Liza Diño, First Filipina to Become French Knight in the Field of Cinema

AWARD-WINNING Actress Liza Diño and former Chairperson and CEO of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) was honored with one of France’s most distinguished titles, the Chevalier in the French Order of Arts and Letters (“Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres”).

This esteemed award recognizes Diño's exceptional contributions to the film industry and her unwavering dedication to fostering cultural exchanges between the Philippines, France, and the world.

Liza Diño with French Ambassador to the Philippines Michele Boccoz

The exclusive and intimate awarding ceremony hosted by French Ambassador Michele Boccoz in her honor took place on June 23, 2023, at the Ambassador's Residence in Makati City, Philippines. Attended by esteemed colleagues in government and film and Diño's closest friends and family members, the event marked a momentous occasion in her remarkable career. Ambassador Boccoz, during her speech, praised Diño for her hard work in opening doors for  Filipino filmmakers and films and bridging the Philippines and France for cultural exchange, mutual policies, and promotions.

“Liza, you are an actress by profession, but being appointed Chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines seemed like you had a calling in public service to play a role in building government support for the Philippine film industry,” she said in her speech. “Your energy, talent, and intensive work have been recognized by French professionals and by all French institutions, and this is why we are here tonight,’ the Ambassador added before she officially conferred the medal to Diño.

Those who witnessed the awarding ceremony included award-winning directors Brillante Mendoza, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Bibeth Orteza, and Mark Meily, actresses Angel Aquino, Bela Padilla, RR Herrera, and Raquel Villavicencio, filmmakers and producers Bianca Balbuena, Bradley Liew, Real Florido, RJ Agustin, and Jim Baltazar of CMB films, Ambassadors Luc Veron of the European Union, and Laure Beaufils of United Kingdom, Instituto Cervantes Director Javier Galvan, and government leaders QC Mayor Joy Belmonte with Manet Dayrit and Ed Lejano of QCinema, QC Congressman Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde, Pangasinan Congressman Toff De Venecia, PAO Chief Persida Acosta, IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba, and Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia.

Liza Diño with Government Leaders (L-R) Cebu Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia and Wife, IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba, French Ambassador Michele Boccoz, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, and Congressman Arjo Atayde

The National Order of Arts and Letters is considered the highest civilian award given by the French Republic for individuals who have distinguished themselves by their creations in the artistic or literary field or by the contribution they have made to the influence of the arts and letters in France and the world. Among those awarded the title in the past are Steven Spielberg, George Clooney, Leonardo Di Caprio, Meryl Streep, and Cate Blanchett. 

As the first and only Filipina to receive the distinction in the field of cinema (and joining Oscar-winning Actress Michelle Yeoh in Southeast Asia), Diño's achievements have elevated and uplifted the Philippine film industry in the last six (6) years in the FDCP, most especially in the empowerment and promotion of Philippine Cinema around the world. Her journey, rooted in her background as a classically trained actress, reflects her profound love for the film industry and her commitment to advancing its growth and impact.

 Liza Diño with Ambassadors and Government Leaders (L-R) Instituto Cervantes Director Javier Galvan, Congressman Arjo Atayde, Cebu Mayor Raymond Garcia, French Ambassador Michele Boccoz, European Union Ambassador Luc Veron, and Congressman Toff De Venecia 

During her tenure as Chairperson and CEO of the FDCP, Ms. Dino played a pivotal role in fostering film cooperation between the Philippines and France. Under her leadership, Dino achieved numerous milestones through her collaboration with the Centre National du Cinéma et de l'image animée (CNC), France’s National Agency for Cinema and audiovisual works. This collaboration resulted in a series of impactful initiatives, from strengthening the participation of Filipino films and filmmakers on the global stage to bringing French experts to the Philippines for policy discussions. 

Diño would go on to strengthen the agency’s support to more Filipino filmmakers and films in the promotion and participation in the most influential film festivals in the world, including the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in Annecy, France. FDCP also brought to the Philippines the Festival’ Animation du Monde in 2019 and partnered with French-based company Tatino Films to establish Full Circle Lab Philippines, a global project and talent lab that has helped build the Philippines as a creative hub in the Southeast Asian region.

Liza Diño with Film Industry Guests (L-R) Ed Lejano, Congressman Toff De Venecia, Manet Dayrit, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Bela Padilla, RJ Agustin, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte, Raquel Villavicencio, French Ambassador Michele Boccoz, Real Florido, Bianca Balbuena, Bradley Liew, Angel Aquino, Brillante Mendoza, Jim Baltazar, Congressman Arjo Atayde, Rafael Siguion-Reyna, and Yanah Laurel

Through collaborations with the French Embassy as well, the annual French Film Festival in the Philippines has served as a platform to promote contemporary forms of cinema from France and enhance cultural exchange. It was also during Diño’s time that FDCP started acquiring distribution rights for acclaimed films such as "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" and "Petit Maman” to bring them closer to Filipino audiences. Just before the pandemic, FDCP also looked into the improvement of the movie houses in the country to uplift their standards by inviting French engineers from the CST (Commission Supérieure Technique de l'Image et du Son) to the Philippines with the end goal of creating technical standards for the cinematic experience. 

She was also responsible for formulating the policies that would become the first national film incentives of the Philippines, through, among others, hosting a policy forum between French experts and Philippine legislators on the French levy fund system. In 2019, the FilmPhilippines Incentives was launched, which supported international co-productions between France and the Philippines, including Lav Diaz's "When The Waves Are Gone," Thomas Digard's "Bionic Max," Avid Liongoren's "Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah vs. The Amazonistas," Carlo Manatad's "Whether The Weather is Fine," and Simon Jaquemet's "Electric Child." 

Liza Diño with (L-R) former FDCP ED Ria Rubia, QCinema Artistic Director Ed Lejano, QCinema Festival Manager  Gyana Barata, CMB Film Services President Jim Baltazar, QC Film Foundation President Manet Dayrit, French Ambassador Michele Boccoz, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Congressman Arjo Atayde, and Fire and Ice Production Manager Rosano Ricarto

Just last year, before she ended her term, she secured the renewal of the CNC-FDCP cooperation agreement, which became one of the highlights of the celebration of 75 years of Diplomatic Relations between France and the Philippines. This agreement paves the way for the conclusion of a co-production treaty between France and the Philippines, promising even more meaningful collaborations and opportunities for local filmmakers.

As Liza Dino received the French Knight Award, she expressed her profound gratitude to all those who have supported and collaborated with her throughout her career. In her acceptance speech during the ceremony and recounting her early days in the FDCP, she said, “I approached [this new role] the same way I did with every aspect of my life - by creating, nurturing, and honoring relationships. I believed that in forming authentic relationships with colleagues, partners, and collaborators, I could get them on board to help me in my vision of an empowered and strong film industry. This was how this fruitful collaboration with France blossomed into impactful cooperation that bridged Philippine and French Cinema together.” 

Liza Diño with French Ambassador to the Philippines Michele Boccoz

“I'd like to thank the French government for honoring me and acknowledging that Philippine Cinema, with all the blood, sweat, and tears that need to be shed, is worth championing and fighting for,” she said as she closed her speech. 

Diño continues her love for the film and entertainment industry through her current role as the CEO of Fire and Ice Media and Productions, Inc., the company she manages with her husband and musical icon, Ice Seguerra. The company has produced successful and award-winning live event shows and is currently supporting several international projects in development with the Philippines and Southeast Asia. She is also the newly appointed Executive Director of the Quezon City Film Development Commission. She envisions the Quezon City film industry as a globally recognized brand for quality, diverse, and authentic films.

Herlene Budol Marks Acting Debut via GMA’s “Magandang Dilag”

EXPECT more inspiring afternoons with a taste of sweet revenge as GMA Network presents “Magandang Dilag” beginning June 26.

Benjamin Alves, Herlene Budol & Rob Gomez 

The program is bannered by Sparkle leading man Benjamin Alves as Eric, highly-talented actor Rob Gomez as Jared, and introducing Binibining Pilipinas 2022 1st Runner Up Herlene Budol as Gigi.

Herlene Budol

Benjamin Alves

Rob Gomez 

Joining the star-studded cast are Adrian Alandy as Magnus, Jared’s brother and a rising politician; Maxine Medina as Blaire, the domineering girlfriend of Jared and a sought-after fashion designer; 

 Adrian Alandy

Maxine Medina

Bianca Manalo as Riley, a trophy wife to Magnus who hides her cruelty and violence; Angela Alarcon as Allison, a famous social media influencer and Riley’s best friend; Muriel Lomadilla as Donna, Gigi’s amusing and loving confidant; Prince Clemente as Cyrus,  Eric’s close friend and colleague; Jade Tecson as Jadah, the younger sister of Allison who knows her deepest secrets.

Bianca Manalo 

Angela Alarcon 

Playing equally important roles in this upcoming drama are seasoned artists Al Tantay as Joaquin, Gigi’s father who left them to reach his own dreams; Chanda Romero as Sofia, the rich and intimidating wife of Joaquin; and Sandy Andolong as Luisa, Joaquin’s former live-in partner and Gigi’s doting mother. 

Al Tantay 

Chanda Romero 

Sandy Andolong

“Magandang Dilag” follows the story of Gigi, a woman who may not have the best looks but has the most optimistic attitude toward life. Gigi faces a turnaround of events when she inherits enormous wealth from her estranged father, Joaquin.

 

Soon after, Gigi finds romance with the man of her dreams, Jared, who is a prominent triathlete/endorser. Unbeknownst to Gigi, Jared is still with Blaire, and they will only fool her to steal her money.  

Benjamin Alves, Herlene Budol & Rob Gomez 

How will Gigi uncover the true intentions of her most beloved man? Can Gigi save herself from their evil plans or will her new life teach her to exact revenge?

 

“Magandang Dilag” is made possible under the supervision of GMA SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; VP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; AVP for Drama Ali Nokom-Dedicatoria; Program Manager Arnel Nacario; and Executive Producer James Ryan L. Manabat.

 

The creative team behind this unique drama comprises Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Creative Head for Afternoon Prime Dode Cruz; Creative Consultant Kit Villanueva-Zapata; Concept Creator John Kenneth De Leon; Headwriter Marlon G. Miguel; Writers Angeli Delgado and Jake Somera; Brainstormers Meryl Bunyi and Nehemiarey Dallego; and Associate Director Jose  Johnny Nadela.

Don’t miss the world premiere of “Magandang Dilag” — under the helm of esteemed director Don Michael Perez  — this June 26, weekdays at 3:20 p.m. on GMA Afternoon Prime and Pinoy Hits.

 

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

To Confess or Not to Confess? 'Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile' cast reflects on taking the risk—or saving the friendship

PICTURE this: you’re in a daze, recalling every stolen glance and shared laugh with your special friend, sensing something else there—something akin to brewing romance. 

It’s a classic conundrum that may leave you feeling both edgy and thrilled—and it’s something that Angge (Yukii Takahashi) and Bryce (Wilbert Ross), lead characters of Puregold Channel’s Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile, know only too well. 

Wilbert Ross & Yukii Takahashi

Would you risk it all and bare your feelings, potentially transforming the entire dynamic of your relationship? Would it be worth putting your precious friendship at risk?

 

As Angge and Bryce grapple with the overwhelming urge to declare their feelings, cast members of the hit series Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile ponder on how a leap of faith can lead to true love---or the loss of a cherished friend.

 

Migs Almendras, who plays Ketch in the digital series, says, “I would not confess, because I value the friendship much more than the idea of being in a relationship with that person.” 

Kat Galang, Wilbert Ross & Migs Almendras

 

TJ Valderrama, who stars as Cyrus, learned his own lessons the hard way. “I tried to bare my feelings for the person I liked, but it ended up jeopardizing our friendship. Things turned awkward between us and soon, we weren’t as close as we used to be. These days, when it looks like I’m getting feelings for a friend, I shrug it off or distance myself a little.”

 

Courage can also be a factor, as Anjo Resurreccion, who plays Jerry, puts it, “Being the torpe that I am, I wouldn’t confess my feelings to anyone. I don’t like going through the pain of rejection.”

 

On the other hand, other characters of Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile feel that ‘fessing up is the way to go.

Yukii Takahashi

 

Kat Galang, Genski in the series, shares, “There is nothing wrong in expressing how you really feel, especially if it’s something special. I want to be honest to my friend whom I have special feelings for, and I won’t expect anything in return. Plus points kung gusto ka din niya. If not, eh ‘di back to friendship!”

 

Lead actor Yukii Takahashi, Angge in the series, believes that we should be honest with our feelings. “I would let the other person know how I truly feel, and see if something good comes out of it.”

Wilbert Ross

Wilbert Ross, who plays Ang Lalaki star Bryce, says there are people who are okay with being friends, and are reluctant to ruin the friendship especially when feelings aren’t mutual. “I think we will be able to sense, even just a little, if our friend has feelings for us too. If this is the case, then why not confess? Maybe it will become something more!”

 

While they have differing views on the issue, everyone agrees that friendship makes for a strong basis for a lasting relationship.

Moi Marcampo, who stars as Chili Anne, says, “Every relationship goes through friendship. It’s better that you know each other well before deciding to be together romantically.”

Moi Marcampo

To this, Star Orjaliza or Yaya Aimee in ALSLNP agrees. “You need a foundation. You need to get to know each other before you enter the next level.”

 

More cast members talk about friendship being the foundation to a romantic relationship, like TJ and Kat.

 

“Friendship is very important in a relationship. Things become a little easier. Relationships require a lot of work, but if you’re experiencing life and relationships with your lover who is also your friend, it becomes more beautiful,” says TJ.

 

“There is a certain respect that both parties have established as friends, which, for me, is stronger than love,” Anjo affirms.

 

Kat adds, “At the end of the day, the partnership feels more genuine because you know each other on a deeper level than romance.”

Star Orjaliza & Marissa Sanchez

Marissa Sanchez, who plays Bryce’s mom Bessie, takes it to an even higher level and mentions marriage. “A friendship knows no boundaries, while being in a relationship can be circumscribed. That’s why the advice I always give to young people is: marry a friend.”

 

Yukii affirms this. “If you are dating to marry, your partner should be your best friend, because friendship is the core of any healthy relationship.”

 

Of course, Wilbert has the same perspective. “The best partner is your best friend, someone who will always be there for you, and someone who can rely on you, for better or for worse.”

 

In recent episodes of the digital series, Bryce and Angge have crossed the virtual barrier and become real-life friends. While inclined to keep the status, both characters are finding their growing feelings difficult to deny.

 

Will Angge and Bryce lay their hearts on the line, finally leading to a romantic relationship? Or will factors such as old loves and family affairs get in the way of their love story?

Catch the newest episode of Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile on June 24, 7 p.m., in the official Puregold YouTube Channel. 

Do you want FREE entertainment? Subscribe now to Puregold Channel on YouTube. For more updates, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, follow

@puregold_ph on Instagram and Twitter, and @puregoldph on TikTok.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL PINK DAY WITH “BARBIE” ON JUNE 23

MANILA, June 22, 2023 – Get ready to see PINK!

Barbie has a special surprise for National Pink Day on June 23. In celebration of this day, Warner Bros. is unveiling something pink in the following malls across Metro Manila – SM North EDSA, Trinoma, Robinsons Magnolia, SM Megamall, Uptown Mall and SM Mall of Asia, along with a sweet surprise for the first 50 guests joining the pink surprise! 

 

The unboxing is open to the public, with cosplayers joining in for photo opportunities and the first 50 lucky guests to take a photo will be given Krispy Kreme donuts as bonus treats. Tune in to @WarnerBrosPH Stories on Facebook and IG  for updates. 

“Barbie,” directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

About “BARBIE”

To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis.  Or you’re a Ken.

From Oscar-nominated writer/director Greta Gerwig comes “Barbie,” starring Oscar-nominees Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, alongside America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, Ariana Greenblatt, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman and Will Ferrell. The film also stars Ana Cruz Kayne, Emma Mackey, Hari Nef, Alexandra Shipp, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, Jamie Demetriou, Connor Swindells, Sharon Rooney, Nicola Coughlin and Oscar-winner Helen Mirren.

Gerwig directed “Barbie” from a screenplay by Gerwig & Oscar nominee Noah Baumbach, based on Barbie by Mattel. The film’s producers are Oscar nominee David Heyman, Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Robbie Brenner, with Michael Sharp, Josey McNamara, Ynon Kreiz, Courtenay Valenti, Toby Emmerich and Cate Adams serving as executive producers.

In Philippine cinemas starting July 19, "Barbie" is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/X5nmPBArz3U

Join the conversation online and use the hashtag #Barbie #BarbieTheMovie

Elha Nympha Goes From Chasing Her Dreams, To Helping Others Spark Their Own

AT the young age of 11, Elha Nympha made her dreams come true by winning the second season of The Voice Kids Philippines, one of the most watched reality singing competitions on television. 

Now at 19, the young artist just launched a new track titled "Spark the Dream" which brings inspiration to listeners to realize their fullpotential and make their aspirations a reality.

ELHA NYMPHA WITH ROCHE VANDENBERGHE & JED VELARDE

Listen to it now: [Embed Spotify Link:

https://open.spotify.com/track/66IU3UEOvD0TT796p3eTaQ?si=893731b74159453a]

"Spark the Dream" is also the official theme song of JA SparktheDream, a financial program for kids launched by FWD Life Insurance, in partnership with Junior Achievements of the Philippines (JA Philippines), which aims to teach students from all over the country about financial literacy and empower them to be positive contributors in their communities.

While the track inspires students to chase their goals, it also aims to bring out a more relatable story of every Filipino who wants to fulfill their dreams and maximize their opportunities. Sharing how the song resonates with her personal journey, Elha maintains that despite fulfilling one of her dreams, she still considers herself adreamer. 

She explains, “It’s an anthem [that you listen to] kapag down na down ka at gusto mong mabuhayan ulit then you have this song. You can sing it and get inspired so you can believe in yourself.”

When asked which part of the song is her favorite, Elha shares, “There’s this line in the song it says, ‘Wake up now, I believe in us. Let’s make this dream a reality’. I think that’s the most powerful line.”

As a professional artist, Elha now welcomes new opportunities. But she recalls that when her father died nine years ago, she and her family had to make ends meet by selling banana-cues. 

“Bente pesos lang yung kitain ko, masaya na ko doon. Ang laki na nun for me! Pero narealize ko yung halaga ng pera because, of course, you have to buy the necessities but ang mahal ng mga bilihin.”

ELHA NYMPHA 

But despite the hardships, singing has helped her come through thanks to the help of her mom and aunt who taught her singing techniques and developed her talent.

Which is why when she auditioned for The Voice Kids eight years ago, she held on to her dream to become a well-known singer and perhaps inspire others.

Elha acknowledges that despite her rise as an artist, going through the process will not always be easy. 

“Deep inside we still have a lot of struggles, especially mentally. However, I want everyone to know that while I started from zero, I am still working towards reaching one hundred,” says Elha, referring to her journey towards success.

The young artist also reveals that she allots a percentage of her earnings to give back to her family and community to share the fruits of her labor. 

“I have this thing na when I get my paycheck, at least 5% of that will be donated to our church or we’ll organize a feeding program with the help of my fans. In my family naman, since I’m the breadwinner, pinapaaral ko rin yung three siblings ko.”'

Not forgetting her roots, Elha hopes that her story, new song, and the JA SparktheDream program will be able to inspire more kids to learn the value of money and financial skills as she thinks that would help them to be smarter with their choices. 

“As a 19-year-old na nangarap din before, the kids who will be a part of this [program] are going to be super lucky! So, maximize it and don’t waste it kasi it’s free!” Elha concludes while laughing.

Listen now to "Spark the Dream" by Elha Nympha via Spotify and Apple Music. Read more about the JA SparktheDream program via their website.

Follow FWD Life Insurance on LinkedIn or visit their website for job postings and opportunities. For more information and updates on FWD Life Insurance’s products, programs, and advocacies, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.