A childhood friendship formed along a river in Mindoro becomes a story of memory, loss and healing in “Kaka sa Yawan,” an official entry to Cinemalaya 2026.
Directed by Alpha Habon, the coming-of-age film follows Niko, a boy from Manila, and Ayan, a Tadyawan Mangyan. Over the course of one summer, the two enter each other’s worlds: Niko teaches Ayan how to read, while Ayan teaches Niko how to swim.
Their bond transcends their differences in culture and way of life. Years later, an adult Niko returns to Mindoro to fulfill a promise to his old friend.
“Why do memories have the power to both haunt and heal us?” Habon asks in his director’s statement, describing the question as the heartbeat of the film.
A deeply personal work, “Kaka sa Yawan” examines the burdens people carry from childhood, including grief, fractured families and questions of identity. At its center, however, is the enduring effect of human connection and the relationships that shape the people they eventually become.
Through Niko and Ayan, the film finds the possibility of healing in understanding, connection and a shared humanity that rises above their vastly different backgrounds.
Filmed on location in Sitio Gran Vida in Socorro, Oriental Mindoro, “Kaka sa Yawan” also brings the traditions and natural surroundings of the Tadyawan Mangyan community to the screen. Its dialogue is in Filipino and Tadyawan.
Mindoro is home to eight Mangyan ethnolinguistic groups: Alangan, Bangon, Buhid, Hanunuo, Iraya, Ratagnon, Tadyawan and Tawbuid. The film places the culture and beliefs of the Tadyawan community within its story, including the figure of Makadot, revered as a deity and guide of souls on their journey to the spirit world.
It also draws from the community’s folklore through the Labang, malevolent forest spirits believed to take the form of wolves and lure children away from safety.
Beyond these spiritual elements, the film reflects aspects of everyday life in the community. Among its primary products is daing na biya, or dried goby, which is recognized under Oriental Mindoro’s One Town, One Product program.
Habon said the story was approached with respect for Tadyawan Mangyan culture and rooted in authenticity, humility and hope. Inspired by the community’s belief in the constant and unbreakable flow of life, much like the river that sustains it, the film serves as a tribute to resilience, memory and the people whose presence leaves a lasting imprint.
“Some memories never leave us. They transform us,” the director said.
Habon is a film and television director, writer and producer whose work includes television series for ABS-CBN, GMA and TV5, as well as films for Star Cinema and Viva.
“Kaka sa Yawan” stars Bryce Nicolo Mercader, Beaver Magtalas, Luis Alandy and Nikki Valdez, and introduces Dennis Dato. The cast also includes Queenay Mercado, Karl Medina and Noelle Polack, with the special participation of Benedix Ramos.
Produced by Bryce Entertainment Production and IGMM Film Productions, the film has Patrick Rodil as director of photography, Joris Fernandez as editor, Arbi Barbarona as music scorer, Kyle Jumayne Francisco as production designer and Mikko Quizon as sound designer. Tin Velasco serves as line producer, with Dorothy Labro as production manager.
“Kaka sa Yawan” screens at Cinemalaya 2026 from Aug. 7 to 16.
