Sunset in Coron
Coron, Palawan
Friday, July 16, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Subic's Surprises
It was a bit of a surprise visiting Subic with good friends June Recto and Wena Bradley. I had come from the Manila City Hall to work on the release of my Mayor's Permit which I had to wait a week for. I have to go back again on the 16th of July,Friday of next week to recieve my City Health ID. Meantime, there was a trip that was previously planned for the Thursday which did not push through. So on Friday morning I called myh friend to tell him I was done with my errands. Guess what? We were going on a road trip...
The pick up point was June's house at 1pm . We proceeded to Subic on board Wena's van and arrived there around two hours later. Surprise, surprise! Subic is still evolving and shows continued development. From it's high profile background as a former American military facility, the base now serves as an exporft processing zones housing industries that manufacture anywhere from household products to industrial parts.
In my time, the areas around Subic and Clark were associated with establishments of ill-repute. Especially Olongapo, which was designated as a Mecca for wine, women and song. Many a serviceman on furlough would gallivant around the areas of Clark and Subic looking for thrills of the sensual kind. When the Americans were sent back home it seemed time stood still. The girly bars lost its patrons, the women eventually settled down and raised families or made good by turning a new leaf.
Nowadays, Subic and its environs have evolved into an urban center with lots of recreational facilities that caters to different interests. Hotels have sprung up. Casinos have started operating. Fun adventures fit for family affairs are aplenty to entertain and educate guests. Even its environs boast of prime beach resorts and even a cultural haven like Pundaquit.
Here are some of my favorite spots in Subic:
Pamulaklakin Forest Trail - Learn the Aetas' way of life and how they survive using indigenous materials culled from the forest trail...
Tree Top Adventure- Enjoy zipping from one tree to the next. Have fun walking or flying through the tree tops. Or simply enjoy a leisurely afternoon sipping coffee or having snacks way up in the arbod ledge.
Zoobic Safari - enjoy various animal encounters and have an exciting time feeding the tigers in specially equipped vehicles while you drive around rough terrain amid the biggest cats in the world.
Aqua Adventure - Get wet and have fun watching whales and dolphins do tricks and delight kids with these lovable aquatic animals.
Red Dragon Restaurant - Enjoy scrumptous Chinese dishes at the Red Dragon restaurant and watch the waistline go with delicious, nutricious meals...
And then of course... there's always the shopping!!! Originally a port where American goods are brought over for the consumption of the reserved forces stationed at the base, the consumer products found its way into the commissary to be lapped up by Filipinos who could afford top-dollar prices. Now everyone's welcome to shop at the stores that sell American goods.
Every visit to Subic can be summed up in one catch-phrase: "the more things change... the more they stay the same..." =)
The pick up point was June's house at 1pm . We proceeded to Subic on board Wena's van and arrived there around two hours later. Surprise, surprise! Subic is still evolving and shows continued development. From it's high profile background as a former American military facility, the base now serves as an exporft processing zones housing industries that manufacture anywhere from household products to industrial parts.
In my time, the areas around Subic and Clark were associated with establishments of ill-repute. Especially Olongapo, which was designated as a Mecca for wine, women and song. Many a serviceman on furlough would gallivant around the areas of Clark and Subic looking for thrills of the sensual kind. When the Americans were sent back home it seemed time stood still. The girly bars lost its patrons, the women eventually settled down and raised families or made good by turning a new leaf.
Nowadays, Subic and its environs have evolved into an urban center with lots of recreational facilities that caters to different interests. Hotels have sprung up. Casinos have started operating. Fun adventures fit for family affairs are aplenty to entertain and educate guests. Even its environs boast of prime beach resorts and even a cultural haven like Pundaquit.
Here are some of my favorite spots in Subic:
Pamulaklakin Forest Trail - Learn the Aetas' way of life and how they survive using indigenous materials culled from the forest trail...
Tree Top Adventure- Enjoy zipping from one tree to the next. Have fun walking or flying through the tree tops. Or simply enjoy a leisurely afternoon sipping coffee or having snacks way up in the arbod ledge.
Zoobic Safari - enjoy various animal encounters and have an exciting time feeding the tigers in specially equipped vehicles while you drive around rough terrain amid the biggest cats in the world.
Aqua Adventure - Get wet and have fun watching whales and dolphins do tricks and delight kids with these lovable aquatic animals.
Red Dragon Restaurant - Enjoy scrumptous Chinese dishes at the Red Dragon restaurant and watch the waistline go with delicious, nutricious meals...
And then of course... there's always the shopping!!! Originally a port where American goods are brought over for the consumption of the reserved forces stationed at the base, the consumer products found its way into the commissary to be lapped up by Filipinos who could afford top-dollar prices. Now everyone's welcome to shop at the stores that sell American goods.
Every visit to Subic can be summed up in one catch-phrase: "the more things change... the more they stay the same..." =)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Binondo Bytes
Same time last year, we had a brilliant guest lecturer in the person of Ms. Lorelei de Viana who did extensive research on Binondo architecture. She published a book which is a valuable resource tool for anyone who wants to do a tour of Binondo.
Anyway, all the Mabuhay Guides were so impressed with her knowledge of the area that we keep going back to her book if only to borrow "nuggets" for our commentaries on the Binondo area.
The last time I was in Binondo I noticed black netting on what used to be the British Chancerry, a building that survived the carpet bombing during the Liberation of Manila in 1945. I hope they don't plan to tear the building down. That would be a shame and an outright violation of R.A. No 10066. That's the new law that prevents people from changing, destroying or defacing anything that is more than 50 yars old. I wonder if the authorities at the Manila City Hall have any knowledge of this.
The glory days of Escolta are all but gone but vestiges of its past remain in the old buildings that proliferate the area:
- The Capitol Theater is now heavily guarded and there seems to be some business going on inside, another renovation in progress?
- The Calvo Building - Formerly the headquarters of the Kapuso Station, now the site of the Escolta Museum. The building has remained faithful to its neo-classical design
- The Natividad Building - reminiscent of 18th century parisian buildings in the Beaux Arts style. A favorite site featured in TV commercials.
- Perez-Samanillo Building - Art Deco building that survived the bombing of WWII. Features an Otis elevator with exposed dials.
- Regina Building - Major business address for financial institutions from the early to mid-20th century. It has retained its neo-classic details over the years.
Aside from the buildings, Binondo has other treats to offer... particularly the food!!! Seriously, why wouldn't anyone want to do a walking tour of Binondo when, at every turn, one is faced with the possibility of having a tasty treat? The prospect of trying Chinese food is enough to make one salivate.
The usual hopia and siopao are just part of the usual niblets. The guests will determine just how much food they are determined to try... or how much they can take... I can't enumerate the food they can sample, else I give the tour secrets away. Best to try a Binondo tour with any one of the Mabuhay Guides. The cost is certainly well within reason. After all, the long walk is chock-full of visual and gustatory treats...
Call the Mabuhay Guides for a Food/ histtorical trip to Escolta and Binondo. We throw in a Pasig Ferry ride too if you're coming from the Makati area.
Anyway, all the Mabuhay Guides were so impressed with her knowledge of the area that we keep going back to her book if only to borrow "nuggets" for our commentaries on the Binondo area.
The last time I was in Binondo I noticed black netting on what used to be the British Chancerry, a building that survived the carpet bombing during the Liberation of Manila in 1945. I hope they don't plan to tear the building down. That would be a shame and an outright violation of R.A. No 10066. That's the new law that prevents people from changing, destroying or defacing anything that is more than 50 yars old. I wonder if the authorities at the Manila City Hall have any knowledge of this.
The glory days of Escolta are all but gone but vestiges of its past remain in the old buildings that proliferate the area:
- The Capitol Theater is now heavily guarded and there seems to be some business going on inside, another renovation in progress?
- The Calvo Building - Formerly the headquarters of the Kapuso Station, now the site of the Escolta Museum. The building has remained faithful to its neo-classical design
- The Natividad Building - reminiscent of 18th century parisian buildings in the Beaux Arts style. A favorite site featured in TV commercials.
- Perez-Samanillo Building - Art Deco building that survived the bombing of WWII. Features an Otis elevator with exposed dials.
- Regina Building - Major business address for financial institutions from the early to mid-20th century. It has retained its neo-classic details over the years.
Aside from the buildings, Binondo has other treats to offer... particularly the food!!! Seriously, why wouldn't anyone want to do a walking tour of Binondo when, at every turn, one is faced with the possibility of having a tasty treat? The prospect of trying Chinese food is enough to make one salivate.
The usual hopia and siopao are just part of the usual niblets. The guests will determine just how much food they are determined to try... or how much they can take... I can't enumerate the food they can sample, else I give the tour secrets away. Best to try a Binondo tour with any one of the Mabuhay Guides. The cost is certainly well within reason. After all, the long walk is chock-full of visual and gustatory treats...
Call the Mabuhay Guides for a Food/ histtorical trip to Escolta and Binondo. We throw in a Pasig Ferry ride too if you're coming from the Makati area.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Ilocos Top Sites
The very first province we went to for our immersion August of last year was Ilocos. There were ten of us Mabuhay Guides who were sent there to learn the routes and visit the spectacular sights that the region had to offer. So to celebrate my first anniversary as an MG, I'm giving you a run down of the best sights to see in Ilocos.
I refuse to be committed to a countdown so I will enumerate my most favorite must see's and must try's in no particular order.
- The Museo Ilocos
The best way to understand the Ilocano psyche is to visit the Museo Ilocos. Archeological artifacts on the Ilocano way of life are aesthetically displayed for everyone's enjoyment. This includes a scaled down Ilocano home that leads to a makeshift theater where one can enjoy Ilocano music.
- The Old Churches
There are many churches that can strengthen one's belief in the Catholic faith. The massive scale of the churches as places of worship and their grandeur can be awe-inspiring:
Sta. Monica church in Sarat is where presidential daughter Irene Marcos was wed to Greggy Araneta. The event was a nationwide spectacle. A few weeks after the wedding the church was damaged partially by an earthquake that rocked Luzon.
St Paul's Cathedral in Vigan was the official seat of the diocese of Nueva Segovia. The religious influence of the Catholic church extended its reach from Manila to the north via the trappings of Catholic dogma.
The Immaculate Conception Church in Batac is a quaint church in neo-classic style with delicate architectural touches.
The San Agustin Church is one of four Philippine churches declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The massive flying buttresses and its earthquake baroque style not to mention its impressive facade are some of the unique details that make the church a true landmark in Ilocos.
- Marcos Mansion/Museum
Batac is where the Marcos Mansion and Museum are located. A stone's throw away from the Ricarte Museum, the Mansion and Museum houses the mauseleum where former President Marcos' remains lie in state.
The Manision is a working household for the Marcos family when they stay in the province.
Malacanan ti Amianan
Located in Paoay, the Malacanan of the north is a stately down-sized presidential mansion replete with golf course and recreational facilities for the former strongman of Ilocos.
- Juan Luna Museum
The home of nationalist and painter Juan Luna y Novicio which has been turned into a museum. The restored home of brick showcases archives, photos and memorabilia owned by the Luna family and chronicling their rise to prominence.
- Sitio Remedios
A quaint villa in Currimao that has a "collection" of old ancestral houses restored and converted as lodging for the resort. It also features a spanish era lighthouse within the property along the rugged coastline. Ideal for weddings and honeymoons.
- Pagudpud
Ilocos Norte's pride is bolstered by the pristine white-sand beaches in Pagudpud. Resort hotels dot the coastline with various accomodations that cater to tourists' budget
- Bangui Windmills
A series of windmills that tap the windpower along the northwestern sea coast. The windmills provide a third of the electrical power demands of the Ilocos region. It has also cut the fossil fuel supply of the region considerably. The assembly of the Bangui windmills is a feat in itself with humongous barges carrying the parts to its location from the west.
- Cape Bojeador
The lighthouse used to serve the region guiding ships (mostly galleons) to safer waters. The lighthouse uses a Fresnel lens and is still operable to this day. There are ATVs that may be rented nearby should one wish to explore the locale.
- The Food
Poque-poque, cabatiti, dinengdeng and vigan longganisa are among the more famous eats one could try in Ilocos. There's also Empanada in Batac. This one is different from the empanada found in bulacan and pampanga. It's orange crust is flaky and best eaten warm. Inside is a melange of grated green papaya, vigan longganiza and a raw egg that cooks when the crusty pocket is deep-fried in boiling oil.
- Vigan
The story goes that a Japanese Imperial officer fell in love with a Filipina and pleaded to the Japanese high command that Vigan be spared from the bombing that took place in World War II. Gladly, they listened to his pleas. This is what saved Vigan from total destruction. To this day, Vigan remains a picturesque town with its Spanish colonial homes still intact.
There you have it... these are some of my favorite sites in Ilocos... There's a lot more I haven't included but hey, tomorrow's another day...
I refuse to be committed to a countdown so I will enumerate my most favorite must see's and must try's in no particular order.
- The Museo Ilocos
The best way to understand the Ilocano psyche is to visit the Museo Ilocos. Archeological artifacts on the Ilocano way of life are aesthetically displayed for everyone's enjoyment. This includes a scaled down Ilocano home that leads to a makeshift theater where one can enjoy Ilocano music.
- The Old Churches
There are many churches that can strengthen one's belief in the Catholic faith. The massive scale of the churches as places of worship and their grandeur can be awe-inspiring:
Sta. Monica church in Sarat is where presidential daughter Irene Marcos was wed to Greggy Araneta. The event was a nationwide spectacle. A few weeks after the wedding the church was damaged partially by an earthquake that rocked Luzon.
St Paul's Cathedral in Vigan was the official seat of the diocese of Nueva Segovia. The religious influence of the Catholic church extended its reach from Manila to the north via the trappings of Catholic dogma.
The Immaculate Conception Church in Batac is a quaint church in neo-classic style with delicate architectural touches.
The San Agustin Church is one of four Philippine churches declared World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The massive flying buttresses and its earthquake baroque style not to mention its impressive facade are some of the unique details that make the church a true landmark in Ilocos.- Marcos Mansion/Museum
Batac is where the Marcos Mansion and Museum are located. A stone's throw away from the Ricarte Museum, the Mansion and Museum houses the mauseleum where former President Marcos' remains lie in state.
The Manision is a working household for the Marcos family when they stay in the province. Malacanan ti Amianan
Located in Paoay, the Malacanan of the north is a stately down-sized presidential mansion replete with golf course and recreational facilities for the former strongman of Ilocos.
- Juan Luna Museum
The home of nationalist and painter Juan Luna y Novicio which has been turned into a museum. The restored home of brick showcases archives, photos and memorabilia owned by the Luna family and chronicling their rise to prominence.
- Sitio Remedios
A quaint villa in Currimao that has a "collection" of old ancestral houses restored and converted as lodging for the resort. It also features a spanish era lighthouse within the property along the rugged coastline. Ideal for weddings and honeymoons.
- Pagudpud
Ilocos Norte's pride is bolstered by the pristine white-sand beaches in Pagudpud. Resort hotels dot the coastline with various accomodations that cater to tourists' budget
- Bangui Windmills
A series of windmills that tap the windpower along the northwestern sea coast. The windmills provide a third of the electrical power demands of the Ilocos region. It has also cut the fossil fuel supply of the region considerably. The assembly of the Bangui windmills is a feat in itself with humongous barges carrying the parts to its location from the west.
- Cape Bojeador
The lighthouse used to serve the region guiding ships (mostly galleons) to safer waters. The lighthouse uses a Fresnel lens and is still operable to this day. There are ATVs that may be rented nearby should one wish to explore the locale.
- The Food
Poque-poque, cabatiti, dinengdeng and vigan longganisa are among the more famous eats one could try in Ilocos. There's also Empanada in Batac. This one is different from the empanada found in bulacan and pampanga. It's orange crust is flaky and best eaten warm. Inside is a melange of grated green papaya, vigan longganiza and a raw egg that cooks when the crusty pocket is deep-fried in boiling oil.
- Vigan
The story goes that a Japanese Imperial officer fell in love with a Filipina and pleaded to the Japanese high command that Vigan be spared from the bombing that took place in World War II. Gladly, they listened to his pleas. This is what saved Vigan from total destruction. To this day, Vigan remains a picturesque town with its Spanish colonial homes still intact.
There you have it... these are some of my favorite sites in Ilocos... There's a lot more I haven't included but hey, tomorrow's another day...
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Reminiscing
A year ago today, I was in a tizzy. It was the very first time the Mabuhay Guides would be fielded in a major event. This was the acid test! The M.I.C.E. (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) Mart was a big project mounted by the PCVC. M.I.C.E. Mart is periodically held with the end in view of attracting tour operators/ travel agents to visit the Philippines as a destination for the purposes the MICE acronym stands for.
At least a dozen Mabuhay Guides were assigned to showcase the best that the country has to offer and to ensure that all the foreign guests got the impression that we were competent, efficient guides who were ready for anything. Still, the MICE Mart had a few hitches... Nothing that was not resolved immediately. As the participants left early for their dream destinations, they were issued recycled tarpaulin overnight bags from R.O.X. which they brought with them for the weekend. Each and every activity gave them the opportunity to enjoy the sites and sounds of the Philippines to the max.
Fortunately, the event was a huge success and most, if not all the participants thoroughly enjoyed their stay. And why shouldn't they? The dream destinations included in their itineraries included Boracay, Bella Roca Resort, El Nido, Cebu, Subic amongst others.
Mid-July saw the Mabuhay Guides in action once again showing Intramuros to over a hundred scholars of the Department of Science and Technology. This event was organized by Mabuhay Guide Helen Aranda with the guides offering their services pro-bono. This was our way of "giving back" to the country for all the privileges we've been given. It was a rush guiding young students around the walled city knowing that we were inspiring them and giving them cause to be proud Filipinos.
Then after that, I got to squeeze in a tour of Binondo with, of all people, Melissa Ramos' boss. This tour was very memorable for me... it was the first time I recieved gratuity for a job well-done. I was so inspired by it I never cashed the cheque that was given to me. That same cheque is posted on my bulletin board in my room to remind me that the best reward in being a Mabuhay Guide is the appreciation of my guests for having given them a great time.
Well, a year has passed... another one lies ahead. The memories and experiences of travelling within Manila and its environs as well as the smells, sights and sounds of the provinces we have visited as Mabuhay Guides are so vividly etched in my mind that all I need do is close my eyes and recall... And that's enough to make me smile...
Don't worry, I'll be sharing some of the best places we've been to in my next blogs...Abangan!
Friday, July 2, 2010
MG Interrupted
My accreditation as a Mabuhay Guide officially ended on the same day that President Aquino took his oath of office. That means that a few days before that, I had been working on getting my requirements ready for the application to renew my license as a guide.
I'd have to admire the Department of Tourism's website for having initiated a paperless transaction. However, before one can upload all the requirements needed, a lot of legwork is expected. The rules are simple, really: 1) go to the website, 2) fill out the forms and submit 3) wait for the username and password assigned to be sent via email to be able to send the scanned required documents.
Getting the requirements for application renewal was a task that I completed in 2 days. Thanks to some connections I had made over the years and thanks to planning and foresight. Money, time and effort was dispensed with just to be able to get it over and done with.
To get a Mayor's permit in Manila, one has to submit the following: a health certificate from the Manila City Health Office (P50.00), a Police Clearance (P70.00), Mayor's permit fee (P175.00), a copy of the DOT accreditation. Submit the following to the Business Permit section of the city hall. Releasing is done exactly one week after filing; the fee for the permit is P20.00.
The NBI clearance was fairly easy... I just had to submit my 2x2 photo and last year's personal copy to them yesterday. The fee is P300.00. The NBI clearance was released this morning at no other cost. The chest X-ray which took minutes to do set me back P200.00. I didn't want to go back for it yesterday at 5 p.m. so I picked it up on my way to DOT this morning.
All that accomplished I proceeded to room 206 for my renewal to be completed... It turns out I have to wait until my Mayor's permit is issued. The staff I talked to at the Department of Tourism apparently had not heard about the Mabuhay Guides. Yael, assured me that we had a separate logbook as MGs... hmmmm... no luck there. As of 1 July, 2010, our applications for renewal will be treated as though we are like all the rest. To quote P Noy... "wala'ng wangwang... wala'ng counter-flow..."
It astounds me that after all the hoopla about being a Mabuhay Guide... after all the media exposure... after the press releases and the TV shows... our presence has not been cascaded to the rank and file of the department... I guess only a handful have been informed about us and that handful of people will have to adjust to the changes after Secretary Ace Durano leaves the department.
That mood is reflected in the DOT. Two tarpaulins have been hung in the courtyard to welcome the new Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim... but untill he steps into office and starts to initiate his programs everything is status quo at Kalaw Street. Those with pending applications for renewal may continue guiding duties but have to inform guests should they be asked.
In the meantime, I will have to wait until next Friday, 9 July, 2010 for the release of my Mayor's Permit whch is a pre-requisite to my accreditation. So technically, I'm not accredited until I have succeeded in uploading all my documents to the website...
I just hope I will be missed...
I'd have to admire the Department of Tourism's website for having initiated a paperless transaction. However, before one can upload all the requirements needed, a lot of legwork is expected. The rules are simple, really: 1) go to the website, 2) fill out the forms and submit 3) wait for the username and password assigned to be sent via email to be able to send the scanned required documents.
Getting the requirements for application renewal was a task that I completed in 2 days. Thanks to some connections I had made over the years and thanks to planning and foresight. Money, time and effort was dispensed with just to be able to get it over and done with.
To get a Mayor's permit in Manila, one has to submit the following: a health certificate from the Manila City Health Office (P50.00), a Police Clearance (P70.00), Mayor's permit fee (P175.00), a copy of the DOT accreditation. Submit the following to the Business Permit section of the city hall. Releasing is done exactly one week after filing; the fee for the permit is P20.00.
The NBI clearance was fairly easy... I just had to submit my 2x2 photo and last year's personal copy to them yesterday. The fee is P300.00. The NBI clearance was released this morning at no other cost. The chest X-ray which took minutes to do set me back P200.00. I didn't want to go back for it yesterday at 5 p.m. so I picked it up on my way to DOT this morning.
All that accomplished I proceeded to room 206 for my renewal to be completed... It turns out I have to wait until my Mayor's permit is issued. The staff I talked to at the Department of Tourism apparently had not heard about the Mabuhay Guides. Yael, assured me that we had a separate logbook as MGs... hmmmm... no luck there. As of 1 July, 2010, our applications for renewal will be treated as though we are like all the rest. To quote P Noy... "wala'ng wangwang... wala'ng counter-flow..."
It astounds me that after all the hoopla about being a Mabuhay Guide... after all the media exposure... after the press releases and the TV shows... our presence has not been cascaded to the rank and file of the department... I guess only a handful have been informed about us and that handful of people will have to adjust to the changes after Secretary Ace Durano leaves the department.
That mood is reflected in the DOT. Two tarpaulins have been hung in the courtyard to welcome the new Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim... but untill he steps into office and starts to initiate his programs everything is status quo at Kalaw Street. Those with pending applications for renewal may continue guiding duties but have to inform guests should they be asked.
In the meantime, I will have to wait until next Friday, 9 July, 2010 for the release of my Mayor's Permit whch is a pre-requisite to my accreditation. So technically, I'm not accredited until I have succeeded in uploading all my documents to the website...
I just hope I will be missed...
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Crazy Over Coco
When a Mabuhay Guide's Department of Tourism accreditation is up for renewal he/she tends to look for an outlet to bide time which he/she would have otherwise used in honing his/her skill in selling the Philippines to foreign guests.
In my case, I've been doing my usual haunts of Quiapo, Sta. Cruz and Divisoria either alone or with friends. And when you've developed the habit of going "downtown" as my dear departed parents used to say, you're bombarded with either bootleg fashion knock-offs or bootleg DVD copies.
Yeah, I know... I'm ashamed to admit it... but I have acquired the taste for purchasing pirated Indy Films. I'm not proud of it! But it would be difficult for me to revel in fashion knock-offs. Besides, how could I have the heart to turn away an offer of 4 dvds for a hundred pesos? and from a Muslim brother at that?
Besides, I really wanted to find out what impact/relevance Indy films have on Philippine local cinema. I have always believed that the golden age of filmic arts in the country died with the likes of Lino Brocka, Yshmael Bernal, Eddie Romero and Celso Ad Castillo (on his good days).
Having seen some snippets of these films on youtube, I've formed the opinion that these so-called Indies are no more than a glamorized version of soft porn where some unknown newby actor is given the license to disrobe and show the family jewels on camera. Give it a gay love angle, some steamy same-sex scenes, throw in a squalid setting in some slum area and tons of nudity... and voila!... You have an Indy Film.
I should have asked some pointers from friends of mine who are avid cineastes. Jessica Zafra being one of them! She probably would have bonked me on the head with one of her thick paperbacks. Most of the films I have viewed were horrible!!! The pacing was dragging... the story line idiotic... the actors were (pardon the pun) wooden and there was too much squalor in some scenes you'd probably throw up if it were smell-o-vision.
There was one film where the entire cast had managed to disrobe at different points either individually or in pairs... girl to guy... guy to guy... girl to girl... Ask me for the title and I'll tell you. Meantime, no sense in hyping up this libidinous movie 'coz I don't want to create a cult following. There! I spilled the beans!!!
I saw Kubrador and admired Gina Parreno's acting in it. The support cast was pretty good too. No wonder Ms Parreno won as Best Actress for it. This is a rarity though. Some films I saw were so lame I was laughing so hard till tears rolled down my cheeks. I hadn't realized though, that a majority of the films featured Coco Martin in it.
Coco Martin is a young actor who has a lot of promise in his young career. Born in 1985, Rodel Luis Cortez Nacianceno has gone mainstream and now has a string of Telenovelas in his name. But before he got into that stature, Coco Martin tried ekeing out a niche as the prince of Indy films. Yeah, he did bare it all in some of his films but he has such an innocent aura about him you somehow forget that in one film he shows his but with a boil in it.
Why do Indy films only show the gritty side of life? Isn't it enough that we have to live it day in and day out? That's bad for tourism if you ask me... our 7,107 islands have more to offer than just a ton of garbage on screen... I've seen too much gay sex on camera that I'm concerend we're driving the wrong signals as to the type of tourists we attract.
Then tonight I saw the film by Adolfo Borinaga Ali, Jr. It features just two male actors: Paolo Rivero and... who else? Coco Martin! The scene is just in one spot... a vacation house in Taal, Batangas (what a far cry from the usual slums). True, Coco Martin portrays an under-privileged banquero but he looks so well-scrubbed he would not have been believable save for his dialogue and the way he cusses. Paolo Rivero is a gay pediatrician who's cheating on his wife and who's on the throes of leaving her for the company of his paramour boatman ( I would too, if he looked like Coco Martin).
The storyline explores what two men do when they're in love and left alone to explore seething passion for one another...Kinda reminds me of Brokeback Mountain except this one showcases the lush greenery of Tagaytay with a mansion instead of a tent. I picked to rave about this one because it is decidedly different in treatment from the earlier Indies I saw... the men dine on pasta... they have wine for dinner to wash down their palate... they bathe in marble tiled bathrooms... and they mull the meaning of their existing relationship ala Descarte...
The original songs to heighten the mood in some scenes make for great listening. The sex scenes aren't lurid either... Daybreak is a gay-themed movie I wouldn't be ashamed to show in international festivals abroad if only for the breath-taking shots of Tagaytay at dusk and dawn... The cast makes it all the sweeter...
Now, excuse me while I have some Coco... and I don't mean the kind you drink! ;-)
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