Kidlat Tahimik, FDCP Spotlight Lesser-Known Heroes in Unsung Sariling Bayani Short Film Competition

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

There are spectacular hero stories in Philippine history, and there are also simple accounts of heroism that are just as inspiring. Such unheard stories of heroism also deserve the spotlight, and these will be showcased at Kidlat Tahimik's Unsung Sariling Bayani (USB) Short Film Competition.

Through the inaugural USB, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Kidlat Tahimik, hopes that this cinematic movement for the youth will balance the influence of foreign comic book superheroes on the Filipino youth’s mindset with compelling engagements with the glorious stories of our very own heroes.

“Balik tayo sa simple storytelling. I think we are all, even at a high school age, we are intelligent enough to see a positive value in somebody older or chosen as a hero who can really bring out the best in us,” he said.

The USB Online Film Festival was launched on April 27 by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in partnership with the National Quincentennial Committee (NQC). The Bureau of Learner Support Services - Youth Formation Division of the Department of Education is in support of this FDCP project.

April 27, 2021 is a significant moment in Philippine history as it marks the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan as well as the 500th anniversary of the Philippine part in the first circumnavigation of the world.

Kidlat Tahimik, 78, remarked, “I think it is very timely, itong 500 years after to let this be a catalyzer. Para sa akin, magandang catalyzer itong pang-udyok para maka-focus tayo on heroism but maybe also on redefining ‘Ano ba talaga ang heroism?’”

The competition for Filipinos accepts shorts of any genre as long as they feature a story depicting the life, times, and achievements of documented and verifiable unsung local heroes. The entries must be 5 to 8 minutes long, including the credits.

The USB has three categories: Youth Category - Senior High Student (Public School), Youth Category - Senior High Student (Private School), and Adult Category (Aged 18 and above). The deadline for the submission of entries is on October 11, 2021.

The FDCP Channel will host the USB Online Film Festival from November 11 to 17 and will stream the Awards Ceremony on November 14. Aside from the festival proper, USB will hold the FDCP Film School Basic Workshops on Filmmaking as well as the “Storming with Kidlat: Usapang Bayani Forum” wherein participants can consult with the National Artist himself.

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Kidlat Tahimik ‘take a selfie’ with the acclaimed filmmaker’s bamboo camera.

A total of 30 finalists will be selected for the USB, with equal representation from the National Capital Region (NCR), Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Finalists will receive cash prizes and free access to all educational events to aid in their filmmaking process. After the competition, USB winners and finalists will get the chance to attend more free training sessions and workshops to be conducted by the FDCP.

“Through the guidance of National Artist and Father of Philippine Independent Cinema Kidlat Tahimik together with other esteemed Filipino filmmakers, I am confident that the USB finalists will take inspiration and motivation from Tatay Kidlat’s ‘bamboo camera filmmaking’ to promote the appreciation for lesser-known local heroes through short films,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

The bamboo camera has been a symbol of Kidlat Tahimik’s remarkable local storytelling through the years. “Let the bamboo cameras guide our filmmaking,” said the National Artist born Eric de Guia who has received accolades from Cinemalaya, Gawad Urian, Prince Claus Fund, Amiens International Film Festival, and Berlin International Film Festival, among others.

“Sa dami ng mga bagong kuwento, I think yayaman ang kasaysayan ng Pilipinas and we, the small filmmakers, can contribute to the archives of our relevant local history,” noted Kidlat Tahimik.

For more information and to download the application form, visit www.fdcp.ph/sariling-bayani and for inquiries, contact Mr. Mark John Pamintuan at sarilingbayani.fdcp@gmail.com with the subject heading “Query: USB 2021.” 

Below are the UNSUNG SARILING BAYANI Mechanics and Guidelines: 

MECHANICS 

1. SHORT FILM FORMAT

• Time limit: Minimum of five (5) minutes to a maximum of eight (8) minutes, including credits

• Genre: Any, in live-action, documentary, or animation

• Language: Preferably Filipino. English or any native language is allowed, provided that there are subtitles in Filipino. 

• File format: Complete final cut and trailer must be submitted in 1080p, mp4 format, mixed in 5.1 audio format. 

2. SUBJECT AND COVERAGE

Stories that depict the life, times, and achievements of Filipino heroes (documented and verifiable - local heroes).

Lesser-known Heroes from History

1. Local heroes recognized by the local government or by the provincial government units.

2. Local heroes that have significant acts or noble contributions to the country or their own communities, such as, but not limited to:

• An initiative that has contributed to achieving the nation’s freedom

• An initiative that has helped an individual or community achieve a life of freedom, peace, and prosperity

• An act that helped save the life of an individual, especially one that involves risk to physical comfort, social stature, or quality of life

• A notable form of service that helped an individual or community in times of adversity

3. A significant figure that has made relevant contributions or has introduced a positive change in his/her field. 

These people must have appeared at least once in literature, such as reference books, newspapers, journals, etc. 

NOTE: Nationally recognized heroes who are not covered in the Festival are Jose Rizal; Andres Bonifacio; Emilio Aguinaldo; Apolinario Mabini; Marcelo H. del Pilar; Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat; Juan Luna; Melchora Aquino; Gabriela Silang; Lapu-Lapu; Antonio Luna; Gregorio del Pilar, etc.

3. CATEGORIES AND PARTICIPANTS

The competition is open to all Filipinos and will have the following categories: 

1. Youth Category - Senior High Student (Public School)

Open to all public senior high school students who are currently enrolled in the academic year 2020-2021(2nd semester) or academic year 2021-2022.

2. Youth Category - Senior High Student (Private School)

Open to all private senior high school students who are currently enrolled in the academic year 2020-2021 (2nd semester) or academic year 2021-2022. 

3. Adult Category

Open to all filmmakers from ages 18 and above.

4. AWARDS AND PRIZES 

For the Youth Categories (Public and Private):

• Best Short Film - P30,000 + certificate each

• Best Director - P20,000 + certificate each

• Audience Choice Award - P10,000 + certificate each

For the Adult Category:

• Best Short Film - P50,000 + certificate

• Best Director - P30,000 + certificate

• Audience Choice Award - P15,000 + certificate

The 21 non-winning finalists will be given consolation prizes of P5,000 each + certificates.

The winners and finalists will also get the chance to attend free training and workshops to be conducted by the FDCP after the competition.

5. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The following must be submitted online in an organized Google Drive folder with shared viewing setting:

For the Youth Categories (Public and Private Senior High Schools):

• Duly accomplished Application Form which can be downloaded from the website (www.fdcp.ph/sariling-bayani).

• A secured direct link (either in Vimeo or Google Drive) to a high-resolution copy of the short film, available for download

• Movie trailer, maximum of 90 seconds. (This may be included in the Vimeo or Google Drive link.)       

• Poster design in JPEG format (27”x41”, 300dpi)

• School ID, enrollment form, or any proof that the student is enrolled in the current academic year (2nd Semester of AY 2020-2021 or 1st Semester of AY 2021-2022)

For the Adult Category

• Duly accomplished Application Form which can be downloaded from the website (www.fdcp.ph/sariling-bayani).

• A secured direct link (either in Vimeo or Google Drive) to a high-resolution copy of the short film, available for download.              

• Movie trailer, maximum of 90 seconds. (This may be included in the Vimeo or Google Drive link.)       

• Poster design in JPEG format (27”x41”, 300dpi)

• Resume with two (2) 2x2 photos

• Copy of a government-issued ID

All requirements must be emailed to sarilingbayani.fdcp@gmail.com. With the subject “FDCP_USB_(TITLE OF THE FILM)”.

6. RULES AND GUIDELINES

By entering the competition, the participants agree to abide by the competition guidelines and rules as follows:

1. The  submitted films must meet the short film format as stated in the mechanics.

2. The submitted films must not have been released on any platform, festival, or event before submission.

3. Participants must submit complete and correct application requirements on or before the deadline of submissions. Films with incomplete requirements will not be accepted to apply. 

4. The use of original literary sources, music materials, artwork, photography, etc., in the films, must have proper clearance from their respective copyright owners. The competition organizers shall not be liable for any costs related to claims of performing rights organizations.

5. Any modification will not be allowed for final entries except the addition of necessary subtitles.

6. Revised or re-submitted films, whether using the same or a different title, are not eligible to apply.

7. The organizers shall not be required to return any submitted material.

8. In case of any violation of the guidelines and rules or if any participant is found to have committed plagiarism or has undertaken fraudulent practice and/or activities harmful to the competition event or the submission process, the organizers reserve the right to disqualify the participant and their film, remove them from the program, or forfeit any prize from a participant at any point in the competition.

9. The USB Selection Committee will determine ten (10) finalists from each of the three categories, totaling 30 finalists. 

10. The USB Jury will determine the winning films from the thirty (30) finalists. All entries will be judged based on the official criteria given. 

11. The thirty (30) finalists will be viewed by the USB Jury that will judge the films based on the same official criteria and will decide the winners of the competition.

12. FDCP shall have non-exclusive non-commercial rights to screen the films in schools and educational institutions, various public events, and platforms for educational and cultural purposes for free, for three (3) years after the last day of the competition.

13. FDCP reserves the right to create, revoke, and modify at any time, in any way its entry requirements, rules, and regulations at its absolute discretion without prior notice. Finalists and submitted entries shall be bound by any amendments or addition to the entry requirements, rules and regulations herewith.

14. The decision of the USB Jury is final and irrevocable. The organizers and the judging committee are not obliged to explain the results.

7. DEADLINE OF SUBMISSION

Entries must be submitted on or before 11:59 pm on October 11, 2021 (Indigenous Peoples’ Day).

8. CRITERIA FOR JUDGING

CREATIVITY AND STYLE	Impactful composition of visuals and sound that effectively communicate the film’s story and objectives.	35%
RELEVANCE TO THE THEME	Promotes deeper familiarity and love for our own heroes, their lives, and achievements for our country.	45%
PRODUCTION QUALITY	Good, practical filmmaking with technical efficiency and cohesiveness.	20%
	TOTAL	100%

9. USB ONLINE FILM FESTIVAL

The 30 finalist films will be screened during the USB Online Film Festival via FDCP Channel on November 11-17, 2021.

10. ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS DURING AWARDS NIGHT

An Awards Ceremony will be held on November 14, 2021 (Sunday).

11. INQUIRIES

All queries can be sent to sarilingbayani.fdcp@gmail.com with the subject heading “Query: USB 2021.” 

Ateneo fresh grads deserve higher starting salaries

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

"I just made a job offer to an Ateneo fresh grad, and I was shocked that she declined a 37k starting salary. The role is for an entry level Marketing Associate. I asked for her reason and she said that she expects at least 60k because of her educational background. I’M SPEECHLESS."

By the way, the tweet is not intended to bash Ateneo grads. It’s actually a thought-provoking situation — what kind of mindset do kids have these days? Are they simply out of touch with reality, or were they brought up to think they deserve such huge salaries right off the bat?

Pag natataasan sa asking ng applicant kailangan magpapansin agad sa socmed? At kailangan pangalanan yung school?

Napaka unprofessional yata...or intended to malign the applicant or school?

Can I also just say how it’s so unethical and weird to publicly criticize an interviewee for respectfully declining your salary offer? bakit kailangan i-shame? bawal humindi??

Many people misinterpreted the tweet. The whole point was her reason for rejecting the offer. She said IT’S BECAUSE OF MY EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND. She was a graduate of a 4-year course like all the other candidates. She basically said she deserves 60k because she’s from Ateneo. 

Let’s say she did deserve more. Her reply could’ve been better. I dunno. It sounded entitled and arrogant to me. Parang may attitude. There’s a difference bet knowing one’s worth and arrogance. Maybe she was inarticulate kaya?

She should have answered “I deserve 60k because I have exceptional communication skills, I can make you more than 60k in a month. I may have no experience but with my internship at …etc” Kesa nagsabi niya because of my “educ background”

Ateneans are not out of touch with reality; some companies do pay 60k right off the bat. Not because employers can’t afford a talent doesn’t mean the talent is entitled. Maybe she has other options, as you also have yours? So it’s a win-win for you both.

Such companies don't pay that kind of salary for fresh graduates because they're from a particular school. They should  pay because they think that your potential is high enough to warrant that investment.

Not because you were not offered it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. The multinational companies of the world give them to fresh grads easily. I’m sorry they did not hire you to give an actual sound experience.

The applicant in question is applying for an entry level position & frankly that amount is generous by Philippine standard. Since the applicant is a fresh grad & the alma mater is his/her only bargaining chip it’s safe to say that she lacks substantial experience for premium pay.

But try applying at organizations belonging to the United Nations, and for sure you'll get close to that amount or even higher.

So turning down a job is entitlement? That's the bar, just anybody who turns down any job is entitled?

She probably doesn't HAVE to work, so she's willing to wait for the big bucks. But unless she's an excellent coder, software engineer etc., She will have a hard time getting that salary on her own merits. Through Palakasan at nepotism, especially within the government where the unqualified gets a position, pwede pa. You already have an edge if you're from Davao.

Just a thought.

A Japanese fresh from Uni makes about ¥ 2.4M annual base salary. That's about PhP 1.07M/year or 89K/mo.

On average, bonuses paid twice a year range from 3 to 6 months salary. This translates to gross annual income of between PhP 1.34M-1.605M or 112K-134K/mo.

What now, Philippines?

On the other hand, PH GDP/capita (2019) is $ 3,485 while Japan's is $ 40,246 or 11.5 times that of PH's. By this benchmark, starting pay for fresh graduates in Philippines should be about PhP 9K-11K/mo on a 13 month calculation.

Point is, a young, single Japanese professional lliving on his own, renting an apartment in the Tokyo area, and mainly eats out at restaurants can live off the pay he receives.

A Filipino counterpart cannot possibly live off the same level of pay adjusted for difference in GDP.

This shows that the Philippines is an extremely expensive place to live. 

The economic managers should crack their heads and try to bring down the cost of living - food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, education, telecoms, transpo - the whole shebang, actually.

But, prices are "sticky downwards" in economics jargon. It means that prices (wages for that matter) are nearly impossible to bring down. This is why inflation is a very closely watched metric; a period of low inflation makes it easier for the economy and incomes to outpace prices. As incomes grow and prices stable, the quality of life improves affording the people better food, housing, etc.

After the Marcos recession, the economy has grown consistently year in and year out except for a minor hiccup for one year during Estrada's presidency.

Hence, for the most part, incomes were outpacing prices and the growth trajectory shifted upwards after the 2008-09 financial crisis. It appeared to be that an acceleration in income growth was imminent.

This momentum waned from 2017 and every year thereafter, growth was lower than the prior year. The denouement of 2020 saw the economy back to where it was in 2016.

What we see now are 2021 prices at 2016 incomes. Data for 2021 so far indicates a futher decline in income while prices are increasing at a faster rate. This means that Filipinos will be poorer - lower income that what they had in 2016 but cost of living much higher than 2020.

We should then be asking what the leaders, economic and political, are doing to help the Filipino to afford these prices at incomes of 6 or 7 years ago.

Kids these days, w access to internet, can easily make 50K/week online. Anyone who thinks 37k is okay because you’re a kid, is out of touch w reality. But, if the kid really believed she deserved more SOLELY because of her degree, then ya, she isn’t someone you’d want to hire.

The mindset that kids have these days is to not settle for less. If she thinks it's not enough then it's not enough. And to think na she's from Ateneo.. uhm. Baka barya lang sa kanya yung 37k, we don't know..

The mindset is called "I want to live comfortably inside this overpriced shithole city"

Maybe she’s just young and idealistic... and being just that. She should learn as she gets older.

That's what happens when everyone gets a gold star even when they fail. Let's wait and see how these 'no fail policy' wokes would turn out in the future.

I think that this points to a need for students about to head into the workforce to be transparently informed about what they should expect out of their industry's wages, perhaps as part of the curriculum.

If she really thinks she is that good and deserves a higher pay, then why not start her own business or company from scratch and be the boss right away? It is interesting to know where this gal would end up a year down the road. Good luck to her!

Two of my favorite quotes:  “Never sell yourself short” and “You always get what you paid for”

Jolo Revilla blames intern for social media post error

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Jolo Revilla issued an apology on Tuesday afternoon after he mistakenly identified Lapulapu as Ferdinand Magellan on social media.

"I apologize for the earlier confusing post on our celebration of Lapu-lapu's victory in Mactan 500 yrs ago. 

An intern in our social media team posted the caption to our meme without first clearing it. 

Again, my sincerest apologies to our Cebuano kababayans and to all Filipinos."

Kawawang intern nasisi pa, pwede namang mag-sorry ka na lang. Saan accountability? Alam na kanino mana.

It would have been better if the apology did not place the blame on the intern.

Politician to the highest level. No accountability at all. Free to blame anyone of his mistake. It's like: I'm sorry...kasalanan kasi niya, pero sorry pa rin. lol

Senator Bong Go also apologized for wrongly claiming Lapulapu was from Sulu. He says  it was his staff who included the wrong information in his address for the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mactan.

Eh? Why not check whatever you're gonna read first? Should've just apologized without blaming anyone. Putek..si staff na naman ang naputukan..ano ka ba taga basa lang ng kahit anong ipabasa sa yo??

Sige basa.... kiss ass...play photographer..and personal assistant to the president. That's what you are good at.

If the city government could easily plan on declaring a rapper like EZ Mill persona non grata for his lyrics saying Magellan killed Lapu-Lapu, I invite the mayor to do so on Bong Go for saying Lapu-Lapu was a Tausug.

As for Jolo Revilla, he could have stopped blaming his intern. Come on. You are still responsible for the faux pas. Man up and say you are truly sorry....without putting the blame on somebody else.

Your team reflects you, sir. This is very basic Philippine history information. This is a big NO, NO. Parang covid 14 error lang yan. Sana bago ilabas, ipost o basahin nirereview nyo muna.

It's your account. Regardless if you have an admin or not to manage it, take ownership. That's what a true leader does. Not finding someone to pin the blame on. Regardless if it was true. Our social media posts should be our responsibility. Granted we can use social media managers to ease our tasks, we still are responsible to check the content for accuracy and completeness.

When a message bears your name, own it up! It shows the type of leader you are Jolo Revilla! Cavite doesn’t deserve you! They deserve someone better with command responsibility.

I feel sorrry for the supposed “intern” who had to take the fall, if there’s really one. And most importantly, never ruin an apology with an excuse. Just apologize and sit down.

Mapa-Jolo, mapa-Bong Epal, bintang sa staff ang sariling katangahan. Puro blame game ang alam nitong mga ito.

Never ruin an apology with an excuse.

True and real leadership is all about taking accountability and ownership. Own it and have accountability period. No shame blaming.

I told myself I'll let go of that Jolo Revilla fiasco. Then, Jam Magno happened.

Ayaw ko na sa Earth!!!

And I just love to see someone to eat their own words.Please be enlightened that is a fake account. The official account is @thejammagno. 

Resurrecting this Jolo Revilla classic, for more fun:

“Tama ‘yang ginagawa ninyo! Bola muna bago droga...” –Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla

From the same mouth that uttered the words, "basketball muna bago droga" 

Never change, Jolo. Never change.

The NHCP issues a statement on the origin of #Lapulapu and other details of his life. 

Vice Gov. Jologs, Jamaligno & Bongago left the chatroom! Went directly to Belo's operating room for their TINY BRAIN enlargement using taxpayers'money for their operations.

Not surprising since they do have stupidity in their history. Kanino pa ba magmamana?

When we vote people that is not rooted and responsive in the community, we got the likes of Bong Go or Jolo Revilla. 

Gising Pilipinas, separate your obsession with popular clowns when votingfor politicians to run our government. This is not a joke. Think of our country's future. We put the country in chaos when we put these clowns in our government.

Apologizing with blaming on the sides is humility.... pinpointing to blame others? That is definitely unbecoming of a public servant!!! He didn't own the mistake, instead he point on his intern... worst trying to make a "meme" for an extra ordinary fact on Philippine history?? 'Cmon??!!! It wasn't a meme , it was a gaffe.

And if it was a meme.. that’s also uncalled for in a public official to make fun of our national heroes. Shame on you, Jolo Revilla!

And when you thought it's only Jolo Revilla and Bong Go, here comes another clown from Malacañang:

"Katulad ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte si Lapulapu, ang Datu na namuno sa mga mandirigma ng Mactan laban sa mga pwersa ni Ferdinand Magellan", ayon kay Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. 

Worst than Manny Pacquiao's Bible interpretations.

Pinoy Culture 101:

We are so used to hearing our heroes die that this mistake is not really that surprising.

We consider death to be the "only" way to be a "bayani", that it is forever immortalized in the last line of our national anthem.

Do we really need to die for our country? When our fellow Filipinos continue to vote for these clowns? When our fellow Filipinos continue to serve with vested interests? Noone should accept a government position when they are too stupid to run their tasks.

Well, in the first place, in was said that Lapulapu wasn't really defending the "Philippines".The concept of a united archipelago as one nation did not yet exist (ironically Spain invented that concept)Lapulapu simply fought for his tribe against a rival chieftain (Humabon) w/ whom Magellan teamed up.

My hero of the day for saving everybody's day with a simple history telling that even bong go and jolo revilla can learn! 

YOYOY VILLAME - Singer/Historian (Pwede di ba!)

Enjoy pa tayo!