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Sunday, November 19, 2023
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Frankfurter Buchmesse 2023: Why books matter in a time of war & the ongoing assault on truth
Photo by Avee Navarro Tan
ARTMAGEDDON - Igan D’Bayan - The Philippine Star
November 19, 2023
Opening night: The Frankfurt Book Fair or Frankfurter Buchmesse is the largest international trade fair for the book publishing industry, the most important marketplace for book rights, and a venue for cultural exchange among different countries. Writers such as Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, and Paulo Coelho have graced this event.
FRANKFURT, Germany — In one of the strangest plot twists in the most bonkers of timelines we could ever imagine, books are being banned or censored (burned, even) in parts of America, while in Germany, they have just wrapped up the world’s largest trade fair for books: the 75th Frankfurter Buchmesse (FBM). A fair that recognizes the mystifying appeal of a stack of papers glued or sewn together bustling with words exploring histories, creating multiverses, sharing a sea of stories. Oh, how many of us have found comfort in a book — getting lost in Macondo or Yoknapatawpha County, stressing over that rascal Raskolnikov, knowing why Gregor Samsa could not report to work that morning or who exactly “wept at the romance of the streets with their pushcarts full of onions and bad music.” Books were our amulets against school bullies, abusive relatives, and teachers who did not have the capacity to understand us. Books — just like songs by The Animals — offered a way out. We chilled to books before Netflix or Disney shoved Riverdale and The Marvels down our throats. Now, people are glued to their iPhones watching other people lip-sync, do stupid pranks, or stuff food into their gaping maws. Histories are being erased wholesale. Journalists are getting tagged as enemies of the people. George Orwell and Margaret Atwood books get bandied about on Twitter without actually being read. (Don Jr. rails at stuff being “Orwellian” many times, trumped out of his gourd.) It’s like we are in the fifth and final act and still there are more clowns coming out of the clown car. (By the way there was a proposal to ban Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl because — according to a parent — it is “a real downer.”)
At the Frankfurt book fair, on the other hand, German kids and teens lined up to have their favorite authors sign their books. Some dressed up as anime or comic book characters and cavorted on the fairgrounds. (What Filipinos usually do in toy conventions) After the publishers, booksellers, literary agents, and other players from the global publishing industry had their exclusive digs for the first three days at the bookstalls (to negotiate international publishing rights and license fees, to shop for that potential bestseller, etc.), the public swooped in during the weekend. It was glorious to behold. Nothing nerdish or esoteric about reading books in this part of the world. It is rather essential, integral.
But the recent Frankfurter Buchmesse itself was not immune from any controversy. “There is a black cloud above all of us in the world, a dark shadow cast by war,” said the host during opening night of the book fair. “What is the power of books in these difficult times?”
A number of Arab publishing associations pulled out of the fair in protest over its decision to postpone the 2023 LiBeraturpreis award ceremony honoring Berlin-based Palestinian author Adania Shibli. There was an uproar during the speech of Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Zizek as he condemned the decision as scandalous. Zizek also made remarks about the Israeli and Palestinian conflict that irked a number of people in the audience. He was repeatedly interrupted by Uwe Becker, the Anti-Semitism commissioner of the German state of Hesse, who stormed out of the hall, stormed back in, and shouted at Zizek in mid-speech. That, dear readers, escalated quickly.
Thankfully, civility prevailed. It is important to make sure that everyone can be heard, according to Juergen Boos, president and CEO of the Frankfurter Buchmesse GmbH. “I’m glad that somebody interrupted the speech. It (should be allowed). I’m also glad that we listened to the speech to the very end — even though we didn’t like it, or maybe even condemn it.” The way Boos eased the tension down a notch was masterful.
During a crescendo of shelling, the march of fascism, and onslaught of unsettling events, do books still matter? Well, more so than ever.
Claudia Roth, Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, explained, “I’m convinced that, especially in times like these, reading opens our eyes. It creates understanding across all borders and it teaches us empathy. It is right now that we need the freedom to think of the diversity of books and perspectives — and this is what the Frankfurt Book Fair represents. Reading allows you to experience things you never experienced yourself. It enables you to have new insights and perspectives. With every chapter, with every new page, we can overcome opposites, which sometimes seem irreconcilable in our everyday life. Reading proves every day that despite our differences we can understand each other. That our society is by no means doomed to drift apart.”
She stressed the importance of holding an event such as the Frankfurter Buchmesse. “(Fostering a) diverse publishing landscape in our country is invaluable to our democracy. And this is why the thousands of books presented here every year are good news. Good news for our country, for our society.”
FBM, by tradition, stands for the joy of reading and the fun of stories, but it’s always been very political as well. Boos, who has been the Frankfurter Buchmesse president since 2005, shared how the book fair is completely unique in the world. “And I’m so lucky to be in the middle of it and be involved with it and, to some extent, also to shape it. And it’s a great challenge, sometimes — also it’s shocking, but it’s also very rewarding.”
What the world needs now is a festival of thinkers and readers rather than a congregation of trolls and truthers.
Roth described the book fair as “a marketplace of words.” She asked, “What would be at stake when you no longer trust the word?”
Karin Schmidt-Friderichs, chairwoman of the German Publishers & Booksellers Association, said, “Reading forces us to stop and think.” And with a bang of the hammer, she declared the 75th Frankfurt Book Fair open. It is important to note that the German Book Trade awarded this year’s Peace Prize to Salman Rushdie, joining a list that includes Atwood, Susan Sontag, Amos Oz and Vaclav Havel, among others.
“This is a strong and clear signal against fanaticism,” said Roth, “and for the power of the book, for the power of the free word — and this is exactly what stands for the Frankfurt Book Fair.”
Rushdie mused over the power of books: “When a reader falls in love with a book, it leaves its essence inside him like radioactive fallout in an arable field. And after that there are certain crops that will no longer grow in him, while other stranger, more fantastic growths may occasionally be produced.”
The book fair then is a field of phenomenal fruits.
Quake victims to get P20 million aid from House
Sheila Crisostomo - The Philippine Star
Image from the Facebook page of Sarangani Gov. Rogelio Pacquiao shows a damaged room at the municipal offices of Glan. A magnitude 6.8 quake jolted Sarangani, Davao Occidental the other day, affecting Glan and GenSan.
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has donated some P20 million in aid and 5,000 food packs to the victims of the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Southern Mindanao last Friday.
Speaker Martin Romualdez and Tingog party-list spearheaded the move in line with the directive of President Marcos for concerned authorities to promptly address the needs of affected families and individuals.
P10 million worth of medical assistance for indigent patients from the Department of Health and another P10 million for individuals in crisis under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will be released to the lone districts of Sarangani and South Cotabato, according to House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Gabonada.
Construction materials will also be sent to the affected residents for the repair and rebuilding of their homes damaged by the earthquake.
Gabonada added that an initial 5,000 relief goods are to be equally divided between the two districts by the Tingog partylist teams.
Romualdez’s office is also closely working with the Department of Public Works and Highways and district lawmakers to facilitate the immediate release of quick response funds (QRF) to rehabilitate the affected public structures like bridges and school buildings.
DSWD assistance
Meanwhile, some P1.47 billion worth of food and non-food items have been allocated by the DSWD for the victims of the earthquake.
According to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchallian, the agency has enough stockpiles of these supplies “as well as standby funds that could be readily used to augment the resources of the local government units (LGUs)” affected by the quake.
Some P14.2 million QRFs are also ready to be utilized from the DSWD field offices in Northern Mindanao, Davao and Soccsksargen, where the tremors were felt, according to DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Rommel Lopez.
Lopez said the DSWD’s Central Office has P29.16 million in QRFs, which the department can also use to assist victims.
The DSWD also has 140,000 family food packs and non-food items on standby in the affected regions, Lopez said.
Aside from the provision of resource augmentation, the field offices of DSWD are also assisting the affected LGUs in helping injured individuals and in assessing damage.
Gatchalian added that in Soccsksargen, DSWD regional director Loreto Cabaya had already handed over P10,000 in financial aid to each of the families of those killed in the earthquake.
“All our field offices in the earthquake-hit areas are in constant communication with the LGUs and are ready to provide food, non-food and cash assistance for their affected constituents,” Gatchalian said.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has also mobilized its emergency medical services teams in the affected areas.
PRC chairman Richard Gordon said their volunteers have given first aid to people injured in the earthquake.
Citing reports from the PRC’s Davao del Sur chapter, Gordon said the earthquakes caused power outages in Digos City as well as the collapse of ceilings of malls in Koronadal and General Santos cities, and a high school in Sarangani. — Emmanuel Tupas
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Getting ready for Christmas: Think local
Nov 18, 2023 03:16 AM
As a popular song goes, “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!”
Along the main roads, there are pockets of traffic slowdown where local government unit personnel are putting up Christmas décor. At the commercial centers, the fairy lights already twinkle above traffic-clogged streets. Shopping malls are decked with everything about the season – Santa Claus, Christmas Belen, angels, reindeers, colorful fully-decked trees. The Festival of Lights has started at the Ayala Triangle Gardens and in the Ayala Malls, the light shows have begun. Christmas Tree lighting events are happening all over the metro.
It is time to think local. Buy local products for gifts. Check first if there are food and gift products from entrepreneurs in your community or workplace before buying goods online. It will not only support the small businesses in your area, it will create jobs for neighbors.
Think local also for holiday trips. Choose a local destination from the many tourist spots we have in our country. Boracay, Siargao, Cebu, Palawan, Negros, Batanes, Vigan, Laoag, Pagudpud, Baguio, Sagada, Banaue, Clark, Subic – and many more to explore. The jobs created by more local tourist traffic will give significant support to thousands of families. That can support a child’s education, needed medical procedure, small business venture, or house repair work.
Our local airports are preparing for the influx of passengers who come home for the holidays. At the Bureau of Immigration (BI), a two-month ban on leave of absence for its personnel posted in the country's international airports has been imposed from Nov. 15 by Commissioner Norman Tansingco.
“We have to see to it that our counters at the airports are fully manned during the holidays when there is a tremendous volume of international passengers arriving and departing at the airports,” he said.
The ban applies to immigration personnel assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other international airports like those in Clark, Mactan, Davao, Kalibo and in Zamboanga.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry personnel has been making the rounds of public markets to check on food products to protect the public from overpricing and products not safe for human consumption.
As decorating for the holidays is the major activity everywhere, households are reminded to check electrical lights for safety. After being stored for a year, it’s best to check the product for loose wires and the integrity of its connections.
For those who are buying new lights, the DTI through the Bureau of Philippine Standards recommends Christmas lights that bear the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker.
Christians prepare for the celebration of the reason for the season – the birth of Jesus Christ. Church calendars will be full of activities leading to Christmas Day, many of those are gift-giving to the poor. Private organizations and NGOs will need more people to spread the joy of the season to the members of the community. It’s good to volunteer your time and talent.
Take more time to prepare for the happiest season of the year.
PH bet Anna Lakrini wins 2nd runner-up at Miss Globe 2023
Nov 18, 2023 09:14 AM
AT A GLANCE
The 25-year-old Binibining Pilipinas queen is a professional model and a German Language teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Science from the University of Vienna.
Miss Philippine Anna Lakrini won second runner-up at the Miss Globe 2023 beauty pageant held in Durres, Albania Friday night (Saturday morning, Manila time).
Manvin Khera of Malaysia was crowned Miss Globe 2023. Other winners were: Spain, 1st runner-up; Nigeria, 3rd runner-up; and USA, 4th runner-up.
Other candidates in the top 15 were delegates from Albania, China, India, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Norway, Poland, Thailand, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
The 25-year-old Binibining Pilipinas queen is a professional model and a German Language teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutritional Science from the University of Vienna. She is an advocate for accessible and affordable nutritional health.
During her reign, she joined outreach programs to provide nutritional support to children in Tondo, Bohol, and her hometown Bataan. She also visited detainees in Bulacan to provide food assistance.
Box-office queen Kathryn Bernardo and global fashion icon Heart Evangelista Unite for Uratex’s 55th anniversary
BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT
Nov 18, 2023 08:17 AM
AT A GLANCE
Uratex’s quality products for sleeping have been consistently recognized as a Trusted Brand in the mattress category by the Reader’s Digest Awards. Uratex has won this award for 14 consecutive years, including the 2023 edition.
Kathryn Bernardo and Heart Evangelista, two universally beloved actresses, unite for the 55th anniversary of Uratex Philippines.
As two of the brightest stars in the local constellation, they are the powerhouse endorsers of the country’s leading foam manufacturer, which has been consistently recognized by Reader's Digest with 14 consecutive Platinum Awards in the mattress category.
Kathryn is the face for the Uratex Classic Line while Heart fronts the Premium Line.
“Kathryn is a highly influential and marketable celebrity in the Philippines, particularly among the younger generations (Gen Y and Z). She is well loved by Filipino households and commands a significant presence in the broader mass market, making her the perfect fit to endorse Uratex’s top-selling classic mattresses,” explains Stephen Cheng-Lee, the Sleep Business Unit director.
Offering products that help enrich lives and create meaningful moments such as mattresses, pillows, toppers, and so much more in its 55 years of existence, Uratex remains committed to providing comfort through its products and services.
“We are proud to only get brand ambassadors who are actual Uratex users and Kathryn has been a Uratex user since she was very young. This is also the reason why ‘It’s always been U, Uratex’ is our campaign slogan for our brand ambassadors this year,” adds Cheng-Lee,
“I have many childhood memories with Uratex. Actually, growing up I’ve been using Uratex, and up until now. I remember when I was still a kid, we would go to our parents’ room. My siblings and I have all these foldable mattresses, and we always loved to sleep in one room,” Kathryn recalls her initial encounters with Uratex. The box-office queen adds: “So every night, we would bring our own mattress and lay them down and the next day, fold them. So that was our routine growing up when we were still in Nueva Ecija. Up until now, in our new house in Manila, and before Uratex even offered me to be their ambassadress, Uratex has always been my bed. I swear!”
So when Uratex offered her to be one of its powerhouse endorsers, Kathryn didn't hesitate to accept it.
“I said yes, naturally. I grew up with the brand. I think with all Filipinos, there’s no one who doesn’t know Uratex. It’s a brand that we trust,” Kathryn says. “It gives us a sense of comfort that we always look forward to going home to sleep knowing that we would feel relaxed. So, yes, there’s no reason to say No to Uratex.”
On the other hand, Uratex is truly honored to have global fashion icon and Kapuso actress Heart Evangelista in promoting the importance of a good night’s sleep for all.
“Our long relationship with Heart has undeniably played a pivotal role in amplifying our commitment to promoting healthy sleep habits. With our current collaboration through the #ItsAlwaysBeenU campaign, we’re hoping to influence more people to prioritize their well-being through quality sleep,” says Peachy Medina, Managing Director.
“I've been part of the Uratex family for a solid four years. And let me tell you, it's been a wonderful journey. As someone who’s after classy comfort all the way, Uratex has become my go-to, the one I trust above all. It's like my mattress soulmate, always delivering on the cozy vibes because it’s the real deal in comfort and quality,” Heart enthuses.
As a longtime ambassadress, Heart Evangelista supports Uratex in sharing the value of having a good night’s sleep for its #ItsAlwaysBeenU campaign.
“Getting good sleep is very important to me. It’s like giving my brain a beauty rest and it keeps me looking and feeling fabulous despite having a busy schedule! So for me, quality sleep is not just a necessity; it’s the secret ingredient to my daily glam routine,” says Heart.
What gives Heart the best sleep she could ever wish for is the Uratex Premium Touch Viscoluxe. It is made of Smart Reflex® pocket springs that cleverly adjust to the body’s every move. It also has Senso Memory® foam that conforms to the shape of the body, distributes weight evenly and helps alleviate pressure points. Its Power Edge® support foam provides a supportive seating edge.
The Premium Touch Viscoluxe uses a mattress cover made from Tencel®, a natural cellulosic fiber that regulates moisture and body temperature. Its fabric is treated with Sanitized® which effectively protects against growth of bacteria, odor, mildew, and dust mites, keeping the mattress clean and hypoallergenic.
“It’s hard to choose which Uratex product is my favorite because I love all of them. But, if I really have to pick a favorite, it would be the Premium Touch Viscoluxe— it's been my sleep companion for a while now because it keeps me super comfy at night,” Heart says.
As for future collaborations, Heart has some exciting news: “I’m currently working on some exciting stuff with Uratex and I honestly can't wait to spill all the details with you soon.”
Uratex’s quality products for sleeping have been consistently recognized as a Trusted Brand in the mattress category by the Reader’s Digest Awards. Uratex has won this award for 14 consecutive years, including the 2023 edition.
Friday, November 17, 2023
Filipino filmmaker tops HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2023
Mobile photography has revolutionized the way we capture moments, offering a convenient and accessible way to take stunning photos using smartphones. This portable and versatile way of photography has empowered individuals to express their creativity through the lenses of their mobile phones.
The HUAWEI XMAGE Awards serve as a platform that highlights spectacular photos and videos taken using HUAWEI smartphones from around the globe. XMAGE is an exclusive mobile photography brand associated with HUAWEI, representing the continuous breakthroughs and commitments in mobile imagery.
This year, a Filipino filmmaker was named the grand prize winner for the first time. Domcar Calinawan Lagto, an author and a filmmaker, secured the grand prize with his stunning photo of a lightning coming from ash clouds depicting an image of a dragon. The photo was captured using a HUAWEI P30 Pro, entitled Dragon Clouds.
The image was taken in the evening of January 12th, 2020, where a phreatic eruption from the Taal Volcano caused ash clouds, in which lightning was observed by viewers in Nasugbu, Batangas. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explained that by Six PM that day, eruptive activity had generated steam-laden plumes up to nine miles tall, causing extreme weather events.
Lagto’s winning photo received positive comments from the judges, expressing their admiration on how perfectly the timing was for the shot. “This is seriously a formidable image. Timing is everything”, Jessica Hromas stated.
“Unique and unrepeatable moments make the most memorable photos. This image has all the hallmark signs of a world class capture, with stunning exquisite light, grabbing the viewers attention and allowing the eyes to travel through the different elements of the scene. A classical example of being in the right place at the right time, following careful planning and creating a masterpiece.”, José Ramos also added.
Aside from Lagto, several Filipinos also won from the other categories of XMAGE Awards. Rhon Paolo C. Velarde obtained the Best in Category for #Portrait using HUAWEI P40 Pro, and Melvin Anore also won the Best in Category for #Night Walk using HUAWEI Mate 50 Pro.
Jamir Lyndon Lumbao, Ferdinand Bedana, Philip Ann Guay, and Jason Martin Sy, among others, were named as runner-up winners from different categories using their HUAWEI P40 Pro and HUAWEI Mate 50 Pro smartphones. They have secured a spot in #Hello Life, #Portrait, #Art and Fashion, and the #Night Walk categories respectively. The Treasured Memories video of Kuya Less also won the Best in Category for videos.
HUAWEI Philippines also awarded three best photos of the HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2023 Philippines for the #ZoomIntoPhilippines local competition. User cradleofklein’s Daragang Magayon photo received a HUAWEI Sound of Joy for winning second runner-up and a HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro 2 as #ZoomIntoPhilippines special award winner.
The Parallel World photo by user bebe15 placed first runner-up and received a HUAWEI GT Runner, while the grand prize of a HUAWEI P60 Pro was awarded to user chaiasher15 for Fishing Under The Rising Sun photo.
The HUAWEI XMAGE Awards was launched in 2017 and did not only inspire individuals to take impressive images using their mobile phones but also became a platform to showcase artistic creations that give people a glimpse into the photographers’ views.
Yes, I’m using a coffee shop as a personal office, and here's why
Nov 17, 2023 05:44 AM
EDITOR’S DESK
At least five friends forwarded me a link to a viral video featuring a foreign vlogger wondering why a popular coffee shop chain is “used” as a personal office among Filipinos. My brother said that I’m the guiltiest, since as far as he knows, a certain coffeeshop on Matalino Street in Quezon City is my “work address.”
Yes, I’m guilty as charged. I use a coffee shop as a personal office — even more than that! I conduct meetings, interviews, and socials there. I write all my articles and editorials, even edit an entire magazine, in that place. There was even a time where I completed an entire masteral thesis over a series of nights in that coffee shop, once spending 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. there since it operates 24/7.
Some people will disapprove of this practice. As a former restobar owner, I frown upon guests who monopolize the communal videoke all night if their only order was a bottle of beer. I’ve encountered before a coffee shop owner who would even hand you the menu once he noticed that you’ve been staying for too long.
Well, it’s a fact that there are some who linger all night and hog an entire desk to work or study with just one cup of coffee, which would soon turn into iced coffee, chilled by the aircon. This should not be tolerated, otherwise we may wake up one day with coffee shops imposing time limits like buffet restaurants.
This kind of coffee shop “culture” makes us distinct from the rest of the world. I believe that Pinoys using the coffee shop as an office mirrors our society’s yearning for clean, safe, and comfortable spaces for work. Unlike other countries with libraries, museums, or malls catering to remote work needs, Metro Manila lacks 24/7 spaces (unless you consider working inside a 7-11) where you can peacefully type on your laptop. Though there are co-working spaces that charge per hour, the trend didn’t catch on that much compared with coffeeshops that are mostly filled with students studying during weekdays.
You just have to check out Manila Bulletin’s in-house café called Paper+Cup, which is filled to the brim with students, as they appreciate its comfortable ambience. Located in our lobby, it has multiple electrical outlets, strong WiFi, and enjoyable drinks. I even use Paper+Cup as a meeting venue for my team.
I have also observed that using a coffee shop as a workplace also reflects the weariness of Filipinos in the work-from-home setup. Some people I know who are (solitary) virtual assistants desire a “change of view” and the coffee shop ambiance injects in them some semblance of normalcy — like working in an actual office.
Of course, I understand that a coffee shop is a business first and foremost, and incurs expenses for electricity, aircon, manpower, etc. It is just right for a customer to purchase an “equitable” amount of food and drinks. When I’m at my favorite coffee shop, I make sure to order a hefty meal and a slice of cake if I’m staying for long. How could I continue enjoying its “amenities” if it is not a sustainable business venture? My patronage is my way of “paying back” for the use of space.
While I wholly welcome a commentary from a foreigner who is exposing to the world our “quirkiness,” it should not sound like the words of early conquerors like Magellan, who came to our land to “educate” us. We have our own way of life and a foreigner’s comment is, I believe, for entertainment purposes (and perhaps, for virality and dollars) only. I respect his comments, and that even made me ponder why we, indeed, consider a coffee shop as a personal office, but my resolve remains unchanged. In fact, I’m writing this column now inside a coffee shop.
You may ask me why I don’t do this in my own home (this is the perennial question of my parents), which is more comfortable since there are no distractions there. That’s precisely my answer — the moment I see my bed, my mind wanders off to dreamland; all creative endeavors are shelved, and I plunk down in bed for a “nap,” which turns into an eight-hour deep sleep.
That’s why, if I want to do a task, write an article, or finish reading a book, I head to my favorite coffee shop. This holiday season gives me more motivation to do work there, as I’m “rewarded” with an e-sticker for every drink I purchase, which can be converted into merchandise upon reaching a certain quota.
With Pinoys residing in denser communities, of condo studio units filled with four to six occupants, with more youth lured by virtual work, expect more laptops to be turned on inside coffee shops. And for every table filled with conversation among friends or a family taking time off, there is another table with someone like me, quiet yet frantically typing on a keyboard. I hope no foreign vlogger will film me, engrossed in my work, without my half-filled drink and my half-eaten chezzzcake.
(Johannes L. Chua is the editor of the Environment and Sustainability Section of Manila Bulletin.)
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