Sanya Lopez and Ashley Ortega emotional on the issue of comfort women

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Oct 24, 2024 11:27 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Guest speakers urged the public to support the cause and help restore dignity to the survivors while proactively promoting peace.

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Kapuso stars Sanya Lopez and Ashley Ortega share their thoughts on the issue of comfort women during the pandesal forum held at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe on Oct. 24.

"Pulang Araw" stars Sanya Lopez and Ashley Ortega admitted to shedding tears when they first learned about the issue of comfort women.

Sanya and Ashley shared their thoughts during an open forum, "Flowers for Lolas," sponsored by the 85-year-old Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City on Oct. 24. Both stars portrayed comfort women in the popular Kapuso primetime series.

"Napakabigat ng topic. Artista lang naman ako pero ramdam ko ang mga ipinaglalaban ng mga kababaihan natin," Sanya started as she got emotional. 

Sanya continued: "Sa totoo lang po, ganito rin ang naramdaman ko noong una ko silang nakasama. Sorry at emotional ako rito kasi totoong nangyari sa kanila ito noong World War II.

"Naimbitahan din ako sa isang organization para sa comfort women at nakakalungkot na dalawa na lang ang natira sa kanila roon.

"At nagsalita sila kung kailan nila matatanggap ang hustisya na nararapat para sa kanila. Konti na lang sila so kailan pa? Noong nakausap ko sila sobrang sakit sa puso na marinig yung kwento nila. Hindi po biro yun.

"Isa sa tumatak sa akin doon ay ang kwento ni Lola Isang. Sabi niya kapag nakikita ko yung mga kabataan ngayon, masaya siya. Siguro kung ako rin yung bata ngayon, ang saya-saya ko. Doon ko narealize sobrang swerte ng generation ko at hindi natin naranasan yung nangyari noon," Sanya also said. 

Sanya Lopez

Sanya mentioned that she was inspired to join the series after learning about the struggles of Filipino comfort women.

Ashley said she got nervous when the historical TV series was initially offered.

"I want to be honest na hindi talaga ako aware sa mga nangyari sa comfort women. But I am grateful na na-meet ko yung mga lola. I was heartbroken.

"Nag-iiyakan kami noon. Ngayon na ipinapakita ng 'Pulang Araw' ang storya ng comfort women, nakikita ko yung mga comments and they became aware of what was going on now.

"Ngayon lang nila nalaman na may ganito palang nangyari during World War II. Yun ng gusto talaga namin iparating sa mga hindi pa completely aware sa mga pinagdaanan nila.

"Now I am happy na yung mga students na nalaman na nila ang mga nangyari and I think it's about time. Para hindi maulit ang nangyari noon. 

"Kapag ginagawa namin yung mga eksena, hindi ko talaga maisip na nangyari yun. Masakit talaga sa puso. Pero I'm happy na naging voice ang 'Pulang Araw' at naging aware ang mga kabataan natin kung ano ang nangyari noong giyera," Ashley said.

Ashley Ortega

Wilson also commended Sanya and Ashley for their courageous portrayal of comfort women in the series and proposed a movie project for GMA on the same issue.

Set during World War II, “Pulang Araw” traces the intertwined lives of four childhood friends—Eduardo, Teresita, Adelina, and Hiroshi. As war ravages their homeland and Japanese forces occupy the country, their dreams, friendships, and loyalties are tested, leading them on a journey of self-discovery and resilience.  

Also in the same forum were Gabriela Congresswoman Arlene Brosas, Flowers for Lola's spokesperson Teresita Ang See, Lila Pilipina Director Sharon Cabusao-Silva, Malaya Lolas legal counsel Atty. Virginia Lacsa-Suarez, and activist Atty. Dennis Gorecho.

The same forum emphasized the need for collective action to honor comfort women victims, press for reparations, and ensure historical accountability. 

Guest speakers urged the public to support the cause and help restore dignity to the survivors while proactively promoting peace.

Even Christ had to pray

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

IT’S worthwhile noting that even Christ had to spend the night praying before he made that big decision of choosing his 12 apostles among the many disciples that he had at that time. (cfr. Lk 6,12-16) This could only mean that for Christ to be completely in union with the will of the Father, he had to pray.

There should be no doubt on our part that we too should learn how to pray not only from time to time but rather all the time, if we want to be completely in union with the will of God as we should. Christ is showing us the example, and we should just try our best to follow it. It’s what is proper to us.

Prayer should be like the breathing and the beating of the heart that we need to keep ourselves spiritually alive. It’s what would enable us to enter, start and keep sharing the very life of God as we are meant to do. Without prayer, we would put ourselves in an anomalous condition as we separate ourselves from the very source of our true identity and dignity.

We have to learn to pray all the time, converting everything into some form of prayer by doing it always with God and for God and not just by ourselves, motivated only by some earthly and temporal reasons. This is always possible and practicable because God has designed everything as a form to connect ourselves with him. It’s up to us to follow that design or not.

Ideally, everything should be an act of prayer, whether we are doing our sacred or mundane duties, whether things are good or bad for us, whether we are alone or in a crowd, etc.

Prayer should not be understood only in its sacred, solemn mode. It can lend itself to all the situations and circumstances of our life. It is practicable in any situation. We just have to develop the proper discipline which, of course, will require some training.

And just like any training, it at first has to be taught under a controlled environment. That is why, at the beginning we were taught as children to recite and put into memory some vocal prayers. We may not understand everything said there, but that at least initiates us to the practice of prayer.

Then further steps ought to be made. We have to learn how to exercise our faith, how to meditate and contemplate, how to find a proper place, time and even posture for it. And then how we can have presence of God the whole day, the rectitude of intention in all our actions, the habit of offering everything to God, and literally of conversing with God and discerning his will as we go on with our daily activities.

Let’s remember that without God who is our creator and source of all good things, we can only do evil. We would be like a branch cut off from the vine. We may manage to give an appearance of life and goodness, but without Him, we actually have and are nothing.

We have to be constantly aware that we cannot be simply on our own. We need God and we need to be with everybody and everything else. We have to overcome our tendency that we can afford to be isolated. We should never forget that we are always in communion and we need to make that communion alive and healthy. Prayer does that for us!

Dressed in Schiaparelli, Heart addresses ‘the elephant in the room’

 

BY ALLAN POLICARPIO

OCTOBER 25, 2024

Heart Evangelista -- FACEBOOK/HEART EVANGELISTA

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On any given day, words come naturally to Heart Evangelista. But in this fleeting moment, they eluded her.

Last Tuesday, as she welcomed a roomful journalists to the press conference for her new reality television show, “Heart World,” she paused midway through her speech to acknowledge, and shake off, her uncharacteristic jitters.

“Kinakabahan ako, actually,” she said, breaking into a smile and fidgeting in her black Schiaparelli tank top that she wore as a dress; she bought it specifically for this event.

MMFF 2024 announces second batch of films

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

October 23, 2024 | 11:08am

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MMFF 2024 announces second batch of films.Posters for the second batch of MMFF 2024 movies

Metro Manila Film Festival

SENTOSA, Singapore — The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) unveiled the second batch of films that will be competing at the festival's 50th edition later this year.

The five movies were unveiled during an event last October 22 in Mandaluyong's Podium Hall hosted by Jake Ejercito and Isabelle Daza. These entries were chosen among finished films submitted on or before September 30.

The films are the romance films "Hold Me Close" and "My Future You," thrillers "Topakk" and "Uninvited," and horror movie "Espantaho."

"Hold Me Close," helmed by Jason Paul Laxamana, who competed last year with "Penduko," sees him reuniting with his "Expensive Candy" stars Julia Barretto and Carlo Aquino.

Barretto last headlined an MMFF film in 2016 for "Vince and Kath and James," while Aquino's last entry in the festival was back in 2012 for Chito S. Roño's "Shake, Rattle and Roll XIV."

Roño directs Judy Ann Santos in "Espantaho," her first movie since the 2019 MMFF movie "Mindanao," where the actress is joined by Lorna Tolentino and Mon Confiado.

The director himself is coming back to the film festival after a decade when he competed with "Feng Shui 2."

"Uninvited" stars Nadine Lustre and Vilma Santos — the two most recent Best Actress winners at the festival — along with Aga Muhlach under the direction of Dan Villegas, his first MMFF film since 2017's "All of You."

Richard Somes' "Topakk" is headlined by Arjo Atayde and previously screened in several international film festivals last year including Cannes, Locarno, and Sitges.

In the cast with Atayde are Julia Montes, Sid Lucero, Kokoy de Santos, Enchong Dee, and Vin Abrenica.

"My Future You" is the first MMFF movie of love team Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, under the direction of Crisanto Aquino.

The first batch of films announced earlier this year were "The Kingdom" starring Piolo Pascual and Vic Sotto; Vice Ganda's comeback movie "And The Breadwinner Is" directed by Jun Robles Lana; last year's Best Director Pepe Diokno adapting "Himala: Isang Musical;" Zig Dulay's "Green Bones;" and Kerwin Go's "Strange Frequencies: Haunted Hospital."

The 10 competing films of MMFF 2023 managed to collectively bring in P1.069 billion, beating the previous record held by the 2018 edition, a feat mostly attributed to the Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera movie "Rewind" — currently the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time.

Carrying on and keeping Rustan’s’ Christmas spirit alive

BY MARINEL CRUZ

OCTOBER 23, 2024

Rustan's Christmas window --CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

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“We are hoping to continue the legacy she has built,” said Anton T. Huang of his mother, Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco, who led the luxury retailer Rustan’s until her death in February. The company formally launched its holiday collection with an unveiling ceremony of its Christmas-themed window display on Oct. 18.

It’s a poignant time as the Tantoco heirs continue a longtime Rustan’s holiday tradition.

“It’s true that we’re no longer as complete as we were last year,” said Huang, president and CEO of Rustan Commercial Corp., SSI group of companies, and Rustan Marketing. “We’re doing what we can to continue the legacy that [our late chair and CEO] built, and also that of her parents—our grandparents.”

Rustan’s Christmas shop

The unveiling of the Christmas-themed display, which dates back to the 1980s, has become a tradition. The building façade of the flgaship store in Makati not only creatively brings many of its featured brands to the forefront, but also spreads the holiday spirit to every passerby.

“As I told the Rustan’s team earlier, I’m proud of what they’ve done. I really feel, as I entered the building today, that there’s some strong sense of emotion that brings us back to the magic that we felt during Christmas while we were growing up,” Huang told Lifestyle shortly after the unveiling held at the five-story branch in Makati City.

Celebratory moment

This year, the window display depicts Santa’s journey, showcasing his preparations in the workshop, and culminating in the delivery of gifts to children in the community. What makes this year’s concept unique is its modern interpretation of the folkloric tale, Rustan’s explained in a statement. For instance, instead of a sleigh, Santa is seen driving a beautiful vintage car loaded with gifts, as Mrs. Claus zips through town on a Vespa.

Anton Huang, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Lizzie Zobel, Marga Nograles and Donnie Tantoco

Meaningful cause

“We’ve always thought of Christmas as a celebratory moment or period of the year,” Huang said. “I want to make sure that this year, like in the previous years at Rustan’s, Christmas will be for all ages and not only for the children themselves. It should be for the child in all of us. That’s what we are really trying to achieve today. I think we did an incredible job of creating a magical place for our shoppers and loyal customers, for them to really enjoy themselves this holiday season.”

Rustan’s goes full-on with its lavish decorations. On launch day, the doorman welcomed visitors with a holiday tune. Inside, Santa’s elves ushered guests to the courtyard for refreshments. The Head Elf arrived shortly, signaling the start of the festivities by asking: “Do you believe in the magic of Christmas?”

Pundaquit Virtuosi Orchestra

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Tourism Promotions Board head Marga Nograles, Lizzie Zobel, Dr. Hayden Kho Jr., and Happy Ongpauco-Tiu were among the guests .

Each floor hosted a variety of activities. At the Beauty section on the ground floor was Santa’s Chocolate Corner, where guests were offered cacao samples. Meanwhile, the Men’s section featured a cocktail-tasting booth.

Rustan’s and SSI Group chair Donnie Tantoco, Happy Ongpauco-Tiu. Marga Nograles, Dr. Hayden Kho. Dr. Vicki Belo, Lizzie Zobel and Anton Huang

The second floor (Women’s) featured a Christmas tram where guests took souvenir photos. They also had the chance to interact with fashion designers such as Rosbert Villar, Yoya, Joyce Makitalo, Jim Weaver, and Puey Quinones.

Palace suspends government work, classes on Oct. 31

BY BETHEENA UNITE

Oct 22, 2024 09:48 PM

  

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Malacañang has suspended work in government offices and classes at all levels on Oct. 31, starting 12 p.m. for the observance of All Saints' and Souls' Days.

Davao City residents visit their departed loved ones at the Davao Public Cemetery on All Saints Day, November 1. (Keith Bacongco)

Through Memorandum Circular No. 67, the Palace issued a suspension to give government employees the full opportunity to properly observe the All Saints' and Souls' Day activities.

"In order to provide government employees full opportunity to properly observe traditional All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day activities, allow them to travel to and from different regions in the country, and promote domestic tourism, work in government offices and classes at all levels shall be suspended on 31 October 2024 starting 12:00 p.m.," the memorandum read.

However, agencies, whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services, shall continue their operations and render the necessary services, the memorandum added.

The suspension of work for private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads.

The memorandum was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

59 areas placed under tropical cyclone wind signals due to ‘Kristine’

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Oct 23, 2024 08:57 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Kristine could make landfall in Isabela or northern Aurora on Wednesday evening, Oct. 23, or Thursday morning, Oct. 24, potentially as a severe tropical storm.

• Nearly the entire country is expected to experience rainfall in the next 24 hours due to the vast circulation of Tropical Storm Kristine.

• Kristine may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, Oct. 25.

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Forecast track and intensity of Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) as of 8 a.m., Oct. 23, 2024 (Courtesy of PAGASA)

Twenty-six areas have been placed under tropical cyclone wind Signal No. 2 and 33 areas under Signal No. 1 as Tropical Storm “Kristine” (international name “Trami”) approaches Luzon on Wednesday, Oct. 23, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In the PAGASA’s 8 a.m. bulletin, Signal No. 2 was raised in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, northern and eastern portions of Quezon (Infanta, General Nakar, Real, Mauban, Perez, Alabat, Quezon, Calauag, Tagkawayan, Guinayangan), including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and northeastern portion of Sorsogon (Prieto Diaz, City of Sorsogon).

Areas under Signal No. 1 include Metro Manila, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Bataan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, the rest of Quezon, Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Calamian Islands, the rest of Sorsogon, Masbate (including Ticao and Burias Islands), Aklan, Capiz, Antique (including Caluya Islands), Iloilo, Guimaras, northern portion of Negros Occidental (Pontevedra, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Bago City, La Carlota City, Valladolid, Pulupandan, Bacolod City, San Enrique, Murcia, Silay City, City of Talisay, Enrique B. Magalona, Manapla, City of Victorias, Cadiz City, Sagay City, City of Escalante, Toboso, Calatrava, Salvador Benedicto, San Carlos City), northern portion of Negros Oriental (Vallehermoso, Canlaon City, City of Guihulngan), northern and central portions of Cebu (Alcantara, Argao, Dumanjug, Sibonga, Pinamungahan, Ronda, Liloan, Cebu City, Moalboal, Consolacion, Danao City, Borbon, Carmen, Daanbantayan, Tuburan, City of Bogo, Tabogon, City of Naga, Lapu-Lapu City, City of Carcar, Mandaue City, Catmon, Minglanilla, Toledo City, Cordova, Compostela, San Remigio, Balamban, Aloguinsan, San Fernando, Asturias, Barili, Medellin, Sogod, Tabuelan, City of Talisay), including Bantayan Islands and Camotes Islands, Bohol, the rest of Eastern Samar, the rest of Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte (including Siargao-Bucas Grande Group).

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Kristine has maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts reaching up to 105 kph.

The storm’s center was located 310 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora, and is expected to move west-northwestward at 15 kph.

PAGASA said Kristine could make landfall in Isabela or northern Aurora on Wednesday evening, or Thursday morning, Oct. 24, potentially as a severe tropical storm.

Heavy rainfall forecast

Nearly the entire country is expected to experience rainfall in the next 24 hours due to the vast circulation of Tropical Storm Kristine.

PAGASA warned of intense to torrential rainfall in Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Bicol Region, mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quezon.

Moderate to, at times, intense rainfall is also expected in Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Visayas, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte.

The trough or extension of Kristine may also bring moderate to, at times, heavy rains to Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Soccsksargen.

The rest of Mindanao is likely to experience isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to Kristine’s trough.

PAGASA warned that these conditions may lead to flooding and landslides, especially in areas identified as highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards on hazard maps, and in areas with significant antecedent rainfall.

Kristine may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, Oct. 25.