The Other Brad

The Cure is one of my favorite films ever! It is about two boys who grew up in two different environments yet developed an unlikely friendship.

Erik (Brad Renfro) grows up in an uncaring family while Dexter (Joseph Mazzello) is very much loved and cared for by his. Dexter has acquired AIDS through blood transfusion. Upon learning such, Erik decides to help him find the cure of his disease. On their journey, they not only find great friendship but learn self-sacrifice, as well.

I have seen The Cure several times and it never failed to make me cry. It is one of those great movies about friendship (like My Girl) that'll make you bawl over.

Aside from the fact that it is a great movie, s'ympre super crush ko si Brad. I've liked him ever since I saw him in The Client. Sad to say though that after a good start in the movies, napariwara ang kanyang buhay. Problems with his family had led to drug problems. He was trying to mend his ways, I believe, but it was too late. At 25, his body was found dead. The cause is unknown.

Hay! I haven't seen the movie for quite some time and it seems like I'd be watching it again soon. I might cry myself to death this time. . .

Brad Renfro, may you rest in peace.

Beware of Her Vajayjay

Biboy has read about this film months ago while I was conceptualizing Panata. He was actually freaked out just knowing what it was all about. It premiered in the 2007 Sundance Film Festival under the drama category. (Drama pa 'to sa lagay n'yan, ah!)

Showing in the US this January, this is Teeth. I'm not sure when it'll be shown here (or if ever we'll have the chance to see it on Phippine cinemas).

Para sa mga walang kontrol sa sarili riyan, ipagdasal n'yong 'wag nyo s'yang ma-encounter!

Buti na lang 'di kami mahilig sa *eps. Nangangain pala. *wink wink*

Vajayjay -- Dr. Bailey's (of Grey's Anatomy) term for vagina.

Also read The Myth of Vagina Dentata

Sharon 2k8

Palalampasin ko ba naman ang pagkakataong makasama si Mega on the celebration of her 42nd birthday sa Araneta? S'ympre hindi! At buti na lang hindi ko siya na-miss! (Thanks to Gigi who has always been kind enough to provide us with tickets and go through the hassles of getting them despite her hectic schedule. Sobrang thankful ako sa 'yo! Iba talaga ang tulungan nating mga Sharonians, no?) It turned out that the night was also a celebration of Mega's 30th anniversary in show biz.

It was a fun-filled night. Better than her 2007 celebration held in the same venue. At talaga namang namutiktik ang mga bituin mula sa VTR (Rudy F, Cesar M, Charo S, Amalia F, Robin P, etc.) hanggang sa entablado (Zasazsa P, Pops F, Lorna T, Aga M, Judy Ann S, Albert M, Piolo P, Ai-ai, Randy S, Herbert B, Ruffa G, Joey G, Joey JR, Manny C, Fanny S, Martin N, Bert dL, etc.) na malugod na bumati kay Mega. Ngunit kahit pa wala sila, buo na ang gabi sa number pa lang ni KC. Matindi talaga! She actually didn't say anything anymore because the number said it all. No amount of words would top that! (See video below)

I was with Angel (na tuwang-tuwa kay Didi of Zaturnnah aka Chocoleit, shouting "Si Didi!"), Egg (na talaga namang mega-tili when Piolo sang!), and Biboy that night. I was supposed to be with other people but they didn't make it. Sayang! We really held on to your seats 'till the time you said you can't make it (about past 9). Di ako galit but I was completely (and utterly) disappointed. Sana may na-invite pa kong iba if your hearts weren't set to go there after all. Hay! Lilipas din 'to. . .

On the other hand, 'ika nga ni Gigi, para siyang Sharonians Online fans reunion. Good seeing Cynthia, Lorie, Racquel, and Pam (who I met two years ago at, except for Cynthia, pare-pareho kaming naka-PS I Love You pink t-shirts!) and it was pleasantly nice (sort of) meeting Jon, Carlo, and Ren (though the last two and I weren't really introduced to each other). Sorry that I had to leave early. May kasamang bata, eh.

Anyway, I don't have much pictures to post but I have videos of the fun numbers that night. Enjoy watching them. Of course, don't fail to watch the telecast this Sunday!


Pokey & Chokey: Super Sharonians!


Ai-ai with the Coverboys


KC's Kahapon Lamang

Photos from last year's birthday concert here

Happy birthday, Mega!

This is a great post by John Lapus in honor of Mega's birthday. Nakakaaliw siyang basahin! So, in a way, binabati ko na rin siya by re-posting this write-up. Kapag sinipag ako, I might write my own ode for the Mega. . .

***

Sharon Cuneta
8:16 pm, Saturday
January 5, 2008

During my dalaginding years, I idolized Maricel Soriano. It was during my elementary school days that she appeared on the silver screen as the loud-mouth babaeng bakla. She was so funny and hyper during her days as a teen star. Ang cute niya sa pelikulang Underage, Oh my Mama, Galawgaw, at yung TV show na Kaluskos Musmos. At siyempre, siya si Shirley na anak nina John and Marsha.

Napapansin ko, kakapanood ko kay Maricel, nagagaya ko ang mannerisms niya. Feeling ko, si Maricel Soriano din ako. Hahaha! My sister who is a full-pledged babaeng bakla liked her too. Lahat ng hairstyle ni Maricel ginaya ng ate ko. Halos lahat yata ng batang bakla at babaeng bakla noong ‘80s, idol si Maricel Soriano.

One time, nanonood ako ng See-True ni Ate Luds (Inday Badiday), may ini-interview siyang dalaginding. Sosyal! Nag-i-Ingles! Siya daw yung kumanta ng “Mr. DJ,” pamangkin daw ni Tito Sotto at anak ng Mayor ng Pasay. She was promoting her launching movie with Gabby Concepcion na kasama ni Marya sa Regal Films. Sharon Cuneta ang name niya.

I hated her. Kasi nabasa ko sa mga showbiz magazines na dala ng Tatay ko na si Sharon daw ang ipangtatapat kay Maricel. May Snooky pa din that time, pero di ko type kasi ang payat at masyadong mestiza. At saka given noon na si Snooky ang drama at si Maricel naman ang comedy. Feeling ko, wala nang lulugaran si Sharon.

Lahat ng kapitbahay namin, pinanood yung Dear Heart. Curious sila doon sa Sharon. Nag-watch din kami ng Nanay ko. Hindi ako naka-relate. May mga English dialogue yung pelikula. At nakakaloka kasi punong-puno ‘yong sinehan. ‘Kainis! May kaklase ako noon naging fan agad ni Sharon. Naloka ako kasi alam ko pareho kaming Maricelian. Natraydoran ako sa bruha! Hindi ko siya kinausap hanggang Grade 5!

Hindi ko feel si Sharon pero pinanood ko pa din ang My Only Love, P.S. I Love You, at Friends In Love. Aba, dapat i-check ang pinangtatapat sa Maricel ko. Parang yung mga Noranians pinapanood ang pelikula ni Ate Vi at ang mga Vilmanians pinapanood ang mga pelikula ni Ate Guy. Kasi kailangan mai-compare ang performance ng ka-rival ng idol mo. ‘Mas masaya ang chikahan pag gano’n.

I was 12 to 13 years old. Kasalukuyang may utang ako sa school ko noong high school kasi iniwan na kami ng Tatay ko. Walang laman ang ref namin at mahaba ang lista ng utang sa kapitbahay. Showing ang Bukas Luluhod Ang Mga Tala. Nilibre ako ng mga kaklase ko noong high school sa sine. Mas masaya kasi sila ‘pag kasama ako at alam nilang hate ko si Sharon. My God! Ang pila hanggang kalye ng D’ Square Theater sa Bayan (Novaliches). Sa sahig na kami nakaupo by the time na nakapasok kaming magbabarkada. Nabasa ko sa magazine na ito daw ang first movie ni Sharon na mahirap siya at hindi siya nag-i-Ingles. Tingnan ko nga.

Sa eksenang pinahabol sa aso si Raymond Lauchengco, medyo natigilan na ako. Sa eksenang nakatingala sina Gina Pareño at Sharon sa mansion ng mga mayayaman at nangako si Sharon na bukas luluhod ang mga tala, humagulgol na ako ng iyak. Sa eksenang tinulungan pa din ni Sharon ang mga stepsisters niya kahit inapi-api sila, sipon ko na ang tumutulo. Paglabas ng D’ Square Theater, Sharonian na ako. Pinamukha sa akin ni Sharon Cuneta na ang nararamdaman kong kahirapan ng mga panahong ‘yon ay lilipas din.

Sinundan pa ‘yon ng sunod-sunod na rags-to-riches movies ni Sharon, ‘tulad ng Bituing Walang Ningning at Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig. Basta laging singer siyang mahirap, maaapi, sisikat, yayaman, lalaban, pero magpapatawad pa din sa huli. Naging pamantayan ko sa buhay, hanggang ngayon, ang mga roles ni Sharon Cuneta sa ilang pelikula niya.

Halos mamatay ako nang mabuntis si Sharon at magpakasal ng maaga kay Gabby. Ang feeling ko, hindi na siya mag aartista. Hindi ako binigo ng Megastar. Bumalik siya pagkapanganak kay KC. Tuloy ang ligaya.

In fairness sa akin, I remained a Maricelian. Puwede naman pala. Hindi naman din kasi naging super-rival si Sharon at Maricel, unlike Nora at Vilma na pati ang mga fans nag-aaway. At bihira magtapat ng playdates ang mga movies ni Maricel at Sharon, unlike Nora at Vilma na tapatan talaga.

1993, first few months ko working in ABS-CBN as a researcher for Showbiz Lingo. It was a Friday night. Inaaliw ko ang mga co-staffer ko sa old production office ng ABS-CBN. Maliit ang office na ‘yon at konti lang kami, so magkakakilala kaming lahat. Sumasayaw ako sa ibabaw ng table. Ginagaya ko si Pia Moran, Ate Luds, Sheryl Cruz, at five voices in Shaider. Tawa sila nang tawa.

‘Pag Friday, may opening MTV taping si Sharon for The Sharon Cuneta Show (TSCS) ang mga Adrenaline Dancers, security guards, at mga crew, nanonood ng one-man show ko. Hyper ako that night. My best performance ever sa ibabaw ng table. Hindi ko napansin, audience ko na din pala si Sharon. Napahinto ako sa hiya. God, si Sharon Cuneta pumapalakpak at tumatawa sa ginagawa ko! E, idol ko ito. Say ng Megastar, “Tuloy lang John, please. Naaaliw ako!” Grabe, alam ni Sharon Cuneta ang pangalan ko. Tinuloy ko ang show, lalo kong ginalingan. Trivia, sobrang matandain sa pangalan si Sharon Cuneta. As in.

Since then, pinapapunta ako ni Sharon sa recording at MTV shooot niya every Friday night. Minsan, ang mga staff na ang tumatawag sa akin. Naging routine na aaliwin ko muna siya bago siya mag-ecording. After ng Showbiz Lingo, diretso na ako sa studio ng TSCS para tumulong sa pag-aaliw ng audience at kay Sharon na din. Favorite ni Shawie ang pagsayaw ko na ala-Pia Moran to the tune of “Earthquake.”

Minsan, sinama na ako ni Erick Edralin (MTV director of TSCS) sa MTV ni Sharon at eventually naging semi-regular ako sa mga skit ng TSCS na alam ko naman na siya ang nagre-request. Pinapag-host pa ako ni Sharon sa mga Christmas party ng TSCS kahit hindi pa naman ako kilala that time. Tuma-tumbling ako sa sofa at minsa’y pumasok sa loob ng garbage bag, maaliw lang ang Megastar.

Nakakatawa ang kuwento na ‘yon. Naka-ready na ako sa labas ng recording studio ni Shawie. Say ng mga bakla, ibahin ko naman daw ang gimik ko sa “Earthquake.” So, pumasok ako sa loob ng garbage bag at tumabi sa mga basura para paglabas ni Shawie, bigla akong lalabas sa loob ng garbage bag. Ang punchline, may kausap pala si Shawie sa phone. Hindi naman ako makalabas at baka any moment matapos na ang phone conversation niya. Isa-isa kong binubutas ang garbage bag para lang makahinga sa loob. After 30 minutes pa dumating si Shawie at paglabas ko ng garbage bag, e, pawis na pawis na ako. Hahaha! (Favorite ko 'tong kwento. Aliw na aliw ako when I heard it once during a Sharon Fans Day taping. If I remember it right, aaliwin niya si Shawie noon kasi kaka-break lang ni Goma.)

Mind you, may mga benefits ang pagiging official taga-aliw ni Mega. Remember the time na biglang na-headline na nagpakasal si Gabby kay Jenny Syquia? Every week, umiiyak si Sharon sa TSCS. Kung ano ang closing song niya, ‘yon ang naramdaman niya that week. Grabe ‘yung “Don’t Forget Me” dahil simula hanggang matapos ang kanta, umiiyak siya. Sharon would not grant anyone for an interview.

One Friday night, she could not record dahil iyak daw nang iyak. Eloisa Matias (TSCS EP) asked me kung puwede kong aliwin ulit ang Megastar. Agree ako agad. Nalulungkot ang idol ko so dapat aliwin. Kahit mugto ang mata ni Shawie sa pag-iyak, nakuha pa din niyang tumawa habang sumasayaw ako ng “Earthquake.” Sa kalagitnaan ng tawa niya, naglakas-loob ako at mahaderang nagtanong, “Pwede ka ba namin ma-interview for Showbiz Lingo?” Isang matamis na “For you John, go” ang isinagot niya sa akin.

Sa Showbiz Lingo lang nagsalita ang Megastar tungkol sa nararamdaman niya that time. Ang taas ng rating ng show namin noon. Na-promote ako as a Segment Producer the week after. Taray!

Maganda ang ginawang structure ng boss naming si Deo Endrinal (Supervising Producer of Showbiz Lingo) sa aming mga Segment Producers. May kanya-kanya kaming hawak na artista. Kung sino ang hawak mo, ikaw dapat ang mag-interview sa kanya. ‘Pag may nabalitaan si Deo tungkol sa hawak mong star, at hindi namin na-interview ang star na ‘yon about that issue, lagot kami. Yung mga mas senior sa akin na Segment Producers, madaming hawak na big stars. Ako that time, dalawa lang—sina Maricel Soriano at Sharon Cuneta. Bongga!

So sa mga interview ni Sharon noon sa Showbiz Lingo, kamay ko ang may hawak ng mic.

Ako nakakita kay Kiko (Pangilinan) nang nililigawan pa niya si Sharon at sinusundo pa sa recording. Ako nag-cover kina Sharon at KC sa airport when they left Manila for Boston at doon muna tumira. Nakakaloka ‘yang si Shawie. Maski noong nasa Boston siya, napapadalan kami ng Christmas gifts. Ako pa din ang sumalubong kay Sharon sa airport nang umuwi na siya after two years. Pagbalik niya, talk show na ang gusto niyang gawin. Nag-volunteer akong Talent Coordinator for her Sunday talk show, SHARON.

Nagkaroon ako ng show sa Folk Arts Theater, nag-guest si Sharon kahit hindi naman siya nangako.

Malaking influence sa buhay ko si Sharon Cuneta. By being her friend, I was given a little space in this business na nakakalula ang laki. In a way, hindi ako masyadong nalula because she is on my side. I gave Sharon a little laughter and she gave me her big heart. Na-inspire niya ako to be a better person and to appreciate the goodness in life. Sa movies niya at sa tunay na buhay. Ang sarap gayahin ang charisma niya sa tao at ang pagmamahal niya sa trabaho. No wonder siya ang Megastar. I am honored na naging kaibigan ko si Sharon na noo’y napapanood ko lang at hinahangaan. Naabot ko ang isang tala dahil kusa itong lumuhod just to be my friend.

Matagal na kaming hindi nagkikita but she would text me ones in a while to remind me that she never forgets me. Huli kaming nagkita sa birthday ni Mommy Carol Santos a few months ago. Sabi niya sa akin, “I miss you. I love you. Nanghihinayang ako at pinakawalan ka nila.” Ang friendship namin, parang yung giant candle na regalo niya 3 years ago pa, hindi nauubos. Thank you, Sharon Cuneta.

Happy birthday, Shawie. I miss you. I love you. Hindi ko pakakawalan ang frienship natin.

-end-

***

Related Posts:
Novelty Day on Sharon
My Mega-Valentine Two
Lea on Sharon
Sharon Fans Day Taping
Isn't It Romantic Mall Tour 2
Isn't It Romantic Mall Tour 1
Sharon CDs
My Mega-Valentine

Eighties Kid Ka Ba? (Part Deux)

Eighties Kid ka ba? (Part Deux)

1. Kilala mo sina Marilyn Villamayor, Caselyn Francisco, Keno, at si Kenneth Peralta.

Pinsan ni Lotlot, best friend ni Mane, Mr. Leaving Yesterday Behind, at basta, siya na un!

2. Inabot mo ang love teams nina Janno Gibbs-Manilyn Reynes (na naging triangle nung pumasok si Keempee de Leon sa eksena), Sheryl Cruz-Romnick Sarmenta, and Tina Paner-Cris Villanueva.

What can I say? Love ko sila! Hehehe.

3. Masugod kang taga-hanga ng Young Love, Sweet Love, Lovingly Yours, at tutal love na rin naman ang pinag-uusapan, Loveliness na rin.

4. Nag-artista noon sina Alvin Patrimonio and Jerry Codinera.

5. Nanunuod ka kay Tito Pepe sa Family Kwarta o Kahon tuwing Linggo at nakikisigaw ka ng “Kahon! Kahon!”

6. Ang sikat na mga child stars nun ay sina Aiza Seguerra, Lady Lee, RR Herrera at si Atong Redillas.

7. Nauso ang get-up na a la Milli Vanilli na blazers with matching cycling shorts, very colorful loose polo, mid-thigh socks and black bulldogs.

8. Kilala mo ang Milli Vanilli.

9. Kabisado mo ang Electric Youth (song and dance routine ka pa!).

10. Maitim pa n'un si Michael Jackson.

At kagalang-galang pa!

11. Uso ang buhok na kulot na kulot na mahaba sa likod (a la El De Barge).

12. Sosyal ka pag naka-Love Bus ka.

13. Alam mo kung aling commercial ito galing: “All the way down!”

Hmmm. . . Ano nga ito?

14. Inabot mo ang commercial ng Coolers kung saan si Rustom Padilla ay ang modelo.

15. Kilala mo si Bondying at si Wooly Booly.

Oo naman!

16. Co-host pa noon si Dolly Ann Carvajal sa Uncle Bob’s Lucky 7 Club.

17. Alam mong kantahin ang linyang ito: “Tatlong bente-singko lang ang aking kailangan…”

18. Nanonood ka dati ng “The Big Big Show” at “Penthouse Live.”

19. Meron kang wrist watch na nata-transform mo ng robot tapos mako-confiscate ng teacher mo kasi pinaglalaruan mo ito sa klase.

Parang ata. . .

20. Meron kang bandana/headband na katulad ng ginamit ni Ralph Macchio sa Karate Kid habang nakikipag-arm wrestling dahil sa “Over the Top.”

Korek!

21. Isa sa mga sikat (at nakakainis) na commercials ay yung sa 680 Home Appliances kung saan meron laging mga unano na lumalabas sa kahon sa dulo ng ad.

22. Hinding-hindi mo makakalimutan si Anjo Yllana at Smokey Manaloto dahil sa mga komentaryo nila sa Takeshi’s Castle.

Ay, oo!

23. Naglalaro kayo ng Chinese garter at kapag mataas na, nagta-tumbling ka na sa garter.

Di ko keri ito!

24. Kilala mo kung sino si Lenny Santos at ang ka-loveteam nyang si Rey PJ Abellana.

Oh, yes!

25. See True pa noon at hindi Eye to Eye ang show ni Inday Badiday.

Kung saan pinokpok ni Divina Valencia ng mic si Rey dela Cruz! Hahaha!

26. Knight Rider, The A-Team, Airwolf, Mission Impossible, McGuyver. Lahat yan pinapanood mo.

27. Meron kang collection ng Super Trump cards at holen.

28. Nagsha-shopping kayong pamilya sa Uniwide Sales, Isetann, Fairmart and Plaza Fair.

29. Nauso ang polka dots, city/walking shorts, baston na pantalon na bitin with matching Tretorn shoes. (Sosy ka pag naka-Tretorn ka.)

30. Ang mga shows noon ay Student Canteen, Champoy (na naging Executive Champoy nung '90s), Iskul Bukol, T.O.D.A.S. (ang makaka-decipher ng acronym na to, saludo ako sa’yo!), Sic o’Clock News, Ang Manok ni San Pedro, Okay Ka Fairy Ko, Buddy en Sol, John en Marsha at ang paborito ng lahat na Palibhasa Lalake (starring Richard Gomez, Joey Marquez and Miguel Rodriguez with Gloria Romero, Amy Perez and Cythia Patag! wahahahaha)

Palanggana!

31. Daring mag-shorts ang mga basketbolista dati.

At trunks kung trunks 'pag may beach scenes sa movies! Ah, I miss those days! Hahaha!

32. Hanggang ngayon ay nagtatalo kayo ng mga kaibigan mo kung Toyota o Crispa ang pinakamagaling na team sa PBA (syempre hindi pwedeng mawala ang debate na GInebra at SMB).

33. Makakabili ka ng Bubble Yum sa halagang kinse pesos lang.

Di ko na remember ito.

34. Uso pa ang magpadala ng voice tapes sa mga kamag-anak mo sa abroad.

With matching pakanta-kanta pa! Naka-ilang albums din ako! Hahaha!

35. Pupunta kang PT&T para magpadala ng telegrama o mag-long distance.

36. Siguradong merong Horlicks candy sa Mercury Drug.

37. Ang Apple computer mong 186 na kulay black and green ang screen ay may ultra-fast na dot matrix printer (mayaman ka na sobra kung black and white yung monitor mo!).

38. You grew up reading Archie comics, Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew and Bobsey Twins novels. ('Yun lang ang chine-check out mo sa library nyo).

39. Kung usapang kabayo lang din naman, sikat sina Petrang Kabayo, Kabayo Kids, at s'yempre si Richie d’ Horsie.

40. Bagong labas lang ang Islander na tsinelas nun at hindi ka in kung hindi ka naka-Islander.

41. Kilala mo si Maria Theresa Carlson (Si ako, Si Ikaw)

42. At dahil kilala mo si Maria Theresa Carlson, hindi mo made-deny na nanonood ka ng Chicks 2 Chicks na sinundan ng Chika Chika Chicks.

43. Naniwala ka sa kwentong namatay si Ultimate Warrior dahil pumutok ang veins nya nang binuhat nya si Andre the Giant.

44. Nanghuhuli ka ng mga gagamba para ipaaway ito sa tingting (tapos meron kang kahon ng posporo na ginawa mong subdivision ng mga gagambang nahuli mo!).

45. You used to watch Goin’ Bananas at kilala mo ang original na Bad Bananas bago pa pumasok si Direk Al Tantay (apat pa lang sila nun).

46. Alam mo ang title ng TV show ni Ricky Davao kung saan sya ay superhero at ang leading lady nya ay si Vivian Foz.

Ano ito?!

47. Meron kang collection ng Jollibee collectibles (plates, bags, alkansya na space trains, pencil sharpeners, etc).

Kadiri pa kumain sa McDo noon! Kakasuka.

48. Kilala mo sina Mr. Yum, Champ, Mico, Popo, Hetty, Lady Moo, and Twirly.

May mga alkansya pa ko nila hanggang ngayon! Cutie si Mr. Yum actually. Hehehe.

49. Ang baon mo noon ay sandwich na gawa ng mommy mo at Hi-C na tetra pack yung stripes pa ang print.

50. Mabibili mo ang paborito mong Tarzan, Big Boy o Bazooka Joe Bubble Gum sa halagang 25 cents each.

51. Bubble gum na rin naman ang usapan, bumibili ka ng isang maliit na paper bag ng mga pulang bubble gum na maliliit na bilog.

52. Nag-e-exercise kayo after ng flag ceremony nyo at ang tugtog ay “Let’s Get Physical” ni Olivia Newton-John.

53. Aakyat ka ng puno ng bayabas at magkukunwaring ninja.

54. Magkukunwari kang natutulog sa hapon para makapaglaro ka sa labas (pero for some reason, alam ng magulang mo na hindi ka tulog… galeng nila noh?!)

55. Nagkalat pa ang mga kalesa sa Sampaloc noon.

56. Meron kang Ray-Ban o Police na shades (na nauso nung sumikat si Randy Santiago).

57. Naglalakad ka sa Quad na suot-suot ang higante mong Walkman at ang mas higante mong headphones na ang kurdon ay yung parang sa telepono.

58. Inaabangan mo ang ending ng John en Marsha para lang marinig ang classic line ni Dely Atay-Atayan na “Kaya ikaw John, magsumikap kaaaaaaa!”

59. Remember this song from an SMB ad: “Si Nene, anak ni Mang-Te-baaaaan, kinidnap ng mga tu-li-saaaaan. Habol, mga katoto, at sa paghabol ay pumipitoooooo…”

60. Madalas kang bumibili sa labas ng school mo ng plastic balloon.

Oo!

61. Nauso ang pastel-colored shirts and pants.

62. Uso rin ang palakihan ng buhok. The bigger/taller, the better. Lalo na pag kulot, daig pa si Angela Davis at Pilita Corales!

63. Ang sine noon ay hindi mamahal sa 50 pesos isang tao.

Recto, Avenida, at Ali Mall pa ang sikat noon!

64. Buhay pa ang Gard Shampoo, Superwheel, Pepsodent, at ang line of products ng Oil of Olay.

Pepsodent, lasang bebel gum!

65. Alam mo ang Eumorpho Lakas Tao.

66. Nakikibirit ka sa mga contestants ng Tanghalan ng Kampeon tuwing Linggo ng hapon (hosted by Bert Marcelo and Pilita Corales).

67. Alam mong Tawag ng Tanghalan ang title bago naging Tanghalan ng Kampeon.

68. Nanonood ka rin ng Family 3+1 tuwing Sabado ng hapon.

Kina Princess Punzalan ito, di ba?

69. At alam mo arin ang commercial ng kambal na sina Mark & Anthony (na co-hosts din sa Family Kwarta o Kahon) na “ZAA Nature’s Touch Tawas, Laban sa Singaw Toothpeeeeeyst…”

70. Gumigimik ka pa noon sa Heartbeat MegaDisco at sinasayawan mo pa ang mga hits ng Club Noveau, Bananarama ,at The Jets.

71. Kabisadong-kabisado mo ang dance steps ni Maricel Soriano sa Shake Body Body Dancer.

72. Starstruck ka kina Susie & Geno.

73. You stay up late just to watch Mr. Shooli and Kuhol in Mongolian Barbeque.

74. You sing along to “Mr. Dreamboy” and “Sayang na Sayang Lang.” (Mr.Dreambooooyyy… Mr. Drea-himbooyyy… Anu kaya ang nasa isip mooooo?…)

Oo naman!

75. Shoemart pa rin ang tawag mo sa SM.

76. Marami kang alam na bugtong (e.g. Isang prinsesa nakaupo sa tasa) at kapag nakikipagbugtungan ka sa mga kalaro mo, para lang manalo ka nag-iimbento ka ng bugtong na kunwari hindi nila naririnig pa.

77. Uso noon ang mga malalaking gold na wristwatch (Casio, Seiko, Citizen, etc.) at mga ginintuang alahas (mukha ka nang may hepa).

78. Alam na alam mo ang isa sa mga pinakamatagal na commercial ng Bear Brand (“Is that you, Lolo?” – “Look at my mole…” – “Oh yeah!” – “Magaling ako sumayaw!”)

79. Ang TV nyo dati yung parang cabinet na merong sliding door at de-pihit ang knob, kinse lang ang channels, black and white pa. High-end ka na nun kapag naka Sony Trinitron ka na colored TV.

80. Tuwang-tuwa ka nung first time nyong magkaron ng betamax (wala pang VHS nun).

81. Nagre-record ka dati ng mga kanta sa radyo (baka nga hanggang ngayon ginagawa mo pa rin yun!)

At talagang inaabangan ang pagtugtog sa radyo ng fave songs! Ang mahal kaya ng tape noon para bumili lang para sa isang kanta. PhP40 pag regular, PhP75 pag BASF. Kaya Various Artists na lang ang binibili kaysa original artists.

82. Meron kang cassette tape ni Rick Astley at paborito mo ang “Never Gonna Give You Up” at “Together Forever” at gayang-gaya mo ang sayaw ni Roderick Paulate.

Yes!

83. Kahit ayaw mong kumain ng gulay, sinubukan mong kumain ng kangkong at kunyaring nasasarapan ka dahil paborito yun ni Pong Pagong.

84. Umiyak ka nang namatay si Optimus Prime sa Transformers the Movie at nanggagalaiti ka sa galit kay Megatron.

85. Laging may song and dance routines ang pelikulang Pinoy noon, kulang na lang sumayaw din si FPJ nun. Uso pa rin dati ang mga goons sa pelikula (Bomber Moran, Buwaya, Romy Diaz, Paquito Diaz, etc.)

86. Laging patay si Rudy Fernandez sa dulo ng mga pelikula nya.

87. Asar na asar ka dun sa duck na may shell sa stage 3-1 ng Super Mario kasi hindi mo makuha ang 100 lives mo .

88. Pag naglalaro ka ng Family Computer (lalo na kapag Super Mario o kaya Adventure Island), sumasama ang katawan mo sa laro.

89. Sa gigil mo sa game, nakakasira ka ng joystick ng Atari (kasalanan yun ng mga ghosts na kalaban ni Pacman).

90. Kilala mo kung sino si Mang Temi at si Miss Tapia.

91. Kaya mo itong kantahin with full conviction: “Seiko Seiko Wallet… Ang wallet na maswertiiii… Balat nito ay ginyuwayn, pang-international ang design…ang wallet na maswertiiii… Seiko Seiko Walleeeeeeett!!!”

92. Nagnanakaw ka ng kisses (pellets na mabango) para ilagay sa iyong pencil case.

At pwede rin siya sa teleponong pampabango!

93. Ang ponytail mo ay nasa gilid (idol mo kasi si Cyndi Lauper)

94. Ang mga nagde-debut noon, merong laging hagdanan ang 3-tier cake.

95. Mahilig kang maglaro ng Monopoly (kung wala kang Monopoly, yung local na version nito, Millionaires).

96. Ang tawag pa sa Mathematics dati ay Aritmetik!

97. Magdo-doorbell ka sa kapitbahay pagkatapos ay kakaripas ng takbo!

98. Inabot mo ang Fanta na softdrinks at ang paborito kong Mello Yello pati na rin ang Sarsaparilla.

Mirindal pa ang tawag ng matatanda sa merienda.

99. Number one fan ka ng Menudo (dahil kay Robby Rosa at Ricky Martin) at nanunuod ka ng Menudo Mania every week (kung saan paulit-ulit lang ang mga kinakanta nila) at kung manamit ka ay naka-pastel-colored outfit at merong panyolitong nirolyo na ginawang headband. Ow may gulay!


Naka-relate ka ba?


Taken from Amanda's World

Eighties Kid Ka Ba? (Part One)

You know you're a kid of the 80's when...


1.) You have scars on your knees and elbows.

2.) You owned a BMX bike.

3.) You had a barkada around your neighborhood (all of you had bikes).

4.) You loved climbing on your house's roof (and your neighbor's roof as well).

Check!

5.) You went inside an abandoned house in your neighborhood just to see what it looks like inside (ghost hunting kuno).

Check! Nag-iiwan pa kami ng walis-tingting 'cause apparently, it scares ghosts!

6.) You ate all the aratilis in your neighborhood.

Sorta!

7.) You plucked all the gumamelas in the area for soap bubbles.

Swak na swak!

8.) Your parents forced you to take afternoon siestas with the threat that you will not be allowed to play outside.

9.) You are never found in your house in the afternoon. You are often found playing in the street with your neighborhood friends.

Kahit sa school absent ako! Hehehe.

10.) You loved exploring vacant lots for hidden knick-knacks.

11.) You just can't resist jumping in a sandpile

12.) You know all the street games (patintero, agawan base, langit-lupa, piko, etc.).

Korek!

13.) You owned a family computer.

Yes! Atari pa 'yun actually!

14.) Your hand-to-eye coordination is terrific due to family computer.

15.) You'd rather go outdoors in the afternoon than play family computer.

'Ndi rin!

16.) You gleefully boast that games today are so easy because of the character's life bar (remember when we used to play Mario? we died the minute a goomba hit us).

17.) You know this code by heart UP-UP-DOWN-DOWN-LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT-RIGHT-B-A-B-A-START (select-start for 2 players).

18.) You owned a superhero costume (especially a superman costume).

19.) For the girls: You dressed up like Punky Brewster, Madonna and Debbie Gibson.
For the boys: You dressed up like David Hasselhoff's Knightrider, David Bowie or had Clark Kent's spit curl.

I wore Like A Prayer/Electric Youth shirts!

And now you think that the 80's had the suckiest dress sense.

20.) You had a denim jacket, and take note, hindi lang basta denim, dapat acid washed and with matching jeans!

21.) Yung acid wash na maong mo dapat garterized ang dulo or may zipper para magkasya ang paa mo tapos ternohan mo ng Ralph Lauren or Lacoste na long back polo shirt!!! with matching espadrilles!!!!

22.) Maliban sa espadrilles, nauso din ang jelly shoes and kung-fu shoes na mabibili mo sa pinakamalapit na Zenco Footstep.

23.) You had a sticker book especially that Age of Dinosaurs sticker book.

Parang. . .

24.) You were addicted to Rainbow Brite, Care Bears, My Little Pony, Thundercats, Bioman, Voltes V, Mazinger Z, Daimos, Voltron, etc.

At sy'mpre, The Smurfs!

25.) You played computer games like Tapper, Moonbugs, Alley Cat and Prince of Persia.

26.) MS Word did not exist in your vocabulary but Wordstar did!

27.) You love 80's music even if you don't want to admit it.

I have them on my fone! Ahluvit!

28.) You've climbed up mango trees to catch salagubang, tie a sting around its neck and let it fly around in frenzy

29.) You've spent hours in the afternoon catching tutubi... yellow-green was the easiest to catch, blue being finicky, and red being a rare breed...

True!

30.) You used to take Cetrinets, Flinstones vitamins (which you didn't mind cause it was yummy) and Scott's liver oil.

31.) You know the cartoon show, Beverly Hills Teens.

32.) You know Kuya Bojie from Batibot.

At si Ate Sienna, sy'mpre!

33.) You watch Uncle Bob's Lucky Seven Club and drooled at the cool prizes.

Totoo!

34.) You used AQUA NET to fashion ur 4-inch-high bangs.

35.) Your blouses had paddings.

36.) You owned wide studded colorful belts.

37.) You watched some of your favorite shows on betamax or even UHF 17 (the channel from Clarke Air Base - or was it Subic?).

Usong-uso pa ang kopyang-sine! As in may taong naglalakad at tabingi ang screen!

38.) You collected and swapped; perfumed stationeries with your classmates and friends, but followed the unwritten rule that you never write on them.

Hahaha! Kakahiya pero totoo! Naadik din ako rito.

39.) The only place you go to for summer vacation is BAGUIO!

40.) On that note, Camp John Hay served BEST ice cream

41.) Most of us were brought to the EDSA revolution.

Bahay lang ako nito.

42.) You remember what Ricky Martin used to look like back then.

Kay Epoy ko lang nakilala ang Menudo kasi loves na loves niya si RM noon! Nilalagay pa niya sa slumbook question na "Who is your crush: RM."

43.) ...when you think that Julie Vega is a better actress that Judy Ann.

Anna Liza fan kami noon.

44.) You get confused playing playstation because of all the buttons on the keypad (Nintendo only had the direction pad, a & b buttons and the start & select keys).

45.) You know all the Bagets and Ninja Kids.

Hotshots pa!

46.) You got to ride the train ride at Greenhills Shopping Center.

47.) Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were the players at the time. Sa local naman, “The Big J” Robert Jaworski and Francis Arnaiz (at may show pa silang dalawa nun!).

48.) ...when you know more 80's music than the song “Build Me Up Buttercup.”

49.) You were allowed to bathe in the rain.

Sarap nito! Try natin minsan, walang suot! Hahaha!

50.) You were taught to comb your hair one-sided (parang si Rizal).

51.) You've collected matang-pusa and mongo beans so you can have ammunition for sumpit.

52.) You knew who Madam Bola and Sitsiritsit and Alibangbang were.

Saka Pen-pen de Sarapen ni Ate Connie!

53.) Every Christmas you anticipate going to BIG Bang sa Alabang with the giant slide or the show in COD Cubao.

54.) You know the Ewoks.

Yes!

55.) You had Mighty Kid shoes and Gregg shoes.

56.) You know what Time Space Warp means (and you know who Fuma Lae-Ar is).

57.) You and your barkada had a specific Bioman name.

58.) You sucked all the nectar from the santan plant hence your mother got really pissed at you for destroying the santan plant.

Hahaha! Masustansya raw 'yun, eh.

59.) You played with marbles and text (yung cards ha!!!) And you count cards like this: I-SA, DALA-WA, TAT-LO, A-PAT... walo na iyon!

Ah, di ko nakahiligan ang text cards.

60.) For girls: You wore denim mini-skirts with rubber shoes.
For guys: You had those bitin na pantalon which you wore with high-top rubber shoes (either Converse or Grosby)!!!

Hehehe! Michael Jackson look - black bitin pants, white socks, & black leather shoes!

61.) You loved Cheezels and Chicakdees because of the great prizes it had!

Totoo!

62.) Puffy cone and Icee still existed!!!

63.) Sosy ka if you bought a Magnolia drumstick.

64.) Twin Popsies were meant to be shared with a friend.

65.) Ice Drop was the cheapest treat (at P1.00-1.50 each).

66.) You have those Disney bow biters for your rubber shoes

67.) You know who Alf is.

Si Epoy, may Alf noon! Hehehe.

68.) You're familiar with the show Perfect Strangers.

It was really funny!

69.) For the boys: Idol mo si Richard Dean Anderson ng McGyver.
For the girls: Crush na crush mo sina Richard Grieco and Johnny Depp ng 21 Jump Street.

Actually, di ako mahilig sa foreign shows noon. What can I say? Jologs ako, eh!

70.) That's Entertainment ang the bomb nung mga panahon na yun.

Hanggang ngayon pa naman, di ba? Hehehe.

71.) Sikat ka kapag alam mo ang Wordstar at Lotus 1,2,3.

72.) Six digits lang ang telephone number niyo dati.

73.) Tatlong 25 cents lang eh makakatawag ka na sa pay-phone na kulay pula.

74.) Cute pa si Aiza non sa Eat Bulaga.

75.) Si Amado Pineda pa ang nagbabalita ng panahon

76.) You drank Chocolate milk from the Magnolia glass bottle which you kept for holding water in your ref.

77.) Brown Cow tasted better than Hersheys!

78.) Shake Rattle and Roll 1 was the most horrifying movie for you then.

Haunted House ang fave ko noon. Nagro-role play pa kami noon!

79.) The most comfortable shoes for you is still Sperry Topsiders.

80.) Dress shoes mo eh loafers pa rin.

81.) The best movies of all time are Pretty in Pink, Breakfast Club, 16 Candles and Some Kind of Wonderful

Huh?! Hindi ba Puso Sa Puso, Tamis Ng Unang Halik, at Feel Na Feel?!

82.) You show off your pencil case which have hidden compartments that pop-out at the press of a button...

83.) You have Bensia pencils which are refillable...

84.) Fiesta carnival was the place to be (kumbaga enchanted kingdom sya ng '90s)

85.) Takot kang mag-year 2000 kasi baka magunaw ang mundo.

86.) Masarap ang Goya and Serg's.

Yum-yum!

87.) Nakakasakay ka pa sa kotseng walang aircon.

88.) You know the lyrics ng Tinapang Bangus at Alagang-alaga namin si Puti ng Batibot.

Yes! Sige nga, kantahin natin ng sabay-sabay!

89.) You know these commercials:
a. YC Bikini Brief - remember this one?

YC Bikini Brief / YC Bikini Brief / YC Bikini Brief / For the man who packs a wallop / YC had fashion / YC has style...

b. RA Homevision - those guys from Cash and Carry, Makati couldn't have done it better. Sports. Adventure. Cartoons. Award Winners and More, featuring the voice talent of Frankie Evangelista.

Gusto ko mag-rent dati noon dito!

c. Arthur's Legaspi Towers

d. La Germania Mama Mia commercials

e. Sunny Orange – Sunny Orange I love you…

90.) Bumibili ka ng Caramel candy, Texas or Bazooka bubblegum, tira-tira at Tootsie roll sa tindahan.

Bazooka ako! May free comic strip pa! Hehehe.

91.) Naabutan mo pa na korteng flower ang singko.

92.) The biggest Coke bottle you can buy is Family size.

93.) You know Great Space Coaster, Super Book and the Flying House.

94.) Hardcore ka na kung kilala mo si Mighty Man and Yak.

95.) Inabot mo ang Game & Watch at Atari bago ang Family Computer.

96.) Para sa mga bagets na nung '80s, hindi ka “in” kapag hindi mo napuntahan ang Rumors Disco and The Bar na gin tonic.

97.) Nag-iipon ka ng basyo ng bote para ipagpalit sa cheese curls na naka-cone sa dyaryo.

98.) You know who Niknok is.

99.) You jumped in the “Growth Ball” band wagon.


Kayo, what are you fondest '80's memories?


Taken from Amanda's World

Oh Shit!

I went to SM Valenzuela to pay my bills. I know that the cashier closes at 8 PM but I wasn't sure if I was right. It was already past 7 so I hurried down to the payments section. Medyo parang naligaw pa nga ata ako kasi hindi ko siya nakita kaagad. I thought that they have moved it. But they didn't. In a few seconds, nakita ko naman siya at iisa lang ang nakapila. Nagmadali kaagad ako kasi nga baka magsara na. The guard approached me, calling me, "Sir?" but didn't say anything. So I went on to proceed paying my bills. Magulo pa nga si Angel kaya sinasaway ko. When I was done with it, to my shock, may mahabang pila pala sa likod ko! I immediately apologized twice but had to leave kaagad because of embarrassment. I swear, hindi ko nakita 'yung pila. Iba na kasi 'yung pwesto, away from the counter. Sobrang nanlamig ako at pinagpawisan ng malamig afterwards. Ten minutes din siguro akong nahihiya sa nangyari. I could just imagine what they are thinking about me. Ayokong-ayoko pa naman ang may sumisingit sa linya at naniningit ako mismo sa linya. Hindi ko kayang magmakapal ang mukha tulad nu'n. Grabe talaga! Till now, when I think about it, nanliliit ako sa hiya. Kung pwede lang magpaliwanag sa kanila, ginawa ko na. Grover talaga! Kung bakit ba naman kasi hindi ako sinaway ng guard. . .

Cinema One Originals 2007 Schedule

The 2007 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Festival

Trinoma (Cinema 1)
Edsa corner North Avenue

November 30, Friday
12:05 pm HULING BALYAN NG BUHI (The Woven Stories of
The Other)

2:00 pm CONFESSIONAL and Astig

3:50 pm Agogo Makabago (Pandanggo segment) and MALING
AKALA

6:15 pm PRINSESA

8:30 pm TAMBOLISTA

10: 10 pm ALTAR

December 01, Saturday
11:15 am Ang Pagbalik and PRINSESA

1:45 pm TAMBOLISTA

3:30 pm Putot and ALTAR

5:30 pm ROME & JULIET

8:00 pm Carpool and MALING AKALA

9:45 pm Agogo Makabago and CONFESSIONAL

December 02, Sunday
11:30 am CONFESSIONAL and Astig

1:30 pm REKADOS

3:15 pm PRINSESA

5:30 pm TAMBOLISTA

7:30 pm Kultado and ALTAR

9:45 pm Agogo Makabago and MALING AKALA


Glorietta 4 (Cinema 5)
Ayala Center, Makati

November 30, Friday
12:15 pm Kultado and PRINSESA

3:00 pm MALING AKALA

4:45 pm Ang Pagbalik and REKADOS

6:45 pm ALTAR

8:35 pm CONFESSIONAL and Astig

10:20 pm Agogo Makabago and TAMBOLISTA

December 01, Saturday
12:05 pm Putot and TAMBOLISTA

2:30 pm HULING BALYAN NG BUHI (The Woven Stories of
The Other)

4:30 pm PRINSESA

6:45 pm CONFESSIONAL and Astig

8:30 pm Carpool and MALING AKALA

10:30 pm ALTAR

December 02, Sunday
12:05 pm ALTAR

1:50 pm CONFESSIONAL and Astig

3:30 pm TAMBOLISTA

5:10 pm Putot and MALING AKALA

7:00 pm ROME & JULIET

9:45 pm Agogo Makabago and PRINSESA

CONFESSIONAL (2007)
Running Time: 90 mins
Directors: Jerrold Tarog, Ruel Dahis Antipuesto
Screenwriter: Ramon Ukit
Producer: Ruel Antipuesto
Cinematographer: Ruel Antipuesto
Editor: Pats R. Ranyo
Music: Jerrold Tarog with Arodasi
Principal Cast: Publio Briones III, David Barril, Greg Fernandez, Owee Salva, Donna Gimeno

About the Filmmakers
RUEL DAHIS ANTIPUESTO always wanted to study film, but since time and money never got together, he just took the plunge. He made so many mistakes along the way that he ended up teaching in a film school. He won the grand prize in the 2006 Sinulog video documentary competition, and was cinematographer on the award-winning short, Carpool. Confessional is his feature directorial debut.

JERROLD TAROG took film theory courses while working on his Music Composition degree at the University of the Philippines and had a short encounter with the International Academy of Film and Television in Cebu. He got three Gawad Urian Award nominations in 2007 for the scores of Kubrador, Kaleldo, and Manoro, and bagged the Cinemalaya prize for musical score for Kadin. His short, Carpool, won first prize at the 19th Gawad CCP. Confessional is his first feature film.

About the Synopsis
Lies + Lies = Truth.

Ryan Pastor knows this by heart. As a small time filmmaker, he knows how sound and images can be manipulated to say anything. And he's tired of the lies—the lies at work, in his relationships, the lies one must keep in society just to exist. On a whim, he decides to go to Cebu to document the Sinulog festival. There he stumbles upon a truth he didn't ask for and is reluctant to touch. One of his subjects, a former politician who may or may not be dying, decides to confess his sins—all the crimes he committed while in office—before Ryan's camera.

What follows is a story of revelations and bitter truths, of buried secrets and sweet lies. CONFESSIONAL takes you to the heart of a criminal...or an honest man.


ALTAR (2007)
Running time:
Director: Rico Maria Ilarde
Screenwriters: Rico Maria Ilarde, Mammu Chua
Executive Producer: Ronald Arguelles
Producer: Mammu Chua
Cinematographer: Louie Quirino
Production Designer: Fritz Silorio
Music: Malek Lopez
Editors: Maisa Demetillo, Rico Maria Ilarde
Principal Cast: Zanjoe Marudo, Nor Domingo, Dimples Romana, Dido dela Paz, Kristalyn Engle

About the Filmmaker
After graduating from the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, RICO MARIA ILARDE immediately immersed himself in the mainstream by directing action scenes for his father Eddie Ilarde's TV drama anthology. He has since made a name for himself in the suspense-horror genre by directing Dugo Ng Birhen, Babaeng Putik, and the Aquarium segment of the horror franchise Shake, Rattle & Roll 2k5. His 2006 feature Sa Ilalim Ng Cogon has garnered considerable acclaim and screened in festivals in Europe, Asia and South America.

About the Synopsis
Anton, a boxer who accidentally killed an opponent in the ring, returns to the Philippines from the US and finds himself jobless and destitute. He is hired by a mysterious foreman named Erning, who assigns him and a man named Lope to renovate an eerie, decrepit house on the outskirts of the city. They soon discover that the place is haunted by the apparition of a young girl, and that the basement carries a strange wooden altar to an unknown deity. Truly bloodcurdling events follow one after the other, snowballing into a deeply disturbing and violent climax.


MALING AKALA (2007)
Running time:
Directors: Veronica B. Velasco, Pablo Biglang-awa Jr.
Screenwriter: Veronica B. Velasco
Producers: Veronica B. Velasco, Pablo Biglang-Awa Jr.
Cinematographer: Larry Manda
Editors: Danny Añonuevo, Lester Olayer
Principal Cast: Victor Basa, Jodi Sta. Maria

About the Filmmakers
This is the second feature from the team of VERONICA VELASCO and PABLO BIGLANG-AWA, JR, whose first film Inang Yaya was named Best Film of 2006 by the Young Critics' Circle and Best Digital Film by the Star Awards.

Pablo started out as a graphic designer and is now a director of commercials for Unitel. Veronica has been with Unitel as a producer for 15 years. They honed their craft by directing and producing 30-second ads.

Pablo is a visual artist and grand prize winner of the Art Association of the Philippines competition. "We've always been asked how we 'divide' directing," Veronica says. "We don't. We collaborate well since we complement each other's skills. He's a painter and I'm a writer."

About the Synopsis
The bittersweet love story of JP and Teta gives us a glimpse of how a gay man/straight woman relationship works… or doesn't. JP is a fugitive on the run, after having accidentally killed his lover. On the bus, he sits next to Teta, who is 9 months pregnant. When Teta gives birth, JP accompanies mother and child home to their fishpond in Sasmuan, Pampanga. Teta impulsively introduces JP as the father of her child surprising both JP and her parents. When JP and Teta agree to play-act husband and wife, their queer, dysfunctional tale begins.


PRINSESA (2007)
Director: Lawrence Fajardo
Screenwriters: Jim Flores, Jade Snow, Lawrence Fajardo, Dado Lomibao
Executive Producer: Ronald Arguelles
Directors of Photography: Lawrence Fajardo, Jun Aves
Editors: John Wong, Conrad Zaguirre Jr
Music: Jobin Ballesteros, Jimmy Bondoc, DJ Myk Salomon
Production Designer: Lexter Tarriela
Principal Cast: Romnick Sarmenta, Archie Adamos, Shamaine Buencamino, Katrina "Hopia" Legaspi

About the Filmmaker
LAWRENCE FAJARDO fell in love with theater and film in high school, when film director Peque Gallaga "discovered" him in the halls of the University of St. La Salle Bacolod. "Law" learned filmmaking through workshops and internships with Gallaga, Lore Reyes and Erik Matti. His 2005 short film Kultado, set in the markets of his hometown, won the Special Jury Prize in Cinemalaya 2005 and the Best Short Film award of the Gawad Urian. Kultado has been exhibited in Singapore, Germany, Los Angeles and Italy, and is an official entry to the Clermont Ferrand Short Film Festival in February, 2008. His first full-length feature, Raket ni Nanay, was a Cinema One Original in 2006.

About the Synopsis
How does a child cope with being parentless? Princess' mother dies giving birth to her twin. Her father, Mar, gets a job overseas. Her aunt, Marie, cannot fill the void left by her parents.

Prinsesa is the first Filipino film to delve into the psychology of obesity. Fat people have always been portrayed as objects of ridicule in Filipino movies, but what of the circumstances surrounding the issue?

Prinsesa regards obesity in a new light, connecting it to the Pinoy diaspora, the separation of parents from their children, and the mechanisms of overcompensation. How can you be a good parent when you're thousands of miles away from your children? What's it like to grow up as children of overseas Filipino workers?


TAMBOLISTA (Drumbeat) (2007)
Running time:
Director: Adolfo B. Alix, Jr.
Screenwriter: Ave Regina S. Tayag
Executive Producer: Ronald Arguelles
Supervising Producer: Alvin Yapan
Line Producer: Arleen Cuevas
Associate Line Producer: Maxie Evangelista
Editor: Aleks Castaneda
Director of Photography: Albert Banzon
Music: Khavn dela Cruz
Production Designer: Jeck Cogama
Sound Engineer: Ditoy Aguila
Principal Cast: Jiro Manio, Coco Martin, Sid Lucero, Anita Linda, Fons Deza

About the Filmmaker
The films of Adolfo B. Alix, Jr portray strongly Filipino characters at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. His first feature, Donsol, was honored with special jury prizes at the Asian Marine Film Festival, Japan and the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, and is the Philippines' official entry to the 2007 Academy Awards, Best Foreign Language Film category. His second feature, Kadin, has been screened at the Locarno and Amiens filmfests. As a screenwriter, Alix's works include the feature films Homecoming, Mga Munting Tinig (Small Voices), and various television shows. A magna cum laude graduate of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Alix now teaches film and screenwriting courses at his alma mater.

About the Synopsis
Jason, 14, had one passion: playing the drums. His dream is to get a drum set of his own. But life is never as constant and regular as the beat of a drum; it often skips a beat or moves too fast. Jason's brother Billy discovers that his girlfriend is pregnant, and he needs to raise the money for an abortion. Their friend Paolo finds himself homeless, jobless, and burdened with a secret. When Jason tries to help Billy, he gets caught up in a web of betrayal and violence. He may finally be able to get his drum set, but is it worth it?

The third feature film from Adolfo B. Alix, Jr draws an intimate portrait of two brothers struggling with poverty and seeking a kind of redemption.

Note:
Agogo Makabago (40 minutes), Carpool (8 minutes), Ang Pagbalik (10 min.), Putot (20 min.), Kultado (22 min.) and Astig (4 min.) are featured guest short films.

Cinema One Originals 2007 Preview

Amidst our "tight" schedule, Nori and I (with Biboy) attended the Cinema One Originals Preview 2007. We just had to unwind. Akala rin kasi namin sort-of premiere night na rin siya. Tipid nga naman if we get to see the films (kung ilan man siya) that night instead on its regular showing. But like the event suggested, preview nga lang siya. OK lang naman sa 'min, though. At least we get to watch a 10-minute preview of each film and catch a glimpse of what it is all about (kahit paano).

Based on the preview, my bet it on Jerrold Tarog & Ruel Dahis Antipuesto's Confessional. Reading the gist doesn't do much justice to it. Siya nga lang ang talagang wala akong idea kung ano. But when I saw the first 10 minutes of the film, laugh trip talaga! Galing ng dialogues at editing.

My second must-watch film is Maling Akala. First because it is by Veronica Velasco and Pablo Biglang-Awa, Jr. whose Inang Yaya remains to be one of the best Pinoy films for me, as of recent times. I want to know how they'd do with this one. Saka kapamilya na 'yan si Direk Pablo kaya dapat suportahan talaga! (Nakasama namin siya minsan sa aming "Film Techniques" sessions.)

Second, dahil sa crush kong si Victor. 'Nuff said. Hehehe.

Third is the luscious cinematography. Tingnan n'yo pa lang 'yung poster. Parang siyang live painting! Ang galeng!

Fourth, we have yet to discover what the "maling akala" is all about. Gusto ko 'yung take ni Nori on it. 'Di ko naisip 'yun. Focus kasi ako kay VB! Hahaha!

Kung kaya pa, I'd see Altar, too. Apart from the typical scoring ng mga movies ni Rico Maria Ilarde na feeling ko over the top palagi, the film seems interesting. Ano ang nakatago sa likod ng altar? At s'ympre, another eye-candy is Zanjoe (who came with Enchong Dee -- may kwento ako, ask me na lang personally. Hehehe.)! Sayang, di ako nakapagpakuha ng pic sa kanya. Kainez talaga! But we were seated right in front of him. Talagang abot-kamay! Sabi ko nga kay Nori, destiny ito! Hehehe.

with Dimples Romana of Altar

Other films are Adolf Alix, Jr.'s Tambolista and Lawrence Fajardo's Prinsesa. Tambolista was filmed on black & white. I just don't know how would affect the film in general. Mayro'n kasing dapat matinding dahilan kapag nag-black & white ang movie at hindi dahil gusto mo lang. At kahit naman may dahilan, kung minsan hindi pa rin maitawid ng maayos. (Hay, di rin ako nakapagpa-pic kay Coco Martin who is part of the film. Ang tagal kasi nung interviewer, eh!)

with Jiro Manio of Tambolista

Anyway, suportahan po natin ang Pelikulang Pilipino!

Sali kaya kami ni Nori? Hmmm. . .

Sulat ni Nanay at Tatay

Halika, mga kaibigan, at hayaang maantig din ang inyong damdamin. . .

(Note: Read this with a dramatic song on the background (like the one here). Panalo!)

My Music - She's Leaving Home

Sulat ni Nanay at Tatay
Rev. Fr. Ariel F. Robles
CWL Spiritual Director
St. Augustine Parish, Baliuag, Bulacan


Sa aming pagtanda, unawain at pagpasensyahan mo sana kami, anak. . .

Kung makatapon kami ng sabaw sa hapag kainan
O kaya makabasag ng pinggan
'Wag mo naman sana kaming kagagalitan
Dala lang yun ng kalabuan ng mata at ng namamanhid naming mga daliri. . .
Pinagalitan ka man sa mga baso't pinggang iyong nabasag noon bata ka pa,
Iyon ay dahil ayaw naming masugatan ka.

Kung ang mga sinasabi mo'y 'di maintindihan at madinig
'Wag mo naman sana kaming sabihan ng "Bingi!"
Humihina na talaga ang aming pandinig
Pakiulit lang nang malakas-lakas na 'di naman kailangang sigawan
Upang tayo ay magkaunawaan.

Kung mabagal na kaming maglakad at 'di na makasabay sa mabilis mong paglakad
Pakiantay sana at alalayan—mahihina na ang aming mga tuhod
Alalay na tulad sana nung musmuos ka pa at nag-aaral ka pa lang maglakad
Tuwang tuwa ka naming pinagmamasdan.

Kung minsang makulit at paulit ulit ang aming sinabi na parang sirang plaka,
'Wag mo sana kaming pagtawanan o kainisan
Ganyan ka rin kakulit noong bata ka pa at nag-iiyak pa--
Kapag nagpapabili ng kung anu ano’y di kami tinitigilan
Hangggang ang gusto mo'y di naibibigay.

Kung kinatatamaran namin na maligo at nag-aamoy lupa na
'Wag mo naman sanang pandirihan at piliting maligo. . .
Mahina na kasi ang aming katawan pag nalalamigan.
Natatandaan mo ba noong bata ka pa at kahit anung dungis mo
Ay masayang-masaya ka naming hinahalikan
At mat'yagang hinahabol sa ilalim ng kama upang paliguan?

Kung palagi kaming masungit at nagsisisigaw
Dala na siguro ito ng pagkabagot sa bahay
At pagkadismaya na wala nang magawa at wala nang silbi.
Ipadama mo naman sana na may halaga pa rin kami sa mundo mo
Katulad ng pagpapadama namin noon ng pagpapahalaga
At pagtutuwid sa kamalian at katigasan ng iyong ulo.

Kung may konti ka mang panahon mag kwentuhan naman sana tayo. . .
Alam kong abala ka sa hanapbuhay pero sabik na kaming makausap ka.
Gusto kong malaman mo na interesado pa rin kami sa mga kwento mo
Tulad n'ung pagbibida mo sa eskwela noong bata ka pa.
Na kahit pautal utal pa ang salita mo,
Nakikinig kaming masaya tungkol sa iyong mga laruan.

Kung kami man ay maihi o madumi sa higaaan dahil hindi na makabangon
'Wag mo sanang pagagalitan o pandididrihan.
Katulad ng walang reklamo naming paggising nang kahit anong pagod sa gabi
Upang linisin at palitan ang iyong lampin para maginghawa kang makatulog
Hindi na baling kami ang mapuyat.

Kung kami’y maratay sa banig ng karamdaman
'Wag mo sanan kaming pagsawaang alagaan
Gaya ng mat'yaga naming pag-aalaga noong musmos ka pa.
Bawat daing mo noon ay hirap na dinadala sa aming kalooban
Pagt'yagaan mo naman sana kaming alagaan sa aming mga huling sandali
Kami naman ay di na rin magtatagal.

AT kapag dumating na ang takdang panahon ng aming pagharap sa Dakilang Lumikha. . .
Ibubulong at hihilingin ko sa Kanya.
Na pagpalain ka dahil naging mapagmahal at maalaga kang anak sa iyong ama’t ina.

About the song above, She's Leaving Home is one of my favorite Beatles' songs. It is similar to our own Anak but this one has made me cry the first time I read/sung its lyrics. 'Till now, 'pag kinakanta ko siya, naiiyak pa rin ako. Mas dama ko kasi 'yung feelings ng anak at ng mga magulang sa kanta. The daughter's need for independence and the parent's longing for her, feeling that they had done her wrongly.

"One More Chance" Cast Party

Cast party on November 13, 2007 at Metrowalk after the Megamall premiere

More pictures here

This Is So Not Good For Me!

Dreaming about demons, monsters, goblins, and whatnots -- each one getting scarier than the other, is not good for me! It happens when I need to accomplish something that I can't because of the lack of muse. I wonder what's the meaning behind it. Am I battling my own demons or there are demons around me that I need to get rid of. . .