"Big Magic" (part 1/2)

"Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear" by Elizabeth Gilbert (author of the sensational memoir "Eat, Pray, Love")
Non-fiction, self-help, motivational
(c) 2015

Here are my favorite lessons from the first three chapters of Liz Gilbert's inspiring book:

I. COURAGE

• The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them. The hunt to uncover those jewels--that's CREATIVE LIVING. The courage to go on the hunt is what separates a mundane existence from a more ENCHANTED one. The often surprising result of that hunt is the BIG MAGIC.
• "Argue for your limitations and you get to keep them." 
• Creativity is a path for the BRAVE but it's not a path for the FEARLESS.

II. ENCHANTMENT

• While the TORMENTED ARTIST throws a temper tantrum, the MUSE sits quietly  in a corner of the studio, patiently waiting for him to calm down and sober up so everyone can get back to work. 
• Ideas are alive. Ideas seek the most available human collaborator. Ideas have a conscious will. Ideas do move from soul to soul. Ideas will always try to seek the swiftest and most efficient conduit to the earth.
• An Idea is stubborn. It refuses to stop searching until it has found an equally stubborn collaborator. 
• If you show up for work day after day, you just might get lucky enough some random morning to burst right into bloom. 
• The Romans believed that an exceptionally gifted person WAS NOT a genuis but HAD a genius. It's a subtle but important distinction (being vs.having). This way, the vulnerable human ego is protected from the corrupting influence of praise and from the corrosive effects of shame. 
• "Just write anything and put it out there with reckless abandon" - Ralph Ellison

III. PERMISSION

• Golden Rule in the Gilbert household: If you're supporting yourself financially and you're not bothering anyone else, then you're free to do whatever you want with your life.
• You want to write a book? Make a song? Direct a movie? Decorate pottery? Learn a dance? Explore a new land? Do it. Who cares? It's your birthright as a human being, so do it with a cheerful heart. Let inspiration lead you wherever it wants to lead you. For most of history, people just made things, and they didn't make such a big freaking deal out of it. 
• I'll tell you who I am. I am a child of God, just like anyone else. I am a constituent of this universe. I have a right to be here. I have a right to my own voice and a right to my own vision. I have a right to collaborate with creativity, because I myself am a product and consequence of Creation. I'm on a mission of artistic liberation.
• If you're working on your craft every day on your own, with steady discipline and love, then you are already for real as a creator. You don't need to pay anybody to affirm that for you.
• Editors could reject me all they wanted but I wasn't going anywhere. I plan to stick around. 
• Smile sweetly and suggest--as politely as you possible can--that they go make their own fucking art. Then stubbornly continue making yours.

I'm currently in the fifth chapter of the book. I'll share with you my new learnings on a new blog :)

Ricky Lee's "Sampung Tulong sa Pagsusulat"

My Ricky Lee books. Two of them are signed, the rest are waiting to be

In "Now Showing: Masterclass," guest master Ricky Lee shared anecdotes from his childhood (spent in Daet, Camarines Norte,) his beginnings as a writer, background on political activism, and a snapshot of 'making it' in the industry as hundreds of students, fans, and creatives crowded the cinema for 3 hours of learning and inspiration.

Among his noteworthy lessons is the "Sampung Tulong sa Pagsusulat" for aspiring and practicing writers:

1. Tanggalin mo ang nakaharang na screen (social media, internet, other forms of media)
2. Find solitude (dahil ang ingay na ng mundo ngayon)
3. Magbasa ka (dahil walang manunulat na hindi nagbabasa)
4. Patayin mo ang sarili mo ('wag pagsalitain ang personality sa iyong mga karakter. Mawala ka bilang tao sa istorya mo)
5. Tanggapin mo ang kahon (rules, conventions,) saka mo banggain.
- While freedom is good, constraint is also helpful
6. Magkaroon ka ng ritwal. Si Ricky Lee, hindi nagsusulat 'pag nasa mood. Nagsusulat siya para mapunta sa mood
7. Keep a journal para masulatan ng mga ideya
8. Magpatulong ka sa mga kaibigan at hingin ang kanilang opinyon
9. Umalis ka sa comfort zone mo, at
10. Magsulat ka para magbuo

One of the reasons why I admire sir Ricky is because of his principle, "Habang natututo ako, gusto ko ibinabahagi ko rin 'yun sa iba." This, coming from a celebrated screenwriter/author/playwright who has probably earned and received most awards that befit a living legend.

His humility and undying openness for learning and collaboration makes him a standout in a close-knit literary industry. He makes himself approachable* and he'll make you feel like he sincerely wants to know and help you.

Case in point: In 2011, I asked him for a special autograph because I wanted to be a writer. Despite enduring hours of book signing and picture taking, he took a moment to write these words:

"Dear Ross, never give up on your desire to write. Just write as yourself, from your heart, not wanting to be like others but just your unique self!"

Tell me if you think it's wrong to adore this man! :)

*Before the show ended he told the audience we can ask for his cellphone number and exchange notes. Ikaw na lang talaga ang mahihiya.

"The Unbearable Lightness of Being"

I just finished reading "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," a 1984 philosophical Czech novel by Milan Kundera. This novel is considered a modern classic in literature.

I found one interesting concept in the 6th chapter that I want to share with you. 

From Milan's words, "We all need someone to look at us. We can be divided into 4 categories according to the kind of look we wish to live under."

"The 1st category longs for the look of an infinite number of anonymous eyes, in other words, for the look of the public."

Think of celebrities and politicians.

"The 2nd category is made up of people who have a vital need to be looked at by many known eyes. They are the tireless hosts of cocktail parties and dinners. They are happier than the people in the first category, who, when they lose their public, have the feeling that the lights have gone out of the room of their lives. This happens to nearly all of them, sooner or later. People in this category, on the other hand, can always come up with the eyes they need." 

"The 3rd category is for people who need to be constantly before the eyes of the person they love. Their situation is as dangerous as the situation of people in the first category. One day the eyes of their beloved will close and the room will go dark."

"The 4th category, the rarest, is for people who live in the imaginary eyes of those who are not present. They are the dreamers."

Personally I think I belong to the 2nd category because I find comfort in being surrounded with the people I know--those who I trust, love, and care for. It gives me joy to entertain them at parties and spend time with them during travels, in coffee shops, or even via modern technologies.

My 2016 in Books, Films, and Theater

2016 edition of my annual recap:

BOOKS

1. "Before Sunrise & Before Sunset' - screenplays
2. "A Raisin in the Sun" - screenplay
3. "To Kill A Mockingbird" - novel
4. "Kill Your Darlings" - screenplay
5. "10 Short Plays" - plays
6. "Write Here. Write Now." - autobiography/memoir
7. "Steal Like An Artist" - autobiography/memoir
8. "Gagamba" - novel
9. "Humans of New York" - photography, anthology
10. "Of God and Men" - memoir
11. "Brokeback Mountain" - short stories
12. "Princess Maryam" - screenplay
13. "Waiting for Godot" - play
14. "Biography of Mother Theresa" 
15. "Martin Luther King Jr.: History Maker" - biography
16. "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" - novel, self-help
17. "The Vagina Monologues" - play
18. "Dear Distance" - short stories
19. "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" - novel
20. "Humans of New York Stories" - photography
21. "Letters from Father Christmas" - letters

MOVIES

Foreign

1. The Revenant - drama
2. Sisters - comedy
3. 50 First Dates - rom-com
4. Macbeth - drama
5. Room - drama
6. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - action, comedy
7. Trumbo - drama
8. Diary of a Teenage Girl - drama
9. The Danish Girl - drama
10. Steve Jobs - drama
11. Kung Fu Panda 3 (because of my job!) - action, comedy, animation
12. Big Hero 6 - drama, comedy, animation
13. Eat. Pray. Love. - drama
14. Midnight in Paris - drama
15. Angry Birds (twice!) (because of my job!) - comedy, animation
16. X-Men:Apocalypse - action
17. Captain America: Civil War - action
18. Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice - action 
19. Families (from French Film Fest) - comedy
20. The Very Private Life of Mr. Sim (from French Film Fest) - drama, comedy
21. Dead Pool - action, comedy
22. Ant-Man - action
23. Kingsman: The Secret Service - action
24. Alice Through The Looking Glass - drama, fantasy
25. Guardians of the Galaxy - action, animation
26. Ghostbusters - comedy
27. Looking: The Movie - drama
28. Nerve - drama, suspense
29. Suicide Squad - action
30. Don't Think Twice - drama, comedy
31. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - fantasy
32. Sausage Party - comedy
33. Dr. Strange - action
34. Ms. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - fantasy
35. Miss Saigon: 25th Anniversary Concert in cinemas - drama, musical
36. Across the Universe - drama, musical
37. Moana - animation, adventure, comedy
38. AMY - documentary

Local

1. Buy Now, Die Later - horror, suspense
2. Walang Forever - rom-com 
3. Just the 3 of Us - rom-com
4. Imbisibol (from French Film Fest) - drama
5. Imagine You and Me (because of my job!) - romance, drama
6. Lando at Bugoy (from Cinemalaya 12) - drama
7. Ang Babaeng Humayo - drama
8. Apocalypse Child - drama 
9. Ang Kwento Nating Dalawa - romance, drama
10. Toto - comedy
11. Kabisera - drama (#MMFF2016)
12. Saving Sally - animation, romance (#MMFF2016)
13. Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2 - comedy (#MMFF2016)
14. Sunday Beauty Queen - documentary (#MMFF2016)

THEATER

1. Tanghalang Pilipino's "Prinispe Munti" - musical, puppetry, drama
2. "Open The Door" - political satire, comedy
3. Red Turnip Theater's "Constellations" - play
4. Tanghalang Pilipino's "Tito Vanya" - play
5. Virgin Labfest sets A-D
6. Tanghalang Pilipino's "Sandosenang Sapatos" - musical, drama
7. Tanghalang Pilipino's "Pangarap sa Isang Gabi sa Gitnang Tag-Araw" - play, tragedy-comedy
8. Ballet Manila's "Cinderella" - ballet

TV SERIES

1. How To Get Away With Murder (season 2, season 3 fall finale)
2. Empire (season 2, season 3 fall finale)
3. Mozart in the Jungle (seasons 1 and 2)
4. Looking (seasons 1 and 2)
5. Stranger Things (season 1)

Gratitude List

[Part 1]

It's no secret that it pays to be grateful for things, big or small, that make us smile and, in some cases, get us through the day with better disposition. 

Recently, here are some of the things I am thankful for:

• Taxi/cab drivers who don't choose passengers, especially during heavy rains. See, I live in Tondo, Manila. More often than not, these drivers would deny me service because they are afraid of the street and neighborhood conditions in Tondo. Honestly, I believe that anywhere is as dangerous or as safe as your mind conceive it to be.

• Writers who are grateful/not intimidated by fans. I attended Virgin Labfest 12, the festival of untried, untested, and unstaged plays in CCP where you can basically bump into some of the who's who in Philippine theater and literary scene. So I bumped into these writers and told them how I admire their work: Nicolas Pichay, Eric Cabahug, Dingdong Novenario, and Herlyn Gail Alegre. They warmly and humbly accepted my compliments and offered their gratitude in return.

• Being able to help an elderly cross the street/open the door. The best thing is when they smile at you, say "thank you," and even wish you God's blessings. Awww...

• Strangers offering their humble food and starting a conversation. Once I was having dinner at a convenience store and the man beside me offered his food (which is as plain as mine). He then complimented my watch and asked where I got it from. That experience reminded me that everyone has something to share regardless if they look interesting or not. 

• Unexpected team dinner. To remind everyone that we still have a life outside work and things inside the office are not personal.

Here's hoping to more frequent and longer gratitude lists soon!

"The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari"

I stumbled upon this self-help book by writer and leadership guru Robin Sharma while browsing through the Personality Development section of Fully Booked.

I didn't pick it up the first time. I knew I would when the right time comes. And it did...three weeks ago when I was thinking of moving out of my comfort zone. 

The message could not have been more apt: be a monk, sell your ferrari. In essence, focus on the essential and rid yourself of life's excesses. Sharma didn't attempt to conceal it either, putting a tagline that it's "a fable about fulfilling your dreams and reaching your destiny."

In the book (also in Wikipedia), the story revolves around two characters, former law colleagues Julian Mantle and John, immersed in a 12-hour long conversation. Julian narrates his spiritual experiences during a Himalayan journey which he takes after selling his holiday home and red Ferrari. A successful trial lawyer, Julian collapses from a heart attack while arguing a case in court, and his lengthy recovery leads him to seek a spiritual path in the Himalayan mountains, under the Sages of Sivana, from whom he receive wise and practical lessons which bring drastic changes in his life. 

Julian shares valuable life lessons to John through a short story hiding The 7 Timeless Virtues of Enlightened Living. 

Here's the summary: "There was a [3] sumo wrestler who walked out of a [2] lighthouse in the middle of a [1] beautiful garden with nothing more than a [4] pink wire cable covering his private parts. While walking, he slipped on a [5] shiny gold stopwatch and fell to the ground. After what seemed like an eternity, he regained consciousness when the fragrance of the [6] yellow roses reached his nose. He then jumped to his feet in delight and was astonished to see a long, winding [7] path studded with millions of tiny diamonds. Of course the sumo wrestler took the path and, in doing so, lived happily ever after."

To spare you some time, here are the meaning of these virtues, according to Sharma:

Go pick up the book if you're into self-help. It probably won't bore you because the lessons are hidden in the form of a short story. It is unlike most self-help books these days which promise guaranteed change! in life after few bullet points and examples.

It's also helpful for meditation and Buddhism enthusiasts :)

#TheBookStopProject

In case you don't know yet, there's a pop-up library currently located in front of Manila Cathedral in Plaza de Roma, Intramuros.

It is the brainchild of architectural firm WTA. They aspire to maximize the use of public spaces to promote reading books.

It's stylish as it can get. Truly an inviting centerpiece in Plaza de Roma, Intramuros

The rule in this open-space library is simple: give a book and get one of your liking in return. The 'policy' rests on public trust as it doesn't have a personnel monitoring the supposed barter. A WTA architect informed me that they are assigned to man the library for at least 1 hour a day. Some people give and don't get, while some get and don't give any.

I visited the library earlier today to watch a storytelling session in the park by Adarna Books volunteers. Storytelling is one of many pocket activities that WTA and #TheBookStopProject prepared for the public. 

In the photo below you can see a volunteer lively narrates "Ang Kwento ni Ampalaya" to random children. Seated at far right is Lyn Ching-Pascual, host of GMA's "Unang Hirit" and a reading advocate.

A WTA staff told me that next Saturday afternoon, Words Anonymous will perform live poetry for free!

From a communications and advocacy standpoint, I admire the creativity and passion of WTA in experimenting with the library's concept. It's no secret that reading books is becoming a challenge (and buying them, a luxury) and public spaces are getting hostile to and unprepared for creative ideas and executions. Not to mention that using them for free is likely impossible these days.

A WTA architect, however, expressed their company's confidence in the project. He said, (non-verbatim) "Nung first days may mga kumukuha lang. Pero at the end of the (installation period), mas marami pa rin ang new books. We have about 100 new books and about 500 visitors daily."

If these numbers are any indications to the future of literature, public participation, and more recreational and artistic public spaces, then I think we're heading in the right direction. Thanks to WTA for initiating such feat (I swear I don't know any of them.)

Before the library is in Intramuros, it spent two weeks at the heart of Ayala Triangle in Makati.

Book lovers can visit #TheBookStopProject everyday from 9AM to 10 PM until July 10, 2016. After in Intramuros, it will be transferred to Quezon City.

You can find out more details about it by searching for The Book Stop Project (@TheBookStopPH) on social media.

You can volunteer your time and talent, and donate old and unused books, and even money, to the cause.

Hurry and make a difference before the rainy season threatens the library (regarding this, another staff told me that they're working on it).

"Of God and Men"

Memoir
Raymond Alikpala
2012, Maverick House Publishing

If you're a homophobic person, this book is not for you (or maybe in time, it will be). If you're a transitioning homophobic or you don't give a big deal out of homosexuality, then by all means, read this book.

Of God and Men is a memoir that can be read beginning with the Epilogue. It might seem to be a long read since it began with the author's childhood (he finished recounting his story when he was 40 years old) but Raymond Alikpala tried his best to walk you through a childhood that was strangely unique than what most of us experienced--a childhood that was relatable only to a minority of the population.

Alikpala grew up feeling and thinking that he was gay but acting like the opposite. Not everyone will be able to relate to him but I'm sure each of us has had a childhood that was confusing as well--forcing us to act what we thought was appropriate and accepted by the society we were growing up in--only to realize years later that we didn't exactly make all the right choices anyway.

Raymond, being gay, is no stranger to this tale. His story was, however, told with so much honesty that one would think he knows the author all his life.

Various chapters in Alikpala's memoir revealed his long desire to have a true best friend and lover, and his several failed attempts at that. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why the book is long, transparent, and detailed--so one can relate to him, understand him, and offer a friendship and care that this good son, ex-devout Catholic, overachiever student so deserves.

Alikpala's bravery in sharing his coming out story (read: to "come out" is a big deal and to "share" it is another) is admirable. While he remains a barely recognizable author (like most LGBT writers), the local literary scene needs more fearless souls like him so it could offer a broader range of stories for modern readers.

Of God and Men is the first book I read that highlighted the unlikely connection between faith and homosexuality. It was written in a controlled prose (meaning, the writer chose his words carefully) that it would pass for conservative readers but it also offered a bit of nasty storytelling that it would surely attract liberated ones.

Whether you're a member of the LGBT community or you just want to know more about it and about them, go ahead and grab this book.

It's just like talking to a friend over coffee: expect a conversation that is light, easy to follow, and can get serious and funny all throughout. Unfortunately, it doesn't end after you finish a cup because it's 447-page long.

My rating: 3.5/5 rainbow-colored stars

Fanboying

My love for reading has given me a number of rewards now.

I was able to meet some of my favorite writers and I had some of their books signed.

Social media has also enabled me to follow some of them online so I could be updated in their newest projects. It also enabled me to post the latest books that I read and tag their writers who have online presence. 

Fortunately, two of them have noticed my gratitude and they expressed their appreciation in return :)

Here is Dean Francis Alfar's book, "The Kite of Stars and Other Stories," as seen in my Instagram account:

Meanwhile, here is Arnel Patawaran's book, "Write Here, Write Now," also seen in my Instagram account.

Not only did he acknowledged my post--he reposted it on his @aapatawaran page! :)

Another "Almost"

I just got back from MOWELFUND (Movie Workers Welfare Foundation) where I applied to be one of the fellows of CINE PANULAT 2016, the second edition of the free screenwriting laboratory founded and ran by acclaimed director and screenwriter Jun Lana.

I came in 15 minutes earlier than the call time. By 10 A.M., we were given a creative writing exercise which required us to write our biography in a maximum of five sentences and develop a scene with three people on the side of a bridge. 

Jun Lana made his message clear the moment he greeted us--only those who submitted an "okay" (meaning, good) write-up will be considered for the initial interview and those who did "good" will be endorsed to him for the final interview and selection.

About 80 applicants were shortlisted from a pool of--wait for it--410 submissions! 

Just before lunchtime, I took a risk and submitted my entry first. Direk Jun read it inside the small theater along with the other entries. I was filled with anxiety for more than two hours of waiting--Did I write good enough? Did he like it?

Fortunately I was called on for the initial interview with Direk Perci Intalan (Direk Jun's husband). I exerted every effort to be as honest as possible while talking to him (bordering on being an eager beaver, tbh) because I believe that as a writer, that should be a non-negotiable trait. 

But it wasn't enough. 

Not long after my interview, one of the volunteers thanked me and advised that they will just "contact me for any updates" which literally translates to "better luck next time."

Everything was alright, though. I knew the moment I sent my application that it was not going to be an easy ride. Direk was looking for amateur writers with writing background in movie, TV or theater, and I only had a single one-act play to show him. At least I tried and because of that, I can now sleep well.

The lesson I learned today: interviews and screening processes are all about perception. How? I can look at my situation in two ways: first, that I didn't make it to the Final 20; and second, that from 410 applicants, I made it to the shortlist then to the first round of interviews with about 50 remaining aspirants. I chose to be grateful and focus on the latter instead :)

Additionally because of the writing exercise, I will have a new blog entry :)

All is well. Opportunities are infinite but unfortunately this blog isn't, so...bye!

Introspection

It's hard to write when you don't know what to write about. You wanna finish another (or your first) masterpiece but you can't even write a sentence. Maybe you can but you don't what is it about. Maybe you do but you have no clue how to continue.

All you wanted is to be good. When you have one or two good stories, you wanna be better. You want to reach that line that promises greatness and welcomes fearlessness. You know you want to write but then you don't know what is it about. 

This consuming passion to write, to share stories, to be a narrator, a comic, a dramatist, a romantic, a priest, a nun--a person who others pay attention to not because you seek attention, only because you have something to share.

What do you want to be? A playwright? A novelist? A poet? An essayist? Do you want an extensive work of literature or do you want to save up space and time? You don't know which path you wanna take. No business, no bullshit--you want to pursue your love for writing, literature, and the arts.

Hard to find inspiration, right? What about your successes? Your failures? Your wicked ways? Your wild dreams? First sex? With whom? First love? Who? World Peace? No, it's probably corny. You? Too egotistical.

Ricky Lee said as a writer, you don't wait for the moment, you make that moment.

Write as if it's the last day.
Write because you want to.
Write because you must.