‘Firefly’ is most awarded film of Manila International Film Festival 2024

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Feb 7, 2024 08:42 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The MIFF is an international film festival that aims to bridge Filipino films to global audiences and showcase Filipino culture and art.

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'Firefly' continued its victorious streak abroad, winning the most awards at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Hollywood.

From being the silent underdog to becoming the 2023 MMFF big winner, ‘Firefly’ continued its victorious streak abroad as it won the most awards at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Hollywood, California – including the highly-coveted Best Picture honor.

The film produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs also took home three more awards and three nominations during the MIFF Awards Night last Feb. 3: another Best Screenplay for GMA Public Affairs SAVP and Firefly creator Angeli Atienza; Best Director for award-winning film and TV director Zig Dulay; and Best Supporting Actress for highly-acclaimed actress Alessandra de Rossi.

Present during the awarding ceremony were GMA Network’s Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, who accepted the Best Director award on behalf of Zig Dulay; Angeli Atienza; and Firefly actress Ysabel Ortega, who accepted the Best Supporting Actress award on behalf of Alessandra de Rossi. Joining them were Sparkle GMA Artist Center VP Joy Marcelo and Firefly actor Dingdong Dantes. 

In addition to winning four major awards, the film also garnered nominations for the Best Supporting Actor (Epy Quizon) and Actress (Cherry Pie Picache) categories, as well as for Best Cinematography (Neil Daza).

Following their Best Picture win, the ‘Firefly’ team was awarded a $200,000 co-producing package by Birns and Sawyer to produce a US-based feature film.

The 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Best Picture winner, ‘Firefly,’ narrates a moving story about family, dreams, and bravery as the young Tonton, portrayed by MMFF Best Child Performer Euwenn Mikael, embarks on a journey to find the mystical island of fireflies based on his mother's bedtime stories.

The film won Best Screenplay and 15 nominations at the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal last December.

Early this year, ‘Firefly’ was shown in the United Arab Emirates before its screening in Los Angeles, California, as part of the MIFF.

The MIFF is an international film festival that aims to bridge Filipino films to global audiences and showcase Filipino culture and art.

Can you learn Standard German and speak it in Switzerland...

Shayn M.

23,574 followers

76 following

... or do you have to learn Swiss German only and not Standard German?

Of course. I can’t speak Swiss German but I had absolutely no trouble conversing with people in Zürich, Bern, or Luzern. Everyone was totally fluent in Hochdeutsch and more than willing to speak it for my benefit.

If you want to stay in Switzerland long term, learning the dialect is a great idea but nobody will expect non-Swiss to know any of the Swiss dialects.

Many Germans and Austrians live in Switzerland and they get by using standard German all the time, although after a while, locals will start to use dialect around German speakers who’ve been there “long enough”.

I’ve talked about this with some German acquaintances living in Zug and Winterthur and they talk about how, although they still use Hochdeutsch rather than dialect themselves, they can understand the dialect now and their Swiss friends no longer bother to code switch around them.

Waste-to-fuel: A paradigm shift

By Charlie V. Manalo

February 6, 2024 90

THE search for a single solution to the twin problems of runaway waste and expensive energy has given birth to the term waste-to-energy, or WTE, which is nowadays immediately imagined as burning trash to run power generators.

But as WTE emerges as a risk, not a solution, one aspect of it that could set off a paradigm shift in cheap but reliable energy is being relegated to the background instead of being given the attention it deserves — waste-to-fuel.

Nowadays, WTE also means solid fuels produced from waste. These include RDF, liquid fuels like SAF, and biodiesel like bio-CNG and H2.

Let's separate the grain from the chaff. The most common understanding of WTE is burning garbage and using the heat it generates to produce electricity. It's a most dangerous process.

Let's coin the term WtF instead — turning wastes into fuel.

A bill is already pending in the Senate that would institutionalize WTE. It, however, overlooks WtF, which evidence suggests is a much safer, cleaner way to convert garbage dumps into a repository of fuel sources.

Jump-starting the industry, however, would take more than just a law. Instead, it requires an entirely different system, one that would spur a paradigm shift in mindsets and ways of life. In short, a game changer.

The law must straighten the maze of bureaucracy that involves at least three government departments — the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Energy (DoE), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The DENR is there because the system involves waste and the WtF industry's impact on the environment in the process of turning wastes into fuel for power generation.

The DoE is involved because the system is centered on the industry's main product — electricity.

The DILG is in the loop, too, because it is supposed to oversee the waste management operations of local governments from where the raw material for fuel, garbage, will emanate.

Let's go back to WTE in its most basic form.

Most countries the size of the Philippines and smaller within the region have had various stages of WTE systems.

There are enough lessons to be learned from other countries with more advanced experience with WTE, so let's learn from them.

But WTE, or the direct use of burning trash to feed power generators, is laden with complexities other than that it could escalate the amount of poison that we are already breathing in our air.

Scientific evidence would suggest that directly feeding power generators with burning trash will not solve runaway waste and expensive energy. Instead, it will just add a bigger problem—toxicity.

Preference for WtF would help address this main concern about WTE and the process it takes to turn waste into energy.

But to plant the seeds for WtF, there should be a good rationale for those who would dig deep into their pockets to invest in the industry.

It would take more than tax breaks or holidays to entice investments into WtF, an entirely new enterprise that will take years to mature.

In many countries, using waste as fuel for energy has won government guarantees because, like a newborn child, the industry would need steady hands to keep its first steps steady.

Investors and local governments that would oversee the management of waste would benefit greatly from clear pricing formulas.

The experience of India and Thailand, among several countries with working WtF industries, can serve as lesson plans.

Legislation-wise, the Philippines has already taken the first step in a potentially game-changing WtF industry through the National Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

But implementing the law has proven to be a daunting, often impossible, task.

Local governments cannot catch up with the requirement to build waste management infrastructure because of lack or the sheer absence of funds.

Even if waste management becomes efficient, the question lingers — is it safe to burn trash for energy?

Evidence and data from WTE experience elsewhere show otherwise.

This uncertainty over the risks that WTE carries is further complicated by the bureaucratic maze that is being proposed for the industry.

The DENR will be in charge of monitoring waste management compliance, the DoE for energy regulation, and the DILG for local waste collection and disposal

Imagine yourself to be an investor planning to venture into WTE, as risky as it is. Imagine the days, weeks, months or even years you will spend just obtaining permits.

Those serious enough to take a close look at WTE are likely to sigh and exclaim: WTF!

Another Tropical Wave, Mt Mayon Eruption and the Westpacwx Update

Keep the country’s 5 GEMs healthy with biodiversity

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Yes, the Philippines is beautiful!  Those who have made time to see the country know that it was not a waste of time to go see the Philippines, perhaps one weekend of the year at a time. 
 

Recently, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called attention to five of those beautiful spots, the Five GEMs (Green Economy Models) — El Nido, Coron, Siargao, Panglao and Puerto Galera. 

DENR is working with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to preserve the biodiversity of the Five GEMs. Government agencies are closely monitoring these prime tourist destinations for their water resource management, solid waste management, land use planning and enforcement of easement zones, and public-private partnerships.

Biodiversity is not only important to keep a prime tourist spot pretty but it is important to preserve the ecosystems that support life.

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said the department has allocated ₱600 million for the agency's biodiversity management projects this year, specifically for the enhancement of the marine research station and the conservation of threatened species, such as the Philippine Eagle, Tamaraw, Dugong, Palawan Cockatoo, and marine turtles.

The importance of biodiversity to sustainability cannot be over-emphasized.  It provides us with many products to sustain our survival – food, water, medicines, materials for shelter, protection from coastal erosion, and mitigation of climate change, with forests absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The World Wildlife organization puts it simply: “Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.” 

Since the Philippines is recognized for its rich biodiversity, the DENR chief said that most of the foreign funding it receives is related to the preservation of biodiversity.

We know that biodiversity is linked to climate, linked to food, linked to water, Sec. Loyzaga emphasized.

One of the problems that the agencies have to deal with is plastic pollution especially in the tourist areas.  It seems that the more visitors a beautiful place attracts, the bigger the problem of plastic pollution mostly coming from food and product packaging. If solid waste disposal remains mismanaged, beach areas will be at risk of being temporarily closed for rehabilitation, similar to the case of Boracay Island years ago.  This concern was expressed by DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos during the meeting.

The five major threats to biodiversity have been identified as climate change, pollution, habitat loss, overexploitation of species and invasive species.

To keep the Philippines beautiful, especially its Five GEMs, more concern for a healthy biodiversity from the human population is needed to help the efforts of the DENR, DOT and the DILG.

The clarion call is for all local communities to participate in protecting our biodiversity and enhance the appeal of domestic tourist attractions in every corner of the nation.

Jake Almeda Lopez passes away, 95

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Feb 4, 2024 02:31 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "We are forever grateful, Atty. Jake. Rest in peace, Kapamilya!"

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Atty. Augusto 'Jake' Almeda Lopez (fphc.com picture)

Another official of ABS-CBN has passed away.

War veteran and former ABS-CBN vice chairman Atty. Jake Almeda Lopez has died. He was 95.

Lopez passed away on Feb. 3, the same day ABS-CBN executive Deo Endrinal died. 

ABS-CBN has issued a statement on the passing of Lopez:

"ABS-CBN mourned the loss of our esteemed Vice Chairman and pillar, Atty. Jake Almeda Lopez. A decorated war veteran, he dedicated many years to building and rebuilding ABS-CBN alongside our founder, Kapitan Geny Lopez, who described him as the "soul" of our organization.

"His life was a testament to service, both on the battlefield and as a Kapamilya leader, serving his country and contributing greatly to ABS-CBN's success. As we bid farewell to one of our pioneers, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. 

We are forever grateful, Atty. Jake. Rest in peace, Kapamilya!"

More reasons to ‘Love the Philippines’

Earning numerous accolades from prestigious travel institutions

BY REY ILAGAN

  

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2023 proved to be a remarkable year for Philippine tourism, surpassing the target international visitor arrivals and reaching the five-million mark before year-end.

Under the leadership of the Department of Tourism, the country earned numerous accolades from prestigious travel institutions, including the World Travel Awards 2023 (WTA) held at Burj Al Arab in Dubai, UAE, in December. 

The Philippines was honored with the inaugural Global Tourism Resilience Award, acknowledging the country's demonstration of “global leadership, pioneering vision, and innovation to overcome critical challenges and adversity.” Being one of just five countries acknowledged for this award, the Philippines sets the standard for best practices in tourism resilience. 

(Background photo from Epik)

In addition to this significant recognition, the Philippines was once again honored as the World's Leading Dive Destination, World's Leading Beach Destination, and World's Leading City Destination for Manila City. 

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed joy over these accolades, stating, “We are elated and grateful that Philippine tourism continues to soar to global prominence with tourists declaring their love for the Philippines as the undisputed World’s Leading Beach Destination and World’s Leading Dive Destination, and now World’s Leading City Destination, Manila.”

Frasco continued, “Receiving the Global Tourism Resilience Award is also especially meaningful as this is an affirmation of all the hard work done in the past year to strengthen the pillars of tourism development through convergence and collaboration towards the tourism transformation envisioned by our President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. These accolades are as much a source of Filipino pride as they are a testament to the enormous contribution of tourism to the Philippine economy and global standing.”

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

It's the beginning of February 2024. Sure, I do my tasks every day. Writing, teaching, and so on.

I just don't like consuming the news anymore. It's just depressing. Are there really positive and negative news? I learned during my studies and training: Only a negative headline makes a good headline. Of course, only economic things were in the background - or maybe in the foreground?

A journalist, a columnist and a writer for almost 60 years now. I lie in bed at night and think back to the time when I “started” writing. Sure, “everything was different back then”….

Sure, the world was in a different situation. Sure, wars always happened somewhere and at some point. Problems as well.

But guys, what is the world like right now?

Somehow each of us tries to make the best of everything. Somehow.

You keep your ears, eyes and especially your mouth closed. But will this make the world better?

I often sit on my porch. The rain is pouring down. Somehow it has gotten colder in the Philippines too.

Not within my family in the Philippines. Neither do many neighbors here in Davao. But otherwise? Wow. In any case, I feel even more comfortable here in the Philippines. Well, and the first people are already asking: why?

Well, I've been living here for 26 years now and I see what's happening around me in the world.

Well, on the whole, I feel well protected here in the lap of my family. In Davao. In the Philippines.

One thing, if not the most important thing: music. Music of all kinds. Music keeps me uplifted. Music gives me strength. Music keeps me going!

I still remember my time as a radio presenter and my years of broadcasts. Classical music from the last 400 years or so. But also music from the 50s, 60s and 70s of my youth.

My youth was not easy. But, I “pushed through”. The music of all time has always accompanied and strengthened me.

I have published a lot about music. Also on the radio. My listeners thanked me again with their feedback.

Music, no matter what direction, can build bridges between two completely different worlds.

Write and publish as well.

I am grateful that so many publishers, magazines and newspapers agree.

God bless you and your readers.

Pagasa monitors cloud clusters in Mindanao

By Arlie O. Calalo, Manila Times

February 5, 2024

THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Monday said it is monitoring cloud clusters that could bring rain in Mindanao in the next 24 hours.

Weather specialist Robert Badrina said however, that these cloud formations were unlikely to develop into a low pressure area.

"Based on Pagasa's data and analysis, there is no storm that would likely form or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility until over the weekend," he said, adding that most parts of the country will have fair weather.

In its 5 a.m. advisory, Pagasa said that the easterlies and northeast monsoon locally known as "amihan" are affecting the eastern section of the country and extreme Northern Luzon.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to overcast skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

DEUTSCH-PHILIPPINISCHE BEZIEHUNGEN (XI) - German-Philippine Relations (XI)

 

Father Bacareza was my  mentor from the first beginning during the 80s. I learned a lot from him. He opened many doors for me for future publications.

Philippine-German or German-Philippine relations are an undeniable reality for Filipinos and Germans who see in many examples of cultural exchange and mutual economic cooperation  and several gestures if mutual friendship.

As Philippine Ambassador to Germany, Her Excellency Minerva Jean A. Falcon stated in 2005: "Philippine-German relations are built on the strong foundations that link the people and culture of both countries.

In this era of globalization and with the emergence of the information age, Philippine-German relations have reached high gear.

As my mentor Fr. Gene (Hermogenes Bacareza) stated before: "If this book can inspire at least a reader to promote the friendly relationship between the Philippines and Germany, the efforts of the author shall have been achieved.

It's been a long time now. And what is it like these days?

(To be continued!)

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Pater Bacareza war von Anfang an in den 80er Jahren mein Mentor. Ich habe viel von ihm gelernt. Er hat mir viele Türen für zukünftige Veröffentlichungen geöffnet.

Die philippinisch-deutschen bzw. deutsch-philippinischen Beziehungen sind eine unbestreitbare Realität für Filipinos und Deutsche, die in vielen Beispielen des kulturellen Austauschs und der gegenseitigen wirtschaftlichen Zusammenarbeit sowie in mehreren Gesten gegenseitiger Freundschaft sehen.

Als philippinische Botschafterin in Deutschland erklärte Ihre Exzellenz Minerva Jean A. Falcon im Jahr 2005: „Die philippinisch-deutschen Beziehungen basieren auf den starken Grundlagen, die die Menschen und die Kultur beider Länder verbinden.“

Im Zeitalter der Globalisierung und mit dem Aufkommen des Informationszeitalters haben die philippinisch-deutschen Beziehungen einen Höchststand erreicht.

Als mein Mentor Pater Gene (Hermogenes Bacareza) sagte zuvor: „Wenn dieses Buch zumindest einen Leser dazu inspirieren kann, die freundschaftlichen Beziehungen zwischen den Philippinen und Deutschland zu fördern, sind die Bemühungen des Autors erfolgreich.“

Es ist schon lange her. Und wie ist es heutzutage?