'Here Lies Love' brings Filipino culture and history to Broadway

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

  

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AT A GLANCE

• It’s certainly a defining moment, said Lea Salonga who is playing the character of Ninoy Aquino’s Mother Aurora Aquino—her first Filipino role on Broadway—in a limited engagement. Lea is also serving as producer. The Tony and Olivier Award winner proudly declared, “There has never been a Broadway show produced by and starring Filipinos.”

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A scene from 'Here Lies Love' (Broadway production photos by Billy Bustamante, Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

As "Here Lies Love" opens at New York City's Broadway Theater on July 20, 2023, the groundbreaking musical based on First Lady Imelda Marcos and the People Power Revolution, marks the first time a Broadway production has both an all-Filipino cast and a majority of Filipino producers.

"It’s certainly a defining moment," said Lea Salonga who is playing the character of Ninoy Aquino’s Mother Aurora Aquino—her first Filipino role on Broadway—in a limited engagement. Lea is also serving as producer. The Tony and Olivier Award winner proudly declared, “There has never been a Broadway show produced by and starring Filipinos.”

"Here Lies Love" features music by Grammy, Tony and Oscar winner David Byrne and Grammy winner Fatboy Slim, and concept and lyrics by Byrne. Originally staged in 2013 off-Broadway at The Public, the musical also had a run at London’s National Theater in 2014 and at the Seattle Rep in 2017.

Aside from Lea, there are 21 other Pinoys in "Here Lies Love."

Arielle Jacobs, who starred as Princess Jasmine in Broadway’s Aladdin, is portraying Imelda. Jose Llana, whose numerous Broadway credits include The King and I, Flower Drum Song, and Rent, returns to play Ferdinand Marcos after creating the role in the Public Theater run. Music lovers in the Philippines know Jose as a recording artist whose debut solo album was released by Viva.  Conrad Ricamora, who was in the main cast of the US drama series "How to Get Away with Murder," also reprises his role of Ninoy Aquino.

The rest of the Filipino cast is composed of Melanie Butiu, Moses Villarama, Jasmine Forsberg, Reanne Acasion, Jaygee Macapugay, Julia Abueva, Renée Albulario, Aaron Alcaraz, Carol Angeli, Nathan Angelo, Kristina Doucette, Roy Flores, Timothy Matthew Flores, Sarah Kay, Jeigh Madjus, AJ Mercado, Geena Quintos, Shea Renne, and Angelo Soriano.

In a statement, the team behind the production reiterated, “Here Lies Love is a pro-Filipino show being told in a quintessential American form: the Broadway musical. Two cultures, two histories, continuing a centuries-old complicated dance.”

Veteran talent manager Girlie Rodis, also a HLL co-producer, remarked that the musical fulfills an important need. "It provides Pinoys in the US—both the Fil-Ams and the overseas Filipinos—with a show that will make them feel closer to the homeland."

Case in point is Las Vegas court recorder Aimee Curameng, a Filipino born in the Philippines and raised in the US and a follower of HLL since its days at The Public. Aimee feels grateful that the musical exists to give a voice to Filipinos. She said, “Having a show where people look like me and it’s about the history of my home country feels so… good.”

For co-producer Bobby Garcia, HLL creates a path for Filipinos in the world's most famous theater circuit. "I hope this show continues to show how colourful the tapestry is of stories from the Philippines and the rest of Asia. And that these have a place on the Broadway stage," said the founder of Atlantis Productions.

For updates about Here Lies Love, visit herelieslovebroadway.com and follow herelieslovebway on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

Früher in Rente? So geht‘s

Früher in Rente – das wünschen sich viele Menschen in Deutschland. (Symbolbild) © Westend61/Imago

Von: Lisa Mayerhofer

Früher in Rente – das wünschen sich viele Menschen in Deutschland. Dabei gibt es mehrere Möglichkeiten, sich vorzeitig zur Ruhe zu setzen. Ein Überblick.

Berlin – Die große Generation der Babyboomer geht in Rente. Knapp 70 Prozent dieser Generation wollen sich einer Studie der Bergischen Universität Wuppertal zufolge lieber vorzeitig zur Ruhe setzen. Doch wie kann ein frühzeitiger Renteneintritt klappen? Ein Überblick.

Renteneintrittsalter: Wann darf ich in den Ruhestand?

Eine große Rolle dabei spielt das jeweilige reguläre Renteneintrittsalter. Gerade steigt die Altersgrenze für Menschen, die ohne Abschläge in Rente gehen wollen, bis 2031 schrittweise von 65 auf 67 Jahre. Ab 2024 wird die Grenze beginnend mit dem Jahrgang 1959 in Zwei-Monats-Schritten angehoben. Versicherte ab Jahrgang 1964 müssen dann regulär bis 67 Jahre arbeiten.

Früher in Rente für langjährige Versicherte - mit Abschlägen

Vor 1953 Geborene konnten noch ohne Abschläge mit 63 in Rente gehen. Jüngeren ist es zwar immer noch möglich, mit 63 Jahren in Rente zu gehen – allerdings dann mit Abschlägen. Das funktioniert, wenn man mindestens auf 35 Versicherungsjahre kommt. Für all jene gibt es die „Altersrente für langjährig Versicherte“. Allerdings müssen Ruheständler, die das tun, auch mit den Einbußen leben: 0,3 Prozent Abzug von der bis dahin erreichten Rente für jeden Monat des vorgezogenen Renteneintritts – bis zu 14,4 Prozent maximal. Und dieser Abschlag bleibt bestehen.

Wer herausfinden möchte, wann er oder sie mit oder ohne Abschläge in Rente gehen kann, kann für einen ersten Überblick den auf der Webseite der Deutschen Rentenversicherung zur Verfügung gestellten Rentenbeginnrechner nutzen. Wer sich mit Abschlägen früher zur Ruhe setzen will, sollte vorher sicherstellen, dass die Rente und weitere mögliche Einkommen trotzdem auch bis ins hohe Alter den Lebensstandard sichern können.

Sonderzahlungen: Rentenpunkte kaufen

Es gibt eine Möglichkeit, die Abschläge zumindest teilweise auszugleichen – durch eine Sonderzahlung in die Rentenkasse. Dies ist ab dem 50. Lebensjahr möglich. Mit Sonderzahlungen kann man sich mehr Rentenpunkte kaufen und erhält dann eine höhere Rente. Um eine Sonderzahlung leisten zu dürfen, muss man einen Antrag bei der Deutschen Rentenversicherung stellen. 

Der zuständige Rentenversicherungsträger kann berechnen, wie hoch die individuellen Abzüge bei einem früheren Renteneintritt wären und wie viel Geld man durch Sonderzahlungen aufwenden müsste, um die Abzüge auszugleichen.

Vorzeitig in den Ruhestand mit dem Lebensarbeitszeitkonto

Ein anderer Weg geht über den Arbeitgeber: Mit diesem können Sie ein sogenanntes Lebensarbeitszeitkonto vereinbaren. Das ist ein Konto beim Arbeitgeber, auf dem Arbeitszeit oder Geld eingespart wird und von dem man erst später Gebrauch machen will. Das können beispielsweise Weihnachtsgeld, Überstunden oder andere Boni sein. Das Ersparte können Sie sich auch für eine vorzeitige Rente aufheben.

Wer genug in sein Lebensarbeitszeitkonto einzahlt, um mehrere Jahre bis zum regulären Renteneintrittsalter zu überbrücken, kann auch diesen Weg gehen, um sich früher zur Ruhe zu setzen. Allerdings haben Sie keinen Rechtsanspruch auf ein Lebensarbeitskonto, sondern es liegt im Ermessen des Arbeitgebers.

Altersteilzeit: Früher zur Ruhe setzen mit dem Blockmodell

Eine andere Möglichkeit bietet die Altersteilzeit. Dabei haben Versicherte ab 55 Jahren die Möglichkeit, die bisherige wöchentliche Arbeitszeit zu halbieren. Für die Verteilung der Arbeitszeit gibt es dann zwei Modelle: das Gleichverteilungsmodell, in der die Arbeit bis zum Renteneintritt reduziert wird, und das Blockmodell. Beim Blockmodell kann man regulär weiterarbeiten, bis man die Freistellungsphase erreicht hat und gar nicht mehr arbeiten muss. Der Arbeitgeber zahlt jedoch weiter

LPA may develop into tropical depression, to be named 'Egay'– Pagasa

 

By Arlie O. Calalo

July 19, 2023 10

THE low pressure area (LPA) off Surigao del Sur has a greater chance of developing into a tropical depression in the next two days and be named "Egay."

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in its 5 a.m. advisory, however, that even if the weather disturbance will intensify into a storm it will still have no direct effect in the country.

The inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ), where the LPA is embedded, causes rain in most parts of the archipelago, according to weather specialist Obet Badrina.

He said the LPA, some 710 kilometers east of Hinatuan, also in the same province, along with ITCZ, is affecting Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Bohol, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro where overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will prevail.

The ITCZ – an imaginary line where the air coming from the northern and southern hemisphere meets – and localized thunderstorms are bringing partly cloudy skies to cloudy skies with occasional downpour or thunderstorms over Metro Manila and the rest of the country within 24 hours, Pagasa said.

Preventing the next wave of respiratory infections

Viruses such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2 don’t stand still. They constantly mutate and the more hosts they infect, the more likely they are to stumble onto a serendipitous mutation.

BY DR. EDSEL SALVANA

Jul 19, 2023 08:32 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• One major intervention that has finally been scientifically proven is the efficacy of masks in preventing infection.

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As the Covid-19 pandemic transitions into endemicity, it is important to remember the lessons of how a tiny microbe can wreak so much havoc. With nearly seven million confirmed deaths and perhaps more than double that in unconfirmed ones, SARS-CoV-2 has taken an immense and bloody toll on humanity.

In addition, it has had a catastrophic impact on long-term health, mental well-being, and the economy. Even as we celebrate the lifting of the pandemic emergency, the seeds of the next pandemic are already scattered and sown. It is not a question of if, but when.

So, what’s the best way to protect ourselves from respiratory viruses? Same way we protected each other from Covid-19—the PDITR strategy, which stands for prevention, detection, isolation, treatment, and reintegration. Put another way: Wear a mask, vaccinate, stay home if you are sick, and talk to your doctor. The application of these measures is not as draconian as that of Covid-19, but will have a significant impact on influenza, (endemic) Covid-19, and other respiratory viruses moving forward.

One major intervention that has finally been scientifically proven is the efficacy of masks in preventing infection. It is ironic that now that we have an effective intervention, it is also when most people just want to get rid of their masks and no longer test for illness. Viruses such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2 don’t stand still. They constantly mutate and the more hosts they infect, the more likely they are to stumble onto a serendipitous mutation that can make them more transmissible or deadly.

During the pandemic, there was a lot of acrimony regarding which mask was most effective. We now know that any mask is better than no mask at all. N95 respirators remain the best for preventing infection, but even surgical masks when worn consistently and correctly can approximate the protection of higher quality respirators. We now also know that aside from Covid-19, these masks work to prevent other respiratory diseases, including influenza and the common cold.

The original (or “OG” as young people say nowadays) pandemic organism—influenza—is already starting to make its appearance this year. Thanks to the wider availability of molecular testing, it is now easier than ever to check if someone has the flu. I’ve had three patients in the hospital test positive for influenza A while undergoing a respiratory panel test to check for Covid-19 this week alone. One patient has already died and I believe that his concurrent influenza infection made his prognosis worse. All these patients tested negative for Covid-19, the suspicion for which was the reason they underwent testing in the first place.

This is why the US CDC is encouraging multiplex (multiple organisms at a time) testing based on the presence of symptoms. A cold and a fever can be from any respiratory virus. Whether it is a coronavirus or an influenza virus, it is important to track small outbreaks like these since they can represent the tip of the iceberg of ongoing community transmission.

Multiplex molecular testing also helps us avoid the unnecessary use of antimicrobials since it tells us what specific virus is causing an illness and some multiplex tests can concurrently test for common bacteria that cause pneumonia.

For instance, a positive influenza A test and a negative Covid-19 test means we can confidently do away with molnupiravir or nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) and use oseltamivir instead. A positive influenza A test can explain a high fever in someone with respiratory symptoms and a doctor is less likely to prescribe antibiotics, unless there are other indications of bacterial infection.

Unfortunately, molecular testing remains expensive and needs a sophisticated laboratory to run the tests. Perhaps multiplex antigen testing, which is much cheaper and easier to perform, will be the next innovation. We already have separate Covid-19 antigen and influenza antigen tests but understandably not very many people want their noses poked twice. With hope, the diagnostics revolution that Covid-19 inadvertently forced upon us bears fruit downstream and rapid testing will become affordable and ubiquitous for all manner of respiratory pathogens.

The unprecedented vaccination campaign for Covid-19 has opened our eyes to just how important vaccination is not just for children but for the adult population as well. Yearly influenza vaccination has never been popular in the Philippines, but the data backing up its benefits is very solid. Like Covid-19 vaccines, influenza vaccination isn’t very good at interrupting transmission or preventing illness. But similar to our Covid-19 vaccines, influenza vaccination is very effective at preventing severe disease, especially in the most vulnerable. Influenza vaccination can decrease the risk of an elderly person ending up in the ICU by over 70 percent.

Other adult illnesses like pneumococcal pneumonia and herpes zoster are likewise vaccine-preventable and we should all take advantage of these vaccines to safeguard our health. Bivalent Covid-19 vaccines are already being rolled out and those who qualify should avail of these as soon as possible. Further Covid-19 boosters downstream are still up in the air but it is important to stay up to date on these by talking to your doctor.

Quarantine and isolation were among the least popular measures during the pandemic. In fact, many people nowadays are not testing for Covid-19 because they know they’ll be obliged to isolate.

In general, if someone has respiratory symptoms, it is prudent to isolate at home for a few days if possible to prevent the spread of infection. Even if a test isn’t done, wearing a mask if you have recently been sick can help mitigate viral transmission, whether it is Covid-19, influenza, or something else. “Reverse isolation” of vulnerable household members along with masking can also help mitigate severe disease among the elderly and the immunocompromised.

As Covid-19 becomes just one of many respiratory viruses circulating in the community, it is prudent to mitigate the impact of these pathogens by repurposing the tools that worked so well during the pandemic. This will go a long way toward decreasing the risk of community outbreaks of not just Covid-19 but also of influenza and other viruses of pandemic potential.

But since we are no longer living in a health emergency, the government is no longer requiring adherence to minimum public health standards. It will have to be a personal choice to protect yourself and to protect others with the choices we make on a day-to-day basis.
With hope, we all make the right choice.

Sinulog Festival Queen is 2023 Reyna Ng Aliwan

ENTERTAINMENT NEWSENTERTAINMENT

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The 21-year-old lass from Talisay bested 17 other candidates from various parts of the country for the highly coveted crown in a beauty contest eagerly awaited by pageant aficionados.

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2023 Reyna ng Aliwan Kiara Liane Wellington

Kiara Liane Wellington of Cebu’s Sinulog was named 2023 Reyna ng Aliwan in glittering festivities Saturday night.

The 21-year-old lass from Talisay bested 17 other candidates from various parts of the country for the highly coveted crown in a beauty contest eagerly awaited by pageant aficionados.

La Union’s Ayat Festuival Queen Kristine Billy Tabaday emerged as first runner-up, with Natalya Margaret Lindsay of Atimonan’s Tagultol Festival sharing second runner-up honors with Patricia Marie Mendiola of Lucena’s Pasiyahan Festival and Ghenesa Mueller who represented the Udyakan Festiva of Kabankalan, Negros Occidental.

Wellington also copped the Best in Evening Gown title, while Tabaday went home with special awards for Best in Swimsuit, Miss Charm, Miss White Rose, and Miss Photogenic / Darling of the Press.

Lindsay won the Best Festival Costume award, while Mueller co-shared the Miss Friendship award with Melanie Gillamac of Bantayan Island’s Palawod Festival.

As Reyna ng Aliwan, Wellington won P150,000 plus the chance to travel around the country to witness various festivals throughout her year-long reign.  Wellington is  the 9th  Cebuana to win the Reyna ng Aliwan crown;  she succeeded Roi Neeve Comanda of Baguio City, who held the title since 2019.

GOSSIP GIRL: Meet the sexiest action heroine in PH

BY GISELLE SANCHEZ

Jul 18, 2023 01:18 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Meet Jennifer Lee. Jennifer started as a sexy singer when she joined the all- girl-group Viva Hotbabes. She then became a sexy actress for Viva Films but promised her parents that she will finish a degree. After graduating Culinary Arts in Enderun College and setting up The Healthy Cheffy, an online food delivery service that caters to healthy food, she decided to accept the Movie “Maria” where she plays “Miru” a Filipina assassin. To be honest, she was so good that her scenes were my favorite parts of Maria. 

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Jennifer Lee

I am sure you have never met a female action star in the Philippines. While you may recognize Hollywood Asian action icons like Michelle Yeoh and Lucy Liu, finding a Filipina who can genuinely "kick-ass" has been quite scarce - until this moment.

Meet Jennifer Lee. Jennifer started as a sexy singer when she joined the all- girl-group Viva Hotbabes. She then became a sexy actress for Viva Films but promised her parents that she will finish a degree. After graduating Culinary Arts in Enderun College and setting up The Healthy Cheffy, an online food delivery service that caters to healthy food, she decided to accept the Movie “Maria” where she plays “Miru” a Filipina assassin. To be honest, she was so good that her scenes were my favorite parts of Maria. 

This is probably the reason why Blu Arts Production director Bona Fajardo chose her to play the lead role in this new movie entitled Babaylan, “This is my second time working with Direk Bona Fajardo. I was fortunate enough to have an amazing experience in Japan when I worked on the film Steal. Now, I am once again creating something extraordinary with Babaylan.It is truly an honor to work with Direk Bona, as I greatly admire his creativity and hard work. He also maintains a calm and patient demeanor on the set. During the shooting of Babaylan, I just recovered from Covid. I am grateful for the encouragement and inspiration I received from Direk Bona and the team.

In this movie, I portray the character of Josefina Baliwag, who comes from a lineage of shaman warriors known as Babaylan. She served as a spiritual leader of the rebels during the Filipino-American war. During this time, she fell in love with Manuel Guerrero, who betrayed her and shot her. Despite being wounded, Josefina summoned her remaining strength to communicate with the forest and requested its protection from the enemies. Not only did the forest shield her body, but it also resurrected her, granting her immortality. She lived a long life until the present day, when she encounters someone who bears a striking resemblance to Manuel Guerrero. To discover what happens next, watch the movie!”

I asked our singer-turned-DJ how she felt being given a break to portray a lead role after almost two decades in the business. “Portraying an action heroine has always been a dream of mine. I consider myself blessed to have been given this project, which allows me to showcase my talent and fighting skills. I have always been involved in athletics, having been a part of the high school and collegiate taekwondo varsity teams. Additionally, I received training in PUMA Sikadsu (Philippine Union Martial Arts Association), which provided me with a background in arnis fighting and helped me land the role of Josefina. Aside from my fighting skills, portraying a Babaylan is an honor. I firmly believe that Babaylans existed in the past, and there may still be modern-day Babaylans today. These include empowered and influential women in our community who are dedicated to assisting and supporting those in need.

The world premiere of Babaylan is scheduled for July 26, on Viva One, an All-in-One Entertainment Streaming Platform by Viva! This exciting action movie stars Marco Gallo, Andrew Muhlach, and Fabio Ide, and is directed by Bona Fajardo of Blu Arts Production.

DOH-Davao monitors diseases brought by El Niño

 

(SunStar File Photo)

ROJEAN GRACE PATUMBON

THE Department of Health-Davao Region (DOH-Davao) warns people of possible diseases during El Niño season.

After the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced that the El Niño phenomenon will hit the country around the months of July to September, DOH-Davao notified the public of the emergence of diseases due to the sudden change in the weather.

Some of the diseases that DOH-Davao is expecting are diarrhea, skin infections due to lack of supply of water; food poisoning, difficulty in breathing, vomiting because of the consumption of fish affected by the red tide; diseases that are usually caused by the high temperature such as exhaustion, heat cramp or even heat stroke.

Aside from these types of illnesses, cholera, typhoid fever, and even vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria are also expected during this season.

To combat these emerging diseases, DOH-Davao released some tips and guidelines that Filipinos should do to remain healthy especially, with the intense heat that we will be experiencing.

One is to ensure that the source of the water supply is clean. Two, conserve and use water properly. Three, do not forget to drink enough water and stay well-hydrated. Four, do not stay under the sun for too long, use sunblock or sunscreen if it is unavoidable to leave the house. Five, wear clothes that have thin or comfortable fabrics. Six, avoid outdoor activities during peak hours of the sun.

DOH-Davao is keeping a close eye on all emerging diseases, primarily water-borne diseases, and has issued an advisory to healthcare facilities, hospitals, and local government units in case there will be a shortage of water supply.

“We are continuously monitoring on a weekly basis and even on an event once na ma-detect na may ano, hala ba’t biglang dumami ito so nire-report kaagad yan ng mga health facilities sa Department of Health through the province and through the City Health Office (We are continuously monitoring every week and even on an event once we detect that there is a sudden increase in the number of reported diseases by the health facilities and the City Health Office), ” DOH-Davao Assistant Regional Director Gerna M. Manatad said.

El Niño is a weather phenomenon that is characterized by the unusually warmer than average sea surface temperature which is characterized by the limited amount of rain, which can cause negative effects such as drought and increased illness related to heat. (RGP)

Pagasa: Trough of LPA bringing cloudy skies, rain in Mindanao.

1,694 views Jul 18, 2023

Cloudy skies with scattered rain showers will be experienced across the Philippines due to the trough or extension of the low pressure area off Mindanao and the southwest monsoon, said the state weather bureau on Tuesday.

IHeartPH shows how to love the country

 BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Now on its 8th season, the magazine show continues to deliver its promise by showcasing more inspiring stories and aspirational features.

• "We really want to showcase the beauty of our country," explains Executive Producer Vanessa Verzosa. "The Philippines is really blessed with natural resources. And that's what we want to highlight in the show, inspiring Filipinos to appreciate and love our country."

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Long before the "Love the Philippines!" campaign of the Department of Tourism has become controversial, there is already one magazine show that promotes love for the Philippines, titled IHeartPh.

Now on its 8th season, the magazine show continues to deliver its promise by showcasing more inspiring stories and aspirational features.
"We really want to showcase the beauty of our country," explains Executive Producer Vanessa Verzosa. "The Philippines is really blessed with natural resources. And that's what we want to highlight in the show, inspiring Filipinos to appreciate and love our country."

Piloted in 2018 on CNN Philippines, IHeartPh spreads good vibes here and abroad. In fact, it has been chosen by the Taiwanese government for its tourism promotion.

Serving as a regular TV program partner for Philippine promotion, the beauty of Taiwan has been showcased several times. The most recent of which is the "Love Fun Taiwan" campaign.

"We are proud that our show is appreciated outside the country," beams Verzosa. "Maybe, the reason why the Taiwanese government trusts us is that they see the direction of the show, which is really to promote inspiring stories and aspirational features. The show is aligned to their goal."

IHeartPH has gained the trust and support of big and small companies, global and local brands as well as famous and ordinary personalities in sharing their stories.

"Every story we do is unique and there's always a good takeaway, not only for the viewers but also for me!," shares program host Valerie Tan.

Tan gets to immerse herself in the many stories featured in the program. She enjoys every feature. One of the features she immensely enjoyed was her visit to the Amis tribe, the largest indigenous ethnic group in Taiwan.

There she got a glimpse of how they live, fish, cook, and even dance! "It's interesting to note that just like us Filipinos, they love to sing and dance!"

"Another memorable feature is the rags to riches story of a member of an essential oil company. This proves that your past doesn't define your future, and you can use the challenges you encountered to fuel you for success."

Tan adds that iHeartPh highlights these positive features with that Filipino touch.

"I love experiencing new things and going to new places," shares Tan. "But more than that, my most favorite part is meeting people from all walks of life, connecting with them, and sharing their stories to our viewers."

Eight seasons and counting, IHeartPh is here to stay in the heart of our Filipino viewers. True to its core, the program has been consistently uplifting the image of the Philippines and the Filipinos - spreading good vibes. The program advocates the love and appreciation of our country, helping the government to amplify its tourism campaign.

"There are way too many reasons why I love the Philippines!," volunteers Tan. "First, our beaches are the best in the world. We have a lot of natural resources and wonders.

Undoubtedly, there's still so much to explore. Second, Filipino cuisine! Anthony Bourdain himself said it when he referred to Cebu lechon as the 'best pig, ever'.

Lastly, the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people are unrivaled. Pinoys are usually kind and warm, and always carry a smile on our faces."

"Our commitment is to showcase world-class visual narratives to our viewers," says program director Jallawee Beritan. "We listen to our viewers because they deserve a program that does not only feed their senses but their soul."

"You can be assured you'll feel inspired after each episode," quips Tan. "No matter where our show takes us; at the end of the day, the Philippines will always be home," And IHeartPh will always be at the heart of every Filipino.

Produced by TV8 Media Productions, IHeartPh Season 8 airs this coming Sunday, July 16, 7 PM on CNN Philippines. Fresh episode every Sunday at 7 PM, with replays on Tuesdays at 4:30 PM.

Mayday Parade to hold show in Davao

BY JONATHAN HICAP

  

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American rock band Mayday Parade will be heading to Davao in October to hold a show. 

Mayday Parade will have their “Live in Davao 2023” show on Oct. 30 at the SMX Convention Center. 

The acclaimed alternative/emo icons are slated to perform their biggest and best hits, and favorite live anthems including “Jamie All Over,” “Miserable At Best,” “Jersey,” “Oh Well, Oh Well” and “Piece of Your Heart.” 

Mayday Parade (Instagram)

Mayday Parade will hold a show in Davao on Oct. 30 (Pulp Live World)

Davao is the latest addition to shows in the Philippines after Manila and Cebu. 

Mayday Parade’s members are lead vocalist/pianist Derek Sanders, guitarists Alex Garcia and Brooks Betts, bassist Jeremy Lenzo and drummer Jake Bundrick 

“We are extremely honored to have worked with Mayday Parade over so many years - the band and Pulp have been partners for over a decade now and we truly treasure the trust the band has given our company,” said Vernon Go, CEO of Pulp Live World.  

He added, “And again it is wonderful to serve the band and their fans after all these years and now bring them to a new city in the Philippines for the first time.”

The upcoming shows will be their sixth visit to the Philippines, their second in Cebu and first time in Davao.