Friday, June 10, 2022

FDCP, DOH Advocate Healthy Lifestyle through Nationwide Film Fest


THE Film Development Council of the Philippines and the Department of Health (DOH) have partnered to launch the Healthy Pilipinas Short Film Festival (HPSFF) with the aim of promoting a healthier country, happening this June 24, 2022 at Shangri-La Plaza Red Carpet, Ortigas. Online screenings will also follow and will run from June 25 to 26, 2022.

The Festival was presented by the FDCP and DOH to the members of the press during a virtual meet-up last June 7, 2022. Healthy Pilipinas is a communication campaign spearheaded by the DOH which aims to encourage positive health habits among Filipinos especially toward the prevention and mitigation of the spread of diseases. The national health department engaged with the FDCP beginning in 2021 to launch the HPSFF in recognition of the effectiveness and impact of short films in reaching a wider audience.  

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño welcomed guests to the press launch, “Who would have thought that FDCP and DOH would champion together both of their advocacies in a way that is very relatable and very engaging to our audience. It’s amazing how being in lockdown has spurted creativity even in isolation. The film community stayed active with writing, story development, and preparing for the time that shoots and filming will be allowed again. We excitedly took this on as health has become a paramount concern for every person globally. It is the right time to harness the power of cinema and social media to communicate something relevant.”


During her opening speech, Dra. Beverly Ho, DOH Concurrent Director of Health Promotion Bureau shared, “We’re happy that this partnership was born because FDCP does the things we are unable to do, they help us raise awareness on the 7 Healthy Habits and of course, with the added benefit of featuring our homegrown talents in the film industry. We are very much excited about this initiative.” 

Six filmmakers from around the country and the regions were tapped to produce a film of not more than 17 minutes each presenting a different health issue. The six trusted filmmakers hail from Pampanga, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga,  and Metro Manila. This joint endeavor will promote not only healthy living for Filipinos but will also celebrate local filmmaking talents.

The filmmakers shared anecdotes of their experiences in creating their short films. Keith Deligero claims, “Ang intensyon ng FDCP ay ilabas ang boses ng filmmakers, it did not feel like work.” His film, Brand X, is an animation that talked about the theme, “Be Clean, Live Sustainably.”

“As a regional filmmaker, opportunities are not that many. FDCP has been making a lot of efforts to give us a spotlight, to share the spotlight with us,” Carlo Catu, director of Ang Paboritong Pinggan ni Nanay added.

Sheron Dayoc, director of Life on Moon, described the thought process in coming up with his film, “The real challenge was how do we come up with a short film that wouldn’t sound preachy, how do we show it in a more simplified way in presenting a new perspective.” 

The official in-person opening ceremony of the event and the world premiere of the six films will be on June 24, followed by online back-to-back screenings with talkback sessions opening for the public on June 25-26, 2022.

The following short films cover the Healthy Habits on fitness and nutrition, sustainable living, substance abuse prevention, mental health, safe sex, and safety measures:

  • Ang Paboritong Pinggan ni Nanay by Carlo Enciso Catu 
  • Child’s Play by Julienne Ilagan 
  • Brand X by Keith Deligero 
  • Llegada by Ryanne Murcia and Zurich Chan 
  • Life on Moon by Sheron Dayoc
  • Dito Ka Lang by Ice Seguerra

DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III expressed his full support of the engagement saying, “Sa pag-usbong ng new normal bunsod ng COVID-19 pandemic, ang pagtataguyod ng kalusugan at kaligtasan ay nararapat maging prayoridad sa bawat tahanan, workplace, paaralan at komunidad. Isang paraan upang maipa-abot ang mensahe na ito sa mga tao ay sa pamamagitan ng pelikula at media. Hangad ng ating adbokasiya ang masaya at malikhaing presentasyon ng mga pelikula na dekaledad at puno ng mga magagandang mensahe. Halina't magsama-sama para ang bawat Pilipino ay maging malusog na mamamayan, para sa isang Healthy Pilipinas,” 

The project, which has been two years in the making, connects the need for a more effective medium to communicate awareness on health issues and the goal of showcasing the homegrown talents of local filmmakers. The partnership aims to focus on the following 7 Healthy Habits: 

  • Move More, Eat Right
  • Be Clean, Live Sustainably
  • Get Vaccinated
  • Don't Smoke, Lessen Alcohol, Say No to Drugs
  • Care for Yourself, Care for Others
  • Practice Safe Sex
  • Do no Harm, Put Safety First

“We really need most people to actually bring out the message of Healthy Pilipinas through the 7 Healthy Habits. For this particular engagement and partnership with FDCP, and our homegrown talents, we’ll be showcasing different subject matters of different health concerns that are concerning for the Filipino people not only this time of the pandemic but it will transcend once we are out of the woods.” Dr. Dominic Maddumba, Chief of Behavior Change and Social Mobilization Division, Health Promotion Bureau reiterated.

After the opening ceremonies, the two-day online screening of the films will feature health experts and celebrity moderators in a panel discussion. Further details of the online screening will be announced during the opening ceremony and will be posted on FDCP’s social media pages. 

PBA Season 47 Grand Opening Kick Off with Team Muses, Special Awards, ang Spectacular Performances


THE momentous PBA Season 47 grand opening last June 5 was made even more memorable by a star-studded program, a special awarding ceremony, and the much talked-about parade of teams with their respective muses.


Aside from the live audience at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, TV viewers also got to enjoy their front-row access to the spectacular show via the live telecast of TV5, One Sports, and Cignal’s PBA Rush channel.


The PBA officially opened its Season 47 with Morissette Amon singing the Philippine National Anthem, followed by TV5’s Born to Be A Star Finalists Hans Paronda and Jannah Bocatiya’s uplifting invocation.




Hosted by Gretchen Ho and Vhong Navarro, the PBA Season 47 grand opening was filled with entertaining performances from Buganda Drumline and Dancers, Lovi Poe with G-Force, P-Pop Idol Girl Group BINI and Aces of Pop BGYO, PoPinoy’s Yara and Versus, and the Sing Galing Kantastic 6.


The much-awaited parade of PBA teams came after the introduction of the PBA Board of Governors. The Converge FiberXers, this season’s newest team, came out first with their muse, Maureen Wroblewitz. They were followed by Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel with AJ Raval, Blackwater Bossing with Hannah Arnold, Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots with Michelle Dee, Meralco Bolts with Kim Mangrobang, NLEX Road Warriors with Patch Magtanong, Northport Batang Pier with Zambel Lamberth, Phoenix Super LPG with Celeste Cortesi, Rain or Shine with Joana Marie Rollosa,  San Miguel Beermen with Ksenia Grondetska, Terrafirma Dyip Ginebra with Azriel Coloma, and lastly, the PBA defending champions TNT Tropang Giga with Sue Ramirez as their muse.


To the delight of the audience and the viewers watching the live broadcast of the event on TV5, One Sports, and Cignal’s PBA Rush channel, the PBA players showed their fun and quirky side as each team showcased their own entertaining VTRs and dance samples.


Another highlight of the PBA grand opening was the resumption of the 46th Season Leo Awards, the annual awarding ceremony that honors the PBA’s outstanding players. Hosted by Jutt Sulit and Denise Tan, the PBA pre-event ceremony saw Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel’s Scottie Thompson bagging the Most Valuable Player award while TNT Tropang Giga’s Mikey Williams was named Rookie of the Year.


The 46th Leo Awards also gave recognition to Kevin Alas of the NLEX Road Warriors as he received the Samboy Lim Sportsmanship Award. Terrfirma Dyip’s Juami Tiongson, on the other hand, was given the Most Improved Player Award. The All-Defensive Team Award was accorded to Cliff Hodge, Arwind Santos, Kelly Williams, Jio Jalalon, and Chris Ross.


Two mythical teams were subsequently selected during the Leo Awards: the 2nd Mythical Team composed of Ian Sangalang, Christian Standhardinger, Matthew Wright, Robert Bolick, and CJ Perez; and the 1st Mythical Team of Mikey Williams, Scottie Thompson, June Mar Fajardo, Calvin Abueva, and Arwind Santos.


Welcoming new players, new teams, and making this new season more exciting and engaging for PBA fans all around the world, the PBA Season 47 grand opening was truly reflective of the PBA’s mantra “GAME TAYO DITO” season campaign. 


Don’t miss the most exciting Philippine basketball season yet. Catch the live PBA action on TV5, One Sports, and Cignal TV’s PBA Rush – Wednesdays & Fridays at 3:00 PM, Thursdays & Saturdays at 5:15 PM, and Sundays at 4:30 PM. 


Wednesday, June 1, 2022

“Mano Po Legacy: Her Big Boss” Brings One Last Kilig Episode

 

AFTER weeks of touching hearts and spreading good vibes, GMA Network and Regal Entertainment’s hit primetime series Mano Po Legacy: Her Big Boss airs its final episode tonight (June 2).

 

The heartwarming program follows the story of a headstrong woman, Irene Pacheco (Bianca Umali), who tries to balance her career and romantic life. She was set to marry her longtime perfect boyfriend, Nestor Lorenzo (Kelvin Miranda), until her feelings changed after meeting her big boss, Richard Lim (Ken Chan).


KEN CHAN, BIANCA UMALI & KELVIN MIRANDA

But is there a chance for a happy ending between Richard and Irene? Or will she fix her complicated relationship and settle down instead with Nestor?

 

Aside from their love triangle, Kapuso viewers are also intrigued with the previous episode where Raven (Teejay Marquez) accused Irene of being involved in the Gold Quest anomaly. Will she be able to prove her innocence?


KEN CHAN & BIANCA UMALI 


How can Irene stand up against Elaine (Marina Benipayo) and Princess (Sarah Edwards), who belittle her? Is there anything else that she can do to manifest her true intentions and prove that she is not after the wealth of Richard? 

 

As the series concludes tomorrow, the successor of Lim’s family business will also be unveiled—will it be Richard or Raven? 


BIANCA UMALI & KELVIN MIRANDA

 

Don’t miss these revelations on the finale of Mano Po Legacy: Her Big Boss – under the helm of director Easy Ferrer – tonight (9:35 p.m.) after Bolera on GMA Telebabad.


Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com.


Clorox PH Partners with Philippine Airlines to Help Enhance Travelers’ Health, Safety


AS health and safety became a top concern amid the pandemic, especially for travelers, Clorox Philippines, one of the country’s leading providers of cleaning and disinfecting products, collaborated with the flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL). 


Clorox Philippines worked with PAL to enhance the safety of their customers by providing Clorox products in PAL’s airport hubs and ticket offices across the Philippines. PAL received Clorox Expert Disinfectant Sprays, Clorox Expert Disinfecting Wipes canisters, Clorox Clean-Up All-Purpose Cleaner, and Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaners to disinfect its vital facilities and amenities. 




“The health and safety of our passengers are our top priorities. We are pleased to have partnered with Clorox Philippines, which shares our values in upholding the safety and welfare of consumers. As more people go back to flying, our partnership is significant and timely," said Ria Carrion-Domingo, Vice President for Marketing at PAL. 



 

Clorox Expert Disinfecting Wipes were also given to PAL’s arriving international and domestic passengers and customers of ticket offices nationwide from December 31, 2021, to March 2022, catering to almost 22,000 travelers. 

  

“We are always committed to making the lives of every Filipino better each day with our Clorox products amid these uncertain times. And with our collaboration with PAL, we are happy that we can assist in making their travelers safe,” said Monique Gonzales, Marketing Manager for Southeast Asia at Clorox International. 



Saturday, May 28, 2022

Artist Circle Celebrates 10th Anniversary : Honored Loyal Artists with 'Dekada Award'


ISANG grandiosong 10th Anniversary party ng Artist Circle ang naganap noong May 11, 2022 sa bonggang Aquila Crystal Tagaytay Events Place sa Tagaytay City.

Pag-aari ito ng newest artist ng Artist Circle si Tei Endencia, na isang kilalang event specialist. 

Ayon sa founder/manager na si Rams David, na-meet niya si Tei dahil kay Wilma Doesnt na isa rin sa kanyang alaga.

RAMS DAVID & TEI ENDENCIA

“Bilang ang galing nilang mag-design ng event, e. Starting next month, all of the booking, all of the arrangement na dadaanan ng Aquila will go through Artist Circle. so we’ll be his satellite office in Quezon City.”

Idea raw ni Tei na gawin nila ang ballroom party para nga sa 10th anniversary ng Artist Circle.

“Sabi niya, 'Tito Rams, let’s do something big.' And sakto na 10th anniversary ng Artist Circle. At nabuo ito, two weeks ago lang. That’s why I’m grateful kay Tei Endencia, the MasTEIpiece for inviting us over.

“So, it’s an expansion of my office, for booking na makakatulong din sa mga artista natin.”

RAMS DAVID & TEI ENDENCIA

Dagdag pa niya, "at kung kailangan ang expertise niya sa pagde-design ng party, like Fairy Tale o Harry Potter or Phantom of the Opera, maaasahan sa pagde-design si Tei.

"And since he owns the venue, doon na nga namin ginawa ang 10th anniversary party."

Nagdatingan naman halos lang ng mga artists ng Artist Circle at guests na pawang nakasuot ng formal gowns and suits na angkop sa sa "ballroom" theme ng party, na kung saan lumakad sila sa red carpet at nakaroon ng photo op, at nag-enjoy sa sinerve na bonggang dinner. 

“We established it 2012, so sampung taon na siya at ang artists natin ay more or less ay nasa 70 na," kuwento ni Rams.

"So, bakit siya 70, alam n'yo naman ang mga hawak ko are the character actors and actresses of different field.  Before siya naging Artist Circle, it’s House of Characters, dahil marami tayong hawak na artists na pwede sa iba't-ibang supporting roles na kailangan lalo na sa mga teleserye."

Nagsimula nga ang Artist Circle sa pagma-manage ng primera klase at premyadong aktres tulad nina Celia Rodriguez,  Chanda Romero, Odette Khan at Sheryl Cruz, at sa 10 years dumami na sila.

Sa ginanap na 10th anniversary ng Artist Circle, pinarangalan din ni Rams ang mga artistang nakasama nila ten years ago at kung nabubuhay lang si German 'Kuya Germs' Moreno ay kasama rin siya sa list.

ARTIST CIRCLE'S 'DEKADA AWARDEE'

Kasama sa labing anim na nakatanggap ng 'Dekada Award.' sina Sheryl Cruz, Chanda Romero, Odette Khan, Mosang, Mel Kimura, Shyr Valdez, Dang Cruz, Ces Quesada, Jet Rai, Andrew Schimmer, Robert Correa, Marlon Mance, Rico Robles, Lorenz Martinez, Mike Magat, at Celia Rodriguez.

Mas nakilala si Rams David bilang mahusay na program manager sa mga shows ng GMA-7 at noong 2011 ay naging president siya ng Triple A (All Access to the Artists) ni Mr. Antonio P. Tuviera at nag-manage ng career nina Marian Rivera at Maine Mendoza, na labis niyang ikinatutuwa sa kasikatang tinatamasa ng dalawang big stars ng GMA-7.

Hindi naman naging madali pa kay Rams na lisanin ang Triple A para personal na matutukan ang kanyang sariling management company.

“Nagpaalam naman ako nang maayos at napakabait naman ni Chairman na pinayagan ako," say pa ng butihing manager.

CHRISTIAN, JELAI, CARLOS & JOPAY

Kabilang nga sa mga bagong mina-manage ng Artist Circle ay si Asiana na daughter ng model and actress na si Wilma. 

Ang ilan pa sa mga artists nina Rams ay sina Jelia Andres, Jopay Paguia at Joshua Zamora, at apat pang Sexbomb Dancers na sina Mia Pangyarihan, Mhyca Bautista, Cheche Tolentino, at Aira Bermudez.  

Kabilang din sa mga talents sina Krissy Achino, ang magkapatid na Mike at Carlos Agassi, Mico Aytona, BJ "Tolits" Forbes, Inday Garutay, Kiks Ferrer, at Christian Antolin na isa sa tinanghal na Stars of the Night kasama sina Jelai, Jopay at Carlos.

At sa pagpasok ng kanilang ika-11 taon, asahan na mas maraming artists ang madadagdag sa Artist Circle na kung saan meron na rin silang mga kabataan na dini-discover na puwede nilang iko-manage sa Sparkle GMA Artist Center, kung mabibigyan ng pagkakataon.

Congrats Artist Circle, cheers to more decades in the entertainment industry!

Friday, May 27, 2022

SHOPEE Kicks Off the 6.6-7.7 Mid-Year Sale with “Mas Mura Sa Shopee” Deals for Filipino Shoppers



THE mid-year is the perfect time to reward ourselves and recharge for what's to come in the second half of 2022. Shopee treats more Filipinos to a memorable mid-year shopping experience at the 6.6-7.7 Mid-Year Sale.


To kick-off the mid-year sale, shoppers can look forward to “Mas Mura sa Shopee”* deals and enjoy ₱66 deals all day, shipping discount vouchers, and 10% off daily when they add-to-cart and checkout from May 27 to June 8.


Score “mas mura sa Shopee”* deals as low as ₱66 at the 6.6 - 7.7 Mid-Year Sale


As shoppers fill up their Shopee carts with their favorite finds, they can also discover “Mas Mura Sa Shopee”* [It’s cheaper on Shopee] deals with low-priced items that are guaranteed to make their haul worth every peso. 


With 6.6 just around the corner, take your pick from the following items at only ₱66 that fit your everyday lifestyle. 



Stay warm during cold nights with a stylish button down cardigan. Want to cook with ease? consider this multi cooker hot pot to be your helping hand in the kitchen. Upgrade your storage space with a multifunctional shoe rack organizer, which keeps your favorite pairs neat and orderly.  



Say goodbye to wrinkled clothing with this handheld steam iron, which you can use either at home or on your next trip. Improve your gaming experience with these noise cancelling gaming headphones, giving you that high quality sound without sacrificing comfort. Beat the heat when you buy this anti-heat portable clip electric fan, a compact, trendy item that lets you chill comfortably while being on-the-go. Be sure to check out these deals quickly as they’ll be on limited stocks on 6.6.


Shopee launches a new in-app game in time for 6.6 


Shopee is giving you more reasons to enjoy the 6.6-7.7 Mid-Year Sale with the launch of its new in-app game. The game will be available to play on the Shopee app on June 1, where users will be treated with daily prizes including ShopeePay credits, Shopee coins, Shopee vouchers, and the latest must-have gadgets when they play and win!


Here’s a little hint on this fun new game from Shopee: it will be about connecting different letters in order to solve puzzles! To know more about Shopee’s latest game and its official name, you can visit the Shopee Prizes page from May 30-31. You also get the chance to take home an iPhone 12 or an Instax Mini when you correctly guess the name of Shopee’s new game. 


Shop with up to 66% cashback and send money for free using ShopeePay


This mid-year celebration is made even more special with ShopeePay, Shopee's integrated mobile wallet that allows you to conveniently pay for your purchases and settle transactions with no hidden fees. With ShopeePay, you can send money to any bank, e-wallet or any Shopee user for free and save more with cashback promos for bills payment, as well as cheap mobile load and data offers. 


Here are some ShopeePay offers users can check out during the 6.6 -7.7 Mid-Year Sale:

  • From May 29 to June 1, join ShopeePay’s QR Code Giveaway and get the chance to win up to ₱50,000.

  • On May 30, get free ₱100 when you send money for the first time using ShopeePay (valid for new users).

  • On June 6, get up to 66% cashback when you check out using ShopeePay. 

  • On June 6, check out “ShopeePay Near Me” to enjoy ₱1 and ₱6 deals from partner merchants ranging from food & beverage outlets, lifestyle brands, and more!


To know more about the 6.6 - 7.7 Mid-Year Sale, visit the 6.6 Mid-Year Sale page on Shopee.


Friday, May 20, 2022

GMA Network's ‘Legal Wives’ Now Streaming on Netflix Philippines


GMA Network's top-rating family drama series ‘Legal Wives' is set to captivate the hearts of more viewers as it debuts on Netflix Philippines.

The groundbreaking program, which aired in July last year, is the 7th GMA content on the popular video streaming platform. It joins the growing list of Kapuso shows and movie that viewers can binge watch on Netflix Philippines including ‘Descendants of the Sun,’ ‘I Can See You,’ ‘Love of my Life,’ ‘ Owe My Love,’ ‘Heartful Café,’ and ‘Family History.’


The original series features a casting coup top-billed by no less than Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo as Ismael Makadatu, an honorable man from a well-off Mranaw family who will equally love three women out of obligation, dedication, and compassion; Alice Dixson as Amirah Alonte, the virtuous and pious daughter of a sultan and Ismael's first wife; Andrea Torres as Diane San Luis, Ismael’s second wife who is a feisty modern Catholic woman who will go to great lengths to fight for herself and Ismael's love; Bianca Umali as Farrah Valeandong, a smart and innocent lady who becomes Ismael's third wife in hopes of saving her family's reputation.

DENNIS TRILLO

Set in Lanao Del Sur, the story begins with a Mranaw man named Ismael (Dennis) from the affluent and noble family of Makadatu. Although a devout Muslim and a muezzin (sever of the mosque), Ismael falls for Diane (Andrea), a dentist who is part of the Catholic minority in their province, and whom he keeps from his family as she is considered a non-believer. 

ALICE DIXSON
 
In a sudden turn of events, Ismael gets entangled in a clan feud which leads to his marriage with his brother's widow, Amirah (Alice). Ismael follows the disheartened Diane in Manila and tries to woo her unbeknownst to his parents. Just when the two are starting to build a happy marriage, Ismael is met with another conflict. Upon his return to their province, his friend - who he is greatly indebted to - seeks his help in saving their family's reputation by marrying Farrah (Bianca), his daughter who is involved in a scandal. 

ANDREA TORRES

How will Ismael's three wives deal with each other’s socio-cultural differences along with the idea of them sharing one husband? Is the idea of a man loving more than just one woman, equally and all at the same time, really possible?   
BIANCA UMALI

All scenes, creative processes, and executions for the series are with the guidance of Muslim Consultants Sohaimen Agal, Imam Mohammad Miphantao, Imam Abu amen Abdullah, and Ustadh Alinor Pansar; Islamic Script Editor Salem Guimba; and Costume and Muslim Language Consultant Princess Nurfathma Egypa Balindong. 
 
Don't miss the premiere of ‘Legal Wives' - under the helm of Zig Dulay - now streaming on Netflix Philippines.