My Top Ten Philippine shockers of 2009 (The special year ender extravaganza of jupiterboi)

1.  AH1N1 Virus explosion – When everyone though Philippines would be spared from this deadly virus, well think again. In the hype of school openings, the said virus exploded and affecting classes in major schools in the metro. Everyone is so paranoid that people wear masks and regularly take swine flue tests. True there were casualties but tolerable compared to other countries.

2.  Sexual scandals to the max – There are two sexual scandals I want to emphasize. First is the decision about the guilty verdict for the Nicole rape case with Daniel Smith. Nicole is so determine at first to continue the fight. However after the decision made that Daniel Smith was guilty, Nicole said that she is not truly certain of what happened that she might also gave Daniel Smith motives making the repeal favorable to the US camp Daniel Smith. Nicole is hopefully happy in America because she was given home, a green card and doesn’t want to remember this part of her life. Well in my personal opinion, I don’t care about you as well because you shamed the Filipino women due of your retraction. Because of you the Filipino women can easily be abused and be silenced in exchange for greener pasture. I hope you really stay there and enjoy whatever you want. Second is the ever controversial Hyden Kho video scadals. 11 video scandals were easily available pertain to the sexual adventure of Mr Hyden Kho with other women including Katrina Halili and Maricar Reyes. This brought rage to his victims and now has cases about “abuse against women and cildren” and recently was revoked of his medical license. I don’t know how to react to this but it is truly wrong to video your lovemaking without the knowledge of both parties. Tuloy sumikat ang Careless Whispher kasi you are not careless and si Katrina halatang hindi nag Whispher pad.  (joke lang) Lesson learn… magpaalam muna bago kumuha at pagkatiwalaan lamang ang sarili sa panonood ng sex videos mo.

3. Pacman Mania – Manny “Pacman” Paquiao! Who would not know his name by now. He is now the undisputed pound for pound king and the first ever to have 7 World titles in different divisions the world of boxing. He was recently awarded as Order of Sikatuna with Rank of Datu, the highest honor to be given to an individual in the Philippines,  by PGMA. Due to his fights with Hatton and Marquez this year, he secured himself as one of the greats in boxing. His fight with Mayweather next year is the most awaited fight for boxing aficionados. For Filipinos, the world stops whenever Manny has a fight. I hope we learn to also strive for what is best and fight for a better Philippines.

4. Cory Magic seen again – With the death of President Cory, the Filipino patriotism shines forth. Cory has been the new age symbol of Philippine Freedom due to the 1986 EDSA Revolution. Her reign is said to be the most uncorrupt president and the first ever woman president in world. Even after her presidency, she continued to fight for freedom and corruption shown in her crusades and marathon for such causes. In her humble ways, she united Filipinos around the world to be proud of our race for we are a great nation. Her untimely death brought up multitudes of dwellers and sympathizers across the world and making the whole wake a picturesque scene comparable with Ninoy’s wake. Tita Cory inspired me to love my country and my heritage. Thank you Tita Cory for you gift to us. We surely miss your motherly love.

5. Kuya F CNN hero of the year – Actually, I already heard Efren Penaflorida about June 2009 and I am already amazed of what he is doing. He is the founder of the DTC or Dynamic Team Company where they use “karitons” to provide basic education for the poor children along the Cavite area. His presence is not yet felt until the news came out that he is part of the CNN 10 ten heroes of the year and now more so as the CNN Hero of the Year. I immediately search where his kick off party. Luckily I was able to attend that event and was able to meet him and talk for a while. He is humble and you can see he has genuine concern for the marginalized. I was fortunate to meet him and I truly can say he really deserves it.

6. Massacre like no other – Towards the end of the year, who would forget the inhumane massacre in Maguindanao killing 57 people in which almost 30 media persons are involve. This masssacre now is the highest recorded violence against media personalities making our country the “most dangerous place for media practitioners”. Of course the case is still on trial but the suspected masterminds, the Ampatuans, were already judged by the many to be one of the most hated persons 2009. Their lavish lifestyle and armed private armies were point of debate why such rulers are existing over the ARRM region. I think this case would still continue but I am hpong that justice should be speedily given to the victims of this tragic event.

7. Kasal, kasali, kalokang weddings – There are two weddings I can clearly remember: Juday Ryan wedding and KoriMar wedding. Yun lang

8. Shining through the Cannes Film Festival – Who would have though that a Filipino Filmaker would win the best director in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Everyone is betting on Quintin Tarantino’s World War 2 vigilante in the mission of killing the Nazi to win the award but the jury favors the raw depiction of a brutal murder of a swindling prostitute in the world of drug trafficking and illegal gambling. Although many raised their eyebrows for Brillante Mendoza’s vitory, after seeing the film, I was a believer.

9. YouTube stars invade the world – Indeed YouTube is now the underground talent search for deserving people. Their videos are so popular that the makers of YouTube are planning to create a channel solely dedicated to show the most popular videos in the WWW. Some of the pinoys who are the famous now are Charice, Arnel Pineda, Pooh, Rin on the Rox, hitmanbreakeroftheye, moymoypalaboy, k brosas and others. YouTube now truly makes ordinary events, persons and places world famous.

10. The Ondoy and Pepeng catastrophe - Lastly who would forget the combined forces of Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng. Ondoy is not a actually a strong typhoon. Typhoons here in the Philippines are measured on how strong the wind velocity is carries that is why Ondoy is just bordering between just tropical depressions to Signal no. 1. Never do we know that its out pouring of rain water goes beyond the water that Typhoon Katrina in the US. The result… floods everywhere at a fast rate affecting the low lands of Marikina, Rizal, Pasig, Laguna and some parts of Manila, Quezon City, Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong and Bulacan. All vehicles are stranded and even washed away due to the unexpected rise of water, even I was a victim. Pepeng is the result of Ondoy destructive path. It has phenomenally garnered the most over staying typhoon victimizing the Northern part of Luzon. The combined after effects of Ondoy and Pepeng caused billions of lives, properties and livelihood in a hopeless situation. While the Luzon area is devastated with horrible typhoons, the Visayas and Mindanao regions are surprisingly humid. This event made us realize that “Climate Change” is real and we should act now in line with the changing weather conditions. This allowed the “Climate Change Act” passed by both the congress and senate and now is a Law creating an independent committee that will plan solutions that will help us adapt to climate change. In addition, these tragedies awaken the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan. Filipinos here and abroad are continuously helping out to ease the hardship that our fellow kababayan experience due to these typhoons. Ordinary people… helping a fellow countrymen… Images that stacked my mind as I also recall my experiences with Ondoy. 1. The regrets why I didn’t stay in the office 2. the free ride of a bus company going to Fairview which lasted almost 6 hrs along the Cubao Area 3. the Pastilias candy that a couple unselfishly gave to me an some of the commuters in the bus while the too are tormented body an mind knowing their child is with the yaya already on the rooftop in Marikina 4. the painful death march I went through and to add up a 3 point shot in a shallow Kanal in Philcoa. 5. to top all things up… when I arrive… brownout… no phone… no cellphone… no life…

These are my top 10 Philippine shockers of 2009. I hope 2010 would be promising although there is already a prelude that is would be my most challenging year of my career.  Well Ces la vie.

Another great loss – RIP Mr. Johnny Delgado

Just when I though the deaths of famous artists are gone, here is another news. Johnny Delgado passed away due to lymphoma. I like his movies notably Ang Alamat ni Julian Makabayan , Kakabakaba Ka Ba, Batch ‘81, Balweg, A Dangerous Life, Tanging Yaman, Kailangan Kita, Santa Santita, Ang Huling Araw ng Linggo and Labing-labing. My last encounter with the Johnny Delgado was in the screening of Labing Labing in this year’s CinemaLaya 2009. This is the photo I took with Johnny Delgado, Laurice Guillen, Anna Feleo and Ina Feleo:

In Labing Labing there is a song that now makes me want to cry. It is the song of Johnny Delgado “Ikaw at ako”. It is a song of strength, love and hope. Amidst the very hardships we endure, there is an assurance that there is someone always with us and will be with us this the end of our lives. Here is the music video of the song:

I hope that this song would remind us of the shortness of life and the value of making most out of this time.

My Ondoy Experience

This is not my video btw. This is to show the river near Eastwood where I worked during the time of Ondoy’s wrath.

I am very thankful that I lived to tell you this story. I am one of the unfortunate stranded people in Metro Manila when the typhoon Ondoy hit the Philippines.

Many people, at first, treated it as a non-threatening storm. I must admit that I am one of them. My shift is 3am so I came to whorl as usual. It was raining but the wind is not strong. I came at work safe. I have the usual duties until the point when Malen and I take our lunch at Eastwood McDonald’s. There I realized that Ondoy is not the storm I am expected to encounter. We went back to the office wet and unknowing of the danger that Ondoy brought to us. I looked outside of the building and I saw the Marikina River over flowing with flood water and the houses near by are already floating.

My officemates suggested that I stay because it is dangerous. I called my mother at home to ask the situation but no one is answering. I decided to go home amidst the situation. Eastwood Libis was flooded and many call center agents went their way to look for jeepneys or taxis. No jeepneys were going to Cubao so I decided to maybe to go t the opposite direction and ride a jeepney to BagumBayan. I was stuck at the Floodway and saw the unthinkable. Shanties flooding… people struggling as they were swept away by the waters of Marikina River. I wanted to help but I felt I would only do more harm to them and myself. I decided to go back and ride the MGE taxi. I specifically choose this because it is based in Fairview. I wanted to immediately go home but all roads were flooded and vehicles ended up in circles. The taxi decided to let me go in white plains where it is at least no flooded. I gave him P200 pero felling ko inabot na ng P300 yung biyahe ko. Tinanggap naman niya ito kasi P70 nalng ang natitira kong pera. Sabi ko sa sarili ko babalik nalang ako sa office. I prayed that someone will rescue me.

At the intersection of Boni Serrano and Katipunan Ave. a Jell bus labeled SM Fairview showed up. Kahit hindi aircon ok lang. I asked if they on their way to Fairview. The conductor said yes. I went inside and all passengers inside felt a common feeling. Fear. Fear of losing their love ones. Fear of losing their things. The bus ended up circling Aurora avenue, EDSA, and finally held in traffic in QC hall. IT was the longest 5 hrs of my life as I hear people calling their love ones. Some are happy because their safe in their home but most of them like the couple I have encounters are scared to death since their daughter and yaya are in their home in Fairlane in Marikina. I was 6:30PM and I and still in QC hall stuck in a bus. One of the passengers opened her TV cell phone to know the situation. ABC CBN got the footage and reported the situation in Philcoa. I didn’t expect that Philcoa and Tandang Sora were flooded. People staring to worry and everyone is showing genuine concern to all. Nakakatuwa… kahit hindi mag kakakilala… nagbibigay ng candy, nag ooffer ng cellphone para duon sa mga na low-bat. Kahit na yung kapatid ko na hindi naman nag-tetex sa aking… nangagamusta.

I don’t want to end up sleeping in a bus so I decided to walk Commonwealth Avenue. Walking was not bad after all until I accidentally fell on a manhole. Luckily it was shallow that it went only up to my waist. I ended up having a broken left foot. The torment of walking is really unbearable. There are some parts that are flooded but most of them are not however all vehicles from Fairview to Philcoa were filled with trucks and buses. When I reached Tandand Sora I road a jeepney going to Sandigan. I took a special tricycle going to my house at 8:30PM. As expected, my hose has no phone, no electricity.

I texted some of my friends that I am alright. I was able to go home safely. I am not able to go to work for obvious reasons. My team captain understand my situation and hopefully I can go back tomorrow.

As I woke up today and saw the casualties Ondoy brought to Manila, I said a little prayer thanking God for making me alive and asked him to help the others who are still in their rooftops of their home.

I will end this post with a statement. Ondoy’s simple passing brought the worst flood that Manila experienced but also made me realized the best in each Filipinos resilience and love for family.

To my lola, mommy, brother, 2 half sisters, my cousins in Cainta, my friends at school and work… I love you all and hope you are in better situation.

A calling for change

Due to recent events, I started contemplating if what is the purpose of my life? I have a good whole day and I wanted to answer this and that etc… but as I look deep in my heart and it lead to an empty answer. I felt the depression that at this point I should be happy doing the things I have accomplished. I took units for Masters in Productivity and Quality and will just finish my thesis part. I finally own the house I am living in. I am still in a job that supports my financial needs. I am partner in a business venture. I asked why I am unhappy. Is it because I have enemies and hold bitterness to them? My heart says “no” but my conscience says “partly”. I ask if this is not the full reason what is it? I looked at some of my posts and I was amazed of the people who were dead recently but never failed to haunt us to change our ways.

March 2009 I first experienced the loss famous personality icon, FrancisM. He is a Buskonian but more importantly a music legend. He used music to tell us that we should be proud as Filipinos but on the other hand we should do something to change our present conditions. Here are two songs of FranscisM:

Mga kababayan ko

Kaleidoscope world

This June 2009, the world was shocked because the late Michael Jackson died. I was so shocked that I never believed it because I just got the news from TMZ. But when other web site confirmed it I felt sad. Amidst the controversies he went through in his life, I can say he is sincere in wanting to have a better place, a better world. I have two particular songs that touched my heart of dreaming a better world. He wrote “Heal the world” and co-wrote “We are the world” with Stevie Wonder. In his own little way, he bring us his message of hope and a call for action in making a better place for everyone. Here are the videos:

We are the world

Heal the world

August 2009, the world witnessed the loss of a world icon, President Corazon Aquino. She is the first woman Asian president and the woman who symbolized the restoration of the Philippine democracy. She is the 1986 Woman of the Year for Time Magazine. Her death awakened the sleeping ideals of what democracy really meant. The same democracy we enjoy now Filipinos. During her final funeral rites, Ms Lea Salonga, my favorite Filipino artist btw, sang Bayan ko, a song that symbolizes Philippine uprisings’ fight against the destroyers of freedom.

Bayan ko by Lea Salonga:

All of these personalities have one thing common, a better world… a better Philippines. In this present condition where we don’t see lot of hope, they send us the haunting message of true change and genuine concern for others. My calling I think is to step up in the challenge and be a change agent. I am feed up of the same images of the Philippines – poor, depressed, unfortunate, hopeless. I will pledge to remove these images and hopefully the people would feel the real fruits of freedom. I am now inspired of the spirit of EDSA. I don’t know yet what to do but I know I have to contribute something. While I plan the things I will do, I will offer you the two prominent songs of EDSA 1. Both were performed in the final funeral rites for the late President Corazon Aquino:

Magkaisa by Sarah Geronimo

Handog ng Pilipino

Due to recent events, I started contemplating if what is the purpose of my life? I have a good whole day and I wanted to answer this and that etc… but as I look deep in my heart and it lead to an empty answer. I felt the depression that at this point I should be happy doing the things I have accomplished. I took units for Masters in Productivity and Quality and will just finish my thesis part. I finally own the house I am living in. I am still in a job that supports my financial needs. I am partner in a business venture. I asked why I am unhappy. Is it because I have enemies and hold bitterness to them? My heart says “no” but my conscience says “partly”. I ask if this is not the full reason what is it? I looked at some of my posts and I was amazed of the people who were dead recently but never failed to haunt us to change our ways.

March 2009 I first experienced the loss famous personality icon, FrancisM. He is a Buskonian but more importantly a music legend. He used music to tell us that we should be proud as Filipinos but on the other hand we should do something to change our present conditions. Here are two songs of FranscisM:

Mga kababayan ko

Kaleidoscope world

This June 2009, the world was shocked because the late Michael Jackson died. I was so shocked that I never believed it because I just got the news from TMZ. But when other web site confirmed it I felt sad. Amidst the controversies he went through in his life, I can say he is sincere in wanting to have a better place, a better world. I have two particular songs that touched my heart of dreaming a better world. He wrote “Heal the world” and co-wrote “We are the world” with Stevie Wonder. In his own little way, he bring us his message of hope and a call for action in making a better place for everyone. Here are the videos:

We are the world

Heal the world

August 2009, the world witnessed the loss of a world icon, President Corazon Aquino. She is the first woman Asian president and the woman who symbolized the restoration of the Philippine democracy. She is the 1986 Woman of the Year for Time Magazine. Her death awakened the sleeping ideals of what democracy really meant. The same democracy we enjoy now Filipinos. During her final funeral rites, Ms Lea Salonga, my favorite Filipino artist btw, sang Bayan ko, a song that symbolizes Philippine uprisings’ fight against the destroyers of freedom.

Bayan ko by Lea Salonga

All of these personalities have one thing common, a better world… a better Philippines. In this present condition where we don’t see lot of hope, they send us the haunting message of true change and genuine concern for others. My calling I think is to step up in the challenge and be a change agent. I am feed up of the same images of the Philippines – poor, depressed, unfortunate, hopeless. I will pledge to remove these images and hopefully the people would feel the real fruits of freedom. I am now inspired of the spirit of EDSA. I don’t know yet what to do but I know I have to contribute something. While I plan the things I will do, I will offer you the two prominent songs of EDSA 1. Both were performed in the final funeral rites for the late President Corazon Aquino:

Magkaisa by Sarah Geronimo

Handog ng Pilipino

My tribute to a dear president, President Cory Aquino (1933-2009)

I am writing this post because I am deeply saddened by the loss of President Corazon Aquino. I felt I lost again my grandmother whom in her simply way was very affectionate to me during my younger years. My grandmother is an Ilongga from Barotak Nuevo, Iloilo City. She bear 9 siblings but due to the effects of WWII she had to give away 7 of them. She kept her oldest and youngest son. Because of too much sibling rivalry the youngest ran away and was found by my grandmother. All her life she wanted to see all of her 9 children. Before she died she was able to see all of her 8 children except for the youngest one.

Roughly almost 2 years ago, my tita married a guy from work and he happened to see the picture of her youngest brother who ran away. He said that this person looks familiar. My tita said that it is the picture of her long lost brother. They went to the place and made an arrangement to see him. To her surprise he is indeed my long lost tito. These stories only happen in movies but I was really shocked that for 25 years of them all being apart. I can say truly say he is back at home.

I was saddened because my grandmother is a big Cory fan and like Cory she also sacrificed a lot to make her family whole again. I don’t have personal encounters with the former president Cory but her example of always trusting the God is carved in my faith as a Christian. I knew Cory will be taken to us Filipinos but I always pray that is she will be taken to us I wished is will be either the first Friday or first Saturday of August. I am a firm believer of the Twin Hearts of Jesus an Mary. At times that I know that have no friend to share my frustrations, The Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary always fills me up with so much inspiration some people aren’t able to understand.

On August 1, 2009, I have to work at 3am. Without hesitation I wore my yellow Novo T-shirt amidst the rainy dawn. Later I found out around 10am that President Cory died at 3:18am. I am suddenly was stunned because I checked the time and the date. It is the first Saturday and the time of her death is the time where Jesus rose from dead. I got mixed emotions. I was happy because Jesus and Mary will happily receive Cory. A promise is made by Mama Mary herself that on the first Saturdays of each month, the gates of hell are closed and that nobody will go to hell on those those days. However, the gates of purgatory are open so that many souls will be able to reach heaven. It is a result of the merciful Love of Her Son, Jesus Christ. It is the reward of these people who venerate Her Immaculate Heart. These are taken from the “Revue due Coeur Immacule Reine de la Paix” Vol. 1 No. 4. I have no doubt Cory that is really in heaven now or al least in Purgatory. This re-affirmed my faith in the beliefs I once forgot.  Thank You Cory for bring me back to my Christian roots, my faith to Jesus and Mary.

I deeply respect her sacrifices for us Filipinos. Without her I don’t think I will be able to write in this blog. She symbolizes the restoration of democracy in my country and for that I am forever in debt for this gift. Please pray for all of us that true peace and harmony can be felt and seen already in the Philippines.

Her death also symbolized the death of wrong practices of People Power. I will say this in Tagalog so that all Filipino people will understand what I am going to say.

Tigilan na po natin walang kapararakang rally sa kalsada. Sawang sawa na po ako na tuwing may SONA lahat kayo nasa Commonwelth Avenue. Mag-rarally po kayo tunkol sa mga maling pamamalakad ng nakaupong pangulo tapos aalis at iiwan ang mga kalat kasama pa ang mga bulok ninyong prensipyo na nakasulat sa mga dingding. Naninira pa kayo ng mga poste at daan na sana maghahatid sa bahay ko para makapahinga ako galling sa trabaho eh nakasara at kailangan kong lakarin ang kahabahan ng Commonwealth Avenue. Hindi po masama ang ipaglaban ang tama at iwaksi ang mali, gawin lang po sana ng may konsideration sa ibang mga tao na kapwa nag babayad din ng tamang buwis at imbis piliing sumigaw sa lansangan ay pumiling magtrabaho para itaguyod ang pamilya nila. Sa totoo lang mula pa kay Erap hanggang kay PGMA pareparehong mga mukha ang nakikita ko sa mga lansanngan ng Commonwealth Avenue. Ewan ko ba kung bakit kayong mga party list na Anak Pawis, Bayan Muna, Gabriela etc. reklamo ng reklamo. Kayo minsan ang kinukwestion ko kung paano nyo magawang maglustay ng pera at panahon para tutulan ang mga programa mga kasalukuyang administrasyon mapa Erap man o PGMA.

Sa Adminitrasyan at sa mga susunod pang nagnanais na maging pangulo ng Pilipinas, pwede bang gawin nyo ngang tapat at mahusay na pamamuno ninyo sa bansa. Kahit anong uri ng gobyerno meron tayo kung bawat isa eh hindi kumikilos wala rin kwenta. Binoto nyo yan eh so dapat suportahan ninyo.

Tatapusin ko na itong litanya ko kasi hindi naman ako pulitikong tao. Sana ang paglisan ni Tita Cory ay magsilbing panghabang buhay na palatandaan na dapat higit pa man sa lahat, tayo ay Pilipino. Ayusin na natin ang bayan natin dahil sa pananaw ko dakila ang ating bansa. Maging sa ibang bansa kayo o dito mismo sa Pilipinas, ang lahing Pilipino ay tunay na diamante ng mundo. Nakakahiya na mismo sa ating bansa walang kaayusan ngayong tinatamasa nating mga bunga ng demokrasya.

Salamat po Tita Cory sa handog nyong demokrasya sa aming henerasyon. Pasenya na po hindi ako makakadalaw sa mga labi nyo pero katawan lang po yan ang importante ay dapat manatili ang diwa na ibinahagi nyo sa aming mga Pilipino. Pinapangako ko po na sa tagal na hindi po ako nag paparehistro para bumoto, para sa inyo boboto na po ako sa 2010. Gabayan nyo po sana kaming lahat na maihalal ang karapat-dapat na mga mamumuno ng bansa. May kanta pala si Jose Mari Chan na galing mismo sa mga salita ni Ninoy Aquino. This was his poem telling you how much he appreciated your love to him. When I heard it, I felt the love of Ninoy for Cory.

Sa paglisan mo Tita Cory, buong Pilipinas ay nadarama ang pagmamahal na inialay ni Ninoy sa iyo. Inaalay ko po sa inyo ang kantang ito. Muli Tita Cory, maraming salamat po ulit at paalam. Sisikapin ko pong maging huwarang Pilipino tulad ninyo.

CineMalaya 2009 / Cine Cinco Films and Screening Schedules

July 17 – 26, 2009 embarks another landmark in the world of Philippine alternative cinema as CineMalaya 2009 or Cinemalaya Cinco. It is their fifth year of brining out of the box really quality Filipino Indie films and this year is not different. Here are the films in competition for this year’s CineMalaya Film Festival.:

Competing in the full length category are:

24K by Ana Agabin,

Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe by Alvin B. Yapan

Astig by GB Sampedro

Colorum by Jon Steffan Ballesteros

Dinig Sana Kita by Mike E. Sandejas

Engkwentro by Pepe Diokno

Last Supper No. 3 by Veronica Velasco and Jinky Laurel

Mangatyanan by Jerrold Tarog

Nerseri by Vic Acedillo, Jr

Sanglaan by Milo Sogueco.

For the short film category:

Behind Closed Doors by Mark Philipp Espina

BLOGOG by Rommel “Milo” Tolentino

Bonsai by Alfonso “Borgy” K. Torre III

Hulagpos by Maita Lirra Lupac

Latus by John Paul S. Seniel,

Musa by Dexter B. Cayanes

Si Bok at ang Trumpo by Hubert Tibi

Tatang by Jean Paolo “Nico” Hernandez

Ugat sa Lupa by Ariel Reyes

Wat Floor Ma’am by Mike Sandejas and Robert Seña

This year’s CineMalaya showcases also special screenings and premiers of other from great Pinoy Indie film directors. The opening film this year is “Manila” by Adolf Alix Jr and Raya Martin. The film was also one of the only Pinoy films featured in this year’s Cannes Film Festival. It is their way of paying tribute to Lino Broka’s Manila sa Kuko ng Liwanag. Here are the list of special screenings and premiers in this festival:

Manila – July 17 – 6:00pm (CCP Main Theater)

Aurora – July 18 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Prince of Cockfighting – July 18 – 9pm (CCP Little Theater)

Baseco Bakal Boys – July 19 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Independencia – July 19 – 9pm (CCP Little Theater)

Lupang Hinirang – July 21 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Bayaw – July 21 – 9pm (CCP Little Theater)

Walking the Waking Journey – July 22 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Karera – July 23 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Latak – July 23 – 9pm (CCP Little Theater)

Boy – July 24 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Walang Hanggang Paalam – July 25 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

CineMalaya will also do a series of Lino Brocka films at the CCP Silangan Hall through out the competition. At the same time It will present last year’s best Pinoy Indie films, Cinema One 2008 and Sine Direk film entries.

The outpouring gay themed Pinoy Indie films have taken over the Pinoy alternative film industry so its contribution were not taken for granted by the CineMalaya organizers. They have also arranged a LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Tranvestite I think) Special shown last year. It will be shown also at the CCP Silangan Hall. Here is the list of films to be shown

Thank You Girls – July 18 – 9PM

Heavenly Touch – July 19 – 9PM

Dose – July 21 – 9PM

Selda – July 22 – 9PM

The Amazing Truth about Queen Raquela – July 23 – 9PM

Ded na si Lolo – July 24 – 9PM

Quick Trip – July 25 – 6:15PM

Jay – July 25 – 9PM

To view the full Screening Schedule, Click here.

See you at CCP and keep supporting Philippine Movies.July 17 – 26, 2009 embarks another landmark in the world of Philippine alternative cinema as CineMalaya 2009 or Cinemalaya Cinco. It is their fifth year of brining out of the box really quality Filipino Indie films and this year is not different. Here are the films in competition for this year’s CineMalaya Film Festival.:

July 17 – 26, 2009 embarks another landmark in the world of Philippine alternative cinema as CineMalaya 2009 or Cinemalaya Cinco. It is their fifth year of brining out of the box really quality Filipino Indie films and this year is not different. Here are the films in competition for this year’s CineMalaya Film Festival.:

Competing in the full length category are:

24K by Ana Agabin,

Ang Panggagahasa kay Fe by Alvin B. Yapan

Astig by GB Sampedro

Colorum by Jon Steffan Ballesteros

Dinig Sana Kita by Mike E. Sandejas

Engkwentro by Pepe Diokno

Last Supper No. 3 by Veronica Velasco and Jinky Laurel

Mangatyanan by Jerrold Tarog

Nerseri by Vic Acedillo, Jr

Sanglaan by Milo Sogueco.

For the short film category:

Behind Closed Doors by Mark Philipp Espina

BLOGOG by Rommel “Milo” Tolentino

Bonsai by Alfonso “Borgy” K. Torre III

Hulagpos by Maita Lirra Lupac

Latus by John Paul S. Seniel,

Musa by Dexter B. Cayanes

Si Bok at ang Trumpo by Hubert Tibi

Tatang by Jean Paolo “Nico” Hernandez

Ugat sa Lupa by Ariel Reyes

Wat Floor Ma’am by Mike Sandejas and Robert Seña

This year’s CineMalaya showcases also special screenings and premiers of other from great Pinoy Indie film directors. The opening film this year is “Manila” by Adolf Alix Jr and Raya Martin. The film was also one of the only Pinoy films featured in this year’s Cannes Film Festival. It is their way of paying tribute to Lino Broka’s Manila sa Kuko ng Liwanag.

Here are the list of special screenings and premiers in this festival:

Manila – July 17 – 6:00pm (CCP Main Theater)

Aurora – July 18 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Prince of Cockfighting – July 18 – 9pm (CCP Little Theater)

Baseco Bakal Boys – July 19 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Independencia – July 19 – 9pm (CCP Little Theater)

Lupang Hinirang – July 21 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Bayaw – July 21 – 9pm (CCP Little Theater)

Walking the Waking Journey – July 22 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Handumanan – July 22 – 9PM (CCP Little Theater)

Karera – July 23 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Latak – July 23 – 9pm (CCP Little Theater)

Boy – July 24 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Hospital Boat – 9PM (CCP Little Theater)

Walang Hanggang Paalam – July 25 – 6:15pm (CCP Little Theater)

Serbis – July 25 – 9PM (CCP Little Theater)

The outpouring gay themed Pinoy Indie films have taken over the Pinoy alternative film industry so its contribution were not taken for granted by the CineMalaya organizers. They have also arranged a LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Tranvestite I think) Special shown last year. It will be shown also at the CCP Silangan Hall. Here is the list of films to be shown

Thank You Girls – July 18 – 9PM

Heavenly Touch – July 19 – 9PM

Dose – July 21 – 9PM

Selda – July 22 – 9PM

The Amazing Truth about Queen Raquela – July 23 – 9PM

Ded na si Lolo – July 24 – 9PM

Quick Trip – July 25 – 6:15PM

Jay – July 25 – 9PM

CineMalaya will also present a series of Lino Brocka films at the CCP Silangan Hall through out the Festival. At the same time it will show last year’s best Pinoy Indie films, Cinema One 2008 and Sine Direk film entries. It will also showcase last year’s Cinemalaya entries in diffrent venues of CCP. There are going to be discussions like the CineMalaya Congress (Julu 21-22) at the CCP Little theater (8-5PM) and Sine Taktakan Fora (July 23-24) at the CCP Studio Theater (2-5PM). Regional and school short films will be also part of this year’s festival.

To view the Full Screening Schedule, Click Here.

See you at CCP and keep supporting Philippine Movies.

Eigasai ‘09 – July 2-12, 2009

In celebration of Philippines–Japan Friendship Month, the Japan Foundation, Manila, in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and the UP Film Institute proudly presents a Japanese Contemporary Film Festival, titled “Eigasai ‘09” (literally means ‘film festival’ in Japanese) that will serve as its kick-off activity on July 2, 2009 at Shang Cineplex Cinema 3 for the month-long celebration.

“Eigasai ‘09” aims to bolster further the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan by continuously providing an opportunity for Filipinos to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Japanese arts and culture explored in this medium. This year’s offering brings together 7 contemporary films and 1 anime film in 35mm format. An invitational screening of Always – Sunset on Third Street (Always San-chome no yuhi, 2005) by director Yamazaki Takashi will be held on July 2, 2009 (Thursday) at 7:00 p.m. at the Shangri-La Plaza Cinema 3, Edsa, Mandaluyong City.

Other films to be featured are Memories of Matsuko (Kiraware Matsuko no issho, 2006) directed by Nakashima Tetsuya, Kamome Diner (Kamome shokudo, 2006) directed by Ogigami Naoko, Memories of Tomorrow (Ashita no kioku, 2006) directed by Tsutsumi Yukihiko, The Milkwoman (Itsuka dokusho suru hi, 2005) directed by Ogata Akira, Turn Over – An Angel Is Coming on a Bicycle (Futari biyori, 2004) directed by Nomura Keiichi, Tony Takitani (Toni Takitani, 2004) directed by Ichikawa Jun, and the sole anime film Mind Game (Mind Game, 2004) directed by Masaaki Yuasa.

All films will be shown with English subtitles. Admission is free. Screening venues are at the Shangri-La Plaza Cinema 3 (July 2 to 12) and UP Film Institute (August 14 to 20). “Eigasai ‘09” will also have provincial screenings that will commence in Gaisano South City Mall, Davao (July 18 and 19); Ayala Center, Cebu (July 28 to Aug 2) and Baguio Center Mall, Baguio (August 7 to 11). For detailed screening schedules and inquiries, please access the Japan Foundation, Manila website: www.jfmo.org.ph or call the JFM telephone

Shangri-La Plaza 

July 2 (Thu)	7:00 PM	ALWAYS – Sunset on Third Street
July 3 (Fri)	2:00 PM	Tony Takitani
	4:30 PM	Turn Over
	7:00 PM	Kamome Diner
July 4 (Sat)	2:00 PM	Memories of Tomorrow
	4:30 PM	ALWAYS – Sunset on Third Street
	7:00 PM	Memories of Matsuko
July 5 (Sun)	2:00 PM	Memories of Tomorrow
	4:30 PM	Mind Game
	7:00 PM	Memories of Matsuko
July 6 (Mon)	2:00 PM	The Milkwoman
	4:30 PM	Mind Game
	7:00 PM	Turn Over
July 7 (Tue)	2:00 PM	Turn Over
	4:30 PM	Kamome Diner
	7:00 PM	ALWAYS – Sunset on Third Street
July 8 (Wed)	2:00 PM	The Milkwoman
	4:30 PM	Tony Takitani
	7:00 PM	Mind Game
July 9 (Thu)	2:00 PM	Turn Over
	4:30 PM	Memories of Tomorrow
	7:00 PM	ALWAYS – Sunset on Third Street
July 10 (Fri)	2:00 PM	The Milkwoman
	4:30 PM	Memories of Matsuko
	7:00 PM	Tony Takitani
July 11 (Sat)	2:00 PM	Kamome Diner
	4:30 PM	Tony Takitani
	7:00 PM	Memories of Tomorrow
July 12 (Sun)	2:00 PM	Mind Game
	4:30 PM	ALWAYS – Sunset on Third Street
	7:00 PM	Memories of Matsuko

 

Source: http://www.jfmo.org.ph

 

Gone too soon: Francis M.

 

I arrived late this night and watched SNN. The first thing in the news is the passing of Mr. Francis Durango Magalona aka Kiko or FrancisM. For eight months this man fought Leukemia is such hope and courage. I personally admire this guy for being a true role model of free speech. His music brings hope to aspiring artists to find this own mark in the industry. Kiko revolutionized RAP when we knew only the Americans do it. I’m not actually a fan but there are only 2 Francis M songs I like. These are “Cold Summer Nights” and “Kaleidoscope World”. The first I heard these songs; I was blown away because I though is a foreign artist who sand this.  Yun pala si Kiko pala. Grabe Talaga… Sobrang Astig for me ang “Kaleidoscope World”. It is actually one of my theme songs. Whenever I hear this song, it always transforms my outlook in life. The song simply tells us that all of us are unique but it is not the reason why all of us shouldn’t co-exists. Respecting each others’ differences is the only way to be able to see the colorful lives of the people who are living in this kaleidoscope world…. Such an ingenious play of words and music makes this song one of my national anthems.

Thanks for being born a Filipino, a Bosconian and most of all a True Icon of this generation. I know Jesus is with you right now. I always believe that the first Friday and first Saturday of the month are blessed days because the gates of heaven are open for all those who believe in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. My prayers tonight are dedicated to your eternal peace of those people you have touched. You will be dearly missed.

Grant him Oh Lord Eternal Life and let Perpetual Light shine upon you. May you rest in peace. Francis M.

As a tribute, I bring you “Kaleidoscope World” by Francis M.

 

 

Read his multiply blog: http://francismagalona.multiply.com/

2009 upcoming movies

2008 was indeed a good year for movies and as the 2009 arrives here are the upcoming movies that will surely make a buzz. Enjoy!

Watchmen

Good

Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Funny People

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen

Dragonball Evolution

Land of the Lost

Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince

Star Trek: Immortality

GI Joe – The Rise of the Cobra

Inglourious Basterds

Bart Got A Room

Battle for Terra

Duplicity

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

2012

Terminator Salvation

Green Lantern

Franklyn

The Ugly Truth

The Proposal

Monsters Vs Aliens

UP!

Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

The Taking of Pelham 123

Red Sonja

The Box

Planet 51

Knowing

S Darko

Caroline

Ice age 3

Astro boy

9

Thunder Cats

Bird’s Nest

The Legend of Zelda

… so far this is it… watch for upcoming post in the future. Ciao!

The 81st Academy Awards Winners

The most awaited movie award show is back in town and doing it in the grandest style ever. The Academy Awards aka the Oscars for me is the accomplishment of anyone who works in the movie industry. Getting an Oscar statue, amidst the controversies, is the pinnacle of one movie career. I honestly and secretly want to receive the real Oscars statue. Ever since I watched “Cinema Paradiso”, I used to think that Oscars are just for Hollywood films. As I grew interest in watching quality films, I witnessed that more foreign films are starting to break into this prestigious awards. This year’s Oscars is no different. Out of nowhere… Slumdog Millionaire totally swipe out all major awards shows and the Oscar’s are not an exception. A total of 8 wins in total including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay (the 3 most important categories of a good film), not bad for a story that came from the slums of Mumbai India highlighted with a popular game show “who wants to be a millionaire”. It’s truly a phenomenal success.

Other highlights are Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz, Sean Penn and Health Ledger’s family speeches for winning the actress’ and actors’ categories. I like also the way the presentation of the best actors and actresses are done, simply inspiring and truly heartwarming.The awesome musical movie tribute and the live performance of Queen Latifa for the special “In Memoriam” tribute are truly worth watching.

Bow without further ado… here is the complete list of the 81st Oscar winners:

Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Penelope Cruz – Vicky Cristina Barcelona
  

Best Original Screenplay: Milk - Dustin Lance Black
  

Best Adapted Screenplay: Slumdog Millionaire – Simon Beaufoy
  

Best Animated Feature Film: Wall-E – Andrew Stanton
 

Best Animated Short Film: La Maison En Petits Cubes – Kunio Kato
 

Best in Art Direction: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - Donald Graham Burt (Art Direction); Victor J. Zolfo (Set Decoration)
 

Best Custume Design: The Dutchess – Michael O’Connor
 

Best in Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Greg Cannom
 

Best in Cinematograph: Slumdog Millionaire – Anthony Dod Mantle
 

Best Live Action Short Film: Spielzeugland (Toyland) – Jochen Alexander Freydank
 

Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight (accepting the award is Kim, Sally and Kate Ledger)
 

Best Documentary Feature: Man on Wire – James Marsh and Simon Chinn
 

Best Documentary Short: Smile Pinki – Megan Mylan
  

Best in Visual Effects: The Curios Case of Benjamin Button – Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron
 

Best in Sound Editing: The Dark Knight – Richard King
 

Best in Sound Mixing: Slumdog Millionaire – Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty
 

Best in Film Editing: Slumdog Millionaire – Chris Dickens
 

Best in Musical Score: Slumdog Millionaire – A.R. Rahman
  

Best in Musical Song: Jai Ho – Slumdog Millionaire – A.R. Rahman
 

Best Foreign Language Film: Departures – Japan, Directed by Yojiro Takita
  

Best in Directing: Danny Boyle – Slumdog Millionaire
 

Best Actress in a Leading Role: Kate Winslet – The Reader
 

Best Actor in a Leading Role: Sean Penn – Milk
 

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire – Christian Colson
  

Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
 Jerry Lewis

 

How well did I make the predictions? Among the 24 awards this year, 14 rights, 6 wrongs, 4 abstain.

 

Watch out my list for the best films in 2008. See you in the next Oscars.