What did we have to say about Cinemalaya and how we felt after watching The Diplomat Hotel? Read on.
Misa Ishikawa:
As a requirement for PMC class, each
group were assigned to watch a Cinemalaya film of our choice in any of the
theaters it was shown and was asked to have a group review on it. Days before
the actual day of watching itself, the group was deciding which film to watch.
We ended up choosing The Diplomat Hotel since its schedule matches our
schedules well and we also, did not have a choice. So there, The Diplomat Hotel
it was.
Basically, I did not really know
anything about the film although I have watched the trailer. All I knew was
that it was starring Gretchen Barretto and that it was somewhat like a
suspense/thriller/paranormal type of film. And i’ve always been a fan of those
kinds of films so I was kind of stoked to get a sight of it too. The Diplomat Hotel
is in one of the films in the new breed category which was directed by
Christopher Ad Castillo. He even gave a speech before the movie and the way he
speaks, you just feel something different in it. It even got me more excited.
But honestly, I was not expecting the movie to be THAT great. First, I’m not
really a fan of Gretchen Barretto’s acting and second, not that I’m
discriminating the New Breed films but hey, these directors are still
“wandering” in their fields trying to find out different techniques to get us,
audiences. But I was still open to finding out. The movie was not that long but
it felt like I was watching it for literally, HOURS. I didn’t even get the plot
of the story. All I understood was Gretchen is like a news anchor or something and
she got “detained” at a mental institution due to severe trauma with this one
incident in her field where together with her camera person slash friend, an
old man shot his grandson on the head. She tried to convince the old man not to
do it but nevertheless, failed. After being detained from this mental
institute, she gets back to work, gets assigned to do like a case study in The
Diplomat Hotel. She met different people and thats where all these “scary”
things happen. Honestly, it didn’t scare me. It lacked something. Something
that would grab or attract the attention of the audience. It was kind of boring
and frustrating. There were scenes where I would get confused on why it was
happening. Why this person was killing this person. Or was this person possessed.
I had a lot of questions running on my mind while the film was ongoing. It was
tad confusing. I don’t know how else to describe it. I didn’t feel the climax
of the whole film. The way the director talked us prior the movie was
different. He said that he wanted to try a different norm, not like the usual.
Yeah, I guess he did. And I hope that he just sticked to the classic way of
doing scary films and instead put a twist on it, making the twist itself
extraordinary instead. Disappointing.
Gertie Bulaong
As part of our Principles of Mass Communication class, we, the
students, were asked to watch an extra film apart from those that we were
required to watch for our Film Appreciation class under the same professor, Sir
Nate. This was to be watched as a group.
I am a self-professed fan of the supernatural. Anything under the
horror category and related to ghosts are my thing. So after watching all three
requirements for FilmApp, my group and I proceeded to watch The Diplomat Hotel.
As I’ve earlier stated, anything scary catches my attention. So among all those
that Sir Nate suggest that we watch, I chose (and asked everyone if they wanted
to watch it too, of course) The Diplomat Hotel. Not wanting to be a spoiler,
I’ll just say how I felt about the movie in a word: DISAPPOINTED. I love to
think while watching movies, but I got confused with this one. It was presented
in a disorderly manner, and I just got tired of thinking through the movie that
I just decided to watch it for the sake of knowing what happens in the end.
The Diplomat Hotel is the last Cinemalaya film I’ve seen during
the duration of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. But since Cinemalaya
entries are coming out to be shown in mainstream cinemas starting this month
(August) and more are showing next month, I am definitely going out to see them
all. I am glad that Cinemalaya is now going to be available for more people to
see. These films are a great way of awakening the senses of many to the
realities of what is happening in the country and even, the world. I hope that
mainstream and established Filipino directors take their cue from these
up-and-coming directors. Mainstream Filipino films are a bore to me. It is the
reason why I choose watching international and Hollywood-produced films over
local movies. Some, if not most, Filipino films are either rip-offs of
international films, a mix of two Filipino films, or when the director and
producer just get so uncreative that they just decide to do a sequel after a
sequel after a sequel. Tiring, boring and unintelligent.
I hope mainstream television and films learn from independent
cinema that they do not have to be locked in the stereotyped thinking of what
Filipino TV and films should be. I love how independent films touch what are
somewhat called “sensitive” topics and issues. Why can’t mainstream media
produce films on gender issues or abuse in the homes? And why can Cinemalaya
(or independent films in general) successfully do that? Mainstream media is
much too scared of what their superiors will say. How about the audiences? How
about touching people’s lives and awakening them to the truth and realities of
life? Not everything is business. You could be earning income, but in turn, you
saturate people’s minds. Sometimes, you just have to do something for others to
learn and grow.
I haven’t watched Filipino television shows for a long time since
I don’t feel it contributes anything to my growth. I do sit down and try to see
if there is anything worth picking from these Filipino shows and movies, but I
just end up standing up and leaving even before the show or movie reaches half
of its airtime.
Angela Harder
Cinemalaya
2013 was held from July 26 to August 4 in the Cultural Center of the Philippines
and Selected Ayala Malls where in films where categorized into three: the New
Breed, Director’s Showcase and Short Feature.
We
were required to watch three films for our Film Appreciation class and one film
for our Principles of Mass Communication class, and so our group decided to
watch the same film, The Diplomat Hotel by Christopher Ad Castillo in the New
Breed Category. It was surprising to see familiar faces in the film because
they were part of the mainstream media. I’d say that the film was satisfactory
but I honestly did not get the story because the way it was presented was not
that clear. But they were able to showcase the scary part of the film in a way.
Maybe I just expected too much from the film because before Cinemalaya opened
Sir Nate gave us the films where we can choose three films and The Diplomat
Hotel was first on my list. But then I got disappointed with the whole film
because when you hear something about The Diplomat Hotel it means there is a
story to it of what really happened to that place in Baguio, but I guess that
is the thrill of it because it is an independent film. And maybe most of the
people thought of the same thing as have getting the story behind The Diplomat
Hotel, but no because it was something more.
The
whole Cinemalaya experience was indeed a great one since most of us are first
timers. We somehow got lucky with the schedule of the films that are beautiful to
watch, and we were able to get tickets immediately. Through our Cinemalaya
experience we were exposed to the different Filipino experiences and situations
that we are facing. In the films that we watched we can say that it has a story
behind it where you can see situations that are happening in real life where in
you will learn from it.
The
word itself Cinemalaya speaks of its meaning “CINE-MALAYA”, “MALAYA” as in
independent where in you get the deeper meaning of such stories from real life,
experiencing the experiences of people from day to day. It is very different
from what we usually have the mainstream films, television series because we
already expect the next move or the next story. It is like a broken disc that
keeps on playing the same story. The thrill, the action, the weight of the
story is not there anymore. It is like a plain cake with no icing on it.
Unlike
independent films, there is a thrill and the feeling or question of “is that
it?” at the end of the film and I guess that is what makes it more and
interesting and viewers would demand to watch more of the films because they
are being challenged to think outside the box.
Independent
films are something to be proud of by us Filipinos because Filipino film makers
are able to showcase their talents since they have fresh ideas and the truth
about Filipino experiences is to show the reality of life. Through their films
they are able to express the things they want to show to the viewers.
We
consider that the money and time we spent in the celebration of Cinemalaya 2013
is truly worth it because we were able to gain so much learning and an
unforgettable experience.
Tiny Wagas
The
Value of Cinemalaya in general that we can learn new things to them that it
awakens us to reality that this is what happen base on the documentary films
they show or not only in documentary films as well. Our independent films are
also known in other parts of the world and it is also nominated and can win in
international film festivals and because of that Filipino's are known that we
are good in directing films and can compete with them. That our filipino
directors has a world class talent also. Cinemalaya gives oppurtunity to
produce a film to the fresh directors to express their selves and new stories
they wanted to share in many people through the use of film and gives us many
idea with their concepts. Cinemalaya let us know those unknown stories that we
think it didn’t exist in real life or it really happens.
The
things that the Mainstream can be learn from independent cinema is that, First
independent cinema is more on realistic type when they show films while in
mainstream it gives you a fairy tale like stories. Which is good also because
everybody enjoys it but independent cinema is more good base on how actors and
actress deliver their punchline with each other its like you want to take note
of everything because it is good to hear at and it teaches also a lesson and
realization as well. Some of the actors in mainstream are over acting not all
though but most of the time they are like that and the stories are the same and
can always be seen that there's always needed to sacrifice in the character at
the ending part of it while in the independent cinema its always open ending
that their mass audiences should think what would happen next that its not
spoon feeding stories which is good at times that its shouldn't be detailed at
the end part so that it will be exciting and at times it will torture your
minds in thinking what happened. The Mise en Scene of the indpendent films are
more beautiful than the mainstreams Mise en Scene not all but when you try to
go back in their Mise en Scene and reflect it you will realize that it is more
nice than mainsteam Mise en Scene. Therefore all the films I've watched I
really enjoyed it and looking forward to watch again to the next cinemalaya
film festival, All the films that I've watch gave me realizations and can also
apply in the real life. It is helpful for me as a scholastican that we should
be more open minded and that we should set aside ourselves for too much
mainstream and try to be more realistic as much as possible we could be. We
should always support our own independent film because of its creativity and
its not that easy to make independent films that has low budgets but all in all
it is good and i really enjoyed watching it.
Chen Cobarrubias
The Diplomat Hotel was our chosen film to watch. At first I
was so psyched and so ready to see the film. Before the film starts, the
director of the film, Sir Christopher Ad Castillo gave a speech and was
confident that we will like his film, one of his creations. He had a nice speech like he told everyone
how the diplomat story started, how the actors lose weight for this film, how
they made this a success. He also pointed out that after watching the film we
can see him and talk to him directly to give him our comments and he pointed us
students how he loves students getting interested in Cinemalaya. After giving
his speech, we were all excited to see the diplomat hotel. I must say, I was
not that impressed. It was pretty predictable and the story line was kind of
boring. But the editing was good though and the camera scenes. It was nice. I
also like to point how Mon Confiado’s acting skills were entertaining. He was
great in this film and well he is one of the independent film versatile actors.
Also, Gretchen Baretto’s partner the man who had a child was also great. His
acting skills are totally natural and he can bring all his co actors to the
spotlight. He can lead the film yet he can also be in supporting role. And I
don’t get it why they chose the trolley with dolls in it to be the piece in the
museum because the dolls were like seconds to spotlight, it doesn’t show any
meaning why the dolls were there, whose dolls was it, why was it left behind.
Unlike the film Sana Dati, they chose
to display in the museum the blue shoes that Lovi Poe wore in the film and it
was meaningful. Also the cell phone that Alex Medina used in Babagwa was also meaningful and right to
be displayed in the museum. But going back to the diplomat hotel, I still don’t
get it why they chose the dolls to be displayed. It doesn’t make sense. Maybe
the camera they used would be much better because the camera caught everything
that happened. That should be placed in the museum. Then there’s Gretchen
Baretto’s acting skills, I was surprised at first when I heard she’s doing the
lead role because this was her first time in independent films. I was also
looking forward how she will act on this. To my surprise I can say she was
good. Not brilliant but good enough. She showed some emotions like the fact
that she was so brave in the first scene then she showed she was getting kindda
crazy, then brave again, then scared and lastly getting crazy again. It was
good start for Gretchen Baretto. This was her first independent film and her
acting skill was not so bad. But the movie itself was disappointing. It was a
plain movie, no typical shocking climax and the actors were good, I guess.
Paula Odevilas
Cinemalaya feature films that are
very true to reality in the lives of Filipinos. It is something that I have
never seen before, its not those typical common stories that I have seen or
heard in the mainstream. Independent films should be a wake up call for media
practitioners to create something- produce stories or broadcast news that is
germane and independent. To produce something that does not follow the traditions
or styles of previous/senior broadcast journalist or directors.
As
an ordinary person and a citizen of this country I have consistently been an
avid aficionada of watching mainstream cinema, television, and news. I cannot
help but to comment that I have been watching repetitive stories over and over again
and this led me to appreciate less mainstream media. Maybe the reason why they
do this is because they thought that this is the way to please Filipinos- to
stick with the traditional and predictable stories. But I hope they had also in
mind that not all of us want to watch repetitive stories and this may be the
cause of more Filipinos appreciating and watching foreign films.
The
value of cinemalaya to Philippine media and cinema is that it would help
Filipinos to realize and know what the true reality of our present situations
is. Media has a big role on influencing and giving information to its viewers,
it communicates with the people, for they are part of the learning process that
a person must go through.
I
remember when I was little, I adored and loved this mexican telenovela titled Marimar. Trust me, I got addicted to
it and from then on my actions were similar to Thalia’s and my mum would always
tell me to dance like Marimar or Rosalinda in front of our guests and relatives.
Anyway, what I mean is that before Korean dramas and love stories came here in
the Philippines, Mexican telenovelas were a big hit. Growing up with the
knowledge I have learned from my teachers, I realized that our country seldom
makes their own original and creative stories, they depend on other country’s
popular shows thinking that it would somehow be a hit in the Philippines- and yes,
they have succeeded but what that does that make of us?
Independent films have brought us new
themes and perspectives not being shown or tackled by mainstream television.
And just like what I've said earlier, this can let us learn more about Filipino
culture, places, and people. Mainstream television should stop airing typical
repetitive love stories or dramas that are being adored by many especially the
youth. For it really makes me sick to watch such monotonous shows. They should
produce shows that have advocacies like women empowerment, stop child abuse,
stop dirty politics, etc. in way that general audience can understand and
relate to. As well as values that would make us- concerned and better
citizens. It may not be as soon as I am hoping it to happen, but I do believe
that media practitioners would take and learn this in no time.
In addition, we
were asked to watch an extra film as part of our requirement in Principles of Mass Communication. Honestly, I am not a fan of horror movies. I
was about to watch “Ekstra” then I found out that most of my classmates have
already watched it the day before, and when I went to Cultural Center of the
Philippines (CCP) the cashier told me that the film is already sold out. So, we
chose “The Diplomat Hotel” instead because we want to watch a film that would be
convenient for our schedule.
At the beginning
of the film just like what my group mates have mentioned, the director gave an
opening remark, well, he kind of gave us a hint of how the movie goes as well as
telling us that we would surely love the film afterwards. So the movie began,
and I must say that at the very beginning of it I think I was the only one
shouting in the theater. I am so embarrassed because I am know getting stares, but just like what I’ve said earlier, I am not a fan of horror movies but I do
watch them. The movie ended and I was just hugging my classmate and
closing my eyes because I really got afraid. I know most critics did not like
the film because it was not something new and fresh just like what the director
have said, but I really got scared especially when the make-up artist got locked
up in a room and she was taking photos of each corner then after she flashed
the button, people who died in the hotel were in front of her. And I regretted
the fact that I looked because until know, I couldn’t get it off my mind. But the it left me hanging with my mouth open. And my reaction was
like, “That’s it?”
In the foyer of
CCP, my classmates and I saw the director of the film and I suggested that we
should say hi and congratulate him (for even though we so-so liked the film, we
wanted to congratulate him still). While we were talking to him and his
producer, I couldn’t stop staring at his eyes- it was very gray and was
similar to a vampire’s only grey. Anyway, I am proud of myself because if I did
not suggested to go and talk to him I could have not understood why the film
was like that. Overall, I could say that it was a film not so beautiful but it gave
its viewers a lesson: never let your emotions control you.
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