PheonixMatrix twenty-o-nine

MASSKARA FESTIVAL AND INASAL FESTIVALBACOLOD CITY’S CULTURAL PILLARS

(published in itravel Philippines July-August 2009 issue, www.itravelphilippines.com.ph)

Being known as the Philippines’ “city of smiles,” Bacolod City remains steadfast to invigorate its flourishing tourism industry by preserving its past and embracing the visions for tomorrow.

As part of Negros Occidental province once known as the cradle of sugar industry in the early 19th century, Bacoloders conceptualised and created MassKara Festival in 1980 when the sugar industry weakened. Wearing multicoloured masks, beaded and colourfully designed costumes dancing to the lively Latin music—graceful Bacoloders dancers paraded the streets to celebrate life and abundance, and spread revelry throughout the city every third week of October. Such a grandiose festival came to fruition when the people and the government officials decided to create an annual event to uplift the hope of many due to the depression caused by the decline of sugar industry in the province. Since then, MassKara Festival has become a cultural tradition, a reminder of hope and inspiration amidst the social challenges that Bacolod City or the province of Negros Occidental has been struggling to overcome for the past almost three decades.

“MassKara” is a portmanteau of “mass” (people) and “kara” (mask)—which has close resemblance to the Mardi Gras of Brazil and other South American festivals. The famous festival has gone through notable progression and reinvention to intensify its concept of capturing the cultural passion of the Bacoloders and preserve its love for music, carousing, and celebrations. Participated every year by contesting groups coming from different barangays and private companies that deliver a kaleidoscopic display of grace, colours, and breathtaking performances, the festival has already made significant legacies and memoirs reflecting the flamboyant character of the people of Bacolod.
Preserving and harnessing the inclination of the Bacoloders in culinary arts, the government of Bacolod City spearheaded by its visionary leader, mayor Evelio Leonardia and past Bacolod mayor Jose Montalvo conceptualised the staging of the first Chicken Inasal Festival from 15 to 20 May this year. The weeklong festival highlighted the effort of the city government to make the Manokan Country as an emerging tourism destination where more than twenty chicken inasal stalls are located. During the opening ceremonies, Negros Occidental governor Isidro Zayco was the guest the speaker and honoured the laudable effort of dynamic personalities who catapulted Bacolod chicken inasal’s popularity.
Another captivating objective of the festival is to be included in the Guinness Book of World Record by staging the “largest barbeque grill in the world” held at SM City Bacolod North Wing vacant lot. The newly established festival targeted one whole chicken per foot or an estimated 18,000 chicken with 800 to 1,000 sacks of charcoal and 72,000 barbecue sticks facilitated by 20, 000 volunteers. The larger-than-life chicken grill event happened on 19 May which was attended by thousands of spectators both local and foreign tourists wanting to taste the world famous flavour of Bacolod chicken inasal that has captured the palate of the Filipinos throughout the country.
Time already proved how far the people of Bacolod have put their city in the map as one of the best tourism destinations in the Philippines. I guess their charm and luck lie in character to wear eternal smiles.

INSPIRED TO TRAVEL
(itravel Philippines July-August 2009 issue)I am inspired with life. The traveller within me is driven to explore the horizon, the possibilities, and realisation of my dreams that springs from the deepest depths of my soul. I have this inner desire to share, to unravel the concealed wealth and wonders of a world around me through my genuine writings. Sometimes we desire for those that are not meant for us and end up losing our true identity along the way.

But in my altruistic and patient journey on a rugged road to nowhere, I found myself embracing something relevant: what makes us happy and inspired to live a contented life is treasuring what we truly have right from the start. Happiness is just a simple riddle of the heart if we learn to simplify the meaning of reality.

Travelling is a passion for me. I have always desired to convey my travels through my gift to write. For me, creativity as a writer is an instinct and the weight of my writings is an inner intuition. But still, at the back of my head, I have this belief that a “writer’s life” is a fate, an inevitable destiny to traverse.

Founding the first and unique magazine—i travel Philippines— is an incorporation of fresh, vibrant, and forceful ideas of passionate writers. We have the mutual desire to uphold our own cultural heritage, empower the tourism industry, bring back the pride as Filipinos in every piece that we write, and inked by the blood of our heart.

Embracing such selfless destiny of advocating the essence and significance of tourism industry, the sage writers behind this trailblazing magazine breathes with optimism and beautiful intentions. Tourism encompasses not only those places and destinations that grace the pages of books and magazines, landmarks and historical sites that mesmerise tourists and travel enthusiasts. If we could somehow learn to open our heart and soul to the real, realistic milieu of what tourism stands for-then we will unearth and bring to light its truest quintessence.

Tourism is not just a social theory. Everything around us is intertwined to create the focal concept of tourism. From the warm greetings you show to a stranger along the way or the candid conversation you always have with your favourite talaba vendor, the way of life within our community, locality, or society are indeed fragments of the entire substance of tourism. Tourism should be classless and universal. Each of us, our cultural identity, and our sense of pride as optimistic people is a living force of tourism that determines a congruent impression: this country truly deserves to become a perfect destination.

Associate Editor Bombette Marin has proven his prolific vision and noble aspiration as a travel writer for many years. In fact, being a resourceful and brilliant writer, he remained tireless, truly dedicated to promote the west Visayan culture through his widely published articles in national broadsheets and magazines. In this issue, he unravels the ancient-old, hand-woven fabrics of Iloilo and the festive energy of Badiangan’s Panadayan festival. Renewing his vow for mother nature, he takes us on a nature-tripping mood to the unspoiled treasures of Ajuy and the elemental mood of Igbaras’s Tangyan Festival.

Roger Rueda always knew he has the knack for writing. As this magazine’s managing and articles editor, his far-out ideas and enthusiasm for British English invigorate the desire of the editorial team to be distinctive from other magazines. In fact, he has just published his second English grammar book entitled “Apple Grammar.” Meanwhile, his fondness for scenic sites and pristine wonders inspires him to provide helpful travel tips for travellers.

Features Editor Lourdes Jiz de Ortega, a prolific PR consultant from Manila, has remained as one of my best friends in writing throughout the years. Because of her desire to appreciate the significance of her home city as the centre of commerce and cultural wealth, she weaves an insightful article about Manila.

Unexpected addition in the editorial team is my shy and witty cousin, Jordainne
Patrick Longno. He lends his pop culture instinct to review selected CDs featuring various genre of music artists. Travel and photography enthusiast Noel de Leon is another addition to the magazine’s creative team. His artistry and passion shows in every picture he captures for the magazines’ articles. Mayor Jerry
Treňas, the true inspiration of every Ilonggo and the visionary leader that has put
Iloilo City in the limelight of yearning for the crown as another Queen-City-in-the making is finally expressing his heart and reveries in a special interview.

So much has been said and written about Boracay Island. But none can be far more fascinating with Canadian-born and international blogging sensation Brian Gorrell in his article as he unveils his early fondness and memories of the paradise island. Brian’s sincerity is delectable as his phraseology.

Our navigational compass brought us to the shores of majestic Cebu, this month’s cover story. We explore her hidden treasures and old-world charm. Orlando Janson Cajegas chronicled the Queen City of the South glittering light by night.

Travelling with a purpose can be inspirational. I bet it is substantial.

Enjoy reading i travel Philippines.

Postscript: Substancewise, no matter who we are and what we have in life, we are nothing without our ideas that spark from our passion. It is from this very end that defines what we are truly capable of giving back to God who has bestowed us with gifts to redefine life to its fullest purpose.

www.itravelphilippines.com.ph

Perfect Prom

When you attend a JS Prom, what comes in your mind? I’m serious. I’d really like to know.

Okay, maybe everyone here tonight including myself have the same thoughts about JS Prom—disco gid ni ya sigurado indi bala? But let me give you three reasons why you’re here tonight…or some sort of a guess, I should say…

One: You’re here because you want to show your classmates that you can strut your stuff, move your body gracefully and express yourself through dancing. In other words, you want to dance even if you’re not the best dancer.

Two: you’re here because you believe that your best friends or your secret crush might find you attractive tonight. Bottom line, you’re hoping to impress them.

Or three: you’re definitely here because you want get over your insecurities and prove to everyone else that you’re confident enough to be yourself. Let’s cut the chase, you want people to accept the fact that soon you’re going to be a lady or a gentleman.

 JS Prom is a turning point in your high school life. It is one of the most precious moments that you’ve been waiting for since you were in first year, isn’t it? This is the perfect time for you to come out of your protected shell and be given a chance to socialize with your fellow schoolmates, to establish rapport, camaraderie with your fellow juniors or seniors, to take responsibility of your actions, to develop yourself further and become someone that the whole world is waiting for.

But before we take deeper reflection and put everything into better perspective, let me tell about the cultural significance of JS Prom around the world.  In the United States and Canada, a prom, short for promenade, is a semi-formal dance held at the end of an academic year. Though smaller schools in the US or Canada hold “Proms” open for all students, the bigger schools have two exclusive events the “Junior Prom” and “Senior Prom”. And when these two events were combined, the Junior Class take the responsibility of organizing since they will be left behind when the Senior class will graduate.

The term “Prom” was derived from the late nineteenth century practice of a promenade ball. The end of year tradition stemmed from the graduation ball tradition. Common prom activities include dining, dancing, the crowning of a prom King and Queen, and socializing. Boys usually dress in black tie (a dinner jacket and bow tie), though any sort of formal wear can be worn. Traditionally, girls give boys matching boutonnières to be worn on their tuxedos or waistcoats. Girls traditionally wear formal gowns or dresses adorned with a corsage given to them by their dates.

Other European countries especially in United Kingdom, Proms is also known as Leaver’s Dinner or Dinner-dance. In Argetina and Chile it is called “fiestas de graduación” while “Fiesta de Promocion” is the term used in Peru held in prominent hotels and convention centers.  In Austria is it known as “Maturaball” (derived from the word “mature”).

Bailes de formatura or formal dance is the term referred to proms in Colombia and Brazil.In Germany, it is popularly known as Abi party or Abi ball derived from Abifeier or graduation certificate. In India, it is referred to as “farewell gathering”. In Italy, it is much known as Mak 100 because the event takes place 100 days before the graduation or Šimtadienis in Lithuana.

In Sweden, it is called as Studentbalen or Student Ball and in Turkey is connected with Graduation ball.

In the Philippines, it is popularly known as JS prom, a combined special event among Juniors class and Seniors class usually held in connection with Valentine’s month or February. Traditionally, JS prom is a formal ceremony as turning over of responsibility from the outgoing Seniors to the Juniors.

 And what are these responsibilities? Literally, it include the responsibility of the juniors to take care of the student body, to become good role models of the younger students and set a strong moral, academic and spiritual leadership that would fully develop their self-confidence. Likewise, the Juniors will also accept the challenge from the Seniors of giving honor and great achievements to their alma mater or school that became not only the center of wisdom and learning but as an institution that has close resemblance to their home. Thus, their ever-devoted and persevering teachers that stood out as the molders of their minds should be given outmost respect, a role that resembles their parents at home.

Likewise, JS Prom is an important event for young people because it is aimed to boost not only their self-confidence but develop social grace or the proper way to act on formal occasions in the society. Furthermore, this kind of social event introduce them to society as responsible, ethical and self-motivated individuals ready to accept their relevant social status. So, it feels like a debut or another step in the social life for students in any academic institution wherein they were given a chance to mingle, establish rapport, learn the value of camaraderie and socialize with their fellow youth on their own. Thus, it is appropriate to say that JS Prom is indeed a coming-of-age event for young people to discover the essence of sense and sensibility.             

On the lighter side of pop culture, Proms influenced the themes of various chick flicks or teen movies visually stating why it is important for teenagers to attend this kind of event before graduating in high school. Fashion continuously revives the elegance of formal attires such as gowns for girls or tuxedos among boys.

Unquestionably, JS prom is an event for the young hearts, a red letter day for young people who wanted to understand how it feels to share love and be loved. Every student looks forward to wait for the right time and attend their own JS Prom in high school. If you miss JS Prom, then you missed half of your high school life. For the boys, they say “Patience is a virtue”. Indeed it is true; JS prom is the perfect time for boys to appropriately ask or invite a girl for a dance. And every girl should be nice and accommodating since it is a proper social occasion. Likewise, boys should wait for their turn to dance with the girl they like. Now, if each one of you tonight can exemplify the proper ethics of socialization then that makes you the perfect gentleman and ladies of the occasion.

You see, doing a slow dance with the one you like or fond of during JS prom is not only an initial sign of expressing your emotion or feelings but a gesture of respect and a promise of lasting friendship. “Siyempre indi tanan nga ginainvite mo masaot sa tunga mangin potential girlfriend mo indi bala gentlemen?” Some of them might be your best friend or even your favorite teacher right? I’d like to point out that it’s all about a sense of respect and friendship. “Of course, lovely ladies dapat mangin open-minded kamo to accept these gentlemen for a dance since it is their social privilege to express how much they admire and respect you”.

On the other hand, I know that some of you who haven’t got over with their feeling of shyness or were thinking less about themselves would remain cold and hesitant to mingle or have fun tonight. Be realistic: JS prom is a once in a lifetime chance in high school to freely express yourself and be happy through socialization. Juniors, don’t even forget that you have the responsibility to become responsible Seniors next year who will accept the challenge of becoming effective role models and leaders to the lower years. Seniors, be strong and confident to make the last days of high school worth remembering. Remember that success cannot be measured by medals or wealth alone, significant success comes from your choice to use your heart in sowing seeds of hope to other people, touching their lives and making a difference in the society. Never ever forget your teachers who gave their whole heart in molding you to become the catalysts of change and goodwill. And definitely, if you let this chance slip away then you’ll gonna have a lot of hang-ups after high school. Believe me, I learned from the best teacher—they call it “experience”. But of course when the music starts to play tonight, every one of you should know your limitations especially with the concept of having fun right? But seriously, try to be happy and make this night the perfect JS Prom for yourself. Just let love lead the way…

Now, this is a personal advice to all the Juniors and Seniors:

We all want to have a perfect JS Prom right? Who would not wish for it? And if ever I would given a chance to become 16 again I would want it that way—a JS Prom that perfectly fit my expectations. But you know, I’ve come to realize something better tonight: There’s no such thing as perfect in life. Perfection is only a state of mind, a sort of “wishful thinking” and we can’t live forever in superficial thoughts. In my point of view, we were meant to truly enjoy life if we teach our hearts to accept reality and learn that people around us tonight, our schoolmates, classmates, best friends, crushes, parents, teachers and everyone else that filled our inner universe, the whole concept of the high school journey were there to help us realize that “happy memories” are far more lasting and important than anything else in this world. And if ever we look back a few years from now, we will have no regrets to make.

So cheer up, you don’t need to become somebody else to impress someone tonight. Be yourself, you‘re far more beautiful or handsome than you could ever think of. Just keep that radiant smile in your face because you’ve always been special deep down inside. Never mind if you can’t dance better than your cheerleader classmate. Just dance, leave your hesitations behind and grab someone straight to the dance floor. I’m sure the operator will play your favorite song tonight. You wouldn’t want to miss the chance to dance with someone that can magically hang stars in your infinite sky or make your heart skip a bit for a while. After all, Valentines month isn’t over yet, right?

This is now or never ladies and gentlemen. Tonight, take the chance to make happy memories that would last a lifetime.   Thank you, and good luck!      

This is a speech I wrote and read for the JS prom of Duenas General Comprehensive High School on Feb. 20, 2009 at Duenas Social Hall. I always have hope that my words would always inspire young people not to be afraid to love and fight for love.

Born free again

(A tribute to my grandfather)

When my Lolo, Alejandro Ladiao was born in May 3, 1920, the eldest of five siblings from Brgy. Cabudian, Duenas, Iloilo, his journey has began, a journey that would leave a mark of inspiration in each of us in our family. But before he walked the final road of his life three years ago, he always asked me to write his autobiography, his life story and when he’s gone in this world, I would read it in front of his family, relatives and friends. I usually told him “Lo, gusto ko ya tani kon isulat ko gid man ang istorya sang kabuhi mo…gusto ko handa na gid ang isip ko…pungkuan ta gid mayo kag istoryahan sa tama nga panahon”.  He would respond: “ti to ginasulat mo gani kabuhi sang iban nga tawo sa newspaper dapat  tani kon isulat mo gid man ako akon gid pinakanami ”.  Then he would laugh softly and continue reading the newspaper that he’s holding. I have no concrete response but a smile in my face and told myself that one day I will do it. I realized my Lolo is a deeply sentimental man… just like me. Way back in high school and even in college, I often asked myself where did I got my sentimental nature as a writer. Why do my writings bear mostly my deepest recesses and emotion? When I started to got myself involved in campus journalism and newspaper writing job, he would usually read my articles word-by-word or sometimes bother me with his unending questions about vocabulary. Later, I finally grasped the thought that indeed we have the same level of sentiments when it comes to expressing ourselves.

 But my Lolo is not a writer. He’s a humble carpenter who builds dreams with his hammer and saw. When he was a boy, my Lolo used to tell me that he had big dreams. With his undeniable wit and sensible thoughts, he used to tell me that he always got the admiration of his teachers and classmates in school. Though he doesn’t weave and play with words like me, he was gifted with numbers, a mathematician by heart. But hardship and poverty left him with no choice but to give up his quest to finish his studies and pursue Architecture or Engineering in order to support his family. At a very young age, he stood out as a breadwinner of the family. But behind the struggles of daily life, my Lolo kept several pages of his drawing plan about his dream house that he wanted to build someday, a specific dream that gave him inspiration to transcend such wonderful reverie to his children.

In the wake of World War II in 1940s, my Lolo who was in his late teen, he met my shy and soft-spoken Lola who was seven years younger than him. When Japanese invasion started to send ripples of fear in the country, Alejandro and Monserrat got married, the couple who became my beloved grandparents. When the war ended, they headed to the city to start building a happy family with nine children. Two of their eldest children died in their younger years and only seven of them were able to survive. Still plagued by poverty, my Lolo pursued his humble job as a freelance carpenter and construction worker while my Lola took care of the family. Though my Lolo became a disciplinarian and emphasized the importance of education as their chance to build a better life for his children, he never failed to build a happy home bounded by strong spiritual faith. He knew that his strongest shield is his faith in God.

 With his perseverance and patience amid his meager salary, he was able to send his children to school and taught them to help each other. One by one, his children finished their studies, earned their diploma and became professionals. But the road to success of his children was a tiring journey. There were stories of heart-touching sacrifices and inspiring struggles to pursue their dream. My Lolo used to tell me how his heart breaks deep inside every time he saw his children walked kilometers to go to school or let my Lola carry the burden of fitting his meager salary to the needs of the family. But as the story goes on, his strong faith in God assured him that indeed his children will succeed and fate was truly kind.

Then I was born, his first grandchild. My Lolo assumed his role as a loving grandfather. Then my bother and my cousins were also born. Like me, they were also loved equally by my Lolo as the extension of his dream and hope for the future. For him, we were his sunshine behind the dark clouds that tested his faith to see the brighter side of life. Maybe, it’s also true that when a father becomes a grandfather, his perspective about love deepen even more. He was a good grandfather to us. He was there for us in every step of the way and if ever we lose our way home, his love lead us back to his arms. I am most grateful for my Lolo for everything he did for us. He honestly taught me that money can’t buy everything in this world. But sincerity, forgiveness, contentment and happy memories can conquer every man’s inner universe. 

A month before my Lolo bid his fateful goodbye, I woke up one night surprisingly saw him finishing the drawing of his dream house. I remember him telling me about his drawings when he was a boy, a boy who was destined to become a humble carpenter and a loving family man. I watched him while sketching the final details of his dream house in recycled bond papers. All these years, he never gave up his dream to build a better home for us. And when I literally analyzed his dream… it doesn’t actually mean a big beautiful house that might worth million of pesos to build but instead a small simple home filled with love and happiness that cost nothing. Now I know, this is my lolo’s dream… his dream house is us, his family… Someday Lolo, we will build your dream house.    

For me, my Lolo was a great man. He is the greatest man I’ve ever known in this lifetime and if I might live five more lifetimes I couldn’t accomplished what he had sow, achieved and given for his family. His greatness transcended inspiration of passion and optimism in our family and those people who knew him closely. For me, I would love to remember my Lolo as a leader of the band. His words were capable of giving us wings and lift us up to a higher ground.  My Lolo is not afraid to cry when his heart breaks because he knew he was human enough to understand the matters of the heart. Sometimes, a man needs to cry not to show his vulnerabilities but to admit the existence of the heart. Whenever my Lolo goes he brought a piece of us that only he can return to its proper place and make us whole again. Likewise, he left us seeds of faith to God that if nurtured properly it would lead to an inspiring life. All my life, I never truly had a real father. And finally, fate made me realize that the father I was looking for was right there beside me, waiting for the warmth of my sweet embrace while extending his open arms. For us, his grandchildren, my Lolo was more than a father. He was more than a teacher, a mentor, a confidant, a friend and a best friend. When we were afraid he gave us strength, when we were alone he gave us a family, a home where we could rest our tired hearts. Now I know, my Lolo was a great man because his greatest possession in this lifetime is not worldly things but only his fragile heart, a heart that doesn’t stop loving his family unconditionally.

I know that I didn’t kept my promise to my Lolo to write his life’s story and print it in a newspaper for he is gone to follow a journey that never comes back to us but a road that leads to eternity. The greatest fan of my lonely writings as a sentimental writer had left for good when he took his last breathe in the morning of December 28, 2008 at St. Paul Hospital. It was a peaceful sleep with an eternal smile on his face knowing that his fragile heart led him to fulfill his destiny for our family. Now, no one will bother me with questions about vocabulary and read my writings word-by-word. But I guess, it’s better this way because I understand what God wants me to do—to write my Lolo’s life story through the ways of the heart.    

Thank you, Lolo Andong for everything. You were born free again…

The BEQUEST makes history

By Ronelo Ladiao

Another historical event was made in Iloilo. The BEQUEST: Origin of
Dinagyang, the very-first Ilonggo animated short film created by Kuris
Animation Unlimited in collaboration with Ilongguhit Animators
successfully held a one-night screening at SM Cinema 7 last January 25,
2008, 7PM.

More than 500 excited Ilonggo spectators showed positive response
trooped at the region’s ultimate shopping and entertainment
destination, SM City Iloilo to see The BEQUEST for the first time. The
20-minute 2D and 3D format animated short film done in 2 months with
more than 35,000 drawings by 18 animators was based in the story
concept of Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Director, Benito Jimena. The
breakthrough animated film was directed by Ilonggo animators such as
Ronelo Ladiao, Bryan Jandonero, Marx Ydroy Silva and Diosdado Aguilar,
Jr. in collaboration with their animation instructor, Karlo Sira.
Significant guests of the event were TESDA-Iloilo Director, Lorena
Yunque, WVCST ICT Coordinator, Roly Gambol and Invictus Executive
Director, Jigger Lotoza.

The BEQUEST is a magnificent story about a street child named Niňo
who befriended the parish priest of San Jose Church days before the
Dinagyang Festival. In their conversation, the Priest retold three
separate historical events (Barter of Panay, Baptism of Filipinos for
Christianity in 1521 and The Bequest or the arrival of Sto. Niňo de
Cebu in Iloilo in 1968) to which the true religio-cultural origin of
Dinagyang Festival came from.

Prior the film screening, a one-week animation exhibit entitled
“Dinagyamation” from January 14-20 was held at SM City Iloilo lower
ground floor. The animators are proud products of PGMA-Training for
Work Scholarship Program implemented by Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA) and Western Visayas College of Science
and Technology (WVCST).

Due to consistent demand from various social sectors and students,
The BEQUEST will have another 3-day showing on February 22-25 at WVCST
EDtech Center. Tickets are sold for only P10. For further inquiries and
ticket reservations, you can email the animators at kurisanimators@yahoo.com or text at 09184822338.

As usual, this unique event is presented by WVCST, TESDA, SM City
Iloilo, Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc., Invictus, SM Cinema, The
Daily Guardian, GMA TV-6, Ilonggo Producer’s Association and Deco’s
Batchoy. Co-presented by Mang Inasal, Waffletime, Crest Spa Aroma,
Coffeebreak, Pepsi, Picture City, RMN-Iloilo with special thanks to
Panorama Printing Press, Personalize Expression, Salog Spa, Crest Café
and Salon, Redwood Event Management and News Express.

Kuris Animators’ graduation at SM City

Iloilo

SM City Iloilo, the region’s ultimate shopping and entertainment destination once again hold another unique event with the graduation of the Kuris animators, second batch of Ilonggo animators last October 29, 2007 at 2PM. Under the laudable project of PGMA-training for work scholarship program, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in partnership with Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST) and Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI), the optimistic 27 graduates of Professional 2D Assistant Animators Training course are well-equipped with knowledge in animation especially in inbetween (IB) and cleanup (CU), both part of only one department out of 10 in the animation studio.

For the past six months this year, dynamic animation instructors headed by Project Manager, Engr. Rolly Gambol and Randy Tolentino expanded the hectic training of the second batch of Ilonggo animators to enhance their skills and God-given talents to be versatile in all departments of animation. Thus, giving them opportunities to express their ingenuity and artistic styles both in character-making, scriptwriting, line-testing and computer coloring of their animated outputs. 

The simple but well-attended closing ceremony of the newly-graduated Ilonggo animators that happened for the first time in SM City Iloilo was given an encouraging boost of spirit through the presence of WVCST President, Dr. Luis Sorolla, Jr. who delivered his warm opening message, TESDA Iloilo Director, Lorena T. Yunque shared her optimistic words of inspiration, ACPI Director and TOEI Animation Studio’s General Manager, Nestor Palabrica conveyed his words of encouragement. Invited guest speaker, City Councilor Joe Espinosa III in behalf of Mayor Jerry Treňas expressed his optimism for the upcoming Ilonggo animators.

Kuris, a Hiligaynon term for “a scribbled line” was the chosen group name of the second batch of Ilonggo animators. They we’re proud to showcase their animated group project “The Adventures of Tasi”, the story of WVCST’s statue who became a real boy for one day, Kuris Universe, a compilation of their original animated characters and Kuris Rising, a special documentary about the group’s humble beginning in the world of animation through a wide-screen presentation. Likewise, Dimbox, a group from the first batch of Ilonggo animators unveiled the animated trailer of “The legend of Tibud”, their official entry to ACPI’s animation competition that recently entered in the circle of finalists.

After the graduates received their certificate of completion and oath-taking of Kuris officers led by Dr. Luis Sorolla, the group’s Vice Chairman for External Affairs, Ronelo Ladiao conveyed an inspiring message. Likewise, Project Manager, Engr. Rolly Gambol gave a warm closing message while SM City Iloilo PR Officer, Troy Camarista received the CD and wallpaper poster of the SM Animation from Ilonggo animators, Marx Ydroy Silva and Jonah Buenvenida. Before the program ended with a bang, the 35-seconds SM City Iloilo Animation was unveiled to the public as a surprise presentation courtesy of the combined effort of Kuris and Apex animators.

Aiming high to enhance their talents further, leave a historical mark and sense of pride among the Ilonggos, the hopeful Kuris Animators will combine their artistic prowess with selected Ilonggo animators from the first batch to create a world-class origin story of Dinagyang Festival as their next project. With the growing popularity and demand for Filipino animators globally, these promising Ilonggo animators will surely have their place in the expanding animation industry in due time. The event is sponsored by SM City Iloilo, Mayor Jerry Treňas,

Picture

City

, Ciao! Pizza and Pasta Station, Days Hotel

Iloilo

and Kawayan Resturant.

Ilonggo 2D Animators aim high

“There’s
no better life than living your lifelong passion,” says 21-year-old Robert
Lorenz Gustilo, one of the 35 talented graduating second batch of Professional
Assistant 2D Animation scholars at Western Visayas College of Science and
Technology. Like the rest of his fellow animators born with unique gifts, Robert
is both skilled to draw Anime (Japanese style of animation or Manga), realistic
or portraiture and has interest in doing Western or American style of animation
(inspired by Walt Disney, Looney Tunes, Cartoon Network, Marvel or DC
Comics). 

Since
last year, this breakthrough project that geared towards the empowerment of the
upcoming Ilonggo animators was a visionary effort of the Technical Education
and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) under the leadership of its Secretary
General Augusto “Boboy” Syjuco in collaboration with the Animation Council of
the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI). With TESDA’s effort to provide effective programs
and employment opportunities to many less privilege Filipinos, the 3-months
Professional Assistant 2D Animation was included in the list of courses they
presently offered. TESDA is responsible in accepting applicants with potentials
in 2D Animation after they passed the level 1 examination provided by ACPI that
decides who among them will be granted with scholarships. As TESDA’s scholars,
these youngblood Ilonggo animators were also given the privilege to be called as
“president’s scholars” since this is one of Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s
major priority to provide better job opportunities and alleviate poverty according
to TESDA-Iloilo Director, Lorena Yunque.

After
completing the course requirements and graduation, the scholars will be given a
series of examinations by ACPI to choose who among them will be absorbed for
employment or recommend to some international animation companies abroad.  

The first
batch of 2D Animators composed of day and night class had undergone training
since November last year and graduated last April 11 this year are already starting
their career by accepting freelance projects that involves advertising and
commercials.

“As 2D Animators,
it is our goal to promote the Ilonggo talent globally which I believe could open
a doorway for better jobs to many aspiring animators,” says the 20-year-old
Marx Ydroy Silva, member of APEX Animation and Creative Studios. For him,
patience and perseverance works well when you’re an animator since it involves
hard work and sleepless nights to finish even just a 5-minute animation. Their newly-founded
animation studio is composed of day class animators from the first batch of
graduates who are all are busy finishing their entries (entitled “Kamalig” and
“Medalyon”) for ACPI 2D Animation contest next month.  The first batch group project, an animation
version of the historical “Barter of Panay” recently gained attention on
national TV due to its cultural relevance, highlighting the promising potential
of the Ilonggos in the expanding animation industry. The night class also formed
their own group called Dimbox. 

Likewise,
the second batch of 2D Animators that started their training last April this
year will hopefully graduate later this month. Supposedly, they are only
required to be trained in In-betweening (IB) and Clean-up (CU) tasks that are both
involve in only one department of an animation studio out of 10. But their
animation instructors decided to train them further in scriptwriting,
storyboard-making, character creation, digital inking (involves using Adobe Photoshop
for coloring and Cartoon Television Program or CTP for line testing), and
composting (combining of scenes) that makes up the whole 10 departments.  

Presently,
the second batch of animators is stretching their patience and talents by finishing
a group project which is a 5-minute fantasy-inspired yet informative animation of
WVCST symbolic statue aside from their respective individual projects. The plot
of their group project will revolve around the adventures of TASI (reverse of
ISAT, old name of WVCST) inside the school after he was turned into a real boy
for one day. On the other hand, their individual projects will involve each one
of them to create their own cartoon character, script, and storyboard and
animates it. They were even preparing to make their own entries for ACPI later
this year and had already started to build a website to post their outputs.
Some of them are planning to pursue advance 3D animation after graduation.

“Though
animation takes years of training before you can master this craft, our
3-months 2D Animation course inspired us to pursue our continuous training even
after graduation with hopes to prove our worth,” 24-year-old Leonard Salvarino
uttered while finishing his drawings on top of his lightbox (a bulb-lighted-wooden-box
with round plastic flatform used by animators in drawing). As the elected president
of night class animators, he never gets tired reminding his classmates about
their project deadlines and inspiring them to work together.  

Likewise,
the day class of second batch animators always looks up to 19-year-old Jonah
Buenvenida when it comes to decision making and suggestions how to improve
their outputs as their class president. With his passion and optimism for this
craft, he has these sensible words to share: “I believe Ilonggo animators are
unique because we have a rich cultural heritage that could inspire us in
animating wonderful stories, historical events, folklore and legends. Ilonggos are
also diligent, hardworking and creative”.

For Bryan
Jandonero, an 18-year-old computer programming student has decided to quit
schooling for a while just to focus his attention in 2DAnimation. For him,
becoming an animator is tough and challenging.

“Imagine this;
I need to draw 24 frames of step-by-step action to animate a cartoon character
every second required in a Western or American style of animation to make the
movement smooth after it is scanned and line-tested in the computer. But for
Japanese Anime, it is much easier to draw because it only requires four frames
per second,” he quips while sharpening his pencil.

“But they
say we need to adapt to the Western style of animation because this is much
more in-demand and profitable these days among Filipino animators,” he added.  

“Aside
from having an opportunity to express our creativity, I enjoy our bonding and
friendship that will make us stronger to face any challenges that will come our
way,” reveals Janelyn Minerva of day class, a 21-year-old Information
Technology student of WVCST. Aside from enjoying her usual responsibility in
the scanning department, she also takes charge of making sure his batchmates
had their snacks and coffee especially during late evenings of working together
at school.

WVCST
community as an educational institution has already proven its outmost trust
and confidence to the excellence of Ilonggo artists never fails to show full
support to this worthwhile project that will put not only the

province

of

Iloilo

but the whole

Western Visayas

in the
limelight. This project will not be realized and succeed without the active support
of WVCST administrators headed by Dr. Luis Sorolla, Jr. (President), Dr.
Marjorie Caipang (Vice President for Academics), Prof. Edwin Fos (Vice
President for Administration) and the whole faculty and staff.

Though it
takes a lot of courage, patience and passion to teach, the WVCST Computer
Department led by Maureen Nettie Navarrosa (Department Head), Rolly Gambol
(Project Manager), and 2D Animator Instructors Randy Tolentino, Maricel
Blitanas, Paul Penuela, Carlo Sira, Manfred Von Magat and Roslin John Robles never
hesitated to give a sense of direction for these upcoming Ilonggo animators. Presently,
there are already more than 80 2D Animators that included the first and the graduating
second batch to work for a special project in the near future. 

With today’s
growing popularity of Filipinos in 2D animation internationally, foreign
animation companies are determined on hiring Filipino animators due to their
competitive quality of works. In fact, Filipino animators had contributed a lot
in some

Hollywood

animation movies and cartoon
series in the past but were not given proper credit or recognition.

Now with
the present boosting of Filipino talents in the animation industry, the Ilonggo
animators in particular, are starting up something good and catching up with the
challenges of globalization.

Every
dream has always been entailed with sacrifices and risks before it can be
fulfilled. But after a dreamer proved its worth, he will finally realize that every
dream is worth fighting for at the end of the day.

But for
now, these hopeful Ilonggo 2D Animators needs to spend more sleepless nights
making their imaginations come alive, keep their pencils sharp and stay beside
their lightbox if they wanted to bring their lifelong passion to the next
level.      

Bestfriend

(phase one)

I should be sleeping now. Resting my tired soul from another day which I borrowed from fate, again. Everyday feels like another pain to live and another lonely experience to endure without enough reason to go on.

It’s 12:30 in the midnight and my mind doesn’t want rest. Haunted, bothered and worried. How am I supposed to endure another day tomorrow when the same fear and uncertainties would come knocking at my door?

It’s past midnight but my heart won’t keep me safe from hesitation. My head is on the verge of recalling, remembering or looking back even if I don’t want to dig the memories. They say I am too sentimental sometimes. They say I am too emotional most of the time. And most of the time, I always hesitate to move on and just couldn’t leave the past behind. How am I supposed to do that? When I was made this way and look at the world with so much sentiments and regrets.

I wish I was someone else. I wish I could be stronger like you or anybody else. But I can’t do anything about it rather than follow my heart most of the time and carry the weight of the world at my shoulder whenever I am hurt.

For such a long time already, we know each other by words we wrote in emails or chat conversations. You know that I am emotional most of the time and that makes me more vulnerable than ever. I hope I could wish my feelings away. But these are all part of me and pieces of me wanting to let go.

Well, what can you expect from someone who was born with lonely memories and turn his inner sentiments into foolish poetic mumblings? I may be artistic in weaving words into enigmatic lines but it all came from my inner woes and unspoken melancholy. I need to remember the hurt, how I was hurt and who hurt me just to write something misunderstood. Though it feels good to write about it still it makes me a weaker man, a vulnerable soul.

Friend, I’ve had enough of useless words circling around the bushes of my denial and excuses. I’ve had enough of everything that keeps me hold back the tears meant to flow or wounds that deserves healing… inside.

I’m afraid to call someone my bestfriend because sometimes being friends is the best excuse to hurt someone who expected to be treated more than a friend. I don’t to avoid that “word” just because it might lead to disappointments. It is because I usually fall for that one.

I don’t want to fall for a friend whom I realized I truly care about the day he forgot to say goodbye on our graduation day. God, I realize I was a fool to neglect him during those times he tried to reach out to me. He tried to show me how it feels to care for people selflessly and expect no return. He was there to show me the meaning of keeping my feet on the ground and accept that not everything in life is about loneliness. He taught me that music is a channel of emotions. Whether ballad or rock it’s still rooted in love. He taught me that not all people are fake and I should open my heart to understand what others should feel. We were so good, the best of friends and he was a friend who always forgive me whenever I did something wrong.

Our friendship was challenge by judgmental minds around us and people who don’t understand how it is to truly love your bestfriend even without telling him how much he means to me (deep inside). He was a friend who taught me that I shouldn’t care what other people might think about us because what we share was real and sincere. But on the night he told me how much I mean to him, I hold back and shut my mouth about how I truly feel just because I couldn’t accept who I really I am and why I tend to feel this way.

Then I started to make fun of his emotions and mistreated him hoping he would always forgive me. I just thought that he was always ready to forgive me and understand me if I would hurt him. I always thought that he would accept all my excuses just because my parents did all the excuses to break my heart and gave me all the reason not to trust people since I was young.

It took more than a year to cling on to my worthless pride by not talking or ignoring him even if he was trying to reach out for me. But I was stonehearted outside just to show him that I don’t need him. But the truth is, I am brokenhearted inside longing to hold him, talk to him and tell him how I miss the things we used to do. I miss those times we were talking nonsense stuff outside their garden at night while counting the stars in the night sky. I miss his nonsensical jokes that made me laugh and watch his cute eyes wink. I miss those times when he used to share the answers of our math quiz because I am pathetic when it comes to this subject. And all I can do every time I miss him was to hide behind the wall and watch him waiting for me from afar.

So when I promise myself to finally break the silence and talk to him on our graduation day, he never showed up. I can’t forget how my classmates appreciate the tears I shed on our graduation ceremony. They thought I cried for them because we were parting ways soon and start a new life ahead, grow up and finally leave high school life behind. But they were wrong because deep inside, I cry for my bestfriend who failed to say goodbye on our graduation day.

He failed to attend our graduation and say goodbye because he was trying his luck for a scholarship interview. He never told me that before he disappeared because I was pathetic to hold on to my worthless pride for a long time. And denied the reality that he was trying to be there for me amid the silence I created between us. I did the biggest mistake of my life and that mistake haunts me more than ever. For the past seven years, my regret was turned into a memory of loneliness that would haunt me in my sleep every night. He was always there, making me feel guilty and incomplete.

It took me seven years to finally got the chance to meet him face to face again. But that special moment only lasted for 20 minutes because I decided to leave. I want to talk to him but something tells me to runaway. To let him go even if the heart never wanted to let go… of everything we’ve been through. So I walk away even if his hands were pulling me back. I left because I had to hide my tears and look again in his enigmatic eyes that silently express of how much I mean to him. But when I started to look back, I lost him again in oblivion, in uncertainty, hoping that fate would set our path to cross again. And before he faded away, all I got was blank text messages and unspoken words of his true feelings.

The meeting happened again but after nine years. But it is too late this time. Too late to realize that he was already married and my chances to talk was over.

They say first love never dies. As for me, it dies but not the experience or the lessons learned. So I decided that when another bestfriend comes around, I would choose the other way around. No more silence or denials but only certainty and selfless response.

And it did come knocking at my door again. But this time, a bestfriend isn’t always the best one your heart chooses and my perception about love would change.

Did I get what I wished for?

It’s 2:30 AM and I should live another day tomorrow, again.

(end of phase one…)

Hale invades SM City Iloilo

By Ronelo Ladiao

No other sensational bands in the country today plays genuine melodramatic songs with an impressive alternative genre influence like Hale known for their chart-topping singles "The Day You Said Goodbye", "Toll Gate" and "Kung Wala Ka".

Their presence in the music scene has captivated millions of younger audience, scored a 2x platinum selling debut album, hot music videos and prestigious recognitions from various award-giving bodies. With a new album entitled "Twilight", Hale tours around the country to promote their music. SM City Iloilo, the region’s ultimate entertainment and shopping destination recently captivated Hale’s loyal fans with a mini-concert-cum-album-promotion last November 19, 2006 at the mall’s activity center.

As early as 3pm, the band’s Ilonggo fans were already anticipating their presence to meet and greet them. By 5pm, the mall’s activity center was filled with cheers and excitment as the band started to show up on stage and play their alternative-inspired music. Young girls were shouting and taking pictures of the band while playing on stage especially to the crowd favorite, Champ Lui Pio, Hale’s talented lead vocals.

Prior to their awesome performance on stage, this writer was a give a chance to chat closely with Champ and his band members composed of Roll Martinez - guitars, Sheldon Gellada - bass, Omnie Saroca - drums. With angelic face and soft voice, Hale’s frontman started to narrate the band’s humble beginning in July 2004. Instead of playing indie and performing in various underground gigs, they focused on playing their original compositions. Less than half a year later, Hale signed a recording contract with EMI Philippines for a debut album which became a phenomenal success after their second single "The Day You Said Goodnight". Fans and music lovers were responsible in placing their songs at the top of the charts through massive text votes.

"Our musical influences ranges from Coldplay’s melodramatic alternative music, The Corrs, Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer and the rock icon Nirvana," reveals Champ who wears a white-fitted shirt at the backstage. For the band, they wanted to reach out to the sentiments and relate emotionally not only to their fans but for people who loves music. As much as possible, they make their music worth listening, the lyrics are honest and artistic. "Our second album ‘Twilight’ offers more songs that are worth listening which reflects our personal views and expressions that we ought to share with our fans and to other people who likes good alternative music," says Champ who’s deeply optimistic for their 2007 US concert tour will kick off soon. The new album’s title was taken from their idea of a ’space between lightand dark’ that symbolizes life’s choices. He’s got a lot of favorite songs in their new studio album but "Shooting Star" is somehow close to his heart.

When asked to describe himself in three words, he vividly says: "By nature, I am a martyr (for love), honest and passionate". Since a lot of young ladies admire his charisma, the 24-year-old charming band vocalist describes his ideal girl as modest, loyal and passionate.

"For us, fame is just a state of mind and when it fades out someday, everything doesn’t matter," Champ expresses his opinion about their growing popularity. For them, establishing freindship with other local bands and keeping their feet on the ground would lead them to success and contentment. The only thing that matters for them is to share and express their musical creativity.

"I know it’s quite usual to say these, but we should think and try our best to contribute anything for the betterment of country. It is our conviction to help uplift and promote local alternative music," a member of the band uttered while preparing to face their screaming fans on stage. With a promising career in the music industry, Hale never gets tired of creating great music that exemplify their lifelong passion.

For comments and news about the band, fans can visit their website at hale_music@yahoogroups.com