Andrea Brillantes admits she still struggles on set

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• ''Maraming beses na siya actually nangyari sa akin na after taping nasasabi ko I should have done better, tapos I'll be hard on myself kasi may pagkaperfectionist ako, actually binibilangan ko sarili ko after cut," she said.

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Andrea Brillantes (Facebook)

Andrea Brillantes has proven that she is more than just her looks.

She was known for her character on the 2013 teleserye ''Annaliza''. Since then, Andrea has become one of the rising stars of this generation: from playing the villain role of Marga in ''Kadenang Ginto'' to eventually playing a drag queen, Betty, in her latest show.

During an intimate interview for iWant series '‘Drag You & Me'' at the Dolphy Theater last May 18. Andrea shared that she still struggles with acting on set despite being in the industry for more than 10 years.

Christian Bables, Andrea Brillantes and JC Alcantara during the intimate presscon for Drag You & Me (Carissa Alcantara)

''Maraming beses na siya actually nangyari sa akin na after taping nasasabi ko I should have done better, tapos I'll be hard on myself kasi may pagkaperfectionist ako, actually binibilangan ko sarili ko after cut," she said.

(It actually happened to me many times that after taping, I said I should have done better, then I'll be hard on myself because I'm a perfectionist. Actually, I count myself after every scene)

Andrea, 20, also said she is very strict regarding acting because she doesn't want to cause any delay on set.

''Three times na yung max ko na magkakamali ako isang araw, kaya minsan very proud ako sa sarili ko kapag nakakone take lang kami, kasi ayoko na nahihirapan yung mga tao na nakakawork ko,'' Andrea said.

(It's three times the max that I'll make a mistake in a day, so sometimes I'm very proud of myself when we just have a one take, because I don't want to make it difficult for the people I work with)

But despite all her worries and struggles, Andrea kept working and reminding herself that there is still time to do better next time and don't be harsh on herself because not every actor or artist is perfect.

''Minsan kapag hindi ko nagagawa yung gusto ko sa isang eksena, magbubuntong hininga na lang ako, tapos babawi na lang sa ibang eksena kasi wala na ako magagawa kasi hindi naman ako robot na kayang magautomatic ng feelings'' she said.

(Sometimes when I can't do what I want in a scene, I'll just take a breath, then go back to another scene because there's nothing I can do because I'm not a robot that can automate feelings)

Playing and dressing up as drag queen Valentine Royal, the 20-year-old Kapamilya actress mentioned it was not an option for her to say no to the project since she is a big fan of RuPaul's Drag Race.

“Ba’t naman ako hihindi eh alam ko namang kaya ko ito. Sana mabigyan ko ng justice para sa drag community. Siyempre tinanggap ko ito. Bilang artista ang gusto kong roles na nabibigay sa akin is mga kakaiba at challenging,'' she said.

(Why can't I? I know I can do it. I hope I can provide justice for the drag community. Of course I accepted it. As an actor, I like the roles that are given to me are unique and challenging)

Aside from that, she also revealed that there was a lot of pressure during her lipsync battle with ''Drag Race Philippines'' season 1 winner Precious Paula Nicole.

''Siguro nabigla lang ako nung first lip sync battle ko. Dun ko na-realize na iba talaga siya. Ginagawa ko yung lip sync battle sa Dub Smash, sa TikTok, sanay na ako dun. And ever since mahilig na ako mag-lip sync,'' she added

(Maybe I was just shocked during my first lip sync battle. That's when I realized that it was really different. I do the lip sync battle on Dub Smash, on TikTok, I'm used to that. And ever since I love to lip sync)

Also joining her on the series are JC Alcantara and Christian Bables. Under Dreamscape Entertainment production, ''Drag You & Me'' is directed by JP Habac and written by Nathan Arciaga, also includes Ice Seguerra, Romnick Sarmenta, Jon Santos, Lance Carr, PJ Endrinal, Jeric Raval, Amy Nobleza, Yves Flores, Noel Comia Jr., and Xilhouete. 

Power consumers welcome Senate probe into frequent power outage in Samal Island

BY AARON RECUENCO

May 23, 2023 08:54 AM

  

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Power consumers in the Island Garden City of Samal welcomed the investigation into the alleged failure of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) to provide adequate services, which they said, resulted in frequent power outages that affected their livelihood and way of life.

The Senate probe, through the  Committee on Energy, will start on May 24 following the commitment of Senator Raffy Tulfo to look into the complaints of the power consumers. Senators Win Gatchalian, Joel Villanueva and Grace Poe will be present during the inquiry.

“We have been experiencing a series of energy crisis. After Occidental Mindoro and Panay Island, now it is Samal Island,” said Tulfo.

As far as he is concerned, Tulfo said the root cause of the power failure in Samal Island is NORDECO’s alleged antiquated submarine cable, which he discovered was installed in the 1980s or 43 years ago, and could no longer cover the entire capacity of the island.

On average, the power outage in the area reportedly lasts up seven to eight hours during peak load and two to three hours during off peak, daily, a problem which was raised since last year.

The power supply problem in the Samal Island, a known tourist spot, has been affecting the local tourism in the area as reported by a local government official. 

And now that Samal Island is frequented by tourists, its peak demand went up from three megawatts (MW) to 9MW due to the rise of establishment such as resorts, restaurants and markets.

It can be noted that Samal Island is connected to the Pantukan Grid via a submarine cable owned by NORDECO, formerly known as Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Daneco). 

Currently, Samal is connected to mainland via a 1-kilometer submarine cable to Davao City. The cable is owned by NORDECO but it has not upgraded that submarine cable since the 1980s. The submarine cable is installed in 1980s or 43 years ago, and it can no longer cover the entire capacity of the island. 

Instead, NORDECO is proposing to build a 15-kilometer submarine cable costing 1.5 Billion Pesos to connect Samal and Pantukan town, with one of its officials saying that it will solve the power woes in the Samal Island. 

Presently, the Mindoro Grid Corporation (MGC) can provide 6.962MW electricity in the island while NORDECO can provide 3MW. In total, there is only 6.12MW supply in the island with a demand of 9MW.

The power supply problem, and the alleged high power rate as Nordeco has been charging P3 to P4 more compared to its neighboring areas, has prompted local officials to seek for measures to stabilize the electricity supply in the area.

In seeking for investigation, Tulfo earlier underscored the need to ensure that there would be a provision in the Power Supply Agreement (PSA) requiring replacement power, through modular gensets, for all power providers to ensure reliable electric service.

He added that the said agreement should also include the requirement for “causer’s pay” clause so the consumers will not be required to pay for gensets. In turn, the party with mistakes are the ones responsible to pay for power service.

A new land to protect: Ex-military officer laid down arms to farm

 BY JAZZMINE QUIAMBAO

  

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After serving in the United States Military for over two decades, Mario Laureta finally laid down arms and returned to the Philippines to farm.

Retired US Air Force Master Sergeant Mario Laureta was born and raised in Uddiawan, Nueva Vizcaya. In 2010, Laureta decided to retire after 22 years in the force and return to his hometown, where he had already purchased two hectares of land years prior.

Retired Air Force Master Sergeant Mario Laureta monitoring airfield activity. (Mario Laureta)

The land he acquired used to be a pasture area for cows but had become barren. Laureta said the top soil had become thin. He left the land undisturbed for years for the soil to recover, and, thankfully, it did.

In 2011, Laureta was ready to begin a new chapter of his life as a farmer. Farming was something he looked forward to doing, as he was raised by parents who were farmers.

However, Laureta’s first attempt at planting was unfortunate. “In 2011, I planted around 2,000 coconut seeds but, unlucky (sic), the mortality rate was high due to animals and pests,” Laureta said. Afterwards, he decided to plant different fruit-bearing trees. “Between 2012 and 2015, I planted different fruit trees such as mango, santol, lanzones, rambutan, avocado, soursop (guyabano), pomelo, jackfruit, star apple, citrus and many more.”

But the star of Laureta’s farm is dragon fruit. Laureta has numerous dragon fruit varieties on his farm which have been abundant every harvest season. He had planned for the farm to simply cater to his family’s needs, however the oversupply every harvest season led him to start a business selling dragon fruits to his community.

The dragon fruit trees of the Laureta Dragon Fruit Farm. (Mario Laureta)

“The first harvest in 2021 yielded over 200 kilos, but I never converted it into cash,” Laureta said. “I gave [them] away as ayuda to people whom I thought needed [them] more for its super fruit capabilities.”

Laureta’s kindness during the country’s community quarantine had bore fruit, as the next harvest in 2022 had bore over 500 kilos of dragon fruit. “I sold it to the local customers and from other parts of the province, and as far as Laguna, Batangas, and Manila,” he said. “I made more than P39,000.”

Dragon fruits that are packed and ready to be delivered to different buyers in the province. (Mario Laureta)

Locals of Uddiawan happily buy his produce. He sells his dragon fruits at 90 pesos per kilo. His farm also produces plenty of bananas, which he sells for 15 pesos per kilo.

A field job

Laureta decided to name his farm after his family name, and it’s now known as the Laureta Dragon Fruit Farm.

Despite the name, his farm has other fruit trees such as mango, avocado, citrus, duhat, lanzones, rambutan, and more. He also has other plants such as peruvian cacti, ginger, gabi, okra, and pineapples which are intercropped with the dragon fruit trees.

Pineapples are intercropped with the dragon fruit trees. (Mario Laureta)

The farm is also an integrated farm. They currently have different kinds of livestock, such as pigs, goats, cows, chickens, ducks, and geese. They also have a communal water impound where they raise tilapia and catfish.

Laureta personally manages all aspects of the farm. Although the farm has a stay-in caretaker, he still makes sure to inspect and attend to all his crops. “I always go to the farm daily to inspect the plants, especially the dragon fruits, to make sure the new transplants will attach to the concrete post and that no pests or diseases attack the plants and trees,” he said.

He recalls the challenges he went through as they first planted the dragon fruits. It was during the peak of the community quarantine in 2020 that Laureta decided to prepare his farm for dragon fruits.

“It was very hard for me to hire workers due to the lockdowns and social distancing,” he said. “So I dug the holes for the post by myself, erected the post, and planted the cuttings with minimal help from our caretaker and family.”

Fortunately, two of his family members helped him. However, due to the rules of the quarantine, they had to work with face masks as they mixed cement and gravel to make concrete posts. “It [was] very hard working with restricted breathing and with observation of social distancing,” he said.

“But the most challenging part of this kind of farm is the budget,” Laureta said. “The materials for post and trellis including the plant cost me more than P500 minus labor because most of the time I was doing the hard work. With more than 1000 posts, I do not want to compute my expenses.”

“I enjoyed farming, that is the bottom line,” said Laureta.

Despite the challenges he faced, Laureta is undoubtedly happy with the results. Not only has he had abundant dragon fruit yields, but he also enjoys harvests from the different fruit trees and crops that his farm has.

Laureta posing with his harvest of dragon fruits. (Mario Laureta)

Now open for leisure

In 2023, Laureta made a big decision to open his farm for agri-tourism.

Laureta’s was happy with tending to his crops and feeding his family and community, however farm tourism had sparked his interest.

Prior to opening his farm to the public, Laureta studied other farms on how they built a successful agritourism site, and he attended seminars to learn the process and requirements needed for his venture.

When he finally decided on developing the farm, he became a beneficiary of Provincial Board Member Hon. Roland Carub’s project of creating ecotourism spots in the barangays of Nueva Vizcaya. Carub informed Laureta that he would sponsor the farm’s development to become a tourist site, and sent beneficiaries of another project called Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged / Displaced Workers (TUPAD) to help. Twenty-eight beneficiaries arrived at the Laureta Dragon Fruit Farm, and in ten days they have converted the farm from a simple farmland to a suitable agritourism site.

TUPAD beneficiaries who helped transform Laureta’s farmland into an agritourism site. (Mario Laureta)

After opening it to the public, a steady stream of people visited the new leisure site. “Our farm has visitors daily after we opened it to the public. Sometimes returning visitors come on the average twice a week,” he said.

As of now, Laureta’s farm offers different activities such as a pick-and-pay gimmick at their dragon fruit site, as well as camping and site tours. Visitors can also go boating at the water impounding site. “Some people or students from nearby high schools visit the farm almost daily after classes just to ride the boat and take photos,” said Laureta.

A visitor enjoying the experience of picking a dragon fruit from the vine. (Mario Laureta)

As his farm is located in a hilly place, plenty of their visitors come to enjoy the view at the hilltop. He plans to have a Nipa hut built on the hilltop as a viewpoint shed later in the year, and that also includes building stairs for a safe trip to the venue.

Visitors from Uddiawan National High School enjoying the view at the hilltop viewpoint. (Mario Laureta)

Visiting the farm is free of charge. “This is the best way I know to market and to attract more visitors and through their pictures and videos shared on social media, our farm will reach many,” he said. “We will be charging fees in the future after we accomplish the process and requirements, and are accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT).”

Laureta’s life after retirement from the military brought new kinds of excitement and activity for him, but what he truly enjoys about farming is the relaxation it provides.

“I enjoy farming because [everything was grown by me, a] farmer,” he said. “I also enjoy fruits and food coming directly from the farm knowing that they are grown organic and safe from pesticides.”

“It’s also a rewarding feeling when I see people’s smiles when I give produce from my farm, knowing that I am helping and making them happy through God’s blessings,” said Laureta.

Photos courtesy of Mario Laureta

Aliwan Fiesta stages grand comeback on July 13-15

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

May 23, 2023 07:54 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The colorful floats, the heart-stopping dances, and the majestic queens will be seen once again as Aliwan Fiesta makes a much-awaited comeback at the CCP Grounds on July 13 to 15. Its staging has been withheld since 2020 because of the pandemic.

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Festival beauties (from left) Reyna ng Aliwan 2017 Marla Alforque, Reyna ng Aliwan 2013 and Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell, Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen 2022 Marikit Manaois and Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen 2020 Jannarie Zarzoso

Aliwan Fiesta is dubbed the "Festival of Champions." It is a feast for the senses with regional participants from all over the Philippines outdoing each other in the competition for the best float and dance parades. Of course, what is a fiesta without crowning a queen? Being chosen Reyna ng Aliwan is seen as a good launching ground for pageant contestants, some of whom have won beauty titles in the national and international sphere.

The colorful floats, the heart-stopping dances, and the majestic queens will be seen once again as Aliwan Fiesta makes a much-awaited comeback on July 13 to 15, 2023 at the CCP Grounds. Its staging has been withheld since 2020 because of the pandemic.

Representatives of the organizer, Manila Broadcasting Company, revealed that Aliwan Fiesta returns as a grand cultural extravaganza with a few changes, such as a new logo inspired by Filipino weaving artistry.

Winners of the Float Competition will receive the following cash prizes:  1st place - P750,000, 2nd place - P300,000, and 3rd place - P100,000 plus seven runners-up who will receive P25,000 each. Criteria for the judging of floats will be craftsmanship (50%), Theme (25%), and overall impact/ingenuity (25 percent).

On the other hand, the Dance Parade Competition will be judged based on theme/concept (35 percent), choreography (20 percent), performance (20 percent), costume (15 percent) and props (10 percent). The grand prize winner will receive a cash prize of P1.5 million while the ret will receive the following:  P750,000 (2nd prize), P300,000 (third prize), P150,000 (fourth prize) and P100,000 (fifth prize). Five runners-up will likewise be awarded P50,000 each.

Special awards will also be given for the Best Folkloric Performance, Best Costume, and Best Musical Accompaniment.

It was likewise announced that previous candidates and winners of Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen are welcome to compete in the search for the  2023 Festival Queen, provided they are endorsed by their respective local government units.

Shown after the contract signing for the holding of Aliwan Fiesta 2023 are (from left): Dennis Marasigan, Vice President and Artistic Director of CCP,  Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano; and Mr. Ruperto Nicdao Jr., President of Manila Broadcasting Company

This year's Reyna ng Aliwan will receive P150,000 in cash while the 1st runner-up is entitled to P75,000. Three 2nd runners-up will get P10,000 each. There will also be three special awards for Best in Festival Costume, Best in Evening Gown and Best in Swimsuit.

Reynas ng Aliwan Jamie Herrell (2013) and Marla Alforque (2017), as well as Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queens Jannarie Zarzoso (2020) and Marikit Manaois (2022)  made an appearance during the Aliwan Fiesta 2023 media launch held in Aliw Theater last week.

Jamie, who later became Miss Earth 2014, stated: "Aliwan Festival Queen was actually my very first pageant when I arrived in Manila in 2013. It's a very dynamic pageant that not only showcases the beauty and brains of women but also the festivals all around the Philippines. This is why it's considered the festival amongst all festivals, so good luck to all the candidates.

For her part, Marikit remarked: "Aliwan Fiesta is a melting pot of culture, the arts, beauty and talents. I'm so happy to be tagged as one of the queens. I hope that the next queen who will be crowned is someone that other people can relate to, someone who can inspire, and has a platform that could give back to the community."

Marla gave an advice: " To our future queens, i hope that when you come here aside from being beautiful and physically fit, you should also know the background story of your festival because you're not just representing yourself, you're representing your province as well as the culture and tradition you have back in your province."

Fresh from her Top 10 and Top 18 finish in Miss Universe Philippines 2023, Jannarie noted that being an Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen is something that she carries with her "loud and proud."

"It has been my stepping stone, it's what catapulted me to the national stage, it's what made people know who I am - as the girl from the province who had big dreams of conquering the national stage," she pointed out.

"Thank you so much for the opportunity because you have allowed me to spread my wings and chase my dreams. Not everybody gets to do that," Jannarie told the organizers.

DOH tells public: Prepare for cyclone ‘Mawar’

 BY CHARIE MAE F. ABARCA

  

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A tropical cyclone with an international name Mawar is being monitored by the country’s weather bureau. Although the weather disturbance is not yet directly affecting the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) advised Filipinos to prepare and report any untoward incident that may be triggered by the cyclone.

(Unsplash)

The DOH on Monday, May 22, has issued an advisory listing safety preparations as typhoon Mawar continues to approach the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).

First on the DOH’s list is to understand signs of emergency. Apart from paying close attention to weather updates, the department stressed the need for learning the chain of information communication systems in communities in times of hazards.

“Learn, understand, and follow Early Warning Systems (EWS) in the community,” it stressed.

Filipinos were also told to inspect their houses for necessary repairs while cyclone Mawar is not yet directly affecting the archipelago.

“Prepare your home for flooding, fully charge all your electronic gadgets, [and] keep important documents at a higher level,” said DOH.

To avoid injuries and casualties in case flooding occurs, the health department also highlighted the need for creating an evacuation plan.

“Know the locations of multi-storey buildings and pre-arrange with families or friends living in the higher grounds for evacuation in case of flooding. Know the important emergency contact numbers, [and] get everyone in your family a whistle,” it furthered.

Last on the DOH’s list is to prepare a Go Bag – a kit containing emergency essentials. Essentials, according to DOH,  include ready to eat food and water, clothes, first aid kit, sleeping bags, flash lights, batteries, toiletries, cash, as well as Covid-19 protection kit.

“Ensure that the Go Bag is easily accessible to everyone. Should there be an emergency, do not hesitate to contact your local disaster and emergency risk team for assistance,” DOH concluded.

The state weather bureau on Monday said typhoon Mawar is expected to enter PAR on Friday, May 26. It will then be given the domestic name Betty.

European interest in PH rising – biz group execs

By Jenica Faye Garcia

May 23, 2023 50

MORE European companies want to invest in the Philippines given recent reforms and the country's continued economic growth, foreign businessmen said on Monday.

European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) Executive Director Florian Gottein claimed that since the start of the year, a total of 62 companies had expressed interest in setting up shop.

"We cannot mention [the names] yet ... but I can say that it would require a longer runway because [most] are in infrastructure and energy and also of course in manufacturing," Gottein said in a briefing.

ECCP President Lars Wittig said "we have witnessed significant efforts and boosting business confidence in the country's position as a competitive destination for trade and investment."

"This is following the enactment of economic reforms and the recent creation of green lanes for strategic investments," he added.

Wittig said that "from the perspective of foreign investors, what is really liked and appreciated is the improvement in ease of doing business."

EU-Asean Business Council Executive Director Chris Humphrey, meanwhile, said there was "so much going for the country."

"[The Philippines has] one of the best GDP (gross domestic product) growth rates in the region, [a] progressive forward-thinking economy, reforms are coming through, and the country is becoming more and more attractive to FDIs (foreign direct investments)," he added.

"[The] key is making sure to implement [the] RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) because it will be a big help to push more trade deals," he added.

The country recently ratified the RCEP, a trade deal covering the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and neighbors Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.

Typhoon likely to enter Friday, to be called 'Betty'

By Arlie O. Calalo

THE state-run weather agency said on Tuesday that Typhoon "Mawar" (international name) will likely be the second tropical cyclone that will enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Friday and will have its domestic name: "Betty."

Weather specialist Grace Castaneda of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the typhoon was last spotted some 2, 300 kilometers east of Visayas outside PAR.

Moving at 10 kilometers per hour (kph), it has maximum sustained winds of 155kph near the center and gustiness of up to 190kph, Pagasa said.

Citing Pagasa's monitoring track, Mawar, forecast to become a super typhoon, may enter PAR either Friday night or Saturday morning.

"But at the moment, it has no direct effect in the country," she said.

In the meantime, the Pagasa forecaster said the southwesterly wind flow is affecting the western sections of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao over the next 24 hours.

The weather system, along with the localized thunderstorms, is bringing partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms over Metro Manila and the rest of the country, the state weather bureau said.