Sam Concepcion 'excited' to play John Lloyd Cruz's Popoy in 'One More Chance' musical

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

March 2, 2024 | 12:44pm

MANILA, Philippines — Sam Concepcion admitted that he is pressured to play John Lloyd Cruz's Popoy in "One More Chance: The Musical."

In the press conference earlier this week held in Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Theater, Sam shared that he has mixed feelings about playing the role in theater. Originally a movie character played by John Lloyd, Sam is happy, excited and nervous as he prepares to become Popoy on stage. 

“We are very challenged and very happy, excited and a bit nervous. We are really looking forward sa kung ano ang magagawa namin with the story of 'One More Chance' and music of Ben&Ben,” he said. 

"Never in a million years na maiisip ko na mangyayari ito. I don't think any of us expected na 'One More Chance' will be staged here in PETA. It's really monumental. We’re just glad," he added. 

Former child star CJ Navato will alternate as Popoy, while Anna Luna and theater newcomer Nicole Omillo will play Bea Alonzo's Basha.

“May pressure talaga, but at the same time, excited kami kung paano namin mapo-portray itong iconic roles na 'to,” Anna said. 

"One More Chance" is a 2007 romance drama film starring John Lloyd and Bea about two college lovers, Popoy and Basha, who fell apart from each other after being caught up in their own careers and ambitions. 

Meanwhile, Ben&Ben said that they are thankful that their songs were chosen for the musical. 

“Sobrang na touch kami. I think it's safe to speak for all of us. Medyo napa-throwback kami to the time na we were writing the songs together. It’s overwhelming to see what PETA is doing is fresh. Ang galing talaga nila, wala ako masabi,” shared Miguel Benjamin, one of the vocalists of the band. 

“When this project came to us, parang we questioned why us, especially because we are relatively still young in terms of our work,” added his twin, Paolo Benjamin.

PETA has added more shows after tickets sold out months before the show opened. "One More Chance: The Musical" will now run from April 12 to June 30 in PETA-Phima Theater in New Manila, Quezon City.

 

IN PICTURES: Meet the 20 lovely candidates of Mutia ti La Union 2024

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

AT A GLANCE

• The grand coronation of Mutia ti La Union 2024 will be held at Poro Point La Union on March 2.

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The official candidates of Mutia ti La Union 2024 (Facebook) 

In celebration of the 174th Founding Anniversary of the Province of La Union, the momentous event will highlight 20 beautiful candidates from the different regions of La Union. 

Showcasing the rich history and vibrant culture of La Union over the years, the celebration is a testament to the resilience, unity, and dedication of the people who have contributed to the growth and prosperity of the province making it the ‘’Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025’’ because of its major potential in the fields of Agriculture and Tourism.

The grand coronation of Mutia ti La Union 2024 will be held at Poro Point La Union on March 2.

Here are the official 20 candidates for Mutia ti La Union 2024 in pictures:

THE STANDS: An Inquirer Sports Newsletter

 

March 1, 2024

Heart is the biggest size of all for the UST Tigresses.  (UAAP MEDIA)

Hey there sports fan, There's so much content to devour when it comes to UAAP Season 86's volleyball tournament. But for lean-back stories that capture the essence of sports, the best read around is the stories on University of Santo Tomas' upset  of defending champion La Salle. That win meant the Tigresses have now beaten the last two champions of the tournament and the two teams that battled it out for the trophy last year. UST opened the season with a stunning victory over National U.  There's so much to  unpack with that shock start of the Tigresses. First, they are doing all that after losing a powerful chunk of their first six from last season: Eya Laure, Imee Hernadez and Milena Alessandrini. They're also winning despite being one of the smallest teams in the league. And they're the only unbeaten team in the tournament. The Tigresses are getting the job done with almost everybody contributing. Leadership is not a problem, either, what with a fiesty standout serving as team captain. (Trivia question: Do you know who the Tigresses skipper is? Answer at the end of this email). Everybody thought La Salle and NU would cruise straight to another title showdown. Nobody ever thought to stop counting UST out. There are other good reads if you want, including the playfully headlined Ateneo victory over UP and former coach Oliver Almadro. Also, have you heard about this rising star named Casiey Dongallo? Still looking for her first victory.

Justin Brownlee is soaring high for the PH.  (CONTRIBUTED)

Meanwhile... The other team that did good the past week was Gilas Pilipinas. After rapping Hong Kong and demolishing Chinese Taipei, Gilas Pilipinas can now focus on other stuff as it plans for its next phase of competition. You, on the other hand, can focus on some of the best stories that came out of the qualifying windows. Simply follow the instructions below to read about: June Mar Fajardo's "jealousy," CJ Perez's ups and downs, Jamie Malonzo's newfound level,  or even Scottie Thompson's family life. And there's also Justin Brownlee, who talks about growing old. Even our OFWs make a cameo. Subscribe now!     What we're up to next: We will release the nominees for the Inquirer Sports Awards over the weekend! Then on Monday, we will host a testimonial dinner for one of our awardees. Keep tabs on that. We will also continue our in-depth volleyball coverages in the UAAP and the Premier Volleyball League. The PBA Philippine Cup has already started so we're on the ground for that, too. Number of the Week: 3-0 UST's current record in the UAAP, where it is a surprise leader.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “We really want to prove this season that it's not all about height to win volleyall games.” —Bernadett Pepito, on UST finding ways to win despite its size handicap.

The answer to our trivia question? Bernadett Pepito. If you think you can ace our weekly Friday sports quiz, and if you want more sports updates, join our Viber community.  Buy the Inquirer at newsstands, subscribe to our digital edition, Inquirer Plus, visit our online site and follow us on socials (Twitter: @inquirersports; FB: facebook.com/inquirersports) for more stories and updates—or to send us questions or suggestions of stories you'd want to read. See you next Friday! Francis Francis T. J. Ochoa is the Sports Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. For comments, suggestions and questions, hit him up on Twitter (@ftjochoaINQ).

Sharon Cuneta reminds fans: Money amounts to nothing if we’re unhealthy

By: Anne Pasajol

INQUIRER.net / 11:13 AM March 01, 2024

Sharon Cuneta recalled how she shifted to a healthier lifestyle when she turned 50, saying this decision “changed” her life and improved her well-being.

The Megastar, who has been vocal about her health ordeals, underscored the importance of prioritizing one’s health, through a vlog on her YouTube channel on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

“I lost weight when I decided I really wanted to change my life and my outlook on health, and improve the way I live every day,” she said.

The veteran actress-singer then spoke about how the COVID-19 pandemic served as a “wake-up call” not just for her but for the public as well.

“It showed us the reality of the old saying na gamit na gamit na pero totoo, ‘yung ‘health is wealth,” she stated. “Because kahit nga naman ano ang pag-aari mo, kahit gaano ka kayaman o kaligaya sa buhay mo, kung hindi okay ang health mo or you don’t make it a priority, it amounts to nothing—everything na meron tayo—if we’re unhealthy.”

(It showed us the reality of the old and very common saying: “Health is wealth.” Because whatever you own, however rich or happy you are with your life, if you don’t have good health or if you don’t make it a priority, it amounts to nothing—everything that we own—if we’re unhealthy.)

Opening up more on her realizations during the pandemic, she continued, “Sabi nila, most health conditions are caused by stress so you have to be careful about that.”

“Finding this out really made me appreciate that I thought of shifting to a healthier lifestyle. I was 50 when I made that decision,” she looked back. “I wanted to create a better version of myself and that was exactly eight years ago.”

Cuneta earlier appealed for prayers as she disclosed that some aspects of her body’s condition had worsened, and that she had to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

In her most recent health update, she revealed she has been undergoing physical therapy because her leg has been in pain and that she has been limping for more than a month.

Senior citizens need not show prescription for OTC drugs

 

FDA CLARIFICATION Complaints about pharmacies requiring a doctor’s prescription for seniors buying over-the-counter medicines have prompted the Food and Drug Administration to issue a clarification. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

By: Dexter Cabalza - Reporter / @dexcabalzaINQ

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:50 AM March 01, 2024

Senior citizens do not need to present a prescription from their physicians to get the mandated 20-percent discount they are entitled to when buying over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, including vitamins and food supplements, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The clarification made under FDA Advisory No. 2024-0429 and signed by FDA Director General Dr. Samuel Zacate was issued on Wednesday. It was addressed to all drug outlets, hospital pharmacies and healthcare professionals to avoid confusion.

According to the FDA, Administrative Order No. 2012-0007-A of the Department of Health (DOH) states that those age 60 and above are not required to get a doctor’s prescription to avail themselves of a 20-percent discount in “the purchase of OTC medicines.”

Under the DOH administrative order, medicines are defined as “prescription and nonprescription/over-the-counter drugs, both generic and branded, including vitamins and mineral supplements medically prescribed by the attending physician and approved by the [DOH and FDA], which are intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of human disease or sickness.”

The 20-percent discount privilege for seniors is provided for under Republic Act No. 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.Requirements

Citing the law, the FDA noted that in order to avail themselves of the discount, seniors or their representatives can present any form of identification (senior citizens ID card, passport or document) showing their birthday. They must also bring their purchase slip booklets for recording purposes (name of OTC medicine purchased, quantity, when and where it was purchased).

In an earlier radio interview, FDA spokesperson Pamela Angeline Sevilla said they had been receiving complaints from the elderly about pharmacies asking for doctors’ prescriptions when purchasing OTC drugs.

“This should not be the case, because it is clear in the law that when buying OTC items, the only documentary requirement that senior citizens need to present is their senior citizen ID or any ID proving their senior status,” she added.

The FDA instead urged pharmacies and similar establishments to assist and educate the elderly in distinguishing between prescription and OTC drugs to avoid unnecessary inconvenience.

“Let’s help our seniors instead of asking them for a prescription even if we know that the medicine they are buying is OTC and does not need one in the first place,” Sevilla said.

To determine whether a medicine is a “prescription drug (RX)” or OTC drug, the public can access verification.fda.gov.ph/ALL_DrugProductslist.php. which lists down all of the nearly 30,000 FDA-registered human medicines available.

Senior citizens can also file complaints before the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs in their respective local government units against pharmacies that do not comply with RA 9994.

The FDA warned that establishments which fail to honor the 20-percent discount on medicines for the elderly face imprisonment ranging from two to six years, plus a fine of P50,000 to P100,000 for the first offense.

Their business permit, permit to operate, franchise and other similar privileges may also be revoked by authorities.

If the offender is a corporation, partnership or company with a similar structure, its officials such as the president, general manager, managing partner or such other officer charged with managing its business affairs shall also be held liable.

Sea Outcasts: How Filipino Tribes LIVE in Deadly Seas 🇵🇭 - Full Documentary

Andrew Fraser

89.7K subscribers

1,554,014 views Feb 18, 2024

This edit is our documentary spotlight of the seafaring people we encountered on our latest series to the Philippines. Journey with us as we delve into the lives of the Sama, Bajau, and Tausug peoples, as well as the pioneering crab farmers of Manila Bay. Their stories, told through our lens, reveal the ingenious ways they've adapted to life on the water. It's a captivating exploration of survival, cultural vibrancy, and the deep-rooted connection between these communities and their environment.

Globe empowers youth creativity at CCP’s Pasinaya Festival 2024

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Mar 1, 2024 06:34 AM 

AT A GLANCE

• The partnership transformed the largest multi-arts festival in the country into a digital and creative spectacle, proving that technology and arts can come together to create unparalleled experiences for all.

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The Globe Hangouts bus enabled the youth to fuel their passion with various innovative and art activities during the Pasinaya Festival.

Globe has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the aspirations of young creatives and celebrating artistic innovation through its latest collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) for Pasinaya Festival 2024.

The partnership transformed the largest multi-arts festival in the country into a digital and creative spectacle, proving that technology and arts can come together to create unparalleled experiences for all.

Held on Feb. 2 to 4 at the CCP Complex, Pasinaya Festival 2024 offered an "experience-all-you-can, pay-what-you-can" scheme, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in a diverse array of over a hundred shows, screenings, workshops, and activities spanning music, theater, dance, visual arts, film, and literature.

"Globe remains committed to nurturing the youth, offering them opportunities to learn and improve their skills from an early age. The Pasinaya Festival showcased a variety of workshops and performances across disciplines, reflecting the breadth of creativity we support. Our partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines for this festival is just the beginning of the creative partnerships we aim to build this year," remarked Giv Florida, Director and Head of Globe Prepaid.

In line with Globe's mission to empower the next generation of creators, the company's support for Pasinaya 2024 was multifaceted.

Through Globe Hangouts, festival-goers were treated to an array of enriching activities, from virtual reality (VR) on the Hangouts Bus to designing their own tote bags with Dripsplash PH.

Likewise, attendees were able to sign up for GoWATCH: Art Animation Masterclasses for free, ensuring that even those who missed certain talks could catch up via the Globe Hangouts website. 

Globe also facilitated discussions with members of Graphic Artists Philippines and Philippine Graphic Artists to share insights on their communities, community-building efforts, and how the company has supported their creative endeavors.

Those who wanted to make a difference also had the opportunity to positively impact the lives of families facing involuntary hunger by donating their Globe Rewards points to the Hapag Movement via the GlobeOne app.

Globe’s support expanded beyond just experiences to include essential technological infrastructure. Provisioning a robust network played a crucial role in enabling the seamless live streaming of various festival activities and providing outstanding connectivity for all attendees.

Pasinaya Festival 2024 seamlessly aligns with Globe's "Go Lang Nang Go" core message, motivating young individuals to engage deeply with their interests, seek out new experiences, and navigate the complex yet rewarding path of self-discovery.

Globe is dedicated to being a pillar of innovation, enabling Gen Z creators driven by passion to pursue their interests and achieve significant milestones through platforms designed for genuine self-expression. Watch out for updates from Globe on similar events and activities.