Under The Sun (2020)

A film full of love that radiates through the screen

Quing Lalam Ning Aldo is a Kapampangan phrase which means under the sun. When I saw this short film, it easily became my favourite. Why? Because this film is full of love that radiates through the screen.

The film starts with a cinematic presentation of Budang and Georgia’s life in Pampanga. The audience was also given a glimpse of Budang’s utmost desire – to see his son Janjan. I have to admit the first few minutes was the most beautiful but at the same time heartbreaking scene.

Beyond the beauty of the Sampaguita field and the people working hard to make a living for their family is the reality that Janjan isn’t there with them. As per Budang’s friends Georgia, Janjan is living his best life in Canada. But as his mother and father, Budang hold on to the thought that one day he will see his son again.

It sure did but things didn’t go as planned. Janjan was set to visit his home but cancelled within the day. As the bomb was dropped, Budang was back to square one – missing and hoping. But like any true friend, Georgia was there to make things lively again.

No matter how far people go, they always find their way back home. – Georgia to Budang

True that! Janjan did find his way home. But this time, Georgia didn’t inform Budang. Instead, he took a step and organised everything needed to make the long-awaited father and son reunion perfect.

Reeden Fajardo’s Quing Lalam Ning Aldo (Under The Sun) spoke so much to me. Every scene touched my heart. No wonder Quing Lalam Ning Aldo brought home the Audience Choice Award. The film wasn’t complex but the feelings and reality were, something everyone can relate to.

And as I did my research, director Reeden Fajardo revealed in an interview that the part about the broken family is based on his life. I admire him for that because this is such a sensitive topic. I relate to that fully that is why I know how hard it was to write and direct a film about it. But in all fairness, director Reeden Fajardo created something wonderful.

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