Private Project

San Simon

After long years of staying in the US, Miguel, now a young adult, returns back to the Philippines and revisits his hometown, San Simon, Pampanga. While reminiscing the memories that his hometown holds, Miguel unexpectedly meets Lola Nanette, the grandmother of his childhood best friend, Simon. Surprised at how much Miguel has grown, Lola Nanette warmly invites him into their home.

As they catch up with each other, Miguel asks the question weighing him: "Where is Simon?" (Saan si Simon?). Sadly, Lola Nanette reveals that Simon passed away three years after Miguel and his family left the Philippines. She told Miguel that Simon had been one of the victims of a devastating typhoon that hit the Philippines

Dishearten, Miguel enters Simon's old room, learning about deep sadnesss his childhood bestfriend experienced as he talked with Lola Nanette. Before Miguel leaves, he gives Lola Nanette a telescope--a gift he once promised Simon. And in return, she hands him a precious item: a voice recording from Simon as soon as Miguel left his hometown.

The story ends with Miguel riding away in a van, carrying the weight of unspoken grief and regret.

  • Denbert M. Tiamson
    Director
  • Denbert M. Tiamson
    Writer
  • Denbert M. Tiamson
    Producer
  • Jay-r Julio
    Assistant Director
  • Mark Russel Royo
    Director of Photography
  • Sean Latorre
    Production Designer
  • Ronnie Ramos
    Production Manager
  • Jamie Imperio
    Sound Recordist
  • Aries Ferrer
    Editor
  • Roberto Tiamson
    Executive Producers
  • Lucina Tiamson
    Executive Producers
  • Barbie Rose Dimapilis-Tiamson
    Executive Producers
  • Romano Tiamson
    Executive Producers
  • Robie Rose Tiamson
    Executive Producers
  • Debie Rose Tiamson
    Executive Producers
  • Ethan David
    Key Cast
    "Miguel "
  • Meren Suba
    Key Cast
    "Lola Nanette"
  • Carl Reyes
    Key Cast
    "Young Miguel "
  • Vince Bucu
    Key Cast
    "Young Simon"
  • Jay-r Julio
    Co-Producer
  • Lauviah Caliboso
    Associate Producers
  • Vrian Pamatpat
    Associate Producers
  • Meren Suba
    Associate Producers
  • Teresita Reyes
    Associate Producers
  • Javi Sison
    Colorist
  • Project Type:
    Student
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 55 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 25, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 PHP
  • Country of Origin:
    Philippines
  • Language:
    Other, Tagalog
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of the Philippines-Diliman
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Changing Climate Changing Lives Film Festival
    Bangkok
    Thailand
    February 16, 2025
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Denbert M. Tiamson

DENBERT TIAMSON (b. April 27, 2002 in Pasay City, Philippines) is currently studying Bachelor of Arts in Film at the UP Film Institute. He is a student writer, director, and actor who has experienced working with both theater and film productions. His work and interest are deeply rooted around performance art, stories of queer individuals, collective voices, and social crisis, among other important themes.

Currently, Denbert is the writer and director of If I Were A Voice, a SineKabataan Finalist of the Film Development Council of The Philippines (FDCP) which premiered this September. In addition to his own projects, Denbert has contributed his talents to various acclaimed productions. He has worked as an associate producer of Epilogue by Xavier Roncesvalles which was an FDCP Student Film Assistant Program grantee. Also, he worked as the production manager of To Drown A Fish by Hanns Scheewe, production associate for Lola.psd by Coby Mercado, and a wardrobe supervisor for Ang Alamat Kung Bakit Kalabaw Lang Ang Tumatanda by Ronnie Ramos–which were all selected as finalists for this year's narrative category of Gawad Alternatibo. He also worked as talent coordinator for Sumalunan by Karla Garcia, location manager for Ulit-Ulit by Macky Esquibel, production coordinator for To Burn A Fire by Daryll Anuran, and Boom Operator for Thesis Films Sakaling Malimutan Kita by Ivan Gentolizo and Hamanaba? by Fea Fortuna.

He's also the actor of Pagpag by Jay-r Julio and LGBT by Ralph Prodigalidad--which will be part of the upcoming Black Beret, a directing showcase by University of the Philippines Film Institute this January.

In 2023-2024, he was the Vice President for External Affairs of UP Cinema, and the associate festival head of Piling Obrang Vidyo 20. His commitment to film literacy and collaboration is exemplified through his involvement in spearheading workshops, such as the one held in partnership with Infinix last September.

In every endeavor, Denbert Tiamson continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and filmmaking, amplifying issues that deserve to be heard.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As a child, I dreamed of becoming an astronaut. I think I was always drawn by the endless possibilities beyond the space we’re living in. Yet over time, that dream began to feel impossibly distant. I don’t know but there’s a profound beauty and mystery in the vastness of space, but as I grew older and began to understand the realities of my country, my admiration turned into guilt and frustration.

I came to realize how challenging it is to dream big when you’re from the Philippines. Aspirations that reach for the stars often feel reserved for those in the West. They can fly high but I cannot. They can be Astronauts but I can not. They can leave but I can only stay.

This inequality becomes even more glaring in the face of the climate crisis. While powerful nations drive advancements, often at the cost of releasing countless tons of hazardous gases, my country bears the brunt of vulnerability–shouldering the consequences of climate change. San Simon is my reflection on what we—both as individuals and as a nation—have lost. It delves into dreams lost, lives taken, and the quiet strength of those who continue to endure.

Through this work, I offer a quiet, heartfelt embrace of these losses, honoring what could have been. And it aims to spark a conversation, amplifying what needs to be done.