‘In spite of graduating recently, we believe they’re making a mark, ticking off items in their bucket list of dreams and doing something special.’
We have been teaching “Writing for Film” at the Ateneo de Manila University (our college alma mater) AB Communication Department since 2016. The course is an elective that is offered one semester every school year. It delves into the basics of writing narrative features for the big screen – from concept to the actual screenplay.
Every year, we are still surprised by number of students who enroll. Most of the time, the class size reaches around 20 students, even when the schedule is inconvenient, like in the evening or on a Saturday morning.
And we don’t think the reason is because of the teacher.
When we ask students at the start of the semester why they signed up, they simply say that they like watching films, or that they want to learn a new skill. Only a handful declare that they are aiming for a career in the Philippine entertainment industry.
So last week, on two occasions – at the media launch of the 20th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival and at the reunion of Ateneo de Manila AB Communication majors – we bumped into former students who are pursuing careers in film. In spite of graduating recently, we believe they’re making a mark, ticking off items on their bucket list of dreams and doing something special. We’d like to write about them because they make us proud to be their teacher.
John Peter Chua
JP, as we fondly call him, is someone we see at film-related events like Ricky Lee’s birthday, the tribute for archivist Teddy Co, and Globe’s 2022 GOWatch Film Lab competition (of which he was one of the finalists).
Studious, dedicated, creative, the Cum Laude graduate and program awardee plunged into Ricky Lee’s scriptwriting workshop where he further developed his storytelling skills.
What we are most impressed with JP is his tireless pursuit to share meaningful stories, whether in film, print, or through live discussions. He’s become a voice of today’s young Chinese Filipinos.
Recently, JP received a grant from international NGO New Naratif to translate his grandparents’ writings into English, and give his reflection on these manuscripts. The result is a very unique publication called “Tracing My Grandparents’ Pen.”
There’s more to the Chinese Filipino experience than what mainstream media depicts. For this reason, JP’s perspective is much needed. He’s found his niche, and the world awaits the works of this dynamic writer-director.
Jake Muñoz Consing
Jake was part of one of two “pandemic” batches, whom, unfortunately we didn’t get to know well because all our sessions were done online.
But Jake, we remember because he was one of the passionate ones who submitted requirements ahead of time and even requested consultation sessions. He struck us as serious and a real go-getter. Not surprisingly, he graduated in 2022 with Summa Cum Laude honors.
He wrote, directed and produced a couple of short films in recent years. One of the most notable of which is “Write Here,” a queer drama about a lonely gay man stricken with Alzheimer’s disease.
“Write Here” has gone to several film festivals in the US and Europe, and received a FAMAS Best Short Film nomination. US-based film critic Jojo Devera called Jake’s film “a rare… cinematic drama executed with such consistent care.”
Jake has established his own outfit called Seiga Productions whose latest project is the Cinemalaya 2024 finalist “Kantil,” of writer-director Joshua Cesar-Medroso. Jake is the producer, along with renowned Mindanaoan filmmaker Teng Mangnansakan.
Jake is now working on his own full-length feature, “The Blind Man at the End of the World” – the screenplay he wrote for our class. Acclaimed indie producer Alemberg Ang is helping Jake bring this dream project to life.
With the secure way he moved about at the Cinemalaya launch – he even pitched to me to interview the director of “Kantil” – we’d say the young Jake feels right at home in the filmmaking community.
Ryan Racela
As a student, Ryan had a unique vibe about him. We won’t forget that he brought “baon” (like sandwiches) to class and ate his food during breaks in the three-hour session. Also, he always approached us after class to ask questions or to give an opinion.
We were by thrilled to hear his voice on the radio when he became a DJ of Magic 89.9. And, more thrilled to follow his journey as an event host, film reviewer, performer, musician and content creator on social media.
A son of basketball coach Olsen Racela and actress/ marketing professional Melissa Puey, Ryan has certainly inherited his parents’ passion for sports and the arts. Although he didn’t become a basketball player, he can still make an awesome three-point shot … backwards!
Ryan’s gifts are his versatility and honesty. Please do check out the music video of his song “Young DZMA” for its nakaka-LSS melody, funny lyrics and wacky scenes.
He turned 27 recently. At the AB Comm reunion, Ryan told us something like feeling anxious about getting older and still not being able to accomplish what he wants to do. We found that surprising since, for us, he’s achieved a lot in a few years, while staying true to himself, promoting the things he believes in, and having a lot of fun in the process.
To young dreamers trying to find their place, unsure if they’ll ever get there or frustrated even by challenges… know that the world is still at your feet. We old dreamers haven’t lost hope. You shouldn’t lose faith, too.
