MOVIEGOER: EdukSine USA to launch Global Filipino Film Festival

BY NESTOR CUARTERO

Mar 6, 2025 08:28 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Part of the festival is a Short Film Competition highlighting emerging voices in Filipino cinema. 

Karen Jane Salutan-Krukover during an assembly of world youth leaders at the UN Headquarters in New York, April 2024.

From simple beginnings in a humble home in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, equipped with only minimal resources and a young woman’s impossible yet unstoppable dream, EdukSine has now spread its wings in an attempt to conquer the world via North America.

Newly formed EdukSine USA Corporation and EdukSine Studios Corporation jointly announced the launch of their inaugural EdukSine Online Filipino Film Festival: A Festival of Filipino Films, A Home Away from Home, set to run from March to May 2025. This online celebration of Filipino cinema will showcase 10 award-winning independent films and a curated selection of short films, all available for free streaming across the US and Canada.

This festival is made possible through the support of DTI Philippines, DTI Los Angeles, Malikhaing Pinoy, Canada’s InArte Society, the Philippine Consulate Generals in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Special thanks to DTI Assistant Secretary May Niña Celynne Layug and Trade Commissioner Eric Elnar of DTI Los Angeles who worked tirelessly to make this great project possible. 

The festival is led by Karen Jane Salutan-Krukover, a Filipino immigrant and founder of EdukSine Studios in the Philippines, and EdukSine USA Corporation. Karen's dedication to Filipino arts and culture is reflected in her journey from the Philippines to the United States, where she built a global platform for Filipino filmmakers and artists. This festival is a testament to her resilience and strength, fueled by her personal story of overcoming profound challenges, including the passing of both her parents.

With the support of her husband, Dennis Krukover, Co-Founder, Executive Producer, and angel investor of EdukSine USA, this festival aims to showcase Filipino culture through the lens of Filipino cinema.

EdukSine began as a small effort to bring Filipino films to underserved regions, the mountain villages of Kalinga and the coastal province of Tawi-Tawi. Over time, it has transformed into a digital platform with the help of the Department of Science and Technology, allowing Filipino films to reach audiences worldwide. This festival marks a significant milestone in EdukSine’s mission to promote Filipino culture and arts on a global stage.

The festival will also debut Baliw na Pag-ibig, a romantic comedy short film by Karen This film features her late parents, who were not only her first supporters but also her first actors and ticket sellers. It is a tribute to their memory, celebrating their lives and the love they always gave her. 

A festival of Filipino stories

The EdukSine USA Online Filipino Film Festival is more than just a film screening event. It is a celebration of the Filipino spirit and resilience. The films featured in the festival span various genres and themes, including:

1) Agriculture & sustainability – Honoring our farmers who nourish our land and people
OFW Journeys – The sacrifices and resilience of Filipinos working abroad

2) Ending Violence Against Women & Children (VAWC) – Stories of survival, justice, and empowerment

3) Family – The unbreakable bonds that define us as a people

4) Hopes & Dreams – The power of ambition, perseverance, and hope

5) Education – Knowledge as a tool for transformation 

6) LGBTQ+ Representation – Stories of love, identity, and acceptance

7) Indigenous Culture – Preserving the wisdom and artistry of our ancestors
Social Issues – Raising awareness and inspiring action
 
A few of the films showcased in the fest are:

The Adventures of Kween Jhonabelle by James Buan, Instalado by Jason Paul Laxamana, Sinandomeng by Byron Bryant, Pauwi Na by Paolo Villaluna, Otso by Elwood Perez.

 Short film competition

Part of the festival is a Short Film Competition highlighting emerging voices in Filipino cinema. The winners will receive cash prizes and other incentives, offering filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work on an international stage. 

A German Expat in the Philippines (VI): AS new car, a new job and the Apartheid Regime

 

Malasimbo Music, Arts, and Kids Festival 2025 moves to historic Intramuros

This exciting change of venue comes with a new partnership with Intramuros, a renowned cultural heritage site, promising an unforgettable experience that blends rich history with vibrant art and music.

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Mar 5, 2025 10:52 AM 

 

The Malasimbo Music, Arts, and Kids Festival, one of the Philippines' most celebrated cultural events, is set to return on March 8, 2025, with a new twist—this year, the festival moves to the historic Puerta Real Gardens in Intramuros, Manila. This exciting change of venue comes with a new partnership with Intramuros, a renowned cultural heritage site, promising an unforgettable experience that blends rich history with vibrant art and music.

 

A Historic Setting

Intramuros, known for its well-preserved Spanish-era architecture and cultural significance, provides a stunning backdrop for this year’s festival. The partnership with the Intramuros Administration underscores Malasimbo’s commitment to celebrating Filipino heritage and promoting cultural tourism. Festival-goers can look forward to an immersive experience that harmoniously integrates the historic charm of Intramuros with the festival’s modern artistic flair.

 

DJ Shortkut 

 Exciting Line-Up

Main stage line up: 

François K; Mike Love; DJ Shortkut; Selah Dub Warriors; La Crema; Brigada; Morobeats; Gundamfunk; Laneous; Tommy Sexton & the Suggestions; Orange Juice Asia

 

Francois K

 

Silent Disco DJs: 

Sky Dominique ; Flava Matikz ; John Type; Ezzrei ; J-Nice ; Antonne ; Polo Dino; Peebs ; Salamangka ; JP Sacaben ; Marga Chi

In addition to the electrifying performances, the festival will feature a Kids' Village, Silent Disco, and mesmerizing art installations by renowned visual artists such as: Agnes Arellano, Billy Bonnevie, Levi Cruz, Olivia d’Aboville, Cherry Fulo, Hohana, Veronica Iberreta, Indie Green Culture, King, Agus Loedin, Bianca Natola, Marco Santos, Troy Silvestre.

 

Discover the Magic of Malasimbo: A Creative Haven for Kids

As the Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival returns, families have more reasons than ever to join in the celebration. This year, the festival introduces a delightful Kids' Village—a dedicated space where children can immerse themselves in a variety of creative and outdoor activities.

Parents, imagine a place where your little ones can explore their artistic talents, connect with nature, and experience the joy of music and movement. The Kids' Village at Malasimbo offers a treasure trove of workshops and activities designed to spark creativity and foster a love for the outdoors.

 

 

A Creative Wonderland

From crochet and painting to drumming and yoga, the Kids' Village has something for every young artist and explorer. Camille Salazar will lead a colorful Sticker Workshop, where children can let their imaginations run wild and create personalized stickers. Arts and crafts lovers will enjoy the Nature Weaving Workshops by Cherry Fulo, where they can use natural materials and colorful yarns to craft unique and beautiful pieces. Hohana, a Malasimbo Visual Artist regular, will teach the art of crochet, allowing kids to bring home their mandala or dream catcher creations. International artist Jeona Zoleta will hold a painting workshop where kids can express themselves freely on a giant canvas.

 

For those with a flair for rhythm, the Drum Workshop by Billy Bonnevie and Jose Dufourt offers an exciting opportunity to learn basic drumming techniques and explore the world of percussion. Little cyclists can ride their way through the balance bike tracks with Bambike, designed to provide a fun and safe environment for toddlers and young kids to practice their biking skills.

 

 

Mindful and Playful Activities

The festival also features Poi & Hoop Workshops by Luisa Jimenez, where children can discover the art of rhythmic movement and express themselves through playful practice. The Yoga Workshops by Steve Manzano encourage mindfulness and relaxation, allowing kids to find their inner calm amidst the festival's vibrant atmosphere. Science enthusiasts can join the Liter of Light workshop with Illac Diaz, learning how to assemble lights and solar panels using sustainable materials. Gardening enthusiasts can participate in workshops led by Bea Macalino, while the Creative Healing sessions with Indie Green Culture Family will offer a holistic approach to wellbeing.

 

And for a unique musical experience, kids can head to the silent disco area, where they can wear headphones and choose which DJ to listen to. It's a fun way to enjoy music in a personalized and interactive manner!

 

A Family Affair

Malasimbo is not just about the kids—it's an experience for the whole family. While the children are engaged in creative activities, parents can enjoy the live music, explore art installations, and soak in the festival's unique ambiance. It's a chance for families to come together, celebrate the arts, and create lasting memories in the great outdoors.

 

A Historic and Beautiful Venue

For the first time, the Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival will be held at the stunning Puerta Real Gardens in Intramuros, Manila. This lush garden within a cultural and historic site offers the perfect backdrop for a festival that celebrates art and nature.

 

Join Us at Malasimbo

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to introduce your children to the joys of creativity, nature, and music. The Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival is a celebration of art and culture that promises to be an unforgettable experience for all ages.

📅 When: 2pm onwards March 8, 2025📍 Where: Puerta Real Gardens, Intramuros, Manila

Entrance ticket for kids below 10 years old: PhP1,000 General Admission: PhP3,450 for a whole day of music performances, DJs, art installations, and kids activities

Buy tickets atwww.malasimbo.com

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

I wish somebody would have told me babe

Some day, these will be the good old days

All the love you won't forget

And all these reckless nights you won't regret…

Good old days – commonly stylized as "good ol' days" – is a cliché in popular culture used to reference a time considered by the speaker to be better than the current era. It is a form of nostalgia that can reflect homesickness or yearning for long-gone moments.

Is it correct to say "good old days"? If you talk about the good old days, you mean a time in the past when you believed life was better: I wish my grandma would stop going on about the good old days.

Some common synonyms of reminisce are recall, recollect, remember, and remind. While all these words mean "to bring an image or idea from the past into the mind," reminisce implies a casual, often nostalgic recalling of experiences long past and gone.

Why does it feel like everything was better in the past?

We have a tendency to rehearse and dwell on the good things that happened, we retell them a lot more often, and so we reinforce the good memories. Moreover, we tend to remember the great songs or cars or football players from the 'old days' and forget all the bad ones.”

When people refer to the good old days, they are referring to a time in the past when they think that life was better than it is now. He remembers the good old days when you could leave your door open at night.

Rosy retrospection refers to our tendency to recall the past more fondly than the present, all else being equal. It is a cognitive bias that runs parallel with the concept of nostalgia, though the latter does not always directly imply a biased recollection.

Human nature makes us remember more of our youth, it was delicious and it lasted a long time. So that’s my explanation of why people think the past was better….and also why the older we get the faster time moves for us.

I grew up old school in a time with no technology, or very little that is. I thought life was perfect when I grew up.

Our social network was our neighborhood friends and our school. We weren't so narcissistic that we posted everything we think and do on the internet. No Internet yet.

And we played Sports rather than video games. That to me is the most important thing. Things were simpler then, yes. But in a way better.

But I'm not foolish enough to think that technology hasn't given us a plethora of opportunities and things that we didn't have before. I'm always amazed that I can ask my smartphone anything in the recorded history of mankind , and get an answer! So cool. Science and medical advancements through technology Astound us. So in this aspect technology has been a tremendous influence. But unfortunately the internet has morphed into a social media platform more than an educational platform. 

Fil-Am 'High School Musical' stars Olivia Rodrigo, Vanessa Hudgens reunite at Oscars 2025 party

 

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

March 4, 2025 | 7:13pm

MANILA, Philippines — Different generations of Filipino-American "High School Musical" stars reunited at one of the many Oscars parties held after the 97th Academy Awards.

Olivia Rodrigo and Vanessa Hudgens both attended the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party held in the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, coming together on the red carpet after snapping individual photos.

Both actresses-singers wore black outfits — Olivia in a leather halter top Roberto Cavalli dress and Vanessa in one-shoulder thigh-high feathery Dolce & Gabbana dress.

This marked Vanessa's first red carpet appearance since giving birth to her first child with husband and American football player Cole Tucker who was her date for the night.

Meanwhile, Olivia was accompanied by boyfriend Louis Partridge, star of the "Enola Holmes" movies.

The two previously crossed paths at the 2022 Met Gala when Vanessa was co-hosting the red carpet and Olivia was an invited guest.

Vanessa starred in the three "High School Musical" films, while Olivia broke out in the "High School Musical: The Series" inspired by the trilogy.

In the show, Olivia's character Nini auditions to play the role of Gabriella Montez originated by Vanessa.

Other former Disney stars in attendance at the after-party were Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Lindsay Lohan, as were new Oscar winners Mikey Madison and Zoe Saldaña.

Palme d'Or winner "Anora" topped the Oscars this year as it won five of its six nominations including Best Picture, Best Actress for Madison, and filmmaker Sean Baker winning Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing.

The honors made the director the first individual to win four Oscars for the same film, and the only other person since Walt Disney in 1953 to win four Oscars in one night (Disney's wins were for four different categories).

The Philippines

 

| The Philippines! A beautiful archipelago nation in Southeast Asia, known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and incredibly delicious food. It's a country that's full of warmth, hospitality, and a unique blend of influences.

Here's a glimpse into what makes the Philippines so special:

Island Paradise:

- 7,641 Islands: The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,641 islands, creating a diverse landscape of mountains, beaches, rainforests, and volcanic peaks. It's a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and beach bums alike.

- Pristine Beaches: The Philippines is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and colorful coral reefs, making it a haven for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and island hopping.

- Diverse Landscapes: Beyond the beaches, you'll find lush rainforests, active volcanoes like Mount Mayon, rice terraces, and stunning waterfalls.

Warm Hospitality:

- Filipino Hospitality: Filipinos are known for their warmth, generosity, and genuine hospitality. You'll be greeted with smiles and a sense of welcome.

- Family-Oriented: Filipinos place a strong emphasis on family, and you'll often find large extended families living together.

Rich Culture:

- Colonial Influences: The Philippines has a fascinating history, influenced by Spain and the United States, which is reflected in its language, religion, architecture, and cuisine.

- Spanish Legacy: You'll see traces of Spanish influence in the beautiful churches, colonial-era buildings, and traditional dances.

- American Influence: The Philippines has a strong American influence, evident in its language (English is widely spoken), its cuisine (American fast food is popular), and its pop culture.

- Indigenous Traditions: Despite outside influences, the Philippines retains strong indigenous traditions, reflected in music, dance, art, and festivals.

Delicious Food:

- Savory and Sweet: Filipino food is a delightful blend of flavors, often combining savory and sweet elements.

- Adobo: This classic Filipino dish features meat (chicken or pork) braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black peppercorns.

- Sinigang: This sour and savory soup is made with tamarind, often with pork, seafood, or vegetables.

- Lechon: Roasted suckling pig is a popular dish, often served with a variety of sauces.

Festivals and Celebrations:

- Sinulog Festival: This vibrant festival in Cebu City is a colorful celebration of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus).

- Ati-Atihan Festival: This lively festival in Kalibo, Aklan, is a celebration of fertility and abundance.

- Feast of the Black Nazarene: This massive religious procession in Manila is a testament to Filipino devotion.

The Philippines is a country of incredible diversity, warmth, and beauty. It's a destination that will captivate you with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food.

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