My family used to go to the cinemas; during that time, it was half the price compared today. But when it started to be "watching a film will cost you your daily allowance" we stopped going to the cinemas.
Growing up, I didn't become a fan of films. But that changed when I met Angelo.
He was the one who re-introduced films to me. Since then, everytime I'd watch a film, it feels like I am in a different world; a world that I can call my own.
My love for films grew even more when I took up Film Aesthetics during third year in college. My professor did not just teach us how to appreciate films but also taught us how to evaluate which are "good" films and which are not.
On the same year, independent or "indie" films were introduced to me and I started to love them. There's this thinking that indie films are better than mainstream, but do not be deceived. The truth is, not all indie films are good and not all mainstream films are trash.
Then and there, I dreamed of creating my own film. But how am I suppose to do so? I could not even afford to buy a camera in the first place. I am but a student and a scholar of the taxpayers of Manila. But still, I continued to dream. As they say, "Libre lang mangarap" ("It's free to dream").
Come 2013, I took up Radio and Television Production. We were asked to create a documentary as our final output for the subject. It was Angelo who provided me a Nikon D3200 to work with and I am grateful for having him in my life. My team created a documentary entitled "Bitaw" which was about a man who tried to suicide fourteen times and yet, after some years, he found a way to pick up the broken pieces of his life. This documentary won 3rd prize in AV Faith Awards sponsored by the Society of St. Paul's.
As of the moment, I am taking up Film Production and Direction. And of course, we are to create or produce a film. In my first attempt, I was devastated. Not that I couldn't make one. Truth is, I know I am capable of creating my own film now, but just the thought of doing it was really depressing. I already shot a short film entitled "Cheryl" with the help of family and friends, but something was missing from it. It didn't really come out as I thought it would. Sadly one factor that made everything seem to go to waste: the budget I received from my producer, the tiresome effort made by my crew, and the amazing performances of my actors, was a technical problem that ruined the whole film. It was an unwanted noise due to a faulty microphone. Furthermore, the genre was horror, and it wasn't really my style, so to speak. Be it as it may, I didn't get to fully finish the film, editing and what not, but I don't regret it. It's because of that that I learned to check everything before shooting. That it's important to have your equipment in good working order.
Like I said, I was devastated. The loss of my first short film was heartbreaking for me and I wasn't over it yet. But since we were given a new assignment, I had no other choice but to make one more. I had a choice to join others and make it as a group production, but I decided to do it again on my own. Not because I'm selfish, but because I want to make my dream to finally turn into reality.
Nevertheless, producing another film didn't become easy. I had to look for actors who could portray the roles that I had in mind, and for me, that is the hardest part in filmmaking. Once again, I asked for help with the people who helped me in my first film. However, I found the doors which were once opened now closed. I couldn't blame them. Who would want to work with a failure of a director, anyway?
I was close to giving up. I cried my heart out, like a mother who was about to lose a baby inside her womb. Then again, an angel came to my rescue me and that is none other than, Angelo.
He helped me to get back on my feet once again. He was there for me from the location hunt until I said the phrase "it's a wrap" and even when I was trying my best to edit the film, he didn't leave me until it was totally done. It was a heck of a roller coaster ride. But now, I can proudly say that I made my dream come true. I have created a film. Something I can really call my own.
Most of all, I want to thank God for he never left my side. He is true to His promises. May God bless my official first short film entitled "Patungo" ("Ascension") and the people who helped me to make the film possible.
