Kuris Reunion with Sir Randy

At last, Kuris Animators finally had a small reunion in the evening of January at Langford’s Place in Paseo de Archangel in Iloilo City. The reunion was inspired by Sir Randy Tolentino who came from South Korea where he is currently finishing his scholarship. He gathered his former students in 2D Animation in 2007 where he used to be one of our dynamic instructors. His energy and optimism for Ilonggo animators was felt by his former students. Kuris Animators who came to the little reunion was headed by Marx, Brynh, Bryan, Jaylord, Elson and its creative director, Ronelo. They were also joined by selected members of Dimbox, a group of animators from the first batch of trainees. They had the best time remembering the past and achievements as Kuris animators including the much-talked-about “The BEQUEST: Origin of Dinagyang” as the first Ilonggo-made 2D-3D mini-film shown at SM Cinema in January 2008. Whatever the future holds for these young and budding artists/animators, they still treasure the best times they have shared. Being part of something big and promising bunch of talents make them the bearer of Ilonggo legacy. Sir Randy might be coming back in Iloilo in the middle of 2011 and hopefully will start anew helping out Ilonggo animators who are all talented and promising in their own way.

3D obsession… 2D passion

Sample clay figures created by the 3^rd batch of animators as models for their animated project “Engkanto”.

How does it feel when you have all the crazy guys in the team?... total chaos!

Lyndon and Bryan checking some candid pics taken earlier…you thought they were looking for some nasty videos? Hehe!

Lyndon and Hex… candid pics at the special project headquarters, hehe!

Kuris gang chilling out after the graduation of the 3^rd batch animators

We love Kung-Fu fighting…haah!

Kung-Fu Kuris

Everybody loves Kung Fu Panda lately. They really do. Dreamwork's latest smash hit 3D animated film is a firecracker sensation in cinemas worldwide. Kuris loves Kung Fu Panda. We really do. The latest 3D animated flick features the voice of Hollywood crazy comedian Jack Black, the Kuris boy's favorite actor and singer (as part of Tenacious D band). They even lip synch one of his song in our music video in youtube, hehe! He gave life to the lousy Panda character in the film destined to discover his true power lies in his heart and humor to master the ancient Kung Fu fighting arts. His courage and some misadventures saved his friends, family and everybody else in the film. Well, who would ever believe that a Panda could give Jacky Chan a run for his money, hehe. But in our case, we're not Pandas or Kung-Fu-fighting sentinels struggling to become heroes. We are heroes of our passion and dreams to prove something in a world that doesn't understand our true potential. We train night and day, in times of gigs and barkada hang-outs, during worktime and projects with our artistic stroke. Whether it may be pencil, tablet or a mouse, our imagination flares up whenever everybody in the group enjoy the ride of experience with each other.

Anyway, Kuris animators recently had a wonderful glimpse of our past once again when we attended the graduation of the third batch of Ilonggo animators under the PGMA-TWSP program of TESDA and WVCST last July 14, 2008, 3PM at WVCST Ed Tech Center. We graduated with the same course (Professional Assistant 2D Animator Training) last October 19, 2007 at SM City Iloilo. This year, the third batch who happens to be the last batch of 2D animation trainees in Iloilo City proudly accepted their certificate of completion and warm applause from their mentors, friends and families. TESDA and WVCST produced 25 graduates in 2D animation this year who each showed their potential in their chosen craft. During the program, the group presented their individual and group projects that were all eye-catching and creatively drawn by hodge-podge of young animators who call their group "Anemotion", a coined of two words-- animation and emotion. We will talk more about them soon in the Kuris blog. The program was a success and another milestone for Ilonggo animators in Western Visayas. TESDA Iloilo Provincial Director, Lorena Yunque and WVCST President, Dr. Luis Sorolla, Jr. were present to distribute the certificate to the graduates.

The day was full of surprises when the Kuris gang had a little get-together meeting again. We Talked and laugh about the best things that happened for the past weeks. Of course, the event was also a chance for former Kuris peeps to show up and greet them a warm hello. Whatever transpired in the past is already over and done. We have today to cherish and have fun in each other's company. Our past experiences taught us to be more calm, confident and optimistic. "Life is a box of chocolate, you never know what you'll get"... sage thought from Forest Gump film by Tom Hanks.

But for now, the Kuris gang has to play Kung-Fu with life। We have to play the game fair and square if we really want to reach the top, conquer our limitations and prove something। We know that if we keep hanging on,everything we want isn’t gonna be far away.