Kasambahay, Habambuhay : Nestle Philippines' Short Film Anthology

When we talk about Filipino movies, I've got a few good ones in mind, those worth watching on the big screen such as Aishite Imasu, Kimi Dora, Rosario, RPG Metanoia, Zombadings (Patayin sa Shokot si Remington), and some old action movies from Fernando Poe, Jr. and Lito Lapid.

The rest? I may not have watched or know any other good Pinoy films but one thing for sure, love flicks, fantasy, and redundant comedy is a kick in the boot.

Allow me to divert our scene to 10 awesome Filipino short films made by Nestle Philippines' for its 100th Anniversary last July 2011. The "Kasambahay, Habambuhay Short Film Anthology" is a well-budgeted project that showcases pure Filipino talent. Within a 12-minute short, the directors have produced a homey, feel good, down-to-earth, and unique stories that astoundingly caught every Filipinos' attention. Movies this good should go mainstream.

I have provided a playlist that contains all ten short films, arranged according to the list below with their respective plots. It took me some time to make this blog entry for I have watched the entire anthology once again lols. Enjoy! :)

To browse through videos, click the gray rectangular box located at the bottom-center of the player.

The Howl and the Fussyket

Aaron volunteered to be the representative of their class for a declamation contest. After memorizing the piece, he recites it to his family. Flaws in his pronunciation, clarity, and poise arise, the family helps improve Aaron to achieve his longed passion. Directed by: Chris Martinez

Unplugged

Michael, the football coach, and his young team went to his Grandparent's home for a bootcamp. Grandfather Nestor was disappointed to the city-born teens' focus to technology life. He unplugs them by opening their eyes to manual life, nature, and principles to achieve their goals. Directed by: Raul Jorolan

Isang Tasang Pangarap

Elias is our average person who lives in a barrio. He doesn't believe in miracles 'til one morning after drinking his favorite coffee in his treasured red mug, he looked at its interior bottom and was surprised that he could foretell the future. Word got out. People started bringing their mugs, handing it to Elias to foretell theirs. Directed by: Sid Maderazo

OH! Pa Ra Sa Ta U Wa Yeah!

Is a musical themed short about a family trip. While on the road, Nicos' love-life was put to spotlight. Emil, their father, took out a centuries-old book from the compartment and gave it to Nicos. It reads, "Womanual: Ang Abakada ng Matamis na Oo", a book on how to court a girl that has been passed down by a long root of grandfathers. Directed by: Jeorge Agcaoili

Silup

Fidel is a focused, hard-working policeman who fights fair for justice. He loves and deeply cares for his grandparents as they meant so much to him. Directed by: Jun Reyes

Sali-Salita

Helen, Josh's mom, is always busy with her work, lacking the time to play with him. One morning, Josh was dirty from playing, the nanny chased him, he then accidentally pushes her mother's laptop off the table, breaking it. Helen got extremely mad, sends him to his room. Later that evening, Helen's dad called and wishes to stay at their house for a few days before he flies to Hong Kong. The following day, Josh was excited to see his Grandfather who then noticed the conflict between the two. He told Josh a simple and better way to play, and that is, through imagination. Directed by: A/F Benaza

Downtown

The short was introduced with a man's dirty apartment. He woke up, sat on his bed and gently strokes the pillow next to his. He misses his wife. One morning, he cleaned his apartment and fixed himself. On his way out, he looked at the potted plant near the window which meant a sign of hope. Directed by: Stephen Ngo

Tingala sa Baba

Is about two kids playing at the teeter-totter. Enzo, the chubby rich kid, wants to be pushed-up of the teeter-totter but Angelo, the poor kid, cannot do it because he was too heavy for him. Angelo thought of an idea, Enzo was doubtful but still went on with it. Directed by: Henry Frejas

Cooking Mo, Cooking Ko

A Filipino poetically speaking short about two families who used to be friends, fights over their food businesses. A Romeo-Juliet type of story. Directed by: Chris Martinez

Sign Seeker

At office, Stephen urged Bien to date the hot girl, Kacey. Bien likes her but wasn't sure if he should ask her out. He relied on fate by thinking of signs for him whether he should date Kacey or not. Directed by: Carlo Directo

I love all the short films but if I were to choose my Top 3, it would be, The Howl and the Fussyket, Sali-Salita, and Tingala sa Baba. Anyway, I do hope to see more of these type of films in the Philippine industry. To all Pinoy Indie Film Makers, I salute you! :)

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