Ilang Thought sa Nahuhulog na Elevator

Kagabi ko lang nalaman (through Benjie and Ruth’s instant message) na meron daw nahulog na elevator sa Net Square (kung nasaan ang office). As per Ruth’s link (na isang blog), nahulog daw from the 14th floor. Fortunately, walang pasahero n’ung nahulog. Kinilabutan ako nang konti kasi nga naka-VL ako tapos may nangyaring ganun. May mga ganyan na kasing scary thought n’ung college dahil may ganyang aksidente na raw r’un sa isang elevator at meron daw namatay.

Ruth said, konting ingat. But I think I replied something like “Balewala naman ang pag-iingat dahil aksidente ‘yun.” Pero s’yempre, na-appreciate ko ‘yung concern. It’s just that sa mga ganung pagkakataon, wala ka nang kawala. Unlike sa isang bus na babangga sa isang puno, pwede ka pang tumalon mula sa window. Pero kung eroplano na, wala ka nang magagawa kundi i-initiate na mag-flashback ang iyong buhay mula sa mga bagay na kaya mong i-recall.

According to this link, di naman daw pala nakamamatay ang isang elevator na nahuhulog. At ‘wag mo na ring tangkain na tumalon bago ito bumagsak (as if alam mo kung kelan tatama sa lupa, hahaha).

Accidents happen. Kahit nasa pinakakomportable ka pang lugar, kung oras mo na, oras mo na. I believe merong God’s timing na tinatawag. Di ba nga, kahit nasa isang five-star hotel ka, puwedeng lumindol o puwedeng mabomba? Walang ligtas na lugar (I remember my highschool PE teacher saying that). Pero hindi ko ito sinasabi para manakot. Ang motibo ko talaga ay para bisitahin natin ‘yung faith. As Rogue said in the first “X-Men” movie, “You have to hold onto something”. Wala na akong sasabihin pa.

Ang Chic Sako Bag

Two days na akong nasa kuwarto lang, blogging and surfing. So far, so good. Puwede siguro ako sa Big Brother kung sakali. Lumalabas lang ako to buy food, deposit money para isang shirt na binili ko rito sa Multiply at para mag-scout ng sako bag sa palengke sa may Olympia. Gagamitin ko ‘yung sako bag para iuwi ‘yung mga biniling dibidi at para sa mga CDs na na-rip ko na.

Sabi ng landlady ko, wala raw mga ganung sako bag sa palengke. Alam ko rin eh sa Divisoria nga nakakabili n’ung mga ganun. Ito ‘yung makukulay na bag na may print ng Disney characters. Most famous design ay ‘yung merong Winnie the Pooh. Surprisingly, nakakita ako sa palengke namin. Since, magkakamukha na ‘yung iba, pinili ko na lang ‘yung isang design na hindi mukhang sako bag. I ended up having a chic sako bag na parang masyadong maporma. Anyway, iuuwi ko naman sa probinsya at nanay ko na ang gagamit. Didiskartehan ko na lang kung paano ito isasakay sa bus na hindi naman ako masyadong pagtitinginan. P85 pala ang isang piraso. Meron silang tig-P100 hanggang tig-P65, depende sa size.

Doobie-Dibidi Weekend

Wala lang maisip na title kaya hiniram ko ‘yung “doobie” but nope, I did not try dope this weekend. Corny/cheesy (what’s with these food?) to say, the result is more intoxicatingly high (whoa!). Friday was spent with food critiquing at Malacca, a Malaysian restaurant, and watching TP’s “Pamaypay, Kutsilyo at Yantok”, while the whole Saturday was a nirvana of dibidi shopping (plus a little hangover on the next day). Sunday was rest (while lying in bed, ripping CD’s and other stuff) and a whopper (Repertory Philippines’ version of “Portrait of the Artist as Filipino”). Below is a capsule report on my weekend getaway:

MALACCA


Isa sa mga last minute decision ‘to for a Friday lunch out. It was suggested by Iam (check out her reviews at http://iampugeda.multiply.com/reviews), as suggested by Anton, with other options like Teriyaki Boy at Net Quad and the like. But what Iam wants, Ge also wants. Eh wild card ako so outnumbered si Hubes. The place is posh (well, too posh for me kasi pang-Wok Inn lang talaga ako AND I might be saying the same adjective for the rest of my resto reviews, hahaha). Parang ibang Chinese resto ‘yung nand’un (the likes of Mann Hann) though araw-araw kaming dumadaaan ng mga cabmates ko sa Jupiter, di ko masyadong napapansin.

We had a short-order serving of Chicken Rice each plus a bah ku teh for sharing. The very smell of Chicken Rice reminded me of my 9-month stay in Singapore (scene in mind: Anton Ego’s childhood flashback in “Ratatouille”). It was the stench in the hawker near Plaza by the Park, just the opposite of their national library. Parang nagbalik lahat ang mga alaala. I can say that I’ve tried the best Chicken Rice in Singapore and the chili crabs and Old Chang Kee and the Breadtalk and what you can get in Malacca is candidly authentic (naks, critic na critic, hahaha). I just wish that they provide each dish with a pair of soy and ginger sauces. If I’m not mistaken, bah ku teh is supposed to be served in a clay pot but it doesn’t matter if they served us the dish in a white zen-like plate. Just the same, it’s great!

We spent roughly P400+ each (I had a hot milk tea for a drink) but it was sulit. Service is also good as most of the staffs are very sophisticated when asking for orders (read: not jologs). The owner (presumably) even attends to each table asking how’s the food and making bola. Great lunch-out!

PAMAYPAY, KUTSILYO AT YANTOK



Honestly, I’m not really sold to the idea, as the production is a collaboration of Tanghalang Pilipino and GMA Artists Center. I don’t see much talent over that fence. When Paulo Perez of TP first disclosed to me about the show, while waiting for “Mga Gerilya ng Powell St.” to start, I uttered something like “Uy, joke ‘yan ‘no? Eh wala namang may talent d’un”. He was shocked and a bit embarassed as other spectators in Tanghalang Huseng Batute might be listening. But maybe it’s just the Kapamilya in me (di kasi ako UP, di rin ako La Salle o Ateneo so ABS-CBN na lang ang second religion ko, hahaha). So I gave it a try. And the destiny might be poking fun. I arrived in the middle of the first act.

Episode One is called “Ang Balutan ng Gamot at Pagkain” (written by the great Nick Pichay) which was about Maria Clara and Crisostomo Ibarra as they discuss, subversively, a little politics and sexuality in a punchline type of dialogues. Next is entitled “Kabanata X” (by Chris Millado) which tackles what’s inside the mind of Salome and Elias when they met for the last time. Last episode is called “Ang Nazarena”, also written by Millado, which is about Sisa and her husband Pedring. The whole play lasted for about one hour and a half.

First things first. What’s promising in the material is the concept of intertwining the three one-act plays. Its director, Tess Jamias, made a devise that at one time on each act, the three female lead characters recite the same exact line, conveying parallelism on casualty of war/revolution/abuse to women. That’s a good one, actually. Siguro, kung merong kulang, ‘yung maturity ng acting mula sa cast. Most of the actors, except Jonathan Tadioan, showed rawness but I think this is the thing that the collaboration between TP and GMA-7 is addressing.

Seen inside the LRT: poetry (called “Berso sa Metro”, as sponsored by Instituto Cervantes).

DIBIDI SHOPPING


Happiness is dibidi shopping in Quiapo, hands down. To prepare for this, I had a serving of my favorite goto at Lugawan sa Pasong Tamo (near PRC/JP Rizal) and off I took a jeep to LRT then to Quiapo. I was already at Greenwich branch near the underpass entrance at 8am. The next two hours were spent digging and locating some good titles. This includes Slumdog Millionaire, Milk and Happy-Go-Lucky. I left Quiapo at 10am-ish and continued the dibidi sting at Makati Cinema Square. Guilty pleasures include Zapped, Flashdance, Revenge of the Nerds and Fast Times at Ridgemont High. All in all, 45 goddamn titles!

Other points of interest along the way: Quiapo Church and Kilometer One post near the National Museum.

PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS FILIPINO


How to enjoy a Sunday afternoon? Watch a famous Filipino play as staged Broadway-like by Repertory Philippines. The whole stint was a killer. First, I availed Rep’s subscription for the first time! I used to see those season tickets through my brother ages ago but I wasn’t enticed to get one (an all-Broadway repertoire is a little boring). They normally send the tickets first then you can just pay out upon watching the play. Same system is still in place.

Season opener (weird it may sound but Rep starts the season on January) is the great Nick Joaquin’s equally great play entitled “Portrait of the Artist as Filipino”. It’s an old-school take on, again, women (and family and anything about pre-war Manila). All the traditional theatrics are in the play: nice blocking, simple set for movements, acting highlights for any aspiring actress and an ending with a heart. Rep’s production is simply above average and beyond expectations. They managed to sophisticate a post-war material that used to be staged in a small barangay theater. It’s also different from the musical version (which was good and sincere to the material) and Nonon Padilla’s rendition of the play for Tanghalang Pilipino. It must be the set. It must be the lighting. It must be Irma Adlawan (no doubt, her generation’s best asset) playing Candida or Jose Mari Avellana directing the play (his parents were INTO “Portrait….”).

Just a side note, before the play began, I went to the john. There were a bunch of guys there wearing the infamous black pants and white shirt. Siguro, sa isang resto sila lahat nagwo-work. I think it was their break time. Two were toothbrushing while the rest were just there. When I was peeing, I heard two of them fighting on the floor. Parang nagkapikunan yata at hinayaan lang n’ung iba na mag-away (for fun?). One guy even said something like “O, magsuntukan lang kayo ha, walang gagamit ng tinidor”. Well when I was about to leave, I noticed that everything was in order and as if nothing happened. Err, Portrait of the Waiter as Filipino? I enjoyed the hiritan and the suntukan though.

I capped the night by visiting Makati Cinema Square again for more dibidis, dinner at Super Sinangag with sundried prime beef tapa (with two eggs, P95) and a taste of dusk in Makati.

Movie Digest # 051

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, January 8, 7:05pm

The film’s first come-on is definitely the make-up and the CGI used in the film. Maybe a lot are curious about Brad Pitt’s physical transformation (which was done great, probably a frontrunner for Best Make-up and Costume). But it’s more than that. It’s a bold attempt to tell a story about time and how you make use of it. Except for the last frames, the film is just like any other Hollywood film (grand in scope, big budgeted, bankable actors). Its epilogue provides a thought-provoking experience, a notion that contradicts the whole point. My verdict: an Oscar nominee for Best Picture (though it will not win).

Friends who might appreciate it: those who crave for David Fincher films.

THE SPIRIT
Glorietta 4, Cinema 1, January 8, 10:25pm

I almost fell asleep with the film. Too talky (read: Tarantino kind of talky) for me for a film adapted from a graphic novel.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who expected a lot from “Sin City”.

CHANGELING
Power Plant, Cinema 2, January 15, 7:30pm

An eventful tale of mother’s journey to look for her missing son, set in 1920’s Los Angeles. Too eventful that you sometimes diss out the possibility that it was a true and documented story. Taking the film as a Clint Eastwood film, it is too dramatic for me (breakdown scenes are left and right) but could be effective as a tearjerker (which is expected for subjects as such). Acting-wise, it’s just OK for me. Angelina Jolie shows what she’s got (I am not referring to the nude shower scene) as she portrays a layered character. As for the title, you may find this link helpful.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who just saw “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”.

LOVE ME AGAIN (LOVE DOWN UNDER)
Power Plant, Cinema 4, January 15, 10:25pm

This is the second Pinoy film I’ve seen this year. First being “Tanging Ina N’yong Lahat” for the MMFF which I did not bother writing down about because I already did a note on the said festival. Well, Piolo and Angel did an OK performance but the film is so passé. From the story down to the way it was directed, everything is a thing of the past. It would make a difference, I guess, if the film was shown during the late 90’s when we don’t expect much from Star Cinema. Direk Rory Quintos should prioritize doing soaps and MMK episodes over filmmaking. She hasn’t really shown yet what she’s got. A big disappointment (even for a Star Cinema “standards”).

Friends who might appreciate it: those who wish to see Angel Locsin’s bare back and Piolo’s you-know-what.

Trip to Quiapo

Dahil award season na, oras na para bumisita sa Quiapo. Maraming OK na films based sa huling Golden Globe at mukhang deserving naman. For instance, grand slam si Kate Winslet for winning both Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. Plus siyempre, ang nakaka-excite na "Slumdog Millionaire" or even Mickey Rourke's acting piece for "The Wrestler".

Heto ang mga plano kong i-shop:

1. Slumdog Millionaire
2. The Wrestler
3. Milk
4. Hunger
5. Revolutionary Road
6. Vicky Cristina Barcelona
7. Beaufort
8. XXY
9. 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days
10. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
11. In Bruges
12. Doubt

Pero siguradong meron pang madadagdag d'yan. Kung matutuloy ang plano, baka sa aking unang Jollibee ako kumain (that's in Ronquillo St. in Sta. Cruz, Manila, near my brother's boarding house when he was in college) or d'un sa katabi nitong fried chicken restaurant. We'll see, we'll see.

Anawangin, Version 2.0

More pics here.

Reaching Anawangin Cove on foot (from Brgy. Pundaquit) was a bit challenging. I thought that it was just an easy trek. I didn’t even prepare for it physically. In JEST, at least I attempted to jog for two weeks. It turned out that the trek, err, the climb is more draining. Now, that’s not in jest.

We took the 11:30pm bus trip from Victory Liner - Caloocan to San Antonio, Zambales. As expected, the town was still sleeping when we arrived and we ended up just having a piece of pandesal for breakfast. At 4:00am, our manong guide fetched us with five tricycles. We alighted at manong guide’s place and spent 15 minutes to freshen up and leave the heavy stuff. It wasn’t planned to leave the food for cooking but we were having some doubts that the fresh meats won’t make it. Plan B was to put the food in a cooler and bring it to Anawangin through a boat. We decided to leave the other items as well like water and tent for our convenience. That was an answered prayer for me as I was initially figuring out how to carry my weighty bag and reach the cove alive.

The whole trek took us four hours and 45 minutes to accomplish. It was tiring especially during sunrise when we can finally see what’s ahead of us. Trekking at night with moonlight and a flashlight is more fun. The peak overlooking the cove was great and it’s also a good spot to have a long rest and photo-op.

The rest of our Saturday was spent with setting up the tent, having siesta, swimming and of course, partying. Exciting part, of course, was the tsismis/The Buzz segment during the bonfire. But as a pact, what happens in Anawangin stays in Anawangin.

For lunch, we had fish stuffed with tomatoes, onions and ginger plus “baked” potatoes with cheese and bacon bits. Dinner was more like a fiesta as we cooked sisig, pork chop with veggies and optionally, the dreaded chicken meal (we were not sure if the meat was still fresh and we ended up just dissing it after overcooking it). Breakfast was an overload of TJ hotdogs, instant batchoy, fried sardines, Vienna sausage and coffee or Milo. Most of the dishes were cooked using an aluminum foil/wrap.

On Sunday, with muscle pain in tow, we opted to take a boat back to Brgy. Pundaquit. I thought that the whole Anawangin experience was over but the boat ride itself has a story to tell. Our pump boat, Prince Eb (Jay said it’s Prince Eyeball) stopped right after breaking the waves on the shore. Our bangkero tried to revive it but to no avail. It should be fun if it’s summer. Big January waves and me, a non-swimmer, is definitely not a good combination. My boatmates Benjie and Jay kept their cool while I was silently calling all the saints. To keep us from being stuck, another boat (with Allan and company) pulled our boat up to Brgy. Pundaquit. I thought it was really over. Before hitting the shore, our boat had to empty out its passengers, as our bangkeros will just paddle it out. This is to avoid capsizing when the boat arrives at the wavy part near the shore. Jay singlehandedly transferred to Allan’s boat and Benjie, to Ge’s. I had no choice but to do the same in Sadah’s boat. For the non-swimmer in me, of course, that was scary. Luckily, I did it. Imagine my left foot still in Prince Eb while my right, on Sadah’s boat. I don’t know how I did that but I remember bitching something like “Andaming bag, saan naman ako aapak dito?”

Similar to what we did on our first visit, we chose to go to Olongapo first and purchased our ticket from there to Pasay. Late lunch at KFC (subconsciously getting rid of the chicken scare) then at 5pm-ish, we’re off. Bonus along the trip was a cinematic view of the full moon.

Of Trek Bag, Bulalo and Pinabukang Tilapia

Just got back from an emergency shopping. I had to buy (with a forgiving emphasis on "had") a new trek bag for the upcoming hike to Anawangin Cove (starting point's at Pundaquit, both in San Antonio, Zambales). I've been to the place before but we went there through a boat one hot summer. This time, we're opting to trek it. Honestly, I don't know how physical it will be but at least I have a new bag to boot in case I pant like a dog along the trail.

Anyway, it's a 65L blue Sandugo bag. Let me baptize it with the name Fincher, as in David Fincher of "Fight Club" fame. My departed Dutch bike, by the way, was named Scorsese, no pun intended (I should have named it Verhoeven). I got it from Sandugo Camp in Market! Market! for P2,925 (which, with less guilt, is 10% off). I also got a cheap waterproof flashlight from SM Makati (P399.75), a lighter, a pack of baby wipes and four liters of bottled water.

Oh well, as of this writing, I'm excited with the 15-man group of trekkers this Saturday (departure from Caloocan is at 11:3opm). It's gonna be my opening salvo for 2009.

P.S. Before I finally delve into a new series of adventures for 2009, let me share some of 2008's residue through the pictures below. One is a competitor of Rustan's while the other is a not-so-clever breakfast store. Next is one of SM Lucena's better food court stalls that sells a yummy serving of bulalo (and lumpiang sariwa) for P85 only (it's unusually called Bosbarnn and don't ask me why). The rest is a melange of lunch pictures taken this noon at Abe and some snapshots of Sandugo Camp.

High School (Crystal Reunion) Musical

Last December 30, we had our 15th year high school reunion. Antanda ko na pala. Buti na lang, 'di ko na kailangang i-spearhead 'yung for this year (pagbubuhat sa sariling bangko: I organized the first one, five years ago). Ang classmate ko nang si Niño Villamor ang nag-take charge. Napakataas ng sense of recollection ng taong 'yan. I admire people like him who are exerting effort just to catch up with old friends and familiar faces. Kung ang taong lumilingon sa pinaggalingan ay nakakarating sa pinaroroonan, baka andami na n'yang narating. True enough, he's now happily settled in Qatar with his wife Shiela and son Santino. Big time na, sabi nga.

At andami pang big time na dumating, each has his or her story to tell. Kukulangin ang isang araw just to see how things are and share a table with everybody. Our batch from Lopez National Comprehensive High School (it used to be "Lopez Nationalized High School" during our time and I wasn't sure what's with nationalizing a high school) has 400+ members, distributed to roughly 13 classes (I'm not sure now). Hey, public school ang aming high school. At nasa probinsya. Pero I don't mind. I'm proud of it, actually.

How to organize a reunion in the province? Simple lang. All those who are earning have to give their share. Sa mga wala at sa mga nagpapanggap na wala, they're not forced to pay up. We had meetings just to set a target budget then it's up to the president whatever means the fund has to be collected. Siyempre, expected na rin na malaki ang share ng sinumang nago-organize. This time, we roughly set a budget of P40k for 120 peeps (members and their family included). Sa dami namin sa batch, hindi lahat ay willing um-attend. Mostly, ang dahilan ay status sa buhay. Ang hirap mag-invite minsan kahit you have the resources and the energy. And thank God to those who can brave the social status wall. At the end of the day, pare-parehas din naman kayong iinom ng Fundador at magpapakalasing habang nagre-reminisce sa mga videoke songs n'ung 90's.

SOP na merong thanksgiving mass at 8am. Based on experience, kokonti lang talaga ang pumupunta rito. Considering na may kasabay kami sa mass (those who were having their first reunion after 10 years), halos quarter lang n'ung church ang napuno. Then motorcade will follow, that's from the church to our campus. Minsan, lahat naka-wheels or, at least, motor pero mas madalas na nilalakad lang namin 'to complete with a reunion shirt, a modest banner at, kung galante, with balloons pa.

'Pagdating sa campus, ayun, program na. Merong parang parade of sort na magpapakilala ka, introduce your family (my most dreaded part) then picture-taking. I was assigned to share a recollection but I did not prepare for it. Kung ano lang maalala ko, 'yun lang ang na-share ko (high school love teams are popular as ever). Around 4pm, wala na halos ginagawa except mag-videoke o sayawan habang nag-iinuman. That normally stretches until the evening.

Enjoy naman 'yung reunion namin. We punished our dear teachers by playing hip hip hooray a la "Wowowee". They seemed to enjoy it. It's good to see familiar faces na dati lang ay seatmate mo. On personal note, nakakatuwa to see them na successful na sa buhay. May sarili nang stable na trabaho, bahay, kotse, etc. Hopefully, they remain happy when I see them again after five years.

More memories kept here (my camera), here (Niño's) and here (my first Youtube upload).

Muni-Muni Matapos ang Isang Odontectomy

Isa ito sa mga araw na natatandaan kong wala talaga akong ginawa buong araw kundi magpahinga. I had to visit my dentist (clinic is called “I’m a Dentist”) in the morning. Tinanggal n’ya ‘yung dalawang ngipin ko sa ibaba na impacted. Not sure kung ‘yung mismong wisdom tooth ang tinanngal. Pero based sa x-ray, medyo nakatagalid s’ya at tumatama na sa ibang ngipin. Oks lang naman ‘yung buong process. At least pwede ko nang masabi na I was under a knife once. Ang ayoko lang talaga ay ‘yung maraming dugo. At one point, parang nagga-gargle na ako sa dugo. Well, para rin naman sa health ko ‘to. Sabi ni Dok (his name is Ricky Martin), sasakit din daw ito sooner or later kung hindi bubunutin.

Ito na rin ang pagkakataon ko para mag-flashback sa mga weekends na hindi ko na-blog. Para naman clean slate for 2009. Heto ang mga na-miss kong isulat:

GARY V: LIVE at 25

Medyo last minute na event na ‘to. Naawa lang ako r’un sa kaibigan kong walang pera that time at para lang merong magawa eh nagpasya kaming manood n’ung concert. Before 7pm, bumibili pa yata kami ng ticket sa concert. May bitbit pa akong grocery at dumaan pa ako sa bahay para iwanan ‘yung mga gamit. Then cab to Buendia MRT. Tapos MRT na papuntang Araneta Coliseum. At exactly 9pm, mago-opening number pa lang si Kuya Gary. First time daw na all-Gary V hits ang repertoire. Kakaiba ito para sa isang concert. Baka mahirap i-sustain pero Gary V did it. Partida na ‘yung nauubusan s’ya ng boses. He mentioned that what was happening was a miracle. I couldn’t say more. Maraming number na bago pero meron ding luma na o di masyadong overwhelming. All in all, enjoy naman ‘yung concert.

MGA GERILYA NG POWELL STREET

Ito na siguro ang pinakapaborito kong ginawa ng Tanghalang Pilipino para sa taong ito. Directed by Chris Millado, the play is adapted from a novel written by Benjamin Pimentel. Simple lang ang devise na ginamit. Isang group ng mga gerilya sa LA ang regular na nagkikita. Tumalakay ang dula sa kanilang buhay at kamatayan. Effective ang delivery. Magaling sina Bembol Roco (first time kong mapanood sa stage) at ang kabuuhan kabilang na si Lou Veloso. Nakakaiyak ang ilang eksena. Pinaghahalo kasi nito ang humor at drama. At sa huli’y hindi ka lugi dahil tumalakay ito sa ating ugat bilang mga Pinoy. Para sa akin, ito ang Best Straight Play for 2008.

HAIRSPRAY

Siyempre, ibinaba ko ang expectations ko rito dahil napanood ko na naman ang real thing sa Broadway (walang tono ng pagyayabang, OK?). Hindi naman ako na-disappoint, given na Atlantis Productions s’ya at si Bobby Garcia ang direktor. Made na, sabi nga. Enjoy naman s’ya kahit papaano. It’s just that wala akong ibang nakita sa musical na ‘to na nakita ko na before. Siguro, ‘yung boobs ni Michael de Mesa bilang Edna Turnblad.

1st ACTIVE VISTA FILM FESTIVAL

I’m not really familiar with Tado’s Dakila org but this film festival, a debut, was trailblazed by the said group. It’s a noble attempt, actually. Maganda ‘yung slogan n’ya na parang ‘yung mga selected films ay magpapabago ng tingin mo sa mundo. True enough. Wala ngang rom-com or any Star Cinematic film in sight. Mostly socially relevant ones like Ploning, Orapronobis, Kakabakaba Ka Ba?, Manoro and Bunso. I just watched three films dahil sobrang pangit ng schedule. It’s one of those events na nakatutok sa schedule ng mga estudyante at ‘di masyadong na-consider ang mga hamak na manggagawa na katulad ko (hehehe). Mabuti na lang at libre ‘yung Iskalawag Night nila with performances from Parokya ni Edgar, Radioactivesago Project at The Youth (surprise, surprise, si Tado na ang bokalista ng band). First time kong napanood ‘yung “Bayani” ni Raymond Red na medyo nakakawindang ‘yung narration mula umpisa hanggang matapos. Na-appreciate ko pa naman ‘yung katahimikan n’ung ilang eksena. Tumalakay naman ang “Brutus” (my second Cinemalaya 2008 film) sa ilang environment concerns. Nothing much pero pwede na. Kulang sa Wow Factor siguro (whatever that means). ‘Yung Cinemalaya 2008 Best Picture na “Jay” ay napanood ko rin. Enjoy naman in a sense na nakakaaliw rin ang ilang Star Cinema films. In short, wala talagang kapit ‘yung movie. Natuwa lang ako sa concept at sa ending na pinag-isipan talaga (o napaisip ako).

ATANG

Kung na-appreciate ko ang “Ang Panaginip Kong Fili” ni Floy Quintos for DUP, hindi naman masyadong bumenta sa akin ‘tong straight play na ‘to with music (as exactly described by the program/poster). Sobrang simple ng devise, walang lalim ‘yung material. Pwede na ‘yung glimpse sa personality ni Atang dela Rama (na I swear, hindi ko talaga naabutan) at konting silip sa kanyang discography. Ginampanan ni Frances Makil-Ignacio ang lead at si Ayen Laurel naman ‘yung present day diva. Medyo familiar na ‘yung ilang kundiman katulad ng “Nabasag ang Banga” na merong undertone sa pagkawala ng virginity. Hey, 50’s era pa ‘to ha. In short, ‘di na masyadong original ang mga kanta nina Mystica, Mae Rivera at iba pa.

“PARA KAY B” BOOK LAUNCH

Definitely, it’s the most well attended locally published book launch that I’ve seen. And my first na merong reading ng ilang excerpt. Well, unang nobela lang naman ito ni Ricky Lee. Ito raw ang produkto ng tatlong taong pananamlay sa paggawa ng screenplay (at pangangalawang dito?). Umapaw ang mga celebs sa Bahay ng Alumni sa Peyups. Kaya naman sobrang napuno rin ng autograph ‘yung bookmark ko (Angel Locsin, Cesar Montano, Gloria Romero, Lauren Dyogi, Lorna Tolentino at sangkaterba pang iba). Dinala ko rin ‘yung Tatang book ko na si Ricky Lee rin ang author (pati na rin “Trip to Quiapo”). Ilan sa mga bumasa sina Eugene Domingo, Cesar Montano, LT, Piolo at Chanda Romero. Mabuti na lang at medyo nakasingit agad n’ung pinapila. Isa lang ang masasabi ko sa event na ‘to: overjoyed (by the event and the book itself).

CORY, THE MUSICAL

Another first for me. Fresh from Peyups, dumiretso na ako sa Meralco Theater for “Cory, the Musical” na isinulat at idinirek ni Nestor U. Torre (or simply NUT to industry people). Isa lang naman s’yang multi-Palanca winner at parati akong naagawan ng pagkakataon kapag meron s’yang ongoing na play (andami kong napalampas actually). Medyo ‘sakto lang sa inaasahan ko ang napanood ko. Pang-community theater ang approach sa dula, hindi Broadway, hindi DUP at sigurado akong hindi Rep. Siguro ganito talaga ang estilo ni NUT, ‘yung madali mong matu-tour ‘yung musical kung kinakailangan. Ayokong sabihin na parang trapo ‘yung napanood ko dahil nakakaaliw naman ‘yung mabilis na pagpapalit ng set. Propaganda play rin ito para kay Cory kaya naubos na talaga ang expectations ko. Ironic lang na ang alleged kontrabida sa dula, si Marcos, ay pinamagaling na nagampanan ni Robert Seña. Nilamon n’ya ang buong cast.

4th CINEMA ONE FILM FESTIVAL

Sa pitong kalahok this year, lima lang ang napanood ko (excluding this year’s festival best picture dahil edited ang pinalabas nila sa Indie Sine). “Yanggaw” ang nangibabaw sa limang ito. Aswang movie s’ya pero sobrang maganda ang pagkakagawa. Maluluma ang mga predecessor nito. At mapapahiya sila kung ikukumpara sa pelikulang ito ni Richard Somes. Nakaka-hypnotize naman ang “Alon” pero ‘di masyadong sold sa akin ang resolution n’ya. Crowd pleaser ang “UPCAT” at pa-kontrobersyal naman ang “personal film” ni Sennedy Que na “Dose”. ‘Yung panglima, ‘yung “Motorcycle” ni Jon Red ay naubusan ako ng sasabihin.

QUEZON PLEBISCITE

Isa akong sucker for history kaya pinilit ko talagang umuwi ng Quezon para bumoto last December 13. Ang yes-no question ay kung papayag kang hatiin ang Quezon sa dalawang bahagi: Quezon del Sur (kung saan kasali ‘yung town namin) at Quezon del Norte (the original Quezon). Puwede kong sabihin na I lobbied for “Yes” dahil technically mas pabor sa town namin ang merong mas malapit na capitol. This means faster service and better governance. Pero sabi nga ng aming congressman sa Punto Por Punto segment ng UKG (na tingin ko ay pabor sa “No” base sa conclusion ni Anthony Taberna), it’s not only about leadership. May issue rin talaga sa structure n’ya. Ang nakikita ko lang pogi point sa “No” ay ‘yung di na madadagdagan ang mga corrupt na politiko. It turned out na “No” ang nanalo. ‘Yung town lang daw namin at mga katabi nito ang bumoto ng “Yes”.

MANILA OCEAN PARK

Another last-minute trip. As in zero plan ‘to, out of the blue lang. It was very crowded last December 27. Entrance fee is at P500 including Fish Spa and Glass Bottom Boat Ride (just the Oceanarium costs P100 less). May mga nakita na rin akong similar parks outside the country and wala namang ibang pinakitang kakaiba ang sa atin. Pero fascinating pa rin ‘yung mga species at ‘yung tube lalo na siguro kung first time mong makakapasok sa ganitong lugar. If you’re reading this, I encourage you to visit the place. Na-enjoy ko sobra ‘yung Fish Spa. You have to 20 minutes to dip your feet in the mini-pool. Tapos merong mga fish na magtatanggal ng mga dead skin cells mo. I don’t know if I have to be proud kung sobrang maraming fish ang “kumagat” sa akin as compared sa iba na hindi nilalapitan at all ang mga paa.

METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL 2008

Take this: six movies in one day! Yeah, I started at 10:45am then ended up at 12:55am. Trip lang. Just checking kung gaano pa rin ako ka-invincible when it comes to my addiction (movie watching, that is). Sa SM Megamall ko ‘to ginawa kasi killer ‘yung sched ng Ayala Cinemas (though less expensive by 20 bucks). ‘Di naman sumakit ang mga mata ko pero nakaramdam nang konting pagod dahil most of the time ay nakakangawit ng leeg. “Baler” is a fine film (stand-out ang cinematography and production design). Mas klaro sa akin ang ilang detalye at believability compared d’un sa lumang Spanish film na “Last from the Philippines” (Spanish Film Fest 2007). Siguro wala lang masyadong dating ‘yung Echo – Anne na tandem. “One Night Only” ang pinakana-enjoy ko. Na-stir n’ya ang sensibilidad ko na bihirang bihira na nagagawa ng isang MMFF movie. Isa ito sa mga pelikula ni Jose Javier Reyes na puwede akong ma-impress sa pagkakasulat at pagkakadirek. May konting shade ng black comedy. “Magkaibigan” is a “silent” tear jerker. OK rin naman s’ya kaya lang coming from a seasoned director (again, Jose Javier Reyes) na gumagawa ng mga ganitong klase ng tema at delivery, expected na ang perfection. Between “Baler” at “Magkaibigan”, mas gusto ko ang katapangan at risk n’ung former. “Dayo” is a sincere attempt at animation. It’s a decent one but there’s a long way to go for us when it comes to storytelling. “Desperadas 2” is forgettable (and can be avoided) while “Shake, Rattle and Roll 10” is not impressive (though puwede na ‘yung episode nina Kim Chiu na si Toppel Lee ang direktor). Nawala yata ang promise ni Michael Tuviera pagkatapos n’yang gawin ang “The Promise” ng GMA Films dati. Ayos pa naman sana ‘yung LRT episode n’ya last time.

Movie Digest # 050

CONCERTO
Glorietta 4, Cinema 4, November 24, 5:40pm

This is the first Cinemalaya 2008 film that I have watched. First impression, it’s a bit dragging for me but it’s well made. It tells a story of a family in Davao and how they survived the war (yes, it’s a period film). I was reminded of “Oro, Plata, Mata” but it’s totally different and less ambitious/grand. I wish to have watched the film with dad. We might probably discuss the way the Japanese are portrayed or how the camp looked like then. Acting, the young Aquitanio is definitely a brilliant actor. And so is Meryl Soriano.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who got irritated with Kuh Ledesma’s presence in “Oro, Plata, Mata”.

BURN AFTER READING
Glorietta 4, Cinema 4, November 24, 8:35pm

Fresh from the heavy “No Country for Old Men”, the Coen Brothers are back with an enjoyably engaging film. I can say that it can be categorized as a spy film with a little hint of black comedy. Superb “fun” acting from Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Frances McDormand.

Friends who might appreciate it: officemates.

ONE TRUE LOVE
Glorietta 4, Cinema 4, November 24, 10:30pm

It’s been a long while since I watched a GMA Films production and regrettably, I should not even try. The film has a promising plot: a husband loses his memory, ignores his wife and craves for his ex-gf. Too bad that Mac Alejandre cannot pull off the material. His direction is so hopeless and directionless. I wish that they just come up with a rom-com. What bothers me most is the resolution. The film suggests that women should remain dumb and helpless and just be patient with the turn of events. Acting-wise, it’s just OK. Here’s hoping that GMA Films would provide their talents a fitting project in the future.

Friends who might appreciate it: too stupid to share with friends.

TWILIGHT
Glorietta 4, Cinema 3, November 27, 7:50pm

Contrary to the hype, this is something that I wasn’t really looking forward to see. True to the taste, there’s really nothing to expect with the film. I can say that it’s an average film, filmmaking-wise (CGI, scope, editing, etc.) but I was looking for more substance. Maybe I was just a wrong audience.

Friends who might appreciate it: my landlady’s 12-year old kid.

THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 1, December 11, 9:00pm

OK, I knew that the film is CGI-filled and there’s nothing to root for. I wasn’t aware also of the remake or how beautiful or thought provoking it was. I just watched the film because it was the “movie of the week”. Sad to say, I did not find anything good on the film. CGI, for sure, you’ve seen it. Substance, nothing much. Acting? Well, it’s good to see Keanu Reeves play a role that doesn’t require any acting goodness (read: alien). Kathy Bates was a big disappointment. Jennifer Connelly is Jennifer Connelly.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who hasn’t seen any Keanu Reeves film yet.

BOLT
Greenbelt 3, Cinema 3, December 14, 8:35pm

Not as good as a Pixar film but it isn’t bad. Something feel-good. My first film that has anything Miley Cyrus.

Friends who might appreciate it: those who can make a connection between the film and John Tra-Bolt-a