Jaymar Cabebe

⚡️Wow, we are still buzzing from our World Premiere of YOU COULD’VE BEEN A NURSE at @faaimchicago @filmcenter Asian American Showcase. Such good vibes, Chicago! Screening in Kapwa: Filipino American Shorts is an experience we won’t soon forget. The spirit of kapwa was so present in the theater, and we are honored to have been included in this talented lineup of filmmakers. Big thanks to Huu Ly and the team for curating such a moving program. So much love and respect to the fellow storytellers who screened alongside us: @ashleydequilla @awitnatinfilm @pacquip @nationalfilmsociety @patrickepino @maybeitsjusttherain.shortfilm @reina.bonta @inthemorningsunfilm @serville_ @bridgingourstories @clarodelosreyes @amaliaaqui @amybitong Finally, to the family and friends (old and new!) who showed up for us – thank you for your presence and your belief in this film. It means the world. 🫶🏽

✨CAST SPOTLIGHT✨ MEET TERRY The eldest child with “younger bro” vibes. A perpetual bachelor, he cares about two things in life: his sneaker collection and his mama. Lovable despite having a history as the family screw-up.  PLAYED BY @frankinflight Francis Lansang is a Filipino-American actor, writer, and print model with a background in theater and improv through Upright Citizens Brigade and The Second City. He is currently pursuing film and television projects while developing a children’s YouTube series, The Frankie Boost Show. His work is rooted in collaboration, storytelling, and community engagement, including his involvement with Education Through Music-Los Angeles. Francis continues to explore performance and storytelling through the lens of curiosity, play, and human connection, drawing inspiration from The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. 🎤Q&A “Which part of this story do you relate to most? I can relate to the guilt and resentment that sometimes comes with taking care of parents/grandparents. Being Filipino, I’ve always understood that life comes full circle and we eventually become our elders’ caretakers. It can feel like a chore or an inconvenience as we have our own lives and responsibilities, but it is also an honor to return their care and sacrifices in this lifetime. YOU COULD’VE BEEN A NURSE A Short Film by @mateomegj Premiering May 2026

✨CAST SPOTLIGHT✨ MEET CELY A devout Catholic woman with a dry sense of humor. Before she became ill, she was energetic, adventurous, and independent. Her body may be frail, but her mind is sharp. PLAYED BY ROSE ALMARIO Rose Almario is a passionate, dedicated artist whose talent earned her a drama scholarship at Ateneo de Davao University, where she performed in the major Zarzuela Production, “Ngotngot Sa Kangitngit.” After moving to the United States, her commitment to acting led her to San Francisco’s Bindlestiff Studio in 2004, where she volunteered and performed in major theater productions such as Alamat, Anak Ti Diablo, Hedda Gabler, Guerillas of Powell St., A Strange Story of Citizen de la Cruz and Chasing Papeles. She later transitioned into film; her most recent project is YOU COULD’VE BEEN A NURSE. 🎤Q&A “What type of role would you like to play next?” A villain! #youcouldvebeenanurse #ycbanfilm #filipinocinema #shortfilm #castspotlight

✨CAST SPOTLIGHT✨ MEET GWEN The youngest child, with “eldest daughter” vibes. She is responsible, realistic, self-sacrificing, and wrestles with her inner voice. While she is everyone’s voice of reason, she still feels invisible in her family. Works in graphic design, not nursing. PLAYED BY @melanieannepadernal Melanie is a Filipina-American actor, writer, and producer committed to amplifying nuanced stories that celebrate women and people of color. Her films have premiered at Sundance Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, Slamdance Film Festival, and more. Her on-screen work includes roles opposite Sophie Turner, Mae Whitman, and Mark Hamill. She created and stars in the digital dramedy series GO OFF IZZY and she is a founding member of the sketch comedy team FILIPINO AF. Melanie trained at the American Conservatory Theater, Second City, and Upright Citizens Brigade. She is represented by Untamed Artists, STW Talent, DDO, and Kathy Muller Agency. 🎤Q&A “What did you do to prepare for this role?” When I prepare for a role, I love asking myself “What if?” questions. For Gwen, I asked, “What if, right up until the very end of my mom’s life, I was still ruled by what she wanted for me, not what I wanted for myself?” I also explored the painful duality of loving your family deeply while never feeling fully seen or heard by them.  A year before auditioning for the film, three of my family members passed away, two of whom helped raise me. Navigating this grief brought me wisdom I still hold onto today: my ancestors are passing the torch to me, and now it’s my turn to go after my dreams. YOU COULD’VE BEEN A NURSE A Short Film by @mateomegj Premiering May 2026

🎬 WORLD PREMIERE: We’re heading to Chicago! YOU COULD’VE BEEN A NURSE will be making its debut at @faaimchicago 29th Annual Asian American Showcase, taking place May 1-12, 2026.  

We’re honored to see our film included in Kapwa: Filipino American Shorts. This film is a labor of love, and we can’t wait to share it in such a meaningful space with other incredible storytellers.  When: May 8th at 5:45 PM
Where: Gene Siskel Film Center If you’re in the Windy City, come through! We’d love to see you there. If not, please share this post with someone who is. Help us spread the word! 🎟️ Tickets available now. Link in @ycbanfilm bio.

IT’S HERE. We’re so excited to share the trailer for YOU COULD’VE BEEN A NURSE (short film), a dark comedy about family, hospice, and the weighty mismatch of mother-daughter expectations. Follow @ycbanfilm for more updates Visit ycbanfilm.com for film details ✨Premiering May 2026 ✨ YOU COULD’VE BEEN A NURSE A Short Film Writer/Director @mateomegj Producer @jaymarcabebe Producer @dianneque Starring @melanieannepadernal Rose Almario @frankinflight @margie_foley @roczane_mua Director of Photography @marcobercasio Editor/ Consulting Producer @ajxy Associate Producer @dreamitdoitmedia 1st Assistant Director @dianneque Art Director @fmly.style Makeup Artist @roczane_mua 1st Assistant Camera @angelitoc2.0 Script Supervisor @swertej Production Sound Mixer @lancetagram Gaffer @itookaphoto Key Grip @nick_haaf G&E Swing @karlo.blssm BTS Photographers @darrencabebe @miles.il Production Assistants @karlo.blssm @darrencabebe @alaina.acg @miles.il @tinatolentino_baldridge Colorist Benjamin Kantor Assistant Editor @clowndinner VFX Artist @randalkamradt Re-recording Mixer Erik Clemente Additional Editor @charlesjgray #youcouldvebeenanurse #ycbanfilm #darkcomedy #shortfilm #filipinocinema

First day of TK and 3rd grade…at the same school! Wishing all kiddos, educators, parents/caregivers a year of joy, wholeness, and community care. 🌱💗

Ready for 2025.

Wow! It’s so humbling to see our book written up in @foodandwine this week. We’re so glad that these recipes are still giving, after all these years. Thank you so much to @littlechefdiana of @littlecheflittlecafe NYC for including us @filipinoinstantpotcookbook on this list! Link to full article in bio. #filbookfest #filipinofoodmovement #cookbooksofinstagram #filipinorecipes #filipinoinstantpot

As Filipino Americans in our 40s, many of us were once latch-key kids who grew up taking care of ourselves. We had parents who didn’t talk about their past or problems. Now we’re in the “sandwich generation” - it’s our turn to care for our parents and our children - and we’re figuring out what that means. YOU COULD’VE BEEN A NURSE is a short film based on a personal experience - the day @mateomegj ’s mother was given only a few days to live. This intimate story investigates grief, care, and the complexity of human relationships along with the humor that arises amidst a family crisis. It’s been a journey getting to this point, and now we’re looking for the cast that will help us bring this story to life. Please share! You Could’ve Been a Nurse Produced by: @jaymarcabebe and @dianneque Written/Directed by: @mateomegj Genre: dark comedy, drama Shooting November 2024 in Los Angeles CASTING CALL Submit headshots, reel, and brief intro to [email protected] by Sep 20, 2024. Selected actors will be asked to submit a self-tape audition. Union/Non-Union. Talent pay: Copy, credit, meals. Potential for pay with additional funding. Thank you! #casting #castingcall #shortfilm #filipinoamerican #asianactors

g(m)oat 🐐 @dianneque #nilomars #amariulan

Happy birthday, Dad 🤍