ASMPH student-produced film ‘Mga Kwentong Tsubibo” tackles social determinants of health

The Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) Batch 2019, held a press conference and private screening for “Mga Kwentong Tsubibo,” the medical students turned movie producers’ first advocacy film last November 7, 2015.

“Mga Kwentong Tsubibo tackles the social determinants of health. It represents what we want to say— how we see health as medical students and how health is perceived in our society,” L.A. Rellora, the film’s director, said.

Rellora, also a member of Batch 2019, told an audience at the Barcelon Hall of The Medical City, Pasig City about the spark that set the wheels in motion.

Observing how their batch regularly used videos in class presentations, Rellora thought of parlaying it into something what would reach a wider audience.

“If the videos that we present make an impact on us inside the classroom, one could just image its reach when we push it outside,” he said at the press conference.  The idea of making an advocacy film, he added, “spread like wildfire” among his batch mates.

Making “Mga Kwentong Tsubibo” is the culmination of Batch 2019’s learning after one year in medical school.

“We want to share what we’ve learned in school. It also reinforced our purpose of why we are doing what we are doing — studying in a medical school,” he said.

The students likened the Philippine health care system to a carousel ride – seemingly endless and without a beginning and an ending.

The film explores the lives of 8 individuals and how their social circumstances affect their choices in dealing health challenges.

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Associate Dean Ma. Luz Querubin

“It left me with a very distinct feeling of sadness and frustrations leaving me only with a desire to produce more doctors who will then do more for this country,” said Dr. Ma. Luz Querubin, Associate Dean of ASMPH.

“Mga Kwentong Tsubibo” will be shown on November 28, 2015 at the Henry Lee Irwin Theatre inside the Ateneo de Manila University Loyola Heights campus. Tickets may be reserved at http://tinyurl.com/TsubiboTickets