Movies: "Zoom" Crosses Barriers In Realities And Art

From the crazy mind of Pedro Morelli, written for the screen byMatt Hansen, and produced by Niv Fichman, these three creative geniuses collaborated to create the distinct universes of ZOOM. Hansen explains that “originally, the film was similar to INCEPTION in that it started with one reality point and went further into one’s consciousness. This changed when I suggested that we do the film Escher staircase style where we would have different worlds affecting one another. Conceptually, this idea sounded really cool, but we soon realized that realistically the idea was fairly complicated. We then decided cut the film down to three stories, which led us to create ZOOM.”

Emma - The Cartoonist 

Emma works in a factory that makes love dolls. But when she looks in the mirror, Emma tends to compare herself to the dolls and becomes dissatisfied with her own flawed body. And so, she decides to invest her savings in breast implant surgery. The surgery endows Emma with enormous breasts, just like the dolls. But she has a hard time getting used to their presence and begins to feel like a stranger in her own body. Emma questions her decision and ultimately tries to get the implants removed. Unfortunately, she doesn't have enough money left for the surgical reversal.

“The thing about Emma is that a lot of people know a girl like this,” says writer Matt Hansen. “She’s nerdy but not in a pejorative kind of way. She’s caught up in this society of perfect appearances, but unable to see her own inner beauty.” Emma’s inner beauty captivated producer Niv Fichman as well. “Emma is someone who I would love to meet,” says Fichman.“She’s a secret artist, she draws really well. I feel sorry for her because she has this problem where she is not as confident as she looks and wants to be augmented. But this unrealistic image of beauty is something society has imposed on all of us and that is one of the main themes of the film.”

In her free time, Emma likes to draw cartoons and creates a comic book about the life of a filmmaker named Edward.

Edward The Filmmaker

Edward is designed by Emma to be the perfect man. Charming, handsome and sexy, he is a successful action film director. Immersed in a world of fame, fortune and vanity, he craves to be recognized for his artistic sensibility. Edward's problems begin when his penis dramatically shrinks overnight - the result of a derisive practical joke by his creator Emma, who holds his destiny in her hands. This sudden and senseless mutation leaves Edward in despair.

The character of Edward is far too familiar to those in the film industry. “Edward’s a caricature of a variety of directors in movies that both Niv and I have come across over the years, in that he’s a commercial guy who is trying to make something meaningful or arty,” says Hansen. “He’s a parody of that type of filmmaker, the process of making a film as well as having various people influencing the work, for better or worse.”

Edward's latest project is a movie about a successful Brazilian fashion model who strives to be a novelist.

Michelle The Novelist

Michelle is a Brazilian fashion model living in Toronto. She dreams of becoming a novelist despite the discouragement of her manager (and boyfriend) Dale. But when Michelle shows an incomplete manuscript to a respected publisher, he thinks it has great potential and encourages her to complete it. In order to concentrate on finishing the book, Michelle escapes to Brazil so she can focus exclusively on her work.

Michelle’s character was created around the concept that one should not judge a book by its cover. “Michelle is that kind of girl who people think is just beautiful,” says Hansen. “She has all these advantages in life: she goes to the front of the line; she can get what average people can’t and she sees the benefits and disadvantages to that---one of them being that she is not taken seriously as a writer because she’s only seen as beautiful.”

Throughout her story, Michelle is writing a book about Emma, an insecure woman who works in a factory that makes love dolls. 

And this closes the circle between the three realities of ZOOM.

ZOOM hits cinemas on August 3. 

DREAMLAND Arts and Cafe

A few hours before our trip to Canyon Cove I was going through Facebook (as I seem to always be doing) when I saw a post from a friend about their stop at Dreamland Arts and Cafe in Tagaytay.

Our trip also included a few stops in Tagaytay before heading to Canyon Cove so I did a little research and decided to pitch the idea to my group and they were all aboard!

It's a good thing that the cafe is open 24/7 since we left Manila at around 5AM, to arrive a few minutes before 8:00 AM. We were only using Waze to help us navigate to get to the cafe, I honestly thought it was inside some subdivision but it's a good thing that the cafe was just along the main road and with the bright yellow Volkswagen bus, it's not hard to miss.

The cafe is small but comfy and charming with dreamcatchers and a host of varied decorations, trinkets, photos and art scattered across the cafe. The lack of a real motif seems to be what makes the place all the more charming and while there is no obvious pattern it seems to have a free-spirited indie feel to it. Because we came too early, the main meals were not yet available, so we settled into having drinks, some of us choosing coffee or tea. 

Dreamland prides itself as to having not providing Wifi for its patrons, preferring that they interact with each other, instead of staying glued on their phones. Now, for someone like me, who is dependent on social media (I do have some sort of work with the blog and all, you know) I find the idea of a no wifi zone, refreshing every once in a while-believe it or not.

In lieu of wifi, the cafe offers a wide range of other activities, such as reading books, playing board games and even creating art! You can donate art materials to the cafe and if you have some extra colored pencils or crayons lying around the house, I suggest that you bring them along to donate to the cafe, it will surely do good in the hands of aspiring artists :p

We had a good time at the cafe, albeit it was a short one as we had an itinerary to stick to. I would definitely come back here, might bring the whole fam-bam, where the pamangkins can play board games or do some crafting :) I will also surely try the food in their menu :)

Dreamland Cafe also has it's own unique brand, Indie Green Culture @indiegreenculture which creates unique handmade goods and allows you to bring a piece of that indie and hippie vibe back with you. From bags, headpieces, jewelry and dreamcatchers, you will surely find a piece for you!

Just so you won't be confused Dreamland Cafe has a branch both in Tagaytay and Lipa. We haven't been to the Lipa branch yet but might check it out, in case we end up there :p

Click here for MORE photos.  

Art Made Public Opens in SM Center Angono

I don't know if you've noticed it but art seems gaining in popularity recently and Paul and I couldn't be happier. In our hometown of Rizal, Angono has always been known for it's artistry in it's children, such as National Artists ‘Botong’ Francisco and Maestro Lucio San Pedro. This artistry has been passed on to generations and these talents continuously flourish into the national and international art scenes. 

And in celebration of the National Arts Month, SM Center Angono partners with Metrobank Foundation in staging Art Made Public exhibit for the first time in the town of Angono and in Rizal Province.

True to its commitment to launch the careers and provide opportunities for young Filipino artists and designers, the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) launches the 32nd year of the Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE), one of the most prestigious art & design recognition programs in the country. With the theme “Finding Phenoms in Art”, MADE hails Filipino artistry and creativity through its annual recognition programs for the painters, sculptors, interior designers, and architects. 

Now on its 4th year, the “Art MADE Public” of the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. aims to heighten public appreciation for the arts at the same time promote Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) to young Filipino artists and designers to join its recognition programs. Art exhibitions and art lectures has been held nationwide in various cultural institutions, the academe, including commercial establishments like SM Supermalls.

Mallgoers of SM Center Angono can now view thereproduced art pieces by contemporary Filipino artists who are MADE awardees such as Antipolo natives Reynaldo Samson, Antonio Leaño. Also on exhibit are the works of ElmerBorlongan, Melvin Culaba, Lynyrd Paras and a lot more.  

A lecture series about contemporary painting and sculpture were given by past MADE winners – Prof. Thomas Daquioagand Juan Sajid Imao, son of National Artists Abdulmari Imao to Fine Arts students of University of Rizal System Angono Campus under the tutelage of Jose Glenn Blanco, a scion of the brilliant Blanco Family.

The Art Made Public Exhibit runs until February 29, 2016 at SM Center Angono.

Click here for more photos.

Team Anj Photoshoot

Being the new team on the floor or having a significantly small number of members did not hinder Team Anj from bagging the coveted title of Team Of The Month.

It wasn't an easy achievement but they did it, despite challenges, the team worked hard and persevered in the end.

There was this new beautiful mural that was painted near the office which we wanted to use as the background for their shoot. We had challenges with the lighting but made do with using an SB-600  as off-camera-flash. We just had some trouble with the mall guards who were shooing us away. We were happy with the how the photos came out - we just had to work hard to get them and it was all worth it in the end.

Team Anj is a fun and young team who did not let their being new in the process hinder them - they worked hard, were rewarded and it was all worth it in the end.

Congratulations!

Woman, Create: Design the Wonder Woman In You

As the days to Vinyl day were approaching, the wonderful world that is the internet led me to another event that was happening on the same day - Woman, Create.

Woman, Create is a movement that gathers and empowers young women through art, creativity and (fun) discourse in order to ultimately design the wonder woman in them.


I was interested to check out the event, especially the live music that they were having, especially since Reese and Vica will be performing, we absolutely love this two and have been blogging a lot about them but have yet to see them perform live. Since both events (Vinyl Day and Woman, Create) were happening at the same day, yet at the same venue, we decided to drop by and check it out. :)

Okay - so it turns out that it was a long walk to and from the BGC Amphitheater where Vinyl Day was being held and Fully Booked, which is where Woman, Create was happening. Nevertheless we were happy to have stopped by to show our support, not only to local musicians but local artisans as well.

Event Poster. Check out all those art workshops, featured artists and live music! 

Local Artist Mawee Borromeo's booth at Woman, Create 

 I've been following local artist Mawee Borromeo on Instagram @maweeborrs and I really love her art, I was supposed to buy a Khaleesi portrait from her but she in the middle of a live portrait session and I was shy to interrupt :P Maybe next time! :)

There was definitely a lot going on and it was such a shame that we could only swing by for a while. Hopefully we'd have a better schedule when the next Woman, Create event happens. :) 

It's great to know that there is a community that supports creativity and at least now I know where to go when the next writer's block happens :P 

Make sure to like follow their social media sites for more updates! :) 

Finally! Reese and Vica LIVE! 

Click HERE for MORE Photos! 

O'Hara X Torre: An Art Exhibit

Sharla O'Hara with her Oil and Canvass 

Sharla O'Hara and I go way back. We were friends back in Gradeschool and during this time we were all into Anime and drew in the Japanese Anime style. I say "drew" because I no longer draw now and that's probably something that new acquaintances don't know about me. I guess you can say that the writer took over the budding artist, but I guess my mom shot that horse in the face a long time ago.

Although she did let me take art classes back when we could afford it, I guess I'm writing that now so you guys know that my love and appreciation for the arts has deep roots, it's in my family and in my blood and even if I didn't get to pursue it professionally or as a hobby, I took up another form of the arts (so to speak) which is writing- so now I get to write about Art :)

Sharla's Illusion Series. She worked with a 'Disco Ball' Board. 

By the way, Paul also has some art skills tucked away, like me it was the photographer who took over the artist. I guess it's all good coz as they say: "If you chase two rabbits you'll wind up with nothing for dinner". 

It was only recently that Paul and I started to go to galleries and attend exhibits (as you've probably seen in the posts) and we want to make it more of a habit and hope to get to see more art - I guess we're lucky that we have friends and acquaintances who are talented young artists- which brings us back to Sharla - who I've not seen in years! I think the last time we saw each other was in the sixth grade and that seems like ages ago- now she...well she's a lot of things aside from her art she's also a model (wet weeeeew) :p

On the serious side get to know Sharla and her work here are some excerpts from the event page. 

Sharla O'Hara majored in Painting at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts in Diliman. She is a muralist by profession since 2008. 

She has been experimenting with materials used for faux and artistic finishes used in interior design projects or her paintings (among other things). She incorporates some notes of optical illusion or trom loie'l in her art.

Sharla describes her art as: "Glam, grotesque, organic and synthetic, illusion, compulsive and maybe a little dark sometimes..." 

Sharla has been tapped by Beauty Bar to paint on the walls of their new store which is opening in Centrall Mall in BGC - I'm really excited for this-so hopefully our schedule will allow us to drop by :) 

Kat Torre and her oil on Canvas

Sharla shares the on going art exhibit at Handuraw Pizza Sikatuna with Kat Torre who is in herself a jack of all trades when it comes to art. Kat is a scholar at the Philippine High School for the Arts in Mt. Mailing, Los Banos Laguna. She designs her own line of jewelry and watches which is manifested in Ensuenos. Like Sharla, Kat also majored in Painting at the College of Fone Arts in the University of The Philippines in Diliman.

Kat's impressive resume also includes designing and creating props, sets and costumes for stage productions like: "Magnificat", "Padre Pio", "Cory the Musical", "Manila, Vanilla" and "Halo Halloween". 

Kat's Color on White Canvas

She is also included in the Top 3 Finalists of the 2013 Globe Art Competitiom: ImaginART. 

Kat is looking forward to getting back to painting and sculpting. Her works will be mainly paintings of women. 

Aside from the promising art from these young artists the vent was made extra special by (drum roll please) PIZZA and I have mentioned that I am a Pizza kinda girl so - SCORE! 

Handuraw Pizza Sikatuna (where the art is currently displayed) is a nice and cozy place which does not only offer yummy pizza at P300.00-P400.00 per order but it is also a great place for friends to get together to chill and relax (there's a roof deck which is a great place to hang out and have pizza and beer). You can also contemplate on the art on display, there's a hallway once you enter the door where the art is hung and there is more space upstairs for more art! The main floor has space for musicians to entertain as well so patrons can enjoy the music! 

Although sharing the exhibit, Sharla and Kat have distinct styles in their art, as you open the door you will see colorful images on white canvas from Kat Torre the series is followed by Sharla's "illusion art", words and photos really don't do the art any justice so I guess you guys will have to see it for yourselves ;) The exhibit will be up in the next two weeks! 

Pinto Art Gallery

So after our Kampaii SushiBar escapade Paul and I headed to Pinto Art Gallery, another jewel in our hometown of Antipolo, another 10 minute trip from our house. 

Paul has actually been urging me to go to the Gallery with him, I have actually been there years back so I wasn't really jumping on going but since Typhoon Mario foiled our original plans I just went along with Paul's suggestion (we weren't going anywhere with the flood). 

The gallery is inside one of the many villages in Antipolo, there's a small sign outside and enough signs along the way, so you wouldn't get lost. People around the place know where the gallery is so you can easily ask around if ever you do get lost. 

We were surprised when we arrived at the gallery, since there were a lot of parked cars outside, I was actually not expecting that there were going to be a lot of guests. It's either they were probably herded to go here coz of the floods or the Gallery does get a lot of visitors, which is good at least people aren't walking around malls having their money siphoned to consumerism and capitalism. 

The guests were couples like us, some with their smart phones on mono pod sticks for selfies with paintings no doubt and there were also groups of friends who were at the gallery, hanging out by the Cafe- yes, they have a Cafe! More on that later on. 

Pinto Art Gallery is not your typical Gallery, a building or a room with paintings and sculptures, it is on a large property and the artworks are housed in separate buildings, some even having their own structure made specially for them. There's a lot of walking around and climbing up and down stairs so it's best to leave your high heels and skirts at home. Make sure you come in comfortable shoes and clothes. 

Legends and Villains 2: Art Exhibit

Flipgeeks together with Ricco Renzo Gallery invite you to check out LEGENDS AND VILLAINS 2: A touring exhibit which features 34 new works from contemporary Filipino artists which feature paintings inspired from Marvel & DC Superheroes and Supervillains. 

The tour will begin at the Annex of SM City North Edsa from September 13-19 and will continue on to SM Aura Premiere in Taguig from September 20-26. The tour will then move on to SM Mall of Asia from September 27-October 2, next up will be in SM Megamall, where the paintings will be on exhibit from October 4-10. The last stop will be at The Podium from October 11-19. 

This is more than just fan art as the artists featured in the exhibit have added a new depth and breathed in new life as they show their interpretations of their favorite heroes and villains through oil, acrylic or mixed media on canvas surfaces. 

There have been some pop art exhibits that have been going around the Metro but as you know our schedule is too hectic for us to just go anytime at least with this took exhibit we will be able to check it out at our own leisure - can't wait! :) 

Check out some of the art that will be on display!