Acclaimed for the juxtaposition of authenticity in its storytelling and the smart use of non-acting lead actors, “Sibuyas ni Perfecto” may not have spoken perfectly against the impact of social inequality but it has spoken eloquently of the power of humanity — of our fundamental purpose to protect life and uphold respect for people across social strata.

For its quiet and coruscating storytelling technique and style, the 2023 Balanghai Award for Best in Short Feature went to the team of creative writer, educator and filmmaker Januar Yap in the 19th Cinemalaya Awards Night on August 15, 2023.

Yap’s 12-minute opus on “Perfecto,” who ekes out a living by selling vegetables in an equally authentic setting in Cebu Province’s veggie basket - Mantalongon, Dalaguete - made it to the Top 20 of over 190 short film submissions.

Coming from such a number, Yap said he did not take it further and was thus ill-prepared for a speech when the award was announced.

He said that the film started in UP Cebu where it received a creative grant. The film was co-produced by director/cinematographer Ruel Antipuesto of “Confessional” fame (2007) and “Eskrimadors” (2010) who shared in the dream.

He has Eddie de Lima on lead role, a friend who sells vegetables at the Carbon Public Market in Cebu City, to thank for big-time as he agreed to portray in his most veritable way the man there is in Perfecto.

Webb Villantez, Yap said, is another person to thank for because of his most efficient production assistance who also had a cameo role in the film; Idden delos Reyes, the editor, who placed all the subtle elements in the film that made a large difference; Karl Lucente, whose musical rendering enriched the film's emotional experience, among others who chipped in crucial roles in the production.

“To my fellow finalists in the narrative shorts category, my highest respect. I've been a fan of your films, seeing so much humanity in them. With that, you are nothing but winners already.

To the giants in the full-length category, my highest respect to the great stories that you told.

To Cinemalaya, the screeners and jury members. Your choice lightened up in so many ways Perfecto's load,” Yap said in recognition of the many people who have enriched his team’s journey and success in filmmaking.

Further, Yap is grateful to the followers who kept on sharing the film on their social media posts.

“I owe you big-time for free marketing our story. We hope we'll randomly catch a future producer for a full-length break,” he added.

As for those who would want to follow in his footsteps, Yap said literature is key.

Reading as much literature, he said, exposes the filmmaking enthusiasts to the advantages and relevance of literature itself today.