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Tuesday, January 26, 2016


Opening 2016 with pure Pinoy talent and music: FUSION. It started last year and it was a success, too bad I wasn't able to experience the momentous event. But it is never too late because on January 29, the MOA concert grounds will once again soar high with OPM. So instead of your usual drink up nights, coffee chats or movie marathons, why don't you, your friends or family hang out and head over to the country's first Music Festival. Come and celebrate our Pinoy pride musicians on this year's theme: ImagiNATION. See you!

Carat Philippines, one of the top media agencies in the country, organized last year the 1st Philippine Music Festival, FUSION. This marked in the history of Original Pinoy Music (OPM) for putting together the country’s top performers.
Following the success of Fusion 2015, Carat takes into next level this year’s theme -- ImagiNATION: A Better Philippines Imagined through Music. Fusion 2016 will be held on January 29, 2016 (Friday) at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.
Be thrilled as never-before-seen collaborations from different Filipino artists across genres will be featured in one night. Heading the list of OPM icons are Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo, Gary Valenciano, Parokya ni Edgar, Gerphil Flores, Aegis, Kyla, KZ Tandingan, Gloc9, Yeng Constantino, Andrew E., Ebe Dencel, The Dawn, Noel Cabangon, El Gamma Penumbra and many more.
Hapee Toothpaste, the #1 PDA-approved Filipino toothpaste, is pleased and proud to be part of Fusion again this 2016. This year’s theme is “Sarap Maging Pinoy” as the brand highly values Filipino pride and our world-class talents.
Hapee Toothpaste promotes the goodness of being a Filipino as it is always one with the nation in celebrating hope for a better Philippines. We remain to be resilient and grateful despite the challenges we encounter our way. There may be setbacks ahead, but with our “Ngiting Pinoy. Ngiting Hapee.” smiles, Hapee Toothpaste believes that Filipinos will always succeed and get through.

Fusion 2016 tickets are available in 7-Eleven outlets nationwide.

Want to get free tickets from Hapee Toothpaste? Hurry up and visit www.facebook.com/HapeeToothpaste and www.twitter.com/HapeeOfficial for details

Hapee Toothpaste Joins Fusion 2016 in ImagiNATION


Opening 2016 with pure Pinoy talent and music: FUSION. It started last year and it was a success, too bad I wasn't able to experience the momentous event. But it is never too late because on January 29, the MOA concert grounds will once again soar high with OPM. So instead of your usual drink up nights, coffee chats or movie marathons, why don't you, your friends or family hang out and head over to the country's first Music Festival. Come and celebrate our Pinoy pride musicians on this year's theme: ImagiNATION. See you!

Carat Philippines, one of the top media agencies in the country, organized last year the 1st Philippine Music Festival, FUSION. This marked in the history of Original Pinoy Music (OPM) for putting together the country’s top performers.
Following the success of Fusion 2015, Carat takes into next level this year’s theme -- ImagiNATION: A Better Philippines Imagined through Music. Fusion 2016 will be held on January 29, 2016 (Friday) at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.
Be thrilled as never-before-seen collaborations from different Filipino artists across genres will be featured in one night. Heading the list of OPM icons are Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo, Gary Valenciano, Parokya ni Edgar, Gerphil Flores, Aegis, Kyla, KZ Tandingan, Gloc9, Yeng Constantino, Andrew E., Ebe Dencel, The Dawn, Noel Cabangon, El Gamma Penumbra and many more.
Hapee Toothpaste, the #1 PDA-approved Filipino toothpaste, is pleased and proud to be part of Fusion again this 2016. This year’s theme is “Sarap Maging Pinoy” as the brand highly values Filipino pride and our world-class talents.
Hapee Toothpaste promotes the goodness of being a Filipino as it is always one with the nation in celebrating hope for a better Philippines. We remain to be resilient and grateful despite the challenges we encounter our way. There may be setbacks ahead, but with our “Ngiting Pinoy. Ngiting Hapee.” smiles, Hapee Toothpaste believes that Filipinos will always succeed and get through.

Fusion 2016 tickets are available in 7-Eleven outlets nationwide.

Want to get free tickets from Hapee Toothpaste? Hurry up and visit www.facebook.com/HapeeToothpaste and www.twitter.com/HapeeOfficial for details

Posted at 12:45 AM  |  by Misis Nikole

0 comments :

Saturday, January 23, 2016


Think OPPO Philippines is done with its surprises? You thought wrong. Three weeks after the OPPO R7 Lite’s price was slashed from P13,990 to P11,990, another popular OPPO phone is getting a markdown. The OPPO Neo 5, which was priced at P6,990, now costs only P5,990.

The Neo 5 was one of OPPO Philippines’ “New Trio” that was launched in the Philippines last year. It sports a double-layer metallic framestructure for a more compact, thin, and seamless body. Compared to a normal, single-layer metallic structure, its thinner body encompasses a tough inner core and has better heat-dissipation capabilities.

The OPPO Neo 5 features 8-megapixel rear and 2-megapixel front cameras, the functions of which are extended by OPPO’s Pure Image 2.0+ platform. Imaging features such as “double exposure,” “beautify,” and “expert mode” make for a more interesting photography experience.

What makes the Neo 5 special is its reflective back cover. A unique lamination process gives it a smoother, cleaner, and more natural appearance.

Here are the OPPO Neo 5’s complete specs:
* Display: 4.5 inches
* Processor: 1.3GHz quad-core
* Resolution: 480 x 854 pixels
* RAM: 1GB
* OS: ColorOS 2.0.1i (based on Android 4.4.2)
* Storage: 4GB (expandable up to 32GB)
* Rear camera: 8-megapixel
* Front camera: 2-megapixel

* Battery capacity: 2000mAh

Price Slash for Neo 5 from OPPO Philippines


Think OPPO Philippines is done with its surprises? You thought wrong. Three weeks after the OPPO R7 Lite’s price was slashed from P13,990 to P11,990, another popular OPPO phone is getting a markdown. The OPPO Neo 5, which was priced at P6,990, now costs only P5,990.

The Neo 5 was one of OPPO Philippines’ “New Trio” that was launched in the Philippines last year. It sports a double-layer metallic framestructure for a more compact, thin, and seamless body. Compared to a normal, single-layer metallic structure, its thinner body encompasses a tough inner core and has better heat-dissipation capabilities.

The OPPO Neo 5 features 8-megapixel rear and 2-megapixel front cameras, the functions of which are extended by OPPO’s Pure Image 2.0+ platform. Imaging features such as “double exposure,” “beautify,” and “expert mode” make for a more interesting photography experience.

What makes the Neo 5 special is its reflective back cover. A unique lamination process gives it a smoother, cleaner, and more natural appearance.

Here are the OPPO Neo 5’s complete specs:
* Display: 4.5 inches
* Processor: 1.3GHz quad-core
* Resolution: 480 x 854 pixels
* RAM: 1GB
* OS: ColorOS 2.0.1i (based on Android 4.4.2)
* Storage: 4GB (expandable up to 32GB)
* Rear camera: 8-megapixel
* Front camera: 2-megapixel

* Battery capacity: 2000mAh

Posted at 10:19 AM  |  by #MisterMisis

0 comments :

Friday, January 22, 2016


When inside a supermarket or department store while getting errands done for our baby, I am usually confused on which of the baby products on the shelves are really good. I would get recommendations from some mommy friends and relatives but most often than not they would give out brands that are famous because it is advertised on local TV. I realized when you are a mom, you just can't trust anyone that easy. I believe that a product that works for one doesn't necessarily mean it would be good for mine. And because baby's skin is sensitive  I am very afraid to ruin it just because I bought something I thought was good because it worked for another baby or because the product was on sale of sort.


Several years back when I was still single and Human Heart Nature was new in the market, I would usually hoard their products through a colleague who was a distributor. My favorites then was the Body Scrubs, their Shampoo and Conditioner Variants and the Moringa facial wash. I am very happy that Human Heart Nature now has products for babies, I use their Baby Body Wash and Baby Oil for my little one. At first when you smell the scent directly from the bottle it will seem that it is too mild to the point that you may think hindi sya mabango for baby. But wait, try it first, the baby oil smells like fresh baby powder and the baby bath as well, super nakaka gigil si baby after taking a bath. The price is affordable too, sakto lang for its size plus the confidence that I get knowing that baby's skin is not compromised. It is also good that Human Heart Nature products are now readily available at Robinson's Supermarkets and Rustan's, so no need to go online and wait for your order to arrive. I am definitely a Human Heart Nature mom. Oh I also use some of the new products for my own supplies but will write about that soon.

Thanks for reading my chit chat post today.

Human Hearts Nature Gives A Heartful of Love Bath for my Baby


When inside a supermarket or department store while getting errands done for our baby, I am usually confused on which of the baby products on the shelves are really good. I would get recommendations from some mommy friends and relatives but most often than not they would give out brands that are famous because it is advertised on local TV. I realized when you are a mom, you just can't trust anyone that easy. I believe that a product that works for one doesn't necessarily mean it would be good for mine. And because baby's skin is sensitive  I am very afraid to ruin it just because I bought something I thought was good because it worked for another baby or because the product was on sale of sort.


Several years back when I was still single and Human Heart Nature was new in the market, I would usually hoard their products through a colleague who was a distributor. My favorites then was the Body Scrubs, their Shampoo and Conditioner Variants and the Moringa facial wash. I am very happy that Human Heart Nature now has products for babies, I use their Baby Body Wash and Baby Oil for my little one. At first when you smell the scent directly from the bottle it will seem that it is too mild to the point that you may think hindi sya mabango for baby. But wait, try it first, the baby oil smells like fresh baby powder and the baby bath as well, super nakaka gigil si baby after taking a bath. The price is affordable too, sakto lang for its size plus the confidence that I get knowing that baby's skin is not compromised. It is also good that Human Heart Nature products are now readily available at Robinson's Supermarkets and Rustan's, so no need to go online and wait for your order to arrive. I am definitely a Human Heart Nature mom. Oh I also use some of the new products for my own supplies but will write about that soon.

Thanks for reading my chit chat post today.

Posted at 2:17 AM  |  by Misis Nikole

0 comments :

Thursday, January 21, 2016


Purefoods Corned Beef has been part of my grocery list ever since I learned to be independent and do my own lists of brands I trust and love. ( Dati kasi kung ano bet ni Mama yun masusunod lol!) So anyway, as most people would react everytime I tell them my corned beef brand "mahal yun ah", yes it is true, a bit pricey than the rest on the shelves but hey  I am after the quality, you can get mura pero it is either bland, or maalat or super bongga sa food coloring. But of course sometimes nakakasawa din and not good for the health ang processed canned goods lalo na kapag palagi, also the fact na corned beef is usually served for breakfast.

There's this one time that I was too lazy to cook bonggang ulam for lunch, I checked our refrigerator and there was a kalahating part ng cabbage and immediately I was reminded that my mom cooks corned beef with cabbage. So I prepared garlic  onion and sliced the cabbage to a size just enough na kasya sa bibig haha! Here is my ginisang Purefoods Corned Beef with cabbage, you can add salt and pepper to taste especially if you want to add a bit of water para medyo saucy sya. No this is not a sponsored post favorite ko lang talaga ang corned beef na ito. (Pero baka mabasa nila at bigyan ako eh di bonggels! Lol!)

Kain tayo!

Purefoods Corned Beef So Yummy With Veggie


Purefoods Corned Beef has been part of my grocery list ever since I learned to be independent and do my own lists of brands I trust and love. ( Dati kasi kung ano bet ni Mama yun masusunod lol!) So anyway, as most people would react everytime I tell them my corned beef brand "mahal yun ah", yes it is true, a bit pricey than the rest on the shelves but hey  I am after the quality, you can get mura pero it is either bland, or maalat or super bongga sa food coloring. But of course sometimes nakakasawa din and not good for the health ang processed canned goods lalo na kapag palagi, also the fact na corned beef is usually served for breakfast.

There's this one time that I was too lazy to cook bonggang ulam for lunch, I checked our refrigerator and there was a kalahating part ng cabbage and immediately I was reminded that my mom cooks corned beef with cabbage. So I prepared garlic  onion and sliced the cabbage to a size just enough na kasya sa bibig haha! Here is my ginisang Purefoods Corned Beef with cabbage, you can add salt and pepper to taste especially if you want to add a bit of water para medyo saucy sya. No this is not a sponsored post favorite ko lang talaga ang corned beef na ito. (Pero baka mabasa nila at bigyan ako eh di bonggels! Lol!)

Kain tayo!

Posted at 2:51 AM  |  by Misis Nikole

0 comments :



Philippine Elections for 2016 is fast approaching, do you have your list ready? This years' election is quite difficult for me since I am having a hard time in choosing who to vote for, but luckily I was invited for an intimate get-to-know kind of night with one of the many presidential aspirants, Mr. Augusto Boboy Syjuco Jr. Also known as Tito Boboy Syjuco ang Paboritong Tito.

With all those political ads running on television making political campaigns look like a popularity game rather than its supposedly purpose of information dissemination, it's sad that most of them tackles the "mahihirap" or the "poor" stating that if they will win they will resolve the problem of poverty. But if we think about it, what is the deeper cause of poverty? If politicians will just continue to give to the poor, aren't they teaching them to just be poor all the time because the government will provide? How about those paying their taxes, the regular employees who doesn't have a choice because their taxes are automatically deducted from their salary? It is but right that they too get good service from our dear government right?

So here is Tito Boboy, as he was talking to us bloggers, I was specifically intrigued by his 15 Million scholars every year for his entire 6 years as the President if he wins. Finally, someone who goes beyond just saying he will help the poor, someone who would actually focus on education and alot proper budget for the younger generations.

In this day and age of social media, the youth is so into it that most of their times are spent into tinkering their gadgets and making the online world their person. It saddens me everytime I read mispelled words or phrases that are so incorrect in terms of grammar, it is indeed disheartening that the youth today seems not to take their education seriously. Whatever happened to our education system? There may be so many reasons on why  students can't finish their studies; financial problems, lack of support are some. But come to think of it if scholarships will be granted to 15 Million students per year that would be a great help in assuring for a child's better future. Tito Boboy also said that aside from this scholarships, he also wanted to reduce taxes, fix the transport system, give deadlines to court cases and more. With all of these good plans that he has for our country if he becomes the next President, I asked him if 6 years was enough to actually make a better Philippines? His anwser was an immediate Yes! He explained that if you do your job well and start to work on your first day and you really have passion to make the country better, in six years, it can be done.

Too bad the Q&A part was a bit short since it was also getting late, but I still got a few interesting questions for him, hopefully we get to have more sessions.

This blog is also open for other Presidential aspirants or other politicians too, I realized how interesting these topics can be and very informative as well.

Till our next chitchat dear readers.

Tito Boboy Syjuco: His 15 Million Scholarship Program and More



Philippine Elections for 2016 is fast approaching, do you have your list ready? This years' election is quite difficult for me since I am having a hard time in choosing who to vote for, but luckily I was invited for an intimate get-to-know kind of night with one of the many presidential aspirants, Mr. Augusto Boboy Syjuco Jr. Also known as Tito Boboy Syjuco ang Paboritong Tito.

With all those political ads running on television making political campaigns look like a popularity game rather than its supposedly purpose of information dissemination, it's sad that most of them tackles the "mahihirap" or the "poor" stating that if they will win they will resolve the problem of poverty. But if we think about it, what is the deeper cause of poverty? If politicians will just continue to give to the poor, aren't they teaching them to just be poor all the time because the government will provide? How about those paying their taxes, the regular employees who doesn't have a choice because their taxes are automatically deducted from their salary? It is but right that they too get good service from our dear government right?

So here is Tito Boboy, as he was talking to us bloggers, I was specifically intrigued by his 15 Million scholars every year for his entire 6 years as the President if he wins. Finally, someone who goes beyond just saying he will help the poor, someone who would actually focus on education and alot proper budget for the younger generations.

In this day and age of social media, the youth is so into it that most of their times are spent into tinkering their gadgets and making the online world their person. It saddens me everytime I read mispelled words or phrases that are so incorrect in terms of grammar, it is indeed disheartening that the youth today seems not to take their education seriously. Whatever happened to our education system? There may be so many reasons on why  students can't finish their studies; financial problems, lack of support are some. But come to think of it if scholarships will be granted to 15 Million students per year that would be a great help in assuring for a child's better future. Tito Boboy also said that aside from this scholarships, he also wanted to reduce taxes, fix the transport system, give deadlines to court cases and more. With all of these good plans that he has for our country if he becomes the next President, I asked him if 6 years was enough to actually make a better Philippines? His anwser was an immediate Yes! He explained that if you do your job well and start to work on your first day and you really have passion to make the country better, in six years, it can be done.

Too bad the Q&A part was a bit short since it was also getting late, but I still got a few interesting questions for him, hopefully we get to have more sessions.

This blog is also open for other Presidential aspirants or other politicians too, I realized how interesting these topics can be and very informative as well.

Till our next chitchat dear readers.

Posted at 1:40 AM  |  by Misis Nikole

0 comments :

Saturday, January 2, 2016

A long but worthy read. What ia your take on this?

Isang Open Letter kay Direk Cathy Garcia Molina
TODAY · PUBLIC
Nanood po ako ng Walang Forever at nakita ko kayo nang ilang segundo sa umpisa ng pelikula. Naroon pa rin pala ang sama ng loob ko sa inyo na ayaw ko nang dalhin pa sa 2016. Hinintay ko po talagang matapos ang “A Second Chance” bago ko kayo sulatan para makaiwas sa kontrobersya, baka kasi sabihin niyo, paninira lamang ito para maapektuhan ang kita ng inyong bagong pelikula.
Nakasama niyo po ako sa Forevermore. Gumanap ako bilang Celia na asawa ni Makoy na naninirahan sa La Presa. Noong nagkita tayo sa La Presa, kinilig ako. Sa wakas, sabi ko, makakatrabaho ko na rin ang direktor ng One More Chance. Tatlong buwan na akong nag-eekstra sa mga teleserye noon at masasabi ko na ang Forevermore ang biggest project na nakuha ko. Bata pa lamang ako, hilig ko na ang pag-arte. Nakailang theater acting workshop ako bago ko sinubukan na umekstra sa telebisyon. Mahal kong talaga ang pag-arte kaya hangga’t kaya kong isingit (mayroon kaming travel agency), pinipilit kong tumanggap ng mga papel na gagampanan sa mga teleserye. Nagsimula ako bilang bahagi ng mga crowd. Hindi nagtagal, naglilinya na rin ako.
Sa Forevermore ako unang nagkaroon ng pangalan. Ako si Celia. Tuwang-tuwa ako noon dahil sa oportunidad na nabuksan sa akin. Sayang at ilang araw lang akong nanatili sa La Presa. Hindi kasi kaya ng sikmura ko ang pagmumura niyo sa mga ekstra. Sagad sa buto. Napakasakit para sa akin na mura-murahin niyo nang pauli-ulit ang boyfriend ko sa harap ng maraming tao. Nakatatak sa alaala ko ang mga ngisi at tawanan ng mga staff at cameramen niyo kapag nagpapakawala kayo ng mga mura. Hindi niyo alam kung gaanong iginagalang ng napakaraming tao ang “ekstrang” minura-mura at ipinahiya ninyo.
Sabi ng mga nakakakilala sa inyo, wala raw personalan, stressed ka lang, ganoon talaga. Unawain ka na lang. Ayon nga sa isang boss niyo sa ABS-CBN na sumagot sa amin sa email, “you are known for cursing in the set” at iyon raw ang paraan niyo ng pag-cope sa stress ng inyong trabaho. Ganoon ba talaga ‘pag stressed? Dapat kang maging insensitive sa damdamin ng ibang tao para guminhawa ang pakiramdam mo?
Ako na ang naglakas-loob na gumawa ng open letter dahil alam kong may kasalanan rin ako sa nangyari. Hindi sana ako pumayag na sumalang siya sa ilang eksena bilang substitute ng dapat ay kapareha ko. Pero pwede bang sumama kayo na humingi ng paumanhin para mapayapa na ang aming isip at loob? Marahil alam niyo na noon na may na-offend kayong tao pero wala lang kayong pakialam dahil kayo si Direk Cathy G. O baka sakali, hindi lang kayo aware sa bigat ng inyong nagawa, kahit isang taon na kaming nagfa-follow up sa ABS-CBN at ilang beses na ring napangakuan na paghaharap-harapin tayo.
Narito po ang buong complaint na ipinadala namin noong Oktubre 2014. Sana sa pamamagitan nito, maunawaan niyo ang tindi at bigat ng gaspang ng ugali na ipinakita niyo. Bilang isang edukadong tao (pareho kayong UP graduate ng boyfriend ko, doon na rin siya nagtuturo ngayon) naniniwala akong malalaman niyo ang tama at mabuting gawin para iwasto ang inyong maling nagawa.
Sana magkita na po tayo soon para makapagpatawaran tayo... sa tamang panahon.
October 22, 2014
Ma. Socorro V. Vidanes
Head, Broadcast
ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.
Quezon City
Dear Ms. Vidanes:
Good day. I am Alvin D. Campomanes, a historian and educator. I am a product of Paref Southridge School and the University of the Philippines (UP), where I graduated cum laude in 2008. Currently, I am a faculty member of the Department of History of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) and the Department of General Education of Enderun Colleges. I have taught history in Miriam College High School, Assumption College and San Beda College Alabang. Among the young historians, I am one of those who are often invited by leading networks for interviews during historical commemorations. For ABS-CBN, I have granted interviews on Dateline Philippines (ANC) and Umagang kay Ganda. I was also one of the resource persons in the documentary Ninoy sa Puso ng Pinoy (2011).
I write this letter to protest the indignities that I have suffered as a talent in a location shooting of Forevermore from October 6-7, 2014.
My girlfriend, who has a background in theater, was recruited for that television soap by a talent coordinator named John Leonardo. I accompanied her to Baguio City. However, her talent manager, who was supposed to be her partner, failed to arrive in the set. John, perhaps out of desperation and fear that he will be reprimanded by his superiors for failing in his responsibility, took me in as a substitute. He was fully aware that I am an academic, that I had no previous acting experience. Although I was very reluctant, I yielded to his request because he said that it will be finished in a day; that I was only needed for two sequences. I made it clear to him that I intend to return to my hotel room as soon as possible because I had a lot of paperwork to finish. He agreed. My girlfriend and I played the roles of “Celia” and “Makoy” respectively. John did not even bother to introduce us to the directors.
On the first taping day, October 6, director Cathy Garcia Molina led the prayer before we started our work. The prayerful director said that the soap is meant to “entertain” and “teach values” to its viewers. I recoil when I remember how her behavior toward bit players and those who work behind the camera so brazenly contradicted her pious pronouncements. Her hypocrisy was disconcerting to watch. She was servile to Luz Fernandez, courteous to Joe Gruta, solicitous to Liza Soberano, and friendly to Joey Marquez and Irma Adlawan. Liza committed a lot of mistakes in delivering simple lines, but the director shielded her from criticism. She never uttered anything that could embarrass the young actress. This sensitiveness to the feelings of others however, was selective; it was only for stars and veteran actors.
The “Romantic Comedy Queen” instructs talents by shouting, insulting, and spitting all sorts of curses. She is a character straight out of the Noli. She is subservient to the wealthy and the powerful like Capitan Tiago, despotic like Padre Damaso and despicably pretentious like Padre Salvi and Doña Victorina. In a rehearsal take on the morning of the first day, she shouted at my girlfriend three times: “Sarah! Sarah! Sarah! Ikaw! Anong pangalan mo?!” There was a delay in her reaction because her character’s name was Celia, not Sarah. But a queen like Cathy cannot admit her mistake. I experienced the same treatment before sundown. My girlfriend and I both remember that Cathy said “putang ina” to her once on that day.
Work resumed after dinner. It was already past ten in the evening. I was already disoriented. I was thinking of all the teaching-related tasks that I need to accomplish before I return to Manila the next day. I found the director’s instructions vague and I misunderstood some of them.
I was verbally abused.“Putang ina! Ang hirap turuan!” “’Kinang ina!“Pakshet ka, Makoy!”At that point, I remember Joey Marquez spared me from further humiliation by coaching me on how to position my body for that particular scene. I believe he was uncomfortable seeing me endure all those hurtful remarks, aware as he was that his daughter Winwyn was my student in San Beda. As a matter of prudence, I struggled to maintain my composure. I did not want to engage a woman who is almost as old as my parents in a shouting match. I am the better person. I was raised well by my parents. I was formed well by my teachers. I am an educator. I had the moral ascendancy.
While we were inside the van on our way to the hotel on the first night, I heard one of the young talents ask John if she can leave the next day because she needed to attend an orientation for new Jollibee employees. He refused. He so arrogantly told the young lady that he will just “write an excuse letter saying she has a taping for ABS-CBN.” Who is this man to prevent her from attending an orientation for a regular job? What authority does he have to write an excuse letter for her? He is not her guardian! I also remember one instance when I was repelled by the vulgarity of this man. I was there beside him when he said this to a talent, a woman in her early 20s: “Sinong jowa mo, yung tomboy? Bakit? Nagjojowa ka ng tomboy? Gusto mo ba yun, pinepenggay ka? Pero naranasan mo na magpatusok ng titi sa lalaki?” The woman, although violated, forced to smile. He said these nasty things in front of the younger sisters of the woman, who were both teenagers.
We were told that we have to go back to finish a sequence. That night, despite my exhaustion, I had difficulty sleeping because of the questions that assailed my mind. The question that troubled me most was this: had the production staff known that I am an academic, would they have treated us with respect? But they did not have to know my background before they respect us.
We barely had four hours of sleep but we woke up very early. I asked myself if I can still continue in that kind of exploitative environment. I steeled myself. I did not want to cause inconvenience to the actors, who had been very good to us. Out of concern for the program, I decided to stay to finish what I have started. But things did not get better on the second day, October 7.
Before the taping started, the director huddled with the main actors to give them instructions. Our talent coordinator reminded us not to join them unless we are told to do so. He never allowed us to mingle with them. Suddenly, I heard the director was looking for me so I raised my hand. Obviously irked, she said: “Makoy! Nasan ka ba Makoy, san ka ba lagi nagpupunta?! Artista kita, ‘di ba!” My girlfriend defended me by saying the truth, that the talent coordinator always separated us from the main actors. “Bakit niyo pinapahiwalay, eh mga artista ko ‘tong mga ‘to?” I found her statement ridiculous because she rests and eats with the actors and she never looked for us! We never joined the actors in their tent or their table.
In another scene, I stood where the assistant director told me to stand. But I accidentally blocked a fellow actor. The director screamed: “sapaw ka, Makoy, ano ba!” The assistant director quickly recognized his mistake, admitted he was the one who placed me there. He instructed me to move a bit to the left so I will not block the view of the actor who was supposed to deliver a punchline. It should be emphasized, for the sake of comparison, that this assistant director we knew as “Sir Barry” did more work than Cathy, most of the time, under the scorching heat of the sun. But he was always patient in teaching actors where to stand, how to react, what to say. He always answered our questions. He never swore. He never degraded any one of us.
The taping dragged on until the afternoon of the second day. In the story, my character was leaving to seek better opportunities abroad. We were shooting a parting scene. I was saying goodbye to my wife and son and to the people of our village. As with the first day, I committed mistakes in blocking. I was denigrated again by the director. I remember her shouting the following: “Makoy! Nasaan ang camera mo!” “Tang ina!”and “Alam mo, ikaw, inutil ka.” I saw how people in the production staff grinned and laughed at me. The director did not tell them to stop. I was no star like Liza Soberano. My girlfriend tried to coach me, but a woman named Ms. Jeng said “Celia, nagbibigay ng instructions kay Makoy, wag kang makisali.” It was the first time that I was shamed in front of people. I finished that scene despite the mental and emotional anguish.
I kept on asking John if there are still sequences to be shot on that day. I reminded him of our agreement. Instead of being grateful that I stayed for another day, he told me this: “Ang kulit-kulit mo! Galit na galit si direk sa ‘yo.” I answered him politely: “Alam mo namang hindi ko linya ito, first time kong umarte sa telebisyon.” He immediately retorted with a rudeness that I will remember for a long time: “Ay nako! kahit na!” We approached Jeng to ask if I can leave because I have an early class the next morning. This woman frowned and told us “dapat nag-usap muna kayong dalawa bago kayo dumiretso sa ‘kin!” She turned her back and walked away. It was then that I realized how much pain bit players got through when they negotiate the whims of power dispensers in location shooting. The blatant contrast of how stars are treated like royalty while bit players are abused to the hilt is enough to enrage anyone.
Hours passed. It was already dark and I was still in the set, waiting for an advice. I noticed that even those in the production staff were unaware if we still have scenes for that day. Why? Because they were working without a script! I was very tensed because of the uncertainties. We were told to return to the hotel. Had I been informed earlier, I would have left in the afternoon. But John was nowhere to be found. I felt betrayed.
When we arrived at the hotel, I received a call from him: “Ay, ano nga uling pangalan mo? Alvin! May isang sequence pa raw na ishu-shoot sa umaga, pwede bang umabsent ka na lang sa trabaho mo?” I was shaking with anger. I told him that I have already given him two days when what we agreed on was only one day. He even had the temerity and the gall to ask me to be absent in my class and pay the amount that I will lose from my absence! I was incensed by this man’s callousness. I am a conscientious teacher and no amount of money can blind me. He met his match because I am a talent that cannot be bought. Perhaps it was the first time that he encountered talents that cannot be fooled by promises of fame and money. We decided to leave Baguio that night. My girlfriend also dropped her role. I still attended my class in the morning.
In the ABS-CBN website, we can read the core values that the company holds sacred: meritocracy, excellence, teamwork, teaching and learning, honesty, integrity and respect, and service orientation. Under honesty, integrity and respect, it is stated that ABS-CBN employees “possess an unshakeable belief in one’s self-worth and dignity”; that “they never undermine others for their own gain”; that “they consistently treat others respectfully and fairly”. This makes me cringe because I have met people who had made a mockery of these core values.
When I related to my friends who work for news programs of ABS-CBN what I had experienced, they all replied that “it is just the way things are”. They all say that it is the “culture” in the local television and film industry. One of my friends even told me that maybe it was just a case of culture shock because in the academe, people conduct themselves very politely.
But this is not the culture that ABS-CBN is so proud about. Consider this passage in the network’s website:
For us in ABS-CBN, our core values serve as our anchor and guidepost. They keep us grounded and remind us of the things that matter more than ratings, revenues, and profits. They guide us in our decision-making and direct our choices and actions.
Our core values, with clearly articulated behavioral indicators, define what the ABS-CBN culture is and what kind of people would thrive in our organization.”(emphasis mine)
Following Weber, eminent anthropologist Clifford Geertz (1973, 5) defined culture as the “webs of significance that man himself has spun”. Culture is man-made. It is not fixed. It is not constant. It can be changed. If we are aware that in this prevailing system nameless and voiceless people are being oppressed, then we as moral individuals are obliged to correct this system! If it is possible for power wielders to respect the rich and the famous, why is it so hard to do this for the lowly and the marginalized? These bit role players are also the ones who patronize the television soaps and movies that the big networks are producing.
We are so used to television networks exposing corruption in government. But there is also much to be exposed in the rotten system of talent recruitment for television and film. For example, do networks really know how much are the talents being paid for long hours of work? In a system devoid of transparency, bit players cannot even know how many middle men are taking cuts from their pittance.
Let this outcry be a challenge to the integrity of ABS-CBN. I am calling on the network to prove to all of us that your core values are more important than “ratings, revenues, and profits.” I demand disciplinary action on Cathy Garcia Molina, Jeng and John Leonardo. If justice will not be served, if this plea will not be heeded, then it only means that your company condones the uncivil behavior of your people because they bring in “ratings, revenues and profits”. In her opening prayer, Cathy claimed that it was impossible for her not to get mad and offend people. However, she also said that she is confident that at the end of the day, everything will be okay, because we are a family. Is this how you treat a kapamilya? We never experienced verbal abuse in our homes! I also demand an apology from the little gods that have offended me.
I am aware that through this complaint, I am articulating the silent rage of all the extras and behind-the-camera workers who had been abused and dehumanized. I know I am not alone in this battle. For my part, I have resolved to act and set an example. If I fail, at least, it is not for lack of trying. While we were on our way to Manila, I could still hear the voice of Cathy Garcia Molina inside my ears, mocking me, berating me. I want you to know that up to this day, I am still being haunted by the thought that I was not able to defend myself. The emotional and mental torture is terrific.
I do not ask for mercy. I demand justice.
“The only thing required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
- Edmund Burke
“There are no tyrants where there are no slaves.”
- Jose Rizal
“Maitim man o maputi ang kulay ng balat, lahat ng tao’y magkakapantay, mangyaring ang isa’y higtan sa dunong, sa yaman, sa ganda, ngunit hindi mahihigitan sa pagkatao.”
- Emilio Jacinto
Sincerely yours,
Alvin D. Campomanes

https://m.facebook.com/notes/rossellyn-domingo/isang-open-letter-kay-direk-cathy-garcia-molina/952070928211438

The Open Letter for Direct Cathy Garcia Molina

A long but worthy read. What ia your take on this?

Isang Open Letter kay Direk Cathy Garcia Molina
TODAY · PUBLIC
Nanood po ako ng Walang Forever at nakita ko kayo nang ilang segundo sa umpisa ng pelikula. Naroon pa rin pala ang sama ng loob ko sa inyo na ayaw ko nang dalhin pa sa 2016. Hinintay ko po talagang matapos ang “A Second Chance” bago ko kayo sulatan para makaiwas sa kontrobersya, baka kasi sabihin niyo, paninira lamang ito para maapektuhan ang kita ng inyong bagong pelikula.
Nakasama niyo po ako sa Forevermore. Gumanap ako bilang Celia na asawa ni Makoy na naninirahan sa La Presa. Noong nagkita tayo sa La Presa, kinilig ako. Sa wakas, sabi ko, makakatrabaho ko na rin ang direktor ng One More Chance. Tatlong buwan na akong nag-eekstra sa mga teleserye noon at masasabi ko na ang Forevermore ang biggest project na nakuha ko. Bata pa lamang ako, hilig ko na ang pag-arte. Nakailang theater acting workshop ako bago ko sinubukan na umekstra sa telebisyon. Mahal kong talaga ang pag-arte kaya hangga’t kaya kong isingit (mayroon kaming travel agency), pinipilit kong tumanggap ng mga papel na gagampanan sa mga teleserye. Nagsimula ako bilang bahagi ng mga crowd. Hindi nagtagal, naglilinya na rin ako.
Sa Forevermore ako unang nagkaroon ng pangalan. Ako si Celia. Tuwang-tuwa ako noon dahil sa oportunidad na nabuksan sa akin. Sayang at ilang araw lang akong nanatili sa La Presa. Hindi kasi kaya ng sikmura ko ang pagmumura niyo sa mga ekstra. Sagad sa buto. Napakasakit para sa akin na mura-murahin niyo nang pauli-ulit ang boyfriend ko sa harap ng maraming tao. Nakatatak sa alaala ko ang mga ngisi at tawanan ng mga staff at cameramen niyo kapag nagpapakawala kayo ng mga mura. Hindi niyo alam kung gaanong iginagalang ng napakaraming tao ang “ekstrang” minura-mura at ipinahiya ninyo.
Sabi ng mga nakakakilala sa inyo, wala raw personalan, stressed ka lang, ganoon talaga. Unawain ka na lang. Ayon nga sa isang boss niyo sa ABS-CBN na sumagot sa amin sa email, “you are known for cursing in the set” at iyon raw ang paraan niyo ng pag-cope sa stress ng inyong trabaho. Ganoon ba talaga ‘pag stressed? Dapat kang maging insensitive sa damdamin ng ibang tao para guminhawa ang pakiramdam mo?
Ako na ang naglakas-loob na gumawa ng open letter dahil alam kong may kasalanan rin ako sa nangyari. Hindi sana ako pumayag na sumalang siya sa ilang eksena bilang substitute ng dapat ay kapareha ko. Pero pwede bang sumama kayo na humingi ng paumanhin para mapayapa na ang aming isip at loob? Marahil alam niyo na noon na may na-offend kayong tao pero wala lang kayong pakialam dahil kayo si Direk Cathy G. O baka sakali, hindi lang kayo aware sa bigat ng inyong nagawa, kahit isang taon na kaming nagfa-follow up sa ABS-CBN at ilang beses na ring napangakuan na paghaharap-harapin tayo.
Narito po ang buong complaint na ipinadala namin noong Oktubre 2014. Sana sa pamamagitan nito, maunawaan niyo ang tindi at bigat ng gaspang ng ugali na ipinakita niyo. Bilang isang edukadong tao (pareho kayong UP graduate ng boyfriend ko, doon na rin siya nagtuturo ngayon) naniniwala akong malalaman niyo ang tama at mabuting gawin para iwasto ang inyong maling nagawa.
Sana magkita na po tayo soon para makapagpatawaran tayo... sa tamang panahon.
October 22, 2014
Ma. Socorro V. Vidanes
Head, Broadcast
ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp.
Quezon City
Dear Ms. Vidanes:
Good day. I am Alvin D. Campomanes, a historian and educator. I am a product of Paref Southridge School and the University of the Philippines (UP), where I graduated cum laude in 2008. Currently, I am a faculty member of the Department of History of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) and the Department of General Education of Enderun Colleges. I have taught history in Miriam College High School, Assumption College and San Beda College Alabang. Among the young historians, I am one of those who are often invited by leading networks for interviews during historical commemorations. For ABS-CBN, I have granted interviews on Dateline Philippines (ANC) and Umagang kay Ganda. I was also one of the resource persons in the documentary Ninoy sa Puso ng Pinoy (2011).
I write this letter to protest the indignities that I have suffered as a talent in a location shooting of Forevermore from October 6-7, 2014.
My girlfriend, who has a background in theater, was recruited for that television soap by a talent coordinator named John Leonardo. I accompanied her to Baguio City. However, her talent manager, who was supposed to be her partner, failed to arrive in the set. John, perhaps out of desperation and fear that he will be reprimanded by his superiors for failing in his responsibility, took me in as a substitute. He was fully aware that I am an academic, that I had no previous acting experience. Although I was very reluctant, I yielded to his request because he said that it will be finished in a day; that I was only needed for two sequences. I made it clear to him that I intend to return to my hotel room as soon as possible because I had a lot of paperwork to finish. He agreed. My girlfriend and I played the roles of “Celia” and “Makoy” respectively. John did not even bother to introduce us to the directors.
On the first taping day, October 6, director Cathy Garcia Molina led the prayer before we started our work. The prayerful director said that the soap is meant to “entertain” and “teach values” to its viewers. I recoil when I remember how her behavior toward bit players and those who work behind the camera so brazenly contradicted her pious pronouncements. Her hypocrisy was disconcerting to watch. She was servile to Luz Fernandez, courteous to Joe Gruta, solicitous to Liza Soberano, and friendly to Joey Marquez and Irma Adlawan. Liza committed a lot of mistakes in delivering simple lines, but the director shielded her from criticism. She never uttered anything that could embarrass the young actress. This sensitiveness to the feelings of others however, was selective; it was only for stars and veteran actors.
The “Romantic Comedy Queen” instructs talents by shouting, insulting, and spitting all sorts of curses. She is a character straight out of the Noli. She is subservient to the wealthy and the powerful like Capitan Tiago, despotic like Padre Damaso and despicably pretentious like Padre Salvi and Doña Victorina. In a rehearsal take on the morning of the first day, she shouted at my girlfriend three times: “Sarah! Sarah! Sarah! Ikaw! Anong pangalan mo?!” There was a delay in her reaction because her character’s name was Celia, not Sarah. But a queen like Cathy cannot admit her mistake. I experienced the same treatment before sundown. My girlfriend and I both remember that Cathy said “putang ina” to her once on that day.
Work resumed after dinner. It was already past ten in the evening. I was already disoriented. I was thinking of all the teaching-related tasks that I need to accomplish before I return to Manila the next day. I found the director’s instructions vague and I misunderstood some of them.
I was verbally abused.“Putang ina! Ang hirap turuan!” “’Kinang ina!“Pakshet ka, Makoy!”At that point, I remember Joey Marquez spared me from further humiliation by coaching me on how to position my body for that particular scene. I believe he was uncomfortable seeing me endure all those hurtful remarks, aware as he was that his daughter Winwyn was my student in San Beda. As a matter of prudence, I struggled to maintain my composure. I did not want to engage a woman who is almost as old as my parents in a shouting match. I am the better person. I was raised well by my parents. I was formed well by my teachers. I am an educator. I had the moral ascendancy.
While we were inside the van on our way to the hotel on the first night, I heard one of the young talents ask John if she can leave the next day because she needed to attend an orientation for new Jollibee employees. He refused. He so arrogantly told the young lady that he will just “write an excuse letter saying she has a taping for ABS-CBN.” Who is this man to prevent her from attending an orientation for a regular job? What authority does he have to write an excuse letter for her? He is not her guardian! I also remember one instance when I was repelled by the vulgarity of this man. I was there beside him when he said this to a talent, a woman in her early 20s: “Sinong jowa mo, yung tomboy? Bakit? Nagjojowa ka ng tomboy? Gusto mo ba yun, pinepenggay ka? Pero naranasan mo na magpatusok ng titi sa lalaki?” The woman, although violated, forced to smile. He said these nasty things in front of the younger sisters of the woman, who were both teenagers.
We were told that we have to go back to finish a sequence. That night, despite my exhaustion, I had difficulty sleeping because of the questions that assailed my mind. The question that troubled me most was this: had the production staff known that I am an academic, would they have treated us with respect? But they did not have to know my background before they respect us.
We barely had four hours of sleep but we woke up very early. I asked myself if I can still continue in that kind of exploitative environment. I steeled myself. I did not want to cause inconvenience to the actors, who had been very good to us. Out of concern for the program, I decided to stay to finish what I have started. But things did not get better on the second day, October 7.
Before the taping started, the director huddled with the main actors to give them instructions. Our talent coordinator reminded us not to join them unless we are told to do so. He never allowed us to mingle with them. Suddenly, I heard the director was looking for me so I raised my hand. Obviously irked, she said: “Makoy! Nasan ka ba Makoy, san ka ba lagi nagpupunta?! Artista kita, ‘di ba!” My girlfriend defended me by saying the truth, that the talent coordinator always separated us from the main actors. “Bakit niyo pinapahiwalay, eh mga artista ko ‘tong mga ‘to?” I found her statement ridiculous because she rests and eats with the actors and she never looked for us! We never joined the actors in their tent or their table.
In another scene, I stood where the assistant director told me to stand. But I accidentally blocked a fellow actor. The director screamed: “sapaw ka, Makoy, ano ba!” The assistant director quickly recognized his mistake, admitted he was the one who placed me there. He instructed me to move a bit to the left so I will not block the view of the actor who was supposed to deliver a punchline. It should be emphasized, for the sake of comparison, that this assistant director we knew as “Sir Barry” did more work than Cathy, most of the time, under the scorching heat of the sun. But he was always patient in teaching actors where to stand, how to react, what to say. He always answered our questions. He never swore. He never degraded any one of us.
The taping dragged on until the afternoon of the second day. In the story, my character was leaving to seek better opportunities abroad. We were shooting a parting scene. I was saying goodbye to my wife and son and to the people of our village. As with the first day, I committed mistakes in blocking. I was denigrated again by the director. I remember her shouting the following: “Makoy! Nasaan ang camera mo!” “Tang ina!”and “Alam mo, ikaw, inutil ka.” I saw how people in the production staff grinned and laughed at me. The director did not tell them to stop. I was no star like Liza Soberano. My girlfriend tried to coach me, but a woman named Ms. Jeng said “Celia, nagbibigay ng instructions kay Makoy, wag kang makisali.” It was the first time that I was shamed in front of people. I finished that scene despite the mental and emotional anguish.
I kept on asking John if there are still sequences to be shot on that day. I reminded him of our agreement. Instead of being grateful that I stayed for another day, he told me this: “Ang kulit-kulit mo! Galit na galit si direk sa ‘yo.” I answered him politely: “Alam mo namang hindi ko linya ito, first time kong umarte sa telebisyon.” He immediately retorted with a rudeness that I will remember for a long time: “Ay nako! kahit na!” We approached Jeng to ask if I can leave because I have an early class the next morning. This woman frowned and told us “dapat nag-usap muna kayong dalawa bago kayo dumiretso sa ‘kin!” She turned her back and walked away. It was then that I realized how much pain bit players got through when they negotiate the whims of power dispensers in location shooting. The blatant contrast of how stars are treated like royalty while bit players are abused to the hilt is enough to enrage anyone.
Hours passed. It was already dark and I was still in the set, waiting for an advice. I noticed that even those in the production staff were unaware if we still have scenes for that day. Why? Because they were working without a script! I was very tensed because of the uncertainties. We were told to return to the hotel. Had I been informed earlier, I would have left in the afternoon. But John was nowhere to be found. I felt betrayed.
When we arrived at the hotel, I received a call from him: “Ay, ano nga uling pangalan mo? Alvin! May isang sequence pa raw na ishu-shoot sa umaga, pwede bang umabsent ka na lang sa trabaho mo?” I was shaking with anger. I told him that I have already given him two days when what we agreed on was only one day. He even had the temerity and the gall to ask me to be absent in my class and pay the amount that I will lose from my absence! I was incensed by this man’s callousness. I am a conscientious teacher and no amount of money can blind me. He met his match because I am a talent that cannot be bought. Perhaps it was the first time that he encountered talents that cannot be fooled by promises of fame and money. We decided to leave Baguio that night. My girlfriend also dropped her role. I still attended my class in the morning.
In the ABS-CBN website, we can read the core values that the company holds sacred: meritocracy, excellence, teamwork, teaching and learning, honesty, integrity and respect, and service orientation. Under honesty, integrity and respect, it is stated that ABS-CBN employees “possess an unshakeable belief in one’s self-worth and dignity”; that “they never undermine others for their own gain”; that “they consistently treat others respectfully and fairly”. This makes me cringe because I have met people who had made a mockery of these core values.
When I related to my friends who work for news programs of ABS-CBN what I had experienced, they all replied that “it is just the way things are”. They all say that it is the “culture” in the local television and film industry. One of my friends even told me that maybe it was just a case of culture shock because in the academe, people conduct themselves very politely.
But this is not the culture that ABS-CBN is so proud about. Consider this passage in the network’s website:
For us in ABS-CBN, our core values serve as our anchor and guidepost. They keep us grounded and remind us of the things that matter more than ratings, revenues, and profits. They guide us in our decision-making and direct our choices and actions.
Our core values, with clearly articulated behavioral indicators, define what the ABS-CBN culture is and what kind of people would thrive in our organization.”(emphasis mine)
Following Weber, eminent anthropologist Clifford Geertz (1973, 5) defined culture as the “webs of significance that man himself has spun”. Culture is man-made. It is not fixed. It is not constant. It can be changed. If we are aware that in this prevailing system nameless and voiceless people are being oppressed, then we as moral individuals are obliged to correct this system! If it is possible for power wielders to respect the rich and the famous, why is it so hard to do this for the lowly and the marginalized? These bit role players are also the ones who patronize the television soaps and movies that the big networks are producing.
We are so used to television networks exposing corruption in government. But there is also much to be exposed in the rotten system of talent recruitment for television and film. For example, do networks really know how much are the talents being paid for long hours of work? In a system devoid of transparency, bit players cannot even know how many middle men are taking cuts from their pittance.
Let this outcry be a challenge to the integrity of ABS-CBN. I am calling on the network to prove to all of us that your core values are more important than “ratings, revenues, and profits.” I demand disciplinary action on Cathy Garcia Molina, Jeng and John Leonardo. If justice will not be served, if this plea will not be heeded, then it only means that your company condones the uncivil behavior of your people because they bring in “ratings, revenues and profits”. In her opening prayer, Cathy claimed that it was impossible for her not to get mad and offend people. However, she also said that she is confident that at the end of the day, everything will be okay, because we are a family. Is this how you treat a kapamilya? We never experienced verbal abuse in our homes! I also demand an apology from the little gods that have offended me.
I am aware that through this complaint, I am articulating the silent rage of all the extras and behind-the-camera workers who had been abused and dehumanized. I know I am not alone in this battle. For my part, I have resolved to act and set an example. If I fail, at least, it is not for lack of trying. While we were on our way to Manila, I could still hear the voice of Cathy Garcia Molina inside my ears, mocking me, berating me. I want you to know that up to this day, I am still being haunted by the thought that I was not able to defend myself. The emotional and mental torture is terrific.
I do not ask for mercy. I demand justice.
“The only thing required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”
- Edmund Burke
“There are no tyrants where there are no slaves.”
- Jose Rizal
“Maitim man o maputi ang kulay ng balat, lahat ng tao’y magkakapantay, mangyaring ang isa’y higtan sa dunong, sa yaman, sa ganda, ngunit hindi mahihigitan sa pagkatao.”
- Emilio Jacinto
Sincerely yours,
Alvin D. Campomanes

https://m.facebook.com/notes/rossellyn-domingo/isang-open-letter-kay-direk-cathy-garcia-molina/952070928211438

Posted at 4:26 AM  |  by Misis Nikole

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