31/03/2026
๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐บ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ ๐๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ฐ๐ต ๐ช๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป'๐ ๐ ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ต ๐ฆ๐ต๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ถ๐น๐บ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
โ
โFirst-year Development Communication students emerged as champions in the Womenโs Month Celebration Short Film Competition of Davao del Sur State College, guided by the theme โLead Like a Babaylan,โ alongside entries from various colleges. Their official entry, entitled โClasp,โ presents a narrative that reflects a young woman's journey through personal struggles, highlighting resilience, identity, and the influence of maternal strength.
โ
โThe film features Mariell Palaca as the main character, alongside supporting characters Angel Demly Saragosa and Diane Encarnacion, with background characters from the first-year cohort and special participation from the Agriculture Society (AgSo), a sister organization, in the production. Jonathan Ventula served as the filmโs director, editor, and writer.
โ
โThe story follows the main character as she navigates personal struggles, self-doubt, and societal pressures that challenge her confidence and identity. Central to her journey is the influence of her mother, in whom she finds strength and inspiration. Witnessing her motherโs resilience and sacrifices, she begins to recognize her own potential, gradually growing stronger with each challenge she faces.
โ
โThis moment of realization reflects the essence of โClaspโโto hold on, to connect, and to anchor oneself in strength. Through this, the film illustrates how embracing oneโs roots and sources of inspiration enables a woman to rise, embodying the spirit of a modern Babaylanโgrounded, empowered, and resilient.