This past Friday in Thessaloniki, Greece we had our first shooting day for a travel series I have been developing for almost a year, from my last months in Afghanistan throughout my time here in Manila this 2016.
Now, we’re officially off to the races. It took me a year to marshal the resources to make this happen but we’re finally here. What started as a note to a few select broadcast is now taking shape, life and colour in Greece with Nona, Christy and Andreas.
This has been a tough year for me and I am nothing but grateful for everyone who has placed their faith and trust in me through this journey. None of this would have happened if Christy had not gone out on a limb to talk a strange person contacting her from Afghanistan (of all places) and have a conversation with me about working together. That soon blossomed into the idea of taking viewers aorund the world through her eyes, that of a talented and passionate dance artist. Thanks to her faith in me, we’re all here now.
Almost three years ago I met Nona here in Manila as she was passing through for work on another documentary with Dais about my friend Mark Striegl‘s MMA career. I was deeply impressed with her work ethic and focus on the job and added each other up on our FB networks. We lost track of each other for some time and then, I saw her post this music video she directed to her timeline:
Haager & Burian – Drowning
The imagery and execution of this music video made me sit up and realise that I was watching the coming-of-age of a great filmmaker. I knew I had to work with her but at this point Nona had become a highly paid and in-demand film director in New York City and when I contacted her about this project I had my doubts she would have an interest on working on another high risk pitch. Nona surprised me, she not only had an interest on working on this pitch with me but she has since made it her own child too. I am so incredibly thankful to have a creative partner like her and I am looking forward to bringing this on-air together. And we will get on this on-air.
Lastly and most importantly to me personally, even though his name has not come up in my conversations with my team I must thank my dear friend Raymund Cruz AKA the Great Bloniski. We have not only known each other for a decade here in Manila but we’re Brothers in Battle. These years in Manila have not been easy for me and he and his wife Jenny have been there to support me at every twist and accident along the road. This entire project would not have been possible without his last minute intervention. I am deeply thankful for his love and support. <3
You never know with these things but I am already proud of having been able to get here with everyone involved. And this is just the start of the journey, it is my sincere wish for us to keep going, to keep dancing together. <3
