Chillax and the irony of its title

   Chillax - a colloquial term for relax. It’s a combination of the words – chill and relax, which has the same meaning. This term is the new song of AXL GRICO and Licko’One. As you listen to the song, it has this relax, sexy, hypnotic and stoned vibe. It best played especially in the summer season. 

   AXL asked my help to direct their music video. It’s our second collaboration and I want it to be different. I want to take this video into the next level. Just like before, we had a series of meetings to discuss the concept and to prepare for the production requirements. John the owner of Pigshot clothing became the producer of the video. It is also our first meeting with Licko’One and I interviewed him in order for me to know his qualities as a rap artist. Fortunately, he was cooperative and contributed his share in the video. Since I came up with the sexy-hypnotic concept, I casted models to be featured in it. The two rappers liked the idea and they recommended models to be featured in the video. Then we started to prepare its production requirements.

   It’s ironic how I am not chillax before the shoot. I am a bit stress in finding the right models, the location and the preparation for the right production requirements. Since they do not have exposure in film/music video production, I made adjustment in order to relate to them. I modified its concept due to budgetary constraint and the “limited time of preparing it”. It’s a bit hard for me in the sense that they do not know what they were doing. I guided them so that it would not be disastrous during the shooting day. Moreover, I adjusted my hectic schedule and canceled my other appointments just to be sure the video will be shot in the planned schedule. 

   Despite all the challenges that we encountered, the music video was still shot in the intended dates. Although the concept that I have envisioned was not 100% materialized, I am still thankful that it went well. I shared to AXL my sentiments about the music video. I said to him that next time you want me to direct your music video you should prepare enough time and budget for it. He should not make rush decisions about it. 

   I hope they learned something from our shoot. I hope they realize that it’s not enough to have many followers or views in Youtube. I hope they realize that producing a quality artwork is not as easy as counting 1, 2, 3. I hope that the “fame” they experience would not consume them and forget other important things in life. 

   Through this music video I appreciate the essence of time. The value of right timing is really important if I want to be successful. That’s why I decided to shoot my third short film next year. I would not rush it and make the same mistakes just what my second film experienced. I will prepare enough budgets, collaborate with the right artists and make the right plan for the production requirements.

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Chillax (Official Music Video)

AXL GRICO (left) and Licko'One (right) 

This is the official music video of AXL GRICO & Licko'One entitled Chillax. 

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The turning point

'Jamir' – was the title of my second short film. So far, it was the turning point of my career as a filmmaker. Why I say so? Because making this short film taught me a memorable lesson that is useful in my future projects. 

The film is about a boy who is torn between his familial obligations and his education. ‘Jamir’ is somewhat my statement about the peace agreement between MNLF/MILF and the Philippine Government. This short film was supposed to be premiered in foreign film festivals. Unfortunately, it did not make it nor should I say I did not submit it because of the “disastrous” outcome of it. 

I felt disappointed because of many reasons. One of the main reasons was I collaborated with the wrong people. That time, I was so overwhelmed by the idea of collaborating with Andrei Karoly Hernandez (a.k.a. Amaya Han) and my batch mate in GenSan Summer Film Camp 2013, Meika Vieve Catog (a.k.a. Lady M Chua). I thought they were good as a team in the film project. It turned out to be the opposite. 

My instinct told me not to pursue it because it shown signs like they did not read the script before we shoot the film. But I did not mind it because I was too stupid in clinging in such idea. I’m expecting that they’re good because Amaya Han is a film student in San Carlos University (in Cebu City) and Meika is a Mass Communication student in New Era University (Manila). 

That stupid mistake led to a domino effect type of disaster. I don’t mean to be a whiner here or to play the blaming game but after our shoot I was a bit depressed because of its outcome. I contacted them for several times. All they have were excuses implying they’re not interested anymore. I contacted them due to the fact that the film is problematic in terms of its technical aspects. I don’t know why they acting that they are not part of the film project. 

Instead of stressing myself of contacting them, I made a plan B to fix it. Instead of reshooting the film (as suggested by Teng Mangansakan), I only reedited it. My sister (who is the Producer of the film) and I decided to move on with it. If someone asks about the project, we never say any remarks on it. 

We are thankful that Teng Mangansakan considers ‘Jamir’ for the 2014 SalaMindanaw International Film Festival. And because of this, I submitted the film to the 10th Mindanao Film Festival and it was nominated for Best Film (in short film category). 

Even though they are spreading bad rumors about us, my sister and I don’t give a damn on it. We already moved on and looking forward to make the next film project. Because of this experience, we now assess our collaborators before a project begins. We really learn our lesson. 

I write this blog because it’s part of (my) history. It serves as a reminder that I should be smart, strategic and faithful to my vision as Director. It serves as proof that I should collaborate with people with the same wavelength as mine. This is not the sign of bitterness but enlightenment. I write this piece because I moved on.

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'Jamir' teaser pt1

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Sekreto Music Video Teaser

Here are the teasers for the Music video entitled SEKRETO by Axl Grico feat. Joycel

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Pegasus: The Behind the Scenes

   Making a music video is a dream come true. Collaborating with smart and talented artist like Making Bianca inspires me in many ways. Our busy schedules are not a hindrance to shoot the music video. I am thankful that I collaborated with smart and cool artists who prefer to spend their time creatively for the love of art. 

   I do not expect that my first music video would be as spectacular as what we have seen in MTV. As the resources dictates, I need to be resourceful and creative to have desired output. Luckily, the cast and crew was really good to work with despite some problems arise during the shoot. 

   During the shoot of the video, it is expected that problems may rise. So the challenge is how you will solve it in a creative way. For example, the lead actress was not present during the second day of the shooting. We did not know what motivates her to act that way. Before we separate ways in the first day of shoot, it was clear to all of us that we still have second day shoot and we should come early. With that incident, I prepared my Plan B to cover up the “damage”. 

-Behind the scenes photos of PEGASUS-

   Given that I do not have equipment like DSLR camera, I have concepts and ideas that are worth sharing. As of now, equipment is not my priority. I am more concern on finding the right team to collaborate with. If you have solid, smart, creative, fun and easy to work teammates, for me it’s like winning in a lottery. Camera and other equipment are easy to find if you have money, but a great team is not.

   I am really blessed that J.Leonida was there and lend not only her camera but also her time and skills to be my Cinematographer in the music video. “It is my first time to make a music video”, as she said. She does not have an experience for shooting a video. Throughout the process of making a music video, we are all learning from each other. No overlapping of tasks. We work harmoniously for the anticipated outcome. I am also thankful that the Political Science students of MSU-GenSan were really supportive of Making Bianca. To show their support, most of them starred in the music video. 

Meeting the Band

   I first met Andrew Yatar and Arjay Lim (of Making Bianca) at the Mindanao State University (GenSan) campus. Harlem Jude Ferolino (The Voice of the Youth-GenSan) and Ronnie Barrientos (GenSan Youth Network) introduced me to them. I get interested of primarily because I am motivated to do a music video and finding the right artist to be featured in it. It is a good thing that the band has original compositions that have great lyrics. Since they are Political Science students, some of their songs reflect the social flaws of the Philippine society. Their themes and subjects really inspire me to pursue directing their video. 

   Before we shoot the video, I first consulted them about the concept. I interviewed them and asked some questions related to their band and their songs. As a director, I make a point that I consulted the artist what he/she would like to incorporate in the video. After that, I conceptualize and interpret it visually to the have desired output. I am honored that they loved the concept. 

The Lesson

   I have learned a lot from shooting this video. I do not spend my time and energy to those wannabes whose job is to pretend that they are passionate about their craft. Whether photography, modeling or any other art medium, a true artist transcends despite all the odds. He/she is not concerned whether he/she gets paid or become famous after the shoot. In short, passion speaks for itself.

The Video

   Here's the music video that we have created. I hope that you will enjoy it and reflect on its message. 

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Pegasus by Making Bianca

Iguoi Films, LS Media Productions and in partnership with J. Leonida present – the PEGASUS music video. Song by Making Bianca – an independent band from Mindanao State University-GenSan. Enjoy! 

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1st blog post

photo from sam-sadler.com

This is my first blog post. This site is under construction.

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