Directed by J.E. Tiglao (Metamorphosis) and produced by KZ Tandingan, Ikaw, Kelan? is a 12-minute short film accompanying her new queer love ballad, “Nagmamahal Lang Ako.”
Released on Valentine’s Day, the short film follows Jun Jun (John Paul Bulatao) as he prepares to surprise his girlfriend, Gela (Elizabeth Marron), and propose to her. He gets help from his older brother, Miko (Arizona Brandy), and Gela’s younger brother, Lucas (Jayson Santos).
It opens with pre-proposal jitters from Jun Jun, who seems rattled about doing his proposal the “right way.” Miko is in full support of his younger brother, even reenacting as the one being proposed to. What follows is a montage of the proposal preps set in their house’s garden. The story then shifts its focus to lovers Miko and Lucas as they contemplate how their respective siblings in a heterosexual relationship are lucky to experience a proposal and a love that feels free.
In a visual portrayal of how the LGBTQIA+ community longs for love that is accepted and celebrated without judgment, the film pushes its true main protagonist to the forefront — Miko — who, as nonchalant as he is, expresses more through silence than words. It’s in these little moments, even with dialogue, that we get a sense of how the community feels, no matter our gender and identity.
At the dinner table, we are introduced to Miko and Jun Jun’s father, played by Omar Flores, who shares the love story of him and Miko and Jun Jun’s late mother. It’s a simple dinner scene that provides the warmth and comfort found in family conversations like this. Although this may not apply to all family dynamics, the film embraces the aspect of love in healthy familial bonds such as this. Again, the camera acts as an observer, giving the audience insight into how we learn to love stronger and wiser when we have been loved the same way.
When Jun Jun surprises Gela, along with the pizzazz of it all, we can’t help but feel giddy and joyous on this special occasion. All the while, we see Miko seemingly zoning out, reminding us that he is the film’s main protagonist. Miko puts it in his best interest to be happy and supportive, but deep down, he longs to experience the same.
In the penultimate son-and-father scene in the living room, Miko’s father asks him, “Ikaw, kelan?” — questioning when he would like to propose to Lucas, his lover. The aspect ratio shifts to a square, making the heavy question feel like one asked by a panel during a thesis defense. It’s a heartfelt moment that is becoming more normalized in Philippine media these days but, in reality, may still feel like an alien concept.
Men don’t usually open up to one another, but this scene becomes more powerful as it highlights a father’s acceptance of his son and his full support for who he is and whom he chooses to love freely, by passing down the engagement ring he gave to his late wife. As Miko tearfully accepts the ring, the aspect ratio widens, breaking free from the previously “boxed” feeling. Miko can finally breathe. He feels free and hopeful that one day when the time comes and his heart is ready to welcome another and share their lives happily together, marriage comes freely knocking at their doorstep.
Ultimately, Tiglao and the Asia’s Soul Supreme have crafted a simple yet effective short film. It still features the use of the needle drop of a love ballad to pull one’s heartstrings, but its impact may fall short if we don’t truly relate to or feel for the character we are rooting for. In this case, Miko, portrayed by Arizona Brandy, embodies what it means to be human. His performance may not be as extravagant as what similar stories might aim for, but it makes for a relatable performance.
With verses and the chorus of her latest single, “Nagmamahal Lang Ako” woven throughout, it reminds us that this story is close to Tandingan’s heart, as the song speaks of love being free for everyone, even when society is not fully open to it yet. Inspired by a friend’s love story that has yet to be declared, Tandingan reminded those who attended the short film screening at The Villa Studios in Corner House San Juan last February 13 to appreciate and understand that love comes in all forms and sizes […] “This might be a song you can’t relate to, but it is a love song that someone you know might need.”
“Nagmamahal Lang Ako” will be included in Tandingan’s upcoming album, Soul Supremacy II. Listen to the track below: