Benilde Films Featured in Seattle

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Seven short films from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Digital Filmmaking program (BenildeFilm) were officially selected and screened as part of the Diwa Filipino Film Showcase of Seattle held at the Armory Loft 1 Seattle Center, Washington last June 2 and 3.

John Craig de Guzman's Amy, Christian Rae Villanueva's Ang Mga Turo ng Gabi (The Lessons of the Night), Aleina Espineli's Ang Pagbabalik Tanaw ni Olympia Mercado (A Look into the Life of Olympia Mercado), Kim Timan's Caramel Child, Pamela Barrios' Cesar & Magda, Lino Balmes' Orlie and Dev Angeo's and Kristine Medenilla's Saglit (A While) were among the films about the Filipino diaspora featured in the Seattle event. 

Amy tells the story of Mark (Seaver Choy) who is reminded of Amy (Chloe Tabanda), a person who has just passed away in Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), as he sees her in his reverie. It earlier won Best Short Film and Best Editing at the 9th Largabista Film Festival in Tacloban, Leyte and tied for the Best Narrative Film award at the first ASEAN Biennale or ASEANnale Film and Multimedia Competition in UP Diliman this year. 

In Ang Mga Turo ng Gabi, Juanita (Sheenly Vee Gener), a teacher battling depression, teams up with her delinquent student (Dylan Ray Talon) to retrieve something important for her over the course of one night. The short film previously won Best Editing (Annie Chua) and Best Performance (Talon) at Pelikultura: The CALABARZON Film Festival 2018. 

Ang Pagbabalik Tanaw ni Olympia Mercado is about a middle-aged woman (Maddie Martinez) remembering memories of a treasured relationship triggered through her taste buds. 

In Caramel Child, which is set in the year 2003, Katherine Kaye Jones (Angelica Ulip), or Kakay, is a child of a call girl, Ellie Pilorin (Sue Prado), and an absent American man. A poster of the Regional Science Quiz Bee and her mother’s American client (Savino Bellini) will fuel Kakay’s curiosity and determination to finally be in contact with her father. It bagged the Best Film, Best Director (Timan), Best Screenplay (Timan and Balmes), Best Performer (Ulip) and Best Musical Score (Marcus Santos and Joseph Salcedo) at Pelikultura 2018. It also won Best Screenplay at De La Salle University’s Indie Un-film Festival 2017. It is a nominee for Best Short Film at the Cinema One Originals Festival 2017 and 41st Gawad Urian. 

Cesar & Magda is a film about a man who’s trying to survive his extinguished married life. Cesar (Francis Mata) tries to bring back the spark of their relationship by mimicking an ideal woman (Larissa Louise Alivio). He has yet to discover the uncertainty of how his wife, Magda (Bridge Martin), would absorb the transformation. It is one of the finalists in the short film category of Sinag Maynila Film Festival this year. 

In Orlie, after hearing about the Orlando Massacre, the lead character finds himself deeply affected. While seeking refuge in his bathroom, he comes to discover the extent of his wounds. After winning Best Supershort Film at the CineFilipino Film Festival 2018 and a jury commendation at the 12th Filminute, the one-minute film competes at Mister Vorky: 5th International Festival of One Minute Film in Serbia and the 18th Korea Queer Film Festival in South Korea. 

Finally, Saglit (A While) is about a former couple, Misha (Anna Luna) and Kai (JC Santos), who spends one last night together before the former gets married and the latter migrates.

Diwa, a small community film festival made in cooperation with the annual Pagdiriwang Philippine Festival, aims “to celebrate the Filipino Spirit wherever it resides by exhibiting films from the Philippine islands and beyond,” according to Festival Director Adrian Alarilla.

Pagdiriwang, which commemorates the anniversary of Philippine independence, is presented by the Filipino Cultural Heritage Society of Washington (FCHSW) to promote better understanding of the Filipino arts and culture. Held at the Seattle Center since 1987, it has grown into the largest festival of Filipino art, craft, song, dance, music, history, literature, and culture in the Pacific Northwest.

Informative Video Feature on Qatar Development

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In the coinciding of one year passed for the unjustified blockage on Qatar by some of its neighborhood countries, Qatar's ministry of foreign affairs have prepared a video showing the ways Qatar have used to overcome the siege and the recent development  in Doha.

This is to help building positive awareness on Qatar and the preparation of the world cup 2022. The video contains every details and reports from international agencies as well UNHRC.

https://youtu.be/rHYUCohLjCk

Xiong Jing Nan Sees Picture-perfect Father’s Day Moment by Retaining World Title

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Following an impressive win this past January, newly-crowned strawweight queen “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan has emerged as one of the biggest martial arts superstars in the world.

The 30-year-old Chinese martial arts prodigy had a fantastic performance as she dominated Singapore’s Tiffany “No Chill” Teo in the bout for the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight World Championship five months ago.

Although the previously-unbeaten Teo showed tremendous heart and resilience, Xiong’s blistering offensive attack and striking superiority was simply too much for her to withstand.

Xiong defeated Teo via technical knockout, stopping her Singaporean foe at the 2:17 mark of the fourth round to claim the gold-plated strap.

With the stirring victory over Teo, Xiong also became the first China-born world champion in the constantly-evolving sport of mixed martial arts.

Despite her glowing repertoire as a global martial arts superstar, Xiong attributes much of her success to her father, who is not even involved with the sport.

“My dad taught me a lot, including his life experiences growing up,” she shared. “From when I was a little girl, my dad told me never to run away when facing difficulties and to always take responsibility. Most importantly, he taught me to be brave and confident.

Xiong credits her father for instilling strong moral values in her, like being brave, confident and disciplined.

Moreover, Xiong is grateful that he taught her some of life’s most important lessons such as never running away from difficulties and always taking responsibility for her actions.

“The biggest thing he gave me was courage. I really admired my dad’s courage and confidence,” she quipped.

Xiong points to a childhood episode, where she climbed a neighbor’s house to pick fruit and broke her hand following a fall from the roof.

Her father did not take her to the hospital at first, instead wanting to acknowledge her mistake and use it as a learning experience.

“He taught me some principles,” Xiong recalled. “He asked me if it felt painful first, and then asked me why I did it. Then, he said: ‘This is what you get, you have to be responsible for what you have done.’”

“My dad did not take care of my injury at first. It was not that he did not care about me. He just wanted to let me know that this was my own mistake, and I needed to be responsible for the result,” she added.

Xiong’s father eventually brought her to the hospital and had her hand nursed, which proved to play a pivotal role in her professional career.

Xiong knows a big part of her success is because of her father and the values that he imparted to her at an early age.

Even though he was most certainly tough on his daughter, there was a softer side to him that most people never had the opportunity to see.

“He was really a person who was not good at expressing his emotions. In fact, he has different attitudes towards me for different things. When he should be gentle, he is gentle. When it is time to show a father’s love, he does it. His heart is actually really soft. I can feel his love for me from his heart,” Xiong stated.

Inspired by her father’s valuable lessons, Xiong is ready to shine again as she will defend the ONE Women’s Strawweight World Championship against Laura “The Gladiadora” Balin.

Both women are slated to face each other in the main event of ONE: PINNACLE OF POWER, which takes place at the Studio City Event Center in Macau, China on 23 June.

Xiong emphasized that there is no one else to whom she will pre-dedicate her win in her upcoming bout against Balin but her father.   

“I am looking forward to the match. I do not know what is going to happen, or how the match is going to end, but it is going to be exciting. My pride cannot be moved. It only grows. I want to win this for my father,” she ended.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.​

Repertory Philippines Kicks Off its Second Wave of 2018 Summer Workshops

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Unleash your creative potential and take center stage by joining Repertory Philippines’ (REP) 2018 Workshop for the Performing Arts. The second batch of workshops will run from June 4 to July 20.  Lots of thrilling activities facilitated by the top artists in the industry await the participants of this year’s workshop.

Parents who are looking for fun and worthwhile activities for their kids this summer can enroll them in REP’s Kids to Pre-Teens Classes. Engaging children in theater workshops will help them develop their creativity, overcome shyness, and discover the value of pursuing their own passions at an early age.  The Kids to Pre-Teens Classes will start from June 11 to July 17 (Monday-Friday), from 11:00AM to 1PM at Active Fun, Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

Meanwhile, teens and adults who aim to improve their performing skills and be under the spotlight may sign up for the Teens to Adults Classes. This is open for 13-year old and up students and will begin from June 11 to July 18 (Monday-Friday), 1 PM to 3 PM at Active Fun, Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

As REP believes in promoting continuous development among artists, it will also open the Master Class for those who have previous workshop or acting experience and would like to pursue a professional career in theater acting. The training will begin from June 4 to July 20 (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), 1 PM to 4 PM at the REP office in Ecoville Townhomes.

At the end of the Junior Master Class workshop, participants will join “My Suite Princess,” a musical play written by Joel Trinidad and Nicky Triviño with music by Rony Fortich.   This old-style play will tackle mistaken identity, silly situations, shenanigans, and true love.

REP 2018 Summer Workshops serve as a way for young people to reach their full creative potential and utilize their talents to productive ends. Don’t miss out on these exciting sessions and be the next big thing in the theater scene.

For inquiries, you may call REP at 843.3570. If you are interested in applying, you can download and print the form from www.repertoryphilippines.ph and send it in to REP by fax (555 0082) or email (repphilfoundation@gmail.com).
Like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram, and follow @repphils on Twitter.

ASEAN Para Sports Meet in Manila Gets Big Boost from International Paralympic Head

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Preparations for the 10^th ASEAN Para Games that will be hosted by the Philippines in January 2020 goes full swing this June with the meeting of the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) that will be attended by Heads of National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) from the 11 member countries of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Myanmar, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Timor Leste and the Philippines.

Andrew Parsons, current president of the International Paralympic Committee, gives a big boost to the event as his Manila visit coincides with the conduct of the federation meeting. Parsons is here to help promote the Philippine paralympic movement, which embraces the IPC vision to enable para athletes to achieve sporting excellence, and inspire and excite the world.

At the top of the agenda is identification of the sports to be played in the 10^th ASEAN Para Games (APG) that will be held in January 2020, after the 30^th Southeast Asian Games that will also be hosted by the Philippines in December 2019. 

A total of 16 sports were played in the 9th APG held in Malaysia in 2017. These were Boccia, Chess, Cerebral Palsy Football, Football 5-A-Side, Goalball, Para Archery, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Para Cycling, Para Powerlifting, Para Swimming, Para Table Tennis, Sitting Volleyball, Tenpin Bowling, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Tennis.

Participants in the APG include athletes with physical, vision and intellectual disabilities. The ASEAN Para Games is under the regulation of the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) while the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Asian Paralympic Committee lend technical and classification assistance when needed.

The Para Games, held every two years, is traditionally hosted by the country where the Southeast Asian Games are held. It is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Michael Barredo, Philippine Paralympic Committee President, said the June meeting in Manila will set the preparations for the ASEAN Para Games in motion and Parsons’ presence here on a visit will boost efforts currently underway for the coming Para Games. This is the second time that the Philippines is hosting the ASEAN Para Games since 2005.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, who is ASEAN Para Games Organizing Committee Chairman, announced that the games will be held in three separate hubs located in Metro Manila, Clark and Subic. An international sports complex is now under construction in Clark where a 20,000-seat stadium is rising.  An aquatic center that meets Olympic standards is also in the works.

The ASEAN Para Sports Federation meeting will be held from June 8 to 9 at the Bonifacio Global City.   

Step into Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom with the Mini Oreo

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Win big, big prizes in this epic collaboration!

What better way to enjoy a movie about giant prehistoric creatures than with a pack of Mini OREO? Yes, everyone loves a good Jurassic movie, and this year's Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom will have everyone stomping their way to theatres during its Asia-Pacific release on June 6.

Now, what does everyone's favorite series of dinosaur flicks have in common with the creme-filled biscuit we know and love? Jurassic World and Mini OREO are both childhood staples that transformed as all-time favorites for all ages, all over the world. And this year, Jurassic World makes its mark on the OREO empire with Jurassic World-designed, limited-edition Mini OREO packaging, a slew of heart racing prizes and most exciting, the chance to win a trip to Universal Studios in Singapore!

Ready to roar? Then follow these easy instructions: buy any Mini OREO limited-edition Jurassic World pack, enter your personal details at https://www.oreojw2.com and click SUBMIT. Winner will be announced on this site and contacted via mobile on its first draw (week of June 11, 2018) and second draw (week of August 6, 2018). Winners need to surrender their Mini Oreo Jurassic World pack to claim their prize.

Prizes at stake are larger than life: 200 winners will take home a limited-edition Jurassic Lunch Tin, 40 lucky winners will walk away with Sodexo gift certificates worth Php1,000, and six (6) grand winners will fly to Singapore for an all-expense paid VIP trip to Universal Studios Singapore with three (3) of their family and friends! The out-of-this-world adventure will include flights, accommodation, and VIP tickets for the ultimate Universal Studios Singapore experience.

Mondelez Philippines—makers and distributors of the world's best snacks—is thrilled about its partnership with NBC Universal—makers of Jurassic World Studios Singapore. “We’re very excited about this partnership with NBC Universal as it marks a new milestone for us to be collaborating with the world’s leading media and entertainment company. Jurassic World is one of the most anticipated blockbusters that captures the hearts of all-age audiences which also aligns with Mini OREO’s value to create happy bonding moments for all family members. We cannot wait to showcase all of the marketing support that’s sure to surprise and delight consumers in Asia-Pacific,” said Mr. Rick Lawrence, Biscuits Marketing Director, South East Asia of Mondelēz International.

Get ready for the experience you'll relive for thousands of years! Promo starts on May 1. Mini OREO is available in all supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide.

DOTr-LTO Launches 1st Speed Limit Setting Training for LGUs

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the Land Transportation Office (LTO) – Region V, launched last 31 May 2018, the first ever training on Speed Limit Setting for Local Government Units (LGUs). 

The training is one of the salient features of the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) 2018-001 signed by the DOTr, together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). 

According to DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Tim Orbos, this initiative shows the DOTr’s commitment and relentless efforts to promote transport modernization and road safety.

“This is as much part of the government's modernization drive. Not only do we aim for efficiency and convenience for our riding public, we want foremost to ensure their safety. Safer drivers. Safer vehicles. Safer roads,” Usec. Orbos said.

Under the JMC, the DOTr, through the LTO, shall provide training and information dissemination to city and municipal governments in the enactment of speed limit ordinances and road classifications.

LTO Regional Director Atty. Noreen San Luis-Lutey welcomed the participants and guests, and presented the region’s current road safety situation. 

Imagine Law, DOTr’s NGO Partner on Road Safety, provided the introduction of road safety principles, and presented the salient features of the JMC. 

Imagine Law likewise, guided the participants in drafting the ordinance for speed limit setting and road classification. After drafting such ordinances, participants are expected to go back to their respective localities to present the ordinance to the City Council for approval.

Representatives from cities and municipalities of Region V attended the training. 

Conduct of trainings were divided into two (2) batches to accommodate all cities and municipalities of the Region. 

Cities and municipalities from the provinces of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur attended the first batch of training, while representatives from the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Catanduanes attended the second batch. The training, was held at the Avenue Square, Naga City last June 1.

Basketball Without Borders 2018 Day 2 Recap

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Day 2 of the 10th edition of Basketball without Borders Asia Camp organised by the NBA and FIBA started with life skill sessions for the campers here at the at The NBA Academy India, Delhi NCR. Ryan Saunders, Assistant Coach Minnesota Timberwolves, Darvin Ham, Assistant Coach Atlanta Hawks, Ruth Riley, two-time WNBA Champion and NBA Academies Women’s Program Global Technical Director spoke to the campers on the importance of teamwork and communication.

After the life skills sessions, the campers assembled into their respective teams for practice drills. The boys were drafted into four teams: Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves; while the girls were split into Los Angeles Sparks, New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx.

Following the drills, the teams scrimmaged in a series of competitive five-on-five games in front of league and team personnel. The day concluded with the NBA players leading a basketball clinic for 64 youth from the NBA Basketball Schools as part of the NBA’s community outreach efforts. The NBA Basketball Schools are based on “the NBA-Way” of developing basketball talent along with the promotion of positive NBA values of integrity, teamwork, respect, and innovation.

Coach and camper quotes:

Bret Breilmaier, Brooklyn Nets Assistant Coach

“The talent level, the kids, how hard they play and the way they play together is impressive. The talent of kids from all the countries is very good. We are lucky to work with these kids and trying help them to improve their skills so hopefully they can take that back to their teams.”

Princepal Singh, The NBA Academy India, India

“It’s a great feeling to have the camp here in India. At home, there is always an extra motivation to do your best. But having said that, this camp also is a great opportunity for Indian campers to learn from the best and see where they stand.”

Amaan Sandhu, The NBA Academy India, India

“You don’t get to play alongside the best in Asia everyday, and also train under the best in the world. Basketball Without Borders is a great platform for all campers to showcase their talent and take in as much as possible from the best in the business.”

Basketball Without Borders 2018 Day 1 Recap

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The NBA and FIBA tipped-off the 10th edition of Basketball without Borders Asia Camp this morning at the at The NBA Academy India, Delhi NCR. Sixty-six top high-school age boys and girls from 16 countries and territories across Asia took the court and had the opportunity to learn from Corey Brewer (Oklahoma City Thunder; U.S.), Caris LeVert (Brooklyn Nets; U.S.), Kelly Olynyk (Miami Heat; Canada; BWB Americas 2009), Dwight Powell (Dallas Mavericks; Canada), two-time WNBA Champion Ruth Riley, and former WNBA player Ebony Hoffman. Indian players Satnam Singh and Oklahoma City Blue and Indian player Amjyot Singh were also on hand to coach the top high school age campers from throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Current NBA assistant coaches Bret Brielmaier (Nets), Darvin Ham (Atlanta Hawks), Ryan Saunders (Minnesota Timberwolves), and Mike Wells (Utah Jazz) are serving as BWB Asia 2018 coaches. Patrick Hunt (President of the World Association of Basketball Coaches; Australia) is the camp director. Casey Smith (Mavericks) is the camp’s athletic trainer.

The players and coaches led the campers through a variety of activities on and off the court, including movement efficiency, positional skill development, shooting and skills competitions, 5-on-5 games. In the afternoon, as part of the NBA’s community outreach efforts, a basketball clinic was conducted for more than 85 youth from the Reliance Foundation Jr. NBA program to promote cultural understanding while teaching the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle and the values of the game, including teamwork, respect, determination and community.

Player Quotes:

Caris LeVert, Brooklyn Nets

“It was a great first day at the camp. The kids are very receptive here and are eager to learn.  I am looking forward to having a great time with them here.”

Dwight Powell, Dallas Mavericks

“It’s amazing to see the talent here. From what I saw in the last few hours here, these guys have much more to not only be the best of youth talent in Asia but be among the best in the world. I am glad to be here and help them in whatever way possible.”

Kelly Olynyk, Miami Heat

“Back in 2009, BWB was an unbelievable experience. The learning at such camps helps you develop and elevate your game. You have these fantastic coaches and current players, you only get  better from here. It’s a great opportunity. The level of knowledge or competition too for the campers here is awesome. It’s always great to play against the best.”

Satnam Singh, Indian Basketball Player

“This BWB Camp is an opportunity of a lifetime. Life if all about making the most of the opportunities one gets. Like I got an opportunity to be in NBA and made whatever best I could out of it, this camp should serve as a great platform for campers to move up in their basketball careers.”

Amjyot Singh, Oklahoma City Blue & Indian Basketball Player

“This is a great setup for all the campers here. I’m glad that I could come here and share things that I have learnt so far. The level of coaches and players here is very good and the campers should go back as better players and human beings too.”

Iloilo City to Host the East Asian Seas Congress this November

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Iloilo City has been chosen as the venue of the upcoming 2018 East Asian Seas Congress to be held on November 27 to 30 at the Iloilo Convention Center (ICC). Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. said that it is a great privilege to be the host city for the upcoming Congress as the ICC’s state of the art facilities has been “home to congregations that encourage dialogues towards sustainable development and bridging potential collaborations towards the future of the East Asian Seas region.”

“With a coastline of approximately 72 kilometers, Iloilo City is a coastal metropolitan area with a population of around 950,000 Ilonggos,” said Governor Defensor. “We extend our warm invitation to the delegates to explore the historic and scenic side of the city and the rest of the province.”

Similarly, Iloilo Mayor Jose Espinosa III expressed that they are “deeply honored that our beloved city has been chosen as the venue for this momentous event.” He added that the City Government of Iloilo supports the efforts of the Congress in “bringing together various stakeholders and working towards aligning local, national and regional actions and goals with that of the global ocean agenda.”

Mayor Espinosa added that “Iloilo is actively pursuing good and responsible governance that promotes social, economic and environmental development. Aside from the different Congress events, get ready to be welcomed with warm Ilonggo hospitality, to indulge in our delicious cuisine, and to immerse in our rich culture.”

Known as the “Heart of the Philippines,” Iloilo City has successfully hosted international assemblies such as the 2015 APEC High-Level Policy Dialogue on Food Security and the Blue Economy and ASEAN in the past.

Initial preparations for the Congress have already commenced, as representatives from the PEMSEA Resource Facility (PRF) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) convened for a preparatory meeting with the local organizing committee (LOC) members from DENR Region 6 and the Provincial and City Governments of Iloilo and Guimaras during a four-day visit last April 17 to 20.

This year’s EAS Congress will feature an International Conference and Environmental Exhibition alongside other events including the Fifth EAS Youth Forum and PEMSEA Network of Local Governments (PNLG) Forum which will culminate with the Sixth Ministerial Forum. A special field visit to a PEMSEA integrated coastal management (ICM) site in the Island of Guimaras will also happen.

Registration for the EAS Congress 2018 is ongoing! For more information and updates about the Congress, visit http://eascongress2018.pemsea.org/. For questions and inquiries, contact the EAS Congress 2018 Secretariat at eascongress2018@pemsea.org. #SeasAsOne