* The timings are still approximate - by now I realised timings are always approximate in the Philippines ;))
The lengthy makeup process is applied to the stars once more. Pilar replaces
the ashtray she broke last week with 2 new ones ;)
We arrive at the ABS-CBN studios to meet up with some of the crew for the shoot. The scripts are handed out and the presenters start rehearsing their lines as we wait in the corridor. I take the opportunity to capture myself on film with all three presenters just to prove that I was really there :) We grab some lunch in the canteen, and a couple of souvenirs in the ABS-CBN shop, then head off on location.
We arrive at the destination
of today's shoot - 
The AMA Computer
College in Project 8, Quezon City. Our guides at the college lead us to
the library where the first shots are to take place. First the voice-overs
are recorded - the 'PLS. OBSERVE SILENCE' signs seem to be scowling down
at us as the silence is broken by the cheery voices projecting across the
room.
Aster films a segment in front of the shelves which seem most library-like. Most of the shelves are quite low so there isn't much choice, but the Business Administration section comes to the rescue.
Next it's Pilar's turn, and she takes a book meaningfully from the shelf
and opens it authoritatively as she speaks to camera. I never knew there
were so many ways to try opening a book. I don't think Pilar will be pursuing
a course in 'Electric Circuits', though. ;)
Dolly films a segment in front of the library index, making sure the logo of the college is in shot.
One end of the library seems to be largely rearranged in order to accommodate a large map of the Philippines, complete with flag and globe. This elaborate setup gives Aster plenty of scope for pointing at Cebu when the script demands it in a variety of ways, and fluffing her lines a couple of times ;). Finally a shot is filmed without the 'point' and this is the one which is finally used in the program.
|
|
|
| Fluffed lines... | How about if I point like this...? | ...or like this...? |
We move downstairs. On the
way a segment is filmed with Pilar walking down the stairs. Once again the
AMA logo is stuck 
strategically
to the wall to make sure it's well in shot!
Once downstairs we enter an office. The office is not very big, and with all the camera crew, presenters, equipment, and other hanger-ons - i.e. me! - in there, it starts to get a little crowded. Aster films a scene standing next to a computer, trying not to make the basketball screen saver disappear ;)
Pilar sits in the big chair behind the big desk to film a segment. Maybe she has aspirations to be a news reader - she's already got the paper-shuffling down to a fine art!
We move on to a classroom. Pilar must be the best at calligraphy as she is called on to write 'UNIVERSITY OF SHOWBIZ LINGO PLUS!' on the blackboard (it would be no good me attending - I can't do the 'point at camera' bit very well...).
This appears to be my big
chance at fame! Dolly prepares a shot while some members of the crew pretend
to look studious at the desks in the role of 'extras', when suddenly I am
called to the front seat to play a student! (I'd never pass as a native,
so I guess I must be a foreign exchange student ;) When I watch this the
following day on TV I must have blinked too quickly because I missed me...
:(
I get a second chance at fame as Pilar takes the lecturers seat for a segment. I blinked when this was shown too...
I get my final chance at fame! A shot is filmed with Aster walking down a covered walkway, and extras are called for to look like they are students relaxing during lessons in the background (or maybe skipping lessons, depending on how far through the semester it is ;) At last, I finally see myself when the show is broadcast the next day! Okay, so I'm a small blob in the middle distance, but I know it's me...
While we're waiting for the camera crew to set up, Aster gives me an expert lesson in how to do the 'Showbiz Lingo Plus!' point to camera.
The three presenters line up for the big 'pointing' shot. By now the
light levels are non existent, so I try not to trip over the lights and
wires as I take a couple of photos.
Final shots are taken at the gates of the college, and filming is complete for another week. Everyone can now go home for a well-earned rest! There were no parties happening this week, but as it was such a long day we were glad to be able to go home and unwind.
Sadly, this is the last week that I am to be part of the great experience of filming the show. Fortunately I take home some wonderful memories, and a good photographic record of my time with the people who bring the show to the screens of Channel 2 so well every week!
As an extra bit of info for you, here's a picture of one of the scripts used during filming. Each presenter gets their own copy, but with their own lines highlighted. This makes it easier to see who says what, and where each other's cues are. It's often surprising just how many ways there are to say some things, and how many ways someone will try saying it before deciding on their preferred intonation. There are also unexpected pitfalls, such as how a particular featured artist might prefer to have their name pronounced when there are several possibilities.
|
|
 |
