Does anyone still read blogs?
In the rare instance that she sits down long enough to write, Mia has this to say.
Usual topics: education, art, lifestyle, and other things worth more than a thread.
Chronicles of a Freshie Journalist: Putting “Un” with Fashionable
What to do when you’re covering an event that you’re awfully under-dressed for?
I remember what an old editor once advised, “I don’t trust a journalist that’s well-dressed! It shows that he has time to care for how he looks!”
I’ve learned to look put-together for the business beat ever since I got sent to an impromptu meeting on casual Friday. I was dressed in pink leggings, an oversized shirt, and ratty vans at a corporate office. That is not an experience I’d like to repeat.
In my defense, no dress code was given in this event invitation. So I was “officey” at a nighttime event. I could have gotten away with it, if it weren’t for the fact that it was organized by a fashion magazine. (Yes, I am a newbie journalist who has not “read” all the people in the neighborhood!)
At the very least, I was in heels. Still, I knew I was in trouble as the fashion editors went around asking for details of outfits. I was surrounded by little black dresses, evening gowns, and purses that were probably flown in with their own private jet.
“This is from Zara, and my bag’s from a boutique in New York!”
“My shirt’s from Ukay…but my bag’s Vuitton.”
I was actually asked about my outfit details, “Uhm. The cardigan is from my Mom’s closet and my skirt’s from Baguio ukay.” I smiled meekly, took a gulp from my wine glass, then fled.
I gave a fellow writer, Denice, a call, “I have an emergency. Get down here, now. Get dressed–well-dressed, but don’t dress more than meeeee!”
Denice caught up an hour later. After one glance around the room, she downed a few more glasses of wine with me.
Would it have been worth dressing up for? The event was for a photography exhibit followed by a short film premiere. I checked out the exhibit, and found nothing much to write about. It was a standard fashion showcase. The styling was gorgeous, though by the signage of the model’s name below the photo, it was obvious that fashion was only an excuse to make connections.
Sure enough, no model outfits were shown in full, from head to two. The models were in profile, the most shown were from waist-up, if not up-close.
Then came the film.
I’m all for a showcase of fashion with film, especially in the era of engagement. While visually rich, it fails in very simple continuity. It had a motive coming out of nowhere, which makes it all a waste. I also have an ax to grind as it dared call itself “noir” when it was shot in full, lush color.
I took one last look around. Glamour wear all around, plates of fine cheeses, glasses of scotch, freeflowing wine — and all this put together around honestly so-so features.
Time to leave the bubble and put on some sensible flats.
Chronicles of a Freshie Journalist: Putting "Un" with Fashionable
What to do when you’re covering an event that you’re awfully under-dressed for?
I remember what an old editor once advised, “I don’t trust a journalist that’s well-dressed! It shows that he has time to care for how he looks!”
I’ve learned to look put-together for the business beat ever since I got sent to an impromptu meeting on casual Friday. I was dressed in pink leggings, an oversized shirt, and ratty vans at a corporate office. That is not an experience I’d like to repeat.
In my defense, no dress code was given in this event invitation. So I was “officey” at a nighttime event. I could have gotten away with it, if it weren’t for the fact that it was organized by a fashion magazine. (Yes, I am a newbie journalist who has not “read” all the people in the neighborhood!)
At the very least, I was in heels. Still, I knew I was in trouble as the fashion editors went around asking for details of outfits. I was surrounded by little black dresses, evening gowns, and purses that were probably flown in with their own private jet.
“This is from Zara, and my bag’s from a boutique in New York!”
“My shirt’s from Ukay…but my bag’s Vuitton.”
I was actually asked about my outfit details, “Uhm. The cardigan is from my Mom’s closet and my skirt’s from Baguio ukay.” I smiled meekly, took a gulp from my wine glass, then fled.
I gave a fellow writer, Denice, a call, “I have an emergency. Get down here, now. Get dressed–well-dressed, but don’t dress more than meeeee!”
Denice caught up an hour later. After one glance around the room, she downed a few more glasses of wine with me.
Would it have been worth dressing up for? The event was for a photography exhibit followed by a short film premiere. I checked out the exhibit, and found nothing much to write about. It was a standard fashion showcase. The styling was gorgeous, though by the signage of the model’s name below the photo, it was obvious that fashion was only an excuse to make connections.
Sure enough, no model outfits were shown in full, from head to two. The models were in profile, the most shown were from waist-up, if not up-close.
Then came the film.
I’m all for a showcase of fashion with film, especially in the era of engagement. While visually rich, it fails in very simple continuity. It had a motive coming out of nowhere, which makes it all a waste. I also have an ax to grind as it dared call itself “noir” when it was shot in full, lush color.
I took one last look around. Glamour wear all around, plates of fine cheeses, glasses of scotch, freeflowing wine — and all this put together around honestly so-so features.
Time to leave the bubble and put on some sensible flats.
Back to Basics: What to keep in mind when reviewing theater
I lead a dual life as writer and freelance theater practitioner. My professional engagements in theater limit my coverage of the scene, but when available, I write what I can. Theater critics have their place and they are necessary, but there’s no use keeping them around if their criticism is, frankly, misguided.
There are very few reviewers in the Philippines who know what they’re talking about when they review theater.
So back to the drafts, and before you write out your review, consider the following —
1) Before you write about that part – are you sure you know what you’re talking about?
Everyone has a different sense of aesthetic, so focus on what you’re sure of. Don’t be a lights guy who tells the spinner how to balance his sound, or a stage manager who tells an actor how to attack his role. Keep in mind that the average reader just wants to know if its worth it to spend on a ticket, so look at it that way. Does it feel like a complete show? Are there parts that feel unrehearsed? Are there things you couldn’t hear, or faces you couldn’t see? Answer those questions instead. Don’t try to go over yours, or the average audience member’s head by getting into the nitty-gritties. The experts will catch you and prove you wrong.
2) Do you have pre-empted expectations of the show?
I’ve seen entire families brought to watch Avenue Q, while Xanadu the Musical is based on one of the worst movies ever made. Do those misconceptions stick with you throughout the show? Do they affect your viewership? If yes, explain what enforced or broke those misconceptions. Which leads us to—
3) Are your ideologies at the door?
Art has its grudges. If you have an ulterior motive to art, come clean with it. The best reviews I’ve come across parks its grudges in the opening paragraphs, and makes the framework for its opinions crystal clear in the process. I dislike reviews that try to pass as theater bibles. Help with audience development, companies want to know what kind of people watch their shows, give them a clear idea where you’re coming from.
4) Know your lingo: You don’t review the preview.
That’s why most theater companies have a PREVIEW before a CRITICS NIGHT. A preview is equivalent to the first full-length dress-tech rehearsal with audience for a simulated show experience. Things will go wrong on preview night as it is the final knot in the process of production. CRITICS NIGHT is the first real show, and you’re welcome to sharpen your claws there.
5) You get what you pay, or don’t pay for. As much as possible, try to pay for your ticket. The fact that you paid for your ticket will make all the difference in your review, now that you’ve put value to seat and your time.
6) Show, not tell.
This applies to all opinion pieces. Assume your readers have not seen the show yet. Most of the time, the stuff onstage has never been seen or heard of before. This is a writing basic: give examples, give supporting details, don’t make generalizations.
A lot of these are writing basics. Golden rule: never forget the basics, they always work, in print or online.
[Writing Meme] Day 5: Your Favorite Quote
Two stick to me —
“From the ashes of my failures shall rise the empire of my successes.” -as seen by Jessica Zafra on the back of a jeep
and,
“The world is not perfect, therefore it is.” -Kino no Tabi/Kino’s Journey. This is the fansub translation in the anime. The official English manga translation says it’s “The world is not beautiful, therefore it is”, which could also apply, but I much prefer the insight from the fansub.
Part of the 30 Day Meme. Next is Day 6: Whatever tickles your fancy.