CLAPPER LADIES
ABMC - 202A

EDUCATIONAL TRIP: Film Museum

It was indeed an educational experience! there were a lot of great stuff inside the museum that i surely did enjoy!

It was not like any other museums that I had gone to before. There is also this connotation in my mind that museums are "boring" and "quiet". But I think this museums is an exemption. We were allowed to create noise, laugh out loud and all sorts while inside the museum that made us enjoy our tour more.

It is very informative. The progression of the development of film in the country was classified into eras and was placed in chronological order. It was also fun to see and touch old and antique equipments that were used during the early years of film making in out country.

I enjoyed all the rooms in the museum but most especially the "horror" part. I am not really a part of scary stuff, but when we were in there, I suddenly learned that I am not alone (hahaha!). I also enjoyed the garden part on the museum, the "Paradise of the Stars". I enjoyed walking through the life size images of the different artist then and now. I also like the stars on the ground which them seem to had adopted from Hollywood.

It is nice that there is such an institution like Mowelfund. With their aim to help those who have small production roles in the film industry. Though I may not really know it, i think these people does need help to support themselves and their families financially.

It is a great experience to walk through a time machine on Film Industry in our country. These surely helped me understand why our current movie industry is in such a state.

FERNANDO POE JR.
known to the public as
"Da King"
is one of the founders
of the Mowelfund foundation.
He is considered as a great artist:
director, producer, actor.

These pictures were taken
in a hall at the
Pambansang Museo ng Pelikula
in commemoration
oh him and all his contribution
to the Philippine Film Industry.

Pambansang Museo ng Pilipinas

Last August 21, 2008, the class went on to a field trip. Mr Rondina told us that we will be visiting a museum The Pambansang Museo ng Pelikula. Armed with cameras on our hands and with pure excitement the field trip was pushed through. As soon as our bus had its stop at the venue everyone had a first glimpse of the theme of the trip will be. Everyone’s excitement grew and soon brought out their cameras. I myself soon took pictures on the entrance of the museum and we are all asked to enter the museum Everyone including myself rampantly took pictures of everything that attract our sight. Soon the speaker or the facilitator, I forgot his name but certainly I cannot forget his face because of his strong character, he was very engaging an he told us that we will be watching two short movies which I enjoyed by the way!. After watching he told us that we can hold everything that is on the museum and even though he haven’t finish his lines yet I quickly grab the FAMAS award of Mr. Fernando Poe Jr.(yes!yes!yes! si da king)

Then we head to the different rooms with different themes or topics regarding Philippine films. The first room as about the history of Philippine movies and how it came about my favorite piece of the room was this one . Every room is very interesting because of the added touch and effects there are even pieces which are used in the past movies> I even experienced to sit on the directors chair that made me feel that I was one

There are life sized pictures of old actors and actresses, their clothes and ornaments where also there. Different genres of films where also present one of the most memorable was the one with the creepy stuff. When we went outside we thought that the trip was over then we saw the life size pictures of the different artist and the we took pictures with those life sized pictures and act as if they were real. What a day we learned so many things and met a lot of actors(hehe). I surely will recommend this to my friends for them to appreciate Filipino movies more.

FILM MUSEUM

I’ve been into different museums, but it was my first time to be in a Film Museum, which was located at Quezon City. It was not optional, it was compulsory to join the trip, which means that I should join the trip, whether I like it or not. Since Professor Rondina made it compulsory, it made me expect that the tour will help me to understand the subject and the film industry better.

I became excited and curious on what will I see in the museum. I was also clueless on the things that were there—memorabilia, pictures of actors and actresses, and how the museum presented their ideas and gathered information creatively.

My former block mates were the first batch to go to the museum and I asked them about the tour. They were eager as they told their stories and they became more eager when they said that there were stars at in the museum, and they were willing to take pictures with them. My friend’s words were: “Si Richard Gutierrez andon, hindi umaangal magpapicture!” When I heard those words I became more excited.

As the tour went by, the museum met my expectations because they were able to show me the star’s costumes, old cameras, pictures and props from famous and blockbuster films. They presented their materials and gathered information creatively, and they present how the industry improves their materials and how creative the industry became. The museum helped me to be proud that even with little materials and money they got, they still managed to improve the quality of their works.

I remember the last part of the tour was in the garden, “Paradise of Stars”. And that was the time I remember what my friend told me, that a lot of actors and actresses were there. Indeed there were actors and actresses, but all of those were just pictures, pictures that could not do anything when people took pictures with them. And I was one of the people that took pictures with them.

These pictures are just a glimpse
of what we saw in the Movie Museum when we
wen there. There where a lot
of interesting things
that are present in the
course of development in the
Philippine Film Industry.

Film Museum

The trip to the film museum was entertaining we visited all the rooms there and I regret it so much that I forgot to bring my camera. There were a lot to see and had I brought my cam, I would’ve had hundreds of pictures now. Every room has something interesting about them. My favourite one, and I know many would agree, was the horror room. I can still remember when we were trying to find it. Haha. It was so hilarious! My friend and I were the first ones to enter and we attracted attention because the moment we saw all the monsters inside, we instantly freaked out! But, as many people came, our fright lessened and we had fun taking our pictures with our favourite monsters. My favourite was the Aswang. I think it was the most horrifying there.

The short film that we watched earlier was good too, but I didn’t enjoy it much. Outside, after the tour in the rooms, there were still some sights to enjoy. There were life-size pictures of famous celebrities and we couldn’t help but to take pictures with those too. At first, it was like “baduy” for us, but we enjoyed it all the same.

I won’t forget that experience. I learned a lot, enjoyed a lot, screamed a lot, and had pictures of different cute monsters and old film materials.

THE CINEMALAYA EXPERIENCE


It is the first time I had ever heard of Cinemalaya, but surely not the first time I have heard about independent films. So excitement filled me when I learned that we are required to attend Cinemalaya events.

It was a really great experience!! =) It made my passion about my course ignite more. Seeing all these young directors being able to showcase their talents...I want to be like them someday! This event made me think a lot of my future and what I really want to become in the future. Though i know I am still far from where they are right now, I hope and I will do my best to be there as well. I am now more determined to pursue with Mass Communications (though it is really really really hard! ^_^).


I am proud that we have an event like Cinemalaya. It allows people, directors, producers etc. to produce films where they can express themselves at the medium they prefer. Though this is not that well known to everyone. There is still a good number who appreciate these kinds of films. I noticed it during the Cinemalaya Week. The Cultural Center of the Philippines was always filled people queuing, chatting and whatever. Tickets are even sold out though there are still a lot of people who still want to watch an indie film. These only proves that more and more people appreciate and patronize such films.

I am also happy that the Mass Communication Dept. and St. Scholastica's College allowed us to experience such a great event. It is surely one of those moments which is hard to forget! ^_^

One great thing about Cinemalaya is
being able to meet and
mingle with stars and
celebrities. =)
And of course, a lot
of picture taking..

Cinemalaya

Attending such a very prestige event like Cinemalaya is such a great opportunity.And being able to meet and greet the stars of the Philippine Film Industry. I was really stunned with the celebrities that I got to see around.And I can't help but say how proud I am of our independent film industry because they are able to give and produce such award winning films. And I salute the people behind their success because they are able to make Filipinos like me proud of what they are doing. Cinemalaya is just one of the events which showcase the talents of young people and especially those who are new in the film industry. It just show how passionate Filipinos are in terms of those thing that they really love.

We mass communication students really enjoy that event. I learned how to appreciate independent films of today. And I can say that years after as media practitioners we can do such award winning films.

The group chose to watch
the full length feature film
"JAY"
which also won as the
"Best Film"
in the said category.

These are the directors who
participated last Cinemalaya 2008.
They are the ones behind the
concept of both full length
and short films.

BEST DIRECTOR:

CHRIS MARTINEZ
"100"

CINEMALAYA 2008 Exhibit

Cinemalaya:

Cinemalaya has been a very fun experience for me. Aside from learning a lot about independent films, we also got to meet a lot of talented directors and actors who eagerly answered all our questions and even gave their advice to those of us who also want to try doing indie films someday. And really, those films, especially Jay, inspired me to try to do indie films in the future.
It was fun taking pictures, watching different kinds of films, meeting oh-so-gorgeous actors, getting free foods etc.

Oh and there were the mascots… I don’t know what to call them. Haha. The characters that were at the entrance, and up the theatre. I was entertained watching them doing acts, dancing, and their costumes were sooo… I don’t know what term to use, but it fascinated me.

I didn’t want to look ignorant, but inside, I couldn’t help but comment on everything I see. The big chandeliers, the awesome structure of the theatres, and the elegance of the place. I felt like a child being lost in a big playground. There were just a lot to see there. Our cameras were so loaded after. Haha

Cinamalaya 2008 entries

AnOng KwentO MO?

I’ve heard about Independent Films, but my information about it was not ample. All I knew was the actors and actresses they got were not that really famous in my generation, perhaps for my parents. The theme of the film was something unique....or should I say, not my interest.

I never really bother to watch an Independent film, except when teachers require the students to watch it, because; few people conducted this type of film (which I supposed that those movies were not getting good sales to the public). Plus few theaters were showing this (which I assumed that viewers would not prefer to watch those films from this industry). And the infomercials for those movies were few, it was often the actors and actresses promoting the film or they promote it through print media.

As part of the viewers I was bombarded with promotions about the movies of mainstream cinema, from different commercials in television, radio, magazines, and posters hanging in Manila’s billboard (which eventually reached the provinces),to the tours of the actors and actresses which includes their invitations to watch the movie. Those gave me more curiosity of the movies from the mainstream industry. They presented different problems, unrequited love, the man has not been accepted by the girl’s parents.... but it focuses on one theme—love. Getting used to mainstream’s theme of the movie, watching Independent films which the themes were different and beyond my concern was something that made me uncomfortable to watch it.

When I had the chance to watch Jay, all my thoughts between the Independent and Mainstream films changed, I realized that Mainstream movies were quite shallow and presented one theme with different twists, while Independent film like Jay presented a problem, not about love. A problem that can be seen in our everyday life and they presented it in a deeper point of view. And this made me changed my beliefs. I was amazed on how the Independent films presented different problem with a different approach to the audience. In a way that audience will not forget the movie, not because of the effects, not because of the actors, not because of the promotions and tactics they did, but the lesson it taught to the audience.

Independent films were brave enough to go to the path less taken, thus making their work one of a kind. I never thought that watching Jay will change my perspective between the two industries. I enjoyed Cinemalaya not just because I was with my friends, or I saw many actors and actresses, but because it gave me a lot of NEW and IMPORTANT things that will help me to understand the society I was living and the field I chose.

JAY reaction paper

The independent film "Jay" talks about how the reporter Jay looks upon and investigates the death of a gay teacher who is also named Jay. As he goes deeper into the life of the victim, he gets to know and learn things that define him more as a person, being gay, and being part of the mass media he is working for.

The film illustrates and can be considered as an example for the communication model made my Westley and McLean. In the model, the 'X' represents the environment or event from which information can be gathered, 'A' represents the one who gathered the information or the source, 'C' represents the channel through which the information is being sent and 'B' represents the public or the receiver of the information plus the feedback across all the elements.

In the case of the film, the 'X' is the death/murder of Jay and all the events related to the incident. From this event, Jay the reporter, who is the 'A' in this case, gathers this information. However, the information he was able to gather was altered based on his own personal perception. For example, in the scene where the police apprehended the suspect. The original way the police caught the suspect was too plain and was not meant for television according to Jay, this is how he perceives the event. So, he scripted a new scenario, which according to his perception, is more appropriate. After having these, Jay now transfers all his video footages to their main office to be edited. The 'C' now is the editor and/or director of their show, since they are the ones who chooses and approves the things that are shown in the program. In the process of editing, the information is then subjected again to change depending on the editor and/or director's perception of the event. Example is when the director/editor and Jay just decided to not mention the reason why the victim did the murder. Even though it is an important detail, the editor/directed deleted it from the documentary because according to their perception, stating the reason will seem censored. So again the text is subjected again to the perception of another set of people. Then this is aired to be shown across the country. Then the 'B', or called the general public, was able to view this documentary from these houses. For feedback, I just assume that feedback is received by the editor/director and Jay the reported because they have altered the facts from the incidents for their show to appeal to their audiences. Since it appears that they know how to cater to their audience, then there might be the presence of feedback.

RANCHERO film review

Ranchero, one of the entries among the full-length features during the Cinemalaya 2008, was said to depict the significance of food in prison according to the movie’s blurb. Is the food supposed to keep the prisoners alive? Or does the food just helps in prolonging the misery of life prisoners feel inside? These thoughts would make you so interested to watch the movie, which is what I felt. But after watching the film, disappointment came to me.

The idea of putting to film the lives of prisoners for me is very unique. I think there are only few brave directors who are bold enough to tackle such idea and there are only few movies about it. The movie ‘Ranchero’ was able to show what it is like to be in prison. The scarcity of food, practice of religion, hygiene problems and other acts seen only inside prison was shown. Initially, that is a good point for Ranchero.

With regards to the length of the film, it was only short. I believe the film was finished in less that an hour and a half. But, it felt longer than that when I watched it because it was such a drag. There are a lot of long shots that should have been a cut already. I get the point that the director might be trying to show the life inside prison as boring and all and that inmates had nothing to do inside. But, it was really just not working for the film. I mean, why take a long shot of a guy who is just walking and walking and walking. There are also long shots in the film that seemed irrelevant.

The story became more dragging because of the plot. I think the director took too much time in establishing the settings and the mood. There is nothing on the first three quarters of the film but just, walking and cooking and people coming in and out of the frame. There wasn’t really a story in it until the point where a knife was gone missing which is already past fourth quarter of the film. Then the riot which was the climax, then Ricardo breaking down, then the end. It’s like dragging, dragging, dragging, climax and the end. For me, there is a story inside the plot, but it was not well defined, not well established and it came out too late in the film’s plot.

Speaking of the story, it is very much questionable. First, where is the role of food in the film? The role of food is very much emphasized in the film’s blurb so one might guess that the film is about food. But, it was not even highlighted in the film. The only time food was mentioned was when they where cooking and when the ‘rancheros’ took the food to the prisoners and that’s it. It is also not clear whether the story revolved on the lost knife, of the fact that Ricardo is going out the next day, or the riot that just because of the basketball game. Having confusion with the central story of the film makes the theme not that clear as well.

There where also events in the film where the origin was unknown. For example, how did the wardens knew about the missing knife? How did they know it was missing? Why did the basketball game turned into a riot? There are gray spots in the film that made it more complicated and hard to understand.

Ricardo, the main character of the film, was imprisoned for 10 years and is about to go out the next day. The acting of Archie Adamos (Ricardo), for me, is a little held back. He was able to show compassion and concern for Otep, the new guy in their cell, but I felt that he wasn’t really able to deliver what it feels like to be going out of prison. There was no enthusiasm in his action. There is also the absence of concern whether what his life would be after prison, what would he do, how would he survive? He was not able to stabilize a lot of things with his acting. The scene where he broke down just before the end of the film seemed a little forced. It was not even clear why he cried at the end. Never the less, he was not still able to move audiences during the scene.

The only commendable acting in the film was by Garry Lim (Miyong) in the scene where he just killed the guy who stole the knife. His shock and fright that he killed someone inside prison was really seen in his facial expression and body language. Really good. I just think that majority of the characters acted a little too refined for inmates in prison.

Over-all, the film seemed to be a short with the plot it had only with longer shots that made it seem a full-length feature. Though the concept of the film to show the lives of prisoners in the big screen is a great idea, the film was not really able to present its story, theme and point very clearly.