Controversial docu-film ‘Lost Sabungeros’ premieres in QCinema International Film Festival

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Nov 7, 2024 02:58 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Directed by Bryan Brazil, “Lost Sabungeros” aims to investigate the disappearances of over 30sabungeroswho have been abducted in various incidents since 2022. 

After its controversial cancellation at the 20th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, the wait is finally over as GMA Public Affairs’ first-ever investigative documentary film, “Lost Sabungeros,” is set to have its international premiere at the QCinema International Film Festival this Nov. 9.

Directed by Bryan Brazil, “Lost Sabungeros” aims to investigate the disappearances of over 30 sabungeros who have been abducted in various incidents since 2022.

Last August, the screenings of Lost Sabungeros were canceled due to "security concerns.” This drew more questions and concerns from the public, resulting in a strong clamor to watch the documentary.  

The Directors' Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI) issued a statement in support of creative freedom and safety, expressing that the unfortunate cancellation of the film is a  “stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare to challenge the entrenched through their art.”

Now, “Lost Sabungeros” has found a new platform to show the story of these individuals through the QCinema International Film Festival.

Brazil expressed his gratitude to QCinema for including the film in their roster of documentaries for this year’s screenings. 

“Thank you very much, QCinema. This film has gone a long way and we’re really happy to be given this platform in QCinema. ‘Lost Sabungeros’ is the story of the families of missing cockfighters who have still not been found. This is not just their story but also the story of our nation and the solutions for our society,” he said.

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all cockfighting arenas in the Philippines, the century-old gambling bloodsport moved online and grew into a money-making machine overnight. But things took a shocking turn when more than 30 men disappeared without a trace.

“Lost Sabungeros” documents some of the lives of people whose world has been turned upside down because of the bloodsport.

The highlight of “Lost Sabungeros” is the three whistleblowers who came forward to share their knowledge about the crimes allegedly committed by those who abducted the missing sabungeros.

"Lost Sabungeros" will have its premiere on November 9, 8:35 p.m., at Cinema 16, Gateway Cineplex 18 in Quezon City. This will be followed by a talk back session moderated by Kara David, during which the directors, producers, and relatives of the missing sabungeros will be interviewed. 

The film will have additional screenings on Nov. 10, 5:15 p.m. at Cinema 16 and on Nov. 12, 1:45 p.m. at Cinema 15 of the Gateway Cineplex 18. 

A pioneer in documentary, talk, and news magazine programming, GMA Public Affairs has put the Philippines on the world stage with its legacy programs recognized by prestigious award-giving bodies here and abroad.  With "Lost Sabungeros," it takes a significant step forward by producing its first investigative docu-film, further expanding its commitment to impactful storytelling.

Miss Universe 2024 to air, stream live on ABS-CBN platforms

Will Chelsea take home the crown as the new Miss Universe?

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Nov 8, 2024 09:01 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Will Chelsea succeed the 72nd Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua? Watchthe pageantlive on A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Metro Channel, and iWantTFC. 

Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo

Get ready to witness the most beautiful day as the 73rd edition of “Miss Universe” is set to air and stream live on multiple ABS-CBN platforms including A2Z Channel 11, Kapamilya Channel, Metro Channel, and iWantTFC, on Nov. 17 (Sunday) at 9 AM.

Filipino fans can show support and cheer for the Philippines' bet, Chelsea Manalo, the first Pinay of Afro-American descent to represent the country, as she competes alongside other queens for the prestigious title of Miss Universe. 

Live from Arena CDMX in Mexico City, the world's most prestigious beauty pageant will shine the spotlight on 130 beautiful women as they represent their country with pride and participate in various events. 

For this year’s competition, the Miss Universe Organization also released its newest format. The 130 candidates from all of over the world will be rounded down to 30 beauty queens, who will advance in the competition. Then, 12 out of 30 candidates will move on to compete at the evening gown portion. Only five hopefuls will vie for the crown in the finals during the question and answer round.

To help Chelsea enter the Top 30, you may download the Miss Universe app on your mobile devices and click "Philippines."

Will Chelsea succeed the 72nd Miss Universe, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua? Watch the pageant live on A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Metro Channel, and iWantTFC. 

Same-day replays will be available at 8:30 PM on A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Metro Channel and iWantTFC. Metro Channel will air more replays on Nov. 18, 7:30 PM,  and 23, 8:30 AM.

What's your best writing advice?

 

Jean-Marie Valheur

"Oh Lord to be near you, to be free"

98,647 followers

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I’ve never hidden any of my content behind a paywall, and I never will because I want every word I write to be available to even those who cannot afford a monthly subscription. But if you have a little more to spend and you still like to support me, you can send me something here and help me greatly:

BTC:

124qPwNTDuN4GTCFdT95J35gjv2c165JTG

I’m a simple dude. Father-of-five, complicated personal life. Trying to make writing, which is my passion, into my livelihood but can’t do it alone. :)

I’m just some random dude on Quora, I take my writing advice from my betters. Stephen King wrote a total of 65 full-length novels, 91 published items if we include shorter stories and various collections. The man is insanely productive. Now look at his office, where he does his writing:

It’s essentially a “work station”. King keeps office hours. His writing is a nine-to-five job. So he goes to work, does his thing, and then when he’s done for the day, he’s done for the day. You have to keep hitting the keys. You have to keep churning out material. It may be great, it may be awful, it may be anywhere in between but you have to produce. I’m by no means the next Shakespeare or Hemingway but when I compare my earlier Quora answers from five years ago, a lot of my more recent work is infinitely better…

…and a lot of it is mediocre, too. You can’t always hit a home run. But the only way to become better at writing, is to write more. The same way you become better at boxing or swimming or making love by doing more of it. It’s that simple.

Analysis: Miss Universe 2024 semifinalists forecast

 

Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo (left) with Miss Universe Chief Executive Officer Anne Jakrajutatip in Mexico.

Earl D.C. Bracamonte - Philstar.com

November 6, 2024 | 12:10pm

MANILA, Philippines — Days after the Miss Universe 2024 delegates arrived in Mexico City for the 73rd pageant edition, we saw some girls who we think would place in the semifinal round.

We simply based our choices from their headshots and videos shared on social media, as well as observations on how they interacted with fellow delegates, the organizers, and fans they've come in contact with.

This is a two-part series so we begin with the first 10:

Philippines - Chelsea Manalo is the first Filipino winner with Afro-American lineage. That by itself is a highlight in Philippine pageant history. And coupled with a kind heart and sunny disposition, the beauteous Bulakeña has her sights on the country's fifth crown.

Peru - Chelsea's roommate, Tatiana Calmell, is out to finish some unfinished business. Her compatriots are of the belief that Janick Maceta was robbed of the crown in 2020.

Thailand - Opal Chuangsri, like her predecessor, is rumored to be a favorite among pageant organizers.

Puerto Rico - The Philippines' Gloria Diaz crowned their first winner in 1970, Marasol Malaret. After a near-win in 2019, with Madison Anderson, this state in the Bermuda Triangle has been gunning for its sixth crown.

Venezuela - After the USA, this country has the most number of wins at seven. Like all powerhouse countries, they too are aiming for their eighth.

Denmark - Victoria Theilvig visited Mexico City weeks before the official arrival dates, prompting netizens to assume that she's the chosen one.

South Africa - Speaking of inclusivity, Mia le Roux is the first deaf winner in her country's pageant history. She's up against many other "firsts" in this Mexico edition.

Mexico - They're not only the host, they also want to win the crown like what Denise Quiñones did in 2001 - with Puerto Rico winning the home court.

Egypt - Logina Salah may suffer from Vitiligo (Psoriasis) but her skin condition will not hinder her chances of placing in the competition.

France - presenting the most glamorous national finals annually, 2024 winner Indira Ampiot has favorable qualities that other delegates could only wish they had.

Catch the second part of this forecast. Coming soon!

Watch the 73rd Miss Universe final show on November 16 (November 17, Manila time) via the A2Z Kapamilya channel.

DepEd sets November 27 as ‘Araw Ng Pagbasa’

Schools to prepare activities for the 2024 National Reading Month celebration.

BY MERLINA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

Nov 6, 2024 06:41 PM 

This year’s “Araw ng Pagbasa” (National Reading Day) is scheduled for November 27, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).

(Courtesy of DepEd / file photo) 

The schedule is based on DepEd Order No. 09, series of 2024, or the Implementing Guidelines on the School Calendar and Activities for School Year (SY) 2024-2025.

In previous years, the “Araw ng Pagbasa,” observed by public schools nationwide, served as the culminating activity for National Reading Month (NRM). 

NRM, a month-long event celebrated each November, is part of DepEd’s efforts to foster a reading culture and enhance literacy skills among Filipino youth.

Dennis Legaspi, Media Relations Chief from the Office of DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, noted that the issuance of the 2024 NRM celebration guidelines is being finalized.

NRM celebration

While the DepEd Central Office has yet to release specific guidelines for this year’s NRM celebration, some DepEd Schools Division Offices have issued memoranda on the event. 

The Schools Division of Baybay City in Region 8, for example, issued guidelines on Oct. 28 for the 2024 National Reading Month celebration, Pambansang Buwan at Araw ng Pagbasa, as well as the 90th National Book Week.

A list of activities was recommended for the NRM celebration.

Schools were also reminded to adhere to policies that regulate learner and teacher participation in curricular and extracurricular activities to ensure “classes are not sacrificed and that learning recovery measures are fully implemented.”

The month-long activity includes the division’s initiatives to improve and enhance learners’ reading performance, aligned with the priorities of the National Learning Recovery Program (NLRP).

Among the suggested activities is a school-level National Reading Month kick-off where all school administrators and teachers can serve as “mystery readers” of a Filipino children’s storybook during the flag-raising ceremony.

Other proposed activities include book donation drives, peer-to-peer reading programs, setting up reading pantries where materials are accessible to all, “book talk” sessions where learners share their favorite books, read-a-thons, and poster-making activities during art classes. 

DepEd declared November as National Reading Month through DepEd Memorandum No. 244, series of 2011, signed by former DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro.

The memo also established “Araw ng Pagbasa,” during which elementary and secondary students from both public and private schools participate in storytelling sessions, reading list preparations, reader training, and a readership development program.

Schools and learning centers are encouraged to hold various activities for NRM, which may include a “reading camp” highlighting pupils' talents in communication arts through competitions and a “read-a-thon” to foster a reading culture among students and identify the most outstanding individual and team readers in public elementary schools.

During NRM, DepEd encourages schools and learning centers to implement the “Five Words a Week (FWAW) / A Paragraph a Day (APAD) / Library Hour a Week” programs. These programs encourage pupils to learn and master one word daily for five days a week and to read aloud one or two paragraphs each day before classes start, helping develop communication skills. 

Additionally, remedial reading programs are offered, with teachers or class advisers providing lessons to students at the frustration reading level.

Schools and learning centers may also implement activities such as “Big Brother / Big Sister / Kaklase Ko, Sagot Ko / Shared Reading,” where older students or independent readers mentor those at a struggling reading level. 

Another activity, Drop Everything and Read (DEAR), dedicates 15 to 20 minutes daily for reading books or other materials available in the school.

A reminder to strengthen preparedness now that climate change is here

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Nov 7, 2024 08:47 AM 

A Day of National Mourning declared in memory of lives lost during the onslaught of a strong tropical cyclone is not an expected act from the President of a country that is visited by at least 20 weather disturbances like storms and typhoons every year.  Records on such declarations show that a Day of National Mourning had been declared in memory of fallen soldiers, church leaders, and government leaders.

But early this week, on Nov. 4, the country paused to remember those who lost their lives – about 150 of them – when severe tropical storm Kristine blew into the country, bringing a month’s rainfall in 24 hours, causing floods and damage to properties and agriculture. And super typhoon Leon came soon after that and shook extreme Northern Luzon.

With Proclamation 728, and in accordance with Republic Act 8941, the national flag was flown at half-mast on that day in all government buildings and installations across the country and abroad.  The international community with embassies in the Philippines expressed their sympathies, many of them posting on social media photos of their respective flags flown at half-mast.

President Marcos’ proclamation has emphasized the fact that climate change and global warming are very real threats to our lives.  We have in a way become used to the visits of typhoons that we have failed to evaluate if our disaster preparedness needs to be strengthened because the weather disturbances will come with stronger winds and more rain.

Even with the disaster preparedness measures of government agencies and private groups, the loss of lives and damages to property and to our food security caused by “Kristine” have been high.  Here are some of the most relevant numbers from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as of Nov. 5: 

* 8,847,888 people and 2,249,345 families were affected by the two weather disturbances — Kristine and Leon —  in 17 regions;

*  194,272 people or 48,146 families stayed in evacuation centers, while 517,705 individuals or 106,152 families were taking shelter in other places;

* 217,425 houses were damaged, 183,622 partially and 33,803 totally.

* Damage to agriculture was placed at ₱5,913,505,507; to infrastructure, ₱8,247,425,268; irrigation facilities, ₱1,032,188,000.

“Kristine” entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Oct. 21 and made landfall over Isabela on Oct. 24. It left the PAR on Oct. 25. “Leon” entered PAR on Oct. 26, passing extreme North Luzon and exited on Oct. 31.

Because the country is located at the “typhoon belt” — and because climate change has changed the behavior of weather disturbances — disaster preparedness measures should keep on being upgraded to deal with the new wind strength, increased rainfall and flooding.

The enhancements on the present systems, and changes in strategies, have started with the President’s orders on relevant government agencies. 

Warning systems will be improved by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) while closely coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to provide the public with timely information.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) have been ordered to gradually reduce water levels in dams before a typhoon even arrives.

The National Disaster Risk and Management Council (NDRRMC) is analyzing how its disaster response measures can be enhanced to ensure the swift delivery of assistance to affected communities.

There is more work to do to enhance our disaster preparedness systems to protect people and our food sources from the effects of stronger weather disturbances.

A review of 'We Live In Time'

BY AJ SIYTANGCO

Nov 6, 2024 11:43 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The film also asks us to consider what happens when we run out of time. Suddenly, every moment is a big deal; every memory is a precious treasure. Time is a funny thing. And always, always, there never seems to be enough of it. 

A scene from 'We Live In Time'

Time is a funny thing. Sometimes, it seems agonizingly slow, and other times, it looks unnecessarily fast. In either case, what stays with us are moments, snippets of time that mean something, good or bad.

It's these moments that director Josh Crowley’s (Brooklyn) new film, We Live In Time, wants to try and explore. The movie follows the lives of Almut and Tobias, played by Florence Pugh (Oppenheimer, Dune 2) and Andrew Garfield (Tick Tock Boom, Spider-Man No Way Home) as they navigate their shared life together.

Almut is an aspiring chef and restaurateur with a bright career ahead of her, while Tobias is an affable recent divorcee working for the Weetabix company. In the romantic tradition of the meet-cute, Almut runs Tobias over with her car by accident, and the two, pardon the pun, hit it off.

Pugh and Garfield have an amazing on-screen chemistry together, particularly for a pair who have never played a romantic couple before. There’s a genuine-ness to their love that permeates their relationship regardless of whichever stage of their life you see them in. The same purity of affection that Tobias had when he first goes out with Almut is there when they face their biggest hurdles, and this is an endearing thing to see in a couple.

The story covers their ups and downs but does so non-linearly. The plot jumps back and forth between different eras or what you might call stages in their relationship. It can be confusing if you’re not a fan of the narrative style, but it does provide a change of pace from the typical romantic drama to see the effect of something before you find out the cause. 

We see them with their daughter, yet when we jump into the past, we hear Almut say she doesn’t want kids. We immediately want to know how she changed her mind. Time jumps can often seem gimmicky, but they play into how we remember things and how memories shape our lives.

Time is a funny thing. It just seems to pass us by. We don’t remember everything, no matter how much we might want to. We can’t; there isn’t enough space in the average brain to remember everything in a lifetime. But the memories we do keep are the important ones. Meeting the love of your life, getting a new job, getting fired from a job, winning at something, having a child, and fighting an illness are all life experiences that define us.

The film also asks us to consider what happens when we run out of time. Suddenly, every moment is a big deal; every memory is a precious treasure. Time is a funny thing. And always, always, there never seems to be enough of it.

The rock elf and captain Christmas: A review of 'Red One'

BY PHILIP CU UNJIENG

Nov 7, 2024 07:01 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The premise is that Santa Claus (JK Simmons) has been kidnapped. So Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), head of North Pole security, enlists Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans), a bounty hunter, to help find Santa in time for you-know-what. 

If you told me everything about this film was conceptualized and decided upon by an algorithm, I would not be surprised. It’s December next month, so the thinking at Warner Brothers and Amazon MGM would have been, let’s release something Christmas-themed, and let’s put Hollywood ‘dependables’ Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans together for the first time in a mismatched buddy/adventure film. Let’s tug at heartstrings and have lots of laughs, plus throw in an avalanche of CGI that will wow the kids and the ‘child in the adults’ who’ll be watching. 

The premise is that Santa Claus (JK Simmons) has been kidnapped. So Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson), head of North Pole security, enlists Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans), a bounty hunter, to help find Santa in time for you-know-what. Lucy Liu, Bonnie Hunt, Kiernan Shipka, and Nick Kroll are along for the ride, but they’re like the reindeer outside of Rudolph - forgettable support. 

Directed by Jake Kasdan of Jumanji fame, with a screenplay written by Chris Morgan, from the story of Hiram Garcia, the start of the film throws us into the action right away, establishing the character of a young Jack as something of a spoilsport, and definitely on Santa’s naughty list. Of course, that’s also a heads-up that he’ll grow up to be the Jack portrayed by Chris Evans, so he is the main character with an arc. That one you can see coming from thousands of miles away.

I’ll give brownie points to the story concept and screenplay for updating this Santa and turning him into a facsimile of POTUS, ruling his North Pole kingdom. You have the supersonic reindeer, a polar bear that talks and acts as security, elves, and other magical creatures. To add to the texture, the screenplay then incorporates almost every conceivable Christmas legend - from Grampus to a Christmas witch and creatures that would rival the cantina scene of Star Wars. 

There’s a play on the Dwayne Johnson screen persona, as the powers of this security elf will have you laughing the first time it’s utilized. And they try to make our main villain have something of a backstory - but inevitably, she has to take a back seat to our mismatched duo.    

And that is where the problem lies - despite their prolonged screen time together, there’s never really much chemistry between the two. It’s more like they’re just out-quipping each other and figuring out whose turn to have the last word of that particular sequence.

This film will have some box-office ‘legs,’ as the kids will enjoy all the mayhem, physical scenes and jokes, and the overriding narrative. But somehow, I think the producers also hoped that adults would enjoy this film while bringing the children. For that, you have to be more pure in intention, like how Wild Robot works at different levels of appreciation. This one looks a tad ‘forced’, and falls short in that category. But full credit for trying!