CARMELO THROUGH THE YEARS

TAKE A LOOK BACK AT THE LIFE AND CAREER OF CARMELO IN PHOTOS.

Journey to

Transformative Storytelling

In 1996, fresh off the heels of completing a Bachelor's degree in AB Mass Communication, Carmelo was eager to dive headfirst into the world of filmmaking. With a passion for storytelling and a deep appreciation for the power of visual media, Carmelo wasted no time immersing themselves in every extracurricular activity that could help hone their craft. Whether it was spending long hours in the editing room, collaborating with fellow students on short films, or attending industry events to network and learn from established filmmakers,Carmelo was determined to absorb as much as possible and make a name for themselves in the world of cinema. Despite facing countless obstacles and setbacks along the way, Carmelo persevered, driven by an unshakeable belief in the transformative power of film. And over time, their hard work and dedication began to pay off, as they began to gain recognition for their unique voice and innovative approach to storytelling. Today, Carmelo is hailed as one of the most talented and visionary filmmakers of their generation. With a body of work that has garnered critical acclaim and amassed a global following, they have solidified their position in the industry. It all began with a single step taken over two decades ago, as Carmelo embarked on a life-altering journey that would shape their destiny forever.

Forging Paths:

NEW CALLING

As their career began to take off, Carmelo found a new calling in the world of education, and in 2000, they accepted a teaching position at a state college in the Philippines. Here, they could share their vast knowledge and experience with aspiring filmmakers, helping to inspire and shape the next generation of creative visionaries. Over the years, Carmelo proved to be an exceptional educator, sharing their deep passion and erudition in filmmaking with students from all walks of life. Under their leadership as the head of AB Communication arts for the department, they established innovative programs and cutting-edge tools for students, including a university radio station and TV production courses. Through Carmelo's tireless efforts, the department flourished, and countless students went on to become successful filmmakers, inspired and influenced by Carmelo's dedication to the art of storytelling. Throughout their career, Carmelo remained deeply committed to the transformative power of visual media, pushing the boundaries and creating work that challenged and inspired audiences around the world. And both as a filmmaker and an educator, their impact on the world of cinema would continue to be felt for years to come."

Director

BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM

In 2007, Carmelo joined the Quisumbing Escandor Film Festival, a highly-regarded event that celebrates the best and brightest in the world of cinema. Competing against some of the most talented filmmakers in the country, Carmelo emerged victorious, winning the award for Best Documentary Film. This win was a turning point in Carmelo's career, opening up new opportunities and unlocking new levels of success. Eager to continue honing their craft, Carmelo decided to pursue further studies in filmmaking, enrolling at the International Academy of Film and Television. It was here that Carmelo truly began to shine, receiving an Emergent Artist Award and quickly establishing themselves as one of the most talented and innovative filmmakers in their class. With their deep passion for visual storytelling and their natural talent for directing, Carmelo quickly gained the respect and admiration of their peers, inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams and create work that truly mattered.

Documentary Film

TRAMPLING ON WEALTH

In 2008, Carmelo's talents as a filmmaker caught the attention of a Canadian mining company, whose CEO and President had read about their award-winning documentary film in a leading broadsheet newspaper. Impressed by Carmelo's skill and expertise, they offered them a new project, one that would prove to be their most challenging and dangerous yet. The project was a documentary about the current state of the mining industry in the Philippines, an issue that was highly controversial and politically charged. With the pro- and anti-mining organizations locked in a bitter conflict, Carmelo knew that this film would be anything but easy to make. But they were determined to tell the story of the people affected by this issue, and to shed light on the complex and often troubling realities of the mining industry. The resulting documentary, titled "Trampling on Wealth," was a masterpiece, a stunning and provocative work that challenged the status quo and called for change. But the response from those in power was swift and brutal. Political leaders and religious groups who were anti-mining became increasingly vocal, and threats against Carmelo and their crew began to escalate. Undeterred, Carmelo continued to film, risking their life to capture footage that would give voice to those who had been silenced. But the dangers only increased as the film's release approached. In an act of extreme violence, Carmelo was set on fire by extremists who were angered by the film's revelations. For a time, it seemed as though their career and their life were both over.

New Chapter

LAND OF OPPORTUNITIES

In 2009,Carmelo left their home country of the Philippines to pursue a new chapter in their life in the United States. This move represented a significant turning point for Carmelo, who saw it as an opportunity to start fresh and explore new horizons in their career. Initially, Carmelo faced significant obstacles in their quest to break into the competitive film industry. But they refused to be discouraged, and instead pivoted to an unexpected new direction: fashion. With their expertise in cinematography and high-fashion photography, Carmelo quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the fashion world. They collaborated with various organizations to produce fashion shows, working alongside models, designers, and other luminaries in the industry. With each new project, Carmelo pushed themselves to new heights of creativity, honing their skills and refining their unique style. As they immersed themselves in the world of fashion, Carmelo found themselves captivated by its beauty and endless possibilities. They threw themselves into their work, creating stunning visuals that captured the essence of the industry and left audiences spellbound. Through sheer determination and hard work, Carmelo had charted a new course for themselves in the United States, one that was filled with boundless opportunities for growth and self-expression. Though their journey was far from over,Carmelo knew that they had found a new home in America, a land of limitless possibility where anything was achievable for those with the courage and perseverance to pursue their dreams.

Hitting A New Peak

ENDLESS POSIBILITIES

In 2013, Carmelo's career had hit a new peak. While continuing to make strides in the fashion industry, he had also established himself as a go-to filmmaker for businesses seeking to create effective infomercials and corporate advertisements. But Carmelo's talents didn't stop there. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for capturing the essence of love and romance, he also began offering his services as an upscale provider of wedding films for couples. Combining his passion for filmmaking with his desire to create beautiful and meaningful experiences for his clients, Carmelo poured his heart and soul into his work, creating stunning and emotionally resonant films that captured the joy and magic of weddings. With each project, he pushed himself to new heights, challenging himself to find new and innovative ways to tell stories through film. And as he continued to grow and evolve as an artist, he knew that the possibilities for his career were endless.

A Click Away From Your Big Break!

CLIQ INTERNATIONAL

In 2017, Carmelo took the entertainment world by storm and founded Cliq International, a talent directory that offers opportunities for aspiring models, designers, and actors to showcase their skills and break into the industry. This move was a bold step forward for Carmelo, who had already established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry. With Cliq International, Carmelo was able to help countless individuals achieve their dreams and pursue their passion for fashion. The platform quickly gained popularity and became a go-to resource for those seeking to make a name for themselves in the industry.

DRAMA

TAWAK: The Movie

In 2018, Carmelo embarked on a new project - the production of a film entitled "TAWAK". He poured all his passion and expertise into the project, carefully selecting the right people to bring his vision to life. Although the film is still an ongoing project, Carmelo is confident that it will be a huge success, thanks to its universal appeal and captivating storyline. With his determination and dedication, Carmelo is sure to make "TAWAK" a masterpiece that will captivate audiences around the world.

Time Square New York

THE FASHION EXPERIENCE

In 2019, Carmelo took things to the next level and collaboratively mounted a fashion show at Time Square New York. The show was a resounding success, attracting attention and acclaim from fashionistas and industry insiders alike. But Carmelo was not content to rest on their laurels.

The Island Of The Devil

ISLE DU DIABLE

In 2020, Carmelo embarked on two major projects that pushed their skills to new heights. The first was producing a high-scale trailer for the action film Isle du Diable, featuring a star-studded cast, cutting-edge special effects, and thrilling action sequences. Despite the challenges, Carmelo successfully managed the large-scale production, delivering a stunning preview that impressed investors with its creativity and quality. Alongside this, Carmelo organized Cliq International's upscale fashion show, building on the success of their previous show. Despite pandemic-related obstacles, Carmelo and their team worked tirelessly to create a show that solidified Cliq International's position as a fashion industry leader. With their creativity, hard work, and attention to detail, Carmelo pulled off another successful fashion show, earning widespread acclaim and attracting fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

The Pandemic

THE RUNWAY CINEMA

In 2021, the fashion industry was hit hard by the pandemic, with many fashion shows and events being canceled or postponed indefinitely. However, I refused to let the pandemic get in the way of my passion for fashion, and instead, I decided to innovate and create something new: The Runway Cinema. </br> The Runway Cinema is a virtual fashion show that combines the worlds of film and fashion, offering an outlet for models and designers to showcase their work in a unique and creative way. Using my expertise in cinematography and film production, I produced stunning visuals that captured the essence of the fashion world, creating a virtual experience that was both immersive and unforgettable. </br>   Through The Runway Cinema, I was able to bring together some of the best and brightest talents in the fashion industry, creating a platform for them to showcase their work and connect with audiences around the world. And despite the challenges of the pandemic, I was able to push the boundaries of what was possible in the world of fashion, creating a new and exciting way for people to experience the beauty and creativity of this dynamic industry.

MED STREAM LIVE

In 2022, Carmelo took on a new challenge and became the COO of Med Stream Live, a company that offers live streaming services specifically for the medical industry. As a leader in the company, Carmelo was able to apply his expertise in both cinematography and live streaming to create innovative and impactful solutions for clients in the medical field. During that same year, Carmelo also authored a book titled "7 Live Streaming Guidelines for Doctors", which became a valuable resource for medical professionals who want to incorporate live streaming into their practice. The book provided practical and effective tips on how doctors can leverage live streaming to enhance patient care and education, as well as expand their reach and engagement with their audience. Through his work with Med Stream Live and his book, Carmelo continues to push the boundaries of live streaming and bring new opportunities for growth and development in the medical industry.

The Advocacy

GROWING GREEN FASHION SHOW

In 2023, In 2023, Carmelo's passion for fashion evolved into a more socially responsible direction as he mounted the Growing Green Fashion Show, an event that advocated for environmental protection and sustainability. The show became a huge success, drawing in hundreds of models who shared Carmelo's vision of creating a more eco-friendly and sustainable future through fashion.

22 +

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY

274

PROJECTS DIRECTED

3

AWARDS

ALL ABOUT ME

PRODUCER I DIRECTOR I CINEMATOGRAPHER