Worlding Filipino imagination

By Philip Cu Unjieng     

The Philippine stand

With the rally cry of ‘Imagination Peoples the Air’, the Philippines opened the 2025 Frankfurter Buchmesse (Frankfurt Bookfair) on the evening of October 14, as this year’s Buchmesse’s Guest of Honor. As the world’s leading venue for printed and digital content, the annual event is where publishing experts and representatives of the creative industries, authors, journalists, and culture enthusiasts from around the globe gather to network, to exchange ideas, to negotiate and make decisions, and to discover and celebrate. There’s a little bit of everything during the Buchmesse, and this year was the fruition of a decade-old desire to see the Philippines take on the mantle of Guest of Honor.

Taking full advantage of this window to the international book community, the National Book Development Board of the Philippines worked hand in hand with Senator Loren Legarda to turn this year’s Buchmesse into a thrilling showcase of our literary diversity, of our creative voices, and our vibrant culture - across different forms and interpretations of what constitutes the Arts. To make all of what is cerebrally creative come to life in a physical manifestation of what is truly and uniquely Filipino, a colorful jeepney was even positioned on RoBmarkt plaza and transformed into a stage for encounters, cultural exchange, and workshops.

Sen. Loren Legarda

And at the massive Frankfurt Messe, where the Buchmesse is held, it would be fair to say that with the number of notable representatives of our creative industries who had flown in for the event; from Fiction and Non-Fiction authors, to publishers, to graphic artists and children’s books and Komiks writers, it became more a question of who had not showed up! It seems that no stone was left unturned in making this a glittering showcase of Filipino creativity and imagination, peopling the Frankfurt air.

Upon the invitation of the NBDB, I was fortunate to be among the handful of media representatives flown in for the Buchmesse, attending the Opening Night and the first day of the official Bookfair. Needless to say, the Philippines was making the most of the Guest of Honor status with a Philippine Pavilion where cultural performances and dialogues were scheduled throughout the day, with talks and lectures in the International Hall where the Philippine Stand was located, and with off-location activities - including a city tour that connected to Jose Rizal during his time in Germany, as led by Ambeth Ocampo.

The Manila Bulletin’s Yvette Tan, author and resource speaker at the Frankfurter Buchmesse

Manila Bulletin’s Yvette Tan was one of the authors flown in for the occasion, and she, along with Charlson Ong, led a discussion on The Chinese in Our Stories at the Philippine Pavilion, Forum 1. To make this both relevant and political, it was about integrating their Chinese ancestry in their writing, and how that has changed dramatically in the context of the ongoing West Philippine Sea dispute. I liked this connecting to geopolitical themes, as this territorial dispute is portrayed in Chinese media to the world as the Chinese ‘saving’ natural resources in the face of dynamite-fishing by Filipino fishermen.

Yvette would also be joining Dean Francis Alfar in a discussion on the very relevant topic of Speculative Fiction and AI Narratives. Known for writing about a technological future, these Filipino SciFi/Fantasy authors would be touching on the responsible use of AI in their creative output and the role it could play.

The world of Philippine Komiks

Over at Hall 5 and the Philippine Stand, one could not resist the symposium that was entitled "Philippine Comics at the Fair: A Tale of Many Pages," as it promised to unleash the raw, unbridled energy of Philippine Komiks, in all its forms and permutations. From satire, to superheroes, to love stories and heartbreak, to urban legends and monsters, to artistic depictions of the urban underbelly, and on to alternative universes - it seemed this was one rich avenue of possibility. The fervent hope is that our Komiks writers break into the mainstream to rival countries like Japan, which have made global industries out of their manga and anime. There was even to be a live drawing session by Ian Sta. Maria centered on the ‘Tikbalang in Frankfurt’.

‘What Moves Us’ Film and Literature: Tension and Translation was an engrossing presentation, with Angelo ‘Sarge’ Lacuesta and Tanya Yuson as resource speakers. Sarge talked about his short story "The Errand," its transition to a Cinemalaya film, and how it was shown at the Rotterdam Film Festival earlier in the year. Tanya Yuson is an international film producer whose anime series "Trese" is on constant rotation globally on Netflix. While Sarge was direct and honest about being protective of his short story, and ending up as producer of the film to ensure it’s proper ‘rite of passage’ to feature film, it was endearing to hear a German media person pipe up and enthusiastically ask Tanya if there was a Season 2 for "Trese" in the works.

NBDB’s Charisse Aquino-Tugade

Consul General in Frankfurt Ivy B. Abalos and Ani Risa Almario of Adarna House

NCCA’s Ino Manalo, National Museum’s Jeremy Barnes, and NCCA’s Eric Zerrudo

Xandra Ramos-Padilla, National Bookstore

What was particularly revealing was a tour we were given to one of the top floors of the Frankfurt Messe. As our guide explained, this was the real nerve center of the Bookfair. It was row after row of small tables where agents and publishers would meet to negotiate on global translation rights and representation. This was far from all the cultural presentations, author appearances, and symposiums going on downstairs. This is where the money is being made, and where deals are struck. In fact, the guide was frank enough to say that the Frankfurt Buchmesse is not so much a book fair for authors, as it is known for being one for agents and author representatives striking agreements on rights and multiple deals.

National Artist Virgilio Almario (center), with fellow poets Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta and Paul Acoseba Castillo

This Frankfurter Buchmesse is truly about ‘worlding’ Filipino creativity and imagination, in the supreme hope of monetizing this, and making our creatives be recognized, and earning for their talent and gifts. We often wonder why there are waves of interest globally for authors coming from a particular country or region - like how there’s been acclaim and popularity for writers from India, stretching from the time of Salman Rushdie, Amitav Ghosh, and Vikram Seth, to today, and the likes of Kiran Desai, Arundhati Roy, and Aravind Adiga.

From Claude Tayag’s post, Lexi Schulze, and the author

And really, why not a similar wave for Filipino writers and creatives? And why can’t it be led by our Komiks writers and artists? It’s whatever gets us on the map, and if this Buchmesse participation as Guest of Honor was one step to making that dream a reality, then I’m all for it and throw my full support to the endeavor. I’m just praying no stone is left unturned in making this happen, and the serious business of making deals is also happening!

The NBDB has played its part in making the Philippine participation this year a noteworthy and memorable one. The creatives did their part in showing up and turning the Bookfair into a Filipino ‘fiesta.’ So we can only hope that their representatives and publishers have also done their homework, and will give our Guest of Honor status the ROI (Return On Investment) it deserves.

'Birit' is back: The Bodyguard, The Musical

By Philip Cu Unjieng

Published Oct 2, 2025 12:10 am | Updated Oct 2, 2025 08:15 am

The cast of 'The Bodyguard, The Musical'

9Works Theatrical Production introduces the public to the Proscenium Theater at Rockwell Center, Makati, via a nostalgic musical romp called The Bodyguard, The Musical. Inspired by the 1992 film that starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, the musical has a Book by Alexander Dinelaris. It is directed by Robbie Guevara, with Musical Direction by Daniel Bartolome. It runs until Oct. 19, so book your tickets for this veritable memory-laden sing-along.

The musical stars Filipina Christine Marie Allado, who has established a name for herself in the West End of London. She was Peggy Schuyler in the award-winning production of Hamilton: An American Musical, and portrayed Vanessa in the West End production of In the Heights.

Playing the title character is fellow West End regular Matt Blaker, who has been in the productions of Phantom of the Opera and Jersey Boys. Here in The Bodyguard, Allado takes on the role of Rachel Marron, while Blaker is Frank Farmer.

The likes of Sheena Palad, as Rachel’s sister, Nicky, Elian Santos as Rachel’s son, and Giani Sarit, CJ Novato, Tim Yap, and John Joven Uy are among the many who support the two main characters. It’s a tight-knit cast, and as in the hit movie, it’s all about a former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from a mystery stalker.

The book of this musical, I have to admit, leaves nothing much for those who have already watched the film. The scenes aren’t much more than devices strung along to bring us to the next song, the following production number. And that is for me the letdown in this musical adaptation. It really relies too much on the singing and belting of ‘birit’ tunes to turn the performance into a success.

Fortunately for us, Christine Allado is a genuine powerhouse, keeping the audience entranced and hanging on every note. Matt Blaker acquits himself well, proving he can sing and move with the best of them when given the opportunity. Sheena Palad, as Rachel's sister, also has a great set of pipes, and when the two sisters come together for one show-stopping production number, we are truly amazed. In the old days of Filipino musical acts, it would be like putting Regine Velasquez and Lani Misalucha on one stage, singing a song together.

The best scene for me would be the one in the karaoke bar. It’s genuinely funny, and the comedy and lightness are sustained. It’s a setting where you actually feel bad to leave, as you're having so much fun. Most of the other scenes are merely filler for the next song, a costume change, or a stab at drama. And I’d blame the material itself.

Still, the songs are without question the reason you bought a ticket to this show, and you won’t leave disappointed. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, and I won’t be surprised if there’s an extended run for this musical. Nostalgia, Whitney, The Bodyguard, and great singing - what more could you ask for in a musical? I was waiting for Tim Yap to belt out a tune, too!

The perfect band-aid: 'Walang Aray'

 

By Philip Cu Unjieng

Published Sep 8, 2025 01:45 pm   

With a run at the PETA-PHINMA Theater that lasts until Oct. 12, you have no excuse for not catching this wonderful third iteration of "Walang Aray!"

Jun Reyes, founder of Indie Go Media and legendary commercial director, first commissioned playwright Rody Vera to modify and make ‘hip’ the original classic zarzuela Walang Sugat, which was written by Jun’s great-grandfather, Severino Reyes. Conceptualized as a screenplay in 2007, PETA suggested adapting it for the stage in 2018, with the addition of original music by Vince Lim. Directed by Ian Segarra, Walang Aray returns after a highly acclaimed 2023 run, with tweaks here and there, from casting choices to additional topical lines, that make this a fresh and vibrant viewing experience.

I have enjoyed Into the Woods, am ready to watch The Bodyguard, but as a Filipino, you really owe it to yourself to make Walang Aray your must-watch. And I’m saying this in the context of being Filipino, and not just because you’re a Filipino theater fan. It’s Philippine history, it’s issues of the present day, it’s side-splitting comedy, it’s brilliant music, it’s teleserye country, it’s constant breaking of the 4th wall, and pithy satire - all couched under the guise of an updating of the zarzuela genre. There’s genuine alchemy in how Vera’s book is merged with Lim’s songs and sifted through Segarra’s deft directing, conjuring up these magical two and a half hours of sheer theatrical havoc and fun!

Ice Seguerra taking his bow.

With most of the action set in a late 19th-century Manila theater where the zarzuelas would have been staged, our main protagonists are the singing star Julia and the man who is courting her, Tenyong. Then there’s Julia’s mother, Juana - the stage mother from Hell; and there are Monica and Lucas, the help of Julia and Tenyong. Other main characters include the rich theater benefactor Tadeo, with his shifty son, Miguel; and the shadowy Padre Alfaro, a villainous Friar. The different locations have connections to the impending Revolution, and are where the Katipuneros would congregate.

So, yes, if you want to call this our Hamilton, I’m not going to argue with you as long as it gets people to rush and get their tickets. Besides, it’s so much funnier than Hamilton, and there are actually more memorable songs. Lim successfully explores pop, the blues, rap, and ballads in the course of this musical. And you’ll love how, in true PETA fashion, there are no ‘sacred cows’ in the book's attack - jibes at the Church and Governor are expected. Still, Vera also pokes fun at his own heroes and their foibles, as well as questioning the Katipuneros and their motivation and resolve. Wonderful to see everyone being satirized.

Jolina Magdangal as Juana.

On the night I watched, the performers were a shout-out to inclusivity and trans-presence. Lance Reblando took on the role of Julia, while Ice Seguerra was Lucas. Jolina Magdangal portrayed Juana, Gio Gahol was Tenyong; and with Roi Galilong as Padre Alfaro and Bene Manaois as Miguel, there were more precious comedic moments than there are stars in heaven.

I watched with some friends from the French Embassy, and thanks to the subtitles flashed on two discreet screens, they could follow the action and storyline. It was their first experience of Filipino musical comedy, and they loved the energy, the singing, the breaking of the 4th wall, and the political overtones. They weren’t getting all the jokes, conscious that others were laughing around them when throw away lines referring to sabungeros and flood control were uttered; but they were all smiles when we left the theater.

To be critical, the second half doesn’t work as well as the first half, and there is the classic quandary of a somewhat abrupt resolution to bring things to a close - but these are very minor qualms. By and large, this is a theater experience that we should all enjoy and spread the word about. Original Filipino material, a musical that works, and satire that succeeds - it’s guaranteed fun, and given the current state of the world, we deserve the break.

A 'from clasico to cuvee' evening

By Philip Cu Unjieng

Published Sep 5, 2025 10:55 pm   

A grand wine masterclass with Vega Sicilia and Macan wines was the fetching promise offered up by The Cellar at the Grand Hyatt. Ironically found on the second level of the BGC hotel, the watering hole is known for its solid and inviting interiors, and the Mediterranean-inspired menu, with a slant toward Spanish and French cuisine.

Cesar Roman and Ignacio de Mora

On the evening of the From Clasico to Cuvee launch, collaborator Txanton had put together a toast to Spain, with a guided masterclass of the heritage, nuance and bold expression of the vineyards of Macan and Vega Sicilia. Mr. Ignacio Calvo de Mora, the general manager of Macan, and Mr. Cesar Roman, regional manager for Tempos Vega Sicilia, were on hand to conduct the masterclass, and regale us with stories on the provenance of the two powerhouse wine brands.

The Jamon Iberico.

The special launch that had special guests of the hotel, and representatives from media, highlighted four of the estate’s wines: the Macán Clásico 2021, the Macán 2020, the Macán 2018, and the Macán 2014. The wines and the pairing of Messrs. de Mora and Roman represented the visionary partnership between Bodegas Benjamin de Rothschild and Vega Sicilia.

Besay Gonzalez of Txanton and Mark Hagan of the Grand Hyatt welcoming the guests

To complement the heady wine selection, we had live carving of Jamón Ibérico de Bellota by Txanton’s master carver, plus canapés from Diorella Ong, the Cellar’s chef de cuisine. Grand Hyatt’s F&B director Mark Hagan was our congenial host and kicked off the evening, before attending to the other major events happening at the hotel that evening, which included a Metrobank anniversary with more than 2,000 attendees.

The Jamon Croquettas and Cesar Salad

The pinxtos that accompanied our wine tasting truly enhanced our taste buds, adding to our appreciation of the estate’s products. First up were the Jamon Iberico croquettes topped with tomato chutney, and a wedge of Cesar salad, baby gem lettuce with idiazabal cheese, egg yolk confit and Jamon crumbs. I especially liked the tomato chutney garnishing on the croquette and how it rebooted our expectations of what a Jamon croquette would taste like.

Clockwise from top left, Boquerones, rib-eye, goat cheese, and pork belly

The next set of pinxtos was the quartet of the goat cheese with figs compote, the boquerones of marinated anchovies in vinegar with roasted piquillo pepper and olive oil, the pork belly with romesco sauce, pickled onion and chili, and the grass-fed rib-eye with chopped mushrooms and custard yolk. The goat cheese with figs, which I’m always partial to, would be my favorite among the four.

A main course of chicken and chorizo paella, accompanied by peppers, saffron, paprika and lemon, followed. Bringing the night to a close was the burnt Basque cheesecake with raspberry compote. You’d know what these dishes look like, so I did not bother with photos. I commend the generous serving of raspberry on the cheesecake, and how it added to our enjoyment.

Technically, I’m allergic to alcohol, so I could only sip the wines. But in terms of bouquet and flavor, I would recommend you join this masterclass while it’s still being offered, if only for the Macán 2014. The deep garnet color, the aromas of dark cherry, tobacco leaf, earthy spice and herbs are quite distinct, and make your head swim in a good way.

Had a wonderful evening, met some great new people, and I thank Francine Arias, director of marketing communications of the Grand Hyatt, for the invitation.  

Our hospitality industry, where it's heading!

 

By Philip Cu Unjieng

Published Jun 15, 2025 12:05 am

The HSMA, an association of hotel sales and marketing professionals, will be holding their third Sales and Marketing Summit this June 19, at the City of Dreams (COD) Grand Ballroom. Having attended the two previous iterations, I’m certain it will once again be an illuminating “snapshot” of our hotel industry – with speakers and panels discoursing on where the hospitality industry is headed, what improvements are needed, and what roadblocks still persist.

Entitled “Leading the Shift: Redefining Sales and Marketing for the Next Generation,” the media gathering held the other week was the HSMA’s teaser of what to expect, and why this emphasis on the next generation. Foremost in the mindset of the organizers was the recognition that the composition of the present HSMA Board are primarily filled with “veterans” and long-standing luminaries of the industry. While that is fine and good, the issue of succession, of enabling the next generation of leaders, has become a pressing concern. Plus, it is about making the Summit relevant to the younger HSMA members, who now make up the majority of the Association’s membership.

It’s about embracing innovation, and creating future-ready teams. It’s about seeking solutions from fresher minds, and new voices. The figures of our inbound foreign visitors for the first four months of 2025 remain sluggish, to say the least. We are tracking 2.1 million visitors for January to April. And to put it into perspective regionally, Vietnam had 7.6 million visitors for that same period, and Thailand 11.3 million. So you can’t pull out the “coming back from pandemic” excuse; and we have to face the reality that winning Best Dive Destination, Best Beach Destination, and all the awards we’ve collected over the years, have still not translated into a sudden upsurge in foreign visitors.

The visitors who come do spend when they’re here; and generally, are all praises for the Philippine experience. So I do hope the Summit will come up with an analysis, and some answers/solutions, on why we still get “trickles,” and what we should do to change that scenario. While one eye should be set on the long term, and most definitely include infrastructure issues and concerns; given the vital role tourism plays in our national development, some “quick fix” measures can be proposed and adapted. Otherwise, we’re looking at a hospitality industry and tourism sector that will remain too dependent on the domestic market, while we enviously cast our eyes at our ASEAN neighbors.

Nice to note that Manila Hotel’s Kim Tan is on a panel to be moderated by Jenny Santillan, HSMA Director of Programs, and Director of Sales & Marketing, City of Dreams.

Nice to note that Manila Hotel’s Kim Tan is on a panel to be moderated by Jenny Santillan, HSMA Director of Programs, and Director of Sales & Marketing, City of Dreams.

As it is, the one-day summit is packed with potentially illuminating dialogues and discussions. The Impact of Government Policies on the Hospitality Business is one such talk, and between the DOT, the DILG, the Department of Transportation, and even the DICT; it’s easy to observe that their policies impact on tourism and hospitality. Channel Management and Distribution Strategies should bring out experiential best practices, and how the Summit can act as a sounding board for adapting new strategies, and optimizing efficiencies in the industry.

Then there’s Revenue Optimization and AI Driven Marketing. This should be especially useful for those ready to embrace AI and technology, while appreciating how tenure, experience, and the human touch are still irreplaceable. There’s Leadership Development for the Next Generation of Professionals, and this echoes the growing concern about succession. Building Meaningful Industry Relationships that Drive Conversions is one broad topic, and would emphasize how the industry has to work as a community, and not so much as competitors. I’m sure Online Travel Agencies (OTA) will be called on as resource speakers; as globally, it’s impossible to ignore the reach and business generated by the OTAs.

“The HSMA Summit is where industry leaders and rising stars come together to shape the future of Philippine Tourism. The next generation of sales and marketing professionals must attend; not just to learn, but to lead. This summit gives them the tools, insights, and inspiration they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” says Loleth So, HSMA President, and Group Commercial Director of MEGAWORLD Hotels and Resorts.

Two other major activities of the HSMA each year are their September Online Sale, and the Virtus Awards. The Online Sale is a nationwide travel fair that’s popular for offering the best deals for accommodations. The Virtus Awards is the HSMA honoring their own, recognizing deserving individuals and stellar marketing campaigns.

Thursday, June 19 is the date; and there’s a discounted registration fee for HSMA members, while non-HSMA individuals can also attend. Just visit the HSMA official FB Page and Instagram account for details. It promises to be a lively discussion; with a ton of learnings offered up by those who are at the front line of the hospitality industry.

Happy Father’s Day!

When is a film festival successful?

BY PHILIP CU UNJIENG

Mar 16, 2025 09:58 AM 

HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPEVINE

Cannes, Berlin, Venice, and Toronto – these are considered the big four film festivals; and what’s important to note, is that the awarding, gala nights, and celebrity sightings are just the public face of these festivals. What truly drives these festivals are the deals, the negotiations, the distribution and/or co-producing agreements, that are threshed out in private meeting rooms, and at behind the scenes tableaus. These are the real lifeblood of any decent festival that’s out to make its mark, because the festival should be the medium to conduct and achieve business goals. If not, what are the metrics for deciding whether a film festival was worth mounting, or can be called an unqualified success?

I’ll be honest, these thoughts ran through my mind as I saw the social media feeds of the many who attended the recent Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles last week. It preyed on my mind because the photos were all glam and happy faces, and uniformly, they were shots of the Filipinos who had travelled to join our First Lady, and the “usual suspects” of Filipino-Americans and Canadians who call Hollywood home – from Tia Carrere (a blast from the past), to Apl.de.ap, Manny Jacinto, and JoKoy. It was “dinner hosted at the residence of…,” Gala dinner at the Beverly Hilton, and “the premiere screening of…” – in short, the shiny tinsel and glittery sequins that accompany these festivals. 

MIFF BIG WINNER Song of the Fireflies, and I’m praying it has secured a global distribution deal, or is in the process of doing so.

And so, I was looking for the “meat and potatoes” photos that would point to how gears and wheels were grinding and turning, to address the business side of festivals. Photos of the bigwigs of the major Hollywood studios, executives of the new players like streaming giants Netflix, Disney, Apple, HBO Max, and Amazon, heads of the dominant talent agencies, of movie brokers who could forge distribution deals for our Filipino films. To prove to me that connecting with trade was happening. 

Sure, one would have to caption each of these photos to identify these “players,” but at least I’d know that the effort was successfully made to bring these Hollywood movers to our Filipino celebration – the second year this particular festival is happening in Los Angeles. For me, it would be proof that we weren’t just turning the weekend into a giant Filipino party – which I know we would be great at mounting, but misses the point. 

Who did I see on the MIFF social media posts that wasn’t Filipino (or Fil-Am), and could be relevant for these business metrics I’m harping on about? There’s David Shim, a Korean movie producer, who lists Oscar-winner Parasite among his credits. He spoke about current projects that he’s involved in here in Manila; and has been throwing his support to our First Lady Liza A. Marcos and our local film industry, since April of last year. So the current MIFF was not our introduction to David, and he’s not a new contact.  

THE POSTER for the MIFF Gala Night. Wondering how many seats/tickets were purchased. 

Author Kevin Kwan of Crazy Rich Asians was in several of the feeds, and it’s nice to see he was around, showing his love for things Philippine. But does he qualify as “trade”? I don’t think so.

The Philippines as a film location site, signed co-productions, international distribution deals for our films, or global representation for some of our creative talents – in my estimation, these would be the low-hanging fruit that a legitimate and successful Festival should generate. Am I asking for too much? I really don’t think so, as we constantly turn green with envy watching what happens elsewhere and nearby, and then sour-graping. 

Who is watching The White Lotus Season 3, as filmed in Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui; and isn’t internally wishing it was shot at Boracay, Coron, or Siargao? Thailand already leads ASEAN countries in foreign visitors, so you can imagine how this will only further boost their Tourism figures over the next two to three years, minimum. 

And we’ll say our beaches are nicer, our people friendlier, plus we speak English – and I keep saying that last argument of speaking English should be thrown out the window forever. For several decades now, it’s something we keep bringing up when it’s obviously not the deciding factor for direct foreign investment, or for decisions like where to shoot The White Lotus. 

Please don’t call me a party-pooper or killjoy for today’s column. I know money is being spent to make this festival happen, and I do want it to work – but I also want it to work along specific business parameters and goals; and not just making it a weekend of Hollywood happiness for the Filipino community of Los Angeles, and a La La Land adventure for those who flew in from Manila. Those should be the bonus values for mounting the festival. 

Just saying… as it would be such a waste of time and effort to have our First Lady supporting this initiative, and not producing substantive results. Let me know “good” things were happening in LA, and I’ll be the first among those shouting it from the proverbial “top”!

Creating the Filipino book experience

Presenting the Philippine Book Fair's opening day

BY PHILIP CU UNJIENG

Mar 13, 2025 06:56 PM

  

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With the battle cry of ‘It’s Not Just a Book Fair, It’s a Book Experience’, the Philippine Book Fair was launched March 13, and will run until Sunday, March 16. Mounted by the National Book Development Board, the Board’s Chairman Dante Francis Ang II, and Executive Director Charisse A. Tugade, welcomed the guests, participants, stakeholders, and publishing companies, to the grand opening ceremonies.
 

NBDB executive director Charisse A. Tugade 

Maria Karina Bolasco

 

Xandra Ramos of National Bookstore

 

NBDB chairman Dante Francis Ang II with Stephanie Zubiri

 

Andrea Pasion-Flores and National Artist Ricky Lee

The kickoff program was an exciting showcase of literature turned into a performing art, and it worked well in the transition; the audience appreciative of the performances. Present during the launch event were National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, Maria Karina Bolasco, and Milflores publisher Andrea Pasion-Flores. Exec. Director Charisse Tugade provided the inspirational words, recounting the Board’s recent accomplishments and how they’re staying true to the mission vision.
 

WELCOME READERS The Manila Bulletin in attendance at the Philippine Book Fair

Aral Aklat, Kid Lit, Komiks, and Booktopia were the four main sections of the Fair; and on the first morning, the Fair was a truly well-attended affair. Head to the Megatrade Hall at Megamall to enjoy an encounter with Filipino creativity and literature.

Sowing the seeds for global Philippine cinema

BY PHILIP CU UNJIENG

Jan 12, 2025 00:02 AM  

HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE
 

(Part 1) 

 

Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, 2025 will mark the three days that the Manila International Film Festival takes over the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, accompanied by a star-studded gala dinner at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. It’s the second time that the MIFF comes to Los Angeles.

The 10 entries of the ongoing 50th Metro Manila Film Festival will be shown; and other highlights include the 75th anniversary of a landmark Filipino movie – Genghis Khan, an advance screening of Love Hurts, a Hollywood film directed by a Filipino-American, the 25th anniversary of a landmark breakthrough Filipino-American film The Debut, plus the top grossing Filipino film of 2024, Hello, Love, Again. Our First Lady, Liza A. Marcos will be attending, to signify her consistent support for Philippine cinema, and the efforts of advancing its cause overseas. 

It was just in November of 2024 when the First Lady graced the blessing of the Manila office of the Manila International Film Festival, and exhorted key players in the film industry to rally behind a renewed vision of showcasing Filipino talent on the world stage. It’s about marketing the Filipino creative industry abroad as a concerted, national initiative; and not just relying on individual efforts to make it abroad. “Give the World Our Best” is the campaign, and it calls for taking advantage of international platforms to elevate our film industry; and thereby, raise national pride and cultural identity. 

 

THE FIRST LADY, Liza A. Marcos at the Makati Office of the Manila International Film Festival in November of 2024. The Festival in LA happens this Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, 2025.

How important is this? Well, beyond the national pride that it can inculcate, there are numerous economic triggers that can occur, which can lead to solid business opportunities. On the pride aspect, I know I’ve been green with Elphaba-envy ever since South Korea’s Parasite took home four major Oscars in 2020 – Best Picture, Best Director for Bong Joon Ho, Best International Feature Film, and Best Original Screenplay. Then the very next year, in 2021, we had South Korean veteran actress Youn Yuh-Jung taking the Best Supporting Actress Oscar statuette for Minari. And in 2023, Malaysian-born Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian to clench an Oscar for Best Actress, thanks to her trippy role in Everything Everywhere All At Once. 

We can shout all we want about Filipino natural talent and innate creativity. Insist we’re among the best in the region, talk about how we make magic on a shoestring budget, and how we’re headhunted for top creative industry positions. But where is the third party validation for all that? Has a Filipino film, actor, director, taken home an Oscar? Closest we’ve come is Dolly De Leon picking up a Golden Globes Actress in a supporting role nomination for Triangle of Sadness in 2022; and she did take Best Supporting Actress at the Guldbagge and LA Film Critics Association Awards. 

 

AT A RECENT screening of Hello, Love, Again, First Lady Liza A. Marcos with the film’s stars, Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards. 

And then we’ll cry about opportunity, about how we’re not marketed well enough. On the flip side, those in the know will point out and blame our crab mentality, and how we actually begrudge others when they succeed – and I am sad to have to admit there is some truth in that. I’ve been around so long, and I’ve observed how so often, we kick off things with a dream and the best of intentions; then get bogged down by the reality, or lose our patience and dedication, when we realize how it’s about the long haul, and not a case of instant gratification. 

So yes, I love how this MIFF is now in it’s second year, led by Filipino-Americans who seem to have their hearts in the right places. I’ve not had the chance to meet any of them; but I’m happy that our First Lady is throwing her support in the endeavor. I’m just praying the right people are at her ear, committed to an agenda that raises up the industry as a whole. And a more forceful Yes on how crucial this is. Why?  

 

Introducing the We Give the World Our Best campaign. Pushing for the Philippines to be a Creative Industries Hub in the region.

First of all, because it really is a long term commitment. Example, Bong Joon Ho has been at this way before Parasite. There’s Memories of Murder in 2003, and The Host in 2006, which was a hit at the Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes 2006. And when Parasite did win the Palme D’Or in 2019, the first Korean film to achieve that distinction, the serious campaigning for Parasite to reach the Oscars began in earnest, supported by the government. 

That was a nine-month juggernaut, when no one in the trade could escape the Parasite buzz. And it worked; as by the time voting for the Academy Awards began, Parasite was more talked about, watched, and in the zeitgeist of the time, than several of the American-made films of that year – like who actually watched The Irishman, Marriage Story, Ford vs. Ferrari, or Jojo Rabbit? And let’s not forget that Parasite also beat out The Joker, 1917, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Little Women. That’s how good a job was made in promoting Parasite – not to mention how much money was spent in achieving that. 

So it’s nice to dream of a Filipino receiving an Oscar – but the road to that dream is going to take some gargantuan collective effort; and there’s no time like now to start. More of my thoughts on this next week.

Shimmering stars on 45

Celebrating a Philippine Transmarine Carriers Party!

BY PHILIP CU UNJIENG

Dec 16, 2024 01:32 PM

  

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DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY Top management of PTC joining a dance number

 

Christina S. Manzano with her father Amb. Carlos Salinas

 

PTC CEO Gerardo ‘Dito’ Borromeo with Rommel Ramos 

To hear Ambassador Carlos Salinas recount PTC’s origin story, it was 45 years ago, in 1979, that he had a dream of setting up a company that would shine a light on, and upgrade the skill set of, the Filipino seafarer. It was clear to him how much the Filipino seaman could offer global shipping, and he wanted to explore how he could help them achieve their true potential. From only around 2,000 Filipino seafarers in 1979, we can now proudly say that 35 percent of the global seafaring workforce is composed of Filipinos. 

 

Amb. Carlos Salinas and Isabelita Salinas

 

Ines P. Borromeo, Cristina Salinas Manzano, PTC CFO and PTC Insures president Jaime de Sequera, and his wife Millie

 

Issa Litton

 

And PTC has grown, expanded, and diversified in so many ways. Beyond seafarer education, training, and placement, the conglomerate is into logistics and cold storage, insurance, real estate development and management, sustainable energy, the aviation industry with a flight academy, the travel agency business, agriculture, and nutrition, plus the guiding force behind the soon to rise Museo de Galeon at the SM Mall of Asia complex. There really was so much to celebrate that evening, as it was 45 years of PTC and a shimmering Christmas party that was fun and interactive in an astounding way. 

Gary Valenciano

 

PTC CEO Gerardo ‘Dito’ Borromeo