We ♥ CINEMALAYA

Friday, October 16, 2009 { 1:36 PM }

{ 1:35 PM }

Friday, August 14, 2009 { 8:00 PM }

BFF at CINEMALAYA!

{ 7:24 PM }

Thanks to Sir Nat for explaining Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros for it served as a guide. :D

THINKING THAT INDIE FILMS ARE THINKING FILMS

Oh, how I love the ecstacy of having a pinch of the Indie Films' perspective. One things leads to another just like answering a crossword puzzle.

I watched Colorum by Jon Stefan Ballesteros first. Until now, I'm still wondering if there is a representation of the old man lying on the floor surrounded by policemen after he was shot because it is also the film's poster layout with a yellow background. Seeing the Short Films (set B), I automatically caght myself figuring out what scenes and parts of each meant-- like why there was a set of baloons that passed by earlier of the films and why its second exposure significant to the ending and to the story per se (Ugat sa Lupa), like Bok knowing that there is exacly 50 steps to his grandmother's house (Si Bok at ang Trumpo), like the anger I and most of the audience's felt for the disciplinary action that has been a culture in Davao (Latus), like the main character's look-a-like who had a fitter figure (Bonsai), and sooooo much more. I am also one of those who agree that Dinig Sana Kita is the Audience Choice Awardee because I love the film! Although it appeared like a mainstream movie, as I sat on the balcony, I saw how much of our fellow were speaking--through their hands. I even appreciated the 3 sets of promotional movies of Cinemalaya and jumped after seeing that they really thought of connecting the 3 as a conclusion for the 3rd.

I want undestand more. "please..." to more experience and exposure.

Above all: Salute to filmmakers. Kudos.

www.facebook.com/alonacess

{ 6:04 PM }

ALL FOR THE LOVE OF FILM

It was a fun-filled Saturday.

Kulasas all over CCP

"Kilalang-kilala na kita noon pa, kailan mo kaya ako makikilala?"

Direk Mike Sandejas of Dinig Sana Kita and Wat Floor Ma'am?

Feeling personal

I was the last to leave the theatre. lol Is this allowed to be posted?

My view while eating my Bananacue lunch because of lack of time and long lines for food.

During and after Cinemalaya, I became addicted to youtube.com watching those that are uploaded. lol Now, I'm waiting for other screenings to watch (hopefully to squeeze it on my sched :D) because I HAVE LEARNED TO LOVE INDEPENDENT FILMS! :D

www.facebook.com/alonacess

{ 5:45 PM }

If only I didn't think of other Communication students from other school who are my friends...
If only I didn't trust them that they will come with me...
If only I just went by myself... because I can.

Then, I would probably have whiffed another set of creative ideas flying in and around CCP.
Then, I would probably have seen more interesting and intelligent AVPs and heard different kinds of audio clips and transitions.
Then, I would probably had chances to interview directors and other media practitioners-- and found out how similar and how unique they are from me.

But I didn't. I was not an spectator of the Cinco Awards Night. That night, I learned less.

www.facebook.com/alonacess

{ 7:12 AM }

I really liked Mangatyanan. At first, i thought that it is not a good film because i don't know the meaning of that title. But when i watched it, I just love every second, every scene of it. I really appreciate the film. The lady in that film is not even famous but she is super good. I really liked it that I dont want to miss any part of it. I have to go to the rest room but i did'nt. :]

Maureen Cruz

{ 7:02 AM }

with the star of Sanglaan, Mrs. Tessie Thomas.
When we watched Mangatyanan, Tessie Thomas was one seat away from me.. :]

posing for my fans.. LOL. :]

{ 6:45 AM }

The characters of the story... =)

Remind you of something???

The sched board for the week...a lot of showings...

I want those chandeliers!!! wonder, how much it costs??

Tanya Long Wah

{ 6:19 AM }

www.cinemalaya.org

I wanted to share my experience on watching Indipendent Films to my Ate. She is a fan of movies, and anything like it. We have the same taste when it comes to movie. Whatever I watch, I watch it with her. From Harry Potters, to the curious case of Benjamin Button..

We wanted to watch "Astig" but unfortunately, It was a total SOLD OUT! So we watched 24 k instead.

Before showing the film, the director went up the stage to share the experiences they had in filming the movie, to give thanks to the people whom she had shared the hard climbs in the mountain, and to the people who inspired her to create 24K. Her name was Ana Agabin, and this was her first film. Her first film? "Badtrip! sayang ang 50 Pesos!" this was my first thought. But I
was more worry about what my ate would say.. we might be at the weak side of indi films. And I
worry that I would give her "bad" impressions about Cinemalaya..But.. As we were watching the movie, I see the eyes of an impressed child as if watching a magic show..Her shiny big eyes were glued to the screen.

The last part of the movie was tragic..and left questions unanswered.. "hidden under the land we are stepping on, Does it really exist?" And "Is this REALLY her first director movie?"

3 letters, one word answers the last question. "WOW" Compared to other directors, she lacks experience. But with a film like 24 K, I can never really tell if she is a newbie..

She said that this would be the last movie she would ever direct..I said "NO, please NO!"
The film industry, local film industry needs someone like her.. she is young and talented
and she has all the time in the world. And coming from an all girls school, of course I
want more women excelling in the movie industry. I, myself dreamed of becoming a director..
But I have nothing to start with.. But Ana Agabin gave me an inspiration..and lighted up my dream once again.. I hope she would not stop creating and directing movies. Because of her, Cinemalaya gained another supporter, my ate :)

XOXO,
ANA AGABIN WANNA BE.
Pauleen Ciriaco :)

{ 6:14 AM }

Its not my first time to watch the independent films offered by Cinemalaya. I watched Sanglaan because it was the one available when we arrived. It was a nice film. I even saw Tessie Thomas watching it. However, when the film reached the climax part the screen went blank but the sound was continuous. The audience was shouting "REFUND". It was so embarrassing because Tessie Thomas was there checking out the film and the reaction of the audience. Then, when we got out, many people were saying that it was not that good. But, Tessie Thomas won best supporting actress on that film.

Maureen Cruz

{ 5:17 AM }

Before getting to Cinemalaya,

I had a little trouble getting there

since my friends and I planned to

go there and watch together.

As usual, I'm the early bird

and they always turn up 30-1hr late.

Good thing Pat (202B) was already there

at CCP,

so we met up grabbed tickets and headed

for lunch at RaiRaiken (great food)

After that we headed back to CCP

to watch colorum.

At first I tried to think about what the movie

might be about, to tell you the truth

I had no idea what colorum meant.

After asking pat, i understood.

We watched the movie then later met up with

friends. Took pics and visited the Gallery.

Alot of directors and celebrities!!! hahaha..

Anyway here's my film review...

Title: Colorum

Characters: Simon, Pedro and others.

Synopsis:

The movie stars Alfred Vargas who plays Simon.

A police officer who believes in doing the right thing,

however the irony is that he also works on

the sideline as an fx driver with a colorum plate.

He one day meets Pedro, an ex-convict who

is in search of his son who always happens

to be one the move. They meet eachother when

Pedro is in need of ride to the orange line (bus station),

they get into an arguement which then leads them to

hit a passer-by. Shocked at what had just took place,

Simon flees from the crime scene taking Pedro as his

hostage. Under his godfather's orders (who happens

to hold a high position in police department) he is to take

pedro to Leyte where he will be taken care of (as in bye

bye pedro). From then on starts their journey where

they meet difficulties and different people

and impart some lessons to those people.

As they get closer and closer to their destination, it

becomes clearer to them what should be

done in order to make everything alright.

Conflict: The conflict in this story is whether or

not Simon should give Pedro to his Godfather's croonies

so all the evidence of the crime is destroyed or

let Pedro see his son and go back to manila

in order to turn in himself to the authorities therefore

giving up his future.

Reaction: It was alright, I kinda got bored during the

beginning, though I understood what the characters

were saying in tagalog. I still watched the english subs.

Haha. Uhmm, as it got to the climax it got my attention,

from then on I watched with interest. Basically it shows

the life choices we have made effects the future. I found

it cool when the director decided to flash the scene of

Ninoy's assasination after Pedro's dead body. It shows,

in a way how simillar the two stories are in the aspect

of both getting out of prison and both giving up the

chance of being with their families again in order to pave

way to those who they believe have a brighter future

and hope.

Waaah, I'm done. First time to write a blog. Feels good.

Should try this more often. Hope the format is correct.

Gotta bounce, it's been a pleasure to write for you guys...

I'm tired...

xoxo Tanya

Thursday, August 13, 2009 { 5:50 AM }

The VERY DEEP poem

As the sun begins to unravel,
I begin to walk and travel,
I pass one bronze and a silver coin,
and got my excitement on the occasion.

I passed the red carpet,
and walked like a moppet,
Butterflies on my stomach,
and hair raising from my back,

Call me Naive if you want to,
but that doesn't stop me from loving you,
The way you look through my soul,
makes me want to growl,

This is going no where,
words written are out of despair,
Losing the ideas of what to write,
Finally, that's all for tonight.

Pauleen Ciriaco

{ 5:46 AM }

Yey! I found two of my group mates. Luckily, we had the same tickets for Shorts B! At last! I got the chance to meet them. It's so hard for me to hit upon these girlfriends for we have different schedules. So I grabbed the chance to have a picture with them!

Say Cheese!

With Alona and Tanya

Smile on SHORTS B!

Oooopssss! I also found one of them the other day.

With MAU

{ 5:15 AM }

I miss my old block, I miss our long talks, dance practices, project makings, long walks.. :(
So glad, We got together again. Thanks to you Cinemalaya.. :)

{ 5:05 AM }

July 17, 2009 (Friday)

It was a bad day. I got sick and it was raining hard. The classes got suspended.

No chance for me to watch the OPENING NIGHT.

Too bad! I was waiting for this event! I missed half of my life! HAHAHA!

I wonder what happened that night. I was so excited. In fact, I've already prepared the garb I'll be wearing. Whew! Hahaha!

I also wanted to watch the premiere of MANILA by Raya Martin. I've heard it's a great film. I wish I can watch this in the future.

That one I missed!
What a mishap!

rogeanne maica ylagan

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 { 6:29 AM }

I was not expecting that I will love INDIE films. At first, I was hesitant. I feel that watching independent films are kind of boring. But I was totally wrong! I enjoyed CINEMALAYA!

I've seen SHORTS A and SHORTS B, Colorum, Mangatyanan and Sanglaan. Whew. We were required to watch at least two full-length films but I made it five. I wish I had seen all the films. :(

The films really moved me. I felt REALITY!

I wish I could make my own independent film in the future.

(hehehehe.. libre ang mangarap!)

I was inspired by the filmmakers who really put their hearts upon their works that made it a MASTERPIECE.

We should really put a big effort in supporting
INDEPENDENT FILMS
and let the world see our greatest talents.

Rogeanne Maica Ylagan

{ 4:32 AM }

I can't believe I was watching my chosen Indie Film with its own stars. Wow! It was like a premiere night! I was really surprised because even these Indie stars were falling in line for their movie. That's really awesome! The first film I've seen at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival was Mangatyanan. Whoah! Neil Ryan and Che Ramos were there, the main characters of the film. They did great that I wanted to have a picture with them. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance. Crap! The next day, I was hoping for the other stars to come. Hahahaha! I found two of the Mangatyanan casts. Yey! (I became a fan of this film.)

Cheers for MANG RENATO!

He's so CUTE! hahaha!

next...........

Ka TROPA! give me a HIGH HIVE!

These co-stars did their best!
TWO THUMBS UP!

(I wish I was one of the extras.. LOL! just kidding!)

Ms. Tessie Tomas also showed up. She was also watching her film SANGLAAN. I was eager to see her and have a picture taken with her. Lucky ME! Got one! :D hahaha!

I've seen so many INDIE stars watching their film at the festival. Their movies are worth watching for! They have beyond compare talents that really amazed me. 
All their efforts paid off.

I was very impressed with these INDIE ARTISTS!

Cinemalaya's Finest!

Rogeanne Maica Ylagan

Monday, July 27, 2009 { 6:25 AM }

CINEMALAYA. The first thing that comes to my mind are "low budget films" But WHO says these independent films aren't worth watching? They EVEN deserve more than a 100 bucks for one movie. (of course, I paid 50 HAHA) I have no idea that the ORANGE JEEPNEY or the O.J was the answer to my sleepless nights thinking "how to get to CCP from St. SCHO?" Of course, my first thought was to take a cab.. Luckily, I have friends who went with me. :) a lot of first happened. My first time walking in CCP, first time to celebrate Cinemalaya, first time to ever watch an INDIE film. I've already promised my self that next year I would buy the Fiesta pass. I still got a year to be thrifty. :) besides, I'll do anything to get a taste of indie films. ONCE MORE.. :) I am thinking should this post be a movie review? or post? I say, FIRST TIMER'S POST.

I do have alot of firsts. First day of high school, first day of college, first love, first date..you name it. But this first was different. It was the combination of all firsts. :)

more post to come. :)

xoxo,
PAULEEN