SM SANGANDAAN, CALOOCAN CITY — Cinema 1 of SM City Sangandaan was filled with excitement and school pride on May 21, 2026, as the University of Caloocan City (UCC), in partnership with the City Government of Caloocan, officially held the grand screening of the 9th Monumento Film Festival.

Carrying the theme “SARIHIYA: Iba’t Ibang Henerasyon, Iisang Kwento,” the festival celebrated the power of storytelling across generations through original films produced by UCC students.

For only PHP 150, students, alumni, professors, family members, and friends were able to watch three student-produced films in a whole-day screening event. The featured films were Sa Dulo ng Parisukat by Sine SagJuan Productions, IX-Nueve by Sagitraya Productions, and Pusong Payaso by Silakbolaya Productions. Supported by the Bagong Pilipinas campaign, the Monumento Film Festival ran from 9:00 AM until the final egress at 9:40 PM.

The program formally opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Rodrigo Dantay Jr., who expressed his excitement to witness how the stories crafted by the student filmmakers would unfold on screen. Dr. Cattleya Yee also delivered a message recognizing the creativity, dedication, and passion of the BA Communication students who worked tirelessly to bring the film festival to life.

To accommodate the large number of attendees, the MFF committee organized the screenings into three blocks throughout the day. The first and second screening blocks followed the same order: Sa Dulo ng Parisukat, IX-Nueve, and Pusong Payaso. For the third and final screening block, however, the sequence was adjusted to give the audience a different viewing experience. The night screening opened with IX-Nueve, followed by Pusong Payaso, while Sa Dulo ng Parisukat served as the final film of the event.

Before each screening, the audience watched the official MFF trailer, an anti-camcording reminder, and a special video message from Caloocan City Mayor Along Malapitan, who expressed his support for the student filmmakers and encouraged them to continue showcasing their creativity and talent.

During the event, University of Caloocan City Chairman of the Board of Regents Hon. Along Malapitan also delivered an inspiring message recognizing the passion, hard work, and dedication of the young storytellers behind the festival.

The first film shown during the final block was IX-Nueve, a horror film directed by Lovely De Guzman. While the film carried elements of horror and suspense, its story centered on the struggles of single parenthood and the sacrifices of a mother for her child. Through chilling scenes and emotional moments, the film highlighted the fears, desperation, and difficult choices that come with protecting one’s family. The audience responded strongly to the film’s eerie sequences and meaningful message.

Next was Pusong Payaso, directed by John Russel Capule. The comedy-drama explored traditions, customs, and forms of entertainment that are slowly fading because of modern technology and social media. The story followed struggling clown performers as they faced financial hardship and personal challenges, until a heartfelt reminder from family reignited their passion and restored the “pusong payaso” within them. Chito the Clown, played by John Rey Mendoza, also known as the “Empoy Kalokalike,” brought both humor and emotion to the story as his character fought to keep traditional entertainment alive despite changing times. The film drew laughter from the audience while also reminding viewers of the importance of preserving culture and appreciating Filipino traditions.

The final film of the night, Sa Dulo ng Parisukat, directed by Jemima Grace Virtudazo, became one of the most talked-about entries during the festival. The drama centered on family struggles, poverty, and the pressure of escaping a life shaped by crime and hardship. It also reflected the emotional burden experienced by students who face academic pressure, burnout, and the expectations of society. Many students in the cinema found the story relatable, as it mirrored the hidden struggles that learners and families often experience both inside and outside the classroom.

As the film ended, the audience responded with loud applause. Many students also shared their reactions online, praising the films for their honest portrayal of social realities, emotional struggles, and generational experiences that resonated with viewers.

Before the program concluded, the organizers acknowledged the guidance and support of the faculty members behind the festival, namely Ms. Diane Quiambao, Mr. Nicolai Cajefe, Mr. Owell Bravo, and Mrs. Enecita Arlos. Their mentorship and dedication played a vital role in the successful execution of the 9th Monumento Film Festival.

The MFF committee also expressed its gratitude to the sponsors, partners, production staff, committees, and volunteers whose collective efforts and commitment helped bring the celebration of filmmaking and storytelling to life.

The 9th Monumento Film Festival once again proved that young filmmakers are capable of creating meaningful and powerful stories. Through horror, comedy-drama, and social realism, the students of UCC showcased not only their creativity and filmmaking skills, but also their ability to confront important social issues through cinema.

As the curtains closed on the festival, the stories shown on screen left lasting impressions on the audience, proving that despite generational differences, storytelling remains a powerful force that connects people through shared experiences.