WELCOME BACK, NEIGHBORS!

Last Monday, (August 24, 2015) Taft Avenue welcomes the old and new Green Archers of DLSU and CSB. Because of the implementation of K-12, The green schools have decided to move the class on August, while St. Scholastica's College started a month earlier. Because of these adjustments, students from SSC have experienced a month of lesser traffic, few people can be seen around taft and lesser lines in some near food stalls. "Less hassle, but Taft Avenue is not "Taft Avenue" without Green Archers," said by a Scholastican. Taft Avenue is known to having 3 prestigious colleges--DLSU, CSB and SSC. Now that Green Archers are back, you would see the same old Taft Avenue-- long queues in almost all restaurants or food chains around Taft and some Kulasas of St. Scho said that, lines in UV Expresses has become longer again. "It caused long lines and traffic jams which makes it difficult to commute again.” Inspite of these problems, the Kulasas of SSC have learned a thing or a lesson saying that, “You guys should leave your houses as early as the usual and go home right after school, or maybe before rush hour because I swear, you can't deal with it.” “These are advantages and a bit disadvantage in this subject matter. But for us students, it is normal for us to be involved in this everyday routine. For me, it is comfortable for us Scholasticans to commute in buses and in the LRT. But La Sallians are also here to be educated so we are all fair and equal here and Taft Ave. is not our property so we just have to deal with the good old Taft. We are also happy because we can see some of our friends that are LaSallians, and the bright lights of Taft will never dim again because majority of the Green Archers are fun-to-be-with and very outgoing. So for us, we welcome them in open arms.”  Students of the 3 schools—St. Scholastica’s College Manila, De La Salle University, and De La Salle- College of Saint Benilde, must always remember that they’re not only the ones who are now in Taft Avenue, but also, people who have bad intentions such as snatchers, pick pocket gangs, kidnappers or worst, murderers. St. Scholastica’s College’s Dean of Student Affairs, have always been reminding her students that, Taft Avenue is surrounded by hundreds of Police—both who wears uniform and civilian. But, students should also be reminded that some people will do anything just to get what they want, even if it comes from a bad idea. Students, not only in Taft Avenue, but who studies in Manila, that taking good care of their belongings is always a must. On the brighter side, Taft Avenue’s top 3 schools are now complete! Welcome back, Neighbors!

-JEWEL PUGAL, ANIKA ALVARO, XANDRA ORGE, RUEE MINARDO

11TH CINEMALAYA 2015 (Opening)

"CinemaCrossXhibit"

During the Opening of Cinemalaya I was really excited that I arrived with a professor with me at the venue an hour early. When I am not yet at the venue I don’t know how I should react when I get there already I am like a kid going to get her new toy. You can say that I am really excited, I am expecting a lot from the event I am going to be in like how the film “Taklub” will turn out, am I going to like it or am I going to be excited on what will happen to me after that night. I am partly at the front line not really front because there are people who turn out to be a special guest. We waited half an hour, and the time came when we are already given a ticket and an announcement that the opening will start any minute. I barely can’t hear my own breathing as I enter the door and I almost forgot to have my ticket checked.

We have entered the Main Theatre it was so huge I remember being in a Cinema but the only difference is there is a group of musicians filed up below us and the only thing that got my attention is the red art in front of us, its mesmerizing to the eyes I remember the day why I want to be an artist. It brought back the memories when I can’t express myself to anyone. Moving on, the orchestra started with their piece and I can say that they were good. NO THEY ARE AWESOME, and I can’t keep my ear from hearing the Xylophone I really like its sounds it’s so lovely to the ears. It’s like I died that moment the piece were so peaceful and it’s partnered with a video. It’s so amazing because the timing of each scene fits the piece it’s like they are bringing me to another dimension and making me feel like I’m really part of the every scene I’m seeing. In short, they met the expectation I’m expecting to see from an orchestra group. That’s when the Cinemalaya is officially opened.

Before the free screening started the director were introduced and it is Direct Brillante Mendoza and the cast of “Taklub” I can say that direct isn’t prepared to what he is going to do because he missed a lot of people to mention and he stuttered when he speaks. Then, the movie started. It shows a setting that have been hit by a calamity and if you will remember it was the place of Takloban and I’m having in mind that “Taklub” was derived from “Tacloban” that the title was really referring to all the people that have been affected by the said calamity. I will honestly say that I almost fell asleep because of the shots that I don’t understand and I’m expecting something to happen but in the end its still like that, nothing is happening so I’m like “Nothing happened” and that thought remained to me and hit me like a jackpot when I realized that maybe that what the film is saying. That after the calamity they are still the same nothing happened after all the donations that was given to us from the other country. That was just my perspective but what really got me is when one of the cast who brings the cross, let go of the cross. Like that was a way of saying to us that they already given up, even their faith have given up. That was really sad, they lost everything even their hope they lost it.

We visited the exhibit after the show and we wasn’t able to go around it because of limited time and it was already late, and I’m impress that the exhibit was good. They have paintings that really got my attention and I was amazed to how they work with their arts, there are some arts where I feel like I can do that also why I am not an artist laughing to that thought but I’m hands down to their ideas it’s so broad and if I can do that why I wasn’t able to do that before they did it, right? But one thing for sure is; I’m amazed to what a Filipino can contribute to the economy of the Philippines and I will always wonder why the Philippines are still like this. We should really embrace the cultural arts of the Philippines because its where are treasure can be found and no one can steak it from us. More support and let’s push to the government that they should give more percent to this kind of art because it has the possibility to be known.

-Pugal, Jewel

"CINEMAMAZING"

A one of a kind experience happened last Friday, August 7, 2015 which I consider as one of the best event in my life, it is the Cinemalaya (Broadening Horizons). Why? Because it fascinates me to know more about something that is related to my passion and interest. Also, it was my first time to attend an event like this. So we travel all the way from Mandaluyong to CCP because it also happened to be our Lay Apostolate outreach program. When we already reached CCP, we were astonished by hundreds of different kinds of people, Media, Directors and Production Staff, Students and some are just ordinary citizen who wants to be amazed through watching the nominated short films. As time went by, we have no idea on which place to go (because we all know how big CCP is) then we walked around and it took us almost half an hour until we saw some of my block mates on their line to balcony 1 so we just followed them and then the usherettes gave us tickets and they let us enter the balcony right away. And we can’t deny the fact that we are all excited and we can no longer wait for the opening ceremony to start. I remembered when me and my friends had fun creating movie titles that has a relation to our personal life such as “Anika sa pelikulang Martyr” because they happened to know my story about my ex- boyfriend whom I still love until now (HAHAHA OKAY!).

 Going back, so the long wait is finally over and the program has already started by a few reminders followed by the Philippine National Anthem and the opening remark by the President of Cinemalaya. The orchestra who never failed to give us goosebumps really did great, most especially when the video summary of Cinemalaya for the past 10 years has been also played, at first I thought the song was recorded but then I realized that it was them who are performing live. The video presentation was also breathtaking, seeing the films was merely amazing and we can’t stop reacting every time our favorite films was showed or our favorite actors/actresses was also seen in the video. Also, seeing Tulad ng Dati film directed by our very own Sir Mike Sandejas was very inspiring.  

The ever so great man, who won the Cannes Best Director Award, who has been nominated to different film awards such as Golden Lion, Asian Film Awards, Silver Lion etc, it’s none other than  Mr. Brillante Mendoza  was introduced to tell us more about the Opening film which is “Taklub” or (Trap)  after that, the film has finally started.  We’re all waiting for Ms. Nora Aunor as expected to see her wonderful talent in acting. While watching the film, at first, I admit that I felt sleepy maybe because some parts of the film for me are boring. I even told myself that only those who are victims of the typhoon can appreciate this film but I was wrong. This film is so inspiring, most especially for the people who wants to give up when life gets hard. As seen in the character of Ms. Nora Aunor known as Bebeth, she never gave up to her family and the hope to see her children’s wake. Also, her carinderia has been open to her fellowmen every time they have gathering or meeting about how the government could help them about their current situation/dilemma, she also never fails to take good care of her daughter, which every mother should do.  She can’t deny the fact that she is still in pain, hoping that her children’s body could be found someday. Another character that inspires me is Larry who was portrayed by Julio Diaz, who recently won in Gawad Urian Awards as Best Actor. Larry is inspiring in so many ways because his faith remained even though he encountered different challenges in his life, which every Filipino should characterize. The most important thing that 

I’ve learned in watching this film is that never give up on your own life, it is like a one of a hell roller coaster ride. You should know how to survive this ride. Life was never easy, but it also depends on how we are going to live. Seize it, take care of it! We should consider ourselves lucky because we’re not able to experience such things as what happened to the people of Tacloban, they don’t have any idea on how are they going to start again with their new life. Some people say “YOLO” or You Only Live Once, we should cherish and enjoy every single day/moment  that we’re still alive, because we will never know when this life will be taken back again from us.

-Alvaro, Anika 

"#DearDiary101 (BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER CINEMALAYA )"

All of us in the group just had our first Cinemalaya experience last August 7, 2015 at the CCP Theater. After school, we went straight to CCP at 5 pm. Thankfully, the people I was with, knows the route to the place. We didn’t have the chance to go to the venue altogether but we had our “chikahan” moments after the CCP that it was already in the main entrance when we felt the excitement. At the hall, you would see students (lining or lined) up to the theater. Although it was a long queue, you won’t see annoyed people but people with their smiles at the cameras and takes selfies or chats with each other on how they are so stoked for this annual event. Upon seeing the glittery “Cinemalaya” word at the hall, it had us filling our minds with high hopes and expectations— such as seeing actors and actresses, the directors especially Mr. Brillante Mendoza, well…food, etc. 

At 6 pm, we went inside the cinema and as expected, it didn’t start at the said time. And because of that, my friends and I got bored, so to entertain ourselves, we started teasing each other like, “Ana Meera, sa pelikulang: KABA” since our friend, Ana, has been the most nervous one at all times or like, “Ela, sa pelikulang: Wag Na Wag Mong Sasabihin Sa Nanay Ko”, etc. Yes. Me and my friends are all aspiring Filmmakers. 

Before the film “Taklub” starts, Ms. Laurice Guillen showed the past achievements that Cinemalaya had made which gave me goosebumps because what I felt is, the excitement and the nervousness at the same time. The presentation is so much inspiring to the point that I’m foreseeing myself doing films and walking up to the stage hearing the people’s applause because the people loved my film and telling me it inspired them. 

Break time, for 15 minutes, my group mates and I decided to roam around CCP. Our first stop is the huge posters posted on the walls, saying “Ang cute mo,” It’s not you. It’s me,” “Ang taba mo na,” etc. Our next stop is the BenCab museum. It is not that big, but you will be amazed by the paintings or arts posted on the walls. You would really see people taking shots at every angle of the museum. Also, it was really quiet and clean inside the museum, like I, myself, would want to just live there. Third stop? Washroom. 

Taklub starts, now everyone is quiet. In the beginning of the film, it introduced the surroundings of Tacloban a year after Super Typhoon Haiyan. Well, at first, I honestly thought to myself, “I think I won’t like this film.” and “This will bore me.” because first, it was shaky and black and white that it couldn’t really catch my attention neither my seatmate, whom I don’t really know and second, I’m not familiar with the director, Mr. Brillante Mendoza like, I haven’t seen any of his movies. But, despite that, I tried to force and push myself on watching the film and when it started showing superstar Nora Aunor, the audience applauded and I knew to myself that Taklub might be a great movie and maybe it is also because of what I remembered with what my professor in PMC and Film Appreciation, Mr. Rondina said that just by showing Nora Aunor’s eyes, you would see what she wants to express. What I like in this film is that, in one film, it successfully showed the different stories of different people— a wife, Bebeth, loses her children in the tragedy and tries to find their bodies by DNA tests, a father, Larry, who is devoted to his religion or faith and a man, Renato, who loses his entire family in the tragedy. The film definitely touched a million hearts of the people, especially us, Filipinos. No wonder it was picked to be screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. In my case, it really had an effect on me. I imagined putting myself in the 3 stories of each protagonist in the film and it made me cry a bit because, losing my children and no one couldn’t help me find them, still having faith despite the tragedy, and losing my entire family.

After watching Taklub, we were surprised that it is just 7 pm when the event ends. We were expecting for more activities inside the theater because we have been told that the earliest time we can go home is by 11 pm. And, since we told our parentals we’re going arriving home late, my friends and I decided to go to Harbor Square, that is located just across CCP, because some of us haven’t been there. 

-Orge, Xandra

"Indie XI"

Last August 7, we were privileged to attend the Cinemalaya's opening ceremony. This was my first time in CCP so I was stunned the moment I saw the architecture, the exhibits and the red carpet effect which I only see in hollywood interviews. This is where fresh directors get to screen their own originative masterpieces. The opening film, which was entitled "Taklub" or "Trap" talks about the after effects of Typhoon Yolanda way back in 2013, at Tacloban as the epicenter of the catastrophe. The film was directed by Mr. Brillante Mendoza, a veteran in the field of films, especially in independent ones. Ms. Nora Aunor, one of the best actresses in the history of Philippine movies, made the film as if it was on the actual scenario. They played their respective roles flawlessly and naturally. The film wasn't very predictable, unlike in mainstream movies. For me, it wants us to understand the hardships that they endured after the super typhoon. Many families lost their loved ones, some were still missing, some died because of the landslides, some died in the fire because of kerosine lamps. But on the bright side, it also showed the values of being helpful, generous, and being close to the Almighty in times of pain and sadness. I think the film does not have a proper resolution because we didn't get the chance to see a glimpse of what happened after that. I know that Bebeth's problems wasn't resolved because of the vague DNA results, but it was shown that she accepted the fact that her kids were gone. I could say the film has the cliffhanger effect, but I think that is a trademark for independent films. I would like to commend the production team, for covering a documentary-like view in the beginning. I was mesmerized on how they shot those washed out trees so quickly. Maybe it's really intented for the film, or maybe they went to Tacloban area for testimony. I would also like to congratulate them for covering the experiences which was based on a true story. I can imagine the sufferings they had. The evacuation of people whenever a gigantic tsunami is gonna hit them, the robbing of house parts in order to gain money. I know that Tacloban is not a poor place, infact it is one of Leyte's pride. I pity for the people who lives near the shore or the ocean line because their homes could be washed away in one wave. Sir Mendoza, did not do an exemplary film, but instead he made a heart felting film. In my understanding, he wants us to feel and undergo life challenges, whether bitterness or sweetness. I was inspired by this film because of its bona fideness. The experience for me, since it was my first time, made me an appreciator for Filipino films that are very astounding. Those I see in the big screens were nothing compared to these independent films. I can consider this as a true form of art. I also adore that actors and actresses are not famous. Indie actors can depict and play their roles excellently because they know what ordinary citizens do in their daily lives. The foremost day of Cinemalaya changed my perspective on Filipino movies. At first I thought it was corny, predicatable and unruly. But I was wrong. There are more actors out there who are creative enough to make a one clap and standing ovation deserved films. Our group was lucky because we had the chace to take a photo with Mr. Brillante Mendoza, but due to pushing and bragging of others who also wants to take a picture with him, our group photo was very disorganized. It was funny because only half of my face was seen but atleast we tried. It is better than nothing. That day was very memorable because me and my friends had so many unforgettable experiences before and after the ceremony. Before I forget, I would also like to commend the Phil harmonic orchestra for their beautiful music. At first I thought the sound track was coming from the video presentation but when I listened closely, the orchestra was playing live. Although this year it was only short films that was aired, I hope next year it will be back to full lengthed featured films. They need to continue creating splendid films, especially for aspiring directors, film makers and film critics like some of us. For me, personally, I learned that if someone wants to be a director, he or she will be needing the passion to make an artistic, different, and unique films. I have learned so much from this experience, evidently it is related to my course.

-Minardo, Ruee