Something is going to happen at the end of the month. I have been looking forward to this since last year. "I love you. Thank you." will be screening at the &Proud Yangon LGBT Film Festival. This was originally scheduled last November but the organizers had to move it to January because of the elections in Myanmar.

The description of "I love you. Thank you." at the &Proud website.

Established in 2014, &PROUD is a non-profit initiative of a number of organisations and individuals in Yangon. They organise cultural events in Myanmar for the LGBT community to make LGBTs more visible to the rest of the Myanmar society.

The film festival is still a baby, only on its second year this year. With the country expected to see a major shift when the government changes in 2016, the predominantly Buddhist country is still antagonistic of LGBTs. Section 377 of the penal code - prohibits same sex sexual activity and sodomy - is still in effect. 

A still from "I love you. Thank you."

I think &Proud Yangon LGBT Film Festival significant for providing an avenue for LGBTs in Myanmar to form a community that opens their eyes on their culture and how LGBTs are in other Asian countries. I am excited to go there because first, it will be my first time to visit Myanmar. Second, I want to meet Myanmar LGBTs who have interesting stories to tell and third, I want to see how they are going to react to the film. It would be exciting to see and hear new perspectives and I can't wait to prove that unrequited love is indeed, universal.

I was floating with optimism when I entered 2015 back at home in Davao City. We just came back from the New Year’s Eve mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church, a family event that has become a tradition, and it was made more fun because for the second straight year, Mayor Digong Duterte chose to attend mass there. He spoke in front of the churchgoers and he was strong about his stand on not running for the Presidency.

Trying to hide my fascination by posing at abandoned building with graffiti in Berlin, Germany.

Three hundred sixty-five days later, on the same pews I kneeled on a year back, the rain was pouring heavily. I must've been tens of kilos heavier, I had slightly no idea. How would I know, I lost count during the year. This time, no Mayor Duterte to speak about Federalism in front. In a year's time, I changed cellphones twice and I became a coffee drinker. I don't know if I'm going regret it but I've been drinking coffee since I came back from Baguio a few weeks ago. Fortunately, I cut on alcohol this year so I guess that balances my unhealthy lifestyle. 

The rain was cinematic, a symbolic change of skin - leaving the past year behind, cleansing your baggages and having a new you. You know, all that cliché when a new year starts. It was different for me, though. I don't consider 2016 as starting anew but a continuation of what I started in 2015. I had a lot of leftovers from the past year and I have to carry them over for 2016. I chose to because I needed to.

Posing beside the huge Berlinale logo at HAU 1 in Berlin.

I started 2015 with a huge anticipation and excitement over going to Europe for the first time. I was accepted for Berlinale Talents when I applied for it, on my first try I have to brag, in 2014 while on a train from Hoi An to Hanoi in Vietnam.

Experiencing winter, seeing and actually holding a snow, meeting filmmakers from around world, being in a major film festival, seeing Darren Aronofsky, Howard Shore and Wim Wenders in person, everything was overwhelming. Exploring Berlin, having my Before Sunset moments in Prague, reminiscing Before Sunrise in Vienna, meeting an old friend in Budapest, trying to work out a develop a relationship in Köln, musing on oneliness in Paris, exploring Amsterdam. The trip was magical. 

The grave of Edith Piaf in Cimetière du Père Lachaise, my first stop right after I arrived in Paris.

It depressed me that Jim Morrison's grave is too modest for his status as a legend.

Surprisingly, coming back home almost broke didn't bother me. I had the happiest time of my life in Europe but I kind of doubted myself after a week. I think I should’ve saved a little more before the trip so I would have something to spend because I was uncertain about getting a project when I arrived. For a while, I contemplated on going mainstream but I held my horses.

I took the opportunity of editing the 3rd season of “It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez”, a reality show on E! Entertainment Asia. I heard horror stories about the production process of that show in their first two seasons and I heard that this family is hard to work with. I had nothing to do then so I took the offer believing it would finish within a month or less. I worked with a funny Scottish director, Steve, and a few Pinoy crew and Gutierrez’s matriach, Annabelle. Five gruelling and stressful months passed me by and I regretted every moment I worked on that show. I’ll spare the details because she makes a worse enemy and it’s not worth it.

I shot “I love you. Thank you.” in August of 2014, one of the films that is personal to me. We worked on finishing the film until April 2015. In contrast to Gutz, I had the happiest days working on this film. It was my baby waiting to be born, pouring much of my soul in it. It premiered at Bangkok Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in June, competed at the World Premieres Film Festival a few weeks after, was shown to jampacked screenings in UP Dililman Cine Adarna and UP Los Banos, then at Q! Film Festival and Ayala Cinemas last October.

A still from one of my favorite scenes of "I love you. Thank you."

The process of doing “I love you. Thank you.” taught me to listen to others even if I disagreed to most of their decisions. The film is a product of team work and yes, there’s no I in TEAM! I had to consider three more heads in deciding the fate of the film.

At the Awarding Ceremonies of the World Premieres Film Festival in Manila.

With the actors of "I love you. Thank you." Joross Gamboa, CJ Reyes and Prince Stefan.

The film didn’t quite had the takeoff that I expected it to have in 2015. We made a few wrong decisions and priorities here and there, talked to the wrong people but I believe in the film’s power to make it big. Bigger than it should’ve been last year and I’m carrying this baggage in 2016. #143TY is a big thing just waiting to happen with the right timing.

After all the hurdles we faced, this film taught me patience and resilience.

A still from "Chasing Waves".

“Chasing Waves”, the film that I shot in 2014 and was finished in 2015 had its World Premiere at the Southeast Asian Film Festival in Singapore last April. Thanks to Philip Cheah, the festival’s programmer, I was able to go back to Singapore with a renewed love for vinyl when he took me to the best vinyl stores in Singapore. It made me kind of regret not buying the vinyls in Vienna (Teuchtler Schallplattenhandlung where Before Sunrise was shot). 

At the Singapore Art Museum.

"Chasing Waves” taught me to be humble. It is a small film not screaming of attention. The shoot open my eyes to the inadequacies of our government. It gave me the drive to do my part to stop the abuses most of our lumads go through everyday. To be the voice in behalf of the oppressed who are not fortunate enough to be provided with the basic social services.

Outside the Singapore Art Museum where Chasing Waves was screened.

In September, the film competed in Split Film Festival and I contemplated on going to Croatia to attend the festival and experience Europe’s autumn but my funds and Gutz held me back. It was also shown at the CinemaRehiyon in Cebu City where I also did a side trip to Oslob and experience whale watching.

Playing around with actress Ging Hyde on our back to Cebu City from Oslob.

I believe that Chasing Waves is a Mindananaoan film that deserves more audience and I hope to bring it more screening venues in 2016.

I didn't go to the awards night thinking I wouldn't win but Martin, Hamog's producer called me to get my trophy. 

I came back to edit for Cinemaone Originals, another film for Joel Jover. This one stars Zaijian Jaranilla, Terry Malvar, OJ Mariano and a few first-time child actors. I was lucky enough to win my second Cinemaone Best Editing trophy and what a comeback that was! Working on “Hamog” taught me to trust my instincts and fight for what I think is right.

I never imagine myself directing commercials because I thought they're too glossy for me but ABS-CBN Global gave me an opportunity to shoot one for online release slated last Fathers’ Day. I got a taste of corporate dynamics as I went through the briefing, shooting and all that ad agency thing.

With the cute kid of that myRemit commercial.

This shoot was particularly memorable for me because it was the first time I snapped on an actor. It was raining already and we were slated to use the Clark International Airport until 5pm only and we still had two more sequences to shoot. It was 4pm, I was pressured by the producers to finish the sequences, lest we’d pay the extension fees and the actor was not cooperating. Well, he couldn’t deliver what I wanted. Out of stress, I shouted at him and snapped and regretful as I was after, I couldn’t take my words back. I was too embarrassed to face the people from the agency and I didn’t know how to convince them that I didn’t work that way.

The commercial came out well anyway and I learned to be take control of stress.

In November, Epi, a college classmate, approached me to create a video for the launch of LG’s newest mobile phone, the LG V10 and it was another first for me. I didn’t know if I was credible enough to be a spokesperson for a product but it excited me because it was an opportunity that doesn’t come my often. This project taught me to completely believe in yourself.

November also had me working on another first, this time, working with veteran directors. Directors whose names I had only been reading on the 90s movies that I watched on television. Toto Natividad, veteran film editor and famous for action films, was my editing supervisor for “Angela Markado”, a remake of the 80s film by Lino Brocka starring Hilda Koronel.

It ws direted by comebacking National Artist, Carlo J. Caparas, the famed dirctor of massacre films in the 90s. I rever Carlo J. as a comics artist whose works I used to read while I was a kid. The first time I was introduced to him, I was amazed at his trademarks: shades and hat. He was an amiable man who talked like a artist. He said “mukha kang artist. Maganda yan kasi tayong mga artist, may mood swings. At least, magkakaintindihan tayo.”

In the proess of working with him and Direk Toto, I realized that Carlo J. is a more of a writer who focuses on the story and development of his characters than indulge himself in the technology of editing and visual effects. That's what Direk Toto was for. Carlo J. knows what he wants to see on screen and I consider that a good trait of a film director.

With friends from University of the Philippines at a birthday party.

2015 also marked a new beginning for me as I transferred to a new house, another first where I have to share a condo unit with two friends, Kim and Jam. 

August was a special month because I was finally able to open my heart and tried to get myself in a new relationship. The dating phase was quite fast and I didn’t expect us to end up in a relationship. After my failed attempts to find someone right for me - distance and situation-wise -  I found someone who was ready to embark on a commitment. I was not prepared for it but life has many pleasant surprises. We may different from each other, he from a Nursing background and me from showbiz, but we are learning a lot. It has been four months and we are steady. We vowed to read more books, travel together, get fat together. I have been single for a long time and it may have caught me off guard but it's good to finally have someone to share everything with. I am taking each day slowly and it is wonderful.

At my brother's civil wedding in Davao City.

I went home to Davao to attend my brother's wedding with his long-time girlfriend. Their love story is one for the book, a test of love's endurance. They are childhood sweethearts and I don't think my brother ever had another girlfriend other than Langging. They battled long-distance relationships - once, when my brother stayed in Manila to study college and her, when she went abroad to work. What a lesson on love! I can imagine both of them braving the downs of not being together but they succeeded. Now, they live together separately and I wish they'll have a baby soon.

I rarely take selfies but this one was hard to resist. Taken at Berlin, Germany.

I have been dreaming. I have been dreaming big. But dreams don’t come to you fast. One must have the patience and drive. One has to strive for your dream, reach for it even if others say you can't, cry over unsuccessful attempts, take a break to find yourself then go back to striving to reach for your dreams agains. One cannot stop.

I left 2014 with a lot of hope for 2015 but a lot of my plans did not materialize. I thought 2015 was my year of planting and 2015 would be my year of reaping but it didn’t turn out the way I envisioned it to be. Now, I left 2015 bringing me the lessons it taught me. 

I am ready for 2016. My goals are just within my reach. I just have to try harder. Timing is everything and 2016 will be my time.

When a major Filipino film festival that is supposed to protect its films doesn't hesitate to gobble one or two of its own entries, we know that the Philippine film industry is fucked up.

Here's a bit of history. Last June, MMDA announced its Magic 8 and it didn't originally include 'Honor Thy Father'. So the producers took it somewhere and held their World Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last October. It then had its Philippine Premiere when it opened the CinemaOne Originals Film Festival last November. 'Honor Thy Father' replaced 'Hermano Puli' when the latter couldn't finish it in time for the MMFF because their original producers backed out of the project.  'Nilalang', on the other hand, also suffered a setback when its original main actor, Robin Padilla, had to beg off from the project and was replaced by Cesar Montano. 'Nilalang' is distributed by Viva Films and Reality Entertainment for 'Honor Thy Father'. 

A day after the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) premiered all its films on December 25, several theatres started pulling out the under-performers at the box-office: John Lloyd Cruz-starrer 'Honor Thy Father' and 'Nilalang' with Cesar Montano and Maria Ozawa. The MMDA has to release their official figures yet but I just based it from this unconfirmed report.

'Nilalang' grossed P299,000 on the first day while 'Honor Thy Father' raked in P386,000. For MMFF, these figures are not at par with their box-office standards. It's not even close. 'My Bebe Love' laughed its way to the bank with reportedly more than P29M on its first day.

During non-MMFF screenings, it is common practice for theatres to pull out a Filipino film from their roster after a dismal first-day box-office performance except for instances when the distributor inks a deal with a theatre chain to screen it exclusively, that's when they are guaranteed a week's screening (or not?). 

This is why producers campaign hard for audiences to watch their films on their first day of screening because this is where the cinemas base their decision if the film gets axed or not. Most of them cannot wait for the weekend - where the audience turnout is usually high - for the film to bounce back. This affects mostly the independent films (non-studio produced films) where the majority of the viewing population don't shed their hard-earned money to watch them in the theatres. 

It is a huge challenge for non-studio produced films to get a distribution deal. It is even harder to secure a playdate. So whether a film will survive a first-day-last-day fate remains to be seen because there isn't much opportunity to find a venue to be screened. Filipino films are indeed not created equal. Can you fault non-studio producers to find venues for their films to be screened? These venues - schools, FDCP cinematheques, international film festivals - are not even enough to recoup their investments. Those local films that are lucky enough to be shown in theatres face an even bigger challenge: convincing audiences to go out of their way to spend money to watch their films in the theatres. Who pays P250 for an indie film when he can watch a pirated version of it in the comfort of his home?

This is where local film festivals play heroes. They are supposed to provide venue for films that are not given the chance to be seen. Well, that only happens in an ideal world. We are in a cutthroat industry and business is business. When 'Honor Thy Father' and 'Nilalang' were pulled out from the theatres and replaced by higher-grossing entries, the more vocal people behind 'Honor Thy Father' didn't take it lightly. They took it on their social media to air their concerns.

Even Direk Joey Reyes, the director of 'My Bebe Love' and Tonet Jadaone, the director of "All you need is pag-ibig" showed their support.

What's alarming about this is that a film's participation in the MMFF does not guarantee that you are protected. I feel for the filmmakers who lose sleep over their fear that anytime, their films are deprived of the chance to be seen by an audience. A chance to be appreciated or criticised. MMDA has the authority to give the MMFF an equal opportunity to be shown for at least a week but they chose to torment the non-performing films instead. If this can happen during MMFF, trust me, it's much worse on regular days. 

So what happens now with 'Honor thy Father' and 'Nilalang'? What about the films that don't get distributed outside of MMFF?

I am glad that the producers of 'Honor thy father' are brave enough to speak up. Someone has to initiate in making a stand and I commend them for doing so. What a sad state for the film distribution business in the Philippines. It is a system that is hard to go against. If theatre owners and distributors continue to eat us all up, the small players, non-studio filmmakers, the audience, the Philippine film industry, everybody are all at the losing end. This is a long battle and this is just the beginning.

  

After a very successful premiere night last Monday, The 'Thank You' Girls will be screened in Gaisano Mall, Davao City on Sept 10-16.

Wag na papahuli! Idefine na si darkness!

Proudly Davao-made, pumunta na sa Gaisano Mall simula bukas and watch the gayest film ever!!!

Thanks Ben Padero for upsounding! Original blog entry here.

the thank you girls review

i missed the opportunity to work as designer for this movie since it was shooting the same time with serbis. also, i was held back by tvc work from leaving for mindanao ergo i missed working on a fantabulous movie by emotistic centerstage colleague, charliebebs gohetia

yesterday was the thank you girls’ premiere at the UP and carlo and i headed for the theater on the invitation by writer-editor-director bebs. we of course expected the tongue-in-cheek comedy fished out from gay beauty pageants and we were taken in for a roll!

haskang grabe ka-juker! bibo gyud siya, never laughed so hard at a movie in a long time. the great part of this film was how natural the dialogue, both scripted and impromptu, twittered out of the cast’s lip-shimmered mouths. of course in the beginning it takes a bit of time to get used to bisayan gay linggo. hearing them speak in their native tongues and acting out along the billboard-less highways of mindanao, the bantering and witty exchanges felt right at home as if we’ve worn red satin gowns everyday of our lives. lighting and sound technicals aside, this movie is fantabulous from fake diamond tiara to flattened-out yellow spartan flipflops.

among the cast, we laud mommy paula’s natural and realistic approach to her role, her gay mamasan was never sashaying and contrived. i particularly loved both scenes that featured mommy paula and son, chris, driving on the freeway and the backstage scene after the bukidnon pageant. being a bisaya, i enjoyed hearing the dialogue come as natural as air, her exchanges with chris were spot on and their emotions on check and never overboard.

of course, a large part of the movie lived on the glorious top of the jeep, called taplod (top load) in bisayan linggo. the script featured a loadful of MG (miss gay) pageant scenarios, here the thank you girls (linggo for contestants who didnt make it to the semi-finals round, ergo “thank you, girls”) reenact opening spiels and the quintessential question-and-answer round, rehearse, playaround and just about anything they could do there. sometimes witty, sometimes effortlessly stupid, totally laugh-out-loud moments for us and the audience. nagkini-at ang mga bayot sa atop sa jeep bwahaha

the pace and energy of the film were infectious so kudos to bebs the editor. i loved that final scene in fictional cagayan de oro (bebs ha!) with the mirrors, great editing. even the first act of the movie was ultimately made more energetic with the editing and the shifting to and fro scenes from davao to the pageant. the soundtrack was also very chika bibo. all the thank you girls’ characters were wonderfully developed, so kudos to bebs the writer. loved each of the characters and their plight in life and in love. the actors’ performances were right on so kudos to bebs the direction.

bebs is on cloud 9. after his success with writing adolf alix’s daybreak and being solely acknowledged in singapore for editing tirador (tama ba?) plus the pending urian nomination for both tirador and foster child’s editing, he’s soon off to ********* for the city’s international filmfest for thank you girls in september. i cant wait to see what else bebs has up his fuschia colored bead encrusted silk sleeve. dili ni atik-atik gang ha, congrats! ikaw daog, imoha ang korona. rampa bayot! lovett!

Photo courtesy of Ben Padero

Halos isang linggo ako di makatulog. Iniisip ko kung mapupuno ko ba ang Adarna sa premiere night ng TYG o lalangawin ba siya at isang row lang ang mauupuan at ang row na yun ay bakante pa sa harap. Nag-aalala ako kung magugustuhan ba siya bilang ang premiere ay isang napaka-crucial na pangyayari sa isang pelikula at dahil hindi naman ito kalakihang pelikula, I have to rely sa word-of-mouth advertising.

Aligaga. Kailangan mag-color grading. Kailangan maglatag. Kailangan maghatak ng manonood. Kailangan magsubtitle. Maayos, walang typo at hindi text-language na subtitle. At dahil tradisyon ko na ang maghabol ng oras, kahapon lang nagkaroon ng master copy ang pelikula. Dalawang araw kong hindi tinulugan 'yun.

Balak ko pa naman sana bumongga ng todo dahil alam kong may mga camera na magmamatyag. Magpa-makeover, yung tipong di na ako makilala ng mga kakilala ko. Umeport sa damit, yung tipong nasa Video Music Awards ako. Di ko rin naman nagawa. Pweh.

Kahapon ng tanghali, pagkauwi ng bahay galing Ignite, natulog na lang muna ako para di tumuyo ang balat ko at ayokong malosyang-looking. Wa na sa eport ng makeover at fashown. I was just banking on internet advertising at konting print mileage at nang makita ko nung Wednesday na marami naman ang nagpupromote sa mga sites nila, kumampante na ang katauhan ko. (Salamat, guys!)

Nilipad namin lahat ng cast from Davao para ma-experience naman nila ang World Premiere at nang makita nila for the first time yung pelikula. Hindi ko sila nakausap until alas singko y media na ng hapon pagpunta ko sa Adarna para magtechnical test. Maayos naman altough may mga modang hindi lumabas ang tunay na kulay base sa na-grade nang material (feeling ko, maganda pa rin naman na lumabas) at aligaga ang audio (hindi masyado nabigyan ng hustisya ang audio mix ni Sir Ditoy) . Aktwali, hindi talaga ganun kaganda ang acoustics ng Adarna pero kebs na. Maayos akong nakapag-technical test.

Nagsidatingan na ang mga tao ng 6pm. Narealize ko, andami, dami, dami, dami ko palang friends, haha. At kahit hindi ito sex film, maraming pumunta. Sobrang ganda ng ginawa ng UP Cinema na exhibit sa labas. Thanks Jed. May mga expected akong mga tao at celebrities na di nakarating, sayang. At may mga taong matagal ko nang di nakikita na dumating at sumuporta. Grabe, kakatouch.

Mark dela Cruz, maraming salamat sa pagpayag na mag-emcee bilang kinaladkad lang kita 30 minutes bago ang screening, hekhek. Unang pinalabas ang short film ni Leo bilang front act at bilang experimental ang pelikula, nakatulala lang ang audience after the film, haha! Angganda kaya nung film niya. Very internet relationship.

For the first few minutes ng TYG, naging tin can-sounding ang audio. Ulk! Nyetah. Something always goes wrong, divine. E, maayos naman ang technical run so bakit nagkaganun. Si manong mixer talaga! So, kelangan ko siyang aligagain! Tumayo ako at dumikta sa tabi niya para iayos yung mix habang nagpapalabas. Kaya pasensiya kung nagkaganun ang audio sa ibang parts kasi nag-aayos si manong. PERO I ASSURE YOU, HINDI TALAGA PANGIT ANG AUDIO NG TYG, I SWEAR! I paid so much detail sa audio mixing kaya alam kong maayos ang technicals ng pelikula dahil alam ko kung gaano ka-crucial at kaimportante ang sound.

Anyway, habang nagpi-play ang pelikula, natuwa naman ako at tumatawa ang mga tao kahit sa mga parteng di ko inexpect na tatawa sila. Siyempre bentang-benta pa rin ang "define darkness" kahit nasa trailer na 'to. Sabi ni Andrew, dapat nagdala raw siya ng papel at bolpen para mailista ang mga quotable quotes sa MG (Miss Gay), hekhek.

Ayun. Nawala na ang mga masasamang kaluluwang bumabagabag sakin. Maganda ang reception ng mga tao after and tuwang-tuwa si Jim, yung producer, sa resulta. At siyempre, touched na touched ako ke Cranks at Karl sa flowers! Eeeeeh. Mu-miriam Quiambao moment ako, pagkatapos madulas ay tumayo at pumroclaim nang rumirepresent sa all women in the world who stumbled and got up. Ansaya. Tapos, binigyan pa ako ng UP CINEMAsters ng sign book kung saan umemo message ang mga tao.

Oh yeah, Dimen. I'm officially a god. Buwaha. What took you so long to even realize that? Char.

So, ayun. O-opportunitista nako to thank everyone who helped out (no tears).

• Jim for making this happen. You're the one who should be commended.
• Adolf for being unconditional (char).
• Noel dahil lagi kang handang sumuporta at tumulong.
• Staff and crew at actors na rin (isa-isahin ko pa ba kayong ilista?) dahil naging masokista kayo sa panghahaggard ko, haha. And for sticking out with me during our worst times sa shoot, di niyo ako iniwan (emo niyo, tsweh!). Buti na lang at friends tayo kaya kinaya natin ang worst conditions na naexperience natin.
• Nelson Canlas and Michael Cruz.
• Film friends. (wag na kayong magpabanggit ng isa-isa, baka me makalimutan pa'ko).
  
• UP CINEMA. Habac, masaya ako manghaggard diba?
• Chris Fabian dahil lagi mo akong binibigyan ng exposure, hehe.
• Sa mga artists at banda na nagtiwala at nagpahiram ng kanilang mga kanta. Roxys, Haphazard (great meeting you MM, churvaloo girl!), Kampai, Gasulina, Sidecrash, Reggztheory, Lizardchips, Chris Uy, atbp.
  
• Sa mga nag-extra sa pelikula.
• Yam, Yen, AVL, Kuya Roy ng Iwag, Mintal gays.
• Libay Cantor at Nonoy Lauzon.
• Sir Ditoy and Soundcrew Staff.
• Ignite staff. Tom, dubout uli, haha.
  

Sa mga pumunta kagabi:

• UP CMC friends. Klaring, Dan, Emman, Kirkay, Sol, etc.
  
• Davao friends.
• Congress people.
• AJ, Miggs, Princhecha Fiona, Kuya , Geloy bloggers (kahit hindi nakapunta).
• Nestor de Guzman, salamat sa book.
• Ben, salamat sa magandang review! Friend talaga kita.
• Babaylans! Thanks Nicole.
  
• Coco Martin. Thanks, Co at pinakilig mo ang mga bakla dun haha.
• Jerome Romzey at Toni Ikwin.
  
• At sa mga tumulong na nakalimutan kong banggitin, salamat!
  

So.. on to the next destination. Baklain ang buong Davao! At buong mundo na rin. Eto ang mga schedule ng screenings:

Sept 8 - Premiere Night (Davao) at Gaisano Mall of Davao. Tickets at P100.

Sept 10-16 - Regular Showing (Davao) at Gaisano Mall of Davao

Sept 23 - Advance Screening 9:00pm Robinsons Indiesine

Sept 24-30 - Regular screening (Manila) Robinsons Indiesine

Moment of truth.

Today is the day.

TYG World Premiere na!

Cagayan... Sambahin mo ako!!!!!!!!!!!! [obnoxious laugh]

Two days to go at kinakabahan na ako.

I swear.

Bukas ng gabi, gi-guest kunwari ako sa radio ni Papa Ramon "Astro" Bautista, ang idol ng bayan (oo, the next big thing sa advertising world a.k.a. Caltex guy). Yung "Brewrats" sa 99 RT (na Campus na ngayon). Alas nuwebe ng gabi hanggang alas onse. For fun lang bilang nagkita kami ni Astro last week sa UP at nilinlang ko siyang ipromote ang TYG sa radyo haha.

Perstaym kong umepal sa ganitong moda kahit me "Reeltime" radio show kami dati ng UP Cinema sa DZUP. Sana lang wala akong stutter, stummer, matigas-na-dila moments. Nakakahiya sa fans. Char. Me kyeme ring pa-world premiere ng "Naroon" ni Michael Cruz na theme ng TYG.

Anway, badtrip ang internet connection ko ngayon bilang hindi ko alam kung bakit nakakakonek ako sa ibang site at sa iba ay hindi. Inis. Bayrus, ikaw ba ito? Sana lang hindi.

Vanette is a Muslim and the youngest of the group. Nakuha ko ang idea ng character ni Vanette dun sa kwento ni Yam about sa isang grupo ng mga batang bakla sa isang lumad (indigenous people) area sa Davao. Naisip kong me mga baklang lumad pala.

MEET VANETTE - The 'Thank You' Girls Teaser
Uploaded by bebsg

KIT POLIQUIT. Camille Roxas look-alike daw. Naman. Tubong Cebu at nung nag-audition siya, siya lang ang nakapagtranslate ng script from Tagalog-Bisaya ng diretso. Magaling sa adlib. Go.

Music:

"Starsick"
Words and Music by Kampai
Performed by Kampai
Recorded / Mastered by Duane Fernandez of Blueberri Studio
Management: Nestor Abrogena and Joe Fajarillo
Copyright 2007

Jade Trinidad- Vocals, Guitars
Abi Casauay- Vocals, Percussions
Hepe Lavador- Drums
Alvin Cudal- Lead Guitars
Oboy Ofreneo- Bass

Salamat ke Nestor Aboriginie sa permisong magamit ang kanta. Tsweh.

Nakatanggap uli ako ng bagong magandang balita. Mukhang TYG goes around the world na ito. Eeeeeh. Exciting.

In the meantime, gusto kong gumawa ng horror film. Ang title: THE ATTACK OF THE PHOTOSHOP BEAUTIES. Grabe. Naglipana! Pwedeng peg nito ang mga zombie films nung 80s tulad ng 'Night of the Evil Dead' or slasher films nung 90s tulad ng 'Scream' o 'Blair Witch Project'.

Nagkakaroon uli ako ng interest sa mga experimental films (minsan napagkakamalang avant garde) at gusto ko uli sila iexplore Nirediscover ko si Maya Deren kagabi, kung saan ang mga pelikula niya ay ipinanood ni Maam Anne sa Expe class namin dati. Gusto ko siyang ipagsanib sa nirediscover ko ring konsepto ng Dadaism, isang protesta laban sa mga burgis, kolonyalismo at mga pa-art. Exciting. Abangan uli ito.

Confirmed na nga palang pupunta si Gus Van Sant sa Pilipinas para sa Cinemanila International Film Festival sa October. Siyet. Siya lang naman ang director ng paborito kong 'Elephant', 'Paranoid Park' at 'My Own Private Idaho'. Siya rin ang director ng 'Under the Bridge' music video ng Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Hindi ko alam kung confirmed nang dadalhin nila si Martin Scorcese pero yun ang bali-balita.

Nga pala, sa mga nagtatanong, ang tickets ng TYG Premiere ay P100 lang at diretso nang makuha sa booth ng UP Cine Adarna sa August 28.

Huwaw. Pagkatapos kong umemo last year dahil feeling ko naisnab ako for "Manoro", eto na. Heaven. Langit. Paraiso. Orgasmo. Grabe lang ang mga biyaya ng lupa ngayong taong ito. Daming blessings! Salamat, Lord. Grabe.

Urian ito. Urian! Mapansin lang ang pinagpaguran, heaven na. Eeeeeh. Ansaya. Pagkatapos ng Asian Film Awards at Young Critics Circle para sa "Tirador" for me, eto naman, para sa "Foster Child". Patawad... Super saya lang ako. Wag umaligaga, pagbigyan na.

Nakakatuwa rin na karamihan sa mga nominado, mga pwends at kakilala ko lang din at lalo na sa team "Tirador" at "Foster Child", loves it! Sa mga manunuri, maraming salamat sa recognition na ito.

Congrats sa mga kaibigang nominado! Mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilipino. Char.

1. SOUND:

Ditoy Aguila (Tambolista), Ditoy Aguila and Junel Valencia (Tirador), Emanuelle Clemente and Arnold Reodica (Foster Child), Mark Laccay (Tribu), Jerrold Tarog (Confessional)

2. MUSIC:

Teresa Barrozo (Tirador), Vince de Jesus (Pisay), Francis de Veyra (Tribu), Khavn dela Cruz (Tambolista), Danny Gil (Maling Akala)

3. EDITING:

Lawrence Ang (Tribu), Aleks Castaneda (Tambolista), Ray Defante Gibraltar (When Timawa Meets Delgado), Charliebebs Gohetia (Foster Child), Pats R. Ranyo (aka Jerrold Tarog) (Confessional)

4. CINEMATOGRAPHY:

Rodolfo Aves Jr. (Kadin), Albert Banzon (Tambolista), Albert Banzon (Tribu), Jeffrey dela Cruz, Brillante Mendoza, Gary Tria and Julius Villanueva (Tirador), Odyssey Flores (Foster Child), Odyssey Flores (Selda), Larry Manda (Maling Akala), Dan Villegas (Still Life)

5. PRODUCTION DESIGN:

Harley Alcasid and Deans Habal (Tirador), Armi Cacanindin (Tribu), Jhek Cogama (Endo), Lav Diaz and Dante Perez (Death in the Land of Encantos), Martin Masadao, Regie Regalado, Dante Garcia, and Endi "Hai" Balbuena (Pisay), Benjamin Padero (Foster Child), Danny Red (Selda), Baba Velasco and Vilma Velasco (Maling Akala)

6. SCREENPLAY:

Jade Castro, Michiko Yamamoto, Raymond Lee (Endo), Lav Diaz (Death in the Land of Encantos), Joel Jover and Ralston Jover (Foster Child), Ralston Jover (Tirador), Jim Libiran (Tribu), Jose Javier Reyes (Katas ng Saudi), Ave Regina S. Tayag (Tambolista), Ramon Ukit (aka Jerrold Tarog) (Confessional)

7. SUPPORTING ACTOR:

Publio Briones III (Confessional), Benjamin Fileo (Tirador), Alcris Galura (Endo), Emilio Garcia (Selda), Sid Lucero (Tambolista), Jiro Manio (Foster Child), Coco Martin (Tambolista)

8. SUPPORTING ACTRESS:

Malou Crisologo (Tribu), Eugene Domingo (Foster Child), Anita Linda (Tambolista), Liza Lorena (Katas ng Saudi), Ara Mina (Selda), Angela Ruiz (Tirador)

9. ACTOR:

Jason Abalos (Endo), Jerrold Tarog (Confessional), Roeder Camanag (Death in the Land of Encantos), Jinggoy Estrada (Katas ng Saudi), Sid Lucero (Selda), Jiro Manio (Tambolista), Romnick Sarmenta (Prinsesa), O. G. Sacred (Tribu)

10. ACTRESS:

Glaiza de Castro (Still Life), Ina Feleo (Endo), Cherry Pie Picache (Foster Child), Judy Ann Santos (Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo), Lorna Tolentino (Katas ng Saudi)

11. DIRECTOR:

Adolfo Alix Jr. (Tambolista), Jade Francis Castro (Endo), Lav Diaz (Death in the Land of Encantos), Jim Libiran (Tribu), Brillante Mendoza (Foster Child and Tirador), Jerrold Tarog and Ruel Dahis Antipuesto (Confessional), Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos (Selda)

12. PICTURE:

Confessional (Creative Programs, Inc. thru Cinema One Originals and Oddfield Productions), Endo (UFO Pictures Production), Foster Child (Seiko Films), Death in the Land of Encantos (Sine Olivia Pilipinas), Tirador (Centerstage Productions), Tribu (8 Glasses Productions)

13. SHORT FILM:

To be announced.

14. NATATANGING GAWAD URIAN:

Kidlat Tahimik

Mahal na mahal si Macario ng mga magulang niya. Sinusuportahan siya sa lahat ng mga bagay-bagay tulad ng pagsali niya sa mga Miss Gay (MG). Ironically, hindi siya ipinanganak para maging reyna.

Mataba lang naman siya. Hindi siya maganda. Hindi siya marunong kumanta, wala siyang talent pero pinipilit pa rin niya ang sarili niya sa ganitong mundo. Alam naman niya yun at mataas pa rin ang self-confidence niya. Wala, makapal lang talaga ang mukha niya.

Macario
Uploaded by bebsg

KIM VERGARA. Si Macario ang ultimate thank you girl kasi di mo mapapansin ang presensya niya, lagi siyang nilalamon ng mga kasama niyang mas malakas ang personality. Naachieve naman ni Kim yun. Nung nag-audition siya, chubby mode siya pero nung nagsushoot na, pumapayat siya ng pumapayat araw-araw to think lamon siya ng lamon. Hiyang?

Di ko naringgan ng reklamo yang si Kim, pakainin mo lang, gu-gow na yan. Haha. At dahil hindi alam ng tatay niya na siya ay bakla, pwes, i-a-out na kita Kim! Me modang basketball player ka pa ha! Hmf.

Yun lang.

"Boom"
Lyrics by: Mark Bitanga Del Rosario
Music by: The Roxymorrons
Performed by The Roxymorrons

Presenting, IMORAL.

Ang napaka-imoral na pelikulang tungkol sa menage-a-trois ng isang TOTOONG bisexual guy (hindi nagba-biseks-bisekswalan lang), ang kanyang asawa at ang kanyang kabit na baklang paminta (ang sabi ng bakla: una kang naging akin!).

Imoral, dahil hindi ko alam kung me ganitong set-up sa totoong buhay (pero sabi meron daw... hango daw ito sa buhay ng writer na si Frank).

Imoral dahil kung ako ang bakla, hindi ako papayag sa ganitong sitwasyon (sa ngayon, masasabi ko ito). Imoral dahil hindi ko naiimagine ang sarili kong may kahati sa puso at katawan ng aking minamahal at nakatira pa kami sa iisang bahay. Imoral isipin na nagsiseks sila at naririnig ko sila. Nakakaarouse kaya yun? Ewe.

Imoral dahil hindi natin dapat hinuhusgahan ang mga taong nasa ganitong sitwasyon (assuming meron). Por dat, tayo ang imoral, hindi sila.

Imoral dahil nadiscover kong si Arnold Reyes pala ang nagsulat ng "Kung Ako Ba Siya" na kinanta ni Piolo Pascual sa Himig Handog a few years back. Huwaw. Talented. Pero mas gusto ko ang version ni Arnold (nasa closing credits ng pelikula)

Imoral dahil, maraming maloloka dito sa isang scene ni Edgar Allan Guzman (siya yung winner ng Mister Pogi sa Eat Bulaga dati).

Imoral dahil magaling umakting si Katherine Luna.

Imoral dahil promising si Paolo Paraiso.

Imoral dahil tinapos ang pelikulang ito para maihabol para sa closing ng Cinemalaya 2008 noong July. In a span of tsaran... in less than two weeks.

Imoral dahil nahaggard ako sa pag-edit nito na sumuma-total ng tatlong araw. Tatlong araw lang. Pakshet. Tatlong araw. Kaya manood na para masaya. Ineportan ko 'to. Hmf.

August 6 na. Sa Robinsons Indiesine.

....Mommy!

Si Bernadette ang happy-go-lucky cellphone snatcher ng grupo. Originally written as a "fat, short, ugly, oily-faced with an obnoxious laugh" character. Pero nagbago yun lahat nung marinig ko ang tawa ni July when he auditioned sa Mintal (hindi mental). Biglang may tumunog na bulb sa ulo ko at naramdaman kong siya na nga ang hinahanap kong Bernadette.

Para kay Bernadette, masaya lang ang buhay, hindi dapat siniseryoso masyado. Alam naman niyang di siya kagandahan at wala siyang isyu sa kanyang self-esteem.

MEET BERNADETTE - The 'Thank You' Girls Teaser
Uploaded by bebsg

JULY JIMENEZ. Magaling ito baklang ito. Natural. Hindi halatang first-time actor, mabilis sa adlib at siya ang taga-translate ng script into gay lingo kay Gie pag kinakailangan. Feeling ko siya na ang perfect Bernadette so di naman ako nagsisi na kailangan kong baguhin yung peg para ifit sa personality niya. Isa lang daw ang pinagsisihan ni July, yung buhok niya. Pinagupitan ko kasi siya at originally, ang gusto ko, bobcut ala Catherine Zeta-Jones sa Chicago pero sabi ng stylist na si Santi, Rihanna na lang daw.

Kaya ayun, a day before the shoot, pinagupitan ko siya ke Pidot (Mommy Paola). Saya. Naimbibe ko na ang pagiging cellphone stealer niya na halos napagpapalit-palit ko na si Bernadette na character sa July na totoong buhay, haha. Tingnan niyo ang before and after photos niya.

FROM THIS

TO THIS

Oh. Taong-tao na di ba.

MUSIC:

"Kalibangon"
Words and Music by Roman Regin Mata
Performed by Reggztheory

Roman Regin Mata - Vocals/Rhythm
Junyl Gemarino - Lead Guitar/Back-up Vocals
Donald Jims Palms - Drums
Rasheed Salipada - Bass
Jhong Rubia - Sessionist for Rhythm
Fritz Abapo - Sessionist for Drums

Pasensya. Mukhang puro TYG na yata ang bukambibig ko for the next months at hanggang showing na yata akong ganito. Kailangan lang sumelf-promote ng todo. You know. Ito ang una sa gagawin kong character series para naman makilala kahit papano ng mga utaw ang mga backstage beauties. Sa dami kasi nila, baka mapagpalit-palit pa. Color-coordinated naman sila at magkaiba ang mga hitsura pero mabuti na yung ganitong me intro-introhan.

MEET ALLYSON - The 'Thank You' Girls Teaser
Uploaded by bebsg

Si Allyson ay 33-years old na. Beterana siya sa Miss Gay (MG) at medyo matanda na nga siya para sumali sa mga byukon.

Napadeport na siya sa Japan. Medyo adik sa retoke. Medyo me obssession lang naman siya sa isang di gaanong kasikatang starlet na si Adora Gracia kaya ang gusto niyang maachieve sa biyaheng Davao-Cagayan ay ang makita at makausap si Adora (na emcee sa bonggang pageant na tinatawag na "Miss Galaxy 2008"). Very modang uma-icon itong si Allyson.

Ano kaya ang mangyayari sa pagkikita nila ni Adora? Abangan.

GIE SALONGA. Si Gie ang gumaganap sa papel na Allyson. Like all the other actors sa TYG, first time rin ni Gie gumawa ng pelikula though isa na siyang beterana at magaling na stand-up comedian (catch him at Zirkoh Timog, Zirkoh Greenhils, Klownz, The Library).

Hindi bisaya si Gie kaya kailangan niyang pag-aralan ang language bago ang shoot kaya for him to speak it ng diretso sa pelikula, aba, acheb. Tagaturo niya ang mga co-actors niya kaya habang break, walang ginawa si ate kundi ang magmemorize ng linya, haha. Anggaleng nga niya eh. It takes an intelligent person para duguin ng husto sa pagbibisaya knowing na hindi mo naman ito ginagamit sa everyday life.

Nameet ko si Gie nung presscon ng 'Daybreak' sa Chokiss sa UP kaya napasali siya sa TYG. Masayang katrabaho, walang kyeme, walang arte. Actually, lahat naman ng tao sa pelikulang ito ay masayang katrabaho bilang 94% ay bakla, 3% straight men; 2% straight women at 1% halaman. He was even generous enough para ipahiram ang kanyang mga gowns, mga gamit at make-up skills para sa production. O ayan, masyado na akong nambola. Char.

Pero, totoo yun!

Eto, nafeature si Gie sa Chika Minute a few weeks back. Kapag ayaw magplay, panoorin sa link na ito.



Ang title ng kantang ginamit sa Allyson teaser ay "Naroon" by Michael Cruz. Ang kantang ito ang TYG theme at may english version pa ito. Di ba.


"Naroon"
Words by Michael Cruz and Alex Mendoza
Music by Alex Mendoza
Performed by Michael Cruz and Holen

Vocals: Michael Cruz
Guitars: Anthony Chua
Bass: Alex Mendoza
Drums: Ruz Sison

Andito ako ngayon sa Davao para magdubbing. Paglapag pa lang ng paglapag sa wifi city na ito, dumiretso na ako sa Alchemy para ayusin ang dubbing bukas.

Uwi agad ako ng Manila ng Monday morning. Dubbing ng mga Manila people. Huwaw. I can feel the rush.

Wag niyo ako mamiss!

Aba, nagising na lang ako isang umaga (aktwali, hapon, dahil nga baligtad itong body clock ko) na magiging bisi-bisihan ako this week, more than the usual. Iiedit ko ang bagong pelikula ni Adolf na heggard mode dahil kailangan matapos in time for Cinemalaya. Oo, may konsepto si Adolf ng pagko-quota ng isang pelikula kada buwan, haha.

Ibig sabihin, konting breather from TYG which is not necessarily malaking espasyo dahil simula Tuesday ay audio mixing na kami. Wednesday at Thursday ay dubbing days. Konti lang naman, mga bakol (buckle) moments lang at ibang mga karagdagang dialogues at singit. Which reminds me kailangan ko nang isulat ang mga dapat isulat. Go utak. Go work.

Tapos uuwi pa ako sa Davao by Friday para magdub naman dun. Sayang at haggang Monday lang ako dahil kailangan ko na umuwi para mafinal mix na ang mga bagay-bagay.

I'm meeting up Nono later to check if nakagawa na siya ng score. And the most fun part? Ang pagfinalize ng mga kanta para sa soundtrack. Pili dito, pili doon. Saya. Gusto ko kasi mixture of Visayan, Tagalog and English songs ang magiging soundtrack. Hankyut kasi.

So far, eto na yung mga songs na parte ng pelikula:

Naroon by Michael Cruz. Ito ang magiging TYG theme. Ito ang kantang laging kinakanta ni Macario, yung character na walang talent pero mahilig magitara at kumanta.

Churvaloo by Haphazard. Oo, ito ang chur chur, mega mega chur chur song na nasa . Sana matuwa ang mga manood kung paano ito ginamit sa pelikula. Kebhhheeeerrrrr..

Paghihintay by Roxymorrons. Very catchy song from the Roxys. At dahil magaling ang bandang ito, marami silang mga kanta na ipifeature sa TYG tulad ng Gunita, Anywhere, Christmas R&R at Boom. Wooh. Dami. AB! Gawa na tayo ng bidyo hehe. Happy berdey nga pala Roxys!

Crown Me Queen by Chris Uy. He responded dun sa isang article ni ginawa ni Chris Fabian (salamat Chris!) sa Mindanao Times tungkol sa aking paghahanap ng mga kanta para sa TYG. Ayun, ginawa niya talaga ang kantang ito para sa pelikula. Very upbeat-upbeatan and nice. Bagay talaga sa mga thank you girls. Crown me queen!

Kalibangon by Reggztheory. Banda mula sa Davao ang Reggztheory. Parte sila ng isang rock wave sa Visayas and Mindanao na tinatawag nilang bisrock. Bisayang rock. Tungkol sa mga natatae ang kantang ito. Pero walang toilet humor ang TYG, ha. Kakatawa kasi ang lyrics. Metaphoric? Ewan. Baka. Haha. Meron rin silang isa pang kanta na kasali, yung Saliva.

Kampay by Kampai. Ang bandang ito ay minamanage ni Nestor (oii, idol) at katunog nila ang Kala. Magaganda ang mga kanta nila and currently they're recording songs for their debut album.

Ayaw na by Campus Mate. Bisrock band naman sila galing Cebu.

Exasperation by Chui Sulit. Si Chui ay isang talent mula sa Davao. Magandang mabagal na kanta.

May mga kantang bisaya pa hinihintay ko na lang ang "oo" mula sa mga bandang hiningian ko ng permiso.

Kapag natapos na ang official site ng TYG, ilalagay namin doon ang bio ng mga bandang ito at siguro mga 30-second samples ng mga kanta nila. These unsigned bands deserve to be given their break lalo na ang mga bisrock bands.

Mukhang for the next two weeks, mawawalan na naman ako ng social life nito pero go lang. Kung saan lulunurin ng daluyong, sasabay lang ako. Natutuwa ako't bisi-bisihan ang mga buhay-buhay. At finally, by that time, tapos na talaga ang TYG.

At sa mga naghihintay kung kailan talaga ipapalabas ang pinakabaklang pelikula sa lahat ng mga baklang pelikula, abangan na lang ang isiset na final date. Dadating dito next week ang aking butihing prodyuser na si Jim at mapag-uusapan na namin lahat ng iskedyul. May mga balak pa kasi kami sa pelikula na sa ngayon, hindi pa pwede ireveal.

In the meantime, mag-abang-abang na lang muna sa 24 Oras at baka sakaling swertehing ifeature uli kami sa Chika Minute tulad ng ginawa kay Gie noong Friday. Huwaw. Chikaaaa Minute!