just wanted to pass this along:
--
Students invited to intern & train in BALITA MEDIA INC.
HAVE you ever imagined how it is to be a reporter, editor or
photojournalist? Are your curious as to how news is created, developed and
delivered? Do you want to know how it feels like to work in a newspaper?
BALITA MEDIA INC., publishers of WEEKEND BALITA, MIDWEEK BALITA and
BALITA.COM*three of the largest and most widely read print and online
publications in the Filipino community*is inviting college students to work
as trainees and interns.
* Third or fourth year high school or college students can apply.
* Trainees and interns will receive in-newsroom training in every aspect of
presswork, including reporting and writing.
* Allowance will be provided.
E-mail an application letter to editor@balita.com .
Monday, June 26, 2006
Friday, June 23, 2006
an award (plus other stuff)
I went to SIPA's open house merienda reception today, and I am pleased to announce that TP received this:
Thanks to everyone that contributed to our volunteer work w/ SIPA; we plan to continue doing community service w/ them. Today they unveiled their new Community Arts & Technology Center at the TGYCC and it looks really nice. The kids love it.
--
In other news, I met TP alum Elson Trinidad (Class of 1995) at the open house. He has a website here detailing his musical efforts.
He also says to look out for his fellow TP alum & classmate Alden Villaverde in the recent film The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. His IMDB page is here.
Here's a picture of Villaverde from the East/West Players web site:
Thanks to everyone that contributed to our volunteer work w/ SIPA; we plan to continue doing community service w/ them. Today they unveiled their new Community Arts & Technology Center at the TGYCC and it looks really nice. The kids love it.
--
In other news, I met TP alum Elson Trinidad (Class of 1995) at the open house. He has a website here detailing his musical efforts.
He also says to look out for his fellow TP alum & classmate Alden Villaverde in the recent film The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. His IMDB page is here.
Here's a picture of Villaverde from the East/West Players web site:
Monday, June 19, 2006
the philippines and international football
The World Cup is going on right now, and in every game there is a tremendous display of national pride of all the nations in the stands and in their home countries. If you don't know what I mean, just go to youtube and search for "world cup" or "brazil" or "korea" and you'll see.
So it made me wonder: How did the Philippines fare in attempting to qualify for the World Cup? Do we even have a national football team??
Well.....yes. We do.
The most comprehensive site I could find about Philippine football is this one. there's also a nice article about Philippine football here.
The latter article states that international football used to be popular in the Philippines:
"...In 1913, when most of Asia probably had not even heard of the game, the Philippines set about creating football history when they organised the first ever Asian international match. Something never to be forgotten, Philippines played China in Manila with the hosts winning the game 2-1. That was the start of a game that would extend to the length and breadth of the Asian continent.
But a change of guard - the Spanish invaders left the islands to the Americans - resulted in the game losing its popularity in its birthplace. Football, instead of becoming the number one sport amongst Filipinos, ended up playing second fiddle to American sports...."
There's a more in-depth article on the history of Philippine football here.
an excerpt from that article:
"...Meanwhile, SMC protege Juan Cutillas, after leaving the country in 1965, came back a balikbayan doctor in 1968 and started to crowd the football headlines. Armed with a Physical Training diploma from Madrid, a Spanish national coaching license, a doctorate in medicine and a lot of corporate influence, Cutillas literally made football "tsunamis."
The Spanish doctor steered a spectacular win by a Philippine Selection over a visiting pro team, Dallas Tornadoes, 2-1, in 1968. The former Atletico Madrid midfielder coached the San Beda Red Lions and led them to three consecutive NCAA victories in as many seasons since 1968. From that year on, Cutillas has handled the national football team as coach and other sports as trainer. The only time he did not coach a national team was in '73 and '74 when he was relieved by Florentino Broce. Cutillas also led the SMC team to five championships in seven PFA tournament stagings.
In 1971, Cutillas, going through with tradition, selected four top-caliber Spanish players and one Chinese to beef up the Philippine Selection. The formula again worked as prestigious tournaments insisted on having them on the field.
Participating in such prestigious events as the Merdeka Invitationals, Pesta Sukan, Indonesia's Anniversary Cup and the President Park tournament, the Philippine Selection managed to come up with rare feats in beating Thailand, Singapore and mighty Korea. Simply stated, it is Philippine football popularity resurrected.
That's as far as football has gone in the Philippines. For when the Spaniards Lozano, Cuenca, Gutierrez and Roxas left the football scenario due to lack of funds, basketball went in for the kill as it grabbed the spotlight and the crowd. It's turning professional in 1974 is but a nail in football's coffin...."
According to FIFA's profile of the Philippines here, they didn't even try to qualify for this year's Cup.
Some facts from that site:
Despite being the oldest national team in Asia, the Philippines did not take part in preliminaries for a FIFA World Cup until the 1998 tournament. Unfortunately, they have only been able to dream of qualification so far.
In qualifying for Korea/Japan 02, the Philippines finished bottom of a group won by Oman. In six games, they only won a single point in the home game against Laos.
The Philippines, where the Asian Football Confederation was founded on 8 May 1954, celebrated their finest victory back in 1917 with a 15-2 demolition of Japan. Their team will not take part in qualifying for Germany 06.
Oh well. There's always Pacquiao to cheer for.
BTW, his fight w/ Oscar Larios @ the Araneta Coliseum is on July 2. HBO isn't covering this, so I don't know how to watch it yet.
So it made me wonder: How did the Philippines fare in attempting to qualify for the World Cup? Do we even have a national football team??
Well.....yes. We do.
The most comprehensive site I could find about Philippine football is this one. there's also a nice article about Philippine football here.
The latter article states that international football used to be popular in the Philippines:
"...In 1913, when most of Asia probably had not even heard of the game, the Philippines set about creating football history when they organised the first ever Asian international match. Something never to be forgotten, Philippines played China in Manila with the hosts winning the game 2-1. That was the start of a game that would extend to the length and breadth of the Asian continent.
But a change of guard - the Spanish invaders left the islands to the Americans - resulted in the game losing its popularity in its birthplace. Football, instead of becoming the number one sport amongst Filipinos, ended up playing second fiddle to American sports...."
There's a more in-depth article on the history of Philippine football here.
an excerpt from that article:
"...Meanwhile, SMC protege Juan Cutillas, after leaving the country in 1965, came back a balikbayan doctor in 1968 and started to crowd the football headlines. Armed with a Physical Training diploma from Madrid, a Spanish national coaching license, a doctorate in medicine and a lot of corporate influence, Cutillas literally made football "tsunamis."
The Spanish doctor steered a spectacular win by a Philippine Selection over a visiting pro team, Dallas Tornadoes, 2-1, in 1968. The former Atletico Madrid midfielder coached the San Beda Red Lions and led them to three consecutive NCAA victories in as many seasons since 1968. From that year on, Cutillas has handled the national football team as coach and other sports as trainer. The only time he did not coach a national team was in '73 and '74 when he was relieved by Florentino Broce. Cutillas also led the SMC team to five championships in seven PFA tournament stagings.
In 1971, Cutillas, going through with tradition, selected four top-caliber Spanish players and one Chinese to beef up the Philippine Selection. The formula again worked as prestigious tournaments insisted on having them on the field.
Participating in such prestigious events as the Merdeka Invitationals, Pesta Sukan, Indonesia's Anniversary Cup and the President Park tournament, the Philippine Selection managed to come up with rare feats in beating Thailand, Singapore and mighty Korea. Simply stated, it is Philippine football popularity resurrected.
That's as far as football has gone in the Philippines. For when the Spaniards Lozano, Cuenca, Gutierrez and Roxas left the football scenario due to lack of funds, basketball went in for the kill as it grabbed the spotlight and the crowd. It's turning professional in 1974 is but a nail in football's coffin...."
According to FIFA's profile of the Philippines here, they didn't even try to qualify for this year's Cup.
Some facts from that site:
Despite being the oldest national team in Asia, the Philippines did not take part in preliminaries for a FIFA World Cup until the 1998 tournament. Unfortunately, they have only been able to dream of qualification so far.
In qualifying for Korea/Japan 02, the Philippines finished bottom of a group won by Oman. In six games, they only won a single point in the home game against Laos.
The Philippines, where the Asian Football Confederation was founded on 8 May 1954, celebrated their finest victory back in 1917 with a 15-2 demolition of Japan. Their team will not take part in qualifying for Germany 06.
Oh well. There's always Pacquiao to cheer for.
BTW, his fight w/ Oscar Larios @ the Araneta Coliseum is on July 2. HBO isn't covering this, so I don't know how to watch it yet.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
cultural events (6.17-6.24)
1. SIPA 3rd Annual Open House Merienda Reception (6.23)
(Volunteers are being recognized in this event, including TP, so if you can make it, email me)
Education, Creation
and Innovation—
Building Blocks of the Community
3200 West Temple Street • Historic Filipinotown • Los Angeles, CA 90026-4522
Tel (213) 382-1819 • Fax (213) 382-7445 • www.esipa.org
reply or for more information, call SIPA’s Events Hotline at (213) 382-1819 x123 or email info@esipa.org.
---
2. Community Forum: "History in the Making" (6.24)
FILIPINO AMERICAN SERVICE GROUP INC. (FASGI), and PHILIPPINE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION (PABA), CHA HOLLYWOOD PRESBYTERIAN MEDICAL CENTER ) cordially invite you to:
DISCUSSION ON IMMIGRATION ISSUES
Filipino Veterans Family Reunification and Exemption Quota for Registered Nurse
at the
CHA HOLLYWOOD PRESBYTERIAN MEDICAL CENTER AUDITORIUM,
1300 No. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA. (Parking entrance-Lexington St. $2.00)
on
SATURDAY, JUNE 24
9:00 AM TO 11:30 AM
Speakers/Panelists: Roman Mosqueda,Esq.; Eric Lacheca, American Coalition of Filipino Veterans; Allison Aquino, Esq., PABA; Stuart Kwoh, President, Asian American Pacific Legal Center (invited), U.S. Congressman Darrell Issa (invited); U.S. Congressman David Dreier,(invited)
MC/FC: Eduardo A. Angeles, Esq. President, PABA
FREE! No Charge. Light Refreshments will be served from 8:00 – 9:00 am
For more info and RSVP: Allison Aquino, email aaquino@aquinolaw.net: Susan Dilkes at Tel: 213 487-9804; Email: fasgi@fasgi.org
Partially Funded by the Department of Community Services and Development
(Volunteers are being recognized in this event, including TP, so if you can make it, email me)
Education, Creation
and Innovation—
Building Blocks of the Community
3200 West Temple Street • Historic Filipinotown • Los Angeles, CA 90026-4522
Tel (213) 382-1819 • Fax (213) 382-7445 • www.esipa.org
reply or for more information, call SIPA’s Events Hotline at (213) 382-1819 x123 or email info@esipa.org.
---
2. Community Forum: "History in the Making" (6.24)
FILIPINO AMERICAN SERVICE GROUP INC. (FASGI), and PHILIPPINE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION (PABA), CHA HOLLYWOOD PRESBYTERIAN MEDICAL CENTER ) cordially invite you to:
DISCUSSION ON IMMIGRATION ISSUES
Filipino Veterans Family Reunification and Exemption Quota for Registered Nurse
at the
CHA HOLLYWOOD PRESBYTERIAN MEDICAL CENTER AUDITORIUM,
1300 No. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA. (Parking entrance-Lexington St. $2.00)
on
SATURDAY, JUNE 24
9:00 AM TO 11:30 AM
Speakers/Panelists: Roman Mosqueda,Esq.; Eric Lacheca, American Coalition of Filipino Veterans; Allison Aquino, Esq., PABA; Stuart Kwoh, President, Asian American Pacific Legal Center (invited), U.S. Congressman Darrell Issa (invited); U.S. Congressman David Dreier,(invited)
MC/FC: Eduardo A. Angeles, Esq. President, PABA
FREE! No Charge. Light Refreshments will be served from 8:00 – 9:00 am
For more info and RSVP: Allison Aquino, email aaquino@aquinolaw.net: Susan Dilkes at Tel: 213 487-9804; Email: fasgi@fasgi.org
Partially Funded by the Department of Community Services and Development
Friday, June 09, 2006
cultural events (6.10-6.15)
1. "Care Home" Screening (6.10)
NORA AUNOR'S FILM SCREENING ON JUNE 10
In line with the Philippine Independence Celebration for the month of
June, GGS Entertainment proudly presents a special screening of the
movie "Care Home" starring the legendary superstar Ms. Nora Aunpr,
Queen of the Visayan Movies Gloria Sevilla, Rebecca Quintana and Divina
Valencia on Saturday, June 10, 2006 at 6:30 P.M. at the Glendale Central
Library Auditorium located at 222 E. Harvard Street Glendale, CA 91205.
Tickets available at the gate or for more information please call (818)
915-3558 and (818) 240-8397.
"Care Home,"directed by Suzett Ranillo, promises not only to
entertain but to provide a look into the plight of the Filipino
caregivers in the United States. Opposed to the Filipino cultural norm
that frowns upon those who seek outside facilities to care for their
elderly, this movie presents a different mind set whereby adult Filipino
children are encouraged to allow a facility to provide quality care for
their aging parents.
After a successful screening in San Francisco, this movie promises to
touch the hearts of the people of Los Angeles who choose to see it. For
a peek at the movie's outtakes and film gallery, you may visit their
website at www.carehomethemovie.com
2. Kabattang maka-Bayan USA presents "THE ROOFTOP" Native Guns Album Release Party (6.11)
LOS ANGELES ALBUM RELEASE PARTY!
JUNE 11th, 5-11pm at REMY'S on TEMPLE
2126 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90026
Cost: $8 donation
No one will be turned away for lack of funds
A community event featuring good food, music, art, truth, and hope.
All Power To The People
KmB
Los Angeles/Bay Area, CA- Acclaimed revolutionary Pinoy hip hop group Native Guns are proud to announce the long-awaited, highly anticipated release of their debut album, "Barrel Men."
An urban tribal masterpiece-"Barrel Men" reflects the life, times, and mission of these "two bald-headed brown brothas with tattoos." MCs Kiwi and Bambu both grew up in inner-city Los Angeles districts in which gang culture was a part of their youth. Building names for themselves separately in L.A.'s busy underground hip hop scene, they were united through the same love and passion to improve their community. Both credit hip hop for providing an alternative to gang life and sparking their social consciousness.
With production from DJ Rhettmatic (World Famous Beat Junkies, Visionaries), Sabzi (Blue Scholars), ASI and others, the Native Guns combine music with critical thought, covering topics ranging from third world sweatshop labor ("Work It") to self-criticism ("Look in the Mirror"). Spitting knowledge doesn't have to be boring: the Guns prove this with their head-nodding anthem "Champion," the first single from the album. Another song that is sure to get crowds jumping is the track "Hammer," which is a bouncing call-to-arms for their fellow youth from the hood. "1995" has Kiwi and Bambu reminiscing about the feel-good innocent days of discovering hip-hop, while "Kombat" provides a scathing critique of today's mainstream rap industry.
"Barrel Men" represents a fresh perspective for hip hop, embodying the bridge between art and activism. In this tradition of socially conscious music, this album will certainly be an important contribution, both in the classroom and on the street corner.
3. Filipino Heritage Day Celebration -- Walnut, CA (6.11)
SPECIAL CELEBRATION
SUNDAY - JUNE 11, 2006 - 1:00 P.M.
Miracle Hill Campus - 18901 Amar Rd., Walnut, CA
JUNE 11 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
9:00 A.M. - PILIPINO SERVICE
10:00 A.M. - PRAISE & WORSHIP SERVICE
12:00 Noon -LUNCH (FOOD BOOTHS)
1:00 P.M. - OPENING CEREMONY
2:00 P.M. - CULTURAL PROGRAM AND ENTERTAINMENT AND BALLROOM DANCING
18901 E. Amar Road (driveway is opposite Amber Valley Drive)
Walnut, CA 91789 • Ph (626) 965-4300 • Fax (626) 965-4481
Contact: Len Mercado (626) 839-1724 • Grace Barrios (626) 854-9899
We Welcome Sponsors and Booth Exhibitors
Sponsored by:
Filipino American Chamber of Commerce
of San Gabriel Valley
City of West Covina
City of Walnut
Gospel Life CommunityWest Covina Toyota ScionUniversal Bank
Honorary Co-Chairs
West Covina Mayor Steve Herfert • Mayor Pro-Tem Michael Touhey
Walnut Mayor Pro-Tem Tony Cartagena • Council Memeber Joaquin Lim
4. Asian Americans and Immigration Reform (6.15)
Asian Pacific Americans for Progress (APAP) and the Organization of Chinese Americans - Greater LA (OCA-GLA) cordially invite you to:
"Asian Americans and Immigration Reform: Where Do We Stand?"
An Educational/Discussion Forum on Issues of Concern for the Asian Pacific Islander Community
Thursday, June 15, 2006
6:00 - 7:00 PM Reception and check-in
7:00 - 8:30 PM Panel discussion
The Pico House at the El Pueblo Historical Monument
425 N. Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles CA 90012
Complimentary food and refreshments will be provided.
Speakers include:
Mike Eng, Monterey Park City Councilmember and Former Mayor; Immigration Law Attorney
Anna Prasad, Executive Director, US-Asia Business Forum
Aquilina Soriano-Versoza, Executive Director, Pilipino Workers' Center
John Trasviña, Interim President and General Counsel, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
Kent Wong, Director of the UCLA Center for Labor Research
Su Yon Yi, Director of Special Projects, National Korean American Service and Education Consortium
Moderators:
Preeti Kulkarni, board member, Asian Pacific Americans for Progress; finance director, Connections for Children
George M. Yin, board member, Organization of Chinese Americans; public law attorney, Burke, Williams & Sorensen LLP....
....This event is free, but space is limited. Reservations are highly encouraged. To RSVP, send your name and number of guests to: apafp@apaforprogress.org.
APAP is a national network of progressive Asian Americans. Additional immigration forums are planned for San Francisco (July 5) and San Diego (July 15). For more info, go to: apaforprogress.org
OCA is dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States. For more info, go to: oca-gla.org
Parking Info:
Lot 2 (enter on Main Street, cross-street Cesar Chavez)
Lot 4 (enter on Los Angeles Street, cross-street Arcadia)
Lot 5 (enter on Alameda Street, cross-street Arcadia)
Parking is $5
http://camla.org/bigmap.htm
NORA AUNOR'S FILM SCREENING ON JUNE 10
In line with the Philippine Independence Celebration for the month of
June, GGS Entertainment proudly presents a special screening of the
movie "Care Home" starring the legendary superstar Ms. Nora Aunpr,
Queen of the Visayan Movies Gloria Sevilla, Rebecca Quintana and Divina
Valencia on Saturday, June 10, 2006 at 6:30 P.M. at the Glendale Central
Library Auditorium located at 222 E. Harvard Street Glendale, CA 91205.
Tickets available at the gate or for more information please call (818)
915-3558 and (818) 240-8397.
"Care Home,"directed by Suzett Ranillo, promises not only to
entertain but to provide a look into the plight of the Filipino
caregivers in the United States. Opposed to the Filipino cultural norm
that frowns upon those who seek outside facilities to care for their
elderly, this movie presents a different mind set whereby adult Filipino
children are encouraged to allow a facility to provide quality care for
their aging parents.
After a successful screening in San Francisco, this movie promises to
touch the hearts of the people of Los Angeles who choose to see it. For
a peek at the movie's outtakes and film gallery, you may visit their
website at www.carehomethemovie.com
2. Kabattang maka-Bayan USA presents "THE ROOFTOP" Native Guns Album Release Party (6.11)
LOS ANGELES ALBUM RELEASE PARTY!
JUNE 11th, 5-11pm at REMY'S on TEMPLE
2126 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90026
Cost: $8 donation
No one will be turned away for lack of funds
A community event featuring good food, music, art, truth, and hope.
All Power To The People
KmB
Los Angeles/Bay Area, CA- Acclaimed revolutionary Pinoy hip hop group Native Guns are proud to announce the long-awaited, highly anticipated release of their debut album, "Barrel Men."
An urban tribal masterpiece-"Barrel Men" reflects the life, times, and mission of these "two bald-headed brown brothas with tattoos." MCs Kiwi and Bambu both grew up in inner-city Los Angeles districts in which gang culture was a part of their youth. Building names for themselves separately in L.A.'s busy underground hip hop scene, they were united through the same love and passion to improve their community. Both credit hip hop for providing an alternative to gang life and sparking their social consciousness.
With production from DJ Rhettmatic (World Famous Beat Junkies, Visionaries), Sabzi (Blue Scholars), ASI and others, the Native Guns combine music with critical thought, covering topics ranging from third world sweatshop labor ("Work It") to self-criticism ("Look in the Mirror"). Spitting knowledge doesn't have to be boring: the Guns prove this with their head-nodding anthem "Champion," the first single from the album. Another song that is sure to get crowds jumping is the track "Hammer," which is a bouncing call-to-arms for their fellow youth from the hood. "1995" has Kiwi and Bambu reminiscing about the feel-good innocent days of discovering hip-hop, while "Kombat" provides a scathing critique of today's mainstream rap industry.
"Barrel Men" represents a fresh perspective for hip hop, embodying the bridge between art and activism. In this tradition of socially conscious music, this album will certainly be an important contribution, both in the classroom and on the street corner.
3. Filipino Heritage Day Celebration -- Walnut, CA (6.11)
SPECIAL CELEBRATION
SUNDAY - JUNE 11, 2006 - 1:00 P.M.
Miracle Hill Campus - 18901 Amar Rd., Walnut, CA
JUNE 11 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
9:00 A.M. - PILIPINO SERVICE
10:00 A.M. - PRAISE & WORSHIP SERVICE
12:00 Noon -LUNCH (FOOD BOOTHS)
1:00 P.M. - OPENING CEREMONY
2:00 P.M. - CULTURAL PROGRAM AND ENTERTAINMENT AND BALLROOM DANCING
18901 E. Amar Road (driveway is opposite Amber Valley Drive)
Walnut, CA 91789 • Ph (626) 965-4300 • Fax (626) 965-4481
Contact: Len Mercado (626) 839-1724 • Grace Barrios (626) 854-9899
We Welcome Sponsors and Booth Exhibitors
Sponsored by:
Filipino American Chamber of Commerce
of San Gabriel Valley
City of West Covina
City of Walnut
Gospel Life CommunityWest Covina Toyota ScionUniversal Bank
Honorary Co-Chairs
West Covina Mayor Steve Herfert • Mayor Pro-Tem Michael Touhey
Walnut Mayor Pro-Tem Tony Cartagena • Council Memeber Joaquin Lim
4. Asian Americans and Immigration Reform (6.15)
Asian Pacific Americans for Progress (APAP) and the Organization of Chinese Americans - Greater LA (OCA-GLA) cordially invite you to:
"Asian Americans and Immigration Reform: Where Do We Stand?"
An Educational/Discussion Forum on Issues of Concern for the Asian Pacific Islander Community
Thursday, June 15, 2006
6:00 - 7:00 PM Reception and check-in
7:00 - 8:30 PM Panel discussion
The Pico House at the El Pueblo Historical Monument
425 N. Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles CA 90012
Complimentary food and refreshments will be provided.
Speakers include:
Mike Eng, Monterey Park City Councilmember and Former Mayor; Immigration Law Attorney
Anna Prasad, Executive Director, US-Asia Business Forum
Aquilina Soriano-Versoza, Executive Director, Pilipino Workers' Center
John Trasviña, Interim President and General Counsel, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)
Kent Wong, Director of the UCLA Center for Labor Research
Su Yon Yi, Director of Special Projects, National Korean American Service and Education Consortium
Moderators:
Preeti Kulkarni, board member, Asian Pacific Americans for Progress; finance director, Connections for Children
George M. Yin, board member, Organization of Chinese Americans; public law attorney, Burke, Williams & Sorensen LLP....
....This event is free, but space is limited. Reservations are highly encouraged. To RSVP, send your name and number of guests to: apafp@apaforprogress.org.
APAP is a national network of progressive Asian Americans. Additional immigration forums are planned for San Francisco (July 5) and San Diego (July 15). For more info, go to: apaforprogress.org
OCA is dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States. For more info, go to: oca-gla.org
Parking Info:
Lot 2 (enter on Main Street, cross-street Cesar Chavez)
Lot 4 (enter on Los Angeles Street, cross-street Arcadia)
Lot 5 (enter on Alameda Street, cross-street Arcadia)
Parking is $5
http://camla.org/bigmap.htm
Thursday, June 01, 2006
cavite -- a review
For a film that had absolutely no budget, Cavite was pretty good. It had its flaws, but overall it was a film worth watching.
The protagonist, Adam (Ian Gamazon) is a docks security officer in San Diego. He seemed to be wasting his life away. Then he gets a call from his mom saying that his father died, so he goes to the Philippines to attend his funeral. When he gets to NAIA in Manila, his mom never picks him up. Then a cell phone rings. Someone slipped one in his bag. Adam answers it, and learns that Muslim extremist terrorists (yes, the Abu Sayyaf) have kidnapped his mom and sister and will kill them unless he follows their orders. And so the film goes....
For those who have never seen the slums of the Philippines, this is an eye-opener, because you get to see the grim reality of the poverty in our homeland. The majority of the film was shot in the squatter towns in Cavite. You see all the trash strewn about, all the little kids with tattered clothes, etc. The Muslim terrorist makes Adam, the Filipino-American, go through these squatter towns, telling him not to be afraid, that these squatters are his countrymen. I can't really describe to you how bad these places are. You just have to see it for yourself. Along with making Adam do more dangerous errands for his cause, he also forces him to experience the heritage he for the most part doesn't know. I really liked how the directors blended the terrorism/Filipino heritage topics together in this film. (As for how authentic they presented the Muslim situation in the Philippines, well, I have to read up on those massacres they talked about in the movie).
The film goes on at a brisk pace, taking Adam around Cavite; the market, the bank, houses, cockfighting arenas, sari-sari stands....it really only stops when Adam stops to take a breath or argues with the terrorist over the phone. It's like we're there with him and we have no choice but to go forward with him. The film goes like this until its climax.
The native music used in the film was pretty good; it lent itself well to the increasing tension towards the end, although it got a little annoying sometimes (they kept reusing some of the music).
The acting....well, as the production story goes, the film was supposed to have a female lead, but the two directors (Gamazon and Dela Llana) couldn't get anyone to go with them to the Philippines, to the slums, with no bodyguards or anything of that sort. So they rewrote the script and Gamazon reluctantly became the male lead. And his acting inexperience showed (like when he gets angry and stuff).
I liked the voice of the uncredited Muslim terrorist though. Direct and very threatening (well, most of the time -- he sang Mr. Suave at a part of the film). It was better that we never saw him at all in the film.
So to me, the best part of the film was the location and the resourcefulness of the directors to pull off a thriller such as this with no budget (they sold their cameras on Ebay after they were done with them to recoup costs). The acting from the main lead could have been better and detracted a bit from the overall film; nevertheless, this is a film worth watching.
Other views:
Positive: LA Times
Negative: The AV Club
Thanks to Amanda, Derrick, Diane, Andrew, Rachelle, and Loraine for coming out and watching the film with me.
The protagonist, Adam (Ian Gamazon) is a docks security officer in San Diego. He seemed to be wasting his life away. Then he gets a call from his mom saying that his father died, so he goes to the Philippines to attend his funeral. When he gets to NAIA in Manila, his mom never picks him up. Then a cell phone rings. Someone slipped one in his bag. Adam answers it, and learns that Muslim extremist terrorists (yes, the Abu Sayyaf) have kidnapped his mom and sister and will kill them unless he follows their orders. And so the film goes....
For those who have never seen the slums of the Philippines, this is an eye-opener, because you get to see the grim reality of the poverty in our homeland. The majority of the film was shot in the squatter towns in Cavite. You see all the trash strewn about, all the little kids with tattered clothes, etc. The Muslim terrorist makes Adam, the Filipino-American, go through these squatter towns, telling him not to be afraid, that these squatters are his countrymen. I can't really describe to you how bad these places are. You just have to see it for yourself. Along with making Adam do more dangerous errands for his cause, he also forces him to experience the heritage he for the most part doesn't know. I really liked how the directors blended the terrorism/Filipino heritage topics together in this film. (As for how authentic they presented the Muslim situation in the Philippines, well, I have to read up on those massacres they talked about in the movie).
The film goes on at a brisk pace, taking Adam around Cavite; the market, the bank, houses, cockfighting arenas, sari-sari stands....it really only stops when Adam stops to take a breath or argues with the terrorist over the phone. It's like we're there with him and we have no choice but to go forward with him. The film goes like this until its climax.
The native music used in the film was pretty good; it lent itself well to the increasing tension towards the end, although it got a little annoying sometimes (they kept reusing some of the music).
The acting....well, as the production story goes, the film was supposed to have a female lead, but the two directors (Gamazon and Dela Llana) couldn't get anyone to go with them to the Philippines, to the slums, with no bodyguards or anything of that sort. So they rewrote the script and Gamazon reluctantly became the male lead. And his acting inexperience showed (like when he gets angry and stuff).
I liked the voice of the uncredited Muslim terrorist though. Direct and very threatening (well, most of the time -- he sang Mr. Suave at a part of the film). It was better that we never saw him at all in the film.
So to me, the best part of the film was the location and the resourcefulness of the directors to pull off a thriller such as this with no budget (they sold their cameras on Ebay after they were done with them to recoup costs). The acting from the main lead could have been better and detracted a bit from the overall film; nevertheless, this is a film worth watching.
Other views:
Positive: LA Times
Negative: The AV Club
Thanks to Amanda, Derrick, Diane, Andrew, Rachelle, and Loraine for coming out and watching the film with me.
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