CINEMA ONE ORIGINALS FESTIVAL @ SM!

I normally, no longer post about events in this blog unless it is advocacy/social development related or unless it's a FILM FESTIVAL!!! HAHHAHAHAHAHA! This time around it's a combination of Filipino and Cebuano+Mindanaoan Films. The trailers I've seen so far are really neat and I'm very much excited for this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (you can't have 2 much exclamations)
The last pure visayan movie I watched was Sangtuaryo (which was set in Bantayan Island and was about the life there and also about environmental protection in the changing times of Modernity). For this one, I'm primarily interested in the Film of my good friend/Co-blogger/fashionista/Award-winning~Actress/Director? Miss Chic-in-the-tropics-dot-com~Eden and also the awesome [based from the trailers] My Paranormal Romance!!! Also I got intrigued with that Philippine-Setting-Zombie-Film :3.

After filmmaker Remton Siega Zuasola bagged international recognitions for his film “Ang Damgo Ni Eleuteria,” it’s now the time for his fellow Cebuanos to celebrate filmmaking excellence via the Cinema One Originals Festival in Cebu City this February 11 to 16, at the SM City Cebu Cinema 8.

 
Among the films to be shown in the South installment of the festival are Cebuano-made “Di Ingon ‘Nato [Not Like Us],” “My Paranormal Romance,” “Ang Damgo Ni Eleuteria” and “Confessional.” Mindanaoan film “Imburnal,” which is also in Visayan dialect, is in this powerful  lineup.

   
Also featured in the filmfest are titles that recently bagged awards in the 2011 Cinema One Originals Festival such as “Ka Oryang,” “Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay,” “Mga Anino Sa Tanghaling Tapat,” “Cartas de la Soledad,” “Sa Kanto Ng Ulap at Lupa,” “Sa Ilalim ng Tulay,” and “Big Boy.”

Me+Eden+Director-Remton {if i'm not mistaken?}

Stars of the 7^th Cinema One Originals films like the festival’s Best Actress Lilia Cuntapay, Mercedes Cabral, Franco Reyes, Phoebe Kaye Fernandez, Paul Jake Castillo, Publio Briones III, Van Roxas and others will grace this big event. Of course, award-winning filmmakers such as Sari Dalena of “Ka Oryang” and Antoinette Jadaone, together with some Cebuano filmmakers and actors will also be there. 

Recently, “Ang Damgo Ni Eleuteria” recently took home two awards at the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival in Indonesia such as Golden Hanoman (for best Asian feature film) and Geber (given by the Indonesian film communities). ” It also won the Special Jury prize in the 12^th Jeonju International Film Festival in South Korea. In the local scene, the Cebuano-made film was also a big winner in the 34^th Gawad Urian—bagging the most coveted Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography (by Christian Linaban) and Best Music (by Jerrold Tarog)—and was hailed Best Picture in the Cinemanila 2010 (Southeast Asian Category).

“Brave, bold and original,” goes the description on the featured films. The talents are also a mix of flag bearers and an emerging new breed. See below for the Cinema One Film Fest Movie Schedules here in Cebu:


-Feb 11, Saturday
6:30 PM Opening Cocktails/Ceremonies
8:15 PM Ang Damgo Ni Eleuteria
-Feb 12, Sunday
11:00 AM Imburnal 
3:00 PM Sa Ilalim Ng Tulay
5:00 PM Confessional
7:00 PM Ang Damgo Ni Eleuteria 
9:00 PM Di Ingon 'Nato
-Feb 13, Monday
12:00 PM Layang Bilanggo 
2:25 PM Ishmael
4:50 PM Ang Damgo Ni Eleuteria
7:10 PM Anatomiya Ng Korupsiyon
9:30 PM Six Degrees Of Separation From Lilia Cuntapay
-Feb 14, Tuesday
12:00 PM Sa Kanto Ng Ulap At Lupa 
2:15 PM Cartas De La Soledad
4:50 PM Anatomiya Ng Korupsiyon
7:10 PM Di Ingon 'Nato 
9:30 PM My Paranormal Romance 
-Feb 15, Wednesday
12:00 PM Di Ingon 'Nato
2:25 PM Mga Anino Sa Tanghaling Tapat
4:50 PM Six Degrees Of Separation From Lilia Cuntapay 
7:10 PM My Paranormal Romance 
9:30 PM Ka Oryang 
-Feb 16, Thursday
12:00 PM Big Boy 
2:25 PM Ang Damgo Ni Eleuteria
4:50 PM My Paranormal Romance 
7:10 PM Ka Oryang
9:30 PM Di Ingon 'Nato

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SYNOPSES OF some FEATURED FILMS in the Cinema One Festival
ANG DAMGO NI ELEUTERIA

Directed by Remton Siega Zuasola

Terya, a simple island girl, is about to leave hom to marry a foreigner. On her long walk to the ferry that will take her to the airport, she mulls over the most important decision of her young life. The bizarre events of the Baliw-Baliw festival on Olango island parallel her state of mind.

Cast: Donna Isadora Gimeno, Gregg Tecson, Lucia Jeuzan, Fedwilyn Villarba, Daday Melgar, Viven Eniola

Writer: Remton Siega Zuasola with acknowledgements to Ma. Victoria Beltran. Producers: Beverly Tañedo, Jiji Borlasa. Cinematographer: Christian Linaban. Music: Jerrold Tarog.

BIG BOY

Directed by Shireen Seno

America has “liberated” the islands, and the Philippines has just been proclaimed a new republic. Every day at the crack of dawn, Father and Mother stretch Julio by pulling his limbs in opposite directions. He is made to drink a concoction believed to stimulate growth in children. Julio’s remarkable height is used to advertise this growth concoction. Meanwhile he grows distant and detached from his family, wandering around town while his parents are consumed by the success of the business.

Cast: Ian Lomongo, Pam Miras

Writer: Shireen Seno. Executive Producer: Ronald Arguelles.  Director: Shireen Seno. Producer: John Torres. Creative Consultant: Sherad Anthony Sanchez. Directors of Photography: Gym Lumbera, Shireen Seno. Editor: Shireen Seno. Production Designer: Niki de los Reyes Torres. Art Director: Timmy Harn. Costume Designer: Anna Vecin, Jacyn Esquillon. Gaffers: Tristan Salas, Dan Benosa Cuanico. Set Dresser: Wilbert Doctolero. Production Assistant: Che Villanueva. Videographer: Tristan Salas, Dan Benosa Cuanico. Stills Photographer: Jacyn Esquillon, Gym Lumbera. Assistant Director: Gym Lumbera, John Torres.

CARTAS DE LA SOLEDAD

Directed by Gutierrez Mangansakan II

Rashid Ali returns to his Maguindanao hometown after studying and working for more than 25 years in Barcelona, Spain. He dreams of using what he learned in Europe to improve the lives of his people. But nothing has changed since he left. Politicians remain corrupt, poverty is widespread, his people desperate. 

Frustrated, Rashid retreats to a decrepit family house far from town with Racma, the housemaid, as his only companion. Their only connection to the world is Andal the family servant and Anuk the postman. In his seclusion Rashid writes letters to himself detailing the affairs of his day, combining his own experience and his opinion of the radio news everyday. These letters written in Spanish are his remaining connection to the Barcelona of his youth. The act of writing becomes a refuge until an imminent war threatens his serenity.

Cast: Perry Dizon, Mayka Lintongan, Alexis Libres, Ma. Victoria Beltran, Rashid Alvarez, Bein Ali Unayan.

Writer, Line Producer, Production Designer and Editor: Gutierrez Mangansakan II.Executive Producer: Ronald Arguelles. Creative Consultant: Sherad Anthony Sanchez. Directors of Photography: Gutierrez Mangansakan II, McRobert Nacario, John Barredo. Assistant Director: Meriam Faith Palma. Production Manager: Elreen Bendisula. Art Director: Moises Charles Hollite.

CONFESSIONAL

Directed by Jerrold Tarog, Ruel Antipuesto

“Confessional is the Blair Witch Project of political thrillers. Made with a grant of $23,000, the coarse production quality is not a style statement like some independent digital films but instead integral to the plot. It lures the audience into a forest of moral conundrums and ends with a twist that chills to the bone.

“Shot like a home movie, it pretends to be real while undermining the very idea of verisimilitude by having narrator Ryan (Jerrold Tarog) give a demo on how to doctor a wedding video to make it more touching.

“The directors are dyed-in-the-wool cynics who don’t flinch from showing the unsavory aspects of their people. Yet they are shrewd enough to employ commercial filmmaking techniques to make their critique accessible. Their sense of humor makes the underlying political message more even hard-hitting.” --Maggie Lee, Pusan International Film Festival

Cast: Jerrold Tarog, Arodasi.

Screenwriter: Ramon Ukit. Executive Producer: Ruel Antipuesto. Producer: Ronald Arguelles. Director of Photography: Ruel Antipuesto. Music: Jerrold Tarog, Arodasi. Editor: Pats r. Ranyo. Costumes: Donna Gimeno.

DI INGON ‘NATO

Directed by Brandon Relucio and Ivan Zaldarriaga

In a remote mountain village in Cebu, Philippines, a farmer will commit murder, a young doctor will lose her first patient, and a barangay captain will find a girl brutally murdered in a cemetery. 

The entire community is drawn into the mystery, and they will have to rely on each other to survive. It’s one thing to deal with the deaths of loved ones, but how should they react when these same loved ones return?

Cast: Rez Cortez, Franco Reyes, Mercedes Cabral, Donna Gimeno, Gabriel Abanto, Jefrey Ogario, Gregg Tecson 

Marlon Douglas Hofer, Bernard Catindig, Aya Ng, Lito Cardeño, Daday Melgar, Ria Araneta, Nathaniel Rubio, Cara Muaña Rosende 

Executive Producer: Ronald Arguelles. Writers: Brandon Relucio and Ivan Zaldarriaga. Executive Producer: Ronald Arguelles. Producers: Beverly Tañedo and Jiji Borlasa. Associate Producers: Chantel Garcia and Donna Gimeno. Cinematographer: Christian Linaban. Production Designer: Remton Siega Zuasola. Art Director: Zalde Lapiña. Assistant Director: Grace Lina. Editors: Brandon Relucio, Ivan Zaldarriaga, Christian Linaban. Visual Effects Supervisor: Philip Muaña. Sound Engineers: Vanya Fantonial, James D'Lonsod. Make Up Artists: Klaudia, Amuer Butron. Creative Consultant: Sherad Anthony Sanchez.

IMBURNAL

Directed by Sherad Anthony Sanchez

“A controversial digital exploration of coming of age in the slums of Davao City in the Philippines. Two boys, Rabay and Allen, live in sewers and cemeteries surviving through petty crime. Sanchez captures an intimate, anti-narrative world of experience, sex, and conversation framed by wandering through the landscape of the glittering city. But poverty and alienation in Davao are also framed by violence – disappearances and death squads who seek to clean the city of its juvenile delinquients. A raw, complex, compelling work exploring the slums without the Hollywood/Bollywood gloss of Slumdog Millionaire’s happy ending.” – Hong Kong International Film Festival

“… The absolute highlight of JIFF, and the deserving winner of both the International Competition’s Woosuk Award and the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) Award, was Philippine director Sherad Anthony Sanchez’s 215-minute digital experimental epic Imburnal. Though epically conceived, Imburnal refuses to be narratively “well-behaved.” Sanchez distends and hammers his images to the point of incomprehension, but they always sing, reverberating with the unformed, fearful beauty of youth.” – Shelly Kraicer, Cinema Scope

Cast: Jelieta Mariveles Ruca, Joel San Juan, Allen Lumanog.

Directors of Photography: Sherad Anthony Sanchez, Joel geolamen, Mark Limbaga, Jose Bagane Fiola, John Torres. Production Manager: Sherad Anthony Sanchez, Jelieta Mariveles-Ruca. Production Designer: Joel Geolamen. Editor: Sherad Anthony Sanchez. Art Director: Sherad Anthony Sanchez. Sound Designer: John Barredo. Music Composer: Eric Gancio. Shot in Matina Aplaya, Davao City.

ISHMAEL

Directed by Richard V. Somes

Ishmael is released on parole after 12 years in prison for murder. His dream of rebuilding his life is shaken when a mysterious girl turns up in his front yard, seeking his help. He tries to stay away from trouble, but slowly discovers that his once-peaceful hometown is no longer a safe haven.

Cast: Ronnie Lazaro, Mark Gil, Ria Garcia, Pen Medina, Dan Alvaro.

Line Producers: Riza Montelibano and Barbara Montelibano. Cinematographers: J.A. Tadena, Louie Quirino, Herman Claraval, Alex Espartero. Production Designer: Adrian Torres. Art Directors: Elmer Gamila and Charles Albert Alabado. Production Manager: Darry dela Cruz.

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Support our local artists: me + Phoebe Kaye Fernandez [ABS-CBN MAGTV NA! Host!] SUPPORTx5 My Paranormal Romance!!!

Cebuanos should support the Cinema One Originals Festival in Cebu because it truly celebrates the artistry and creativity of young Cebuano film talents.

On a side note: Should I change my hair style? or get a new one? Wondered about it for a week na and Kay na-WARLA pud kos 'SIR' ni Ms.Phoebe...I feel old :3


Catch all of the films in the Cebu leg of the Cinema One Originals festival. These movies are produced and owned by Cinema One cable channel and the Creative Programs, Inc. For more info, log on to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cinema-One-Originals/

Photo Credits: Jaysee

By Vernon Go with 4 comments

What to do with Lead Generation Woes?

Are you having some or a few problems concerning Lead Generation? Is it the 1st time you've heard about such a word? Well, the words have many applications in various areas of engagement in different business processes. In sales, it's basically following a lead that results into a sale. In HR Sourcing, it's a lead or an applicant which resulted into a hire. In other sub fields in marketing it is also being used or applied just like in MLM Lead Generation. See the link and view for yourself so you can learn about it. Hope you enjoy the video!

By Vernon Go with No comments

Visiting the MV Logos Hope

Just recently, we were able to visit the World's Largest Floating Book Fair the MV Logos Hope! You could say this is a dream come true in it's own way because I've always wanted to see and get inside this since MV Doulos was still around. But I never got to get on board that ship because either: some weird circumstance would happen and prevent me from going there or I will, for some reason forget to go there on the day I planned to go there!

The ship's or the organizational vision is quite simple and easy to remember (but very profound as well):
Bring Hope, Help and Knowledge to the people of the world! This time around though, I was with my co-Industrial Engineers who were also somewhat free and a little bit of a bookworm/s. :3

Cultural Cafe Ticket (Not included with the Entrance)

Cultural Interaction during the Cultural Cafe

Here are some videos you can find the rest in my Youtube Channel for the Cultural Cafe Presentations:


More Videos:

• Logos Hope AVP
• African Song 2, African Song 3
• The Haka Dance -  ; Haka Explained
• Tinikling danced by foreigners
• American Swing Dance
• Mexican Folk Dance
• Switzerland Yodeling
• Cultural Interaction with Karla

Faith and International Volunteerism:
It is not just a ship that contains books, not just an international traveling community. We are also here to bring good news of God, ~mentioned one of the volunteers. The ship has been regarded as a genuine expression of international good will and understanding.

Most of its crew members are in their 20s or 30s. The volunteers, who are not paid, include seafarers, engineers, electricians, nurses, teachers and cooks. They only get sponsorship from friends, family members, and civic organization which enables the crew to serve on board. There are three Filipino volunteers on board in which, two come from Luzon and the other one is an early 20's Cebuana.

Book/s Inventory:

The ship carries a stock of half a million books with thousands of titles and topics. These include literature, music, science, technology, sports, hobbies, cookery, the arts, history, and languages. Majority of the books found in the ship are for children. Logos Hope also carries instructional DVDs and VCDs.

International Cafe

International Cafe Menu xD (Prices may change depending on location)

White Chocolate and Cinnamon Cakes!!!

International Crackers!!

About the MV Logos Hope:

MV Logos Hope is operated by the German charitable Christian organisation GBA Ships e.V. As the fourth
ship operated by the organisation, she follows in the line of MV Logos, the wrecked hulk of which now sits on a rock shelf on the Chilean coast, MV Logos II which was retired in the fall of 2008 and which Logos Hope was designed to replace, and MV Doulos which was sold to a Singaporean interest in 2009.

Twice as big as any previous ship operated by the organisation, the ship was completely refitted over a period of 5 years. Logos Hope provides a better quality of life for crew as well as a wider range of activities for visitors and guests. The publicly accessible deck offers visitors an introduction to the vessel and the organisation, a book fair featuring around 7,000 different titles, a visual presentation called the Journey of Life and the International Cafe. All volunteer crew and staff of 400 people, represent around 50 different countries. Unlike the crew during her original use as a car ferry, crew and staff normally join the organisation to live on board for two years. --wikipedia

There is also a History Wall within the Ship :D

Quick History: 
In 1973 the ship was commissioned as the car ferry Gustav Vasa running between Malmö (Sweden) and Travemünde (Germany), a route she ran for 10 years. In April 1983 she was sold to the Faroese ferry company Smyril Line and renamed Norröna. Sailing from Tórshavn, the Faroese capital, to Lerwick (Shetland Islands), Bergen (Norway), Hanstholm (Denmark) and Seyðisfjörður (Iceland) each summer, she was often chartered in the winter to cover other operators’ overhaul schedules. When Smyril Line delivered a new Norröna in 2003, the old vessel became Norröna I and was put up for sale. After much deliberation, inspection and prayer, the current owners purchased the vessel in March 2004.--wikipedia (For more detailed info. visit their website HERE).

Share your Experience!

Logos Hope will be open until Feb. 13 in Pier 1 area (Behind Malacañang sa Sugbu --viewable from the SRP). The ship is open on Tuesdays to Saturdays at 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sundays. An entrance ticket costs Php20.00 and children below 12 years old can enter without charge. The next stop will be stops in Manila and Subic Bay in the next few months.

Special thanks to photogs~lalyn and VJG ++Anamams and Shem :P

By Vernon Go with No comments

Random Roaming in Dumanjug, Cebu

Dumanjug is located in the south western part of Cebu facing the Tañon Strait. It is about 2 hours ride from the Cebu City. I've been to this times multiple times since I was little and it is only recently that I began actually documenting the trip there. It is the hometown of my mother and her parents which is one of the prominent clans of the area: the MELGARs.

It is also popular for its very tasty "Bisayang Manok", a native chicken deliciously cooked and you can only find the best in Dumanjug Town. (Well I ate one for breakfast but failed to take a picture of it since I got too excited)

Churches were one of the 1st structures erected by the spandiards --Dumanjug Church

Quick History:

It is also the hometown of the Garcias, the present ruling political family of the province of Cebu. The town was established in 1855 by Capitan Pedro Ricamora and Padre Agustin Melgar. It is 74 kilometers southwest of the provincial capital, Cebu City. It has a land area of 11,958 hectares. It is bounded on the, north by the town of Barili, on the east by the town of Sibonga, on the south by town of Ronda, and on the west by the Tañon Strait.

This scenery never changes, but what did change was there were more foreigners living here, I asked around and found out that many balik-bayans and foreigners are choosing this as a retirement place. Well I can't blame them, this place is very peaceful [except for the occasional entertaining locals running around with a 'sundang' :D] and soothing.

Town Fiesta:

Dumanjug celebrates its town fiesta every October 4 to honor Saint Francis of Assisi. During the fiesta one can witness the Sinanggiyaw Festival ("sangi-sayaw" meaning "dancing while harvesting"), a colorful and festive way of giving thanks to the patron saint for the good harvest of corn, fruits and vegetables. [It is participated by students from the schools of the different barangays of the Dumanjug] It could also be said that this ritual is of pagan origins and was later 'Christianized' during the Spanish occupation.

Name Etymology (How the Town Got Its Name?): 
The Dumanjug Etymology is quite an interesting name and several sources have claimed its etymology. Here are some of the stories that tell the history of the name. Below are three versions I have come to research:

1st: As the legend states, there was once a very brave chieftain who had a very loud voice. His voice is so loud that even in far-flung places surrounding the village, his voice can be heard. In his memory, the village was called “Dumahunog” which means “loud” in Cebuano language. Eventually, the name evolved into “Dumanjug”.

2nd: During the time when Spaniards took control of the land, the village was famous for its tuba, a strong yet sweet alcoholic beverage derived from coconut juice. Duman was the most famous among tuba gatherers in the village and raised several coco trees in the village, One fateful day, Duman fell from the coconut tree while gathering for his tuba. It was also that day that Spanish Civil Guards visited the place, asking the name of the town (pueblo) in Spanish language.

The natives failed to understand the foreign language and misinterpreted the question. Thinking why the people were gathered in grief, the natives replied, "si Duman nahug" which means “Duman had fallen”. The guards thought that the name was "Dumanjug" and recorded it as it is.

3rd: Another version emerged. Duman was the mighty king and ruler of the municipality. Similar to the 2nd version, "Nahug" means “had fallen” which was the cause of the king’s tragic death. As years passed, it evolved into the name Dumanjug.

The newly renovated plaza dedicated to Doña Josefa Paras Garcia and also the local Farmers

Dumanjug Today:
Dumanjug is one progressive town in the south. It has gained importance for the traders as the “transshipment point” and the gateway to the neighboring island, Negros Oriental. Commerce is promising in the area while other industries like fishing and agriculture also flourished.

More information about Dumanjug can be found via wikipeda.

FOODIE TIP: Also, the halo-halo stores right beside the Plaza are really awesome, you should give it a try!

How To Get There: If you are coming from Cebu City, you can 1st go to the Cebu South Bus Terminal where you can get a bus that can directly take you to the town of Dumanjug or via Hired Vans. Reaching the town may take 2-2-1/2 hours land trip. Tangil Dumanjug, also has smaller ships that transport passengers from Negros to Cebu

By Vernon Go with No comments

Ritz Azul on Artistry, Normality & Public-Service

Towards the Sinulog Grand Parade Celebrations, there are many events going on around town and this includes TV5 having their own activities and hosting “Sugod mga Kapatid sa Sinulog Show,” a gathering of the brightest Kapatid stars a few days before the Sinulog Festival 2012. Their I met Kapatid stars but due to time constraints, it's impossible to talk to all of them, so I'll post about my quick yet entertaining encounter with Ms. Ritz Azul. 


Here's a short video of the interaction (though there were other topics that were talked about though):

*with special appearance of Libotero.com xD

While talking to her, she is really soooo mahin-hin, she reminded me of a friend of mine who is some-what the same (you can't help but smile & giggle as well while talking to her). On being an Artist, she also shared her experiences in acting, taking lessons, difficult scenes and the like (it made me think, maybe I should be a celebrity too? nahhh). Also, she is enjoying the new things she is experiencing and that she looks at it as a blessing.


Aside from being a Celebrity, she tries to find time to be 'Normal' as well, spending time with family is also a priority. And add to that, she's in a way, a Politician (She prefers 'Public Servant' though :3) and find time to fulfill her mandated role on being an SK Chairwoman which includes meetings, project planning and implementation (I'd say she's already a Super Woman at such a young age and I feel like that I'm too lazy compared to her) in her area --Pampanga.


She's still quite young since the day she arrived in Cebu was the 1st day of her being "18" hehehe, she has everything going for her, I wish her the best of luck!


Quick Facts about Ritz Azul:

• 4th Final Star via TV5's Star Factor
• SK Chairwoman in her hometown of Pampanga
• Stopped schooling due to her booming showbiz career (BS Accountancy - Lyceum of the Philippines University)

About Ritz Azul:
Ritz Ann Riggie V. Alzul, commonly known as Ritz Azul, is a Filipino television actress and homegrown talent of TV5 from the network's Talent Search program Star Factor. She was born on January 11, 1994 in Diladila, Sta. Rita, Pampanga and later moved to Quezon City. She is one of the network's Primetime Princesses which consists of Herself, Alex Gonzaga, Danita Paner, Arci Muñoz, Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Eula Cabellero.


She had recently won 2 awards for 2011, the Outstanding Breakthrough Performance by an Actress from the ENPRESS Golden Screen TV Awards and the Amazing Female Newcomer from Yahoo! Philippines OMG Awards (via wikipedia).

By Vernon Go with No comments