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The MANALOS

A Filipino American family from the MidWest moves to California to start a new life.

  • Mike Talplacido
    Director
    To Ken With Love
  • Mike Talplacido
    Writer
    To Ken With Love, The Perfect Couple, #DONT
  • Mike Talplacido
    Producer
    To Ken With Love, The Perfect Couple, #DONT
  • Randal Kamradt
    Producer
    Monsters Without, Voices, No Room For Love
  • Miralee Menzies
    Producer
    #DONT, Birthday Suit, The Second Time
  • James Lontayao
    Key Cast
    "Bonnie"
    The Pitt, Lumpia with a Vengeance
  • Evie Abat
    Key Cast
    "Edna"
    Dad's Gone Wild, Sugarberries, Days of our Lives
  • Ava Mendoza
    Key Cast
    "Kitty"
    Kain Na, The Wedding Hustler,
  • Gab Balasico
    Key Cast
    "Nathan"
  • Kirstin Walla
    Key Cast
    "Kiki"
    The Perfect Couple
  • Charmie Morales
    Key Cast
    "Pinay Wife"
  • CJ Basile
    Key Cast
    "Dutch Husband"
    To Ken With Love
  • Marcel Licera
    Key Cast
    "Store Clerk"
    Love & Karma, Martial Law, Too Late to Sing
  • Julian Bataclan
    Key Cast
    "Male Driver"
    The Perfect Couple
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 48 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 15, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, Tagalog
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.90
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival at Wondercon
    Anaheim
    United States
    March 29, 2025
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Portland Comedy Festival
    Portland, Oregon
    United States
    March 23, 2025
    Official Selection & Award Winner, Best Comedy Film
  • Georgia Comedy Festival
    Atlanta, Georgia
    United States
    April 17, 2025
    Official Selection & Finalist, Best Comedy Film Award
  • Tigertail Asian Film Festival
    Tampla, FL
    United States
    May 24, 2025
    Best Director, Best Film
  • Austin Comedy Festival
    Austin
    October 25, 2025
    Best Comedy Film
  • Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival
    Las Vegas
    October 17, 2025
    Best Director Nominee
  • Studio City International Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    September 4, 2025
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Mike Talplacido

Born in the Philippines, Mike Talplacido is a US-based multidisciplinary artist.

He is a podcast host, author, writer, performer, and director. His podcast, "Kiss My Mike," focuses on LGBTQ+ issues, AAPI advocacy, increasing Filipino/x visibility in TV/Film, and uplifting other creatives.

As a screenwriter and filmmaker, Mike wrote and directed In This Moment (narrative feature; 2026), The Manalos (short film; 2025), and To Ken with Love (short film; 2023). His work has been showcased at the Asian World Film Festival, NewFilmmakers LA, the Los Angeles International Children's Festival, Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival, and others.

For more info about Mike, please check out his Instagram page @kissmymike_official.

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Director Statement

As a Filipino American filmmaker, I want "The Manalos" to be a celebration of JOY—something we can all use, especially in today's times.

At its heart, this film is about those small, everyday moments. The funny ones, the quiet ones, the ones that hit you when you least expect it. Most importantly, those moments mean more when they’re shared with family.

Ultimately, I hope this story feels familiar and uplifting. I want audiences to laugh, reflect, and leave with a sense of warmth, and to be reminded that joy lives in the moments we share together.

Peace and Love!