CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

SOFIA Celebrates the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage

As one of the lead organizations dedicated to the cause of audiovisual preservation in the country, The Society of Filipino Archivists for Film (SOFIA) has lined-up a series of activities in celebration of the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage on October 27, 2009, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines starting at 9am.

As declared by the UNESCO, October 27 has been designated as the World Day for AV Heritage to raise awareness to the significance of AV documents and to draw attention to the need to safeguard them. With this year's theme “Fading Heritage: We Can Save It” as backdrop, the following activities have been slated:

Seminar workshop on the basic handling and preservation of audiovisual materials. To be conducted by SOFIA officers Makk Junio, Emma Rey and Mary del Pliar, this workshop will cover storage, handling, restoration methods, equipment recommendations and disaster preparedness.

Launching of the SOFIA website. SOFIA goes online with the launch of its official website where visitors can learn more about the organization and its various programs and activities, receive the latest news and updates, as well procedures on how to volunteer and be a member.

Screening of Richard Abelardo's Mutya ng Pasig. To cap off the day's events, and to honor the memory of film preservation stalwart Alexis Tioseco, there will be a screening of Richard Abelardo's classic 1950's film Mutya ng Pasig.

A fee of 500.00 pesos will be charged per participant and is inclusive of a workshop kit, snacks, certificate of participation and membership to SOFIA.

For more details, please contact Vicky Belarmino at 832-1125 loc. 1704 to 1705 or Monchito Nocon at 0920 2836393 or email sofiaphils@gmail.com

CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

FROM THE MAILBAG.

LISTEN... DO YOU WANT TO KNOW A SECRET?

I'm convinced that the internet is becoming the world's new confessional. I received this letter a couple of days ago from a Catolico Cerrado who just had to get some things off her chest.

Date: Tue, 13 Oct 2009
From: DOLORES
Subject: Looking for 20 Filipinos to speak up
To: celdrantours@hotmail.com

Dear Carlos,

I have long been for the passage of the RH bill and would really want to help. Unfortunately, "I ain't got no balls".

My family, especially my in-laws are mostly "Saradong Katoliko" and so are many of my dearest friends. They follow whatever the church dictates. It's very difficult for me. I am also a practicing Catholic and wonder why I so don't agree with the church on this issue. I support the bill but I'm afraid to speak up because I don't want to be condemned or ostracized especially by my friends.

The church has been such a big bully in all this. Although I'm sure you can find 20 people to speak up, I think there are perhaps more people who are just like me, supporting the bill but not openly.

Over the weekend I was with a mixed group of ladies, chatting while preparing food for typhoon victims. The question was asked "So how do you feel about Noynoy supporting the RH bill?'' to a lady whose family was working very hard to convince people to reject the bill but at the same time will be supporting Noynoy. She replied saying that they will be "working" on him to convince him to change his stand.

Many months ago, or was it maybe a year or so ago, (when this issue was all over the news), my parish church was working very hard to get our support for their anti-RH stand. They would pass a paper for us to sign DURING THE MASS--how desperate, I thought. I didn't sign it and I think a lot just passed it on without signing also. We've also recently had speeches from members of the parish talking about the "evils" of the bill, before the mass ended which meant that they had a captive market.

Also about the same time, I got into a discussion about this with a very close friend who was anti-RH bill. After I put forth all my arguments and she was kinda "losing the debate", she told me even then that anyway, this was not going to be passed because the church had already convinced GMA not to sign this. I guess this meant that even if I was right, it didn't matter because they were stronger and worked harder to block it.

In my daughter's school, they are always praying that the bill will not be passed. I, on the other hand, have been praying but for the passage of the bill and for the enlightenment of those working against its passage. My daughter knows how I feel about this bill but I told her to just follow what the school says so she doesn't get into trouble.

I feel for you because you are working so hard for this and I so agree we need this bill. I don't need to give you my reasons because you know more than me the merits and importance of this bill. I have in fact become convinced because of what I've read mostly from you.

Sorry if I seem like a big coward to you. I don't really think I can handle going up against the church. I'm no David against that Goliath.

Well, maybe you should take a poll on just how many there are of us--who are Catholics and support the bill but are afraid to openly go against the church. Maybe there's a way those of us who are not so courageous can show our numbers without identifying ourselves.

DOLORES

From: carlos celdran
To: DOLORES
Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 18:08:03
Subject: RE: Looking for 20 Filipinos to speak up

Hi there. Thank you so much for emailing me. I am amazed at the responses I have had these past few hours. So much support.

And although there really is no way to help if you hide your identity (Really, there isn't. Either one speaks up or doesnt'. There are no grey areas), I think you have already done quite enough.

Just speaking up with your family at the dinner table and instilling your values to your children and not allowing your kids to get brainwashed is already a courageous act. Not all battles have to be big ones. You are taking little steps. Good for you. It's better than not doing anything at all.

Once again, thanks so much for emailing me. It's really sweet of you. And trust me, although the bullies may have won this battle through unfair methods, people of my ilk are now realizing that we are not alone. The movement has started. And we are active. And we are thinkers. We'll get far. Maybe not tomorrow. But soon. Trust me.

All the best.
Carlos

I wonder how many Dolores' there are out there. It really made me think. And really made me more determined to keep this discussion going. And how about you? Pipi ka ba O Pepe?

WORK! WORK! WORK!

The makers of those great maps/guides that I've been hawking around town are looking for a dedicated hard working Filipino to join their team. Please contact Groovy Map n' Guides of Bangkok for an amazing opportunity to work with really amazing people. I would apply for the job myself if I wasn't so damned busy.

GROOVY MAP N' GUIDES BANGKOK is looking for a dedicated sales person here to take charge of our international sales and distribution, make contacts with international (ASEAN region) customers and generally help build our regional distribution.

They are looking for someone personable, fluent in English, and willing to do some travelling around the region! If you think you are that person, email my friend Niki at the address below and send her your CV. Think about it. Fun! Travel! Bangkok!

niki@groovymap.com

CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

SAGIP SINING: ART 2 THE RESCUE

The Cultural Center of the Philippines will be hosting an artist-led fundraising event for Ondoy and Pepeng typhoon victims. It will be the whole day of Oct 25, Sunday from 10am till 10pm. Visual artists will be auctioning off a collaborative mural, Rock Ed will be hosting a medicine drive at the front ramp, and stand up comedians will perform in a show called "Comic Relief" at the CCP Main Theater. Classical artists will also perform at the Little theater.

You all better be there. It's a great way to spend a Sunday.

Cheers.

OPLAN PEPE: PIPI KA BA OR PEPE?

Read some excellent words from Miss Shirin Bhandari on Ana Santos' blog. So glad that she had the strength to speak freely about what's on her mind. She is amazingly articulate about her experiences with Catholicism. I'm looking forward to hearing more testimonies from folks like her.

Seriously, there are modern day Damasos in our society. It's time to start the discussion and continue what Jose Rizal started.

So. Pipi ka ba o Pepe?

Oh, and in support of the RH Bill (which can still be refiled in the next Congress) both Mag:net venues will host "Wombrock" a fund raising campaign organized by the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP):

23 Oct, Fri, 7-10PM
Mag:net Cafe High Street: Noel Cabangon, Johnoy&Kakoi and... Louquy

24 Oct, Sat, 7-10PM-
Mag:net Cafe Katipunan: Cynthia Alexander, Bayang Barrios, Tao Nono Aves.
Tickets (P200, inclusive of 1 drink)

Now available in both venues. Log onto www.magnet.com.ph

SUPPORT the RH Bill!

WORK! WORK! WORK!

KAPISANAN, the premier Philippine arts/cultural organization of Toronto, has recently received funding to create a brand new website. They are seeking illustrators to support it's overall vision and art direction. The chosen illustrator will be working under the Creative Director (Christine Mangosing - www.christinemangosing.com).

We are looking for 3 main illustrations (to represent 3 main sections of the site) which we will be taking pieces of to complete the overall look of the entire website.

The illustrations created will visually represent the KAPISANAN Centre and should evoke the mood/ambience/energy of the Centre and its people through the recommended styles described below to be used as the foundation of the new design for www.kapisanancentre.com.

STYLE PEGS:

• Point of reference is Scandinavian folk art, as adapted by illustrator Sanna Annukka (http://www.sanna-annukka.com/ or images also attached)

• Make use of the simplified forms (icons), repetition and organic flow of elements characteristic of the style, while incorporating elements specific to Philippine culture.

Make use of:

- flora and fauna native to the Philippines (ie. sampaguita, gumamela (hibiscus), anahaw palm leaves, santan, waling-waling, pineapples, papayas, mangoes, etc)

- native food/animals ( ie. roosters, pigs, carabaos, etc)

- stylistic elements found in architecture, furniture and textiles from both indigenous and post-Spanish culture (ie. T'boli tribe (below) t'nalak patterns, embroidery on barongs, geometric tattoo patterns from northern Luzon mountain tribes, Philippine Art Nouveau embroidery and decor from the turn of the century (EXAMPLE: THE Manila Metropolitan Theater (above), etc)

- objects common to the daily life of a Filipino (paypay (fan), banig, fork + spoon, jeepney, tricycle, rice cooker, etc)

BE CREATIVE, make it your own, make it FILIPINO, do your research, have fun!

Illustrations can be hand-drawn/hand-made using media of your choice (as long as it can be digitized and further manipulated -- scanned and vectorized) or digitally re-produced.

Please contact caroline@kapisanancentre.com if you are interested in this job.

Thanks!

WE'RE MAKING A LIST AND CHECKING IT TWICE....

Ok. So I guess you've all heard the news by now. Barring Congress' sudden refocus of priorities, The Reproductive Health Bill HB5043 will not pass during this Congress. I know. It's both infuriating and bewildering but as you know, this administration has been notorious for not giving the people what they want - nor deserve. Especially infuriating were reports that it was PGMA herself who called up Speaker of the House Nograles to push for the cancellation of the interpollation/discussion/vote on HB5043 in favor of rushing talks of their budget allotments. Money is apparently all that they want to talk about for the next month, then afterwards, it's the filing of candidacies for their re-election and game over. The bill will be archived and we have to re-file and start from frigging scratch after the May 2010 elections. Jeez. I am convinced now more than ever that some government officials hate their own people and perhaps even derive thrills from the thought of malnourished babies and mothers. (Shot of starting point, the Sandiganbayan on Commonwealth Ave.)

But nevertheless, we're not giving up. This is only a minor obstacle. Plan B is in the works. The war isn't over yet. Meanwhile. here are some shots from our march to Congress last Sept. 22. (yours truly joining the march, above).

Pregnant women from the low income sector protesting the government's denial of their rights to reproductive health information and services (above).

Just a few words for y'all.

Reproductive health advocates Jun and Beth leading the march.

Even kids know that this country needs the Reproductive Health Bill passed.

Protesters from various citizen's groups marching from Commonwealth to the gates of the Batasang Pambansa (Philippine Congress). We were almost eight hundred all in all. Then again, I'm not good in gauging numbers. It could have been more.

Arrival at the gates of Congress.

Representative Risa Hontiveros of Akbayan addressing the crowd. She part of the Noynoy-Mar ticket. I'm voting for her.

The super chica wrangler. She didn't break out into a sweat at all during the rally.
Snack break. Protesting can really work up an appetite and there is really nothing more satisfying than the "rally cuisine" of Manila. I'm sure some of you know what I'm talking about. Ayala Avenue rallies usually have a better spread, but dirty ice cream is always a mob pleaser.

Shot of some congressman's Jaguar driving through the mob into the gate (above). Gross. Infuriating. Disgusting juxtaposition. Really.


And finally, shots of the Batasang Pambansa's manicured lawns and plush plenary hall. (above)

So when thinking about who to vote for this coming 2010 elections, think of this issue. And if you want to know who were the personalities who rabidly spread lies about HB5043 and worked the hardest to deprive impoverished women of their rights to plan a family and aggravate our population problems, I've enclosed a list for your perusal. Check 'em out. Some of them are really surprising. I've also included their phone numbers. ;o)

Abante, Bienvenido Jr.
6th Manila
9518965
Antonino, Rodolfo W.
4th Nueva Ecija
931-6042
Apostol, Trinidad "Ebbie" G.
2nd Leyte
931-5415
Bagatsing, Amado S.
5th Manila
951-0918
Bonoan-David, Ma. Theresa
4th Manila
931-5445
Chatto, Edgardo M.
1st Bohol
931-5258
Coscolluela Ma. Carissa O.
Partylist BUHAY
9316442
Crisologo, Vincent P.
1st Quezon City
951-0892
Del Mar, Raul V.
1st Cebu City
9315804
Garcia, Albert S.
2nd Bataan
931-5891
Garcia, Pablo John F.
3rd Cebu
931-6261
Garcia, Pablo P.
2nd Cebu
931-5197
Golez, Roilo S.
2nd Parañaque City
931-6624
Gullas, Eduardo R.
1st Cebu RVMB
951-8924
Locsin, Teodoro Jr.
1st Makati City
931-5883
Mandanas , Hermilando I.
2nd Batangas
931-5582
Mercado, Roger Gaviola
Lone Southern Leyte
932-9196
Mitra, Abraham Kahlil B.
2nd Palawan
951-8922
Piamonte, Mariano Jr.
Partylist A Teacher
931-5210
Rodriguez, Rufus B.
2nd Cagayan De Oro City
931-6730
Romulo, Roman T.
Lone Pasig City S
931-6283
Susano, Mary Ann L.
2nd Quezon City N
931-5116
Tieng, William Irwin C.
Partylist BUHAY N - 606 931-5547
Velarde, Rene M.
Partylist BUHAY
9315974
Vinzons-Chato, Liwayway P.
Lone Camarines Norte
931-5320
Zialcita, Eduardo C.
1st Parañaque
9518923

So c'mon. Call 'em up and tell them what's on your mind.

You know you love me.
Carlos

CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

WHEE...WHEE...WHEE...KINDA...

TIME AFTER TIME...
Some of my quotes were mentioned in an article in Time Magazine once again. And although any mention of my name inside Time Magazine would be a thrill, it's unfortuate that it has to be about such a tragic event in our city's history. Read the article here.

And worse, another typhoon is expected to follow it's heels in a few hours.