SHIFT

First of all, I would like to clearly state that THIS IS NOT A FILM REVIEW. These are just my random thoughts on Siege Ledesma's SHIFT.

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Secondly, I would also want to share that I DID NOT GET TO SEE THE BEGINNING OF THE MOVIE. And it kills me. It is killing me. I came in possibly in the middle part of the film. And seriously, I hated it. But seeing some other people coming in even later than I was kind of compensated for it. (Yes, sadistic. I know.)

You should also know that I am a big big fan of Yeng Constantino who plays the role of Estela, the lead female role. Which is why I almost cried when people started applauding her when she said this witty line. I was like, "Yup. She's an actress now. And people adore her."

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So going back to the film, truly, it was a big unconventional story. I mean, a tomboyish girl falls in-love with her gay friend? It could sound like a cheesy mainstream flick starring certain comedians. But one thing I absolutely love about indie movies is the rawness of the story, and that was exactly what was shown in Shift.

There was no cheesiness that would make you want to hurl. Just raw emotion. And it was so realistic.

I would really have to commend Ms. Constantino's acting. It was so genuine. Well, sure, there were bits that were so obviously scripted. But hey, let's give her a break. It's her first film. But the way she portrayed her character was just so natural, which is why she was so perfect for the role of Estela. The way she moved, walked, talked, laughed--it was just right, and it was so real you could see it in her eyes.

I could still remember the scene where *SPOILER ALERT* she was yelling for her sister so angrily. It's funny because the way she was calling her sister and the way she tried to calm herself was exactly how actual people would do it. Not how mainstreams would yell in the most beautiful and graceful way possible. (I'm not criticizing the mainstream film industry though.)

I guess what makes it so relatable was how the scenes were shown the way it should be. As I've said before, no OA cheesiness. It is what it is.

I absolutely loved the scene where *SPOILER ALERT* Kevin confesses that he likes Estela. I liked how Estela reacted to it--she openly said that she liked Kevin before but now she loves someone else. Kevin, on the other hand, reacts lightheartedly to it since they've always had the you're-so-irritating-but-you're-fun-to-be-with-especially-since-Estela-is-one-of-the-boys-so-we're-practically-brothers relationship. No drama. And I loved it.

There was a certain kilig factor to it because I know that most girls with close guy friends have gone through that awkward stage of I-think-he-likes-me-and-I-think-I-kind-of-like-him-too-but-we're-just-going-to-be-friends-coz-it's-just-a-crush. (Or maybe it's just me? Haha!)

And Trevor and Estela's cute scenes together. It wasn't overdone. It was just right and so clear. Two friends just really enjoying the company of each other, all while trying to suppress their feelings for each other. One was in denial, one was in hiding. It's a pretty hard task for the actors. But, they did it perfectly. It would make you go, "Aww" in the most non-irritating way.

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Also, the story itself was something else. Though I don't have much to say since I didn't start the film. *sniff* Yes, there were parts that were pretty slow. But then again, maybe I didn't find so much significance in it since I never really got the beginning of the story. *sniff sniff* But the story of call centers and call center agents, plus a totally unusual love story? #Awesome

Cinematography = Awesomer. Really. SOOO AWESOME. It's the type of cinematography that's always been appealing to me. Plus, the text-in-video effects? Loved it. (Hello, BBC One's Sherlock.)

Soundtrack = Much Awesomer. It was like... 500 Days of Summer. (Think: Sweet Disposition) Now, you begin to understand what kind of movie it was, yeah? Needless to say, the soundtrack kind of clued me in that this film was for young adults (early 20's?). I mean, they would probably enjoy it even more than other age groups. (Maybe? AGAIN, these are opinions.)

And of course, the open-ended ending. (Was that redundant?)

When the screen turned black after the question, "Where do you see yourself five years from now?" left Estela speechless, I reeeally thought it was just a long cut into another scene. Or worse, a technical problem. But then the credits started showing. I was like... WHUUUUUT. What just happened?! Omg, it's done? It's done?!

I like open-endeds. Really. The first I saw was Ang Babae sa Septik Tank, and it was awesome. I loved it so much. I mean, it was the perfect way to end it.

But, this... I really didn't get it. BUT I GUESS IT WAS BECAUSE I DIDN'T START THE MOVIE. Which is actually true because Direk Siege Ledesma clearly stated that the beginning of the film was kind of connected to the open-ended ending. So there. Obviously my fault. *sniff*


I'd say a whole lot more, but my brain is beginning to hibernate.

But truly, I loved the film. I loved Yeng Constantino. I loved Estela Alano. I now love Felix Roco. And I most especially loved how the story was told through the film. How it was made to be relatable and not irritable. How it was such a simple story, yet it oozes with appeal. How, as I've said earlier, it was made to be so real. There were no cheesy lines or even kissing! Yet it was like getting shot by Cupid.

Well, you get the picture.

I'm gonna have to take notes for my future thesis film. ;)




Photos are from Shift's Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Shift.C1

God is Able

It was a pretty normal Sunday last November 10 when my cousin and I went to attend the 9am service of Victory Caloocan.

Well, at first, it seemed pretty normal.

I was all-out during the praise. I was even grinning to myself with no reason at all. Talk about rejoicing! During the worship, I couldn't keep myself from smiling again. This time, I was smiling in awe.

"God is Able
He will never fail
He is almighty God 

Greater than all we seek
Greater than all we ask
He has done great things" (Hillsong, 2011)

These were the words we were singing in worship; the words that made me smile. I was reminded of the greatness and power of God. I mean, just read the lyrics! Listen to the whole song, even! There are no words to describe how I was feeling as I gave my all in worshiping the almighty God.

In the middle of the song, Pastor Ferdie del Valle went up to the stage and talked about what the Philippines has been going through. A minute later, he asked everyone to get a partner and just pray for the nation.

I started to pray with my cousin. But I found it hard to speak; I was stuttering. I felt my emotions just welling up in me. I had so much to pray for that I was having a hard time organizing my thoughts. But I continued, even though I was practically saying the same thing over and over again: God is all-powerful, and he reigns over all.

As we continued to worship, I found myself breathless at what we were singing of.

"God is with us
He will go before
He will never leave us
He will never leave us
God is for us
He has open arms
He will never fail us
He will never fail us"

I was amazed. I was more than amazed. 

I was reminded of how God is able to restore our nation from this storm. I was reminded that God is with us..

God, the Almighty God, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Alpha and Omega, is on our side and He is more than willing to help us overcome this devastation. Just think about it.


I've seen different reactions of people on Yolanda. They mainly try to answer the question why. Why the Philippines? Why give us a typhoon this strong?

One of them answered pretty much like this: God knew that the Philippines is strong, that's why He sent us a strong storm.

Another blogged about how God is punishing the Philippines for its sins, which is why He sent us Yolanda. (I only read parts of the blog post, I couldn't get myself to finish it. I was already stopping myself from throwing my laptop.)

But that Sunday, as we worshiped God, I suddenly had a feeling of excitement. As I realized how God is going to work in this nation, I felt excited.

I was excited for what God is about to do in the Philippines.

And that's when I remembered this passage:

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned,this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." (John 9:1-3)

 That's when I realized that maybe this is "why the Philippines".

God wants to reveal himself to his people. God wants his people to see and believe in his greatness and power. God wants his people to witness great miracles. God wants his people experience his amazing grace.

Just like what my friend said on Facebook:

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God wants the whole world to see his great power and awesome miracles through what he is about to do in our nation.



I am genuinely excited for what God is about to do in the Philippines. Everything happens for a reason, and surely, Yolanda happened for a reason. And we can also be sure that that reason is not and will not be something like, "I just wanted to hurt the Philippines." NO.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

We just have to remember that no matter what may happen, the almighty and all-powerful compassionate and loving God is in control. We just have to trust him.

He knows what he's doing.

Yolanda PH

A few hours ago, one of the strongest typhoons to ever hit our nation just left the Philippine Area of Responsibility, leaving a terrifying remembrance of its trail through the country.

Being the "strongest typhoon to strike land," super-typhoon Yolanda (known as Typhoon Haiyan internationally), brought out wise and encouraging words from many people both locally and globally.

Remember the famous F4 and San Cai from Meteor Garden, one of the biggest Taiwanese drama to land in Philippine television? They've expressed their awe of the Filipinos' ability to smile in the middle of the storm.

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CNN has expressed the same as well, taking notice of the unwavering smile of our countrymen.

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But a few of the best words I've read so far were from our fellow countrymen. Here's a post on Facebook from Quest, a renowned OPM artist.

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This suddenly gave me the urge to stand up with my head held high. Truly, we Filipinos are stronger than what we think.

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Cor. 4:8-9)

And another post on Facebook, perhaps the one post that really stuck to my mind and heart, was from a friend of mine. This is what he said:

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When I first read this, I died a little inside. Only because it was so true that it broke my heart.

We've all seen posts with the hashtag: #PrayForThePhilippines, right? I'm pretty sure a lot of them came from people who can't even thank God before they eat. And well, James' status have said it all.

May that be a reminder that prayer isn't just a few words you say when things are going wrong. As James put it, it's a lifestyle.



I'm not one to watch the news every night. Which means that sometimes after storms hit our country I never really understand how bad it is unless I actually experienced it. But this time, even just by seeing a few parts of the news I already realized how strong and big of a storm it was.

I felt that strong tug in my heart that made me so close to crying--a feeling I don't normally get from watching the news. And as much as I hate to admit it, it really got me scared.

But a few moments later, I found myself feeling stronger and much more confident.

Why?

I remembered that despite what was happening around us, God is still God. No matter what happens, he will always be Sovereign. Nothing can change the fact that God is still in control, and He will always be there to help us get back up on our feet.

"...if we are faithless,
he remains faithful..." (2 Tim. 2:13)

God will always be God. If He can create a universe, you can be sure he can make the Philippines stand firm on its feet. And if He can give his own Son for a world of worthless sinners, you can be sure he can and will help us overcome this trial.

Because of this, we can have even more reasons to smile. Our God is a big God. He is bigger and stronger than any "supertyphoon" that may come. He is more powerful than whatever crisis or disaster that may happen. He is greater than the universe itself. He reigns over the universe. The universe bows at His feet.

He is above all things.

And he is on our side.

The great and all-powerful and almighty God is the God of this nation.

Brand New Eyes

I've been to Thailand, Macau, and Hong Kong.

When a Filipino visits a neighboring country, there's one line that's usually said: Parang Pilipinas lang!

I've got to admit, I've said that both mentally and verbally. Because it's true!

The buildings and cars are pretty much the same, the trees that line up their streets are the same trees in our backyards, the temperature is close enough, even the people look like Filipinos! The point is, the countries around us bear striking resemblance to our own.

But despite that fact, I still couldn't seem to take the goofy smile off my face when I looked at my surroundings during these out-of-the-country trips. I mean, I saw pretty much the same things I see here. Yet I kept smiling like a fool.

Then I realized why.

Because nothing could change the fact that I was in another country. That makes a big impact on everything.

Knowing that I was in a different country and out of my comfort zone created a new mindset for me. The fact that I was practically in a new world changed my perspective. It gave me brand new eyes. Suddenly, everything was so beautiful; everything was so unique.

Maybe the fact that I was in a new place far from home brainwashed me. It made me look at the world like it was the first time I opened my eyes.


Just recently, I moved from the province to Manila for my studies. And one day, while walking (or possibly commuting--does it really matter?), I had this idea.

I decided to look at my surroundings like I was in another country. I changed my perspective and looked around me the way that I would look at places in Thailand or Macau or Hong Kong.

Suddenly, I was smiling. I smiled that goofy smile I had when I was out of the country.

Then I thought, "The Philippines is so beautiful."


Since then, I sometimes stop and look around me with a new perspective. Every time, I see a whole new beauty of our country. And, as cliché as it seems, I begin to see that it is more fun in the Philippines. ;)

I encourage that once you walk out the door, today or maybe tomorrow, try to look at the Philippines with brand new eyes. I'm pretty sure you'd find yourself wearing that goofy smile I had, too.