One on One with Philip Paraan
Few hours ago, I found myself inside a rectangular art space filled with black and white photographs literally enveloping me. Every corner I look was full of pictures; all of which are social realism. This time it centres on Maguindanao (in Mindanao) the everyday struggles of people living in a politically unrest place where they flee their homes in the middle of the night to escape the fury of conflict. This is how Mr. Philip Paraan, the gallery manager narrates of Jez Aznar’s photo and multimedia exhibit called Under the Lord’s Shadow.
While going through the list of books displayed under the shelves, I listened down to Mr. Paraan who was giving bits of information about the artist. He noted that Jez was lucky to be sick hours before the massacre that made him stay at his rest house. Thankfully, his life was spared. If not for his sickness, he would probably be one of the bloodied victims which include a number of photojournalists. Before he finishes his sentence, my hair arm raised. I was freaked out. I could imagine the possible gruesome murder. Mr. Philip didn’t dwell too much on that thought; instead he shifted back the topic about the gallery. The artist-Jez was a Thomasian (a graduate of UST) and is currently employed as the New York correspondent in the Philippines. Woow was all I could say.
From the art gallery talk, it was shifted to Sr. Mark (Meily) films. Among the table discussion were Crying Ladies which is Mr. Philip’s favourite film also with La Visa Loca. I was surprised that he was among the Filipino translators of the Pinoy Sunday which has really a good storyline and concept. But he himself hasn’t watched it. Maybe someday, he quipped.
I have learnt a lot from him such as he’s not really into Filipino indie films since most resolutions end up the same. Some even are deeply downsizing our poverty or even pornography which is really ugly! They might as well make good ones. The Pinoy comedy-horror-sci-fi film, Zombadings was pretty commendable as the storyline was good and smooth acting only the resolution where the father of Remington bears the gay curse is a bit distracting. But remove that part, it was really really good. For him, it sounds off to have your father have the curse just to be able to save his son; also, to call the baklas/ gay people bakla and later on, changed his outlook towards the gay community.
After a bit of the seemingly smooth flowing chit-chat, I looked around and surveyed their books for sale. It was quite quaint collection-art books,magazines and artsy brochure, pins and even toy cameras such as Holga, Leica to name a few.I didn't notice it but I have stayed at the place for about two hours. I had quite a good day!
Adios for now! Tomorrow, I shall invade thee once more.
xoxo,
chris
While going through the list of books displayed under the shelves, I listened down to Mr. Paraan who was giving bits of information about the artist. He noted that Jez was lucky to be sick hours before the massacre that made him stay at his rest house. Thankfully, his life was spared. If not for his sickness, he would probably be one of the bloodied victims which include a number of photojournalists. Before he finishes his sentence, my hair arm raised. I was freaked out. I could imagine the possible gruesome murder. Mr. Philip didn’t dwell too much on that thought; instead he shifted back the topic about the gallery. The artist-Jez was a Thomasian (a graduate of UST) and is currently employed as the New York correspondent in the Philippines. Woow was all I could say.
From the art gallery talk, it was shifted to Sr. Mark (Meily) films. Among the table discussion were Crying Ladies which is Mr. Philip’s favourite film also with La Visa Loca. I was surprised that he was among the Filipino translators of the Pinoy Sunday which has really a good storyline and concept. But he himself hasn’t watched it. Maybe someday, he quipped.
I have learnt a lot from him such as he’s not really into Filipino indie films since most resolutions end up the same. Some even are deeply downsizing our poverty or even pornography which is really ugly! They might as well make good ones. The Pinoy comedy-horror-sci-fi film, Zombadings was pretty commendable as the storyline was good and smooth acting only the resolution where the father of Remington bears the gay curse is a bit distracting. But remove that part, it was really really good. For him, it sounds off to have your father have the curse just to be able to save his son; also, to call the baklas/ gay people bakla and later on, changed his outlook towards the gay community.
After a bit of the seemingly smooth flowing chit-chat, I looked around and surveyed their books for sale. It was quite quaint collection-art books,magazines and artsy brochure, pins and even toy cameras such as Holga, Leica to name a few.I didn't notice it but I have stayed at the place for about two hours. I had quite a good day!
Adios for now! Tomorrow, I shall invade thee once more.
xoxo,
chris