Potters Ugu and Jon

I happened to catch a replay of a documentary titled "Local Legends on Potter Ugu Bigyan" on ANC SkyCable while I was confined to the house at the beginning of a super typhoon, Uwan.

The narrative and the artist's motivations and background captivated me to the extent that no raging wind could interrupt my viewing.

Master ceramic potter Augusto "Ugu" Bigyan is one of the country's living treasures, and "Local Legends" travels to the tranquil village of Tiaong, Quezon to uncover his secrets. "Ugu" discusses how his boyhood and an accidental encounter with a renowned ceramic painter from Candelaria, a neighboring community, piqued his interest in ceramic painting.

He then demonstrates the fundamental skills of his trade and discusses significant events in his career that contributed to his international recognition.

"Ugu" also discusses the process by which he developed his unique approach and the legacy he aspires to leave behind.

He experienced burnout, fatigue, and dissatisfaction as a result of his transition from an artist to a mechanized automaton, despite the commercial success of his export line.

Towards the conclusion, he admitted that if he were granted the opportunity to relive his life, he would prefer to return to his agricultural origins in Tiaong and pursue pottery as an artist. It was during his early years that he was most content.

"Local Legends" also interviews Rita Gudiño, the director of the UP College of Fine Arts Ceramic Studio, to learn more about "Ugu" Bigyan's accomplishments and contributions to the fine arts in the Philippines. (This episode was initially broadcast on November 11, 2019, and it pertains to the manner in which the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will influence the future of our generation.

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Al, a classmate who achieved prominence in the production and sale of handicrafts for both domestic and international markets, has heard of Jon's pottery skill and has acknowledged him as an artist. He has deep connection with CITEM, prominent personalities, Filipino artists and international buyers from Europe, America and Asia among others.

According to his narrative, he and Jon are likely distant relatives due to the Tuguegarao heritage of his mother, Z. Kanapi.

Connecting with Jon's father, he requested that a visit be arranged to his workshop in San Jose Batangas. The visit's realization necessitated some time.

Al is interested in inspecting his production line, evaluating the likelihood of exporting his works, and appreciating the art pieces that are currently available.

Jon willingly provided us with a tour of his facilities and introduced us to his female apprentices, backend staff who provided a detailed explanation of the pottery process, including the selection of clay, molding, and baking. On the side he would talk about his coffee plantation.

Al was impressed by the previous works that were observed at the farm and inquired as to why he had not been more proactive in marketing his work.

He is not inclined to commercial works, as he prefers to create as an artist and mentor talented enthusiasts, as Ugu has stated. Additionally, he favors the propagation of coffee.

Jon. Potter. Artist. A coffee farmer. That is the current calling in which he is most content.

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The Value of Being Happy

Jon's facilities in San Jose, Batangas, don't stand as a collection of missed marketing chances. Instead, they are the physical representation of a life that has been carefully planned to bring true happiness.

Al, the smart businessman, saw that there was a chance to make money by exporting the goods. But the bigger and more lasting value lies in Jon's choice to follow something more important than making money. He's not just avoiding the temptation of money; he's also engaging in the better benefits of creation, mentoring, and growth.

The pleasure he gets is tangible and can't be denied. As an artist and potter, the prize is the cool, soft clay that he can shape with his hands into something lasting and beautiful, without having to worry about what will sell. As a Mentor, what makes him happy is seeing his students get better and more confident every day. He passes on not only a craft, but also a sense of artistic ethics. As a Coffee Farmer, he stays very grounded and finds peace in the earth's honest, repetitive work.

This combination—the maker, the teacher, and the cultivator—is what makes him happy in the end. Jon's story shows that a life dedicated to being a Potter, an Artist, and a Farmer is a full and profound success in and of itself. Its value is not measured in market share or bank balance, but in the depth of meaning and peace of the mind.

Ugu's story, also Jon's story. Those are the connections I saw in Ugu and Jon. Masaya sila sa pag popotero. Ang mga obra nila ay regalo nila sa mundo.

Ugu's Documentary https://youtu.be/JT5TpWSPl-s?si=0pAdrsBct3fy1gvc

Robin Sharma's "Who Will Cry When You Die?"

The narrative presents a four-day tour to Siquijor Island and Dumaguete, emphasizing the life lessons from Robin Sharma's "Who Will Cry When You Die?" The journey was purposeful, aimed at creating lasting family memories, fostering inclusivity, and practicing gratitude towards service workers. Participants stepped out of their comfort zones, embraced authenticity, and remained focused on the present, enriching their experiences. They served one another, took care of their health, and approached the trip as a continuous learning opportunity, embodying forgiveness and passion throughout the adventure. Ultimately, the tour illustrated that life should be lived with purpose, gratitude, and joy, reflecting Sharma's core teachings.

“When you were born, you cried while the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die, the world cries while you rejoice.”

— Ancient Sanskrit saying

Lessons from an Island Adventure: A Journey of Purpose and Fulfillment

In the heart of the Philippines, amidst the azure waters surrounding Siquijor Island and the charming university city of Dumaguete, I recently embarked on a four-day tour with my cousins. This journey, while seemingly simple, embodied many of the profound life lessons Robin Sharma presents in his book "Who Will Cry When You Die?: Life Lessons from the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari." Our adventure serves as a living testament to the wisdom Sharma imparts, demonstrating how special experiences can be transformative when approached with mindfulness and purpose.

Living with Purpose

Our island tour was not a mere vacation; it was a purposeful expedition designed to create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. The trip embodied several key purposes: enjoying local travel, nurturing love for family and clan, sharing knowledge with others, and imparting valuable skill sets. By choosing to embark on this journey with family members of all ages, including two physically challenged participants, we demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity and shared experiences—a purpose that gave our trip profound meaning.

Practicing Gratitude

Throughout our adventure, we actively practiced gratitude, aligning perfectly with Sharma's advice. We expressed thanks and gave generous tips to the orderlies assisting those with physical challenges. Our kindness extended to drivers, restaurant staff, hotel service personnel, and vendors. We listened attentively to people's stories, showing appreciation for their experiences. Importantly, we made sure to thank our generous sponsors and team leaders who made the trip possible. This constant practice of gratitude enhanced our enjoyment and fostered a sense of fulfillment.

Taking Risks and Stepping Out of Comfort Zones

Our journey embodied Sharma's call to take risks and embrace challenges. We joined a group to visit a place most of us had never been to before. Embarking on a four-day trip to a mystical island on pure faith was a leap out of our comfort zones. Moreover, we tested our ability to gel with a large company of people with different orientations. These calculated risks resulted in personal growth for each participant, reinforcing the rewards that come from facing challenges head-on.

Authenticity and Living in the Present

We practiced authenticity by manifesting our feelings of appreciation, joy, and occasional disturbance openly. The joy of experiencing the journey with relatives who shared our family values allowed us to be true to ourselves. We embraced authenticity by accepting events as they unfolded and expressing our limitations when necessary. This genuine approach enabled us to connect more deeply with each other and our surroundings.

Living in the present moment was a constant practice. We balanced the work we left behind with our roles in the group tour, learning to forget the tasks back in the city temporarily. We fully appreciated the wonders of each place we visited and gamely joined in the fun activities. This focus on the present moment, as Sharma advocates, led to a more enriching experience.

Serving Others and Fostering Connections

The spirit of service permeated our journey, reflecting Sharma's emphasis on making a positive difference in others' lives. We took on various roles to serve the group: taking pictures, posting online, ordering food, managing funds, leading the group, arranging travel, helping with seating and riding plans, taking initiative, engaging in conversations, refraining from complaints, documenting the trip, and sharing expenses. These acts of service not only contributed to the smooth running of our trip but also strengthened our bonds and enhanced our overall experience.

Taking Care of Health and Continuous Learning

We recognized the importance of health, as Sharma emphasizes. We took responsibility for our well-being by preparing for long walks and rides, ensuring we wouldn't become a burden to the group. This proactive approach to health allowed us to fully enjoy and participate in all activities.

Our journey was also a continuous learning experience. We maintained an openness to new experiences and actively sought to integrate our travel learnings with our personal states. This alignment with Sharma's encouragement for lifelong learning enriched our trip and contributed to our personal growth.

Practicing Forgiveness and Living with Passion

We embodied Sharma's advice on forgiveness by accepting minor setbacks without complaint. This practice of letting go of small grievances allowed us to maintain a positive atmosphere throughout the trip.

Finally, we lived with passion, as Sharma encouraged. We found joy primarily in each other's company, appreciated the beauty of the places we visited and the food we ate, and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the leader who initiated the tour. This passionate engagement with our experiences infused our journey with the zest for life that Sharma advocates.

Reflecting on our four-day island adventure through the lens of Robin Sharma's teachings reveals that our journey was more than just a family trip; it was a small-scale version of a well-lived life. We embraced purpose, gratitude, risk-taking, authenticity, present-moment awareness, service to others, health consciousness, continuous learning, forgiveness, and passion—all while nurturing our connections and creating unforgettable memories.

Not About How We Cry When We Die, But How We Choose to Live

As Sharma suggests, it's not about who will cry when we die, but about how we choose to live. Our Siquijor and Dumaguete tour exemplifies how applying these life lessons can transform even a short trip into a profound, fulfilling experience that strengthens relationships, creates lasting memories, and enriches our lives immeasurably. It serves as a reminder that every day—whether at home or on an adventure—presents opportunities to live with purpose, gratitude, and joy.

28 Sep 2024

Uwan Storm Coverage

Storm Coverage and Community Response

As the super storm Uwan loomed over the Philippines, anxiety and uncertainty gripped communities across the nation. In times like these, people turned to trusted sources for real-time updates and guidance. Two YouTube livestreams—one from One News TV and another from Teleradyo DZMM—became lifelines for countless viewers, offering continuous coverage, expert analysis, and a sense of connection during a night of relentless rain and wind.

A particularly enlightening report on traditional media was when Ariel Rojas, a resident meteorologist at DZMM, took to the airwaves later in the evening before the land fall at 9:10 p.m. With clarity and composure, Rojas, with a masteral degree in meteorology at the state university, explained the evolving behavior of the storm.

Due to the storm's vast size and its potential to cause intense winds and heavy rainfall, scientific information was needed. He noted that the cloud cover had either broken or diminished, providing a glimmer of hope. Yet, he cautioned that as the storm crossed into the West Philippine Sea, another surge could be expected. His calm, knowledgeable delivery helped set realistic expectations for the coming hours.

For many viewers—myself included—his sign-off was a signal that it was finally safe to rest, even if only for a short while.

The courage and dedication of field reporters from TV5 and DZMM stood out throughout the coverage. Despite the dangers posed by the storm, these reporters ventured into the harshest conditions to deliver on-the-ground updates. Their professionalism was evident in the way they framed their stories and interacted with studio hosts. Reporters such as Gio in Aurora, Ian at Baseco, Mon G in Santiago, Evan in Baler, and Arles in Albay, along with Kat, Jeff, Robert M., and Zeus, all played crucial roles in keeping the public informed and reassured. Their willingness to risk their own safety for the sake of public service was nothing short of heroic.

Adding another dimension to the coverage were the storm chasers, whose documentation of the event provided viewers with a unique, up-close perspective on the storm’s power and unpredictability. Their real-time footage and insights heightened the sense of urgency and underscored the seriousness of the situation.

The morning after the storm, a wave of gratitude swept through the community. Thanks were extended not only to the media but also to essential service providers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. PAGASA forecasters, utility companies like Meralco, SkyCable, Sky Broadband, Signal TV, Globe at Home, PLDT, Smart, DITO, and Manila Water were all recognized for their efforts in keeping vital services running.

Local businesses such as The Marketplace, Easy Mart, Jollibee, and Refill Station were also acknowledged for their support, whether by staying open, providing supplies, or simply offering a sense of normalcy in the aftermath.

After a long, exhausting night, the storm tracker rewarded themselves with a well-deserved breakfast at JB, reflecting on the collective effort and the prayers that had seen everyone through safely.

At first, I felt helpless as news of the impending disaster unfolded. The situation seemed overwhelming and uncertain. However, inspiration from the media, field reporters, networks, and risk reduction management councils at every level began to shift my outlook.

What began as a sense of dread gradually transformed into optimism as I saw people coming together, supporting one another, and demonstrating incredible resilience in the face of adversity.

Monitoring One News TV and Teleradyo DZMM

https://www.youtube.com/live/6QbumD-WLAo?si=2IuGPw5XhsrI7IMm

https://www.youtube.com/live/k6L48hOR6AY?si=BrECQx4ol-TnXLlD

Climbing Manifesto 2025: A Call to Conscious Mountaineering

Manifesto formulation, which I learned from attending sessions at the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems in the early 2000s led by Dr. Edwino Fernando, a forest botanist of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), and Roberto Cereno, deputy director of MCME. Creating this as an academic exercise.

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Climbing Manifesto 2025: A Call to Conscious Mountaineering

Twenty-five years ago, we gathered as a community of climbers to articulate our shared values. We spoke of adventure tempered by safety, of summits reached with respect for the mountains that humbled us, and of a commitment to preserve what we loved.

Today, the landscape—both literal and cultural—has transformed. Mountains that once required weeks of preparation now draw weekend warriors. Social media has turned peaks into backdrops and trails into throughways. Climate change threatens the very ecosystems we cherish, while commercialization commodifies what was once sacred. Yet within these challenges lies opportunity: a new generation seeks meaning in the outdoors, technology enables safer climbs, and a growing movement of mountaineers stands ready to defend our environment.

We gather again, not to abandon our founding principles, but to renew them for this moment—to articulate a vision of mountaineering that honors tradition while embracing necessary evolution.

Our Vision

We envision a Philippine mountaineering community that:

Climbs with Purpose Beyond the Summit

Where every ascent is measured not only in elevation gained but in impact minimized, knowledge deepened, and connections strengthened—with nature, with communities, and with ourselves.

Bridges Generations Through Shared Stewardship

Where millennials and Gen Z bring fresh perspectives and digital fluency, while seasoned mountaineers share wisdom earned through decades on the trail—creating a culture of mutual learning rather than division.

Transforms Access into Responsibility

Where easier routes, better equipment, and abundant information become catalysts for deeper preparation, not shortcuts—where accessibility democratizes mountaineering without diluting its demands.

Turns Visibility into Advocacy

Where social media becomes a tool for education and environmental action, not just personal branding—where every post carries the weight of responsibility to those who follow in our footsteps.

Stands as Guardians in a Time of Crisis

Where mountaineers recognize their role as frontline witnesses to climate change and defenders of fragile ecosystems—acting not merely as visitors to the mountains, but as their voice in the valleys and cities below.

Our Mission

To cultivate a culture of conscious mountaineering through:

1. Environmental Stewardship in the Responsible Management of Earth’s Resources (Anthropocene)

- Zero-impact climbing practices that go beyond "leave no trace" to active restoration and rehabilitation

- Radical accountability for waste: In an age of convenience packaging and single-use gear, we commit to carrying out every piece of trash, including organic waste, and actively removing debris left by others. The proliferation of trash on our trails and campsites is a crisis that demands immediate personal action from every climber.

- Climate action leadership, using our unique perspective as witnesses to environmental degradation to drive policy change and community awareness

- Sustainable trail management that balances accessibility with conservation, recognizing that some places must remain wild and protected

- Partnership with indigenous and local communities as co-stewards, respecting ancestral lands and traditional ecological knowledge

2. Education for the Age of Information Overload

- Critical preparation standards that counter the illusion that information equals experience—emphasizing physical conditioning, technical skills, and mental resilience

- Mentorship programs connecting experienced climbers with newcomers, ensuring that wisdom passes between generations

- Digital literacy and ethics that teach responsible sharing: accurate information, realistic expectations, and respect for the undisclosed and sacred

- Comprehensive training in wilderness first aid, navigation, risk assessment, and emergency response

3. Safety in an Era of Shortened Timelines

- Discipline over convenience, establishing minimum preparation periods, fitness requirements, and skill assessments regardless of destination accessibility

- Honest self-assessment of climbing capacity—rejecting the dangerous trend of attempting climbs beyond one's physical, technical, or mental preparedness, regardless of peer pressure or FOMO (fear of missing out)

- Risk management frameworks that account for commercial pressures, social media incentives, and the false confidence born of advanced gear

- Accountability systems for guides, organizers, and individual climbers—recognizing that ease of access has not diminished the mountains' dangers

- Weather awareness and climate adaptation, acknowledging changing patterns and increased unpredictability

4. Community and Cultural Respect

- Ethical engagement with local communities that ensures economic benefit, cultural sensitivity, and genuine partnership rather than exploitation

- Fellow climber courtesy on increasingly crowded trails—yielding right of way, managing noise, sharing resources, and fostering inclusive spaces

- Reverence for mountain silence—the mountains have become loud with portable speakers, amplified voices, and disregard for the acoustic sanctuary that nature provides. We commit to preserving the soundscape: minimal noise at campsites, respectful voice levels, no amplified music, and recognition that others seek solitude and connection with nature, not a party atmosphere.

- Anti-commercialization of culture, resisting the reduction of mountains and communities to commodified experiences and content

- Intergenerational dialogue that honors different motivations for climbing while upholding shared core values

5. Values-Driven Participation

- Authentic experience over performative content—climbing for personal growth, connection, and challenge rather than external validation

- Humility and continuous learning, recognizing that no amount of technology replaces judgment, and no summit grants mastery

- Long-term commitment to the mountaineering community and environment, not transactional engagement

- Self-regulation and peer accountability, building a culture where standards are upheld through collective responsibility

Our Commitments

As members of the Philippine mountaineering community, we commit to:

Before the Climb

- Prepare our bodies, minds, and skills appropriately, regardless of a route's accessibility or popularity

- Research thoroughly—not just logistics, but ecology, culture, current conditions, and our own limitations

- Obtain proper permits, support local economies fairly, and understand our impact

During the Climb

- Practice true Leave No Trace principles and, when possible, leave the mountain better than we found it—carrying out all waste, including organic materials, and removing trash left by others.

- Prioritize safety over summits, authenticity over content, and respect over personal achievement

- Honor the mountain's silence: keep voices low, leave speakers at home, and preserve the acoustic sanctuary for all.

- Turn back when conditions or personal capacity dictate, recognizing that summit fever has ended lives and that retreat is often the stronger choice

- Support fellow climbers and defer to local guides and community members

- Make decisions based on conditions and capability, not social pressure or investment

After the Climb

- Share knowledge responsibly, balancing inspiration with realism

- Advocate for mountain protection and climate action in our communities and cities

- Support organizations working for environmental conservation and indigenous rights

- Reflect on our experiences to deepen our practice and refine our approach

In Our Broader Lives

- Recognize that being a responsible mountaineer extends beyond the trail—to daily choices about consumption, advocacy, and environmental impact

- Mentor newcomers with patience and genuine care for their development

- Stand against exploitation of mountains, communities, and the sport itself

- Continuously examine how our actions align with our stated values

A Call Forward

The mountains remain as they have always been—indifferent to our hashtags, humbling in their scale, unforgiving of our mistakes, and generous in their lessons. But the context in which we approach them has changed irrevocably.

We cannot return to an imagined golden age of mountaineering, nor should we wish to. Instead, we must forge a new path: one that harnesses technology and accessibility for good, that welcomes new voices while maintaining standards, and that recognizes our collective power to protect what we love.

The question before us is not whether mountaineering will change—it already has. The question is whether we will shape that change according to our values or allow it to be shaped by forces indifferent to the mountains' future.

We choose to shape it.

We choose to climb consciously—with preparation, with humility, and with purpose beyond ourselves.

We choose to be not just mountaineers, but stewards. Not just climbers, but guardians.

This is our manifesto for the mountains we love and the future we must protect.

Marathon Watching Cinemalaya 2025

Cinemalaya entries present Filipino stories that appeal to progressive filmgoers.

Stories were collected from entries screened using a process.

Produced and interpreted into a film of either full length or shorts.

Each entry fills out a variety of themes.

Viewed for their tale, appreciated, and evaluated for their production value.

Finally as a festival goer, valued for its personal impact and the insights realized.

What did not I know? What had been validated? What was reinforced?

Clusters guided me in ranking.

Something Lost:

• Drive: Raging. Hydra. Open Endings. Please Keep Copy
• Dignity: Warla. 24H. Radikals. Blooms. Ocean. Paglilitis. Tugbaw. Ascension
• Land: Bloom. Republic. Water Sports
• Justice: Paglilitis. Republic
• Family: Child. Padamlagan
• History: Cinemartyrs. Ocean

Gained:

• Hope: Hydra. Bloom
• Respect: Warla. Child. Objects
• Self: Open Endings. Raging. Hydra. Best Left. Hasang. Please Keep Copy
• History: Cinemartyrs. Figat
• Fatherhood: Padamlagan. Child

Between gained and lost is the denouncement dramatised

Based on the synopses for the 10 full-length and 10 short films competing in Cinemalaya 2025, several recurring and powerful thematic clusters can be identified.

These clusters reflect the festival's theme, "Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos" (To sail through waves, wind, and storms), highlighting resilience, social struggle, and evolving identities in the Philippines.

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Cluster 1: Political and Historical Reckoning, Truth vs. Disinformation

These films directly address critical socio-political issues, historical atrocities, the struggle for land and rights, and the current battle against disinformation.

1. Habang Nilalamon ng Hydra ang Kasaysayan (As the Hydra Devours History). Disinformation, erosion of truth/memory, post-political defeat struggle.
2. Bloom Where You Are Planted. Land rights activists, red-tagging, volatile notions of home, and government pursuit.
3. Cinemartyrs. Recreating forgotten historical massacres, angry spirits, and the peril of truth-telling
4. Padamlagan (Night Light). Colgante Bridge collapse and the declaration of Martial Law (Historical/Political backdrop).
5. Republika ng Pipolipinas (Republic of Pipolipinas). Farmer protests government land grab by building a micronation (Act of political defiance)
6. Please Keep This Copy. High school students navigating control and repression in an elite all-boys school (Youth resistance to authority)

Cluster 2: Marginalized Identities, Belonging, and LGBTQIA+ Narratives

This cluster focuses on the experiences of marginalized groups, the search for acceptance and family, and bold repress entations of queer identity.

1. Warla. Transgender woman Kitkat find ing family in a gang that kidnaps men for gender-affirming surgeries (Trans identity, survival, belonging)
2. Open Endings. Four queer women (exes-turned-best-friends) navigating adulthood and chosen family (Sapphic relationships, love, and friendship)
3. Raging. A young man's quest for truth and justice after being raped by a peer (Sexual abuse, isolation, confronting the abuser)
4. Water Sports . Two deeply in love sad boys preparing to survive a world devastated by climate change (Gay male relationship, love as survival)
5. I'm Best Left Inside My Head. Golden boy adopted by gay philanthropists reunites with friends from the orphanage (Identity, adoption, found family)
6. The Next 24 Hours. Young woman navigating a cold, bureaucratic system after sexual assault (Victim's struggle for justice, systemic trauma)
7. Paglilitis (A Trial). Former executive assistant filing a sexual harassment case against a rich and powerful boss (Sexual harassment, workplace abuse, legal battle for justice)

Cluster 3: Folkloric, Mythic, and Fantastical Elements

These entries incorporate elements of magic realism, fantasy, and folklore to explore deeper themes of culture, environment, and personal transformation.

1. Hasang (Gills). Young boy witnesses his grandmother slowly transforming into a tilapia (Body transformation, folklore, family mystery)
2. Kay Basta Angkarabo Yay Bagay Ibat ha Langit (Objects Do Not Randomly Fall from the Sky). Young girl turns into a fish and recounts the effects of China's territorial aggression on fisherfolk (Environmental struggle, transformation, folklore)
3. Child No. 82 (Son of Boy Kana). Student must prove he is the 82nd child of a deceased action-fantasy movie star (Paternity, legacy, fantasy element in a dramedy setup)

Cluster 4: Personal Struggle, Labor, and Psychological Toll

This final group focuses on individual characters coping with systemic pressures, economic hardship, and the psychological impact of their daily lives or past trauma.

1. Ascension from the Office Cubicle. Exploited call center agent's obsession with a TV host as an escape from monotony/exploitation (Labor, workplace oppression, escapism)
2. Kung Tugnaw Ang Kaidalman Sang Lawod. Debt-stricken seafarer senses an unknown presence after taking a superior's help (Debt, exploitation, psychological burden)
3. Figat (Tomorrow). Young Kalinga girl brings a handmade instrument to class to inspire a return to cultural pride (Technology vs. Tradition, cultural identity).
4. Radikals. A young dancer's disastrous performance leads to bizarre events (Self-doubt, public embarrassment, and personal transformation/crisis)

#CCPCinemalaya2025 #Cinemalaya2025

Quezon Movie

In around two hours or so, the silver screen at Gateway in Quezon City revealed the character and driver to fame of a man I barely knew.

I know that a city in Metro Manila and a province in Southern Luzon are named after him. He was buried at the elliptical circle monument, a national landmark. Countless streets, boulevards, avenues, and law school buildings around the country are named after him.

Historically, the academe has exposed me to his connotations; his name comes up when the Commonwealth and Americans are mentioned, a dreadful lung disease, and the national language.

The film #Quezon, created by Jerrold Tarog and Rody Vera, introduced me to a politician with a great plan, a dominant alpha man with strong leadership, charisma, and the ability to control the flow of Philippine politics.

Halfway through, it reduced an educated, English-speaking Filipino nationalist to a human being with a superiority complex who projected himself as a man in control and with the power to reshape the country in the name of nationalism.

Set in the 1920s, with such abilities, power, and determination, it is inconceivable what he can do at the expense of rivals, colleagues, friends, allies, colonizers and especially adversaries. (In today's landscape, this a regular and now the norm.)

He is cunning and manipulative: sending Roxas to the US for a concession, revised Tydings-McDuffie Act to claim credit, sweet talking Sergio Osmena Sr. Governor General Leonard Wood, running for a 2nd term reneging his promise, campaign against E. Aguinaldo among others.

Tarog and Vera worked together to effectively uncover these in the well-crafted film: great lead and ensemble, production value, engaging story telling of a layered and complex situation.

While the film established that his objective was to free the Philippines from American dependency through a hazy platform of independence, it also implied that he did it for power and the ongoing enjoyment of it.

Tragically, despite his accomplishment with his goals and missions, he lived his later years with failing health and ungratefulness toward the nation and his cronies. What a dramatic ending as he is seated in a chair pushed toward the tunnel shouting expletives.

MLQ went through a cycle of successive successes and failure, calculated rise and fall, which is an unbroken cycle of humanity that has yet to be unraveled. There is no forever. A number of popular figures have ubdergone the same fate.

Beyond, the names of places and concretes put up for him to immortalize the man Quezon, Tarog, and Vera in one sitting, elevated him in living color to a pedestal before dropping him like any other mortal seeking affirmation.

What does all of this teach us? Beyond the historical context and the grandeur of his name, the film on Manuel L. Quezon offers a profound, humanizing lesson on power, purpose, and the inevitable cycle of life.

The central insight is exceptional drive often walks together with deep seated human flaws. Quezon’s story from the creator's view shows that a towering national objective achieving independence can be fueled not just by pure patriotism, but also by a relentless, even obsessive, desire for personal power and control (lust too).

His alpha dominance and charisma were the tools of his political genius, but they were also the source of his complexes and ultimately, the isolation and resentment he experienced as his health failed.

In the end, the most enduring takeaway is a simple, universal truth: No mortal can maintain a prime disposition indefinitely. Quezon's journey from a political titan shaping a nation's destiny to a sick, embittered man facing his own mortality perfectly illustrates the unbroken cycle of human existence: success gives way to failure, and the ascent is inevitably followed by the fall.

Because of his death in the US, he did not experience 1st hand the fruit of what he lobbied for.

The concrete monuments in his name seek to immortalize him, but the film and his life remind us that even the greatest heroes are just human beings seeking affirmation before they are finally "dropped like any other mortal."

This film doesn't just teach history; it teaches a difficult truth about the cost of ambition and the humility that awaits us all. It's a powerful reminder to seek not just glory, but grace, recognizing that one's legacy is defined not only by what you build, but how you handle its eventual erosion.

Film Quezon may have exposed that the kind of politics we have now dates back to then.

A Daring Act. A Realization of a Dream. A Milestone. The Envy of Aspiring Musicians

Derick Gernale, now rebranding himself as OC-J, steps into the spotlight with "OC-J: Back to This", his first solo concert—a stunning showcase of his many creative facets: dancer, choreographer, singer, composer, artist, storyteller, fashionista, seducer, and more.

And when you are all of that, how can you possibly deny yourself a stage?

That night a the Viva Café, relatively an intimate entertainment gig venue, OC-J gave himself wholly to the moment—performing not just for applause, but for those who’ve stood with him: fans, friends, family, and supporters.

A concert is many things—a production, a performance—but for OC-J, it became a personal journey, expressed through playful light, stirring visuals, relentless movement, and a soundscape that let every layer of his artistry surface.

His interview on DZMM, in which I first learned about his path as a performer and artist, showed itself on stage.

From among all his gifts, one took center stage: his voice. And that’s where the rebranding finds its truth. From Derick, the do-it-all, to OC-J—short for “Old Classic-John,” the singer-dancer who finds his core in mostly R&B music.

For nearly two hours, he held us fascinated, moving through genres primarily R&B and moods, performing solo, in duet, in ensemble, and always in motion—in stamina and style.

Then, just as we were fully hooked, he dropped the twist: he’s leaving again.

Was it goodbye? Or just another chapter in OC-J’s storytelling? Maybe that was his clever way of saying: "You’ll miss me. You’ll want more."

And we will.

So, OC-J, when you take your future steps, we will remember the music you have written and the Back to This concert you left behind. Just do not stay away for too long.

Congratulations on the fulfillment of a dream! When someone realizes an aspiration and shared, it inspires us all.

Ituloy ang paglalakbay!