I dream of Oscars for PH

By Robert Requintina

Published Aug 15, 2025 12:05 am | Updated Aug 14, 2025 06:11 pm

EDITORS DESK

As the calendar rolls toward the new year, a buzz of excitement fills the air among Filipino movie enthusiasts, all eagerly anticipating the nation’s entry in the prestigious Oscar Awards in 2026.

While the Academy will unveil its coveted winners in March of next year, the nomination process has already commenced for the Best International Film category, previously known as Best Foreign Film.

This category celebrates films that transcend geographical boundaries, offering a window into diverse cultures and narratives.

An international feature film is defined as a motion picture that runs longer than 40 minutes, is produced outside the United States, and features a dialogue track that is predominantly non-English, with over 50 percent of the dialogue spoken in non-English languages. This definition also encompasses captivating animated and thought-provoking documentary features.

To be eligible, films must have made their theatrical debut in their respective countries between Oct. 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025. The deadline for submissions to the Academy will be on Oct. 1, 2025.

On Dec. 16, 2025, the 15 finalists will be unveiled, leading up to the high-stakes reveal of the final five nominees on Jan 22, 2026.

Reflecting on the Philippines' journey in this cinematic arena, it’s evident that the nation has faced challenges since it began submitting entries in the 1950s.

The Philippines has yet to receive an Oscar nomination despite its vibrant filmmaking history.

The film “Mga Munting Tinig,” which represented the Philippines in the Best Foreign Language Film category in 2002, made waves by achieving the highest ranking for any Filipino entry, securing a commendable seventh place. With only five films nominated each year, this accomplishment remains a point of pride.

Critics and cinephiles alike believe that the Philippines is a treasure trove of world-class talent. Yet, the daunting financial obstacles associated with mounting a successful campaign — money typically allocated for advertising in prominent US publications and organizing exclusive screenings for Academy voters — have hampered its chances. In previous years, voters even received DVDs of competing films, adding another layer to the competitive landscape.

Other nations, such as Israel and Portugal, share similar struggles. Israel has garnered 10 nominations but has yet to claim a win, while Portugal holds the record for the most submissions — 37 — without a nomination to its name.

The countries adorned with the most Oscar victories in the Best International Feature Film category include Italy, with a remarkable 14 wins, followed closely by France, which boasts 12, and Japan, with five accolades.

But the question lingers: do we truly need an Oscar trophy to validate our cinematic endeavors? An Oscar statuette, a gleaming emblem of achievement in filmmaking, could serve as a powerful catalyst, elevating Philippine cinema to new heights and broadening its global reach. Filipino director Benedict Mique envisions a future where he receives an Oscar nomination, expressing unwavering belief that it’s only a matter of time.

Among the potential Philippine entries for the 2026 Oscar Awards are promising titles such as “Green Bones,” “Food Delivery,” “Sunshine,” “Espantaho,” “Magellan,” and “Some Nights I Feel Like Walking.” We eagerly await the official announcement from the Film Academy of the Philippines, hopeful for the bright future of Filipino cinema.

The Philippines has a vibrant history of submitting films to the Oscars, a journey that has unfolded over several decades. The inaugural entry came in 1953 with “Genghis Khan,” marking the country’s bold step onto the global cinematic stage. Since then, a tapestry of remarkable films has represented the Philippines, each telling its own unique story.

Among these, “Heneral Luna” (2015) stands out as a passionate portrayal of a hero’s struggle, while “Transit” (2013) offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of Filipino immigrants. The classic “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?” (1976) weaves a vibrant narrative that reflects the cultural landscape of its time.

Additionally, “Inagaw Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin” (1995) captivates audiences with its dramatic intensity, and “Dekada ’70” (2003) serves as a powerful commentary on political upheaval. Finally, “Anak” (2000) touches hearts with its emotional depth, exploring the complexities of family and sacrifice.

Each submission not only showcases the artistic talent of Filipino filmmakers but also highlights the diverse stories and rich heritage of the nation.

Like many Filipino movie fans, I dream of an Oscar for the Philippines.

(Robert R. Requintina is the Entertainment Editor of Manila Bulletin)

High Speed Hitters shock Cool Smashers, seal title clash vs Crossovers

 

PLDT stormed into its first-ever Premier Volleyball League Finals in thrilling fashion – rallying from a 1-2 set deficit against a dynastic Creamline side and stunning the crowd-favorite Cool Smashers in a gripping five-set classic, 27-25, 22-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-10.

By Manila Bulletin Sports

Published Aug 15, 2025 10:28 pm

Even more remarkable, the High Speed Hitters punched their ticket to the PVL On Tour one-game championship match on the back of a flawless seven-game sweep, silencing critics and shaking up the league’s power structure in one unforgettable night at the Araneta Coliseum Tuesday.

Creamline, poised to march into another Finals appearance after going up two sets to one, looked in control. But PLDT’s grit and resilience took over – a team that had never before lost two sets in a single match during their perfect run now used that very moment of adversity as fuel.

They roared back with a dominant fourth set, flipping the script, then tore through the Cool Smashers in the fifth – leaving a stunned crowd in disbelief as the 10-time league champions collapsed under pressure.

Savi Davison provided the finishing touches in the decider, erupting for eight of her 34 points in Set 5 alone, including the first three and the final four – capped by a booming crosscourt kill that pierced through two Creamline defenders and sealed the emotional win in two hours and 12 minutes of fierce action.

The Cool Smashers had clawed within one, 9-10, after an Alyssa Valdez kill that briefly reignited the Creamline faithful. But Davison answered with three clutch hits, each blow silencing the crowd a little more until only PLDT’s cheers remained.

A Valdez attack error put PLDT at match point, and although Michele Gumabao saved one, Davison would not be denied – slamming the door shut with a final, emphatic strike.

“This is hard work, sweat and tears,” exclaimed Davison, who claimed the Best Player of the Game honor amid a roaring PLDT celebration. “It’s a very light feeling and I love every part of it.”

Despite being outcheered by the sea of Creamline supporters, Davison praised their own fan base for standing firm:

“It’s a community win,” she said, pointing to the unwavering support that carried the High Speed Hitters through the pressure-cooker of the preseason tourney.

Awaiting PLDT in Sunday’s one-game finale at 6:30 p.m. are the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, who earlier dispatched the Cignal HD Spikers in four sets to clinch the first Finals berth.

Creamline and Cignal will battle for bronze at 4 p.m.

Kim Dy provided ample support to Davison’s explosive outing with 14 points, while Majoy Baron chipped in nine markers, highlighted by three solid kill blocks. Jovie Prado and Mika Reyes added eight points apiece in PLDT’s balanced offensive effort.

Davison not only delivered on offense but also showcased her all-around game, finishing with nine excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.

At the heart of PLDT’s composed execution was veteran setter Kim Fajardo, who stood toe-to-toe with Creamline’s Kyle Negrito. Fajardo tallied 25 excellent sets, just edging Negrito by one, to anchor PLDT’s smooth offensive flow.

Statistically, the two teams were nearly dead even in scoring, with PLDT narrowly outgunning Creamline in attacks, 61-58. The Cool Smashers edged the High Speed Hitters in blocks, 10-9, and had more service aces, 7-5.

But where PLDT made the real difference was in capitalizing on free points, scoring 33 off Creamline’s errors while yielding just 26 of their own.

Creamline’s big guns delivered as expected – Jema Galanza and Valdez each finished with 18 points, Gumabao had 16, and Pangs Panaga added 11. On any other night, those numbers would have been enough.

But not against a PLDT side that, even after dropping two sets for the first time all tournament, refused to crack under pressure and proved it simply doesn't know how to lose in this preseason run of the league organized by Sports Vision.

Nonoy Zúñiga marks 50 years in music with 'Beyond Gold' concert

 

Nonoy Zuniga (Facebook)

By Annalyn S. Jusay

Published Aug 14, 2025 09:31 am

The Philippines’ King of Pop Ballads, Nonoy Zúñiga, is set to celebrate five decades in the music industry with a milestone concert Beyond Gold: Songs of a Lifetime, on Sept. 5 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, joined by an all-star lineup of guests and a program designed to revisit every era of his career.

Nonoy’s 50-year journey began long before he became famous with his legacy hit "Doon Lang.". Not many people know that this medical doctor started as a folk singer. 

"Forty plus years na ako as a recording artist. Count to that five years sa banda and two years sa folk singing,’ he recalled. Before he entered showbiz, Nonoy was part of the Family Birth Control Band, and it was in one of their gigs that a bomb explosion occurred in 1980.

He survived that tragic incident with an amputated leg and transitioned to a solo career. With this move, he became known for singing some of OPM’s most iconic ballads such as Never Say Goodbye, Kumusta Ka, Doon Lang, and Love Without Time, among others. Nonoy's powerful voice and heartfelt delivery earned him the title “King of Pop Ballads” and a loyal following that spanned generations.

For his Beyond Gold concert, Nonoy is bringing back songs that reveal lesser-known parts of his career. One highlight is his performance of Basang-basa sa Ulan, which many associate with Aegis. ‘Hindi ko naman na-promote yon, e. Pero ako ang original ng kantang yan (I didn't promote it, but I sang the original of that song),’ he said.

Also on the setlist is Ako Ay Ikaw Rin, which is a sentimental choice for him. ‘It’s a song that's very personal for me. This is my song for the disabled, which I don’t normally sing,’ Nonoy shared, recalling how the late Willy Cruz discovered him when he performed it as a guest in the 4th Metropop.

Singer Nonoy Zúñiga with his concert special guests (from left): Raymond Gorospe, young artists Isha Ponti and Andrea Gutierrez

At the age of 71, Nonoy’s voice remains solid. Still, he is mindful of the realities of time, especially with the passing of his contemporaries from their group "The Hitmakers" - Hajji Alejandro and Rico J. Puno. 

"Yung mga nauna, ay nakakalungkot. Kasi sabi ko, bakit ganun? Mga bata pa sila," he said of Rico and Hajji. ‘Kailangan talaga, may yearly o twice a year nag-check-up. Parang maagapan."

(It's sad that they had to die early because they were still relatively young. A health check-up once or twice a year is necessary for preventive maintenance.)

Staying relevant

Nonoy acknowledged that it is challenging to remain relevant after 50 years in showbiz, and expressed gratitude to Vice Ganda for giving veteran performers like him a platform on Tawag ng Tanghalan in "It's Showtime," where he is a judge. 

‘Thankful ako kay Vice. Yung mga Gen Z, at least nakikita pa ako ( I am thankful to Vice.At least the Gen Z still see me),’ he said.

Public warned against fake 'refund' messages from scammers

 

By Jel Santos

Published Aug 14, 2025 03:31 pm

(PHOTO: DOH)

Scammers are targeting the public with fake text messages claiming to be from the Department of Health (DOH) and promising refunds for alleged hospital overpayments, the agency warned on Thursday, August 14. 

Recently, there have been reports of individuals receiving text messages claiming they had received over P8,000 from the “DOH zero billing plan” and urging them to click a suspicious link to claim the refund.

“Ang transaksyon sa larawan ay isang uri ng SCAM. Ito ay hindi galing sa DOH o sa anumang sangay ng gobyerno (The transaction in the image is a type of scam. It did not come from the DOH or any government agency),” the agency said in an advisory.

The DOH said neither the agency nor its hospitals send links to the public, and urged people not to click suspicious links in scam messages.

According to the agency, legitimate benefits under the Marcos administration’s “Bayad na Bill Mo” or “No Balance Billing” program are free of charge for basic services and accommodation in all DOH hospitals nationwide.

The DOH reminded the public to remain vigilant against text scam messages, stressing that these schemes often use official-sounding names and false promises to trick recipients into clicking harmful links or sharing personal information.

The health department encouraged Filipinos to verify health information through its official website and social media accounts before believing or acting on it, as a safeguard against scams.