Not even a looming typhoon could stop the local cinephile scene from gathering together for the annual Cinemalaya. This year, in its 22nd edition, nine feature-length films and 10 shorts are participating. It follows the theme “Reel Reflections,” with entries reflecting on real moments that help deepen our understanding of self and others.

True to its theme, this year's entries are chock-full of heavy hitters and relatable films. Here are the nine full-length films, along with our personal ratings and what stuck with us for each one.

We started our run with quite a wholesome film. In “Ganggang,” Mel (Raine Dela Cruz) is a newcomer to the province and befriends two locals, Ten-Ten (Kenneth “Butchoy” Vincent Mendoza) and Ilay (Don Rishmond Cerbito). They form a bond through spider fighting and embark on an adventure to seek out a strong spider to fight off the resident bully. Truth be told, the spider fighting feels minimal compared to the larger threats that loom around the children.

When we focus on the kids just being kids, it's fun and wholesome how quickly they express their thoughts and feelings to one another, and it feels accurate to how children interact in real life. When it gets real, “Ganggang” hits us with tragic realities that unfold in the far-flung provinces kept under the military’s hovering presence.

It feels almost odd catching “Hand of God” immediately after “Ganggang.” Here, the military’s presence in the far-flung area, though still painted as a threat, feels more lighthearted in its intentions. That's mostly due to the actions of the fresh Philippine Military Academy graduate Lt. Edgardo Reyes (Ruru Madrid), who seems keen on teaching the village kids how to play football to keep them away from the threat of the extremist leader Omar (Jhong Hilario).

The real stars, however, are the gang of kids Lt. Edgardo takes in. We feel for how the team manages to rise through the ranks and banter with one another as they compete in a football tournament. Khaleel (KD Omalin), as a character, also stands out for the growth he faces throughout the film.

While the film seems to be shot in the style of “The Office” and Matt Johnson's “BlackBerry,” it is not a mockumentary. Rather, it is a comedic view into the ludicrous life of your classic political dynasty family.

Delusions of grandeur might be the perfect way to describe the characters shown throughout. Outstanding performances are given by all, as the lengthy monologues are given animated life by the actors’ expressions and timing. There are plenty of laughs to be had, but also a proper jab that shows us just how insane people in power can be without care for repercussions due to their status.

What starts out as a buddy-cop-vibe comedy slowly turns into a dramatic think piece. Rocco Nacino and Floyd Tena, as Father Bert and Santos, have a unique chemistry as a priest and his parishioner. There are shoddy edits throughout that make the green-screen backgrounds glaringly obvious.

We are left with many questions unanswered, such as how Santos even ended up in his situation. While Father Bert’s destination seems urgent enough, when they get there, they are sidetracked many times, and it feels like the sense of urgency becomes moot with every side quest they throw themselves into. At the very least, the bantering dialogue between a priest and a taxi driver can be amusing at times. It does, however, feel wildly misplaced once we reach the dramatic bits.

Martin del Rosario and Miguel Madron’s chemistry as Neil and Bong is absolutely splendid. We truly feel the harrowing journey the two face as Bong finds himself slowly dying from HIV. Yayo Aguila and Epy Quizon, as Bong’s parents, have us feeling the sorrow of a family unsure of how to deal with the situation they are faced with. It was also a relief to see their characters written as supportive types for their relationship rather than the usual narrative that has parental figures shunning their gay kid’s partner.

“Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam” also does a good and respectable job at portraying the stigma behind HIV and gay relationships. Audience members also learn a lot about how HIV cases are handled by the government and how to stay safe from it. Expect a lot of tears.

Yet another wholesome film centered around children. What makes this different from “Ganggang” is that we are also shown what the future holds for besties Niko (Bryce Nicolo Mercado), a boy from Manila who moved to Mindoro, and Ayan (Dennis Dato), a Mangyan native.

Their bond as unlikely friends feels reminiscent of the childish whimsy present in films like “Bridge to Terabithia.” Props also go to the scene-stealer, Deanne Bautista, who acts as their third friend, a girl living next door to Niko. Shots of Mindoro's natural beauty are given a chance to shine. A spotlight is also shed on the simple nature of the Mangyan lifestyle, giving viewers a respectful glimpse into their daily lives and culture as well.

Talk about a “What the heck did I just watch?” type of film. “Mag-Iina” is sure to stun audiences with its bizarre storytelling. This is the kind of movie that remains unforgettable due to the memories it leaves implanted in you. You will feel anxious, concerned, and downright stunned by how things play out. It's surprising how intergenerational trauma, folkloric horror, and non-consensual women-loving-women (WLW) relationships manage to weave a hypnotic narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Performances by the cast are remarkable due to the uneasiness they leave you with. Jackie Lou Blanco, almost unrecognizable in her aged-up role as a grandmother, gives us a haunting performance that leaves you locked in with her statements. Child actor Lucas Andolio is equally as terrifying with how convincingly he switches up his aura for his scenes.

“Status: Rejected” feels like a familiar tale for those who have had a brush with US Embassy applications. Biring (Ruby Ruiz) is a grandmother who longs to fly to the US so she can visit her son. Sadly, with her visa rejected, she is convinced by an old friend to try entering the world of social media. Eventually, she ends up forming a long-distance relationship with an unknown American who introduces himself as Steve.

We are given a wholesome comedy of elders navigating a world unfamiliar to them while also peering into the dynamics of a family struggling to make ends meet. Glimpses of Poblacion's nightlife serve as a reminder of how the party central of Makati is also home to its seedy red-light district. We truly feel a lingering disgust toward the area due to the looming foreigners who frequent it for a different kind of “tourism.”

We apologize. “2 Valid IDs” has such high demand that not even those of us with complimentary passes have managed to get seats in time. Screenings for the film starring Pokwang have been sold out entirely at Gateway Cinemas up until its final screening. This high demand proves to us just how highly sought-after seats for this film are, and may this scenario speak for its quality.

Even with what seems to be a surefire slot at the box office, it seems likely that even then, seats will go fast. While we haven't been able to view it just yet, the sold-out screenings of “2 Valid IDs” prove that Filipino cinema is far from dead. No matter how many foreign films may seem to dominate our domestic box office, when a local movie shows a promising premise, people will come in droves to support it.