strangechiq

  Freshly cooked ready to serve Hardboiledeggs

by: Jed

          Cold, uptown city of Baguio has always been a healthy breathing ground for artist in any kind, musicians alike. Ushering the likes of well-known indie filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik, talented singer Grace Nono and the band Session Road to name a few. These musicians somehow found its way to Manila and hit it big time in reach and popularity. A route that this new band from up north is seem quite taking, with members composed of: Rohan Rimando,23, lead vocalist/ guitarist, Rodel Hufana,22, guitarist, Emil Villanueva,22, bassist and the recruited drummer Sep Navalta,28, formerly from 7Ply band collectively known as Hardboiledeggz. Hbeggz is this years Red Horse Muziklaban grand winner held last September 9, 2006 at the CCP Complex. Emerged triumphant out of hundreds of hopeful rockers hailing from different corner of the archipelago, that was trimmed down to ten finalists.                                                                      

          These guys music had traces of grunge and progressive rock influences like Pearl Jam, Silverchair, STP, Soundgarden, Coheed and Cambria, 311, APC, Megadeath, Avenge Sevenfold, Dream Theater with local tastes of Eraserheads, Urbandub, The Ambassadors, Faspitch, Sheila and the Insects and the long list goes on.

          Its name Hardboiledeggz wasn’t intended to have deep and profound meaning that is common to its band members. After coming up with names like Intertropical Convergence Zone, Panic Algae Attack, Mentos and so forth, the term Hardboiledeggz hooked the bands attention and stuck with it ever since because of its ambiguity and  fun-ness in nature. A gastronomic treat ready to serve to anyone’s hungry for its freshness. As Rohan’s own words “ masaya kasi yung pangalan, pwede ka-magimbento ng ibig sabihin. Iba-iba para sa bawat isa. Tsaka versatile ang pinakakuluang itlog, pwede pang sandwich, pwede ring pang palabok.” Generally they described themselves as four normal guys trying to make music with every ounce of energy they can. Exists to give us a moment of insanity, nostalgia, anger or vindication.

          Band’s frontman describes their music as progressive rock while tackling issues on relationship that is quite emo far from their old sound back in the early 2000’s that is closer to funk and blues. A chorus from their song Grace “ so if you decided to change your mind, I’ll be waiting here for you without exception. Don’t it bother you at all? You’ve been acting like a wall. And I’ve been crashing into you with good intention…A little more than just good friends, that’s all I wanted us to be, so tell me now then why were here. Confused and drunk on a few beers. Never fear a million years may pass and I would still be….” Mushy lyrics coated with forceful voice and a heavy sound, just  like a soft egg inside hidden by a sturdy shell.

          The road to success was never easy and Hardboiledeggz wasn’t spared. The lead vocalist remembers it “ most of the time, alas dos na ng umaga kami nakakatugtog or more often una, walang tao pero andun pa rin mga kaibigan namin. Pati yung Muziklaban andun sila.. nauulanan…” Now they feel blessed in their achievement because they never though in a million years that they’ll win but luckily they did. After winning, they’ve gained more friends and followers, received more bookings sporadically and even seen guesting on Myx Bandarito on Studio23 a week after the contest. In effect, the band treats it as an opportunity to reach other places and share their music not only in Manila but soon to the rest of the country. Proving themselves worthy of their family, friends and hometown accolades back in Baguio.

          I’ve read it over their friendster site and found it interesting and damn sweet. Here’s the HBeggz message to all struggling bands, “ The climb is steep from here, but if we get there, we’ll throw you guys a rope…”  with tears rolling over, nah the latter part is just my overt appreciation to this emotive line. I’m moved!

          As I’ve gazed to the lighter side of things, these guys doesn’t seem to run out of punchlines. Just when I asked them a non-sensical question, which comes first chicken or egg? And why? With amusement the vocalist answered, “ hehe..uhuh…yung manok…sabi nung kaibigan namin kasi, sino daw ang uupo sa itlog? Pero mas nauna pa rin yung dinosaurs! I mean of course! This band can be serious at one time and in one second can be really amusing.

Finally, maybe if there is one thing I’m certain about these bunch of eggs, I mean guys is how they prefer their eggs just like they create their music but hard boiled and no other way possible. Well done… guys!

<For violent reactions and raving comments, send it to strangechiq@yahoo.com>

( hope this article will be publish….in this case you guys are the frist one to read it in advance..)

Can we market independent films without conforming to the standards of mainstream cinema?

(From the business perspective of Ric Camaligan of SM Leisure Group)

Jed G. Medrano

Introduction

One of the most important developments in the recent years was the discovery of digital technology in the aspect of film production in our Philippine cinema. As it was predicted before by Cinemanila’s director and festival organizer, Tikoy Aguiluz stating that * “within the decade, Digital Video technology will realize its full potential and revolutionize filmmaking in our country.” A technological breakthrough that allowed artistic freedom and option for both amateur and professional filmmakers in contemporary times to create or continually produce films with lesser limitation of the escalating productions costs.

** With the use of video technology, filmmakers can easily substitute film celluloid to digital tapes through mini DV though were initially hampered because of its poor resolution. Even these had undergone fine tunings, now this mini DV have better broadcast quality with the use of digital cameras. These advancements lured filmmakers to produce more films.

On a personal note, even I was reluctant at first of calling the a by-product of digital video as films for the basic fact that they are not made in film per se. Eventually though, I called it digital film or movie as others coined it.

Director Tikoy Aguiluz was right when he said that it ***revolutionize filmmaking, a phase were all into the present times. Ironically our film industry was dead with low production output every year that is rooted from commercialism, censorship and high production cost etc.

Successful Indie Films

Last year up to the present seems to be a successful and exciting times for young indie filmmakers. Evidently to the number of independently produced digital movies that had its theatrical runs to commercial movie houses such Robinsons Malls, Glorietta, Promenade Greenhills, Gateway and the widest of all is the SM chain of cinemas. I’ve seen Pepot Artista being shown at Promenade. And last February, I’ve seen Big Time at Megamall. The recipient of the 2005 Cinemalaya’s Special Jury Prize, Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros was shown to the SM chain of malls ****averaging P100,000 per cinema per day. “In the first six days, it made P600,000 in Megamall. In SM cinema alone it made more than P2 million in it’s first week. “An interview with Mr. Camaligan, vice president of the SM Leisure Group operating SM cinemas. An opportunity and a big break that doesn’t happen to every filmmaker.

Film as a Business

I want to borrow a popular television phrase that “there’s no business, like show business”, which can be put in the context of film production as a business. In my idea that even if a film is an artistic product it is still treated as a commodity, a money-making business for the capitalists. With these in mind, I would then try to make a connection of this concept in context of the emerging independent film as a business opportunity for commercial establishment.

For Mr. Camaligan it is still a far out idea and still not possible now maybe in the near future for an independent film with no big star cast, non-formulaic story and minimal marketing activity in it to penetrate the mass audience unless it would be competitive to the existing standard of commercial movies. In able to turn these independent films into a profitable business it might compromise its artistic freedom. In this case, I don’t think no indie filmmakers would dare do.

Art and Business

            I think the basic question would be, is it possible for art (indie films) and business to work together smoothly without comprising to one another? But who said that commercial movies don’t have its artistic quality? While generalizing that all indie works were done in an artistic taste. Who’s metric standard are we referring to anyway? And that’s another aspect to ponder or problematize about.

Conclusion

             To answer the question, can we market independent films without conforming to the standard of mainstream cinema? The answer is not simple and could be very problematic. But from a businessman point of view like Mr. Camaligan he said that it’s not possible with the current system of business set-up and its current consumer the mass audience. Is it possible to mix art and business? Yes, in the idea that if only the businessman will market the end product without changing the process of doing in it. Promote and market indie films as indie films with its unique selling proposition such as unconventional storytelling, tackles subjects that mostly mainstream movies avoid, no star cast etc.  Sell the product (film) as it is.

Yes guys you read it right i just lost my beloved celphone. So for anyone who’s trying to contact me through my old number, sorry guys I will never received those messages. But anyway, i’ll post my new contact numbers here once i have a new unit. Thanks!

Let me share with you guys the movies I’ve seen so far this 2006 that i enjoyed.

1. Under the Tuscan Sun- by Diane Lane ( The Unfaithful) I think every woman can relate to her plight in finding genuine happiness, destiny, and searching for true love. A divorced writer that bought a house in Tuscany to live their for good and forget everything about her past and start a brand new life, in a new house, new place and a new found love.  There is a woman told a story about the bugs and how she relates it to the idea of "destiny". As a child she always wanted to have bug. But unfortunately she haven’t found anything after all her efforts of finding one. Tired from her endless search she fell asleep on the ground. Surprisingly, when she woke up she found the bugs crawling all over her body. Isn’t it ironic? Even if it doesn’t happen to me. I can still relate to her analogy. Sometimes the more we search for something the more we can’t find it. Agree? A feel good movie. It makes me want to believe in destiny and try not question it.

2. A lot like Love by Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet  - A romantic comedy about two strangers that met in a plane only to decide that they are poorly suited to be together. Over the next 7 years,however they are reunited time and time. In the course of fate they found themselves from being acquaintence to close friend to.. lovers?!! Another feel good movie! Depressed? Try watching this..

3. Anak ni Brocka directed by Sigfried Barros-Sanchez- is a Cinema One digital film original that is partly documentary and fiction. But nevertheless a fitting tribute to a great artist that put Philippine cinema on the world map. I was only 9 yrs. old when I vividly remember a flash report from ABSCBN that a famous director died in a car accident. That’s how i remembered the name Lino Brocka. Since then, i became curious to this man. But the moment i laid my eyes to his film Tinimbang ka Ngunit Kulang and Insiang, (now film classics) i became an instant fan of his works. The reason why i stayed watching this film is because I’m curious is that what if Brocka really did have a son. The director presented the story and its premise even before you watch the film. Insightful and hilarious. A movie that is better late made than never .

Hope not!! but i aim for a successful year and better condition!! Another year has ended and i feel like i haven’t done much.

1.I miss my friend Chat.I wish you all best  back there!! Keep on trying..keep on believin’.

2.I hope a friend of mine, Aaron wins as the best bassist of the year at NU rock awards..but if he doesn’t, he’s stil my guy..rocK on dude!!

3. I enjoyed watchin’ the digital movie Ilusyon..(   " ang buhay at pag-ibig ay parang ring isang ilusyon…")

4. I stil dig Sugarfree, hale’s new single, stonefree’s ikot. I love pinoy music!!

5. I like mtv’s teen show, Laguna beach and abc5 Islamuzik hosted by vj Ala…asteg

6.Premiere condom has new feature, dotted and ultra-thin…ehehe..ayus b?!!

After listening to the band HALe, i started genuinely appreciating the band Sugarfree. Ever since i listened to their 2nd album "dramachine" from my cousin. I got hooked! Then i bought their 1st album "sa wakas". And the song "Unang Araw" strucked me…..I also love listening to Fade Away,Prom,Kwarto and a lot more.

Actually even before, i already like their music and songwriting from their hits Mariposa & Telepono..And though lots of people may say that they sounded like Eheads.. Who cares?  I’m an Eheads fan and i think it’s great band.They’ve influenced most the of local young bands today.

To my friends who’s into indie films, try to check out " Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" directed by Aureus (director of Huling El Bimbo video ). It’s a gay film that tackles about the struggles of Maximo, a gay teenager that lives with his 2 brother and their kinda hoodlum father( they earn a living through cellphone snatching). The problem sets in when he fell in love in a principled cop who inspires Maxi to do good and hope for a better life. That he  started questioning  he’s family business….Though it sets in a serious backdrop, i still found some of the scenes amusing and funny specially at the early part ( beauty contest)…hehe

Anyway, share ko lng po about my other activities besides work. At un ung raket ko with MTV.. We had a mini-concert sa UE recto with Rivermaya last 2 weeks ago. Dapat nga Kitchie will play their kaya lng nagka-conflict sa sked. My frend asked me kung ok lng daw ung Rivermaya with me. Sabi ko naman " ok lng noh Bamboo and Rivermaya ang 2 banda na malapit sa puso ko…" aha drama ba?!!Pero totoo yun.. With lesser intensity lang cguro to Rivermaya…At ang kulit pa nga kc they played Ulan..COOL talaga…

After that week, sa Lycuem naman with Sandwich. eheh Cool din cla.. Replacement c Mong (Chicosci) dun sa bass player nila c Myra kc nsa Cebu. But it’s ok, he’s talented and super cute…Sobra.. And the Lyceum students agree with me naman.. They shout Mong’s name and ask him to take off his shirt..ahaha He’s so charming..kktuwa sya.!!

Sana sa susunod na gig sana Hale naman or Sugarfree….ahah…Wish ko lng..

Let me share with yah how’s life been treating me lately..I just stayed at my room these past few dayz,,, just sleepin’ all day, watch vcd’s till  late night or sometimes burning the phone just b4 the break of dawn..hahaha But after doin’ all these  i got sick…grrrrr!!  But d week before this was a blast, i got a sidelined job from a friend who’s into events production. They hired me as a Stage Manager for the first leg of the  MTV School Attack at UE Caloocan (It was patterned to a mtv show just like in the US.) I got thrilled when i learned that Bamboo will be there. Yeah that was cool..;)  I never thought that i would be this up close to these guys. (FYI:During the early days of Rivermaya (ulan,214) i’m always been one of their avid fan way back in HS & it’s all bcoz of Bamboo.) haha  After that, i believe again in the saying that dreams do come true..for some!!ahaha  Lucky me……

                                                Space Warp

Sa mga dumating sa buhay ko

Nagkaroon agad xa ng malaking puwang sa puso ko.

Mula sa ASL, naging hello, then wazzup..

“Musta kn, San k?”… “Watym k uwi?..”

Hindi ko ugaling umuwi ng maaga mula sa trabaho.

Pero dahil alam kong tatawag sya napapauwi ako.

Di kalaunan,gusto na daw nya ako ma-meet in person.

Mag EB na daw kami. And I said yes, ofcourse!

Dumating na ang most awaited EB of my life.

Ang gabi na makakapagpabago ng lahat lahat sa akin.

Little did I realized after that night, that it was the

Most romantic date ever sa buong buhay ko.

Naglakad kami sa kahabaan ng Baywalk sa Roxas Blvd.

Uminom ng malamig na SanMig at may pulutan na sizzling sisig.

Habang nakasindi ang isang maliit na kandila sa gitna ng mesa.

At sa saliw ng bandang may tunog akustik.

Sa mga oras na iyon, gusto kong humagilap ng lapis at papel.

Para isulat kung ano ang nararamdaman ko ng mga oras na iyon.

Feeling ko babaeng babae ako.Ito ang gabing halos ayaw mo

Nang matapos.At gustong mong pigilan ang orasan sa pagtik-tak.

Naaalala ko ang mga sandaling nagkuwentuhan kami sa ilalim ng bilog na buwan.

Ito ang pagkakataong gustong gusto mong tumalon sa galak.

Dahil kasama mo ang taong halos laman ng isip mo araw araw.

Napupuno ang inbox mo ng puro text message nya lang.

Hindi kumpleto ang gabi mo kapag hindi mo marinig ang boses

Nya sa kabilang linya. Malungkot ka kapag tumutunog ang cellphone mo,

pero ibang pangalan ang lumalabas.

Pagkatapos ng gabing iyon ay nagbago na ang  lahat.

At nagsimula ito sa isang di pagkakaunawaan.

Sinusubukan kong tawagan ang cellphone nya pero laging out of reach.

At hindi na rin sya nagte-txbk sa mga text ko.

Humingi na naman ako ng sori sa kanya at sabi nya hindi naman daw xa nagalit.

Pero nararamdaman ko na malaki na ang ipinagbago nya.

I suggested na mag-usap kami ng personal pero ayaw nya.

At sinabi pa nya na mas mabuti kung hindi na muna kami mag-usap.

Pagkatapos kong mabasa ang text nya na yun.

Ay parang gusto kong lumubog sa kinauupuan ko.

Gusto kong magwala, pero wala akong lakas.

Gusto kong sumigaw, pero walang boses na lumalabas.

Biglang huminto ang mundo ko.

At wala na akong gustong gawin kung hindi isipin.

Kung bakit ganito ang kinahantungan ng isang magandang umpisa?

O baka para sa kanya, ay kaibigan lang talaga ang tingin nya sa akin mula pa nung umpisa.

At ako lang naman ang umaasa na balang araw ay mamahalin nya rin ako.

Na magiging importanteng parte ako ng buhay nya.

Na magkakaroon ako ng maliit na espasyo sa puso nya.

Na magkakapuwang ako sa buhay nya.

Masakit isipin na kaya ko pala magmahal ng isang taong

baka kahit kailan ay hindi ako kayang mahalin……

                                                       1^st draft: feb17,2005 UP Fair

                                                       2^nd draft: feb 21,2005- 9:30pm-10:45am

                                                        3^rd draft: july 15,2005  7:00pm-7:20pm