'Heneral Luna" is Philippines' Entry to Oscars 2016

By Nathalie Tomada (The Philippine Star) 

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John Arcilla stars as Antonio Luna in the film ‘Heneral Luna.’

MANILA, Philippines - Heneral Luna has just been chosen as the Philippines’ official submission to the Best Foreign Language Film category of next year’s Oscars.

Directed by Jerrold Tarog, the historical biopic with John Arcilla playing the titular role as Gen. Antonio Luna, has been reaping rave reviews for its unblinking depiction of Luna’s vital role in Philippine history somewhat contrary to the accounts in Philippine history books.

Asked for a reaction regarding the latest development, Arcilla said that it’s a “self-recognition” for the country that it’s capable of making films like Heneral Luna. “The support and reaction of the people who have seen the film speaks for itself. It’s proof that Pinoys have realized that they deserve good films.”

“I’m happy for us Filipinos,” he said, “and I’m happy for Antonio Luna because we were able to shed life on his story 120 years after his death.”

In an earlier interview, Arcilla said that the film — set during the Philippine-American war — covers the period from the time Gen. Luna was assigned to be the head of the revolutionary army as general in the Philippines to his assassination. Arcilla said that the film producers and cast members like himself are ready for the long and intense Oscar campaign ahead so that they can make the final cut.  

Heneral Luna is now showing in cinemas on its second week. Last week, an online clamor erupted following news that the number of theaters playing the film was reduced to 41 after it opened last Sept. 9 in 101 cinemas.

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Arcilla happily noted that thanks to word of mouth and wellspring of support online, more theaters have now accommodated the film, now numbering to 70 nationwide.        

Develop More Filipino Athletes!

 (The Philippine Star) 

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Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero. Philstar.com/File

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero yesterday asked the Philippine Sports Commission to revisit its grassroots development programs and create opportunities for homegrown athletes to achieve their Olympic dreams.

And with this, Escudero said, the PSC should help minimize the recruitment of Fil-foreign athletes by national sports associations (NSAs) seeking shortcuts to victory in international competitions.

Escudero said many sports associations have relied too much on Fil-foreign athletes, leaving their doors half-closed to homegrown athletes who strive hard to get noticed in PSC-organized Batang Pinoy, the Palarong Pambansa and other regional grassroots competitions.

“It will not be good for our homegrown athletes if these NSAs would continue to rely on the Fil-foreign athletes. This is the NSAs’ shortcut formula to success, tapping trained athletes who are ready to compete,” Escudero said.

Escudero said the PSC has enough years to develop local athletes for the 2019 SEA Games, which the Philippines would host after Brunei announced its withdrawal from the task last year.

“The PSC should pounce on the opportunity from this hosting chore,” Escudero said. “There is the Palarong Pambansa, the Batang Pinoy, and other national games organized by the other NSAs. We can still aspire for the overall SEAG crown with a sound program.”

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Escudero also noted the Philippines’s drive to an Olympic medal should also focus further than next year’s Rio de Janeiro Summer Games.

“If possible, we should prepare our athletes for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics from the Batang Pinoy and Palarong Pambansa programs and we should refrain from relying on the Fil-foreign athletes. I am not against them, but we should create opportunities to the homegrown athletes and prove that our programs are really working,” Escudero said.

No Filipino athlete has won an Olympic medal since boxer Mansueto Velasco took home a silver from the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.

The Philippines last won the overall championship when it hosted the Southeast Asian Games in 2005. It was downhill for the Filipino athletes in the regional meet since then.

Road To The Runway

By Martin Yambao (The Philippine Star) 

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Jared Servano

MANILA, Philippines - In the immortal words of Heidi Klum, “In fashion, one day you’re in, and the next you’re out.” A week before we get to say auf Wiedersehen to two of the top three finalists, the fourth season of Project Runway Philippines is set to announce the next #SEWLEGIT Filipino designer this Sunday at 7 p.m. on  cable television channel ETC.

YStyle caught up with the final three designers, a week before the season finale airs; young designer Celine Borromeo from Cebu City, Joy Chicano from Eastern Samar and Jared Servano from Koronadal.

Celine Borromeo rose through the ranks of the competition with her feminine yet wearable approach to design. Celine says to expect her signature “femininity and glamour,” taking cues from the aesthetic codes of the 1950’s. The audience can expect a line of ready-to-wear evening dresses for her final presentation. 

Avant-gardist Joy Chicano made waves with his directional approach to garment construction; his design DNA is influenced with a strong Japanese-inspired aesthetic. Joy’s unique point of view has made him a favorite among the judges, commending his ability to stay true to himself and his vision. “The title of my collection is ‘Make Art, Not War” it’s a mix of garments with an emphasis on pattern play.”

For his final collection, Jared Servano contemporized the design codes of the indigenous B’laan tribe from Southern Mindanao. His aesthetic brings local culture to the runway with a modern take that reflect the traditions of his hometown. His dedication to showcasing local artistry and his ability to transform them into modern silhouettes has earned him praise from the judges.

Judging the final runway are supermodel and fashion icon Tweetie De-Leon Gonzalez, A-list designer Rajo Laurel, and fashion and beauty expert Apples Aberin. Joining them as special guest judge is internationally renowned Filipino designer Josie Natori.

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The winning designer and the winning model of Project Runway Philippines Season 4 will receive spreads in Mega Magazine, P100,000 worth of gift certificates from The Aivee Institute and P100,000 worth of gift certificates from The Face Shop. The winning designer will receive P250,000 to help him start his own line as well as P250,000 from Brother International. The winning designer will also get a chance to showcase his or her collection in the Manila Fashion Festival this October.

YStyle sat down for a quick chat with Tweetie, Rajo and design mentor Jojie Lloren.

 

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Celine Borromeo

YSTYLE: What qualities are you looking to find in the next winner of Project Runway Philippines?

Jojie Lloren: A brilliant career, for him or her.

Tweetie De-Leon Gonzalez: Newness. I’m looking for something new they could offer to the market.

Rajo Laurel: Hope. Essentially, I want the next winner of Project Runway Philippines to be the sort of person who could inspire the next generation of young designers.

In this day and age of the Internet, our industry is driven by speed and hype, what qualities should a young designer possess to be able to cut through the noise? Which matters more, technical skill or good taste?

TG: It’s a combination of technical skill and good taste, because you’ll never make it in this industry if you don’t have a good grasp of both. Hype can only get you so far, but if you don’t have the technical skill to back it up – the market might not respond. 

RL: In order to rise above the noise, a designer, I feel, needs to be authentic.  Pure is the word that comes to mind.

Do you guys have any favorites to win?

TG: That’s something you’ll have to find out, tune in on Sunday!

The Apo Hiking Society

Apo Hiking Society (a.k.a. APO or The Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society) is a popular and widely-acclaimed musical group from the Philippines. Though originally comprised of 13 members from Ateneo de Manila University, the group eventually rose to fame as a three-man band with Jim Paredes, Boboy Garrovillo, and Danny Javier. They have been one of the primary adherents of the Original Pinoy Music or OPM movement.

One of the top Filipino groups in the 1980s, the band began as a group of high school friends that derived their name from Filipino revolutionary Apolinario Mabini. The name was later shortened to “Apo,” an Ilocano term for “wise man.” Contrary to popular belief, the group was not named for Mount Apo.

The group's members are Jim Paredes, Buboy Garovillo and Danny Javier. They officially announced their retirement after their final concert tour, and reunited only for the inauguration of Benigno Aquino III on 30 June 2010.

Ewan - Apo Hiking Society

Six Months after Super Typhoon Yolanda

Are Sundays ‘dangerous’ days?

Check out my column in Mindanao Daily Mirror:

Are Sundays ‘dangerous’ days?

Mindanao Gets Most Project Approval in Philippine Rural Development Project

Mindanao is getting the bigger chunk in terms of approval of projects in the Department of Agriculture (DA) Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) through funding from the World Bank, the Philippine Government and Local Government Units (LGUs).

In a press conference hosted by DA in Cagayan de Oro on 8 September 2015, the department reiterated that in fact more than 50% of the approved project for infrastructure is from Mindanao.

DA Undersecretary Emerson Palad said that the ultimate goal of PRDP is to increase income of farmers by 30% at the end of the project.

PRDP is a six year national government platform for an inclusive, value chain-oriented and climate resilient agriculture and fisheries sector. It is the upscale version of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) where innovations are introduced to address current and emerging challenges like climate change and make rural development more effective.

Arnel De Mesa, Deputy Project Director of PRDP said that there is no specific budget allocation per island for this project. With a total of P27.5B fund resources to spend for six years, 67% or P18.5B goes to infrastructure support, 22% or P7B goes to investments in enterprise, 8% goes to planning and 2% goes to project management.

The projects that will be approved come from the proposals of each LGU.  However, prior to the approval, proposals must go through processes.

First, proposal must be demand driven and must be the need of the community. Second, it must be commodity and market driven wherein there is an assurance of income due to its demand in the market, thus will increase income and generate employment. Third, an LGU must have a Provincial Commodity Investment Plan (PCIP) where various stakeholders have been consulted.

According to DA regional director Lealyn Ramos, the LGUs of Mindanao have been receptive about the program. This is because they will only spend 10% of the total budget for a project approved; 80% would come from the World Bank and the other 10% from the national government.

Ramos said that there is no limit to the project an LGU wants to propose provided that they can produce their 10% share and they can provide documents.

In Mindanao, she said that there are already 75 provincial LGUs out of 81 who are engaged in PRDP. Total of 23 farm-to-market road (FMR) projects or P930M budget have already been approved for Northern Mindanao. Meanwhile, P4.9B worth of various projects have already been approved for Mindanao island and another P4.9B is waitlisted for review.

Ramos said that we are now into up scaling of products. If a farmer is into cacao, then products would include chocolates; there will be factory and packaging will be improved.

The Department reiterates that they are very strict in terms of the implementation of this project. They have now what you call online tracking tool, geotag, wherein photos of the before, during and after of the project will be put online by contractors. Through geotagging, they will know if a project is already done in the area. The department assures that there is no duplication of project in the same area. (JMOR/PIA10)

Hot Money Flees Philippines in August: Net Outflow Reaches $ 542 M

By Lawrence Agcaoili (The Philippine Star)

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Inflows of hot money into the Philippines fell 46 percent to $1.11 billion in August from $2.07 billion in the same month last year, while outflows inched up by 4.7 percent to $1.66 billion from $1.58 billion.Philstar.com/File

MANILA, Philippines - More foreign portfolio investments or hot money fled the Philippines after a global stock market rout late last month, prompting investors to take profits.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) foreign portfolio investments recorded a net outflow of $542.52 million in August, a complete reversal of the net inflow of $483.45 million in the same period last year.

Inflows of hot money into the Philippines fell 46 percent to $1.11 billion in August from $2.07 billion in the same month last year, while outflows inched up by 4.7 percent to $1.66 billion from $1.58 billion.

The BSP said outflows grew due to profit taking. Foreign portfolio investments are also known as hot money since these are speculative capital flows that move very quickly in and out of markets.

About 88.7 percent of investments registered in August were in listed securities at the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) particularly in holding companies, banks, property developers, telecommunication providers as well as food, beverage and tobacco firms.

On the other hand, about 10.8 percent of total inflows last month were invested in peso-denominated government securities.

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The central bank said the rest of the investments were in peso time deposits and other peso debt instruments.

In August, the BSP said foreign portfolio investments in PSE-listed securities recorded a net outflow of $323 million followed by peso-denominated government securities with $220 million, and peso time deposits and peso debt instruments with $4 million.

Only transactions in peso time deposits last month yielded a net inflow of $4 million.

The PSE index was dragged down by a global stock market rout last Aug. 24 as it booked its 11th biggest recorded drop of 6.7 percent to close at 6,791.01.

The BSP said hot money from the US, United Kingdom, Singapore, Luxemburg, and Hong Kong accounted for 82.3 percent of total inflow, while 81.4 percent of the outflows went back to the US.

Foreign portfolio investments recorded a net outflow of $64.25 million from January to August  compared with a net outflow of $572.83 million.

Inflows inched up 2.6 percent to $14.59 billion from January to August compared to $14.22 billion in the same period last year, while outflows retreated by almost one percent to $14.65 billion from $14.79 billion.

Philippines plan to acquire submarine; Navy captain now schooling in Germany

By Mario Casayuran, Manila Bulletin

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The Philippines has added a submarine or two to its shopping list for its military modernization program.

This was learned during the recent hearings of the bicameral Commission on Appointments (CA) when it confirmed three senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) although they were absent as the AFP leadership submitted to the CA explanations for their absence. One of the three was Navy Capt. Vincent J. Sibala.

Rep. Antonio A. del Rosario, chairman of the CA National Defense Committee, told his colleagues during the CA plenary session presided by Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, concurrent CA chairman, that Sibala is in Kiel, Germany, undergoing schooling on submarine warfare.

Sibala was one of the 105 senior AFP officers confirmed by the CA last Wednesday. Heading that list was Hernando Delfin Carmelo A. Iriberri, as the 46th AFP chief of staff and as a four-star general.

Asked by Bulletin whether the country has indeed added a submarine or submarines to its shopping list, Del Rosario replied in the affirmative. The planned submarine acquisition is under the proposed P25-billion AFP modernization program. That program, according to Del Rosario, includes airplanes and helicopters.

He could not give details on the AFP modernization program since his responsibility, he said, is centered on deciding whether or not a military officer is fit to hold such office.

Del Rosario said the AFP is supposed to complete its buying program before the end of the six-year term of President Aquino which ends June 30, 2016.

He commented that what the Philippines needs is peace, “but we don’t want to be bullied,” alluding to the present maritime dispute between the Philippines and China.

Asked if the submarine and other modern military hardware being purchased are enough to face a big military power, he replied that even ants can bite.

PNoy: Philippines Ready to Help Syrian Refugees

By: philstar.com) updated September 8, 2015 - 6:54pm

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File photo shows President Benigno Aquino III speaking at the United Nations headquarters in September 2014. AP/John Minchillo

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno S. Aquino III said Tuesday that the Philippines is ready to help refugees from conflict-stricken Syria.

In a media forum aired on state-run People's Television, Aquino noted that the Philippines helped other asylum-seekers in the past.

Aquino cited the case of the 2,700 Vietnamese boat people who sought refuge in the Philippines in the 1970s.

He also mentioned the over 1,200 European Jewish refugees who were saved by the Philippines from Adolf Hitler's Nazi Germany during the Holocaust.

"We have proven, as a country, that we are ready to assist," Aquino said.

But with limited resources and millions living in poverty, Aquino said the Philippines can only do so much.

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"The history is there, the culture is there. We just want to make sure that we manage it properly, that we don't take more than what we can handle," he said.

"Vast majority of our people are still living in poverty. We would like to take our resources to better our people and do our fair share," the president said.