Several years ago, when I started contributing reviews for the Manila Times, I thought of starting a Philippine version of Rotten Tomatoes, that famed movie review aggregation site. I bought a domain and tried to map out how to get it done.
Through my editor (Dennis Ladaw), I had gotten in touch with several film critics from established broadsheets (e.g. Malaya, Manila Standard, Manila Bulletin, etc.) trying to establish relationships, with the intent of having their views eventually shared on that website. I had no idea of what considerations to take, especially in dealing with major newspapers. But because of budget restraints at the Times, I lost the opportunity to further this enterprise and my writing.
Things have changed since then. Any serious Filipino movie lover knows that the best film critique doesn't lie in broadsheets anymore. There have been several wonderful film blogs/sites which have enlightened those who have found them, that dwarf most (if not all) discourse from the dailies. Some eloquent examples are Francis 'Oggs' Cruz, Noel Vera, Eboy Donato, the fellows at Pelikula Tumblr and Criticine, and many many others. The decline in the balanced substance of newspaper reviews is sad but understandable, since most of them (like The Inquirer) are owned by the same conglomerates that are involved in the entertainment industry, not to mention rife with debilitating internal politics, not limited to the Entertainment section.
The amount of bribery in printed film reviews is astounding. Many (not all) of the film critics I knew back then were inclined to give favorable reviews. If they didn't "mail them in," film studios would no longer give them free invites to major local releases (heck, even the US releases which local film distributors were handling), along with other perks. As I've said before, film journalism in the Philippines is not something that will feed your family, so anything that helps cut costs, or creates networking access, is something film journalists will take just to survive.
For all the fellow Filipino film bloggers out there: We keep on complaining about the quality churned out by our film studios, decrying the lack and hypocrisy of coverage when it comes our independent scene. We need to stop bitching and do something about it.
So I propose this: to setup an aggregate film review website to make our thoughts known on particular films. That way, we can do something no daily can do. If we were able to reach each other through our writings on the web, doing this will reach others who are hungry for something better (I can help with the technical setup). Let's do it for Alexis Tioseco, whose love for movies went without question. Get the ball rolling and see how it goes!
Now. What do we call it?
Wow, this is really something. Oggs et al have been churning out valuable insights for a while now, but I'm really hyped about the possibility of this aggregator. I'm pretty positive the other guys at Pelikula Tumblr are willing to pitch in for this.
Mike: I know Abe Olandres (the blog god of the Philippines). He has a domain name registration business. He can help set it up. I'll have to consult him with regards to costs.
May I suggest the name TAKILYA? Unfortunately .COM is taken.
www.pinilakangtabing.com :) (i don't know though if it's taken already)
I'm Egyptian so maybe my name suggestion won't count but what do you think of this: "The Flip" It would refer to it being Filipino and at the same time you can use it the way rottentomatoes uses fresh tomatoes for good movies and green splashes for bad movies, only here, "The Flip" would refer to a flip of a coin, heads being good, and tails being bad.
Thanks for the suggestion. It's somewhat interesting since it's simple and catchy. I just hope it's available.
mike it's easy to set up a domain. what's difficult is the engine to run it. i don't think it's going to be just a simple blog platform unless you want to style it that way. one blog and multiple authors.
I've actually registered a domain already. It's setting up the site that I'm still planning. I'm coordinating with Ferlin, but I'd be glad to hear any of your ideas. Please do give me as much input as you like.
why not a literal translation?
buloknakamatis.com? or
bulokosariwangpelikula.com
I really hope this will push through Michael!
I just think it smacks of unoriginality. And most Filipinos will definitely not think of movies when you say "bulok na kamatis." :)
But I've got one in mind already. Let's how it goes.
ok... we wish you all the best..
Let us know once its on..
Hope to contribute reviews to it as well..
Not that I am biased towards East Asian films but it would be nice if someone will put up a RottenTomatoes for Asian films. It will generate traffic and Filipino films can ride in the current popularity of East Asian films such that foreigners can discover gems from Filipino cinema.