Dalaw: A Short Film by Janus Victoria

Dalaw
Running time 15:00

Local superstition has it that those who have passed on continue to visit their loved ones. A young woman trying to heal from a failed relationship seeks refuge in her grandmother's house and discovers her grandmother is grieving the loss of her friend. The two find solace in each other as they inhabit their private world of loss and remembrance.





Photos by Marj Beringuel

Husk at the 25th Los Angeles Asia Pacific Film Festival

Southern California's largest and most prestigious film festival from comedy and drama to documentaries and shorts, the 25th anniversary of this week long festival shares the stories of Asian Pacifics in America and abroad. View Site

A Thing of Retro Beauty

The majestic C&R Building in Escoda Street in Taft. Taking pictures around Taft, I revisited this old building I used to see a lot during college. It was one of the buildings that fascinated me along with the old Jai Alai building before it was butchered by Mayor Atienza. The Jai Alai building was the art deco style building with the Sky Room signage on the front. You can easily spot these buildings while riding the LRT.



The C&R Building building reminds me what a huge steamship would look like if its haul was cast onshore. Though I've never seen anyone peek out of those circular windows. I just think its great that its still functional and houses several clinics.

French Judge Puts a Stop to “Body” Exhibition

Judge Shuts Down French “Body” Exhibition

In the 1970s, Gunther von Hagens, a German doctor developed the technique of plastination to preserve bodies in a dry, odorless state that allows them to look remarkably lifelike -- for dead people. Hence, starting the modern curio show.

I've seen medical exhibits before as I've spent some years in pre-med, the University of Santo Tomas has its fair share of medical curiosities in its medical museum. Yes, unclaimed bodies, forensic specimens, pathologies, slides, etc. all for science, education and what-not. What I've discovered is that no matter how grotesque or disturbing the state of the exhibits are, you can't turn away and just not look. And its no wonder why the "Bodies the Exhibition" has proved financially successful for its promoters. We have this innate condition to be curious. Under the guise of an education exhibit or a modern day freakshow, "Bodies the Exhibition" takes in more controversy than it can handle, the bodies on display are from China.

A Seattle PI commentary states it best:
"The bodies were not donated, and may well have belonged to political prisoners. China is not a nation of laws, and any assurances that the bodies were legally obtained is meaningless."

Well, China known for its record for selling out anything for profit. A nation who would go as far as poison their own infants. Re: Melamine in Milk.



Ewan ko, I'm all for art, but there is something very disturbing here. I feel its objectifying the human body too much, making them look like miserable frozen creatures in a state of perpetual hell. There is too much emotion and humanity in these bodies for you not to feel for them. That they were once alive, died in unknown or in dire circumstances. They deserve a proper burial. I'm too spiritual, I guess not be moved by this and not question this. Kahit patay ka na, sinong tao ang gustong mapabalutan ng plastik at gawing display? Personally, I wouldn't want my insides to be displayed and gawked at in public when I'm dead. Well, di kasi ako exhibitionist hehe.

Links:
Education or freak show? 'Bodies ... The Exhibition' cashes in on our own curiosity
BODIES... The Exhibition

Gone Apeshit by Enzo Florentino

Enzo Florentino's Quickies, most of his stuff from speed painting.



Gone apeshit sticker heads! I looooove these!
It would be great to stick them inside jeepneys and Meralco posts all over the Manila.



Enzo's painted rendition of Snake from Metal Gear Solid

More art and sketches at enzo's blog

An Accidental Chat with a parallel Universe

Sighted on facebook

Universe De Anda:
Is your middle name actually universe?

Universe Baldoza:
middle name? like my mother's? no its part of my first name :) like yours!

Universe De Anda:
Wow. Really. Didn't think there were others

Universe Baldoza:
an infinite number of universes are known to exist :)

Universe De Anda:
I don't think I feel special anymore

Universe Baldoza:
aaaaw... not to worry the world is big enough for the two of us ;)

Universe De Anda:
Ya I guess so. I'll try to get over it LOL

MOYTOY: Call for Artists!

MOYTOY is organizing a new event and we are totally dependent on you. MOYTOY welcomes artists, fans, new members and lovely strangers. This exhibit will take place in Kaunas, Lithuania.

More info at MOYTOY or http://www.moytoy.eu/