snippets of bumhood

it's been six weeks since i was offered the job. and i know it will take this amount of time, or probably longer, to have my papers processed and approved. but honestly, i am slowly losing my patience. i am even doubting whether i made the right choice or not. had i accepted the other school's offer, i should have been working part-time by now. but i've already made by choice so i guess i just have to wait and see.

yesterday, i felt so low because i am no longer enjoying the unproductive state that i am in. before moving here, i have been working full-time for the past 8 years with the last 4 years spent on juggling a 5.5-day workweek and part-time grad school which drives my schedule crazy at times. while my schedule loosened up a bit when i did full-time school here, essays would still require me to at the library by 8am and produce pages of work about a particular topic. hence, idle time was then a luxury which i looked forward to. but now, idle time is becoming a torture. i've read books, watched movies, watched tv shows, surfed aimlessly, cleaned the house, washed clothes and ironed them, etc etc. but doing such everyday makes me bored. i feel like im not doing myself any justice. so i opt to writing instead. for i feel that at least when i write, im producing something instead of just consuming madly.

and speaking of my low moment yesterday, i was bent on updating my status with a whine that reads something like "it's been 6 weeks and im slowly losing my patience" (yeah, something like the opening line of this entry) but upon opening my fb account, i saw new photos of my nephew eric and a peak-a-boo video of my niece gabby which brightened up my day. ahh...kids and family :) they never fail to bring a smile on my face. and ok, a message from him also helped :)

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patty laurel was talking about kindness today and i agree with her. being kind is tough, it's always a challenge. it's easier to become rational than to be kind-hearted. when i was younger,i could say that i had a kind heart. i believed that everyone has a good heart, that people do not-so-good things because of their love for their families. but as i grew older, im not sure if i still have that belief. sometimes i feel that some people are just...mean. yes, i could say that i've matured. i learned a lot of things about life, about people. but simultaneous with the learning is the prejudice because of the human tendency to generalize. and i want to shed that off. i wish i could be more kind.

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when i opened up my school email, i saw a mail that details my department's "housekeeping" chores,i.e. professors' schedule for bringing out the plants :) i find it nice.

life is good

after weeks of sending my CV to different companies, i finally got an offer. thank God. hence last week was the first week after december when i can just relax, meet up with friends and have a good time.

thursday was date with friends night. shi ya came back from china so we went out for dinner with most of the gang. tried out 15 min cafe, a western resto with cool interiors. the food was not bad but for me, the charm of the place lie in its wooden benches and huge black and white solo portraits of people laughing which created a warm and relaxed atmosphere. perfect for group of friends who want to hang out.

for friday, uncle and i went to see a 2-hour, 1920's silent film. it was an adaptation of charles dickens' "our mutual friend". ive seen a silent film before but it was just a short one and i remember clearly that the movie ended without me understanding what it was about. so it was surprising that i actually enjoyed it. i thought that i was gonna fall asleep in the middle but i didnt. yes, it was still a bit confusing because there are no dialogues. but it keeps your mind working because it keeps you guessing. after the film, we knew why there was some confusion. about 50% of the tape (or reel?) got lost so what we saw was an incomplete, restored version of the film. but still, it was good. plus the live scoring helped a lot. cool night.

saturday, i became one of the boys. again. kisho, nem and i went to clarke quay because they havent been to the place. we had dinner with them having a mug of beer. then while having our one-dollar ice cream, we walked towards merlion park where kisho had his "touristy" photo taken. walked farther towards marina bay area to see the digital kites up close but ended up sitting at the steel bench near fullerton while staring at the stars and exchanging childhood stories.

indeed, life is good.

in the mood

met up with mitchie for the job fair yesterday. also got the letters from the prof. and today, got the letters from one of the bosses. full hunter mode on!

and saw this video from dapattylaurel.blogspot.com at sabi nga ni kris aquino, love love love!

i know i had to blog about it so that i can look back at it whenever im down.

pebrero

(my paparazzi shot of a couple chillin by the lake at the chinese garden)

just because it's february. and i wana be mushy.

facebook crisis

im thinking of quitting facebook. if im going to deactivate my account, this would be the shortest-lived account i have online. i just started in 2009 or 2010 i think.

being on facebook everyday, i think i've reached that point when i think im getting too much information from people already. information that i am not even sure i want to know.

from a medium of connecting with friends and family members, im afraid it is turning out to be the biggest vanity project there is on earth. and im an accomplice.

i think i want to go back to sending an email or a text to someone when i want to know how s/he is doing. or maybe writing a longer entry to express my thoughts instead of typing a 2-liner status that is meant to elicit likes and comments from people. i think i want to go through the ordeal of choosing the best picture to post and thinking of good captions instead of carelessly posting all pictures just to brag that "hey, i have been to this or that place for x number of days".

i dont know. maybe im just getting too old for it.

threshing out

what do you when your most important folder is lost?

im currently looking for a job. and to organize my files, i have created a folder solely dedicated to my job hunting documents. in that folder are my CVs customized according to the position I have applied for, summaries of job descriptions needed for my accounts in various job search portals, scanned ID pics, etc.

but when I checked my mobile disk just a few minutes ago, i can no longer find my folder! i felt like crying. it was just there yesterday. yes, i have printed copies of my CVs. and yes, I haven't deleted the emails I sent to various companies. in fact, with my printed CV and application letters sent through email still in my possession, that folder is pretty much disposable. but i guess its essence is not just because of the files it houses. in my month-long job-hunting expedition, that folder has become my security blanket. everything that i need for my current job-hunting project is there.

it brings me back memories of our house transfer last year. when we moved to my brother's place, we had to dispose a lot of our belongings from our tiny apartment. at first, it was hard to let them go. but when you make sense of it, it became easier. what would you need old notebooks, outdated textbooks, unused clothes, spare blankets and pillowcases, empty canisters, etc etc for? nothing. they were just kept because they were cute. or because of the idea that one day, they may be needed. or maybe because of the sentimental value. but are they really important? no. will life stop if they are disposed of? no.

as such, the purging exercise became a trigger point for reflection. what does one need in life? do i really need a lot of possessions? what will i do with them if i die? they may have been important before but they will inevitably become disposables at some point. so what is really important in life?

is the lost of my folder a nudge to make me realize what is important at this point?
or should i look at it as a foreboding occurrence? maybe i have to delete it soon anyway. now that thought is more inspiring.

it's funny how a trivial thing can spark my crazy thoughts.

dose of inspiration

"Dear Gi,

Thanks for your letter. I'm always happy to hear from my students about how my teaching has affected their lives. I will probably never receive another letter like that from a student since I am finally retiring from forty years of teaching in June this year.

You are a very talented person and I can sense that you will have a bright future. But wherever you may end up living and working, do not forget to give something back to the Inang Bayan that nurtured you."

For all teachers, students and Filipinos abroad, may this inspire you as well.

cultural exchanges

note: the dialogues are based on what i remember and may not be 100% accurate

ang alamat ng pagkaing kung tawagin ay "krep"(of crepes and crabs)

uncle: so what do you feel like eating?
me: im not very hungry. hmm...how about some "krep"?
uncle: "krep"? i dont know. it's so troublesome to eat.
me: huh? you just use your fork and knife to eat it. it's easier than eating with chopsticks!
uncle: of course not! eating with chopsticks is easier.
me: that's because it's natural for you to eat using chopsticks.

(after a few more minutes of discussion and looking around for a place to eat)

uncle: there are no good "krep" places here. the best ones are far from the city.
me: oh its ok. im sure we can find it in dessert places or french restaurants here.
uncle: no you wont!
me: huh? back home, i can find it in those places.
uncle: are you sure?
me: yes.

(after walking some more)

me: ok. what's the nearest thing to "krep". hmm...waffles?
uncle: waffle? how is that near to "krep"?
me: wait, what kind of "krep" are you talking about?
uncle: what kind of "krep" are you talking about?
me: the one that looks like a thin pancake with some fruit fillings and ice cream on top?
uncle: oh you mean crepe? i was referring to crab!
me: oh, we pronounce it as krep. how do you pronounce it?
uncle: kreyp.

laughter ensued...

buko as dessert

kim invited anne and i to a pre-christmas dinner at her home and i brought some buko pandan for dessert. glad kim and her husband loved it!
it was interesting to learn that having fresh young coconut as a dessert ingredient is foreign to them. yes, they used it for coconut cream/milk-based dishes but not for dessert.

itlog na maalat

in one of our dinners, we had salted egg frog legs. based from its taste, it seems like the frog legs were dipped in salted egg-based batter before it was deep-fried.

i blurted out that we usually have salted egg with tomatoes for breakfast.
classmate: so how do you cook the salted egg?
me: hard-boiled, and then we mix it with tomatoes
classmate: how do you cook the tomatoes?
me: oh, we eat it fresh. we boil the egg first, remove it from the shell and slice it into small pieces. then we mix it with sliced fresh tomatoes, and voila, breakfast! it goes well with fried rice.
classmate: oh nice. i have to try that.

and more exchanges

one classmate shared that she usually scoops peanut butter and coats it with milk powder
another said that she usually mixes milo with condensed milk
and i brought classic polvoron from house of polvoron and they liked it

if benetton has united colors, we have united taste buds :)

claiming 2012

before the world ends as what some prophesy says, i would like to claim it first! besides, if they're correct, i still have until dec 20, 2012. not bad! (crazy, really crazy!)

2011 was my year of transition. i placed a lot of periods in my book.

i left my job.
we left our long-time place in cubao.
i finished my program.

i dont know how 2012 will unfold. but come to think of it, no one knows anyway. and ive always had the same thought every jan. the only difference is that now, most of the uncertainties are due to my choices. and i could only hope for the best. yes, im welcoming 2012 with nothing but hope.

happy 2012 everyone!

mood swings

i just had my second to the last exam yesterday. just one more and im done with my program. i should be happy but im having mixed feelings instead. maybe this is separation anxiety. i had always loved being in school. it makes me feel pampered, sort of isolated from the reality. a place where one is allowed to wander, mentally at least. something which is difficult to do in the real, everyday world of pragmatism.

at the edge

1 essay, 2 exams and i will be done with graduate school. its been 18 months, 10 modules, 8 professors, boxes of readings, a number of new acquaintances and friends,a lot of conversations, tons of new learnings, bouts of sadness, moments of introspection and a whole lot of experience which brought laughter, irritation, frustration, bliss, hope, wisdom (i hope), etc etc. i hope things will turn out well in the next chapter.

untitled

i have been so unproductive for the past few weeks. yes, not just days but weeks. comments for the online fora were posted late, articles were left unread, essays are already overdue.

i thought that having 2 modules for my last semester would be a breeze since i would have lots of free time to do things in advance. but events are turning out not as planned. this is terrible.

hitting 30

celebrating my 30th did not come easy. i didnt want to celebrate it :( but my classmates and friends were sweet enough to make sure that my special day wont just go unnoticed. hence, i had four birthday celebrations.

first was with my usual gang. in the midst of writing essays, they went out of their way to have dinner with me and to wait for the clock to strike 12 to welcome my 30th

and everyone even sang happy birthday in their native tongue. one remarked that we were like participants in the bandung conference some 30 years ago
(ugh, i still have to find a way to insert that video here)

the actual birthday was spent biking in east coast with my sister and housemates.

a very much needed updating with the SOLAIR girls. they really are women of strength :)

and finally, with kim and su

in the end, the phrase on the box captured what i had to do

home is where the heart is: kwentong tahanan at bayan

pauwi ako ng pilipinas noong nakaraang semestre ng unang pumasok sa utak ko ang kabalintunaan ng salitang home. sa manila, sa cubao kami nakatira ng kapatid ko. pero ng buwang iyon, nasa probinsya sya. kaya sabi ko sa sarili ko, paano ko sasabihing im going home, eh wala namang tao sa bahay?
===
noong mayo, nagbakasyon ako sa ate ko na hindi na nakatira sa pilipinas. nagkataong nakatira din sa kanya noon ang nanay at kapatid ko ngunit ako lang ang uuwi. walang direct flight pauwi ng maynila at kailangan kong magtransit sa hongkong. habang nasa hongkong ako, naisip ko, tama bang sabihin kong pauwi na ako? pero sino ang uuwian ko? ang mga uuwian ko, iniwan ko sa pinanggalingan kong banyagang bansa. masasabi ko bang uuwi ako kahit bahay lang ang dadatnan ko?
===
noong unang araw ng setyembre, nakakita ako ng 3 bintana sa isang HDB building na may mga christmas light. sa ingles, madaling sabihing i miss home. pero anong home nga ulit ang tinutukoy ko? hindi ko alam. walang tao sa bahay namin sa probinsya. iniwan na namin ang nirerentahang apartment sa cubao. asan na ang home ko? siguro dahil andito ako, madaling sabihing ang home ko ay pilipinas. uuwi ako sa pilipinas. pero pag asa pilipinas na ako, ano ang tatawagin kong home?
===
meron akong isang kaklase na madalas magreklamo sa fb na hindi na daw nya maramdamang home ang bansang ito dahil sa mga banyagang katulad ko. at kamakailan lamang, sabi nya pupunta daw sya sa isang bansa kung saan nararamdaman nyang at home na at home sya. bat kaya hindi na lang sya pumunta dun eh at home naman pala sya dun?
===
mahirap din pala ang walang permanent address. umalis ako sa probinsyang kinalakhan ko nung labing-anim na taong gulang ako. umalis ako sa cubao na kumupkop sa akin ng labintatlong taon. at ngayon, pinagsisiksikan ko ang sarili ko sa isang bansa kung saan maraming mamamayan nito ang galit sa mga kapwa ko banyaga. uuwi na lang ba ako?

hmm ayoko nga. bakit ba, sila din naman hindi taal na tiga dito ah.ah basta, the world is my home.

"Language, Learning, Identity, Privilege" (this is a borrowed title)

last night after class, the foodie gang went to the usual eating place for supper. my chinese classmate ordered food, in chinese, to a chinese food server but ironically, they couldn't understand what each other was saying. we just laughed about it. then the conversation went to how some locals of chinese origin prefer talking in english. they say younger generations of singaporeans dont know how to speak in chinese anymore, they converse mainly in english, and the choice of language has a social class aspect to it. i thought, parang sa atin lang din pala, when you want to show that you're sosyal or that you're a professional, you speak in english. that's why when we're insulted or pissed at someone, the usual recourse is "englishin mo nga". or kung gustong magyabang about winning an argument over someone, the usual line goes "inenglish ko nga, eh di natahimik sya".

then i saw this posted on fb "Language, Learning, Identity, Privilege"


people felt insulted. maraming nainis. i don't agree with the author's argument and i think he is not as "learned" as what he claims to be. i want to drag him to up and let him sit in a room where classes are taught in filipino, maybe he hasnt been to one. or let him read academic books, theses, journal articles written in filipino, maybe he hasn't seen any. (i heard that some theses are even written in other philippine dialects.)

but i think there's some value to the article. it shows how a number of "privileged" people such as the author view their status in the society. that they're "privileged". that they're different. that they're better. and that their ability to speak in english is just but one proof.

and just now i saw another post in fb from an orgamate:

"Sa kasalukuyan sa Kongreso, may nakahaing mga panukalang batas na naglalayong pag-igtingin ang paggamit ng Ingles sa paraan ng pagtuturo sa mga silid-aralan. TUTULAN!

HB 66 ni Rep. Luis Villafuerte (3rd District, Camarines Sur)
HB 93 ni Rep. Eduardo Gullas (1st District, Cebu)
HB 191 ni Rep. Rachel del Mar (1st District, Cebu City)
HB 1245 ni Rep. Mark Villar (Lone District, Las Piñas City)"


im not trashing the use of the english language. it is good that we learn how to communicate in a second language but we should do so not at the expense of our mother tongue. for if we do, im afraid we would inadvertently perpetuate a kind of elitism which the article is reeking of.

pilipino tayo. let's not degrade our own language.
baka multuhin tayo ng ating mga ninuno.

whats on tv?

WHY...

is Erich Gonzales' character in Maria la del barrio always wearing a crown?

are there a lot of news clippings questioning the credibility of the person responsible for downgrading the United States' credit rating? Just wondering if the same kind of news would crop up if we're talking about say the Philippines' or some other 3rd world country's credit rating.

are our honorable senators appalled with the CCP and its administrators for housing Mideo Cruz' 'Kulo' exhibit? what is the CCP for? what are artists for? i think that they should even thank the CCP and Cruz for mounting an exhibit that made people react, reflecting people's religious sensibilities. why arent they appalled at say, movies or noontime shows that depict the obscene poverty in the country?

do tv patrol news anchors say tv...(5 mins of silence)patrol! that way? hindi ba pwedeng, tv patrol na lang? wala ng 5 mins of silence in between?

does kim chiu's boobs look bigger now? did she have a boob job?

do some people think that filipinos speaking in flawless english are better than filipinos speaking in flawless filipino/tagalog? why do they have to penalize students for speaking in tagalog? mas magaling na nga ang mga bata sa english subjects nila kesa sa pilipino eh. it may sound cute but seriously, is this something that we should be proud of?

are the riots in london this bad?

cinemalaya and eiga dai

things to do in the next few days

EIGA DAI
(http://www.clickthecity.com/events/details.php?id=11659)

All films will be shown with English subtitles. Admission is free. 

SHANG CINEPLEX CINEMA 4:

JULY 1 (Friday) 
Opening Night by Invitation at Cinema 2 
Departures (131 mins ) 7:00 PM 

JULY 2 (Saturday) 
The Chef of South Polar (125 mins) 1:00 PM 
Departures (131 mins ) 4:00 PM 
The Summit: A Chronicle of Stones (139 mins) 7:00 PM 

JULY 3 (Sunday) 
Summer Days with Coo (1:38 mins) 1:00 PM 
The Summit: A Chronicle of Stones (139 mins) 4:00 PM 
The Chef of South Polar (125 mins) 7:00 PM 

JULY 4 (Monday) 
Yunagi City, Sakura Country (118 mins) 1:00 PM 
Villon’s Wife (114 mins) 4:00 PM 
Climber’s High (145 mins) 7:00 PM 

JULY 5 (Tuesday) 
Your Friend (125 mins) 1:00 PM 
One Million Yen Girl (121 mins) 4:00 PM 
Feel the Wind (133 mins) 7:00 PM 

JULY 6 (Wednesday) 
One Million Yen Girl (121 mins) 1:00 PM 
Climber’s High (145 mins) 4:00 PM 
The Summit: A Chronicle of Stones (139 mins) 7:00 PM 

JULY 7 (Thursday) 
Feel the Wind (133 mins) 1:00 PM 
Climber’s High (145 mins) 4:00 PM 
Your Friend (125 mins) 7:00 PM 

JULY 8 (Friday) 
Your Friend (125 mins) 1:00 PM 
Yunagi City, Sakura Country (118 mins) 4:00 PM 
Departures (131 mins) 7:00 PM 

JULY 9 (Saturday) 
Departures (131 mins) 1:00 PM 
One Million Yen Girl (121 mins) 4:00 PM 
Villon’s Wife (114 mins) 7:00 PM 

JULY 10 (Sunday) 
Summer Days with Coo (1:38 mins)  1:00 PM 
Feel the Wind (133 mins) 4:00 PM 
The Chef of South Polar (125 mins) 7:00 PM 

CINEMALAYA (www.cinemalaya.org)

Cinemalaya 2011 Philippine Independent Film Festival 15 to 24 July at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Greenbelt 3


Competition Films

New Breed

AMOK by Lawrence Fajardo

16 July/Sat, 6:15PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

17 July/Sun, 9:00PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

18 July/Mon, 4:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

19 July/Tue, 6:15PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

20 July/Wed, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

21 July/Thu, 3:30PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

22 July/Fri, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

22 July/Fri, 6:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

23 July/Sat, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

24 July/Sun, 11:00AM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3



ANG BABAE SA SEPTIC TANK by Marlon Rivera and Chris Martinez

16 July/Sat, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

17 July/Sun, 11:00AM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

17 July/Sun, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

18 July/Mon, 6:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

19 July/Tue, 12:45PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

19 July/Tue, 6:15PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

20 July/Wed, 9:00PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

21 July/Thu, 1:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

22 July/Fri, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

23 July/Sat, 6:15PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)



ANG SAYAW NG DALAWANG KALIWANG PAA by Alemberg Ang and Alvin Yapan

16 July/Sat, 4:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

17 July/Sun, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

18 July/Mon, 6:15PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

18 July/Mon, 9:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

19 July/Tue, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

20 July/Wed, 6:15PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

21 July/Thu, 10:00AM at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

22 July/Fri, 6:15PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

23 July/Sat, 3:30PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

24 July/Sun, 4:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3



BAHAY BATA by Eduardo W. Roy, Jr. and Jerome Zamora

16 July/Sat, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

17 July/Sun, 4:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

18 July/Mon, 12:45PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

18 July/Mon, 9:00PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

19 July/Tue, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

20 July/Wed, 6:15PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

21 July/Thu, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

22 July/Fri, 9:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

23 July/Sat, 6:15PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

24 July/Sun, 4:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5



CUCHERA by Joseph Israel M. Laban

16 July/Sat, 6:15PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

17 July/Sun, 9:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

18 July/Mon, 6:15PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

19 July/Tue, 9:00PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

20 July/Wed, 12:45PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

21 July/Thu, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

22 July/Fri, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

22 July/Fri, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

23 July/Sat, 11:00AM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

23 July/Sat, 4:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5



I-LIBINGS by Rommel Andreo Sales

16 July/Sat, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

17 July/Sun, 9:00PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

18 July/Mon, 6:15PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

19 July/Tue, 3:30PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

20 July/Wed, 9:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

21 July/Thu, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

21 July/Thu, 4:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

22 July/Fri, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

23 July/Sat, 1:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

23 July/Sat, 9:00PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)



LIGO NA U LAPIT NA ME by Noel Ferrer, Jerry Gracio and Erick Salud

16 July/Sat, 1:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

17 July/Sun, 3:30PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

17 July/Sun, 6:15PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

18 July/Mon, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

19 July/Tue, 6:15PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

20 July/Wed, 4:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

21 July/Thu, 9:00PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

22 July/Fri, 6:15PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

23 July/Sat, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

24 July/Sun, 11:00AM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5



NINO by Loy Arcenas

16 July/Sat, 11:00AM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

16 July/Sat, 6:15PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

17 July/Sun, 9:00PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

18 July/Mon, 1:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

19 July/Tue, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

20 July/Wed, 6:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

21 July/Thu, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

21 July/Thu, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

22 July/Fri, 12:45PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

23 July/Sat, 9:00PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute



TEORIYA by Alistaire Christian E. Chan

16 July/Sat, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

16 July/Sat, 9:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

17 July/Sun, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

18 July/Mon, 10:00AM at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

19 July/Tue, 1:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

20 July/Wed, 6:15PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

21 July/Thu, 9:00PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

21 July/Thu, 9:00PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

22 July/Fri, 3:30PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

24 July/Sun, 1:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3


Directors Showcase

BISPERAS by Jeffrey Jeturian

16 July/Sat, 9:00PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

17 July/Sun, 1:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

17 July/Sun, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

18 July/Mon, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

19 July/Tue, 6:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

20 July/Wed, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

21 July/Thu, 6:15PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

22 July/Fri, 9:00PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

23 July/Sat, 10:00AM at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

24 July/Sun, 6:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3



BUSONG by Auraeus Solito

16 July/Sat, 3:30PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

17 July/Sun, 11:00AM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

18 July/Mon, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

19 July/Tue, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

20 July/Wed, 9:00PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

21 July/Thu, 6:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

22 July/Fri, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

22 July/Fri, 9:00PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

23 July/Sat, 6:15PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

24 July/Sun, 6:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5



ISDA by Adolfo Alix Jr.



16 July/Sat, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

17 July/Sun, 6:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

18 July/Mon, 9:00PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

18 July/Mon, 9:00PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

19 July/Tue, 9:00PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

20 July/Wed, 3:30PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

21 July/Thu, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

22 July/Fri, 1:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

23 July/Sat, 6:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

24 July/Sun, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute



PATIKUL by Joel C. Lamangan



16 July/Sat, 9:00PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

17 July/Sun, 6:15PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

18 July/Mon, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

19 July/Tue, 9:00PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

20 July/Wed, 1:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

21 July/Thu, 12:45PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

22 July/Fri, 9:00PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

23 July/Sat, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

23 July/Sat, 9:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

24 July/Sun, 1:30PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5



Competition Shorts



Programme A:



UN DIUTAY MUNDO by Ana Carlyn Lim; SAMARITO by Rafael Santos; WALANG KATAPUSANG KWARTO by Emerson Reyes; EVERY OTHER TIME by Gino Santos; NINO BONITO by Rommel Tolentino



16 July/Sat, 11:00AM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

17 July/Sun, 6:15PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

18 July/Mon, 3:30PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

19 July/Tue, 9:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

20 July/Wed, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

20 July/Wed, 9:00PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

21 July/Thu, 6:15PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

22 July/Fri, 10:00AM at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

22 July/Fri, 4:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

23 July/Sat, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute



Programme B:



HANAPBUHAY by Henry Frejas; OLIVER'S APARTMENT by Misha Balangue; IMMANUEL by Gabriel “Gio” Puyat; DEBUT by Pamela Llanes Reyes; HAZARD by Mikhail Red



16 July/Sat, 9:00PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

17 July/Sun, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)

18 July/Mon, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

19 July/Tue, 4:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

20 July/Wed, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

21 July/Thu, 6:15PM at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater)

21 July/Thu, 9:00PM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

22 July/Fri, 6:15PM at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute

23 July/Sat, 11:00AM at the Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5

24 July/Sun, 3:30PM at the Bulwagang Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)



Cinemalaya Kids Treats

16 July/Sat
10:00AM
Short Treats: ANGAN-ANGAN by Sheron Dayon, BLOGOG by Rommel Tolentino, GABON by Emman Dela Cruz, MAY PINHOD ON YA SCOOTER by Hubert Tibi , TONI by Vic Acedillo
Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

10:00AM
Short Treats: MAIKLING KWENTO by Hubert Tibi, MY PET by Anna Bigornia, "P" by Rommel Tolentino, PUTOT by Jeck Cogama, TATANG by Nico Hernandez
Tanghalang Huseng Batute

12:45PM
MAYOHAN by Paul Sta. Ana & Dan Villegas
Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

12:45PM
SAMPAGUITA by Francis Xavier Pasion
Tanghalang Huseng Batute

17 July/Sun
10:00AM
Short Treats: BREAKFAST WITH LOLO by Steven Flor, DIAMANTE SA LANGIT by Vic Acedillo, LOLA by Joey Agbayani, SI BOK AT ANG TRUMPO by Hubert Tibi, TRAILS OF WATER by Sheron Dayoc
Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

10:00AM
Short Treats: ANDONG by Rommel Tolentino, PARANG PELIKULA by Hubert Tibi, ROLYO by Alvin Yapan, UGAT SA LUPA by Ariel Reyes, WAG KANG TITINGIN by Pam Miras
Tanghalang Huseng Batute

12:45PM
PINK HALO-HALO by Jay Altarejos
Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

12:45PM
TWO FUNERALS by Gil Portes
Tanghalang Huseng Batute

23 July/Sat
10:00AM
Short Treats: MAIKLING KWENTO by Hubert Tibi, MY PET by Anna Bigornia, "P" by Rommel Tolentino, PUTOT by Jeck Cogama, TATANG by Nico Hernandez
Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

10:00AM
Short Treats: ANGAN-ANGAN by Sheron Dayon, BLOGOG by Rommel Tolentino, GABON by Emman Dela Cruz, MAY PINHOD ON YA SCOOTER by Hubert Tibi , TONI by Vic Acedillo
Tanghalang Huseng Batute

12:45PM
SAMPAGUITA by Francis Xavier Pasion
Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

12:45PM
MAYOHAN by Paul Sta. Ana & Dan Villegas
Tanghalang Huseng Batute

24 July/Sun
10:00AM
Short Treats: ANDONG by Rommel Tolentino, PARANG PELIKULA by Hubert Tibi, ROLYO by Alvin Yapan, UGAT SA LUPA by Ariel Reyes, WAG KANG TITINGIN by Pam Miras
Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

10:00AM
Short Treats: BREAKFAST WITH LOLO by Steven Flor, DIAMANTE SA LANGIT by Vic Acedillo, LOLA by Joey Agbayani, SI BOK AT ANG TRUMPO by Hubert Tibi, TRAILS OF WATER by Sheron Dayoc
Tanghalang Huseng Batute

12:45PM
TWO FUNERALS by Gil Portes
Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

12:45PM
PINK HALO-HALO by Jay Altarejos
Tanghalang Huseng Batute



Ronwaldo Reyes Retrospective

Gala: MATIMBANG ANG DUGO SA TUBIG (1967) - Invitational
18 July/Mon, 6:15PM at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theatre)

ANG PANDAY (1980)
19 July/Tue, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde (Dream Theatre)

SAN BERNARDO (1966)
20 July/Wed, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde (Dream Theatre)

BARIL SA AKING KAMAY (1966)
21 July/Thu, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde (Dream Theatre)

TATLONG HARI (1968)
22 July/Fri, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde (Dream Theatre)

ALUPIHANG DAGAT (1975)
23 July/Sat, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde (Dream Theatre)

ANG PADRINO (1984)
23 July/Sat, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde (Dream Theatre)

ISANG BALA KALANG! (1983)
24 July/Sun, 12:45PM at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde (Dream Theatre)

LANGIT AT LUPA (1967)
24 July/Sun, 3:30PM at the Tanghalang Manuel Conde (Dream Theatre)



NETPAC Premieres



NONO by Milo Tolentino (TBC)
18 July/Mon 6:30PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5(talkback)
20 July/Wed 4:00PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3
22 July/Fri 9:00PM Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theatre)

LIBERACION by Adolfo Alix Jr.
Makoto of the Japanese Imperial Army decided to go into hiding after the Japanese soldiers were defeated in 1945. In the dread of the forest, he decides to struggle despite efforts for him to surrender, thinking the war is not yet over. For a span of almost 20 years, he encounters different situations that will test his persona and his strength to his vow as a Japanese soldier. Cast: Jacky Woo, Mercedes Cabral, Suzuki Sadatsugu, Hideo Muraoka. Production Company: Forward Entertainment. Director/Writer/Editor: Adolfo Alix, Jr. Executive Producer: Jacky Woo. Line Producers: Maxie Evangelista III, Maan Dimla. Director of Photography: Albert Banzon. Production Design: Cyrus Khan. Assistant Director: Benjamin Tolentino. Sound Design: Ditoy Aguila, Junel Valencia. Field Sound Recordist: Mark Locsin.
17 July/Sun 9:00PM Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theatre)
19 July/Tue 9:00PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5(talkback)
21 July/Thu 1:30PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

HULING HALIK by Zig Dulay
20 July/Wed 6:30PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5(talkback)
22 July/Fri 4:00PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3
23 July/Sat 6:15PM Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theatre)

BOUNDARY by Benito Bautista
19 July/Tue 9:00PM Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theatre)
21 July/Thu 9:00PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5(talkback)
23 July/Sat 1:30PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3

LOCAL GIRLS by Ned Trespesces & Onnah Valera
16 July/Sat 4:00PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3
20 July/Wed 6:15PM Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theatre)
22 July/Fri 6:30PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5(talkback)

MADNESS by Bebs Gohetia
17 July/Sun 1:30PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3
21 July/Thu 9:00PM Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theatre)
23 July/Sat 9:00PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5(talkback)

SAN LAZARO by Wincy Aquino Ong
San Lazaro is a horror-comedy starring Filipino cult icon Ramon Bautista. Limuel and Sigfried, estranged childhood friends, journey to the remote town of San Lazaro to ask an infamous faith healer for help in saving the life of Limuel’s brother, who becomes possessed by a secret-eater spirit. Cast: Ramon Bautista, Wincy Aquino Ong, Nicco Manalo, Bianca King, Ely Buendia, Allan Forte, Julia Clarete, Kean Cipriano, Earl Ignacio. Director: Wincy Aquino Ong. Cinematographer: Dan Gil. Production Designer: Nestor Abrogena. Music by: Jazz Nicolas & Mikey Amistoso. Sound Design by: Mark McCullie & Dan Galapon. Screenplay by: Wincy Aquino Ong. Story by: Wincy Aquino Ong & Ramon Bautista. Editor: Wincy Aquino Ong. VFX by: Jess Yap. Producers: Wincy Aquino Ong, Dan Gil & Ramon Bautista. Watusi Productions & Ramon Bautista Films. (98 mins)
16 July/Sat 6:30PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5(talkback)
18 July/Mon 4:00PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3
22 July/Fri 6:15PM Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theatre)

GAYUMA by Alvin Yapan
17 July/Sun 9:00PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 5(talkback)
19 July/Tue 1:30PM Greenbelt 3 - Cinema 3
23 July/Sat 9:00PM Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theatre)

buhay estudyante

i always do this, writing an entry when the going gets tough (this is in the context of deadlines at the end of the semester). whenever im faced with loads of essays to write, i blog.

this time, it would be grossly unfair to say that im cramming because ive been lazy or lousy for the duration of the sem because the truth is, i was not. ive been consistently diligent from week 1 until now (week 11) but somehow, im still procastinating. sometimes it frustrates me but whenever i think of my request for the extension of my scholarship and that nice vacation that awaits me after the sem, the surge of energy flows.

i just feel guilty though that i have spent and is spending more time for my cross-department modules than my own sea modules. theyre so demanding! pero mas lab pa rin kita sea. you inspire me more and you tickle my tiny brain more effectively. hindi bale next sem, magbabalik-loob ako sa yo southeast asian studies program. although i cant promise na ikaw lang hehe

what are you here for?

asks prof ileto. is it just for the diploma?

very familiar questions. suddenly, it feels like im in UP again.

i never had this much interest in history before. it was a boring subject. i got 2.75 in kas 1 when i was in college. thats how bad i am in history. but doing the philippines module under ileto makes me look at history in a different light. and he makes sense. a lot of sense.

a semi-drifter like me dreads the questions that he asks. no, he doesnt ask it in the way that professors would ask questions in class and would expect an answer. his questions are more of the take home type, questions that will haunt you for quite some time. questions that are hard to answer, and sometimes takes a lifetime to find an answer for.

tonight, he talked about his sojourns in the US contrasting it with his father's own. they lived in different generations, hence producing differing perceptions and experiences of the US empire. reading his article at face value would equate to reading a journal. but its actually more than that. his story presents a nuanced picture of the US empire which is typically overridden by a monolitic view as conventionally presented by some nationalist scholars.

as an undergraduate student, it was easier to embrace binaries. but moving to another school, still within UP, made me more critical of how some teachers would just use binaries to make themselves look more "critical" and socially relevant. and i find this (and other reasons) so fake and frustrating. so i dropped out.

moving here and being introduced to other views, i feel like i understand more what it means to be critical. i think i owe it to the fact that there's not just one dominant view (or so i think, i may be wrong) that pervades the university's academic landscape. no, im not throwing away what i got from my undergraduate years but builds on it instead. but what is this all about? what is the reason behind this knowledge accummulation thing that im into?

hmmm...for now its mainly for selfish reasons. but i hope i can connect it to a wider social cause in the same way that other filipino scholars during the time of rizal or ileto did.

ang feelingera ko naman.

Journal Entry

I was tidying up and trying to throw stuff that I no longer need when I saw some of my old Starbucks planner which has a few random journal entries.  

This one is from 25 Feb 2011 (retrieved 28 Mar 2020)

It's the 25th Anniversary of Edsa 1. 
But no, Im not gonna write about that.
I read from Inquirer the other day about the virtue of gratitude. It says we have to write at least 2 things that make us grateful each day

1.  Boredom hits me and again, Im at that point when I ask what my purpose in life is. And since I dont have a strong, resounding answer, I naturally dont feel that great.  Than I talked to V and she doesnt feel that great either. She's quitting work.  I wished her luck and said she'll do good. Cos I believe she'll do good. She's a smart girl. And she felt like crying because she said she needed that boost of confidence.  And I felt good as well.  I think I have that "gift" that I can somehow make my friends feel good by a simple show of support from me. 

2. I have supportive parents.  I cant relate when she talked about one of her parents now having enough confidence in her.  

Wish she'll really do good.