Vilma Santos, Aga Muhlach, Arjo Atayde, Judy Ann Santos join 50th Metro Manila Film Festival

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Oct 22, 2024 04:42 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• This year's festival is set to be more vibrant and dynamic, showcasing the rich talent and diversity of the Filipino film industry.

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The stars and producers of the 10 official entries for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival pose during the announcement of the official entries for the annual film festival held at the Podium in Mandaluyong City on Oct. 22. (Images courtesy of MMDA)

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) unveiled the final five entries for its upcoming 50th edition, marking a significant moment for the Philippine cinema industry, during a press conference held at The Podium in Mandaluyong City on Oct. 22.

This year's festival is set to be more vibrant and dynamic, showcasing the rich talent and diversity of the Filipino film industry.

From left: MMFF Chairman Atty. Romando Artes, former Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, and MMFF Selection Committee head Jesse Ejercito

The second batch of official entries for the 50th MMFF are:

1) My Future You (Regal Entertainment) - Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz; romance

2) Uninvited (Mentorque) - Vilma Santos-Recto and Aga Muhlach; thriller

3) Topak (Nathan Studios) - Arjo Atayde and Julia Montes; action

4) Hold Me Close (Viva Communications) - Julia Barretto and Carlo Aquino; romance 

5) Espantaho (Quantium) - Judy Ann Santos and Lorna Tolentino; horror

Sylvia Sanchez, representing Nathan Studios, receives the special citation after the movie 'Topak' is chosen as one of the official entries for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival.

In July, the first five official entries were announced.

1) And the breadwinner is ... (Star Cinema and The IdeaFirst Company) - Vice Ganda; comedy

2) Green Bones (GMA Pictures) - Dennis Trillo; suspense/drama

3) Himala, Isang Musikal (Creazion Studios) - Bituin Escalante; musical

4) The Kingdom (APT Entertainment) - Vic Sotto and Piolo Pascual; drama/fantasy/adventure 

5) Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital (Reality MM Studios) - Enrique Gil and Jane De Leon; horror

The new trophy for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi Ng Parangal is unveiled 

Former Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos attended the event, demonstrating the government's ongoing support for the arts and entertainment sector.

The reveal was also brightened by the presence of Vice Ganda, the star of one of the newly announced film entries, alongside other notable luminaries such as acclaimed director Jun Robles Lana and Mark Salamat; producers Perci Intalan, Nessa Valdellon, Madonna Tamayo, Carlo Lopez and Jojo Oconer, President and CEO Jane Basas, VP for Production Ops Camille Montano; fan-favorite actress Neomi Gonzales, Kakki Teodoro and Alexa Miro; actor Kokoy de Santos, David Ezra and Rob Gomez. Their participation underscores the festival's reputation as a premier event that attracts the industry's finest talents.

The announcement has been eagerly anticipated by fans and industry stakeholders alike, adding to the high excitement for the festival's golden anniversary.

The final five films, chosen from numerous high-quality submissions, highlight the festival's commitment to presenting diverse stories - from heartwarming tales and comedies to thought-provoking dramas and epic adventures, ensuring a rich cinematic experience for audiences of all tastes.

The cast of 'And the breadwinner is ...' led by Vice Ganda grace the announcement of the second batch of official entries for 50th MMFF.

In line with celebrating its milestone year, the MMFF unveiled a special edition trophy crafted by renowned Filipino artist Jefré. His innovative design pays homage to the Philippine cinema's historical journey and bright future, symbolizing the prestigious achievement of winning at the festival.

MMFF remains an essential platform for showcasing Filipino artistry and promoting the local film industry. "As we commemorate our 50th year, we look back with pride at the growth and achievements of the MMFF. But more importantly, we look forward to the future it helps to shape - one where Filipino cinema continues to thrive and inspire," said MMFF chairperson Atty. Romando Artes during the event.

The festival is set to run from Dec. 25, 2024, to Jan. 7, 2025, with a lineup that promises to captivate and entertain, reinforcing the MMFF's role in nurturing and celebrating Philippine cinema.

Philippine businesses to face higher DHL Express shipping costs in 2025

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Sep 27, 2024 08:27 AM

  

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International logistics and shipping firm DHL Express announced upcoming price adjustments for its services in the Philippines, set to take effect next year.

In a statement on Friday, Sept. 27, Nigel Lockett, DHL Express Philippines country manager, said the average price increase will be 5.9 percent, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Next year's adjustment is higher than the 4.9 percent hike implemented on Jan. 1, 2024.

Lockett said that this adjustment is necessary to sustain DHL Express’ commitment to provide reliable and efficient services in light of ongoing global challenges.

“We are committed to delivering stable and dependable services globally despite the ongoing impact of geopolitical dynamics and supply chain disruptions on the logistics landscape,” Lockett said.

“With the annual price adjustment, we can continue to invest in our network to enhance its resilience and adaptability, ensuring consistent support for our customers’ businesses regardless of external circumstances,” he added.

DHL Express adjusts its prices on an annual basis to factor in inflation, currency fluctuations, and administrative costs associated with regulatory and security measures. 

National and international authorities routinely update these regulations across the more than 220 countries and territories served by DHL Express.

“Depending on local conditions, price adjustments will vary from country to country,” DHL Express said.

Manila Bay dolomite beach is open to the public again

 

by Noel Pabalate, Manila Bulletin

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reopened the first phase of the artificial white sand along Manila Bay in Roxas Boulevard on Sunday, July 18, 2021.

The dolomite beach, however, can only be accessed by the public until Tuesday, July 20, 2021. People can enter the artificial beach from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and up to only 120 people every five minutes are allowed inside the phase one premises, which is near the US Embassy.

Senior citizens and minors with adult companions will be permitted to enter. Pets are not allowed on the beach. Also, eating, drinking, littering, and picking up dolomite sand in the vicinity are strictly prohibited. 

The public enters the phase one of the artificial beach.Moreover, tourists cannot swim on the bay just yet as its waters still haven’t reached the standard acceptable levels of fecal coliform, even though the rehabilitation has already created a significant improvement, according to the DENR.

Shalls are strategically stationed to implement the safety guidelines. They will supervise visitors to check if they are following the standard health and safety protocols such as observing social distancing and wearing face masks and face shields while at the Bay’s shore.

After the three-day public viewing, the DENR will assess if they will have the artificial white beach open again. The department aims to finish its second phase by October of this year. 

Before its reopening, trash is seen floating on its shorelines, which they say might be coming from coastal areas in Cavite and sea vessels. But the DENR has deployed 50 coastal rangers to ensure its cleanliness every day.

Apart from the sand attraction, the DENR planted coconut palms along the baywalk area last June to add more visual appeal.

When the quarantine eases and the bay’s water meets the standard fecal coliform level of 100 mpn/ml, tourists can enjoy contact recreation such as swimming, skin-diving, among others in what the masses call the “poor man’s Boracay.”