Issue 103, October 2026
Michael Cinco
Loida Nicolas Lewis This is what 80 looks like
Photo by Jeff Rivera
Glamour as theater
Sam Milby
Craving a quiet life at 42
Letter from the Editor
The Filipino media asks : Alex Eala , where are you ? W hy is Alex Eala, one of the biggest Filipino sports stars in the world, so difficult for Filipino media to interview? Why has access to her become so limited? Alex is no longer simply a promising young tennis player. She is now a global athlete, a national symbol and, whether she asked for it or not, an ambassador for the Philippines. She is ranked among the world's best. She has defeated major champions. She has won a WTA title. She has played on the biggest stages in tennis. And Filipinos have followed her journey with the kind of emotional investment usually reserved for athletes such as Manny Pacquiao. Her success has made Filipinos proud. So why shouldn't Filipino journalists be allowed to tell her story? Recent international coverage shows that Eala is perfectly capable of speaking openly with the media. The Guardian, Vogue, The New Yorker and The Wall Street Journal have all featured her prominently. She has spoken about her Filipino identity, her family, her ambitions, her experiences on tour and even her favorite Filipino food. The Wall Street Journal noted that she conducts interviews in Tagalog and that her Success should not mean becoming unreachable. Filipino following has become enormous. At Photo by Georgio Dano
Founding Editor Cristina DC Pastor
Contributing Writers
Managing Editor Rene Pastor Address P.O. Box 8071 New York, NY 10116
the U.S. Open, Eala talked proudly about seeing Tagalog represented among the languages of the crowd. Filipino journalists are not asking Alex to give us special treatment. We are asking for the same professional courtesy routinely extended to other media organizations. There is a huge Filipino audience that wants to hear from her—not through an American magazine's interpretation, not through snippets on social media, but directly. That community is not merely an audience. It is part of her story. Success should not mean becoming unreachable. But then let her team establish a reasonable media policy. If she cannot do one-on-one interviews, say so. If requests must go through an agent, say so. If only certain publications can be accommodated, explain the criteria. If Filipino community media must submit questions in advance, we will submit them. But silence is not a media policy. And shutting out the very media that serves the community that celebrates you is a strange contradiction. So, Alex, if you are reading this: Sit down with us. Talk to us.
Marissa Banez
Allen Gaborro
Angelito Cabigao
Maricar CP Hampton
Tricia Capistrano Licelle Cobrador
Contact Thefilamny@gmail.com 646-717-7460
Joel David Wendell Gaa
The FilAm is a publication of A&V Editorial THE FILAM
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Loida Nicolas Lewis Elton Lugay Lindy Rosales
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Michael Cinco at NYFW: Glamour as theater
he Dubai-based Filipino couturier unveiled his Spring/Summer 2027 collection at the Angel Orensanz Foundation where he presented handworked glamour and dramatic flourishes in a community-centered celebration. At Michael Cinco’s New York Fashion Week ramp show on September 12, fashion did not promise wearability. Instead it delivered spectacle, scale and transformation. He treated glamour as theater. Inside the cavernous historic Lower East Side venue, Cinco unveiled a collection of “grand silhouettes, shimmering embellishment and unapologetic visual drama,” the hallmarks that have made his work a presence on international red carpets and pageant stages. “Ethereal” is one word commonly heard among those in the audience. Gowns swept down the runway with exaggerated skirts, extended trains and geometric volume. They were fashioned from hundreds of thousands of hand-sewn Swarovski crystals, delicate beadwork and layers of tulle. Silver and gold tones created visual energy, a teamwork between softness and structure. Diaphanous, body-revealing shapes gave way to generous, almost architectural forms. Cinco has always been known for maximalism, and this collection reinforced it. Rather than treating embellishment as a finishing touch, he made it central to the design. Floral and organic motifs are spread across the gowns. He creates them with molded shoulders and voluminous skirts. The result was couture that felt both extravagant and meticulous. One of the models who walked for Cinco was Mrs. Kalayaan 2026 Iris Capuno. Her inclusion brought a certain connection between fashion and community pride. Capuno was gushing as she tried on a Cinco ball gown. “OMG I love it but I can’t afford it,” she exclaimed. By her description, “All gowns are beyond extraordinary with Swarovski crystals. I’m so proud to walk in them.” She shared how she was witness to
At his closing walk.
Mrs. Kalayaan 2026 Iris Capuno is one of the models. Photo by Arys Castillo
He did not promise wearability. Instead he delivered spectacle and scale. Cinco’s level of perfection. “He was very specific about make-up. My hair was rejected twice by Michael because he’s not happy with it. He said clean look, walang buhok na lumalabas. “During the runway he told me: don’t THE FILAM
smile, don’t hold the gown, just walk. Otherwise, he’s very very nice. He has a soft voice.” The runway show followed a pre-program chat hosted by Jessy Daing and Jcas Castro of Over a Glass or Two. The | 3
evening also featured New York State Assembly citations presented by Assemblymember Steven Raga, with community stalwart Loida Nicolas Lewis joining as guest of honor. Honored during the program were Amiel Noble of Noble Creations; jeweler Charlie Lapson; Sokhong Taing of Almée Couture; Art Hearts Fashion founder Erik Rosete; Monsanto; and Cinco. Musical performances by Rasmin Diaz and Pongsky Tenioso, Dr. Morris Montilla and Hannah Suarez, and Josie Jampayas preceded the runway presentation. TOFA founder and executive producer Elton Lugay welcomed guests and recalled Cinco’s earlier New York Fashion Week milestone with TOFA in 2022, placing the designer’s return within a broader celebration of Filipino artistry and achievement. Cinco’s finale was appropriately ceremonial with Miss USA 2026 Justus Kelley and Miss Venezuela 2018 Sthefany Gutiérrez joining him for his closing walk capping the New York runway in true Cinco spirit: unapologetically grand.
'This is what 80 looks like' In March of 2023, in time for International Women’s Month, I launched my third book entitled, Why Should Guys Have All The Fun? An Asian American Story of Love, Marriage, Motherhood and Running A Billion Dollar Empire.
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hrough my 200-page memoir, I shared my life’s journey from my joyful upbringing as a young girl in Sorsogon, Philippines to my life-altering trip to New York City that led to my serendipitous blind date with the brilliant and tenacious Reginald F. Lewis, my soulmate and eventually, my husband What followed since my book launched was a rigorous yet exhilarating two-year long book tour that got me to travel all over the United States, parts of Canada, in over nine cities in Europe, and eventually to the Philippines. At one of our earlier book events in the spring of 2023, I was interviewed by Emmy-award winning journalist Ernabel Demillo at the Lingua Franca store in West Village, New York City, an event wonderfully put together by my younger daughter, Christina Lewis, and her friend and owner of the boutique, Rachelle Hruska. I was asked by Ernabel, “Why write the book now?” I replied that I had the idea to write my memoir when I was seventy-five years old, after reading Katharine Graham’s Personal History, the famous American publisher’s Pulitzer Prize–winning memoir, in 1997. I was inspired by her book because, just like me, she was also thrust into a position of leadership as CEO of the Washington Post after the very sudden death of her husband, Phil Graham. Continuing my reply to Ernabel, “So, now that I turned eighty…” At this moment, a collective gasp from a room full of mostly women of diverse ages and backgrounds was very audibly heard. I can hear whispers of women saying all at once, “What?” “She did NOT just say she’s eighty!” “Is she really eighty?” “Yes, I am eighty,” I reiterated with a smile. As we went from event to event for my book, I was met with similar reactions whenever I revealed my age. Even more so whenever I say that I’ve never had any work done whatsoever, not even Botox.
Loida Lewis and her family are shown on the jumbotron during the opening day of the US Open, where they were honored together with the winners of the 2026 Reginald F. Lewis Game Changer Award (in collaboration with the USTA Foundation).
The book was written when she was 80, reflecting on a lifetime of experiences. Photo: Storehouse Voices THE FILAM
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“This is what eighty should look like,” I would say, pointing to my face. “However, I made the decision that I am eighty years old for the next ten years,” I’d often say, which made them chuckle or get even more intrigued. With the reactions I’ve garnered during my book tour, it’s clear to me that these things that I have been doing through the years are clearly working, at least for me. I do understand that what works for me may not necessarily work for everyone else, so kindly take my book with a grain of salt and apply only what you think would agree most with your current lifestyle. Should you decide to follow my tips, I advise you to read the entire book first, then practice the tips in each chapter for one week or more until they become a habit. After one chapter, practice the next, and so on. This way, you can optimize what you learn, and give each habit a chance to find its place in your daily routine and practices. You can now pre-order the US edition of Look Younger When You’re Older (No Botox, No Surgery) at this link: bit.ly/preorderlookyounger (shipping on December 8, 2026). It has new chapters filled with financial tips from me, and those who pre-order will also get bonus digital content. It’s a good gift to yourself for your loved ones this coming holiday season. Hopefully, in time, you too can look and feel younger at any age! Loida Nicolas Lewis New York City
Jorge Ballos (aka Justin Girard): Building a New York home for independent filmmakers By Cristina DC Pastor
For Jorge Ballos – aka Justin Girard -- the SoHo International Film Festival (SIFF) which began as an intimate weekend event has grown into an international showcase now celebrating its 17th year.
“The numbers are exciting,” Ballos said, “but what matters most is that filmmakers from around the world trust SIFF with their work and want to come to New York to share their stories with our audience.” SIFF was also recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the “Top 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” an acknowledgment Ballos says was particularly meaningful for an independent festival.
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t its heart, he said SIFF was meant to give filmmakers a platform and an opportunity to have their stories seen and heard. This year’s week-long festival -- from October 7 to 13 -- includes an October 7 opening night, an October 12 closing day, and an October 13 awards night. Ballos, president and founder of SIFF and SoHo Creative Lab, has spent much of his career in the entertainment industry. A former talent manager, actor and theater performer, he understood firsthand how difficult it could be for emerging artists to find an audience. “I created the SoHo International Film Festival because I wanted to give independent filmmakers a real platform,” he said. “A place where filmmakers from different backgrounds and countries could show their work, meet audiences and industry people, and feel that their stories mattered.”
||From talent manager to festival founder
||Why SoHo?
The location was almost as important as the vision. He said SoHo was a natural home because of its long association with New York's creative Ballos is the president and founder of SOHO International culture. “SoHo has always represented creativity, art, fash- Film Festival. ion, film and independent thinking in New York,” he “SIFF has never been the work of just one person,” said. “I wanted the festival to have that same spirit—inhe said. “I’ve been fortunate to have a dedicated team ternational, artistic, diverse, and very New York.” of people who helped build and shape it.” The festival's inaugural event was held in FebruHis philosophy is simple: “I may have started ary 2010 as a three-day program before eventually the vision, but it takes a community to keep a film expanding into a longer festival. Operated by the festival alive.” nonprofit SOHO Creative Lab, SIFF has developed That community has grown considerably. into a platform for independent cinema from around One of SIFF’s proudest milestones, he said, is the world. reaching its 17th edition. The festival now receives Ballos is quick to point out that although he more than 1,000 submissions annually, representing founded the festival, he did not build it alone. Over the years, a team of programmers, jury members, dozens of countries. In 2025, submissions came from volunteers, sponsors, filmmakers, and supporters has more than 45 countries. helped shape SIFF. The programming team faces the daunting task of Among the people Ballos credits prominently is selecting from features, shorts, documentaries, aniSibyl Santiago, the festival's executive director and mation, series pilots and other independent produchead of programming. tions.
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Ballos' path to SIFF began long before he created the festival. He started in theater and commercials and eventually worked as an actor in film and television. He later moved into talent management and owned AL Models & Talent Management. Through this experience came a funny little story behind why Jorge goes by Justin -- at least on social media. “I worked on one of Justin Timberlake’s movies and got to hang out with him a little that day,” he recalled. “I jokingly told him, ‘I’m going to change my name to Justin!’” The joke somehow stuck. “And I’ve been using Justin ever since,” he said with a laugh. Ballos said he wanted to create a platform where actors, directors, writers and filmmakers could all come together. SIFF became that platform. He has remained connected to the entertainment community through his professional memberships in SAG-AFTRA and Actors' Equity Association. Although SIFF is devoted to independent filmmaking, it has attracted an impressive roster of established performers. Among those who have participated are Octavia Spencer who presented her short film “The Unforgiving Minute,” as well as Pierce Brosnan, Danny Aiello, Armand Assante, Michael Imperioli, Luis Guzmán, Carrie Preston, Michael Emerson, Beth Grant and “The Karate Kid” star Ralph Macchio. “For an independent film festival, success can mean many things,” he said. “Getting distribution, continuing on the festival circuit, getting the filmmaker noticed, or creating their next opportunity.” For him, the real reward is knowing that SIFF has contributed to the careers and journeys of independent filmmakers. He said a filmmaker does not need a Hollywood studio behind him to tell a story. Sometimes, all they need is someone willing to open the door.
‘Forgotten Island:’ Where the past comes alive By Ferlie Andong
“Forgotten Island” is about two best friends, Jo and Raissa, who find themselves in a magical island, Nakali (short for ‘nakalimutan’ or forgotten), filled with creatures from Filipino mythology. To escape, they must find a way to save their friendship before they lose their memories of each other completely.
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he movie has plenty of Filipino mythological characters like Tyanak, Kapre, Manananggal, Dwende and the likes as well as Filipino stereotypes such as parties that include a feast-filled table of Filipino dishes where a portrait of the Sacred Heart of Jesus hangs over, endless gossip, every family's Tito Boy, karaoke, Filipino gestures such as the use of lips to point, or kissing an elder’s hand for a blessing (Mano po). The movie is set in the Philippines but the vibe of the movie gives a feeling that it is set in America. Although some Tagalog words are used, to a native Filipino speaker, these words can either sound amusing or jarring when spoken with an American accent. Despite these nuances however, the movie used immense talents that made the Filipino culture shine bright with authenticity. Singer H.E.R. and actress Liza Soberano were ideal for their roles and delivered outstanding performances, H.E.R. with her humor and wit and Liza with the range of her “acting” abilities, through her voice. The animation is visually engaging, with vibrant colors and expressive designs that bring the story to life. Its smooth movement and creative visual style, paired with the music scoring, enhances the film’s atmosphere, allowing the audience to experience a strong sense of adventure and a wide range of emotions specially during the scenes of the Manananggal. It feels like this kind of fear is supposed to happen only in live-action movies and not in an animated film! The movie also goes beyond stereotypes and uses the universal themes of love, kindness, and respect. It explores the power and magic of connection and memories that can only be formed from deep friendships as well as of courage and hope that one's life may not be working out the way it’s supposed to. It is believed that eventually, life will put them on the path they're supposed to be. Beyond its adventurous storyline, the film is filled with positive energy mostly because the characters are made out to be good-hearted girls except maybe
Jo and Raissa fear losing their friendship in this Dreamworks animated movie.
The Manananggal
for the Dwendes when they are disrespected (Tabi-tabi po!) Also, the characters are so distinct and memorable, they are not easy to forget and a few of them look ready to leap off the screen and into a plush-toy aisle. The movie also mixes clever jokes and playful puns while keeping the adventure moving at a lively pace.
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For the longest time, Ano (what) seems to be the most emotionally charged word in the Filipino language as it carries a whole slew of emotions depending on how it is delivered. Through this movie however, Tayo Na was given an opportunity to shine. Literally meaning, Let’s go, the movie breathes life to Tayo Na with so many emotions that speak to core Filipino values of Kapwa, family, Bayanihan, and the sense of belonging. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with seeing this movie by yourself but watching it with family and friends makes the experience more nostalgically memorable. Tayo na! Gino Cabigao of Kulture Ko together with +6THR3E, Project Barkada, Toasty Polvoron, and Malaya Solutions organized the screenings of “Forgotten Island” at two locations: AMC The Shops at Riverside in Hackensack, and AMC Cliffton Commons 16. "It’s more than just watching a movie— it’s celebrating Filipino culture on the big screen,” says Cabigao.
Finding acceptance in a gay-friendly workplace By Veana DC Pastor
I work for an LGBTQ-friendly company in Pittsburgh. I have to say it took me a while to find a workplace where gay employees are treated with maturity, dignity, and respect.
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t’s a small food establishment where many of the employees – in both management and staff -- are mostly gender-positive. The shift leader is trans, another shift leader is gay and I, the head of Kitchen, am a certified lesbian. I’ve worked in several companies where LGBT employes were mostly objects of ridicule or openly discriminated. In this workplace, employees, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feel safe, respected, and valued. It goes beyond having a non-discrimination policy on paper. It is reflected in daily interactions, leadership behavior, benefits, and company culture. One of the most noticeable characteristics of a gay friendly environment is psychological safety. Employees do not have to hide or carefully edit parts of their personal lives. They can talk openly about a weekend with their partner, display a photo on their desk, or attend a company event with the person they love without fear of judgment, gossip, or negative consequences for their career. That freedom reduces the mental load that comes from constantly self-monitoring and allows people to focus their energy on their work. Inclusion is also visible in practical policies. This includes equal health benefits for same-sex partners and spouses, parental leave that applies equally to all families including adoptive parents, clear procedures for reporting harassment, and genderneutral language in handbooks and
In some gay-friendly organizations, employees do not have to hide or carefully edit parts of their personal lives. Photos by Unsplash forms. Many gay-friendly employers also provide training on unconscious bias, respectful communication, and allyship. Restrooms, dress codes, and HR systems that respect chosen names and pronouns are other tangible signs. Leadership plays a critical role. When managers and executives openly support inclusion, use inclusive language, and hold everyone accountable for respectful behavior, it sets the tone for the entire organization. Employee Resource Groups, or ERGs, for LGBTQ+ employees and allies often provide mentorship, networking, community service opportunities, and a voice to leadership about workplace issues. Celebration of events like Pride Month, National Coming Out Day,
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Celebration of events, like Pride Month, is done sincerely and not just for marketing.
or LGBTQ+ History Month, when done sincerely and not just for marketing, can strengthen belonging. The benefits extend to the whole organization. Research on workplace climate consistently shows that when people feel included, they are more engaged, more collaborative, and more likely to stay. Teams that welcome different perspectives and life experiences tend to be more creative and better at problem-solving. For the company, a reputation as a gay friendly employer helps attract talent from a wider pool. Many job seekers, including those who are not LGBTQ+, actively look for employers with strong values around inclusion and equality. Colleagues learn how to support
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one another, speak up when they see exclusion, and create a culture of mutual respect that benefits everyone, including people from other underrepresented backgrounds. Creating a truly gay friendly workplace is an ongoing process, not a one-time statement. It requires listening to employee feedback, reviewing policies regularly, addressing incidents quickly and fairly, and understanding that inclusion looks different for different people. A workplace that does this work well is not just friendly to gay employees. It is a better workplace for all employees, because it is built on the principles of dignity, fairness, and respect for individual differences.
Why corruption persists: Young FilAms look to history, entrenched political elites
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s the Philippines confronts renewed scrutiny over allegations of corruption, particularly involving government spending and flood-control projects, a group of young Filipino Americans are asking a difficult question: Why does corruption persist in the Philippines? For these young observers, the answer cannot be reduced to individual politicians or a single administration. Their perspectives point instead to a complicated mix of colonial history, concentrated political and economic power, weak institutions, misinformation, inequality and the continuing influence of powerful foreign interests. Their views also reflect an emerging generation of Filipino Americans who are following Philippine politics closely—even from thousands of miles away—and increasingly seeing corruption as an issue that affects not only government but ordinary families.
||‘It’s a systemic issue’
For Marcelus Dacanay, 22, an accelerated M.A. candidate in Economics at Fordham University, understanding Philippine corruption requires looking at the country's history. Marcelus said the Philippines is hardly unique in experiencing corruption. But he believes its particular history of colonization by Spain and the United States shaped institutions and political relationships that continue to influence the country. He pointed to the Spanish-American War, Philippine independence, and the country's continuing strategic relationship with the United States. He was careful not to place the blame entirely on the United States. Rather, he said, corruption needs to be understood in terms of who benefits from existing systems of power, including political elites and, at various points in history, foreign powers pursuing their own interests.
By Cristina DC Pastor
Shea Formanes, 24, filmmaker from Seattle The Philippines, he suggested, has repeatedly found itself navigating the interests of larger powers while ordinary Filipinos continue to bear the consequences. “It’s difficult,” he said, particularly because corruption cannot simply be attributed to the character of the Filipino people. Marcelus rejected the idea that Filipinos somehow possess an inherent tendency toward corruption. “You can never generalize,” he said, pointing to the Filipinos he has encountered as people who care deeply about family, community and one another. For him, the persistence of corruption is more accurately understood as a systemic problem. Poor or inadequate education can make it difficult for citizens to understand how government works and how political decisions are made. Politicians can make promises they fail to keep, while misinformation can shape how voters understand political history and current events. The result can become a vicious cycle: citizens lose faith in institutions, become discouraged from participating, and corrupt political structures become more difficult to challenge. THE FILAM
Lucas del Rosario, 20, American University, Washington D.C. (left); Leonardo del Rosario, 17, The Browning School, NYC
||Community as a force for change
Marcelus believes one answer lies in community organizing and education. “Community is a huge aspect,” he said, emphasizing the strength that comes when people build networks around shared concerns. When citizens are organized and informed, he said, it becomes more difficult for corrupt systems to operate without scrutiny. Education, he added, should go beyond formal schooling. People need to understand political systems, recognize who influences elected officials and identify where their own priorities fit within the political process. That kind of civic education, combined with community outreach, could help citizens become more effective participants in democracy.
||‘The system itself is broken’
Shea Formanes, a 24-year-old filmmaker from Seattle, has been closely following developments in the Philippines. She said she gets updates through news organizations such as NBC, AP and | 8
Marcelus Dacanay, 22, Fordham University The New York Times, as well as through conversations with family and relatives. For her, corruption is inseparable from the Philippines' enormous gap between rich and poor. She pointed particularly to controversies surrounding government funds intended for flood-control infrastructure. “It’s really disheartening to see the government that is supposed to serve and protect act in their best interest, hoarding the wealth,” she said. The alleged misuse of money intended for flood-control projects, she said, illustrates how a system can become so broken that corruption continues for years before it receives serious public attention. She also expressed skepticism that politicians would willingly investigate themselves. “It’s like the call is coming from inside the house,” she said. Her comments reflect a broader frustration among younger Filipino Americans who see political accountability as difficult when those with the power to investigate are themselves connected to the political establishment. Shea believes the younger generation has an important role in challenging distorted versions of history. For her, political mobilization—not simply elec-
tions—will be necessary for meaningful change. She said citizens need to become more involved and organized if they want political systems to change.
||‘Political and economic power’ concentrated among elites
For Lucas del Rosario, a 20-year-old rising junior at American University, the roots of corruption are closely tied to the concentration of political and economic power. “It’s complicated,” he said, but one of the biggest reasons corruption persists is that political and economic power has historically been concentrated in the hands of a relatively small elite. He traced that pattern partly to the country's colonial history, when wealth and political influence became closely intertwined under Spanish and American rule. He also raised the role of the United States during the Marcos era. “The first Marcos was allowed to be a dictator by the United States,” he said, arguing that foreign intervention has historically influenced political developments in the Philippines. But Lucas also emphasized that corruption is not uniquely Filipino. The
healthcare and other basic services. A history of colonialism and political instability His younger brother, Leonardo del Rosario, 17, a rising senior at The Browning School on Manhattan's Upper East Side, takes an even broader historical view. He compared the Philippines with other countries that experienced colonial exploitation and political instability, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Syria. He argued that colonial powers often extracted resources and left behind institutions that struggled to function effectively after independence. In the Philippines, he said, the legacy of Spanish and American rule was followed by periods of authoritarianism and continued foreign influence. According to Leonardo, bureaucratic institutions can become overwhelmed by the weight of longstanding social and economic problems. Authoritarian governments can sometimes appear to offer quick solutions because they can make decisions without the checks and balances of democratic institutions—but that efficiency comes at the cost of individual
United States, he noted, faces its own concerns over money, lobbying, special interests and political influence. The more important question, he said, is whether institutions are strong enough to investigate wrongdoing, enforce ethics laws, and hold public officials accountable. “No country is perfect,” he said. Accountability is an ongoing challenge everywhere. For Lucas, the consequences of corruption become most visible when public money intended for essential services disappears or is misused. Infrastructure, flood control, education, healthcare and disaster preparedness all depend on public funds reaching the people for whom they were intended. When that money is diverted, he said, “ordinary families pay the price.” He said the Philippines needs leaders with integrity, independent institutions capable of investigating corruption without political interference, and citizens willing to demand accountability at the ballot box. He said transparency is not simply an abstract democratic principle. It is directly connected to whether communities have adequate roads, flood protection,
Foreword by KAREN DAVILA
Award-winning Broadcast Journalist UN Women Goodwill Ambassador (Philippines)
Get exclusive, bonus content from the author
PRE-ORDER NOW: bit.ly/preorderlookyounger
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liberties and accountability. He also pointed to the role of global superpowers in shaping political systems in former colonies. For him, the Philippine experience is part of a much larger historical pattern of suppression, exploitation, abandonment and post-independence political instability.
||History explains but is not an excuse Throughout their various views, the young Filipino Americans interviewed by The FilAm share one important conclusion: History may explain corruption, but it cannot be an excuse for accepting it. Leonardo believes the Philippines can learn from countries that have attempted to strengthen transparency and public participation. Among the measures he cited are stronger independent auditing, greater disclosure of government spending, investigative journalism and giving communities a greater voice in local budgeting and decision-making. The more citizens can see where public money goes, he said, the more difficult it becomes for corruption to flourish unnoticed.
COVER STORY
At 42, Sam Milby craves a quiet life, sees ‘family man’ in his future
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By Cristina DC Pastor
t 42, Sam Milby has accomplished much coming from a small town in Ohio where, according to the latest 2023 census Asians made up only about 2 percent of the population. He has been a reality TV star, actor, singer, model and commercial endorser. He has appeared in blockbuster films, teleseryes and independent movies, and was nominated for a Gawad Urian. He has performed on stage and is now finding his way back to music after a six-year hiatus. Surprisingly, Milby has remained uncomfortable with being at the center of it. “I don't like attention,” he says in an interview with Filipino journalists based in New York City where he insists that he is, by nature, an introvert. “I'm an introvert. I'm the last person you'd expect to be an actor.”
||The boy who felt invisible
Milby grew up in Tipp City, an overwhelmingly white community. In school, he was sometimes teased for looking Chinese and was called “Chink.” “There weren't a lot of Chinese in the area, so if you have slanted eyes, you're called Chink,” he says, apologizing for his use of the term some would dismiss as “derogatory.” He and his sister were homeschooled for six years with a tutor, before he returned to a regular high school as a sophomore. His experience in his hometown was not particularly happy. He describes the students in his school as rich, snobby kids. “Mga isnabero, isnabera.” “I was like a ghost to them,” he recalls smiling at the thought as it’s all behind him now. “They completely ignored me. I wasn't exactly bullied, but I wasn't accepted. Like, we can't even talk to you. Parang ganun.” Growing up, he was more interested in sports. He played hockey, golf and even competed in figure skating. He also enjoyed wrestling and, as a child, rode bikes and raced go-karts. He briefly attended college in Ohio, studying engineering for a year but stopped schooling when showbiz claimed him.
Milby recently performed in Fiesta In America at American Dream Mall. Photo by Jeff Rivera
||When showbiz came calling
While visiting the Philippines (his mother hails from Surigao del Sur), a cousin suggested that Milby try modeling. “They like mestizo-looking models,” he remembers being told. He decided to stay.
Milby stars in Netflix’s 2023 romantic drama ‘Replacing Chef Chico.’ ‘I'm an introvert. I'm the last person you'd expect to be an actor.’ THE FILAM
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He did a few commercials, and several months later auditioned for “Pinoy Big Brother” reality TV show. He had no professional acting experience. “PBB is…you're just in a house, so it's not so (scary),” he says. “You don't even feel it.” However, there was another problem: He did not know much Tagalog. Still, the coy young man from Ohio would eventually become a household name. His first movie was “Close to You” (2006, with John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo) where he was introduced in a supporting role. It was a learning experience, particularly because he was, he said, surrounded by seasoned actors. Director Cathy Garcia-Sampana, he added, helped him find his footing. “My first few projects, I learned as I went,” he says. “I got a lot of good projects over the years. I was blessed.” Milby's first salary as a commercial model was P15,000 ($245). It was an endorsement for a product that treats acid reflux. That commercial became ubiquitous after “Pinoy Big Brother” made him a household name. But Milby has never seemed particularly interested in maintaining a carefully manufactured celebrity persona. He says he doesn't even watch his own movies. “I don't watch my movies,” he admits. “I don't want to hear my voice. It makes me cringe.”
||Living with diabetes
Milby also spoke candidly about his health. He learned at 39 that he had diabetes. It was not something he had expected, particularly because there is no known family history of the disease. He now pays close attention to what he eats. One of his go-to meals is ampalaya with omelet. He does not spend much time in a gym, he said, but he exercises at home, doing sit-ups and push-ups. He also runs and uses a treadmill. He is currently undergoing stem-cell treatment for his condition and wonders whether stress may have played a role. Milby has never been entirely comfortable with fame. Part of that discomfort, he says, comes from the way people perceive celebrities. “Filipinos are so judgmental,” he says. “They can perceive you in so many ways.” Social media has intensified the problem. He worries about the amount of hate and misinformation that dominates online conversations as well as the growing influence of artificial intelligence. “We're losing human connection,” he says. “I’m worried for the next generation.”
|| From father roles to family man
Milby has already played numerous father roles on television. During the pandemic, the series “Ang sa Iyo ay Akin (2020-2021, with Jodi Sta. Maria and Iza Calzado)” set restrictions on children appearing on set. The producers opted to cast teenagers rather than younger kids. Life has increasingly made him think about family in a different way. He describes himself as “definitely a family man,” and one who would prefer to live in peace and quiet. He still loves New York City, he says. He spent time there in his 20s and remembers it fondly. “I still would love to live in NYC,” he says. “I love the energy, the busy-ness and the craziness.” But age changes one's priorities. “Now that I'm getting older, I want peace and quiet.” He currently lives in Manila, but dreams of eventually moving to the province. “The traffic stresses me out,” he says. “Gusto ko mapayapa na area.” For all his accomplishments, Milby doesn't talk about legacy in terms of box-office numbers, awards, or celebrity status. He wants to be remembered simply as one who is “approachable and kind.” Can’t hurt to add someone who is “a nice and a genuine person.”
Press conference with members of the New York media. Also in photo is Fiesta In America CEO Fernando Mendez (in white shirt). The FilAm photo.
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Calendar ||October 1 & 2
of Events ||October 4
100th Anniversary of the Coronation of Our Lady of Manaoag (to be celebrated by Rev. Efren Esmilla) Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 89 Ridge Street Newark, N.J.
Stages of Resistance by Ma-Yi Theatre Company Two public forums bringing artists, FilAm scholars, activistorganizers, and community members into one room. Open Jar Studios 1601 Broadway, NYC
||October 13
New York Immigration Coalition’s ‘This is Our New York Gala’ Cipriani 42nd Street NYC
||October 17 & 18 ||October 4 Honoring Our Lady of La Naval De Manila and Saint Francis of Assist outdoor procession (by FILCA) St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church 138-65 Barclay Avenue Flushing, NYC
||October 3 Casino Night in New York: 38th anniversary of the Foundation for Filipino Artists, Inc. Leonard’s Palazzo 555 Northern Boulevard, N.Y.
||October 7 to 13
17th SoHo International Film Festival Regal Union Square 850 Broadway, New York, NY
||October 11
Himig Pamana – A Musical Heritage Kayumanggi Chorale, Inc. 35th anniversary concert Merkin Hall 129 W 67th Street, NYC (between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue)
||October 3
Chamber Music @ The Consulate (with Rowena Mariano, Kaycee Galano, and Victor Santiago Asuncion) Kalayaan Hall Philippine Center 556 Fifth Avenue NYC THE FILAM
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70th Anniversary of The FilAm PGH Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh Special concert featuring Martin Nievera & Rex Navarrete on October 18 The Circuit Center 5 Hot Metal Street Pittsburgh, PA
||October 21
Womankind Communities Rising 2026 Gala Tribeca 360 10 Desbrosses Street NYC
||October 24
16th Annual TOFA Awards Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts Florida
||October 31
Filipino American Cancer Care’s Fashion for Hope & Courage Charity Gala Magnoliya Grand Convention and Event Center 6991 Infantry Ridge Road Manassas, VA
||December 5
||July 7 to 24
Simbang Gabi at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Holy Mass begins at 10:30 a.m. Principal Celebrant: Most Rev. Bishop Edmund Whalen Vicar General, Archdiocese of New York
48th Annual Philippine Nurses Association of America, Inc. National Convention Inter-island cruise in Hawaii
||ATBP
‘How to Get a Green Card’ (now on its 17th edition) by Loida Nicolas Lewis Available on Amazon
||2027 ||February 7 to 17
||November 27
Celebrate Christmas Across America virtual pre-holiday musical pageant (by the UP Alumni Association) 7 pm virtual livestream via Zoom Contact info@upaainamerica.org
VIP Tour: Winter Escapade Edition (destinations: Leyte, Legaspi-Naga, Siargao, Camiguin, Bacolod-Iloilo, and El Nido) For queries email newyorkpcg. bulletin@dfa.gov.ph
Collecting Philippine-authored books to donate to a local library Contact Ria Serrano for details: 718-414-4041 Online English tutor specializing in: • Reading Comprehension • Writing Skills • Accent Reduction & Clear Pronunciation • Conversational English • English for Students, Professionals & Adult Learners Contact 646-717-7460
Patrick Martinez to run in Queens race, seeks Raga seat
P
atrick Martinez is no stranger to Queens politics. A former teacher, CUNY graduate, Queens Community Board 2 member and Democratic district leader, Martinez is now preparing for a November general election for the seat currently held by Assemblymember Steven Raga. Raga, who has represented the district since 2023, ran unsuccessfully for the State Senate this year. Martinez won the Democratic primary for New York State Assembly District 30 by just a razor-thin seven votes, defeating retired NYPD Lt. Cmdr. Shamsul Haque, 2,784 to 2,777, after a recount. Reports say he will face Republican Brandon Castro in District 30 encompassing Woodside, Elmhurst, Maspeth, East Elmhurst and Jackson Heights. “I’m a former teacher, a Community Board member, and a CUNY graduate,” Martinez said in describing his candidacy. “I’m running to represent Assembly District 30.” He said the district is confronting a combination of rising housing costs, climate-related flooding, immigration concerns and the increasing cost of living.
||Housing as a central issue Housing is at the center of Martinez's platform. He describes housing as a human right and says he wants New Yorkers to have stable, affordable and secure homes. His proposals include protecting Mitchell-Lama
He says slow trains, long waits and limited subway access are persistent problems in Queens. housing, including the Big 6 Towers in District 30, and increasing the availability of deeply affordable housing. He also supports creating a Social Housing Development Authority and the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, which would give tenants a first opportunity to purchase their rental buildings when an owner decides to sell. Martinez has also focused on basement apartments, saying safer basement units can provide additional housing while addressing safety concerns. Climate change and flooding are another major component of his platform. He points to Hurricane Ida, which flooded basements across Queens, as an example of how climate issues have become neighborhood issues. He supports increased disaster funding and infrastructure investTHE FILAM
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ments, including improvements to the sewer system, lead-pipe replacement, protection against contaminants and increased sewer capacity. “Environmental issues are not abstract; they are immediate, local, and deeply tied to the quality of life,” his campaign says. Immigration is particularly significant in a district with large immigrant communities. Martinez says he would support the New York for All Act, legislation intended to limit cooperation between local agencies and federal immigration enforcement. The issue comes as immigration enforcement has become increasingly visible in Woodside and surrounding neighborhoods. Raga, the current Assembly representative, issued a September 1 statement concerning reported ICE activity in Woodside. Education is another area where Martinez draws on personal experience. As a former teacher and a graduate of public schools in the district, he says he understands the importance of adequately funding schools. His education platform calls for increased school aid, including Foundation Aid, along with universal childcare and stronger 3-K and Pre-K programs. Transportation is another major concern in District 30, he said. His campaign says just over half of district residents rely primarily on public transportation, a figure it says is higher than the citywide average. He points to slow trains, long waits and limited subway access as persistent problems.
9-year-old boys find their voices through faith and friendship
F
or 9-year-olds Jacob Reynes and Scion Ticzon, singing in church is more than learning Mass hymns. It is also a chance to playdate over basketball, video games, and McDonald’s. The two boys are the youngest voices of the FILCA Youth Choir (FYC), a newly formed group bringing Filipino children and families together through music and faith. They are close friends, as are their families, even though Jacob lives in Staten Island and Scion in Brooklyn. The choir performed during the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz on September 13. Both boys admitted they were a little nervous about singing before a large congregation at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. But once they began singing, the nerves gave way to the joy of performing with their friends.
||Jacob: ‘I want to play the piano’
Jacob Reynes, 9, is a fourth grader at PS 329 in Brooklyn. Born in the United States, he traces his family roots to Cebu and the Visayas. With his naturally high voice, Jacob sings in the soprano range. He joined the FYC because he wanted to sing with his friends and with his older brother, Joseph, 19, who is a tenor. “I wanted to sing with my friends and my Kuya,” he said. Jacob’s connection to the choir began through his father, Jojo Reynes, a teacher of students with autism in Coney Island, Brooklyn. The Reynes family is part of the Filipino community in Staten Island connected with the Missionary Families of Christ (MFC), a Catholic community that has ties to Father Rhey Garcia and the Sacred Heart Church. Father Rhey is the first Filipino pastor in the borough. Mar Inot serves as choir coordinator, and Ryan Gamilo the music director. What began with about 15 families gradually grew into a larger circle of children
By Cristina DC Pastor
Jacob Reynes (left) and Scion Ticzon. Courtesy of Jojo Reynes who grew up together. “We grew from our children,” Jojo said. The children became friends, and their parents became part of a close-knit community. The youth choir was conceptualized in 2026. Although still relatively new, word about the young singers has spread, and the group has already begun receiving invitations to perform. The choir is also expected to sing during Simbang Gabi later this year. Membership has grown to about 50 young singers, ranging from 9-year-olds to teenagers. The choir performs mostly Filipino religious music, including Tagalog Mass songs such as “Ama Namin,” as well as Offertory and Communion songs. The children are also learning newer pieces, including “Gloria” and “Papuri sa Diyos.” Jacob, who is musically inclined, has taken some piano lessons. If he had to choose between singing and playing an instrument, he already knows which direction he would take. “I want to play the piano,” he said. Outside music, Jacob enjoys video games, sports and taekwondo. Roblox is among his favorites, although his screen time at home is limited.
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The boys during practice. FILCA photo
The FILCA Youth Choir. The boys on both ends of the group photo. Courtesy of Bubbles Ticzon
||Scion sings ‘for God, Jesus and Mother Mary’ Scion Ticzon, also 9, lives in Brooklyn and attends PS 253, also known as The Magnet School of Multicultural Humanities. His parents are from Cebu and Iloilo. His mother, Bubbles Ticzon, teaches science at IS 239 Mark Twain School for the Gifted and Talented, while his father is a manager at a carpet company. Scion sings bass, giving him a remarkably deeper vocal range than Jacob. He joined the youth choir about three months ago. Asked why he sings, his answer was simple. “Because I want to sing for God, Jesus and Mother Mary.” Scion said he feels he is getting better as a singer and enjoys learning Filipino reli| 15
gious songs through the choir, including “Maawa Ka,” “Santo Niño,” “Panginoon,” “Tinapay ng Buhay” and “Paghahandog ng Sarili.” Like Jacob, he has an older brother, Sean, 17, who sings in the choir. But singing is only one of his interests. Scion plays volleyball, basketball and soccer. He also enjoys drawing, building things, and making arts and crafts. Lego and paper airplanes are among his favorite playthings. And while he enjoys music, he does not necessarily envision himself becoming a professional singer. “I want to be an architect,” he said, explaining that he enjoys building things and creating art. For Jacob and Scion, the experience is more about something much simpler: friends, family, and having fun together.
PHL tops Southeast Asia in U.S. tourist arrivals
T
he Philippines is emerging as the leading Southeast Asian destination for travelers from the United States, according to officials from the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) in the U.S. They presented the following figures from January to May 2026: Philippines: 531,859 arrivals Thailand: 471,254 Vietnam: 445,813 Singapore: 317,074 Indonesia: 162,808 Cambodia: 91,020 Malaysia: 2026 data not available The achievement reflects both sustained promotional efforts and the country’s growing accessibility through direct flights, they explained. “We at the PDOT offices in the U.S. are very delighted that the Philippines ranks first in terms of the number of tourist arrivals to our country vis-à-vis Southeast Asia,” Tourism Director Maria Corazon Jorda Apo announced in a briefing with FilAm journalists in New York City. “Our team efforts and the assistance and support we get from the Philippine Embassy and the various Philippine consulates in the U.S. have paid off.” According to Jorda Apo, one of the biggest Philippine cuisine advantages is direct air connectivity between the United States and Manila, particularly through Philippine Airlines (PAL). PAL currently operates 46 nonstop flights per week from key U.S. gateways to Manila: seven from Guam, five from Honolulu, four from New York’s JFK, 18 from Los Angeles, seven from San Francisco and five from Seattle. That network gives the Philippines an advantage over some of its closest competitors, particularly Thailand and Vietnam, which do not have comparable nonstop service from major U.S. cities to their respective capitals. “Having direct air access from the U.S. provides White sand beach. Photos: DOT website our target tourists the convenience of flying to the Philippines,” she explained. “This is a primary reason for the Philippines topping U.S. arrivals among Southeast Asian countries.” “They have grown up with American education, Singapore, meanwhile, has 43 weekly flights from culture, values and travel preferences.” Not every the U.S. Yet according to tourism data compiled from American of Filipino descent necessarily identifies the respective tourism websites of Southeast Asian as Filipino, the officials noted. countries, Singapore recorded 317,074 U.S. arrivals This distinction is important in understanding from January through May 2026, placing it fourth the numbers, they said. among Southeast Asian destinations in U.S. arrivals. The Philippines estimates that there are more The Philippines's popularity in the U.S. is somethan 2.1 million first-generation Filipino immitimes attributed to the country's large Filipino grants in the United States, along with more than American population and the longstanding relation2.3 million U.S.-born Filipinos who belong to the ship between the two countries. second or third generation. Tourism officials, however, say the picture is more And the U.S. visitors arriving in the Philippines complicated. are not exclusively Filipino. Based on Philippine Jorda Apo and Tourism Attaché Gerry Panga Bureau of Immigration data on U.S. tourist arrivpointed out that many Filipinos in the United States als that they cited when interviewed by The FilAm, were actually born in the country and are therefore they said -- 53% were former Filipinos who had Americans by birth. become naturalized American citizens, 10% were THE FILAM
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Philippine passport holders and/ or green-card holders, and 37% were U.S.-born or other American travelers. In 2025, the Philippines recorded 1,126,499 tourist arrivals from the United States, representing 19.21% of total international arrivals. The figures underscore that the American market extends well beyond the Filipino diaspora.
||Vacation remains the biggest draw
So what are Americans actually coming to the Philippines to experience? Survey data from the Department of Tourism’s January to May period shows that the overwhelming majority of U.S. visitors -- 62% -- came for holiday, pleasure or vacation. Another 21% came to visit friends and relatives. Among the country's destinations, Cebu ranked first, followed by Boracay and Palawan. For American tourists, the appeal includes the country's beaches, warm weather and diverse leisure opportunities. Sun-and-beach holidays, entertainment, leisure and shopping are among the activities popular with visitors, the officials said. The numbers suggest that while family and heritage remain important factors, the Philippines is increasingly being viewed simply as a vacation destination.
Empowerment Awardees Francisco and Corazon Reyes: Partners in healing and service
A
n emergency room physician and surgeon and his corporate nurse wife were among the honorees at Fiesta in America’s Empowerment Awards on August 9, 2026, where they were recognized for decades of professional excellence and community service. Dr. Francisco Reyes and his wife, Corazon Reyes, RN, received the Lifetime Empowerment Couple Award for Healing, Heritage & Humanitarian Service during a grand ceremony at the Newark Liberty Airport Marriott Hotel. They were among nearly two dozen awardees representing diverse professions and fields of expertise. While Corazon is no stranger to recognition, the award marked a first for Francisco, affectionately known as Kits to family and friends. “This is my first award,” he told The FilAm shortly before taking the stage with Corazon to receive the plaque from Fiesta in America founder Fernando Mendez and Laura Garcia, honorary chairperson of the Empowerment Awards. “This is enough for me,” he added with a shy smile. When it was jokingly pointed out his wife has won more awards, he said, “That’s ok, she deserves it.” At 89, Francisco walked to the stage with the aid of a cane. He has been undergoing dialysis treatment for the past two years, but the physical challenges have not diminished his gratitude for a career devoted to caring for others. For 38 years, Francisco served at Christ Hospital in Jersey City, working simultaneously as an emergency room physician and assistant surgeon. Before coming to the United States, he practiced medicine at the National Orthopedic Hospital in Manila. It was there that he met Corazon. Her family had brought her older brother to the hospital for treatment after an accident, and Francisco, the attending physician, became interested in the young nurse. “I pursued her,” he recalled smiling. They married in 1972 and began a life together in New York City. More than five decades later, the pursuit has become an enduring partnership. The couple have four children. Francisco retired from medicine in 2016. Looking back on his long career, he said that while he appreciated the recognition, he does not go after accolades. “Masaya ako at nakatulong naman sa mga tao,” he said. (I’m happy because I was able to help people.) Corazon, meanwhile, built a distinguished career of her own. She worked for 36 years as a staff nurse with JPMorgan Chase before becoming a healthcare consultant serving executives in New York. In 2018, she was named among the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World, an honor recognizing Filipino women whose achievements and leadership have made an impact. Together, the Reyeses have also devoted considerable time to humanitarian, cultural and civic initiatives
Francisco and Corazon Reyes (left photo) receive their awards from Fiesta in America’s Fernando Mendez and Laura Garcia.
Ria Serrano is presented the first Intergenerational Impact Award. Photo by Anthony Bautista
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across New York and New Jersey. They have held leadership positions in prominent community organizations. The Reyeses were joined by an accomplished roster of Empowerment Awardees, including educator Rosemarie Parreno, PhD; public health leader Elvy Barroso; international development professional Rosalinda Rupel; adult-community housing owner Senen Cabalfin; medical laboratory scientist Ramona Gapasin; nurse executive Janet Cuaycong; nurse executive director Warly Remegio; and assistant professor of nursing Jamille Ramos. Other honorees included banking executive Michael Molin; pastry artisan Francia Magsaysay; healthcare professional and philanthropist Daisy Macadaeg; nonprofit executive Ria Serrano; assistant director Edynne Loquellano; designer and artist Marcos Panlilio; business leader and pastor Myk Alba; and Jersey City public servant Pam Andes. For chairperson Garcia, the People’s Ball is “more than a gala.” “It celebrates Filipino excellence that turns individual achievement into community strength,” she said. Over the years, the Empowerment Awards have recognized more than 140 individuals in business, healthcare, the arts, public service, education and community leadership. This year, the People’s Ball introduced the Intergenerational Impact Award, presented to Ria Serrano. The award recognizes leaders whose “experience and influence are passed on to those who will shape the community’s future.” For Francisco and Corazon Reyes, that idea of passing something forward has been at the heart of their lives together. – Cristina DC Pastor
COVER STORY
Joel David’s ‘Canon Decampment:’ Philippine cinema through the years By Allen Gaborro
David: A distinguished cinema analyst and academic
What many Filipinos think about Philippine cinema off the top of their heads are the plethora of heavily marketed, A-list action flicks, romantic and socio-economic on-the-edge melodramas, and hilarious comedies that have illuminated theater screens for decades.
D
istinguished cinema analyst and academic Joel David acknowledges the significance of this familiar view. But David knows better than anyone that the history of Philippine cinema is replete with a wide and complex portfolio of lasting works that have
been eclipsed by popular culture and mass-market appeal. By publishing “Canon Decampment,” a digital unravelling of historical assumptions in Philippine cinema, David does not try to disarticulate the master, orthodoxical film history narratives. Rather, he parlays his undertaking into a broader exploration THE FILAM
David is shown here with Mau Tumbocon who organized FACINE and won the Jefferson Prize for community service. Tumbocon and another film critic Jojo Devera were consultants in the book project. David and Devera were FACINE awardees for Art Nurturing. that adds to and goes beyond past constraining inventories of top-tiered motion pictures. “Canon Decampment” -- which can be accessed as a web-based book on the blog “Ámauteurish!” -- presents critical evaluations of 350 Filipino films dating from the Great Depression era through the | 18
21st century. David’s Diderotian effort surveys its subject films and the manner and content in which they became realized as variations on older themes, as soul-searching stress tests of Philippine society, and as nationalistic yet inclusive epicenters of the human condition.
David pushes back against the closed off, patricianized elite, the elite that has taken it upon itself to determine and reinforce cinematic stratifications. This elite unnaturally circumscribed what they arbitrarily considered to be movies worthy of artistic, social, and cultural value. With its creative ambience and egalitarian quality, as well as through a multi-regional prism (i.e. areas centrifugal to the preeminent metropolitan hub of Manila), David sets the tone of class antithesis in Philippine cinema. He examines the filmic portrayals of high and low society and how they have collided in many ways and interacted in others. By doing so, David reshapes and builds upon how Philippine cinema has matured and transformed over the years. One of the points of dis-
tinction in “Camp Decampment” is David’s discerning anatomization of Lino Brocka’s screen creations. While David broaches critical reservations about the auteur’s story architecture and heterodox selections, he reframes these takes towards a deservedly meritorious direction. David makes sure that there is still a revered place for Brocka and the expressive force of his moral and communal themes and subtexts. With all things considered in his extensive tableaux of celluloid contrarianism, David’s line of political vision is made clear when he states unambiguously that “my leftish ideals ensured that a number of titles championed by individuals or institutions would never show up in the text.” If we accept the grounding principle that encyclope-
dic volumes like “Canon Decampment” should be objective, indeed apolitical, then it can be plausibly argued that David is partisanly nurturing the elements of a more “leftish” than not compendium. This runs the risk of spoiling David’s impartiality. However, I think David isn’t too concerned about that. What matters more to him is that his collective choice of source materials (chiefly the films he covers) form a versatile totality that flips the script in expanding the historical experience of the Philippine cinema. And if his palpable spirit and intent of dissent and activism—which echoes socially, politically, and cinematically—convulses those held down by a poverty of insight and imagination, then more power to David and “Canon Decampment.”
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The book contains reviews of more than 300 films from the 1930s to 2020.
Issue 103, October 2026
‘Forgotten Island’ Where the past comes alive
Youth on corruption
Photo: UMPIL
History is not an excuse
Joel David
Philippine cinema through the years