Finding Hope

  poster by: Danya Faye Mamuyac PAGLAOM Starring: Althea Nasha Dionaldo, Steven Lee Nuique and Margarette Inocente Written and Directed by:  Al-khaizer Bael Warad Produced by: Al-Khaizer B. Warad (Duma Isla Productions) Edited by: John Edward Supat Cinematography by: John Edward Supat and Cyril Jay G. Ortega Music by: Zeph Buenavista and Sam Akinbode Synopsis : He always wondered why she clung to him more tightly on rainy days; her eyes clouded over like the dark sky ahead. He hoped, with all his heart, to see her truly happy one day. As Cosmo navigates through his new life as a student at the university by the sea in an unfamiliar city, he finds that his college days would shape him and haunt him for the rest of his life. Synopsis written by: June Antoniette Martinez Click  here  to watch the trailer. For the full film, click  here.

Lately, I've been caught up in the busyness of life and neglecting to take care of myself. I used to enjoy cooking wholesome meals, exploring new places on my bike, and staying connected with loved ones, but those things have taken a backseat to my academic pursuits and other responsibilities. Although I know that pushing myself too hard is not sustainable, I've kept doing it, hoping that someday I'll reach my goals and feel fulfilled. However, something shifted last night. My heart felt heavy, and I couldn't keep up the facade of invincibility any longer. I broke down and let myself feel the pain and grief that I had been suppressing for a long time. It was a humbling experience, realizing that despite my achievements and strengths, I am still vulnerable and human. One of the things that weighed heavily on my mind was my little brother who passed away years ago. I haven't fully processed his loss, and I feel a sense of regret that I didn't show him more love an...

“Gapakapoy-kapoy ra man ka uy.” We hear this a lot from people who never understood the fulfillment that you get when you organize projects, advocacies, events, or fundraisers. Yes, it will always be a choice, but I’d rather contribute something than be apathetic. You can choose between staying in your comfort zones or going out of it. I’m not blaming anyone here, but I don’t want to be mute and deaf from the things that are happening outside the comfort of our homes. A lot of people have become jobless, families who are in the poverty line are having a hard time, breadwinners cannot provide for their families anymore, and underprivileged children cannot cope with the demands of online learning. I admit that I am a privileged person, by being able to study in a private institution and having a family who financially supports me. I don’t want to be just privileged; I want to be privileged enough to help other people. Use my privilege to spark change and create a ripple effect for ot...

"Some people only look at the shell and not what’s inside it, or they don’t bother to break the shell, so they will never see. I want to be near you, to always see you and touch you, and feel your beating heart. Let me be the one to save you from the storm, someone who will walk with you even when the road gets rough. The world is cruel so be safe, my dear." "I guess you were only there to make me smile when the rain fell hard on me, when my heart was heavy and filled with doubt, you helped me carry all those negativities away. If I could rewind time, I would rather still have met you. Even though I knew in the end, we may not see each other again. Because at some point you made me happy and I will forever be thankful for that. I love you, and I still regret until this day that I never told you how I felt for you. As I realize that every day, you also said your bittersweet goodbye to me." Watch the full film  here.

I’ve always been an over-thinker and a workaholic. And most of the time I tend to forget about the importance of having faith in God, and especially in myself. My mind was always messy, and my heart was never contented with everything that I do. But thankfully, I have people who care about me and who push me to become better every day. No words can define how grateful I am. You will learn the importance of faith, when you are struck with the most difficult challenge.