Taphaw

“Taphaw” (from the English word “top how”) tells the story of those living in the shadows, quietly overlooked. When asked if they are part of the top or honors, or have achieved notable success, the answer is always the same: “taphaw ra” — still low-key, still unseen. A Cebuano/Bisaya humor, the phrase is often used jokingly to downplay one’s standing while masking quiet resilience beneath self-deprecation. Rooted in humor and resilience, the film follows Elsie Daayon, played by Abby Aparicio, a fresh nursing graduate in Cebu far from home and chasing her dreams alone. As her mother battles cancer and her younger sister waits, Elsie works tirelessly by selling art, taking online gigs, and singing at a bar to support her family, all while preparing for the PNLE Board Exams. Each day tests her strength and spirit, yet she keeps going, holding on to hope and the promise of becoming who she dreams to be. But after every obstacle and sacrifice, will she reach the top? And if she does, how?