Teen-oriented flicks make a comeback with "Senior Year"

CEBU, Philippines - Senior Year, a local film about the last months of high school, makes its way to the theaters on March 9, 2011. In the tradition of memorable youth-oriented flicks like Bagets and Pare Ko, it stars a winsome young cast, features a heartwarming story, and highlights the fun times of high school.

A new film from director Jerrold Tarog and producer Franco Alido of Digitank Studios, Senior Year answers the dearth in youth-oriented movies in Philippine cinema today. Jerrold, who wrote, directed, edited and did the musical score of Senior Year, is the filmmaker behind the CinemaOne Originals 2007 Best Picture Confessional, the Cinemalaya 2009 finalist Mangatyanan, and the “Punerarya” episode of Shake, Rattle and Roll XII. Franco, meanwhile, honed his producing skills at a network’s production outfit before venturing on his own. Franco co-produced Mangatyanan with Jerrold. Both are keen on making well-crafted stories with fresh insight and perspective.

The new project is a glimpse into the lives of 10 students at St. Frederick’s Academy as they struggle through the final months before graduation. The script is based on research, observations and interactions with real high school students. Jerrold actually sat in their classes, interviewed them and even attended their activities like the intramurals and the prom to capture the details and nuances of today’s youth.

Giving life to the 10 students of the fictitious St. Frederick’s High School are real high school students themselves: Daniel Clavecilla Medrana, Aaron John Tan Balana, Rosanne de Boda, Franzes Bunda, Mary Amirose Lojo, Daniel Lumain, Celina Penaflorida, Nikita Conwi, Eric Marquez and Sheila Marie Bulanhagui. Handpicked by Jerrold through auditions, they represent the personalities, ideals and aspirations of today’s young people. True to the concept, the members of the young cast were either incoming seniors or current high school seniors when the film was being shot on location in a school in Las Piñas, Metro Manila.

LJ Moreno, Ramon Bautista and Che Ramos portray their teachers, while the students’ adult counterparts (who grow up to meet again at their reunion) are played by Ina Feleo, Arnold Reyes, Dimples Romana and RJ Ledesma.

The story begins when 27-year-old Henry sits inside his car figuring out whether or not he should meet his old classmates at their reunion. His hesitation triggers memories of bittersweet events and significant classmates.

For instance, there was Sofia, a quiet student growing out of her old shell. There were also the lovebirds Briggs and Bridget whose on-off romance created a stir among the batch. Solenn, the “It” Girl, was every boy’s dream and every girl’s envy. Jackie’s nightmare was her troubled home life. Carlo’s challenge was dealing with rowdy boys, who made fun of his ways, whereas Stephanie’s “assignment” was finding the identity of a secret admirer. Inquisitive Mitch and Chito were privy to these interesting goings-on. Lastly, Henry, himself, was left with the task of summarizing their high school life in a highly-anticipated graduation speech while dealing with the conflicting emotions about a certain girl.

Friendship, popularity, identity, family, romance—these are the themes that are explored in the interwoven stories of Senior Year. The result is a thought-provoking but very fun movie about the highs and lows of high school, and the uncertainties that come after it. Direk Jerrold asks, “How does one sum up the end of high school? Is it really the end of childish ways and the beginning of maturity? Or is it the start of a bumpy ride towards the crazy mess of real life?”

Meanwhile, the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB), which has given Senior Year a Rating of A (making the film qualify for tax exemption), recognizes its authenticity. The CEB’s summation declares, “The film captures the essence and vagaries of high school life and gives a taste of what would happen 12-14 years later. The screenplay captures the spirit and fun of senior year as well as the fears and uncertainties that are up ahead in college.”