Benilde's "Kaming Mga Nakakulong" wins GEMS Best Short Film

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A thesis film from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde won Best Students’ Short Film at the Guild of Educators, Mentors, and Students (GEMS) Hiyas ng Sining awards night held last March 2 at the Center for Performing Arts, DLS Santiago Zobel School, Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City.

Kaming Mga Nakakulong (We Who Are Trapped), written and directed by DLS-CSB Bachelor of Arts in Digital Filmmaking graduate Michael Joshua Pagaduan, tells the story of Leonard (Matt Daclan), a man who is having recurring nightmares of a childhood memory.

 

Seeking help from his grandmother (Lui Manansala), he finds out the devastating truth about his dreams. He attends a support group to help him face the horrors of his past and finally have the courage to find peace. Apart from Manansala, Jill Palencia-Ibuyanalso provides support to Daclan as Leonard's girlfriend-turned-wife.

Pagaduan or MJ, as he is fondly called by his friends and family, showed interest in writing stories as early as 2007. He also acted and directed in stage plays before he honed his craft in film school. For his capstone project, he was ably supported by director of photography Jeariel Mira, production designers Jacky Collins and Isabella Caja, sound recordist Tashana Rivera, musical scorer Patricia Lasaten and editor Mich Garcia.

MJ joined fellow film category winners Ronaldo Valdez, Natatanging Hiyas ng Sining sa Pinilakang Tabing; High Tide (Universal Harvester Incorporated), Natatanging Pelikulang Pangkalikasan; Changing Partners (Cinema One Originals), Natatanging Pelikulang Pangkasarian; Respeto (Dogzilla and Arkeofilms), Natatanging Pelikulang Pangkarapatang Pantao; Ang Larawan by Loy Arcenas  (Culturtain-Musicat Productions Inc.), Best Film and Best Director (Indie); 100 Tula Para Kay Stella by Jason Paul Laxamana (Viva Films), Best Film and Best Director (Mainstream); Paulo Avelino (Ang Larawan), Best Supporting Actor; Jasmine Curtis-Smith (Siargao), Best Supporting Actress; JC Santos and Bela Padilla(100 Tula Para Kay Stella), Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively. 

Through his film, MJ wants to show that "no matter how dark our past is there is still hope and that we aren’t slaves of our past, our traumatic experiences, and the lies of the world. It also hopes to show everyone that even if our earthly fathers abandoned us literally and figuratively, we still have a Father. And that Father loves us unconditionally to the point of sending His own son to die for us and freed us from the clutches of our past."

Kaming Mga Nakakulong previously won Best Film and Best Director awards in last year's CineMapúa student film festival organized in Mapúa by the Film Arts and Media Enthusiasts (FAME). It also won Outstanding Performance by an Actor for Daclan in the Maningning category of the CineSB7: The Main Installment.

The short film also competed at the SinePiyu 2017 intercollegiate category, 29th Gawad Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Independent Film and Video Festival, 3rd Quisumbing-Escandor Film Festival for Health, 8th Pelikultura: The CALABARZON Film Festival, first ASEANnale film and multimedia competition, 9th Largabista Film Festival in Tacloban, Leyte, and was part of the Luzon delegation at the Cinema Rehiyon 9.

GEMS, a non-profit group and academe-based award-giving body, is made up of academicians from different schools, professionals from private institutions and sectors of our society, and students from prestigious colleges and universities. 

Headed by its president Henry Leen A. Magahis and founding president Norman Mauro A. Llaguno, the organization is on its second year of handing out trophies and certificates to their top choices in the field of print media, theater, radio, television and film.

New U.S. Government Assistance to Boost Food Security for Communities Affected by Marawi Conflict

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ambassador Sung Y. Kim’s announced Php100 million ($2 million) in new U.S. government assistance through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to increase food security for communities affected by the Marawi conflict.

This will enable USAID’s partner, the World Food Programme, to purchase a total of 1,800 metric tons of rice, enough to feed 45,000 people for four months. This brings the total USAID contribution to the recovery and rehabilitation of Marawi and surrounding areas to nearly Php1.2 billion ($22.9 million).

USAID is the lead U.S. government agency for international development and disaster assistance. In the Philippines, USAID partners with the national government to build a more stable, prosperous, and well-governed nation.

The event included a ceremonial rice handover from Ambassador Kim to senior Philippine government officials, including Undersecretary Emmanuel Leyco, Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

For more information, visithttp://www.usaid.gov/philippines or email infoph@usaid.gov

Catholic Student Councils, Student Leaders Push for SOGIE Equality Bill

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Student leaders from Catholic schools in Metro Manila will hold a press conference urging the public to support the SOGIE Equality bill in the Senate on Wednesday, March 14.

A big flower heart with the message #EqualityNow will be in display in the press conference as the students pose with heart hand signs and placards urging the passage of the SOGIE Equality Bill.  

The student leaders, advocates and allies will be launching the Fight for Love. Fight for Equality rally on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 5PM in People Power Monument to show popular support for the bill protecting LGBT+ Filipinos from discrimination.

PRESS CONFERENCE

Wednesday, March 14, 2018, 10AM

Max’s Orosa, Ermita, Manila

Warriors Launch Chatbot on Global Messaging Platform Rakuten Viber

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Warriors Become First NBA Team With Official Account On Rakuten Viber"

The 2017 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors are the first NBA team to launch an account on the messaging platform Rakuten Viber. The Warriors will use Rakuten Viber to communicate directly with fans on a global scale, including through tools such as a chat bot, a free sticker pack, and weekly trivia contests.

The Warriors’ chat bot will provide fans with instant access to schedule information, standings, team news, team videos, tickets and live in-game score updates. It is currently available in the following 10 languages, including the native languages of Warriors center Zaza Pachulia (Georgian) and Warriors forward Omri Casspi (Hebrew):

•         English
•         Bulgarian
•         Croatian
•         Georgian
•         Greek
•         Hebrew
•         Hungarian
•         Russian
•         Serbian
•         Ukrainian

The Warriors free sticker pack, which features every member of the Warriors roster, will be available to Rakuten Viber users beginning February 27. Stickers are a prevalent form of communication on Viber, and the Warriors sticker pack will provide users with the opportunity to express themselves with custom Warriors player images via messaging. Fans will also be able to participate in weekly trivia for a variety of exclusive prizes, including autographed memorabilia or a meet and greet with a Warriors player.

“Adding Rakuten Viber to our portfolio of digital marketing efforts is crucial for us to continue our global growth as a brand,” said Jennifer Millet, Golden State Warriors Vice President of Marketing and Digital. “As the game of basketball expands around the world, and especially with the international players on our roster, Rakuten Viber provides the perfect vehicle for us to directly interact with our fans around the world.”

Rakuten Viber, the official instant messaging and calling app partner of the Golden State Warriors, has reached more than 900 million registered users since 2010.

For more information on the Golden State Warriors 2017-18 season, presented by Kaiser Permanente, visit warriors.com.


Rakuten Viber connects people. No matter who they are, or where they are from. Their global user base has access to a range of features like one-on-one chats, video calls, group messaging, and updates and discussions with their favorite brands and celebrities. They ensure their users have a secure and free environment to share their emotions.

Rakuten Viber is part of Rakuten Inc., a world leader in e-commerce and financial services. It is the official communication channel of FC Barcelona, and the official instant messaging and calling app partner of the Golden State Warriors.

Join Viber today and enjoy the world’s best communication experience.

Interim Result of the Independent Audit and Assessment on the 48 Dalian Trains

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The audit and assessment of TUV Rheinland on the Dalian trains is substantially completed, but not yet concluded.

TUV Rheinland is the independent certified certifier contracted to audit and assess the entire MRT-3 system in general, and the Dalian trains in particular.

According to TUV Rheinland’s Interim Report, additional information and documentation on design and validation evidence are still being obtained, and further type and routine tests are still to be conducted.

Among the tests that TUV Rheinland recommended to be conducted is a weighing test of the Dalian trains in Manila, because the previous project team for the project failed to attend and witness the weight testing done in Dalian, China in November 2015. 

According to TUV Rheinland, the weighing test should be done to eliminate any doubts, and so DOTr MRT-3 can witness and formally sign off on the trains’ weight.

Assessing the Dalian trains’ safety, compatibility with MRT-3, and compliance with their Terms of Reference, through a highly qualified, independent, and ISO certified certifier, with extensive experience in the certification of trains, has always been the DOTr’s approach in resolving the Dalian trains issue, which is consistent with prudent international industry practice.

Knowing that the Dalian trains will affect the safety of hundreds of thousands of MRT-3 passengers daily, the DOTr and MRT-3 management will ensure that the necessary processes are observed in their assessment.

We will not leave stones unturned, especially on the issue of safety. WE WILL DO IT RIGHT THIS TIME.

Regardless of the independent assessment’s outcome, this administration remains committed in running after the officials that caused the current degraded state of MRT-3.

The Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia Prenup Shoot Controversy

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Do we really know what "discrimination" means. As someone said, the word gets thrown around so often that sometimes we're not even sure if we still understand what it means.

"Two beautiful people expressing love in a place where even the toughest condition prevails, wild animals still roam free and people still live a simple and beautiful life"

The statement above makes more sense to prominently emerge as the overall thought after seeing the supposedly Ethiopian prenup photos of celebrity couple Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia, however many criticized them of "cultural misappropriation."

"....creatively speaking, a prenup shoot doesn’t have to look prenup-y, which in this case is refreshing. On the whole, it’s editorial, artsy and doesn’t seem at all disrespectful of the culture."

Were those included in the photos actually got offended? Was there too much of a disparity between the subject and the kids that the photos seem exploitive ?What's the significance of having the children there  aside from "aesthetic texture?"

Until then, it seems unfair to jump to the gun and accuse them of being offensive or exploitive to the natives. Today, being offended has become so hip that people are now claiming offense on behalf of other people.

Will there be an actual Ethiopian to come forward and say they felt abused?

If I was in the shoes (or sandals) of the natives, I will feel proud to be photographed along with these personalities, or foreigners regardless if I know them or not. When I go travel out to other places, I love taking photos or videos with the people. Being involved or engaged with the locals is a lot more rewarding than just seeing the sights or tasting the delicacies.

"The couple has released a statement that it's not for their prenup shoot. It was apparently for an Ethiopian tourism campaign. Did the photos do justice to showcase the culture and its people?"

Bashers were enraged because they thought it was a prenup shoot as advertised by some. But I think there may be some PR work already going on here for "damage control." If it was truly not a prenup then being a journalism or travel shoot makes the search for context no longer necessary.

"If those were white children with red hair, it wouldn't be a big of a deal now, would it? If those photos were taken in Tibet with monks in the background, it's not a problem? Is it due to their dark skin colour that you suddenly feel the need to swoop in and protect them just because you had a 'hunch' that they were being attacked? What does that make you?""

"Some people need to invest their feelings some place else. You know, where it really counts. Instead of being so ignorantly butthurt behind a keyboard."

Life is just too good to be caged by other people's opinion. Our artistic preference or creative taste may not be as acceptably pleasing to others. We cannot move forward positively if we keep minding the point of views of others. Everyone has a say to everything but keep in mind that we all frew up differently thus our opinions are as varied and uniquely defined based on our experiences.

"Photography is a form of art, or have we all forgotten that? What you see is not always what you get. Don't be daft."

DOTr to Effect Stricter Sanctions to Erring Contractors of Government Projects

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In an effort to ensure on-time completion of government projects, as well as to uphold the safety of the public during construction, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will be firm in implementing sanctions against erring private contractors.

This is in compliance with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte, who observed that the delay in government projects is brought about by the lack of personnel working on the project. The President raised this concern during the 22nd Cabinet meeting held on 5 February 2018.

Upon the instruction of the President, the DOTr, through Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and Procurement Reinier Paul Yebra, immediately issued a memorandum to stipulate in government contracts that a work slippage of more than thirty (30) days would result in non-payment, cancellation of contract, blacklisting of the erring contractor, and the engagement of another contractor to finish the project. This is in addition to the grounds provided in RA 9184 (the Government Procurement Act).

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the Department will not allow irresponsible contractors to take part in government projects, as it will not only result to delays but inflict further suffering of the people who are anxiously waiting for improvements.

“Kung hindi niyo kayang gawin ng maayos at hindi kayo sumusunod sa timeline, ‘wag na kayong kumontrata sa gobyerno! Iyong mga tinatamaan diyan ayus-ayusin niyo na ang pagtatrabaho, dahil hindi kami magda-dalawang isip na tanggalin kayo dyan. Hindi namin sasayangin ang pera ng taumbayan sa mga gaya ninyo”, said Tugade.

The order shall immediately take effect and will be cascaded to contractors who are presently engaged with government projects.

Last Call for Runners to Sign Up for ColorManila's CM Paradise Run for Clark and Laoag

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ColorManila, the country’s number one fun-run organizer, which dominated headlines in various countries early January for CM Paradise Run, will now bring the same exciting franchise to Clark, Pampanga, this Sunday, on March 18, and to Laoag on March 24, 2018.

As for the experience that runners can look forward to, expect CM Paradise Run to take you through various color stations with palm trees, garlands and hammocks in the race route serving as backdrop to the paradise atmosphere.  This will be capped off with the CM Color Festival, where runners will get to groove and dance to the fresh music of the DJ, as everyone simultaneously throws colored powder in the air.

Popular actor and vlogger Xian Lim, was on of those spotted in the 21K race route early January at the SM MOA Grounds, enjoying the CM Paradise Run, along with thousands of other runners.  He in fact posted about his experience in his very own social media accounts.

ColorManila VP Justine Cordero says, “We are happy to bring the CM Paradise Run franchise to Clark and Laoag this March 2018.  We saw how the over 10,000 participants enjoyed this treat last January, and we want those who are in Northern Luzon, such as Clark and Laoag, to get to try this fresh and exciting concept.”
  
Cordero continues, “This is also a perfect opportunity to bond with friends and family, a perfect IG-worthy experience, specially for those who are into social media posting.”

CM Paradise Run for both the Clark leg on March 18, and the Laoag leg on March 24, have three (3) race distances, 3K, 5K and 10K.  As for the kits, runners for both events can choose from the Deluxe Kit, Rockstar Kit and the Superstar Kit.  

The Deluxe Kit, which is priced at P750, comes with a dri-fit shirt, sunglasses, race bib, color packet and a finisher’s medal.

While the Rockstar Kit, priced at P1,050, comes with a dri-fit shirt, sunglasses, race bib, color packet, finisher’s medal, drawstring bag and headwear.

Finally, the Superstar Kit, priced at P1,500, comes with a dri-fit shirt, sunglasses, race bib, color packet, finisher’s medal, drawstring bag, headwear and a finisher’s singlet

Registration is still ongoing for both CM Paradise Run - Clark leg and CM Paradise Run - Laoag leg. For more information, visit www.colormanila.com.

REGISTRATION STILL ONGOING AT COLORMANILA.COM


Photo Caption: Popular actor and vlogger Xian Lim enjoying CM Paradise Run last January 2018, 
as seen on his IG account @XianLimm

PPA Set to Remit Highest Dividend in its Entire Corporate Life to National Coffers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is set to remit more than P3 billion in dividend, its highest contribution to the National coffers since 1986.

The state-owned agency’s dividend for 2017 also eclipsed by at least 30% all the dividends it remitted to the government at least in the last decade, including its erstwhile record of P2.158 billion remitted in 2015.

PPA is mandated to remit 50% of its annual net income to the National Government after it was granted fiscal autonomy during the term of President Corazon C. Aquino.

According to PPA General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago, the agency was able to post record-breaking figures due to the reforms implemented by the new administration.

“This is a clear manifestation that we are reaping the benefits of the reforms management implemented in the last two years, that include among others, reduction of documentary requirements, faster turnaround time of trucks and vessels in ports, and modernization of strategic ports,” Santiago exclaimed.

“The continuing review of other processes involving port operations, compliance with the Quality Management Standards, and adoption of world’s best practices in port operations will definitely boost PPA’s financial standing in the next couple of years,” Santiago stressed.

“With the higher dividend, we can guarantee that the National Government can easily implement its anti-poverty measures, particularly in the areas of infrastructure spending and healthcare benefits,” Santiago added.

Compared to the 2016 dividend it remitted to the government last year, the 2017 figure is higher by 54% from P1.956 billion due to the strong performance of the Manila ports composed of the Manila International Container Terminal operated by International Container Terminal Services, Inc., the Manila South Harbor, run by Asian Terminals, Inc., and the North Port, managed by Manila North Harbour Port, Inc., complemented by the PPA’s 24 other Port Management Offices, which likewise posted favorable performances in the past year.

The agency's total expenses for 2017 increased by some 11% as a result of increased productivity in project implementation at a rate of 90% compared to 7% a year earlier.

“This is a very welcome development for the PPA considering that it has forecasted earlier that growth is at best flat for 2017 due to concerns clouting the country’s mining industry and the volatile foreign exchange rates,” Santiago said.

In the last couple of years, the PPA is a regular member of the ‘Billionaires Club’ of Government Owned and Controlled Corporations contributing billions of pesos in dividends. With this incoming all-time high dividend by PPA, it is expected to maintain its inclusion in the elite list of GOCCs.

Metro Finance Congress (MFC) 2018: PhiliFinance

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In line with the advocacy of the Junior Financial Executives PUP – Manila in promoting financial literacy, it will be holding its Metro Finance Congress on March 19, 2018 at Bulwagang Balagtas, PUP Main Campus.

The Metro Finance Congress is a one-day conference that aims to endow the 900 student participants taking up finance and other business – related fields from within the PUP and from other universities in Metro Manila with ample knowledge about the Financial System here in the Philippines. Furthermore prudent choice of resource speakers from the different fields under business, banking and finance will be done to assure a fine discourse of the topic.

ABOUT JUNIOR FINANCIAL EXECUTIVES – PUP:

The Junior Financial Executives – PUP Manila is a student-run organization with over 1800 active members, making it listed as one of the biggest JFINEX chapters in the Philippines. The organization intends to promote financial literacy to its members by upholding awareness about the field of banking and finance. With its initiative of moulding its members to become successful finance professionals in the future, the organization has been holding different interactive academic and non-academic events. Its goal for the academic year 2017-2018 is to build relationship with likeminded people during its promotion of financial literacy. The organization aspires to create a lasting difference not just to the lives of the members of its department but also to the whole PUP community through finance.


For more information, check: www.facebook.com/JFINEX.ORG.PUP