Got back from our 3-day shoot in Ilocos Sur yesterday. I’m just recovering from the exhaustion and stress that I endured.
The shoot didn’t go as smoothly as I had wanted. So much time was wasted because we were plagued with logistical problems. Actors were not on location as scheduled, some costumes got left behind, and the lighting equipment took forever to get to location.
In addition, the site looked so different from the way it was before. It had been raining since we left last time, so the place was wet, muddy, and plants had grown everywhere! It looked like a completely different place! Oh and here’s the clincher — the hole, which was dry as a bone when we left it, now had water in it about 4 feet deep.
Nonetheless, we were able to shoot a good number of sequences during the first two days with satisfying results.
On the last day however, something happened that made my heart sink. Just when I thought the worst was over, there still had to be a twist! I felt like the world was my stage and somewhere behind the scenes, someone was toying with me.
My mind worked on overdrive to change our remaining sequences, and I prayed with surrender. Dear God, if this is the direction you want the film to go, then so be it.
I’m very thankful that everyone on the set was so supportive that we managed to shoot the necessary sequences in a way that would still make the film coherent.
We finished as scheduled before the sun set. And after we packed up, it rained.
Despite all the things that went against us during our shoot, we had many, many things to be thankful for. For one, we had a very efficient art department this time around. Headed by a young production designer, Arthur Maningas, they were the complete opposite of the art department that caused us so much delay during the previous shoot. They were so prepared, focused, and systematized that they could produce nearly everything I asked for in an instant. They had solutions for every production design and continuity problem we encountered. Even the site was restored to the way it looked before. One of the reasons why I was able to finish as scheduled was definitely because of their efficiency. I was so impressed.
Secondly, we were blessed with good weather. It didn’t rain during the three days that we had to shoot. Somehow, I guess, fate still smiled on us.
Thirdly, we had a lot of support from the people around us. They played extras, they let us borrow stuff that we needed, and let us use their houses and all that. The people in Suyo were kind and eager to help.
This project is an arduous one that I will never ever forget. But, I survived didn’t I? And I have made amends with those whom I had issues with during the project. So all’s well that ends well.
The only thing left now is POST-PRODUCTION!
Man, I can’t wait to take a vacation.