Private Project

Manyaok

To celebrate her deceased mother’s birthday, Joy ventures around their town in search for the place “Manyaok” through her artwork as her guide. She then meets three people who opened her eyes to the reality that the place she’s looking for does not exist.

In the end, she finds something no artwork can ever explain -something a little closer to home.

  • Kate Villanueva
    Director
  • Kate Villanueva
    Writer
  • Kate Villanueva
    Producer
  • Daniella Ardeño
    Key Cast
    "Joy"
  • Kate Villanueva
    Executive Producer
  • Yumema Villanueva
    Executive Producer
  • Arden Rod Condez
    Creative Consultant
  • Lloyd Chester Obsina
    Director of Photography
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 31 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 20, 2021
  • Country of Origin:
    Philippines
  • Country of Filming:
    Philippines
  • Language:
    Tagalog
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of the Philippines Visayas
  • Viddsee Juree Awards Visayas & Mindanao 2021
    Manila
    Philippines
    June 3, 2021
    Philippine Premiere
    Audience Choice Award
  • 33rd Gawad Alternatibo
    Manila
    Philippines
    August 6, 2021
    Philippine Premiere
    Official Selection (Short Film Category), 1st Place Winner
  • Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition 8 (NABIFILMEX 8)
    Nabunturan, Davao de Oro
    Philippines
    October 25, 2021
    Philippine Premiere
    Official Selection (Open Category)
  • The 19th CineMapúa Student Short Film Festival
    Makati
    Philippines
    November 8, 2021
    Official Selection (Short Narrative: Collegiate Category), Special Award: Cultural Heritage
Director Biography - Kate Villanueva

KATE VILLANUEVA is an incoming 4th-year student from the University of the Philippines Visayas under the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies, majoring in Film.

From Sibalom, Antique, she is an aspiring filmmaker who aims to feature the local color of her province

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

When I was a child, my mother used to work overseas as a domestic helper and whenever I look for her my Lola would use the excuse “sa Manyaok lang tu (she’s in Manyaok)”, that would stop me from pestering her since it is believed that that place is far-far away.

But what if during those times I also had a guide like Joy’s artwork, would I venture around our town looking for my mother?

“Manyaok” tells the story of a young girl who experienced grief and redefining relationship at a very young age. And with that, a lesson that whenever someone we love dies; we can only make do of what we have.