Jonah: Sa Pelikulang Pinoy

So I was reading the newspaper today and I have met the column about the 7 Cinema One Originals that will be shown in Shangri-la Theaters on November 10-16. I am so excited for it!

And then I came across with this article (of which I cannot remember the title anymore) that states that the rate of Filipinos "na nanonood sa mga sinehan" increased by 23%. First thing that entered my mind is the possible influence and amusement brought by 3D.

I have watched movies in 3D. My first encounter with 3D cinema was when we watched Toy Story 3. The experience was outstanding! Sure I can enjoy the movie either way but watching it in 3D format's way better (and expensive? haha) but the experience was worth it!

Another encounter I had was when we watched Streetdance 3D. It's a dance movie that I enjoyed as well. Another one is Step-Up 3D. These movies really made me happy (and extra intergalactic happy because it's in 3D! haha!).

I suppose the thrill that 3D movies give its audience must have influenced and persuaded more people to watch films in movie houses and not on their couches. Meaning, people found a concrete and valid reason to watch in cinemas and not buy pirated dvds on the streets of Quiapo. Watching films in cinemas may be quite expensive. Movies in 3D formats are twice the price of regular screenings, but the popcorn tumbler, soft drinks, and the experience compensate everything!

Sure, pirated dvds are cheaper and more convenient to use. There are so many perks: You can avail 4-5 dvds in just 100 bucks. You can watch it on a daily basis, whenever and wherever you like. Another thing that may be listed as a 'pro' is that it saves your pockets.

I am no-advocate of original dvds nor of pirated dvds. In my own opinion, I think it's okay if you purchase pirated dvds as long as it is NOT A FILIPINO-MADE MOVIE. Our nationalism should come into play in situations like these. SUPORTAHAN ANG SINING AT ANG PELIKULANG PINOY!

I am a film-lover and a movie-goer. (Dating Movie-Goer, ngayon Filmmaker, Mowelfund 2009) It is only normal for us to search for some movies that serve as a textbook for our craft and it is also normal that we cannot find all these in the usual and common video rentals or video houses. We, in some way or another, purchase pirated DVDs. (Please do not be a hypocrite!) Another refuge we could turn to is the Torrents. Downloading must be the last resort because it is time-consuming and megabytes-related.. even gigabytes! Hahaha!

People who are reading this: Philippine Cinema died along with Fernando Poe Jr. and Rudy Fernandez who, legendarily, made tons of movies in a year. Filipinos always trusted their craft, their way of revealing different characters on screen and I bet it would not hurt that much if we create another legendary figures in Philippine Cinema. We have to REVIVE it. We NEED to.

Let us all support people who make movies especially PINOYS who take all kinds of pains and excrete gallons of sweat para lang mapaganda at MAIPAGMALAKI ang pagiging PINOY. If you have time, make an effort to support them. This coming November, let us make time to visit Shangri-la's cinemas and see the different emerging breeds of Cinema One Originals.

Kita kits!
-Jonah

The work and all that jam.

This should be called the WORKING GIRL's column. LOL!

So I'm blogging about my current work situation. I am the new Media Relations Officer, yo! Haha! My job description is to dispatch and monitor Press Releases of our clients. We do the 'charm' of Red Ribbon, Delifrance, Bistro Ravioli, Unilever, Shell Philippines- to name a few.

At first it was hard because I have to read different newspapers and magazines EVERYDAY to see if our press releases were already published! And I am glad to say that I am getting the hang of it. It's a nice experience because I am usually fascinated with reading through the internet and not the sheets, but now it's different because I do both! Haha!

Another fascinating thing I do here is the regular 'rubbing elbows' with different editors from different publications. Those who write for Lifestyle section, Entertainment, Business, and the like! It's like I do meet-ups and charm those big names we see on the paper everyday!

Well, some editors are busy so they just ask the guard to receive Press Releases for them. Some are extremely cheerful and warm when they know someone from a PR company visits them. We usually exchange smiles, comments, and simple kamustahan.

I admire their writing, especially those in the Lifestyle section. Their writing inspires me so much and knowing that I could visit them anytime gives me more confidence that someday, I could consult them when I write my own creative stuffs.

Having a work like this taught me how to be independent and ma-PR (malamang!). I am usually the reserved type of person and I don't talk that much unless we're in the I-know-you-and-you-know-me stage. It also taught me how to arrange my thoughts whenever I talk on the phone and interact with people in the business. It made me smile 90% more and talk endlessly about random stuffs!

Enjoying the work and having a good salary is a good equation. Of course, I cannot wait for the 15's and 30's of every month! having your own hard-earned money gives you the joy of being independent and responsible child of your beloved parents. NAAAX! hahaha!

Till here,
Jonah.