WITH A FOCUS on highlighting the significant service of San Beda University (SBU) personnel, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Student Council (SC) released its Christmas short film titled “DUTY” on December 21 through their official social media platforms.
The film emphasized the sacrifices of campus security guards in their service to the Bedan community even amidst the holiday season, with the idea being initially conceptualized as early as August during discussions with the CAS SC Social Media Committee.
According to CAS SC Secretary-General Shara Chrisly Esteba, the Council that spearheads the Social Media Committee, the project began as part of efforts to “increase engagement on social media and for marketing purposes of other events.”
Esteba mentioned how the initial concept had a different subject matter but later shifted after CAS SC Social Media Committee Assistant Head Jeremiah Kiel Tenchavez, who was also the writer and director of the film, pitched SBU security guard Ms. Victoria Diaz’s story of sacrifice and how she would be celebrating Christmas on duty, away from her family.
Ms. Diaz’s story led the team to reframe the film’s narrative towards amplifying the role of campus workers, particularly security personnel, aiming to engage the Bedan community in recognizing and appreciating the dedication of SBU personnel.
Released during the Christmas break, “DUTY” aligns with the theme of Paskong Bedista and emphasizes compassion, service, and community. Esteba furthered that the film sought to move beyond traditional portrayals of Christmas celebrations, saying, “We often forget that there are people who still work during the holidays to create a safer and better community.”
Tenchavez noted that the project, being “the first film made by the Executive Committee,” became the major challenge in the execution of the initiative, mentioning how scheduling conflicts brought by academic and organizational commitments from October to December were also a factor in executing the project.
He then expressed that while many stories were worthy of being shared, the film intentionally emphasized the loss of time with family and rest during the Christmas season, highlighting the emotional weight of working through a season associated with togetherness.
Both Esteba and Tenchavez credited the Social Media Committee’s planning and coordination for the project’s completion, as Esteba commended the committee’s “hard work” that ensured a smooth production process and led to “no major issues with the film itself.”
Going beyond the campus setting, Esteba hoped for a wider scope of engagement, emphasizing the sacrifices of workers in general.
“There are many workers all around the Philippines who continue working during the holidays,” she said, adding that their goal was “simply to show how much these people sacrifice for their families and for their work.”
She then emphasized that kindness goes a long way as it does not require any material effort.
“Every time we see workers in San Beda, I hope we think about showing them kindness… It takes nothing—no money at all—to be kind,” she said.
“For those who haven’t watched it yet, I hope the film resonates with them and helps them grasp the essence of the story—a story of sacrifice for family… Let’s appreciate them more. And if we can choose kindness, let’s choose kindness,” Tenchavez said.
The online feature initiative has garnered a total of 34 shares and over 250 reactions within less than a week of posting.