Lost Fools Who Dream of Stars

2

"I'm Paco, and I will usher in the millennial golden age of Philippine Cinema."

Almost everyone stares at Paco like he has grown two heads. Even the rowdiest boys at Ruth's turn just a moment ago are left speechless. Out of everyone, Chubi is the only one who's gazing upon Paco with sparkling eyes. In his two years in BCMO, this is the first time someone voices out the unspoken goal of almost everyone in the org. Usually, BCMO doesn't take too kindly to cocky members who don't have a track record to back up their lofty claims. Even right now, McCoy is openly glaring at Paco, who seems to pay him no heed at all.

Sensing the mounting tension, Hannah claps her hand and turns to the audience, "Once again, let's give our newbies another warm round of applause."

Awkward claps fill the air as the newbies return to their seats. Once everyone has settled down, Hannah proceeds to the next part of the program which is the rundown of the BCMO's activities for the year. It's the usual line up of making short video content for holidays that will be posted on BCMO's social media pages, the list of school activities that will need a video coverage, the usual skills training once a month, and collaborations with other student org under the College of Liberal Arts.

After Hannah's explanation, she gives the stage back to McCoy who's usual jolly aura has become subdued and serious. "Guys, this year we'll be taking another shot at CineLaban." Everyone almost instantly straightened on their seat, their full attention directed at McCoy. "Every year, all the short films we've produced for CineLaban never made it to the cut. However, seeing the reception of our short films in other local film festivals last year, I believe that this year, we have a very real chance at making it." McCoy's voice resounds with so much conviction that the room starts buzzing with excitement.

However, Chubi just glances at the posters of previous short film entries of BCMO with uncertainty. He knows that the short films BCMO produces are good. He's not just sure if they are good enough for CineLaban, considering that everyone is eligible to join, from students, amateur film makers, and even veterans from the film industry.

"Another thing. We're going to have a pitching competition for our CineLaban entry," McCoy says. "Everyone is welcome to join." He put a heavy emphasis on his last sentence, his eyes gleaming with a challenge.

Everyone is taken by surprise at McCoy's announcement. Usually, the core staff are the ones who decide on the concept and the story. Once the script is finalized, only then will the rest of the org be included in pre-production which includes the casting of actors, scouting of set location, props among other things.

"We'll have the pitch competition on October 1 so you have plenty of time to conceptualize. You can use a powerpoint presentation, an AVP, or even a film bible. Whatever floats your boat," McCoy adds with a chuckle.

"Is there a theme for the story?" A second year member asks.

McCoy nods approvingly at the question, "As you all know, CineLaban doesn't have any theme, so I'd like to do the same."

"How about the genre?" Another member asks.

"Same with the theme, you can do any genre like comedy, drama, action, horror. Heck, you can even do sci-fi if you like," McCoy says. "However, it's best to remember our limitations when it comes to producing a short film, namely its feasibility. Can we produce it within a limited time and budget? Things like that."

More questions are asked, the excitement of the members for CineLaban imminent. Finally, after answering the question about the topic restrictions, McCoy finally says, "No more questions?"

At BCMO, it is an unofficial rule that when the Executive Director asks this, no one should speak because the discussion has already extended past the allotted time. However, someone clearly hasn't learned of this rule.

"If I win, will I be the director of the short?"

Everyone's attention turns to Paco who's busy fiddling with his laptop, not even bothering to lift his gaze.

"That will depend on you..." McCoy says, barely masking the irritation in his voice. "It doesn't matter if you're good at writing stories, shooting videos, or editing your output if your attitude is shit."

Paco lets out a little smirk, before finally lifting his eyes to meet McCoy's glare. "Hm, so does that mean you choose the position based on feelings? Not the person's abilities?"

McCoy's face turns red, however he does a commendable job of reining in his negative emotion, "The director will carry the name of BCMO. If that person makes a poor representation of our core values, then that will reflect poorly on our org. And we can't allow that to happen. Not now. Not ever." McCoy stresses on each word which earns agreement from the members. Some even shoot Paco dirty looks. Almost everyone is barely concealing their disapproval to the newbie who seems to make it his job to grate on McCoy nerves.

"Guess I'll just have to prove myself," Paco remarks before returning his gaze on his laptop.

The rest of the meeting passes in a blur, with Chubi quietly observing Paco. He has never met anyone like him who's too intense. He is simply too intense for him, that the thought of working with Paco makes his stomach churn. He's content to just cheer for him from a safe, comfortable distance.

That is until he finds himself getting grouped with Paco for the intra-org short film making competition for the University Week.

"...Paco Coronel, and Chubi Pulumbarit for Group 6. Please head on to your groups. Next, we will give the instructions for the intra-org competition so keep your ears open," McCoy announces.

Chubi reluctantly gets up from the comfort of his chair at the back of the room to make his way to Paco who didn't even bother to move seats. The rest of their group huddles near Paco, chattering among themselves.

"Hey," he says to no one in particular while dragging a vacant chair towards the group. "What were you guys discussing?"

"Nothing much, we're just throwing some ideas," Sheena, a fourth year member, answers him.

"Yeah, Junemarie got some pretty cool ideas here. No wonder she got scouted by Hannah," Bogs, another fourth year adds while offering a high five towards the petite first year girl. Junemarie slaps her right hand weakly to Bogs.

Before Chubi can offer some comments, Hannah calls for everyone's attention, "Reminder, everyone. Maximum running time is five minutes with themes of social awareness. I know everyone here has a social issue that they're passionate about, so use this as a chance to invite others to join your cause."