Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Laurice Guillen films to watch this Women's Month

 

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

March 22, 2025 | 10:23am

LIST: Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Laurice Guillen films to watch this Women's Month

Clockwise: Stills from 'Moral,' 'Karnal,' 'Sunday Beauty Queen,' and 'Babae at Baril'

ABS-CBN Sagip Pelikula, Voyage Studios, Cignal Entertainment and Epicmedia Productions via CCP

MANILA, Philippines — The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) listed a number of must-watch movies directed by women, all of them found in its Encyclopedia of Philippine Arts (EPA).

The CCP EPA, touted as the Philippines' most authoritative and comprehensive source of arts and knowledge, includes movies that serve as catalysts for inclusivity and change for society as a whole.

This is on top of more than 5,000 articles and video excerpts from dances and musical performances straight from the the corporation's archives, both printed and digitally preserved.

These are the must-watch classic films on women, for women, by women listed by the CCP:

"Brutal" (1980)

Directed by Mairlou Diaz-Abaya (National Artist)

The first of Diaz-Abaya's trilogy of films about women with screenwriter and fellow National Artist Ricky Lee, "Brutal" was the first Filipino movie to address gender-based violence as a feminist issue within the patriarchial Philippine society.

Synopsis: Monica Real became a suspect of the murder of her own husband, Tato, and two other men. While in jail, she refuses to speak and withdraws herself from the world until Clara, a bold journalist, dives deeper into her case and discovers a grotesque truth.

"Moral" (1982)

Directed by Mairlou Diaz-Abaya (National Artist)

The second movie in Diaz-Abaya's trilogy of films about women with Lee.

Synopsis: Joey, Maritess, Slyvia, and Kathy are best friends who are exploring their lives hand in hand until the resistant demands of their own individual lives get ahead of them. As they struggle and realize the risks that they need to take, the four women go their separate ways, each indulging in their newfound individuality.

"Karnal" (1983)

Directed by Mairlou Diaz-Abaya (National Artist)

The third and final movie in Diaz-Abaya's trilogy of films about women with Lee.

Synopsis: A couple, Puring and Narcing, settle in the latter's hometown, where the former meets Gusting, Narcing’s father. Gusting immediately takes interest in Puring after finding similarity to his then dead wife, which eventually leads to family tension and tragedy.

"Salome" (1981)

Directed by Laurice Guillen

A film also written by Lee but this time for actress-filmmaker Laurice Guillen. Lee has lamanted that "Salome" may not be restored like his other films.

Synopsis: Salome, a married woman, is fatally stabbed by her persistent suitor, and three conflicting versions of the crime unfold. 

"Milagros" (1987)

Directed by Mairlou Diaz-Abaya (National Artist)

Another movie by Diaz-Abaya, but with a screenplay by Rolando S. Tinio

Synopsis: A bar dancer is hungry for her father’s love, but things take a turn after learning he died and left her and her overbearing mother in debt. She ends up as a maid of her father's creditor with his three sons.

"Madrasta" (1996)

Directed Olivia M. Lamasan

Lamasan not only directed this movie but co-wrote the screenplay with the previously mentioned Lee.

Synopsis: Mariel finds herself adapting to her new life as a wife when she married a single father with three children.

"K'na the Dreamweaver" (2014)

Directed by Ina Anita del Mundo

Del Mundo not only directed but also wrote the screenplay for this film.

Synopsis: Set in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, T'boli princess K'na inherits the power of dreamweaving from her grandmother. In the community, dreams are visions bestowed by the abaca goddess to select T'boli women to interlace the fibers into the most exquisite patterns of T'nalak, a sacred fabric.

"Sunday Beauty Queen" (2016)

Directed by Baby Ruth Villarama

This film became the first documentary to win Best Picture at the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Synopsis: A modern-day Cinderella story following the everyday life of five female migrant wokers in Hong Kong, wherein one day each week, they are granted a moment of beauty, joy, and dignity in a local pageant. 

"Babae at Baril" (2019)

Directed by Rae Red

This film by Rae Red, which she also wrote, was just her second directorial outing after "Si Chedeng at si Apple" from 2017.

Synopsis: A saleslady realizes the gravity of owning a gun when she finds one left on the street after seeing a man flee from a shooting near her house.

"A Thousand Cuts" (2020)

Directed by Ramona Diaz

The most recent of the films included in the CCP's list, directed and written by Ramona Diaz.

Synopsis: The documentary follows Rappler co-founder Maria Ressa in her experience as a journalist who becomes a target of the administration while reporting on the war on drugs, extrajudicial killings, and the elections.

Earth Hour: Uniting for a sustainable future

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Mar 22, 2025 00:25 AM

  

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Give an hour for Earth today. Turn off non-essential electric lights for one hour from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., to raise awareness on environmental issues and promote energy conservation.
Every year in late March, millions of people across the globe unite to show that they care about the future of our planet by switching off for one hour. 

Earth Hour, on March 22, is an annual event which started in 2007. It has become a global movement with millions of participants in more than 190 countries and territories. Initiated by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in 2007, Earth Hour began as a symbolic lights-off event in Sydney, Australia, to draw attention to climate change.  In 2008, just a year after it started, more than 50 million people across 35 countries took part, with iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, USA, and Rome’s Colosseum in Italy going dark in solidarity.  The movement has continued to grow, inspiring millions worldwide to take action for the planet. 

The WWF leads Earth Hour globally with the  WWF-Philippines spearheading the movement in  collaboration with various sectors to promote environmental awareness and action.
The Department of Energy (DOE), which leads government initiatives to support Earth Hour, has urged the public to adopt responsible energy and water conservation practices in line with the theme – “Switch off and secure water for all.”

Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla stressed the interdependence of energy and water; that every kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed requires water – whether for cooling processes in thermal power plants, hydropower systems, or the energy needed to pump and distribute water.  

Various organizations and businesses actively support Earth Hour. For instance, the Jollibee Group announced that over 4,300 of its stores across 16 markets will turn off their lights on March 22 at 8:30 p.m. local time, demonstrating their commitment to the cause.  Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, in collaboration with WWF, will lead Earth Hour 2025 with a series of sustainability-focused events, one of them the Bike Parade, a community ride in partnership with Firefly Brigade and Greenpeace PH.  

SM Supermalls and Robinsons Malls will also be switching off lights for Earth Hour and will hold various events on Sustainability.

Moreover, local government units are organizing activities to engage communities. For example, the City Government of San Fernando, La Union, is hosting an Earth Hour 2025 Poster Making Contest, encouraging residents to showcase their love for the environment through art. 

In many schools across the country, activities and programs are held to strengthen awareness on environmental issues, and nurture a love for nature.

Switching off the lights on Earth Hour has expanded to other actions to protect the planet. In 2023, the “Biggest Hour for Earth” movement asked everyone to switch off and give an hour for the planet to the “Hour Bank.” In just the first year of the campaign, WWF reached more than 410,000 hours pledged in the “Hour Bank.” In 2024, supporters from more than 180 countries collectively contributed over 1.4 million hours through the “Hour Bank,” which collects initiatives from individuals who do something positive for the planet for 60 minutes.  

Supporting Earth Hour goes beyond the symbolic act of turning off lights; it represents a commitment to sustainable living and environmental stewardship. By participating, individuals and organizations demonstrate their dedication to reducing energy consumption, mitigating climate change, and preserving natural resources for future generations.
Collective actions, even as simple as switching off lights for an hour, can lead to significant positive environmental impacts when adopted globally.

By turning off our lights for one hour tonight, we not only conserve energy but also signal our commitment to a sustainable future.

A review of 'Bonhoeffer'

BY AJ SIYTANGCO

Mar 22, 2025 00:12 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• While it has no big names to draw crowds, "Bonhoeffer" is still engrossing enough to capture one’s attention for its roughly two-hour runtime.

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On the surface, "Bonhoeffer" is a war film full of intrigue and combat.

The trailer enforces the notion with shots of the war and the featured dialogue about a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. But while yes, the movie mostly takes place during World War II, it doesn’t precisely center around it. You quickly discover that it is much more than that. 

Instead, it can be read in two distinct but related ways. One, it is a frightening depiction of how calculatingly systematic the Nazi rise to power was. From Hitler’s rise to Chancellor to the indoctrination of the youth to the dealing with the “Jewish Question,” it covers, almost step by step, how the Nazis slowly but surely capture Germany in its grasp.

Two, it is a heroic portrait of those who opposed it. Looking back through movies and history books, it is easy to see Germany as a unified force that spread evil worldwide. But the truth is that some stood up against the Reich at significant cost.

One such dissident was the titular Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Jonas Dassler), a noted theologian and pastor, who spoke up openly against the crimes and oppression perpetrated by the Nazis on everyone, Germans and non-Germans alike.

By jumping back and forth through different times, we see Deitrich grow from a naive young boy to a man who dared to speak truth to power. We see him as an idealistic young seminarian whose eyes are opened to the world’s injustices and inequalities while studying in America, then eventually, as a leader, a symbol of the resistance.

A large chunk of the movie concerns Bonhoeffer’s steadfastness in his faith. He opposes the Nazi’s oppression because it is the right thing to do. After all, his faith demands it. He cannot stomach the evils visited upon the Jews or the blatant corruption of the church. He calls on his faith in God for wisdom and strength for what he believes must be done. This highlights one's faith and trust in God, which can make this, strangely enough, something fit for Lenten's viewing. 

While it has no big names to draw crowds, "Bonhoeffer" is still engrossing enough to capture one’s attention for its roughly two-hour runtime. It is probably the closest thing to a feel-good war movie you’ll find. 

Jisoo in PH: Lights, love, and a lot of laughs

BY ALLAN POLICARPIO

MARCH 22, 2025

Jisoo —@SOOYAA__/INSTAGRAM

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Who knew that watching a mini crafting session could be so nerve-wracking? Well, leave it to Jisoo to make a rather uneventful activity feel like a roller coaster of emotions.

In the “Love” segment of her recent “Lights, Love, Action!” fan meeting at the Araneta Coliseum, the South Korean pop star—and one-fourth of the girl group Blackpink—was tasked to decorate an acrylic frame holding a photo card and a CD of her debut solo EP “Amortage”—a one-of-a kind gift for a lucky fan.

“You guys all know about the album-decorating skills of Jisoo, right?” the event host Jessica Lee asked the crowd.

‘Snow White’ is the fairest rewrite of them all

BY RUTH L. NAVARRA

MARCH 21, 2025

Snow White (Rachel Zegler) may need a true love's kiss from Jonathan (Andrew Burnap) but she fights her own battles for the most part. —PHOTO COURTESY OF DISNEY

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The new live-action film “Snow White” didn’t stay faithful to Disney’s 1937 animated classic—and thank goodness for that. In the rewrite of one of Disney’s most iconic (and most passive) princesses, the adaptation is trading all the prince-pining for girl power.

Some say it’s a betrayal of the source material, but it is a necessary evolution of the character, especially at a time when audiences crave more than just fairy-tale romance. Let’s all agree that the sensibilities of the ‘30s will no longer fly today.

Actress Rachel Zegler embodies that shift. She steps into the role not as a damsel in distress, but as a heroine ready to write her own story. And as shallow as it sounds, it begins with her looks.

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Hiligaynon film, Mindanao short win Cinepanalo Film Festival 2025

Puregold CinePanalo’s student filmmakers along with Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad (fifth from left, back row); festival director Chris Cahilig (sixth from left, back row); representatives from the festival’s partners Optima Digital and Mowelfund; and members of the festival’s selection committee.

The STAR / File

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

March 21, 2025 | 9:01am

At the awarding ceremony in The Elements, Eton Centris in Quezon City early this week, “Salum” took home four Puregold CinePanalo trophies in the full-length category namely: Panalong Pelikula, Panalo sa Production Design, Panalo sa Sound Design, and Panalo sa Musical Scoring as well as a cash prize of P250,000.

Meanwhile, “Champ Green” received a P100,000 cash prize and five trophies in the student shorts category including Panalong Maikling Pelikula, Panalong Pangalawang Aktor for Sol Eugenio, Panalo sa Kwento, Panalo sa Brand Intrusion, and Mowelfund Special Citation. 

In addition, “Champ Green,” being the students shorts winner, also won film equipment including a Black Mist, a Dream Filter, a Blue Lightstreak Filter from MFP Rentals and Kase Philippines; a Nanlite FC 60B with Merch from MQ Group and Nanlite Philippines; and a Hollyland Lark C1 Wireless Microphone from Sieztech Enterprize and Hollyland Tech Philippines.

“Champ Green” also won an extra P25,000 for winning the Panalo sa Brand Intrusion, as did fellow short film “G!” and full-length film “Journeyman” who won the same award; as well as “Checkmate and Taympers,” who similarly tied for Pinakapanalong Promosyon ng Pelikula. Each of these sponsors gladly awarded “Champ Green” with the equipment in order to support the development of young Filipino filmmakers such as “Champ Green” director Clyde Cuizon Gamale.

In the full-length category, another Hiligaynon film “Tigkiliwi” nabbed seven trophies including Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Hurado and Panalo sa Kwento for its writer-director Tara Illenberger. The charming film about a community of misfits swept the acting awards categories including Panalong Aktres for Ruby Ruiz, and Panalong Pangalawang Aktor for Jeffrey Jiruma.  

In an interesting turn of events, two ties were declared during the awards night. The Panalong Aktor trophy was shared between JP Larroder as “Tigkiliwi’s Tata,” and Khalil Ramos as the titular Olsen in “Olsen’s Day” while both “Journeyman” and “Olsen’s Day” were declared the winners of the Panalo sa Cinematography category. Meanwhile, JP Habac of “Olsen’s Day” bagged the Panalong Direktor award. 

“Journeyman” by the sibling-tandem of Christian Paolo and Dominic Lat took home a total of six trophies namely: Panalo Sa International Jury, Panalo sa Cinematography (tie with “Olsen’s Day”), Panalo sa Film Poster, the MTRCB Special Award for Responsableng Paglikha, Panalo sa Brand Intrusion, and the Puregold Always Panalo Film which it shared with the romantic-comedy film “Fleeting” by Catsi Catalan. 

For the student shorts, “Uwian,” directed by Panalong Direktor winner Vhan Marco Molacruz of Colegio de San Juan de Letran crushed the competition, winning five different awards including Panalong Direktor, Panalo sa Musical Scoring, Panalo sa Production Design, Panalong Aktres for Geraldine Villamil, and Panalong Pangalawang Aktres for Uzziel Delamide. 

Other notable entries to the student shorts category included Sean Rafael Verdejo’s absurdist dramedy “Dela Cruz, Juan P.,” which took home Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Hurado; as well as Ira Corinne Esguerra’s coming-of-age sibling story “SamPie,” which took home the Puregold Always Panalo Film award.

Each award was deliberated upon by an impressive lineup of qualified judges, including Festival Director Christopher Cahilig, Festival Chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, and Republic Creative Creations, Inc. representative Sonny Bautista, each of whom sat on both the student shorts and full-length jury panels. Joining them on the students shorts panel were directors Emmanuel Dela Cruz and Victor Villanueva, as well as film critic Lito Zulueta. The full-length jury panel, on the other hand, consisted of Cahilig, Hayagan-Piedad, and Bautista, as well as directors Jeffrey Jeturian and Mae Cruz-Alviar, writer and producer Moira Lang, and Estonian filmmaker Tiina Lokk, the festival director of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.

This year’s CinePanalo saw increased grants for all entries, with P3,000,000 grants for full-length entries, and P150,000 grants for student shorts. The festival was also supported in large part by its partner organizations Terminal Six Post, CMB Film Services Inc., Gateway Cineplex 18, MFP Rentals, the MTRCB and the Mowelfund Film Institute.

“The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will always be fueled by a deep love for the art of cinema, and an even deeper ambition to show what Philippine talent and passion has to offer,” said Festival Chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad. “With the CinePanalo having reached a successful second edition, the possibilities are now endless. We can’t wait for all the wonderful films yet to grace the Puregold CinePanalo in all the years to come.”

“Salum,” “Champ Green,” and all the other full-length and student short films of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2025 will continue to screen exclusively at the Gateway Cineplex 18, Cubao, Quezon City until the closing of the festival on March 25. Regular tickets are P250, with discounts available for students, PWDs, seniors, Tindahan ni Aling Puring, and Perks Card members for P200. Meanwhile, festival passes for the entire experience cost P2,000, granting holders entrance to all official movie entries.

The surprising story of the potato

From ancient roots to modern plates: The potato’s incredible journey

BY JESSICA PAG-IWAYAN

Mar 21, 2025 07:32 AM

  

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RUSSET potatoes—one of the many varieties grown in the U.S.

The humble potato. We mash it, bake it, fry it, and love it in countless ways. But how much do we really know about this versatile veggie? During the recent event of Potatoes USA, one of the leading importers of potatoes in the Philippines, the Manila Bulletin learned some fun facts about this well-loved root crop.

A global traveler

During the event, nutritionist and dietitian Joe Sebastian shared the origin of potatoes. She said that Inca Indians in Peru were the first cultivators of potatoes during the years 8,000 and 5,000 B.C. Meanwhile, other references said that in the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors brought potatoes back to Europe, and from there, they spread like wildfire, becoming a global food staple. 

A nutritional powerhouse

Since potatoes are known as a carbohydrates-packed food, some associated it with weight gain, especially for those who are into their fitness journey. However, the truth is, potatoes are a nutritional superhero in disguise. It's packed with complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, making it a favorite among athletes. A medium-sized, skin-on potato provides 26 grams of these power-packed carbs, giving you nine percent of your daily value needed. Plus, it's loaded with vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and even plant-based protein. 

On top of this, potatoes are naturally gluten-free, fat-free, sodium-free, and cholesterol-free, making it the perfect canvas for your culinary masterpieces like potato pasta, and even soup. 

LATTICE or basket-weave cut, a deep-fried frozen potato, is one of the many ways to prepare the versatile spud.

Space spuds 

Another interesting fact about this crop is in 1995, the potato boldly went where no vegetable had gone before: space. It was the first vegetable grown in space, proving its adaptability and resilience.  Back on Earth, the potato's versatility shines. 

U.S. potato farmers provide various gluten-free, fat-free, cholesterol-free, and sodium-free potatoes nationwide. They come in three forms: fresh, frozen, and instant (dehydrated). Plus, there’s a wide range of potato recipes to explore for pre-and post-workout meals at www.potatogoodness.ph.  Also, U.S. potato products provide the nutrition, versatility, and superior quality that will bring out the best in all your culinary masterpieces. They are easy to use, consistent, and readily available in a variety of formats all of which are graded based on standards of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The potato has come a long way from its humble beginnings. It's a global food staple, a nutritional powerhouse, and a culinary superstar. It's a must-have in every kitchen, bringing comfort, versatility, and deliciousness to every meal. So, next time you reach for a potato, remember its incredible journey and its amazing superpowers. 

FSTA to hold recital featuring violinist Kaycee Galano and pianist Inna Montesclaros

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Mar 20, 2025 03:26 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Tickets are priced at regular - P1,500; senior citizens and persons with disabilities - P1,200; and students - P1,000.

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The Filipino String Teachers Association (FSTA), in cooperation with St. Scholastica’s College, presents CAPRICE, a recital featuring violinist Kaycee Galano and pianist Inna Montesclaros at the Corazon Aquino Hall on April 5, 2025, at 6 p.m.

Galano, a rising artist recognized for her technical brilliance and expressive interpretations, has earned international competitions and performance accolades. 

Montesclaros, a graduate of the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, has performed in renowned venues in London, New York, and Manila.

Tickets are priced at regular - P1,500; senior citizens and persons with disabilities - P1,200; and students - P1,000. Reserve your seat today at http://bit.ly/fstacaprice