Tara! Simula ulit!

Posted: 02/07/2018 in Uncategorized
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Bigla na lang sumagi sa isip ko.

Gusto kong magbigay ng inspirasyon. Gusto kong magmulat ng isipan. Gusto kong makapagturo mula sa aking karanasan.

Hindi ko alam kung may magbabasa. Hindi ko alam kung may makakapansin. Pero sa totoo lang, wala akong pakialam. Kung may magbasa, salamat. Kung may matuto, mas maraming salamat. Kung may mamulat na isipan, aba, eh dagdag-pogi points sa akin yun. At kung may mapulot na inspirasyon, isang magandang impluwensya ang aking naibahagi at magkakaroon na tayo ng common experience, ng common ground na maaari nating pag-usapan kung sakaling magkita tayo at magkahuntahan.

Araw-araw, meron akong DYreklines sa Instagram, Twitter at Facebook. Kinukuha ko ito sa araw-araw na pagbabasa at pagmamasid. Mga mensaheng sumasagi sa isip at puso ko na gusto kong ibahagi sa lahat ng aking pamilya at kaibigan.

Salamat kung makukuha ko ang munti nyong panahon.

Salamat kung bibigyan nyo ng pansin ang mga aral na gusto ko lang namang ibahagi.

Salamat kung papayagan nyo ako ulit na pumasok sa inyong kamalayan.

Salamat.

Sana, subukan nating pakinggan ang isa’t isa.

Getting MAD over again

Posted: 31/05/2013 in Television
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Writing is never easy.

It may be easy (for some) to think of brilliant ideas, but putting it on paper is a different thing.

It may be easy (for some) to put it on paper, but making it interesting is likewise difficult.

It may be easy (for some) to make it interesting, but translating everything to television, making the host say your written work out loud, and making it appeal to the television viewer is not an easy task.

I started my career on television in 1991 as a television writer. It was for Martin After Dark (on GMA 7) hosted by Martin Nievera. It was not easy for a fresh-from-school newcomer to write for such a seasoned host. He has a million wild ideas which can come out before a take, during the take and sometimes, yes it happens, after the take.

It was also not easy dealing with Martin who can talk fast and loud.  Sometimes, it pains me to follow what he was saying, but years of working together made it easy.  Not only is Martin fast and loud, he is also straight-forward, making me cringe every time he says something “not so good” about my scripts.  But through the years, we have become friends and we have learned to understand each other’s body language while he is on stage and me, on my knees (literally), writing cue points and bullet questions on the floor behind the camera.

In 2008, I decided to take a spin on my television career, from being in production, to a more challenging management position.  I was tasked to oversee local productions for some cable channels, which I did for more than a year, before I joined the Content Management and Development Group of ABS CBN in 2010.  During all those years (roughly 5 years), I was missing writing a lot… Dreaming of making it back, but time was not on my hands.

Early this year, the plan of ressurecting Martin’s talk show on air came on.  And I was asked to write for the show.  I was excited, really excited to do at least one script for the program.  And it happened.  Early April of this year, I was asked to write an episode for Lea Salonga’s guesting.

Whoa and double whoa!

Not only am I being asked to write for my favorite host, but to write about one of the celebrities I looked up to since I was in school.  Inspired, it was a breeze researching about her, reading her blogs, looking up news and magazine articles on my own, while waiting for the show’s researchers to submit what they have found out.  But before that research came, I was well on my way to finishing the episode script.

It was easy, because it was a good subject and I basically know how Martin talks and thinks (I think…).  It was also a very smooth taping, with very minor setbacks.  I was on my knees again, and I was surprised that it is not the usual practice now.  Writers have it easy on the floor. And it was finished, just like that.

It was on May 17 when the episode was aired and I was excited to watch it.  I was smiling from ear-to-ear during the entire airing.  Though I was not credited, it was nice hearing words that you wrote out of Martin’s mouth.

And that’s how I got MAD again.  Tonight will be the final episode of the program’s season. It was nice seeing it back on air.  It was nice to write again. It was a new experience to see my work on air again.  Kudos to Martin Late@Night.  It was a short stint, but it was memorable, for me, and hopefully, for the viewers and the host as well.

So when can I write again?

Remembered and flattered.

Posted: 29/05/2010 in Television
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1989 – “Another good year. This year, my show M. A. D. (Martin After Dark), on GMA 7, is born. My show with Pops, Martin & Pops Twogether, lasts for only a year on Channel 2. It sort of replaces Penthouse Live which folded up the year before.”
“Our family was having a wonderful time in Hawaii when I get a call from GMA 7 which is asking me to do another TV show. ‘What kind?’ I ask. We think of doing a Johnny Carson type of show. And M. A. D. comes up. The acronym M. A. D. is the idea of my sister Gina — you know, M. A. D. like the magazine. My pool of writers includes the likes of Deo Endrinal, Enrico Santos and Jillmer Dy who, only a few years later, will become big names at ABS-CBN. “
-Martin Nievera
Martin Nievera, my most favorite host of all time said this in an interview which I found on the net (http://telebisyon.net/balita/Martin-Nievera-The-highs–the-lows/artikulo/124486/).  It could have been an article for one of his anniversaries in entertainment.   This article could have been a decade old actually but when someone sent me the link, my spine shivered. To be remembered by who the entire country (and all the Filipinos in the world) recognize as the only Concert King, is something that is flattering me no end.  And to be lined-up with such big names in the industry as Deo Endrinal and Enrico Santos humbles me.

I remember the days of MAD actually, where I first started as a writer.  I vividly remember my first day at work, November 8, 1991.  I went to the Broadway Centrum where the show went on live every Saturday night.  I asked for Enrico Santos, the name which was posted on the bulletin board of UPCMC that time.  I was asked to wait… for a very long time… but waiting proved to be the start of my career on television.  One of the writers, Mark Yanga, asked me to do cue cards for his interview.  I was in a corner, doing the cue cards when someone walked to my corner.  I just saw a pair of very very nice shoes. I didn’t look up until the voice of the owner of the shoes said, “Hi! I’m Martin Nievera, I’m the host of this show.  And you must be one of our new writers?”  I was dumbfounded.  The real reason why I wanted to apply was because I have been a fan of the program and this host.  And here he is, introducing himself to me?
“Of course, who wouldn’t know who you are? You are Martin Nievera!” I exclaimed, and introduced myself.
It would flatter me no end everytime he tells me that I was his favorite writer.  He would sign his CD’s that way everytime he would give out copies to the staff.  He even misspelled it one time “To my favorate writer”.  I would always show the signed CD to my family and friends and be so proud about it.  And even now, when we pass by each other on the corridor, he will always say the same.
It’s as if he never forgets about me, so how will I ever  forget THE Martin Nievera?

Leaving Cannes.

Posted: 26/05/2010 in Event, Film, Television
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It was still dark at 5am when I walked out the door of the apartment, which was my home for the past two weeks.  Lugging my suitcase, which I felt weighed a ton, a backpack and a shoulder-slung bag, my new friend Tigran (the journalist from Armenia) walked me to where the taxi service will pick me up.

I didn’t have a wink of a sleep.  I edited our final report on the winners of the 2010 Cannes Film Festival and had a final dinner with the CFI staff.  They are all talking about doing the same project next year.  I thought that would be swell, and more people will learn the same things that I learned in less than a month.

“You are one of the best directors I have ever worked with,  and I am so proud to have met you,” said our editor-in-chief Yvan.  I was flattered, of course, since I have yet to bag a dream project, one which will people will remember.  Don’t we all feel that way?  Don’t we all fear leaving this world, without anything to remember one by?

“Thanks,” I said.  But it did not end there.  Max, our technical director; and Sonia, one of the team leaders pitched in their thoughts about it too.  And when Yvan said that they actually need someone like me in their television station, I was literally dumbfounded.  But of course, I could not leave my present job that easily.  But hearing those words made me feel very important.  They think that the way I did the reports technically, were at par with international standards.

“So we will see you next year?” was dropped on the table.  I could not say anything but “let’s see”.

“I think we should do this an annual thing.  And we can make the team bigger, with live reports for your television station.  Maybe we can plan a little earlier unlike how we planned it now.”  I just nodded.

I went back to the apartment with a very light feeling.  I felt really proud of myself.  I had to pack my things with barely 5 hours before the taxi service would pick me up.  Arman (the cameraman from Armenia) stayed up with me through the time that I was packing my things.  After two stressful hours of picking things to throw away and packing my things, I went out of the bedroom.  Arman popped open a bottle of red wine, a gift from the Filipinos in Nice, France.  We sipped wine as we exchanged more stories and plans.  I can see that Arman is really trying his best to stay up, and I told him that he had to sleep.

An hour before I left, Tigran woke up and Arman went to bed.  They switched places because they said they did not like the idea that I will be going without anyone seeing me go.  I fell asleep on the couch while waiting for the 5am taxi.  It was almost 5am when Tigran woke me up.  We promised to keep in touch.

Sitting in the airport lounge, I see the sun rising, shining brightly on all the passengers flying out of France to Amsterdam.  And it brought me thinking, as everyone of us here moves out of Nice, everyone is looking for a new day, a new adventure… maybe back to the lives we used to live, but still, something new. And the sun is telling me just that.

Blue Valentine.

Posted: 20/05/2010 in Event, Film
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Got the chance to watch a movie in Cannes today.  It’s “Blue Valentine” starring Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling and directed by Derek Cianfrance, a story of a couple on the verge of separation.  It’s disturbing, but don’t take it negatively.  It’s disturbing, in a positive way, if there was ever such a thing.

The movie started very slow, it actually dragged.  But since it’s the first film that I ever watched during the festival, I gave it a chance.  And I got the surprise of my life when the intention of making it drag at the start of the movie became apparent.  The movie wanted the audience to feel how boring and how dry the relationship of the couple was, and even how hard the husband tried to make the marriage work, it just won’t.

The movie’s form was commendable, as it intercut the present time (the route that the couple had to go through to try to solve their marital problem) and the past (the route that the couple had to go through during courtship till the time they got married).  It was nicely pieced together that the audience won’t find it jarring to shift from the present to the past.  In Michelle, the only obvious difference is the shortened hair (for the present) and long hair (for the past).

The movie is an emotional journey and one who has gone through failed relationships can easily relate to the story of how one wants to hold on and fight, the decision to let go, the pain of actually letting go, realizing that love has faded.  It actually pains more when you are on the ride to the break-up interwoven through how the love story actually began.  The memories of how beautiful love can be and the pain when it is about to end, is cleverly intercut that the viewer can actually feel why the couple is still holding on, no matter how painful it can be.

The actors were great and the editing was done smoothly.  Though there are parts where you just want to hit Ryan Gosling.  In Filipino movies, it is always the woman who is seen as a martyr, but the tables are turned in this movie, as the man is portrayed as a martyr.  He gave a name to a child that isn’t his, took the physical pain from the real father of the child, became a good and well-loved father, a serious provider (even if does not earn well and is out-of-job most of the time), whew!

The movie is good, but the theme is disturbing.  But I am happy that I tried to hold on to my seat even if I almost fell asleep during the first part of the movie.  And if ever this is shown in Manila, I can assure you that 30% of the movie will be edited out.

Hope I can watch more films here at Cannes.  I know I may never get the chance to see some of the movies here in Manila.

Old age.

Posted: 17/05/2010 in Event, Film, Television
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Here in Cannes, a lot of people are surprised when I say that I am forty-one.  I don’t get it.  I always bring out my driver’s license to prove that I was born in 1969.  Well, I guess it’s because of the Asian race.  We really look young.  Aside from that, okay, it’s my height.  Am not that tall and they treat me like a kid! Why write about old age?  Because today, I saw Woody Allen in the flesh!  The great director Woody Allen, who is now 74, has a new film called “You Meet a Tall Dark Stranger”.

Though I was not able to watch the film, I got pretty interested, since it talks about death.  It was brave for a 74-year-old director to deal with death in his film. So it was inevitable that he was asked “how’s your relationship with death now that you’re 74?”  What?!!! That’s a question that you will never ask our senior stars like Dolphy or Eddie Garcia.  It’s unspeakable!  But how can one ask that to THE Woody Allen?

But Woody answered it quite well, “My relationship with death has remained the same. I am strongly against it.”  And everyone just laughed. “I find it a lousy deal,.  There is no advantage in getting older.  You don’t get smarter, you don’t grow wiser, you don’t get more mellow, nothing good happens.  Your back hurts more, you get more indigestion, your eyesight isn’t so good, you need a hearing aid.  It’s a bad business and I advise you not to deal with it.”

It’s such an eye-opener.  And coming from Woody Allen, who would contest?  The press con went good and everyone was happy.

After the presscon, we went to a small pavilion by the beach side to attend another presscon.  But this time, it was with Jennifer Hudson and Terrence Howard.  They are about to film a new project called Winnie, which is based on the life of the wife of Nelson Mandela.  I was literally awed by Jennifer who was aglow.  There is this celebrity aura which I have never seen before.  And she’s not as fat as I thought she was.

Then the rain poured.  Wow!  Each drop had an icy feel on my skin.  It was different.  But I still walked through the rain, camera in a plastic trash bag and tripod in another hand.  It was nice, even if my back ached from carrying the heavy equipment.  I think I am developing my biceps again, as my arms are sore! Hahahaha! Free workout in Cannes – why not?

The night ended with a call from Yvan asking if we wanted to join him for dinner.  We said yes, another night at the Sushi Restaurant downstairs is not bad at all.  I had all the sushi that I can eat, with sake.  And it was a nice night, as I got to sleep well… intoxicated.  Hope I don’t get used to this feeling of having alcohol before going to sleep.  It’s not nice when you’re 41.  Ask Woody Allen!

The next day proved to be very relaxing.  I had the chance to skip carrying the tripod, though I still had to carry the camera around, just in case something pops up.  I went around the flea market area and saw a Filipina, Amy Ceda.  I walked up to her and asked if she has been living in Cannes for a long time, and she said, she’s been here for the past 15 years.  I asked if I can interview her, and voila!  She was the host of some of the Filipinos who were here at the Cannes Film Festival last year.  She entertained Arleen Cuevas, Adolf Alix, Raya Martin, even Sid Lucero and Piolo Pascual.  She showed me around in her apartment, and she was very hospitable.  But I still can’t imagine Piolo sleeping on a mattress on the floor for two nights in Cannes.  He eventually moved to a hotel, but it proved to me that Piolo has not changed.  He is still down-to-earth.

I went to the Marche du Film (Film Market) to look for the Philippine booth.  And I interviewed Ms. Lali Suzara of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.  She was nice and I introduced her to Yvan, who was with me the whole time, while Cesca remained in the office to write our scripts.

The facade of the Marche du Film where people from all over the world gather to sell their films.

The interview went fine.  And off to the office I went to start editing.  It was quiet, everyone was out, and we edited smoothly and sent the material to the Philippines.  I just hope they air the materials soon.

Interviewing FDCP's Ms. Lali Suzara

Oh, by the way, I heard that the article on me and Cesca came out today.  Hope I can grab a copy of the Inquirer so I can read it myself.  The online version didn’t have any pictures! Hahahaha!

Sudden disappointments.

Posted: 17/05/2010 in Event, Film, Television
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Day 6 started really early today.  At 9am, we had to go to the Palais de Festival to secure a space in the press conference of “Wall Street”, and to get accreditation to the red carpet premiere of the movie.  When we went to the third floor of the building, we saw that the venue for the press con was already open.  So we went inside and saw that some cameramen have already set up their equipment.  So I set-up my own.  I was happy because the last time I went to a press conference, I couldn’t make a shot.  But now, I’m off center in the balcony and I have a clear shot of everyone on stage.

I had a good position already for the press con when they announced that everyone had to go out again.

But after a while, someone from the Cannes security announced that we had to go out again and fall in line.  What?!!! Yes, it’s the rule, that we have to fall in line so we can all be registered upon entering.  So with heavy hearts and feet, we dismantled our equipment and lined up.  While I was in the midst of all the people from all over the world wanting to cover the event, Cesca tried to get accreditation for the red carpet premiere of “Wall Street”.  Soon after, the gates were reopened, and one by one, our identification cards were checked and we were ushered into the venue.  I still had a good position, because I had to elbow myself through the crowd of cameramen so that I can go in early.  I think I was 6th or 7th to get inside.

When everyone was ready, the stars came in.  Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Oliver Stone, Carey Mulligan, Josh Brolin and a few more, sat down on the presidential table.  The presscon started.  It was fun and Cesca had the chance to ask a question for Michael Douglas.

After the presscon, Cesca and I had to to an event for CFI.  It was cocktails and I was asked to shoot an interview for the Eqyptian channel.  After which, we went to the office to ingest the tapes of the presscon.  Cesca went to the apartment.  I was supposed to go to the Palais to get our red carpet accreditation at 3pm but the other teams needed my help in ingesting their materials.  So I was around 5 minutes late.  Still bringing the camera and the tripod, I was so exhausted when I arrived at the Palais.  I flipped open the cellphone, only to find out that Cesca got the accreditation already and was back at the apartment.  So I walked back to the apartment.  Whew!

We were supposed to be at the red carpet at 530 pm in order to set-up our camera.  Then I got the call.  I can not wear a black shirt under my tux!  What?!!!  I had to go around Cannes to find myself a white shirt for my tux.  I found one for an amount I wouldn’t pay for, if I am in Manila.  But I had no choice.  I dressed up for the red carpet, and found myself putting in mic cords, extra DV tapes, extra batteries, a handheld mic in my pockets.  We had to walk back to the Palais, with camera and tripod.  It was not glamorous at all! Hahahahaha!

When we got to the red carpet, we were disappointed to find out that our place is at the top of the stairs, and not along the red carpet.  But it was fine.  I had the time of my life being starstruck.  I saw some stars, Diego Luna (Y Tu Mama Tambien), Salma Hayek, Martin Scorsese, Naomi Campbell and a lot more.  Of course the stars of the movie, Michael Douglas, Shia LaBouef, Carry Mulligan, Josh Brolin and the director Oliver Stone were there.  It was short but fun.  I had a photo taken at the red carpet, but it was with Cesca.  It was tiring, but was worth it.  All of these memories in my mind now.

We had an invitation to an African concert at the CFI Pavilion at 1030pm.  I decided to wear my tux, but with the complete Avel Bacudio ensemble (black shirt and pink bowtie).  They were having dinner at the Japanese restaurant just in front of our apartment.  We joined them and I got a round of applause as I walked out the door.  They liked the outfit.  We went to the CFI Pavilion again to party.  Cesca had to bow out because she was so tired after wearing heels for a very long time, and walking along the sidewalks of Cannes in her gown.

It was a nice night of African music and I had a few glasses of rose wine (again!) and we went home with smiles on our faces.

Woody Allen is next on our agenda.  I wonder what’s in store for us?

Covered.

Posted: 14/05/2010 in Event, Film, Television
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Day 4.  I was early reporting for work today.  Even if the calltime for everyone is at 10am everyday, I went early to send the very first Cannes feature that we did here.  It talked about the press conferences of Robin Hood and the Jury.  But no one was at the office and the door was still locked.  So I had to content myself with bathing under the sun because it was too cold in the shadows.  I was carrying the hard drive assigned to us, the camera and my backpack and everything felt so heavy.

At 930am, Leila (our wonderful coordinator/translator/all-around good girl) came, but she also forgot the key to the office.  So we waited a little while before our technical director, Max came.  He invited us for coffee around the corner and it was tres bien!  One shot of espresso!  I think I am getting used to the powerful little drink.  Knowing that I often start my office day with a Venti Soy Caramel Macchiatto from Starbucks, this would be a welcome break.  But how much is a shot of espresso in Starbucks?

At around 10am, we finished our coffee and we went to the office.  It was a futile effort to go early because everyone started coming in for our daily meeting.  We opened the meeting by showing our final cut from the previous day.  The Philippines was first and everyone liked the feature.  Hope it airs on Philippine television soon.  Cesca and I are proud of it.  The other teams showed their products and yes, it was really nice to see everyone’s work.  Dora, the anchor from Egypt went home at past 4am so she was drowsy through the entire meeting.

Then came our assignment for our daily tasks.  Since we are going to do a story on what and where is Cannes, one of the big guys Laurent (who is incidentally married to the sister of Sunshine Cruz) said that I should go and shoot some footage of the city (they call it beauty shots).  He said he will accompany me to my shoot so I’ll know where to go.  I thought it was perfect because the day is going to be very light for us.  No pressure of press conferences, no red carpets, no rushing.

I had to send the footage to Manila before we can go and shoot.  Max taught me how to make use of the Compressor in Mac, so the feature which was originally 500MB became something like 110MB, without compromising the quality of the video.  It was wonderful!  It only took 30 minutes to upload the video to the web.

Then Laurent asked if we can go and shoot already.  I said yes.  He took the huge tripod from me and brought it downstairs.  I was a little ashamed to make him do that because he is a big guy in CFI, but he said it was okay.  So I let him.  I was surprised to see Max joining us as we walked towards the taxi.  I thought, maybe he wanted to shoot some beauty shots as well.

We went up some hill and saw Cannes from a bird’s eyeview.  It was very beautiful.  It was so serene.  It was so quiet.  Max also took some beauty shots, and I thought, why do we need two cameras to shoot beauty shots?  But it’s none of my business.  I just basked myself in the beauty of Cannes.

The view from the California side of Cannes

While I was shooting the “beauty shots”, I was surprised to see Max pointing his camera at me. And then it hit me, yes, they are doing a documentary on this very first project of CFI with an international crew.  At one point, he came up to me, pointed the camera and started asking questions.  It was bizarre.  I never liked being on camera, and I felt I had no choice but to answer.  Well, yes, I was COVERED. Hahahaha!

After a while, we went back to the newsroom, ingested my tape into the system and we all went out for lunch att a restaurant near the newsroom.  I got Carpaccio Beouf.  I thought it was kind of a burger because it said beef, cheese, mushroom, lettuce and tomato with some pomme frittes (french fries).  But what was served was a little off my design (hahahaha!) There was a number of thin slices of beef, slices of cheese over it, some lettuce, tomato and cucumber scattered over.  The pommes frittes were served in another bowl.  You should have read my mind while I was eating it, because the beef (beouf) was kinda raw. Hahahahaha!

It was cool, until I found out that the Manila end of this coverage didn’t know how to download the video that I uploaded to the web.  I was stressed because it was near the time of the supposed airing of the material.  I somehow felt bad, because I didn’t feel that the material was as important to them, than it was for us. Nancy told me that it might just end up in the Friday episode. I told Cesca about it, and we both ended up feeling bad.  The rest of the day, I spent my time helping out the Egyptian camerawoman, Hannah, in ingesting her material to the system.  A good deed for each day goes a long way because I felt appreciated.

We went home early because it’s going to be a long day for us tomorrow.  We will be covering the press conference of “Wall Street” directed by Oliver Stone and starring Michael Douglas.  Yes, it’s nice seeing these big Hollywood guns in person.  But it’s sad that I can not point my camera at them.  Oh well, the memories will be forever in this blog, though only a few will have the chance to read them.  It’s okay.  I want to read every entry one day and relive the experience that I had in Cannes and Paris.

Before the night ended, Tigran and Armand (from Armenia) brought home some food and two bottles of rose-colored wine.  Tigran gave me what I thought was a sandwich wrapped in foil, but it turned out to be a huge shawarma!  It was five times the usual Filipino shawarma, and it had french fries inside (the serving of which would match a large serving of french fries from McDonalds).  I never thought I could finish the serving but I did! Hahahaha!  We shared the bottles of wine, and talked about the coverages that we’ve had.  Tigran is a very intelligent person, even if he is just 18 years old.  We discussed about our own countries and how we will make them interested in our reports.  I got some nice ideas from him.  He proposed a toast for our first sip of the wine, and I was touched when he said, “to our friendship”.  And I felt really warm inside.

Now, I am writing this blog dazed in a few drinks of the rose-colored wine and full from the large serving of shawarma.  This is a nice relaxing day, but am looking forward to the fast lane that I will be pushed into tomorrow!  Wish me luck!

For now, au revoir!

And so it begins.

Posted: 13/05/2010 in Event, Film, Television
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Day 4. The international team from the five countries (Philippines, Armenia, Egypt, Senegal and Burkina Faso) who were tasked to cover the 2010 Cannes Film Festival are nervous and anxious.  What’s in store for us? What surprises await us with our coverage?

At 10am, the five teams meet for their very first production meeting.  We anxiously waited for our assignments for the day.  Surprise!  Cesca and I were assigned to cover the press conference of “Robin Hood” and the red carpet opening!  Cesca and I stared at each other.  This were the biggest assignments of the day and we were the lucky ones chosen.  Everyone got their accreditation cards, except for us.  Journalists are supposed to be accredited daily for the red carpet events, so the CFI team (Sandra) got our cards.  After a while, our accreditation badges were given.

My accreditation badge. It's official

The camera was also assigned to us along with a huge tripod!  I haven’t touched a professional camera for so long that it took me a while to acquaint myself with the camera.  And the huge tripod was so heavy.  Argh!  I have never carried a tripod this huge since I started working for television.  But all is well, this is the job I signed up for!

Our first assignment is at 1245pm: the press conference of Robin Hood.  We were advised to be there 30 minutes before the schedule so that we can set-up our tripods and find a nice space.  So at 12nn, we were off to the Palais de Festival for the presscon.  We had a hard time finding the venue, and when we got there, no one is being allowed inside anymore. What?! We were supposedly late, and most of the press people got in an hour before the presscon.  And since it was first come-first served, we were not able to go in.  Crap!  We got a call from the CFI people that since we were not able to get in, we should get in line for the next presscon, which is the presscon for the jury.  When a window closes, the door literally opens.  I was more excited to be in the Jury presscon anyway, because Tim Burton will be there!

So patiently, we waited for the Robin Hood press con to finish.  And when it did, Russel Crowe and Cate Blanchette came out of the room. Wow! I am just a few feet away from them.  It was an adrenaline rush.  I was second to go inside the venue, but surprise!  Almost fifty tripods were already set up so I had to squeeze myself into a tiny spot and tried to get a good shot of the presscon table.  The presscon went smoothly and it was nice listening to the jury, and staring at the very beautiful Kate Beckinsdale.  She looked so sweet.  And so beautiful!  I tried bringing out my DSLR to take some pictures while the presscon was ongoing.  Sadly, I was prohibited because my accreditation is only for video coverage!  Pfft!

After the presscon, Cesca told me the bad news.  As if nothing bad has happened.  Our accreditation to the red carpet coverage was too late.  We will not be given any more space.  And I sighed… relieved that I did not have to wear a tuxedo on the first day of coverage.  Not that I don’t want to wear a tuxedo, it was more of wearing it on the very first day.  And the tuxedo that Avel Bacudio made for me was simply amazing!  I am looking forward to wearing it still.  And yes, we might have the chance because we might be accredited to cover the red carpet premiere of Woody Allen’s movie!  Things just kept getting better!

We went to the newsroom and ingested our material to the hard drives that were provided.  It was chaotic at the newsroom.  The joournalist from Egypt had to deliver three live reports in Egypt!  The team from Armenia had to edit fast because they have to air it in the show happening in an hour.  The team from Burkina Faso were working inside one of the editing rooms.  Whew!  So we decided to edit in the apartment using the Mac that I brought.

Our report had to be about Robin Hood and the Jury presscon.  But we didn’t have enough material for the Robin Hood presscon.  Oh, we didn’t have any material at all!  (Hahahaha!)  Good thing that Danny Cabellon of TFC Europe was inside the presscon and he had a few shots.  We waited for him to arrive so we can put it in our materials.  We went to the apartment at 5pm and we finished editing at around 12mn.  Not bad, knowing that not all our materials are ready at 5pm.  And Danny arrived at around 11pm.  We had to ingest and edit it in.

After the editing, I showed the edited material to the team from Armenia and they liked it.  Enough pat on the back for me!  Tomorrow, we are going around Cannes to show what the little city is really like.  So it’s going to be a very relaxed atmosphere for me and Cesca.  And hopefully, I can shoot more photos.

Oh by the way, I think I am picking up some French along the way… French, the language, and not some French person. Hahahaha!

Jetlag.

Posted: 12/05/2010 in Event, Film, Television
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Jetlag really feels bad, especially when you need to work.

I slept late last night so as to maximize my sleep, but my body keeps on telling me the Philippine time.  I woke up around 4am (10am in Manila).  Tried to sleep again but I just couldn’t.  It’s really difficult, especially because it’s cold and feels cozy in bed, but my body is already awake.  At around this time now, I am supposed to be sleeping.  But since it’s 7am in Manila, my mind is still awake.  Argh.  Why can’t the entire world be at the same time? Hahaha!

Anyway, my dream of seeing the Eiffel Tower came true this morning.  The journalists from Armenia accompanied me to the sight and we had fun taking pictures.  It really felt great, even if it was partly foggy and the view is not that clear.  But the misty effect on the tower created a much dramatic impact to my eyes and my lens.  It felt great, even if it was a 40-minute walk from the hotel and back, to catch the 12nn taxi pick-up, when we were brought to Gare de Lyon, where we took the train to Cannes.

At the Eiffel Tower!

After five hours on the train, we finally arrived in Cannes.  TFC’s Danny Cabellon met us at the platform.  We walked towards our apartments for the next days.  No elevators, and the girls had to drag their luggage up the stairs to the third floor!  We helped them before we climbed up the steps of another apartment where all the guys will hold residence.  After which, we took a tour of Cannes (on foot) and we were briefed on where our press room will be (this is where we will ingest our videos and edit our reports for our own countries).  We went to the site of the Cannes Film Festival and we were shown where the red carpet will be placed, where the cars of the celebrities will stop, where they will walk and how we will get their attention so that they will be facing our cameras.

Our access badges will be given tomorrow during our first team meeting.  But we were told that even if we have those badges, it is imperative that we ask for permission to cover the main festival walk.  This is because there will be a projected 10,000 journalists from all over the world who would want to have space in the area of television crew and photographers.  Whew, tough job.  But more than the red carpet, I have been hearing names of people that I might see in person.  Woody Allen, Ridley Scott, Oliver Stone, Russel Crowe, Antonio Banderas, Angelina Jolie… the list is getting longer, but of course, we wouldn’t know until they are really walking on the carpet.

This is the Palais de Festival where the red carpet will be installed.

After the tour, we had a great dinner at a very quaint Mediterranean restaurant in old Cannes.  Then it was a walk back to the apartment.

It’s going to be the start of a gruelling coverage for me here in Cannes.  The other teams are so friendly, and we think that we are all working to succeed.  Hopefully, Cesca and I can deliver good reports from Cannes!  Let the coverage begin!

Warned

Posted: 11/05/2010 in Event, Film, Television
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Day 2 of the France trip started with a double serving of breakfast at the hotel.  (Cesca and I had to do double servings — our bodies are saying that it is lunchtime — hahaha!)  After breakfast, Cesca and I decided to walk around Paris to see some of the sights.

L'Arc de Triomphe, Place Charles de Gaulle

We went to the Arc de Triomphe, a historic yet very busy place.  We took a lot of pictures and we enjoyed the sight.  A lot of tourists were also taking pictures of the arc, which was under restoration during our visit.  Cesca, being of French origin, was really overwhelmed and felt right at home, with all the walking. There were a lot of shops as we walked, and she would be tempted to look at some shoes.  During the walk, I discovered that she played the piano and that it was something that she enjoyed so much.  They have a baby grand piano at home and she would entertain her guests with her music.  That is one thing I want to hear.  Maybe in the future.  I think I have found a new friend in Cesca.  She’s perky and funny at times.

At 12 noon, we walked towards the office of TV5 Le Monde, the home of Canal France Internationale (CFI), where we would meet the entire international crew for the very first time.  The supervisors were there, and we were asked to introduce ourselves. It was funny because everyone had to do a doubletake (first speaking in French then translating right after).  Leila, one of the French from CFI was very helpful as she translated for those who can only speak one of the languages.  And there, we were warned.

… that it is going to be very hectic when the Cannes Film Festival coverage starts.

… that it is going to be crazy in Cannes, with all the media people from all over the world covering the festival.

… that we should relax and take it easy in Paris to prepare ourselves for the workload in Cannes.

After the meeting at the CFI Office in Avenue Wagram, a good 5-minute walk from Hotel Flaubert where we are staying, everyone was brought to lunch at the Le Royal Pereire, which is likewise a nice walk from the hotel.  We had a great time bonding as we eat lunch. It was a long lunch as we tried to get to know each other better.  It was very difficult as almost everyone spoke French. Even the menu had to be translated for our benefit.  But it was all great!

Since it’s going to be a very hectic worlkload at Cannes, Yvan Avril, our editor-in-chief decided to forego the technical training scheduled for that afternoon.  Even the discussion of subjects to be covered was postponed to the next day.  He said we could discuss during the 5-hour train ride to Cannes from Paris.  He just told everyone to have the rest of the day doing what they want.  So we decided to go to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

Yvan offered to be our guide.  The journalist from Senegal, Naffissatou Diouf joined us in our tour.  We rode the Metro (Paris Subway) to go to Champs-Elysees (one of the longest shopping streets in the world) and spent the entire afternoon walking towards the Louvre.  It was a very leisure walk, as Cesca and Naffi went in and out of stores to do some window-shopping.  Yes, both girls were very disciplined in going through the shops.  Cesca just finished with one small bag and Naffi didn’t buy anything.  Naffi wanted to buy a camera, so that she can document the trip for her personal use.  But Yvan told her that since almost everyone had a camera, she didn’t need to buy one.  With the technology, we can all share photos (through Facebook or email).  That was, I think brilliant.

There were a lot of breathtaking sights as we walked towards the Louvre.  But of course, the best was Louvre.

The Louvre

We had fun taking pictures of the Louvre.  And we had some drinks at the very cozy restaurant just beside it.  It was an awesome afternoon, but it started to rain.  Our plan of going to the Eiffel Tower had to take a backseat because it was already raining very hard.  Still hoping to see it though and take pictures.  Yvan said there is nothing spectacular about it, but he’s French and he’s here all the time!  A trip to Paris will never be complete without a picture at the very famous Eiffel Tower.

We took a cab and passed by the tower, but there was no chance to stop because of the rain.  Oh well…

Jetlag is taking the better side of me, as I became a walking zombie after the taxi ride.  I was very very sleepy (knowing that 8pm is 2am in Manila).  After dinner, we just had to retreat to the hotel and take our rest.  It’s going to be another day, and I think I will likewise enjoy the 5-hour train ride to Cannes.  I am so excited.  I feel like Harry Potter on the night before his train ride to Hogwarts!

For now, au revoir!  Next blog when I get to Cannes!

Arrival in Paris

Posted: 10/05/2010 in Event, Film, Television
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We’re finally in Paris, on the day that the very first automated elections will be held in the Philippines.  And I will be missing the historic event.

Arrived at the airport around 7am for the 1045am flight from Manila.  The queue was long and it took a while before I got to the counter.  Good thing our seats were pre-reserved so I still got what I wished for: a window seat.  I don’t understand why everything’s so difficult in our airport.  After the long queue, I found out that the travel tax was not yet paid for, so another long queue for us!  After which, the long queue to pay for the terminal fee, and immigration.  After immigration is another security check.  Before you even reach the waiting area for boarding, one is already exhausted.

The flight took 14 hours.  Good thing KLM has a really nice line-up of on-demand entertainment list.  I saw “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”, “Did You Hear About the Morgans”? and “It’s Complicated”.  I also got the chance to watch two episodes of “Modern Family”.  But what really pleased me was watching “Just for Gags” — it’s a torture to watch when you’re in an aircraft.  Imagine trying to keep yourself from laughing out loud (in respect to the other passengers, some of who are already asleep).  And the episode I saw was simply hilarious.  The other hours in between, were delegated to sleeping. Hahahaha!

The spoon had a block of chocolate which should be stirred into the cup of hot milk. Delish!

Arrived in Amsterdam for a transfer.  Cesca and I enjoyed a mug each of hot chocolate.  It was so delicious!  Then I tried to smoke one stick, and after having no cigarette for almost 19 hours, I got dizzy and stopped after a few puffs.  The plane ride from Amsterdam to Paris was a little less than an hour.  And now, I am blogging from Paris.  Tomorrow, we’ll get to meet the journalists from the other countries.  Let’s see how this goes.  Stay tuned, my friends.

Prelude to Cannes 2010

Posted: 24/04/2010 in Event, Television
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“I have good news and bad news for you!”

It was the statement which caught us at awe, during the last of the 5-day television news gathering workshop we were attending last week (April 12 to 16) at the Alliance Francaise de Manille in Makati.  This statement was delivered by Yvan Avril, workshop moderator, and editor-in-chief of the international crew which will cover the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.  My partner Cesca and I held our breath, waiting for what is about to come.

You see, the 5-day workshop involved three teams, one each from the three competing television networks, ABS-CBN, GMA and TV5.  Only one team goes to Cannes as the official coverage team of the country.  And the team was chosen after a series of projects required by Yvan.

Yvan was looking at Cesca and I when he said, “The bad news is, you are going to be busy.  The good news is, you’re going with me to Cannes.”

We were tired, after five days of running around the city creating stories, and hearing those words made both Cesca and I, numb. We could not believe what we heard.  But when the TV5 team confirmed that our team was chosen, and when the GMA team extended their hands to congratulate us, we realized we heard right.

Yes, Cesca and I are going to Cannes.  Two weeks from now, we will be flying to Paris for this project.  Canal France Internationale chose five countries from all over the world to complete a crew composed of 5 teams from the different countries for this project called “Cannes Seen By…” and the ABS CBN team will be part of the crew!

(standing) Christian Mérer Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs; Yvan Avril, Editor-in-Chief France Télévision; JV Chiu and Ge Tan, GMA 7; Lourd de Veyra and Manolito Gaya (TV5); Stéphane Doutrelant, Alliance Française de Manille Director; and Martin Macalintal, Audiovisual Attaché; (seated) Cesca Litton and Jillmer Dy (ABS CBN)

It was a whirlwind of events after that.  We were briefed by Yvan on things to expect while we are in Cannes.  We had a courtesy call with the French ambassador H.E. Thierry Borja de Mozota.  We had to fix some papers for our Schengen Visa.  Applied for a visa. And a lot more.  It has started to sink in — the expectations, the responsibilities — a high-profile assignment!

Christian Merer; Cesca Litton; H.E. Thierry Borja de Mozota, French Ambassador; Jillmer Dy; Yvan Avril and Martin Macalintal

Crossing my fingers for nice things to happen in Cannes.

Meanwhile, have to research on a lot of things to be able to create meaningful stories for the Filipinos.

Hope you can be part of our journey.