The writings on the wall...

Scratching through the Kuris dream,

comment response and Lambunao

Kuris Animators are heating up the trend of animation in Iloilo City once again via their upcoming animated trailer entry for ACPI’s Pinoy Animation Film Festival this year. The breakthrough animated project entitled “LAPIS: Epic of the lost key” has been envisioned by the group as the expression of their artistic identities, reinterpretation of local history, highlighting actual cultural landmarks fused with fictional ideas and reigniting the power of imagination to create a stunning, never-before-seen execution of Ilonggo artistry.

Since last year, “LAPIS” have already popped in our minds to animate, give life to original animated characters as part of our individual project in the 2D animation training at Western Visayas College of Science and Technology. Even before the conception of “The BEQUEST: Origin of Dinagyang”, our foremost successful but risky project, LAPIS was already listed on top of our future priorities. But hesitation to financial risk and pressure hold us for a while. At the back of our minds, the passion to make the project a reality is burning and igniting our artistic inclination for a long time already.

But things fall into place sometimes. The commercial success of The BEQUEST with the support of Iloilo’s tri media and private companies became evident due to the project’s social and cultural significance. Though talent counts most in a world of tight competitions, marketing strategy is another factor to consider success and create a possible cultural phenomenon. Big things are not always destined to happen, they are made and pursued by people who are brave to risk.

What happen if you throw a bunch of animation geeks in a society enclosed with conservative culture like Iloilo? Oftentimes, they are doubted of their capacity to ensure their staying factor and branded as another one-hit wonder act (if you compare us to an uprising popstar). But there’s always a “gamble factor” in everything we do in life. And we believe with all our heart that we can’t start the journey by not taking the risk and the first step to do it.

Great people and iconic popstars started from scratch, from nothing, from simple dream of expressing what they know about life or how to get a life. Just count in Martin Luther King, Ferdinand Marcos (don’t make faces with this one, hehe), Walt Disney, Micheal Jackson, Madonna, The Spice Girls and most recently, Charise Pempengo (I intend not to include her in the list but let’s give the girl a chance). So who are the Kuris Animators? Do they have what it takes what they claim for—Talent? And how could they make it out there…somewhere when they are just a bunch of daydreaming Ilonggo artists trapped in the backward city of Iloilo miles away from Capital Manila? For detractor like “Animedrool” who posted discouraging comments about the group and branding them as “worse class animators”. Think again pal: we sleep, we dream and wake up with the same unfulfilled dream everyday…but we keep dreaming coz it’s FREE (and you’re not going to pay the bill if ever dreaming is taxed). Hiding behind the shadows of anonymity and dragging dreamers down your own hole of self-initiated misery is an obvious display of your “talangka” nature. The best response we can give is to understand that life is spicy when you can’t please everybody. The next comment you post will just pass by our eardrums and move on to the next step. Let’s walk our talk!

Okay, let’s skip this “dream stuff” for now. What to expect from LAPIS when it will be shown this year would surely summarize our own definition of “best”. Not that it will be the best among other animation works considering we are still amateurs but it would make up of “the best thing we can do by giving all our best shot”. Honing our imagination for the planned flashy, action-packed animated scenes and artistic take on fictional stories, we will also try to have a different kind of “blast from the past” for Ilonggo history and landmarks. Reinterpret some of them and inject our own maverick perspectives. Yes, it’s going to be a short trailer (probably 4 minutes) considering the expensive risk involved in making a full-length animated film. We are just amateurs, struggling artists, and financially incapable to do it the Hollywood or even just the Manila way. What we have is just an artistic gift to celebrate the artistry of the Ilonggos in a humble way of admitting our limitations and expected capacity.

Last Monday, we were glad and grateful to a great journalist like Jeehan Fernandez who wrote an article about us and our upcoming endeavor in the pages of The Daily Guardian. The respected and trusted tabloid in Iloilo, has always been supportive with the aspirations of the group and published our past articles since we graduated last October. In a short yet concise feature story, the writer stated how everything started for Kuris Animators as a group of hopeful dreamers. He even revealed our struggle and good intentions to uplift the tourism potential of the municipality of Lambunao through LAPIS. You see, there’s so much to know about Iloilo beyond the revelry of Dinagyang Festival or the tasty flavor of Batchoy. Lambunao’s Tinagong Dagat (hidden lake) on top of the sandwiched-mountains is an enchanting mystery and enigma waiting to be unveiled again. The ethnic tribes of the town which include the “Sulod-Bukidnons” and its legendary dance “Binanog” were another treasures worthy to be given another glimpse through the artistry of animation. And we are glad that Kuris Animators started this humble yet significant endeavor.

Next time, we will post the whole article written by Mr. Fernandez. But for now, here’s the cut-out article taken from the pages of The Daily Guardian.

Kuris Talk # 9: Diosdado Aguilar Jr.

Shogie, Shogie...if he would be given a chance to be made into animated fantaserye, he (she) can give Dyesebel as run for her money (lucky he's just a Kuris character for now, hehe).

Shogie face # 4: Seriously honest and straightforward when it comes to his opinions about society, the close-minded approach of conservative Ilonggos to animation, etc.

Shogie face # 3: Seriously knows how to have fun (and he's a straight guy who's just sentimental about the issue's in the world today).

Shogie face # 2: Seriously sure that he knows what he should say when it comes to project proposals and expressing his thoughts about life, passion and vision.

Shogie face # 1: Seriously devoted to the Kurisan's magnificent dream.

Diosdado Aguilar Jr.
Sketches the other side of his soul
By Ronelo Ladiao

No other Kuris Animator has much wisdom and sensibilities like Diosdado Aguilar, Jr. or simply “Dads” to his groupmates. It is not surprising why he posses a stretchable patience, good decision-making attitude and broad minded way of thinking since he was considered by the younger Kurisans as their “little dad” in the group. Though there may be times that they might not agree with the way he sees things and situations, but Dads has a big heart and optimistic point of view that contributes to the strength of Kuris Animation Unlimited in pursuing their passion, fighting for their dream and stay hopeful amid the storms that cover the horizon.
A native of Iniligan, Badiangan, Iloilo, Disodado is the third child of the couple Diosdado Aguilar, Sr. and Corazon Aguilar. His parents inculcate in his young mind the importance of ethics, strong perspective in life and social responsibility. A relevant heritage since he came from a family of natural born leaders and politicians in their native town. Having these strong qualities he inherited from his clan, Dads was also seen in his younger years doodling and sketching something with his pencil. The other side of his passion (aside from talking most of the time) is arts and literature. He is good in writing Hiligaynon essays and other forms of Ilonggo poetry. When he finished his elementary years at Iniligan Elementary School after been transferring from various schools because of their family business, Dads excelled in is own way. At Leon Ganzon Polytechnic College, he finished his high school education. Then at Central Philippine University, he took up Political Science. After his graduation, he has been involved in various kinds of jobs which include being a head of staff of a politician, interior and landscape designer.
As early as 2006, he was planning to go to Manila and process some papers for an employment outside the country, he heard about the new course being offered at TESDA. He was got interested to try the admission test for Professional 2D Assistant Animators Training and a few weeks after he passed. Though he entered a little bit late in the second batch of 2D animation day class at WVCST, Dads became easily close to his classmates. They instantly established bonding and friendship that unite them in one passion—arts and animation. Since the day he started to train for 2D animation, his thoughts and vision are optimistic. In everything they do, he always shares his good ideas. In the making of their first animated project during the training-- “The Adventures of TASI”, Dad’s leadership became evident and useful to organize the group. He was ecstatic to lend his voice as the narrator of the animated project which was successfully launched at Marymart Mall last September in time for the regional IT Week celebration. During their graduation last October 19 at SM City Iloilo, he stood out as one of the founding leaders and members of Kuris Animation Unlimited, the name that the group voted and embraced.
His leadership and sensibilities became essential to the fate of their group as uprising Ilonggo animators and their project representative. Though he sometimes got misunderstood, Dads has an open heart to explain and share his good intentions to uplift the group. After their successful “Kinarton” animation exhibit at Museo Iloilo on the last week of November, he seriously considered the upcoming project of the group which is “The BEQUEST: Origin of Dinagyang” as a significant tool to boost the group’s integrity. The project that would turn the history of Dinagyang Festival into animation became the turning point to consider a bright future for their group as a collective soul of potential animators. He drafted the project proposal of the animated short film, contributed a lot for the strengthening of its sponsorship deals, organized the members for their hectic task and became one of the four directors of the project. His vision became a reality when they finished The BEQUEST for almost 60 days amid financial difficulties and proved some critics wrong. It was successfully shown at SM Cinema 7 on January 25 and headed the tie-up promotion exhibit from January 14-20 at SM City Iloilo entitled “Dinagyamation”. Throughout the 13 months they have been together as a group of Ilonggo artists and dreamers who somehow made a cultural impact in the celebration of Dinagyang and noted in making the first Ilonggo animated short film, Dads remain hopeful that one day their talents will bring them somewhere out there…bigger than they thought they would be.

Let’s start the chat with Dads and open up his dreams, passion and hope…

Ronelo Ladiao (RL): Who is the real Diosdado Aguilar that other people don’t know?
Diosdado Aguilar (DA): It’s still me… naughty, loving and caring!
RL: Tell us about your achievements that you are really proud of?
DA: Well, I was a national golden awardee for leadership at Philippine Experimental and Educational Research Society, Inc. held at Bayview Park Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Metro Manila on October 24, 2004. Of course, being an Ilonggo animator and member of Kuris Animation Unlimited, Inc.
RL: Who influenced you to be passionate in arts?
DA: I think my passion in arts ran in our family. My older and younger brothers are good artists. My father is also an artist who is to be good in doing lettering and some visual arts.
RL: How about animation, how did you get interest in this form of art?
DA: Animation just knocked at my door. You see, arts and animation are closely related and represent the same passion. If you would look at a painting it looks simple but in reality it is very hard to do it. The same with animation…it’s a lot more difficult to finish even a single animated scene where lots of drawings are needed. In my part, I just want to try another form of art to improve and expand my horizon.
RL: Tell us about “Shogie” your original animated character that you created as your individual project during your training?
DA: Gusto ko magcreate sang lain nga klase sang superhero character pareho sang shokoy pero agi (I want to create a different kind of superhero character like a shokoy—male sea merman—but a gay). Even if he is gay, Shogie is a real hero in the eyes of every sea creature. He defends the underwater world not only from evil beings but from pollution and other destructive human activities. In real sense, everyone can be a hero even if he is part of the third sex. We can be a real hero in our own little way as long as we care and show concern for other creations of God. I want to express my thoughts through Shogie about the importance of our marine resources that we should protect and save for the future of our children.
RL: What does a Pol Sci graduate have to do with animation?
DA: Actually, both arts and political science are different fields of interest. But as an artist, animation is the expression of my artistic side and a way to express my sentiments about life since we are animating the reality about society and humanity. I am also confident of my social life as a pol sci graduate who doesn’t stop thinking how to help others especially my fellow animators. Both fields of interest made me see that life is full of adventures and discovery.
RL: What do you think is the edge of Kuris as a group of animators even though they are considered as amateurs in the field of animation?
DA: Kuris have talents. For me, talent counts most in dealing with life. I can see we have a strong bonding, unity and patience within the group amid the trials and hindrance that we face everyday. In the field of animation, you’ve got to have real talent that you can develop and use as a tool to achieve you goals and dreams.
RL: How do you respond to some people who put down animation since it doesn’t yet have a big market in Iloilo?
DA: Actually, wala kasigoruhan ang kabuhi (actually, there’s no guarantee in life). Life is a gamble. We can’t achieve something if we won’t try our best and check how far we can go. How can we boost and create awareness of the existence of animation in Iloilo is we won’t do something about it. I think we need to make good projects, show them how talented we Ilonggos are and be innovative as much as possible. Whatever they say about animation it’s up to them. All we have to do is to be optimistic and try to avoid being pessimistic in everything we do.
RL: So what’s your greatest dream for Kuris?
DA: Gusto ko makilala ang Kuris internationally bilang animators nga may nahimo nga dako para sa ila handum kag tungod sa ila mga talento (I want Kuris to be known internationally as animators who did something big for their dreams and their talents).
RL: Do you have any advice for those who want to pursue animation?
DA: Draw! you have to start drawing with your pencil, follow your passion and do it without giving up.
RL: This is your parting shot question-- If you’re going to choose another Ilonggo word as a substitute for Kuris, what would it be?
DA: “Kuris” (scribbled line) is actually a “Karay-a” word or mother language of Hiligayonon or Ilonggo. Well, I would choose “Kinudlit” to make it more Ilonggo (laughs).

For comments, email us at kurisanimators@yahoo.com

Kuris Talk # 8: Janelyn Minerva

Zyra is as mystical, sentimental and emotional as her creator who always believe in her friends and their dreams... nice digital artwork girl!

Girl Power shot # 3: Anybody wants a soda after she gave free meals to all the Kurisans around?... that's who they call... the most generous girl in the group!

Girl Power shot # 2: Toto is considered the Kuris Spice for her colorful personality and sentimental nature.

Girl Power shot # 1: She sings the Kuris line... the race is on to get out of the bottom, the top is high so your roots are forgotten!

Janelyn Minerva
Kuris Animator’s real girl power
By Ronelo Ladiao

She’s not a Spice Girl at all. She doesn’t even wish to be part of pop culture fanatics. But Janelyn Minerva, the girl with the impressive artistic passion for animation surely has some spicy attitude that can bring down the Kuris boys back to their knees and begging for her flamboyant presence to stay. Her positive perspective in life and kindhearted nature has become a strong element for the group’s staying power to stick together through tough times. Kuris has never been this great without their resident girl power hanging around to inspire them and dream big.
Though her artistic passion has never been Janelyn’s top priority aside from her studies, the talented lady who hails from Alegre, Oton, Iloilo was destined to use her God-given gifts to take part in making an impact to the Ilonggo community as a member of Kuris Animation Unlimited, Inc. Her parents, Vicente Minerva, Sr. and Candelaria Caballero-Minerva loved their third child of five siblings so much. When Janelyn was a little girl, she showed interest in arts and animation by watching Japanese anime and lots of cartoons on television. She finished her elementary and high school education at Oton Central Elementary School and Oton National High School, respectively where she gained several awards by joining lots of art-related competitions. Having the star sign of Aquarius, she has the personality of a true artist, deep thinker and sentimental nature to people around her. She has always been surrounded by loving friends because she posses a big heart for them. When she gave something, she doesn’t expect any return.
Right now, she’s entering her third year at Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST) with the course BS Information Technology. In the same school, she took and completed her scholarship for Professional 2D Assistant Animator’s Training last year. The course is a significant project of PGMA- Training for Work Program implemented Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to discover and provide employment opportunity for new breed of Filipino animators. She was a part of the second batch of 2D animation trainees wherein they heavily trained and pushed their talents further. When their group project “The Adventures of TASI” was started last July, she was one of those struggling amateur animators who sacrifice a lot to finish it. Amid the pressure and hardship, she became the group’s apple of the eye for her friendly and caring attitude towards her groupmates. She doesn’t mind any hindrance as long as she can take care of her newfound friends whom she shared the same artistic passion. When TASI was finished and finally shown to the public for the first time at Marymart Mall in September in time for IT Week, students from around the city was impressed with the group’s output. TASI was even selected to become WVCST’s official school mascot for its 102nd Foundation Day. Their graduation was another joy for Janelyn when they graduated on October 19 at SM City Iloilo. They named their group as “Kuris”, an Ilonggo term which means scribbled line to emphasize its Ilonggo origin.
But her spirit and the whole group’s determination was tested further when The BEQUEST, an animated short film project that retold the historical legacy of Dinagyang Festival through animation was started right after their Museo Iloilo “Kinarton” animator’s exhibit in the last week of November. Catching up with the two months target schedule, Janelyn continue to support her groupmates without hesitation. There was even a time when they felt they can’t go on anymore but she remained calm and patient. Carrying the pressure of her studies and task as the elected Secretary of Kuris Animation Unlimited was indeed a challenging responsibility for her. But every seed of hope and determination would bear fruits of success. The BEQUEST was shown at SM Cinema 7 on January 25 together with their well-attended “Dinagyamation” animation exhibit at SM City Iloilo from January 14-20 that undeniably captured the interest of many Ilonggos, a historical event refuted as the biggest animation event in Iloilo. Moving on to the next phase of challenge as an amateur animator, Janelyn prepares herself to take part in the making of another historical project—“Lapis: Epic of the Lost Key” this year.

Now let’s get to know the amiable, talented and responsible Kuris gal in this spicy interview…

Ronelo Ladiao (RL): Let’s start this chat with this question—what makes you happy?
Janelyn Minerva (JM): Kon upod ko mga friends ko especially ang mga Kuris animators. Gusto ko makabulig sa ila kutob sa masarangaon ko kag wish ko tani good health para sa ila para malab-ot namon ang amon handum (if I am with my friends especially the Kuris animators. I want to help them in every way I can and I wish them all good health so that we can reach our dream).
RL: What side of your personality that people don’t often see?
JM: Wala ko gapanapak kon medyo akig ako. Pero madali lang ako malipat kag magpatawad sa mga friends nga wala ga-care sa akon feelings tapos indi ko gusto ginacomfort kon gahibi ko kay gadugang pa na, hehe (I don’t talk to anybody when I’m upset. But I can easily forget and forgive those friends who don’t care for my feelings and I don’t want to be comforted when I’m crying coz’ it would becomes worse (laughs).
RL: Your fellow Kuris Animators is fond of calling you “Toto” which is a usual Ilonggo nickname for a boy, what do you think is the reason behind this?
JM: I don’t know. It all started when we were still training last year. It was Nong Reno (an inactive member of the second batch) started to call me that way until everybody get used to it. I think it’s an endearment coz I’m close to almost everybody in the group.
RL: When did you started to draw?
JM: I started to draw when I was in kindergarten just to ease my boredom. When I was in elementary, I joined various poster-making contests until I was in high school. Win or lose, I felt happy in what I do.
RL: Can you reveal to us your favorite cartoon characters that influenced your drawing style?
JM: I like Japanese anime such as Fushigi Yogi, Ghostfighter and Flame of Recca. But when I was a little girl, I used to watch Walt Disney’s Cinderella, Snow White, The Little Mermaid and Aladin.
RL: Aside from those anime and animated films you watched before, where do you get you inspiration to draw?
JM: Mostly, I get the inspiration to draw from my feelings especially when I’m lonely, alone and having my vacant time from school work. When I’m in good mood to draw, that’s the time I pick up the pencil and start doodling something.
RL: Aside from you, is there anybody in your family who like to draw and what kind of medium in drawing do you like to use?
JM: Well, my brother used to draw a lot especially superheroes and comics stuff. He draws very well. When it comes to drawing mediums, I like to use watercolor and pencil but now I prefer using Photoshop in the computer.
RL: How did you know about 2D Animation course that TESDA is offering for potential animators?
JM: One time, my teacher in Laboratory, Sir Badoles saw one of my drawings after our class. He suggested that I might be able to use my talent and develop it further by taking the admission test for 2D Animation course in TESDA since it will be offered here at WVCST. So I tried my luck and the rest is history.
RL: What's the toughest part of your training in 2D Animation?

JM: Siguro, tama gid kakulang sang facilities kay kis-a nagahulatanay kami sa pagamit sang computers kag scanner. Kon training lang medyo kaya ko man ang ginapdrawing sa amon nga clean-ups kag in-betweens. (Maybe, it’s the lack of facilities because sometimes we wait each other to have our turn with the use of computers and scanner. When it comes to the training, maybe I can manage doing the clean-ups and in-between drawings).
RL: Your original animated character for Kuris Universe as your individual project is “Zyra”, tell us about her?
JM: Si Zyra isa ka dalaga nga diwata nga naluyang sa mortal nga lalaki. Pero ang ila reyna nga nanay ni Zyra indi gusto magdayunay sila sang mortal nga lalaki. Gani nalagyo siya pakadto sa kalibutan sang mga mortal kag nagwish nga mangin tunay nga tawo. Sang nag-istar si Zyra sa kalibutan sang mga mortal nagapangbulig siya sa mga tawo gamit ang iya nga gahum. Sang ulihi naintindihan man sang iya nanay nga diri siya malipayon upod sa mortal nga ginaluyagan niya… kag happy ending eh! (Zyra isa a teenage fairy who fell in love with a mortal man. But the queen, her mother doesn’t want her to fall in love with a mortal man. So she escape into the world of the mortals and wished she would become a real mortal. When Zyra lived in the mortal world, she helped people using her powers. Later, her mother understood that being a mortal makes her happy… and it is happy ending).
RL: As a member of Kuris, what do you think is the most important and most valuable project you did?
JM: Ang BEQUEST siyempre ang pinakaimportante nga amon nahimo nga project subong kay ginadala namon ang ngalan sang bilog nga Iloilo kag sang mga Ilonggo. Isa pa ang TASI kay ini ang una nga school mascot nga naobra sa animation diri sa Iloilo kag dungog man sang WVCST (of course, The BEQUEST is the most important project that we did right now because we carry the name of the whole Iloilo and the Ilonggos. Another one is TASI because it is the first school mascot that was made into animation here in Iloilo and the pride of WVCST).
RL: If ever you’ll become a successful IT specialist someday, would you still want to be a part of Kuris and make animation?
JM: Yes, why not. I don’t want Kuris to disappear and be forgotten because for a short period of time we already made a mark in Ilonggo history. I want to continue our dream and support the group in any way I can.
RL: But what makes you really happy-- being an animator or an IT specialist?
JM: Well it’s really hard to decide. But I think animation makes me happy because this is my childhood dream and passion. Although my career is also very important for me and my family in order to become stable in life. But if I would become stable with animation someday then why not.
RL: Parting shot time--If you’re going to tell your child someday about Kuris Animators, what would you say?
JM: Baskog na sila nga mga Ilonggo animators…grabi katalented! (They are great Ilonggo animators…very talented).

For comments, email us at kurisanimators@yahoo.com

Kuris Talk # 7: Elson Balila II

Olsen is the reverse of Elson... replicating his true passion for animation.

Olsen Zen Wolvesteel is an entity struggling to create a balance between his good and evil side.

Olsen image # 1: Looking so crazy at the mall (did he saw a sexy gal?)

Olsen image # 2: Get this interview and pictorial done as fast as you can guys!

Olsen image # 3: I've got five fingers in my hand, which one will I draw my tattoo?

Elson Balila II
The TASI creator leaves artistic imprint
By Ronelo Ladiao

If you give yourself superhuman abilities, cloak your body in a tight-fitting rugged costume, and defy the standard of what is “common” and “normal”, will it make you a Manga hero? I guess, it does, but that doesn’t make you an overnight sensation on TV among kids who grew up with Japanese Manga or Anime. Anybody can make their own character, design their own plot or fight their own villains by holding a pencil and start doodling using one’s imagination. But the catch is: you’ve got have bigtime luck and let a producer discover the artist within in you, then, produce an animated cartoon series for your created character. Olsen Zen Wolvesteel is one of the brilliant original animated characters created by Elson Balila II, a born artist, an amateur Ilonggo animator and founding member of Kuris Animation Unlimited.
The 19-year-old talented guy from Balleza, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo is no exception to the crop of rising 2D animators produced by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Western Visayas College of Science and Technology’s (WVCST) Professional 2D Assistant Animators Training that started last November 2006. As the youngest son of Elson Balila and Socorro Balila, Elson is gifted with talents in the field of visual arts that eventually evolved throughout the years with constant practice and patience since he was a kid. He finished his elementary and high school education, respectively at Beatriz D. Tupas Memorial Elementary School and St. Paul’s School with recognition in arts. Taking his passion in college, he took Architecture at the University of San Agustin for one year and decided to shift to Information Technology at Central Philippine University. Last year, he was interested to earn a scholarship in 2D animation from TESDA. When he passed the admission test last April 2006, he immediately proceeded in attending the day class of 2D animation at WVCST, their training school.
As part of the second batch of trainees in the day class, Elson never hesitates to prove his artist side and eagerly learned the principles of 2D animation. Day after day, he holds a mechanical pencil, an eraser, animation papers and the lightbox (the bulb-lighted box used by animators in drawing). When their class decided to start a group project entitled “The Adventures of TASI” that tells about the story of WVCST statue who walked among us as a boy for one day, Elson was tasked to make a model sheet design for the character. Immediately, he drafted the character and his classmates improved it more. For more than three months, the day and night class of the second batch worked hand-in-hand to finish the project on time before September. When their work was shown at Marymart Mall for the first time, it instantly captured the interest of the public and was recognized as WVCST’s official school mascot on its 101 Foundation Week.
Their graduation took place at SM City Iloilo on October 19, 2007 wherein they once again presented TASI to the public along with the compilation of their individual project of original animated characters entitled “Kuris Universe”. During that time, they already decided to call their group “Kuris” (Ilonggo term which means scribbled line). Kuris was actually a suggestion given by Elson during their class election which was then voted by the group for its significance as upcoming young breed of Ilonggo animators.
“Moving on to the next level” was the group’s dream after finishing their vocational course. The BEQUEST, an ambitious animated short film project dedicated to uplift the legacy of Dinagyang Festival’s historical origin, captivated the interest of Elson and his fellow Kurisans. For 60 days, he shared lots of sacrifice and hardship to catch up with the deadline of the project. His groupmates never heard any single clamor or regrets from him amid the difficult time they experience doing the project. On January 25 this year, Elson had his share of joy and success to the positive feedback for the showing of The BEQUEST at SM Cinema 7. Their “Dinagyamation” animation exhibit at SM City Iloilo from January 14-20 was also well-accepted by various art critics and mallgoers. For the past months, he maintains his outmost interest in supporting the group and taking part in the repeat showing of The BEQUEST at WVCST EDTech Center (February 25-29) and doing on-the-road animation lecture drive among students. Steadfast and ready to endure, Elson after creating TASI and responsible for naming the group Kuris, he’s determined to breathe life with his artistic stroke for his original character-Olsen Zen Wolvesteel as part of their soon-to-start animated trailer project, “Lapis: Epic of the Lost Key”.

This time, it’s time for the Kuris wonder boy to speak his mind and share his life…

Ronelo Ladiao (RL): Can you share to us your ambition when you were a kid?
Elson Balila (EB): I really want to become an architect when I was a kid that’s why I took up Architecture at the University of San Agustin but after a year I shifted to another course. Aside from that, I’m a certified anime fan when I young and I also used to dream of creating my own anime when I grow up. And I think it’s relevant since I’ve tried my hands in animation right now.
RL: Describe yourself in a short phrase?
EB: Silent but deadly, a mood swinger most of the time (laughs).
RL: Who are your favorite music artists?
EB: I listen to the music of Hale, Urbandub, Papa Roach and The Click 5.
RL: Tell us about your favorite animated films and TV series?
EB: Right now, I’m a fan of Japanese Anime series Bleach, Naruto and the 3D Final Fantasy films series.
RL: Hypothetical query—If you would be resurrected again in another life, who would you want to be?
EB: Si Gerald Aderson eh kay crush ko nga daan si Kim Chu (Gerald Anderson because I have a crush on Kim Chu).
RL: Olsen Zen Wolvesteel is your original animated character created for Kuris Universe, what’s the story behind him?
EB: Olsen is a teenager and fierce assassin possessing the power to create reignfire energy who died during a great battle with his evil master. After the seventh day of his death, he was resurrected into Zen Wolvesteel, a far stronger entity who discovered that he also posses the ability to summon blue flame aside from his old power. His destiny was revealed to fight his former evil master using the power to summon two powerful flames that could eradicate his nemesis’ evil soul.
RL: How is he related to you as a person?
EB: Olsen’s blue and red reignfire power represents the good and the dark side personality of every person. I believe there’s always good and evil part within us that has been struggling to come out, a choice that we should make to fulfill our destiny.
RL: What comes in your mind when you design the model sheet of TASI?
EB: Wala lang a…ginpanumdum ko lang siya nga isa ka bata nga puno sang paglaum kag damo gusto mabalan kay simbolo man siya sang isa eskwelahan ka WVCST. Ginhimo ko lang siya cute ka ang iya maso daw pareho sang mga anime characters nga ginalantaw ko sa TV (just nothing…I think about him like a kid who is full of hope and willing to learn more since he was a symbol of the school WVCST.I made him look cute and his mace just like any other anime characters that I used to watch on TV).
RL: You’re the one who suggested Kuris as the name of your group, what makes Kuris special?
EB: Para sa akon lain gid ya kon Ilonggo nga tinaga ang ngalan sang grupo para mapabalo ta sa tanan nga tunay kita nga Ilonggo animators kag ginapadayaw ta ang aton kultura (for me, it’s different if Ilonggo term would be the name of the group so that we could let them all know that we are real Ilonggo animators and we are proud of our culture).
RL: I need one shot answer in this 2-in-1 question---What’s your worst experience and naughtiest moment as a member of Kuris?
EB: Ang pinakagrabe nga experience ko sa grupo sang pirme lang kulang budget ta kag gamay lang ang tinion para tapuson ang BEQUEST. Pero ang pinakasadya kag indi ko malipatan sang nag-worm dance ako sa studio, nagpalanakit likod ko pagtapos to, hehe (the worst experience I had with the group was when we always lack in budget and we have little time to finish The BEQUEST. But the happiest and unforgettable experience was when I did the “worm dance” in the studio, I had some backaches after that, (laughs).
RL: What makes you inspired to draw?
EB: Nagadrawing ako depende sa feelings ko eh. Masubo man ko ukon masadya, ginagamit ko ini nga feelings para makadrawing sang mayo kag makaconcentrate. (I draw depending on my feelings. Whether I’m happy or sad, I use these feelings to draw and concentrate very well).
RL: As you could remember, what was the first drawing you did when you were a kid?
EB: Dako gid pasalamat ko kay San-Goku sang Dragonballs kay siya ang pinakauna nga cartoon character nga gindrawing ko sang bata pa ako eh (I’m very thankful to San-Goku of Dragonballs because he was the first cartoon character that I draw when I was a kid).
RL: Parting shot query, can you tell us your favorite expression?
EB: “Lata burn”…ambot a amo gid ni ya ang akon masami nga expression (…I don’t know this is my usual expression).

For comments, email us at kurisanimators@yahoo.com

Scratch and post interlude...

Kuris Animators finally stripped their heart and soul, dreams and goals...what else is left is defintely something you haven't read before (and still you have no idea!) Kuris Talk is surely the most revealing, deepest and honest interview they have done before. The story has just began and we swear there will be more tell-all chat to come. Thanks a lot fellow Ilonggos for taking a wild ride with their dreams... for this is not yet the end. Kuris Talk Phase One is finish. Get ready for Phase Two starting with Janelyn Zyra, Zen Olsen, Dads Shogi and more. Hold tight for the next ride!

Kuris Talk # 6: Jaylord Villalobos

Iron Warren is Jaylord's inner expression of unspoken reveries and miseries about life.
Scenario # 1: A short cybernetic nap is what Jaylord needs to get his circuits back and refresh.
Scenario # 2: Looking through his mind's eye...we can see Jaylord's cybernetic eye that sees the unseen and top secret weapons, hehe!

Jaylord Villalobos

The Transformer kuris animator

unveils his passion

By Ronelo Ladiao

There’s something phenomenal about Jaylord’s passion. Amid the risk and discouragements he sometimes gets from pursuing his passion, his spirit remains optimistic, determined and patient. When he put his heart in every goal and dream, he knows how to wait and hold on until a brighter day comes. His lifelong passion speaks about his true capabilities as an artist to share something significant to the world around him. Even now as an amateur Ilonggo animator, he knew he must climb mountains to prove himself better.

19-year-old Jaylord Villalobos, the eldest son of five siblings of the couple Timoteo and Josephine Villalobos from Tacas, Jaro, Iloilo City was bestowed with artistic gifts. During his elementary and high school years at Tacas Elementary School and Jaro National High School, respectively, he has been joining lots of art-related competitions that honed his talents. When he was a kid, he used to watch several television cartoons and animated films. He promised himself that when he grow up, he will make and create animated films but doesn’t know what the profession of those who makes animation. One of his unforgettable moments was when he won third place in an inter-school mural painting contest (wall painting) during his fourth year. Even if he seldom won in several art constests in the past, Jay can easily accept defeat and take it as a challenge to improve his craft. It was in his second year in college at Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST) where he is taking up Architecture when he heard about a new vocational course offered by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) about 2D animation. A few weeks later, he passed the admission test given by Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI) and confident in joining the 40 trainees of the second batch of 2D animation at WVCST.

His artistic prowess was put on test day after day to prove himself as a trainee for animation. He got along well with his classmates and never hesitates to share his talents. During the time when they were making “The Adventures of TASI”, their required group project to finish their course, Jay gave his best and even did something unique. He made a five-second animated scene about a lightbox (the drawing box with transparent flat form lighted by a bulb and used by animators to draw) transforming into a robot. It was phenomenal since he created something nice out of his wild ideas. After their graduation on October 19, 2007, the second batch decided to call their group “Kuris” (Ilonggo term which means scribbled line) and planned to launch a big project to make a short animated feature film about Dinagyang Festival’s historical origin later entitled “The BEQUEST”. Bryan, the group’s lead animator for the project wanted to combine 2D and 3D animation for the background of the animated project. So he asked Jay to assist him in this unique experimentation. At the opening of “Kinarton” Ilonggo animator’s exhibit at Museo Iloilo, Jay and Bryan worked hard to present an innovative teaser trailer of “Lapis: Epic of the lost Key” (an animated project of the group slated to be finished later this year) wherein they combine 2D and 3D animation. It was well-accepted by the spectators and left a positive impression about the group. For almost 60 days of struggle and sacrifice to finish The BEQUEST, Jay together with his groupmates unveiled the first Ilonggo animated short film at SM Cinema 7 on January 25, 2008. It was a fulfilling experience for Jay to be finally appreciated by his fellow Ilonggos for his ingenuity, creativity and artistic expression of breathing life to iconic Ilonggo landmarks such as Plaza Libertad and San Jose Church in form of 3D animation.

Now, Kuris animator’s resident amateur 3D transformer artist will speak up about his true passion and tireless journey in life…

Ronelo Ladiao (RL): First, tell us something about yourself?

Jaylord Villalobos (JV): Well, I’m an average guy, very silent but observant. If I feel something I keep it to myself and try to give my full attention in my work.

RL: As an artist, what is your forte or specialty?

JV: I love to draw since I was a kid. Before I learn to use the computer, I like using watercolor and colored pencil in my artworks. My specialty in drawing is more on the animation figures and doing robotic characters similar to Transformers, Gundam Seed and Voltron. I don’t know, I just love to do this kind of stuff.

RL: You created “Iron Warren” as your original animated character for Kuris Universe, can you give us some insights about him?

JV: Iron Warren is a powerful teenage cyborg with mysterious origin and past. He used to be a beggar in the street and when he almost died in an accident, a powerful cosmic ray hit the satellite and directed the radiation towards his dying body. Warren was transformed into a heroic fighting machine, part-man, part-robot who continue to search for answers about his shrouded past. Iron Warren’s tagline “…a gift of life to struggle for answers in a violent world” reflects my sentiments about life, my personal dilemma on poverty and other social problems today.

RL: Tell us how you were inspired and how long did it take to finish your lightbox-transforming-robot?

JV: During the time that we are making The Adventures of TASI, I got obsessed with Transformers. When I saw my lightbox, I realize I can make something nice out it so I spent two weeks of doodling the key drawings and in-betweens. There was even a scene where the lightbox robot was dancing but it was disregarded since it was unnecessary to be included in TASI. All in all, I did more than 200 drawings for that particular scene.

RL: When Bryan decided to add elements of 3D animation in your future projects, did you showed outmost interest?

JV: Huo eh gusto ko gid ang iya idea (yes of course I really like his idea). Since I’m fond of robotic characters, I realized that it would be suitable for my interest to upgrade my talents in animation. 3D animation is much easier to manipulate in different angles and perspectives if you have the patience to master the techniques of using it. It was surprising in my part when I realize that I learned to use 3D animation for only two months, all by myself without formal training or schooling.

RL: What do you consider as the best contribution you did for The BEQUEST?

JV: I’m happy with our work in the 3D animation of Magellan’s galleons. Bryan and I work hard for the rendering, animating and deciding what kind of texture that we will put to make it look like more realistic. Our group members did a lot of research in the internet how the galleons should look like. Sa tuod lang, ginobra lang namon atonga scene sa sulod sang tatlo ka adlaw (in fact, we work for that particular scene three days).

RL: There was a time that you confessed that some of your family members discouraged you about animation because they thought you have no bright future in this kind of craft, how do you take their opinion?

JV: Siyempre galain man buot ko eh kay basi kuno wala pakadtuan ang work nga ini (of course, I feel bad about it because they thought I have nowhere to go with this kind of work). For me, I just follow what I love to do since I was a kid and I have faith that one day they will realize that this craft, my passion and talents will get me somewhere else in life.

RL: Now tell us about your greatest dream?

JV: To become a professional animator and work in one of the biggest animation studio in the world.

RL: Do you have any happiest moment you can share as a member of Kuris?

JV: Sang pagkadto namon sa Racsos para maglecture sang February.(when we go to Racsos--an inland zoo resort at Guimbal, Iloilo—to hold a lecture last February). For the first time, I was thrilled and got inspired to hold a lecture in front of more than 40 students about 3D animation. It was a funny thing for me because I am not yet an expert 3D animator. But I think they learn a lot from me and I was glad that my effort was truly appreciated.

RL: As a parting shot of this revealing chat, what’s your favorite expression when you did something great?

JV: I can’t believe I did that, hehe!

For comments, email us at kurisanimators@yahoo.com

Kuris Talk # 5: Ma. Racil Nacar

The phases of Kenshin's mood swings

Ma. Racil Nacar

The girl with artistic stroke

By Ronelo Ladiao

Her innocent smile can sometimes cover her true potential as an artist, an uprising animator who belongs to a team of innovative and creative dreamers. Her soft-spoken nature and managerial skills often considered by his fellow animators as an asset that contributed to the visible success of every endeavor they pursue. Right from the start, she has always been there for the group and her friends who struggle to achieve simple but significant goals of making a mark in the expanding the trend of animation in Western Visayas. Amid the hardship and obstacles the group has encountered along the way for the past few months, her optimism and perseverance is a radiating light that empowered a new breed of Ilonggo artists to conquer mountains and make a bold statement of artistry.

Her name is Ma. Racil Nacar, a simple artist, a dreamer by heart and soul. Born on August 16, 1988, Racil’s life path is destined to intertwine with the hope and dreams of Kuris Animation Unlimited as its founding member. The 20-year-old girl gifted with impressive artistic stroke is a proud Akeanon who hails from Sitio Guibungan, Pang-itan, Madalag, Aklan. Her parents Bonifacio and Amelia Nacar raised their daughter with good values and a spirit of strength. The second child of seven siblings wants to be a bread winner of her family someday, a challenge she took responsibility by honing her talents in arts. Her diligence earned her honors and model student awards when she finished her e elementary and high school education at Marcela Agoncillo Elementary School and Madalag National High School, respectively. Due to financial difficulties, she took a vocational course in Arts and Sign at Helping Foundation, Inc. wherein she earned her certificate of completion along with a medal. Unsure of her future in the big city of Iloilo, Racil who used to live with her supportive Aunt decided to take the admission test for Professional Assistant 2D Animators Training at Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) through PGMA-TWSP program. After passing the grueling drawing admission test, she became excited to be a part of the second batch of 2D animation trainees at Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST). She was even surprise when she found out that Brynh de los Reyes, his former classmate at Helping Foundation became his fellow trainee in animation. Their training that mostly involved heavy drawings, techniques in between and clean up, using animation programs in the computer and a lot of brainstorming started in April last year.

After finishing their group project for their course, “The Adventures of TASI” and its successfully launching at Marymart Mall in September, she graduated with the whole second batch on October 19, 2007 at SM City Iloilo. She took part in the success of their Museo Iloilo animation exhibit in November which was entitled “Kinarton”. When the group embraced the name “Kuris”, an Ilonggo term that means “scribbled line”, Racil was elected as the organization’s treasurer. But their greatest sacrifice and challenge became visible as a group when they decided to pursue the making of “The BEQUEST: Origin of Dinagyang” aimed to interpret the history of the festival through animation. It was tough and depressing for some members of the group since the project have no financial budget or sponsors from the beginning. Spending sleepless nights, lack of facilities, resources and tight food budget, she saw everything as a test of her spirit, their fighting spirit as a group of dreamers wanting to share something significant for the society through their talents. Her managerial skills and patience was tested further when tensions became apparent within the group. But she maintained to keep her optimism alive, an attitude that inspired her friends to keep moving on.

All they could recall about her was her patience to cook their dinner everyday, budget the resources, walk a long way from Marx’s (another Kuris animator) house just to deliver the meal of her friends and sometimes assisted in the drawings needed for the project. Amid the tough times, she made sure that she enjoyed life and have fun. Her smile is infectious, hopeful and a breath of fresh air.

Her happiness was fulfilled when their first commercial project, The BEQUEST was viewed by more than 500 curios Ilonggos at SM Cinema 7 last January 25 and visited their animation exhibit at SM City lower ground floor from January 14-20 entitled “Dinagyamation”. Though she sometimes worries about their future in animation in Iloilo, Racil remained steadfast that good fate will one day come around. Who knows, a potential investor might be interested in their potentials as uprising animators in this side of the world.

Racil, the girl with artistic stroke will unveil her hidden thoughts, hope for the future and reasons to appreciate life in this candid chat…

Ronelo Ladiao (RL): What do you prefer to watch- Japanese Anime or Western animation?

Ma. Racil Nacar (RN): I like Western animation. I like to watch some of Walt Disney’s classic films such as Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and Mulan.

RL: You’re the elected treasurer of Kuris Animation Unlimited, is it hard to manage the financial aspect of the group?

RN: Not really. Kabalo man ko magbudget sang amon finances (I know how to budget our finances). We experience how to stretch our meager budget to a longer period of time especially during the time we are making The BEQUEST. I hope someday when a big project will come, we will be together and I’ll take the management of the financial aspect of the group.

RL: Can you tell us about the naughty side of Kuris Animators?

RN: Well, some of the boys are really naughty especially Brynh who makes crazy jokes, funny faces and never ran out of wild ideas. Masabad gid katama eh galing enjoy man kami kag boring kon wala siya, gakadaula pa gid problema namon kon ara sya pirme (he’s too naughty but we enjoy it and its boring without him, we forget our problems when he’s always around).

RL: If you’re going to turn back time, what part of your experience as a Kuris animator for the past few months would you prefer to go back and moments you don’t want to experience again?

RN: Hmmm… I want to experience again those times when we don’t sleep the whole night doing our projects and having the best time laughing, enjoying each other’s company. But sometimes I feel bad when I recall those busy nights when we can’t eat our dinner because our budget is drained. I was even afraid that we might get sick from what we are doing but thank God we survive it.

RL: How do handle pressure?

RN: I take it as a challenge. And when I’m tired, I take a rest for a while and focus again in our project. Pressure is part of reaching your dreams.

RL: Can you mention three members of Kuris that you consider very close to your heart?

RN: Una, si Janelyn eh kay masadya siya updon sa pulawanay ka project kag pirme lang siya gapanglibre pamahaw. Sunod, si Jaylord kay pirme kami gasunluganay nga duha kag ikaw pa gid (Ronelo) kay upod kita sa tanan nga sakripisyo para sa grupo, hehe! (First is Janelyn because she’s a fun to be with during those sleepless nights doing our project and she’s always giving me free meals. Next is Jaylord because we are teasing each other and you coz we’ve been together in all sacrifices for the group (laughs).

RL: “Kenshin” is your own original animated character in Kuris Universe, can you tell us about her and how did you created the character?

RN: Kenshin is a hustler and care free kind of girl. But one day, she realize that she needs to change her life and do the right thing- correct her past mistakes and do good to other people. Kenshin was inspired by Japanese Anime style and I like the way she dress. Her life is full of fun, drama and adventure as well.

RL: Aside from drawing and animation, do you have other talents to show?

RN: Mahilig ako magkanta sa mga Videoke (I like singing in Videoke)…they say I’m good in singing, I guess (laughs).

RL: What makes you proud as a member of Kuris animators?

RN: This is all I’d like to say about our group-- we achieve our goals in the right way, we don’t lose hope in everything that we do, we don’t easily give up and think positive all the time.

RL: What completes your life as a person?

RN: Aside from my family, tani updanay kami pirme tanan sa paglab-ot sang amon mga handom kag mangin close pa gid… siguro mahambal ko sa kaugalingon ko nga masadya na ang kabuhi ko kon matabo na (aside from my family, I hope we will all be together in reaching our ambitions and become closer…maybe I could say to myself that I’m happy with my life when that will happen).

RL: Is there any embarrassing moment in your life that you would like to share with us?

RN: There was a time when we have no more money to continue working for The BEQUEST and we have nowhere to go. We are in the middle of the street, confuse what to do and its embarrassing for other people to know that we have nothing left even a single cent. It was a time that we considered as the worst experience ever but we trusted each other, I prayed harder and the next thing I know, it was over and we survive.

RL: Is there any specific place you can’t forget right now and why?

RN: Indi ko gid malipatan pirme ang studio nga ginobrahan namon sang BEQUEST kay didto namon nabilin tanan nga masadya kag masubo nga inagyan sang group (I can’t always forget the studio where we work for The BEQUEST because we left all the happy and sad experience of the group there).

RL: As a parting shot, is there anything you would like to say to your fellow Kuris animators that you haven’t said before?

RN: Guys, ang nanamian ko sa inyo tanan kay wala kita basta-basta gagive-up sa tanan nga bagay. Tani magbinuligay kita pirme kag magintindihanay kada isa. Balan ko indi man kita perfect… goodluck! (What I like about you guys is that we don’t easily give up with everything. I hope we will always help each other and understand each other. I know we are not perfect…goodluck!

For comments, email us at kurisanimators@yahoo.com

Kuris talk # 4: Bryan Jandonero

Bravo: Zero Hour is Bryan's masterpiece character replicating his infinite passion for arts and animation... a part of Kuris Universe art gallery.

Zero Hour pic # 1: He won't stop scribbling until he gets the best clean-up frame for The Barter of Panay scene in The BEQUEST (Zero hour coz' wala pahuway sa pulaw!).

Zero Hour pic # 2: Sleeping Bryan is not a fairytale, he's just losing his head of all the bleeding nuisance he gets from making sure everything for the group is a maverick piece of innovation... (hoy aga na ni!, hehe)

Zero Hour pic # 3: Time is of the essence, he must fulfill his destiny... (as the most non-sleeping Kuris animator in this side of the planet)

Bryan Jandonero
Reveals his maverick artistic soul
By Ronelo Ladiao

This guy wants to be a maverick. His mind radiates untapped potentials and out-of-the-box ideas that resembles his dream to make a mark like no other Illonggo artist I’ve ever meet before. Mostly, his silence is spent contemplating and defining the odds with his innovative perspective of justifying his artistic soul. During those hectic times we spent together as a team of strange amateur animators giving our best shot and breaking the barriers of our limitations, I am often stunned by his uncanny ideas to make his artistic statement bold through his phenomenal strokes, innovative style and perspective. Amid the hardship of reaching our small but ambitious dream to make a recognizable mark in the premature animation trend in Iloilo a few months ago, I learned to respect his point of views, his hope for the future and his burning passion to scribble reveries into reality.
At 19, Bryan Jandonero clearly defined his capabilities as an Ilonggo artist through his visionary effort in almost all the animated projects of Kuris Animation Unlimited. The second son of five children by couple Rey Jandonero and Sheila Jandonero of Leganes, Iloilo was destined for great things with his artistic gifts. I’m not only talking about his drawing skills but everything he can do. From arts to music, Bryan is gifted with undiscovered talents and potentials waiting to be unleashed with the right kind of motivation like a dam full of water. He can sing very well, compose acoustic-like music, play the guitar or even drums and versatile artistic strokes (portraiture, caricature, painting etc.). When he was a kid, he used to dream a lot of career paths for his future of becoming an astronomer, biologist, filmmaker, a singer or even a painter. From his elementary until high school years at Lapaz II Elementary School and Leganes National High School, respectively, Bryan always garnered the Artist of the Year medal. He cannot even count how many times he joined various poster-making or art-related competitions where he always landed at the top spot.
But amid the gifts he posses and the great dreams he wanted to achieve, the hardship of life always get in the way which eventually prevented him to soar high. His choices of taking up astronomy or filmmaking seemed to be a vague reality because his parents cannot afford these courses which are usually offered in Manila. So when Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) announced to offer 2D Animation vocational course in partnership with Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI), he didn’t think twice to grab the opportunity. After passing the admission test, he set his dreams straight of becoming an animator which is one of the reason he took a computer-related course in a certain computer school in the city (thinking an animation subject is included in the curriculum).
In the first few weeks of his training in 2D animation at Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST), Bryan remained observant in the class. He realized he’s not the only one with unique gifts. There are lots of us struggling hard to express our true talent, waiting to be noticed by the outside world and make the Ilonggos proud. When I started to get close to him during the training, he displayed phenomenal ideas and skills which made me wonder that if I would choose the best animator in the class-he would be the one. From Japanese Anime to Western animation, his stokes is versatile. Not to mention his unique style of detailed drawings, fine lines and accurate application of animation principles. You see in animation, accuracy of copying the model sheet of a certain character and clean, well-defined lines is an important aspect of becoming a pro animator. For me, he exceeded our expectations.
In our group project “The Adventures of TASI”, we belong to the same group that will create an animated scene for the character in a certain location. He remained patient to the flaws and little mistakes of our groupmates when it comes to executing our animation skills. When the compiled output of all the groups was shown to the public last September at Marymart Mall, our part was the most applauded portion of the film showing. I know from the very start that this guy did something unique for our group. A month after, our graduation was successfully held at SM City Iloilo where we displayed innovative works and presentation that made the class proud.
After we choose “Kuris” as the official group name of the second batch of Ilonggo animation graduates, we were having talks of launching an ambitious project which is to make a short film retelling the cultural history of Dinagyang Festival later entitled “The BEQUEST”. There was no other person in the class fitted to become our lead animator for the project other than him. Bryan and I were having little dispute because he wanted to venture in 3D Animation which we’re not trained for. But he’s determined to go beyond the boundaries and expand his skills. In no time, he already found a 3D Animation program and started practicing with Jaylord (another Kuris animator) on their own.
After less than a week of practice, we launched a teaser trailer of our upcoming project “Lapis: Epic of the Lost Key” (that we might start working after The BEQUEST) at “Kinarton” animators exhibit at Museo Iloilo last November. The short trailer was done both in 2D and 3D animation format which stunned some of the TESDA and WVCST officials. Confident of the new skill he learned from his personal initiative, Bryan made sure that The BEQUEST will have aspects of 3D animation on its scheduled showing by January at SM City Iloilo. Then the mission gets tough, the sacrifice of the group was hard and the ideas kept flowing amid the facility and financial difficulties we have gone through. Our sleepless nights and perseverance paid off when the first Ilonggo-made animated short film was launched at SM Cinema 7 on January 25 this year. But Bryan knows deep down inside that his road to find his destiny as a Kuris animator has just began…

This time, the maverick Kuris animator gets his chance to speak up and reveal his unspoken thoughts in a tell-all chat…

Ronelo Ladiao (RL): I know you’re a very talented artist but can you tell us about your weakness and limitations?
Bryan Jandonero (BJ): They say I am but I don’t think that way. You know I have a lot of things to learn before I can say I am good enough. Anyway, I am weak in making and comprehending scripts. That’s why I had a hard time doing The BEQUEST because some parts of the script are not simple English terms. If given a chance, I want to study scriptwriting or attend seminars about it.
RL: You always want to take risks, this time; can you reveal your greatest fear?
BJ: I’m hesitant to say it but here it goes-“nahadlukan ko nga mapatay nga indi ko makita ang akon mangin anak” (laughs) (I’m afraid to die without seeing my own children).
RL: Let’s get a little bit lighter; tell us about the type of music you listen and the movies that tops your favorite list?
BJ: Kon nangin singer ako, acoustic artist gid ko ya! (if I were a singer, I would be an acoustic artist). I listen to the music of Simple Plan, Stepen Speaks and the classic Air Supply. In terms of movies, I like to watch war films because I observe the way they execute realism in every scene like Band of Brother and Flag of our Father.
RL: I believe you are fond of Japanese anime and Western animation, why is it so?
BJ: I think both animation style have influenced me a lot. In Japanese Anime, I like the way they deliver their camera movements or panning and the fighting scenes of the characters. I admire Western animation in terms of the smoothness and detailed movements of the characters because they use not less that 20-24 frames (drawings) per second.
RL: If you were to draw your girlfriend as an animated character, who will she be?
BJ: Gusto ko 3D character sya pareho kay Jill Valentin of Resident Evil (I want her to be a 3D character like Jill Valentin of Resident Evil-a PC game).
RL: Bravo: Zero Hour is your original animated character in Kuris Universe right, tell us something bout him?
BJ: Okay, let’s start from the beginning. An old man told the teenager Bravo who lives in a world of chaos or Zero Hour under the tyranny of an evil ruler with vast power that he must become a savior of his people. He gave Bravo a mystical headband that will become a key to unleash his true infinite power of cosmic flame. From the start, he’s afraid to accept his destiny but when the evil ruler harmed his friends and family. He learned to fight back and finally unleashed his true potential which became a turning point to defeat his nemesis. For me, Bravo is a messiah, a savior who possessed limitless power at his disposal and uses this gift for good.
RL: If you were to recreate an old movie in your own perspective, what film that would be and what innovation would you like to do?
BJ: Well, there’s no particular film that I can think of. Siguro gusto ko liwaton ang mga local nga pelikula nga may law-law nga special effects nga ginhimo sang mga Pilipino diri sa aton (maybe I want to recreate those local films with lousy special effect made by Filipinos). I want to improve the execution of special effects to make it more stunning and can compete with international films today.
RL: As a director and lead animator of The BEQUEST, what part of the film you are proud of?
BJ: I worked hard in The Barter of Panay scene. Masyado ako ka instrikto sa in-betweens kag body structure sang mga characters (I was very strict in the in-betweens and body structures of the characters). I am contented with the way I animate the movements of Datu Puti, the Aetas and Datu Marikudo. The camera panning was also good.
RL: In your own opinion, what part of the BEQUEST would you like to improve?
BJ: I think the lack of complete storyboard for all the scenes in The BEQUEST gave difficult time for Marx, Brynh (other lead animators) and me in doing the animation. But I know we are in a hurry to finish it in a short period of time so we tried to work it out even if we based almost everything in the script. Storyboard is important to organize the flow of the story and refer the movements of the characters. If it will be revised someday, I would like to improve more the movements, add more in-betweens and the body structure of the characters.
RL: What inspired you to inject 3D animation in The BEQUEST?
BJ: I was eager to learn 3D even in a short period of time because I want to present something unique for our group. Gusto ko sa BEQUEST nga i-3D ang background para indi mabudlay magdrawing sang background, hapos pahulagon ang camera sa lain-lain nga perspective kag name lantawon kon lain naman ang ipakita ta aside sang 2D (I want the background to be in 3D so that we won’t find in it hard to the draw backgrounds, flexible camera movements in different perspective and it would be nice if we show something new aside from 2D).
RL: I believe you are going to work with “Lapis: Epic of the lost key” trailer soon, do you believe you can surpass the skills you’ve shown in The BEQUEST with Lapis?
BJ: Excited nako gani magobra sa Lapis (I’m excited to work for Lapis). Siguro mapakita ko pa gid ang abilidad ko sa pagdrawing kag pagexecute sang camera movements, mas name nga fighting scenes kag special effects nga gusto ko kuhaan basi sa mga sikat nga animations (maybe I can show further my ability to draw and execute camera movements, great fighting scenes and special effects that I want to base from famous animations).
RL: In your opinion, what makes Kuris Animators unique as a group?
BJ: We’re unique because we use many important principles of 2D animation even if we’re just amateur animators in real sense. We don’t stop thinking about innovation and go out-of-the-box in everything we do. We try something new and creative like the way we learn 3D animation even without formal study or training.
RL: Before we end this chat, what’s your favorite expression as a parting shot?
BJ: Balan ko nga damo pa kita bugas nga kaonon bago kita makahambal sini pero amo ni ang akon naandan nga expression kada tapos sang amon mga projects (I know we have a lot of rice to eat before we can say this but this is my usual expression every time we finish our projects)…SUCCESS!

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