Empowering indigenous peoples for biodiversity conservation:

BY MICHAEL ATRIGENIO

NOVEMBER 30, 2024

The Mais Festival highlights the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the Higaonon tribe. (Photo from the Facebook page of the Local Government of Claveria, Misamis Oriental)

Indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, offering unique perspectives and practices that have been passed down through generations and are deeply connected to the land and ecosystems. The creation of a dedicated subsidiary body within the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to focus on indigenous peoples represents a significant step forward in recognizing and incorporating this invaluable knowledge, which complements scientific insights, into conservation efforts.

In a speech at COP16, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights Ilze Brands Kehris emphasized how the establishment of this new subsidiary under Article 8j of the Convention presents a pivotal opportunity to advance human rights, particularly those of Indigenous Peoples (IP) and local communities, while also safeguarding the environment and upholding the Framework’s commitment to living in harmony with nature.

In biodiversity hotspots such as the Philippines, where IPs play a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity, establishing a specialized subsidiary body can yield numerous advantages. Primarily, it can guarantee the meaningful engagement of IPs in governance processes concerning biodiversity conservation, granting them a forum to share their insights and expertise. This inclusive approach can result in the development of more efficient and culturally respectful conservation measures that harmonize with traditional wisdom.

‘Catholics may skip December 9 mass’

Ghio Ong - The Philippine Star 

November 30, 2024 | 12:00am  

Cross silhouette at sunset. 

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino Catholics and workers are not obliged to attend mass on Dec. 9, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.

“Obligation to attend mass does not apply this year,” Archdiocese of Manila vice chancellor Fr. Carmelo Arada Jr. said, citing the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and Discipleship of the Sacraments.

Philippine bishops had petitioned the Vatican on the issue of obligation after the feast day was transferred from Dec. 8 to 9, as it coincided with the second Sunday of Advent.

“It would be difficult or even impossible for many Catholics to go to mass on a working day since they are daily wage earners and rely on this for their families’ sustenance,” Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said.

Pulang Araw,’ OPM, P-pop music among Filipino cultural works to be sent to the moon

According to its official website, Lunar Codex is a project by Incadence Corp., designed to preserve artistic and cultural creations for future generations. All works included have been archived with the creators’ permission, and copyrights remain with their respective owners.

STAR / File

Patricia Dela Roca - The Philippine Star 

November 30, 2024 | 12:00am

Several Filipino creations are set to soar into new heights, with their legacies to be preserved in a time capsule destined for the moon.

As reported by GMA News reporter Nelson Canlas on “24 Oras” last Wednesday, the Kapuso wartime series “Pulang Araw” has made a groundbreaking history as the first and only Filipino TV show to be part of the Lunar Codex’s time capsule set for the moon.

The series is included in the Polaris Collection, which will be part of the Lunar Codex project, a curated archive of cultural works from across the globe, launched via the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Artemis and Commercial Lunar Payload Services’ (CLPS) program partners.

According to its official website, Lunar Codex is a project by Incadence Corp., designed to preserve artistic and cultural creations for future generations. All works included have been archived with the creators’ permission, and copyrights remain with their respective owners.

“Individual works are copyrighted by their respective creators, editors, publishers, or owners, and all rights as appropriate remain with them, whether or not a notice appears adjacent to the work. All works included in the Lunar Codex have been archived with permission from their respective creators, editors, publishers, or owners, whether individually, or as represented in a collection such as an anthology, exhibit, catalog, or magazine,” read the organization’s statement on the website.

The Lunar Codex aims to send cultural works from over 40,000 artists, writers, musicians, and filmmakers to the moon in a time capsule. The project will use NanoFiche technology, a lightweight and durable format that compresses images of the works, ensuring their preservation on the moon — a site immune to earthly threats such as war and climate change.

“It costs about a million dollars per kilogram to send things out into space, but one of the biggest things that we’ve done is we’ve used semiconductor technologies on something called NanoFiche,” explained Dr. Samuel Peralta, founder of the project.

The Filipino works, along with other masterpieces from other creators from different countries, are scheduled for launch to the Lunar South Pole in 2025.

According to Philippine STAR’s report, the historical drama was invited to be part of the collection as it showcases a “significant part of Philippine history and reflects the indomitable spirit of Filipinos in facing adversity.”

“Pulang Araw’s” director, Dominic Zapata, announced the honor to the cast, with one of its main stars, Alden Richards expressing his gratitude: “Kanina nga, this morning, in-announce ‘yan ni Direk Dom, and we’re very honored na napili ‘yung proyekto namin para magkaroon ng opportunity to be part of the Lunar Codex project, so maraming-maraming salamat for the opportunity po.”

His co-star, Sanya Lopez, added: “Balita ko nga na bilang lang ang mga inilalagay doon, so parang ang sarap lang sa pakiramdam na isa na tayo doon.”

Pulang Araw also stars Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, Dennis Trillo, Angelu De Leon, Epy Quizon, Rochelle Pangilinan, Aidan Veneracion, and more.

Its story chronicles the lives of Eduardo (Richards), Teresita (Lopez), Adelina (Forteza), and Hiroshi (Licauco), set during the Japanese occupation in the Philippines. The characters will navigate an intricate web of loyalty, betrayals, sacrifices, and resilience amidst the backdrop of a war ravaging the country.

Aside from Pulang Araw, songs by P-pop groups SB19, BINI, and BGYO, as well as works by OPM band Apo Hiking Society, Ryan Cayabyab, Gary Valenciano, Moira Dela Torre and others will also be part of the Lunar Codex.

Honoring Andres Bonifacio’s heroism more important than day of commemoration

 

For Filipino senior citizens who have been accustomed to the celebration on Nov. 30 of Bonifacio Day as a non-working holiday, a brief backgrounder is in order.

In 1952, President Elpidio Quirino declared Nov. 30 as Bonifacio Day, as this is the national hero’s birth date. He declared a separate observance of National Heroes Day which had been observed on Nov. 30 since 1942. In August 2022, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. issued Proclamation No. 42, announcing the list of holidays for 2023. Nov. 30 was listed as Bonifacio Day. Subsequently, he issued Proclamation No. 90, which also declared the regular holidays and special non-working holidays for 2023. In this new order, he enunciated the policy of holiday economics, first implemented by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, that is, “a longer weekend will help encourage domestic travel and increase tourism expenditures in the country." This explains why this year, Bonifacio Day is observed on Monday, Nov. 27. 

Regardless of the day on which his heroism is recalled by a grateful nation, Andres Bonifacio’s preeminent position in the pantheon of Filipino heroes is securely assured. In the national consciousness, he is the defiant hero who held a bolo in his right hand and a pistol in his other hand as he called on Filipinos to assert their independence from the Spanish colonial rulers. At the Bonifacio monument in Caloocan City, and near Manila City Hall — and in many other town and city plazas in the country — he is remembered and honored as a militant nationalist leader who spearheaded the rebellion against Spain.

Immediately after Jose Rizal was deported in 1892, he founded the Katipunan, in full, Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Highest and Most Respected Society of the Country's Children). The use of the word Bayan denotes advocacy of community and nationhood.
He declared Philippine independence as early as in 1895, then again in 1896 after the execution of Rizal whom he regarded as his mentor. He is known as a nationalist proletarian, in contrast to the enlightened elite in the mold of Rizal who had the wherewithal to travel to Spain and Europe for higher education, and later, as venue for propagating the cause for Filipino nationhood. When he joined the freemasonry movement, he adopted the pseudonym May Pag-asa, or literally, there is hope. Indeed he served as a beacon of hope while rallying support for the toppling of Spanish colonial rule that flourished for more than three centuries

Andres Bonifacio floundered in the shoals of his rivalry with Emilio Aguinaldo that ended in his execution in Maragondon, Cavite. Yet, his fiery inspiration animated and inspired the thousands of foot soldiers from the ranks of the peasantry and the proletariat who joined the revolutionary forces throughout the archipelago. Even as the nascent Philippine Republic’s full fruition was thwarted by a new wave of American colonial rulers, these forces continued to offer active resistance.

Long live Andres Bonifacio, the Great Plebeian!

From rags to runway: Upcycled streetwear wins big

BY CHECHE MORAL

NOVEMBER 29, 2024

The finalists with the mentors, judges and ArteFino founders —PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOFA

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Atrio of fashion students at SoFA Design Institute who upcycled old tracksuits into fresh new streetwear were chosen winners of the ArteFino Maker’s Lab 2024.

The third edition of the contest, dubbed “Retaso Atbp.: ArteFino x SoFA Upcycling Design Challenge,” chose the three-piece entry, “Siga,” by Raine Maxine Eduave, Summer Villaluz, and Jace Icha Logaring for the grand prize. The trio was mentored by fashion designer TC Sibal.

Team Alalola with mentor Jor-el Espina (second from left) and their model (second from right)

ArteFino, the movement founded in 2017 that champions Filipino artisans and crafts, began seeking talented designers who can upcycle material scraps and discards into objects that have retail appeal and the potential for commercial success in 2022. In this year’s contest brief, it said designers have to demonstrate creativity and ingenuity in product design and development. The designs should also be functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Team Interlace’s collection using dead stock threads from Divisoria —CHECHE V. MORAL

For the 2024 edition, ArteFino partnered with SoFA Design Institute, which fielded six teams of three, who worked on the challenge for eight weeks. Each team was given P15,000 as starter fund. Each was mentored by a veteran designer; apart from Sibal, there were Maco Custodio, Zarah Juan, and Jor-el Espina.

The “Siga” team were clear winners from the start, whom the judges—composed of fashion designers Lulu Tan-Gan and Rajo Laurel, SoFA cofounder and Aranaz creative director Amina Aranaz-Alunan, ArteFino cofounder Susie Quiros, Security Bank sustainability head Nikki Lizares, editor Millet Mananquil, and this writer—thought understood their target market, their fellow Gen Zs, and priced their products accordingly.

Close up of Siga’s patchwork hoodie —CHECHE V. MORAL

“Siga” created a hoodie with removable sleeves, matching miniskirt, and boots using fabrics from old jogging pants. The contrasting shades of gray and textures of the patchwork of fabrics, and its exposed stitching, added character to the pocket collection. The quilted boots, also composed of old technical fabrics, rounded up the look.

Winners, too

Team “Tagun”—Kristine Vianca Ozabel, Michael Emir Loresto, Ralph Reymond Catalan—mentored by Custodio, was one of the two special prize winners. The team made three new apparel pieces from donated denim fabrics. The jacket had removable sleeves, which could be turned inside out to expose its colorful stitching underneath and reattached to create a new look. The jorts (jean shorts) featured patchwork on the knees, and had a detachable wrap that transforms into a sling bag.

Team Tagun with their upcycled denim collection

The other special prize winner was Team “Alalola”—Juliana Joie Canino, Selina Tiu, Kira Secuya—mentored by Espina. The three young designers turned to memories of their respective grandmothers—“nostalgia, warmth, comfort”—for their three-piece garment, created out of old curtains and old clothing. Pailletes on the cardigan and the removable hoodie (it transforms into a mini bag) gave texture to their design.

Team Siga with their winning design

“Siga” will receive P60,000 in cash prize and gifts from sponsors, as well as a chance to collaborate in 2025 with ArteFino on #HeArteFino, the program that provides financial support and mentorship on product innovation and marketing to communities’ creative and handicrafts livelihood programs.

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“Tagun” and “Alalola” will each receive P45,000 and gifts from sponsors. All entries will be featured in a special setting at Presente by ArteFino, ongoing until Dec. 1 at The Fifth at Rockwell, Makati City.

Team Pagpag with mentor Maco Custodio (rightmost) and their model (second from right)

The other finalists were Joesua Daoang, Jaiya Seno and Karren Delgado (“Interlace”); Ken Lloyd Pacaigue, Brent William Omagap and Venice Faythe Collera (“Ba-I”); and Nicole Dana Tristeza, Keithlyn Capco and Anthony Tominez (“Pagpag”).

ArteFino was created by Cedie Vargas, Marimel Francisco, Maritess Pineda, Mita Rufino, and Quiros to promote Filipino style and crafts through its artisan fair. The fair has been a platform for many upstart brands and designers, who have gone on to launch their own boutiques or on to bigger things.

On #HeArteFino, it says on its website, “By elevating living traditions as a source of livelihood, ArteFino hopes to encourage younger generations of artisans to take up traditional Filipino handicrafts—preserving our cultural heritage in the process.”

The STANDS: An I NQUIRER Sports Newsletter

 

November 29, 2024

Carl Tamayo (right) and Kevin Quiambao came up huge for Gilas Pilipinas in the game against Hong Kong. (AUGUST DELA CRUZ)

Hey there sports fan, Still salivating for more Gilas Pilipinas content? We've got a few recommended reads for you. Faced against Hong Kong and with a shot at clearing a path to the main tournament of the Fiba Asia Cup next year, Gilas Pilipinas hungered for a quick lead so it could also provide court time for its young stars. Things turned out even better. Unable to peel away from a stubborn Hong Kong squad, coach Tim Cone went to his young stars anyway, and they were the ones who fueled Gilas' breakaway in the second half.  Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao, Mason Amos. They all had a hand in the victory. That win over Hong Kong at Mall of Asia Arena, coupled by a win by New Zealand over Taiwan, assured the Philippines of a spot in the continental championships set in Saud Arabia next year. That left the Philippines with two no-bearing games in its schedule. But Cone will make those matches meaningful by using them to prepare Gilas Pilipinas on how to win on the road. Meanwhile, here's a freebie, easy-peasy trivia question: Of the youngsters mentioned here, which one led Gilas Pilipinas in scoring against Hong Kong?  Check your answer at the end of this email.

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Jordan Heading opened his PBA career by helping Converge craft a victory over the team that drafted him. (PBA IMAGES)

Meanwhile on Plus... Big imports. A celebrated swap between Terrafirma and San Miguel Beer. There were so many new things to look forward to at the start of the PBA Commissioner's Cup. Throw in Jordan Heading's debut as well.  Out of the frying pan and into the fire? Adamson cooked University of the East during their knockout game for a Final Four spot. The prize for the Falcons? An extended stint that many believe could last just one game. For coach Nash Racela, it doesn't matter. Speaking of Gilas Pilipinas, the team has been on a run of success recently, yes? A win over Latvia. Another upset over New Zealand. Ask Tim Cone, however, and he'll tell you: You ain't seen nothing yet. What we're up to next: It's the PBA Commissioner's Cup and we've got you covered with our steady stream of stories, updates and features. We'll also highlight college basketball as the NCAA heads to its championship round while the UAAP begins Final Four week. And then there's UAAP women's basketball, too! Plus, we've got you covered when it comes to all the great stories in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. Number of the Week: 4 Formula 1 drivers' championshiops already won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who clinched this season's crown after finishing fifth in the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Since there is no superstar in this team, we are going to be a super team.” —Cess Robles, Chery Tiggo spiker, on the Crossovers losing key players before the PVL All-Filipino CUp started.

Hi , Have feedback? We're happy to hear it. Give Suggestions

Carl Tamayo. That's the answer to the trivia question above. Think you can ace the rest of our weekly sports quiz? head over to our Viber community and try the test out! Buy the Inquirer at newsstands, subscribe to our digital edition, Inquirer Plus, visit our online site and follow us on socials (Twitter: @inquirersports; FB: facebook.com/inquirersports) for more stories and updates—or to send us questions or suggestions of stories you'd want to read. See you next Friday! Francis Francis T. J. Ochoa is the Sports Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For comments, suggestions and questions, hit him up on Twitter (@ftjochoaINQ).