Hungry after TATSULOK Premiere Night

Ni Oggie Medina

Last August 21, I was tired after the early morning coverage of Ninoy Aquino Day at NAIA Terminal 1, mass at Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Paranaque City, another mass for the late ATOM co-founder Reli German in a chapel in SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, and lunch at Cabalen restaurant (courtesy of ATOM). Then I fell asleep when I went home.

It was 4:59 p.m. when I woke up and I realized I had only one minute left to go to Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City.

It was 5:17 p.m. when I arrived at the cinema where film trilogy TATSULOK would have its premiere night. Thanks, I was not late. Many people were still outside the cinema waiting for the go-signal to enter.

There, writer Ymman Biaco saw me. He told me that he thought of inviting me to the film showing but I told him it was Maia Alcazar, a participant in the May-June 2026 PSF Workshop who invited me through Tanajuan Pelikula, an active independent Filipino film production house known for producing thought-provoking indie short films, feature lengths, and experimental cinema.

Just outside the theatre, I saw PhilStagers’ JP Lopez and Vean Cancino (she is part of the cast), actor Julian Roxas, flutist-actor Jong Cuenco, and director Emmanuel de la Cruz, among others.

Later, Maia Alcazar approached me and she was so elegant and lovely in her formal white dress as she led me to my seat beside director Emmanuel de la Cruz.

Then came director Vince Tañada with his son Peter Parker Tañada who politely greeted me.

Dubbed as “bad boy” of Philippine theatre, director Tañada returned to us for he got uneasy in their seat that Goldwin Reviews staffer was just behind them. He chitchatted to us of what is the latest intrigue in showbizness. Then TATSULOK’s political director Johnny Bobier, the star of the night, arrived.

When the film began, I was amazed by the acting of two newcomers Emilio Gatacilo III and child actor Kean Vicente in TATSULOK’s Kalye Bulag episode. This was followed by Vean Cancino’s superb portrayal in brief TATSULOK’S Sacrifice Valley episode and eventually in Parapo episode (a FAMAS Short Film Festival awardee).

The Philippine national anthem was sung at the end of the said film trilogy that used an experimental storytelling approach to examine how ordinary people react to harsh societal realities, corruption, and oppression. The film is deeply tied to the struggles, injustices, and inequalities reflected in Philippine society, echoing the critical spirit of social protest.

After watching the film, I got hungry – and angry for what is happening in our country today. I went alone to a nearby restaurant to eat to ease my hunger and anger.