Set to Change Lives of Filipino Kids: MUSIKWELA

Learned that a new show is being launched, it's called MUSIKWELA. This is an early childhood education and entertainment show where they utilize music, performance, puppetry, animation, and do lots of research so it could be easily understood by its target audience, the Filipino kid.

This all stemmed from experiencing it first hand. Ms. Ellen Estrada was fetching her daughter from school and noticed how her classmates weren't that optimistic in using "Po and Opo" in their conversations. This was something alarming because even if she taught her daughter GMRC, her classmates didn't have access to that too. Having a theater and music background, she was inspired to create the "Po and Opo" and "Ang Bagong Alpabetong Filipino" songs. Unknowingly, it was watched millions of times (3.4 and 4.7 Million) mostly by Filipinos. It became a norm for parents and teachers to use it as a medium for education. They realized how music made the experience of learning more enjoyable and uber fun!

They also joined a government initiated child documentary competition in 2023 (via the DokyuBata Festival of the National Council for Children's Television, an attached agency of the Department of Education). They did a documentary called "Ang Bayani at ang Kanyang Sandok" which teaches nationalism and love for one's country. This started the ball rolling for MUSIKWELA.

Image from their website musikwela.com

 

She harnessed the talent of her daughter Yumi Sansano to lead the show including a throng of folks called MUSIKSCOUTS (Ate Yumi, Potpot, Biboy, and Lala who were a pretty bunch!). She's no ordinary kid because she won awards in WCOPA as champ for Opera in the Juniors Division. She also did Artsy Craftsy in PTV4 a couple years back and have gotten audiences left and right, including the President of the Philippines.

We watched them perform during this event and I could liken them to Sesame Street, Sineskwela, Batibot among others. Knowing there's a huge educational crisis in the Philippines, I felt so happy that kids would have a place to learn how to respect the elderly, how to protect nature, hone their talents, what to do in case of emergencies, and care for Mother Nature in their first few episodes. Ms. Ellen also shared how they are planning to do more in the coming months, plus delve into other subjects (like reading, writing or math). I personally know some kids finish school without learning how to, and I'm hopeful this could address that (even if it doesn't entirely solve it!). Check out the event on video here:

You cannot discount the fact that it has done remarkably well for the 90's kids on why we're street and a little smart, we learned from shows like these albeit unconsciously. This is something that I'd like to happen in this generation too, and perhaps the next ones included. I wept for the shows that went off the air in the past because it has disenfranchised a lot of kids who could have learned from it. They need our help and hopefully, they get the resources to continue this. Currently, thanks to the people who are helping them and sponsors (Victoria Sports Cinema, Ceelin Gummies, Ceelin Immunoped, Appebon, Allerkid, White Rabbit Philippines, Wildfire Inc., Shop N Play, Kontrata.PH) that they get to do this with passion. Imagine how many kids would learn from what they do, if millions more would consume their content on FB, their website and YouTube (so go and sub!). We'd have educated kids going out of our homes and schools, wouldn't that be a sight to behold?! 

The first episode will come out on November 11 6PM GMT and will talk about GRANDPARENT's DAY. They will release future episodes on a bi monthly period, so sub to make sure your kids could watch it! I'd like to take this bit and congratulate Ms. Ellen on her efforts, and hope you won't get tired of your passions. Here's hoping a lot of people could help you even more with your future projects!

Travel Tax and Lighthearted Talk with Mark Lapid

Got to talk to current TIEZA Head Mark Lapid and began our conversation about Travel Tax and funding. The Travel Tax on their end goes to infrastructure support for different spots in the country. He also mentioned the difference between them and the DOT. Their different mandate and roles in building hospitals, fixing airports with CAAP, terminals, wheelchair access, monitoring systems, conveyor belts, esplanade, boardwalks, lighting are just some of their duties. These are submitted by local government units and their board, in many places he mentioned in the interview.

He also talked about how his family still comes first, next is public service and showbiz. He treats showbiz as part of his passions, while politics affects so many people. The infrastructure gap in airports is huge compared to neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. They're doing a revamp and want all other domestic airports capable to land bigger airplanes and have those other airline companies to land directly in the provinces so they don't get congested in NAIA. 

He also talked to us about his relationship with his Dad becoming his number 1 critic and supporter. He also said how close they are with Coco Martin who they had the pleasure to work together in different Coco Martin led series, just to help since they have experience with it.

They've done this for several years and enjoy it. Imagine, they wanted this to be a 2 week guesting and they were there for almost a decade. He says "It's the art of "pakikipagkapwa tao". When we came back to the set, we were surprised about the big improvements, in the past you can't have a second take because of expenses. The digital era was freeing. I think I only feel better because of my wife (about his looks and health). We also want to lower taxes in cinema and encourage more creatives to release movies and make the public go back and watch in cinemas. I am against AI use, but if it's dangerous stunts, maybe we can consider but not to the detriment of production workers that can do a better job at it. We want to support it."

Mark Lapid reiterated that services their office implement to improve infrastructure needs to come from somewhere. Since the government still has no funds allocated for the TIEZA, they might ask for an extension for the Travel Tax until it gets funding somewhere else. There are people and the public that do benefit from their work, and it is essential to make sure the infrastructure gets maintained and managed well. 

Very Interesting Regional SHORT FILMS Showcased at Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival

Spent the whole day at Gateway Mall Cinemas to see Shorts set C and a few full length films. 

Regional films were in Shorts C. First one was called Pulis Dunggab. It is about street games, family, and the choices we make in life. Set in rural Cebu, it was all fine and dandy til something happened that would change their lives forever. Good overall, especially since it tackled social issues.

The second film was called The Sound of K. It was about being differently abled and the struggles they go through everyday life. Speech, which normally would be just mimicked by any person becomes a huge difficult task for  the character, among other things. A bit tragic to see but, I saw how people could learn from these scenes. It was excellently executed.

Third film NAKABINBIN talks about the pains people go through to get public service. The red tape, the difficulties we face just to bury a loved one, something that happens everyday... to ordinary people, and still happens today. It looked and felt painful, As always, Soliman Cruz showed depth, and carried this shirt film from start to end. Grabe!

The 4th one is called NANG MATAKASAN ANG TAGAY, a family drama of an OFW father and his son. His love was shown raw, and the film had pretty good premise. You might cry with the touching end. Heartwarming, and has an LGBT story line. 

I like the variety seen in Short Films seen at the Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival, you should watch them in Gateway and Ayala Malls. They've got the list of nominees out on the Puregold FB page. I'll post later! 

That Cute Movie "APOL of my AI " at PUREGOLD Cinepanalo Film Festival

Spent the afternoon at Gateway Mall cinemas to watch a full length film called Apol of my AI. Aileen Mercedes Is a substitute teacher who arrived in a school because Apol's original teacher had to bear her child. This film is not just a coming of age, but mostly the struggles of a Father who wasn't present all throughout his childhood, but couldn't earn enough to make a living in the Philippines.

His story is just like thousands of OFW's who want to make sure that the future of their kids , sacrificing time with them, and maybe, not being able to know them on a personal level. 

The story is cute, Zion Cruz looks like a real life cherub, and can act to boot. It's so nice to see him fall in love, be like a child, sing and also enjoy life. He also has a very complicated relationship with his Dad, and it'll show on screen if you watch it. 

I'd laud this film for its love for classic Filipino music and how it intertwines with the story. Maybe music could become a medium to repair their ties, especially since his father was a musician in cruise ships, since he needs to be at his best and impress his teacher. 

Who knows, Zanjoe might bag an acting award (though I think he might have had an advantage at parenting because he just had a baby!). The film also felt complete, you feel lighthearted as he tries to be the man he wishes to be. The Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival is still going on at Gateway Mall and Ayala Malls, go get tickets and win grocery items after watching (while supplies last). Theaters are packed , so go early!