Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: Need money? Catch a film pirate!

Monday, May 5, 2008

Need money? Catch a film pirate!

The Philippines is no longer just an importer of pirated tapes of films, local and foreign, but has become the supplier of illegal videos,” revealed Selina Gecolea, General Manager of United International Pictures Philippines, during a speech she gave at the premiere of the film "Ironman" at a swanky mall recently.But Gecolea also had a bit of good news: those who catch a pirate in the act of camcording--and bring the pirate to the police--will get a reward of P10,000. Rewards also await those who give tips about suspects responsible for making illegal recordings in moviehouses. Those who turn in the video cameras used in pirating films will also get a reward.Funding for the rewards program will be provided by the Anti-Film Piracy Council. It is hoped that with this reward system, there will be greater participation on the part of the public to stop film piracy. “All you have to do is bring the culprit to the police...it’s very easy to do. Who will act to stop piracy except us the moviegoing public?" she said. Gecolea added that those who apprehend film pirates, give tips or turn over pirates' camcorders must have their heroic acts logged in the police blotter.Gecolea also praised the Manila City government for passing a resolution making it a crime to record films being shown inside moviehouses. She said that new technology has been a boon to film pirates: they are able to bring pocket-sized, high-tech cameras inside moviehouses and easily copy the film straight from the cinema screen. “We are happy that Mayor Alfredo Lim has the heart to help the producers and distributors curb the rising incidences of camcording in the country. Imagine, if other mayors of Metro Manila and other key cities would follow suit, I think film piracy will find its final downfall,” she opined.Gecolea said that the Philippines is setting a bad example for the rest of Asia since it has become a supplier of pirated films. “How can we solve the problem when the creator is one of us. It’s humiliating. I can show you records that we are the number one supplier of pirated tapes in the region,” she said.

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.