'OTJ': Worth it

I do not watch mainstream, Filipino films in big screen. 

The last time I did was back in college when my best friend and I saw Chito Roño's Sukob starring Kris Aquino. I remember I did so, ONLY because it was my best friend's treat. Take note also that I hate horror movies and do not like Kris' acting, but that's a whole different story--lest I digress. 

My point here is, I do not spend a peso from my own pocket to watch crappy local films MOST especially those romantic comedies (I cringe at the thought) and Metro Manila Film Festival entries. 

The only Filipino films I truly appreciate are independent ones which I annually follow via the Cinemalaya film festival. However, I am sorrowful and guilty for missing this year's edition. And that's also another story so let me go back to why I am writing this in the first place:

I watched 'On the Job' by Erik Matti on Sunday at the Glorietta 3 Cinema! 

Let me begin by sharing that my curiosity was aroused when I first read a The Manila Times article (by our Entertainment editor) in which I found out that the film got standing ovation after it's world premiere/screening AT the 2013 Cannes! 

My interest further shot up after our film columnist wrote a positive review, and as prominent people continue to post good things about it on social networking sites. Giving in, I took Mama to the mall to see it. And as I was buying the tickets, I thought to myself: "This better not disappoint." 

Lucky me for my good instinct, it did not! Phew!

And it was one hell of a film actually--in a very good way. Let me share some random thoughts--hopefully without spoiling--on why you should NOT miss On the Job. 

• The story is gripping. I had watched various indie films tackle the different "cancers" of our society, but OTJ's is far more intricate. Beginning with the note: "This film is based on true events"; the film presented the corruption of those in power, specifically the police, who hire inmates to carry out a "job". Released for a day, the prisoners actually become hitmen and kill various targets. I'm more than sure so much research had gotten into this film. So for translating this "terrible" of a story into the big screen, bravo!  
• The cinematography is beautifully ugly. Throughout the entire film, everything was a clear picture, from the slums, to San Juan's Basaan Festival, to the government offices. For me, the most unforgettable was how OTJ vividly painted the bilibid! I have been hearing for so long how deprived the situation of the inmates in this country's prisons are. But I didn't realize it was like THAT! OMG, ang layo sa itsura ng Prison Break.
• The script is convincing. There were few long conversations and plenty of bad words (the t*ng-inas and p*tas!). But it was fine. There were few quotable quotes to remember either after. I tried to think of one now. Nothing came to thought. But, nevertheless, straightforward and believable dialogues from every character did justice. These were real people who talked of reality. Kudos to scritwriter Michiko Yamamoto (Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, 2005).
• The actors are superb. Yes, all of them even Piolo Pascual and Gerald Anderson. Let me note, however, that even though OTJ was headlined by the two younger actors of this generation (probably for marketing purposes so I wouldn't complain if it will actually make MORE Filipinos watch it); I still believe that Joel Torre was the main actor of the film. The story really revolved and evolved around his character, Mario Maghari . Known to many as "Tatang", Maghari was the veteran, hired hitman who was currently training his back-up Daniel (Gerald). All I can say is Torre's performance is deserving of major acting awards. Another notable performance was that of Joey Marquez who played the incorruptible police, who thankfully, added humor to the dark thriller; and Leo Martinez, the hateful, powerful, former police general. Of course, much credit of this also goes to Matti's skill. 

All this said, I can truthfully say that my P180 spent for On the Job is totally worth every penny. But more importantly, I feel that my belief for the commercial films is partially renewed, thanks to Direk Erik Matti's creation. This film will be remembered. 

Finally, I hope more of this kind of films will hit the local scene, and along with it, more Filipinos (the common masa) appreciating it. So that I can wholeheartedly declare: Mabuhay and pelikulang Filipino!

Youthful, artful summer

For the third year in a row, the Looban Projects--the unregistered, independent and no political affiliation WHATSOEVER (just had to emphasize on that) youth org that I belong to--held its annual Summer Art Workshop at the Barangay Bambang Hall. A four-session affair, the Summer Art Workshop (SAW) happened on April 20-21 and 27-28. 

Our 2013 classes included Creative Writing, Drawing, Guitar and Silk Screen Printing (more of practical than artsy). New additional class is Painting. 

SAW pretty much explains itself just from the name. A summer art workshop which we organize for kids (grade schoolers) and teenagers (high schoolers). Our mission is bring the youth even just a little closer to art so that they get to understand it at a young age and appreciate it as they grow older. And, if I may higher my expectations a bit, I really also hope that we can even influence them to pursue a creative career in the future. :D

Pretty painters. Sophia (topleft) with her mermaid, and Patricia (bottom right) with her fairy and behind her is their mentor Kuya Dodi

Scenes from the drawing and painting lessons by Kuya Dodi. Student Al Pacey (right) poses with his Naruto drawing

And practically of course, the workshop also serves as venue where the youth can spend a few days of their summer meaningfully--with us! 

Us! Well, our roster of mentors and teachers are a mix of professionals and self-taught people who are terribly passionate with what they do. Promise! Haha! We have on our sleeves a professional graphic and comic artist; guitar teachers who have played guitar since they were young; and a silk screen mentor who will also become an artist himself in the future. 

Serious talk with my little girl, Hazel, plus the mini library

Guitar heroes. Mentors with their students. 

I personally teach Creative Writing with News Writing on the side line since I am a journalist myself already. As to being a literary writer, not professionally but I do dabble on short stories and essays when I can. So I believe I can actually teach writing to my students. Take note, I always have the least number of students but I don't mind. I'm just happy to teach young people to read and write, and write and read. And that's too much on me. 

Scenes and participants of the T-Shirt printing lessons

Well, as one of the groups mentors, I must admit that of all the three SAWs, this one had the least preparation from all of us. So I was very surprised to actually see that the turnout of students this year was even better than the past two SAWs. More so, we even had students all the way from Upper Bicutan!

Mga pasimuno. Looban Projects members  :D

Let's just say that Facebook this day actually works when it comes to promotion and information dissemination. 

And though we cap our SAW 3 successfully, I still believe that we can do way better next year. I hope our group level up efforts and think of new ideas, like a recital in the end of the session perhaps? ;) 

'Til for another artful, youthful summer next year!

With my student/apprentice turned assistant teacher , Enki ♥

The mentors (in black) plus asungot (in blue). From left: Ayban, Paul, me and Kuya Dodi

The UP Valentine's (a)Fair

The morning after Valentine's Day, I woke up with my body sore from slamming, and voice hoarse from screaming. It was a passionate night--of rock and roll. 

For a young pretty (yes, I just had to claim that) woman who did not have a Valentine's date, the next best thing (probably even better) to do was to party rock at the annual University of the Philippines Fair concert. 

A five-night undertaking, the UP Fair is a much-anticipated event for bringing in many amateur, underground and mainstream bands to play on just one stage. 

I had been witness to three UP Fairs already back in 2009 and 2010, then missed the 2011 fair. It is my aim to make it a yearly ritual so that I can unleash my inner rockstar slash hipster slash "koboi" soul. (The truth is I really want to go to so many gigs but I cannot afford because of my very busy work as journalist. A once a year affair will be good enough.) 

This year, the universe transpired for me since most of my favorite local bands and artists--Franco and Urbandub most especially--were scheduled to play on Valentine's Day! Besides the first two mentioned, more popular bands included in the awesome line-up were Kamikazee, Up Dharma Down, Sandwich, Itchyworms, Moonstar 88, Maya's Anklet and Giniling Festival, plus the many independent and amateur bands. 

The poster for the Roots: A Music and Arts Festival
for Valentine's Day 2013

The very able UP Uderground Music Community was responsible for bringing together these musicians and artists for their Valentine concert titled "Roots: Music and Arts Festival." 

From the line-up itself, I knew that it was the night I was supposed to go to! And since it landed on Valentine's Day, I knew immediately that I would date my single girl friends. Unfortunately, from the four, only one was available. But nonetheless, one is better than no one! So hooray for Xerlyn, my awesome (not-so-certified) rakista friend . Also, my UP Fair buddy Julie was greatly missed for she was the one that began this tradition with me!

The perfect date: My rock and roll bestie Xerlyn

Another good friend, whom I will hide under the name Indio Bravo, was also with me most of the night. Thank you tol, kahit na hindi ka babae, ahahaha!

And now to the more exciting part of the story!

The pack arrived at UP at 6:30 pm. We did not want to go in so late, as we were very aware that lines to the ticket booths could go so long you might miss half of the concert. 

However, I also realized that when you get too early at the Sunken Garden (the yearly venue), you might find it a bit boring and lifeless! It was not the UP Fair beaming with people and activities that I know!

So we just spend the time eating, walking around, and listening from afar to the unsigned bands from UP's underground music society. Well, perhaps it was the calm before the storm! 

After getting loaded from food (my first was isaw what else?!), and tired from walking around the vicinity looking at stalls (surprisingly, there was nothing I could't not buy and left behind), Xerlyn and I decided to just sit amongst the crowd and listen to the early bands. And, I couldn't remember the names of the bands that played early on, mostly all from the campus' underground music society.  

The phase finally picked up when Maya's Anklet played their set, followed by another band with a female vocalist, the Moonstar 88. Which was a favorite band of my younger brother, whom I forgot to mention was also there with his classmates. We only saw each other twice, when he arrived, and when he left with my money. 

Maya's Anklet picking up the phase

At some point after these two bands, special hosts of the event Ramon Bautista and Bogart the Explorer came out of the stage, and the rest was history! Ahaha! They were outright funny and full of green jokes. I commend Bogart's British accent which I tried imitating for the rest of the night. They truly made the night more memorable. 

Ramon Bautista and Bogart the Explorer host the epic night

Next introduced was Sandwich. Well, I didn't know why but Raymund and the rest of the gang just did not appeal to me that night. By this time, the people, all sorts, had gathered! It was so nice to finally see again the UP Fair that I was so familiar with! 

Taking a break, my girl friend Xerlyn and I started walking around again, and was taken by a surprise. Apparently, Xerlyn's best friend, Grace, had been in the venue for a long time already and searching for her unreachable friend. Thank you fate! So there, now we were three crazy girls! :)

Best friends reunited

Closely after the reunion, I was startled to hear a man talking. And it stirred something in my consciousness. It was like I have known that voice from the past. True enough, it was ALREADY Franco Reyes of Franco preparing for his set! 

So rush to the middle of the chaos I did--followed by my two girls. And OMG! All the memories of fangirling flashed back in an instant to me. :) It was crazy. It was the same musicality and talent I fell in love with. 

Franco first sang "Soul Adventurer," the single for his upcoming album. FINALLY! After how many years and changes in the band, he has a new music!

This was followed by "A Mass for the End of Time", and lastly, "This Gathering." I enjoyed both because honestly, I love all the songs from the band's first album. There was a time in my life that I was only listening to it--nothing else mattered--I was almost breathing them. 

Needless to say, it was Franco who first had my body that night. :)

The bearded guy in black Tshirt and darkness, Franco my first love

After Franco, I forgot what else transpired. Ahahaha! Kidding. I think another unsigned band played. But the next popular I remembered playing next was Itchyworms. They were a good entertainer band, in a way that they know how to please the audience especially with their song choices. 

After Itchyworms, the next highlight of the night came. They were called the Urbandub. This band, I also started listening to them back in college. From the "First of Summer," I knew firsthand how good they were musically and vocally. They were no nonsense band. And because of that, I did not learn to "unlove" even if they became mainstream and popular. 

Why? Because despite the fame, they did not lose their identity. They did not let themselves be carried away with commercialism, just like other bands. Their sound and soul remained intact album after album, in a way that they evolved into something even better. 
And among all the bands that played before them, it was Urbandub that made the entire UP Sunken Garden alive. Everyone was singing, slamming, jumping, screaming and raising their horns up, all in admiration for Urbandub. 

So far and yet I felt Urbandub touching my soul

They were that good that they were allowed to sing four songs instead of just three! The first three songs were "Alert the Armory", "Soul Searching", and "Guillotine". And to my delight--well everybody else's too--they departed singing "First of Summer"! 

I wish Urbandub sang on for the rest of the evening. But Giniling Festival played next with their drummer Bogart the Explorer. Next up was Up Dharma Down. And hearing two songs from the Armi Millari powered band, I felt content and ready to go home.  

My insider (younger brother who also watched with his college barkadas) told me that Bandang Shirley followed UDD, and finally, the conclusion from another hella mighty and crazy band, Kamikazee.  I felt kinda sad missing their always wild set, but still, it was a night full of love--for rock and roll.  

'Til next year, UP Fair! Rock on!

MORE PHOTOS DURING MY VALENTINE'S 2013

"Tangina nyong lahat ng may jowa." --  Bitter Ocampo LOL!

Artists doing their stuff.
The live public art session was the artistic part of the concert

Grace and Xerlyn took on the Freedom Wall

Indio Bravo finds his way to UP

These Red Cross volunteers take a time out to jam with Urbandub

Mga haggard na! XOXO!