‘1-2-3’ to open Cinemalaya

Carlo Obispo’s latest film 1-2-3 will open the 12th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) on Aug. 5. 

1-2-3, which Obispo also wrote, focuses on Luis (Carlos Dala), a teenage boy from the fishing island of Silag who goes through the usual joys and pains of adolescence with his childhood sweetheart Maricar (Therese Malvar). He has a stardom-dreaming younger sister, Lulu (Barbara Miguel), who frequently joins amateur singing contests.

One day, a talent manager discovers Lulu singing and offers to have her undergo vocal training in Manila, where she can later join a popular television singing contest. Lulu eagerly accepts and leaves for the capital, thinking that her dreams are finally coming true.

However, after a few months, Lulu’s family loses contact with her. This drives Luis to go to Manila to search for his sister.

Also in the cast 1-2-3 are Sue Prado and Patricia Javier.

Born and raised in Camiling town, Tarlac province, Obispo attended Saint Louis University, where he majored in Philosophy and minored in Communication Arts. His first full-length film, Purok 7, was one of the finalists in the Full-Length Feature category at the 2013 Cinemalaya.

1-2-3 will be shown at 7 p.m., following the 12th Cinemalaya opening ceremony at 6 p.m. on Aug. 5. The event is open to the public.

The 12th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival will run from Aug. 5 to 14. For more information, visit www.cinemalaya.org.