TBA Studios appoints Daphne O. Chiu as President and COO

TBA Studios appoints Daphne O. Chiu as President and COO

Manila, Philippines — TBA Studios, one of the leading film production and distribution companies in the Philippines, is pleased to announce the appointment of Daphne O. Chiu as President and COO of TBA Studios.

Chiu brings with her years of experience and extraordinary leadership that has grown through the years since she joined the company in 2014. She has since taken on responsibilities as a producer, executive producer, General Manager, Vice President, and CFO.  

“As a film studio, the pandemic has been a challenging and difficult time for us, but Daphne proved herself more than capable of leading the company in the right direction. This past year alone, she has brought structure, drive, and a renewed sense of focus to everyone on the team. We believe that with her passion, energy, and leadership skills, she would be able to steer TBA Studios into a new and exciting chapter,” said TBA Studios Chairman Fernando Ortigas and TBA Studios CEO E.A. Rocha.

“I’m honored and grateful for the trust and confidence the company has given me. As President and COO, I would be focusing on critical projects, operations, and marketing strategies all of which are aligned with our continuing efforts to diversify and expand TBA Studios’ offerings. We have exciting releases ahead of us that would deliver value not just for the company, but also to our partners, clients, and stakeholders,” said TBA Studios President and COO Daphne Chiu.

From The Writers’ Room to FAMAS nom: ‘Dito at Doon’ writers share their creative journey

From The Writers’ Room to FAMAS nom: ‘Dito at Doon’ writers share their creative journey

“Dito at Doon” writers Alex Gonzales and Kristin Barrameda

Matutupad na nga ba ang drama dreams ko? Hahaha,” former ad girl Alexandra Jane Gonzales asked on Facebook after learning she got in the first batch of TBA Studios’ The Writers’ Room, an intensive workshop for aspiring film writers.

Elsewhere, Kristin Barrameda was thrilled to receive the news that she was chosen for The Writers’ Room as well. Almost a year before the announcement, she quit her job as a post-production supervisor to develop her projects for submission to film markets and development labs. “After I finished my initial script under the mentorship of Sir Ricky Lee, I heard that TBA would be initiating another writing workshop, and I excitedly applied, hoping to further refine the script that I had,” she recalled. 

It was Aug. 30, 2019, barely six months before the pandemic broke the world. But in the next 13 weeks, they would learn and explore limitless ways a story can be born.

Into ‘The Writers’ Room’ 

Alex, as most people fondly call her, grew up harboring an interest in stories, no matter what form they came in. “Shows, movies, books, comics, video games – you name it. And while I did try my hand out at creative writing, writing for movies as a career seemed like a lofty aspiration when I was growing up,” she recalled.

Her interest in stories, however, never died, so she pursued a career in a similar field: advertising. “I was a copywriter for an ad agency for a handful of years, writing 30- and 60-seconder commercials for various brands. It was there that my interest in storytelling really took off,” Alex added. So when friends prodded her to join The Writers’ Room, she bit the bullet.

The Writer’s Room was memorable in its entirety. It felt like a door to a different world was opened to me, and as an outsider, everything was new,” Alex said. “It was an enriching experience to meet people from various fields and learn from the screenplays they shared with everyone. We had beginners, award-winners, lawyers, directors, anthropologists, animators, sharing stories of different flavors, all bound by the same craft.”

TBA Studios’ Writer’s Room 2019 participants during the workshop’s Welcome Gathering (Source: TBA Studios Facebook)

Also coming from a similar background, Kristin, a former copywriter, never considered writing for film a full-time track because she had fallen in love with post-production. “But I think it’s becoming a respite from my work in post has helped me have fun with the process even more,” she said.

At “The Writers’ Room”, Kristin was inspired to learn with people, especially with those who love films and stories the same way she does. “While the mentors were a huge help in understanding more about writing, I find that I learned as much from my classmates in the workshop. Reading our exercises in class and exchanging feedback were definitely beneficial, not only when it comes to writing, but also in terms of defending our characters and the worlds that we build in our stories.”

Alex said her favorite part was the pitch presentation. “I was very nervous throughout; my hand shook the whole time I was presenting in front of the panel,” she said. “It cemented the notion that ideas need actual selling for projects to really take off.”

Alex learned that writers would need to know their panel, how to appeal to them, and be able to clearly express the idea for their film with the right mix of conciseness and emotional impact.

Alex and Kristin seemed to be kindred souls because of their shared experiences. So when the workshop was done, it wasn’t a surprise they would find themselves collaborating on writing a script in the middle of the pandemic.

‘Dito at Doon’: Writing under lockdown

February 2020 came and the world did break. 

But the isolation proved to be ideal for writing. In May 2020, Omar Sortijas, then producer of TBA Studios, reached out to Alex and Kristin to write a screenplay.

“It all started when our producer Omar Sortijas contacted us about fleshing out the concept he had in mind: a couple falling in love during the pandemic, but they won’t be able to meet. And just like Len and Caloy, my co-writer Kristin and I never met in person during the whole process,” Alex recalled.

Alex on the set of “Dito At Doon” (Source: Alex Gonzales)

Since the Philippines was on lockdown during that time, the two women had no chance to meet and write together, so the script was completed entirely remotely. “We would schedule writing sessions and collaborate through Google Docs,” Kristin shared. “If I remember correctly, we finished the initial draft in less than a week, but the final shooting script was done as the film was about to roll around November that same year.”

Director JP Habac of “I’m Drunk, I Love You.” fame sometimes joined their brainstorm sessions and transformed the initial computer screen format into the distinct spatial-visual treatment that was used in the film. Once the project was well under way, script readings and meetings were held via Zoom. 

Alex said that throughout the drafts they worked on, they changed character ages, background stories, added some characters and eventually removed the said characters. “Over maybe five to six months, it took us around five drafts to get to the final version of the script,” she said.

Kristin and Alex echoed each other that their writing collaboration was smooth. “Writing ‘Dito at Doon’ was a welcome challenge. Despite it being our first full-length project together, Kristin and I got along well. We listened to each other’s builds and designated tasks and sequences as needed,” Alex said.

Kristin shares the same sentiment, “I hope to collaborate with Alex more in the future because writing with her was very much edifying and fulfilling.”

Writing accolades

Fast forward to 2022, “Dito and Doon” has received critical acclaim, the latest being nominated for Best Screenplay at this year’s Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards. The Janine Gutierrez-JC Santos pandemic film can also now be watched internationally on Netflix.

“To be recognized for something you enjoy doing is just incredible, and while I am grateful for the nomination, I am equally, if not more, indebted and thankful to the people who believe we can tell stories and believe the stories we tell,” Kristin said.

Alex, meanwhile, couldn’t believe her dreams had manifested. “This was my first film, and for me, seeing it out there was enough of a reward. So, hearing about the nomination was a very pleasant surprise. FAMAS was an institution I’ve only heard of and read about, so to actually be nominated is still very surreal for me,” she shared.

The Alex-Kristin writing duo would have to take the bench for now as both are focused on individual projects. Kristin is finishing her residency under Singapore International Film Festival for her first feature project “Bing. Bong. Bang.” She is also looking for funding for a short film project that she hopes to finish before the year ends.

Kristin’s next step, meanwhile, is to keep writing. “There were a couple of projects (one romance/drama and one horror) that were put on the backburner, but with the pandemic easing up, maybe those projects can be revived…? But other than that, my plan would be to just keep on writing.”

“To just always try and see where stories can take me.”

“Dito at Doon” (Here and There) is now streaming on Netflix worldwide. Watch here.

Award-winning TBA Studios films now available on Prime Video

Award-winning TBA Studios films now available on Prime Video

Movie fans can now enjoy some of TBA Studios’ award-winning and critically acclaimed films on Prime Video.

Lingua Franca (2020)

Isabel Sandoval writes, stars, and directs this understated love story about an undocumented Filipno transwoman, working a s caregiver in Brooklyn. There she meets the grandson of one of her patients and develops a complex relationship with him.

 

The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August 2019. It has also competed in other prestigious festivals, such as the British Film Institute London Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival. The film has an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and won the top prize Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature at the 2020 Bentonville Film Festival, an American festival that highlights stories told by minority voices in entertainment, such as the LGBTQ+ community, women, and people with disabilities.

Write About Love (2019)

Filipino romance film directed by Crisanto Aquino stars Miles Ocampo and Rocco Nacino. The film revolves around the collaboration of a young female writer and a veteran male indie film writer to complete an unfinished script for a love story. During this journey, they discover truths about love, life, and writing a good love story.

 

The film premiered during the 45th Metro Manila Film festival and won several awards including Best Supporting Actor for Joem Bascon, Best Supporting Actress for Yeng Constantino, and Best Screenplay.

Us, At The End Of The Year (2019)

Nestor Abrogena helms this quiet and slow-burn love story following the lives of Sam (Nicco Manalo) and Isa (Emanuelle Vera). Five years after their break-up, ex-lovers turned friends attempt to find romance but find nothing except the pain of being in love with someone else whom they can never be with.

Neomanila (2019)

Toto (Timothy Castillo), a teenage orphan, is recruited by a notorious death squad. Irma (Eula Valdez), the group’s leader, soon becomes a maternal figure to the young boy. As the two form a familial bond, their loyalties will be put to the test when one of their targets turns out to be a familiar face.

 

This critically-acclaimed crime thriller directed by Mikhail Red made its international premiere at Rotterdam Film Festival.

Heneral Luna (2015)

Directed by award-winning filmmaker, Jerrold Tarog, this epic puts the spotlight on historical figure General Antonio Luna (John Arcilla), commander of the revolutionary army. After three hundred years as a Spanish colony, the Philippines must endure a new foreign power: the United States of America. General Luna wants to fight for freedom but members of the elite want to strike a deal with the Americans. The infighting is fierce in the new cabinet but General Luna and his loyal men forge ahead even as his military decisions are met with resistance from soldiers who are loyal only to President Aguinaldo (Mon Confiado).

 

The movie became the highest grossing indie and historical film in the Philippines. Heneral Luna was also chosen as the country’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards. 



Catch these exciting TBA Studios titles now available for streaming on Prime Video in Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Get ready for a jampacked June at Cinema ’76 and Cinema ‘76 Cafe

Get ready for a jampacked June at Cinema '76 and Cinema ‘76 Cafe

Everyone’s favorite micro-cinema and movie-themed cafe have a slew of exciting events coming your way this month. Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on these dates!

Pelikulaya - June 16 - June 17

Celebrate Pride Month at Cinema ’76 with Pelikulaya: LGBTIA+ Film Festival. Spearheaded by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Pelikulaya showcases short films from young student filmmakers as well as local and international movies that champions equality for the members of the LGBTQIA+ community and celebrate diversity.

Catch this year’s short film competition selection at Cinema ’76 from June 16 – 17 (“Mga Kuan” by Jermaine Tulbo, “Cut/Off” by Von Victor Viernes & Sean Russel Romero, “As If Nothing Happened” by JT Trinidad, “Kubli” by Jam Navalta, “This Is Not A Coming Out Story” by Mark Felix Ebreo, “We Were Never Really Strangers” by Patrick Pangan, “Second Gear” by Christian Angelo Cruz, “Kung Sa Diin Ang Suba Tarabuan (Down The River We Meet)” by Seth Andrew Blanca, “Baklaak (I’m Gay)” by Gabb Gantala, and “Nang Maglublob Ako sa Isang Mangkok ng Liwanag” by Kuki Zinampan).

Movie Quiz Night 3 - June 24

Cinema’76’s popular game event Movie Quiz Night is back after the success of the first two events. Film fans can once again have fun with friends while testing their film knowledge. This month’s Movie Quiz Night is even bigger and better as it joins Cinema ’76 Cafe in celebrating its first anniversary. And with the full support of Nova Wellness Store, participants can expect more prizes, exciting categories, and surprise guests!

Click here to register and save your spot!

Everything Everywhere All At Once - June 29

The movie event of the year is finally coming to the Philippines! The highly anticipated action-adventure Everything Everywhere All At Once, starring Michelle Yeoh opens in cinemas nationwide starting on June 29. This film is best seen on the big screen. Book your tickets at Cinema ’76 for the ultimate movie experience.

Be sure to also drop by Cinema ’76 Cafe after watching Everything Everywhere All At Once and order your favorite drink to enjoy their special edition Googly eye cups!

TBA Studios gets PH distribution rights to ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’

TBA Studios gets PH distribution rights to ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’

Filipinos can now join this absurd family therapy that will take them across the multiverse

A universe without Filipino audiences enjoying the critically acclaimed movie “Everything Everywhere All at Once” on the big screen is a cosmic anomaly—it was only fitting that TBA Studios correct this by securing exclusive distribution rights of the Daniels’ big-hearted sci-fi adventure in the Philippines.

Set for release on June 29, 2022 in local cinemas, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” stars Michelle Yeoh (Crazy Rich Asians, Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings) as an exhausted Chinese immigrant woman named Evelyn who can’t seem to finish her taxes. It doesn’t help that a variant of her happy go-lucky husband takes over and tells her she has to save the multiverse.

Everything Everywhere All At Once” marks TBA Studios’ first distribution deal with the famed independent film studio, A24. 

“Filipino movie audiences deserve to see this film on the big screen. It teaches us to believe in ourselves, keep going despite adversities, and embrace everything everywhere all at once. We’re more than glad to bring this one-of-a-kind movie experience to the country and we look forward to everyone’s support as we continue to bring the best of global cinema to the Philippines and other territories,” shares Daphne O. Chiu, TBA Studios Executive Vice President and General Manager. 

The film is directed by brothers Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, collectively known as the Daniels (The Swiss Man). The cast includes Stephanie Hsu (TV’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Ke Huy Quan (The Goonies), Jenny Slate (Venom), Harry Shum Jr. (Crazy Rich Asians) with James Hong (Kung Fu Panda), and Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween). 

Everything Everywhere All at Once” is currently one of the best reviewed films of 2022, earning an 81 “Must-See” designation from Metacritic and a 95% “Certified Fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie has also become A24’s highest grossing title ever, with $67 million global box office.

Don’t miss out on the big screen action that takes you across the multiverse. Catch “Everything Everywhere All at Once” on June 29 in Philippine cinemas.

For updates, follow TBA Studios on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or visit tba.ph. Join the conversation online using the hashtag #EverythingEverywhereAllAtOnce and #ProudlyTBA

TBA Studios brings Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness” to PH cinemas

TBA Studios brings Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness” to PH cinemas

TBA Studios has acquired the exclusive Philippine theatrical rights to this year’s controversial Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or winner Triangle of Sadness

Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund directs a satirical masterpiece that has everyone abuzz. Set in the world of fashion, Triangle of Sadness follows fashion model couple Carl and Yaya as they embark on a luxury cruise adventure. All appears Instagrammable at first but a storm is brewing, and heavy seasickness hits the passengers during the seven-course captain’s dinner. The cruise ends catastrophically and they become stranded on a desert island with a group of billionaires and a cleaning lady. In the fight for survival, old hierarchies are turned upside down since the cleaning lady is the only one who knows how to fish.

Triangle of Sadness was easily the most talked-about film at the festival. Lauded by critics and audiences alike, the movie received an 8-minute standing ovation during its premiere screening. Film critic, Robbie Collin, gave it five stars and called it “a bold and brilliant film.” IGN’s Ryan Lesto writes, “Triangle of Sadness is a comedic tour de force from a director who really understands how to wage a tremendously funny class war. Östlund’s cringe-inducing humor pairs well with some genuine laugh-out-loud moments to create an all-around hilarious social satire.”

Critics also praised the spectacular performances of the ensemble cast, most notably Filipino actress Dolly de Leon’s breakout performance as Abigail, the yacht’s cleaning lady. Variety’s Clayton Davis describes her performance as “Oscar-worthy”, suggesting that De Leon’s defining supporting performance deserves recognition from the Academy Awards. 

A veteran actress in theater and television, De Leon describes herself as a “bit player”, known for playing various roles in local dramas. Her career-defining performance in Triangle of Sadness suggests a much bigger and brighter future for the actress.   

The movie also stars Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean, Woody Harrelson, Henrik Dorsin, Zlatko Buric, Iris Berben, Sunnyi Melles, Vicky Berlin, and Oliver Ford Davies.

Triangle of Sadness is produced by Plattform Produktion and Coproduction Office. It’s distributed exclusively in the Philippines by TBA Studios.

For updates, follow TBA Studios on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or visit tba.ph. Join the conversation online using the hashtag #TriangleOfSadness and #ProudlyTBA

TBA Studios unveils 2022 movie lineup; Crime movie “Grace” now in the works

TBA Studios unveils 2022 movie lineup; Crime movie “Grace” now in the works

The cast, director, and producers of TBA Studios’ “Grace” during the film’s script reading session held in Quezon City

After the success of the pandemic love story “Dito at Doon” in 2021, TBA Studios is ready to roll out its 2022 lineup with a major movie project leading the way.

On April 20, the award-winning film company announced on their Facebook page that it’s teaming up with Sea’N’Sun Film Productions to produce an action-packed crime thriller called “Grace”.

To be helmed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Ato Bautista (“Expressway”), “Grace” tells the story of a college student who seeks revenge for the brutal death of his girlfriend and takes down an elite powerful fraternity whose members and alumni are seated in every power sect of Philippine society. 

Musician-turned-actor Iken Ramirez takes the lead role in the movie with a screenplay written by Bautista, Kat Marasigan, and E. A. Rocha based on an earlier treatment developed by the late director Uro dela Cruz.

Rocha, the CEO and Co-Executive Producer of TBA Studios and one of the co-writers of the company’s massive box office hit “Heneral Luna”, felt that “Grace” is a very important story to tell because “it is indicative of the entitlement and abuse wielded by people in powerful positions—a reflection of what is wrong with our country.” 

“I can only describe Grace as a relevant, violent and ultimately devastating modern parable that had to be told and cinematically experienced,” he shared.

Alvin Anson of “Heneral Luna” and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” fame will play the main antagonist.

The ensemble cast also includes veteran thespians Angeli Bayani, Art Acuña, E. A. Rocha, Ronnie Lazaro, Cholo Barretto, Kiko Matos, and young actors Mark Neumann, Shaun Salvador, and Vance Larena.

The cast recently held its first script reading in Quezon City ahead of its principal photography in May. More cast announcements for the film are also underway. 

Grace” is part of TBA Studios’ film offerings for the coming year. This also includes the star-studded comedy “The Comeback Trail” with Hollywood icons Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Tommy Lee Jones as well as the music documentary “Fanny: The Right To Rock” about the untold story of three Filipina American teens in the 1960s whose trailblazing impact in music was written out of history.

TBA Studios Executive Vice President and General Manager Daphne O. Chiu shared that their roster of titles “are distinctly TBA”, referring to the company’s trademark for producing, acquiring, and distributing world-class quality films.

“Film fans will have plenty to get excited about with TBA Studios’ diverse offerings. And this is just our initial lineup! We have more projects to be announced soon,” Chiu said.

Stay tuned to TBA Studios’ pages and tba.ph for more updates on “GRACE” and other films.

Women Behind the Scenes

Women Behind the Scenes

Filmmaking has no longer been a man’s game. Recent years have shown that the creative process in movies brings a unique perspective and sensibilities when women are at the helm.

In honor of Women’s Month, get to know some of the talented female creatives that worked behind the scenes to help bring to life some of our most beloved films. 

Screengrab from “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” featurette

Marilen Magsaysay

Film colorist

Color grading is an important aspect in maintaining the tone throughout the film. Marilen Magsaysay certainly knew the assignment when she worked as a film colorist for Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, Birdshot, Bliss, and K’na the Dreamweaver.

“Many people don’t even know that color grading exists,” Magsaysay said in the behind-the-scenes featurette of Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral. “As the colorist, you have to use your imagination, come up with ways to enhance a situation wherein you wanna take them into a different world,” she added.

Apart from being a well-known name in the color grading industry, Magsaysay has also shown her business acumen. After being the head colorist at Optima Digital, she opened her own production company Media East Production together with husband, sound designer Raffy Magsaysay.

Daphne Chiu

Producer

Film producers should have the foresight in making sure a film gets finished on time and smoothly. Only in her early 30’s, Daphne O. Chui already has a long history of producing films even before she joined TBA Studios and held the position of Executive Vice President and General Manager. 

To date, she is credited as a producer, line-producer, or co-executive producer in over 20 feature projects including iconic films of recent years Heneral Luna and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.

As an executive, Chiu also guided TBA Studios’ tumultuous journey during the pandemic which included opening a movie-themed cafe, Cinema ‘76 Cafe and resumption of Cinema ‘76 microcinema operations.

“We’re very happy to be doing something entirely different from producing, but it’s also film-related. We’re still a cinema exhibitor, and we have a café that’s very cinema-slanted and film-themed,” Chiu shared in an interview with BusinessWorld.

How Cinema ’76 carries on in a pandemic

Isabel Sandoval

Filmmaker/actress

A writer prepares the screenplay. A director calls the shots. An actress brings them to life. Isabel Sandoval showed she could do every part of filmmaking, even taking the video editing role in her award-winning film, Lingua Franca. The movie brings to light the plight of Filipina trans women immigrants in the U.S. and challenges society’s definition of what woman should be. 

She also won the Best Actress award for her lead role at the 18th Pacific Meridian International Film Festival of Asian Pacific Countries in Vladivostok, Russia in 2020.

Photo from Instagram: @teyclamor

Tey Clamor

Director of Photography  If you’ve been left wrecked by the romance film Tayo Sa Huling Buwang Taon, then you’d know that a part of that is attributed to the cinematography by Tey Clamor. As director of photography, she was the crew chief that is responsible for the camera. Those not used to seeing women on the set carry heavy camera equipment and still deliver stylized shots need to watch Babae at Ang Baril (The Woman and The Gun) and Metamorphosis, a couple of her works. She even worked during the pandemic while seven months pregnant.  

Photo from Grace Simbulan’s Facebook page

Grace Simbulan

Documentary filmmaker

Documentarian Grace Simbulan finished her first feature film, A is for Agustin over the course of five years. The documentary follows a man who constantly puts his life in question, between his desire to get educated at 40, and his caring for his family and son. The film was listed under CNN Philippines’ top 10 Filipino films of 2019.

The subject was an offshoot of her project entitled “In defense of land and life. Addressing Human Rights concerns of indigenous peoples in resource conflicting areas”, which was given a grant from the European Union. Simbulan graduated cum laude with a degree in Film and Audio Visual Communications in UP Diliman. She’s currently pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where her research explores the pressures, counter pressures and negotiations that lead to the adoption of projects for Indigenous women and children in the Philippines.

Liter of Light Premieres Pioneering Filipino Global Environmental Film at EXPO2020

Liter of Light Premieres Pioneering Filipino Global Environmental Film at EXPO2020

DUBAI, March 27— Liter of Light, a Filipino born global grassroots solar lighting movement, will have a World Premiere for its pioneering environmental film, “Theory of Light”, on March 27 in front of 200 dignitaries and guests at the Opportunity Forum at the EXPO2020 in Dubai.

With the theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” EXPO2020 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the impact of a Philippine innovation in coming together despite the challenges and building resilient communities with a diverse audience committed to Sustainability.

Part historical chronicle, part environmental lesson, “Theory of Light” shows how Liter of Light is reinvigorating efforts to take action on climate change from the safety of home and inspiring new generations of innovators from the Global South to come up with ideas that will change the World.

The Philippines is one of the most climate vulnerable countries in the world. As part of the typhoon belt, the country expects 20 storms each year, but with the increase in global warming, 25% of these yearly storms are now classified as destructive. Just last December, a new Category 5 storm, Super Typhoon Rai, tore through the Philippines, killing more than 400 people and destroying hundreds of thousands of homes. It is only the latest in a series of super storms that pose an existential threat to the island nation’s heritage and way of life.

“Most media coverage to date focuses on the receiving effects of the climate crisis; as victims and stops there,” says Filipino-Italian Illac Diaz, Founder and Executive Director of Liter of Light. “Filipinos are admired for our resilience, but rarely do stories focus on the rising up, building back and innovative solutions that communities themselves have developed to take dramatic action. In fact, only 1% of all global expenses for filmmaking are spent on the environment and the growing climate crisis. With this documentary, we want to flip the script, and share stories of common humanity and hope that inspires others to make urgent and right decisions for the people and planet.”

The earlier production stage of the film began during the centennial celebration of Philippine Cinema in 2019. It is produced and distributed by TBA Studios, the two-time Philippine representative to the Academy Awards. Known for their critically-acclaimed and groundbreaking films, TBA Studios cemented their status as one of the top production companies in the Philippines with its big-budget epics and major box office hits such as “General Luna” and “Goyo: The Boy General”.

“TBA Studios has always been committed to bringing to life stories that inspire, educate, and entertain. ‘Theory of Light’ is the first Filipino global environmental film with a local narrative about the harsh realities of climate change. We hope that this project will touch people’s lives—the way it did ours—and continue to influence decision-makers around the world to create more sustainable and tangible solutions for all,” shares TBA Studios CEO E. A. Rocha.

“I believe in the power of collaboration and partnerships to elevate global sustainability. For our children’s children, the present generation must come together and adapt to the challenges of climate change. “Theory of Light” shows us that even the simplest folk can do their part and be an excellent example of resilience and disaster preparedness. We find shining beacons of light amid natural disasters,” says Mr. Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee for SM Prime Holdings.

The development of the film was supported by a grant from SM Prime Holdings, Inc. The project is an official partnership with the office of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Manila Observatory, the key research institution on climate change in the Philippines.

Filmmaker J.P. Gopez, whose works include documentaries for National Geographic and TBA Studios’ legacy docu-series “Habambuhay: Remembering 100 Years of Philippine Cinema”, helmed the project. It is also executive produced by Liter of Light founder Illac Diaz, SM Prime President Hans Sy, TBA Studios CEOs E. A. Rocha and Fernando Ortigas with TBA’s Executive Vice-President and General Manager Daphne Chiu and Film Development Manager Margie Navarro co-producing.

4 Treats for Singles and Couples at Cinema ‘76 Café Valentine Weekend

4 Treats for Singles and Couples at Cinema ‘76 Café Valentine Weekend

Movies, coffee, romance – and even self-love – make a good mix at Cinema ‘76 Café

Whether you’re single or coupled up, Cinema ‘76 Café in Anonas, Quezon City got you covered this Valentine’s Weekend. The movie-themed al fresco café annexed to a state-of-the-art microcinema is the perfect dining and dating spot this love month.

Singles Happy Hour

Single Awareness Day does not have to be all that gloomy. You and your friends can celebrate with unlimited cocktails on Friday, February 11 starting at 6 pm until midnight. For only Php 499, you can enjoy glasses of Tequila Sunrise, Zombie, Daiquiri, Screw Driver, and Amaretto Sour. Consume responsibly so you won’t end up having an “I’m drunk, I love you.” confession that you would regret.

Valentine’s Package

Keep your love stronger with Cinema ‘76 Café’s Couple’s Valentine’s Packages available on Feb. 12 – 13 from 5 pm until midnight. Both come with a charcuterie board of sumptuous snacks, Package A is partnered with two glasses of red wine while Package B includes two cocktail drinks, either Vodka Cranberry or Tequila Sunrise. Each cost Php 1,299. For continuous enjoyment, add Php 200 to upgrade to bottomless drinks.

Reserve your spot this Valentine Weekend by filling out the form here: https://bit.ly/C76CafeValentine.

Package A: Charcuterie Board + 2 Glasses Red Wine | Php 1299

Package B: Charcuterie Board + 2 Glasses Cocktails (Choose from Vodka Cranberry or Tequila Sunrise) |Php 1299

Enjoy our Valentine Drink - Red Velvet Latte

February might as well be red velvet month.  For some alcohol-free Valentine’s treat, immerse in the romantic vibe with the café’s featured drink of the month, Red Velvet Latte for only Php 130.

Movie Dates at Cinema ‘76

Why stop at just dining when you can also enjoy a movie or two? Nothing beats old-fashioned movie dates during Hearts’ Day at Cinema ‘76 micro-cinema. You can watch Marry Me, a kilig story between a math teacher and a pop star played by Owen Wilson and Jennifer Lopez. Find out how love ties two people from different worlds.

If you’d rather solve a mystery together with your S.O., then take your deductive sweetheart to the screening of Murder on The Nile, which stars Gal Gadot, Kenneth Branagh, and Emma Mackey. Learn what happens when you try to steal your friend’s boyfriend in this thrilling detective story. Book tickets now at Cinema ‘76 via bit.ly/c76tickets.

Indeed, movies, coffee, romance – and even self-love – make a good mix at Cinema ‘76 Café.

Cinema ‘76 Film Society and Cinema ‘76 Cafe are located at Anonas LRT City Center, Aurora Blvd., Quezon City. For more updates, follow Cinema ‘76 Film Society and Cinema ‘76 Café.