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For the past 17 years, The Filipino Express has provided the Filipino American community the best news, arts and entertainment coverage from around the United States and the Philippines.
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THE April sun relentlessly emitting its hot golden rays like waves of volcanic breaths, embracing each and every one of the people living in that tranquil Quezon City suburb called Kamuning. Mixed with 90 percent humidity, the heat wave is debilitating and makes everyone bathe in sweat and austere discomfort.
There are not many automobiles running on the streets, nor public transports like jeepneys and tricycles making their trademark noises, nor people ambling up and own the street doing their business. Kamuning feels like a hot deserted field frozen in time – It is Good Friday.
Redeeming TV
When I was a kid, aside from abstinence and spiritual reflection, Good Friday in Kamuning also meant the lack of, or total absence of local TV programs. There were a few shows in the morning, most notable was the ‘Family Rosary Crusade series: The Redeemer”, which tells the story of the passion of Christ without ever showing Jesus’ face. Actually there is this directorial slip in the series when a bad camera framing exposed the side of the face of the actor playing Jesus – he had no beard, and he looked Chinese.
There were some short re-runs of Bertulucci’s ‘Jesus of Nazareth’ and, some episodes of ‘my favorite Bible-toons Superbook’ and ‘Flying House.’ But after 12 noon, all stations would sign off in observance of Good Friday, and that’s when I would take out my dad’s stash of Betamax tapes. More often than not, I would feed the Betamax player with Coppola’s ‘The Godfather.’
Thankfully, during my last Good Friday in Kamuning, we already had SkyCable. It was real redemption.
I would flip on to National Geographic and watch ‘In Search of Jesus’, or some scientific program that proves the Holy Grail is really a cup. I would marvel at EWTN’s programs and feel deeply cleansed by their hour-by-hour reflections. Cable also provided non-Lenten programs, like re-runs of Dallas or some movies on HBO, which are great if you believe you don’t need further reminders of the unbelievable sins of the world,
Visita Iglesia
In the afternoon my parents, and whoever is available to join them, would get ready for the annual observance of ‘Visita Iglesia.’
Our family’s version of the ‘Visita’ is a trip to 7 churches all over the city, where we are supposed to do the 14 Stations of the Cross. Usually, we do this tradition at Sacred Heart in Kamuning, Christ The King in E.Rodriguez Ave., St Joseph’s in Aurora Blvd., Mt. Carmel in New Manila, Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon Ave., St. Claire’s Monastery near Katipunan Ave., and the Santo Rosario inside the UST campus. These churches were always packed. The ‘Visita’ is a deeply rewarding activity that I surely miss.
God is dead
After 3:00 pm, when Jesus had supposedly expired, the icons in every Catholic Church would be covered with some sort of cloth. I don’t really know what this means, but I remember being told that it signifies the mourning felt by all men with the death of the Messiah.
With God being dead, some traditional rules of mourning come into effect. - We are not supposed to take a bath until Easter Sunday. Considering the blistering heat and sticky conditions, it seemed like a real sacrifice. A lot of people observe this, I don’t – show me a kiddy pool, and I will dive.
- No yellow shirts. The color yellow connotes happiness, bad for mourning.
- Wear black. Humidity + black clothing + heat wave+ no bath = danger.
The procession
At night, people would start to gather in front of our parish church, Sacred Heart, to join the interment procession. A life-size icon of a dead Jesus inside a glass-covered coffin is the centerpiece of the funeral march that would go around the whole town. By this time, the sun had retired for the day and what is left is a gentle warm wind that whistles every now and then. The humidity remains, though.
After the procession, we would all go back to the church and stay for a while. A vigil would soon take place, and would end Sunday, Easter, when Jesus resurrects and saves us all.
Good Friday in America
When I moved here in the US for good, my first Good Friday was really weird: I was working. Here, Good Friday is NOT a non-working holiday. and that’s a huge difference.
None of those things in Kamuning will ever happen here.
Here, the weather is cool and breezy, and every one is either planning to spend Easter weekend on a Caribbean cruise, in Atlantic City, or at home watching American Idol.
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Ted Reyes is a musician, composer, record producer and journalist based in NYC. If you have any comments you can visit his website at www.tedreyes.com or email him at tedreyes@mac.com
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AS WE go through the routines in our lives, it is often easier to whine and complain when we get overwhelmed with the seemingly unending tasks we have to accomplish. I have observed that we tend to magnify what is negative around us, we seemingly thrive on the drama of our lives and we are more interested in listening and taking note of other people’s gripes. We have forgotten to be grateful for the simple joys that life can bring.
Similar to most people I know of, there are days when you feel like your life is falling apart at the seams. I woke up one morning feeling a little bit on the downside. I was whining and complaining at every turn. It was way out of character for me.
I complained about the weather to the minutest of details. In fact, by the time I was done with voicing out my frustrations, I realized that I did not accomplish a single thing that I have to do. I just made myself tired with all my griping.
As I was feeling at the end of my tether, I decided to sit down and grab a book from one of the shelf, when a piece of paper fell from one of the book’s page. I recognized the stationery back when I was in college and in it was a “thank you” prayer I remembered to have copied from one of Og Mandino’s books. (Og Mandino was one of the most popular motivational speakers in the 60s. He is also the author of the book, The Greatest Salesman in the World).
I actually felt a little bit sheepish while I was reading the passage. I felt that finding this piece of paper at the same time I was having this kind of mood was a time for me to contemplate. This was a moment to think and pray. I have realized that the hard times that have come my way actually taught me to appreciate the best times when they came along.
I thought of my blessings and remembered that I actually have a very good life as compared to others I know of. Then without a moment of hesitation, I started writing down into words the people, places and things I am grateful for in my life, and I could not believe that I actually used up at least three pages and I was not even done!
There was no room to think of what was missing in my life. I remembered one of my beloved friends Nicea telling me these words, “When seemingly strong trials come your way, you will see that there is always a bridge for you to cross, even if it collapses in the middle of you crossing it, remember that there will always be God to hold on to, that there is always a way out and finally, it actually encourages you the next time to create a stronger bridge of your own “.
I now keep these thoughts in mind and I always feel that as long as I have love, faith and hope that life’s difficulties will be held at bay.
As we observe the Lenten season, this is the best time to thank God for the lives that we all have, to ask for His forgiveness and to pray to Him to ease the burden of our troubled hearts, no matter what sect or religion we belong to. It is but fitting that I share with you excerpts of this prayer. I hope this prayer gives you the same peace I feel whenever I recite its words in my heart.
God, I Thank You for Today
I know I have not accomplished yet all you expect of me, and if that is your reason for bathing me in the fresh dew of another dawn, I am most grateful. I am prepared at last to make you proud of me.
I will forget yesterday with all its trials and tribulations, aggravations and setbacks, angers and frustrations. The past is already a dream from which I can neither retrieve a single word nor erase any foolish deeds.
I will remain aware of how little it takes to make this a happy day. Never will I pursue happiness; because it is not a goal, just a by-product; and there is no happiness in having or in getting; only in giving. I will keep a smile on my face and in my heart even when it hurts today. I know that the world is a looking glass and gives back to me the reflection of my own soul.
Now I understand the secret of correcting the attitude of others and that is to correct my own.
I will pause whenever I am feeling sorry for myself today, and remember that this is the only day I have and must play it to the fullest. What my part may signify in the great whole. I may not recognize, but I am here to play it and now is the time. I will count this day a separate life.
I will remember that those who have fewest regrets are those who take each moment as it comes for all that is worth. Thank you God, for this precious garden of time.
A Blessed Lenten Season to everyone!
Thess Bacsal is a writer and lives in California. For your life’s concerns, comments and suggestions, email her at july19rn@yahoo.com
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Ted Reyes is a musician, composer, record producer and journalist based in NYC. If you have any comments you can visit his website at www.tedreyes.com or email him at tedreyes@mac.com
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“SUCCESSFUL” was how A New York-based Filipino scriptwriter described the recent screenings of “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” and “Cavite” at the Lincoln Center and Museum of Modern Art (Moma) in the Big Apple, with Oscar-caliber artists Michael Moore and Sylvia Miles in attendance.
“The two films were received extremely well,” Vincent Nebrida said in a phone interview. “The tickets were sold out, the audience was mixed—not only Filipino-Americans, but also New Yorkers, who happen to be some of the most discriminating moviegoers in the world.”
“Maximo” and “Cavite” were screened as part of the 35th New Directors/New Films program held at the two venues from March 22 to April 2.
“This program/festival is one of the most prestigious in the world,” Nebrida noted. “It’s very difficult to get accepted. Only films by two other Filipinos, Lino Brocka and Mike de Leon, have been included in previous editions.”
Nebrida is vice president for Acquisitions and Distribution of Unico Entertainment, which acquired “Maximo” and “Cavite” for worldwide distribution (except in Europe for “Maximo” and the US for “Cavite”). He said foreigners were impressed by the fact that the two films had been made for less than $25,000, and showed a fresh approach and new sensitivity.
Moore, an Oscar winner (“Bowling for Columbine,” 2004), and Miles, Oscar Best Supporting Actress nominee (for “Midnight Cowboy,” 1969), met with the filmmakers.
Thrilled
“Sylvia loved ‘Maximo,’ ” Nebrida said, “and attended the after-party hosted by the Philippine Consulate following the screening of ‘Maximo.’ She met (ufo Pictures producer) Raymond Lee and (director) Auraeus Solito. Michael enjoyed ‘Cavite’ and even attended the forum that followed. He also posed for snapshots with [filmmakers] Ian Gamazon and Neill de la Llana.”
Needless to say, Nebrida said, the two—who won the “Someone to Watch” trophy at this year’s Independent Spirit Awards—had been thrilled to meet Moore, “an icon in world politics” and the maker of “Fahrenheit 9/11,” the highest grossing documentary in the United States.
The New York screenings are significant, said Nebrida, because this means “Philippine cinema is once again being noticed by the world’s top programmers.”
The New Directors/New Films website asserted that the 36 new filmmakers featured in the NY festival “will help shape the cinema of tomorrow.”
Nebrida said it was also noteworthy that the festival’s six programmers had unanimously chosen “Maximo” as opening film, along with Ryan Fleck’s “Half Nelson,” starring Ryan Gosling (of “The Notebook”). The programmers were: Marian Masone, Joanna Ney and Richard Peña of the Lincoln Center’s Film Society; and Mary Lea Bandy, Jytte Jensen and Laurence Kardish of the Moma’s Department of Film and Media.
The Philippine presence in the festival “recognizes a new wave of Pinoy filmmakers,” Nebrida concluded. “When a Filipino movie is honored abroad; it helps everyone cross over. It becomes easier for other Filipino movies to get in festivals. It becomes easier to sell our movies to other countries.”
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MANILA --- Will Heart Evangelista take advantage of the Holy Week to reconcile with her dad, restaurant magnate, Reynaldo Ongpauco?
The youngest in a brood of four girls, Heart has always been the apple of her dadís eye. She would often say that she was spoiled by him. “Madalas, I can almost get away with anything. Kahit ayaw niya sa simula.”
Just like Heartís decision to join showbiz. Her dad, at first, was against it. But she promised him she would not only make good in the business but would also become a role model to young people. Father and daughter had a falling out last year when Heart fell in love with her “Ang Panday” co-star, Jericho Rosales. (MNS)
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MANILA --- Game show host and actress Kris Aquino and her husband, basketball player James Yap, have denied that she is heavy with child, a few days after admitting that they tied the knot last year.
Aquino said she and Yap agreed to have a baby later on but not in the near future because she is currently busy with show biz commitments, among them a couple of commercial endorsements.
“I told him that I’m 35 years old and it’s hard to say, I’m quitting [show biz] for a while and when I come back, I’m not wanted anymore,” Aquino said.
A teary-eyed Aquino, one of the country’s top endorsers, said she wants to be assured of her son Josh’s future.
“Josh is a special child with special needs and I have accepted the responsibility to provide for him for the rest of his life,” she said. Josh, Aquino’s love-child with actor Philip Salvador, has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Doing commercials per se did not affect her decision to postpone pregnancy, Aquino said.
“It had nothing to do with my advertising contracts because none of my contracts said that I’m not allowed to get married or bear a child,” she said.
“I would not have done another liquor commercial if we’re planning to have a child within the next year,” she added.
The youngest daughter of former president Corazon Aquino and senator Benigno Aquino Jr. wedded Yap on July 10, 2005 at show host Boy Abunda’s residence in Quezon City.
The two kept the simple civil ceremony secret with only their closest friends attending the wedding.
“It felt good and it was good for both of us,” Aquino said.
She confessed that she told her mother about the marriage after they tied the knot. (MNS)
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NEW YORK --- The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) picked out ‘The Gift of Barong’, a Filipino-made documentary to be part of its annual affair.
Founded in 1993, NYIIFVF is one of the largest film festivals in the world, and it hosts film, music and art events in the two entertainment capitals of the United States: New York and Los Angeles.
Past NYIIFVF festivals have included the work of Andy Garcia, Ewan McGregor Cameron Diaz, George Clooney and Jennifer Aniston, among others.
It is a competitive event dedicated to make things happen for emerging filmmakers and screenwriters. As Micro Cinema Magazine’s editor Dave Sardella said, “For any aspiring musicians, producers or directors the NYIIFVF is the place to have your projects seen and reviewed by the best of the best. This world renowned festival can be the launching pad to a successful career.”
This statement could well be true for The Gift of Barong and Filipino director Benito Bautista.
A dream come true
Benito Bautista is a 43 year old Filipino filmmaker who immigrated to San Francisco in 1984. He studied filmmaking at the City College of San Francisco and Film Arts Foundation, and has worked for numerous independent productions in the bay area.
Passionate and driven, he formed Wanderlust Productions, an independent film company that aims to produce films about the exploration and celebration life.
‘The Gift of Barong’ lives up to these purposes. It explores the lives of two Filipino-Americans as they embark on a journey back to the Philippines.
It shows the social and emotional complexities surrounding the life of immigrants, and the courage to resolve some of them so life could be fully celebrated.
A story that needs to be told
Dan Moreno, a 49 year old Filipino-American, has not been in the Philippines since 1970. He never expected the circumstances that would bring him back to where he came from.
It was one fateful day in South San Francisco, in 2000, when Dan’s parents invited him to a Filipino fiesta in Santa Clara, and he was asked to put on a Barong Tagalog for the occasion.
Upon seeing himself in the mirror wearing the barong tagalog, he grew an immediate interest in knowing more about his Filipino heritage. So great was facination with the handcrafted shirt, he decided to take on a journey to the Philippines and try to connect with his Filipino roots.
Just as Dan was planning on his trip, another Filipino-American was starting a journey of his own.
Jon Villar was a 27 year old surfer born of Filipino parents. He has travelled to several countries to surf, but has never been to the Philippines. He was not particularly interested in learning more about the Filipino culture until the day he went to Indonesia.
The plane he was riding flew over the Philippines and the pilot uttered a few facts about it.
Seeing the island for the first time and being awed by its astounding beauty of it all became his cue to know more about his ancestral country.
This is how ‘The Gift of Barong’ came about.
Benito, the director and a surfing buddy of both Dan and Jon, learned of the two’s plan to go back to the Philippines and learn more about its culture, so he came up with the idea to document their journey home.
Initially, Dan thought of using surfing as a device to carry out his plan to reconnect with his roots. After all, the Philippines is well-known for its surf spots such as the Majestics in Catanduanes and Cloud Nine in Siargao Islands and surfing is such a big part of Dan’s life, he believed that it would be much easier for him to reconnect with the Filipino culture through surfing.
As he said, “I want to discover and share the beauty of the Philippines, and surfing is an avenue to portray that beauty.”
A surfing and cultural odyssey
‘The Gift of Barong’ is a must-see film for every Filipino and Filipino-American, who want to reconnect with the Filipino culture, and rediscover the Philippines.
It is an arresting story of searching for identity and personal healing. Just as Dan had put it, “I want to know where it is my parents came from, what they did, what makes them who they are and what makes me who I am.”
‘The Gift of Barong’ will be showing on May 5, 2006, 4:00 pm at the Village East Cinema, Screen 2, New York City. Tickets are sold for $12.00. For more information, please visit www.nyfilmvideo.com or www.wanderlustproject.com.
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