Campaign docu ‘And So It Begins’ screened in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuano “Kakampinks” – supporters of former Vice President Leni Robredo – immersed themselves in a wave of nostalgia at SM City Cebu’s Cinema 4 as Angat Cebu BPO hosted a sold-out screening of “And So It Begins” on August 25.

Directed by Ramona Díaz, the documentary chronicles the presidential campaign of Robredo and the grassroots movement that fueled it during the 2022 Philippine elections.

“Amid the traditional pomp and circumstance of Filipino elections, a quirky people’s movement rises to defend the nation against deepening threats to truth and democracy,” its synopsis reads. “In a collective act of joy as a form of resistance, hope flickers against the backdrop of increasing autocracy.”

The docu was deeply emotional for many attendees. Some were brought to tears near the film’s conclusion when Robredo lost the polls, while few others groaned when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. first appeared onscreen.

The disapproval intensified when “And So It Begins” showcased a moment from 2016, when former President Rodrigo Duterte joked about Robredo’s romantic life during an event in Tacloban where they were both present.

It also featured brief glimpses of the “CEBOOM! Cebu Grand People’s Rally” in Mandaue City, where John Michael Remollo, founder and auditor of Angat Cebu BPO, was among the volunteers.

“Whatever I felt two years ago, it’s still the same now,” Remollo shared with The FREEMAN, highlighting that scenes of volunteers from other rallies were some of his favorite moments in the documentary.

Drag queen Maria Lava, who performed at the Mandaue rally, also felt nostalgic while watching the film. “It reminded me of the things we were fighting for and the changes we believed in, which continue today,” Lava said.

Before the screening, Lava delivered a humorous performance of “Kung Ako Nalang Sana” against a backdrop of rally footage featuring Robredo and references to the ongoing rift between President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.

The “Drag Den with Manila Luzon” alumnus quipped, “We are still here together. Where’s the unity now?”

Joining Lava were fellow drag performers Piayuuuh who paid homage to the campaign with Beyoncé’s “I Was Here”, and Blacc Dahlia. “Tawag ng Tanghalan” participant Roman “Ponky” Corpuz also gave his rendition of “Liwanag sa Dilim.”

After the screening, Robredo expressed gratitude to her Cebuano supporters in a pre-recorded video.

“I want to thank you for the love and support you showed during the people’s campaign. My heart is still full. It’s the honor of my lifetime to fight alongside you and continue this journey toward our shared hopes for the future,” she said in Filipino.

Released by Solar Pictures on August 21 at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Festival, Díaz encouraged supporters to request screenings of the documentary in their areas.

The USC Junior Jaycees will host the next block screening of “And So It Begins” on August 31 at SM City Cebu.