Weather
you like it or not, I'm running MY top 10 most life-changing ARTPOP projects in
2013. for one, I work hard for it and even shared my passion with passionate,
most talented people I've meet in my endless chase for ART. It's 2014 now, so
I'm looking back on my little inspiring journey. also, it is my humble way of
saying "thank you" to all the significant artists who collaborated
with me. after all this is my life, my free space and I'm free to express
myself.
my countdown begins
in a while. guess what's in the number 1 spot.
MY number
1 ARTPOP Project of 2013 is (drum roll, here we go!) is LAGAW 'TA - Lagaw 'Ta Experience Western Visayas
- tourism song.
Truth is, it's the first of its kind, the first
time ever that happened in Region VI to produce and create a tourism song and
music video that unites the whole region, a collection of diverse musical
talents that presents the tourism industry, beautiful places and what needs to be seen or experience in Western Visayas. It all
started as a dream for us. Also, it was an unexpected concept for me as an
artist when I started to look for a song that would represent region VI's
tourism. Then, the great idea popped up when we held Sights & Sound 2013 in May
last year. So, after a much needed time to conceptualize the project, I brought
my project proposal to DOT VI's regional director and presented my vision.
Immediately it was approved and given a "go" signal to pursue the
project. In September last year, after finishing the lyrics of the song, I got
connected with talented songwriters-artists duo SirMarty Catequista and Lindy Gonzales Suladay to create
the catchy melody and over-all musical shape of the song. We also worked with
M.I.C. Iloilo headed by rapper/music editor Zpinx Angel and his talented
musical band who formed the draft music and rap verse of the song. We were also
working for our animated project at the time at WVCST, which proved to be a
crucial period to pursue our artistic direction. And with the approval of
Western Visayas College of Science and Technology -Computer Department together
with Hampang Productions and
8finity Events, and my own artistic production, RSLPhoenix Music, the recording sessions of the
song was set at WVCST Recording studio. Then, I collaborated with DOT Region VI
to invite all the provincial tourism offices in the region to participate in
the song by sending in their chosen singer or artist for the recording session.
The launching of the song and the music video was also set at SM City Iloilo on
Oct. 25. Honestly, I am thankful to God that everything fell into place and we
were given a chance to chase our one big dream for this special project. The
artists from various provinces came in to record, the experience was
overwhelming and full of fun because we were able to merge their voices into
one song, a new calling to promote our tourism industry. Pushing through with
the music video shoot through the creative vision of Hampang Production's
director Ramjun Clemente Valasote, director of
photography Marxie de Silva, production managers Jan Edsel Yap Borra, Diobem Morante with Mark Anthony Portillo, things turned a bit
stressful for us because of the rush scheduling with other provinces. But
still, nothing can stop a burning passion to create something that redefines
true artistry. The music video shoot started like a little to big journey all
over the region. Though the schedule was tough... imagine, we had to shoot 3-4
tourism sites for one day in each province then hop to another. We started at
the Province of Capiz, Aklan then back to Iloilo City, Negros Occidental,
Bacolod (in time for Masskara Festival), Antique, northern and southern Iloilo.
It was a journey of a lifetime for most of us who saw the whole region in a new
light and experienced it with excitement. What we've seen and felt so far from
the journey are not always the beautiful places, but the warmth of the people,
the every day life that they live gave us a new wisdom about the tourism
industry. I think the places are just icing on the cake because the people that
we met and told us about the story of their tourism sites are the
"heart" of it all. their passion to take pride of their provinces
amazed us. For the music video concept, we believe this is significant effort
for us to feature the singers/artists to shoot their part in the video
on-location with the tourism sites that they are singing about in the song. It
was stressful but creatively amazing. Of course, from the bottom of my heart,
we wouldn't be able to do this music video without the support of all the
provinces in the whole region, from their dynamic provincial tourism directors,
tourism officers, governors and even their staff, they made the journey worth
remembering. On Oct. 25, we launched the song at SM City Iloilo. We gathered
the artists especially the rap artists who came to the event in their biggest
participation, inspiring effort to promote the tourism industry of WV. It took
us more than a week to prepare for the music video presentation and the live
performance of the song. Like I said, everything fell into place if we have the
artistic sincerity and burning passion to chase a dream. We were thankful to SM
City Iloilo who never fails to support significant projects that changes the
landscape of ART and the tourism industry. We were also grateful for CLIQUE
Modelling Group, to Maam Weng and Sir Ram, model-beauty queen Angelie, who
presented a wonderful fashion show during the event. Also, a special thanks to
Iloilo Magicians who participated at the start of the show. Tired and exhausted
after the event, we somehow proved that artists are meant to inspire the world
around them if they have the heart to do it. As 2013 bid farewell to us, 2014
is giving us a new dawn, a promising sunrise that would enlighten our creative
vision and perspective, that we are meant to achieve great things that breathes
life, empower and inspire the "heart" of ART within us. Like they
say, fame and fortune fades, but talent meant to inspire is eternal.
What's next: too much promises are meant to be
broken. But a burning passion and inspiring dream fuel us to do something that
redefines who we are. SIGHTS & SOUND 3D is alive and well. the music inside
us burns brighter than ever. See you around WV artists:)
MY number 2 ARTPOP Project of
2013 is ANG BANTAY trailer launch.
Back in 2007, I was
one of the trainees for the 2D Assistant Animation course of TESDA and WVCST.
After we finished our course as the second batch of trainees, we called our
group "Kuris" (which means scribbling in Ilonggo) orKuris
Animation Inc. The challenge was to continue working on
projects that harness and develop our skills in animation. We actually did
some little achievements especially when we launched "The BEQUEST: Origin
of Dinagyang," considered as the 1st Ilonggo animated short film screened
at SM Cinema in Jan. 2008. fast-forward in 2013, we were reunited (well, not
all of us since we have our own personal careers to focus on). Western Visayas
College of Science and Technology (WVCST) gathered some of us to conceptualize
a new animated project that would redefine our passion for animation. then, we
came up with something great, a brand new project which we gladly called
"Ang BANTAY." Our brainstorming created an exciting story about a
teenager named Carlito "Kaloy" Lopez-Vito who lives in Iloilo City.
He discovered that their family keeps a sacred tradition of protecting a secret
treasure found underneath the island of Panay. every generation, their family
pass on a responsibility to a chosen member and become the "keeper,"
protector of this secret treasure. The treasure is more than what it seems to
be, it is a source of unimaginable power and holds the balance of elemental
forces. But Kaloy refused to accept his destiny. thus, his ancestors decided to
lead him on a special journey to embrace his destiny and what has become of his
city's fate 200 years in future. Ang Bantay will open up a new frontier of
unique storytelling and would highlight once again our passion as Ilonggo
animators. this project is not something to rush ourselves in finishing it. In
fact, we have to prepared and gathered all our resources, talent and strength
to complete such challenging, life-changing task. Animation is hard work,
time-consuming and absolutely draining. But we are here to believe that we can
make it, this is our destiny to fulfill as Ilonggo artists making innovation
and presenting our passion in anew light.
Ang Bantay's creative team is composed mostly of our friends, people who
complement each other's talent and creative vision. For our directors, the
brilliant collaboration of Marxie de Silva and Ramjun
Clemente Valasote is something we believe that would bring
wonders. Jan Doe Nero and Elson
Baterna Balila II are harnessing the 2D animation works and
special effects. The musical score is a task pursued by Marty
Catequista. Our project manager and story creative consultants are
Sir Karlo
Sira and Sir Jun Badoles. Breathing life to the characters of
the story (they have gone through stressful audition before they were chosen)
are Mark Anthony Portillo (Kaloy), Nanda
Dane(Nina), Nel Rapiz (voicing two alternate timeline
villains Magnus and Victor), Ronel Sorbito (Alejandro, Kaloy's visionary grandfather)
and Brynh Delos Reyes (the villain Orion). We
had the honor to present the trailer of Ang Bantay at Animahenasyon
Pilipinas 2013 as entry in the music video/trailer category and
twice trailer screening at Cinekas1manwa: The Panay Islands Film Festival &
Filmmakers' Conference last Dec. with special thanks to Sir Elvert
Dela Cruz Bañares. whatever the future holds for this inspiring
project, our passion for animation keeps on burning. We have hope that dreams
do come true, and to start all of this is, we have to rely and believe in each
other's capacity as artist with limitless passion.
What's More: I think I almost said it all. But who knows, sooner or later, we
might come out bursting on the big screen.
MY number 3 ARTPOP
Project of 2013 is PUTI.
I've always love to create a horror film, but in the
case of PUTI, it was unexpected. When our film and photography group Hampang
Productions was approached by Cinekas1manwa:
The Panay Islands Film Festival & Filmmakers' Conference to
join the festival, we had doubts since were given a few weeks to come up with a
film to present. The idea sink in to me when our director Ramjun
Clemente Valasoteconvinced me to bring out the craziest idea of an
Ilonggo horror film presented in stereoscopic 3D format. So I said, whoa, this
is a pretty ambitious endeavor and to think that we have to
"self-fund" the project. But we decided to stand up for the challenge
and make it a reality. PUTI (white) is a modern pop horror flick that deals
with the "curse of a brokenhearted-restless spirit" who vowed to come
back and reclaim vengeance to those who put her in eternal damnation. We
approached friends to help us complete the cast, and it turns out that when you
make a self-funded film, generous friends are the best cast to consider. But
more than pretty faces, the likes of Jenny
Rose Tamargo, Nanda Dane and Mark Abapo have brilliant
acting talents to share with the project. We juggled several projects to finish
it on time, put our heart and soul to come up with a great project that we've
never done before. the next task is: come up with 3D glasses to accompany the
screening last Dec. 13 (it fell on Friday the 13th, scary date, hehe) at
Cinemateque Iloilo. So like we always did, we IMPROVISED with 104 hand-made 3D
glasses, haha! For Cinekasimanwa film festival director, Sir Elvert Banares and
the festival council under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts -
Committee on Cinema, seriously wrote in the festival trivia list that our short
film is the "first short film in stereoscopic 3D of the Philippines."
I know it's a bit scary (ambitious) to claim such title, but who are we to
argue their declaration? In retrospect, we are grateful for the film festival
for giving us the chance to push our creative visions to the limit. And even
with the "self-funding" status, we accomplished this inspiring task.
At the end of the day, artists are creatures of vision, we breathe life by
expressing artistry and art is flowing through our bloodstream.
What's more: OK, they hollered back: "bitin." Consciously, IT IS,
haha! Sooner that you expected, the TWIST is coming and believe me, it's gonna
be TWISTED. anyway, do you ever wonder why the title text in the poster is in
RED (Pula) when we are talking about White (Puti)? the twist is, the prequel
episode (Pula) is the reversal concept of Puti. I'm scratching my head again
how to end the story:)
MY number 4 ARTPOP
Project of 2013 is SIGHTS & SOUND.
One thing that brings out the TRUE
artist within me is my capacity to merge, unify and give life to various
concepts and present it in one inspiring work of ART. Sights & Sound 2013
(Tourism+Music=ARTevent), is a kind of event that unifies the music of local
artists in using their gifts to send a strong social message of appreciating
and elevating our culture, make it an effective instrument for change and
inspiration. When we first conceptualize this event last summer, we thought of
a one-time show but we never realize that true artistry and creativity with a
good cause can create ripples of inspiration. I believe Sights & Sound is a
pop-culture event that brings out the best of Ilonggo music artists and the
tourism industry. Our first event happened last May 16 at Robinsons Place
Iloilo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xllsbdfdtik).
We had an online photo contest of the best tourism sites in the region, an
acoustic show of talented music artists and soft-launching of our Ilonggo film
"Pangyaw." On October 25, we held a sequel of the event at SM City
Iloilo. We launched the first teaser trailer of our animated movie "Ang
Bantay," a fashion show by CLIQUE Modelling Group and the unveiling of Lagaw
'Ta Experience Western Visayas - tourism song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69JD7uxMF90)
the first tourism song+music video of Region VI, gathering more than 30 artists
in one spectacular musical event that happened for the first time. Honestly, I
am humbled by the undying trust and support of those who believe in my creative
visions, as they are part of such wonderful journey especially to Hampang
productions, 8finity Events, Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Department of Tourism
Region VI, Robinsons Place Iloilo, SM City Iloilo, CLIQUE Modelling Group,
Shana Lacs Spa, Cilantro. Beauty Dynamics, the provincial tourism offices of
Iloilo, Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, Antique and Negros Occidental.
What's more: we're coming back with another sequel it's called Sights n' Sound
3D for 2014, not just one but more:)
MY number
5 ARTPOP Project of 2013 is being hired as co-screenwriter for PANGYAW.
Originally spelled as "Peng You," which means "friend" in
Chinese is visionary Ilonggo filmmaker Ronny Poblacion's second follow-up film
for his much-successful Sineng Pambansa entry "Beadworks." For
clarification, the director only released a trailer and will resume shooting in
the near future. We have to understand that Ilonggo filmmaking is a
risky but a growing industry in the region these days. And adding, Pangyaw - a film by Ronny
Poblacion (like the page if it's OK) (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=606932719317856) on the list of upcoming local films is a great elevation to
the talent and ingenuity of Ilonggos. Sir Ronny as I often call him, is a
multi-faceted award-winning artist by heart, and he knows the risk of venturing
in filmmaking. He treats his movie projects as extension of his endless
learning, tireless pursuit for ART and risking so much to fulfill his
aspiration of inspiring young artists. When he approached me to help him write
the screenplay of the film, I took it as a new challenge, to expand my writing
capabilities and learn the value of "wordsmithing" for cinematic
arts. The joys of writing the story and script of this film is my passionate
connection to my inner child, the young-at-heart teenage persona that I have
been longing to express. So, it is safe to reveal that "Pangyaw" is a
sweet love story with a dash of comedy and cute elements of drama. But do not
be fooled by its vulnerable side, the story has its own cultural and historical
essence that young should embrace aside from its youthful glow. Another joy of
writing the script is connecting with film's talented cast who are easy to work
with. Embracing this project has been more challenging right from the start
because the director himself tested me, to come up with half of the script for
3 nights and 3 days before they left for their 2 weeks Hong Kong shoot last
summer. but the deepest gratitude I realized working for this project, is the
director himself who gave me "artistic freedom" to weave parts of the
story as my own unexpressed artistry and direction, the joy of seeing the cast
memorizing the lines I wrote tickles the kid inside me. When Sir Ronny continue
to screen his previous film "Beadworks" in different schools and
universities in the region last year, the enthusiasm and roaring cheers we
receive from students upon after watching the trailer of the film, are enough
to give us great joy and excitement. So, if it took us a while to finish the
film, maybe it was meant to wait for perfect timing. Timing is everything for
me. Let the excitement build up because I believe that this film will be the
most-anticipated local Ilonggo film ever made for Ilonggos. Thank you sir Ronny
for telling me that I have what it takes to breathe life for this movie.
MY number
6 ARTPOP Project of 2013 is sending off SHEILA BARRIOS to her dream.
Like any
other Cinderella story, this girl got the brightest optimism and glimmer of
hope in her heart: never give up in life. In April 2010, I met a simple-looking
girl whom a friend told me can sing, and when she started singing, goosebumps
started to kick in. Her voice is music of passion-- melodic, soulful and soothsoothing to the ears. So I told her: OK, let's change your destiny into
something better than you've expected. But we never realized that we have to go
through the trials until we succeed. By the end of the month, she recorded an
Ilonggo song we wrote together entitled "Ginpalangga" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnDQYiyJ0ZI) The song is a re-make of Rihanna's "Unfaithful"
(OK, before you rant about originality issue, we made this song for fun and
passion with no drama for commercial purposes). After a few months selected
radio stations picked the song for air-play and earned a good following. The
main reason for the song's appeal is her soothing RnB-pop-infused voice. We
shot an "amatuerish" music video of the song using my ordinary video
camera. The video and the song earned massive views in youtube and following in
the radio. People started to invite her to sing for events, community programs
and even got a local TV guestings. When all of these were happening, we look at
each other and started to realized that the little song we did captured a lot
of hearts and ears. But the downside of the "little piece" of fame is
the reality that you're open for criticisms and prejudice from people who don't
understand what you've been through. there are those who would pull out the
microphone plug backstage because they can't accept the fact this humble girl
is getting bigger than their ego and allusions. But we learn to forgive and
forget. In December 2010, she was nominated for the Best Female Artist at the
Ilonggo Music Awards organized by a local TV station. In fact, her
"little" popularity among young people helped her earned a 4-year
college scholarship since her family cannot support her studies. the story goes
this way: the girl was singing onstage for a scholarship mall event, the
foundation director saw her, got amused by her voice, she asked around about
her life-story and bingo, she granted her a college scholarship. We headed for
radio tour as far as Bacolod City and follow-up Ilonggo songs followed such as
"Salamat Iloy" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e5zMuR1FiQ)
with rapper Zaril, "Sa Handum Na Guid Lang" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8E0HAdsBJqg)
and "Nabatyagan," (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGXUjv9BcYo)
a soundtrack for Sineng Pambansa Ilonggo film "Gugma sa
Panahon sang Bakunawa." Sheila got in the cast because the story needs a
local Ilongga singer for a cameo role but what she got was more than just a
cameo role. The turning point was when the film's cinematographer from
California fell in love to the girl with a big voice. Sheila was one of the
best artists I've encountered in my passion for music. I am not totally
referring to her musical gift but her gift to inspire others by her story, her
humble attitude, down-to-earth, optimistic and loyalty. Truth is, she doesn't
care about fame, her passion is the ART of expression. I remember her saying
things like: fame fades away but friendship and good deeds defines our destiny.
Last September, her US visa was approved and on October 19, she tied the knot
with the love of her life in Los Angeles, the city of angels and dreams. As a
friend and a "little bit of a mentor" to this artist, nothing can be
far more happier than to see someone you care about is fulfilling her dreams
and being loved by strangers who sees only her good-hearted nature. I truly
believe that the artists I guided under my wing are the extensions of my
dreams, my artistry and my perception of surreal life. OK, my bragging is
getting longer so I'm cutting the chase by letting you know that... I am most
proud of this girl, the girl I unexpectedly getting her rightful place under
the sun.
What's more: well, we never know what's coming. As
long as she has the passion for music inside her anything is possible.
MY number
7 ARTPOP project for 2013 is launching DANIEL ZEDANE.
A friend of mine heared
him singing with a Christmas carolling group last Dec. 2012. He instantly told
me that this 18-year-old guy is a rare one-- aggressively-talented, armed with
a burning-desire-to-express his music. I saw his raw video performing his
original song "Seryoso" (http://www.youtube.com/
What's more: we hope to push through with 4-5 music
videos this 2014, and a chance for him to seen everywhere (literally speaking).
I can sense him hollering behind my back ... tell them to like my FB page (https://www.facebook.com/
MY number
8 ARTPOP Project of 2013 is being connected with JEHNNIEL PALMA.
What does a
Bacolod City-born indie artist Jehnniel Palma doing in the huge, competitive
indie music scene in UK? they say, no guts no glory, right? A few years ago,
this bored Pinay medical professional, untrained musician pick up her guitar
and joined the UK Open Mic competition. Weeks after, it turns out that she's
the only Asian who got through the
finals.
It was the starting point for Jenniel and her music in UK as
a musician by night, regular employee in a hospital by day. Then, more and more
indie artists are coming over, asking her to do a cover or collaboration with
her including a former flame (she once enthused). Cable channels in UK got
interested with her unique music and style. It seems like UK is flooding with
multi-racial indie music scene these days, and Jenniel is inspired to chase her
dream one step at a time. Last year, she's the opening act for The Voice of
Phil. judge, Bamboo in his several UK tour shows. Last May, she came over from
UK to join our major event Sights & Sound 2013 to perform her songs.
Instantly, Hampang Productions co-produced her music video for her original
song "Colors of You" (http://www.youtube.com/
What's more: She's coming back to Iloilo by the end
of summer to perform her songs, and hopefully shoot another music video. In the
meantime, she's having fun crossing boundaries between the UK indie music scene
and performing for her fellow Ilonggo artists. So we hollered: WE WANT A FULL
ALBUM SOON!
MY number 9 ARTPOP Project of
2013 is JEN SANCHEZ.
Angelic face, natural born singer, no attitude hang-ups,
simply funny and sees the world in optimistic light, Jen is a bursting charm
onstage. A Bacolod-based pop artist in-the-making, she knows how to wait for
her time to shine. Jen's first recorded song is the Tagalog track
"Bakit" (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151893092863941&set=vb.624478197569546&type=3&theater)
with a music video soon-to-be shot with Hampang Productions. She recently shot
a music video for her song "Ikaw Lang" featuring Daniel Zedane (https://soundcloud.com/rslphoenix/ikaw-lang-jen-sanchez-feat)
with a January online release. Her upcoming significant feat is the recording
of the song "LOL (Lots of Love)" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzH1C3BQz1E)
written and composed by PL Smith, an Australian songwriter set for 2014 release
with accompanying music video. She represented Bacolod City in "Lagaw
'Ta," the first region-wide tourism song of Western Visayas. A faithful
church choir singer who praises God with her gifts, this lady is blessed with
both beauty and character that inspires others.
What's more: The creative team envisions a different direction for her full
release of mixtape album if destiny permits -- a visual album that shows her
versatility, and another possibility (if she passed the audition), a local
horror film starrer.
MY number 10 ARTPOP Project of
2013 is MUKE GONZAGA.
OK, let's be honest, Muke Gonzaga
is not just your generic shove-it-to-your-face local pop singer. I think he's a
multi-media artist in full perspective. He's a photographer, blogger,
ranting/bragging creative force. Sometimes, he's getting a bit outlandish with
his style (fashion, etc.) but the boy has guts and good voice to boost.
RSLPhoenix Music came across with him when a friend recommended that he
deserve's a little bit of elevation to express himself as a pop singer. His
first indie release is the Tagalog-hiphop-pop track "Kamalian Ko"
with rapper Zpinx Angel. A music video was co-produced by Hampang Productions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JThED3vOJBQ)
and now a favorite radio hit in General Santos City's Campus Radio. His second
song is the acoustic ballad "Sana" with a music video he co-produced
for his school project but looks more artsy than it's title (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI6NNLOv7bE).
Though he appears to be goofy and multi-colored on-screen, Muke is actually shy
and humble in person, a camouflage he has wear to separate the pop artist, the
fashion theatrics-partyphille from the real him off-stage. Oh well, I adore
artists who are bending artistry for the sake of expression.
What's more: After he's done with college early this year, he wants to record
and record stuff until it becomes a full album enclosed in a blue-green cover
with caption that says-- what are you looking at?
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