Thinking Out Loud: On Wenn Deramas vs Alfonso Martinez

I wonder If Alfonso Martinez's dad had not been the director of Rosario and a contender for the best Director tilt in the recently concluded MMFF, would he have the same rants towards the festival and to Direk Wenn Deramas?

The former child star, who played Tito Aga's silent pamangkin, blurted out in his Twitter page: "i am sorry, but how the f*** can a shallow, stupid and over milked movie win best director? Apparently to the magical MMFF grading system, the pinnacle of Philippine cinema is a brainless, rehashed, slapstick movie that would be the laughing stock of any filmfest outside the Phil!' OH WAIT! I guess the movie is successful after all.", which then earned an equally harsh reaction from Wenn Deramas, "Pagkatapos kong mabasa kanina ung tweet ng anak ni albert martinez, sinabi ko sa sarili ko na Pag aaralin ko ng husay ang mga anak ko sa paaralang Itinuturo ang PAGTANGGAP NG MALUWAG SA DIBDIB KAPAG NATATALO!!!," he posted.

He further added in his Facebook post:""IPAGPATAWAD NINYO FRIENDS NA HINDI KO MASUNOD ANG PAYONG DEADMAHIN, HWAG PATULAN, Kasi hindi naman kayo ang NILAIT ANG TRABAHO...TRABAHONG PINAGPUPUYATAN, PINAG IISIPAN, MARAMING UMAASANG TAO SA AKIN KAYA NAPAKA IMPORTANTE NG TRABAHONG ITO SAKIN!!! WALANG KARAPATAN ANG SINUMAN NA LAITIN ITO LALO PA'T WALA KANG ALAM!!!"

It was quite understable for Wenn Deramas to react that way. After all, like what he said, it was his work that was lambasted--not ours. A film that he has worked hard for, maybe gave their best, their time and their efforts so they may be able to come up with a funny and entertaining film catering to the humor and highly accepted by the Filipino masses. It was understandable. But if it was also the reason for questioning the way Alfonzo was raised and educated by his parents, then that's another story.

Alfonzo as I see it, is just another movie goer, trying to be a film critic, and just like everybody who had their share of opinions after watching the films of the festival, he was entitled to his opinion--regardless how he presents it. The sad thing is that, he happens to be the son of Albert who was a potential winner but was never even recognized, hence this being a sensation. And in this light, as I say, Alfonzo is just one of the many others who were disappointed, somehow, of the turn out of the festival. I myself included.

I would only deal with Rosario and Tanging Ina and try not to include the other festival films because (1) these two are the two being compared ib this issue and (2) I was only able to watch the two films plus Dalaw. It's unfair to compare with very little information much more when I did not even watch it. Rosario was based on a true story as told by Manny Pangilinan. It was about Rosario, a liberated woman who came from New York and was thriving in a society of then the conservative Philippines. She was a stark contrast of her environment and the people amidst her. It was a fresh story for most of us because previous period films about the Philippines that were produced mostly depicted how the women moved around back in the olden days--conservative and often passive.

Costumes and production design were well thought of. Even the locations that they chose were apt of the period that they were depicting. The characters attributes speak so much about their niches in the film-- Jennylyn in her russian red lippie, Isabel in her nude, almost bare make up look and who would dare smirk on Salvador Dali-ish mustache of Ipe? His character commands respect even if for the most part, I know , people watched the film got distracted.

Screenplay and script-wise, since the film was adapted, I can only guess which parts were tweaked just so it would be appealing and the development of the story would be achieved but the writers did a very good job. No character was gone to waste, except maybe for Rita Avila and her inconsistent and trying-hard-to-sound-Chinese accent, all of the characters were crucial to how Rosario was molded in the film/story. Jennylyn Mercado, in all fairness, gave justice to what the character was demanding. I really could not think of anyone would could have played the role other than her which saddens me after watching the film that she was not even, NOT even part of the nominees. Too bad, I was not able to watch Carla Abellana and Marian RIvera in their respective entries so I can very well understand why Jen was not even nominated, but then again, that's another blog post.

On the other hand, the well lauded Tanging Ina could not boast much about what I have mentioned. They live in the 'Now' so the things they wore and the location they moved around were nothign pectacular. They, again, depicted the usual Filipino family--forgetting the fact that Ina was once the President of the Republic, but their kapitbahay would barge into their house shouting at the top of their lungs asking for the money that one of her kids owe from them just like any other family in their neighborhood.

What was the 'major major' part for? And I understand that this is a Major comedy film, how on earth can three exact look alike of your 3 dead husbands would end up in a cemetery all at the same time while she was paying respect to the tombs of her husbands? And how did the doctor explain the diagnosis in the end? How did she tell the family that Ina was not dying? I wan't quite listening (or maybe I was already asleep).It is indeed true, that it is more tasking to make people laugh than to make them cry. But getting the viewers laugh and entertained does not automatically equates to cinematic artistry same as the top grosser may not be the film with the highest quality in terms of it's artistic value.

I was entertained by Tanging Ina--it was undeniable. But long after I went out of the cinema, this is one film I would simply categorize as a comedy film. Soon, when I will try to recall it, I would only look back and see it as just another comedy film--I would even probably forget the story. But then again, that's just me. I recognize the efforts of the people behind Tanging Ina. I don't think there was any single movie in the festival who did not give their best, or at least did not shed sweat and missed their night sleep just so they will be able to meet deadlines. The time and effort should be a given fact, and therefore should not hold arguments anymore. What we are looking for is artistry and craft in cinema-- which sadly lacks in this festival year after year.

I wouldn't dare figure out what's wrong because this is going to be a loooooong battle of culture and would root from years ago if we are to understand the Filipino's appreciation of cinema. It would be a futile attempt. But I believe, with the advent of modern technology and more skilled people emerging, we can slowly revolutionize the Filipino concept of good film and excellent directors--afterall, at a certain point, these two are one and the same.

Albert Martinez is among them, among the many other filmmakers who dare to let out quality before profits. To tell a story, to create a film because you have something to say not only to sell to the world, because you wanted to trigger from he depths of the emotions of these thinking animals what their history, their artistry has to offer. And to testify that, they can, only if they believe.

Alfonzo is just another critic. And should never be sorry for being true to his taste. For being a bold and daring as the child in the emperor's parade. He has nothing to be sorry for. Neither his family because a real educated man, thinks and speaks out.

But then again, this is just my opinion.

and I will never say sorry for being real.

A Few Last Words for my Team (or maybe not)

I'll be moving to another LOB by Monday hence, Friday was technically my last day with SPP. They were coercing me to share my "last" words (of course, it won't be the last because whether they like it or not, I am still everywhere and will try to comment in every way possible) before I go. I couldn't think of anything to say at that time, or maybe I did but it wasn't the right time yet or I was just too lazy to talk. So I wrote this instead. I feel that there is some sense of finality of this movement. I might not be able to get back these people like the first time, so yes, I think there is a need to write this down. For fear that i might forget all of these and forever leave these unsaid.

This isn't actually the first time I was going to go through this-- I "left" them in April when I moved to Servicing Team and had to be trained again. Then they needed to ramp again for SPP, so even before I hit production for Servicing, I got my team back. This time, with a few more people crazier than the first batch. 

We were joined by some veteran and some newly hired call center virgins. And as I sense it, they had stronger personalities sitting next to the original SPP team. But a few weeks of getting used to each other's presence they soon started to cohabit pretty well. And in the process, my being weary about how I will manage to harmonize the different personalities of the two batches, I noticed that they were helping each other in coming out of their respective shells, destroying the invisible walls and working indeed as a team. Okay, this sounds too cheesy and very idealistic, but I think that's the closest thing to describe it. 

Eventually, we had to let go of a few people in the team along the way. Jacqui and Cathy E had to resign because they had to pursue other things they want--that is to be a housewife and to teach, respectively. Ninzy  has decided to pursue her degree and is now working in a Hospital (whose name I forgot) in Taguig. Allen was moved to another account when the program had to right-size in  terms of the current number of people. Xie, had to leave the team even before I was able to get the team back since classes in CEU were already starting and she could not longer manage to be in school and work full time simultaneously. If I had the power to decide on these matters--I would have wanted to keep them as long as I could. But I understand the issues and matters revolving around these departures, and yes we acknowledge it and move on from there.

I could very well say that what was left of the team--together with the new breed of SPP agents became tighter as the months progressed. Some of the original SPP cast who were reserved started to come out of their shells and made quite an effort to blend with the team. Martha for instance, whom I only hear the voice when I am evaluating her calls from NICE now gets to have her share of "kuda" and "superlafs". The mommies-- Mama Cat who then had her own household drama was animated when sharing her bouts. And of course, FB had a major role in that period. Then we were all elated when Mami Phen found out that she was 6 weeks pregnant! 

We created a few "drafts and sketches" of our dreams but mostly, we failed to color them and thus they remained to just be "drafts and sketches", take for instance our jackets and team building. I could go on for a few more, but it's going to be a bore so I'd rather not. Thank you for monster pizzas and pastas and stolen shots from random floors in the building (not owned by APS) that we may be able to share something together done at random, without sketches and drafts.

But it wasn't all happy stories. I remember when because of miscommunication and individual idiosyncrasies and a few FB statuses have ignited a Cold War among seat mates Jhay, Tin, Girly which later on included Mac who eventually approached me of the discomfort all of them were feeling and how it was eating up the rest of the team. It prompted me to send the four of them on Aux Meeting (inlcuding Jem, not because he was involved but because WF approved 5 agents to be pulled out,sayang nman) but were not able to finish the discussion because SPP became short staffed at that particular interval. They managed to go through it anyway. And I strongly believed that they held no more grudges against each other relating to the incident. At times, they still reminisce this period but only to mock themselves and laugh at how silly they have been.

Except for the CSAT part, the team has elevated me to become one of the Top Supervisors of the site. But I am humbled by the fact that I did nothing more than to send email contentions a few days before the payroll crediting to request for schedule change and alignments--they all did the dirty work--and I mean not the shenanigans, but pure excellence in whatever was expected of them. I was 100% confident that we all claimed our way to the top with any anomalies done. We failed in some aspects concerning the stats and target, but we failed dignified--because we fought fair (no, im not implying anything, or at least I'm so not trying to sound like I am implying something).  

In between, all of them had a share of my nerve. In some way or another they were all victims of my mood swings, my filthy mouth and my gory and morbid death threats. Some instances of tardiness were forgiven, some were raised to hell while others like Scott was sent to the edge and was even visited by the HR Consulting. I have always been honest them anyway, that for me call-in reasons are always lies--until proven otherwise. Most of them were honest, some like Errin, Ellaine and Scott gave their best lies and alibis--but 4 years of being a supervisor and a degree in Theatre Arts-- they gave me the best acting failures in history.

They all have stories to tell. And if there is anything I am very well thankful for, it's the chance to mentor this group of people and that I was blessed to be witness of their lives and what roles they decided to play. Apart from the stories we shared in between avail time and breaks and lunches, they have entrusted me their life experiences so I can learn from them as well. I can get a whole screenplay about them done in no time, but because there is so much to write about this team, I don't even know where to start. 

I cannot take full credits to where and what bigger roles you will assume in the future because of the skills and a few notes you've learned while you were in this team, but I am and will always be thankful of this chance to lead you. I wish I knew some other way to say these things without sounding too cheesy but I don't. I am just glad that in a way, I have managed to grapple a little less too tight and save myself from excessive separation blues.

And yes, regardless of how many instances I have swore and wished I could have whipped you with baseball bats and how many times I bathed you with threats--if I had the chance, I will still want to keep each and everyone of you. No exemptions, no conditions.

Thank you Speedpay. 

I shall write your stories someday-- when I know where to start and when I learn how to end it. 

Disney Politics

I've been thinking about this in the past how influential Tinkerbell was to the Disneyworld (if there was such thing as politics in this imperialist force :) ). Notice that since she herself cannot be considered a Disney Princess and join the gang where Cinderella, Ariel, Snow White et al belong-- Disney then created a clique where she could perfectly fit-- Disney's FAIRIES.

I don't remember these guys exist when i was in grade school. :)

But then again, I can only guess.

On Death and Still Giving Thanks

I received a message from one of my bestfriends back in grade school asking everyone to pray for his dad who was then in a critical condition in the hospital. Being a non-practicing Catholic, I pray a lot but I don't usually attend masses, but that Sunday I received the sms, I went with Mitchi to Greenbelt to hear mass and I specifically included that in my short list of prayers. 


Although we rarely had chance to talk to my friend's dad back in grade school when we usually hang out in their home, he was generally warm and polite in entertaining his house guest. My friend's mom was more into the talking part, which I guess is what was always the case. Ok I digress.


Finally, Thursday night, my friend sent another SMS this time thanking everyone who offered their prayers for his dad:


"Guys tnx for all the prayers my dad is now resting in heaven.Thanks for all the support lets just continue praying for the repose of his soul."


When I started reading his message, my heart was glad knowing that our prayers did miracles and kept him ok. But it didn't. Probably because it was his time to go. He was 71. 


I admire my friend's ability to keep himself from wallowing in self-pity and drama from each angle possible. And being able to trust that the prayers offered for his dad was to ease up the pain. But of course, I can only guess.


I just came from the wake and went home around 2am. I saw the family's grief but at the same time strength and being able to maintain a positive and happy environment. Maybe because their dad had a well-lived life. 


But then again, I can only guess. 

8 Passionate People (quoting Jim Paredes in his Tumblr account)

I got quite a lot of responses for the Night of Passion get-together. I know I asked for certain types of people with certain occupations but I will have to change the rules since I did not get representatives from each one I asked for.

I had to review the letters (which by the way were really good). In fact, they were pretty amazing. I wish I could invite all of you but I really must narrow it down to 8 only. Below are the names I have chosen and something about the persons.

The date will be November 26 at 8:30 PM. It will be an after dinner affair with a few snacks and good wine conducive for talking. Venue will be at Loyola Heights QC in Katipunan. I will email exact venue once I receive a confirmation email from you that you can attend. If, for some reason, you cannot attend, please let me know ASAP. I will go back to the list and choose someone else to take your place.


1) Erika Valdueza—Astronomer

2) Alexandra Orosa—Traveler

3) JUmax Amellabon— Architectural graduate

4) Jorenz Tanada— Lawyer

5) Karen Raagas—Film Buff, Call center supervisor

6) Steffi Tad-Y—Child advocate, teacher

7) Aicca Roxas—Nurse

8) Myles Jamito—Businessman, techie.

 I hope this makes for an interesting evening. Can you make it? Sana!



Thanks

Jim

--o yes, i got in!
and you have no idea how i nearly died of heart attack when I read this.
Jim Paredes is one of my greatest heroes-- living or dead.
and this is like, uhm, surreal? :))
November 26 it is.

i hope fate is gentler to me this time. So is my manager to grant me a leave on that day *wink*. :)

Today--

Before I call it a day, I found out and some I confirmed from one of the websites how the following German words, brands etc. are pronounced (one reason why I love learning Italian more than the German language:

Porsche-- PORSH-uh. not PORSH.

Renault-- RAY-noh. I thought it was reh-NOLT

Deutsche-- as in Deutsche Bank is DOYTSH-e, not DOYTSH as I thought it was. It's building here in The Fort is seen from my window so I guess, I'll remember that forever.

Adidas-- AH-dee-dass, with an emphasis on the first syllable, not second. (i knew it)

Dr. Seuss-- of the famous The Grinch and Cat in the Hat collection, is actually SOYCE, not sews.


...will tell mom,
to start pronouncing VOUCHER as VOW-cher, not VOO-cher.

aja!

Sweldo Shoplist

kasi shweldo na bukas at alam kong dadaan lang sila sa palad ko pagka withdraw sa ATM, kei? hanggang pangarap nlang.







-red lipstick

-pink MAC lipstick

-headband na may red na bow (a la Hello Kitty)

-pens. matinong hindi nawawalan ng tintang pens.

-dorothy perkins jeans. waaaah.

-organizer (ung malaki para maayos ang files ko sa opis)

-push pins(na stars)

-lapis

-socks

-Gossip Girl Season 2 DVDs



:)


asa.