Batanes Birthday Getaway
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| Basco Lighthouse during sunset |
My gift to myself is to to cross out Batanes, arguably the most beautiful place in the country, in my lakwatcha list. I went solo again this time after travelling with a big group for some time. The first time I've travelled alone was during my birthday three years ago in Dumaguete, and I enjoyed it so much that I prefer to do it most of the time. This one is a rejoinder to that first-time adventure.
I spent four days in the island, including my birthday, biking and motorcycling (but only as passenger) in touring Batan Island (main island) and Sabtang Island, where I stayed overnight in Chavayan, a UNESCO Heritage Site for being one of the few remaining villages with traditional Ivatan houses. I went to the usual tourist spots and those that only locals dare go.
But the most memorable part of the trip are the people I met who are practically strangers but treated me as part of the family and friend. I stayed at Chanarian Homestay outside downtown Basco where I met the Merlo family, who owned the house. They were the ones who prepared a small celebration for my birthday. Nanay and Tatay even invited me next year on their 50th wedding anniversary. I told them I'll make sure I'll be there.
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| Tatay (the man in 'Tender Care' shirt) is Chanarian's Barangay Chairman.He and his staff joined me in celebrating my birthday. They provided the drinks, pulutan and stories. |
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| Nanay helped prepare my birthday dinner: Ivatan yellow rice, Lonyes (Ivatan adobo), and stewed fish. |
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| Kuya Jun, who cooked all the food. |
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| Nanay Marina from Chavayan, who lent me the bike of her son even if she does not know me and who welcomed me in her home. |
Ciemarehiyon Davao 2011
Feb. 9-13, 2011
I hadn't recovered yet from my Batanes lakwatcha when I went to Davao the following week for Cinemarehiyon Davao 2011. I was there as delegate for Calabarzon, and the films for Pelikultura were screened there. Boy, it was uber fun (!!! ), thanks to the Davao Team. I met many talented filmmakers from around the country and saw again those I've met from last year's Cinemarehiyon.
Because of too much partying, I missed my flight on the morning of the 13th and well, went on for more partying with the delegates. The Davao Team prepared an island getaway tour to Talicud Island and Samal. It was good to see filmmakers, curators, and other guests (John Sayles, director of Amigo, and Joel Torre among others) enjoy each other's company.
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| Pelikultura entries were screened in Cinemarehiyon Davao 2011 Photo by Mannie Magbanua Jr. |
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| The Delegates at Gaisano Mall Cinema Photo from Carmen del Prado |
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| za gang during closing dinner Photo from Carmen del Prado |
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| some wild night at MTS Photo by Abigail Lazaro |
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| with Joey Ayala, Carmen (from Dumaguete) and Juls (her partner) Photo from Carmen del Prado |
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| with Ara from Cebu and Carmen from Dumaguete Photo from Carmen del Prado |
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| goofy time with other delegates Photo from Ronald Gary Bautista |
Pelikultura Film Festival
Feb 24-26, 2011
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| Pelikultura Delegates |
On the last week of my birthday month, pelikuLAB put up Pelikultura: The Calabarzon Film Festival. We had been preparing for this since last year, and thankfully it's done and it was successful. Filmmakers from all over Calabarzon went to Los Banos to watch each other's films and learn from workshop resource speakers Remton Zuasola (Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria, To Siomai Love) and Ramon Bautista.
Here are the links to the write-ups on the fest:
Here are the links to the write-ups on the fest:
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20110313-325178/Baguio-Calabarzon-welcome-alternative-filmmakers
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| Audience enjoying the film |
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Judges (from left) Remton Zuasola, Pam Miras and Teddy Co award certificate to a delegate |
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| Delegates during their workshop |
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| Abby Lazaro (from NCCA), Directors Remton Zuasola, Jeff Ramos, and Gerry Jumawan |
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| delegates' night out with pelikulab staff |
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| night out with pelikulab staff, guests and delegates |
