Sneak Peek in Mongolian Barbeque Land

Another month has passed and I haven't been updating my blog. Unfortunately, Reyna Rosal: Tribute to Ms. Rosa Rosal was replaced by an independent movie in Robinsons Galleria on the said date. But, I do have some fresh news..

I was able to interview Manuel Conde's son, Jun Urbano. Here is a glimpse of our thesis class with the one and only Mr. Shooli.

(L-R: Joy, Jesy, Elain, Mr. Jun Urbano, Juz, Ains, Ging, Jamie)
Click to enlarge image

I will be posting our interview as soon as I transcribe his words from the video. Or probably upload the video myself on my next entry.

Oh by the way, thank you so much thesismates for the support. :)

Keep you posted! :)

Enjoying the Past: Tribute to Manuel Conde

Sorry for the late post. It has been a week or more since my last entry. Today, I won't be posting trivias. Instead, i'll be sharing this fun experience I had for the past few days.

As you all know, the recent Cinemalaya had just ended. Along with the films produced by some of the industry's young & fine moviemakers, a tribute event was also made for the person who introduced Independent cinema. He is none other than:

Manuel Urbano a.k.a. Manuel Conde

He is well-known for portraying the satirical comedy "Juan Tamad" series as it targets the social and political issues of our country. Other than that, he is the first Filipino whose 1950 film 'Genghis Khan' was screened in international film festivals. He directed movies in LVN, Lebran and his very own MC productions until his retirement in the early 80s. Some of the movies he directed are:

LVN:

Sawing Gantimpala (1940)

Maginoong Takas (1940)

Hiyas ng Dagat (1941)

Binatillo (1941)

Villa Hermosa (1941)

Ararong Ginto (1941)

Ibong Adarna (1941)

Caviteno (1942)

Prinsipe Tenoso (1942)

Orasang Ginto (1946)

Ala-ala Kita (1946)

Principeng Hindi Tumatawa (1946)

Apat na Alas (1950)

Senorito (1953)

Ang Ibong Adarna (1955)

Pilipino Kostum - No Touch (1955)

Ikaw Kasi! (1955)

Handang Matodas (1956)

Krus Na Kawayan (1956)

Bahala Na (1956)

El Robo (1957)

Basta Ikaw (1957)

Tingnan Natin (1957)

Casa Grande (1958)

Venganza (1958)

Bayanihan (1959)

Juan Tamad Goes to Society (1960)

MC (Manuel Conde) Productions:

Doon Po sa Amin (1946)

Nabasag ang Banga (1947)

Si Juan Tamad (1947)

Si Juan Daldal (Anak ni Juan Tamad) (1948)

Vende Cristo (1948)

Prinsipe Paris (1949)

Siete Infantes De Lara (1950)

Genghis Khan (1950)

Juan Tamad Goes to Congress (1959)

Molave (1961)

Lebran Productions:

Sigfredo (1951)

Zultana International:

Si Juan Tamad at si Juan Masipag sa Pulitikang Walang Hanggan (1963)

I didn't post his other works though he was fond of creating documentaries. Special thanks to my mom and grandpa for buying me this:

My source on everything that is posted in this entry

I really felt bad for missing the opening night of Conde's film festival. Big stars were there.. Imagine, if typhoon Helen did not come, I could have shaken hands with Ms. Delia Razon, Mr. Eddie Garcia, Well-known director Mike De Leon, Director Joel Lamangan and many more. Oh well, there is always a next time. I hope..

Anyway, I was checking out some articles on the family's newspaper Star, and found out that there will be another film showing in tribute to one of the stars from the Golden era. She is none other than Ms. Rosa Rosal. I checked out the details on the net but there was still no announcement. But whatever happens, rest assured, I will be there. :)

Oh by the way, here are the photos my fellow v.angel and friend Jesy took after watching the movie:

  

With my buddy Manuel

Posing with his works

The manuscripts and his family photos

Taking a photo of the movie we watched

Title of the movie is Krus na Kawayan under LVN Pictures, directed by Mr. Conde himself. :) Special thanks to Ms. Jesy Lourish Javier for coming with me all the way from UST to CCP. :)

To be honest, despite of the crude lights and sounds quality of the film, I really appreciated the story and how good the actors and actresses were. I even saved the ticket and stored in my everyday planner :)

I only spent 50 pesos for a timeless classic. Not bad right? :)

Even if I wasn't able to attend the main event, I am still happy to see and experience the product itself. I am happy to know that the industry is aware and still appreciates Filipino Classic movies. Through these events, I am once again inspired, fueled and reminded to make the best out of what I can for this project.

Oil price increase? Heck. I am driven to go miles for this. Til next! :)

Who am I? Trivia#3

I'm back! and we're up for another game of 'Who am I?'. Last time, Sir Simon of Video48 got the correct answer for two straight entries. :) Answer to last entry is Gines Soriano also known as Nestor de Villa. Anyway, for the next trivia, here goes:

I was finding a job and been hired as a receptionist in the office of a movie magazine. One day, I was asked to go to LVN to get publicity stills for the latest film of Nida Blanca. The Old Lady saw me and referred as Ilocana Mestiza. She told me I can join showbiz only if I can brush my Tagalog. From then on, I was given a contract and later became a full-fledged star.

I am known as Miss Alembong. It was my first role in the movie 'Alembong' in 1958 which everyone considers a box-office hit. I also appeared in the show 'Tayo’y Magsaya' with Nida Blanca, Pancho Magalona, Guy Donato and Bentot under the direction of Felicing Constantino.

My other movies are Ganyan Ka Pala and Medalyong Perlas (with Nida Blanca, Nestor de Villa and Willie Sotedo) and Teenage Crush (with Tessie Quintana Eddie Rodriguez, Manding Claro and Luz Valdez, directed by Tony Santos).

My time came last January 10, 2002, in the beautiful Huntington Beach, California, USA.

FYI: I am the aunt of today's actress Chin-Chin Gutierrez. Who am I?

(Photo and Content Source: Dona Sisang and Filipino Movies (1977), http://movie-industry.blogspot.com/ and the Wikipedia)

Answer to be posted on my next entry. Til next! :)

Who am I? Trivia#2

We're back for another game of 'Who Am I?'. The answer to my last entry is Jose Revilla also known as "Armando Goyena". For trivia #2, here goes.. :)

I am the son of a hacendero from Gapan, Nueva Ecija and practicing pre-med. One day, I decided to watch the shooting of a friend's film right in my home. From then on, I was discovered by Director Susana C. De Guzman and Nemesio B. Caravana as they encouraged me to join showbiz.

My first movie was Amor-Mio or My Love under LVN. Later on, I was paired with Nida Blanca in "Bahala Na". When LVN discontinued making films, I transferred to Sampaguita pictures where I made my debut with Ms. Gloria Romero in "Tugtuging Bukid".

In the 1980's I made a comeback with my good old friend Nida Blanca as we played for two movies with Ms. Sharon Cuneta's Forgive and Forget, and Ms. Maricel Soriano's Saan Darating ang umaga.

I remained active in films then until my time came in 2004, wherein I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

FYI: I was also known as the "Fred Astaire of the Philippines". Who Am I? :)

(Photo and Content Source: Dona Sisang and Filipino Movies, 1977 and the Wikipedia)

Answer will be posted on my next entry. Til next! :)

Who am I? Trivia#1

Let's play a game.. I have five names who changed their names when they started showbiz. On my next post, his/her screen name will be displayed. Anyway, here is trivia #1:

Among the several sons of well-to-do families, I was one of those who were drawn to the movies after World War II. I was persuaded by a friend named Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero to play the male lead in Wanted: A Chaperone. After that, I was convinced by my friend to audition in LVN pictures and start a career in showbiz. At first Dona Narcisa De leon a.k.a. Dona Sisang wasn't interested in me because I did not have that what we call, 'X-factor'. But later on, I got the call and did supporting roles until I became a full-fledged actor.

I have done roles such as Kapitan Kidlat (1953), Tiya Loleng (1953) with Ms. Tessie Quintana and other movies under LVN. I was married to the first Camay soap model Francisca Roces with whom I had seven daughters and a son and 28 grandchildren. Two of these are my grandsons, Bernard Palanca and Miko Palanca and one of my granddaughters, Bianca Araneta.

I have also appeared later on in movies such as Eskapo (1995) as Eugenio Lopez Sr. and Yamashita: The Tiger's Treasure (2001). Now, I am 82 years old, fit and active as I go to the gym twice a week.

Who am I?

(Photo and Content Source: Dona Sisang and Filipino Movies, 1977 and http://movie-industry.blogspot.com)

Answer will be posted on my next entry. Til next! :)

Weighed But Found Wanting

It's fun watching films especially when you learn a lot about the moral lesson of the story. From judging your neighbor (Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang) to believing in miracles (Himala), these two classics that i've seen have taught me in a way I can apply to little but important things in life. Let me tell you what I think on Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang.

"Maraming klaseng tao ang pinagtatawanan
ang kanyang kapwa dahil may diperensya.
Dahil sa mayroong hindi tama sa itsura.
At karamihan sa mga tumatawag iyon
ang hindi marunong tumingin sa loob, sa puso.
Ang puso'y hindi nakikita ng mata para makita mo ito,
Gamitin mo ang iyong puso."

-- Mario O' Hara as Berto in Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang

Judging others from the way they look is what i've noticed and that has become a trend. We often make fun of others because they are different from us or simply because they lack the superficial. In this movie, a village idiot, leper, a womanizer, apostolic hypocrites and a man entwined between goodness and peer pressure will show the audience a reflection of the nation's ugliness.

This movie truly stands out because of its story that will remain in the minds and hearts of the audience. Not to mention its achievement for winning 6 Famas awards including Best Picture. I, myself have been swept away and realized that even up to now, we are to blame for the world's injustice. Okay that might sound too big but as an example, instead of just blaming others with the crisis around us and give in to filthy pride, maybe we should do something instead to help out.

I am guilty for judging others and mind on what should be 'their business'. For instance, a helpless child asks for money. Instead of lecturing why they beg for money, maybe I should shed out a few of what I have. I always think that giving will just help the poor become more lazy. But what if they really can't get a job? Yep, i've realized its time to change.

It may still occur to me as if they're fooling me.. but I got to try right? We as a community should try.

Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang is a must-see for everyone. A star-stellar performance by Ms. Lolita Rodriguez (Best Actress), A first time Christopher De Leon (Best Actor) and a drama (Best Picture) that involves serious social issues made by the Lino Brocka (Best Director) for the society.

That's all.. Til Next! :)

A Closer Look on: Lamberto Avellana

Did you know that the only Filipino with the most number of wins locally and internationally is also the same person who destroyed the "bakya" crowd? (These were described as "unperceptive" and "socially unaware") He is none other than:

Lamberto Avellana
(B: February 12, 1915 – D: April 25, 1991)

As I flip through the pages of this book, I got so interested that I decided to post everything it said:

Lamberto V. Avellana is a pillar of Philippine Cinema. One of the few living witness to the growth and development of Filipino movies, Avellana began auspiciously as a stage director at the Ateneo de Manila, from where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1938. With his wife, the former Daisy Hontiveros, he founded in 1939 the Barangay Theater Guild, which pioneered in the presentation of legitimate plays.

Avellana movied into film at a time when the studio systems was just emerging. His first film, Sakay (1939) , was a landmark in Filipino filmmaking, because it marked in the words of a film critic T.D. Agcaoili, "The introduction of a truly creative Philippine cnema, employing organically in film some of the elements of modern stagecraft and dramaturgy that had been lacking in Philippine movies".

Avellana's direct contribution to Philippine cinema, however, is his use of cinematic techniques, in particular, of the mise-en-scene, which at the time was unheard of among directors who merely used their cameras to tell a story. In short, it was Avellana who first "discovered, exploited and enriched" the idiom of film in the country.

Aside from this, it was Avellana who first rebelled against the prevailing popularity of saccharine romances and superficial melodramas. Through his treatment of stories with serious themes and three-dimensional characters, he successfully mixed the significant issues of his time with the conventions of Filipino movie-making.

To name Avellana's best films that proved Filipinos can win Internationally, are:

1. Anak Dalita (1956)- "dealt with the cave-dwellers" of war-ravaged Intramuros, who, dispossessed of practically eveything, managed to survive and hold on to their dignity. This film was screened in the Asian Film Festival

2. Badjao (1957) - Painted an idyllic picture of the day-to-day existence of the sea-faring people in Mindanao. This film was also screened at the Asian Film Festival.

3. Kundiman ng Lahi (1959) - dramatized a woman's difficulties in love and life. This gave Charito Solis' breakthrough as an Actress for she bagged the 'Best Actress' Award in the 1959 FAMAS awards.

4. Portrait of the Artist as Filipino (1966) - translated into film Nick Joaquin's dramatic elegy on the death of Intramuros and of pure ideals in life and art.

5. La Campana de Baler (1961) and El Legado (1959) - won him International Prestige Awards.

The Highest point of his forty-year career as drama and film director is the National Artist Award, conferred on him in 1976, in recognition of his rare excellence and significant contribution to the growth of Filipino drama and film.

(Source: The Urian Anthology 1980-1989, Edited and Introduced by: Nicanor G. Tiongson)

So can we, the youth and the future of this country, be as great as Lamberto Avellana? Maybe not exactly like his greatness but why not? Dreaming to make a difference can bring us good.. no great results! :)

Til Next!