De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) film alumna Diana Galang emerged as the top winner in the Narrative Category of the 38th Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Gawad Alternatibo, themed “Pag-aninag” (Reflecting the Light).
Galang won for her 15-minute short film “City’s Laundry and Taxes,” a crime drama and coming-of-age story set in a small town outside Manila in 2017. The film follows Miko (Louise Abuel), a teenager who helps his mother (Mylene Dizon) run their neighborhood laundromat, until his ordinary routine is disrupted when he discovers the school ID of a missing classmate hidden among a police officer’s dirty clothes.
As Miko grapples with the discovery, the film explores complicity, fear, and the difficult choice between remaining silent and taking action. It also confronts the normalization of violence and extrajudicial killings during the previous administration.
Galang said the film’s themes remain relevant amid recent political developments, including former President Rodrigo Duterte’s case before the International Criminal Court and impeachment proceedings.
“With the recent events surrounding Duterte’s ICC case and impeachment proceedings, these conversations remain painfully relevant,” Galang said. “I hope people who get to watch our film are not only encouraged to never forget, but also to reflect on the kind of society we choose to build moving forward.”
The Gawad Alternatibo jury commended the film for its technical execution, performances, and powerful message, noting that despite its short format, the filmmakers delivered the story with precision and artistry.
“Although short in format, the filmmakers expressed this film completely and artistically,” the jury said, praising the film’s calculated editing, precise camera movement, and strong performances. “But the true star here is the message, and it was conveyed clearly – that at a time when we desire a cleaner nation, there are stains we must choose not to wash.”
Galang was supported by musical scorer Glenn Barit, sound designers Pepe Manikan and Paulo Dela Cruz, editor Miguel Ramos, production designer Baj San Jose, cinematographer Adam Dumaguin, and actors Abuel, Dizon, and Arabelle Arcega.
Before its Gawad Alternatibo victory, “City’s Laundry and Taxes” premiered at the 8th Sine Kabataan and received the People’s Choice Award at Pandayang Lino Brocka. The film is set to compete next at the 13th Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition (NABIFILMEX) in Davao de Oro.
Galang was joined by fellow Benildean filmmakers Cyrus Joshua Bon and Yvonne Ruiz, whose film “Balai de Moño” was also named a Gawad Alternatibo finalist.
The fantasy-comedy short follows three displaced Filipino mythical creatures who are forced to leave their homes and enter a high-stakes reality competition, where they must scare their way to the top in hopes of starting a new life.
“We’re very much inspired by the platform given to us here, and we hope it encourages even more room for diverse narratives across the board and discourse about the recent political climate of the Philippines,” Bon said.
Also among the Benildean finalists were Jerusjacob Velasquez Ariola, Esteven Pacannuayan, and Erin Halcyon, who presented “Sa’n Elmo: A Musical Short Film.”
The musical short centers on seven-year-old Elmo, who believes he was a wish granted by a falling star. His perception of his family changes when, on his birthday, he accidentally discovers that he is adopted.
“For being part of any film festival and having the opportunity to share our film with an audience is already a huge milestone for us,” Ariola said. “But having our theatrical debut as one of the finalists of the 38th Gawad Alternatibo feels like an even greater achievement. It feels like everything has come full circle.”
For Galang, the recognition marks the fulfillment of a dream that began during her college years. More than the award itself, however, the filmmaker hopes “City’s Laundry and Taxes” will encourage audiences to remember the lives affected by violence and confront the “stains” that society must never allow to disappear.
