Cramming Sucks. Swear.

Good day ladies and gentlemen, speaking in front of you is the self-proclaimed ‘Cramming Queen’.

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Cramming is probably the most loved practice at the same time most cursed act of a college student. Cramming, as define in Urban Dictionary, is the act of attempting to learn and to do a particular project in a short period of time. Indeed, I am a crammer, you are a crammer all of us whether we admit it or not, are all big time C-R-A-M-M-E-R-S: CRAMMERS.

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We cram for a test, for a project to be passed next week and for so many ‘beat the deadline lists’. But we don’t just simply cram in school based project. We even hurry on what we are going to wear 1-hour before Sunday church service when we have all the Saturday night time to prepare and so on.

We cram hoping to beat the deadline and not to beat excellence.

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For me, cramming works most of the time. I became creative in the last minute of deadline. I don’t know why, but I perform better whenever I cram a test or a project. I got most of my UNOs, 1.25s and so on because of cramming. It is obvious. Cramming loves me, but I hate cramming. Really.

Many researchers and educators do not agree in cramming. They concluded that most of students who fail in their exams crammed. They said that prolonged cramming resulted to students’ exaggerated reaction, impaired mental function, inconsistent performance and poor eating habit. Cramming as I have said, just allow us to beat the deadline, it doesn’t make us excellent.

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College is our training ground. What we practice in school is what we will definitely do in the future. Cramming is not a good practice. I’m saying this because I’m a crammer. Cramming will never works most of the time, and I witnessed it. It really does not. I sometimes fail, I sometimes pass late. In fact every after “cramming moments” though the result is good, I am still left with terrible headache maybe caused by the rush and pressure.

So ,to my fellow college student, be excellent, be consistent, be well prepared, as much as possible refrain from cramming. Do your homework as early as you can. Say no to cramming. I say no to cramming.

Once again this is Judy Garcia, Once a crammer, but will try to never be one anymore.

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A Blastful Semester

“Ansha”, “Gamol”, “Utik” “Baklang Bakery” “Veterana” “Wizkurukuru” “bi”, etc.

 

These are just some of the words that I learned and discovered this semester (My 3rd year, 2nd sem). But it is not only the words that I learned so much about, but above all, this semester thought me something greater, or should I say something that changed my world completely. 

 

How can I start summarizing everything? It’s so hard because everything that happened was essential in my being. But let me discuss some of the highlights and discuss it per subject so I will not forget mentioning the learnings and fun that I had experienced.

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Radio and Television Production

“Leche, LRT” “Ilang beses ko ng tinuturo, paulit-ulit” “may napanuod ako sa bus e…” 

These are just some of the epic lines of Ma’am Panela, our RTV professor. We always make fun on the way she talks and tells a story. She’s a very good storyteller that’s why everytime she came in class, we always ask her “Ma’am anong problema” and she will starts telling her Bus-to-Lrt-to-FEU story or should I say struggle. I always listen to her stories because she’s very fun and I am very amazed with how her face tells her story as well. (She’s one of the most energetic prof I ever met) XD

But of course, it is not her LRT stories that I enjoyed alone, but i also love this class because i love making stories– i love writing stories. I really learned a lot from this subject (even though we only have 1-hour left to discussed things because she’s always late—-and I guess you know why. haha she’s always late due to her LRT problems. XD)

I enjoyed doing stuff in this class including radio drama and film script and scene heading. Since highshool, (of course we have these bunch of role playings) i always volunteered to be the writer, and I am very surprised to learn that there’s so much rules and formats in scriptwriting. 

For our final project, i wrote “Rizal sa 2014” and the premise of it goes like this : “What if, a day before Rizal’s execution, he travels in the future and see how miserable Philippines will become. Will he be willing to die for his MotherLand still?”

As a result, I want to be a writer now. 

P.S “I learn to use Celtx” haha

 

Social Anthropology

I will never forget how strict she looked in our first day meeting. She entered the room, we did not stand to recognize her presence but still, we said good morning to her. and as her feedback she said “Is this the way you greet your professor? Is this the norms now?” and of course, with our nerves trembling, we stood and greeted her “Good Morning”. And she asked somebody to pray, no one volunteered and she saw me, so I walked toward the front. I began my “own” prayer, but she interrupted me and asked me to pray the FEU prayer, and oh oh oh I forgot the FEU prayer. (Since, i do not practice praying the same prayer—because i think the Lord doesn’t deserve memorized prayer).

But as I expected, she’s not really strict, she did it only for the sake of “first impression”. As time passed, we became so much fond on the way she dressed. Despite of her age, she’s very beautiful and charming. But beneath this pretty face, lies a woman with great motivation, great wisdom and great dignity to what she believe is right. 

I learned so much from her; things that books cannot thought us. She thought us to be functional, to be very dedicated, to persevere, to strive for the better, to be upright, to be excellent and more. 

At the end, I am very pleased to know that she’s a Christian. I know she is from the first time I saw her. I saw her discipline. And I admire her for everything she is. 

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Cinema

Well, what can I say? hahahahahaha. My favorite subject (my blockmates know why—and they will probably agree to my perception)

What I enjoyed in this class, is that we became exposed to a lot of films such as “Minsa’y Isang Gamo-Gamo”, “Insiang”, “Tuhog”, “Hero”, “Hellow Soldier” at “Bukas Didilim Bukas”. Not just we were exposed to it, but we learned to criticized the way a particular movie was made. 

We also learned different cinematic techniques and learned to view films using different film theories,. i can now say that everytime i watch a movie, i am being very critical about it. I learned now to dissect a film and not to indulge it as it is, the way other people watch films. But sometimes, the bad side here is, whenever i watch a movie with someone or with my family, I always comment “and panget ng shot” “ang weird naman” or “halaaa. Walang preparation” or ” ahhhhh Ideological film to” that sometimes people who were with me were annoyed in my comments. hahaha

I will miss Ma’am Ustaris’ get up. XD

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ENG 8 (Technical Writing)

Before the semester started, i was afraid to take up ENG 8 and i don’t know why, Since our schedule in ENG 8 is Wed and Sat 3pm-4 30pm, I and Buts decided to shift our schedule to Block 4, since we want early dismissal for Saturday because it is the time we have to go back in the mountain.(I mean province haha) 

ENG 8 with Sir Caballero was fun (literally fun. HAHAHAHA) though we are a bit petiks in this subject, still because of his lots of ACTIVITIESSSSSSS, ASSIGNMENTSSSSS and PROJECTSSSSS I learned to write formal letters. And I’m proud to say that because of this subject i did not had a hard time doing my resume, curriculum vitae and Application letter for my OJT this summer 🙂

I will miss Sir Caballero’s “Englis” “Riserts”  and his line “Yung iba sa inyo ginagawang pahingahan ang klase ko, yung iba nag se-selfie pa, yung iba reviewan at kung ano anong subjects and pinaguusapan” hahahahahaha. 

 

ACTING

After three long weeks of not having Professor in Drama, we finally met Ma’am Flor Salanga. The moment she entered, I know she has something to tell, has something to share, and has something to impart to our hearts. I knew it, always. I think I have power to predict people. hahaha 

But before i shared serious matters that I learned, these are funny words that we love about her (I dont know with my professors, but all of them have funny lines XD) “Ang pag-pre-prepare, pinaghahandaan yan”, “I-google nyo sa Youtube”, “Ang 3-D binubuo yan ng Tatlo” at “Pumapalakpak ang aking Fallopian Tube” XD hahahaha. 

I must admit, that I fear this subject the most simply because I know for the fact that I am not an ACTRESS! Never. Ever, I can’t act well, please. Have pity on me. haha. But every time we were given a piece to work with, though I know I will not shine, I still did my best. Effort kung effort sabi nga nila. 

Aside from acting, Ma’am Flor taught me to enjoy whatever I am doing, to treasure the moment that I’m on stage, because still that’s my moment, and she taught me to be brave, to be diligent, to strive harder for my parents, and of course above all, to accept the fact that every talents and skills that I have, it all came from God and I should praise Him for that. “Glory to God every time” that’s what I learned the most.

I know that at the end of the semester, I am still not an actress. But in my own way, I became an achiever. I better what I thought is already best for myself. And that’s what matters most. 🙂

 

INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM

And here comes Ma’am Barro again. Oh my Ma’am Barro! Investigative Reporting is Hard, but it became the hardest with Ma’am Barro as your professor. When we were asked to choose for a topic, I definitely want to take any psychological problem as our topic. So I chose different topics but all of it were rejected. In my frustration, i really don’t know what to do. Will I drop? I asked myself. But as i was travelling back to my dormitory, I said to myself that I will review my handouts in Psychology with Sir De Vera. Until I pray and asked God to helped me. And yes, inside the jeepney, I thought of BDSM. Thanks to Sir Devera and Fifty Shades of Grey. 

But our struggle with my groupmates (Lance and Ellaine) did not stopped in thinking of a topic, but it became harder when we got to the point of searching for possible subjects that will let us to interview them. Unitl we finally met Shinobi Sensei and DominaFire. 

The process of producing it is very fulfilling because I learned to go out of my box (I’m conservative by the way). But they are actually good people, in fact they are very intelligent people. 

But the highlight of it, is when Ma’am Barro recognized that our work is good and it has a chance to be an entry do different competitions. So I became challenged more to do better. With Ma’am Barro’s helped, we me sir Brian, he was the one who did editing in our piece, since the details and footages are very sensitive. 

At the end, we finished doing it, and yes, I survived Ma’am Barro! :)))

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THEATER DIRECTING

This one is not the least, but indeed the best subject I ever had. This subject really transformed me. REALLY. This subject will definitely be one of the reasons why I will forever love my course :))

I dont know how to share the joy, experience and fulfillment i felt in this subject. A BLAST. A BLAST INDEED. 

I think, i have to separate this and write another blog post for this subject, :)) hahahaha (Just so you wait)

 

And of course this sem will never be a blast, without MC1137. I love you guys. Thanks for all the gamolan moments. Thanks to all my professor who imparted something in us. And above all to my God who gives me the strength, guidance, provision and favor. 

I am now looking forward for a blastful OJT experience this summer. Kuddos! 

 

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Christmas In The Philippines

 

SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS IN THE PHILIPPINES

 

Christmas is the most awaited season of the year by every Filipino. Some say that Christmas in the Philippines is indeed the happiest and most heart-warming one. Christmas is the season of giving, forgiving, smiling,  it is also the time when people rise up from all the pain, struggles and sufferings that they had encounter for the past months. With these characteristics of Christmas, I concluded that Christmas was made for Filipino where giving is not an obligation but a pleasure, where forgiving is not a big deal for he have a big room in second chances, where forgetting all the downfalls is easy for we proudly welcomes new tomorrow with optimism, and where rising up from all the dilemmas, calamities and sorrows can be achieve as long as we are hand in hand. In short term, Christmas is the season of Filipino.

After defending why Christmas is better in the Philippines, I would like to tell now how Filipino celebrates this special season differently and creatively. Filipino has a long list on how we celebrate Christmas distinctively from any other Christmas abroad. So let me start giving these symbols of Christmas in the Philippines:

1.)    Simbang Gabi o Misa De Gallo- This is a 9-days mass done by Filipino Catholic until December 25, the birth of Jesus Christ. Every day starting December 16, Catholics go to their churches early in the morning to attend mass. But mass are also held during the evening. Simbang Gabi o Misa De Gallo is not just like any ordinary mass, because there are mini plays done before or after the mass regarding the birth of Jesus Christ like the mini play about Mary and Elizabeth, the visitation of angel Gabriel to Mary, the birth of Christ and the three Magi.

 

2.)    Bibingka and Puto Bumbong- In terms of food, Bibingka and Puto Bumbong are one of the well- known foods during Christmas season. When these two begin to appear, this simply means that Christmas countdown has just begun. Normally, bibingka and puto bumbong stores are placed near Catholic churches because after mass, people used to visit these stores.  In my place,Bulacan, bibingka had evolve from normal salted egg as toppings, now it is mix with cheese and the categories are follows: Special bibingka to  cheesy bibingka to  double cheese bibingka to triple cheese  bibingka to all cheese bibingka. The price for bibingka starts with 50pesos to 150 pesos defending on the categories while puto bumbong is 20 pesos.

 

https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=simbang+gabi&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=UQq8UqCkHaLyiAfiqoCoCg&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=666#q=Bibingka&tbm=isch&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=F9BqLMjMyGd8VM%3A%3Bp6MUO007J7zYHM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.balita.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2011%252F01%252Fbibingka.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.balita.com%252Fdelicious-bibingka-recipe%252F%3B270%3B203

 

3.)    Parol or Christmas lantern- Aside from western Christmas Tree and Santa Claus it is also part of Filipino Christmas’ tradition are the presence of Parol or Christmas lanterns. Christmas lantern are comes from different sizes, shape, design and Christmas lights. Filipino usually places their Christmas lantern from September to January. Pampanga is the most famous province in terms of Christmas lantern making.

 

https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=simbang+gabi&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=UQq8UqCkHaLyiAfiqoCoCg&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=666#q=parol&tbm=isch&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=OFSWJrqSl2SChM%3A%3BKHPuIzOGlCFg9M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fupload.wikimedia.org%252Fwikipedia%252Fcommons%252Fe%252Fe4%252FSimple_capiz_parol.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fen.wikipedia.org%252Fwiki%252FParol%3B2272%3B1704

4.)    Monito/ Monita- Unlike the usual exchange gift giving wherein you will give a one-time gift for the person you pick, in Monito/ Monita you will give gift each day starting from the day you pick his/her names until the final day chosen. Also each day, the amount of the gift you will give will increase.

 

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5.)    Caroling- Caroling is singing Christmas songs on the streets accompanied with tambourine, percussion instrument and a guitar. But this instrument can also be a recycled music instrument. This is done by different ages.

 

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6.)    Family Reunion- Christmas is the time for family get together. Since this is a holiday, Filipino will do their best to be with their family and keep in touch with them. This is also the time when many OFW scheduled their arrival in their place called Home Sweet Home.

 

Christmas in the Philippines is indeed full of happiness, hope and love. Celebrating Christmas can be done in different form, symbols and tradition, but we must never forget the true reason why we celebrate this season and that is Jesus Christ—the true symbol of Christmas: His life brings us abundance and life (John 10:10), His love is made perfect for our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9), He is our Way, our Truth and our Life (John 14:6) and His death brings us eternal life. (1 John 5:11-15). He is Jesus—our Salvation, our Redeemer, our Protection, our Shield, our Strength, our Refuge and our Hope forever. 

FREEDOM

Freedom

What is freedom, if having you is gone

What is having you, if freedom is gone.

What it means to have you, if having you is losing grip of my freedom

But if gripping my freedom means not to have you?

I feel like i am thorn.

Thorn between you and it.

What am i going to do,

Is this the way how it should be

is being happy means giving up

if being free is to let you go

but letting you go spells a death to me.

cycle, cycle as it is.

life is choices.

to be free, or to sleep my nights not having you.

Minsa’y Isang Gamo-Gamo

Minsa’y Isang Gamo-Gamo a film directed by Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara

PLOT

Minsa’y Isang Gamo-Gamo revolved around the life of Cora who wished to go to US and work there as a nurse to be able to provide her family’s needs. The story happened during the time when America made some part of the Philippines their bases and training camp. Cora was very fond of her American dream that she tends to neglect all the issues and controversies of American soldiers and their government against Filipino citizens. But series of events happened that revealed her dreams into a sadden nightmare.

TITLE

The title was based on the famous story of Jose Rizal about Gamo-Gamo and how the little Gamo-Gamo was burn because of its admiration to the fire. In this case, Cora is the gamo-gamo and America is the fire. Like the gamo-gamo who is very fond with the beauty if fire, Cora is very fond of America. She treated America as a paradise, and even wanted to go there and work and eventually will apply as its citizen. Because of her fondness, she seems to neglect the danger and harm that America might bring to her and the people around her. As she came closer to her dreams and desire, the danger and harm started to behold her and eventually trapped her like Rizal’s gamo-gamo.

CHARACTER ANALYSIS

The character involve in the movie portray different Filipino’s point of view and opinion about America’s settlement during the time. Some of them didn’t care, while others care. Some accepted America, some are not. Some fights for their right, some decided to shut their mouth.

  1. a.      Corazon Dela Cruz- As I noticed, Dela Cruz is one of the most known surnames of Filipino and even attributed to “Juan Dela Cruz”, the symbol of Filipinos. Corazon Dela Cruz is its female counterpart, symbolizing the she represents the Filipino nation. Corazon Dela Cruz (Nora Aunor) is jolly, intelligent, a woman of dreams, a family-oriented person and hardworking, traits which reflects common Filipino. Corazon Dela Cruz, like any other common Filipino that time, is blinded to see the truth. She did not see the real America. She is very fond of it, and often neglects the danger and issues done by America to our nation. Like any other Filipino, as long as she is not directly affected, she will never interrupt nor fight the system.
  2. b.      Bonifacio Santos- Bonifacio Santos at the beginning of the story was portray as weak, timid and have this attitude of “go with the flow” or “whatever will be will be”. This is noticeable when he decided to arrange his paper and apply for navy just to be with Cora. He doesn’t have his own decision. He is the type of Filipino that time, who will going to accept anything that outside forces will offer. But when her mother was harassed and got involve, that’s the time when he began to make his own stand.
  3. c.       Chedeng Dela Cruz- Cora’s mother reflects the Filipino people who are very fond of America and all its doing whether it is wrong or not. This is clearly portray when a news about the Filipino fisherman who was gunned and killed. Instead of reacting in a way that she will oppose America, she even defended them. Some of the Filipinos were like her, because of the benefits they get with America.
  4. d.      Yolanda Santos- She was one of the Filipino who benefitted from America financially. But she was harassed by it, and decided to fight for her right. At first, she was very brave and eager to fight, but when she realized how big and powerful her opponent was, she decided to just accept the fact that she will never win. She reflects the Filipino who wanted to fight, but never have the courage and guts to fight.
  5. e.       Carlito- he is the younger brother of Cora. His innocence reflects the innocence of the Filipino regarding the dominion and power of America against Philippines.
  6. f.       Ingkong Menciong- His age gained him a crown of knowledge and discernment. He was fully aware of the things happening. He knew America so well and knew their schemes. Yet his age deprived him to fight. So he just uttered his sentiments and hoped that maybe the younger generation will make their way to fight.

 

TECHNICALITIES

  1. A.    ACTING- Though the genre of the film is Drama, it did not show the usual Filipino drama of superb crying scenes, yet it has the capacity to tugs the heart of the viewers. I admire Nora Aunor’s acting, because it is very natural and idealistic.
  2. B.     STYLE- The story was portrayed in a narrative way, meaning it is done in sequence and chronological order. Though some of the scenes showed foreshadowing of what will possibly happen on the next scenes. One of the examples of foreshadowing is the slaughter of the pig, this is to give the audience a hint that somebody will die.

 

SYMBOLISM

  1. A.    APPLE- The fruit that Adam and Eve desired and eaten is compared to an apple. Adam and Eve desired it, though they know the harm and danger it might cause them. In the beginning of the movie, the characters were talking about the apple and their desire to have it. Like Adam and Eve’s desire, the apple (desire) made the characters fall.
  2. B.     KITE- The kite symbolized the fake freedom of the Philippines that time. A kite seems to freely move in the sky, yet in reality it is controlled by someone. Like the Philippines, who seemed to be free but in reality, it is being controlled by America. And when Carlito died, he was lying on the kite, this symbolized that because of that fake freedom, innocent blood might shed.
  3. C.    PIG- The pig symbolized the death of Carlito. As we all know, pig are being slaughtered brutally without any guilt. This symbolized how America “slaughtered Filipino”, no guilt, no punishment.

SOCIAL REFLECTION

            Minsa’y Isang Gamo-Gamo is an example of movie in the form of advocacy. The movie is not just a story but it does have voice which can awaken the mind and spirit of Filipino. Its purpose is to reveal the truth, to open up the eyes of our blinded citizens, and to stir up the lying nationalism in us. I admire how the movie can move an audience despite of the generation differences. Minsa’y Isang Gamo-Gamo indeed has the power to still strike social issues not just on yesterday but even on the generation today. In comparison today, the characters still exist. There are still Cora, who is driven by her dreams, Bonifacio, who is willing to fight when his family is involve, Yolanda, who is afraid enough to fight the system, Chedeng, who willingly accept everything and will never try to oppose, Ingkong Menciong, who will never have the strength to fight, but always have the wisdom to share, and Carlito, an innocent boy, with innocent blood to lose.

            Though we do not have the same issue (only a little bit of it exist), we do have issues which Filipino seems to ignore or else accept without trying to oppose today. There are corruption, poverty, loss of nationalism, desire to leave the country, the deft ant mute Filipino, Filipino who fight against Filipino, a controlled government and a lot more.

            Also, I noticed in the movie the absence of government involvement. This is a social reflection of that time that government was just a puppet, government possess no power to oppose in the dominion of a foreign nation.  This truth, may be a social reflection of today, government who literally sits on their position and never have the courage or maybe the sense to stand for his people.  

PERSONAL THOUGHT AND REFLECTION

            I am familiar with the title of the movie because of its famous line: “My brother is not a Pig” which often use by comedians imitating Nora Aunor. But I never have the chance to watch the film and also I admit that I really do not have the heart to watch old Filipino movies. But as I watched the film I literally feel a small shadow of shame on my heart for neglecting such brilliant films like Minsa’y Isang Gamo-Gamo. Watching it is very refreshing and I am very amazed and thrilled by it.

            In my generation where “boy meets girls”, “romantic comedy movies” and sci-fi movies are in demand, watching films like this is not really cool for us. But as I realized, this generation need movies like this for us to really see the reality and to be part of it. Overall, I really like the film, and I’m really looking forward to watch more brilliant films like that which carries social issues and lessons. 

A Visit to the Country’s only Film Musuem–Mowelfund

Last September 30, our block together, with our professor, Sir Jamal Abbas, went to Mowelfund Museum–  the only film museum in the country. We tour the museum with the guide of Sir Alfie, one of Mowelfund members. Through his guide we were able to know that Mowelfund was founded by the year 1977 with the collaboration of three prime artists in the country: Joseph Estrada, Fernando Poe Jr and Dolphy.

Mowelfund is a short term for Movie Welfare Fund. Mowelfund isn’t just a film museum, but it is also an organization which helps movie staffs by lending them financial assistant and loans. But focusing on the Musuem, Mowelfund has a lot to offer for the students and new generation. The film has different section which divided according to the film era.

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1920-1940

Just like any other Museums, Mowelfund preserve important papers, pictures and instrument of the past. With their era of 1920-1940 we saw pictures of Antonio Ramos, who served as the first film producer in the Philippines, pictures of Jose Nepomuceno with his masterpiece of Dalgang bukid feauturing Atang Dela Rama was also there.

1950-1960 Golden Age

This era is called Golden Age because this is the time when Philippines are able to produce lots of films capable for global competition. This era was also the time of Studio and Star System. In Mowelfund, we saw the logo of the big four studio and its stars. I was amazed because I still recognized most of the stars like Nida Blanca, Celia Rodriguez, Fernando Poe Jr. , Susan Roces, Amanda Fuentes and many more. Just then, when I realized that cinema is really capable of preserving tomorrow for the knowledge and understanding of today and tomorrow.

1970-1990

With this era I saw how film evolve, from usual story of boy meets girls, and their love team, the Philippine film transformed itself to sex revolution. There, I saw Jorge Estregan, whom our professor said was the famous porn star of that era. I also saw the Scorpio Nights, one of the best film of the era.

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2000-present

Sadly, as I noticed, films began to sink today. Films produced today are not as many of the films produced yesterday.

However, I really enjoyed our visit to Mowelfund Musuem since I was able to visualized the things our professor thought in class.

Mulholland Drive by Davin Lynch

Before I encountered Cinema 101 with Professor Datu Jamal Abbas, my understanding and knowledge about movies are very limited. I thought that movies are all about plots alone. I thought that shots, symbolism, techniques and style are not necessary as long as the story is good, but with Cinema 101 I realized that I was indeed wrong. Stories are essential, but it must compliment with other Cinema ingredients as well.          

            Before my Cinema 101, I was only exposed with Hollywood Narrative style, that’s why when Sir Abbas played Mulholland Drive in our class I was really confused because of its surrealism technique—technique where in the scenes are against causality and anti-narrative.

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            Mulholland Drive is the first Surrealist movie I ever watched that’s why I was very confused, shocked and paranoid. The story of Mulholland Drive began with a woman who was about to be killed by two unknown guys but was able to escaped when a car accident happened. The woman lost her identity and with her quest for finding her true identity she met Betty, an aspiring actress from the country. Betty helped her reveal her identity but when she was about to discover, the plot began to shake and began its style of confusion. Along with the confusion came Diane Selwyn who was madly inlove with the woman “Rita” and was the master mind of supposedly Rita’s murder, she did that because of jealousy and frustration.

            Based on what I understand together with my professor’s explanation, everything was Dianne’s dream/hallucination/illusion/imagination. She was so confused and out-minded because she couldn’t take that Rita left her and with the fact that she even asked people to kill her. To justify that everything was just her imagination, the scene where in a theater play “There is No Band” exist. The scene explained that everything was just an illusion, and that there is no Betty. So after that scene, Betty was gone, only Rita and Dianne were shown. At the end, Dianne was hunted by her conscience because of what she did, the key was the signal that Rita died, because the killer explained to her that the moment she saw the key, it means Rita is dead.

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            If I will connect it in a narrative way, it goes like this: Rita and Dianne was a lover, but Rita betrayed her, out of anger she asked somebody to kill her. The killer said that when she saw the key, means Rita is dead. During that time, Dianne was confused, she began her illusion that Rita escaped from the murder and the quest of Rita went on. Then she woke up with her illusion when she saw the key which is a sign that Rita is dead. She was hunted by her conscience and started to scream.

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            Watching Surrealism movies is new to me and I must admit that it is very challenging. It is a form of entertainment in a different manner because you have to think. Thanks to my Cinema 101, for helping me realize how broad the Cinema art is, and for taking me out of the box of narrative style. 

Eastern Promises

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Synopsis

Anna Kithrova is a midwife trapped by a diary left by a dead pregnant teenager. The diary possessed all the teenager’s suffering throughout her stay to a wealthy restaurant owner who happened to be secretly involved with Mafia Society.

Eager to give justice to the girl and to give a decent life to the baby, Anna decided to solve the mystery by asking help to the restaurant owner who welcomed her kindly. But as I mentioned the restaurant owner is not as kind as Anna thought.

With her persuasion to solve the mystery, along came Nikolai, driver of the restaurant owner. Nikolai is a strong man and has this dream to be part of the Mafia. When he is about to reach the dream he then was trapped by his admiration with Anna and his loyalty with his dream.

At the end, Anna discovered the real suspect, which is the restaurant owner. Nikolai achieved his dream but was not able to have Anna at the end. Anna then decided to adopt the child.

Quibble:

The movie is violent and indeed shocking to the audiences. Bloods, duels and killing are involved in a manner that leads its audience to drop their eye for a while.

Eastern Promises was able to present the power and dominion of the mafia that most of the people doesn’t notice and even realized.

Despite of the violence, the movie still managed to discuss life’s brighter side. I like the contrast between how the story started and ended. At the start, the audience was shocked by brutal slicing of the victim’s neck. This is to prepare the audience that what they are seeing is not a joke but includes violence in it. This is also I think to tell to audience that life whether we know it or not is violent. But at the end, the film ended in an unexpected manner.  I am expecting violence at the end, maybe somebody will die brutally, but it’s not. Instead it is peaceful and “happily ended”. I think this is done to tell that despite of life’s violence and danger there will always be a brighter and safer side. That living in this world is worthy because of what’s tomorrow will offer.

 

 

 

I am Sam

 Synopsis

     I am Sam was written and directed by Jessie Nielsen in 2001. It is a story about a single father with mental disorder, wherein his age isn’t match on to his age– his mental age is only for 6 years old.  Sam became a single parent to his daughter Lucy, 6 six-old. Despite of his mental limitation, he managed to become a good father to him, giving him love and care through the presence of Sam’s friends who are also mentally disable. 

      Despite of his father’s lack, Lucy learned to accept his father and learned to adjust herself because as she gets 7 she will be mentally ahead of his father. This dilemma came to court when the social workers decided to take custody for Lucy because they thought Sam can never give the attention Lucy needs because of his continuous failures. Eager to fight for his right and love to his daughter, Sam, arrived to a famous lawyer which his retarded friend advise. 

     As the trial went on, Sam breaks down giving the court prove that he is not a capable father. Lucy then was transferred to her adopted parent but insisted escaping and returning to Sam. At the end the poster parent decided to give Lucy to Sam but promise to help him raised Lucy.

 

      I am Sam is very Hollywood because of its Narrative type of story telling. The camera angle, shots and techniques were normal. But it is the story that affects me more. This is very touching and heart warming. Jessie Nielsen was able to touch everyone’s heart and make people realized that even people with mental disability needs attention, understanding and respect. 

New Hollywood: The redemption from Movie Brats

        As cinema evolved in different part of the world, the Hollywood of America also began to change. The Classical Hollywood was known for its narrative storytelling and invisible style of editing. In the year 1960s, with the presence of different technological innovation, Hollywood movie production began to decrease and the film industry was in danger.

                Studios began to lose their financial stability. Luckily this period was also the time when new breed of directors arose. These directors revived the dying industry because of their fresh ideas that public admired. Such directors are Steven Spielberg (Jaws), George Lucas (Star Wars), Francis Copolla (The Godfather), Brian De Palma (Obsession) and Martin Scorcese (Taxi Driver) these directors was knows as New Hollywood Movie Brats

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                These brats went to film schools and they use their learning to attract their audiences. Most of the themes targeted the youth mainly about campus revolution. Despite of their new techniques and learning these movies brats still used the traditional Hollywood style but they added some color and artistry in their movies. With the movies they made, they still used the older generation of directors’ technique. Most of the films made by the brats were inspired by directors in Classical Hollywood. During this period, many foreign directors also started building their name on Hollywood. Some of them came from different continent like Europe and Asia.

                Together with this period, independent movie Directors also managed to shift from impendence movie making to mainstream:  such as Wayne Wang, Spike Lee and John Singleton. Also during this time paved the innovation for more high-tech form of movie making allowing George Lucas to produce Star Wars. Spielberg and Lucas also led the move toward digital sound. The classical style of Narrative storytelling began to evolve that time. Instead of giving the audience the consistent events, story began to challenge the viewers to solve the missing piece; in fact flashbacks became essential to be able to narrate the story in different manner.

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                The decrease of Classical Hollywood, at the end, is not a bad story; rather it became a way for more possibilities and growth of film industry. This is a testimony that as long as talent, passion and dedication still exist, film industry will never be defeated.