* The timings are all approximate - I guess I wasn't quite used to 'Filipino time' yet ;))
The first show was on the 12th anniversary of the EDSA revolution, so all the presenters were to wear yellow outfits as this was Cory Aquino's favourite colour. Because yellow is not a favourite colour of Pilar's (even though it suits her ;) she had nothing suitable in that colour, so I went with her to Metro Manila's SM Mega Mall to buy one.
We arrive at the makeup department. For someone not in showbiz, this process seems to take an enormous amount of time. Over the course of more than an hour the three presenters of the show are manicured, coiffured, and made up to look the best they can for the cameras. Pilar manages to break an ashtray, but she makes up for it next week ;)
We arrive at the first location, the shrine to EDSA near to Robinson's Mall. The presenters arrive early, and spend some time in the church below as we await the arrival of the camera crew.
The first segment of the show to be filmed is facing the flyover. All three presenters appear in the opening piece introducing the show. Hats off to the sound crew for masking the considerable noise from the traffic!
A couple of solo segments are also shot, including one by Pilar shown here.
At this point we move on to the next location. However, the traffic marshals
somehow managed to allow our car to be blocked in! It was fortunate that,
just as we were pondering how to get out, a taxi dropped some people right
next to us. The taxi was quickly secured to take us on to the next location,
leaving the driver to sort out how to catch us up!
We arrive at Freedom Park. This is to be the location of the following day's celebrations, so naturally there is much activity as we arrive. A large platform has been erected around the steps up to the monument, and the remaining steps and plateau beneath the monument are being repainted for the occasion. A sound system is also being loudly tested, but fortunately this didn't upset our filming.
Pilar shoots a segment waving a placard in the air. She's such a professional - she even practices her placard-waving technique... ;)
Next all the presenters have to be hoisted onto the top of the monument
with the help of a makeshift ladder (they didn't provide stairs when they
built it ;). Several solo pieces are shot here, finishing with the trademark
Showbiz Lingo Plus point at the camera!
We move on to Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo. After what seems a long drive through the complex we arrive at a grassed area with several monuments made of old army machinery - including a plane, helicopter, tank, and gun. Several segments are filmed here in front of various vehicles. Filming is held up at one point as a search is mounted for two willing soldiers to pose with Aster - apparently the army is very camera shy! The shot has to be done without them.
By this time light levels are fading
and camera lights are needed for some shots.
The presenters all climb into the car after filming here, and a microphone
is passed inside. All the voice-overs are then recorded to tape.
After all the filming is completed at this location, we go on an unscheduled tour of the complex as we try to remember which way we came in!
Final shots are filmed at the gates of Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo as night draws in. Everything is in the can, and we can all go home and relax. ( Well, actually we are invited by Aster to a party where Vilma Santos makes a welcome appearance, but that's another story... ;)
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