The Debut

WHY DIDN'T I KNOW ABOUT THIS FILM???!!!

Now, I like to think of myself as someone who thinks: Outside the box. But, somehow I missed the film genius of Gene Cajayon! His directorial debut...The Debut was about the life of Ben, a Filipino American boy trapped in a world that he felt ashamed of daily. Not to give too much away, but the audience is taking on a cultural journey in which was so well written that no matter what your ethnic background is, you tend to relate the the story's main character (or others). There was laughter, tears and overwhelming feeling wrapped up into a film done with the use of 5 credit cards!

The film ends with a reconciliation of cultures and spirit. I learned a lot from this movie that I will take with me for a lifetimes. To me, movies are a great gateway to find oneself.

New Opportunities

On Friday October 16, 2009 I had the privilege and opportunity to volunteer for MCJR's Media Conference 09'. During which I gained vital information on the progress of the growing media. The conference meant more since realizing in September I was unable to attend MCJR's Annual New York media trip. I was extremely disappointed that I would not be able to go. However, when one door closes another one opens.

The conference opened my eyes to many aspects of media I knew nothing about. Some the panel members were: Kevin Ross- President of 3BAAS Media Group, April Pierce- Associate Producer at News 12 Networks, Kelly Buffaloe-President of The Kelly Company and Dr. Stacy Jones- Dean of Benedict College.

With a smile I can honestly say that this conference opened my eyes and restored my faith in striving for a career in media. I am thankful to the staff of the MCJR department and their dedication to the students. One day, I hope to be a panelist and give back.

Seeing the world...through a prision cell.

I was looking through some news articles and fell upon a story that I simply 'had' to blog about. In an article by the UK Mirror, a women spent 5 weeks in a Guyanese prison after being wrongly accused of drug smuggling. Basically, another version of Broke Down Palace (a film that was based on a true story starring Claire Danes and Kate Beckinsale). As I was reading her diary I started wondering if our desire to 'see the world' has become mute? Or, should we not blame countries for trying to protect their borders. We've seen the outcome of Current TV's reporters, going far and beyond for news seems more deadly now then before.

Here this women is wanting to expand her horizon, to give her children something to admire is placed in a position to doubt others and herself. She was subjected to cruel and harsh treatment. And we know from history and events that women are more likely to be brutalized due to lack of respect (for more info: http://www.mirror.co.uk/life-style/real-life/2009/10/13/i-thought-i-d-die-inside-filthy-guyana-prison-exclusive-115875-21745096/)

It just isn't safe anymore to travel beyond the boarders of where you are. I remember a time when the worst thing you had to think about when traveling was making sure you get 'numerous' vaccine shots. Now that I am appoarching graduation, my outside of the country traveling dreams are being reverted back to in-state.