Blessed Carlo Acutis Beatified as Saint

Holiness is possible even in our modern time! 

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Meet Blessed Carlo Acutis. 

He owned a PlayStation.

He wore Nikes. 

He theoretically could have looked at memes. 

He just went on his way to sainthood. 

It’s official, Carlo Acutis is a Blessed! Agostino Cardinal Vallini proclaimed the Solemn Formula of Beatification for the Italian teenager best known for documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world and cataloguing them all onto a website: Ora pro nobis.

Hundreds came to pay tribute. His parents and siblings attended the ceremony and his heart was presented as a relic.

The Catholic Church now has a millennial Blessed who loved Super Mario, Pokémon, and above all the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. 

Born in London to Italian parents and moved back to Italy as a child. As a kid, he stood up for special needs friends being bullied at school. Computer whiz, gamer, wrote websites and catalogued eucharistic miracles.

He loved soccer, computer programming and had a deep devotion to the Eucharist. He was inspired by Blessed James Alberione to use the media for goodness and truth! 

There is a stunning sunset over Assisi after the beatification of Carlo Acutis. 

The first millennial to become "Blessed"! His life witnesses to the very real possibility of being holy in the digital age. Discover how his life answers modern questions about holiness.

This photo is objectively hilarious but it also makes me realize in a profound way how the possibility of sainthood is an ever present reality. I love the idea of gamer saint, and I also believe I will have a genuine devotion to the Blessed Carlo Acutis. 

Images of Carlo Acutis are everywhere you turn in Assisi this weekend.

I love that in all of these images Our Lord Himself is emphasized. That's the way Carlos would like it. All the saints lead us to Christ. All the saints with St John the Baptist say, "He must increase, I must decrease"

Carlo Acutis, a young man who documented Eucharistic miracles was beatified. A great example of a faith filled young person emphasising the centrality of the Eucharist, the ‘summit and source’ of our faith.

Blessed Carlo Acutis’ devotion to the Eucharist and life of heroic virtue show us holiness can be pursued in any time and at any age. We are all called to be saints. 

He died of leukemia in 2006 at age 15,  and was placed on the path to sainthood after the Vatican ruled he had miraculously saved another boy's life.

After Carlo died, his mother said he appeared to her in a dream and told her she would have two more children.  Four years after his death, Carlo's mother became pregnant with twins at age 44.   

Carlo Acutis had a nanny. His name is Rajesh. Rajesh was a Hindu. A deep friendship formed between him and Carlo to the point that the man converted to the Catholic faith. Rajesh recounts: Carlo "communicated to me and electrified me with his faith, his charity, and his purity" 

"To always be close to Jesus, that's my life plan." — Carlo Acutis

A pretty good one, if you ask me.

They had a beautiful Beatification Mass for him. Envious he is recognized.

If he can do it we also can. Daily reminder to strive for holiness, there’s nothing else out there for us, just Heaven. 

Carlo Acutis is declared Blessed by the Church. 

We do not know the day nor the hour. Let us be like Carlo and live for God so that one day we may join him in heaven. 

Carlo Acutis pray for us.

#BeatoCarloAcutis 

FDCP Unveils 10 Premium Films for Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino, PPP4 to Screen at least 145 Titles

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A total of 14 sections, including a Lav Diaz special screening and a free short films showcase, comprise this year’s PPP online edition

It’s a gathering of almost anything and everything Filipino in the 4th edition of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) that features at least 145 titles — 67 full-length films and 78 short films.

 

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), as organizer of the PPP, extends the call for inclusion in the film industry as evidenced by the PPP4 poster that enjoins all stakeholders to “Sama All!” from October 31 to November 15.

 

The poster’s key elements represent films from the online festival’s 14 sections: PPP Short Films, Romance, Youth & Family, Classics, PH Oscar Entries, Genre, Bahaghari, Tribute, From the Regions, Documentaries, PPP Retro, Special Screenings, CineMarya, and PPP Premium Selection.

National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik in a still from his film “Ang Lakaran ni Kabunyan: Kabunyan’s Journey to Liwanag”

The 10 distinguished Premium Selection titles

 

Films that have never been released to the Philippine audience or had a limited release in the country comprise the esteemed Premium Selection section. National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik leads the Premium Selection roster with “Ang Lakaran ni Kabunyan: Kabunyan’s Journey to Liwanag.”

 

Two classic ‘80s films are part of the pack: “Batch ‘81” by Mike de Leon, which had the late Marichu Vera-Perez Maceda as executive producer and the late Mark Gil as the lead actor, and the restored version of “Brutal” by the late Marilou Diaz-Abaya from the FDCP’s Philippine Film Archive. Amy Austria, Charo Santos-Concio, and Gina Alajar headline “Brutal” along with the late Johnny Delgado and Jay Ilagan.

 

“The Helper” by Joanna Bowers is a documentary on Filipino and Indonesian domestic workers in Hong Kong while “Itoshi No Irene (Come On, Irene)” by Keisuke Yoshida is a live action manga series adaptation starring Ken Yasuda and Nats Sitoy that had an international premiere at the 2018 Busan International Film Festival.

 

Also included are Glenn Barit’s “Cleaners,” the Best Film in the Asian New Wave Competition of the 2019 QCinema International Film Festival, and Vincent Soberano’s “Blood Hunters: Rise of the Hybrids.” The 2019 Urban Action Showcase International Action Film Festival Best Action Film and Best Martial Arts Film stars Soberano with Sarah Chang, Roxanne Barcelo, and Monsour del Rosario.

 

Three entries to the 2020 Sinag Maynila Film Festival round up the Premium section list: “He Who Is Without Sin” by Jason Paul Laxamana starring Elijah Canlas and Enzo Pineda, “Kintsugi” by Lawrence Fajardo starring JC Santos and Hiro Nishiuchi, and “The Highest Peak” by Arbi Barbarona starring Dax Alejandro and Mara Lopez. 

CineMarya puts the spotlight on Filipino women

 

Another special PPP4 section will premiere the final 12 short films of the CineMarya Women’s Film Festival, an initiative of the FDCP in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Quezon City Film Development Council, and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). CineMarya challenges Filipino filmmakers to create women-centered short films that aim to empower women and men alike to propagate gender sensitization. 

 

The Luzon finalists are “Dad-aan Na (Her Walks)” by Julius Lumiqued, “Super-Able” by Arjanmar Rebeta, “Night Shift” by Mariel Ong, and “Dalaginding na si Isang” by Nigel Santos while those from the National Capital Region (NCR) are “Noontime Drama” by Kim Timan and Sam Villa-Real, “She’s Perfect” by Jochelle Casilad, “Hakab” by Mel Aguilar-Maestro, and “Super Woman” by Angela Andres.

 

“Winged Dreams to the Blue Heavens” by Aimee Apostol-Escasa and “Binakol sa Dahon” by Gary Tabanera hail from Visayas and “Ola” by Mijan Jumalon and “Adira” by J.I. Hamid come from Mindanao. The 12 finalists each received seed money worth PHP 100,000 and they underwent mentorship at the Cinemarya Film Lab & Pitch in October 2018, Cinemarya Story Development Lab in December 2018, and Cinemarya Editing Lab in February.

 

Not only does CineMarya have its own PPP4 section, it will also hold events such as talkback and panel sessions. The CineMarya Awarding Ceremony in November will give out the following awards with corresponding cash prizes: Best Film, Best Director, Jury’s Choice, Best Screenplay, and other special awards.

A grand showcase of Philippine short films

 

In PPP Short Films, audiences will be treated to 66 free titles from the FDCP’s Sine Kabataan Short Film Competition and 21 regional film festivals. The featured Sine Kabataan past entries are “Sa Unang Araw ng Pasukan” by Arjen Manlapig, “Bato Bato Pik” by Lorys Plaza and Jaq Sanque, and “Kalakalaro” by Rodson Suarez.

 

The Luzon shorts are from CineKabalen: The Kapampangan Film Festival, North Luzon Film Festival, SINEliksik: Bulacan DocuFest, and Urduja Film Festival in Pangasinan while the Visayan shorts are from Binisaya Film Festival in Cebu, CineKasimanwa: The Western Visayas Film Festival and Bantayan Film Festival in Iloilo, Sine Negrense: Negros Island Film Festival and Bakunawa Film Festival in Bacolod, Margaha Film Festival in Sagay, and Lutas Negros Oriental Film Festival in Dumaguete.

 

The Mindanao shorts hail from cineANIMO Ozamiz Short Film Festival, Cine de Oro Film Festival in Cagayan de Oro, Davao Ngilngig Film Festival, Festival de Cine Paz Mindanao in Zamboanga, Mindanao Film Festival, Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition (NABIFILMEX), Salamindanaw Asian Film Festival and Sundayag Film Festival in General Santos City, SineBugsay: Caraga Region’s Film Festival, and Northern Mindanao Film Festival.

A call for solidarity during the pandemic situation 

 

The “PPP4, Sama All!” slogan is not just for filmmakers but also for audiences so that they may appreciate Philippine Cinema and help in the FDCP’s goal of providing support to the film industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic. All proceeds from the sales of PPP Festival Passes will go to the producers involved.

 

“This year’s PPP may be different, but I assure that it will continue to celebrate the heritage and potential of our film industry by spreading the love for Philippine Cinema. The festival will also promote solidarity because ultimately, PPP 4 is one way to help sustain the Filipino film industry in light of the pandemic’s devastating effects,” stated FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño. 

 

Aside from QCinema, Sinag Maynila, Sine Kabataan, and CineMarya, PPP4 also features titles from various producers as well as from Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, CineFilipino Film Festival, and ToFarm Film Festival. The Special Screenings section will show “Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon” by Lav Diaz. 

 

PPP4 will be held from October 31 to November 15 on the FDCPchannel.ph platform. The Early Bird Rate worth PHP 450 for the 16-day Full Run Pass (PHP 599) is available until October 15 only. Other subscription options are the Half Run Pass (PHP 299) for eight days, Day Pass (PHP 99), and Free Pass (for short films and public events). Discounts will be available beginning October 16 for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens (20%) and students (30%).

 

For updates on additional PPP4 titles and other information, visit FDCPchannel.ph or facebook.com/FDCPPPP.

 

The PPP4 Festival Lineup as of October 8, 2020:

 

PPP Premium Selection

 

• “The Helper” by Joanna Bowers

• “Blood Hunters: Rise of the Hybrids” by Vincent Soberano

• “Brutal” (restored) by Marilou Diaz-Abaya

• “Cleaners” by Glenn Barit

• “Itoshi No Irene (Come On, Irene)” by Keisuke Yoshida

• “Ang Lakaran ni Kabunyan: Kabunyan’s Journey to Liwanag” by Kidlat Tahimik

• “He Who Is Without Sin” by Jason Paul Laxamana

• “Kintsugi” by Lawrence Fajardo

• “The Highest Peak” by Arbi Barbarona

• “Batch ‘81” by Mike de Leon

 

Special Screenings

 

• “Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon” by Lav Diaz

 

Romance

 

• “Sakaling Hindi Makarating” by Ice Idanan

• “Moments of Love” by Mark Reyes

• “Ulan” by Irene Villamor 

• “Never Not Love You”  by Antoinette Jadaone

• “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw” by Joyce Bernal

• “Una Kang Naging Akin” by Laurice Guillen

• “Mga Mister ni Rosario” by Alpha Habon

 

Youth & Family 

 

• “Pepot Artista” by Clodualdo del Mundo, Jr.

• “Family History” by Michael V.

• “1st Sem” by Dexter Hemedez and Allan Ibañez

• “Edward” by Thop Nazareno

• “Dayo” by Robert Quilao

 

Classics

 

• “White Slavery” by Lino Brocka

• “Genghis Khan” by Manuel Conde

• “Manila by Night” by Ishmael Bernal

• “Balikbayan #1: Memories of Overdevelopment Redux VI” by Kidlat Tahimik

• “Ang Panday” by Fernando Poe, Jr.

 

PH Oscar Entries

 

• “Ma’ Rosa” by Brillante Mendoza

• “Verdict” by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez

• “Sa Pusod ng Dagat” by Marilou Diaz-Abaya

• “Saranggola” by Gil Portes

 

Genre

 

• “Alpha: The Right to Kill” by Brillante Mendoza

• “Instalado” by Jason Paul Laxamana

• “Abomination” by Yam Laranas

• “Dyamper” by Wes de Guzman

• “Jose Rizal” by Marilou Diaz-Abaya

• “El Presidente” by Mark Meily

• “In Nomine Matris” by Will Fredo

 

Bahaghari

 

• “Akin ang Korona” by Zig Dulay

• “Billie and Emma” by Samantha Lee

• “Ned’s Project” by Lemuel Lorca

• “Ang Huling Cha Cha ni Anita” by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo

• “Rainbow’s Sunset” by Joel Lamangan

 

Tribute

 

• “Deathrow” by Joel Lamangan (for Eddie Garcia)

• “Adela” by Adolfo Alix, Jr. (for Anita Linda)

• “Insiang” by Lino Brocka (for Mona Lisa)

• “Muro-Ami” by Marilou Diaz-Abaya (for Marilou Diaz-Abaya)

• “Filipinas” by Joel Lamangan (for Armida Siguion-Reyna)

• “Sonata” by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes (for Peque Gallaga)

 

From the Regions

 

• “Tanabata’s Wife” by Charlson Ong

• “Ang Daan Patungong Kalimugtong” by Mes de Guzman

• “Baboy Halas (Wailings in the Forest)” by Bagane Fiola

• “Tu Pug Imatuy” by Arbi Barbarona

• “Magkakabaung” by Jason Paul Laxamana

• “Ari: My Life with a King” by Carlo Catu

• “Salvi: Ang Pagpadayon” by TM Malones

 

Documentaries

 

• “Nick and Chai” by Cha Escala and Wena Sanchez

• “Lugta Ke Tamama (Land from God)” by Kevin Piamonte

• “The Search for Weng Weng” by Andrew Leavold

• “God Bliss our Home” by Nawruz Paguidopon

• “Carving Thy Faith” by Hiyas Bagabaldo

 

PPP Retro

 

• “Pauwi Na” by Paolo Villaluna

• “Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus” by Dwein Baltazar

• “Star na si Van Damme Stallone” by Randolph Longjas

• “Paglipay” by Zig Dulay

• “Circa” by Adolfo Alix, Jr.

 

CineMarya

 

• “Dad-aan Na (Her Walks)” by Julius Lumiqued

• “Super-Able” by Arjanmar Rebeta

• “Night Shift” by Mariel Ong

• “Dalaginding na si Isang” by Nigel Santos

Share gifts that give back this holiday season with Panda Gifts 2020

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With the holiday season fast approaching, you may find yourself wondering what can serve as meaningful and purposeful Holiday gifts for your family and friends. If you want to give gifts that give back to the planet, then check out Panda Gifts 2020—a selection of eco-friendly items from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines that your loved ones will surely appreciate.

This year’s catalog features a variety of items that will not only spread the holiday cheer to your friends and family, but also contribute to building back a better planet for everyone. A portion of the proceeds for each product will be donated to the organization’s conservation initiatives. With a wide array of items to choose from, you are sure to find something for everyone in your holiday gift list.

Make the concept of sustainability trend with this year’s wide array of wearable options!

Introduce sustainability to your friends with this year’s variety of statement shirts to help bring awareness to various environmental issues, or choose from the fourteen different designs of the Endangered Stamps Collection tees exclusively designed in partnership with the Veterinary Student Achievers Society of the Philippines. For the pageant aficionado, the limited-edition shirt and mug by Miss Universe Philippines 2020 is your best bet. Complete the ensemble by adding a wildlife-inspired Bergel headwear, or get a tote bag for a handy carry-all.

With plastics being the top ocean pollutant, reducing unnecessary plastic usage by bringing your own reusable containers will surely go a long way!

Help reduce the use of unnecessary plastics by getting a sustainable alternative for your friends and family members! Aqua Carton and KeepCup products come in cute and trendy designs that are IG-worthy, while insulated tumblers from Corkcicle, Thermos, and Slique can keep your drinks hot or cold for long periods. For storage purposes, Stasher bags are a perfect choice! It’s a reusable option with the ease and convenience of plastic bags, with all sorts of sizes and colors that you can pick from too.

Help protect wildlife and their habitats by adopting plushies of iconic species that are perfect for kids and the young-at-heart!

Need something for the kids? Get silicone food bibs from Orange and Peach that come in designs featuring local wildlife species, or give them a cuddle-buddy with the Symbolic Species Adoption Plush Toy and Keychains, which can serve as a great companion that even those who are young-at-heart would love to have! 

Pamper your skin with these locally-produced MAGWAI personal care products!

For your friends who are into personal care products, MAGWAI Reef-Safe Sunscreen and Shampoo Bars are your best bet! The sunscreen is locally-produced and specially formulated to protect the ocean, as it protects us from the sun. The shampoo bars, which come in plastic-free packaging, can help keep your hair clean and can be used up to 80 washes. 

These gift cards from Sticker Street are a great way to share your love for the planet, and perhaps inspire a new conservation advocate!

By supporting WWF-PH’s conservation efforts through Panda Gifts, you will also get to choose a set of WWF gift cards from Sticker Street as a token of our appreciation. Inspired by the wonders of nature and featuring some of WWF’s iconic species, these gift cards are a great way to share your love for the planet in this special time of the year, and perhaps inspire a new conservation advocate!

Log on to http://wwf.org.ph to check out the full Panda Gifts 2020 Catalog for more information about this year’s roster of products. For bulk orders and inquiries, you may contact pandagifts@wwf.org.ph or call (0916) 284 1690.

This season of giving, consider giving gifts that give back. Together, we can #ChangeTheEnding for the people and the environment! 

Interested in co-branding or partnering up with WWF-Philippines? Contact Mr. Kent Rebultan, Brand and Innovative Partnerships’ lead at krebultan@wwf.org.ph.