Unbelievable? Maybe, but they did it by doing innovative shots and editing techniques to minimize expenses. They even had to "cheat" to stay within budget. By "cheating," they were able to create the effect of a very big graduation ceremony by being inventive. Footages from an actual graduation scene and footages shot from a set were combined to produce the desired effect. Appropriate and modern digial editing techniques were also used throughout the film both to express drama and minimize on expenses.

"Pag-asa ng Bayan" is a film about students created by film students with a very little budget. It’s a film especially relevant today because of the issues and problems besetting the country. According to the filmmakers, "we believe that the film is important because it comes at a time when the Filipino people, especially the youth, have begun to lose hope in the integrity of its leaders."

The film is a product of Jesuit Communications’ Brave New Films Digital Video Production workshop. It is a co-production effort between Jesuit Commmunications and Brave New Films Class 2005.

Except for Jaclyn Jose, a multi-awarded actress, and veteran actor Michael de Mesa who play support to the new actors in the cast, everyone involved in the making of "Pag–asa ng Bayan" are greenhorns.

At the helm of the movie is Cesar Evangelista Buendia who ventures into film directing for the first time and leads his classmates in the Brave New Films workshop in making a meaningful film about the values of the Filipino people.

Director of phography, Aristotle Licuanan, tries his hand at a full-length feature drama although he has made several short films in the past.

Playing the male lead role is Cedric Jose who plays Elly, one the candidates for valedictorian in fictional San Juanico High School. Coincidentally a valedictorian in real life from his high school in Colegio de Santa Rosa in Laguna, Cedric is now a college student from UP Diliman. Playing the female lead is Meila Romero, also from UP. She plays Brenda, a wily and shallow school employee who schemes to exhort money from a bunch of wrongdoers. Meila is a seasoned actress who graduated from National High School for the Arts and is now a theater major. This is her first time to try acting for film.

The producers believe that "Pag-asa ng Bayan" is an important tool for value formation among the youth. It is intended to be shown in as many grade schools and high schools throughout the country as possible.

But if the director is to be asked what moral lesson or value the film teaches, he will answer that the film intends to impart none. Rather, the director only hopes to present to his countrymen the schoking truth about what has become of our values as a people. "It will be up to the audience to decide how to react in response to the realities the film presents." Cesar Evangelista Buendia said.

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HBO’s Original Series "Rome’s" first season has reached its dramatic conclusion. But do not despair, you can still bask in the glory of this epic series! Simply answer the following questions, and win for yourself a "Rome" ceramic mug and calendar. Send in your answers to hbo_rome@yahoo.com with the subject HBO-Mania Bulletin promo.

So hurry, only the first 20 respondents would get these special Rome premiums!

Here are the questions:

HBO Original Series "Rome" is one of the highest produced series in television history. How much did HBO Original Series "Rome" cost to produce?

"Rome" is an epic drama of love and betrayal, masters and slaves, and husbands and wives. True or False?

Is the HBO Original Series "Rome" told through the eyes of the rich Romans or two ordinary Roman soldiers?

HBO Original Series "Rome" is about the fall of a Republic and the creation of an empire. True or False?

How many episodes are there in the entire first Season of the HBO Original Series "Rome?"

HBO Original Series "Rome" was shot at the legendary Cinecitta Studios in Italy. True or False?

HBO Original Series "Rome" boasts of the largest standing set in the world, comprising 20,234 sq meters of backlot and six soundstages at Cinecitta studios. True or False?

HBO Original Series "Rome" is the first English-language series to be shot entirely in a non-English Speaking country. True or False?

Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo are fictitious characters. True or False?

HBO produces critically-acclaimed, award-winning HBO Original Series and Movies. True or False?

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Is it true?...that at 32, "Pinoy Big Brother" former housemate Racquel Reyes is still a virgin? This despite the fact that Racquel, a teacher, has had eight boyfriends in the past she said in past interviews. Racquel said she was raised by conservative parents who believe that one’s virginity has to be preserved till a woman’s wedding day... Is it true?...that TV host Amy Perez was invited to audition for the Celebrity Edition of "Pinoy Big Brother" but she declined because of her child who she said she couldn’t leave for 45 days! Among those who auditioned is singer-dancer-actress Jeni Hernandez. Rosanna Roces was reported to be interested in joining the second edition of PBB but there are impediments because allegedly she still has an existing contract with GMA-7...

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Teak Bistro in Rockwell is becoming known not only for its fine selection of Filipino, Continental and American cuisine but also for its music.

Starting tonight, Henry Katindig & Friends will dish out exciting jazz music to spice up the ambience and the food. There’s also a daily Happy Hour promo every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with the music of jazz ingenue Henry Katindig & Friends warming up Teak Bistro regulars with their impressive interpretation of jazz favorites, old classics which they give new life to.

Every Sunday morning. Teak Bistro also offers breakfast from 7-10 a.m. They also have Daily Specials soon and a Valentine Promo is also in the works. For more details, call 898-3365 or email teak_bistro@yahoo.com.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 1, go to Victor Wood, Fanny Serrano, Rebecca P. Ventura, Edith Aguilar, Lorna Sulit of NAIA, Marlene Cabilao, Nellie Garcia, Grace de Guzman, Gerry Marcos of Guam, Marisa Solivio Odoño and her daughter Lourdes Marie...Belated b-day greetings to Iraida Tanopo (Jan. 31)...