By Crisdeniele H. Clemente

Exemplifying excellence in filmmaking and music composition, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) alumni and students were hailed as winners in this year's Tan-ok ni Ilocano Film and Pop Music competitions.

In the awarding ceremony held on March 8 at Arte Luna, Paoay, Ilocos Norte, one student and one alumnus dominated the film competition, while two alumni and three students emerged as winners in the pop music contest.

Edsel Harry Turda, a first-year law student of MMSU College of Law, secured the second-best picture for his film "No Palubusam ta Kulibangbang, Palubusam a Pudno" (When You Free a Butterfly, Free It Entirely). The documentary is about the experiences of Ilocano gay morticians as they navigate the intricate balance between their gender identity and the rituals associated with death. Alison Cascayan, an alumnus of MMSU CTE, was the co-director and writer of the film.

Meanwhile, Ryand Angelo Ugalde, a third-year BA Communication (BACOM) student, won the third best picture award for his documentary film "Tabako." The film tells the experiences of a family of tobacco farmers in Pinili, Ilocos Norte.

In the first edition of the Pop Music competition, Vernix Magayano, an alumnus of CTE, was hailed as the grand winner for his song "Nanangko" (My Mother), while Amherstia Magayano, also an alumna of CTE, secured the second place for her work "Apay" (Why). Moreover, three student teachers from CTE won third place for their song "Intayon" (Let's Go). These are Hannah Mae Uganiza and Francis Piedad, both composers, and Christian Jack Bulosan, music producer.

Other finalists in the film competition included Melver Ritz Gomez, a faculty member of MMSU College of Arts and Sciences, for his film "Dagiti Babae Ken Ti Umras" (The Women and the Umras), and other MMSU alumni: Jericho John Angeles for his film "Larawang Hindi Kupas" (Timeless Picture); Kyle Daniel Bolusan for his film "Pamanang Alat" (Inherited Flavor); Jazper Quemquem Panaganop for "Hunting"; Jeisther Timothy Galano for "Where The River Meets The Sea," and Joel Manuel for his film "Dagiti Pait Ti Tagapulot" (The Bitterness of Molasses).

The Ilocos Norte Tourism Office, headed by Mr. A-Xavier Ruiz, organized the event. The entries were featured at Robinsons Movieworld Ilocos on March 9-10 and will have their second screening on March 16-17.

Last year, Mr. Gomez's film "Karkarma" was acclaimed as the best picture in the short narrative category, receiving recognition for best cinematography, scoring, screenplay, and editing. Dr. Romel Pascua from CTE and his team from Lamina Production earned the best director award for the film "Aweng" (Echo) in the short documentary category, garnering accolades for best scoring, cinematography, and documentary. Mr. Turda`s "Kasano Kad` Agwaywaya?" (Teach Me How To Be Free) along with Alison Cascayan, an alumna of CTE and the co-director and writer of the film, also grabbed the second spot for narrative category and the people`s choice award. (MKA_StratCom)