#WRITENOW at Storywriting School!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We all know that literature has made numerous contributions to our world, from the prehistoric ages to the greatest events in history up until the end of time. It has served many roles, including being the threshold of reform in societies, documentation of the greatest events in history and even as simple and entertaining as telling the villagers a great story over the campfire. Literature has lived on and will continue living on because nature has blessed us people with this innate capacity to be storytellers. 

From our unique and vibrant experiences came word-of-mouth explorations to letters of travelers and biographies of the renowned, to the contemporary comic books and novels of all genres, humans have grown to be such skilled storytellers, proven by the masterpieces and classic tales that strike our minds and hearts up to this day. 

Thus, we have been all the more motivated to refine this craft called storytelling. Ergo, platforms like Storywriting School aim to allow storytellers of all ages to unleash their creativity and train aspiring writers whether it be through short stories, sci-fi, fantasy, crime fiction, and the like without the financial limitations.

And so, at Fully Booked Greenbelt 5, Storywriting School's program #WRITENOW, with Palanca award-winning playwright and author Joachim Emilio "Joem" Antonio, is offering seminars all geared towards storytellers.  

Last May 5, 2018 11am-6pm, at Greenbelt 5, Makati, we attended How to Write Sci-Fi/Fantasy where Dr. Joem Antonio talked about everything from pre-writing, outlining, characterization, actual writing and post-writing. 

At the start of the seminar, we were given these note cards and name tags. Three tables were full of eager participants who all shared their expectations regarding the topics of the Sci-Fi/Fantasy seminar. We were also free to ask if we had any clarifications or inquiries. 

Students ranged from children to grown writers, all willing to learn about how to give structure to our ideas and gain tips on worldbuilding, what to keep in mind and actually writing our stories. Dr. Joem Antonio also emphasized on the powers of questioning and avoiding the so-called writer's block by simply writing things down whenever we have the luxury of doing so. After Dr. Joem had shared some lessons about Sci-Fi/Fantasy writing, we had a lot of exercises to put the writing lessons into application. 

We also talked about topics like being naturally good at making connections and being innate storytellers through our own experiences and observations. 

Not only is the instructor an award-winning and determined writer and playwright but also a jovial and approachable instructor when it comes to writing, especially after the end of the workshop when some participants were more comfortable to share their own inquiries regarding Sci-fi/Fantasy storywriting. 

A week later - Last Saturday, May 12, 2018, still at 11am-6pm, we writers got to learn about crafting our own Crime Fiction stories. The class was surprisingly comfy yet effective and entertaining. Once again with Dr. Joem as our instructor, we discussed and shared our insights about characterization and setting, how all the characters play a crucial role when it comes to structuralizing their own to-do-lists in their outlines in order to construct the story's overall plot. 

Seeing some unfamiliar faces, I arrived to see these new crime-fiction related terms - all pivotal to the creation of intriguing ideas and story prompts in a matter of minutes. The participants were soon geared for an exercise in composing their own unique story prompts as well. 

Dr. Joem Antonio had also revealed that he is a professor of Literature and Theatre Arts at University of Asia and the Pacific and teaches fiction writing at Storywriting School. He's also the main proponent of Compact Shakespeare, a series dedicated to making abridged versions of our favorite Shakespeare classics. 

So far, I can describe these Saturday #WRITENOW workshops as interesting, effective and hands-on exercises that will truly develop one's writing abilities through helping them put these lessons into practice not long after learning them. They are fun, challenging and fit for a wide scope of writers, may they be youngsters or hobbyists or professional writers who want to refine their storytelling abilities. 

Through each of these captivating 6-hour crash courses, writers young and old got to unleash their skills in both imagining and fleshing out the elements of crime fiction. Complete with techniques, examples, and good ol' friendly writing advice, this was an effective and amazing class for aspiring writers.

For more information about the instructor, visit: http://www.joemantonio.com/home

Stay tuned for topics like Children's Stories, Storytelling and Narration. 

To enroll in the program, visit https://www.storywritingschool.com/courses/enroll

Hannah Krystelle Q. Del Rosario

Philippine Cinema Continues to Go Global with Cannes 2018

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In continuing its efforts to promote Philippine Cinema in the international scene and create more opportunities for Filipino producers to find international collaborators, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) once again leads the Filipino delegation to Cannes International Film Festival and Marche Du Film from May 8-19, 2018 in Cannes, France. Cannes International Film Festival, with its counterpart film market Marche Du Film, is one of only three A-list international film festivals in the world and gathers the best and most relevant film industry figures around the world.

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Festival de Cannes

The prestigious film festival will be featuring “Judgement,” film by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez at the Short Film Competition. Competing with world-quality films, Judgement is the story of Joy, a mother of a 4 year-old girl, who finally decides to file a case under domestic violence against his abusive husband, Dante. Gutierrez’ other short film “Imago” was also nominated for Best Short Film in Cannes Film Festival in 2016

Also, a special feature will be the premiere of the restored version of the 1982 French-Filipino film Cinq et la Peau (Five and the Skin) at Cannes Directors' Fortnight. The whole film was shot entirely in the Philippines starring Gloria Diaz, Bembol Roco, Philip Salvador and Joel Lamangan, directed by legend Pierre Rissien, and was featured in the Cannes' Un Certain Regard 36 years ago.

The film’s director, Pierre Rissien, whom they call the Man of Cannes passed away last May 5, 2018 days before he was supposed to introduce the film during Cannes Directors' Fortnight. He is a Cannes Adviser, an influential Cinephile and Cannes Film Scout before he died, and a known supporter of Philippine Cinema.

Award-winning Filipino short film director Carlo Manatad is also a participant at Cinefondation’s Atelier for its 14th edition. Manatad and his producer Armi Cacanindin are the only Filipino pair accepted in the reputable program with their project in development “Whether the Weather is Fine”. The same project was also awarded the Co-Production Award in last year’s TorinoFilmLab. L’Atelier provides participants access to international co-productions to accelerate the film’s completion.

Cannes Film Market (Marche Du Film)

For Marche, the FDCP is hosting a Philippine Pavilion which houses 18 Filipino production companies with contents and projects open for collaboration and international distribution. “Philippine Cinema is at its one hundred years and we are really excited because we get to bring the celebration to Cannes. Cannes has played such an important part in the promotion of Philippine Cinema worldwide, taking notice of our legendary filmmakers from Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal in the 70's to today's Brillante Mendoza Raymond Red, Adolf Alix and the many Filipino filmmakers making waves in the Festival. At the same time, Marche Du Film has been a great platform for our producers to be exposed to the world of global co-production and distribution. Because of that, we really want to maximize our annual participation especially this year to both the Festival and the Market,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Mary Liza Dino.

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Short Film Corner and Market Screenings

The Philippines also have the following participants to the Cannes Short Film Corner -  Logro (Odds) by Kani Villaflor, Todas by Patrick Eugenio, Palabas (A Country in Moving Pictures) by Noel Escondo, Milagros by Pigeon X, Kadena (Shackles) by Arvin Belarmino, and Alaala (Memory) by Arjanmar Rebeta. This section more than screens the short films but also conducts meetings with professionals facilitated by experienced speakers, workshops and themed conferences which will increase the chances of short films being selected by international festivals, as well as revealing the filmmakers' talents to potential partners and diffusers.

As for Market Screenings which are open to all badge holders in the Festivals, Neomanila by Mikhail Red (PelikulaRED), Dormitoryo by Emerson Reyes (TBA Studios) , Nervous Translation by Shireen Seno (Cinema One Originals, Cinematorgrafica), Respeto by Treb Monteras (ArkeoFilms) and The Trigonal: Fight for Justice by Vincent Soberano (Cinefenio Productions) are set for exhibition. 

Spotlight Country in the Cannes Producers Network

For the first time, the Philippine is going to be the Spotlight Country in the Cannes Producers Network. It is an industry event which facilitates connections between producers to help them boost their projects in development through a series of events designed to encourage international co-productions. With over 500 attendees from all over the world, producers will get to meet the best of the best. As a Spotlight country, the Philippines gets to showcase its most promising Filipino producers who are geared and ready for co-productions with international partners, namely Alemberg Ang (Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa, 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten, Ang Larawan), Armi Rae Cacanindin (Kusina, I’m Drunk I Love You, Jodilerks Dela Cruz, Employee of the Month), Pedring Lopez (Binhi, Nilalang, Dark Room), Sheron Dayoc (Halaw, Children’s Show, Women of the Weeping River) and Bianca Balbuena (That Thing Called Tadhana, Hele Sa Hiwagang Hapis, Ang Panahon ng Halimaw). This can further jumpstart the country’s efforts to get content out to the world and create new ones with international partners. The Spotlight event will also be featuring Cannes Best Director 2009 Brillante Mendoza, Palm d’Or Short Film 2000 winner Raymond Red, and FDCP Chairperson Liza Dino as guests of honour.

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Sandaan: Philippine Cinema Centennial Talks

Another way of FDCP’s celebration of One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema is its hosting of Sandaan: Philippine Cinema Centennial Talks which shares to the international community the journey and triumphs of the local cinema. For Cannes, there will be a 2-day panel on May 15-16, 3 PM at the Philippine Pavilion on Filipino films going to the Cannes Film Festival, as well as the opportunities for co-productions with the Philippines and using it as a film location for foreign productions through the Film Philippines program. Among the panelists will be Brillante Mendoza, Raymond Red, and producers Armi Cacanindin, Alemberg Ang, Bianca Balbuena, Sheron Dayoc, and Pedring Lopez.

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Consortium Against Sexual Harassment in the Entertainment Industry

FDCP joined forces with Darpan Singapore and Southeast Asia Audiovisual Association by being the first country to enter the Consortium against Sexual Harassment in the Entertainment Industry. With the incredible movement of #MeToo in Hollywood and Europe, both partners believe that it is important that this culture of accountability and empowerment reaches Asia as well. During the signing event entitled You and #MeToo, Ms. Sreya Sen and Chairperson Dino committed to raise awareness, lobby for legislation and inspire a much-needed culture change in both Singapore and the Philippines and their respective film industries. They also aim to encourage other Asian countries to join the movement and push for collective action.

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Festival de Cannes and Marche Du Film runs from May 8 to 19, 2018.

DOTr, Japan Move Closer to Mobilizing New MRT-3 Rehab, Maintenance Provider

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed on Friday, 11 May 2018, the Minutes of Discussion for the Appraisal Mission for the Japan-financed MRT-3 Rehabilitation and Maintenance Project, where details on estimate project cost, scope of works, and schedule have been finalized. 

The Appraisal Mission was conducted over the course of last week through thorough technical discussions between officials of JICA and DOTr. 

Based on the discussions, the Rehabilitation and Maintenance Project of MRT-3 will take 43 months: 31 months for the simultaneous rehabilitation and maintenance works to restore MRT-3 to its original design condition and capacity, and 12 months for the defect liability period.

The scope of works of the Project, with cost estimated at ¥34.480 billion JPY (PHP16.985 billion), will cover the MRT-3’s trains, power supply system, overhead catenary system, radio system, CCTV system, PABX public address system, signaling system, rail tracks, road rail vehicles, depot equipment, elevators and escalators, and other station building equipment.

DOTr and JICA have also agreed to commit to best environmental management practices and social considerations through the procurement of a Supervision Consultant who will facilitate the implementation of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and an Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP).

To ensure the project’s sustainability, the Supervision Consultant shall also draft and institutionalize new MRT-3 manuals that will update methodologies on appropriate asset management, project monitoring and supervision, and operations and maintenance activities. 

After completing the Appraisal Mission, DOTr and Japan will now move on to signing of the loan agreement and the mobilization of the new maintenance and rehabilitation provider for MRT-3, which is targeted this June 2018.