CONQuest Festival Returns for 2018, now Government Backed

Wazzup Pilipinas!

South East Asia’s first collegiate esports convention returns for another year

Six months after its debut, South East Asia’s first collegiate esports convention and Western Visayas, Philippines’ largest enthusiast event is back for another year. 

ISC Events is pleased to announce the second iteration of CONQuest Esports and Hobby Festival, its flagship event, on July 28 - 29 at the Casa Real de Iloilo. CONQuest was founded to promote collegiate esports in the country, as well as to develop the region’s enthusiast communities. Over 700 attendees flocked to the Casa Real de Iloilo’s Grand Social Hall last December 16 for an unforgettable day of gaming, anime and pop culture fandom. 

But now, CONQuest is evolving. With the support of the Iloilo City government and the office of city councilor Candice Tupas, CONQuest 2018 hopes to truly become a national spectacle and city tradition. That is why it will be doubling the days and doubling the space -- utilizing the entirety of the Casa Real building, formerly the Iloilo Provincial Capitol building. 

Among the activities in store for CONQuest 2018 include the finals of the Garena League of Legends Collegiate League Visayan Conference, the second Western Visayas Cosplay Clash, the ‘Questalks’ series of panel discussions from esteemed industry professionals and an ‘Artisan’s Alley’ featuring 15 of the region’s finest digital artists. 

Early bird pricing for CONQuest 2018 is PHP 99 for 1 day, and PHP 149 for 2 days. This pricing lasts until June 16. Regular pricing is PHP 119 for 1 day and PHP 179 for 2 days. All 2 day tickets come with a wristband. “Iloilo has shown time and time again that it has the numbers needed for a national-level event. 

It’s time to give the Ilonggos and the Visayas what they deserve with a world-class event.” - Justin Banusing, ISC Events Director 

“CONQuest was built to grow the collegiate scene as well as local enthusiast communities. That’s why we’re making CONQuest 2018 bigger and better. The scene won’t grow if we are complacent. With the help of the Iloilo City government, we believe we can do great things this year.” - Krizzian Hernando, ISC Events Assistant Director

Energy Resiliency in Focus at DOE E-Power Mo Drive

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) will be hosting the 6th E-Power Mo Conference on Tuesday, 26 June 2018 at the agency's headquarters in Bonifacio Global City.

The event, which will focus on “Developing Energy Resilient Philippines,” seeks to broaden public awareness on the crucial role it plays. That is not only in protecting the physical safety of their families, but in ensuring that homes, communities and businesses are able to adapt to unforeseen situations and have access to the uninterrupted supply of energy services. 

"We continue to rally for consumer empowerment in the energy industry by providing fresh insights on various issues," DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said, "Of course, the government is working hard to establish the appropriate energy resiliency measures.”

There will be six breakout sessions during the conference that will cover topics on downstream oil and natural gas; upstream oil and gas; renewable energy; power; alternative fuels and energy efficiency; and the consumer sector.

The E-Power Mo campaign of the DOE is in partnership with the Presidential Communications Operations Office, the Philippine Information Agency and the B-LEADERS Project of USAID.

Its four tenets summarize the energy policy agenda of President Rodrigo R. Duterte:

1. (E-POWER MO) Develop and utilize energy resources available to Filipinos for wealth creation and global competition;

2. (E-SAFETY MO) Undertake safety and savings measures through energy efficiency;

3. (E-SECURE MO) Secure the delivery of quality, reliable and affordable energy services; and

4. (E-DISKARTE MO) Empower consumers through a wide range of options in utilizing conventional, renewable and alternative energy sources.

“Lahat tayo, ama, ina, kapatid, anak - mga ordinaryong mamamayan - lahat tayo mayroong mahalagang maiaambag para sa patuloy na pagpapatatag ng ating lipunan (All of us, fathers, mothers, siblings and children - ordinary citizens - we all have meaningful contributions to the strengthening of our society). Our peace of mind will be rooted in the knowledge that we would have continuous access to critical resources, even in the aftermath of a calamity. This is what we will be highlighting for this E-Power Mo Conference,” Cusi concluded.

Mastercard and PNB Fulfill Your Travel and Shopping Goals Right Now

Wazzup Pilipinas!

What gives you the most fulfillment beyond your career? For some Filipinos, it’s the freedom to do what they love outside of work, such as traveling to must-visit destinations, bonding with family overseas, or shopping for unique finds. And because there’s no better time than now to pursue your passions, Mastercard, your card of choice for all your lifestyle needs, and PNB, are giving you ways to achieve your shopping and traveling goals with the PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles NOW Mastercard credit card.

Head start the earning of Mabuhay Miles. A welcome gift of 1,000 FREE Mabuhay Miles awaits first-time PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles NOW Mastercard cardholders who successfully activate their card.

Get access to exclusive airfare offers with Philippine Airlines. PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles NOW Mastercard gives you 5% off on select international flight bookings via philippineairlines.com. To avail of the offer, simply type the first six digits of your card on the Promo Code menu every time you book your flight online.

Fly and shop without worries. PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles NOW Mastercard gives you free travel insurance coverage of up to P1M, as well as up to P250,000 worth of free Purchase Protection Insurance. Shop and travel to the fullest while having greater peace of mind knowing that every part of your journey is safe and secure with Mastercard.

Be in control of your spending habits.  Track how much you spend on your credit card through PNB Mastercard In Control. Simply enroll your card by logging on to https://incontrol.pnbcards.com.ph and get a record of where and how you have been spending your card.

Enjoy more opportunities to travel and shop. With every P55 spent on your PNB Mabuhay Miles NOW Mastercard, you’ll earn 1 reward point. Reward points can be used to redeem Mabuhay Miles, where 1 point is equal to 1 mile. Don’t forget the many exclusive perks that come with having your Mastercard every time you shop abroad too, such as exciting deals in Singapore’s ION Orchard mall, or premium outlets in South Korea.

“PNB is dedicated in extending its reach to the emerging younger market, thus, the launch of the new PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles NOW Mastercard”, says Executive Vice President and Head, Retail Banking Sector, Bernardo H. Tocmo. 

According to Christian Quiros, First Vice President and Head, Cards Banking Solutions Group, “The NOW Mastercard is packed with exclusive perks perfect for a millennial lifestyle.”

 “PNB, PAL, and Mabuhay Miles, Inc. partnered to offer a card with features fit for the travel savvy young professionals”, says Kevin Hartigan-Go, General Manager, Mabuhay Miles, Inc.

Shop to your heart’s content and fly to your dream destinations as Mastercard and PNB fulfill your passions right now with the PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles NOW Mastercard.


Photo Caption: (L-R) PNB AVP, Cards Product Sheila Caeg-Bilog, Mastercard Philippines President Poch Villa-Real, Mabuhay Miles, Inc. General Manager Kevin Hartigan-Go, PNB EVP, Retail Banking Sector Head Bernie H. Tocmo, Philippine Airlines VP Marketing Head Ria Domingo, PNB FVP, Cards Banking Solutions Group Head Christian Quiros, and Mastercard Philippines Country Head Rowell Del Fierro

Marvel Run Philippines 2018 at MOA on July 7

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Calling all MARVEL fans, it is time to suit up for the first-ever MARVEL-themed run in South Asia - the MARVEL Run Philippines 2018.  The event is set to take place on July 7, 2018, at the SM Mall of Asia Event Grounds.  

The 2018 Philippines MARVEL Run is organized by ColorManila, the country’s number one fun-run organizer.

ColorManila VP Justine Cordero says, “We look forward to having the first Philippines MARVEL Run on July 7, and we would like to invite all MARVEL fans and ColorManila followers out there, to take part in this highly anticipated event.  The runners will surely like the kits that we have designed and prepared for them, along with the other MARVEL items that come with the race packages.”

There are four (4) race kit colors available, black, grey, green and blue. 

The black drifit shirt, which carries the logos of Thor, The Hulk, Captain America, and Spiderman, is part of the Deluxe Race Kit package.  Priced at P1,500, the drifit shirt comes with a finisher’s medal, a race bib, and a color packet.

While runners who sign up for the Premium Race Kit package and the VIP Race Kit package can choose between the grey, green and blue kits.  Avenger fans would love to be seen in these kits with the green one carrying Hulk’s logo, the grey one with Thor’s logo, and the blue one with Captain America’s signature logo - his shield.

The Premium Kit package, which is priced at P2,050, comes with a drifit shirt (with 3 colors to choose from), a race bib, sunglasses that match the shirt chosen, finisher’s medal, color packet, and a MARVEL drawstring bag.

While those who join the VIP category, valued at P3,050, will get a drifit shirt (also with 3 colors to choose from), a race bib, sunglasses that match the shirt chosen, finisher’s medal, color packet, a MARVEL drawstring bag, towel, and lastly, access to the VIP Lounge.

Runners also have the option of choosing between three race categories - 3K, 5K and 10K. 


Registration is still ongoing. For more information, visit www.colormanila.com for more details.

FDCP's Cine Lokal features LGBT films this Pride Month

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) celebrates Pride Month by screening four award-winning films that empower and recognize the plight of the LGBT community, in all Cine Lokal cinemas as part of PelikuLAYA: An LGBT Film Festival from June 22 to 28.

The lineup includes the Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival 2013 drama Lihis written by Ricky Lee and directed by Joel C. Lamangan. Set in the 70's during the turbulent period in Philippine history, the film stars Jake Cuenca and Joem Bascon as communist rebels bound by a similar cause to topple a dictatorship. Their characters' relationship turns passionate amid their struggles to fight for freedom. Lihis also features Lovi Poe, Isabelle Daza, Gloria Diaz, Raquel Villavicencio, Tony Mabesa, Jaime Pebanco, Lloyd Samartino, Alex Castro, Ruby Ruiz, Jess Evardone and Chanel Latorre, among others.

Another film featured in PelikuLAYA is the Cinema One Originals 2017 comedy film Si Chedeng at Si Apple directed by Rae Red and Fatrick Tabada. Chedeng (Gloria Diaz), 66, decides to come out during her husband's wake while her best friend Apple (Elizabeth Oropesa), 63, kills her live-in partner, beheads him and stuffed his head inside her favorite Louis Vuitton bag. Together, they are on the run from the law and their children as they set off an adventure to find Chedeng’s ex-girlfriend.

Also part of the program is Joselito Altarejos' Kasal, which won Best Film at the 2014 Cinemalaya Film Festival. It tells the story of a gay couple, played by Arnold Reyes and Oliver Aquino, whose relationship is challenged when they attend a wedding. Providing support are Rita Avila, Maureen Mauricio, Ruby Ruiz, Rener Concepcion, Sue Prado, Ronwaldo Martin, Luis Ruiz and Ray An Dulay.

Completing the list is Out Run, a documentary about an LGBT political party mobilizing transgender hairdressers and beauty queens. Directed by S. Leo Chiang and Johnny Symons, the film provides a unique look into the challenges LGBT people encounter as they transition into the mainstream and fight for dignity, legitimacy, and acceptance across the globe.

PelikuLAYA, which is organized by FDCP in partnership with different LGBTQIA+ organizations, screens this month at Cine Lokal theaters in SM Manila, SM Sta. Mesa, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM Fairview, SM Southmall and SM Bacoor.

No Strings Attached Dating

Wazzup Pilipinas!

When we say no string attached dating, it means a relationship between 2 individuals can carry on a purely physical connection. Its more of sexual intimate thing and both parties are not committed to each other. So having said that - Here are the pros and cons of this act. I've been with this kind of relationship as part of growing up and exploring different things.

Your not totally committed while you explore physical connection with another person. What ever you do your free and not obliged of being a girlfriend or boyfriend material role. Emotions are carried rather just pure physical contact. If your not ready into serious physical relationship then this kind of casual connection can meet your physical satisfaction as a human being.

You can also pursue many different options. Before I had a chance to hang out with these Chinese, European, Latinos and Portuguese ladies. Then I just realized in a short period of time that we have no chemistry at all. So I stop dating and chasing them. No string attached connection allows me to be in suave Brit James Bond imagination field of playing the mysterious macho life. Enjoying the intimate pursue of multiple people or girls in a period of time.

So you can select what you truly want to be with for the rest of your life. Then marriage would be a perfect solution for a no string attached game over life. Well, for now Im not a hypocrite, I kept my options open. Its like tasting food from different countries eventually you will settle down and choose the kinda food that you will eat everyday for the rest of your life.

Its like choosing a perfect dish that will make you truly happy. And its an option to be happy while keeping your options open. It can be a fun as well as a disaster if you fall in love. You may enjoy the thrill and adventure but by the end of the day or as you grew old. You need somebody that you can rely or a lifetime partner that you can spend for the rest of your life.

Although life is not perfect so enjoy dating and explore different personalities. That may lead into a serious relationship. Because not all marriage and relationship are perfect - therefore it should be fun rather than miserable that will lead into depression.

However no sting attached dating is not for everyone mostly in Asian conservative cultural heritage. But its already accepted as we move into the free world. The downside its your feelings may became real while the other is just playing or shopping around.

Then that is a risk- when you're feeling cannot be reciprocated in return. Some may protect and care you like a real family but the other party is just casual that will lead to jealousy and heartbreak. Quite painful that may hinder you from pursuing something more serious into the next serious relationship.

People involved in this kind of relationship may risk physical and emotional health. Its common that when you love someone and didn't return the favor back can cause extreme heartache. So this can put your personal wellness at risk as well. Like eating or crying so much. Some may involve in marital affair as a revenge to a cheating or boring partner. Which is realistically happening everywhere in the real world.

So is this your cup of coffee? After weighing the downside and upside of this kinda unique experience. I can say that its always the best thing to do is to consult your own feeling. Which makes you extremely happy? Because by the end of the day its not your friend or family dictates your own unique feeling. You got a life that you need to enjoy. Online dating is a fast and easy option to connect to the world. Wether its a serious or no string attach relationship its still an option for the pursuit of happiness.

Here Are Some of the Most Important Benefits of an Aptitude Test

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Almost every business owner understands that it is not a piece of cake to hire reliable employees. Recruiting employees that have a desire to work for the prosperity of the company is really difficult. The problem surely is not in the availability of candidates. In fact, there is simply no shortage of eligible candidates these days, with the quality of education improving with each passing day. The problem actually lies in the recruitment method adopted by companies.

Most businesses opt for traditional ways of hiring employees that hardly work. But if you consider yourself prudent and want your employees to be the best one can hire, then it is important to incorporate an aptitude test into the recruitment mix. Here, you find some of the most important reasons as to why you should go for an aptitude test. Check out-

With an aptitude test, you can assess the aptness of a person for a particular job opening. This is extremely important for your company if you want every work done without mistakes. Hiring a candidate on the basis of their qualification or the amount of confidence or smartness they ooze out is simply not the right way to go about it.

Since they are being recruited for a particular job position, they should be able to do their job skilfully. For that, their aptitude for the job is something you should aim at understanding. Make sure you hire a candidate who has the skills and capacity to handle his responsibilities well. Just because a candidate holds a PhD does not mean he will be able to do justice to the managerial position that he is being hired for. To be able to be a good manager, he must be good at managing things. It is his managerial skills that will be of use to the company and not his PHD.

Another important aspect that you will have to bear in mind is the objectivity of an aptitude test. Yes, aptitude tests are extremely objective in nature. With an objective test, you are able to assess the abilities of your employees in a better way.

When a candidate attempts an objective type test, he fails to dispense his opinions. Objective questionnaires give no value to opinions. Since it is possible to influence employers with opinions, questions that welcome opinions are not good for recruitment of employees. Another benefit of having an objective type test is that no tampering is possible in this case. So, the scores the candidates get are often the rights scores, not based on biasness or favouritism.

An aptitude test is a must, also because it offers no scope for biasness or favouritism. These are two of the most dangerous enemies of a business. But sadly, in a lot of companies, these elements are very common. This results in people without aptitude getting hired into positions they know nothing about. Such people are of no value to a company and are an impediment for its growth.

So, the benefits of opting for an aptitude test are many. Go for one and better your company's recruitment process!

PUBG SEA Championship Regional Finals

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The best Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) squads from six countries across Southeast Asia have been determined through their respective National Championships. Twenty teams are now heading into the final stretch of the PUBG Southeast Asia Championship Presented by ROG and Intel.The Regional Finals of the biggest SEA PUBG event is set to take place in the M C C H all, The Mall Bangkapi, Thailand .

ROGheralds anew generation ofcompetitive gaming competition,in cooperationwithIntel and PUBGCorporation,to unitegamers inthe regionin oneculminating battleroyale event that every gamer shouldn’tmiss. Using acompleteloadout ofROG hardwarefrom motherboard, graphics card,monitor, laptop, peripherals,androuters,players in thearenawill haveevery advantagethey needto winthe competitionand aimfor the PUBGGlobal Invitational inBerlin, Germany.

MET,Asia’s leading esports event organizer, is out to produce the big PUBG tournament in Thailand after successful National Championship runs in five different countries. PUBG fans and supporters are invited to the MCC Hall in the Mall Bangkapi in Thailand where attendance is absolutely free. PUBGCORP and MET will also be giving away special supply boxes to players.

ParticipatingSquads

Indonesia:

BaronCyber Café, AerowolfVincepro, Roar Gaming, Trapesium45.Esports 

Philippines:

ArkAngel, Dogz, Mineski, TNC. 5Peaks 

Malaysia/Singapore:

MSK Poseidon, Gank.FTY, Lapar Gaming, Redsea MPEsports 

Vietnam:

Refund Gaming, DivineEsport, Gigabyte Marines, Pochinki House 

Thailand: 

TBD (THsquads willbedetermined onJune 22,2018)




PrizePool Breakdown  

Total: U S D 1 0 0, 0 0 0 

1st Place: U S D 4 0,0 0 0 

2nd Place: U S D 2 0,0 0 0 

3rd Place: U S D 1 0, 0 0 0 

4th Place: U S D 8, 0 0 0 

5th Place: U S D, 4, 5 0 0 

6th Place: U S D 4, 0 0 0 

7th Place: U S D 3, 5 0 0 

8th Place: U S D 3, 0 0 0 

9th Place: U S D 2, 5 0 0 

10th Place: U S D 2, 0 0 0 

11th Place: U S D 1, 5 0 0 

12th Place: U S D 1, 0 0 0

Tournament Schedule 

June 23-24,2018 

Starting at 12:00 Noon Both Days

TournamentVenue

MCCHall, The Mall Bangkapi, Thailand  

The squad which claims the highest amount of points after twelve matches across two days will be crowned the best SEA PUBG squad and earn a direct invite to the P U B G Global Invitational which is set to take place in the Mercedes-Benz Arena, Berlin, Germany in July. The PUBG Global Invitational is the first official global tournament hosted by PUBG CORP where squads will face off over the USD 2,000,000 prize pool. The PUBG SEA Championship is the only for a SEA PUBG squad to qualify for the PUBG Global Invitational. The PUBG Southeast Asia Championship Presented by ROG and Intel will take place on June 23-24, 2018 live from the MCC Hall, The Mall Bangkapi, Thailand. You can watch the matches live indifferent languages on different streams.

STREAMLINKS

English –MET Esports Twitch 

Thailand –ROG Thailand Facebook 

Philippines–ROG Philippines Facebook, Mineski TV Twitch 

Malaysia & Singapore –ROG Malaysia Facebook, MET Esports Malaysia 

Vietnam- ROG Vietnam FB

UK Crooner CALUM SCOTT's Only Human Asia Tour Happening in Manila!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

AEG Presents and Ovation Productions are thrilled to confirm that UK croonerCalum Scott , the man behind one of the world’s most recognizable and loved renditions of Robyn’s ‘Dancing On My Own’ , will play his first ever Philippine show on October 30 at the Kia Theatre as part of the ‘Only Human Asia Tour’.

Scott’s heartwarming appearance onBritain’s Got Talent in 2015 shot him to instant global stardom, and when he officially released his audition song‘Dancing On My Own’ as the lead single from his debut album Only Human, it took the world by storm. The track quickly accumulated more than 6.5 million worldwide sales, reached 5x Platinum in Australia and saw the former recruitment officer from Hull nominated for the Brit Award for British Single Of The Year. Upon its release, his album resonated strongly with Australian audiences, peaking at #5 on the ARIA chart.

Only Human is the result of a long, cathartic songwriting journey. Filled with deeply personal material, Scott’s ability to transform pain into beauty is undeniable, whether he is addressing coming out to his father, unrequited longing, adolescent isolation, or the gratitude he feels toward his sister Jade, who pushed him to sing on stage for the first time and auditioned alongside him on Britain’s Got Talent .

Scott’s elegantly sculpted pop centres on his soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, exemplified in gently uplifting single‘You Are The Reason’ aching piano ballad ‘Hotel Room’ and hit single‘Rhythm Inside’ . The singer’s ability to consistently build on his gift for poignant, emotionally charged performances is a sure sign of the lasting impact the Englishman will continue to have on all who hear his voice. Truly an experience not to be missed.

2018 has certainly been a significant year for the 29 year old as he takes his upbeat yet deceptively anguished balladry on the road for his first headline tour across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia after having toured the UK and Europe in May.  

Filipinos are in for a treat!

‘Scott’s stunningly pure voice is affecting enough in itself, but his lyrics on every one of the (album’s) tracks are vulnerable and raw.’ - Billboard

 ‘With Only Human , (Calum Scott) makes an impressive splash... a compelling debut album.’ - Huffington Post

‘[‘No Matter What’] left concert goers captivated as Scott’s voice radiated throughout a silent crowd. Upon finishing the song, Scott couldn’t hold his emotions back and walked to the back of the stage to dry his eyes as he received one of the biggest ovations of the night.’ – The Courier Online

(Calum Scott’s Only Human Asia Tour live in Manila is presented AEG Presents and Ovation Productions. Tickets prices are P 5810, P 4760, P 3700, P 2640 and will go on sale starting June 23, 2018 through www.ticketnet.com.ph. For inquiries call 911-5555 or 532-8883)

Benildean Filmmakers Bag INPFF Award

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A short documentary made by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Digital Filmmaking students won Best Direction at the Istorya ng Pag-asa (Stories of Hope) Film Festival gala night and awarding ceremony held last June 12 at Glorietta, Makati City.

Winning the award for their documentary "Pamilyang Bernardo" are Anna Mikaela Quizon, Alda Dalisay and Jocelyn Frago. Two members of the Bernardo family from Looc, Romblon are suffering from ectrodactyly, a condition which causes malformation of their limbs and makes life difficult for them. Despite this, they find strength in their own home.

Florence Rosini's "Ang Biyahe ni Marlon," an inspiring tale of an Uber driver with Tourette Syndrome, which manifests through involuntary movements, got the INPFF Best Film trophy, a cash prize of 50,000 pesos, a DSLR camera and a Samsung S8 cellphone.

First runner-up winner Margaret Serranilla brought home 30,000 pesos for her entry "Tago," which tells the story of Nelson Gonzales, drummer and owner of Tago Jazz Café , a small jazz joint in Cubao that serves as a place for budding musicians to hone their craft.

Kelsy Lua's "Gawilan," about a disadvantaged Filipino swimmer named Ernie Gawilan who faced hardships that forced him to battle his insecurities before making it to the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, won second runner-up and 20,000 pesos.

Aunell Ross Angcos' "The Climbing Puppeteer," about a BPO employee-cum-ventriloquist who climbs mountains to help local villagers, won Best Cinematography, while Demy Cruz, Jr.'s "Ang Gahum Sang Daku Nga Handum," about a member of an indigenous tribe who has to face challenges to selflessly pursue her dream, got the Best Script award.

Aside from her documentary with Quizon and Dalisay, Frago has another entry which made it to INPFF's list of 15 finalists, "Liham Pagmamahal Para sa Kasalukuyan" (Love Letter to the Present). It tells the story of Lola Lita Vinuya and how she, and other members of Malaya Lolas, an organization composed of former "comfort women" or victims of sexual slavery, survived the cruelty of the Japanese imperial army during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II. This serves as their voice and a love letter to the present.

Their fellow DLS-CSB film majors Matthew Pelayo and Gian Arre were also selected as INPFF finalists from among 73 submissions all over the country.

Pelayo's "Overdrive" follows the life of Mel Majadas, a female Uber driver, as it shows what it is like for Mel, a mother who works hard for her family, to drive around Metro Manila.

On the other hand, Arre's "Mclaine" is based on the life of Mclaine Buatis, a student confronting complaints for his disruptive behavior. When his high school teacher warns him that he might get expelled from school, Mclaine reveals his innate desire to graduate and pleads for one last chance.

The other short film finalists are "Alkansiya" by Sandra Fajardo, "Ngiti" by Rhycie Anne Custodio, "Dealing with Healing" by Alyssa Bernardino, "Liwanag" by Kimberly Ilaya, "Dibuho" by Erri Rojo and "Person with This Ability" by Tala Reyes.

Acclaimed screenwriter Clodualdo "Doy" del Mundo, Jr., Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairperson Liza Diño, award-winning filmmakers Quark Henares and Dan Villegas, and veteran actress Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino served as INPFF judges. Actor Dingdong Dantes hosted the event.

Vice President Leni Robredo, whose office organized the nationwide film competition together with Ayala Foundation, described the entries as “extraordinary stories of ordinary people, and we are very, very proud of them. We wish that there are more that we can discover, and we vow to continue looking for them.” 

The INPFF was held to celebrate the first year of Istorya ng Pag-asa, an initiative that aims to inspire and empower the nation through extraordinary stories of the Filipino people. It seeks to promote hope and inspiration on a wider scale, with positive real-life stories that feature the triumph of ordinary Filipinos over life's adversities.

The winning short films are currently being screened at Ayala Malls Cinemas until June 30.

https://youtu.be/YeBGKfn93Hw