Taklub at SM Cinemas September 16

MANILA, Philippines - Film enthusiasts will have the rare opportunity to watch the critically-acclaimed film Taklub as it begins its regular run in selected SM Cinemas tomorrow, Sept 16. The film by world-renowned director Brillante Mendoza was in the official selection of the Un Certain Regard Category during the recent Cannes Film Festival, where it was awarded a Special Commendation from the Ecumenical Jury.

Taklub is a story of three major characters — Bebeth, Larry and Erwin, whose lives intertwine after the Supertyphoon Yolanda caused Tacloban City in a horrendous state — leaving the survivors in search for their dead ones, keeping their sanity intact and protecting what little faith there might be.

Bebeth (Nora Aunor) searches for the remains of her three children that could identified. Larry (Julio Diaz), who lost his wife, consoles himself by joining a devout group of Catholics carrying a life-size cross around the city. Erwin (Aaron Rivera) and his elder brother try to hide the truth about their parents’ death from their little sister.

As if grieving for the lost ones is not enough, a series of events — man-made and natural — continue to test the endurance of the characters along with the rest of the people, awaiting for a time to wipe those tears.

Prior to the screening, Brillante hosted a cast party at SM Aura Premier to thank the members of the cast and crew, as well as those who assisted them during the filming.

Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez attended the event, as did Tacloban First Lady and Councilor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez. Other guests included UN Ambassador of Goodwill Gion Gounet, and members of the Tzu Chi Foundation, who have done a lot of relief work in Tacloban; while friends from the film industry came to give support, including director Paul Soriano, Andi Eigenmann, Mercedes Cabral, Soliman Cruz and Bernardo Bernardo.

The highlight of the event was when Brillante showed the guests the Special Commendation from the Ecumenical Jury Award, drawing a standing ovation from the audience.

Taklub will be shown at SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM City Fairview, SM City Manila and SM City Sta. Mesa.