"Sharon" Moments

"Kala ko tapos na ang kabaliwan natin," Ryan texted last July 10 which refers to the taping that we were about to attend later on. I was invited by a fellow Sharonian (who wants to remain anonymous for personal reasons) to watch a Sharon taping that day. The taping was for the fans entitled Fan's Day On Air. She's inviting fans that would represent the online group. S'ympre go ako! Incidentally, I had nothing to do that day. We had no classes because the next day was a holiday -- Valenzuela Day. (It follows the "sandwich principle" -- since the day before the holiday falls on a weekend, might as well suspend classes or work on that day, too, to avoid absences. Tayo lang ata meron n'un. But we made up for it by having a class last Saturday.) I tried contacting some Sharonian friends to join us but t'was only Ryan who was available. He decided not to go to work anymore 'cause the taping ended late. Also, Biboy joined us who we referred to as the "closeted fan" since it is fan's day.
The invitation happened because the "invitor" read my entry re the mall tour. She was also present at the said event. We were also both members of the PEx's Sharon thread where she saw my post.
There were many firsts for me on this event. First time that I get to watch a Sharon taping -- actually any taping for that matter. First time to see how a set looks like. First time to see how the production works during taping. First time to meet fellow Sharonians outside my circle. It's quite funny when you think that you're a super fan of someone then you get to meet people who are more fanatic than you are. My collection of Sharon stuff is incomparable to what they have. Their knowledge of her life is way superior than what I know about her. Even Sharon said that, "Mas marami pa silang alam sa buhay ko kaysa sa kin!" They remember more about her history that she does! I'm not claiming to be a super fan, though. There was even such a time when I lost fondness of her -- during the whole Lilian Velez era, I think. It was only when Madrasta came out that the fondness came back. But the people I met can really be called mega-fans! They have notes about the events in her life. They compile magazines and interviews. They attend tapings almost religiously. Some of them even became Sharon's friends (and kumares because she became their children's godmother) because according to her, these are the people she often sees. For that, I give them loyalty award! Nakakatuwa sila! I admire them because of that. If given the chance, I'd want to do a story/movie about them. A story about what being a super fan is really like. Not to make fun of them but to show people that they are the moons behind these stars. As long as they're there to support them, their light will keep on shining. Theirs is an interesting life because some of them have devoted their entire lives into backing them up. Not all can do such act especially with people they have no blood relations to.
Anyway, these are the Sharon moments:
*Everytime Sharon would open her mouth. I mean, in between takes, she would constantly talk -- either about anything she has set her mind to or to her friends in the audience. Sometimes it gets tiring listening to her -- especially that it was our first time to see her work. I guess for people who has seen her a lot during those unguarded moments, they are used to it already.
*Every Sharon transition moments off and on screen. You gotta be there to see it. Off-air, she'd talk and talk even if the AD is counting already before going on air. When the number reaches 2..., she'd stop talking about whatever she is talking about then proceeds to doing her spiels! As if hindi siya naging sobrang kulit before the take! Sobrang aliw talaga!
*When she started saying something not-so-good about Gabby then the mic hits her teeth. She quickly adds, "Opo, Lord! Sorry na po! Sobrang bilis naman ng dating ng karma sa 'kin. Opo na po. Bati na nga po kami, di ba?"
*When a fan showed her the picture of her and Gabby with the doll "Shabby". Shabby is Kuya Germs's version of Guy & Pip's "Maria Leonora Theresa" doll. "'Yan si Shabby dati! Ngayon, nagiging Chucky na pag gabi!"
*Whenever Shawie calls Uma her Uma Khounita! She feels that he is her baby I hope that both of them realize that Khounita doesn't sound manly for someone whose sexuality is in question. I hope, too, that it was just unintentional to sound that way. Hehehe. (Pero care ko! Cutie pa rin si Uma ever!)
*All the time Aldred Gatchalian was on the stage singing Your Song! Siyet!!!! (See clip below)

*Like Direk Joey Reyes who first pledged his admiration for Aldred and calls himself a devoted "Aldredian", Manny Casteñeda became gigil-to-death with Aldred. Mega-pisil sa bata! OA! Hahaha! (Inggit ako! *wink wink*)
*All of Melanie Ganda's (in short, MeGa, aka Pokwang) kwento about her being a Sharon devotee. Part of her experience as a mega-fan was when Shawie carried her mother on her back in the film Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig. "Pinasan ko rin ang nanay ko," she related. "Kahit saan. Sa pamamalengke... sa grocery... sa simbahan... sa paglalakad... sa trabaho! Matapos nga ang isang linggo, natanggal ako sa trabaho, eh! Pa'no raw nakakasikip ang nanay ko. Elevator operator kasi ako!"
*John Lapus' stories about the days when he became Sharon's clown. The one who'd make her smile and laugh whenever she was down. Once, John waited inside a trash bag so that when the time came, he'd pop out and cheer her. It was during Shawie and Richard's days. There were talking on the phone then. It took a long time before the conversation (arguments, acutally) ended. John had to come out of the trash bag. "Juice ko, sobrang kaya akong pinawisan! Ni hindi pa nga ako makahinga! Naloka ako! Ang tagal n'yong nag-usap!"
*When Uma buckled on his lines. "Ang susunod po nating bisita ay taga-Hagdang-hagdang e Tahanang Walang Hagdan..." (Did you mean Hagdang-hagdang Palayan, Uma?! Ang layo naman n'un sa TWH! :-D)
*When Sharon (and most of the audience) cried upon learning that the boy she has been helping was cured from cancer. It was a heartfelt scene. "Most of my sick kids kasi from Wish Upon a Mega already passed away. I'm glad that he made it..."
*Lastly, when Sharon apologized to Sen. Kiko about all her mistakes in the past. "You are what you are today because of those," Sen. Kiko assured the Mega. Lakas-tama 'nung statement na 'yun kay Biboy! Thank's, Sen. Kiko for such words! Natauhan si mokong! Hehehe. Love u, Bi!
Sharon is about 40 minutes or so only on TV. But the taping took two hours! We started at around 9 PM and ended at around 11 PM. There were so many things that happened during that night. I am soooo glad that I was able to watch it. 'Wag naman sana akong makita sa TV palagi once it aired! Hehehe.
(^And'yan kami. Look closer. Click for bigger image. Some of the pics were taken from I Can Seeeeeee You!!!! More pictures from the taping here.)
So, my friends, watch Fan's Day On Air on TV this Sunday, July 30 after Balitang K. Other guests are Erik Santos, Bb. Joyce Bernal, Christine Bersola-Babao, Vina Morales, and some loyal and devoted fans.

Twist of Fate

I have been busy the last couple of months with the workshop and teaching classes. I swear, nagrereklamo na si Than-than because he hasn't been seeing me lately. "Kailangan pa bang magpa-schedule sa secretary mo?" he once jokingly commented. I guess, he was just not used to me being this busy since I was so "available" the last few years. My weekdays are mostly devoted to school while my weekends are for the workshop until such a time that we'd finish shooting the short film. This is really such hard work, not to mention the emotinal baggages attached to them. Not that I'm complaining. I have asked for this. I needed change. I want some direction in life. But sometimes, fate has a way of playing its dirty tricks on you. When it does, there's no escaping it...

As you may know by now, I have wanted to enroll in the workshop since last year. Only that all the slots were filled in. When I learned that there'd be an enrollment for the second batch this year, I made sure that I'd get in. I went to GMA as early as I could. I was the 15th enrollee and I got in! I was ecstatic and excited because I want to learn more about the business. I want to BE part of the business.

Before the workshop started, I applied as a college professor in my HS alma mater. I felt confident enough that I'd get the job yet there was something in me that's saying that I may not get it, especially when I haven't heard from them for about a month. Because of that, I thought to myself that the job may not be for me after all. God must've other plans for me -- must be work in THE business after the workshop. But when the school called a few days past June, there was a certain relief and doubt on my part. What could that mean? There I was being positive about the whole showbiz thingy when suddenly, teaching calls. Anyway, I took the job. I need a steady income since video orders come and go. I took it as a gift. The future is getting clear now that I have a job and so does Biboy who left Medical City a few days back. He got a high-paying job as a nurse agent in Medicall.

The workshop was doing well, too. I've new friends and I'm learning a lot about movie making. When we were grouped into four, I was happy to have Acy around since she was my very first friend there. All went well until "he" became part of the group. My instincts told me there was something not right about it and I prove it everytime we go into groups. From then on, my spirits went down. It was a situation that I couldn't get my hands on. I told Acy about it and I was glad that she has been feeling the same way about it. At least I have someone to share my thoughts about it. Till we learned that Don has the same feelings. Anyway, to cut the story short, it wasn't good. We are at the point of our workshop lives now that we couldn't care less anymore. We have tried to do and say something about our situation yet they fell on deaf ears. All our energies were used up that we tend to not fight back anymore. We see no point in fighting a losing war. To add insult to the injury, we learned that the person we admired the most in the workshop is not admirable at all.

As if the workshop situation is not enough, I learned that my salary in school is not what I have expected. I knew that it won't level up to my previous salaries because I was just working "part-time" (weekday mornings only) but I didn't expect that it'd be that low. How low? Let's just say I couldn't raise a family with it! Sa akin pa lang, kulang na kulang na! Actually, most of us in school didn't expect such. Kaya nga during the first pay day, nilunod namin ang aming sarili sa kaunting beer at pagkanta sa Encore, Encore.

Pampalubag-loob sa school na meron pang adjustment 'yun sa next pay day. When I got my next pay slip, pucha! Mas mababa sa una! T'was really depressing. Never have I received such amount for work. Malayong-malayo sa mga naging sweldo ko dati. Napaisip tuloy ako. Is it time that I find myself a new job before the semester ends? Or should I continue with it?

I am not really into high-paying jobs. Ever since I worked, it didn't become a leverage for me in accepting the job. As long as I like what I do, it won't matter. But then, when it is this low, it will matter! I have new priorities now. I'm working to pay my debts and to save up for Angel's schooling next year. At the rate I am going today, I don't think I could afford to do both.

Apart from what was mentioned, everything is pretty good in school -- environment, company, students, rules. I own my time except for my given schedule. I can do whatever I want in class. I can make my own exams. Students are easy to deal with. The company I keep is fun. Besides, I feel that somehow it is my "territory" since I graduated there. The problem I had with the last school I was with was everything except the students and the pay. If this is my first job, I wouldn't mind the set back. But as I've said, I've different priorities now. However, I won't be force in applying for a certain job just because of its high-pay. My principles don't go that way.

My spirits have been damaged. My problem is, once I lose my appetite for something, it's difficult to bounce back...

Hooked

Because of the bad weather these days, classes are often suspended. I guess, it's one of the perks of being a teacher especially if you're one of those who really bust their asses off in school! To pass away the time, I decided to catch up on my Grey's Anatomy Season 2. I have downloaded the whole season a few months back. I couldn't wait any longer. But I wasn't able to watch them all because my external hard drive got busted. Fortunately, Ghil has a copy so I borrowed it.

From the moment I saw the first episode, I got addicted! Season 1 was not that inviting for me although I liked it. I just feel that there could be more to it. I can't help comparing it to ER which got me hooked from the beginning. (Oh my! It is still on US TV! I wasn't able to follow it anymore a few seasons after George Clooney left.) But man, Season 2 really picked up from where it left off plus more! The first season was more of an introduction of the characters with only 9 episodes to its credit. The second one finally takes its audience on an emotional ride with the events in the main characters' lives and some of their patients. I began to have the ER feeling all over again. It made me miss that show so much that I decided to buy the series on (original) DVD once I have the money.

When I saw Episode 3, I knew that I have fallen in love with GA! OMG! Never have I seen such an emotionally-charged episode in any series that I have seen where all the characters exeperienced an emotional battle! One climactic scene after another! What a great writing! You have to see it to know what I am saying. Then, there's a 2-part bomb episode (16, 17), shooting incident involving one of the doctors (25), and that cliffhanger where Meredith gets to decide between McDreamy and McVet (27)! I'd definitely get Season 2 Uncut on DVD!

OK. Because GA was so last week and I was done with the last few episodes of Lost Season 2 (Shit! Where the heck are they, anyway?! Who the eff is Henry Gayle?!), let's go to the next: Prison Break! Courtesy of Ghil again, this show will get your adrenaline all pumped-up! Not just because of Wentworth Miller (Oh baby baby, we belong together!) but because of the thrills it has to offer! It is about Michael Scofield who made sure he'd be imprisoned just to get his brother, Lincoln Burrows, out of prison. Lincoln is about to be executed in a month. Michael has planned it all (even tattooed the prison's blue print on his body) but didn't think about the screw-ups he may meet inside the prison bars. Aside from that, he didn't realize that he is dealing with a higher power outside the jail.

These shows are my band-aids for missing my one true love, my TV bible: Sex and the City!

Speaking of missing old TV shows, ABC is reinventing (or should I say adapting) one of my favorite Spanish telenovela Betty La Fea via Ugly Betty! Yehey! It stars America Ferrera of "Real Women Have Curves" and "The Sisterhood of Travelling Pants". This is something I'd truly watch out for!

Seen, Stalked, & Shot!

OMG! Am I being stalked? Hehehe... Just kidding! I stumbled upon a Multiply site who happens to be a fellow Sharonian through Ryan's post. I was surprised to learned that she had taken some shots of me & Ryan during the CD signing. (Tingnan n'yo naman, mega-smile pa ko sa isa sa mga pics na parang alam kong kinukuhanan ako ng picture! Hmm... Ano kaya ang pinag-uusapan namin sa pic na 'yan? Could it be the super mega hunky bodyguard of Ate Shawie?!) I am not sure if we have met her on Sharon taping day three Mondays ago. (I'd tell you all about it in the coming days. Our phone line was busted for about two weeks so I couldn't get online.) But I'd surely like to meet her one of these days. (I guess that it's about time that we volt in with the rest of the rest Sharonians! Hehehe!) Thank's for the pictures, girl! We owe you one! *wink wink*

Fanatic!

Isn't It Romantic? Mall Tour

Ryan and I went to SM North Edsa yesterday to see Ate Shawie on her album tour. Of course, the super fan in me came out! A few hours earlier, I have put about 10 or so cover sleeves of my favorite albums and movies of her. I'd have them all signed by her. This would be the first time that I could actually see her in person closely and asked for her signature.

(Picture above courtesy of We R Sharonians! Look for me!)

I arrived at 2:30 PM thinking that the show was at 4:00 PM. It was at 5:00 PM pala. I waited for Ryan for a while. When he got there, I bought her latest album (my second copy!) just so I could get a seat and asked her to sign my CDs. Ryan, on the other hand, bought her "All I Want" CD. Luckily, he doesn't have a copy of it yet.

DJ Macho Palito of iFM hosted the event. There were games while we were waiting for Ate Shawie to arrived. She came out at past 6 PM and greeted the audience. Grabe! Ang daming utaw! All seats were filled! Standing ovation pa! See my recorded video below...

After a few minutes, we are asked to line up. I was sooooo excited! As in! When she saw that I have two new albums and her other two Sony-BMG albums, she said, "All for Jheck? All for you? Wow naman! Thank you very much! Thank you very much talaga! That's so sweet!" O di ba?! All for the love of Sharon! Then, pa-picture na kami!

Kung kinapalan ko ang mukha ko, I could've asked for more pictures. And, I could've asked her to sign my other sleeves! Kaya lang nahiya na ko. Ang dami pang nakapila. Di lang ako ang fan niya! But how I wished we could've stayed a little longer with her. Sana nakatsikahan namin siya ng matagal! I hope that I'd get the chance to interview her someday...

Related Posts:

Review: Isn't It Romantic?
A Bagful of Sharon Vicor Goodies
A Fanatic Weekend

Funny Vid: MAD TV's Gay Str8 Guys

Watch and laugh to your hearts content!

FTP Second Half Session

FTP class sessions have ended last July 25. We are now in pre-production stages of our short film. Before I talk about the pre-prod planning, let me recap the second half sessions which I failed to write here.

Day 7: Production Design

As the facilitator, we had Robert Domingo. He won for his work in Eddie Garcia's Imortal. His most recent work was on TV via Kampanerang Kuba.

He made emphasis on being creative and resourceful when it comes to production designing. The designer has to do away with all the things available around him especially pag nagkakagipitan na, i.e. sudden costume/set change.


Day 8: Cinematography/Camera Works/Lighting Design

For this session, we had one of the best (if not the greatest) in his field, the Romy Vitug! Tatay Romy started as a photo journalist back in the 60s-70s. The Lino Brocka gave him his first crack at cinematography via Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa in 1974. He wasn't adept then to movie camera language. Nawindang-windang pa siya with Lino's technical instructions. He learned along the way through experiences and with the help of the people around him. He also read books about it. Till he became one of the respected cinematographers here in the Philippines! He has won numerous awards in different award-giving bodies including Urian. I remember him mostly with his Reyna Films works. They're a few of my favorite films.

The session mostly became a kwentuhan event. Sadly, Tatay Romy isn't really much of a teacher. I guess, most people who learned from experience are not. Not that it's bad. It's just a given fact that not all has the ability to teach even if they are excellent in their field. Kaya nga sinapo na siya ni Direk Rahyan when it comes to talking about technicalities, etc.

What inpires me the most about Tatay Romy is his humility. Inspite of the countless awards and recoginitions he had received from the industry, he had remained down to earth. One could easily notice that with his demeanor and how he speaks. Walang ka-ere-ere!

One thing I've realized, as well, is that I'm not into cinematography (at the moment, I guess). It's very technical. I need to read and learn about it first before I could say that I want to try it.


Day 9: Assistant Director/Continuity Director

Day 9 was with the ever pleasant and accomodating, Julius Alfonso (see picture with my friend/groupmate, Len). O di ba? Magsipsip ba? Hehehe. I know that you'd find your way here in my blog in someway or another (just like Joseph Balboa did!), so babatiin ko na po kayo! Hello po sa inyo! :-)

Sir Julius started as a fashion designer. How he started in show business escaped my mind. I guess, I wasn't paying much attention well when his history was mentioned. Pa'no nga ba, Sir Julius? What I remember, though, is that most of his work was with Joel Lamangan. Gamay na gamay na nila ang isa't-isa na tandem na silang maituturing when it comes to being a director and assistant director. With films like Bulaklak ng Maynila, Mano Po 1, Manay Po, Aishite Imasu, theirs is a winning collaboration! Incidentally, he also put on his hands on co-writing Bakit May Kahapon Pa? with Roy Iglesias which was also under the direction of Joel. He was nominated with Roy for Best Screenplay in Urian, 1996. Tama nga ba 'yung info na 'yun, Sir Julius?

An AD is truly the director's right-hand man (the cinematographer being on the left) because he is the one who'd give orders on the set. He would make sure that the director's visions would be executed properly. He'd be the one to tell the cinematographer the shots needed/wanted for a certain scene. In short, he is the voice of the director on the set. Kaya madalas, siya rin ang napuputukan ng mga artistang pasaway, ng mga director na init-ulo o ng mga producer na tigas-ulo. An AD is also the script supervisor (most of the time) who would make sure that every scene would be done accordingly. He needs to remind the director on the last scene or shot that he made.

An AD has a lot of work scope. If you think about, it's a very tiring and demanding job. He needs to be present from pre-production plans to editing sessions. Puyatan na kung sa puyatan!

Day 10: Directing Actors

Fun, fun, fun! That was day 10 like with Director Soxie Topacio! Direk, Socrates pala name n'yo talaga! Ang taray! Hehehe... (Picture with friend/groupmate, Acy)

Direk Soxie mostly gave us techniques in directing/motivating actors. I don't remember the names of those techniques because we tried them ourselves. We didn't had the time to write some notes.

As a director (and as a person, I guess), he's the fun-loving kind. His set is a pleasant one where fear is nowhere in sight. Sometimes it's good. Sometimes it isn't. He isn't the type of person who shouts or gets mad at his actors. Kaya nga raw andun ang AD, he'd be the one to do the "dirty deeds", i.e. mambulyaw ng artista o crew kung kinakailangan.

What I mostly remembered about the session are his behind-the-scenes stories of some actors/movies/directors. He should come up with a book detailing all his kwento! Sobrang aliw! Sobrang halay! Hahaha! Di ko na lang ikukuwento rito dahil mas masarap siya pakinggan. But what I learned with his stories is that Nora Aunor is truly one of the greatest actor (worldwide) alive! An expert should write about how great she in all details for the world to know!

Crashed

I miss writing terribly! I have been busy these last few weeks that I couldn't find time to write. Actually, I do have some spare time to do some posts. The problem is that I am so tired to do such. So whenever I sit and face the computer, my mind goes blank.

Today, I was able to catch up on my sleep. After I finished my class at11:30 AM, I went home and ate lunch. Then, I slept. I finally was able to do my 5 days old laundry during the afternoon. After dinner, here I am!

For the record, I am writing using my dad's laptop. My pc had crashed down (again)! The past few days weren't good to me particularly the last 3 days!

Last Sunday, we learned how "kuya" felt about us through Acy. For weeks now, Don and Acy were trying their best to ask him share what's on his mind because he had been silent during group discussion. Don managed to received silent treatment from him. However, last Saturday night, Acy succeeded on knowing his thoughts through texts. They were not good, mind you! Actually, they were sooooo bad that I couldn't help cursing while reading them the next day! Don was even more hurt because he made mentioned of him in one of his messages. We (Don & I) were carrying the emotional baggages all throughout the day!

To add more to the burden, Biboy and I fought last Saturday. The topic of which I won't discuss here anymore. It was carried over till the next day and the day that followed it. So while I was feeling so bad re "kuya's" words, Biboy was arguing with me through text. I felt emotionally drained. I didn't even know how to react anymore. I just took things the way they were. The whole rollercoaster ride made me feel numb.

Yesterday, I seemed to reached the highest peak of the rollercoaster ride! My pc crashed down! My celfone failed to start-up! Despite the fights with Biboy through it, my celfone was keeping me sane all throughout the emotional struggles. It has been a companion because of all the fun messaging I was doing with workshop friends (particularly with Acy, Don, Bibs, Apple, and Monro) . It was a stress-reliever of some sort. Idagag mo pa na natatanggal 'ung isang salamin sa salamin ko sa mata! Kaloka talaga! Pagod. Antok. Disappointments. School stress. Frustrations. Halo-halo na! If I could just disappear that day, I would! Kaya naman when I went to Wellcom to have my fone repaired, I just sitted there and waited for a while without complaints. (There was this customer kasi who was really taking her time choosing the MP3s she want to load on her newly-bought fone. She even said, "Kahit abutin tayo ng buong hapon dito sa pagpili ng mga kanta, ok lang!" O kung sampalin ko kaya siya buong hapon?!) The repair cost me PhP600 - all for just a few minutes work!

When I went home, Biboy was waiting. He fixed the pc. Siya ang nakakaalam ng kiliti nu'n, eh. He hugged me and apologized for all the hurtful things he said. I did the same and we made up. As in, super made up! Hehehe. ;-)

So ngayon, si "kuya" na lang ang problema at ang mga alipores niya. Nag-text ang "alalay ni kuya" last night about our first pre-production meeting on Saturday. The truth is, we (Acy, Don, & I) are disappointed with "alalay ni kuya". She has been with us throughout the entire sessions - lunch and gimmicks. Then last Sunday, she made a 180 degrees turn and turned against us. Biglang kumapit kay "kuya" at sa "bodyguard ni kuya". At nagmamataray na ang lola sa text! Anyway, it's her choice.

Speaking of Saturday's meeting, Don & I are quite concern about it. I made it clear last weekend to the "Fantastic 3" (I am the 4th!) that I don't like the idea of having our pre-prod plans in "bahay ni kuya". It's his turf and it'd be hard for us to be ourselves. (Daming camera, eh!) Ang sabi ko, baka bigla na lang kaming birahin ni Don since "kuya's" main issue is with us. He feels that we have insulted his "story". Bastos daw kami. It was unethical of us daw to re-write his "story" the way we did. Kahit pa napuri kami ni Manay Gina with it, deadma siya! For him, we still butchered his "story"! Gusto na nga raw niya i-pull-out 'yung "story" niya. If he feels that way, he should've said so! The problem with him is that he acts like a spoiled child! He isn't open to suggestions even though he claims that he is. He acts like a producer who knows what he wants and gets it any way he can! The only thing he forgot is that he isn't producing this movie. We are not working for him. We are not his staff and crew. Pare-pareho kami ng level in the film. It just so happened that he was chosen to be the director. What does he want to happen? Be the writer and director of his own story/concept? Well, then, as Len said, "magtayo siya ng sariling niyang group! Group 5!"

As of the moment, Don and I decided to just stay mum about things. We'll just let him do whatever he wants. Our work is done. If he follows the script, fine. If he doesn't, fine, as well. But let assure him this, this behavior of his won't go unreported! If he wants to impress the big bosses, he better behave!

Sanga-Sangang Kuwento

Last Monday, I was supposed to watch Raya Martin's Ang Maicling Pelicula Nañg Ysañg Indio Nacional. It was part of the French Festival at the Shangri-la. The film was supposed to be shown at 6:20 PM but was moved to 8:00 PM. It was a good thing because Acy, my companion that night, was still nowhere near the place at 6 PM. Unfortunately, 15 minutes before 8, she hasn't arrived. I finally decided to go upstairs to buy me a ticket. Near the ticket booth was Jessica Zafra and company. There was also another familiar face just a few steps behind her but I couldn't tell who he was exactly. What I know, though, is that he is a film director. 10 minutes to go. Then, 5 minutes. I finally thought of buying a ticket when the sales person told me that it was already sold out! Gawd! I failed to realize that! I didn't think for one second that it might happen because I thought that it was an unknown film to ordinary film goers. Thus, tickets would be in abundance. But, unknown it may be to ordinary people, it wasn't with critics and media people! I felt so stupid for my complacency back then. I almost wanted to cry because of my disappointment! Two hours were wasted for nothing! Then, Acy and her bf arrived a few minutes before screening. Guess what?! They already have tickets!

Anyway, I just went home with a heavy heart. The weekend already was not good for me (problems with FTP grouping which I wouldn't discuss here at the moment) and that situation just alleviated the bad feeling. The film just had one screening all throughout the festival and I don't know if I'd still get the chance to see it.

The next day, I went to visit Jessica's blog to see if she already made a review for the film. What I read, though, was her post entitled "Free Movie!". I read it at around 10:30 AM when there was not yet a post on the people who got free invites. When I was about to send her an e-mail, lo and behold! She posted the winners! It was, of course, another disappointment since Jeffrey Jeturian is one of my favorite directors these days. I enjoyed every film that he made - from Sana Pag-ibig Na to Bikini Open, except Pila Balde which I haven't seen. The last film of his that I saw was Minsan Pa which I found so unconventional and spectacular! It has a contemporary linear story telling yet the ending was not typical. It has the most number of dialects/languages used that I have seen in movies - Cebuano, Tagalog, Japanese, Spanish, English, Korean. Armando Lao had truly written one of his masterpieces!

The story is simple, really. It is about Jerry Toledo Jr. (Jomari Yllana), a Cebuano tourist guide, who has a lot going on his life - an old affair, family burdens, work problems, etc. Aside from his family, he is looking for a meaning in his life. Then he meets Luna (Ara Mina), a woman who is about to get married. When Luna's fiance backed out on their wedding, Jerry felt the urge to pursue his feeling for her. But Luna is not about to give up on her fiance. She tries her best to win him back. Jerry also tries his darnest to prove to her that they belong together. However, in the end, they would realize that love isn't all that matters - it is the committment you give to one another no matter what happens.

Minsan Pa may be a love story but it is only one-third of its story. It has a lot to tell regarding familial love, self-denial, unconditional love, work dedication, etc. Don't be fooled by the fact that it is Jomari-Ara starrer. This movie is really about Jerry's life journey. Further, it was the first time that I cried during a wedding scene! How good is that?! To top it all, there are a lot of breathtaking underwater scenes and a great scoring to boot! Just listening to the songs would already melt your hearts! My oh my! "Usahay" is one of the loneliest songs ever written!

Because I love his works, you can already tell that missing Kubrador's press preview would be a huge disappointment for me, yet again! Imagine, I would get to see it before the rest of the Pinoys do! So I decided to find ways. I asked Direk Ellen if she have invites to the film's preview. She answered affirmatively and asked if I wanted to come. Of course, I said yes! I told her how much I like Jeffrey's works etc. etc. etc. just so she'd be convinced to bring me along. She told me that she'd see what she could do. I'd turn to Sir Vince in case direk was not invited. Ganun ako ka-determined!

Then, a light bulb moment hits! The director whom I saw at the Shangri-la ticket booth who was a few steps behind Jessica was no other than Jeffrey himself! No wonder that instead of writing about Indio Nacional, Jessica had written about Kubrador's upcoming preview.

Today, I received a message from direk that she already put my name and Biboy's (who is one of Jessica's avid fans!) at the list. However, we wouldn't be included at the cocktails anymore. "Medyo namumroblema na 'yung producer," she added. (The producer is Atty. Joji Alonso of MLR Films who funded the film transfer of Mga Pusang Gala. I met her during my interview with direk. She is the host of a legal/law show in RPN 9 during morning.) It was not a problem for me, anyway. Just to see the film is more than enough for me! I'm already grateful! I hope that I get Jeffrey to sign my Minsan Pa DVD, though...

FTP Workshop Days 5 & 6

Day 5 was the last day of script writing. During the first session, we had Joen Chionglo. He had written one of my favorite SC movies, Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita! He also worked with Direk Rahyan via the film La Funeraria Toti. If his surname sounds familiar, it is because he is the youngest brother of the Mel Chionglo.

According to Ricky Lee's scriptwriting manual called "Trip to Quiapo", Joen's exposure to films was because of his older siblings who love watching films. After studying and staying in the US for a while, he came back to the Philippines. It was direk Mel who told him that Ricky Lee was looking for new TV writers. From then on, he found his niche in writing. Incidentally, by the way, Ricky Lee visited us during our first script writing session! (See Acy's blog for picture/proof.)

Joen emphasized to us that every scene in our script should have something to say about the characters or their situations. They have to have sense. If they don't show anything significant, better take them out of the script. For example, if a character is shown sleeping, the scene should show some aspects of the character's life while he was doing such. Maybe a shot of his place where the audience could determine his life style or status. If it was only to show that he is sleeping, then aksaya lang siya ng film. Unless, narcoleptic 'yung karakter niya!

The second session was headed by the bubbly Joseph Balboa. I told my co-workshoppers that Joseph is a cross between Arnell Ignacio and Renz Verano. 'Wag sana niya ikagalit. Hehehe. His session was fun. Matindi tumira ng sarcastic jokes esp. during Maestro's attacks! (Maestro is one of our workshop mates. I can't elaborate on his story because you have to be there to get the joke.) Pero di naman nakakabastos.

Joseph was part of Encantadia's writing team. Today, he heads the creative team of Mars Ravelo's Captain Barbell. If the former received numerous praises for its writing and production, the latter, sad to say, was bombarded with negative reactions. It was pretty much a Smallville rip-off. Because of the reinvented story, nawala ang pagka-Pinoy ng kapitan. Sensya na po, sir Joseph, sa panglalait. :-)

Anyway, with Joseph, he gave importance to dialogues. They should fit the characters well and must be appropriate for their age. We also give unique and catchable names to our characters, not to mention well-fitting.

We ended the day with a writing exercise which turned more into an acting exercise. Most of us failed to show the speakers our written sequence treatment. However, it was fun!

Day 6 was musical scoring session headed by one of my favorite composers these days, Vince de Jesus! Nagulat pa siya when he called my name during an exercise. I was standing beside him while he was explaining what we are about to do. He looked at me and said, "Halimbawa, si Jheck... Ikaw ba si Jheck David?" I nodded at napatawa lang siya. I was supposed to tell him that I am enrolled in the workshop before his assigned day. It wasn't supposed to be his but there was a sudden change in his schedule that he had to make it earlier than expected.

We started with a "radio play". Sir Vince wanted us to create a story using only sounds and music. It was a fun activity. I have always wanted to do a radio play back in school and have wished that my students would do such whenever I asked them to do plays. Unfortunately, I didn't experience any of it since last Saturday.

What struck us the most is that, because of IPR (Intellectual Property Rights), we are not allowed to use for TV or film any copyrighted material even the ordinary ones like "Happy birthday" or "Twinkle twinkle little star". That is, unless, we would be paying for its usage which would cost a lot, of course! No wonder that we seldom hear the birthday song on TV or films these days.

We learned that music is an essential part of TV or film. Without it, movies would seemed lifeless.

Incidentally, because of Sir Vince's promotion of ZsaZsa Zaturnnah's third run, my workshop mates were encouraged to see it. S'yempre mega-promote din ako sa kanila n'un. We'll be seeing it on the 18th if plans push through.

FTP Workshop Days 3 & 4

We will be having a 3-day session of scriptwriting workshop. 3 days were allotted for it since the script is always the most important part of the film. No matter how good the direction or production is, at the end of the movie, the story is what needs to stand out.

On our first day, we had Gina Marissa Tagasa-Gil. Manay Gina, as everyone in the business fondly calls her, is a well-known writer for TV, stage, and film. She was the head writer of Lovingly Yours, Helen and Coney Reyes On Camera before. Now, she handles Bahay Mo Ba 'To? and Mahiwagang Baul in GMA 7. Recently, she had written Moments Of Love in film. Yes, MOL! My favorite! Hehehe. (If you have been following my writings, you'll understand my sarcasm.) Incidentally, amongst our workshop mates is the supervising producer of the said film.

Manay Gina also tried her hand on directing via Sa Kandungan ng Langit (Heaven's Cradle) which gave her the Best Film in New York Film Festival 2004.

Manay Gina emphasized the importance of good characterization. The characters should be consistent with their background and their personalities. Characterization can either make or break a good story line. It was a problem for me before when I wrote Our House. It was about a group of friends living in one house together. Technically, it was about my barkada. I wrote it when I was in college but didn't get to finish it. I lost interest. Anyway, according to Bhe-bhe, every character in the story has "me" in them. Every one seemed to be nice. Back then, I was too morally conscientious. Most of the time, I tend to judge my characters even before I write them which, of course, is wrong. Manay Gina reminded us that our characters, particularly the protagonists, shouldn't be too good or else, there wouldn't be any room for changes and growth.

The second day was headed by Direk Rahyan Carlos. He was part of Manay Gina's team in Coney Reyes On Camera. He related to us that she made it a point to tell him his mistakes in his writings before (through a letter) which he appreciated a lot. Because of it, he was able to know his weaknesses.

Direk Rahyan reiterated that, first and foremost, we should focus on our story and script. Every thing else is secondary. He admitted how he hated Pamahiin's story line, his first commercial film. But he couldn't do anything about it because they had a deadline to pursue. So, instead, he just put his best in directing it.

Good thing that he admitted to not liking it. I find it contradictory before that he was saying (in interviews) that he has been a fan of the horror genre and he dreamt of making a good scary film. Yet he failed to scare the audience with his movie. Di pala niya kasi sariling kwento. I saw it with Than-than and I swear, he fell asleep! Aminado naman si direk na "talky" 'yung film niya which shouldn't be the case for horror films.

In fairness, though, he really managed to make the film look good. In contrast with typical horror films, his was in vibrant colors. The actors were glowing on screen. I guess, it also became a problem since there was a little amount of horror feel in it.

After some music-writing exercises and discussion, direk made us watch Puso3 which is the product of last year's GMA workshoppers. It consists of 3 stories: Peque Gallaga's Lost & Found, Soxie Topacio's Siklo, and Rahyan Carlos's Kulam. The last two films were written by direk and I must admit that they were written well. As compared to the first one which really borders on the absurd and not to mention the not-so-good acting in it.

Anyway, speaking of story line, direk asked us to do our own. If chosen by the group, it will be used as our short film. Two stories came into my mind when I was thinking about it. First was Buhay Pirata. It will be about the vendors of pirated DVDs in Quiapo. But I don't know how to go about it - whether I should write a sort of "day in the life of" or talk about their struggles in life. In any case, it would need a lot of research and interviews. In the end, I realized that it'd be better as a documentary piece than a film. My second had an adult-ish theme to it. It will be about a girl who asks her friends about their sexual experiences because she is a virgin and is about to have sex. Her friends are consist of a married and conservative woman, a single and sexually active woman, a gay guy, and a straight guy. All of them would give her tips aside from sharing their stories. My treatment will be comedic.

I have chosen the latter but my concern now is its theme. I have shared it with my group mates and I received some positive remarks from them. However, I'm afraid that it might not be chosen because we will have kids (those in the acting workshop) in the audience. Anyway, I don't wanna think about it yet. I'm hoping for the best but I am also preparing myself if ever things won't go my way. At least, I found some potential film in some of my group mate's works.

FTP Workshop Days 1 & 2

My GMA Film & TV Production Workshop started last Saturday. It was supposed to be held on the 13th but was moved to the 20th in PETA Theater.

The first day was headed by Direk Rahyan Carlos (Pamahiin). He made an introduction about film making and made an overview on what it is like working in the industry. It was an interesting discussion because I've learned that sometimes, there's more to reviewing story lines, acting, and directing in films. Sometimes, every action and camera work say something about the mood and the meaning of a scene. Sometimes, the audience get to see the superficial message of the film yet fail to understand its hidden motive. That is when I realized that film can really be works of art of a certain director. He paints a canvass the way artists do that could be open to different interpretations.

Second day was led by Direk Joseph Fortin (Pinoy Abroad). His topic was all about "Film Theory, Language, & History". And "film" meant it literally as in the reel or the film of the camera. I've learned that camera work is so technical -- its parts and the way you handle it. It isn't as simple as taking a video camera and shooting whatever you like. A camera man and a director need to give importance to the lighting comdition or else, they won't be able to capture their actors or scenes beautifully. There are also different ways in handling a camera shot. It isn't as simple as pointing it to your actors.

I may want to learn some camera tricks but I learned that being the man behind the camera isn't for me...