''Bwakaw'' is a 2012 Philippine

comedy drama film Comedy drama, also known by the portmanteau ''dramedy'', is a genre of dramatic works that combines elements of comedy and drama. The modern, scripted-television examples tend to have more humorous bits than simple comic relief seen in a typical ...

written and directed by

Jun Lana Rodolfo R. Lana Jr. (born October 10, 1972), known professionally as Jun Robles Lana, is a Philippines, Filipino filmmaker. The winner of 11 Palanca Awards, Palanca Awards for Literature, he became the youngest member of the Palanca Awards#Palan ...

Eddie Garcia Eduardo Verchez Garcia (; May 2, 1929 – June 20, 2019), known colloquially as Manoy, was a Filipino actor, television personality, film director and producer. With almost 600 film and television roles and a career spanning seven decades, he ...

stars as a lonely gay man in his 70s who cares for a stray dog he named ''bwakaw''. The film was first screened as part of the 2012

Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is a film festival in the Philippines held annually during the month August at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex and various cinemas. Its aim is the development and promotion of Fi ...

where it formed part of the Director's Showcase roster.

Plot

Rene is a gay man who came out of the closet at age 60. Ailing in his twilight years, he thinks it is now too late for love, even companionship, and that all there is to look forward to is Death. He has made a will, bequeathing his few possessions to his even fewer friends. Everything is packed and labeled, ready for distribution. He has even paid for a coffin, taking advantage of a funeral home's Summer Sale. Nowadays the only companion Rene has is Bwakaw, a stray dog that hangs around his house and follows him wherever he goes. As Rene waits for the day of his death, he gets the surprise of his life when it is Bwakaw who suddenly falls ill and is diagnosed with cancer. Rene is surprisingly affected, and he realizes that he values Bwakaw more than he thinks. In his struggle to get Bwakaw cured, Rene finds comfort in the most unlikely person: Sol, a tricycle driver who helps him bring Bwakaw to the vet and befriends him. Buoyed by Sol's friendship, Rene starts living. Little by little he discovers simple joys. To the surprise of his friends, he even has his hair dyed to look younger. One day, he finally decides to make a move on Sol. The revelation that Rene is gay and has feelings for him surprises and disgusts Sol. He rejects Rene and leaves in anger. In the meantime, Bwakaw's condition gets worse. Not even Rene's ancient Santo Entierro (a supposedly miraculous statue of Jesus Christ) can save Bwakaw. Bwakaw dies, and Rene's friends help him bury the faithful dog. But Bwakaw's death, even while it was still only imminent, has made a difference. Rene has found a new appreciation for life and what is most important. He decides to unpack the things that he has already willed to other people and make his house more habitable. He is, after all, still alive.

Cast

as Rene * Princess as Bwakaw *

Rez Cortez Res Septimo Cortez (born January 4, 1956), better known as Rez Cortez, is a Filipino film and television actor and assistant director. Acting career Cortez's film career began in 1974, when he was introduced in ''Daigdig ng Sindak at Lagim''. ...

as Sol * Soliman Cruz as Funeral Homes Manager * Bibeth Orteza as Rose *

Joey Paras Joey Paras is a Filipino theater, movie and television actor, director, filmmaker, singer, writer, playwright, film producer and TV host. He is the playwright behind "Bawal Tumawid, Nakakamatay", one of the plays selected to be produced on stage ...

as Tracy *

Allan Paule Allan Paule De Guzman (born January 1, 1970 in Cebu City), better known as Allan Paule, is a Filipino actor who appeared in more than 100 movies and television series. He also unsuccessfully ran for councilor of Muntinlupa from the 1st district ...

as Berting * Beverly Salviejo as Nitang *

Soxie Topacio Socrates Hernandez Topacio (June 19, 1952 - July 21, 2017) was a Filipino comedian, actor, writer and director. Early life, education and career Topacio was born on June 19, 1952 in Manila, Philippines. He studied at the University of the Phili ...

as Zaldy *

Luz Valdez Milagros Bernardo, better known by her screen name Luz Valdez-Paje (born September 9, 1940) is a Filipina actress. The Valdez screen name was given to her in 1958 by Narcisa de Leon, producer and co-founder of LVN Pictures, as she felt that M ...

as Minda *

Gardo Versoza Mennen Torres Polintan (born July 8, 1969), known professionally as Gardo Verzosa, is a Filipino actor and comedian. Career He started out in roles such as Sabik Sa Halik, Machete II, Halimuyak Ng Babae and Kirot. He was known as "NINO ESPEDIL ...

as Father Eddie *

Armida Siguion-Reyna Armida Siguion-Reyna (born Armida Liwanag Ponce Enrile; November 4, 1930February 11, 2019) was a Filipina singer, film and stage actress, producer and television show host. She was the chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classific ...

as Alicia * Jonathan Neri as Veterinarian 1 * Roni Bertubin as Ronaldo Bertubin (Minda's Nephew) * May-i Fabros as Cedes

Reception

''Bwakaw'' won the Netpac Awards and the Audience Choice during the Cinemalaya competition, while Garcia was awarded Best Actor. The film was selected as the Filipino entry for the Best Foreign Language Oscar at the

85th Academy Awards The 85th Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), honored the best 2012 in film, films of 2012 and took place on February 24, 2013, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Hollywood, ...

, but it did not make the final shortlist.

Accolades

References

External links

*
''Bwakaw'' at the Cinemalaya website
{{Philippine submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film 2012 films 2012 comedy-drama films 2010s Tagalog-language films Philippine New Wave Star Cinema films Philippine comedy-drama films Philippine LGBT-related films 2012 LGBT-related films Films directed by Jun Robles Lana Gay-related films