"All the elements of cinema were magically synergized to produce an enjoyable film" -- Cinema Evaluations Board member

A for animated 'Dayo'

It's the third A for MMFF

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:47:00 12/25/2008

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20081225-179945/A-for-animated-Dayo

Filed Under: Metro Manila Film Festival

Most Read

MANILA, Philippines—"Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia," the only animated feature in this month's Metro Manila Film Festival, garnered an A grade from the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB).

Directed by Robert Quilao and produced by Cutting Edge Productions, "Dayo" received enthusiastic praises from board members.

"It's very Filipino, but very hip," said one reviewer.

"Commendable for its positive values: love for elders, concern for the environment," said another board member. "It's visually stunning. The attention to detail is admirable."

Another board member agreed: "All the elements of cinema were magically synergized to produce an enjoyable film."

"It's sincere," commented another board member. "Close to technically perfect."

"The voice talents, especially Michael V., were excellent," said another reviewer.

The board also singled out the theme song "Lipad," recorded by Lea Salonga. "It fits the movie to a T."

Quilao told Inquirer Entertainment that he is "thankful to the CEB for validating our efforts."

According to Cutting Edge finance director Erwin Escubio, "Dayo" took two years to finish.

"What we feel right now can be summed up by a quote from one of the board members," said Quilao. "This film makes me proud to be Filipino."

Quilao acknowledged that the film will be "judged" by the public when it opens on Christmas Day. "I hope they will share our vision and support this endeavor."

This is the third A for the MMFF. Previously, the drama film "Magkaibigan" and the historical epic "Dayo" received As from the CEB, which is under the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

"...absolutely beautiful...the movie to watch..." -- Philipine Star review

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspxArticleId=426744&publicationSubCategoryId=70 Delightful Dayo By Mika Balasbas Gancayco Updated December 25, 2008 12:00 AM

As a member of the Media Club of my school, Miriam College Grade School, I was required to watch Dayo. And being now considered part of the press, I had the rare privilege of watching the red-carpet premiere of the movie in Megamall and be one of the first in the world to see this all digital full-length animated feature movie made in the Philippines.

As we all know, a lot of Filipinos, especially the youth, think foreign films and shows are always better. Before watching the movie, I even thought it was going to be a boring experience, fit for much younger kids. To me, it was just a film I had to watch to get good grades. But my opinion about the film was proven wrong once the movie started to unfold. It was absolutely beautiful and could surely compete with Hollywood animated movies I grew up watching.

Dayo revolves around an 11-year-old boy named Bubuy and his quest to find and rescue his grandparents in Elementalia, a place where fantasy exists. Along the way, he meets different creatures, including manananggals, a tikbalang, some merfolk, a kapre and an aswang. It gives many moral lessons but at the same time is full of fun. The humor in it, especially from the voices of Michael V. as the vain tikbalang Narsi, Pokwang as the lovable manananggal yaya and someone who sounded like newscaster Mike Enriquez, will really give you plenty of good laughs. There were also funny scenes from the lolo and lola when they teased each other. The Visayan kapre was so endearing. Anna, the teen-aged manananggal sounded like a true 14-year old girl who is concerned with her diet and worries about her strict dad. The star-studded voice cast, including Nash Aguas, Hopia Legaspi, Michael V, Pokwang, Peque Gallaga, Johnny Delgado, Laurice Guillen, Nova Villa and Noel Trinidad, truly made the film awesome. I was also very touched with the beautiful song of the very talented Lea Salonga as she rendered the movie theme Lipad, which is about aiming high and reaching for one’s dreams.

Dayo is definitely the movie to watch, whether with family or friends and whether you are a child or an adult. Not only will its heartwarming story and script keep you glued to your seat. It will also inspire you to face challenges and persevere, value nature, and believe in yourself. It will teach you to fight for what you think is right, be there for a friend in need, respect and love your family, especially your elders, and pray and have faith in God.

The Filipino animators did an excellent job. I gasped and clapped with the audience at the breathtaking beauty of Elementalia as Anna first showed it to Bubuy. I felt very excited and sometimes even scared when the villainous characters ran after them. The colors and effects were wonderful. After watching the well-directed film, surely, you will be very proud to be a Filipino.

So go to your favorite theater and watch it. Not only will you have a wonderful time watching an excellent Filipino product and laughing at very Filipino jokes, you will also be helping so many talented Filipino animators who need all our support. And do not forget, bring the entire family.

(The author is a 13-year-old consistent honors student. E-mail her at mika_gancayco@yahoo.com.)

"KAPIT" by Moymoy Palaboy

Here's the video to the song I wrote for the DAYO soundtrack. It marks the recording debut of Youtube and Bubble Gang sensations Moymoy Palaboy who also make a cameo vocal performance in the movie.

Hope y'all like the song.

http://dayosaelementalia.multiply.com/video/item/11/KAPIT_by_Moymoy_Roadfill

"These creatures can give Pokemons a run for their money" - DAYO review

PEP REVIEW: "Dayo"

Fidel Antonio Medel

Tuesday, December 23, 2008
05:30 PM

http://www.pep.ph/guide/3127/PEP-REVIEW:-Dayo

Rating

• 
• 

With the release of Dayo sa Mundo ng Elementalia, Cutting Edge Productions promises another first in Philippine cinema. It is touted as the Philippines' first all-digital, full-length animated movie. UnlikeIbong Adarna and Urduja, the production of Dayo is completely paperless. Animation is rendered through a combination of traditional and 3D technologies.

Much has been said about the sheer talent of Pinoy animators but because of the lukewarm condition of the animation industry in the country, these animators are forced to search for greener pastures elsewhere. Many are employed by Disney and Warner studios, while some are subcontractors of animation houses. I can just imagine the excitement and dedication over this animated film in its two-year span of production.


It is interesting to note that the Cinema Evaluation Board has given the animated film a Grade "A," allowing the filmmakers to receive a 100 percent amusement tax rebate.Dayo is endorsed by the Department of Education and the National Council for Children's Television.

THE PLOT. Dayo unfolds like a typical underdog story. The shy and timid Bubuy (voiced by Nash Aguas) is always picked on by the bullies in school. He dreams of soaring the vast sky and flying high above the clouds in order to escape his humdrum life. His life is turned upside down when his grandparents were abducted by elementals. Together with a teen manananggal named Anna (voiced by Katrina "Hopia" Legaspi), they cross the portal separating our world and Elementalia. With the help of Narsi (voiced by Michael V.), the narcissistic and feeling cool tikbalang, and Nuno (voiced by Peque Galaga), the wise sage, Bubuy braved the dangers that lurk Elementalia in order to save his grandparents before the next full moon rises to its peak. His adventures in Elementalia transformed Bubuy from zero to hero.

THE VERDICT. Dayo is brimming with authentic Filipino elements culled from folklore, myths, pop culture, and even Pinoy slang. Mythical creatures abound in Elementalia, butDayo reanimates them in a manner never seen before. Here, you'll see a diwata (fairy) that transforms itself into an evil bruha (witch), mermen and mermaids defying the law of gravity, an evil kapre who speaks Waray, a band of aswangs and tiyanaks that shape-shift, a cross-breed between an alitaptap and a tutubi (aptly called alitubi), and many more. These creatures can give Pokemons a run for their money.

The voice acting from the star-studded cast is also commendable. The rest of the ensemble consists of Pokwang as Vicky, Anna's yayananggal; Laurice Guillen as diwata/bruha and kapre; Noel Trinidad as Lolo Meong; Nova Villa as Lola Nita; and Johnny Delgado as Carpio, Anna's father and Elementalia's manananggol.

The laudable soundtrack and musical score, likewise, deserves special mention. Lea Salonga recorded the theme song "Lipad" while Roots of Nature performed a more upbeat version of the song. Jessie Lasaten took over production duties and records the musical score with a full orchestra under the baton of Gerard Salonga. In order to jive with the feel and mood of Elementalia, the orchestral score is accompanied with ethnic Pinoy instruments courtesy of Joey Ayala.

Dayo has its own share of shortcomings as well especially on the technical side. There were glitches here and there with regards to animation rendering and shading. There are scenes where the images become flat, as if they have turned into cardboard figures and paper dolls. Cutting Edge Productions could really use some help in this department, especially if they plan to turn this animated film into a trilogy.

The film is intended to make the kids giggle in excitement and jump for joy, but for adults, the simplistic story will get in the way of sensible enjoyment. The plot is as basic as it can get. Perhaps intentionally, in order to help the kids easily digest what the film has to offer.

See how 500 animators from Naga, Dumaguete and Baguio created the fanciful world of Elementalia. Let your imagination soar with Bubuy and Anna as they interact with the various characters whom they meet along the way.

Be part of history when you and your family watch the first ever animated film to take part in the 34-year history of the Metro Manila Film Fest.

DAYO online review 2

Dayo Sa Mundo ng Elementalia

Dec 19, '08 10:55 AM for everyone

Category:	Movies
Genre:	Animation

It is not an exaggeration when I say that "Dayo" is one heck of a film that should not be missed by everyone. 

No wonder it's graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB). The story, the script, OSTs and even characterization is superb. Animation is very good but as what Director Robert Quilao said, it may not be perfect, sure there are still flaws, but I must say that it's a very good starting point for the animation industry to grow here in the country. IMO, it's best seen in IMAX, well, that's just a suggestion though, I don't think it will be shown there for now.

I would like to commend Nash Aguas for giving life to Bubuy's character. Michael V, as Narsi was so hilarious. He SO ROCKS! I must say he really did gave the film lots of VERVE. He's my favorite character in the film followed by Vicky which is voiced by Pokwang. The Kapre, voiced by Laurice Guillen, was so impressive. It really cracked the audience up when she started speaking Bisaya. I mean, she's so good. 

The words that were used in the film is very natural and spontaneous which is actually very good because the viewers would be able to relate well to the characters in the film. It's so modern and to top it off, it perfectly catches Pinoy's way of talking.

It still amuses me that they presented Filipino culture, popular Pinoy landmarks and what nots in a very creative way. It's 100% Pinoy. "Lipad", Dayo's OST, still gives me goosebumps, especially when being sang by Lea Salonga.

Aside from the relaxing colors, story, script and music, Dayo gives a moral lesson on friendship, believing in oneself and environmental issues. If you are Pinoy, you would be able to relate to this film very well, it's just like PINOY POP CULTURE. If you are a foreigner, this is a great window to see what Filipinos are like.

This Christmas, take a break and see a refreshing view, watch "Dayo Sa Mundo ng Elementalia" to get a breathe of fresh air up there. Support Filipino Animators and we'd definitely go a long way and soar very high.

First DAYO online review

http://www.ourawesomeplanet.com/awesome/2008/12/dayo-.html

We were blown away by the first public premiere of Dayo the Movie last Friday. I almost shed a tear when the movie finished because Filipinos have finally created the first All-Digital Animated Movie that we all can be proud of.

Here are the top 5 reasons why you should watch Dayo The Movie on December 25 (no spoilers!):

1. The Dayo Storyline is solid

One of the things I didn't like about previous Filipino animated movies was that their storyline was corny. Dayo was able to bring to life our animist world with the Nuno sa Punso, Manananggal, Kapre, Tikbalang, Sirena and Syokoy. The Alikupong concept was brilliant. I wanted to shout, "Finally, Filipinos have made our first digitally animated movie! Yes!!!"

I just loved the characters of Narsi the Tikbalang (voiced by Michael V.) and Anna the Mananangirl (voiced by Katrina Legaspi).

2. Dayo is very Filipino

This is the type of Filipino movie that celebrates our Filipino heritage and proclaims it around the world. You'll be amused by showcases of typical Filipino traits and laugh at hirits immortalized in the movie. Though the movie glorifies the aswangs in Filipino folklore, it still alludes to a higher being, which is the King of Heaven, Earth and Elementalia.

3. A World-Class Theme Song sung by a World-Class Filipina

The Dayo Theme Song "Lipad" was sung by Lea Salonga, with music by Jessie Lasaten, and lyrics by Temi Abad, Jr.. It was recorded with the FILharmoniKA Orchestra, conducted by Gerard Salonga. I got the chills each time I heard Lea singing the song during the movie. I kept saying to myself, "Lipad... Lipad... Kaya ng Filipinong Lumipad...."

4. Watch out for the animated jeepney and animated advertisements

The animated jeepney and Mall of Asia were awesome. The products of the sponsors were cleverly inserted in the movie. It was really cute and something to keep an eye out for. :) Although you don't see advertisers' products in Disney movies, it was understandable why they were inserted in the movie. Thank you to all the sponsors!

5. Standing Ovation-Worthy Animation

To the 400+ animators of Dayo from Manila and Naga, I salute all of you for creating breakthrough animation that can make each of us proclaim, "I am proud to be a Filipino!"

Thanks to the makers and all the people behind this movie for making us proud of Dayo!

This just in: DAYO rated "A" by the Cinema Evaluation Board

Ibig sabihin, hindi lang kami ang may feeling na maganda ang pelikula namin hehe

Form

Come, love me actually.

Love me beyond reason,

love me beyond imagination

with the rage of roots,

with the stillness of constellations.

Love me with tears and with melody,

with no doubt without ceasing

absolute clarity, absolute mystery

as though you have seen the memory of days to come

and your soul has found its form.

Lea Salonga "Lipad" MTV

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp3yEg19x_o

This is the orchestral version of the DAYO theme song. 

Music by Jessie Lasaten

Lyrics by Jessie Lasaten and Temi Abad

Enjoy!

What do you call a female octopus?

Octopussy? hehe

Dwelling

Where are you now, my beloved? I look for you west of dawn in meadows of colors resembling faces but my eyes find no closing. Like flame looking for its furnace my vision aches to dance its pirouettes of sun-drenched walks and summoned promises there in your embracing.

Where are you now, my beloved? I seek you east of midmorning in oceans of noise resembling songs but my voice finds no silencing. Like wings searching for their nest my hymns of weeping and rejoicing yearn to take their sanctuary there in your reveling.

Where are you now, my beloved? I search for you south of dusk in gardens of shapes resembling letters but my hands find no releasing. Like dew seeking its ground the lines I write crave to fulfill their prophesies of sun-drenched conversations -- winding, exhausting, wordless -- there in your accepting. 

You found my soul on a flowerless day in May and in you my soul found its dwelling. 

Then you found the wind and you fluttered quietly to your leaving. Now my heart hears no repeating, only walls and a roof and there is no uprooting.

Dwelling

here are you now, my beloved? I seek you east of midmorning in oceans of noise resembling songs but my voice finds no silencing. Like wings searching for their nest my hymns of weeping and rejoicing yearn to take their sanctuary there in your reveling.

Where are you now, my beloved? I search for you south of dusk in gardens of shapes resembling letters but my hands find no releasing. Like dew seeking its ground the lines I write crave to fulfill their prophesies of sun-drenched conversations -- winding, exhausting, wordless -- there in your accepting. 

You found my soul on a flowerless day in May and in you my soul found its dwelling. 

Then you found the wind and you rowed quietly to your leaving. Now my heart hears no repeating, only walls and a roof and there is no breathing, there is no uprooting.

Dwelling

Where are you now, my beloved? I look for you west of dawn in meadows of colors resembling faces but my eyes find no closing. Like flame looking for its furnace my vision aches to dance its pirouettes of wind-cuddled walks and summoned promises there in your embracing.

Where are you now, my beloved? I seek you east of midmorning in oceans of noise resembling songs but my voice finds no silencing. Like wings searching for their nest my hymns of weeping and rejoicing yearn to take their sanctuary there in your reveling.

Where are you now, my beloved? I search for you south of dusk in gardens of shapes resembling letters but my hands find no releasing. Like dew seeking its ground the lines I write crave to fulfill their prophesies of sun-drenched conversations -- winding, exhausting, wordless -- there in your accepting. 

You found my soul on a flowerless day in May and in you my soul found its dwelling. 

Then you found the wind and you rowed quietly to your leaving. Now my heart hears no repeating, only walls and a roof and there is no breathing, there is no uprooting.

Dwelling

Where are you now, my beloved? I look for you west of dawn in meadows of colors resembling faces but my eyes find no closing. Like flame looking for its furnace my vision aches to dance its pirouettes of wind-cuddled walks and summoned promises there in your embracing.

Where are you now, my beloved? I seek you east of midmorning in oceans of noise resembling songs but my voice finds no silencing. Like wings searching for their nest my hymns of weeping and rejoicing yearn to take their sanctuary there in your reveling.

Where are you now, my beloved? I search for you south of dusk in gardens of shapes resembling letters but my hands find no releasing. Like dew seeking its ground the lines I write crave to fulfill their prophesies of sun-drenched conversations -- winding, exhausting, wordless -- there in your accepting. 

You found my soul on a flowerless day in May and in you my soul found its dwelling. 

Then you found the wind and you rowed quietly to your leaving. Now my heart hears no repeating, only walls and a roof and there is no breathing, there is no uprooting.

Dwelling

Where are you now, my beloved? I look for you west of dawn in meadows of colors resembling faces but my eyes find no closing. Like flame looking for its furnace my vision aches to dance its pirouettes of wind-cuddled walks and summoned promises there in your embracing.

Where are you now, my beloved? I seek you east of midmorning in oceans of noise resembling songs but my voice finds no silencing. Like wings searching for their nest my hymns of weeping and rejoicing yearn to take their sanctuary there in your reveling.

Where are you now, my beloved? I search for you south of dusk in gardens of shapes resembling letters but my hands find no releasing. Like dew seeking its ground the lines I write crave to fulfill their prophesies of sun-drenched conversations -- winding, exhausting, wordless -- there in your accepting. 

You found my soul on a flowerless day in May and in you my soul found its dwelling. 

Then you found the wind and you rowed quietly to your leaving. Now my heart hears no repeating, only walls and a roof and there is no breathing, there is no uprooting.

Dwelling

Where are you now, my beloved? I look for you west of dawn in meadows of colors resembling faces but my eyes find no closing. Like flame looking for its furnace my vision aches to dance its pirouettes of wind-cuddled walks and summoned promises there in your embracing.

Where are you now, my beloved? I seek you east of midmorning in oceans of noise resembling songs but my voice finds no silencing. Like wings searching for their nest my hymns of weeping and rejoicing yearn to take their sanctuary there in your reveling.

Where are you now, my beloved? I search for you south of dusk in gardens of shapes resembling letters but my hands find no releasing. Like dew seeking its ground the lines I write crave to fulfill their prophesies of sun-drenched conversations -- winding, exhausting, wordless -- there in your accepting. 

You found my soul on a flowerless day in May and in you my soul found its dwelling. 

Then you found the wind and you rowed quietly to your leaving. Now my heart hears no repeating, only walls and a roof and there is no breathing, there is no uprooting.

Dwelling

Where are you now, my beloved? I look for you west of dawn in meadows of colors resembling faces but my eyes find no closing. Like flame looking for its furnace my vision aches to dance its pirouettes of wind-cuddled walks and summoned promises there in your embracing.

Where are you now, my beloved? I seek you east of midmorning in oceans of noise resembling songs but my voice finds no silencing. Like wings searching for their nest my hymns of weeping and rejoicing yearn to take their sanctuary there in your reveling.

Where are you now, my beloved? I search for you south of dusk in gardens of shapes resembling letters but my hands find no releasing. Like dew seeking its ground the lines I write crave to fulfill their prophesies of sun-drenched conversations -- winding, exhausting, wordless -- there in your accepting. 

You found my soul on a flowerless day in May and in you my soul found its dwelling. 

Then you found the wind and you rowed quietly to your leaving. Now my heart hears no repeating, only walls and a roof and there is no breathing, there is no uprooting.

Tigilan na ang "It's a blessing in the sky"

May bago ako and it's an originalle of mine -- "It's a blessing in this guy!"

New (temporary) cel num 09085806261

Please text me so I can save your numbers.

----

Yes po, nawalan na naman ako ng phone. The second in 4 or 5 months. At gaya ng dati, it's my fault. Nalaglag ko somewhere. But unlike before, yung nakapulot is willing to return it to me. Or at least he was. Ang problema naunahan ko na siya ng request to return kahit yung SIM lang. I texted him kasi before I called him up. At sabi ko nga sa text, kahit yung SIM na lang ang ibalik niya. Ayun, he sounded happy when we talked. Nahiya nako bawiin ang request ko. In fact, nag-request pa siya. Bilang pamasko, sana daw ipadala ko sa kanya ang charger ng phone (it's a Samsung, kaya hindi generic charger) para magamit daw niya ang phone. I-LBC ko daw together with the money na pang-LBC niya sa SIM ko. Sa Nueva Ecija ko kasi nawala ang phone (on the way back to Manila from Baler last weekend). Um-oo naman ako. Di ko rin naman magagamit na ang charger. Ang generous ko noh?

Please watch "100", the 2nd BEST PICTURE of 2008

Siyempre kasi ang 1st best pic ay DAYO.

Seriously, "100" is one of the best pinoy movies of the year.

It's funny, touching, insightful, and beautiful with a cackling screenplay by Chris Martinez ("Caregiver", "Bridal Shower") and wonderful performances from Mylene Dizon, my friend Eugene Domingo (my friend talaga hahaha) and Tessie Tomas.

It won the Audience Award at the Pusan International Film Festival in Korea and was also shown in Marrakech.

Here's the full trailer.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=36113969513&ref=nf

Nahihilo ka na siguro

Kagabi ka pa kasi umiikot sa utak ko

B'Day Boi

1. I’m bisaya. Was born in Cebu. But I’m a Manila boy. Moved here when I was 2 years old and have been to Cebu only once, 7 years ago. It was the longest 3 days of my life.
2. I think Gary Larson is a god.
3. I’m a strict non-smoking, non-drinking non-vegetarian.
4. I believe that goodness is its own reward.
5. I can can never get tired of watching the following films: Children of Heaven, The Road Home, Sense & Sensibility, Amadeus, Finding Nemo
6. I’m a relationship virgin and I'm currently accepting applicants for devirginizer.
7. A friend of mine once quipped how I’m always paiba. I totally agree.
8. I’ve been blonde (all shades), brunette, red-, green- and blue-haired.
9. I say, we die only once. Let’s make our death count.
10. I want a closed casket when I die. I don’t want anybody to have an image of me as a corpse! And I want to be cremated and my ashes thrown into the waters of Boracay. And I want it done cinematically, against the sunset, with Cholo Laurel directing.

LEA SALONGA sings DAYO theme song

http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=1921

Judge Eric

A few weeks ago I sat as one of the judges in the finals of the Talecraft Storywriting contest in Powerbooks Greenbelt. It was a first for me and I was so honored to have been in the jury alongside two publishers, Dean Alfar of Philippine Speculative Fiction and Kenneth Yu of Digest of Philippine Genre Stories. I felt unworthy, really, having only DAYO as my credit. 

Anyway. To the uninitiated, Talecraft is a story creation card game. Its aim is to help writers generate ideas for stories. A player  must create a story from the cards he randomly picks from the stack. There are three sets of cards -- Genre (romance, historical, suspense, etc), Archetype (tomboy, hero, villain, etc), and Key (keywords or plot points). Once he has all three cards, he is free to use his imagination (he is, in fact, left only to his imagination) to create any story with those givens.

Talecraft is genius. Writers, regardless of the format or medium they're working on (film, print, etc) would do well to keep it handy. After all, one of its main aims is to help combat mental block.

There were 9 semi-finalists and they were all fantastic. Sa totoo lang, nanliit ako sa galing nila magsulat. From the nine we chose 5 to advance to the final round in which each finalist was asked to pick a new set of cards. They were then given only 5 minutes to create a new story on the spot based on their cards. 

All three of us in the jury were unanimous in our picks for the 1st Place winner. It's a short, elegant tale about Joan of Arc (cards: Genre -- historical; Archetype -- tomboy; Keyword -- mirror) from 15-year old Jose Renato Evangelista.

Here's the first part of Jose's fantastic semi-final entry entitled "A Day at the Park". To read the rest of the story and the 4 other Top 5 tales, and to know more about Talecraft, please visit http://talecraft.komikasi.com

A Day at the Park


Jose Renato Evangelista (1st Place)

Miranda doesn’t understand what has just occurred. She stands there dumbfounded, cradling a bundle of cloth in her arms. She takes a breath and tries to put her thoughts into order.

It was a beautiful day. Not to be cliché, but the sun was shining and the birds were singing and everything in the world seemed like it was in its right place. So Miranda went to the park, as one does on a beautiful day like this.

She skipped merrily to the park’s center, where a charming stone fountain had been erected so that people may enjoy beautiful days while sitting down on a bench and take pleasure in the tranquil sound of flowing water. There was but one person there to sitting at the fountain that day, however: a tired-looking woman, gently rocking an infant in her arms.

“OHMIGODITSSOCUTECANIHOLDHIMPRETTYPLEASE?” Miranda, loud and giggly, exclaimed to the woman.

“Go right ahead.” Replied the woman; a glint of something in her eyes.

“What’s his na—” As Miranda looked up to meet the Mother’s face, she realized with gripping horror that the woman was already halfway to the exit, and with baby in hand Miranda wouldn’t be able to catch her.

“HE’S YOUR PROBLEM NOW! SO LONG SUCKER!” The Mother cackled maniacally and gave a little jump, all while managing to sprint her way to freedom.

Open Days

Yesterday at noon I stood at the street corner where I last saw you standing, love. The midday sun breathed furiously above me, sending waves of heat to my head like a steamer in a spa working full gear with a broken timer. I stood there open and still the world would not yield me.

The last time I saw you standing, we had not seen nor spoken to one another since you and I decided, urgently as a rainbow, and as genially, to take time off from each other. It seemed, we both agreed, that our feet were no longer on the same orbit and we thought it best to seek and recover our runaway fire on our own. We had to take our leave, simple as that, like snow. And we did.

It was a quarter past the minute when the hands of the clock converged and gazed full tilt at the sun like a compass in perfect agreement with the north. Between your corner of the street and mine was a gentle stream of people flowing from both directions. They were there, just there, like clouds or paper ships, shapes merely, neither bridging nor lengthening the distance between us. I wanted to rush toward you like an eagle on the hunt but my legs declined to be an accomplice to my criminal mind. 

I just stood there for half a minute, and then another minute and then another, taking it all in. I stood there beholding all of you – your radiance, urgent and impenetrable, your implacable stillness, your improbability, and your immense silence, made more immense by the din of the busy car-strewn street around you, and by the countries of yearning and uncertainty that swirled around me. 

I stood in my corner of the street trying to unsheathe your silence and you stood in yours embracing it; the story of us playing out even when you and I were adrift in different continents.

Da Palaboys

We recently shot "The Making of DAYO". Which could be the most truthful title ever as we are still in the process of making the movie as of this writing. Anyway. 

The day-long shoot (stress on "long") began at 7 a.m. with the video shoot for "Kapit", a song I wrote for the movie that mark's the recording debut of Moymoy Palaboy. 

Yes folks, the YouTube sensations are now certified recording artists! So from now on hindi lang mga kanta ng ibang tao ang ili-lipsynch nila.

The song is a midtempo inspirational ditty about friendship that the brothers sing with such conviction and (surprise!) impressive vocals. You'd be surprised at how record-ready their voices are! 

Moymoy and Roadfill are in the movie too, voicing several makukulit na creatures in the mythical land of Elementalia where much of the story takes place. "Abangan niyo kami!" Moymoy says in the taped interview for the TV special. "Try n'yo na lang hulaan. Kung hindi n'yo mahulaan, basahin n'yo na lang sa credits ang mga pangalan namin," Roadfill notes, laughing.

Oh and by the way, I make a cameo appearance in the mtv -- my first! Abangan!!!

Da Wander Boy and Da Manananggirl

Just like the movie, "The Making of DAYO" is steered by Nash Aguas and Hopia Legaspi who play the lead characters of Bubuy, "da clueless 11-year old wander boy", and Anna, "da 13-year old vegetarian manananggirl". The two child stars already have the chemistry thing down pat, having previously worked with each other in Goin' Bulilit and in DAYO for which they recorded their lines together late last year. So when it was time for Nash and Hopia to shoot their portion of the show (they serve as hosts or veejays), it was as easy and breezy as A-B-C (or D-A-Y-O). 

Da Crying Lady

Noel Trinidad and Nova Villa were also a fun pair to shoot. The comedy royalties play Lolo Meong and Lola Nita in DAYO, Bubuy's adoptive grandparents whose abduction into Elementalia by some creatures sets off the movie's action. They too have a light, unforced chemistry together. Interestingly, this was the first time that the two of them have played a couple. And they recorded their parts individually. You wouldn't know it though from the perfect vocal work they turned in for the movie. 

During the interview, Tita Nova recounted her most memorable scene from DAYO. It happens towards the end of the movie and it's so emotional that she got choked up and started tearing up inside the recording booth and was unable to deliver her lines properly! "Ako na yun na artista ha, naiyak," she noted. "I'm sure lalo na yung mga manonood. Very Pinoy kasi ang pelikulang ito."

Da Yayananggal

The mood definitely got even cheerier around dinnertime when Pokwang emerged from the dressing room for her turn in front of the cameras. She'd been up since very early that day and was quite tired but you wouldn't know it from her still-potent energy level under the spotlight. She was definitely on, toying with some of the crew. She was especially "crazy" during the pictorial session, going from glamorous to dramatic to sexy to monstrous (she does play the role of Anna's yayananggal in the movie) and everything in between. And when the staff and crew took turns having their photos taken with her, Pokwang mimicked a different movie poster with each new partner! This is us as Maricel and Aga in "A Love Story".

The perks of being a taong-simbahan

Nakaka-libre ka ng pamasahe. Sa tricyle, sa jeep, sa fx. Tulad na lang kaninang umaga. Di tinanggap ng driver yung pamasaheng inabot ko. "Taga simbahan ka di ba?" nakangiting tanong niya. Tumango ako. "Thank you!" sabi ko. Tapos bigla ako na-conscious. Na-weirduhan siguro yung ibang mga pasahero. "Itong blue ang buhok na 'to, taga-simbahan?!" nagtataka siguro nilang tanong sa isip nila. Gusto kong sabihin na matagal na akong hindi active. Kaya nga nakapagpakulay na ng blue. Bago ako bumaba nag-thank you ulit ako sa driver, na hindi ko talaga mamukhaan. Pero di naman yun ang mahalaga. Ang importante namukhaan niya ako kaya naka-libre ng pamasahe bwahahahaha

NR

Apparently most of the people in my phonebook got the memo saying today is a "No Textback Reply" day and I did not. Phack.

Ghost story

Bilang halloween.

This is not particularly scary. But it's the closest I've gotten to an experience.

It happened on the final night of my father's wake. At one point during the mass that we held, two of the corona ng patay (there were around 10) that surrounded the coffin parted as though someone or something had passed right through the middle. 

How do I know it wasn't just my imagination? I did not see it. I was playing sacristan and commentator so my back was turned against the coffin and the flowers. It was my friends who told me about it after the mass. They swear it could not have been wind or the airconditioning. The movement was quite definite and rather forceful daw.

I took it to mean that dad was happy with the big turnout that night. And that he was particularly pleased with me for taking charge of the mass. Dun kasi siya dumaan sa flowers na galing sa mga kilala ko.

Yun. Told you it's not scary.

Happy Halloween. Happy All Saints Day. Happy All Souls Day. Happy happy!

Ear Factor

I would say I'm quite a patient guy. But sickness? That gets my wick burning real fast. I want it gone in 3-4 days max. So far, so good, so far. Until now. My latest ear infection is now on its second week (parang Star Cinema movie). Sure it's going away in a few but I'm still suffering from it, di pa rin 100% ang hearing ko in my pasaway na left ear. I am majorly ticked. Kaya naman in defiance, I started using my iPod a few days ago. And use it as I always do, as though everything's clean and clear inside both my ears. That means it's on all day and in a volume that's heard up to 3 desks away from my post. Listen. Just because you can't beat something doesn't mean you can't "beat it, beat it, no one wants to be defeated". Not me, that's for sure. Nothing can keep me away from Madonna and my playlists this long noh.

**********

So, I just came from my ear doctor. Spent 3 freaking hours in the clinic. Or rather, 2 hours and 57 minutes outside the clinic waiting for my turn, and only 3 minutes inside for the actual check-up. What did the doctor tell me? I'm okay. There's just a teenie-weenie "dot" (the doctor's word, not mine), probably as a byproduct of the infection. Ayos. Dot lang. Wala nga nireseta ang duktor. Pero eto. I cannot go swimming for 2 months. Yes, not just one but two freaking months! Because of a "dot"! You know what this means? May bago akong sasawayin. 

Limited Edition DAYO Posters: Mushroom Field

Concept by ERIC CABAHUG

Layout by CHRIS MARTIN

'Himala' is CNN.com's best Filipino film

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/08/12/asiapacific.top10/index.html 

Pick the best Asian film of all time

By CNN's Mairi Mackay

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Asia: Spread over one third of the world's surface, it is home to something like four billion people in 70 countries. It also produces half of the world's film.

Bollywood, India's film industry, alone produces around 1,000 films each year -- almost two times as many as Hollywood.

This vast continent doesn't just come out on top when it comes to output, it has also sired many influential directors, actors and film-genres.

Ang Lee's 2000 homage to Chinese fantasy martial arts genre, Wuxia, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," and Japan's unique take on horror, typified by films like Takashi Shimizu's "Ju-on: The Grudge" are just two examples of Asia's recent contribution to world film culture.

We have included films by Japan's Akira Kurosawa, China's Wong Kar-Wai and India's Mehboob Khan in our provisional list of the best of Asian cinema but we want to hear from Web site users. What are your favorites? Have we missed one? Perhaps you don't agree with our choices.

'In the Mood for Love' ('Fa yeung nin wa') Hong Kong/China
(Wong Kar-Wai, 2000) 
Wong was heavily influenced by Hitchcock's psychological thriller "Vertigo" during the making of this poetic, exquisitely shot meditation on love and loss starring Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung. It was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2000.

'Mother India' ('Bharat Mata') India
(Mehboob Khan, 1957)
One of the sub-continent's first ever blockbusters, it is also known as India's "Gone with the Wind." Acting legend Nargis plays a woman who must raise her children single-handedly after her husband is maimed in an accident, and becomes the catalyst for her fellow villagers to fight for their land. It was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 1957 Academy Awards -- India's first ever Oscar nomination.

'The Host' ('Gwoemul') South Korea
(Bong Joon-ho, 2006)
Arguably one of the greatest monster films ever made; a staggering 20 percent of the population of South Korea have watched this film. It is based on the true story of a U.S. military employee ordered to dump formaldehyde into the sewer system that leads to Seoul's Han River. Six years later a giant mutant squid starts attacking people (this part is made up).

'Syndromes and a Century' ('Sang sattawat') Thailand 
(Apichatpong Weerasethakul, 2006) 
One of seven films commissioned by the New Crowned Hope Festival, part of Vienna's Mozart Year in 2006. Set in two hospitals, Weerasthakul reflects on the lives and memories of his medic parents using an experimental, anti-narrative style (a series of images, soft spoken dialogue and music) which was chosen by the hugely influential French film magazine "Les Cahiers du Cinéma" as one of the 10 best pictures of 2007.

'Whale Rider' New Zealand
(Niki Caro, 2002)
At just 12 years-old star, Keisha Castle-Hughes was nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards for her extraordinary performance as "Pai" a first-born female in the patriarchal Whangara tribe who believes she is destined to be the new Chief.

'Still Life' ('Sanxia haoren') China
(Zhang Ke Jia, 2006) 
Awarded a Golden Lion at Venice in 2006, Zhangke's wide-sweeping film is based on the human tragedy of the Three Gorges Dam (more than one million people have been displaced) which stretches across the Yangtze River. The story focuses on a miner who travels back to his home town looking for his wife only to find that his former home is now submerged. The film illustrates the gulf between China's new world order and the soon-to-be-forgotten culture of the past.

'Shower' ('Xizao') China
(Yang Zhang, 1999) 
The richly humorous and touching story of Shenzhen businessman, Da Ming who returns home to Beijing where his father runs the local bathhouse, only to caught between two cultures -- the decaying district of his childhood and the booming South where he now lives with a wife who has never met his family. When he realizes his father's health is failing he must take stock.

'Shall we dansu?' Japan
(Masayuki Suo, 1998)
Successful but unhappy accountant, Shohei Sugiyama spots a beautiful woman in a dance studio window. Despite his wife and child, he secretly signs up for dance lessons hoping to get closer to her. Slowly he begins to fall in love with the art form itself. A 2004 Hollywood remake starred Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere.

'The Ballad of Narayama' ('Narayama bushiko') Japan
(Keisuke Kinoshita,1958) 
In the a remote 19th century village, food is so scarce that when the elderly reach 70 years old they must climb frozen Mount Narayama to die so their families won't have to feed them. Kinoshita's film is profane and shocking at times -- throughout the film, images of couples having sex are interspersed with scenes of animals and insects mating. The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1984.

'Infernal Affairs' ('Mou gaan dou') Hong Kong/China
(Andrew Lau Wai-Keung, Alan Mak Siu-Fai, 2002) 
Hong Kong cop thriller following the parallel lives of an undercover officer who infiltrates a Triad gang and policeman who secretly reports to a ruthless gang boss. "Infernal Affairs" breaks the mould of much of contemporary Hong Kong cinema by steering clear of over-the-top-action in favor of a slow-burning build up of psychological tension. Engrossing.

'Mandala' South Korea
(Kwon-Taek Im, 1981) 
In the film that is considered to be his breakthrough as a cinematic artist, Im follows the lives and interactions of two Buddhist monks in Korea, and takes a contemplative look at the nature of individualism, religious belief and enlightenment.

'To Live' ('Huozhe') China
(Zhang Yimou, 1994) 
Much lauded but banned in Mainland China because of its satirical portrayal of the Communist government, this epic, sumptuous film traces the personal fortunes of Fugui and Jiazhen as they fall from wealthy landownership to peasantry over 30 turbulent years.

'When the Tenth Month Comes' ('Bao gio cho den thang muoi') Vietnam
(Dang Nhat Minh, 1984)
A vivid portrayal, from the point of view of a young Vietnamese widow, of the legacy of the Vietnam war. It was released internationally under the name "The Love Doesn't Come Back."

'Himala' Philippines
(Ishmael Bernal, 1982)
Young Elsa thinks she has seen the Virgin Mary and goes on a healing crusade -- just the miracle the nowhere town she lives in is looking for. The film's austere camera work, haunting score and accomplished performances sensitively portray the harsh social and cultural conditions that people in the third world endure.

'A Touch of Zen' ('Xia nu') Hong Kong/Taiwan
(King Hu, 1969) 
In this kung fu movie with a strong spiritual element a young artist finds himself caught up in the struggle to help a beautiful young woman escape the Imperial agents who murdered her family. A classic of the martial arts fantasy genre, which was the first Chinese film to win an award at Cannes Film Festival. It was also a massive influence on Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon."

'Ikiru' Japan
(Akira Kurosawa, 1952) 
In this profoundly moralistic fable, longtime salaryman Kanji Watanabe, learns he has terminal cancer and, ultimately, through the experiences he has, the meaning of life. Takashi Shimura who played Watanabe was nominated in the Best Foreign Actor category at the 1960 BAFTA Awards.

'Utu' New Zealand
(Geoff Murphy, 1983) 
Loosely based on the events of Te Kooti's War in the 1870s, it tells the tale of Maori tribesman Te Wheke who is serving in the British army. He is prompted to seek vengeance when he returns home to find his village and family destroyed in a senseless raid by the British.

'Gabbeh' Iran
(Mohsen Makhmalbaf, 1996) 
An elderly nomad couple are cleaning their beautiful carpet or "gabbeh" when a young woman suddenly emerges to tell the history of her clan through the carpet. Beautifully filmed and the winner of numerous awards.

When Bubuy Met Anna

SEQ. 23. INT. BUBUY’S HOUSE / BUBUY’S BEDROOM. NIGHT.

Downtrodden, Bubuy walks to the side of his bed and gets down on his knees on the floor.

With tears running down his face, he clasps his hands, looks up at the sacred images on his wall, makes the sign of the cross, and starts to pray.

BUBUY

Lord, para nyo na pong awa, iligtas nyo po ang lolo’t lola ko. Alam ko po, hindi ko lang imagination yung mga nangyari kanina. Magpapakabait na po ako. Susundin ko na po talaga lahat ng Ten Commandments. Promise! Ibalik nyo lang po sila dito. Mahal na mahal ko po sila.

A sort of angelic voice responds to Bubuy’s prayer.

ANNA (OS)

Huwag kang mag-alala, Bubuy. Palagay ko naman walang masamang nangyari sa kanila…

Magugulat si Bubuy. Manlalaki ang mga mata nito at mapapatitig sa imahen ng Holy Family. Sabay mapapapikit ito sa sobrang weird ng mga nangyayari.

BUBUY (to himself under his breath)

Ano ba ‘to…? Kanina, hinahabol ako ng halaman. Ngayon naman, kinakausap ako ng santo.

The voice answers back.

ANNA (OS)

Psst…! Hindi ako santo. Andito ako.

Didilat si Bubuy at saka hahanapin ang pinanggagalingan ng boses. Lilingon siya and sees Anna from the foot of his bed. He lights up.

BUBUY

Ikaw…! Ikaw yung nagligtas sa ‘kin kanina…!

ANNA

Ako nga ‘yon! Ako nga!

BUBUY

Sino ka…?

Anna introduces herself excitedly.

ANNA

Hi! I’m Anna!

In her excitement, Anna spreads wide her bat-like wings. As she extends her hand to Bubuy for an introductory handshake, she is lifted off the ground revealing the absence of her lower body. Manananggal pala si Anna! Mahihimatay si Bubuy sa kama pagkakita sa kabuuan niya.

FADE TO BLACK:

Nang magkamalay si Bubuy, ang unang bubungad sa kanya ay si Anna, again with her bat-like wings widely spread brought about by her excitement. Mahihimatay muli si Bubuy, this time sa sahig.

FADE TO BLACK:

Sa muling pagmulat ng mga mata ni Bubuy, he hazily “sees” his lola singing to him the lullaby (generic) she always used to sing to him when he was smaller. He embraces her tightly and starts crying tears of joy and remorse.

BUBUY

Lola…salamat po at buhay kayo! Akala ko napano na kayo ni Lolo. Buti naman po ‘di kayo inano nung gumagapang na halaman. Sorry po sa nangyari kanina. ‘Di ko naman po sinasadyang masunog yung puno eh. Sorry din po na nagsinungaling ako sa inyo ni Lolo. Hinding-hindi ko na po uulitin yun.

ANNA (OS)

Talaga? Promise?

Biglang bibitaw si Bubuy sa pagkakayakap nang hindi tinig ng lola niya ang kanyang narinig. Paglingon at pagharap niya rito, si Anna pala ang yakap-yakap niya all that time. Gustuhin mang kumilos ni Bubuy, parang nanigas ang bawat hibla ng kalamnan niya sa takot. Nakahiga na siya nang maayos sa kama niya.

Medyo natigilan din si Anna dahil di niya alam ang ire-react sa nangyari. She manages a small wave at Bubuy.

ANNA (awkward na pa-cute)

Uh…hi ulit.

Bubuy suddenly finds his voice and starts to scream.

BUBUY

Hwaaah…!

Pati si Anna mapapasigaw bilang reaksyon kay Bubuy. Her bat-like wings spread wide once more dahil sa excitement.

ANNA

Hwaaah…!

Bubuy gets out of bed and dashes out of the room in fear. Patuloy pa rin ang pagsigaw nito.

Anna then flies after Bubuy.

ANNA (spouting)

Hoy! Hoy! Sandali!