Throwback 2: A Serious Hobby - Should Have "Been Careful With My Heart"

It was New Year's eve (December 31, 2011)  when a friend of my nephew Kim asked the most relevant question in my life today - "So now, you are serious with video making?".  Since the occasion was festive - fireworks,  great food and tasting the first commercial Youtube upload (Boom Na Boom Night Market Special video which was vaguely listed by me in the events category rather than entertainment),  I confidently replied "YES!".

At this point in time, I still do not regret that answer and ,maybe, I WILL NEVER , EVER!  However, there should have been a follow-up query "How serious would you be?".  Well, I hope the following would show the intensity of my passion for the accidental hobby of mine.

The Year 2012 coincided with the Chinese Year of the Dragon.  I recorded two events - the Fireworks Display at Quirino Grandstand in Manila and the Dragon and Lion Dance Exhibition at Cash and Carry Mall. For some, they will just connect these events and upload the resulting video.  For me, something was lacking and I wanted to highlight that it was a Dragon Year. There was already a dragon dance and a dragon fruit photo was easy to obtain.  Also, I did not want to animate the video too much by using Goku who was a popular character of the Japanese manga series Dragon Ball Z.  I was into Dim Sum  and not into Sushi for this video so I just adapted the "Dragon-Ball" linked words for a familiar sound and to mean celebration.

A dragon fruit or dance will not suffice to have an impressive video start.  So I thought of things associated with Dragon and ,at that time, I frequented at least once monthly Manila's bay walk area since my Mother goes  to a hospital (Ospital ng Maynila) fronting Manila bay for her diabetic consultation.  In that area for so many years, I witness dragon boat practices and events.  The idea was already settled that dragon boat paddlers will be featured like that of the popular series Hawaii Five-O at the start and will cheer in unison "Happy New Year" in Chinese at the end.  Next, my biggest problem was which group should I approach to appear in my video since I do not know any paddler.

Enter the Dragon-Ball 2012 was meant to be done due to the generous sportspeople that I have met last year.  As a reserved person, I do not approach anybody with ease and so much so to ask them for favor. To psyche myself, I would just say "for the love of Youtube, I will do this".  One weekend, I saw the Manila Wave Paddlers practice and luckily asked their team officers Ms. Nancy Avelino and Ms. Angel Miranda  if their team can make a short appearance on my video (with the team greeting the viewers Happy New Year in Chinese and paddling their boat in action). They agreed without hesitation and informed me about their practice schedule since their routine that Saturday was over.

The paddlers' practice starts quite early as in before dawn. They are already in the water when sunlight begins to cover the horizon. Well, I just sacrificed a day or two to wake up early.  Since I was using a mobile phone camera, I had to be on the takeoff board/paddlers launch pad which was floating in the water and had to take the shot with the boat departing towards  the bay waters.  I wish I had the palmcorder before. The needed shots were taken but ,unfortunately, the video was already late for the occasion. The 2012 Chinese New Year euphoria has already died down.  Thinking about the generosity of the paddlers, I did not even think to shelve the resulting video.  Again, I just wish the Manila Wave Paddlers and their individual members the best in all their endeavors. Maraming Salamat Po!

When making a video, I also have to deal with the recording location and position available to me.  Aliwan Fiesta 2012 Pasakalye had a big video wall, However, Aliwan Fiesta 2013 Pasakalye "Idol Eyeball" had a smaller video wall.  During the performance of the duo JaMich, I have to stand on a steel bar beside the stage of the central events camera since it was forbidden to be onstage with the cameraman. The whole camera stage might collapse if all mobile video recorders will be allowed to be in that same area. After 10 minutes, I decided to go down and find a way near the performance/main stage,  In this situation, a palmcorder will not be advisable to use with a crowded audience (highly dense audience distribution). The monitor might be broken by a sudden crowd movement.

This recording position/location difficulty was also encountered in The Little Singers of Monaco video where it was very risky to shoot from the Greenbelt Makati The Gallery balcony which is above the performing artists.  A couple of times, I had to tighten my hold on the mobile phone so that it will not be dropped and may possibly hit a cute little choir boy from Monaco.  I was also very conscious when recording this video since my recording activity might have a curious and irritating effect on some balcony audience.

Aside from the recording difficulties, I challenged myself by recording an event which I have never attended to in my life or I did not have the patience to watch on TV (my apologies LifeStyle channels).  Again, Glorietta provided me the unique experience to create a video for such a show - Style Origin 2013 "Gala". It was quite different when you watch well dressed men and women acting/performing on screen (films and TV) from walking the runway.  I should have taken a very strong cup of coffee when I made the video since I had lapses when recording the first celebrity walker - Janella Salvador.  I always got off guard every time she entered since I was not familiar with the whole fashion walk routine and cues. Although, I got to learn after her walk.  To Ms. Salvador's admirers, my apologies for the lapse in my recording reflexes.

The above video is the Final Walk Medley version of Style Origin 2013 "Gala" since the original version was not playable in the USA due to the song completely used by the show's organizers during the final runway walk.  I had to create a medley of  "vogue" songs to replace and overwrite the copyrighted song..  I was quite serious this time to provide for an audience who spend their time to watch my videos.  As any creator should be, I am much grateful to the viewers who define our existence in the Youtube community.

At this very moment, I have just recorded my second Shangri-la Plaza video and my third video with ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra (first was Kindred Voices with Ms. Lea Salonga and British quartet Blake, and the second was with Piano Charmer/Virtuoso Ms. Cecil Licad).  Now, I realize that I need to draw the line/to set the limit of my "seriousness" in making videos. Being extremely serious in making Some Enchanted Evening video has drained me emotionally and ultimately made me unhappy after the upload due to some turn of events.  I did not expect this to happen to a non-performing artist like me but it did.  Maybe I can explain how this emotional crisis happened.

For me, video creation is a visual art form.  Though initially I created videos for fun, my interest led me to develop a serious attitude toward the video creation process.  IMMERSION is the word that describes my video creation attitude.  Prior to this video, I am quite aware not to totally immerse myself in the creation process - set up a certain distance and remain objective in the video's development. There are leading circumstances why I totally focused and immersed myself for this video.

Two weeks prior to this video, I recorded my first Shangri-la Plaza mall video which was the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra PPO @ The Shang's Orchestra Series.  The video was posted in the official fan page of the mall and I got invited to watch the upcoming concert of ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. The invite did not specify "to watch only" and so I assumed that I can also record. Although they both belong to the "Orchestra" category, I have two (2) Youtube channels which can separately accommodate them to avoid comparison.  

PPO video was a straight forward concert type.  Orchestra size was skeletal for the PPO @ The Shang since I nearly recorded a PPO video during Cultural Center of the Philippines' Open House festival (Pasinaya 2013) last February but did not pursue the recording since my mobile camera cannot clearly capture (in a single frame) the whole orchestra due to its size.  The PPO video was very technical and camera movements were CONTROLLED and tempered even.  The video was quite appropriate for the Konsyerto Pinoy channel.

Since my option was to place ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra (ABSPO)'s  video on the Jake Lanuza Channel, the video style and presentation must be quite different from the PPO.  At the time the ABSPO concert began, I did not have any idea how to create a video with an entirely different style from the previous Shang orchestra video.  I was at a level above the orchestra then and noticed the difference in the performance area.  The area included the audience area during PPO's stint and could fit a full-size orchestra. The resulting front and back audience area which are the actual hallways will not allow my camera to capture the full orchestra in a frame if I record at the same level.  If I remain in the floor level I'm in, only Maestro Gerard will be seen .  

To capture the full orchestra, combination of shots must be done to show the "wholeness" of the orchestra. For ABSPO, the arrangement was very distinct - the string instruments side and the wind instruments side.  I do not have any knowledge of such orchestral arrangements. But if the instruments grouping was made similar to the PPO (with string instruments on the first couple of rows and the wind instruments on the succeeding rows) with this new performance area, it will be visually unattractive and maybe impossible to focus and/or highlight the instruments played. With a very narrow front audience/viewer area, showing the "wholeness" of the orchestra can be made by focusing on the string side, then the wind side and culminating with a shot of the conductor or Maestro with some orchestra members.

So I must come down and be at the same level with the ABSPO.  Again, I am being pulled outside  my comfort zone.  Damn, I am being exposed again!  I don't want people to notice my recording activity but eventually I accepted the fact that if I want better shots then I must record in front of the orchestra and walk within the area.  When should I do the movements and how?  I don't think anybody can give a clear technical reply to such query.  So I stopped using my head, instead I went with my emotion - GO WITH THE FLOW!! (Internalize the music.)

The choice of music was congruent with my system that night. When I heard the initial notes of the signature Bond theme, I rushed down to the orchestra's floor level.  The music gave rise to a "search/query" feeling and so I pointed the camera downwards to avoid directly recording people's faces and demonstrate the camera's searching action.  By now, I adopted an attitude - camera must move similar to what emotion the song ignites in me. By the time the Star Wars and Superman medley was performed, I did feel some sort of adventure and flight - literally my camera was flying over the entire orchestra.  I forgot that I was on earth at that time. It was like carrying the entire scene on air.

After the concert ended, I reviewed the footage and the emotions which I felt when each song/medley was played. I was also reminded that the orchestra represents ABS-CBN , a major TV network with acclaimed drama and telenovela series. Thus, I asked "was there a story in/during/about the concert?".  A story would help in prolonging the viewer's video engagement which means that viewers are enticed to finish the video. Next was to check out if there was a story which can be developed from the emotions that I felt during the concert.  The answer was a resounding YES!

By now, I was totally focused on the development of a story instead of connecting the recorded footage. The video shows a narrative and the music serves to highlight the narrative.  I admit that I lost the right perspective - I was suppose to be an events recorder not a story writer. With my obsession to come up with a different video for ABSPO, I forgot that I only need to show what happened and not to create something which was not there.  Well, I was still carrying the emotions which got me during the concert so I proceeded with the storytelling.

The story is about an orchestra conductor understudy/trainee (Maestro-in-the making) who was searching for romance. With the help of a "superfriend" Kal-El, the trainee was referred to Maestro Gerard who represents the "life" teacher of the understudy. After learning from his teacher, the understudy found his romance.

The inclusion of Star Wars, Kal-El and Gangnam Style in the story may not be necessary at first glance. Do not worry that I will use the shallow reason that the associated musical pieces were used even if it is a valid one.  When we are looking for someone, we just don't buy a magazine with a lovely cover girl or a dashing cover boy.  Some of us involve ourselves in various activities.  For some people, they travel to find someone or join several organizations to hunt down their prince/princess charming.  If it is possible to search the whole world or the universe to find our soul mate, some of us would do it.

In  our search for romance, we sometime request our friends to help us and ,for the religious, we even implore the aid of God (familiar with the line - Lord, please give me a lover!). Kal-El would become insignificant next to God.

Finally, why Gwiyomi and Gangnam?  When we search for our Mr./Ms. Right, we always put our best foot forward.  We even resort to cosmetic enhancements and surgery to improve our looks.  In similar terms, we have to be "lavishly cute" to attract a lifetime partner.

The bottom line is the story emphasizes that in order to find a long and lasting relationship, we must learn to "listen with the heart" or to focus totally on the other individual. The story might be quite simple without the twists and turns of a melodramatic one.  However, the symbolism used is deep (exaggerated for the unconvinced).

The video was then uploaded and I was expecting copyright claims to be made.  It will never be a problem for me to acknowledge a valid copyright claim.  What made me real unhappy was the form of censorship the original video version encountered.  If Youtube only has a list of songs which can be performed live but cannot be uploaded, I will abide by the list and will not consider the songs in the list.  It just so happened that I do not have a list and I really, really like the musical themes.  I think I am justified to be unhappy with the turn of events when the audio of my video was muted.  In the end, I respect the owners' decision to claim the song(s) but I am still hopeful that the owners would reconsider.

What I am feeling right now is my own doing so next time I have to check my involvement(passion) in the video creation process.  Like the title of a very popular ABS-CBN drama series,  I must "Be Careful With My Heart" next time for a hobby should not hurt me. IT SHOULD ALWAYS BE FUN!!!

Not only a musical Just For You!

Gary Valenciano Just For You @ Glorietta Mall (featuring A.K.A. JAM)

As a standard procedure, I watch my video immediately after Youtube displays the upload complete message. To improve the video, I watch the original version uploaded  and the sanitized version courtesy of Youtube editor.  Then, I decide which to publish.  Almost always after my "Makati Fire - May 30, 2012" video, I publish the stabilized (minimized shaky scenes) version of my videos.

After publishing the final version, I watch the video to increase the view count and ,more importantly, to get impressions and insights.  (Note: I watch the video COMPLETELY!!  I do not just click and close then click again to increase the view count.)  My intention is to ask myself "In this published version, can I leave the video and allow the public to watch it without grave regrets?".  Of course, I have lowered my standard as far as image quality due to my recording medium.

Like any creator, I get to feel that a video could be great, so-so, or even disappointing. I do not use a fixed criteria to rate my video.  Instead, I based my self-rating on the following: 1) technical review which includes image quality, scene shots/angles, timing, lighting, audio and video consistency 2) content review which covers included footage, footage sequence/story line, original or derived material (concept, images, concert scripts) and 3)gut-feel review which is too subjective to describe - an example could be the video impact. Whatever my self-rating of a video, I try my best to treat all my videos like my offspring which should be given equitable attention and importance.

Lately, I have been recording entertainment concerts due to my emphasis on my second channel Konsyerto Pinoy.  I got excited due to my new recording medium but after a couple of videos I got bored. Then again, video-op from Glorietta came  and I was very satisfied with the Mark Bautista's The Sound Of Love video. However, I was still looking for "something more". Then, Glorietta FB posted a Gary V. album concert for the Ayala Center Estate Association.

As a creative person, I admire Gary V. since he is a total performer.  Well, Mr. Pure Energy (Gary V's "official" iconic title) is an active musical icon and to record his concert is an honor for the Konsyerto Pinoy channel and myself.  So I went to Glorietta and asked the concierge ladies for the reserved seat requirements.  I made the necessary purchase which included maintenance medicines for my Mother's diabetes and glaucoma, and secured a reserved seat ticket.  Prior to the concert, being challenged was the only emotion I felt.

During the concert, I was surprised when the voice-over emcee announced the opening act - A.K.A. JAM. I was not familiar with this group since I only watch the news lately (within the last couple of years after the final airing of Charmed and Ghost Whisperer on free TV).  Anyway, I did not hurriedly prepare my recorder but heard a familiar song "Got To Be Real".  It was a disco song alright and belonged to the group of disco songs which I dig. Since there are disco songs which I find tawdry (my apologies for the description),  it was very interesting that a young group would perform a classy "though not a huge/monstrous hit" song.  This choice was a head start  to focus my attention on the group.

My attention was completely stolen when the group finished a couple of lines from the song.  I did regret not having my recorder ready.  From that point, I recorded the performance until the song's end.  When I recorded the second song "This is my Life", a latecomer blocked my view of the group.  Still I finished recording the second song.  Afterwards, Gary V's concert started.

When I reviewed the footage after the concert, I was disgusted that I was not able to record a complete solo A.K.A. JAM song.  I could not separately upload their duets with Gary V. since these duets form part of the concert highlights.   I badly wanted to feature the group since they woke up my system that night. I just wanted to prove to the world that they are quite GOOD. How? By showing their versatility. Luck is on my side since I partially recorded each of the two contrasting songs.

After the opening act, I was ready for a bigger challenge - to make a decent recording of Gary V.  As usual there are audio nuisance problems since I was recording with a jam packed crowd. To make things worse, a lot in the audience were now carrying tablets and bigger recording devices.  It was a nightmare at the start of Gary V's second song "Di Bale Na Lang" when tablets were raised to the heavens. On my part, I need a drastic solution which is to stand-up and record.  By the end of the song, I have to ask the permission of the ushers to stand up  and record in their area. Good thing that they are not conservative teachers from the old school.

In my life, I have watched a lot of live concerts, recitals, performances and musicals (films, TV shows and TV specials).  You expect the artist(s) to sing, dance and perform well.  Sometimes we do not even bother to know the nature, theme and purpose of the musical event.  As long as we like what we hear and what we see, then the event is good.  At the minimum, that is what the audience should be given.    However, there are artist(s) who unintentionally or intentionally give us more.  When the artist starts talking and shares a little of his/her life experiences, he/she is indirectly imparting values in our system.  When they emphasize positive value(s), they become generous by becoming "teachers" in life.

The essence and heart of Mr. Gary V's concert and ,probably the most touching highlight, was when he recounted how his Just For You album came into being.  There was no melodramatic angle in the story. The album's story is a product of love.  It is an event where partners can replicate in different forms - a simple act of thoughtfulness and giving.  (Not even an expensive gift but a very special one!)  Good thing the audience did not make much noise when Gary V. was telling the story. In a concert, this is the "something more" I was looking for.

The "something more" did not stop from Gary V's story of the album's being. During the concert, I noticed Mr. Pure Energy's conscious effort to go to the audience area. Well, the fans and admirers were ,of course, delighted.  As a video maker, I avoid taking direct shots at the audience.  For this video, the enthusiastic audience contributed something very valuable to the video - their smile when Gary V poses with them.  One can see genuine/authentic happiness in those photo-ops with Gary V.  Such smiles uplift a video viewer's spirit.  I was a bit surprised of the video outcome even with the intro song used - Overjoyed.

As expected, Gary V's duet with A.K.A. JAM was an enjoyable moment. The finale which was a medley of current hits shows that music can bridge generations.  Like Mr. Gary V., I can still appreciate today's music - rap, hip hop, alternative, electronic house, experimental, fusion, etc.  As bearers of the previous torch, we can show the NOW generation our openness to new ideas and style within responsible limits. Old and New styles complement each other.  The best songs composed are those which touch people's hearts regardless of age. And as far as Gary V's video is concerned, it might just be another musical but ,in my eyes, it gave me insights about Joy and Happiness.

                                                                                                                                                     

Throwback 1: The Turning Point Video

Currently, I record my videos using a palmcorder which was given to me by a supportive relative Kuya Ardy. Thanks to my niece Jean Carl JC for bringing the equipment from Maryland to Makati City. Probably, Kuya Ardy got tired of the image quality of my earlier videos. LOL. However, these videos established my video making interest.  

Without batting an eye, I can say that the lowly pre-android mobile camera which I used to record over a hundred Youtube videos has served its purpose better than any smart mobile and SLR camera.  Just to appease the high-end users, I will agree that image quality is far from the state-of-the-art equipment. However, in the final run, the creator drives the quality of the video not the gadget.  Otherwise, I will just look for an R2D2 and hand him an SLR to shoot any event.

Anyway, the most important thing for me is to please my viewers and I am aware of the limitation of my first video recorder - a Nokia N70 mobile phone camera.  I wanted my viewers to see clearly what they want to see.  There are times when I cannot be very close to the performer or the lighting is too much and the shots suffer. Well, Kuya Ardy spared me from looking for an alternative gadget and ,most importantly, budget. He sent me the palmcorder last July 2013.

It was the third week of July 2013 and I was looking for an appropriate event to use my equipment. An NPDC (National Parks Development Committee) Philippines weekend video was my plan. The NPDC weekend video should have been "Paco Park Presents - Friday, Labs Kita Sabado - Saturday, Concert at the Park - Sunday". (For your info, NPDC administers historical Philippine Parks such as Rizal Park and Paco Park.)

I am looking for continuity and consistency (or harmony)  in the planned video. Since I could not find such item, I decided to use it for July 20, 2013 - Labs Kita Sabado.  The featured performers belong to a group called The Turning Point Dancers.  What a coincidence since the video I shot was a "turning point" of sorts. It was a turning point for my video making activity - from mobile video recording to a video camera recording.  The video is my first "Labs Kita Sabado" feature in the midst of my numerous "artful" Paco Park Presents videos. Also, it was a homecoming for me to Rizal Park where I shot my first musical video - the park's Dancing Fountain.

The Turning Point Dancers are also members of the Sanglahi Dance Troupe of Villamor High School.  They remind me of my first "commercial" dance video "Boom na Boom Night Market Special". I get inspired if I see young people immerse themselves in worthwhile activities - singing, dancing, arts, music, sports, cooking, etc. aside from studying.

This turning point video starts with the dancing fountain (as in my first musical) with "Taralets" by Imago which is one of the alternative/rock/pop band I like.  The Labs Kita Sabado is a show which happens right next to the dancing fountain of Rizal Park.  Also, I used the song "Sabado" which was sung by an admired singer Ms. Celeste Legaspi. The "Sabado" song was a "naughty?" theme song of infidels but the intention was to highlight the day "Saturday".  From the fountain to the Labs Kita Sabado introduction, I used the mobile phone camera.  The rest of the video with the turning point dancers was recorded via the palmcorder.

Although I am quite satisfied with the video output of the palmcorder, this will not stop me from improving the technical aspect of my video making activity. In other words, I will have an open mind to any equipment which will best satisfy the requirements of the different video making situations which I will encounter. Moreover, this does not mean my cherished N70 will retire.

Creative Playground and the Integrity Initiative

Integrity Nation Now Concert @ Glorietta Mall Makati 2013

Glorietta Mall has always been a big part of my life. It was not known as Glorietta when I made my first visit to the place. If I remember right, it was called before as Makati Commercial Center with Rizal Theater as a landmark. Later, it was known as QUAD and became Glorietta which formed part of the now Ayala Center.

I grew up in the non-exclusive area near Ayala Center called Barangay La Paz.  After 10 years, we moved to Manila but my close relatives remained in the area until I decided to return to unite my Mother who is already 86 years of age with my Sister who is residing with my cousins.

Even we transferred to Manila, I spend weekends and vacations at Pasong Tirad where I grew up.We go to Glorietta to watch movies and to spend fun time.  When I was working at the Ayala business district, I go to the place to unwind.  This explains the reason why most of my videos are recorded in Glorietta. This is my "sweet payback" to the place which I seek refuge to make me feel better.  This is the reason why I address the mall as "our creative playground".  Until now, this mall has been my refuge.  I feel blessed and happy when I am recording an event or creating a video.  Glorietta and the malls have given me this video making-opportunity.

 

This latest video was shot at the New Activity Center of Glorietta Mall last September 5, 2013. It was a 4-hour event in which half of the time was spent in audio equipment preparation and testing. Just have to commend the audio technicians and personnel for their vital role in this concert.  Seven bands performed including Noel Cabangon and Ebe Dancel who are known as individual performers as well.

The performance went on smoothly.  Just overheard from some watchers that the bands did not perform their more popular songs.  For me, I was hoping for 3 songs to be played - Tadhana, Akin Ka Na Lang and Gusto Ko Ng Baboy.  This is a big lesson for me!  As a video maker, DO NOT EXPECT your likes from a concert unless you are also the stage/creative director.  Have an OPEN mind to the performer's repertoire.   Otherwise, your preferred songs will be ringing at the back of your mind and you will loose a fresh perspective on the performance ongoing at your front.  

The concert was primarily aimed at building honesty in our nation.  There are ,of course, political overtones.  I just hoped that the concert was titled "Honesty is the Best Policy" concert since most Filipinos are not familiar with the word "Integrity".  Anyway, what struck me was the concert's approach meaning the concert did not involve finger pointing.  The concert emphasized "Honest Living/Integrity Should Start With The Self". That's right - we should practice it ourselves before we start to preach.  Although the EDSA events in the Philippines are pivotal in our nation's survival, the lessons did not linger because we were focused on looking who to blame.  Probably, it is time to monitor ourselves whether we contribute to our nation's well-being or not.

Aside from the video, the concert forced me to make a design.  I do not draw and sketch but I have lots of images in my mind.  Good thing, there are the various automated tools provided on the net/OS. I hate uploading derived images.  Aside from linking the recorded segments and organizing them to lead to a "climactic" ending, I spent considerable time creating a concert icon and a segment introduction (for the Radioactive Sago Project band)  photo. Here they are:

Blue and red are primary colors of the Philippine flag.The flag has a sun with 8 rays and three stars. I could not use the flag and put the names of the bands that performed in the concert. Why the flag?  The concert was all about building honesty in our nation and the flag represents a nation.  The easiest part of the design was the billing of the performers.  The order was based on the sequence of performance in the concert (reading from left to right of rows one to three).  Since we are talking about Integrity, white was used to display the artists' names.

In the video, all the bands except the Radioactive Sago Project band were introduced by the emcee.  With the available footage, I just assumed that my palmcorder was not able to record RSP's introduction during the concert.  Good thing was that RSP was the band without the intro. Their popular song "Gusto Ko Ng Baboy" was still in my mind and an Integrity issue was the "Pork Barrel Scam".  I also wanted to remind people about the dead crocodile named Lolong.  Those involved in the scam are figurative remnants/descendants of this animal.  Unfortunate for the PIGS and the CROCS to be associated with these notorious creatures, er human beings.

First SM City Manila video: 6Cyclemind Live!

One of the malls I used to go to was SM City Manila. Considering I do not have an SM video, I took the opportunity to do one when I saw the FB posting of SM City Manila. I enjoyed the show and got impressed with the Minders. They spiced up the performance of the band. I also had to come up with a concept of presenting the songs and was very entertained by the DJ. 

I was also lucky that day August 16, 2013 since SM City Manila personnel allowed me to record the video without difficulty and got a seat inside the reserved area. As an uploader, I try "almost" always to  ask for permission from the organizer or to the mall personnel. If there is nobody, I ask the performer themselves. As a follow-up, I post the link on the mall's FB page as a way of informing them that I recorded on their premises.  It is also my way of letting the mall to give me feedback on the video which I made.(I did not do this prior to my FB account which was only created late first quarter of 2013. It was a Glorietta Mall Events Officer Ms. Reese who mentioned about FB to monitor mall events. That was right after the Sarah Geronimo Heart Songs Concert.)

First Shangri-la Plaza Mall video: Shang Orchestra Series features Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra PPO

This was recorded on August 31, 2013.  The concert was a relief considering August 2013 was a hectic month for the Konsyerto Pinoy channel.  A Gary V. video upload was pending during the concert. I was still groggy (lack of sleep) due to the AKA JAM upload and the pending Gary V. video.  PPO was great and the East Wing was so relaxing.  However, I was thinking to spice up the video and the result was to take a footage while walking on both(left and right) sides of the orchestra.  

The event personnel was very accomodating when I asked for permission to record the event.  At first, I was a bit disappointed when I saw the audience size.  Hey! It is PPO performing and you better listen because whatever you will do in the mall is already worth it considering this orchestra will play for you for FREE. At the middle of the concert, I did feel there is hope when I glanced at the seats which were fully occupied.

This concert reflects my being.  PPO members ,I would assume, had classical training and now they are performing motion picture era music.  I took up piano course under a patient teacher Mrs. Felipa Francia at the Philippine Women's University.  I still remember the "haunted house" building which I used to go to. Reports which I heard was that fire razed the building. I just recall that my piano lessons were transferred  to the present PWU main building at the front of the razed building.  As expected, I did not pursue the course because of my musical interest. There were dozen of discussions with my Mother who loves classical music and likes Van Cliburn. In the end, she gave up on me because she can never be convinced by my reasoning that I must love something to finish it.

I do not want to be boxed to a certain type and genre of music.  At that time, I like Bartok on Monday, Chopin on Tuesday, Bacharach on Wednesday, Mozart on Thursday, Jabarra/Summer on Friday, etc. Also, I don't want to be obliged to play the piano. I prefer to watch and to listen.  I love fusion and musical experiments. Like food, you have to take a variety of it and in moderation. Similar to my Konsyerto Pinoy channel, I feature music from different genre.  There is one common thing though - I LIKE WHAT I FEATURE and I BELIEVE IN THESE ARTISTS.   Of course it is my intention to present to people diverse form and genre of entertainment concerts. Indeed, the Philippines is a rich source of fine artists.