Saturday, February 27, 2016

Thoughts on: The Philippine Cinema (and Tomatoes)

I want to introduce you, readers, to my currently most favorite YouTube channel: YourMovieSucks.

Why, you ask? Let this movie review speak for itself.


After days of rummaging through YMS' reviews, one can't help but be amazed with how observant and thorough the reviewer is. If you have watched the video above, I hope I wasn't alone when I couldn't help but chuckle at how obliterated Unfriended was. And mind you, that's just Part 1 of 2 of his review.

Anyway, I've learned a lot from the channel on how to get more out of the movie experience and while I don't necessarily agree with every opinion YMS has, I look forward to applying a similar way of observation in my future watching experiences.

And that was when the thought hit me. If I were to be as meticulous and thorough with mainstream Filipino films, would I even get to enjoy a single one?

Don't get me wrong. I have watched a handful of local films that amazed me and I firmly believe that Filipino artists are more than capable in making tasteful and inventive crafts.

If that's the case, then what am I even yapping about?

The author's selfie #NoFilter #WokeUpLikeThis

A few weeks ago, I've read a thought-provoking article written by the controversial (and so far with the most kickass speech on MMFF so far) director Erik Matti which tackled about the need for compromise when it comes to marketability of a film in the pursuit of artistic progression in Philippine cinema.
"I wish for film workers to devote their knowledge and expertise to not just making a living but to mainly making something memorable. It has become all about the paycheck and not about doing excellent work. I wish for them to stop doing five projects all at the same time so they can focus on what matters to them most. This is a tough thing to ask from a Third World country and from an industry that doesn’t pay much, but I still wish for this."
My point is, it's not that filmmakers refuse to make inventive and tasteful films, it's just that the majority of Filipino audience (AKA people who buy the movie tickets) are still at a level where they're unwilling to take risks when it comes to movies they pay for, therefore going to those "tried and tested" (AKA heavily recycled) romantic flicks where they perhaps can find some post-worthy #Hugot lines.

And this, my dear readers, is where the problem lies. It propagates a culture where the audience "supports" films that are shat for the mere sake of endorsements and rising actors' exposure. It encourages a system where Filipinos are fed with nothing but shallow, unbelievably predictable films that aspire nothing more than to reap as much revenue as possible.

But as much as I hate to admit it, the entertainment industry, like pretty much everything else on earth, IS a business and no businessman wants a venture to fail. Hence the beginning of a vicious cycle.

One can only hope that there come a day when Filipinos actually get tired of shitty films and go take risks with watching films. As Matti put it:

"I wish that the audience would take risks in the films they go out to see. Let’s watch romantic comedies all we want. But let’s also watch other things. Documentaries, scary movies, sad movies, weird movies, shocking movies. Films are not just about feeling good or being charmed or falling in love. Films are also about getting angry, feeling terrified and frustrated. It is also about feelings of loss, of uncertainty, of thrills and awe. Films are about so many other things, too, other than just fun and love. I wish that you let films surprise you and not just give you what you always expect of it."

The crowd does not lead, it follows. Let's breed a healthy culture wherein  we support and promote films that deserve attention. Let's endorse artistry in the country, and not get too swallowed up by the vile cycle of commercialism.

Let's all just be smart consumers, for chrissake.

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Thoughts On: Phillipine Television (and Pineapples)


I don't like pineapples. And really, the only way to make me like pineapples is to feed me nothing but pineapples until I say, "You know what, pineapples are maybe probably fine I guess kinda" and succumb to a life enriched with vitamin C and manganese. Ugh.

Don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against pineapple-loving people (they come in handy when eating Hawaiian pizza) and I so BADLY wish I have the palate to not cringe whenever forced to eat them.

But here's the thing: I didn't loathe pineapples as a kid. Heck, I don't mind having an itchy tongue for a whole day if it means I get to eat all the pineapples I want. But I guess one day I found out how amazing tangerines (dalanghita) are and never ever looked back. 

And by "never ever looked back," I mean I found it hard to imagine that there existed a phase in my life that I, a full-time tangerine fanatic, can stomach pineapples.


I doubt this pineapple gives a damn though.

Now here's what I want you to do: Replace "pineapples" with "mainstream Philippine television" and "tangerines" with "foreign and/or indie films" you basically get my whole take on the state of television.
*Not totally applicable to some parts, but you get it. My readers are smart.

In a nutshell: Palatable only when I was still a naive mofo.


Seriously, the only reason I see why Filipino TV watchers never get tired of the repetitive, unoriginal, ultra-mega-f*cking cheesy (sorry but that's just how it is) teleseryes is because they have no other choice. 

In all local channels, you won't see a teleserye that has no rich-boy-poor girl (or vice versa) tandem who hates each other at first but of course falls madly in love 5 episodes later. At least one of the protagonists would have a missing-in-action parent, and at some point, either or both of them would get kidnapped.

Why? Because Philippine television. And advertisements.

It baffles me how repetitive shows with BEYOND POOR script and acting can rake in that much retentive audience. Are Filipinos really that bored?

I hope those people are just having their pineapple phase, and move on to demand better quality shows to encourage diversity and art within the show business.


I wish pineapples can just strut forward already.


Saturday, February 13, 2016

Music Rebyu: Underrated Eraserheads Songs

In lieu of the impending Valentine's day, this blog post would be about a band that is very close to my (and perhaps every Filipino's) heart: the Eraserheads.

First off, let's set one thing straight: as legendary as they are, the Eheads is still an underrated band. Seriously.

And I say this only because for the fact that for every Eheads song that you put on a pedestal, another equally good piece gets overshadowed.

This is why today, I give you my Top 10 Underrated Eraserheads Songs:

1. Shake Yer Head



Aside from the feel-good vibe Shake Yer Head gives, this has got to be the most relatable song I have heard/would hear in my lifetime (I'm Too Sexy excluded). Similar to Hey Jay, this is yet another one of the band's testament against the highly-conservative Filipino culture, thus solidifying their position as the 90's "F-you-conservatives!" icon.

2. Peace It Together




There's this famous saying that the fastest way to make you hate a song is to set it as your alarm. Peace It Together proved that wrong. Need I say more?

*I like to think of Peace It Together as the Bohemian Rhapsody of the 'Heads. You just can't bring yourself to not jam along whenever this comes up.

3. Kailan



If ever anyone needs proof of just how versatile Eheads is, slap this link to their faces. This is an in-your-face, pure, unadulterated romantic love song from the band, which is worlds away from their usual edgy, pop-rock hits.

4. Tamagotchi Baby



Be sure you're alone when you listen to this, the riffs are so good it's pornographic.
*also, am I alone when I think the song's about sex toys? 

5. Wishing Wells




This is one of my absolute favorites from the 'Heads simply because I fell in love with the lyrics. I also find it adorable that the whole vibe of the song gives off this bright, light-hearted feel--making it cohesive with the fairytale universe the song talks about.

6. Slo Mo




Ah, Raymund. I think this might be the one and only "rap" song of the 'Heads and I'm so glad the band chose him to sing this. From how laidback the music is, Raymund performed the lyrics in just a way that it provides a stark contrast with its accompaniment.

7. Fill Her




Fill Her, for me, is the equivalence of the Beatles' Blackbird. Short and sweet in all forms, this song is perfect for Sunday afternoon siestas or for when you're pretending to be in a music video on car rides.

8. How Far Will U Go



Similar to Sa Tollgate, How Far Will U Go is the perfect song for road trips with your barkada or put in on repeat for when you need a ceaseless motivator when jogging (Ely would ask "How far will you go?" for about 20 times in 3 minutes).

9. Tama Ka




It's no secret that Buddy is my favorite Eraserhead, not only because he can really work his bass, but also because of his underrated singing prowess (I hope it's not that obvious that I like underrated stuff). Sino Sa Atin and Fabulous Baker Boy are other pieces Buddy sang and, I don't care if I'm being biased, I loved those just as much.

10. Finetime 



Similar to why I really liked Shake Yer Head, I fell in love with Fine Time because of how relatable it is. Aside from that (and the really light and catchy tune), subtle love songs are one of my weaknesses and this song is one perfect example.


HONORARY MENTIONS (because holy crap that list was hard to make):

Sino Sa AtinPoorman's GraveBalikbayan BoxHard to BelieveFruitcakeEasy Ka LangAndalusian DogMilk and MoneyTikman

**PERSONAL EXCERPT:

Last night, me and my friends went to UP Fair's Freefall and Tanya Markova (also one of my favorite bands) sang a bit of Alapaap. Let me just say, more than a decade after the Eraserheads disbandment, they're still very much alive even in today's youth.
*Ransom Collective also sang Ang Huling El Bimbo, by the way.

Even during last year's UP Fair, it never failed to amaze me how astounding the 'Heads' effect is on the crowd. There's a certain high that a unified singing crowd gives, and it's one of those things that makes me wish I was born during their heyday.

Friday, February 5, 2016

Lit Rebyu: Si by Bob Ong

In a nutshell: What lacks for plot, Bob Ong compensated through style.

from: bearundareuse.tumblr.com/post/113421765412/new-bob-ong-book-yay

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I didn't enjoy the reading experience. In fact, I was so immersed with the book that I read the whole thing while on public transport (this may be the first time I have to thank the traffic for making this feat possible) and yes, I had to hold back a few feels on some parts.


i wish i looked this cool while i was reading this

Recommend this to... Readers looking for a light read executed in a unique style. True to the essence of its title, the novel is both brief (with loads of loose ends and unanswered questions in each chapter) yet can still give you all the right feels in the right moments.

However...Plot-wise, I wouldn't say Si has the most moving storyline nor the most developed characters and I have to admit, some parts felt a bit stretched. However, as previously stated, it's Bob Ong's style that made up for these shortcomings.

From the Memento-ish format to the very delightful choice of words, plus the fact that the style of narration is very far from the subtle Bob Ong Filipinos have come to love, this was truly a refreshing experience for his readers, new or old-timers.

The novel managed to become both blatant with its "in-your-face" dialogues, and at the same time ominous with its unanswered questions. And that, to me, makes a  good read.

 Overall: 3.5 out of 5 snowflakes.