ILOILO CITY – The art of filmmaking goes beyond mere entertainment. Creativity fuels passion, but it also allows the filmmaker to express the truth about the society that the viewers are a part of.
For 24-year-old Daniel dela Cruz, the director of the award-winning short film “Hasang (Gills),” this meant going back to the roots of the Ilonggo people and evoking meaningful ideas out of something traditional yet inspirational.
In his latest work, Dela Cruz explained how “Hasang” was born from his passion as an advocacy-driven director, purposely highlighting global warming as one of the pressing issues we face today. He infused real photos of a flourishing environment from the old days where a river flowed freely and the land had not yet been converted into modern-day subdivisions—depicting the nostalgia of what used to be.
“Hasang” is a heartfelt and enchanting story that weaves together themes of grief, folklore and the enduring bond between humanity and the natural world. It follows the main character Boni (played by Igan James Nualda), a young boy who grapples with the looming death of his grandmother (Ofelia Gempeson) as her body slowly transforms into a tilapia—an idea adapted from indigenous beliefs that enables the film to explore the permeable border between life and death.
Dela Cruz grew up in Barangay Binanua-an, Guimbal, Iloilo, with his grandmother, an avid teller of folk tales. One of her stories is about how unseen spirits guard our forests and rivers, which encapsulated the director’s deep respect for the environment. This helped develop his skills in storytelling, which were enhanced when he became a broadcasting student at West Visayas State University in Iloilo City.
A member of their artistic community’s Guimbal iFilm Society, he came to realize in his third year that he had already worked on numerous films, which had drawn him away from his focus on broadcast media. He found himself pondering why he pursued a broadcasting degree even though he was more passionate about filmmaking.
The thought, however, did not dissuade him from continuing his studies. In fact, he realized that all the video productions, script writing classes, and sound and production design workshops, which he underwent while pursuing a college degree provided the foundation and added structure to his craft.
Community stories
Since 2019, Dela Cruz’s filmmaking journey has been grounded in community and school-based narratives. Among his most notable works are “Judith (Due Date),” which won first place at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) Days Film Fest 2023; “Ang Bistida Ni Ana Sa Mata nga Pula,” which won first place in the short feature category at the 35th Gawad Alternatibo by the Cultural Center of the Philippines; and “Purya Usog,” which was selected for prominent regional film festivals such as CineKasimanwa and CinemaRehiyon, and later judged best film at the Iloilo Youth Short Film Festival 2024.
Most recently, Dela Cruz’s cinematic work “Ang Gadya Sang Suba” earned the best festival film award in the Montañosa Film Festival 2025.
In retrospect, “Hasang,” filmed between March and April this year, was inspired by Dela Cruz’s childhood experiences and the superstitious beliefs imparted by his grandmother. A comforting belief that when a butterfly flutters into the home, it is often seen as a sign that the spirit of a deceased family member has come for an unexpected visit. That framed his story.
Dela Cruz intends to unsettle his audiences and leave them with questions to reflect on the whole idea of the film itself. Now, as a person with a playful upbringing, he has never meant to turn “Hasang” into a drama film.
“So, I said, ‘Why don’t I restructure this idea into an absurdist type of film?’ Like if people can turn into a butterfly, why can’t they turn into a tilapia?” he said with a smile.
As he witnessed the urgent crisis of global warming, Dela Cruz looked back at his childhood days, remembering how he had spent most of it by the Jarao River that once teemed with life. This painful observation sparked a flow of ideas, much like the river’s own current. Inspired by these reflections, he began writing these ideas as he thought to himself that he had found the best material for this year.
Production challenges
Through this surreal indigenous worldview, “Hasang” presented how nature is not separate from us but rather an extension of our beings and our ancestors. It delicately portrays how loss can be both an ending and a return, honoring the cyclical rhythms of life.
The young director also shared the challenges the production crew encountered while filming “Hasang.” One challenge was cutting 50% of the scenes in order to meet the 15-minute time length for the final material.
The shift of genres from narrative to absurdist posed another hurdle, especially since they had spent the last seven years creating narrative films. As it was their first time to venture into different genres, their efforts ultimately paid off after “Hasang” earned several awards among 16 other Hiligaynon films during the 21st Bantayan Film Festival 2025 last April.
The film was cited for Best Story, Best Sound and Music, Best Screenplay, and Best Production Design. Capping off the film’s achievements, Dela Cruz received the Best Director award for his masterful storytelling and artistic vision.
“When I won Best Director, I felt validated because it was a recognition that if you go back to your roots, if you go back to where you come from and tell your truth, your vision and material will be recognized,” he said.
“Hasang” was last screened during the Binisaya International Film Festival last Aug. 19. It took a huge step from university and local film screenings to the national stage. From more than 100 entries, this Best Screenplay winner was selected as one of the 10 finalists in the short film category to be showcased in the upcoming Cinemalaya Film Festival on Oct. 3-12 at the Shangri-la Plaza Mall in Manila.
Dela Cruz’s dedication to his craft has paid off, as this opportunity is a reminder that even Western Visayas narratives can be brought into the spotlight and presented on a broader platform, captivating audiences across the country with a story that is both relatable and deeply rooted in local culture.
For this emerging film director, whose journey began with eagerness just after graduating in 2023, in a world easily dazzled by polished cinematography, high-end technology, and expensive equipment, he is always reminded that story is still king.
In the end, filmmaking isn’t just about the perfect lenses and good lighting—it’s about holding on to your voice and fearlessly sharing it with the world.
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