I remember seeing this film in class a while back! This was one of my most favorite short films next to the Leyte sellers.
So yeah, I suggested at the end that there was actually nothing in the box, but rather it was his spirit, his journey that he brought back to the U.S.. Despite all of the material stuff that were shown in the dream sequence (the karaoke mic got the most laughs), it seems that his experience was something he wanted to truly bring back.
Artistic interpretations count most on this video,the idea was just great. No need to make it the other way around, 'coz it's our way of life to expect pasalubong from abroad.Everybody expect the pasalubong was a part of their life while living in RP.Filipino values still exist abroad and it's a cultural heritage to remember.
I specially love the dream sequences. I like that you kept it short and fleeting as in memory. I don't think it's a problem at all that it's a from Pinas to USA story rather than the other way around. The balikbayan box, however, usually connotes the opposite journey. Perhaps just a plain box, no label, would have worked better? SPOILER ALERT. The jumping box in the end's a good surprise. What could be inside? Live fish? I love it, I wish I had the time and resources to create something like it.
I love the sentimantal guitar music and the colors of this video. Its fresh, simple and straightforward. classic africa. Choosing the box to represent all our toiling sweat and pride is an icon for our community. I love the benches. Especially the way the lady steps over it, awkwardly. It shows us that there is civility even if the world around us is uncouth. OVATION! more.more.
Beautiful video. I like the role reversal in that it shows that relatives abroad are also eager to receive a piece of the Philippines, just like the ones at home getting pasalubong from America. It's nice. Thank you for this.
I liked your video, I'm 55 and have never been yet to the PI. Both my parents are Ilocano and it's alwsys "maybe next year". I thought the ending had a nice little twist.... Well Done & Keep on making Videos that expose our people and heart to others.....God Bless.
i think it wouldve blew it over the top had it been the other way around. balikbayan is suppost to mean return home, thus having lolo return home to the islands would make much more sense. traveling back to the philippines, theres much more commotion with the opening of the packages filled with small presents for everyone in the family. the story line wouldve had a much bigger effect if lolo was seen working hard to make ends meet. great short film. i wish you the best of luck.
Thanks for the comment. Your suggestion would have been great. However, the story was made such that the family members would expect gifts associated with the Philippines that are not common in America. This movie was also produced with limited time and zero budget, because I myself work here in the U.S. earning minimum wages. This was also intended to educate non-Filipinos about Filipino culture as well as cater to those who are familiar with the details and sensibilities shown.
I liked your story line as it is but wouldn't it be more realistic had Lolo been coming home to the islands and not to the u.s.? It would have been nice to see Lolo working hard toiling long hours (like our beloved Lolo's and Lola's working in the airport) only to bring much joy to his relatives back home. Nice potrayal of a typical filipino family. Overall, it was a good plot but would have been the bomb had it been the other way around, u.s.a to p.i.
Galing ng "Lolo's Present" and your production re- solidarity sa Payatas community. Last summer I met Paul and our friends from Japan in Batangas as they visited our peasant kababayans. Had a mini concert with him as a tribute to our migrant brothers and sisters and their families. Held it in Lemery @ Bahay ni Lola- Center for migrants and families. Let's share our hopes and aspirations through our creative expressions. Mabuhay ka !!! theravine
I remember seeing this film in class a while back! This was one of my most favorite short films next to the Leyte sellers.
So yeah, I suggested at the end that there was actually nothing in the box, but rather it was his spirit, his journey that he brought back to the U.S.. Despite all of the material stuff that were shown in the dream sequence (the karaoke mic got the most laughs), it seems that his experience was something he wanted to truly bring back.
Keep up the good work.
Toltendo 4 months ago
Artistic interpretations count most on this video,the idea was just great. No need to make it the other way around, 'coz it's our way of life to expect pasalubong from abroad.Everybody expect the pasalubong was a part of their life while living in RP.Filipino values still exist abroad and it's a cultural heritage to remember.
jundayo55 3 years ago
I specially love the dream sequences. I like that you kept it short and fleeting as in memory. I don't think it's a problem at all that it's a from Pinas to USA story rather than the other way around. The balikbayan box, however, usually connotes the opposite journey. Perhaps just a plain box, no label, would have worked better? SPOILER ALERT. The jumping box in the end's a good surprise. What could be inside? Live fish? I love it, I wish I had the time and resources to create something like it.
mel22x 4 years ago
I love the sentimantal guitar music and the colors of this video. Its fresh, simple and straightforward. classic africa. Choosing the box to represent all our toiling sweat and pride is an icon for our community. I love the benches. Especially the way the lady steps over it, awkwardly. It shows us that there is civility even if the world around us is uncouth. OVATION! more.more.
mutyanghiyas 4 years ago
Beautiful video. I like the role reversal in that it shows that relatives abroad are also eager to receive a piece of the Philippines, just like the ones at home getting pasalubong from America. It's nice. Thank you for this.
billieredsocks 4 years ago
I liked your video, I'm 55 and have never been yet to the PI. Both my parents are Ilocano and it's alwsys "maybe next year". I thought the ending had a nice little twist.... Well Done & Keep on making Videos that expose our people and heart to others.....God Bless.
flashpont 4 years ago
oh and by the way, i loved the ending with the box furiously moving as if there was a living thing inside. hilarious!
kcruz 4 years ago
i think it wouldve blew it over the top had it been the other way around. balikbayan is suppost to mean return home, thus having lolo return home to the islands would make much more sense. traveling back to the philippines, theres much more commotion with the opening of the packages filled with small presents for everyone in the family. the story line wouldve had a much bigger effect if lolo was seen working hard to make ends meet. great short film. i wish you the best of luck.
kcruz 4 years ago
Thanks for the comment. Your suggestion would have been great. However, the story was made such that the family members would expect gifts associated with the Philippines that are not common in America. This movie was also produced with limited time and zero budget, because I myself work here in the U.S. earning minimum wages. This was also intended to educate non-Filipinos about Filipino culture as well as cater to those who are familiar with the details and sensibilities shown.
eliafrica 4 years ago
I liked your story line as it is but wouldn't it be more realistic had Lolo been coming home to the islands and not to the u.s.? It would have been nice to see Lolo working hard toiling long hours (like our beloved Lolo's and Lola's working in the airport) only to bring much joy to his relatives back home. Nice potrayal of a typical filipino family. Overall, it was a good plot but would have been the bomb had it been the other way around, u.s.a to p.i.
checkerspot 5 years ago
Galing ng "Lolo's Present" and your production re- solidarity sa Payatas community. Last summer I met Paul and our friends from Japan in Batangas as they visited our peasant kababayans. Had a mini concert with him as a tribute to our migrant brothers and sisters and their families. Held it in Lemery @ Bahay ni Lola- Center for migrants and families. Let's share our hopes and aspirations through our creative expressions. Mabuhay ka !!! theravine
theravine 5 years ago