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Tuesday, April 29, 2025
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This new animated short follows Judas' betrayal of Jesus
An animator’s visually stunning take on the New Testament
Apr 28, 2025 03:49 PM
AT A GLANCE
The story aims to share stories from the New Testament that can satisfy both religious and non-religious viewers.
Judas Iscariot is a name that is synonymous with betrayal. In this upcoming animated short, by Stigmata Studios, we get to see a closer look at how Jesus’ final hours affected the traitor. As Judas tries to live with his guilt, he receives angelic visions from the past, following his journey with Jesus. "Judas Iscariot" aims to share stories from the New Testament that can satisfy both religious and non-religious viewers. It lifts heavily from the New Testament and takes inspiration from the “Apocrypha,” a collection of writings related to the Bible but not considered canon. “Judas Iscariot” is expected to be released in 2027.
From the trailer, we see anthropomorphic animals used to symbolize characters from the New Testament. Jesus is portrayed as a large bull, whereas Judas is a rabbit. Included as well in the trailer are Mary Magdalene and the rest of the Apostles as various animals. Meanwhile, Roman guards are depicted as wolves, likely as a reference to the story of Romulus and Remus, a myth regarding the founding of Rome.
To help fund the project, Kugler has put up a Kickstarter page and presents a series of rewards to be sent out depending on how much you donate. Higher donations can get you a copy of the film and even a cameo in the background. As of writing, it has already surpassed its initial funding goal of $30,000 (₱1,687,345) having made $81,261 (₱4,570,511). All excess donations are slated to go toward added benefits like the production of a comic book version and a documentary about the making of the film.
Already, the film has garnered praise online for its unique take on Jesus. Some non-religious folks have even shown genuine excitement toward the project, taking an interest in its stylistic approach. Others are happy to see a religious animated film that has a higher quality of production, as online circles have often joked about the bad quality of Christian animated films. There are those hoping this short will be on par with the Dreamworks classic, “The Prince of Egypt,” which follows the story of Moses.
Kugler first made waves in the indie animation scene back in 2022 with “Clickers,” a nine-minute animated short made by a team of over 50 artists. It follows the story of two anthropomorphic devices, a CRT television and a boombox radio, trying to navigate through their rocky relationship. It won bronze at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Student Awards and has over 2.9 million views on YouTube. He has also done work for popular animated series such as Cartoon Network’s “Craig of the Creek” and Adult Swim’s “Smiling Friends.”
Wake-up call for PH global competitiveness
Wake-up call for PH global competitiveness
Apr 29, 2025 09:25 AM
The inception of the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Rankings survey, as announced recently by the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), is a timely and sobering wake-up call for the Philippines. While we have long celebrated our economic resilience, it is clear that resilience alone is no longer enough. In a world transformed by technology, innovation, and rapidly shifting global markets, we find ourselves lagging behind countries that have been quicker, bolder, and more deliberate in pursuing national competitiveness.
The 2024 rankings reveal familiar shortcomings. Despite our demographic advantages — a young, English-speaking workforce and strong entrepreneurial spirit — we continue to underperform in critical areas: infrastructure development, education quality, regulatory efficiency, and digital readiness. These are not new problems, yet year after year, progress has been slow, uneven, and often derailed by political distractions.
Our public institutions remain burdened by bureaucracy and regulatory bottlenecks that discourage investment and innovation. Infrastructure projects, while abundant in announcements, are often delayed or plagued by inefficiencies. In education, outdated curricula, skills mismatches, and underinvestment prevent us from fully preparing our people for the demands of a digital economy. Meanwhile, in technology and innovation, we lag behind regional peers who have embraced digital transformation as a national priority.
Encouragingly, initiatives such as the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) have made meaningful strides in improving the ease of doing business. Streamlining permits, automating services, and simplifying procedures have started to show positive impact. However, the success of these reforms hinges critically on local government units (LGUs), which serve as the frontline for investors and citizens alike. LGUs must embrace innovation, efficiency, and transparency to ensure that national reforms translate into real, everyday improvements across the country.
The way forward is clear — and it requires decisive, sustained action:
First, we must deepen our regulatory reforms. Beyond national directives, real change must happen at the local level, where businesses seek permits, licenses, and clearances. LGUs must be empowered and held accountable for adopting best practices in governance and service delivery.
Second, we must radically improve our infrastructure — both physical and digital. Completing major transport projects on time, expanding broadband access nationwide, and embracing smart city initiatives are crucial to enhancing productivity and connectivity.
Third, we must invest boldly in education and skills development. Modernizing curricula, strengthening linkages between academe and industry, and prioritizing STEM fields, digital literacy, and vocational training are urgent imperatives. Our young population is an asset only if adequately equipped for the future.
Fourth, we must foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. This includes supporting startups, protecting intellectual property, expanding access to venture capital, and creating an environment that encourages responsible risk-taking.
Fifth, we must reinforce governance, transparency, and the rule of law. Investors and citizens alike need confidence that institutions are fair, policies are consistent, and leadership is accountable.
The IMD rankings should not be seen as an embarrassment, but as an urgent call to confront hard truths and correct our course. Competitiveness is not won through rhetoric; it is built daily through action, investment, and reform.
The global race for competitiveness is unforgiving. Those who delay or deny will be left behind. The Philippines must meet this challenge head-on — with courage, coherence, and a clear-eyed commitment to building a future that all Filipinos deserve.
The time for complacency has long passed. The time for action is now.
Do you want to be a star?
Launch your acting career with Callback’s inaugural workshop for aspiring Filipino actors
Apr 29, 2025 00:20 AM
AT A GLANCE
Launched in August 2024, Callback is Asia's first digital casting platform, built to make the casting process faster, safer, and more inclusive.
Callback, the Philippines' pioneering digital casting platform, proudly announces its first-ever intensive workshop, "Acting as a Career: Audition Fundamentals", at the Ateneo de Manila University on May 10, 2-6 p.m.
Presented in partnership with the Ateneo Fine Arts Department, this event marks the launch of Callback's initiative to nurture and build long-lasting careers for the next generation of Filipino actors.
The "Acting as a Career: Audition Fundamentals" workshop is open to all, regardless of age and school. This one-day intensive workshop will be facilitated by Sheenly Gener, a Berlinale Talents alumna, QCinema 2017 Best Supporting Actress, and one of the country's most respected acting coaches, widely known for her instinct-driven, empathetic mentoring style. With years of experience across stage and screen, Sheenly empowers actors to trust their instincts, expand their creative range, and build the confidence necessary to thrive in the competitive acting world.
"Acting as a Career: Audition Fundamentals" is designed to demystify the audition process and equip participants with the tools they need to launch and sustain a professional acting career. The intensive workshop will cover how auditions work, the types of auditions actors may encounter, techniques for standing out during auditions, and on-camera performance fundamentals. Participants will also be introduced to the Actor's Toolkit with Callback, which includes crafting professional headshots, resumes, and set cards, and gaining insight into the tools that get talents noticed and cast. Every participant will receive a certificate of participation.
The standard registration fee is PHP 1,499. However, participants with a complete Callback profile will enjoy a discounted rate of PHP 999. Creating a Callback profile is free and gives you access to verified casting calls, job opportunities, and a growing network of industry professionals.
Launched in August 2024, Callback is Asia's first digital casting platform, built to make the casting process faster, safer, and more inclusive. Imagine LinkedIn for actors and filmmakers: a platform where talents can create professional profiles and apply directly to casting jobs, and where filmmakers and businesses can post casting calls and efficiently discover the right talent for their projects.
At its core, Callback is committed to raising industry standards, fostering tech-forward solutions, and prioritizing safety for both talent and creators through its built-in security features.
Built on safety, fairness, and community values, Callback provides full-stack casting tools to support casting directors, producers, and filmmakers. By promoting a more transparent, collaborative, and secure casting process, Callback is helping create job opportunities, elevate talent visibility, and build a stronger, more sustainable creative industry.
More than just a tool for actors and filmmakers, Callback is a movement to professionalize casting in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia. With the rise of international co-productions and increased regional casting, Callback aims to become the go-to platform for discovering all types of talent—actors, voice artists, hosts, singers, stunt performers, background extras, and more.
Callback is a proud awardee of the Quezon City Government's prestigious Startup QC program and was featured as a participant at the Cannes Film Festival's prestigious Cannes Next, a global showcase where cutting-edge technology meets world-class creativity. The Film Academy of the Philippines, the Quezon City Film Commission, and Launch Garage support the callback.
"Acting as a Career: Audition Fundamentals" takes place during the culmination of the Ateneo Fine Arts Festival, which runs from May 2 to May 10, celebrating what the Ateneo Fine Arts Department offers. All Ateneo Fine Arts courses will showcase their work throughout the festival through workshops, staged readings, an arts exhibit, and many more events. Food stalls will also be available for the benefit of festival-goers.
Ready to become a star and turn your passion into a profession? Join Callback this May 10, 2025, and take your first bold step into the world of acting. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/SETJvyy2Zwfk4z317
Visit callback.ph to create your free account. Follow @callback.ph on social media to learn more and secure your slot. Limited slots only—register now!
GOSSIP GIRL: Meg Imperial’s vertical film 'Purse Lady' on Facebook goes viral
BY GISELLE SANCHEZ
Apr 29, 2025 11:12 AM
AT A GLANCE
Vertical films are short and creative movies in portraits instead of landscapes.
Vivamax Queen Meg Imperial’s new vertical film,” Purse Lady,” is going viral on Facebook. The sexy actress has three million followers on Facebook.
Vertical films are short and creative movies in portraits instead of landscapes. These are the short films you see on Facebook, like Dhar Mann, which focuses on good values and faith, which I like. There is another vertical program I love, which is about the emperor of China disguising himself as a pauper to find a wife. When you watch it, you will get hooked and proceed to the viewing app it is promoting.
I was able to interview Meg regarding her new project on the set because I am also a part of Purse Lady. I asked Meg about her role and a little synopsis of the film, “My name is Jade Yu, in the vertical film, and I am the 'Purse Lady.' I am a multi-millionaire but a recluse, very shy, like a hermit. I own an international bag and purse business, such as Louis Vuitton or Chanel. My bags are known worldwide, but not me as a person. I don’t come out on social media. Everybody knows my name, but cannot put a face to me since I live like a hermit. Since elections are coming up, many candidates seek financial support from my company through solicitation letters, even if they do not know my face. But I do not know these politicians, so I got an idea from my secretary to be an undercover assistant to these politicians, to check if they deem me fit to support them financially for their campaign. But lo and behold, while this happens, a lady imposter suddenly emerges and poses as me, the 'Purse Lady.' She takes my esteemed and prestigious reputation, wealth, influence, and money. How to get it back? Watch our program in the Just Vibin App since you can only watch so much on Facebook," Meg tells Gossip Girl.
The Just Vibin App is a downloadable app on your iPhone or Android phone that features creative content produced by the Purse Lady and other content creators. Just Vibin has a Creator Boost Program, which helps emerging talents monetize their content through tips, subscriptions, and product sales. Just Vibin allows creators to be featured on curated community pages and live events, making finding and building an audience easier. The creator who produced Purse Lady is director Nijel de Mesa, an award-winning director who recently won the Best International Film Director award for his movie "Malditas in Maldives" at the 2024 Jinseo Arigato International Film Festival.
I asked the writer-director and former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Vice Chairman why he called his vertical film “Purse Lady”. Was this a pun to our “First Lady,'' “Hahaha! Giselle, you are always a funny, brilliant girl! The Purse Lady is about a Lady who owns a purse business. So it has nothing to do with the First Lady of the Philippines. But for the title to ring a bell, I did hook it to the title First Lady, but no allegory or insinuation to her in the film. The series highlights the journey of woman entrepreneurs focusing on her resilience to get out of her rut because of an impostor ruining her reputation. I produced this in my production NDM studios and used the Just Vibin App as my social platform to release it.”
Those who are intrigued by "Purse Lady" can download the Just Vibin App for free and enjoy its programs and entertainment.
As a Germanic language speaker, how do other Germanic languages sound to you?
Andreas Mehne
UX Designer, Language Enthusiast
They sound… Germanic to me, including English.
That comes from certain phonological commonalities among this language family that makes for a certain kinship. Unlike most other respondents I’ll focus on how other Germanic languages as a whole contrast with other language families. For context I speak German natively, English native-like, then several Romance languages, a bit of Dutch and Danish and a smattering of Hungarian.
Here’s what the phonologies of the Germanic languages have in common:
- An audibly large, differentiated vowel phoneme repertoire (1) that native speakers of non-Germanic languages usually struggle with.
- Distinct vowel length contrast that usually (but not always) mates open articulation to short vowels and closed articulation to long ones.
- A stressed-timed prosody (speech rhythm) with stressed syllables receiving noticeably more articulatory weight than unstressed ones (2).
- Except for Dutch, Afrikaans, and certain German dialects, there are usually aspirated plosives (stops) like /pʰ/, /kʰ/, /tʰ/.
- There’s often some nucleus you can understand or guess at without much foreknowledge as a speaker of one Germanic language when overhearing a conversation in another, though I have some reservations about most English speakers in that regard.
French has a noticeably Germanic (Frankish) influenced vowel system. While clearly not a Germanic language, that gives it an overall sound quality quite unlike that of other Romance languages. Most Romance and many Slavic languages, and also Modern Greek, give roughly equal weight to the articulation of each syllable, so word stress does not have quite the same effect (with a few exceptions, see #2 below). In Slavic languages the phonetic effect of palatalisation is a strong component of their overall sound impression, and in Hungarian a consistent if weak first-syllable stress is completely independent from the distribution of vowel length—just to illustrate how certain languages or language families contrast with the bullet points above.
(1) A similarly extensive vowel system exists in Turkish, too, as far as I know.
(2) Portuguese (Romance) and Russian (Slavic) have quite pronounced effects of stress on vowel quality, too, however without distinguishing vowel quantity, i.e. length.
To touch on the specific sound impressions of other Germanic languages, as that was obviously part of the question, too:
Dutch is phonetically close to some of the Ripuarian (Rhineland) dialects I’ve been familiar with since childhood. It has a certain iambic, ta-daah, ta-daah speech rhythm (in some speakers) and an overall laidback feel, with less tense articulation than German. Same goes for offspring Afrikaans.
Yiddish is German that’s hard to understand at first. After a while it begins to sound like certain upper German dialects (Palatinate, Franconian maybe…) pristinely preserved, and that is exactly where some of its roots were. It has audible Slavic adstrats and some Slavic derived idiomatic calques like the concept of verb aspect.
Swedish and Norwegian have a famous tone accent that produces a characteristic melody. Danish has a secondary-articulation glottal stop (stød) in lieu of that tone accent that produces an unusual micro-hiatus in otherwise smooth speech. The occurrence of <d> and sometimes <t> articulated as a dental approximant (softened /ð/) causes an effect often described as garbled.
Icelandic has a wonderfully archaic sound, as if our fore-bearers are speaking to us in hipster disguise. This is as close to Old Norse as you get, and it’s as if you hear the blustery, thundering North Atlantic in the background. Trite clichés aside, it produces a really intriguing accent when Icelanders speak other Germanic languages.
English has a distinct sound impression from the retroflex /ɹ/, particularly in its rhotic varieties where vowels become r-coloured. Together with the approximant /w/ and the preserved dentals /ð/ and /θ/ which many other Germanic languages have lost, it has a more liquid quality. The proliferation of diphthongs give certain variants of English a twangy sound.
German has quite dry and brittle phonetics and slightly tense sounding vowels. In my humble opinion, and speaking of clichés, that is why it can easily produce an impression of harshness when articulated with a stabby, sharp or pedantic attitude. Speakers of German, Swiss, and Austrian dialects may dismiss this as just a feature of Standardhochdeutsch. It’s not, just chill when speaking.
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