Bantayog Festival is both a historical festival and founding anniversary celebration held in Daet, Camarines Norte every month of April. It gives tribute to the heroism of Jose Rizal and the local patriots who took part in the Daet revolt in 1898.
Moreover, it is held to commemorate the creation of Camarines Norte as an independent province. From a week-long schedule, it has become a month-long celebration and a gathering of cultural festivals in the province.
Bantayog Festival comes from the word bantayog, which means monument. The name of the festival and its inspiration are derived from the Jose Rizal Monument, a historic landmark in Daet, the capital of Camarines Norte. The three-faceted obelisk with a square base is considered the first monument ever built to honor our national hero.
The first Bantayog Festival was held in April 2005, during the 85th founding anniversary of the province. Lasting for a week, one of its highlights was the observance of the memorial for the heroes of the Daet revolt in April 14. Culminating activities occurred the next day, the founding anniversary.
Bantayog Festival 2024 is the 20th celebration of this iconic festival and it commemorates the 104th founding anniversary of Camarines Norte. The exciting festival line up this year will include a civic and military parade with colorful costumed street dancers, a beauty pageant, a dance battle, a regional art exhibit, a music and food fest, a surfing tournament, and a film festival. The music band Ben & Ben will headline the live concert event to be held at the Bagasbas Airport.
We are pleased to announce the 2024 CINECamNorte Film Festival finalists selected by and representing each of the Camarines Norte municipalities. The Film festival screening dates and venue are as follows: April 18, 2024 – Premiere Night. April 20-21, 2024 – Regular Screening. Film festival awards night – April 22, 2024. Venue: Central Plaza Cinema.
For film festival updates, visit the CINECamNorte FB page.
FILM FESTIVAL FINALISTS
BARIKAN KO
Presented by Vinzons. Directed by Ralp Joshua Guiwan Tario. Produced by The House of Saints Production.
Synopsis: Angko (sticky rice balls with peanut filling) and barikolkol (nipa palm wine) are popular traditional products of Vinzons, Camarines Norte. Dolores comes from a family that has produced the delectable angko for generations, while Jared has returned to continue his family business of distilling barikolkol. Upon their reunion after several years being apart, they fondly reminisce their past. Jared ponders if there is hope for a bright future, or is the meeting simply a prelude to another farewell.
BRENDA
Presented by San Lorenzo Ruiz. Directed by Christian Jay G. Zantua. Produced by Imelda Film Productions.
Synopsis: Brenda is known to many residents of San Lorenzo Ruiz, Camarines Norte. One day, while Luisa is doing a children feeding program for her foundation, she meets Brenda by chance, and this is when the adventure begins as secrets from their past will unfold.
DAET REVOLT 1898
Presented by Daet. Directed by Christian Cj Samonte. Produced by Lentekula Productions.
Synopsis: Amidst the ethereal twilight of Bantayog Park in 2024, David, an aspiring student-filmmaker, becomes entangled in a dream that unravels the cryptic story of Diego, a Katipunero during the tumultuous events of Daet Revolt in 1898. The narrative seamlessly shifts between past and present, revealing the emergence of Diego’s patriotic fervor and the intricate machinations of Camarines Norte’s Katipunan against Spanish Regime. As the historical tapestry unfolds, the boundary between reality and dream blurs, and the echoes of rebellion reverberate through the park’s monuments. The plot takes an unexpected twist when, amid the chaos, Diego and the local martyrs meet a precarious fate, leading to a path of no return. Inspired by a true story.
DUMAN
Presented by San Vicente. Directed by John Rey Dela Cruz. Produced by Timsi Production.
Synopsis: Cris, a weary tourist seeking solace, arrives at San Vicente, Camarines Norte to witness the pristine beauty of Mananap Falls. Unfamiliar with the terrain, he encounters Vic, a ruggedly handsome local who works as a tour guide. Vic, with his easy charm and knowledge of hidden paths, offers to help Cris navigate his way to the falls. Their journey becomes more than just a hike; it’s a path of self-discovery. Will the hidden falls ultimately provide answers to Cris’s unanswered questions? Will this unexpected encounter with Vic blossom into something more? A story of self-discovery, the healing power of nature, and the possibility of finding love in the most unexpected places.
HAPIT
Presented by Labo. Directed by Laurence Abcede. Produced by Pinecraft Productions.
Synopsis: Because of his abilities, Pula is an admired boatman in his community. He is always ready to help his fellow townspeople in need and never lacks in being a good father to his one and only son. But what will happen if he’s not there when he’s needed the most?
HINAW
Presented by Basud. Directed by Anuar Joshua Palma. Produced by Cinekula Production.
Synopsis: Basud, Camarines Norte is full of stories and gripping mysteries. Ason is a woman who has died and experienced the miracle of God. As she navigates the intricate web of her past, she discovers her ability to touch the lives of others with her faith, amid escalating tensions, unfolding secrets, and search for cure. As she faces death again, will she continue the faith she has? Inspired by a true story.
HULING HANTUNGAN
Presented by Mercedes. Directed by Vince Sangcap. Produced by Penta Pelikula
Synopsis: In the mystical island of Mercedes, where the departed are cast into the unforgiving ocean only to return to their homeland, one disappearance raises an eerie question: Are they finally at peace in the depths, or does their absence foretell a haunting return from beyond?
IKA-WALONG UTOS
Presented by Paracale. Directed by Bayani Boqueo Jr. Produced by FBJ Productions.
Synopsis: Many of us are confused about what is really stated in the eighth commandment of God. However, based on the Old Testament, in Exodus 20, it is stated in the eighth commandment that stealing is forbidden. In this movie’s story, the tale of a greedy person’s pursuit of wealth is depicted. It also portrays the image of the historical savior of Paracale fighting against evil individuals.
SALUBONG NG SIRENA
Presented by Capalonga. Directed by PJ Bautista. Produced by StartUp Productions.
Synopsis: Armed with unyielding determination and faith, Lena pushes through in breaking the system that she’s brought into with hopes of a better future. Amid her struggles, she meets a person who will change her life.
STOP OVER
Presented by Santa Elena. Directed by Nick John Pante. Produced by Porta-Pelikula Production.
Synopsis: Ivan, a photojournalist from Manila is enroute to Bicol on a bus to do a photoshoot regarding a story he is working on about the region. Unexpectedly, his bus left him along with his belongings. He couldn’t help but wait for the next bus to reach his destination. Little did he know amidst his waiting, he would meet a local girl and find the story he needed to tell about his return to Bicol.
SUNGSUNG
Presented by Jose Panganiban. Directed by Bench Vince Enesio. Produced by TCN Film Production
Synopsis: Mining is a major source of income for workers in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte. In their quest to lift themselves out of poverty, Symon, Christian and Joan discover how they can surreptitiously steal gold from the mining company where they work. The vicious act enables them to enjoy a flamboyant lifestyle but which results in unexpected tragedies in their lives. A trilogy vividly portrays socially relevant issues that underlie the bitter truth of the notion, “The end does not justify the means.”
TUHOY
Presented by Talisay. Directed by Lovely Angel Vasquez. Produced by Golden Films
Synopsis: Tuhoy is the story of a simple girl from Talisay, Camarines Norte who fought her way through life, fair and square. Her story proves that looks indeed can be deceiving and that a woman’s power should never be underestimated.
The featured header collage includes images from the movies (left to right) Salubong ng Sirena, Brenda, Barikan Ko and the Daet Revolt 1898. This report was prepared by Jojo De Jesus for Dateline Ibalon based on content from the CINECamNorte FB page, Cam Norte Provincial Tourism Office FB page, and the Camarines Norte Province website. With permission from Vincent Ricafrente, Film Festival Head, CINECamNorte, and Marketing and Promotion Head, Camarines Norte Provincial Tourism Operations Office.