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

Book Fair: Reading is the Key

It was my first time to visit Mega mall. Yes, my very first time. I was with Michaela Berenguer and Tiffany De Jesus and a couple of friends. On the way to Mega Mall from Vito Cruz, we had a hard time riding the LRT and the MRT for it was very crowded and jam-packed. In spite of the crowded train we managed to reach Mega mall to visit the Academic book fair. We had a tough time looking for the fair and we had to ask the security guards where the fair is located.

After minutes of searching, we finally saw the fair and registered. We saw different kinds of academic books that differ in subjects, prizes, sizes and topics. The event showcased academic books, Filipino materials, Catholic publications, magazines, journals, educational video and audio materials, publishing aids, and electronic references. Unfortunately almost all of the books are a bit costly for us to buy.

I was quite amazed that in today’s generation we not only learn through books and other printed materials but also through digital forms to further develop the habit of reading and a passion for written works. It goes to show how learning is made easy by the use of technology. Events such as the 15th Philippine Academic Book Fair provide a needed venue to help develop and encourage interest on books and remain relevant in the digital age. I had a fulfilling experience in the book fair.

Blog entry written by: Charmaine Marie Perillo

Book Fair

Tarp found at the entrance of the Book Fair

I love reading books so the requirement to go on a Book Fair was really exciting for me. I went to SM Megamall, Satuday (July 16). I took the LRT and MRT way. It was cool because it was my first time to ride the MRT. Wooh! I enjoyed it although I was alone when I did ride on it. I was with my friends Maiky and Chamie and their boyfriends. hahaha.

I didn't expect the bookfair to be full of academic books with great discounts because I really am not that interested to read those. So I looked for pocketbooks and novels and I only saw 1-3 booth that has them then the others sell religious books, cds, coloring books for kids, and scholar books for professionals. We enjoyed the experience, we checked out some of the books and find them interesting and also find ourselves with no money in the pocket to afford those books.

There are fewer books than what I expected, the place was a little small for a bookfair. It's funny because when we went there all we can see buying books are professionals or elders. We weren't able to see teens our age excitedly buying books. We also took pictures.

After the event we watch Harry Potter 7 and enjoyed the rest of the day. good thing the event was held in a mall. We were able to bond and do some window shopping. We went home in the evening. I really recommend bookfairs for book addicts and professionals. Books with good offers and discounts are really helpful.

Blog entry written by: Tiffany Marie De Jesus