Showcasing the beauty of Boracay through film

Local businesses that relied on tourists and local travelers have had a difficult time especially during travel restrictions and lockdowns due to the current health situation. 

The struggle of the travel industry inspired a budding Filipino filmmaker to create a film that showcased not only the beauty of the country, but also the locals and businesses that relied on tourism for a living. 

Jo Serrano has just released her first short film entitled "Boracay: Beyond The White Beach". The documentary-style film was produced in collaboration with one of the top local directors, Paul Soriano, and his team at TEN17P. 

Serrano was named the Grand Winner of the TECNO Mobile Movie Masters Program last December, winning a cash prize of P300,000 and the opportunity to work on the movie with the film company. 

Last year, TECNO Mobile launched the Movie Masters Program which also opened an opportunity for amateur Filipino filmmakers to showcase their talent in a short film competition. Finalists were tasked to create original videos using the CAMON 18 Premier smartphone, highlighting moving moments from everyday life. 

During the Movie Masters Program, Serrano won with her entry, "Bukidnon: An Eco-Adventure" which showcased raw and authentic moments that she experienced on her trip to the beautiful province of Bukidnon.

Making Boracay: Beyond The White Beach 

According to Serrano, her short film "Boracay: Beyond The White Beach" was inspired by the struggles she faced during the lockdowns and the current health situation. The documentary-style film highlighted the story of a main character who headed on to the island of Boracay for an escape; however, in the island she met several locals who then shared their experiences and struggles during the lockdowns and the difficulties caused by the current health situation.

"I came to a point in my life where my stress, anxiety, and depression caused me to nearly quit being a creator," Serrano shared. 

Serrano's content was mostly about travel and local destinations; but with the tourism industry being greatly affected, content creators like her were also struggling. Thankfully, she was given the opportunity to create a film where she could go back to her passion and share hope.

"I want my viewers to see that regardless of the struggles that we face during the pandemic there is always a silver lining and we all have to be steady in the face of challenges," added Serrano.

Making a documentary is full of unexpected experiences according to Serrano. "Since you are dealing with real people and real experiences, you will not know what happens next," she shared.

Shooting with the Movie Master CAMON 18 Premier

Most of the scenes in Serrano's entry for TECNO's Movie Masters Program competition and her short film were shot using a CAMON 18 Premier smartphone. She considered CAMON 18 Premier a good starting camera for anyone who is interested in filmmaking, but does not have the budget for expensive gear.

"Its in-body gimbal feature is a big help when you are always on the go. As a traveler you need to carry light gears with you," Serrano said.

Direk Soriano also agreed that CAMON 18 Premier is good for budding filmmakers, for capturing moments and telling stories. In a recent Instagram video, he shared that his favorite CAMON 18 Premier feature is the Stabilized Gimbal Camera, which allows people to capture handheld shots that will look nice, crisp, and stable. He also said that this smartphone is something he wished he could have had when he was starting out years ago making home videos, short films, and music videos. 

TECNO Mobile supports Filipino filmmakers

TECNO Mobile's Movie Masters Program marked the beginning of the smartphone brand's commitment to supporting the local filmmaking scene in the Philippines. Serrano's experience is a testament to the brand's dedication. She believed that the program has made a huge impact on her as an aspiring filmmaker. 

"Working with a team is very different from working alone," she said. "I learned new things working on this film. The process of shooting a film is way different from how I make vlogs. It made me a better storyteller."

Serrano was grateful to TEN17P for helping and guiding her during the entire filmmaking process. 

"Coming from a vlogging background and transitioning to the world of film has been a challenge for me, but they guided me to come up with something meaningful and inspiring for viewers to watch. I hope you will enjoy watching and listening to the stories I have encountered during my Boracay trip," she adds.

Through the Movie Masters Program, aspiring filmmakers were given a venue to tell their stories. In his message during the awarding ceremony, Direk Soriano invited more filmmakers and creators to take advantage of opportunities like this. "We have the freedom that we all want when we tell our stories. The creative freedom. It is really just you, and the CAMON 18 Premier, and your stories. What else do you need?" he shared.

Experience #SuperSteadyShot with the Movie Master CAMON 18 

TECNO Mobile continues to explore the road of technology. TECNO's CAMON 18 Series pushes the boundaries of what it means to be a professional camera smartphone, delivering clear images and videos with its anti-shaking capabilities.

CAMON 18 Premier, dubbed the "Movie Master," brings together the best of the CAMON series, with features like TAIVOS, Super Night Mode, and Selfie Mode, combined with a new Ultra-steady Gimbal Camera, 60X Hybrid Zoom, and more enhanced AI features for achieving a #SuperSteadyShot. 

The CAMON 18P model also caters to video enthusiasts, with its 48MP clear and steady video camera, and 13MP 50mm pro portrait camera. Completing the series is the CAMON 18 variant, which is equipped with a 48MP multi-function triple camera, and comes in a beautiful Iris Purple colorway that is perfect for women, plus a uniquely-designed Ceramic edition.

The CAMON 18 Series is available at the TECNO Mobile PH Official Store in Shopee Mall , Lazada, as well as in partner stores - KimStore, Rulls Shopee, Rulls Lazada, Ephone Shopee, Ephone Lazada, Cellboy Shopee, Cellboy Lazada, Wirecomm Shopee, Wirecomm Lazada, and Audionet. You may also shop at the TECNO Mobile Concept Store in SM North Edsa and TECNO Mobile Kiosks in Market Market, Mall of Asia, SM Sta Mesa, SM San Lazaro, SM Pampanga, SM Dasmariñas, SM Batangas, and SM Rosario.

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