canDid frustrations

When my father and I decided to venture into dogs and dog breeding, both of us never thought of actually joining dog shows. Just honest-to-goodness dog breeding and selling. But not the puppy-mill type since my father for more than thirty years was submerged in breeding and genetics when it came to game fowl. When he was still alive he bred for excellence, for quality. Never did he tolerate mediocre results and I guess I'm lucky to say that I'm a chip off the old block in that manner. When I decided to continue this venture into dogs, all that I thought of was the money that I would make since French Bulldogs and Yorkshire Terriers, the two breeds that I'm focusing on right now are expensive and would be a good way of earning money. I never thought of the dogs themselves at first until I got my first French Bulldog, Christmas last September. She's a sister of a Philippine Champion but she has a major fault, her tongue is sticking out. But it didn't stop me from falling in love with her and that's the time I realized that I don't really want to go into this for the money. Christmas is probably one of the sweetest dogs that I'll ever know and despite the comments of other people that I should sell her, I won't. She's part of the family now, and even if she's not going to be part of my show-breeding program, she's still as valuable as Max, my first male show-puppy or the other dogs that I will get.

That's my whole development up to this point. Now I have the budget to get two more female dogs to complete my first triumvirate that will serve as the foundation of Honeywell. Back when I didn't have money, there were so many great dogs/puppies up for sale which frustrated me so much. But I realized that I don't have to rush into things. I tried to absorb as much knowledge as I can about the breed, the local and foreign breeders, the bloodlines and whatnot. Now I've found the circle of show fanciers that I need to stick to. Good thing most of them are nice or at least willing to help out a newbie such as myself. Now I have prospects that I'm waiting to further develop. Hopefully it would turn out okay...

And then that proverbial hard place.

I've been in talks with one of the biggest kennels here in the Philippines when it comes to French Bulldogs. They have produced a lot of champion and companion dogs alike. I heard prior to this point that these people were nice and it was true. But the thing that put me off was my talks with one of them. He entertained me, but he wasn't as nice as I expected. Like that annoying professor you have in college where he keeps on asking you for an answer and you know that what you're gonna tell him is the right one but he'll twist it the other way around. This guy is nice, a lot of people like him. But he keeps on projecting this vibe both on text and on phone calls that I'm just this little ant that's not relevant. Funny how I can afford any of their dogs and yet he keeps on giving me this treatment. I love to play possum and it paid off instantly. I'm not going to go into details, what I'm trying to say is why not try to help those new people especially those who have great potential. Those new guys that has great perception and talent, people like me. I'm not trying to brag, and it's obvious I'm still below the ladder so to speak, but if it were me, entertaining someone new in your field that already has focus on something (especially if that something actually compliments your work), I'd definitely help them out in a heartbeat.

One way or the other, I'll get something from them. And I think the way to go is another route, another person. One that's formal but easy to talk and deal with. Thank goodness for business partners. Trying to fend off newbies that have great potential is a red flag for me, good thing in this situation, I'm the newbie. If it were someone else, they would've just said 'yes'. I actually analyze and think before I make a step, especially now I have mentors that are helping me out. Funny how they are in the same social group.

Oh, and another thing, smart buyers don't buy the product immediately after they've seen it the first time especially with an item that's insanely expensive. They review and analyze the product even after seeing it in person if it would be a good buy or not. It's kind of unethical for a seller who was initially poised as formal and firm into asking if you're going to buy it immediately after you've seen it. Money does not grow on trees, but it's just sad that rich ordinary people tend to forget that.

Next batch of books

I've started reading and re-reading again to help myself to become more productive in writing and film-making. I've tried writing again but I guess it just won't work until you've warmed up a bit so to speak. Trying to finally jump-start The Harlequin Wench and continue with the drafts for my next short film, I realized that I need some more help so I decided to get some books that will expand my knowledge in writing and film. I researched about books that are good reads for film and I've got a couple in mind (and in my Amazon cart).

1. Save the Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need (Blake Snyder)

Blake Snyder is a working, selling writer himself, so that gives the reader a true inside glimpse into what it's like, what it takes, and what to expect on the long road to screenwriting stardom. Many screenwriting how-to tomes are written by guys and gals who have few or no real studio credits, so with this book you can be sure you are getting the info direct from the source of a successful member of the Hollywood elite.

2. Film Directing Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen (Steven D. Katz)

Film Directing Shot by Shot offers a good introduction to the rudiments of film production. Steven D. Katz walks his readers through the various stages of moviemaking, advising them at every turn to visualize the films they wish to produce. Katz believes that one of the chief tasks of filmmaking is to negotiate between our three-dimensional reality and the two-dimensionality of the screen. He covers the number of technical options filmmakers can use to create a satisfying flow of shots, a continuity that will make sense to viewers and aptly tell the film's story. Katz provides in depth coverage of production design, storyboarding, spatial connections, editing, scene staging, depth of frame, camera angles, point of view, and the various types of stable compositions and moving camera shots.

3. The Five C's of Cinematography: Motion Picture Filming Techniques (Joseph V. Mascelli)

The illustrations and printing style point quite obviously to the book's mid-60s origin. An introduction by someone who remembers what it was like to shoot film in 1908 and knew D.W. Griffith personally should tip you off immediately that this book is something special. Still, the illustrations are clear and help illustrate the text's points very well.

4. The Shut Up and Shoot Documentary Guide: A Down and Dirty DV Production (Anthony Q. Artis)

The key to Artis' style is his instant accessibility. He strives to give daunting, complicated technical and aesthetic concepts total and immediate clarity....he's as attentive to the subjective, intangible aspects of filmmaking (such as working with crews and interview subjects) as he is to the objective, technical ones....Most of this information is as applicable to fiction filmmakers as documentarians, making Artis' book a handy guide for a wide range of beginning independent directors and cameramen -American Cinematographer

reality

Funny how people realize after THREE YEARS that you're a dick. a lovable dick, but a dick nonetheless and bitch and whine about it and share to the world that they just had an epiphany.

max training bootcamp

Max started his dog show conformation training yesterday afternoon things are looking up already. The trainer liked his overall look, the way he moves and the natural swag he has while walking. Hopefully he'll be ready for the FCI all-breed dog shows this coming 26th and 27th (May). But the competition is very stiff. One word, WOW.

Summer Schedule (tentative)

April 20-22- Birthday celebrations /slash/ grad mini-party

April 24- Completion of transfer of ownership for Max and Mel

May 5- French Bulldog Breed Seminar @ Max's Restaurant, Scout Tuazon, QC (5:00pm onwards)

May 26-27- FCI All-Breed Show @ PCCI Activity Center, Marikina City (1:00pm onwards)

June 16-17 FCI All-Breed Show @ PCCI Activity Center, Marikina City (1:00pm onwards)

update

• Christmas didn't get pregnant
• Finished thesis
• Graduated and became the Undisputed Liberal Arts Champion
• Is hated and vilified because of stupid, ungrateful, spineless (and poor)(scratch that, piss-poor) roommate
• Has a new male pup, Max
• Has shot his first short in years for Youtube's Your Film Festival
• Is now eight months owner of the business and ruler of the land
• Is still not in talking terms with his wife-to-be
• Is overweight
• Has jump-started writing the epic he conceptualized 12 years ago
• Has started drafts for his next short film
• Has been wrongly accused of collecting empty soda bottles filled with piss (that was the spineless, piss-poor roommate mind you).
• That last one was funny
• Most of his girl friends wreak of female war (though he told them not to stoop down 100 levels)
• Is waiting for the two baby girls he'll be getting to groom, develop and show after Max

Winter has err, arrived.. I guess..

It is official, I now hold two bachelor's degrees, AB Mass Communication and BS Psychology. Of what use? Just to state that I have finished college (twice) and I am learned. Will I use it towards a future career? Early answer was yes but since there were events that were outside my control, the answer is no, at least for the immediate future. I am the new steward of my family. I hold the realm. Some people say it is way too early but some say that it was in a way, overdue. I have no gripes with running everything, but of course who would want their plans and goals to be derailed so prematurely especially when you were supposed to be the top pick of the litter. It is set, and new goals that need reaching has been listed and developed.

My attention besides running the business is pointed towards my dogs, my future dogs, and campaigning them in dog shows. I now have a male french bulldog pup, UnderJAW's Baymax or simply, Max. He's one hell of a character and has great potential according to a lot of people. I never expected to get a male pup but when I first saw him I immediately fell in love. He starts his training this coming Monday, hopefully we reap good results.

Filmmaking is next on the list. Me and my buddies entered Youtube's Your Film Festival. It's spearheaded by Ridley Scott and Michael Fassbender to find new talent with diverse ways of telling their own stories in their own unique way. Our entry is titled 'Grasa' or Hobo in english (I guess). It's a simple 'day in the life' sort of treatment, following a hobo in his daily rounds around the city. It stars my good friend Raffy Palma, the musical scoring was provided by another good friend, Carlo Sayo, and the direction/camera is by another good friend, Keavin Mutuc and myself. It has garnered positive feedback so far and I hope it places at least in the semis.

Besides dogs and films, the third installment is being myself, which translates to bumming around. Watching tv shows like Supernatural, Gossip Girl, Nikita, Sherlock, Game of Thrones and the like are part of my weekly rounds, that go hand in hand with surfing the internet all day and not exposing myself to the sun (this is so me 2005).

Another thing that has been occupying me is the screw job that happened in school. I am now officially hated and vilified because of my roommate and the garbage that he served to my block. Funny how someone who you cared for and protected can stab you repeatedly in the back whilst you go on and live your somewhat miserable life mourning the loss of a father. I do not know his motives, but obviously, this was the first time he became socially relevant. I don't know, and honestly I don't care. My block are sheep to begin with.

It is poetic justice that a bunch of ingrates flocked together in one snug group, oblivious of the truth. Am I a bad person? Absolutely! I don' wear a white hat, but I'm damn sure honest and truthful about myself and others. How? One word. Dick. The only redeeming quality in the public eye if you're a dick is the cold and harsh honesty you have. At least I don't claim to be a good, helpful guy. Unless I personally care about you, I would care less if you get hit by a truck or a mini van. It just pains me how I helped these people, individually, and still forget all those and believe trash and act like high school hippies. Not my loss, and at the end of the day, or maybe someday, people would realize, people at the other side of the wall would realize, that the only real thing that came was me.

In wrestling terms, I was a main-event guy* on both of the courses I took, both I was loved and hated, but at the end of the day, at least the Comm people that I've helped recognize the effort and respect I gave them while this spineless ingrate of a roommate of mine wasn't even a 'should-have-been', he was a jobber* at best, and just had the opportunity a couple weeks before everything ended. As the famous saying of the people in the Game of Thrones universe always say, "Winter is coming". For me, it has already arrived, but for others who were used to the warm summer, it surely is on its way. The only difference between me and them, is that I already know how to brave it, to survive it. Hopefully, winter doesn't take them all and prove once and for all who holds the truth.

(*-just google what these terms mean if you're not a wrestling fan)