The Beach and Bean Bags: San Juan Film Camp

"Your favorite film can determine what kind of person you are." 

Nipa hut, sandy beach, surfboard and cold fruit juice. What more could I ask for?

As you all know by now, I'm a frustrated film maker. One similar day at the office I noticed a post of facebook about a free film camp somewhere in San Juan La Union.
I said. "Damn! Kung kailan malayo ako sa Baguio saka naman may ganto."

The schedule was set on the 22nd of April and that was Friday, I still have a bunch of workloads and I was thinking, I'll pass.

I saw the list of resource person and my decision turned 360, and I'm completely sold, Fiddle the distance. I'm getting the hell out of Manila and storm the beach. This is a ones in a life time opportunity. I sent my Application.

Fastforward: Film Camp!

The travel was tedious, 6 hours of cramping with sore butt from sitting awkwardly. It was worth it.
We checked in an artist hostel, Floatsam and Jetsam (Neopets reference are welcome)  My friend since highschool was there the night before the big day. He was just as excited as I am.

We registered, ate our breakfast and the camp formally opened.

The film camp was an initiative of Ms. Bebe Go, A local film maker based in la union. Her goal was to unite local film maker from Baguio and La union, to give them opportunity to explore the Movie industry and learn about the films-cape in general. She plans to create a small community of local film makers that will initiate regional film festival or some sort in the future.

Woah! Day one's an eye-opener and a humbling experience! You get to see the world of Philippine Cinema through the eyes of film makers who have been-there-done-that... I have nothing but respect to our speakers Keith, Peterson, and Carlo whom I've learned so much from! Their intense passion for film is simply awe-inspiring!... Plus they say that the best collab and ideas come in the most unexpected times, true enough it did! Group 6's film will be awesome! Can't wait to start the shoot with you all!... - Kirk Balmonte 

Got a chance to discover the world of experimental film making and its many forms via Speakers John and Carl... As a result, we filmed our version of what a HOME is all about... An insightful and extensive take on Directing 101 from accomplished film directors Jerrold and Jade (and no, Jade's is actually a man's name!) wrapped up the day! ... Looking forward to the early morning shoot!... -Kirk Balmonte

Some notable speakers are:

Jerrold Tarog is a Filipino filmmaker with awards and nominations in various disciplines of the filmmaking craft. His first feature film, CONFESSIONAL (2007), which he directed, wrote, scored, edited, and mixed won 8 awards, including Best Film, at the Cinema One Originals Film Festival and Best Film (FIrst Features Category) at the 10th Osian's Cinefan in New Delhi, India. It has also garnered acclaim from international critics and audiences.

Carlo Mendoza is a multi-awarded Filipino cinematographer who has photographed more than a dozen feature films since he started his career in 2007, including Jun Robles Lana’s “ Bwakaw” (Philippine entry to the 2012 Academy Awards, in competition at the 2012 New York International Film Festival), “Manila Kingpin: Asiong Salonga Story” and “Rosario” (in competition at the 2011 Shanghai International Film Festival). He has received fourteen awards for his works from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), Metro Manila Film Festival, FAP Awards (Film Academy of the Philippines) and the Young Critics Circle. His other notable works are “Jay” (in competition at the 2008 Venice International Film Festival), “Barber’s Tales” (in competition at the 2013 Tokyo International Film Festival) and “Above the Clouds” (premiered at the 2014 Tokyo International Film Festival).

Jade Castro is a director and assistant director, known for Endo (2007), Zombadings 1: Patayin sa shokot si Remington (2011) and My Big Love (2008).