Cusi Sees More Energy Options for Consumers with Lower Tariff

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COMPETITIVE ENERGY INVESTMENTS: Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi on Thursday emphasized that the government is pursuing an innovative, competitive and sustainable energy environment by facilitating investments. Cusi announced this during his Keynote Address at the 29th Energy Investment Forum held on December 7, 2017 at the Makati Shangri-La. The investment forum is among the major programs in celebration of National Energy Consciousness Month (NECM).


Imagine more renewable energy (RE) players investing in the Philippines due to tariff as low as P3 per kilowatt hour compared to the feed-in tariff (FIT) rate of P9.680/kw first offered in 2012 to solar installation investors.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said today that Filipinos can stop imagining or dreaming about more affordable electricity costs as the Duterte administration opens up an era of competitive investments for energy.

In his keynote speech during the 29th Energy Investment Forum held at the Makati Shangri-La, Cusi said that the government is pursuing an innovative, competitive and sustainable energy environment in facilitating investments via lower tariffs.

“The P3/kw tariff is more than three times lower than the feed-in tariff rate that was considered under the past administrations. This development results to lower tariffs on energy that should translate to lower power rates for consumers,” said Cusi.

“Hence, the FIT era is over. It is now a question of how we can foster a RE industry that is competitive and affordable, as an alternative to conventional energy,” said Cusi.

The DOE chief highlighted environmental sustainability, energy security and energy equity as among the areas which regulators and investors alike should aim for in terms of energy development.

“The technology is available and the markets are awash with ‘green’ financing. Renewable energy needs to be a commercially viable option that is able to stand on its two feet without the crutches of subsidies as well as being an affordable solution for consumers. To continue the growth of the renewable energy sector, the DOE is laying down sound policies, including the implementation of Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) and the Green Energy Option Program,” said Cusi.

RPS mandates energy distribution utilities to source a minimum portion of their energy from eligible renewable sources, while the green energy option provides the power of choosing its energy supplier from renewable energy sources.

In achieving energy security, the DOE leads the implementation of Executive Order No. 30 which creates an Energy Investment Coordinating Council to speed up the processing and to de-stress regulations concerning energy projects of national significance.

“No longer will it take up to 3 years for bureaucrats to respond to a proposal for a project. Instead, these agencies must act on a proposal within 30 days, failure of which, the proposal is deemed approved,” said Cusi.

Cusi stressed that entire power system, including the transmission and distribution sectors, will play a critical role. Hence the DOE developed a Smart Grid Roadmap and Vision for 2040.

“The DOE established a clear policy direction to increase reliability reserves to 25%, for us to provide reliable, secure, sustainable and affordable energy to our people,” Cusi relayed.

He also cited the move to transform the country as the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) trading and trans-shipment hub in the Asia-Pacific region following the DOE’s issuance of the Philippine Natural Gas Regulation. This policy would govern the entry and development of LNG terminals and related facilities in the country.

On energy equity, the DOE mandated the national energy policy to be technology-neutral, banking on all technologies available to deliver secure and affordable power, while also meeting emission and environmental standards.

“We want energy projects to be completed at the soonest possible time to improve access and the power systems. As the President has promised, we want to achieve total electrification by the end of his term,” Cusi concluded.

DOE Intensifies PH Nuclear Energy Policy Study

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INTENSIFIED DISCUSSION ON NUCLEAR ENERGY PROGRAM: NEPIO Chairperson, Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos (center) led government officials during the nuclear workshop with the ROSATOM Experts. In the photo with Usec. Marcos and ROSATOM experts are DOE Dir. Angelina V. Manga, Amelia M. de Guzman, Asst. Secretary Gerardo D. Erguiza Jr., PNRI Dir. Carlo A. Arcilla and Dir. Patrick T Aquino. The nuclear workshop is an offshoot of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the ROSATOM and the DOE as the country endeavors to draft a position on a nuclear energy program.


The Department of Energy (DOE), in cooperation with the Department of Science & Technology (DOST) and with the technical assistance from the Russian Federation State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM), conducted a workshop at the Diamond Hotel in Manila on 11 December 2017 on the application and development of nuclear science and technology.

The goal is to enable the Philippines the option of adopting nuclear energy. The workshop is part of the Memorandum of Cooperation between ROSATOM and the DOE signed at the sidelines of the 12th East Asia Summit last 13 November.

The workshop focused on ROSATOM’s integrated solution covering new and emerging nuclear technologies, capacity building, and inputs in the formulation of policies addressing safety, technology development, as well as other uses of nuclear technology.

Specific topics included the knowledge sharing in building, operating and maintaining a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), the significance of Centers of Nuclear Science and Technologies, the introduction of Russia’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and VVER-1200 (from evolution, design, safety concerns and licensing), the development of nuclear science for medicine and irradiation and the enhancement of local industry involvement.

DOE Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos emphasized in his welcome speech delivered by Director Patrick T. Aquino that “the inclusion of nuclear as a potential long-term option for power generation will further diversify the nation’s generation mix, which currently comprises of coal, natural gas, geothermal, hydropower, oil, wind, biomass and solar.”

The energy official said “this policy direction allows for the entry of alternative energy technologies, such as nuclear.”

“The nuclear workshop supports the DOE’s aim towards a low-carbon future that is anchored on a technology-neutral policy. It is in line with the DOE’s nine-point agenda espoused by DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi,” Marcos pointed out.

Meanwhile, Director of the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla emphasized in his opening statement that “while nuclear energy applications have largely lifted humankind, safety concerns should not be neglected.”

According to Arcilla, “in order to promote safety, the comprehensive nuclear law, now in advanced stages in Congress, will guarantee independence of a nuclear regulatory commission separate from the promotion and research thrusts of the PNRI.”

The DOST official clarified that “while nuclear science is often equated with energy and weapon applications, the advantages of nuclear science presents a huge potential in helping the Philippines, in the fields of agriculture and medicine.”

DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi in his previous statements encouraged the public to participate in the dialogues and discussions towards decision and a national position on nuclear energy program. He consistently reminds the participants that safety is the top priority.

The seminar was attended by representatives from the DOE, National Power Corporation, DOST, PNRI, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Science and Technology Information Institute, and the technical staff of the Committee on Energy of the House of Representatives.



NUCLEAR E-DISKARTE: The nuclear energy workshop held at the Diamond Hotel in Manila on 11 December was attended by the DOE, National Power Corporation, DOST, Philippine Nuclear Institute, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Science and Technology Information Institute, and the technical staff of the House of Representatives Committee on Energy.

NBA All-Star Voting 2018 by Verizon to Tip Off with Early Voting Period Exclusively on NBA App and NBA.com

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Voting via all other channels, including Amazon Alexa for the first time, will launch on Monday, Dec. 25 at 11 a.m. ET before five Christmas Day matchups across ESPN, ABC and TNT.

Additionally, new for this season, five “2-for-1 Days” will allow fans to have their votes count twice on Dec. 31, Jan. 4, Jan. 11, Jan. 12 and Jan. 15 when voting through the NBA App and NBA.com, along with Sina Weibo and Tencent in China. All “2-for-1 Days” will be designated 12 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. ET.

TNT will reveal the All-Star Game starters, including the two captains, on Thursday, Jan. 18 during TNT NBA Tip-Off presented by Autotrader at 6 p.m. ET, featuring Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith. The network will announce the reserves, as selected by NBA head coaches, on Tuesday, Jan. 23 during TNT NBA Tip-Off at 7 p.m. ET.

The team rosters for NBA All-Star Game 2018 in Los Angeles will be revealed on Thursday, Jan. 25 during a special one-hour edition of TNT NBA Tip-Off at 7 p.m. ET. The 67th All-Star Game will be played at Staples Center on Sunday, Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on TNT.

Under a new All-Star Game format that replaces the traditional matchup between the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference, the team rosters will be chosen by two captains from the pool of players voted as starters and reserves. The captains, who will select the teams before TNT televises the results, will be the All-Star starter from each conference who receives the most fan votes in his conference.

For the second consecutive year, NBA players and basketball media will join fans in selecting the All-Star Game starters. Fans will account for 50 percent of the vote, while all current players and a media panel will account for 25 percent each.

Throughout the voting period, fans may submit one full ballot each day through the NBA App and NBA.com, post 10 total votes on Facebook, Google Search, Twitter and Amazon Alexa, as well as 10 total votes via Sina Weibo and Tencent. All current NBA players will be available for selection via all platforms.

Players and media will be able to complete one full ballot, featuring three frontcourt players and two guards each from both the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Players may vote for their teammates or themselves.

Fan voting updates will be shared on Thursday, Jan. 4 and Thursday, Jan. 11. Voting will conclude on Monday, Jan. 15 at 11:59 p.m. ET.


How to vote:

NBA.com voting page at NBA.com/vote: Fill out one full ballot per day (per day is defined as once every 24 hours) on NBA.com/vote from a desktop or mobile browser. Fans can select up to two guards and three frontcourt players from each conference when choosing starters. During the five “2-for-1 Days,” votes through this channel will be counted twice.


NBA App: Access the ballot and vote through the app, which is available on Android and iOS. Fans can fill out one full ballot per day, and select up to two guards and three frontcourt players from each conference when choosing starters. During the five “2-for-1 Days,” votes through this channel will be counted twice.


Facebook: Post the player’s first and last name along with the hashtag #NBAVOTE on your personal Facebook account. Each post may include only one player’s name. Fans may post votes for 10 unique players per day from Dec. 25 – Jan. 15.


Twitter: Tweet, retweet or reply with an NBA player’s first and last name or Twitter handle, along with the hashtag #NBAVOTE. Each tweet may include only one player’s name or handle. Fans may vote for 10 unique players per day from Dec. 25 – Jan. 15.


Google Search: Search “NBA Vote All-Star” or “NBA Vote Team Name” (i.e., NBA Vote Warriors) and use respective voting cards to select teams and then players. Fans may submit votes for 10 unique players per day from Dec. 25 – Jan. 15.


Amazon Alexa: To vote via Amazon Alexa, the user must have an Alexa-enabled device, and enable the “NBA All-Star” skill. To submit a vote, the user can open the skill with, “Alexa, open NBA All-Star,” and then request to vote for his or her player of choice. Voters can submit a maximum of one player name per request to Alexa. Users can submit votes for 10 unique players per Amazon account each day from Dec. 25 – Jan. 15.


· Sina Weibo and Tencent: To vote on Sina Weibo (weibo.com), the user must have a Sina Weibo account. To vote via Sina Weibo, voters must visit China.NBA.com/vote, and select up to 10 players. To vote on Tencent NBA community, the user must have a QQ account. To vote via Tencent NBA community, voters must visit China.NBA.com/vote, and select up to 10 players.

Maritime Sector to Activate “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos!: KAPASKUHAN 2017” Next Week

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In compliance with the directive of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade, the maritime sector is set to activate next week their contingency and security measures to ensure the safety and comfort of travelers during the Yuletide Season.

Dubbed as “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos!: KAPASKUHAN 2017”, the maritime sector – composed of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)—will strictly execute their respective contingency measures from Dec. 20, 2017 up to January 5, 2018.

Under the Oplan, maritime sector officials and personnel were directed to be on heightened alert status to ensure the safety and security of passengers, particularly those travelling by sea to spend the Holidays in their respective provinces.

According to DOTr Undersecretary for Maritime Felipe Judan, maritime personnel are expected to implement several safety measures and contingency plans such as activating the DOTr Passenger Assistance Counters, ensuring that all ships and other sea vessels are properly inspected, and all passengers, bags and cargoes are thoroughly inspected prior the boarding.

Maritime personnel were also directed to report in real-time and provide regular updates on the status of incidents via SMS or e-mail form to their superiors.

Further, Usec. Judan said that a consolidated written report on the occurrences/non-occurrences of incidents should be sent through e-mail to their superiors and immediate supervisors at 7 a.m. daily.

Authorities were likewise required to send out necessary public advisories such as safety tips, documentation requirements, prohibited items, and safety regulations at seaports.

Earlier, Secretary Tugade reminded transportation officials and personnel to assure not only the commuters’ security but also their comfort while in the various public transport hubs.

“May I once again reiterate the great importance of maintaining and assuring the safety, security and comfort of the riding passengers and the public. Accordingly, please continue implementing and improving our security and safety measures to protect people, facility, structures and equipment and the like,” Sec. Tugade said.

AXN Embarks on an Epic Journey in New Travel Show “Adventure Your Way” Featuring Atom Araullo

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Brand new original series hosted by TV personality Atom Araullo where viewers shape his experience via social media

AXN has added a fresh new reality series to its roster of top-rated original productions: Adventure Your Way, a weekly 30-minute travel show that explores new adventures in exciting destinations in the Philippines.

Unlike any other travel show, Adventure Your Way invites Pinoy viewers to shape the travel experience of popular host Atom Araullo by sharing their bucket lists via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (#AXNAdventureYourWay). From these crowdsourced ideas, Atom will embark on a one-of-a-kind mission around the country equipped with only his phone and social media to guide him. From sampling the local delicacies and meeting with the locals to discovering the most thrilling activities, Atom is completely in the hands of AXN fans.




Adventurous ideas for Atom, which could be crazy, cultural, epic or daring, can be submitted from today via AXN’s social platforms: AXN or Adventure Your Way Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

Atom Araullo is an award-winning TV personality and is regarded as one of the top program hosts in the industry. His most notable work is the documentary Warmer (Climate Change), which won the Bronze Medal in the World’s Best TV and Films category of the 2017 New York Festivals. Today, Atom continues to pursue his interest in documentary filmmaking.

Adventure Your Way will premiere in February 2018 first and exclusively on AXN.
Adventure Your Way is co-presented by Vivo Smart Phone, BDO, and Cherifer; and co-sponsored by Petron, Chevrolet, and Cebu Pacific.

AXN is available on Cablelink Channel 38, Cignal Channel 121, Destiny Cable Channel 49, Dream Satellite TV Channel 20, G Sat Channel 51, and SKYCable Channel 49. AXN HD is available on SKYCable Channel 247.

Sprout Solutions Supports Local Startup Community in PH Through a Series of Free Learning Sessions

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Sprout Solutions, the fastest-growing Filipino tech startup providing a complete suite of HR software tools specifically made for the Philippine business environment, gives back by supporting the country’s startup community through its series of free learning seminars called Sprout Academy.

Through this initiative, Sprout seeks to bring the Silicon Valley culture to the Philippines where there is a free exchange of ideas and best practices across industries.

“In 2015, Sprout was accepted by Acceleprise, a Silicon Valley enterprise SaaS accelerator; this made us see the importance of knowledge-sharing, especially among the local industry players and entrepreneurs,” said Patrick Gentry, Sprout Solutions CEO and Co-founder. “We believe that through events like Sprout Academy, we can contribute to the continuous growth of the local startup community.”

Recently, Sprout held the sixth leg of the series, which gathered more than 100 participants from the startup sector, as well as students and individuals who plan to put up their own business.







This time, the session focused on how entrepreneurs can unlock explosive growth for their company. Sprout’s very own Patrick Gentry, who was recently named 2017 Philippine Rice Bowl Startup Awards Founder of the Year, shared some of his personal experiences and feasible strategies for boosting their startup.

Gentry emphasized that one of the primary issues that entrepreneurs, especially starters, should consider is to solve a specific need.

“Some of the most successful startups are very specific in solving an existing pain point. But to achieve stable growth, you have to cultivate the solution you offer through constant experimentation. It also pays to invest in creating good relations with the people you work with, and banking on the right tools and technologies,” Gentry mentioned.

Aside from Gentry, the event was also graced by Ravi Agarwal, the CEO of engageSPARK and the man behind some of the most successful startups based in Boston in the US.

During his discussion, Agarwal talked about the benefits of investing in product innovation which should go beyond just meeting the needs of the customers but more importantly, sparking excitement by touching their unspoken needs.

Apart from Sprout Academy, the company also stages other free learning sessions like Innovate where HR practitioners come together every month to hear from industry experts and discuss different ways to improve the way HR is done in the country.

Sprout is also sponsoring the Philippines HR Group Summit 2017 with the theme, Transformational HR: Agile and Future Ready for the Millennials and Generation Z Workforce, happening on November 23.

To stay updated on the latest HR trends and to know more about Sprout Solutions, visit their website or their official Facebook page.

The Yamaha Club Riders Getaway Visayas

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Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc. continues to cultivate the culture of its riders with moments that strengthen their bond. The Riders Getaway was created for that exact purpose and is divided into different legs that include the 3 major regions of the Philippines.

The Visayas edition took 111 riders to Camp Campuestuhan Highland Resort where they enjoyed a day of fun filled activities. First it was an action filled competition in the ultimate frisbee battle. Then creativity was the name of the game for the ‘Baby Shark’ dance competition. Last but not the least, it was a total team effort for the relay that added extra difficulty because it was set on a foam swimming pool. The overall champions for the games was Team Gray and the MVP award was given to Mr. Noveh De Los Santos of All Mio Club Bacolod.

What makes this event extra special is the experience that can’t be replaced or replicated. Also, the miles ridden and relationships formed and revitalized will last beyond the ride. The Yamaha Rider’s Getaway will have its culminating trip on January as they head to Marawi for a mission that uplifts the Filipino Community.


THE PARTICIPATING CLUBS FOR THE RIDERS GETAWAY VISAYAS LEG:
All Mio Club

Bacolod
Iloilo
San Carlos
Escalante
Team Mio Soul i Negros
Sniper MX Owners Club Kabankalan
Mio Owners Republic Negros

Viral Sensation The Sacred Riana Crowned Winner of Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 on AXN

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Asia is spooked: After 10 riveting weeks and hundreds of acts from 15 countries, Asia has voted ‘possessed’ Indonesian illusionist The Sacred Riana as the winner of Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 on AXN.

The Sacred Riana, whose real name is Marie Antoinette Riana Graharani, has become the most anticipated act of the season. Her spooky persona and terrifying magic tricks during the judges’ auditions, semi-finals and grand final episodes collectively achieved over 70 million views on Facebook and YouTube, making her a global sensation.

The Sacred Riana faced serious competition in last week’s grand final show, and was up against the season’s most dynamic and popular acts including runner-up DM-X Comvalenos from the Philippines, Mongolian digital dance/artist Canion Shijirbat, Malaysia-based illusionist Sobhi Shaker, Indonesian harpist and singer Angela July, ADEM Dance Crew from Kyrgyzstan, ukulele child prodigy Feng E from Taiwan, beatboxer Neil Rey Gracia Llanes and Urban Crew both from the Philippines. Ultimately, it was The Sacred Riana who rallied the most votes to take home the grand prize of US$100,000, courtesy of presenting sponsor, Traveloka.

“The viewer response to Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 has been truly overwhelming on both pay-TV and social platforms and we are thrilled to produce such a well-loved series for AXN audiences across the region,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia. “I extend my warmest congratulations to The Sacred Riana and to all the other grand finalists who made it so far. Asia’s Got Talent is the world’s biggest talent show and we hope that the series inspires the next generation of Asia’s stars to pursue their dreams.”




The Sacred Riana, who is an illusionist of very few words and does not break character even off-stage, appeared to single out and petrify judge Anggun in each of her acts. In the grand final, The Sacred Riana made a star tattoo suddenly appear on the superstar’s hand, before disappearing into a small box and re-emerging seconds later behind a shocked Anggun.

The hit-rated season of Asia’s Got Talent culminated with powerhouse judges, David Foster, Anggun and Jay Park taking over the stage with individual performances. David delighted the audience on piano with his world-famous piece, “Love Theme from St. Elmo’s Fire”; Anggun dazzled with her new single “What We Remember” from her latest album ‘8’; and Jay Park performed the world premiere of his new single “Forget About Tomorrow” with Yultron, backed by eight Korean hip-hop dancers.
“Our esteemed judges, David, Anggun and Jay, have been integral to the Asia’s Got Talent experience this season. Their quick wit, immense style, humor and insightful advice helped secure Asia’s Got Talent as the number one series on pay TV every Thursday night,” Lim said.

Asia’s Got Talent is the 67th adaptation of the Guinness-World-Record-breaking hit “Got Talent” format, which was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by FremantleMedia. The “Got Talent” format is officially the most successful reality TV format in history and currently airs in 186 countries.

Asia’s Got Talent is supported by presenting sponsor Traveloka, the leading travel booking app for all flight and hotel needs; sponsoring partner Great Eastern Life, the market leader in the conventional life insurance business and the largest life insurer in Malaysia by asset size; GoDaddy, the world's largest cloud platform dedicated to small, independent ventures and 100Plus, the number one isotonic drink.
In the Philippines, Asia’s Got Talent is brought to you by Cherifer, Tangkad Sagad, KFC Delivery and Vivo Smart Phone.
Marina Bay Sands, Asia’s leading business, leisure and entertainment destination, is the official venue partner of Asia’s Got Talent.

@AsiasGotTalent / #AXNAsia / #AsiasGotTalent / #AsiasGotTalentAuditions
www.AXN-Asia.com/AsiasGotTalent
AXN is available on Cablelink Channel 38, Cignal Channel 121, Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Satellite TV Channel 20, G Sat Channel 51, and SKYCable Channel 49. AXN HD is available on SKYCable Channel 247.

Ang Larawan Gets a Unanimous “A” from the Cinema Evaluation Board

Photo caption: The team of Ang Larawan. First row (seated), L-R: cast members Aicelle Santos, Rachel Alejandro, Paulo Avelino and Cris Villonco. Second row (seated), L-R: executive producer Girlie Rodis, executive producer Celeste Legaspi, and cast members Nanette Inventor, Dulce, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Cara Manglapus. Third row (standing): producer Alemberg Ang, composer Ryan Cayabyab, actor Bernardo Bernardo, director Loy Arcenas and actor Rayver Cruz.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“Ang Larawan,” the lone musical entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, has gotten a grade of “A” from the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB).

The musical written by National Artist for Theater Rolando Tinio and composed by Ryan Cayabyab is the only film this year wherein all CEB eleven members who previewed gave the highest grade. The CEB summation stated, “It is seldom and rare that the members of the Board give a unanimous A to a film.“

Based on the play A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino by National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin, “Ang Larawan” tells of how financially troubled Marasigan sisters Candida and Paula hold on to their father’s masterpiece in spite of great interest and attractive offers from potential buyers.

West End star Joanna Ampil plays Candida while multi-awarded pop singer/host and entrepreneur Rachel Alejandro portrays Paula. Urian Best Actor Paulo Avelino takes the role of Tony Javier, the boarder who is persuading the sisters to sell the painting to an American buyer.

The rest of the cast features a stellar ensemble composed of OPM stalwarts Celeste Legaspi, Dulce, and Nanette Inventor; stage and film luminaries Robert Arevalo, Nonie Buencamino, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Noel Trinidad, Jaime Fabregas, Leo Rialp and Bernardo Bernardo; and young stars Aicelle Santos, Cris Villonco, Cara Manglapus, Jojit Lorenzo and Rayver Cruz. OPM icons Ogie Alcasid and Zsa Zsa Padilla have very special roles.

Culturtain Musicat Productions is the production outfit behind this film directed by Loy Arcenas.

The CEB praised the various aspects of production with one member citing that the movie is “enthralling, captivating and beautifully helmed!” The board described the performances by the leads and supports as “excellent.” Another member reiterated that, “’Larawan’ is a brilliant, fabulous production with great acting and excellent technical elements.”

As soon as CEB grade was released, the filmmakers took to social media to express their gratitude and joy. “Wow! What a blessing!” said Rachel Alejandro; while Celeste Legaspi declared, “Very proud!” Joanna, who is touring as part of the international production of “Cats,” wrote on Facebook, “All the hard work is paying off.”

“Ang Larawan” is Joanna’s first starring role in a film and she began preparing for it way back in 2014.

The CEB recognition is the latest of a string of accolades that “Ang Larawan” has been receiving ever since its world premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival last October. Variety’s Richard Kuipers said, “This musical adaptation of a beloved Filipino play is a class act.” Local press and writers who have watched the film at an advanced preview are predicting “Ang Larawan” will be embraced by music-loving moviegoers and will be a strong contender for MMFF awards.

The film has also gotten endorsements from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Senator Bam Aquino, Congresswoman Pia Cayetano, and Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas.

Noting that “Ang Larawan” is a period movie, not a formula film, and that the musical genre remains untested, the CEB commended Culturtain Musicat Productions for taking a risk. “So, kudos, congrats, and thanks to the brave, intrepid band of producers and their fearless funders for this film. May their tribe increase and may this movie reach as wide an audience as possible.” Furthermore, the CEB made a clear call to the moviegoers “to see this film and spread the good word: go out and see Filipino films!”


For updates and information, check out anglarawan.com and facebook.com/AngLarawanTheMovie/

5 services to consider when venturing into ecommerce

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Are you thinking about setting up an ecommerce business? It’s difficult to know where to start when it comes to taking steps which will ensure you’re successful. Luckily, there are a number of different tools out there which will give you an advantage in the set-up process. Let’s explore five of the best.

1. AdWords

Google AdWords is a terrific service which makes targeting your audience much simpler. When trying to rank as highly in search engine results as possible, targeting certain keywords is crucial for success. This strategy plays a huge part in most digital marketing campaigns. Understanding what to write in your listings, and what to include as your title is crucial to success.

2. Shoppify

If you’re looking for a perfect platform to build your website on, Shoppify is a solid tool to turn to. This service effectively acts as the spine of your website, providing you with a template on which to build and customise a fully-functioning website.

3. SearchSpring

Arguably one of the most important tools for shoppers, SearchSpring allows users to see what products are most likely going to appeal to them. This works by collecting data from their previous search results and filtering for products on your site. If the buyer journey is made easier than you’re likely to achieve more success.

4. Crazy Egg

Crazy egg shows a heat-map of where your visitors are clicking on your website. As Applied Innovations point out, they can have a huge impact on where you’re putting your most valuable content. Placing this where people are regularly reading itwill theoretically result in better conversion rates and exposure.

5. DPM

Slow page load time is one of the most surprising factors when it comes to turning customers off your site. Implementing the use of a digital performance management tool will highlight where speed is lacking, and how you can improve this. Most of these tools offer conversion rate improvements as standard, or your money back.

Have these services for ecommerce websites made things clearer? If you’re looking to create a strong new website, make sure to take advantage of at least a few of them.