casie villarosa

Pistol Shooting Practice

2012-02-11T11:29:00.000+08:00

Casie Villarosa Photography feat. PASAY SWAT

2012-02-11T09:56:00.008+08:00

Ang Pamantayan, the 65th Anniversary Magazine of the Pasay City Police Station
; cover design by Casie Villarosa

Photography by Eugene Barona

2012-01-24T09:15:00.004+08:00

SHOOT 'EM UP

2012-01-23T09:22:00.009+08:00

the FNX-40 by FNH

2012-01-18T23:14:00.005+08:00

LOVE SONG

2012-01-18T08:43:00.000+08:00

Old Pictures...

2012-01-18T08:08:00.008+08:00

Everything is here...

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.191522504278256.38827.100002615242145&type=1

her's a few...

my mother's first passport in the 60's...

my father's class picture in 1946...

my mother in the 60's

my 70's outfit... aaaarrrgghh

with my Ate Eppie on her graduation day... she died in the 80's. the sister i always wanted

battered no more!

2012-01-15T10:37:00.002+08:00

Two years of battering, bashing and a failed demolition job... enough.

Journey's Frontman @ the Amazing Show

2012-01-11T09:39:00.003+08:00

TAKE ME OUT - Asherdash

2012-01-10T09:30:00.002+08:00

This is a good music video to open the year with... Asherdash's carrier single "Take Me Out"...

produced, directed and edited by Casie Villarosa

freddie lim / guitars and vocals
Jess Mansibang / keyboard
Jayson Huevos / lead guitar
Micky Lara / bass
Mike Occiano / drums

featuring Nixie Salonga

Camera Work by Casie Villarosa, Ian Patrick Cuenco, Jerry Santos

Ligting desing by Ian Patrick Cuenco

Set Designer Gil Montano

Lighting Team

Andy Dionisio
Bibot Arnaldo
Electricians

Fergion Barola
Cris Arnaldo

Production Assistants

Joey dela Vega
Michael Arcangel
Lester Trinidad
Donnie Cervantes

Copyright 2012
Sunset Records

The Decade That Was…

2011-12-27T18:06:00.005+08:00

2011 is the year this company celebrated our 10^th year in the business of entertainment. 2011 is the year that I, as the longest remaining employee of this company would have celebrated my 10^th year here. Except that there is nothing to celebrate, except for the fact that this is the longest job I’ve ever held.

On September 1, 2001, I signed on to become Musical Director of this show and it is a decision that is yet to be judged by history as a failure in decision-making or am I simply suffering a lag in my career? At the moment, I would assess that it is both.

In 2001, I was forewarned about working with Koreans -- that in general they are racist and will not trust one who is not their own. That once I have served my purpose, then I will be sent on my way… to another direction that is.

I learned this the hard way. The management style and treatment is erratic and at most is based on a whim. An organizational structure culled from “ancient” chaebol models and practices -- A practice and methodology that encourages in-fighting among managers and making a spectacle of fights between the gladiatorial combatants, or simply stated the old “divide and conquer” paradigm of the ancient world. So one day you find yourself favored by the Gods and the next day you are nothing...

More than half o f my career was spent on useless and unnecessary duels and combats so as to please my Emperor and prove my skill and loyalty to the crown. In the end I am the last man standing… but I am no winner. I have lost more than what I have gained. In the end, my strength has become my weakness because I am already considered a “threat”. Why such is the case? I simply infer that it is their nature not to trust. Paranoia, big destroyer as the Kinks song goes.

But then again, my loyalty is indeed questionable for them. For I have always said that my loyalty is in the organization and not on patronage as what is expected of me. This is simply because my position needs a delicate balancing act to please as much of the stakeholders to ensure that the organizational machinery is well oiled and moving. Of course, that is not how Koreans would generally do it.

And despite the fact that I have proven my loyalty time and again it has been questioned. Now that is simply an insult. Just because I do not agree to all of their opinions does not mean a wavering of loyalty, I am simply doing my job and doing what I am paid for. If it will be made clear as it has been this year that my job description meant that I nod my head in agreement all the time then so be it… consider me loyal. So long as mistakes are made, I remain viable because not all things, money can solve.

But then again, I would say that perhaps in their minds I have exceeded my mileage… or perhaps they need a new start with someone else who is unfamiliar with their once humble past…

IKAW NA! Congratulations Mica!

2011-12-22T20:37:00.005+08:00

You make living this career nightmare worth it! Congratulations my dear daughter for your 2nd , Jose Rizal Second Honors Certificate. May this not be the last!

Happy Birthday to the Batman!

2011-12-13T17:02:00.002+08:00

P/SSupt. Melchor Reyes, fondly called Batman celebrated his 50th Birthday as well as the Blessing of the Pasay Police Headquarters, the Pasay Police Station 65th Anniversary and their Christmas Party.

A Father's Appeal...

2011-12-13T16:36:00.006+08:00

MY DAUGHTER'S LETTER

Dearest Daddy,

before anything else, please read the whole e-mail first before you give me your reaction. It’s quite lengthy pero pretty pretty pretty please finish it. Thanks! :)

Yes, this is about my appeal to stay in a condo. I have always wanted naman to stay in a condo/apartment/dorm since first term eh pero i know that you will not allow me especially since my sched was very maluwag back then so i didn't dare ask na lang. 2nd term, i wanted to ask you na (my original plan pa nga was to look for an apartment with Inah (HS friend) eh) but since we're pre-enrolled pa rin, the schedule was still okay. So now, my plan was to ask you na lang before fourth term pero when I was enrolling, i noticed that i'm gonna have late classes na third term. I already talked to you about this and you said na you could pick me up na lang if my uwian is late na pero here's the thing, if you pick me up everyday, that basically means that i have to wait for you pa so that we could go home together `cause if i go home first, it's gonna be a total waste of gas. My main reason for wanting to be picked up naman kasi is that it's really scary na if i commute home late. My block mates have experienced lots of bad things na while commuting and there are scares pa in Taft and sa other means of my way home especially sa MRT and LRT. Dhei, i'm a girl. it's super creepy and really scary every time i go home late and alone.

When i first asked you about this condo thing, you told me na we can't afford it pero i did the math na. All expenses every month for the condo will be covered by my monthly allowance naman eh. by the way, we're just gonna rent and not buy a condo.

This afternoon, we checked out our options na and the most practical condo rental that we found is sa The Grand Towers (the big blue building in Vito Cruz)

it's a studio type unit, semi furnished. Unit number &%*&, tower 1 of TGT.

here's the breakdown of my monthly expenses if you will allow me to stay in a condo.

My current monthly allowance is P(*%$%& and mommy and i talked about it na and she might raise it next term because of my schedule.

so the thing is, we are not yet sure if there's gonna be 4 or 5 of us who's gonna share so here's the computation for both:

"she actually made a table"

So in the table, it can be seen that my allowance covers the monthly expenses needed for the rent. As for food naman, I would be very lucky na if you would give me food allowance of 100 a day total of P2,000.00 a month.

If you look at it, this is very okay na compared if I would get a dorm or something which costs 5,500 a month plus the food allowance pa so it costs more and I might never get a chance like this na again.

So as a start, we would need to give a reservation fee of 5,000 (which we, as much as possible, would want to do by Monday) and then before the year ends, we will give na the 2 months down and 1 month advance (4 persons: 11,250 – 1000 = 10,250 // 5 persons: 9000 – 1000 = 8,000) and we’ll be ready to move in by the start of term!

If you will allow me, I promise that I will call you and mommy every single night as soon as I get to the condo and that the thing you told me about partying or making gala and stuff like that ain’t gonna happen. You have my friends (hopefully, soon room mates) as witnesses for that.

Brief background

All 5 of us are girls (obviously)

All of us are dean’s listers (1 1stDL and 4 2ndDL)

Blah! Blah! Blah!------------- long description of friends

So there. They are my possible roomies if you will allow me.

Oh and I will give you the contact number of their parents as soon as you give me permission and ____’s dad wants to have a drink with you sometime daw. Haha!

It’s not that I do not want to be in the same house as you guys, it’s just that I can already feel the college pressure.

I will study and do my best but not just for you guys. I want to be somewhere in life din. I am studying for all of us and my promise to graduate with Latin Honors, I will try my very best and work my ass off just to get that pero if I fail, I am so sorry na in advance.

I love you daddy!

Please consider my appeal J

Super thank you in advance!

Love lots and lots and lots,

MICA ♥

MY REPLY

Dearest daughter,

I did not consider reading this email at the time simply because I always give in to your argumentative and psychological capacity to manipulate things your way. You will make an awesome lawyer someday, so save the arguments for the judge. I am your father and I love you, that is why I always want to see you and know the things that you're up to.

I appreciate the effort and it reflects upon our shared personality. You deserve the best but some things I've yet to afford and yet you always make me proud to be your dad. I am sorry that such is our state at the moment but the hardships will make you stronger, the trials will give you character and the condo is by no means a vehicle to achieve all those things.

I want you to commute so as not to isolate you from the real world... I want you to remain in touch with social realities so that you will be a better person in the future, so that when you earn what you've worked for, you may better cherish life as compared to some people I know.

You may not have all the materials things that you want, but you still have your soul and credibility as I have mine. I am just so proud that I did not need to pull strings to get you to where you are now. I am just so proud that I care much for your education simply because we are both working and sacrificing hard for it and believe me, I am looking forward to the future fact that your first pay check as a member of the labor force will not come from me.

So finally, after having read your letter, I am convinced that I have raised a good daughter. The condo may be convenient for you, but it will not be convenient for me as your father. Thank you for taking the time out to write me your arguments although I know that at the back of your mind, you know that it is an exercise in futility… I call it respect.

I love you and I know that you understand… now let’s make a music video!

Daddy

You will be missed, Kuya...

2011-12-07T15:22:00.003+08:00

My cousin Constancio "Jake" Gregorio passed away this morning at 58 years old.

Kuya as I call him was my number one fan... he simply adored everything I did in life as early when I was in College. My nickname was actually from him and his brother, Diko Francis who re-christened me because there were too many "Juns" in the neighborhood as well as school. They took half my real name and added an "e", hence the name Casie.

Kuya Jake and I used to spend a lot of time together just chatting away about everything under the sun. At times I feel uncomfortable with the fact that my opinion seems to matter too much to him despite the fact that I know that I am not always right. Nevertheless, he held me in very high regard.

He was my smoking buddy, my drinking buddy and my real life chat mate. Early this year, he decided to quit smoking and in my twisted sense of reality, I jokingly said that the sudden stop will kill him. Four months later he was hospitalized... this year he was in and out of the hospital. Up until recently his recovery seemed progressive, until yesterday... he was Kuya to me, Tatay to his children, GP (Grandpa) to his grand children, Jake or Chito to his friends and a good man to many...

Thank you for everything, Kuya... I will miss you and our conversations...

21 Years...

2011-12-01T10:08:00.003+08:00

Happy Anniversary, Me...

My Squier Stratocaster by Fender

2011-11-25T03:05:00.003+08:00

when life was still good, business was doing great, friends were still friends and gods were still within reach... i bought this stratocaster as a gift to my precious daughter... a few steps away from the store, i realized my daughter will have to wait for this strat later as part of her inheritance... (btw I only own guitars) so i headed to another store and bought her a fernando stratocaster... hehe, sorry mica... these guitars are all yours anyway.

My Greg Bennett Royale

2011-11-25T02:25:00.004+08:00

photography by joey dela vega

For my 42nd Birthday, my wife gave me this lovely Greg Bennett Royale...

The ROYALE™ addresses the performance shortcomings of this great design. The sides and the center block are made from one piece of wood, rather than two sides and the center block. This creates a more rigid structure to mount the neck, top, and back into. The result is uncommon attack and sustain, without sacrificing the rich, full tone. It’s more like a solid body with incredible tone and warmth or fullness.

The compact size reduces the tendency to resonate and steal energy from the string. Duncan Designed™ pickups insure a professional balance of tone, clarity, and power.

photography by joey dela vega and mica villarosa

my personalized Jack Daniel's Telecaster

2011-11-25T01:12:00.003+08:00

About 17 years ago, I saw this nice telecaster in a store window and I've had my eye on it since. Unfortunately, I didn't have the cash nor the capacity for pay for it at the time. My good friend Riza Villanueva paid for it initially and paid her back in installments. Two years ago, I had the tele reconstructed and personalized with the help of Ruel "Pipeg" Raymundo. This telecaster is a dream to handle but is quite heavy... which is good.

photography by jerry santos, joey dela vega and eugene barona

the Red Washburn

2011-11-25T00:33:00.003+08:00

When my son was still his loving old self, he gave me this red Washburn axe which I have brought to many battles. I guess this photo set serves as a memorial to what was once beautiful...

still got the blues for you... guitar jam

2011-11-18T00:06:00.001+08:00

a gary moore guitar jam cover

WATSEK - acoustic jam by ASHERDASH

2011-11-17T21:57:00.000+08:00

Radio Plug for Amazing Philippine beauties 2011

2011-11-17T21:54:00.001+08:00

More Freeway Jams @ Sunset Records

2011-11-05T14:25:00.002+08:00

Halloween @ the Manila Film Center

2011-11-05T14:20:00.002+08:00

Tantan Lopez brain-childed this activity to make all saints' day a tad memorable and interesting. Good job everyone... and congratulations to the winners!

looking for a score (jam session)

2011-10-28T21:22:00.000+08:00

I hate it when you make a video, use a score, render it and upload it... then facebook turns it down saying that somebody owns the score. *&^@%%#^ isn't that what music is for? anyway, so we're actually lookig for musical scoring for all the vids we want to put up in FB and now we're forced to simply do the score ourselves. this is a draft version of a jam we started yesterday with my admin director Eugene Baroña and graphic artist Gabriel Nazarene Cibucao...

Amazing Philippine Beauties 2011 Photo and Video Shoot

2011-10-25T16:41:00.004+08:00

the video ...

the crown II (final draft)

2011-10-23T10:47:00.001+08:00

the crown II (1st draft, single cam)

2011-10-19T12:25:00.001+08:00

the crown

2011-10-14T07:09:00.004+08:00

The crown is a teaser video meant to experiment for a mini music video I want to do with Belo as an insert to the pageant program. I chose this theme since I thought that Belo fits the role fairly well since all her family are avid shooters and gun owners.

So we did a test shoot along with some photography on the side and we were convinced that she can carry the role pretty well...

Family Pics w/o Miro

2011-10-13T19:38:00.005+08:00

Video Experiments

2011-10-08T08:36:00.006+08:00

These times are pageant frenzy periods where everyone at the office goes gugu about pageant activities. To make things interesting, I plan to shoot a music video that will be out of the ordinary for the reigning APB Queen, Belo Anne Francisco that will require extra editing skills so I'm paving the way via some video experiments.

Thanks to the generosity of the internet community members, stock footage is readily shared and available for wanna be videographers like myself...

Here's the look that I want to achieve...

Some screencaps from the shoot... special thanks to Santos Soriano and Jerry Santos for the shoot

the 9th search for Amazing Philippine Beauties 2011

2011-10-01T22:09:00.008+08:00

37 aspiring contestants for the 9th Ms. Amazing Philippine Beauties 2011... 27 made the cut. Congratulations and Good Luck to all of you, let the competition begin.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.140291209401386.27020.100002615242145&type=1

Pedring's Fury @ the MFC

2011-09-29T14:31:00.003+08:00

the rooftop of the MFC bore the brunt of tropical depression Pedring... sigh

photo by jerrica javier

I'm 44...

2011-09-24T18:48:00.002+08:00

and I am happy... despite everything, I am.

For the bored editor

2011-09-15T10:58:00.000+08:00

Amazing Show 10th Anniversary Homecoming Party

2011-09-13T17:30:00.003+08:00

To the PIONEER employees who attended this event.... CHEERS!

for the full photo set; https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.221379034587471.58180.197213173670724

Alex Cortez
Ambo Delos Santos
Beejay Vergara
Eugene Barona
Janice Gonzales
Gee Damian
Dimple Carpina
Ailyn Cuenco
Elmir Castillo
Gilgreg Arnaldo
JohnRey Hingo
Dixie Mendrozo
Eduardo Datuin
Andy Dionisio
Carlo Doma
Cris Capispisan
Dennis Reyes
Michael Reginaldo
Dinah Rezaba
Nelson Aluag
Eric Agas
Randy Balatan
Romeo Gustillo
Laurie Laurel
Jean Llaneza
Jose Fortin
TL Temporosa
Carlos Cunanan
Nap daquioag
Rodel Gordola
Mikee Allas
Jamby Lim
Anna Marie Gauten
Jhay-Ar Santos
Richmond Cruz
Collene
Ronnie Bonghanoy
Hazel Dator
Ian Cuenco
Donny Cervantes
Casie Villarosa
Donnie Ray Belles
Marvin Pascual
Ruel Raymundo
Vodka Orura
Joy Flor
Ronald Gallardo
Rodel Gallardo
Dindi Piano
Wawi Callejo
Anthony Agana
Warla Piano
Larry Flores
Ayu Manaog
Ivory Sytangco
Ivan Sytangco
Pauline Miranda
Joey DelaVega
Robert Santiago
Cris Arnaldo
Angel Almario

Thanks you all...

Amazing Show 10th Year Anniversary Party

2011-09-08T15:31:00.002+08:00

Nasugbu, Batangas -- the videos

MIca's Photography

2011-09-08T14:59:00.005+08:00

Casie Villarosa Photography

2011-09-07T16:00:00.008+08:00

It's absolutely fun and challenging to capture a photographic moment... featuring the Amazing Performers...

I shot with my Sony Alpha 230 while my friends captured the moment with their ultra high-tech and savvy cameras making the A230 look like a toy. Big thanks to the models, Jaytee Castro, Jamby Lim, Belo Anne Francisco, Ma. Christina Dandan and Anna Marie Gauten. Hair and make-up by Ayu Hamasaki-Park, Renzel Almaquer, Darwin Callos and Ruby Nathaniel. Technical Team led by Ian Patrick Cuenco, Gerlad Principe, Joey dela Vega, Ed Datuin, Andy Dionisio, Julius Villamor, Eric Agas and Ronron Asaral.

Casie Villarosa Photography

2011-09-06T17:24:00.007+08:00

It's a hell lot easier to upload photos in facebook so just follow this link... http://www.facebook.com/media/albums/?id=197213173670724

Here are some samples of my recent works.

photography / casie villarosa (sony alpha230)
model / dimple carpina
location / casa del mar golf and dive resort, san remigio, cebu, philippines

photography / casie villarosa (sony alpha230)
model / raniza esguerra
location / casa del mar golf and dive resort, san remigio, cebu, philippines

photography / casie villarosa (sony alpha230)
model / kring kring martin
location / casa del mar golf and dive resort, san remigio, cebu, philippines

photography / casie villarosa (sony alpha230)
model / akiko iwa
location / nasugbu, batangas, philippines

photography / casie villarosa (sony alpha230)
model / ma. christina dandan
location / nasugbu, batangas, philippines

photography / casie villarosa (sony alpha230)
models / amazing show cebu performers
location / casa del mar golf and dive resort, san remigio, cebu, philippines

photography / casie villarosa (sony alpha230)
models / amazing show cebu performers
location / casa del mar golf and dive resort, san remigio, cebu, philippines

photography / casie villarosa (sony alpha230)
models / amazing show cebu performers
location / casa del mar golf and dive resort, san remigio, cebu, philippines

photography / casie villarosa (sony alpha230)
model / anna marie gauten
location / nasugbu, batangas, philippines

photography / casie villarosa (sony alpha230)
model / belo anne francisco
location / nasugbu, batangas, philippines

photography / casie villarosa (sony alpha230)
models / beejay vergara
location / casa del mar golf and dive resort, san remigio, cebu, philippines

photography / casie villarosa (sony alpha230)
models / angel
location / casa del mar golf and dive resort, san remigio, cebu, philippines

photography / casie villarosa (sony alpha230)
model / amor concepcion
location / nasugbu, batangas, philippines

photography / casie villarosa (sony alpha230)
model / britney geronimo
location / nasugbu, batangas, philippines

Corregidor Trip 082511

2011-08-27T13:50:00.006+08:00

The Marketing Team visited the historical island of Corregidor courtesy of Sun Cruises...

Cebu Trip 082311

2011-08-27T13:22:00.004+08:00

With the new property acquisition, I expect trips to Cebu to be more frequent. Although I really don't like how the new managers are, in way of the treatment I get as VP since they are so unlike their predecessors and given that they have no institutional memory at all about this company, I really don't give a @*^$=*^ since I don't go there for them anyway. I go there for the staff and the performers.

AMAZING SHOW @ TEN (10th Year Anniversary Outing)

2011-08-27T12:42:00.004+08:00

Finally!

2011-08-20T10:27:00.005+08:00

I started dreaming of this since May of last year. After all the frustrations and heartache, it's finally done. So next week is the beginning of a new adventure...

photos by jerrica javier

2011-08-18T15:58:00.003+08:00

"I told you so!"

Those are the words I wanted to utter as I heard about complaints about the show, about the employees, about the performers, just about everything... enough said.

STARCRAZED!

2011-08-17T22:24:00.005+08:00

Working today is generally inefficient because the final scenes for ABS-CBN's Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin chose the MFC to be their venue. My secretary and my other staff went goo-goooo as celebrity actors went about their business. So the picture hunt went on...

AMAZING SHOW MARKETING SALES CALL VIDEO 2011

2011-08-17T15:17:00.006+08:00

DRIVE

2011-08-17T14:03:00.003+08:00

the Sun Cruise tie up

2011-08-10T07:24:00.014+08:00

As part of the marketing efforts to expand the market base of businesses operating in the CCP area, the marketing team of Amazing Show and Sun Cruise made preliminary arrangements for a business tie up that might begin to strengthen the partnerships of businesses in the CCP Bay area...

the sun cruise brochure

getting on board the vessel

the one hour cruise provides for live entertainment

the amazing show marketing team with sun cruise sales and marketing manager kristine castro

passing at the back of the manila film center

marketing assistant kathrina with my secretary

amazing show sales and marketing director jay an and myself

a couple enjoying the sights near the roxas blvd area

more jamming

kathrina, jerrica and ailyn

nice view of the roxas blvd panorama

manjeb, gab and kathrina

a meal comes with the cruise

jerrica, ailyn and kristine

roxas blvd skyline

gab and kat

jay and casie

the manila film center in focus

kat

food and music...

jeb wants to be a waiter?

the manila film center from a distance

the new amazing show marketing team

wolves in the making?

the after meal "kwentuhan"

sipping beer with my office in the background

...ok, no comment...

graphic rock star, gab cibucao

myself and marketing manager christian zepeda

the manila film center again as background

... concentrate ...

smile

i need to repaint my roof deck

but then again, from this distance it looks fine

AMAZING SHOW @ 10

2011-08-09T11:22:00.002+08:00

For all Amazing Show employees and core staff who were hired from September 10, 2001 to December 10, 2001 and stayed on for a minimum of six (6) months, you are all invited to watch the show on August 19, 2011 after which we will have a few barbecues and some beers at the Manila Film Center. Showtime is at 8pm, after party at 9:30pm.

RSVP: Ailyn Cuenco, Marketing Department @ 8348870

the order of battle for August 19, 2011 -- employee list for the 10th year anniversary reunion

1. Jerome Buzeta

2. Cris Librero

3. Aiai Piano

4. Dong Cueto

5. Ailyn Cuenco

6. Jhong Capacio

7. Jamby lim

8. Nap Daquiaog (active)

9. Rodel Gordola (active)

10. Dindi Piano

11. Angel Almario

12. Mikee Allas

13. Katkat Jimenez

14. Beejay Vergara (active)

15. Paige Ginete

16. Ramer Alfante

17. JR Santos

18. Khei Perlaoan

19. Godiva Sales

20. Alan Jadulco (at large)

21. Ramon Delos Reyes

22. Norbeto Victorino

23. Vodka (active)

24. Dimple (active)

25. Nikki Estanislao

26. Shawn Sedino

27. Estee Garcia

28. Randy Nunez

29. Randy Sta Ana

30. Pauline Miranda

31. Dianne Sedillo

32. Roel Ilagan

33. Joseph Celso

34. Ruel Raymundo (active)

35. Romeo Gustillo

36. Bong Seruno

37. Robert Santiago (active)

38. Junrily Hingo (active)

39. Jimmy Lachica

40. Alain

41. Kurt Navos

42. Ed Datuin (active)

43. Andy Dionisio (active)

44. Ernesto Cruz

45. Randy Cruz Lariosa

46. TL Temporosa (active)

47. Randy Balatan (active)

48. Warla Piano

49. Ronald Gallardo (active)

50. Roberto Timbang

51. Joy Flor

52. Ian Cuenco (active)

53. Gilgreg Arnaldo (active)

54. Francis Aliento

see you at the Manila Film Center, August 19, 2011 7pm

three days in thailand...

2011-08-08T15:51:00.010+08:00

The Chairman decides to send us off to a little field trip in Thailand so that we could do a little R&R and R&D. The little excursion was an eye opener for those who has not seen the other shows in Pattaya and Bangkok who were among our top influences in putting up the same kind of business ten years ago. So we took the weekend and put in a very tight schedule for this field trip.

at the Centennial airport in Manila

at the Immigration Section of the Centennial airport in Manila

on board PR 730

at the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok figuring out the baggage claim area

road trip to Pattaya, about an hour and a half (well, Joey and Eman seemed happy)

while Elmir seemed happier...

the room at the Siam View Residences

First meal in Thailand was in a shabu shabu restaurant inside the central mall

the Alcazar Cabaret frontage...

the Alcazar Show...

infront of Alcazar Cabaret with Hojin taking some snaps

infront of Alcazar Cabaret (damn, I'm never in the picture, I was the photographer of the trip)

Tiffany's Show...

infront of the Tiffany's Show

beer! beer! beer!

drinking time with some meat dishes near Tiffany's

happy to be riding near walking street after Direk Elmir subjected us to a 45 minute death march

checking for messages?

Brunch at a nearby restaurant... Thai food is really good!

After lunch we chartered another van back to Bangkok where we stayed at the Asia Hotel where Calypso Cabaret performs nightly...

Calypso Cabaret

inside the Calypso Cabaret in Asia Hotel

Tantan

Joey

Eman

Late dinner at a nearby restaurant

woke up early for breakfast...

They're not smiling about the food... believe me

so we can check out and head on to the airport

infront of Suvarnabhumi Airport for the return trip to Manila

where we saw our former performer, Japjap

as Elmir walked

and Tantan shopped

while Eman posed

It was a fruitful trip... the only thing left now is report and hopefully solicit actions

Happy Birthday Mica!!

2011-08-04T19:40:00.006+08:00

My daughter Mica turns 17 today... She had her day with her High School friends yesterday. Today was with her College friends.... and a repeat of her High School friends tonight at Music Bank. Happy Birthday, Mica. May you have good grades this term!

Lunch at Dae Jang Gum Korean Restaurant with some of her De La Salle University block mates and hanging out in my office... P.S. thanks for the discount and service Galbi Jim, Mrs. Moon.

Pateros Catholic High School friends followed then proceeded to Music Bank... thanks for the big discount, service fruits, crispy pata and the cake, Chris and Say...

photography by casie villarosa. jerrica javier

Black & White Photography

2011-08-02T20:02:00.007+08:00

Pictures from Nasugbu, Batangas

2011-08-02T18:44:00.008+08:00

photography by Eugene Barona

Jun Manalo's Funeral

2011-07-31T10:03:00.007+08:00

It is always a fact in a Police Officer's life that the threat of dying of unnatural causes, like a bullet in the brain, is always imminent. I am saddened by the passing of friend who has always been there in my lowest and highest points. Jun was a constant in my life... he is not a fair-weather friend who would show up when he is in need. He would show up at all times. We've managed to get by on gin-pomelos, alfonsos, fundadors, jacks and blacks. I have laughed and cried in front of my friend. He has seen my best and worse... and I will miss him badly.

Rest well, Jun...

VIDEO

PICTURES

video by Joey dela Vega
photography by Jerry Santos

the CHALLENGE

2011-07-29T12:18:00.014+08:00

There are competencies and there is incompetence. Over the past few years, I have openly stated that handling the marketing department would entail hiring a marketing specialist. What would a marketing department be without someone with enough marketing training and experience?

Of course, hiring the right person is quite a challenging task. We've stumbled upon people who thought and openly professed that they could turn everything around as if they were God's light upon the dark earth and failed miserably in the end.

The success during the 5th year of operations was the peak of what we could attain. That was what my former boss told me when I was attempting to convince everyone (in 2006) that a new marketing strategy should be developed in reference to the changing characteristics of the market. I was turned down and eventually my apprehensions came to pass.

In 2008, the Chairman gave me the assignment of making a marketing department but did not give me the mandate to start from scratch, meaning I had to heavily rely on existing personnel none of which had real marketing experience and so I wrote him talking points to which I pointed out two important variables...

#1 A marketing team without a marketing specialist;

It has been evident that none of the staff involved in the marketing team have previous or have a strong background in the field of marketing. Though, somehow, experience taught us what could be the possible ways on how we could market the show but it will still be best for the interest of the business to hire or to get a marketing specialist / consultant. Someone who already has the expertise to run a marketing department and the marketers.

#2 High expectation on the marketing team;

Marketing is long term; a successful marketing plan cannot be gauged in a short period of time. For us to achieve the effects of our marketing plan, extensive leg work, days of mind busting meetings, and the possibility of high expenditures are to be expected to earn the desired results...

The efforts did pay off. Statistics will prove that, except that it was not enough. There was a rise in market share and a rise in sales in 2010 -- A year after all the efforts were put in its implementation phase.

Then the very thinkable happens... the Chairman constructively attacks all the Filipino managers for a cause which I considered trivial, not to mention outright baseless. In hindsight, the Korean managers are the ones who should have suffered the brunt of the grunt but they did not. In the process, I lost my competent Filipino Marketing Director, lost my very dependable Korean Finance Manager while I lost my faith and respect to someone whom I believed I served and served well.

And now, after all that's been said and done, the time for amends are coming. I am back in the marketing department, I will have absolute control of the entire operations of the theater once again or so they say. Unfortunately, the ill-feeling I have has not yet recovered despite all the sweet talks and the lip services I have heard since time immemorial.

The challenge is this... I still don't have a marketing team that enjoys my full confidence. As I have told them in the workshop, I feel like a General out in battle with troops armed only with sticks and stones. But that is the challenge and I will take it on... I will work with what and who I have as I have always done. And on judgement day, I will hopefully stand side by side with Spartan wolves who were once rabbits! And we will reap the benefits of our labour.

the new Amazing Show Marketing Team -- young, grim and determined! (except me)

Goodbye Kuya Jun

2011-07-25T10:13:00.002+08:00

Gunmen kill cop, wife in Batangas

Armed men shot dead a policeman and his wife in Malvar, Batangas, Sunday afternoon, police said.

Superintendent Arcadio Ronquillo, provincial police spokesman, identified the fatalities as PO3 Zoilo Manalo, assigned at Metro Manila’s Southern Police District, and his wife Elvie.

Two unidentified men shot the couple along R. Latayan st., Brgy. Poblacion, around 4:10 p.m. before fleeing towards Lipa City on board a motorcycle, Ronquillo said.

Manalo was brought to the Mercado General Hospital in Tanuan City due to two bullet wounds on the head, but was declared dead on arrival by doctors.

His wife expired while being treated at the same hospital for a bullet wound on the body, Ronquillo said. (John Roson)

castles in the air

2011-07-23T16:55:00.001+08:00

the circle called life

2011-07-16T11:34:00.003+08:00

More than ten years ago, I had a boss with whom we referred to as the Lord King who was the worst of the lot of bosses I've ever worked for. His arrogance I suppose stems from his superiority complex, that no work can be done without him.

I worked my butt off for him and so did many others only to be dismayed by his meanness and lack of people skill... or maybe that was only applicable to us subordinates. I well remember my resignation letter that had "effective immediately" on it and it was one of the happiest moment of my life.

I spent the next three months in the studio writing songs for an album I'd later call "Freedom". Music they say is universal and at the time I thought that the album would be the end of it as I cruised further into my life's existence. And since music is universal, things turn around and you're back to the same state of sorry shit you were into.

The good news is... I don't have to write songs anymore for this chapter of my life. I've already written them ten or so years years ago and everything is as applicable then as it is now.

Learn to fly

2011-06-25T20:57:00.003+08:00

Life is frightening... I realized it this year when you suddenly wake up and the life you lead is not yours. You've been cheated, lied to and betrayed! We must learn to fly...

Lick your own wounds...

2011-06-21T14:21:00.008+08:00

Growing up, I have never experienced my father laying a hand on me in anger. Despite the many stupid things I've done, he would much rather give me advise or chatter me up to get to the bottom of things.

There was this one time when I got into a fight. He wasn't angry at all because I fought, specially since I have already explained the nature of the conflict. He was more angry because I lost the Batangas fan blade he gave me for my birthday because it ran away together with the thigh it was stuck in. Two days later, I arrive from school and he was home with two pairs of boxing gloves prepared. Before the spar, he warned me that I was not allowed to hit him on the face because he was wearing glasses... But that was it, it was my punishment. I was beaten a bit black and blue but I threw in a few rib shots of my own that made him cringe. -- that was my father. Always fair, always brilliant, always fun.

Since I've lost my father at a young age, I've been a sucker for older, father figure bosses. Unfortunately, none of them really stepped up to the plate of expectations. Then I remembered that these guys are rich and are on top and therefore my father definitely did not have that "thing" they have... nor will they ever have the "thing" my father had... humanity.

Recently, I was made to feel that for all the atrocities received, all the sufferings endured and all the wounds afflicted, there will be no apology, there will be no remorse, there will be no public vindication. Lick your own wounds, stand up and solve my problems, because only you can.... you are only a hired help.

then I was reminded, my father has died and gone to heaven...

welcome to hell!

P.S. I drove to work with a blood glucose level of 369... the stress is wearing me down.

Amazing Show History

2011-06-19T20:43:00.007+08:00

It is 2011, it has been 10 years since we have built Amazing Show and has lasted more years than what most were not expecting. I am saddened because we are all supposedly happy for this year and yet most are not. We have had turbulent times before, but none as turbulent as we are at the present and the reasons are not clear.

Most of the people here are those without the institutional memory of how we came about and how we thrived and flourished over the years. I wanted to make a reunion of the original people who built this place and this company through sheer perseverance despite the odds we've encountered. I wanted a happy anniversary...

Chairman Lee Jong Hyun with then CCP President Nestor O. Jardin at the maiden presentation of Amazing Show in December of 2001

Mr. and Mrs. Lee singing at the Christmas party of 2002

Father and son addressing the employees / Christmas Party 2002

then Vice President Chris Park at the opening of the Amazing Show December 10, 2001

He would later be President of Amazing Show until he left for unknown reasons in 2003

then Construction Manager Iron Chang in 2001, he would move on to become Vice President and President until his resignation in 2008

then Finance Director Tony Kang in 2001. He moved on to become Vice President for Finance and later President of WOW Amazing Transport until his resignation in 2006

then Executive Director Eric Libramonte who had a short-lived career with the Amazing Show, present occupation unknown

it's me in 2001... Musical Director, later Music and Art Director, Technical Director, Executive Technical Director, Director, Executive Director, General Manager, Executive General Manager and Vice President from 2004 until my constructive (for unknown and unexplained reason) demotion last January to Grand Mama...

then choreographer Dong Cueto who would later become a long time Director of Amazing Show until his resignation in 2006. He presently works as a manager in a call center company

then choreographer Justin Nuñez who would later become one of the most innovative member of the core staff and would take on the helm of the Technical Direction of the Show until his resignation in 2008. He is presently working as a senior technical staff in a luxury cruise liner

then Philippine Traditional Dance choreographer Rick Gonzalo who had a semi-short stint with the Amazing Show would move on to become a professional theater facilitator but he was taken by Diabetes in 2008

then Costume Designer Jerome Buzeta who later moved on to become a student of fashion abroad and a successful designer

then make up artist Aiai Piano is now the make up artist of Vice Ganda

the original "core staff" as we were called by Chris Park. we were the ones who conceptualized and executed the whims of the producers usually from the basement of my home while drinking Emperador Brandy with Spanish bread as "pulutan"

the AMAZING SHOW CAST in 2001

Babae daw sya... featuring my secretary

2011-06-18T21:51:00.006+08:00

(Hindi ako bakla or I am not gay, I am a woman) subtitle

My secretary for her facebook picture poses

Photography

2011-06-18T21:41:00.004+08:00

we had an ocular visit of possible locations for our 10th year company anniversary so here's some photos featuring our guide that day, our very own Belo Ann Francisco, Amazing Philippine Beauties crown holder for 2010...

BTW, I would like to acknowledge her family for the generous hospitality extended to our group and the very nice take out sweet treats we brought home.

back to the saddle of pain

2011-06-12T18:34:00.003+08:00

When stressed or distressed most people turn to "comfortable" things such as food... junk food to be precise. Chocolates and other sweets... damn I miss those things. Being diabetic, I have very limited options as to what the term "comfortable" would be allowed by my doctor. So I turn to pain.

After six months of being stressed out. Drinking the cheapest of drinks and going wayward... I finally had the time to go back to the agony of working out. Damn, I was already pumping 70's and 80's and now I'm back to 20's and 30's... Oh well, it's much like my career I guess...

photography by Jerrica Javier

i miss the therapeutic value of a live jam

2011-06-12T17:53:00.006+08:00

@ pier39 jamming with Black Pipe

Nicotina Garden Pavillion bids farewell to its loyal patrons a couple of months back... this is a place full of wonderful memories for me. I loved jamming with the bands Unysis and Circle of Five as well as playing the piano late nights after hours...

jamming with Black Pipe

jamming with alamat

photography by Jerry Santos and Joey dela Vega

Godspeed, Aira!

2011-06-01T21:05:00.003+08:00

Happy Birthday to you and may this day be a good beginning for your new life outside our realm for the last ten years. My apologies for not having been able to keep abreast with the battles we could have fought better... I wish you all the best!

Here's a little something to remind us by...

the MFC Bar memories

2011-05-31T16:38:00.014+08:00

It broke my heart upon hearing that the MFC Bar would be shut down early this year. I simply told my Korean manager that it's up to you guys simply because I knew that that was part of my sanction at the time.

The MFC Bar was originally conceived so that our performers and staff could have a hang out and unwind place after work. We have so many fond memories at the MFC Bar and the bottom line is that we never lost money operating the place. Only that our Korean manager in-charge of running the place left for Japan and that left no one wanting to run the bar.

These days, no one stays after work. Everyone just heads out for home or hangs somewhere else... that's a bit sad. So I asked the Chairman if I could give it a shot to re-open the place and have someone operate it for us and he said yes.

Soon enough I hope, the MFC Bar will be back... better than before, bringing life back to the Manila Film Center.

Images from my Sony Alpha230... photography (mostly) by Casie Villarosa

photography by Jerry Santos

photography by Santos Soriano

photography by Santos Soriano

photography by Santos Soriano

photography by Santos Soriano

photography by Santos Soriano

photography by Santos Soriano

Amazing Show pictures from my Sony Alpha230

2011-05-31T16:01:00.007+08:00

Ms.Amazing Philippine Beauty 2009 Bembem Radaza at the lobby of the Manila Film Center before show time; photo by Jerrica Javier

the Christmas Finale segment; photo by Eugene Barona

Ma. Christina Dandan and Cindy at the lobby after showtime; photo by Eugene Barona

company call at the main theatre; photo by Jerry Santos

PA Michael with Koji at the backstage before showtime; photo by Mica Villarosa

the backstage during showtime; photo by Mica Villarosa

performers at the backstage before showtime; photo by Mica Villarosa

Jake and Chrissy at the lobby after showtime; photo by Eugene Barona

performers at the lobby after showtime; photo by Eugene Barona

performers at the lobby after showtime; photo by Eugene Barona

Bonsai Sardido for curtain call at the lobby after showtime; photo by Eugene Barona

Bembem Radaza performing "Diamonds"; photo by Eugene Barona

Ma. Christina Dandan performing "Wa Ai Ni"; photo by Eugene Barona

Donita Gauten performing "Daya-Daya"; photo by Eugene Barona

Philippine Traditional Dance performance; photo by Eugene Barona

Bonsai and Esmer performing "Uta Hayaku"; photo by Eugene Barona

Jamby Madrigal and Patrick Passion peforming "Phantom of the Opera"; photo by Eugene Barona

Amazing Show cast at the lobby; photo by Eugene Barona

Phantom of the Opera; photo by Eugene Barona

with guests at the lobby; photo by Eugene Barona

company call inside the main theatre; photo by Eugene Barona

batten operators; photo by Mica Villarosa

Asia at the lobby of the Manila Film Center before show time; photo by Jerrica Javier

Ms.Amazing Philippine Beauty 2009 Bembem Radaza at the lobby of the Manila Film Center before show time; photo by Jerrica Javier

the traditional new year's eve "shot" with the VP at the lobby after showtime; photo by Jerry Santos

Dandan, TL and Jaytee at the traditional new year's eve "shot" with the VP at the lobby after showtime; photo by Jerry Santos

Jaytee Castro at the traditional new year's eve "shot" with the VP at the lobby after showtime; photo by Jerry Santos

Showtime "finale"; photo by Casie Villarosa

Showtime "finale"; photo by Casie Villarosa

the main theatre of the Manila Film Center before showtime; photo by Casie Villarosa

Photography ft. Mica

2011-05-31T15:53:00.002+08:00

Mica's Photography (Sony Alpha230)

2011-05-29T20:13:00.005+08:00

photography like anything else is like learning how to drive. If you start learning on a smashed up, beaten up car with a poor transmission, bad brakes and terrible handling, driving a better car would be a breeze... but in this case I'm not talking about the camera, it's the model... thanks dawter!

Watsek by ASHERDASH

2011-05-25T19:42:00.001+08:00

WATSEK
Words and Music by Freddie Lim
Produced and engineered by Casie Villarosa
Performed by Asherdash

This song is full of gripes and is dedicated for those crooked people in society. It was because of the melody that the band decided to record it. The lyrics however, were triggered by someone who crossed the path of the band prompting them to think why things are not the way they should. The band's expression of anger was through this song. That's the beauty of being a musician; the expression need not be physical...

--- asherdash