behind the lens
WHAT GETS AWARD-WINNING DIRECTOR BRILLANTE MENDOZA’S CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING? BRET LOVE FINDS OUT
BRILLANTE MENDOZA ISN’T a household name yet, but that may change very soon. The Filipino director has been nominated for a 2007 FAP Award for Kaleldo, and won three awards at the 2008 Singapore Film Festival for Tirador. His latest film, Serbis, about cheap sex workers in movie theaters, won an award at the Southeast Asia Film Festival, was nominated for the Golden Palm Award at Cannes, and is now nominated at the Asian Film Awards. We caught up with Mendoza at work…
Which films and directors inspired you the most while you were growing up?
The films of Lino Brocka, such as Insiang and Maynila, and those of Mike De Leon, such as Kisapmata and Batch 81.
I particularly like the themes of Lino Brocka because they revolved around Philippine society and tackled mostly social issues.
Did you go to old theaters like the one featured in Serbis? What do you remember most about them?
Yes, I did. There were a lot of those theaters in the province where I came from. I used to go with my father and watched action films, and with my mom for the typical melodramas. I was inspired by the many different people we encountered there, particularly the family residing inside the cinema who I met during my research. I find it very colloquial to see a family trying to survive even under the worst conditions, yet still be able to maintain a balance between morality and business.
What attracts you to raw, gritty stories like Tirador and Serbis?
I find them truthful and honest. There were a lot of Filipino films that tackled these themes before, but they were not considered controversial. I think it is about how they were treated and presented.
What do you miss most about your native land when you’re abroad?
The warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people… plus our food, of course! We get strength from our family and friends and even in our lowest moments, we are capable of being positive.
What’s your next project?
It’s a drama thriller based on a police report called The Execution of P. Originally, it was called Kinatay (butchered). Like Serbis, it was accepted by the Hong Kong Film Financing Forum this year
. Do you think Slumdog Millionaire’s Oscar is going to help the local film industry?
I certainly hope so.
INFLIGHT ESSENTIALS
LISTEN Hot Summer Nights Quiet Nights Diana Krall is back with her 12th album — a ballad and bossa nova suite of classics such as Walk On By and The Boy From Ipanema.
READ Romance of the Three Kingdoms A fascinating epic of brotherhood during the fall of the Han Dynasty in 220 AD by Lo Kuan-chung, now in English translation.
PERK-ME-UP Sony L’Occitane Almond Apple Velvet Eye Gel (15 ml) Traveling on a red eye flight? Brighten up tired peepers with this refreshing gel that minimizes puffiness and dark circles. Its vegetable-based complex with almond proteins works on making skin smooth while organic apple extracts help fight toxic free radicals.
slick traveler paulo figueiredo
PAULO FIGUEIREDO is the 25-year-old group mixologist shaking things up at Aqua Spirit (www.aqua.com.hk). He created the bar’s new cocktail list using exotic flavors and ingredients, and spiced up classics to suit the Hong Kong palate. Right here, he shares his top picks of the city.
The must-buy souvenir… You can’t go past the quirky Mao watch, with its little waving hand. Antique Street (or Cat Street) Market in Soho has a lot of Mao merchandise and fantastic reproductions of old Hong Kong film posters.
My best way to start the day… Have dimsum for breakfast at a Chinese restaurant, then wash it down with Chinese tea.
If Hong Kong were a cocktail, it would be… a painkiller. It’s an oldie but a goodie.
My favorite hotspot… Aqua Spirit for its billion-dollar views of the the world’s largest laser show. At 11pm, the DJ starts spinning tunes. The atmosphere and the incredible view makes for a perfect end to a night out.
I always travel with… Generally, my camera, sleeping bag, laptop, Lonely Planet guidebook and ear plugs. When I go backpacking, the rule is to have no more than 10kgs of luggage, and to just go where the wind blows.
SEEN & HEARD
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We’ve been to a dozen countries over the last 30 days and everybody has asked us about it. You’ll never hear us play it again. Chris Gaylor of the All-American Rejects on their online cover of Britney Spears’ Womanizer |
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I had to learn that no is a hard word to say, but it doesn’t necessarily make you a bad person. You just have to do it the right way. British singer Duffy, on turning down an artist who wanted to do a duet with her |
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I care a lot more about the art than the artist. I want to make sure I don’t meet my heroes; I don’t want to taint [the experience]. Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump, on not working with the artists who contributed to their Folie á Deux album |
GUILTLESS GRUB TO GO
Pizza is a fast, delicious food to eat when you’re on holiday. But if you’re watching calories, pick special variants high in protein and veggies. Try Yellow Cab Gourmet Garden, which has zucchini, grilled eggplant, black olives, mushrooms and bell peppers. All their pizzas are certified halal. Yellow Cab Pizza Co is in the Philippines and Malaysia. www.yellowcabpizza.com
have a break
HAVE A WORRY-FREE STAY AT ANY OF THESE CHARMING RESIDENCES
IN THE PHILIPPINES for business or a a short break? Stay at a serviced apartment, accommodations that satisfy business travelers, couples and families alike. It offers all the amenities of a hotel while recreating the comforts of home. Here’s our picks of the finest residences around.
The Residences With its exclusive white-sand beach and world-class golf course, The Residences at Fairways and Bluewater Newcoast in Boracay is the perfect island getaway. Find villa rooms with a view in four complexes. www.theresidencesfairwaysandbluewater.com
BSA Tower and Suites These elegant apartments have great amenities and a convenient location. BSA Tower, 108 Legaspi Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, tel: +63 (2) 887 0147, www.bsatower-makati.com; BSA Suites, 103 Carlos Palanca St, Legaspi Village, Makati City, tel: +63 (2) 884 1463, www.bsasuites-makati.com
Perla Mansion, Makati The 22-storey Perla Mansion has bright and cozy standard, superior and one-bedroom suites plus a swimming pool. 117 Carlos Palanca Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, tel: +63 (2) 840 1826, www.. perlamansion-makati.com
The Malayan Plaza Professionals will like the range of facilities and location within Ortigas Center. There’s a business center, helipad, video entry phone, and 29-inch TV plus DVD player. ADB Avenue cor Opal Rd, Ortigas, Pasig City, tel: +63 (2) 706 0055, www.. themalayanplazahotel.com
Torre Venezia Hotel Rooms have city views and there’s an outdoor pool. 62 Scout Santiago St cor Timog Avenue, Quezon City, tel: +63 (2) 332 1658, www.. torrevenezia-quezoncity.com
For more details, log on to www.quantumsuites.com
shoe evolution
The Portraits of Shoes, Stories of Feet exhibit at the Yuchengco Museum takes us as far back as the 18th century, when the shoes were really clunky and colorful. The collections are from the International Shoe Museum in France and will be on display till June 20 at the Yuchengco Museum, RCBC Plaza, Makati City, www.yuchengcomuseum. org. Or call Alliance Française, tel: +63 (2) 895 7585 or 7441, www.. alliance.ph
THE GOOD LUCK FILES
Shape your destiny with words of wisdom from our unique experts
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The guru Simon Wong is a photojournalist, actor, partner in a design firm, and guy who attracts lucky breaks His advice “Cultivate a pure vibration through meditation. Make sure to focus on what you want regularly, and just wait.” Reality check “Everything you want will stream towards you in good time, but you need to be proactive and act on the opportunities once they breeze through your door!” |
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The gurus Sally Forrest and Vikas Malkani of SoulCentre Academy, Singapore. www.soulcentre.org |
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The guru Jeannie Javelosa is a yoga teacher, reader, spiritual counselor and columnist for The Philippine Star Her advice “Know yourself. Find a sensitive reader who can dig deep into the transformative aspects of your astrological chart.” Reality check “No matter how difficult our charts are, we have the free will to choose the brighter, lighter and more positive path. In so doing, you move to the direction of your spirit.” |
gizmos for dad
SHOW JUST HOW MUCH YOU APPRECIATE HIM ON JUNE 21, FATHER’S DAY
Clockwise from top left: The Sony DAV-F200 is a sleek DVD home theater system Dad can park on a shelf or mount on a wall, SG$849/PHP27,590.53 (www.sony.com.sg). The race car-inspired Tag Heuer Monaco Twenty Four watch will win him over (www.. tagheuer.com). The Philips Infracare HP3643 has a 650-watt infrared warmth function and adjustable angle rotation to massage his neck and shoulder kinks, SG$399/PHP12,973.60 (www.asia.philips.com). With the HP ProBook series, he’ll have all he needs, US$599/ PHP29.148.35 (www.hp.com)
PRECIOUS CARGO
Here’s what Cebu Pacific passengers are taking on board its flights as pasalubong for loved ones
SWEET TREATS Special doughnuts and cakes from Red Ribbon in Manila rank high as gifts taken out of the country.
JOLLIBEE CHICKENJOY One lady confessed she carried it in her Louis Vuitton bag for a friend she was visiting in Singapore!
BIG TOYS FOR THE LITTLE ONE Grown women toting oversized stuffed toys are a common sight on flights. Gift for baby or a large pillow? Who knows?
shop alert
From Scandinavia to Singapore
Along Singapore’s design and fashion strip is Style:Nordic, a 200m2 multi-label shop selling innovative, functional pieces. This month, it launched HÅG Futu — a smart, balancing chair. 39 Ann Siang Road, tel: +65 6423 9114, www.. stylenordic.com, info@stylenordic.com
old city, new twist
WITH GOOD PLANNING AND THE HELP OF WORLD-CLASS ESTABLISHMENTS, THESE TWO PLACES CLEVERLY REINVENTED THEMSELVES
CEBU
Old rep It was a resort destination due to its beaches.
New rep It’s now Asia’s new filmmaking hub.
The film Victim of Circumstance — about a woman who falls prey to a human trafficking scheme in Vietnam — was mostly shot and produced in Cebu. Why Cebu? It is where Bigfoot Entertainment, a US-based company that specializes in indie feature films, TV series and reality shows, has set up its state-of-the-art studios. Just 10 minutes away from the Mactan International Airport, Bigfoot’s facilities include two large shooting stages; an underwater studio with a 640,000 liter tank; editing suites; and a 75-seat Dolby Mix Theater. Elaborate sets were built in the stages for the film. Bigfoot then flew 400 kg of camera equipment, 30 actors and film crew to Ho Chi Minh City via Cebu Pacific for principal photography. Next: Two projects with Cebu as the backdrop. www.bigfoot.com
MAKATI
Old rep It was solely the central business and commercial district.
New rep It’s one of the best places in which to live.
The Policy Center of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) named Makati’s economy as the most dynamic in its 2007 Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project (PCCRP). It also ranked the city second to Japan and above five provinces in the Philippines in the Human Development Index (HDI).
Officials are pursuing a plan to make it a major financial and leisure center in Asia. The literacy rate is now at 99.3%, while the malnutrition and mortality rates are one of the lowest in the country. Makati is also home to Spanish-era churches, art galleries, flea markets, vintage stores, museums and cafés. Various venues also hold religious processions, New Year celebrations and street parties. sports fests, fireworks and grand parades during the year. www.makati.gov.ph
BEAUTY booty
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L’Oreal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Turbo Booster Raymond Reyes, IT professional “I’ve never really used moisturizers before — I don’t like my face to feel oily all day. But this one’s very light. It also has a ‘chilling’ effect a few seconds after you rub it on your face.” |
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Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Mitzi Romero, full-time mom “It isn’t harsh so it’s great for sensitive skin. It cleanses and moisturizes my face at the same time, leaving it feeling really clean and soft. It’s not at all expensive and actually, the whole family can use it. It’s particularly gentle on kids’ skin.” |
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MAC Select Moisturecover Judith RamosGuerrero, pediatric occupational therapist “It works as a concealer and foundation so you get that flawless, no-makeup look. It moisturizes my skin too, keeping it soft and smooth. I feel fresh and young, no matter how tired I was the night before. I like its dual functions and really rely on them.” |
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Malin+Goetz Peppermint Body Scrub Jiggs Samson, footwear senior merchandising manager “It refreshes and calms me especially after a long day and/or a good workout. I feel relaxed and clean. People don’t realize that they need to exfoliate their skin. This is a great way to do it.” |
6 reasons to… volunteer
SHARE YOUR TIME AND SKILLS, AND SHARE YOUR TIME AND SKILLS, AND YOU’LL REAP BENEFITS IN YOUR LIFE AND YOU’LL REAP BENEFITS IN YOUR LIFE AND CAREER, SAYS CAREER, SAYS RUTH BARCELONA
HELPING OTHERS AND making a difference are not the only perks you get from volunteering. According to VSO Bahaginan — an organization that recruits, matches, trains and sends volunteer Filipino professionals to over 40 developing countries in Asia and Africa — it could boost your career and open up travel opportunities. Here’s how…
1 It provides you with options. If you’re in between jobs or stuck in a rut, just volunteer. You’ll gain new experiences and establish international contacts that will pay off.
2 It looks good on your resumé. Future employers will assess that you’re willing to learn and give of yourself outside your field of expertise.
3 You fine-tune existing skills and develop new ones. You may discover a new talent or passion, or get better at communicating ideas and connecting with others. You’ll also become more organized, responsible and flexible as you take on different challenges.
4 You build relationships. Volunteering is an exciting opportunity to make new friends and expand your network. Who knows? You may even meet someone special!
5 You learn to adapt to any situation. A lack of resources encourages you to think out of the box and devise other ways to meet your objectives. Volunteering helps you tap into your creativity and fulfill your potential.
6 You feel good about yourself. Independence, commitment, confidence, humility, appreciating and understanding each other’s differences, a respect for various cultures — these are just some of the values, traits and lessons you pick up during your stint as a volunteer. As Marilyn Canta, an associate professor from UP Diliman who worked as a librarian in Mozambique for a year, says, “It opens up new perspectives of looking at the world and invites you to evaluate your goals in life.”
So far, VSO Bahaginan has already sent around 500 Filipino volunteers abroad. There is a program for mid-career professionals willing to take six to 24 months off. www.vsobahaginan.org.ph
Kick some serious butt
When Fitflops first came out, their claim of toning legs, thighs and butt while you walk made lazy people snap it up. Now, their snakeskin Aurelia gladiator sandals will appeal to fashionistas, who can strut and get sexy thanks to the micro wobbleboard mid-sole. Available at Res|Toe|Run stores in Cebu and Manila, http://fitflop.multiply.com
HERO WORSHIP
A year before the 2010 elections, author Napoleon Almonte resurrects Jose Rizal to run for the country’s top post. In his book Rizal is my President: 40 Leadership Tips from Jose Rizal, he shares nuggets of wisdom for present and future leaders culled from the national hero’s life.
A play based on the book goes onstage at the Far Eastern University from June 19 to 21. For book orders and tickets, call tel: +63 (2) 631 5923, www.. rizalismypresident.com
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