"Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond." - Rumi
***
The celebrated wunderkind, Kyle Obregon, successfully directed her twenty-fifth blockbuster movie proving to everyone once and for all that she indeed earned the moniker Midas not by accident but by sheer passion for her craft honed at the young age of five.
Umupo ako sa red couch which was the only furniture sa isang room sa den na tinawag kong The Red Rum.
Nakafocus na ang camera and I stared at the red dot before I filmed my personal V-log.
The lighting in the room was bright enough.
Kung gugustuhin ko, I could have made this into a studio but it will ruin the concept of this thing being personal.
The reason why I come here when I get the chance is because I want to unwind.
Gusto kong i-film ang saloobin ko without censoring my thoughts.
I already changed to a pair of blue joggers and my old cotton shirt with the letters UCLA in the middle.
Inangat ko ang mga paa and got ready to talk.
"Those were the closing remarks of Roslyn Martinez, the award-winning TV show host of What's the Buzz?
Pero bakit ganoon?
Despite the accolades, the money and the fame, after the interview, I went home feeling empty.
Was it because I have no one to share my success with?
Before the interview, Roslyn introduced me to the staff and crew of TBC 9, ang channel kung saan pinapalabas ang kanyang show.
Nakakangalay din ang walang tigil na pagngiti at pakikipagkamay sa kanila.
The excited and star struck looks on their faces weren't new to me.
I see it all the time during movie premiers because that's when I get to meet the fans.
Kahit hindi naman ako ang focus kundi ang pinakasikat na loveteam nina JonCel, the portmanteau for Jonathan Ferrer and Celine Cruz, marami ding lumalapit to ask for autographs and pictures.
I'm more than happy to obliged.
Kung hindi dahil sa mga fans na tumatangkilik sa mga movies na ginagawa namin, I don't think the interview with Roslyn will happened.
I definitely will not allow it kung ang dahilan lang ay ang apelyido ko.
The Obregon's are famous in the movie industry.
It began when my great grandfather Miguel Obregon made movies during the 1950's.
Lolo was celebrated during and after his time dahil sa galing niyang mag-direct at sa dami niyang pinasikat na artista.
His fame and genius paved the way for most of us.
Walang Obregon who is not in one way or another involved in show business.
Kahit iyong mga family members who weren't in front of the camera were working behind it.
I was one of them because just like what Roslyn said, I started at a young age.
Una pa lang na tumingin ako sa lens, I knew it was what I wanted to do.
But after the interview tonight, the heaviness in my chest was heavier than ever.
How long have I been making movies?
Ten years?
Sa loob ng panahon na iyon, I did enjoy the success.
I met so many people during filming and travelled to so many places that I don't have to pay with my own money.
Royal Gem Films or RGF paid for all the expenses.
Most of the time, I was billeted sa mga first class hotels.
I didn't like the fact na ang mga production staff ay nakabook sa mga cheap hotels dahil sa budget constraints kaya I always tell them to change the accomodations.
Ang katwiran ko, gamitin ang budget for my hotel to provide a decent lodging for my crew.
My words were enough para mangarag ang in-charge sa accommodation but I always get my way.
I earned millions for RGF.
Kahit si Madame Charito or Mommy Chato who owns the company, wouldn't dare question me.
When I first started working for RGF sinabi niya na kung anuman ang kailangan ko for my movies, just say it.
That and aside from the fact that she treats me as a daughter.
Tumigil ako sa pagsasalita while the camera kept recording.
I stared at the lens hoping the camera captures the emotions I want to convey.
"I'm tired."
"Since graduating from film school, I've been working non-stop."
"Para akong airline na walang tigil sa pagbibiyahe.
On my way home tonight, naramdaman ko ang pagod."
I let out a long exhale.
"Aside from the burnout, there was one other thing that bothers me."
"I never had the chance to pursue what I want which was to direct a movie about people.... like me."
"Maraming beses ko ng kinausap ni Mommy Chato to allow me to do it. I told her times have changed. People are more open-minded now about lesbian movies."
"She put her foot down on this one."
"Ang sabi niya, she loves me for who I am but that's not what I'm known for. When I argued na this wouldn't hurt my career, she basically reminded me of my contract specifically the clause about strictly filming movies with JonCel. She didn't have to explain dahil I read everything."
The thought tightened the knot on my chest.
Saying it out loud did not feel freeing.
On the contrary, I felt even more frustrated dahil hindi talaga ako nananalo everytime I broached the subject.
"My contract is due for renewal."
"I haven't signed it and I waited for a reason."
Tumayo ako at pinindot ang stop button.
I don't really edit what I film sa personal vlog ko.
Hindi ko din ito sinishare with anyone.
I walked to the door to find my orange tabby cat, Maico, and my askal black and brown dog, Rico, na nakaupo sa tapat ng pintuan.
They know they're not allowed in the room most of the time.
It's only when I want them with me when I let them in.
"Let's go, kids." Tumayo ang dalawa at naunang tumakbo paakyat sa main level ng two-storey house.
"Tomorrow is going to be a life-changing day."
BINABASA MO ANG
Off Script Book One
RomanceThe celebrated wunderkind, Kyle Obregon, waited a long time to finally make the lesbian movie she wanted. When the opportunity happened, she didn't expect that she would be at odds with the newbie scriptwriter, Maria. What happens when they are obli...
