Stamps commemorate Adventist Centennial
Marking milestones often require grand celebrations.
But the Seventh-day Adventist Church chose to
commemorate their 100th year in the Philippines with a
ceremony notable for its simplicity. And appropriately
so, as the church has stood by the idea that "true
beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in
the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet
spirit."
A dinner ceremony was held at Manila Sanitarium
Hospital on February 23. About a hundred guests
attended including Pastor Albert Gulfan, president of
Southern Asia-Pacific Division of Seventh-day
Adventists; Nestor Dayson, president of Adventists in
Luzon; Pastor Larry Feir, communication director of
North Philippine Union Mission; and Alfonso Divina,
layout artist of philatelic division of Philippine
Postal Corporation.
There was good reason for a representative of the
Philippine Postal Corporation to be around. To mark
the milestone, a blocked set of stamps was handed to
Jan Paulsen, current president of the World
Seventh-day Adventists.
Paulsen also spoke about the long, tough road the
church went through and how it survived and grew in
the Philippines.
12 members in 1911
The first Adventist Church in the country was
organized in Sta. Ana, Manila on March 11, 1911 with
12 members. During the first three years, evangelistic
activities were confined in and around Manila. By
1913, missionaries opened the work in northern Luzon
for the Ilocanos. At that time, there was no
literature evangelist or any church members in that
area of Luzon. By 1921, there were seven organized
churches with 327 members. Not only was the gospel
work expanding in the North; this was also the case in
the South.
The next few decades saw the church's growth slowing
down due to factors such as World War II. Nonetheless,
the Adventists' expansion was on a gradual upswing.
By the turn of the new millennium, the National
Philippine Union Mission became a Union of two
conferences (Central and South Central Luzon
Conferences) and three missions (Southern Luzon,
Northern Luzon, and Mountain Provinces Missions) with
a total of 1,297 churches. Serving the Union in
various ministries and capabilities are 197 ordained
pastors, 90 regular ministerial workers, 685 teachers,
455 literature evangelists, 602 medical and
paramedical personnel, 179 publishing workers and a
host of office staff .
1.2 million in 2005
Today, there's an estimated 1,208,000 Adventists in
the Philippines.
The Church also operates one publishing house and
supervises one university and three colleges, 12
academies and 160 elementary schools. It has three
hospitals: the Manila Adventist Medical Church,
Cagayan Valley Adventist Hospital, and Palawan
Adventist Hospital, although for management purposes
all three were adopted by the Adventist Health System
- Asia in 2003.
Jan Paulsen, now at the helm of the Church, believes
they survived because of their adherence to love and
their dedication in spreading God's word.
(First published in What's On & Expat on Aprile 3-9, 2005)
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Sweet Greens Garden Cafe
A taste of Bacolod beyond "Inasal"
Lacson Street is one of Bacolod's two main roads. Along that path are the Negrense capital's most prominent landmarks including the Negros Showroom and the Provincial Capitol Park & Lagoon. Then there's Sweet Greens Garden Cafe, a haven of Bacolod cuisine and Negros Occidental delicacies not to be missed if you find yourself in Bacolod.
Co-owned by Tima Lacson and Millie Kilayko, Sweet Greens initially started as an actual garden, a horticulture business that eventually grew to include ceramics and other ornamentals. The cafe was originally meant to be a support facility of the garden but both ladies didn't foresee its resounding popularity.
A small group of TV and print media people was recently invited to sample some of their specialties. It was a fine, cool March night, perfect for sampling cuisine amidst a backdrop replete with plants and flowers.
We were first served their lumpia or spring rolls with glasses of fruit punch. According to "Foods of the World," lumpia was borne of gambling tables, an unusual provenance any way you look at it. Strongly superstitious that luck changes if anyone gets up from the gambling table, gamblers thought of coming up with something filling enough to nibble on without having to hedge their bets, so to speak, by leaving the table. Spring rolls fit the bill-easy-to-eat, unfussy, and fairly substantial.
Sweet Greens Garden Café's rendition of the spring roll, said co-owner Tima Lacson, uses heart of palm or "ubod," with a special recipe to make this gambler's delight uniquely theirs and uniquely delicious. True enough, we picked a few more lumpias after consuming our first roll.
The punch was the perfect complement, as Sweet Greens' version of a blend of tropical fruits included a good splash of white rum, fermented from Negrense sugarcanes. We were still in appetizer mode when co-owner Millie announced that dinner was ready.
And what a dinner it was. We were served binacol, a soup generous with chicken, herbs, vegetables, spices and lemongrass. Sweet Greens' recipe was handed down from Celsa Lizares-Kilayko, Millie's grandmother, who used fresh bamboo to cook the soup, giving it a distinct flavor.
The shrimp balls we were served came with a dipping sauce of mixed spices. The heavenly sardines originated from Daniel Lacson, cousin of former Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson. The recipe calls for pressure-cooking the fish in olive oil, liquor and spices. The Arroz Valenciana a dish often served during special occasions, was another special treat. Like all arroz (or rice) dishes, a few mouthfuls go a long way.
Our night didn't end there, as both Tima and Millie encouraged us to learn how to make a piaya. This is arguably Negros' most popular delicacy, a flat piece of bread stuffed with a sweet filling.
Making one isn't hard at all. A medium-sized ball of dough is first flattened with both palms and then a filling is inserted in a center opening and then sealed. Next, it's dunked in a platter of sesame seeds. Finally, a rolling pin is used to flatten it some more before it's slapped on what looks like a crepe pan, sans oil or lard or butter. Patience isn't needed here, as it only takes about 10 minutes for the piaya to be ready.
There are plenty of available fillings for the piaya. Mango is popular and so is banana. For us beginners in the art of making piaya, our hosts provided us with muscovado, a dark brown sugar. They said that other fillings require a few more procedures that are way past simple skills.
So next time you're in Bacolod, don't forego the chicken inasal. But don't forget to try out other yummies as well. Sweet Greens did just that for us.
(First published on What's On & Expat on March 20-April 2, 2005)
Lacson Street is one of Bacolod's two main roads. Along that path are the Negrense capital's most prominent landmarks including the Negros Showroom and the Provincial Capitol Park & Lagoon. Then there's Sweet Greens Garden Cafe, a haven of Bacolod cuisine and Negros Occidental delicacies not to be missed if you find yourself in Bacolod.
Co-owned by Tima Lacson and Millie Kilayko, Sweet Greens initially started as an actual garden, a horticulture business that eventually grew to include ceramics and other ornamentals. The cafe was originally meant to be a support facility of the garden but both ladies didn't foresee its resounding popularity.
A small group of TV and print media people was recently invited to sample some of their specialties. It was a fine, cool March night, perfect for sampling cuisine amidst a backdrop replete with plants and flowers.
We were first served their lumpia or spring rolls with glasses of fruit punch. According to "Foods of the World," lumpia was borne of gambling tables, an unusual provenance any way you look at it. Strongly superstitious that luck changes if anyone gets up from the gambling table, gamblers thought of coming up with something filling enough to nibble on without having to hedge their bets, so to speak, by leaving the table. Spring rolls fit the bill-easy-to-eat, unfussy, and fairly substantial.
Sweet Greens Garden Café's rendition of the spring roll, said co-owner Tima Lacson, uses heart of palm or "ubod," with a special recipe to make this gambler's delight uniquely theirs and uniquely delicious. True enough, we picked a few more lumpias after consuming our first roll.
The punch was the perfect complement, as Sweet Greens' version of a blend of tropical fruits included a good splash of white rum, fermented from Negrense sugarcanes. We were still in appetizer mode when co-owner Millie announced that dinner was ready.
And what a dinner it was. We were served binacol, a soup generous with chicken, herbs, vegetables, spices and lemongrass. Sweet Greens' recipe was handed down from Celsa Lizares-Kilayko, Millie's grandmother, who used fresh bamboo to cook the soup, giving it a distinct flavor.
The shrimp balls we were served came with a dipping sauce of mixed spices. The heavenly sardines originated from Daniel Lacson, cousin of former Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson. The recipe calls for pressure-cooking the fish in olive oil, liquor and spices. The Arroz Valenciana a dish often served during special occasions, was another special treat. Like all arroz (or rice) dishes, a few mouthfuls go a long way.
Our night didn't end there, as both Tima and Millie encouraged us to learn how to make a piaya. This is arguably Negros' most popular delicacy, a flat piece of bread stuffed with a sweet filling.
Making one isn't hard at all. A medium-sized ball of dough is first flattened with both palms and then a filling is inserted in a center opening and then sealed. Next, it's dunked in a platter of sesame seeds. Finally, a rolling pin is used to flatten it some more before it's slapped on what looks like a crepe pan, sans oil or lard or butter. Patience isn't needed here, as it only takes about 10 minutes for the piaya to be ready.
There are plenty of available fillings for the piaya. Mango is popular and so is banana. For us beginners in the art of making piaya, our hosts provided us with muscovado, a dark brown sugar. They said that other fillings require a few more procedures that are way past simple skills.
So next time you're in Bacolod, don't forego the chicken inasal. But don't forget to try out other yummies as well. Sweet Greens did just that for us.
(First published on What's On & Expat on March 20-April 2, 2005)
Saudi businessmen
Saudi businessmen RP business opportunities
Sumptuous dinners may not always make or break a business deal, but good food, served well, is invariably a charm. As are high-profile guests who deign to grace such occasions.
That may have been what the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Embassy of Saudi Arabia had in mind when they hosted a dinner reception recently at the Dusit Nikko Hotel in Makati City for the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Among the distinguished guests of the evening were former President Fidel V. Ramos, Senator Edgardo Angara, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Dr. Parouk Hussin and socialite Rose Marie "Baby" Arenas.
The 17-person delegation, led by Mr. Waleed Al-Swaidan, chair of the Saudi-Philippine Business Council, arrived in Manila last February 27. They attended the PCCI business conference held at the Manila Peninsula Hotel on February 28 and March 1 in order to look into trade and investment opportunities in both the Philippines and Saudi Arabia. Manpower and the food sectors were identified as among those that generated the highest interest between both parties.
The Mindanao Business Council also invited the Saudi delegates and H.E. Ambassador Mohammad Ameen Wali to Davao City to meet with local businessmen. A few of the delegates stayed behind to explore potential investments in agriculture.
No contracts have yet been signed but the PCCI is optimistic that the Manila-Davao sortie will yield the expected results.
(First published in What's On & Expat on March 20-April 2, 2005)
Sumptuous dinners may not always make or break a business deal, but good food, served well, is invariably a charm. As are high-profile guests who deign to grace such occasions.
That may have been what the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Embassy of Saudi Arabia had in mind when they hosted a dinner reception recently at the Dusit Nikko Hotel in Makati City for the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Among the distinguished guests of the evening were former President Fidel V. Ramos, Senator Edgardo Angara, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Dr. Parouk Hussin and socialite Rose Marie "Baby" Arenas.
The 17-person delegation, led by Mr. Waleed Al-Swaidan, chair of the Saudi-Philippine Business Council, arrived in Manila last February 27. They attended the PCCI business conference held at the Manila Peninsula Hotel on February 28 and March 1 in order to look into trade and investment opportunities in both the Philippines and Saudi Arabia. Manpower and the food sectors were identified as among those that generated the highest interest between both parties.
The Mindanao Business Council also invited the Saudi delegates and H.E. Ambassador Mohammad Ameen Wali to Davao City to meet with local businessmen. A few of the delegates stayed behind to explore potential investments in agriculture.
No contracts have yet been signed but the PCCI is optimistic that the Manila-Davao sortie will yield the expected results.
(First published in What's On & Expat on March 20-April 2, 2005)
Fringe Theater
An in-your-race remembrance of the Holocaust
The lobby of The Ballroom of Hotel Intercontinental Manila was lined with black and white photos of faces we thought we'd only see in history books-gaunt and haunted, stark in their fright and humiliation. It was the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Nazi Concentration Camps and in Manila, members of the Israeli community, the diplomatic circle and other distinguished guests went beyond pausing for a few minutes of silence in memory of the victims of the genocide.
The Embassy of Israel thought of a far more interesting way for people to never forget. They flew in members of the Acco Theater Center, a group that balances its aim of artistic creation with active social involvement. Located in the old city of Acco, inhabited mainly by Arabs, the Center offers the development of mutual relations between Jewish and Arab actors and the community as well. For the Manila commemoration, the Center boldly offered the Fringe Theater experience.
Fringe Theater involved holding stage performances in small venues for the purpose of actively engaging audiences in the performance. The point was to shake people, rouse them out of their apathy.
At the Intercon, the chandeliers were turned off with chairs pointed to a draped grand piano adorned with glasses, a flat Tanduay rum bottle and candles. An old woman, who looked like Maria Ouspenskaya (known for old Hollywood classics such as "Love Affair") clinked the glasses and began chanting with her eyes closed. It was reminiscent of a séance, I thought.
Then the character began telling her story. She said she was Zelma Greenwald, Holocaust survivor who managed to make it through the years with her music and the company of her son. They relived the war years, and told the story of how the son was unable to live past the tragedy and existed in a state of dysfunction. Zelda's music was itself a testimony of the terrible sadness that pervades her life.
But lest you think that it was all doom and gloom, the occasional and unexpected jokes that punctuated the show proved to be both welcome and startling during the nearly 90-minute performance. It helped that Moni Josef, who played the dysfunctional son, was a ringer for famed Hollywood comedian Steve Martin. A few one-liners, related to current events in the Philippines managed to further draw in local guests.
It was a one-of-a-kind experience, as the audience was transported to another time when they entered the Ballroom. Smadar Yaaron, who portrayed Greenwald, was a wonder. We were surprised during the cocktails after the show that beneath the make-up, accessories and ornate dress, the actress was quite young.
But the interjections of humor didn't help much during the latter part of the show, as the enveloping experience of the Holocaust relived took its toll, which was perhaps the intention. Which meant that the whole idea of fringe theater-up-close, in-your-face involvement-was more than fitting for an occasion the world should always remember.
(First published in What's On & Expat on March 20-April 2, 2005)
The lobby of The Ballroom of Hotel Intercontinental Manila was lined with black and white photos of faces we thought we'd only see in history books-gaunt and haunted, stark in their fright and humiliation. It was the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Nazi Concentration Camps and in Manila, members of the Israeli community, the diplomatic circle and other distinguished guests went beyond pausing for a few minutes of silence in memory of the victims of the genocide.
The Embassy of Israel thought of a far more interesting way for people to never forget. They flew in members of the Acco Theater Center, a group that balances its aim of artistic creation with active social involvement. Located in the old city of Acco, inhabited mainly by Arabs, the Center offers the development of mutual relations between Jewish and Arab actors and the community as well. For the Manila commemoration, the Center boldly offered the Fringe Theater experience.
Fringe Theater involved holding stage performances in small venues for the purpose of actively engaging audiences in the performance. The point was to shake people, rouse them out of their apathy.
At the Intercon, the chandeliers were turned off with chairs pointed to a draped grand piano adorned with glasses, a flat Tanduay rum bottle and candles. An old woman, who looked like Maria Ouspenskaya (known for old Hollywood classics such as "Love Affair") clinked the glasses and began chanting with her eyes closed. It was reminiscent of a séance, I thought.
Then the character began telling her story. She said she was Zelma Greenwald, Holocaust survivor who managed to make it through the years with her music and the company of her son. They relived the war years, and told the story of how the son was unable to live past the tragedy and existed in a state of dysfunction. Zelda's music was itself a testimony of the terrible sadness that pervades her life.
But lest you think that it was all doom and gloom, the occasional and unexpected jokes that punctuated the show proved to be both welcome and startling during the nearly 90-minute performance. It helped that Moni Josef, who played the dysfunctional son, was a ringer for famed Hollywood comedian Steve Martin. A few one-liners, related to current events in the Philippines managed to further draw in local guests.
It was a one-of-a-kind experience, as the audience was transported to another time when they entered the Ballroom. Smadar Yaaron, who portrayed Greenwald, was a wonder. We were surprised during the cocktails after the show that beneath the make-up, accessories and ornate dress, the actress was quite young.
But the interjections of humor didn't help much during the latter part of the show, as the enveloping experience of the Holocaust relived took its toll, which was perhaps the intention. Which meant that the whole idea of fringe theater-up-close, in-your-face involvement-was more than fitting for an occasion the world should always remember.
(First published in What's On & Expat on March 20-April 2, 2005)
IVANAhelsinki
Finnish fashion comes to Manila
Fashion, like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder,
but everyone will agree that it's all about making a
statement and standing out. Both can be said about
Paola Ivana Suhonen's IVANAhelsinki collection.
"Finland may be noted for Nokia and Armi Kuusela, the
first Miss Universe winner, but there's more,"
Ambassador Riitta Resch said during a recent press
conference at her residence, stressing the Nordic
country's prominence in areas like paper and wood
technology. Include Suhonen into the list.
Suhonen was a fashion design student when Finland went
through a recession. She wasn't only among those
responsible for reviving the Finnish fashion industry
but she also became in-demand in fashion circuits in
both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. At the moment,
IVANAhelsinki clothes are being sold in more than 20
countries. Philippines will soon join the ranks.
The main inspiration of her collection is the camping
lifestyle, which is popular in Scandinavia during the
70s and also reflects the Finnish designer's laidback
outlook. Every product are hand-made. Paola believes
in designing more and producing less.
For many designers, the choice of colors or style
would be enough for a trademark. However, Suhonen
circulated a story about a Russian named Ivan J.
Paolovski who established a match factory east of
Helsinki several decades ago. He became known for his
easygoing approach to his business and kind treatment
to his employees. The tale is fictional but it puts a
romantic touch to Paola's collection. A lighted
matchstick, which is IVANAhelsinki's logo, is both
original and eye-catching.
Two of her designs were unveiled during the presscon.
Light colors were used but that doesn't mean her
designs were less attentive. We were disappointed when
we found out that Paola wasn't around but she'll be
when more than 60 designs of hers will be showcased
during the March 31 fashion show at Shangri La Plaza
Mall.
(First published in What's On & Expat on March 6-12, 2005)
Fashion, like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder,
but everyone will agree that it's all about making a
statement and standing out. Both can be said about
Paola Ivana Suhonen's IVANAhelsinki collection.
"Finland may be noted for Nokia and Armi Kuusela, the
first Miss Universe winner, but there's more,"
Ambassador Riitta Resch said during a recent press
conference at her residence, stressing the Nordic
country's prominence in areas like paper and wood
technology. Include Suhonen into the list.
Suhonen was a fashion design student when Finland went
through a recession. She wasn't only among those
responsible for reviving the Finnish fashion industry
but she also became in-demand in fashion circuits in
both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. At the moment,
IVANAhelsinki clothes are being sold in more than 20
countries. Philippines will soon join the ranks.
The main inspiration of her collection is the camping
lifestyle, which is popular in Scandinavia during the
70s and also reflects the Finnish designer's laidback
outlook. Every product are hand-made. Paola believes
in designing more and producing less.
For many designers, the choice of colors or style
would be enough for a trademark. However, Suhonen
circulated a story about a Russian named Ivan J.
Paolovski who established a match factory east of
Helsinki several decades ago. He became known for his
easygoing approach to his business and kind treatment
to his employees. The tale is fictional but it puts a
romantic touch to Paola's collection. A lighted
matchstick, which is IVANAhelsinki's logo, is both
original and eye-catching.
Two of her designs were unveiled during the presscon.
Light colors were used but that doesn't mean her
designs were less attentive. We were disappointed when
we found out that Paola wasn't around but she'll be
when more than 60 designs of hers will be showcased
during the March 31 fashion show at Shangri La Plaza
Mall.
(First published in What's On & Expat on March 6-12, 2005)
BMW housewarming party
Cool car, cool home
Why is BMW the symbol of external cool? It's loud and clear in their cars, engines, lifestyle apparel and services. Classy and first-rate, this premiere automobile company believes that customers deserve more thus their emphasis on being innovative. New products such as the X3 attest to that.
It was even apparent in the invitation to the housewarming of Dr. Joerg Bruer, president of BMW Philippines Corporation. The occasion was Filipino themed so the invite showed a BMW parked on the foreground of the Banaue Rice Terraces, a breathtaking Philippine attraction.
In keeping with the BMW spirit, the event at Breuer's posh dwelling was a gathering of many of Metro Manila's dynamic personalities. Guests won't have any trouble finding the place, as the lighted BMW logo sparked up the Bouganvilla Street in Dasmariñas Village. The lanky Breuer warmly welcomed BMW friends.
Chef Patricia Mesina provided the sumptuous spread of local delicacies. A trio of combancheros performed classic Filipino songs and acoustic renditions of contemporary hits. Leah Navarro and Mike Toledo agreed to a capella and impromptu performances to the absolute delight of the crowd.
Ambassadors Christiaan Tanghe (Belgium) and Mohammad Ameen Wali (Saudi Arabia) were among the members of the diplomatic corps present during the event. Political figures were also around, like vice-presidential candidate Hermie Aquino. The event was also peppered with media and showbiz personalities.
Everyone had a great time but unfortunately, time was short. We're looking to the next time the jovial Breuer sets up another get-together at his cool home with cool BMWs nearby to wow the guests.
(First published in What's On & Expat on March 6-12, 2005)
Why is BMW the symbol of external cool? It's loud and clear in their cars, engines, lifestyle apparel and services. Classy and first-rate, this premiere automobile company believes that customers deserve more thus their emphasis on being innovative. New products such as the X3 attest to that.
It was even apparent in the invitation to the housewarming of Dr. Joerg Bruer, president of BMW Philippines Corporation. The occasion was Filipino themed so the invite showed a BMW parked on the foreground of the Banaue Rice Terraces, a breathtaking Philippine attraction.
In keeping with the BMW spirit, the event at Breuer's posh dwelling was a gathering of many of Metro Manila's dynamic personalities. Guests won't have any trouble finding the place, as the lighted BMW logo sparked up the Bouganvilla Street in Dasmariñas Village. The lanky Breuer warmly welcomed BMW friends.
Chef Patricia Mesina provided the sumptuous spread of local delicacies. A trio of combancheros performed classic Filipino songs and acoustic renditions of contemporary hits. Leah Navarro and Mike Toledo agreed to a capella and impromptu performances to the absolute delight of the crowd.
Ambassadors Christiaan Tanghe (Belgium) and Mohammad Ameen Wali (Saudi Arabia) were among the members of the diplomatic corps present during the event. Political figures were also around, like vice-presidential candidate Hermie Aquino. The event was also peppered with media and showbiz personalities.
Everyone had a great time but unfortunately, time was short. We're looking to the next time the jovial Breuer sets up another get-together at his cool home with cool BMWs nearby to wow the guests.
(First published in What's On & Expat on March 6-12, 2005)
Queens Crystal Garden Restaurant
India and much more
Anyone acquainted with India will tell you that one
adjective isn't enough to describe it. Two words,
though, will make all the adjectives connected to each
other - different and unique. It's not surprising
considering that the South Asian nation is a melting
pot of various people, religions and cultures. The
same thing can be said about Queens Crystal Garden
Restaurant.
The establishment is a new kid on the Jupiter block,
known for the rows of restaurants lining several
blocks. Three facts make Queens stand out. First, the
name itself. "It was called Queens because the food is
fit for a royal," prided Rubina Ram, who co-manages
with Karina Mahbubani. Second, the chefs are
foreigners, each having his own specialties. Last but
not the least, "We also serve other Asian dishes such
as food from Indonesia," she emphasized, alluding to
the Asian Fusion Cuisine that makes Queens not just an
Indian specialty restaurant.
Orange walls surround the interior. The color isn't
only found in the Indian flag but according to the
young restaurateur, it also has a calming effect. The
place can sit around 110 people, with a bar, couch and
TV upstairs for those who want to wind down. I was
expecting a gastronomical feast when we sampled some
of the dishes but instead, it turned out to be a
lengthy sensory appreciation test, because as we
slowly chewed the food, we were discerning the
subtleness or sharpness of spices found on each dish.
Rubina, who earned her Hotel and Restaurant
Administration degree in Sydney, Australia, noted that
Indians love spicy food but 99 percent of the dishes
at Queens aren't spicy. However, Queens isn't for the
non-adventurous type. With a combination of spices
ranging from 50-60, one can imagine how many different
mouth-watering dishes there are to taste - there are
actually over 200, with 80 for vegetarians.
The most renowned Indian dish is Chicken Tandoon,
which is chicken marinated overnight in yoghurt and
freshly grounded spices, and grilled in a tandoor
(clay oven). She said about 20 of their specialties
are cooked in a tandoor, giving the dishes a
distinctive taste that other cooking methods can't
give.
We started off with papadum, a crispy bread sprinkled
with tiny slices of onions and tomatoes. Imagine a
huge, crumpled tortilla chip with light toppings.
There was a delectable spiciness as we munched on it
as we waited for a portent of other dishes to arrive
on our table.
Next was Chicken Asatay with peanut sauce. One would
mistake it with the street barbecue seen everywhere
but make no mistake about its big difference in
quality. It was served along with Chicken Tikka, which
are pieces of chicken spread with red chili color. The
looks of it will give one a clue of what to expect. It
didn't take long to vote it as our favorite dish.
More Indian culinary wonders came our way, which
included their own version of Chicken Curry, and Fish
Makhanwala, which is fish cooked in tomatoes, butter,
cream and chili sauce. Both were complemented with
Nan, an Indian bread of fine flour flavored with
garlic and baked in a tandoor.
Dessert consisted of kulfi and Oreo Cappucino. Kulfi
is India's version of ice cream. Don't expect a cup
with multiple scoops, as this one comes in mint-green,
rectangular cubes. On the other hand, Oreo Cappucino
is cold coffee shake served with ice cream and Oreo
cookies, which are not the same as the ones found in
supermarkets. Queens' version is freshly made. The
usual verdict to such dishes is to say "Yummy!" but
there are many other ways to show one's high approval
to what Queens offers.
Aside from dining, Queens is open for occasions such
as wedding receptions, anniversary celebrations and
parties for small groups of people.
(First published in What's On & Expat on February 20-26, 2005)
Anyone acquainted with India will tell you that one
adjective isn't enough to describe it. Two words,
though, will make all the adjectives connected to each
other - different and unique. It's not surprising
considering that the South Asian nation is a melting
pot of various people, religions and cultures. The
same thing can be said about Queens Crystal Garden
Restaurant.
The establishment is a new kid on the Jupiter block,
known for the rows of restaurants lining several
blocks. Three facts make Queens stand out. First, the
name itself. "It was called Queens because the food is
fit for a royal," prided Rubina Ram, who co-manages
with Karina Mahbubani. Second, the chefs are
foreigners, each having his own specialties. Last but
not the least, "We also serve other Asian dishes such
as food from Indonesia," she emphasized, alluding to
the Asian Fusion Cuisine that makes Queens not just an
Indian specialty restaurant.
Orange walls surround the interior. The color isn't
only found in the Indian flag but according to the
young restaurateur, it also has a calming effect. The
place can sit around 110 people, with a bar, couch and
TV upstairs for those who want to wind down. I was
expecting a gastronomical feast when we sampled some
of the dishes but instead, it turned out to be a
lengthy sensory appreciation test, because as we
slowly chewed the food, we were discerning the
subtleness or sharpness of spices found on each dish.
Rubina, who earned her Hotel and Restaurant
Administration degree in Sydney, Australia, noted that
Indians love spicy food but 99 percent of the dishes
at Queens aren't spicy. However, Queens isn't for the
non-adventurous type. With a combination of spices
ranging from 50-60, one can imagine how many different
mouth-watering dishes there are to taste - there are
actually over 200, with 80 for vegetarians.
The most renowned Indian dish is Chicken Tandoon,
which is chicken marinated overnight in yoghurt and
freshly grounded spices, and grilled in a tandoor
(clay oven). She said about 20 of their specialties
are cooked in a tandoor, giving the dishes a
distinctive taste that other cooking methods can't
give.
We started off with papadum, a crispy bread sprinkled
with tiny slices of onions and tomatoes. Imagine a
huge, crumpled tortilla chip with light toppings.
There was a delectable spiciness as we munched on it
as we waited for a portent of other dishes to arrive
on our table.
Next was Chicken Asatay with peanut sauce. One would
mistake it with the street barbecue seen everywhere
but make no mistake about its big difference in
quality. It was served along with Chicken Tikka, which
are pieces of chicken spread with red chili color. The
looks of it will give one a clue of what to expect. It
didn't take long to vote it as our favorite dish.
More Indian culinary wonders came our way, which
included their own version of Chicken Curry, and Fish
Makhanwala, which is fish cooked in tomatoes, butter,
cream and chili sauce. Both were complemented with
Nan, an Indian bread of fine flour flavored with
garlic and baked in a tandoor.
Dessert consisted of kulfi and Oreo Cappucino. Kulfi
is India's version of ice cream. Don't expect a cup
with multiple scoops, as this one comes in mint-green,
rectangular cubes. On the other hand, Oreo Cappucino
is cold coffee shake served with ice cream and Oreo
cookies, which are not the same as the ones found in
supermarkets. Queens' version is freshly made. The
usual verdict to such dishes is to say "Yummy!" but
there are many other ways to show one's high approval
to what Queens offers.
Aside from dining, Queens is open for occasions such
as wedding receptions, anniversary celebrations and
parties for small groups of people.
(First published in What's On & Expat on February 20-26, 2005)
PhK9SAR
A dog's sniff saves lives
Renee Speltz' passion to save lives is admirable. The
wife of Paul W. Speltz, a former ambassador and
current executive director of Asian Development Bank,
she specialized in Employee Assistance Programs
(EAP's) for expatriates in the contest of patriation
and repatriation services before coming to Manila in
October 2002. Her love for dogs and having personally
witnessed 9/11 inspired her in founding K9 SAR
Association Inc. in February 2003.
The Philippine Canine Search and Rescue Association
(PhK9SAR) is a non-profit organization and the only
one in Southeast Asia to be recognized by US NASAR
(National Association of Search and Rescue). Renee
believes that PhK9SAR is of more value nowadays after
the country recently suffered from a series of
typhoons and while South Asia is reeling from the
tsunami disaster.
"Our mission is to educate people, to train them and
be of service to them. Our vision is to make the
Philippines the place from which to deploy rescue
teams and to invite neighboring countries to train
here," she told a group of writers at the residence of
Simon Morris, chief executive officer of Standard
Chartered Bank.
She added, "Our cause won't be carried out without the
partnership of private sectors. I'm deeply grateful
that Standard Chartered Bank shares our passion and
commitment to save human lives. We cannot ask for a
better partner than this courageous multinational
giant. I believe this partnership will be for the long
run."
On the same occasion, Morris handed Speltz a check for
P1.1 million, which the latter said will be used for
purchasing equipment such as repelling gears, vests,
tents, ropes, shoes, flashlights and helmets.
Man's Best Friend
Why dogs? "In the past, when catastrophes strike,
people just dug and dug under the rubble. They may or
may not find something, they really didn't know.
That's not the case with dogs, as they can smell and
know," Renee reasoned out. However, there is a lack of
information about canine rescue teams in the
Philippines and Mrs. Speltz wants the public,
especially those living in the provinces, to
understand what canine rescue is all about.
Ten dogs were presented to the media people, most of
them labrador retrievers. The best canine, though, was
a Belgian mellanois named Chairman. Renee pointed out,
"Labradors are genetically predisposed. They also have
a keen sense of smell and they like attention." In
order for the dogs to make the team, they must be
energetic, playful and docile. It must be easy for
anyone to pet them and they shouldn't be quarrelsome
when with other dogs.
Team Building
The handler is the person who reads the signals the
dog sends. He then relays it to the flanker, who gives
instructions to the Metro Manila Development Authority
(MMDA) representative or any rescue person as to where
the body is located. Renee stressed that a victim who
is not fatally injured can make it if rescue is within
the "golden hours" or before 100 hours.
Handler Joseph Salva, 38, told writers that he has
been part of the PhK9SAR team for a year. Those who
want to volunteer must be patient enough to train for
an hour twice a week for a period of one year. We
asked him which dog was the most experienced of the
lot and he pointed to a cute cream-colored labrador
called Einstein.
Miss Speltz said that the PhK9SAR team will be
internationally certified by NASAR in about a month.
They have been involved in rescue operations such as
Operation Prana (the search for the missing
mountaineer in Mount Halcon in Mindoro) and the
typhoon victims in Real, Quezon, as well as
participated in the Boy Scouts of the Philippines
Jamboree. Renee related that they were ready to assist
in tsunami operations in Phuket, Thailand but they
were unable to do so because there was no public
sector transportation. But with Philippine Airlines
joining their team, traveling to other islands and
within Asia should not be a problem anymore.
Councilor Jejomar Binay, Jr. is also behind the cause.
He prides Makati in being the best in rescue
operations, citing the city's assistance to other
cities and municipalities within Metro Manila. They
are targeting areas in the Visayas and Mindanao for
future rescue operations.
(First published in What's On & Expat on February 13-19, 2005)
Renee Speltz' passion to save lives is admirable. The
wife of Paul W. Speltz, a former ambassador and
current executive director of Asian Development Bank,
she specialized in Employee Assistance Programs
(EAP's) for expatriates in the contest of patriation
and repatriation services before coming to Manila in
October 2002. Her love for dogs and having personally
witnessed 9/11 inspired her in founding K9 SAR
Association Inc. in February 2003.
The Philippine Canine Search and Rescue Association
(PhK9SAR) is a non-profit organization and the only
one in Southeast Asia to be recognized by US NASAR
(National Association of Search and Rescue). Renee
believes that PhK9SAR is of more value nowadays after
the country recently suffered from a series of
typhoons and while South Asia is reeling from the
tsunami disaster.
"Our mission is to educate people, to train them and
be of service to them. Our vision is to make the
Philippines the place from which to deploy rescue
teams and to invite neighboring countries to train
here," she told a group of writers at the residence of
Simon Morris, chief executive officer of Standard
Chartered Bank.
She added, "Our cause won't be carried out without the
partnership of private sectors. I'm deeply grateful
that Standard Chartered Bank shares our passion and
commitment to save human lives. We cannot ask for a
better partner than this courageous multinational
giant. I believe this partnership will be for the long
run."
On the same occasion, Morris handed Speltz a check for
P1.1 million, which the latter said will be used for
purchasing equipment such as repelling gears, vests,
tents, ropes, shoes, flashlights and helmets.
Man's Best Friend
Why dogs? "In the past, when catastrophes strike,
people just dug and dug under the rubble. They may or
may not find something, they really didn't know.
That's not the case with dogs, as they can smell and
know," Renee reasoned out. However, there is a lack of
information about canine rescue teams in the
Philippines and Mrs. Speltz wants the public,
especially those living in the provinces, to
understand what canine rescue is all about.
Ten dogs were presented to the media people, most of
them labrador retrievers. The best canine, though, was
a Belgian mellanois named Chairman. Renee pointed out,
"Labradors are genetically predisposed. They also have
a keen sense of smell and they like attention." In
order for the dogs to make the team, they must be
energetic, playful and docile. It must be easy for
anyone to pet them and they shouldn't be quarrelsome
when with other dogs.
Team Building
The handler is the person who reads the signals the
dog sends. He then relays it to the flanker, who gives
instructions to the Metro Manila Development Authority
(MMDA) representative or any rescue person as to where
the body is located. Renee stressed that a victim who
is not fatally injured can make it if rescue is within
the "golden hours" or before 100 hours.
Handler Joseph Salva, 38, told writers that he has
been part of the PhK9SAR team for a year. Those who
want to volunteer must be patient enough to train for
an hour twice a week for a period of one year. We
asked him which dog was the most experienced of the
lot and he pointed to a cute cream-colored labrador
called Einstein.
Miss Speltz said that the PhK9SAR team will be
internationally certified by NASAR in about a month.
They have been involved in rescue operations such as
Operation Prana (the search for the missing
mountaineer in Mount Halcon in Mindoro) and the
typhoon victims in Real, Quezon, as well as
participated in the Boy Scouts of the Philippines
Jamboree. Renee related that they were ready to assist
in tsunami operations in Phuket, Thailand but they
were unable to do so because there was no public
sector transportation. But with Philippine Airlines
joining their team, traveling to other islands and
within Asia should not be a problem anymore.
Councilor Jejomar Binay, Jr. is also behind the cause.
He prides Makati in being the best in rescue
operations, citing the city's assistance to other
cities and municipalities within Metro Manila. They
are targeting areas in the Visayas and Mindanao for
future rescue operations.
(First published in What's On & Expat on February 13-19, 2005)
Esperanza, Agusan del Sur
The beautiful Esperanza
A century ago, the natives of Agusan del Sur traveled
via lake and river. And not only was seafaring a most
effective means of transportation for them—linking
peoples from town to town—but they also considered it
a very enjoyable experience. So much so, in fact,
that a hundred years later, there are still countless
locals who choose to travel this part of the Caraga
region by water.
The indigenous group of the Higa-onons in Esperanza is
one such example. They often sail the surrounding
waters to visit mostly undiscovered waterfalls, which
are located at a lengthy distance from the poblacion
(town center).
Esperanza is one of the seven river municipalities of
Agusan del Sur. It rests on one of the town’s
tributary rivers where the Golden Tara is found. This
21-carat gold figurine of Indian origin corroborates
early Hindu-Philippine relations.
During The Manila Times’ visit, tourism officer,
Imelda “Imie” Pagalan, also showed us Esperanza’s
other treasures via motorcycle. “The motorcycle,” she
informed us, “is our people’s second most popular
choice of transportation.
With a steady wind blowing, we saw the adorable
expanse of dwarfish mountains, which led us to the
other side of Esperanza, in Barangay Guadalupe. And
there, we boarded a boat that took us through the
Agusan River.
The gentle boat carried us above clear waters, while
on either side, a calming scene of greens drifted by.
Picturesque nipa huts eventually came to view as we
approached Lake Oro, and there, we took a side trip to
visit the women’s cooperative. A perfect meal of
giant tilapia and steaming red rice awaited us.
Over lunch, Imie told us of the municipality’s plans
to turn Lake Oro into a breeding ground for tilapia
(Saint Peter’s Fish), which would provide another
source of livelihood for the residents. “The move,”
she added, “will also afford us to build cottages for
tourists, and thereby turn our destination into an
ecotourist attraction.”
Teresa Traserez, who heads the cooperative, also told
us that they hoping to breed bangus (milkfish) as
well. And to show us they can do it, she took us
around the fish cages where we saw the tilapia in its
various growth stages.
All in all, such plans, the wonderful sights, and the
tranquility of the region point to a bright future for
the surrounding areas of Lake Oro. And we are looking
forward to that day, when we will have to visit
Esperanza once again and experience her triumph.
(First published in The Manila Times on November 26, 2004)
Trento, Agusan del Sur
Trento: the Paete of the South
If your town has no tourist attractions to offer and
trees are all that are there to see, what would you do
to make the place appealing? For Mayor Irenea “Nene”
Hitagano, the answer was to turn Trento in Caraga into
a woodcarving hub of the south, much like Paete in the
province of Laguna.
It was in exactly in Paete where the lady mayor saw
the possibility of turning her own town of Trento
around. She was then on a study tour in southern
Luzon, and eagerly jotted down ideas from the famous
woodcarving destination. When she went back home,
Mayor Hitagano went straight to work in what would
become the Paete of the South.
Trento is not far from the border of Agusan del Sur
and Compostella Valley. Unlike other municipalities in
Agusan del Sur, it isn’t gifted with lakes, waterfalls
or even picturesque mountains. Eco-tourism, therefore,
never held promise for the town, but Agri-tourism is
highly conceivable, what with wood as a plentiful
resource.
Germination is what Mayor Hitagano’s vision needed to
happen, so she wisely hired two Paete carvers to teach
woodcarving to grade school teachers and some local
carvers. The long-term goal of the community program
was to include woodcarving in the Practical Arts
curriculum of Trento’s grades four to six students.
During my visit, Ed Maraon of the mayor’s office
accompanied me to five of the schools that now
implement the woodcarving program, namely Trento
Central Elementary School, Trento West Central
Elementary School, Orios College, Sta. Maria National
High School and Pulang Lupa Elementary School.
As we went ahead with the campus tour, Ed informed me
that the specie Gmelina Arborea is often used for
woodcarving in Trento because of its smooth surface.
Apart from that, the students also utilize falcata
once in a while since this taller and slender version
of the malunggay tree is more appropriate for papers,
pencils and toothpaste manufacturing.
He also said that the young woodcarving prodigies
prefer seashells (clams in particular), fishes,
flowers and birds as models for their carving. There
is nothing too fancy or sophisticated in their work
from what I’ve seen, but there’s definitely a lot of
promise in every piece.
The more experienced woodcarvers meanwhile were
busily working for the forthcoming Woodcarving
Congress and Display of Products in Trento this year.
The annual event, which began in 2003, features a
woodcarving contest as well as fair where visitors can
purchase Trento’s signature items. Winners are usually
awarded with woodcarving equipments, which further
encourage them to better their craft.
Mayor Hitagano doesn’t dismiss future scenarios such
as regular on-the-spot woodcarving contests, as well
as venturing into other carving materials like huge
ice blocks, which Paete is already finding very
profitable. Her goals at the moment are to provide her
constituents with a new livelihood alternative and to
remind them that Trento is blessed with an abundance
of trees, which they should put to good use.
“Perhaps one day soon,” the dynamic mayor says
hopefully, “Trento will even become the woodcarving
capital of Caraga, if not the whole of Mindanao.”
(First published in The Manila Times on August 27, 2004)
Overseas Performing Artists (OPA)
OFW artists press for recognition
RAISED hands and clenched fists, which express defiance and protest.
That sums up a recent gathering of major overseas entertainment agencies that train and send Filipino talents to Japan and other East Asian countries. Said agencies have formally linked up to form the Confederated Association of Licensed Entertainment Agencies (Calea). The group convened recently to voice their complaints against the government agency called Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), which accredits the entertainers.
In a press briefing, Christie Gatchalian-Buan, chair of Calea, said the group is calling for a more transparent way of processing OPAs (Overseas performing artists) and do way with Tesda employees who sell permits or artist record books (ARBs) to illegitimate talent scouts and managers.
She cited an assessment center in Davao City where more than 400 applicants passed. Calea found this figure statistically impossible as it claimed roughly 90 percent of the talent centers are within Metro Manila. “Did the applicants take a ship from Manila to Davao?” quipped Edwina Lema Beech, former chair of the Philippine Entertainment Exporters and Promotions Association (Peepa).
“It’s so exhausting because as an industry, we’re supposed to be busy with other social projects. Instead, we have to beg the government to clean up its accreditation system,” said Gatchalian-Buan, who is training director of her family’s 30-year-old company Gatchalian Promotions.
She added it such a shame since Filipino entertainers are known to be talented and hardworking. Many Filipino bands are now performing in Shanghai, she noted. She also cited figures indicated that US dollar remittances from OPAs were $2 billion, which the total annual remittances of OFWs amount to $6 to $8 billion.
“Despite this contribution it’s only the negative issues that the public remembers,” she continued. “It’s when someone was jailed or abused. The ‘japayuki’ stigma could also be the reason why we’re having a hard time dealing with the government. Basically we want to put emphasis on the good side of the business.
She also explained that most of the entertainers who get victimized obtained their ARBs illegally. “Once they’re abroad, they cannot really perform because they do not have the correct training and attitude. It comes to a point when they get fired so they run away or even engage in prostitution just to be able to stay in that country.”
(First published in The Manila Times on March 29, 2004)
RAISED hands and clenched fists, which express defiance and protest.
That sums up a recent gathering of major overseas entertainment agencies that train and send Filipino talents to Japan and other East Asian countries. Said agencies have formally linked up to form the Confederated Association of Licensed Entertainment Agencies (Calea). The group convened recently to voice their complaints against the government agency called Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), which accredits the entertainers.
In a press briefing, Christie Gatchalian-Buan, chair of Calea, said the group is calling for a more transparent way of processing OPAs (Overseas performing artists) and do way with Tesda employees who sell permits or artist record books (ARBs) to illegitimate talent scouts and managers.
She cited an assessment center in Davao City where more than 400 applicants passed. Calea found this figure statistically impossible as it claimed roughly 90 percent of the talent centers are within Metro Manila. “Did the applicants take a ship from Manila to Davao?” quipped Edwina Lema Beech, former chair of the Philippine Entertainment Exporters and Promotions Association (Peepa).
“It’s so exhausting because as an industry, we’re supposed to be busy with other social projects. Instead, we have to beg the government to clean up its accreditation system,” said Gatchalian-Buan, who is training director of her family’s 30-year-old company Gatchalian Promotions.
She added it such a shame since Filipino entertainers are known to be talented and hardworking. Many Filipino bands are now performing in Shanghai, she noted. She also cited figures indicated that US dollar remittances from OPAs were $2 billion, which the total annual remittances of OFWs amount to $6 to $8 billion.
“Despite this contribution it’s only the negative issues that the public remembers,” she continued. “It’s when someone was jailed or abused. The ‘japayuki’ stigma could also be the reason why we’re having a hard time dealing with the government. Basically we want to put emphasis on the good side of the business.
She also explained that most of the entertainers who get victimized obtained their ARBs illegally. “Once they’re abroad, they cannot really perform because they do not have the correct training and attitude. It comes to a point when they get fired so they run away or even engage in prostitution just to be able to stay in that country.”
(First published in The Manila Times on March 29, 2004)
AVP
Behind the scenes
Making an audio visual presentation (AVP) is like making a film too, albeit a short one.
This writer recently witnessed the making of an AVP for the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Graduate School with Business. Production lasted for four days, which consists of an interview of Dr. Alfredo Bengzon, Dean of Graduate School, shots with various ADMU infrastructures, interview of Fr. Nebres, President of ADMU. The video also included a brief segment on the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola, ADMU’s patron saint.
The Spanish-born saint is one of the most influential figures of the Catholic Reformation of the 16th century and the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) as well. Joel Trinidad, son of Noel Trinidad, portrays St. Ignatius in this production.
Joel is a Psychology graduate of ADMU. He has appeared on TV (the GMA teleserya Kung Mawawala Ka) and film (Mumbaki) and has done Shakespeare on stage. He is also a unit manager of New Skin, so he doesn’t mind the low income he earns from acting in these productions.
Nerissa Picadizo is the director of the project. She released her first short feature film entitled Stressful X early this year and was part of the production team of Star Cinema’s Jologs. She also slaved for the Cinemanila Film Festival and helped organize the Eksperimento film festival and this year’s Urian Awards. She is also part of the planning committee of the monthly video screenings at Titus Brandsma Center (TBC) in Cubao, Quezon City.
The entire team is made up of Jaime Bengzon (executive producer and cinematographer), Alvin Santiago (production manager), Eric Jose Pancho (production designer), Elmo Redrico (art director), Manny Abanto (assistant Cameraman) and Tony Nugod (gaffer). Budget was estimated to be at P250,000. It’s no James Cameron production so it’s going take talent and inventiveness to come up with a good presentation with this amount of money.
We managed to catch the shooting at the campus of the University of the Philippines (UP)–apparently, the filmmakers deemed the UP campus, the haven of atheists or agnostics, as looking holier than Ateneo’s. It was a faintly sunny Sunday morning when Nerissa gathered her cast and crew at the Palma Hall. On schooldays, this huge edifice is teeming with students rushing to their classes, or just hanging out and being a nuisance (It’s like Baclaran on a Wednesday combined with the SM Megamall during midnight madness). But it was Sunday and the Palma Hall was deserted, eerily quiet and desolate. Today, this old building would be posing as (ahem), The Vatican.
We caught the star, Trinidad, in the Palma Hall’s men’s room, in full costume and doing a last minute touch up on his hair. He seemed eager to start filming and he behaved as if this production was as big and elaborate as a Cecil B. De Mille epic.
The segment on the saint will feature the important events of his life, such as when he meets the Pope. No dialog is required, the narrator would be doing the storytelling chores.The first shots were done in a small room. Bernard Roosendaal, Dutch Carmelite priest and TBC Director, was sweating a bit under the glaring lights. He played the Pope and the scene required Ignatius to kiss his hand. Yet the priest remained professional and refrained from making any complaints. The scene was completed in a few takes. Nerissa instructed Joel to change his facial reaction (upon being offered the Pope’s hand) after one take.
After a quick lunch, the company walked to the UP lagoon. The sky was cloudy-luck wasn’t on their side, as trickles of rain poured down just when the shoot was about to start. The scene shows Ignatius shaking hands with a European nobleman, played by Elmo Redrico.
Shooting resumed when the drizzle stopped. Joseph Palis, assistant professor of the Department of Geography (and bonafide film buff), acted as a “sweeper” - moving around to tell vendors and passersby not to get close to the crew or else they’ll be caught by the camera (no autographs please!).
The scene required more takes here, as Nerissa tried to remind Elmo in the most tactful fashion, that his rugged demeanor doesn’t become a privileged European man of the 16th century. Eric agreed and he said that men of the 16th century, at least straight men of the 16th century, might not have worn earrings. Straight as a line Elmo stayed in character and removed the offending pieces of jewelry.
Next were shots of Ignatius wandering in a garden. Nerissa instructed Manny to take a pan shot of the lagoon while Joel changed costumes. The first scene was Joel crossing the short, walking bridge. Two curious kids approached the “set” to witness Nerissa’s crew do what it does best. They seemed star struck when Joseph explained that a movie was being shot.
Then we proceeded to the small garden fronting the Faculty Center to have another shot of the wandering Ignatius. We walked next to Beta Way, which is the shortest route from Palma Hall to Melchor Hall (College of Engineering). Joel looked striking in his costume, though had the scene had been shot in the evening, he would have been mistaken for an apparition. The campus, with all its magnificent trees and plants, look ideal as the place where St. Ignatius once roamed.
Shooting ended at around 3 a.m. It was a long day, though the resulting video, according to the director, is supposed to run for just 10 minutes! The weather had delayed things a bit, but filming would have been more complicated had there been any dialog spoken. Just shows an office job can be a breeze if compared to filmmaking. No star tantrums were reported and the producers don’t even have to worry about box office returns.
(First published in The Manila Times on July 28, 2003)
Making an audio visual presentation (AVP) is like making a film too, albeit a short one.
This writer recently witnessed the making of an AVP for the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Graduate School with Business. Production lasted for four days, which consists of an interview of Dr. Alfredo Bengzon, Dean of Graduate School, shots with various ADMU infrastructures, interview of Fr. Nebres, President of ADMU. The video also included a brief segment on the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola, ADMU’s patron saint.
The Spanish-born saint is one of the most influential figures of the Catholic Reformation of the 16th century and the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) as well. Joel Trinidad, son of Noel Trinidad, portrays St. Ignatius in this production.
Joel is a Psychology graduate of ADMU. He has appeared on TV (the GMA teleserya Kung Mawawala Ka) and film (Mumbaki) and has done Shakespeare on stage. He is also a unit manager of New Skin, so he doesn’t mind the low income he earns from acting in these productions.
Nerissa Picadizo is the director of the project. She released her first short feature film entitled Stressful X early this year and was part of the production team of Star Cinema’s Jologs. She also slaved for the Cinemanila Film Festival and helped organize the Eksperimento film festival and this year’s Urian Awards. She is also part of the planning committee of the monthly video screenings at Titus Brandsma Center (TBC) in Cubao, Quezon City.
The entire team is made up of Jaime Bengzon (executive producer and cinematographer), Alvin Santiago (production manager), Eric Jose Pancho (production designer), Elmo Redrico (art director), Manny Abanto (assistant Cameraman) and Tony Nugod (gaffer). Budget was estimated to be at P250,000. It’s no James Cameron production so it’s going take talent and inventiveness to come up with a good presentation with this amount of money.
We managed to catch the shooting at the campus of the University of the Philippines (UP)–apparently, the filmmakers deemed the UP campus, the haven of atheists or agnostics, as looking holier than Ateneo’s. It was a faintly sunny Sunday morning when Nerissa gathered her cast and crew at the Palma Hall. On schooldays, this huge edifice is teeming with students rushing to their classes, or just hanging out and being a nuisance (It’s like Baclaran on a Wednesday combined with the SM Megamall during midnight madness). But it was Sunday and the Palma Hall was deserted, eerily quiet and desolate. Today, this old building would be posing as (ahem), The Vatican.
We caught the star, Trinidad, in the Palma Hall’s men’s room, in full costume and doing a last minute touch up on his hair. He seemed eager to start filming and he behaved as if this production was as big and elaborate as a Cecil B. De Mille epic.
The segment on the saint will feature the important events of his life, such as when he meets the Pope. No dialog is required, the narrator would be doing the storytelling chores.The first shots were done in a small room. Bernard Roosendaal, Dutch Carmelite priest and TBC Director, was sweating a bit under the glaring lights. He played the Pope and the scene required Ignatius to kiss his hand. Yet the priest remained professional and refrained from making any complaints. The scene was completed in a few takes. Nerissa instructed Joel to change his facial reaction (upon being offered the Pope’s hand) after one take.
After a quick lunch, the company walked to the UP lagoon. The sky was cloudy-luck wasn’t on their side, as trickles of rain poured down just when the shoot was about to start. The scene shows Ignatius shaking hands with a European nobleman, played by Elmo Redrico.
Shooting resumed when the drizzle stopped. Joseph Palis, assistant professor of the Department of Geography (and bonafide film buff), acted as a “sweeper” - moving around to tell vendors and passersby not to get close to the crew or else they’ll be caught by the camera (no autographs please!).
The scene required more takes here, as Nerissa tried to remind Elmo in the most tactful fashion, that his rugged demeanor doesn’t become a privileged European man of the 16th century. Eric agreed and he said that men of the 16th century, at least straight men of the 16th century, might not have worn earrings. Straight as a line Elmo stayed in character and removed the offending pieces of jewelry.
Next were shots of Ignatius wandering in a garden. Nerissa instructed Manny to take a pan shot of the lagoon while Joel changed costumes. The first scene was Joel crossing the short, walking bridge. Two curious kids approached the “set” to witness Nerissa’s crew do what it does best. They seemed star struck when Joseph explained that a movie was being shot.
Then we proceeded to the small garden fronting the Faculty Center to have another shot of the wandering Ignatius. We walked next to Beta Way, which is the shortest route from Palma Hall to Melchor Hall (College of Engineering). Joel looked striking in his costume, though had the scene had been shot in the evening, he would have been mistaken for an apparition. The campus, with all its magnificent trees and plants, look ideal as the place where St. Ignatius once roamed.
Shooting ended at around 3 a.m. It was a long day, though the resulting video, according to the director, is supposed to run for just 10 minutes! The weather had delayed things a bit, but filming would have been more complicated had there been any dialog spoken. Just shows an office job can be a breeze if compared to filmmaking. No star tantrums were reported and the producers don’t even have to worry about box office returns.
(First published in The Manila Times on July 28, 2003)
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