Day 16. Workshop

Paulken Bustillo plays Sammy. Paulken is a natural, possessing none of the annoying child-star habits of extreme pa-cuteness and sing-song speaking voice. I used him for Ang Kapatid Kong si Elvis. So it was really about finding who could be Paulken’s father. Several actors read for the part, including some well-trained, reliable ones, but we ended up getting Randy Punzal, a character actor. He was far from our original peg for Felipe, the hustler dad. First, he’s huge. And sweaty. But he’s a natural actor, a good partner for Paulken. He’s unexpected.

Sunday the 16th was our workshop for the two. Their first exercise together blew me away. They acted well together, and the bond was immediate. And, they’re both funny.

Meanwhile: our original DOP Ike Avellana, who was also our DOP for Big Time, couldn’t accommodate our schedule as he’s shooting Jade Castro’s new movie. Though that was sad, I’m happy that Neil Daza has graciously accepted.

Other staff woes: CD, our production designer for Mansyon, got food poisoning from some bad eggs at a shoot. Uh-oh. We’ll see what happens in the next few days. Shoot is on Thursday.

Jesus Year

Birthday weekend! I love birthdays. Even though lately it’s been up and down because it coincides with Cinemalaya announcements. And burnt houses.

This year wasn’t much different as the day before my birthday I was summoned by the higher-ups of Cinemalaya for what I assume was going to be a pasting, as the next day (my birthday again) they are to announce the ten finalists for Cinemalaya ‘08. So I met Manila Christmas season traffic head on and drove for FOUR. HOURS. from Alabang to Horseshoe, where I was the last to arrive. Wasn’t so bad, it turned out; they had some minor issues about the first ten sequences and a bizarre fixation on a major prop that figures prominently in the story. This can be a good or bad thing for my project, depending on how you look at it.

In any case, it was off to Monster’s house for the Arkeo Christmas party, slash-birthday salubong. After your basic rigged raffle, mini-program, and copious amounts of alcohol, the night quickly turned into drunken debauchery and by the time it was midnight, everyone was far gone.

I woke up in bed next morning in my underwear and socks with no memory of how I got home, but strangely enough I had the presence of mind to remove my contacts. Had dinner afterwards with friends in Je Suis Gourmand – mainly for the best thing I’ve ever tasted in my life – pan-seared foie gras. Then drinks at Martini Bar. Despite the tacky glasses, it’s still a good bar. I highly recommend the Manileno – their own version of the Mojito, but with capirinha and ginger.

Presents! Cooking lessons at Heny Sison, a towel, a strange bag, a Swiss knife, a PostSecret book. Had one of those important father-son moments where Dad gave me a watch. Nice. Can’t stop looking at it.

Mario tells me that there’s such a thing called a Jesus Year – your 33rd – where big things are supposed to happen. Here’s to that.