AS part of the celebration of San Beda College Alabang’s (SBCA) Pista ng Sto. Niño, the Student Executive Council (SEC) organized a film showing for the Tertiary Schools entitled ‘Click, Like & Share’ by Optimum Minds Media Production, an advocacy-only production, held at the Tugade Auditorium last Jan. 18. 

Bon Gonzales, an actor from Optimum Minds, hosted the event. The executive producer, June Cañaga, welcomed the students by giving her opening remarks, “This film is a student-friendly advocacy film, concerning societal issues such as mental health, HIV, and cyberbullying,” Cañaga said. She also stated that the event was a great opportunity for the audience to enjoy the film, which featured romance, comedy, and thriller genres. 

‘Click, Like & Share’ is a trilogy film presenting three distinct stories: ‘Bluer than Bleu,’ ‘Your Road,’ and ‘Hi-V’ written by Ping Medina, a Filipino film actor, screenwriter, and director. The purpose of these films was to provide awareness and address misconceptions about certain societal issues, mainly mental health, cyberbullying, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Directed by Topel Lee, a Filipino film director, ‘Bluer than Bleu,’ starring Miles Ocampo as Bleu; and Aime Cañada as Daisy, revolves around the found friendship between the two and their battle with their mental health. ‘Your Road,’ a film directed by the late Ricky Revero, showed the reality of Cyberbullying with a touch of Filipino comedy starring sisters-in-crime Katrina Legaspi as Red; and Adrian Lindayag as Monts. Meanwhile, viewers were hooked by the last film, ‘Hi-V,  directed by Ping Medina, featuring Bianca and Aki's love story, portrayed by Michelle Vito and Akihiro Blanco as one battle with the hardship and reality of HIV.

After the film screening, expert guest speakers were invited to participate in the Q&A session to discuss further the tackled issues. Mental health advocate Ernesto Marquez Ruivivar III, alongside John Paul Ordovez and Jemry Jezrel Besana Abelon, the HIV experts, as well as John Abigo, were present to address the questions from the audience. A special guest from the movie ‘Your Road,’ Keann Johnson, known for his role “Derek,” also appeared at the session.

A discussion between the guest speakers and the students took place during the session. The session primarily focused on questions and concerns regarding HIV, mental health awareness, and internet censorship. “If you are not holding on to reality, you are living in a world of fantasy,” said Mr. Ruivivar III.

Ms. Adrianna Quioyo, the Prefect of Student Discipline, gave her closing remarks in the latter part of the morning screening in which she pointed out the importance of the film as it aims to widen the perspective of the students' minds and serves as an eye-opener regardless of age and background.  “We must be introspective to become better individuals. The film reminds us of the importance of self-worth, family, and our relationship with God,” Quioyo said.  

The film showed two separate screening times: 7:30–11:00 a.m. dedicated to the 1st and 2nd-year students, and another afternoon screenings from 12:30–4:00 p.m. for the 3rd and 4th-year students.