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Saturday, October 17, 2009

PUPian.. PUP yan


This article was made under Prof. Angelina Borican, a requirement for Online Journalism. We were asked to interview one of our classmates, chosen through drawlots.


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Proving who they really are, that is what this is all about. They have the guts, which is so undeniable. Their brand of open-mindedness and self-determination makes them much more alluring. PUPians continue to impress us... After his Online Writing class, Jefferson Gitamondoc finally sits with me. Yet the hectic day, he hasn’t lessen his cheerful demeanor.



He’s on his third year in PUP-Sta. Mesa taking up Broadcast Communication. Applying and passing in ten universities around the Metro, Jeff decided to enroll in PUP. “Mura tuition eh.. haha.. But seriously, my mom knows a lot in PUP and I’ve heard stories from other people about it, enough to make me decide to enroll here”, Jeff reacted good-naturedly. He added that even his teachers in high school helped them from their application to enrollment.



Obviously, Jeff is enjoying his stay in PUP. “My friends, and all other students make me happy, they are so nice. And with regard to the teachings, I’m so satisfied with it”, he says with a smile. PUP’s approach has never been bookish and limited in the four corners of a classroom. It trains students to be more capable and be knowledgeable in the application of the information they’ve been learning. In connection, recently, in the Sikat Awards, an award giving body under the PUP-College of Communication, recognizing the talents of the students, “Love Sprint” received the 3rd Best Romantic Flick wherein Jeff was the Executive Producer. An actual production was made, a way of teaching students how to apply what they’ve learned and understand how to be more competitive.



Jeff is a member of BayanMuna. It’s philosophy as a student and youth toward the happenings inside the university and in the country are the main reasons which made him join. “They are open to changes and I like it.” Jeff said.


Jeff’s perception being a PUPian is another thing that made a mark in my heart. “Kahit pa sabihing mababa tuition natin, kulang tayo sa mga gamit at iba pa, iba tayo. May tiyaga, may puso, marunong magpahalaga, ng kung anong meron at kung anong wala.” Jeff says in careful tones. A trait associated to being a PUPian is being resourceful, that even they lack in hi-tech materials, famous gadgets, latest inventions, or even just simple computers, they can still go with the flow, and what’s even more surprising, they do better.
In the past months, PUP has been involved in not-so-good issues which were even seen on national TV. “Those are simple issues that can be easily solved by the university itself, the only problem here is that it has been sensationalize so people think the wrong way” Jeff reacted. The students must not let themselves be very affected in those issues. Life as a PUPian still and will go on.
Being a PUPian is an edge among all other students from different universities. “Be proud of who you are, spread your wings kumbaga. Try to be an achiever in your chosen field. PUP does not only teach us academically but also, with integrity.” Jeff says with conviction.
`
Evidently, with all their go-getters, PUPians has proven their worth for the past 104 years. Its not the school that name the students, it’s the students that name the school.
Date: October 21, 2008

Preppin to go ON AIR (DZMC 98.3)

Before AY 2007-2008 came to an end, I was already thinking how to spend my summer vacation… productively. Summer jobs and workshops are some of the things I considered that time. Good thing I received a text message from the chairman of our organization (COC Movers and Motions) that a workshop will be held for the launching of the PUP-COC radio station, DZMC 98.3.


I felt really happy because this time around, I’ll be joining the workshop I long to be with. The first time they held this workshop, I wasn’t included in the list that’ll be part of it, unfortunately.


In the Voice Training and Radio Operation Workshop, we learned the basics of Radio Operation and Broadcasting, Do’s and Don’ts when on board, tips how to sound good on air, how to connect with the listeners, creating an effective playlist, as well as how to do adlibs.


Mr. John Gemperle a.k.a. “PapaJack” of 90.7 Love Radio gave us the talk. He was able to provide us adequate information probably because it’s his field of specialization since he’s been doing boardwork for years now. It was not a boring session since everyone is participating and interacting with each other. Topics of the previous meetings were recalled before proceeding to the next discussion, providing us a stock knowledge of what we have learned. Adlibs were rehearsed orally; afterward, Sir John will give some comments and advices on how to make it better.


In totality, it was an effective and successful seminar. Learning new things has always been fun. The College must continue offering the students workshops like this which can help them to be more knowledgeable, productive and even more competitive.

Original Post : http://tidzey.multiply.com
Date: July 27, 2008

BRING(ing) THE CAMPUS BACK ON YOUR RADIO.

it was just so fast..
everthing seemed so fine...

until a text message just ruined it all.
"effective immediately, the campus format is no longer associated with 99.5. aircheck is suspended til further notice."

awwe..i hate this feeling..
no campus. no DJs. no radio.

the DJs didn't tell us the problem.
no why's. no but's.
in a way, i was touched.
i know its because they care for us...
they didn't want us to worry much.
they were just concern. i know. i should believe i know...

i didn't care if i will not go on air any longer. i just felt sad and down.
especially for the campus DJs.
-triggerman
-john hendrix
-joe spinner
-jimmy jam
-jaybee. alex, piper
i saw their effort reviving the campus back.
bringing back a radio format which haven't been heard for almost a year... it was tough.

comments. violent reactions. some didn't believe in them.
but they trust one another that they can do it.
and i know for a fact they did.
they draw smiles to all their listeners.

i adore you guys.
for you came as a team, and you will leave as a team.

as well as to the other DJs.
-jagger
-the bigZ
-boytoy
-sparky
-the brewrats (DJ angel, ramon, tado)

TO THE CAMPUS DJs,
thanks for the time you gave us.
your effort in training us to be potential DJs.
adlibs. do's and don'ts. proper pronunciation of words.
using ots and the console.. auditioning songs. and sooo much more...
***thank you, for imparting us your knowledge.
***thank you for being nice to us.
***thank you for treating us as family.

TO THE AIRCHECKERS.
the sleepless nights when we go on board by 12am or 3am shift,
the cheeseburgers,
the booth,
the whiteboard,
the sofa,
the mic,
the flaws on air.
***thanks for the laughter.
***thanks for the friendship.


i will miss you.
i love you all.

"you'll always be a part of me, i'm part of you indefinitely..."
i've learned a lot.

campus will be back.
campus will have its re-redux...
and it will always be your official school of pop.
CAMPUS.
Date: August 14, 2008

Aircheck Meets 6Cyclemind

May 24, 2008Campus Aircheck Student DJs had their first seminar with the famous homegrown band, 6cyclemind. Not an ordinary day for all of us. I felt lucky enough for it’s not just getting the chance to spot the band I merely see performing on national TV and gigs, but an opportunity to meet up, to talk and to learn a lot from them.6cyclemind ‘s Rhoneil "Ney" Dimaculangan (on lead vocals), Ryan "Rye" Sarmiento (on rhythm guitars and backup vocals), Carlos "Chuck" Isidro (on lead guitars), and their manager Mr. Darwin Hernandez of Soupstar Entertainment were present that day and were the ones who gave us the talk. It was not a typical seminar having the speakers standing and holding a microphone in front of the others who are just sitting then gradually falls asleep. It was all of us in a room, sitting just like having a coffee. Slightly informal, it may seem, but I think it was the best manner for a well-known band to connect with us. They made us felt like even though they are popular in the music scene, they are also ordinary/normal persons as well. Thus, it was effortless for us not to be shy and easily communicate with them.



Aside from knowing how their band started, how they create songs, and all other stuff about the band, they also gave us a closer look on how the business in the music industry flows. As the discussion gets deeper, questions arise more and more. Good thing they didn’t leave us unanswered matters.


For me, I discovered a lot of things especially from Sir Darwin. His words were such an inspiration for me particularly on how to appreciate music and love them as well. On how they work hard, not just by rehearsing and performing but also touching the hearts of all their listeners; that they share their lives in their every composition. I can still remember his answer when I asked him how he wants to be remembered by their listeners, he said: “Gusto kong maalala nila kami bilang parte ng buhay nila.”


Now, I have a better view on our musicians. It’s definitely not easy to create a good music, unless you share your life on it.

Date: July 22, 2008

Friday, October 16, 2009

Eagle Eye

NOTE: THIS IS A MOVIE REVIEW!!!

This film review was made under the supervision of Prof. Kriztine Viray. Our class was asked to watch any latest foreign movie, and critic its stylistic and narrative side. Submitted at www.nicenet.org. This is what i have to say. Feelin like a pro. :))


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If you want to live, you will obey.



It's a new product of Steven Spielberg's DreamWorks Studio, not surprisingly, hearing the name Steven Spielberg, first thing that would enter your mind, “another sci-fi film”. Eagle Eye's concept is about man vs. technology. The first time I saw its movie trailer, way back when I was watching The Incredible Hulk, I really got interested with it because I'm really into action films. But it never came to my mind that it has a sci-fi in it. All I thought was its genre was action.



I had also seen Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull in the movie house, which obviously, with all those alien thing, is a product of Steven Spielberg as well. But I must say Eagle Eye is much much better. I am not sure if they used chroma (like what is so-used in Indiana Jones) but it doesn't matter because it was so realistic. All those special effects were done excellently.



Casting was so impressive. Their performance was good as far as acting is concerned. Editing was very well organized and in terms of camera shots, it was quite striking. They had used the most efficient shot necessary for the scene. Those entire fast-paced chases throughout the movie made the audience feel that they were part of it. Cars being smashed and blown upside down, explosives, with all the latest technology needed for the finest editing, this movie surely spent a lot.



Bravo to the great cinematography which should be credited to Dariusz Wolski. Hoho, did some research about that. I believe he has really this talent applying those camera shots. The set design, especially for the Eagle Eye base; it was really futuristic. There was no problem with the blockings and with regard to the scoring and sound effects; I think it's pretty nice. There was once a director who told me, in the person of Direk Jun Cabreira, a good scoring should be something you don't notice that there is a background music playing. So I must say that the scoring was pretty fine. I wasn't aware that a scene has its musical scoring not until when I recalled what Direk Jun said, and then I started paying attention on it.



The plot is about the system controlling a person's life. The film begins with the armed forces getting a lead on a suspected terrorist. As the man is a stranger, getting a positive ID proves difficult, and the computer system recommends that the mission be aborted. The Secretary of Defense (Michael Chiklis) agrees with the abort recommendation, but the President orders the mission be carried out anyway. This turns into a political backlash when all those killed turn out to be civilians, and retaliatory bombings are carried out in response. This was a little vague to me at first (I thought they will just show the evolvement of the technology) not until the end of the film which I realized it served as the back story why a top secret super-computer called ARIA has decided that the executive branch is a threat to the public good and must be eliminated. ARIA plans to destroy the President's Cabinet, and calls this Operation Guillotine.



The scene abruptly shifts to the life of two unrelated people, a copy associate at Copy Cabana, Jerry Shaw (LaBeouf) and a young single mom Rachel Holloman (Monaghan). They were thrown together by a phone call from a mysterious woman. I never thought that the call was from a computer system, until the woman introduced herself or itself in a home tv shop.


In the story, Jerry and Rachel are complete strangers. In my opinion, I think it would be better if there was just someone or something that made them related with each other reasoning out why the hell they were the ones activated to do the tasks given by ARIA.


On ARIA, it reminds me of the satellite system used in the movie “So Close”. If I'm not mistaken, it was tagged as The Panorama, but it still needs someone to operate it, unlike ARIA who thinks and operates on its own. ARIA uses surveillance and other technology to manipulate Jerry and Rachel into executing more and more dangerous tasks which eventually turn them into country's most wanted fugitives. I appreciate the twist or the back story on how Jerry's twin, Ethan died. Spoiler here... He was also trying to prevent ARIA's plans. I also like the way the movie ended, when Jerry had his warning shot to prevent Rachel's son's trumpet reach the high F which will be the trigger to the explosive necklace worn by Rachel, very heartfelt. That was so heroic.


All in all, there's no reason for me not to recommend this movie. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it. Two-thumbs up for Eagle Eye!


Date: November 15, 2008

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Masahista (The Masseur)

NOTE: THIS IS A MOVIE REVIEW!!!
This film review was made under the supervision of Prof. Kriztine Viray.Our class was asked to watch this movie, and critic its narrative side.Submitted at www.nicenet.org.This is what i have to say. Feelin like a pro. :))

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A drama mixed with sensuality.
Masahista brings us to the seedy world of gay massage parlors.
The story focuses on Iliac (Coco Martin), a 20-year old guy, who works in a massage house in Manila. As a masseur, he must satisfy the desires of his clients, which often include sexual favors. While the sex work is the most noticeable concept of the film, it intercuts with its inside story (as how Mr. Ricky Lee taught us) about his life on how he deals with his family, the death of his father, and his lady love.

It is really common for gay films to have sex work as its dramatic backdrop. I remember what I've learned from Ms. Kara David; she was discussing on how to make a good story, well what she was saying doesn't only apply to documentaries but as well to all types of stories. According to her, there's no more original story left. Every experience or concept was already made. The best thing left for you to do is to create a different approach.


Mr. Ricky Lee taught us that in making a story, it must be extraordinary. Masahista is a good example of it. Ordinary because the concept is very familiar; extra because there was something added which makes it unique or different.


Masahista 's concept is very conventional. Lame as it may seem. But what made its story nice is its characters. The story may be common but the characters have their own peerless dispositions.

The rest of the movie was great, but on my perception, the writer wasn't able to establish the reasons why Iliac decided to work in a massage house. It makes me wonder why he can't make money other than giving this extra service to his clients.


About his girlfriend, Tessa (Katherine Luna), it is not mentioned or shown why did Iliac chose a girl with a kind of living almost same as his. How did they meet? It is much better if they have shown or just even stated through narrations or dialogues how did this all happen, rather than adding some scenes which are not necessary. Example of these not-so-needed scenes is when one of the masseurs had an asthma attack. The point or reason of the director or writer for adding this in the film didn't help its narrative form for good.


There are a lot of nude scenes of other masseurs done artistically so none of it made the story compared to a porn one. They also gave an emphasis on the comparison (characters parallelism) between Iliac's father lying in the morgue in his underwear the same way we see Iliac massaging his underwear-clad client while massaging him.

On Iliac's relationship with his family, his mother Naty (Jackilyn Jose) seems to think he has a decent job in Manila but I didn't get enough information about the relationship he has with his mother and siblings. We just knew he had a fractured relationship with his father, with all the flashbacks and all that, which plays his shyness about being there and assisting for the funeral.


On the flip side, I like the way how he shared to Alfredo (Allan Paule) the story of who he so-called his neighbors but in point of fact are his parents. The intention and the emotions were shown. Allan Paule was very effective in this movie.

Considerations for minors were not that present because of the damaging words thrown with intensity. But on the realistic criteria, it was just enough; they have shown that these things really happen.


Complexity was not that high but with regard to originality and coherence, it gave its equilibrium. There were also a lot of gratified expectations except for the editing that made its ending also its beginning. No one expected that Iliac was lying when he said that he got his battery emptied or that he ran out of load that's why he wasn't able to reply with the text message sent to him about his fathers condition.


Because of its realistic approach, it made the movie garner international awards. This was heavily structured but with regard to execution, it was not obvious that it was scripted. That's what I like in it. While watching the movie I felt like I was also a part of it. They have the protagonist, the problem is very clear, the rising action, climax and its resolution. Its ending is a little vague. But this is not a big barrier to end the film. It has its alternative structure which is open-ended. This movie got my nod. :)
Date: November 5, 2008

Endo

NOTE: THIS IS A MOVE REVIEW!!!


We watched this in line with our subject Film Appreciation. I'm not so into Indie films a lot, but this one really moved me. Form, structure, story, technicalities and all other elements are excellently handled. The title is very symbolic especially in terms of love...


It was about Leo (Jason Abalos) who's not a fan of long distance relationships, and as he works contractual, whenever his girl in a certain job gets endo, they'll most probably break up. As the story progresses, Tanya (Ina Feleo) came in his life. She was the one to make the first move. Aggresive much? Haha. This was the start of their friendship. Until came a night they became drunk.something very intimate happened between them, (you know what i mean dont'cha?) which started it all. Then it happened again.. and again.. and again.. :D


This movie gave us a lot of cheated expectations. Absolutely... that's another thing i liked. Some of what you expect to happen, doesn't really appear in the movie.


Here's my favorite cheesy-but-lovely lines:


"Pano mo nasasabing mahal mo ko kung hindi mo ko naiintindihan..?" - Tanya

"Gusto ko lang sabihing mahal kita, kahit iwan mo pa ko.." - Leo



Directed by Jade Francis Castro

Original post: http://tidzey.multiply.com
Date: September 14, 2008

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Neophyte

"No one is considered a Pro.
We are all first timers on our own, and is forever under probation."

The world keeps spinning, and the people keeps living. Different shadows taking single steps on their chosen paths. This is who we are and what we do everyday. Shadows, yes we are.. for we may differ on how the sun projects us, but we are all the same in all aspects. Equally done. Some may be lucky, to be walking along polished roads, while others are having a hard time on their chosen paths. Yes, we choose it. Rough roads are just simple challenges everyone can pass off. As we continue walking, we'll notice that it'll get smoother and smoother eventually.. Though there'll come a time that the roads will split directions.


Whether you go right or left, there's always something that awaits you and nothing should be feared about. You create your own journeys, you continue enriching your experiences and you keep looking forward to your changing goals.


This is my way. This is my story. :')