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Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Foreign envoys condemn China’s latest aggression in WPS
Philstar.com
May 1, 2024 | 11:01am
This frame grab from handout video footage taken and released on April 30, 2024 by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shows the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Bagacay being hit by water cannon from Chinese coast guard vessels near the chinese-controlled Scarborough shoal in disputed waters of the South China Sea.
MANILA, Philippines — Foreign envoy denounced China’s “dangerous” maneuvers and use of water cannons against Philippine vessels near Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The Philippines’ task force on WPS issues said on Tuesday that China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia vessels “harassed, blocked, water cannoned and rammed” vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) headed to Bajo de Masinloc to assist Filipino fishers in the area.
Both the PCG and BFAR vessels sustained damage. China also reinstalled a 380-meter barrier across the shoal’s entrance, blocking access to the traditional fishing ground.
“The [People’s Republic of China] used dangerous maneuvers and water cannons to disrupt a lawful Philippine mission providing food and fuel to fisherfolk within the [Philippine] exclusive economic zone,” United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said on X.
European Union Ambassador Luc Véron said that any aggressive behaviors pose “threat to safety of life at sea, the freedom of navigation, and the prohibition of the use of force or coercion.”
“In short, this is against international law,” he added.
The Embassy of France in Manila also expressed opposition to any threat or use of force contrary to international law and stressed the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue.
British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils reiterated the United Kingdom’s calls for respect for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and adherence to the 2016 Arbitral Award, which ruled that China’s claims to almost the entire South China Sea has no legal basis.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and Canadian Ambassador David Hartman also expressed concerns about China’s latest aggression.
In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry told the Philippines to stop “provocative actions in its waters.”
“China advises the Philippines to immediately stop its infringing and provocative actions and not to challenge China's firm determination to safeguard its sovereignty,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said. — Gaea Katreena Cabico
Heaven Peralejo and Marco Gallo: A love-hate relationship?
AT A GLANCE
Like any good marriage, Marco and Heaven agree that they're both in a "love-hate relationship," which keeps them from going into the full-blown romance path many expect them to tread.
Filipino-Italian actor Marco Gallo describes his team-up with award-winning actress Heaven Peralejo as "a marriage without a ring."
By now, the two have worked together on several major projects: "The Rain In España," "The Ship Show," and "Safe Skies, Archer." Their latest movie from Viva, "Men Are from QC, Women Are from Alabang," will be shown in cinemas starting May 1.
Like any good marriage, Marco and Heaven agree that they're both in a "love-hate relationship," which keeps them from going into the full-blown romance path many expect them to tread.
"Sometimes you feel like you're falling in love, and sometimes you feel like you're hating this person...just because we're so comfortable with each other. Because you don't wanna ruin it, you just try to be friends, but then sometimes you can't help it. I feel like we're just trying to enjoy every project we have. And taking it slow," Marco remarked.
The two agree they're "halfway there" when developing a romantic connection. Heaven pointed out: "Meron kaming love-hate relationship, and I think it's good. It gives color. We learn to be a better person afterwards. Natututo kaming maging humble, or mawala yung pride. Things like that actually build the future."
Marco and Heaven are once again glad to collaborate with director Gino Santos for "Men Are From QC...," after working with him in "Safe Skies, Archer." In return, the director only has good things to say about MarVen, praising them for having "a partnership of actors."
"Mag-away sila because the scene needs them to be angry at each other. You see that they help each other. Heaven knows what makes Marco cry. Marco knows how Heaven gets pissed off. They use that to improve their characters para magawan ng paraan ang eksena at para ma-motivate sila. Ito yung partnership of actors talaga, which I appreciate," Director Gino stated.
"Men Are From QC, Women Are From Alabang' is the most mature love story I've ever done. Expect a different Marco and Heaven here because grabe talaga yung binigay nila sa film na ito. I'm proud of them for accepting it," the director added.
Adapted from the book of Filipino-Chinese author Stanley Chi, the film's protagonists are Tino (Marco) and Aica (Heaven) who meet at work and fall in love. The plot deals with the complexities of a romantic love that is not only challenged by the distance between cities but also by the demands of work and the need for emotional satisfaction.
Inasmuch as the film tackles the differences between a man and a woman, Heaven and Marco were able to reflect on the specific qualities they like and dislike about each other.
"I think Heaven is the first girl that I have ever dealt with where the importance of being a man and the importance of being a woman is so important. You know, for her, a man needs to give his girl the princess treatment," Marco pointed out. "In return, a woman needs to make her man happy by, you know, cheering him up and supporting him with everything he wants. Honestly, I have never dealt with a woman like her before."
On the other hand, Heaven had this to say about her screen partner. " Sobrang maalaga ni Marco. One time, I was wearing slippers on the set, and he wiped my feet because it got dirty. That's him. His love language is to serve. That's one thing I love about him."
What can audiences learn from movies like "Men Are From QC, Women Are From Alabang?" Director Gino pondered on its lessons.
"Every relationship is different. Communication is key. You have to find out your goal at the right moment in life, whether it's for love or a career. Some people can have both, but, you know, not everyone can have the privilege of getting love and a career at the same time. So you have to choose wisely, especially in this day and age. Mahal lang magmahal," he stressed.
"Men Are From QC, Women Are From Alabang" is a Viva Films Production presented by Sari Sari Network Inc. in cooperation with MediaQuest Ventures and Studio Viva.
Flying Titans turn back Cool Smashers, gain big semis head-start
Apr 30, 2024 08:07 PM
AT A GLANCE
Choco Mucho crawled back from two sets down to outhustle sister team Creamline, 13-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 18-16, at the start of the single-round robin semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City Tuesday night, April 30.
Choco Mucho crawled back from two sets down to outhustle sister team Creamline, 13-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 18-16, at the start of the single-round robin semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City Tuesday night, April 30.
High-flying Sisi Rondina carried the cudgels for the Flying Titans in the pivotal moments, unleashing 23 points built on 21 kills as they finally prevailed over the Cool Smashers for the first time since 2019.
The win, likewise, ended Choco Mucho’s 12-game losing spell against Creamline and boosted its bid for a return trip to the finals.
“We simply worked tirelessly, with heart and unwavering determination being the key to this win,” said Rondina in Filipino, who also posted 14 excellent receptions.
Yet, the triumph was a collective effort from Choco Mucho, which persevered despite the continued absence of Kat Tolentino, Des Cheng and Aduke Ogunsanya.
Royse Tubino also spelled the difference for the Flying Titans with 20 points built on 18 attacks, even as Isa Molde contributed 12 points.
Choco Mucho, which finished No. 2 in the prelims, now stands on the brink of a finals berth, offering the Flying Titans an opportunity for redemption after falling short in the previous AFC championship against the Cool Smashers last December. "It’s difficult to explain because it’s our first time beating Creamline,” said Choco Mucho mentor Dante Alinsunurin in Filipino.
“I’m extremely thankful for our performance. The situation were were in was really tough, but our coaches really pushed us to do what needed to be done and make the necessary adjustments," he added.
Creamline, which entered the Final Four as the fourth-seeded team, banked on its hard-hitting attacks spearheaded by Jema Galanza and Alyssa Valdez, but stumbled in the crunch.
The Cool Smashers actually exploded with 71 kills compared to the Flying Titans’ 53, only for their efforts to go futile.
Galanza finished with 23 points, while Valdez added 21 in a losing effort for Creamline.
TANZ IN DEN MAI
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May 1st in Germany is a day to celebrate the advent of spring – and to protest for workers' rights.
In Berlin trade unions and far-left protesters traditionally take to the streets to mark International Workers' Day. This has regularly led to severe rioting in the districts of Neukölln and Kreuzberg and police are preparing for this year's demonstrations to also be attended by protesters against Israel's war in Gaza.
The night before May 1st is also known as Walpurgisnacht (Walpurgis Night), named after the 8th-century abbess who battled witchcraft, and is celebrated with dance, witch costumes and bonfires.
And the Tanz in den Mai (dance into May) tradition is widespread across the country. Especially in the Catholic regions in the west and south of the country, iconic maypoles are set up in a central square, decorated with garlands or ribbons, for people to dance around.
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
The Philippines Economy is Growing Massively
FASHION AND BEAUTY
Philippines' Chantal Schmidt from Cebu bags Miss Eco International 2024 1st runner-up, special awards
Earl D.C. Bracamonte - Philstar.com
April 30, 2024 | 10:02am
MANILA, Philippines — Angelina Usanova of Ukraine was crowned Miss Eco International 2024 at the close of the coronation rites in Triumph Luxury Hotel in Cairo last April 28.
Philippine delegate Chantal Elise Schmidt was proclaimed as 1st runner-up. The Cebuana beauty queen was not feeling well during the preliminaries. She, however, managed to snag the Best in Evening Gown, despite her predicament. On coronation night, she was also awarded the Best National Costume.
Nikita Dani of Canada was named 2nd runner-up, and Fabiane Goia of Brazil, who won the People's Choice Award was 3rd runner-up; while Valerie Avril of Indonesia, who won the Best Resort Wear Catwalk, was proclaimed 4th runner-up.
In a social media post, the MEI Organization wrote, "Touching down at the Miss Eco International finals! Excited to crown the next eco warrior to carry forward our mission of protecting our planet!"
The recipients of the other special.awards were China (Miss Talent), USA (Miss Social Media), Venezuela (Best Eco Dress), and Thailand (Top Model).
This year's selection committee was composed of Nhala Khaled, Shaden Glal, Sara Wanas, Dr. Cherif Aly Abdelal, Cozan Elmaghrabi, Heba Elsisi, Patricia Pellar, Gizzele Mandy, Dr. Hossam Tahseen, Miss Eco International 2019 Amy Tinie, and Dr. Mohamed Negm.
To date, the Philippines has won the Eco International crown twice: in 2018, with Cynthia Tomalla, and in 2022 with Kathleen Paton. This is the third time the Philippines won second place, including that of Kelly Day (2020) and Maureen Montagne (2019).
Usanova was crowned by her predecessor Nguyen Thanh Ha of Vietnam. Hosted by Nancy Magdy, the 2024 Miss Eco International final show was beamed live to a global audience through the MEI channel on YouTube.
Global girl group UNIS adds one more date to their fan signing event in Manila
Apr 30, 2024 07:26 AM
Global girl group UNIS added another date to their fan signing event in Manila to give more chances for people to meet them.
UNIS will be holding their “U&iS Fansign Philippine Tour” in Manila and Cebu.
The tour originally had two dates slated on May 4 at Ayala Center Cebu and May 5 at Metrotent Convention Center.
UNIS (F&F Entertainment, X)
A third fan sign event will be held on May 6, 5 p.m., at the Activity Center of Ayala Market! Market! in Taguig.
UNIS debuted in South Korea in March with the mini-album “We UNIS.” The members are Elisia, Gehlee, Hyeonju, Nana, Kotoko, Yoona, Yunha, and Seowon.
Elisia and Gehlee are Filipinos, and Hyeonju is Filipino Korean, who is known as Belle in the K-pop girl group Cignature.
This marks UNIS’ first event in the Philippines. With several Filipino members in the group, fans are looking forward to personally witnessing the group’s successful debut this year through the fan sign events.
To join, fans need to buy at least one set of “WE UNIS” albums which are now available at https://www.cdmentertainment.ph for only P5,000. This comes with perks like Hi-Touch, exclusive fansign photocards, and raffle entries to perks.
The “U&iS Fansign Philippine Tour” is presented by Y Global Music and CDM Entertainment.
Monday, April 29, 2024
Iba, Zambales hits 53 C heat index; 36 areas face danger heat levels
Those killer dance moves from Teacher Georcelle
AT A GLANCE
Georcelle formed G-Force 19 years ago. When it was created, it only consisted of female dancers. A month later, the male members came in.
Georcelle Dapat Sy, the mastermind behind G Force, the Philippines' leading dance group, has revolutionized the country's dance industry.
Today, the dance landscape has undergone a profound transformation. Georcelle's transformative influence has shifted the perception of dancers from mere backups to recognized artists. This significant shift has not only elevated the status of dancers but also opened doors to endorsements and industry recognition.
During a recent lunch in Quezon City, Teacher Georcelle, as she is fondly called, said her journey on the dance floor was not easy. When she was 11, her mom encouraged her to study ballet. Then she remembered the only time she was booed on stage in Tondo, Manila.
"I was about to dance 'Swan Lake' on stage. Mga five seconds palang, parang gumapang na yung init ng dugo nila. Bi-noo nila ako. Ang sakit noon. Naka-tutu ako sa fiesta ng Tondo. Feeling ko maling platform yun sa akin," said the laughing Georcelle. She wasn't traumatized by the incident. Instead, it gave her strength and confidence to dance more.
Georcelle believes she got her dance moves from her father, a former journalist at the Manila Bulletin and a dance instructor. "He was into ballroom dancing. Before, they called it social dancing: boogie, tango, cha-cha. He also played the piano."
She couldn't remember when her love for dancing began. "Every time there's music, I dance. But I started my formal training in dance when I was eight years old. Before that, I went to my neighbors and danced using the cassette player. I remember dancing to 'Street Beat' by Toni Basil. When my mom saw that, she enrolled me in WYCA. When I reached 10, tumuloy na sa ballet, jazz, Hawaiian, tap dance. Three to four years of ballet only."My ballet instructor trained Liza Macuja."
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"My dad wanted me to become a ballerina, but I'm a big fan of pop culture. I like Madonna — I'm a Madonna baby. I was so attracted to Madonna then, but not Michael Jackson. I love their work, and I was drawn to Madonna.
"Then I went to the Cultural Center of the Philippines because I was told meron jazz doon. I had a classmate there who became my best friend. I was told to audition for the Adrenalin for the Sharon Cuneta Show. Erik Edralin, the founder of Adrenalin, gave me a break at 16. I was given a break to choreograph.
"At 18, I was handling big shows and directors relied on me. Sobrang gusto ko yung ginagawa ko at tuloy-tuloy lang talaga yung ginagawa ko. Wala pa yung bilangan ng oras. Tigilan nga ako ng iba. Joke lang! Maybe because I have dedicated myself to dancing. I have dedicated all my life to dancing. My life is dancing and supporting dance artists who surrendered themselves to the craft," said Georcelle.
In 2008, Georcelle was launched as the face of dance in the Philippines, proudly known as “Teacher Georcelle," when she spearheaded a dance segment in a top musical variety show ASAP. This paved the way for me to be part of shows on ABS-CBN, such as Pinoy Big Brother House, Your Face Sounds Familiar, and Dance Kids.
Georcelle is married to her best friend and dance partner, who is now in charge of G-Force's business. "We have three lovely children who also show an interest in dance."
Teacher Georcelle's G-Force
Georcelle formed G-Force 19 years ago. When it was created, it only consisted of female dancers. A month later, the male members came in.
"Now that I already have a group of my own, my experience inquisitively attracted me to like life out of the limelight as a stage director. With directors believing in my capability and eventually giving me a great deal of trust, it became easy for me to slip into a director’s chair," she said.
Georcelle invited dance enthusiasts to experience the rhythm and high-energy atmosphere of G-Force Dance Studio.
"Filipinos are visual learners. But the beauty of coming to our class is that you will be able to understand how each movement is done. Saan ba siya nanggagaling? Sa elbow or shoulders? Sa wrist or sa fingers? Where do you get the strength or power? Those things.
"Second, you come to our class and enter our room full of energy and shared experiences and movements. Kapag pumasok ka, kasabay mo ang G-Force members na sumasayaw.
"At ang power ng music, kapag lumabas na sa speakers, susuntukin na yung emotions mo. You will not get that inside your room. You can't get that by just watching. To be able to join that room full of youthfulness and energy, you will not do that by just watching YouTube. To be able to participate in a conversation on how movements are done, you will not get that on YouTube," Georcelle said.
G-Force is preparing to take on the world with unparalleled energy, creativity, and passion. They are all set to spread their magic worldwide and make their mark on the world stage with their groove-ready performance.
"We're preparing our company to be a future-ready workplace. So, do we embrace AI? We don't push it away. We're part of a team that is curious about it. We also want to learn more about it and how to use it for G-Force.
"When G-Force started, it had to have the touch of your name. But now, G is a generation of force. Sila ang humaharap sa new technology ngayon. So saan ang ayaw na meron na ngayong AI?
"Because of our presence in the Middle East, there are now many requests for our global presence. In August, we will be in Canada to do G-Force projects. So again, the G is about something other than Georcelle. It's all about being global.
"G evolves. And G, over time, nagkakaroon ng maraming meaning. It's there already. We've been in the Middle East for three years. The response is very nice. We're going back in November. But before November, nasa Canada na kami sa August," she said.
G-Force Project
The G-Force Project welcomes all ages, with classes for kids, teens, and adults in Hip-hop, Dancehall, Sexy Class, Contemporary, K-pop, and OPM.
Not only do students get to share their love of dance, but they also meet new friends, build confidence, and enjoy themselves.
The students are in good hands. G-Force’s celebrity choreographers will teach them more than dance, honing the next generation of aspiring performers and creating a new breed of G-generational force.
“G-Force is more than just dance! It’s about character-building and self-discovery. You come to our classes looking for that sense of belonging and come out having that sense of becoming," said Georcelle.
G-Force Project has taught students the importance of discipline, teamwork, camaraderie, grit, and resilience. Some students return to the open classes G-Force conducts at their dance centers in Quezon City, Alabang, and BGC branches. It gathers all its students for a culminating future-ready dance performance at The Theater at Solaire on July 7.
Georcelle also announced the 10th-anniversary celebration of White Shirt Love, a revolutionary dance fitness class that has been creating quite a stir in the dance industry with its unique proposition to women—getting fit while awakening one’s femininity, getting empowered, and gaining love for oneself.
Dance is a career. However, not all places understand or accept it, she said.
"My dream is for society to fully accept that dance is equally essential as the other careers. Marami akong kilalang dance artists na hindi ina-accept ng parents dahil dancer lang sila. Imagine something na work na mahal na mahal mo and that's good for mental health.
"Ang daming nagwo-work pero hindi nila gusto yung work nya. Sabi nila hindi career ang dancing. Hindi ka mabubuhay d'yan. Humanap ka ng ibang trabaho. We can make a difference. Ngayon pa lang laman ng dancers ang TikTok. Aren't we making a difference already?" Georcelle asked.
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