Thursday, July 21, 2005

Call to the Filipino Artist

“The filmmaker, like his fellow artists in different media, has now realized that the artist is also a public person. He does not work in isolation from society. Instead of working alone in his ivory tower he is a citizen of the slums, of the streets, of the battlefield if need be. The artist is always a participant. He tries to be true not only to his craft but also to himself. For it is the supreme duty of the artist to investigate the truth, no matter what forces attempt to hide it. And then to report it to the people, to confront them with it, like a whiplash that will cause wounds but will free the mind from the various fantasies and escapist fare that the Establishment pollutes our minds with.

To the best of our abilities, and even if we oftentimes fail, we want to do works that will hurt, films that will disturb, films that will not make you rest. For the times are really bad, and given times like these, it is a crime to rest. We can not rest, and we should not, while there’s a fellow Filipino starving in Negros, an Aquino or Galman crying for justice, a salvage victim lying in a mountain of garbage while a corrupt family rules the country with uncontrolled power and wealth. While it is the duty of the artist to work for what is true, good, and beautiful, first we have to expose and fight what is wrong.

In these times when most of the media hide the truth from us, when most of what we get from the media are silly gossip and petty flesh and sensationalized crimes, we go to the streets to find out what’s happening. We listen to those artists who dare risk their lives and livelihoods, who reiterate once more the utmost duty of the artist --- that the artist is a committed person, that he will always take the side of any human being who is violated, abused, oppressed, dehumanized whatever his instrument ---the pen, the brush, or the camera."









- Lino Brocka
Artist as Citizen






www.arrestgloria.tk

Wednesday, July 20, 2005




"Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps down new roads armed with nothing but their own vision"

- Ayn Rand

www.aynrandinfo.com

FIRST TIME

Rode a bus for the first time here in California. It was interesting and fun experience!!!



I went to Wilshire to submit resume to Job Placement Agencies. Acutally, there was one who wanted me to teach the "html". Because the job that I am going to do (if I will accept it) is to make a website for a jewelry shop in Downtown LA (yup!!! It's in Downtown LA). But of course, I can not accept the job right now for some reasons (and considerations).

And oh... I met Ben in the first agency I went. We had our lunch in one of the pinoy restaurants in Vermont. After our lunch, Ben just dropped me in Wilshire because he had still an appointment with his dentist.

Finally, I watched "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory".

Johnny Depp gave justice to the role of "Willy Wonka". He was funny and humorous!!!



I am really amazed too with the eccentricities of Tim Burton --- he is weird and creative!!! Tim has a new animated movie coming out...




...it is entitled, "Corpse Bride".



The visual treatment is very much similar with "Nightmare Before Christmas".


Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter are the lead characters' voice in that film.



Oh how I wish I could make a film someday --- a film that I will be proud of.

So those were my escapades yesterday... and I still look forward to ride a bus here in California!!!

Saturday, July 16, 2005



A Scanner Darkly

Based on the 1977 novel by Philip K. Dick (More information)

Release Date:March, 2006

Director:Richard Linklater

Cast and Characters:Keanu Reeves as Fred/Bob Arctor; Rory Cochrane as Freck; Robert Downey Jr. as Barris; Woody Harrelson as Luckman; and Winona Ryder as Donna

ABOUT THE FILM

"A Scanner Darkly" is set in suburban Orange County, California in a future where America has lost the war on drugs. When one reluctant undercover cop is ordered to start spying on his friends, he is launched on a paranoid journey into the absurd, where identities and loyalties are impossible to decode. It is a cautionary tale of drug use based on the novel by Philip K. Dick and his own experiences.
Like a graphic novel come to life, "A Scanner Darkly" will use live action photography overlaid with an advanced animation process (interpolated rotoscoping) to create a haunting, highly stylized vision of the future. The technology, first employed in Richard Linklater’s 2001 film "Waking Life," has evolved to produce even more emotional impact and detail.

http://www.philipkdick.com/films_scanner.html



"The basic tool for the manipulation of reality is the manipulation of words. If you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use the words."

- Philip K.Dick




"I become a teenager at the age of 25."

-Sting
YESTERDAY... TODAY...

Yesterday...
Vincent and I did errands --- bought flowers at Downtown LA, dropped the CD at Ultra Print and deposited the checks at Citibank (and I already opened an account too). After accomplishing those tasks, we decided to "CALL IT A DAY!".

Then Vincent dropped me at the Pinoy store and I've decided to eat fresh lumpia at Red Ribbon --- got Ma a pancit palabok because that's her favorite. I was in line when an old lady asked me to go ahead since her grand daughter was still deciding what to order. Aferward, (well I assumed) her husband was complaining to her why I went ahead and she told him "Di pa kami nakakapag-decide kaya pinauna ko na siya". Oh gosh!!! That old man was irritating!!! Anyway, I just enjoyed my fresh lumpia.

I headed to JONS after because Ma asked me to buy 10 garlics, 10 bananas, 1 box of trash bags and Cheerios (cereal). But I was able to buy 10 bananas and Cheerios only because they had small garlic and had no trash bags (what kind of a grocery!).

Ma was surprised why I got home early... of course, I had to explain. So I changed my clothes and put the handles of her new dresser's drawers (which I promised her last Wednesday --- the day it was delivered). Damn!!! That dresser gave me a strenuous Wednesday evening --- Imagine, I had to take off the cover (with box, plastic, styro and everything.. you know!!!). At least, I was able to do my responsibility for Ma and I made her happy (in a way).

Today...
Tobinworld ordered a flower arrangement worth $30. She requested to use pink and white flowers. It was a very "lady" and "sweetie" kind of arrangement because they were going to it to twenty-ish celebrator. I was pleased because she appreciated my arrangement. Although, I was not happy with what I did.

I am expecting this afternoon the GWP (Glendale Water and Power) to fis the lights. Well, I do hope that they will not come late.

Tita Baby returned my call. We had a little chit chats because I told her that I already missed her --- That's true!!! I really do miss her!!! She's the older version of me! We have the same personality and attitude. But I just do hope that I will not have the same experience with marriage... which I will not elaborate anymore.

So far... yesterday was all right. I just do hope today will be better!!!

Thursday, July 14, 2005


Emmeric Konrad, “Jim Fittipaldi” (detail), 1998.

For the past twenty years, art dealer Jim Fittipaldi, one of the founding members of the downtown art scene, has provided more than just exposure for local artists through his Bedlam Gallery. Opening his private home, he created a gathering place for his creative brethren. Hence, over the years he has amassed a very rich collection. “My intention was more than just to collect artwork, but to give this community a family atmosphere for the exchange of creative dialogue in a mature setting.”

M.J. HIGGINS 244 S. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012213.617.1700Hours: Tues. – Sat. 11 – 7
easy parking @ Joe's 230 S. Main (just north of the gallery) $4 free after 5pm


www.downtownartwalk.com
mjhigginsgallery@sbcglobal.net
www.mjhiggins.com
My Soul Number is SEVEN

Deep, serious, introspective, and analytical, you accept nothing at face value, and you are always probing into the hidden side or deeper meaning of situations and people. You are fascinated by the mysterious and unknown. You enjoy periods of solitude in peaceful surroundings, and need time to study, reflect, or meditate. You may be given to much daydreaming and flights of the imagination as well. The ocean has a powerful attraction for you. The study of philosophy, psychology, scientific research, metaphysics, or religion appeals to you. You are scientific in your approach to Truth. Private, reserved, and rather secretive, there are probably very few who truly know and understand your inner thoughts, feelings, hopes, and aspirations. Unless you learn to share your deeper self more freely, and to be less of an idealistic perfectionist, you may be rather lonely.

http://www.astrology.com
DRAMA
--- A Spice of Life

Last night, my grandmother and I re-arranged the furnitures in the living room because the dresser and carpet she ordered will be delivered today (between 1pm - 5pm). Surprisingly, my patience and tolerance were very high!!! I don't know... I've noticed everyday that I get less and less agitated by my grandmother's grumpiness and grouchiness. I guess, I get accustomed by it... which is a GOOD SIGN!!! Am I evolving??? Am I growing spiritually and mentally???

My stay here in America has a lot of learning experiences (the best and the worst things) which made me appreciate more my family and friends back in the Philippines. But of course, I have to be strong in order to achieve my goal... which is to be a film maker (or just to work in a film industry). But if fate will not permit that... I can always try somewhere else ... or I can go back home...

Sometimes, I am contemplating if I made the right decision... or if this endeavour was really for me. I asked God for signs if this was really meant for me. At present, I feel that I am in limbo... but not lost!!! Or maybe, I just wanted to have "drama" in my life... Well, "drama" adds spice in life. ... hmmm... I am already going around the bush... so it would be better if I'll just it end here now.

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

A WALK TO REMEMBER

This morning I helped my grandmother "Ma" walk in front of her house. While observing her, I've realized how hard to be OLD. Because before, she was active and lively during her young years. She used to be the TOP 5 Beautiful Women in the City of San Fernando Pampanga --- well dressed and smart looking!!! My grandma was known to be a "socialite" in our province. She always narrates to me with pride how the people looked and respected her before. There were also actresses and renowned personalities that were being compared to her too (Carmen Rosales, Liberty Ilagan, Paraluman and Imelda Marcos). For me, she was and still look like Imelda Marcos. I can still vividly recall how smart and dignified she was ---well actually, I still find her that way!!! And no one from her three daughters (of course, including my mother) who looked the way she was.

And till now, my grandfather, "Tang" finds her pretty and gorgeous!!! Everytime he sees her, he always say "Kalago ng Ma mo!!!" ("How pretty your Ma is") with matching loving looks to her... which is very obvious that he is still very in love with Ma. And Ma likes that a lot!!!

Anyway, that's my MA!!! Who will I always be remebered as smart, energetic, adventurous, analytical and "OC" being!!!

Sunday, July 10, 2005

DOWNTOWN L.A. MARKET

Tito Pio and I will go today (10am) at Downtown LA market to buy flowers for tomorrow's delivery at Beverly Blvd. (what a coincidence... the name of the customer was Beverly too).

The following we have to buy:
1) Mini carnations (peach & blue --- blossoms & buds)
2) Novelty pompons (blue --- if there is)
3) #5 sheer ribbon (peach)
4) Baby's breath

We're going to make a lei and 10 boutonnieres for their graduation.

Oooooopsss... my uncle just called... I have to go out of the shop now because he'll be here at the shop in 5 mins... gotta go!

Saturday, July 09, 2005

"HAY NAKU!"

...that's all I can say with my boring day!!!

My "now you see and now you don't" Tito Jojo attended a party with his Sav-on's friends. While my Tito Pio and my cousin Vincent didn't go at the shop because they have a jet lag. And my every "makulit" grandmother "MA" called many times to tell me to go home early if no one from my two uncles will bring me home.

At this point, I don't know what to do... Kainis!!! Hmmmmmm... again... "HAY NAKU!" (sigh)

Friday, July 08, 2005


London Transport System Bombing

(A newspaper board is seen as one of London's trademark double-decker busses drives past, in central London, late Thursday July 7, 2005. A string of rush-hour explosions tore into at least three London subway trains and a double-decker bus on Thursday in the worst attack on London since World War II, killing at least 37 people and)













THE FLYER
"Flowers of St. Anne"

Here's the flyer I did for the flowershop which I just completed yesterday. I am not happy with the design but I don't wanna revise it anymore because I am already sick and tired of this thing. Plus, I had to finish it so that we have something to distribute to our prospective clients.

Actually, doing the marketing is the hardest part in the business --- most especially if you are not articulate enough to promote your shop. For days already, I've been calling the churches, restaurants and Broadcasting companies to know if they are open to try our flower shop --- Unfortunately, there were only few of them who were open to our business... grrrr!!!

Well anyhow, I do hope that the flower shop will be successful!!!






Sunday, August 15, 2004

IT'S A LOOONGGG WEEK

09 AUGUST
I started my week with PBA Dubai editing --- simultaneously with Engineering Party --- so almost everyone in I-post was in a party mood already and was in a hurry to finish their work. They gave a broken schedule in editing (3pm-7pm & 12mn-4pm) so that the artists can attend the party. So while waiting for my artist, Joven, Andy & I went to I.O. to have a videoke. We stayed there for almost two (2) hours and we had fun too. Andy gave me his gifts --- a VERONICA GUERIN & IN AMERICA dvds --- he's such a sweet friend. So we did sing all night long (as if there was no tomorrow, hehe). My artist, arrived at 2am (We were kinda not talking to each other though. Because he took negatively what I texted to him. But everything became fine after) at we finished the plug around 9am.

10 AUGUST
I stayed at home only. Tobie and Ricky presented the PBA Dubai to clients.

11 AUGUST
LDD Meeting, Rolling Van Europe and CD Plug editing.
I had LDD meeting with Tobie and Ricky at Window's (where we usually brainsorm). Then resumed to my Rolling van editng at 12nn-3pm...I wasn't able to finish my Rolling Van Europe because my editor was just starting to learn the machine. And with CD Plug, I had no problem with my artist because we've been doing this for a long time.
I dropped off Yam at the Rhunes (where she saw Noel Cabangon).
Trying to sleep early for my editing the next day but was able to sleep around 12mn.

12 AUGUST
I woke up at 4am for my 6am editing. Bad trip!!! He was late!!! Jacque and I had our breakfast at Mc Donald's Panay. I saw Papa (with Floyd) there too --- they were heading to Pangasinan. When we got back to ABS-CBN, Geoffrey was not yet there. So Jacque helped me with my editing... thanks to her =) At last, Geoffrey arrived!!! We had a hard time typing the details because it was "alien" with us the addresses...very foreign!!! Then Jen V. called to tell me that the guard from the parking lot said that I left my car unlocked. So I headed to parking and locked my car... thanks to Jen!!! We left the I-post at 1pm --- when the next program arrived in editng bay.
Geoffrey, Jacque & I had our lunch at Kimchi. I was very sleepy so I bought coffee in Mini-Stop --- well, the coffee perked me up!!! Then accompanied Jacque & Joven to Petrus Cafe --- Jacque treated us there!!! On our way back to ELJ, Elaine called me in my cellphone to tell me that Beth was calling an emergency meeting ---- it was all about on GENERAL ASSEMBLY thing. Then finally, I went home --- dropped Jacque at Tomas Morato cor. Roces (it was raining)

13 AUGUST
Friday the 13th! But it was not a freaking day though, hehe. We were supposedly to have an LDD meeting but was moved to afternoon because Beth was in Ops. Mtg.
I had my lunch at Yellow Cab with Tobie, Marianne, Hoho (the driver as usual), Ramil, Jen, Joey & Danny.
We had our LDD meeting at 2pm. Beth told me to look for another director since Unitel's CE didn't meet our budget (poor thing!). So I called Paolo Dy and told him the Director's fee --- thank God he is ok with the budget --- hoorey!!! After that, I revised the timetable and e-mailed to Ghe.
Then Hoho and I watched "Collateral" at Shangrila. But before that, we dropped Joey to her home. We finished the film around 11:30pm and went back to office to get my car.

14 AUGUST
Toppel went to our house to meet with Patrick ---they are busy with this "Nike --- short film". They went to Benny's place and consulted him regarding with the prosthetics.
I went to the gym (after 5 days without workout) and had my dinner there too. After that, I went to Hi-top to buy some groceries.
When I got home, Aga was in our house eating dinner with family. After dinner, Pat & Aga went to Pat's room. Pat & I were supposedly to watch a film but didn't go because it was raining. So we just stayed home.

15 AUGUST
Papa was surprised that I woke early. He asked me if I was going somewhere --- well, I just attended an 11am mass at St. Paul Church.
Toppel picked up Pat here in our house --- they'll meet with the female talent. After taking my lunch, I went to sleep (till 4pm). Then I watched The Buzz (Sheryll Cruz) & Amazing Race (the brothers were eliminated).
Ma & Pa attended mass at 7pm. Pat got back from Divisoria (with Toppel --- then they left at 10pm again).
Well, after I finish with my "blogger" I'll fix my stuff for the next day --- which is a new start of the week!!!

Sunday, August 08, 2004

"Creativity Is The Opposite Of Routine"
--- Belief presents: Pollinate Volume 01

I don't know exactly what to utter or how to react after watching the Belief CD (compilation of video works from artists all over the world). Right now, I am very limited with the things I do at work and I feel that there's no room for growth anymore. However, I am VERY certain that there's always a hope for change... it may not be exactly in my current job...but it could be in my next venture.

"Being an artist is being in a journey" .... "Art has no creative boundries"...


Friday, August 06, 2004

A Fire Drill Experience

Came to the office at 9am to attend the LDD Telecon with NA Clients. Surprisingly, Ricky was early (maybe he was making up with his lates for the past meetings we had, hehe). Our clients (Kerwin and Rose) chose the "Babae Po Ako" concept over "Otso-Otso/Pamela" concept --- but Rose was kinda having a second thought with "all-gay cast" tvc though --- still... the "Babae Po Ako" concept got the crown.
After the Telecon, we proceeded to finalizing the concept they chose --- from the actors to copy. While busy with LDD tvc, we looked down the window and saw plenty of people on the street, and there were ambulance and fire trucks too. At first, we thought there was a shoot but untill a security guard told us that FIRE DRILL has started and he asked us to go down the building (we didn't hear the fire alarm). So we all went down (from 9th floor to ground) --- well, we didn't just do the fire excercises but we did an physical excercises too (by taking the stairs in going down). Whew!!! That was really an experience.

Thursday, August 05, 2004

OK FINE!!!

It was raining cats and dogs at 2:30pm when I went outside of TOC --- got my Joblane plug from Arman. Since I was wearing my red sandals (w/ chinese fabric) I had to take the long way going to ELJ Building so that my feet won't get wet. While I was walking slowly (scared of slipping), I heard a male voice saying "Careful..." then he held my arm... Thought it was Kuya Edwin (Mendoza) but it wasn't... it was EDU MANZANO!!! Oh my God!!! I was head over heels!!! He was really a down to earth and gentleman person... can't believe that he'll do that to someone he doesn't know. After that "showbiz yet ecstatic" moment, I can say that I already have a crush on EDU MANZANO because he is really an OK FINE guy!!!

Wednesday, August 04, 2004

What A Day!!!

I was planning of not going to work today since I had a straight duty (stayed in the office for 19 hours because I produced JOBLANE plug). But the day didn't cooperate with me... went to the office instead...grrrr!!!

There were some reasons why I had to report to work:
1) Ghe asked me if what time I am going to work...duh?!? Didn't she know that I just got from editing?!!! Still NO SLEEP?!!!
Then she said that I had to sign a CHECK...Did I sign anything???
2) Arman called me to clarify if the JOBLANE plug's dealine was today... again...duh?!? Didn't he read my note?!? He even told me that he didn't see the tapes in his work station...WHHAAAAT??!!!??? I left the tapes and cd there after my editing.
3) Present our two Long Distance Direct (LDD) concepts and boards and then e-mail to clients after... since I was in the office already, I've just decided to present it with the team.

Well, at least I was able to go to the gym (where I released my stress and anger) and was able to attend POKLONG's exhibit (where I saw some friends) --- which ended my day bearable. And because of that, I had the energy (and willingness) of helping Tobie in coloring our LDD storyboards.

Hmmm... come to think of it... it was not really a bad day, huh???