Four Generations

Four generations of Green Media Group VP-Externals. Taken at GMG's GA for T1, AY 2011-2012, Y405, by Frank Francisco.

From Ayis to Cee to Memzie to Arlene... Lahat may side bangs swept to the right. Lahat dumaan sa braces. Above all, lahat maganda. :)) Number one yun sa job description and contract. Haha!

Like what Arlene said, I'm so glad to have been a part of this lineage of responsibility, commitment, and dedication. :)

Indie Un-Film 2011

Are you ready for a new perspective?
March 19, 2011
SM Mall of Asia, Cinema 1
Public screening at 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Awarding ceremony at 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Ticket price: P200

Here are the finalists for the Indie Un-Film 2011!

Learn more about Indie Un-Film!

Website | Facebook | Twitter

See you there!

Bond With Brothers

The Green Media Groups holds its team-building activity every first term break of the academic year, which usually falls on the first week of September. As an integral part of the organization, I am expected to spearhead the activity. So I went to Batangas for an ocular with our office's secretary, Ate J, GMG's second in command, AJ, and our brothers from the same father, Miguel and Dave from De La Salle Innersoul. For security purposes, I will not reveal the names of the places we visited. Besides, I might say offensive things, not that I mean it. :)

LTTS Venue #1: If our goal was to get away from city life and just unwind, then V#1 would be perfect with its hotel rooms, kiddie wave pool, and adult ample-sized pool. The function rooms and open grounds weren't convincing at all.

LTTS Venue#2: One word to describe V#2 is PERFECT. Everything about it was perfect but the size! It was too small for three CAO groups to share. It's still not enough even for GMG.

This is the nearest swimming pool shot I could get cos there were people swimming. Weird naman if I suddenly take a photo. Haha, they might think I'm a paparazzi. :))

Today's quest wasn't very lucky for us. :(

With my brothers! :)

Word Vomit II

• I haven't been updating lately.
• Guess what, I have devised a time management scheme that I think should work for my crazy schedule. I hope this one works. I haven't been staying up late for useless internet stuff anymore, that's a plus? But not so much yet because I have still been staying up late reading. Not a big plus, still, cos it doesn't quite hit the goal's bull's eye just yet. I've been up reading old books from my humble shelf. It's good that I'm using my time to widen my vocabulary (again, after a long while) and sharpen my wit (some more?) with reading. I hope though, that this becomes a habit, only that it applies more for academic readings.
• I miss my class on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Already. We've just started the second leg of the GREATWK (Great Works) triad and I miss it already. Time to reconstruct my mindset from Classical Music to nada to Neuroscience. Let's go, Antonio Damasio!
• Philosophy is not my thing. I mean, I like the idea of philosophy; I like "philosophizing" things (if I may say such); and I like philosophy's concepts. It's really interesting. However, I have to admit that I'm no longer amused with taking a Philosophy class for the third time when my program curriculum requires only two. Go figure. I like my class, though.
• Baking Life, a game application on Facebook, has been a great proxy for my unpleasant habit. It takes up precious time, but it keeps me sane. But it doesn't take the place of my food binges.
• I feel the weight of my responsibility for my organization and it's heaps and heaps heavier than ever before; so much more than what I tried to foresee before I took the challenge.
• I enjoy blogging. A lot. But I am yet to master my time management scheme before I may be able to blog regularly again. I think I waste so much time on this. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do.

Give and Take

You know how life turns out to be a shiz-hole for a time that it feels like eternity and you can no longer find reason to be utterly happy? That's how I've been for the past week. Or weeks? With the org responsibilities piling up and the midterms coming up, I have never felt so stressed in my life. Add to that, I found out recently that my favorite uncle has been diagnosed with lung cancer. What is stress, right? I finally found the Achilles' Heel of my dependence on Stresstabs. There can never be too much tabs when there is so much stress. What. Hahaha. K.

Today has been pretty much a give-and-take day.

It started out as me being all grumpy cos I didn't wake up early enough to review for my two quizzes scheduled for the day. Despite the cold shower, hearty breakfast, and running late, my eyelids wouldn't stop drooping! And my mind tells me that my body is too tired that it's numb and that I feel extremely exhausted. (LIFE TAKES!) Like I said, I've never felt so tired in my life. I concude such because I had to stop by 10-Q, a convenience store along Taft, to down 180ml of ionized energy drink so I could stay awake, if not focused. I can't possibly screw up either quizzes. True enough, I didn't feel like dozing off the whole morning! (LIFE GIVES!)

Feeling pretty much alive, I go up to the office and find that it's crowded with so many newly accepted trainees! I planned to review for my next quiz but it didn't happen. Too much people! Well, not that it's a bad thing; we did want to hoard on newbies this term. (LIFE TAKES! LIFE GIVES!)

I headed out to meet Joh and AJ during my lunch break. Joh told me over the weekend that she bought something for me because it reminded her of me. ADORABLE, YES? Mini magnets in the form of my favorite creature on earth!

Look! It's on our fridge door already! Heehee. Oh, and yeah, I had to include that photo of my Lola, brother, and I in the frame. Hee.

I found out that she sat in AJ's Art Appreciation class wherein they made pretty little collages. She probably had nothing to do and there were art materials available. Look what she made for me! This is why Joh makes a perfect girlfriend. Too bad I'm interested in a perfect boyfriend. Haha! But she's an awesome bestfriend, that's for sure.

Snapping back to reality, I took a flabbergasting 100-point exam. (LIFE TAKES.) I head to the office in time to prepare for the highly awaited GMG General Assembly and Newbie Orientation. We hoarded new trainees. I'm not sure if it's a good thing, though, but I hope it will be. I had my apprehensions but as soon as we started, everything flowed as if they have been determined to happen in such way. (LIFE GIVES!)

We were... CROWDED. I'm not sure but I think all there were more than 50 of us crammed in a 45 seating capacity class room. Hahaha.

I forgot the title. Red Rover? Haha. Mimi's game.

Sir Brad giving a pep talk to the Green Media Group.

LIFE GIVES. Life gives a lot. When things turn bland from mundaneness, bitter from stress, and sour from ugly experiences, life gives. I waited and endured patiently, and alas! It all ends sweet after all.

Back to Back

I can't say that I've thanked God enough that today is a Friday. This has been the busiest (meetings-wise) Friday I had yet! My meetings were scheduled by the hour, and believe it or not, I had a meeting scheduled almost every hour as well. Good thing I could delegate a couple of them to my co-officers. *WHEW*

I had been in school from 9AM until 5:30PM. Work hours, yeah. And indeed, I had been working. I was not a student today. Hahaha. So yeah, back to back meetings.

Having said that, obviously, I was out of cable TV coverage. I practically missed the finals game of age-old rivals Lakers and Celtics. I have anticipated this, which was why I wore my Los Angeles Lakers shirt proud today! While I was in the office, I tuned in to NBA.com for live score updates. I am such a boy sometimes.
In more important news...
The Los Angeles Lakers won Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals against an old rival today. With the series tied at 3-3, the Boston Celtics were leading by a heap for most of the game. The latter part was an awesome feat for the Lakers as they emerge as champions once again with 79-83 at the end of the fourth quarter.

2009 champions, 2010 champions. Talk about back to back, huh?

Too happy? Yeah, I guess. Poor Linus, though. Hee.

001 to 100: DLSU Centennial Countdown Celebration

SKIP THIS PART. Not important. Proceed to photos. Thanks. Haha.

I had a humongous role and an extremely easy task. What could have gone wrong? Unfortunate circumstances, that's what. The effect of that mishap wasn't a major disaster, I think. But of course, having done productions for quite a time now, I knew that it wasn't excusable. Once the production/show/event has started, there never can be room for mistakes. Enough vagueness, it isn't helping.

Overall, the program was a success. It wasn't an ordinary program; it marked the day that De La Salle University counts down to the University's 100th year. I'm very drained. This entry is ugly; it falsifies my knowledge and competence in the field of writing. I don't normally write this way. La la la.

After the countdown, I was literally a walking zombie. So here are photos:

A photo from last night during the one and only technical run that the entire production had.
*HINT* My simple task with an enormous role: Babysit and guide our La Salle Greenhills representatives, Kevin and Roniel. Photo taken from inside the sacristi of the Most Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
While the show had been running smoothly since the flash mob dance, Stage Manager, Sir Brad, takes a breather and sits with the Lasallian Youth Orchestra. Congrats, Sir!
Countdown done! Time to party! (Look at all that confetti. I've never seen so much in my entire life!)

© Meryl Algenio 2010

WE ARE ROCK SOLID. I love you, EB loves. ♥ All drained but all smiles, still. (I just noticed how forced my smile is. Eckh. Haha.)

© Andrew Pamorada 2010

We are the Green Media Group. We make things happen.

Time Flies

Who would have thought that time would fly so fast? Everyone has, apparently, as the statement is such a cliche. As mundane as it may sound, I'm amazed at how, exactly three years ago, I knew very little (to almost nothing) about the organization that I lead today.

AJ, my partner-in-all-GMG-related-crimes and Executive Vice President, cleaned out the officers' inboxes last week to make way for new files for the new set of Executive Board and Pool Heads. He found a letter addressed to me in one of the inboxes (the VP-Human Resource, Training, and Logistics's, most probably.) Much to my surprise, to have been thinking that GMG didn't give out letters of acceptance/non-acceptance during my time, it was indeed my letter of the result of my application into the Coverage Pool of the said organization; my acceptance letter.

I was looking for old academic readings this morning when I found the recently torn envelope containing a letter of good news dated exactly three years ago: June 15, 2007.

Yesterday, I had been complaining about a lot of things. One of those was the responsibility I held with GMG. I feel a bit guilty now because I wouldn't have realized how lucky and great I should have felt if not for this letter popping out of nowhere. It must have been a sign; a sign that should constantly remind me that whatever I get into, I wanted it; whatever happens, I am primarily (if not solely) liable; and whatever negative vibes I feel, there's always a positive end-result lingering nearby.

On Responsibility

Recruitment week for interested student applicants of the Cultural Arts Office's performing and student support groups officially ended today. Interview sessions for each pool started today with Green Media Group.

It's only the first week, the first (supposedly) no-class Friday, and I spent it in school. And guess what, my first Saturday of the term will be spent in school as well. I didn't have much time for anything else but classes, extra-curricular work, and more responsibilities for the organization.

The old me would have given up already. But I'd like to think I'm a different person now. I took this responsibility to be the leader of the group, and so I should stay committed. It is only fair that I do, especially that in such way, I can prove (more to myself than to anyone else, really) that I actually give a shiz about what I do.

To get things done, all it takes is effort. To keep going sans the sanity, dig deep and resurrect the passion. In all, passion fuels the human soul. (Even when the soul desires otherwise.)

Hello, Senior Year!

It's the first time after an entire year that I'm taking up a major class again. It's my last academic term in La Salle to have 12 units, which is already the minimum required number to be eligible for the Dean's List. I am more than determined to make it to the Dean's List this term! I can do this, I know I can!

Speaking of things I can do... Today marked my first Green Media Group recruitment activity as its head. Together with my co-officers, I think we made the first recruitment day a success. I hope that the creases decrease (pun intended) as we go through this week. Here are some quick snapshots of our booth located at the Central Plaza:

Okay, good job, Carlo. Hahaha!

Everyone's baby boy, Juris!

Oh, and there's this new eating place and it's sticking out like an eyesore at a place like Agno. *SARCASTIC* I mean, a place like Agno (don't get me wrong, I love Agno to bits!) doesn't deserve such a fancy-looking food joint like the Castro 810 Cantina:

To the tune of If We Ever Meet Again Jay-Z intro: "What's some fancy joint like you doing in a place like this?" Hahahaha.

And to end this entry with the happiest note EVER, a pleasant surprise from AJ! A box of Panda Chocolate straight from Beijing! Best pasalubong he has given me ever!

Will die for pandas. Will die for chocolates. Combine, and I'm double dead!

On Being Hopeful

I am back from total internet hiatus. Last week was intense! April 20-21 and 23-24 was Cultural Arts Office Executive Board 2010-2011 Leadership Training and Teambuilding Seminar. CAO LTTS, for easier reference. Haha. It's my second year to participate in such activity, only that I'm elected President now, and last year, Vice President for Externals. Now, the only reason that I divulged such terms on this entry, because I normally would prefer to be vague, is that I feel more hopeful of what this incoming school year could bring.

I am more in touch of bigger responsibilities, or so I think. Or would it be more apt if I said, I have the biggest responsibility? Hmm. As GMG alumni and funny man Jino del Mundo said to me some time in March, I think it went like this:

Congrats, Cee! You're the mommy of the group now. You're first in line when the shit hits the fan. Good luck!

It may sound snide or sarcastic. But it doesn't sound as bad, really, especially when you know him. It's actually a great advice because it would always remind me of the responsibility at hand. ANYWAY.

We had this commitment sharing on the last day of the teambuilding seminar. We were to create an artwork reflecting our commitment as officers of the organization. We came up with this:
It's an impression of our workplace, the Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium, or TYA, as we fondly call it. It is shaped into a sphere to represent the world. Contrary to popular belief that the TYA is GMG's world, I strongly oppose this statement because I believe that it's not enough. To those who know me as me, I'm all for change and non-conforming. Not that I plan to deviate from the norm but I think that I, together with my co-officers, can make a significant change. In the same way that we do our best to create a beauty in the success of shows we produce on stage, maybe it's time that we carry out these endeavors in creating a better world, by saying instead: The world is our stage. Deep, yes. Long way to go, yes. But it's a start! ;)

I have high hopes for this year. :)

[Both photos courtesy of Meryl. Thanks, sis. :)]

More Soon?

Movie Club Mondays Week 3 happened last night at Il Ponticello. It was good. Technical problems hindered us from starting on time, but as soon as it was fixed, all good, yeah. Thanks to Mr. Maui Mauricio for proposing this project to us. I personally hope this Monday night activity goes well. It would be of great mutual benefit to both parties (GMG and Movie Club Mondays) if it goes long term! :)

I have to give props to our performers, too: Raleene and Rizza Cabrera! The duo was awesome! I think Riz was more than stoked about last night's Movie Club Mondays! Hee. I'm more a fan now than I already was. Haha. :)

Here are some snapshots I took with my phone last night. Sorry if some faces were transformed into something like James Cameron's Avatar characters, haha. My phone's flash is oddly blue. No idea why. So here:

Hello. Thanks, people, for coming! Thanks, Ponti! :)

Thanks, GMG friends! Your support meant A LOT. :)

One word: AWESOME.

Hee. Shameless fan-girl photo. HAHA.

Movie Club Mondays (Week 3)

Il Ponticello Cafe Ristorante, in partnership with the Loyola Film Circle, presents Movie Club Mondays, a weekly screening of the metro's premiere short films!

On its third week, Movie Club Mondays presents short films from DLSU Green Media Group!

April 19, 2010 (Monday, duh? Haha!) 9:00 PM @ Il Ponticello Cafe Ristorante, 2nd Level, Antel 2000 Building, 121 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, Makati

Watch out for these shorts:
- My Pet (Anna Bigornia)
- Frou Frou: Shh... Wag Mong Sabihin Kay Itay (Mayk Juat)

- Doble Vista (Nix Lañas, Nisha Alicer, and Caren Crisologo)

- Baliktanaw (Jason Moll)

MORE DETAILS HERE!

No admission fee! Just bring yourself, good cheer, and friends! If it makes you any interested, beers are sold buy-1-take-1! Hehe! :)

Academic Emancipation

And after today, I might not have to. Well, academically-speaking, at least. My last academic requirement met its flat line this morning. However, I have tons of other things to accomplish. All the tons of other things, thanks to GMG for this responsibility; a window of random chance to keep my brain from being idle.

[Photo taken from I-forgot-whose-Tumblr.]

Back From Hiatus

Such an eventful Friday! (Okay, fine, fine, delayed post. Hahaha.)

"Ladies and gentlemen, please, walk this way!" Mr. Carlos Celdran, thank you, I had an awesome walking tour! Manila never looked so different until you made us see beyond aesthetics. :)
On a kalesa with Meryl, Kay, and Paula! Thanks manong kalesa driver for this photo!
Later that Friday, Royale: Rule the Night at Gasthof, A-Venue, a party for the benefit of Project: Brave Kids. I rarely go to parties but my friends, Lych and Reg (and their group for their event class) organized it. Congrats!

(Okay, so they're not in the photo. Hahaha. Sorry, the ones with them aren't up yet!) Here's Pam, Ate Clarence, Kuya Jojo, AJ, and Mommy Ria! Some heart-to-heart with Ate Clarence made a lot of things make a lot of sense! :)
And then my Saturday and Sunday were very uneventful. Home, grocery shopping, church, dine out. But it was awesome, nonetheless.

I didn't mind three things for three days:

1. SCHOOL - Yes, I know it's almost finals week but I think I can manage to take a break. Besides, my classes this term don't require a lot of reading, reviewing, studying, and the like. Most of them (if not all, hmm) are method- or process- application classes. Of course, having Monday as a no-class-day is always a plus! :)
   
2. WORK - I know I'm not really "employed" but GMG, more than an extra-curricular school activity, is almost my life. Well, my lifestyle is dictated by it sometimes. I haven't been very MIA (missing in action) because I'm like glued to my phone, still. I think I really, really deserve a break from all the production services request. After all, I have academic, family, and social life to lookout for as well.
   
3. CYBERSPACE - My mom always told me that I'm an internet monster. Or a computer monster. Something like that. I look like a zombie because I stay up until the wee hours of dawn, just hooked up to the internet, eyes glues to the monitor, fingers typing away to infinity. And beyond! (Haha, Buzz Lightyear in the house?) I'm glad to see only 77 email messages for a span of three days, as opposed to my more estimated 50+ email messages per 24 hours.

Now that I'm back from my so-so but relaxing weekend, I expect my world to be the way it was three days ago: noisy and erratic despite the awesome, cheap thrills. I don't expect the stress to be murderous anymore. I think I owned the weekend.

Taking The Wheel

Today wasn't my usual class-chill-stat-hangout-MIA-chill Thursday.

I drew this on my best friend Joh's nape, see? CUTIE! I think I wanna be a tattoo artist if worse comes to worst. Bahahaha!

I took the wheel tonight and boy did I drive! (Haha, what?) The Green Media Group had its last general assembly for this school year and it was awesome. Hehe. Well, generally, maybe not really that awesome, but it was to me! It was the first time that I presided a general assembly. It was nothing much, really. It's just like talking in front of a class, telling them about your plans and all other agenda. It was cool.

Two weeks ago, the Executive Board for the next academic year was announced. Tonight, more brave souls were summoned to the call of leadership and responsibility: the Pool Heads for GMG's six unique pools.

[L-R] Incoming pool heads for an awesome year ahead: Frank (Hosting), Hannah (Creatives), Raj (Production Design), Celine (Coverage), Robin (Scriptwriting), and Joan (Audio-Visual Production).

Outgoing (and proxy) pool heads and incoming pool heads!

Outgoing pool heads, incoming pool heads, plus the executive board! We are gonna have an awesome year, loves! ♥

Going through a transition phase yet again, and this time, I really should take the wheel. Note to self: In everything that you do, DFTBA! (Don't forget to be awesome!)