USA Takes "Basura Busters" in SM City Iloilo

Theater. It is a type of art and entertainment that has been practiced way back our ancestors' time and until now, it continues to be performed in schools, big auditoriums, and even in small communities.

Theater plays are not only present for budding actors to have a venue for self-expression and showcasing of talents, but they exist because all the cast and crew behind a stage performance are itching to relay a message of social significance. They yearn to somehow affect and influence its audience to realize and act on the pressing problems that negatively affect the society.

Last time, a play entitled "Basura Busters" by the University of San Agustin (USA) Little Theater was presented in the activity center of SM City Iloilo. It talked about the importance of keeping our environment clean and friendly for its inhabitants. The characters were comprised of students from the said school who acted in a setting where mundane situations in a barangay took place - gossips, fights, and of course, the issue of improper garbage disposal. With the promising talent of these student theater actors,  the play had effectively provided awareness on how one must not take for granted the vitality of a green surrounding.

Coming with a Hiligaynon Script, "Basura Busters" will easily connect with Ilonggo viewers. 

Funny, modern lingoes are incorporated in the actors' lines to keep up with today's  language.

Enthralling Films in Cinematheque Iloilo

Films are usually a reflection of our culture and history. Hence, this modern form of art must be given importance not just because it entertains but also for the reason that it is a tool that can be effectively used to create change and bring forth positive impact in our community.

It was refreshing knowing that Cinematheque Iloilo, located in Iznart St. just across Amigo plaza, provides Ilonggos with free movies coming from the local and international scene. Plus, it also features unique Ilonggo films written and directed by talented Ilonggo filmmakers themselves. Through their endeavor, Panay's culture, practices, and language are preserved be means of  storytelling and motion pictures.

I had watched a full-length film as well as short films in Cinematheque Iloilo once and I must say, the movie experience was so "indie"- all new and fun to me. Isn't it cool that if you don't have any penny to watch expensive commercialized films, you have the option to go downtown and enjoy an interesting film without spending a cent? Well some movies that they screen have fees, but checking out the schedule of their film showings, majority are free or if ever there is a charge, it would be of minimal cost.

They have a small theatre where the films are being projected but when I mean small, I don't say that the place is uncomfortable. In fact, they have really nice seats that allow space for movement and relaxation. The seats are also escalated just like the ones that we see in big movie houses. Plus, the aircon functions well so that one can concentrate on the movie.

Inside the Cinematheque, posters of classic and epic films are hung.

When I went there,  a group of college students were watching a funny yet heart-warming Argentinian film entitled Un Cuento Chino. It is a story about an Argentinian man in his 40-50's who encountered a young Chinese guy who was trying to find his uncle. The man, though was not used to having other persons in his home, decided to help the Chinese guy out of pity, letting the latter stay in his house for a couple of days until they find the uncle. However, time had been passing and still, there was no success on regards to where the uncle lives. This posed conflict and misunderstanding between the two since there was the language barrier that hindered both to relate well with each other.

Aside from the various reels that one can experience, Cinematheque Iloilo also showcases an exhibit of paintings and artwork by several home-grown artists who, through this project, are provided with a venue to share their creative masterpieces.

The interior.

Indeed, films and other art forms, are not just mere materials for leisure, rather, they can be utilized as references for a certain era's culture and lifestyle. Through these media, people can be educated and have a deeper knowledge of their roots from which they can learn significant lessons, passing them on to another generation.

Remembering Christ's Agony

"Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again."
         The mass ended at 5 pm of Good Friday but the residents of the barangays that belong to our parish didn't go directly to their respective homes. Instead, they crammed at the back of their assigned karos (floats carrying holy life-size sculptures of our Lord Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, and the saints who significantly took part in our Savior's sufferings).
          The band began to play, signifying the start of the procession. The participants of the solemn walk started to light their candles and got hold of their rosaries. As their feet began to trudge on the rough road, their lips also started to utter the holy mysteries.
          The surrounding was already dimming and the full moon brightly glowed in the black sky. The karos lit up for the images to be visible. Those who didn't come in the procession placed their sparkling candles at the foot of their gates as they mourned with Christ's death. Two hours had already passed and the people continued to amble, not minding their already weary feet.
          As the night went deeper, the radiating karos  became more apparent, sending a meditative ambiance. There was St. Peter and St. John in their silky metallic robes, Mary Magdalene clutching an oil and a hanky, St. Veronica spreading the cloth showing Christ's face, St. Elizabeth holding a broom, and there was St. Martha as well. Maria Dolorosa, being the last to be moved forward in the procession, was in her black dress.
          The different scupltures that symbolized Christ's agony also paraded: Christ kneeling down, praying by the Garden of Gethsemane; Christ being scourged in the pillar; The crucified Christ; The Pieta; and Jesus lying in His sweet-smelling casket.
          As the procession came to an end, the karos, embellished with various colorful flowers and shrubs, were blessed with holy water. People then fell in an almost infinite line to kiss the human-size carving of Christ who has died.
          This whole sanctified practice of Catholics is necessary for us to remember how the Redeemer sacrificed His life to save us from our sins, thus telling people to repent their iniquities and strengthen their faith to our God Almighty.
          The Holy Week is the moment where we reflect on the lives we are leading, trashing away the wicked actions we are accustomed to and replacing them with ways that are pleasing to God's eyes.

Meeting the Real Man - - Jose Rizal (A Trip to Fort Santiago, Intramuros)

          I had been to Manila when I was in high school but I just stayed there for one day just to visit my titas. I had just arrived from Laguna where I attended some school stuff. So, I didn't really enjoyed Manila much. As far as I could remember, I spent my one day saying hellos to the animals at Manila Zoo and trudging along the sidewalks of Manila Bay which was then filled with restaurants.
          But this January, I packed my bags and headed for Manila for a fun and unforgettable trip. I went to almost all the malls in the Metro. Thank God I didn't get lost. It was my first time to ride the LRT. Yes, the city was indeed busy- honkering buses here and there, rushing people getting past each other, and raising voices of vendors in the streets. Businesses surely thrive energetically in almost every corner of the place.
          Besides going to Quiapo and Divisoria, I will really treasure my tour in Intamuros, Manila particularly in Fort Santiago. It surely brought me in touch with history. Seeing the old structures built during the Spanish occupation felt nostalgic even though you just experience them in textbooks. And yes, I've met the heroic man behind Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

These kalesas make you feel it's not 2012. These are the major transportation way back Jose Rizal's time.

I realized that the structures built by our forefathers were very much meticulous - - superior art!

Yes, I'm going inside!!!

Silhouette of Jose Rizal's statue 

The stainless framed copy of Dr. Jose Rizal's Mi Ultimo Adios or The Last Farewell

Fort Santiago is filled with lush green trees and of course, vintage materials like this simple yet sturdy bench I'm sitting on.

I guess that is the Pasig River at the background.

Way way back, the cages of the captives were built underground.

Pogi ni Jose Rizal, diba?

Cool, awesome structure.

The tour guide said these footsteps were by Rizal's as he was sent to Bagumbayan (Luneta Park)  for his execution.

Maybe this guy is one of the noble Gomburzas.

         It's a good thing that every now and then we be reminded by our history. From our past we can learn many significant lessons at the same time values that we intend to forget as time goes by. My visit to Fort Santiago opened my mind to the great hero, Jose Rizal and the many things he sacrificed just to free our country from captivity. He even died for our land. Studying his life and works through textbooks is different from actually stepping foot to the place where he was imprisoned. You can feel that he is indeed real and yes, in today's confused world full of corruption and lies, we badly need more real men like Rizal.

Sleepover Before Christmas Time

I know this post is so so late but well, this is just one fun experience, thus I'm blogging it. Sleeping over at a friend's place is not just exciting but comforting as well since you get the chance to tell stories to one another and just ignore the night 'till your eyes close. Glaiza and I woke up at 3:30 am for the simbang gabi while others, who weren't Catholics, continued their slumber. The two of us slept for only about one hour because we talked endlessly that night. Want to do this next Christmas season!!! : )

Sarap ng Fiesta

Masaya ang mga barangay fiesta. Bakit ka mo?

1. Nakakatawa manood ng mga pageants gaya ng mga bikini open kung saan ang mga contestants ay ang mga mismong mga contestants din na sumali sa karatig barangay. O ang mga gay contests kung saan ang mga nagsisilahok ay umaakyat sa ring ng basketbol court at bubuga ng apoy. Mayroon ding mga contestants na naghihiraman ng mga swim wear o casual wear kaya'y sasakit ang tiyan mo sa katatawa.

2. Minsan, may mga local bands din sa inyong lugar na naiimbitahang  mag-jamming sa inyong barangay. Siyempre, may entrance fee na swak sa bulsa ng mga residente. Sa una, swabe lang ang sawayan, rakrakan,  at inuman dahil may mga lamesa rin na pwedeng ma-reserve  na may kasama ng isang case ng beer at lechon manok.  Pero sa kalagitnaan ng tugtog ng banda sa ilalim ng maliwanag na buwan, bigla na lang may sisigaw ng “awaaaay!!!” at siyempre, magkakagulo na ang mga tao at pati ang vocalists ay matataranta at magsisi-alisan sa stage. Pagkatapos niyon ay darating ang mga tanod na dala-dala ang kanilang batuta at kung kumalma na ang lahat ay tuloy na naman ang jamming.

3. Uso rin ang binyag tuwing pista. ‘Di ko na nga mabilang kung ilang bata na ang naging ninong ako. Siyempre, pupunta ako ng simbahan dala-dala ang pera na ibabayad kapag naimbitahan kang maging ninong o ninang. Magkakaroon ng kaunting lecture sa kahalagahan ng pagiging godparents sa mga bata at kung paano mo gagampanan ang naturang responsibilidad sa mga sanggol hanggang sa paglaki nila. Hindi naman sinabi na kailangan magbigay ng regalo tuwing kaarawan o pasko. At siyempre, paborito kong eksena ang pagbuhos ng tubig sa mga ulo ng sanggol. Lahat sila ay iyak nang iyak pero ang iba naman ay cool lang. Siyempre ang huling parte at ang paborito ko rin ay ang piktyur-piktyur at ang pagpunta sa bahay ng bininyagan para mag-chibog!!!

4. Siyempre, hindi kumpleto ang selebrasyon ng pista kapag walang mga nakabubusog na mga handa. Mechado. Menudo. Estofado. Valenciana. Ispageti. Lumpia. Morcon. Softdrinks. Salad. Tuwing may pupuntahan akong pista, trip kong hindi muna kumain ng agahan o hapunan para pagpunta ko doon ay malalasap ko talaga ang sarap ng mga handa at hindi agad ako mabubusog kahit mga ikalawang beses na akong pabalik-balik sa hapagkainan. Syempre, masmasarap kapag kasama mo ang iyong barkada na pumunta sa mga kakilala upang chumibog. Siguraduhin lang na nakalalakad ka pa pauwi ng iyong bahay.