‘Mga Arya't Kundiman’ concert celebrates inclusivity through shared music, FSL performance

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Sep 11, 2024 06:52 PM

  

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The concert “Mga Arya’t Kundiman” featured performances by excellent talents, and Filipino Sign Language (FSL) and Deaf students. 

It was held on Sept. 7 at YSpace at the Yuchengco Museum in Makati and presented by HearLife-Verein, which helps Deaf children. 

HearLife-Verein partner artists performed at the show. They were Isabela Samson Madero, Evangeline Ng Lao, Lance Keiffer Sy Lato and Sherine Ann Escolar Koa, all with Associate of the Royal Schools of Music (ARSM).  The show also featured Sharlene Morta, ARSM, Piano 8 and MED-EL cochlear implantee. 

“Mga Arya’t Kundiman” (HearLife)

The finale of the program featured the performance of “Araw-Araw sa Maynila” by FSL and Deaf students. 

This was through the efforts of the FSL for Inclusive PH (FSL4IPH), a non-profit student organization at the British School Manila (BSM) in Taguig aiming to promote FSL and bridge the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities. 

The participation of FSL students at the show started when Johann Chan, co-founder and president of FSL4IPH and a budding singer, was invited to watch the concert by his teacher, Perpy Heath. 

When Heath mentioned that the pianist was Deaf and has a cochlear implant, FSL4IPH offered to provide interpreter service for the show. 

This led to FSL and Deaf students not only watching the show but performing as well with invited Deaf guests.

FSL4IPH collaborated with the artists to ensure that the lyrics, including the foreign-language arias, would be translated into English and an interpreter would be present to sign the songs in FSL. 

Concert performers (from left))  Isabela Madero, Sherinne Ann Koa, Evangeline Lao and Lance Sy Lato (Photo provided by FSL4IPH) 
 

"Mga Arya’t Kundiman" hearing and Deaf concert performers with (from left) FSL4IPH interpreter Olivia Aguila, HearLife-Verein Program Director Tosh Jacob-Soliven and FSL4IPH interpreter Leah Apuli (Photo provided by FSL4IPH) 

FSL4IPH student leaders Johann Chan, Seth Yang and Liam Conlin, and Deaf performers Maricor Mesitas, Audrie Grace, Kierbie Nhoel Liabiaga, Japet Jones Dumangon, Raymond Calexterio, Tyrone Miguel, Catherine Joy Patriarca and  Rance Aaron Barquilla during the "Araw-Araw sa Maynila" performance (Photo provided by FSL4IPH) 

Deaf and hearing participants rehearsing together with Deaf coach Catherine Joy Patriarca (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)

Technical rehearsal with Leah Apuli as interpreter (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)

 

Marites Racquel Estiller-Corpuz, former president of the Philippine Federation of the Deaf, leading the FSL of the Philippine National Anthem (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)

FSL4IPH advocates, friends and supporters with HearLife-Verein concert performers and organizers (Photo provided by FSL4IPH)

Deaf performers taking turns signing the concert songs using FSL (Photo provided by FSL4IPH) 

In addition, FSL4IPH held fundraising efforts with the group’s supporters Malou Ng, Cassie Yang and Global Mission Advocate being mainly instrumental in sponsoring the tickets, meals, and transportation for the Deaf guests.

The concert was seen as an important step to unite hearing and Deaf communities through a musical show. The efforts were spearheaded by Hearlife Program Director Tosh Jacob-Soliven, and in collaboration with FSL4IPH student leaders Ethan Chan, Johann Chan, Seth Yang, and Liam Conlin, Deaf coach Catherine Joy Patriarca, interpreters Leah Apuli and Olivia Aguila, Deaf students from Commonwealth High School and other Deaf guests.  

Marites Racquel Estiller-Corpuz, former president of the Philippine Federation of the Deaf, led the FSL of the national anthem. 

“It was an amazing night where the music was heard and felt by the Deaf and the signs were seen by the hearing, united and unobstructed, each with smiles, enjoyed God’s given talents in music and signs,” she said. 

Throughout the concert, members and Deaf guests of FSL4IPH interpreted each song for the Deaf students. 

One of the Deaf performers, Maricor Mesitas, said. "I never expected that I would experience such an amazing concert. I felt the sound of their voice through the help of the interpreter. I had fun and enjoyed the performance since there is a sign language interpreter. I understood the songs. Since I participated in the performance as well, I felt great that I shared my talent.” 

For free Basic FSL and/or Deaf Awareness Training, contact  FSL for Inclusive PH through the following: email: fsl4iph@gmail.com; Facebook page: fsl4iph;  website: fsl4iph.org.

MOVIEGOER: 'Her Locket' - A film so poignant, so heartfelt, so true

BY NESTOR CUARTERO

Sep 12, 2024 09:17 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Directed by J. E. Tiglao, the film was one of seven full-length film entries in Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2024, which played from Sept. 4 to 10 at Gateway Cinema in Cubao and select SM theaters.

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Rebecca Chuaunsu wins Best Actress for the movie 'Her Locket' at the Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2024

Like she herself put it, Ms. Rebecca Chuaunsu leafed through 32 diaries of both her parents in writing the story of the film, Her Locket.

Directed by J. E. Tiglao, the film was one of seven full-length film entries in Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2024, which played from Sept. 4 to 10 at Gateway Cinema in Cubao and select SM theaters.

Rebecca herself leads the cast, which includes Elora Espan̈o, Boo Gabunada, Sophie Ng, Benedict Cua, Tommy Alejandrino, Francis Mata, among many others. 

After watching the film’s premiere Sept. 4 at Gateway, I couldn’t help but rise to cheer the cast and crew. When PR man Toots Tolentino asked me to say a few words at the talkback, I congratulated the team for having come up with a film so poignant, so moving, so heartfelt, and so true. There’s too much sincerity and detailing in the story that one couldn’t anymore distinguish between fact and fiction.  

While the film says it is based on a true story, it also flaunts a disclaimer that its story is an aggregate, a composite of several other stories. Whatever the source, Her Locket paints a universal picture of the dynamics around a Chinese family living in the Philippines from the 1970s onwards. Unwittingly, it exposes well-kept family secrets once placed under lock and key.

The film captures family members’ adherence to age-old customs and traditions broken by rebellion in the case of some, particularly, Rebecca’s effort to stand up in defense of her love for a Filipino partner.

I admitted that I was initially quizzical upon hearing that Rebecca, who is also the film’s producer, had won two best actress trophies in two foreign festivals for her work in this film. 

At the 2023 Morocco International Film   Festival and most recently, on Sept. 1, at WuWei Taipei International Film Festival in Taiwan, respectively. Rebecca also won best actress at Sinag Maynila. 

The cast of 'Her Locket'

But, all that changed after I watched the film.

Rebecca turns in a performance worthy of praise, one that is full of restraint and nuances. There is no effort on her part to over-act or over react to situations around her. Although she plays the lead role, she tends to downplay her presence, allowing the story to flow effortlessly.

The film’s supporting cast, composed mostly of first-timers on film, are uniformly good. They look relaxed in their scenes, behaving like seasoned actors.

Standouts, although they’re not really newcomers, are Tommy Alejandrino (Cinemalaya best actor), Elora Espan̈o, Boo Gabunada, Sophie Ng, Benedict Cua, Francis Mata.

After its participation in Sinag Maynila, Her Locket is expected to travel more parts of the world. I have a feeling that if marketed and promoted well, the film could be our answer to Thailand’s How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, that smash hit of a melodrama that stormed throughout Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. Both films feature two women in their senior years grappling with family issues.     

Eala gets early boot in Guadalajara Open

 

Facebook / Alex Eala

Ralph Edwin Villanueva - Philstar.com

September 11, 2024 | 2:52pm

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala exited the Guadalajara Open early after falling against sixth-seeded Marie Bouzkova, 6-2, 6-2, Wednesday (Manila time) in Mexico.

Eala fell in the first round against the Czech bet.

The 26-year-old Bouzkova, the World No. 45 player, simply showcased her mastery against the World No. 147 Filipina.

The former tallied three aces and won 35 service points compared to the latter’s 25 service points won.

Eala also registered 28 receiving points compared to Bouzkova’s 32.

The 19-year-old Asian Games bronze medalist went through Hungary’s Fanny Stollar and United Kingdom’s Samantha Sharan in the qualifiers.

“What an honor to be under the lights of Guadalajara!” Eala posted on Facebook. “Didn’t perform how I would’ve liked today but I still had so much fun trying to find my way and solve those problems out on that court.”

Eala’s first round exit came after bowing out of the round of 16 at the Guadalajara 125 Open a few days ago.

We need to pray

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

IT’S amazing that Christ had to excuse himself from his very busy schedule in order to pray. He is God himself. He should have no need to pray. But as the gospel many times say, he had to go somewhere to talk to the Father.

As the gospel narrates, “Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.” (Lk 6,12) Why did he have to pray, we might ask. And the answer, to be blunt about it, is nothing other than that Christ is also a man who needs to be always in vital and constant connection with his divinity.

He is actually showing us that we as man, created in the image and likeness of God, and meant to share in the life and nature of God, also need to be vitally and constantly connected with God. And this is what prayer is all about.

Prayer is the most basic thing we ought to do to be with God who is be-all and end-all of our whole existence. All the other necessities we have can only be attended to properly when this need for prayer is first met. Otherwise, everything else would just be waste of time.

We need to pray, and at these times, we need to pray more than ever, given the increasingly deteriorating conditions of humanity. Prayer, of course, is our sublime act of worship, of thanksgiving, of asking for pardon and favors. It is what keeps us spiritually alive, vitally connected with our Lord, and in a very mysterious way what keeps us properly linked to everyone else.

What eating, drinking and breathing do to our physical organism, is what prayer does to our spiritual soul which is the most important component of our humanity. It animates us, since it exercises our faith, hope and charity that are the lifeblood of our soul. Without these theological virtues, we would just get lost in life, left kaput spiritually and morally.

When we pray, we dispose of ourselves to receive the wisdom and power of God, so important as we cruise through our very confusing world and contend with the frailties of our flesh, the wiles and temptations of the devil, the sweet but deadening allurements of the world.

The challenges of the times simply urge us to pray even more. A quick look around already gives us very sobering thoughts and compelling appeals for prayer.

If understood and done properly, praying actually gives us joy always. It enables us to see and understand things better. More importantly, it helps us to have a glimpse of God's will, where everything starts and is governed and led to its proper end.

Praying processes and finding the answers to all our needs. In good times and bad times, when we are healthy or sick, when we enjoy successes or suffer defeats or are tempted, praying comes as our natural way of coping with everything that our spiritual life needs just like breathing does with our bodily needs.

To those who are afraid that praying just gets in the way of our human activities and concerns, the contrary is true. If anything at all, praying tremendously helps us in putting our activities and concerns on another level so they acquire a spiritual, moral and supernatural value, which is proper to us, since we are God's image and likeness, and children of his.

This truth should be spread out quite widely these days, since many now are the factors and elements that tend to deny the indispensability of prayer in our life. 

How Thinking About the Future Makes Life More Meaningful

During these awful and negative minded times all over the world, thinking about the future keeps me not really positive.

Well, mindfulness is all the rage these days, and for good reason. Focusing on the moment can improve our well-being, foster compassion, and help our relationships. What about going beyond the present moment? Yes, thinking about the future can trigger anxiety—but a growing body of research suggests that it can also make our lives more meaningful.

Humans aren’t alone in having some ability to consider the future, a process that scientists call “prospection.” After all, your dog gets excited when they see you holding a leash because they anticipate a walk is imminent; your cat may show similar excitement at the sound of a can being opened. There’s even evidence that some animals—like bonobos and ravens—can choose and save tools that they plan to use in the future.

But prospector's unique benefits to humans extend beyond that of other animals. Not only do we fantasize about our next vacation or decide whether it would be better to take the stairs or the elevator, but our perspective can cast far into the future: We might save for our children’s education or plan for our retirement decades from now. We can make predictions about our own futures based on what we’ve learned about other people’s experiences and even from characters in books and movies. And we can consider multiple directions our futures might take.

It is this remarkable ability to simulate our possible futures that makes prospection special. Just like gold prospecting may literally make you rich, studies suggest that prospecting about your future can enrich your life in at least four ways.

Perhaps one of the most fundamental and important functions of prospection is that it helps us decide how to act: Thinking about what the future likely holds helps us decide what course to take in the here-and-now. Several studies have examined how thinking about the future shapes our decision-making.

Researchers have been particularly interested in the psychology that drives our process of deciding between receiving something now versus receiving something of greater value later. In general, people tend to choose smaller but more immediate rewards over larger rewards that they have to wait for, a phenomenon known as “delay discounting.”

But they don’t always choose short-term rewards over long-run gains. For instance, studies have shown that present-day connection to a possible future event can counteract delay discounting. 

Another study showed that participants who felt closer to their future selves were more willing to wait for a larger reward than those who anticipated changing; the same was true when they were asked to make decisions on behalf of a fictional character who they knew would go through a life-changing event (like a religious conversion or returning home from war).

While interesting in its own right, this research could have important personal ramifications. If people could be made to feel a more immediate connection to their eventual retirement (and consequent drop in income), they may be more motivated to make prudent decisions.

In fact, one experiment found that manipulating how people think about the time until their retirement—in days rather than years—caused them to plan to start saving for retirement sooner, because the shift in time perspective made the participants feel more connected to their future selves. A 2014 study found that viewing realistic computer-generated images of what they may look like in the future decreased their discounting of future rewards and led them to contribute more to a hypothetical retirement account.

Prospection has another important application: It motivates us to achieve our goals. But the relationship here is not a simple one. Work by psychologist Gabriele Oettingen and colleagues shows that whether thinking about the future helps us actually reach our goals depends on how we think about the future.

In fact, research has found that positive thinking about our future can backfire. The more people positively fantasize about successfully reaching their goals, the less effort they actually put into realizing them. For example, in one study, the people who fantasize more about successfully losing weight actually lost less weight. Another study found that students who fantasized about their transition into a professional career were less successful in their job search and students who dreamed more about their crush were less likely to start a relationship with their crush.

Importantly, both of these studies found the opposite effect for having positive expectations (“judging a desired future as likely”). People who expected to lose weight were more likely to actually lose weight; students who expected they would find a job were more likely to actually land one; and students who expected to enter a relationship with their crush were more likely to actually do so.

It makes sense that having positive expectations—optimism, essentially—could increase our ability to achieve our goals, but why might fantasizing about the future actually decrease the chance of achieving what we want? Because, write Oettingen and Klaus Michel Reininger, positive fantasies “lead people to mentally enjoy the desired future in the here and now, and thus curb investment and future success.”

But often our goals come from our fantasies. We want to excel at work, find Mr. or Mrs. Right, or run a marathon. How do we turn these fantasies into behaviors that can help us reach our goals? Research suggests that while optimism is important, it is also helpful to draw a contrast between our fantasies and our current reality, which allows us to see barriers that must be overcome.

For example, one study asked students to mentally contrast their positive fantasies about benefiting from a vocational training program with aspects of the program that could impede their progress. This reflection caused students who expected to do well in the program to commit themselves more, and those who expected to do poorly to commit themselves less—again pointing to the importance of optimistic expectations to success. But the mental contrast was also key: Positive expectations did not increase commitment in participants who were not assigned to compare their present situation with their future desires.

Results from a later study suggest that the effectiveness of mental contrasting is due to “energization”—meaning that, when people have high expectations for succeeding at something, considering what might impede their goals gives them energy to try to overcome those barriers. In other words, it helps to stress yourself out a little bit.

Mental contrasting, particularly when used in conjunction with “implementation intentions”—making plans to help move past potential barriers—has been shown to help people reach their goals. To describe this process, Oettingen and colleagues use the acronym WOOP : Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan. In studies, WOOP-type interventions have helped people break a bad snacking habit, get more exercise, and improve academic performance.

Thus, research suggests that thinking about the future can motivate us to take the steps necessary to reach our goals—but only if we take obstacles into account.

Discover the four stages of change. Find out how to set up the right environment for changing your habits.

How to choose goals that make you come alive.

Besides helping us make decisions and reach our goals, there is evidence that prospection may improve psychological health more generally. It might even help people who are struggling with depression and those recovering from trauma.

Indeed, some researchers pose a link between poor prospection and certain psychological disorders such as depression.

“We see faulty prospection as a core underlying process that drives depression,” write psychologists Martin Seligman and Anne Marie Roepke in the book Homo Prospectus. In particular, they note that people with depression imagine possible futures that are more negative than people without depression. Moreover, people with depression tend to overestimate risk and to have more pessimistic beliefs about the future.

One way to engage in anticipatory savoring, suggested by Roepke and Seligman in a recent review article, is to modify the “three good things” gratitude exercise. Instead of writing three good things that happened today, you can write three good things you anticipate happening tomorrow and what you can do to make it more likely that those things actually happen. For people who are struggling, they suggest also writing down three methods that could be used to mitigate disappointment if the good things do not actually happen. These could include coping strategies (exercise, reaching out to a friend, etc.) or alternative strategies to making the good thing happen (e.g., if a friend canceled lunch, you could suggest lunch next week).

While there’s a lot left for researchers to discover about prospection, you don’t need to wait for their published studies. You can try your own experiments right now, to see if prospection helps you to live a more generous, happier, and more meaningful life.

Mariah Carey greets Filipinos ahead of Christmas

 

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

September 9, 2024 | 1:07pm

MANILA, Philippines — International pop superstar Mariah Carey joined Filipinos in celebrating the Christmas season early, starting this September.

In her Facebook account, Mariah posted a link of her Christmas hit song "All I Want For Christmas Is You."

"Philippines, it's time (only for you!!)," Mariah wrote. 

"I hope you're all safe and well. Let’s celebrate together," she added. 

Last year, Mariah reposted a fan page tweet saying that her song "All I Want For Christmas Is You" was streamed 75% higher in the Philippines than in any other country. 

She said it was too early to say Christmas was coming, but she made an exception for Filipino fans. 

"Not yet!!!! I’ll allow it for my Filipino lambs though! (I don’t make the rules!)," Mariah wrote.

Mariah is a Christmas icon in the Philippines alongside another Christmas carol royalty, Jose Mari Chan.

Oktoberfest 2024 at Newport World Resorts: Bavarian celebration at Hilton Manila

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Sep 9, 2024 02:29 PM

  

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Newport World Resorts Chief Marketing Officer David Jorden (center left) and Hilton Manila General Manager John Lucas (center right) lead the ceremonial tapping of the first keg for Oktoberfest 2024 at Newport World Resorts. Also present are Newport World Resorts VP for F&B Operations Knut Becker (second from left), Hilton Manila Director of Operations Iulai Sau (second from right), Weihenstephan Brewery distributor Managing Director Larelen Go Dagondon (first from left), and host Eiffelene Howard (first from right)

Deemed its most authentic and biggest celebration yet, Oktoberfest at Newport World Resorts returns for its highly anticipated second edition from October 24 to 26, 2024, at Hilton Manila. The country’s premier lifestyle and entertainment destination is set to welcome more than a thousand fest-goers for three days of indulgence in Bavarian fare, live entertainment, and overflowing steins. The iconic beer festival from Munich, Germany, has become one of the property’s most awaited signature events, thanks to popular demand since its debut last year.

“At Newport World Resorts, we take pride in creating experiences that are as authentic as they are enjoyable. This year’s Oktoberfest is no exception. We’ve gone all out to bring you the very best of Oktoberfest, right here at the country’s premier lifestyle and entertainment destination,” Newport World Resorts Chief Marketing Officer David Jorden said during the media launch.

This edition will feature a selection of classic Bavarian draft beers from Weihenstephan Brewery, the world’s oldest continuously operating brewery. Attendees will enjoy a grand spread of Bavarian favorites, including freshly baked pretzels and German rye bread with flavorful dips, Munich-style sausage salad, platters of pork bratwurst and frankfurter paired with tangy sauerkraut, crispy pork knuckle, chicken schnitzel, and cheese-topped spaetzle. For dessert, guests can indulge in baked apple tart and Kaiserschmarrn.

From October 24 to 26, starting at 6 p.m., The Ballroom of Hilton Manila will be transformed into a traditional Bavarian beer hall with classic long benches, festive buntings, and checkered tablecloths. To complete the experience, the world-renowned AnTon Showband from Austria will keep everyone dancing and celebrating all night.

Get first dibs on Oktoberfest tickets with an early bird promotion of P4,900 nett per person until September 30. The regular price is P5,400 nett per person from October 1. All Oktoberfest ticket holders can avail themselves of an overnight stay at Hilton Manila with breakfast for two at a special rate of P7,500 nett per room, valid during the festival. Guests can also enjoy an overnight stay package at Holiday Inn Express - Newport City, inclusive of breakfast for two, for P4,000 nett. Join the festivities and enjoy exclusive offers at www.newportworldresorts.com/oktoberfest-2024.

Which country in Southeast Asia is best for a foreigner to live long term?

 

Elvin Yeo

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My interests are as varied as the books in a well-loved library—from the mysteries of the ocean’s depths to the wonders of the cosmos, from the intricacies of the human mind to the algorithms driving our digital age. For me, nothing is too small or too vast to explore.

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Choosing the best country to live in Southeast Asia depends on your priorities, such as cost of living, lifestyle, job opportunities, and personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown:

Singapore 🇸🇬: If you prioritize safety, modern amenities, and a stable job market, Singapore is unmatched. It's a bit pricey, but the quality of life is top-notch.

Malaysia 🇲🇾: Malaysia offers a fantastic blend of affordability, culture, and modern infrastructure. With its thriving expat community, diverse culture, and English-speaking population, it’s a top pick for long-term stay, especially for retirees.

Thailand 🇹🇭: Known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and affordable living, Thailand attracts younger expats and digital nomads. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are popular, though expats should be prepared for some bureaucratic hurdles.

Vietnam 🇻🇳: Vietnam has rapidly grown in popularity due to its low cost of living, emerging economy, and breathtaking landscapes. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are bustling with opportunities, especially for entrepreneurs.

Indonesia 🇮🇩: Bali is an expat paradise with a laid-back vibe, though it’s packed with tourists. For a quieter life, consider Lombok or other lesser-known islands.

Philippines 🇵🇭: With widespread English proficiency, the Philippines is easy to navigate for expats. It offers a mix of urban excitement in Manila and serene island life elsewhere, but be mindful of safety concerns in certain areas.

Cambodia 🇰🇭: Ideal for the adventurous, Cambodia is affordable with a rich history. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are the go-to spots for expats, though infrastructure is still developing.

Laos 🇱🇦: For those seeking a slower pace of life, Laos is peaceful and deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions. However, it’s more suited for those who value tranquility over modern conveniences.

Brunei 🇧🇳: While Brunei is wealthy and safe, it’s quite conservative with limited nightlife and entertainment options. It’s best for those who value security and a quiet life.

Myanmar 🇲🇲: Myanmar is still opening up to the world, offering an off-the-beaten-path experience. It’s more suited to adventurous spirits willing to navigate challenges in exchange for rich cultural experiences.

Final Thoughts 🌟: Each country in Southeast Asia offers something unique. Visit a few before deciding, and choose based on what aligns with your long-term goals whether it’s a vibrant social life, job opportunities, or a peaceful retirement.