Udine Film Fest in Italy Pays Tribute to Eddie Garcia as PH Cinema Icon

 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, JUNE 21, 2021 — Eight Filipino films, featuring five titles in the Eddie Garcia Retrospective section, are selected to participate in Italy’s Far East Film Festival (FEFF) in Udine from June 24 to July 2 in a hybrid form with both in-person and online showings.

FEFF is the largest festival in Europe specializing in Asian Cinema and a contributor to the commercial distribution of Asian films across European and Italian markets. Last year, Xeph Suarez’s project, “Dancing the Tides” and Khavn Dela Cruz’s “Skeleton River” wer e featured in the FEFF Industry section.

For its 23rd edition this year, the Competition section features the award-winning film “Fan Girl” directed by Antoinette Jadaone, which will have its international festival and online worldwide premiere, while multi-awarded director Joel Lamangan’s “Anak Ng Macho Dancer” will have its Italian and online worldwide premiere. “A is for Agustin,” the first feature-length documentary by Grace Simbulan, is under the Out of Competition section and will have its European and online worldwide premiere.

In honor of the late television and film legend Eddie Garcia for his invaluable contributions to the industry, the special tribute “Eddie Garcia: Life as a Film Epic” under the Retrospective section presents four feature films and one short film.

The restored version of Ishmael Bernal’s debut film “Pagdating sa Dulo” and Jun Robles Lana’s “Bwakaw” will both have their Italian premiere, online worldwide, and offline screenings. Lamangan’s “Rainbow’s Sunset,” Raymond Red’s Cannes Palme d’Or for Short Film recipient “Anino,” and “Sinasamba Kita” by Eddie Garcia will have their Italian and online only worldwide premiere.

For this year’s FEFF’s Industry section, Martika Ramirez Escobar’s project “Bird Eyes” will participate in Focus Asia’s program. Journalists Jason Tan Liwanag and Richard Olano will be part of the FEFF Campus training project.

Since 2017, through the Spotlight Philippines program, FEFF has screened 19 Filipino films, which includes Lana’s “Die Beautiful,” Loy Arcenas’ “Ang Larawan,” and Joyce Bernal’s “Miss Granny,” among others, to showcase the diverse and multifaceted Filipino stories. The festival has also been a platform for more Filipino filmmakers to be exposed on a global platform.

“We are grateful to the Far East Film Festival in Udine for propagating Asian films in Europe and supporting Philippine Cinema once more by featuring a total of eight films, selecting a project and two journalists, and mounting a heartwarming tribute to our eternal icon Eddie Garcia to further his artistry and legacy,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

In 2018, FEFF selected the Philippines as its “Country of Focus” in celebration of the One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema. Through the FDCP’s International Film Festival Assistance Program, the Agency provided support to the five selected Filipino films for their participation in FEFF 2019. Two Filipino projects were selected for the FEFF Industry section when it moved into online platforms in 2020.

The 23^rd FEFF, organized by Centro Espressioni Cinematografiche, will screen 63 titles from South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Macau, Myanmar, and the Philippines.

For more information on the participating films in the FEFF, visit https://www.mymovies.it/ondemand/23feff/.

 

The Far East Film Festival 2021 lineup from June 24 to July 2:

 

Competition

●     “Fan Girl” by Antoinette Jadaone

●     “Anak Ng Macho Dancer” by Joel Lamangan

 

Out of Competition

●     “A is for Agustin,” by Grace Simbulan

 

Retrospective

Eddie Garcia: Life as a Film Epic

●     “Pagdating sa Dulo” by Ishmael Bernal

●     “Bwakaw” by Jun Robles Lana

●     “Rainbow’s Sunset” by Joel Lamangan

●     “Anino” by Raymond Red

●     “Sinasamba Kita” by Eddie Garcia

Luis Manzano: A Passionate Advocate of Wellness, A Perfect Endorser of Santé's SweetVia

FOR over a decade, Santé has successfully positioned itself as a trusted industry leader in the Philippines, consistent in developing and distributing premier natural and organic health and wellness products and services.

The company culminates the second quarter of 2021 as it formally welcomes Luis Manzano as the official endorser of SweetVia – a sweetener from a natural source with amazing health benefits.

SweetVia contains potent natural plant ingredients, such as Chicory Root Fiber Inulin and Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana) - a safe and non-toxic herbal extract that aids in keeping blood sugar low.

In both human and animal studies, the addition of inulin has been found to normalize blood lipid and glucose levels (Gibson & Delzenne). Also, it showed a reduction in food intake and decreased body weight. 

On the other hand, 2 Stevia is an accepted sugar substitute that can contribute to weight management and improved caloric control. And unlike other sugary foods, stevia inhibits the formation of cavities and plaque (Elkins, 1997).

A single 1g sachet of SweetVia instantly provides a sweeter taste to any beverage and every food recipe minus the guilt and harmful effects of too much sugar.

As one of the most influential celebrities in the entertainment industry today, Luis Manzano is a multi-hyphenate who is in the prime of his career. He has a highly hectic schedule that consists of several thriving business ventures, multiple brand partnerships, and top-trending TV shows on the Kapamilya Channel. 

Among his projects is his hosting stint in the recently concluded third season of the singing and impersonation competition, Your Face Sounds Familiar, and his weekly appearances on ASAP Natin ‘To every Sunday afternoons.

Luis is also known as a passionate advocate of wellness who believes that a well-balanced lifestyle which consists of proper time management between work and personal life coupled with regular physical exercise and proper diet are key factors in maintaining a productive life that is absolutely healthy, which is very vital especially now amid the pandemic.

“I just turned 40 this year and what I learned as we grow older is that we must always watch what we eat,” says Luis.

“I know a lot of people who got diabetes either genetically or because of their food choices. I’m really into sweets, and there’s always room for so much more desserts in my life. Because of SweetVia, I now have a healthy alternative that enables me to satisfy my cravings without putting myself at risk of diabetes and minus the guilt, as well.”

Luis also reveals that he is confident, calm, and relaxed with SweetVia, “I could sleep better knowing that my choice to incorporate Sweet Via in my daily diet essentials is both effective and excellent because its ingredients are natural and plant-based. I am assured that I made the right choice with SweetVia.”

“Luis Manzano lives the ideal lifestyle that perfectly represents SweetVia as he is enjoying a balanced life that is both active and healthy,” says Santé CEO Joey Marcelo.

“We are honored to officially welcome Luis to the Santé family, and we are looking forward to all the exciting projects that we will do in collaboration with him in the months to come.”

Luis also expresses how grateful he is to partner with SweetVia, “It’s great to partner with a brand like SweetVia. This is the best alternative every time I want to eat or drink something sweet. Another plus with Sweet Via is the prebiotics that it contains, which takes care of my tummy. SweetVia is so versatile because it could be used not just in drinks and desserts but in every single food recipe imaginable.”

SweetVia is available in leading Mercury Drug stores, Watsons, The Generics Pharmacy, Puregold, Lawson, The Landmark, All Day Supermarkets, and order online thru Lazada and Shopee.

For more information and exciting news and updates on Luis Manzano and SweetVia, follow @sweetviaofficial on Instagram, like Sweet Via on Facebook, and subscribe to SweetVia on YouTube.     #LuisManzanoXSweetVia

What’s the Best Shade of Green? Matteo Guidicelli and Kuya Kim Atienza say it’s leading a Healthy Life

 

LIFE is what you make of it, they say. That is why, amid today's “new normal,” leading a healthy lifestyle is a commitment you can give yourself to ensure that you are at your best despite uncertainties.  

 

Take it from celebrity fitspirations and triathletes Matteo Guidicelli and “Kuya” Kim Atienza, both ambassadors of Santé, a provider of premier natural and organic health and wellness products and services. As they embody the live more, do more lifestyle, they believe that good health makes life more meaningful.  

 

“Matteo has this mindset to always give all his best in everything that he does. That simple but exciting enthusiasm, in a way, motivates me to do the same and live more and do more in life,” said Kuya Kim. 

 

Working together with Santé, Matteo and Kuya Kim also believe that leading a healthy lifestyle can only be achieved by committing to it. According to them, it is still easier to accomplish something when you share it with people who motivate and challenge you to go further. 

 

“When I started joining triathlons, I always see the Santé TriTeam, Kuya Kim, and Sir Joey. Racing alongside them inspired me to push myself to the limit and, somehow, be great at the sport. Having people like them to look up to helped me carry out my goals and keep my body healthy for myself and my loved ones,” said Matteo Guidicelli. 

 

He added that “Kuya Kim is always great to work with. He is such a nice guy with a good spirit, good values, and morals. It is an honor to be working with him. It is also an honor to represent a brand like Santé, and I hope to continue representing them since the company has not only great products but also great values.” 

 

Other than challenging each other to stay at their best and fittest, Kuya Kim and Matteo give credit to Santé for helping them achieve their health goals with products like Santé Barley™ Powder, a pure organic barley grass powdered drink, blended with one of nature's most potent sweeteners, Stevia, and Santé Barley™ Capsule, a 500-mg pure barley grass powder packed in vegetable capsules without any additives. 

 

Recently, Santé launched the new packaging for these flagship products. They now come in its new, vibrant Santé Green packaging, inspired by the 'greenest of greeneries' in New Zealand—the best shade of green. 

 

“The new packaging is very classic. It looks classy and reminds me of the greenery in New Zealand. Just by looking at the box reminds us of how fresh and how green the country is. Santé Barley™ is a great product. It has changed a lot of people's lives,” said Matteo Guidicelli. 

 

Kuya could not agree more. He said that, “it is the same old Santé Barley™ that we love. But this time, we are reminded of the green pastures of New Zealand, where Santé Barley™ is from. The thing that I like about Santé Barley™, aside from the fact that it is rich in nutrients and vitamins, is that it tastes good.” 

 

Santé BarleyTM stays true to its benefits, helping people strengthen their immune system, boost energy and stamina, remove toxins, promote bone and dental health, reduce inflammation, and many more. 

 

“Just like Kuya Kim and Matteo, the whole Santé family is excited to share the new look of our Santé Barley™ Powder and Santé Barley™ Capsule. Amid these challenging times where health and wellness have never been more important. With its new look and the same Santé Barley™ that we have come to trust, we want to encourage everyone to live more and do more in life,” said Santé CEO Joey Marcelo. 

 

Santé is one of the fastest-growing distribution and direct selling companies globally. Aside from New Zealand and the Philippines, Santé is also present in key markets, such as Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Abuja, Lagos, and Cyprus. It offers premier natural and organic health and wellness products and services designed to improve people's quality of life so they can live more and do more. 

'All-Out Sundays' Kicks Off 'GMA's 71st Anniversary' with Special Episode this Sunday

 

PARTY with the biggest and brightest Kapuso stars as they convene and usher in the celebration of GMA Network's 71st anniversary this Sunday, June 13, in the hit musical-comedy-variety program All-Out Sundays. 

 

Spearheading the spectacle are Kapuso prime stars Dingdong Dantes, Heart Evangelista, Jennylyn Mercado, Dennis Trillo, Alden Richards, Lovi Poe, Carla Abellana, Tom Rodriguez, Aiai delas Alas, Eugene Domingo, and Michael V. 

 

DINGDONG DANTES &
HEART EVANGELISTA

Also gracing the show are the stars of Kapuso shows Bubble Gang, Pepito Manaloto, Daddy’s Gurl, Dear Uge, Catch Me Out Philippines, iBilib, Centerstage, Mars Pa More, Sarap ‘Di Ba, Taste Buddies, Farm To Table, and Eat Bulaga; plus the cast of First Yaya and upcoming GMA series Legal Wives, Nagbabagang Luha, Las Hermanas, and The World Between Us. 

DENNIS TRILLO &
JENNYLYN MERCADO

GMA News pillars Mel Tiangco, Mike Enriquez, Vicky Morales, Arnold Clavio, Howie Severino, and Jessica Soho will also share their anniversary greetings to our loyal Kapuso viewers.

 

Kicking off the party with a medley of all-time favorite OPM dance music are Lani Misalucha, Julie Anne San Jose, Barbie Forteza, Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista, Ken Chan, Rita Daniella, Ruru Madrid, Miguel Tanfelix, Kyline Alcantara, Mavy Legaspi, Kim de Leon with Kapuso stars Rhian Ramos, Benjamin Alves, Sanya Lopez, Katrina Halili, Winwyn Marquez, Jeric Gonzales, Kate Valdez, Ysabel Ortega, and Cassy Legaspi. 

ALDEN RICHARDS
& LOVI POE

Meanwhile, GMA Telebabad’s First Yaya Sanya Lopez takes the spotlight as she goes all-out on her first concert on the AOS stage.

The Queendom Divas - Julie Anne San Jose, Aicelle Santos, Rita Daniela, Jessica Villarubin, Thea Astley, Jennie Gabriel, Hannah Precillas, and Lani Misalucha - will also spice up the party as they give their flavor and rendition to classic OPM hits.

CARLA ABELLANA &
TOM RODRIGUEZ

Watch out for the new comedy-fantasy-musical series "I’m Byerna" which follows the story of Virna, a young woman who shifts into her ugly and ill-tempered alter-ego Byerna every time she gets infuriated. Byerna is forced to become a superhero when supervillain Chillax begins to sow terror in the city.

"I'm Byerna" features Denice Barbacena as Virna, Buboy Villar as Byerna, together with Edgar Allan Guzman, Yasser Marta, and comedians Mike “Pekto” Nacua, Tuesday Vargas, and Kakai Bautista.

AIAI DELAS ALAS
& MICHAEL V.

And finally, tune in for great deals, special promos, and a lot of big prizes that await Kapuso viewers! 

Join in the fun and catch 'All-Out Sundays', this Sunday, 12:00NN, only on GMA-7.

 

SANYA LOPEZ

Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA's flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV.

For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com. 

#AllOutSundays #DingdongDantes #HeartEvangelista #DennisTrillo #JennylynMercado #AldenRichards #LoviPoe #CarlaAbellana #TomRodriguez #AiAiDelasAlas #MichaelV #SanyaLopez #GMANetwork

'Amazing Earth' celebrates third anniversary; moves to a new time slot this Sunday

 

JOIN Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes as he explores more unchartered territories and discovers fascinating stories told through the work of local heroes in the three-part anniversary special of GMA Network's award-winning infotainment program, Amazing Earth, beginning Sunday, June 13. 

 

Since the advent of the program, Dingdong has shown his immeasurable commitment to deliver exciting adventures and stories to Kapuso viewers every week as he treks dirt roads, wades in rivers, and climbs mountains. Even with the pressing concerns brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dingdong proves to be a faithful eco-warrior through and through. 

The award-winning actor-TV host shares that a great deal of destinations await Kapuso viewers in their three-part anniversary episodes, “Team Amazing Earth has a lot in store for our viewers in celebration of our third anniversary. We know na with the pandemic, hindi lahat ay nakakapasyal to explore the many beautiful sights that this planet can offer. Kaya naman our program is very much excited to take our viewers to more breathtaking destinations across the country and around the world.”

 

Dingdong also expresses his take on how their program can be of help in advocating environmental protection, “We feature local heroes para makita natin kung ano ba ‘yung mga puwede nating gawin for our environment and it’s not just limited to tree planting; it could be as simple as educating everyone tungkol sa mga kuwentong bayan na may kinalaman sa kalikasan.”

 

Now on its new primetime timeslot, Amazing Earth's special episodes feature wildlife stories from the BBC nature documentary “Seven Worlds, One Planet," presented by renowned narrator David Attenborough and filmed across 7 continents in 41 countries. 

 

This Sunday, get warm and cozy with the wildlife living in the European hinterlands – from the mountainous regions of Italy and Spain to the forests of France and Finland to the freezing Arctic Circle. Discover the suspense-filled ways of female brown bears, male musk ox, wolves, red deers, and Barbary macaques in their natural habitats. 

Don't miss out on Dingdong's exclusive interview with Mayor Vico Sotto in the Pasig Rainforest Park. The millennial mayor talks about the inroads they are making environment-wise in Pasig, spearheaded by their constituents’ floating farm concept. 

 

Meanwhile, revel in the beauty of Bohol and discover the mysterious Tambuko cave and underwater lagoon! How true is the folklore that diwatas or fairies watch over it?

 

Make it a family habit to explore, enjoy, and learn about our only planet in Amazing Earth - under the helm of esteemed director Rico Gutierrez - Sundays, 7:40PM, before Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, on GMA-7. 

 

Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA's flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV.

 

For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com.

Maine Mendoza, honored to be an instrument to promote 51Talk’s livelihood opportunity to Filipinos

ONLINE English education platform 51Talk recently held its mid-year press conference as it continues to celebrate its 10th year anniversary. 

Brand updates were announced at the press event, with actress Maine Mendoza being introduced as 51Talk’s newest brand ambassador.

MAINE MENDOZA

The award-winning comedienne shared that she finds it an honor, as well as a very rewarding experience to represent 51Talk.

 

“I said yes to 51Talk because I felt that the values and ideals that 51Talk stand for appealed to me.I felt that, on a deeper level, nakaka-relate ako because they value genuine connections with people, and they recognize and reward hard work,” Mendoza relayed.

 

“I also am very honored to be an instrument to promote 51Talk’s livelihood opportunity to Filipinos, especially now when the country is reeling from the impact of the pandemic,” Maine added. 

 

She believes that being an online English teacher at 51Talk is an ideal opportunity especially for those who juggle many roles in life and desire a flexible schedule.

 

“I hope that my being 51Talk’s ambassador will help reach out to more Filipinos to learn about this opportunity.”

Maine was formally introduced by 51Talk Country Head Jennifer Que, who shared why she is the perfect candidate to represent 51Talk’s 30,000 online English teachers. 51Talk had previously teased the identity of its brand ambassador in social media where it trended in Twitter with the hashtag #MaineMendozaFor51Talk.

 

“When she’s not on screen, Maine juggles other roles as an entrepreneur, advocate, and writer. She understands what it’s like to constantly explore endeavors that don’t just pique one’s interest, but also give room for self-improvement. Her lively personality, coupled with her entrepreneurial mindset and go-getter attitude, makes her an ideal embodiment of our 51Talk teachers,” Que explained.

 

Launched in the Philippines in 2011, 51Talk is a leading online English teaching platform that connects thousands of Filipino teachers to foreign students through live and interactive lessons. Due to their naturally cheerful temperament and proficiency in speaking English, Filipinos are considered ideal English language teachers for young foreign learners.

 

MAINE & JENNIFER QUE

Providing livelihood opportunities in communities

Que also shared updates about the platform, starting with headways gained with 51Talk’s community-based teaching centers.

 

“In 2020, 51Talk launched its Third-Party Center Accreditation Program (TPCAP) to establish teaching centers in rural areas. These centers make the 51Talk platform more accessible to aspiring teachers who are otherwise qualified, yet lack the equipment or teaching space in their homes,” explained Que.

 

Currently, there are more than 150 TPCAP centers nationwide across 35 provinces, serving 3,000 teachers since the program was launched.

 

Teacher Reyna Love, a TPCAP center owner from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, shared how the program changed her life, and the lives of 100 teachers using her teaching centers. From a single teaching center she opened last year, Teacher Reyna now owns seven centers in the city with more than 100 teachers under her tutelage.

 

“From the very beginning I really wanted to help others because I see their success as my success, too,” shared Teacher Reyna. “Most of my teachers are breadwinners of their families and workers who lost their jobs due to the pandemic.”

 

“Though the TPCAP program is only in its first year, we are gearing to open more centers all over the Philippines, so that more Filipinos would benefit from this livelihood opportunity, especially amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” added Que.

 

51Talk from here onward

As part of its celebratory activities to commemorate its first decade in the industry, Que also announced that 51Talk named a planet after itself. Located in the constellation Vela, the “51Talk Planet” was recently certified by the Chinese Star Association.

 

“Yes, there’s now officially a planet called 51Talk out there in the universe,” Que exclaimed. “We believe that by naming a planet 51Talk, we are lighting it up as we help light up everyone’s dream to succeed in life through education.”

 

“It has been a fruitful first decade for 51Talk as we have delivered more than 150 million one-on-one English lessons to our learners, which in turn, provided income-generating opportunities to thousands of Filipinos. As 51Talk continues to lead the online English education market in China, we are aiming to attract 40,000 more teachers this year to accommodate the rising number of students using the platform,” Que ended.

PH Film Industry Promotes to China at Shanghai International Film Market Online

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, JUNE 9, 2021 — The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) proudly showcased the diverse locations, film incentives, high-quality equipment, and especially the creative and hardworking people of the Philippine film industry at the International Film & TV Online Market that ran alongside the 24th edition of the Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) and Shanghai TV Festival from June 6 to 14 in a hybrid format.

FDCP Chairperson and CEO LIZA DINO 

On June 7, “The Philippines - Let’s Create Together!” presentation featured “The 10 Funtastic Reasons to Film in the Philippines,” introduced the selected Filipino film in the International Panorama Short Film Section, “Excuse Me, Miss, Miss, Miss” by Sonny Calvento produced by Southern Lantern Studios, and presented the Philippine delegation composed of six production companies.

 

The delegate companies are the North Luzon Cinema Guild, Digital Dreams Inc., Atom & Anne Mediaworks, Daluyong Studios, Globe Studios, and Man Overboard Productions. Their company pages on the SIFF online platform featured five of their projects, and they were given complimentary passes and access to online meetings and events.

“The Filipinos and the Chinese are still bound in affinity, historically and culturally. Our similarities and sensibilities as ethnic siblings are evident in our cities, our language, our businesses, and many artistic and cultural aspects,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño in her opening remarks.

 

“It makes perfect sense for us then to seek partnerships and collaborations with China in the field of cinema where we can further enjoy films from China as well as tap into their market and introduce to them the essence of Filipino films. The goal is for us to activate co-productions between China and the Philippines and for us to discover or rediscover stories that unite the two cultures together,” she continued.

Technical Consultant Agathe Vinson of the FDCP’s FilmPhilippines Office further discussed the FilmPhilippines Incentives offered by the national film agency: Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP), International Co-production Fund (ICOF), ASEAN Co-production Fund (ACOF), and Film Location Engagement Desk (FLEX).

FDCP’s FilmPhilippines was also given a complimentary booth during the online market, which included a company page on the SIFF platform, complimentary passes, access to online meetings and events, and an option to hold a pre-recorded event on the platform — “The Philippines - Let’s Create Together!” that premiered on June 7 at 5 p.m.

Since its formation in 1933, the SIFF has become one of the most important festivals in Asia and the world, where past events have featured films from Filipino filmmakers. Paolo Villaluna, who is part of the jury in this year’s competition, was awarded with the Golden Goblet, the highest prize of the festival, for his film “Pauwi Na” in 2017.