Philippine Art Scene - News, Events, Contests, Exhibits & Festivals: November 2006

Thursday, November 30, 2006

SA ILALIM NG COGON opens December 13 in Robinsons Galleria Indiesine

SA ILALIM NG COGON

"Sa Ilalim ng Cogon" was hailed by internationally renowned film critic Olaf Moller as a "masterpiece. " The bible of film publications, Film
Comment Magazine, lauded the movie as "truly poetic." Firecracker
Magazine of London branded the feature as "memorably uncategorizable" and championed the film as a groundbreaking work that stretched the limits and notions of the genre movie. Now, Sa Ilalim ng Cogon, fresh off its triumphant tour-of-duty in a slew of international film festivals, finally hits our shores.

"Sa Ilalim ng Cogon" is a mystery-horror- thriller that tells the
story of a former soldier named Sam (YUL SERVO) who, in search of his
missing former wife, gets embroiled in a violent heist that climaxes
in a deadly double-cross. Seeking refuge, he finds himself hiding
inside a creepy, run-down mansion. Despairing at his predicament and the mansion's eerie solitude, Sam discovers the young, sexy Katia
(JULIA CLARETE), swimming naked inside the filthy, murky waters of
the mansion's abandoned pool. Following her trail, he confronts her,
and then begins a passionate and torrid affair with this mysterious
and enigmatic girl. Unbeknownst to Sam, he has unwittingly taken the
first, dangerous step to unlocking the mansion's deep mystery and its
former inhabitants' dark and disturbing secrets.

"Sa Ilalim ng Cogon" opens exclusively at Robinsons Galleria Indiesine Cinema 8 on DECEMBER 13, 2006, Wednesday. Tickets are priced at P100.

The film (Sa Ilalim ng Cogon) is presented in conjunction with the Independent Filmmakers Cooperative of the Philippines (IFCP).

Sa Ilalim ng Cogon stars Yul Servo, Julia Clarete, Dido dela Paz, Raul Morit, Eugie Rodriguez, Ramon Bautista, and with the special participation of Joel Torre. Sa Ilalim ng Cogon is directed by Rico Maria Ilarde and produced by Mammu Chua and US-based producer Roger Garcia.

Cinematography is by Louie Quirino, production design by Fritz
Silorio, music by Malek Lopez, and editing by Ron Dale.

Trailer of "Sa Ilalim ng Cogon" is available on this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfcER5rYjdk

"Ilarde's masterpiece…. .unique and strikingly original." Olaf
Moller, SENSESOFCINEMA. COM

"Has several truly poetic moments…..impressive… " Chris Chang, FILM
COMMENT MAGAZINE

"(Cogon is) memorably uncategorizable… .the film blends thriller,
horror and love story into something utterly unlike the sum of its
parts." FIRECRACKER MAGAZINE, London

"Ilarde (is) a visually supple and conceptually imaginative
practicioner of the horror genre." Noel Vera, BUSINESSWORLD

"(Cogon ) is vibrant and chaotic with energy….hopping from genre to
genre like rafts on a river." Erwin Romulo, THE PHILIPPINE STAR

"Tantalizing… .The audience has literally no idea where it's going,
but it's a trip worth taking." Jessica Zafra, 2006 UDINE FAR EAST
FILM FESTIVAL CATALOGUE

"(Sa Ilalim ng Cogon is) shadow and insinuation swimming thick with
melancholic undertows of loves lost." Dodo Dayao, CRITIC/COLUMNIST

For extra information, please email Mammu Chua at
mammu_chua@yahoo.com. For information about the Independent
Filmmakers Cooperative, or for block bookings, please text or call
cell phone 0917-821-1093.

DOS POR DOS (2x2): Artists Wielding the Numbers
Karen Ocampo Flores

Numbers play a vital function in the making of the group exhibit TutoK Dos por Dos, in both text and subtexts. Firstly, it recalls its namesake: a piece of wood of such thickness and breadth, wieldy enough as weapon or deterrent in a pinch. The numerous artists who make up Dos por Dos wrests the violence implicit in that numeric phrase, and turns numbers into a declaration of solidarity through the abundant convergence of wall-bound works adhering to a 2 by 2 feet format, each with a particular outlook or contemplation on human rights issues. Interposing on this grid of uniformity are sculptural pieces which no less echo the sentiments tiled on the gallery walls.

Numbers are similarly the game of trapo politics in the Philippines , where power is gained and wielded by the manipulation of figures through fear and illicit wealth. In the hands of the artists who elected to join the exhibit, the game of numbers is but reflective of the path carved by the artists’initiative that is tutoK or Tutok Karapatan; for it is after all a project jumpstarted and propelled by the contributions and efforts of the visual art community.

Dos por Dos is the third offering in tutoK’s series of six exhibits/events going on till next year. It also stands in place of Boston Gallery’s annual Alay year-end exhibit as part of the gallery’s generous support for the project. TutoK continues to be an awesome task: managing and sourcing of assets in art objects and the voluntary multitasking of artists, and enjoining more organizations and individuals to help carry out its implementation— all in the shared conviction that art is a potent medium in raising the urgent call to uphold human rights and to put a stop to political killings.

No doubt, the weavings and workings of this contention will be seen on a grand scale with over 200 works submitted for this group exhibition. But Dos por Dos does not rest its case on the safety and strength of numbers. Indirectly, it recalls tutoK’s original plan of memorializing heroes and victims, and the operation of memory is still a key element in curating this exhibit. For we cannot invoke respect for human rights without stirring and sorting through our memories of what is valued, idealized, or else, denied, in our basic practice and regard for our own humanity.

For now, Dos por Dos stands as the conglomerate of these numbered points. Points of remembering, envisioning, and re-visioning from which artists connect and effect the crucial strands in a tortuous and continuing process of change.

L'art pour l'art by Geronimo Cristobal

L'art pour l'art
by Geronimo Cristobal

We have taken it into our heads that to write a poem simply for the poem's sake [...] and to acknowledge such to have been our design, would be to confess ourselves radically wanting in the true poetic dignity and force: â€” but the simple fact is that would we but permit ourselves to look into our own souls we should immediately there discover that under the sun there neither exists nor can exist any work more thoroughly dignified, more supremely noble, than this very poem, this poem per se, this poem which is a poem and nothing more, this poem written solely for the poem's sake

-Edgar Allan Poe-

Most people would probably express dissent over the statement which is to be the title of my article today. For one thing, the issue is no longer the favorite topic of student activists today. I guess they are more concerned with instigating tension and with this, the stir that the Art for Art sake movement made is no more.

But in deep retrospect, I still believe of art that exist for art sake. From how I view things, everything will become a piece of art for art sake at some point of existence. Life, for example can be treated like art and the meaning of life can depend on living it and not confined to the conditions that created it. But on the other hand, there is probable cause to believe that upholding this bohemian motto may offer only a tendentious meaning and that it may also be shallow. Light for example exists not because we can see it, but because we can see the things it touches. But what it illuminates is only proof of its existence. There is always an absolute definition to an absolute existence, therefore, light which may be associated with warmth and eyesight will never be defined by anything in the end but by "light" alone, in the categorical state of the matter.

So what is art? Art, if by any chance there arises a dillema in the classroom discussion that needs to be cleared up by giving an end to it, is in the shape of a circle, my friend. There is no way to define it but by becoming enclosed by it. Art is Circle and the point which may seem like the end may only be the beginning.

See? Art becomes Circle when it serves no other but Art.

ART IS CIRCLE because ART IS CIRCLE! Witness how Art is defined by shape! - "L'art pour L' art"

"Art should be independent of all claptrap and should stand alone [...] and appeal to the artistic sense of eye or ear, without confounding this with emotions entirely foreign to it, as devotion, pity, love, patriotism and the like"

Quotes by Wikipedia

Free Film Screening at Parang Pelikula Bar

FILM SCREENING
Parang Pelikula
December 22, 2006, 7pm

PARANG PELIKULA
Director/Producer/ Screenplay/ Cinematographer: Hubert Tibi
2006. Digital, 20 mins 24 secs
DVD, Color w/English subtitles
Drama/Comedy

Cast:
Reinier Revilla
Joel Masagnay
Teddy Corpuz
Jourdan Sebastian
Elmo Redrico
Monica Alejo
Rosario Lopez

Parang Pelikula explores the lives of Pilo and Justin, who in
childhood were best friends growing up in a middle class suburb in
the early 90s. They go their separate ways when Pilo leaves the
neighborhood. Fifteen years later, Pilo returns and attends the wake
of his childhood playmate. In the wake, Pilo talks with Justin's
mother who tells him about her son's life.

Parang Pelikula Awards:
Best Screenplay Winner, Short Feature Category, Cinemalaya 2006
Official Selection, 29th LV Hawaii Int'l, Film Festival

Parang Pelikula: DECEMBER 22, 7pm

PARANG PELIKULA BAR is located at
130 Malakas St. brgy. Central Diliman, QC

Free screening.

Indrapura at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

Indrapura
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
December 2, 6 and 9, 2006

The Pamantasang Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) Magwayen Creative Scholars' Guild is proud to present the stage play, a love epic entitled: Indrapura.

"Indrapura" chronicles Lilagretha's true love for Elindro and how it presses her to claim the lives of a lot of people and bring demise to the whole Sultanate of Indrapura. This story of Indrapura is about love and revenge and is the second installment of a three-part epic, two parts of which were already staged-Episode 1: Ang Prinsipe ng Marulaya (2005) and Episode 3: Bidasari (1999 and 2000) .

Indrapura is the much awaited stage production from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) Magwayen Creative Scholars' Guild-three-time Molave awardee for most outstanding university-wide organization.

The play, Indrapura, is written by Film Academy of the Philippines Screenplay Writing Competition Grand Winner, Marlon Miguel and directed by Gawad CCP awardee, John Borgy Danao.

Indrapura is set 18 years before Bidasari. Indrapura chronicles the doomed love affair of Lilagretha and Elindro. When Sulayman decided 2 raise his late brother’s daughter, he kept secret her true identity - that she has the rightful claim to the throne.

Lilagretha, his real daughter, learned this secret on her 20th birthday. She soon felt threatened that her place as Sultana in the future will no longer exist. This was aggravated by her fury when the man she loves was won by Lilasari, who she no longer called sister ut sworn enemy.

Aided by the evil sorceress, Tarsila, she tried to kill Lilasari. But when Lilagretha failed, she was soon sentenced to death. Lilasari bought Lilagretha’s freedom, putting her own life in Jeopardy. When Sulayman found about this, he sent Lilasari and Elindro to the forest. Lilagretha, mean while, went on to exact her revenge. She assumed Tarsila’s dark powers and used this to kill her parents. She became the Sultana, but she was all alone. All the people she loved where gone.

"Indrapura" will staged at the Pamantasan Ng Lungsod Ng Maynila in Intramuros, Manila.

For inquiries and reservation, please call Real Florido at 0916-5234614 or Byron Barinuevo at 0906-5166457

Schedule of the play, Indrapura, at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila is as follows:

Indrapura
Dec 2, 2006
1:00:PM, 4:00:PM, 7:00:PM
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

Indrapura
Dec 6, 2006
10:00 AM, 1:00:PM, 4:00:PM
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

Indrapura
Dec 9, 2006
1:00:PM, 4:00:PM
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

"Xenses"
Group Exhibit
Ricco-Renzo Galleries
December 7, 2006, 6:30 pm

The exhibit titled "Xenses" will be launched at the Ricco-Renzo Galleries on December 7, 2006.

"Xenses" is a group exhibit of paintings, prints, photographs and sculptures by ten contemporary artists from the University of the Philippines (UP).

The works in "Xenses" at the Ricco-Renzo Galleries feature diverse idioms in form and formatsranging from wall bounds to in the rounds exploring the traditional and progressive approaches in art making. "Xenses" also distilled the boundaries of sensual, emotive and mental elements between concept and form, and object and subject.

The Ricco-Renzo Galleries is located at the LRI Business Plaza, 210 Nicanor Garcia St., Makati City Philippines.

For more details about "Xenses," please call the Ricco-Renzo Galleries at 898-2542.

Shared Perspectives (Lisa Ito on Tutok Karapatan Exhibition)

Shared Perspectives
Lisa Ito

Tutok Karapatan’s first university-based exhibition,
Perspektiba, is comprised of works that reflect on the
overtures of state violence: literal and metaphorical
dislocations, disappearances, and demises associated
with the rising wave of political repression in the
Philippines.

Perspektiba was initially conceptualized as a show
which would chronicle the making of martyrs and heroes
vis a vis struggles against reigns of terror. However,
in the course of the artists’ exposure and
interactions with victims or survivors of human rights
violations, the show evolved into a general
remonstration against the cases of political
repression besieging the nation.

In particular, Perspektiba addresses the continuous
political assassinations of members of the legal
opposition and progressive peoples organizations under
the Arroyo administration. From 2001 to date, over 775
activists and civilians all over the country have been
murdered inside their homes or in transit to work,
usually by masked, motorcycle-riding gunmen. Others
have been killed and considered as 'collateral damage'
in the course of the government's military campaigns
in the provinces: strafed or intentionally shot at by
soldiers, tortured or summarily executed.

While local and international organizations,
non-government entities, parliamentarians and
personalities are sounding the alarm over President
Gloria Arroyo's refusal to stop the six-year killing
spree, artists have added their voices to the growing
clamor for truth and justice by producing works
addressing the murders.

Lyra Garcellano sets up an installation entitled No
Letup from ink on paper riddled with plaster casts of
bullets, alluding to the shower of steel mercilessly
unleashed by the state machinery against hundreds of
fallen human targets. White Lies, an installation by
the multi-media artist collective UGAT-Lahi, delivers
a symbolic indictment against the whitewash
perpetuated by the state machinery in response to the
killings. Pale dummies are piled on a bed, one covered
up by the others, enveloping the gravity of the
murders in a blanket of lies.

Anak ng Tinapay, an installation piece by Mark Ramsel
Salvatus III, utilizes food art and video
documentation to gather public reactions to the
killings. Salvatus enjoins the audience to partake of
bread shaped into human figures and guns, displayed on
a glass cupboard. The artist documents the entire
selection and feeding process among gallery visitors
in this premeditated 'taste test', delivering a
tongue-in-cheek message against the carnage and degree
of militarization that the public is forced to consume
daily. Neither Left Nor Right by Claro Ramirez makes
use of counters to parody the propensity to treat the
killings as mere statistics, as figures that
mechanically rise or ebb with the political tide.

Satiric commentary against the military’s involvement
as a perpetrator or accomplice to the killings is
reinforced in the work Sir Yes Sir (a common phrase
used in military-style drills to signify subservience
to one’s superiors) by Jef Carnay. This interactive
installation is comprised of a mechanized, hand-made
dog (or tuta, a popular symbol for lackeys) which bows
at the viewer’s patting and dips its head into a feed
bowl filled with miniature human figurines.

While these works were produced by young artists who
were perhaps only toddlers at the onset of the
dictatorship in 1972, an oil-on-canvas work entitled
Daet Massacre by Social Realist painter Gene de Loyola
attests to the chilling similarities between incidents
during Martial Law and today. De Loyola depicts a
scene from a massacre of unarmed protesters in Daet,
Camarines Norte in 1981, shortly after the 'paper
lifting' of Martial Law of that same year. Shot at by
police forces at the height of the dispersal, the
protesters, with the dead and injured in their ranks,
are depicted against a blood-red backdrop, with one
bearing a placard calling for the boycott of an
impending election believed to be fraudulent. Nearly
twenty-five years later, this scene would be reenacted
in the bloody dispersals of activists calling for
President Arroyo's ouster in Bicol and in the massacre
of striking sugar mill and farm workers in Hacienda
Luisita on November 16, 2004.

The current assaults on press freedom are also
addressed in the work by multi-media artist Ed Manalo.
A typewriter – a common symbol for writers and
journalists- - is tightly-wrapped in a straitjacket of
cellophane sheets, alluding to the muzzling of the
press under the current dispensation. Acupuncture
needles piercing through the cellophane may represent
both anguish and healing in response to the iniquities
that the muzzling of expressive freedom has brought
about.

The ferocity and frequency of such atrocities has
reached the point where it is not longer possible to
ignore the gravity of the entire situation. Buen
Calubayan demonstrates this through a sound
installation on an armchair. Hindi naman talaga
kailangan ang mata upang makita ang realidad, the
artist asserts. One only needs to listen to the cues
pointing to an entire epic of injustice.

On the other hand, many nevertheless remain blind and
deaf to social iniquities. The Parable of Those Who
Refuse to See, an installation piece made out of wood
cut-outs and video animation by Don Salubayba, sets up
a parade of shadowy figures on the venue’s glass
façade as metaphors for repressive societal structures
whose influence pervades up to the present: the fraile
of the Church, the ubiquitous figure of Uncle Sam, a
bloated government functionary, and three blind mice
led by the recognizable Mickey Mouse. The ultimate
victim here remains the figure of Juan dela Cruz bent
and hobbling in the foreground.

The works in Perspektiba also depicts the victims of
such rights violations. Pyeta by Emmanuel Garibay
utilizes the undertones of Catholic iconography in the
Madonna and Child image in his work, where a woman,
mouthless and clad in a black mourning shroud, holds
up a portrait of a man (her son? Husband? Father?)
crowned with thorns. When viewed in the context of the
Philippine human rights situation, the absence of a
mouth, symbolic of the right to expression, raises
questions: is the woman a metaphor for Inang Bayan
(Mother Land), denied of the right to speak or to be
heard, with the death of her sons? Or are words
insufficient to express the pathos and anguish of
losing a loved one? Garibay’s depiction of the victim
of persecution as Christ crowned with thorns likewise
elevates him/her to the status of a martyr, a hero/ine
worthy of honor and emulation.

Perspektiba testifies to how the propensity for
fascism is systematically embedded not only in policy
but also in consciousness. These histories and
narratives of rights violations are contextualized in
light of ongoing peoples’ struggles for national
liberation and self-determination, as seen in the
installation work Rebo (Series 2) by Social Realist
veteran Antipas “Biboy” Delotavo, Jr. In the work,
Delotavo wraps the letters ‘R-E-B-O-L’ in bloodied
gauze bandages, military camouflage, and flags of the
United States and the Philippines. The letters, still
to be completed, may comprise the word rebo, slang for
the word rebolusyon or revolution, or conversely, the
word eboluyson, the entire historical process of
development implied by the clash of societies and
classes. This historical—and repeated—emergence of
fascist repression, born out of the material
exigencies of imperial expansion and its ideological
justifications, is addressed in Jose Tence Ruiz’s Supa
series, where figures of Mussolini and a Nazi dominate
the picture plane solidly filled with red.

Nevertheless, many continue to believe that another
world without exploitation and repression is possible,
and work to achieve it. The aspirations behind this
driving force is reflected in works such as Boy
Dominguez’ Salladan (Ancestral Domain). The artist,
himself a member of a national minority, represents
the aspirations of Filipino indigenous peoples to a
society where development is based on the peoples’
needs and welfare. The work also underscores the
interdependence of human, cultural, environmental
rights in building a more secure world for the
majority of the population.

CINEMALAYA 2007 Full-Length Features Semi-finalists

Cinemalaya 2007 full-length semifinalists

25 semi-finalists - Full-length Features - Cinemalaya 2007
The Cinemalaya 2007 Selection Committee of the Full-length Features selected 25 semi-finalists, out of 240 entries received, instead of only 20 titles. The list is as follows:

1. Ligaw Liham - Jay Abello
2. Balangiga - Sir Anril Tiatco
3. At Nilikha ng Diyos si Hilario Espiritusanto - Reggie Gulle
4. Tukso - Dennis Marasigan
5. Tribu - Jim Libiran
6. Hubad - Denisa Reyes / Rody Vera
7. Tatay Na Si Totoy - Ronald Mangubat
8. Puerto - Noel Mendoza
9. Sa Wakas, Ang Simula - Ma. Andrea Angala Shy
10. Pagguhit Ng Bilog - Paul Morales
11. Pagluha Ng Talon - John CQ Nepomuceno
12. Still Life - Katrina Flores
13. Atin Cu Pung Parul - Agnes de Guzman
14. Mga Ina, Mga Anak - Raynaldo Manalo / Rito Asilo
15. Pisay (Science High) - Aureaus Solito
16. Fidel - Charlotte Averiz Gale Dianco
17. Gulong - Romualdo "Bona" Fajardo / Anna Liza "Lyn" Fajardo
18. Ang Biyaheng Langit - Abdulmari "TOYM" de Leon Imao, Jr.
19. 2,999 - James Arnold Ladioray
20. Kung Guinsa Pagbuhat Ang Bisayang Law-uy - Charliebebs Gohetia
21. Broken Chords - Alexis Almario
22. GIMA (The Goat) - Adolfo Alix, Jr.
23. Sa Gawing Dito, Tabingi Ang Mundo - Joel Ruiz
24. Sinungaling Na Buwan - Ed Lejano, Jr.
25. Endo - Jade Castro

The Selection Committee of the Full-length features of the Cinemalaya 2007 is composed of Mr. Juaniyo Arcellana, Ms.Manet Dayrit, Mr. Jeffrey Jeturian, Mr. Robbie Tan and Mr. NestorTorre. The selection was held last Monday, October 9, 2006.

Congratulations to the Cinemalaya 2007 full-length semifinalists!

Human Rights Gig and Dong Abay Video Launch

On December 8, the Artists for the
Removal of Gloria (Arrest Gloria) will
be holding a cultural event at the
Freedom Bar, Anonas, Quezon City to
commemorate the International
Declaration of Human Rights.
Dubbed "Arrest the Killings! Isang
gabi ng sining at musika para sa
pagtatanggol sa Karapatang Pantao" ("A
night of art and music for the defense
of human rights"),

It will be a venue to raise awareness
on the fundamental issues on human
rights through music, literature,
visual arts, and other media. It will
be a night for artists to exercise
their right to freedom of _expression,
one of the many basic human rights
that the ruling Arroyo administration
has trampled on. , The event will be
cosponsored by the human rights group
KARAPATAN Southern Tagalog.

The event will feature performances by:

Dong Abay

The Wuds

Radioactive Sago Project

Cynthia Alexander

Kilometer 64 poetry group

Anino Shadowplay

Blazing Bulalakaw

Dirty Shoes Collective

Anak ni Aling Juana

Tag-ani

Artist Inc.

Badjao Roots

Datu's Tribe

One of the highlights of the event is
the premiere of Dongabay's music
video "WWIII" produced by Arrest
Gloria and Southern Tagalog Exposure.
There will also be testimonies of some
victims and families of victims of
human rights violations.

Hands-On Xenoamovie Workshop

TWO MONTHS LONG TRAINING
Hands-On Xenoamovie Workshop

from the 8th of January 2007
to the 8th of March 2007

Program includes :

Directing
Cinematography
Technical Director
Basic editing (Final Cut Pro)

* Basic courses
* Practical works with professional equipment

DIGITAL FILMMAKING HANDS-ON TRAINING TAKES
PLACE IN METRO MANILA

Number of participants is limited.
Early application is recommanded to garantee a
place.

PLACES OF THE WORKSHOP:

Theoretical courses, practical works and
preparation works take place in Visual Camp, Inc.
Makati City

Shooting takes place on location (interiors and
exteriors), scoutted during the prep
Post Production takes place in: Visual Camp, Inc.
Makati City

PRICE OF THE WORKSHOP

All included: P 5,800.00

Everyone can enroll our Digital hands-on
filmmaking workshop, until the limited number of
places.
No previous experience is required, but an
extremely great motivation.

IMPORTANT: Your enrollment becomes effective by
paying Php 1,500.00 as a deposit.
You have to pay the balance at the beginning of the
course (Php 4,300.00).

If you are interested to enroll, please submit your
profile and resume at hands-on@xenoamovie.com.

SHOULD YOU REQUIRE MORE INFORMATION, DO
NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US.

IDOL: Pag-asa ng Bayan Film at the Ateneo

JESUIT COMMUNICATIONS PRESENTS A FILM ABOUT CHEATING

“Diba lahat naman tayo nandaraya paminsan-minsan?” Jesuit Communications and Brave New Films ’05 present a shocking and timely full length digital film – IDOL: Pag-asa ng Bayan. In supporting roles are acting greats Jaclyn Jose and Michael de Mesa. But in the lead are newfound discoveries Cedric Jose and Meila Romero. “Except for Michael and Jaclyn, the main characters are unknown but their acting is superb, thanks to the inspired directing of Cesar Evangelista Buendia”, notes Father Nick Cruz - Ateneo Film Professor and member of the MTRCB. “I highly recommend this film not only for students but also for teachers and parents”, he adds.

Buendia, a first-time film director, also wrote the script of this film that tackles the issue of cheating. In the onset, the film appears to be a typical coming-of-age story about friendship, youth and high school life. In the unfolding however, the film reveals a story about honesty, honor and integrity. It is also a dissection of the problem of corruption in Philippine society. “Timely, relevant, brave! A gritty eye opener for today's youth.” comments Nonoy Lauzon of the UP Film Institute.

The film IDOL is currently being used by many high school teachers around the country as a tool for value formation. It was a big hit in the Marikina Film Festival, attracting more than 20,000 students and making puppy-eyed lead actor Cedric Jose an instant star among the youth of Marikina. In Baliuag University, more than 3,000 students viewed the film in their school gymnasium. On November 29, more than 2,000 students from the Ateneo High School will be viewing the film upon the recommendation of the school’s religion department and the endorsement of the Ateneo High School administration. After every screening, the filmmakers conduct a symposium to process the film’s message to the young audience.

Often, viewers would describe the film as powerful, thought-provoking and suspenseful. A must-see especially for today’s youth, IDOL promises to be a “wake-up call” says Fr. Nick Cruz.

The film was the final project in a workshop organized by The Garage, Jesuit Communications Creative Technologies. 98% of the film’s cast and crew are neophyte filmmakers making the film truly a film by students and for students.

The UPIS Batch ’82 alumni association sponsors the screening of IDOL: Pag-asa ng Bayan on Wednesday, November 29, 2006, at the Henry Lee Irwin Theatre inside Ateneo de Manila. Tickets will be available at the gate at P100 each for the 5pm and 7pm screenings. Tickets are also available at Jescom Tanging Yaman outlets. For reservations please contact 0918-923-5515.

Asian Shorts for Cine Veritas Human Rights Festival 2006

The UP Film Institute is proud to present the full selection for the
Asian Shorts Program of the Cine Veritas Human Rights Film Festival 2006 billed as follows:

The Politics of Oppression
This program takes a look at the experience of oppression from the
perspective of the individual—be it in a social,
ethical, political, and/or sexual context. East and Southeast Asian in
scope, but global in bearing, these films function
as an invitation to alternative perspectives—they won’t give you all
the right answers, but, more importantly, they bring up better questions.

The Pain of Others
(2005 / Taiwan / 30 min / short feature)
Writer-director: Tom Shu-Yu Lin

The night of the presidential election, March 18th, 2000, marks the
setting for Lin’s allegorical
critique of the Taiwanese military system, where a coastguard hazing
turns ugly, punctuated
by the appearance of a mysterious woman named “28.”
*Winner of best fiction award and best screenplay - 28th Golden Harvest
Film Festival
*Winner of best film - 5th South Taiwan Film and Video Festival
*Winner of best narrative film - 8th Taipei Film Festival

Since he lived in the United States when he was a child, Tom Lin grew
up learning both Chinese and English,
giving him the ability to communicate fluently in both languages. He
currently works in the industry as a freelance
writer and filmmaker, working on various productions such as the role
of the 1st Assistant Director for Tsai Ming-Liang’s
“The Wayward Cloud.” As part of the Taiwanese mandatory military
service, he was sent to be a coastguard for two years.
http://www.odfilms.com

Mass Grave
(2002 / Indonesia / 26 min / documentary)
Writer-director: Lexy Junior Rambadeta

Old wounds resurface when the bones of alleged communist activists
massacred during the Suharto
regime are exhumed in Central Java. This documentary succeeds in
presenting evidence of the cruelties of the
past and the unresolved social stigmas still present in Indonesian
society today.

A graduate of the faculty of social and political science from Gadjah
Mada University, Lexy Junior Rambadeta launched
his career when he left his hometown, Yogyakarta, and joined The
Alliance of Independent Journalists in 1998. In 2001,
he established Off Stream (http://offstream.net/)—"the voice of the
voiceless"—a support body for Indonesian independent
documentary filmmakers in Jakarta.

My Confession- the picture diary
(2005 / Malaysia / 10 mins / silent film)
Writer-director: Mien Lor

“My Confession” is the filmmaker’s personal meditation on the politics
of space and desires in the context of gender.

Activist and filmmaker Mien Lor believes that filmmaking is at once
personal and political. She produces documentaries
and social films for www.komas.org and organizes the only human rights
film festival in Malaysia—www.freedomfilmfest.komas.org

Speakers Cornered
(2006 / Singapore / 28 min / documentary)
Writer-director: Martyn See

From September 16 to 19, 2006, when the Singapore government refused to
lift its long-standing ban on
public protests during the 2006 IMF-World Bank meetings, a small group
of local activists initiated a face-off
with the police by attempting to stage a pro-democracy march from
Speakers' Corner, a government-designated free-speech zone—
resulting in a theatrics of impasses, “threats” and sing-alongs.

When not surviving 15 months of police investigation for the making of
a banned short film “Singapore Rebel,” deemed to be an illegal
political film under the law, Martyn See is an otherwise law-abiding
freelance video editor who enjoys the irony of working on films like
Jack Neo’s upcoming feature, “Just Follow Law” (2007).
http://singaporerebel.blogspot.com/

---
Total running time: 94 min

The Asian Shorts Program for this year’s Cine Veritas screens
on Dec 7 Thu 5 p.m. (Cine Adarna Main Cinema, Magsaysay Avenue
Entrance);
Dec 8 Fri (2nd Floor Videotheque, Osmeña Avenue Entrance) right after
the 2 p.m. Film and Human Rights Forum;
Dec 9 Sat 2 p.m. (2nd Floor Videotheque, Osmeña Avenue Entrance)
Drop by the UP Film Institute to avail of free passes.

Cine Veritas Human Rights Film Festival 2006
Truth sets us all free...

University of the Philippines Film Institute
(Member, CILECT/International Association of Film and Television
Schools)
Plaridel Hall, Ylanan Road, UP Diliman, Quezon City
Tel: 9818500 (UP Trunkline) local 2669, 2670; 9206863 (Telefax)
Cine Adarna, Magsaysay and Osmena Avenues, UP Diliman, Quezon City
Tel: 9818500 (UP Trunkline) local 4286, 4289; 9262722 (Telefax)

TANGHALANG PILIPINO announces open auditions for its 20th season, The Pretender

Tanghalang Pilipino announces open auditions for its 20th season, The Pretender

Tanghalang Pilipino announces open auditions for its 20th season
ender, The Pretenders (Ang Mga Huwad), adapted for the stage by
Palanca award-winning playwright Rody Vera, based on the novel by
National Artist for Literature and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee F. Sionil
Jose. Auditions will be held on December 8 and 9, 2006, from 1:00 PM
to 6:00 PM, at the Bulwagang Amado Hernandez (Conference Room), Upper Ground Floor, CCP Main Building, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City.

The director is interested in screening middle-aged- looking male and
female actors with Caucasian, Spanish, Filipino or Chinese features,
as well as male and female actors ages 18 and up. They will be
required to present a 3-minute monologue in Filipino from any
published local or foreign play. All interested actors must bring
their updated resume with their most flattering colored headshot.

Applicants must be available for the production schedule, with
rehearsals from December to January, and performances from February 2 – 25, 2006 at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater).

THE PRETENDERS, to be directed by 2003 Aliw Best Stage Director, Chris Millado, tells of an intellectual who rises from his peasant
beginnings, obtains a doctorate from Harvard, marries into a rich
family, and belatedly realizes that behind the pristine luxury of
glitz and glamour awaits the seductive monster of greed. A tale of
lost ideals, compromise and corruption, this dark panoramic vision of
the Philippines powerfully drives its message home: a society intent
only on calculating a man's price is one that ultimately devalues all men.

For more details and inquiries, please call the Tanghalang Pilipino office at 832-3661 or 832-1125 locals 1620/1621.

* * *

Tanghalang Pilipino (TP) is the resident drama company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Since it was established in 1987, Tanghalang Pilipino has successfully presented 114 productions within 15 seasons while generating one of the best attendance records among the CCP's resident companies.

Tanghalang Pilipino challenges each Filipino to remain committed to his moral convictions, to uphold what is right and just, and therefore fulfill a social responsibility shared by all.

Tanghalang Pilipino envisions raising Philippine theatre to heights of professional and artistic excellence, dedicated to developing and training actors, playwrights and designers with special emphasis in the production of original Filipino plays.

By staging plays from the repertoire of Philippine past and plays in translation from other countries, Tanghalang Pilipino hopes to bring to the experience of both artists and audience the best of Philippine and global theater tradition.

Tanghalang Pilipino looks forward to educating and awakening the cultural consciousness of the Filipino audiences through its regular performances and other related activities like workshops, symposia and interactions.

Check out the Tanghalang Pilipino Website at http://www.tanghalangpilipino.com

"Dos por Dos"
Tutok Karapan (tutoK)
Boston Gallery
December 2, 2006 to December 30, 2006

Tutok Karapatan (tutoK) calls anew for greater awareness and respect for human rights with its third event for 2006. "Tutok Dos por Dos" takes place at Boston Gallery from December 2-30 and will feature some 200 works, most of which adhered to a wall-bound 2 by 2 feet format in oil, acrylic and various mediums on canvas and paper. The exhibit is also joined by several sculptures, converging into a continuum of responses and expressions on human rights as a general concern and as specific points of protest and resistance.

Ferdie Montemayor, lead curator for the exhibit, had sought early on a way to present the spirit and solidarity of the artists’ initiative by calling for diverse artworks which would be placed shoulder to shoulder in the gallery walls. Co-curating with him are fellow artists Ruel Caasi, Noell El Farol and Emmanuel Garibay.

Dos por Dos is convergence not only for these works but for artists who have involved themselves with the project, beginning with TutoK’s two workshops and sale of donated artworks, all of which happened early this year. The exhibit also leads the path to the events slated for next year, namely, Tutok Perspektiba 2 and 3 at the Amrhein Gallery of St. Scholastica’s College and UP Faculty Center Gallery in UP Diliman, in January and February 2007, respectively, and Tutok Re-View: Pasang Masid, which will be TutoK’s offering for National Arts Month, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in February 2007.

The exhibit ("Tutok Dos por Dos") opens with a street party on Saturday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m. For inquiries, please call Boston Gallery at Tel.722-9205.

Boston Gallery is located at 72-A Boston St. Cubao, Quezon City.

DONSOL - A-1 Actors featured in "Donsol"

Aside from its profoundly moving tale of love, the film “Donsol” showcases intense performances from its male stars.

Adolfo Alix, Jr.’s first film features newcomer Sid Lucero pits acting talents against award-winning actor Bembol Roco, dependable thespians Simon Ibarra, Kenneth Ocampo and rising child star Aaron Junatas. Mark Gil also plays a pivotal role in film.

Lucero plays the lead Daniel, the heartbroken BIO (Butanding Interaction Officer) who meets the mysterious Teresa portrayed by Angel Aquino. Bembol is Fidel, Daniel’s worn-out and pessimistic father. Ibarra plays Nog, the gigolo BIO who acts as Daniel’s mentor. Ocampo is Tetay, a gay BIO who meets a British tourist who’s bringing her to London to marry him. Aaron plays Ito, Daniel’s brother. Gil is Dustin, Teresa’s husband.

Sid is a third generation actor from one of the most highly esteemed family of actors in the Philippines. His father is award-winning actor Mark Gil and his mother is Bing Pimentel, a former top fashion model-beauty queen turned film and television actress. His first work on film, Lav Diaz’s 8-hour black and white opus Heremias, was immediately noticed when the film competed and won a Special Jury Prize in the 2006 Fribourg International Film Festival in Switzerland.

Roco made his on-screen debut in Lino Brocka’s classsic Maynila, Sa Kuko Ng Liwanag (Manila in the Claws of Light) in 1975. Since then, he has become one of the Philippines’ finest thespians who received acclaim and notices for his bravura performances in films like Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (Three Godless Years) by Mario O’ Hara, Sa Piling Ng Mga Sugapa (In the Den Of Drug Addicts) by Gil Portes, Pagputi Ng Uwak, Pag-itim Ng Tagak (When The Crow Turns White, When The Heron Turns Black) by Celso Ad Castillo and Orapronobis (Fight For Us) and Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak (A Dirty Affair) both by Lino Brocka.

Ibarra received favorable notices for his performance in the films Interm@tes by Hamilton McLeod, Dama de Noche (Woman of the Night) by Lori Reyes, Minsan May Isang Puso (Kind- Hearted) by Jose Javier Reyes and Sa Paraiso Ni Efren (In Efren’s Paradise) by Maryo delos Reyes. For his breakthrough turn in Live Show by Jose Javier Reyes, he earned an URIAN nod for Best Supporting Actor.

Ocampo, more popularly known as “Tetay” in the comedy bar circuit, is making a name for himself as an excellent stand-up comedian. His first on-screen appearance in Maryo delos Reyes’ Laman (Flesh) earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination from Star Awards proving his gift as an actor.

Junatas is one of the fast rising child actors in the Philippines. He was discovered when he landed as one of the runners-up in a local kid’s talent search. He was seen in the ABS-CBN television series Krystala and the weekly sitcom My Juan and Only.

Gil belongs to the esteemed clan of actors in the Philippines (along with sister Cherie Gil and son Sid Lucero who co-stars with him in the film). He has proved his mettle and longevity as a talented actor by appearing and starring in some of Philippine cinemas’ gems over the years: Mike de Leon’s Batch ‘81, Chito Roño’s Itanong Mo Sa Buwan (The Moonchild), Gil Portes’ Saranggola (The Kite) and Maryo delos Reyes’ Magnifico.

“Donsol” debuted in the 2nd Cinemalaya Philippine International Independent Film Festival last July where it won Best Actress for Angel Aquino and Best Cinematography. It also bagged the Special Jury Prize in the Asian Marine Film Festival in Japan and the Jury Prize for Best Low Budget Feature in the recently concluded Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival in Florida, U.S.A. It will also compete in the Monaco International Film Festival this December and will be screened in the Cairo International Film Festival, the Dominican Republic International Film Festival, and the Asian Festival of 1st Films in Singapore this December.

The movie will be released by Star Cinema on November 29 in theaters nationwide. “Donsol” is co-produced by Gilbert Remulla, Joel Villanueva, Florencio “Bembem” Noel, Justin Chipeco, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Mujiv Hataman, Armando Ilano, Sunil Shah, Roger Matira, N. Catamco and Senedy Que.

The film is also graded "A" by the Cinema Evaluation Board and classified PG13 by the Movie & Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

Remastered and transferred to 35mm Technicolor print.

FILM FESTIVAL SCREENINGS:

WINNER - Jury Prize for Best Low Budget Feature
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival 2006
U.S.A.

WINNER - Special Jury Prize
Asian Marine Film Festival 2006 (Japan)

WINNER
Best Actress, Best Cinematography
Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival 2006

IN COMPETITION
Monaco International Film Festival 2006

FESTIVAL OF FESTIVALS
Cairo International Film Festival 2006

OFFICIAL SELECTION
Asian Festival of 1st Films (Singapore)

OFFICIAL SELECTION
Dominican Republic International Film Festival

REVIEWS ABOUT “DONSOL”
“Excellent piece of work… heartfelt and engaging.”
-Mark Schilling, Japan Times, Variety
“One of the best Filipino films in recent years...”
-Kakutani Masaru, Chairman of the Jury
Asian Marine Film Festival (Japan)
“Angel Aquino is the Ingrid Bergman of Asia!”
-Members of the Jury
Asian Marine Film Festival (Japan)
“…filled with stunning images and heartfelt performances.”
-Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival
“The story’s ebb and flow of life by the seaside town is charming throughout- with endearing characters… “
Laura Kelly, South Florida Sun - Sentinel
“…fine performances from Sid Lucero and (Cinemalaya) festival Best Actress Angel Aquino.”
-Nestor Torre, Philippine Daily Inquirer
“An insightful story about love’s fleeting fragility… refreshingly beautiful, calming movie … lyrical and poetic…”Donsol” may even make you believe Philippine cinema can be great again.”
-Paul Daza, Philippine Daily Inquirer
“The underwater photography is breathtaking… technical finesse was obvious and already leagues ahead…”
-Juaniyo Arcellana, Philippine Star
“…extremely fine film with fine performances… newcomer Sid Lucero is an excellent actor!”
-Behn Cervantes, Business World
“(Writer/Director) Alix effectively weaves romance and local color, capturing the spectacular sights of the seaside town.”
-Ronald Constantino, Tempo
“…it is one (movie) that made me proud to be a Filipino.”
-Dr. Ramon Ricardo Roque, Tempo

CAST

Sid Lucero Daniel
Angel Aquino Teresa
Cherie Gil Mars
Jaclyn Jose Ligaya
Bembol Roco Fidel
Simon Ibarra Nog
Mark Gil Dustin
Kenneth Ocampo Tetay
Aaron Junatas Ito
Erika Anne Luna Cita

CAST

SID LUCERO
Touted as the next important actor of Philippine cinema, Sid is a third generation actor from one of the most highly esteemed family of actors in the Philippines.

His first work on film, Lav Diaz’s 8-hour black and white opus Heremias, was immediately noticed when the film competed and won a Special Jury Prize in the 2006 Fribourg International Film Festival in Switzerland.
He has also finished a horror film, Mark Philipp Espina’s Siquijor: Mystic Island but it’s in Adolfo Alix, Jr.’s Donsol where Lucero will essay his first lead role.
Lucero is also a television actor and commercial model in the Philippines.

CAST

ANGEL AQUINO
One of the most beautiful faces that has graced Philippine cinema, Angel Aquino plays her most important role as Teresa in Adolfo Alix, Jr.’s Donsol. Her nuanced portrayal of a breast cancer survivor in the film won Best Actress in the 2nd Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and a Special Citation, comparing her to screen legend Ingrid Bergman, in the Asian Marine Film Festival in Japan.

A consistent favorite of the most respected film directors in the Philippines, Aquino also won various acting awards and citations from her outstanding performances in films like Lav Diaz’s Serafin Geronimo: Kriminal Ng Barrio Concepcion (The Criminal Of Barrio Concepcion), Chito Roño’s Laro Sa Baga (Playing With Fire), Jeffrey Jeturian’s Sana Pag-ibig Na (Enter Love), Gil Portes’ Beautiful Life, Mark Meily’s Crying Ladies and Dante Mendoza’s “Kaleldo (Summer Heat).
Aquino is also a highly esteemed television host and program presenter, aside from her various modeling stints and endorsement appearances.

PRODUCTION STAFF AND CREW

Producer/Writer/ Director Adolfo Alix, Jr.
Executive Producers Adolfo Alix, Jr.
Ricky Gallardo
Co-Producers Gilbert Remulla
Francis Joseph Escudero
Justin Chipeco
Florencio Noel
Mujiv Hataman
Emmanuel Joel Villanueva
Sunil Shah
Armando Ilano
N. Catamco
Roger Matira
Senedy Que
Line Producer Lea Calmerin
Associate Line Producer Maan Dimla
Supervising Producer Maxie Evangelista
Director of Photography Eli Balce
Underwater Photography Boy Siojo
Neyney Guevara
Carina Escudero
Marissa Floirendo
Omar Nepomuceno
Bobby Adrao
Editing Tara Illenberger
Music Jesse Lucas
Production Design Gessan Enriquez
Field Sound Recordist Ari Trofeo
Sound Engineer Mac Vasquez

SYNOPSIS

Love is an ocean of emotions.
Whale sharks, magnificent creatures of the deep, visit once a year the turquoise waters of Donsol.

Daniel (Sid Lucero), the young guide who swims with the whale sharks, finds himself drawn to Teresa (Angel Aquino), a woman as beautiful and mysterious as the visitors of the sea.
Burdened by past heartaches and uncertain of the future, the two find sanctuary in each other as love surfaces anew.

As the tide rises and recedes in a cycle of loss and renewal, Donsol provides the breathtaking backdrop to a story of heartbreak, and the healing power of love.

THE DIRECTOR

ADOLFO ALIX JR. (Producer, Writer and Director)
Adolfo B. Alix Jr. is one of the new voices in Philippine cinema. He graduated magna cum laude at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila) with a degree in Mass Communications.

His first screenplay, Ada won the top prize at the 1997 Film Development Foundation of the Philippines (FDFPI) scriptwriting contest and from which Carlos Siguion-Reyna’ s Kahapon May Dalawang Bata (Yesterday Children) (1999) was based on. The film won runner-up honors at the People’s Choice Awards of the 1999 Toronto International Film Festival and was awarded Best Foreign Film in the Newport Film Festival. It was also included in The Legacy Project, an international selection of the last century’s cinematic heritage.

Mga Munting Tinig (Small Voices) (2002), which he co-wrote with Senedy Que and Gil Portes won both local and international acclaim- winning Best Picture honors at the Star, FAMAS and URIAN awards in the Philippines. The triumvirate also earned ‘Best Picture, Director and Screenplay’ honors at the 2003 Palm Beach International Film Festival. Warner Bros. eventually bought the film for local distribution.

Homecoming, about the travails of an overseas worker diagnosed with S.A.RS., won Most Gender Sensitive Film in the 2003 Metro Manila Film Festival and was released by Columbia Pictures for local distribution. His other film credits include the multi-layered drama Beautiful Life, the horror-comedy hit D’ Anothers, the 2005 Cinemanila Filmfest entry Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and the 2005 Metro Manila Film Festival farce Mourning Girls, the psychological drama Umaaraw, Umuulan (Rain/Shine) and the horror flick Siquijor: Mystic Island.

In between film assignments, he works as a freelance television writer. He was a contributing writer for GMA-7’s Pira-Pirasong Pangarap (Shattered Dreams), a mini-series dealing with the pains, struggles and triumph of women and children; Kung Mawawala Ka (If You’ll Be Gone), a soap opera dealing with the tumultuous lives of a rival political clan and ABS-CBN’s reality love team search, QPIDS.

He also handled film and screenwriting classes at his alma mater. He’s now teaching scriptwriting at San Beda College-Alabang.
Donsol is his directorial debut.

PRODUCTION NOTE

“DONSOL’ was born out of my fascination on how these huge sea creatures, the butandings (whalesharks) , visit this small fishing village in the Southern Philippines. It’s likea cycle. Since the whalesharks are migratory in nature, they may or may not come back. That sparked an idea in my mind to tell a parallel love story about two people who may or may not end up together. Both of them are haunted by their past and heartbroken, so they connected in this seemingly Edenic paradise but they have to face realities.

I felt that it’s a good metaphor in an existential way. People always come and go in our lives- friends, loved ones, but in the end you come out of every experience a better person. The journey is more important than the destination. Whalesharks leave Donsol but there is always a promise that it may come back. If it does not return, the fisherfolks’ lives have been changed by the visit of these sharks forever.

“DONSOL” is a very simple story. I just want people not to be afraid of confronting lonesomeness. I’ve read somewhere that says, “Sadness is the emotion that lingers the most, certainly longer than happiness.” It’s strange because in solitude, it lifts your spirit in a strange way because it inspires you to think of your very existence.

Love may slip through your fingers but life goes on. There’s always a better promise of things to come.

Love is an Ocean of Emotions in "Donsol"

There’s nothing like a great love story to inspire us. Love may slip through your fingers but life goes on. There’s always a better promise of things to come. In Bicycle Pictures’ Donsol, love is at the center this moving and powerful film- a heartwarming study of relationships. Hence the tagline, “Love is an ocean of emotions.”

Whalesharks, magnificent creatures of the deep, visit once a year the turquoise waters of Donsol. Daniel, the lonesome Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO) played by Sid Lucero, guides tourists in their interaction with the magnificent whale sharks of Donsol, Sorsogon. He finds himself drawn to Teresa (Angel Aquino), a woman as beautiful and mysterious as the enormous visitors of the sea. Burdened by past heartaches and uncertain of the future, the two find sanctuary in each other as love surfaces anew. As the tide rises and recedes in a cycle of loss and renewal, Donsol provides the breathtaking backdrop to a story of heartbreak, and the healing power of love.

Screenwriter Adolfo Alix, Jr. (Mga Munting Tinig, Homecoming, D’Anothers) describes his directing debut as a poignant love story about two people who may or may not end up together. “Both of them are haunted by their past, so they connected in this seemingly Edenic paradise but they have to face realties. People always come and go in our lives- friends, loved ones but in the end you come out of every experience a better person. The journey is more important than the destination. The whale sharks leave Donsol but there is always a promise that it may come back. If it does not return, the fisherfolk‘s lives have been changed by the visit of the sharks forever,” Alix says.

The film boasts of a powerhouse cast- newcomer Sid Lucero; model/actress Angel Aquino (who won the Cinemalaya Best Actress for her performance as Teresa); acting heavyweights Cherie Gil, Jaclyn Jose, Bembol Roco, Mark Gil; reliable thespians Simon Ibarra, Kenneth Ocampo with rising child star Aaron Junatas.

Also on board are cinematographer Eli Balce, underwater photographers Boy Siojo, Marissa Floirendo and Carina Escudero, editor Tara Illenberger, sound recordist Ari Trofeo, production designer Gessan Enriquez and music composer Jesse Lucas.

“Donsol” debuted in the 2nd Cinemalaya Philippine International Independent Film Festival last July where it won Best Actress for Angel Aquino and Best Cinematography. It also bagged the Special Jury Prize in the Asian Marine Film Festival in Japan and the Jury Prize for Best Low Budget Feature in the recently concluded Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival in Florida, U.S.A. It will also compete in the Monaco International Film Festival this December and will be screened in the Cairo International Film Festival, the Dominican Republic International Film Festival, and the Asian Festival of 1st Films in Singapore this December.

The movie will be released by Star Cinema on November 29 in theaters nationwide. The film is also graded "A" by the Cinema Evaluation Board and classified PG13 by the Movie & Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). Remastered and transferred to 35mm Technicolor print.

“Donsol” is co-produced by Gilbert Remulla, Joel Villanueva, Florencio “Bembem” Noel, Justin Chipeco, Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Mujiv Hataman, Armando Ilano, Sunil Shah, Roger Matira, N. Catamco and Senedy Que.

Art Omi International Artists Residency - Call for Applications

Art Omi International Artists Residency

Call for Applications
Art Omi
International Artists Residency

http://www.artomi.org

ARTISTS RESIDENCY
The Art Omi International Artists' Residency offers visual artists three-week residencies in the month of July. The Arts Center is located approximately two and a half hours north of New York City in the historic Hudson River Valley. Artists are provided with room and board for the three-weeks. Studio facilities are set among the 300 acres of rolling green hills. The program includes a critic-in-residence who facilitates an ongoing dialogue in studio visits, as well as day visits from dealers, curators, artists and critics from New York City. The residency session concludes with an Open Studios event to which members of the art world from both upstate New York and New York City are invited. Artists pay for travel, materials, and donate a work of art created during the residency to the Art Omi Foundation Collection.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS (Art Omi International Artists Residency):

1. Six (6) 35mm color slides for carousel projector. OR (6) jpeg images on a CD. * Slides are preferred format. DVDs for new media artists only whose work is time based or kinetic and cannot be seen well in slide format. The video clip must not exceed 5 minutes and should be cued for the viewing. NTSC format only.

Note: do not send catalogs, glass slides, brochures or folders. These extra materials will not be considered. Each slide should be labeled with your name and the number of the slides corresponding to the slide script. The TOP of each slide should be clearly marked.

2. A numbered list of slides (or CD/video script) submitted with title, date of work, medium and size. At the top of the page list the artist's name, address, telephone number, email address, nationality, age, sex and languages spoken.

3. Curriculum vitae listing education and exhibitions.

4. How did you hear about Art Omi?

5. A S.A.S.E. (self addressed stamped envelope), for returning slides. International artists can submit postal coupons from their local post office.

Send completed applications to:
Art Omi Applications
55 Fifth Avenue 15th Floor
New York, NY 10003

Deadline January 15, 2007. Session dates: July 1-July 23, 2007. For further information about the Art Omi International Artists Residency please visit our website, http://www.artomi.org or contact: Blaire Dessent, Director, Art Omi International Artists Residency at 212.206.5684 or via email to artists@artomi.org

Submit your applications to Art Omi International Artists Residency now!

2006 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Competition Nominees

Presenting the Nominees of 2006 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Competition

Awards Night of the 2006 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Competition will be held on Sunday November 26 at Teatrino, Greenhills at 6pm.

Members of the 2006 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Competition Jury are: Robbie Tan, Dr. Miguel Rapatan, Teddy Co and Gina Alajar.

NOMINEES:

Best Picture
(2006 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Competition)
- selected by the Jury

1. ANG HULING BALYAN NG BUHI
Line produced by Salida and Alchemy of Vision
and Light Production

2. METLOGS
Line produced by Grupong Sinehan Production
Co-Producer: Med Valentus

3. PANDANGGO
Line produced by Look Sharp Pictures/Gigantor
Media Production

4. RAKET NI NANAY
Line produced by Indiopendence
Co Producers: Hai Balbuena and Jim Flores

5. REKADOS
Line produced by Alessandro Productions
Associate Producer: Samasama Group Productions
Co-Producers: Wenglin Serrano and Zoilo Barrel

6. ROME & JULIET
Line produced by I.O.U. One Productions
Co-Producers: Connie S.A. Macatuno and Joji Mangabat

7. SEROKS
Line produced by Ledge Productions
Co-Producers: Amor Olaguer, Ed Lejano, Jon Jefferson Kho

Audience Award for Best Digital Movie
(2006 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Competition)
- rated and voted by viewers of the movies

1. Ang Huling Balyan ng Buhi
2. Metlogs
3. Pandanggo
4. Raket Ni Nanay
5. Rekados
6. Rome&Juliet
7. Seroks

Best Director
(2006 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Competition)
1. Lawrence Fajardo, Raket Ni Nanay
2. Paolo Herras, Rekados
3. Ed Lejano, Seroks
4. Ruelo Lozendo, Dennis Empalmado and Wilfred Allen Galila
for Pandanggo
5. Connie Macatuno, Rome & Juliet
6. Crisaldo Pablo, Metlogs
7. Sherad Anthony Sanchez, Huling Balyan ng Buhi

Nominees for Best Actor
(2006 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Competition)
1. Neil Ryan Sese - Seroks
2. Mario Magallona - Rekados
3. Mark Gil - Raket Ni Nanay
4. Archi Adamos - Raket Ni Nanay
5. Marky Lopez - Metlogs
6. Rafael Rosell - Rome&Juliet
7. Raymond Bagatsing - Pandanggo

Nominees for Best Actress
(2006 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Competition)
1. Meryll Soriano - Rekados
2. Boots Anson-Roa - Rekados
3. Chinchin Gutierrez - Pandanggo
4. Mylene Dizon - Rome&Juliet
5. Tessie Tomas - Rome&Juliet
6. Mystika - Seroks

Best Screenplay nominees
(2006 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Competition)
1. Connie Macatuno and Chris Violago for Rome&Juliet
2. Ed Lejano and Lye Candelaria for seroks
3. Paolo Herras for Rekados
4. Sherad Anthony Sanchez for Huling Balyan ng Buhi

Best Director of Photography nominees
(2006 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Competition)
1. Marcial Tarnate for Rome&Juliet
2. Julius Salazar for Raket Ni Nanay
3. Ivan Sarenas and Mark Gary for Rekados
4. Neil Daza for seroks
5. Eric De La Cruz for Pandanggo
6. Mark Limbaga, Sherad Anthony Sanchez abd Michael Babista
for Huling Balyan ng Buhi

Best Editing nominees
(2006 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Competition)
1. Lawrence Fajardo and Jobin Ballesteros for Raket Ni Nanay
2. Dempster Samarista for Rekados
3. Amrei Dizon for seroks
4. Kenth Bajo and Frenchie Guellos for Huling Balyan ng Buhi

Best Production Design nominees
(2006 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Competition)
1.Fritz Silorio for Rekados
2.Joel Geolamen and Sherad Anthony Sanchez for Huling Balyan ng Buhi
3.Gerry Ramirez for Metlogs
4.Bianca Daidivas, Ching Danseco for seroks
5.Alf Alacapa for Raket Ni Nanay
6.Gerry Santos for Rome&Juliet

Best Sound
(2006 Cinema One Originals Digital Movie Competition)
1. Jobin Ballesteros for Raket Ni Nanay
2. Alan Hilado for seroks
3. Jackie Serapio and Jahn Barredo for Huling Balyan ng Buhi
4. Jed Balsamo for Rekados

PINK FILM FESTIVAL 2006 Call for Volunteers

Call for Volunteers - Pink Film Festival 2006!

The Pink Film Festival is 100% volunteer-driven has been
operating solely on the strength of its volunteers. We
need men and women who are interested in helping out for
PINK FILM FESTIVAL 2006.

We would need people above 18 years of age, capable and
willing to do basic festival duties which are the
following:

1. Advertise the festival to the general public

2. Encourage mature audiences to watch the screenings
individually or organize groups, classes and
organizations specially groups that you
are members or leaders of.

3. Obtain sponsorships and financial assistance such as
media sponsors,food suppliers, transportation companies,
internet and telecoms service providers, hotels and
donors and patrons

4. Forward official press releases to media outlets and
internet groups

5. Offer existing mini-events or organize concurrent
mini-events to support the Pink Film Festival

6. Distribute festival-related leaflets and flyers to
mall shoppers and students

7. Assist main staff in moving equipment and running
errands

8. Promoting the festival in internet chat rooms,
e-groups and websites

Interested parties are encouraged to contact Mr. Mykel
Falguera,ProGay Secretary General by writing an email
with a brief bio-data to progay@yahoo.com
or text him at 0928-7571119.

The festival prefers volunteers who are part of circles
involved in art, cinema, academics, marketing, health
care, civic citizens movements and non-government staff
work. Heterosexual men and women are more than
welcome.

Inquiries will be entertained only after review of
emailed inquires and after face to face interviews
at an office to be announced by ProGay next week.
Notices will be emailed to people who have submitted
their interest by email.

Volunteers who are college undergraduates presently
enrolled in any school need to present a letter of
consent signed by their guardians and noted by
their class advisers.

The festival does not promise compensation, food or
transportation but these can be possible if the
volunteers produce corporate sponsorships to cover
these expenses. Some of the work can be done at home and
within the shopping mall. At the most, volunteers will
be rewarded with free admission for himself/
herself during off-duty hours.

Work periods are between November 29 to December 16.
Around five to seven volunteers for on-site work at the
mall will be accepted, while another three off-site
volunteers may be accepted depending on actual need that
materializes for the festival. Deadline for email
submissions of resumés is on December 28, 5:00
p.m.

Thank you for your interest in supporting the Pink Film
Festival 2006.

For more information about the Pink Film Festival 2006,
log on to the website www.pinkfilmfest.tk

Watch our videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlw8klORuGE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXdHskryQ7o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JafQ7ncYGh0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHfxgYX6Ols

Visit our website
http://progayphilippines.blogspot.com

Progay Philippines is a service and advocacy organization that provides counseling, training and education assistance to marginalized gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual Filipinos, especially the youth and the ageing sectors. ProGay initiated Pride traditions in the country when it led the first ever gay and lesbian Pride parade in the entire Asian region on 26 June 1994.

Mailing address:
35 Scout Delgado Street,
Barangay Laging Handa
Quezon City,
1103 Philippines

Telephone +63 2 3743451
Mobile +63 928 7571119
Email progay@yahoo.com, progay@gmail.com

Mag:net Cafe December Schedule of Events

Mag:net Cafe December Schedule of Events

Mag:net Café is happy to announce its schedule of Live Performances
and Film Screenings (Cinekatipunan) for December. You may download
calendars by clicking sites below. We are also now accepting
reservations for Private Christmas Parties and new slots for
Hanging-out Classes for January. Please contact Malou or Flor at
9293191 or 4352631 or email magnetcafekatips@yahoo.com. For more
information please visit www.magnet.com.ph

Download December Live Performances Calendar>
http://www.magnet.com.ph/schedules/DEC%20calendar.jpg

Download December Cinekatipunan Calendar>
http://www.magnet.com.ph/schedules/DEC%20cinecalen dar.jpg

Mag:net Cafe Live Performaces December Schedule

1 (Fri) Pepe Smith / Romeo Lee (Back to back: Rock meets Punk.
Preceded by the screenings of the film docus on the 2 icons.)

2 (Sat) 7PM Opening: Pewee Roldan Exhibit 9:30PM Campusition Night: Wake up your seatmate / Apologia / Nasal Police / Milestones / Joke Time and more…

4 (Mon) Astrojuan / Mating Season and more…

5 (Tue) dongabay and more…

6 (Wed) Jazz Night: Johnny Alegre-Affinity and more…

7 (Thu) 7PM (Special Gig) Hanging out Students of Krip Yuson and
Cynthia Alexander / 9PM Silly People's Improv Theater (SPIT)

8 (Fri) Bluerats

9 (Sat) The Late Isabel and more…

11 (Mon) Assortment of Award Winning Performance Poets (Angelo Suarez, Cos Zicarelli, Mookie Katigbak, Sarge Lacuesta, Lourd De Veyra, Arkaye Kierulf, Allan Pastrana, Sonny Sendon) / Los Chupacabras

12 (Tue) Updharma Down

13 (Wed) Jazz Night: Ledh with Pjaz and more

14 (Thu) Silly People's Improv Theater (SPIT)

15 (Fri) Lester Demetillo / Becky Abraham / Susan Fernandez / Cynthia Ubaldo

16 (Sat) Campusition Night: Makopa / Desdemona / Diana Rising and more…

18 (Mon) Miles Sanchez and more…

19 (Tue) Radioactive and more…

20 (Wed) Jazz Night: Lyn Sherman and Friends

21 (Thu) Dapulis / Evenstar Project

22 (Fri) (Bandwagon Production) Shuteyeview / Formula / Juan /
Sideshow / and more…

23 (Sat) (Beyond the Walls: An Xmas Celeberation by the UST College of
Fine Arts and Design) Zircuz Crone / Jinggoy's Revenge / Peppermint /
Winter Roots / Semi.otic / Overbreak

25 (Mon) (CLOSED)

26 (Tue) Color it Red

27 (Wed) Jazz Night: Chillitees / Sound / Itchyworm

28 (Thu) Rock Ed Karaoke Jam!

29 (Fri) Cookie Jar Sessions / Fig and more…

30 (Sat) Cynthia Alexander

Cinekatipunan December Schedule (Daily Screening Time: 5:30 PM- Free Admission)

1 (Fri) Roxlee: ROMEO MUST ROCK (2004/Digital/ 55 mins); Howie
Severino: PEPE SMITH (2006/Digital/ 35 mins) to be followed by LIVE
performances by Pepe Smith and Romeo Lee

2 (Sat) UP Sining at Lipunan (UP College of Mass Communication) and
Moving Concepts (UST College of Fine Arts and Design)

4 (Mon) Malaysian Shorts Program (91 mins) with Sharaad Kuttan

5 (Tue) Mark Gary and Denisa Reyes: SANDALANG BAHAY (2005/Digital/ 98 mins)

6 (Wed) Khavn: 5:30 PM - FPJ's ISLA PUTTING BATO (1977/35 mm) Quay Brothers 7:30 PM – KHAVN SHORTS, 8 PM - SQUATTER PUNK (2006/Digital) with live music by The Brockas

7 (Thu) Raya Martin: ANG ISLA SA DULO NG MUNDO (2004/Digital/ 109 mins)

8 (Fri) Kidlat Tahimik: SINONG LUMIKHA NG YOYO? SINONG LUMIKHA NG MOON BUGGY? (1982/16 mm)

9 (Sat) Ditsi Carolino: RILES (2002/Digital/ 70 mins) Tudla: SA NGALAN NG TUBO (2005/Digital/ 38 mins)

11 (Mon) Tom Shu-Yu Lin: THE PAIN OF OTHERS (Taiwan/2005/ 35 mm/30 mins); Malaysian Independent Shorts Program (91 mins)

12 (Tue) Ellen Ramos and Paolo Villaluna: ILUSYON (2005/Digital/ 100 mins)

13 (Wed) Raymond Red SHORT FILMS

14 (Thu) LGBT Night (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) - Mark
dela Cruz: MISTERYO NG HAPIS (2006/15 mins), Paolo Villaluna: PALUGID (2000/16 mm/18 mins), Sigrid Andrea Bernardo: BABAE (2004/Digital/ 20 mins); Ms. You Porny: BEHIND THE APPEARANCE (Cambodia/Digital/ 7 mins) to be followed by ANG LADLAD Program

15 (Fri) Tikoy Aguiluz: BALWEG (1986/16 mm/50mins)

16 (Sat) Loyola Film Circle (Ateneo) and Moving Concepts (UST CFAD)

18 (Mon) Malaysian Shorts Program (91 mins) with Sharaad Kuttan

19 (Tue) Mark Gary and Denisa Reyes: SANDALANG BAHAY (2005/Digital/ 98 mins.)

20 (Wed) Khavn: 5:30PM Japanese Cyberpunk Films from Shinya Tsukamoto and Sogo Ishii 7:30 PM SQUATTER PUNK (2006/Digital) with live music by The Brockas

21 (Thu) (Chabet's Choice) PBS American Masters: Andy Warhol (240 mins)

22 (Fri) Nick Deocampo: PRIVATE WARS(1995/16 mm/70 mins); ISAAK (1994/35 mm/10 mins)

23 (Sat) Moving Concepts (UST College of Fine Arts and Design)

25 (Mon) (CLOSED)

26 (Tue) Ellen Ramos and Paolo Villaluna: ILUSYON (2005/Digital/ 100 mins)

27 (Wed) Lav Diaz: BATANG WEST SIDE (Philippines, USA/2002/ 315 mins)

28 (Thu) Raya Martin: MAICLING PELICULA NG YSANG INDIO NACIONAL
(2006/35 mm/96 mins)

29 (Fri) Roxlee: ROMEO MUST ROCK (2004/Digital/ 55 mins); Howie
Severino: PEPE SMITH (2006/Digital/ 35 mins)

30 (Sat) Ateneo Loyola Film Circle,UST Moving Concepts and UP SILIP

All films, unless otherwise indicated, have English subtitles.

Join The Cordillera Artists Central!

CORDILLERA ARTISTS CENTRAL

Join The Cordillera Artists Central Group!

Because of the positive response and over-whelming support given to the yahoo group Baguio City Artists, the Moderator created a much bigger yahoo group with a much wider scope; hence, THE CORDILLERA ARTISTS CENTRAL egroup. Moreover, to further serve a much-intended purpose, the Moderator announces the launching of THE CORDILLERA ARTISTS CENTRAL WEBSITE. We would like to inform you that the Baguio City Artists yahoo group and corresponding email address have already been deactivated in favor of THE CORDILLERA ARTISTS CENTRAL yahoo group and website.

Join The Cordillera Artists Central Group!

This therefore is to invite you to The Cordillera Artists Central to continue to receive messages, news, announcements and invitations, post messages, news, announcements and invitations, participate in polls and fora, and other activities.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS, ART DEALERS, ART COLLECTORS, ART CRITICS AND ART ENTHUSIASTS.

Join The Cordillera Artists Central Group!

http://www.cordiartistscentral.tk/

Cinekatipunan December 2006 at Mag:net Cafe

Cinekatipunan December 2006
5:30 – 7:00 PM, Mondays to Saturdays
Mag:net Café Katipunan

1 (Fri) Roxlee: ROMEO MUST ROCK (2004/Digital/ 55
mins); Howie Severino: PEPE SMITH (2006/Digital/ 35
mins)

2 (Sat) UP Sining at Lipunan (UP College of Mass
Communication) and Moving Concepts (UST College of
Fine Arts and Design)

4 (Mon) Malaysian Independent Shorts Program (91 mins)
with Sharaad Kuttan

5 (Tue) Mark Gary and Denisa Reyes: SANDALANG BAHAY
(2005/Digital/ 98 mins)

6 (Wed) Khavn dela Cruz: 5:30 PM - FPJ’s ISLA PUTTING
BATO (1977/35 mm) Quay Brothers Short films 7:30 PM –
KHAVN SHORTS, 8 PM - SQUATTER PUNK (2006/Digital) with
live music by “The Brockas”

7 (Thu) Raya Martin: ANG ISLA SA DULO NG MUNDO
(2004/Digital/ 109 mins)

8 (Fri) Kidlat Tahimik: SINONG LUMIKHA NG YOYO? SINONG
LUMIKHA NG MOON BUGGY? (1982/16 mm)

9 (Sat) Ditsi Carolino: RILES (2002/Digital/ 70 mins)
Tudla Productions: SA NGALAN NG TUBO (2005/Digital/ 38
mins)

11 (Mon) Tom Shu-Yu Lin: THE PAIN OF OTHERS
(Taiwan/2005/ 35 mm/30 mins); Malaysian Independent
Shorts Program (91 mins)

12 (Tue) Ellen Ramos and Paolo Villaluna: ILUSYON
(2005/Digital/ 100 mins)

13 (Wed) Raymond Red SHORT FILMS

14 (Thu) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Night
- Mark dela Cruz: MISTERYO NG HAPIS (2006/15 mins),
Paolo Villaluna: PALUGID (2000/16 mm/18 mins), Sigrid
Andrea Bernardo: BABAE (2004/Digital/ 20 mins); Ms. You
Porny (Cambodia/2004/ Digital/7 mins)

15 (Fri) Tikoy Aguiluz: BALWEG (1986/16 mm/50 mins)

16 (Sat) Loyola Film Circle (Ateneo) and Moving
Concepts (UST CFAD)

18 (Mon) Malaysian Independent Shorts Program (91
mins)

19 (Tue) Mark Gary and Denisa Reyes: SANDALANG BAHAY
(2005/Digital/ 98 mins.)

20 (Wed) Khavn Dela Cruz: Japanese Cyberpunk Films
from Shinya Tsukamoto and Sogo Ishii 7:30 PM – Khavn
SHORTS, 8 PM - SQUATTER PUNK (2006/Digital) with live
music by “The Brockas”

21 (Thu) Chabet’s Choice - PBS AMERICAN MASTERS: ANDY
WARHOL (240 mins)

22 (Fri) Nick Deocampo: PRIVATE WARS(1995/16 mm/70
mins), ISAAK (1994/35 mm/10 mins)

23 (Sat) Moving Concepts (UST CFAD): BEYOND THE WALLS
PROGRAM

25 (Mon) HOLIDAY

26 (Tue) Ellen Ramos and Paolo Villaluna: ILUSYON
(2005/Digital/ 100 mins)

27 (Wed) 2 PM - Lav Diaz: BATANG WEST SIDE (2002/35
mm/315 mins)

28 (Thu) Raya Martin: MAICLING PELICULA NG YSANG INDIO
NACIONAL (2006/35 mm/96 mins)

29 (Fri) Roxlee: ROMEO MUST ROCK (2004/Digital/ 55
mins); Howie Severino: PEPE SMITH (2006/Digital/ 35
mins)

30 (Sat) Ateneo Loyola Film Circle, UST Moving
Concepts and UP SILIP

All films, unless otherwise indicated, have English
subtitles.

Free Admission but we encourage voluntary
contributions for the honoraria of the featured
filmmakers.

A Documentary on Urban Aeta Community - "Ang Ating Buhay"

ANG ATING BUHAY: A Documentary on Urban Aeta Community

An AVP/documentary film, in cooperation with the Center For People Empowerment and Governance, on an urban Aeta (Ati) community and how their culture has diminished due to the need to fit in the new environment and lack of heritage preservation.

The title of the documentary is "ANG ATING BUHAY," which means two things: 1 - literally, the Ati life, and 2 - Our life, referring to the Philippines, or any other nation experiencing cultural or lingual decline in pursuit of survival.

Preserve culture! Preserve language, for it is the means to meaning, of sharing symbols; therefore the means of establishing culture.

Courtesy of Jason Paul Laxamana
www.geocities.com/sisig_man
Kalalangan Kamaru

Cine Veritas Human Rights Film Festival 2006

UP Film Institute holds annual human rights fest

Cine Veritas Human Rights Film Festival 2006
December 5, 2006 to December 9, 2006

The UP Film Institue holds its annual celebration for human rights with
the Cine Veritas Human Rights Film Festival 2006 set from December 5
Tuesday to December 9 Saturday. Now on its fourth year, Cine Veritas continues to present for its latest edition a wide variety of films that seek to confront the contemporary world’s most pressing social issues.

Opening festivities feature the Philippine premiere (Dec 5 Tue 7 p.m.)
of Lelaki Komunis Terakhir (The Last Communist) from Malaysia’s
digital filmmaking pioneer Amir Muhammad. The film that has made the rounds of
prestigious international filmfests beginning with the world premiere
in Berlin last February provides a rare account of the early life and legacy of
the banned Communist Party of Malaya’s exiled leader Chin Peng through
testimony and song. The screening will be preceded by the world premiere
of Martyn See’s Speakers Cornered—a documentary short subject on
pro-democracy activists in Singapore about to stage a protest during
the recent World Bank and International Monetary Fund’s annual meet.

Succeeding days are replete with more screening highlights. The League
of Filipino Students hallmarks on Dec 6 Wed at 2 p.m. a double feature
with ABC 5’s State of War and ST Exposure’s Alingawngaw ng mga Punglo.
State of War—the 2006 documentary made with correspondents Geann
Pineda, Jim Libiran, Jade Lopez and Ed Lingao—shows the effects of the
national government’s all-out war policy against the CPP-NPA-NDF on the lives
of innocent civilians and unarmed activists. Set in the Southern Tagalog
region, Alingawngaw ng mga Punglo discusses the Comprehensive Agreement
on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law
vis-à-vis the human rights violations committed against civilians allegedly by
the country’s armed forces.

Another Philippine premiere unveils courtesy of the Embassy of France
in the Philippines Rithy Panh’s S-21: The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine
(Dec 6 Wed 7 p.m. with repeat on Dec 8 Fri at 10 a.m.)—a close-up
look at the Khmer Rouge prison camps in Cambodia of the mid-1970s. Attempting
to make peace between Cambodian torture survivors and the Khmer Rouge
soldiers who brutalized them, the film has won numerous awards and distinctions
including Francois Chalais Award—2003 Festival de Cannes; Golden
Dove, Fipresci Prize—2003 Leipzig DOK Festival; Special Jury Prize—2003
Copenhagen IFF; Best Documentary—2003 Valladolid IFF; Best
Documentary—2003 European Awards; 2003 Prix Italia; Human Rights
Award—2004 Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema;
Humanitarian Award—2004 Hong Kong IFF; 2004 Prix Albert Londres.

Homegrown true-to-life classics are represented with the special commemorative screening (Dec 7 Thu 2 p.m.) of The Moises Padilla Story directed by
National Artist Gerardo de Leon and the 35th anniversary screening (Dec 7 Thu 7
p.m.) of Asedillo directed by Celso Ad Castillo and starring National Artist
Fernando Poe Jr.

The Moises Padilla Story recounts the travails of an underdog politico
battling a corrupt governor with a private army that enforces his repressive
rule in their province. Asedillo tracks the story of a schoolteacher rebelling
against the American colonial government and forming a militant peasant group.

Apart from distinct screenings, the Film and Human Rights forum on Dec
8 Fri at 2 p.m. serves as a key attraction with a panel composed of Amir
Muhammad, Nanette Matilac, Kiri Lluch Dalena and Sharaad Kuttan. Libay Linsangan
Cantor of the UP Film Institute acts as the moderator.

Full slates of international shorts plus an Asian shorts program on
politics of oppression and a Philippine shorts selection tackling kids and poverty
are also screened throughout the festival. In addtion to the opening film,
visiting filmmaker Amir Muhammad has a surprise film to preview on Dec 8 Fri at 7 p.m.

The Center for Environmental Awareness and Education takes part in this
year’s Cine Veritas with an acclaimed twinbill of new works on Dec 9 Sat at 10
a.m. Nanette Matilac’s Memories of the Sea digs into the plight of the
Badjaw who—like most cultural communities pushed away from their roots to
desperate subsistence by war, poverty and oppression—suffer a far
greater loss of heritage not only for themselves but also for the country, the
continent they belong to and for that matter the rest of the world. Karie Garnier’s The Silent Natives of Fuga dramatizes the tale of a Filipina and her Canadian husband whose journey to paradise turns into a nightmare as they encounter the unlivable rules imposed on the 2,000 poverty-stricken inhabitants of Fuga Island.

Closing film on Dec 9 Sat at 7 p.m. is Raya Martin’s Maicling Pelicula nang
Ysang Indio Nacional—the Grand Prize Winner of Lino Micciche Award at
the 2006 Pesaro International Festival of New Cinema. The indie gem charts
three phases of an Indio’s life during the Spanish colonial times first as an
impressionable child church bell-ringer, then a pubescent caught in the growing pressures of the revolution and finally an actor for a community theater group escaping his troubled soul.

The Cine Veritas Human Rights Film Festival 2006 is a UP Film Institute
undertaking with the Office of the UP Diliman Chancellor and the UP
Diliman Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts as main partners.

Cine Veritas Human Rights Film Festival 2006
Truth sets us all free...

For more details about the Cine Veritas Human Rights Film Festival 2006, contact:
University of the Philippines Film Institute
(Member, CILECT/International Association of Film and Television
Schools)
Plaridel Hall, Ylanan Road, UP Diliman, Quezon City
Tel: 9818500 (UP Trunkline) local 2669, 2670; 9206863 (Telefax)
Cine Adarna, Magsaysay and Osmena Avenues, UP Diliman, Quezon City
Tel: 9818500 (UP Trunkline) local 4286, 4289; 9262722 (Telefax)

Jes Evangelista's Read Between The Line at Galerie Astra

Read Between The Lines
Jes Evangelista
Galerie Astra
November 10, 2006 to November 23, 2006

Jes Evangelista's "Read Between The Lines" is now on view at Galerie Astra. The exhibit consists of small-sized and large-scale paintings, and installation works.

Jes Evangelista's latest work at Galerie Astra continues to explore into the endless possibilities of abstraction and painting. Jes Evangelista utilizes colors which are layering and masking technique and built in several layers of acrylic, soft gel, colored pencils, oil paints, oil pastels and pencil. These are painstakingly removed to reveal the hues underneath oriented in horizontal, diagonals and as well as vertical lines.

Jes Evangelista holds a BFA in Painting from the University of the Philippines. Jes Evangelista was a twice finalist in the Shell Art Competition. At present, Jes Evangelista teaches in The Master’s Academy (TMA) as an Auxiliary Art teacher at St. Francis Square, Ortigas Mandaluyong City.

Galerie Astra is located at 2/F the Art Pavilion LRI Business Center which is located at 210 Nicanor Garcia St. (formerly Reposo St.) Makati City.

For more details, please call 890-3988 or 726-9015.

Philippine Ballet Theater stages Esmeralda

"Esmeralda (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)"
Philippine Ballet Theater
November 25, 3pm, 8pm
Meralco Theater, Pasig City

To cap its 20th anniversary celebration, the Philippine Ballet Theater stages "Esmeralda (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)" on November 25, with 3pm and 8pm performance at the Meralco Theater, Pasig City.

"Esmeralda" is a tale of love, compassion, jealously and physical beauty. The story follows Quasimodo’s’ search for a fuller life beyond the confines of his home, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and his own disfigurement.

Along the way he experiences love for the first time, is deceived by Claude Frollo, the priest of Notre Dame, and befriended by the kindness of the gypsy beauty, Esmeralda.

The retelling of this classic story, "Esmeralda" (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) is breathtakingly adapted to the stage by the Philippine Ballet Theater using the great Cesare Pugni’s original score created for the Russian court in 1849.

Playing Esmeralda in this Philippine Ballet Theater production are Faye Abigail Tan and Jay Anne Marie Tensuan.

Jared Jehowil Tan and Joel Matias alternate as Capt. Phoebus; while Ronilo Jaynario and Peter Lloyd San Juan play the role of Quasimodo.

Anatoly Panasyukov, Philippine Ballet Theater's resident ballet master, and Gener Caringal, Philippine Ballet Theater's artistic director, work together to restage "Esmeralda" with choreography by Vladimir Burmeister and music by Cesare Pugni.

* * *

Founded in 1987, Philippine Ballet Theatre (PBT) has established itself as the pre-eminent classical ballet company in the Philippines today. Philippine Ballet Theater was borne out of an alliance of leading dance groups in the eighties but immediately won recognition as a resident ballet company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Philippine Ballet Theatre has now expanded its vision and pursues the goal of bringing the upscale art of dance to general appreciation among Filipino audiences.

With its concurrent preservation of the rich and elegant classical story ballets, such as Swan Lake, Giselle, Nutcracker, and Raymonda, Philippine Ballet Theater also launches contemporary ballets that are of emotional depth, dramatic realism and stark inventiveness like the critically acclaimed Carmina Burana and Daughters of Mourning (Bernarda Alba). Its repertoire continues to dazzle and amaze various audiences with its distinct and poetic delicacy and refined sophistication.

Philippine Ballet Theater has traveled in national and international tours presenting the best of its Filipino and Western repertoire; highlighting the company's commitment to artistic excellence in the classical, neo-classical and pop-classical traditions.

For information, contact Philippine Ballet Theater at 6328848. Data taken from http://www.culturalcenter.gov.ph/res-PBT.htm

Join The Baguio City Artists Group!

CALLING ALL ARTISTS, ART DEALERS, ART COLLECTORS, ART CRITICS AND ART ENTHUSIASTS.

Join The Baguio City Artists Group!

The Baguio City Artists, having been born and/or have become aware
into a context of cultural diversity that is characteristic of the
Cordilleras, come from varied backgrounds, class origins and
traditions. It is from its own heterogeneity that the strengths of
the collective stems from. It is however, homogenous in one aspect:
It seeks to utilize art as cultural sanctuary.

The Baguio City Artists e-group mainly serves as a forum. However,
members are welcome to post announcements of exhibits and art-
related events. The gallery shall also be utilized to feature at
least 3 artists and their artworks a month.

Join The Baguio Artists Group!

Participants are expected:

- To learn from various experiences of cultural workers and artists;
- To further strengthen linkages / networking;
- To entice support from different levels, sectors and government
agencies in particular;
- To be able to make a legacy for the community;
- To validate existing frameworks/models/ insights in cultural
development; and,
- To come up with strategies on sustaining local efforts in cultural
development.

Join The Baguio City Artists Group!
Visit http://asia.groups.yahoo.com/group/baguiocityartists

Romancing Venus (Love Poetry Reading & Performances)

Event:
Romancing Venus (Love poetry reading and performances)

Date: December 9, 2006, Saturday
Time: 6-7pm
Venue: World Trade Centre

Event:
Romancing Venus (Love poetry reading and performances)

Date: December 16, 2006, Saturday
Time: 6-7pm
Venue: World Trade Centre

* * *

"Romancing Venus" is the brainchild of Kooky Tuason. "Romancing Venus" CDs are still available at Tower Records, Music One, Astroplus, SM, Odyssey, I Love You Store and The Chunky Far Flung Gallery.

For more information about "Romancing Venus," visit www.venusinorbit.com

Be An Anino Graphic Novelist!

Wanna bean Anino graphic novelist?
Got a great idea for a graphic novel?

Adarna House is currently looking for story proposals for its next graphic novel under the Anino Comics imprint.

Proposals should include:

1. Project brief with the following details:

*Title
*Story genre
*List of the creators to be involved in the project
*Estimated number of pages

2. One page story synopsis

3. Sample pages, character studies

Stories may be in Filipino or in English. Compilations of previously published materials are also welcome.

For inquiries and to get a copy of submission guidelines, call 372-35-48 loc 109 or email Jordan Santos at rjordanpsantos@yahoo.com.

Submissions may be sent to Adarna House, Room 201, JGS Building, 30 Scout Tuason St., Quezon City, or e-mailed to pdg@adarna.com.ph.

Deadline for story proposals is November 30, 2006.

Oil Paintings by Paul B. Sena

ANG LIPUNAN
FIRST ONE MAN SHOW

Oil Paintings by
PAUL B. SENA
(November 15-30,2006)

"Ang Lipunan," first one-man show/exhibition of
oil paintings by Paul B. Sena, is now on view at
the Contreras Sculptures.

The exhibit opened last Wednesday, November 15, 2006
and will until November 30, 2006

Contreras Sculptures is located at
4th Floor Bldg. A, S.M. Megamall
EDSA, Mandaluyong.

Fil-Canadian stars in modern Pinoy folktale

FILIPINO-Canadian stars Darrel Gamotin, Nadine Villasin, Nicco
Lorenzo Garcia and Caroline Mangosing lend sparks in a new horror
movie, "Ang Pamana (The Inheritance) " from the Digital Sweatshop,
Incorporated.

Their fine performances blended dramatically with mainstream stars
Victor Neri, Phoemela Barranda, Cholo Barretto and Ketchup Eusebio.
Also in the casting cameo roles are Tirso Cruz III, Jacklyn Jose,
Angel Aquino, Susan Africa and Noni Buencamino.

"Ang Pamana (The Inheritance) " is the first Canada-Philippines co-
production with an all Filipino-Canadian creative team. According to
its director, Romeo Candido, "We embarked on creating a modern
Filipino folktale, the kind of bedtime story our lolas would tell us
of the `homeland' in the safe bedrooms of our childhood in Canada.
The Philippines had `magic realist' stories before there was even a
term for it."

True to what he stated, he has created an awesome array of horror
characters indigenous to the Philippines like the aswang, the kapre,
the multo and the manananggal. They all hovered at the family farm
in rural Bulacan inherited by the three grandchildren of Lola Nena
(played by Caroline Mangosing, also the producer). Find out how they
survived the horror of it all in an infested place of maligno.

TV host Phoemela Barranda is a revelation here. "She was so natural"
says director Candido. "She was acting but not really acting."

After this movie is released by Solar Entertainment in Metro Manila
theaters on Novemver 22, these Fil-Canadian stars will be talked
about for bringing fine screen performances. Moreover, the movie
itself is raking a lot of accolades after the Cinema Evaluation
Board gave it an "A" rating.

Ctrl+P Journal of Contemporary Art (3rd Issue) Free Download

The third issue of Ctrl+P Journal of Contemporary Art is now available for download at: http://www.trauma-interrupted.org/ctrlp/issue3.pdf

This issue focuses on the practice of curators and their co-curated projects: Georg Schoellhammer on "documenta 12 magazines"; Marian Pastor Roces and Rustom Bharucha on the symposium "The Politics of Beauty"; Katherine Olston on "No Man's Land," a project found in the Net; Sue Hajdu on co-curating "My Father Laszlo, Hungary 1956," an exhibition of her father's photographs; and "600 Images/60 Artists/6 Curators/6 Cities," an exhibition of photographs co-curated entirely by Judy Freya Sibayan through the Net; and her interview of Hans Ulrich Obrist, independent curator par excellence.

Everyone is requested to help in circulating this journal to as many friends and e-groups as possible.

First two issues of Ctrl+P Journal of Contemporary Art can also be read at http://www.trauma-interrupted.org/ctrlp/Issue1.pdf
http://www.trauma-interrupted.org/ctrlp/Issue%202.pdf

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