‘Mes hopes “Sepak Takraw” will give viewers … the joy and patriotism it has also given him.’
Writer-director Ramon “Mes” de Guzman burst in the filmmaking scene in 2000 with “Batang Trapo” (international title: “Rags”), a short film about two young brothers who sell rags to motorists. That moving debut film won top awards at the Cinemanila International Film Festival, Gawad Urian and at the Marrakech International Film Festival.
Through the years, Mes moved to creating full-length features and has established himself as an independent cinema artist whose films are rooted in the Filipino experience and social realities. Youth, family, rural life are his favorite themes as exemplified by “Ang Daan Patungong Kalimugtong,” “Kuwento ni Mabuti” (which starred National Artist Nora Aunor), “Diablo,” “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha” (which starred Sharon Cuneta), “Ang Mundo sa Panahon ng Bato,” “Ang Mundo sa Panahon ng Yelo” and many other of Mes’ celebrated movies.
For this year, Mes might be said to have come full circle with his entry to the Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival. His newest film entitled “Sepak Takraw” is about two young brothers who are seeking better lives. It is very special to Mes because he shot it entirely in his province of Nueva Vizcaya. It might also be his most personal film to date.
“ I was an athlete — I played Sepak Takraw at Palarong Pambansa. When I was in high school, I was obsessed with competing against teams from different provinces and regions,” Mes told Malaya Business Insight.
Mes also told us that, as an elementary student, he was an avid player of “sipa” – the traditional Filipino game played with a washer and plastic straw. “I was very competitive and even had this illusion that I was the best ‘sipa’ player in my town. My friends and I would travel to different schools just to challenge other players.”
During one “sipa” competition, the young Mes lost to a player whom he described as unskilled. “He just waited for the ball to land on his side. His strategy was different from mine. I cried after that match and promised myself that when I reach high school, I would train harder and compete in Palarong Pambansa.”
Mes hopes “Sepak Takraw” will give viewers, especially the youth, the joy and patriotism it has also given him.
“I’m dedicating this film to my younger self and to all the kids of my generation who grew up playing traditional Filipino games. Instead of just playing video games, I hope more kids get to try sipa or Sepak Takraw. It’s an Asian sport worth treasuring.”
