Bien will be semi-back

gumagala naman..
nakakalimutan lang..

soon, ulit
balik sa pagiging most photographed, dirtiest show dog (i think the dirtiest part, hindi nabuwag ang trono..hehe)

- BB and Bien :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR

been out of net and phone signals over the holidays. thanks for the greetings and good cheers. happy new year to y'all. God Bless.

Mad dog.MOV

Pwede bang maloka, I wish i was real. BB needs my 4 extra paws. :)

Hey, BB, please, don't forget me this time! Your doggie who usually tags along your celebrity hunts. Please, please, I will be good :P

I miss Banned Movies. This is as close as it gets.

.MOV

Old dog new tricks

Why don't i just have time to learn html, and if i do learn, will i be using this skill for a good rest of my life?

waahhh, website updating is not sooo fun, especially if your computer is conking out on you. irregular hard disk detection, virtual memory loss (i HAVE TO organize my files and delete old stuff finally!!!) and software crashes. I must've done 3x revisions already per page, plus the fact that this dog is ouidoing dreamweaver. Arrrrrfffff..

But then i finally made a vanity mark at the site, admitting i am part of the web team. It's good that BB has been a tambay with creative guys in the old agencies, tinkering with softwares they rubbed a bit of photoshop, after effects, in design (well corel and aldus.. wahahaha remember??) so i am not overwhelmed with the design interfaces.

yup, back to updating. Ciao.

Bien the webdog.
www.movfest.com

Looking for Lav Diaz script

We are looking for a copy of the Lav Diaz script "Ang Kriminal ng Barrio Concepcion." If you have worked with him and / or students of Sir Joven Velasco who had the privilege of acquiring a copy as part of a film class, please get in touch with me - bien@bannedmoviespilipinas.com or acedandan@yahoo.com. We need the same for reference for a project we are collaborating with Mr. Diaz.

Thank you very much.

Bienvenido Bernal

read Dolphy reviewed @ Rotten Tomatoes :)

Bien and My Dolphy :)

Further Reading: Dark Knight is Unforgettable, but Who Remembers James Batman?

Kim uncovers a strange copyright-flouting Filipino movie from the 60s.

by Kim Newman

| July 24, 2008

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/further_reading_by_kim_newman/news/1743648/further_reading_dark_knight_is_unforgettable_but_who_remembers_james_batman

****

Wala nang "the first", "the most important", "the next (place dead director name here)"

Walang salba salba

Walang kategorya na binabali bali din naman ng sino mang gumagamit (indie/ mainstream)

Basta gumawa kayo (ng maganda/ ng gusto ninyo/ ng totoo sa inyo -- kahit hindi none/ all of the above)

May manonood.

Paalam aking Bulalakaw, Jolina song at Indiesine sa Galleria sa Hulyo trenta

This is not a song by Khavn

Gusto kong marinig ang boses mo

Gusto kong halikan ang labi mo

Gusto kitang yakapin hanggang umaga

Gusto kong marinig ang buhay mo

Gusto kong halikan ang puso mo

Gusto kitang kasama hanggang may umaga

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC1aTKb47Y0

Malamang napakinggan mo na ang kantang iyan ni Jolina? Okay lang, huwag ka na lang magpahalatang na LSS ka. Kung naging themesong ninyo ito ng S.O. mo atin atin na lang iyan.

Pero ngayon pwede ka nang magsenti inside at rakenrol wasak pa rin on the outside (parang mentos!) maririnig mo ang iba pang sentimental asukal na kanta na gawa ni Khavn De La Cruz sa Robinsons Galleria Indiesine sa July 31 hanggang August 7.

GOODBYE MY SHOOTING STAR

[Paalam Aking Bulalakaw]

This is not a film by Khavn

K. loves Ana. But Ana's now gone. Once she was there. But not anymore.

A chance encounter from their past leads to this new meeting between K. and Ana. They walk through the streets of the University of the Philippines, running into people, visiting a quirky optometrist, and riffing on topics ranging from the personal to the philosophical. Their talks are interspersed with songs and poems that develop parallel to the couple’s talk. This creates a mix of music video, poetry reading, and offbeat romance.

Starring MERYLL SORIANO & KHAVN

Also Starring NELLA SARABIA, ELMO REDRICO, & EGAY ROXAS

Directed, Written, and Produced by KHAVN

Cinematography by KHAVN & ALBERT BANZON

Edited by RALPH CRISOSTOMO

Music by DELAKRUS

Guitar Solo by JONNY SALVADOR

Poems by KULAS TALON

Sound Engineered by ARVIE BARTOLOME

Translated by KAEL CO & MERV ESPINA

Production Company: FILMLESS FILMS

MERYLL SORIANO as Ana Maria

KHAVN as The Unseen Lover

Songs Composed, Written, & Performed by KHAVN

"Bulalakaw" "Gusto" "Hometown" "Echo" "You Love Me" "Sleepy" "My Anima" "Mababa Ang Buwan" "Hanggang Ngayon"

Guitar Solo by JONNY SALVADOR

"Not Just Yet" ("Bulalakaw" Theme Song)

Poems Written & Spoken by KHAVN

"Soneto" "Kay Ana" "Rosas Ng Ulan" "May Isang Bulaklak" "Hangin Balat Pinto: Paghihintay" "Sulat" "Huling Harana" "Pagwawalis" "Paalam Aking Bulalakaw"

Poems Recorded & Mixed by Arvie Bartolome

Watch Goodbye My Shooting Star trailer on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-4WG3gH-9Q

Khavn De La Cruz is a filmmaker, musician and writer who has won numerous awards both here and abroad. His current films will be featured at the Paris Cinema International Film Festival (France), Osian's Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema (India), Motovun Film Festival (Croatia) & Sarajevo Film Festival (Bosnia&Herzegovina) this July and August. For more information, contact oracafe@rocketmail.com, bien@bannedmoviespilipinas.com or visit www.khavndelacruz.com.

Fan girl moment # 856

Sorry for the codes, it’s the fan girl gush I have to express

Cast of Characters : (in order of appearace)

Me

Accessory Director to this story (ADS)

Accessory Writer to this story (AWS)

Director 1 (D1)

Director 2 (D2)

Conversations are via virtual, txt, call and face to face)

ADS : Nina, AWS needs copies of D1's films for our project. Must get copies. Now!

Nina : Rant.. Rant.. Rant.. Ok.

****

Nina : Where can I get ur rare subtitled copies?

D1 : I don't have copies but here are your options, get from overseas girl, overseas writer boy, local writer (without subs) and D2.

Nina : But I don’t have D2s number

D1 : Business card sent.

Nina : (to self -- Wooohooo, this is my idol, can I melt?)

****

Nina : Hi! I am Nina D1s friend, can I borrow the minidv of D1s film from you?

D2 : I'll be at fine arts from 2 - 4

Nina : I have meetings, where can I catch you after?

D2 : 6 I'll be in pasig, I am in makati going to katipunan right now.

Nina : Ok, 6 will be great I will be in galleria in the afternoon for meetings, when will you have the tapes ready

D2 : I have it with me already

Nina : Wow! Thanks.. Ok will try to catch you later

Time lapse

D1 : Nina, If you get the tapes, I want to remaster it first before you send it to AWS overseas.

Nina : Yup, that's what I was thinking, will copy before sending (my culture's artifact at the mercy of the postal system even if its fedex. No!!)

D1 : That's my only copy.

Nina : WHAT!!!!! YOU SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST 2 MASTERS 1 WITH YOU AND 1 OFFSITE LOCATION*, Iba pa yung pinapahiram mo na copy. Please huwag mong pabayaang mawala ang obra mo!

Time lapse meeting and some quirky phone glitch -- my messages weren't coming in due to phone virus and basement area location.

D1 : Nina, did you reach D2?

D1 : Nina, having problems with D2?

Nina : Oh sorry, didn't get your texts, we're ok scheduling to meet, phone problems will update you soon.

D2 : Where are you? Can drop by Galleria in 30 mins.

Nina : Really! Really! Wow!

D2 : I am here.. I can't go down though, let's meet at the ramp

Nina : (istaristrak) Ok. Wow! Thanks for the effort.. What car are you in?

D2 : (didn't answer my question) anyway see you.

Nina : (saw 2 vehicles, an SUV and a BMW -- ahehe BMW approaches)

D2 : I was suppose to give this to him last time we saw each other.

Nina : Super thanks!

****

Nina : I am on my way to your place.

D1 : ok, am at home. When will you get the tapes from D2

Nina : I have it with me now, alangan namang bisitahin lang kita no? (irreverent ang loka!)

D1 : Wow! Babae lang pala ang kailangan para makuha iyan from him. Ahahaha

Nina : Sexist! Babae ka diyan. Call it convincing powers. How long has it been with him?

D1 : 2 years!!

Nina : But he says he was about to send it back at penguin.

D1 : He's been teasing me that way for 2 years.

Nina : Meron pa ba kayong taong gustong singilin? Ahahaha

*Note to filmmakers : Archive your films, the US Feds make at least 6 copies of their work as archive masters in at least 3 continent locations if ever 2 (not just 1) chunks of the earth collapse. I know its costs to invest on tapes but it'll be more costly to our culture is we lost your obra forever. Even if you think you are not National Artist material, but maybe just maybe some future galactic society would hail you as a genius. Ahahaha.

Squatterpunk @ The Wuds 25th Anniversary Concert

Khavn de la Cruz’s Squatterpunk will be featured and scored live by the legendary band The Wuds at the Concert at the Park, Luneta. July 13, Sunday 5 pm. The original film track features the music of Mr. Bobby Balinguit, The Brockas, Tengal and Buccino de Ocampo.

About Squatterpunk :

An ode to joy amidst poverty, SQUATTERPUNK is the pre-Spanish Philippine part of Khavn's "Black Silence Trilogy" ("2. Ultimo", "3. The Longest Moment You're Not Here"). Set in the slums of Manila, we follow the lives of the youth as they scavenge the garbage beach for a living while still managing to play around.

CREDITS

Director, Writer, Producer: Khavn
Editor: Lawrence Ang (with Caloy Carlos & Sunshine Matutina)
Music: The Brockas, Bobby Balingit, Tengal, Buccino P. De Ocampo
Cinematographer: Albert Banzon
Assistant Director: Rayg Generoso
Cast: Hapon and the Isla Puting Bato Community
Length: 79 minutes

Watch the youtube trailer of Squatterpunk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi6awU-v9eU

Khavn De La Cruz is a filmmaker, musician and writer who has won numerous awards both here and abroad. His current films will be featured at the Paris Cinema International Film Festival (France), Osian's Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema (India), Motovun Film Festival (Croatia) & Sarajevo Film Festival (Bosnia&Herzegovina) this July and August. His “Overdosed Nightmare” and “Ultimo” will also be featured at the Cinemalaya Film Festival with screenings on July 15 and 19 9pm. For more information, contact oracafe@rocketmail.com, bien@bannedmoviespilipinas.com or visit www.khavndelacruz.com.

Khavn de la Cruz’s Overdosed Nightmare and Ultimo @ Cinemalaya

Khavn de la Cruz’s films will be featured during the following Cinemalaya screenings :

Overdosed Nightmare

July 15 – 9pm Tanghalang Manuel Conde , CCP

“Overdosed Nightmare” is Kidlat Tahimik’s “Perfumed Nightmare” without the perfume, a pure nightmare set in wounded Manila, a close-up view of all that gangrene and pus. A gang of rat-munching, homophobic bums kill the night clumsily. Jesus H. Christ gets crucified for the nth time in Dagger Island. A greaseman, the image model for Poverty, bums around the Edsa Revolution anniversary which ousts another corrupt president, Estrada the actor. And Tony D., the shrewd short-fused citizen of the Philippine ghetto, sets his sights on foreign classmate Steve Banners, a pompous self-righteous dude with delusions of America's grandeur at the expense of Third World inequity.

Running time: 80min

CAST AND CREW

MARVIN AGUSTIN as Tony De Instituto
BON REYES as Tony Gooseman
BUCCINO DE OCAMPO as Tony Greaseman

DAVE KAHN as Steve Banners

Directed, Written, & Produced by KHAVN
Based on NORMAN WILWAYCO’s Institute Of Poets
Edited by LAWRENCE S. ANG (with Genghis Jimenez)
Cinematography by ALBERT BANZON, ALMA DELA PENA, KHAVN
Additional Footage by RAUL FUNILAS
Music by DELAKRUS, TENGAL, ARVIE BARTOLOME, ASCARIS, AUTOCEREMONY, BLEND:ER, BLUMS BORRES, CHILDREN OF CATHODE RAY, CONSCRIPT, EAT TAE, ELEMENTO, FOODSHELTER&CLOTHING, INCONNU ICTU, INSOMNIA, NASAL POLICE, POW MARTINEZ, TERESA BARROZO

Watch the trailer on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuK0akJqSOo

ULTIMO: Distintas Maneras De Matar Un Heroe Nacional with Live Score

July 19 –9pm Tanghalang Huseng Batute , CCP

Director, Writer, Producer, Cinematographer: Khavn

Editor: Lawrence Ang

Music: Junji Lerma

Cast: Celia Blanco & Festivalito La Palma Actors

Length: 89 minutes

Synopsis:

The Spanish section of Khavn's "Silent Black Trilogy",

ULTIMO is an abstract meditation on

Philippine-Hispanic relations. Mixing high & low

cinematic aesthetics, the film is composed of ordinary

images from present-day Spain juxtaposed with the last

poem that Philippine national hero Jose Rizal wrote

before he was executed by the Spanish Government back

in 1896. A haunting post-kundiman (Spanish-influence

Philippine ballad) score by guitarist and banduria

player Junji Lerma accompanies the film.

Watch the Ultimo trailer on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyPQwAwXIJY

Khavn De La Cruz is a filmmaker, musician and writer who has won numerous awards both here and abroad. His current films will be featured at the Paris Cinema International Film Festival (France), Osian's Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema (India), Motovun Film Festival (Croatia) & Sarajevo Film Festival (Bosnia&Herzegovina) this July and August. His “ Philippine Bliss” will also be featured at the UP Vargas Museum on July 15 530pm For more information, contact oracafe@rocketmail.com, bien@bannedmoviespilipinas.com or visit www.khavndelacruz.com.

Khavn de la Cruz’s Philippine Bliss @ the UP Vargas Museum Grand Piano Project

Khavn de la Cruz again invades UP with 2 of his current works, the film “Philippine Bliss” which was shot entirely at the UP B.L.I.S.S. Housing Project and this collaboration with Alwin Reamillo’s installation-in-progress “The Nicanor Abelardo Grand Piano Project”

An installation, a film screening and a live score interactive experience only on July 15 5:30pm at the UP Vargas Museum

PHILIPPINE BLISS

This is not a film by KHAVN.

Synopsis:
“Philippine Bliss” tells the tale of six modern-day Filipinos living in a single neighborhood, a housing project called B.L.I.S.S., started by the former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos during the Martial Law era. These people, whose names allude to familiar characters from Jose Rizal’s novels, narrate their private yet vivid stories of loss, longing, and Third World despair, all intersecting in a public arena that is their packed community. Theirs are lives seen with an oftentimes comic eye, unabashedly bound by a wild and brimming sense of Filipino hope.

Running time: 70min

Cast & Crew:

NEIL ELPUSAN as Simon Crisostomo
REINIER LUCIEN as Elias
JV KATIPUNAN as Tasyo
MENK CRUZAT as Sisa
THERESE CARLOS as Maria
LARA TARRANCO as Clara
DAMASO as Itself

JP HERNANDEZ as the djembe player
ATOY REYES JR. as the steel trader
PEDRING X. SANTOS as the junkyard dog
NINA DANDAN as client 1
CHERISH BRILLON as client 2
ENUH IGLESIAS as client 3

Directed, Written, & Produced by KHAVN
Editing & Sound Design by LAWRENCE S. ANG
Cinematography by ALBERT BANZON
Music by RIA MUNOZ
Songs by REYCARD DUET, LARRY MIRANDA , RUBEN TAGALOG, & SYLVIA LA TORRE
English Subtitles Written by JOEL TOLEDO
Sound Recording by JONATHAN BATOY
Production Management by BANNED MOVIES PILIPINAS
Casting by CHERISH AILEEN BRILLON
Catering by ANNA CHRISTINA IGLESIAS
Stills by ANA CARINA DANDAN

Watch the Philippine Bliss trailer on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GnnU8JcQJg

Khavn De La Cruz is a filmmaker, musician and writer who has won numerous awards both here and abroad. His current films will be featured at the Paris Cinema International Film Festival (France), Osian's Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema (India), Motovun Film Festival (Croatia) & Sarajevo Film Festival (Bosnia&Herzegovina) this July and August. His “Overdosed Nightmare” and “Ultimo” will also be featured at the Cinemalaya Film Festival with screenings on July 15 and 19 9pm. For more information, contact oracafe@rocketmail.com, bien@bannedmoviespilipinas.com or visit www.khavndelacruz.com.

This is not a photo of Lav Diaz

Nung lumabas ang libro na ito ay nagkaroon na ako ng kopya, nawala (nahiram at nagdisappear) at nasumpungang meron palang downloadable version sa publisher site. Nagkaroon uli ako ng hard copy. Nakakatawa nito meron kaming napansin ng mga kaibigan ko..

Sabi kasi sa caption "Lav Diaz (left) at the chorva chorva reception" (nagquote pa ako may mata naman kayo.)

We tried to squint (magic eye effect ba?), maduling at mag stare ng 9 hours, di talaga ma-imagine na si Lav iyon. One brave moment in Sagada, I finally asked Lav, di naman daw siya yun but he was there that day.

Ayun baka typo yung dalawang () at ang ibig sabihin pala ng caption ay "Lav Diaz left the reception.."

when this photo was taken. ;p

And so sagada..

Wasak! Got a phone call Sunday late at night from a friend telling me that I will be part of a shoot with Lav Diaz, the venerable Lav Diaz. Since life has been a whirlwind of unexpected experiences lately, packing my bags came so naturally.. Off to Sagada via Baguio the next day, I just had to take a quick meeting with a gallery to work on last minute stuff for an installation exhibit we need to mount before the month ends. Woooahhh after years of eating and breathing silicon, circuits and digits.. tables have turned in a whirl, I am in a shooting of a Lav Diaz film, I am preparing for a Khavn de la Cruz film installation.

The Lav Diaz experience

Basta working with that shaman (well this is Andrew's description that I immediately embraced then, proven now) is really an experience. Don't want to pre-empt anything about the film so semi-hush about this part.

Chieftain's welcome

It was a usual welcome, in a usual home. I never realize that the reason why the house was situated in the most scenic and cinematic spot until later. We were looking for a location, we saw that the spot fit our requirement to a T, a special, secluded place that had the cinematic X-factor. It was I later realize a hallowed spot, for the pagan gods.

Maybe it was lost in translation, they were talking about a "tabak", a pagan god, "kabunian" as Lav later relayed, when we first visited referring to a headress like object near the fireplace. It was an altar, actually it was THE altar of the whole mountain regions. It was never to be pointed at, never to be held, and fire should be burning only at special prescribed hours. We were there, met the priest chieftain of the land, the powerful old man who is sought to approve of things in his domain, I really don't know when and how, but most probably he allowed us to shoot. He was an old man, senile actually, but his words were still the final word in the land. And yes, he not only allowed us to shoot, he opened his home to us, as Lav said, he invited us in his home.

The sagada weddings

If you think it is so expensive to marry in Manila, well, think again. In sagada, you have to feed the whole 2000 of the municipality and its tourists for all meals for 2 days. Feed would mean, filled, tummy ache, busog na busog level eating. The people are just so generous. If only we lined-up, we were just so shy, even so they were so open giving out strategies on which line is faster, which party has better delicious food (there were 3 weddings, one could actually attend all 3) The festivities were so colorful, I didn't mind that my feet have exceeded the 10,000 step recommendation of a healthy life sabi ni anmum. I was sure I developed leg muscles during this trip.

Dalagang pilipina

There were traditional dancing.. Traditional street dancing, usually participated by the olden folks, 50somethings and above, some in traditional garb, some in simple clothes and some who were part of the wedding entourage were in barongs and sayas (prior to the traditional ceremonies, the couple was wed in the episcopal christian church.. I manage to see the "just married" wedding procession where the bride and groom rode on the streets in a motorcycle as they were congratulated by townsfolk.) . the males initiate the dance… as I see it, a warrior seeks for a bride, dances on a proud stance, calls on the maidens, lures one and they dance together, the men encircle the maiden. It was fun to see old ladies blush like teeners as they volunteer push a "maiden" to the men's circle. Some things never change.

Rules and traditions

The cheiftain's place was really a major walk from our inn, I have to go there 5 times during the trip to coordinate with the chieftain's granddaughter judith who didn't have a cellphone or any means of communication (a time where you wish there were at least trikes or padyaks, or you want to leave your phone for easy access.) anyway it was a joy to visit the place I actually gained invites to stay in 3 houses already to sleep, to consider my home. The first 2 times with kints, we made a semi tradition to pass by this sarsari store and reward ourselves with gatorade. The next time I came alone and I still manage to fulfill the tradition, the manang already knew the flavor I wanted.

In that remote area after the pilapils, the baranggay doesn't allow junk food and sodas to be sold at nearby stores.. So on my 3rd trip onwards it had been my tradition to bring them the contrabands I can easily buy near our inn.

One tradition I cannot miss is to buy at least 3 coffee variants in baguio ( I have been doing this for years already after a sales roadshow trip around 2002, when everyone was buying walis, I ventured further in maharlika and realize there were 2 major coffee brewer shops you can buy coffee by the quarter kilo at 1/8th price of any starbucks, seattle's, coffee bean shop. (if ur in baguio, go past the meat area out the drygoods and you'll find umali's and its neighbor. COFFEE HEAVEN.

If you want to taste test, there are manong's and manang's roving vendor with the hot water, condiments (cream, muskovado sugar, milo, etc. ) toted in a basket selling in most corners.. They taste far better than starbucks.. If one wants to franchise a manila chain, you can call it STARBASKet

Basta, basta, basta.. had a great time. There are a lot of stories more, real, percieved, mythical and comical. Wait for that next Lav Diaz film. I am so excited.

Great Opportunity for Artists, posting for friends-- TENDER FOR APPLICATIONS |

WEDNESDAYS I'M-N-LOVE / OPEN PLATFORM

TENDER FOR APPLICATIONS |
WEDNESDAYS i'm-n-love OPEN PLATFORM RESIDENCY
supported by Arts Network Asia (ANA)

APRIL 24: WOP RESIDENCY OPEN CALL LAUNCH
BAR OPENS 7 PM, OPEN DISCUSSION (ON THE RESIDENCY) 9PM
GREEN PAPAYA ART PROJECTS


True love never dies. And unlike hot summer flings, this one is here to stay. After nearly eight months of relentless romance, unwavering faith, accidental chance encounters and careful planning, our love has finally come to bear fruit. Its time to step up. Swingers meet their match, cynics lost among throngs of intoxicated hope. Paperwork bureaucracy thrown out the door, paving the way for mad spontaneity. A bit of temper if only to extend our cheap honeymoon getaway. No need to pack your bags for this one. Yes, settling in can be nerve-wracking, even unforgiving. Take your chance, as usual the moment is now! The day has finally arrived. With much much anticipation we are launching the call for applications to WEDNESDAYS i'm-n-love OPEN PLATFORM RESIDENCY.

WEDNESDAYS i'm-n-love OPEN PLATFORM RESIDENCY (WOP) is an experimental and creative laboratory for new artistic explorations in contemporary visual arts, performance, and new media. Open to artists, curators and researchers who wish to present their current tendencies for a once-a week critical exchange via screenings, readings, conversations, performance and temporal exhibitions. WOP Residency provides 6 local young artists/curators the possibility of research residency at Green Papaya Art Projects for 2 months (or 8 Wednesdays) each with some production allowance.

Six artists/curators will be selected from an open call to organize and co-curate eight succeeding WOP programs. Aside from co-curating, the resident will also assist in documenting and archiving the events. While in residency, the participants shall also be encouraged to produce their own works (literary, writing, video, performance, painting and plastic art) referenced on the creative environment and experience brought about by the Wednesdays happenings. The works may be multidisciplinary and collaborative. All creative outputs of the six participants will be presented in a culminating exhibition and publication after one year of WOP Residency completion as part of Green Papaya's calendar for 2009.

Launched in September 2007 as Wednesdays I'm-n-love Open Platform, this weekly happening opens up the space to discuss aesthetic, ideological and pedagogic strategies involved in any artistic process. Now running on its eight month, WOP has evolved into a weekly gathering much anticipated with unexpected creative twists and turns. Generating a platform for interventionist tactics, cross disciplinary interaction and collaboration in varying artistic stages – from script readings, improvisation jams, lectures, live talk shows to ping-pong nights. Originally conceived as loose, informal and anarchic gatherings, WOP Residency arose from the exigencies of a structured sustainable artistic program empowering the local art community in the face of temporary artist-run initiatives. Bringing in much needed environment to discuss strategies that will bridge the gap of managing independent initiatives whilst promoting creative and artistic agendas.

Aims and Objectives

• WOP Residency aims to put-in-place the necessary mechanisms to develop a curatorial approach and strategy emerging from the sensibilities and context of new artistic explorations of young emerging multi/cross-media artists. It is creative laboratory with a diverse interest in anthropological, social, political, and technological contexts, and probe how these areas of diverse interests impact on contemporary art practice.

• It provides artist/curator a unique environment for artistic engagement between him/her and those artists involved in the weekly WOP programs. Such environment is seen as a fertile ground for the resident artist/curator to create his/her work witin the context of that engagement.

• WOP Residency seeks to ensure a year-long uninterrupted programming with 6 resident artists/curators taking charge of curatorial and program implementation for 12 months, with each one covering 8 weeks of residency. Putting in place a curatorial and managemment support mechanism involving members of its community thereby putting into practice the principle of comunity ownership and responsibility over the idea of an independent, alternative and “open platform.”

Ask and you shall receive. Artists, curators, researchers, talkers, thinkers, auto-didacts, art students and enthusiasts alike can submit your motivation letter, one-page proposal/artist statement expressing the desired residency period from June 2008 to May 2009 and curriculum vitae on or before May 15, 2008 to

greenpapayaartprojects@gmail.com

or send it via post to:

GREEN PAPAYA ART PROJECTS
124A Maginhawa Street, Teachers Village East
Diliman, Quezon City









WOP RESIDENCY is an independent initiative of GREEN PAPAYA ART PROJECTS supported by ARTS NETWORK ASIA

New email address

Edsamail suddenly ended their service (????) i don't know, customer service numbers doesn't seem to work anymore. This has been 2 weeks (so if you have sent me mails and stuff, please resend :( and why oh why am i just announcing this now.

So alternate email addresses according to priority (i like using outlook to check email rather than going through webmail services) :

nina@bannedmoviespilipinas.com

bienvenidosboss@gmail.com

acedandan@yahoo.com

Thanks a lot. yup still in hermit on vacation mode but i pop in and out of lives once in while. Keep in touch.

New perch

New place, new adventures. :)

Nakuwento ko na ba sa inyo ang aking toy?

I know its our company's product.. i launched it, introduced it to the public and spent almost the last of my sanity to bring it to the Philippines..

but i am raving about it now because i really am enjoying using it. I actually bought this as a personal gift to self from a duty free shop in TW, this is not an english version, your eyes will be muddled with a lot of gibberish characters (papuhmuhfa) on the keyboard.. its black, its 8 gig.

this kind of pc has a special place in my heart.. i had a libretto about 7 years ago and it was my sanity keeper during my first year of independence (i stayed in an apartment alone with just a ref, a mattress, (my tv was just via a PC tv tuner) and washing machine.



(our blog setup.. BBs lappie, Bien's eee, my PC.. together we will blog our adventures for 2008.)
my eee pc, to help me organize my 2008 plans..
i am giving up my pda..
i had a good pda run that lasted for 13 years (da vinci, palm m100, palm V, palm m105, my pal , hp 1121 (?) :)

any takers? just give me a ring.

My Name is Jose Angel Bernal

a year and a day since BB and my son Bien first blogged over the net. and today, we have finally decided on my name. JOSE ANGEL BERNAL. the weird thing about it is, the name fits me since day 1 BB researched about Gael and his dad (Gael is as you know Bien's carnal persona.) Jose, is BB's maternal grandfather's name, Jose Espejo, and she always had this uber link with him even if he died when she was two..

at a super young age, she has been rummaging a lot of his grandfather's stuff from the garage, her treasure trove homebased ukay which started her thirst for technology, old, art, trivia.. a super 8 cam, a super vintage mic, a tape reel, old LPs, an old kodak cam etc. etc. he was BB's first "uncle travelling mat" adventurer, he shared himself to BB not with postcards but via the things he left behind.. she can be left hours upon hours with ipis infested boxes not afraid of playing alone, dirty hands and assembling stuff without manuals.


My name is Jose Angel Bernal

(i almost had a controversial name.. i am glad i got my name from a man with balls.. :P)

Bernal boys: The reunion

BB's just too tired to tell you the whole story.. it was fate who pulled her to my daddy.. Taiwan stories soon.. I just need to cuddle :)

***

Updated 1228

BB is usually just not into shopping, especially in tiangges and night markets.. you can see her there for the first time adventure, an errand or to accompany friend. This time is no different, she accompanied a colleague first time in Taiwan.

Shilin, BB goes there for stinky tofu and her fav fried chicken and if office dismisses early, no option for nightlife and all the malls are already closed. And she's done with shopping plus the trauma of last year's accident left not a love affair for BB and shilin. So.. going thru the shilin experience again was no longer an adventure in fact it was hohum, plus this was the 2nd time in a 7 day period. Already gone thru the shopping haven (tho the first shilin day had a good adventure moment -- it was quiapo taipei style side story : BB and colleague was walking and window shopping along the stalls, and eskinitas of shilin. It had structured shops and roving ones like that of baclaran and divisoria, the people and products traffic was a jam, but within seconds, commotion! the roving stores "rove", packed up and cleared up. My colleague was almost got run over (but he was a big guy, he was just in the the way of a cariton after a lost in translation moment, they finally understood in panic language. So i had experienced RAID in taipei, hehe i have been a veteran of this PH style since i often go to quiapo and baclaran. i had a nice giggle watching while waiting for my size in a sport shoes shop. ) We already passed thru this starbucks since BBs colleague needed to number 1 first time, here BB was again at the spot waiting for him to have his starbucks pee again. Last time, she just waited patiently, but this time BB realized that the shop next door was familiar, super familiar she went straight to the 3rd floor and saw HIM! The showdog! This is the first shop BB bought her first 2 showdogs last year (she actually checked out 3 shops to complete the 10 showdog pasalubong) and here she saw ONE big showdog waiting! lonely and JUST THERE!

I am sure BB's colleague got worried a while not seeing BB outside the cafe, but then he saw BB with the biggest smile in the world at the register waiting for her turn to pay.

Showdogs have a nice way to pop-up in BBs life.

This is not a boxset by KHAVN...a shameless plug

for inquiries, just message me
yes, Bien the dog :)

special thanks kay kints and the cubao x mode last saturday

eto siya sa datelines! :)

Elliott Rules

Elliott got Bienned!

inaamin ko naman palagi. Yaminoy kami ni Bien to the core.

may 5 mini concerts si Elliott pero hindi ako nakadating sa 4, sa unang Trinoma, pinapila ko si Edgar first thing in the morning, hindi siya nakaabot sa seat stubs, na disappoint at busy din di na ako nakapunta.. sagasa na hanggang sa market market since i was too busy with work din. Cebu was automatic NO, had to be with friends and family for bday thingies.But my fellow yaminoys were asking me to go to ATC, last hurrah! I was there during the planning stages of all the gimmicks planned.. the shirt, the tarp, the gifts etc., I should experience the actual gig.Yesterday, first call to order.. get a seat ticket. I told Edgar (i can't go myself because i still had meetings) to get it no matter what (ang aking ever reliable ay nakipagtakbuhan and defied all security stops "ma'm may humawak nga sa balikat ko pero... " wahahahahaahaha) everybody was saying this was one of the memorable gigs, plus most of the yaminoy friends were there (you get to fit the faces and the names from the e-group) and i get to hear him live and get to scream for him (yes! yes! my screaming voice is back! One of my yaminoy friends said i should start a singing career, because i have great pipes.. but I will just always be a fan.. my lungs are for screaming!!)

and he get to hold bien in one of the pictures. :)

Elliott Yamin.

Bark like YAMIN it!

Who just got Bienned?

My fur, held and felt by Elliott Yamin! awww.. i'll sleep with BB tonight :)

Goto BB's multiply for more pix and stories http://dan2nina.multiply.com

It's a good day to be a YAMINOY!

Hehehe I am out in the open. Yes! Bien is a YAMINOY!

BB has been a rabid (no pun intended) Yaminoy since "If you really love me."

I have been weaned on Ipod nights in Astoria.. the old MP3s and the new album.

BB has been so busy but i'll bite her if she misses this one last time at ATC!

Bwwwwwrrrrrrraaarrrrfffff!

I just love Elliott Yamin!

Teeheehee

I have to keep this a major secret.. i really, really can't squeal.. it tickles me not to share it.. but i really, really can't..


it's hard for a dog to bite his tongue.
i really need to find a hole to scream it out!








Remington Steele!

The Eddie Gil Experiment (parallel universe)

Me and BB! Playing around with a camphone and a wig..

I look sleazy with hair! Dunchathink? I look like Mayor Sanchez, plus the long hair is so April Boy Regino..

BB, stop the blog! can I go now? :(

For you to laugh at BB's pictures goto http://myownbb.blogspot.com/2007/09/eddie-gil-experiment.html :)

Depressed dog

Last event, hindi ko nailabas si Bien sa bag ko..

This event, naiwan ko na talaga siya sa bahay.. Paguwi ko, kinabukasan.. Tinignan ko siya sa kanyang usual doorknob post, wala siya..

Talagang kalimutan na.. Natulog ako at nagising.. Nasan na nga ba si Bien, hindi ko naman nailagay sa bag? Tanong ko sa sarili.. Eto na, eto na masaklap..

Natandaan ko, natandaan ko na kung saan ko siya naiwan…
Ilang araw, hindi lang ilang oras.. Ilang araw siyang nakatitig sa buwan.. Sa bintana, doon ko siya naiwan matapos ang aming eclipse session..
Wawa si Bien, nakatitig sa shaw boulevard paEDSA.. Naarawan, naulanan (syempre takip ng bintana) nahamugan at nakalimutan.. :(

Kailangan na naming magbonding ni Bien.

-- BB

nang natulog ang buwan, dalawang kumot ang ginamit

Explorer Bien.. getting ready

I actually prepared for this, asked BB to setup her telescope in her room window, which she doesn't like doing because she feels the next building neighbors could see her, her room when the lights are on. Hmmmp, she's so... (bites tongue.)

Anyway, she did this one time for me.. yep, she agrees that this window has a near and non obstructed vantage of the dance of the moon. Our first lunar eclipse with a telescope ;)

But, like the past week's nights, the sky has never been clear from clouds. I have never seen my usual orion when i gaze up, plus the fact i have not been going anywhere during these past few nights.. I miss my stars.

So there.. waited for 4 hours, actually went to the other side of the building (the pool area just to double check.) but all the moon wanted was peace and quiet. The moon slept for 4 hours, used the earth and the clouds as blanket. Oh well. Sweet dreams.

But..
The clouds..
just was so thick..
Yes, a total eclipse. As in 0 visibility. Nimbustratus, or cumulunimbus.. nimbusblindusmyecliptus. .. Eeeeekkk geek joke.
Bwahahahaharfff :)

The King and I

I am just barkless.. This is the KING!
Stories.. later.. Let me just breathe and savor the moment.

Bien the Webpuppy

I have a new feather, a new task at paw. I am the new webmaster for our BMP site, and its a challenge especially for me who doesn't know anything about web management. As in 0, as if I have the time to read, but i will, will have to study to get the full functionality of our site.

http://www.bannedmoviespilipinas.com check it out. It has event details and our happening what nots at BMP.

and if you have suggestions or if you want to help me out. Please, please! on bended knees.

Funny that BB hires a chinese webmaster in Shanghai to maintain her official website http://ph.asus.com and here she is doing it with me for banned. Awwww, for the love of banned. :)

Philippine Bliss, the trailer

Courtesy
Kulastalon.multiply.com

This is not a film by KHAVN.

Synopsis:
“Philippine Bliss” tells the tale of six modern-day Filipinos living in a single neighborhood, a housing project called B.L.I.S.S., started by the former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos during the Martial Law era. These people, whose names allude to familiar characters from Jose Rizal’s novels, narrate their private yet vivid stories of loss, longing, and Third World despair, all intersecting in a public arena that is their packed community. Theirs are lives seen with an oftentimes comic eye, unabashedly bound by a wild and brimming sense of Filipino hope.

Running time: 70min

Cast & Crew:

NEIL ELPUSAN as Simon Crisostomo
REINIER LUCIEN as Elias
JV KATIPUNAN as Tasyo
MENK CRUZAT as Sisa
THERESE CARLOS as Maria
LARA TARRANCO as Clara
DAMASO as Itself

JP HERNANDEZ as the djembe player
ATOY REYES JR. as the steel trader
PEDRING X. SANTOS as the junkyard dog
NINA DANDAN as client 1
CHERISH BRILLON as client 2
ENUH IGLESIAS as client 3

Directed, Written, & Produced by KHAVN
Editing & Sound Design by LAWRENCE S. ANG
Cinematography by ALBERT BANZON
Music by RIA MUNOZ
Songs by REYCARD DUET, LARRY MIRANDA , RUBEN TAGALOG, & SYLVIA LA TORRE
English Subtitles Written by JOEL TOLEDO
Sound Recording by JONATHAN BATOY
Production Management by BANNED MOVIES PILIPINAS
Casting by ANNA CHRISTINA IGLESIAS
Catering by CHERISH AILEEN BRILLON
Stills by ANA CARINA DANDAN
Production Assistance by EDGAR PON

Production Company: FILMLESS FILMS

Watch for the World Premiere of this film on July 21, 2007 at the Purple Haze Bar in E. Rodriguez, Quezon City.

Philippine Bliss : Khavn gets Banned again!

Rakstar Roxlee!

wasak! The bosses have been using this term for quite some time now.. I didn't get it..

Not until I went to BMPs Every Juan is Invited (and every tagpi too!) : Roxlee Gets Banned event last June 15!



WASAK!


The ultimate video : The Brockas



Kints and BB! Happy and High! - Kuha ni John Torres (Oiliness si BB- Bwa ha ha!)

One of the "bands," Jeffplane


Delakrus permutations, as Delakrus


and as The Brockas (--color coding Kailangan change costume.)

Angelo Suarez is opening up a new wasak world for BB and me. (BTW, also in pix Costantino Zicarelli, tape me I'm yours .. ha ha)



The ultimate permutation...Mabuhay si Akira!


John Torres, always Wasak! always Bienned! -- sabi ng sister ni BB, kailangan ko nang magpa dry clean, nanlilimahid na ako. :(




Don't u ever miss another Banned event! Para alam nyo rin ang true meaning ng wasak!

A friend just told BB..

It doesn't mean you have a blog alter ego you should live your life x2. I can't keep up with you.. and Bien.

:P

Jealous! Jealous! Jealous!

Let it be known that BB is jealous! jealous! jealous! of her Indonesian pal due to a sooopppppeeerrr duper favorite Taiwanese guy named, R****.

R***** is the guy who supplies BB her media review samples of motherboards and other components (so PH IT editors and writers read on, you have a stake on this too.. he he) such a sweet guy, from month 1 at ASUS when BB had her training in Taiwan, he immediately was a standout because he looks like her uncle who was a military guy during his heydays (R**** is the heyday version,) tall, lean, buff. AND HE SPEAKS good English, rare in HQ and it really helps to start friendships.

BB by the way is the leading R**** endorser to all her marketing colleagues, ASUS has about 100k employees and most of the time we know each other only thru email addresses and face to face acquaintance is not usual. I introduced R**** to my SEA peers, THAI, INDO, SING, MAL so we are all R**** fans right now.

He went to BB last Friday asking if i will be in TW till sunday, he was planning to treat us for dinner (BB and Juliana) because its always only at work do we see each other, always in coats and blazers. BB's flight is in the morning, she had to say no immediately, Saturday is also tight for both since the Computex ends that day.

So Juliana and Roy had dinner at an italian resto with him, plus after a long raining spell in TW, the heavens opened up for clear skies, they also went to the 101 viewing tower.

Jealous, jealous, jealous!

I want to pull indonesian hair. (Bien talking here.. let me remind reader.) waaaaahhhh.

Don't worry, BB and Juliana are really great pals, they are actually chatting right now regarding the "date". You should see how they shrill like girls, audio and chat versions of it. BTW, our favorite guy is rumored to be gay. (Bien talking again, but both BB and Juliana know.) Bwahahahaharf arf arf.

Now this is my favorite picture

Smell blog

I wish you could blog smells. Because I smell sooooo good! BB told me so.

BB was playing around the duty free doing a scenthaton.. he he.. she's was planning to buy perfume for her mom (and syempre for her not to be guilty to buy for herself too!) and tried on some on these little papers you'd spray on the perfume (actually BB has a hard time checking out perfumes because she immediately gets smell numb or would have allergic reactions to strong smells.)

Anyway, she tried:

Burberry weekend for women
Escada the orange one (usually she is an escada fanatic, but this one is too sweet)
Burberry the red bottle (too baby powdery.. why not buy baby powder instead?)
Nina Ricci (tried this because of the name -- but not BB's taste i think she tossed this paper away)
and another she forgot

and since she found no trash can after, she accidentally slipped the 4 papers to the pouch i was in, after the long haul, i emerged as an Escada-Burberry and something else combination.

I smell like a lady though. but I SMELL SO GOOD!

BTW, Burberry weekend won!

:)

Taiwan tales

AT sino si Diana?

actually just some random bb thoughts.. just tired, woke up early due to an earthquake (which is more often than what we get in PH) and then started packing..

I don't bother to take my ipod from my ears in public places. I would not understand my world anyway!

Taiwan doesn't bother me anymore, not understanding doesn't bother me anymore.

My colleague asked me why didn't i add more days to my trip.. oh you are bored with TW, he added when i just smiled at him.

Computex was kind of boring for me already.. i didn't drool at anything.. not even the men of computex.. he he

but I get to see my favorite guy Randy (still, still my favorite!)
I got pix with Bien with Taipei 101
I get to eat my mos burger
Nag dance with death na ako with bird flu
Computex
Free food
Heavenly pala ang cheesecake dito
Being picked up and sent home via limousine service (with karatula to boot.)
my additional must haves for taiwan trips -- hot pot and cheesecake
Plus i get to be in costumes without being overdressed.
Went to the eslite building (bookstore ito, as in BOOOOOOOOOKKKKKKKKSSSSSSS) interesting mix of books, drooling at the art books, and the asian cinema.. how i wish i researched.. quiapo pa rin! I just bought another Dr. Seuss Book with Chinese translation. cool!

Hermes! Hermes here i come!

-- BB

It's a pact

Nagmamatapang si BB, gagawa ng isang pact para sa aming tatlo. Nag-iimpake kami hindi dapat isasama si BearLyn, taong bahay sana (osong bahay pala) pero napag-isip-isip. Isasama ko si BearLyn sa aking hometown (Taipei, Taiwan) para next time isasama din niya ako sa kanya (Berlin, Germany.) Itaga mo sa aming mga balahibo.

Brave si BB. :O

Weekend shoot

The experience was cool. BB has attended shoots before, in her advertising days as Account Manager and with her old friend directing MTVs and AVPs, but this one tops her books in terms of coolness. I don't want to pre-empt. so here's just some snap shots.

Usually the scriptwriter does the bardic stance. But wait, it's direk who's doing the musical numbers.

Bien doing a make-over. He he. Production on-going. Bien watching.

Ay di ko pala kayo nakwentuhan

Yup, am back to normal life as a showdog on Philippine shores (can't say the same for BB who's still stuck with work -- she's only relaxing her feet before taking a shower..that's why she's ok to do a quick entry.)

HK was cool, just because I have been staying comfortably in a hotel named after BB.

With BB relaxing at the hotel. after touch down and check-in.

BB's room with what i call the "exhibitionist bath tub." Look! the bathroom walls are made from transparent and translucent glass.

trying to have a holiday for a day. BB and I just went around HK.

Semi- Disney: Mouseketeering with BearLyn

Sham shui Temple : Ano kaya ang hula kay BB? About love daw e..

Aranque of HK. BB really wanted to bring home pets, if not a fish tank to start a mini zoo. But she's always on trips. who will feed us when she's away?

BB's namesake hotel. They say this was named after the richest woman in HK. (BB was actually named after her aunt who had great career karma. Sana meron din Nina na may good love karma he he) It's also said that this lady had no heir. L'Hotel Nina et Convention Centre. I wish BB would have her own hotel too!

I can't say BB enjoyed her trip, a lot of things happened. As usual she got sick before the trip due to stress, her presentation was kickass as usual :P But she lost all her data due to technology failure, her hard drive gave up on her. So super stressed out pa rin siya ngayon. Hindi naman halata si BB sa stress, but i know she's really worried, kaya din our trip had to be cut short. Ayan airport going home na.

More pics on my multiply :)

Starstruck si BB, starstruck si Bien

Getting to know some stellar people in the indie business just make me and BB starstruck. Idol lang ang mga wazak na peeps, even if you know them already as friends, still can't help not to be starstruck with their talents.





These are Khavn's dogs. Baka pag kumiskis ang mga balahibo namin, maging talented din ako gaya ni boss Khavn. he he. (Yikes, stalker ba ang dating?)

He he, BB was on official business with boss Khavn, excited preparing for his nththththth film, good luck bosses (Cherish, Enuh, Khavn, Nina!)

Xiang Ghang (lesson 13)

"Ee pey pi jeowh." (One bottle of beer please -- lesson 6) I think i will manage to use my little knowledge of "poo tong hwa" (chinese mandarin, refering to common language -- lesson 1) more this trip, i am so proud of my pimsleur audio book sessions -- i am getting somewhere.. ok, ok will try to go past lesson 13 -- where, places.. just because i manage to help a colleague understand a map i could not understand the words written either, (pictures, give me pictures!) i managed us not to get lost going to the hotel (which is named L'hotel Nina btw,) i get to understand that people are just talking about motherboards and not about me "Wo shang Pa-oo, nina." (refering to P5B-X MB, what's ur suggestion -- to kausap not necessarily me -- lesson 5) Sige, I am now encouraged to continue to study..

*****

"You can/ can't eat that!" I can tell my moslem colleague if the food that's just been served is halal (ceremonially clean for moslems.) Just because i'm through with lesson 8 -- a trip to the fan tien (restaurant naks!) I just have to look out for pu (which indicates a negative) then if it's chi (chicken) nio (beef)..blah blah. I am beginning to be a courtesan food taster for the not so brave tummies and the religiously restricted. (I usually sit beside a arab, caucasian, indian looking colleague if we are asked not to be seated with a region/country mate.. because this will assure me of an english conversation which is rare in my office turf.)

*****

I am the official beer (pi jeow) drinker for my boss (have to learn how to say sip-sip in mandarin.. he he) if anyone dares "kampai" (well wishing "cheers" tradition of my TW office to drink bottoms up with the well wisher.) to him, ako daw pambato niya!

*****



I don't have much stories, just some thoughts, I haven't had any adventures yet. Hopefully after tonight, if the uber slave drivers allow us. Imagine, I have a seminar the whole day today, Sunday, mother's day. Walang puso, walang kaluluwa, mga walang nanay! he he he.. Buti na lang nagpainom sila kahapon.


*****

Happy Mother's Day -- Mama, Joey, Amor, Lot (Mom and sisses)

-- BB

Ooops I forgot, i already have a blog of my own, i should have posted it there.. hmmm guest appearance na lang once in a while (eto na lang yung once ko...)

Gearin' up

Our first trip together. Me, BB and BearLyn.. still packing but BB tied us up immediately, nice and tight. Takot nang magaya kay bro surname-withheld :(Boss Enuh, sorry sa pagpapaalala, nagtatanda lang si BB, kasi mahilig siyang mag second the motion sa 'yo, scared na mawala din gaya ng phone.. :(

Nakatali kami. walang kawala.

Hope to get great pictures of our adventure! Mabilis lang naman kami! Ilang tulog lang :)

Isang mabilisang patalastas

NOOD KAYO!

Damsel in distress

BB in Blogsquatter mode :

I have been living independently for 6 years now.. I am lucky to be trained by my dad in the ways of DIY Sige my local highschool also made major contributions for us to be (Beloved school of mine.. My pains and joys are thine.. (head tone falcetto please..) domestically independent. imagine my then thin frame used to carry 10 wooden (di pa uso ang monoblock) desk cum chairs every Tuesday because we were "cleaners." From one side to the other kareerin ang pagkarga so we can apply floorwax and bunot the floor after 2 sessions of sweeping before and after the move-chair-apply-floorwax-bunot-and-move-back-chair-activity. They say this instills the value of cleanliness, the skill of housekeeping.. We were taught how to make baby clothes from scratch (you can buy this at 40 pesos at any SM department store why bother) know at least 30 kinds of stitches (satin, running, ribbed, fishbone.. Loop the loop.. Ha ha.. 'Yoyo yon) C'mon uso naman ngayon ang designer butas butas!

I know how to fix the sink, p-trap.. Fix most electronic equipment, I know how to rig electricals and make my own boracay lamp.. I know the difference of screw drivers, wrenches, drill bits.. How to move jumpers in PCs, replace components, reformat, assemble and configure.. I have assembled a sofa bed, a bunk bed, shelves, I can extend phone cords, cables (ng TV), setup wifi. Solder, pukpok and lagare, etc.

I have to.. I have to explain this. I have to!!!

Nakakahiya kasi just before this blog, I saw my engineer guy coming from another unit, doing some IMPORTANT fixit duties. He he. Eto ang storya ko with him.. before I have asked the engineering office of our building to service my unit.. As in request for a crevice check on the electrical structure because for months.. Paisa-isang nawawala ang light/s ko sa kitchen, eto ang aming first interaction, ayaw ko sanang tumawag sa engineering office, DIY girl nga 'di ba, yabang pa ako:

I go : electrical yan, kasi napalitan ko na ayaw pa rin.. Tapos may sunog sa rim yung bumbilya.. Dati isa lang yung ayaw gumana.. Ngayon pareho na sila.. Siguro yung circuit..

Electrician : (tinker, tinker)

I go : baka yung mga kable diyan sa kitchen, kasi pareho silang nawala na lang, busted na yung socket.. Hindi ba delikado yan…

Electrician : (tinker, tinker)
Ok na…

I go : sure na ha. Di na delikado. Baka pagsimulan pa yan ng sunog ha.

Electrician : Hindi po. Ok na po.

Then he made me sign his itinerary. Bwahahaha.. Under his "task done in unit" space, it said in bold letters "CHANGE OF BULB."

WAAAAAAAAAHHHHH! Whatever!

Hindi pa naman siya "nasisira" ever since. So in this man's eyes I am just like a typical "can't-live-on-my-own-girl." I can't even change my own bulb.

Smiley

Dancing!

What joy!

Jumping!

Yihee!

Stephen Hawking in zero gravity! I just can't help not to think about it! Can't stop my paws not to blog about it. It's been a week/ 2 weeks? Been busy to blog. but anyway the smiling just can't stop. Suddenly zero meant everything! :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXQeQD0CJzY

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Lost my phone.. Please be cautious especially my mobile phone contacts. BTW, appreciate if you send me your business cards, same number. Have a nice day!

Also, sorry for the eventual "who you's?"

-- bb

Vintage BB!

Payback time! This is what BB gets by hogging MY blog. Bwa-ha-ha-harf-arf. Saw this during her rummaging the in-house ukay mode.

Spot the BB! Kanser costumed and made-up for the role of alternate-Sisa (semi-joke!)

Haayyyyy.. never again, she says!


-- Err I think I'm lost, is this Nostalgia Manila?

LARRY ALCALA!!

Even if my dog is hounding me, one last entry for the day. I realize my irreverence placing my Grade 2 artwork with a priceless signature of a master. DEJAVU. I am not worthy.. Again, presenting the treasure.. a national treasure:



-- BB

April is full of treasures!

Staying at my parents' house during the break allowed me to rummage through old stuff. (I should be sorting and doing some spring cleaning.) and look what I saw!



YES! An autograph of THE LARRY ALCALA!






and I saw a Valentine Card I made for my parents (school project most probably, I am not THAT sweet :) when I was Grade 2. Looking at the fuzz, the frills and the frou frou.. possibly this is still the shape of my heart.

BB in daldal mode, kakagatin na ako ni Bien. I've been hogging his blog for days. He is ready, no more breaks he says. I should do my own blog. Reminding me of the title of this blog. BIENVENIDO AND OTHER SHOW DOG BLOGS.

Ooops, so there.

Bye.

-- BB (err Blogsquatter Boss)


PS. It's really one fine day. My dad could already stand up, the first time in a month! Yehey!

Kwento behind Ikot Iglesia

I did a mini version of bisita iglesia, yup true to theme, so usual Good Friday. It was more of a cultural journey for me than of spiritual.. shooting 2 birds by dropping by the pirated DVD haven, then went to Quiapo church. First time inside, as in first time! It was my first stop, so i was feeling my way through the protocols of bisita iglesia. I had a camera with me, actually this was my primary purpose, I remember my ex doing a beautiful (BEAUTIFUL!) spread in his magazine about Philippine churches also circa Holyweek years ago (I think I was doing an ode to his photography, nga lang hamak na amateur ang version ko.)

But before I could enter the church walls, a lady was offering me pampar*gla, as in insistent as if I looked pregnant and worried, she actually held my arm wanting to pull me to a corner so we can discuss my "problem" and her solution, and that as we all know is abortion. (That I know from watching all the Quiapo documentaries and movies.. Bulaklak ng maynila, Lagarista, that Piolo telenovela with Angelica, etc. etc.) Or maybe that side of the church I passed through was the "r*gla customers only" entrance and I just missed the sign.

The church was big and busy, the works, people lining up on the mystery areas with prayerbooks, dasal vendors, prayerful kneel-walkers. I was more intimidated than prayerful, even if i could hear prayer murmurs everywhere.. my thoughts : if I have the power to hear audibly the prayers of these people, i wish to hear the specifics of the Quiapo denizens, will it be :

Patawad, nag book na naman ako ng isang babae para magpalaglag..
Kung kasalanan ba ang piracy, sorry na po..
Sana po hindi nangangailan din yung aleng kinupitan ko ng dagdag na bente pesos sa overpricing, paumanhin na lang po..
Basbasan ninyo na lang din po yung kandilang kabebenta ko lang po, kahit walang pagkakaiba sa binebenta sa palengke...

I was afraid to take out my camera, I might be reprimanded by unofficial marshals for shooting fee or something. Glad a foreigner came toting a more professional and obvious camera, i shot my flashless pictures in silence..

Next stop, San Sebastian.
It was a jeepney and long walk to get there, I've passed it before coming to Quiapo so I basically know the area. I wasn't so sure tho at first if I was walking the right direction, i didn't want to go the taxi way because i was kinda out of spendthrift mode. Long walk or not, this church was worth the trip, not a lot of people was around, solemn and magical, this kind of church will make me frequent religion. I had a blast shooting and contemplating.. San Sebastian will be on top of my list IF I get married and IF i was a Catholic, two IFs to hurdle, two big IFs! I was blessed with a soundtrack to accompany my San Sebastian journey, their resident chorus was rehearsing most probably for the Easter celebs, heavenly.

I was actually filled and fulfilled already, but thought about a lackluster bisita with only 2 churches, not even blog worthy, so I decided to go to Intramuros via taxi. Taxi drivers during holy week are good guys, meter abiders, they would not make distance nor pasahero possibility (dagdagan nyo na po, wala pong pasahero ngayon) excuses (Penance!) And I think who could refuse a madasalin damsel (from church point A to church point B) like me.

Next stop : San Agustin
This church is next beautiful to SB. It had good interesting architecture highlights and an interesting church matron assistance group in other words "manang brigade" who assists visitors and checks order and silence. I think they zeroed in on me and my camera wielding ways. But then they left me alone after they saw that i was considerate enough doing non-flash photography, also i think they took me for a foreigner because i wasn't making a sound, I wasn't stepping on the tiles with names (woooaaahhhh are they really graves?) and I wasn't acting like usual local catholics (in a way there's something "foreign" i agree.)

Last is the Manila Cathedral
I was a bit disappointed with the anti-climax that was THE Cathedral. After the surprise that was SB, I was looking forward to a grand cathedral. This was the home church of the ARCH Bishop, the most sought after wedding church of the rich and famous, but it was just a major church, not so grand, not so cold, not so massive.. I am no expert in churches, I have been to a handful only but I maybe just demystified the MC, sorry, really unimpressed. The only notable feature of the church is an ENG Van of GMA parked nearby and a slew of barong clad men in the altar area, most probably security checking for an important televised mass by Black Saturday or Easter Sunday. Ho-hum!


Ended the day with Chowking Halo halo. How Pinoy traditional can you go?

Notes :
Pasensiya if i stumble into irreverence, just in case I did.
I really thought I did this on a Friday, but it was Black Saturday pala.

-- BB

Panata = Turista

This Holy week is quite unusual for me. I couldn't make plans, couldn't flap my wings.

Still counting my blessings, I had a wonderful budget vacation in Manila. Reintroduced myself to 12 hour sleeps (waaaahhhhh priceless!) marathon movies, family bonding, and a chance na mabura lahat ng backlog sa office and eventually make papogi with proactive work.

And then this idea..

Bisita Iglesia!













more sa multiply.

Sana magaling akong kumuha ng pictures o kaya magaling ako magkuwento..
Marami akong nakita sa Maynila, maluwang kasi ang kalsada at walang gaanong tao.. pero tuloy pa rin ang ikot ng kumersiyo
alam ko naman kung paano puntahan, alam ko ano ang i-expect. Nadayo na naman ako sa area na 'yon. Ibang mata, ibang paa..
may nag-akala na naghahanap ako ng pampar*gla
may nag-akala na isa akong turista,
kaya siguro nahihiya silang manita.


Ulitin ko ulit, discovering my neighborhood. Oo, bibisita ako, Bamboo Organ at Lourdes, siguro about time.. kapitbahay lang naman.

Ay sa mga di maintindihan kung bakit, iba kasi ang kinalakihan ko. Hindi ako katoliko.

HAPPY EASTER!

--BB

It's tradition

Bien is back with a BANG! Work mode for BB doesn't mean it'll be no fun for Bien and BearLyn.

KUYA Bien teaches BearLyn.. the SCAN DIVE!


(Bien : Aligid mode -- he he, the coast is clear)

(Bien : ayan.. but your nose should be flat! BearLyn, ang laki kasi ng mukha ko.. kailangan mapipi ka.. crawl up.)



(BearLyn : Ok na ba Bien?)


(BearLyn : Solo scan naman dyan o!)

I am sooo lucky

Bien I think is still on blog break. It's usually just me BB, talking this past few blogs. Just because life is overwhelming and I am just so lucky. Daldal mode.


Here're some reason why..

1. I have new friends that became great friends.
2. I have old friends who are stronger friends keeping me in spite of me.
3. I have a good dog, ugly to many but loveable to me. And a sister bear too.
4. I live alone in my house but I never become lonely (long.) I have imaginary, cyber, long distance and actual face to face friends to hug, hold hands, sampay and lambitin. Literal and emotional versions of it.
5. I do not have money. I do not love money. I am not afraid of losing it.
6. I do not have a lovelife but I still get "I love you's"
7. I still get flowers from stranger waiters (when I asked for a piece of birthday cake with a flower, he got me a whole bunch (gossshhhhh -- I have this effect on waiters and guards -- he he.)
8. I have access to jump out an 11th floor window but I don't need to.
9. I can dance.
10. Somebody knows that my needs for hugs and chocolates are of utmost importance… I think he makes sure I have a constant supply.
11. I have an upgrade version of my comfort food this week.. Chocolates to Truffles (sabi sa Iron chef mas sosyal daw yun.)
12. The ipod shuffle can still provide good music.
13. My dad is out of the hospital. He can still regain back his strength.
14. Elliott Yamin just released an album.
15. I had many trips to las pinas already this month, malapit ko na yatang malagpasan ang buong last year visit to parents house count.. Ha ha
16. I have a kikay schedule (facial and spa I think) with my sister next week, dapat tomorrow kaya lang I had to move kasi I have loads of meetings.
17. I have a smaller laptop to lug around kahit NPA ako ngayon, ay 2PA pala.. 2 permanent addresses.
18. I still have pimples at my age.. Ha ha. Arrrgggghhh. Pimples than heart/ pressure attack. Di ba?
19. I started to do praise dancing. You should try this at home (alone.. Ha ha.)
20. There's holy week and I do not have plans yet.. The possibilities are endless!
21. I have an option to decline a columbarium job!
22. I already downloaded in torrent the Elliott album. And will wait for the real CD to buy. Sorry Elliott blasting away as soundtrack of this blog.
23. Sleep is optional, but now I enjoy it like hugs and chocolates.
24. I have a sofa who throws up money.
25. I can enjoy starscapping with or without a telescope. Mainit kahapon, walang clouds. Clear ang sky.

--BB

Why I am a fan

I wasn't sold kaagad. kahit gusto ng mata ko yung literature and a bit of mondo manila.. Hindi siya love at first sight.




But when I saw lata at chinelas and rugby boyz, it made me think again. He sure presented real life squatter angst, the one without the pinoyniwood ingredients of mellowdrama and tears. These are not the pretty girls and boys just greased up to play the part, hindi sila sasampalin ng madrasta/o nila at hahawakan sa panga habang walang magawang umiiyak.. Lumalaban sila, makikipagpatayan sa bola o sa micropono ng karaoke.. Nakangiti sila, madumi sila. Hindi sila nakakaawa, nakakatakot sila. Astig sila. Siguro kaya ko din nagustuhan ang squatter genre ni Khavn e dahil gusto ko ring gumawa ng pelikula tungkol sa kanila. Tono ng lamya, lungkot at lunod sa buhay na kinagisnan ang nasa isip ko sa kanila nung una. Nakita ni Khavn ang grit and grease nila, yung grasang kaagad ko yatang pupunasan ng wet wipes pag nadikit ako. Hinanda niya ako. Sigurado may mga putik na tumalsik sa kanya nung nag shoot siya, sigurado hindi siya nandiri.. Alam ninyo naman na cowboy din ako, pero ibang level ang mga ito. Nanlilisik ang mga mata, mas matanda na ang galit kaysa totoong edad nila. Kaya niyang makipagtitigan sa mga iyon.. Ako matatakot pa yata. Pag hinihingiian ako ng pera ng pulubing astig natatakot ako na baka nakawan niya ako. Kunin ang camera na hiniram ko. Kung gawin man nila yun. Hindi sila masama, hindi lang kasi siya uuwi sa madrasta/o niya para masampal at umiyak.

Astig si Khavn, am now a favn!

Yun nga lang, ilang step back from an attempt to be a filmmaker. Kailangan ko pang maghanda para makita ko sila mata sa mata.

-- BB

This is not a Film by Khavn!

March 24, Center for Arts
Isang matinding Banned Movies party ang naganap. WE ARE NOT WORTHY. Manong nandun ang mga astig. Sana pinahiga namin ang Kiko Machine (kasi nakapula sila. no offense meant, talagang ibang klase lang talaga ito.) para makaapak ang mga indie royalty sa isang mumunting red carpet.
(Lem's Guitar)

(Roxlee, Khavn and Bien!)

(The Brockas : Akira, Krzysztof, Tae, Bembol, Cyco )


( Khavn and the Banned-its)

(Tengal got Bienned)

(Roxlee, Kints and Bien)
(Tengal, Bien, Roxlee, BB and Khavn)
(Kiko Machine)
(Spider Dan revealed.. almost)

(Banned-its Nina, Enuh, Jay, Cherish, Carol, Kints -- Ohsie was there but had to leave for Tagaytay.)


MORE PICS AT MULTIPLY..

ON BLOG BREAK

Happy thoughts blog. Hope to be back soon.

Madaling araw nang malaman ko na may anak ang ama ko sa labas (Title used and abused without permission -- Boss John he he.)

And here she is my sister BearLyn Bernal. New "Show Bears" from Berlin given as pasalubong by Bantay's Boss Ohsie! Our Litter is getting bigger and bigger.

Welcome Show bears!

Fast Facts
BearLyn Bernal
Birthplace : Berlin Germany
Birthdate : March 2

Distinguishing marks : I think she looks more like a mouse than a bear
She will try to keep her tag just like big brother Bien, and if we decide to take out our tags, we will do this together as a pact.

(I heart BearLyn! Mwah!)

Bien Brocka

He he BB kuno "Weng weng Brocka" really gave me a big boost in the excitement factor of my life in Manila, real BB has been staying put for the past 3 months and i have had boring after boring adventure.. not much to blog, not much to talk about.

But within this 2 week adrenaline filled activities powered by Andrew, I've had access to old movies, to old goonywood, old superstars, and now to emerging artists and their crafts. I have been introduced to THE BROCKAS.

Here we are at the mag:net gig last February 28.

(The Brockas : John (Krzysztof,) Norman (Cyco,) Andrew (Weng Weng,) Bien and Khavn Bembol)

(Bien in BB Andrew's shirt pocket, making beautiful music together!) (The Brockas with Jonathan -- the showdog watching!)



BON VOYAGE ANDREW! Till next month! Take Care!

Gooning 101

Like all other celebrity superstars we all start as bit players in super productions. I have the actor blood in my veins and my fur can't deny it. I am an action superhero! In our quest for Weng weng i've been rubbing elbows (and paws) with old goons and new goons and gooning became a passion for me.. I have been an award winning actor (see Gael Bernal past works) I have managed to perform stunts (picture gallery of Bien blogs.) I have the dashing good looks of a movie star.. I have found my calling.

Anatomy of a goon (Nino.. this is for sitting on me. Bwahahaharf.)




my mentors
(trained by tri-continental masters : an american, a filipino and an aussie)

So there, as Goon-in-training, I have various tasks to perform

1. STUNT DRIVING
Place Malibay Pasay City

Back street driving in Weng Weng land. This is the authentic Weng Weng brother Celing de la Cruz. Weng weng for the uninformed is only the best small person action superstar, and I may I add would be the small dog action hero of this new generation. My mission to be back seat driver to Celing's flying jeepney.
(Bien with super jeepney driver : Celing De La Cruz - The REAL WENG WENG'S BROTHER!)



2. Nino Muhlach SQUOOSH TEST NO.1
Place Scenema Concepts Pasig City

Nino Muhlach gives me a squooosh test, my mission : Bien ala stress ball (this has been perpetually done to Jose Dash Lito.) and be dashing and smiling after the process.

(asian master and aussie master at work.)





3. Action Hero Pose
AstoriaLand, Pasig

Limber is the middle name of my master. Ha ha! A little joke from the term used by Boss Cherish describing BB.
"Go strong little man, Go on little man, you've got a lot of growing to do" remember the milkmaid commercial in the 70's featuring a precocious little Nino in karate suit. My mission : Pang poster pose

(Don't you think my ribbon looks like a cape?)

(you can only do so much with pugdy hands and feet. HYAHHHHH!!!!)

3. Bien at the Bottom.

This is the Nino Muhlach Ultimate SQUOOSH Test.

(asian master is one cool guy. Thanks Nino for "taking us seriously.")

(Nino and Bien partially hidden.. you can only see my brown ribbon, he actually sat on me!)


4. ODE TO WENG WENG

The penultimate training for a miniature hero is to be dropped from buildings with only an umbrella as safety net. Mission : jump from AstoriaLand






(Tip to stunt photographers :make sure there aren't people looking up or else ur building guards would think you've gone cuckoo! He he.)

5th in the Why I like him series (Inspired by annabs and enuh)

(Bien and BB in bum clothes -- jammies and little miss sunshine socks.)

I like him because he lets me be honest.

I like him because he makes me daldal.

I like him because he becomes proof of where I am and where I've been. He is my muse (?) mascot because I don't usually want to be the subject of captured memories.

"I like him because he's not right in the head" (Ice please tell ur friend Morrissey that i borrowed his words.)

I like him because he let's me be me and more.

I like him because he is 1 companion i can abandon (That sounded mean!)

I like him because he allows me to open my mouth, mouth my thoughts even if its absurd, off character and near libelous. (and I can have an excuse of being "possessed by Bien" if the-words-in-question actually come out of my lips.)

I just like my Bien.

-- BB

I am no longer straight!

(What's on my neck? From this angle, it looks like I am a migrant worker from the middle east? Gold Chain. Standard mustache requirement. He he. Katas ng Saudi!)

Like my BB, once in a while i have some spurts of vanity. Obsessed with my dashing good looks (Oh I wish i had -BB) i realize that my distinguished whiskers are no longer straight.

Always left in bags and the mystical, magical sofa na lumuluwa ng cash pag nangangailangan si BB. I had bent 1 whisker.. with that i leave you with a jologs song...




Nang si Judas ay nadulas..
tatlong balbas ang nalagas..

Hmmmm.. good idea.. will come up with a "musical" blog next time. Watch out!
(Sorry BB is just in a daldal mode.)

Bamboo God and Goons

This was yesterday part 2, the day when BB decided to ditch day job for a day and enjoy life after 2 days of declared bum days. (Huh, this means another sleepless night to cope with real life requirements -- passion and paychecks are not always compatible.) Yup, end of the extreme lifestyles of workaholics and bums, BB had a normal day.

Normal is still objective, BB's normal is spending a day with a bamboo god and great men of the golden age of movies. Reliving the days when film is the only option and cinemas are the only alternative. Hopeful and helpful, the new indie spirit lives in them, glad to have met you guys! (saw them through BBs bag -- just to maintain (BB and ANdrew's) credibility, i opted not to be in the limelight. he he.)

.

And this dog doesn't bite.. har har

Long, long day today. This is the better part of the day. Working with a friend. Andrew, BB and I just spent a day at the ABS-CBN Archives office looking for some film treasures. BB finally found her true calling.. navigating tourists through the jologs culture PH, mom will be so proud when she finds out BB made good of all the time she was left in front of the TV, her-TV-as-nanny stage. In one week she could name confidently these vintage celebs : Mario Montenegro (not related to Mother Lily -- private joke, sorry i had to.. u know who u are, i am still a fan!) Leroy Salvador, Eddie Garcia (in various incarnations -- as pirate, as an X44 goon) Yehlen Catral, Von Serna (Snoopy Serna -- ur daddy?) Rodolfo Boy Garcia, ROnald Remy, etc. etc. am sure i could rant on and on, your eyebrows would just go higher and higher, your head tilts lower and lower.



(Andrew and Bien, we're like peas in a pod.)




(BB stop bothering us -- says Andrew, we were doing a story conference.. planning for the next Weng Weng docu.)



(Shooting with a 3 CCD camera. Huh, can't wait till we premiere this stuff.)



(Some directions from my director.. Hey Andrew, I think the title BB fits you.)

(Huh, this is the best shot. BIEN IN THE LIMELIGHT! How about a film about Agent OK-9 (Oh-Kay-Nine?) The Golden Fur. Starring Bien.. James Bien)

I am not a dog by Khavn

He he.. just my way of advertising!

Banned movies' next gig. March 24, Center for Arts. Films by Khavn de la Cruz.

Saturday Night Feever! (updated)

Twas a very hectic day for BB, had to attend to the day job duties before getting banned.

Some early in the day pictures waiting for the arrival of the piggy year.


(Sunset at Manila Bay)


(BB at the Yacht Club)





(entertainment provided by The New Minstrels -- more of the Old Minstrels.. BB was with the baby boomers generation.. imagine the next entertainers were the MPstrings, a bossa, latino, string quartet group -- i'm missing rockstars because of them?.)



(here's what you get if you shoot fireworks from a moving vantage. Huh, it was better in real mode.)



If I could only swim, and manila bay waters were not as toxic, i should have been BANNED earlier! Missed out on a lot, but still, I WAS BANNED!





(Banned bosses and friends Carol, Enuh, Debs, Ice, Pinky, Nina, Chester, Cherish and Timmy -- JAY was there, just wasn't in the picture!)

(Taggu nDios)
(UP Fair stage)
(The crowd! this is just a sampling!)









(Jonathan, Habagat, Juniper and Bien with the Banned shirt)

UP Just got Banned! Congratulations Bosses for a job well done! Next stop, Center for Arts on March 24.

Yipee!

Gong Xi Fat Chai!!!

Happy New Year to my Chinese Brothers and Sisters. Nope, I don't need TIKOY! Ha ha!

It's the year of the Golden Piggy daw! Hopefully this will be a good year for this little piggy!

-- BB

(BB with her favorite chinese girls -- and 1 japanese ex boss marketing peeps taken from last Dec. GSM. Gong Xi Fat Chai!!! Remember I am a mandarin showdog!)

It's another great day to be banned!

It's a good thing showdogs have this default smiles.



Honestly, it's hard to keep high spirits when you feel this down. But because it's a banned day today. This is to cheer up the spirits of those to keep the fire burning banned.


This is the version of the AstoriaLand sweatshop. There's another version in Bliss, (actually running around the whole of QC, especially UP) but I don't have archive pictures to prove. They are still editing actually at this moment, Go Boss Cherish! Go Boss Enuh! See you later at the fair! (As in later! Hopefully the water vessel will hold BB until they reach the docks! Sorry private joke.)



(This is my workstation! -- geek dog!)


I am so excited! 5 great filmmakers, 4 bands will be featured in the UP Fair powered by Banned Movies. Raya Martin's Philippine Premiere of "Long Live Philippine Cinema"










(We will be selling March 24 tickets for the Khavn de La Cruz films, also providing alternative venues to sell indie produced DVDs. -- BB made signs for the booth!)

(This is our version of the Paparrazzi walls done in movie premieres. Red Carpet indie style -- dukha and broke, all home made!)

(Tonight will be the greatest performance for Banned! These IDs are worn by the finest!)

JUST PROUD TO BE BANNED! See you at the Fair!

Name Updates ulit??

Even my Blog name has been changed. My blogger accounts have been merged. I lost my name. I lost Bienvenido's Boss. Huwaaaaahhhh..

-- BB

Banned dogs name update! Huwaaaahhhhh! Everybody's into changing names!

(Not in photo Bantay Salakay, Pussy Cat Dog and Juniper Lopez)




Banned litter:
1. Bienvenido Bernal (the steadfast showdog!)
2. Belvedire (surname withheld until further notice -- considered surnames : KhuaOng, OngKhua, Khua, Gonzales) formerly known as Belvedire Gonzales fka Belvedire Khua fka Brownie Gonzales (bb note: updated Jan 19)
3. Bantay Salakay (bb note: updated Dec 30)
4. Cocoy Jun Martinez
5. Jose Dash Lito (bb note: updated Jan 8)
6. Atan (Final name withheld upon lifting of vow of silence) formerly known as Jonathan (Surname withheld by owner) (bb note : updated Feb 12)
7. Juniper Lopez formerly known as C'mon Asomo Spongklong (bb note : updated Feb 12)
8. Haring Habagat (bb note: updated Jan 19)
9. Sarah Beth Nicole aka Pussy Cat Dog (bb note: updated Jan 19)
10. Cherish Aileen Melody aka Snoopy Serna (bb note: updated Jan 19)

Before Sunset

(AstoriaLand Before Sunset)

This kinda blog should be forwarded to the secret blog. he he but the Before Sunrise entry is a Bien blog, so it's fit that Before Sunset will be here.


It was a nice movie. My secret wish to be a good writer has been whet by this kind of screenplay. Hmmp, bakit kasi hindi ako biniyayaan ng skills and talent. Sabi ko naman I don't need my dashing good looks. Pwede bang swap? Ha ha.

I really like the movie just because it made me understand my BB better, her happy loneliness, her seeming karipas to stay away from.. (BB stopped typing.. nakakahalata, this amo of mine is soooooo secretive, huh, hard to pry her open.)

Anyway, a compromise, will just let her type a transcript.. of the Julie Delpy dialogues. Enjoy :

Celine : It doesn't make me sad its just the way it is ...

Celine : Yes obviously i cant deal with the day to day life of a relationship...
i am really happy only when i am on my own. Even being alone its better than sitting next to a lover and feeling lonely....

Celine : i don't believe in everything that relates to love, i dont feel things for people anymore.

Celine : Reality and love are almost contradictory for me. It's funny, every single of my exes they are now married, men go out with me, we break up and then they get married and later they call me to thank me for teaching them what love is.. that i taught them how to care and respect women.

Celine : I want to kill them.

Celine : I've been heartbroken so many times and i have recovered. so now from the start i make no effort because i know its not going to work out.

Jessie : a few anti depressants i think you'll be ok.

Bienvenido : a few anti depressants i think u'll be ok.

Bwa-hahahah-arf-arf!

Isa munang dream sequence..

Hayaan nyo munang inggitin ko kayo!

sa isang photo essay na pinamagatang.. Bien in Paradise!

Isang araw habang rumaket ang mga Banned Boss sa Nestle Creamery (dating Magnolia Ice Cream house....)

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

BURP! UBOS NA MGA BOSS!
Balik tayo dun... Please!
(NAGLILIHI NA NAMAN SI BB!)

Day Job : BB in work mode

I have been staring at BB for the longest time this week. Seems she doesn't even move. She has been a slave to her PCs (yes, PCs, 1 pc can’t keep up with her she has to have 2 to 3 workstations -- geek check in AstoriaLand, she also uses a PDA! Whattanerd!) For almost 4 days she hasn't changed position, (once even slept on the couch :~( ) sitting upright with only fingers tapping. Her only exercise would be arm raises to get and refill paper when printing and some sidebends to change the documents to be scanned.




(umaaligid na sa trabaho.. scanner seems interesting.. hmmm)


Good thing mom called her, or else she will have no contact to the outside world. E-mail and cybertalks do not count, actual, tactile or analogue (a compromise) interaction to consider it real life.


Lookit, her only human interaction list for the past 4 days -- all the rest would be WORK, WORK! WORK!!

Phone conversation with ex
Phone conversation with a colleague in manila
Phone conversation with agency
Phone conversation with supplier
Face to face with Fedex delivery -- yihee a lifeform.
Face to face with laundryman -- hurray!
Face to face with the man delivering bills -- wow social life!
Ay I remember pala a berliner boss called Sunday on low batt mode -- yipee
Face to face with Edgar - itago na lang natin sa pangalang "ActivateMan"

C'mon BB have a life (awwooooooo pathetic!)


So there. BB just hasn't been circulating lately. How can I update my blog? I don't have much explorations and pictures for you guys to share. BB = boring = Bien = boring.

But BB is just V V busy.

Just to break the monotony, and because one of her meetings is running late. Kunulit ko si BB. Pinakita ko yung attempt ko to get a new picture taken. I was inspired by her Macau experience. Tadaaah. A proof that I am alive!

(my version of BBs jump! 233 meters? nope more of 2 ft!)

My latest picture. Banned and scanned!





She didn't know i took a plunge in her open scanner. (Now I know how it feels to be security checked at the airport!) scanned by HP ScanJet 7600 Bwahahahaarfff

They joined the BANNED wagon!

Wow congratulations to the banned peeps! It was a real success. Todo Todo Torres! John gets Banned!

Small project with Big Dreams! BB and the rest of the peeps really appreciate all the help and support!

Just to share some pix!



(all lined up for the show.. )




(You've never seen Freedom filled to the brim.)



(Rock and Roll!)







(The Banned-its and Mr. John Torres)





You won't see me much in this blog post. Just because it's a celebration of Banned Movies' hard work. Congratulations Bosses!

ALL SET TO BE BANNED!

Bien is all set to be Banned.
Remember:


Todo Todo Torres:
John Gets Banned!
tomorrow at Freedom Bar!




BTW, SEE THE UPDATED AND (I AM SURE ) NOT FINAL SHOW DOGS NAMES LIST FROM THE WELCOME BLOG.

Before Sunrise and Voyages

(Before Sunrise @ AstoriaLand)



Saw BB watch before sunrise. Yup the Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy romantic talkie film courtesy of Cherish. Nope it wasn't another one of my hypnotic spells where I don’t let my BB sleep until before sunrise. She actually had time to enjoy and watch a movie, that movie about strangers.. that beautiful movie about strangers.

After the movie I saw her smile, she went to her old digital snapshots...

Just today BB was taking out some bags from the closet. (ha ha, saw her trying her old backpack in her jammies -- we've travelled far, i heard her whisper -- BB talks to stuff dogs and bags.. scary) Hmmmm I smell travel! but no, its not for her, its for another explorer.. Bantay's Boss..

ha ha this smells like a segue to senti..



(Realized I was claustrophobic after entering the Vietnamese tunnels of Cuchi)



"sharing plastic bags as umbrella in the war museum in vietnam, we met, we went to the museum clusters together..then a cab ride back to civilization from navigating tourist spots from a pamphlet .. We split the cab fare, the old lady was just too thankful I accompanied her around a 20 dollar trip she usually pays 300 dollars for, this Australian tourist has been had for days, it was refreshing for her to see an asian tourist who won't squeeze her dry.. Jologs can haggle in any language kasi..

I didn’t email back, that was my bad. Too sad.


*********

(Mekong river RORO)


(Killing Fields museum in Cambodia)



Chren helped me cross the Vietnam and the Cambodian border, while everybody took about an hour to pass by immigration, I had my processing in 5 minutes because mine was slipped together with local passports, he he by my little sis who got me to back ride with 5 other people in a motorbike. She looked like Sarah Geronimo, we exchanged cell numbers, texted her on 2 occassions..

We didn't continue the long distance sms, nothing to talk about..


**********

My Lao tour guide mistook me for a Thai, then a chinese, then vietnamese, then cambodian.. When I said I was filipina, we immediately bonded when she talked about this telenovela.." My promise to you" .. A jologs will always be jologs even in a far away land.. Pangako sa 'yo talking echo and christine millions of miles away from home.






(Vietnam National Museum)



Got her contact details promised to keep in touch.. Echo and Christine also never kept their promise.

**********


I just wanted to eat buffet in one of the tallest restaurants, revolving and expensive.. Alone in Macau, I was all set to my adventure.. Asked the hotel consierge, where to go up, he suggested another floor up, to where you go Sky diving! Crazy suggestion to a girl who didn't tell her parents she'll go out that weekend, out meaning out of the country... He was so convincing.. I told him i'll think about it. I rode this fast and furious elevator, going up is crazy dizzy.. Hmmp going down? Ugh!! But the bug bit me.. I was queing my way to the crazy floor.. A lot of people queing but just to be moral supporters, to 1 or 2 daring souls, big men with family and friends, needed to prove how big their balls were, and there I was alone, no balls to break the fall.



(Kun Iam Monument in Macau)






(Jumping at the Macau Tower)



And so I jumped and lo and behold, the concierge guy was waiting for me from below.. 80 floors below. He calculated maybe the moments I thought about chickening out.. but He also knew that I was THAT crazy, he took a break from his counter duties to wait for my jump. AND yes, I jumped.

I still have his business card, we never said we'll call. I just said i'll call him if i'd go crazy again in Macau.

and he is gay!

For a time I always feel sad about not keeping in touch with friends who become strangers again. Julie and Ethan made me realize that our friendship was complete even if it was just consumed in one day."

SENTI in all caps.

"Next time, Bien, kasama ka na."

Travelling is BB's opiate. I think she just likes running away.


-- to Bantay Salakay, Bon Voyage!
From one BB to another BB, hope you find a Julie. He he. Autograph/s ko!

Silent Dogs..

BB is still kinda "sick" so just enjoy these pictures to update my blog. (it's hard for me to type by myself using my paws...)

12 days to go TODO!

Isa muling patalastas!

Feel this heaven if you attend our gig!




Bienvenido, Jonathan and Jose Dash @ Freedom with Taggu nDios





So get ur tickets NOW! Call Banned Movies @ 6673061.

Ugly

First, it came from the mouth of babes, BB's unNephew saw me strapped to a backpack. "Tita, ang pangit!"

Sniffled snuffles..

Reunions are not my thing. In my human days I also do not like being with people who think they should be close to you just because ur blood is related.

Then dad, mom and bro came with a chorus! BB your dog is ugly! Lucky that BB was aided by a shock absorber that time, an ipod danggling over her ears. She usually wears her music with caution, not so loud so as not to be rude with her environment, she'd catch a whisper at any given time, but this time she completely ignored the statement.

Then she hugged me.

******

She was listening to "I am sam" again, not her usual senti music. I don't know if she's preparing herself to real deal beatle's marathon (I saw her downloading some moptop muzak.) or the album has been nominated to her senti playlist. I think my BB needs a hug.

Eureka! i found a new star!

I have found a new star to offer to my master! Yipee! BB has been very busy the whole holiday season doing her duties for her family and work, i opted to slave in front of the telescope.

Patiently.. looking for my star..

Then suddenly a shining heavenly body.. for my BB, I have kept my promise to name a new star after her.

BB was ecstatic. Let us share this happiness to you all. This is BB's star!




Banned peeps : Annabs, Carol, Cherish, Christine, Enuh, Jay, Luther, Ohsie, Pinky
Banned dogs : Jose-lito, C'mon Asomo Spongklong, ****(hmmmp angkinin), Cocoy Jun Martinez, Jonathan (Surname still withheld by owner), ****(think! think! of a cutie name!), Belvedire Khua, Bantay Salakay,**** (Sana hindi loofah!)

BB and Bien found more stars and named it after you too!




HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2007 HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY BANNED..
READY TO BE CONQUERED BY BANNED MOVIES!

Isa Munang Patalastas

Showdogs of the world, have you heard the news? This new and cool group of humans is having THE UBER event of January.. featuring one exciting film maker and 10 great bands!

This is THE GIG to catch, here's my ticket, u get one too! And get Banned.

-Bien the Banned spokesdog

Life in AstoriaLand

I was trained by BB to be asong alisto.

"My name is Bienvenido "Gael" Bernal."
"I am a show dog, I am a puppy, 0 years old."
"My owner is BB, she is a goddess."

She always gives me tips about life in general, don't talk to strangers, always brush your teeth, comb your whiskers. .

So one time I got curious.. we travelled a lot this month, I haven't figured out where do we live? Stayed for 2 weeks in a Danshui hotel, a week in pasig with a bunch of people in and out, 2 weekends in las pinas and a day in QC. Plus a whole lot of hanging out in Shangri_la and Mega.

Bienvenido's corner since 1912.

BB told me that the pasig place is where we live.

I noted it in my google earth coordinates PH 120 E long, 20 N lat. AstoriaLand!

I have found my special spot in AstoriaLand! Where I can greet and bite the people coming in and out the door.

A***** -- Bite!
Carol -- Greet!
Cherish -- Greet!
Ed B -- Greet!
*d S -- Bite!
Edgar -- Greet!
Enuh -- Greet!
Kints -- Greet!
L*****-- Bite!
M******** -- Greet!
Nina -- Greet!
Ohsie -- Greet!
Pinky -- Greet!
R**** -- Bite!
T**** -- Bite!
Andrew -- Greet!

AstoriaLand by the way is not your usual home. It's mostly open 24/7. It is a sweatshop, it is a beer joint, it is an office, a communal dorm. And what i notice since we got back is.. there is no food in the fridge (except for junk food and chocolates!)





AA.. Asong Alisto, but actually I'll be ending up another AA.. Asong Alcoholic (hic!)

TDFKAGB - The Dog formerly known as Gael Bernal

Just call me Bienvenido Bernal.

I realized I have a higher calling, to be the uber Banned Dog of dogs, to reach that nirvana, i have passed through life after life, a glimpse of my previous life as an actor.

Yes, I AM Gael Bernal.
Calm down, calm down.. Sorry girls.. am now into bit^#@s (joke!) I decided to live out my true calling after "the science of sleep" I donned a costume that felt really like my second skin, so i decided it to be my first. See my before and after pix.. (salamat po doctor.)



It's hard to be a multi talented dog, I have a lot of things in my "things-to-do-before-you-die" list. so far I've done 472 things and still looking forward to doing a lot more so... must not sleep, blog, hypnotize master to type, (hypnotic voice : type BB type - post blog - encode my blogs - sweatshop..) make her take pictures of me in all possible situations (hypnotic voice : hire me a stylist, hire me a professional photographer, buy me a new camera, buy me a sound stage, but for now, be my slave, shoot, make me pose, upload my pictures, photoshop my flaws..),

BB by the way is my sweetie name for my master Bienvenido's Boss (Ngayon, sino ang boss?)

Bwa-ha-ha-harf-arf.

I have to make this blog short today. BB still has deadlines, man year is ending and she has to do a lot of yearender recaps, dog years end every 2.4 months (trivia!) and I have to discover and name a heavenly body after my BB (in fairness I heart my boss.)




Isa sa nasa checklist ko today is make this world a better place and eventually be a nobel laureate (ahem) but naging busy ako magpost ng blog.. Oh well, same small goal with same end in mind to make people smile. Good day!

Show dogs Unite!

Banned movies bosses don't always have the fun! We Banned dogs chillax!

Jose-Lito @ Gloria Jean's Mega - Dec 26
Banned bosses talk : first regroup after xmas, Super Noypi and hard day@ work
Banned dog talk : Coffee is cool! What if i trade my inside cotton to coffee beans?



Belvedire Khua @ Starbucks 6/F Shang - Dec 27
Banned bosses talk : meeting with La Tondena, pep talk before meeting with sponsor
Banned dog talk : I have to convince my boss to change my name from Brownie to Belvedire



Jose-Lito; Belvedire @ McDonald's El Pueblo

Banned bosses talk : Deadlines and gameplans, puso puso and the rising of a phoenix.
Banned dogs talk : C'mon let's listen, we might have blackmail details to blog.

Bienvenido! Mabuhay! Welcome!

As my name suggests, "Welcome!" to my blog of adventures. I am Bienvenido, 1 of 10 showdog plush dolls from a Taiwan Daisho Store.

Fast Facts :
Birthday : December 9, 2006
Place : Chungshan St., Taipei, Taiwan
My litter (siblings:)
Belvedire (surname withheld until further notice -- considered surnames : KhuaOng, OngKhua, Khua, Gonzales) formerly known as Belvedire Gonzales fka Belvedire Khua fka Brownie Gonzales (bb note: updated Jan 19)
Bantay Salakay (bb note: updated Dec 30)
Cocoy Jun Martinez
Jose Dash Lito (bb note: updated Jan 8)
Atan (Final name withheld upon lifting of vow of silence) formerly known as Jonathan (Surname withheld by owner) (bb note : updated Feb 12)
Juniper Lopez formerly known as C'mon Asomo Spongklong (bb note : updated Feb 12)
Haring Habagat (bb note: updated Jan 19)
Sarah Beth Nicole aka Pussy Cat Dog (bb note: updated Jan 19)
Cherish Aileen Melody aka Snoopy Serna (bb note: updated Jan 19)

Distinguishing marks:
3 super straight right whiskers (my right) and 3 super crooked left whiskers
I still have my tag on (mint condition)
Hobbies :
Travelling, exploring, fun photography and sudoku
Special skills :
Making fun of my master (tingnan natin kung sino ang amo!)
Special corner :
my 1102 door knob

This is my life so far, looking forward to invading yours. So let the blogging begin!