The Philippine Blog Awards website announced yesterday the top 8 Filipino-owned blogs under the Video Blogging category in which eksenamanila.com is a finalist.

“We got so excited when we heard about the news,” said Agent Rob, a core-group member of Eksena Manila. “Video blogging has been one of our major tools in sharing our ‘missions’ to the public and it is pleasing to know that people appreciate our website, specially our videos.”

More detail about the awards will be posted soon.

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The Philippine Blog Awards aims to recognize notable Filipino-owned blogs in their respective niches. With topics ranging from the arts, culture, technology and politics, Filipinos have become more abreast because of the fast growing blogging industry here and abroad. The Philippine Blog Awards is a venue to showcase notable blogs with quality content that engages readers from around the globe.

This prompted Agent Pao to organize a meet-up for the new agents (which we also call the Apprentices), a few days later.

The first batch of meet-up happened last July 23 at Chai’s Kofi, Mall of Asia. 23 newbies, a few core group and senior members showed up.

Eksena Manila @ Chai's Kofi

The second batch was also held at Chai’s Kofi a day after the first meet-up. Unfortunately, no one bothered to take some pics.

The third batch’s meet-up happened two weeks later at Bo’s Coffee, High Street. This group’s completely random. From age range to their professions — a few met with a common denominator, which we thought as a compliment for the group’s randomisity.

E-K-S-E-N-A

We dared these 4 new agents to do a crazy thing of their choice. I guess they over interpreted what we meant by "crazy" eh?

The fourth and last batch of apprentices is just a small group of 4. It was also held at Chai’s Kofi last August 15. I personally like this batch (no hard felings first 3 batches), because, well, they are game, ready to pull a prank at any moment and good artists.

Just like the previous meet-up, we gave them a little dare.

Here is the deal: Four agents will line up on a NON-EXISTING ATM booth just beside the REAL ATM booths. They will do their usual cash-widrawal business and act as if a real ATM machine is there. The fun part? We recorded it.

Meet-ups and Mission Accomplished!

They asked us to do remakes of our previous missions to be featured in the show, which we willingly obliged. We redid mission 3, LRT Chorale and mission 2, Slo-Mo.

Here is the video and the transcript of the segment we were featured on:

Transcript:

Jessica Soho: Some of you might have ridden with them at the MRT or met them in the street. A group of young people who act as if they have lost their minds, but in reality it is only a part of their gimmick to grab our attention, nevermind that we think they are crazy.

Are you fed up with your everyday routine?

Street Preacher: In the lakes of fire that is called Hell

Jessica Soho: Have you commited to memory every scene that happens in your day? Did it ever once occur to you to want to see something different? The good news is, there is now a group of young people who make a way so that the monotony and boredom of our lives will be broken…The group of Eksena Manila. Their modus operandi, I mean, their method, they would ride the MRT as if they didn’t know each other, but once they are all in place they would just break out into song…

Eksena Manila: WOOHOO!!! —”Maling Akala” by the Eraserheads —

Jessica Soho: It’s their own way (gimmick) to spread joy to every Filipino,especially in the times when they very least expect it.

There are some who are pleased about it…

Old Lady 1: “That gives inspiration coming home, okay. Very good!”

Jessica Soho: While others snub them, while others still are dubious about the group’s intention…

Old Lady 2: “Maybe they want to rob us that’s why they are making alot of noise [to distract us]”

Eksena Manila: ***More singing***

Agent Minari: There’s this thrill in what we are doing, after the thrill, even if there are negative comments, at least we have the satisfaction that we did something that is good.

Jessica Soho: Eksena Manila was established just this year and they introduce themselves as a group of bored young people, that’s why they thought up of making different scenes in public spaces. All these they do so that they can alleviate the boredom of the people.

Meet Pao, a 22 yr old, member of Eksena Manila; currently taking up Consular Diplomatic Affairs at the College of Saint Benilde…He acknowledges it was his childhood dream to become an actor.

Agent Pao: I liked to show-off when I was a kid. For example if there are parties, they would make me sing or dance. I would join school plays.

Jessica Soho: But because his passion is unrelated to his course, he uses the gimmicks of Eksena Manila as an outlet for his acting ability.

Like for this afternoon, they plan to slow the world in a park in Manila…by simultaneously going in slow-motion. In just a few minutes they begin to make a scene…And as expected, the hecklers became disoriented and there were even some who from watching too much fell off the stage. While this one [highlighted girl in uniform] seems to have been affected by Eksena Manila.

Producer (off-cam): Were you bothered [by what they were doing]?

Passerby: I was bothered and it was irritating because it’s rush hour

Agents Verna18, Hogi, Nica, Mikey, Eji, PrincessK, Jen & Grachelle: It was fun! Yeah! Fun!

Agent Hogi: It was fun because I was able to apply my acting skills!

Agent Nica: I’m shaking!

Prof. Josephine Aguilar, Sociologist: There are some who would be annoyed, while some would enjoy and join in. If alot of them are frustrated actors and actresses, at least they have in mind other avenues to showcase their talent, okay, and at that point they might get known because they will be shown on TV. For those who could not accept [what the group is doing], it’s much better to just ignore them.

Jessica Soho: Eksena Manila’s past time is called Public Performance; it doesn’t just necessarily show the lack of attention of most Filipinos but also a way of sharing their talents to others.

In other countries, Public Performance has been rising in popularity, performers show-off their skills in tourist spots…But for most of them, this is their means to live.

Here in the Philippines, this type of work is starting to catch up.

Contributed by: Agent Denise

THE LRT CHORALE

No. of Agents: 35
Mission Date: May 31, 2008
Mission Name: LRT Chorale
Planning: Agent K

On our third mission, agents turned a train into a moving choral stage with Eksena Manila agents singing along to a legendary Original Pinoy Music popularized by Eraserheads - “Maling Akala” (Wrong Impression).

THE PLAN

Agents will board the LRT Purple Line at random, from five different stations and when everybody is in place, they will all sing in chorus.

MISSION TIME

Agents converged at Farmers Plaza, Cubao at 2 in the afternoon for a round of orientation and rehearsal. Agent K grouped the team into 5 consisting of 6 to 7 people, each with a team leader. Each group was assigned a boarding station (Santolan, Katipunan, Anonas, Cubao and Betty Go-Belmonte).

The team gathered at Farmers Plaza and already caught a lot of attention during rehearsal.

Station by station, the last coach of train #1 of the Purple Line has been filled by EM agents from Katipunan all the way to Betty Go-Belmonte, all hearts pounding yet anxious to execute the most exciting mission to date.

Seconds after the doors closed and the train left Betty Go-Belmonte, the song starter Agent Pao, started singing the song. His stint drew a lot of attention, side comments and weird looks from unsuspecting commuters and agent-pretending commuters.

Come the second stanza and the group leaders already accompanied the starter. Heads turned drawing bewildered faces as the train transformed from a boring ride to an odd radio. More weird looks and side comments as if asking “What’s going on???”

On the third verse, the train was in shock as all agents joined the chorus. Some commuters managed to analyze our connections, others dared to ask, and there are those who enjoyed singing with us. A group of emo guys at the end were dancing and tapping along with us. A middle-aged woman is obviously lip singing with her eyes closed. The train public announcement speakers were barely audible as our voices filled the train.

After three stations, we finished the song. Someone clapped and shouted “WOOH YEAH!”, while others seemed to be waiting for the next song. But it was back for agents being regular commuters, leaving the puzzled commuters still in awe. We got off from different stations and met at the Gateway Mall, Cubao for the Post-Mission meeting.

High five for the most exciting, heart-pounding yet fun mission to date of EM.

Mission 3: Accomplished!

AGENTS REACTIONS:

Agent Denise
Mission 3 got me both excited and a little bit apprehensive all at the same time. It’s the kind of excitement you get when you are about to do something potentially law-breaking and you don’t give a damn, and a bit apprehensive because it IS somewhat law-breaking (the NO CAMERA rule for all metro rail lines), and because singing has never been something I am known for. It also seemed, at the time of the mission’s conception, possibly the last mission I would be able to join before I leave for Dubai. So I seized the day!

Agent Rob
I enjoyed their performance actually. It was a bit soft in the end, yet fun! To wrap-up, M:3 is yet the best, exciting and most fun EM mission!

Agent Starkee
It was amazing to see people come from different stops. And then when they announced “Arriving at BETTY GO-BELMONTE station”, I felt my heart skip a beat!… You should’ve heard the boys to my left (end of the train), they were singing out loud and even doing some actions…. Haha!

Agent Hener
My heart is pounding the minute I stepped inside the train. People of different color, size and shape were in there. The first thing I did was to look for someone I know. Good thing, there’s none! The nerves diminished as I sang my heart out! The construction-worker-looking guy stared at me as though I’m flipping out. I was flipping out. The emo boys at the back cart of the train were dancing and tapping along with us. I even heard one say “Ayos sa trip ah… Que Sera Sera naman sunod!” (Nice trip huh! How about Que Sera Sera?)

Agent K
(Overheard)
Man1: Narining mo yun? (Did you hear that?)
Man2: Oo, kakaiba yung mga yun ah. (Yes, that’s a weird bunch.)
Man1: Mukhang taga makati, ang puputla eh. (It looks like they’re from Makati, they look pale.)
Man2: Oo nga. (Yes they are)

No. of Agents: 22
Mission Date: May 17, 2008
Mission Name: Slo-Mo (Slow Motion)
Planning: Agent Pao
Digital Video: Agents Rob and K

Spotting for a place to stage the “impromptu” mission was the first concern, the place - Power Books Live in Greenbelt 3. After a swift meeting and synchronizing all our watches, we then dispersed and then eventually entered the place separately, some alone and others in groups.

Eksena Manila Agents synchronizing their time.

THE PLAN

On the scheduled time, agents would slow down for 30 seconds then back to normal movements for another 30 seconds before going slowmo again until the three minutes allotted time for the mission expired. The group concentrated in the area where private reading is allowed. At the start of the mission, some people immediately noticed the fuss and started to get curious. Other confused customers are clueless on what was happening around.

A puzzled customer stared at Agent RS who stood up from his seat in a slow fashioned manner. Meanwhile, Agent Bleue and Pao walked slowly near the shelf where the bookstore staff noticed them. Agent Kuting intentionally dropped her fan and slowly tried to retrieve it.

Agent RS @ Power Books

I was sitting on a bench pretending to be reading a science book when my cellphone vibrated. I know it’s time to do the slow-motion but I didn’t move right away, I was kind of like frozen in time. I didn’t expect it was that hard to act stupid in front of another guy. But when I saw Agent Bulugoy walking in slow motion few meters infront of me, then I also started doing my own thing.

I slowly closed the book I’m pretending to read while turning around to my left side to put the book back on the bench. The guy sitting beside me was some kind of shocked, i knew i got his attention to me. Then I slowly stand up and walk right infront of him towards the adjacent bookshelf to get another book. After a few seconds, I started moving in a normal speed and walked around to check how’s the other agents are doing. Then I overheard some interesting exchanges between employees:

Lady: “Anong meron?”. (”What’s happening?”)
Man: “Bakit?”. (”Why?”)
Lady: “Di mo ba nakita?.” (”Didn’t you noticed?”)

It ends there ’cause a “real customer” approached them for help.

Since most customers are busy reading, the act was barely noticeable. So, the group decided for another round of slow motion on a different location. They gathered once more and staged another slo-mo at Greenbelt 3 Cinema Lounge where people are more conscious around the surroundings.

Briefing at Greenbelt 3

This time the slo-mo would last for five minutes. At the signal of Agent K, agents started to move slowly around the cinema lounge. Agent Bleue, who was buying some foods from a kiosk when the mission started, abruptly moved in a snail-paced, while slowly getting hold of his order and gradually walking away, the bewildered staff gave a probing look at him. (Agent Bleue left his wallet in his seat due to the sudden slo-mo, good thing a Agent James noticed it.)

Agent Panda’s fake-stumble in a very sluggish motion got one foreigner and his girl companion frozen for a while before entering the cinema. The girl, confused on what to do, left the frappuccino straw on her lip while the cup is already aligned in her chest. The ticket teller was also stunned and delayed the selling.

Agent RS @ Cinema Lobby

I’m sitting on a table beside this couple when we started the act. To make sure that this couple will notice me, I slowly moved my chair back a little bit making a long noise before I started standing up. Fortunately, one of the chairs from their table was perfectly on my way so i decided to pick it up and push it towards their table in slo-mo. At this time, the couple stopped what they’re doing and they just kept staring at me.

It was a blast, It’s really fun doing this thing. I can’t wait for the next mission. I love Eksena Manila!

A group of agents gave high-five with another group in slo-mo and people eating near that area gave a puzzled look at them.

The mission ended with a gust of people still bewildered at what happened while the agents slowly depart the scene.

It’s Mission 2 Accomplished!

Just recently, the team completed their first official mission. So here are your Manila agents, reporting.

Mission Report

Team: Eksena Manila
Number of Agents: 14
Mission Date: April 19, 2008
Mission Name: An Angel Passed By
Planning: Agent Pjax
Agents: Bleue, Denise, Doodle, K, LA, Nightowl, Orange, Rob X, Pandabear, Pao, Phinee, RS, Starkee and TJ

The Mission

On its very first organized mission entitled “An Angel Passed By” (May Dumaan na Anghel), Eksena Manila filled up an establishment with talkative agents and designated another agent as an “angel”. The mission is to build up a considerable amount of noise, and when the angel stands, all talkative agents go silent, and when the angel gets back to his/her seat, the talkative agents will bring back the noise. The mission is inspired by Agent Dan of UK Agents.

The Act

Time stamp was 09-APR-2008 1415H (Manila Time) when the agents started to arrive at the meeting place – Forum Robinsons Mall (Formerly Robinson’s Place Pioneer) for this mission. The headcount was fourteen.

After some orientation and getting-to-know-you stuff, the team scouted for a venue to execute the mission, and the only qualified location was the KFC Ground floor. The catch was – the group’s meeting place was on the benches just outside this fast-food.

Eksena Manila Team met outside the KFC where they end up staging their mission.

The team relocated to the third floor for the briefing. After half an hour of preparation and planning, a script has finally been made and all systems go.

Mission Briefing

Videographer agent TJ went first to the scene to setup the camera, which later on followed by our angel agent PJ. The talkative agents were divided into five groups, each group entered the scene in five minute intervals. Agents Pao and Phinee first; followed by Agents Bleue, Rob X, L.A and RS; then the group of Agents Denise, Nightowl and Orange; the duo of Agents Starkee and Doodle; and lastly lone Agent K. Agent Pandabear was the last undercover to enter the scene who joined agent Pao’s group.

The noise started to build up as the agents entered the scene. At first, it was barely noticeable due to the influx of other customers, but the agents were decided to pollute the room with their noise. When the angel hinted the first clue and all agents muted, some customers noticed the abrupt silence but most just ignored.

Come the second hint and we noticed some turning heads and curious looks. A family seated in between the groups of agents were in wonder when the room suddenly came to stillness.

The third cue was the turning point as most patrons noticed the build up of noise. Some inquisitive customers even tried to investigate. Two old ladies seated behind agents Rob and RS jolted when the agents’ voices filled the store after a moment of silence.

The agents made the room noisier before the fourth cue, some customers in line even made a 180 degree head turn when agents Bleue and Rob greeted agent Denise’s group seated on the other side of the store. Come the fourth cue, the agents muted once more, and most customers showed confused faces, more turning heads and rolling eyes.

The angel then stood up for the final cue, and made his exit. The agents were quiet, and gradually the room went back to its normal atmosphere. One by one, the agents departed, leaving the perplexed customers in puzzle.

Eksena Manila still has a very long way to go, but for now, it’s “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!”

The End

In line with April Fools and the 1st World Freeze Day we decided to do a freeze mission right here in Metro Manila. On a hot but rainy day, 8 agents would freeze on spot for about 4 minutes. It happened exactly 8:05pm at the Mall of Asia, 1st Floor Benches, Pasay City. SM Mall of Asia.

One of the busiest hallways in the busiest mall in the country would suddenly come to a freezing halt.

Planning: Agent Toshio
Emergency Planning: Agents PJ & Pao
Featuring: Agents PJ, Pandabear, Minari and Friends
Digital Video: Agent Pao, Ian, Minari’s Friends
Digital Photography: Agent Pao
Editing: Agent Pao

MISSION REPORTS

Agent PJ

If you trace the thread history in IEManila, the freeze isn’t really supposed to happen “it’s such a short notice”, “there’s no time to plan”, “there’s to few members”, “we haven’t registered yet”, “we’re so young”…developments only came when Agent Toshio was able to get us registered in time, the plan was set.

April 1, 2008. Mission briefing: 5:00 at the SM Mall of Asia baystrip [para sa tanga, yung sidewalk sa gilid mismo ng Manila Bay](For the ignorant bafoons, the sidewalk at the side of Manila Bay), immediately facing the Music Hall. Hindi raw po tayo pwede sa Music Hall mismo, kelangan daw naka-sked. Ang landi. 5:45, everyone assume places, wag magpapahalatang magfi-freeze kayo. 6:00 will commence the freeze.Please sync your CELLPHONE clocks at the time here: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=145 Set the vibrating alert on 6:00, make sure it’s in silent mode para kayo lang makahalata, and set it on a 5-minute snooze mode. Para after 5 minutes, magva-vibrate ulet, then unfreeze.After countless messages and YM conferences, all was set. hours before world freeze day, we counted 19 agents and non-agents attending. but despite these numbers we decided to push through.

At around 5PM, I was the first to arrive. the meeting was near the fountain outside, but it was raining. and worse - I was clueless as to who he’s going to meet and exactly where. At 6pm, after much window shopping and several text messages, Agent Pao arrived. and to his surprise, agent pj was actually the only agent present.TBC

Agent Pandabear

It was raining that day and traffic was heavy. I was under the impression that the freeze mission was already over. I only tried to go to meet fellow agents. But lo and behold as I texted Agent Minari I found out - the mission hasn’t started. I was bit surprised and confused - shouldn’t it have ended by now? It was already 7:00 by that time.

So I rushed to the Music Hall to meet my fellow agents. Agent Pao, Agent Pj, Agent Minari and his barkada(friends) was there. They already started briefing. I just joined the fray. We started the freeze after an hour of planning. I was paired with Agent PJ.

We hanged out in the shops nearby while we waited for 8:05pm. The alarms started and we walked towards the scene of the mission - the benches in the 1st Floor of Mall of Asia. I followed Agent PJ not knowing when really to freeze since I took my cue from him. When we went out I already saw the other agents frozen - we didn’t hit the exact synch but we immediately improvised.

Agent PJ then stopped as he was about to bite into his sandwich. I then followed, stopping while checking my cellphone. I noticed Agent Minari was standing nearby. And his friend has different poses.

2 Minutes into the Freeze, people started reacting. One of the people watching kept on chiding “Gagalaw na yan, gagalaw na yan” (Look, they’ll move, they’ll move). I also noticed a child who approached Agent Pj and tried to look him in the eye. There were other reactions but it was hard to hear since the sounds from the mall kept banging on my ears.

Originally planned, it was 3 minutes but the freeze seemed to extend to 4 minutes. At cue from Minari we started to move again. We went on our separate ways, as if we don’t know each other. We met back to the Music Hall to meet and quietly dispersed as the guards were slowly watching our moves.

Fun mission, on a rainy night - though it was poorly planned it was still a success in itself.