"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?