Filmmaking is taking center stage in Pangasinan
From international docus to underrated indie narratives, here are some of the films shot in the province.
by Rahndal Rico
It’s undeniable that Pangasinan is a home for local creatives. Apart from its promising tourist attractions, it’s a place for cultivating artistic flairs. From the theatrical art of Salvador Bernal to thought-provoking films of Christopher Gozum, the future is creative indeed!
Let’s take a look at some of the films, from enticing local stories to Festival de Cannes-worthy entries, that were shot in Pangasinan!
Malinak ya labi (2016)
Transforming a folk song into an indie film, Jose Abdel Langit’s “Malinak Ya Labi” delves into the practice of bagat, a Pangasinan custom of sprinkling blood of an animal when constructing buildings as it is believed to prolong its life. In the case of bridges, Langit wrote, it is believed that human sacrifice — usually a child — is necessary as they “have longer life to live”.
Eerie as it may sound, the film was among the entries of Cinema One in 2016, starring Allen Dizon and Angeline Quinto. Scenes were shot in several locations in Pangasinan like Lingayen, Bugallon, Dagupan, and San Fabian.
Watch it here: https://www.iwanttfc.com/#!/open/malinakyalabisubeng
Paraiso (2023)
The art of filmmaking is not limited to narratives and documentaries. In its summery music video, Anji Salvacion takes us to Pugaro, a hidden paraiso in Dagupan City. The Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10 grand winner confessed that this is her way of venturing into new sounds and personality. Would you include this to your summer anthem playlist?
Some Nights I Feel Like Walking (2024)
If you’ve enjoyed the blockbusters Unhappy For You and A Very Good Girl, perhaps you will be tickled pink with Petersen Vargas’ daring queer road film. Some Nights I Feel Like Walking is a story of a privileged teenager who happened to escape his cage and unexpectedly joined a group of hustlers to grant their dead friend’s final wish.
Depicting Manila’s nighttime, scenes were shot at dark alleys of Magsaysay Public Market and Bonuan Binloc in Dagupan. With the support of international film labs like Cannes Cinefondation Atalier, the film won the 2019 Southeast Asia Fiction Film Lab (SEAFIC) award, starring up-and-coming actors Miguel Ordon, Jomari Angeles, and Gold Aceron.
Tens Across the Borders (2024)
The category is: boat ride vouging.
This docu film by Chan Sze-Wei spotlights the growing vogue and ballroom of culture in Southeast Asia including the Philippines. Featuring The House of Mizrahi’s Xyza Ragunjan and other vogue pioneers from Thailand and Singapore, the film has stepped its foot to Cannes Docs 2023.
Who would have thought that Mother Xyza would host the first-ever vogue ball in Pangasinan? Thanks to the Anakbanwa Creative Residency Project, the queer community doesn’t cease to be represented!
Sketsa Na Dagupan (2024)
Directed by Dagupeño storyteller Christian Ramoso, this documentary unravels the plight of artists from Dagupan. It follows the exploration of visual artists Mariano and Doc Ann to different art spaces — such that of Gid Flores’ DCTY Micro Gallery — to exhibit their art amidst the perception of flourishing creative movement in the city.
Sketsa Na Dagupan paved the way to put such deserving honor and respect to the late Victorio Edades, a Dagupeño painter, who emerged as the Father of Modern Philippine Art.
The film was among the eight finalists of Baguio City’s Montañosa Film Festival 2024 documentary category and is an official selection of the Emirates Film Festival 2025.
April (TBA)
Photos from the Office of Cong. Christopher de Venecia
A Tawainese drama film is currently brewing, so buckle up for any tear-jerker scene!
Co-produced by Daluyong Studios, the story revolves around April, portrayed by Angel Aquino, who juggles work-and-life balance to tend her mom and her Taiwanese boss.
No spoilers, but if you’ve seen some gears at the Pantal River in Dagupan, a cinematic masterpiece is on its way to your screen.
Since 2019, Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher V.P. de Venecia has been lobbying for the promotion of film and television tourism in the country. Two years later, the proposed Film Philippines Act was finally approved — forging the path to attract both local and international filmmakers to shoot in the country. This is definitely a game-changer and a winning start for Pangasinan artists toward a creative future.