TZY celebrates ‘2000th day’ since debut with Filipino fans

 

Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryong, and Yuna, sans Lia, of the South Korean girl group ITZY have recently returned to the country for a remarkable one-night show presented by JYP Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines. It coincides with the celebration of the 2,000th day since their debut. They have proven that they’re born to devour the concert stage with their second world tour, ‘Born To Be,’ in Manila at the Araneta Coliseum.

Lyka Nicart - The Philippine Star 

August 8, 2024 | 12:00am

Members Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryong, and Yuna, sans Lia, returned to the country for a one-night show presented by JYP Entertainment and Live Nation Philippines, which coincided with the celebration of the 2000th day since their debut.

Lia has been on hiatus since September of last year due to health concerns. She is set to rejoin her fellow members in the second half of the year for the group’s new album.

A day prior to their Manila concert, Yeji, Chaeryong, and Yuna hooked the excitement of fans, also known as MIDZY, during the press event at the Glorietta Activity Center.

The crowd’s lively cheers at the press event had the girls recalling the first time they visited Manila for their “Checkmate” tour and how the warm reception gets them every time they return to the country.

“I think it’s an honor to meet our Manila MIDZY again… I can still remember a lot of energy that you’re giving to us during our ‘Checkmate’ world tour,” said the group leader Yeji.

The group's more than 20-song set list features hits and fan favorites.

“Whenever we come here, the passionate love that we have for MIDZY and also MIDZY to us, I guess that’s one of the things that we can relate to,” Yuna said, expressing their love for their Filipino fans.

Looking back on their first-ever world tour, “Checkmate,” the group related having learned “a lot” from the previous tour and highlighted their improvements since then for an even better concert experience for their fans this time.

“One of the differences that we can tell you, guys, is we have the band arrangements where you guys can actually enjoy more from our concert of this kind,” Chaeryeong said through an interpreter.

Ryujin also added, “We always talk about confidence, self-love and energy, so I think ‘Born To Be’ is a little more developed from then and is showing more strong vibe with a strong performance.”

True enough, the quartet made an enthralling opening performance accompanied by a live band as they set the stage on fire with an electrifying medley of Born To Be, Racer, and Kidding Me.

The girls take a selfie with their Filipino fans, also known as MIDZY.

ITZY’s heart-thumping choreography, dance breaks, and vocals laid bare their charisma and stage presence, making the fans go “LOCO” in a cycle of ear-deafening screams and displays of adoration throughout the show.

Their more than 20-song setlist featured their hits and fan favorites such as Not Shy, Wannabe, and Cake, as well as their solo tracks Chaeryeong (Mine), Ryujin (Run Away), Yuna (Yet, but), Yeji (Crown On My Head), from their Born To Be album that put a spotlight on their individual charms.

In between explosive performances, the girls also elated Filipino fans with a surprise dance cover of P-pop girl group sensation BINI’s viral hit Pantropiko, on stage. They even joined the BINI phenomenon with the members, mostly Chaeryeong, randomly uttering Bini member Sheena’s viral “eyyy” expression that goes with a “Y” hand sign.

BINI Mikha, a MIDZY herself, raved over ITZY’s cover of their song, writing “BEHHHHHHHH GOOOOOO,” in an X post.

ITZY also delighted Pinoy MIDZY with their Tagalog phrases “Sobrang nag-enjoy ako,” “Sabay tayo kumanta,” encouraging fans to sing along with them, and not to mention introducing themselves in the Filipino language.

Nearing the end of the show which lasted for nearly three hours, the members got emotional after watching a fanmade video surprise from Filo MIDZY that featured their throwback clips of their trainee days until becoming idols.

The group’s maknae, Yuna, started off congratulating fellow members and their fanbase, to mark their 2,000 days in the industry, as she reflected on having less time to work on herself during those period.

“There were days when I could not sleep, I could not rest and I could not even eat,” related the ITZY member.

But despite those challenges, Yuna is delighted to have shared the past years with their fans. She said, “The brightest smile I actually had is when I’m actually in front of MIDZY,” drawing cheers from the crowd.

Chaeryeong, meanwhile, expressed her gratitude to their fans’ unwavering support, which has fueled them to always do better: “Thank you so much for always cheering for us and also staying by our side.”

She also noted how she was pleased to see each and everyone’s faces and have fun on stage, saying it was a night she will truly cherish.

“Tonight will be an unforgettable night for me. Our Manila MIDZY, they never disappoint us,” she added, stressing that their Filo fans’ “passion, love, and cheers, are always off the roof,” sweetly ending her message with the words, “Mahal kita,” and “Salamat po.”

Ryujin, meanwhile, recalled how even their parents, who came to the the country to watch their first Manila concert over a year ago, were amazed by the Filipino fans’ energy.

“Whenever we come to Manila, we always look forward to you, guys, because you’re so enthusiastic, so I really looked forward to today, and it was perfect. Thank you,” Ryujin said in English.

Yeji, on the other hand, remarked, “Manila MIDZY are the best. While performing on stage, we really had fun and felt happy tonight because of you.”

“MIDZY always tells ITZY, ‘Thank you for always being there for us,’ but I wanna say back the words to you, guys. We actually thank you very much for always waiting for us and being there for us,” Yeji further addressed their Filipino fans.

As announced in a YouTube livestream commemorating their fanbase’s fifth anniversary last July, ITZY will release an upcoming album by the second half of the year with Lia rejoining the group after a health-related hiatus.

Davao City records 1.2 M tourist arrivals in 2023

BY IVY TEJANO

Aug 7, 2024 10:18 PM

  

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DAVAO CITY – The city government reported an increase in tourist arrivals here last year with 1,296,928 compared to the 897,406 in 2022.

DAVAO City Mayor Sebastian Duterte poses for a photo prior to his city address. (Photo via Ivy Tejano) 

Mayor Sebastian Duterte said in his State-of-the-City Address on Tuesday afternoon, August 6, that tourism here has steadily recovered since the pandemic.

Duterte said the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) supports the local tourism sector and tourism-related establishments.

As of 2023, the CTOO noted that 2,410 tourism establishments and service providers secured their certifications and licenses, a 7.81 percent increase from 1,985 in 2022.

The city also hosted 4,105 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) events from June 2023 to May 2024, compared to the 2,156 the previous year.

Duterte cited the Duaw Davao Festival two months ago and the hosting of this year’s Ironman 70.3 competition. 

The local Chief Executive lauded the people here for being disciplined. He said that Davao City is a good city because of the good character of its people.

He said the D.C.plinado campaign launched in March contributed to fostering a culture of discipline among citizens.

Duterte noted that the campaign, which was passed and implemented by a city ordinance, was also integrated into the Department of Education (DepEd)-Davao curriculum.

“The success of legislation in the city, such as the smoking ban, liquor ban, and speed limit ordinance, is a testament to the discipline of Davaoeños,” Duterte said.

Duterte urged the people of Davao to continue exercising vigilance and report suspicious activities and concerns to proper government agencies.

Among the highlights of the SOCA were digitalization, peace and order, poverty alleviation, sustainable environment, agriculture and agri-business, infrastructure development, and education. 

Duterte cited the crucial role of the people of Davao City in managing solid waste, preserving trees, and protecting animals. He said the city does not support mining activities.

Rep. Paolo Duterte here backed and congratulated his brother, Mayor Duterte, and the people of Davao City for a job well done.

Rep. Duterte accompanied Mayor Duterte from the Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall to Rizal Park on San Pedro St. where he delivered his SOCA.

The lawmaker’s son, Omar Vincent Duterte, the chairman of Barangay Buhangin District here, also congratulated the local chief executive and vowed to support the city government.

“I am impressed with our city mayor because, despite the pressure that the city is going through and how busy he is, he consistently prioritized the needs of the people in this city,” Omar said.

Also in attendance during the SOCA were Rep. Duterte’s wife, January, the Barangay Catalunan Grande chieftain, the 11 tribal leaders here, and city council members. 

Dani Barretto on hiring sister Julia Barretto for endorsement: May discount naman

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Aug 8, 2024 09:46 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The celebrity sisters also talked about what they have learned from each other in running businesses.

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Julia Barretto (left) and elder sister Dani Barretto (Nice Print Photography)

Young entrepreneur and social media influencer Dani Barretto mentioned she was excited to hire her younger sister actress Julia Barretto for an endorsement of a health product, but also clarified that she paid her sister's talent fee.

During the recent contract signing at the Seda Hotel in Quezon City, Dani said that paying her sister's talent fee for an endorsement for Wellness Whispers was a way of expressing her respect for her sister's profession.

"Milestone sa akin ito dahil nabayaran ko yung kapatid ko. Binigyan naman ako ng family rate pero mahal pa rin," said Dani as she laughed. 

(This is a milestone for me because I was able to pay my sister. I was given a family rate but it's still expensive.)

Dani added: "But I'm so glad because she was part of the process. She was the first one who tried the different variants of my brand. Now we're here. It's my way of respecting her craft. Hindi siya nag papalibre at talagang bibili s'ya. Sa mga endorsement niya bumibili rin ako so we support each other's endorsements and talents. Swerte ko dahil kapatid ko siya. So happy na ako sa discount. Fair naman at hindi ako lugi."

Dani and Julia

(But I'm so glad because she was part of the process. She was the first one who tried the different variants of my brand. Now we're here. It's my way of respecting her craft. We buy from each other's endorsements so we support each other. I'm lucky because she's my sister. I think the agreement was fair.)

"Noong nag-inquire naman ko sa kanila, binigyan nila ako ng discount. Dumaan ako sa process. Nag-inquire talaga ako sa Viva Artists Agency, Inc. I really went through the process. Hindi porke family kayo wala ng process. Puwede rin naman siyang kunin ng ibang tao at babayaran din siya. So I have to respect that," she said. 

(When I inquired with them, they gave me a discount. I went through the process. I really inquired with Viva Artists Agency, Inc. So I have to respect that.)

Dani, who has launched successful businesses, said she felt proud she was able to sign her sister for an endorsement. "The best thing I could ask for in her endorsement is to request a discount, and it's okay."

Dani said her sister Julia was shocked when she offered her an endorsement.

Dani Barretto 

"She was shocked. It was a cute reaction. Sabi niya, 'What?' 'Wow!' Thank you, I'm so honored. So parang natuwa pa siya noong naisip ko s'ya. It's like a no-brainer talaga. Para sa akin hindi ko na kailangan maghanap ng iba because she knows me so well. She knows my work ethic and my brand. So she's the better representation of it. She also cares for her well-being, especially at this time," she said.

On her relationship with Julia, Dani said: "We're very close. Isang bagay yan na proud ako because yung mommy ko, bata pa lang kami, close na kaming magkakapatid. Sa kanya talaga ako nag-practice na maging ate at maging responsible."

Dani and Julia are two of five children of actress Marjorie Barretto. In her relationships with the four siblings, the young entrepreneur mentioned that she never had any rivalry with them. 

"Wala po talaga. Isang bagay yan na proud talaga ako. We never fought anything regarding work kasi magka-iba naman kami ng mga ginagawa. Ang subling rivalry yata nangyayari lang yan kapag may mga interest kayo na nagka-clash. Wala talaga kaming ganun. Kung may tinatanong siya about her business, she asks for my help. 

"My siblings put me on a high pedestal. They respect my opinions. I'm the eldest," said Dani, who has a four-year age gap with Julia. "We are each other's confidants. Like halimbawa kung wala kaming mga kaibigan, kami-kami pa rin ang mga magkakaibigan. I'm glad that my mother raised us that way," she added.

Julia Barretto 

Dani, who is seven months pregnant, mentioned that she enjoys running businesses and believes it is her strong suit.

"Hindi ko talaga alam kung saan ko nakukuha ang inspiration to do business pero meron lang talaga akong drive sa sarili ko. This is what I want to be and this is what I want to do. May ugali rin ako na go-getter ako eh na kung kaya ko, gagawin ko. 

"Kapag hindi ko kaya, hindi ko na pipilitin. Hindi ko na gagawin. Dapat alam mo rin kung ano yung strength and weaknesses mo. Alam ko na may ibubuga naman ako sa field na ito," she said.

Wellness Whispers by Dani Barretto are meticulously crafted products designed to champion holistic well-being, integrating high-quality ingredients that cater to both physical and mental health.

On her latest endorsement, Julia said: "I can't believe this is happening (with my sister). I'm flattered and grateful. I'm so proud of her. Before it was launched, we talked about her journey in creating the brand."

Dani Barretto and husband Xavi Panlilio

Dani said her mom Marjorie was also proud of her latest achievement. "My mom couldn't be here so she told me to take lots of photos."

The celebrity sisters also talked about what they have learned from each other in running businesses.

"She's so driven and maabilidad. She just loves to innovate. She has a vision and she wants to make it happen. That's something I wish I had more of.  That part of her when making her dreams into a reality," said Julia.

For Dani, she said: "I value their taste and quality of how they take care of themselves. So ako I'm into inner beauty so I ask her ano ba ang kailangan kong gawin sa business na ito and I value that so much." 

Wellness Whispers

Founded by Dani Barretto in 2024, Wellness Whispers has quickly emerged as a leading innovator in the health and wellness beverage industry.  Dani said:

"Our mission is to craft high-quality, nutrient-rich drinks that not only taste great but also promote physical and mental well-being. Wellness Whispers believes that everyone deserves a convenient and enjoyable way to enhance their health, which is why our products are designed with the finest natural ingredients to support a balanced lifestyle.

"At Wellness Whispers, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what wellness beverages can achieve. Each of our drinks is carefully formulated to deliver essential nutrients and great flavors, making it easier for our customers to integrate health-boosting habits into their daily routines. 

"Whether you're looking to boost your energy, improve your focus, or simply enjoy a refreshing and nourishing drink, Wellness Whispers is your go-to source for innovative wellness solutions."

Of festival and environment

Living in Davao City permanently since 1999, I observed  the Kadayawan Festival becoming more and more attractive and enjoyable. I spoke with many expats who kept on praising  this festival  and its credible atmosphere. Yes, Kadayawan is indeed a fest of sorts and indeed a contribution to the development of my second (and last!) home. 

The City Government of Davao will be launching the Pananam sa Kadayawan Food and Products Fair, a new activity for the festival, to showcase the different delicacies and products of Davao City’s 11 ethnolinguistic tribes.City Tourism Operations Office Head and special friend  Jennifer Romero, during the ISpeak Media Forum, said that for this year’s Kadayawan Festival, they wanted to highlight the mouthwatering food and products crafted by the 11 tribes through the Pananam which will run from August 9 to August 18.

"Ang atoang tumong ani is to showcase kung unsa ‘tong mga pagkaon na gina-offer sa atoang 11 tribes para ang atoang mga bisita ug ang mga Dabawenyo can also be immersed sa mga foods and products na gina-offer sa atoang 11 tribes (We want to showcase the foods that the 11 tribes has to offer, and immerse both the visitors of the City and the Dabawenyos to the food and products of the 11 tribes),” she said.

Romero added that a mega tent will be set up in the middle of Magsaysay Park in the Kadayawan Village where the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes will display their food and products.“We will be providing stalls sa 11 tribes para i-showcase nila ang ila’ng mga food specialties ug ilahang products in time for the entire stretch of our Kadayawan (We will be providing them with stalls where they can display their food specialties and products for the entire duration of Kadayawan),” she further said.

Deputy Pamikiren Latip P. Arumpac Jr., Deputy Mayor of the Bangsa Iranun, assured the public that although majority of their products will be displayed in the Pananam, the houses in the Kadayawan Village will continue displaying some of their food and products.Dabawenyos and visitors alike are invited to take part in a feast of flavors in the Pananam sa Kadayawan, and to buy of the products crafted by the 11 tribes during the event.The 39th Kadayawan Festival will officially open on August 8, 2024. 

With global warming and climate change a very real phenomenon we need to look to our indigenous people for wisdom and guidance.

𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐤𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫!

Darf man gekochten Reis nochmal aufwärmen? Das müssen Sie beachten.

Stand:07.08.2024, 08:00 Uhr

Von: Clara Kistner

Sie haben zu viel Reis gekocht? Das sollten Sie beim Aufbewahren und erneuten Aufwärmen unbedingt beachten, um gesundheitliche Risiken zu vermeiden.

Ob als Beilage oder Hauptmahlzeit – ebenso wie bei Pasta und Haferflocken tun sich wohl viele Menschen auch beim Abschätzen der Portionen von Reis schwer. Während Reis im ungekochten Zustand auf Vorrat gekauft und jahrelang im Küchenschrank gelagert werden kann, ist gekochter Reis um einiges leichter verderblich. Die Verbraucherzentrale Bayern weist diesbezüglich auf potenzielle Gesundheitsrisiken hin. 

Im Kühlschrank lagern? So lange lässt sich gekochter Reis aufbewahren

Reis enthalte meist Sporen des Bakteriums Bacillus cereus. Diese Sporen würden den Kochvorgang überleben, sich bei falscher Lagerung vermehren und so gefährliche Giftstoffe produzieren. Diese können unter anderem Erbrechen und Durchfall verursachen, warnt die Verbraucherzentrale. 

Sie haben zu viel Reis gekocht? Das sollten Sie beim erneuten Aufwärmen unbedingt beachten. (Symbolbild) © Addictive Stock/Imago

Susanne Moritz, Ernährungsexpertin der Verbraucherzentrale, erklärt: „Die Sporen dieser Bakterien werden beim Erhitzen nicht abgetötet. Aus ihnen können sich während der Aufbewahrung neue Bakterien entwickeln, die Giftstoffe bilden.“ Und auch das Warmhalten bei lauwarmen Temperaturen ebenso wie das langsame Abkühlen von gekochtem Reis bei Zimmertemperatur begünstigt die Vermehrung von Bakterien. In diesen Fällen können sich die giftigen Toxine besonders schnell bilden.

Für eine längere Aufbewahrung eignet sich der Kühlschrank. Hier hält sich gekochter Reis ein bis zwei Tage. Wichtig sei, den Reis in eine luftdichte Dose zufüllen. Dennoch sollte der Reis selbst bei korrekter Lagerung im Kühlschrank innerhalb eines Tages bis maximal zwei Tage verzehrt werden. Dies minimiert das Risiko einer Lebensmittelvergiftung.  

Sollten Sie Reis erneut aufwärmen?

Beim Aufwärmen von Reis ist – wie auch beim Aufwärmen von gekochten Nudeln – äußerste Vorsicht geboten. Die Verbraucherzentrale Bayern empfiehlt, den Reis im Kühlschrank schnell abkühlen zu lassen. Alternativ kann er bei über 65 Grad Celsius warmgehalten werden. So wird das Wachstum von Keimen verhindert.

The sleeping dinosaur of Davao Oriental is now awake

This gem of a province in the Davao Region has only been declared insurgency-free and development-ready in 2022

BY AA PATAWARAN

Aug 6, 2024 05:35 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• There’s so much hope in Davao Oriental, truly, as Mindanao has long been called, ‘the land of promise.’

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STAIRCASE FROM HEAVEN Aliwagwag Falls cascade down a path of boulders from Mount Agtuuganon in the Diuata Mountain Range

Have you been to Davao?

If I asked you this question, you’d probably say yes, even if all you’ve ever been to is Davao City. Geographically a part of Davao del Sur, Davao City is now independently run as the commercial capital of Southern Mindanao. It is roughly three and a half hours away from Mati, the capital of Davao Oriental, up and down the Surigao-Davao Coastal Road, past Tagum, the capital of Davao del Norte, along the coast of Davao Gulf.

CARNIVORE The carnivorous pitcher plant at the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary

Unless you’ve been to Davao lately, chances are you have never been to Davao Oriental. I didn’t know until I made it there that it was only two years ago that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) declared it insurgency-free. No doubt, it hadn’t been easy, dismantling the guerilla front composed of the New People’s Army (NPA) and its supporters among the people of Davao Oriental, the lifeblood of the communist-terrorist movement, which once kept the province off-limits to investors, entrepreneurs, tourists, students, and migrants. Among the major moves, according to the AFP, was a community support program aimed at regaining the trust of the people, especially in the hinterlands. It’s a landmark turn in Davao Oriental’s history because the insurgency-free declaration also means it is also now development-ready. 

THE CHURCH IN CARAGA Inside San Salvador del Mundo Parish Church, built in 1861, rebuilt in 1877 of wood, coral, and limestone

Already, it feels so welcoming. When the Philippine Travel Agencies Association of the Philippines (PTAA), led by its vice president for outbound travel Evelyn Bondagjy and PRO Jaison Yang, paid Davao Oriental a visit to heed its call for tourists, a grateful people received them with arms wide open and with bibsized multi-colored bead necklaces handcrafted by the women of Mandaya, a tribe who, having resisted colonizers for centuries, once lived upstream, along the mountain ranges of Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the highlands of eastern Mindanao. There were about 33,000 Mandaya registered as of 1988, 22,000 of them in Davao Oriental alone, which is home to four other major indigenous groups—the Mansaka, Manubo, Tagacaulo, and Kalagan.

WELCOME The Kagayan women at Davao Oriental Welcome Park

Upon arrival, disembarking from a bus that took us from Davao International Airport in Davao City, we were taken to a roadside café called Kagan, the entry point to Davao Oriental Welcome Park in Barangay Pintatagan in the town of Banaybanay, designed as a stopover for those embarking on long road trips across the region.

Kagan Café offers halal food and traditional Kagan or Kalagan specialties, including native snacks like jaral, a spring roll stuffed with coconut candy, and jampo, the Kalagan version of fried bananas. The snacks went well with the Kagan specialty coffee made of local Arabica slow-roasted, as the Kagan ancestors used to do, on firewood over a very low fire, and then combined with corn to produce a perfect, healthy blend.

At the welcome dinner hosted by Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat at the Adelina Hotel and Suites, we were treated to a cultural show and a boodle fight, which was the work of former NPAs, who have been given every opportunity to reintegrate themselves into society. There’s so much hope in Davao Oriental, truly, as Mindanao has long been called, “the land of promise.”

REINTEGRATION The boodle fight, courtesy of reformed insurgents, at the welcome dinner hosted by Mati Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat at the Adelina Hotel and Suites

At the moment, Davao Oriental is a nature trip. Among its wonders is the Aliwagwag Protected Landscape, a nature reserve and a force of nature should you visit in the right season when the headwaters of the Cateel River rampage down the slopes of the 1,660-meterhigh Mount Agtuuganon in the Diuata Mountain Range, over boulders of heights ranging from 1.8 to 33.5 meters, which make the multi-tiered waterfalls seem like a staircase from fairy heaven. Folklore has it that Aliwagwag Falls is a gift of the gods to the Mandaya of Cateel, a second-class municipality in Davao Oriental, but it really is a gift, as Aliwagwag serves as a major drainage catchment in Mindanao as well as a water source for surrounding rice fields and communities not only in Davao Oriental but elsewhere in the region.

Make time to visit the Mount Hamiguitan range, a 6,834-hectare national park and wildlife sanctuary, inscribed in 2014 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the town of San Isidro. The 1,620-meter-high mountain, along with the surrounding forest and woodland, is a treasured biodiversity spot, housing wildlife populations that are also rare, threatened, endangered, including the Philippine eagle, the Philippine warty pig, the Philippine cockatoo, and the bleedingheart pigeon, as well as several species of Nepenthes, the carnivorous pitcher plant. In all, this protected area of terrestrial and aquatic habitats is home to 1,380 species of flora and fauna, 341 of which are endemic to the region.

Those who love old churches cannot skip the San Salvador del Mundo Church in Caraga. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) declared it a national historical site in 2012. This Roman Catholic parish church in one of the oldest settlements in Mindanao, after all, dates back to 1861, although it was only rebuilt into its current wood-and-stone structure in 1877, six years after the Jesuits took over the Augustinian Recollects in spreading Christianity on this side of Mindanao. The church is also a repository of such old things as the antique San Isidro Labrador statue, the 222-yearold church bell, and the giant seashells that have been repurposed into holy water fonts since two centuries ago. You might be disappointed, however, that the church doesn’t look like a church from a different time, limewashed or whitewashed as it was during restoration in 2020 on the recommendation, according to the parish priest, by the NHCP. But maybe give it time. Washes on old buildings are often so translucent they allow the texture of the underlying surface—the limestone, corals, and wood in the case of San Salvador del Mundo Church—to show through after a while.

AWAKENING The 'Sleeping Dinosaur' on Pujada Bay on the Pacific Coast

Nearby, also in Caraga, is Pusan Point on the easternmost tip of the Philippines, the first in the country to receive sunlight as the sun rises on the eastern horizon. On the edge of the open ocean, the Pacific, this 12-meter-high rock promontory boasts of two concrete lighthouses, a gigantic sundial, a 4.9-meter-tall Jubilee cross on the cliff dropping dramatically into the Pacific, and a museum showcasing Mandaya culture.

Also on the Pacific Coast, on breathtaking Pujada Bay within the 21,200-hectare Pujada Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape, lies the “Sleeping Dinosaur.” Seen from atop a cliff, where we were served local coffee with which to take in the view, the dinosaur-shaped island on the tranquil bay looked every inch a metaphor for Davao Oriental and the rest of Mindanao, Davao Occidental included, which have yet to emerge from the dark of neglect, insurgency, corruption, and underdevelopment.

Come to think of it, maybe the “Sleeping Dinosaur” is a metaphor for the rest of the Philippines. Sleep, sleep the sleep of babes, and rouse when it’s time, when we’re ready.

Angeli Khang and Robb Guinto talk about their ‘firsts’

 

Nathalie Tomada - The Philippine Star 

August 7, 2024 | 12:00am

Viva Entertainment's OTT platform Vivamax is banking on Angeli Khang (left) and Robb Guinto for its first theatrical release, the girls' love-themed story 'Unang Tikim,' which is opening in cinemas today. 

MANILA, Philippines — Vivamax stars Angeli Khang and Robb Guinto are, for the first time, moving from streaming to the big screen in “Unang Tikim.” Viva Entertainment’s three-year old OTT platform is banking on Angeli and Robb for its first theatrical release, a girls love-themed story.

“Pressure, fear over judgement again, especially that this is the big screen, mainstream naman, then we’re the first,” expressed Angeli when asked how it felt to topbill Vivamax’s foray into cinemas.

Robb added that besides the pressure, they’re feeling grateful for being entrusted with the project.

“Pressure in a way na wow thank you for trusting us, mas mata-trust pa namin yung sarili namin para mabigay namin yung bestest namin,” added Angeli.

The first time Angeli and Robb acted together was in Brillante Mendoza’s Vivamax film “Virgin Forest.” They also tackled their first mainstream project together, via GMA Public Affairs’ recently concluded action drama series “Black Rider.”

They became close in real life, which in turn, posed some challenges for them as they tackled the intense scenes in their first big-screen outing together.

For example, the first scene they shot was them having a “tampuhan” or fight. Robb said, “Ang hirap sa amin nung first scene because we never experienced having a ‘tampuhan.’ We’ve promised each other to always be open to each other and never hold back any sama ng loob. So we ended up laughing while filming.”

Angeli also recalled, “But thankfully, natawid namin yung scene.”

There was also awkwardness in filming the love scenes.

“May awkwardness pa rin,” said Robb. “Nagtatawanan kami kasi with us girls normal sa atin yung magki-kiss sa cheek, yung smack lang…”

Angeli added, “But it’s a different story, yung fini-feel mo tapos dahan-dahan, then you have to stare at each other (laughs).”

Robb continued, “In our love scenes, kapag nagkaka-eye to eye kami, we’d burst out laughing, we can’t help it!”

To get past the tendency to laugh, Angeli said, “That’s why we wouldn’t look each other in the eye, body to body lang. There are scenes, I think that body lang tinitingnan namin sa isa’t isa.”

Robb further shared that because of their laughing fits and awkwardness, “Ang daming takes nung first love scene, like four or five takes. Sorry direk Roman!”

Direk Roman Perez Jr. incidentally is also their first director of their first films, individually, on Vivamax — Robb’s “Siklo” and Angeli’s “Taya.”

Now that we’re on the subject of first times, The STAR also asked Robb and Angeli some of their firsts in an exclusive inerview.

First audition:

Angeli: “My first audition was for a cosplay event. Because I watched anime, I saw an Otaku gathering where people could cosplay. I auditioned for that, and after that, it led me to modeling and now, I’ve also become an artista.

Robb: “For me, it was probably when I joined a famous magazine… Playboy magazine, so that was my first audition. That’s where my career started, and from there, I got into modeling and eventually joined Viva.”

First acting role:

Robb: “It was for my first movie here (Vivamax), ‘Siklo’ directed by direk Roman Perez Jr., same (director for) ‘Unang Tikim.’ That was my very first acting experience. I think, I had a one-month workshop then sinabak agad ako sa movie so it was nerve-wracking because I didn’t know what to do at first and I was afraid of making mistakes since it’s really scary to mess up. Well, it’s okay, but of course, as a first-timer and acting with veterans like Ms. Alma Moreno and Sir Joko Diaz, there was definitely pressure. But at least, direk Roman was there to guide me.”

Angeli: “First acting role was also for ‘Taya,’ also my first movie with direk Roman. Before that, I had acting workshops for two months. I also did a workshop for beginners where I learned things like ‘look at yourself in the mirror…’ Then eventually, I learned there are different methods pala. I had an acting coach who said it should come from the heart. Kasi lagi ko siya tinatanong, okay ba acting ko, sabi niya, okay, basta sa puso m

First big purchase:

Angeli: “Condo but down payment. Until now, I’m still paying with the help of my projects. Also my first car. I also started a food business.”

Robb: “I got myself a house. Ganun din, hulugan but at least, you can really say it’s yours. Actually, construction is still ongoing. I also bought a car. And I was able to save for enough for a small business (vaping business).”

First celebrity crush:

Angeli: “Pag napanood mo ‘to, friends po tayo. But before, I looked up to this person (in terms of talent), his hard work in acting, and when I used used to work with him, parang wow, I thought, I also want to be like this person someday. So naging crush ko siya, si Paolo Gumabao. He’s one of the reasons why I got deep into acting because ang galing nila ni Kuya Timmy (Sid Lucero).”

Robb: “Local wala. Kasi mga gusto ko K-pop. One (celebrity crush) is Captain America Chris Evans, and among the Korean (stars), Hyun Bin.”

First time a co-star flirted with you:

Both: Wala! (Laughter)

First time to be starstruck:

Angeli: “With Susan Africa, just her presence and her acting will draw you in. Inaantay ka niya, so that you can also bring out your side… nagbubuhatan kayo sa scene. No words needed, you can see right away how great she is as an actress.”

Robb: “For me, Alma Moreno. She’s the first veteran actress that I got to work with through ‘Siklo.’ In one scene, I asked her for advice on the best expression or approach to use. She taught me. I thought she was strict at first, but she turned out to be really kind.”

First major challenge in showbiz:

Robb: “There are people who will always put you down. No matter how hard you try for yourself, there will always be people who say, ‘You don’t really belong there, you can’t act, they were just forced to put you in that role.’ That’s the most challenging part for me. That’s the most challenging part for me.

“But wala sa utak ko na para gumanti. Ang ginagawa ko, mas pinapatunayan ko na lang sa kanila na mali yung perception nila. For me, actions speak louder than words.”

Angeli: “I could not let go of my emotions (character) dahil puro drama yung scenes ko and every movie ko puro drama, laging sinasaktan tapos maybe it opened my past trauma na hindi sinasadya kaya nasasama ko siya sa every day life ko (to the point that) ‘di ako marunong makipag-usap, sa friends ko, family.

“I’m thankful that Boss Vic (del Rosario) gave me six months of rest. After that, it was like a restart, back to zero again, nakikipag kilala ulit sa (mga tao) and ready to shoot again.

“During that break, (I spent my time at) church, with my family, went outing with friends, enjoyed food trips, comfort food, and self-care. Because I got depressed. I also had alopecia. And I tried therapy. What I learned from that is, don’t think twice about getting help like therapy or from a psychiatrist. Yun ang pinag-aralan nila so they would know the solution.”