Awit Ko'y Dinggin - Harana Kings (Celestino Aniel & Florante Aguilar)

Watch the full feature documentary here on YouTube:    • HARANA - Full Feature Documentary  

I’ll never forget the first time I met him as captured in this scene from the Harana film. This was literally the first time we met and played together. I think you can get a sense that we were feeling each other out.

I had no idea what I was getting other than what the village-folk was saying - that he once was the go-to haranista (serenader) of the town.

Prior to this moment, I had begun questioning whether my quest for authentic haranistas was just a fantasy or wishful thinking. We have “auditioned” several haranistas from province to province and finding them - well let’s just say all haranistas are not created equal.

Until I met Celestino Aniel. It was then that I knew we have a magical film in our hands.

Many thanks to producer Fides Enriquez, my wife, co-creator and chief enabler. And to Benito Bautista helming our film crew with enthusiasm and creative energy. And to the film crew of about 14 (from grip to drivers) for braving it with us traveling remote provinces.

And so proud of our cinematographer Peggy Peralta who won the Cinematography - Documentary Feature Honorable Mention Award at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (2013) for her work in Harana.

The full feature documentary is still available for free in YouTube:
   • HARANA - Full Feature Documentary