Arcos takes oath as a Member of the Social Security Commission

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet today announced that labor leader Eva B. Arcos will be joining the Social Security Commission (SSC), the highest policy-making body of SSS, as one of its members for the fourth time.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed Arcos as a full-fledged Member of the SSC on April 18, 2024. She took her oath of office before Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, who also sits as an Ex-Officio Member of the SSC, on April 24, 2024.

Macasaet said that Arcos was previously appointed as an Acting Member of the SSC on March 23, 2023 and served in that capacity until her appointment as a full-fledged Member last month. She also served in the SSC in 2015 and 2016 as one of the three Workers’ Group Representatives.

Arcos is a member of several SSC committees, such as the Information Technology and Collection Committee, Risk Management and Investments Committee, Audit Committee, and Governance Committee. “Commissioner Arcos will continue to be critical in shaping the policies that govern the SSS," Macasaet said.

She completed her bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from the University of the Philippines Diliman, and has masteral studies in Labor Policy and Administration, and Psychology from the same university.

She obtained diplomas/certificates in the areas of labor, psychology, theology, and spirituality from various institutions such as Notre Dame University, Indiana, USA; Mexican American Cultural Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA; Turin International Training Centre, Italy; the Asian Productivity Organization and Iranian Productivity Organization, Tehran, Iran; Centro de Enseñanza para Extranjeros, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico; and International Institute – Histadrut, Israel.

Currently, she is also a member of the Global and Asia-Pacific IndustriALL Executive Committee and Women’s Committee.

Food Preservation Techniques – A Discovery Moment at Sheraton Manila Bay

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Step into Sheraton Manila Bay and be transported back in time to rediscover our local food preservation techniques. Three hundred years ago, Filipino cuisine looked quite different from what we enjoy today. Dishes like adobo existed back then but were known by a different name—adobado, meaning to marinate. Our food reflects how our culture has evolved over time. This coming May 23, Sheraton Manila Bay sets the scene and takes us hundreds of years back to an immersive experience of the rich tapestry of Filipino culinary heritage and traditional preservation methods, specifically discovering dishes from Southern Tagalog, Pampanga, Zamboanga, and Cordillera.

We will explore traditional alcoholic Filipino drinks such as Lambanog (local distilled palm liquor) and Basi (native Ilocano fermented liquor). In partnership with Limtuaco Distillery, renowned for its exquisite spirits, Sheraton Manila Bay will first take guests on a journey through artisanal cocktails as Distillery Limtuaco gives a brief explanation of what these two unique ingredients are and what cocktails can be made with these liquors as their base.

At the heart of this event lies a celebration of heirloom food preservation techniques from diverse regions, each contributing unique dishes that encapsulate centuries of culinary tradition. Imagine savoring the delicate flavors of "Pinais na Sugpo," featuring fresh prawns and young coconut enveloped in pechay and banana leaves, slowly cooked in coconut water and creamy coconut cream. This dish, hailing from Southern Tagalog, embodies the art of wrapping ingredients in natural materials to seal in flavors.

From the coastal kitchens of Zamboanga emerges "Bacalao in Saffron Ravioli," showcasing dried salted cod, olive oil, heirloom tomatoes, and locally sourced Malagos Ricotta cheese, all encased in homemade pasta. It's a fusion of Spanish and Filipino influences, reflecting the region's rich culinary history. Venturing into the highlands of Cordillera, guests will be treated to a unique twist on a Filipino classic with "Sinigang Pork Etag Burrito," where smoky pork belly meets Ifugao mountain rice, wrapped in warm flatbread—a comforting blend of textures and flavors.

Pampanga's culinary legacy shines through "Pindang Damulag," a dish featuring tender beef preserved in a flavorful marinade, served with moringa nachos and Davao's chevre-style cheese, creating a symphony of tastes that pay homage to local ingredients. And what Filipino culinary experience would be complete without a sweet finale? Indulge in "Halo-Halo de lloco," a delightful concoction of carabao milk, Bacnotan honey, cassava, saba banana, ube kamoteng kahoy, and young coconut—a true celebration of tropical flavors. The evening will be accompanied by an array of handcrafted cocktails, featuring indigenous spirits like Lambanog and Basi, creatively blended with local fruits and herbs. From the refreshing "Basi Spritz" to the intriguing "Nightcap" combining Basi, Liqueur de Cacao, and espresso, each cocktail is a tribute to Filipino craftsmanship.

Alongside Limtuaco Distillery, guests will also have the chance to sample and purchase products from La Comida Goa, our local partner. They have prepared products such as canned Laing, Bicol Express, and Sinantolan. Inspired by the love and cravings for local food, coupled with the desire to support and uplift the lives of people in Camarines Sur, La Comida Goa’s mission is to promote Bicolano culture through food that reminds them of home.

Join us this 23rd of May at Sheraton Manila Bay and discover Food Preservation Techniques.
Sheraton Manila Bay is a renowned hotel located at M. Adriatico corner Gen. Malvar Streets, Malate, Manila. The hotel offers luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining experiences, and state-of-the art facilities. With its commitment to providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable moments, Sheraton Manila Bay is the perfect destination for both leisure and business travelers. To reserve or book your room accommodations go to www.sheratonmanilabay.com. Sheraton Manila Bay is conveniently located at M. Adriatico corner Gen. Malvar Streets, Malate, Manila. Like us on Facebook and Instagram @sheratonmanilabay and follow us on Twitter at @sheratonmnlbay.

Filmmaker-prof named Bacolod filmfest director

Wazzup Pilipinas!

An award-winning filmmaker and longtime educator has been recently appointed by the Bacolod City Government as director of its film festival, set to be held this September in select cinemas in the city.

The Bacolod Film Festival Council (BFFC), chaired by Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez with Councilor Em L. Ang as co-chairperson, has designated Seymour B. Sanchez as filmfest director, as per Section 7 of City Ordinance 1061-2024.

Sanchez was recommended by legal consultant and film producer Atty. Josabeth “Joji” V. Alonso to the BFFC as “the best person to oversee and manage the festival.”

C.O. 1061-2024, also known as the Bacolod Film Festival Ordinance, is authored by Councilor Ang, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Committee on History, Culture and Arts, with councilors Cindy Rojas and Celia Flor as co-authors.

The Bacolod Film Festival Ordinance also provides for ten (10) filmmakers, whether producers, directors, or writers, who are bona fide residents of Bacolod City, to be given production grants worth 300,000 pesos each. Councilor Ang clarified the filmmakers do not need to shoot their entire film in the city.

Sanchez signed the memorandum of agreement with the BFFC at the office of Councilor Ang last May 3. The SP, with Vice Mayor El Cid M. Familiaran as presiding officer, has confirmed the appointment of Sanchez during its 96th Regular Session on the same day.

Apart from being an educator, who is now on his 20th year of teaching, Sanchez also served as head of publicity and promotions of the Cinemanila International Film Festival from 2004 to 2007, under the late filmmaker Amable “Direk Tikoy” Aguiluz VI, and filmfest director of the One La Salle Film Festival in 2018, under the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde film department headed by Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairperson and CEO Jose “Direk Joey” Reyes.

Sanchez has also worked as FDCP’s Technical Consultant for Academic Linkages or education consultant, judge and one-time jury chair of the Indie-Siyensya Science Filmmaking Competition organized by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute, mentor-judge of the SINEliksik Bulacan DocuFest, jury and selection committee member of the Manila Broadcasting Company Short Film Festival and Sinepiyu, jury of Sine Kabataan, CineMascian, Kingwagisnan Film Festival, and CineMapúa, and SELCOM member of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, Cinestudyante and Quisumbing-Escandor Film Festival for Health. He has also been a judge and speaker in other competitions, including the National Schools Press Conference, National Training of Trainers on Campus Journalism, Planting Seeds Workshops on Filmmaking, and SanayGuro Trainors’ Training.

His short film “Caretaker” won second prize in the short fiction category of the sixth CAM International Festival for Short Films in Cairo, Egypt, the Golden Philippine Eagle award and Best Actor for Rolando Inocencio in the third Singkuwento International Film Festival, and the Audience Choice Award in the Active Vista International Human Rights Film Festival. He was given the Film Ambassador Award by the FDCP for his “creativity and the global achievement of the film.” He also received the Maningning Outstanding Direction for the same film in the CineSB Film Festival: Special Edition. A shorter version of the film entitled “Katiwala” won the People’s Choice Award in the 2018 Freedom Mov_E Film Festival.

His first short film “Lababo” (Kitchen Sink) topped the 2007 Viva-Pinoy Box Office Digitales. His other film “Pagbugtaw” (Waking Up) bagged second place in the First Pambujan Pelikula Para sa Publiko National Short Film Festival and Competition. Another film “Shorts” won third prize in the Viva-PBO Digitales 2. His documentary “Sinulog for Beginners” placed second in the 2006 Sinulog Video Documentary Competition. Another documentary “Maria Leonor” was cited for its screenplay in the 3rd Dreamanila International Film Festival. His second full-length screenplay “Hiwaga” (Mystery), co-written with Christian Lacuesta, bagged the grand prize in the 59th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature.

Sanchez is one of the fellows of the 17th Lopez Jaena Community Journalism Workshop of the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication, 21st Iligan National Writers Workshop of the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, and 9th Palihang Rogelio Sicat of the UP Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas. He is also a graduate of the 3rd Produire au Sud workshop at the 6th World Film Festival of Bangkok, 14th Ricky Lee scriptwriting workshop, first Brillante Mendoza directing class, and the first Active Vista film and media for human rights advocacy workshop.