Monday, March 10, 2014

Level Explode!



The Communication Society’s Annual Event “Level” reaches its sixth level of Success! The Level Explode Speakers Atom Araullo, Direk Peque Gallaga and Direk Lore Reyes have been a great example to stand before us to inspire us. There are many things I’ve learned and realized while I was sitting there and hear those words from these men.
                               
“Hindi mo alam kung saan ka mapapadpad… But as long as mag-persevere kayo, matututunan mo na yon on the job.” Atom Araullo, the first speaker said. Atom Araullo is a BS Applied Physics graduate at UP and not a full blown Journalist and it was a bit challenge for me as a Communication Student to pursue something and practice what I’ve got.
                                                                                                                       
              He discussed about the effects and developments of Communication. And as per him, there were 3, and these are: (1) One-way communication – which means having a news anchor disseminating information, (2) Feedback Mechanism – where the audiences can be entertained via poll or through participating in the program and (3) 3-Way Communication – through Social Media. He also defined “Citizen Journalism” then, including its Advantages and Disadvantages which was said to be the fastest, but a not-so reliable and a less private way. During the forum, he was asked about “Integrity and speed” of disseminating information to the public. And then, he answered, “Speed is important but Accuracy is MORE important.” Well, Social media is just a tool. We may use our freedom of expression and information considering this one word which is RESPONSIBILITY. Use Social Media to possess Change. Also, being journalist, we must be always open to criticisms.

              “Don’t be afraid or be discouraged on what lies ahead of you, but you truly be aware of what lies behind you…the world of hits, awards and birth of new stars.” Director Peque Gallaga said.

               I was moved in every line he has to say. Selling yourself is necessary in order to succeed. We make movies to reach out and touch hearts. We need science in order to manage a film. He shared 10 master tips and these things made up my mind:

1.    Have something to say. If we have nothing to say then we must be an audience at the first place. We must tell something people don’t know yet. We must inspire them, transform them and remind them. We must find a new way, an interesting way.
2.    There is a reason why cinema is is presented on a big screen, because movies must be absorbed, detail per detail of a community experience. When we make a movie, we don’ make it for only one, for a friend, for someone, etc. but we make movies to reach out, to fill their hopes and dreams. Also, we have to know our audience.
3.    “You make movies not to teach but to transform”
-          Usually, we always wanted to have it involve nation building and were going to spool feed everything, but he said “Art should not have an agenda, when you transform a person, you have change the nation automatically”
4.    Entertainment is not a sin; it is not a sellout.
5.    Do not only stick to what works.
6.     Experiments are boring
7.    Be Scientific.
8.    Be Professional. “Be on time, Do your Homework”
9.    Be Honest.
10.  Go back to 1. Then, it is our duty to make our world bigger. We have a duty to GROW.

                In line with this was Director Lore Reyes saying that “All generalizations are false” and so he discussed on how to produce a film, also, the difference between the Mainstream and Indie Films. He defined “Poverty porn” as exploitation of condition of the poor which creates sympathy; provide anger but some Film makers trying to make that kind for this selfish reason, because poverty porn is really in demand in International Film festivals. Director Lore said that as a producer, don’t overpay, feed your men, make sure it’s good and don’t waste time because “Time is money”.

               I have learned a lot and this is all worth it. One thing I remembered during the event, “Good Education is not to teach you the facts but teaching you where to find the answers.”

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Why do we celebrate Chinese New Year here in the Philippines? it's because we Filipinos value Chinese people traditions. China has been a country close to our hearts. Well in fact, there has been a significant Chinese presence in the Philippines even before the Spaniards arrived in the 15th century. 





The festivities start with this grand parade that will cover the entire stretch of Chinatown’s main street… and ending at the newest and only up-scale mall in this area, the Lucky Chinatown Mall.

From there, the festivities continue with a full day of activities lined up; there’s going to be an exhibit that will feature Chinese culture and arts… like calligraphy, for example, Chinese lanterns, Chinese chess, and fan painting. There’s also going to be lots of food; authentic Chinese food that is that are very popular here in the Philippines.

In fact, you know, there’s a lot of Chinese influence here; in Filipino food, in their language, their beliefs and traditions even. One very interesting bit of trivia here for you; Manila’s Chinatown is actually the oldest Chinatown in the world. It’s been here since the 1590’s and so Chinese people have lived here for at least five centuries. And so there is a great deal of mutual respect between the local Chinese and Filipinos and because of that, Chinese New Year is actually an official non-working holiday here.


Nevertheless, it’s one of the most anticipated events of the year. People here absolutely love the festive mood and the traditions that surround the Spring Festival. Feng shui, lucky charms, dragon dances and fireworks are all very popular here at this time of the year. These things of course are believed to bring good fortune and obviously that’s what people not just here but everywhere are hoping for this new year.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Viva, Sto.Nino!




  The Holy Child Jesus is believed around the world to be a miracle worker, and devotees can be found in many places, including Spain, Mexico and Peru. In the Czech Republic, there is the Infant of Prague, a statue believed to have been brought as a wedding gift to a Spanish woman who married a Czech nobleman. In Mexico, the Holy Child has many titles, the most famous being El Santo Niño de Atocha.


In Rome, there is the Santo Bambino di Ara Coeli. In the Philippines, the year begins with a month-long tribute to the Holy Child Jesus. All over the country, devotees to the Sto. Niño carry images in processions, offer flowers and dress the statue. The celebration peaks around the third Sunday of the month, which marks the Feast of the Sto. Niño in the Philippines. "Reverence to Sto. Niño should be put into practice by showing respect and appreciation for life," said Fr. Conegundo Garganta of the Episcopal Commission on Youth in a news release on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines website. Although Church officials urge devotees to focus on the spiritual aspect of these celebrations, many if not all are not only religious feasts but cultural events as well, including the famous Sinulog Festival in Cebu City, where the vibrant colors and endless sights attract visitors from all over the world. Held annually on the third Sunday of January, the festival is a must-see dance ritual, which honors the Filipino's pagan past and embraces their Christianity.



According to historical accounts, when the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1521, he presented a wooden Santo Niño to the wife of Rajah Humabon, Cebu's chieftain. This image became the symbol of friendship between the natives and the Spanish conquerors, who converted most of the country to Christianity. The statue was housed in the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and San Nicholas de Tolentino church, and is brought out in a fluvial parade every year during the Sinulog, which translates to "graceful dance." Today's activities include a grand parade, fireworks display and street party. Thousands of visitors participate in the festival, but those who can't make it to Cebu can see Sinulog 2012 via livestreaming. The Department of Tourism lists festivals in January that honor the Sto Niño.













Feng Shui 2014: Wooden Horse



It's an art, art, science, study, much like other traditional studies, but it is ruling as of now. The Chinese have five categories of study in the world of Chinese Metaphysics (known as the Chinese Five Arts & Wu Shu).


Feng Shui is classified under physiognomy of the living environment. The five arts are mountain, medical, divination, destiny and physiognomy. Physiognomy refers to observation of appearances through formulas and calculations in order to assess the potential and outcome of a person, or in this case, the outcome of a person living in a certain property.

Most filipinos love the easy life. to prove this, the typical filipino life is being at home drinking beer or tuba with the family - how unproductive can you get? Anyway, with this in mind, the filipino practice anything that they think will make them richer or even taller. Have you seen a local tour by carlos celdran? He pinpointed that around the quiapo church, vendors are selling colored candles for whatever purpose you have in mind. They sell it because filipinos will practice anything to get ahead. Same as fengshui. Have you been to the philippines on new years eve? Most of them would be jumping, why? They believe that it would make them taller!