27/06/2026
HOW DID A ONE-MAN TEAM WIN THIS YEAR’S TDC2026?
They say it takes a village to raise a child — just as it takes a collective effort to create a masterpiece of a short film.
Our Creative Director, Janford Bonifacio, pitched “AI NAKU!” for this year’s . The story was inspired by his mother, who enjoys sharing reels online about life as a senior citizen, especially her days of doing Zumba. She is a Cagayano but has lived in Pampanga for more than two decades, and in all that time, she has not had the chance to return to her hometown. The characters Sonia and Baby are based on her real siblings, who have since passed away without ever getting the opportunity to go home. His mother also often watches AI-generated videos on social media, sometimes finding it hard to tell what is real and what is not.
But turning this concept into an award-winning short film came with many challenges. The creative team behind our previous entries — “Where You Are” (2022), “Shades of Cagayan” (2024), and “LOGAN” (2025) — was no longer available to work on “AI NAKU!”.
Originally, the role required a senior female actor. We searched far and wide for the perfect fit, but as time went on and only three weeks remained before the submission deadline, we had to revise our casting requirements. Janford came up with the idea to approach Sassa A. Mejiano, an Ilocano content creator known for her videos about Ilocano humor and the distinct personality of Ilocano mothers. After reading the script, Sassa immediately said yes to taking on the role.
We then had to rewrite the entire script to suit her character.
As we moved into production, we faced even more gaps: we had no dedicated cinematographer, cameraman, production designer, production manager, or drone pilot. Only one volunteer joined us as a production assistant. We reached out to many people hoping they would join the team, but no one was available. We had no choice but to push forward with the schedule.
Janford took on every key role: he was the Writer, Director, and Cinematographer — even though he admitted he did not have extensive experience in lighting. He also served as Drone Pilot (working only as a hobbyist), Production Designer, and Production Manager, handling all coordination, call sheets, and preparation of props and wardrobe. After filming, he continued as Editor, Sound Designer, and Colorist. He even created the movie poster and did the visual effects.
We were grateful to have Dancel May-May Calaoagan, Sassa’s makeup artist and assistant, who stepped in to take on multiple tasks. She helped carry equipment, assisted with setting up props, and shared ideas to make the scenes look more realistic and visually appealing. We also extend our appreciation to volunteer Jek Yll, who joined primarily to learn more about filmmaking and for the chance to travel and have meals covered. Even so, he took his responsibilities seriously — checking all gear and making sure every battery was fully charged before going to bed.
One of the reasons filming went smoothly was the talent of our lead actor, Sassa Mejiano. While she is known as a comedian, she made sure the humor of her character Loida felt distinct from her usual online persona. She truly embodied the role. This experience taught us: we do not always need the “perfect” actor — we need the right actor.
While filming in Calayan, we still had no actors for the roles of Baby and Sonia. It was Sassa who suggested Abalayan Hasmin and Abalayan Karah, also content creators from Isabela. When we reached out to them, they agreed without hesitation.
Producing “AI NAKU!” with only four people on location was a huge challenge for KOLAB Studios. But it was made possible through the kindness and generosity of our fellow Cagayanos, who readily extended a helping hand. We would like to thank:
🔹 The DENR and Cagayan Tourism staff at Callao Cave, who ensured we could film smoothly despite the large number of tourists.
🔹 The staff at the Visitors’ Pavilion in Gattaran, who volunteered to act as extras and were excited to be part of our film — Sir David, Ms. Evangeline, Sir Sharman, and Ms. Florie.
🔹 Follante Hidden Place in Lal-lo, which welcomed us when we could not film at the Floating Restaurant in Aparri, and allowed us to shoot with the beautiful Magapit Bridge in the background.
🔹 Tabing Tulay Panciteria, which let us film outside their restaurant to capture the famous Buntun Bridge and treated our team to free plates of Pancit Batil Patung.
🔹 The Municipality of Calayan, especially Mayor Joseph Llopis and Ma’am Myrna Llopis, for making us feel at home on the island.
🔹 The Calayan Tourism Office, particularly Sir Julius S Addatu, for coordinating our transport from Claveria to Calayan and ensuring our safe return to the mainland.
🔹 Our tour guides — Christian, Angelo, and Sir Dj-Jeo Arirao — who kept us safe while filming across different tourist spots.
🔹 Jullian’s Resort, especially Kap Singun and Nanay Carmelita Nuñez, who took great care of us during our stay.
🔹 Ms. Matty Vergara Batan, who happened to be staying at the same resort and generously shared her meals with us. Salamat sa pa-mukbang! Andami pong foods!
🔹 The MSWD staff of Calayan, led by Sir Junmar Cabalbag Paguio, who sponsored our dinner and helped set up the bonfire scene.
🔹 The Philippine Coast Guard of Calayan Island, who ensured we could board the next available trip after we were stranded for two days due to canceled sailings.
🔹 AC Resorts, who provided us with a wonderful dinner during our stay while stranded.
🔹 Davis Jacob Rojas of Dave Studios and RVT PHOTOGRAPHY, who share credit with us for our award-winning movie poster.
🔹 Vidal Sinco and Earl Jon, who lent us some of their production equipment.
🔹 Jong Medina who also lent us the soundtrack “Bumili ng Drone na Napakamahal”.
🔹 Sony Philippines, through Ms Pearl Avone, for the loaned lenses that gave our film its beautiful cinematic look.
🔹 Ms. Jam Callueng Villafuerte of Cagayan Tourism, who checked in on us regularly — not just for the film’s progress, but also for our safety.
🔹 The entire Cagayan Tourism, headed by EnP. Jenifer Junio-Baquiran, for their support and for giving us this platform to share our stories and showcase the beauty of our province.
🔹 Atty. Mabel Mamba and Vice Governor Manuel Mamba, the visionaries behind Tourisinema De Cagayan — mabuhay po kayo!
🔹 And to our Governor Edgar "Manong Egay" Aglipay , thank you for continuing this film festival, opening doors for young filmmakers and future generations.
It took us four editions of Tourisinema De Cagayan before we finally brought home the First Prize. This proves that when you keep showing up, returning stronger and bolder every time, your moment will surely come.
