MANILA, Philippines - Esoterika Maynila, starring Ronnie Liang (photo), had its gala premiere last Aug. 12 at the 11th Cinemalaya at the CCP. Directed by Elwood Perez, the film was called “a new masterpiece” by the 10th Cinema One Originals, and hailed at the 39th Hong Kong Film Festival as “a confrontational yet rewarding odyssey from Southeast Asia’s leading cinematic provocateur.” In October, Esoterika will be screened at the San Francisco Film Festival.