Written by Michelle Eve A. de Guzman Thursday, 26 July 2007
Twenty-five year old computer animator Ramon del Prado said, "Everyone and anyone can do what I do. That's what we're trying to tell everyone here."
What, you may ask, does he do? And who are they?
Well, this United States Department of State-sponsored Fulbright scholar will go to the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, New York this coming August 20 for a Master's degree in Computer Arts focusing on Animation. And he is part of Tuldok.
Tuldok is a non-profit organization bent on making the world recognize the Filipino's artistic and creative talent, using animation as the medium to deliver that message. Formed last October 2005 and backed by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Tuldok came into fruition after del Prado got together with friends Ben Carandang, Ayeen Pineda, and Toffer Liu for what he called "a bayanihan concept but in terms of art."
A Dumaguete native and Silliman High School '99 graduate, del Prado will conduct "How to Make Your Own Cartoon: A seminar-workshop on flash animation" at the College of Computer Studies this July 27. Organized by high school batchmates Mark Garcia and JM Aguilar, a premiere of his award-winning films will also be held at the Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium on July 26.
A son of Jose Ramon who is a farm manager, and Maria Socorro, a housewife-let's find out more about this de la Salle University's dean's lister and varsity player and internationally-recognized animator through his own words.
On the need for Tuldok
MD: What do we have to know about Filipino animation?
Ramon: The Filipino public just needs to be aware that Filipinos are actually behind some of the biggest names in cartoons today. Some are working on upcoming animated hits from US and Japan as we speak.
MD: What benefits can one get from animation?
Ramon: Well, it's always entertaining to watch. For producers, it's a good catchy way to spread a message, and for those interested in it, it's a growing industry. There is a large demand for 2D, 3D Flash and video game animators.
MD: Can it be appreciated by people from different classes?
Ramon: Definitely. It's only limited by age, because the general perception of animation is that it's only for kids. But the less educated will appreciate the beauty of movement and colors, while the educated will like the good dialogue, script and art direction. But of course, whatever class they are in, everyone loves a good story.
MD: What could a Filipino contribute to the animation world?
Ramon: Right now, the Philippines is one of the leading animation hubs in the world. Our talent is without question already, and we are contributing greatly to the animation industry in terms of labor. What we don't have are original animated Filipino stories.
MD: What started it all?
Ramon: At that time, we were also frustrated at how everyone just goes to symposiums and conventions and rant and say "something must be done" but no one really does anything. So we decided to start something and get the ball rolling. We've got a rich culture for inspiring great stories.
MD: What do we lack?
Ramon: Money. Other countries have the money so they can make the rules. The technology is there. It's just the money/funding needed to produce original content. That's what's missing. There aren't any backers, etc… because there isn't much proof we can tell an animated story. Hopefully Tuldok will change all that.
MD: What is the future of animation in the Philippines?
Ramon: Very bright. This is a very exciting time to be an animator in the Philippines. The demand is high; jobs are plenty in this field (animation covers IT, education, medical, corporate fields as well, aside from the entertainment industry). I can feel that we are very near in showing a Filipino animation identity to the world.
On life after Fulbright and his award-winning films
MD: What do you plan to do after your Fulbright scholarship?
Ramon: I'm hoping to bring back to the Philippines not only the technical knowledge from New York, but also the connections-people who can help me realize my dream, either directly or indirectly.
MD: How did you come up with the concepts for your works?
Ramon: My concepts usually start with a message I want to tell the audience, either a commentary on society or a warning. I like to be subtle or metaphorical, to embed these messages within the story. For example, "I am the Superhero" is about two superheroes competing to become better than the other. But the underlying message is actually a commentary on Philippine politics and Pinoy crab mentality. I would never describe my stories as directly as something like "it's a story about Philippine politics." It's the audience's job to connect the dots; I just don't tell them which dots to connect. It's up to them.
MD: Do you think having films that have a message to viewers add more depth to the outcome?
Ramon: I always want to have a message in all of my works. Substance is very important. You can have a really technically outstanding film but if there is no story, no substance, no one will remember it.
MD: When did you start getting interested in animation?
Ramon: I've been drawing since I was four. My mom was an artist and taught me the basics of art back then. My dad then taught me how to make a ball bounce in the corner of a book. They have both been very supportive of me and I must say that I'm very lucky to have that.
MD: Have you always had a consciousness that you're Filipino and proud of it?
Ramon: I grew up in Tanjay and Dumaguete in Negros Oriental. I miss it all the time and I try to go home whenever I can. That led to being proud of the place I grew up in and proud of being who I was, I'm a Negrense in the Philippines, but looking at the bigger spectrum, I'm a Filipino in the world.
Perhaps it is at this point in time that you notice that for someone to make a difference, it all boils down to attitude-attitude that can be found in the rare Filipino who is truly worthy of being called that name.
With Ramon del Prado's nationalism, humility and vision, why not be inspired to do what he can do? Make a difference for the country, for a particular industry, for our own selves.
(Editors’ Note: published in the Freeman July 12, 2007.)
