Lights.Cámara.Acción

No hay crisis, hay muchos ladrones.

2012-02-16T03:53:00.001+01:00

You wake up early in the morning and realize that you are in somebody else's place, somebody else's room, make-up and dress a carbon copy from yesterday; but before you could react about your situation you first feel your head about to burst. You start to panic. Then for a second, you realize that you are experiencing the after-math of last night's fiasco . Resaca; the Spanish term for hang-over.

I left my friend's place tip-toeing myself out the door so as to not wake her up. On second thought, it wasn't a resaca after all, it was more of my contact lenses poking into my eyes; punishing me for sleeping with it. As I left her apartment on my way to the metro station, I bumped into a vandal which basically describes Barcelona as a whole and had to take a photo of it. No hay crisis, Hay muchos Ladrones.

So yes, be prepared because Barcelona will rob you.

And it is up to you to interpret and experience it for yourself :)

(On the other hand, I did a minor tweaking on my site. It is almost not even obvious. So my plan failed. I am still waiting for that right photo to put up in my banner. And God knows how badly I need a huge desk to work and edit films on!)

2012-02-08T03:38:00.001+01:00

[My beautiful neighborhood]

Hello folks. I will be revamping my site soon; target date would be this weekend. I just feel the need to and would want to have a change of atmosphere and inspiration as well. Right now I am living a life full of crossroads. I want to go here, go there. Do this, do that.

Thing is, I actually feel my life is going exactly how and where it should be. I study film, yet a part of me still wants to go out there and seize new experiences almost not film related rather than directly work in a Film/Production company. For example, I still want to travel just for the sake of traveling, meeting new people and emerge myself with different cultures and lifestyle. I also want to learn (and is learning) at least 2 more different languages. Don't get me wrong, I would grab first-hand a film job opportunity ---for as long I get to experience the things mentioned above. What is there to lose in the end? All the images captured along this journey, all the languages I learn, all the experiences ---will be a crucial part of making a film.

So the more I experience, the more I will know and understand my characters. The more I understand exactly what I want out from my own film. Most importantly,

the more I will understand ---ME.

2012-02-03T05:03:00.002+01:00

I feel like my blog is slowly becoming a Tumblr page. A web page that basically consists of photos and encourages you that the lesser the description/words, the better. What is wrong with me. It used to be so easy to type away my thoughts and emotions yet lately I have found myself carefully choosing the right words or end up not writing them at all. Or maybe that is the point. The older (or I'd like to say mature) you get, the wiser and more careful you are.

Not that there is anything mind-blowing to share besides my daily routine of going to school. Or actually maybe there is, but I rather choose to wait and not get jinxed :)

On the other hand, I finally got my camera back (just in time I start to get addicted with Instagram)! It is good as new! But the funny thing was before the surgery, the menu was in English. Then post surgery, it was suddenly in Spanish! I guess it went to language school as well.
Ok, before I kill you with my fail sense of humor, I shall log-out now. And will update you more about this project we're coming up with! For the meantime I am not here, see you in Twitter!

Un beso a todos!

2012-01-27T19:01:00.003+01:00

Lazy afternoons during a cold winter weather. <3

Why I hate Religion, But love Jesus.

2012-01-16T23:57:00.000+01:00

I assume a lot have seen this short clip in youtube already, yet I insist to post it in my blog. I would now have preferred to talk about the topic but forgive me if I cannot resist to comment on the editing. In my opinion, It was very unnecessary to include clips/footages of ¨behind the scenes¨. If you notice, in-between takes, there are scenes where you can see the camera, the camera man, and a reflector. So what seemed to be very true and real, now looks very "filmed".

Film is suppose to and partly exists to make people believe and enter a different dimension/vision and see a different sense of realness. But the moment you allow a spectator to see "behind the scene footages", it crushes their idea that this certain stunt (which is so cool) was for real and sans special effects. Do you get what I mean? Thing is, it is also not a bad thing. But when it comes to talking about ideas and your beliefs, I think it would have been better to come out aggressive in film and not make it look "filmed".

The film still worked and served its purpose though. As of the moment, over 12million people have watched it. You know why? because the message was as strong as the visuals itself. In the end, what matters most is the message, the core itself, the idea, the script.

Mein name ist Christina.

2012-01-16T03:50:00.003+01:00

(As I continue to post photos from my mobile, I shall try my best to make-up for it through my writing!)

Tomorrow will be my first day of advance Spanish classes. I have long been wanting to improve my Spanish vocabulary and grammar most especially that I want to write scripts in Spanish. And hopefully come up with a Spanish/Filipino film.

By next month, I will also start with my German classes. Because it is about time I learn a new language and as much as I would want to learn French (which can wait), I feel like German would be the most useful for me right now --and perhaps in film also, in the near future. Thank you to my very patient boyfriend who sat with me, wrote down and explained the most basic German words in preparation for my entrance exam.

This feels a bit like deja vu. 2 years after, I am posting once again photos of cheat sheets but instead of Spanish, this time its German. And I actually feel really excited to learn a new language. Everybody should learn and speak a different language at least for once in their life! Trust me, it is very fulfilling. And it opens so much opportunities and possibilities more than you can imagine!

Viel Glück! :)

2012-01-11T04:40:00.003+01:00

[Plaza España, Barcelona 2012]

We missed the train to Montserrat. And to make-up for our extra 45mins, we headed to the nearest Bull Fighting Arena turned Shopping Mall and off we went to the rooftop. It was my second time on top, but definitely not the first to see a bird's eye view of the whole city. And yet, I still always find myself uttering the words, "Don't I just live in a beautiful city?"

Ironically, I feel like I'm ready to miss it and discover something new again.

***

My Canon camera which I use in almost all my photos in this blog is apparently under surgery right now. And I am saying this in almost a literal way, because it breaks my heart as much as when I had to undergo one. Good thing is, it'll come out good as new.

Thus, for the meantime I will be posting images taken by my trusty phone camera. Its not as bad, yet not impeccable.

See you in 2012.

2011-12-29T17:48:00.000+01:00

I just realized just as how much Filipinos there are in this city. It even starts to resemble my hometown already; everybody just knows everybody. And this screams for film collaboration! I am really looking forward to come up with a film composed of both Filipino and Spanish characters soon.

Cheers to 2012!

2011-12-14T02:52:00.002+01:00

"If you are too anxious to do something that it cannot wait,

it's probably not of God."

During the days long before the very first iphone was released where people didn't care much about applications and browsing online through their mobiles, exchanging quotes/sayings through text message in my country (at least) was what was "in" or common. Not one day would pass that you won't get to receive a daily quote or inspirational message from someone. And from the many that i received, the one written above was what struck me the most, and I was actually the one who sent it from someone who quickly replied with a thank you because that was exactly the words he needed at the right moment. Little did I know that I would also need it as a reminder, if not for the long run, then forever.

You see, I am the type of person that when I like something even if it is just an idea, I quickly take action on it without second thoughts. Obviously, the outcome is almost always a failure. For example, when I was younger I once was too anxious to buy me my own laptop when my parents told me to wait. I couldn't, and secretly bought my own online through Ebay. Then it turned out to be a scam and I lost thousands of my own money for nothing while my parents just gave me the I-told-you-so face.

Another example is when we were asked to film our own individual HDV during our 2nd year of film school. My mind scrambled for ideas, I wrote them all down into a script, drew my storyboard and once I was convinced that it is going to be film festival worthy, off we went to film it. The moment I was in the set, I knew I should have given pre-production more time and attention. Not only was my screenplay a mess, but I failed to re-check if our equipment functioned well, and my actors lacked on-cam chemistry. I was too caught up to come up with a good film that I failed to look into the little details of what makes one, and lost them all out through impatience.

The first year I started film-school, I was already too anxious to write a full-length film and was convinced enough to submit it to production companies or film festivals that gives grants. Namely, Cinemalaya. Then little by little I started to realize that with film, you cannot rush things. Because if you do, you'll come up with something that resonates a badly done soap opera ---mediocre acting, terrible dialogue, and a script with plot holes that leaves the viewers scratching their head.

If anything, even if it'll take me a while to produce/direct something, I'd like to be able to tell myself that I thought and worked hard for it before I'd like to see my name on the credits; and not just for the sake of it. I guess you just have to trust that through faith and patience, everything will come together just as it is. Good things come to those who wait.

2011-11-24T12:33:00.003+01:00

I have quite a story about how exactly I ended up studying film. And if you have been a follower/reader of mine since I started, you'd be able to figure everything out. But in a nutshell, I used to be in front of the scenes doing weekly tv shows, hosting, and quite a bit of modelling back home. In between those stints, I was already observing the crew behind the lenses and asking film related questions especially to the director and producer of our show. There wasn't only one big moment where I thought I wanted to make films. In fact, there were 3, and I remember them crystal clear. The last one out of the three was when I was asked to act out on a major film production directed by someone the same age as me. That was the time I knew that there was nothing more than I would want but to be exactly that person sitting on that director's chair.

And I was off to film school.

HERE, is a lovely write-up about me by a lovely writer from my hometown in the Philippines. Thank you to the people who believed in me and still continues to. Thank you to everyone whose going to be with me in this journey. You will always be in my thoughts and heart.

Un besito a todos!

2011-11-24T11:49:00.002+01:00

I guess it will always be like this. For a moment I will be writing and posting consecutive entries in this blog, and for a moment you will see yourself gazing at the same blog entry for almost a month. I should stop feeling bad about not being one of those people who updates daily, and start thanking the people who still manages to stick through with me with or without a new entry. So thank you.

I might not be able to update that often, but I sure can tell you that I will and won´t ever leave you hanging. At least not for the whole month.

Lately I found myself trying new things as much as possible. Meeting new people, speaking more Spanish vocabulary than I thought I ever could, learning a lot of German, and a little bit of Italian and French. So lately, I am actually out there experiencing life as it is.

It´s funny when you go to film school, because in the end you will slowly start to realize that the most important education you get is the one outside the four walls of your school. Yes, and it doesn´t even only apply to film school. My theory is, to become a great director you have to experience life itself and get through the heart of it. For example, if I am going to have a scene which requires me to direct a waitress, I would exactly know what she needs to do because I have been there and I have done that. The same thing goes to any other character. So expect me to actually try odd jobs and new things for as long as my dignity can and for as long as it complies with my principles.

And if it doesn't, then might at least try to get to know one.

What dreams may come

2011-11-03T05:31:00.001+01:00

I have been having weird dreams lately, most especially for this week. Just in time for Halloween. Like last night, I dreamt that I was standing on the 2nd floor corridor of my high school alma mater and had the view of the open school grounds and mountain backdrop, no, mountains with a volcano in it. In fact, it was the Mayon volcano; the most famous volcano in my country. Which is of course weird because in real life, from the corridor of my school our backdrop would be more of trees and big houses situated in a village. Then things got more weird and creepy when I was able to witness the volcano erupt and its hot magma went flowing right at our direction at fast speed while there were students/people standing at the school grounds. The flow went too fast that I had to scramble, run my way up to the stairs, on to the fifth floor which apparently still accurately reminds me of my high school years then encountered my guy best friend and realized that a lot of people died from the eruption (how? when I tried to take a photo of my camera and instead of images appearing on its screen, there were lists of people who died from the eruption); and one was this celebrity from the Philippines who I think is not so relevant now. See, my dream couldn't get any more weird and scary.

Interesting how our mind works especially when we are asleep. The boyfriend explains that dreams are aftermath results of a hard days work that the mind didn't have time to process. I partly think the same and that it has a lot to do with our subconscious mind. What do you think? What was the weirdest/scariest dream you ever had?

Octubre 2011; birthday month

2011-10-25T16:46:00.003+02:00

[Birthday night; Plaza Reial, Barcelona]

A year older, A year wiser. It is quite unthinkable how a little less than 2 years ago, the areas where I walk around this city used to be very unfamiliar and strange to me; how much more the feeling of being alienated by the language and culture. Yet here I am now sitting at the terrace of my favorite plaza waiting till 12am for my birthday, unending flow of drinks on the side, surrounded by wonderful people mostly from different countries, and sandwiched by people close to my heart. Ah, this feels like home now. And holy shit, I can speak Spanish (minus some grammatical errors) fluently!

Being alone especially in a foreign country can be really daunting, but if you not let it stop you from experiencing what life has to offer, then you are in for a ride. So walk alone if you have to, get lost if you have to, speak their language if you have to, and laugh at yourself if you have to. Life is too short to be wasted out of fear.

For some reason, I just had a month long birthday celebration with so much going on and surprises along the way. Which explains the lack of updates; but will get on that. Till my next post, Cheers! Salud!

2011-09-29T05:30:00.002+02:00

"Anybody who accepts mediocrity is a person who compromises,
and when a leader compromises,
the whole production compromises."

I really meant to write what happened today in detail. But after 2 attempts that ended up being saved in drafts, I finally thought it is better to keep the details in private. I had a short altercation with someone at work who I felt was outright disrespectful that I ended up calling her attention again to say exactly the words, don't you dare do that again when I'm still talking to you. And I said it with extreme anger fuming out of me. I never realized how angry I was not till I saw my fingers shaking.

It is really hard to imagine how someone like me can just snap and get really furious. If anything, the closest of my friends would sometimes have to remind me to get angry because I am too nice. Not even the boyfriend witnessed or can imagine me being angry. I guess I just learned to choose my own battles and the people I surrounded myself with. Makes it less probable to happen.

To stand up for what I believe in was never easy for me especially in my younger years. It was one of my main concerns that if I really want to be a director, then I need to know when and when not to compromise. I should learn to listen to other people but at the same time trust in my own voice. I am not happy that the altercation had to happen, but I do feel less scared now. Sometimes if you know you are doing the right thing and believe in it, you have just got to do it.

In the end, she came up to me to apologize. And whatever it was, was left in that room to sizzle.
For tomorrow is a new day, and hopefully a better one.

Donostia; San Sebastian - probably my last trip before film school starts.

2011-09-15T01:54:00.008+02:00

It's quite mind-boggling how one person can push you to your limits when you yourself don't even know you still could do more. Donostia; San Sebastian was a beautiful city as expected, but never will I be able to capture the best photos from my album had I not been pulled and encouraged to climb right up at the mountain top early in the morning to see a marvelous view of the city and the atlantic ocean just right in time for sunrise. Everything was definitely worth it. That, and more.

P.S. Who would have thought I would actually enjoy surfing (even after the brutal paddling!), Yet I did, and it is becoming quite addicting. But that is another story, and another note-worthy post.

"Kahit puyat, go lang nang go!"

2011-08-30T03:15:00.001+02:00

I posted an album in my Facebook that contains only 5% behind the scene filming photos of our MMK Anniversary special. This photo is one of them. It doesn't say much besides me glancing at Eli; one of the best cinematographers in the Philippines, half asleep and half smiling. But this was actually already 3 in the morning and just a few minutes before we filmed the last sequence of the film. It was 3 days of non-stop filming. 7am call time and we end at 3am the next day. That is why the last sequence always means a lot to the whole crew, but not close compared to when the director or producer belts "It's a WRAP!" or "Pack up!"

The caption I wrote for this photo in my language was, "Kahit puyat, go lang nang go!".

Simply means ---though tired, we never stop.

These moments when even if it means you only get to have 4 hours of sleep during work yet still manage to smile at the end of the day and look forward to the next, are moments when I always realize that when it comes to anything film related, I am always on the right track. I am indeed following my dreams.

To eat is to love!

2011-08-26T17:40:00.001+02:00

I came home about 1 in the morning when I was greeted with a swift bark along side my flat mate who introduced me to our new temporary housemate who might stay with us for a week. I knew she mentioned something about someone coming in to stay with us, I just didn't realize (or my Spanish hearing wasn't functioning well that time) it was this lovely black and white haired dog named RYUK. My flatmate then handed me a piece of meat to give to Ryuk while saying in Spanish, that for as long as you give her a piece of food, she'll love you instantly. And she did.

Could you imagine if love was as easy as that? You just give food to someone, and they will instantly love you! On second thought, I might be even close to being a dog! I love food a lot, I love men who love food a lot, and I love men who can cook!

I guess the saying is true, the way to a ~~man's~~ woman's heart is through ~~his~~ her stomach. :)

Frances y Aleman.

2011-08-18T05:42:00.002+02:00

While I was taught specifically how to make this German pudding straight from Germany (of course), I still ended messing up everything. Yes, 2 packages of pudding gone to waste. Though I still managed to eat them whether too lumpy or too watery, I never was able to get the right mixture and now I do not have any more left. How hard is it to follow instructions? HARD. Instructions that are not of your language that is! It is easy to say thank you to technology for google translate but you can never, ever rely on them. Been there, done that. I am not saying my Spanish is of perfect grammar, but it amuses me to see people write in Spanish (and pretend to sound believable) when its too obvious it was extracted out from an online translator. I've had my fair share.

After Spanish, I thought I won't be putting myself in the lost-in-translation hall of shame again. But fast-forward to almost 2 years, I am in the company of people from all over the world (majority Europeans) and I am flirting already of the idea of learning more languages. Specifically German and French. Many would agree German is not the nicest of languages but I think it all depends with what works best with every person and how it fits their lifestyle. In my case, I cannot deny the fact that majority of my friends (best friend even) and people I meet are Germans. Then French. Because of the same reason, most of my friends speaks the language (as second language) and my French friends are also going up in numbers. It is not even a question. French is music to the ears.

So there goes another in my long list of to do's, be fluent in French and German. If I am able to converse in Spanish in less than two years, take note: without any formal Spanish lessons, then why not learn 2 more.

WE LIVE ONLY ONCE.

Formspring answers!

2011-08-08T00:09:00.006+02:00

Here, are some very late formspring questions which I happen to answer FINALLY! I'll answer only 10 first, but I promise to always answer your questions. Just please bear with me, and it would be really nice if you can at least leave if not your name, your location/country. Would love to get to know more about my readers as well. So here goes:

1. Can you post a "what's inside your bag" post? Or maybe your beauty essential. I love reading your blog! :)

-Alright! I will! As long as nobody here expects a lavish beauty routine or expensive essentials. SOON!

2. New boyfriend miss Tin? What's your love story?

-Uuuuuy! I don't know where to start, but I would love to say that I have found me a best friend and he is beyond nice and wonderful that talking about it makes me smile already :)

3. Flawless skin pero pangit or not so flawless pero guapa?

-I think you yourself already know the literal answer to that!

4. What's your favorite song as of the moment?

-Young Blood by The Naked and Famous (my summer song of the moment!)

5. You are so hot!

-Oh wow! Thanks! Really? Trust me, I'm not!

6. You studied in cebu pala? For how long? Hi, guapa kaayu ka.

I did! But only for one semester. I took up nursing in Cebu Doctors. Talk about complete 360 from my field now.

7. What are you thinking at the moment?

-I am thinking about how wonderful I spent my Sunday today. Free museum trip, live music festival, cycling around the city, and thanked God above all for it. Simple pleasures in life!

8. What could be the very sweet thing you could do to your love one without spending any penny?

Cook for you/him/her! The effort whether the food tastes good or not simply melts my/his/her heart!

9. How did you apply for film school?

First and foremost, I sent out my CV along with previous film works and photos/portraits through email to at least 3 film schools in Spain.

10. Hey, what is your business in the Philippines?

Monkey business :))

That's all for now. Ciao!

MMK in Barcelona.

2011-08-05T04:34:00.003+02:00

I am having a serious filming withdrawal slash hang-over right now. Not your alcohol induced type of hang-over, but one that involves consecutive sleepless days and a relationship built within the crew, the actors, and everyone involved during the filming.

For those not in the know, the crew for ABS-CBN's longest running drama anthology in Philippine television MMK (Maalaala Mo Kaya) came over to Barcelona to film a segment for their Anniversary Special just last week. And today, filming packed-up and the crew went back to Philippines. I was involved from pre-production to production of the filming. Though I imagined myself hand-in-hand with the director, I actually ended up being an all around! hand-in-hand with everybody else; from the camera, lights, permits, to everything! And even had to be an extra on the film (a reward to those who are able to recognize me in it).

It was a great opportunity to work with the Philippine crew and to be a part of something big in the Philippines considering that I am here in Spain. But as much as I would love to get into the details, let me use this free time of mine now to catch up on the sleep I missed during filming. So till my next post.

Besos!

Life in a day.

2011-07-28T18:49:00.001+02:00

What happens when you send a request out to the world to chronicle, via video, a single day on Earth? You get 80,000 submissions and 4,500 hours of footage from 192 countries. Producer Ridley Scott and Oscar-winning director Kevin Macdonald took this raw material — all shot on July 24, 2010 — and created Life in a Day, a groundbreaking, feature-length documentary that portrays this kaleidoscope of images we call life. National Geographic is bringing it to theaters starting July 24, 2011. Prepare to be amazed.

-National Geographic

Untold stories brought to life above all, matters and inspires me to do what I want to do and become a good film maker.

CAREY.

2011-07-27T15:26:00.002+02:00

Majority of friendship begins when an unexpected event is shared at the same moment and time by two people. Unfortunately for us both, it was when we got robbed by 3 unforgiving men along the streets of Barcelona, in New Year´s eve. Though we've known each other for a while, it was that incident that clearly stamped a shared memory (or if not, trauma) together.

Post robbery, we cheerfully walked along the streets of Barcelona with only a bottle of beer in our bags and plastic cup in our hands (which was the most convenient option to still enjoy without having to worry of being robbed again) and end up going inside a bar to order Absinthe only to realize (but way before we had the drink) we didn't bring any cash, so we had to literally crawl and sneak slowly out of the bar laughing.

I wish for more of the craziness we could possible do in this city or somewhere else (don't even make me start about the 2 man 1 bicycle incident). Or just any random, slow days together cooking and watching a movie.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS!

Individuality

2011-07-24T16:38:00.005+02:00

[Plaza Espanya 2011]

I am very easy to please. I can laugh at the most mundane, and be content with the simplest. Let us go for a walk to the park or to the beach, have a good conversation, and I can call it a day. But let it be known had I written this a few years ago, it might have been a total different story. But this is the me now, and this is probably one of the biggest life's lesson learned since I packed my bags and left home. Seeing things in a whole different perspective.

To study film was the sole reason of my coming to Europe. And my parents never fail to remind me of that. They are right, and it is true. What I didn't know is at the same time, it is a journey of finding myself ---my individuality. During my first year of film, I was in a euphoric state for a long time. Who wouldn't be, I am after all in Europe. Then something inevitable happened, a long distance relationship had to end. I somewhat knew it was about to end the moment I brushed shoulders with Spain, because deep inside I was still trying to find and get to know myself. As much as I wanted to hold on to the emotional connection, I knew I wouldn't be able to care and be happy for someone if I am not capable of caring for my self first. That is how people grow and mature as a person. You have to get to know and love yourself first before being able to do the same to others.

It is your individuality that will get you going, take your time to get to know the you first. Know what you want and what you don't want, know your strengths and weaknesses and use them to be a better you. The same goes for me with film, it is taking me time to get there. I need to know what I want and what works with me and what doesn't before I can make something genuine and straight from the heart.

In relationships, truth is you shouldn't be in one because you cannot live without the person, but it is because you both bring out the best in your already amazing selves. When one is still in a search or at lost, it is more highly the relationship will fail. That is why getting to know the you first is more important than anything else. It will save you a lot of heart aches. After all, it is what makes you unique.

So take your time. Be alone. And find yourself.

Impromptu shoot

2011-07-22T19:29:00.004+02:00

A photographer friend of mine who travels around the world for a living happens to stop by Barcelona for ONLY A DAY before catching her next flight to London. She surprised me with a call while I was still asleep and showed up in my apartment. After some chit-chat, the inevitable happened, she did an impromptu photo-shoot with me. TAKE NOTE, I still did not shower. But I didn't really care much since I was in the confines of my own apartment. She'll be launching her website soon and will post it as soon as I get the go signal. Thanks Abby! For making me look decent enough sans shower.

ANCOP benefit concert

2011-07-22T17:49:00.002+02:00

1. One of the little stars who is about to step on stage to perform.

2. One of the lovely production team. We were goofing around backstage and even dancing along while the performers belt out their respective songs.

3. I got a surprise in the end and was given this certificate of appreciation. They were secretly hiding it backstage.

In between hosting, I had signs of headache but just drank as much water as I can (had to make sure the toilette is nearby!). I was still recuperating from sickness but was able to manage all along. I was beyond nervous right before going on stage and making my first spiel. I could hear my own voice choking up and my hands were shaking. But then I slowly started to relax and enjoy myself. It was fun speaking in my language again, with a mix of English and Spanish. And being able to interact with the audience and receive a warm response from them. Glad to be a part of a wonderful benefit concert/event. As much as I want to be behind the scenes and direct, I guess hosting will always be in my heart ---and I would not mind accepting another offer again.

2011-07-16T00:09:00.004+02:00

I am terribly sick. My temperature is very warm the first few minutes, and cold the next. I couldn't sleep well, and 2 days ago my whole body was literally shivering. My fever has never been this high. I was alone in the apartment, and was close to calling an ambulance. But I guess my survival instinct tapped me on my shoulder and told me to try putting a cold compress on my forehead. And I did. And I fell asleep.

The next consecutive days I felt better, but still not in full form. I just kept on praying so hard to get better asap for something important this weekend. I am going back to hosting. Yes, apparently circumstance led me to dig through my past and snap those hosting skills alive and be in front of the scenes once again. And if I had to do it here in Barcelona, why not use it for a good cause ---I will be hosting an exclusive charity event that will help 5 Filipino children go to school. Good luck to me, for the vice mayor of Barcelona will be there.

For the meantime, I have got to get better real fast! So I shall now find comfort with my best friend for the past few days now which for after almost 2 years and 3 apartment changes, is finally a big one. My bed.
Buenas noches a todos.

2011-07-11T21:15:00.013+02:00

Tourists flowing in their utmost elegance or at least carefully selected dresses armed with their most basic Spanish and obviously sun-kissed tan or as what we call it, lobster skin. Yes, summer is here in Barcelona. And for someone whose been here the second season around, it is arguably always the best time of the year.

Only in Barcelona will you experience a goodbye get-together of a friend and another welcome celebration of a new acquaintance all at the same time early in the afternoon while drinking a glass or two of champagne in a lovely and new-found tapas bar (not to mention, being a mixed group of Germans, Italians, Spanish, American, and me, a Filipina). Then be pulled all the way down to the beach even without your proper beach attire. Which explains my face in the photo!

A friend pops another bottle of the traditional Catalan Cava as you lie basked in the city's heat, then you realize, you are actually happy and thankful to still be in a beautiful city and is here to stay at least for a while.

Hello Summer, we meet again. :)

2011-07-04T04:56:00.001+02:00

For once in your life, do not be afraid to ask for something you want.

Forget the fear of being rejected, denied, laughed-at, ridiculed, or ignored.

Forget about your pride, your ego, and self-worth.

For once in your life,

JUST. ASK.

Vall de Sau, 2011

2011-07-04T04:00:00.013+02:00

Reminds me so much close to home. And by home, I meant the Cagayan River.

Bear with me, I have been meaning to post a decent write-up for the blog but there has been too much going on in my head right now. So much good to share to everyone that it deserves justice with its story-telling apart from photos. For the meantime, I am back to twitter as my 140 word excuse.

PHOTOBLOG: Philippine Independence day in Barcelona

2011-06-15T00:55:00.004+02:00

1. Filipino flags raised during the open ceremony.

2. Me and Carey along Filipino food stalls, eating almost every possible Filipino food we could find!

3. Lovely Manangs whose stall I always went to back and forth only to buy ---ice candy! This brings back so much of my childhood memories!

4. Carey in food coma. I spot Puto! Not how I wanted it to be cooked though.

5. Pink drink made of something sweet with small jellies which still reminds me close to home but totally forgot what it is called. Please refresh my memory.

6. Barbecued chicken tail with an out of this world marinate mix. Funny how I had to explain to my man how Filipinos can always find ways to cook and eat every possible part of an animal.

7. I am a pure born Filipina, but if I was born with a different nationality, I would still think that the Philippine flag is one of the most beautiful flags compared to other countries.

Part II on my next post!

2011-06-10T13:28:00.001+02:00

ME: [big smile on my face] So what are we doing now?
HIM: We´re going to cut my hair. And I´m going to look prettier afterwards. Promise?
ME: [excited] I´m gonna cut his hair!
HIM: If I look like...like shit afterwards, you're gonna pay the price.

Not exactly the favor you would expect to hear from someone who is borderline vain when it comes to his hair. Especially not when he wouldn't even want you to touch it when it is all groomed. So when he asked me to do it, I excitedly jumped for the opportunity! Him not knowing that I have never cut nor ever let a scissors near anybody else's hair besides my own.

It is nice to know people can trust you just like that, it gives you the feeling of responsibility and being someone they can count on. In return, you also just want to do the same.

HIM: I can cut your hair too if you want [insert big smile].

OH. On second thought...

2011-06-02T17:29:00.003+02:00

I would be the first to admit that I didn't put my best foot forward on this one and it shouldn't have been my attitude; but I have my own reasons. Apparently, I was not the only one;
and that alone speaks so much already.

Through words or film.

2011-05-24T12:06:00.001+02:00

[the lovely Ala Paredes in Barcelona]

My apologies for the lack of posts lately. To be honest, I still do not know what to come up with at least majority of the percentage of this blog; besides talk about film. I still do want to share my dailies, my inspirations, and personal life (I used to be very public in that scenario). But lately, everytime I start tapping letters on my keyboards, I get torn between which information I should divulge and which I should take out. I have this feeling of wanting to maintain a certain privacy because a part of me wants to keep it for myself and believe it or not, save up for a good film story. Do you know what I mean?

I actually feel like my life itself is a whole big documentary, you have no idea. I do want to start writing again and open to you my world no holds barred. Life has too many beautiful memories it has to be shared. But if you wont hear from me once in a while, it only means I am actually out there experiencing life. But I promise to always come back and tell you my story.

Either through words or film.

Change is good.

2011-05-23T02:24:00.002+02:00

I repeat, Change is good.

#inspiration

2011-05-08T01:34:00.001+02:00

Note to self:

2011-05-08T00:37:00.000+02:00

I SHALL NEVER EVER RUSH

TO FILM A STORY AGAIN.

Without proper pre-production, production, and post-production planning, what could have been a good idea can easily turn to garbage. Who am I to rush my scripts and over-all film production and expect I can nail it. I still have so much to learn ---and this is one.

2011-05-07T16:34:00.003+02:00

It was a Wednesday night, and we were all seated around a big table having a good general conversation while chugging drinks on the side. We were a mix of Americans, Danish, and mostly Germans (and of course me, a Filipino). This is what you expect in a city like Barcelona ---a merge of diverse nationalities. I may be in Spain but I feel like I have spent most of my time lately in the company of Germans. Probably the reason why my Spanish is not improving much, and I´m learning new German words at least every week. You lose some, you win some; so I'm not complaining. Apparently, God wanted me to eat my words and break my stereotyping among nationalities and let my man and girl best friend happen to be Germans. And the more I spend time with them, the more I realize that there is always an exception to the rule. They are just wonderful.

In between our conversation, though we study in different universities we realized exam week/finals is just right around the corner and after all the hoolabaloo, everybody can relax and prepare the welcoming of summer. SUMMER ---unbelievable how time flies too fast! It's May already, yet New Year´s eve felt like it just happened yesterday. Could be how having 4 seasons makes your whole year feel constricted (unlike in tropical countries where the whole year and warm weather seems to go on forever) or that there was simply a lot of good going on since the new year.

Most of us are working students, some will have their final year of school and exit by next week to a few months, while I, am in-between thinking of getting a new job, camera, finishing pending films, preparing for our final 16mm film project, and excruciatingly waiting for my student visa. So I'm basically up to my neck for the whole month of May.

Either way, the best part of the night was, that we all agreed on one thing

---this part of our lives is where we just want TO. STOP. TIME.

Foley Artistry

2011-05-01T22:02:00.002+02:00

Why people working behind the scenes deserves the same respect and recognition; or even more.

El dia de Sant Jordi

2011-04-24T15:47:00.006+02:00

Had a chance to document Catalunya's 2nd biggest holiday celebration and is their equivalent to Valentine's day. I leave you wikipedia to explain more on that.

FILM FACTS:
1. Halfway through filming, my memory card ran out faster than my battery. So this is only 1/4 of the actual event/festivities and regretfully no time-lapse of the sunset.
2. In-between filming I climbed garbage bins, railings, and almost laid on the ground. No police yet, so far.
3. Nothing serious. This video is only an excuse to practice and experiment on time-lapse film which you'll see on the first and last part. They are all photos.
4. My camera tripod disassembled itself first hand. No tripod, shaky results.
5. Filmed and edited all on the same day.
6. Not the actual film format/quality.
7. Somehow I was filmed, and since I was always behind the camera, we decided to slap it in!

Feliz dia de Sant Jordi! and Happy Easter everyone!

2011-04-22T23:54:00.002+02:00

Somewhere right there, right in the heart of all of that Optimus Prime mess of lenses going on, will be my key to building just the right portfolio, and seriously kick-start making films without the burden of equipment availability from film school. Even if it means I will need to take a second job this summer, cut down on expenses, and give-up travelling plans. I guess we all need to start somewhere.

It is going to take a lot of money and strong discipline for someone like me. But what use are temporary thrills spent from money, when you can invest it on something that can possibly open doors for better job opportunities and most importantly, allows you to immortalize memories and tell untold stories worth sharing.

I´m hopeful and positive for this year.

Time-lapse film

2011-04-21T12:53:00.008+02:00

---a period of time that is captured and played back at a much faster rate.

An absolutely blissful time-lapse movie of the night sky and environment shot by film maker Terje Sorgjerd in El Teide, the highest mountain in Spain. [I suggest you watch it in full screen]

Another example of a time lapse film using a crane for a truly epic effect.

Inspirational reminders why I want to be a film maker,
and why I need to get a really good camera.

PHOTOBLOG: Primavera/Spring 2011

2011-04-12T15:33:00.005+02:00

Feels so good spending time with people you have so much in common with. You can almost absolutely do anything together, better yet, care and support each other.

Philippines: Toughest place to be a bus driver.

2011-04-12T10:52:00.002+02:00

If you have an hour, this document is worth the watch and is very moving.

Documentary about a London Bus Driver who goes to Manila in the Philippines to experience what it is like to live and work as a Jeepney driver in Manila.

Something film related.

2011-04-07T10:21:00.008+02:00

I have long been meaning to share an experience to you directing actors as a novice in one of my films. But I told myself to wait until I felt like it didn´t matter anymore, if not, then I wouldn´t have a clear mind and might say things that could end up being misinterpreted or unnecessary.

During pre-production of one of my films, I remembered an acquaintance of mine who mentioned that he is an actor here and would someday hope to make it big. So I contacted him and asked if he think he could play the leading part of my film. It was just an idea, an option, not till he literally begged to play the part and promised me that he will nail it. A colleague of mine once worked with him for her film, and she warned me that she wasn´t happy with his acting. Considering that her genre was drama and mine is comedy, I took the chance thinking maybe his personality works better with comedy. Apparently, with a no-budget film, you don´t have much options.

Three days before filming, it was raining really hard and it got me worried because all scenes will be shot outdoors. I remained positive that the next day will be sunny, and continued to do last minute touches with my script. When I was about ready to sleep for the long day ahead, I got a text message (in Spanish) from my leading actor.

¨According to all the weather forecast, it is going to rain tomorrow. Can you tell me if we are still going to film? So that I will know if I should go out tonight or not.¨

You could imagine my surprise with his message. Professionalism, where are you? I was ready to lash out at him with my words, but since we are both doing ourselves a favor for free, I just slept it over. The next day, I would like to cut it to the chase; he was just terrible with the acting. He had no emotions, nor could he improvise or connect with my actress. Was he really an actor? Worst, he complained to a lot of small things when everything he needed to do was clear enough in the script I gave him prior to filming. So all the things I envisioned for the film, wasn´t executed. I knew it was hell even before filming ended.

I know this won´t be the only time I will be working with people like him, it could be worse. But if anything, one advice I could give to all aspiring actors/actresses, whether you are being paid or not, just acknowledge the painful process a director and his/her team has to go through during pre-production. That should be reasonable enough for you to stop acting like a star. Just acknowledge it, and mutual respect will flourish from there. Trust me, it can go a long way.

Look who´s in Barcelona...

2011-04-04T13:20:00.004+02:00

Mr. Chips :)

Well for those of you who don´t know, Mr. Chips is one of the most popular snacks/junk foods made in the Philippines. Not only that, it is also one of my favourite comfort foods since the day my parents gave me allowance and I was allowed to go to the nearest tindahan (small store). So I found myself walking near the city center and into this Asian store and couldn´t help but buy some Asian ingredients for me to use later on. Then of course, my Mr. Chips which was unbelievably priced for 1.50euros; equivalent to almost 100 Philippine pesos! The last time I remember, it was only 20pesos in my country. But oh well, I guess eating my childhood memories while I'm in Barcelona was worth the extra pesos anyways.

Lately I have been browsing for hours online for Filipino food recipes (I know, I should be looking at film related websites instead right). Talk about missing our relatively cheap food such as tapsilog (and all the other silogs!), chiken inasal, adobo, isaw, puto, suman, bibingka, goodness I could go on till forever! I still feel like I can never exchange my home-country food and other Asian cuisine to the European or American cuisine.

Oh, and I found this restaurant named Manila and they serve only Filipino food! Yummy! I am going to tag along that German guy with me and see, no, EAT!

Nutella & Strawberry filled crepe

2011-03-30T14:16:00.003+02:00

Believe it or not, I made this amazingly delicious crepe from scratch. I think I just discovered that I am born to be a dessert/salad connoisseur. I love the whole idea of playing around the plate to make food presentable. Swish the Nutella from left to right, spritz the cream, slice the strawberry, sprinkle some sugar and VOILA! You have no idea how good it tasted. Funny, while I was eating it, I was literally making oooh-aaah noises! Aren't I improving or what? So let's see whats next on plate :)

P.S. But I still think that my man makes the better pancake though.

Puedo decir "mierda"?

2011-03-29T23:26:00.007+02:00

Last week I had a terrible fall after a man just came out of nowhere, running, and without looking at all crashed right into me. I was in shock and the whole left part of my body ached. What's worse was, he did not help me stand back up again, nor asked if I was fine, and he even had the nerve to blame and tell me that I should look where I am going. To think I was in my normal or even slow pace, and he was the one running. I don't know if he did it on purpose with the hopes of being able to snatch my bag after, or was pure accidental. Either way, it is still sad how people like him exist.

Then I just heard news from my best friend that she got followed on her way home, into the apartment hallway up to the lift, thinking he was the next door neighbor. Not until the man tried to sexually harass her by touching her. She was able to scream and push him away, luckily he didn't fight back and walked away. It happened even before 12 midnight, and not in an area which is considered dangerous in Barcelona.

Sometimes, I feel like my own 3rd world country is so much more safer and nicer than any other. Sigh.

2011-03-27T13:39:00.008+02:00

I need to at least make 2 more short films before the school year ends, but lately I am suffering from mental block/creative deficiency that I cannot seem to keep my head or thoughts straight! At first I thought of tackling issues about eating disorders, bulimia nervosa for example. Then I changed my mind and thought of writing something related to depression. Then changed my mind again and perhaps a love story will be fine, but afterwards I thought its overrated.

I am suppose to browse the internet for film motivation/inspiration, but alas! I ended up cam-whoring [proof of photos above]. I am greatly frustrated how my creative juice cells is refusing to cooperate with me. Nothing is coming out, my thoughts and ideas are senseless. If this was a real film job, I have no idea how i'll be able to handle such pressure. This is the worst that can happen to (aspiring) film makers. Damn it. %$#&!

Thoughts? Suggestions? Ideas for a film?
It would be greatly appreciated.

2011-03-22T23:15:00.001+01:00

[Sunny Barcelona 19/03/2011]

I was on my bike on the way home from film school when I thought, If there is one moment in my life that I wouldn't bother to relive all over again and again and again ---it would be the now. Surprisingly, I didn't win a lottery, a trip to New York, or got invited for the Oscars. It was just as simple as riding my bicycle in Barcelona, and passing by the same streets, buildings, cafe's, almost every single day. But it reminds me so much of what I have accomplished in life and how much I grew as a person, a better one I must say.

It's like if there's one degree I have to take all over again, heck let it be a film degree. If there's a job that requires me to wake up at 7 in the morning 6 days in a week, I don't mind if it means taking care of an adorable kid nor waking up as early as 5am for a film shooting. If I have to be stuck in a city, why not Barcelona. If the friends I have right now will be the only one I will ever have, God knows I'm content. Then there's that special someone, and that's all I can say for now.

But time passes, life goes on, and nothing is permanent except change. Meaning, I will eventually graduate from my degree, get different jobs, perhaps live in a different city, meet new people, have a family, and so on. And definitely more moments I wouldn't mind to relive anytime. So I guess this is actually the only reason why I am writing this, because I know this moment won't be permanent so might as well put it into words, and allow myself to read and relive it many years from now.

P.S. I still do want to win a lottery, a trip to New York, and get invited for the Oscars though ;-)

Battlefield.

2011-03-18T20:09:00.006+01:00

It is like a deflated balloon tucked at the tip of a faucet. You shift the lever on, water pours out and into the balloon. First phase is pleasing to look at, funny even, but as the balloon begins to show signs of inelasticity, you start to panic. Are you going to watch the balloon burst in front of you? Or simply, just pull the balloon out and turn the lever off?

That is how I see emotions. For as long as you still have flowing control over it, then you are fine. But when you start to feel that heavy lump on your chest, yes, you start to panic. Because it gives you a reason to act on it. Let us say when you are angry, you can keep it to yourself but either way, a person can only hold as much weight, in the long run, you end up bursting. Or, you just pull yourself out of the situation ---and sign off.

I guess the same goes for love, or lets say like. We can only deny it for a while, pretend it's nothing. You go with the flow, enjoy it for what it is, but then comes the obvious. When you know it is something you don't just feel for anybody, you start to panic. Then you are left questioning yourself, shall you keep it flowing knowing one way or the other your heart can only hold as much weight? Or, you just pull yourself out of the situation ---and sign off.

Perhaps, it is a question of worthiness. Is the person (or even thing) you like or angry at even worth your time, investment, and emotions? If it is, then maybe it is about time to choose your battle and just step out and enter the field no holds barred.

And now if only it is that easy for me to even follow my own advice..

Stress Drilon

2011-03-12T08:35:00.001+01:00

I have never been surrounded with too many hyper-active, screaming, running, little Spanish speaking kids in just a span of one-week. I was asked to direct a film with 8 children as actors/presenters. Yes, EIGHT. What makes it harder is not all of them actually are interested to participate. So imagine me instructing, directing, but nobody is listening. This was definitely a different light for someone who got used to direct actors who are already readily actors or at least willing enough to act for a film. God bless my soul.

But the children were adorable. And looking at 10 year old girls gush about the cute guy in the group and his twin brother, reminds me so much of my younger years! Ah well, Weekend, I've been looking forward for you.

2011-03-11T19:23:00.003+01:00

It´s been a while since I actually wrote something. And by something, I meant my unfiltered thoughts, pure and genuine, brought into writing. My love for photography is a one-way ticket to the visual counterparts of my thoughts, but words, are still for me, a very strong medium in expressing one´s self that I now have at least learned to use wisely. Or perhaps, it comes with maturity as well.

When something very important happens to your life, do you feel the need to shout it out to the whole world? Facebook stat it? Tweet it? What if instead, you keep it to yourself, protect them and the people who are part of it with your dear life? In fact, when it comes to success and relationships, the lasting ones are those who humbly keep it away from the limelight.

So here I am, standing, camera clutched in-between my hands, enjoying a panoramic view of the beauty that is Barcelona. I can´t help but think about where I am now, the things I had to go through that led me to the now. Change frightens most people, but that is exactly the one thing I did to be where I am now. I took a chance, I took a step forward, leaving my comfort zone and not knowing what lies ahead.

Then I just have to snap back to reality. Right. I am standing in admiration of the view of the city, in the company of 3 wonderful people. There is still so much in life, and I might have to take more steps forward. But then I felt something different, that maybe this time, I might never have to take that step alone anymore. Then I just had to take a photo of the view from my camera.

2011-03-05T10:03:00.005+01:00

ME: Stupid Adobe Premiere doesn´t work on my laptop! I can´t edit my film at home.
GIRL FRIEND: You don´t use final cut? What do you use in school?
ME: Premiere. I thought of getting a Macbook or 5D camera.
GIRL FRIEND: Macbook would be a good investment first.
ME: You know what I have now?
GIRL FRIEND: What?
ME: Windows Vista.
GIRL FRIEND: [laughing at me] That's like saying "I'm an architect", "What program do you use?", "PAINT"
ME: [laughing at myself] Yeah, "I'm a filmmaker", "What program do you use?"
TOGETHER: Windows Movie Maker!!!

A beautiful life.

2011-02-28T10:49:00.010+01:00

Gonna hold on to the good,
for as long as my heart keeps on beating...

Calella, Spain (travelsode?!)

2011-02-22T12:52:00.011+01:00

We are on the pursuit of making a travelsode (shortcut for travel episodes) about a German guy who leaves his father´s construction company in Germany to travel to Spain and fulfill his dreams of becoming a surfer, dancer, musician, and well...eat lotsa chocolates!

Actually, to be honest, we are not making anything. This is just an excuse to document our random trips and just have pure fun out of it! But why not, considering that this man can almost absolutely do anything by request, then might as well make use of our "talents" right! It helps too that his Spanish is better than mine, that it's never a dull day with his company, and that he is really charming.

Meet your future movie star and director!
Because we kind of agreed to use each other to become famous one day.

Ok. Well. It never hurts to dream anyways ;)

If i could,

2011-02-17T14:06:00.001+01:00

I´d like to stop time. just. right. there.

Sitges, Spain

2011-02-13T06:38:00.006+01:00

I am currently finishing my next script for a 16mm camera short film as our final project for school. This time though, we will need to defend our story in front of 4 directors/judges. Whoever´s script will be chosen, will be filmed using a 16mm camera and be produced by our school. Here goes my high hopes down the drain ---I can never defend my story well in Spanish. Damn it.

The story I came up with, though I don´t want to give away too much, will be set in the Philippines. Ah yes, so how am I able to defend my story and as to how its possible to film it when the location alone is a thousand miles away. There goes my challenge. Right now, I am doing a location search of cities accessible by train outside Barcelona that will look much like my home country, or at least is believable enough.

First stop, Sitges, Spain.

The verdict ---the small town, its narrow streets, clear sea, white walls; reminds me a lot of my home country and could pass as a shooting location compared to Barcelona. But then I realized that Sitges is a very well-known city in Spain, and that alone discourages me to film and make it appear it was in the Philippines when almost every Spanish knows where and how Sitges looks like.

So I´m off to find the next, and more remote location in Spain.

The funny man goes to Sitges,

2011-02-13T06:28:00.003+01:00

with me. :)

X-MEN ORIGINS

2011-02-11T11:22:00.001+01:00

I´m not exactly a big fan of superhero or unrealistic type of films. I only do watch them for entertainment ---which precisely what a film should be about right. In my case though, I prefer to watch films where I can learn something out from. Learn in a way that my movie experience does not only end by the time the credits roll. It should lure me to research and know more about the film from pre, production, to post-production. Then I am assured my money and time was spent on a good film.

I'd like to make an exception for X-MEN origins. This is one of the few films that I will no doubt be watching, no questions asked, only because of the actor. James McAvoy. Which for me, is a brilliant actor. If I was to live in my dreams right now, it would be filming inside Hollywood studios in a huge sound stage, and working with him. Not Brad Pitt, not Johnny Depp, not [insert hot-male-actor name], but James McAvoy. One of my few favourite male actors, or even, the only.

Watch him do his Patrick Stewart impression 1:30 onwards.

Camera on helicopter.

2011-02-04T20:10:00.000+01:00

So how low can a helicopter really go when filming a scene?

That is some pilot you got there.

One film to another, to another, and another.

2011-02-02T00:40:00.001+01:00

If my blog was to accumulate creatures from being idle for quite some time, there will probably be cockroaches and termites crawling around your screen right now. To top it all off, it´ll smell like rotten cheese.

I am extremely busy right now with film school. I have just finished filming, but then comes 3 movie analysis we need to submit, and a script I need to write for another short film using a 16mm camera. And because everything should be written in Spanish, that is double the hard work for me. And yes, I encountered a lot of problems as well with filming last weekend that I might consider doing a re-shoot.

Trivia: My main actress was born and grew up in Barcelona, but is pure Filipina.

So till the next entry,
Which hopefully is soon! xx

Only fools rush in.

2011-01-17T12:46:00.005+01:00

[main shooting location if the film commission permits]

Just a thought: I read that to be able to get over someone and stop thinking about them, you should try writing down your thoughts. That way, you can let it out of your system and move on to other good memories. I once did just that, and it actually worked for me. I didn't care or think of the person as much as I did anymore.

What I didn't know is that the same thing applies when you like someone and think of that person too much it makes your heart leap. Too much is even an understatement. The last time I checked, I still found myself writing down all my thoughts. Because if not, I wouldn't be able to concentrate! God knows the many people who caught me smiling alone! It is becoming embarrassing.

But so what, I don´t remember the last time I was as inspired as I am now.

Checklist

2011-01-14T09:22:00.002+01:00

Finish storyboard
Finalize the crew
Script reading and Actor rehearsals
Confirm location permission
Look into the Art Department

And the next thing I know, its January already, and I am set to film my short in 2 weeks.
The day I can tell myself I am prepared and all is set, is the day that I'll know filming is going to be FUN!

2011-01-03T03:22:00.002+01:00

It is good to stop once in a while and remember the pains, hardships, and questions unanswered from the past. Because it is only then you realize why it had to happen, why some things never worked out, and why you just need to let go and let God. It does not mean that you do not care or it never mattered. In life, no matter what situation you are in, there´s just only one way to go ---and that is forward.

feliz año nuevo a todos!
feliz 2011!

Home.

2010-12-26T23:29:00.000+01:00

[Entrance staircase of Sagrada Familia underground chapel]

My family both father and mother's side are devout Catholics. This was something I didn't really appreciate when I was younger. My parents would always make sure that the family attends the every Sunday mass whether we children like it or not. I didn't understand, what's the use of going to mass when your mind is floating somewhere between eating an ice cream or going back to sleep. Surely our parents sensed our disinterest but never took it as an excuse. Then I started living alone for a few months in a city about 2 hours away by plane from home, and I found myself attending regular masses and my parents didn't have to remind me. Then I moved to a different country about 16 HOURS away by plane from home and yes, my parents didn't have to remind me. In fact, my soul craved for it.

The mass is in Spanish and I could barely understand what the priest says most especially during the first few months. So why even attend? Perhaps it is the feeling of being so far away from home, having only yourself; then you have that longing for security and a sense of peacefulness ---and I guess I've found mine. I once had a moment when I grieved for months and God knows how often I went back and forth inside that chapel. If I could sleep there, I bet I would have. I probably never prayed that much for this year. Then on my birthday, I found myself praying on the same stool, but in my happiest. That small underground chapel inside Sagrada Familia has probably took down notes of everything thats been going on in my life good or bad or worst; yet the doors were always and is still open, my thoughts are always welcome, and my words are always listened to.

Then gradually, the Spanish choir and their soft melody starts to sound and feel like home.

PHOTOBLOG: Diciembre

2010-12-26T04:13:00.000+01:00

Merry Christmas from the Caganer!

2010-12-26T02:40:00.002+01:00

The ¨crapping peasant¨ ---who apparently is Catalonia´s equivalent for Joseph, Mary of Jesus himself. Or let us just say he is the extra character inside the manger who symbolizes prosperity and luck by ¨fertilizing¨ the earth.

Ahhh yes, Spanish humor;
Never fails to crack me up.

Lazy days and random nights.

2010-12-23T14:09:00.004+01:00

As I´ve mentioned, I cannot travel outside Spain for the month of December because I just had my visa renewed. So no Italy, no Austria, no Germany, no Holland, and all the rest of Europe that I would have wanted to go to before it hits 2011. But then again, I have a roof above my head, I have food in the refrigerator, and I am in a beautiful city. I am blessed. So I can never complain. And sometimes, the simplest and most random of things is what I prefer.

Like sitting down on the sofa with my pajamas watching TV. No work. No school. No plans.

And yep, I just finished a whole pot of spaghetti that I cooked.

I´ve been so much into cooking lately and I could say I´m getting better at it. This whole independence and living alone really brought out the motherly instincts in me. Two days ago 2 of my friends dropped by my place to cook dinner while I made them Apple Pie for dessert.

Random nights are always my favorite! Did I mention I have a huge black and blue bruise on my legs? but that's another story. Now excuse me while I go biking and lose all the calories I consumed in that huge pot!

2010-12-21T12:57:00.004+01:00

Hey folks, just wanna say I am still alive. It is not that I am crazy busy, in fact, I´m not. I do have to finalize my script for my HDV film but my will to do so has just dropped to ZERO knowing that the holidays is right around the corner.

This is going to be the first time I am spending Christmas without any close family/relative with me. I just had my visa renewed so I can´t travel out of Spain at all for at least this month. I do not want to drown myself into pity, maybe it is about time too that I experience the holidays without any family. I actually thought of going to an orphanage or a nursing home for the elderly on the 25th, but I am still trying to figure out where and how. So if you happen to know a center here in Barcelona, would be nice if you could email it to me!

I´ll write and update soon.
Happy Holidays!

Chris xx

Look what I just made for breakfast.

2010-12-21T12:57:00.001+01:00

A hearty one for the holidays xx

2010-12-11T10:53:00.002+01:00

I haven´t been religiously following the ASEAN football federation cup lately since the Philippines has always been an underdog. Not until my youngest brother was in joy when Philippines now qualifies for the semi-finals after handing defending champions Vietnam a stunning 2-0 defeat and a 0-0 score against Myanmar. Now Philippines, a basketball and boxing enthusiast country, has started a growing love for the sport. Their win is also very timely for the release of the first ever football film in the Philippines titled HappyLand.

The Philippine Team

The first thing that came into my mind upon hearing about their win was my favorites, the Younghusband brothers, Chris Greatwhich, and new goal keeper Neil Etheridge. And indeed, they were playing. Chris scored the first goal and Phil Younghusband the second. Thank goodness Phil decided to stop his career in modelling to focus more on being a football athlete. If you noticed, the Philippine players never looked this good.

What's bizarre and disappointing though is the team cannot play their "home-leg" in our very own country because we do not have a suitable football stadium that would reach the organizer's standards (Hello Philippine government). More than anything, I am just glad that football is being heard in my country now compared to decades ago, or even centuries! And speaking of football, I´m off to Camp Nou to watch FC Barcelona play against R. Sociodad tomorrow and see the players in flesh.

2010-12-06T18:29:00.014+01:00

What happens when you meet people from the same field as yours and creativity is painted all over? You take advantage of it; in a good and productive way. One of my girlfriends is majoring in 3D graphic design in a different university and they need to come up with a DVD movie cover complete with the title, photos, synopsis, everything you see in that slim rectangular container that comes along when you rent/buy your films. They are allowed to choose their own genre and she chose ---thriller/suspense. Just as I handpick some of my friends to be actors/actresses in my films, she chose me to be the actress/model on the cover alongside her and my role was a victim chased by some serial killer. Considering that I have long buried my modeling and acting days since I decided to pursue directing, I had to dig them out again because I can´t just say no to her.

After our brief photo shoot, I sat beside her while she tweaks the photos using Photoshop on her drool-worthy iMAC. It's amazing what photoshop can do, all the more when you watch someone who's majoring in graphic design work it! She was cropping, and adding effects such as blood, bruises and scars like it was as easy as A,B,C. The photo above is only raw material. I am sure once she has the final cover, it is going to blow you away.

Don´t you think my life would be so much easier if my father is a producer, my mother a script-writer, my brother a cinematographer, my best friend an editor, and my boyfriend a camera-man? I´m just kidding.

1/2 of a day.

2010-12-06T02:50:00.010+01:00

What was supposed to be a day in my life, ends up to be just half of it. I never had the chance to document my day this week through photos (as requested) only except on my way to film school on a Tuesday and back home using my phone´s camera. Basically my mornings and afternoons on a weekday is spent taking care of an adorable one year old kid (do you seriously want to see a photo of me changing his nappies?!) and doing school work. Nothing exactly special happened for this day. No filming, nor huge productions in class. But knowing me, cycling my way to school and reading an actual script of the series Lost is already a day´s worth.

6:00pm ---Our class today was in a different and farther campus from my place, it is where most universities and different colleges are located. I had to leave an hour early to cycle my way to the metro station and take the train from there so I don´t have to change lines. The nearest bicing station from my place.

7:00pm ---Welcome to the school,

7:10pm ---and I am running late!

8:30pm ---Our professor for this day is an assistant director from major film productions and famous directors in Spain. What I like about his teaching is the way he complements his discussions with gestures which is a huge help in my coping up with Spanish.

We discussed about the important parts of film making from pre-production, production, to post-production. And also studied the different kinds of call-sheets in every shooting. For one, is the actual call-sheet for the American series LOST;

Why so serious? He is probably annoyed for the many times I ask him to translate some Spanish words. I kid, I kid. Hello Jorge!

3 hours later, class is dismissed and we have the usual after class discussions whether it is about film, or to go to the nearest bar ...to talk about film.

Inside the metro train with the sweetest German girl in Barcelona and the second (and crazier) of the two Mexican Jorge´s in our class.

I hop to the nearest Bicing station from my metro stop and cycle from there to my place.

I could actually just take the metro train straight to my place, but really, who would´nt want to cycle when you have streets and a view such as this? Its exercise as well!

Port Olimpica ---one of my favorite areas in the whole city. It is where you will find some of the best restaurants, beaches, bars, parks, and clubs. And luckily, my new place is only less than 10 minutes by foot and 4 minutes by bike.

Going up to my place. More of, half of me.

So there you have it. A typical school night for me and I didn´t go out anymore to meet friends after class. So I arrived home around 10:30pm. Simple days like these are already worth thanking for and a good night´s sleep. Heck, let alone, who ever even thought I'd end up studying film in Europe!

Life has been really wonderful lately. :)

TUBIG, WATER, AGUA

2010-12-03T00:04:00.001+01:00

There´s an on-going photography exhibit right now in Xavier University (my college alma mater) Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. Please help us support the Gahum Scholarship Program by buying the photos on the said exhibit. NOW.

2010-11-27T23:11:00.002+01:00

I have to admit, I still feel like a giddy 9 year old kid every time I hop into the bike and cycle around the city (yup, smiling even when alone). Every time I pass by a beautiful sight, I just randomly utter the words ¨Thank you Lord¨ for no reason at all. Or perhaps, I am still just enamored by this city. And hopping into a bike just made the whole experience more delightful. Even passing under Arc de Triumf felt somewhat different ---something like being pulled by a huge camera crane in a panning motion (sorry for the film terms, that´s just how I really felt at that time). My aunt was right, cycling indeed is the way to go around Europe.

Readers been requesting that I post an entry about my life in a day in Barcelona through photos.
And I might just do that next week.

Have a great weekend! =)

Where do filmmakers get their story ideas?

2010-11-25T20:26:00.006+01:00

I have the comfiest bed comforter BUT the dirtiest room. I do have a good reason ---I can write my scripts best and think better when on my bed and pajamas and not having to think about cleaning. Hey, multi-awarded Filipino film director Mark Meily, who´s film ¨DONOR¨ recently won best picture in Brussels, even gets his story ideas every time he shaves. So there.

Despite lagging on the submission of my script developments, this is still one film I´d like to really do good as I´m planning to make it as my first short-film entry to film festivals around Europe. From my first draft, there´s big development on the script now. Changes been done, but the idea still remains the same.

Una mujer que lucha deprimida y sola en un ciudad que conoce muy poco y es totalmente diferente;

conoce un hombre quien le ayuda espiritualmente pero que miente sobre su identidad/

A woman fights with loneliness and depression in a city she barely knows and is completely different;

then meets a man who helps her spiritually but lies about his whole identity.

As serious the log line seems the be, surprisingly, the genre for this film is comedy-drama.

BARCELONA: On Bicing and Strangers

2010-11-20T12:02:00.005+01:00

[Barcelona Bicing]

I don´t know the many times I have said this, but living alone independently and having to do things all by yourself, is the biggest factor every human being must experience for the sake of their maturity. As much as it has its perks especially being able to decide for yourself and do things with no holds barred, the journey will also be full of difficulties. Along the way, you just deal with it, because that´s how you learn from it. When something inevitable goes out of hand, and when that something are things we expect our parents should have told us but aren´t there to tell us anymore, how does a girl in her early 20´s cope up?

Let me share to you an episode I learned out from what happened in just one day about the community public bicycle here in Barcelona called BICING which is available only for local residents or people with a NIE. In my case, I received my Bicing access card less than a week ago. To rent a bike, you just need to swipe your card in a mini screen located nearby and it automatically unlocks a bike and indicates the slot #. I did just that. Only, I had to adjust the seat first before lifting it off from its support frame not knowing that it should be the other way around. I blamed the man beside me and gave him a sharp stare for swiping his card when I wasn't even done yet when in fact, it has nothing to do with him and he told me I need to lift the bike out of the support frame between 20seconds or else it will lock up again. So I apologized for my ignorance and I just earned myself a look of gosh-she-is-stupid from a Spanish man.

Normally I do not go out during Friday nights since school started if it is far from my area because the metro train is only until 2am but 24hours on Saturdays. Since I found out Bicing was 24hours on a Friday, it was about time I make use of it. After a party, I saw only one bike left in one of the nearest bicing stations and ran for it. Only to realize, the front tire was busted. Thinking that it will just be fine, I ended up using x10 of my energy biking at 4 in the morning until I lost my breath and finally decided to park it and just look for another bike. Of course, being it a Friday, most stations nearby the center were empty of bikes! So I decided to walk to my place until I find another bicing station.

Walking alone at 4 in the morning dressed up, make-up on, and in heels is not the best idea, but wasting my money on Barcelona's expensive cabs is also something to think of. So I continued my death march. Then a man on his bike passed by and tried following me and talking to me in Spanish. "Where are you going guapa? Why are you alone? Where are you from?" I continued to ignore him, and he continues being an asshole and tried speaking with an ugly English accent "Do you speak Spanish? English? You are so beautiful..." He was starting to get on my nerves so I silently uttered "Shut up" which he replied, "Why shut up? Its not nice to tell me shut up I want talk with.." Before he could finish his sentence, I just lost it and screamed to him in Spanish "Dejame por favor! No quiero hablar contigo! lo peor de todo, eres tan feo!" in English, "Please leave me alone! I don't want to talk to you! worst of all, you are so ugly!" I know, I am not proud of what I said or its something that is NOT me, but he asked for it, and I just needed to shoo him away so I had to do it and grab my phone pretending I was going to call the police while looking at the street sign as if telling the police where this crazy man is. Lo and behold, he was murmuring something in Spanish and cycled away as fast as he can. A minute after, there it is, I found me a station full of available bikes and a sign of relief.

Things like these happened to me a lot already, being approached by random and most of the time stupid un-educated strangers. But if I had to tell you the details then I'll probably just make a book or film out from it. There was even one man who just approached me while I was waiting for a friend and said "Quieres ir conmigo? 50euros? 100?" In english, "Do you like to come with me? 50euros? 100?" Another just stopped right in front of me and screamed to my embarassment "Oooh la la! madre mia! que guapa! preciosaaa!!!" But as much as you want to slap their faces, eventually you realize that the art of ignoring is the best first option. That's why walking along Barcelona having a tall man beside you are always such a breeze. But at the end of every bad episode of my day, I always just tell myself that had I not experienced it, then I wouldn't be too aware, careful, and prepared the next time it happens. That is just how you learn.

But Dear Christina, I still can't believe you tried to bike your way home
with a busted wheel thinking that there won't be any difference.

2010-11-16T14:51:00.003+01:00

Carmen Bridge, Cagayan de Oro City

This part is the breeze in between the heat.
I always look forward when the jeepney passes by this part of town
most especially when traffic is as smooth as silk. [source]

Taken by one of my best friends back home. For a moment, I felt I was inside the photo. For a moment I could clearly remember what it is like how everyday since I was young, this bridge connects me/us from home to school to work to going out to everywhere around the city. The smell and touch of the breeze. The people passing by. The noise of the famous jeepneys and motorelas. Funny how we start to feel nostalgic about the littlest and simplest of things only when we are away from them.

Cagayan, It is not yet my time to come home. I still have a long way to go. But when I come back, surely the girl that left you a year ago, will still have that unique kind of love she has compared to other cities. You will always be a home to me.

BARCELONA: Zoo

2010-11-14T16:50:00.000+01:00

127 hours.

2010-11-12T09:57:00.003+01:00

"There is no force in earth more powerful

than the will to live."

Based on the real life story of Aron Ralston, an American mountaineer who forcefully amputated his right arm after it got stuck in a boulder to free himself. Performance wise, I wouldn't be surprised to hear Oscar nomination buzz as early as now for James Franco's acting. The same goes for the film especially for its directing and cinematography.

Thank you Lord,
for films that inspires me to make films.

7th of November. 9:04am

2010-11-07T08:55:00.008+01:00

In a few hours, Pope Benedict will consecrate Sagrada Familia and I will be able to share to you one of the greatest stories ever told in Papal history ---I am not going. Please do know that this is written with a sarcastic tone. While people gather around the church as near possible and as early as the other day, I am right here in my bed, my back against the wall, scarf around my neck, and writing an entry. All because I am sick, again. The fireworks I hear outside and the sound of helicopters hovering around Barcelona is tempting enough to lure me to put on the comfiest of boots, and run towards the area. But I might just end up sniffing away all the souls in there with my stubborn cold.

I could hate myself for not getting my ass out there to see the pope, but, perhaps its a good reason for me to go to Italy soon or volunteer in Madrid for next year´s World Youth Day.

Ah Barcelona, first you pour snow on the city after 25 years, second you throw in Shakira to dance and prance around the streets, Then you invite the pope to come over. What´s next?

SPANGLISH

2010-11-04T08:28:00.014+01:00

A lost soul in her early 20´s in search for spiritual guidance,
encounters and trusts a complete stranger
in his late 40´s who appears to be a spiritual healer;
or at least that´s what he made her believe.

A glimpse of the current script I am working on for our individual film. It is pretty much constructed already as I thought about this during the summer, but I need to develop a stronger conflict between the two characters. Don´t worry, it is not as serious as it sounds. Knowing me, I usually end my proposed scripts on a lighter note. But goodness, we just found out filming starts the last week of this month till the first week of December. That is before the holidays! We do refuse to believe our professor hoping he did not get his facts right since the 2nd year students of last year started filming around January and February. But if so, that would mean I have to finish the screenplay and storyboard by next week. In any case, I do miss filming. I do miss being the director again. So I do am looking forward to this.

I think I deserve a pat on the back for trying to write my scripts in Spanish already.
Or more of Spanglish.

¡Feliz Halloween!

2010-11-02T18:53:00.002+01:00

I was told if your kids go on trick and treating, the Spanish residents will only give you a confused face instead of a bucket full of sweets. But not bad for city that doesn't really recognize the tradition except for costume parties for adults. I have my reason why I wasn't in costume though; and its a very good and funny one that I still can't stop thinking about it ---But don't ask ;-)

¡Feliz Halloween y Los Dias de Los Muertos!

Pesto Pasta with Tuna

2010-10-30T17:48:00.004+02:00

One day I had no food at home and was really hungry; it didn't help either that all grocery stores are closed during Sundays. But thanks to an Italian friend of mine who saved me from famine and hunger by cooking an Italian pasta for me/us using an authentic pasta fresh from Italy. Ah Barcelona; chances are higher to taste authentic European cuisines straight from your friends.

The photo above is NOT what we had, but is what I did today from the pasta leftover. It's a Saturday this time, but I didn't have the energy to go all the way to the grocery store and buy the necessary ingredients and had to make use of what was left. Really, if you had to finish editing a film and read a whole script, you'd feel like there's no time for anything else. So, I made a Pesto Pasta with Tuna (but could seriously just eat the pasta itself).

It's no wonder why Italian food is il migliore and molto delizioso. They say you can judge the quality of a pasta by how much chewing it requires, the bounciness it has, and the suttle nutty flavour ---Italian pasta is just about all that.

2010-10-29T01:03:00.003+02:00

Hello folks!

My month of October and probably until the first week of November is really loaded, and keeping up on my entries and trying to write something significant and purposeful is pretty much way behind the line. My apologies. So instead of writing something for this entry, I'm curious to know where you are from, how you ended up on my site, and what topic you most likely want me to write about. So until things start to calm down, I placed a small widget right below to get to know you guys better! You can ask or tell me just about anything and I would be glad to answer them. Just please ask/share con un sentido común! and respect.

So this will be one of the few times that I will be putting this up and allow you to ask or tell me anonymously just about anything. Aprovechalo!

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.formspring.me/christinaelloso"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;http://www.formspring.me/christinaelloso&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Christina xx

166 pages of nothing but Spanish.

2010-10-22T19:53:00.003+02:00

1. Read entire film script for "Los Lunes al sol", make a written analyzation.
2. Watch "Taxi Driver", make a written analyzation.
3. Watch "Fight Club", make a written analyzation.
4. Come up with a short plot for your short film.
5. Think of your Protagonist, make a written theme, genre, and log-line.

All for next week.
Welcome to my life.

That 24-hour transition

2010-10-20T10:27:00.005+02:00

There was one point in summer where we went out too much, literally every single day from Monday to Sunday. In just a month, we have been to at least 10 different clubs and bouncers didn't have to look into our names in the list. Things went extremely overboard to a point that because we partied 4 days straight coming home between 5am-10am, the next day I experienced fatigue and basically my body rejected anything I took in ---on the day of my very own party. While everyone enjoyed the night, I was stuck inside my room, resting. But that didn't really change anything. We still went out until one Saturday night, we found ourselves sitting down on one of the clubs at 1 in the morning ---sleeping. And we didn't even drink yet. A month of partying in Europe could equate a year of me partying in the Philippines. I know it sounds too much but somehow, I know I deserve to have my fun. I literally earned for it.

Then comes October 18, a day after my birthday. The transition from all those hard-partying to going to school was basically a 24hour shift. I am back to film school. Back to sitting down on the same room I once entered almost a year ago with so much fear and uncertainty of how to cope up. I am far from being fluent, and there are words I still don't understand, but as I sat there listening intently as our professor talk about the work of a producer, the heart of a script, and their relationship with the director, believe me, even sharing to you what was discussed makes my heart leap for it only means I do now understand Spanish. I even find myself asking questions (in Spanish) and participating more which never happened the last year.

To be honest I didn't look forward that much going back to film school. I still wanted summer to extend till forever. But it only took me to sit down in our first day of class, watch and listen as our professor refresh and feed our brain cells with film, then i knew ---this is what I was here for. Then I knew, that no amount of partying can exchange my determination to learn and study Film.

No wonder that 24hour transition went by so smoothly.

2010-10-19T00:40:00.003+02:00

This happened only when I went out to grab some food for about an hour. Another hour later, it was +20. You guys, you make my heart melt. I have to admit, your greetings and messages made me blush. I am going to reply no matter if it just keeps on coming.

Un beso grande a todos!

A quick hello.

2010-10-12T15:13:00.003+02:00

Hello folks,

I know I haven't really been that religious with updating. I guess thats both a good and a bad thing. Good, because I don't find myself always sitting in front of my laptop reading recycled news or shit about crappy celebrities, or "facebook stalking" other people. I used to have a twitter account too but then I realized it consumes so much of my time reading other people's brain farts. As much information you get out from it, at the end of the day you could barely even remember the links you clicked. Instead, I'd spend more of my time hanging out with people who I can see and touch rather than a LCD screen. And it does help a lot that most Spanish people barely uses the internet and would rather go out may it be a park or somewhere else but the cyber web. To be honest, not one single friend of mine here has a twitter account.

But Bad, because my family and friends back home barely hears any update from me anymore. This is precisely the reason why I made this blog and I am so bad at updating. Anyways, film school starts next week already! And I think I would rather talk more about that and leave most of my summer escapades in my small private box. There's a lot of interesting news to share though, I was featured in a newspaper back home but I am waiting for some scans and will post it in here. And I will also be participating in an upcoming exhibit in the Philippines this December (but not in the flesh). I'll update you more about this soonest! For the meantime, let me savor and make the most out of my last days before film school.

Much love y un beso,
Christina

I hope this makes your day.

2010-10-08T21:40:00.001+02:00

It sure does mine.

Blonde and Blue-eyed (p.1)

2010-10-07T12:04:00.006+02:00

Rapidly walking along the cobblestones with her 4 inch heels, she was 15 minutes late. 2 glasses of red wine to help ease her tension wasn't of any help at all. But what for? She was just going to meet him, and it's not even a date.

"I am late. I am so sorry" was all she could say while catching her breath. "Oh no problem" was his reply. Of course it shouldn't be a problem! in the first place, it's not a date; she thought silently to herself. As soon as she catches her breath, she realizes how handsome he looked that night but didn't want to think about it. He was not her type ---blonde and blue-eyed.

As they hopped inside the metro train, they only have 2 station stops, and decided to just stand. Being the typical woman that she is, instinctively, she glanced at the train window while trying to pretend she's not checking herself out. And she saw both of their reflection standing side by side. He was very tall, she was small, he has blonde hair, she has black, he was very well built, and she could use some exercise; the reflection just painted all sorts of wrong.

There are partners out there in one glance, you know they are perfect or at least fit for each other. And there she was, standing beside an incarnation of Alexander the Great. Oh crap, It's like the John Smith and Pocahontas of Disney. But even so, he was just not her type. And she didn't bother looking at the reflection again. Which leaves you to wonder, is it really possible to like someone not your type? Or maybe he is, she just didn't know it yet.

LUMPIA FAIL

2010-10-05T13:57:00.002+02:00

If you have been a previous reader of this blog, I'm sure you all know I do post my desperate cooking attempts here once in a while (no matter how embarrassing) which always results to fail. From tasteless tofus to accidentally throwing eggs right into my shoes or garbage bin. This time, I tried to cook our Philippine version of Lumpia Shanghai. Complete with ground pork, carrots, onions, egg, and spices. It looked oh so nice at first and I kind of enjoyed rolling them into the wrapper not until...

Not until I fried them. The oil turned black and only God knows what happened next. The shade of the Lumpia as far as I remember looks far from how it does when my mother cooks it! Did I use the wrong wrapper?! I think I did. And trust me, that last photo is the best photo I could take and all the rest looks like a dog wouldn't even eat nor look at it. It tasted "decent" enough but definitely not what I expected.

Another fail.

Another embarrassment.

I still can't dare invite someone and cook for him/her/them. LOL.

FESTA AL CEL

2010-10-03T22:48:00.000+02:00

Just when you thought the biggest festival in Barcelona is over, you are awaken from your usual afternoon siesta by the loud roar of an aircraft noise/engine soaring right above the city's blue sky leaving you in awe with the performances by these different aircrafts from different countries and them literally painting the sky with their respective colors. If only my brother would have seen this, his addiction to aircrafts would have been satisfied tenfold.

So I guess this marks the end of summer season...

Els Castellers.

2010-09-28T19:31:00.003+02:00

And there you have it, the first time I was able to witness Catalunya's tradition of building human towers called the Castell; Catalan for castle. The plaza was full, packed with spectators from every corner eagerly anticipating for the first group to begin. Then music surfaces. Then everybody starts to applaud. Then comes a hush. Then its pure silence ---and the Castellers begins. I didn't know how I was supposed to feel about it. Firstly, I was just happy to be exactly where I was in that exact moment. I waited for this since last year and even if I had to wake up early despite a late night activity the other day, this I can't just miss. Secondly, I got nervous for the Castellers. Who wouldn't? Lastly, I felt hungry.

It's just still so hard to sum up how beautiful and full of surprises this city is. It's almost a year now, but I still feel like there's so many things to discover just yet. Then again, I am just happy to be exactly where I am. Thank you Lord, estoy muy contenta.

La Mercè, I need a flu shot!

2010-09-25T19:57:00.007+02:00

La Mercè is the biggest street festival in Barcelona every year which takes place for 5 straight days of non-stop festivities and parties with over 600 events and about 2000+ artists. The festival is in honor of Catalunya's patron saint Mare de Deu de la Merce and is also a form of saying Adieu to Summer as festive as possible and welcomes the cooler months of Autumn.

The La Mercé parade (or Giants Parade) is one of the highlights of the festival. Huge giants from kings, queens, to nobles parade along the main streets of Barcelona accompanied with the rythm of some musical instruments. More of the upcoming highlights I am very much looking forward to are the Human Castells (I've been waiting to watch this since last year while I was still stuck in my humble abode in the Philippines on a hot September month) and Correfoc which begins with fireworks and people dressed up in devil or dragon costumes will literally shower sparkler flames on the street. So as they say, you need to be bundled with clothing for safety precautions. I think I need more energy to be able to enjoy the whole festival in full force. Energy, for sale? please?

Barcelona, you are one crazy city.

Runaway film preview

2010-09-21T10:19:00.003+02:00

A comeback never looked this good.

Me being, a pig

2010-09-20T22:21:00.004+02:00

I was just amused by myself that I had to post this.

So one night I was waiting for the facebook response of a friend I was going to meet. I didn't want to be too hungry before meeting I decided to grab a little something to munch. I didn't realize my "little" turned out to be "a lot" after seeing the evidence. Because unfortunately, while browsing the internet I honestly had no idea how the video option of my webcam was on and captured the whole me-eating-like-a-pig.

Now you all know that I DO EAT A LOT using my hands. Wa poise teh.

BARCELONA: Opium Mar

2010-09-16T20:19:00.012+02:00

For those who are planning to come here, or are already here and want to discover the city, thought I might include in this blog different entries of my favorite destinations in Barcelona. From restaurants, bars, clubs, museums, theaters, parks, and random discoveries.

Photo courtesy of tripadvisor.com

Opium Mar ---from the sound of it, you would have second thoughts going inside a club to party that reminds you of some drug, but there is always more to that. Located at the Port Olimpic area, you get a number of the best clubs in Barcelona just literally 10 steps away from each other. And Opium Mar is one of them.

During the daytime and early evening, Opium Mar is a chill/lounge area where

you can enjoy a good quality time along with their variety of meals and drinks.

Then at night time, it all changes into one of the most luxurious clubs in Barcelona.

This is the type of club where people really dress up Class A (or there's no way bouncers will let you in) and where most likely you will spend a lot of your money on. Their music is a variety of house, electro, and the latest mixes of the city's best DJs and guests such as Tiesto and David Guetta. Entrance fee would be at least 20euros (about 1200php) and coming in early would be the best option as the line stretches especially around 1am. Luckily enough I usually don't pay anything because of guest lists. 20 euros is just something that I seriously won't pay in an ordinary day.

Although majority of the people who party are tourists (not for those who want to experience authentic Spanish night life), it is still one of the must-go destinations in Barcelona when it comes to clubs. And my favorite part of it all, is their outdoor terrace where you can just lounge to catch some fresh air facing the beach.

And this pretty much sums up everything...

A month to go.

2010-09-13T01:07:00.006+02:00

One of my closest friends finally arrived back to Barcelona after spending most of her summer in Germany with family and friends. Besides the many updates and catching up we had about our long summer vacation, we were as well quite picturing ourselves back to film school already (we study at the same school). Our possible professors, remaining schoolmates, new students/comers, proposed scripts, etc. I've said it so many times but, damn time flies fast. The next thing I know, I'll be at the Oscars. Ok, kidding (but why not).

September is the June in the Philippines, when majority of schools and the first semester begins in Europe. Some students are still nursing a summer hang-over and is not quite ready yet with the transition from bikinis to books (if that made any sense). While others, feel a certain pang of excitement. In my case, it does feels like high-school minus the giddiness of what to wear during the first day of class. I am curious too about how well my Spanish has improved since remembering that first day I went inside the classroom and could only stare at my professor and not understand a single Spanish word he was saying. I could clearly still remember that awkward day.

To be honest, I still don't want summer to end. At some days I could feel already the soft sign of Autumn breeze and I just want to run towards the beach and get a hold of the remaining summer heat. But there is no goodbye to summer yet, I still have a month before film school. A month before my creative braincells will once again be battered and abused.

Help finish HAPPYLAND

2010-09-12T16:10:00.005+02:00

Photo courtesy of vintersections.com

Jim Libiran is one of the most respected directors to grace Philippine cinema. Being a multi-awarded writer, filmmaker, and producer, it wouldn't be hard to expound why he is a great inspiration to other budding writers and directors. Neither I couldn't be more proud to be acquainted and have exchanged messages with him. If anything, meeting him and hopefully crashing one of his on-going shoots/lectures to learn a thing or two is definitely on my check list when I come back to the Philippines.

HAPPYLAND is his latest work, the first ever Filipino football movie in the Philippines with reference to the legendary Filipino striker named Paulino Alcantara who played for FC Barcelona.

"If you like this video clip, you might also enjoy the whole film.

Help us finish the Happyland film project. Log on to www.savehappyland.com"

-Jim Libiran