Cine Europa 27 kicks off in Manila, celebrating the diverse world of European Cinema

INQUIRER.net BrandRoom / 11:51 AM October 16, 2024

Cine Europa, now in its 27th year, is set to once again captivate Filipino audiences with  a selection of twenty contemporary films from European Union Member States, Alliance  Française de Manille, Goethe Institut, Instituto Cervantes, the Philippine Italian  Association, and guest country Ukraine that showcase the creativity and diversity of the  European cinema. 

The Cine Europa festival promises to deliver cinematic excellence to film enthusiasts  nationwide, from poignant dramas to imaginative comedies and animations. 

Cine Europa 27 will open to the public on 18 October with the Polish film “Dangerous  Gentlemen” at Shangri-la Plaza, Mandaluyong City. Shangri-la Plaza has graciously  hosted the film festival for over two decades. 

The film festival is expected to travel to the University of the Cordilleras in Baguio, the  University of San Agustin in Iloilo, the University of the Philippines Cebu and the  University of St. La Salle in Bacolod from 18 to 27 October 2024.  

BINI reveals official lightstick for Blooms

BINI performing at their sold-out 'BINIverse' concert in New Frontier Theater

Philstar.com / Anjilica Andaya

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

October 15, 2024 | 5:22pm

MANILA, Philippines — P-pop girl group BINI finally unveiled its official lightsticks for Blooms to purchase and use during performances.

The unveiling comes a month before BINI's three-day "Grand BINIverse" concerts in Araneta Coliseum.

The lightstick has a blue handle with "BINI" written near the end and near the yellow flower head with a star in the middle is a vertical infinity sign also with a yellow star.

It costs P2,999 and comes with the lightstick proper, a strap, user manual, package box, and a photocard set inside an envelope.

The set includes one photocard of a singular BINI member and a card of the entire group.

Batteries are not included. The lightstick requires three AAA lithium batteries to operate.

Pre-selling for the lightstick will begin on October 24 exclusively for Grand BINIverse Day 1 ticket holders; October 25 exclusively for Grand BINIverse Day 2 ticket holders; and October 26 exclusively for Grand BINIverse Day 3 ticket holders.

There will be an equal amount of limited quantities to be released on each day as selling is observed from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The general selling of the lightsticks to the public will be on October 27 from noon onwards.

The "Grand BINIverse" concerts will be from November 16 to 18.

Davao cheese queen’s new 'chambre à fromage'

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Oct 15, 2024 10:57 PM

  

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By Jinggoy I. Salvador

If you love cheese, then you know Olive Puentespina, Davao’s queen of cheese. It’s an honorific she doesn’t acknowledge. She would likely say, “All I did was create cheese because Marvin, Jolina and Rica, my husband’s three goats I took under my care, were fast multiplying.” What to do with the milk? Bottle and sell it? Make soap? Make cheese! And the rest is history, as the proverbial phrase goes.

ALL HAIL Davao's cheese queenn Olive Puentespina at the new & bigger Leon's Lounge

Olive’s journey to cheese royalty is unlike any monarchical protocol where the next in line inherits the crown. She worked her way to where she is now by learning the ABCs of dairying and cheese making under the tutelage of many, including Swiss masters. Her thirst for knowledge brought her to the US, Mongolia, Canada, Switzerland, Italy, and in each destination she learned more.

Back home, the kitchen was where all the magic started. In 2005, Olive dove into the process.“Developing a new cheese is not easy but is definitely exciting. Some fresh cheeses took me months to develop, most aged cheeses a year or two because it takes time to age them into the perfect morsel. The most important process is knowing the character of each component so you can manipulate them to contribute to the product you envision,” she shares.

A year after, in 2006, the fromager’s cheeses debuted under the Puentespina Farm enterprise of the family matriarch. The first cheese variety she created, the Feta, along with other dairy products were delivered directly to restaurants, hotels, resorts and an airline. In 2008, the company was incorporated giving birth to the Malagos Farmhouse brand, and a few years after, the first retail store in Davao was inaugurated.

Today, the cheesemaker is proud to say that her handmade cheeses— GMP certified by the FDA—graces the tables of state dinners and retails in over 80 establishments across the country. Olive believes that she started European style artisan cheese making in the Philippines.

For Olive, the Chevre is one of her best and most exciting creations. It made her dive deep into the different cheese bacteria and the processes that needed to work together to create the aroma, the texture and the taste of Malagos Farmhouse Chevre. 

CHEESE HEAVEN How a cheese party spread looks like at Leon's Lounge

The Chevre may be a favorite of the brand’s institutional partners, but the bestseller has always been the Mango Sublime. It’s a fresh French-style cheese that Olive created for the long-haul business class flights of the Philippine flag carrier. “A quintessential French fresh cheese but with an iconic Philippine fruit,” she says, and adding to the top-selling list, “Another is our Sophia, a soft feta, aged in garlic infused olive oil.”

When asked the number of cheeses she conceived and does she have a favorite, she replies, “The cheeses that I have created from 2005 to 2024 numbers around 27 and I am so proud of each. The cheeses hit different people in certain ways.”

As the awareness for artisanal cheeses grew, the inkling to establish a cheese tasting room started in the cheesemaker’s consciousness.

Named after the Puentespina patriarch, the first Leon’s Lounge opened its doors in 2014 in the far corner of the corporate address along Bolcan Street in Agdao. It was in this modest sized room that Olive welcomed guests who wanted to experience enjoying artisanal Filipino-made cheeses. Each session is pre booked, set at “five thirsty” in the afternoon, seven kinds of cheeses are featured and the inspiration behind each creation is shared. The cheeses are served with breads, salad, local seasonal jams and a whole lot of stories from operating a farm-to-fork dairy enterprise to travels and inspirations.      

CREAMY DELIGHT The tasting room also displays the Malagos Farmhouse cheese collection for sale

“One of the things I am proud of is we welcome everyone to our table. If only the walls can speak, they will paint a very colorful collage of personalities who enjoyed the tasting sessions. But my lips are sealed. How many over  the years? Not to many, over a thousand for sure. But all left with happy faces and full bellies.”

Recently, a new and bigger tasting room was opened in the same address. The new location was the clinic of her late husband. “So many beautiful memories there, for the family and those who received the unique healing of Dr. Bo. I wanted to honor his memories and build new ones in the space,” shared Olive. The room was refurbished and repurposed into the new lounge that included bigger retail space for the cheeses. The latest Leon’s Lounge can accommodate eight to 25 guests comfortably for private tastings and parties. 

MILE HIGH SPREAD. The Mango Sublime served in Business Class of the flag carrier is also the brand's bestseller

The future of Malagos Farmhouse cheeses? Her daughter, Ingrid, is now on board and following her mother’s footsteps. She is  developing a new line this year which will include cheeses, butter and whey-based products. As to when, Olive cannot preempt the news but it will be announced when all are ready. Leon’s Lounge will display these new creations by Ingrid Puentespina, along with the original collection.

“It will be an exciting new era for Malagos Farmhouse, home of Davao’s artisan cheeses,” declares Davao’s cheese queen.

SOPHIA A soft feta, aged in garlic infused olive oil, is one of the top-selling cheeses.jpg

Your mental health matters

For some individuals, worry, fear, and unease can occur too frequently and be more intense, persisting daily for weeks or months.

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Oct 16, 2024 08:30 AM

  

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By Dr. Maria Madeline Mallillin

Psychiatrist and Head

Mind Wellness Center – Asian Brain Institute | Asian Hospital and Medical Center

It’s late, and you can’t sleep. You're on edge, worried about failing your big presentation tomorrow, with many “what ifs” running through your mind. Anxiety is a natural response to uncertainty.

You might feel sad about ending a long-term relationship or failing an exam—grieving, but taking things one day at a time. You come to work, meet with friends, and try to enjoy life. Sadness is a normal reaction to losing someone or something significant.

For some individuals, worry, fear, and unease can occur too frequently and be more intense, persisting daily for weeks or months. Others may be consumed by inexplicable sadness for longer than a few weeks. When your work, relationships, and daily functioning are adversely affected, this goes beyond regular anxiety and sadness. The former may indicate an anxiety disorder, while the latter describes a depressive disorder.

Anxiety and depression are the two most common psychiatric conditions in the Philippines. We have seen an increasing number of cases over the past decade, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, there has also been a rise in suicides among children and young adults in our country, making it a national concern. Our mental health significantly affects our overall quality of life, both as individuals and as a nation. Like physical health, mental wellness requires care.


 

Of Fear, Worry, and Losing Control

 

If you can’t sleep while worrying that something bad will happen—without a specific reason—and the thought keeps looping in your head, it may be Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This condition occurs when worry becomes excessive and uncontrolled, sometimes hindering daily activities. If your heart races suddenly, you struggle to breathe, feel an impending sense of doom, and lose control even without actual danger, you may be experiencing a panic attack, another type of anxiety disorder.

 

Other forms of anxiety disorders include social anxiety, phobias, health anxiety, and separation anxiety.

Of Unexplained Excessive Sadness

 

If you feel sad for more than two weeks, as if you are in a dark place, unable to will yourself out of bed, lacking drive and motivation, struggling with thoughts of giving up on life, unable to concentrate, and neglecting your personal needs, while feeling worthless and hopeless, these are not just ordinary mood fluctuations. You may be experiencing a depressive episode.

 

Anxiety and depressive disorders can stem from several factors, including genetics (such as having a parent with a mental health problem) or environmental factors (e.g., stressful situations, trauma, and abuse). Underlying medical conditions or the effects of certain medications can also contribute, making assessment and proper diagnosis critical for effective intervention. For example, conditions like mitral valve prolapse or hyperthyroidism, as well as some steroids and anti-asthma medications, can affect heart rate and mental health.


 

Of Hope and Wellness

 

If you notice these signs, it’s crucial to recognize and accept that you or your loved ones may not be okay and need help. There is always hope for recovery, and things can indeed get better. Mental health professionals are available to assist you on your healing journey.

 

At the Mind Wellness Center, we provide comprehensive assessments and holistic interventions to patients needing bio-psycho-social and spiritual care. Our team of mental health professionals spans various specializations, catering to different age groups and conditions to ensure that you receive the necessary support.

 

Our interventions can include individual or group/family psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma, grief, and play therapies, as well as addiction counseling, among others. For those requiring medications, we offer biomedical interventions. Access to medication is an essential part of the overall treatment process. Our Depot Med Clinic provides long-acting depot medications for patients with medication adherence concerns, ensuring a consistent level of medication in your body for weeks or months affordably and cost-effectively.

 

To understand your mental health better, reach out to us at 8-771-9000 local 8444, email info@asianhospital.com, or follow us on Facebook.

Ang saklap: PBA courtside reporter Ira Pablo reveals she was fired for being 'mataba'

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Oct 15, 2024 10:40 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Ira also revealed that a fellow reporter was removed from the job due to petty reasons.

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Ira Pablo (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) courtside reporter Ira Pablo revealed she was fired after two years for her weight.

"Ang saklap. Hindi ako nainform na requirement pala ang 25-inch waistline para mag cover sa PBA, akala ko sportscasting skills ang kailangan," wrote Ira in her Facebook post on Oct. 15.

After two years, Ira mustered the courage to share this information.

"Sharing something I wish I had the courage to share 2 years ago —I became a PBA courtside reporter tapos tinanggalan ako ng trabaho kasi 'mataba' daw ako.

"After 6 years of sports reporting experience, I was finally invited and chosen to report for PBA back in 2022. Sobrang saya ko talaga. It was a childhood dream come true," Ira said.

Ira also revealed that a fellow reporter was removed from the job due to petty reasons. 

"Meron akong nabalitaan na napaginitan lang ng ulo eh tinanggalan ng trabaho," she also said.

But Ira mentioned she's now happy with her new job because she earns double or triple the amount she used to earn as a courtside reporter.

A perfect homecoming celebration for Olivia Rodrigo

RAZZLE-DAZA - Pat-P Daza - The Philippine Star 

October 14, 2024 | 12:00am

On Saturday, Oct. 5, Olivia Rodrigo electrified the Philippine Arena with her “GUTS” concert, drawing a crowd of 55,000 fans from across the country to celebrate the Filipino-American superstar. Among the lucky attendees were my daughter Gabbie (23), her best friend Clarissa Chua (22), and my niece Alli Tuviera (13), all of whom were accompanied by my brother-in-law, direk Mike Tuviera. They all made the trip to the Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan for the much-anticipated event presented by the premiere concert producer, Live Nation Philippines of Rhiza Pascua.

What was it like to be there that night? Gabbie shared her unforgettable experience in the following paragraphs.

Tito Mike, Alli, Clarissa, and I all piled into the van and left Taguig at 2 p.m. Though there are many who dread the long trip to Philippine Arena from Metro Manila, the ride was honestly one of the best parts of my day. With coolers packed full with snacks and drinks (shoutout to Tita Penny!), it was a chance for my teen cousin, best friend and I to bond and chat about everything under the sun! By 5 p.m., we finally arrived at the venue.

Olivia Rodrigo has become a fashion icon, known for her punk rock aesthetic and edgy statement outfits. It was no surprise that when we got to the Arena, we were greeted by a sea of fans embracing their inner Olivia. Everywhere we looked, people were dressed in miniskirts, tank tops and chunky boots, perfectly channeling the pop idol’s signature style.

The hitmaker is beautifully perched on a crescent moon as she serenades her 55,000 fans at the Philippine Arena.

As we settled into our seats, the excitement in the air was palpable. By 7 p.m., when the lights dimmed, the entire arena buzzed with anticipation. Olivia burst onto the stage in a sparkly, matching cropped top and skirt, opening with her hit song, Bad Idea, Right? The energy was electric, and the crowd erupted. I honestly can’t remember the last time I experienced a concert in the Philippines that was that loud — the screams and cheers were nonstop throughout the entire show as Olivia performed hit after hit.

When she sang the song that catapulted her to stardom, Drivers License, the audience was so loud and emotional that Olivia herself admitted that she felt like crying. She was visibly moved, expressing awe and gratitude multiple times. She mentioned how special it was for her to perform in the Philippines for the first time — a place she’s always wanted to visit — and how much she appreciated the love and energy of her Filipino fans.

My generous brother-in-law, direk Mike Tuviera, brings his daughter Alli, my daughter Gabbie Planas, and her best friend Clarissa Chua to watch the Filipino-American pop superstar.

One of the most magical moments of the night was when Olivia sat on a floating crescent moon that gracefully glided across the arena. She looked absolutely delighted up there, waving and saying hi to every section, and her genuine excitement was so uplifting. You could see how much the performance meant to her as tears welled up in her eyes — understandable, considering this was the biggest crowd she had ever played for in her career!

What made the moment even more special was knowing that all the ticket proceeds would go to Jhpiego, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing healthcare for women and girls in the Philippines. It was such a heartwarming gesture, and it felt like we were all part of something truly meaningful that night.

y personal favorite performances of the show were Deja Vu and Favorite Crime. As soon as those songs started, they transported me back in time, filling me with a sense of beautiful nostalgia — it was like a part of my 2021 self-found moment of healing.Another standout was her performance of So American, which had the entire crowd singing along; the energy was just so infectious! But the best part was when Olivia shared how proud she is to be Filipina before diving into the song. She talked about indulging in her favorite Filipino dishes like lumpia, halo-halo, and adobo, and even mentioned that she’s been taking Tagalog lessons! It was amazing to see her embrace and celebrate her roots, and the crowd loved every second of it.

The “GUTS” concert was a thrilling two-hour spectacle of fun, singing, dancing, and stunning costume changes. A unique tradition she’s embraced for this world tour is wearing a tank top with a special phrase related to each city during her encore. For the Manila/Bulacan show, she emerged wearing one that read “Pinoy Pride,” causing the entire arena to erupt in cheers. You could truly feel the Pinoy pride radiating from every corner of the Philippine Arena, and it was such a unifying moment. It felt like the perfect homecoming celebration for the one and only Olivia Rodrigo, and a night that no one in the crowd will ever forget.

Style Weekend: Discover the Filipino story through arts, coffee, and weaves

Check out Mars Ravelo’s early works, learn more about natural dyes, and party with the brightest names in the Filipino music scene.

BY JOHN LEGASPI

Oct 15, 2024 12:06 PM

  

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‘Mars Ravelo: The Early Works’
When: Ongoing until Nov. 13
Where: 29 Marasigan St., Lakeside Park Subd., San Pablo City, Laguna

“The Early Works” is an exhibit of Mars Ravelo’s illustrations from circa 1947 to 1949. It presents his works and various artifacts related to his creative writing before his big break in the 1950s, which paved the way for his iconic characters such as Darna, Roberta, Captain Barbell, and many more. The exhibit runs until November at the Komikero Komiks Museum and The Art Corridor Gallery.

Likhang Habi Market Fair
When: Oct. 18 to 20
Where: Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City

With the theme “Earth to Loom: Celebrating Natural Dyes in Philippine Textiles,” this year’s Likhang Habi Market Fair aims to keep the conversation about sustainability going by focusing on natural dyes. To further educate people about the process and wonders of natural dyes, the fair will feature workshops led by Kat Palasi and Fashion Revolution Philippines.

'AMplify'
When: Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Ayala Museum, Makati City

This Museums and Galleries Month, Ayala Museum is going all out with "AMplify," its first-ever whole-day arts and music festival, free to the public. In partnership with Cornerstone Entertainment, this special event is designed to bring together art and music in a celebration of Filipino creativity, featuring performances from some of the country’s top talents. Pre-registration is required! 

Fifth Wall Fest’s ‘Edition V: The body is home’
When: Oct. 19 to 20 
Where: 35 Broadway Ave. Cor. 9th St., New Manila, Quezon City

This year, Fifth Wall Fest returns with a twist on its initial ‘at-home’ format, by taking place at the historic residence of Narcisa ‘Doña Sisang’ V. Buencamino-de Leon, president of LVN Pictures, which helped define the first golden era of Philippine cinema. Titled “Edition V: The Body is Home,” the fest features films, performances, multimedia installations, and movement workshops that explore the idea of home as both a physical location and a state of being.

‘Pangarap/Panaginip’
When: Oct. 19 to 20, 7 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Where: Gonzaga Fine Arts Theater, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City

Tanghalang Ateneo, in its 46th season themed "Eloquentia, Sapientia, Humanitas: The Ricky Season," proudly presents the “Pangarap/Panaginip” production. It features Pangarap sa Isang Gabi ng Gitnang Tag-Araw, a play written by National Artist Rolando S. Tinio, adapted from A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. Ticket prices start at P300.

Hometown Cafe pop-up @ Auro BGC
When: Oct. 19 to 20, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Auro Chocolate Cafe, One Maridien, 27th St., BGC, Taguig City

Subic Bay’s Hometown Cafe and Auro Chocolate are teaming up for a weekend that’s all about pure indulgence. Catch baristas Nicole Jan and Sanccio as they set up an espresso and brew bar, serving select Hometown signature drinks using Auro chocolates. Retail coffee beans will also be available!

Finders Keepers Market
When: Oct. 19 to 20, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Tayo Studio, Katipunan Ave., Quezon City

Finders Keepers is heading to Katipunan this weekend! Over 20 vintage and local clothing brands, jewelry, artists, ceramics, and more will be there. Keep yourself busy with its photo booth, live portraits, piercings and tattoo sessions, and its newly launched free digicam rental. 

Amekaji Anniversary Event
When: Oct. 19 to 20, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Xception, Makati City

To celebrate the first anniversary of the Amekaji Event, MÈP is holding a special event showcasing items that elevate Amekaji style to the next level, along with the latest trends from Japan and beyond. Through this event, people can learn about the background, history, and styling of Amekaji fashion. Entrance is free!

Hello, readers! Do you have a story you want us to feature? You can—reach us via styleweekendph@gmail.com or on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.