Attending the Manilart 2011

The biggest and most awaited art exhibit in the metro has come. We were lucky to have experience this annual celebration of artists and their craft. We're able to see all the beautiful artworks made by the most creative artists in the country. I'm very grateful that we were given such privilege to enjoy the masterpieces displayed in the exhibit.

Some parts of the body are involve tho make this work of art an illustration of science. We see from the eyes the inside that we can't see if we'll look from the outside. i like this artwork cause it is very meaningful. i see the use of the human body parts to make the viewers thinkand make their own meaning.

Another milestone added: TV, AM, FM Station Visit

Visiting a TV, AM and FM station is a very big opportunity for me to understand how programs came to life. When we visited these stations, it makes me feel excited and nervous of what's in store for me in the future. Right now, I am still unsure of what minor track to take but visiting different kinds of programs, a part of me wanted to pick the track which leads to producing such programs. However, from what I observed, I know that it is a big challenge for me to enter that kind of job.

When we visited The Buzz last Sunday, September 25, 2011, we were so nervous and excited at the same time. I always see this program on TV so it was a big pleasure for me to be an audience and see how it is being produced. Seeing how it was produced, I can say that it is another milestone in my life. Everyone panicked when the cameramen were not yet in their positions for they are about to go on air; it would be seen that every person in a production crew has a very significant job to fulfill. As a Mass Comm. student it is very important that I get exposed to such activities so when time comes, it would be easier for me to cope with whatever work I might have.

On the other hand, when we visited AM and FM stations, DZBB and Barangay LS 97.1, I never expected that these two stations are very different from each other. Barangay LS 97.1 has a very calm mood when we arrived. The DJs were done outlining their program for today so we just had a little chat with them. We found out that, depending on the program, like in our case, a DJ can just go off air for about 30mins. and still the program would run. Unlike the FM station, everyone needs to be always alert for they have news every after commercial. The announcer could not go offline for a long time, only between commercials. It was a pleasure seeing Arnold Clavio hosting a morning radio program, and I observed that they are good in terms of delivering news even without a camera.

Upon visiting all of these TV and radio stations, I can say that each one has a challenge which sometimes cannot be seen in the other field. TV for example, cannot live without a camera, and they have a lot of staff and crew to make a big show. On the other hand, an FM station only needs a DJ to make a program, cameras and a big production crew not required. AM stations would be in between these two types; news writers, and engineering crew required. To conclude this, I would consider working for TV, a stage manager or floor director would be fine. ^^, Though it is more difficult than doing a radio program, the challenge, adventure and thrill would make me feel so fulfilled, that even though I am not the one appearing on cam, without a production staff, a show would not be possible.


Blog entry written by: Annie Mae S. Dela Cruz

Radio and TV station hoppin'

Our choice for our radio station visit for AM we went to GMA's very own DZBB Super Radyo, and for FM we went to GMA's Baranggay LS 97.1FM.

Our visit was quick yet interesting, I learned so much more during our visit. AM  stations are more stressed than the FM ones, cause' in AM you gotta be alert and also the people whom you're working with needs to have a quick source of news especially when they're on air. Especially when there are breaking news they need to get that scoop fast. In FM we asked the DJ's (Dan) and (Liza) that the two of them arranges all, from putting the commercials on air, songs, answering requests and all it's all them in one room, and they just set everything until 30 mins is over they're back on air.

As for the TV show we watched The Buzz live

And we've got a chance to take a picture with two of the hosts' of the show; Toni and Charlene

Watching a live show was far of the best experience i've ever had seeing the studio where everything happens, seeing the people who worked extra hard to give the audience a good show and of course the celebrities which I only see at T.V. 

I felt very amazed and somehow excited on what I could be (maybe) after I graduate. I saw how everyone is busy before-during the show and feeling relieved after the show is finished.  During the commercial breaks the production staff quickly arranged the set and how they need to be alert on what the hosts' needs to say and when the camera needs to be focused at one of the hosts' 

As what I learned, radio shows are more fun yet stressful because in TV shows because in TV shows the scripts are already set and in radio shows everything is not scripted., so I think I would still love to work on T.V because I want to express my ideas and see it on the television after all the hard works, the greatest reward is seeing your work in television and seeing the viewers happy and contented.

The Buzz, DZBB and Barangay LS station visit

Every mass communication student's dream is to experience the real world of media. For the past two weeks we were able to get that opportunity. every chose which tv show, fm station, and am station to watch live and to observe. We chose d'buzz for the tv show. I think i saw how camera tricks, lightings, and set design made the whole show so big on tv screen. It is fun to be a live audience and see all the hosts talk in front of the camera. But it is quite disappointing that the live show featured many video clips that made us just turn our heads on the wide screen and wait. The fm station we visited was DZBB while for fm we had Barangay ls fm 97.1, there we saw Arnold Clavio, Susan Enriquez, Benjie Alejandro and other radio announcers. It's a great privilege to have seen how they work, how radio production goes. I think the hosts are more casual rather than in t.v. productions. If i were to choose between the two, i would still choose being on tv production, I think it more fun though stressful. And it has been my greatest dream to work for any of the two clashing networks which are GMA7 and ABS-CBN.

Blog entry written by : Tiffany Marie De Jesus

Radio and TV station visit

I only hear their voices streaming through the radio. While I browse through radio stations, I hear them report about the current events and play different songs of different genres. Not in my wildest dreams, have I ever imagined that I would see them on person. I was so stunned. We were wall hyped up to see how the radio production goes. We headed to GMA to visit Barangay ls.97.1 and DZBB for our am station. We saw Arnold Clavio, Susan Enriquez, Benjie Alejandro and all the other members and staff of the production. I got so amazed on how they work with the different technical and complicated stuff. The TV production on the other hand, we were all so lucky for the chance of having to visit The Buzz and see different TV personalities. We were all star trucked for they all look so professional and stunning especially KC Concepcion and Toni Gonzaga. I never thought I would see them on person, for I was only watching them before on my TV screen. I saw the scenes behind camera; I was so amazed to see the other perspective and view of TV, besides having to watch them on television. I witnessed the different lights, sounds and cameras all over the set. I can foresee myself working in one of the staff of neither network. I would prefer to be on TV stations for I would be exposed to different celebrities. HAHA. Aside from that I think TV production offers a whole new world full of enthusiasm and excitement.

Blog entry written by: Charmaine Perillo

First time experience added: ManilArt 2011 3rd Philippine International Art Fair

From the VillageArt Gallery, my most favorite painting from Manilart 2011

This artwork is my favorite among the other artworks in the exhibit. My reason for liking this artwork is that it made me look twice on it. At first, I saw a woman’s back, but then when I looked closely at the painting, it was indeed an optical illusion of a vase and a woman’s back. I got curious with the concept of the artist that is why I liked the artwork. It was even entitled Kaleidoscope Gentle Charm. For me, this might mean that a set of changing events in a woman’s life and I feel that every woman is connected with it.

A movie concept that I would wanted to make out of this is about a lady that is very naïve about reality for she never leaves her comfort zone. But as she moves forward, she faces trials that made her a better person only to find out that something is about to change her life more.

Sadly, I wasn't able to take note of the artist, but it is my second most favorite artwork

This second artwork is my second most favorite for I like the concept very much. Whenever I look at this artwork, it reminds me of my room. Yes, it is a mess every day. Every time I go home, I bring out my things and would have them in my bed scattered, then fix it before I sleep. The artwork makes me feel very comfortable. It is because even though my room is messy, this is still my comfort zone. In this place, I do not have to be someone else who is really not me; I just need to be myself.

Now I will make a movie out of this artwork, it would take the story of a woman who has a very complicated life like the one in the painting. Her life is simply a chaos, and everywhere she goes, she encounters a problem. But one day she will meet someone that would even maker her life more chaotic.


Blog entry written by: Annie Mae S. Dela Cruz

Manila Art 2011

It was my first time to attend the annual Manila Art (International Philippine Art Fair) and this year it was held at the NBC tent in The Fort, Taguig and luckily I was one of the people who gets to see different art galleries by our very own pinoy style of art.

And here is one of my favorite piece of artwork

A very pinoy piece, jeepney, I myself don't get it why I like this one so much, though this one is just a display next to a gigantic portrait yet this has caught my eyes. I love how the sculptor designed this as a very weird sort of style, well we all know here in the Philippines, we would often see a jeepney rolling the streets in different styles. For me, as what I could interpret this artwork, it's a free jeep, a jeep that has full of happy passengers who pays enough fare and all the passengers who would ride here are the happiest. 

If I were to be able to do a film and get this as a inspiration, the story would be about the drivers of fought through the streets of Manila just to survive their household and for being the heroes of our country, without these jeepney drivers probably half of Filipino whether a student or a worker would walk miles from where they live down to their destinations.

Among all the paintings I saw, this one was the coolest because when you look at it at first you'll get the vibe that you are with the boy at the pool, I really liked it after a minute of just looking at it, it's not that easy to paint something like this. And another thing why I liked this painting is because I remember myself way back my swimming lessons when I was still young like this boy, I feel like drowning everytime I attempt to swim one lap but then I see a light above that keeps me going, now I don't usually swim like an athlete but I still remember what I learned.


If this would be my inspiration in doing a film, I would love to do a story about learning how to swim, not only the sport itself but also the hardships and struggles you'll get in able to get at the last lap.And being able to be matured from all the experiences of athletes like this kid in the portrait does at the very beginning.


Blog entry written by : Quinlin Roxas

What can Mainstream Movies Learn from Independent Films?

Here are the views of some members of the group:

One thing that mainstream media can learn from independent film is that, reality should not be replaced by fantasy. As what Indie films like to present, ideas should be based on realities in life. For mainstream movies for example, many people are so fond of love stories, they are trapped into the theme of happy endings. Well, happy ending do happen, however not all people can experience it. "Not all tunnels possess a light at the ending." There is more to understand that life is not just about being happy, bitterness is part of it. This should be realized by mainstream movies for they give a bigger influence to the public.
-Annie Mae Dela Cruz


Independent films are important because they set a good standard in the Filipino movie industry. They don't just go with the concepts of mainstream which is to make profits even if the films that they make are waste of time because it lacks values and meaning. Looking at the achievements of indie films I can say that these are the ones being recognized in different international film festivals. For me indie films has greater meaning and sometimes advocates something. It shows different symbolism that can be an eye opener to us. For me indie changes the image of film industry in a good way. First, it does not have to be extravagant, second, the actors and actresses doesn't have to be popular. Third, it must have substance. Fourth, it must benefit the viewer not only make profit of it. Fifth, it should always promote nationalism because the local movies we have are our pride and should be our priority.
-Tiffany Marie De Jesus

Print Media: Influence is their power

An internet article about Cyber Media vs. Print Media  from www.images .google.com

Print media is one of the most influential media today. It does not include only the newspapers but magazines and books as well. Making a magazine is quite difficult as other print media will always be. Unlike delivering news in TV or through radio, you can take back or rephrase some of your words in an instant. For print media, especially magazine, it is prepared two months before its actual release. Here in the Philippines, there are known companies that observe this kind of process. Let me give you an example of some magazines that were distributed for last month.

As you can see, there are many kinds of magazine printed here and abroad. Mostly, the topics are about fashion, show business and teenage issues. There are also some men’s and women’s magazine that are restricted for adults only. What I realized from this journey into the world of magazine is that, there are tons of magazines printed; lots of money wasted, lots of paper used but then majority of the people do not seem to be interested in what they print. Such examples would be magazines from certain celebrities and are named after them. Who would get interested in their social life and how would it help resolve the issues of our country? There a lot to think about the issues of country, if people would only realize it, then we could have a better understanding of reality. Print media seemed to be “abused” and is used just for making money. There are more responsibilities that media has to cover and responsible journalism is one.

Blog written by: Annie Mae S. Dela Cruz

Magazine Analysis

I went to national bookstore near our place for the magazine review. I found a long magazine rack containing local and international magazines. The only magazines I read are those in the salons and of course I also buy teen magazines like Candy.

I think the concept of how to make a magazine sell both international and local are the same. Those magazines with the most popular celebrity always gain publicity and patronized by the consumers. And those magazines that are i-don't-know-how-did-it-became-a-magazine don't sell to the public or somehow 1% of the population reads those kinds of magazines.

The magazine industry is like an extension of show business wherein actors,models,celebrities make the published magazine sell by just a picture of them in the front cover and a whole page of their lives inside. It is because magazines are for entertainment of the people.

The magazines I saw were the same magazines the public buys. There are magazines being ignored. I love the experience of seeing different magazines those with sense and those... no comment... maybe makes sense to other people. It's a fun and crazy thing!

Blog entry written by: Tiffany Marie De Jesus

7th Cinemalaya: A Film Festival to Remember

July 15, 2011. Everyone was saving for this date to come. Except that it was a Friday night, the opening of the 7th Cinemalaya is set on that date. Independent film makers are given the chance to showcase their skills and talents in making films. The feeling of attending Cinemalaya is so unexplainable. It was first time so I really appreciated everything that I saw. I had goose bumps and felt so excited and nervous at the same time.

At around 6PM on that day, we arrived at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. When we arrived, the place was jam packed! There are so many people that it will make you feel dizzy. Being a newbie in the Independent world, I am not aware of the people I see. They might be some directors of some movies but I was not aware of it. Then, we saw Mr. Ricky Davao around and I was lucky enough to take a picture with him together with LadyKath. I also saw Maria Isabel Lopez but I was not able to get a picture because of the people she is talking to.

with Mr. Ricky Davao

After some time of waiting, we have to fall in a very long line of people waiting to enter the main hall for the opening ceremonies of the 7th Cinemalaya. A huge crowd is about to enter the hall, and some were already positioned at the stairs, sitting. It was hard to find a good place to sit so I decided to roam around the place and find a better spot. I found the place where I could see the whole crowd watching the opening ceremony. I found a not so good place but I was happy enough to be there. At the third floor, behind the logo of Cinemalaya right exactly behind the letter L, I stood and got a good place to see everyone.

Shortly after the opening remarks and other words from the organizers, trailers of the movies were shown; new breed and shorts. Then after a while, people start to fall in line at the 3rd floor area of the main theater. And it was for the opening movie and I was lucky enough to find a good seat with my friends and after the film showing I went home happily even if it was so late when I arrived home, I animatedly narrated my experience with my cousins.

After a week, I decided to go back to CCP for additional pictures and appreciate the artworks from the gallery. Well I wasn’t expecting too many people to watch on a Friday night but when I arrived I was like, “Whoa!”, CCP is jam packed again. I went there with my cousin so that someone has to take my pictures since no one would accompany me. When I went to the main hall, people were gathering and it seems like they were waiting for something or someone to come. And guess what? There were loads of celebrities around that I was able to take some pictures. (See pictures below)

Photos L-R: Me with Director Laurice Guilien, Paulo Avelino, Rocco Nacino, Jean Garcia and me with Ms. Raquel Villavicencio. 

I was lucky that we are required to come to this event. Even though it was the sake of having grades, I was not thinking of that reason why I was attending the Cinemalaya. It was a huge privilege attending the 7th Cinemalaya.

I was not doing it for the sake of getting a high grade, I am doing it for myself; for me to get experience and get exposed to the world which in the future might be mine too.

Blog entry written by: Annie Mae S. Dela Cruz

7th Cinemalaya: A New Found Experience

We were all so hyped up for the upcoming Cinemalaya and at long last, the wait was over. We were all present to witness the Opening of Cinemalaya 2011! :) I asked my mom to come with me together with my friends; Michaela Berenguer and Tiffany De Jesus. We were anticipating the Cultural Center of the Philippines to be star-studded and as expected we saw a lot of stars who were also there to watch the opening. We got a lot more keyed up to see new faces, see colorful art displays and eyewitness the grand opening. :)

Although it was very unfortunate that we weren’t able to sit infront of the stage and have comfortable seats, we were still in high spirits and glad to be a part of the opening of Cinemalaya..Laurice Guillen’s MASKARA opens Cinemalaya 2011. The cast of Maskara is led by Tirso Cruz III, Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino and Ina Feleo. I’m really a big fan of Laurice Guillen’s works and I was so glad to watch Maskara.

For me, Laurice Guillen has yet made another masterpiece with this movie. After the Opening ceremony, I thought to myself that Filipino films have a great opportunity and a huge edge to compete among different movies. It was really a fulfilling and a new experience for me. I would definitely watch again next year. :)


Blog entry written by: Charmaine Marie Perillo

Cinemalaya Experience

Attending cinemalaya 2011 is one of my coolest experience. Going to CCP during free time with my blockmates and friends made it enjoyable. The opening was okay, though i expected more, like, it will be held on a theater with comfortable seats instead finding a good spot to see what is happening and standing there til the program ends. What i like about the experience was that we get to see celebrities, actors and actresses and take pictures with them.

During the opening we also visited the museums at CCP, checked out cool artworks and take pictures of it. After the opening event we went straight to harbour square and had dinner there. I don't see school activities like this as burden instead i enjoy it because it allows me to bond with my friends and block mates. Whenever we have free time, I, Maiky and Chamie go to ccp to watch films maybe because it eases boredom and we love to hang out.

It's really fun seeing Scholasticans in their uniform just like me excitedly waiting to watch indie film. I was also interviewed by a Scholastican, she asked me for my feedback on how important Indie films are. I answered in straight filipino and my friends laughed because they thought i took the question very seriously. haha. I even required my boyfriend to watch a film. He was amazed on how independent films rock. I heard good feed backs from him.

Studying at SSC gives me the privilege to watch films. I can really feel the Kulasa spirit and the social awareness we have. I'm looking forward to the next Cinemalaya event!!! I hope there'll be good changes and more exciting films to be shown. Long live indie films!

Blog entry written by: Tiffany Marie De Jesus

15th Philippine Academic Book Fair: A First Time Experience!

Last July 12, 2011, my strength and patience was tested when we decided to go to SM Megamall in Mandaluyong for the 15th Philippine Academic Book Fair. That week was one of the tiring weeks that we had for this semester. Our school works are piling up and there are a lot of events that we have to attend to. 

Our trip to SM Megamall is a very adventurous one. The best way to reach SM Megamall is by riding an LRT and MRT. It was one tough ride going to SM Megamall; imagine numerous people walking fast ahead of you trying to get a seat on the train. What’s worse than those numerous people walking is the sardine-like situation inside the train. I seated opposite of my classmates so at first I can still see them, but as the train stops at every station it is filled with many people. So after some time we finally reached our destination.

We did not have a hard time to find where the Book Fair is held. We signed up and took a picture at the entrance and then we entered into the hall.

When I first step foot and saw the Book Fair, the first word I uttered was “HEAVEN!” It really was heaven for a book lover like me. Though not most of the books I read are as academic as seen on the Book Fair, whenever I see tons of books like that, I know that there are some books that I will also love. As we walk around the fair, we saw a faculty from the Mass Comm. Department and we even took a picture with her.

As we continue roaming around, we separate ways so that we can take a better look on some books. I went from stall to stall and look for some interesting books. Sometimes, I look for books about Mass Comm. that could help me in the future years. As I go through each stall, I take note of the publishing company that they represent. There were some famous publishing houses like Ateneo de Manila University Press, University of the Philippines Press, University of Santo Tomas Publishing House, Claretian Communication Foundation, Inc., IBON Foundation, Inc., Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, Jesuits Communications Foundation, Inc., and many more. These publication houses showcased many books that were really very useful. Their books like songs have different genres that can be anyone’s source of information.

Yes, these books are really academic and their price is really yeah, ^_^ It was heaven like to be inside the book fair but you cannot really imagine how a simple student can buy a book with such cost. This was not the so good part about the Book Fair; though there are lots of books that we can use, we cannot afford to buy some of those that we need.

What I learned from this Book Fair is that, media such as print have a big influence towards development. Unlike other forms of media like broadcasting and advertising, print will last for a long time for it is kept through books, magazines and newspapers.

Blog entry by: Annie Mae S. Dela Cruz