The Beginnings of Cebuano Rock Music | Lorenzo "Insoy" Niñal | TEDxUniversityofSanCarlos

Repost: "How do you start a new genre of music? When you have no directo benchmarks to follow, where do you begin? Insoy shares his journey as he tells us how he started what is known today as BisRock and BisPop along with a surprise that just shocked the audience."

"Insoymada isn’t the daily bread, but he can breathe life into words. A columnist and songwriter, his passion lies in the dialect, bending it in all its forms; sa balak, sa suwat, sa kanta. Insoy is also one of the brains and hands behind Vispop, and sings for Missing Filemon."

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Who Killed Philippine Cinema?: Pepe Diokno at TEDxADMU

photo by Excuse my French

Repost: "How open is the window by which we view the world? Pepe Diokno is a motion picture director, producer and screenwriter. He was awarded in the Venice Film Festival a Lion of the future award for his debut film, Engkwentro. Let's take a peek through his lens"

"He grows the nation by showing us what we need to see"

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The Undying Dream of Pangarap music video

   I did not expect that I would shoot another music video last year. After Chillax, I promised myself not to shoot another one if my collaborators are imbecile. But I broke my promise for some unexplained reason. I also cannot refuse Marlon (Licko’One) since he is my friend and for my advocacy of helping independent artists. Pangarap (Dream) is somehow a reminder of my dreams in life. It is like a wakeup call to continue pursuing my dreams.

   It was timely knowing the fact that I felt down last December. I did not have the drive to do creative things last year. After the activities during the previous months, I dedicated the month of December for a good rest and contemplation. It was also a detoxification of toxic people that I have socialized.

   I undoubtedly said yes when Marlon asked me to direct his music video. It was fast. I did not pause and think of what was the implication of my decision. As I expected, I had difficulty working with them (except for Marlon since it was our second collaboration). Since they do not have background in shooting a music video, I adjusted myself to get along with them. It was pain in the ass especially Cynille Kaye (co-singer) and Michael Pagco (the videographer). They did not have the sense of professionalism that I imagined.

   Again, we did not have the hi-tech equipment to fully materialize my concept. I just did the same old trick of improvisation. I was expecting that Michael would provide the necessary equipment because he volunteered himself and made a promise during our meeting. But he broke his promise and I end up being the main Cinematographer. Thanks to Dado’s initiative that he became my instant Production Manager during the shoot.

   I did the magic trick to compensate the lapses. I would not let the music video to be a wreck. I stick to the original concept in which I incorporated ordinary people to give hope that dreams do come true. I want to give the audience the feeling of encouragement to continue pursuing their dreams no matter what status they are in life. I also put some element of Marlon’s dreams and my interpretation of it.

   Making the music video was a therapy. It was like finding myself in the midst of uncertainty. I am still thankful even though the shoot did not have the spectacular equipment or the ideal crew. The limited resources are not hindrance for creativity. Just like what I said in my previous blog posts, making a music video is my experimentation of concepts. It is a perfect moment to play ideas.

   The experience of making it served as hope to continue dreaming and take concrete actions out of it. It is epiphany as the poet claims. It is deus ex machina as a Greek tragedy proclaim. Whatever would it be I am fortunate I to have it. I am thankful to the Supreme Being for giving the experience of dreaming again.

Please watch the music video below:

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December Blues

   December – the month where I feel lazy, depressed and tired of everything. I do not know why I feel that way. Maybe I absorb too much negative vibes this year that it has a late effect on my part. I feel so uninspired. I feel so cynical about life. I feel like all my positive energy has been vacuumed that I am too disoriented to notice. I write this piece because I want to release this feeling through writing. 

   I noticed that my positive outlook in my life is starting to fade away. It seems that I become indifferent. It changed the way I think, the way I speak and the way I get along with people. Up until now, I am still contemplating its cause. 

   It is weird because I am always thinking of death. It is like I am obsessed with the thought of dying. I feel like I am Emily Dickinson who always thought about death. If I die, do I have an impact to the world? Do I achieve something? Or am I depressed that is why I think about those things? Maybe I am just surrounded by toxic people in the past months that I tend to deny its subtle effects in my system. 

   At the bright side, I am somehow thankful because I have the time to think about my life. What I am doing now to have a wonderful future. Is there career advancement in the past five years? Am I successful? Or I am just delusional about it? 

   I missed my own activities. I missed my blogging activities, my own travels, the genuine socialization and the interview sessions; my pleasurable reading and film activities, community immersion and my own research. That is why I read career and inspirational books as well as videos to get inspired. I felt lost for a while and I need to go back in the right track. I need to detach myself from negative people as well as their intolerable gimmicks. 

   December – the last month of the year. It is a perfect moment to reflect. It is a perfect moment to contemplate on the things that happened in 2015. It is the right moment to review goals and mission in life. It is the right month to reenergize for the next year’s relevant activities. I need to reinvent myself for the better. I need to be myself again to be sane and germane. 

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Pangarap teaser

Pangarap teaser 2

by Licko'One feat. Cynille Kaye

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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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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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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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Paul Llanos and his Portrait of Literature

   Among many photographers that have existed today, only few show remarkable ability that makes them standout in their field. One of them is Paul Fernandez Llanos, a photographer who displays not only his incredible eyes in taking photos but also his sincere love for photography. 

   Paul was graduated in Notre Dame of Dadiangas College (now Notre Dame of Dadiangas University) with the degree of Bachelor of Science major in Computer Science. His interest in photography took shape after he graduated in college. It started as a hobby that eventually turned into love affair. He joined his friends in taking wedding photography shoot to experience the fun of it. As they say, the rest is history. 

   “At first, I am not aware that I have a talent in photography. I just join my friends, take photos and enjoy it,” Paul says. 

   When he uploaded these photos in his Multiply account, someone noticed it and contacted Paul. “When I posted it in my Multiply page, I did not expect that someone would appreciate my photos. I didn’t intend to brag it or to persuade someone. I just wanted to share it. Then an OFW contacted me and wanted me to be her photographer in their wedding,” Paul says. “She was my first client and I am glad that she appreciated my output.” 

   Paul is a self-taught guy. He learns photography thru scouting and reading photography lessons in the internet. He also learns from his good friends as well as attending some photography workshops. 

   As a wedding and portrait photographer, he is not fond of looking of other photographer’s work because it may hamper his creativity. But he also admits that he has idols in this field. “I try not to look at other photographer’s photos. Sometimes I cannot conceptualize because I’m spending too much time looking at it,” Paul says. “But I stick to two photographers that I look up to. They are Oly Ruiz of Metrophoto and Lito Sy,” he adds. The said photographers are his inspiration to take great photos and share it with passion. 

   Paul has his own concept. He creates a unique composition and tone that set him apart among his contemporaries. This style makes him the source of imitation to other neophyte photographers. “It’s ok with me that they imitate my style. It’s ok if they consider me as their inspiration. Sooner or later they will have their own style.” 

   Paul does not abhor the idea of using photo editing software like Photoshop in photography. “Using this tool, it can enhance the image,” he says. “It will add beauty and value to it. Depending on its usage, this tool can make or break the career of a photographer.” Paul also emphasizes that every photographers has its own style; whether they use Photoshop or not, it still depend on their eyes as photographer. 

   In terms of style, his body of works presents clean shots with vibrant colors that have its unique tone that blends in the concept he desired. 

   Social Media helps market his works to the broad audience. For example, he uses Facebook to market his photos in a subtle way that is not annoying to the viewers. “I just post it in my Facebook Profile. I let my potential client scans the photos and let her/him decide if he/she loves it.” 

   What’s good about Paul is that he is not motivated by money. Unlike some photographers who are conscious about having a client, Paul is not forcing his potential clients to book him for their event. “I let them browse my work in Facebook. If they like it, it’s good. If they don’t, it’s fine with me. I am not forcing them to like it. They have the freedom to choose where to spend their penny,” says Paul. “Most of my clients love my work not because of its price but for my output.” 

   That why Paul is not accepting many clients because it can risk his output. “I only receive at least 4 clients a month depending on the situation. If I don’t limit it, it can cause problem in terms of post processing the photos and the delivery of it.” 

   Paul is aware that too much commercialization in photography can endanger the art behind it. “If your photos are too much commercialize it can devalue your output. Just like in food, if you lessen the ingredients of your viand, it can taste bad,” he adds. 

   One of the good traits of Paul Llanos as a photographer is that he shows genuine passion in his craft. This passion is not merely passion per se but passion that is grounded in reality. 

   Aside from photography, he also likes scuba diving, bike, and air soft. He is also a literary guy who likes to incorporate his poetic side in photography. For example, his tagline – “Where portraits become literature” – portrays different stories using the medium of photography. In an excerpt of his short essay, he says: 

   “I see beauty in the midst of chaos. Art in the most unexpected places. Angles in unsuspecting finds. Color euphoria in classic lights. Different patterns, various hues, it all results to one exceptional work of ingenuity.” 

   Paul wants to explore more in photography. Though he is almost 10 years in this field, he wants to stay relevant and updated for a fresh perspective. “I want to shoot in a new location or in a foreign land. For me photography is love. My love for this craft resonates in my photos. It keeps me inspired.” 

   “Keep shooting, keep practicing,” as he advice. “Don’t let your passion overrun by the idea of money when you go into this field.” 

This article is originally posted in Yadu Karu's Blog 

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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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Inspiration goes astray

   December – a month that seems lack of drive to do my various activities. I do not know why I am not motivated to do the things I usually do. Am I am too exhausted in this year’s demand?

   The year 2014 offers lots of opportunities that are too overwhelming to refuse. From being a delegate of the 6th Cinema Rehiyon held in Cagayan de Oro City to being an Executive Director in a consulting firm. With these opportunities I am able to learn new experiences and meet new people. 

   In this month, I cannot think of a good concept for a project. My brain is not functioning well. It cannot formulate a viable idea. It seems that I am tired and only wanted to lie down in my bed. The only thing that I want to do is to read and watch movies or observe people passing in front of me. 

   I pause for a while. I do not have income for this month. I have bills to pay. But I do not care. I think I just wanted to rest for a while and gather inspiration. I write this blog to express my condition. To express how desperate I am to be inspired again. I am not complaining about this year. In fact, I am thankful of it. It’s just that I am become stagnant this month. I feel lethargic to move. 

   To avoid the bitterness, I look into the bright side of this condition. I use this case to reflect and analyze the year 2014. As I review the year, I get amaze because I did things that I really wanted to do. For example I made my second short film, two music videos and interview influential personalities in SOCSKSARGEN. I feel blessed, honored and lucky that I did all of those things. 

   How am I going to solve this predicament? Well, I guess I just have to go with flow and discover the answer along the way of this endless journey. I think it’s just the part of what they called the artists process. Maybe it’s just a typical case for a human being. Nevertheless, I just need a break.

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Caera and the story behind her photography

   Caera Grace Lastimosa Agduma or simply Caera is a survivor in her own right. In her 24 years of existence she managed to overcome her dark past and became a messenger of the words of God. She is one of the rising photographers in SOCCSKSARGEN. She is improving and evolving as a photographer and nothing can stop her in expressing her ideas in a positive way. 

   Caera recounts the days when she lost herself. As I describe her, she is a good girl gone badly because of what she experienced in her family. “I rebelled to my parents before,” Caera said. “I neglected my studies, I smoked marijuana, I partied a lot and did many other things that a rebel youngster would do.”

   When I heard all of these, I was a bit surprised because I can’t imagine how she was able to overcome all of it. “That time, Harry Potter and witchcraft were my form of escapism,” as she remembered. “Before, I cannot face the reality so I secluded myself and went into my world.” 

   It’s a spiral of negativity that’s hard to untangle. But thru God’s help, she excluded them out. “All of the said negativities in my life were all gone when I reconnected with God,” she pointed out. "It was a life changing opportunity when I joined the Youth with a Mission (YWAM) last year in Antipolo City."

   “YWAM is a miraculous experience. I thought I could not make it because I did not have money for my (daily) expenses. God helped me through channeling it to my friends and acquaintances.” 

   One of the things that she cannot forget in her YWAM experience was the Mangyan child named Alvin. Alvin inspired her in so many ways. “His innocence really amazed me. When we were in their community, he asked so many questions, he was curious of so many things and he’s fun to be with. His innocence made me realized so many things not just for myself but also for other people.” Through that experience she learned how to face the reality and her creativity started to evolve which eventually lead her to photography. 

   She started in photography using only her camera phone. She fondly took photos and posted it online. Luckily, it gained popularity and became an inspiration. Until one day, her mom got a Canon 600D camera because of work related tasks. She took the opportunity to use it and learn the art of photography. Her first mentor was her boyfriend, Edward James Sinforoso who taught her the basics of photography and the rest were history. 

   What’s remarkable about Caera as photographer is that she is more into actual practice than theory. She knows the basic in photography but she’s not really dwelling into its theory. “It hinder creativity,” as she said. Kitty Gallannaugh, Fade Longboy, Edward (her bf) and his father are her inspirations. 

   Caera’s photography is more into Bohemian/Gypsy style with a touch of vintage and a little twist of eccentricity. “I see things in a different way. In little things I can create a story.”

   She only started photography last February but continuously gaining a lot of followers. Her Facebook page now has thousands of likes (and still counting). Caera was also the brainchild of the first “shoot out” in Koronadal City which gathered many participants. Because of its popularity, some photographers replicated this idea. 

   At first, Caera only borrowed camera from her friends until she was able to buy her own. It was when she saw a post (online) by one of her friends who sells his camera (Nikon D700). Out of frustration, she made a shout out (on Facebook) pertaining to it which was noticed by one of her clients who helped her acquire the camera. “God is really great,” she said. “I prayed to Him and asked for it, and He gave it.”

   Her works is based on creations of God. She uses photography to share the words of God. “I live by faith and I express it through photography”. Furthermore, most of her works have the touch of nature with lovely colors.

   “Photography is part of my life. If you’re observant, it reflects my life, my mood and my state of mind.”

   There was a time Caera experienced being bullied because of her photography, but she made that experiences as her motivation to improve her works. Instead of dwelling into it she focused on its positive side. “Through this experience, I discovered who really my friends are. I also learned to forgive,”she said.

   “I really admire individuals who only competes with himself/herself and not with others,” she said. Caera admires those who only do their best and not joining the rat race. 

   “Don’t mind the camera,” as she said.“Try to find your (inner) creativity. Your eyes serves as your lens to the beauty of the world. Share your vision and be an inspiration.”

originally posted in southcotabatonews.com 

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Sekreto: The Secret Behind the Music Video

The concept 

   Making music video helps widen my horizon as a filmmaker. ‘Sekreto’, the second music video that I directed aids me in experimentation of different techniques. My passion and their enthusiasm push me to be more creative in conceptualizing it. 

   ‘Sekreto’ is quite different from ‘Pegasus’ music video in many ways. The first one which is ‘Pegasus’ shows more symbolism compare to ‘Sekreto’. Besides the lyrics, genre and its message is not the same. ‘Pegasus’ is more into social commentary while ‘Sekreto’ deals with the internal struggle of a person. Moreover, the first one has a dark humor element embedded on its lyrics while the latter has this melodramic atmosphere that can be easily comprehend by a typical audience. 

   The second music video helps me experiment of the “masa” taste in terms of entertainment. If you notice, ‘Sekreto’ has a simple storyline that can be easily grasped by the broad audience. ‘Sekreto’ is more of a teenage buffer kind of music video that many youngsters today can relate to. 

   Of course, I based its concept to the story of Jamcelle Alorro (the actor) and Jodi Anne Gaquit (the actress) and their unusual relationship as friends. The song was written primarily for Jodi on her 18th birthday (November 5). Jamcelle asked Axl Grico to write a song that is based on their story. The song is intended to be a surprise to Jodi. But since I want the two of them to be the actors for the music video, Jamcelle was forced to admit his plan to Jodi.

Meeting Axl Grico and the gang 

   Axl Grico is quite famous in his own right. ‘Sekreto’ is his third song that has a music video. The first two music videos (and the other video that he acted on it) were all directed by Ariel Lalisan. Ariel was supposed to be directing ‘Sekreto’. Since he is busy on his work and other related activities, Axl asked me thru Facebook if I am willing to direct it. At first, I was hesitant because I did not know him well and I want him to tell Ariel that he wants me to direct the music video. I am thankful that Ariel is supportive to Axl and look forward to see it. 

   When Axl and I got the chance to meet in person, I admit to him that I am different to Ariel. I shared to him that I do not easily make a music video especially if I do not know the artist or if the song is not “cool” for me. I also said to him that it takes days to shoot a music video (case to case basis). I explained to him that there is Pre-production, Production and Post-production stage. Furthermore, I explained to him that I screened actors and rehearse them so that it could not be a burden during the shoot. I also asked him if his lyrics and its music/beat are original. In short, I told him that my background is in filmmaking, and not the typical videography shooting. When he absorbed all of this information and experienced shooting with me, he was shocked because he did not expect that I would be that meticulous in terms of output. Thanks to his interest in music that he still pursue it. 

   Axl collaborated with Joycel Tubao, a young model and singer whom he met in Brigada (TV) Station. Though Joycel has some attitude problem (in terms of professionalism), I am still thankful that the video was finished. On the other hand, I incorporate the talent of Tatz because I can see his potential as a Rap artist. I discovered him when I was a judge in their class presentation. While Raev Yap, the Cinematographer for ‘Sekreto’, is not really into videography. He is the son of Steven Rae Banares (a.k.a Batang Polomolok) and a photographer. He devoted his self to this project because he wants to try and experiment with it. 

The shooting 

   I simplify the production requirement needed for the video. Since it has a limited budget and resources, I try to be more resourceful and creative. We shot it for only two days in their neighborhood. As I have expected, not all of the sequences I conceptualized put into reality. That’s why I device a plan to cover up its lapses. 

The learning experience 

   “Learning is a continuous process”, as the popular adage says. In every film or music video project that I made, I learn new things that can be used in the upcoming project(s). Collaborating with different artists help me grow as an artist. Furthermore, making a music video is a liberating experience because I got the opportunity to experiment and express my ideas freely. I look forward for the next one.


check the music video (below)

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ArtVid 1: Steve McRae

This is the first experimental short video created by G.V. Alfasain. ArtVid is a series of experimental videos in collaboration with different artists in SOCCSKSARGEN.

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'Sekreto'

This is the official music video of SEKRETO by Axl Grico feat. Joycel and introducing Tatz. The music video is Directed by G.V. Alfasain. Enjoy!

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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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