With Mr. Auraeus Solito

Finally! We’ve found my long lost brother! Here he is (hehe)..

Nah! Just kidding! After waiting for a couple of weeks, we’ve finally met him.. Mr. Aureus Solito. Director of the award-winning film “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” (The blossoming of Maximo Oliveros), “Pisay”, the Music Video of E-heads “Ang Huling El Bimbo” and many other award-winning films that were screened internationally.

Dinner with THE Mr. Auraeus Solito and THE Teng Mangansakan II

We’re so lucky to have him with us and speak about his documentary film “Basal Banar”. I wasn’t able to be with them in the forum because I had a shoot but I promised myself to watch it and hopefully give you a review of what is it all about. I’ll post it here.

..at the forum

We went out later that evening.

It was a pleasure to have you with us sir Auraeus! Hopefully you can visit us next time. Yes guys! He promised to come back (kung may time).. Hehe.

Happy Birthday

Its Nate's Birthday! Happy 2nd Birthday Nate!
Here's Nate in the foreground

Regalo

.. As promised.. These are the things she gave me. The flowers are nothing compared to the gifts she had for me..
Shirts for the both of us!
and books...

a book about women and their experiences.

and a book on scriptwriting! Good eh?! :D

1st Anniv!

I immediately left the office when the siren sounded. I grabbed the paper inside my pocket that read "check-white flowers" as I walked towards the flower shop. I showed it to the attendant, and she went get the flowers. Yes, it was nice. Lovely!

I walked out from the flowershop but wait.. Sha and Cheng is in McDo. I wonder what will be her reaction if someone will give her flowers in a public place..

And so, I went back to the flowershop and told them to deliver the flowers in McDo. I also texted Sha to keep her in busy because it's coming.

Yes, She recieved the flowers... Haha! Teary eyed (according to Sha).. she accepted it.


This pic was taken after we left Mcdo.

She ordered Sizzling Steak when we went to a steak house here later that evening.

I'll post later what thingSSS she gave me...

..and TAGGED again..

Cathy tagged me on this one. I’m July. Below are my characteristics (as far as I know).

Rules:

1. Mention the person who tagged you and create a link back to them.
2. Copy-paste the traits for all the twelve months (see below).
3. Pick your month of birth.
4. Highlight the traits that apply to you.
5. Tag 12 people and let them know by visiting their blogs and leaving a comment for them.
6. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve done it!

The Twelve Months

JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality ( Ehem) Sexy (Ehem) Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others.
Revengeful - Mmm,Nah! Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners.Nah! Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody. BINGO!!! Most of these traits are true for me .

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about other people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking (I think.. haha). No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treat friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

Friends I’m tagging: Fern, my Cheng², sHaRoN

I got TAGGED again

I've been tagged by cheng²

Copy here:

1. Answer the Kid’s Question by Gregory Stock, PH.D. Remember: Don’t respond as you think others want you to. Respond the way you actually feel!

2. Add your name (linked to your blog)

3. Tag everybody else!

Kid’s Question #1

If you were the ruler of the world and you could have anything you wanted as well as have people do anything you wanted, do you think you would get greedy and mean or would you be a good and fair ruler?

Please answer the question and put your name and link after.

Jhong, Alpha, Women Xplore, Em,Something Purple, Our Journey to Life, My Planet Purple, Princess Bela, Princess Vien, cookie jar of entertainment, allinkorea, kim, idealpinkrose, korean food, Vamp Squad, Manna from Heaven, And Life Goes On, My Life, Uncomplicated, Crissy's Haven, Sheng's Amazing World, coicoi

My Answer:

I really don't know. You can't predict what you'll feel when you're up there. All I can say is that I'll do my job and do it the best possible way I can. Thank you! bow!

Now I'm tagging: YOU!!! YES YOU!!

Shoot last Sat

.. Angel wings started to surface on my back. I can feel my feet weren’t touching the ground anymore. I’m flying! I started to flap my wings, I can hear it… I can hear... I can hear the alarm! Aargh! Yes, I realized I’m dreaming.

I’m watching TV when my colleague texted informing me that they already left their house. I started to put the cam’s battery charger, tapes, and an extra battery in my bag. Swung the camera sling on my shoulder, carried the tripod and went off to meet them.

We went to Loleng’s Mountain Spring to because it’s my colleague’s prenup pictorial! Here are some of the behind the scene pics:

...sweet isn't it?

and finally.. a pic of me..

Thank God it rained after the shoot not during the shoot...

Auraeus Solito will be in Davao!

Vintage

Makina

This is a photo of my grandma's sewing machine. a 1973 disc-o-matic by the Singer Company. I only used a study lamp to light this shot.

I remember some of my shorts and t-shirts were sewn by my grandma using this machine. Not only mine, but most of my family members. Thanks lola! :D

TAGGED!

First, THE RULES: Remove one (1) question from below and add in your personal question to make it a total of 20 questions; then tag eight people in your list. List them out at the end of this post.



1. At what age do/did you wish to marry?

-- It'll take many years from now.. I'm 17.. so yes, it'll took some time.. HIHIHI



2.What color do you like most?

-- BLUE, Brown



3. Have you ever shoplifted?

-- NEVER!



4. Where is the place that you want to go to the most?

-- Europe?



5. Which part of you do you hate the most?

-- None



6. When you encounter a sad moment, what would you do?

-- Cheer up!



7. What are you afraid to lose the most?

-- My loved ones/my health.



8. If you won $1 million, what would you do?

-- I'd put a film production house, buy my own house.


9. What do you love the most about last year (2007)?

-- si cheng².. Made my own short film..


10. YeS? or NO?

-- YES!


11. How do you cope with boredom?

-- Watch DVD, surf the net, music..


12. Till now, what is the moment that you regret the most?

-- Honestly, nothing.


13. Which type of person do you hate the most?

-- Those who gossip, back biters


14. What is your ambition?

-- To have my own film prod house! yey! and have a good and simple life!


15. If you had one wish, what would you wish for?

-- World PEACE? haha


16. How did you celebrate the New Year?

-- Just ate with my family and went to cheng²s house.


17. It is already 2008, do you have a New Year’s resolution?

-- Nah!


18. What do you look forward to in 2008?

-- Another film maybe? ;)



19. If your life is a song, what title best fits it?

-- I'm yours? hahahaha! dunno..



20.My question is: If Jesus is the answer, what is the question?

-- EVERYTHING.

I'll tag my friends: Fern, Sha, Ayyi, Teng, Jilyn, Jake, Cherry and si Cheng²!

DoKYu part 1

I was excited when we started the 2nd day of the workshop. Everybody was "into it"! participated in every activity we made that day.. The faces of the participants were like full of ideas ready to burst!

See....
But of course.. there are times when you get really sleepy and you can't take it anymore you'll close your eyes and start to...






zzZzz.. and Teng was patient. Hehe..

Documentary Filmmaking - Dominic Morrissette Style!

Even if I was still sleepy because we watched the documentary Afghan Chronicles the night before, I forced myself to get up and try to make myself awake by taking a bath. I shook Sha and My Cheng² to wake them up also. We ate a quick breakfast and went to the IIPE.

There were a few early birds. Still looking sleepy because some of them came from Kidapawan and some came from Tagum.

While waiting for the guest. Teng let them watch the movie.

After the long wait, the Canadian director of the Afghan Chronicles - Dominic Morrissette arrived!

He explain how was it doing the documentary.
Tried to answer all of our questions.
And of course, posed with all of us!

And do you think ill let this moment pass? Though it was kinda like a stolen shot,took a picture of me with him of course! Thanks to Arnel B.!

Rice please?!

News articles these past few weeks, over the internet or printed, are talking about the rice shortage here in the Philippines.

While the government is thinking about the solution about it, the Davaoeños are enjoying this…

Unlimited Rice...
More unlimited rice...

and more unlimited rice!


Another term for unlimited rice.... UNLIRICE!

Day of Valor

Let's remember the 10,000 Filipinos and Americans who marched for 5-6 days without food and water during the World War II.

(photo by Winchell Cheng² Alcantara)

Araw ng Kagitingan ("Day of Valor" in Filipino) is a national holiday in the Philippines which commemorates the fall of Bataan during World War II. It falls annually on April 9, and is observed on the Monday nearest that date.

Long Day Sunday

-Yawn- ugh! I was lying butt-raised and still sleepy when my phone rang waking me up. It was Sunday and I have to have a quick breakfast and freshen up because I know, I'll be late if I won't get up. First up, I’ll be a Ninong(godfather) to my friend’s daughter.

Me and my Cheng² went to Holy Cross of Agdao where the baptism will be held.

(Baby Arriane being baptized)


And of course, We went to their place and had lunch.





(I wonder what's in my friends mind while he's with her.. looks like he's up to something.. haha!)

I had to get going later that day. Though I’m tipsy having drank almost a case of Red Horse Grandes, I went to meet my teammates in the production to have some… PIZZA!



So with my Cheng2, we went to Picobello’s. We met Ayyi at the elevator on our way up. Since it was 50% off, we ordered…. 6 flavors of PIZZAS!

And then came Fern, and Sharon.
And they posed! LOL





Whew! We left the place with our tummies full! Did you think we stopped there? Nope! Not yet! We accompanied Ayyi to meet our bosses at MIXFM where they were guests at a Radio Show.


Man! Thatt was a long day..

MarsoKwatro

Before I forget, I'd like to share the trailer of our short film back in 2006 titled "MarsoKwatro" (Fourth of March).

Its a fictional thriller-drama story inspired by the March 4, 2003 Davao airport bombing which have killed 21 people and injured more than a hundred. The story evolved on the lives of three young bloods who struggled in their battles with life and their individual rage against who they believed was their enemy.

We bagged most of the major awards in the annual Mindanao Film Festival that time. Enjoy! :D



Marso Kwatro Trailer - The best home videos are here

Another Film Documentary workshop

INVITATION TO A WORKSHOP

CENTER FOR NEW CINEMA

A new center for the study, production and promotion of cinema is here – the Center for New Cinema!

With a view to improve on the historical developments achieved by motion pictures in the country and explore the potentials cinema faces in the age of digital technology, CNC offers workshops, events and production possibilities.

For its inaugural program, the newly-formed Center offers THE DOCUMENTARY WORKSHOP. Held for ten days from 21 April till 2 May, this workshop takes up one of the most difficult forms of filmmaking which is the documentary – a form of cinema that has yet to be brought to full appreciation as a cinematic expression in this country.

Conducted by the country’s prizewinning documentary filmmaker with 15 documentaries to his credit, Nick Deocampo, the workshop has devised a syllabus that takes a serious look at the history, theory and practice of documentary filmmaking. Trained in Paris and New York through French-Government Fellowship and Fulbright Scholarship, Deocampo’s track-record as a documentary filmmaker and film teacher assures a highly enriching workshop experience. Responsible for renewing vigor in the documentary since the Eighties with films depicting life under the Marcos dictatorship (OLIVER, REVOLUTIONS HAPPEN LIKE REFRAINS IN A SONG) to his later films dealing with gay themes (THE SEX WARRIORS AND THE SAMURAI) to modernism in painting (EDADES), Deocampo’s films offer classic examples of the genre. For his life-work in the documentary, he has been invited as international film jury in prestigious festivals in Prague, Yamagata, Berlin, New York, Brussels, New Delhi, Singapore, Rotterdam, Brisbane, and many other festivals.

If you have a burning idea that seeks fulfillment, explore the world of the documentary and find out how cinema can become a potent instrument in your quest to deal with life’s realities!

Details of the workshop, including how to apply, may be found at our website: cnc.net.ph

You may send your inquiries to: center4newcinema@yahoo.com or nick@cnc.net.ph

Or you may text or call: 4347400; 09215546942

CENTER FOR NEW CINEMA

Unit 601, Sterten Place Condominium, #116 Maginhawa St., U.P. Teacher’s Village – East, Quezon City (near BayanTel Building along Maginhawa St.)

Film Documentary Workshop

My good friend Teng Mangansakan II will be conducting a Film Documentary Workshop starting April 12 in Davao City. The Workshop will hold classes and lectures during the weekend of April (April 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27). Documentary projects will be produced in May. These documentaries will be screened during the 1st Salam Mindanao International Film Festival later this year.

Canadian filmmaker Dominic Morrissette (Afghan Chronicles) will be the guest speaker of the Workshop.

Regular registration is PhP1,800 but early birds will have a discounted registration of PhP1,500. Students will enjoy a further reduced PhP1,200 registration.

For more information, please email morofilm@yahoo.com.

How to get to IIPE:

Just For The Grade

What in the world?! how are you gonna be able to convince yourself that yes, its OK to make an AVP for a company that will not pay for anything even just for the equipment to be used?

Yes, its just a school project and we'll be doing it for the grades. But man, i bet they'll use it for their marketing program and show it to the innocent high school students not knowing that the school sucks...

Instead of making an AVP, i made them a 30sec ad. Just for the f*cking grades...wehe!

Biniton

Biniton is a story depicting the process of preparation and cooking of a dish called Biniton that is particular to the community of Saniag, Ampatuan. The process of cooking, in the eyes of an old woman, brings to life the hardships they experienced amidst armed conflict at the same time the process of preparation, through the experience of Amel, her grandson walks us through the current situation of their community. How amidst the hardships and diversity in culture they had all managed to bounce back and become united.


These are the people behind the film (including Sharon who took this shot).


And this is Me giving instructions to the child actors.

The FOUR kids of Saniag


We are still shooting till midnight because we have to! argh!


And we left the place thanking the people of Saniag, Ampatuan who helped us during the shoot.


It was shown in Kontra-Agos Film Festival at Indie Sine, Robinsons Galleria from December 5-11,2007



The Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Robert Desjardins looking at the tarpaulin of my film.


And... tada!! I got the 3rd Place! And the Best Community Story! Congratas to all the winners!

Indeed it was a journey for me and my teammates. Thanks to all who have been with us through thick and thin! Thanks Teng and to the LGSPA peeps! I hope, we hope that it would not stop and more shoots and film to come. Full-length film before 2009 hopefully!