Be The Reason For A Smile

The topic we got was Extreme poverty and hunger with the styles’ SM, GE & IN. I was thinking of ways how we can show the topic assigned without putting our own lives in danger, I suggested a place here in Laguna since no one was giving ideas of where we can shoot. We all agreed on going to Laguna after all the discussions on our group chat, we concluded that it’s safer to shoot in the area I suggested, and even though the area is dangerous I asked for adult supervision from my parents and a family friend that is a resident there. The 5 of us, Angela, Ela, Kristen, Jewel and I went on a bus that had the sign of Balibago Complex, Sta. Rosa exit. It was exciting because it was their first time to go to Laguna. We went down on the first stop, we rode a tricycle going directly to my village. It’s so funny because they were taking snapchats and pictures “tourista hits”. We got to the house at around 12pm, I reckon. My mom prepared us food and we enjoyed the meal. After eating, Kristen and I wrote down what we needed to shoot, questions we were going to ask the interviewees and arranging the goods we’ll give to them. After all this, it was time to go to the area called “Inchikan”. The area is within the roads of Westgrove, which is a rich village. Actually before you reach the villa to be exact. A quick fact, Sharon Cuneta has a house there at Westgrove. Going to Inchikan, you’ll be surprised that there is an area that experiences hunger and poverty because it is near rich villages. The outside of Inchikan does not really exemplify a poverty area that was until we went down to the first interviewee, it was hard going down because it was so rocky and it was just land. Bridges were made out of bamboos and a lengthwise piece of concrete. Residents kept on looking and were intrigued by the fact of us being there with our cameras and all our gizmos. Kids were following us as if we were famous. Going inside the first interviewee’s home it was organized but it was small and the floor was wobbly because it was near the river which scared me so I had to be careful. Right then and there I told myself “You are so lucky to have a stable home Bea”. Actually out of all the interviewees I was touched most by the last interviewee, she asked why their life is just like that it was so hard. I wanted to help her in any way I can, when asked of what dream they have a common answer was to eat a complete meal, not get sick and get a job. It makes you think of what you do with your life, I realized how lucky I am to be in a good school, we have a stable home, I eat 3 times or even more a day and I have everything I could ever have and yet I still complain. When we were making this I told myself I would change about how I see life, and let the world see these kinds of problems in the world. After this experience, I’m thinking of taking Development Communications. I am just thankful that I had this opportunity to see and somehow experience their heartaches. I am thankful for this experience because it reminded me of why I chose Mass Communications as my course. I want to be the reason why a person is smiling today. Let us spread love and happiness all around the world.

By: Beanca Navarro

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoSbLrZdo3o

THE PRAY PROJECT

I'm currently writing, or typing per se, nearly 5AM, already Sunday the 15th. I am honestly at a loss for words right now trying to describe the things I feel about what's happening to our world and other bits and bobs. When I knew that we got the topic of poverty and hunger, I actually immediately thought "seriously? again?" This topic has been given to me from countless subjects for the past semester...and maybe it was for a reason. As a seventeen year old college girl with many, many distractions such as social media and piles of projects and homework for school, you never have or take the time to actually stop and stare around you to think of our country's current situation. In a snap, I pictured what I wanted for the video. I wanted it to have an impact on people; I wanted it to be real. We planned to go to an area and interview people who have gone through or who's going through poverty. And in a nick of time, the filming commenced. We interviewed 3 lovely ladies, Jovy, Rosanna and Normia. I really felt for them and I was inspired by their stories, especially Rosanna. To pay respects to them, we gave them goods just to try and help and give back, cause that's what it's all about. When we were filming the video, to be honest, I wasn't exactly the happiest with the shots we've gotten. I wanted it to be more dramatic, and I realised that it didn't matter. This was real. This is happening. And that's what's important. The hardest process for me was actually the editing. I had to do it alone, it wasn't the usual videos I'd edit; it's just, everything that could have gone wrong, went wrong. I nearly had an anxiety attack, nearly thought I was going through an existential crisis, that’s how crazy I am, but I pushed through. I'm going to be honest and say that I'm not as proud as I could be with how I edited it. I know I could have done more, but like I said, thats's just it. It was still worth it. To sum this up, this experience was life changing. It opened my eyes to the struggles of the people living in our country. I know there's a lot more people going through worse and what I learned is just to be thankful. Thankful of what you have; your home, the roof above you, the clothes you wear, the food you eat, the school you go to. Everything. Recently I read something from the bible, it was about a community that had no poor people in it. And the reason for that is because the rich gave what they had to the poor, shared everything they could to the poor. Thus making none of them poor. Imagine what we could do if we only learned to give and not be selfish and take everything for ourselves. Just learn to give. No one has ever become poor from giving. Like what it says in our video, according to Obama, "If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope." Just learn to give. The more you give, the more you gain. And never forget to pray. That’s what this world desperately needs right now.

By Kristen Huang

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoSbLrZdo3o

ANG WALANG KAPANTAY NA HENERAL: HENERAL LUNA

The film showed me what a true hero “Heneral Luna” is not just because he can lead an army of his soldiers but how he accepted his fate and still keeps on fighting for his life even if he knows that he is outnumbered. He shouted the word “duwag” to the soldiers who ambushed him and murdered him. For it is true a true soldier would not fight someone who is wounded by others. A true soldier would fight someone if he or she is ready to accept that he will not be victorious. Which shows how Luna didn’t shout for help or tried to escape but he faced them all and did his best to protect himself. Also it shows how the government is before they have people that sided before with the Americans just to protect the “economy” but the truth is that it’s all about “business” and “money”. Heneral Luna is fighting for freedom and not just having a peaceful kind of way to end the war but to express that he and his army and all of the “Filipinos” are strong enough to protect the country. The way that he puts up with everything even if he gets rejected he would never give up on what he believes. He is the kind of person who is truly amazing even if he is harsh in some ways. The film also reminds me of our government today for some reason it didn’t change. When it comes to power they would be selfish like in the scene where they tried to ruin Heneral Luna’s name while having a small conversation with President Emilio Aguinaldo. Talking about how Heneral Luna got mad and set out his emotions in a bad way saying words that he didn’t meant to say. It only shows how thirsty others are just to drag down Heneral Luna. It took me awhile before I figured out where the “SPOLIARIUM” scene was supposed to be then I realized it was near the last part where they also killed one of Heneral Luna’s soldiers and was drag up next to him. I actually cried and was still thinking how beautiful it is. 
-Palisoc, Chi

Second time's the charm

Heneral Luna (2015) a film directed by Jerrold Tarog is about Dr. Antonio Luna whom we have known so little about. This film is so raw. After watching this last Wednesday, September 17; it gave me more knowledge about Luna and I applaud his greatness and braveness of what he did and stand for our country, the Philippines, in my mind before watching Heneral Luna he was just in the sidelines.

The cinematography of Heneral Luna was sick! And by sick I mean awesome. The special effects, lighting, music, the angles was just WOW! Also, I heard that the movie had a low budget, AMAZEBALLS! I commend the Team of this movie, the costumes and props were impressive. The locations were wisely chosen. And I believe they used a drone with a camera strapped to it, the overview of the mountain where Luna was sitting. I was also impressed on how they emphasized important details like the slow motion of presenting the Spolarium and the close up of the wrecked Philippine flag, it’s almost hard to believe that this was made by Filipinos, no offense meant. Although some said there were mistakes in the movie, but regardless it was a one hit wonder I must say, it may not be seamless but kudos to everyone involved in the making of Heneral Luna. It was a very good and liberating film, maybe that’s why this movie is trending, I’ve heard my friends from different universities talk about watching Heneral Luna, Professors recommending it to their students, and even my family knows about it. A must-see movie it is.

The mise-en-scenes I have noticed in this movie were: First was the build-up of people complaining about how Luna treated his men, so when the scene of Heneral Luna dropped off by Rusca and before Luna left he said “Mag ingat po kayo, mukhang mabigat ang haharapin ninyo ngayon” I thought that Luna was going to be punished by Aguinaldo due to the complaints of the soldiers, but it was his wife all along. Second was the Philippine Flag at the end which was torn up, in flames and dirty, it represents us Filipinos back then, chaos struck our country not just the invasion of the Americans but the chaos between us fellow Filipinos we turned on against each other. Third, was the Spolarium shown in the movie crafted by Juan Luna, though in the original frame there were 3 roman soldiers being dragged, in Heneral Luna there were only 2 being dragged two of which were Luna and Paco, also may I just commend how they emphasized that scenario, they presented it in slow motion to let the audience feel the sorrow and heartache of how cruel and treacherous our countrymen were. Fourth was when Rusca surrendered when he ran out of bullets, I reckon he gave up so he could live to tell the tale of Luna’s bravery and great love for what is right and for our country. Lastly, when Heneral Luna and Paco’s coffins were being carried I noticed that the soldiers had red on them, Aguinaldo’s carriage had red curtains, and when someone is dead you shouldn’t wear red because it symbolizes that you are happy, then when he was interviewed he said that he did not have anything to do with Luna’s death but the question is “Why wear red?”.

I consider Heneral Luna as my all-time favourite Filipino film! I actually got to see this film twice with my friend, same day, to tell you a brief story about my experience; my friend and I were about 10 minutes late so we had the seat V17 and V18, when we settled down, we unfortunately were seated next to a group of teens who were annoyingly really loud, we couldn’t hear a word said in the movie especially me I have difficulty in hearing when watching TV or a film so we decided to get the 5pm screening and headed for the book fair at SMX. Praying that the second time’s the charm we went and sat at the patron area left wing, although there was a couple behind us that were talking a bit loud it was fine we managed to pull through it, we ended up in tears in some parts of the movie especially the part of Luna’s death and the reviving of Spolarium in the film. When we finished the credits and the teaser I remember saying this to my friend “this movie will be a hit!” I recommend this to everyone, well maybe to those of free minds or of right age. Congratulations to the film maker and director! A job well done for producing such an awesome and knowledgeable film.

By Beanca Navarro

IBA'T IBANG BAHAGI NG MUNDO

“IloIlo”

I’ll start with Flor Contemplacion’s story which is about a Filipina who works as an OFW in Singapore. It is said that she is a murderer with a case of strangling another OFW and drowning a 3 year old child. Two witnesses appeared before Flor’s death penalty they stated that “Flor is being framed by the father of the child for what really happened is that the maid who took care of the child suddenly left when the child was taking a bath then suddenly the child had a seizure which leads the child to his death and the father strangled the maid in revenge for his son.” The statement that the witnesses said was declined and the Government didn’t listen thus ending the life of Flor Contemplacion. President Ramos even tried his best to stop the death penalty for he believed that Flor is innocent. As the news spread it also affects the peaceful relationship of our country “Philippines” and “Singapore” in a way that the citizens of Singapore thinks that other Filipino OFW’s are the same. Comparing the story of the film IloIlo we have Terry an OFW mother who tries to find a better future by going out of the country. She was introduced nicely and was accepted except for the little boy in the family. She was treated as if she was a bad person and the little boy does everything to piss off Terry and he keeps on showing that he doesn’t want Terry to be around. Until one time Terry couldn’t handle the bullying of the little boy she said that “I don’t care if you like me or not just let me do my job as your maid.” With those striking words the little boy wasn’t expecting something like that to happen and still continues his behaviour towards Terry until one time the little boy had an accident where he was trying to go away with his bike a taxi was on his other side without the little boy noticing the upcoming taxi hit him. The parents got mad but didn’t blame Terry for the accident then slowly Terry and the little boy got closer once the little boy accepted her as a person who truly does care. The family had some financial issues and the Father can’t get a proper work for he was fired in his last job. When the little boy started to love Terry and almost doesn’t want her to leave his side the day came where they can’t support and pay Terry the money she needed and has to go back to the Philippines. The little boy was against his Parents decision and wanted Terry to stay. This scene made me look back on the first time the boy met Terry and he wants her to go and leave him alone but then everything changes and he would almost just cling to Terry and beg her not to go for he got attached and love her as his trusted friend. Also the camera work here focuses on the character to emphasize each scene and the growing or blossoming of each relationship into something wonderful. For the production design there where some scenes that Terry was cleaning the room of her employer and then she notices the makeup and jewellery she tried it on and just having thoughts of living the life where she doesn’t need to work. Also the clothes she wears inside the house or simply casual clothing and the ones that her employer gave her is usually used when she goes out like in the scene where she found a part time job as a hairdresser. So by comparing the two stories of Flor Contemplacion and Terry they had different situations that’s a fact and maybe just maybe that Terry was lucky to be in a family that even if they have problems throughout their life love would still be dominant and caring for one another is still present.

“Pinoy Transkings”

I would proudly say that this documentary made me think that yes I should be proud of who I want to be and should not be shy or think that I’m doing something bad as a lesbian in our community. Also it cleared up my mind of misunderstanding Trans from Lesbians and Gays. Like the phrase that they always say or I always here from people like them is “I’m born in the wrong body and I know that I should be a boy in real life.” Whenever they say that phrase I would always feel that pain that they’re experiencing for they want a life that they would be respected and be recognized as a man. That kind of feeling somehow hits me but I don’t consider myself being a man like literally but I know that it really does hurt for wanting something that you can’t get or you need to wait for the right time to actually have it. And at the end of the documentary I also learned how they survive the obstacles that are given to them even if they have that kind of nightmare of being in the wrong body. How they want to tell others that they’re also normal people and nothing is different with them. This kind of lesson should be treasured and everyone should be simply open to what a person thinks of themselves.

“Ang Nawawala”

This movie shows how one person’s emotions could be seen by the audience through his/her own way of communicating. Explaining it further that the character “Gibson” doesn’t speak but still has a way to communicate with his family. He doesn’t have any disability but he only decides not to speak ever since his twin brother’s accident that happened when he was a kid around 10 or 12 years old. He only had a camera with him and he films almost everything that is happening in his environment also around his family. He doesn’t have a good relationship with his mother since the accident and somehow there are scenes where we would see his dead twin brother and it’s always in his room. So it might also be the reason why the whole theme of the movie is retro even if it’s with some latest technology from this day you would just have the vibe of how old things was so beautiful and was focused more. They can’t escape the past that happened in their family that is why they’re stuck and still haven’t got any chance to actually love one another like before. Also it shows how the mother quits on her hobby that one that she truly loves which is photography she still cares for her cameras but she can’t touch it like before because of the painful memory that happened to her child. Also the scenes where the ghost or spirit of the dead twin of Gibson that is still hanging around his room and having conversations with Gibson and the only time that he actually speaks. It only shows that Gibson doesn’t want his twin brother to be gone by his side and expresses that he is only comfortable with him around to talk to and simply express what a teenage boy is actually doing. Until the ending everything changes like how Gibson’s relationship with his mother he finally talked to his mother saying that he was Gibson confirming it to her to finally accept the past and let go of what happened before.

-Palisoc, Chi

"May mas malaking kaaway tayo kaysa sa mga Americano, ang ating sarili" -HENERAL LUNA

Marami ako natutunan sa palabas na ito. Ang pinaka tumatak sa aking isipan ay kung paano ipinaglaban ni Heneral Antonio Luna ang kanyang paninindigan bilang Heneral sa ating bansa. Nakita ko sa palabas na ito na sa umpisa pa lamang ng constitusyon ng Pilipinas ay nagaganap na ang ka traidor'an ng mga Pilipino sa mga kapwa Pilipino. Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam kung papaano ko uumpisahan ang repleksyon sa asignatirang ito dahil masyado akong nadala sa aking mga nasaksihan. 

"Hindi mga dayuhan ang kalaban ng ating lipunan kundi ang ating mga sarili", iyan ang pinaka tumatak sa aking isipan na sinabi ng makatang si Luna. Maaring may mga taong sumasakop sa ating bayan ngunit tayo mismo ang nagiging sanhi kung bakit hindi natin nakakayanan ipaglaban ang ating bayan. Maaring naging mayabang at naging abusado si Luna sa kanyang kapangyarihan ngunit naiintindihan ko kung ano ang pinanggagalingan nito, ang kanyang galit sa dibdib dahil sa mga nasasaksihan at nalalaman nya na katraydor'an ng kanyang mga kapwa na may kapangyarihan sa lipunan. Tila mga alipin tayo ng kung ano man ang natatamasa natin sa ating buhay na pwedeng magbigay satin ng kapangyarihan upang mag manipula ng mga tao. Nasa indibidwal na lamang ito kung siya ay magpapa impluwensya sa napaka mapaglinlang nating kapaligiran. Isa pa sa mga pinakapaborito ko na linya na binitawan ni Heneral Luna ay nang kausap nya ang isang americano "english english'in mo ako nasa sarili ko akong bayan, Punyeta!"

Natutunan ko sa palabas na ito na hindi lamang ang mga taong nananakop sa atin ang sakim at uhaw sa kapangyarihan at kayamanan kundi tayo rin mismo na nakatira sa ating inang bayan. Hindi man natin ito ginagawa sa paraan na marahas at madugo, kundi pailalim at sa paraan na makakasiguro tayong hindi tayo mabubuko sa kung ano man ang ating layunin. 

Kung ibabase ko sa aking pagkakaintindi, ang tema ng pelikulang ito ay para iparating sa mga tao na hindi lamang ang mga dayuhan ang may kasalanan sa lahat ng mga naganap na pananakop sa ating bansa kundi binibigyan din mismo natin ng butas ang mga ito upang makapasok sa ating bansa at sa ating kultura. Maaring may mga naiwan sila na hanggang ngayon ay tinatangkilik nating mga pilipino, na hanggang sa panahon ngayon ay ginagawa natin, ngunit isipin rin natin na minsan nilang sinakop ang ating bansa, pinatay ang ating mga kapwa pilipino. Kung kaya't isipin natin na hindi sa lahat ng aspeto ay "In" o "Cool" ang pagtangkilik sa mga ito. 

Iilan sa nga Mise - en - scene na aking nakita ay noong naguusap ang Heneral at mga nakapailalim dito. Pinakita sa senaryong ito kung sino ang mas nakatataas ang posisyon at kung sino ang mas makapangyarihang magsalita. 

Ang paghalik ni Aguinaldo sa kanyang ina bago mamatay si Bonifacio ay naganap din bago namatay si Luna. Na nagbibigay sakin ng ideya na may kinalaman talaga si Aguinaldo sa pagkamatay ng Dalawang Bayani.

Ang mga puting tela, damit, at iba pa sa kapligiran ay nagsisimbolo ng ka inosentehan at kagustuhang maging malaya. 

Ipinakita rin dito ang likha ni Juan Luna na "Spolarium". Ito ay nang patayin ang kanyang kadikit na kapatid at ang kanyang kanang kamay. Nang sila ay pagtabihin pagtapos paslangin. 

Namulat ako sa pelikulang ito kung ano ang katotohanan na nangyari sa ating bansa noong unang panahon na tayo mismong pilipino ang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit tayo naging alipin ng mga banyagang bansa. 

-Mendiola, Francis Mitchell

Heneral Artikulo Uno by Kristen Huang

Heneral Luna (2015) directed by Jerrold Tarog is a historical biopic about Dr. Antonio Luna who is quite an underrated hero in our history. We must remember that this actually happened, this is no work of fiction and it is as raw as it gets. In this film not only did I gain knowledge about the works of Antonio Luna, but gained so much more respect for him knowing what he has done for our country. I actually had to watch the movie twice, the reason being, when we tried to watch the first one, we were late for about 10 minutes and when we came, the people who were sat next to us were immensely loud and very insensitive to those who were watching the film. We could barely understand anything so we had to leave not even halfway through the movie, which was such a shame. As much as I’d love to talk more about the film, I want to discuss the cinematography, musical score, costumes and an absolutely astonishing mise-en-scene. Firstly though, I want to give props to the scriptwriters, Tarog, Francia and Rocha, for an exquisite and humorous script, it was brilliant. Secondly, John Arcilla, you are the man. It’s like he was born to play Antonio Luna, I can’t praise him enough. Anyways, on to the cinematography. The setting for the scenes were stunning, although it made me quite sad that some of the parts were filmed on a green screen, which I don’t blame them at all. It’s not like they could actually rebuild everything or go back in time. Nonetheless, it was still superb. Can we talk about the assassination scene? It was so intense, I could feel every gunshot. That scene was so moving and I can’t even put into words how much I look up to Antonio Luna now. Another scene, I should mention is the one take of Antonio Luna’s youth. It’s so seamless, such a visual spectacle. BUT there was one scene I absolutely loved, which was a breathtaking drone shot with Luna on the hill. I was awe-struck, I adore that shot. And with that, I realised how beautiful our country really is. We have got to give it to Tarog for not only directing the film, but also provided the musical score. The costumes, dare I say it, were on point. It was very noteworthy and accurate. And now to the immaculate mise-en-scene; the Spoliarium scene. I literally got chills when I saw it. It’s not subtle at all and I think it was slow motion for a purpose. When Antonio Luna’s body was being dragged across the courtyard, it was meant to mirror the Spoliarium, the famous painting of Antonio Luna’s brother, Juan Luna. Considering I cried twice during the movie, which I totally did not expect would happen, I can’t even put into words how impressed I am with everything. I’m not one to watch Filipino films, but this has got to be my favourite one, by far. Overall, the movie is a wake up call to us; it is meant to spark a conversation. We Filipinos are still the enemies of ourselves, lacking settlement, torn by selfishness. 

Saturdays by Kristen Huang

Ilo Ilo (2013) which is director Anthony Chen’s first feature film, is astonishingly intimate since it is actually Chen’s own childhood experience, being raised by his maid from the Philippines since his parents were too busy working. The setting of the film is at the age of the Asian financial crisis of 1997 wherein unemployment rates and suicide rates were rising. Nine-year-old Jiale, a willful brat, was used to getting his own way, a rambunctious little child, especially in school. He’s not a bad child because of this attitude, nor is it because his parents don’t care for him, it’s that they are too absorbed in their workplaces that they don’t even have time or make time for him. This all changes when Terry, played amazingly by Angela Bayani, a Filipino maid is hired. Not happy about any of this, Jiale treats Terry as an enemy and tricks her into loads of humiliating situations. Because only Terry has the time for Jiale, they grow closer to each other. But as the two form a compact bond, unlikely circumstances will tear them apart. The performances of the actors are brilliant and authentic, the cinematography, writing, and direction were amazing as well, and all of which makes the movie even more touching and tear-jerking. 

Ang Nawawala (2012) by Marie Jamora is mostly a film that speaks about our generation and for our generation. It’s for us. It’s for us who have access to the internet 24/7, the “conyo” generation, people who are addicted to Instagram and taking pictures to achieve “feed goals”. For us who dare to dream and consume and appreciate art on a daily basis whether it may be aural or visual. This movie is no love story nor a commercial rom-com. It’s definitely different to the stories or movies we usually see. Standoffish “mute” boy falls in love with misfit hipster girl, and she “falls” for him too? See? Not your typical “love story”. The movie also pays close attention and explores the Philippine music scene and how music acts as a drug to forget the past and transmit messages that matter, breaking the barriers of language and communication. It features songs and bands that are out of the mainstream such as Sandwich, Flying Ipis, Pedicab, Ang Bandang Shirley and etc. Needless to say, I absolutely loved it and you have to go give it a watch yourself. It’s like a reblog-and-Tumblr-worthy picture come to life. I’m definitely going to be watching that tons of times until I memorise the lines of each character, no regrets. Beautifully painful, yet real. 

Pinoy Transkings: An Advocacy Documentary is an honest-to-god inspiring documentary about transmen. A transman, if you’re not familiar, is a transgendered person who was assigned female at birth but whose gender identity is that of a man. Some transgendered people undergo Hormone Replacement Therapy also known as “transitioning” to conform one’s physical sexual characteristics to that of their gender identity. This documentary goes into the lives of Filipino transmen, Popoy, Nil, Sid, Prince Eagle Le Andre and Aiza wherein they share their individual stories; discovery, doubt, coming out, and transitioning. I can say that I’m honestly lucky to live in a world where being yourself, or being transgendered per se, is more accepted by the people than it used to be. I hope people continue expressing themselves, and not be afraid of being who they really want to be.

Bea, Kamusta ang sabado mo? By Beanca Navarro

Ilo-Ilo (2013) included in the Director’s Fornight of the Cannes International Film festival, a film by Singaporean director Anthony Chen. A movie that paid tribute to the Ilongga nanny who raised Director Chen during his childhood. The Filipino nanny is being played by theater and indie film actress Angeli Bayani. The film’s set is in the mid 1990’s in Singapore, the Asian financial crisis(1997) to be exact; unemployment rates and suicide rates were high. Jiale a 9 year old boy, son of Hwee Leng and Teck, who is a brat and very stubborn was always in trouble especially in school gave his parents mostly his mom a hard time so they hired a maid. The arrival of Teresa, the new Filipino maid presented a new situation for the family and especially to Jiale, he wasn’t a bad kid or anything he was just acting like that because his parents don’t have time for their kid, they were too caught with their work. So when Aunty Terry, as they called her in the film, arrived in their household, Jiale treated Teresa as the enemy and did nasty things to her; for example the scene where they were at the store and Jiale placed an item in Aunty Terry’s bag in order for her to be caught stealing. But because Aunty Terry was always left with Jiale, the two grew closer to each other and formed a bond; A bond that made the mom of Jiale in a way jealous. Then the worst happened, the family cannot pay Aunty Terry anymore so they had to let her go, this it broke Jiale’s heart and he didn’t want Aunty Terry to go. What a beautiful and touching story indeed, the fact that one person walks into your life makes a huge amount of difference. Although, I can’t relate with the yaya story, but I did have people come and go that made me realize things, bad and good. I commend Director Chen for producing such a heart-warming film and the Ilongga maid who made a difference in a young boy’s life. I wish that when a person enters another person’s life they will strive to make a good difference to that individual’s life. 

Ang nawawala (2012) by Marietta Jamora a film about our generation and is dedicated for our generation. Though this film is about our generation it’s not the “typical” love story we all are used to, “mute” falls in love with a hipster girl and kind of falls in love with him too but they didn’t end up so it was kind of a messed up love story that also happens in our generation so yeah it’s a twisted story but beautiful. It also tackles how music plays a role in our life, in the film Gibson used music to give out messages and to forget or erase the past and the noise around him; it gives importance to antique music enriched with a savoury of good quality music, features a few of non-mainstream bands or songs wherein it proves that good music can be discovered in non-mainstream or old songs. I will definitely go and watch this again, maybe even promote it to my friends and cousins; this is an incredible film, how in one film it can tackle a lot of situations in our life. 

Pinoy Transkings: An advocacy documentary is one of the most educational and inspiring documentary I have ever seen in my lifetime to be honest. A Transman, is a transgendered person who was born a female but whose heart or gender identity is a man. This documentary tackles the lives of Filipino Transmen who openly shared their stories, Popoy, Sid, Aiza, Nil, Le Andre and Prince Eagle about coming out, transitioning, their struggles, and doubts and how they discovered their true identity. When I got to watch this, my life flashed before my eyes, no pun intended, I asked myself did I live my life being true to myself? Am I happy with my life? Although I did not relate to the topic of gender identity, I did relate to their story of finding who you are, how you'll fit in this world, the hinders of being happy and more; this movie may be about the story of transmen but I can relate it to the lives of the bullied people, or even our daily life, where we often think of what our life SHOULD BE not what we WANT our life to be. That maybe the biggest mise-en-scene I have ever analysed. I just wanna say to the others who feel, what they call “different”, EMBRACE IT because you are unique, you are beautiful, you are happy and you’re YOU.

These 3 films made a difference in my life, indeed. It changed the way I viewed my life. My eyes, mind and heart were filled with wisdom and gifts of perception. What a full and awesome day Saturday was.

3 IN 1: Movie Marathon on a Saturday morning

For Iloilo film, comparing it to one of Nora Aunor’s film, Flor Contemplacion, both films are about a Filipina OFW who went to other country to fulfill their family’s needs. In Iloilo, with the help of the Terry’s (Filipina OFW) change of clothes— from rugged clothes to the given clothes by her female boss’, it showed a transition of her better life in Singapore and her better relationship with her female boss’ son. The transitioning of her clothes, also showed that when started using it, the son of her boss started being good to her and they became closer. Like, the kid treats and follows his nanny like his mother that made her real mom, Terry’s female boss, to feel jealous. The Flor Contemplacion ended as Flor has been put to a death sentence—she was hanged. Compared to Iloilo, the end of the story was Terry left the family and goes back to the Philippines and after that, it ended right there—it left us hanging. 

For Pinoy TransKings, the film was made for us to fully understand LGBT Community especially the ‘Transmen'— women who decided to change their ‘inside and outs’ into men. The film started showing a contest which is the first ever King of Trans pageant, and each contestants shared their own stories and experiences in a way we could understand them and their (LGBT) community. With their stories, they also want us to put in mind that, although they are “self-made” men, they should not be discriminated or be cast out, because they’re still humans who have feelings and in the film, they showed that being dressed up and coming out as a ‘guy’ should not always be the only thing to be readied, but also, because you are now entering a new life and should have a good start, you should know that your heart and mind are ready. Honestly, I am really thankful for the team who made this advocacy documentary because it helped the people who are afraid to come out, who are confused, and especially the people who already came out, but is still experiencing discriminations. 

For Ang Nawawala, it is a 'hippie-indie’ film about a boy who stopped talking for years and when he came back in the Philippines, he reformed himself once again by being with his family again and by falling in love. In his brother’s grave, in the last scene, they shared a smoke and their stories that made me realize that he talks with his deceased brother all throughout the film with the help or whenever he takes his drugs. I loved how the Cinematography really worked well like it showed a retro-ish colors and the music fitted well in each scenes. With the production design, unlike Iloilo’s change of clothes, the film showed a hippie and a retro-ish style of clothes even though they are already in the present time. For me, it is because of the tragedy that happened years back then when Gibson’s brother, Jamie, is still alive and all the members of his family, especially his mother, haven’t moved on from the past and is still recovering until the present time. Although my professor in Film App said that most professors in UPD does not approve what the movie showed, it did not really change the fact that it has really touched the hearts of their viewers. 

-Orge, Xandra

AKALA MO ALAM MO NA LAHAT…AKALA LANG PALA: Heneral Luna

*CTO*

After watching Heneral Luna last Wednesday, September 16, 2015, I realized how underrated Heneral Antonio Luna was, and now people are talking about it and how successful it became and how the movie also made me feel foreign in my own country. I’d say the theme of the film would have to be, “Your worst enemies are your own countrymen.” Reflecting on this, I have realized that our Philippine hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, has also been killed by his fellow Filipinos from the commands of the Spaniards and how Heneral Antonio Luna and Dr. Jose Rizal both fought and showed their full dedication for our country over any other things. Yet, one question stuck in my head, why was Heneral Luna was not talked about and famous like Rizal, knowing that they have numerous similarities? I have learnt new things after watching the movie: First is that Heneral Luna really helped me in giving more information (added facts) and in reconnecting the things I knew or learnt in my grade school and high school years and what really happened during the Philippine Revolution, especially about the life of Heneral Antonio Luna. In this movie, it even showed the other side of Heneral Luna, his funny side, also his co-officers, so it wasn’t the typical Heneral Luna we knew in years. This is, surely, one of the reasons why this movie went viral because the way people talk, even Heneral Luna, is related on how people talk nowadays. 

I have found two mise-en-scenes in the movie: First is the destroyed/damaged Philippine flag with bloodstains, that represented we are attacked by the Americans or foreign people and how we are enslaved by them, the Americans, in our own country. Second mise-en-scene is when the Spoliarium, by Juan Luna, was revived in the film. The Spoliairum showed fallen gladiators being dragged by Roman soldiers. In the film, when the katipuneros who have been told 'traitors' were pulling the killed Heneral Luna and his right hand, Paco. The use of Spoliarium made a very big impact in the film. In just one mise-en-scene, it summarized how we, the Filipinos were being treated before. Also, because it was shown in a slow motion effect, it added a more dramatic scenery of what the film wants to say. My favorite scene in this film is not just the Spoliarium, but also when Heneral Luna’s mother shared a story to him, the film also showed the events what the mother’s been saying. Like, it helped us to visualize them and it’s like, we are also traveling through time. 

The cinematography of Heneral Luna: the special effects, the lighting, perfect music for the scene, is undeniably the bomb! Also, the use of the locations is perfectly chosen so, really, kudos to the Heneral Luna team. Also, a friend of mine told me that the movie is low-budgeted, but I am amazed because the costumes and the props looked like the team produced a lot of money for this movie. Other people say there are some mistakes in the movie, but all throughout, it was a very good film. I guess that is one of the reasons why it went trending for days and up until now, netizens still talk about how great and must-see this movie is. I am also very happy that after the film, we, the viewers, applauded at the end and many people, including me, did not go right away, we really waited for the credits and (spoiler alert) the next teaser to end. 

I consider Heneral Luna as one of my favorite Filipino films not just because of the Cinematography and the Mise en Scenes, but the fact that I have really listed a few quotes from the film! Since I really loved it, I’d share my two favorite quotes: For the most intense: “Para kayong mga birhen na naniniwala sa pag-ibig ng isang puta.” and for the funniest quote: “Ingles-inglesin mo ko sa bayan ko?! Punyeta.”

-Orge, Xandra

Watch and Learn By Beanca Navarro

The Cinemalaya Film Campus 2015 gave us two questions, especially to those who plan on taking up film or majoring in film: First, how does one read film? Second, what are some basic approaches to writing film critiques? Each session featured films from a collection of Cinemalaya short films. The featured films were, as per order, “Andong” by Milo Tolentino, “Walang Katapusang Kwarto” by Emerson Reyes, “The Houseband’s Wife” by Paolo O’Hara, “Mansyon” by Joel Ruiz, “Bonsai” by Borgy Torre, and Cole Stramm’s “Jane’s wedding.” The screenings were then followed by a number forums or a discussions about the films by film reviewers and critics. Among all of the speakers were movie critics Mr. Mario Hernando, film maker Mr. Jose Javier Reyes and academicians Mr. Patrick Campos, Mr. Miguel Rapatan, Mrs. Anne Frances Sangil and Mr. Ronald Baytan. According to Mr. Clodualdo del Mundo Jr., the aim of the Cinemalaya Campus 2015 was to “Shed the light on the art of reading films.” Reading a film is not just merely watching and enjoying a film. It is truly understanding deeply the context or meaning of a film and compiling all the elements and small to big details of the movie to make it unique and extraordinary. Like said in the forum about critiquing a film, “Film is just a pretext, the real text is the world outside of the film.” But they also said that sometimes a film is just a film, you don’t have to overthink it and especially don’t under think it. In the end we are entitled to our own critiques and opinions. Because being yourself critiquing a film is unique because it is YOUR opinion.

Last August 12, 2015 Wednesday, we were able to watch a various amount of amazing short films.

Shorts a started at 3:30pm, I was shocked at the amount of viewers there were lined up to get a glimpse of the short films. Shorts a featured the films, Apasol by Ryanne Murcia, Gatilyo ng Baril by Glenmark Doromal and Eero Yves Francisco, Sanctissima by Kenneth Dagatan, Kyel by Arvin “Kadiboy” Belarmino and Nenok by Milo Tolentino.

Apasol (Chasing the Sun) directed by Ryanne Murcia was about gay lovers lasted for 19 minutes, the film started with the theory of the moon and sun; then a tree with letters hanging from it. At first I was thinking “what? I don’t get it” because when Mark played by Iko Alcuizar went back to El played by Ryanne Murcia himself, he said something to El, which I didn’t hear clearly and it triggered a rampage inside of El, I was caught off guard I was coming up with some judgements that El was a bipolar person, I was wrong. The scenery of the ocean and the tree on the left part of the screen was a beautiful thing to see, it makes you feel relaxed and relieved, maybe that’s why El was standing there and looking straight to the view of the ocean, he was thinking of how their relationship will work, the characters of the film showed 2 sides, El embodies a person that thinks about the reality of life, while Mark shows of a person in a fairytale world; this movie is pretty accurate when you’re in love. El was leaving so that he could stay away from Mark, he was in a hurry of leaving he wasn’t savouring every second of the time he had with Mark, but Mark did the opposite despite the short time El had with him, he pleaded El to stay until the sun went down in order to relish the few hours he had with El. He taught El to appreciate time, of how one can be contented with spending a whole afternoon with the person he/she loves. What an amazing and inspiring text indeed.

Gatilyo ng Baril in English “trigger of a gun” by Glenmark Doromal and Eero which lasted for about 9 minutes was about the year 1983 when Ms. Estrella investigates the case of Carlito Dimahilig, the assassin who attempted to kill Imelda Marcos. A black and white film was very accurate of what it is portraying it really felt like the olden times, when the investigator started the recorder I noticed that the answers of the possible accomplice of the assassin was scripted-like although it is a film but when you’re being investigated you’ll either feel defensive and nervous because you did it or confused and trying to convince the other party you’re innocent, but he wasn’t I got the impression of him being sarcastic I can’t explain why though. But if you noticed his words, he was giving hints that he was an accomplice and that he would later on kill the lady, he said things like the assassin Carlito Dimahilig was always harassed by the officials and that he would someday have his revenge and the suspect was agreeing with him indicates that he too had something against the officials himself because of what they did to his friend. He then said that when Carlito initiates or tells someone about classified information or events the official would kill that person he talked to. Thus, stating that the suspect was talking to the investigator about some things that are meant to be kept and resulting to killing the one talked to. What perfect timing to kill a person when the recorder is not recording anymore and you’ve convinced the investigator that you are not a suspect, a brilliant representation of how one kills.

Sanctissima by Kenneth Dagatan lasted for about 15 minutes, it tells about the story a barrio abortionist, named Marissa played by Ligaya Rabago; who disposes the fetus she aborts from various mothers from their area and feeds it to the demonspawn she keeps inside her home. Marissa might not have skeletons in her closet but she has demons under her bed. This short film embraces its locality as it is a demonic horros in a barrio setting. The first half of the film sets a creep vibe or atmosphere using silence. Minimal dialogue and those ambient sounds were used to set the tone of the film. I actually voted this short film to win, because it gave me jumps in just a few minutes, although it was a Filipino horror film which I am not a fan of, I’ll admit that in a short span of time the film had I can compare it with successful horror movies that I am fond of. Kudos to Kenneth for a successful horror movie.

Kyel directed by Arvin “Kadiboy” Belarmino, created a film of 18:21 minutes. The film at first was creepy, scary and funny at the same time I have to admit. It was creepy and scary because of the man’s appearance and the setting; I didn’t know what to expect if it will somehow turn into a horror film, thankfully it didn’t. It was funny because of the special edits it had. It shows a troubled man that finds a solution in a dark room. He was waiting for his lover to come back, he waited and waited, hours passed and still the woman hasn’t returned. He tried to find ways of passing time, a few minutes he discovers a bag with a “katol”, hammer and a 1000 peso bill. He then crushed the “katol” using the hammer and used the 1000 peso bill as a tube to inhale the crushed “katol”, the edit portrayed the feeling or perspective of what you see when stoned. He then had complications because of the substance he inhaled, his mouth full of bubbles of saliva an indication of poison. He then fainted and when he woke up he saw someone and said a foul word then a gun shot. It was Kyel. I thought the man taking the drugs was Kyel, what a controversial twist! You can hear everyone in the theatre murmuring about how confused they were.

Nenok by Milo Tolentino was about an orphan kid that lives in a church, a funny and “kengkoy” movie. At the first half of the movie I was contemplating on whether to pity the kid or be annoyed at him because he kept on taking the old man’s food, although yes he was a kid; he should also understand that the man is working hard to clean and maintain the area of the church, but that thought was erased when the film lead to the kid looking for flowers, I had a gut feeling that the lady in red was a spirit I just can’t pinpoint if she was the mother or the sister of the boy. But the credits rolled and it stated that he was the mother of the boy. The old man followed the boy to the graveyard, the kid cleaned the grave of his mother, placed the flowers and lit a candle; the man was touched and understood the situation of the child. So the next day when Nenok woke up there was a plate next to him with bread and a cup of coffee. An act of kindness from the old man. The movie embodied the saying “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Now, shorts b consists of the films Lisyun qng Geografia directed by Petersen Vargas, Wawa by Angelie Mae Macalanda, Mater by Annemikami Pablo, Pusong bato by Martika Ramirez Escobar and Papetir by Darwin Navicio.

Lisyun qng Geografia (Geography Lessons) by Petersen Vargas, a kapampangan movie that shows two boy bestfriends and the other falls in love with the other one. A love that can’t happen because of so many hindrances, that can also be related to typical love stories. At first Tib was mad and ashamed of Tric’s confession, he pushed Tric away and disposed their friendship but later on the movie shows Tib trying to find Tric using a map that Tric made. He then visits his old school, goes to their secret place and smokes, then a few moments later another person joins him and when he turned around he saw Tric, and the film ended with them asking how they were.

Wawa by Angelie Mae Macalanda was a film about the way she grieved, the different types of grieving processes as Angelie herself stated in the Question and Answer portion after the show of shorts b.

Mater by Annemikami Pablo, was a disturbing film for Catholic believers in my perspective, although I am a Catholic I am open to these kinds of films. I came up with the summary that the mother will choose her devotion to the sto. Niño and kill her daughter. It makes you wonder what really is important, and it opens your eyes that there are people like this.

Pusong Bato (Stone Heart) by Martika Ramirez Escobar, was a mix of comedy and reality. It is true that some of us are still stuck in the past not just our physical past but our emotional past as well, it shows that a woman is caught in the moment of her teenage years, and missing her lover and the fame she gained. It says a lot about some of us who can’t let go of our pasts.

Papetir (Puppeteer) by Darwin Novicio, the film is about a puppeteer performer who has a problem with the past and can’t let go of it. Darwin said in the Question and Answer portion that not everyone is happy when they are smiling, sometimes they are happy in the outside and sad in the inside. Especially for performers like Darwin himself, they sometimes have to sacrifice their own needs just so they can make others happy, and I can relate to that. It saddens my heart.

LIFE

August 12^th the most awaited day and event everybody is ready and stoked to watch shorts A and B. Hearing some people shouting “vote for your favourite film” then someone jokingly whispering the ones that they like. Now the time was right and everyone is getting inside and as we enter the theatre it was like a new place even if it was the same place. It was like a different kind of aura and vibe maybe because everybody was expecting a lot. A lot of whispering and chattering others laughing and waiting for the people they should be with. First shorts (A) film started with “APASOL” by Ryanne Murcia the story is about a couple named “El” and “Mark” they went to this place that has this special tree also where they tie letters containing their wishes. It shows how hard it is to love someone who will be far away from you that you’re so scared of losing him/her and the memories that you have. Showing how they want to stop time chasing the Sun even more and not wanting the Moon to rise. Making every second to be memorable for one another and the scene that “El” shows how scared he was to leave “Mark” behind showing his love to him and that he got mad because he does not want to have a relationship like Mark’s parents. Pain and love mixed together also the thought of giving everything to the one you care about. Then the next one would be “GATILYO NG BARIL” by Glenmark C. Doromal & Eero Yves Francisco the concept of this short film is about politics and mysterious killing of others competition. Hiring someone to kill others just for your own sake just like what happened to NINOY AQUINO’s death it was shown in the last part of the film. Giving me the idea that other people would use the power they have to take a life. Then the third one would be “SANCTISSIMA” by Kenneth Dagatan I was expecting already that this would be a little bit bloody well not little but a lot because of the display and the poster itself. It was worth the watch and by not closing your eyes of the intense things like how blood drips slowly and the creepy “Son of the Devil” character. Showing how to be a real mother even if your own child is a monster you would never kill his/her life. I love the part where she said that “you would understand if you became a true mother” it made a big impact to my life knowing that in the film there are people going to her place just for them to have a so called “Abortion” to kill a life of an innocent child. It is so simple yet meaningful even if they won’t say a word like nothing you would just simply understand it by the actions made. Second to the last in the list of shorts (A) would be “KYEL” by Arvin Belarmino this short film is about a drug addict which is also a drug pusher. In my POV it appears that he was in a dream but the case was that he wasn’t at all maybe it’s just how the film wants the audience to think. But by looking at it closely I can say that what happened to him in the film and the part of him waking up was his hallucination and his part of the mind of wanting to be in peace waiting for himself since he has been calling his name out and screaming knowing that he wants to stop what he has been doing to his own body. Also at the end of the film he died he was shot in the head which was a thrill to all of us making us have that screech of excitement and shock. Now the last one in shorts (A) is “Nenok” by Milo Tolentino this film started with animations of balloons and a cute little kid who sleeps outside a church and talks to the statues he ask money for his coffee and tries to get some bread to this worker who has a crush on this woman that goes to church to pray. It was really heart breaking because the little kid who is a boy somehow feels the presence of his dead mother taking good care of her grave replacing the flower by getting some and asking permission to Mother Mary’s statue. Again the title would be really simple to understand and it’s all because of how the little kid shows his action in the film.

Going to shorts (B) another set of short films and for sure an exciting one. First one would be “LISYUN QNG GEOGRAFIA” by Peterson Vargas a film about friendship and about finding, reminiscing, and not forgetting that one person even if the past was not something you wanted. A film that revolves around friends sharing the most sweetest and cutest kind of time together but then scared of how society judges them thus, ending their relationship in a bad way where one does not want to see the other and keeps on pushing him away. A story that shows how a friend gets hurt but still didn’t expect that in the future everything can change which goes to the part of finding each other and might start everything again from scratch. Next would be “WAWA” by Angelie Mae Macalanda a film of cultural funeral which is by putting the dead bodies in a bamboo like floater and pray as they sail. But it was hard for me to understand fully the part of the kid suddenly falling and then he woke up I’m not quite sure about how my mind understands it but the director itself said it was full of metaphor. It was simple yet mysterious also it caught my attention because my mind worked a lot to get to the point of the film. The third one would be “MATER” by Annemikami Pablo about a mother washing and worshiping the “Sto. Nino” and other saints and a daughter that hates her own mother I think what the film is talking about is that how the mother does not even give time to her own daughter and making her daughter be open to anything like drugs and smoking because she doesn’t have the proper attention and care from a mother. Also I think they’re in a bad situation like they need money and the mother is facing an illness that can’t be healed because it will cost them a lot. Thus ending to the part of the daughter getting crazy and dies because she can’t handle it anymore. Second to the last would be “PUSONG BATO” by Martika Ramirez Escobar the film is based about a popular actress in the year of the 80’s and having this series namely called “Pusong Bato” having Cinta and Gardo as the main characters but their love wasn’t true because it was only acting. But Cinta’s feelings were true and somehow the symbolism of the rock that Cinta found was Gardo in some kind of way not loving her back. Also the part we’re Cinta had an intimate relationship with a rock shows how her needs was not answered by her true love. Also her turning into a stone and this old man who owns her apartment found her like that shows the same cycle of how Gardo acted to Cinta. Finally the last one in shorts (B) is “PAPETIR” by Darwin Novicio I thought this short film is about a comedy kind of thing but it prove me that I was wrong because it’s all about how an entertainer suffers and how he tries to keep this pain inside of him but then only he realizes and his co – worker that he was already out of character. The people in this party taught that it was all part of his act and he meant on doing that but everything they see was not a part of his act but the pain he felt and traumatic kind of event that would be stuck forever in his life specifically in this short film losing his own son.
by: Chi Palisoc

Cinemalaya: Where The End Is Only The Prelude

By: Kristen Huang

The Cinemalaya Film Campus 2015 addressed two questions that should spark interest with students, especially those who plan on taking up film or becoming a film major: (1) How does one read film? (2) What are some basic approaches to writing film critiques? Each session consisted of a screening of a film from a collection of Cinemalaya short films. The featured films were Milo Tolentino’s “Andong”, Emerson Reyes’ “Walang Katapusang Kwarto”, Paolo O’Hara’s “The Houseband’s Wife”, Joel Ruiz’s “Mansyon”, Borgy Torre’s “Bonsai”, and Cole Stramm’s “Jane’s Wedding.” The screenings were followed by a forum or discussion about the featured film by film reviewers and a critique by a film a film academician, writer or scholar. Among the speakers were movie critic Mario Hernando, film maker Jose Javier Reyes and academicians Patrick Campos, Miguel Rapatan, Anne Frances Sangil and Ronald Baytan. According to Clodualdo del Mundo Jr., the aim of the Cinemalaya Campus 2015 was to “Shed the light on the art of reading films.” To sum up my learnings from this year’s film campus, reading a film is not just merely watching and enjoying a film. It is truly understanding deeply the context of a film and compiling all the elements and details of the movie to make it unique. Like said in the forum about critiquing a film, “it goes beyond liking and disliking a film.” Film is just a pretext, the real text is the world outside of the film. “Apasol” (Chasing Sun) by Ryanne Joseph Murcia is a bittersweet short film that starts with a myth, hence the title, and captures an afternoon of love and goodbyes within the life of a couple, Mark and El. The film uses the Chavacano de Zamboanga language which at first I honestly thought was pure Spanish. Also, to be honest, I didn’t get a part of the film wherein El got mad at Mark because his parents apparently “did this too” but as Ryanne explained it further in the question and answer portion at the end of shorts B, I slowly understood the significance of the movie. The short film looks into the trials of gay love and it is able to delineate the anguish of the future and the hardships that Mark and El are trying to signify as they pursue their own thoughts. As Murcia said, sometimes there are memories or experiences in a day we don’t want to forget and moments we want to last. When night comes, the day ends leaving us with only a memory, and so we chase the sun. “Gatilyo ng Baril” or “Trigger of the Gun” by Eero Yves Fransisco and Glenmark Doromal is quite serious as compared to the other short films as it looks deeply and takes a closer look into the assassination attempt on then First Lady Imelda Marcos in 1972 and the murder of Ninoy Aquino at the Tarmac Airport. The short film includes the actual Betamax footages that creates a more eerie mood. In the short film, Mrs. Estrella is investigating on the case of Carlito Dimahilig, the suspect of the assassination attempt on Imelda Marcos by swinging a bolo at her. Mrs. Estrella interviews Rolando Galman, who might have revealed a little bit more than she would need to know and we are merely left suprised and cold just like Mrs. Estrella. “Sanctissima” by Kenneth Dagatan was one of my favourites among the 10 short films and personally, it is the best out of the films in Shorts A so props to Kenneth Dagatan for executing a well-executed short film despite being a Cinemalaya first-timer. It is a dark film and it delivers a very Fillipino barrio-set horror. The short film tells a story about an abortionist named Marissa who keeps a dark secret. In the hopes of not spoiling too much, it’s filled with gore, blood, and at times becomes quite disturbing and horrifying, but also, delightfully appalling. “Kyel” by Arvin Belarmino is a short film that takes us and lets us look closely at the life of a troubled man who seeks freedom from his own mind and finds comfort in using drugs or vices and using it as a form of therapy. Arvin Belarmino also dedicated Kyel to one of his friends. Kyel shows a hazy and confused state of mind not only through its lead, Frank Ferguson Jr., but also through technical aspects. It presented powerful images, but for me, it falls short on it’s conclusion. “Nenok” by Milo Tolentino is a short film about a mischievous nine year old street kid named Nenok who adopts the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan as his home. The story revolves around Nenok and the church groundskeeper, Mang Johnny who Nenok plays tricks on. Nenok makes mischief around the church not out of naughtiness but out of genuine thoughtfulness.This short film is quite different to the other entires in Shorts A, as it is light, playful, and heart warming. “Lisyun Qng Geografia” (Geography Lessons) by Petersen Vargas has got to be one of my favourites following “Sanctissima” by Kenneth Dagatan. Not to mention the soundtrack in this short film by Ourselves the Elves was breathtaking. This short film is about friendship and factors that could ruin it, and love, among other things. Lisyun Qng Geografia made me feel a lot of emotions at once. It is very captivating and enchanting, but at the same time, heart wrenching. Vargas wishes to emphasise the personal struggles the characters, Tric (Ross Pesigan) and Tib (Earl Poliparpio), go through than to depict the typical gay stigma. I see a lot of people saying that this short film is a coming of age love story, but it is way more than that. It is the fading of a friendship which needs closure. All feelings are valid and love knows no boundaries. For Vargas, it is a personal matter and an experience, but it gratifies an ubiquitous thought. “Wawa” by Angelie Mae Macalanda is a silent film but its cinematography speaks millions. The story deals with a father’s death and his sons unconventional and despondent way of coping. I think the short film also relies on the scenery or the landscape to do most of the story telling. As Macalanda said, it was a reflection of her own grieving process for a loved one. To be honest, there isn’t really much to it as compared to the other short films. It is a process diverging from point A to point B. It is a simple, yet prompting film about loss and lament. “Mater” by Annemikami Pablo actually left me quite scared and disturbed and I still don’t know what to feel about it. The fictional family consists of a very religious mother and her rebel child, should I say. As shown in the short film, the family is stuck constantly doing the same thing everyday; praying, eating, throwing fits. It shows a different kind of motherly love and it also show how powerful jealousy is and how jealousy can lead to detrimental things. The short film is creepy yet intriguing. “Pusong Bato” (Stone Heart) by Martika Ramirez Escobar is definitely in my top 3 for all the short films. Escobar takes her “what ifs” into film and creates a masterpiece. It is about a middle aged former actress Cinta dela Cruz who absolutely adores her past career. Cinta tries to relive her great days as a famous movie start back in the 1970’s by watching films at home. This short film talks about a very different kind of love - love for inanimate objects, which might I add, is a real thing called Objectophilia. Love for a heart shaped rock, to be exact. When you think of it, it is quite of absurd to think of a person falling in love with a rock, there is just the right amount of borderline craziness which makes it absolutely priceless. As entertaining it is to watch a woman fall in love with a rock, the ending is quite dismal. I think it’s true what people say that when we love a rock, we become the same. Love changes people. “Papetir” (Puppeteer) by Darwin Novicio had me taken aback, it was seriously not what I expected. I feel ashamed to say that I judged the movie by its poster; I thought it was going to be a fun and happy film, but at the end I was left pitiful and melancholy. The puppeteer, played by Ruther Urquia, a real life puppeteer and a former contestant of “Pilipinas Got Talent”, whose job is to entertain people by making a puppet his mouthpiece literally talks to his past self about a sorrowful memory. It made me quite sad, actually, that people were laughing and having fun, while he was hurting. It shows us that behind the happy and gleeful facade the puppeteers put on every show, there is a mournful experience they are trying to hide. Albeit being shorter than usual, it is light yet despairing.

CINEMASAYA: #IndiengIndieNaMapipigilan

Last August 12, 2015, we had our last day of Cinemalaya Campus lead by Prof. Flor Abanto with other film critics. First thing we did is our recap in Cinemalaya Campus Day 1, lead by Ms. Eva Mari DG. Salvador, the Cinemalaya Campus Forum Co-Director. In session 5, for the continuation of the last sessions during Cinemalaya Campus day 1, we watched Jane’s Wedding (2015), that is directed by Mr. Cole Stamm. It is a story of Jane, a bride-to-be with an older foreign guy. But, before the preparation for her wedding starts, she went to Geraldine, her past lover, who is lesbian and invites her to come to her (Jane) wedding. Ms. Agnes, one of the film’s critic, said that the film featured different kinds of relationship that isn’t typical—girl and girl, but reflects in today’s reality. After session 5 comes the introduction for the people behind NETPAC and introducing Mr. Jose Javier “Joey” Reyes, a multi-awarded screenwriter and director of films and television here in our country. Mr. Joey presented us an example of a silent film, Oliver’s Apartment. Obviously, there are no dialogues. but it tries to tell the story by just looking at it. Mr joey explained to us the difference between a film and a movie. He said, “Films are created by artists. Movies are products because they are meant to be sold.” And also, the difference between a filmmaker’s job and a film critic’s job. A block mate of mine asked him of what he advice he can give to us aspiring filmmakers and he said, “One word: Passion.” I think that really is should be. I think people complain with their work because they don’t love their work. They say it’s what pays the bills but, if you’ll add passion, you will strive for it and be the best you can be and you will never work for the rest of your life. To end his topic, Mr. Joey said, “You don’t do films for critics. You don’t do films because you want to earn awards/trophies. You do films because you have something to say.” End of Cinemalaya Campus day 2. After a break, long line awaits for Shorts A and Shorts B films.

 For Shorts A, since I love rating films/movies from 1-10 (10 is the highest), I’ll start with Apasol, directed by Ryanne Murcia, with a 5/10. 5, because at first it was “okay”. It is a story of a couple that one of them will eventually leave the country and the other one, El, is saddened by it that he is furious because he wants Mark to stay with him. I like how the camera showed a beautiful scenery. The actors, El and Mark also did a good job portraying their roles. It was already in the ending, which for me is the best part, is when I got what the film wants to say, “chase the sun” that means “savor the moment”. Next is Gatilyo, directed by Glenmark C. Doromal and Eero Yves Francisco, with a rate of 6/10. … Sanctissima, directed by Kenneth Dagalan, is the third film in line and I give it a 9/10. It was a very good film but I don’t really like seeing scenes with blood in it. I’m sorry, It’s just that I really hate seeing blood, especially in person. The time when the abortionist told the woman, “If you’ve been a mother, you would understand,” is when we, the audience, thought that, she became an abortionist to feed her son, from a demon. It is a very good film among the films presented in Shorts A because it succeeded in giving viewers the thrill, suspense and indeed, we were horrified by the film. That’s why me and my friends were not surprised that Sanctissima won the Audience Choice award for this year’s Cinemalaya. Kyel, directed by Arvin Belarmino, is a story of a drug addict who, in the end, was murdered by Kyel, by the order of a certain Mayor. I give it a 7/10 because of good editing. The film is an example of an open-ended film, so for me, it is maybe because a certain Rona, whom the drug addict had been calling, is related to the mayor—his wife, his sister or his daughter. The last film for Shorts A is Nenok, directed by Milo Tolentino. Knowing Milo Tolentino, the genius behind his film, “Andong,” I was expecting for great entertainment and, for sure, the kid in the movie, would portray his role very nice and just as we were expecting, the kid in the film succeeded in entertaining us—he made us laugh, cry and we actually want to hug him personally for doing great in the film at such a young age. Fortunately, outside the theater, he was there with (I guess) his dad, taking pictures with some of my block mates and luckily, we had a chance to hug him and congratulate him. Now going back to the film, Nenok, I’m very much happy with it, I give my perfect 10/10. I love the editing, the cinematography and how the film itself looked happy and light. Nenok, is obviously my favorite among the films in Shorts A.

For Shorts B, same with what I did in Shorts A, I would rate the 5 remaining films from 1-10 (10 is the highest). Let me start with Lisyun Qng Geografia (Geography Lessons), with a rate of a perfect 10/10. The two protagonists in the film…, succeeded in making us, the audience, laugh, feel sad, and “kilig” even just for a short period of time. I’m also glad to know that Mr. Vargas, won “Best in Direction” because he deserves it. In the film, Wawa, directed by Angelie Mae Macalanda, is a film that shows how and what some people do during their state of grieving. Direk Angelie, told us after the film, that she, herself, chose the place, the characters and she also said that what the film showed to us is just the same on how she is in her “state of grieving.” I give it a 6/10 because, yes, I can relate with the film, but I’m not really fond of watching films that doesn’t entertain me. The third film, Mater, directed by Annemikami Pablo, will have a rate (for me) is a 5/10. Overall, it was good film. But, I didn’t really get what the film wanted to say. I couldn’t even put in words the story because I don’t know where will I start or what word will I use first. With the film Pusong Bato, directed by Martika Ramirez Escobar, I give my perfect 10/10 because I really love the flow of the story, not typical and it's actually my first time to watch a film that a person falls in love with an object and to think that it really exist that is called “Objectophilia.” Indeed, hands down to the director of pusong buto for showing us a different world by making the film and introducing us a different kind of relationship and also for the characters who played their roles very well. I would really say it had a big impact on us, as the audience because most of the scenes are (I think) new to our eyes and again, not typical unlike other romantic movies. I'm also glad that pusong bato won best film for this year's Cinemalaya festival. Last film for Shorts B is Papetir directed by Darwin Novicio. It is a story about a puppeteer who goes to children's parties to entertain, and in this film, he was asked by a friend that they can back out any time. He still continued the show, yet he started blurting lines that are not inckuded in the script that made the people shock because they all wonder what was he talking about. Also, the director also shared to us that he was inspired by his job as a puppeteer that's why he came up with an idea of making this short film. It is so surprising that for only 5 minutes, the film had us laugh and teary-eyed. That is why it deserves a 10/10 rate (for me) and no wonder it won best screenplay in this year's Cinemalaya.

Where did I get my title? "Cinemalaya: #IndiengIndieNaMapipigilan"? My idea came from the most talked about video of the " Pabebe girls" and I got it from one of their lines, "Hindi mo kami mapiigilan!" We have been told that they had some problems last year, so they almost pull out this year's cinemalaya, but still they continued the annual festival, but only presented us short films. For me, films showed in Cinemalaya should be in so many places here in the Philippines, because it is one of the things that Filipinos should know and should be proud of.

-Orge, Xandra

GROUP 7 | 202B

“Shooting this project was very fun, it was exhilarating. The room was filled with jokes and happiness, we really enjoyed doing it. If we could only do it again I would be glad to.” -Navarro, Bea

“When we were shooting, I was really excited. It was just kind of weird because people we staring at us. We were just joking about everything, but the end result turned out awesome.” - Huang, Tin

“Our creative shoot went smoothly! It was well planned and thankfully, we all participated. I'll be glad if ever I'll be working with my groupmates someday. #TeamOneMissedCall” - Orge, Xandra

“Laughter, Happiness, Raindrops and Silence was in our presence as we do our job making wild ideas and goofing around was also a part to create an unspeakable work of art.” -Palisoc, Chi