“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 ESV

         One of the directives that God has put on my heart is the little fact that I wanted to instill change to many of the people I get to encounter with. I grew inside a family where my father is a leader, but not just a leader, but also a leader of leaders, spiritually and secularly. And for a leader to be a leader, an influential personality is of course needed for the environment he is in, funny enough; I did somehow some version of mine. The world of media had really helped me a lot to just go unto this calling, not because, this is my work or at least again, my ministry for the Lord, but it is who I am. This is my world. I’ve been here ever since I was a kid. And, I tell you this, media is not limited to what we see on the television or wherever things that does the news or entertainment, but it is basically the medium of communication. This is media. I am a media.

          “Media has been very deceptive, and thus the society that it engages today perceives such as nothing but news of politics, advertisings and show businesses, revolving around, fame, fortune and success. It then molded this generation to such mediocrity and can’t be easily undone, but then again; it is not too late.

          But how then do we instill change? None of us seems to see what kind of world we really live in, the perceptions of every individual living is in contrary to what that the public opinion shows. Our then only chance of survival is by the change of flow. Still how do we go against this tide? Isn’t it too big to handle? Or at least to which can we push against to? Yes, as humans, our own capacity is limited to this body, to this fragile body, of which is pertained to as of the demeaning value that is coincide in the word, “impossible”. To instill change is absurd, even to dream, it is, again, an impossible idea. But if and then such is impossible, why is then this thought passes by to most of us? Is it because we are too attracted to such lyrical measures? A resounding song? Or is it because the impossible is just a word that blinds us for what is possible? The only difference for the 2 words is “I” and “M”, which is “I am”, -you are, we are. Our first thoughts about change are a wee bit to hard to accept and understand since change within our selves is kind of a hard thing to do. From these simple habitual actions that ought to be removed is so such drag, that seeing ourselves is still NOT changing for the better. But hey, all these things about “change” are nothing but an illusion, or as of this moment, an influence of the world we live in. It’s a catastrophe that we still can’t get out. I for one has this feeling that I want to start change, yet the notion is denied by my very being, I for myself in short, can’t change, I can’t. I just can’t.

          Change is not really impossible if we are to notice that almost everyday, change is taking place, from our aging cells to that of the passing days and rotating planets hovering over the heavens, even the unseen are changing, from the time itself to the space that moves. Do we not notice such? If and then from that moment we see the inevitable sight of such, our tendency is to figure out that a higher being is in control of this change, and all we need is to draw near to Him. But what are we talking about? Is it a global, planetary or physical change, or an internal, emotional and spiritual revival? No. It is not about anything that is to comply with the question itself, but for the cause of just understanding, which may then reciprocate to not think about the question. Let me then introduce you to an instrument, the instrument of change itself. Our own hands can’t just hammer and build a house unless we have the right tools. It is by short known as media, not the stereotypical media, but as for its root origins, the media or in its singular form, the medium, –medium of love. (Sounds cheesy, but mind this, its true, for love is beyond the word change itself!)

This idea can then be understand through 2 simple steps; Step one is to forget about the question (instilling change, as of what I mentioned), and last is, we the DO the change itself, to love. No more, no less. Change for the world is a big thing to aspire for, but if we all can just see the notion of this future transpiring event that we must forget, by then, we DON’T really need to change, because, at the first place, it is like, it does not really exist. Do we get the idea? Erase the idea of change, and just do it. Change is nothing but a word because we are submerged in a sea of envy, pride, lust, etc. But when love is around, all can be clearer, for love is patient, love is kind, (1 Corinthians 13:4-6) Love that defies boundaries, love that is beyond comprehension, Love that need not of change that originated from bitterness. But then again, how do we do it? Simple, go get yourself to talk to the one who knows love –God. (For he then knows what is “love”, for he is love. “…God is love.” 1 John 4:8)”

         The write-up above shows a little track of what is in mind of which a greater purpose of why I have been inside the world of media. Not only because I wanted to use the media as my tool of change, but also it is my passion (passion that shows I will not be weary, passion that shows that I love), as I have said, it is who I am. I’ve been doodling enough artworks since I was a child to show how I really love the art side, (which is a part of this communication.) Back then, most kids would just then be more fund of playing games on their computers, or at least go out and play (though I didn’t mean that I don’t go out and play, I did too all those things!), but as for I, I wanted something different. I not only sketch some random dinosaur, but I also wrote, but not just describe or whatever, I wrote a story. I reached a time when I was in my preteen age that I got to publish (pseudo!) a little newspaper of mine (on which, it contains little comic strips, little fake headlines about anything, and some random how-to stuffs, sports, etc.). I got to spread it around our class, and they love it, even my teacher. It was trend (that other friends tried to make one too) even if it’s just for fun, full of humor and comedy; I started an influence without even realizing it. On my teenaged years, back in high school, I started to play with Microsoft Windows’ Paint software, not only did I draw, but I began to draw on several sheets and try to make it move (flipping). I did play too with some voice recorder, and pretended to be a radio personality, and sometimes, I’d make up radio talk shows, and radio drama show. I also began playing with videos; after all, video recording becomes handier since mobile phones began to have built-in ones too. Oh and lets not forget about too when I was just fiddling with the Windows Movie Maker. (The good ol’ days of my playtime!) My life from then on changed so much (Curiosity bit me). But it wasn’t easy enough to just realize I was on holy ground, I was just so naïve and a wee bit insensitive. Let me tell a story about my life about two years ago. I wrote this to the dean of Faculty of Arts and Letters of UST for me to shift in. 

“April 2011

          Three years ago, before I was about to enter college, the decision of choosing the program/course for myself was easy. It was like getting dress up in the morning for school and choosing what to wear —the school uniform. Very basic and very known to myself, “Engineering” was all I have set, even when I was a little kid (following my Dad’s footsteps). Everything was perfect, so perfect that I was so sure of the program, so sure of the possibility of being accepted to the university. As if I was seeing tomorrow’s news. I was not even thinking of any back-up plan, not even a back-up school if I was to fail the USTet all I did was to wait for University of Santo Tomas (UST)’s Engineering Program to just come and send positive results. But guess what? Like pure luck, I passed (which for now, I see that God has a purpose of getting me to UST). Funny enough, just a year after I have set foot on the university and be a college student, I was disturbed. Disturbed of the fact that after being able to be “so” sure of the choosing the program in the past years, I realized it was a false reality. So why did I said that it was false? False enough that I only thought and chose engineering for the pride, fame and money. In my point of view, engineering is highly respected job. The fact that you bear the name of “Mr. Engineer”, it was like having something so big, so big that for my self’s perception, you are not just a person, but you are some guy, outstanding, not your regular, average human being. Yes. You are an engineer. Am I saying that this is all wrong? All false? No. Not this one. Yes, engineering, for sure, is a good program and for today, it is on demand. What I’m pertaining to say is that, all that I want was the “name” –the pride of an engineer. What I do not understand was the responsibility of the name itself, the responsibility of working hard for something big and high. All I was focus on was the point of destination and have forgotten the burden of the journey itself. But God humbled me down by letting me fail some courses in my two years in engineering and see to it that I would internalize all that had happened.

          I began to take in everything.

          In my third year, I stopped schooling and issued a LOA (leave of absence) because I was not able to enroll this year’s first semester due to some reasons of failing some major subjects, which was not available for the said semester. And so while waiting for the second semester to come and for the benefit that I would not be stagnant and just be a by-stander at home, my Dad tried to find some job for me. Though not just some local job at some fast food restaurant (which was the most common thing for my age), I became an Intern at R.S. Video and Film Productions Studio. A not so big company that lends cameras, shooting assistance, and editors for TV commercials, TV shows and films, in short –a Production House. So what would a kid like me do in a house like that? Of course learn some techniques and stuff. Coincidentally, It was a hobby of mine to do videos, not just some videos, but short films too.

          I think.

          I write.

          I shoot.

          And I edit.

          All of these were just a play for me just like a five-year olds do with their toy cars. It was nothing serious. But as I worked for RSVP, I became more interested on the said stuff.

          I dreamt for it.

          And as the days have passed, I have decided to make these dreams to come true and be reality, and that is by shifting to a suitable course. It was not that long before I have known of this course, I sought for this one on the courses available here on UST (the website, specifically). I read, look and then later found Communication Arts. For the second time around, I saw the perfect course for me, but this time I want to be really sure and certainly not be again wasting time and money. But how could I guarantee it? I have seen now that I am not doing anything for the price of fame and money, but of the pleasure and joy. In Engineering, all I care for was the name and have not seen what it is to be that person but now in Communication Arts, all I see was that when “hobby” is what I will “work” in the near future, I guess, it could not be actually be “working hard”. And also, its not only my own decision, it is also God’s. I prayed for it in the months that have gone and asked for signs, (see the coincidence of my internship at RSVP) and for now, it’s only my faith in Him, which asks of letting me shift in this course.

          Through this course, I will not only satisfy my needs of graduating and finishing school, the pleasure of having to study a course which is also my hobby, and the joy and happiness of obtaining a job in the future that is not entirely “work” for me, but also be an instrument of media to the world of understanding what matters the most –the Gift of the Father above, the Life which he bestowed upon us. And so I am asking the College of Arts and Letters to let me study Communication Arts, not only for myself only, but also to others, that I may understand, learn and share media in any forms for our better tomorrow.”

Well, that letter ended up that I finally reached to where I am today, that I got into what I wanted, and for this up coming year, it is going to be my last year for the said course. Anyway, the point in all these things that I have mentioned, from the media that is so deceptive, to the idea of instilling change, to the backstory of my media background, I just wanted to point out, is that, our passion is our way to an influential leadership. And this leadership is what the Lord wants us to do, to just lead people to him. There is no other way in order for us to win souls, but to know that we, ourselves, is a real disciple of Christ, of which we are CALLED and PASSIONATED for, (to media itself as well!), from then on, our tool as of this, the media, can be an amplification tool of our sphere of influence. I know my story is not yet finish; the Lord is yet to do so much in my life, to your life, to everyone’s life. And it is a sure victory for an influential life if you are in God’s hands, in his plans. I am be a youth leader, a band leader, a media minister, a motion graphic artist, a mentor, a student, and a teacher, or even be a son, a brother, or a friend. I may be all these, or any of these but it wouldn’t all be possible, possibility that instills change, to influence, to lead, if and then I am not grounded with the truth of Jesus Christ.

                                                                  “Called, Passionate, Grounded, Christ-like”

tumblrbot asked: WHERE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO VISIT ON YOUR PLANET?

how about anywhere fun? XD

First off, just a little background, “Tumbok” is a Philippine horror film about a newly wedded couple that has just moved into a new house. And that house is located in a “tumbok”, which is said to be bad because bad spirits live in tumbok’s. Tumbok’s are corners or the middle part of an intersection. 

The poster shows a little detail of the story itself, just a plain normal horror movie. All designs and signs pertain to a suspense and horror scene. First signifier defined in the poster would be the face of the main female character, which was Christine Reyes. Her facial expression shows of a trying-to-run-away-but-in-I-am-in-doubt-and-what-was-that. These signifies all people who are basically afraid, if I were to be afraid of something, of course, I could have already screamed in my head a thousand times and would have runaway very fast, but then again the movie shows not only of fear only but questions of what to fear. And that is what all horror movies shows of today. The facial expression may lead audiences into asking what could she be staring at (something that could be of a mystery). And thus mass audiences who are easily influenced by movies or any media, gives of an idea that there might be certain things that are also to be feared, things that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Another signifier is that of its dark aura/tone. A dark tone is always defined as of something that is evil. Even in the bible times, it is always in contrast of light (darkness is absence of light), which is God. And so evil is darkness. This dark tone results to a more horrifying aura that makes audiences that look into the poster as one that could really knock their socks off (if that person is into horror entertainment). But then again, of course, this results to a definition in the society that without light (could be of sunlight, daylight, light bulbs, etc.) there will always be somewhat an evil. Basically speaking, thoughts in our mind are made, that someone might pop-out of a dark alley or a dark room. Might be ghosts, monsters, demons, etc. In connection to these dark tones are the slight bluish highlights. Of course, black and blue tones are related to that of during the night. Thus, nighttime is always perceived as of the time, that evil comes. Another relation to these dark tones is that of the lightings. Only a partial area of the face of character is light up, not the whole scene. Well, a little common sense, it adds to the dark tone aura. And, lesser visible things show questions of “what is that?” or “what could be that?”

Another signifier is that of the house and the moon location. As an editor, I could easily see the picture’s edited format. The proportion of the house via the moon is somewhat distorted (also the distances), thus this gives me a clue that it is intentionally put up there to add meaning. Of course and that is for such horror auras. Also, the moon is only visible during the night and what we’ve mentioned earlier is that the night is perceived as time of evil, and so the moon setup is enlarged to make people see that it is already night. Yes, it’s kind of simple logic but the simplest things are always the things that make it whole, basically as a whole horror film. The phase of the moon is also important in terms of making the poster more of what it should be –the full moon phase. Simply because there are sayings that during the full moon, evil comes. An example is that of the werewolf story (though the werewolf is not in the movie), but since its evil, it could be. Anyway, lets move to some other part of the house-moon location. Did you notice that the house is darkened a little; one could easily say, “Yes because it’s a night setup.” But to further explain and discuss things, it’s hard to shoot during the night and so a possible theory is that, this photo is shot on daylight and then color graded into that of a darkened and night-look scene. The partly erased scenes are covered by a black color to let not anyone see some hints of daytime. Well, that black areas are really also a part of the script of the poster. It all adds up to the evil look. Another signifier in that photo is that of the trees or branches that is partly covering some of the moonlight. These trees are often perceived as dwellings of the evil. If we try to look at trees at night, most often, we would imagine that there could be someone staring back at us. An example of these evils could be that of the “kapres” or the “white lady at balete drive”. But basically, if we try to look at it, it might not really be that important because they are only branches and not really the whole tree but as we can see, this setups are long fixed in our heads (that a tree or part of a tree should be there) that “these” things are things that is said to be scary, Later when seen in real life, we got to imagine things –scary things. 

The upper part of the poster shows two staring eyes with two red pupils. Eyes are part of the body that is mostly the first things that people look into. For the eyes says it all. The eyes is said to be the window of the soul. Thus in our eyes are the emotions, thoughts, ideas and everything are placed. Creating the very character. With this photo of a man staring to us with its red pupils, we tend to question, “Why is he staring at us?” Resulting to creepiness, and creepiness is needed in horror films. The red pupils also mean something. And yes again, it pertains to evil. Why is it evil? Well, simply because, its red. Why red? I simply thought that red is somewhat interrelated to blood (most often). And blood is supposed to be in our body but when it is out, it gives of a meaning that someone is hurt or worse, killed. And of course killing and hurting someone is definitely evil. 

There is also a grungy texture on the background of the lower part where the credits are. This texture might not be easily noticed but it does add to the theme of the poster. A grungy or messed-up object pertains to disorder. Disorder is negative thing coming from evil. This also is related to the distorted look of the film.

Now lets go to the text part. First off is the font style. The font use in the title was somewhat blood-like. And as we mentioned the color red is that of blood which pertains to evil. And thus, blood is interrelated to evil, killing, etc. Second part is that of the actors’ names in the upper part. Notice that it is kind of a pointy-font? Of course, pointy fonts are often used in such themes in order to add a sense of death. How? Pointy objects in real life are dangerous, as we can see in news; people die because of those things (knives, etc.). Another is its font color. The gray color of the two names shows of a color that is de-saturated and de-saturation means of lesser visibility. Well, the names are well known but since it is de-saturated it gives a meaning lesser importance. On the other hand, the more important name uses a font color (Red) that makes it more saturated but is still connected to the theme. More visibility means more importance. Giving meaning to such visibility/importance is needed in order for the people to see who stars in the movie, thus if the crowd idolizes the star, they would probably be delighted to watch the film. (Sidetrack, Christine Reyes, is one star that is love by the public today)

In conclusion, the poster attracts audiences from the mass crowd who loves horror, blood, gore and stuff. And also, might as well mention it, the actors, esp. Christine Reyes gives the business high percentages of selling. The whole poster design pertains to the possible questions of “what could it be?” and “what was that?” a result of curiosity that may lead to high probability of watching the film. Another business related image created by today’s media and society. Well, it might not be entirely. However, the poster undeniably gives audiences same structure of what to fear today. Kind of dumb and simple, I guess, but then again its business. (Such naïve characters.)

THE BEST ! ! ! !^^