- August 24, 2026
Mapúa MCL-SHS Champion Holistic Learning through Cinemulan 2026
By: Rachelle Anne A. Abel, Francis Dominic D. Fernandez and Fery Heart M. Sulpico
Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna Senior High School (Mapúa MCL-SHS) continues to demonstrate its commitment to holistic education as its student-led short film, “Still, She Breathes” emerged as the big winner at the Cinemulan Film Festival 2026.
Held on May 30 at the Southville International School and Colleges (SISC), the festival recognized “Still, She Breathes” with the prestigious Best Picture and Best Cinematography awards. Written, directed, and edited by student filmmaker who graduated from Mapúa MCL-SHS, currently a first-year Bachelor of Multimedia Arts student, Charles Marcial Urbano, the film stood out for its compelling narrative and technical excellence which are hallmarks of a learning environment that nurtures both creativity and discipline.
More than a cinematic victory, the achievement reflects Mapúa MCL-SHS’s holistic approach to education—one that goes beyond academic instruction to cultivate critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world skills. Through platforms like film production, students are empowered to explore storytelling as a medium for expression, reflection, and social awareness.
In an interview with Charles, he shared that while developing the film, the team uncovered a major struggle faced by women in relationships. “Ito ‘yung tinatawag na IPV o Intimate Partner Violence,” Charles explained. “Gusto lang namin magbigay ng boses, gusto lang din namin mag-advocate para sa mga kababaihan, since it was Women’s Month din nung time na ‘yon.”
The Cinemulan Film Festival, organized in partnership with SISC’s Communication and Multimedia Arts (CoMMA) department under the theme “Healing, Change, and Growing Pains,” provided a meaningful stage for young filmmakers to engage with complex human experiences. Competing alongside entries from leading institutions, Mapúa MCL’s winning film demonstrated not only artistic excellence but also emotional depth and cultural relevance.
This milestone underscores how experiential learning opportunities at Mapúa MCL-SHS equip students to thrive in dynamic and competitive environments. By integrating creative practice with academic rigor, the institution fosters well-rounded individuals capable of translating ideas into impactful outputs.
Ron Ron Manlapaz, Assistant Director of the film shares Mapúa MCL’s influence not just on the film but their learning stating “…Madami kang experiences na makukuha from projects, PPTs, and more on madami ka ring makukuha from even just the small research na meron kang matututunan dito for your subjects na pwede mong iapply and i-bring out further and develop that into an idea, and once you have an idea, don’t be afraid to push it out to them. Bring that idea and bring forth that and start something and develop that into one thing you can create further and more on pwede nating sabihin na we are proud of this creation kasi nga we made this ourselves when we tried to develop it and gusto natin tong iparating not only to the people but for ourselves and what we want to achieve.”
As Cinemulan continues to serve as a launchpad for emerging storytellers, Mapúa MCL-SHS remains steadfast in its mission to develop future-ready learners—individuals who can think critically, create purposefully, and contribute meaningfully beyond the classroom.
With “Still, She Breathes,” Mapúa MCL-SHS proves that true education extends beyond the frame—shaping not only skilled creators, but empowered voices of the next generation.
“Patuloy lang ‘yung pagkwento, kasi sabi nga nila ‘yung experience ‘yung pinaka the best mong teacher,” Charles advised fellow filmmakers. “Okay lang na magkaroon ng doubt or criticism ang ibang tao sa ‘yo, part naman ‘yan ng pag-develop mo as a filmmaker. Darating ka rin sa time na makikita mo na ‘yung old self mo at masasabi mo na, ‘Ay, ang layo na pala ng narating ko.’”
