Fete de la Musique going big for 30th year in the Philippines

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

June 7, 2024 | 7:58am

MANILA, Philippines — The annual Fete de la Musique is marking its 30th year in the Philippines with even more performers and more stages nationwide.

Fete de la Musique first began in France back in 1982 and ultimately found its way to Philippine shores 12 years later.

Back then the event was held in Remedios Circle with just three bands and around 40 attendees, but over the years it moved to Malate then grew in popularity when it was held in El Pueblo.

After moving to the Fort then finding a present home in Makati, Fete de la Musique turns 30 years old in the Philippines, expanding the different genres on display in multiple pocket stages around the country.

Pocket stages were first introduced in 2011 then destination stages — venues outside of Metro Manila — began six years later.

Over the years, many headliners have taken the Fete de la Musique stages such as Barbie Almalbis, Ben&Ben, Joey Ayala, Lola Amour, Up Dharma Down, Radioactive Sago Project, Sugarfree, and The Itchyworms.

The main stage of Fete de la Musique 2024 will be at the Greenbelt 3 Park on June 21 featuring the likes of Autotelic, Dilaw, Any Name's Okay, Dwata, Morobeats, and Jason Dhakal.

The pocket stages will begin a week later, most of the over 40 ones occuring in Makati's Poblacion area, coinciding with the district's fiesta celebrations.

This year there are 70 destination stages, the most in Fete de la Musique to date, across Luzon (El Nido, Naga, Baguio, Pampanga, Puerto Galera, Baler, Los Banos, Albay, Zambales, Laguna, Masbate, Cavite), Visayas (Cebu, Siquijor), and Mindanao (Siargao, South Cotobato, Davao, Cagayan de Oro).

Local performers are expected to grace the pocket and destination stages, all of which are free and open to all, with some more to be added in the coming days.

"Freedom of expression shows France is a country of culture," said Cultural Attache of the French Embassy in Manila Martin Macalintal in a media conference launching Fete de la Musique 2024, adding the French always focuses on "promoting and protecting the arts."

Tariff cut effect: Rice prices to go down further if peso gets stronger

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Jun 7, 2024 05:20 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) can help maximize the expected reduction on retail prices of rice by keeping the peso at "reasonable levels" against the United States (US) dollar.

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House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN) 

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) can help maximize the expected reduction on retail prices of rice by keeping the peso at "reasonable levels" against the United States (US) dollar. 

This was the takeaway from the House Speaker Martin Romualdez-led press conference Thursday, June 6 wherein the effect of the Palace-ordered tariff reduction on rice imports was discussed. 

During the presser, Committee on Agriculture and Food Chairman Quezon 1st district Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga shared that as per the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), retail prices of rice--the country’s staple food--was "going to be less by P5 to P6 per kilo". 

Such will be the price drop on the heels of President Marcos' decision to slash imported rice duties from the current 35 percent to 15 percent. 

But Deputy Majority Leader for Communications ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, who was also at the presser, quickly noted that foreign exchange can have a huge impact on local rice prices. 

"That’s depending on the, that P5 to P6 [reduction] is at the current exchange rate po iyon at P58 po yung kwan. So if the dollar goes down then mas mataas pa doon (the reduction on retail prices will be higher), so depending on the dictate of the exchange rate," he said. 

Agreeing with Tulfo's statement, Romualdez says there's already coordination going on between the House and BSP for the sake of consumers. 

"Kausap din natin yung our friends at the BSP sa Monetary Board (We're also talking to our friends at the BSP, in the Monetary Board), it is also their role to make sure that the foreign exchange is also kept at reasonable levels," the Speaker said. 

The foreign exchange rate grabbed headlines recently after the peso went above P58 against the US dollar. Marcos announced the tariff cut a few days after. 

"So the BSP has from time and time again very quietly but steadily has always been there at the forefront to safeguard any abrupt or any changes sa forex to absorb the shocks...we’re all trying to coordinate so we can afford again the consumers, quality affordable rice always. Yan ang goal (That's the goal)," noted Romualdez. 

The House leader further said: "So everyone involved we’re talking to and making sure that coordinated po tayo kasi the (making sure that we are coordinated because the) President has already given his mandate and that is his desire because that is the best for the people. So we’re all on board, we’re all on board."

Regular milled rice currently hovers at P50 per kilo. 

The presser was held following a meeting between the ranking solons and officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and other stakeholders, including those from the private sector.
 

Style Weekend: Learn the basics of storytelling, watch Filipino films, and meet an international drag superstar

Pride comes in many forms this weekend!

BY JOHN LEGASPI

Jun 6, 2024 04:27 PM

  

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#SunniesFlaskLand
When: Ongoing until June 9
Where: Ground Level of the Main Mall Atrium, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City

Step into the #SunniesFlaskLand at SM Mall of Asia until June 9 and discover the unlimited color combinations, take photos at its booth, and score exclusive giveaways.

The Manila Film Festival 2024
When: Ongoing until June 11
Where: Robinsons Manila and Robinsons Magnolia

Discover the works of today’s emerging filmmakers at The Manila Film Festival 2024. Witness four feature films by directors JP Habac, Dwein Baltazar, Sigrid Bernardo, and Jose Lorenzo Diokno. The festival also puts the spotlight on short films helmed by student filmmakers. The films will be screened at Robinsons Manila (June 5 to June 11) and Robinsons Magnolia (June 10 to June 11).

Goût de France / Good France x H&T Wine Gallery
When: Ongoing until June 8
Where: H&T Wine Gallery, 24K-D cor. K-1st St., Jamboree Ext., Quezon City

H&T Wine Gallery is joining Goût de France / Good France in serving the best French feast. Goût de France is initiated by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with chef Alain Ducasse. H&T Wine Gallery's special menu starts at P1,180.

Tav Avenue: Vintage Flea Market
When: June 7 to June 8, 12 noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Sasa Cafe, Royale World Mansion, Pablo Ocampo cor. Enrique Sts., Manila City (Near Benilde D+A Campus)

The Archives Vintage is curating over 15 merchants bringing clothes, accessories, and more to Sasa Cafe. From branded vintage items, pins, and stickers to one-of-a-kind finds, there’s something for everyone at this flea market. Admission is free!

Tang Packtivation Blowout
When: June 7 to June 8 
Where: Trinoma, Quezon City

Summer is not over yet for drink mix brand Tang as it brings its Scan to Win promo to Trinoma Mall. Mallgoers can visit its Tang Packtivation Blowout booth and buy a specially marked Tang pack, join the Scan to Win promo, and get a free slushy with every purchase.

 

Global Pinoy Alabang Fair
When: June 7 to June 9, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Activity Center, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City

An all-things local fête is happening down south. Discover products that showcase Filipino ingenuity at the Global Pinoy Alabang Fair happening at Alabang Town Center and stock up on the latest vegan beauty finds, chic apparel, and must-have home pieces.

Likha 3
When: June 7 to June 11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: PICC Forum 2 and 3, Pasay City

For its third edition, Likha is set to be an even grander celebration of Filipino artistry with its wider range of crafts on display, featuring 87 Filipino artisans and a special section for Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees. Admission is free!

Mirage: The Asia Tour
When: June 8, 7 p.m.
Where: The Krib + Nightclub, Quezon City

Pride Month in the Philippines just got even more festive with the coming of international drag artist Mirage. The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 16 star is ready to bring the house down with her show happening this weekend at The Krib + Nightclub in Quezon City. The ticket price starts at P1,499.

Dinalan Stripped Sessions
When: June 8, doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Dinalan Cafe, 856 J Nakpil St., Malate, Manila City

Dinalan Cafe invites everyone for a musical weekend with its intimate stripped session. Gracing its stage are Filipino bands Autotelic and Brando Bal and singer Earl Generao. The door fee is P400 for early birds and P500 for walk-in customers.

Labebe Vintage Summer Pop-up 
When: June 8, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Guijo Studios, Makati City

A unique summer retail therapy awaits at Labebe’s pop-up. Discover personalized jewelry pieces, satiate your sweet cravings, and score vintage finds at its inaugural pop-up this weekend.

Write Your Dream Book
When: June 9, 4 p.m.
Where: National Book Store, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City

National Book Store and Penguin SEA join forces in helping budding writers achieve their dreams. Join award-winning and bestselling authors Catherine Dellosa, Claire Betita De Guzman, and Mica De Leon and learn the basics of good storytelling and writing in this free workshop for beginners.

Hello, readers! Do you have a story you want us to feature? You can reach us via styleweekendph@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.

Divine Divas glistens with confidence this Pride Month in debut single 'Oh, Divine Diva'

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Jun 6, 2024 04:47 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The dance-pop track sends an empowering message of being brave enough to own the spotlight and having the confidence to face life’s challenges.

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“Drag Race Philippines” season 1 stars Brigiding, Precious Paula Nicole, and Viñas Deluxe known as the trio Divine Divas have released their debut single “Oh, Divine Diva” in time for Pride Month.

The dance-pop track sends an empowering message of being brave enough to own the spotlight and having the confidence to face life’s challenges.

“Tayo ang unang papalakpak sa koronang tayo mismo sa sarili ang nagsuot, unang makakaunawa sa talentong gusto nating ipakita sa mundo at unang tatanggap ng pagkataong gusto nating makilala ng kahit sino. Patuloy nating itaas ang bandera at iparada ang korona. Ipaalala mong wala kang hindi kaya kasi isa kang divine diva,” Precious said. 

“It’s about being your own diva and finding your own voice. You are your own diva, wherever you came from, whatever you've been through, continue to fight because your perfect time will come ” Brigiding and Viñas added.

“Oh Divine Diva” was composed by Loriebelle Darunday, Elmar Jan Bolano, Justin Ian Catalan, and Liza Diño and produced by StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos. Meanwhile, Liza Diño, Ice Seguerra, ABS-CBN Music head Roxy Liquigan, and creative director Jonathan Manalo served as its executive producers.

During the pandemic, the trio formed the Divine Divas through various Facebook livestreams where they performed and interacted with their fans. As they recounted their “Drag Race PH” journey, Brigiding emphasized that it gave them a huge learning experience to open more doors of possibilities as a drag star.  

“Learning is the new winning. You never lose. Only you have the power to change and carve the path to your future,” she said.

For Viñas, trust and a heart full of passion fueled her to rise above life’s challenges. The drag queen shared, “Magtiwala sa sarili para laging wagi. Kung may gusto ka sa buhay at pinagtrabahuhan mo nang buong puso mo at makakamit mo ito.”

Meanwhile, Precious looks back on winning the reality competition series as a reminder to celebrate individuality and to enjoy every fleeting moment of life.

“Sabi ko nga nung pumasok ako sa ‘Drag Race Philippines Season 1,’  ‘wag lang ako ma-porkchop queen okay na ko, pero higit pa doon ang nabigay at naituro sa akin ng DRPH at ‘yon ay yung maging ikaw lang, just be yourself sa lahat ng pagkakataon. Take one step at a time and enjoy every moment. Laban sa lahat ng challenge! Hindi lahat ng akala nating madali ay kaya na natin, dapat lagi tayong handa lumaban!” she shared.

As a trio, they held their first major concert “Divine Divas Live” in New Frontier Theater last year. Recently, they also achieved their breakthrough in the global scene with their stellar performance in DragCon UK. They likewise opened their drag club RAMPA this year. 

Check out Divine Divas’ debut single “Oh, Divine Diva” available on various digital streaming platforms. For more details, follow StarPop on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.  

Lisa teases solo comeback; ‘coming soon’ video gets 14.4 million views on Tiktok

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Jun 7, 2024 09:36 AM

  

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BLACKPINK member Lisa is gearing up for a solo comeback. 

On June 6, an email from Sony Music Entertainment carried the message “Lisa coming soon.” 

LLOUD, Lisa’s agency for her solo activities, posted a link to Lisa’s video about the announcement on TikTok. 

In 13 hours, the "coming soon - Lisa" video has garnered 14.4 million views, 3.7 million likes, more than 154,000 comments and shared by more than 162,000 times. 

Lisa's video on TikTok has garnered 14.4 million views in 13 hours (Screenshot from Lisa's video on TikTok)

Lisa (Instagram)

Lisa’s comeback will mark her first under LLOUD and under the partnership with RCA Records, a label of Sony Music Entertainment. 

In April, Lisa and LLOUD announced a partnership with RCA Records. 

Under this, Lisa will release solo music under RCA but will have full ownership of all her recordings. 

“I’m super excited to be joining the RCA family and I am confident they are the best team to create a bigger movement in my solo career. Looking forward to showing the world everything we have been preparing,” said Lisa. 

Lisa will star in the third season of the HBO Original series “The White Lotus.”