23rd PELÍCULA Spanish Film Festival: Opening Weekend!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




The PELÍCULA>PELIKULA Spanish Film Festival is back for its 23rd edition, celebrating the best of Spanish and Latin American cinema. Organized by Instituto Cervantes, the Festival will run from October 5 to 13, 2024, at the Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri-La Plaza, with a dynamic lineup of films and special events throughout the opening weekend.



The Festival kicks off on October 5 with the highly anticipated screening of Pablo Berger’s award-winning animated film Robot Dreams at 7:30 PM. This heartwarming film tells the story of a lonely dog who orders a robot to be his companion. The film, which premiered at Cannes and was shortlisted at the latest Oscar Awards, has garnered critical acclaim. Prior to the opening film, audiences can enjoy the screening of Fuenteovejuna at 4:30 PM, a film adaptation of Lope de Vega's iconic play.



On October 6, the festival offers a free animation workshop for Kids with Spanish filmmaker Mario Torrecillas at 10:00 AM. This will be held at the grand atrium of Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong.



On October 6, the screenings kick off with Carmen at 2:30 PM, a flamenco-infused adaptation of Merimée's classic tale, where the passionate Carmen's quest for freedom clashes with her lover Don José's jealousy. At 5:00 PM, 7 mesas de billar Francés follows Angela, who revives her late father's billiard hall while navigating personal loss and financial challenges. The day concludes with La llegada (Upon Entry) at 7:30 PM, a tense drama about a couple detained at Newark airport and interrogated by border agents who suspect they may be hiding something.



Audience members are invited to enjoy the festival’s bonus program: for every 5 films attended, they will receive exclusive merchandise from Instituto Cervantes de Manila. Film lovers can collect stamps on their Película ballots at each screening to earn their rewards!



And the coming week is also promising! On Monday, October 7, at 1:00 PM, Mario Torrecillas will deliver his talk From Comics to Film, which will discuss his work as a comic author and his experience of adapting comics to cinema. And then, at 2:30 PM, he will present the film Loli Tormenta (2023), of which he wrote the script.



On October 8, Tuesday, don't miss the Q&A session with Luis Roca and Marta de Santa Ana, the director and producer of the documentary Benito Pérez Buñuel, who will engage in a discussion with She Andes, a documentary filmmaker from Mapúa University School of Media Studies. This is an exciting opportunity to explore the nuances of documentary filmmaking and engage with the creative minds behind the work.



The 23rd edition of PELÍCULA>PELIKULA is presented by Instituto Cervantes de Manila, Embajada de España en Filipinas, Shangri-La Plaza, and Red Carpet Cinemas. The festival is held in collaboration with MTRCB, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Teatro Real, Embajada Argentina en Filipinas, Embassy of Brazil in Manila, Embajada de Colombia en Filipinas, University of the Philippines Film Institute, De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, CMB Film Services Inc., University of the Philippines Department of European Languages, Far Eastern University - Institute of Arts and Science, Ateneo de Manila University - Modern Languages, Meridian International College, CIIT College of Arts and Technology, Mapua University School of Media Studies, i-Academy Makati, Asia Pacific Film Institute, Kinoise PH, and SINEGANG PH. The Festival is proudly sponsored by Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc., Arthaland, Ayala Corporation, BOYSEN, Fundador, Terminal Six, and Barcino.



All screenings are free of charge, and films will be shown in Spanish (or their original language) with English subtitles.



For more information and updates on the festival, including the full schedule, please visit the Instituto Cervantes de Manila website at https://manila.cervantes.es or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila .

AgriLink FoodLink AquaLink: Inspiring the People to become Self-Sustaining Agri-preneurs

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Agricultural and Industrial Trade Expo at the World Trade Center

The much-anticipated Agricultural and Industrial Trade Expo also known as AgriLink FoodLink AquaLink, is ongoing at the prestigious World Trade Center, featuring prominent experts from across industries. This multi-day event promises an exciting mix of seminars, panel discussions, and keynote presentations to address vital sectors such as agriculture, technology, and industrial innovations in the Philippines.

Day 1: Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony commenced with the National Anthem sung by the Tourism Chorale. Following the anthem, Mr. Roselino C. Reyes, Chairman of the Coconut Association of the Philippines, Inc.,  gave the welcome remarks. The ceremony also had

 the introduction of the keynote speaker by Mr. Roselino O. Perez, Director of the Federation of Rural Local Governments (FRLG).

Keynote Speaker: Hon. Cynthia Villar, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, was represented by her daughter Representative Camille Villar, who graced the event as the keynote speaker. Her speech focused on the strategic roles of agriculture and industrial developments in national growth, highlighting the Senate’s legislative agenda in these sectors.

Seminars and Special Events

A series of seminars will run throughout the expo, covering a wide array of topics:

Advancements in Aquaculture and Fisheries

This seminar will discuss technological innovations in sustainable fish farming practices, vital for ensuring the growth and stability of local fisheries.
Speaker: Industry experts from Philippine Fisheries Research Center and international representatives.


Agricultural Machinery for Modern Farming

The future of farming lies in mechanization. Experts will showcase new machinery designed to boost agricultural productivity and reduce labor costs.

Speaker: Mr. Shin Chi Kim, Chairman of the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO), will discuss global advancements in machinery and technology.



Export Prospects for Philippine Agricultural Products

This session will explore opportunities and challenges faced by local producers when penetrating the international market. It will focus on products such as coconut, rice, and tropical fruits.
Speaker: Representatives from the Department of Agriculture and export agencies.

Ribbon Cutting and Exhibit Tours

Camille Villar le the ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially opening the exhibits. Attendees will have the chance to visit the booths of top exhibitors showcasing innovative products, services, and technologies related to agriculture, fisheries, and industrial development.

Tour of Exhibits:
Expo visitors can explore numerous booths, interact with industry leaders, and gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment.

Special Highlights

Interactive Exhibits: Hands-on demonstrations of new farming technologies.

Networking Opportunities: Business matching sessions for B2B partnerships.
Cultural Showcases: A glimpse into traditional Filipino agriculture through exhibits and performances.

This is a comprehensive look at the event from the materials, with engaging activities for industry leaders, farmers, and policymakers alike. Participants can expect valuable insights into the future of agriculture and industrial sectors, with networking opportunities to foster innovation and collaboration. ​​


Day 2: Empowering Farmers and Industry Players Through Knowledge Sharing

Day two of the expo will offer a deeper dive into specific aspects of agricultural development, focusing on the tools and practices necessary to sustain growth in this vital sector. A series of targeted seminars and panel discussions will tackle pressing issues and explore potential solutions, making this a key day for attendees looking to expand their knowledge and apply new strategies to their practices.

Key Sessions:

Sustainable Farming Practices for the 21st Century This seminar will focus on sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices that are crucial to maintaining soil health, reducing carbon footprints, and ensuring long-term profitability for farmers.

Speaker: Experts from the Department of Agriculture and leading environmental scientists will present strategies such as crop rotation, organic fertilizers, and water management techniques to preserve natural resources while increasing yields.


Agribusiness in the Digital Age The advent of digital tools and technologies has revolutionized the way agriculture operates. This session will highlight the digital transformation in farming, from precision agriculture using GPS and drone technology to blockchain applications for transparency in supply chains.

Speaker: Representatives from Agri-Tech Innovations will showcase cutting-edge digital tools that can empower small-scale farmers to become competitive in a global market.


Agricultural Financing and Investment Opportunities Access to capital is one of the biggest challenges facing farmers today. This seminar will cover financial support options available to the agricultural sector, including government subsidies, loans, and private investment opportunities.

Speaker: Roselino O. Perez, FRLG Director, will introduce local and international investors, while government officials from the Department of Agrarian Reform will outline the benefits of national agricultural development programs.


The Future of Filipino Food Exports The global demand for Filipino agricultural products is growing. This session will provide valuable insights into navigating international markets, meeting export standards, and overcoming logistical challenges for products like rice, coconut, and tropical fruits.

Speakers: PhilExport officials and successful exporters from leading agricultural firms.

Day 3: Special Events and Industry Showcases

The final day will focus on special events and product showcases, allowing attendees to see firsthand the newest technologies, innovations, and solutions driving the agricultural sector forward. A special panel will focus on climate-resilient agriculture and innovative ways to mitigate the impact of climate change on crops and livestock production.

Highlights:Agricultural Products Showcase: Exhibitors will highlight the latest agricultural products and techniques that are transforming the landscape of farming in the Philippines.
Innovations in Livestock Management: A seminar focusing on improved livestock farming techniques, highlighting how new feeding and breeding practices are increasing the yield and quality of animal products.

Closing Ceremony: The event will conclude with a celebration of the most innovative exhibitors and partners. Awards will be given to businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing the agricultural and industrial sectors.

A Roadmap to Agricultural and Industrial Prosperity

This year’s Agricultural and Industrial Trade Expo will be a pivotal event for anyone invested in the future of the Philippines' agribusiness sector. The event promises to provide a wealth of knowledge, access to cutting-edge technology, and ample networking opportunities. Whether you’re a farmer, investor, policymaker, or industry professional, the event will serve as a platform for creating meaningful change and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in agriculture and industrial development.

By addressing crucial issues such as sustainability, financing, digital transformation, and global export challenges, the expo sets the stage for a brighter future for Filipino farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs. As attendees leave with new insights, partnerships, and solutions, the vision of an empowered agricultural sector will be one step closer to reality.

Regrounding: Celebrating Creativity at the 5th LIKHA Art Fair

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As the vibrant colors of creativity come to life, the 5th LIKHA Art Fair invites you to reconnect with your artistic roots on October 5-6, 2024, at the beautiful Cafe Salvacion Campsite Grounds in Dasmarinas City. 

This year's theme, "Regrounding: Going Back To Our Roots," serves as a heartfelt reminder of the importance of our origins in shaping the stories we tell through art.

Presented by Astrolikha, an organization devoted to nurturing emerging creatives, and supporting the arts, the LIKHA Art Fair has blossomed into a cherished event within the local arts community. It’s a space where artists and art lovers can gather to celebrate talent, share experiences, and inspire one another.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose sight of where we came from. "Regrounding" is more than just a theme; it’s a call to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the essence of who we are as artists. 

At its core, the LIKHA Art Fair embodies the spirit of coming home—home to the stories that molded our creative visions, home to the communities that nurtured our dreams, and home to the unspoken bond that ties each of us to the broader narrative of human expression. It is this reconnection that breathes life into the pieces we create, reminding us that every stroke, every lyric, every photo, every performance, every sculpture carries a piece of our history and our truth.

For Astrolikha, "Regrounding" is deeply personal. As an organization, we have seen firsthand how powerful it can be to revisit our roots, not just as individuals but as a collective. The 5th LIKHA Art Fair is a testament to this journey—a shared celebration of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we hope to go. By fostering an environment that encourages reflection and community, we aim to inspire both emerging and established creatives to draw strength from their foundations and take bold steps toward the future. 

This is more than just an art fair; it’s a space where stories are rediscovered, passions reignited, and new connections made. Together, we honor the past as we create the future of art.

Over two days, attendees can immerse themselves in a lively atmosphere filled with art, music, camping, food, coffee, a mini-concert, bonfires, an art market and storytelling.

Whether you’re an artist showcasing your work or a visitor eager to explore, there’s something for everyone. With a One-Day Pass available for just PHP 150 and an Overnight Pass for PHP300, participating in this celebration of creativity has never been more accessible.

This year marks a significant milestone for Astrolikha as they celebrate five years of empowering artists and fostering community. “We’re excited to honor our roots while inspiring the next generation of creatives. We want to make this a personal undertaking not only for us but to the rest of the art community. It's a way for us of giving back and saying thank you to the stories, people, and experiences that shaped us and the organization,” shares Martin Resplandor, Coordinator for Internal Affairs and Board Member of Astrolikha.

“Let’s come together to imagine bigger and cultivate creativity.”

So, gather your friends and family and join us for a memorable weekend. Experience the warmth of our creative community, engage with diverse art forms, and revel in the stories that unite us. The 5th LIKHA Art Fair promises to be more than just an event; it’s a celebration of passion, inspiration, and the incredible journey of art.

Mark your calendars, and don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with fellow creatives. For more details and ticket information, visit their facebook and instagram pages and follow them on social media @Astrolikha. 

#ImagineBigger

Let’s reground ourselves in creativity together.

By: Martin Resplandor Jr.