LANDO AT BUGOY (2016). Hated by his teenage son Bugoy (Gold Azeron), a 40-year-old high school dropout Lando (Allen Dizon) tries to solve their familial disconnect by returning to school to watch over his son and take a second shot at learning. In the midst of the struggle between the two characters, an unexpected event changes everything. (Film still.)

A film review by Angelo Lorenzo

The 9th Cinemagis: Northern Mindanao Digital Short Film Festival opened on January 25 with the presentation of nominees and the screening of "Lando at Bugoy" (2016).

Written and directed by Camiguin-based filmmaker Victor Acedillo Jr, the film was one of the entries during the 12th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

Set in the scenic backdrop of Camiguin Island, the film tells the story of a gravestone carver, Lando (played by Allen Dizon), who struggles to discipline his rebellious son, Bugoy (Gold Azeron), and maintain his trust and respect while making ends meet.

When the school principal tells Lando that Bugoy has been absent in his classes, and discovers him spending most of the time with his friends in vices, Lando, who wasn't able to graduate when he was his son's age, decides to go back to school so he could keep watch over Bugoy and make sure he attends his classes.

Much of the film revolves around Lando's relationship with Bugoy as each had to cope with individual challenges — Lando juggling with work, school, and his paternal responsibilities while the latter attempts to break free from peer pressure and the frustrations of growing up in an incomplete family and an impoverished home.

Along with drama and subtle humor, the heart of the story beats with familial love. Lando working overtime to earn so his son could receive the opportunity to go to school despite economic drawbacks is one revelation. How far the father goes to care for his son reaches the extent where he discovers what they both need.

Its depiction on issues concerning the vicious cycle of poverty which affects Filipino families in similar situations is one of the film's reflective theme.

Along with Lando's hope for a better life for his son and Bugoy's realization of his father's effort and measures to save and protect him, the film centralizes the value of love and sacrifice as the firm foundation of a family, upon which trust, respect, and empathy stand. ∎