Alvin Yapan, "2013 Director of the Year" (Brun Philippines Critics' Choice)

Picture taken from the director's
Facebook Page

For screenwriter and director Alvin Yapan, 2013 had its highs and lows, one low to be precise.  In the middle of the year, Yapan offered us the sensory “Debosyon,” a film that often had to take a back seat to more publicized films du jour like “Transit,” (our entry to the Oscars) and the much-hyped “OTJ.” However, unlike the aforementioned films, “Debosyon” has something much more to offer if only the audience would have the patience to peer through the layers.  Unfortunately, in October, Yapan backpedalled and gave us “Gaydar,” an infuriating cute comedy that was obviously rushed and meant to reel in more mainstream audience. “Gaydar” is still entertaining but it made some of us go, “Oh no he didn’t! Damn! Oh yes he did!” He pertains to Yapan. 

Alvin B. Yapan’s “Debosyon” (Review): “Faith as a Public Spectacle or an Intimate Union with God”

Director Alvin Yapan is not your typical independent film director. He is probably the most Filipino of all current breed of directors.  I have always felt more Filipino every time I watch a Yapan film. His love for our culture and the arts is evident in his last two films.  Yapan is astutely adept at lyrical filmmaking.  He utilizes the senses above all else. He gives equal weight to the power of words, music, and visual imagery to tell a layered story. As a result, his recent works have always been more ethereal and lyrical than straightforward.  His new film only proves that “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa” is just a rehearsal for him.  In “Debosyon,” Yapan paints on a broader canvas and creates a modern-day folk tale that is neither a critique of the subject matter nor a biased promotion.