Mona lisa Smile and Feminist Criticism

Last Tuesday we had a discussion and a reporting regarding the Feminist Criticism. The reporters discussed to us the nature and the aspects regarding the said topic. As we all know that in our history, women were viewed as marginalized, oppressed and we have this kind of patriarchal society where in women were submissive to their husbands or partners. The reporters also shared clips from the internet that even our very own shows on TV features the women negatively like the female dancers who are almost naked from Willie Revillame’s game show Willing Willie. Also, commercials and teleseryes gives the idea or stereotype  that women should be at home taking care of their children, cleaning the house, serve her husband and her family  while men should work and provide the needs of his family, Sad to say but these things are actually present in our media just to attract viewers and to gain ratings. I hope that stereotyping will end in order not to degrade women in general. On the other hand, It’s good to see that some women are already empowered and believes that what men can do women can do it too.  

When our professor told us that we are about to make a blog about the movie Mona Lisa Smile, I remembered that I’ve already watched the movie because during our women’s study way back in third year first semester Ms. Becky required us to watch the said film as part of our requirements to complete the semester. Basically, the story is about the women in their College studying in an exclusive for girl’s school (Wellesley College) who believes that women should get married after graduation and have a family of their own but this professor named Katherine Watson played by Julia Roberts who was belittled at first because she came from a state university imparted to them that there is more to life after college and not just to be a housewife. She wanted to share the things she believes in and break the culture they grew up with. I definitely agree to her (Katherine Watson) she was a perfect example of an empowered woman. She wanted to make a difference and make a change. I also believe that women should not be afraid of trying new things instead be courageous to break the so called stereotypes and try to do things that are unusual for women but in a positive way.

Graduation is fast approaching and I believe that there is more to life after it. Some will say and joke that I can marry but for me I still have lots of dreams to reach and before I settle at the right age I will make sure that I am already an accomplished woman and already make a difference.  

Manila Art Exhibit 2012

It was last Friday (October 7) and it was raining very hard when we (Monique and I) visited the Manila Art 2012 held at SMX convention center featuring/exhibiting the talent and creativeness of the Filipino artist through their artworks and masterpieces. It’s a good thing that Manila Art open its exhibit yearly to showcased the talent of our local artist and give them a chance to share the God-given gift they received from above. With the many paintings and drawings presented in the exhibit I really admire the artist who fearlessly expressed what’s on their mind and paint for the sake of passion. The wonderful paintings I’ve seen last Friday somehow helped me to escape from the stress I’ve gained from school since we are exhausted from all the things that needs to be accomplished especially our thesis and through attending the exhibit it helped me to lessen the stressed level I’ve accumulated.

I have plenty of thoughts playing inside my mind as I looked at the paintings inside the 4 walls of the venue. I realized how blessed they are because they can expressed their thoughts, feelings and emotions through painting but now I’m a bit worried since freedom of expression is one of the hottest topic in our society nowadays and it might affect the freedom of these artist to express the things they have in mind. Also, I envy them since I was not lucky to have the hand for it. Ever since I was a child I envy the people whom I saw painting especially my other siblings. I once asked God why did He not gave me the skill in painting or drawing whatsoever and I accept that  maybe it’s really not for me.

Indeed, Filipino talents are truly the best and one of a kind and even if the weather seemed to be uncooperative during that morning truly I say that it was all worth it to see the different artworks of our fellow Filipino. Through attending this kind of event we are showing our support and our respect to them so even if I am working in the next Manila Art I promised that I would visit again and check another one of kind pieces from these talented local artists. Kudos to the people behind the exhibit! J

    

                                                                                                                  

HINDI AKO BAKLA, DJ BUMBAY AND WAG NA WAG MONG SASABIHIN

At first, I was laughing very hard while watching the three music videos performed by one of the best and funniest comedian here in the Philippines none other than Michael V. or commonly called as “Bitoy”. The first video we've watched was him performing and singing Hindi ako Bakla, Babae ako. At the beginning he was dressed like a man  and he was claiming that he was not a gay well in fact, it was obvious that he really was. In the second video, Michael V. played an Indian man or what we call “Bumbay”. The last video was Michael V. imitating Kitchie Nadal and singing her famous song Wag na Wag mong Sasabihin”. Basically, the three videos showed how we view gays and Indians or the so-called Bumbays in our society. Sad but true but we have to admit that some of the Filipino people loves to make fun of others. We tend to ignore the feelings of our subject just to have something funny. As I analyzed the lyrics of the song Hindi ako bakla babae ako and Wag na Wag mong Sasabihin I felt bad and sad because where is respect in that concept?! Let's admit that in our society or in our culture  third sex is still unacceptable simply because many people think that gays are "salot sa lipunan". Though we are living in a different way now because of the modernization and liberalization in our culture but we still can't deny the fact that some are still attached in the culture we used to believe in. 

While in DJ Bumbay,  I found it a bit offensive and I kind of feel offended too even if I’m not one of them and I don’t know why I’d felt that way.  It may be funny to some who watched the video but we have to keep in mind that we should respect them and not make fun of them because if the same thing happens to us, like other country would make a video like the one we have watched I am pretty sure that we will react negatively. I think it is in our culture that we love making fun of others but we should know our limitations even if it is intended for pure entertainment only. 

 We should accept one another despite the flaws we have and show our respect to them because I believe that if we want others to respect us we should show our utmost respect to them also.

MY DATE WITH DREW

Last September 19, we watched a documentary film entitled My Date with Drew. Basically, the story is about a guy named Brian Herzlinger who had a huge crush with none other than the famous Hollywood star Drew Barrymore since he was six years old.  Just to give a little overview about Brian, he is a 27 year old aspiring film maker who lives in New Jersey and he has a lifelong dream that he wants to achieve and that is to have a date with Drew but he had a huge problem because it seems that his dream was kind of impossible because Drew Barrymore is Drew Barrymore and he was just an ordinary guy.  He was not even rich or something to finance all the things needed in his journey to convince Drew to go out with him. The only money that he will use or spent for the journey was the prize he won in a game show that costs $1,100 and what’s funny about the game show was the answer in the final question was also Drew Barrymore.  They documented all the things happened to his journey and he was only given 1 month to accomplish everything because he has to surrender or return the camera he just borrowed from Circuit City. He experience a lot of problems through the entire journey but he never lose hope until the very end and then one day everything fall to its places and his lifelong dream eventually happened.

In the documentary we’ve watched we saw that Brian went through some make-over like his hair was cut, he shove off his beard,  he also went to Drew’s derma to remove blackheads, he even hired a personal trainer to lose some fats etc. He did all these things simply because he wanted to look good when he face Drew in person, these are some of the ideologies or the way of thinking of some because for them this is what a clean and handsome man should look. Others might think that this guy was crazy because others might think of Brian as an ambitious man, like what I’ve mentioned above Drew is Drew and he was just an ordinary guy. They are from 2 different worlds but in reality, this can possibly happen.

While watching the documentary I realized how determined Brian was and I admire him for showing his determination just for his lifelong dream come to reality. He still pushed through the journey even if there are many misfortunes he encountered. He did not think what other people might think of him like he is insane or crazy because why would Drew Barrymore be convince to date him, she’s such a busy person but she was kind enough to say yes to Brian. The situation happened only proves that if we really want something then do it, make it fight for it. Don’t lose hope, never lose heart, just do your best to reach for your dream. Be aggressive but also keep in mind that there are still limitations, certain rules to follow and you should know where and when to stop.

  

Control Room

Control Room

Control Room was released during the year 2004 and it is a video documentary about  the war between the United States of America and Iraq and how Al Jazeera  the leading and the largest news network in Middle East reported and covered the conflict between the two countries. These two countries were in conflict because of unresolved issues between the two parties.  Media plays a big role in a war, it is their responsibility to present both sides of the story in order to avoid biases and that was Al jazeera did. They exposed the real thing happened during the war that made the American government mad at them. They showed how the military of America bombed Iraq and killed thousands of innocent people. One Iraqi that was interviewed by Aljazeera talked about what Mr. George Bush said about peace. He said What about peace if America will bombed Iraq and the innocent ones will suffer where is peace in that?!  Mr. Bush warned Saddam Hussain and its people to leave Iraq within 48 hours and a refusal to do so means military conflict. Is this how Mr. Bush defines peace by killing innocent people.He also mentioned in his speech and assured that America will helped Iraq and turned it into a prosperous and free country when their leader would go down in his thrown.

 Al Jazeera only proves that no one can take control over them even if that means someone's reputation might be put at risk. They just did their job to deliver to their audiences the right  information. I admire them for being brave and fair and I hope that all news network will follow what they did so that transparency and accountability will be in practice in news networks.

America in our image is the most powerful country in the world that they have all the access in everything if they want to but if we will just follow what is right and that is to say no to them then we can say the we are practicing what freedom is all about. 

Sicko :D

SICKO

Micheal Moore’s documentary film entitled Sicko won during the 2007 Cannes Film festival. It tackles about the  lack of support and initiative of the insurance company and the government  in helping the citizens of America to receive a quality service or health insurance because they are after the profit they will earn from them. A lot of American people suffer because they do not have money to support the finances in paying for the hospital bills and as a result they die because they did not receive the right treatment or medication. In addition to that, their loved-ones left bankrupt because of high hospital bills that they can’t afford to pay.  According to the film I’ve watched, 18,000 people have died simply because they were denied to receive a treatment from the hospitals. I was shocked to know that these things actually happened in America. I grew up having in mind that America is the greatest country in the whole wide world, that they are the strongest and most powerful country ever, that they are the heroes that will save ones country from the attacks of the colonizers  but the revelations in the documentary made me realized that this country isn’t really the best instead it's the other way around. They are after the money of the people and they are not really concerned with their citizens. I was really disappointed to know the truth and the image now of America for me is totally different from the image I used to believe in.

Another thing that struck me while watching the film was when Michael Moore brought the victims/volunteers of the 9/11 attack to Cuba a not well- known and poor country in the world. But even if it is a third world country still they give free treatment and medication. I was surprised to know that this country offers and give free care to the people since we have this stereotype that an African country like Cuba is poor and they do not have the capacity to give free medication the people who are in need.

Sad to say that what we believe from the very beginning isn't really the truth instead we were manipulated and controlled by the people above us. We were blind not to see the real intention of the Americans, we should keep in mind that no one or no body will save us not even Americans but we Filipinos our very own race will help each other to stand and fight for our rights.

Ang Babae sa Septic Tank

Ang Babae sa Septic Tank was released during the 7th year of Cinemalaya festival held at CCP.  I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to watch the film for it showcased the real status or situation of our country at present times. It is a story within a story and discussed about the worsening poverty here in the Philippines that resulted to human trafficking. Because of the extreme poverty that the Filipino is facing they think of other ways just to get out of the trash lives they have that’s why some turned to other illegal doings such as selling children to the people who are old just to make them a sex slaves and from that they will earn money and used it for their everyday living. Unfortunately, the movie might give a negative mental picture of our country since it exposed the kind of life we have here in the Philippines particularly in the squatter’s area but why would we be ashamed if that is the reality happening in our country? We need to show of all these to others so that the government will respond to the issues we are facing. The movie “Ang Babae sa Septic tank’ was even shown abroad and received awards from prestigious award giving bodies. For me, I think it has a greater impact when independent movies showcase the reality since  the audience can relate to it easily. 

On the other hand, Eugene Domingo as the main character in the movie for me portrayed the role very effectively. I can’t think of anyone else fit for that role aside from her. She was able to deliver the lines with conviction and it seems that she’s not really acting for it comes out to her naturally. In addition to the performance of the other characters, I definitely applaud the ones who chose the cast since Kean, Cai and JM also portrayed their roles effectively. The acts they made were very natural as well. I was surprised because I never thought that they could act that way especially Kean, I though he’s just a vocalist of the band but he was able to prove himself in that movie and no doubt why he had given projects now by ABS-CBN and TV5.  

Lastly, at the end of the movie I realized how lucky I am with the kind of life I have right now. Even though my parents were not with us anymore since they both passed away still I consider myself blessed and lucky  because they were able to raised me and my other siblings in a way every child wants to live. I'm not saying that I get everything I want in life but enough to say that I have the necessary things I need especially the most important of all- Education. :)  

The TV Set

The TV Set

The movie entitled The TV Set is all about the manipulation of the network to the story written by Mike Klein. Mike, being the main character in the movie is a script writer, he wrote the story for a television series with a title “The Wexler’s Chronicle” and it is about the story of a lawyer who can’t move on due to the incident that his brother did, his brother committed suicide. He was very inspired to do that story because it is based on his real life experiences. He presented the story to the board and eventually liked the concept and they believed that the story he wrote will gain ratings. Mike himself looked for the people that will audition and portray for the characters in the story and he believes that TJ would perfectly fit for the character of being a lawyer instead of Zach Harper, but then Lenny and the other staff wants Zach and he tried to convinced them but the board’s decision was already final and he can’t do anything but to agree. The board also thinks that, the end of the story is tragic since suicide is too heavy for a comedy show. He had a conversation with his pregnant wife and told her that “I’d rather not do it than do it badly” he was referring to the incident mentioned above. But then his wife told him that she is pregnant, they have a little baby, and they still have to pay for the expenses in their house so he can’t reject the offer they have for him instead he just have  to accept the fact that the story he wrote might be changed or altered just to push the story.  

As the story go on, during the shooting for one of the episodes, he was disappointed simply because the scenes the he envisioned are not the things that are actually happening and he was also a bit disappointed to the actor Mike because during rehearsals he acts good but when the moment they shoot for the actual prod he then changed. On the other hand, Len, Mike’s boss really wants to changed the suicide part but of course Mike doesn’t want too because the essence of the story will vanish if they do so that’s why Mr. Richard McCallister said that why not make a two different versions, the first version is the original story of Mike  and the second is the mother dies and the brother was imprisoned. But at the end of the movie still the decision of the boss win over and he was very disappointed.

The movie TV set showed the things that possibly happened inside the network. the manipulation of the bosses towards the other staff. Yes, I understand that they only want to have a good story in order for them to produce a good show but then sometimes the management overused their power and sometimes tend to be insensitive towards the feelings of others.  The writers wrote story because they want to express themselves and to share the creativity they have in mind but once the management manipulate them they might not have expressed what they really want to impart to the minds of their viewers or audiences. If I were in Mike’s shoes I will fight for the things I believe in.  I will not let anyone to manipulate or control the things in my mind even if that would mean the story I wrote would be rejected, sad it may seem but that’s the only thing left in me-pride. I know that it would be a big lost on my part but I will just accept the fact and would just wait for the right time. I always believe that everything will fall in its its places at the right time and with the right people.

Jay, Quiz Show and Shattered Glass :D

For every yin there is a yang, relating this to mass media what I’m trying to say is that media has many advantages and dis-advantages. For me, media is very powerful since it has the power to influence ones belief and behavior. This could be positive or negative. Positive like it can be a source of information to the people. It can link or bridge the knowledge gap of individuals in certain aspects but more so, it can be negative since mass media has the power to distort reality.

By watching Jay, Shattered Glass and The Quiz show it made me realized how strong the influence and bad media can be. In the movie entitled jay, I pity his family because the media used them to gain ratings, and to earn money. If I were in the shoes of his mother I would not allow anyone to use my family especially the death of my son and invade our privacy just to get a good and compelling story. I pity them because they don’t know what their rights are, and they do not have sufficient knowledge that they have the right to say no to the people around them. In addition to that, I hate the part when the mayor of the city used Jay’s family to gain good publicity. I do not think it is proper to give Lechon and asked Jay’s mother to convince the media to interview him. I mean what kind of mentality is that? If he really is sincere in helping jay’s family he will not do that. Just saying. J

Another one, The Quiz Show is all about manipulation in the game show. The organizers of the program faked the game plan just to gain ratings and earn profit by manipulating their audience.  The viewers who were really attached in the show were being controlled by the program. Sad to say that the viewers who were very innocent, who only wants to have a pure entertainment in their homes were being controlled by the program they watched. Transparency is lacking but because what matters in the company was to gain a higher rating still they were doing it just to get what they want. If I were in the shoes of the main character in this movie, I will definitely not tolerate the manipulation of that program, I will reveal it to the public even if that means they will sue me because and they are big names in the industry. But because I know that I am the one that is right I will not be afraid to tell truth.  I would like to believe that the public will favor me.

Lastly, Shattered Glass the main character in this movie is Stephen Glass who happens to be a writer. He imitate articles from the other people and credit himself for that. He is claiming that he was then one who wrote the article he published but the other company or network doubted him that’s why they made an investigation later on, it was revealed that they were all lies.  He did that simply because he wanted to be famous. I mean who would not want to be a popular writer but what he did was actually a wrong move for his career. If I were in his shoes, I will not copy ones work or article just to credit myself. I know that my credibility would be at stake if I did that.

Let me borrow what Spiderman said in the movie, with Great Power comes Great Responsibility. I hope that the power that the media has will be use in a manner that can create and not to destroy one’s self.

  

Maindie Films :D

Ano nga ba ang pinagkaiba ng mainstream movies sa mga Independent films?. Tayo ay magbalik tanaw sa  mga nasabi sa naganap na Cinemalaya Congress. Mahalaga pa ba ang Indie films makalipas ang pito hanggang walong taon? Ito ang mga katanungang naglalaro sa ating mga isipan. 

Base sa aking mga natutunan sa pagpunta sa naganap na Congress noong July 25-26 na ginanap sa CCP sinasabi nila na ang  isa sa pagkakaiba nang dalawa ay ang budget na ginagamit sa pagbuo ng pelikula. Sinasabi na ang mainstream movies ay umaabot sa 30 milyon pataas samantalang ang mga malayang pelikula ay 2 hanggang mga 3 milyon lamang. Kung ating iisipin napakalaki nang agwat o pagitan ng dalawang klase ng pelikula pagdating sa budget ngunit para sa akin oo malaki ang papel nito sa pagbuo ng pelikula ngunit ito ay di nangangahulugang hindi maaring maipakita o maiparating ng mga independent directors ang mga nais nilang ipakita sa pelikulang ginawa. Kung tutuusin may mas malalim pa nga itong mensahe sa mga manunuod. Aaminin ko na noong unang beses kong nakapanuod ng indie film nasabi kong wala namang kwenta sapagkat una,  hindi ko kilala ang mga artista. Aminin naman natin na tayong mga Pilipino minsan mas inuuna kung sino ang mga magsisiganap sa pelikula kumpara sa nilalaman ng istorya. Ngunit sa paglipas ng mga panahon unti-unting nabuksan ang aking murang isipan sa mga realidad na dapat mas napapansin sa ating lipunan. Mas naipapakita sa mga independent films ang tunay na sitwasyon o kalagayan ng ating bayan at ng mga Pilipino sa kasalukuyan. Hindi kagaya ng mainstream minsan mas malimit alam na natin ang magiging takbo ng pelikula sapagkat napakarami nang kagaya at paulit ulit na lamang ang istorya, ang nagiiba na nga lamang ay ang pangalan ng bida at ng mga lugar kung saan ito isinasagawa.

Sa paglipas ng panahon, masasabi kong unti-unti ng nasasakop ng mainstream ang mga Independent films. Wala naman akong masamang pagtingin sa mainstream sinasabi ko lang ang mga bagay na aking napupuna. Noon, hindi kilala o sikat ang mga karakter na gumaganap sa mga malalayang pelikula at maging ang mga direktor.  Marami ang mas nabibigyan ng oportunidad na maipakita ang kanilang husay sa pag-arte o talento sa pagdidirek sa isang pelikula, ngunit ano na ba ang lagay sa kasalukuyan? Unti-unti at dahan-dahang pumapasok ang mga malalaking pangalan ng showbiz sa mga independent films kaya minsan naitanong ko sa aking sarili na kung nararapat pa ba itong tawaging independent film dahil lumalakas na ang imlpuwensya ng mga mainstream dito. Nakakalungkot isipin na ito ay nangyayari ngunit ito ang katotohanan.

Kung ako ang tatanungin na matapos ang 7 hanggang walong taon mahalaga pa rin ba ang mga independent films, ang aking isasagot ay walang patumanggang OO. naniniwala ako na napakahalaga ng papel ng independent films sa pagunlad ng industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino. May mga bagay na bawal ipakita sa mainstream ngunit sa pagkakaron ng Indie films ay mas nailalahad o mas napapakita ang tunay na kalagayan ng ating bansa sa panahon ngayon. Ito rin ay sumasalamin sa tunay na buhay ng mga tao kung kaya ay mas maraming tao ang nakakarelate o naihahambing ang kanilang mga sarili sa mga taong nagsisispagganap. Gaya nga ng nasabi sa congress na aking napuntahan araw araw may ipinapanganak na magagaling at mahuhusay na direktor, artista kaya ako ay naniniwala na kahit ilan pang unos at pagsubok ang haharapin ng mga ito naniniwala pa din akong mas magtatagal at mas dudumugin pa ang mga Independent films.

Bilang isang tao at Pilipino na may pagmamahal sa industriya ng pelikula ako ay patuloy pa rin na susuporta sa mga susunod pang panaahon dahil sumasang-ayon ako na hindi kelangan ng label o ng katawagan tulad na lamang ng mainstream o indie dahil iisa lang naman ang ating lahi, iisa lang din ang ating minimithi ito ay walang iba kundi mapagtibay ang pelikulang Pilipino.  Hindi magkaaway ang dalawa at hindi dapat pinagsasabong sapagkat tayo ay Pilipino ang mga pelikulang ito maging Mainstream man o Indie ay iisa lang ang lahi ng mga gumawa at nagsisiganap sabi nga sa forum hindi sila magkaaaway ang kaaway ay sina Batman, Harry Potter, Spiderman madaling salita ang mga Foreign movies na mas sinusuportahan pa ng mga Pilipino kumpara sa sariling atin.  Kaya tayo ay maging matalino sa pagpiling mga pelikula at suportahan natin ang sariling atin. Mabuhay ang Independent  at Mainstream film! Mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilino! J

                                                                                                  

REFLECTION:

While watching the film entitled "The Newsroom" episode 1... 

At first, I really didn't understand what is it all about I was like... 

maybe because the characters involved in the movie  talks very fast and there were a lot of dialogues into it but as I continue to watched and listen very eagerly to what they were all saying, little by little I got really excited especially during the production scene where in Will Mcavoy, a television news anchor reported the incident about the Oil spill in Mexico live. I admire him for being a good broadcaster, In that scenario, he was not just a normal anchor who read news report through teleprompter and the like. He was very calm even they weren't really prepared at all and he was able to manage/handle  the entire production smoothly and of course it would not be possible without the help of the staff or the people who work at the back of  the camera. In the movie, I've learned the importance of unity within your co-workers. It is important to maintain a good working relationship with the people you work with even if others around you doesn't seem to be approachable you still have to be professional.  Humility is also important, eating your pride is not a sin and it will not make you a bad person, sometimes or should I say most of the time it is the key for you to succeed and to stay long in your chosen career.

 Lastly, the role of media plays a vital role in our society. They are the ones who provides information  for us to be socially aware. It is their job to deliver news to the citizen without any biases and expose issues or anomalies even if that means a person especially the notorious one's involved  may suffer from bad publicity. Both sides of the story should be given to the public in order to avoid biases that may destroy the credibility of the network. Working in media entails a lot of responsibility  and also it is in our hands if we will choose the right path but no matter where life takes us after graduation, let us always, always remember all the lessons we have  learned from our beloved alma matter- St. Scho. :)  

The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. -Unknown

Mama’s 65th birthday celebration last June 23, Joko took this one ))) wish you were here mommy, daddy and lola. I love you all so much! ♥♥♥

Best Friends forever :)

We all have that one friend that acts like they haven’t seen you in forever each time they see you. Someone I call, twinny. :”>