Following the successful launch of the S.A.F.E. (Storytelling, Authoring, Filming, and Editing) for Children Initiative Season 2 last November 2022, 51 official participatory videos from different Valenzuelano youth sectors make it to the 2nd CineMahusay Film Fest at ALERT Multi-Purpose Center, February 2.

The 2nd CineMahusay Film Fest Awards Show is the culmination of the post-workshop activities enjoined by about 350 Valenzuelano youth from schools (elementary, high school, Madrasah, and ALS learners), barangay council for the protection of children, and community shelters to write their original screenplays, draw their storyboards and film their short films. Grounding their experience during the lockdown and their ability to sustain mental health. The youth were made to work with the theme: “Walang Iwanan”.

Out of the 51 entries screened by UNICEF Philippines, 18 participatory videos were shortlisted as official nominees for the Judging Round.

The panel of judges included multi-awarded storytellers and filmmakers namely Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, Arden Rod Condez, Marla Acheta, and Antoinette Jadaone. 

In his opening remarks, Mayor WES Gatchalian acknowledged UNICEF Philippines for initiating this  project S.A.F.E. for Children Initiative, “Through this initiative, through arts, nailalabas natin ang personalidad at creativity ng isang estudyante.”

He added that Valenzuela City is truly grateful for UNICEF and its partner NGOs. “I always thank UNICEF for the good and long partnership that we have. I hope in the next years to come, especially in my administration, I am looking forward to working with you”, Mayor Gatchalian said. 

Meanwhile, UNICEF Philippines Chief of Child Protection, Ms. Patricia Lim Ah Ken congratulated all the Valenzuelano youth who participated in the second season of the CineMahusay, “You are awesome! I’ve been so impressed by the caliber and quality of your work. You are all talented.”

CineMahusay is a project of UNICEF Philippines and the City Government of Valenzuela in partnership with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), and DepEd Division of City Schools – Valenzuela. A platform where the youth can showcase their participatory videos after undergoing a series of capacity-building workshops.

The awards show capped off by presenting the short film “Indak” which won the 2nd CineMahusay Best Participatory Video. 

Present at the event were Mayor WES Gatchalian, Mayoress Tiffany Gatchalian, Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad Borja, City Councilors Niña Lopez, Chiqui Carreon, Louie Nolasco, and CWSDO Head Ms. Dorothy Evangelista. Joining them were UNICEF Philippines Chief of Child Protection Ms. Patricia Lim Ah Ken, Ms. Doreen Denorte, Mr. Dan Faustin Ramirez, Mr. Navpreet Bahl, CWC Acting Chief of Policy Advocacy and Information Office (PAIO) Mr. Elino Bardillon, and Ms. Beulah Rosales. While for the judges, gracing the event were Ms. Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala and Direk Arden Rondez.

The Roll of Awardees

“Indak” (Valenzuela School of Mathematics and Science)

• Best Participatory Video

“Kagitlan” (Barangay Council for the Protection of Children - Punturin)

• Best Participatory Video 1st Runner-Up

“Alpas”  (Barangay Council for the Protection of Children - Ugong)

• Best Participatory Video 2nd Runner-Up

“Indak” (Valenzuela School of Mathematics and Science)

• Best Story

“Kagitlan” (Barangay Council for the Protection of Children - Punturin)

• Best Editing

“Kagitlan” (Barangay Council for the Protection of Children - Punturin)

•  Best Sound

“Indak” (Valenzuela School of Mathematics and Science)

•  Best Cinematography

Margarette Bermiso -  “Sa Mga Balikat Ko” (Wawang Pulo National High School)

• Best Actress

John Ahrel Maliwat  - “Sandalan” (Bahay Pag-asa ng Valenzuela)

• Best Actor

James Bryan Balubal - “Ahon” (Valenzuela National High School)

• Best Director

“Thutulan Ko Wata” (Paso de Blas Elementary School)

• Special Jury Prize  

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