Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra sets next season with new conductor

 Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) gears up for its 39th season under the leadership of a new music director and principal conductor Maestro Grzegorz Nowak.

Nowak previously worked with the PPO in the previous season in a concert held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Main Theater last October before the main building was closed for renovations.

In a press conference held last September 5, Novak said the musicians in the PPO responded well to his raising demands during their practices and sessions, something he found very encouraging.

"It's a big change and move, but the main thing is to build something to be recognized [globally] and we are on our way to achieve that," Nowak added.

Prior to joining the PPO, Nowak was the principal associate conductor of London's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the music director of the Polish National Opera, and worked with other orchestras in Germany, Switzerland, the United States, and his native Poland.

For its 39th season bearing the theme "Switch," the PPO will move temporary homes from Manila's Metropolitan Theater to Makati's Samsung Performing Arts Theater while the CCP main building finishes rehabilitation.

All seven concerts will be at 7:30 p.m. with ticket prices ranging from P800 (Balcony 1) to P3,000 (Orchestra Center).

'Switch' rundown

The season begins with "Roman Carnival" on September 15 with Hecot Berlioz's overture of the same name, Edvard Grieg's "Piano Concerto, op.16, A minor," and Ottorino Respighi's "Pini di Roma (Pines of Rome)" featuring British pianist Mark Bebbington as a guest performer.

On October 13 will be "Italian Night" with Felix Mendelssohn's "Italian," Antonín Dvorák's "Cello Concerto," and selected Filipino composition, accompanied by guest Switzerland-based cellist Wen-Sinn Yang.

The third concert "Russian Masters" on November 17 is composed of Pyotr Ilich Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin: Polonaise," Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto, no. 2, op.18, C minor," and selections of Serge Prokofiev's "Romeo & Juliet."

The PPO's holiday performance is "Ode to Joy" on December 8 with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Piano Concerto no. 21, K 467, C major" and Ludwig van Beethoven's "Symphony no. 9, op.125, D minor" — the composer's famous work that adapted Friedrich Schiller's poem "Ode to Joy" — featuring the Philippines' own Raul Sunico on the piano.

The 39th season carries on into 2024 with "Fate" on January 12 consisting of Johannes Brahms' "Piano Concerto no. 1, op.15, D minor," Tchaikovsky's "Symphony no. 4, op.36, F minor," and one commissioned Filipino work, with pianist Jerome Rose as a guest soloist.

The penultimate "Piano Rapture" concert on February 9 will have Poland's Krystian Zimerman as a guest soloist to help perform Stanislaw Maniuszko's "The Fairy Tale Overture," Beethoven's "Piano Concerto no. 4, op.19, Bb major," and Rachmaninoff's "Symphony no. 2, op.27."

As a Valentine's treat, there will be special performances on February 14 and 16 where Zimmerman will be conducting, performing as a soloist, and be part of an ensemble.

Wrapping up PPO's 39th season is "Fete Francaise" with a performance of Gaetano Donizetti's "Don Pasquale." Since it will be a semi-stage opera, auditions for the stage roles will be held in January.

Philippines hailed Asia’s leading dive destination anew

Rosette Adel - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — For the fifth consecutive year this 2023, the Philippines remains to be the leading dive destination in the region.

The World Travel Awards (WTA) awarded the Philippines the Asia’s Leading Dive Destination title at the preeminent WTA Asia & Oceania Gala Ceremony 2023 held at the GEM Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The trophy was personally received by Tourism Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano.

The award was based on public votes and validation from the group’s panel of travel professional.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the recent victory “affirms the unparalleled beauty and megabiodiversity of our country loved by divers and tourists all over the world.”

“This is a testament to the Philippines' commitment to sustainable tourism development and our strengthened collaboration with tourism stakeholders. From our ridges to our reefs, you will never run out of reasons to Love the Philippines!” Frasco added.

The tourism chief, an advocate and diver, is promoting programs that elevate the dive industry.

Among those is the Department of Tourism’s creation of the Dive Committee that will align its dive product development and promotion thrusts with its attached agencies, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, and the Philippine Commission for Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD).

The tourism agency will also convene the country’s national dive stakeholders in the first-ever Philippine Dive Dialogue in Cebu next week to consolidate all the efforts of the national government, local governments and private sector partners.

It is also eying the installation of additional hyperbaric chambers that will improve scuba diving safety standards in strategic dive locations, such as Dumaguete and Daanbantayan in Cebu, by 2024. This will be led by its infrastructure arm, TIEZA.

The DOT likewise launched its own dive expo brand, the Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX), the world's only dive show that combines a dive travel exchange, a business-to-business (B2B) meeting program, dive conferences and seminars, exhibition booths, and familiarization tours to key and emerging Philippine dive destinations. The fourth edition of PHIDEX is slated in February next year.

There are also regional dive-centric events hosted by the DOT which include the DOT Office of Product and Market Development - Dive Team’s Anilao Underwater Shootout in Batangas, the DIVE7 Festival series by the DOT Region VII office, the Davao Dive Expo by the DOT Region XI office, and the NorthMin Dive by the DOT Region X office —which opened on September 6, among others.

Lastly, the DOT has supported diving initiatives, assessments and expeditions, including the Cebu Travel Catalogue, the Bohol Loop Dive Expo (BHOLDEX), the 3rd MisOr Dive Festival, Samal Island Dive Seafari and Bay Deep Mati Freediving Festival, among many others.

WTA Asia & Oceania

Meanwhile, aside from bagging the leading dive destination title, Philippine private tourism stakeholders also won awards.

These stakeholders were recognized in the Asian and country category:

Okada Manila - Asia’s Leading Casino Resort

Discovery Shores Boracay - Philippines’ Leading Beach Resort 2023

Travelite Travel and Tours Co. - Philippines’ Leading Destination Management Company 2023

Seda Hotels - Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group 2023

Regional edition awardees, as well as runners-up and previous year’s winners, are qualified for the WTA’s World edition, which will have its grand awards night in Muscat, Oman in November 2023. 

WTA, established in 1993, is touted as “the ultimate hallmark of excellence" in the tourism and hospitality industries” globally.

LTO to extend driver’s licenses by one year

 

Romina Cabrera - The Philippine Star 

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is set to extend the validity of driver’s licenses up to June 2024 as its plastic card supply deal faces a bump on the road.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza said yesterday that the agency is set to release a memorandum granting an automatic one-year extension for driver’s licenses that expired in June 2023 “in anticipation of the worst-case scenario.”

The extension will be valid for one year or until lifted by the LTO once the license card situation normalizes.

The LTO is facing a legal battle over its P240-million plastic card contract after a losing bidder questioned the deal before a Quezon City court.

A Quezon City regional trial court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the contract, wherein winning bidder Banner Plasticard Inc. was supposed to deliver a total of 5.2 million cards by Feb. 21 next year.

“Our supplier cannot move because of the TRO,” Mendoza said.

The TRO will expire today if the court does not issue a preliminary injunction against the deal, after which the supplier could deliver the plastic cards, he noted.

Mendoza said that that the LTO will inform law enforcers, including the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, of the extension order once it is issued.

Meanwhile, the LTO also vowed to review the enforcement of temporary operators’ permit or TOP.

He said he noted that policies regarding the TOP, which should be valid for 72 hours from apprehension, should be harmonized with Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, which provides for the revised schedule of fines and penalties.

September orchid of the month: Paphiopedilum

BY JAMES TABABA

Sep 7, 2023 12:58 PM

  

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Paphiopedilum philippinense (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

Paphiopedilum, commonly known as the lady’s slipper orchid, is a fascinating group of plants included in the Appendix I list of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Being classified under CITES Appendix I means it is a critically endangered plant species subject to stringent international trade regulations that aim to safeguard its survival and prevent further decline.

Paphiopedilum orchids are highly regarded in the horticultural world due to their multifloral nature, producing many flowers on a single stem. Orchid collectors and enthusiasts find them appealing because of their texture, elegance, and diverse range of colors which include purple, brown, green, yellow, and white. Their flowers resemble a lady's slipper, characterized by bulbous labellum, elongated petals, prominent dorsal sepals, and fused lateral sepals.

Paphiopedilum philippinense (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

Natural habitat and growing conditions

In the Philippines, the most prevalent type is the Paphiopedilum philippinense, which is found extensively in the country and extends to Borneo. These beautiful orchids are native to the Philippines, where two-thirds of the species are endemic, existing only within the country's borders. Paphiopedilum philippinense has been observed growing on limestone in coastal areas. The porous nature of limestone allows the roots to permeate and store water, making it the preferred growing medium for these orchids. Despite being called "ground orchids," Paphiopedilum does not grow directly in soil but rather on detritus or decaying vegetation found on the forest floor. In some instances, they can be seen growing on tree branches.

Paphiopedilum philippinense (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

Cultivating Paphiopedilum can be challenging, especially when taken outside their natural habitat. Laboratory-grown Paphiopedilum orchids tend to be easier to grow than those taken from the wild, as they have already been selected and acclimated to controlled conditions. For successful cultivation, it is essential to mimic their natural environment as closely as possible.

Potting mix and container

Paphiopedilum orchids can be grown on various mediums such as bark, limestone, crushed stones, or marbles. Some sellers in Cebu even use crushed crab shells, which should be thoroughly washed and sterilized to remove excess salt. Additional components like coconut husk and charcoal can be added to the potting mix. To ensure stability, it is essential to plant the orchid firmly and avoid wobbling. The plant can be bound or secured on sticks or wires for added support. 

A Paphiopedilum hybrid of Paphiopedilum philippinense and Indonesia's pride, Paphiopedilum rothschildianum from Borneo. (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

While most orchids' pot size is determined by the length of the leaves or canopy, Paphiopedilum prefers smaller pots, sometimes as little as a two-inch width, but adequate to keep the plant upright. It is crucial that only the roots have contact with the growing medium to prevent rot and diseases caused by leaf-media contact.

Light and water requirements

Paphiopedilum thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Placing them under a single layer of net shade will provide sufficient lighting. These orchids require watering once a day.  A slow-release fertilizer is preferred, although any balanced fertilizer will suffice.

Paphiopedilum lowii from Palawan (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

Proper ventilation and air movement

While Paphiopedilum is considered a ground orchid, better growth is often achieved when the plant is hung, allowing for proper ventilation and air movement. The most common problems encountered when growing these orchids are mites and leaf scales, which typically occur due to overcrowding. Additionally, Paphiopedilum orchids are susceptible to bacterial and fungal diseases. However, these issues can be minimized by meeting the basic requirements of adequate sunlight, proper spacing between plants, and avoiding leaf contact between plants. If any signs of browning on the leaves are visible, the affected parts should be promptly removed to prevent disease spread.

Paphiopedilum exhibits an exotic ornamental appearance, making it a sought-after plant. However, its relative rarity and specialized care requirements contribute to its higher cost, appealing more to connoisseur orchid growers rather than a mainstream choice. 

Photo courtesy of Manila Bulletin Agriculture

UNVEILING THE MASK: Who is Lee Han-byeol?

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Sep 6, 2023 11:23 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Han-byeol is one of the artists who manifested that it's never too late to pursue your dreams! In her feature withHarper Bazaar's Korea, she said that she only pursued acting during her late 20s and did not take any courses related to acting for her undergraduate studies.

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Lee Han-byeol (Instagram)

A new face is unveiled in the new original K-drama series on Netflix, "Mask Girl." Even behind the disguise, the rookie actor who appeared for the first time on the TV screen, Lee Han-byeol, made a powerful debut and caught people's attention for her performance in the Korean thriller.

The actress played the role of the first face of the main character, Kim Mo Mi, the woman whose appearance was hidden by a mask. It's time to reveal more about the rookie star behind the mask, so here are nine things about Lee Han-byeol.

• Lee Han-byeol is a Pisces but doesn't want to reveal her MBTI.

Han-byeol is 31 years old and was born in South Korea on March 18, 1992. In her first solo interview on the YouTube channel of Harper's Bazaar Korea, Han-byeol said that she doesn't want to reveal her MBTI, "If I reveal my MBTI, I feel like I'm naked and people know too much about my tendencies," the actress said. 

• The actress competed with 1,000 participants who auditioned for the role of Kim Mo Mi.

During the press conference of Mask Girl, Han-byeol admitted how she was worried about her role. Still, the director, Kim Yong Hoon, made sure to give all the support and gave her a message that she would do well. The director mentioned that Han-byeol was selected out of the 1,000 registered participants. Yong Hoon was impressed by the actress's looks as it matched the character, although it's relatively new in the K-drama scene.

Lee Han-byeol on the set of 'Mask Girl' (Instagram)

• Lee Han-byeol is signed under Ace Factory.

Korean agency Ace Factory represents well-known actors such as Lee Joon Hyuk ("Dark Hole," "365 Repeat the Year," "Stranger"), Yoo Jaemyung ("Itaewon Class"), Lee Joo Young ("Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, Itaewon Class") and more!

• She pursued acting in her late 20s.

Han-byeol is one of the artists who manifested that it's never too late to pursue your dreams! In her feature with Harper Bazaar's Korea, she said that she only pursued acting during her late 20s and did not take any courses related to acting for her undergraduate studies. 

• Lee Han-byeol's first lead role was in 'Mask Girl!'

Before landing her lead role in Mask Girl, Han-byeol appeared in short films. Finally, she made her TV acting debut in Mask Girl, portraying the first Kim Mo Mi, who plays an office worker during the day and a cam girl by night.  

• The actress trained with a choreographer from YG Entertainment for her role in 'Mask Girl'

Dance skills are a must to play the role of Kim Mo Mi, and the show's director said that Han-byeol had to take up dance training for it. Han-byeol trained under a choreographer from YG Entertainment, and the actress revealed that it took quite some time for her to get comfortable dancing in a 'sultry' manner. She also said that the 'Dance in the Rhythm' by Kim Wan Sun was the most challenging track to dance to. 

A picture from Lee Han-byeol’s Instagram @lhanbyeol 

• Many people praised the performance of Lee Han-byeol in 'Mask Girl'

People who watched "Mask Girl'' were so impressed when they found out that it was Han-byeol's first TV acting debut. They praised the performance of Han-byeol in the series, especially knowing that it was the actress' debut performance. 

• Lee Han-byeol opened up on encountering hurtful moments because of her appearance and her avoiding Googling "Mask Girl" because of some comments.

Now, more K-dramas discuss the beauty standards of South Korea, which has been an issue for quite some time. Han-byeol said that discussing this topic is not new to her as she encountered unpleasant experiences from people's perceptions of her. In an interview, she said, "I try not to Google Mask Girl too much because some of the comments might be hurtful." 

• She has an eye for photography!

On her official Instagram account (@lhanbyeol), Han-byeol has photos mostly about art, and her bio links to the profile of @vbgstxx, which shows photographs of places around Korea. Behind masks, she has an eye for good details and scenes to show. (Kyla Mari Paulo/OJT/University of Santo Tomas)

Kapuso stars brighten up the country’s biggest festivals in Mindanao

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Sep 6, 2023 10:13 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• “We would like to thank all Kapuso from various regions in the Philippines for always inviting GMA Network to their festivals and for giving us the opportunity to share with them the talents of our artists. Kudos as well to all the people behind GMA Regional TV because through their hard work and talent, we are able to continuously spread joy and touch lives in all parts of the country,” said GMA Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.

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Kapuso Mall Show of TiktoClock hosts during Davao City's Kadayawan Festival

Excitement and love filled the air during the colorful celebrations of the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, Higalaay Festival in Cagayan de Oro City, and Tuna Festival in General Santos City as some of the country’s biggest stars graced Mindanao’s largest festivities.

Kapusong Dabawenyos couldn’t help but feel happy and kilig as the stars of the top-rated mystery murder series ‘Royal Blood’  — Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes, Lianne Valentin, and Dion Ignacio — flew to Davao City to take part in the fun celebration of Kadayawan Festival. Hearts definitely fluttered as Dingdong, Lianne, and Dion ignited the stage through their entertaining and powerful performances in the Kapuso Mall Show at Gaisano Grand Citygate Mall, Buhangin, Davao City last Aug. 19.

The next day, Aug. 20, remained extra thrilling and fun as Pokwang, Kuya Kim Atienza, Faith da Silva, Rabiya Mateo, and Jayson Gainza from the hit variety show ‘TiktoClock’ celebrated with all the fans who joined their fun-filled Kapuso Mall Show at Ayala Malls Abreeza, Davao City. Prior to their mall show, the Tiktropa immersed themselves with the locals of Kadayawan Village inside the Magsaysay Park and brought some short but sweet entertainment in front of Davao City Hall.

Kapuso Mall Show of Royal Blood stars during Davao City's Kadayawan Festival

Meanwhile, Kapusong Kagay-anons definitely felt special and loved as the stars of the upcoming drama ‘Love Before Sunrise’ visited their picturesque city to take part in the vibrant celebration of Higalaay Festival. The crowd was mesmerized and fascinated as multi-awarded actress and box-office icon Bea Alonzo and Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo, together with Sparkle artist Rodjun Cruz, treated them to a Kapuso Mall Show in Ayala Malls Centrio, Cagayan de Oro last Aug. 28.

Bea and Dennis, together with their ‘Love Before Sunrise’ co-star Andrea Torres, also flew to General Santos City last Sept. 1 to take part in Gen San’s Tuna Festival. They sparked joy and painted smiles through a Kapuso Mall Show in KCC Convention and Events Center, KCC Mall, General Santos City.

Kapuso actor Gabby Concepcion likewise graced the opening ceremony of Gen San’s Tuna Festival last Sept. 1. Joining the celebration of elegance, culture, and community at the Mr. & Ms. Gen San 2023 last Sept. 2 at Lagao Gymnasium, General Santos City was Sparkle artist Luke Conde.

Kapuso Mall Show of Love Before Sunrise stars during Gen San's Tuna Festival

“We would like to thank all Kapuso from various regions in the Philippines for always inviting GMA Network to their festivals and for giving us the opportunity to share with them the talents of our artists. Kudos as well to all the people behind GMA Regional TV because through their hard work and talent, we are able to continuously spread joy and touch lives in all parts of the country,” said GMA Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.

Watch out as GMA Regional TV brings the hottest Kapuso stars to various regions across the Philippines to take part and to spread good vibes in more festivals and special celebrations.

EXCUSE ME PO! Six revelations about Kapuso broadcaster Mike Enriquez

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Sep 6, 2023 02:03 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Marissa Flores, former Senior Vice President of GMA News and Public Affairs, revealed that when the cameras are off, she dances to the music played on set. However, he would show this side of him on cameras, especially at the end of a newscast.

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Mike Enriquez

Miguel"Miguel" Enriquez, a talented speaker, joined broadcast journalism years ago. A respected journalist in the industry, Mike has established himself with his distinctive voice and commitment to the truth.

Mike provided insightful coverage of significant events, shaping public opinion and highlighting crucial issues.

Last Aug. 29, the veteran broadcaster passed away at age 71 while having dialysis. His wife, Lizabeth “Baby” Yumping-Enriquez, said that Mike’s blood pressure suddenly dropped and his heartbeat stopped.

Let's take a closer look at the life and legacy of the beloved broadcaster, as revealed in the latest episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho."

 

• Mike was a funny guy
   

Despite reporting difficult and serious topics, the broadcaster also had a funny side. Joel Reyes Zobel, anchorman of DZBB, said that Mike was a serious person sometimes, but he would crack some jokes here and there.  

His wife, Baby, said that the real Mike was different from the one we see on television. Apart from his authoritative voice and serious persona, Baby said that he was a joyful and talkative person. 

Marissa Flores, former Senior Vice President of GMA News and Public Affairs, revealed that when the cameras are off, he dances to the music played on set. However, he would show this side of him on cameras, especially at the end of a newscast.

 

• Mike frequently coughed because of nuts 
• 
  

The iconic “Excuse me po!” was actually because of his love for eating nuts. His throat would often get dry because of this choice of snack. Fellow broadcaster Jessica Soho even told him to avoid eating them, but staff members would sneak in some nuts for him to eat.  

It came to a point when he even said “Ilang beses ba kong pwede umubo? Papalagay ko yan sa kontrata ko” when Marissa talked to him. 

 

• His nickname 'Booma' came from comicbook

 

Mike’s friends used to call and tease him “Booma” because of his weight. The nickname came from an elephant in a comic by Mars Ravelo. At first, he would get angry whenever they called him Boooma until he eventually got used to it and it stuck with him even during his career. 

Baby Enriquez (left) and Jessica Soho with Mike Enriquez’s standee (Facebook)

 

• Mike and his wife treated their dogs like their babies

The couple did not have any children, so they considered their pet dogs their children. 

They also had a knack for naming their dogs with Mike’s nicknames. Their brown poodle is named “Booma,” and the white one is named “Mickey.”

“Yung Mickey was his nickname when he was small. 'Yun ang tawag sa kanya nung mga parents niya, grandparents,” Baby said.

[Mickey was his nickname when he was young. It is what his parents and grandparents called him.]
 

• Mike had a very generous heart

 

According to Baby, Mike is a generous person who is always ready to help others without any hesitation. Elgin Feliciano,  a crew member of "Imbestigador," said that Mike helped him financially when he needed surgery for his appendix. 

“Madali siya lapitan. Bukas-palad 'yung pagtulong niya kahit sino ang lumapit sa kanya.” he said. 

[He was approachable. He was generous and helped anyone who came to him.]

Joel also said that Mike comforted him when his dad died, saying that he should not be ashamed to cry. The journalist even told him that “Kapag huminto kang malungkot, parang nakalimutan mo na sila.” [When you stop being sad, it’s like you've forgotten them.]
 

• Mike was a diligent worker

Maan Famador, floor director of Imbestigador and 24 Oras, said that in the span of 22 years, Mike was never absent from work. 

When he was taking a medical leave, he always looked forward to going back to his work. Baby said that the caregivers told her that Mike contacted GMA Network’s chairman and CEO, Atty. Felipe Gozon. Days passed and a letter from Atty. Gozon arrived, stating that “Yes Mike, basta you’re 100 percent sure of yourself that you're healthy and you can do it and your doctors are giving clearance that you can go back to work, you’re welcome.”

Mike has certainly made an impact on the field of journalism in the Philippines. He has inspired many aspiring broadcasters with his unwavering dedication to delivering the truth and fighting for the abused. (Jaff Emielene Conejos/OJT/University of Santo Tomas)