In September 2007, I jokingly blogged that I want to be in a billboard. If not along EDSA, maybe one along Bangkerohan Bridge, one of the main bridges in Davao City that connects the south to the north. And I reiterated this wish in my Feeling Ko Sikat Ako post. Imagine my excitement when Ms. Victoria Evangelista asked me to be featured in a billboard for Crepelato, a local gelato and dessert shop. I was to be featured with some other Davao personalities and two of my cousins (who shall remain unnamed since they might kill me). Among those to be featured are DOT XI Director Art Boncato, local TV personality and magazine director Ian Garcia, and photgorapher/events host/magazine contributor and consultant Jojie Alcantara. I'm a camwhore and wannabe celeb... I immediately said yes. So one fine day in January 2011, I went to Envy Me Salon to have my hair done, went home to put make up on myself, dress up, and went to Crepelato for the photo shoot. I was a bit bigger than I would have wanted, but I trusted that my hair and my face would distract the public from noticing my ginormous arms. And yeah,…
Category: davao city
Bautista’s Bakak
Not content with taking majority of the awards in the 5th Mindanao FilmFest in 2009 for his film "Sandugo," Ronald Gary Bautista entered two films for the 6th Mindanao FilmFest. And once again, Bautista and his Studio Beta Productions took home four trophies. His film, Bakak gave Bautista his second Best Director trophy, the Best Guerilla Film Award, and the Best Film Award. According to the jury, composed of this writer, Teddy Co of the NCCA, and local artist Rudolph Alama, Bakak's technical excellence and innovative story-telling set the film apart and make it stand out from the other films of the festival. Bautista and his film represents the future of filmmaking in Mindanao, one that is creative, excellent, and deserving of accolades from both the critics and the viewing public. Bakak tells the mysterious events that happen when a teacher and his students enter an allegedly haunted building and not all of them survive the excursion. Through the use of a first person point of view in the story-telling, the viewer feels like he is involved in the film. While the film does not highlight Bautista's technical expertise, it shows how Bautista can excellently execute a film. The first…
Thy Will Be Done
I first saw Kristian Somera's Thy Will Be Done in the Ateneo Human Knights Film Festival Press Screening. It was my favorite among the films I viewed that day. I watched the film again for the 6th Mindanao FilmFest and my initial impression of the film didn't change. Thy Will Be Done is made by Ateneo de Davao University communications majors including director Somera, producer Carmelle Jumawan and the film's lead actress Diana Grace Juaban. They are mentored by multi-awarded filmmaker and professor, Ronald Bautista. The film won as Best Student Film in the 6th Mindanao FilmFest. Thy Will Be Done stood out from a field of good competitors, which you never imagine to be made by students. What I liked about the film is how the story was revealed. For this, I give much credit to the story writer and the director. Adding strength to the film is the credible acting by Juaban. She comes off as a natural and you would notice that she's an amateur. She delivers her lines without hesitation and acts without the OA factor that most amateur actors are prone to doing. Technically, the film could have done better in the cinematography, lighting, and…
Ang Sipyat
I was fortunate to have been part of the jury of the 6th Mindanao Film Fest. And together with film historian Teddy Co of the NCCA and local filmmaker Rudolph Alama, I watched, critiqued, and chose the best among the field of contenders. It was an enjoyable task, but very much taxing. I liked one of the films very much. It was, in fact, my personal favorite. (Obviously, I was outvoted. Hehe!) The film is Director Ronald Gary Bautista's Ang Sipyat which he made in collaboration with his brother and student Leo Jeorge Bautista under the production outfit Studio Beta. The film won Best in Sound in the 6th MFF and was a strong contender in most categories. Ang Sipyat (The Error) is the story of a famed thief who made the mistake of victimizing a girl. His victim, it turns out, has two siblings who are skilled in martial arts. The story seems simple enough. Shallow, in fact. But upon watching the film, as cliche as it sounds, there is more to it than the summary says. The story has a slight but not off putting twist. Can't tell you more coz it would spoil the fun of watching…
Shin Woo and Go Mi Nam Sticky Notes
All over the Philippines (and the rest of the world), girls are swooning over ANJell, the fictional Korean Pop Boy Band that star in the Korean Drama You're Beautiful (He's Beautiful on ABS-CBN). I was able to watch all the episodes of this series months ago, courtesy of Brendel, who's addicted to everything Korean. And I liked it. I found the female lead character too gullible and annoying, but a bit endearing. But it was Shin Woo that really made me fall in love with this show. My cousin Mae also fell in love with Shin Woo, so I immediately thought of her when I saw the Shin Woo sticky notes sold at the Davao TLCShop. The sticky notes are heart-shaped with a doodle of Pig Rabbit. It has yellow notes on one side and green on the other. It also has Tae Kyung, Jeremy, and Go Mi Nam versions. And mine (which I got for free!) is the Go Mi Nam version. Lookie... I like office supplies and I find these sticky notes really cute and useful. I hope Joeanne of Davao TLCShop will be able to find some Kim Sam Soon stuff for me. :) Davao TLCShop accepts…
Invertebrates
I'm not so fond of insects and bugs but enjoy looking at macro hots, reverse macro shots and other photos of them. I find the colors delightful and the textures interesting. During the Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2010 (DFAT), the team visited Eden Nature Park, a popular mountain resort in Davao. During the day tour around the park, the team took shots of the colorful and interesting bugs and insects in the park. We even saw a couple of very big, hair-raising spiders. EW! But mostly, the invertebrates were interesting, colorful, and harmless. Here are some shots by Kuya Andrew: Nice noh? I might not be a fan of bugs and insects but I do like looking at them. From afar, in videos, and in still photos. :P Eden Nature Park is located at Eden Bayabas, Toril, Davao City. Their Sales and Reservations Office is at the Matina Town Square, McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City. You may reach them at +6382-299020, +6382-2960791, +639189307590 and through info@edennaturepark.com.ph.