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Knights, Lions eye share of third spot
Letran and San Beda aspire to fortify their spots in the Magic Four when they battle Arellano University and University of Perpetual Help, respectively, today in NCAA Season 98 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre......»»
Undefeated Creamline, Cignal share early top spot in PVL All-Filipino tilt
Dominant PVL squads Creamline and Cignal stretch out their rotations in respective sweeps of winless Galeries Tower and Nxled to share the No. 1 spot in the 2024 All-Filipino Conference.....»»
Pilipinas Super League: Quezon repels RCP; JT Taipan, AO win
Quezon turned back a game RCP Shawarma Shack side, 66-57, to move up in a share of fourth spot with Caloocan in the PSL President’s Cup at the Filoil-EcoOil Centre......»»
Apple Overtakes Samsung as World’s Top Smartphone Seller after Over a Decade
Apple has dethroned Samsung as the world’s leading smartphone seller, marking the end of Samsung’s 12-year dominance according to stats. This comes as data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) revealed that Apple secured the top spot in 2023, having sold 234.6 million units, claiming a 20.1% market share. In contrast, Samsung trailed with 226.6 […].....»»
NFL Week 17 TV maps and commentators: Seahawks-Steelers is top on FOX
Title: Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers Seek Crucial Playoff Spot in NFL Showdown In a thrilling race for a playoff spot, the Seattle Seahawks and.....»»
Phoenix rises to 6th straight win, sinks NorthPort to share top spot
Johnathan Williams III falls just a dime short of a triple-double as Phoenix clinches a franchise record sixth straight win.....»»
Panabo’s FM Arca shares leaderboard
Fide Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca of the Philippines has taken the lead in the Eastern Asia Juniors and Girls Chess Championship 2023. Arca defeated Muhd Faqih Aminuddin of Malaysia to share the top spot after four rounds. He now has 3.5 points, the same as IM Daniel Quizon, IM Michael Concio Jr., and FM Munkhdalai Amilal. Arca, a 14-year-old student, is seeking his second or third IM norm. In the girls' division, Woman National Masters Ruelle Canino and Ma. Elayza Villa of the Philippines rebounded with victories to stay in contention. The championship is being held in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia......»»
Choco Mucho sustains hot PVL run, gains joint 2nd
Enjoying its best campaign yet, Choco Mucho flashes its resolve anew to rally past Petro Gazz and grab a share of the second spot.....»»
Is it menopause?
With each passing birthday I get closer and closer to that midlife transition known as menopause, and whenever I feel unusually warm, I wonder if it is finally happening. Menopause is the time when a woman no longer has menstrual cycles for 12 continuous months. It is a natural biological process and is not a disease. The average age of menopause for Filipino women is 49 years old, and the changes can begin between in the early 40s, with symptoms starting three to five years before menses stop and can even last for an average of seven years up to 14 years after the menses stop. One of the most commonly associated symptoms of menopause are hot flashes -- a feeling that typically begins as a sudden sensation of heat centered in the upper chest and face that rapidly spreads all over the body. The sensation of heat lasts about two to four minutes and is often associated with profuse sweating and occasionally palpitations, sometimes followed by chills and shivering and a feeling of anxiety. Hot flashes usually occur several times per day and are particularly common at night and can interfere with sleep. While hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause, it is not the only symptom. Once the menses start becoming irregular, women can feel irritable and have mood swings, trouble sleeping, joint pain, incontinence, memory loss and depression. Some may have trouble describing their symptoms, and they may consult with a number of specialists -- from cardiologists to gastroenterologists, endocrinologists and psychiatrists. Menopause can also occur after surgical removal of the ovaries. Menopause can also occur after surgical removal of the ovaries. If you have surgery to remove your uterus (hysterectomy) you will no longer have periods, but if your ovaries are left behind you can still go through perimenopause and menopause later on. If your ovaries are also removed during a hysterectomy, you may experience symptoms of menopause immediately. The management of menopause varies from person to person and depends on the severity of symptoms and a woman’s overall health. Several approaches can be considered: 1. Lifestyle changes. Many women find relief from symptoms by adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet and stress reduction techniques. 2. Maintaining an appropriate weight for your height. 3. Hormone replacement therapy. This involves taking medications that replace the hormones (estrogen and sometimes progesterone) that decline during menopause. It can effectively relieve symptoms but carries some risks and is not suitable for everyone. 4. Non-hormonal medications. Some non-hormonal medications can help alleviate specific symptoms, such as antidepressants for mood swings or prescription creams for vaginal dryness. 5. Alternative therapies. Some women explore alternative treatments like acupuncture, herbal supplements or natural remedies to manage their symptoms, though the efficacy of these methods can vary. 6. Regular health checkups. It’s crucial for women in menopause to maintain regular health checkups, as this life stage can be associated with an increased risk of certain health conditions, such as heart disease and osteoporosis. A visit to your doctor can help to find out if you could be going through perimenopause. If have any of the symptoms but are younger than 45 years old, these may not be due to menopause but other hormone problems. Your doctor can order some blood tests to check your hormone levels to determine the cause of your symptoms. Menopause is a transformative journey that every woman will experience. While it comes with its share of challenges, it is a natural and inevitable part of life. Understanding the phases, symptoms, causes and management options for menopause can empower women to make informed decisions and embrace this new phase with confidence and grace. It is also important for women to seek support, whether from healthcare professionals, support groups or loved ones, to navigate this significant life transition successfully. The post Is it menopause? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
GM Robles assures ironed-ticket claimant of releasing his lotto winnings
The long wait for a jackpot lotto winner with a damaged winning ticket is finally over after Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Melquiades Robles has vowed that his office will abide by the Supreme Court's decision ordering the Agency to turn over the more than P12-million Lotto 6/42 jackpot prize to the bettor. GM Robles warmly received lotto winner Antonio Mendoza who visited him in his office on Wednesday (25 October) before assuring him that the winnings will be turned over once the documentary and other processes have been concluded. “I assured him that I would expedite the process of his claim. Kailangan lang may certificate of finality from SC. I will make sure that he enjoys the fruits of his winnings ASAP. I wanted to put a closure on this issue,” GM Robles declared. This was after the SC issued a 17-page ruling ordering the PCSO to release Mendoza's winnings amounting to P12,391,600.00. To recall, Mendoza, on 2 October 2014, placed three lucky pick bets for the Lotto 6/42 in an outlet in Batangas. He later found out that he won, but his granddaughter had crumpled the winning ticket. Mendoza's daughter then ironed the ticket with a piece of fabric covering it in an attempt to save it. However, this resulted in partially burning the ticket, erasing some details that the PCSO requires to award the prize. On 5 October 2014, Mendoza went to the PCSO Main Office in Mandaluyong City where he submitted a handwritten account of the incident to the legal department. However, since the damaged ticket could not be validated, he was told, on 20 October 2014, that he could not claim the prize. This was based on the PCSO's prevailing conditions on claiming/payment of winnings, "Prizes shall be paid to the holder of share/s of a winning ticket upon presentation and surrender of the same, provided that the ticket/s is/are free from any mutilation, erasure or stain, making any number/s therein illegible, and provided further that no court injunction restraining the PCSO to pay is received before payment."_ This prompted him to seek relief from the SC and after nine years of legal battle, the high court ruled that the circumstances surrounding the fact that Mendoza won the lottery were clearly established; and that the testimonial of Mendoza and his family were admissible. Thus, the PCSO is set to release Mendoza's winnings immediately once the necessary processes are finished. It is also ordered to pay legal interest of six percent per annum from the date of finality of the decision. The post GM Robles assures ironed-ticket claimant of releasing his lotto winnings appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Iya nag-share ng ‘dede update’ matapos maubusan ng breast milk: ‘Feeling weak and right boob feels firmer than usual and warm’
MARAMING naka-relate sa naging hugot ng Kapuso actress at TV host na si Iya Villania hinggil sa problema niya bilang isang padede mom. Sa Instagram stories niya kamakailan, ibinahagi ng wifey ni Drew Arellano sa kanyang social media followers ang kanyang concern sa pagiging breastfeeding mommy. Kalakip ang litrato niyang walang ayos at walang make-up,.....»»
LPG Expo to tackle industry trends
As industries and nations across the globe find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, liquified petroleum gas is likely to gain attention as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. All data show LPG emits lower amounts of carbon dioxide than diesel and coal, making it a better option for transportation, cooking, and power generation. To explore the ever-evolving world of LPG, the Liquified Petroleum Gas Industry Association, the Liquified Petroleum Gas Marketers Association, the World LPG Association, and several regional associations will host the 4th Asia Pacific LPG Expo is set to make waves in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas from 10-11 October 2023 at the Marriott Hotel. With a diverse lineup of over 30 international and local companies exhibiting, the Asia Pacific LPG Expo continues to be the cornerstone for LPG professionals and industry enthusiasts, offering an invaluable platform to connect, learn, and explore the ever-evolving world of LPG. It is the gateway for esteemed international and local LPG companies to showcase their industry-leading practices and cutting-edge products and services. Beyond the expansive exhibition, the Expo hosts a dynamic conference featuring influential figures in the LPG industry and government representatives who will deliver insightful presentations on policy frameworks, safety standards, cutting-edge technologies, market trends, and investment prospects. These discussions will be led by renowned industry experts and innovators, providing attendees a competitive edge in navigating the dynamic LPG landscape. Local stakeholders and regulators such as former Congressman Arnel Ty from the LPGMA, Mercedita Pastrana from the LPGIA, director Rino E. Abad from the Department of Energy, and director Neil P.Catajay from the Department of Trade and Industry will be on site to share and discuss in details the on the latest regulations. Representatives from the various leading LPG Companies in the Philippines will also present to share more about the landscape of the local LPG industry. Be part of this momentous occasion at the esteemed Marriott Grand Ballroom Convention Center and attend with the participation of thousands of local and international delegates, along with government representatives and distinguished LPG professionals. Experience an event that will redefine the trajectory of the LPG industry in Asia Pacific. Secure your spot today and embark on a journey of limitless possibilities. The post LPG Expo to tackle industry trends appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bombers, Cards, Lions eye win No. 2
Jose Rizal U, Mapua and San Beda eye a share of the top spot with the former battling College of St. Benilde and the latter two facing off today in NCAA Season 99 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena......»»
Cuntapay continues grind, helps San Beda thrash Arellano
Left without a contract after the PBA team that drafted him left him hanging, San Beda big man Damie Cuntapay has set his sights in proving he is worthy of a spot in the pros......»»
NAIA rises in rankings of world’s most internationally connected airports
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has established itself as one of the most internationally connected airports in the world. Known by its International Air Transport Association (IATA) code, MNL, it ranked 15th in the top 50 global airport mega hubs and secured the third spot in the top 25 low-cost carrier airport mega hubs. According to the 2023 Megahubs Index by OAG, a leading provider of digital flight information, intelligence, and analytics for airports, MNL has climbed from 29th place in 2019 to 15th place this year in terms of international connectivity. The flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, emerged as the dominant air carrier with a 32% share of flights. In this list, led by the United Kingdom's London Heathrow Airport, MNL also ranks 6th among the top international mega hubs in the Asia Pacific region, following KUL (Malaysia), HND (Japan), ICN (Republic of Korea), BKK (Thailand), and SIN (Singapore). OAG noted, “The presence of seven Asian airport hubs in the Global Top 20 is significant considering the region is still on the path towards a full recovery.” Currently, MNL hosts 40 international carriers serving 58 international destinations. The latest addition to NAIA’s roster in 2023 is ZIPAIR, which launched its first flight between Manila and Narita last July. Additionally, Philippine Airlines has introduced nonstop flights to Perth, and Air China now directly connects Tianfu Chengdu to NAIA. Among the top 25 mega hubs for low-cost international connections this year, MNL stands out in third place, trailing only KUL (Malaysia) and ICN (Republic of Korea). MNL is the home of Cebu Pacific Air, the Philippines’ leading low-cost carrier (LCC), which will be launching flights to Da Nang, a new destination from Manila, beginning December 7th. Thirteen Asia Pacific airports, including MNL, dominate the rankings, reflecting the high level of LCC penetration in South Asia and Southeast Asia. “We are pleased that MNL is able to ride the momentum brought about by the strong and consistent travel rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the LCC penetration in our region. We are likewise grateful for the confidence the international carriers have extended to us. Testament to this is the growing number of applications from various international carriers who wish to operate flights in NAIA,” Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Officer-in-Charge Bryan Co said. “NAIA being the country’s main gateway makes it incumbent upon us, as the airport authority, to expand the destinations Filipinos, as well as our guests, can fly to and from MNL,” added Co. HK Express is set to launch its inaugural flight between Manila and Hong Kong on 13 October, while United Airlines is scheduled to launch nonstop flights connecting Manila with San Francisco starting 30 October. The post NAIA rises in rankings of world’s most internationally connected airports appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pag-IBIG members’ record-high savings up 11% to P59.52B
Pag-IBIG Fund members collectively saved P59.52 billion in January to August this year, growing 11.45 percent year-on-year and setting a new record for the highest amount saved by members for any January to August period. “We are happy to see that more Filipino workers recognize the importance of saving and are choosing to save with Pag-IBIG Fund. The record high in Pag-IBIG members’ savings collected from January to August 2023 shows their continuing trust and confidence in us and in our programs,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar, who leads the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees. Good news “This is good news because as our collection increases, the more funds we are able to utilize for the benefit of our members who seek to apply for home loans and short-term loans. All these are in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to improve the Filipino workers’ access to finance,” he continued. Meanwhile Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta noted that the growth in members’ savings collected were seen in both the agency’s mandatory Regular Savings and its voluntary MP2 Savings. Collections for the Pag-IBIG Regular Savings reached P28.03 billion, a seven percent increase from the P26.16 billion collected during the same period in 2022. Popular MP2 savings On the other hand, the agency’s popular MP2 Savings reached P31.50 billion, a 16 percent increase from the P27.25 billion collected in January to August last year. In 2022, the Pag-IBIG Regular Savings earned an annual dividend rate of 6.53 percent, while the MP2 Savings posted an annual return rate of 7.03 percent. “The continued growth of our members’ savings is truly remarkable. We are grateful to the business community for responsibly remitting the Pag-IBIG contributions of their employees and their counterpart share on time. We are also thankful to our members for their trust in saving with Pag-IBIG — by saving more than the required P100 monthly contribution under the Pag-IBIG Regular Savings, and by continuing to save in our MP2 Savings,” Acosta said. “This trust is clearly displayed by the amount voluntarily saved by our members, which has in fact surpassed the amount of mandatory savings we have collected. That is why we remain steadfast in our commitment to prudently and excellently manage each and every hard-earned peso that our members have entrusted us, and provide their savings with the best possible returns,“ she said. The post Pag-IBIG members’ record-high savings up 11% to P59.52B appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Keeping it together
It’s no longer unusual, nowadays, for a family to have one or both parents working in another country, or for grown children to relocate abroad for work or start their own family. Single parenting is also quite common, right along there with blended families and LGBTQ unions with kids. Yet even when families are together in one place — one home, compound, neighborhood or city — it takes a lot to stay “together,” literally and figuratively. Perhaps sensing the threats to what is recognized as society’s basic foundation, our government in 1992 decided to declare the last week of September as Family Week, as mandated by Proclamation 60 signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos. Ramos wanted the week to emphasize the importance of the family as “the foundation of the nation” and “as a basic autonomous social institution,” as well as recognize “the sanctity of family life,” as stated in the Constitution of the Philippines. The world may transform in many ways, but the need for family will never change. “No matter how much life changes and the concept of family evolves, it may continue to benefit human health and wellness by offering a sense of belonging and support,” it aptly states in an article on Better Help, which also enumerates the factors affecting family life as “advancements in technology, changing cultural norms, new priorities and advanced forms of communication fueled by the internet.” The sense of belonging one gains from being part of a family — whether it is in a traditional setup, adoptive or “chosen,” a new kind of family defined in these modern times — has a profound impact on one’s well-being. With government providing the impetus for today’s families to connect or reconnect during the annual Family Week, it is up to each one of us to take steps to keep ours together in these fast-paced, nomadic, dysfunctional times. In the local setting, we already see so many signs of the changing dynamics among families. We could wade through studies to figure out all the issues affecting our core foundation, but we believe one may truly gain more understanding by examining our own experiences. Here, we share the views of people in our sphere, in answer to our query: What do you consider as the biggest challenge for your family in these trying times? Gigie Arcilla, Editor-in-chief Dealing with young adult children presents the challenge of establishing boundaries as they seek independence and transition into adulthood. Striking a balance between support and autonomy, as well as providing guidance while allowing room for growth, can be difficult, especially for a single parent. [caption id="attachment_187927" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] STEPHANIE Mayo (fifth, clockwise) with her family. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Stephanie Mayo[/caption] Stephanie Mayo, Film critic and writer I have senior-citizen parents, and my siblings and I are now at the age when our health naturally starts to decline. Even if someone has health insurance, no one can deny how debilitating and expensive getting sick is. Without health, quality of life is decreased. You also cannot work (no work, no pay for freelancers such as myself) if you are sick. Gratefully, none of us in the family are currently seriously ill. It’s just that given that these trying times are also marked by corruption, medical gaslighting, new diseases and viruses and climate change, health problems have become even more threatening. [caption id="attachment_187926" align="aligncenter" width="993"] PAULINE Songco (fifth from left) and dad Arnold, mom Dhen, grandmother Linda and sister Patricia. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Pauline Songco[/caption] Pauline Songco, Editor and writer I would say our biggest challenge is finding time to be together. I am always never at home. If I am, I would just be there for a few hours to sleep. I would get up, then go to work again. I find myself having less and less free time than before. My sister is busy with work, and so is my father. My mom is left alone at home with my cats. But, she goes to the gym to occupy herself and to see her friends. Yet, I’m thankful for what we have right now for these are the same things that we used to pray for before. [caption id="attachment_187924" align="aligncenter" width="641"] PAULINE Pascual (first from left) and dad Roy, mom Jocelyn and sister Prizcia. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Pauline Pascual[/caption] Pauline Joyce Pascual, Lifestyle writer Our family became even closer during the pandemic, and now that things are almost back to normal, it is the family bonding that we used to that we find the most challenging. My sister is studying and getting ready for her time at college while my parents are back in business and I am now working outside of our province. I miss the good old days even though we still saw each other every week. [caption id="attachment_187925" align="aligncenter" width="638"] RAPHAEL, Rachael, Joylen and Ruben Ramos. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Raphael Ramos[/caption] Raphael Ramos, STEM student at De La Salle Araneta The desire to act in spite of the potential consequences for everyone else. The family members’ immaturity leads to a more serious issue and may stunt each person’s development. [caption id="attachment_187922" align="aligncenter" width="2246"] GEL, Dino, Tei and Maui Datu. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Dino Datu[/caption] Dino Datu, Chef, journalist and entrepreneur The biggest challenge in families today is creating quality family time. Everyone is so busy and there are so many distractions. While working and school work are necessities, we need to create time to just sit together for regular meals and chat without our electronic devices. Even on rare occasions that everyone is together, dining out, for example, people look at their phones every few seconds. That’s what I think is a big difference between today’s families and those from a few decades back. We often see “perfect” families on social media. Sadly, it seems like that’s the only place it exists. Teresa Laurente, Business Consultant For me, it has to be family, healthcare, children’s education and social media effect on young people. Pamela Palacio, Statistician III, Provincial Government of Bataan Disrespect to God and parents. Negative effect of social media. [caption id="attachment_187920" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] YVETTE Chua-Carrion (fourth from left) beside her husband, businessman Melon. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESYOF Yvette Chua-Carrion[/caption] Yvette Chua-Carrion, Educator and breakthrough life coach In these financially trying times — the budget for groceries, how to have savings for emergencies (which we hope won’t happen), and high gas prices. [caption id="attachment_187919" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] (FROM left) Riley, husband Noel, Tiffany and Ashley. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Tiffany Cuna[/caption] Tiffany Sison Cuna, Former beauty queen turned entrepreneur Disciplining and inculcating values in our children knowing how the Internet plays a vital role in their lives — it could either influence them positively or negatively. [caption id="attachment_187923" align="aligncenter" width="1170"] JIA Bote and dad Milton. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Jia Bote[/caption] Jia Bote, Student at the University of Santo Tomas With my father working away from home, the biggest challenge is having more time together as a family. When I was younger, I thought I had all the time in the world to spend time with my family. However, as I grow older, my responsibilities increase, and I have less free time than I used to. I remember spending the peak of the pandemic away from our father, and we could only talk through the phone for months. It was challenging for me not to see my father physically, especially when I go through difficult moments because I believe that we need more of our parents’ wisdom and guidance as we grow older. With the pandemic and the natural course of life, it feels like I have less time and opportunity to be with my father who is also growing old day by day. [caption id="attachment_187921" align="aligncenter" width="1242"] ALEX and Jet Capina (fourth and fifth from left) with their children. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY of Jet Capina[/caption] Jet Capina, retired bank vice president Our challenge is how to make the family complete on weekends. My children have their own gimmicks. Before every Sunday we were together attending church service but after the pandemic each of them esp Paolo is out of the house to be with his gf. I don’t think it’s good to write about it. Our challenge is how to make the family complete on weekends. My children are all good and well behaved but having grown up, the elder ones now and then have their own gimmicks. I am happy that my husband, who often plays golf, is with me always. The post Keeping it together appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Popular South Korean streetwear brand now in Manila
Fashion & Forward’s MLB brand is ready to create a splash in the Filipino streetwear fashion scene, thanks to its partnership with Suyen Corporation. The brand has recently opened its debut store in the Philippines at SM Mall Of Asia, with plans to launch another store at SM Aura this month. Merging two vibrant and dynamic cultures — fashion and sports — MLB is a South Korean premium lifestyle brand that captures the essence of Major League Baseball’s heritage, embodying the quintessential American sports lifestyle with 150 years of tradition. In 2023, Suyen Corporation, the Philippines’ foremost retail company, sealed a partnership with Fashion & Forward, becoming the country’s official brand licensor of MLB. “We saw great potential in this formidable partnership with F&F,” said Bryan Lim, Suyen Corporation’s vice president for business development. “Our companies share the same ethos when it comes to sprucing up the ever-changing fashion landscape with the trends of the current lifestyle and culture milieu.” For 26 years, MLB has been at the forefront of shaping consumer lifestyles and driving modern fashion trends, seamlessly weaving oriental influences into the very fabric of America’s sports DNA. The brand takes pride in its sophisticated and meticulous approach to digital marketing, continuously expanding its product offerings to reach discerning consumers worldwide. Embracing today’s culture Banking on the varied preferences of fashion-forward consumers today, MLB’s thrust in delivering a distinct fashion experience through its collection of avant-garde streetwear pieces takes precedence. The brand greatly highlights contemporary casual and street fashion, as is evident from its exposure among A-list celebrities and social media trendsetters. “Our aim in this collaboration with MLB is to provide our consumers with an expanded array of streetwear options that suit their diverse lifestyles,” Lim added. “One great thing about Filipinos is that we excel in seamlessly infusing the latest cultural trends into our fashion expressions.” Catering to diverse preferences, MLB presents an extensive range of clothing and accessories, encompassing sweaters, t-shirts, sneakers and bags, to fulfill the fashion inclinations of every individual, whether they lean toward vibrant styles or seek to infuse extra playfulness into their looks. The post Popular South Korean streetwear brand now in Manila appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The inanities and shenanigans of Vice Ganda
The mere mention of his showbiz moniker Vice Ganda immediately brings to mind this persona of a blabbermouth — a cross-dressing, larger-than-life gay man that is the creation of Jose Marie Viceral. As Vice Ganda, he has had his lion’s share of box-office hit movies and sold-out concerts, as well as becoming one of the pillars of the noontime program It’s Showtime and an inspiration to the descamisados, madlang pipol and maricons aspiring for and coveting what he possesses and represents. Vice is famous, affluent, social media and traditional media-savvy, with an Ion Perez as a lover that completes his fairy-tale existence. His sense of humor and the kind of comedy that his adoring public consumes polarize viewers. His movies are no way near the guffaw-inducing antics and commitment of a Roderick Paulate. The comedic elements are almost similar but not quite with the political incorrectness and craziness that are staples in the movies of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon. Definitely, the humor in Ganda’s offerings are not as funny and pale in comparison with the intelligently written sketches and characters of Michael V. The junk food masquerading as laugh-out-loud fare is inferior to the charisma, magic and legend of the one and only Philippine Comedy King Dolphy. It is a given that Vice Ganda is an easy target of the nakakainis na nagmamalinis demographics. Proof of this: An aging politician hogged the headline lately when he lambasted the comedian: “Sarili mo lang ang iniisip mo, akala mo maganda iyang ginagawa mo. Super bastos ka, bastos kang tao (You only think about yourself, you think what you are doing is good. You’re super rude, you’re a rude person).” This outburst and judgment from a political dinosaur is lamentable. But with this tirade, the stock value of the reigning fairy this side of Hollywood actually gets a reboot and a fresh dose of relevance. Prior to this high and mighty summation of who Ganda is and what he represents, public perception was ripe that the hold, popularity and reign of Vice was going downhill. Whatever he was holding on to was all confined, controlled and milked in the afternoon program and early primetime weekend singing competition that he hosted. When Vice became the replacement brand ambassador of an online shopping app, the decision puzzled some, given the lackluster sales of the makeup brand that Ganda carries. Add the fact that even during the height of Jose Marie’s reign and popularity, there were only a handful of brands that gave their trust to him. It has been so many days since the app’s sale date and still, there is no official statement on how massive the increase in purchases has been with Vice as the figure employed to seduce the public to spend their hard-earned pesos online. Likewise, the box-office powers and premium of Ganda are no longer stellar and superior. Well- chronicled and documented are his “may pera sa basura” kind of movies. But for two years now in succession, his movies have been clobbered by family dramas that put an exclamation point to his producers laughing their way to bank supremacy. Indeed, it was an astute decision not to participate in this year’s December festival, because his movie not grabbing the number one spot is almost inevitable, and it will be further proof of the old saying that bad luck comes in threes. But now, I cannot help but wonder: With a political dinosaur’s statements about his crudeness and salacious behavior, and a “criminal case” filed by a “kapisanan” latching on to the MTRCB brouhaha, will everything turn rosy and robust once more for the career and romance of the Unkabogable Vice Ganda? Time, being the best storyteller, will provide us the answer. The post The inanities and shenanigans of Vice Ganda appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A tribute to people working behind the scenes
Audiences always see the work that the actors, and rest of the cast — the so-called front-liners of a production — put into a successful performance, but they seldom are aware of the “backliners” — the backstage and production crew — who also spent time and energy on the production. As the cast receives applause and adulation, the behind-the-scenes crew often goes unnoticed — the costume designer who works on the fittings and alterations, the technical staff who makes sure that the lighting and sound system works, the production people who make the artistic vision come alive with their hammers, paint brushes, etc. Some take great pride in their backstage work such as Annie Ignacio and Amado Bonifacio III, who are in production design for the Cultural Center of the Philippines. A theater arts graduate of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Ignacio first encountered CCP when she was invited as a performer for Pasinaya: The CCP Open House Festival, the country’s largest multi-arts festival happening every February. After hearing great things about CCP from her friends who have been working at the premier cultural institution, she decided to try her luck and inquired about a job opening. Weeks later, she started her new job as part of the theater crew at the Production Design Center. Later on, she was promoted as a draftsman. [caption id="attachment_185925" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Amado Bonifacio III prepares a production’s scale model with his mentor Manong Junior.[/caption] Bonifacio, meanwhile, recalled undergoing an on-the-job training at CCP in 2016, a requirement to finish his engineering degree at the University of Manila. Two years later, in 2018, he became a reliever for one of the theater crewmembers. He was later tasked to supervise the layout of the CCP’s Christmas decorations. Ignacio and Bonifacio both trained under Francisco M. Galvero Jr., or “Manong Junior” to people he worked with. For more than five decades until his retirement last year, Manong Junior remained the only scenic painter of the CCP. After watching him create huge sets for different CCP productions, the mentees started shadowing this master. They would always see Manong Junior doing the scale models and then bringing these miniatures into life-sized sets and sceneries. Curiosity led Ignacio to this path. She would ask questions, inquire about the process of producing sets, find out how to make things realistic and experiment with colors and textures to make the design come alive, among others. “While working with Manong Junior, I noticed his hands. I told him that his hands look like my father’s hands,” shared Ignacio in an interview. Bonifacio added that Manong Junior served as a father figure to him and his fellow workers. “As a mentor, he gave us artistic freedom to explore. He allowed us to express our creativity, but he would appraise our works and rectify what we’d done wrong in a very patient way,” he said. Being a backstage crewmember has its share of ups and downs. Sometimes, several productions are scheduled simultaneously, with everything happening all at once. When these happen, the workload could become overwhelming for the crew. “There was a time when work piled up. We didn’t know what we should do first. My mind went blank, and I just cried. But after that, I returned to work as if nothing happened,” said Ignacio. Bonifacio noted a similar experience. “Even if we don’t want to, the nature of the work forces us to be workaholics. Things could get stressful and tiring, but we love what we are doing. That’s why we are still here.” For them, work does not feel like work. They find fulfillment in seeing what they worked hard for and pour their hearts into it. Ignacio’s biggest achievement to date was creating the now-iconic eye balloon for the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2019. The work was displayed at the CCP Main Building Grand Staircase and became an instant hit as an Instagrammable spot among film enthusiasts. She also did the realistic bibingka and puto bumbong props for Tuloy Ang Pasko. These involved trials and errors, and hearing the compliments and receiving recognition made it all worthwhile. She said, “Manong Junior always told us not to be afraid to keep trying and make mistakes.” [caption id="attachment_185927" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Francisco M. Galvero Jr., with his apprentice Annie Ignacio, preparing the set for a ballet production.[/caption] Bonifacio, who takes pride in his work with the Art House Cinema facade decor and Sinag: Festival of Lights, reveals that he doesn’t see himself as an artist. It was only when his mentor Manong Junior recognized him as an artist that he started pondering about his work. They know that backstage work is rarely recognized, but CCP is paying homage to these unsung heroes through a series of mini-documentaries by filmmaker Joseph Mangat, Backstage Pass. Launched during Cinemalaya 19, the second installment features Manong Junior, who had been working on sets for various CCP productions since the early 1980s. The first release featured the technical theater crew in the lights and flying sections. More Backstage Pass episodes will feature the CCP film technicians, sound crew and costume custodians, as well as venue booking and front-of-house operations. The series also gives viewers a glimpse of the lesser-known careers in cinema and theater work. The post A tribute to people working behind the scenes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»