My Place Under The Sun

Basic Studio Lighting Workshop on December 13 - 14, 2008

2008-11-23T17:12:00.000+08:00

Date: December 13 - 14 2008 (Saturday and Sunday, Starts at 9am)
Location: Benjie Ordoñez Studio, Talamban Cebu City
Cost: 2,500.00 (incl. payment for Models, Make-up Artist and food)

Learn basic lighting in this two day workshop. Culminating activity will be shooting models using basic lighting concepts using both Natural and Artificial Lighting.

Topics to be discussed:

1. Types of lighting
2. Light modifiers
3. Triggering lights
4. Lighting positions
5. Classical portrait lighting
6. Dealing with models

LIMITED SLOTS ONLY

Payment
Participants must pay in advance a refundable 50% to a metrobank account to be provided, in order to be reserved a slot for this workshop. Full payment must then be made during the starting day of the workshop.

About the Lecturer
My works have been featured in various magazines (local, national and international) including Preview Magazine, Metro Magazine, Zee Lifestyle Magazine, Appetite Magazine, Town & Country Philippines, Asian Dragon, i-Mag and Le Magazine Reverse (France). Local corporate clients include restaurants and Top hotels within the country.

For Inquiries Call

0921.566.58.18 Look for Benjie

or email

benjieordonez@yahoo.com

Basic Photography Workshop October 18 - 19, 2008

2008-10-01T05:19:00.000+08:00

Basic Photography
- Learn the basics of photography through practical applications in this 2-day workshop. The culminating activity will be an outdoor shoot.

Cost: P 2000.00
LIMITED SLOTS ONLY

Dates: October 18 - 19
Time: Starts at 10am
Location: Benjie Ordoñez Studio,
1228 Talamban Cebu City.

Payment
Participants must pay in advance a refundable 50% to a metrobank account to be provided, in order to be reserved a slot for this workshop. Full payment must then be made during the starting day of the workshop.

About the Lecturer
My works have been featured in various magazines (local, national and international) including Zee Lifestyle Magazine,Metro Magazine Appetite Magazine, Town & Country Philippines, Asian Dragon, i-Mag and Le Magazine Reverse (France). Local corporate clients include restaurants and large hotels within the province.

For Inquiries Call

0921.566.58.18 Look for Benjie

or email

benjieordonez@yahoo.com

Basic Lighting Workshop on September 20 to 21, 2008

2008-08-26T06:39:00.000+08:00

Date: September 20 to 21 2008 (Saturday and Sunday, Starts at 9am)
Location: Benjie Ordoñez Studio, Talamban Cebu City
Cost: 2,500.00 (incl. payment for Models, Make-up Artist and food)

Learn basic lighting in this two day workshop. Culminating activity will be shooting models using basic lighting concepts using both Natural and Artificial Lighting.

Topics to be discussed:

1. Types of lighting
2. Light modifiers
3. Triggering lights
4. Lighting positions
5. Classical portrait lighting
6. Dealing with models

LIMITED SLOTS ONLY

Payment
Participants must pay in advance a refundable 50% to a metrobank account to be provided, in order to be reserved a slot for this workshop. Full payment must then be made during the starting day of the workshop.

About the Lecturer
My works have been featured in various magazines (local, national and international) including Zee Lifestyle Magazine, Appetite Magazine, Town & Country Philippines, Asian Dragon, i-Mag and Le Magazine Reverse (France). Local corporate clients include restaurants and Top hotels within the country.

For Inquiries Call

0921.566.58.18 Look for Benjie

or email

benjieordonez@yahoo.com

Cebu Basic Photography Workshop: BATCH 2 on August 9 and 10, 2008

2008-07-24T17:43:00.000+08:00

Basic Photography
- Learn the basics of photography through practical applications in this 2-day workshop. The culminating activity will be an outdoor shoot.

Cost: P 2000.00
LIMITED SLOTS ONLY

Dates: July 9 and 10
Time: 10am to 5pm
Location: Benjie Ordoñez Studio,
1228 Talamban Cebu City.

Payment
Participants must pay in advance a refundable 50% to a metrobank account to be provided, in order to be reserved a slot for this workshop. Full payment must then be made during the starting day of the workshop.

About the Lecturer
My works have been featured in various magazines (local, national and international) including Zee Lifestyle Magazine, Appetite Magazine, Town & Country Philippines, Asian Dragon, i-Mag and Le Magazine Reverse (France). Local corporate clients include restaurants and large hotels within the province.

For Inquiries Call

0921.566.58.18 Look for Benjie

or Email

benjieordonez@yahoo.com

Cebu Basic Lighting Workshop on August 2 and 3, 2008

2008-07-14T18:48:00.000+08:00

Cebu Basic Photographic Lighting Workshop

Learn the art of basic studio lighting in this two-day workshop. Topics that will be discussed are Quality of Light, How to Manipulate Light and Different Lighting Styles. Culminating activity will be shooting Cebu's Top Models using the theories learned from the workshop. Certificates will be at the end of the workshop.

Date: August 2 to 3 2008 (Saturday and Sunday, Starts at 9am)
Location: Benjie Ordoñez Studio, Talamban Cebu City
Cost: 2,500.00

LIMITED SLOTS ONLY

Payment
Participants must pay in advance a refundable 50% to a metrobank account to be provided, in order to be reserved a slot for this workshop. Full payment must then be made during the starting day of the workshop.

About the Lecturer
My works have been featured in various magazines (local, national and international) including Zee Lifestyle Magazine, Appetite Magazine, Town & Country Philippines, Asian Dragon, i-Mag and Le Magazine Reverse (France). Local corporate clients include restaurants and Top hotels within the country.

For Inquiries Call

0921.566.58.18 Look for Benjie

or email

benjieordonez@yahoo.com

37

2008-07-03T21:39:00.000+08:00

4 kids, 4 years of photography, 1 year as a baker, 8 years as an entrepreneur, 9 years in Cebu, 8 years of wonderful memories with my wife, 1 radio show and 2 magazines where i regularly contribute .

Not too bad for someone who used to wash dishes in Alaska.

Basic Photography Workshop

2008-06-26T19:35:00.000+08:00

Basic Photography
- Learn the basics of photography through practical applications in this 2-day workshop. The culminating activity will be an outdoor shoot.

Cost: P 2000.00

Maximum of 20 students ONLY

Dates: July 12 and 13
Time: 10am to 5am (4 hrs per session)

Payment
Participants must pay in advance a refundable 50% to a metrobank account to be provided, in order to be reserved a slot for this workshop. Full payment must then be made during the starting day of the workshop.

About the Lecturer
My works have been featured in various magazines (local, national and international) including Zee Lifestyle Magazine, Appetite Magazine, Town & Country Philippines, Asian Dragon, i-Mag and Le Magazine Reverse (France). Local corporate clients include restaurants and large hotels within the province.

For Inquiries Call

0921.566.58.18 Look for Benjie

Sony and Me

2008-04-23T18:00:00.000+08:00

I was chosen along with 2 other photographers (Dr. Erwin Lim and someone who's name escapes me) to use a Sony-Ericsson K850i until the 5th of May and use it's 5.0MP (Megapixels) Cybershot camera and present it's capabilities through our photographs.

I dearly wanted to do Landscapes (being an easier shoot) but I was beaten to the draw and Erwin chose to do night shots, and so i was stuck with doing portraiture or fashion. A bit scary though as I am not used to the colors that the Sony-Ericsson produces and I'm not sure how it works inside my studio but this will be fun.

By the way, the images will be displayed at SM Cebu Northwing on May 8.

Mine, Mine, Mine.

2008-04-08T14:54:00.000+08:00

As usual, I haven't really been doing any writing. But I felt that I should let you know about this, I am currently being asked by a publication to take down all the photos that I took for them from my websites claiming that they own the copyright to the images.

I disagree. why?

I have not signed any contract surrendering the ownership of the said images.

But they paid you to do the job

They only commissioned me to do the work. The copyright is still mine.

But aren't you a staff photographer for the publication?

Yes. But only on March 2008. Therefore, all the photos I took before I was included in the payroll are still mine. Nobody has paid me for the copyright or exclusive ownership of the images. In fact, I am not even a full-time employee but a contractual employee that has not signed any contract.

I am still confused when I was actually put in the payroll.

So what happens now?

Well, if they do insist on taking it down, then I'll have to ask them to write a formal request or a demand letter stating their claim and I will answer them appropriately.

Truthfully, I might not be able to shoot for them anymore because of this but I have to protect my rights as a photographer. Hopefully, my clients will still be there.

By the way, here's a link to the Philippine Copyright Law:

http://www.chanrobles.com/legal7copyright.htm

Portfolio Gigs

2007-09-14T16:37:00.000+08:00

Something I learned early as a photographer was that a portfolio never stops growing. Thus the question, when does one stop shooting for free for their portfolio? The answer is NOW.

When you've got a good number of photos to show a prospective client, then stop accepting non-paying photoshoot or what I call "portfolio gigs". Some people will take advantage of new photographers who are looking to expand their portfolio by asking them to shoot their event, show or whatever. Sure you get access to these events for free and get the best seat in the house (also read as just below the stage or back stage) but are you using your time wisely or just shooting because you think your expanding your portfolio.

This also becomes a problem when you've started to establish yourself and start charging the same people who you used to shoot for free. They'd think that you've become big-headed or have become arrogant, when the simple truth is your only doing business.

But what about friends you can't say "no" to?

Well, that's your call. But I do suggest that you also charge them at least a minimal amount to make them understand that you take your professional photography seriously.

Or if you do want to take the "portfolio gig", ask what you'll be shooting. Will the photo shoot take you to the direction you plan to go to in photography? Will it be of any use to your portfolio? If the answer is yes, then by all means take the opportunity.

What about fun shoots?

Fun shoots should always be fun. It should not bring any type of pressure during the shoot. Should someone ask you for a CD of the images, you can put a watermark on all the images. It will prevent them from using the images commercially.

While I still do accept free shoots, I mainly do this because either a. I'm shooting with friends or b. I am totally bored and have nothing better to do. But when people say its for my portfolio, I always tell them that I already have one that grows almost every month.

Magene

2007-09-10T20:35:00.000+08:00

For 8 years now, I have been sharing my life with someone who's always been there to support and give all she got for her family. My bestfriend, a good mother and a wonderful wife who despite all the craziness that's been happening around her has kept her poise and strength.

Yes, we've laughed, cried and argued. But she has always kept things together. Without her, things fall apart.

Thank you for all the support and strength you've shown when I am weak.
Thank you for all the love you've shown to me and the kids.
Thank you for the wonderful meals you cook for us.
Thank you for the laughter and all the interesting things you show me.
Thank you for making life more interesting.
Thank you.

Happy Birthday my dear wife!

The Deal

2007-04-22T23:20:00.000+08:00

Things have been like a roller coaster lately. I'll try to put the more serious ones in this blog as soon as the smoke has cleared a bit.

Basketball in France

2007-01-09T10:17:00.000+08:00

I got an email yesterday from the editor of Reverse, a french basketball magazine, informing me that one of my photos will be published in an article called "Forgotten Hoops".

This photo, part of an on-going photo project called Basketball, I took a couple of months ago in the mountains of Busay. I submitted this photo upon the request of the Kevin, the editor of Reverse, when he saw it on my flickr site. Seeing my name on print still gives me goosebumps.

Back To Basics

2006-12-08T08:06:00.000+08:00

Yesterday my beloved Nokia 6600 finally gave up and asked for a permanent retirement. After about 4 years, it decided not to function anymore. Bringing along with it the numbers and email addresses of friends, filmmakers, photographers and clients, as well as, photos, notes and other data that can be put into a multimedia phone.

As I was having an early dinner with my wife, I sulked on the loss of all the numbers I had. And it dawned upon me to get back to getting an address book and start writing numbers down again. Yes, it's a tedious task but look at the benefits:

1. No more loss of battery problems. It doesn't run on batteries

2. Even if it gets dropped a few feet it still works. It well built and does not have any electronic parts.

3. No more memory capacity problems, since I can always buy a refill.

4. It's cheap!

So if you're a friend who has my mobile phone number, please send me an SMS message. And remind me who you are so that I can put your number on my address book.

Oh, just in case you're wondering, I'm now using my wife's old phone a Nokia 6510. At least until I get a new one. But then, I'm getting used to the little bugger.

Revelations

2006-10-11T22:26:00.000+08:00

The past few days I have been entertaining my dad who came over with two of my uncles for some R&R. Tonight might as well be the most interesting dinner I have ever had with him.

During dinner I learned more about the history of the Ordoñez's. Don Felipe Ordoñez was a native of Mexico, Pampanga who married Maria Lacsamana Ordoñez. They bore 5 children, Alfredo (my grandfather), Pedro, Manuel, Eduardo and Auring. Alfredo was later assigned as a Railroad Manager in Batangas which prompted the family to move. He met Dolores "Loleng" Aldovino (my grandmother) during a barrio fiesta where she was a Reina. Alfredo and Loleng eloped and opted to stay in Batangas while the rest of the clan moved back to Mexico, Pampanga. Pedro, Manuel and Eduardo perished during the 2nd World War. Doña Maria, who was said to be depressed about the death of his three children, died in Mexico, Pampanga. Auring is currently living in Canada.

Alfredo and Loleng bore 11 children.

According to the story, Don Filipe died when Alfredo was 10 years old. Doing a little math says that Alfredo was born in 1912, therefore Don Filipe passed away in 1922. Now subtracting 35 from 1922 will give us the year 1887.

All along I have always prided myself as a true blooded Batangueño. This dinner conversation changed my life. It made me want to dig dipper into the lives of Don Filipe and Doña Maria, hopefully even get a photograph of them. A little glimpse of who they were, and maybe even a deeper sense of who I am.

Don Filipe Ordoñez
1877 - 1922

Working With A Nightmare

2006-09-21T21:18:00.000+08:00

A few weeks ago, I was asked to be a stylist for a Maxim, a magazine for men, shoot. The model is a veteran and has been doing the print rounds lately as the agency handling her is trying to build her up as an international actress / model residing in the Philippines.

Needless to say, I was pretty hyped since this was my first styling job and it was for an internationally known glossy at that.

The Pre-shoot Meeting.

My photographer friend asked me to attend a pre-shoot meeting that the model's agency had requested. This is quite common, even in ordinary fashion shoots to get the people involved in the shoot prepared. Having worked with a Maxim project before (as a photo assistant), I knew that the magazine would send pegs or images of what the concept for the shoot should look like. Or at least something similar to it.

The photographer and I have already discussed our own concept based on the pegs but wondered how far can we push the "sexy" envelope. Which we found out, during the meeting, was not too far.

Anyway, we arrived at the large office building and met everyone. The manager, two production assistants, the wardrobe person, another photographer (who turned out to be the art director, without our knowledge) and a friend who just happens to tag along and a videographer.

Everyone except the model.

As a curious cat, I asked where she was and further inquired if it was possible to have her join the meeting. The manager immediately shot me down with a stern look and said that there was no need for her to join.

I then sensed that the shoot was not going to be happy experience.

We showed the manager the pegs and she basically turned almost every single image down. As it was, according to her, "too revealing". (duh? it's a men's magazine). She then blatantly insisted that the shoot should also feature the company and it's facilities. It just gets better by the minute.

The Shoot

The photographer, the make-up artist and I arrived. Welcomed by one of the production assistants, we were led through the studio and the dressing room. I rummaged through the wardrobe immediately and started going through the lingeries that were available while the photographer talks the model through the shoot.

In this small dressing room, there were already at least ten other people there who mostly did not have anything to do with the shoot. I also noticed two videographers, a video director, the art director, the friend, the production assistant who welcomed us, his casually invited friend who took pictures without the permission of the main photographer, and three other people who were just there to see what's happening.

I immediately moved to where the wardrobe was to pick out what the model was going to wear for the shoot. My photographer-friend talked to the model and as expected, the management did not relay to her anything we talked about the 2 hours plus meeting we had the day before. She was completely clueless except for the fact that there was going to be a shoot.

The model even had the guts to tell the photographer that she was not comfortable with him and wanted her friend to do the shoot instead. At that instant, I felt the immediate urge to get out of the room to grab a cigarette. I called the attention of the photographer for a quick huddle to discuss the situation, the possibility of walking out of this horrifying shoot definitely came up.

We all decided to continue and roll with the punches. Find out where it leads and hopefully, during the shoot things will get better. And to avoid boring you with details, it did not go any smoother. There was the incident where she came out with this ridiculous lingerie which I never picked out, the case of the missing wardrobe personnel and of course, the shoot turning out to be a fashion shoot instead.

And to think that the whole thing was supposedly handled by a multi-million company that's trying to position itself to bring hollywood in asia.

Aunt Genie's Breadhouse

2006-08-26T23:18:00.000+08:00

Aunt Genie's Breadhouse has been in full operation for the past three weeks, which explains my not being able to update this blog as often. The three weeks have been trying and fruitful since we have somehow been able to carve our way into the commercial bakery market.

We now serve at least twelve different types of breads, thanks to our heaven sent baker Genaro, who has been helping us come up with very good recipes. And within the community that we serve we are the only ones who place our breads in brown paper bags, giving the customers the nostalgic experience of buying bread from their friendly bakery. As my friends say, buying bread from us has become an experience.

Aunt Genie's Breadhouse is located in Talamban, Cebu City. Right beside metrobank and right across the Talamban Sports Complex.

Getting A Beautiful Lover Wet Part 2: The Climax

2006-07-27T23:15:00.000+08:00

I told Butch that I was done with my shots and started packing my gear after taking a quick snapshot of him driving Denja.

He pushed the throttle of the utility boat to full and it's front end rised as we pushed towards Balicasag. Butch stood up once in a while to look out for corals, bouys and other elements that we might hit. Soon enough he stood up and shouted "dolphins!", we all stood up to marvel at the pod of dolphins as they swam and shouts of "wow!", "yehey!" , "ooh" and "aah" filled the air as these ceteceans frolicked freely in the open sea waters. The only time I saw dolphins were either stuffed, in an aquarium or in one of theose marine shows outside the country.

Butch drove Denja just near enough the pod that they started swimming with the boat. We slowed down to enjoy the show that the dolphins gave us. It was at least a good 10 minutes that we enjoyed the dolphins' company when the pod decided they've impressed us enough and went on with their business. And we went to Balicasag Island.

Balicasag is an impressive sight, a small island surrounded by clear salt water. No wonder it was a haven for divers and snorklers a like. We went around the island once and chose were to dock our boat where the crew of the Magandang Cariad would see us. Butch and our guide skillfully docked the boat and dropped the anchor.

We, quited literally, jumped off the boat and into the water. What I thought was white sand was actually a mixture of small shells and coral stones that were small enough not to hurt the soles of our feet.

I looked at my watched which told me we had only 10 minutes left before we had to go back to our hut, pack our bags head back to the real world. Butch, Jade and I enjoyed the full 10 minutes. We sat by the beach and marveled how lucky we were to be there.

As I told my friends, "An invitation from Andy is something you never say 'No' to".

Getting A Beautiful Lover Wet Part 1

2006-07-18T10:45:00.000+08:00

Karlon Rama of Sunstar Daily Cebu, Atty. Butch Cañares, Atty. Jade Ponce and I sailed off towards Tagbilaran, Bohol last friday upon the invitation of Andy Smith. We've been anticipating this trip for weeks, we've laid out all our plans. After all, it's been months since the four of us got out of our daily routines.

"It is time to get the Beautiful Lover wet" said Andy.  Getting her wet was definitely in the iterinary.

In another text message he sent us he said "Catering at launch for about 70 people. Fondue dinner party Saturday evening and picnics and sandwiches on boats over the weekend. Guess who's doing all that?", top that with an all-expense paid stay in Panglao Island. Who could resist such an invitation?

We finally arrived in Libaong Beach in Panglao, and there she was in all her glory. We could not resist but be amazed with her beauty, her perfect curves and how the sun shines upon her. Indeed, she should get wet. We looked at each other and with guileful smiles we seemed to agree that everything was going as planned.

Our host soon greeted us and introduced us to this Beautiful Lover's owner Richard Jones and Martin of Hyde Sails. We said our customary "hellos" and "how are you?" and talked about her beauty and how she compared to anything else. We will know soon enough. "It is time", Richard exclaims.

Richard, accompanied by two female companions, goes up to her and opens a bottle of champagne. He then hands it to one his female companions, who then drowses her with the bubbly drink. The Beautiful Lover is ready.

The 30-foot custom-built Catamaran was built by Junction Boatworks and named "Magandang Cariad", a play of words from two languages (Filipino and Welsh). Literally meaning "Beautiful Lover", was launched in Libaong Beach, Panglao Island. After the formal ceremonies, Richard left the crowd to board her and spent a good hour in what seemed a spiritual moment between boat and skipper.

Marine Engineer Richard Jones was born in Wales, but spends a considerable amount of time in the Philippines. The Magandang Cariad is his third boat.

We were sooned motioned by Richard to come on board as the Magandang Cariad was about to sail to Alona Beach, which was on the other side of Panglao Island. Without hesitation, we boarded her and soon enough did we sail using the boat's engine.

The evening was just as wonderful, a fondue dinner, great wine, wonderful company and british comedy.

Late in the morning Saturday we were on board on another Junction Boatworks masterpiece, a utility powerboat christened "Denja". Yes it was ironic that I had to feel safe in a 40 horsepower engine called "Denja" and No, it wasn't a play of words but it was taken from the names of Andy Smith's parents. And so we sailed off.

With Butch as skipper, he knew that I had to take pictures of the Magandang Cariad in the open sea. Easy he went as I tried to hold on to my gear, hoping to keep it away from the water. We approached the Tiki 30 from it's port side, Butch throttled down and I brought out my camera. The Magandang Cariad unfurled its sails and turned off it's engine. With less than 20 meters distance between the two boats, I started clicking away. As if it was coordinated routine, Butch went around the Tiki 30, as I tried to take pictures of it's every angle.

I was satisfied with the number of shots I got and gave Butch the thumbs up. I packed my gear and Butch gave the boat a good throttle to our new destination, Balicasag Island.

Of Lags and Lizza

2006-07-06T19:43:00.000+08:00

I was supposed to write the usual philosophical post on how my past year was and my plans for this coming year. Yeah, for those who don't know and those who forgot, I just turned 35. But as luck will have it, by ISP decided to blow out one of their marine cables and caused the lag of all their customers within my area. So, that being said, I'll have to write that down on my next inspiration.

Meanwhile, I got reconnected, through the wonders of the internet, to an old friend of mine. I met her way back when we were classmates in our elementary class at Benedictine Abbey School in Alabang (now known as San Beda College Alabang), and yes, she blogs. You can read Lizza's blog entitled "I am Woman, See Me Blog".

Bakeshop updates

2006-06-13T20:11:00.000+08:00

Lately, Magene and I have been busy with the construction of Aunt Genie's Breadhouse. Tiling have begun, electrical work is about 3/4 done, the roll up doors will be installed by Saturday. There is still the issue of the glass showcase, the signages and installation of the big LPG oven.

Hopefully we'll be ready for the grand opening on July 1. Pictures of the bake shop will be posted soon.

Brownian Method MTV

2006-05-28T23:32:00.000+08:00

Jurly of SineBuano was kind enough to upload the latest SineBuano collaborative work, "Lami ang Guidili" MTV with Brownian Method.

Click here to watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGImMhpPuPw

The whole project took about two days to shoot and a week to edit.

Directed by:
Benjie Ordoñez
Jurly Maloloy-on
Denis Judilla

In Full Swing

2006-05-28T23:17:00.000+08:00

Construction has begun on Aunt Genie's Bread House. The workers have started taking out the pebbles on half of our garage and will start pouring cement and put up the dry wall this week. The machines have also arrived! I still have to read the manuals and talk to an electrician to find out if there is any need to do some electrical rewiring.

On my end, I was supposed to do a photo shoot for a newly opened spa tomorrow at 9am. However, my client called this 11pm to postpone the shoot because he wants to meet the models first. This is quite frustrating because during our last phone conversation he that everything should be done by monday. Oh well, as they say, the customer is always right....at least, most of the time.

Goodbye Tita Lor

2006-05-05T21:49:00.000+08:00

One of the people I have high respects for was brought to her final resting place today. Lorinda M. Carlos, fondly called "Tita Lor" by those who hold her dear to their hearts is now with the Creator.

Tita Lor was a wise person who guided me through my troubled childhood, I fondly remember how she would take time to talk to me and find out how I was everytime she would visit us in our old Parañaque home. She reminded me that I should read more, learn to speak fluently and why I should always try to look good. She spoiled me with candies, food and all the wonderful things that a child would want everytime I would go to visit her. She remained patient with all my mistakes, and only had words of kindness.

Tita Lor with her smart, no nonsense look, with her Benson and Hedges or imported Hope cigarette. Her presences demanded respect and respect was given to her by my entire family.

So much respect and love was given to her by immediate family that when she came to the burial of my Tatang everyone lined up and took turns in asking for her blessing.

I was never able to say Thank You for all that she has done for me. And only through this blog will I be able to.

"Thank You Tita Lor, you've touched so many lives, especially mine. Thank your for your words of wisdom and your patience. With your passing I feel that a part of me is now empty and lost."

Time Lapse

2006-04-30T22:53:00.000+08:00

Here's a summary of what happened in the past few weeks I haven't updated this blog:

A. Lami ang Guidili MTV
SineBuano just wrapped up shooting Brownian Method's "Lami ang Guidili". Shot entirely in Mambaling, Cebu this single will be part of their second album. The two-day shoot was fun as it brought out the hip-hop juices that were stagnant for quite sometime.

B. Sparkle Modeling Agency
One of Cebu's leading modeling agency's has asked me to be one of their official photographers.

C. Aunt Genie's BreadHouse to open soon.
For quite sometime now, wifey and I have been receiving orders for our homemade and freshly baked meat rolls and macaroons that we've finally decided to make it into a full-blown business venture.

We've ordered the machines (oven, kneader and cooling rack) already and will start constructing the kitchen soon. Wish us luck.

My Place in Sunstar Weekend

2006-04-03T19:17:00.000+08:00

After a well-deserved weekend break in Panglao Island, Bohol with my good friends Butch, Karlon and Jade (Details of which I will post later.) I was informed by my nephew Gabrielle that this blog was featured in Sunstar Weekend.

One Dough

2006-03-27T22:11:00.000+08:00

My wife and I attended a baking class today. Yes, I do like to cook and have a slight interest in baking but I was primarily there to support my wife.

It was interesting to learn what one can do with the same dough, from the morning favorite pan de sal to it's afternoon counterpart coffee favorite cinnamon roll. It was worth the time spent, as any learning endeavour is. After the class, we got to taste the products of 30 mins of kneading and mixing and 2 hours of cutting and moulding and baking, all this with smiles in our faces. Oh, we also came home with four boxes of assorted baked goodies that we made.

Instant Gratification

2006-03-17T23:08:00.000+08:00

For almost 2 weeks now, I have been fiddling around with an old Rolleicord 3 camera, which I borrowed from a dear friend of mine. In between figuring out how to use it and trying to take some good "retro" pictures, I took a snapshot of Valerie. Valerie approached me and asked if she could take a look at the image I just created.

I stopped and wondered how to explain to a 5 year old child that the image I just took cannot be seen until the negatives are processed and then either printed by a laboratory or scanned.

I then began to wonder if people will remember using film on their cameras, if it even crossed their minds that there was once a time when you took a picture and waited to see what came out of that mechanical box.

Having used digital cameras for a good number of years now, we have become so accustomed to having our need to see the images immediately satisfied that manual cameras such as the Rolleicord have become clumsy and curious devices. That we sometimes forget that these are the same clumsy devices that great photographers such as Avedon and Ansel Adams used to create their masterpieces.

This is not only true with photography but with other aspects of art and life as well.

Our need to be instantly gratified with the results of whatever we do has become tremendous that waiting, sometimes, is no longer an option that we consider.

Going back to my dear daughter's inquiry, I told her that she had to wait until the film got processed. She just shrugged her shoulders, turned and went on playing with her brother, as if to say "Whatever papa".

Kaloy

2006-02-28T23:49:00.000+08:00

I just got a text message from a very good friend, Gun nut and Sunstar Cebu Columnist Kaloy that he now has a blog. Kaloy was one of the very first people I met in Cebu when I first moved here in 2000. He patiently taught me how to speak Cebuano and would, at times, evaluate me. He was probably one of the first person to tell me that I am an adopted Cebuano.

Our friendship has gone through a lot. We've had our share of laughter and arguments, there are times that we would not see or talk to each for weeks but we know for a fact that we are still good friends. He was my classmate during the PPSA-IPSC Range Officers seminar and examination. He placed 2nd in the exam. I got 1st. We were on the same table. Go figure.

Do pay his blog a visit and learn about this cool person named Kaloy.

GoldiLACKS

2006-02-15T20:58:00.000+08:00

I've been meaning to write something about photography but I thought I'll be writing about a horrible experience with one of the Philippines' biggest bakeshop.

My only daughter's birthday was coming up, so my wife and I decided to plan ahead for her birthday party that was to be held in school. It was 15 days before February 14th (Yes, she was born on Valentine's Day) and we felt confident that we had enough time to take care of everything despite of my wife's scheduled travel to Manila.

We visited a Goldilocks branch in SM City Cebu and had Valerie pick her birthday cake. After looking at dozens of designs, she appropriately chose a Snow White themed cake that came complete with the seven dwarves. It was a triple decker chiffon topped with rich icing, wonderfully colored to wet a child's appetite. We placed the order and gave specific instructions that it will be picked up at their Ayala branch, which was conveniently near my daughter's school, at 10 a.m. The party was scheduled at 1:45 p.m.

Fast forward to February 14, 11:30 a.m.

I drove to Ayala to pick up the birthday cake and ice cream for the bash. Hurriedly, I went directly to Goldilocks and presented the receipt to claim the cake. The counterperson told me that the delivery truck had some engine trouble but is on it's way, and told me to come back around 12 or 12:15 p.m. I went down to the grocery to buy ice cream and remembered that I still had to bring Valerie to school at 12:00 p.m.I decided to drive home and all the while confidently thinking that by the time I get back at around 12:30 p.m. the cake would surely be there.

My wife and I started loading what was needed for the party and brought Valerie to school. I guess, like any parents, we were a bit tense and excited for our daughter's 5th birthday. So excited in fact, that my wife forgot to eat lunch.

We finally arrived in Ayala and we both decided that I would no longer park, since it would only take about 5 minutes to pick up the cake. I dropped my wife at the nearest exit to Goldilocks Ayala branch and I started driving around the Ayala area. Within a few minutes, my mobile phone rang and on the other end was my wife, enraged. Apparently, Goldilocks lost my daughter's birthday cake.

Now, how can a birthday cake just disappear? and if it was pilferated what would that person do with a birthday cake with my daughter's name on it? These were the questions that was running through my mind. "You want me to talk to them?", I asked. Ask my wife and you will know that my inquiry is not a good thing. She said "Yes."

It was lunch time and parking on the first basement was full. This means that I had to park on the second basement, climb two flights of stairs, ride two flights of escalators while all the while hurrying because it was, at this time, 1 p.m.

When I arrived at the doors of Goldilocks, my first thoughts were asking every customer to leave, close the doors until they answer my questions. When I entered the store I heard Magene's voice loudly telling the person on the other line "It's your third time to ask me what time the party was. It's ala Una in spanish, one o'clock in English, what else do you want?!". I immediately went behind the counter, and inside the office door and asked that I talk to whomever it was on the other line.

She continued talking on the phone saying "And what time do you expect to finish? the party is at 1 p.m." Apparently replying to a statement by the company that they will just have another cake of the same theme made instead of locating it. She finally gave up and gave the phone to me.

I was being told that they were sorry and such. I immediately asked "What are you going to do about this? And do not tell me that you will make another cake because that will surely not make it on time. " The person on the other end kept telling me what happened and I had to shut her up by stating that I do not need their excuses because excuses will not make my daughter's birthday party.

Meanwhile, Magene was talking to the Manager of Ayala branch who was caught in the middle of the ruckus. Magene decided to just get another cake to give to the kids and have our money reimbursed. She told me this and I relayed this decision on the phone.

1:30 p.m.

We got another cake, had Valerie's name written on it and went on our way. As soon as we stepped out. The Ayala branch manager told us that the missing cake was found, and of all places it was at their SM branch. It basically took them two hours to locate a missing birthday cake that was ordered 15 days ago.

We were promised that it would be delivered to my daughter's school at 2 p.m. and I left them a promise that I would sue them if they did not.

2 p.m.

The Goldilocks delivery van arrived and the cake was delivered with an additional Valentine's day themed cake as a means of them apologizing to what happened. We had three cakes all in all including the beloved Snow White birthday cake. However, this does not excuse them from their incompetence.

With a big company such as Goldilacks, one would think that communication among the plant and the two branches would be sufficient that something like this would not happen. Secondly, why don't they know where the cake went? It is not enough that they had numerous orders because it was Valentine's day. Third, it took them two hours to locate a cake between the 3 locations that all had telephones.

Now, how incompetent can a company be?

I will be quick and blame the managers and employees of this company, as they seem to be LACKING the needed skills to run a company such as Goldilacks.

Decisions...Decisions

2006-02-03T19:45:00.000+08:00

There are times when we have to make decisions that will not only affect ourselves but it will have a drastic effect on others as well.

I, unwillingly, will have to face that dillema.

You see, aside from filmmaking and photography I also run a subsidiery of the family business. Now due to some matters which, at this moment, do not wish to address I will have to let go of my employees. However, knowing how hard it is to find a job these days, my family and I decided to transfer them to another part of the business. So I held an afternoon meeting and told them our decision.

It was hard for me to face them as these were people whom I've worked with for a good number of years, some of them saw Valerie and Carlos while they were in Magene's womb. Yes, we've had our differences but these were good people.

While I looked in their eyes, I saw desperation, hopelessness and disbelief. As I discussed the job option and answered their questions, one of them asked if I was to handle the other business, I told them the possibilities and the issues that may come up if I did. They all responded that they might as well leave if I wasn't.

So here I am, faced with the dillema. Should I carry on the other business, it will definitely be an issue which I am trying to avoid. If I decide otherwise, these people will be out of jobs.

For a few weeks now, my instinct for self-preservation was on high gear. Now, it has come to a complete stop and my concscience has kicked in.

Daghang Salamat

2006-01-24T09:59:00.000+08:00

In behalf of SineBuano and Handuraw Events Cafe, we'd like to thank all those who took time to be part of SALIDA IV. The band, the sponsors, filmmakers and of course the audience. Thank you everyone for making SALIDA a success!

Watch out for the next SALIDA event in a few months!

Daghang Salamat! Padayon!

SALIDA IV

2006-01-16T10:53:00.000+08:00

On January 21, 2006 at 8PM in Handuraw Events Cafe, SineBuano will have another SALIDA. Films to be screened are:

The Witness by Jurly Maloloy-on Jr.
Sila by Jurly Maloloy-on Jr., Denis Judilla and Benjie Ordoñez
Kada Uwan by Benjie Ordoñez
Bitin Na Pagmamahal by Victor Villanueva
Mata by Cheryl Baldicantos
Pusod by Cheryl Baldicantos
Zwangtta by Michael Barrientos
Miko by Paolo Dy
Night Shift by J.K. Go
The Haunted by Jerrold Tarog

Guest Performers:
Jimmy Cycle
Aggressive Audio
Pringols

Special Appearance:

Dice & K9
Konigs

Tickets will be available at the gate for P 75.00 with free 1 bottle of beer or slice of pizza.

New Year...New Beginnings

2006-01-05T21:50:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year everyone!

Yes, I'm a little late but what the hey.

This year will definitely be a year of new beginnings. First off, SineBuano has decided to take another step by creating "longer" short films and hopefully, a feature length. Let me explain, since I became a member of SineBuano all our short films were 10 mins in length. It became a unanimous decision that for 2006, we will do our best to create short films of at least 15 mins. Not much but it will definitely be a challenge for the group.

Secondly, I will go though a lot of personal changes, I can't get into details but it will greatly affect my family and my business.

Speaking of SineBuano, the next SALIDA will be on January 21, 2005. My film KADAUWAN will be shown along with other Cebuano independent films. I'll post the final details of SALIDA soon.

Here's to more films and more photographs! PADAYON!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2005-12-24T22:02:00.000+08:00

Have a Merry Christmas Everybody!

FROM:

The ORDOÑEZ Family

We All Have To Wash Dishes

2005-12-16T01:23:00.000+08:00

A few years ago, I was at a point in my life where nothing seems to go right. I decided to go to the United States and take a breather. As with my other trips to the U.S., I'd jump off Manila and head to San Francisco, CA where my sister lives. However, unlike my other trips, I had no intentions of going sight seeing as I've grown tired of the usual tourist sights and just really wanted to contemplate on things.

After a week or so, I received a call from a family friend who invited me to stay and try my luck in Alaska. "Alaska?!", I thought to myself. At that point in time, all I knew about Alaska was dogsleds, igloos and lots of snow. Dennis and I even joked about creating "golden arches" everytime I had to take a leak and taking two weeks to buy groceries as I had to ride a dogsled going to town. As ignorant as it seems to be, this was the truth. I didn't know anything about the place. Anyway, I took the Alaskan Air from SanFo to Seattle, then Seattle to Juneau, Alaska.

I was welcomed by my hosts and they basically gave me the lowdown on what's in Alaska. Apparently, there a lot of Filipinos living in Alaska. Most of whom worked at cruise ships. I was then that it would take a couple more days to have me set up with a job. I inquired about the job and was told that I would be working at a chinese restaurant where I was to wash dishes, The Golden Palace.

You could imagine the struggle I went through during the first few weeks. I had no experience whatever to being a dishwasher, heck, I don't even remember having to wash the dishes at home. Mr. and Mrs. Tang, the owners of the restaurant, were patient enough to give me time to get my "groove" going. My friends were waiters and Sam, the cook, during lull hours we would exchange stories and they didn't believe what I back in the Philippines. They said I was luck, I thought otherwise.

I had to learn how to be friends with people whom I don't even notice back then, I had to live with what I had and the money left in my pocket. There was no one and nowhere to run to. I was alone. Yes, there were times I cried, wanting to give up and go home but I had no money, forcing me to work some more and tips...well, who tips a dishwasher? (You should)

A few more weeks later, my co-workers became good friends. I learned many valuable lessons in life from them and the taught me how to be myself. The trip humbled me and made me realize how wonderful life can be...again.

The trip to Alaska was more than a job hunt, it was a retreat from all the things I went through the previous years. Having no job and coming out from a relationship, I knew it was time for some changes. Having no friends and relatives made me re-think my life plans. When I felt I was ready, I saved enough money from tips and my salary to buy a ticket back to California. It's as if I was renewed and everything I once was, was washed away with the food, grime and oil.

Once in a while we reach a point in our lives where we it seems that there was nowhere to go and we feel that we are alone. It is at these times that we need to go out and wash dishes.

SEA Games in Cebu

2005-11-28T21:33:00.000+08:00

For the paste few days I have been taking time to take photos of the Southeast Asian Games held in Cebu. This is an opportunity for me to explore sports photography, let me tell you right now that it's not easy as it looks.

I have posted some pictures at my flickr website.

Kada-Uwan is done!

2005-11-28T21:26:00.000+08:00

Finally, the final cut of my short film Kada-Uwan is done. It will be shown on the next SALIDA event, as well as Jurly's Sila.

Jurly, Den-den and I were talking last night about making a new short film. I cannot discuss the details as they are still sketchy and have to be finalized.

Some Thoughts On Photography....

2005-11-21T16:09:00.000+08:00

Having been behind the digital lens for a couple of months now, I have learned a couple of things. Some of which I will now impart to you, my friends.

1. It is always the photographer, not the camera.
So many times have I been impressed by photographs taken by point and shoot cameras, also known as P&S. Theories and priniciples never change, whether you use the top of the line DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) or an old P&S. What really matters is how you apply these principles and how well you work with your camera.

2. Great food, what pan did you use?
I'm stealing this line from my buddy, Dennis.
When we eat, do we ask our host "Great food, what pan did you use?" or do we enjoy the taste of the food?

This is the same with looking at pictures. Whenever non-photographers look at pictures, you never hear them ask what equipment was used or what setting the camera was at the time. They simply enjoy the picture. Photographers however are different, almost obsessed to knowing the settings, the lens and camera that was used to take a good picture, we tend to lose the essence of enjoying the work of others. This is also the reason why some photographs on the web come with exif data or camera settings.

Why do photographers do this? It is in the hope to use the same camera setting in case we shoot the same subject. Ironically, however, no matter how much photographers try to imitate another photographer's work, there will ALWAYS be a difference. Which is why I have chosen to no longer to include exif data in any of my pictures.

3. Bring Everything, Shoot Anything.
Something I learned from another photographer, Ted Madamba. When you have everything you can shoot anything. Though recently I revised this thinking, because after all, you wouldn't want to be carrying 2 or so Kilos would you?

Through practice you learn the equipment you need for certain shots. You find out that you don't need your macro lens for fashion or events shoots or your zoom lens for macro shot and landscape shots. Leaving a lens or two will eventually help out your carrying load and your bag as well.

This Is Not My Day.

2005-11-11T15:35:00.000+08:00

I have a fund raising concert to host and shoot tomorrow, a photo exhibit to prepare for, a business to take care of and a garage sale to plan. And here I am, sick.

Last night I felt my throat swell up as we were having dinner meeting at Kahayag Cafe to finalize everything for the fund raising concert. It didn't take long for my nose to start dripping and my voice to start changing. Damn it, I said to myself. Of all the darn days to get sick, my body picked one of the busiest days.

Fund Raising Concert

A month ago four members of iStorya.net were struck down by an unknown assailant armed with a car. The driver never looked back and left the victims for dead. Fortunately, good samaritans brought them to the hospital at 2am.

Three were released a day after with minor scratches and bruises, while Rowena Villamor was critical. She had to under go two major head operations and spending two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit.

As soon as members of Cebu's biggest online community heard about the incident, everyone express their willingness to help but didn't know how and where to course it. The administrators and moderator's thought that the best way was through having a benefit concert.

On Nov. 12, 2005, 7pm at Kahayag Cafe iStorya.net will hold a fund raising concert for the benefit of these victims. The following artists will perform:

Hotpress and the Glue Spreaders
Andy Calope
Waterproof
Ang Bagong Tribu
Hash Browns
2nA & eGG
Manny Amador
SawSaw
Missing Filemon

Tickets are pegged at 50 pesos and will be available at the gate.

Photo Exhibit

My friends and I are holding a photo exhibit at Chowabunga at Cebu's IT Park, Lahug on Nov. 19, 2005. 

All of us are amateur photographers who have taken time to notice the beauty of Cebu's nature, people and culture. 

To view some of my works please visit my flicker photoblog.

Kada-Uwan: Final Audio Mix

2005-11-07T19:33:00.000+08:00

Ok friends, my short film "Kada Uwan" is on it's final stage and is due to be out within the month. Kada Uwan will make its debut on SALIDA slated this December at Handuraw Cafe.

Kada-Uwan (Everytime It Rains): Soundtrack Mix

2005-10-31T07:50:00.000+08:00

I just finished mixing the soundtrack for Kada-Uwan (Everytime It Rains). I got the help from the local tribal band "Balde Ni Allan" with the Kubing (also known as the Jaw Harp) and the Rain Stick.

Kada-Uwan is a 10 minute comedy film about using our imagination in the age of television and computers, and how we have become so cynical with our own creativity. Kada-Uwan was written by MTV Pitch Awardee Denis Judilla and directed by yours truly. Release of the film is slated on the 3rd week of November, just in time for another SALIDA.

Leon Kilat: Cybercafe Experiments

2005-10-22T22:38:00.000+08:00

I met Max Limpag when I tried my hand on writing. I submitted a badly written article on Internet Marketing for Sunstar's Cybercafe section of which Max was the editor. He took time to read and rehash my article to something more pleasant to the eyes and mind. The article came out as a three-part series on the subject.

A few articles (yes, I did write some more articles for Cybercafe) and some years, he continued to publish some more of my badly written articles and became a friend. Pay this guy a visit on his blog: http://max.limpag.com/.

Conversation with Val

2005-10-19T00:22:00.000+08:00

Coming home from a film shoot with a terrible headache, puking all the way from the location of the shoot to home. I immediately took 2 pain relievers, got an ice bag and placed it on my head, and went to sleep.

Upon waking, I realized that my beloved daughter was beside me. My wife tells me that my expected visitors have arrived, I stood up to greet them and go through the scheduled activity of the day, which was recording the sound of ethnic instruments for a short film soundtrack.

Anyway, after a while, I saw my Valerie sitting at the sofa. I approached her. She immediately asked "Do you feel better?"
Me: "Yes I do, thanks for asking."
Val: "Do you still have a headache?"
Me: "No. I feel a lot better."
Val: "I'm glad you feel better papa."

SineBuano Speaks Out

2005-10-11T05:51:00.000+08:00

In response to a letter written to a Sunstar columnist accusing SineBuano of exploiting a young actress who hails from Carcar, I felt it was my obligation to clear the name of SineBuano and those who were behind the production of "The Witness". Here is the complete letter sent to the columnist:

Sir Sam,

In your column today, a good friend of yours made serious accusations against the people behind "The Witness", a film directed by Jurly Maloloy-on and produced by SineBuano. In behalf of SineBuano, I shall clarify the accusations thrown to us.

1. Uncompensated, unfed and Exploited Carcar Talent

Before pre-production even began, when we met the young talent from Carcar we already made clear to her that we may not be able to compensate her but we will, in return for sharing her skill, give her a copy of the film which she may use as a demo reel in case she does pursue an acting career. The crew and actors of the said short film were fed lunch during the 4 hour shoot and were fed during pre-production meetings properly. In fact, during the shoot, we all had to take an extra few minutes to let our stomachs digest the food.

Also, during the shoot, Jurly Maloloy-on Jr. picked her up at Urgello where she stays whenever she's in the city. The only time she would take public transport on her own was when she would attend our regular meetings, which are voluntary, of course.

In fact, I recently called the young talent and she expressed that she is willing to do more films with SineBuano, as long as it does not conflict with her job and study schedules. This maybe the reason why it seemed she has distanced herself from independent filmmakers.

2. Using film festivals as a shortcut to fame and glory.

SineBuano has been making efforts to make people aware of the existence of new Cebuano digital films through our event called SALIDA, usually held at Handuraw Cafe in Mabolo. We created the event to give filmmakers a venue to have their films shown to the public.

Even before SALIDA, we had Cebuano films screened at the Talamban Sports Complex last April 2005.

We never intended to get fame or glory from making and showing films. Nor did we intend to earn from it, in fact, in ALL of our shoots we dig in to our very own pockets to come up with the finance needed for our short films.

We just wanted what any other filmmaker would want, create films and show them to an audience.

The Witness was not only selected as an official entry once but twice, once in Sine Ug Katilingban held in SM Cebu and recently Experimento 2005 held in Manila. It was also submitted in Austria, Japan and recently in the United States. We did not get anything from being an official selection of these festivals, but merely being proud by the fact that a small Cebuano filmmaking group such as ours, made it.

The submission of this film was meant to re-introduce Cebuano films to the world, it was meant to show that Cebuanos can also create films that are at par with our regional and international counterparts.

It was not meant to be a shortcut to whatever.

Maybe what the Cebuano / Visayan Film industry needs is a new way of thinking. Instead of slinging mud towards one another maybe we could create a support group where we all try to attain the same goal.

We are but a small group of filmmakers who try to do our best to promote Cebuano films. It was disheartening to read the accusations thrown against us from someone who was not even present during the production of the film.

We have not even reached the foot of the mountain but yet we already try to push each other off the cliff.

Lastly, thank you for envigorating the interest of the public in the revival of the Cebuano/Visayan film industry and thank you for taking time to read my email.

Daghang Salamat,

Benjie I. Ordoñez
Executive Director
SineBuano

you can read the published version here.

Cable Babble

2005-09-29T04:32:00.000+08:00

Lately, I was tapped by a good friend of mine to help him coordinate the production for the new cable channel that his company has recently leased. He has also seeked the help of a veteran Cebu Television director to be at the helm of the new shows that this channel will be producing.

As of date, I cannot reveal specific information regarding the channel nor its show formats but what I can tell you is that despite it being a cable channel, it will be shown in most parts of Visayas and Mindanao.

It has been chaotic for the past few weeks. TV is totally different from film. From schedules, logistics and auditions, everything's been crazy. Hopefully on Monday, the Chief Operations Officer will give us good news when comes back from the meeting with one of the biggest sponsors the channel and it's sister companies have, that will change everything and will make things a whole lot easier.

Here's a clue, if you're in Cebu and a subscriber of SkyCable, our station ID has been on display for the past two weeks or so.

The Witness on eKsperim[E]nto!

2005-09-19T17:41:00.000+08:00

We just received word from the organizers of eKsperim[E]nto that THE WITNESS is an official selection for their film festival as part of the International Program 2: Love, Fear, Sacrifice & Displacement Inc. THE WITNESS is scheduled to be shown at the UP Film Center on Sept. 21, 2005 at 2PM. Here is the complete list of the selected entries for the International Program 2: Love, Fear, Sacrifice & Displacement Inc.:

STRANDED by Maureen Bradley [ Canada ] 03:52
EDEN by Gerard Cairaschi [ France ] 06:40
LAPINTHROPE by Alec Kinnear [ Canada / Austria ] 05:00
MIGRANE by Brendan Sawatzky [ Canada ] 05:00
COCTEAU CENTO by Dan Boord & Luis Valdovino [ USA ] 05:48
DIRTY BLUE BALOONS by Edgardi Parada [ USA ] 10:50
THE WITNESS by Jurly O. Maloloy-on [ Philippines ] 09:00
GHOST STORIES by Maciej Toporiwicz [ USA ] 13:18
ZOMBIE BUSINESS by Mario De Giglio-Bellemare [ Canada ] 16:00

eKsperim[E]nto Film and Video Festival is a volunteer-ran, non-corporate travelling festival committed to screen andprogram non-mainstream works of any format or medium. We are also promoting young, unknown and less-visible Filipino independent filmmakers and video artists. The festival focuses on experimental, independent, underground and non-mainstream works but screens almost anything that is interesting. Established in 1999 by a set of volunteer artists, our festival is the only traveling Filipino film and video festival featuring works from around the globe.

An annual festival that started in Seattle , Washington ( USA ), it is now held in Manila , with screening tours in key cities in the Philippines . Since its 4 th edition (2004), eKsperim[E]nto boasts of an eclectic programming - 100% of which are either Asian or Philippine premieres!

Festival Dates

The 5th edition of eKsperim[E]nto is scheduled to open on a Tuesday, September 20, 2005 and will end on September 24, 2005.

Have You Seen A Filipino Flick Lately? or Aling Bebang Goes To The Movies

2005-09-05T11:10:00.000+08:00

What was the last filipino movie you saw? or Have you ever seen a Filipino flick?

What was the last Hollywood flick you saw?

I have always wondered why we Filipinos would rather watch Hollywood films rather than our own. The same inquiry has been posted in almost all venues of dicussion on the internet; forums, mailing lists and even the private exchange of emails. Has the Filipino cinema culture been so invaded by Hollywood that we would rather spend at least an hour in a queue to watch a premiere than to comfortably walk in to the theatre and watch a Filipino flick?

Then again, we just might be sick of "kontra-bidas" wearing jackets, no matter how hot it is; action stars, their sidekicks and their leading ladies suddenly bursting into a musical number and immediately having dancers who were just "accidentally" in the same beach ; of course, we all know that side kicks will eventually die in an action movie and the lead action star will take revenge; the rich young guy whose parents are against the notion of him falling in love with a provincial woman or vice-versa. Yes. These are the movies that sell. These are the movies that Aling Bebang would watch.

Aling Bebang represents almost 80 percent of all filipino movie-goers, she is the measuring stick of all big studio productions for success. If Aling Bebang goes to this movie, it is guaranteed to be a box office hit. Aling Bebang, the laundy woman, the market vendor, the street cleaner, the housewife. Aling Bebang, part of the "jologs" crowd.

But when are we going to treat Aling Bebang to a good movie?

The only reason why Aling Bebang chooses these types of movies is because these are the only types of movies that we make. These types of movies make money. But do not fret, as help is on the way in the form of independent Filipino movies.

Revolutionary filmmakers such as Khavn Dela Cruz, Lav Diaz, Sigfried Barros-Sanchez, Rox Lee and Peque Gallaga, have been trying to treat Aling Bebang to good movies. Thought provoking, inspiring and refreshing movies that will make you finally realize the worth of your movie ticket. It's about time.

Team E.M.C.: The Gathering

2005-08-26T07:36:00.000+08:00

After a few months of having almost no contact with my fellow Team EMC members, we finally got together at Chito's house to celebrate the freedom of one of our members who was incarcerated for two years without any charges filed against him, he simply was fighting what he thought was right.

It was good to see familiar faces. Hugs and handshakes, food and beer were plentiful. We exchanged life stories, kept ourselves updated with the latest on-goings in our lives while, as Karlon used to put it, "breaking bread". We reminisced all the things we went through, from the trainings to the events to the infamous operation we had in Ayala Business Park in Cebu. We were also introduced to people who were with our friend during his incarceration. An interesting bunch, if I must say so.

Team EMC, after all the trainings, airsoft games and clandesting operations, issues and arguments, is still founded on friendship. A refuge when everything and everyone seemed to have abandoned you.

As for our friend, he still has to go back to Manila to fulfill his duty as part of an investigating panel. Not bad for someone who was put away and relieved of his duties.

My 10 Things

2005-08-15T08:58:00.000+08:00

Here is a list of 10 things I'd like to do before I pass on:

1. Go to Japan
2. Learn and master the drums
3. Direct a full length feature film
4. Lose 20 pounds
5. Visit vigan
6. Travel outside the country with my family
7. Watch a the cure concert
8. Make sure wife and kids have a good future
9. Find and talk to Dylan
10. Visit Rome

of course, this is in no particular order. This will change from time to time as I achieve some of them.

What are your 10 things? Let me know.

Duda / Doubt Screening, A Benchmark.

2005-08-13T04:29:00.000+08:00

The screening of Duda / Doubt by Cris Pablo will serve as a benchmark in the readiness of Cebuanos to watch gay / lesbian films. Cebu is probably one of the most conservative provinces when it comes to gay / lesbian matters, I guess this is influenced by the catholic church and it's strong resistance in accepting the reality of gay relationships. While the population of gays and lesbians are apparent, it is still considered taboo and some times mocked by society. This could also be the reason why there are no gay / lesbian organizations here.

The organization of this screening did not come without any hitches, however, this should not stop us showing a film worth watching.

If you're in Cebu today, come drop by at handuraw cafe tickets to the screening are P75.00 pesos only and you get a free slice of pizza or beer. We might also pass some popcorn around just for fun.

Kada-Uwan (Everytime It Rains)

2005-08-07T22:17:00.000+08:00

Kada-Uwan (Everytime It Rains) is the latest (and hopefully will be the last this year) short film production of SineBuano. The script written by Denis Judilla is almost finished, save a few footages for the last scene. I directed with Jurly Maloloy-on as DP.

It is a story of three friends realizing the power of imagination and how people have somehow forgotten how fun it could be to use it.

It was an intresting shoot, it was a test of how much I have learned so far and where I stand as a Director. While most of the time I would prefer having a monitor to see how the shot would look like, the scenes in the room just made it impossible for us to put one in and we didn't have jacks long enough to feed it outside. I had to trust my DP which is really an easy thing to do but the photographer in me wants to see what's happening. It also made me realize the technical equipment that we need and what we are able to accomplish as a filmmaking group.

Film is indeed a collaborative art.

Tisoy's Carinderia

2005-07-30T07:10:00.000+08:00

Along A.S. Fortuna in Mandaue City, Cebu the legendary cager Ramon "El Presidente" Fernandez has put a restaurant called "Tisoy's Carinderia" that serves local cebuano food. Being the adventurous eaters that we are, wifey and I thought we tried it out.

As we entered, one could not help notice the walls filled with pictures and news clippings from the cager's heydays and in one wall a resume of his achievements and awards throughout his basketball career. And to top it all, El Presidente was actually there.

But we were there for the food, so Magene and I went straight to the food counter. I couldn't help notice the sign that said "Pinakurat na Baboy Ihas" or "Wild Boar soup". Magene on the otherhand could not make up her mind as to what she wanted. I asked the waiter for an order of the Baboy Ihas, he immediately answered that it was out of stock. Magene looked under the covered vats that displayed the signs "Linarang", "Balbacua", "Dinuguan" and the "fresh seafood" that was covered entirely in ice. I usually get pissed with establishments that display items that are "out of stock", however, we were too hungry to get peeved.

We ordered our usual sizzling sisig, my favorite dinuguan (blood stew) and 4 sticks of barbeque and cokes. Food was given to us within 15mins, steaming hot. Magene tasted the dinuguan and said that it was good and the spicyness was just right, I smiled in delight and started gobbling my rice and dinuguan. I soon took part of the sisig and as soon as it reached my tastebuds, I immediately grabbed the ice-cold coke.

The barbeque soon along with the sizzling sisig. The sisig was too spicy even for my spice numbed taste buds. The barbeque wasn't anything spectacular.

Overall, if you are a fan of the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) legend or just a PBA fan, you'd be happy just looking at the walls filled with clipping and information about El Presidente's career. If you're looking for great food that's close to everything else, you're better off eating somewhere else.

More on Duda / Doubt

2005-07-26T18:54:00.000+08:00

Here's the synopsis for Chris Pablo's Duda / Doubt taken from the movie's website:

Duda (Doubt)
(based on a true story)

How far will you go for love? A television news reporter, a documentary director, a tv producer and their set of liberated friends redefine the concept of love, relationships and fidelity in the post-modern love story.

April, the reporter is in her early thirties and has yet to find the right man. She has yet to find love in her heart and this is her big problem. She feels she can not love.

Cris, the director is in his mid-thirties and is fighting for the love he thinks is present in the turbulent relationship that he is in now. He has to keep it intact despite some acts of infidelity by his partner. This is his big problem, his partner is falling out of love and Cris’s world is falling apart.

Addi (Rey Pumaloy), the designer, who’s love has long been gone is stuck to his idealistic view on love and romance. This is his problem, his not being able to move on when he knows he barely has time left to find the right partner.

Azel, the bestfriend, is giving all the love and attention her beloved bestfriend can not reciprocate. This is her problem, being so in love with her best friend Erik that she unconsciously manipulates everything to destroy his relationships.

Erik, the breadwinner, is confused whether to stay with the turbulent relationship that he has or to move on with the promising new love affair that he is into. This is his dilemma, his family’s giving him no choice but to stay with the person who does not love.

When you begin to suspect that the person you love is unfaithful, what will you do? When you find out that there is someone else, a third party, will you fight for love? How far will you go for love?
“DUDA” is a story on trust and deception, sex and lust, life and love.

Duda / Doubt to Screen In Cebu

2005-07-24T08:58:00.000+08:00

Finally, after a month of preparation Grupong Sinehan's Duda / Doubt will finally be shown in Cebu through SineBuano's event called "SALIDA: A Touch of Pink" on August 13, 2005 at 7pm.

The film earned director Chris Pablo two Best Director nomintations for both the 2004 New York Asian American Film Festival and at the Barcelona International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. Chris Pablo and Grupong Sinehan has made "Bathhouse" and is currently shooting "Bilog".

For those who don't know who Chris Pablo is here's something from Grupong Sinehan's website:

"Chris Pablo is an in-house director for GMA 7 for ceaseless nine years. His forte in documentary directing has conferred honors to high-rating and multi-awarded “Emergency” and “I-Witness” programs. The episode “SELDA INOSENTE” won for GMA 7 the Best Documentary for Television Award during the 2003 UNICEF Asian Television Awards.
A graduate of BA Film from the University of the Philippines, Pablo has exemplified his passion for movie making. To his credits, he has written and directed several short films that are socially relevant drama and documentary advocacy. Among his short films are “LATE BLOOM” and “SLOW MOTION” produced by JICA in 1998, “NGAYONG GABI” in 1999 and “TATLONG ULIT” in 2000. These short films composed the Adolescent Educational Video Series toured around the country to caution teenagers and young adults about the transitional period as vulnerable to destructive, risk-taking behavioral patterns. The project was spearheaded by the Department of Health (DOH) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Among his other critically acclaimed works are:

SA IYONG PAGGISING – a family’s struggle to deal with a schizophrenic member. It was a finalist in the 2001 Star awards for Television Philippines.

LIGAYA’S CHOICE - a documentary on AIDS and the sex worker. The documentary was commissioned by the Sky Cable Information Channel.

SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE – a TV magazine program on AIDS. It was commissioned by the Department of Health, STD-AIDS Unit, and JICA AIDS. It was aired over Cable Channel 63.

Currently, Pablo is rolling the camera for his independent digital movie projects that would surely encourage local filmmakers to shift medium. “BATH HOUSE” is expected to wraps camera rolling by mid-November; “KUNG DI MAN IKAW”, to be produced be Center for Restorative Justice in Asia, aims for an out of competition special screening during the Metro Manila Film Festival 2004 in December; and “SERIAL KILLER” to be shot early 2005.

The success of Pablo’s attempt to commercialize independent digital video movie-making is a clear indication that movies need not be expensive… requiring a big crew to move, set up and operate equipment as well as casting multi-million peso star.

Salida: A Touch Of Pink will be held at Handuraw Events Cafe on August 13, 2005 at 7pm. Tickets are available at the gate at 100 pesos with free slice of pizza or beer.

Gino

2005-07-19T07:34:00.000+08:00

For the past few weeks, I have been doing some catching up with my eldest son, Gino. He arrived late June and will be with us until the first week of August.

It's been five years since I last saw him in San Francisco, and boy has he grown! He is now five feet seven inches tall at 12 years old. Sometimes, I keep forgetting that he is still a child.

Is five years really that long? he seems to have forgotten people and things that happened when he was still living in Manila.

Despite what he has gone through, the 12 year old lad proved himself by being among the top ten percent student in Pennsylvania state, and was tested of having a college level reading comprehension. Even being asked by John Hopkins and other colleges to take their tests. Not bad eh?

SALIDA: DOS After Action Report

2005-07-02T10:39:00.000+08:00

It was another interesting night for SineBuano and SALIDA:DOS. With barely one week to promote the event, send out flyers and a barrage of text messages, Zarah Smith of Handuraw and I were surprised that we still surpassed our 25 person quota.

After the obligatory introduction and my Cebuano film advocacy speech, the lights dimmed to let the projector glimmer with the first film. Nervousness set in. I started asking myself "Will they like the films?", "Did I do the programming right?", and other questions that come to me every SALIDA. Every SALIDA was different, while there were familiar faces, this batch of viewers were mostly composed of people whom I've never seen before.

In the darkness, you could not hear a thing though you could barely see smiles and people leaning to towards their friends whispering. The film faded to black, the credits started to roll. A single pair of hands clapping soon accompanied by a few more, until an explosion of applause filled the room, some even started shouting in delight. I smiled.

Film after film, I felt the audience appreciate the effort put into each and every film that was shown to them that night. It was a good night to be a filmmaker.

To keep their attention, we went into breaks filled by music from the guest bands. Shadowbox Serenade with its gothic / metal sound led by Christian Linaban filled their eardrums with his unsual mix of goth and metal, chanting and growling, something that Cebuanos haven't heard before. Sheila and the Insects came on the second break with their new wave music from their latest album "Manipulator", I started bobbing my head and remembering the good old 80's. Immediately followed by Missing Filemon making a come back after almost 3 years, still sounding grea, singing about being a Cebuano. They also sang "Sine-Sine" which, according to band's lead, was inspired by the first Salida event. SineBuano will make an MTV for Sine-Sine.

In one of my trips outside the cafe to light a cigarette, I was approached by a young man who said he has always wanted to be a filmmaker and was further inspired by SALIDA. It just doesn't get any better than this.

"Gutom ako", I told the rest. The SineBuano posse headed down to Talamban and looked for an open tapsilog place at 2:30am. In turns out that they too had unique experiences while on their assigned posts, the revelry continued until Jurly felt the need to go home. We all went home knowing that we've taken another step to reintroduce Cebuano films and inspired both the old and new filmmakers to make more Cebuano films.

Thank you to everyone that took time, the bands who played, Handuraw Cafe and all the filmmakers who entrusted SineBuano with their films for making it possible.

Ato 'ni mga bai!

SALIDA: DOS

2005-06-30T12:10:00.000+08:00

July 1, 2005 is the date for SALIDA: DOS!

Another showcase of Cebuano Independent digital films and Cebuano Independent music.

Films to be shown are:

The Witness by SineBuano
Pusod by SineBuano
Bitin Na Pagmamahal by Victor Villanueva
Miko by Paolo Dy
Obsession by Merrel Tabelon
Theresa by Norbert Elnar
...and more

Performing Bands:

Shiela and the Insects
Missing Filemon
Shadowbox Serenade

Show starts at 8pm

Handuraw Cafe is located at the Old Coaco Bldg., M J Cuenco Ave., Cebu City.
Tickets are pegged at 75 pesos with free slice of pizza or beer.

...here's a tip: they've got great pizzas!

Greetings from the Airport

2005-06-27T11:56:00.000+08:00

After attending to a few personal business in Manila, I'm now about to board the plane going home to Cebu. I shall write about the interesting meetings I had while in Manila and Gino!. See you all in Cebu, at the comfort of my room and my PC.

WIL and Colon

2005-06-19T19:50:00.000+08:00

...and how is everyone?

I had an interesting weekend. As you guys know, our Colon documentary is still in production. Yesterday, I finally had a chance to talk with a group of women called "Women's International League". They have been trying to wrestle Cebu's local government to put up historical markers along Colon, ironically, the government though it was a waste of time and money.

What's interesting is the composition of WIL officers. Imagine, the Chairman of Southwestern University, Owner of a chinese fastfood chain and A real estate mogul in one interview. Over pancit palabok, we exchanged ideas on how and why Colon should be preserved. Time and time again, we were told that the documentary about Colon has a social impact in Cebu's society and how important it is that we be careful about this film. *gasp*

During the interview, an expose came about. How 10 million pesos was supposed to be used for the beautification of Colon and how the local government easily realigned this budget for a more important cause, the election. How only four councilors attended the special session where they were to discuss the importance of these markers, How WIL was discouraged by people in the government saying that Colon is beyond help.

Interesting indeed. What's also interesting is that both Mayor Tommy Osmeña and V-Mayor Mike Rama were direct descendants of original Colon residents. And Rama also claims that while he was young, he was a "Colon boy" delivering eggs and chicken to all restaurants in the area after the war.

SineBuano Update

2005-06-14T08:02:00.000+08:00

Just thought I'd give you guys an update on SineBuano.

Pusod
I am yet to recieve the footages of Pusod and start editing.

Colon: Ang Paglantaw
We got some more footages for this documentary, however, we still need to interview 2 more people and start writing the script.

DM Judillo has joined SineBuano
The 2nd placer for the 2004 MTV:The Pitch has indeed joined SineBuano. A chemist by day, this 24 year old Cebuano (?) supposedly transforms into a possessed writer by night. He has submitted "Tuwing Tag-ulan", a story of three friends who entertain themselves through imagination.

Tuwing Tag-ulan will be translated into Cebuano and will hopefully be done in time for the next Salida event.

Missing Filemon: MTV
Cheryl Baldicantos of STCinema has informed us that alternative rock band Missing Filemon wants an MTV to be produced by SineBuano. Initial talks regarding this MTV tells us that the song "Sine-Sine" was chosen. Meetings will start this week.

Salida: Dos
Zarah Smith of Handuraw wants to do another Salida on either July 1 or July 9. I'm thinking of asking the International Academy for Film and Telivision (arrgh!) if they'd want to join this time. Films that come to mind for the July event are: "The Witness" by SineBuano, "Obssession" by Merrell Tabuela, "Duha-Duha" by Januar Yap and "Red Saga" by STExposure. Hopefully, either "Pusod" or "Tuwing Tag-ulan" will be done in time for Salida: Dos

Radical Change

2005-06-10T22:13:00.000+08:00

For quite sometime now, I sported long and messy locks. Much to wifey's dismay, I was hoping I could sport the hair I had about ten years ago, my hair then reached somewhere near my shoulder of equal length. But in true Benjie fashion and on a spur of the moment boredom, I went to the barbershop I frequented and had it cut to a semi-bald fashion.

Yes folks, I am now semi-bald and will be comb-free for quite sometime.

The Plan

2005-06-08T20:16:00.000+08:00

My family and I have decided to put up a second and a third business. I am now in the midst of doing a feasibility study of putting up a one-hour photo shop in Cebu and a little food take-out service.

While the business of printing & publishing of textbooks and manufacturing of computer forms are still going strong, wifey and I have decided to put up a two other businesses.

The one-hour photo shop will cost us an estimate of 10m including the purchase of machines, construction, initial inventory and training. Considering that a major fraction of customers will be walk-ins it should be located somewhere in Cebu city near schools, subdivision, banks and where human traffic will be dense. As they say business is about location, location, location!

As of now, there are no partners that will be involved in the project to make things less complicated. I'm also considering buying a franchise from Kodak since, aside from already having a name, I heard they have good after-sales service.

As for the take-out food service, it'll start with a few items on the menu, batchoy and tapsi to start placed in re-useable containers, we will also put in a table for people who could not wait to bring them home. We are also thinking of making deliveries around the area since a number of establishments have slowly started placing themselves in Talamban. This will be a home-based operation. Estimated initial value is around 10k including cookwares, inventory and initial wages for people involved. We still have to find the right suppliers, if you are one please email me.

This is what's good about Cebu's business climate. Since it is still booming there is a lot of elbow room for people to build new businesses. The market is very raw and very eager to try out new establishments and new ideas. This is also the reason why people in Luzon have chosen to move to Cebu. Be reminded though that Cebuanos are a thrifty and skeptic bunch, quality and price are always a factor in doing business here.

This reminds me of the time when I used to be part-owner of a manila-based .com company and travel agency along with my main business. While it took it's toll, it was a joy to see things come together. I had to give both up since I moved to Cebu and having businesses a few thousand miles away wasn't really my cup of tea.

What Pain ?

2005-06-07T01:41:00.000+08:00

After much prodding from wife, I finally decided to go to a Chiropractor. You see, I've had this terrible pain in the neck almost every day for the past 3 weeks, this usually occurs after having been seated for a long time. And between my day job, driving, surfing on the net and even the little writing I do, I spend at least eight hours everyday seated.

From the little fact I've known about Chiropractic medicine, it supposedly re-aligns your spine to its proper position. I remember my brother-in-law going to a Chiropractor every so often to relieve his lower back pain.

So there we were, at a Chiropractor's office patiently waiting for my turn, which by the way is painted fire engine red. Then from a room behind me, we hear a loud cry. Wifey and I look at each other, I tried to shrug it off and played it cool by going back to whatever I was reading, then another cry but louder this time.

The secretary, looks at me and asks "Sir, are you afraid?". How could not one be? When all you know is your spine will be re-aligned, but no one told you it would hurt like hell!

Silence. The crying has ceased, I could only hear the doctor's voice and what seems to be a grown man asking some questions. They appear in the waiting room with all smiles, as if nothing happened.

Dr. Pardis calls my name "Sir Benjie, step this way please." Hesitant but still trying to play it cool, I stepped into his observation room, which looked more like a torture cell with that weird bed that stood vertically and stools which were uniquely shaped.

After, the obligatory Q&A he asked me to strip off my shirt and he then proceeded to tap my back, and touch my neck. He soon asked me to stand on the vertical bed, I found myself looking for the chains as soon as I stepped on that gadget, which was made horizontal with a push of a button. He tapped my back, which Magene would soon tell me is called a lumbar tap, and asked me to inhale deeply and then exhale. I feel him put a little pressure on a part of my back, then CRACK! A mixture of amazement and relief came. Dr. Pardis went a few inches lower and did the same thing. I let out a sigh of relief, the same sigh I give out everytime I get a body massage. I was asked to lay on my back this time,as my neck was now the focus of Dr. Pardis' hands, he turned it slowly then a jerk. Magene laughed as she heard a series of crackle from each side of my neck. It was over, I was hoping for some more but I reminded myself that he was a Chiropractor not a masseur.

The torture-bed looking contraption went vertical, I felt good, Magene was smiling, Dr. Pardis was smiling. Everything was good. He gave me some final instructions and that I should see him soon for a follow-up, we paid his fee and was given a souvenir photo of my first visit.

On the way home, I couldn't help but talk how it felt good and how my back and neck was relieved.

Oh yeah, did I tell you how good it felt?

Carlos

2005-05-31T19:44:00.000+08:00

Everyday is a day of discovery for my 1 year old son Carlos Benjamin. Lately, he has discovered how to kiss. He looks so adorable when he puckers his lips, looking more like a fish. Though he still has to discover that a kiss, to become a kiss has to touch another person's skin.

Being the proud dad that I am, even after 4 kids, I still can't help but be amazed how lucky I am to witness these things and become part of their daily lives.

Pusod and the Tota

2005-05-28T09:18:00.000+08:00

We just wrapped up the shooting for Pusod - the debut short film of Cheryl Baldicantos of STCine. SineBuano was there to provide technical and logistical support. The shoot was held, as Jurly would put it, at my office / SineBuano sound stage. Editing will start on June.

My Lowel Tota-light arrived a few days ago, thanks to Bernard Villamor. It came with a 10 foot light stand. According to filmmaker friends, there are only two of these in cebu, one being owned by Bigfoot's International Academy for Film and Television. Being eager to test it, we immediately put it to the test during the interview with Valeriano "Bobit" Avila for the Colon documentary film and then as key light for Pusod. I must say that it works like a charm. It's portability and light controlability makes it worth every peso i spent.

Is Cebu Ready for Pink Films?

2005-05-17T07:43:00.000+08:00

Pink Films are films referring to the Gay/Lesbian culture. A few weeks ago I asked Direk Cris Pablo for permission to show his gay film entitled "Duda / Doubt" at Handuraw Cafe here in Cebu, he gladly gave it me with the condition that I send the plans for the showing.

I posted my intent on iStorya.net, cebu's largest online forum. People reacted immediately, saying that Cebu is not ready for such films. Somehow, I am still expecting more violent reactions from the "macho" cebuanos. However, I personally think that it is time that we open our eyes to all types of films.

If we can watch Wong Kar Wai's Happy Together, why then can't we watch Cris Pablo's Duda?

My Wife

2005-05-07T21:18:00.000+08:00

I don't remember mentioning a lot about my wife in this blog, but make no mistake about it. My wife IS an integral part of whatever I do. She is my conscience, my inner voice. If ever I am in doubt about anything I make sure I ask for her opinion.

She makes the world sane.
The one who tells me to sit back and watch the world once in a while.
She is a mother to all of my children.
A proud mother.
Wonderful lover.
My bestfriend.
She is my partner in crime.
A beautiful person who tames the beast within me.
Someone who truly understand the meaning of loving someone unconditionally.
A sister that anyone would love to have.
An obedient daughter.

I love you Magene Rivera Ordoñez.
Happy Mother's Day.

Colon: The Documentary

2005-05-01T23:54:00.000+08:00

SineBuano is currently re-shooting a documentary on Colon Street. Named after Christopher Columbus or Crisanto Colon in Spanish, it is the oldest street in the Philippines.

We're adding a few more interviews and doing a little more research.

Interesting to note that during our research at the Cebuano Studies Center, we found out that Colon was actually a residential area during the 19th Century. Most of Cebu City's elite families lived in Colon, also known as Parian during that period. here's some photos I digitized for the film:

Mabini cor Colon street circa 1900

The building at the far end of the street was where hijos del pueblo once stood, now replaced by the Gaisano building.

*if i am not mistaken, you can still get this view if you stand on the marker placed on that corner and look towards Colon.

Vision Theater 1945

A post-war picture of the Vision Theater. The building still stands but no longer serves as a movie theater.

Siglo:Freedom

2005-04-29T08:06:00.000+08:00

I finally got a copy of Siglo:Freedom which won the National Book Award for Best Comic Book of the Year. Thanks to Dean Alfar.

While I am not much of a comic book reader, Siglo:Freedom gave me a new perspective on comic books. You see, the last comic book I bought was in the early 80's. And most the comic books I know involved some type of leotard-wearing flying superhero, but Siglo had none of these.

Siglo:Freedom is a collection of graphic stories about the Filipino experience of freedom. What makes this comic book different is first, some of the stories were written by some of the great minds of Filipino literature. The likes of Dean Alfar, Nikki Alfar, Vin Simbulan (ok..ok..they're my friends but they ARE multiawarded writers). Secondly, Siglo was inked by some of the best filipino illustrators today, Andrew Drilon, Gerry Alanguilan, Marco Dimaano, Elbert Or, among others.

Siglo:Freedom is no ordinary comic book. It is a piece of literature that one should read, whether you like comic books or not, Siglo:Freedom must have a space in your book rack.

I'm Working Out!

2005-04-26T23:37:00.000+08:00

Wifey and I finally had our first session at the gym yesterday. The personal trainer was surprised that I can walk 5kms at 4.2km/hr, thanks to practice walking during sinulog and street photography.hehehe.

He suggests that I get more cardivascular workout since I cannot lift weights because of an injured shoulder.

Yes, my abs hurt from 75 crunches. such cruelty!

But I do look forward for another session tommorow hopefully. Treadmill here I come!

Salida: After Action Report

2005-04-24T20:05:00.000+08:00

Aside from the mixed reactions I received with the showing of Alingawngaw ng mga Punglo by STexposure everything went well. Programming needs a little tweaking and how to get rid of the dead air during band set up is something that needs a little work.

As the lights were shut off and the films were being shown, I looked how the audience were so absorbed with watching the films. A mixture of curiosity, amazement and wonder were evident in their faces as scenes and films changed.

The effort put into this project was well worth it, being able to show these films to the public was worth back ache I am suffering from right now.

I'd like to thank the filmmakers that have entrusted me with their films and Handuraw events Cafe and sponspors for making SALIDA possible.

Filmmaker = Wedding Videographer?

2005-04-21T21:54:00.000+08:00

I have been asked so many times if I can do their wedding video. And countless are the times I have been tempted to say "no, but I'll do the bride if you don't mind." But trying to be as polite as I can be, I often say "Can I just refer you to a friend who does this kind of thing.", luckily being a semi-pro photographer I do have contacts with people in the video coverage "industry".

I wonder if other filmmakers get this. I mean, sure, yeah, doing wedding videos will put money in my pocket for SineBuano's next project but I simply refuse to go that route.

Oh, did I ever tell you, my dear friends, that I DO have a day job?

FILMMAKING is not being a VIDEOGRAPHER!
DOCUMENTARIES are not VIDEO COVERAGES!

Salida Press Release

2005-04-21T01:40:00.000+08:00

On April 23, 2005 the local film group SineBuano,
in cooperation with the management of Handuraw Café,
has scheduled a public screening of six critical indie 
short films on digital format.

 Benjie Ordoñez, the group's executive director,
said the screening,which will be held at the café's lounge,
has aptly been dubbed the Salida and will present works
such as much talked-about Alingawngaw ng Punglo and
Binaliw.

  Alingawngaw, produced by STExposure, is a controversial
expose of human rights abuses in the Southern Tagalog
region. 

 Two of the people who were featured on the film were
murdered and killed during production.

 Binaliw, meanwhile, is written and directed by Kristoffer
Villarino, a Gawad CCP Awardee.

 The other films include The Witness, produced by
Sinebuano, Gabay: A Sinulog Video Documentary by Remton
Zuasola,Bitin na Pagibig by Victor Villanueva, the 2nd
prize winner of the M.O.V. Smart Shorts, and Theresa by
Norbert Elnar.

  "With Salida, we hope to provide our independent
filmmakers a stage for their creation," Ordoñez said.

 Salida will not be all films, however, as Urban Dub,
Smooth Friction, The Powerspoonz and Brownian Method are
taking part in the event sponsored by the
International Pharmaceuticals Inc., indieculture.com,
iStorya.net, AXS Access Value Card, Signa Modena,
93.1 Smash FM and Sun.Star Cebu.

 Handuraw Café is located at the Old Coaco bldg., 
MJ Cuenco St., Mabolo, Cebu City. It starts at 8pm.

SALIDA Update

2005-04-18T20:38:00.000+08:00

It looks like there's a change on the band line up. According to Zarah Smith of Handuraw Cafe, the line up is now:

Brownian Method
Powerspoonz
Smooth Friction

Other than that things are going well. We will have a technical run-through on Wednesday.

Salida

2005-04-13T22:34:00.000+08:00

Salida is the official event title for the Handuraw film screening event to be held on April 23, 2005. According to our latest meeting, 2 Cebuano bands will also be part of this event namely Junior Kilat and Powerspoonz.

There will also be slight changes in the program. Decided by a draw of lots by those present during the meeting (Zarah Smith, Ron Heri Tan, Jurly and Doreen Maloloy-on, Magene Ordoñez and I) the following films will be shown:

1. Alingawngaw ng Punglo by STExposure
2. Binaliw by Kristoffer Villarino
3. Bitin na Pagibig by Victor Villanueva
4. The Witness by Jurly Maloloy-on
5. Theresa by Norbert Elnar
6. Gabay by Remton

A P75.00 entrance fee will also be asked at the gate. (This took at least an hour of lively discussion, whether or not to charge)

Mark your calendars folks! Show starts at 8pm.

Free Film Screening At Handuraw Cafe

2005-04-08T21:06:00.000+08:00

On April 23, 2005 at 8pm Handuraw Cafe and SineBuano will present a film screening of Digital Short Films. The films to be screened, as of writing, are:

1. The Witness
2. Colon: Paglantaw
3. Obsession
4. Theresa
5. Serrante Serrano
6. Drugs Kills
7. Duha Duha

and Special Thanks to STExposure for letting me show their controversial film "Alingawngaw ng Punglo".

Also, if schedules will permit, we will also have Cebu's premiere reggae band J.R. Kilat to play afterwards.

Handuraw is located at the Old Coaco Bldg., M J Cuenco Ave., Cebu City.

click here for a map

Friends Who Make You Learn.

2005-04-06T19:49:00.000+08:00

I miss talking with friends whose intelligence makes me feel that I have a lot to learn. I'm talking about friends like Dean Alfar and his lovely wife Nikki, Vinnie Simbulan, Andrew Mercado and Dennis Mojado. These are the people I love being with. These are the people that I don't mind spending countless hours just chattering about while the air is filled with cigarette smoke.

Listening attentively and making mental notes about what was discussed that night. Wondering how their imaginations lead them to such creativitiy. Not minding the time that has gone by and not realizing the time of the day.

Yes, I am lucky to have such friends. No matter how far they are or how seldom we get in touch, they will remain friends. Geez, how I miss them.

Valerie's Bad Hair Day

2005-03-24T19:52:00.000+08:00

It was lunch time, Magene was at the table watching Carlos eat, while I was reading an interesting thread on the net. When all of the sudden, we heard a loud scream for help. It was Valerie!

We rushed to her and saw her with a toy car on her head. Further investigation made us realize that her hair was entangled within the wheel mechanism of the toy and it was grabbing more of it since it was still running. We immediately turned the toy off and try to untangle her hair but to no avail and had no choice but to cut the some of her hair.

My poor princess. But I guess everyone gets into one of those troubles when we get into something and couldn't get out.

An Afternoon with STExposure

2005-03-24T19:50:00.000+08:00

I just spent a good afternoon talking to one of indie film's progressive documentary groups called Southern Tagalog Exposure or STExposure. We talked about the trials and triumphs of indie films and their brushes with the law.

Among the group was Virgilio "King" Catoy who along with Eden Marcellana, Eddie Gumanoy,Francisco Saez and Melvin Jocson, was abducted by a group who reportedly identified themselves as "Alsa Masa" while investigating alleged Human Rights violations in . King, Francisco and Melvin survived the ordeal while the two were later found dead.

Eden was secretary general of the Southern Tagalog office of the human rights group KARAPATAN while Eddie was Chairperson of the peasant group KASAMA-TK.

We also talked about being able to share our work for free and how my group, SineBuano, and STExposure link up to create awareness about indie films.

It was an interesting talk, I must say and it inspired to continue trying to reintroduce Cebuano films to the Cebuanos. And try to do it as FREE as possible, no matter where the venue might be.

Codename: Bugoy Update

2005-03-19T22:53:00.000+08:00

We have just concluded our first pre-production meeting for SineBuano's next short film called Codename: Bugoy, to be directed by yours truly and written by Jurly Maloloy-on and I. This is probably the first Cebuano digital action/comedy short film.

We already have our main cast, our problem now is getting the permits for the locations and finalizing shoot schedules. We intend to push the limit of Cebuano indie filming by using technologies such as green screening and split screens.

Being a martial arts fan, expect some of it to come out in the action sequences.

Codename:Bugoy, the agent everyone forgets.

Public Screening in Talamban feat. Cebuano Digital Short Films

2005-03-17T21:58:00.000+08:00

Brgy. Talamban and SineBuano have linked up to screen Cebuano Digital Short Films for the months of March and April, every Friday at 8pm at the Talamban Sports Complex. This is in junction with the barangay's Fiesta Cinemax.

To be shown are the following Cebuano Short Films:

1. Carlo Borromeo's The Witness, directed by Jurly Maloloy-on
2. Duha Duha, directed by Januar Yap
3. Obessession, directed by Merrel Tabuela
4. Serante Serrano, directed by Frank Calmita
5. Colon: Ang Paglantaw, directed by Jurly Maloloy-on

In behalf of SineBuano, I'd like to thank the filmmakers who have submitted their films for this free public screening. If you have a Digital Cebuano film and would like to participate please do not hesitate to send me an email.

Teach. Learn. Grow.

The Art of Saying "NO"

2005-03-17T07:12:00.000+08:00

For one reason or another, we Filipinos find it hard to say "No". Either we beat around the bush or we just laugh. Why is it that we can't say this two-letter word? Would it be because we are afraid that people might think of us negatively? or that they would not approach us ever again?

Whatever it is, I think it's just right that people think before they ask anything from us. People sometimes have the tendency to keep asking you for favors just because they know it's your expertise or simply because they know you can do it. That is, without considering the fact that you might have something else to do or maybe just the fact that you have something called "life' to live.

Learning to say "No" is not that bad at all. While people may become aloof, which by the way isn't such a bad thing, it'll make them become more considerate.

Mantawi Festival Documentary Competition: The Draft

2005-03-11T08:59:00.000+08:00

I had a meeting with Cheryl Ouano and Ted Madamba at the Mandaue City Hall regarding the Mantawi Festival Documentary Competition. They gave me the lowdown on what they want to happen with the competition and what the expected results should be.

Yes folks, I will be the Chairman for this competition and will be the over-all co-chair for Documentation of the said event. It's a rather big task since It'll be my first time to organize a competition this big.

Anyway, since I am tasked to create the guidelines for the competition, I shall post the draft on this blog:

Mantawi Festival Documentary Competition 2005 Draft

Guidelines

- All filmmakers are eligible to join.

- Competitors must have completed and/or submitted the following:

1. A duly accomplished registration form.

2. A recent 2x2 photo of the filmmaker/s

3. Registration fee of 350 pesos per camera used.

- The filmmakers will be required to attend a one-day briefing with the organizers of this competition. Date of the briefing will be announced soon.

- Deadline of submission of entries is on June 4, 2005.

- Awarding will be on June 15, 2005.

Rules and Regulations

- All films must be in English or subtitled in English

- Films in competition must not have had a commercial distribution or broadcast, in part or in its entirety.

- Films must not be more than 50 minutes total running time.

- Music used in the films must be original, licensed or in the public domain.

- The completed work must be submitted in DVD format on or before June 4, 2005 5:00pm to the Mantawi Festival Documentary Competition Secretariat.

- Entries should be labeled properly with the following information:

1. Title of the documentary

2. Full name of the Director

3. Full name of the Producer

4. Contact Numbers of the Filmmakers

5. Total Running Time

- The organizers of this competition and the City of Mandaue reserve all intellectual property rights to show and distribute all entries.

- The organizers, committee heads and the City of Mandaue will not be liable for the loss or damage of DVDs in transit.

- In case of loss or damage of the DVDs, the filmmakers are obligated to submit another copy to the organizers of this competition.

- The organizers of this competition and the City of Mandaue reserve the right to refuse or disqualify any entry it deems have not completed the requirements mentioned above.

- Winners of the competition will be notified and are required to attend the awarding ceremony.

As soon as things get finalized, I shall post the dates and the final guidelines as well as some information regarding the competition.

The Anthology

2005-03-09T22:11:00.000+08:00

Sit down, listen to the piano, have some cognac (a.k.a. Fundador) and maybe some chocolates in the living room of a Jewish mother and his son as they tell you their obessesion of Music and the Jewish people, relive the horrible past of the holocaust.

This is "The Anthology", a very entertaining interactive play that was staged at the Marcelo Fernan Press Center by the Cebu Arts Council.

I was amazed at how interactive this play was, it broke down the imaginary wall usually taught to isolate the actors from the audience as both characters walked around the theater, served cognac (actually, it was Fundador) and chocolates, and even went all the way to the console booth. While they talked about the Jewish people and how it was to live during World War II.

The ending was a surprise. As the lights dimmed, the mother was playing the piano and the son asleep on top of it, she asked that the audience leave the theater quietly as to not to disturb the sleeping son. It kind of reminded you of visiting a relative with an overactive son.

The Marcelo Fernan Press Center was a perfect choice for this play.

EGG by Ramon Del Prado

2005-03-09T11:42:00.000+08:00

EGG, a 2-D animation short film by De Lasalle graduate Ramon Del Prado.

The story revolves around a chicken egg who is misplaced into a duck egg tray and outcasted by other eggs.

The treatment of this animation is very Filipino,even how the dialogues are delivered was very Filipino. This is the type of animation that filmmakers should be aiming for.

From a recent discussion with the director, he says that he is thinking of redubbing the film to Cebuano.

EGG by the way won best film during the Indeo awards last Oct. 2004 and was the director's first attempt to create a 2-d computer generated animation for his undergraduate thesis.

A Challenge to Cebuano Filmmakers

2005-03-09T01:59:00.000+08:00

It's time that we all unify our efforts and promote Cebuano films as one. I dare you to take out your agendas and create what is good for the community and not just for your group. I also dare you to sit down and talk about what is good for the community without asking whether you or your group be exalted.

I also dare you to create :

1. Films for Children
2. Cebuano Animation
3. Feature Film

yes, I dare you, the community of Cebuano Filmmakers to act NOW!

Public Screening for SineBuano

2005-03-07T22:16:00.000+08:00

I just came from a meeting with the manager of Handuraw resto/bar, she told me about her film showing on March 12, 2005 at 8:00pm. Expect "The Witness" and "Colon: The Documentary" to be shown.

Also, I will be talking to the Brgy. Captain of Talamban, Cebu to give cebuano films participation on their libreng Cinemax project. This is a free film showing every friday for the months of March and April at the Talamban Sports Complex.

SineBuano films on DVD soon!

2005-03-05T23:25:00.000+08:00

yes folks, we just had a meeting today and we all agreed that SineBuano should release a compilation of its best short films on DVD. Its purpose is to compensate the actors and hopefully pay for the upcoming productions of SineBuano.

There are no definite plans on how to market as of writing.

Right now, all SineBuano efforts will concentrate on the upcoming action/comedy short "CodeName:Bugoy".

Festival Angst (?)

2005-03-03T23:24:00.000+08:00

Imagine a festival in a 180 seater cinema with only 20, maybe less, viewers. And half of those were the speakers themselves, the volunteers and staff of the event and 2-5 paying viewers.

Why did this happen?
It's finals week. The base market audience, the students, are too busy thinking about failing from their subject than wondering what the symbolisms of a particular shot meant. With at least 600+ mass communication students from all over Cebu City, losing them will mean certain death for a festival.

Now, do this 7 times. That will mean definite business loss for the cinema complex.

2 weeks preparation was not enough. This should've been thoughtout well before the job of organizing was even accepted. It's not enough that you were able to do this, what's important is whether or not the goal was achieved.

.Mov Festival Today

2005-03-02T09:00:00.000+08:00

.Mov press release

Filmless Films, Inc., the leader in digital film revolution in the Philippines, in cooperation with Cebu Filmmakers’ Society (Foundation), Inc., is holding the 2nd .MOV: International Digital Film Festival at SM City-Cebu on March 2 to 8, 2005.

The “Queen City of the South” was chosen to be the host city of the much-awaited event in hopes of promoting local tourism alongside digital filmmaking.

.MOV is proudly the FIRST Digital Film Festival in the Philippines. Its aim is to establish digital cinema as the near future of Philippine cinema. This is the Filipino’s response to the call of the Digital Revolution, which has been altering the terrain of World Cinema this new millennium.

The first ever .MOV, in cooperation with Ayala Theatres Management, Inc., was staged last January 23 to 30, 2002 at Greenbelt Art Film. It was a huge success and soon, thereafter, became a much anticipated event by savvy cineastes made up of students, professionals and, of course, filmmakers.

.MOV will showcase both foreign and local full-length digital films. It will also feature short films (narrative, experimental, animation, documentary, and music video) by local and foreign filmmakers, workshops on digital filmmaking and SILVERSHORTS –an independent short film competition.

For this year, a new partnership between Filmless Films and SMART Communications, Inc. will emerge through SMART CUTS, a 60-minute short film competition.

Two Cebuanos, Kristoffer Villarino (“Piso” for SMART Cuts & “Binaliw” for Silvershorts) and Victor Louie Villanueva (“Bitin sa Pagmamahal” for SMART Cuts) emerged as finalists. Awarding will be on March 7, 2005, 7pm at SM Cinema 1.

Cebu Film Society, which also iniated the campaign to help revive the Cebuano film industry, saw this event as an instrument and another venue in its continued effort towards its cause. There will be Cebuano works which will be shown in the event, including the grand winner of the First Annual Sinulog Documentary Competition held last January during the Sinulog Festival.

.MOV will extend the Film Festival to Megamall-Manila on March 9 to 15, 2005.

For more information, pls. contact Chits Jimenez at 0917-8211093/info@movfest.com or Ron Heri Tan at 09277129205 or call Cebu Film Society Office No. 032-2563162.

Note: I was taken aback by CFS's claim that they initiated the campaign to help revive the Cebuano Film Industry. As I recall, CFS didn't even think about the "campaign" before Sinebuano's initiative through its TV show.

Transferring my Photoblog

2005-02-27T22:13:00.000+08:00

I finally got tired of theblogger.net's page errors and decided to slowly transfer my photoblog to flickr.com. Here's the link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/benjieordonez.

Please bear with me for a couple of weeks as I slowly transfer my old photos to the new site.

What made me decide to transfer to flickr.com?

- No limit on the number of pictures that can be uploaded. Though limited to only 10MB transfer per month, there is no storage space limit.

- Easier organization of photos using their organizr tool.

- Easy uploading of multiple photos

benjieordonez.com

2005-02-27T22:06:00.000+08:00

I'm now in the process of creating our family website at http://www.benjieordonez.com. Yes, I finally got my own domain. Pity that ordonez.com wasn't available. What's in there? Well, you get the 411 on the Ordoñez clan. Today, I uploaded Val's page and will be working on Carlos's in the coming weeks. Of course, updates will exclusively be posted here.

Nude

2005-02-22T16:05:00.000+08:00

It has always been a challenge for me to shoot nudes. How to highlight the curves and lines of the human body has always escaped my newly-formed photographic eye. But it does amaze me how each curve, joint and line can turn into a fluid work of art.

As I struggled with compensating my aperture and shutter speed, I can't help but wonder how such intricate figures were built. The curves on the human body (no matter how many) are flawless by nature. The lines that create the highlights and tones of the body structure are enough cause to have it recorded by a photograph.

Mantawi Festival Documentary Competition

2005-02-21T19:39:00.000+08:00

I received a call from Ted Madamba telling me that I am being considered to chair the Mantawi Festival Documentary Competition which will be held sometime this May.

Apparently, the city government of Mandaue wants to replicate the documentary competition that was held during the Sinulog festival. Will I accept the chairmanship? I really don't know. Otherwise, I will bring all members of SineBuano aboard to help out.

Hmm..May, still a lot of time to work out things such as sponsorships and logistics.

Cebu Divided

2005-02-17T05:32:00.000+08:00

A couple of legislators think that by dividing the province of Cebu will mean faster progress for certain municipalities outside the metro. I guess they didn't have anything better to do. How did it go?

INT. Session Hall. Day

The congressmen are having a session. Tongressman #1 taps the shoulder of Tongressman #2.

Tongressman #1
"Hey, we don't seem to have any new legislation."

Tongressman #2
"I know! let's cut up a small province!"

Tongressman #1
"Hmmm...but wouldn't that... aaah what the heck! sure! I'm in!"

Tongressman #2
"Just think, more provinces will mean more Country Development Fund for us"

Tongressman #1
"Yeah! And we'll make them think they need it for independence! Let's tell the Tomas about this new plan!"

CUT TO:

INT. CITY HALL. DAY

Tongressman #1
"....and Tommy, we really think it's about time that the other provinces have their own identity"

Tongressman #2
"Yes, and we also believe that it will mean progress for these municipalities"

Mayor Osmeña
"As much as I respect your opinions..."

Mayor Osmeña reaches back and slaps the heads of the two Tongressmen.

Mayor Osmeña (CONT'D)
"I think you two should stop smoking, smoke is getting to your heads!"

To quote a post from a forum:

Talking about Provincial Secession:

First of all I want to say all those three cebuano ligislators have no idea what it takes to do a provincial secession.

They don't know that it's going to cost probably in the billions of pesos just to do a feasibility study. Where are they going to get the money? For sure Cebu wouldn't be willing to pay for it.

How about the areas that wants to secede from Cebu? Can they afford to buy back the infrastructure that Cebu has already constructed? Can they afford to maintain it?

How about public utilities? Cable, Telephone, Water, Power and Gas? Will they be willing to pay more for utility fees?

How about sewer or storm drain fees if there are any?

How about public services like police, fire department, trash collectors and the like?

I'm sure Cebu is going to get it's money back from the separating body in the form of assessment, tranfer taxes or other fees.

Can the separating body sustain on it's own?

One thing for sure these three legislators have to prove that they are not going to make it's citizens life misearable.

Will the separating body have enough commmerce to generate enough revenue to maintain or improve it's own?

I say good luck to those legislators!

Struggling with Words

2005-02-17T05:24:00.000+08:00

I'm stuck on page 3. The lack of inspiration got the better of my somewhat creative talent. What will I do? what will the lead character do next? how will his first encounter with the villain happen? aargh!

I'll probably resolve this by watching a few movies of that genre and hopefully get enough ideas to get me going.

.Mov pushes through in Cebu

2005-02-11T09:50:00.000+08:00

.MOV 2005 Internation Digital Film Festival is slated on March 2-8 to be held again at SM Cinemas 1 and 4. Here's an article from the .MOV website

The second .MOV International Digital Film Festival will be moved to March 2 to 8, 2005 at the SM Cinemas in Cebu City, organizers revealed at a press conference here today.
The change in schedule from the original December 1 to 7 is primarily due to a strong clamor from filmmakers and enthusiasts to have a simultaneous staging in Manila after the final line-up of entries made by local and foreign filmmakers was completed and the facilitators on the digital filmmaking workshop were confirmed. Thus, .MOV will also screen selected film entries and conduct similar workshops in SM Megamall on March 9 to 15, 2005.

However, the deadlines for SMART CUTS, the newly launched 60- second short film competition sponsored by leading wireless services provider Smart Communications Inc., and SILVERSHORTS, a competition for Best Philippine Short Film and Best SouthEast Asian Short Film, were not extended. Selection of the ten most outstanding works for both categories will still push through on November 20.

The other featured categories in .MOV are Philippine Digital Features, Southeast Asian Digital Features, World Documentaries, and a selection of seminal digital works from around the globe.

.MOV, which aims to promote and advance digital filmmaking in the country and to establish it as the future of Philippine cinema, intends to reach out to more students, professors, film practitioners, filmmakers, and cineastes in the most effective way and in the largest possible venue.

Organized by independent production company Filmless Films, the festival showcases innovative films from independent filmmakers, empowered by new digital production tools such as digital video cameras, non-linear editing systems, digital audio and visual effects software and hardware.

"This is the Filipino's response to the call of the Digital Revolution, which has been continuously altering the terrain of World Cinema during the past few years." said Festival Director Khavn De La Cruz.

To encourage more participation from student filmmakers, .MOV conducted campus tours in more than 75 colleges and universities in Metro Manila, Baguio, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, La Union, Laguna, Legaspi, Lucena, Naga, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bacolod, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao.

In line with the March festival, Filmless Films will conduct more seminars on Digital Filmmaking in the Philippines and film screenings of Silvershorts 2002 Top Ten Finalists in the following colleges and universities in Cebu: University of the Philippines, Cebu Normal University, Southwestern University, University of San Jose-Recoletos, St. Theresa's College, University of San Carlos, University of the Visayas and University of Cebu.

Cueshe

2005-02-01T21:05:00.000+08:00

A local artist management organization has tapped me to take photos of a new band named Cueshe. From what they tell me, they are supposed to be an "Alternative Showband"...errr...ok.

Anyway, a meeting is set for tommorow to familiarize myself with the band and to start building our rapport.

Project:Genesis

2005-02-01T20:51:00.000+08:00

For a long time I have delayed the planning and execution of Project:Genesis. The project, slated on August, is a public screening of Visayan short films in schools and have one indie director interact with the students for a Q&A.

My first step is collecting as many short films as I can and screen which ones SineBuano will bring during the tour. Aside from the Visayan short films, SineBuano will also give tagalog short films exposure in Cebu. I have been promised by Kidlat de Guia and Kiri Dalen that they will send their films for showing, of course "The Witness" will be shown. I need some more.

I have also talked to people whose primary function is to get the sponsors we need to run the show. As usual, updates will be posted here.

By August there will be another public screening by the Revive Cebu Films Movement and an "international" film festival by Ron Heri Tan's Cebu Filmmakers Society.