The CSB Experience 4: Diskusyones Tungkol sa Ingles

Okay, I just got off from a really heated discussion for most of the night today, April 18, 2011, with Marlon, Poch and by extension Jeco over something so little and so non-life threatening.

Apparently, they think that I should have used a different language other than English as the medium of the trailer of my thesis film, "An Almost Affair". Basically they said that I'm marketing what is essentially a "pang-masa" product the wrong way because I'm using English for my promotion.

What started out without simple, "Tagalog na lang, para mas babagay pa doon" became long and complicated posts. All because they think my reasoning for even using ESOL in my trailer is lame. I do recognize that they're giving out constructive criticism for me because I am, after-all, going out to panel (in the hopes of becoming CSB''s next top graduate lol). But for a silly thing, I felt the urge to stand by it through thick and thin.

Why?

Because I target a market that is above socio-economic lines. Masa, yes and for the sake of trying to give a clear explanation, every scripted content targets a specific demo, not necessarily based on income but on the basis on age and sex, etc.. Masa is supposed to mean "everybody" as in "every frakking single one of us from all walks of life". Masa is not CDE, it is the whole freaking alphabet soup.

As a media person, aren't I responsible of at least contribute to the development of our people, to help them aspire and reach for the gold?

The trailer I made is the first time that I actually had someone to voice over with. I made this trailer without thinking the use of language would be such an issue to some.

To market it to my market (is that right?), I should promote it in a way that fits their tastes and lfiestyles daw. Although this is true, is it necessary that I dumb the trailer down or make it look sosyal? Can't it rest in the middle?

If you guys wanna know what I wrote in my MP regarding who I am targeting, I only mentioned the specific age/sex demo which I know could benefit from watching An Almost Affair. That's my primary target market and that is all there is to it. My guide says it's only optional for me to include any secondary market so I decided to just focus with my prime one.

Maybe people just don't understand my viewpoint, bulol and all that. Maybe because I've watching far too many TV that it somehow shaped the way I view things. Not just on TV but also with the books I read, on radio. Maybe, people just cannot see what I want to achieve.

Sure, I could be a little defensive...Because if I were to take criticism, then what's the point of defending in the first place? I'm just defending my idea.

I already told them naman I'll see if I could produce a Filipino-language version of the trailer. Not exactly word per word but, as a trailer of its own,. Just so in order to silence them forever with their complaining.

And yes, I've been through these episodes before...Most especially my heated debates with Jeco since the days when he used to be so active in Multiply. I fight for what I believe in and I strive make a difference. I accept my flaws and I embrace them. I know I rant but because I say what it is on my mind although I am careful with what I say.

I don't wanna hurt people but people keep on hurting me. I don't fight back with a sword nor a gun but I fight using myself. I can take every blow but none of them could every bring me down.

Whether or not those peeps at panel won't probably like my idea...I will stand by it. They try me to conform to the standards but I want to go on and become the change I try seek, the change that I want to be. Win or lose...I stand by it.

And seriously? Ang laki ng issue niyo sa paggamit ko ng English sa trailer?

People, just come on!

A J-Blog Files Anniversary Special: Four Years after “Just Before Graduation”

Has it really been four years? Wow, I really did not realized that it was already past March 24, the day me and a hundred or so students in St. James Academy  complete the four-year cycle that is high school (oh mo high school life). Amazing how time flies, isn’t it? I remember being very excited about writing my first ever blog entry on my then new Multiply account out of curiosity and excitement.

I never imagined back then seeing myself to  where I am now. Most of my batchmates in high school have more or less just got their respective college degrees while most have to wait for a couple more months or even a year more to get that much sought after baccalaureate diploma with my name on it (did I get that last sentence right?).

Seeing that my life in college is almost over, I’m excited what the next phase of life have for me. Young adult life is full of twists and turns, promotions and rejections. Our young idealism is challenged by the norms brought by corporate reality. Our smiles might turn to frowns and our eager bodies will, in less than a year working inside a cube-sized cubicle, will be worn down.
Are we up to the challenge? Maybe yes, maybe not. The future lies in the nature of our decisions and how we face the consequences whole handidly. Congratulations for all of us and good luck!


HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO THE J-BLOG FILES!

The CSB Experience 4: Jamer Update 2011 (The New Generation)

LOL, I've been so busy with school lately that I haven't been able to update my blog as much as I want to but right now, here I am coming back to what I do best.

So remember from way back when I was The CSB Experience series of blogs, or my whole blogsite in general was still at its infancy, I once wrote about the presence of former schoolmates from high school and how it's all kinda awkward seeing some same old faces in a new setting. It's with these old faces that reminds me of my life back in Saint James Academy where I spent 5 wonderful years of growing up there.

Now I got to be in their shoes years later....

It was only a few months ago, I was in a crowded elevator inside the SDA Building, minding my own self. There was only half an hour left before my 6pm class and I was heading upstairs to go to the cafeteria to get something to eat.

One of the people inside looked at me as if he knew me from somewhere but I didn't notice at first. But not long after, he asked me this question: "Di ba Jamer ka?".

Naturally, I was surprised...I didn't know this guy and all but he certainly know me by face. Obviously he is a Jamer so I asked him if he is from what batch. Surprisingly, he's just fresh off being from the most recent batch from our high school, Batch '10. The only one I knew from that batch who just happens to go to the same college as me is Janeen.

Of course, the both of us have questions for each other but it had to be cut short when the elevator already stopped on the guy's floor. He never knew my name, he never knew mine as well. And we thought it would end with only just that.

Come early today (March 7)...I happened to pass by the amphitheater en route to the cafeteria when I learned there's an exhibit going on by the ID110 SDA froshes. The event was an ORDEV-accredited event so I asked the ID110 people sitting on the booth if the event is also accredited for ORDEV-C. Two people in the booth asked me a question:

"Di ba Jamer ka?"

Okay, dejavu...Obviously, I asked them how they knew what I am. Turns out it's the same Jamer guy who I asked me that same question the previous term, and this time he's joined by a Jamer girl who's also an ID110 MMA student (well, both of them are).

So finally we got to know a bit about each other...they asked me who my batchmates are ("Justin" and "Maviel") and I told them I know Janeen from their batch. If I remember it right, the guy's name is Carlo and the girl, I couldn't remember much but I have a feeling she;s behind those couple of works currently on display at their still-ongoing exhibit (as of this writing) so I'll check out if it's hers alright.

(Note to self: She's donning a bob-cut)

To make the story short, it was really flattering knowing people from my former school's younger batches remember me. Was I even that memorable? I wonder...Hehehe. But seriously,  it really feels good that somehow, whatever deed I made back in high school certainly made a lasting mark.

As for the exhibit (which is for a good cause), I must say...for a batch who has yet to have some test of majors, many of their works of art shows great promise on their skills as design students. Even back when I was their age, I had no access to almost everything (cameras, Photoshop, etc) but it's the passion and creativity in every one of us that drive us further into reaching our goals and ultimately to our dreams.

A new generation is coming, and I couldn't be more proud of it.

:D

The CSB Experience 4: The Fourth and Final Third First Three Weeks

This is my very first TCSBE entry for 2011 and one of the last I will be writing for The CSB Experience as I now enter the breaking point in my college life: the path to graduation.

It’s not particularly easy for me to look forward finishing my stay if not for the block of challenges lying all over the road. But even with these difficulties, I always try to look at the bright side and see that there’s a way to make things possible. Even at the most difficult of times, I still see the bright side…No matter how hard our trials and tribulations can be.

Earlier (February 3^rd, 2011), I was approached by an actor for my yet-to-be-shot thesis film. He aired his concerns over the weight of the material I was giving to my actors so I try to sort things out. Later on, he brought up the issue of giving them compensation for their work. I told him that I could only estimate giving them a small rate because I am running on a very low budget. That was when the conversation took an interesting turn.

He gave me an “advice” about what to expect on the event my other actors do not accept the terms I offered to them. I know from the very start that the actors I was able to talk to into helping out are very professional people. However he warned that with the rate I mentioned to him, he said the others may not welcome the kind of rate I’m giving them, whether or not it is to be given on a per-shooting day basis.

The way he said it to me was just discouraging. Although he’s just saying the truth and want me to hear it, he’s making it to look like the odds are against me.

I try to be positive about what is happening because I try to see it on the point of view of the other actors as to be fair about it. I know he’s trying to help me out but it certainly should not mean he could let down my spirits.

I’m saying this possibly because the “truth” hurts. It is as if it is a big blow to my confidence, to make it seem like I won’t be able to make the impossible possible. I try to be realistic as I’m going through this but I always try to find all the possible means to bring the odds into my favor. Whatever he said to me will take sometime to sink in to me but I know I have to fight for my project and I will do whatever I can to make sure that we could do this.

I made my vow from the very start of my journey 4 years ago that I will, at all means, find every possible way to finish school. I have big hopes and big dreams and I’m itching to get out as soon as I can. I’ll try to make it work for me, for them and for everybody.

It is after all, An Almost Affair….

The CSB Experience 4: The Break I Call The "Final" Termbreak (The Final Termbreaker)

I'm thinking of whether or not I call this blog my "termbreaker" or a "termender" but I realized that it's more fitting to call it the former especially that I have something in mind for a proper final "termender"

Anyway...like I said, I'm stoke that this coming Janaury 17th, I'll be entering my 12th and final term in DLS-CSB. It just dawned on me when last Thursday (Jan. 6), I went to the registrar's office in SDA to claim my enrollment assessment form (EAF) for the following term and inquire about the certain requirement from the reg that I need to complete before they let me graduate from school altogether.

Once I got my EAF, I saw what was written on my graduation status, it reads: "GRADUATING?: YES". l was like, "Really? Gagraduate na ako?!" Then I looked over the 3rd calendar that comes with it and saw that commencement exercises for the term's graduating batch will be held on 2nd July 2011! I was really smiling like crazy foolishly. I just can't imagine that,  "WOW!"...I'll be done with school sooner than I could realize.

The sense of nostalgia kicked in when I noticed that my EAF was green...as in GREEEEEEN!!! It just so happens that the color of my current EAF was the color of my very first one back when I was still a freshman. A lot of memories suddenly started flooding back into my mind, remembering how much of a naive guy I used to be (and I continue to be but on a lesser degree) as well as serious, snotty and a know-it-all who tries too much to make a mark before deciding to let it all go for his sake.

As I write, I'm starting to have tears coming out from my eyes. It means a lot to me and to my family that I finish what I started and I know a lot my batchmates are having that same feeling.

Even if it seems like it is the end, I fear it is not..just yet. I still have 10 more units to accomplish, 10 more units that I need to finish before the higher ups would even let me march down the aisle and lay my hand on that diploma with my name on it. out of the four classes I enrolled in for the next term, 3 are the most critical: MMABIZ2, PORTFOL, and most important of all MMPROJ2.

The last one I need to plan ahead because it is important that I need to finish this as soon as possible. My biggest dilemma is that after what happened on my panel for PROJ1, I'm forced to recast all my castmembers save for one. Thus the challenge for me right now is to find find my cast as soon as possible before it's too late.

I have to make sure that I am going to march my way out of Benilde in July 2. I have to make sure that I do.

And I thought this last term wouldn't be eventful...I thought wrong.

:)

A Look Back to 20@'10!

I can't help describe how exactly 2010 fared for me. A lot of stuff happened, both good and bad, interesting twists and life-sized developments I never expect would happen to me. I'll see if I could run all down the events that made marked my 20th year of life so awesome @'10.

JANUARY
-The then seemingly-unending second term of the previous school year (2009-10) finally concluded. The students of CSB got to move on from a term that was marked by natural disasters, term extensions, wrongful decisions from the higher-ups, and a lot more than we could imagine.
-I discovered someone's true colors and I was pretty disappointed to what he/she has become.
-The long-awaited Montessorian reunion 8 years in the making finally materialized in the form of RECONNECTIONS.

FEBRUARY
-I applied to be a part of the RT30 Countdown (99.5RT's weekly chart show) as an intern which I got in eventually (On the same day I was applying for a similar job at their next door neighbor, Mellow 94.7).
-On the day of hearts, Jeco posted a very awesome pic showing me, MR, Dianne, Chamy, Yoko and him taken exactly a year ago. It was really sweet and awesome which inspired me to write a blog about it the same day.
-Knowing I won't be in school long, I tried for the third time applying to be a part of the school's frosh orientation program.

MARCH
-I went to a retreat with a bunch load of my friends and would be friends in Tagaytay. No tear-jerky sessions occurred throughout the whole ordeal but we forged new friendships and reinforced new ones (in memory of Dims). LOL
-It's not everyday you're friends with almost the whole batch of the SDA Chef's station. I owe that to Nikko and for his introduction of their signature dish: COFFEE JELLY. Piaya times baby!

APRIL
-This one's a shocker: I was let go from my internship in RT30. But my relationship with RT didn't end there because...
-I applied to be a part of RT's The Farm, a radio-training program. I got to meet some really awesome people indeed.


MAY
-The seemingly unending school year finally drew to a close and just when we thought we're only going to get 2 weeks of vacation, we finally had a whole month off!
-Something for a change, I took up the courage to meet my idol. It paid off.
-It's time for yearbook pictures and when I got to see my pictures, I wasn't satisfied with the results so I asked for a retake a month later.
-FOP time! I was shuffling between FARM training and orienting froshes for almost 2 weeks straight, it was nerve-wracking hehehe.
-The launch of The CSB Experience 4: The Final Experience.

JUNE
-Jenny from the Block passed away. :(
-I attended my last Mediamax orientation.
-The trip to Singapore finally pushed through and it was 5 days of pure awesomeness!
-I had my Frosh Nite experience re-lived when me and the rest of the Sessionistas reunited to welcome the new batch of Benildeans. (Mga di pa nagbabayad, bayaran niyo na ako :D)
-OMG, the pet project of The Farm was a huge success.
-Hours before heading off for OMG, I decided to pay a visit to Max FM, where I got to be DJ for an hour with Johnny Chase/Mondo while waiting for Quich Lorraine/Raine.
-I started The Pursuit.

JULY
-Graphika Manila, FINALLY! After three years of trying, fourth time was certainly a charm.
-Extra-ordinary did I manage myself into hopping for my class' Malarayat field trip due to extra-ordinary circumstances.
-I got word from an industry insider online about Max FM's pending format switch and I wasted no time visiting the booth for one last time.
-Kadugo!

AUGUST
-Me and a load of callers kept Raine company on her unexpectedly final day on the air and I got it on tape! YESSH!
-My ears turned red on the biggest mess I made but managed to clean it up.
-I bid my Teenage Dream goodbye as I turned 20 @ '10. Unfortunately, the planned 20@'10 reunion among my GS friends did not materialize. Too bad :(

SEPTEMBER
-September marked the day I officially marked my one term extension in school and at the same time, a critical period for me to pass every single subject I have for the second trimester.
-I was an orientor again for the 2nd term's FOP. But due to some misunderstandings, me and a few others ended up orienting not so-frosh students, but it was still fun because I really had a good time talking with members of the school's Deaf community.
-Got my wish into visiting the U92 booth in Silver City and met The Brewrats!
-I started to understand more and more about trade secrets that aren't secrets to everyone else.

OCTOBER
-I had a strong reaction with Studio 23's recent scheduling changes as of late when they had their signature US programs pushed to late night in favor of a daily nightime movie block on primetime. I ended up having a "creative argument" with 23's Program Manager Vince Rodriguez (who we share an unknown connection with Cheenee in more ways than one). Up til now, I still disprove of what they did in favor of airing two daily movie blocks. It's a betrayal to long-time viewers like me.
-I never thought I get to be heard on the air again but Oct. 28 proved me wrong. A reunion with my fellow Farmers, a concert happening at the Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill, and meeting famous faces front and center....What more can I ask for?

NOVEMBER
-I started production for the pilot "episode" of my thesis film, An Almost Affair starring Demy Cruz, Shiena Labay, Sam San Jose and also starring Paw Castillo.

DECEMBER
-The cousins came home after living in the US for 9 long years thus the yearly Christmas celebration of the Sibucao clan was more than the usual this year.
-I got myself a sorta-new Nikon D40x which was owned originally by my sister's college friend. Only problem is that it doesn't have a USB cable for me to upload my pictures to a PC.
-I started another creative argument with another guy from ABS...This time with the channel head of MYX, Andre Allan Alvarez. LOL, bigtime na nga!

That's all folks!

The CSB Experience 4: Crash and Burn

Right now, I'm at this point where I am truly bummed. Stressed out as I keep on thinking I still have to give my all to whatever is left for this term while at the same time, I'm thinking of what will happen come the next trimester.

I'm at this point in my academic life na talagang nakakaramdam ako ng burn-out. Excited na rin kasi na mabigyang tuldok ang buhay eskuwela ko. For my journey has an end date, July 2011 but it could still change if for some reason I did something that will held me back for at least another term.

I don't want that to happen. The first time I failed a subject, I immediately retook it the following term while carrying over the one I'm supposed to take to the summer, my first Benildean summer to be specific. I want to finish in time, that's a goal I want to reach but things didn't turned out the way I hoped so I as forced to extended one more term.

Jeco and Ericson are about to end their respective journeys on February 2011. It made think of what will happen if I actually get to finish my run on time. Then again, I realized that these two took double, if not triple, the effort of completing the requirements to finish in time. If that means having the need to overload, they will do it. At least it paid off for them.

I could always have that option open but I don't want to rush things too much. I don't want to force myself on doing too much in less time. I could multitask but not to the point of selling my soul to the Smoke Monster (hahaha, LOST reference. Miss ko na sina Kate, Locke at Jaaack).

If I could ace my other remaining units this term, I'll be left with 10 more units to finish. Imagine back then, I have to take as much as 21 units for ever term and fast forward to now, it has all come down to this remaining 10.

I'm already feeling the pressure of finishing school as soon as I can. But I know I have friends and family who will always have my back. It pays off everything I worked hard for these past 3 and a half years.

I can assure to myself, and to you that I will not CRASH and BURN.