Although 2013 was plagued with scams, tragedies, typhoons, earthquakes, hospitalizations and/or deaths of relatives, death of our maid, ...etc..., life has a way of finding an equilibrium, balancing it with profound blessings, especially in the field of my so-called acting career. A year ago, I was already happy being part of one or two films showing in one year. What happened afterwards went far beyond my hopes and expectations.
As such, I would like to end 2013 by thanking all those who have supported me, believed in me, guided me, mentored me, inspired me, worked with me, and made the experience very pleasurable. You know who you are. 2013 Milestones in my fledgling alternative career can be summarized as follows :
1. 1st time to shoot in films starring film legends and erstwhile rivals Vilma Santos (Ekstra) and Nora Aunor (Padre de Pamilya) within a span of one year
2. 1st time to officially walk the red carpet of a film premiere (Ekstra)
3. 1st time to attend a press conference for a film (Ekstra)
4. 1st time to appear in 4 different films shown in cinemas within a span of 35 days (Badil, Shift, Saturday Night Chills, Slumber Party)
5. 1st time to appear in 3 films during the Cinema One Originals 2013 filmfest (Shift, Saturday Night Chills, Slumber Party)
6. 1st time to appear in a period production (Katipunan)
7. 1st time to appear in a biopic (Katipunan)
8. 1st time to shoot for an advocacy film (TB awareness in Flying Kiss)
9. 1st time to appear in a movie poster (Slumber Party)
10. 1st time to shoot outside Luzon (Badil)
11. 1st time to be cast in a TV Public Service program (Landas)
12. 1st time to be in shoots with rainmakers (Ekstra and Above the Clouds)
13. 1st time to appear on the Yahoo! front page (article on Ekstra)
14. 1st time to be interviewed by a major daily because of my fledgling alternative career (PDI)
15. 1st time to be interviewed for a magazine because of my fledgling alternative career (YSG!)
Each shoot is an educational sojourn, and teaches me a little bit more about life. Below are films shot and/or screened in 2013 in which I appear, and lessons learned from them:
1. `EKSTRA' by Jeff Jeturian
Lessons learned :
- Sugarcane farmers spend most of their days under the blistering hot sun
- Wedding reception dramas are fun
- Sarap ang linupak na galing Batangas
- Not all politicians are evil. Some are very loveable.
2. `LANDAS' (GMA7 Public Affairs Election Special 2013)
- `Diverted' government funds result in dilapidated, inadequate school facilities
- Vote wisely
3. `BADIL' by Chito Rono
- Biri Island in Northern Samar is a hidden treasure of the Philippines
- The indigents of Biri Island are mega-nice and hospitable!
- Learned a hidden practice in electoral cheating
- It’s fun to ride on a habal-habal
- Slimy, slithering, seashell slugs may look disgusting, but they taste yummy, fried or boiled!
4. `SHIFT' by Siege Ledesma
- Learned how Call Center Agents can cheat on their metrics
- Love, like the BPO companies, can be very soluble
- I look ugly in drag =)
5. `SATURDAY NIGHT CHILLS' by Ian Lorenos
- It’s fun to get drunk in a club during a raid.
6. `SLUMBER PARTY' by Emman De La Cruz
- Gay lingo has come a long way since `Hyundai'
- Nino Muhlach has come a long way since `Ang Leon at Ang Daga'
- RK Bagatsing looks pretty in pink
7. `KATIPUNAN' by King Mark Baco
- Andres Bonifacio for President! (of the 1st Philippine Republic)
- Katipuneros didn't like their mayor very much
8. `FLYING KISS' by Cris Pablo
- TB can be treated. If you have TB, never skip on the prescribed medications, even if you think you feel better already.
9. `ABOVE THE CLOUDS' by Pepe Diokno
- Typhoon victims suffered terribly and need our help 24/7
10. `PADRE De PAMILYA' by Adolfo Alix
- Working with seasoned veterans and professionals like Nora Aunor, Joel Torre, Anita Linda, Rosanna Roces, and Coco Martin is truly motivating!
