Love, grief, and reconnection: Mapúa SoMDA Dean premieres new film at Cinemalaya 22

Mapúa University School of Multimedia and Digital Arts (SoMDA) Dean David R. Corpuz is set to unveil his latest full-length feature, “Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam” (Only Known to Us), at the 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

Directed by Corpuz and co-written with Iar Arondaing, the 110-minute drama delves into love, grief, and unresolved family tensions. 

The story follows long-time partners Neil (Martin del Rosario) and Bong (Miguel Odron), whose lives center on their close relationship with Bong’s mother, Gloria (Yayo Aguila). When Bong is hospitalized with a severe illness, Neil is left balancing work demands with bedside caregiving while Gloria tries to remain strong for her son. The emotional strain heightens with the sudden arrival of Bong’s estranged father, Benjie (Epy Quizon), who returns aiming to reconcile.

The film's supporting cast includes Madeleine Nicolas, Bodjie Pascua, Bong Cabrera, Adrian Lindayag, and Nour Hooshmand.

Behind the scenes, the feature is produced by Kristine Camille Sulit and Patricia Salic, with Corpuz and Adam Dumaguin serving as executive producers. Dumaguin also handled cinematography, together with editor Joris Fernandez, production designer David Esguerra, sound designer Elian Idioma, and composer Glenn Barit. 

Several Mapúa Film alumni contributed key roles to the production, including Dumaguin, Idioma, associate producer Angela Colada, and assistant director Mark Felix Ebreo.

Reflecting on the collaborative process, Corpuz shared, “There is something magical about seeing a world I initially imagined in solitude become a vision shared by a team and, eventually, something that strangers can experience together.”

Balancing the demands of filmmaking with his academic post was a major undertaking after the project was named a Cinemalaya finalist in October 2025. “Someone told me I was crazy for joining a film festival while serving as the Dean of a school,” Corpuz noted. “Perhaps they had a point. But at that moment, the desire to create mattered more to me than the pressure of being judged on the outcome.”

Navigating both roles required substantial backing from Mapúa’s administration, including University President Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, EVPs Lilibeth D. Sabino and Raul Victor B. Tan, VP Margarita V. Camacho, Ms. Joanne V. Mar, and his Mapúa SoMDA and Mapua Film family.

While Corpuz was on set, Ms. Karen Rey stepped up as Officer-in-Charge Dean, supported by faculty members Dr. Jonah Lim, Ms. Aleia Garcia, Ms. Shé Andes, Mr. Normandy Manalaysay, and Jay-Ann Laurio. For Corpuz, the experience highlighted how academic leadership can foster active artistic production.

Carrying the theme “Cinemalaya 22: Reel Reflections,” this year’s festival runs from August 6 to 18, presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. The lineup features nine full-length films and ten shorts exploring identity, memory, justice, and family life.

For screening schedules and ticket details, visit the official CCP and Cinemalaya websites or follow their social media channels on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.