My Blog

Bryan Jandonero
Reveals his maverick artistic soul
By Ronelo Ladiao

This guy wants to be a maverick. His mind radiates untapped potentials and out-of-the-box ideas that resembles his dream to make a mark like no other Illonggo artist I’ve ever meet before. Mostly, his silence is spent contemplating and defining the odds with his innovative perspective of justifying his artistic soul. During those hectic times we spent together as a team of strange amateur animators giving our best shot and breaking the barriers of our limitations, I am often stunned by his uncanny ideas to make his artistic statement bold through his phenomenal strokes, innovative style and perspective. Amid the hardship of reaching our small but ambitious dream to make a recognizable mark in the premature animation trend in

Iloilo

a few months ago, I learned to respect his point of views, his hope for the future and his burning passion to scribble reveries into reality.
At 19, Bryan Jandonero clearly defined his capabilities as an Ilonggo artist through his visionary effort in almost all the animated projects of Kuris Animation Unlimited. The second son of five children by couple Rey Jandonero and Sheila Jandonero of

Leganes

,

Iloilo

was destined for great things with his artistic gifts. I’m not only talking about his drawing skills but everything he can do. From arts to music,

Bryan

is gifted with undiscovered talents and potentials waiting to be unleashed with the right kind of motivation like a dam full of water. He can sing very well, compose acoustic-like music, play the guitar or even drums and versatile artistic strokes (portraiture, caricature, painting etc.). When he was a kid, he used to dream a lot of career paths for his future of becoming an astronomer, biologist, filmmaker, a singer or even a painter. From his elementary until high school years at Lapaz II Elementary School and

Leganes

National

High School

, respectively,

Bryan

always garnered the Artist of the Year medal. He cannot even count how many times he joined various poster-making or art-related competitions where he always landed at the top spot.
But amid the gifts he posses and the great dreams he wanted to achieve, the hardship of life always get in the way which eventually prevented him to soar high. His choices of taking up astronomy or filmmaking seemed to be a vague reality because his parents cannot afford these courses which are usually offered in

Manila

. So when Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) announced to offer 2D Animation vocational course in partnership with Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI), he didn’t think twice to grab the opportunity. After passing the admission test, he set his dreams straight of becoming an animator which is one of the reason he took a computer-related course in a certain computer school in the city (thinking an animation subject is included in the curriculum).
In the first few weeks of his training in 2D animation at Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST),

Bryan

remained observant in the class. He realized he’s not the only one with unique gifts. There are lots of us struggling hard to express our true talent, waiting to be noticed by the outside world and make the Ilonggos proud. When I started to get close to him during the training, he displayed phenomenal ideas and skills which made me wonder that if I would choose the best animator in the class-he would be the one. From Japanese Anime to Western animation, his stokes is versatile. Not to mention his unique style of detailed drawings, fine lines and accurate application of animation principles. You see in animation, accuracy of copying the model sheet of a certain character and clean, well-defined lines is an important aspect of becoming a pro animator. For me, he exceeded our expectations.
In our group project “The Adventures of TASI”, we belong to the same group that will create an animated scene for the character in a certain location. He remained patient to the flaws and little mistakes of our groupmates when it comes to executing our animation skills. When the compiled output of all the groups was shown to the public last September at Marymart Mall, our part was the most applauded portion of the film showing. I know from the very start that this guy did something unique for our group. A month after, our graduation was successfully held at SM City Iloilo where we displayed innovative works and presentation that made the class proud.
After we choose “Kuris” as the official group name of the second batch of Ilonggo animation graduates, we were having talks of launching an ambitious project which is to make a short film retelling the cultural history of Dinagyang Festival later entitled “The BEQUEST”. There was no other person in the class fitted to become our lead animator for the project other than him. Bryan and I were having little dispute because he wanted to venture in 3D Animation which we’re not trained for. But he’s determined to go beyond the boundaries and expand his skills. In no time, he already found a 3D Animation program and started practicing with Jaylord (another Kuris animator) on their own.
After less than a week of practice, we launched a teaser trailer of our upcoming project “Lapis: Epic of the Lost Key” (that we might start working after The BEQUEST) at “Kinarton” animators exhibit at Museo Iloilo last November. The short trailer was done both in 2D and 3D animation format which stunned some of the TESDA and WVCST officials. Confident of the new skill he learned from his personal initiative,

Bryan

made sure that The BEQUEST will have aspects of 3D animation on its scheduled showing by January at SM City Iloilo. Then the mission gets tough, the sacrifice of the group was hard and the ideas kept flowing amid the facility and financial difficulties we have gone through. Our sleepless nights and perseverance paid off when the first Ilonggo-made animated short film was launched at SM Cinema 7 on January 25 this year. But

Bryan

knows deep down inside that his road to find his destiny as a Kuris animator has just began…

This time, the maverick Kuris animator gets his chance to speak up and reveal his unspoken thoughts in a tell-all chat…

Ronelo Ladiao (RL): I know you’re a very talented artist but can you tell us about your weakness and limitations?
Bryan Jandonero (BJ): They say I am but I don’t think that way. You know I have a lot of things to learn before I can say I am good enough. Anyway, I am weak in making and comprehending scripts. That’s why I had a hard time doing The BEQUEST because some parts of the script are not simple English terms. If given a chance, I want to study scriptwriting or attend seminars about it.
RL: You always want to take risks, this time; can you reveal your greatest fear?
BJ: I’m hesitant to say it but here it goes-“nahadlukan ko nga mapatay nga indi ko makita ang akon mangin anak” (laughs) (I’m afraid to die without seeing my own children).
RL: Let’s get a little bit lighter; tell us about the type of music you listen and the movies that tops your favorite list?
BJ: Kon nangin singer ako, acoustic artist gid ko ya! (if I were a singer, I would be an acoustic artist). I listen to the music of Simple Plan, Stepen Speaks and the classic Air Supply. In terms of movies, I like to watch war films because I observe the way they execute realism in every scene like Band of Brother and Flag of our Father.
RL: I believe you are fond of Japanese anime and Western animation, why is it so?
BJ: I think both animation style have influenced me a lot. In Japanese Anime, I like the way they deliver their camera movements or panning and the fighting scenes of the characters. I admire Western animation in terms of the smoothness and detailed movements of the characters because they use not less that 20-24 frames (drawings) per second.
RL: If you were to draw your girlfriend as an animated character, who will she be?
BJ: Gusto ko 3D character sya pareho kay Jill Valentin of Resident Evil (I want her to be a 3D character like Jill Valentin of Resident Evil-a PC game).
RL: Bravo: Zero Hour is your original animated character in Kuris Universe right, tell us something bout him?
BJ: Okay, let’s start from the beginning. An old man told the teenager Bravo who lives in a world of chaos or Zero Hour under the tyranny of an evil ruler with vast power that he must become a savior of his people. He gave Bravo a mystical headband that will become a key to unleash his true infinite power of cosmic flame. From the start, he’s afraid to accept his destiny but when the evil ruler harmed his friends and family. He learned to fight back and finally unleashed his true potential which became a turning point to defeat his nemesis. For me, Bravo is a messiah, a savior who possessed limitless power at his disposal and uses this gift for good.
RL: If you were to recreate an old movie in your own perspective, what film that would be and what innovation would you like to do?
BJ: Well, there’s no particular film that I can think of. Siguro gusto ko liwaton ang mga local nga pelikula nga may law-law nga special effects nga ginhimo sang mga Pilipino diri sa aton (maybe I want to recreate those local films with lousy special effect made by Filipinos). I want to improve the execution of special effects to make it more stunning and can compete with international films today.
RL: As a director and lead animator of The BEQUEST, what part of the film you are proud of?
BJ: I worked hard in The Barter of Panay scene. Masyado ako ka instrikto sa in-betweens kag body structure sang mga characters (I was very strict in the in-betweens and body structures of the characters). I am contented with the way I animate the movements of Datu Puti, the Aetas and Datu Marikudo. The camera panning was also good.
RL: In your own opinion, what part of the BEQUEST would you like to improve?
BJ: I think the lack of complete storyboard for all the scenes in The BEQUEST gave difficult time for Marx, Brynh (other lead animators) and me in doing the animation. But I know we are in a hurry to finish it in a short period of time so we tried to work it out even if we based almost everything in the script. Storyboard is important to organize the flow of the story and refer the movements of the characters. If it will be revised someday, I would like to improve more the movements, add more in-betweens and the body structure of the characters.
RL: What inspired you to inject 3D animation in The BEQUEST?
BJ: I was eager to learn 3D even in a short period of time because I want to present something unique for our group. Gusto ko sa BEQUEST nga i-3D ang background para indi mabudlay magdrawing sang background, hapos pahulagon ang camera sa lain-lain nga perspective kag name lantawon kon lain naman ang ipakita ta aside sang 2D (I want the background to be in 3D so that we won’t find in it hard to the draw backgrounds, flexible camera movements in different perspective and it would be nice if we show something new aside from 2D).
RL: I believe you are going to work with “Lapis: Epic of the lost key” trailer soon, do you believe you can surpass the skills you’ve shown in The BEQUEST with Lapis?
BJ: Excited nako gani magobra sa Lapis (I’m excited to work for Lapis). Siguro mapakita ko pa gid ang abilidad ko sa pagdrawing kag pagexecute sang camera movements, mas name nga fighting scenes kag special effects nga gusto ko kuhaan basi sa mga sikat nga animations (maybe I can show further my ability to draw and execute camera movements, great fighting scenes and special effects that I want to base from famous animations).
RL: In your opinion, what makes Kuris Animators unique as a group?
BJ: We’re unique because we use many important principles of 2D animation even if we’re just amateur animators in real sense. We don’t stop thinking about innovation and go out-of-the-box in everything we do. We try something new and creative like the way we learn 3D animation even without formal study or training.
RL: Before we end this chat, what’s your favorite expression as a parting shot?
BJ: Balan ko nga damo pa kita bugas nga kaonon bago kita makahambal sini pero amo ni ang akon naandan nga expression kada tapos sang amon mga projects (I know we have a lot of rice to eat before we can say this but this is my usual expression every time we finish our projects)…SUCCESS!

Jaylord Villalobos
The Transformer kuris animator
unveils his passion
By Ronelo Ladiao

There’s something phenomenal about Jaylord’s passion. Amid the risk and discouragements he sometimes gets from pursuing his passion, his spirit remains optimistic, determined and patient. When he put his heart in every goal and dream, he knows how to wait and hold on until a brighter day comes. His lifelong passion speaks about his true capabilities as an artist to share something significant to the world around him. Even now as an amateur Ilonggo animator, he knew he must climb mountains to prove himself better.
19-year-old Jaylord Villalobos, the eldest son of five siblings of the couple Timoteo and Josephine Villalobos from Tacas, Jaro, Iloilo City was bestowed with artistic gifts. During his elementary and high school years at Tacas Elementary School and Jaro National High School, respectively, he has been joining lots of art-related competitions that honed his talents. When he was a kid, he used to watch several television cartoons and animated films. He promised himself that when he grow up, he will make and create animated films but doesn’t know what the profession of those who makes animation. One of his unforgettable moments was when he won third place in an inter-school mural painting contest (wall painting) during his fourth year. Even if he seldom won in several art constests in the past, Jay can easily accept defeat and take it as a challenge to improve his craft. It was in his second year in college at Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST) where he is taking up Architecture when he heard about a new vocational course offered by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) about 2D animation. A few weeks later, he passed the admission test given by Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI) and confident in joining the 40 trainees of the second batch of 2D animation at WVCST.
His artistic prowess was put on test day after day to prove himself as a trainee for animation. He got along well with his classmates and never hesitates to share his talents. During the time when they were making “The Adventures of TASI”, their required group project to finish their course, Jay gave his best and even did something unique. He made a five-second animated scene about a lightbox (the drawing box with transparent flat form lighted by a bulb and used by animators to draw) transforming into a robot. It was phenomenal since he created something nice out of his wild ideas. After their graduation on October 19, 2007, the second batch decided to call their group “Kuris” (Ilonggo term which means scribbled line) and planned to launch a big project to make a short animated feature film about Dinagyang Festival’s historical origin later entitled “The BEQUEST”. Bryan, the group’s lead animator for the project wanted to combine 2D and 3D animation for the background of the animated project. So he asked Jay to assist him in this unique experimentation. At the opening of “Kinarton” Ilonggo animator’s exhibit at Museo Iloilo, Jay and Bryan worked hard to present an innovative teaser trailer of “Lapis: Epic of the lost Key” (an animated project of the group slated to be finished later this year) wherein they combine 2D and 3D animation. It was well-accepted by the spectators and left a positive impression about the group. For almost 60 days of struggle and sacrifice to finish The BEQUEST, Jay together with his groupmates unveiled the first Ilonggo animated short film at SM Cinema 7 on January 25, 2008. It was a fulfilling experience for Jay to be finally appreciated by his fellow Ilonggos for his ingenuity, creativity and artistic expression of breathing life to iconic Ilonggo landmarks such as Plaza Libertad and San Jose Church in form of 3D animation.
Now, Kuris animator’s resident amateur 3D transformer artist will speak up about his true passion and tireless journey in life…
Ronelo Ladiao (RL): First, tell us something about yourself?
Jaylord Villalobos (JV): Well, I’m an average guy, very silent but observant. If I feel something I keep it to myself and try to give my full attention in my work.
RL: As an artist, what is your forte or specialty?
JV: I love to draw since I was a kid. Before I learn to use the computer, I like using watercolor and colored pencil in my artworks. My specialty in drawing is more on the animation figures and doing robotic characters similar to Transformers, Gundam Seed and Voltron. I don’t know, I just love to do this kind of stuff.
RL: You created “Iron Warren” as your original animated character for Kuris Universe, can you give us some insights about him?
JV: Iron Warren is a powerful teenage cyborg with mysterious origin and past. He used to be a beggar in the street and when he almost died in an accident, a powerful cosmic ray hit the satellite and directed the radiation towards his dying body. Warren was transformed into a heroic fighting machine, part-man, part-robot who continue to search for answers about his shrouded past. Iron Warren’s tagline “…a gift of life to struggle for answers in a violent world” reflects my sentiments about life, my personal dilemma on poverty and other social problems today.
RL: Tell us how you were inspired and how long did it take to finish your lightbox-transforming-robot?
JV: During the time that we are making The Adventures of TASI, I got obsessed with Transformers. When I saw my lightbox, I realize I can make something nice out it so I spent two weeks of doodling the key drawings and in-betweens. There was even a scene where the lightbox robot was dancing but it was disregarded since it was unnecessary to be included in TASI. All in all, I did more than 200 drawings for that particular scene.
RL: When Bryan decided to add elements of 3D animation in your future projects, did you showed outmost interest?
JV: Huo eh gusto ko gid ang iya idea (yes of course I really like his idea). Since I’m fond of robotic characters, I realized that it would be suitable for my interest to upgrade my talents in animation. 3D animation is much easier to manipulate in different angles and perspectives if you have the patience to master the techniques of using it. It was surprising in my part when I realize that I learned to use 3D animation for only two months, all by myself without formal training or schooling.
RL: What do you consider as the best contribution you did for The BEQUEST?
JV: I’m happy with our work in the 3D animation of Magellan’s galleons. Bryan and I work hard for the rendering, animating and deciding what kind of texture that we will put to make it look like more realistic. Our group members did a lot of research in the internet how the galleons should look like. Sa tuod lang, ginobra lang namon atonga scene sa sulod sang tatlo ka adlaw (in fact, we work for that particular scene three days).
RL: There was a time that you confessed that some of your family members discouraged you about animation because they thought you have no bright future in this kind of craft, how do you take their opinion?
JV: Siyempre galain man buot ko eh kay basi kuno wala pakadtuan ang work nga ini (of course, I feel bad about it because they thought I have nowhere to go with this kind of work). For me, I just follow what I love to do since I was a kid and I have faith that one day they will realize that this craft, my passion and talents will get me somewhere else in life.
RL: Now tell us about your greatest dream?
JV: To become a professional animator and work in one of the biggest animation studio in the world.
RL: Do you have any happiest moment you can share as a member of Kuris?
JV: Sang pagkadto namon sa Racsos para maglecture sang February.(when we go to Racsos–an inland zoo resort at Guimbal, Iloilo—to hold a lecture last February). For the first time, I was thrilled and got inspired to hold a lecture in front of more than 40 students about 3D animation. It was a funny thing for me because I am not yet an expert 3D animator. But I think they learn a lot from me and I was glad that my effort was truly appreciated.
RL: As a parting shot of this revealing chat, what’s your favorite expression when you did something great?
JV: I can’t believe I did that, hehe!

Karlo Sira

Mentoring young Ilonggos for world-class animation

By Ronelo Ladiao

These days, Karlo Sira has many dreams not for himself but for his lifelong career as a mentor and an inspiration for uprising Ilonggo animators. All his life, he takes every step of the way in living and mentoring as a challenge to prove his worth, his undying hope to succeed. He started every endeavor by sowing seeds of hope and optimism, cultivate it with passion and determination until the day comes that he’s ready to reap the fruits of his labor. Being a teacher, he knows he is destined for greater things… to inspire people of never giving up their dreams.

At 31, the youngest of eight siblings of the couple Teresita Sidon and Cruz Sira from Sta. Barbara,

Iloilo

can attest to the fruitful life he lived in his seven years of teaching. A born achiever and artist-by-heart, Karlo completed his elementary and high school years at Balabag Hibao-an Elementary School and Pavia National High School with flying colors, respectively. His college years at Western Visayas College of Science and Technology proved to be admirable when he graduated as Cum Laude with a course Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education major in Drafting Technology. His early teaching career began at

Ajuy

National

High School

for five years. It was perfect opportunity after he finished his Master of Science in Industrial Education major in Drafting Technology that led him to become more efficient in his teaching career as a Drafting Technology Instructor at Western Visayas College of Science and Technology. Presently, he is happily married to his loving wife and also a dynamic teacher, Maria Leonora Sanchez-Sira.

Another major turning point in his life came when Technical Education and Skills Development Authority partnered with Western Visayas College of Science and Technology to open the Professional 2D Assistant Animators Training under the visionary project of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Training for Work Scholarship Program. The implementation of the course made him and other talented instructors from WVCST to be trained in 2D Animation by Animation Council of the

Philippines

for 21 days last August 19-October 21, 2006. Pioneering the hectic training of future Ilonggo animators in Region VI, they started mentoring the president’s scholars last November 2006 and the first batch completed their course on April 2007. Likewise, the second batch of amateur Ilonggo animators began their training right after the graduation of the first batch and successfully graduated at SM City Iloilo on October 19, 2007.

Since the graduation of the second batch of animators, Karlo has become one of the significant persons who brought these uprising Ilonggo artists to success. His involvement, dynamic ideas and guidance created a sense of direction for some out-of-school-youth animators to embrace their passion and leave a lifetime legacy to the Ilonggo history. The animators’ successful exhibit entitled “Kinarton” from November 24, 2007- January 5, 2008 at Museo Iloilo has been positively reviewed by art critics. The massive media promotion of Ilonggo animators nationwide became possible through his effort to open better opportunities for them when they were featured in ABS-CBN’s “Bandila” news program, “Sikat Ka Iloilo” morning show, GMA’s  Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Iloilo’s very own Cable TV magazine show, Tatak Ilonggo, GMA Iloilo’s “Ratsada” news program, Arangkada morning show and countless local newspapers in for the past 10 months.

Recently, his involvement as adviser in Kuris Animation Unlimited (second batch animators) successful launching of the first Ilonggo-made animated short film entitled “The BEQUEST: Origin of Dinagyang” at SM Cinema 7 last January 25 and “Dinagyamation” animation exhibit at SM City Iloilo from January 14-20 carved a lasting mark in Ilonggo history.

Currently, he continued to inspire and guide the third batch of Ilonggo animators at WVCST, teaching them to believe in their God-given talents, gifts and dreams not only to make globally competitive animation but to contribute something for society.

In a casual yet sincere chat, Sir Karlo Sira reveals more about his passion and vision in mentoring…

               

Ronelo Ladiao (RL): As an artist by heart, what is your passion and goal in life

Karlo Sira (KS): For me, I just want to share what I learned from my experience as a teacher and I’m sharing what I learned from those who shared their talents to me.  It’s like a symbiotic effect. So, ‘share your talents!

RL: Can you tell us a brief summary of your achievements in your career as an artist?

KS: Ah, I joined countless poster and slogan contests when I was in high school and luckily I always win. With regards to my achievements, I guess my scholastic achievements during my college years can attest how determined I am to succeed.  It’s not really showing your outputs like paintings or drawings when you say you have so many achievements in life but it is how you design your future of what you want to be.

RL: How did you end up as one of the pioneering animation instructor in the region?

KS: It all started when I transferred here at WVCST, in my first year of teaching, Engr. Roly Gambol invited me to participate in the training of trainers for 2D Assistant Animator course together with my other colleagues.  After 21 days of training we opened the program together with PGMA and TESDA and the first batch was produced.  Then, animation started to grow not only here in WVCST but throughout the region.

RL: Can you tell us some of your inspiration in animation or favorite animated characters?

KS: When I was a kid, I admire some of Walt Disney characters and superhero animated films. Recently, I’ve been hooked in watching “Avatar: The Legend of Aang”, a unique animated series from Nickolodeans that resembles an Asian inspired storyline. I also like the animation techniques and story concept on how it is done by animators. 

RL: In your opinion, what makes Ilonggo animators unique among the rest?

KS: Well, for sure Ilonggo animators are unique and gifted with raw talents for animation that deserved to be given some attention. My animation students are innovative, creative and determined to introduce new style amid the simplicity of the technology we use. I can see their struggles to perfect their craft and contribute something for the society.

RL: Are they ready for global market?

KS: Yes, I believe if given the right chance, opportunity and standard animation facilities, Ilonggo animators are ready for global market.

RL: Tell us something about The BEQUEST and its social/historical significance?

KS: The BEQUEST: Origin of Dinagyang is the first-ever animated short film done by amateur Ilonggo animators using 2D and 3D animation format. The storyline is based in the article of IDFI Director, Ben Jimena who entrusted the transition of the story concept to animation which revealed the connection of these three historical events to the origin of Dinagyang Festival: Barter of Panay, Arrival of Magellan the

Philippines

in 1521 and the gifting of Sto. Niňo de Cebu to the parish of

San Jose

. My students made it for 2 months with more than 35,000 raw drawings. More than 500 audience watched the one-night screening at SM Cinema 7 last January 25 and due to the consistent demand of many Ilonggos, it will be shown again on February 26-29 at

WVCST

EDTech

Center

.

RL: What is your dream for Ilonggo animation industry?

KS: There’s nothing more I dream for Ilonggo animators but to succeed in their chosen field and become world-class animators. I also want to contribute something big for the growing animation industry in the Western Visayas particularly in

Iloilo

City

. Through our effort, we hope we can make

Iloilo

as the next animation hub in the country. 

RL: In your point of view, what is the secret of success?

KS: There are three words that pops in my mind when we talk about success, you’ve got to have discipline, perseverance and passion. With the right goal and optimism, we can reach our dreams and become successful in everything that we want in life. 

RL: Do you have any inspirational message for Ilonggo artists who wanted to become animators someday?

KS: Right now, I share the same philosophy with Kuris Animators: Believe in your dreams!

The BEQUEST: Passion turned historical and significant

Ilonggos can finally claim to have their own first-ever animated film through The BEQUEST: Origin of Dinagyang. The animated short film first shown at SM Cinema 7 last January 25, 2008, had another four-day film showing last February 26-29 at WVCST Educational Center (ED TECH). The film showing was a generous response of Kuris Animators, the group of Ilonggo animators who created it in their effort to uplift Ilonggo culture and artistry through animation.

From 10am to 5pm, the animated film is constantly repeated in a wide-screen multi media presentation inside the venue to cater groups of high school and college students coming from various schools and universities in Iloilo City who were invited by the animators. The Daily Guardian and RMN Radio once again promoted The BEQUEST as its official media partners prior the film showing date.

The number group of audience came from Iloilo National High School-School for the Arts with more than 150 under the guidance of Mrs. Mendoza  followed students of Central Philippine University taking up history subject under the Professor  Nievales. In fact, CPU students were instructed by their instructor to write a comprehensive reaction paper about the film as their final project.

With the positive response of the audience about The BEQUEST, Kuris Animators knew they started a significant mark in Iloilo City that has educational and cultural essence out of their passion. (Ronelo Ladiao)

    

Kuris animators on the road of sharing their dreams

Aiming to inspire young people to appreciate their passion, Kuris Animators was invited by Paradise World Travel and Tours to conduct a three-hour  lecture on content development for 2D and 3D animation last February 19, 2008 at Racsos Woodland Resort, Guimbal, Iloilo. More than 50 Information Technology (IT) students from Romblon State College who were having their three-day educational trip to Iloilo City were fascinated and entertained by the talents of Ilonggo animators.

Ronelo Ladiao, Kuris animation Unlimited Creative Concept Director had a comprehensive lecture on the history, various forms and techniques in animation developed through the progress of technology. He also reveal the passion, dreams and humble beginning of Kuris Animators as striving Ilonggo animators trying to make a name in the expanding animation industry in Western Visayas and in the whole country.  Likewise, he also pointed out the important role of Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) through PGMA-TWSP program to open better opportunities for aspiring Filipino animators to be known and earn successful career in animation.

Jaylord Villalobos, Kuris Animators’ innovative 2D and 3D animator revealed how he improved his skills especially in 3D animation through group study.  He said constant practice and determination will get someone ahead in life. The students were amazed on how he showed his techniques in creating 3D animated figures, characters, backgrounds and animate them. Likewise, the techniques in 2D animation were executed by Brynh De Los Reyes, Marx Ydroy Silva, Bryan Jandonero and Elson Balila. Amado Caporal and Diosdado Aguilar, Jr. guided the students on the exhibit booth where all their individual posters and projects were displayed.   

Before the lecture ended, a film showing was conducted by the animators appreciated booth by students and teachers alike. The film showing include the teaser trailer of Lapis: Epic of the lost key, The Adventures of TASI and the first Ilonggo animated film, The BEQUEST: Origin of Dinagyang.

Roy Gatpatan, Paradise World Travel and Tours Director expressed positive remarks to the animator’s effort in uplifting the culture of the Ilonggos through their works, sharing their talents to other people and nurturing their passion. With the success of this worthwhile endeavor, he promised more schedule dates of lecture for Kuris Animators in their upcoming tour bookings. (Ronelo Ladiao)