Celebs grace shopping party

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Jun 8, 2024 10:26 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The guest list for Tobiano's party boasted a variety of local celebrities and personalities known for their influence in different fields.

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Teddy Manuel, Christine Ong Te, Dra CAD , Pinky Tobiano, Jaja Dapat Sy, Teacher Georcelle Sy, Bianca Manalo

Philanthropist and influencer Pinky Tobiano donned a green outfit and embraced sustainability at a recent shopping party she hosted at Pottery Barn in Central Square on May 30.

The event, which encouraged guests to wear green, perfectly aligned with the core values of Williams-Sonoma, the parent company of Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Pottery Barn Kids. Williams-Sonoma is the only furniture retailer to be included in Barron's Top 100 Most Sustainable Companies in the US for seven consecutive years, solidifying its commitment to eco-friendly practices.

The guest list for Tobiano's party boasted a variety of local celebrities and personalities known for their influence in different fields. Tim Yap, a multi-hyphenate known for his work in hosting, event organizing, and fashion, was likely there. Singer Angeline Quinto, beauty queen and actress Bianca Manalo, and Teacher Georcelle of the dance group GForce were also attendees. Marie Field-Faith, founder of the Pinay Girl Boss platform that empowers women entrepreneurs, was there to lend her support. Bambbi Fuentes, hair and makeup expert, Teddy Manuel, a prominent events stylist, Winnie and Precious Castelo, political veterans, rounded out the guest list. The event was hosted by Nicole Andersson, a well-known personality in the Philippines.

Juancho Robles, Angeline Quinto-Daquina and Nonrev Daquina 

Refreshing drinks were provided by Marks & Spencer Philippines. The Farm at San Benito, a popular destination for health and wellness retreats, even offered a raffle prize for a free two-night stay for two.

Tobiano, who is known for her talent in tablescape artistry, created the centerpiece for the afternoon. Her creation showcased a sustainable approach to table design. She used recycled glass bottles as vases for fresh flowers, and incorporated Pottery Barn's Larkin Dinner Plates and Mason Placemats and Runner to complete the elegant and eco-conscious look. The event served as a perfect example of how style and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.

In the Philippines, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, and West Elm are exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, and West Elm are located at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central, and at Estancia in Capitol Commons, Metro Manila. You can also shop online through Trunc.ph, Rustans.com and SSI’s The Specialist, our at-home concierge service.

Boeing funds sanctuary to protect endangered Philippine eagles

Dirk Andrei Salcedo 

The Philippine eagle (Photo: Boeing via Facebook)

Boeing has partnered with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) to establish the National Bird Breeding Sanctuary (NBBS), a new facility dedicated to the conservation of the critically endangered Philippine eagle.

The sanctuary, located in Davao City, will serve as a safe haven for breeding pairs of the majestic raptors, which are facing threats from habitat loss and deforestation.

Last year, Boeing Southeast Asia contributed $135,000 to support the development of the facility. The American aerospace giant was one of several companies that raised funds for the project.

The Philippine eagle, the country’s national bird, is found only in the Philippines. With a wingspan of up to 7 feet and a weight of up to 17.6 pounds, it is one of the largest eagles in the world.

However, due to habitat loss, poaching, and other threats, the species is listed as critically endangered, with only an estimated 400 pairs remaining in the wild.

The NBBS, a 24-hectare sanctuary, will provide a protected environment for the eagles. It will include breeding facilities, a buffer zone to protect against contaminants, and a forest area to provide a natural habitat for the birds.

The sanctuary aims to house 15 eagles, creating a safe haven for them to breed and prepare for eventual release back into the wild.

PEF successfully transferred the first batch of seven Philippine eagles on February 13, 2024.

(Photo: Boeing)

Boeing’s grant helped fund the initial phase of the project, including the construction of holding cages for six breeding pairs of eagles.

“Our commitment to the Philippines goes beyond business; it’s about creating sustainable solutions and empowering local communities. Boeing’s grants represent the company’s commitment to environmental protection and stewardship at all levels, making a positive difference and addressing pressing challenges,” said Nell Breckenridge, interim president of Boeing Southeast Asia.

Boeing’s involvement in the Philippines extends beyond wildlife conservation. The company also focuses on public health, youth employment readiness initiatives, and working with people with disabilities in underserved communities.

Donate to the Philippine Eagle Foundation at philippineeaglefoundation.org/donate

 

Dirk Andrei Salcedo

An aviation enthusiast turned creator of the top aviation news portal in the Philippines, Dirk has a deep passion for everything that flies. When he’s not keeping his finger on the pulse of the industry, he also volunteers with a major humanitarian organization, impacting people on the ground and in the sky.

Cayetanos’ livelihood programs bring opportunities to Sultan Kudarat towns

 

PRESS RELEASE

June 8, 2024

More opportunities reached distant municipalities of Sultan Kudarat when the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano provided livelihood programs to residents on June 3 and 4, 2024.

During the two-day program, the senators' offices visited Isulan and Lebak, where 300 individuals received assistance to enhance their skills and secure permanent employment to boost their incomes.

The senators’ offices visited Isulan on June 3 and delivered aid to 150 individuals, including electricians, vendors, and members of the LGBTQ community. The assistance can help the beneficiaries start their own small businesses, ensuring more financial stability.

The event's success in Isulan was supported by the mayor's office, Officer-in-Charge Atty. Arnold Armada, Acting Vice Mayor Carlo Apiado, Assistant Secretary Florentino Loyola Jr., Councilors Arjen Pallasigue and Ryan Dumaran, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Weljun Fuscablo, and Ailene Loctogan from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO).

On June 4, the Cayetano siblings’ offices visited Lebak, where 150 beneficiaries, including solo parents, women, and farmers, were given support.

The assistance can be used to cover the daily expenses and meet the essential needs of the recipients, providing them with much-needed financial relief.

The success of the activity in Lebak was achieved with the help of Mayor Frederick Celestial, Regional Executive Assistant Evelyn Pinongcos, Noraidah Busran from the DSWD, and Councilor Edwin Besana.

The two-day program in Isulan and Lebak was a partnership between the Cayetano siblings and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

SLP aims to help individuals establish micro-businesses for stable income or undergo skills training to secure employment.

Beneficiaries receive either seed capital to start their own businesses or funds for skills training to expand job opportunities.

This activity in Sultan Kudarat demonstrates the Cayetano siblings' commitment to reaching even the most distant municipalities in the country, providing livelihood programs to uplift the income and opportunities of Filipinos.###

Cayetanos’ assistance program reaches Quiapo vendors

PRESS RELEASE

June 8, 2024

 

 

Cayetanos’ assistance program reaches Quiapo vendors

 

“Talagang kinakapos na po kami, mahirap po mabaon sa utang. Napakalaking tulong po ng binigay ninyo.”

 

With these heartfelt words, Emilia Lapitan, a street vendor, expressed her gratitude to Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano for including her as one of the 300 beneficiaries of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Program in Quiapo, Manila, on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

 

"Napakataas na rin po ng presyo ng mga bilihin ngayon, makakatulong po ito sa aming pagtitinda," Lapitan added.

 

Similarly expressing her appreciation was Leticia Bulusan, a senior citizen and sari-sari store owner. Struggling to make ends meet due to her age, Bulusan said, "Pang puhunan ko po ito sa aking sari-sari store. Salamat po at mayroon na po akong pandagdag sa aking mga paninda."

 

Held at the Liwasan Covered Court, the distribution provided assistance to sari-sari store and sidewalk vendors who sell fruits, bags, and clothing items on the streets of Quiapo.

 

This marks the first time that the AICS program was held in one of Manila’s historic cores, all made possible in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and in coordination with Barangay 289 Zone 40 Council, headed by Barangay Captain Marvy Jimenez.

 

“Sa tatlong daan po na beneficiary, lahat po sila ay tuwang-tuwa. Maraming salamat po at dinala ninyo ang programa sa aming distrito,” Jimenez said.

 

“Sana po ay mas marami pa kayong matulungan, lalo na ang mga nangangailangan,” he added.

 

On the same day, the sibling senators’ AICS program extended its reach to Bicol, Pampanga, and Cebu, making sure that immediate support will be provided to the most vulnerable sectors in the country.###

Fete de la Musique going big for 30th year in the Philippines

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

June 7, 2024 | 7:58am

MANILA, Philippines — The annual Fete de la Musique is marking its 30th year in the Philippines with even more performers and more stages nationwide.

Fete de la Musique first began in France back in 1982 and ultimately found its way to Philippine shores 12 years later.

Back then the event was held in Remedios Circle with just three bands and around 40 attendees, but over the years it moved to Malate then grew in popularity when it was held in El Pueblo.

After moving to the Fort then finding a present home in Makati, Fete de la Musique turns 30 years old in the Philippines, expanding the different genres on display in multiple pocket stages around the country.

Pocket stages were first introduced in 2011 then destination stages — venues outside of Metro Manila — began six years later.

Over the years, many headliners have taken the Fete de la Musique stages such as Barbie Almalbis, Ben&Ben, Joey Ayala, Lola Amour, Up Dharma Down, Radioactive Sago Project, Sugarfree, and The Itchyworms.

The main stage of Fete de la Musique 2024 will be at the Greenbelt 3 Park on June 21 featuring the likes of Autotelic, Dilaw, Any Name's Okay, Dwata, Morobeats, and Jason Dhakal.

The pocket stages will begin a week later, most of the over 40 ones occuring in Makati's Poblacion area, coinciding with the district's fiesta celebrations.

This year there are 70 destination stages, the most in Fete de la Musique to date, across Luzon (El Nido, Naga, Baguio, Pampanga, Puerto Galera, Baler, Los Banos, Albay, Zambales, Laguna, Masbate, Cavite), Visayas (Cebu, Siquijor), and Mindanao (Siargao, South Cotobato, Davao, Cagayan de Oro).

Local performers are expected to grace the pocket and destination stages, all of which are free and open to all, with some more to be added in the coming days.

"Freedom of expression shows France is a country of culture," said Cultural Attache of the French Embassy in Manila Martin Macalintal in a media conference launching Fete de la Musique 2024, adding the French always focuses on "promoting and protecting the arts."

Tariff cut effect: Rice prices to go down further if peso gets stronger

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Jun 7, 2024 05:20 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) can help maximize the expected reduction on retail prices of rice by keeping the peso at "reasonable levels" against the United States (US) dollar.

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House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN) 

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) can help maximize the expected reduction on retail prices of rice by keeping the peso at "reasonable levels" against the United States (US) dollar. 

This was the takeaway from the House Speaker Martin Romualdez-led press conference Thursday, June 6 wherein the effect of the Palace-ordered tariff reduction on rice imports was discussed. 

During the presser, Committee on Agriculture and Food Chairman Quezon 1st district Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga shared that as per the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), retail prices of rice--the country’s staple food--was "going to be less by P5 to P6 per kilo". 

Such will be the price drop on the heels of President Marcos' decision to slash imported rice duties from the current 35 percent to 15 percent. 

But Deputy Majority Leader for Communications ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, who was also at the presser, quickly noted that foreign exchange can have a huge impact on local rice prices. 

"That’s depending on the, that P5 to P6 [reduction] is at the current exchange rate po iyon at P58 po yung kwan. So if the dollar goes down then mas mataas pa doon (the reduction on retail prices will be higher), so depending on the dictate of the exchange rate," he said. 

Agreeing with Tulfo's statement, Romualdez says there's already coordination going on between the House and BSP for the sake of consumers. 

"Kausap din natin yung our friends at the BSP sa Monetary Board (We're also talking to our friends at the BSP, in the Monetary Board), it is also their role to make sure that the foreign exchange is also kept at reasonable levels," the Speaker said. 

The foreign exchange rate grabbed headlines recently after the peso went above P58 against the US dollar. Marcos announced the tariff cut a few days after. 

"So the BSP has from time and time again very quietly but steadily has always been there at the forefront to safeguard any abrupt or any changes sa forex to absorb the shocks...we’re all trying to coordinate so we can afford again the consumers, quality affordable rice always. Yan ang goal (That's the goal)," noted Romualdez. 

The House leader further said: "So everyone involved we’re talking to and making sure that coordinated po tayo kasi the (making sure that we are coordinated because the) President has already given his mandate and that is his desire because that is the best for the people. So we’re all on board, we’re all on board."

Regular milled rice currently hovers at P50 per kilo. 

The presser was held following a meeting between the ranking solons and officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and other stakeholders, including those from the private sector.
 

Style Weekend: Learn the basics of storytelling, watch Filipino films, and meet an international drag superstar

Pride comes in many forms this weekend!

BY JOHN LEGASPI

Jun 6, 2024 04:27 PM

  

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#SunniesFlaskLand
When: Ongoing until June 9
Where: Ground Level of the Main Mall Atrium, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City

Step into the #SunniesFlaskLand at SM Mall of Asia until June 9 and discover the unlimited color combinations, take photos at its booth, and score exclusive giveaways.

The Manila Film Festival 2024
When: Ongoing until June 11
Where: Robinsons Manila and Robinsons Magnolia

Discover the works of today’s emerging filmmakers at The Manila Film Festival 2024. Witness four feature films by directors JP Habac, Dwein Baltazar, Sigrid Bernardo, and Jose Lorenzo Diokno. The festival also puts the spotlight on short films helmed by student filmmakers. The films will be screened at Robinsons Manila (June 5 to June 11) and Robinsons Magnolia (June 10 to June 11).

Goût de France / Good France x H&T Wine Gallery
When: Ongoing until June 8
Where: H&T Wine Gallery, 24K-D cor. K-1st St., Jamboree Ext., Quezon City

H&T Wine Gallery is joining Goût de France / Good France in serving the best French feast. Goût de France is initiated by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with chef Alain Ducasse. H&T Wine Gallery's special menu starts at P1,180.

Tav Avenue: Vintage Flea Market
When: June 7 to June 8, 12 noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Sasa Cafe, Royale World Mansion, Pablo Ocampo cor. Enrique Sts., Manila City (Near Benilde D+A Campus)

The Archives Vintage is curating over 15 merchants bringing clothes, accessories, and more to Sasa Cafe. From branded vintage items, pins, and stickers to one-of-a-kind finds, there’s something for everyone at this flea market. Admission is free!

Tang Packtivation Blowout
When: June 7 to June 8 
Where: Trinoma, Quezon City

Summer is not over yet for drink mix brand Tang as it brings its Scan to Win promo to Trinoma Mall. Mallgoers can visit its Tang Packtivation Blowout booth and buy a specially marked Tang pack, join the Scan to Win promo, and get a free slushy with every purchase.

 

Global Pinoy Alabang Fair
When: June 7 to June 9, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Activity Center, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City

An all-things local fête is happening down south. Discover products that showcase Filipino ingenuity at the Global Pinoy Alabang Fair happening at Alabang Town Center and stock up on the latest vegan beauty finds, chic apparel, and must-have home pieces.

Likha 3
When: June 7 to June 11, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: PICC Forum 2 and 3, Pasay City

For its third edition, Likha is set to be an even grander celebration of Filipino artistry with its wider range of crafts on display, featuring 87 Filipino artisans and a special section for Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardees. Admission is free!

Mirage: The Asia Tour
When: June 8, 7 p.m.
Where: The Krib + Nightclub, Quezon City

Pride Month in the Philippines just got even more festive with the coming of international drag artist Mirage. The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 16 star is ready to bring the house down with her show happening this weekend at The Krib + Nightclub in Quezon City. The ticket price starts at P1,499.

Dinalan Stripped Sessions
When: June 8, doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Dinalan Cafe, 856 J Nakpil St., Malate, Manila City

Dinalan Cafe invites everyone for a musical weekend with its intimate stripped session. Gracing its stage are Filipino bands Autotelic and Brando Bal and singer Earl Generao. The door fee is P400 for early birds and P500 for walk-in customers.

Labebe Vintage Summer Pop-up 
When: June 8, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Guijo Studios, Makati City

A unique summer retail therapy awaits at Labebe’s pop-up. Discover personalized jewelry pieces, satiate your sweet cravings, and score vintage finds at its inaugural pop-up this weekend.

Write Your Dream Book
When: June 9, 4 p.m.
Where: National Book Store, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City

National Book Store and Penguin SEA join forces in helping budding writers achieve their dreams. Join award-winning and bestselling authors Catherine Dellosa, Claire Betita De Guzman, and Mica De Leon and learn the basics of good storytelling and writing in this free workshop for beginners.

Hello, readers! Do you have a story you want us to feature? You can reach us via styleweekendph@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.