Monday, August 31, 2009

Lance Raymundo wants viewers to focus on ‘Fidel’ storyline



Lance Raymundo wants viewers to focus on ‘Fidel’ storyline

By JOJO P.PANALIGAN
August 30, 2009, 7:46pm

Although he is aware that some people might watch his forthcoming indie film “Fidel” for the rape scene between two men, actor Lance Raymundo said its thrust is more on the problems many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) encounter abroad.

“I hope the Department of Foreign Affairs (POEA) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) would have more programs to educate Filipinos about living abroad so that they don’t walk around naïve and get themselves in trouble while they are there,” he said just before the Standing Room Only “Fidel” press screening held at the AFP Theater last Aug. 28.

“Fidel” tells the story of an OFW who is raped by his employer. Enraged with what happened, Fidel kills the employer and lands himself on death row.

Lance reiterated that rape not only happens to females, but males, too.

“When you’re sexually violated whether by someone of the same or the opposite sex, that is rape,” he said.

“As a straight male, I could empathize with my character because I wouldn’t want to be touched, let alone raped, by anyone. Sex is a sacred thing. Before engaging in such, consent between partners is a must.”

The actor lauded “Fidel” writer Charlotte Dianco and director Shandii Bacolod for explaining to him in depth, the range of emotions a male rape victim goes through which Lance was able to manifest in his portrayal of the role.

“Vigilant at thorough sila [Dianco, Bacolod] mag-research kaya naintindihan ko kung ano yung kailangan kong gawin sa pelikula,” said Lance. “I also got to interview people who have either been raped or know people who have gone through the ordeal.”

“I am happy that in this film, I didn’t have to do things that don’t exist. Lahat dito sa ‘Fidel,’ pwede talagang mangyari sa totoong buhay.”

Lance has his fingers crossed for “Fidel” to make it to this year’s Cinemanila festival as well as to film festivals abroad. But even if it doesn’t, he said it is enough if the film would open the eyes of OFWs to the potential dangers ahead of them so they could prevent these from happening.

“Also, for the concerned government agencies would extend the same protection and compassion to male rape victims as they do with female ones,” Lance said.

The people behind Piperstorm Pictures & Periwinkle Entertainment Production which bankrolled “Fidel” are finalizing a deal for its commercial release in local theaters. They also have been getting some feelers from foreign film festival organizers who are intrigued by the film’s touchy subject.

His biggest role to death, “Fidel” comes in the heels of Cinemalaya finalist “Ang Nerseri” in which Lance played one of the lead roles.

Other actors in “Fidel” are Maria Isabel Lopez; Marife Necesito; Andrea del Rosario; Snooky Serna; Jao Mapa; Justin de Leon; RJ Revilla; Alex Medina; Ana-Abad Santos; Von Arroyo; Jonathan Neri; Mosang; Roder; Fonz Deza; Jon Hall; Nonoy Froilan; Cheryy Mae Canton; IC Mendoza and Martin de la Paz.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

FIDEL Theatrical Trailer


FIDEL

How far would a man go to defend his dignity?


This is not just another sad story of an OFW.

This is the unspoken truth about the plight of Filipino males in the Middle East.

A Filipino worker is on the death row for killing his Arab employer. Because of a lady reporter who is bent on doing a full story about him, government officials are now trying to help him. But Fidel, the accused, doesn't seem to cooperate.

Filipino trial lawyers are asking him to say it was self-defense but Fidel insisted that he killed the Arab on purpose, out of revenge. He seemed withdrawn and full of hatred, contrary to what Vega learned about his past- a boy-next-door type of person who grew up with a loving family. Fidel was also the president of his religious class in high school and was very active in socio-civic projects in college. His profile doesn't fit the picture of a killer- and yet he admitted the crime.

Sister Lourdes, the nun who belongs to an NGO who helps OFWs started talking to him regularly. Soon Fidel opens up to Sister Lourdes and shared his painful experience in the hands of his employer. He was raped.

The revelation added to Sister Lourdes' desire to help Fidel. She now understands why Fidel would rather be called a killer because it is such a shame for a man to be raped by another man. And Sister Lourdes discovers that Fidel is not alone- because there are a lot of Filipino males who are being raped but are too embarrassed to file a complaint.

With the connection of Father Allan, Sister Lourdes and Vega started a massive media campaign to free Fidel. This irritated Fidel because he doesn't want to be freed. He feels like his life is already over. And the day he killed his employer was the day he accepted his fate- that he will also be sentenced to death.



Director: Mark Shandii Bacolod
Writer/Producer: Charlotte Dianco
Associate Producer: Jazmin Trinidad-Tecson
Line Producer: Han Salazar
Director of Photography: Rain Yamson II
Production Designers: Dave Coros Jr. and Cicero 'Ching' Danseco
Production Manager: Jenny Quintero
Editors: Orlean Joseph Tan and Gino Montalvo
Film Scorer: Eric Narvaez
Sound Engineer: Dodoy Ongleo
Assistant Directors: Mariami Tanangco and Lorna Sanchez
Colorist: John Joseph Tan

Starring
Lance Raymundo as Fidel Tecson
Andrea del Rosario as Vega Avaricio
Maria Isabel Lopez as Minda
Fonz Deza as Poldo
Nonoy Froilan as Father Allan
Jao Mapa as Goonie
Von Arroyo as Christian Zabal
Marife Necesito as Jovi
Snooky Serna as Sister Lourdes
and many more...

FIDEL will have its red carpet SPECIAL SCREENING on AUGUST 28, 7PM at the AFP Theater in Camp Aguinaldo.

Check out the Theatrical Trailer at Youtube:

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

5 MINUTES


"5 MINUTES"
written, produced and directed by Mark Shandii Bacolod
Official Selection, 5th Titus Brandsma Indie Short Film Festival

Greg (Vince Saldana) wakes up in his room and finds Peter (Jay Aquitania), a stranger of his same age, who claims to be his best friend since grade school. Peter seems to know Greg very well. He knows his house and his girlfriend, an older-liberated woman named Paige (Lara Morena); and he knows stuff about Greg only a true friend would know. But the problem is, Greg doesn’t know Peter. He couldn’t even remember meeting the man.

Their meeting intensifies when at the night of Paige’s birthday party, Peter passionately kisses Paige. The two men break in to a fight, wounded and pained. This fight gives Greg the biggest realization of his life.

“5 Minutes” takes us to a journey of regrets, ‘what could have been situations’, pains and losing one's self and finding it in life’s weirdest way. The dreamlike reality of Greg and Peter are actually manifestations of their distorted lives.

“What could be real may not actually be.”

Director/Writer/Producer: Mark Shandii Bacolod
Producers: Lara Morena and Jazmin Trinidad-Tecson
Co-Producer: Den Mark Estrella
Director of Photography: Rain Yamson II
Production Designer: Cicero 'Ching' Danseco
Associate Producers: Dan Relucio, Gina Desuasido, Marice Villasenor and John Tan
Editor: Biggie Estrella
Film Scorer: Diwa de Leon
Colorist: John Joseph Tan
Assistant Directors: Lorna Sanchez and Eduardo Roy Jr.
Production Manager: Sarah Pagcaliwagan
Art Directors: Rolly Carino and Jet Leyco
Hair and Make-Up Artists: Rey Decena and Nina Dumpa
Special Make-Up and Prosthetic Artist: Gina Desuasido

5th Titus Brandsma Indie Short Film Festival pays tribute to screenwriter Pablo S. Gomez


On August 22, 2009, the 5th Titus Brandsma Indie Short Film Festival will celebrate and showcase the talents of Filipino filmmakers and a special tribute dedicated to one of Philippine’s pride in popular literary world.

The pelikula@TitusBrandsma recognizes the contributions made by the seasoned, well- respected and acclaimed, and yet humble “komiks,” Radio, TV and film writer--- Pablo Salonga Gomez. Mang Pablo as he is fondly called has a writing career that spanned for more than six decades now. He started his writing career when he was still in high school to supplement his allowance as the family cannot cope with the demands of school at that time.

His break came in the 1950’s when he started writing stories and screenplays for big studios like Sampaguita, Premiere, LVN, Lea, FPJ Production, Tagalog Ilang- Ilang, Emperor Films, Champion Pictures, Maharlika Pictures and the like. Some of his memorable stories that have been made into films are: Hilda, Eva Fonda, Kampanerang Kuba, Alupihang Dagat, Hindi pa Tapos ang Laban, Komiks, Kurdapya, Susanang Daldal, Apat na Taga, Pasan Ko ang Daigdig, Kampana sa Sta. Quiteria, Ang Pagbabalik ng Lawin, Hindi ka na Sisikatan ng Araw, Mga Anghel na Walang Langit, Magdusa Ka, Hiram na Mukha, Mahal Saan Ka Nanggaling Kagabi?, Mahal Ginagabi Ka Na Naman, Kahit Konting Pagtingin, Probinsyano, and many more.

As a tribute, Gomez' Magdusa Ka (1986) will be screened.

Synopsis: Dina was the daughter of Dindo and his former maid Nida. Aware of this fact the girl constantly dreamt that one day she would be recognized by his father and would enjoy all the comforts of his moneyed lifestyle. The day finally came when she moved into the mansion amidst much objection from her irate mother. It was a life to which she found difficulty in adjusting but being young and beautiful, she was easily accepted by her new friends. The problem was, she was left pregnant by her former boyfriend from the slums. Turned away by her paternal grandmother from her new home, she was left to fend for herself since her mother also refused to take her back.

It will also feature the following films by new filmmakers:

5 Minutes (14 minutes & 38 seconds) a film by Mark Shandii Bacolod
Ang Bakasyon ni Can-Can (19 minutes & 50 seconds) a film by Jerome Zamora
Bamboo Lake (20 minutes) a film by Donnie Sacueza
Batang Pinangga (17 minutes) a film by Michael Condes
Musa (The Muse) (20 minutes & 14 seconds) a film by Dexter Cayanes
Pogi (17 minutes) a film by Eros Arbilon;
Surreal Random MMS Texts Para Ed Ina, Agui, Tan Kaamong Ya Makakailiw Ed Sika: Gurgurlis
Ed Banua (15 minutes) a film by Christopher Gozum
Technophilia (6 minutes & 37 seconds) a film by Rianne Hill Soriano

The annual Titus Brandsma Indie Short Film Festival is from 1:00 to 8:00 PM to be held at the Titus Brandsma Center, 24 Acacia St., New Manila, Quezon City.

The event will be participated in by professional and emerging filmmakers from different groups, communities and schools.

The aim of the Pinoy Indies filmfest is to offer the budding filmmakers a venue to showcase their work and the same time to promote arts and culture to the common tao as it is often perceived as “elitist.” However, the filmfest is not limited to amateur filmmakers – this is open to all.

Monday, August 17, 2009

MAXIMUS & minimus


Cinema One Originals 2009 has begun. The 5 Finalists are Bala-Bala by Melvin Brito, Cyclone Loop by Richard Legaspi, Wanted:Border by Ray Gibraltar, Si Baning, Si Maymay, at Ang Asong si Bobo by Milo Tolentino and Maximus and Minimus by Nap Jamir II.

I'm so happy that Director Nap chose me to be his Assistant Director. It's a big pleasure working with an award-winning Cinematographer. I worked with him last year, in Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil's award-winning film "Boses". Nap Jamir is nominated at this year's Gawad Urian, for Best in Cinematography in our film Boses.

Philippine Entertainment Portal writes "Movie and Television Cinematographer Nap Jamir becomes a Director to helm his first film, an unconventional adult comedy titled Maximus and Minimus written by Jim Flores. 2004 placed Jamir in the limelight where he received the Gawad Urian nomination for Best Cinematography for the comedy-melodrama Bridal Shower of director Jeffrey Jeturian. In 2006, he brought home the Best Cinematography for Philippines' highly successful independent film Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros at the Gawad Urian."

For his directorial debut, Direct Nap gathered the best team and actors.
Writer - Jim Flores (Tuli, Raket ni Nanay, Boy). Director of Photography - Pao Orendain (Best Cinematography for the film 24k, Cinemalaya 2009). Line Producer/Production Manager - Endi 'Hai' Balbuena (Pisay, Boy, Raket ni Nanay, Colorum). Production Designer - Felipe 'Sammy" Esquillon. Assistant Director - Mark Shandii Bacolod (that's me!!). Editor - Miko Araneta (Engkwentro, Istasyon). 2nd Director of Photography - Sasha Palomares and Jordan Arabejo. Script Continuity Supervisor - Maita Lupac (director of Hulagpos, finalist - Cinemalaya Shorts 2009).

The film stars Cai Cortez, Baron Geisler, Mikel Campos, Malou Crisologo and Ms. Liza Lorena. Cameo appearances from Roel Santiago, Raul Morit, Mailes Kanapi, Ronnie Bertubin, Lance Raymundo and Ronnie Lazaro (and many more...).










Jay Aquitania willingly suffers bumps and bruises


Jay Aquitania willingly suffers bumps and bruises
By CHARLOTTE DIANCO
July 2, 2009, 8:32pm

Jay Aquitania is the kind of actor who doesn’t mind suffering in order to give justice to his role.

In an interview granted exclusively to Manila Bulletin Online, Jay said that he willingly sustained real bumps and bruises in doing a fight scene for his latest project, “5 Minutes.”

“Napaka-challenging po kasi ng role ko at hindi naman po ako sanay pa sa mga fight scenes. Kahit may fight instructor pa, nahirapan talaga ako,” he said.

The actor said that while he’s more comfortable doing drama, he had a hard time doing scenes in the film that required crying, because these were shot the week his manager, the late Douglas Quijano, died.

“I think naubos na yata yung luha niya sa kaiiyak nung mamatay si Tito Douglas,” said “5 Minutes” director Mark Shandii Bacolod.

Nevertheless, Bacolod is all praises for Jay’s dedication to the project. The actor once had to travel Subic-Las Pinas- Subic to fulfill his commitments.

It was hard kasi pagkatapos ng taping ko sa ‘All My Life’ (GMA7’s new teleserye), diretso ako sa shoot ng “5 Minutes.” Whole day ang shooting nun hanggang kinabukasan, then pagka-pack-up, punta uli ako sa taping ng ‘All.’ Sa biyahe na lang ako natutulog,” Jay said.

Jay and direk Mark met last year when they worked together in “Concerto”, a finalist in the 2008 Cinemalaya Film Festival. Other stars in “5 Minutes” are Lara Morena and Vince Saldana.

BITCHEN (a collection of twisted poetry for the bitch in you)


Part 1: HEY BITCH! Hey bitch! What's your name? I heard you're walking around like a Dame. You talk too much. You're so vain. You think your name's in flame! I heard what you did with my friend. Bitching around. Is that your trend? I warn you bitch to stay away! Make sure you're not around. Not in my way! You are a frigid bitch, a wicked witch! Stop back-stabbing you worthless leech! You look stupid, you have empty skull! Your brain's not there. You're a voodoo doll! So you have many boyfriends? That's what i heard. But you ain't got real friends, now that sounds weird! You're a nobody. A waste of time. No worth at all. A tasteless wine! Look at your outfit, you look annoying! A walking Christmas tree, you're so boring! Your nose is flat. You need a lipstick! With your face, all you need is a broomstick! Hey sinister whore, i warn you! Don't mess with me because i'm bitchier that you! You stink like hell! You look so lame! You better remember me. Don't forget my name!

ANG PINAKAMAHABANG ONE NIGHT STAND


UNANG TAGPO: UNANG GABI

Dito magsisimula ang lahat.

Ito ang ‘di inaasahang pagkikita.

Kung saan ang mga bagay-bagay ay walang kabuluhan.

Kung saan ang malamig na gabi ay mananatili paring malamig na gabi.

Nakakatakot ang unang pagtatagpo.

Maraya.

Subalit dito rin matatapos ang lahat.

Kung saan bawat tinginan ay magkakaroon na ng kahulugan.

Ang bawat galaw ay mayroon ng kabuluhan.

Makamandag ang bawat titig.

Parang lason na ngayon ang halimuyak ng kanyang katawan.

Para kang na-engkanto.

Tatagos sa mga buto mo ang libidong ngayo’y nagsusumigaw na’t gusto ng lumaya.

Madadaig ka ng iyong pagnanasa.

Tukso ang bawat paggalaw ng kanyang labi.

Sumpa ang bawat pagsanggi ng inyong mga mata.

At sa paglalim ng gabi, magaganap ang hindi inaasahan.

Magdidikit ang inyong mga labi.

Maglalapat ang bawat parte ng inyong katawan.

Magmimistulang apoy kayong dalawa.

Nakakapaso.

Sa maikling panahon, makakamtan mo ang pang-walang hanggang kasarapan.

At magigising kang nabahiran na ng sumpa ang iyong kaluluwa.

Subalit ang kaibahan ngayon… hindi ka mag-isa.

May kasama ka.

Ito ang natatanging sandali kung saan mapapa-pikit ka at mataimtim na hihiling kay Bathala…

Na ang gabing ito ay maging higit sa anumang gabi ng buhay mo.

Ang dating malamig na gabi ay nag-aalab na.

Ito ang tinatawag nilang ONE NIGHT STAND.

ANG MGA SUSUNOD NA TAGPO

Sa mga darating na araw, mag-iiba ang pag-ikot ng iyong mundo.

Magbabago ang lahat.

Pakuwari mo ngayo’y musmos uli ang iyong puso.

Kakaiba ang pagtibok.

Mabilis.

Tuwing iipikit mo ang iyong mga mata’y nakikita mo ang mukha niya.

Naririnig mo siyang umuungol sa iyong mga tenga.

Naaamoy mo ang halimuyak ng bawat patak ng pawis sa katawan niya.

Madadaig ka ng matinding pagnanasa.

Ng masalimuot na paghahanap.

Maghihintay ka.

Ito ang Sumpa ng di-malilimutang gabi ng buhay mo.

Mag-iiba ang iyong pagnanais.

Maghahangad ka ng higit pa.

Aasa ka.

At aasa pa…

HULING TAGPO: HULING GABI

At sa inyong muling pagkikita’y masusubukan ang lahat.

Marahil ito ang pinakamasayang araw mo.

Sa wakas, tapos na ang paghihintay.

Nasa harapan mo na siya.

Nasa harapan mo na ang gamot sa Sumpa.

Ang pinagmulan din mismo ng Sumpa.

Sa puntong ito matatapos ang kahibangan mo.

Matitigil ang pagnanasa mo.

Mamumulat ka sa katotohanan.

Masakit.

Masalimuot.

Matabang.

Ito ang katotohanan ng isang gabing kaligayahan.

Ito ang sumpang bumabalot sa iyo.

Magiging kasing lamig muli ng gabi ang puso mo.

Dahil umasa ka.

Naghintay gayung alam mong wala namang darating.

Ang isang One Night Stand.

Tulad ng iba at marami pang One Night Stand sa mundo.

Ay mananatiling One Night Stand lamang.

Ordinaryo.

Walang kabuluhan.

Walang kahulugan.

Ito ang katotohanang hindi mo kailanman matatakasan.

Ito ang pinakamahabang gabi ng buhay mo.

Who is MARK SHANDII BACOLOD??



Mark Shandii Bacolod is a member of ABS-CBN’s Writers Circle Batch 1 - trained by the living legend Ricardo Lee and Head writer-Director Dado Lumibao. He was a writer for Television for more than 3 years with shows like Mangarap Ka, Vietnam Rose, Entertainment Konek, Pinoy Big Brother Season 1 and the 1st Celebrity Edition. He wrote stage plays and directed some during college. Shandii started his writing with poems, haikus and essays before diving into stageplays and teleseryes.

Today, he is a full time Filmmaker. A budding Director in the making. Mark Shandii Bacolod was named One of San Miguel Beer’s Freshest Filmmakers of 2006. In 2007, he directed “The Vizconde Massacre” episode of GMA-7’s Case Unclosed hosted by Kara David as well as Charlotte Dianco’s high-drama screenplay entitled, FIDEL, a semi-finalist in the Cinemalaya 2007. Fidel will have its Special Screening on August 28 at the AFP Theater in Camp Aguinaldo. He just finished his 2nd Directorial film entitled 5 MINUTES, which he already submitted to the 11th Cinemanila International Film Festival and Pusan International Film Festival 2009. His film PANAHON NA (The Time Is Now) wherein he worked as the Associate Director and Line Producer already premiered in Boston last June.

Aside from directing films, Shandii has taken on a number of roles in the filmmaking industry. His film credits include Aloy Adlawan’s SIGNOS (The Signs) as Assistant Director. Signos eventually became Best Foreign Film in the Lone Star International Film Festival in Forthworth, Texas and winner of Excellence Award in California 2007. He is the Production Manager of Sigrid Andrea Bernardo and Bong Ramos’s HAW ANG (Before Harvest), a digital film released in all SM Digital Cinemas. Shandii is also a full-time Casting Director and a part-time Actor. His TV appearances include Mangarap Ka, Ysabella and the latest MRT Commercial. Film Apperances include Mudraks, Roomboy and XENOA 2: CLASH OF THE BLOODS directed by Sean Lim. Xenoa is a sci-fi drama wherein Shandii worked as the Production Designer and Assistant Director of the said film. Now, he is also busy line producing an action-packed digital film titled 4 TO 5 to be directed by first-time directors Dan and Brandon Relucio. When not making films, he is directing events (fashion shows, awards night, etc.), music video and audio-visual presentations.

It is not surprising why his friends crowned him as the “Reyna ng Cinemalaya” (”Queen of Cinemalaya”). He has been working for at least one film for the CCP sponsored film festival since its inception in 2005. In the first year, he is one of the casts of Aloy Adlawan’s ROOMBOY wherein his good friend, Meryll Soriano won the Best Actress award. The year after, he worked on two entries, Dado Lumibao’s IN DA RED KORNER (In The Red Corner) as Production Manager and Assistant Director and Arah Jell Badayos and Margaret Guzman’s MUDRAKS (Mother) as Production Manager as well. 2007 saw him as Auraeus Solito’s Assistant Director of the multi-awarded PISAY (Philippine Science) and Associate Production Manager to Katski Flores' STILL LIFE. The movie Pisay was Cinemalaya’s Best Production Design, Audience Choice Awardee and Best Direction. Pisay eventually won 8 Golden Screen Awards and 2 awards in the Star Awards for Movies. The movie later competed in the 14th Vesoul International Film Festival bagging the Grand Jury and Audience Choice Awards. In 2008, Shandii worked on three films for Cinemalaya: as Assistant Director in Paul Morales’ CONCERTO (The Concert), his third movie with Meryll Soriano; as Associate Producer and Assistant Director in Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil’s BOSES (Voices); and as 2nd Assistant Director in Chris Martinez’s 100. The film 100 won 5 major awards in last year’s Cinemalaya festival: Best Direction and Best Screenplay for Chris Martinez, Audience Choice, and Best Actress for Mylene Dizon and Best Supporting Actress for Eugene Domingo. 100 also won the Audience Choice Award at the Pusan International Film Festival of that year. Boses and 100 together with Dante Nico Garcia’s Ploning were honored as Best Pictures at The Gawad Tanglaw. Boses bagged 5 major awards at this year's Golden Screen Awards including Best Motion Picture - Drama and Concerto won Best Production Design and Best Adapted Screenplay. Concerto and Boses also won some awards in the Star Awards for Movies.

For Cinemalaya 2009, Shandii is Assistant Director to Alvin Yapan’s ANG PANGGAGAHASA KAY FE (The Rapture of Fe). In the recently concluded Cinemalaya film festival, Fe bagged the Special Jury Prize award for Best Picture together with Jobin Ballesteros’ Colorum. Shandii is currently busy working on two films namely: MAXIMUS & MINIMUS by Nap Jamir II as Assistant Director, official entry to the Cinema One Originals Film Festival 2009; and FLING by Han Salazar as an actor playing a major supporting role. Shandii admits he loves his job as a Filmmaker as he derives a different passion from it. This passion, he readily shares with everyone he works with in the industry.