WOULD YOU GO OUT AND SEE A FILIPINO MOVIE?

Filipinos are movie-lovers. It’s a fact and statistics are no longer needed to prove that. No matter what age, gender or social status… everyone watches a movie time and again whether on the big screen, on the small screen, on original, rented or pirated discs. But the question is, what are we watching? Recent box office blockbusters are mostly foreign flicks like Superman Returns and X-Men, the Final Stand. However, if all the hype is true, Sukob – an original Pinoy movie also broke box office records, which is of course, a good thing for the industry.

But I guess the real happening nowadays in the movie scene is the slow yet steady resurgence of quality films through our young revolutionary directors and writers. They are apparent heirs to the late great Lino Brocka. Indie films are making waves internationally and they’re trying very hard to catch – up with the mainstream audience. We got the acclaimed Cinemalaya films, Magnifico, Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, and the recent, Kubrador - Indie filmmaking – artistic freedom and freedom from commercialization – at it’s finest.

A day prior to airing our radio program about Filipino movies, Ion and I watched 12 short films and one full – length indie entitled "Sa Aking Pagkagising Mula sa Kamulatan" (My Awakening from Consciousness) directed by the very vocal Ato Bautista. It is now Ion's favorite local movie of all time. Somehow, both of us were truly "awakened in all consciousness". (kudos and thanks to www.pelikula-titusbrandsma.ph for the very memorable experience). We met cinemaphiles and other directors as well, one of them is 29 year-old, Ms. Nerissa Picadizo, our subject-matter-expert for today’s episode.

Rewind:

First, RS tells us a bit of a background of the Filipino movie industry. It started in 1897 with silent movies in black and white in 1000 movie theaters in the country. The 50s is considered as the golden age of the cinema. This eventually lead to the launching of the starring system and love teams (Guy and Pip – the love team of all time). The 70s saw the rise of socially relevant films because of Martial Law. 80s and 90s saw the psychedelic mixture of mostly commercialized, star-based and sexy films.

Rolling:

A.V.: Films really are the reflection of the society, culture and history of our country.

Nerissa: Yes, that’s true. For every filmmaker, like me, I get all my stories and ideas from my own personal life. Most of the directors I meet also derive their stories from what they see and experience, just like the movie of Ato Bautista that you watched yesterday. Movies are really the reflection of what’s happening in our life in the Philippines.

A.V.: How do you see the present local movie industry? They say that Sukob made it big in the box office… is this a proof that if it’s a quality film, people will really go out of their way to see it in the cinemas?

Nerissa: That could be true. But there a lot of factors that come into play as well. Sometimes there are quality movies that you are not aware of. Regarding Sukob, it's obvious that ABS-CBN and Star Cinema have the marketing power and network to back them out to promote their movies. Unlike independent film makers like us, we don't have that machinery to promote our movies.

A.V.: How would you differentiate a commercial, independent, or art film?

Nerissa: Movies from Star Cinema and other production companies are commercial films. They got deep pockets to create their film. Indie films vary. Usually, we call them "indie" because "Hindi maka-afford". We borrow cameras and a lot of things and ask different actors and crew to work for free. I ask a lot of people to give me money to make my film. It's basically creating a movie on your own or independently. Art films depend on where the viewer is coming from. An art film for you may be a trash for me. On commercial films, they have the usual formula themes like love story and something like that.

ION: Basically, commercial movies are for commerce, for the moviemaker to earn money. That's their primary goal, unlike indie filmmakers that just wanted to express their emotions or messages through their movies.

Nerissa: Yeah, But don’t get us (indie filmmakers) wrong. We are working on passion but somehow we want to earn also because we want to do another film. It’s not like we want to ask our family and friends for money all the time. We have to balance business and art. Filmmakers working in the mainstream also have passion. They just have to weigh what their producers wanted.

A.V.: I only go to the cinema for foreign films that will really give me a grand visual experience like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Spider-Man… I usually rent at home other foreign and even local films. But when I stumble to watch Indies like Sa Aking Pagkagising, that really gives me hope for the industry.

Nerissa: I’ve been working in the industry for more than seven years. In the year 2000, there were really a few persons watching local films in festivals. But last year, there are so many people. Meaning to say, people are being aware of the presence of different kind of films out there… in the world cinemas, in the different art films from other countries. The state of awareness of the Filipinos for this kind of films is really progressing. With regard to the rate of creating local movies, it’s sad to say that the number of movies made here is declining. But somehow, thanks to digital film technology, it’s very accessible for a lot of filmmakers to create their work. Before, most Indie filmmakers pass more short films. But right now, many are creating full-length. I have to say that there is an alternative cinema happening here in the country because of digital filmmaking. In a way, it’s really elevating the local industry.

ION: Most people say that Filipino films are mostly predictable and the themes are repetitive. When you compare them to foreign films where there is somehow innovation and new ideologies. What can you say about that?

Nerissa: I have to say that I was at that stage then. It’s true that I’d rather spend 150 pesos to watching Harry Potter o movies with grand visuals because it’s your money’s worth. But now that I am working inside the industry, I have a different perspective. Sad to say, local quality films have less marketing exposure that’s why you tend not to watch them at the theaters.

ION: I agree. I am one of those who have not seen a lot of independent films. When I came to titus brandsma yesterday, I was really impressed. I must say that "Sa Aking Pagkagising" is my most favorite local film I have watched. If I could represent all the Filipino youth, I know that they would accept that film that really reflects what’s happening in the society.

Nerissa: I think that independent filmmaking is definitely helping out to elevate the situation of the film industry but I cannot say at this point that the whole industry depends on it. Somehow, at the moment, with what I am observing and experiencing, Indie films really help. Like right now, if you’ve seen movies in Cinemalaya, a lot of mainstream actors are working on it, like in Donsol. There is a fusion between independent and commercial. We had Cherrie Gil, Mark Gil and Angel Aquino working on indies with minimal talent fees. It’s a good sign.

PINOY HIGH! Are we still Proud to be Filipinos?

Aired August 6

Filipinos definitely had "Pinoy High Moments". These are events, achievements and personalities that we could totally boast of to the world. It is already a part of our modern culture to recognize and be proud of individuals, whether pure or mixed Filipino-foreigners, excelling in their fields especially in entertainment. Pop acts that broke into Hollywood like Apl de Ap of Black Eyed Peas and Nicole Scherzinger of the hot Pussycat Dolls just visited the country and we were more than thrilled. There are probably thousands of them finding their success outside the native land, which is, arguably, kinda sad.

More than these personalities, we got nameless and ordinary individuals making strides to make this nation regain its greatness. These are the volunteers and cause-oriented groups that despite and in spite of everything, still finds and gives hope to others - a perfect example would be the people behind Gawad Kalinga.

Of course, we had our share of "Pinoy Low Moments" as well. We see it everyday on and off the TV screen. We're still poverty-stricken and millions of us are at a lost. We also hear tons of stories of Filipinos wanting to get out of the country and experiencing racial discrimination once they reach their destinations.

Let's hear out the voices on this week's episode that welcomes "Buwan ng Wika". We're celebrating it beyond the language. So, are we still proud to be Filipinos?

Joining our Katinigs is Mr. Ernesto "Boogie" Boydon, founder and executive director of an up and coming organization that helps to regain our national pride... Ang Bagong Pinoy Movement.

A.V.: Sir Boogie, thank you for being here with us. Is it still a valid question to ask if we are still proud of being a Filipino?

Boogie: Yes, it is very valid. One of the reasons why we started Ang Bagong Pinoy Movement is the fact that many of our young Filipinos are leaving the country. As you know, I am a teacher and an I.T. professional, in fact you were one of my students. Over the last five years or so, I would ask students how do they see themselves in the future. And many of them are saying that they would be working abroad. It is really sad. When I reminisce about EDSA 1, my son was just barely a year old. I was carrying him then at EDSA and we were so happy about that event. Now I realize that my son already graduated in College. It’s been twenty years since, that’s one generation, but it seems that nothing happened. What have we got to show for that EDSA Revolution? That got me into thinking and I started ABP.

ION: The vision of ABP is “Building a better Philippines, one Filipino at a time”. What made you come up with that vision and how do you accomplish such?

Boogie: Out of the sense of frustration, I started a yahoo group, an online forum. I invited my friends both here and abroad to talk about the problems in the country and the solutions to those problems. A point that came up in that discussion, to which many people agree, is that one of the reasons why we have many problems is our “kanya-kanya mentality” and we always tend to complain about the things around us without really trying to ask ourselves what could we possibly do. That led us to realize that if we want change and create a better country, it should start in ourselves.

A.V. : Just like VOTY, the ABP Movement started online. You just recently launched your organization, right?

BOOGIE: The online forum grew after a few months. Filipinos all over the world are joining and the last time I checked, our members are already 2,260. I started to convene the core group started last year and we agreed that the forum should not stop only with discussion. Last April 22, we formally launched the movement and just recently we already launched chapters in Cebu and Mindoro. This August 19, we will be formalizing the NCR Chapter.

A.V. Indeed the Internet is really powerful when it comes to knowing the concerns of our fellowmen. What have you observed as the usual concerns of the Filipinos abroad, what do they say about the situation in the country and are they only mere observers right now?

BOOGIE: Most of the Filipinos settling or working abroad are just forced by circumstances because of the lack of opportunities in the Philippines. In fact, I’m doing some work with some of the OFWs and I see how difficult their situations are, just like what’s happening in Lebanon. But one thing that we realize in ABP is that even the Filipinos abroad are still very proud of our country. They are very excited to know about what’s going on and how they could help out. Hindi nawawala ang kanilang pagka-Pinoy, even the Fil-Ams and those with dual citizenships.

ION: One thing I observed, when I visit online forums, most of the posts of OFWs compare our country to the country where they are working. They usually suggest policies or projects that are effective abroad which they believe could work in our country.

RS: I observe that when Filipinos go abroad and return here, it seems that they have already forgotten our culture, especially when they speak. Is this an alarming issue for the Filipinos?

BOOGIE: I don’t think so. I believe this is just a reflection of how adaptive Filipinos are when we go out of the country. They really can’t avoid acquiring the language. Of course, there are Filipinos who seemed ashamed of our heritage, but they’re very few.

A.V. : Do you think that, collectively, as a nation, we have something to be proud of? Because even if we hear individuals making it big abroad, these are individual efforts. It’s not like a national movement of Filipinos. I recall stories of South Korean people that cried for their President and asked Germany to help them rebuild their countries; and in Thailand, all of their women donated their jewelry to the government for the same cause.

BOOGIE: We have many things to be proud of as Filipinos. We are so rich in culture and history. But, we should have a right environment to have enough reasons to sustain that feeling of pride. There are so many negative aspects in our society and daily life that makes our nation confused. One of the goals of ABP is to create that environment.

ION: Media plays a huge factor in bringing this mindset to the Filipinos. This is the reason why we feature organizations like ABP to inspire others and make them realize that they can start the change in themselves as well.

BOOGIE: Sometimes we are just being too critical about ourselves. We thought that negative things happen only to our culture or race. But when you go abroad, it’s the same thing. Right now we want to focus on giving the right foundation to the mindset or consciousness of the Filipinos. Ang Bagong Pinoy is more about changing the attitude and mindset of the Filipinos. Within the month or by next month, we will launch a 12 – point program that will encourage the Filipinos to become good citizens. It is a campaign for good citizenship. It is inspired by the “12 Little Things book of Atty. Alex Lacson”. We have concrete suggestions to different sectors like for students, soldiers and teachers.

ION: What specific aspects or traits of the Filipinos that we really should be proud of?

BOOGIE: I work in the field of IT. Foreign employers really like our IT workers abroad because they are easy to get along and to work with. Even under pressure, Pinoys are always smiling and they really work hard. It just so happened that they excel in countries abroad. Given the right environment and opportunities, Filipinos will be the best that they can be.

A.V. : I should have asked you this as my first question. What makes a Bagong Pinoy? Is there an Old Pinoy, in the first place? What makes the difference?

BOOGIE: Actually, we use the term “Bago” without direct reference as the opposite of “Luma”. It is more on the term, Pagbabago or change. We’re saying that if we are used to doing negative things that pulls us down, we should remove and change that. In our forum, one member proposed counter – culture campaigns, like changing “ningas – cogon attitude” to “ningas – bao” and “mañana habit” to “handa na habit”. We should know of the practices that we need to change and let the innate goodness in us to flourish.

ION: Some foreigners comment that Filipinos lack national pride despite the greatness they see in our country. They say that we have many quality products but we tend to patronize foreign products.

R.S.: I think we lack national identity. If we have a national identity and if we truly know who we are, our sense of pride and everything else would follow.

RESTY: We should be proud because there are still many young people doing great and inspiring things for the country. But aside from being proud, what’s more important is fulfilling the responsibility that entails it.

PETER: We should be proud of our culture and the OFWs that are working very hard for their loved ones and the country.

BOOGIE: The most important thing that we should practice before we become proud of being Pinoy is to learn how to love the country. Love of country should be the foundation. Without it, it will be difficult to be proud to be Filipino.


Our VOTY Director for Membership, Resty Flores is about to embark on a 21 - day 2006 Youth Camp For Asia's Future in South Korea. It's his first time to go out of the country. He tells us what great thing about being a Filipino would he present to other nationals during the event.

RESTY: Aside from the beautiful tourism spots in the country i could promote. I think one of the most beautiful thing about being a Filipino is our adaptive nature. We can easily get along with anyone and learn foreign languages. We are also a very happy nation, amidst all the problems we are experiencing. We always smile even in calamites, although it could also be a negative trait, it just shows how we see the brighter and positive side of life.


Here are some of the Poll answers we got from pexers, texters and listeners.

Are you still proud to be a Pinoy?

Yes – Hindi mababago ang pagiging Pinoy kahit anong mangyari, What’s important is that I’m doing my best to be a good citizen of our country. – Erica of Laguna

No – political issues give me headache. - anonymous texter

Yes and No: I am proud of myself as a Filipino but there are other Filipinos that I am not proud of like corrupt public officials and drunken tambays.

No - We’re colorful. Colorful culture, colorful life, and colorful hair. We’re more than the usual, sabi nga ng isang tourism ad. I’m not proud of those who do such things, baguhin ng baguhin ang kulay. Nasaan na ang kayumanggi, saan na ang natural na na itim na buhok. - Erize of Rizal

Yes – I came from arabian, malayan, chinese, japanese and american races. Yet I call myself as pure Filipino. - Elena Abundo

Yes – magaling ang Filipino, maganda ang bayan at mga tanawin. Mayroong magandang kasaysayan ng pakikibaka ng mga ninuno para maging malaya sa pananakop ng mga dayuhan. Ang pagkabayani ng mga ninuno ay isang palatandaan na ang ating lahi ay may ipagkakapuri. Ngunit ang pakikibaka ay hindi pa tapos. Ang hamon ay kailangan nating mag-alay ng pawis, dugo, buhay at lakas para maisakatuparan ang hangarin ng ating mga ninuno.
-- Former secretary, senator, governor and current Manila Hotel President Joey Lina

Yes: No doubt I will always be proud to be a Filipino. Nasa atin na lahat, talento at ugali. Mas nakikita lang ang negatibo. We just need to have sincere leaders with true concern to our country, I think we would grow into a better nation. - Ronald Aguirre

Poll results: 95 - YES
12 - NO

PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED YOUTH : When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Gets Going!

“This-Ability”
Aired: July 9

This was indeed a very special day for many reasons. First, we introduced new segments for the radio program, as initiated by RS. These segments are: Katinig Balita, Ano ang Tinig Mo? Poll Question, Katinig E-liham (letter – sender portion) and “VolunTime” dedicated for volunteers.


And our first-ever Ito ang Tinig Mo Poll Question of the week: “Is there enough opportunity for the physically challenged youth in the country?” Here are some of the youth's voices:

Juliet Cababa of PUP: “I think they have limited opportunity and it would normally require special talent. For example, we have painters in Tahanang Walang Hagdanan who paint using their feet instead of hands. However, we also have young people who are already successful regardless of their condition like Ms. Roselle Ambubuyog.”


Kristine Angelica Ferrer of Teatro Communicado and Speech Power: “Nowadays, everyone is given an opportunity even those who are physically challenged. There are new technologies that could help them like computers for the blind. They can even participate in different crafts. Sometimes, persons with disabilities are more impressive. Because they are more determined, they excel in their fields. I think they even have more opportunities because they have more dreams.”


Then, our Katinig letter sender asked for advice regarding his conflict about fulfilling his duties for his family, school and church organization. It’s something most youth advocates face. I guess we would have a different blog regarding these counseling letters.

Finally, it turned out that our first featured volunteer in “VolunTime” is none other than our very own executive director, the birthday boy Ion Gonzaga – who got quite a surprise and became a bit emotional later in the program. He’s always special to VOTY no matter what day it is.

Speaking of special people, we have a volunteer-director, Peter Paul Baltazar, a 21 year -old student of AMA Caloocan and an SK Kagawad of Valenzuela. He was hit by a jeep when he was still a child. He lost a leg and wore crutches ever since. But the so-called “disability” did not prevent him to become a very active youth leader. He’s been to different provinces and experienced a lot of exposure to youth affairs. He’s now the vice-chairperson of Valenzuela Union of Challenged Persons or VUCP. With him is Ms. Venie dela Peña, the chairperson of the organization. She’s a mother of three and a career woman. She also wears crutches and gives us her inspirations that lead to forming VUCP – a non-stock, non-profit organization of persons with disability for the welfare of the challenged persons residing at Valenzuela City.

READY, SET, GO!

Ion: We really appreciate you coming over here ma’am.

Ms. Venie: It’s a pleasure being here to be with young people who have the advocacy to promote the welfare of the youth.

A.V.: What inspired you to form an organization in your city that really caters for the welfare of the physically challenged individuals?

Ms. Venie: The city government is looking for an individual or group that would implement the programs. We got help from DSWD and other individuals to coordinate with all the 32 barangays of Valuenzuela and have their representatives. From there, we had an election. Our aim is to help the PWD (persons with disabilities) cope up with the fast changing way of life through information technology; promote their accessibility to roads and buildings; to educate and create awareness to the public regarding their needs and privileges and create job opportunities for challenged persons especially the indigent.

A.V.: I guess an important characteristic of your organization is that most of your officers are physically challenged as well. It really shows your sincere intention to help the people who experience the same thing.

Ms. Venie: You are right. All of us have different physical disabilities. Some are paralyzed or have congenital conditions like visual impairment. However, even the parents or families of the mentally – challenged individuals also want to join the alliance which was just formed on June 14. It’s because they see that we really have a voice and the government is supportive to us.

Ion: So there really are opportunities that the government is providing for these individuals.

Ms. Venie: Yes, in fact, with the help of the government, we are having a series of activities and projects starting July 14. These include Special Olympics, medical screenings, tree planting activities and registration for the PWDs.

Ion: What do you think are the challenges you’ve faced so far?

Ms. Venie: Sometimes, the PWDs are asking what they would gain by joining the group, like jobs and other kinds of support. We tell them that we formed this group to have a stronger voice. Because compared to one or two individuals asking for help from the government, which almost seemed like begging, we could rather represent them as an organization.

Resh: I hope that other communities and localities would follow the initiative of Ms. Venie and the locality of Valenzuela. They are really creating a big change for the people with disabilities.

SOMETHING PERSONAL

Ion: This question goes out to Peter. You’ve always joined us in our activities no matter how physically rigorous they are. How do you do all these things? What motivates you to contribute to the society?

Peter: I am more of a positive thinker. I know that I can do everything no matter how difficult it is, as long as it is right. My principle in life to do what I can with all my abilities and conviction. People like me should not just stay at home. They should be aware of the opportunities just waiting for them.

A.V.: What can you share as a piece of advice to young people who are also experiencing physical challenges? What do you think would help them to accept their condition?

Ms. Venie: Actually, I was 19 years old when I got handicapped. Those were the times when a young person should be enjoying life outside the house, but not for me. What kept me busy is a livelihood project introduced by my sister. We’re making bags, which made me really focused.
I also suggest to the relatives and friends of individuals with disabilities to treat them as normal persons. Don’t treat them as if they’re incapable or too special because that way, we will feel more of our “disability”.
I’m a mother of three and I’m also a grandparent. I also work and I have no problems commuting and going about my daily life. It’s really a matter of accepting what you are and doing your best.

A.V.: Your children must be so proud. We are very proud of both of both of you. We’re glad that we have a member like Peter because he truly inspires us and makes us more aware and sensitive to people like him. We can truly say that the organization welcomes everyone regardless of their physical condition.