Nikki Valdez marks Cinemalaya debut with Mangyan entry ‘Kaka Sa Yawan’

Nikki Valdez is making her Cinemalaya debut with “Kaka Sa Yawan” (Brother from Another River), a film that highlights the culture and way of life of the Tadyawan-Mangyan community in Mindoro.

During the film’s press conference on Sunday, July 26, Valdez shared her experience filming with the Mangyan tribe, describing the immersion as both challenging and meaningful.

“Napaka-ganda ‘yung experience para sa aming mga actors. Like, ako… This is my first Cinemalaya experience. Kaya sobrang masaya po ako to be immersed with the Mangyan tribe,” Valdez said.

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“Hindi biro ‘yung naging experience. But it was a very good one. Especially for someone like me na first time mag-Cinemalaya,” she added.

Valdez said she was able to witness traditions and a simpler way of living while filming in the Mangyan community, including seeing some residents still wearing traditional bahag.

“Ngayon lang ako nakakita ng may nagsusuot pa ng bahag. And to go back to basics, ‘yung nakita namin ‘yung ang saya nila,” she said. “Makikita mong magkakakilala lahat ng tao. Dahil na siguro walang gadgets, you know, they talk to each other.”

Valdez recalled seeing families start preparing meals and gathering around fires as early as 5 p.m. She also shared that access to electricity and internet connection remained limited in the area.

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Despite these challenges, Valdez said she was inspired by how the Mangyan community found happiness in what they had.

“Masaya na sila sa kung anong meron sila, sa kung sinong meron sila, at kung nasaan sila,” she said.

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Valdez also shared her admiration for the health and lifestyle of the residents she met, including elderly members of the community.

“May mga nakausap pa kami na mga elderly naman o mga nanay. Sabi ko, wow, ganun sila ka-healthy,” she said. “Meron isa nanganak pa siya at 50 years old.”

Directed by Alpha Habon, “Kaka Sa Yawan” follows the coming-of-age story of two friends in Mindoro: Niko, a boy from Manila, and Ayan, a Tadyawan-Mangyan.

Valdez plays Mely, the mother of Niko, who struggles to emotionally connect with her son.

The film stars Bryce Nicolo Mercader, Beaver Magtalas, Luis Alandy, with Dennis Dato making his debut. It also features Queenay Mercado, Karl Medina, and Noelle Polack, with special participation from Benedix Ramos.

“Kaka Sa Yawan,” one of the nine entries to this year’s Cinemalaya, is produced by Bryce Entertainment Production and IGMM Film Productions.

The Cinemalaya will run from August 6 to 18, 2026, and will be shown in select cinemas in Metro Manila. /edv