HAPPENING in Dumangas tonight: Sugbahan sa Plaza starting 6 p.m.; and the world premiere of “La Sirène ─ un film de Peter Solis Nery” at 7:30 p.m.
If you come to Dumangas early, there’s streetdancing competition starting 2:30 p.m.
All these are part of the weeklong celebration of the 10th annual Haw-as Festival in Dumangas.
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I haven’t been to previous Sugbahan sa Plaza events, but I was told it’s free dinner, boodle fight style.
People cook rice, and grill bangus, (did I also see pork in the budget proposal?), and feed the community.
I can only guess this Sugbahan feeds the guests from out-of-town as well.
Because, well, my hometown of Dumangas is a very friendly, accommodating, and hospitable town.
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The film premiere is a special addition to the Haw-as festivities this year.
Endorsed and approved by Mayor Ronaldo “Onal” Golez himself.
I thank the mayor for his support of my artistic endeavors.
I am, of course, a recipient of the Dungganon nga Dumangasanon award for Literature, Arts, and Culture.
I told you this story before.
The award is normally just “for Literature”.
So when I was informed that I was chosen to receive it in 2014, I told the mayor at that time that I won’t accept the award unless they modify it to read “for Literature, Arts, and Culture”.
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I mean, I’m more than just a famous writer by then.
I was already a Palanca Hall of Famer in 2012.
And I’m also a filmmaker.
And an influencer.
And you understand that when I am given an award, I tend to prove myself even worthier of it.
Like I try to transubstantiate it.
I turn awards into palpable proofs.
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So, yeah. This “La Sirène” and its premiere are probably just fulfilling the “for the Arts” part of my award.
I mean, I’m known as the filmmaker from Dumangas, but other than my full-length feature Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa” (2012), I don’t think Dumangasanons have really seen my short films.
“La Sirène” is my latest film.
It’s a short running 15 minutes.
It has no big ambitions.
It’s just my take of “The Little Mermaid”.
But it will be in French.
So that is going to be interesting.
Go watch it in Dumangas.
And come for the free dinner at the plaza!
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Tomorrow, Oct. 27, Saturday, I will have my farewell show at Troi Oi.
Do you really think Peter Solis Nery will fly back to the US without giving you one last concert?
It’s a dinner show called “Impossible Loves: Peter Solis Nery… Live at Troi Oi.”
Usually, it’s just like a party with friends from the literary and arts circles, and friends from other circles.
But really, I’d like to expand my circles of friends.
And I’d like to meet new fans.
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For a special treat, I will also be showing “La Sirène”.
Think of it as the Iloilo City premiere.
In case you miss our world premiere in Dumangas tonight.
The cast of the movie will also replicate during my show the musical intermissions they will perform tonight at the Dumangas Gymnasium.
Oh, I got to say, These are probably the only two chances you will get to see this short film this year.
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Aside from the “La Sirène” special at Troi Oi, I will also chat a little bit (gossip, if you will) about the 2018 Palanca Awards.
I told you, this Palanca thing is not over until I say it is over!
I decide!
I decide these things! Haha.
Promise, I will try to connect them all to the concept of Impossible Loves.
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I’m still working at it, but I think we can also finish a very simple film version of my children’s book, my autobiography, “I Am Peter” for tomorrow night.
Beautifully illustrated by artist Kristoffer Brasileño, winner of the 2018 Peter’s Prize for Visual Arts (Digital Illustration).
I’ll be reading some old and new poems on the subject of Impossible Loves.
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I will definitely talk about falling in love.
About being hurt.
About coping.
About moving on.
And the whole psychology of it.
If you are wise, you’ll come to the show.
Because a friend like me will be waiting there for you.
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Why do I cry like the ocean?
Why are my tears the taste of the sea?
Why did you kiss me, and leave me brokenhearted? (500tinaga@gmail.com/PN)
