Balangayan Sa Unibersidad 2018 – EXCELSIOR: “Excellent Synergy in Organizations

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Hail and Ahoy!

The Office of the Student Organizations of Bulacan State University will once again hoist the flag in celebration of the annual recognition and honoring the fruitful success of the student organizations of the university, the “Balangayan Sa Unibersidad 2018 – EXCELSIOR: “Excellent Synergy in Organizations” from September 24-28, 2018.

For this year event, another history is going to build by the BulSU-OSO as we conduct the first ever Satellite Campuses’ Balangayan sa Unibersidad in Bustos Campus, Meneses Campus, Sarmiento Campus and Hagonoy Campus on September 24-25, 2018.

On the last three days, we will celebrate the Balangayan sa Unibersidad 2018 in our main campus in City of Malolos. It will feature the following events that aim to showcase the creativity, talent and skills of 123 student organizations in the university; Opening Ceremony, GAURAN: Grand Unity Parade, Layag: Raise Your Flags, PAGODA: Pistahan sa Ilog ng mga Negosyateng BulSUans, LARAJUAN: Delineating Paths to Excellence, and Daluyong: Path to Greatness:”

Capping the Balangayan Sa Unibersidad event will be the PAROLA: Recognition Day and DAUNGAN: The Balangayan Awards Night. This is event aims to appreciate the different organizations for this year and to recognize the Outstanding Student Leaders, Organizations and Advisers on September 28, 2017 from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm to be held at the Valencia Hall of Bulacan State University.

Highlights of DECENNARY 2017:

https://www.facebook.com/osobulsu/videos/423132141422654/ -Teaser of EXCELSIOR 2018:

https://www.facebook.com/osobulsu/videos/1904026269893008/

For more inquiries, you may reach us through our official Facebook page and Instagram at BulSU OSO or email us at osobulsu@gmail.com #BalangayanSaUnibersidad2018

#Synergize #EXCELSIOR

International Events in the Philippines are the Great Opportunity to Meet People

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There are the places in the world, throbbing with life, where you can meet fascinating people from all over. The thrill we get from experiencing new things and learning about other cultures and traditions is what makes us hungry for knowledge and eager to broaden our horizons. A lot is happening in the Philippines in such capacity, and the best way to see for oneself is to attend some of the recognized festivals and events, which there is no shortage of throughout the year.


Eating and dancing in a good company

One of the most important concepts have to be music-related activities. After all, the universal language of having a good time is what brings people together. Besides the more or less regular concerts and shows featuring our favorite performers, there are plenty of local festivals any traveling music lover should explore. The variety of genres and sensations intersect in the captivating holidays of sound. Regardless of your preferences, some of those to consider are for example: the celebration of music and arts during the Malasimbo Festival, at the foot of Mount Malasimbo overlooking Puerto Galera Bay; the showcase of hip indie bands, both worldwide and homegrown artists, happening annually at Wanderland festival; a multi-sensory live experience at Paradise International Music Festival; or the ability to reminisce about the old days and 90s songs - courtesy of Playback Music Festival.

The similar uniting abilities can be associated with indigenous or global cuisine. It is a common trait among tourists to be wanting to try delicious food and drinks wherever they go. There are numerous approaches to the subject that have a strong representation in the local culture. For instance: Itik Festival in the province of Laguna oriented around local duck products, Kesong Puti (all about the famous white cheese), Longganisa Festival (featuring well-known Filipino-style sausages), or Lanzones Festival at Mambajao dedicated to langsat fruit.


Money and business bring people together

Exotic locations, such as Macau, Bahamas, Curacao, Aruba or St. Maarten, become attractive scenes for poker action. The Philippines isn’t falling behind. Especially the capital city, Manila, has been known as a place where talented players from around the world meet. The famous Asia Pacific Poker Tour or PokerStars Live events require the absolute top of strategic skills from the locals and tourists alike. That is if they want to earn big money prizes. The next opportunity for that has started on September 13th with the Filipino stop of Asian Poker Tour that will be held at Resorts World Manila in Pasay City. Apart from that, Philippines attract plenty of representatives from various backgrounds, especially at the international expo events (f.e. National Retail Conference & Stores Asia Expo, Feed Expo Philippines Pasay, Money Summit & Wealth Expo , World of Consumer Electronics Expo). Plentiful business meetings and conferences gather entrepreneurs from different fields such as building and construction, logistics, automotive industries, clothing, tourism, electronics and much more.


Be sure to explore more exciting events

Perhaps the best opportunity to mingle with the international crowd are the greatest and most recognizable festivals and local holidays. Ati-Atihan Festival is one of the oldest suchlike jubilees and it honors the traditional costumes and dancing. Some of the festivities in the Philippines could last few days or even up to a month. Possibly the biggest in the country, the Sinulog Festival in Cebu, attracts millions of participants every year. Some other significant mentions include the Panagbenga Festival, Pahiyas Festival, Masskara Festival, and Dinagyang Festival.

PHLPost Launches National Artist Lucrecia R. Kasilag Commemorative Stamp

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) launched its Lucrecia R. Kasilag National Artist Commemorative Stamp ‘Birth Centenary” (1918-2018) in recognition of her outstanding achievement and world class talent in Music.

National Artist for Music Lucrecia R. Kasilag or “Tita King” as she was fondly called lived her life as a Filipino pride being an educator, composer, writer, researcher, lecturer, performer, and cultural administrator all at the same time. She devoted her professional life to the development of Filipino music and the growth of Filipino musician.

Tita King founded the Philippine Music Ensemble to illustrate the many facets of Philippine Music – ethnic, traditional, and contemporary. She was Chairperson of the League of Filipino Composers for 30 years and has composed more than 250 compositions of all types, many of which synthesized the myriad influences in Philippine culture.

‘With Tita King’s vast accomplishments and contributions to Philippine music, PHLPost has featured the great woman in the latest commemorative stamp issue in her honor”, Postmaster General Joel Otarra said.

Designed by PHLPost in-house artist Victorino Z. Serevo, the stamp features the beautiful portrait of National Artist Lucrecia R. Kasilag with her world famous Philippine Music Ensemble at the background. PHLPost has printed 50,000 copies of the P12 single design commemorative stamp.

“Tita King’ was born on August 31, 1918 marking her 100 years this 2018.

The stamps are now available at the Post Shop, Central Post Office, Door 203, Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila and area post offices nationwide. For inquiries, please call 527-01-08 or 527-01-32. 

16 School Teams Train, Pitch S&T Projects for Innovation Contest imake.wemake

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Filipino communities may soon find answers to pressing issues in education, traffic, waste management, disaster preparedness and others as 16 senior high school teams made it to the second round of the 2nd imake.wemake, an S&T innovation competition organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute’s (DOST-SEI) in partnership with Acer Philippines.

“It will be a battle among school teams but the real winners here are Filipinos who will benefit from their inventions,” DOST-SEI Director Josette Biyo said.

Biyo and Acer Philippines General Manager Manuel Wong graced the project pitching and closing ceremony of the five-day event held on September 3-7, 2018 at the Microtel UP Technohub in Quezon City which featured promising student inventions like low-cost GPS tracking for wildlife conservation, online waste management integration, and anti-overloading device among others.

“Our young inventors proved that they understand the needs of the people and know how they can address such. We’re more than happy to provide them venue for their technical skills and creativity in imake.wemake,” Biyo added.

The panel of judges, composed of UP Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute professors Dr. Nestor Tiglao and Engr. Percival Magpantay, Ateneo de Manila University professor Engr. Carlos Matti Oppus, and Acer Philippines Business Development Manager Alexis de Guzman, selected the finalists from 65 proposals submitted. The judges based their decisions on project viability and potential to address important societal and community issues.

The 16 competing school teams are Centro Escolar University-Manila, College of St. John – Roxas, De La Salle University Integrated School – Laguna, Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Grace Christian College, Masbate National Comprehensive High School, New Era University, Philippine Science High School – Cagayan Valley Campus, Philippine Science High School – CAR Campus, Philippine Science High School – Central Luzon Campus, Philippine Science High School – Central Visayas Campus, Philippine Science High School-Eastern Visayas Campus, Rizal National Science High School, Santa Rosa Science and Technology High School, Taguig Science High School, and Technological University of the Philippines Cubao Campus.

A total of 48 students and 16 teachers attended the free training organized by the DOST-SEI and facilitated by experts from ThinkLab Philippines and Acer Taiwan’s Kevin Chuang. Participants experienced hands-on training on Arduino digital and analog system and Acer Cloudprofessor, the innovative platform that will power all imake.wemake projects. Each team also received free Acer Cloudprofessor kit, sensor expansion pack, and toolbox.

The teams are given three months to build and test their projects. They will convene again in December for the Final Presentation and Awarding Ceremony where top three teams will win P50,000 cash prize and the Youth Innovation Prize each.

Power Restored in 7 Provinces

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Latest reports from the Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER) led by the Department of Energy indicated that power has been restored in seven provinces hit by Typhoon Ompong. These are Pangasinan, Batanes, Batangas, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Quirino, and Zambales.

After visiting Cagayan on Sunday (16 September), DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi directed Undersecretaries Felix William B. Fuentebella, Alexander S. Lopez and National Electrification Administration(NEA) Administrator Edgardo R. Masongsong to attend the Cabinet Briefing for President Rodrigo R. Duterte in Benguet and conduct ground operations and inspections. They were tasked to fully mobilize and monitor the required personnel for the energy family’s response and restoration activities.

Based on the 9:00AM report of the Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER):

For the power generation sector, the National Power Corporation (NPC) – Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) reported normal operations as of 4:00AM today in the diesel power plant (DPP) areas of Batanes, (Basco, Itbayat, Sabtang) Isabela and Aurora (Maconacon, Casuguran). Meanwhile, DPPs in Calayan, Minabel & Balatubat, Kabugao, and Palanan are still being assessed.

NPC’s dam status report indicates that water-spilling operations were still on-going at the San Roque Dam, with the end of spilling operations forecasted to take place by Wednesday (19 September) evening.

On the other hand, NPC’s Ambuklao-Binga Flood Forecasting and Warning Service (FFWS) Dam Office has turned over the responsibility of its Spillway Gate Operations to SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAPB) since Ompong already left the Philippine Area of Responsibility; the accumulated 24-hour rainfall measured is less than 50millimeters; and the inflow at the Ambuklao Reservoir is less than 500 centimeters.

For the transmission sector, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported that as of 6:00AM, there is a total of 14 de-energized transmission lines in regions I, II, III, IV-A, VII, and CAR

NGCP also reported that transmission lines in Cagayan and Benguet are partially restored. There are currently on-going restoration activities in Apayao, while transmission facilities in other affected provinces have been normalized.

NGCP is continuing its aerial and ground patrols to inspect and assess the full impact of Ompong on its operations and facilities.

For the distribution sector, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) initially estimates the cost of damage on electric cooperatives (ECs) alone to be at Ph111, 085,986.00.

Eight ECs covering seven provinces have been fully restored, while 14 ECs remain up for restoration.

The regions being served by the following electric cooperatives are affected:

1.             ECs with ongoing restoration:

•     Region I (3 ECs) – INEC (Ilocos Norte), ISECO (Ilocos Sur), LUELCO (La Union with 4.2% restored)

•     Region II (5 ECs) – CAGELCO I and II (Cagayan), ISELCO I (parts of Isabela with 33.3% restored),
ISELCO II (parts of Isabela), NUVELCO (Nueva Viscaya with 14.3% restored)

•     CAR (5 ECs) – BENECO (Benguet), MOPRECO (Mountain Province), ABRECO (Abra), KAELCO
(Kalinga-Apayao), IFELCO (Ifugao)

•     Region III (1 EC) – AURELCO (Aurora with 88.9% restored)

2.             ECs fully restored:

•    Region I (1 EC) – PANELCO I and III (Pangasinan)

•     Region II (2 ECs) – BATANELCO (Batanes), QUIRELCO (Quirino)

•     Region III (2 ECs) – NEECO II-AREA I (Nueva Ecija), ZAMECO I (Zambales)

•     Region IV-A (2 ECs) – FLECO (Laguna), BATELEC II (Batangas)

In the areas served by the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), all circuit outages are completely restored.

MERALCO reported that there are still 15,000 to 20,000 customers or 0.23% to 0.30% of its total customers undergoing for restoration which are mostly on service drop or household levels within the franchise area.
 

In the oil industry, monitoring activities of oil companies indicate that as of 12:00PM yesterday (16 September), there is sufficient supply of petroleum products, with stocks ranging from 2 to 15 days, depending on the area.

The DOE reiterates the implementation of a price freeze in Cagayan, Abra, Benguet, Isabela and Mayoyao, Ifugao after said provinces have been put under a State of Calamity. The price freeze covers household LPG and kerosene products, which will be enforced for 15 days upon said announcement.

The DOE continues to assure the public that it remains committed in the monitoring and immediate restoration of power and energy facilities in areas hit by Typhoon Ompong.

A Response to Grab's Statement That the Government is to Blame for the TNVS Supply Crisis

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It has come to the attention of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) that GRAB has been sending its members/drivers an e-mail essentially blaming the government for what they call a “supply crisis.”

GRAB claims that the crisis stemmed from the “masterlist” of vehicles allowed to service passengers and the “supply cap” of 65,000. According to GRAB, out of this number, only 35,000 are on the road on a daily basis due to coding, part-time drivers, and other reasons. Further, GRAB is telling its members that the LTFRB has not acted on its proposal to increase the supply cap.

DOTr-LTFRB takes this opportunity to respond to the following issues raised in the email so that all stakeholders may be enlightened and be guided accordingly:

1. The so-called “Masterlist” was determined in consultation with the accredited TNCs at the time namely Grab, Uber and U-Hop, to which Grab conceded. The Masterlist  included Transportation Network Company (TNC) accredited TNVS that have been operating without valid franchises or Provisional Authority (PA), otherwise described are COLORUM vehicles. 

In order not to disrupt service, COLORUM TNVs were allowed to continue to get bookings in the meantime and accept passengers through the Grab system, their inclusion in the Masterlist gives them ‘temporary legitimacy,’ while they are given time to apply for a franchise. With the current number of TNCs servicing the TNVS already operating, among them Hype, Owto, GoLag and Epickmeup, service will not be adversely affected. More, two new TNCs – Hirna and Micab - are servicing the taxi service while several other TNCs whose applications are pending consideration.

2. The number coding scheme, which reduced the number of available cars on the roads of Metro Manila, did not come from LTFRB. In fact, it is the position of the agency that all public transport be exempt from the number coding scheme in order to be able to offer the riding public more public transport options and thus discourage the use of private vehicles.

3. Grab seems to confuse drivers with TNVS in determining supply. LTFRB issues franchises or Provisional Authority (PA) to TNVS for them to legally get bookings and accept passengers. Hence, if a TNVS with a PA or franchise cannot run because it does not have driver, it can find a replacement driver. 

4. Currently, LTFRB is accepting applications for TNVS franchises, even outside the Masterlist, contrary to the statement of Grab that TNVS allowed to apply for a franchise are limited to the Masterlist. In fact, LTFRB has just completed the online registration of 10,000 new cars in addition to the Masterlist, with plans to open registration for TNVS applicants for those slots in the masterlist which have become inactive.

We note Grab sharing its position on these issues in public notwithstanding the frequent, open and cordial dialogue with TNCs, including Grab. It makes us wonder however why Grab puts LTFRB on the spot, so to speak and in an uncomfortable position. As DOTr and LTFRB seek ways to expedite to complete the target of 65,000 TNVS with the required franchises, it is to Grab’s best interest to engage its own constituency and help clarify the issues.

Bayanihan Key to Effective Disaster Response in Typhoon Ompong Hit Areas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A day after typhoon Ompong made a landfall in the province of Cagayan, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade reported to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that the restoration and rehabilitation efforts of the DOTr in all affected airports, seaports and terminals are now underway.

 

During the Presidential Briefing held at the Cagayan Provincial Capitol today, 16 September 2018, Secretary Tugade estimates around PhP35 to 40 Million worth of damages incurred in infrastructure alone, primarily in Tuguegarao Airport.

 

Immediately after Ompong’s landfall, the Transportation Chief inspected Tuguegarao Airport, and found out that the baggage carousel area and other offices of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) were badly damaged. Meanwhile, the runway, ramp and other navigational equipment are all functional. Secretary Tugade said it will take until Tuesday for the Baggage X-ray scanner to be repaired or replaced.

 

While rehabilitation works are ongoing, Secretary Tugade requested from the public their patience and understanding. 

“Manu-mano po muna tayo sa pag inspeksyon ng mga bagahe kasi X-ray scanner ang nasira. Importante po iyan para sa security ng mga sasakay na pasahero pero gagawan po natin iyan ng paraan”, said Secretary Tugade.

 

The Transportation Chief likewise noted that there is a proposal to utilize Lal-lo and Cauayan Airport in case repairs at the Tuguegarao Airport will take longer than expected, with Point to Point buses to address inconvenience.

 

Meanwhile, reports coming in from Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) confirm that all seaports in the Northern Luzon area such as Curimao, Aparri, Batanes, Salomage and Sual among others reported no damage and are now operational.

 

Land transportation also immediately resumed leaving all bus terminals with a few to none stranded passengers.

 

Importance of Bayanihan and Pre-emptive Information

Amid adversity brought by Ompong, Secretary Tugade highlighted the importance of teamwork or “Bayanihan”. 

Tugade was tasked by President Duterte to oversee the planning, preparation and rehabilitation in Cagayan, the Secretary’s hometown.

 

It can be recalled that Secretary Tugade, along with DOLE Secretary Slvestre Bello III and Presidential Legal Adviser Francis Tolentino, prompted a regional command conference to adequately prepare the local government with the impending disaster.

 

“Mr. President, the decision to send us here is a very wise decision. Malaki po ang impact nito sa morale ng local government at ng mga tao kasi alam nilang nandito ang national government, naniniwala at sumusunod ang mga tao. Kahit nandiyan ang banta ng bagyo, laban lang kasi andito tayo”, Sec. Tugade said.

The DOTr Chief visited various evacuation centers in Cagayan where he was reunited with a relative from Claveria town. Though he empathizes with the plight of those who have to leave their homes, the secretary said it is the only way to value life and avoid casualties in times of disaster.

 

Secretary Tugade said, “Dapat ho ang evacuations centers natin kumpleto sa mga kagamitan at secured din.”

 

Secretary Tugade added the importance of pre-emptive information which was proven to be very helpful. He believes that if the public will be bombarded with timely information, they can efficiently organize themselves to safety.

 

“Silipin natin iyong anunsyo. How do we communicate? We care for our people and we want to save lives. Iyong compliance and obedience ng civilian population, iba ho. Sana iyong experience na ganyan can be replicated”, Secretary Tugade said.

 

Further, the private sector also extended their help. Local carriers such as Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines instantaneously offered a missionary flight which will enable rescue and relief operations reach Tuguegarao and other nearby provinces. Bus companies and other organizations offered the use of their vehicles to transport relief goods to affected areas.

Energy Facilities Damage Assessment and Restoration in Full Swing - Cusi

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi today (16 September) announced that the agency-led Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER) is now on full swing to assess the damage incurred and to respond to the energy needs of the areas hit by Typhoon Ompong. 

According to Sec. Cusi, the energy family mobilized its personnel to do a thorough assessment of the power and oil facilities affected by Typhoon Ompong.

Earlier, the DOE chief announced that immediate power restoration efforts are aimed at government institutions, particularly those involved in emergency response such as barangay halls and city centers, hospitals, evacuation centers, and other vital installations in the affected areas.

Based on the 12:00 noon report of the TFER:

On power generation, the National Power Corporation (NPC)-Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) reported that the diesel power plant (DPP) in Sabtang Island in Batanes incurred no damage and was restored at 8:39 a.m. today after line clearing of the Batanes Electric Cooperative (BATANELCO).

NPC-SPUG also reported that there are no operations on the following DPPs due to assessment, clearing and restoration activities: Cagayan and Apayao area (Calayan, Minabel & Balatubat, and Kabugao); Isabela and Aurora area (Palanan, Maconacon, and Casiguran).

NPC’s dam update indicates that water spilling operations were still on-going at the Ambuklao Dam with water level at 751.25 meters above sea level (masl) against normal high water level (NHWL) of 752masl, the Binga Dam with 574.83 masl vs. NHWL of 575masl, the Magat dam with 186.5 masl vs. NHWL of 193masl, the Maris dam with 103.22 masl vs. NHWL of 107.75 masl, and the San Roque dam with 287.15 masl vs. NHWL of 280 masl. Meanwhile, the Angat water reservoir has not opened its spill gates.

NPC makes certain that said discharges will not cause flooding in the flood warning zones, and are being most carefully conducted to maintain normal water levels in the reservoirs. 

For the transmission sector, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported that it restored 78% of affected transmission lines in Regions I, II and CAR. On-going restoration for the remaining 32% which services Abra, Apayao, Cagayan, Kalinga, Mt. Province, and parts of Isabela.

For the distribution sector, the National Electrification Administration reported that as of 8:00 a.m. Sunday, a total of 23 electric cooperatives experienced line trippings and damaged distribution facilities across Luzon.  Initial estimated cost of damage on electric cooperatives alone was at PhP100,600,000.00.

The regions being served by the following electric cooperatives (ECs) are affected: 

*ECs ongoing restoration:

• Region I (5 ECs): INEC (Ilocos Norte), ISECO (Ilocos Sur), LUELCO (parts of La Union), PANELCO I and III (parts of Pangasinan) 

• Region II (7 ECs): BATANELCO (parts of Batanes), CAGELCO I and II (Cagayan), ISELCO I and II (parts of Isabela), NUVELCO (Nueva Vizcaya) and QUIRELCO (Quirino Province)

• CAR (5 ECs): BENECO (Benguet), MOPRECO (Mt. Province), ABRECO (Abra), KAELCO (Kalinga-Apayao) and IFELCO (Ifugao)

*ECs are Restored:

• Region III (4 ECs): AURELCO (Aurora), ZAMECO I (Zambales), NEECO II-Area 1 and 2 (parts of Nueva Ecija) and TARELCO I (Tarlac). 

• Region IV-A (2 EC): BATELEC II (Batangas) and FLECO (Laguna) 

With existing EC resources such as personnel, available supply and materials, the following timeline is possible specially for INEC and CAGELCO II:

• Government and commercial centers within seven (7) days

• Main line within seven (7) days

• 80% of HH within three (3) weeks

• 100% of HH within one (1) month

• With minimal damage to the EC's distribution system in three-five (3-5) days period everything is restored

Under the areas served by the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), all circuit level outages are already restored. 

MERALCO reported that around 15,000 to 20,000 customers or 0.23% to 0.30% of its total customers are already undergoing restoration, mostly on service drop or household levels within the franchise area.

For the downstream oil sector, the DOE- Oil Industry Management Bureau’s states that based on its monitoring of the oil companies, there is sufficient supply of petroleum products, with stocks ranging from 2 to 15 days, depending on the area.

The DOE calls on oil industry dealers in flooded areas, or those who lack supply to report their status to OIMB Director Rino Abad at 09177057754 and OIMB Asst. Dir. Rodela Romero at 09175560750. 

For the implementation of price freeze, Cagayan province has already declared a State of Calamity. The declaration triggered the price freeze on household LPG and kerosene products which will be enforced for 15 days upon said announcement.

The DOE reminds the public to take extra precautionary measures in dealing with electrical appliances and components (wirings, sockets and downed posts, among others) to protect themselves from electrical hazards like electric shock or short circuit.

“The public’s safety and security is our primary concern. Let us all be vigilant and aware of what is happening in our surroundings. Let us all do our part in keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe,” Sec. Cusi concluded. 

PH Goes to Fukuoka Asian Film Market

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines is for the first time represented as a delegation to the Neo Cinemap Fukuoka Asian Film Market 2018 this September in Fukuoka, Japan. Led by the FDCP's Philippine Film Export Services Office (PFESO), the country is taking part in this market hub for professionals in the Asian film industry and projects in development.

The Philippine Film Export Services is hosting a country booth from September 18-19, 2018 at Nishitestsu Inn, Fukuoka featuring FilmPhilippines, the country's Location incentive program to promote the Philippines as a filming destination to foreign production companies and films from the Philippines that are looking for international sales and distribution in Japan and other Asian territories.

Featured Production Companies
Present Filipino production companies in the Market include TBA Productions, The IdeaFirst Company, VYAC Productions, Aim High Productions, and Man Overboard Productions which are showcasing their best films that are ready for distribution in Asian territories such as Birdshot, Bliss, Born Beautiful (in Post-Production), Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo, Distance, Dormitoryo, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, Heneral Luna, I’m Drunk I Love You, K’Na The Dreamweaver, Patintero: Ang Alamat ni Meng Patalo, Iisa, Gasping for Air, Smaller and Smaller Circles, SundayBeauty Queen, Tandem, Water Lemon, Women of the Weeping River.

"We're so proud that the Philippines is continually exposed to film markets which develops the industry side of our Cinema. These are exciting platforms for our filmmakers and producers to find audiences outside the Philippines and explore partnerships particularly here in Japan. Because of the continuous promotion of Philippine cinema here and the increasing opportunities to screen our films to Japanese audiences, some Filipino films like Die Beautiful, Ma Rosa and Birdshot found screening opportunities in commercial theaters here in Japan last year. Last August, Neo Manila (with ‘Midnight Assassins’ as its Japanese Title) had its Japan theatrical release in selected theaters as well. That’s a great start and we hope that the momentum continues here in Fukuoka," said FDCP Chairperson Liza Dino.

Project Pitching

Also happening is the Neo Cinemap Project Market, a co-production market where Filmmakers can present their ongoing project ideas and plans to meet possible co-producers or supporters for their projects.

Everybody Leaves by Phillis Grande and Alem Ang, and Daku Balay by Ria Limjap are the Filipino projects selected to be featured for pitching this year. A special requirement of this pitching is projects need to have elements of Japan and part of the requirement is shooting their films in the country.

Neo Cinemap Fukuoka Asian Film Market runs alongside the Focus on Asia Fukuoka Asian Film Festival from September 14-19, 2018 where the Philippines is this year's Country of Focus.

Guadalupe the Musical Opens on September 28

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A ghostly apparition… a skeptical bishop… a brutal overlord… a dying man brought back from the brink of death. The amazing story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patron Saint of the Philippines and the Americas, has been immortalized in an all-new musical premiering at 8:00 pm on September 28, 2018 at the Meralco Theater. The show runs until October 14, Fridays through Sundays at 8:00 pm, with Saturday and Sunday matinées at 3:00 pm.

Directed by Baby Barredo and produced by Julie Borromeo, theater legends both, the highly anticipated GUADALUPE: THE MUSICAL is based on the mysterious, world-changing events that occurred in 1531 in New Spain, or present-day Mexico. The all-original English-language musical, which was created by award-winning artists Joel Trinidad (book and lyrics) and Ejay Yatco (music), is a sweeping theatrical epic that uses history as a backdrop for a uniquely inspiring tale that will appeal to theater-lovers everywhere—regardless of their religious beliefs. Joining the creative team are the aforementioned Julie Borromeo and Rose Borromeo (choreography) Mio Infante (scenic design), John Batalla (lights), Rards Corpus of Soundcheck (sound design), and Celia Diaz-Laurel (costumes), all top professionals of their respective fields.

The World Premiere of GUADALUPE: THE MUSICAL is sponsored by the Friends of Punlaan. In his triumphant return to the stage, Victor “Cocoy” Laurel plays the central role of Juan Diego, the humble Aztec mat-weaver who claims to see an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Sharing the stage with Mr. Laurel are theater stalwarts Lorenz Martinez, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez, Onyl Torres, and Miguel Vasquez, with Noel Rayos, Kyla Rivera, and the aforementioned Joel Trinidad covering various major roles. Joining them all are talented up-and-comers Arman Ferrer, Chaye Mogg, and Kuya Manzano; all part of a cast of more than thirty actors, singers, and dancers.

You may call 5771046 or 09175378313 to buy your tickets now. Tickets also available at TicketWorld at 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.