TELEVISION and film director Joyce Bernal conducted an ocular inspection of the Batasang Pambansa on Thursday, July 12.

The lady director made the inspection as part of preparations for President Rodrigo Duterte's State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 23.

Interviewed by the media, Bernal said she wants the camera shots for the upcoming Sona to look "patriotic."

The lady director added: “Gusto ko sana 'yong ano, magandang sequencing ng shots niya, na in three shots, makukuha 'nyo na paano 'yong pagmamahal niya sa Pilipinas."

Bernal said the Office of the President requested her to show through her direction how Duterte speaks as a father, as a mayor and as the President of the Philippines.

"Gusto nilang maramdaman 'yon at parang ibigay 'yong feeling na 'yon para sa Presidente paglapag niya sa Congress,” added Bernal.

Bernal, the next filmmaker to direct Duterte's Sona after multi-awarded director Brillante Mendoza, said she is honored for having been chosen by the President.

"Very honored ako. First time ko. 'Di 'to pagdi-direct ng romcom (romantic comedy). 'Di 'to pagdi-direct ng traffic. Pagdi-direct ito ng Sona. May sasabihin ang ating ama para sa atin, para sa Pilipinas,” she said.

(I am very honored. This is my first time. This is not like directing a romcom. This is not like directing traffic. This is Sona. The father of the nation will speak to us.)

Actor Robin Padilla had recommended Bernal to the President, according to Communications Secretary Martin Andanar. (SunStar Philippines)