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Monday, April 29, 2024
Iba, Zambales hits 53 C heat index; 36 areas face danger heat levels
Those killer dance moves from Teacher Georcelle
AT A GLANCE
Georcelle formed G-Force 19 years ago. When it was created, it only consisted of female dancers. A month later, the male members came in.
Georcelle Dapat Sy, the mastermind behind G Force, the Philippines' leading dance group, has revolutionized the country's dance industry.
Today, the dance landscape has undergone a profound transformation. Georcelle's transformative influence has shifted the perception of dancers from mere backups to recognized artists. This significant shift has not only elevated the status of dancers but also opened doors to endorsements and industry recognition.
During a recent lunch in Quezon City, Teacher Georcelle, as she is fondly called, said her journey on the dance floor was not easy. When she was 11, her mom encouraged her to study ballet. Then she remembered the only time she was booed on stage in Tondo, Manila.
"I was about to dance 'Swan Lake' on stage. Mga five seconds palang, parang gumapang na yung init ng dugo nila. Bi-noo nila ako. Ang sakit noon. Naka-tutu ako sa fiesta ng Tondo. Feeling ko maling platform yun sa akin," said the laughing Georcelle. She wasn't traumatized by the incident. Instead, it gave her strength and confidence to dance more.
Georcelle believes she got her dance moves from her father, a former journalist at the Manila Bulletin and a dance instructor. "He was into ballroom dancing. Before, they called it social dancing: boogie, tango, cha-cha. He also played the piano."
She couldn't remember when her love for dancing began. "Every time there's music, I dance. But I started my formal training in dance when I was eight years old. Before that, I went to my neighbors and danced using the cassette player. I remember dancing to 'Street Beat' by Toni Basil. When my mom saw that, she enrolled me in WYCA. When I reached 10, tumuloy na sa ballet, jazz, Hawaiian, tap dance. Three to four years of ballet only."My ballet instructor trained Liza Macuja."
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"My dad wanted me to become a ballerina, but I'm a big fan of pop culture. I like Madonna — I'm a Madonna baby. I was so attracted to Madonna then, but not Michael Jackson. I love their work, and I was drawn to Madonna.
"Then I went to the Cultural Center of the Philippines because I was told meron jazz doon. I had a classmate there who became my best friend. I was told to audition for the Adrenalin for the Sharon Cuneta Show. Erik Edralin, the founder of Adrenalin, gave me a break at 16. I was given a break to choreograph.
"At 18, I was handling big shows and directors relied on me. Sobrang gusto ko yung ginagawa ko at tuloy-tuloy lang talaga yung ginagawa ko. Wala pa yung bilangan ng oras. Tigilan nga ako ng iba. Joke lang! Maybe because I have dedicated myself to dancing. I have dedicated all my life to dancing. My life is dancing and supporting dance artists who surrendered themselves to the craft," said Georcelle.
In 2008, Georcelle was launched as the face of dance in the Philippines, proudly known as “Teacher Georcelle," when she spearheaded a dance segment in a top musical variety show ASAP. This paved the way for me to be part of shows on ABS-CBN, such as Pinoy Big Brother House, Your Face Sounds Familiar, and Dance Kids.
Georcelle is married to her best friend and dance partner, who is now in charge of G-Force's business. "We have three lovely children who also show an interest in dance."
Teacher Georcelle's G-Force
Georcelle formed G-Force 19 years ago. When it was created, it only consisted of female dancers. A month later, the male members came in.
"Now that I already have a group of my own, my experience inquisitively attracted me to like life out of the limelight as a stage director. With directors believing in my capability and eventually giving me a great deal of trust, it became easy for me to slip into a director’s chair," she said.
Georcelle invited dance enthusiasts to experience the rhythm and high-energy atmosphere of G-Force Dance Studio.
"Filipinos are visual learners. But the beauty of coming to our class is that you will be able to understand how each movement is done. Saan ba siya nanggagaling? Sa elbow or shoulders? Sa wrist or sa fingers? Where do you get the strength or power? Those things.
"Second, you come to our class and enter our room full of energy and shared experiences and movements. Kapag pumasok ka, kasabay mo ang G-Force members na sumasayaw.
"At ang power ng music, kapag lumabas na sa speakers, susuntukin na yung emotions mo. You will not get that inside your room. You can't get that by just watching. To be able to join that room full of youthfulness and energy, you will not do that by just watching YouTube. To be able to participate in a conversation on how movements are done, you will not get that on YouTube," Georcelle said.
G-Force is preparing to take on the world with unparalleled energy, creativity, and passion. They are all set to spread their magic worldwide and make their mark on the world stage with their groove-ready performance.
"We're preparing our company to be a future-ready workplace. So, do we embrace AI? We don't push it away. We're part of a team that is curious about it. We also want to learn more about it and how to use it for G-Force.
"When G-Force started, it had to have the touch of your name. But now, G is a generation of force. Sila ang humaharap sa new technology ngayon. So saan ang ayaw na meron na ngayong AI?
"Because of our presence in the Middle East, there are now many requests for our global presence. In August, we will be in Canada to do G-Force projects. So again, the G is about something other than Georcelle. It's all about being global.
"G evolves. And G, over time, nagkakaroon ng maraming meaning. It's there already. We've been in the Middle East for three years. The response is very nice. We're going back in November. But before November, nasa Canada na kami sa August," she said.
G-Force Project
The G-Force Project welcomes all ages, with classes for kids, teens, and adults in Hip-hop, Dancehall, Sexy Class, Contemporary, K-pop, and OPM.
Not only do students get to share their love of dance, but they also meet new friends, build confidence, and enjoy themselves.
The students are in good hands. G-Force’s celebrity choreographers will teach them more than dance, honing the next generation of aspiring performers and creating a new breed of G-generational force.
“G-Force is more than just dance! It’s about character-building and self-discovery. You come to our classes looking for that sense of belonging and come out having that sense of becoming," said Georcelle.
G-Force Project has taught students the importance of discipline, teamwork, camaraderie, grit, and resilience. Some students return to the open classes G-Force conducts at their dance centers in Quezon City, Alabang, and BGC branches. It gathers all its students for a culminating future-ready dance performance at The Theater at Solaire on July 7.
Georcelle also announced the 10th-anniversary celebration of White Shirt Love, a revolutionary dance fitness class that has been creating quite a stir in the dance industry with its unique proposition to women—getting fit while awakening one’s femininity, getting empowered, and gaining love for oneself.
Dance is a career. However, not all places understand or accept it, she said.
"My dream is for society to fully accept that dance is equally essential as the other careers. Marami akong kilalang dance artists na hindi ina-accept ng parents dahil dancer lang sila. Imagine something na work na mahal na mahal mo and that's good for mental health.
"Ang daming nagwo-work pero hindi nila gusto yung work nya. Sabi nila hindi career ang dancing. Hindi ka mabubuhay d'yan. Humanap ka ng ibang trabaho. We can make a difference. Ngayon pa lang laman ng dancers ang TikTok. Aren't we making a difference already?" Georcelle asked.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Philippines hailed as Sustainable Dive Destination of the Year at Asia Dive Expo
Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com
Erwin Lim via DOT / Released
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines was named as Sustainable Dive Destination of the Year at Asia Dive Expo in Singapore, in recognition of its unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices in dive tourism.
“This recognition, alongside our long list of accolades celebrating the beauty of our nation, underscores our steadfast commitment to sustainable tourism practices,” said Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.
“Participation in trade fairs like ADEX provides us a platform to promote the Philippines’ diverse tourism products and experiences. Moving forward, we will continue to work hand in hand with local communities and dive operators to ensure sustainable practices are followed so that our country’s treasures will still be enjoyed by future generations in the years to come,” she added.
The country’s participation in the expo, known as Asia’s largest and longest-running dive expo, was a resounding success after a three-day business-to-consumer session, generating P197,219,062.09 in combined negotiated sales leads and actual bookings. This marked more than 300% increase from last year’s negotiated sales leads.
As the event’s official country partner for the third consecutive year, the Philippine pavilion utilized a 90-square-meter booth space to feature some of the country’s finest dive sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan, the famed sardine run of Moalboal in Cebu, and the marine and natural park of Apo Reef in Mindoro.
The Philippine delegation, led by the TPB, is composed of 16 exhibitors from the dive industry, accommodation, and tour operators, including Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dive Resort and Spa, Thresher Shark Divers, Infiniti Liveaboard Inc., El Galleon Resort/Asia Divers, Scandi Divers, M.Y. Resolute, Kasai Village Dive Resort, Logon Fish Buddies Diveshop, Earth Explorers Travel and Tours, Aiyanar Beach and Dive Resort, Fun & Sun Dive & Travel, Boracay Adventures Travel N Tours/Fisheye Divers, Sea Explorers Philippines, Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, Bohol Beach Club, and Atlantis Dive Resorts and Liveaboards, who offered dive and liveaboard packages in the top and emerging dive destinations in the Philippines.
In a series of talks and panel discussions, Ram Yoro, a renowned underwater photographer, cave diving expert, Filipino scuba instructor, and author of "Guide to Anilao," shared insights on the Best of Philippine diving to further establish and sustain the country’s reputation as one of the world’s best diving destinations. Other Filipinos also represented the country on several panel stages including renowned underwater photographers, Bo Mancao and Alex Santos, and distinguished sustainability advocates, Cat Trivino and Antoinette Taus.
The TPB has been participating in ADEX for more than ten years which has been significant in ensuring that Singapore remains one of the country’s top source markets.
Playwright Floy Quintos dies
Kathleen A. Llemit - Philstar.com
April 27, 2024 | 11:04pm
MANILA, Philippines — Playwright and director Floy Quintos passed away on Saturday morning. He was 63.
His niece, Celina Quintos, confirmed his passing in a Facebook post.
"It is with the heaviest of hearts that I, on behalf of my family, announce that Floy Quintos, esteemed playwright and director, but more importantly beloved brother, son, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend, has returned to the arms of the Lord. He passed suddenly in the ER (emergency room) from a heart attack this morning," Celina wrote.
She added that arrangements are being made for Quintos' wake at the Arlington Memorial Chapels. They will be posting the date and time once they have arranged it.
Quintos wrote several Palanca-winning pieces, including "The Kundiman Party" and "The Reconciliation Dinner." He also served as the creative director of the opening ceremony of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), which the Philippines hosted.
He also appeared as one of the council members of GMA-7's artista search "Starstruck."
WATCH: Filipino influencers use tourism song ‘Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas’ on makeup TikTok trend
Showcasing creativity through music and beauty
Filipinos showcase their creativity through various means, including music and beauty, such as blending makeup trends into tunes like the Philippines' tourism song “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas.”
"Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas," written by Robert Labayen, became the official song for the "Choose Philippines Campaign" by the Department of Tourism on August 28, 2011. It encourages Filipinos to explore and showcase the beauty of their own country, boosting tourism and fostering national pride.
To appreciate the beauty of the makeup trend and embrace Pinoy pride, here are Filipino influencers who have tried this trend.
Ivana Alawi
Jomar Yee
Chrishanna Luisa Olavidez Austria
Geraldine Rivera
Jahd Ong
Jess Martinez
Mark Saruray
Ychan Laurenz
Alonzo Sumadsad
R.A Miranda
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Borongan hosts Miss Earth-PH beachwear tilt
Apr 27, 2024 10:34 AM
BORONGAN CITY – The Miss Philippines-Earth beachwear competition aims to increase the awareness on how to protect the environment and natural resources.
Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda here said the Miss Philippines-Earth held the first-ever beachwear competition by the beach on Thursday, April 25, that aims to encourage the people, especially the youth, to participate in all the programs of this city, especially climate adaptation projects.
THE winning candidates in the Miss Earth-Philippines beachwear competition.
Recently, the city government received a $50,000 grant from the Bloomberg Philanthropist Foundation in New York City for youth climate action initiatives.
"We have the responsibility as a Borongananon to protect these natural resources, especially our trees," Agda said, citing that 60 percent of this city's land area is composed of timberland.
Although he said that Borongan is a national highway for typhoons since they usually originate from the Pacific Ocean, Agda said that this city is not directly hit because of Eastern Samar's thick forest.
Miss Philippines-Earth candidate Ira Patricia Malaluan from Batangas City lauded this city's initiative to protect its forest while promoting agriculture.
"I'm just really glad how Borongan really immersed us into tree-planting and other environmental activities, as well as the people because that's really important," she said.
Merryjoy Dayrit from Bustos, Bulacan commended Borongan's initiative to strike a balance by planting more trees despite the presence of mining activities in Eastern Samar.
"Kudos to Borongan and the local government officials in ensuring not only the betterment of the communities but also to protect the environment as well."
Sam Samara from Makati City won gold, Kristel Codas from Iligan City silver, and Irha Mel Inutan Alfeche from Matanao, Davao del Sur bagged bronze in the beachwear competition.
Roma Doromal happy to forge promising path in Ateneo’s rebuild in final UAAP year
Apr 26, 2024 03:10 PM
AT A GLANCE
Captain Roma Doromal is happy to have helped forge a promising path for Ateneo’s holdovers and future lineup in her final UAAP year.
Captain Roma Doromal is happy to have helped forge a promising path for Ateneo’s holdovers and future lineup in her final UAAP year.
The graduating libero had her swansong for the Blue Eagles in a winning send-off after their dominant showing over the Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-13, 25-17, 25-21, last April 24.
Doromal and the Katipunan squad finished the eliminations with a 5-9 slate for fifth place in the standings which was a notch higher from last season.
Unfortunately, it’s back-to-back Final Four misses for Ateneo which is seeing itself slowly thriving under the guidance of head coach Sergio Veloso.
With Doromal’s departure, all she could hope was that she left a team headed towards meaningful growth. "Sobrang proud ako kasi nakita ko ‘yung progress ng teammates ko. As a team, from preseason to the first round until the second, nakita ko ‘yung progress and improvement,” said Doromal.
“I’m very proud. Thankful ako [I chose to stay] and I got to help them.”
However far from ideal the result was, Doromal is proud to see the Blue Eagles working for something more exciting beyond the season, firmly believing they are about to see their hard work and dedication pay off after a painful string of defeats.
“Nung nag-decide naman ako mag-stay, hinanap ko talaga ‘yung purpose ko. Staying with them, nakita ko ‘yung purpose ko na tulungan sila. As a libero, ‘yun ‘yung support na maibibigay ko. Hindi ako makaka-score ng points. But nandoon ako to help all the way. ‘Yun ang pinaka success for me, natulungan ko sila mag-grow sa bagong system and adapt ‘yung bagong system na ‘yun. Naipakita nila kung gaano sila kagaling,” she said.
Veloso, for his part, was also optimistic for the last time this season.
In his maiden UAAP stint, the Philippine national men’s volleyball team tactician deemed it a successful run, knowing what’s in store could only be better from here on.
“This season, it’s a very big victory. I can feel that all players understood [where we’re at], how we can improve and play better [in the future]," he said.
𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐨'𝐬 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬
In celebration of the Solo Parents Week, the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro led by Governor Dorothy "Dotdot" M. Gonzaga, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office conducted the 1st Solo Parents Congress on April 26, 2024 at the Megatent, Capitol Grounds, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro with the theme "𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒐 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒏𝒂 𝑹𝒆𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒐, 𝒔𝒂 𝑮𝒐𝒃𝒚𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒐, 𝑻𝒊𝒚𝒂𝒌 𝒏𝒂 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒌𝒕𝒂𝒅𝒐".
Over 600 solo parents participated during the activity that featured sessions from various agencies. The aim was to empower and equip them with essential knowledge and tools while addressing the needs and challenges that a solo parent may face.
This initiative has been long envisioned by the Governor along with PSWDO Department Head Ms. Josephine Frasco. Despite her hectic schedule, the Governor made a personal appearance at the event and conveyed her eagerness for this activity. She expressed her understanding that solo parents are among the sectors that require the utmost assistance from the government saying "Dugay na nako gusto makuha inyong numero ug identities mismo sa mga solo parent kay kabalo ko nga usa mo sa sektor sa atung komunidad nga kinahanglan gyud tabangan sa gobyerno".
Congressman Ruwel Peter Gonzaga of the Second District in his message emphasizes that regardless of one's political affiliations or personal beliefs, the government is committed to providing support and assistance to all members of the society. "𝐴𝑛𝑔 𝐺𝑜𝑏𝑦𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑜 𝑑𝑖𝑙𝑖 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑑 𝑠𝑎 𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑘𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑏𝑎𝑛", he added.
The activity also highlighted the presentation of Ms. Chariena Joy Lacuin, RSW of City Social Welfare and Development Office- Panabo, who elaborated the Republic Act of 11861 otherwise known as the “Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act”. She provided insights into the rights and benefits of the solo parents under the law, ensuring that the participants understand and well-informed about the support available for them.
During the afternoon session, the focus shifted towards entrepreneurial mindset development and financial literacy which was presented by the Department of Trade and Industry- Davao de Oro. Additionally discussing the basic loan availment and consumer education.
Furthermore ,Technical Education and Skills Development Authority representative Ms. Mary Ann Afuan presented the programs and activities of TESDA. This is to provide the participants a comprehensive information with regard to vocational training and skills development opportunities, enabling them to acquire new skills or enhance existing ones to pursue sustainable livelihoods.
Among the attendees were EA Nena Atamosa, Board Members Vivencia L. Secuya and Ruwina Gonzaga, IPMR Albert P. Camana, PG Department Heads and others.
The Solo Parent Congress 2024 was a remarkable event that brought hope and empowerment to solo parents. The government's visionary leadership and the tireless efforts of all participants made it possible. This event serves as a reminder that no one walks alone on the journey of parenthood, in unity, there is Greatness as long as the 𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐒! 
(Photos by R. Naval)
(Photos by R. Naval)#SoloParentWeek #SoloParentsCongress2024 #GovernmentWorks #GovernmentWorksForSoloParents #WeLoveDavaodeOro
Provincial Administrator’s Office – Information and Public Relations Division
4th Floor, Executive Building, Provincial Capitol Complex, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro
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