Philippines selected as guest of honor for 1st time at Frankfurt Book Fair 2025

 

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has been selected as the guest of honor at the Frankfurter Buchmesse (FBM), the largest book fair in the world, for the first time in the Frankfurt Book Fair's 500-year history.

Over 70 Filipino authors and publishers, as well as around 700 Filipino titles, including books and graphic novels, will be featured at next year's edition of the Frankfurt Book Fair.

The significant moment will showcase the Philippines' history, culture, and heritage, particularly when it comes to literature, with Jose Rizal — who published "Noli Me Tangere" in Germany — inspiring the country's participation theme, "The imagination peoples the air."

National Book Development Board Chairperson Francis Ang II said it would "reinforce efforts to promote the growth of the Philippine book industry, and gain local and international support and recognition."

Related: Vibal releases 10 new books on Philippine ancient history, postage stamps

National Commission for Culture and the Arts Chairperson Victorino Manalo added that being the guest of honor allows the country to share its culture, realities, and stories through all kinds of art and literature, "We optimize this platform to promote our stories forged by the diversity of our unique culture and its richness."

All plans for the Philippines' guest of honor role next year will be laid out by art critic and curator Patrick Flores and publisher Karina Bolasco next month in Frankfurt, with the support of authors Budjette Tan and Jaya Jacobo.

This year's Frankfurt Book Fair will have a program dedicated to Filipino creatives and publishers. Jacobo and other distinguished Filipino authors, namely, Jose "Butch" Dalisay, journalist-author Patricia Evangelista, and historian Ambeth Ocampo will give their talk during the fair. 

Tan and Evangelista will also take part in talks on the ART+ Stage with award-winning illustrators Isabel Roxas and Frances Alvarez, while romance novelist Mina Esguerra will give a talk on the New Adult Stage.

A program dedicated to Rizal as a Filipino hero, writer, and thinker in exile will be held in Heidelberg and Wilhelmsfeld after the book fair. 

The 2024 Frankfurt Book Fair runs from October 16 to 20. 

Signal No. 2 raised over 2 areas as ‘Julian’ intensifies into severe tropical storm

 

Satellite image shows Severe Tropical Storm Julian taken as of 5 a.m. on Sept. 29, 2024.

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

September 29, 2024 | 10:15am

MANILA, Philippines — Signal No. 2 was hoisted in some areas as tropical cyclone Julian (international name: Krathon) intensified into a severe tropical storm, the state weather bureau PAGASA said on Sunday, September 29.

In its 5 a.m. forecast, the severe tropical storm was spotted 305 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan.

Julian was moving west-northwest at 10 kilometers per hour (kph), with peak winds of 95 kph near its center and gusts of up to 115 kph.

The state weather bureau raised tropical cyclone wind signals over the following areas:

Signal No. 2

northeastern portion of Mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana)

eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Camiguin Island, Babuyan Islands).

According to PAGASA, high-risk structures may experience light to moderate damage, while medium-risk structures could experience very light to light damage in the areas under Signal No. 2.

PAGASA warned that sea and coastal waters are hazardous for small seacrafts. Travelers by sea and air are also cautioned to avoid taking unnecessary risks.

Signal No. 1

Batanes

rest of Cagayan

rest of Babuyan Islands

Isabela

Apayao

Abra

Kalinga

eastern and central portions of Mountain Province (Natonin, Paracelis, Sadanga, Barlig, Bontoc)

eastern portion of Ifugao (Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Mayoyao),

Ilocos Norte

northern portion of Ilocos Sur (Sinait, Cabugao, San Juan, Magsingal, Santo Domingo, Bantay, San Ildefonso, San Vicente)

northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran)

According to the state weather bureau, low-risk structures are expected to experience very light or no damage, while medium to high-risk structures may sustain light damage in these areas.

Slight damage could occur to houses of light materials or makeshift structures in exposed areas.

Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon may anticipate partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the trough of Julian.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country is expected to have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms.

Julian is expected to keep strengthening and may become a typhoon by Sunday night or Monday early morning.

The storm will likely move northwest toward the Batanes-Babuyan Islands, with a possible landfall or close approach on Monday.

Julian could become a super typhoon, according to PAGASA.

World Tourism Day: Fostering peace, prosperity through tourism

BY MANILA BULLETIN

  

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“Together, we can harness the power of tourism to advance peace and prosperity for all.”

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stressed this in his message for today’s World Tourism Day 2024 celebration. 

Tourism and Peace, this year’s theme for World Tourism Day, resonates deeply with the global community in the wake of conflicts around the world. This year’s celebration underscores the vital role of tourism in fostering peace, understanding, and economic growth. 

With the Philippines blessed with natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, the potential of tourism to drive the economy to new heights is immense.
Apart from being an economic driver, tourism can serve as a catalyst for peace and understanding. It is a powerful tool for fostering international understanding and cultural exchange. By welcoming visitors from around the world, the Philippines can showcase its unique traditions, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality. This cultural exchange promotes mutual respect and understanding, laying the groundwork for peaceful coexistence.

This year’s celebration also highlights that “the future of tourism lies in the hands of young people. By investing in youth, providing education and training opportunities, and encouraging their active participation in the tourism sector, we can harness their potential to drive social change and promote peace. Young talent brings fresh perspectives, creativity, and energy that are essential for the continuous evolution of tourism as a force for good.” 

In the Philippines, young Filipinos, with their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, are poised to lead the way in innovative tourism initiatives. By embracing digital platforms, sustainable practices, and community-based tourism, the youth can create unique and authentic experiences that attract global travelers. Encouraging youth participation in tourism not only ensures the industry’s sustainability but also empowers the next generation to be ambassadors of peace and cultural heritage. 

The role of tourism cannot be underestimated. In the Philippines, tourism is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, accounting for a substantial portion of the gross domestic product (GDP). The sector creates jobs, stimulates local businesses, and generates revenue that supports infrastructure development and public services. By investing in tourism infrastructure, such as improving transportation networks, enhancing tourist facilities, and promoting lesser-known destinations, the Philippines can attract more visitors and boost economic growth.

While tourism is a key economic driver, it is crucial to practice sustainable tourism to preserve the country’s natural and cultural assets. By promoting eco-friendly tourism, supporting local communities, and protecting the environment, the country can ensure that tourism benefits both present and future generations. Initiatives such as community-based tourism, where local residents are actively involved in tourism activities, can create a more inclusive and equitable tourism industry.

As we celebrate World Tourism Day today, let us recognize the profound impact of tourism on peace and economic prosperity. With the country’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, it has the potential to be a beacon of tourism and peace. And by empowering the youth, investing in sustainable practices, and fostering cultural exchange, the country can pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.

PH skating chief eyes first Filipina in Winter Olympics

BY MARK REY MONTEJO

Sep 28, 2024 10:55 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Philippine Skating Union president Nikkie Cheng is eyeing something that has never happened in the country’s sports history -- a Filipina competing in the Winter Olympics.

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Philippine Skating Union president Nikkie Cheng is eyeing something that has never happened in the country’s sports history -- a Filipina competing in the Winter Olympics.

Isabella Gamez (Ballet Photo Manila)

Cheng has already set her sights on figure skater Isabella Gamez and her Fil-Russian partner Alexander Korovin as the pair tries their luck to secure berths to the 2026 Winter Games slated in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

“Actually, we’re approaching the Asian Winter Games in February 2025 and we are also approaching the 2026 Winter Olympics,” said Cheng. 

“So, in the last few years, I have been very vocal about this. We really want the first Filipina in the Winter Olympics and we hope na yung figure skater natin na si Isabella Gamez kasama ang kanyang partner ay makalahok sa susunod na Winter Olympics,” she added.

The 25-year-old Gamez, the grandniece of former Senator and basketball player Freddie Webb, has been making waves throughout the years with Korovin since their debut in 2022.

They will shoot for that chance in the 2025 World Championships set in March and, if unsuccessful, another tournament in Germany that offers Olympic berths is also lined up later next year.

Fil-American alpine skier Asa Miller was the last to compete in the said quadrennial event when he saw action in the 2022 Beijing edition. He also competed with figure skater Michael Christian Martinez in 2018 Pyongyang. 

Also eyeing an Olympic berth is Peter Groseclose, who saw action in the Winter Youth Olympics earlier this year in short track speed skating.

“We're very happy that Peter has been performing well in the world stage and also inspiring the youth of this sport,” Cheng said. “So, siya rin ang very high chances that we will see in the next Olympics for the Winter calendar naman.

While Cheng is looking at the elite stage, she has also been very active in promoting the sport nationwide.

The country is actually hosting the Southeast Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy, which officially kicked off at the SM Skating Rink inside the Mall of Asia on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The two-day tournament features 90 skaters age 6 to 24 years old from Asian countries including Vietnam, Singapore, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, India, Uzbekistan, Mongolia and host Philippines.

The competition aims to promote and grow the sport not only in the country but also in the Southeast Asian region.