GMA Network presents exciting new offerings on its 73rd anniversary

All for Love, Love for All:

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

  

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AT A GLANCE

• To showcase this love, the broadcast giant captivates its beloved Kapuso viewers with exciting new offerings and surprises made from the heart. Airing in June and July, each program explores the many facets of love.

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On its 73rd anniversary, GMA Network continues to prove that love is what makes it stand the test of time — the love between the Network and the audience.

To showcase this love, the broadcast giant captivates its beloved Kapuso viewers with exciting new offerings and surprises made from the heart. Airing in June and July, each program explores the many facets of love.

Promising Kapuso viewers with high-octane action and a whole lot of love and laughter is ‘Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis’ airing this June 4. Bannered by the Titanic Action Star, Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr., the series tells the story of Police Major Bartolome ‘Tolome’ Reynaldo (Bong), a police officer admired for his good looks, fearlessness, and popularity with ladies but is grounded by his great love and "fear" for his feisty yet sweet wife, Gloria (Beauty Gonzalez). One day, Tolome crosses paths with Elize (Max Collins), a beautiful and sexy lady who vows to work with him in tracking down a kidnapping syndicate. Completing the star-studded cast are Sparkle’s sought-after stars Kate Valdez and Kelvin Miranda.

Sparkle Sweethearts Mavy Legaspi and Kyline Alcantara are set to spread kilig to viewers as they try to find true love in their upcoming series, ‘LUV IS: Love at First Read.’ Airing this June 12, ‘LUV IS: Love at First Read’ is the second collaboration project of GMA Network and Wattpad WEBTOON Studios. The story is based on the hit web novel by author “Chixnita,” which has over 23 million views on Wattpad. It revolves around Kudos (Mavy), a secret romantic searching for the perfect girl, who believes that Abby (Kyline) is the one for him.

Meanwhile, beginning June 19, viewers further feel the importance of love for family through the biggest murder mystery series on Philippine primetime TV: ‘Royal Blood.’ The upcoming masterpiece is bannered by Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes. Joining the stellar cast are Megan Young, Mikael Daez, Dion Ignacio, Lianne Valentin, and Rhian Ramos, together with the special participation of Mr. Tirso Cruz III. ‘Royal Blood’ follows the story of Napoy (Dingdong), a bastard son of a business tycoon and a loving single father, who becomes the primary suspect in his father’s death.

GMA Afternoon Prime also boasts of its upcoming show ‘Magandang Dilag’– premiering June 26 – that will inspire viewers to love their true beauty even more. Starring Herlene Budol and GMA leading man Benjamin Alvez, with talented actor Rob Gomez, the series revolves around Gigi (Herlene), an optimistic woman who inherits enormous wealth from her estranged father but is fooled by her most beloved man.

Kapuso supporters will also definitely love the intense competition from the action-packed talent-driven entertainment series, ‘Battle of the Judges,’ hosted by Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards. Premiering on July 15, this exciting program will be joined by celebrity judges: King of Talk Boy Abunda, box office queen Bea Alonzo, multi-talented comedian Jose Manalo, and GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes. Together, they must select and then champion talented performers from every entertainment genre.

The world-class lineup of anniversary offerings is made even more special as Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose and Total Heartthrob and Performer Rayver Cruz team up for the very first time on the silver screen in GMA Public Affairs’ ‘The Cheating Game.’ Hitting the cinemas this July, ‘The Cheating Game’ is an edgy, genre-bending romance about the games people play after getting cheated on.

Adding to the list of exciting anniversary surprises is the GMA Thanksgiving Gala 2023, happening this July. Kapuso fans should watch out for their favorite stars as they come together and walk on the red carpet to a night filled with love to celebrate the Network’s 73rd year.

The year 2023 will definitely be unforgettable and remarkable as GMA celebrates its anniversary with love to Kapuso viewers at the forefront.

Alex Eala survives French foe, barges into W25 Yecla quarters

BY REYNALD I. MAGALLON

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Alex Eala overcame an opening set hiccup and shrugged off the tough challenge from French qualifier Nahia Berecoechea, 3-6, 6-1, 6-1, to barge into the quarterfinals of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W25 Yecla in Spain on Friday, June 2 (Manila time).

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Alex Eala overcame an opening set hiccup and shrugged off the tough challenge from French qualifier Nahia Berecoechea, 3-6, 6-1, 6-1, to barge into the quarterfinals of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W25 Yecla in Spain on Friday, June 2 (Manila time).

Alex Eala (File Photo/ 2023 Thailand Open)

The Filipina tennis star showed great resilience and recovered from the first set loss and a third set deficit to already match her best finish of the season after also reaching the quarterfinals of the ITF W25 Monastir in Tunisia last week.

Eala actually got off to a good start and grabbed an early 2-1 lead before the rain momentarily halted the contest and took the momentum away from here. Berecoechea made sure to take advantage, breaking Eala four straight times following the resumption to win the opening set.

The 2022 US Open girls’ singles champion displayed grit and heart in the second set as she finally got her bearings going once again, taking an early 5-0 lead. Berecoechea ended her dry spell after earning a game from Eala but the Filipina broke the French to level the contest.

Even with the momentum back on Eala’s side, however, she still found herself trailing in the decider, 1-2, before finally seizing control of the match by taking the last five games.

With the win, Eala sets up a clash against Mexico’s 28-year-old Victoria Rodriguez in the quarterfinals as she hopes to follow up her second pro title she won in the W25 Chang Rai in Thailand last year. 

Rodriguez, though, is certainly not a pushover for the second seed Filipina, having won ITF singles title nine times already in the past.

BI warns public vs online sale of fake OECs

BY JUN RAMIREZ

Jun 2, 2023 12:44 PM

  

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Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco issued a stern warning to the public on Friday, June 2, about the increasing prevalence of counterfeit overseas employment certificates (OECs) that are being sold online.

***(Courtesy of Bureau of Immigration)***

The cautionary message follows a recent incident where BI officers intercepted a group of Filipinos who were attempting to depart the country using fake OECs.

The BI's travel control and enforcement unit (TCEU) reported that three individuals, consisting of one female and two males in their 30s, were apprehended at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) last Tuesday, May 30, as they tried to board an Air China flight to Warsaw, Poland.

Furthermore, authorities at the Clark International Airport (CIA) also foiled an attempt by a male passenger to board an Emirates Airlines flight to Dubai on May 28 as he presented a forged OEC.

Prior to these incidents, in May, the BI intercepted two female victims who were bound for Poland at NAIA.

During the investigation, all the victims confessed to paying amounts ranging from P1,000 to P10,000 to online fixers in exchange for the fraudulent documents.

Tansingco emphasized the integration of their system with the Department of Migrant Workers' database, enabling them to easily verify authentic OECs.

The victims have been referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for further investigation. Appropriate charges will be filed against the scammers involved in these incidents.

 

Sustainability book launching

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Jun 1, 2023 10:50 AM

  

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SUSTAINABILITY — Author Brian Poe Llamanzares (left) holds a copy of his book ‘A Sustainable Future’ as he poses with, from left, his mother Senator Grace Poe Llamanzares, Manila Bulletin Publisher Sonny Coloma, and National Book Store (NBS) Group President Adrian S. Ramos during a book-signing event at the NBS, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City last May 24, 2023. Llamanzares will conduct another book signing activity this Friday, June 2, 2023, 3 p.m., at the Manila Bulletin booth in the Philippine Book Festival, World Trade Center, Manila. (Noel B. Pabalate)

Rain showers to continue in most parts of PH due to southwest monsoon

BY CHARIE MAE F. ABARCA

Jun 2, 2023 07:42 AM

  

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The southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” will continue to bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers in most parts of the country within the next 24-hour period, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

(Unsplash)

In a public weather forecast on Friday, June 2, PAGASA Weather Specialist Patrick Del Mundo said the southwest monsoon is affecting the entire archipelago.

“Sa ngayon ay umiiral ang southwest monsoon o hanging habagat dito sa ating bansa. Ine-enhance pa rin [ito] ng Bagyong Mawar (Right now, the southwest monsoon is affecting our country. It is still being enhanced by cyclone Mawar),” said Del Mundo.

Residents of Occidental Mindoro, Antique, and northern Palawan including Cuyo, Calamian, and Kalayaan Islands were specifically advised to remain alert against monsoon rains which may trigger flash floods or landslides during moderate to at times heavy downpour.

Cloudy skies with scattered rains will also prevail in Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, the rest of MIMAROPA, and western Visayas due to habagat.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country may expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rains due to the southwest monsoon.

No weather disturbance is expected to develop or enter the Philippine boundary within the forecast period.

June Agricultural Festivals

BY JAZZMINE QUIAMBAO

  

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We’ve finally arrived in the middle of 2023! June celebrates many things, such as the country’s independence and Pride for out LGBTQ+ fellowmen.

Of course, we can’t forget the festivals! Here are the best agri-related festivals to be.

Pinyasan Festival | Daet, Camarines Norte

After days of festivities, the Pinyasan Festival invites celebrities to join the fun and provide entertainment to both locals and tourists. (Daet Municipal Tourism Office / Facebook)

Taste the sweetest pineapples at this Daet festival! The Pinyasan Festival highlights its primary agri-product, the Queen Formosa pineapple, and celebrates the farmers and producers of this crop. The pineapples of Daet have a unique sweetness and do not cause itchiness as easily as other varieties.

It was first held in 1993, and now celebrates its 30th year this 2023. The ten-day festival is filled with activities such as a street dancing competition, a float parade with pineapples as the main design, pineapple foodfests, and a beauty pageant. The festival has also evolved to include activities such as a battle of the bands and concerts.

Lechonan sa Baroy | Baroy, Lanao del Norte

Lechon is a way to celebrate the town’s harvest and each one is decorated creatively by the barangays of Baroy. (Discover Lanao del Norte PH / Facebook)

This festival is a celebration for a bountiful harvest, and it’s celebrated with a big, fat lechon! Unknown to many, Baroy is the home of great lechoneros in Lanao del Norte.

Each of the 23 barangays of Baroy prepare one lechon and decorate it to be festive, creative, and colorful. The lechon are then paraded and brought to the town plaza for everyone to appreciate—and eat!

The festival also includes fairground rides, and various entertainment shows for the locals and tourists.

Pinangat Festival | Camalig, Albay

One of the annual activities of the Pinangat Festival is the crowning of the Mutya ng Camalig. (Sangguniang Bayan ng Camalig / Facebook)

The Pinangat Festival is one of the major festivals of Albay, but was unfortunately halted by the Covid-19 virus. But, the good news is, after a three-year break, the festival is back!

First established in 2000, this festival not only celebrates its local delicacy, pinangat, but it also coincides with the Camalig Town Fiesta held in the honor of St. John the Baptist, the town’s patron saint.

This annual celebration gives tribute to its people, celebrates life and unifies the best elements of Camalig’s pride, giving the entire fiesta a unique municipal flavor through holding of special events, activities and nightly entertainment programs for participation and enjoyment of the public.

Festivities include events such as Pinangat-Making Race, Longest Line of Pinangat Eating, Mutya ng Camalig, “Camalig Kulinarya”, trade fairs,  battle of the bands, enduro cross competition, fun bike and MTB race, and parades and processions

Pili Festival | Sorsogon City, Sorsogon

The fruit festival is joyously welcomed with a parade of street dancers and locals representing different communities of the town. (Public Information Office- Sorsogon City / Facebook)

Sorsogon celebrates the bountiful harvest of one of its star agri-products through the Pili Festival. The Pili Festival is both an agricultural and religious festival held in the honor of the town’s patron saints, St. Peter and St. Paul.

The festival is welcomed through prayers that begin on June 20 and the last novena prayers are heard on June 28. A pontifical, concelebrated mass is held the next day. All the religious events take place at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral.

The more boisterous events of the festival are sports competitions, cultural shows, outreach programs, street dancing, parades, trade fair, talent competitions, cook fest, music events, and beauty pageants

One of their activities is “Pagtilad,” which is the act of cracking open the pili nut. The fruit is placed on a wooden board and it is opened with a strike of a bolo on its shell with such precision to preserve the kernel within. Another is “Tiliradan sa Dalan” which is a community event joined by everyone. In 2004, it recorded the longest line of people cracking pili nuts with 10,000 people joining the activity.

Parada ng Lechon | Balayan, Batangas

[caption id="attachment_29512" align="alignnone" width="744"]

A family is happily equipped with water guns for the festival’s ‘basaan’ while having a lechon right behind them. (Municipality of Balayan / Official Gov Website)

Another town celebrating lechon is Balayan, and it’s even considered the king of festivals in Batangas!

Parada ng Lechon is a cultural, food, and religious festival held during the feast of St. John the Baptist. Locals believe that the parade is an age-old ritual of thanksgiving by their ancestral families who were blessed enough to make the dish. For the residents, lechon is not just a delicious meal but is also an expression of thanks and a way to pay homage to their patron saint.

The parade of lechon occurs in the morning of the feast day. Lechon that are part of the parade are assembled before the church where they are given a blessing by the priest. Once blessed, the parade starts, and the lechon are either carried on floats or by the people themselves.

At this festival no one can escape “basaan” or the act of water being thrown by anyone at anyone. People on the streets are equipped with buckets of water, some even have water guns, to playfully spray and throw water at others.

Other activities of the festival are competitions in sports, singing, dancing, and other talents. There are also concerts featuring live bands and musical acts, a fireworks display; variety and cultural shows; street dancing; and beauty pageant.

Despite some festivals celebrating similar products, it’s guaranteed that each festival offers a unique experience. So don’t hesitate to travel and indulge in the festivities that each town has to offer, and see for yourself why these agricultural products are the pride of the province.

Ballet Philippines' 54th Season: Explore the power of dance through new stories and underlying themes

Ballet Philippines endeavors to take our experience of ballet a notch higher

BY MB LIFESTYLE

  

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This season, Ballet Philippines (BP) explores the power of dance and the countless ways this art form can move and transform us.

Ballet Philippines’ President, Kathleen Liechtenstein shares, “Dance is a powerful human expression and is fundamentally the anchor for BP's program to entertain, educate, and inspire. This year’s theme was the fitting call as we transitioned into in-person performances and hybrid programming.”

After last season’s much-awaited return to the grand stage, Ballet Philippines endeavors to take their audiences’ experience of ballet a notch higher.

Kathleen elaborated further, “You can expect stronger dancing, technically improved choreography. Our aim is to highlight dancers’ skills and talents. You can also expect exciting partnerships with Solaire as well as other creative communities. Through the power of dance, we hope to inspire, uplift, awaken and energize a new chapter in Philippine performance arts."

Power To Inspire
The season opens with the enchanting ballet, "Coppelia," in August. Based on stories by E.T.A. Hoffmann, this 1870 comic ballet tells the tale of a mad scientist enamored by his "daughter." Love conquers all in this enduring narrative that reminds us to look beyond surface beauty and embrace our perfect imperfections. Through the mesmerizing power of dance, Ballet Philippines invites audiences on a joyous journey of self-discovery and love, inspiring introspection while delivering a lighthearted and magical performance.

Power to Energize and Uplift
Across the diverse cultures and faiths, Christmas is a time for celebration, gratitude, and reconnecting with loved ones. Ballet Philippines' "A Christmas Fairytale" will become a cherished tradition, bringing families, friends, patrons, dance enthusiasts, and art lovers together during this festive season. By opening a portal to a world where tales, myths, and lore intertwine, this ballet creates a magical realm where dance serves as both language and currency. At the core of this delightful dance piece is a message that reminds us of how holidays with family are better than any fairytale.

Power to Empower and Enlighten
"Limang Daan," an original Filipiniana piece by Ballet Philippines, first debuted online during the pandemic. To close its 54th season, the country’s flag bearer dance company will mount a  full length theater performance of this historical dance piece. Through dance, audiences will be transported through time–as far back as 500 years ago.

"Limang Daan" tracks a journey to past cross-cultural encounters, most of which will explain the strong Spanish influence still dominant in our way of life. But more than another saga into our past, this piece celebrates the formidable women in our country, both from literature and real life.

These include Doña Victorina, Maria Clara, Sisa, Grabriela Silang and Josephine Bracken. A fitting show for Women’s Month in March, "Liman Daan" is a revelation on the cultural heritage of women in Philippine society, told through dance. It is a show that will remind us of who we are, what we’ve been through, and the lessons from the past that will guide us through the next 500 years.

All shows shall be performed at BP’s new home, The Theatre at Solaire.

Pauline Amelinckx thought she would be Miss Charm, not Miss Supranational

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Jun 2, 2023 08:00 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "People will always have their own opinions about you which they are entitled to. At the end of the day when it comes to overcoming body shaming, it's not about changing other people's opinions about you. It's about changing the voice inside your head and making it the kindest voice you'll hear, to have your positive opinion about yourself be the loudest and most unwavering one that you will hear," she stressed.

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Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 Pauline Amelinckx

Boholana-Belgian beauty queen Pauline Amelinckx revealed that she did not expect to be named the new Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 in a special ceremony last May 13 right after the Miss Universe Philippines coronation night. She added, however, that she's happy to take the title while rallying her fans to help her "pray and manifest for the second Miss Supranational crown for the Philippines" which was last won by Mutya Datul in 2013.

"I was actually surprised that they assigned Miss Supranational to me because based on the popular opinion of other pageant fans, I actually thought that it would be Miss Charm that would be assigned to me. But it's still a very happy experience and it's something that I looked forward to for the past three years when I proudly represented Bohol. Now I can finally say 'Philippines!' attached to my name abroad," Pauline said in an interview right after the B.R.A.V.E. Beauty body positivity event organized by  Junior Chamber International (JCI) Makati Princess Urduja headed by Michiko Unso.

Pauline, who is president of JCI Chocolate Hills, looked back on her performance in the recent Miss Universe PH pageant which has been the subject of controversy. Michelle Dee of Makati City won the tightly-contested beauty tilt while Krishnah Gravidez of Baguio City was hailed the new Miss Charm Philippines.

"I was a little bit disappointed with myself. To be perfectly honest, there were some areas, after self-reflection, where I thought to myself I could have done better and perhaps it would have changed some of the results," Pauline remarked.

"But at the end of the day, it's still a  'what if ' and I don't wanna ponder too much about the past because we can't change that anymore. Michelle (Dee) is very deserving and I'm sure she will make our country proud,"  she added.

Michiko Unso, president of JCI Makati Princess Urduja (right) with daughter Alek Unso, chairperson of the B.R.A.V.E. beauty fashion show

Pauline bared that she is now completing the paper requirements needed for her to compete in Miss Supranational 2023 in Poland and she will start her pageant training again in June.

The 27-year-old beauty queen, who competed in MUPh three times, noted that she will work on maintaining her composure onstage.

Pauline recalled her recent experience during the MUPh finals where jitters got the best of her.

"Going into the coronation night, I  really felt calm and collected but when Bohol was called into the Top 5,  I felt my heart racing because I realized this was  the third time I was able to get Bohol into the Top 5. So my heart was racing and my emotions took the best of me. I wasn't able to  get a clear mind in that moment. So I have to work on keeping my emotions in check especially when it matters the most on stage," she recounted.

Pauline said she was  heartened to receive congratulatory messages from fellow beauty queens, including actress and Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 Teresita Ssen "Winwyn" Marquez who also belongs to Aces and Queens.

Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 Pauline Amelinckx with Ashley Subijano, the Philippines' candidate to Miss Eco International 2023

"Hopefully, there's a  lot of lessons  that I can take from all the different  beauty queens, especially those who have competed in (Miss Supranational) Po; and who  already know where I should excel or where I can  progress a little bit more so I can represent the best of the Philippines," she pointed out.

The newly-crowned Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 has become a strong advocate of body positivity after her own experience of body shaming online during the three times she competed in the MUPh pageant.

This is the reason why she was presented as the main celebrity model during the B.R.A.V.E. (Bolder Reactions Against Violence to Empower) fashion show and fund-raiser held in Draper Start-up House in Makati City. Pauline wore a flowing white gown designed by her "momager" Mikee Andrei.

"People will always have their own opinions about you which they are entitled to. At the end of the day when it comes to overcoming body shaming, it's not about changing other people's opinions about you. It's about changing the voice inside your head and making it the kindest voice you'll hear, to have your positive opinion about yourself be the loudest and most unwavering one that you will hear," she stressed.

"The thoughts that I personally like to keep paramount are: that my body doesn't have to be sexy but strong,  although it can also be both. As long as my body is healthy and my spirit is happy.... kebs! di ba?," Pauline stated.