A muse named ‘Deadline’

JUN ROBLES Lana says the script of “Moral” left a lasting impression on him.

Writing is a gift that Jun Robles Lana was born with. His pen is his sword, which has made him mightier than the rest. 2014 was a banner year for the acclaimed writer-director.

To cap 2014, the Palanca winner decided to give back by offering a scriptwriting workshop to aspiring writers for free. It’s open to writers 18-40 years old. Every applicant must e-mail a full résumé, with a photo, to [email protected] on or before 11:59 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday).

Application information should include work experience related to writing for TV, film and/or theater, and past writing workshops attended. There will be a preliminary screening on Dec. 14.

There are only 20 slots in the workshop.

Experience Lana’s love affair with words, which knows no bounds.

Here’s my tête-à-tête with Jun:

What makes a good script?

An intriguing story told visually and fascinating, well-delineated characters are two hallmarks of a good screenplay.

How do you handle writer’s block?

Honestly, I’ve never had writer’s block. I write both by inspiration and [out of] necessity. The former is food for my soul and the latter puts food on the table. Thus, the urge to write is always with me.

What are three rules of writing that you live by?

First, research your story well. Don’t just rely on imagination. You should be fully backed up by experience and/or research.

Second, know your characters like your own family.

Third, respect your audience’s intellect.

How do you summon your “muse”?

As a professional writer, I have a name for my muse: Deadline. When you’re making a living doing something that you love, the least you can do is to submit your scripts on time.

What can aspiring writers expect from your workshop?

What I’m offering is not just a free writing workshop but a mentorship. My last workshop was four years ago. The workshop itself lasted three months, but the mentorship took much longer. For me, it meant looking for writing opportunities for my students and, for a time, serving as their talent manager (minus the commission), making sure that they are treated properly and compensated very well.

What’s the best-written local film of all time?

Ricky Lee’s screenplay of “Moral” left a lasting impression on me. It taught me a lot about dialogue writing and characterization.

Among all the “power” lines you’ve written, which one is your fave?

“Bilisan mo. Mahapdi na ang p—– ko.” From “Barber’s Tales.”

THE HALILI-Cruz Dance Company wins awards here and abroad.

Ballet’s best

Kudos to The Halili-Cruz Dance Company (HCDC) for being elevated to the Aliw Awards Hall of Fame as the best ballet company of the Philippines.

They also bagged three gold trophies in the open professional category in classical ballet and contemporary (dance) at the 16th Asia Pacific Dance Competition in Singapore.

Prior to its victory in the competition, the HCDC took the Commonwealth Society of Teachers in Dancing of Australia international ballet examination which they completed excellently.

Artistic director Shirley Halili-Cruz and ballet teachers/choreographers Grace Perez, Anna Katrina Halili-Cruz, Anna

Balmadrid were named most outstanding professionals for providing high-quality entertainment in the arts and culture scene at the National Customers’ Choice Awards.

Viva la vida ballerina!