I’m very excited to see these films on the big screen already! If you happen to pass by Manila anytime between November 13-17, please do pass by the festival. Check out the Cinema One official website for more details. See you there!

Now here’s the full festival schedule after the jump.

CINEMA ONE ORIGINALS 2009 FESTIVAL PROGRAM

November 13, Friday

11:50 AM YANGGAW
Best of Cinema One Originals

2:00 PM DEAR HEART
Tribute to Philippine Cinema Original: DANNY ZIALCITA

4:30 PM KINATAY
Tribute to Philippine Cinema Original: Brillante Mendoza

7:00 PM MAXIMUS & MINIMUS
Premiere, Official Entry

9:20 PM WANTED: BORDER
Premiere, Official Entry

November 14, Saturday

12:30 PM DOSE
Best of Cinema One Originals

2:30 PM GAANO KADALAS ANG MINSAN?
Tribute to Philippine Cinema Original: DANNY ZIALCITA

5:00 PM SI BANING, SI MAYMAY, AT ANG ASONG SI BOBO
Premiere, Official Entry

7:30 PM PAANO KO SASABIHIN?
Premiere, Official Entry

9:15 PM BALA BALA
Premiere, Official Entry

November 15, Sunday

12:30 PM CONFESSIONAL
Best of Cinema One Originals

2:30 PM NAGALIT ANG BUWAN SA HABA NG GABI
Tribute to Philippine Cinema Original: DANNY ZIALCITA

5:00 PM SERBIS
Tribute to Philippine Cinema Original: Brillante Mendoza

7:30 PM LOLA
Tribute to Philippine Cinema Original: Brillante Mendoza

9:55 PM MAXIMUS & MINIMUS
Official Entry

November 16, Monday

12:30 PM TAMBOLISTA
Best of Cinema One Originals

2:30 PM PALABRA DE HONOR
Tribute to Philippine Cinema Original: DANNY ZIALCITA

5:00 PM TIRADOR
Tribute to Philippine Cinema Original: Brillante Mendoza

7:15 PM WANTED: BORDER
Official Entry

9:10 PM PAANO KO SASABIHIN?
Official Entry

November 17, Tuesday

12:15 PM ALTAR
Best of Cinema One Originals

2:00 PM BAKIT MANIPIS ANG ULAP?
Tribute to Philippine Cinema Original: DANNY ZIALCITA

4:30 PM MASAHISTA
Tribute to Philippine Cinema Original: Brillante Mendoza

5:50 PM HIMPAPAWID
Special Screening

8:00 PM BALA BALA
Official Entry

9:50 PM SI BANING, SI MAYMAY, AT ANG ASONG SI BOBO
Official Entry

There you have it. Also, a shout out to my regular readers, you know who you are. Thank you very much!

Support independent cinema! Here’s the full schedule after the jump!

CINEMALAYA CINCO
The 5th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival17 to 26 July 2009, Cultural Center of the Philippines
Schedule of Festival Screenings.

Events Part One: THE CINEMALAYA BALANGHAI COMPETITION FILMS

The 10 Cinemalaya 2009 Full-Lengths

24K by Ana Agabin
Manok is a middle-class treasure hunter who’s been digging for Japanese treasure for years. He and his companions are in the final stage of their current site in the mountains of Suyo, Ilocos Sur, an area reputed as a Japanese stronghold during World War II. All the signs at their site indicate that they are certain to find treasure. With their resources nearly depleted, Manok convinces his godfather in marriage, Freddie, to finance the rest of their operations. Manok, Freddie, and another friend, Boyet, journey back to the site hoping that, as their medium predicted, they will find gold before Manok’s wife gives birth in a month’s time.
19 July/Sun, 6:15PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
21 July/Tue, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
22 July/Wed, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
23 July/Thu, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
24 July/Fri, 9:00PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
25 July/Sat, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
26 July/Sun, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)

ANG PANGGAGAHASA KAY FE by Alvin Yapan
Each morning, baskets of black fruits mysteriously appear by the front yard of Fe. Thinking that it was a reconciliatory gesture from her abusive husband, Dante, Fe tells him about it. This only confirms Dante’s suspicions that she might be entertaining a lover. Fearing her husband’s jealousy, Fe grows even more scared as the fruits kept coming, a step closer to her front door. She keeps everything to herself until she turns to a former suitor, Arturo. When Fe urges Arturo to elope, she finds out that the young man has far more binding commitments with his family. Caught between an abusive husband and an impotent lover, Fe has to decide. Will she escape with her elusive suitor who could very well be just a figment of her imagination or stay trapped with the men in her real life who could never protect her nor make her happy?
21 July/Tue, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
18 July/Sat, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
19 July/Sun, 9:00PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
22 July/Wed, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
23 July/Thu, 3:30PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
24 July/Fri, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
25 July/Sat, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute

ASTIG by GB Sampedro
ASTIG is an episodic tale of four young men whose stories parallel and contrast with the landmarks and various images of Manila. It tells the story of Ariel, a conman who has to leave his girlfriend upon learning that she is in love with him; Boy, an expectant young father who has to sell his body to pay his wife’s hospital bill; Ronald, a Chinese mestizo who is coming to grips with his identity; and Baste, an overly protective son of an OFW who has to avenge his sister. The film tells the stories of the tough guys of Manila and their resolve to survive the dirt and filth of the “Distinguished and Ever Loyal City.”
18 July/Sat, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
19 July/Sun, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
21 July/Tue, 3:30PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
22 July/Wed, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
23 July/Thu, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
24 July/Fri, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
25 July/Sat, 6:15PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

COLORUM by Jon Steffan Ballesteros
Two people. Simon a promising young cop working part-time as a driver of one of the many “undocumented” and ‘illegal’ FX taxis in the metro. And Pedro, a 70 year old ex-convict. An unfortunate incident forces the two together to embark on a road trip across the Historic Philippine East Coast.But, what was expected as an escape route doomed to be a domino of crime begetting crime, becomes a wagon of life choices to them and to the people they meet.
18 July/Sat, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
19 July/Sun, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
22 July/Wed, 9:00PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
23 July/Thu, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
24 July/Fri, 3:30PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
25 July/Sat, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
25 July/Sat, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute

DINIG SANA KITA by Mike Sandejas
The film is a love story between a Deaf boy who loves to dance and a troubled rocker girl who abuses her hearing. One lives in the world of solitude and silence, the other in noise and fear. Crossing paths in a Baguio camp that mixes Deaf and hearing kids, both find that they have more in common with each other including a love for music.
18 July/Sat, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
19 July/Sun, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
21 July/Tue, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
22 July/Wed, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
23 July/Thu, 6:15PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
24 July/Fri, 12:45PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
25 July/Sat, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)

ENGKWENTRO by Pepe Diokno
Richard and Raymond are two teenage brothers. Richard is the leader of his gang, “Bagong Buwan,” while Raymond is just being inducted into rival gang, “Batang Dilim.” Complications at a deadly midnight engkwentro (square-off), when Raymond is given the task of killing his older brother. Meanwhile, the City Death Squad lurks the streets. This real-life vigilante group is allegedly backed by the city mayor and responsible for many unsolved murders of teen gangsters. Today, they are hunting down Richard. Will they take the younger brother, too?
18 July/Sat, 9:00PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
19 July/Sun, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
21 July/Tue, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
22 July/Wed, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
23 July/Thu, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
24 July/Fri, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
25 July/Sat, 9:00PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

LAST SUPPER NO.3 by Roni Velasco & Jinky Laurel
Based on a true story, the film is a humorous look at the circuitous path our legal system takes to justice. Assistant Production Designer Wilson Nañawa is tasked to look for a Last Supper to use as a prop for a TV commercial. He finds three, but loses the one owned by Gareth Pugeda. What happens next changes Wilson forever as he spends the next two years entangled in bureaucracy and red tape facing estafa and serious physical injury charges. How will this ordinary man fare against a system he knows nothing about? Will justice prevail for Wilson? Or will he be imprisoned for the loss of Last Supper No. 3?
18 July/Sat, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
19 July/Sun, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
21 July/Tue, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
22 July/Wed, 3:30PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
23 July/Thu, 9:00PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
24 July/Fri, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
25 July/Sat, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)

MANGATYANAN by Jerrold Tarog
HIMALAYA “Laya” MARQUEZ has never had a complete dream since she was 12. Something always wakes her up at night. That something used to be her father, the famous photographer DANILO MARQUEZ, whose constant sexual abuse of Laya tore her family apart. Now, at 27, Laya possesses a cold exterior that hides torrents of pain. Working as a travel photographer, Laya is sent to Isabela to capture a rare harvest ritual called Mangatyanan by the Labwanan tribe. What Laya finds there, however, is a severely dwindled group held together by their desperate leader MANG RENATO. Soon Laya senses a strong connection between the tribe’s predicament and her own troubled life. Events spiral out of control as the Mangatyanan crumbles under Mang Renato’s desperate grip and Laya is forced to flee. But something happens that brings her face-to-face with her own demons. Will she finally confront her past or will she keep running?
18 July/Sat, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
19 July/Sun, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
21 July/Tue, 6:15PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
22 July/Wed, 12:45PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
23 July/Thu, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
24 July/Fri, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
25 July/Sat, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute

NERSERI by Vic Acedillo Jr.
Cocoy ,12, takes on a great responsibility of taking care of his older siblings while his mother, Mai, goes to the province to get money to pay the expensive hospital bills for her three mentally sick children. His mother is gone for two weeks and Cocoy’s struggle in managing his personal, school and home life is a nerve-racking challenge. In the end he faces truth and life head-on as he fights for his own sanity.
18 July/Sat, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
19 July/Sun, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
21 July/Tue, 12:45PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
23 July/Thu, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
24 July/Fri, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
25 July/Sat, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
26 July/Sun, 3:30PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

SANGLAAN by Milo Sogueco
SANGLAAN looks at seemingly simple relationships and uncomplicated events happening in a very mundane institution. A religious and single-minded businesswoman with a losing proposition, afraid of old age. A timid, vulnerable girl hopelessly in love with a high school crush. A security guard whose wife has a fragile heart. A charming and mysterious seaman just passing through. And a loan shark who won’t take “no” for an answer. These are some of the characters that populate the milieu of Sanglaan, a light, funny, poignant and very Pinoy story about hope and redemption.
18 July/Sat, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
19 July/Sun, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
21 July/Tue, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
22 July/Wed, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
23 July/Thu, 12:45PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
24 July/Fri, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
25 July/Sat, 3:30PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

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The Cinemalaya 2009 Shorts:

COMPETITON SHORTS PROGRAM A:
MUSA by Dexter Cayanes, BEHIND CLOSED DOORS by Mark Philipp Espina, TATANG by Jean Paolo Nico Hernandez, HULAGPOS by Maita Lirra Lupac, WAT FLOOR MA’AM by Mike Escareal Sandejas & Robert Sena

18 July/Sat, 6:15PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
19 July/Sun, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
21 July/Tue, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
22 July/Wed, 6:15PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
23 July/Thu, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
24 July/Fri, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
25 July/Sat, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute

MUSA by Dexter Cayanes
A poet into faith-healing finds his muse. A short film feature showcasing the poems of Amado Hernandez and Jose Corazon de Jesus.

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS by Mark Philipp Espina
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS is a story of relationships and the lies that unwittingly go with it. Butch and Sarah are a married couple whose relationship is not quite as smooth as it seems. A banana flavored condom found by Sarah will unravel the many secrets that happen Behind Closed Doors.

TATANG by Jean Paolo “Nico” Hernandez
Tatang Ruding lives in the streets of the Philippines’ urban Manila with his grandaughter Ester. Tatang makes ends meet the easiest way he knows, stealing and pickpocketing. He does it with Ester as his aide and apprentice. One incident goes awry and Tatang gets beaten up by a group of men. Tatang bitterly takes out his misfortune on Ester and starts to feel useless. Ester, on the other hand, starts to make it up to Tatang by becoming the breadwinner. She becomes better and better with stealing and Tatang realizes that he created a monster in her. One day, Tatang hears a gunshot—a moment that will serve as a wake-up call and will change the rest of his being.

HULAGPOS by Maita Lairra Tupac
A ten year old girl named Angeli has a stern, cold and seemingly unfeeling mother—Maria. To prevent her daughter from entering a forbidden room, Maria tells her daughter that a child-eating monster resides in there. Fully believing what her mother told her, Angeli refuses to go inside the room until a prank leads her to believe that the monster got her friend. Going inside the room, Angeli discovers her mother’s secret.

WAT FLOOR MA’AM by Mike Sandejas and Robert Sena
A flamboyant former First Lady of the Philippines and a “Bad Boy” actor from local cinema find themselves trapped inside the elevator of an old Government building. While waiting for rescue, the First Lady emotionally reveals to the Bad Boy the shocking secret history of the Philippines.

COMPETITON SHORTS PROGRAM B:
UGAT SA LUPA by Ariel Reyes, SI BOK AT ANG TRUMPO by Hubert Tibi, LATUS by John Paul Seniel, BLOGOG by Rommel “Milo” Tolentino, BONSAI by Alfonso “Borgy” Torre III

18 July/Sat, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
21 July/Tue, 9:00PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
22 July/Wed, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
23 July/Thu, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
24 July/Fri, 6:15PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
25 July/Sat, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)
26 July/Sun, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)

UGAT SA LUPA by Ariel M. Reyes
UGAT SA LUPA (Roots on Earth) is a non-dialog film about a farming family who lives in an island. It dramatizes the family’s hardships of living in an island bereft of fresh water, hence their struggle to fetch water from another island in order to water the plants periodically. It is also about family relationships and the sacrifices of elder siblings for the benefit of the younger ones.

SI BOK AT ANG TRUMPO by Hubert Tibi
Bok is a playful boy who enjoys counting the things he sees around him, posting pieces of paper everywhere, and playing with his favorite toy top. One day, Bok accidentally forgets his toy top at his grandmother’s house. When he decides to come back and get it, Bok discovers something far more precious than his beloved toy.

LATUS by John Paul Seniel
This true to life based story is about Vicknelyn, who was raised by her father with too much punishment, and Jenelza, her good friend. Both are 16 years old and studied in the same school where they became friends. They differ in their economic status in life and share same experiences on corporal punishment. To gain relief from pain, Vicknelyn joined the Kuyaw gang who have similar experiences as hers. On the other hand, Jenelza focused her time on her studies. When Jenelza witnesses Vicknelyn being punished by her father, she is traumatized.

BLOGOG by Rommel “Milo” Tolentino
A seven year old boy got more than what he bargained for when picked up a filthy yellow ball down by the creek.

BONSAI by Alfonso “Borgy” Torre III
BONSAI tells the story of Romy, an obese, insecure security guard who attempts to capture the attention of his neighbor, Daisy, an ambitious laundry woman, and hopefully make her fall in love with him. The film explores insecurity and the distance once is willing to go through for love.

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Part Two: SPECIAL SCREENINGS & EVENTS

OPENING CEREMONIES (Open To The Public)
17 July/Fri, 6:00PM, CCP Ramp

Followed by the Philippine Premiere of
MANILA by Adolfo B. Alix, Jr. & Raya Martin
Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)

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AWARDS NIGHT (Open To The Public)
26 July/Sun, 7:00PM
Tanghalang Nicanor Aberlardo (CCP Main Theatre)

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Cinemalaya Cinco FILM CONGRESS
Theme: “Linking Digital Hi-Ways”
21 & 22 July/Tue & Wed, from 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)

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Cinemalaya Cinco SINE TAKTAKANS
(Meet the Cinemalaya 2009 Filmmakers)
23 & 24 July/Thu & Fri, from 2:00PM to 5:00PM
Tanghalang Huseng Batute
(Free Admission)

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Dialogue w/M. Alain Bégramian
Counsellor for Export & International Distribution
Department of International & European Affairs
French National Center for Cinema
Centre National du Cinéma
23 July/Thu, from 10:00AM to 12:00PM
Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
(Free Admission)

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The CINEMALAYA/NETPAC Premieres

AURORA by Adolfo B. Alix, Jr.
18 July/Sat, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)

BASECO BAKAL BOYS by Ralston Jover
19 July/Sun, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)

BAYAW by Monti Parungao
21 July/Tue, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)

BOY by Auraeus Solito
24 July/Fri, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)

HANDUMANAN by Seymour Sanchez
22 July/Wed, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)

KARERA by Adolfo B. Alix Jr.
23 July/Thu, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)

LATAK by Jowee Morel
23 July/Thu, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)

PRINCE OF COCKFIGHTING by Yeng Grande
18 July/Sat, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)

WALANG HANGGANG PAALAM by Paolo Villaluna & Ellen Ramos
25 July/Sat, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)
(NOTE: There may be additional Cinemalaya/NETPAC Premiere titles to follow.)

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Cinemalaya Cinco SPECIAL SCREENINGS

INDEPENDENCIA by Raya Martin
19 July/Sun, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)

LUPANG HINARANG by Ditsi Carolino (Documentary)
21 July/Tue, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)

MELANCHOLIA by Lav Diaz (9 hours - counts as 1 screening)
26 July/Sun, 10:00AM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

SERBIS by Brillante Mendoza
25 July/Sat, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)

World Premiere:
WALKING THE WAKING JOURNEY by Ferdie Balanag (Documentary)
22 July/Wed, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theatre)

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Part Three: CINEMALAYA CINCO EXHIBITIONS

Cinemalaya Cinco: TRIBUTE TO LINO BROCKA

BONA (1980)
22 July/Wed, 6:15PM at CCP Silangan Hall

INA KA NG ANAK MO (1979)
22 July/Wed, 12:45PM at CCP Silangan Hall

BINATA SI MISTER DALAGA SI MISIS (1981)
23 July/Thu, 12:45PM at CCP Silangan Hall

CADENA DE AMOR (1971)
19 July/Sun, 6:15PM at CCP Silangan Hall

CHERRY BLOSSOMS (1972)
21 July/Tue, 12:45PM at CCP Silangan Hall

JAGUAR (1979)
22 July/Wed, 3:30PM at CCP Silangan Hall

MACHO DANCER (1989)
23 July/Thu, 6:15PM at CCP Silangan Hall

MAKIUSAP SA DIYOS (1991)
24 July/Fri, 12:45PM at CCP Silangan Hall

MAYNILA SA MGA KUKO NG LIWANAG (1975)
21 July/Tue, 6:15PM at CCP Silangan Hall

OROPRONOBIS (1989)
24 July/Fri, 3:30PM at CCP Silangan Hall

SANTIAGO (1970)
19 July/Sun, 3:30PM at CCP Silangan Hall

STARDOOM (1971)
21 July/Tue, 3:30PM at CCP Silangan Hall

TUBOG SA GINTO (1971)
18 July/Sat, 6:15PM at CCP Silangan Hall

WANTED PERFECT MOTHER (1971)
18 July/Sat, 3:30PM at CCP Silangan Hall

WHITE SLAVERY (1985)
23 July/Thu, 3:30PM at CCP Silangan Hall

Plus
SIGNED LINO BROCKA: A Documentary by Christian Blackwood (1987)
24 July/Fri, 6:15PM at CCP Silangan Hall

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Cinemalaya Cinco KIDS TREATS
In Cooperation with the National Council for Children’s Television

Kids Treats Shorts Program A
ANDONG by Rommel “Milo” Tolentino, DIAMANTE SA LANGIT by Vic Acedillo Jr., MAIKLING KWENTO by Hubert Tibi, PUTOT by Jeck Cogama, TRAILS OF WATER by Sheron R. Dayoc
18 July/Sat, 10:00AM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
26 July/Sun, 10:00AM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute

Kids Treats Shorts Program B:
ANGAN-ANGAN by Sheron R. Dayoc, GABON by Emmanuel Dela Cruz, MY PET by Anna Bigornia, PARANG PELIKULA by Hubert Tibi, ROLYO by Alvin Yapan, TO NI by Vic Acedillo Jr.
19 July/Sun, 10:00AM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute
25 July/Sat, 10:00AM at Tanghalang Huseng Batute

Full-Lengths:

BATAD by Benjie Garcia & Vic Acedillo Jr. (Cinemalaya 2006)
18 July/Sat, 12:45PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
26 July/Sun, 10:00AM at CCP Silangan Hall

BOSES by Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil (Cinemalaya 2008)
18 July/Sat, 12:45PM at CCP Silangan Hall
26 July/Sun, 10:00AM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

BRUTUS by Tara Illenberger (Cinemalaya 2008)
18 July/Sat, 10:00AM at CCP Silangan Hall
26 July/Sun, 12:45PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

GULONG by Jeanne Lim & Socorro Fernandez (Cinemalaya 2007)
19 July/Sun, 12:45PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
25 July/Sat, 10:00AM at CCP Silangan Hall

KADIN by Adolfo B. Alix, Jr (Cinemalaya 2007)
19 July/Sun, 12:45PM at CCP Silangan Hall
25 July/Sat, 10:00AM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

PEPOT ARTISTA by Clodualdo Del Mundo (Cinemalaya 2005)
18 July/Sat, 10:00AM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
26 July/Sun, 12:45PM at CCP Silangan Hall

PISAY by Auraeus Solito (Cinemalaya 2007)
19 July/Sun, 10:00AM at CCP Silangan Hall
25 July/Sat, 12:45PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

SAAN NAGTATAGO SI HAPPINESS? by Real Florido & Florida Bautista (Cinemalaya 2006)
19 July/Sun, 10:00AM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)
25 July/Sat, 12:45PM at CCP Silangan Hall

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Cinemalaya Cinco LGBT SPECIALS

DOSE by Senedy Que (Cinema One)
21 July/Tue, 9:00PM at CCP Silangan Hall

HEAVENLY TOUCH by Joel Lamangan
19 July/Sun, 9:00PM at CCP Silangan Hall

JAY by Francis X. Pasion (Cinemalaya 2008)
25 July/Sat, 9:00PM at CCP Silangan Hall

QUICK TRIP by Cris Pablo
25 July/Sat, 6:15PM at CCP Silangan Hall

SELDA by Paolo Villaluna & Ellen Ramos
22 July/Wed, 9:00PM at CCP Silangan Hall

THANK YOU GIRLS by Charlie Gohettia
18 July/Sat, 9:00PM at CCP Silangan Hall

THE AMAZING TRUTH ABOUT QUEEN RAQUELA by Olaf De Fleur Johanneson
23 July/Thu, 9:00PM at CCP Silangan Hall

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INDIE ANI: A Harvest of Recent Full-Length Features

100 by Chris Martinez (Cinemalaya 2008)
18 July/Sat, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

AGATON & MINDY by Peque Gallaga (Sine Direk)
19 July/Sun, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

ALON by Ron Bryant (Cinema One)
22 July/Wed, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

BENTE by Mel Chionglo (Sine Direk)
21 July/Tue, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

CONCERTO by Paul Morales (Cinemalaya 2008)
19 July/Sun, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

CONFESSIONAL by Jerrold Tarog (Cinema One)
24 July/Fri, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

DED NA SI LOLO by Soxie Topacio (Sine Direk)
24 July/Fri, 9:00PM at CCP Silangan Hall

FAUSTA by Felino Tanada
21 July/Tue, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

FORGOTTEN WAR by Carlo Marco Cruz
25 July/Sat, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

FUSCHIA by Joel Lamangan (Sine Direk)
22 July/Wed, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

IMBURNAL by Sherrad Sanchez (Cinema One)
24 July/Fri, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

KAMOTENG KAHOY by Maryo J. Delos Reyes (Sine Direk)
18 July/Sat, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

KOLORETE by Ruello Lozendo (Cinema One)
23 July/Thu, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

LITSONERO by Lore Reyes (Sine Direk)
23 July/Thu, 9:00PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

MANONG by Arnold Argano
19 July/Sun, 3:30PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

MOTORCYCLE by Jon Red (Cinema One)
23 July/Thu, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

NEXT ATTRACTION by Raya Martin
18 July/Sat, 3:30PM at Bulwagang Alagad Ng Sining (CCP MKP Hall)

PADYAK by Aloy Adlawan
25 July/Sat, 3:30PM at CCP Silangan Hall

UPCAT by Roman Olivares (Cinema One)
22 July/Wed, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

YANGGAW by Richard Somes (Cinema One)
21 July/Tue, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)

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INDIE ANI: The Year’s Finest Shorts

Regional SHORTS From Luzon
18 July/Sat, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)
Featuring BAGONG BAYANI (animation, Bicol), LUPANG HINIRANG (animation, Bicol), HERMANO (animation, Bicol), SUPOT (Baguio), IKATLO (Batangas), KAPIT by Ian Baluca (Bicol).

Regional SHORTS From Mindanao
18 July/Sat, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)
Featuring A STEP FOR MY DREAM by Mona Labado (Maguindanao), ANG PAGHAHANAP NI BATUGAN SA BAKANG IBINAON SA BUNDOK (Work-In-Progress) by Gutierrez Mangansakan II, ANGAN-ANGAN by Sheron Dayoc (Zamboanga), BINITON by Mc Robert Nacario (Maguindanao), KASING-KASING AMANG by Shaun Uy (Cagayan De Oro) and WINDOWS OF DREAMS by Ma. Rosalie Zerrudo (Cagayan De Oro).

Regional SHORTS From Mindanao, Part 2
19 July/Sun, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)
Featuring ANOD by Zerich Bordios (Davao), BOMBDROP by Arnel Barbarona, EGAY by Erleen Bendisula (Davao), TAKIPSILIM by Herman Candelaria (Davao) and an excerpt from TATLONG MUKHA NG BUHAY (Episode 3: Ang Kabanata Sa Buahy Ni Abelardo Macaspac III) by Marichelle De Ramos (Davao).

Regional SHORTS From Visayas
19 July/Sun, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)
Featuring KASISIDMON by Seth Aguilos (Bacolod), KAWTI ACADEMY by Lawrence Fajardo (Bacolod), PAGBALIK by Publio Briones (Cebu), PAG-TUU by Jose Marquez Basa (Cebu), PANGANOD by Paolo Angelo Lindaya (Bacolod), SANGPIT SENYOR by Alan Lyddiard (Cebu) and Excerpts from JOY TO THE WORLD by Rey Defante Gibraltar & Oscar Nava (Iloilo),

SHORTS From Ateneo De Manila University
25 July/Sat, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)
Featuring ANY ONE FILM HE WANTS TO SHOW by Roel Mendoza (2:30 mins.); BY BYE BOBBY by Essa Balao (7 mins.); FARMER BITCH by Christian Yap (15 mins.); GREAT WALL by Jc Alelis (5:38 mins.); HAKBANG by Shar Tan (10 mins.) ; HOW NOT TO DISAPPOINT by Karen Ramos & Gracie Vergara (15 mins.); JAN PARMA’S MIS-EN-SCENE by Jan Parma (1 min.); JUAN HENERASYON by Mikhail Red (10 mins.); KAPIT NG KULIMLIM by Gino Jose (3 mins.); MARK’S EXPERIMENTAL FOR CLASS by Mark Peregrino (3 mins.); NIKKI ISAAC’S MUSIC VIDEO by Nikki Isaac (4 mins.); OPEN HOUSE by Jobo Ampil (3:09 mins.); OUTSIDE THE EDGE OF THE UNIVERSE by Enzo Valdez (12 mins.); SABADO NI MARIO by Gio Puyat (1:10 mins.); STOP by Nicole Ang (3 mins.); TATSULOK by Nikko Atienza (13 mins.); TEEN CREEPS by Julius Valledor (3:38 mins.); THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY by Dindin Reyes (2:20 mins.); TRANSIT by Francis Tan (3 mins.); UNTITLED by Jobo Ampil (1:58 mins.)

SHORTS From De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Digital Filmmaking Program
22 July/Wed, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)
Featuring ANGEL by Pabelle Manikan, CELLPHONE by Eric Ejercito, FOR TODAY by Kevin Francisco & Bianca Ramiscal, HILAHIL by Pabelle Manikan, IN MEMORY OF by Bianca King, LUCHI by Jonel Factor & Celine Yao, OSCAR’S WORLD by Bianca King, Marcos Mabanta, Pabelle Manikan, & Bianca Ramiscal, REBECCA RED by Bianca King & Bianca Ramiscal, THE PROPOSAL by Patrick Vinalay, TROUBLED by Katherine Labayen, TUNOG KALYE by Pabelle Manikan & Katherine Labayen, WANTED: GARDENER by Kevin Francisco and WONDER/WANDER by Marcos Mabanta & Jannah Galvez.

SHORTS from De La Salle University
21 July/Tue, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)
Featuring BATANG PIER, DOK by Ramon Del Prado, LAPIDA by EJ Angeles, FROU FROU, SHH… ‘WAG MONG SABIHIN KAY ITAY, SUPERFAN by Clodualdo Del Mundo Jr.

SHORTS from the Asian Film Academy (Pusan, South Korea)
By Filipino Film Scholarship Grantees
25 July/Sat, 3:30PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)
Featuring from AFA 2008: ONE LAST GOODBYE with cinematography by Maisa Guieb Demetillo (10 mins.); LETTERS FROM THE WHITE MOUNTAIN written by Sheron Rebollos Dayoc, production design by Armi Rae Salazar Cacanindin, editing By Sheron Rebollos Dayoc; AFA 2007: BLOSSOM, directed by Richard Soriano Legaspi (10 mins); VIRGINS with cinematography by David Carlo Mendoza (14 mins); AFA 2006: ALL BUNNIES CAN DANCE with cinematography by Jason Tan (11 mins); THE CALLING, original screenplay by Cristopher Gozum, directed by Cristopher Gozum (14 mins); AFA 2005: THE CEILING, directed by Janus January Victoria (18 mins).

SHORTS from the Marilou Diaz-Abaya Film Institute
25 July/Sat, 6:15PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)
Featuring BELO by Malu Sevilla; LABING LABING by Ina Feleo; HULING BIKTIMA by Vitaliano Rave; MOON CAKES by Dominic Nuesa; MUSIKERONG JOHN by Mico MIchelena; OPO MA’M by Javier Abola, PAGTATAPOS by Biboy Belarmino; PFIGMENT by Toym Imao; THE THRESHOLD by Mik Red.

SHORTS from the University of the Philippines Film Institute, College of Mass Communications
23 July/Thu, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)
Featuring AGPANSULA by Jobelle Catequista; CAFE SANCTUARIO by Greg Sabado & Sue Aspiras; FOR HIRE by Mike De la Cruz; SANTAKRUZAN by Jumar Yap; SLIDESHOW by Lara Acuin.

“CineMaikli” SHORTS from the University of the Philippines Visual Communications Department, College of Fine Arts
24 July/Fri, 12:45PM at Tanghalang Manuel Conde (CCP Dream Theatre)
Featuring BESPREN by Gabriel Arcangel; CATCH UP by Jules Dacanay; DELATA by Mae Caralde; IGLAP by April Fronda; IKOT by Ericson Manansala; KAHON by Rommel Joson; SEVEN30 by Ariel Santillan; TUBERO by Jopay Guillermo; WALANG MAWAWALA SA MARTES by Regina Salazar.

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For ticket sales info, call CCP Box Office at 8321125 local 1406.
See y’all at Cinemalaya Cinco.
As they say, “All roads lead to the big, small festival!”

Apologies to non-Filipino speakers, but it’s music I’m showcasing anyway. You can read some more about the film in its official blog and the official website. See the official movie poster after the jump!

Hope you like it. In the meantime, see you all next post!

It was not so long ago though (early 2008), that I worked with Aiza for a local stage musical adaptation of the Anton de-Saint Exupery’s The Little Prince. She was one of the lead actors playing the role of the Rose, in the Little Prince’s home planet. I was the musical arranger for the entire play.

Photography by Carl Valenzona

Unfortunately, I was not able to watch a single run of the play because of a busy schedule. Good thing I was able to interact with Aiza during the Playboy party and she gave positive feedback about the play, and she even signed my Playboy postcard.

Here’s a sample from the Little Prince musical, it’s Overture of the entire play, instrumental only.

There you go! Hope you liked that one. Thanks again to the staff of Playboy Magazine Philippines for another great party.

Now before you jump the gun and buy that shiny red violin, think again. There are a handful of factors which you must carefully consider before purchasing a violin, and physical appearance alone doesn’t quite cut it. I’ve enumerated them for you. I asked my colleague, violinist and blogger Liza to give some of her opinions as well. See the list after the jump!

Price
Price is a personal decision. How serious are you in learning violin? If you really believe you can make a career playing violin, then by all means buy a high priced one. But if you’re playing safe and just want to “get your feet wet”, buy a cheaper version first. You can always save up for a better violin later on.

Liza says “I’m a cost efficient person. I check if the price is worth the quality I want for my violin. I bought a violin worth around $430, at some point I wasn’t satisfied with the violin’s performance. I couldn’t get it to sound the way I want. I got my current violin through an unusual person (a military vet), I got it for only $330, which includes a carbon fiber bow and excellent strings. The quality is way better than the $430 violin.”

Material
The type of material is very important since this is where the sound resonates. Higher priced violins tend to have more compact bodies usually made of oakwood or spruce, very durable and has great acoustics. Cheaper violins usually have lesser resonant wood bodies, and not hasn’t much durability. But then again, you should never, ever drop your violin.

Liza say “I prefer Aged Maple and Spruce. It produces the sound I love. Although kinda muffled at first.”

Check the Parts
A violin is basically a solid body with several detachable small parts. You must check if they are all well-placed in the violin. The pegs are of special importance, you must be able to swivel it with the correct smoothness and texture so you won’t have a hard time tuning the strings.

Take note that wooden pegs expand during cold seasons and they contract when it’s hot.

The bridge’s angle must be 90 degrees with the violin body. A wrong angle will give the bridge a tendency to snap off and can damage your violin.

Liza says “I check the pegs, bridge and the whole body of the violin. I make sure there are no scratches, no open stuffs. I prefer handcrafted violins (although it costs more for a beginner, it’s worth it.)”

Sound
Sound is what matters most. This is why you’re buying a violin in the first place; to produce beautiful music. Choosing the right sound usually comes with personal preference especially for veteran violinists. But if you’re new in the arena and have no idea what a good sound is, it doesn’t hurt to ask help from someone who knows violins, or read articles and check tutorial videos online.

Liza says “Lastly, I need to play the violin first before actually purchasing it. I need to hear what that baby can do, and what can I do for that instrument.”

There you go! Good luck in choosing your perfect violin! And don’t forget to check out Liza’s blog and online lessons. See you all next post!

Before Bamboo sung the lines of the song Tatsulok, it was first written and recorded by Buklod with Noel Cabangon. His song Kanlungan became a phenomenal hit after it was featured in a McDonald’s ad. He is one of the most prolific songwriters we have today.

Image courtesy of Clickthecity.com

His songs reflect the Filipino society yesterday, today and tommorow. I give you, Noel Cabangon!

Master Diwa: Kamusta Mang Noel! May bagong album ka ba na ginagawa ngayon?
Noel Cabangon: Nasa drawing board pa lang yung susunod na album, at isang taon pa rin lang yung latest na album ko kaya, siguro sa susunod na taon ko na ilalabas yung bagong album.

MD: Any new projects aside from your own?
NC: Walang bagong project so far except yung mga pinagkaka-abalahan ko.

MD: Ano-ano ba iyon?
NC: Yung anti-poverty requiem na gaganapin sa Oct. 17 ay ang isa kong pinagkaka-abalahan sa ngayon, tapos yung reunion concert ng Buklod sa December 5 and 12, at yung parang Christmas concert ko na rin na fundraising concert for the Zen group sa December 9.

MD: Wow busy! Magta-Taglish muna ko Mang Noel ha. How do you start writing a song?
NC: Well, i compose the music and lyrics at the same time. Seldom that I write with the music first then followed by the lyrics or the other way around. But first I have to have the idea on what to write, it is important to know what you want to write, then i sit down pick my guitar and start to hum and write. If the inspiration is there it comes out naturally but if you couldn’t feel it medyo mahirap. I also edit the lyrics immediately so that it will fit on the meter or do something about the meter so that the line would fit in. I also think of images, figures of speeches that would describe what i’m writing about. The easiest way to write is to write in narrative form.

MD: Nice explanation, madami ako napulot. Now, you were a founding member of the music group, Buklod, where are its members nowadays?
NC: Buklod used to be an organization of progressive musicians before it became a singing group. The other members are Rom Dongeto and Rene Boncocan. Rom is working with PLCPD, a non-government agency (NGO) and a policy lobbying group, while Rene is now a freelance artist. He used to work in an advertising company.

MD: Hindi ka ba nagsasawa kapag laging nire-request sayo ang Kanlungan tuwing gig mo? Pano mo dinidiskartehan ito?
NC: Minsan nagsasawa. Minsan hindi maganda yung mga renditions ko. Pero ‘pag kinakanta ko medyo binabago ko yung ibang tono para magkaroon ng ibang style ng rendition.

MD: What can you say about Bamboo’s rendition of the Buklod original, Tatsulok?
NC: Bamboo’s version of Tatsulok is good. Timely yung pagkakarelease nito sa era at sa market. Wala akong problema sa version nila. Ang mas concern ko pa kung naiintindihan talaga nila yung mensahe ng kanta at kung naniniwala sila doon. The song cries for a revolution, a radical change to be blunt about it. Historically kasi, the song was conceived in 1989 when we had a national concert tour on human rights, with Asin. But it is good that they revived it. At least the young people were able to hear it. Sana lang naiintidihan lang talaga nila.

MD: What are your usual references and inspirations in the songs your write?
NC: Well, I listen to all kinds of music and I also keep myself updated with the new kind of music. Since most of my songs are saying something that are socially relevant I also want to get connected with the young people. That’s why I try to use their new taste of music so that that they’d be able to appreciate it. Karamihan naman kasi ng nakikinig mas nauuunang magustuhan muna nila yung music bago nila intindihin yung lyrics. Sa inspiration naman, I get inspired with the new things that we see and that are happening around us. Hindi naman tayo laging gumagawa ng mga love songs that we need someone to inspire us to write. I draw my songs most of the time to my experiences.

MD: What can you say with the status of Philippine music today?
NC: Well, Philipine music has evolved. Kaya lang siyempre naka-pattern sa Western style dahil na rin sa pagka commercial nito. At ang music industry talaga ang nagtutulak ng ganitong klase ng mga musika. Maraming nagpapatuloy pa rin ng mga neo-ethnic or world music type na Pinoy music kaya lang nauuwi lang na parang pang touristic at exhibition ang silbi. Maraming mga tao na hindi naiintidihan lalo na ang indigenous music. Parang hindi na maka-identify dito yung mga tao. Kasi nga iba yung naririnig nila, pop music. Kaya pili lang talaga at pang exhibition yung mga indigenous music. Ganun din sa klase ng musikang ginagawa ko, hindi talaga sila nae-entertain kasi may ibang pakay yung mga katulad ng kanta ko. “Entertain”, yung ang word na naging silbi na ng musika sa mga tao. Dahil siyempre ito yung itinuturo sa atin ng radyo, TV at iba pang uri ng media. Well, mahabang usapin ito…

MD: Mahabang usapin nga ‘yan. Well, what is your dream for the Philippine music industry?
NC: Gusto ko sana maging conscious ang music industry sa kung ano talaga ang silbi ng musika sa buhay ng tao. Ano ang silbi nito sa paghubog ng kaisipan ng mga tao, sa kanyang buhay. Yun ang saysay ng kultura. Dapat ang industriya ay nagbibigay ng daan para payabungin ang ating musika…ang tunay na sariling atin. Dapat nagpapaunlad ito ng kung ano ang Filipino music. Pero nag-globalize na [tayo], nabo-bombard tayo araw-araw ng mga musikang galing sa kanluran kaya parang iisa na lamang ang musika ng mundo. ‘Yon ay kung ano ang galing doon na ipinaririnig nila sa atin araw-araw, tuloy parang sila lang ang magaling. Hindi katulad sa ibang bansa tulad sa Indonesia napaka lakas ng kanilang kultura. Makikita mo at maririnig mo sa kanilang musika lumalabas ang kanilang identidad… mahabang usapin din ito….

MD: What do you consider your best contribution in the music industry?
NC: Hindi ko alam mayron na. Pero nais ko lang isipin na [kontribusyon ay ang] pagpapatuloy sa sinimulan nina Heber Bartolome, Asin at marami pang iba na lumikha ng mga awiting may kabuluhan sa ating mga Pilipino at sa ating bayan. Kontribusyon sa isang aspeto ng anthology ng Filipino music lang yung aking mga ginagawang kanta. Siguro hindi pa ganun ka laki yung aking nai-aambag kung mayron man. Yung pagpapatuloy ko ay pagpapanatili ng kung anong uri ng musika ang aking ginagawa sa industriya.

MD: Alot of Filipinos are still apathetic with our own culture, do you see hope in all of us?
NC: Ang ibig mo bang itanong ay kultura na ng maraming mga Pilipino ang pagiging walang paki-alam? Marami ang mga nagiging walang paki-alam dahil sa maraming dahilan. Una, marami sa atin ang mga mahihirap. Mas iisipin pa ng mga taong ito ang kanilang kakainin bago nila isipin ang iba o ang mga problema ng bayan. Marahil alam nila ang mga problema ngunit hindi ito inuunanilang tugunan o bigyan ng pansin kundi kung ano ang kanilang kakainin. Ang exudos ngayon ng mga OFWs ang manifestation ng pansariling survival kaysa sa maging aktibo sila sa pagharap sa mga problema ng bayan. Hindi naman natin sila masisi dahil kailangan din nga naman nilang magtrabaho at tumugon sa pangangailangan ng kanilang mga pamilya.

Isa pa dyan totoong may pagka-pagod na ang mga tao sa mga pagsali sa pagprotesta sa gobyerno dahil sa paulit-ulit na wala rin namang nangyayari sa kanilang buhay. Noong unang People Power naniwala ang mga tao na uunlad na ang kanilang buhay dahil naibalik na ang demokrasya at nangangako ng kaunlaran ang malaking pangyayari na ito. Kaya lang kabiguan ang naging resulta. Tapos nangyari ang People Power 2, at ganun din. Mas malala pa nga ang kinahinatnan. Kaya kahit na lantaran ang pagnanakaw ng mga opisyal ng bansa ay hindi kumikilos ang mga tao. Ako naman ay naniniwala na may pag-asa pa ang bayan na ito. Kung wala na e, ano na lang ang mangyayari?

Sa aking palagay dadating pa rin ang panahon na muling lalaban ang mga tao. Siguro yung susunod na henerasyon. Kung baga sa isang bulkan, nagiipon muli ng magma at pag hindi na macontain ito ay sasabog na lang. Siguro mapupuno din ang mga tao. Naniniwala ako na nasa mga bagong lahi ang muling simula… ang bawat rebolusyon sa mga bansa ayon sa kasaysayan ng mundo ay nagsisimula sa mga kabataan. Kaya umaasa ako na yung mga susunod na henerasyon sila ang magbabalikat nito. Kaya tayo o kaming mga matatanda kailangan naming magpunla ng mga magagandang halimbawa at pundasyon para magkaroon ng panibagong resurgence. Ang haba nito a!

MD: Ayos lang! How did you start playing the guitar?
NC: Nagsimula ako noong 10 years old ako. May mga na-encounter akong mga folksinger sa aming maliit na bayan. Humanga ako noong maggitara at kumanta sila ng mga awitin nina Paul Simon kaya simula noon nagpursigi akong matuto.

MD: What guitar brand and model do you use?
NC: Ang una kong sariling gitara ay Yamaha folk guitar, regalo ito ng mga magulang ko. Ang ginagamit ko ngayon ay Taylor at Dame acoustic/folk guitars. mayroon din akong isang electric guitar, 2 classical guitars (Yamaha and Lilang’s).

MD: What can you say about Erap’s conviction?
NC: Tama lang na naconvict si Erap. Pero dapat hindi nasgtatapos dito dapat ma-try at maconvict din yung mga Marcoses, si Gloria, yung mga Arroyo at marami pang mga magnanakaw na opisyal ng bayan. Para talagang masabi natin na may hustisya sa bayan na ito at walang sini-sino, mayaman, mahirap o Presidente ng Pilipinas.

MD: Lastly, is there anything else you want the Filipino people to know? What would that be?
NC: MAGING ISANG MABUTING PILIPINO! (look for my song AKO’Y ISANG MABUTING PILIPINO, nakasulat dito yung gusto kong sabihin).

MD: Maraming salamat Mang Noel! Mabuhay ka!

I hope you enjoyed reading about today’s feature musician only here at Diwa de Leon Dotcom. See you all next post!

I’ve long ignored this topic. As a composer and arranger, I rarely need sheet music of existing songs and pieces since I mostly create my own music. Sheet music is mostly needed by session instrumentalists who usually play music-on-demand, such as members of cover bands who constantly need to update themselves of the latest hit songs.

And so, I did some rounds in Google and here are some of the notable FREE sheet music sites I’ve seen.

8 Notes Dotcom
http://www.8notes.com/
Of all the sites listed here, 8 Notes Dotcom has the most intuitive interface I’ve seen. The homepage has thumbnails of musical instruments. Click on an instrument and you’ll be redirected to a categorized menu of instrument specific pieces. Tried downloading a piece, worked fine, and it gives you a good PDF format sheet music. Most of the pieces I’ve are from the classical genre, and some musicals.

1001 Sheets Dotcom
http://www.1001sheets.com/
Their pieces are alphabetically classified by artist. Once you click on a song title, it will immediately download the file. No pretentious links and unecessary clutter. Just straight to the point. The music content focus mostly on movie theme songs, popular music such as American top 40 hits and music you usually hear on the radio.

Free Sheet Music Dotnet
http://www.freesheetmusic.net/
This isn’t actually a sheet music hosting site but rather a web directory for sheet music sites. It has an extensive set of links which I’m sure you’ll find useful.

There you go. I’m sure you have your own list of sites as well. Why don’t you share it with us? Thanks and happy music making!

Macs are usually more stable, and with stability comes reliable data integrity. You wouldn’t to accidentally lose those 16 bars you just recorded when the system crashes do you?

Digital Audio Workstations for Mac

Logic 8
Apple
Logic is the most recommend advanced DAW for any Apple user. It has a plethora of features and options that it’s quite confusing at first, and takes a while in getting used to. But once you learn how to use it, you will find a very powerful audio and midi sequencer with a large library of built-in samples. It has so many samples in fact that it takes 50 gigabytes of disk space.

Garageband
Apple
Garageband is a free, built-in DAW for new Mac machines. It is ready to use as soon as you open that new Macbook or iMac of yours. It has built-in softsynths and has a surprisingly extensive editing interface. It also has extra features such as Magic Garageband which lets you jam with preset genre loops, and Music Lessons which gives tips on how to play certain instruments.

There’s also a third category known as multiplatform DAWs. They are released for both PC and Mac. I will discuss this next.

Up next: Multi-platform Digital Audio Workstations.

Photo credit: Metro Magazine

I think she was only 15 or 16 years young back then but she already had a mature singing voice. Shaina had lots of positive energy during the recording. At first I thought she would be a “prima donna” but she wasn’t.

Back then, though her singing voice was pleasant to hear, it could be improved technically. But I’m pretty she would be as great a singer as her big sis Vina Morales as she grows up. She was very cooperative during the recording session and bubbly as well.

Afterwards, she corteously shook my hand and everyone in the studio. You may listen to the Avon Naturals song here! Just click play on the Imeem player below.

Avon Naturals jingle
Copyright by Avon
Arranged by Diwa de Leon and Otto Hernandez