On Shit and Men on Men Action

Last July 22, I took my entire team to the CCP for their first-ever Cinemalaya experience! I was even able to convince my Admin Director, "Bru", to go with us. It was a girls' day out!

My personal Cinemalaya experience started last year when I donated financial aid (not a lot, mind you) to one of my best guy friends ever, "Stanny" (I am Carrie), or Alem Ang in the real world. He co-produced the movie "Ang Panggagahasa Kay Fe" (The Rapture of Fe), which won the grand prize in the Digital Category in the 2009 Cairo International Film Festival. My name's in the credits part at the end. MY NAME HAS BEEN TO CAIRO!!! Hahaha!

This year, Alem and Alvin (director of Panggagahasa) once again made movie magic with their Cinemalaya entry "Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwaang Paa" (The Dance of Two Left Feet) starring the gorgeous Ms Jean Garcia, and gay lovers (?) Rocco Nacino and Paulo Avelino. Nice pairing! They'll make a power couple in real life.

Here's Jean Garcia UP CLOSE and personal. (Thanks to my fiance for taking this picture!)

And one of the producers, my dearest Alem...

And the breakout star of the movie, Rocco Nacino, being surrounded by the media and Cinemalaya supporters after the premier.

Before watching the premier of Sayaw (by the way, my name appeared twice in the credits!), we also watched Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank (The Woman in the Septic Tank) by Marlon Rivera and Chris Martinez. I believe the highlight of my Cinemalaya experience was captured in this photo...

We actually got to meet them! Alem introduced us and I was seriously starstruck! Their movie was stellar (Alem, I love you but their movie was just wicked funny!) and Eugene Domingo was, well, brilliant. :) If they make a Part 2 and tag it "Ang Babaeng Mukhang Septic Tank", I would volunteer to be the lead! I can just imagine being on their set and laughing hysterically the whole time (ala tunay na baliw).

As for Sayaw, it had a lot of "kilig" moments, believe it or not, and I loved how poetry and dance was weaved beautifully together. Add the fact that the dance coach of the movie was one of my ballet mentors, Eli Jacinto! Hell yeah!

Both movies are testament to how awesome and exciting the Philippine independent film industry is.
I can't wait for next year and hopefully, I'd be able to catch more flicks.

To the Cinemalaya organizers, MABUHAY KAYONG LAHAT!!! Until 2012!