Since it's Christmas, let's paint the town RED!
What a better way to express your glee of the season!
Monday, December 25, 2006
The Red-ever SANTA paints the town RED
Since it's Christmas, let's paint the town RED!
What a better way to express your glee of the season!
The Green GRINch at Christmas Eve
While everybody else was busy munching...
Here I am, also busy... cam-whoring!
Definitely this time around, the GRINch did not stole Christmas!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Claudine Barretto's Moment! (Warning: May Cause Extreme Laughter)
This was taped (unfortunately) during A.S.A.P. Mania last April 13, 2003. Yeah, I know it's a bit old... but this is for those who haven't seen this yet. And mind you, if you want a good laugh, this is a must see! Enjoy! Peace Out! :P
Misa de Gallo: 9th Morning, 1st Wish
If you've read my blog... then you won't be lost looking in this album...
Have a Blessed Christmas!
9 Mornings, 1 Wish
There’s nothing merrier this season than being blessed each
day…
Earlier, I was engaged on one of
my life’s “firsts”, and I’m talking about the traditional Misa de Gallo. Yes,
you read it right. Check the time I’ve posted this.
Why one of my life’s “firsts’?
Simple… this would be the first time I’ve completed the Misa de Gallo, Simbang
Gabi as others call it. From last December 16 till earlier today, December 24,
I’ve accomplished attending the 9 mornings of ritual masses at exactly 4:30AM
at our village church (though I admit there were days I was late…).
The cold morning breeze did not
stop my intentions of attending the mass, nor did my usual laziness every after
I awoke. Dizziness attacked me a couple of times, but I fought back by singing,
together with the church choir. And to top it all, I’ve never done such a
thing, where I wake up that early – around 4:00AM or so – and prepare to go to
church. I did all of that… for my sacrifices, I know, will be worth it.
Of course, there is a reason
behind all of these. I was teased by the “fact” of this belief, for even before
it was believed by many to be true, that once you’ve completed this 9 morning
ritual masses, you can have a wish – and it will come true!
And yes, I have a wish. But I
won’t say it here. Well, it’s not for me anyway. It’s for someone dear to me,
someone whose existence has been a very wonderful blessing in my life. And in
return for that someone’s magical blessing to me, I dedicate to that someone
this wish. Though I know this is not enough, returning the favor in this little
way is the only thing I can offer right now. I hope Jesus grants this wish…
And for that someone, YOU KNOW
WHO YOU ARE… if only words could express how much thankful I am for having you
beside me. Have a blessed Christmas! Cheers!
I guess I’m really blessed each
day, aren’t I?
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Let's Dance! Dance! Dance!
Unleash the heat...
Feel the beat...
Groove with your feet!
Watch me and my friend, Cookie, dance till our last sweat drop!
Indulge.... but not too much... just envy us! Wahahaha...
Saturday, December 16, 2006
ChristMASSCOMM
The Waves gather 'round to celebrate a meaningful and joyous Christmas...
Christ + MASSCOMM = ChristMASSCOMM!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Dance Show (RTV)
In my show,
the spotlights are always focused wherever I go on stage. In my stage, I
move alone and I stand with my own shoes.
In my shoes, there is me – the very person I’m most anxious to know.
Who
would’ve imagined that this boy, who was once – or should I say always – looked
up to by his audience, is also a failure?
Twelve
years ago, one of the best dreams I had was introduced to me.
As a
child, I love to explore things, things which I don’t know if I have in me or
not. Looking back, I was first introduced to singing. I was a part of our
village children’s choir where we got to sing on masses every Sundays and on
special occasions. I then thought singing would be my life, my show. But not since in Grade 1, that was
November 1994, that I knew I have more talents to explore. It was for our
school’s foundation week, and that was a presentation for our section’s field
demonstration. We were asked to do Lambada,
and yes! Lambada was my first dance!
I remember the feeling of wearing red shorts and red and white polka-dot polo,
and swaying my hips to the tune of the music, my goodness! Was I that good? Was
I really a better dancer, than a choir member? That was answered on my
succeeding student years. Ever since I grooved to the Lambada, I was always asked to be on dance numbers whenever there
are occasions to celebrate at school. If I’m not mistaken, I’ve already danced
to the beat of Lambada, to Lick It, to Twist It, to Oh! Carol,
to Dr. Jones, to Everybody (Backstreet’s Back), to The Venga Bus, to (You Drive
Me) Crazy, to Space Cowboys, to Larusso, to Oops! I Did It Again, to Stronger,
to Pop, to I’m A Slave 4 U, to Like I
Love You, to Get Busy, to I’m Good, to Bump, Bump, Bump, to Take It
To The Floor, to Chocolate, to Pinoy Ako and all the way up to Nothing In This World and SOS (Rescue Me). In my 13 years of
student con dancer career, those were just 22 songs which I remember I’ve
danced to, not to mention cotillions, proms, and other dance numbers which I
can’t remember now. Imagine, I could’ve put up a dance album with all of those!
My show has been thru a lot already,
and I’m proud to say that I enjoyed it. And I never imagined that I would get
tired of doing my show, until…
Three
semesters ago, the worst of my worst nightmares came to picture.
It
was the start of my first semester as a sophomore, and it was a blast! The one
who welcomed me to it was not my classroom, nor my books, but the stage. No, it was not my stage at all. I remember those days
wherein I go to school not for lessons, but for dance rehearsals. Dancing for
me is not just a mere talent, but an art, an expression of oneself – I so love
dancing! The date was June 19, 2005, where I got the chance to conquer that stage. I thought that would be a great launch
for a new year in college, but I was wrong. After I conquered that stage, the next minutes, hours, days,
and weeks that passed determined the nightmare I was about to face that time. Tardiness
struck the whole me, I’ve had a series of absences, late comings, and stolen
dreamy moments during class hours. And so, though in the littlest percent I did
not imagine it would be happening, I received a grade of 5.0! Yes, the lowest
grade – if you call it a grade – the university could ever give to its
scholars, which symbolizes dumbness, weakness, and failure. That 5.0 was given
to me by my Economics professor, who told me that I wasn’t able to survive her
standards and methods in teaching. The sum up of my grade, according to her own computations, was 74% which only
needs one more percent to pass a certain subject. I was devastated! I did
everything I can, but what’s done is done. I never blamed dancing before since I
knew I have that talent, but it was changed. I guess the stage really never became mine that time.
When
that happened, I thought it was the end of my show… that it would be the time that I should step down on my stage.
But
I never did.
Instead
of stepping down my stage, what I did
was I continued playing the music, followed the spotlights, and continued
dancing – I did not stop my show.
I
came to realize that as long as I put on my dancing shoes, I could still continue what I love to do. That if I know how
to get up even from the messiest thing I’ve done, I’ll manage to survive and go
on with what I have and what I’ve become in life. And that the most important
thing is I’ve learned. After that devastating semester, I regained myself from
the humiliation and redeemed my old self to patch up what has been missing with
my life lately. I became, for the very first time in my college life, a part of
the dean’s lists for two consecutive semesters. My grades also poured in, in
higher numbers! Not to mention my first 1.0 in a subject. I did not dare myself
on getting rid of my dancing shoes,
and now here I am, enjoying what I love to do, not only in academics, but on
self-fulfillment as well. I’m glad I did not change my tactics; I still stick
to having dancing shoes with a good
fit.
My
learning I guess won’t end here, too. After all, I still have a long way to go,
and a bigger stage to perform unto.
Though it’s already a cliché, I’m proud to say that I know how to dance according to life’s many tunes, not only
literally.
In
my life’s show, the spotlights are
still focused on me wherever I go on stage.
In my life’s stage, I still move
according to my own will with my own shoes.
And in my life, my shoes, there is
still me – the very person I’m still most
anxious to know more.
Monday, December 11, 2006
The 1st Philippine Idol!
The date was December 09, 2006 at Araneta Coliseum...
This was the "magic" that brought Mau to fame, to stardom!
Mau Marcelo...
The 1st Philippine Idol!
Friday, December 1, 2006
Amirod Van Rial, Live!
Move-over Pinoy Pop Superstars, Pinoy Dream Academy Scholars, and Philippine Idols!
Have a taste of what SINGING really is!
Wahahahahahaha.....
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
MoA Moments...
What: Rachelle Coderes' Debut Birthday Party
When: November 6, 2006
Where: SM Mall of Asia (Inasal, IMAX)
How: I DO NOT KNOW! WAHAHAHAHA....
Thursday, November 2, 2006
SALT XI Day Three: The Goodbye
Our last minutes at Teacher's Camp, Baguio City. Hoping that this "farewell" won't be the end of our treasured friendship...
SALT XI Day One: The Welcome
The bus, my friends, my camera phone, and myself. Teacher's Camp, Baguio City, here we come!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Deconstructed (Finals Editorial)
Deconstructed
A common mindset of everyone: scholars are
gifted, scholars are remarkably intelligent people. The reputation is big, yet
too risky to satisfy – especially if a student is deconstructed inside-out.
Young
thinkers of today are comprised of variety of students, including the scholars.
And if you say scholar, there’s always a school that first pops out from
everybody’s head – and yes, it is, our ever-loved, University of the
That UPian’s always dominate the other:
UP dito, others doon as they say it.
But,
like everything else, being a UPian has its price; and that is the problem of
these scholars of the nation, they do not inculcate in their minds the value of
being branded as a UPian.
Because
of their high respect for their own crowd and their unleveled intelligence, UPians tend to be unreasonable, egoistic,
and pathetic students; or others call it as deconstructed people inside-out.
Yes, they have this culture where they are united as one, but having such
so-called brilliant minds is enough!
The nation does not need future leaders who are intolerant.
Last
September 17 of this year, a grand gathering was put up by the Public Relations
Society of the
to showcase the different school’s pride on the field of Public Relations. It
was a Grand Prix, where participating students from different schools are about
to present a PR Campaign about reading in
somewhere in
passed their contest pieces, five among the 19 were chosen to present their
work in public, they are the Colegio De San Juan De Letran, University of Asia
and the Pacific, University of the Philippines – Manila, University of the
Philippines – Diliman, and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, where PLM happens
to be the defending champion from the previous year’s Grand Prix. And of course
as expected, their grand battle was hotly controversial.
Though
it was evident, both in the paper work and creannovative presentation, that PLM
still deserved the first place, the scholars of Atienza were magnanimous even
in defeat. But the question here is not whether who should have won, but what
on earth was the treatment of the four other schools towards PLM? It was like
having Voltes V in four major parts instead of five against the mildness of
Cinderella. Still, four against one is unfair. PLMayers were not treated well
by the joined forces of the four other schools – and yes, it was lead by the
UPians, their Steve Armstrong. The students of Letran and UA&P did not even
realize that only UPians benefited from what they’ve done to PLM. Why? Do they
have the name? Are they branded the way UPians are branded? No, they’re not!
In
this context, UPians did not only stoop down from their usual expected level, but also reflected the rotting
system inside the four corners of both their classroom and brain. Likewise,
following such gruesome acts were not tolerable for Letran and UA&P
students as well, for it only showed their low capacity of standing on their
own and making a name out of their own efforts. Instead of joining forces and
competing unfairly with PLM, those others
should have at least considered that they are the pride of their school, and
that they solely carry their school’s epitome.
Now,
can we say that these are the future leaders of this third-world country?
Indeed, they are all considered deconstructed people, inside-out. No doubt
about it.
Milenyo: Dark Chronicles
What would you get if you have a camera phone, a lit candle, a bunch of kids, and an out-of-electricity street? These...
Monday, September 4, 2006
Hero
Hero
Once there was a little girl who dreamed of becoming a hero to make a difference for her family. She was Eding, and her own fairy tale started 56 years ago in a small bungalow house somewhere in the not so far away city of
The fifth among the twelve children on their family, Eding’s eyes was bared on the real world at an early age. As one of the oldest, she weighed some sacrifices for her younger siblings’ sake. Among the lists were: taking care of her younger brothers and sisters before school, selling plastic bags on markets every after school hours, collecting clams and tahongs on weekends for food, stopped schooling so that her other younger siblings could go to school, and lived a life away from her family – which is the most heartbreaking sacrifice for her. She learned how to deal with different people and to adapt to their environment. Once or twice, she found herself nursing children of other families – in short, a yaya. She became a cook, a waitress, a cashier, a laundry-woman, a sales agent, and even accepted other jobs just to feed her family at home. She was not ashamed of how would people see her, the only thing mattered for her is that to earn for her family’s future. She worked, worked, and worked.
And like other fairy tales, she had had her share of the bright side too.
As the years passed, the little girl who once dreamed big slowly turned into a woman. A woman full of confidence, armed with knowledge, and taught by experience. Eding managed to finish her Elementary years, her High School years in which she started at the age of 18, and a Degree in Commerce in her College. Because alongside all of her hard works, she never failed to undermine her studies, for she know that someday, somehow, that would serve as a major key for achieving her big dreams. And so, it did. She became her family’s bread and butter. Eding’s efforts from her past paid off really well.
Her inspiring life story has touched many lives and still does up to now, including mine. I truly admire her confidence and dedication for her works. As a matter of fact, she had numerous awards for her service as a policewoman which testifies her as of being a very dedicated person. Yes, that little girl who was once on a rollercoaster ride before for her multitasking works turned out to be a policewoman. But she already retired, and decided to put up a small business at home where she cooks meals and sells it to her village neighbors. Up to now, she still happens to be the breadwinner and still continues to support her other siblings.
As others would consider her, she is a woman with a big heart. She had managed to fulfill her mission to become a hero for her family – which turned out to be a hero for all. Her initiative of helping others mirrored the true being inside of her, and that made a difference not only to her family’s life, but also to others and herself as well. And upon fulfilling her dreams, she still never fails to look back to the things that made her the Eding that she is right now, her family, her past experiences, and God – which she considered her Guiding Light from the very start.
Now, the girl who once dreamed of becoming a hero to make a difference for her family resides in a small bungalow house somewhere in the not so far away city of
“…bakit ka mahihiya, eh pare-pareho lang namang kanin ang kinakain nyo…”, her famous line which still rings a bell in my ears whenever I’m scared. I must admit, she really did touch my life. She was a plastic bag vendor, a yaya, a cook, a waitress, a cashier, a laundry-woman, a sales agent, a keen student. She is a dedicated policewoman, a trusted friend, a caring sister, a good daughter, a humble Christian, and a loving mother – my mother. And I’m proud and blessed that I have her, my own true hero.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Sa North Diversion Road
| Rating: | ★★★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Independent |
POWERFUL
Love and decision coincides one another in ways which man can never discover why. Both words affect one another: people oftentimes decide who to love, and love oftentimes decide for that person on who should he love. The mysterious and powerful link between these two is artistically offered to us by the film Sa North Diversion Road, under Dennis Marasigan’s direction.
According to everyone’s opinion, love conquers all. But what happens if decisions intervenes love’s power of conquering the so-called all? That is the question that the filmmakers would want the audience to think about.
Sa North Diversion Road’s simple yet inspiring story concerns the consequences to be faced whenever one decides on something – may it be this, or that. The story revolved around a couple, played by renowned actors John Arcilla and Irma Adlawan, which was on the verge of a failure marriage because of recalled secrets and past events. And the husband critically thought the different results upon confessing in different approaches as well.
Though Marasigan only adapted this to Tony Perez’s Palanca-winning play, the story itself is commendable for its simple yet inspiring construction. A well thought-of concept that actually relates man’s decision-making with the North Diversion Road. Because like man’s power of choice, the North Diversion Road has different exits to different places on the north – the man is the driver, the North Diversion Road is the driver’s life, the exits are the driver’s decisions, and the places to be found on those exits are the results of the driver’s decisions. Artistic as it may seem, the films technique of delivering the story was original compared to others. It did not fail to impress the audience at the end of the film, an indication that it was really an effective story.
The portrayals of both actors, considering that they were actually the only two actors in the film which was situated inside this red car all through out the story, were superb. Arcilla and Adlawan managed to carry the whole acting package of the flick and both did exceptionally well. Since this is a full-length film, the two actors were required to portray different sides of their character. Sounds hard, but that was nothing for the two veterans. They managed to portray the serious, hilarious, fuming, silent, and normal sides of their characters. Both actors exemplified impressive and effective acting prowess in the movie.
However, as it comes to the editing and sequencing of events, it was a bit boring. Because of the series of divided segments showed, it somehow created an impression of confusion for the viewers. But still, the film’s development lets the audience realize the connection of every segment on the concluding part of the movie; though the film did bore some on the beginning, it still managed to justify its artistic attack at the end.
The shots were the typical type, but it clearly depicted the variations of characters that two actors portrayed. It still helped in the creative construction of the film’s entirety. And like the shots, the musical score also was of the usual sort, but helped on emphasizing more the mood of every segment on the film.
Sa North Diversion Road did fairly well on entertaining, informing, and inspiring its audience too. Because aside from the fact that it tackled marriage problems, it also discussed the value of decision-making and the art of rethinking, making the film an evident example of a quality local film that incorporates social issues and life values.
One should really never underestimate love’s power, for it conquers all. But one should also consider the power of man’s choice, for it concludes all – and sometimes, no matter how powerful love is, it still cannot overpower and conquer it. And that was observed on Marasigan’s artistic, full-length film Sa North Diversion Road.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Sa Silaw (Shorts B)
| Rating: | ★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Independent |
SURREAL
Surreal, bizarre, weird – three words to describe Reinzi L. Balao’s Sa Silaw. But this silent flick is not your typical Chaplin-like, no dialog film. Its strangeness lets u think as you go along with it – and it may lead to boredom in some ways.
The flick’s offered unusual story is about a young lady named Selya (Katherine Gaytano), who lives in a two-sided, contrasting world. Her character personifies both good and evil beings: she preaches the Word of God on different buses on mornings, and transforms into a nocturnal prostitute afterwards. And the weird thing is that she tries to escape that reality by blinding herself, she focuses a flashlight directly to her eyes and one moment a flashback occurs. Sa Silaw has a really weird story.
Balao’s aim, whatever it was, did not actually capture the viewers’ for the attempt itself was dull as the movie goes along. The technique used was not effective, the approach was off, the idea was a mess, and therefore it was a no-no. It failed to let the audience understand and left their minds hanging, an indication that the whole silent flick was boring, uninteresting, and ineffective.
The sequence of events played a role of making the audience more bored. But the shots though were impressive, for the balance of lighting and contrast was done artistically. The musical score somehow managed to give more life on every scene, it even gave justice in some ways, but that was not a strong factor for the film because the whole packaging still went dull. Nevertheless, artistry was still seen on Balao’s silent flick.
Like Tolentino’s Orasyon, Sa Silaw was featured in a black and white format through out the film that may have triggered its dreary effect. But compared to Orasyon, this film was too strange that it came to a point of boredom, unlike in Orasyon where the black and white setting did go well and added an eerie factor to it.
The strangeness of Balao’s Sa Silaw happens to be the edge of this short, silent flick among others. But his intention, whatever it was, failed because of that edge. Needless to say, the film was really weird, bizarre, and surreal.
Orasyon (Shorts B)
| Rating: | ★★★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Independent |
IMAGINATION
A short flick with intensifying effect of both imagination and creativity, Orasyon by Rommel Tolentino successfully attacked the viewer’s minds – and pulse rate as well!
Orasyon is about an old woman (Federica Figalan), a devout Catholic, who still believes that she would be visited by her son despite the long time they’ve spent apart. And that she experienced a test of her faith towards God and her belief on seeing her child again by the personification of a helper (Gloria Austria), who is actually an opposite of hers.
The clash between good and evil is a common theme for a story, but seeing Orasyon is different. Aside from the fact that it was a short flick, it still managed to tell a story about the battle of light and darkness completely. And the way Tolentino’s creative thinking of portraying the bad side to an imaginative being is a good and effective technique for the film. In fact, the whole story itself is a plus for Orasyon.
Another technique commendable was the idea of having the whole film in black and white. That approach made the short film more eerie and created an impression of frightening moments which actually scared viewers. The shots and transitions were not perfectly executed though. Having two, or sometimes one, scenes captured in different angles and shown at the same time on half and half of the screen was not eye-friendly. It was a sore for the viewers because it divides their attention, which results to confusion. Nevertheless, the musical score did not fail to make scenes more frightening. It was properly embedded on scenes, which actually made it more intensifying, terrifying, and entertaining at the same time.
Tolentino’s Orasyon creatively shaped the viewer’s imagination and effectively presented the ever-popular battle of good and evil in a different way. Yes, it was scary.
Putot (Shorts B)
| Rating: | ★★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Independent |
POVERTY
Poverty, without question, is a major dilemma up to now for the country. And with Jeck Cogama’s written and directed short flick Putot, poverty was once again mirrored and delivered for awareness.
The struggle of a pre-teenaged boy (Carl Patrick Taylan) about his everyday life in a squatter’s area is the story of Cogama’s creation.
Half realistic, half unlikely, Putot’s story was a combination of two. Realistic, for it depicted well the true nature of living in a squatted area, where people worry about their everyday food and the possibility of expulsion from their so-called claimed area. Unlikely, for the story incorporated an insane father and a love affair with a young girl. But the build up of the story was quite commendable, for the character developed into a boy who would fight for his life and his loved one’s. Though the young lover’s attempt of retreating to another island was the conclusion for the film, it still did not made impact and will not be that memorable for the audience. The attack and technique did not go well on this short movie.
Like Parang Pelikula, the flick also reflected realistic scenes which added an impression of reality to the viewers. It captured the very heart of a squatter’s life. The transition and editing, on the other hand, was also an added asset for the flick. It helped in maintaining the idea of poverty through out the rough ups and downs of the story. The sounds also helped creating the ambience more realistic as well.
Cogama’s Putot showcased the real drama of life in a squatter’s area. And though poverty is a common theme for films nowadays, it still served as a refresher for the audience because of its unlikely sides on the story.
Parang Pelikula (Shorts B)
| Rating: | ★★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Independent |
NOSTALGIA
Hubert Tibi’s Parang Palikula is a short film full of feel-good, nostalgic moments which incorporates its over-all package.
The film is about two childhood friends, Pilo (Reiner Revilla) and Justin (Joel Masagnay), whose friendship was tested by trust, self-fulfillment, and time itself.
Its story was a bit confusing, for it never presented well the point of who really was on deathbed through out the film. The attack was not clear enough, and it made the flick a struggle for the viewers. Nevertheless, the story was still commendable for it showcased an inspirational act, and that was the part where one of the boys stole their treasured money savings and donated it to a local parish. It was a bit of surprise for it was unexpected for a boy who always peed on walls with signs “bawal umihi dito” together with his best pal. The contradiction technique was effective.
The flick’s editing should also be blamed for the confusion, because its manner was not clear enough to visually explain what was happening on the story. But it still managed to build up development wherein realization for the audience took place. Moreover, the scenes that were shot on the railways were not good enough because some of it were against the light; but some shots were also effectively interesting and funny, like the boys’ playful act of peeing on walls. The sound also added a mutual effect of interesting and funny moment.
Parang Pelikula is a flick for the best of friends and cliques who wants to establish a better relationship among them. Surely, nostalgia about the precious moments with friends will shower the minds of the viewers at the end of the film.
Puwang (Shorts B)
| Rating: | ★★★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Independent |
ENVY
Puwang is a short flick which reflects one of the most common family problems associated with man – envy. Written and directed by Anna Isabelle Matutina, her approach of showing the practical side of the story enables the audiences to actually relate with her creation without difficulty.
It is a story of a sister’s (Roence Santos) enviousness towards her sibling and her father’s (Elmo Redrico) negligence of somehow acknowledging her efforts as his daughter. For since the beginning, the father’s favoritism fills up the spaces between the family, which he favors his son (Bon Reyes), who eventually became prodigal but was still loved by the father.
The story was simple, but it moved the viewers. A point of realization was observed at the end part, where the daughter still failed, after years and years of trying, to let her father know that she deserved his attention. It was really a heartbreaking moment when the son suddenly showed up on the hospital once again, and while the daughter was in absence for she was having a nap, the son was the last person the father saw before his last breath. Her efforts of taking care of their worn out father became useless because she was not able to comfort her father up to the last minute that he was living. The desperation within her of fulfilling that punched a realization to the audience, and it was a turn point where one can actually really relate to her condition. The attack was effective enough.
Editing was smooth, plus the fact that its shots also indicated clarity. The transition and sequence of events were properly executed that it enabled easy understanding. On the other hand, the musical score was also fit through out the flick. Each scene has a distinct sound which further emphasized its portrayed emotion.
The whole package was eye-friendly, realistic, and has a sense of simplicity with a crisp. Puwang deliberately tackled the issue of envy effectively, not only as a common family problem, but as a part of the seven deadly sins as well.
Rotonda
| Rating: | ★★★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Independent |
PUZZLING
A film of cyclic events in an interrelated plot, Rotonda envisions the kind of indie films today that tackles real social issues in a very puzzling sort of manner. Directed by Ron Bryant, the film constitutes enthralling examples of how life really phases in such a very crowded, busy place.
With a mixture of perplexity and genuine occurrences, the story revolved – literally – in a place where people’s everyday lives meet. Just like the films Jologs and The Grudge, Rotonda featured a connected life story of one different person to the other – in a very artistic way because each character’s doing is relevantly connected to the doings of the other characters involved. And the surprising thing was, the thread of the diverse people concerned in the film relied on a very unlikely thing – a marked one thousand peso bill.
The people involved in this rollercoaster ride of tale were a certified drug addict, a retired mad policeman, a feeble loser, a pathetic prostitute, and an infamous fading journalist. These five characters were portrayed by highly-acclaimed actors, Miguel Lorenzo Javier, Celso Ad Castillo, Epy Quizon, Meryll Soriano, and Mark Gil respectively.
Bryant’s brilliant mind and idea of having interwoven characters was such a refresher for the audiences, for it did not fail to catch their attention and interest towards the film. Something that was not-so-new, the approach of the film was still an evident effective technique.
On the other hand, parallelisms were also observed on the film. A literal example of this was Gil’s marked one thousand peso bill, it was first seen on him, and at the end of the film, it was returned to him again. The story itself is very much similar to the lives of the people living in Rotonda, that’s why it had an impact to the audience and it managed to sustain their interests as well. The way it reflected a simple yet tolerable life worked.
Again, contrary to other films which are entitled with a place’s name, Rotonda also differs in a sense that the story was so simple yet it reverberated on the viewers for its very realistic appeals.
All the actors in the film were commendable, especially Gil and Soriano, who both starred on other indie films on this year’s Cinemalaya. Their versatility was shown here for they portrayed their characters with justice. Gil, as expected, created a whole new person in his character that reflected a break-hungry journalist which a lot of mass communication students can really relate to. And, Soriano depicted the life of a woman in disgrace very effectively, for her aura indulges the audience to not only sympathize with her condition, but also to believe her that she is true, a real prostitute.
The film’s editing was notable, for it helped carrying out the true story behind the movie’s puzzling events. The transitions created an impression of developing conflicts, and a developing plot as well. And since the editing was superbly done, the executions of shots were also fit for every scene in the movie. It visualized the real environment of the crowded Rotonda, where people go here, there, and everywhere, in a very busy mode. And yes, this only shows that the film really was realistically done.
Musical score was very realistic too. It helped the film show the true color of Rotonda. One can distinguish the busy and crowded, to the bound and not-so-quiet areas of the place with the aid of the film’s sounds. It added an impression of reality all through out the film’s entirety.
Rotonda is a not so typical sort of indie flick of today, for it is comprised of a well woven story and characters which is also related somehow to the other. Puzzling as it may seem, still, the movie reflected a side of everyone’s life – poverty. And it worked.
Donsol
| Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Independent |
EXEMPLAR
An exemplar of the true meaning of quality local films, Donsol is surely on its way on captivating the minds and hearts of its audiences. Written, produced, and directed by PLM – CMC alumnus Adolfo Alix, Jr., the film is set to bag awards in and out Cinemalaya and the country for it features breathtaking sceneries, juicy acting, and a heartwarming love story of heartbreak and the healing power of love.
Arranged in a well embedded manner, the film is about Daniel, a young B.I.O. (Butanding Interaction Officer) who happens to find himself being drawn to the mysteriousness of Teresa, a tourist who returns in Donsol bearing the scars of her past. Together, they both discovered in each other the essence of love’s mending as time passes by.
Truly, love is an ocean of emotions.
The film did not fail to emphasize that quotation, because aside from its very emotional, moving, and touching story, it also featured actors whom interpretations on their characters were an added X-factor for the film’s entirety. Daniel was played by young actor Sid Lucero, who is known to be born on a family of well renowned actors in the country. Lucero wowed audiences not only with his stunning looks, but also with his portrayal of his character. He was so effective in his manner of acting, and he even made it as if he was really the one he’s portraying! From the looks, to the actions, and to his accent as a Bicolano, everything was perfectly done. It was really splendid, very believable! Acting blood is truly flowing on his veins. Then again, Angel Aquino as Teresa was a surprise here. From the fact that she was not first known on this field, she managed to pull something that audiences were not expecting, at least, for a renowned model like her. Contrary to what people thinks, this lady can really act. This movie was one of her few appearances wherein she is found serious – seriously acting and inspiring people as well. She crossed the borders of modeling and performing with such profound acting prowess, and that was observed here in Donsol. With Lucero and Aquino, a team of powerhouse support cast consisted of Cherie Gil, Jaclyn Jose, Bembol Roco, Mark Gil, and Simon Ibarra also delivered acting on such high standards as well, equally and remarkably.
Unlike other commercial films that was also entitled with a name of a certain place (particularly the film’s setting, where the story mainly evolved) such as Milan and Dubai to name a few, Donsol differs in the sense that it did not abused and romanticized the whole place thing. The story was – yes – simple, but it was artistically depicted. No dull moments, no cheesy scenes, and not even a single sign of ambiguity. Though there were elements of parallelism evident – the myth about the butandings being alike Daniel and Teresa’s situation, it was not bad and boring at all. In fact, it even gave a realization for the viewers, and also an impression of a well-built story with significance and connection. Everything was blissfully conjoined together.
As to its shots, it made audiences mouth-opened, drooling in awe for more of spectacular sceneries. The film featured perfectly captured scenes on each angle appropriate for it, and it was one of Donsol’s edges among the other entries on this film festival.
The editing was smooth. Every transition gave an impression of very eye-friendly visuals. Both the shots and the transitions were perfectly fit together, and thus making this film both enjoyable and moving to watch.
Another plus factor was the movie’s musical score. It helped a lot on emphasizing the highlights on the flow of the film’s story. It was so effective that it helped the sustaining of the audience’s interest on watching the film.
The over-all execution of the film was superbly made. All the aspects of the film’s entirety went hand-in-hand, making the movie a catch itself on the list of independent films on this year’s Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.
Donsol is, without a doubt, one of the most promising indie films of the year. Exceptional among others, it surely guarantees a breathtaking experience for its audiences. Truly, this is an exemplar of the true meaning of a quality local film.
Mudraks
| Rating: | ★★★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Independent |
TRIBUTE
Mudraks. A unique, eye-opener tribute for the most exquisite woman in everyone’s life, is one of Cinemalaya’s entries for this year’s Independent Film Festival. Directed by Arah Jell Badayos, the film promises to touch each and everyone’s hearts and later on projects a realization that would leave audiences talking about it.
A celebration of both motherhood and feminism, Mudraks reflects the story of the mothers who knows best for her family – but is not appreciated.
Mudraks’ story revolved around Rio Locsin as Margaret, the infamous, obsessive-compulsive mother who tried to touch her incessantly cold family’s lives. Pippa, played by young actress Roxanne Barcelo, was the daughter who found herself fighting the urge of accepting her mom of whomsoever she was. Throughout the story, she kept a diary, her secret-keeper, which was discovered by Margaret intentionally/unintentionally, that sparked the change in both their lives. And to the queerest of all, Margaret found comfort from the support casts, the yaya and the grocery-boy-turned-Margaret’s-secret-lover, played by Miguel Lorenzo Javier, rather than from her family.
From her husband, down to her two children, and down again still to her relatives-in-law, she was treated ill – discrimination was profound thru her family’s actions. And so when so-called revenge came, after realizing what she had been through, the loving mother finally chose to love herself first.
The only thing that was rubbish about this film was the sound. Musical score was so weak that it may have ruined the entire movie if it continued! The background music was almost-ghostly quiet; the dialogs were delivered hushed, therefore making the whole package almost dull. But luck was still on Badayos’ side, that hideous opening for her film did not continue as the story went on.
Despite of the flaw of having a not-so-high-quality sound on the beginning, the film bounced back and excelled on its featured story. The idea of having a very intriguing ending was so effective; the thought of that controversial reason was the highlight among the highlights of the film. It was evident that it shocked audiences because the latter never stopped buzzing even though the movie was already finished. It left a mark on everybody’s mind, making the filmmakers’ intention successfully accomplished.
On the other hand, the portrayals were also to be applauded. Locsin exemplified the true nature of a love and attention seeking woman, particularly a mother. Her acting was superbly done that it made the cold-hearted people from the audience recoil. Barcelo’s depiction of her character was superb as well. She was perfectly fit for the role, and eventually that made her effective on the movie.
Another plus for this movie is its editing. Though some shots were obliquely done, the transitions made here were good that it became eye-friendly and easy to follow as well.
Though the idea was somewhat common for the film, – Anak, Abakada Ina, Madrasta, etc. – Mudraks still has an edge for its odd conclusion. It was so odd that it made audience crave for more about its exquisite, controversial ending. And yes, this tribute is a salute to all the brave mothers out there!
Sunday, August 13, 2006
VMA's Finest/Kinkiest Moment!
A shocking opening number from Pop music's finest women - Missy Elliot, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, and Madonna.
Wednesday, August 9, 2006
Tuesday, August 8, 2006
Core 4 invades DZRH!
DZRH
One Nation, One Station.
A one-of-a-kind experience worth remembering! It turned our idleness to the nth level of perkiness! Haha... go TF Chelle! :P
Sunday, August 6, 2006
London Ghost Captured! (Warning: Extremely terrifying! May cause heart-attack.)
The title says it all... This is not for the weak-hearted. Enjoy... or should I say... be scared!
Friday, August 4, 2006
Saan Nagtatago Si Happiness?
| Rating: | ★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Independent |
SEARCH
A movie of crazy, inspiring, and nonchalant moments, Saan Nagtatago Si Happiness? by PLM – CMC alumni Florida Bautista, director, and Real Florido, writer, ensures viewers a not-so-typical happiness after watching this film – and somehow made them search for their own happiness as well.
The quest to find the true meaning of happiness was not as sweet as Tikyo’s sorbetes, and Berna’s seek too was not enthralling akin to her voice.
Played by Andy Bais as Tikyo and Miccah Torre as Berna, the story is all about pursuit of self-fulfillment in life’s different aspects. And a powerhouse support cast of Caridad Sanchez, Ricky Davao, Nonie Buencamino, Nanette Inventor, Rez Cortez, January Isaac, and Darling Laviña spices up this enticing film further.
The production team behind last year’s Cinemalaya entry ICU Bed #7 is the same team behind this digital film. But unlike last year’s very successful entry, Happiness is not as remarkable prior to ICU Bed #7.
Only one of its kinds from all the entries, a musical feature is one of Happiness’ over-all packages. The offered queerness of this digital film makes it more interesting and worthy to watch. It has original songs – all of them – which were made also by a PLM – CMC alumnus Joan Jelica Lopez. The compositions were very suited on each scene’s portrayed emotions; may it be slow or up-beat, about dreaming or just purely having fun, the songs were effective and stimulating. This is worth commending, for it keeps up audiences’ attention. Though it made the movie seem out of the box, it is the only edge of this film.
And thank goodness there were those songs.
The story sequencing was not smooth. There were parts that were not properly placed on the order of scenes. It made a negative hanging impression on the viewers as well.
A lot of wasted shots were also seen throughout the film. Yes, wasted. Because of the non-eye-friendly shots, it lost its artistic side. It looked despicable, distracting, and creates an impression of a very low-budgeted and made-quickly-for-passing film on viewers thoughts. Instances were shots with no head rooms for the character being the subject of the scene. Another one would be some inconsistencies on scenes, particularly on Ricky Davao’s when he was eating Tikyo’s sold ice cream. On one angle, the ice cream looked less in amount, and one angle it showed the ice cream’s amount more than the first one showed; and the funnier thing was, those two shots were showed many times consequently. Some scenes that also need improvements were Berna’s moment on the stage where she was dreaming of being a diva, Berna’s singing contest, and of course, the last scene where Tikyo finally found his mom – what’s with the nurse? It would have been really better if the filmmakers have put more attention on shooting the scenes in a more artistic and eye-friendly way.
The editing was a mess. A lot of black spots would be noticed on transitions, which indicates a blank area on the film. Another factor would be the cutting of scenes while a character still talks and cutting without having the background music fade out before continuing to another scene. It looked very awkward, appalling, and also need a lot of improvements.
Some of the actors were praiseworthy, and some were worth slapping for! Bais, Torre, Sanchez, Davao, Buencamino, Inventor, and Cortez were among the cast of this film worth commending. Though youngest of the group, Miccah Torre portrayed her role very effectively, alongside her co-lead star Andy Bais who did his part impressively as well. As expected, veterans Caridad Sanchez and Ricky Davao did not fail the moviegoers’ expectations towards their acting prowess, they were really very effective. Surprisingly, the not-so-typical love team of Nanette Inventor and Rez Cortez here made viewers giggle and excited, making them effective as well. On the other hand, January Isaac and Darling Laviña were both lame on this film. They were even unnoticeable, because their way of acting wasn’t even enough to outshine other characters.
But despite of the many flaws of this movie, it still leaves a mark on everyone’s hearts. The value of contentment and the constant search for self-fulfillment are the two things here that made audiences mushy and teary-eyed at the end of the film.
Saan Nagtatago Si Happiness? is a feel-good, enjoyable movie for all ages. It may look low-budgeted and made-quickly-for-passing, but it is still worth the money, effort, and time. After all, a local, musical-themed movie is rarely offered on movie houses nowadays. And yes, this is worth a search for something like it!
Wednesday, August 2, 2006
Ang Pagdadalaga Ni Maximo Oliveros
| Rating: | ★★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Independent |
BLOSSOMING
The 2006 Star Awards for Movies Digital Film of the Year, Ang Pagdadalaga Ni Maximo Oliveros by Auraeus Solito, has set the standards for independent filmmaking here in the country. And yes, it blossomed not only in the country.
With exceptional approach that tackles the ups and downs of life, the film is about Maximo Oliveros, a young, self-confessed and out gay in a treacherous neighborhood. The film starred Nathan Lopez as Maximo Oliveros, and JR Valentin as the hunk policeman. Among with the cast were Soliman Cruz, Neil Ryan Sese, and Ping Medina who played Maximo’s father and two siblings respectively.
The film is one of among the few indie films produced last year who was showcased on theatre houses, due to its appealing story and audiences’ nosiness as well.
Unlike others, the sequencing of the movie’s story is impressive. The writer managed to patch-up one situational scene to another, may it have flashbacks or not.
On the contrary, the editing was not as good as the construction of the film’s story. There were scenes which confuses audiences because proper execution was not successfully delivered. Also, there were scenes which looked very cheesy, making it ineffective and cheap. In other words, there were spoiled moments throughout the entire film. One particular scene which precisely points out this matter was the scene where Maximo and his friends did this beauty pageant thingamajig. The entire moment was a mess! It was one of the movie’s weak points, and it is because it lacks something which resulted to not having a connection with the viewers.
However, more often than not, characters were believable and effective here. Lopez’s portrayal as the blossoming gay was superb that the audiences can’t help but smile and love his character. As a neophyte on acting, he somehow gave justice to the film’s main player. The people who portrayed his family were also impressive. Viewers could distinguish the different traits of the father and his two other sons towards Maximo easily, and therefore making the actors behind these characters unquestionably effective. On the part of Valentin, the hunk policeman, he was unable to depict his character well. He showed lameness here for he resembled the trustworthy and kind policeman, but there were times that his lameness was too off for the scenes, or sometimes it looks too much. He was inconsistent on that part, but his acting was commendable as well.
Another inconsistent factor is the musical score. There were times that the background music soothes the scene, and there times that it does not. In this manner, it showed again another weak point of the movie.
But despite of some flaws of the film, it still managed to tickle and giggle viewers’ hearts, and of course, it still managed to grab nominations and awards from award-giving bodies – not only here, but also abroad. Truly, it is a film of exceptional quality and family values.
Up to now, Ang Pagdadalaga Ni Maximo Oliveros still blossoms, spreading like a disease, and continues to build a legacy of excellence in digital filmmaking on the film industry.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
God of War nears Mother Earth
| Start: | Aug 27, '06 12:30a |
| End: | Aug 27, '06 05:15a |
Friday, July 28, 2006
Masahista
| Rating: | ★★★★★ |
| Category: | Movies |
| Genre: | Independent |
UNLIKELY
Masahista. The internationally-acclaimed and internationally-awarded film by Brillantes Mendoza is definitely a catch for indie film lovers here in the country.
A film of substance and artistry, the story revolves around Iliac (Coco Martin) the masseur, his unlikely job, his family, and his sense of yearning – for a father. The film also starred Jaclyn Jose, Alan Paule, and Katherine Luna.
This controversial yet essential film tickled the thoughts of the audience through its R-18 scenes and dialogues.
For such kind of films, the story itself of this hit indie movie is much unexpected. Unlike the usual methods of story-telling in filmmaking, Masahista’s approach was puzzling but enjoying as well. The sequencing of events is impressive, well thought of. But there would be times that viewers would be left mouth-open, hanging, because of its technique of parallelisms and flashbacks.
Coco Martin’s performance was superb here, aside from his boy-next-door looks which would definitely make girls drool over him, he rendered a character full of eminence in the world where he revolves in that makes him connect to the film straightforwardly. He was able to convince the public that he is a Kapampangan because he delivers the language very fluently, and that he was able to entice the audience with his innocent charm as a masseur in this film. Another plus would be because he has no inhibitions about showing off his not-so-perfect body for the sake of art in the movie. Actor Alan Paule proved again the local and international film viewers that he was not just a piece of junk on the bold wagon before. This man can truly act, may it be a macho dancer or a homosexual, and he was able to portray his roles with utmost performance. Jaclyn Jose was a disappointment for this film. She was a total left-out here, as though her presence wasn’t actually in the movie. She was the mother here; she played a significant role, so she deserves more exposure than the others.
Artistry is seen on the scenes of the movie. There were shots where men in their total nakedness would be seen, but it did not look pornographic at all. Instead, it turned out to be well-lighted views. After all, without those scenes, this film would be non-realistic. It was put on the movie to give more justice on Iliac’s unlikely job.
Another disappointment here was the musical score. Some sounds were not very well suited on scenes, and there were also times that sound effects would be distinguished from a normal sound – which would turn to confusion on the audience. One particular scene would be when Iliac and the relatives were putting his father’s deathbed on its final destination. There was a camera man there who took pictures, and the camera’s sound was heard – which is not good because it was distinguished as a sound effect at that precise moment. Yes, that scene was a bit off for the film’s entirety.
Masahista is a film brought to life with compelling story uniqueness and catchy packaging. For the adults and young-adults, this is a mind-opening film; it would definitely tickle one’s imagination. And yes, this is an indie film to watch for and which should not be ignored.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
ImPResyon ng PRopesyon: Deal or No Deal?!
A few weeks back, a PR seminar was conducted at school - the ImPResyon ng PRopesyon: Deal or No Deal?!. And as expected, our professor on PR required us to attend the seminar and make a reaction paper for it. The reaction was passed a few days later after the seminar was held. I wasn't expecting anything about my work, I wasn't confident enough of what I've constructed because I still don't know the standards of my professor when it comes to things like that. So I passed my work without any inhibitions.
Exactly a week after (which was earlier, July 22 '06), our papers were returned by our PR professor. One by one, our professor called the names of my classmates who have their checked papers on his hand. Mr. blah, blah was called, Ms. blah, blah was next, then Ms. blah, blah followed, and so on. The papers emptied the hands of my professor - shockingly, my name wasn't called! I felt my stomach turned upside-down, cold sweat started to fill my forehead, and my heart was pounding as fast as a cheetah's do when it hunts for food! Damn! Where is that damn paper?!
Actually, there were 5 of us who fortunately weren't called. So we told our professor our biggest concern that time - we did pass our papers! Then, Mr. Roel Ramirez, APR said, "...baka hindi kayo nagpasa ng paper...", and that made me panic to the highest degree! But then again he said, "...and these are the 5 people who got the perfect score..." - BINGO! And there I was, sitting on my beloved chair, with a smirk on the face, looking at my paper work with the grade of 7 (1 is the lowest, 7 is the highest), and thinking "...I'm not expecting this..."
Want a glimpse of my masterpiece? Here it is:
Worth It?!
On the night before this seminar, I was thinking “… would this be worth my effort?... is it a deal or no deal?”. I was having second thoughts whether I would go to this seminar, because it’s too early since our class for that day would be 2:00 PM, and the seminar’s time assembly would be 9:00 AM, plus the presence of an unfriendly weather. However, I did attend. And it wasn’t worth it – it’s more than worth it!
Along with the chills of the Bulwagang Manileño’s air conditioner, and with bit drowsiness, I sat in awe as the seminar was being conducted.
Headed by two renowned PR practitioners in the country – both colleagues by our dear professor Roel Ramirez, APR - Ma. Amylyn Sison de Quiros and Butch Raquel, the colloquium was successfully achieved.
Ms. De Quiros is the current president of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), and she’s not just an ordinary president of a so-called society, she is an APR. She arrived earlier than Mr. Raquel (but the wait was worth it…), so the seminar started with her presence. Ms. De Quiros renders a strong personality that is not intimidating. She is the epitome of the saying “woman of essence”, as she graces us – the students – with information which is necessary for our PR classes. According to her, PR is not just building-up an image, but also admitting faults that result to honesty, because it is better to turn out like that than the faults would be discovered – because that is not showing honesty. She taught us the value of truth, on our day-to-day lives.
I was really impressed on the way she talks, especially when she bravely answered the questions on the open forum part of the program. Ms. De Quiros is truly one influential woman.
Mr. Butch Raquel is GMA7’s OIC for Corporate Communications, and he is one of the people behind the Kapuso Network’s achievement of being the No. 1 TV Station today in the Philippines. As I’ve stated earlier, he was a bit late for the call time, but really, the wait for me was very worth it! If Ms. De Quiros was an epitome, he is as well! As for the Filipino saying goes, “huwag pumunta ng giyera ng walang dalang bala”, he was in fact armed with materials that made the program more exciting. While he was talking in front, his assistants provided us pins which read GMA bearing the Kapuso sign – the rainbow-colored heart. Of course, being a certified and proud Kapuso, I was delighted to have one! Not only that, he showed us AVPs which really took my interest and attention to watch it. It was a Corporate AVP for the GMA7 Kapuso Network, and I was thunderstruck between the four legs of my chair! He even told us that he is once a Kapamilya, and by that time that he was still in ABS-CBN, the said station was on no. 1 – and of course, he’s one of the brilliant minds behind it. But above all, his lectures were concerned more on the PR as a profession. But it didn’t bore me at all. In fact, he made us realize that practicing PR – whole-heartedly – is an amazing profession, for you get to help and inspire a large network of people. And he even provided us tips about PR which would help us on thorough discussions in our PR class.
He is the living proof of a successful man behind a successful business firm. And that he taught us to be effective as well, whether here or there, a PR practitioner should always do his job with utmost dedication.
The whole seminar was fun, action-packed, and informative. We had fun while learning, we experienced the fun of learning, and we learned rich information about PR.
The program lasted till 3:00 in the afternoon, where we had mini-team building games. It was really a lot of fun being a part of the PRSSP – PLM Chapter, because you do not only learn, you also get to experience the learning. And yes, my effort of attending ImPResyon ng PRopesyon: Deal or No Deal? was more than worth it – it’s definitely a deal!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2006
| Start: | Jul 19, '06 12:45p |
| End: | Jul 21, '06 |
| Location: | Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) |
Masahista - 7/19 (12:45 PM)
Sa North Diversion Road - 7/19 (3:30 PM)
Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros - 7/19 (6:15 PM)
Ilusyon - 7/20 (12:45 PM)
Saan Nagtatago Si Happiness? - 7/20 (3:30 PM)
Mudraks - 7/20 (6:15 PM)
Donsol - 7/20 (9:00 PM)
Pinoy Blonde - 7/21 (3:30 PM)
Rotonda - 7/21 (6:15 PM)
Shorts B - 7/21 (9:00 PM)
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Record-holder
Record-holder
I was never a dull student.
Since I started my career as a student, I never imagined having malfunctions – failing grades. In my opinion, it was stupid to study and not learn anything at all. A failure grade was yucky for me.
I remember being one of the top students in my class on my elementary and high school years. Those were my days of reckoning, because I seize high remarks after every school year – always. My record: I was a six-time second honor student (Grades 1 – 5; 2nd Year High School), two-time Salutatorian (Kindergarten & Grade 6), and a first honor (1st Year High School); though I wasn’t recognized on the honor roll during my 3rd and 4th years in high school, I still managed to be ranked 2nd on all students; plus the fact that I never ever got a line of 7 grade.
With all those medals and ribbons I’ve collected from the past, I thought I was geared enough and prepared for college – unfortunately, I was wrong.
PLM was a challenge for me – new school, new environment, new classmates, new teachers, and new curriculum. I was culture shocked. This is not what I’ve expected. I remember my high school teachers’ saying “…college is like reviewing… college is easier than in high school…blah, blah, blah…” and other stuffs like that. But when I first experienced hell in this university, I can’t keep blaming them, and I even wanted to confront them and tell to them straight to their faces “hey, thanks for the advice… #?@$!”.
That particular hell I’m talking about happened only last year, on my first semester for my 2nd year here in college. I received a wheelchair – a 5.0! Yes, the worst among worst grades! It was on my Economics class – 7:00 to 8:30 AM every Tuesdays and Fridays, GL502 – where hell breaks loose. And yes, it stained my career record as a student.
Of course, there are consequences alongside it which I have to face – almost-kicked-out-turned-final-probation on my college, series of quarrels among my parents, hush-hush judgments of people around me, and (the worst of them all…) lowered self-esteem. I admit, I lived in the dark because of that certain event.
But I regained my strength. Eventually, I began to grow as a person because of that experience. I realized, again, that everything really happens for a reason, and that reason leads to a certain purpose. On my case, the purpose was not to stain my record, but to test my individuality and credibility as a student.
It was my first major failure being me as a learner, and it happened here in PLM. But I guess it’s worth it. It stained my record I guess, but it can never stain me. And at least I could still add something on my record: a one-time failure, but still never a dull student (2nd
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
