ArtVid 4: Ronald Tamfalan

Ronald Tamfalan paints his thoughts in the 4th series of ArtVid

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ArtVid 3: Caera & Edward

Caera Grace Lastimosa Agduma and Edward James Perez Sinforoso express the other side of their creativity in the 3rd series of ArtVid.

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VJ E supports local artists in SOCSKSARGEN

“I support the local artists here in SOCSKSARGEN,” says Elaine

   “I support the local artists here in SOCSKSARGEN,” says Elaine. She is one of the few people in Region XII who has genuine support for local artists. Her vision to uplift the music scene in SOCSKSARGEN is making slowly but surely progress. She is a superwoman who likes to multi-tasks for the love of her show and for the talented musicians that mostly benefited from it.

   I conducted an informal interview in their small yet very productive studio in Brigada News Station. While I’m in the studio, I got the chance to witness the workflow of their daily show. As an observer, I was really amazed on how she handles the demand of her work. It’s like she’s working in a busy fast food restaurant that serves news and entertainment. She does multi-tasking to run their show (except the technical side). Can you imagine if you are in her shoes? 

   It was Saturday when I interviewed her. She hosts for her Saturday Music countdown and if there’s a chance to have a break, she answers my questions. When the moment came to have a chat, I saw in her the burning passion. This kind of trait is rare nowadays. Since many have become busy finding security rather than their purpose in life. I admire her honesty and upbeat personality. She never hesitates to answer my questions. I’m thankful that she bestows her trust to me knowing the fact that we only just met (in person) in this interview. 

   Cherry Elaine Ong Sormillo or popularly known as VJ E was a graduate of AB Mass Communication major in Broadcasting at the Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU). She started as a DJ for Love radio (both in GenSan and Koronadal city) before she landed in Brigada station. 

   She experienced all kinds of work in the station. She became radio DJ/host, she experience being an anchorwoman; she also work in the marketing department and she even endorse some of the products of the station. She describes her career in the station as on and off status. But later on she finally committed herself to be the VJ of one of the top rated show of the station – The Brigada Music Videos (BMV). She was contacted to be the replacement of VJ Melody in the show. Because that time, VJ Melody focuses in her law school. This opportunity cemented her career as a promising VJ. 

   “When I accepted this job, I totally changed the programming of the show,” recounts Elaine. She changed the format of show to have a fresh look for the viewers. She acquired inspiration from MTV and MYX with a localized twist. She emphasizes the importance of the local artists. She includes their songs and music videos in the show. 

“It’s an easy for me to host in this kind of show because I’m into music,” says Elaine.

   “It’s an easy for me to host in this kind of show because I’m into music,” says Elaine. Her natural love for it makes her memorable in the minds of her viewers. That’s why she makes sure that all demographics could relate to the songs/videos in their playlists.

   She is a “one man army” of her show. “I’m the Director, Writer, Host, and Production Staff of my own show,” Elaine says. “Brigada station is not ABS-CBN that has resources to hire for additional personnel. We only just starting and I’m thankful that I have total creative control of my show.”

   In this kind of job, stress is normal. That’s why her stress reliever would be going out to see the beach or food to ease her (not in a depressing way). In her busy schedule, she finds time for her family and closest friends. 

   Elaine somehow becomes a local celebrity because of the influence of her show. “For me it’s a bit weird when someone recognizes you as VJ E,” says Elaine. “For example, when I was walking in the area of St. Elizabeth Hospital, someone shouted ‘VJ E!’.” 

   Most of the bashers/haters that she encounters in her show are criticizing her looks than her hosting skill. “Since we do not have avid sponsors, I only wear simple outfits. But I do not mind it because I more into my hosting responsibility than taking time wearing flamboyant dress.” 

“In this industry, it is not surprising that the people you encounter or work with shows different façade. I learn to be tough and to be not affected in them. I just do my job well and never let my guard down.”

   When she becomes a VJ, she has learned so many things. “Before I don’t have patience,” tells Ellaine. “Because of my show, I learn to have it. I also learn to balance things when I become a VJ.” She also learns to assess people in her field. “In this industry, it is not surprising that the people you encounter or work with shows different façade. I learn to be tough and to be not affected in them. I just do my job well and never let my guard down.”

   “I want the local artists to be known. I want them to have the chance or the opportunity to show their talent,” Elaine asserts.

   “It’s unfortunate that there’s no enough support for our local artist. It’s hard to be alone in this kind of advocacy. But I have still hope and that’s why I exert more effort to promote them thru Brigada Music Video and Tunog Local.” She wants Tunog Local to be more localized. She wants to promote it in the barangays and municipalities. “I want the local artists to be known. I want them to have the chance or the opportunity to show their talent,” Elaine asserts. Thru her show many artists are inspired to make their songs and music videos. Her show becomes an avenue to showcase it. 

"But the most important thing is that I am paid for my passion.” 

   “What’s the good thing about being a VJ is the free stuff,” says Elaine. “I love the free gifts, the free food and many people would like to befriend me. But the most important thing is that I am paid for my passion.” She doesn’t settle for less. She really pushes the limit and always thinks outside the box. Time will tell that her vision will become reality; that all her efforts will have awesome returns. 

“Aim high, shoot low,” as she declares.

   “Aim high, shoot low,” as she declares. “I want to uplift the local music scene thru my show,” Elaine confesses. “I want to promote the “tulungan system” where everybody collaborates for the same goal.”

originally posted in Yadu Karu's Blog

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MSU EdTech Film festival: As one of the strategies for learning

Prof. Precy Regalado and her students during the 3rd MSU EdTech Film Festival

photo by Farrah Princess Restuaro

   Film is not only use as a medium for artistic expression and social action. The educators also use it as a medium for instruction. The College of Education in Mindanao State University-GenSan has this subject called Educational Technology (1 & 2). The class of Prof. Precy Regalado and Prof. Diane Mae Ulanday has this unique approach in dealing this subject. They use film as one of the learning tools for their students. 

   Three years ago, Prof. Regalado conceptualized the MSU EdTech film festival to showcase the creative outputs of her students. In its third year, the festival has its theme called “A tapestry of SOCSKSARGEN’s culture and beliefs”. Its objectives are to develop the talents and skills of students in filmmaking; and to promote the cultural values and beliefs of tri students in MSU. “The film activities that we have conducted will make my students globally competitive educators in the future,” Prof. Regalado says. The festival was held last March 15, 2015 at SM GenSan Trade Hall 2. As expected, it was successful and produced promising filmmakers in Region XII. 

   “This course focuses on the development of earning packages by utilizing the latest information and communications technologies in their design, production, and use in the instruction setting. It will expose the students to the multimedia applications in teaching and to alternative systems by making use of the MOLE, Computer-Based Instruction, online learning activities, Treasure Hunts and Web Quests, and the Intel Teach to the future pre-service curriculum as avenues for both teaching and learning.” 

   The festival has two categories – the short film category and short documentary. Nasser, a story of a lad who is torn between his education and familial obligation, won the coveted Best Film in short film category. While Abyan (Companion) won the Best Short Documentary not only in EdTech Film Festival but also in the 14th Kabantugan Awards. Chiriath Jearim Fernandez, the Director of Nasser and Farrah Princess Restauro, the Director of Abyan, are not timid to share their experiences in filming their first short films.

Chiriath, the Director of Nasser, shares his experience in filmmaking.

   The stories of both films were conceptualized during their brainstorming session with their group mates. “In our meeting we share stories. At first we have a story and presented it to Maam Diane, our consultant and Adviser, but she rejected it because it was a common one,” says Chiriath. “We meet again and think of a better story. Until one of my classmates shared about the story of his brother who had experience training in MILF camp. Maam Diane likes it and we pursue the story.” 

   “We have also brainstorming session with my group,” says Farrah. “We have a series of meeting to come up with the best story for our documentary. Until one of our classmates shared about his brother-in-law. We presented it to Maam Precy and she approved it.” 

   Just like other groups in their class, they have also contributed some amount to materialize the project. They have also asked for solicitations and sponsors to cover expenses. In the case of Chiriath, Barangay Pananag in Maasim Sarangani Province supported their project. Since most of their scenes were shot there, the barangay and its people extends their help to their group and provided logistical support. On the other hand, Farrah’s team has also received support from the people that they have collaborated. Through their participation and guidance they are able to make their documentary. 

   Nasser’s theme becomes apt in today’s peace process condition. The Mamasapano incident became their motivation to pursue their film project. “In our film, we want to share that war is not the solution to attain peace. As what Nasser, the protagonist of the film says – ‘War is not the solution to achieve peace, it’s better to be educated,’” Chiriath points out. 

   “One of our unforgettable experiences while filming Nasser was when the actor mistakenly identified as an army because he’s wearing a camouflage. We were really nervous that time because we are in the territory of the MILF. But we are thankful that the brother of my classmate was there to explain our purpose in the area,” Chiriath recounts.

Farrah, the Director of Abyan, entrusted her faith in God to finish his first short film.

   In the case of Abyan, faith is their reason why they make their documentary. “The cultural belief in superstition is embedded deeply into our culture that it’s difficult to unravel,” says Farrah. “Before we conduct our interview, we start with a prayer.” During the shoot, they felt the presence of the Abyan. For example, their DLSR camera would shut down for no particular reason. There’s one instance that their camera would easily overheat. Faith in God serves as their protection in making their project. “It needs faith to believe,” Farrah declares. 

   In shooting their first film, they have learned lessons that they would never forget. “We learn to be patient, to have perseverance, to give trust to each other and most especially to have faith in God. We never surrender despite the challenges we have encountered,” recounts Farrah. 

   “Through making our short film, we learned to listen to the ideas of our group mates. We learned that unity is the best option we have to make if we want to succeed in this project,” says Chiriath. 

   Their efforts were paid off when they won the top awards. Both of them did not expect the decision of the juries of the film festival. 

   “I’m not expecting that we’re going to win,” says Chiriath. “It’s an unexpected moment.” 

   “We did not expect that we would get the Best short documentary award,” says Farrah. “We are thankful that most of the audience during the event are happy and said that our film is unique.” 

   I admire their courage in pursuing their stories for their films. In the case of Nasser, their short film is one of the proactive ways in advocating peace in Mindanao. In the case of Abyan, I salute them for being brave in pursuing the story despite the supernatural incidents they have encountered. 

   “In spite of harsh criticisms you get, stand what you believe is right,” says Chiriath. “Share stories that have impact to the lives of the viewers.” 

   “We should give our best,” Farrah says. “We should never surrender in the challenges we encounter. We should have faith in Him.”

PRODUCTION TEAM of Nasser 

DIRECTOR: Chiriath Jearim Fernandez

ASST.DIRECTOR: Sheraina Usop

SCRIPTWRITERS: Chiriath Jearim Fernandez, Sheraina Usop, Avalyla Pagadatan and Armel Ian Fernandez

TRANSLATORS: Sheraina Usop, Rowaiza taman and Abdurrahem Maton

LOCATION MANAGER: Sittie Joraina Ramirez

CAMERA MAN: Josephine Tejada

Technical Asst.Jana Zaragoza

EDITOR: Josephine Tejada

Creative consultant: Prof.Diane Mae Ulanday

DIRECTOR: Chiriath Jearim Fernandez

ASST.DIRECTOR: Sheraina Usop

SCRIPTWRITERS: Chiriath Jearim Fernandez, Sheraina Usop, Avalyla Pagadatan and Armel Ian Fernandez

TRANSLATORS: Sheraina Usop, Rowaiza taman and Abdurrahem Maton

LOCATION MANAGER: Sittie Joraina Ramirez

CAMERA MAN: Josephine Tejada

Technical Asst.Jana Zaragoza

EDITOR: Josephine Tejada

Creative consultant: Prof. Diane Mae Ulanday

Production Staff

Name	Position
Marjorie Barrientos	Leader/ Technical Director
Farrah Princess Restauro	Director
Joderic Lebrita	Assistant-Director
Reena Mae Lustan	Director of Photography
Earl Precious Gem Neri	Asst. Director of Photography
Fetche Mae Benlot	Production Manager\ Asst. Art Director
Ria Bayato	Art Director
Queenie Aringa	Assistant Art Director
Shiny Osorio	Location Director
Shirly Joy Kiyugan	Assistant Location Director/ Secretary
Justine Deramon	Make-up Artist
Excel Grace Gamolo	Make-up Artist/ Food Committee
Jade Duran	Make-up Artist
Ariane Tambukong	Make-up Artist
Almira Yusop	Wardrobe/ Food Committee
Prexy Humang-it	Wardrobe
Kimverly Pabicon	Wardrobe/ Treasurer
Julie Ann Babao	Food Committee
Mary Barbie Ronulo	Food Committee
Belinda Domingo	Script Writer
Esther Pujol	Food Committee

originally posted in Yadu Karu's Blog 

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ArtVid 2: Axl Grico

ArtVid is a series of experimental short videos that showcases the different artists in SOCSKSARGEN. In the second series, Axl Grico bares his identity as a young rap artist in GenSan.

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Ang Ikalabindalawang Paraiso

   Champ Biala’s ‘Ang Ikalabindalawang Paraiso’ album expresses his creativity into the next level. As a musician, he always makes new twists for the ears’ gratification. Among the 5 tracks in the album, 3 are my favorites. They are Sulo, Uhaw Napawi and Ang Ikalabindalwang Paraiso. The album is created for the tourism Ad campaign of Region XII. 

   The album is a fusion of nature’s music and indigenous vibe. It can be compared to New Age Music with Electro popish sound. It has an enigmatic sensation that can be a source of contemplation. The album becomes escapism for a jaded soul waiting to be replenished; a soul that wants to be intoxicated in the beauty of the 12th Paradise.

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