“Candé,” the first full-length feature by Ilonggo filmmaker Prof. Kevin Piamonte, premiered with a red carpet screening at SM City Iloilo on Jan. 15, 2025.
The film tells the emotional story of Timothy’s return to Iloilo, where he confronts his past and seeks redemption. His journey intertwines with the devotion of the Ilonggo community to Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles).
JC Santos, the film’s lead actor, shared in an interview that it was the first time he cried while watching himself on the big screen, praising Piamonte’s writing and direction.
“It was beautiful, it was well-written, and I’m so proud of this film. I’m glad I got to work [with Piamonte], and I hope to collaborate with him again,” Santos said.
The cast includes Sunshine Teodoro, Gian Pomperada, Jan Junash Delima, Julian Paul Larroder, Tres Arandela, Rachel Santillan, Laragene Servando-Retazo, and Sharon Idone, with a special appearance by Pupa Dadivas.
Produced by ERK Film Production, Fiesta Philippines, and Taos Puso Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines and CreatePH Films, the film features Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida and Ms. Rhea Peñaflorida as executive producers.
“Candé” is set for regular screenings in cinemas nationwide in February. The trailer is available on ERK Film Production’s official Facebook page: https://shorturl.at/tD0q7.
The film aims to raise funds for the Archdiocese of Jaro and the Taos Puso Foundation, as noted in a post from the Archdiocese of Jaro, Commission on Social Communications’ Facebook page.
(Written by Mr. Carlson Alelis, IPO, with information from ERK Film Production and the Archdiocese of Jaro, Commission on Social Communications’ Facebook page.)
