This Week "Mayohan" makes way for May at the FDCP Cinematheque

This week at the FDCP Cinematheque, we welcome the month of May with the screening of "Mayohan" a love story set at the backdrop of Infante Quezon's Mayohan festival. The FDCP Cinematheque is located at the B&C Square Building, Solis Street, Iloilo City (near BPI and East West Bank). The Cinematheque is Iloilo's home of quality indie films and art films from the local and international cinema. [hit the jump to continue]

May is the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of Christ. In Infanta Quezon, locals turn each of the 31 days in May into a charming honor not only to celebrate good harvest in their agricultural setting, but also to pay tribute to virginal virtues of the Mayohan.

Every month of May, a padasal or series of novenas commences to mark the beginning of Mayohan. This will culminate in a Pasayaw or Tapusan in every purok of each barangay. A system of ambagan or donation ensues for the festivities to take place.

In the hopes of keeping a tradition alive, the elders support its continued celebration; through the years, however, decadence has long taken over the Tapusan. Proud beauty queens, town officials, curious participants and passersby, intoxicated men with carnal needs all play roles in the midst of a spiritual undertaking. Some have unwittingly tarnished the event's reputation and essence. Underlying values and tokens are lost in the turning over of tradition.

Amidst the festivities, a 15-year old young outsider becomes the focal point in the preparation that the Pasayaw entails. As this grieving young man comes of age and deals with the recent loss of both parents, his attention shifts to catching the eye of a 19-year old provincial lass, the elected "presidenta" of the pasayaw's pamunuan, who, herself gets lost in all the hoopla and hullabaloo that transpire before May ends.

As the event underscores gender lines, generation differences, and class issues, they themselves become entangled in an unlikely partnership, in their own search for growth and acceptance

"Mayohan" stars Lovi Poe, Elijah Castillo, Lui Manansala, Chiqui del Carmen, Dianne Laserna, Jill Palencia, Girose Lanot, Fidel Panganiban, Benedict Jhocson and Ping Medina, and is directed by Dan Villegas who is known for directing "English Only, Please" and has been the cinematographer for numerous other Pinoy mainstream movies.

The music of the popular Pinoy band Up Dharma Down is featured in this movie.
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