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Cesar Hernando with his stars Benjamin Alves and Phoebe Walker |
Note: In 2015, I submitted an article to InterAksyon.com entertainment editor Eric Ramos about the full-length directorial debut of production designer Cesar Hernando. After years of helping so many others put together their own films, Kuya Cesar got to direct a full-length feature in 2015 — the QCinema film, "Gayuma."
Eric was so gracious to publish my article. When Kuya Cesar passed away last May, I tried looking for the article online but could not find it. (I think it "disappeared" when InterAksyon.com was acquired by another company.) I lost the file in my computer. On June 13, 2019, I found the article in my sent box. Thank goodness I didn't delete my email to Eric!
So, here's the article as I submitted it, with photos that were emailed to me by Kuya Cesar himself.
Veteran production designer makes first full-length directorial debut
It’s never too late to make your dream come true.
After collaborating with the finest directors in the country, award-winning production designer and Fine Arts professor Cesar Hernando makes his full-length directorial debut with “Gayuma,” one of the eight finalists in the 2015 QCinema International Film Festival Circle Competition.
Hernando has received Best Production Design awards from Gawad Urian (for “Batang West Side” of director Lav Diaz, “Bayani” of director Raymond Red, and “Kisapmata” of director Mike de Leon), and from the Young Critics Circle (for “Himpapawid” of director Raymond Red). Hernando is also known for the design of Maryo J. delos Reyes’ “Tagos ng Dugo” and Mes de Guzman’s “Diablo” and “Ang Kwento ni Mabuti.” Kuys—as Hernando is fondly called by family and friends and students at the University of the Philippines Diliman—has collaborated with Mike de Leon on “Hindi Nahahati Ang Langit,” “Sister Stella L,” “Batch ’81,” and “Bayaning Third World.”
He began his film career in 1971 as assistant director of Ishmael Bernal’s “Pagdating sa Dulo,” He has directed three short features shot on 35mm film: “Maalinsangan ang Gabi,” “Motorsiklo” (written and produced by Mike de Leon) and “Kagat ng Dilim” which starred Piolo Pascual in his first independent film. Hernando also has two experimental films, “Botika Bituka” and “Kalawang” both of which are still doing the rounds of international filmfests. Directing a full-length feature has been his long-time wish.
“Gayuma” (“Allure”) tells the story of art student Mike (Benjamin Alves) who is in a relationship with film student Joy (newcomer Elora Españo) but becomes obsessed with an enigmatic model Stella (portrayed by Amazing Race Philippines Season 2 winner Phoebe Walker).
Benjamin Alves as UP Fine Arts student
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The film was shot on location at the University of the Philippines Fine Arts Department. |
Hernando’s first full-length feature film explores the deep connection between the artist-creator and his subject. “Gayuma” also gives a peek into the life of a fine arts student as it was shot on location in UP Diliman. Kuys reveals, "The story is based on a short feature film ‘Puting Kanbas’ that I shot 25 years ago using Super 8 film. Then ten years ago, I decided to expand the story into a full-length feature film. I had even shot some scenes with Sid Lucero and Denise Laurel in digital format but somehow the project didn't materialize due to financial and casting challenges.”
Although the themes are about visual arts and films—topics that Kuys is very familiar with—he emphasizes that the characters and situations are fictional. “They are imagined,” he says. The production designer-turned-director also declares that sometimes the boundaries between imagination and reality become blurred.
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Kamikaze band made a cameo in the film. |
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Bembol Roco as a psychic |
The cast includes notable appearances by Cherie Gil (as Mike’s aunt) and Bembol Roco (as a pyschic), Sue Prado, and Kiko Matos. “Gayuma” marks one of the last performances of the band Kamikazee which will have a farewell concert in December. The members of Kamikazee are former students of Kuys.
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Lav Diaz was one of the directors who made a cameo in Kuya Cesar's feature film |
Other personalities who have cameos are directors Lav Diaz, Raymond Red, Mes de Guzman, and Rico Ilarde, visual artist Romeo Lee, graphic novelist Arnold Arre, producers Ed Rocha and Fernando Ortigas, and plus teachers of UP Fine Arts. Actually, friends, family, current and former students, colleagues and fellow filmmakers fill the screens of Kuys’ feature directorial debut. All are extremely happy to be part of Kuys’ dream project. “Gayuma” is co-produced by Tuko Film Productions, Buchi Boy Films, Hernando’s Hideaway through through the Qcinema International Film Festival and the QC Film Development Commission.
At the gala premiere of “Gayuma,” Kuys declared that he has begun a new chapter in his life and career. “I hope to direct more full-length films in the future,” he said.
“Gayuma” will be showing at Gateway Cineplex on Saturday, October 31, at 7:50 PM.
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