to comm studes:

the power to alter one’s mood, change perception[s], and [to also] inspire change,” an excerpt from Alconis’ talk.

“It raises your mood or calms you down. It allows us to feel all the emotions that we experience in our lives,” he added.

thought that it would be as essential as how the speaker portrayed it to be. I also enjoyed how sir showed the manipulative side of music, which is a trait that’s often overlooked but finally was given recognition,” Florendo told Y2C.

The Young Communicator’s Circle (Y2C) conducted its third monthly webinar titled Y2CON: Beyond symphonies and melodies, communicating through the power and forms of music— highlighting the importance of music in communication, advertising, and media and entertainment industries, December 10.

According to an article by the National Council for Special Education, music and communication are closely linked and there are many skills that are common to both. Research also supports that exposure to music from an early age is beneficial for communication development.

Wayne Alconis, musician and the creative director of Dose Uno films, was invited to speak to share his expertise in the field. During the said webinar, Alconis discussed methods and tactics for using music effectively. The teacher-musician also emphasized the ability of music to influence the world, the people, and their emotions.

“Music is all around us— intersecting our lives, regulating our moods, and bringing good vibes to those who are listening. It has

Meanwhile, student-singer/ composer, Carmela Florendo shared how the webinar has encouraged her to continue her passion for music while pursuing a communication degree.

“It definitely altered my perception. Before, I always thought that music was something that wouldn’t be given that much appreciation in the field. I mean, I know it does contribute something to an extent, but never

“All in all, the webinar was a turning point for me, since now I know musicians and composers (like me) do have a place in the degree, and that our skills aren’t shoved to the corner,” the 3rd year communication student added.

Y2Con is a monthly webinar hosted by the Young Communicators’ Circle— discussing various topics to help equip students in the different fields and disciplines of communication.

As we celebrate a spooky All Saints Day and All Souls Day on November 1-2, 2022, shorts films from various filmmakers in Northern Luzon will be exhibited, ranging from documentaries, narratives, and experimental in Arte Luna, Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

The Ilokano filmmakers’ talents will leave you stunned through the first-ever Pelikula Ilokana Film Exhibition.

Here are the short films that were screened in the film exhibition.

Iyallatiw

Directed by Melver Ritz Gomez

Iyallatiw is a short documentary film that tells the story of a Manglualo in the town of Paoay, Ilocos Norte, who shared her experience and sacrifice in preserving a unique oral tradition that many, especially this generation, are unfamiliar with.

Some of its awards include the Viddsee Juree Silver Prize, the Festival Jury Gerry Balasta Advocacy Award at the International Film Festival Manhattan in New York City, and Honorable Mention and Special Citation Works by/for Children at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Gawad Alternatibo.

Iyallatiw will be the opening film of the said film exhibition.

Manang Klara

Directed by Kriskyril Dann Saribay Martinez

This 25-minute film tells the life of Manang Klara, a Filipina shaman who fought with her sweat and blood to protect her culture and identity from the inevitable Spanish conquest. Furthermore, this movie explores how the Roman Catholic religion influenced the modern-day Philippines.

Manang Klara was directed by a first-time filmmaker and University of Baguio communication student.

Silyon

Directed by Hannah Keziah C. Agngarayngay

Silyon is an experimental film about artists who were impacted by the pandemic. The “silyon” represents the place where we are bold enough to create while remaining true to ourselves. The pandemic is also a metaphor for the numerous obstacles that prevent an artist from fulfilling their primary calling. This film was created to remind people that no matter how long they have been separated from their own “silyon,” they can always return to it.

“It makes me so happy to see different local films being recognized and valued— much appreciation for those people behind this exhibition. When I was given a chance to direct a film, I knew then that I wanted to center it on artists, hence the silyon.” Agngarayngay told Y2C in an interview

Gulgul

Directed by Yonidick B. Pascua

Gulgul is a documentary that focuses on the Ilokanos’ after-burial culture in the city of Iligan, Isabela. This short documentary film depicts “gulgul” as a means of easing the grief and mourning of the deceased’s relatives. Washing one’s hands in running water is thought to cleanse one of all sins and body aches.

This 8-minute film demonstrates how “gulgul” is performed and why it is still practiced after burial among Ilokanos.

Soleng

Directed by Isagani Manatad

This short film narrates the story of a widowed lady who gets obsessed with cooking “atang”—defined as a food offering to appease the disturbed spirits of Ilocanos, who died in the recent past— for her husband, but the sudden turn of events happens every time she puts food at the altar.

Soleng provides thrill and drama while at the same time giving viewers a glimpse of the after-burial culture of Ilokanos. It won several awards in last year’s Lilia Cuntapay Short Horror Film Festival, such as 2nd Best Short Horror Film, Best Director, Best Sound Effects, and Best Actress.

The short horror film was directed by Isagani Manatad and written by Jay Agnir, both BA Communication graduates from last academic year.

Mantatambal

Directed by Basha Castro

This 15-minute film tries to unravel and give meaning to the life and experience of Folk Healers in San Carlos City, Pangasinan. It portrays a story on the practices of the art of healing using traditional practices and herbal remedies.

This documentary by a Digital Cinema graduate of the School of Media Studies of Mapua University, won the Special Citation Award in the Adult Division in the DokyuBata 2021.

Inaywanan

Directed by Neil Villaruel

Inaywanan is an experimental film that tells the story of a mother longing for someone inside her heart. She reminisces the moments that she should have had with the one she yearns for; until one day, she eventually reunites with the one in her heart she once lost.

AB English Language students of Mariano Marcos State University created this short film as part of their final project on their Film and Society subject last academic year.

Dalluyon

Directed by Jeisther Timothy Galano

This film shares the story of a young man who established his art as an escape from his suffering, owning to solitude and yearning.

Crashed by the emotional weight of the waves, he struggles to cope with his grief and loss.

Some of its recognition in 2021 were Jury’s Choice Award, Best Sound Design, and Best Visual Design Award at the 3rd Gawad Sine Abreño for the Abrenian Heritage Film Festival.

Inana

Directed by Geraldine B. Manuel

This short film from Nueva Vizcaya narrates the story of a young man who angrily tells his deceased mother to rest in peace when the mother is only telling him how to do things right.

Inana was an entry to the film festival at Saint Mary’s University in Bayombong Nueva Vizcaya during the School of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology (SEAIT) week.

The film received numerous awards during the said event, including Best Film Trailer, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Best Actor, and Best Editing Award.

Dung-aw

Directed by Romel Pascua

Dung-aw talks about Lola Maring, a 90-year-old widow grieving for his grandchild Rodel, whom she treated like her own son. Her lamentations resonate with her love and longing for her lost grandson.

The film took home awards in the 4th Abrenian Heritage Film Festival 2022: Best Documentary Film and Best Director.

Entablado

Directed by Caesar Vincent D. Tabancay Jr

An experimental film that narrates the journey of a proud yet loving granddaughter who hopes to find the meaning of love, optimism, and success. Discovering deeper in her consciousness the reality of what she is longing for is just by instilling in her heart the values of true Ilokana.

This short film was produced by economics students of MMSU last academic year and was part of their school project in their Film and Society course.

Mina’s Family History

Directed by Christopher Gozum

Mina’s Family History follows the fate and faith of a young lady destined to follow in her forefathers’ footsteps. The film looks at healers’ spiritual journeys and the consequences their descendants face for refusing to become healers. Mina envisions a different future as she leads a different life. But there is no escaping fate, so she endures the struggle for a long time before accepting it.

Moreso, this film was part of the Sine Halaga last year, a National Commission for Culture and Arts film festival and educational resource program that seeks to explore 19 core Filipino values through stories.

BATAC CITY, Ilocos Norte – Fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication student Lady Zylas Santos was crowned Miss Batac 2022 during the coronation night held at the Imelda Cultural Center on December 14.

With 16 lovely candidates, Santos stood out among other girls taking home other four special awards aside from the title: Best in Swimsuit, Miss Photogenic, Best in Evening Gown, and Most Articulate.

The 21-year-old beauty queen told in an interview that this is her best holiday gift so far. “I feel like a young girl who just opened the best Christmas present!”

“I was aware that for me to have a chance of winning, I must deliberately forget that the evening was a competition. I focused on expressing my authentic self–in action and words,” Santos added.

Preparations

When asked about her preparations for this year’s pageant, Santos shared that she spent a lot of time understanding herself–who she is as a person. “Being perceived as beautiful is not enough to join a beauty pageant. I spent a lot of time inside me.”

Aside from understanding herself, she is thankful who helped her win the crown. “A lot of people gifted their time to train me how to walk and trot stage more confidently than I was before,” Santos

Inspiration

According to Santos, one of her greatest inspirations and motivation in joining the pageant mom. “Through her, I was motivated to join and pageant because my win is also her win.”

She added that her mother is the one who up every time she is down and assures her every life is beautiful if we choose it to be.

Miss Ilocos Norte 2024

Even though Santos is still set to compete Ilocos Norte 2024 as Miss Batac 2021 will represent year, she said that she will be attending more training her to improve her stage walk.

“And finish my degree because beauty stand alone for a long time in this life without For me, the greatest tool [in pageants] is education,” emphasized.

Meanwhile, three Mariano Marcos State University students also grabbed major awards, Brenda Clemente, Kimberly Bilgera, and Kim Rebucal, winning first runner-up, second runner-up, fourth runner-up, respectively.