We

have A1
Anniversary
Supplement
June 4,

arrived
2010

Photo by
Benhur LIKE a toddler’s shaky steps on
Arcayan the first year, like a young man
daring to go beyond the limits on
the second year, Commuter
EXPRESS now on its third year has
finally arrived. Reaching the top is a
sweet success. And, you brought us
there.
Thanks to you our readers and
advertisers. Together, our journey is a
very pleasant one. Now, join us on our
next trip. Now with the sturdier,
colorful and more responsive vehicle,
the Commuter EXPRESS. Riding with
us is bringing you right to your
destination. On time and on target. Just
read between the lines.
 Anniversary Supplement
A2
June 4, 2010
We made it and now geared
for limitless possibilities
By Victor A. Caluag
President, CEO
Commuter EXPRESS turns
C
three years old today. On behalf
of the tireless CX family, I wish to
convey our sincerest gratitude to
those who helped us hurdle the
past three years. To all our loyal
readers, valued advertisers,
dependable suppliers, trusted
partners at the Light Rail Transit
Authority & Metrostar Express,
and unwavering supporters thank
you from the bottom of our hearts.
WINNING FORMULA
We have achieved much since our June 4,
2007 maiden issue. In a nutshell, CX’s steadfast
growth is defying the odds in an industry where
other publications, including broadsheets, are
on the decline.
Our key success factor is the continued
dedication of each member of the CX family to
go the extra mile to churn out the best free
newspaper everyday. Specifically, we make sure
that: 1) our layout and content are relevant to
our readers, 2) our print quality is superior, 3)
our distribution is thorough and consistent, 4)
our advertisers are satisfied, and 5) our after sales
and support services are efficient.
THE PAST THREE YEARS
CX dealt with different concerns and challenges
for each passing year.
Relatively limited resources and CX’s status,
as a start up was a handicap during the first year.
Daily challenges seemed to be insurmountable
and yet CX managed to avoid stoppages and in
fact started to make a name for itself as a serious
player in the industry.
By CX’s second anniversary, an increasing
number of MRT & LRT commuters started to prefer
CX than many other newspapers in town.
Consequently, the number of advertisers began
to increase. CX had finally attained legitimacy in
the eyes of our readers and customers.
In the past year, CX managed to sustain this
growth. Many began to notice us, from readers,
advertisers and even competitors from the dailies.
CX has finally achieved confidence. And as such,
we regard such responses as affirmations of CX’s
progress.
GEARED FOR LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES
The future is bright for CX.
In light of what we have already achieved in
the past three years, the sky’s the limit for CX. I
believe this because we always go the extra mile
to give satisfaction to our readers and advertisers
every each day. And so in the coming year, I
enjoin the CX family to consciously adopt the
attitude that we are geared for limitless
possibilities.
With this, CX will set its sights to become the
reader’s undisputed favorite, become the market
leader, and become the most admired publication.
Congratulations on our third anniversary!
Thank you once again to all those who have
supported us!
Lessons learned
from a difficult
journey
By Tonette Henson,
EVP for Advertising Sales and Marketing
THREE years and what a journey it has been!
I still remember the early days of Commuter
EXPRESS when we were all at our wit’s end --
juggling editorial, production, advertising and
marketing, circulation and administrative func-
tions. We didn’t care who did what. What was
important was to publish the June 4, 2007 issue.
What started as a small and struggling free com-
muter newspaper has now evolved into an es-
tablished and competitive one.
We look back at that first issue with pride,
considering that we launched it with limited re-
sources. Three years after, we are definitely more
organized and structured with the same fire and
passion still burning fervently. This made us took
that big leap. The reason for our success is that
we compete with ourselves. One may call that
our “trade secret,” a mantra even. We know that
if we fail ourselves, we inevitably fail our readers
and advertisers. Every issue of our own Com-
muter EXPRESS is our biggest competitor.
We are celebrating our third year anniversary
alongside winners of recently conducted first
ever automated elections. To those who won,
we give you our best wishes with high hopes
that you will fulfill what you promised. To those
who have lost the fight, we also send you our
best wishes, believing that there is also a reason
for celebration. Continued on next page
 Anniversary Supplement
A3
June 4, Anniversary
2010 Supplement

June 4, 2010

Continued from Page 2

In a world where everybody wants to be a
winner, defeat could also be a “freedom.” Yes,
freedom to take a bigger role. This also applies
not only for positions of power but for jobs and
careers. When one loses something, perhaps
destiny is leading you to a bigger job to perform,
a greater mission to fulfill.
We should keep in mind that obstacles are a
constant companion as we plod along life. Com-
muter EXPRESS hurdled many of them. From
day one, there had been a lot of “buildings” to
do. Building a relationship with our formidable
team, readers, advertisers and even with our
suppliers and creditors to extend our payment
terms. We were small and struggling. Who would
trust us?

Commuter EXPRESS experienced all the birth

pains in its first year. We know how the losing
candidates have also felt. When one hits rock
bottom or loses a well-fought battle, it feels like
you want to get buried with Michael Jackson.
Not even watching MJ’s concert on DVDs can
magic the pain away.
We persevered on the second year and saw a
small opening to survive. We continued to chase
that small opening until we came close. It’s actu-
ally big when you get there. And it means you
just really have to strive hard to get closer to
you objective. That’s what we did.
We practically knocked on doors and hearts.
There were those who did not welcome us. A lot
doubted us. Some even thought we have gone
crazy. But we simply kept on knocking and even-
tually, the doors and hearts started opening. It
was then we knew that the trust and confidence
we gained would sustain the free paper.
Without those ostacles, I think we will be an
ordinary commuter paper, content with just hav-
ing enough ads to survive on a daily basis. We
are not content with just that. What we want is
to have a credible and long-lasting newspaper,
the best in the sector we serve. The obstacles
we encountered have built our character and tem-
pered us to near perfection. The metamorphosis
is an inspiration: “A butterfly will always come
from an ugly caterpillar, a phoenix will always
rise from the ashes, exquisite and splendid.”
There will be countless battles along the way.
We will win some and lose some. But one thing
is definite: “We will come out all stronger, richer
and more inspiring because of it.”
To our dedicated staff, loyal friends, readers, ad-
vertisers and suppliers, this celebration is for you.

Anniversary Supplement
A4
June 4, 2010
Big plans, small movies
Simply put, they want to be
masters of their own domain. And in
the topsy-turvy world of local cinema,
who doesn't. That's why in 2004,
screenwriter Raymond Lee, along with
other screenwriters, Michiko
Yamamoto, Emmanuel Dela Cruz, Jade
Castro, and Ned Trespeces, formed
UFO Pictures. It is an independent
production company that aims to
produce small but well-crafted films.
"We put up UFO Pictures simply
because we want to do our own
stories," Lee says. "We also want to
have creative control over the material
that we are doing and ultimately
produce our own films."
"What is good
about us is that we
don't compromise.
We look for a
solution."
Seven years later, the group has
already produced three movies:
Sarungbangi, Ang Pagdadalaga ni
Maximo Oliveros and Endo. All of
which were critical hits. Of course,
the most talked about was Ang
Pagdadalaga, which was even
nominated for an Independent Spirit
Award. "We were like walking on a
tightrope," says Lee on the making
of Ang Pagdadalaga. "But I had a
good feeling that we were doing
something special. I was assuring
everyone that we had a small gem."
So much is their confidence in
the film that in 2005 they decided to
release it themselves despite the fact
that the movie had no big name
stars, contained no frontal nudity
and was about the travails of a twink.
Indeed, it was a big gamble on what
seems to be a very small film. But,
as the local film industry now knows,
the gamble was well worth it. "We
had only 13 prints (a typical studio
flick has about 80 prints) but thanks
to word of mouth it actually made
money," he says. Pagdadalaga
stayed in cinema for more than three
weeks, which is more than what you
can say about studio-produced
movies that were flopping one after
the other during that time.
With the exception of Cris
Pablo's explicit gay-themed movies,
most of the local independent cinema
until then has been operating under
the radar, showing films in cafes, film
festivals and universities. "The
success of the movie made
producers realize that indie films can
actually make a profit," observes
Lee. Of course, the independent
scene has, since then, blossomed
and Lee is more than happy to be
part of it. For him, the emergence of
the independent movies just
confirmed the suspicion that the
Filipino audience is, in fact, looking
for a good story and not --as the
moribund movie industry perfectly
shows--as stupid as one might think.
When this interview was
conducted, Lee and the group were
in the thick of preparations for the
filming of a documentary, a first for
the group. "It's about a Filipino
personality," he says, barely giving
any clue about their subject. Despite
the secrecy, Lee's excitement over
the new project is palpable. It seems
that for a group of writers, the scribes
of UFO Films has been extremely
fortunate. "What is good about us
is that we don't compromise," Lee
says. "We look for a solution."
Which is another way of saying that
they are on top of things and not at
the bottom of it. Indeed, in the last
seven years, the UFO's writers-
turned-producers-and-filmmakers
have stayed true to their intention:
“To become masters of their own
domain.” Mario Banzon
Gallery exhibits Miguel
Castro’s ‘Baliktaran’
Avellana Art Gallery, nestled in a residential
compound in Pasay City, will celebrate its anni-
versary on June 12 with the opening of
Baliktaran--an exhibit featuring works on paper
by Miguel Castro, alongside the formal launch
of the gallery’s third house.
Currently, the gallery occupies two houses in
the compound, featuring works from both emerg-
ing and established artists that include Impy Pilapil,
Ivy Avellana-Cosio, Arturo Luz, Lao Lianben, Joel
Cobcobo, Ryan Rubio, Mac Valdezco and Lynyrd
Paras. The third house will also serve as a venue
for artworks but will also offer an interesting space
for art talks and other creative endeavors.
Proprietor and curator of the Avellana Art
Gallery, Albert Avellana has a long and esteemed
reputation for his insightful and spot-on juxta-
position of exhibits, for his creative placement
of artworks in relation to non-traditional art space
and for his knack for discovering young talents
MSO concert tributes
Filipino maestros
The Manila Symphony Orchestra proudly pre-
sents its 2010 Concert Season, kicking off with
a fitting tribute to Filipino talents in Philippine
Festival on June 5, 8 p.m., at the Philamlife Audi-
torium, U.N. Avenue, Ermita, Manila.
Philippine Festival is a celebration of all things
Filipino. It highlights the works of National Art-
ists for Music Nicanor Abelardo (Piano Concerto)
and Lucio San Pedro (Lahing Kayumanggi); as
well as superb Filipino composers Lucino Sacra-
mento (Violin Concerto No. 2) and Angel Peña
who are now some of the most interesting artists
in the scene.
One of the strong points of the gallery is its
fearlessness in representing artworks from dif-
ferent genres. “I don't make distinctions between
figurative and abstract. My choice of works is a
mix,” Albert says. “But each of the works I have
to choose to display in my gallery has that soul,
and the artwork emits that feeling. If I see a new
idea, I really get struck by it. I know that an artist's
work will always grow, will always change. This
is never ‘it.’ Otherwise the artist might as well be
dead.”
With the opening of the third house, Avellana
Art Gallery affirms its position as one of the best
galleries in the country, vigorously contributing
to the growth of Philippine visual arts.
Avellana Art Gallery is located at 2680
F.B. Harrison St. Pasay City. Call 833-8357
for details.
(Philippine Festival Overture and Trinity).
The concert also showcases home-grown,
world-class Filipino talents, pianist Virginia Laico
Villanueva and violinist Gina Medina, with the
Manila Symphony Orchestra led by its Principal
Conductor and Music Director, Prof. Arturo Molina.
Tickets are at P1000 (Orchestra Front); P600
(Orchestra Back); and P600 (Lodge), with 50%
discount for students and 20% discount for se-
nior citizens. For reservations and inquiries please
contact 5235712, 3533025, or 09173662651.
 With the rainy
season upon
Anniversary Supplement
A5 us, we have to
June 4, 2010 brace
ourselves for
sneezy
inconveniences.

Rainy Day Remedies

THE constant change of
weather can definitely wreak
havoc on our health. And
with the rainy season upon
us, we have to brace
ourselves for sneezy
inconveniences. We have
listed down a few easy home
remedies for those who
might just be feeling under
the weather.
1. Problem: Intense coughing
Slice a piece of lemon and sprinkle it
with black pepper powder and salt and
suck it. This can help minimize the
intensity of your coughing.
2. Problem: Itchy throat
Solution: Put crushed ginger on your
tea, boil it for a minute and take a sip.
This helps get rid of the itchiness in your
throat. Try to take this twice a day.
3. Problem: Sore throat
Solution: Here's an old trick. Sprinkle
some salt in a warm glass of water. Let
the salt dissolve a little before using the
water to gargle. This will definitely help
alleviate the itchiness of your throat.
4. Problem: Itchy nose
Solution: According to the website
Natural Home Remedies, you can dab
some petroleum jelly inside your nose to
lessen the itchiness. Boiling chamomile in
water and inhaling its aroma greatly helps
as well.
5. Problem: Dry and stuffy nose
Solution: Fatfreekitchen.com
recommends making a nasal drop out of
salt and lukewarm water. All you need is
1/4 teaspoon of salt dissolved into about
5ml of lukewarm water. A drop or two in
each nostril three times a day and you will
feel better in no time. Mario Banzon
 Anniversary Supplement
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June 4, 2010

Frederick Peralta goes

out of his fashion zone
Frederick Peralta, one of the country's
eminent designers, pulled all the stops in cre-
ating a wonderland confection of evening
gowns, couture pieces and suits in the 13th
edition of Philippine Fashion Week held last
Friday at the SMX Convention Center.
Known for his dramatic details, evocative
fabrication and masterful tailoring technique,
Peralta displayed his best assets while ex-
perimenting with darker colors and free-flow-
ing silhouettes. His evening gowns featured
hoods underlined with jewel-tone fabric while
his tulle skirts showcased a whimsical gra-
dation of colors. His key piece, worn by Wilma
Doesnt, was not a traditional Peralta in the
sense that it embodied a brooding and Gothic
sensibility with its never-ending train, tent-
like construction and minimal ornamentation.
Peralta was one of the handful of design-
ers given a solo show at the Philippine Fash-
ion Week. The event, which showcased 112
designers and four clothing brands, concluded
last June 2.
 So you saw that stupid movie Marley
and Me or Bolt or that heart-breaking ad
by PAWS and finally decided: D**n, I
want a pet dog.” You want a big
slobbering, huge ball of fur salivating as
you come home from work. You want
that big wet surprise waiting for you at
the door exalting as if you are coming
home with the Miss Universe crown or
the American Idol title. And you want that
to happen every single day.
Marley and you
Let's pause a bit here. Yes, you want a dog,
but then will your chosen dog want you?
"It's a serious commitment," says veteri-
narian Imelda Reynante Cruz, who, herself has
nine canines. "And the one that you should
get must fit well with your lifestyle and dis-
position." She suggests that before bringing
home a dog, future dog owners should first
consider their living space and even their per-
sonality. "There are dogs that are perfect for
couch potatoes and there are those that are
perfect for sporty types," Cruz says. "And then
there are dogs that are well-suited for condo
living and another set of dogs that only thrive
in large spaces."
For those who rarely engage in any physi-
cal activity, Cruz suggests getting a bulldog
or a pug. For those who love the outdoors,
try getting a Beagle, Labrador, Golden Retriever
or any sporting dogs. If one hates a yapping
dog, better steer clear of a mini pinscher and
opt for a dachshund, pekingese, and shitzu.
For families with young kids, a poodle, Po-
meranian or a chihuahua will do. But if you
really plan on splurging on your pet, you might
have fun with a Maltese and a bulldog. As for
the living space, Cruz suggests those who live
in a condo or an apartment to get small dogs.
Logically, large breeds need a lot of space to
get around so they are well suited for owners
who live in a house.
But of course picking the right dog is just
Anniversary Supplement
A7
June 4, 2010
But of course
picking the
the beginning. Obviously getting a pet dog entails
a lot of responsibility. You should ask your-
self first if you are willing to clean up after
the puppy? Can you pick up poop and mop
pee? Are you ready to find some gnawed items
right dog is inside your house? Would you get ballistic if
the dog refuses to stop barking? Do you have
just the someone to look after it while you are at the
office? Naturally, it also boils down to the fact
beginning. that you have to invest time and energy to
take care of another living creature.
Obviously But then, as most dog owners will tell you,
the fulfillment one feels with a dog is incom-
getting a pet parable. "They are very loyal," Cruz says, "and
the way they greet you whenever you arrive
dog entails a home is unlike any other." Of course, this may
only sound appealing to those who wouldn't
lot of mind slobbery kisses and barking noises at
the end of a very stressful day. If you do,
responsibility. then you might as well get an ice queen in the
form of a cat. Mario Banzon

Anniversary Supplement
A10
June 4, 2010
Not because you are buried in paper work and still so many
meetings to attend to, aside from household chores when you get
home, they should not be reasons for you not to look beautiful.
Of course, you definitely can still be beautiful despite your hectic schedule.
We have listed down four common beauty problems which you can do without
with our beauty solutions.
Beauty Tips for Busy Chicks
Problem: You don’t have time to shampoo and blow dry
your hair but you want it to be straight and perfectly in
place the next morning.
Solution: Pony tail your hair. Before you go to bed, pull your
hair on top of your forehead. Make sure every strand is in place
and then secure it with a pony. Chances are you will find your
hair as it was the night before, thus saving you a lot of time in the
morning.
Problem: You travel all over the city and the dirt and
smog are making your skin look dull and lifeless.
Solution: Here’s an easy fix. At the end of your trip, dip a
towel into a warm water and use it to dab on your skin. The
warm water will not only refresh you but it will also draw out
the rosiness of your cheeks once again.
Problem: Cash is tight but you want to have a new make-
up for your daily use.
Solution: Be creative and experiment. You can put a little
shimmery powder on your foundation and voila! You can now
have a shimmery glow. You can also use lipstick as cheek stain
for more color on your skin. Problem: You don’t have time to
wait for the nail polish to dry but they already need re-
applying.
Solution: After painting your nails, dip them into a bowl of
icy water. The paint will dry in no time. Mario Banzon

Proudly Pinoy
THREE Pinoys are currently making waves in the
international scene but no, they aren't performers. Charice
Pempengco maybe bestfriends with Oprah but there
are more to Filipinos than just belting out a Celine
Dion song. Here are three Filipinos excelling in three
different fields from food to literature and design.
Tina Maristela-Ocampo, accessories designer
Her bags have found their way into the prized hands
of Hollywood royalties, a feat that is definitely not easy.
Without any doubt, Tina Maristela-Ocampo is one of
the most famous Pinoys outside of the Philippines. Her
accessories line Celestina has already gotten the atten-
tion of American Vogue and, in effect, the fancy of celeb-
rities. A few years ago, one of her bags appeared in an
episode of Lipstick Jungle. Recently, however, her bag
got more attention when Sandra Bullock wore one of her
accessories during the last Oscar Awards when she won
best actress. This is a clear sign that Hollywood has
finally come knocking on Ocampo's doors.
Miguel Syjuco, novelist
Before it even saw print, novelist Miguel Syjuco's
Ilustrado has already won the prestigious 2008 Man
Asia Prize. He beat four other shortlisted writers,
including Filipino writer
Alfred Yuson. Now,
Syjuco has been reaping
critical success for his
first novel, Ilustrado, a
satire of Philippine poli-
tics. Children of the '90s
will remember Syjuco
from the now defunct en-
tertainment website Lo-
cal Vibe (launched at a
time when the Internet
was still making its pres-
ence felt in the Philip-
pines) and now, it seems
the writer, is all grown
up. His novel, currently
out in the US, receives praises from different authors
and publications, including award-winning writer Lee
Henderson of the New York Times. Henderson calls
the book "sharp and funny."
Chef Cristeta Comerford,
Executive Chef, White House
She is not only the first Asian-American but also
the first woman to become the White House Executive
Chef. Indeed, chef Cristeta Comerford has come a long
way since her days in the University of the Philip-
pines as a food technology graduate. Raised in Sampaloc,
Manila, she is now catapulted into semi-fame espe-
cially after her triumphant win in the US TV show Iron
Chef. Along with chef Bobby Flay, she won the title in
the Super Chef Battle, defeating celebrity chefs Mario
Batali and Emeril Lagasse. Chef Cristeta has been the
executive chef of the White House since 2005, back
when George W. Bush was still president.
Mario Banzon

A scene from Kinatay
Brillante Mendoza’s dark vision
“My role as a filmmaker is to show what I’m seeing.”
Coca-Cola Supports
U.P. Gawad Plaridel
C
COCA-COLA signed a 3-year memo-
randum of agreement with the University
of the Philippines – College of Mass Com-
munication (CMC) Foundation last March
12, 2010 to support the U.P. Gawad Plaridel
awards. The signing was held at the
Richmonde Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City and
strengthens the continuous partnership be-
tween the two organizations. The 2010 U.P.
Gawad Plaridel will be awarded in July.
Launched in 2004, the U.P. Gawad
Plaridel is named after national hero Marcelo
H. del Pilar (Plaridel). It aims to honor sin-
gular outstanding Filipino media practitio-
ners in the fields of print, radio, film, televi-
sion and new media.
Present during the event to pledge sup-
port for the UP CMC Foundation was Jose
Bayani Baylon, Vice President for Public
Affairs and Communications of The Coca-
Cola Export Corporation.
As Baylon shared, “The honor is ours
that we are partnering with the UP CMC
Foundation. We at Coca-Cola believe that
the growth of our business is dependent on
the growth of our society. We also believe
that media has a big part to play in the
progress of the country. Thus we are very
happy to be a partner in this initiative.”
Roland Tolentino, Dean of the UP Col-
lege of Mass Communication in turn thanked
Coca-Cola for its partnership. Dean Tolentino,
who is also President of the UP CMC Foun-
dation, Inc. said, “We are thankful that Coca-
Cola supports the highest award given to
media practitioners – the Gawad Plaridel.
However this is not only an award but it also
serves as an inspiration to students of mass
communication, a field riddled with issues.”
He added, “For this year’s awards, we
are looking forward to generating more
models of practice. We are looking for best
Anniversary Supplement
Mendoza
Representing Coca-Cola practices in community radio.” Dr. Grace
and the UP CMC
J. Alfonso, Chair of the UP CMC Foun-
Foundation during the dation, Inc. also took part in the MOA signing.
MOA signing last March
12, 2010 were (L-R) Past awardees have been Philippine
Daily Inquirer founder Eugenia Apostol
Jose Bayani Baylon,
Vice President for Public (2004), film artist Rosa Vilma Santos (2005),
Affairs and Communica- radio personality Fidela “Tiya Dely”
tions of The Coca-Cola Magpayo (2006), TV broadcaster Cecilia
Export Corporation and “Che-Che” Lazaro (2007), community
Roland Tolentino, Dean
journalist Pachico Seares (2008), and in-
of the UP College of
Mass Communication dependent filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik
(2009). Each of them received a trophy
designed by National Artist Napoleon
Abueva and token cash award.
A11
June 4, 2010
When Brillante Mendoza received the coveted award
for Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival for the
movie Kinatay, he was caught in disbelief. “I was
insecure with the film,” the filmmaker says. “I thought
I wouldn’t be able to pull it off. When you look at the
script, all that is written are descriptions.”
Watching the movie, one immediately recognizes
Mendoza’s menacing story-telling technique. With the
script written by the equally brilliant Bing Lao, the
film evokes a chilling experience such as in the scene
where a young Criminology student (Coco Martin),
traveling from Manila to Bulacan, takes a ride into the
heart of darkness. In many ways, the film elicits the
same reaction one would have while watching a thriller,
making it look like fiction. “They didn’t know it was
a story based from real life,” Mendoza quips.
Apart from Kinatay, Mendoza has already done
several films charged with social-realist issues, in-
cluding his most recent, Lola. Mendoza doesn’t shrug
off the tag of being a social realist filmmaker, saying,
“You can’t avoid social issues. The responsibility of
an artist is to present the truth.”
Unlike his predecessor, the great Lino Brocka (him-
self a regular Cannes Film Festival participant), Mendoza
refuses to be militant. “I’m not an activist,” he says.
“My role as a filmmaker is to show what I’m seeing. I
wouldn’t let myself be swayed by my own convic-
tions. I’m here just to present my observations.”
His observations may have led him to the under-
world populated with the dregs of society but Mendoza
stated that he didn’t become a filmmaker in order to
tell sordid tales. Kinatay, for one, began with the idea
about “chop-chop” vehicles and simply evolved when
one of the interviewees began talking about a dis-
membered lady. The idea for Serbis (Mendoza’s film
about a family who owns a rundown cinema), on the
other hand, was discovered when he was researching
about prostitutes.
Perhaps it’s Mendoza’s insatiable curiosity that
has led him to find his most interesting subjects—
people and themes that weren’t part of his awareness
when he was working as a production designer for
movies and commercials. In fact, most of the movies
that he saw before he became a filmmaker were main-
stream. Working on his films opened his eyes not
only to the world but to himself. “I discovered my-
self while doing these movies,” he says.
The filmmaker, who is currently researching on
the Muslim community for a film, admits that he
does feel a little pressure after all the international
accolades (apart from the Palm D’or, he has also won
an Asian Film Award, the Signis Award from Las Palmas
Film Festival, and Best Screen Award from Singapore
International Film Festival). “I don’t want to get af-
fected with all the recognition,” he says. “I should
focus on enjoying making my movies.”
One of the pillars of independent cinema, Mendoza
inspires young directors to tackle large, ambitious
projects despite the dearth of audience. For him, just
because nobody seems to be interested in contempo-
rary cinema means that filmmakers should dumb down
their works. “The best thing to do about it is to just
make movies and time will come that the audience
will understand what you are doing,” he concludes.
Mario Banzon
Anniversary Supplement

June 4, 2010
 Preschool-ready
your kids
KIDS nowadays start school at a very
young age. Despite their precociousness,
however, parents should be aware that
they must prepare their kids for a smooth
transition from comforts of their room to
the set up of a classroom. What then
should first-time parents do to prepare the
children in their big school debut?
Commuter Express asked the preschool
teacher and owner of HANDS of
Children, Karina Lacorte, for a little bit of
advice.
1. Visit the school with the kids.
It is best to tag along your kids whenever you
meet with the teachers. This way, the child will know
that they are not strangers but friends of their parents.
It will also help to have a little field trip to the school
so they will be more familiar with the place.
2. Attending the transition class is a must.
Preschools usually have a transition class where
the children get to attend school a week or two prior
to the start of class. A transition class will also give
the child an idea of what will happen inside the classroom
Anniversary Supplement
A13
June 4, 2010
and will give him or her the opportunity to meet and
play with his or her new classmates.
3. Prepare a routine for your child a week or
two before classes officially begin.
The child will definitely have adjustments once he
or she is in school and this includes sleeping and waking
up early. To be able to avoid tantrums late at night
and early in the morning, parents should set up a
sleeping schedule a week or two before classes start.
This way, the child’s body clock would be adjusted
Make a check To avoid any anxiety of separation from their parents
or tantrums inside the classroom, parents should be
to his or her new schedule and would minimize the list and be prepared to join the child at least a week in class.
possibility of being late in school. Also, make sure to Parents should remember that for most kids, this is
the first time that they will be without their daddies
schedule their playtime and TV viewing so they will
know when to play and when to do their assignments.
sure to list and mommies. They might have a difficult time adjusting
if they are on their own. To have the parents beside
4. Prepare a checklist of things your kids must
bring to school. down them or even just outside the class will bring them
Make a check list and be sure to list down everything comfort and will let them focus more on the lessons.
that the child will need for his or her classes. Apart everything that 6. Be true to your promise.
from the books, pencils and erasers, parents should Many parents make the mistake of telling the kids
also take note of the daily baon, extra towels and the child will they will pick them up at a certain time and then
shirts that they will bring to school. Everything should showing up late. This only worsens the child’s stress
be considered since it will be a very busy time for need for his or and could even traumatize them. When parents say
both the parents and the child. that they will be at the gate at 4pm, they better be
5. Parents should go with their child for at her classes. there unless they are prepared for a major tantrum.
least a week in class. Mario Banzon
 Rainy season
is once again

Photo courtesy from www.cdrc-phil.com

upon us,
Anniversary Supplement don't you
A14 think that we
June 4, 2010 should start
preparing in
case another
“Ondoy”
happens?

Are you prepared for another Ondoy?

LAST September 26, Metro Manila
woke up to what is perhaps one of the
most devastating typhoons ever to hit the
metropolis. In just a few hours, almost a
month's amount of rain poured, turning the
mega city into a real life Waterworld.
Now that the rainy season is once again
upon us, don't you think that we should
start preparing in case another “Ondoy”
hits the metropolis?
Here are some practical tips on how to prepare
for a mega-typhoon.
1. During typhoons and heavy rains, it's not
uncommon in the Philippines to have plastic
basins or cans placed under dripping holes in
the roof. Every year, people are reminded to fix
roof holes or clean the gutters just before the
rainy season begins. And this year is no exception.
After last year's traumatic “Ondoy” experience,
Manilenos should definitely take this reminder
to heart.
As for roof repair, remember that corrugated
metal roofs are prone to rusting. Though, painting
over the rust may offer an easy solution, it doesn't
solve the problem entirely. You can buy smaller
sheets for repair or better yet invest on a new
one as early as now.
2. Storm-proof your windows. You can easily
do this by buying plywood and cutting it in the
same size as your window. Fasten the plywood on
your window by using nails or screws. This is to
keep your family safe in the event that your windows
get shattered by strong winds or flying debris.
3. Stock up on food, water, batteries, candles,
blankets and other emergency necessities. It is
better to make a checklist so you'll be prepared
in case there is a blackout.
4. You should come up with an emergency
plan. Know where the family can exit easily from
the house in case there is another flash flood.
For disaster Also, take note of the possible route out of the
emergency compound or the subdivision in the event that
situations: the situation worsens.
5. Don't leave the children and the elderly
without any adult companion. Many parents
Bureau of Fire were at work when “Ondoy” struck. They got
Protection-National worried because their kids were left alone in their
Capital Region
Hotline: 7295166
houses. Also, make sure the guardian can
adequately supervise the children in case of
emergencies.
Coast Guard 6. For car owners, remember to park them in a
Hotline: 5276136
higher ground. Do not make the same mistake of
leaving them in the basement parking of buildings
Red Cross or in low areas that are prone to flooding.
Hotline: 5270000
7. Always keep emergency numbers. Last year,
as the downpour continued to worsen, most of
National Disaster us discovered that one of the things that we have
Coordinating Council
neglected to do was to list down the numbers of
Hotline: 9111873, our local fire department and other rescue teams.
9125296, and 9122665
Mario Banzon
We have
arrived
By Arkhon Antolin, Executive Editor
Commuter EXPRESS is like a
bullet train. A fast and reliable
vehicle reaching far and wide. It
is quick to evolve to
accommodate more passengers
and bring them safely to their
destinations.
On its third year, Commuter EXPRESS
also promises more changes. Change for
the better which will help advertisers and
readers reach their destinations – in business
and in life.
We will strive to give all the information
you need. Every page will provide you views,
Anniversary Supplement
ideas and entertainment to make your journey
Every page educational and enjoyable, aside from other
will provide information you need in your everyday life.
Student riders can expect their short trips
you views, on trains equivalent to a long chain of
information by reading our paper. Workers
ideas and are also given tips or everyday information
they need to move up the corporate ladder.
entertainment The free paper is designed for the riders to
be able to finish reading Commuter Express,
to make cover to cover, before they get off to their
respective destinations.
your journey Commuter EXPRESS’ stories are short
educational but meaty. They are compressed that only
vital information are presented. No frills.
and Our newspaper is not a space for
grandstanding politicians, unscrupulous
enjoyable businessmen, gory crime details, false
advertisements or any propaganda materials.
A15
June 4, 2010
Another change you can expect from
Commuter EXPRESS is our coverage of
stories that will put more emphasis on things
that will help the country put a new image.
An image that will help us change as a nation.
No more crab mentality or shooting of our
own foot like publication of foreign embassies’
travel advisories. They are intended for their
nationals only but we broadcast it for the whole
world to hear to the detriment of our tourism
and economy.
A part of Commuter EXPRESS’ next
journey is intended to help heal and change
the nation. The nation’s character is a key to
the country’s progress.
So, join us in our next journey and explore
all the beautiful possibilities to our personal
and to the nation’s progress.
Halika, sakay na!