Sun Shorts: 5 Digital Films.

[SunShortsPH]

Sun Life Financial rolls out the red carpet for SUN SHORTS, a collection of digital films that shines the light on the value of love, family, friendship, foresight and a positive outlook in life.

SUN SHORTS features five Filipino filmmakers sharing their interpretations of how life is brighter under the Sun. Beginning July 25, 2012, these films will be shown as a series in www.experiencethesun.com.ph

Stories Under the Sun
Unitel’s veteran producer-storyteller Jun Reyes (The Last Journey of Ninoy, Crying Ladies) makes a trip down memory lane to tackle a love that transcends the test of time and shines brightly amidst the darkness of war in “1945.”

Director JUN REYES for “1945”
Jun is a prolific and master storyteller with over 20 years of directing television commercials in the Philippines and abroad. His documentary film “The Last Journey of Ninoy” was a finalist in the documentary category of the 2010 New York Festivals Television and Film Awards and the 6th Al-Jazeera International Documentary Film Festival.
Jun directed “Silup”, a touching police and grandmother story for Bear brand as part of Nestle1s 100 years celebration project Kasambuhay Habambuhay short films anthology.
Filmography:
The Last Journey of Ninoy Silup



Sun Shorts Fly to America promo : After watching SUN SHORTS films online, just like the video/s and post a comment for a chance to go to San Francisco, USA. For more information and updates, visit experiencethesun.com.ph

[SunShortsPH]

Get a chance to FLY to San Franciso, USA or win Rudy Project watch/bag DAILY
by liking the video/s AND posting a comment on www.experiencethesun.com.ph

[SunShortsPH]

Get a chance to FLY to San Franciso, USA or win Rudy Project watch/bag DAILY by liking the video/s AND posting a comment on http://bit.ly/SunShorts

[grayfox]

Wow that a very nice and well made short film. The narration of Angel and her acting skill are really top notched! and I hope I win the Trip to the US.

[annesprince]

Touching...Congratulations Sunlife! Great Job Direk Jun Reyes!

[SunShortsPH]

Unlike the other events in our lives - bearing and raising children, saving for their education, providing for their needs, and preparing for your own future, as well - war is not something we ever expect or hope to happen within our lifetime. Oftentimes, when tragedies like this strike, we are caught unawares, and the suffering it brings about is widespread.

Such was the suffering of those who had to live through World War II. In this short film, we see the life of one family and what they went through during those perilous times. This short film showed the life of Puring and her struggle to keep her family together despite the danger brought about by the fighting and its aftermath and the uncertainty of the future because of the loss of her husband. At once poignant and hopeful, this 8-minute film will tug at your heart. It was like hearing the story of a good friend - I commiserated with Puring upon the death of her husband; bled with despair and battled with hopelessness at the prospect of raising her two girls all by herself, no longer having her husband by her side; and I rejoiced with her when news of her husband's insurance came to them. I felt her overwhelming relief, and the overflow of her love for her husband, because even in death, he still fulfilled the vow to take care of her and his family, no matter what.

Review by Giane Cortazar.
Giane has been writing and making stories since before she could write.

[video=youtube_share;2lrl9rfE-xQ]http://youtu.be/2lrl9rfE-xQ

Get a chance to FLY to San Franciso, USA or win Rudy Project watch/bag DAILY
by liking the video/s AND posting a comment on www.experiencethesun.com.ph

[SunShortsPH]

http://pep.ph/guide/indie/10603/pep-...f-love-in-1945


PEP REVIEW: Angel Aquino and Richard Quan show the enduring power of love in 1945

Jocelyn Dimaculangan
Wednesday, July 25, 2012 @ 09:44PM

Angel Aquino and Richard Quan were chosen as the lead stars in 1945, a black-and-white short film that depicts the enduring power of love.

1945 is one of the 5 short films included in the SUN SHORTS digital collection presented by Sun Life Financial-Philippines (SLFP).


This period short film is directed by Jun Reyes, who previously helmed the documentary The Last Journey of Ninoy (1999).

1945 begins with actual black-and-white footage of battle scenes during World War II.

Angel Aquino is cast as Puring, the loving wife of Enciong, Richard Quan's character.

Viewers get to hear the emotion-laden voice of Angel as she reads a letter addressed to her beloved Enciong.

In such a short time, viewers will get to see the horrific impact of war on a regular family. Their lives were shattered when the Kempeitai take away her husband Enciong.

In one particularly cinematic scene, Angel's character drops a bucket of paint. The vivid red color of the paint is the only spot of color in an otherwise black-and-white short film.

Violent sobs rack Angel's body as she gives way to her grief as she loses hope of ever seeing her husband again.

A few months later, a messenger brings the dreaded letter confirming that Enciong has indeed passed away.

In this scene, Angel gives a nuanced performance that shifts from grief to gratitude. The grateful smile of Angel's character reflects her joy over the fact that her husband continues to provide for them even beyond the grave.

Master storyteller Jun Reyes manages to impart a message of hope without turning it into a hard-sell.

What makes his short film even more powerful is the fact that 1945 is inspired by the real-life struggle of a war-torn family.

In addition, Angel's moving performance of a wife and mother trying to survive the darkness of war makes 1945 a must-see.

[SunShortsPH]

From a 78-year Sun Life beneficiary who lived through World War II,

Ben Agunod
Sun Life beneficiary

Mr Agunod sent this to us after watching the first of Sun Shorts, 1945:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lrl9rfE-xQ&feature=plcp

Thank you for the short film, 1945. Sunlife indeed was the ray of sunshine for many survivors who were beneficiaries of insured Filipinos.

The Japanese navy conscripts were led by Rear Admiral Iwabuchi, who refused to obey the order of Yamashita to abandon Manila to spare the civilians and to instead fight in the mountains together with the Japanese army. Filipino survivors of the massacres by the Japanese naval forces said they were unbelievably brutal, even tossing babies into the air and impaling them with bayonets on the way down as was done in San Luis street, and forcing Filipino occupants in houses to stay inside while they burned their houses down, as was what happened to my wife's family.

Manila became the most ruined city in World War II second only to the city of Warsaw, Poland. Early in the Manila campaign, MacArthur was compelled to lift his ban on indiscriminate artillery fire which he initially imposed to prevent civilian casualties, since the toll on the American forces assailing a well-entrenched enemy was proving too costly for his troops. At the end of the battle for Manila, the Americans suffered 1,010 killed, the Japanese 16,665, and the Filipinos more than 100,000, or about 1,000 Filipinos for every American soldier dead or 7 Filipinos for every Japanese navyman lost. The cathedrals and ancient buildings and walls of nearby 300-years-old Intramuros were shelled relentlessly and incessantly by heavy field guns to exterminate a tenacious foe, again unfortunately even long after resistance by Japanese troops had become largely ineffectual. This I know personally; my brother and I walked from San Juan to Intramuros to find artillerymen lackadaisically firing cannons into the ancient city when fighting had already ceased in other areas destroyed by cannon fire, and my brother and I could safely explore some portions of our shattered capital city.

The hapless Filipino civilians found themselves in the midst of ferocious combat between two forces, without the merciful protection of principles to minimize collateral damage to civilians and their property, and to historical landmarks -- drawn up by Ramon Magsaysay a scant 8 years thence, and by American General Petraeus in Iraq more than 60 years later. The Manilans experienced first-hand the natural result of the mindless self-defeating mantra entirely inapplicable to warfare in civilian areas - "There can be no substitute for victory," which inevitably led to the Vietnam War's "For the community to be saved from the enemy, it became necessary to destroy it."

It is true, though, Sun Life indeed was a glimmer of sunshine in the grieving yet jubilant days that followed the battle of Manila.

https://www.facebook.com/sunlifeph/p...0?notif_t=like

[SunShortsPH]

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http://www.rappler.com/life-and-styl...le-storyteller


Jolly Feliciano: The versatile storyteller

DIREK JOLLY FELICIANO. Photography by Paelo Bunyi Pedrajas. Grooming by Tony Dusich

Photography by Paelo Bunyi Pedrajas. Grooming by Tony Dusich.

MANILA, Philippines - Among the independent filmmakers featured in RAPPLER's profile series this month, none has a name more befitting his personality than Jolly Feliciano.

Jolly is best known for being a TV commercial director who specializes in storytelling and humor.

“People usually get me when they need someone to really tell a story — even something complicated and convoluted — in a 30-second commercial," he begins. "And to make you laugh, hopefully.”

After making his first short film (which he admits to not having a copy of anymore), Jolly got into making television commercials. He continued down that road for the next 11 years.

“I knew I wanted to do short films, and the only way I could make money to do it was to make commercials," he says thoughtfully. "But it wasn’t just for the money. I knew that if I made commercials, people would watch it. They've no choice; it’s on TV."

He adds, "With movies, you don’t know what people would pay to see.”

Jolly ventures into making short films with A Life in a Day for the Sun Shorts online film festival. It’s about a boy who is stuck in his room because he’s sick. It’s nighttime; and as the sun comes up and shines into his room, things change.

We get to see how his life would be if he weren’t sick.

“The tagline for Sun Shorts (and SunLife Financial) is ‘Life is brighter under the sun.’ I just went with that," says Jolly. "I honestly didn’t go through the rest of the rules because I felt it would be restricting, which is just like my day job, advertising.

"It was easier to come up with a story without thinking of all the parameters. I figured that if my film were good enough, they might make an exception. And they liked it naman. They picked my film to be one of the 5 that they will be showcasing,” he adds, smiling.

“The execution was also crucial,” Jolly continues. “I wanted to try out shadow play. A huge portion of the film takes place in shadows.”

While known for his storytelling and humor, as a director, Jolly likes to think he knows a little of everything — enough to know who to hire.

“I usually hire people who are better than me at what I want them to do,” he says. “I consider myself well-rounded. Some people excel at very specific things, and I really admire them for it.”

Photography by Paelo Bunyi Pedrajas. Grooming by Tony Dusich.

Jolly doesn’t like telling the same story twice. From here, he plans to make more short films, and perhaps a full-length movie if given the right story.

And while he is still iffy about his dialogue-writing skills, it’s something he would like to tackle, knowing his limitations.

What stories would he like to write? “Well, certainly not something like A Life in A Day since I just did that. Probably a short comedy film, or action. It’s good to mix genres,” he says, sitting in the quiet of RAPPLER's office pantry.

Jolly's dream project where he thinks he’ll be able to really flex his storytelling skills would be a continuing TV series — but not the soap opera type.

“I’m more excited for Game of Thrones than any Hollywood movie because you can build up these characters and the story doesn't have to end in two hours.” - Rappler.com

[SunShortsPH]

How much time is enough for A Life in A Day?

A young boy looks out the window and saw his dreams take flight. But will his time be enough to see them come alive? In the second offering of the SUN SHORTS digital film festival, TV commercial-thespian Jolly Feliciano takes on life’s greatest adventures in the animated "A Life In A Day."

Showing online on Aug 8 exclusively at http://www.experiencethesun.com.ph

[SunShortsPH]

[SunShortsPH]

http://www.pep.ph/spotlight/extra-ex...-life-in-a-day

How much time is enough for "a life in a day"?

A young boy looks out the window and saw his dreams take flight.


But will his time be enough to see them come alive?

In the second offering of the SUN SHORTS digital film festival, TV commercial director Jolly Feliciano takes on life’s greatest adventures in the animated A Life In A Day.

In collaboration with Sun Life Financial-Philippines (SLFP), Feliciano combined the beauty of shadow animation and live sequences in a narrative about celebrating milestones through the eyes of a child.

The short film— which is both funny and melancholic— departs from the director’s usual light-hearted themes.

“It has been years since I last made a short film, and it feels so different from doing TVCs.

"For seven minutes, we’re able to explore different emotions, all anchored with the theme of SUN SHORTS, which is that life is brighter under the sun,” Feliciano says.

His short animated film is released after the acclaimed war-drama 1945 by master storyteller Jun Reyes.

With a new picture premiering every fortnight, SUN SHORTS is also poised to show original creations by Chris Martinez (Kimmy Dora series, Ang Babae sa Septic Tank), Jerrold Tarog (Senior Year, Aswang), and another TVC marvel Nic Reyes in the weeks to come.

SLFP's Chief Marketing Officer Mylene Lopa remarks, “After moving many to tears with our first movie, SUN SHORTS will now awaken the child in each of us to, hopefully, make everyone realize the power of dreams.

"I invite everyone to look at* life through a kid’s eyes and appreciate things in a whole new light.”

A Life in A Day premieres on August 8 on www.experiencethesun.com.ph.

Get a chance to Fly to Great America by simply clicking "Like" and leaving a Comment after watching the film.

SUN SHORTS is presented by Sun Life Financial in collaboration with Unitel Productions, Inc., Cinema One, Star Magic, and the Sun Life Foundation. For more information, visit www.experiencethesun.com.ph.

[SunShortsPH]

How much time is enough? A Life in a Day is a story about finding hope amidst a desperate situation. See the beauty of life and savour its most precious moments through the eyes of a young boy.

[SunShortsPH]

Philip Cu-unjieng · Works at ABS CBN
Great execution, recalled the carl n Ellie montage in up, but executed uniquely via shadow play. Opening scenes set the mood like a silent poem... Pat yourselves on the back, jolly n sun life!
Reply · 4 · Unlike · Follow Post · Yesterday at 12:17pm

Terrence Joseph Gagui Dizon · Subscribe
Wow! A very awesome clip! It reminds me of the young cancer patients I see in our hospital. They were bald, weak, and always have an Intravenous line in their palm. However, at the same time, they also dream BIG, a lot BIGGER than us healthy individuals. I remember as I see this young, but zestful child, He said that he wants to become a lawyer someday, and he wants to be well in order for him to help others who are sick as well. This clip is really stirring, especially to those who can relate with it.

The method of portraying the story is a shadow play, which is usually played with puppets during the ancient times. Her choice of picking this kind of play is very unique and mind-stimulating. This can better entise viewers and focus more on the plot. According to greenstone.org, the main purpose of shadow play is to emphasize the message, and express emotions, especially the scenarios which are sensitive. In relation with the shortfilm, the message and emotions were effectively portrayed to the viewers through this method of play. Good job!

I observed several points and lessons in the shortfilm. 1st point— I observed at the beginning of the story that here comes a bald, sick, who wears a hospital gown, came out of the hospital room and went directly to the playground, because he wants to play with others. However, he was not entertained by the children playing in the playground. Plus, he was still bullied. In my perspective, The writer wants to enlighten us that discrimination, especially among sick and disabled, is rampant. Therefore, we must take measures in appreciating, and give extra care to them, just like what the girl with the cap in the story did.

Second point: The child wants to grow older and older. This was represented by his dream. From enjoying his life as a child, being a teenager, getting married, having children, being an old person, and dying as an old person. Looking in his dream, he wants to complete the sequence of the sun, by getting up in the sunrise, and sleeping in the sunset, and he wants to see the leaves of the trees falling down inch-by-inch (The writer symbolized the person’s life as by the setting of the sun and the falling of the leaves of the tree.).

Thus, upon looking at each angle of the story, he simply wants to say to us that we should not GIVE UP!, whether we are sick or not. We are very lucky that most of us aren’t sick. Therefore, let us make our lives fruitful, day by day. Let us not waste the remainder of our lives in focusing in matters which are not necessary. Plus let us not think of ourselves. Let us share our life’s stories to other people, especially those who are down, and feeling that they are to lose hope. By doing so, they can be encouraged to LIVE A LIFE not only just FOR A DAY, but to LIVE A QUALITY LIFE FOR YEARS!

Kudos to Jolly Feliciano for sharing us his wonderful talent through this shortfilm. I really appreciate it. (=
Reply · 4 · Unlike · Follow Post · 11 hours ago


Share your comments at http://www.experiencethesun.com.ph/?page_id=8 for a chance to win a Rudy Project watch in daily prizes and Fly for Free to San Francisco, USA .

[SunShortsPH]

Paul H Roquia · Works at Aliwan aVENUE
this shortie made me goose-y and teary. the shadow play is impeccably creative and touching all in one and the same breath. ♥
Reply · 1 · Like · Follow Post · 11 hours ago


Ryan Orsolino Viray · Malolos, Bulacan
Very touching romantic short film. A day is like a thousand years depends on the person's view. Love is really powerful. If you give love, you receive love. Thank you Sunlife for giving us the opportunity to express our love to our loved ones in many ways.
Reply · 1 · Like · Follow Post · 2 hours ago

Dona Noynay · Subscribe · Secretary/Treasurer at Swipe and Go Enterprises, Inc.
What a wonderful video I watch it? Life is to short that don't waste time, use in a right path, right decision and invest in a right place..Finally, I decided to invest in a right place which is a sunlife financial. Thanks to my loving agent. I think many times since 2009 then finally, tmy answer yes I invest now.Not to late for me. So guys invest now no regret at the end.
Reply · Like · Follow Post · about an hour ago


Cesar Yadao
I was amazed how a 9 minute short made me laugh and cry at the same time. I was moved by the visuals and the power of music that sets the mood on every scene. The story made me realize to plan ahead of time and face life's uncertainties. After watching this, you might run to your loved ones and hug them so tight. The power of love shines brightly to everyone like the SUN.
Reply · 1 · Unlike · Follow Post · 21 hours ago



Fatz Brown · Jose rizal institute
Covered the essence of life's stages and imparted message on the significance of securing one's future. A prudent choice that will definitely result to a brighter tomorrow. New beginnings to happy endings. Commitments. Leaps my heart and truly appeals to emotions. A new medium which I believe will capture all types of market. Love the cinematography and musical scoring. Congratulations to SL and the team behind this bright idea. Great minds.
Reply · 1 · Like · Follow Post · 5 hours ago

[SunShortsPH]

Dona Noynay
What a wonderful video I watch it? Life is to short that don't waste time, use in a right path, right decision and invest in a right place..Finally, I decided to invest in a right place which is a sunlife financial. Thanks to my loving agent. I think many times since 2009 then finally, tmy answer yes I invest now.Not to late for me. So guys invest now no regret at the end.


MariaLea Ducay • Top Commenter
This short film walks us through the different stages in life. Some scenes are somewhat visceral, but they're not really angst-driven. The film reminds us how vulnerable we all are and that time is not on our side. But it also shows us that a brighter tomorrow can be within our grasp if we make the right choices, the right decisions. Thank you Sun Life Financial for this film which drives home some life's truths in a most profound way.


Nora Pangilinan • Manila Central University
It only shows that the words o wisdom regarding our fiscal responsibility for our loved ones truly applies. "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worst than an unbeliever" 1 Timothy 5:8.
So last August 3, 2012 I got one Sun Maxilink Prime Insurance for me and one or my husband.


Caren Marquez- Tiangco •
Flood's been rising... Marikina River now at 28 m past critical levels.. what if something terrible happens while I sleep? and don't get to wake the next day... my life flashes before my eyes.. and my kids have barely lived theirs at age 5 and 9. Thing is its hard to tell when we are actually going to meet our end. It can be a long full life.. or via accident or via disease at any age or just because of a monsoon rain that poured too much today. Film captures the very essence of life-- relationships. family.. its also what you protect.. I hope the SUN SHINES tomorrow!


Terrence Joseph Gagui Dizon • Subscribe
Wow! A very awesome clip! It reminds me of the young cancer patients I see in our hospital. They were bald, weak, and always have an Intravenous line in their palm. However, at the same time, they also dream BIG, a lot BIGGER than us healthy individuals. I remember as I see this young, but zestful child, He said that he wants to become a lawyer someday, and he wants to be well in order for him to help others who are sick as well. This clip is really stirring, especially to those who can relate with it.

The method of portraying the story is a shadow play, which is usually played with puppets during the ancient times. Her choice of picking this kind of play is very unique and mind-stimulating. This can better entise viewers and focus more on the plot. According to greenstone.org, the main purpose of shadow play is to emphasize t
he message, and express emotions, especially the scenarios which are sensitive. In relation with the shortfilm, the message and emotions were effectively portrayed to the viewers through this method of play. Good job!

I observed several points and lessons in the shortfilm. 1st point— I observed at the beginning of the story that here comes a bald, sick, who wears a hospital gown, came out of the hospital room and went directly to the playground, because he wants to play with others. However, he was not entertained by the children playing in the playground. Plus, he was still bullied. In my perspective, The writer wants to enlighten us that discrimination, especially among sick and disabled, is rampant. Therefore, we must take measures in appreciating, and give extra care to them, just like what the girl with the cap in the story did.

Second point: The child wants to grow older and older. This was represented by his dream. From enjoying his life as a child, being a teenager, getting married, having children, being an old person, and dying as an old person. Looking in his dream, he wants to complete the sequence of the sun, by getting up in the sunrise, and sleeping in the sunset, and he wants to see the leaves of the trees falling down inch-by-inch (The writer symbolized the person’s life as by the setting of the sun and the falling of the leaves of the tree.).

Thus, upon looking at each angle of the story, he simply wants to say to us that we should not GIVE UP!, whether we are sick or not. We are very lucky that most of us aren’t sick. Therefore, let us make our lives fruitful, day by day. Let us not waste the remainder of our lives in focusing in matters which are not necessary. Plus let us not think of ourselves. Let us share our life’s stories to other people, especially those who are down, and feeling that they are to lose hope. By doing so, they can be encouraged to LIVE A LIFE not only just FOR A DAY, but to LIVE A QUALITY LIFE FOR YEARS!

Kudos to Jolly Feliciano for sharing us his wonderful talent through this shortfilm. I really appreciate it. (=


Hensel Marvi Nocasa Aggarao • Subscribe • Videographer/Editor at Alpine Video Production
an ideal way of life... it encourage viewers or people to dream again for the "search for true love" unlike of today's relationship or an easy way of having it... I myself is still looking for somebody whom I can share my laughter together and spend my whole life through. its an HOPE booster story! clap clap clap!


Mai Pascua •
Excellent work! Two thumbs up! This clip exceeded my expectations. The creative and unique way of telling a story and showing life's milestones was truly truly truly impressive.

Life is better under the sun.

Makes me self-reflect to assess at which life milestone am in. And are my dreams well protected enough for me and my loved ones?

-

[SunShortsPH]

"There are two things that never shine as bright as when they are seen through the eyes of a child -- hope, and faith. A child still has that unbroken spirit that things, no matter how bad, will always turn out for the best. A child does not yet have the hang ups and fears a grown up does, that is why he can hold on to hope and have faith that tomorrow will be a better day, no matter how dire today may be.

In this short film by Jolly Feliciano, we see just that. Hope comes alive in the musings of a boy, who, despite being in a hospital, can dream up of bigger and better things for himself and refuse to let worry or doubt plague his mind. No words were necessary, and perhaps, that was the best way to show it, because different people define hope in many different ways, but somehow, this short film encapsulated the very essence of it." - Regina Cortazar

[SunShortsPH]

Favis Rai Ilao Manuel · Writer / Social Networking film writer and model at Freelance Writer
congratulations po sa lahat ng bumubuo ng short film na 'to.
mediyo napaiyak, natouch, and kasi naman po inspiring ang short film.
napaka realistic niya. ýung HOPE and COURAGE sapul na sapul.
ang damdamin ng viewers imposibleng hindi matouch dito. well, Sana ako din.
maging bahagi ng ganitong klaseng story. Makapag create ng story na magbibigay inspirasyon sa marami.
Ýung nagbibigay ng pag-asa para sa tao. Ýung hindi basta naiimbentong story lang. Ýung ganito na kapag pinanood mo, pati personality mo mahahatak kasi feeling mo nandon ka.

[SunShortsPH]

[SunShortsPH]

Enter the house of fear where a woman shrouded in mystery scares the living
daylight out of a young 'goth'.

Oh my Goth! is one of the five digital short films produced by Sun Life Financial collectively called 'Sun Shorts.'

Like and comment on this film at http://www.experiencethesun.com.ph/ for a chance to fly to Singapore.

Follow us on Twitter via https://twitter.com/sunlifeph and stay tuned to our updates on https://www.facebook.com/sunlifeph.