Chronicles of Mr.Stereophoniex's Artistic Voyage

Discovering Infinte Possibilities

[poemsporn]

[mrstereophoniex]

ol dem feels. haha

[johnnyowenjones]

John Owen-Jones with Only Men Aloud, again, singing One Day More in Welsh.

[johnnyowenjones]

The artists and John Owen-Jones at the back. (x)

[johnnyowenjones]

John Owen-Jones live at the IndigO2

[mrstereophoniex]

Viro Giernald Encinares Bacungan 1-AOM

Ms. Milovy Ramos Humanities 01

  Critical Paper

"Point of View"

  The movie stands for itself. Overall, the movie is beyond excellent, it is just too good. The storyline is clear and very descriptive, detailed yet the flow was very smooth and easy to relate to. The story was continual, the arrangement of the different stories of different characters were intelligently organized in a manner that it follows the main storyline. As for the story itself, the plot was controversial yet eye catching to the viewers. It made the movie appealing and a must watch to the viewers. It was like the movie was just cut into different stories that made a bigger plot. The cinematography was unusual to the mainstream industry, innovative and unique in style. The video editing was very impressive. I was very much interested and amazed of the way that the movie was edited. The cuts, the focus, the movement, everything... it made the movie. Not to mention the music that gave the Brazilian groove to the movie. It maximized the use of cultural materials of Brazil which is a good thing. I can say that the setting and props used were carefully prepared. The story timeframe was around 60’s to the 80’s. Everything was most likely from these times… from the televisions to the camera used by rocket to the vehicles. After doing some research on the movie, I found out that most of the cast in the movie were first-time or amateur actors. I was just staggered by the fact that they acted like pros in the movie when in fact they were just amateurs. Maybe it is also because most of the cast came from “Cicade de Deus” itself. They experience it every day that makes it natural for them to act it out.

If viewed with the knowledge I gained from Humanities 01, I would say that it gave me a deeper understanding of things, especially the technical/formalist way of assessing the movie; everything from the color coordination, scene focus, dialogues, and many more technical aspects of the movie. Also I remember the study of toys by Barthes when I was watching the movie; most definitely, the children of the ghetto of Cicade de Deus did not have good toys around. But instead, they were given guns and joints to enjoy themselves. This influence of the environment that they live in tells their innocent mind that being a hoodlum is the coolest thing to be. It then affects their actions making them rampantly violent. At a young age they were taught how to kill a person, or are made into errand runners for drug transactions. We can clearly see the negative effect of their environment to their principles of formation. In terms of stereotypes, I noticed the emphasis of the movie to the career path of the lives of the people in Cicade de Deus. They were always thought to be hoodlums, every single one of them, a stereotype way of seeing the life of the people in the slums. However, here comes Rocket who breaks the expected type of life in the slum who became a photographer. This defies the usual flow of thinking toward the people in the slums. It just says that not all, though most, of the people in Cicade de Deus are hoodlums.

I was able to catch many concepts of universal principles in the movie: corruption, drugs, revenge, power, survival of the fittest are just some of the very noticeable issues.  The movie is controversial especially because it is based of true events. Some of the characters portrayed in the movies were people from real life. The movie simultaneously showed these concepts supporting a single idea with the other. It also depicted the illusion of peace while in the hands of powerful people; an illusionary peace made by these people to cover up their wrong doings. The setting itself is an image of struggle and helplessness contradictory to the conventional image of Brazil – majestic and glamorous. It helps the viewers to see deeper into Brazil, the other side of Brazil, rotting and violent. It opens up the eyes of the people watching giving them an idea on how is the life on the other side.

I’ll give the movie a four star rating to four and a half. I personally liked it, its ideals, its cinematography, its story, its theme. IT’S DEFINITELY ART.

[mrstereophoniex]

Viro Giernald Encianres Bacungan 1-AOM

HUM 01 Ms. Milovy Ramos

It's More FUN in San Beda

The photo screams out imbalance. that's what I felt in this work of mine. I think it is too hot to the eyes. The caption is quite hard to see. (It's weird that I speak ill of my work... xD) These have their own definitions that will be elaborated later... But the dramatic arousal of the picture is just AWEEESOOOOME!

The meme has its meaning on the less visual side. I meant this is quite boring for a meme isn't it? In my interpretation, it tells this...

The color very visible in the picture are red, yellow and white.Red stands for the BEDANS of course. and the yellow color of the caption? It is for San Sebastian, our rival school!?. and lastly, the white.... it defines neutrality. 

Why use the brand color of our rival school? If you would look closely, even if the caption overlaps the picture, the still most noticeable and prominent color is red. That just shows how a BEDAN define BROTHERHOOD/UNITY. In the midst of enemies we show our unbreakable bond of brotherhood, a true Bedan trademark, that unleashes a fierce aura that cannot be disregarded.

The caption on the bottom says "It's more fun is San Beda" but if we would follow the yellow trail of color it says UNITY.. It's in San Beda.(disregard the upper captions difference in color xD)

[mrstereophoniex]

Viro Giernald Encinares Bacungan 1-AOM

Laru-laru(ART)

Before anything else, I would like to apologize because I could not take a picture of my favorite toy because all of them were left back at home. (I'm from Ilocos Sur by the way :P) So yeah, I googled the picture; nonetheless, these are identical to the set that I have back at home.

When I was around five to eight years old, I was fond of soldier figures. My interest started when my dad bought me a set of soldier figures of two colors when I was five.  From then on, my fascination for soldier figure was ignited.

Back then I remember that I was like an elite general of war; planning out a very dangerous and critical mission. I would spread these figures around the floor making a war scenario then try to win it. Oftentimes, I win the war but sometimes I also fail with my missions. I liked playing this toy with my younger brother; we were like tag team generals.

In relation to Barthes's study, I will classify these toys as small adults because of the great influence of the profession of being a soldier in this toys. However, I wonder why it did not affect my choice of course that much :P. These are user-interface toys with a little bit or creator-interface on it. The child is stuck on being a soldier or general or spy; all being part of the same profession. But, the good side is that the can make his own scenarios just as I did back then. He is the creator of his own adventure each and every time. The material used for the toy is plastic making it a inorganic type of toy.

My toy is an ART because each have its own distinct design, position and function. (snipers, assault team, bombers, mortar team, bazooka, flamethrower, etc.) Just like sculpting, it utilizes plastic and form it into a toy soldier; however the process of making is very different making its materials and technique of creation distinctive.

[mrstereophoniex]

Humanities 01 Midterm Activity Sheet

Explain the qualities of Filipino concept of space and the discourse of mala-baklang espasyo through waiting sheds. (200 – 350 words)

Mala-baklang espasyo is known for its three main concepts multifunctionality, reflection of Filipino society, and a venue for power struggle.

 The first, multifunctionality, is exemplified by the vendors on its sides. Often, vendors roam or put up their stands alongside waiting sheds because it the perfect place to sell their products; Thus, making it a place for commodity business. The second, reflection of Filipino society, further support the first example. It is generally know that Filipinos are found of eating. Many would want to spend their free time eating something or munching anything. In this same reason, businessmen thought of building up their stalls around or in waiting sheds. The third, venue for power struggle, can be easily noticed. Often, especially in this time of the season that the election period is closing in, many flyers, posters, tarps, wall paintings, and many other paraphernalia pertaining to politicians are scattered around Metro Manila. Not exclusively on waiting sheds, but also on establishments, household, vehicles, and many other places. This exposes how the people in power, politicians in particular, violate the original purpose of establishments for the purpose of self-advertising.

As for the concept of space, it is categorized as physical space. Also, space, in Filipino concept is avoided. Filipinos does not perceive free space as pleasing to the eyes; thus, they make sure it will be filled up with anything. In the same way, waiting sheds are frequently filled with anything ranging from posters to tarps to graffiti visible on every corner of the shed.

  Explain how museums and libraries serve as a support system of the arts?  (100 – 250 words)

Generally, museums and library back up the system of art. It is because: 1.) They educate the people about art. Museums and libraries are jam-packed with a lot of information about art. Museums have tour guides which give vital facts on each and every piece of art they encounter thus giving the tourist ideals of art; meanwhile, libraries contains verified/confirmed materials about many topics, of which also includes art. If one is only diligent in reading and interested on art, he/she will learn many things about it. 2.) They elucidate frivolous perceptions and understanding of arts; through museums and libraries, people are becoming more aware of the true meaning of art; that even a simple citizen can make art which is contradictory to the conventional thinking that only the educated can do artistic things.

  Using the contextualist theory, how do public sculptures (e.g Nine Muses, Oblation, Bonifacio) help or damage the public’s perception of what is art? (150 – 250 words)

Public sculptures have always been a symbol of expression and channel of information to its specific audience, the public. But in the contextualist way of perspective, these public figures are strategically put in commercialized locations for the people to be able to see them; it is because these sculptures teach/inform the public of various things. First is the technique that the artist used to give form to his art. Second is the variety in materials that an artist can use to sculpt his/her art. Some of the commonly used materials used are stone, clay, wood, glass and metal. Third is the subject of the sculpture. The artist wants to let the public know more about his/her chosen subject of the sculpture. Here in the Philippines, I’ve noticed that most of our acclaimed public sculptures exhibit the history of our country which of course includes our national heroes. Aside from history, freedom is also a common subject for public sculptures.  

[mrstereophoniex]

Midterm Alternative Examination (Post#4) Assasination of Governor Bustamante Felix R. Hidalgo

This painting’s impression on me was strong. Seeing this very huge painting where in Governor Bustamante is shown being murdered by a friar, I was struck. It surely is controversial as to his other works. What I really loved about this painting is the chaotic look of it but still is able to tell its own story. The colors were of many varieties yet complement each other and it is dramatically appealing. When I was starring on this painting I can feel the life in it. It’s like alive or moving for me.

Felix Hidalgo, the artist of this painting was an acclaimed painter during the late 18th Century up to early 19th Century. His works received a lot of awards from international critics. Renowned for his pieces “La barca de Aqueronte” ("The Boat of Charon"), “Las virgenes Cristianas expuestas al populacho” (The Christian virgins Exposed to the Populace), “El Violinist” and many more. He was part of the Impressionism movement, an art movement initiated by Claude Monet and his fellow painters. Felix was also known to be a passive supporter of the Reformist Propaganda lead by our very own Dr. Jose Rizal. His works were sometimes focused on the mistreating misbehaving of the Spaniards and the overpowering of the Church over the Government. He, together with his contemporary Juan Luna, was then supported by Rizal and the Propaganda Movement. In one of their gatherings Rizal raised glass for the two painters, Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo, for their participation on the movement.

In a contextualist way of perspective, the painting once again pinpoints the power of the Church over the government. It shows that the Church can replace any official they want in any way they want; even using an ungodly way to do so. This exhibits the incomparable, unbreakable influence of the Church during the Spanish Era.

This art piece supports the saying “art is everywhere” because it captures a historical event and tells its story through a painting.

[mrstereophoniex]

Midterm Alternative Examination (Post#3) Spoliarium Juan Luna

I was in awe when I saw this painting by the great Juan Luna. Back then, in my high school years. I have seen the painting through textbooks in Filipino and History. However, I never thought that the original piece would be so big. I was feeling an internal connection what I saw the painting. My bones chilled as I stare to the piece that stretched across the room. Also, I noticed that the actual view of the piece is much better than that of the pictures in textbooks. It was vibrant and full of life.

The artist who painted the Spoliarium, Juan Luna, was a Filipino painter, sculptor and a political activist of the Philippine Revolution during the late 19th century. He became one of the first recognized Philippine artists. Together with his contemporary Felix Hidalgo, he was one of the winners of the 1884 Madrid Exposition of Arts. He won the gold medal and a silver medal for his Hidalgo. After the expo; he painted for the higher-ups of the Spanish Government in the Philippines. Some of his other known works are”El Pacto de Sangre” (The Blood Compact) and “La Batalla de Lepanto” (The Battle of Lepanto).

In a contextualist way of perspective, I see the painting as an appealing piece. The painting is so dramatical that it captures not only the attention of the viewer but also appeals to his/her senses. The extreme slavery depicted in the painting has its connection to the treatment of the Spaniards to Filipinos during the time of their regime. The paining expresses the ill treatment that the Filipinos received during those times.

This painting exhibits that Art is everywhere through its sense of interpretation on slavery. The painting shows the brutality of slavery to its extremes. It awakens social societies on how inhumane slavery is. 

[mrstereophoniex]

Midterm Alternative Examination (Post#2) Governor Dasmariñas Felix R. Hidalgo

When I first saw this painting, the message of the painting struck me that very moment. It is very easy to understand and very saddening to know. The fact were just running in my mind telling me that I should pick that specific painting cause surely, I can write many things about it.

Felix Hidalgo, the artist of this painting was an acclaimed painter during the late 18th Century up to early 19th Century. His works received a lot of awards from international critics. Renowned for his pieces “La barca de Aqueronte” ("The Boat of Charon"), “Las virgenes Cristianas expuestas al populacho” (The Christian virgins Exposed to the Populace), “El Violinist” and many more. He was part of the Impressionism movement, an art movement initiated by Claude Monet and his fellow painters. Felix was also known to be a passive supporter of the Reformist Propaganda lead by our very own Dr. Jose Rizal. His works were sometimes focused on the mistreating misbehaving of the Spaniards and the overpowering of the Church over the Government. He, together with his contemporary Juan Luna, was then supported by Rizal and the Propaganda Movement. In one of their gatherings Rizal raised glass for the two painters, Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo, for their participation on the movement.

In a contextualist way of perspective, I see the painting as an excellent and very evident historical piece. It is widely known that the Church and the government were not separated during the Spanish Era. In fact, the Church has power over the government and oftentimes, the government is just stirred up or controlled by the Church. In this painting by Hidalgo, we can clearly see Governor Dasmariñas being told what to write by a Dominican friar. This issue about the power of the Church over the government is one of the most controversial of its time. Even today that the law that separates the Church and the government has already been established; we can still feel the great appeal of the Church to the government. Although, it has greatly lessen compared to the days of the Spanish period.

Art is Everywhere. It is depicted in this painting that even daily events such as this can be turned into an art.

[mrstereophoniex]

Midterm Alternative Examination (Post#1) Ink Fish Ang Kiukok

After I saw this painting I felt a very dark aura in it. I thought this is the thing I’ve been looking for. The painting quite intrigued me for its abstract look of three fishes with their skeleton. The dramatically dim aura omitted by the painting verily complimented my day. Back then, the day I visited the museum, I was having bad mood because of some personal issue and when I saw Ink Fish, I was like “this sure makes my day”.

The artist of this painting is the renowned painter and National Artist “Ang Kiukok”. He is famous not only nationally but also around Southeast Asia. He is known for the violence, agony and darkness in his work. Notably, people say that his works exhibits his personal view of the society as he said in one of his interviews:  "Why not? Open your eyes. Look around you, so much anger, sorrow, ugliness; and also madness.” His style is a combination of cubism, expressionism and surrealism which many refers to “figurative expressionism”

 In a contextualist way of perspective, I see the painting as a significant symbol in the society. It connotes poverty. The structure of the fish resembles as of “tuyo”, a common food amongst the poor. The thing that I could not give meaning to is the number of the fish. The colors used in the painting are mostly comprised of colors from the family of green. This could also mean as foul, reeking, stinking; like the treatment of the society to the people who are less fortunate.

In this art piece, the artist was able to show use an animal subject, which is a fish, and turn it into an interesting and unique entity, an art. The technique of the artist distorted the usual view of a fish and through this; he gave mood to the art. Again, this shows that art can be seen even in a fish using a creative mind and distinct technique and medium.

[mrstereophoniex]

Nagkawalaan (Poe-ART-ry) Viro Giernald Encinares Bacungan 1-AOM

Tagu-taguan, maliwanag ang buwan,

Sa ilalim ng mesa sumisilip si Juan.

Tayo’y maglaro ng tagu-taguan,

Saan naman kaya sumuksok si Ma’an?

  Wala sa likod, wala sa harap,

Maghanap sa dilim ay sobrang hirap.

Pagbilang kong sampu nakatago na kayo,

Saka nalang uli, kailangan na naming umuwi.

  isa…dalawa…

nagtatago pa sila...

tatlo…apat…

nakapwesto na ang lahat...

  lima…anim…

nawawala si Kim!

pito…walo…

baka nandun lang siya sa kanto

  siyam…sampu...

parang bula siya ay nagalaho.

[mrstereophoniex]

Reflection Essay/ Film Analysis on "The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert (1994)

Viro Giernald Encinares Bacungan

1-AOM

The movie is not only rich but overflowing with many queer stereotypes that are surely to make its viewers think over their perspective on the controversial “queer issue”. I myself was astonished on how inhumane the people in the movie treat queers. I myself am guilty of such action; but, not to the point of extremes just as how the movie depicted.

Back to the stereotypes, as I have said earlier, there were many stereotypes that were shown in the movie. Let’s first discuss the stereotypes on the lifestyle of queers.  The most prominent one is the way queers dress and groom themselves. I noticed that in the movie, the three characters were always wearing odd clothing; from slipper dress to their very weird hairstyles to almost dead-looking faces because of the dense powder on their faces. It might be because they are working as drags but still, not all queers do such thing. I was having a hard time analyzing stereotypes on the movie because the culture we have differs from the one that the movie has, British if I am not mistaken. Another stereotype in the movie is their immense desire for attention. It is very common for queers to be attention-seekers; it is then portrayed in the movie. I this is the reason why they were wearing odd clothing and cosmetics.

   Now, let’s focus on the stereotypes about the people around queers. The people in the movie more than detest queers that their hatred toward queers led them to the point of cursing these harmless people.  From the very start of the movie, the discrimination has already been showed. A person threw an object to one of the drags as a form of mockery. This just shows how disrespected queers are in the society. Their job itself stands for the purpose of mockery. The next event may be the best example of the extremes of queer prejudice; the vandalizing of their mini bus. They were even associated to evil itself as depicted by the pentagram drawn on their vehicle. Next, as they were stuck in the desert, one of the drags tried to seek help from vehicles passing through the desert. When he/she finally was able to find someone that was able to help, they were then abandoned for no reason at all; maybe the guy was totally bugged out by the fact that they are queers. Still, this reveals how ill the society acts toward queer people.

Amidst all the discrimination and harsh treatment given to them, queers remain cheerful and full of optimism; that’s the bright side to it. After seeing all the oppression they’ve been through; the countless times that they suffer from discrimination, they did not, not even once, seek for revenge. Instead, they continue to perform for the satisfaction of their audience. This movie made me think that sometimes, queers are more human than us. They accept all the criticism thrown to them and ignore it, or consider it, and continue to live their lives expressing who they really are. No pretense, no masks; just a lot of foundation. :D

[mrstereophoniex]

Viro Giernald Encinares Bacungan

I-AOM

Humanities 01 - Ms. Milovy Ramos

"maARTe AKO!" Photo Blog

True.Balance.

They say a single picture can contain an infinite meaning; like a droplet of water in the vast ocean. To avoid misunderstanding and confusion to arise, I am here to interpret what you can see, to give you my side of the vision.

The photo above was conceptualized based on what I learned on Humanities. Let me give you a brief summary of the principles that lead me into coming up with this photo. There are two ways to analyze arts, through Formalist and Contextualist Criticism. Formalist Criticism focuses its observation according to the technical aspect of art. Things like style, symmetry, arrangement, techniques are the basis of Formalist Criticism. On the other hand, Contextualist Criticism focuses its observation according to the feelings, ideas and interpretations that an art contain. Cultural background, definition, opinions are some key to criticize contextually an art.

We were asked to define arts according to what we believe it is. Given the instruction to have a photo of ourselves dress based on how we view art is. Now, for the explanation part, as you can see, I wore long sleeves paired with jeans and rubber shoes. First off is the long sleeves, it represents the formalist way of criticism, intellectual and precise. Meanwhile, the remaining clothing pertain to the contextualist way, free and expressive of feelings.

If you would look into the proportion of the way I wear in the photo, you will notice that I am rather doing rugged-like style rather that of formal attire. Also, check out the background I used; it is green pastures symbolizing that there must be a peaceful and supportive relationship between the two.

 In conclusion, I see art as free and expressive; but, it also needs to be intellectually sorted without self-bias. Both must co-exist without confusing each other's observations. 

[batangbimpo-deactivated20130419]

[littlebrujita]