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Concert. Coffee. Cinema -- three in one!

An invite to:
Friday Film Bar (FFB)
Concert. Coffee. Cinema.
Fridays are cozy music and film viewing nights at the Ishmael Bernal Gallery, Cine Adarna, UP Film Institute, Diliman. Indulge in live music, free viewing of films by local and foreign filmmakers as well as
selected works by students UP and other schools, and an open jam. Entrance fee of 80.00 pesos gives you a free drink (coffee or iced tea).
============ ==

FFB series is on Fridays of August 10 to October 5 at the Ishmael Bernal Gallery, UP
Film Institute, Cine Adarna, UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City.

All shows start at 630 p.m. Entrance of 80 pesos gives you a free drink
(coffee or iced tea). There will be free film viewings and an open jam.

August 10 | 6:30 PM
(Launch Night)
THEME: Roots and Identity.
Featured Film: Badjao (1957)Directed by National ArtistLamberto Avellana. Starring Rosa Rosal, Leroy Salvador. Performer: Sammy Asuncion.
Rock-blues-jazz- reggae-world icon Asuncion shows off a rare moment
with the Hegalong (Kuglong), a Filipino indigenous instrument of his
hometown of Bukidnon in Mindanao .

August 17 | 6:30 PM
THEME: Against the Flow
Featured Film: In the Red Korner (2006) A film by Dado C. Lumibao and Bong Ramos. The film is about Doring, a 24-year old girl who is engaged in a sport that is not common to Filipino women—boxing. Featured Performer: Pinikpikan. The
band, whose songs were used for the music score of the featured film,
livens up the Film Bar night with Filipino world music that combines
rhythms, instruments and melodies from north to south of the Philippine
archipelago fused with the music of Latin America, Africa and Arab
nations. Hailed as the ‘uncommercialized’ pioneer of
Filipino brand of world-fusion music in the country, Pinikpikan has its own cult following especially among the artists, art lovers, intellectuals and young professionals.

August 24 | 630pm
THEME: Face to Face with our Dark Side
Featured Film:
Manila By Night (1980). Directed by National Artist Ishmael Bernal.
Manila by Night is considered one of Philippine Cinema's best works.
Recognized locally and abroad, it probes the city's depravity and
exposes its strangeness through a string of characters played by the
most competent actors of its time. Featured Performer: Agaw Agimat. The alternative/ punk band Agaw Agimat had been known for over a decade for their politically- themed anthems that challenge listeners and clamor for change.

August 31 | 630 PM
THEME: Urban Angst and the Search for Hope
Featured Film: Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag (1975) Directed by National Artist Lino O. Brocka. Maynila…
is the tragic story of a small-town fisherman who went to the big city
to search for his sweetheart, and in the process, loses his innocence
and humanity. Featured Performer: Heber Bartolome. Heber Bartolome is the voice of the legendary protest folk-rock band Banyuhay. An advocate for change and reform, Heber sang about the truth. But his songs were always
hopeful

September 7 | 630 PM THEME: Buhay Kolehiyo
Featured Film: Batch '81 (1982) Directed by Mike de Leon
Batch
'81 examines the lives of seven neophytes as they strive to enter a
fraternity through a difficult hazing process. The entire experience is
seen through the eyes of Sid Lucero, one of the neophytes. Featured
Performer: Kontra-Gapi. Kontragapi
is ntemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino composed of UP college students. Led
by Professor Edru Abraham, the group has been representing the
University and the country in local and international events,
showcasing music, dances and chants uniquely Filipino and Kontragapi.

September 14 | 630 PM
THEME: Shaman and Babaylan
Featured Film: Perfumed Nightmare (1977) A film by Kidlat Tahimik.
Kidlat Tahimik, is a Filipino filmmaker and shaman who applies his quiet strength and sharp wit to his first feature film, Mababangong Bangungot
(Perfumed Nightmare). The film was the winner of the FIPRESCI Prize,
Interfilm Award, and the OCIC Award at the Forum of New Cinema, 1977
Berlin International Film Festival. Featured Performer: Bayang Barrios. Award-winning folk/world rock singer/composer Bayang Barrios is a favorite among women’s rights advocates as well as students
and young professionals.

September 21| 630 PM
THEME: (Con)fusions and Reconciliations Featured Film: Todo Todo Teros (2006)
by John Torres. This is an experimental film about an artist who wakes
up one night to discover that he is a terrorist. He is sent abroad to
bomb subways. The film was a winner of the Dragons and Tigers Award at the 2006 Vancouver International Film Festival. Featured Performer: Cynthia Alexander is
a multi-awarded independent Filipino singer-songwriter and
multi-instrumentali st. Well known and respected for her versatility
and fusion of music styles, she exemplifies the music of
reconciliations and peace among nations.

September 28 | 630PM
THEME: Experiencial- Experimental Night:Pangalay sa Magpakailanman
Feature Films: ang Magpakailanman (1982) and Anino (2000). Ang Magpakailanman, Raymond
Red’s first short film masterpiece, was cited in the 1986 Urian
Anthology as a film that should not be missed. The film, Anino, was Best Short Film winner at the Festival International du Film 2000. Featured Performer: Ligaya
Fernando Amilbangsa and the Alun-Alun Dance Circle . A
very special night of film and dance fusion with Ligaya Fernando
Amilbangsa, the moving force behind the preservation of the Sulu
archipelago dance, Pangalay. Experience an awe-inspiring, flowing and meditative multi-art performance as Ligaya and her Alun-Alun Dance Circle weaves in and out of Raymond Red’s Ang Magpakailanman.

October 5 |
630 PM
THEME: Buhay Banda, Parang Artista
Featured Film: Tulad ng Dati (2006) by Mike Sandejas.Tulad ng Dati
(Cinemalaya’s Best Picture) follows imaginary exploits of the Filipino
rock band, The Dawn. It revolves around the character of Jett Pangan
who is nearing his forties. Jett, losing his passion for music and
life, entertains thoughts of retiring from the band. Featured
Performer: The Dawn. The Dawn is a Filipino rock band, which gained
popularity during the late 1980s in the Philippines . The band broke up in 1995 but reunited in late 1999.

++++++++++++
Ishmael Bernal Gallery is at the Cine Adarna Theater, UP Film Institute, UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City .
For inquiries, send email to
fridayfilmbar@ gmail.com
or text 09164081550.

Discovering Me

When hungry, you drink. When drunk, you bake.

When sick, you sleep. When ‘sick’, you curse.

When fat, you stay home. When you stay home, you think of going out.

When broke, you buy shoes. When "broke", you work hard.

When irritated, you blog. When oblivious, you shout.

When in-love, you float. When horny, you watch cartoons.

When awake, you dream. When you dream, you wake up.

When you lose a friend, you eat. When you go out with a friend, you save money.

When you have unpaid bills, you buy three electric fans.

When it’s 6am and you have a 9am, you smoke.

Isang byaheng puno ng realisasyon

Dati-rati ‘pag nakikipagbunuan ako sa bus na byaheng Leveriza-San Mateo, haggardia ever ako. Lagi kong winiwish noon na sana yumaman ako, magkaroon ng sasakyan o kahit man lang perang pang-taxi araw-araw. Noong mga panahong iyon wala akong ibang pinangarap kung hindi magkapera, kumita nang buwanan at masuportahan ang luho at pangangailangan. Akala ko kasi noon kaya kong gawin lahat para lang magkapera.

Nung namalagi na ko sa Makati, araw-araw de-aircon ang transportasyon, malamig ang opisina, ramdam na ramdam ko ang urbanidad. Sa tuwing tinatahak ko yung kahabaan ng Greenbelt, bumubungad sa akin ang mga magagandang damit, magagandang sapatos, mga latest gadgets. Lahat ng tao may aura ng alta sociedad. Kapeng singhalaga ng ulam sa maghapon, dessert na singhalaga ng isang linggong grocery, mga make-up na inaangkat pa sa Paris, mga sapatos na kasing-mahal na ng edukasyon sa UP – lahat yun araw-araw kong ka-hi-hello. May iba akong nabili, pero karamihan nakangitian ko lang.

Isa’t kalahating taon akong nagpaka-feeling at home sa urbanidad. Akala ko kaibigan ko ang mga naglalakihang building at naghuhumiyaw na headlights ng mga naggagaraang sasakyan. Pero sa totoo lang, niloloko ko lang ang sarili ko. Isa’t kalahating taon akong lumutang-lutang sa hindi ma-define na mundong iyon. Lahat ng tao parang mga maliliit na isdang nakikipaglaban sa agos. Napakabilis ng agos, nakakapagpalimot ng mga kinagisnang prinsipyo, ng mga orihinal na pangarap. Nag-role play ako. Akala ko kasi cool naman i-try maging karakter sa pop films. Tipong mala-Sex and the City ang drama. Pero mali. Nakakapagod mag-role play. Nakakaubos ng enerhiya.

Kanina sumakay ako ulit ng bus papuntang Ligaya. Nagulat ako sa naramdaman kong excitement nung natatanaw ko na yung orange na bus. Sa malayo pa lang naaninag ko na na puno na yung bus, pero sumugod pa rin ako. Parang na-miss ko tumayo sa bus. Pagkasakay ko, humarurot na yung bus. May isang manong inalok sa akin yung upuan niya. Kako hindi na hanggang Ligaya lang naman ako. Sobrang bilis nung bus. Sobrang yanig kasi naman 1960s pa yata tinapon dito ng mga hapon yung mga bus na bumabiyahe dun. Nasundot pa ng buhok ko yung mata ko. Pero sa totoo lang… nung mga sandaling iyon, para akong naka-shabu sa sobrang high. High sa sobrang sarap ng pakiramdam.

Binalanse ko ang sarili ko habang nakakapit sa kalawanging tubo. Dikit-dikit kaming mga pasahero. Lahat mukhang pagod na pagod. Lahat mukhang gutom na gutom. Lahat mukhang may mga dinadalang problema. Nakita ko pa sa bandang dulo ng bus si Ate J, yung isang clerk sa AS 101. Naisip ko, ganun pala ang binubuno niya sa araw-araw para lang magtrabaho sa unibersidad at sumweldo ng kakarampot.

Yung ibang mga pasahero may mga dala-dala pang mga bagahe at paninda. Grabe ang hirap na pinagdadaanan ng mga taong iyon para lang kumita. Samantala sa kabilang dako lang na Metro Manila, gumagastos ng daan-daan ang mga isda para sa lang sa isang basong kape.

Napangiti ako. Hindi ko na inalala kung ano ang amoy ko dala ng pinaghalu-halong amoy sa bus. Sa tingin ko, doon sa bus habang nakatayo ako at bigat na bigat sa napakalaki kong bag, mas buo ako.

Isang jeep matapos ang bus ride, bumaba ako at tinunton ang terminal ng tricycle papuntang libis. Sa Eastwood kasi ang punta ko, pero ayokong magtaxi. Kung tutuusin 15 mins. lang nasa Eastwood na ako via cab pero mas ginusto kong abutin ng isang oras sa pagko-commute. Magkikita kami ng mga highschool friends ko sa Starbucks. Tingnan mo nga naman ang irony ng mundo.

Pagkababa sa trike, naglakad na ko papasok ng Eastwood. Andami na palang tao sa district na iyon. Doon ngayon umuusbong ang replica ng Greenbelt. Grabe. Napakarami na pa lang restos, bars at coffee shops doon. May high-end mall pa. Napatigil ako sandali sa baba ng MegaWorld building. Napakunot ang noo ko kasi ayokong masira ang ‘high’ na nararamdaman ko. Pero sa sandaling pag-iisip, napangiti rin ako kasi alam ko na papasukin ko ang clone ng Makati bilang ako at hindi bilang nagbabalatkayong corporate chic. Binagalan ko ang lakad; gusto kong namnamin ang mga sandali. Gusto kong testingin ang sarili ko kung ano ang mararamdaman ko.

Biruin mo nga naman. Ilang sandali lang ang nakaraan kapiling ko ang mga taong pagod na pagod sa bulok na bus tapos ayun na ako strolling sa gitna ng mga nakapormang yuppies. Pormado talaga sila, samantalang ako naka-tsinelas, nakapalda at lumang blouse, bitbit ang napakalaki kong lumang bag. Pero ang sarap ng feeling. Ibang-iba ako sa kanila. Ibang-iba kasi mas ako na ako ako.

Nang nagkita na kami nung isa kong kaibigan, halos hindi ko siya narecognize. Wala pala siyang pinagkaiba sa lahat ng tao sa distritong iyon. May sundot ng pagpupunyagi sa puso ko. Hindi naman sa hinuhusgahan ko siya; nakita ko lang sa kanya ang mga ala-ala ng isang tao’t kalahati kong pagpapanggap. Niyaya niya akong lumipat sa Dencio’s kasi gutom na daw yung mga kakatagpuin naming iba pang mga high school friends.

Nung kompleto na kami – si Trust Banker friend na nauna ko nang kinita, si General Manager of Sikat Motors, si Flight Attendant, at ako, tumakbo ang usapan sa karir at mga pangarap. Syempre mostly pera ang nagging batayan ng karir. Hindi ako masyadong nagkomento tungkol sa karir. Pahaging-haging lang ako na kailangan din ng self-fulfillment.

Nirerespeto ko ang mga kaibigang kong masaya sa pakikipagbuno sa corporate world. Bilib ako sa unlimited nilang enerhiya sa mundong pasusukahin ka ng dugo kung kinakailangan. Pero hangad ko pa rin na sana sa mundo nila ngayon ay maramdaman din nila ang naramdaman ko kanina sa bus: isang feeling ng pagkakuntento na napakahirap maramdaman ng mga isda sa dagat na pinaaalon ng salapi.

Sa gawain ko ngayon, sa araw-araw na pagpapalit-palit ng jeep at pagmemeryenda ng fish balls at quek-quek, pakiramdam ko mas buhay ako.

Nakakapagtakang nasa isang rehiyon lang tayo pero may dalawang napakalalayong mundo. Kung proximity lang ang pag-uusapan, isang kilometro, isang metro, isang dangkal lang ang pagitan ng dalawang magkaibang mundo sa iisang mundo. Nakakapagtaka. Nakakapanghinayang.

Sana lahat ng tao hindi na matali sa pakikipaghabulan sa rumaragasang urbanidad. Sana lahat maging masaya at makatulog nang matiwasay. Dahil ang totoo, lahat ng pakikipagbuno – sa MRT man o sa corporate ladder, walang saysay kung hindi tayo makakahanap ang kapayapaan ng puso at katauhan.