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, Mindanao was not the kind of film formed and created simply through imagination and ideas; the bright ideas the team came up with were, as much as possible, supplemented by facts and proper research as is the policy of Found Story School of Filmmaking where its director Brillante Mendoza and the writer Honee Alipio came from.

For the character of Malang Datupalo(played by Allen Dizon), Ms. Alipio was able to interview soldier-integrees—former MNLF combatants who were integrated into the Philippine forces during Fidel Ramos’ administration.

Allen Dizon as Malang Datupalo photo by Dennis Evangelista

For Saima’s character (played by Judy Ann Santos) Ms. Alipio had the chance to speak with the parents of cancer patients and cancer survivors, and for Aisa’s (Played by Yuna Tangog) character a mother whose child had neuroblastoma. She and Mendoza visited and partnered with the House of Hope in Davao which is a temporary home for children with cancer; it is located within the premises of Southern Philippines Medical Center and accepts patients from all over the island of Mindanao.

Brillante Mendoza, Honee Alipio and Carlo Valenzona with Ms. Shy and the helpful staff of Davao’s House of Hope

One of the main intentions of Mindanao the movie was to further raise awareness regarding child cancer and highlight the importance of supporting the families and the children who are undergoing treatment for the disease.

Please support those who are daily battling cancer.

For more information here is a link to Davao’s House of Hope http://spmc.doh.gov.ph/patient-s-corner/support-group/house-of-hope

Here is a list of the cinemas where you can watch Mindanao the movie this coming December 25, 2019. See you!

https://www.facebook.com/notes/solar-pictures/mindanaothemovie-in-cinemas-dec-25/3027956830566038/

Allen Dizon in Brillante Mendoza’s ‘Mindanao’

Just recently given the Most Outstanding Kapampangan Award, Allen Dizon is no doubt also an outstanding Filipino actor who is a force to be reckoned with.

Understandably and deservedly, a lot of the limelight recently seem to focus on Judy Ann Santos’ moving portrayal of a Muslim mother in the film Mindanao and her Cairo win as Best Actress, however to those who do not often have the time to research or check his credentials, her counterpart Allen Dizon is an equally multi-awarded and highly regarded actor not unfamiliar with international film festivals.

Allen Dizon and Judy Ann Santos in Mindanao photo courtesy of Dennis Evangelista

As Malang Datupalo, a Maguindanaon father to a cancer-stricken child and combat medic in Brillante Mendoza’s Mindanao, Dizon’s quiet, realistic acting is very convincing to the viewers; certainly this is also due to the direction and the requirement of the script, but he is the type of actor who does not need to be overly guided for he has good instincts. 

Allen Dizon and Brillante Mendoza on the set of Mindanao photo courtesy of Dennis Evangelista

Mindanao as a whole is the type of film that does not rely too much on dialogue and is more focused on showing, and how did Dizon show! Like Santos, he made up for it by his body language; he used his face, his tone of voice, his eyes to speak volumes. Malang is quite a stoic character, as is expected of a soldier and a man; but he showed humor as a friend, silent tenderness as a father to sick daughter Aisa (Yuna Tangog), strength and affection as a husband to Judy Ann Santos’ character Saima, confusion and compassion as man who is torn between the battles in his life. He showed himself a true man through his actions.

Allen Dizon doing the Sagayan

Sometimes we get to talking with certain film people we shall not name but on a ‘light-serious’ vein, a certain personage mentioned that Allen Dizon’s ‘silent’ acting (less dialogue) is so good she joked perhaps it is better to keep him as silent as possible; another said, upon watching Imbisibol, that Allen’s acting was so convincing that even when he, the viewer, knew that it was nothing but a movie scene, he strongly sympathized and felt what Allen’s character was supposed to have felt at that moment.

He has been in innumerable films but Mindanao is the third time Allen Dizon has worked with Brillante Mendoza, the other two being Amo and Alpha: The Right To Kill. He is also a producer and the owner of ATD Entertainment Productions. Not only by the number of awards he has received but also through his obvious dedication and hard work, certainly Allen Dizon has sufficiently proven his skills in the film industry.

Mindanao is an official entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. Watch Allen Dizon’s superb acting in Mindanao starting December 25 in theaters near you!

Mindanao The Movie Exclusive Screening

In preparation for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, Brillante Mendoza had an exclusive screening of his new film Mindanao last December 9, 2019 at The Podium, Directors Club in Mandaluyong.

Mindanao Exclusive Screening photo by CSP

The 2 pm screening was mostly for the press, bloggers, and production after which there was a simple awarding ceremony —having been unable to attend the 41st Cairo International Film Festival, it was only at this moment that Judy Ann was able to formally receive her Best Actress Award trophy, and Brillante Mendoza the Best Artistic Contribution Award trophy for Mindanao.

The media were given the chance to interview Mendoza, Judy Ann Santos, Allen Dizon and Yuna Tangog about their roles and experiences during the shooting of the film Mindanao.

Brillante Mendoza, Judy Ann Santos, Yuna Tangog and Allen Dizon photo by BT of CSP

Several members of the production team and those from Mendoza’s very own Center Stage Productions came and helped facilitate the event.

Mindanao Team photo by BT of CSP

For both screenings, specially the second one which started at 6 pm, it was very surprising that when I entered one of the three cinema rooms it was filled to the brim that people were already seated on the stairs. The second was specially for the invited celebrities, producers, directors, actors and actresses and other guests. These include Judy Ann Santos’ close friend (the) Sharon Cuneta, Laurice Guillen, Ricky Davao, Gina Alajar, Jaclyn Jose, Kidlat Tahimik, Chanda Romero, Kechup Eusebio, Zanjoe Marudo, Alma Concepcion, Ina Feleo, Agot Isidro, Zig Dulay, Law Fajardo, Jim Libiran, Wilson Tieng and many others. This may seem like a simple list of names without Mr or Ms but of course they are who they are, and we are aware that aside from being actors or directors they are known for excelling in other positions in the industry, and to see them come together to watch and support Mindanao says much about their respect for the craft and their fellow filmmakers.

Ryan Agoncillo, still in dusty boots and handsomely tired all the way from Pampanga made sure to arrive at The Podium and support his wife’s film. Now that is a committed husband.

Ryan Agoncillo admiring his wife Judy Ann Santos’ Best Actress trophy

Chanda Romero, Kidlat Tahimik and docu-filmmaker Linda B photo by BT of CSP

It is an unspoken but respected rule—a courtesy, although often forgotten by many— that photos of celebrities that will be published and released to the public must show them at their best, and this is very reasonable for aside from talent, appearance matters in their occupation; however, what can we do—when after watching Mindanao these fabulous people came out quite puffy-eyed and sniffling because the film made them cry?

Ms. Sharon Cuneta was one of those who were visibly moved by Mindanao as evidenced by the tear-stained tissues nearby.

Judy Ann Santos, Brillante Mendoza and Sharon Cuneta

Here is one of the guest directors who automatically has a Ms before here name—Bb. Joyce Bernal (puffy-eyed too) with Mindanao‘s writer, Ms. Honee Alipio and friend Linda Bansil.

Joyce Bernal, Honee Alipio, and Linda B. photo by BT of CSP

A lively group picture including Allen Dizon, Sue Prado, Directors Lawrence Fajardo (Imbisibol), Brillante Mendoza, Zig Dulay (Liway), Jim Libiran and Diego Dobles, the editor of Mindanao.

photo by BT of CSP

The special screening was also honored by the presence of Madam Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin- Hataman of Isabela, Basilan who kindly and readily expressed her positive opinion about the film Mindanao. Like Saima, she exudes strength, gentleness and intelligence and is a very articulate speaker.

Celebrities at the exclusive screening of Mindanao (Mayor Sitti Hataman in 2nd row, second from the right)

The consensus was unanimous—locally or internationally the respect and recognitions received by the film Mindanao are well-deserved.

The hours passed by very quickly at the Directors Club that night— the viewers came out of the theater with a bit of heartache but content, the fans got to see and take photos of their idols, the directors of different genres came together, the celebrities felt something wonderful and different —Mindanao’s special screening was a success; aside from thanking those who made the event happen, those who took part in creating the film, we should also thank those who took the time to attend and show their support —too many to mention, but all equally appreciated.

Mindanao is coming to the theaters near you on Dec 25. Don’t miss it! Here is a link from Solar Pictures where you can watch it:

https://www.facebook.com/notes/solar-pictures/mindanaothemovie-in-cinemas-dec-25/3027956830566038/

to be continued…

***any respectful correction regarding this article will be received and considered.

‘Mindanao’ Bags Awards in Cairo International Film Festival

Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo as Saima in Mindanao

Producing a fine film that carries a strong message like Brillante Mendoza’s Mindanao is a satisfaction in itself, but winning awards is certainly welcome for Team Mindanao.

Judy Ann Santos won the Best Actress Award at the 41st Cairo International Film Festival in Egypt last November 29. This is no small feat, for it was two decades ago since another great Filipina—Ms. Nora Aunor—won the same award for The Flor Contemplacion Story. Great job, since among other things we know that in Santos’ role as Saima she was required to carry Aisa (played by Yuna Tangog) for long periods of time. It is common enough to hear comments that someone else could have played the role of Saima better, but perhaps Santos fitted the role perfectly because she has had sufficient practice being a mother and a wife herself; every touch and every soft, loving look towards Aisa and husband Malang (Allen Dizon), those small gestures of affection, even despair—all these certainly convinced the CIFF jury enough to validate her hard work.

Mindanao also bagged the Best Artistic Contribution Award, for aside from being a remarkably written and well-directed film, it also has animation which revolves around the epic tale of Rajah and Sulayman, the warrior brothers saving Mindanao from destructive dragons.

The film Mindanao is also an official entry to the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival. Mindanao’s victory is also the Philippines’ victory. Congratulations!

Brillante Mendoza’s ‘Mindanao’ in 25th Kolkata International Film Festival

Judy Ann Santos doing the ‘malong-malong’ dance

Perhaps I was one of the very few Filipinos who were able to watch the film Mindanao at the 25th Kolkata International Film Festival, and although there were surprising hassles in our plane travel and it’s true that the kind locals do drive like they are in a competition, watching the film Mindanao directed by Brillante Mendoza was certainly something I did not regret doing.

Mindanao stars Judy Ann Santos, Allen Dizon and Yuna Tangog. It was written by Honee Alipio, who represented Mindanao in Brillante Mendoza’s absence; she was not able to arrive in Kolkata on the festivals’s opening day, but on the second screening of Mindanao (November 13) the reception from the audience in the Rabindra Sadan Cinema was definitely warm.

Mindanao is an island south of the Philippines, from which they took the title. The film is about a Muslim family in Mindanao— of Saima, a mother who must do all she can to keep her cancer-stricken daughter alive, and whose husband, Malang, works as a combat medic, in missions that take him all over the island, saving the lives of soldiers while he himself is unable to be there for his family. The lives of the characters in Mindanao is interweaved with the epic tale of the two warrior brothers Rajah and Sulayman in animation.

It gladdens one’s heart that even though the citizens of India, a land so far away from the Philippines, may not know or hear too much about the island of Mindanao and the issues it had been facing, they can easily follow and understand the connections in the film. Upon the film’s ending and even as she walked out of the theatre, many approached to congratulate Ms. Alipio to share how they shed tears and can relate to the story of Mindanao.

Mindanao’s writer Honee Alipio

And isn’t that the main purpose of creating films? To forge an understanding between various peoples, whatever difference in beliefs they may have, even though they are thousands of miles away from each other, to touch hearts and make it a bit softer, and hopefully change perspectives for the better? The film Mindanao succeeded in this.

A very fine performance for the KIFF closing ceremony

We should also thank the government of India, the City of Kolkata and the Kolkata International Film Festival for its acceptance of quality films from around the world, and for its strong encouragement of the locals to go out and watch these films—and I tell you, they know how to appreciate and welcome their guests. Keep it up!

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