Director Mike Talplacido Brings Filipino American Stories Center Stage with ‘The Manalos’

Mike Talplacido, creative director and filmmaker, sat down for an in-depth conversation with Houston Comedy Film Festival director Roselyn Omaka to discuss his celebrated short film, “The Manalos (New Beginnings).” The film, a comedic look at a Filipino American family’s move from the Midwest to California, shines as a finalist at the Houston Comedy Film Festival and offers a heartfelt take on identity, assimilation, and cultural connection.

Uplifting Filipino American Voices Through Comedy

Early in the interview, Mike shared his core motivation—uplifting Filipino Americans by telling stories that reflect their real lives and experiences. He spoke candidly about the importance of representation and the need for Filipino voices to take center stage in U.S. media, highlighting, “that’s really the foundation of why I do things: to help share more stories about us, about our culture, about our characters”. Roselyn applauded the relatability and cultural authenticity of “The Manalos,” noting how seamlessly Mike blended universal themes with specific Filipino American nuances, making the story “relatable” even to those outside the community.

Crafting the Sitcom-Style Family Story

Mike emphasized his vision for a comedic, sitcom-influenced style that centers Filipino American experiences. Unlike his previous work in drama, he wanted to venture into comedy, resulting in a film that balances humor with the realities of adaptation and family dynamics. Roselyn was especially impressed by the film’s comedic timing and the warmth that radiated from the ensemble cast.

Casting, Collaboration, and On-Set Memories

Casting was a community-driven process relying on word-of-mouth and social media outreach within the Filipino American community. Lead actor James Luntayahu’s performance stood out, earning praise for both his commitment and his comedic presence. Mike recounted a memorable scene involving James consuming Tic-Tacs as props— a testament to the actor’s dedication. The director called working with the cast, especially the children and first-time actors, one of his favorite aspects of the shoot, noting, “for me as a director, the best part is being able to work with actors… that’s what makes it fun.”

Overcoming Challenges: Locations and Continuity

Mike detailed production challenges, such as last-minute location changes. Securing the crucial grocery store scene required a scramble that was only resolved days before filming, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of his team. Since the store remained open during filming, continuity and background changes were constant hurdles—but these were managed so skillfully that audiences would “never think twice” about them.

Advice for Filmmakers: Positivity Pays Off

In discussing set culture, Mike underscored the importance of a positive, upbeat environment, both for cast chemistry and for audience enjoyment. “As the director, you have the responsibility to set the tone for the whole shoot,” he told Roselyn, stressing that genuine behind-the-scenes fun translates to an authentic and enjoyable final product.

Favorite Moments: Creating Family On Screen

When asked about his personal highlights, Mike pointed to the family interactions and the challenge of orchestrating natural, dynamic scenes with several actors, especially children. His experience as an uncle informed his directing style, helping create playful, lively energy among first-time and veteran performers alike.

The Future: Features, Series, and Character Arcs

Mike revealed he’s open to expanding “The Manalos” into a feature film or web series. He’s especially interested in developing supporting characters further, such as the real estate agent portrayed as the “Filipino version of a Karen,” hinting at plenty of comedic possibilities ahead.

Mike’s Legacy: Continual Learning and Cultural Impact

In a thoughtful conclusion, Mike expressed his hope that each project will serve as both a learning experience and a platform for new voices: “Each project, I take as an opportunity to learn something new… always thinking, how can you get new experiences, skills, people, or friendships?” Above all, he aims to build a legacy anchored in sharing Filipino American stories honestly and joyfully.

Mike’s nuanced, lively conversation with Roselyn Omaka reaffirmed the power of comedy and representation in film—inviting theater audiences to laugh, reflect, and see themselves on screen in new ways.