“The words are not good for the secret meaning, everything always becomes a bit different, as soon as it is put into words, gets distorted a bit, a bit silly—yes, and this is also very good, and I like it a lot, I also very much agree with this, that this what is one man’s treasure and wisdom always sounds like foolishness to another person.” ― Hermann Hesse, Siddhartha
As I browsed through the ‘Net, I found my old blog (parts of it) archived. I’m re-blogging it here. In this era of Big Business-Big Government alliance, it is always a good idea to watch V for Vendetta to remind ourselves the importance of individual and collective liberties. I have to add that Natalie Portman’s portrayal… Continue reading DVD Pick: V for Vendetta
In February 2006, then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, in her pursuit of a "Strong Republic", proclaimed a State of Emergency through Presidential Proclamation 1017 to give her government Martial Law powers. Malacanang produced a documentary titled Paglaban sa Kataksilan: 1017 (1017: To Fight Treason). The Philippine Journalism Reports' (PJR's) editor asked me to write a review of… Continue reading SEEING TREASON: Justifying a State of Emergency in a documentary
My article in Animal Scene Magazine (a Manila Bulletin publication), June 2013 issue:
I knew that sooner or later, a Filipino indie film would win awards in international film festivals. As I kept on telling friends, it is very easy to satisfy European festival judges. Just give them a good dose of poverty, a dash of culture and some nudity. And if you really want to win, add… Continue reading Mendoza’s Kinatay: Cannes 2009′s Best Film Direction winner
The opening scene of Superman Returns (2006) shows cosmic images of a collapsing star which then gives birth to a new world. The voice-over, with a grandiose John Williams score, says: “You will make my strength your own. You will see my life through your eyes as your life will be seen through mine. The… Continue reading God and Superman
"We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty." - Edward Roscoe Murrow Martial Law is long gone but we must never forget it. The McCarthy witch-hunt is a thing of the past, but as the movie Good Night and Good Luck (2005) showed, the world should constantly be reminded of it to prevent the same from… Continue reading Goodnight and Goodluck – Media and Freedom
