Heneral Luna and the local audience

Call me a nerd. But I actually believe this movie deserves commendation. It looks promising. This is the kind of movie that needs to be promoted in schools. What kind of movie am I talking about? It's actually an biographical film entitled "Heneral Luna". No, it is not about an all girl Filipino rock band (The band name is in English: General Luna). It is about General Antonio Luna. Directed by Jerrold Tarog with John Arcilla in the lead role.



The movie outfit: Artikulo Uno. I never heard of it. Most of you either. Why? Because it is a newly built film outfit. Who would venture into such a project? Having a historic biography as their first movie project? It is no less than a member the Ortigas clan. Artikulo Uno is the brainchild of Fernando “Nando” Ortigas. He envisions "to create intelligent entertainment that will help reverse the dumbing down of local audiences”. 


Tough words. It is the sad reality though. Adultery, romance, horror, and comedy are the recurring themes of local movies nowadays. Nothing wrong with these except that only a few of which have a notable storyline. Some are just totally devoid of it and can be taken a mere scheme to earn money to unsuspecting moviegoers blinded by a star studded cast. Some will just be satisfied with having a good laugh, never mind if the movie is intelligently crafted or made. But would it not be more satisfying if a movie makes you think, makes your brain work, rather than being superficial and predictable? Movies do not need to be all "serious". They just need to be more of substance. Be it of any theme.


I am afraid that "Heneral Luna" will not do good in terms of box office returns. But if it lives up to its billing, it will surely be noticed and given recognition by film critics here and abroad. Kudos Fernando “Nando” Ortigas for having such a vision. I hope other movie producers will follow suit and have a cause the same as yours.



Here is a teaser of the movie (click on the link)


Heneral Luna Teaser 1



Addendum: And one more thing- I hope there will be no "commercial endorsement movies" this December 2014 in the MMFF.  

Is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge all about fun?

It's been a while since I have a written about something. It feels surreal that I am again finding the time to write for my so called "blog". It is quite difficult to find the mood or inspiration to write. I really do not know if I will be elucidate my point on the matter I decided to have a commentary on.  But here it goes, short and simple: 

Recently, social media platforms went abuzz with videos of "ALS Ice Bucket Challenge". Crazy videos, i must say, as they involve dumping a bucket of ice water on  a person's head. It is some sort of wild fun. It seems to be a great idea to shoot such a video and use the tag with it the phrase "ALS Ice Bucket Challenge". It is just for fun anyway. If this is your understanding of the logic behind the act, I think it would better for you to stop and do your research. 

Before you turn something into a social media fad, please take a good look of what is the original intention of such an act. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is not merely a fad. It is not just for fun. It was conceptualized to promote awareness of the disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and encourage donations to research.

Yes, ALS is a three letter acronym for a disease. It is often characterized by muscle spasticity, rapidly progressive weakness due to  muscle atrophy (wasting away of muscles), and difficulties in breathing, speaking, and swallowing.  It is classified as a neurodegenerative disease causing parts of the body to be weaker and less able to function as time go by. Simply put, it is a progressive, fatal disorder  There is no cure for ALS.

Therefore, the tag "ALS ice bucket challenge" is not merely intended to be used just for fun. Hindi po lahat ng nasa social media ay pa-uso lang. Think more than once. Be in the know. Be responsible.

Goodbye Petron Blaze Boosters, Welcome back San Miguel Beermen!

I don not know at what song is the San Miguel Corporation is dancing to. This is as far as the SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN franchise is concerned. It is disappointing that the former Petron Blaze Boosters team bowed out in the semifinals after being beaten black and blue by Rain or Shine. Something clearly needs some ironing. Some noted players seems to have lost their heart for the games and just learned to commit to playing and not on winning. The off season plays an important role to iron out these things.


Some player shuffles may be wise at the time being  but will it benefit the team in the long run? The team has also been struggling to find its identity because it the dynamics at which it was supposed to run has been changed numerous times creating confusion among players. I am not a Coach Gee fan but I guess he should have been given some slack. The Philippine Cup was just his second conference at the helm. The seemingly tumultuous coaching rigodons the team has undergone left it devoid of a leadership dynamic at which the team's identity should emanate.

I do not know why the top management is seemingly in a hurry to find success.  I have nothing against them but looking at things lately, it seems that it is not clear where do they want to steer the mother franchise. Player and coaching shuffles are so full of mystery, leaving fans clueless at times. As a fan, I could only hope that this will translate into a better future for the mother franchise of the San Miguel Corporation. But I hope they provide the fans some form of transparency at times. After all, the PBA is about the fans. (Stop the obvious rescue the sister team games, fans are intelligent enough to see them. Sorry, I can not stop myself from saying it!).

Whatever disappointment Petronovela caused, I still remain optimistic of the team and will remain a fan. San Miguel Beermen is the team I have supported for many years and I will not make the jump as what others did. I am not a player fan but a team fan. I say Thank you Coach Gee.Welcome Coach Biboy. Though I can not agree in in its entirety of this power sharing set up with Purves. Ron Jacobs is a tough act to follow. His heart is proudly loyal to Philippine basketball. I guess that is what still lacks the current mentorship approach at this team - heart for the Philippine brand of basketball game.

I am looking forward for a better team next conference. I can only wish them the best.
Goodbye Petron Blaze Boosters. Welcome back San Miguel Beermen! Be a BEERMEN, not a BOOSTER. Figure it out!

Best of luck!