Mona Lisa Smile: Feminism and Gender Ideology Theory

Being a woman takes a lot of responsibilities in life. We are bound to set our own standards with our self. Most of the times, we are stereotype by what the society think about us. By the thing we can or cannot do. Way back then, women has no voice through the public. We are used to being tamed and not speak our minds at all but today it is a whole different thing. The Movie Mona Lisa Smile tells us how women are like before than women in modern times. 

Julia Roberts being their "liberated" art professor influenced their students to think out of the box and not be contented with only the idea of being a "housewives". In the movie it shows that some of these woman have potential on having a career because of their God given talent but still they don't want to use it and they are always used to the fact that woman are bound and destined to do that way. As time goes by the idea of women being in their house is changed because nowadays it is never a question of what gender are you. It is always what you can offer and what skills you have as a person. I'm glad that it changed and many of us women are making their names on the different fields. It maybe on sports, education, jobs ect. History can change by what we can do as an individual. 

The movie Mona Lisa Smile is a perfect example of feminism theory and gender ideology because in the feminism theory woman can go a long way. What men can do, women can. There's no way we can't do what men can.  Gender Ideology is a stereotypical way of labeling what men and women can work on. When it comes to their hobbies, favorites, sports and the job we are to take. Good thing that as time goes by things like these change and we are bound to have a better future because of the thinking we have. Again, It is never a question of what gender you are as long as you have the passion, skills and talent for that thing anything is possible!

Manila Art 2012 at SMX Convention Center

       I must say, I loved it more this year. There are indeed many talented Filipino artists in our country. Their artworks was beyond my imagination. Seeing their masterpiece makes me want to learn their craft. It was very creative of them. I saw various artworks from different artist like paintings, sculptures ect. and all of them amused me in a whole new level. I have appreciate the Manila Art more now that I'm in my Senior year  in college because way back then in our Sophomore year, I didn't get the feeling of being creative in all aspects and yet it was necessary. As time flies now that this is our last year I have broaden my mind not only to what I see but what artworks is all about. I have learned and trained to think beyond what I see and understand the meaning behind every creative masterpiece. 

I went with my lifetime partner, Lea Pico.

YOU-CAUGHT-MY-EYE

"Piyukherts by Lunyrd Paras and Secret Fresh" Seeing their random masterpiece amazes me and really caught my attention. There's also a coresponding video on how they made all these and it was all detailed. It is a symbolism of how a woman is portrayed as being versatile in their craft and the emotional of the doll represent how serious we are to be the best we can be. 

This is because I simply love colorful objects. I just love how the artist combined and played with different colors.  As a woman we are bound bound to have our certain personalities that makes us unique from other people and I think that this represent the woman who have gone through a lot ans still manage to get by and continued having a fruitful, meaningful ans colorful life in their own choice. (Berry Yum Yum by Potti Lesaguis )

This artwork is by Melbourn Aquino and is entitled as the "Current Event".  Personally, I really love vintage and collages. I get so excited whenever I see them. The title itself represents me being a broadcast journalism student. On my part I think that the painting has a lot to say especially on our governments history and as time goes by the story or legacy goes on. 

I admire vintage artworks soo much. I can't express into words how much I love artworks with the vintage touch. It is very special for me in a personal aspect. 

I really can't believe how KIDS did these now a days. I am speechless literally. Hand down to them, they indeed have a great future ahead of them. 

We just love these modernize background behind us. Very good architecture I must say. 

I love how they incorporated social issues, kids and simplicity in their artworks. 

This artwork was by Vincent Lavega, used acrylic on canvass and is titled as "The Flower of Gansha" Year 2012. As a woman it really had caught my eye for some reasons. I love the way He executes the flower in a whole different way incorporating we as a woman who can manage to do any jobs without any gender issues.

"My Date with Drew" : Finally

              My Date With Drew is a light documentary about a simple guy trying to have a date with a superstar. He desperately wants to meet her long time celebrity Hollywood crush Drew Barrymore and for him he will do everything to just to have a date with her. The documentary was very new for me. We're always used on watching heavy type of documentary, but this interest me a lot. It is also a perfect documentary to relate to ideology.
 
             The documentary showed different types of attitudes, behavior,characters and beliefs on the idea of being a perfect guy. The ideology here was that media construct our minds in such ways we already know what we will do for the guy to be good for dating Drew Barrymore. First thing that comes in our minds is that he needs to have a make over. It is really fun and exciting to watch especially when you are anxious on what will happen on the end.

            It was really a very good thing that it had a happy ending and he finally met Drew Barrymore and got a date with her.For me what helped him is not only the connections but also he's fighting spirit to get what he wants. The good thing about this was, he didn't give up on trying and trying until he really got a great opportunity to meet his long time crush. It was good to see that even if he was just a very extra ordinary guy with that big dream. It is never impossible it that would not come true. Also, the highlight here was his make over and the steps he went through the process. I'd love to watch more light documentaries like this. It inspires me to be creative and widen my range through the course of the media industry.

SICK-O! = "Poor Health Care in US."

            It was devastating to see what the America's real health situation really is. I never expected that America being this very "powerful" country actually has a system like what I have saw in the documentary. Now I have understood some under statements from my aunts in the States on what they're talking about. America has this hidden agenda on their health care situation.

     On the other hand, third world country like Cuba surprisingly provides free health care for their citizens unlike a first world country like United States doesn't even have a proper health system in their country which leads me to a idea that it is never really right to under estimate a country's strength. Maybe we all have our strength and weaknesses. One may not work on a certain country but it may work on yours. It is really a irony of life.

     I just hope that United states would change their ways on certain things. Moreover, focus on the betterment of their health care systems because above all things it is important to prioritize their citizen's health care needs. Health is wealth as the famous equitation say. Life of the people is at risk and you can never replace somebody's life when it's actually gone. 

"Control Room" Documentary

             As I’ve watched the documentary Control Room it opened my mind through a lot of possibilities. Possibilities that what had happened to the United States and Iraq might have happened to us in the near future. But then the story doesn’t concentrate there, it’s more than that. It is a question on who’s fair and balanced? Most especially,  when it comes to giving the information through the public. The documentary revolves on how The Al Jazeera delivers the news to the people and their ways on communicating through the whole world. It is all about what are they rooting for and what is their dignity as a news program.  I can describe this documentary in one word and it is “Propaganda”.

          Al Jazeera, the largest Arab news network has took a very big responsibility during the war in Iraq. It also became an issue on how they present their news to the public and a question whether there is a propaganda they want to show behind their footage or images that we see whenever they’re delivering their news about the war in Iraq and United States. As an audience who watched the documentary I felt that Al Jazeera is not bias by on delivering their news because what they show was really happening. Some of the Americans where questioning the news program because of what they want to portray the Americans are doing. There’s this one incident in the documentary wherein some of the shots are most likely to strengthen the issues about them being stereotypical. Some of the incidents were in the headquarters in Quatar, Muslims headgear are undercontrol, always watch when President Bush gives a word to Sadamm Hussein. All these shots will eventually lead to war. On the other hand when the network’s senior producer Samir Khader talks about what’s his plan about the network, their openness as a country suddenly there are stereotypical images that shows the “Arab Streets” begin to fall down. There was this guy whom they interviewed that says “Al Jazeera has its own way on delivering news to people, example of this was they will interview a kid who is really victimized by the bombing of the United States and make them show that it is because of the war that’s going on.” So the result here was the blame is on them why the people are continuing to get mad on the war. Al Ja zeera is also observed that they love to show bloody , brutally killed, dead bodies in their shots and they are called “Osama Bin Laden’s mouthpeace” which is for me a bit unfair for them because I believe that in both ways they are still doing their job correctly.

            In school we are thought that if we give information and especially big news to people it is important that you are balance when it comes to criticizing or analyzing the issue because at some point you may be insensitive for what you’re saying and you might offend people in some ways. It is not new to us that in the field that we are in now we are prown to give comments and to take our sides on an issue but what’s important on this is that you have your own stand on something and when you say or write an article about a certain issue you should be able to defend it and you should be able to stand up for it whether it will be controversial or not. Misinformation can cause you a lot of trouble and that’s one of the biggest lessons that I’ve learn on watching the documentary “Control Room”. I give credits to the reporters who are in Al Ja Zeera and also on their Senior Producer who really stand up for their news program and defended it all throughout. I also salute the director of this documentary that finally opened our minds to the war between Iraq and United states and as a future media practioner    this will help me more about my ethics. Being journalist who’s trustworthy, passionate and dedicated to her work no matter what happens. 

The TV Set by Jake Kasdan

The film TV set is an example on how to produce, cast, write and finally air a new show. Being in front or at the back of the camera is not an easy thing to do.  This is the reality of every show that’s being produced and being shown in every television. It showcases how detailed and hard work it is from the producer down to the staffs. The film has shown the advantage and disadvantages of being a part of a show.

          In the first part they made us see how detailed it is to pick a talent and sometimes it is hard for the director to choose the final characters that will definitely fit for the role. Also, it may have had a lot of arguments because not all of the team agrees on what everyone wants. There will always be a conflict with it. When it comes to story pitching, the dilemma also takes place. What I’ve seen in the movie is that the producer and the president want to have a different say about the story flow. The producer would want the brother to be in prison while the president wants the brother to commit suicide. I’ve relate it to our personal experiences when it comes to productions and shoot that everyone would want to have their say in the story and ending up following a certain person for the final story. Making a story and having new ideas is definitely a big challenge to take. On the other hand, the advantage of being involved in these kinds of production is the experience itself. In a day you will learn a lot from the people, talent, staffs and everyone behind you. You’ll sure grow as a different person when you’re out of the game. The ones you meet are your treasures. It pays big but you also have to make sacrifices for yourself and for your family.  The disadvantage of this and also the saddest part that I’ve watched is when the director doesn’t have time anymore for the family and there’s this one scene in the movie that the wife and his son we’re heading back to London and all he can do is nothing. He can’t leave the production just by that. It is a priority and a serious job to take. He can’t even fix his family over his job. For me, that’s the one big thing that I’m afraid about and I wouldn’t want that to happen in real life.  At the end of it, I have to give credits for the producer that he made it through the hardships and still continued his job till the launching of their show. The next thing now is the actors. They should always be in good terms no matter what happens in front of the camera not like what happened in the film they are being awkward with each other with the every scene they take that’s why they have different approaches on the same situation which is really not good at all in the eyes of the director and everyone. I think because of that it started a doubt between the heads of the productions over the actor if what they’ve been performing would love the audience. Through that what they did was they had a pre showing of the program that’s composed of different people from different walks of life it ended up that most of the men loved the show because of the lead female star. Lastly, I observed that they also are making survey and I think above all it is also very important to see what’s the opinion in every persons perspective. The title is the main attraction of the show.

          I learned so many things about productions and actually producing a show by watching these films. I have grown and opened my mind from the many possibilities that there may be in the future. Also , I came to realized that I might be one of the people working in the field in the near future so I think that I have to prepare myself this. It is really a good and very exciting film to watch especially when you’re in that field and you can just imagine the situation. Every second counts. In this kind of life, there’s no turning back.

"Ang Babae sa Septik Tank" by Marlon N. Rivera

Ang pelikulang “Ang Babae sa Septik Tank ” ay nagsasalamin sa kung papaano ginagawa ang isang typical na independent film. Ito ay isang istorya ng isang magkakaibigan na minsang nangarap sa paggawa ng isang dekalidad at kakaibang peilikula.  Ang istorya ay umiikot sa unang mga ideya ng director unang pinapakita kung anong gusto niyang mangyari sa pelikula na sa aking palagay ay nagpapakita ng mga ideya na gamit na at patuloy pang ginagamit sa mga pelikula dahil sa pagaakalang bentang benta ito sa publiko.

            Dahil sa pelikulang ito namulat ang mga manunuod kung ano talaga ang nangyayari sa pagagawa ng isang idenpendent film at kung gaano kahirap ang bumuo nito lalo na kung wala kang sapat na perang puhunan para sa sarili mong pelikula. Ang bawat pag pagkokonsepto dapat na pinagiisipan ng maayos at detalyado upang magamit ito ng tama at mailabas ang gusto nitong iparating sa publiko. Nakikita sa pelikula na gumamit sila ng mga eksena na gamit na gamit na nang madameng pelikula at palabas tulad na lamang ng ang pang una sa lahat ay ang kahirapan. Pangalawa ang pagbebenta ng sariling anak dahil sa walang makain, pangatlo ang pag kakanta habang nasa isang eksena ng pelikula. Ang mga ito ay ilan lamang sa mga halimbawa ng mga istorya na palagi na lamang nagagamit sa madameng pelikula. Ang isang paborito kong eksena sa pelikula ay ang pagkuha nila kay Ms. Eugene Domingo bilangmaging bida sa kainilang pelikula. Nakakatuwa na napapagiba-iba niya ang mga pag arte sa pelikula, teleserye at indie film. Sa huli sabe sa pelikulang ito na mas gusto ng mga indie film director ay ang pagarte nang natural at hindi mo na kailangan pang umarte. Ipinakikita din dito na mahirap ngunit swerte ang pagtanggap ng isang sikat na artista kung siya ay gumanap sa isang indie film.

            Ang pelikulang “Ang Babae sa Septik Tank” ay isa lamang sa mga inspirasyon ng karamihan upang mapatunayan na malayo ang nararating ng isang independent film. Ang pagkasulat sa pelikung ito ay talaga nanamang nakakatuwa at kaakit-akit sa mga manunuod na tiyak na hindi makakalimutan. Hindi na nakapagtataka kung ito ay namamayagpag sa ib’t iabngparte ng mundo ngayon at nakasali sa mga film festival. Ang pelikulang ito ay nakapgpagtawa at nakaenganyo sa tulad naming mga estudyante na nangangarap din na gumawa ng isang kakaiba at dekalida na pelikula bawat araw. Sa aking opinion ang panunuod ng sari saring mga indie film ay nag nagpapatibay at nagpapalawak ng kaisipan naming mga estudyante na gagawa din ng ingay pagdating ng panahon. 

Viewing Blog

            Being in the media industry takes a lot of responsibility with the things you write, report and capture. Everything we deliver has its equivalent consequences in the end whether it’s good or bad. As a broadcast journalism student I’m starting to realize the responsibility that has been tackled by all the three films. It has its different perspective on how to deliver information to t6he audiences. Reviewing the KPB code of ethics, we are bound to follow the rules and we should allow ourselves to know it by heart. It is always up to the individual; on how you would want people to perceive you as a media practitioner whether a journalist, reporter, anchor or crew. In the end it is always up on what you believe as a person. It’s all about your dignity, morals and what you’re used on doing.

       The three films that we have watched have a different approach on the KBP’s code of ethics. On jay’s movie it shows how a real life story can be scripted when it is shown in television. Also they use the power of media to have a say on your story and they always want your story to be exclusively for a network. If I were in the shoes of the main character Baron I would simply just be natural. I will be real in every situation and not all scripted but I know that in reality things like this really happen. Personally, I wouldn’t want my story to be all fake I wanted it to just be natural for the audience to really connect on what had really happened. I would direct some things but not all of it. I believe that people are bound to have their own stories and I don’t want to take advantage of the situation they are in. Besides, respect is the most important among anything else. In the movie Shuttered Glass there’s this character named Stephen Glass a young journalist who’s very intellectual when it comes to his writing skills. He had achieved a lot of things and got a chance to write at a very prestigious news paper in America. He had failed to re think of all the things he’s writing and yet continue it without such facts.  As a broadcast journalism student we are again reminded that even though you really want to make your story work it does not apply that we have to invent stories without the facts supporting it. Like what had happened to the journalist he’s not aware that what he’s writing is all fiction. For me I would resolve this issue by just stating what really is happening for my story to be effective in the audience and I would try my best to research and investigate for the article that I’m working on. It may not be as catchy as others but the most important thing here is that it is the truth. People deserve to know the right information on everything else that we’re reporting on. The last film I saw is the most controversial of all which is “The Quiz Show” this is really a very interesting movie even though it is Italian. They manage to deliver the message very well. I am always curious about what’s the real deal when it comes to the game shows and this movie intrigued me the most when the revelations came out of the story. I were in the shoes of the main character I would not accept the money just to have all the attention just because I wanted to be the rich and the famous. Yes it is a privilege but it’s not right if you were betraying millions of people by believing that what you see in television is true. My favorite line in the movie was when after he talked to his dad about it and he was in a press conference, he told everybody that “I have learned about the good and evil. They’re not always what they appear to be.I was involved in a deception. I have deceived my friends and I had millions of them.” It has always been this quote you’ll realized everything in the end. For me truth is always and has been the best formula in everything. Especially in the field that we’re in it is a must that you have honestly that runs in you for the benefit of all the people and also for yourself.

       As a graduating broadcast journalism student I’d like to think, feel and imagine how it is like to be in their position. I’d like to be the best that I can be with regards to delivering information to people. I know that it will be a long way and temptations are always there beside you but at the end of the day it is always what you fight for and what you believe is the right thing. It is up to you if you will be influenced on such things. Maybe I will always just remind myself on those things and always remember where I came from. 

"Cinemalaya" Significant or not?

          Cinemalaya has always been there for the past 7 years and is still continuing to get bigger and bigger as the years goes by.  Cinemalaya is not a trend but a culture and a legacy that came from some of the veteran directors in the industry. As time goes by Cinemalaya is beginning to recognize not only by the people in the field but also ordinary people that wants to be entertained and wants to see something new. Independent films are not there to please the audience but rather offer something that not all people see in typical mainstream films. Its movies are well though off and came from a very deep inspiration on making the film. For the 4 years of participating in Cinemalaya, I observed some of the changes through artist and its story plot.

            For the past years that I’ve been seeing Cinemalaya films I believe that it has change and it will continue to change as the years go by. It is because people are starting to participate, recognize and observed these kinds of films that’s why as the years goes by it will became a big issue on media and in the film industry and what I’m afraid to is that it will eventually became mainstream. Cinemalaya is important because it is an opportunity for the newly breed of directors to shine in their own ways and to showcase what they have in mind through the use of films. This will open doors for the people who are really passionate about making good films. I believe that many people are very interested and have a talent on making good stories by just watching the movies every year. Their concepts are one of a kind and I’m very impressed on how detailed every shots are. It is important because we simply have a lot of stories to tell. The future generation would need to experience appreciating these kinds of films for them to think and broaden their minds. Having Cinemalaya would always be significant in every Filipino people because it’s not just any film it’s our very own. It’s the story of each and every one of us. On the contrary of that, not all people appreciate these kinds of movies. Cinemalaya for others is not significant mainly because it’s just a somewhat conflict on the mainstream films from the director to the actresses. It is not important because for me we can always express ourselves in our own ways even not having Cinemalaya. We are free to do everything we want for the people to know the information you want to address. There are many technologies and social networks that has been discovered for the people to showcase their works. We should not always depend on something just to express what we have in mind. Nevertheless, on my personal opinion Cinemalaya is important and I would always support our very own films by our talented filmmakers.

          The Cinemalaya Congress had opened my perspective to the idea of how independent films and mainstream are different and alike. According to the Congress Doctor Sir Nicanor Tiongson there are three definitions on what is mainstream and indie film. Mainstream usually have big investments, has genres and safe themes and its filmic style is glossy and pleasant. Second is the Indie which usually has a small budget with no genres and it has a daring and novel subject matter. Its filmic style is always in support of the vision. Lastly is the Mandie, it is the indie for mainstream. It has an indie spirit and the mainstream appeal. He also believed that Indie and mainstream must build audiences for the Philippine films through the schools and through media. In summary of this, as I learned from the speakers that independent film and mainstream films are not against each other. Both mainstream and indie are part of the big hole. Mainstream and Indies are allies while the real opponents the “Batman, Spiderman, Transformers, ect.”Filipino filmmakers should still continue making films. Films with responsibility and as well as sustainability with the glorious betterment of the industry. 

Girlfriends for keeps!

Lea Pico which I call Bez. Rina Aguila as Girlez and Aya Forbile as Atengerz. That’s just how we call each other every day of our college lives and they all have a special place in my heart. I’ve known Rina and Lea since 1^st year college while Aya on my 2^nd year because she’s Lea’s dearest cousin. Back then, we came from different group of friends and we end up having in each other’s arms. I know it sounds cheesy but yeah I’m really just like this. Then again, we became inseparable. Our friendship became stronger than ever. We have matured on the person we became right now. In my every struggle I can proudly say that they have always been there for me. We just can’t get enough with each other. We treat each other not simply just girlfriends in school but also like a true sisters. We laugh at the simplest things. We talk weird. We eat a lot. We get fat together. We also fight but we make it to a point that we always reconcile. We reflect on the things we did together. We talk about almost everything and anything under the sun. We have different styles but our attitude just click perfectly,just like that. I believe that we are really meant to be friends forever and I’m really blessed and thankful to God that I have them. Not all people find true friends in college, but me? I’m confident that what we have now is for keeps. They’ll surely be my best girl friends forever 10 to 15 years from now.  We’re destined to be friends for lifetime! :)   

Sisterly Love!

Ever since we were little girls, we are always together. Back then when we were still kids we always fight because I always used to be the first baby when she came in, I always asked and complain why we have the same clothes, haircut and things. It’s just that hers is color pink and mine is color blue. As we grew older our cat and dog relationship changed. We became very close with each other. We treat each other not only like a sister but also a best friend, partner in crime and someone who would just always be there for you whenever someone has a problem. I remember one time when we were in elementary someone used to bully the two of us, what I did was I really beat that girl up just to defend my sister. That’s how much I love her. We may fight, but our fight last for only about 10 minutes. Even if she’s my complete opposite, we still get along because she knows me more than anything else in this world. When, I’m mad she just shuts her mouth and vice versa. We share almost everything. Time flies really fast and now that she had graduated first in college I couldn’t be happier. She had grown to be a very beautiful lady inside and out. I’m really proud of her achievements in life. She’s one of the person’s I can’t live without and I love here to death! :)

HBO's "The Newsroom"

As a mass communication minor in broadcast journalism student I can somewhat relate with the issues that has been tackled embark upon the program itself. There are many things that have been brought about by the show and as I watched the episode the more I feel that I am on the right track with the course that I’m in. It inspires me to push further on my studies and be the best that I can be someday.

          The program started with the member of the said news show Atlantis Cable News (ACN) channel having a conference in a school and Jeff Daniels as anchor Will McAvoy  scolded the student that asked something regarding the conference that lead that news anchor being an hot item. Basically the episode revolved on what they called the “breaking news” about a certain issue and the dilemma was if they are going to air it or not. The current executive producer Emily Mortimer as MacKenzie McHale didn’t want to air that news because he believes that it’s not that important while the news anchors ex- girlfriend believes it is important. Now it ended up that she had to replace the guy executive producer for them to air that show and for them to be the first news show that will air that biggest issue. It was really a big risk for them to produce a show without even a script on it. Luckily the show had ended really successful and they reached their goal to be one of the first news stations to air that said issue. They we’re all very proud on what they had achieved and inspired to be one of the best news shows in television. They’re doing this for the betterment of the media and for the credible source of news that people would watch.

          HBO’s show “The Newsroom” portrayed different dimensions when it comes to social, political, cultural and economic resources dimension of the practice of broadcast journalism. Their social practice is just like any other news shows when it comes to work ethics they just all wanted to be the number credible source of news. Their cultural aesthetics was upon reaching their goal as to be the best news show with regards to the content and the fastness of news source. It is political in a sense that they or we always consider the big names in the industry if we would air this particular show/ topic or not. Their economic practice of broadcast journalism as portrayed in HBO’s “Newsroom” is when they always consider what the economy says on the topic just like the newsbreak that they will air, it is really important for the public to know about the situation in the oil because it is a major issue to tackle for the public also to be aware. It’s really nice to see their effort and the greatness of their team when it comes on giving the current news to the people. I can also see on the show how they value their work and how important everybody’s role when it comes on creating best news program in town.