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Celine Dion earns cheers for first major public appearance since SPS diagnosis
Celine Dion surprised attendees and viewers by appearing on the Grammys stage, instantly receiving a standing ovation, to present the night's top prize Album of the Year......»»
Celine Dion binigyan ng standing ovation sa 2024 Grammys: I love you!
BINIGYAN ng standing ovation at malakas na palakpakan ang international singer na si Celine Dion sa 66th Annual Grammy Awards. Ito’y ginanap sa Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles City sa Amerika kahapon, February 5 (Philippine time) na dinaluhan ng naglalakihang celebrity sa music industry. Ito ang kauna-unahang public appearance ni Celine makalipas ang ilang buwan mula.....»»
Celine Dion documentary will explore rare illness Stiff-Person Syndrome
Pop megastar Celine Dion, who is suffering from a rare neurological disorder, is hoping to raise awareness about her condition with a new documentary that will soon stream on Amazon Prime Video......»»
Celine Dion lost control over muscles due to Stiff Person Syndrome — sister
The sister of Celine Dion has given an update on the singer's health condition as the latter continues to battle a rare neurological disease......»»
Celine Dion appears in public for first time in almost 4 years after Stiff Person Syndrome diagnosis
Singer Celine Dion appeared in public for the first time in three-and-a-half years since she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune neurological disorder......»»
S. Korea’s filmmaking diaspora: telling their ‘own stories’
The rise of South Korean diasporic cinema has allowed the artists involved to feel less alone, one filmmaker told Busan International Film Festival attendees on Friday. Six films from the diaspora are unspooling as part of a special sidebar this year in the South Korean port city, including Isaac Chung's Oscar-winner "Minari" and Celine Song's Sundance favorite "Past Lives". Since "Parasite" became the first non-English-language film to win a Best Picture Oscar, films made by the Korean diaspora have experienced a remarkable surge, with filmmakers delving into culture-spanning narratives that encompass their varied experiences. "(The) main thing it's done, at least for myself, is to know that as I tell my own stories, people are finding common ground to relate with one another," Justin Chon, who directed 2021 adoption drama "Blue Bayou", told reporters. He has since directed four episodes of the successful Apple TV+ series "Pachinko", the story of an ethnic Korean family living in Japan, based on the novel by Min Jin Lee. When "other immigrants and minorities in the United States are telling their stories, the only thing it does is signal to me that I really wasn't alone this entire time", he said. "Minari" director Chung said as a second-generation Korean-American, he had always felt "a loss of a place that I don't fully understand that is far away from me". Korean-American actors Steven Yeun and John Cho were unable to comment on their American projects due to the ongoing Screen Actors Guild strike, but both freely discussed why they believed the work stoppage was important. "I think the strike is a very righteous act of making sure that we ensure and protect artists and those who are living an actor's life and a writer's life," Yeun said. "And there are many people who don't have safeguards.... I sit here with so much privilege to be here and to be able to talk about it." Cho, who starred in the 2018 thriller "Searching" which is screening at this year's BIFF, said artificial intelligence -- a key concern for striking actors -- has "put people out of work" in the entertainment industry. "When I go to see a movie (it's) to see people enacting a human drama and to have an experience with an audience watching human expression," he said. "And so behind the scenes, if we start taking out people, the art form is going to suffer." Collaboration The festival's diaspora section features several intriguing collaborations between diasporic and South Korean artists as well as those from other nationalities. "Burning" (2018), for example, is based on Japanese writer Haruki Murakami's novel, directed by acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Lee Chang-dong, and stars Yeun. Korean-Canadian director Song's "Past Lives" (2023), meanwhile, co-stars South Korean actor Teo Yoo and Korean-American actress Greta Lee. Yoo, who is fluent in English, on Thursday candidly expressed the challenges he faced in trying to present himself as an appealing love interest to the American audience. In "Past Lives", he plays a South Korean character who speaks English with a heavy accent and less-than-perfect fluency. Director Chon's latest film "Jamojaya", which features a collaboration with Indonesian rapper Rich Brian and actor Yayu Unru, had its Asian premiere at BIFF. "So this is my fifth film, and the first three were centered around Korean Americans," Chon said after a BIFF screening on Friday, when asked about his collaboration with Indonesian artists. "To really create empathy and understanding for ourselves as a whole, we should start telling each other stories, especially in the whole Asian diaspora." The post S. Korea’s filmmaking diaspora: telling their ‘own stories’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
S. Korean migrant’s tale to open Asia’s biggest film festival
The world premiere of Jang Kun-jae's "Because I Hate Korea" will open Asia's largest film festival Wednesday night as it looks to rally from a year marked by scandal and budget cutbacks. The South Korean director's tale of a disillusioned young woman who relocates to New Zealand is among 209 official entries from 69 countries set to unspool at the Busan International Film Festival, which runs until 13 October. Eighty will be making their world premieres in the southern port city. This year's edition comes as organizers grapple with the fallout from former festival director Huh Moon-yung's resignation in May amid accusations of sexual misconduct. The scandal saw BIFF's 2023 budget reduced by about 10 percent as sponsors withdrew in the wake of the allegations, according to organizers. Kang Seung-ah, now serving as acting deputy director, acknowledged they had endured a "difficult phase" before assembling a lineup she said was "more substantial than ever before". Opening night director Jang, who noted he'd attended BIFF far more as an audience member than a filmmaker, told a late afternoon news conference he had sought to address serious questions with his film. "I believe it's necessary to pay attention to the fact that many young people are finding it difficult to navigate through Korean society. I started questioning whether our society is providing a fair and equitable foundation for young people to pursue their dreams," he told reporters after a preview screening. Based on the best-selling Chang Kang-myoung novel, "Because I Hate Korea" received support from BIFF's Asia Project Market back in 2016. South Korea has transformed itself into a cultural powerhouse since then thanks to the explosive success of the Oscar-winning "Parasite" and the Netflix series "Squid Game". "Many people are now showing great interest in Korean content such as K-pop, K-movies, and K-dramas. Living in such an era, they might develop a certain fantasy about South Korea, I think," Nam Dong-chul, the festival's acting interim director, told reporters. But "I thought it might be good to consider these views from the perspective of people living in Korea and especially the youth in South Korea", he said of the opening night choice. "They might have different thoughts and experiences." Frequent Bong Joon-ho collaborator Go Ah-sung, who delivered a memorable performance as the protagonist of "Because I Hate Korea", was unable to attend the festival due to a back injury. 'Dear Jinri' Despite Go's absence, the festival will still feature serious star power, with acclaimed Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat scheduled to receive the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award. Three of Chow's films -- "A Better Tomorrow" (1986), "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000) and 2023's "One More Chance" -- will be screened in his honour. Other highly anticipated screenings include "Dear Jinri", a documentary that features late K-pop star Sulli's last and incomplete project. Sulli, born Choi Jin-ri, took her own life in 2019 after a long struggle with online bullying. The film includes her final media interview, which has not been disclosed previously. Korea's filmmaking diaspora will also be showcased with a special series of screenings that includes "Searching" (2018), starring John Cho, and director Celine Song's Sundance favorite "Past Lives". Netflix's highly anticipated "Yellow Door: 90s Lo-fi Film Club" will also have its world premiere at BIFF. The documentary spotlights South Korea's renowned cinephile generation of the 1990s, acclaimed "Parasite" director Bong among them. "The Movie Emperor", director Ning Hao's satirical take on the Chinese film industry starring Hong Kong actor Andy Lau, is set to close the festival. Ning's comedy "deftly captures the fine line between the film industries in Hong Kong and mainland China", as well as the "delicate relationship between Western film festivals and Asian filmmakers", according to the program notes. The post S. Korean migrant’s tale to open Asia’s biggest film festival appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
K-pop fans accuse luxury brands of K-washing, demand fulfilling sustainability promises
The digital climate initiative Kpop4Planet launched the "Unboxed: High Fashion, High Carbon" campaign, which accuses French luxury brands Chanel, Celine, Saint Laurent and Dior of "K-washing" their items by tapping members of BLACKPINK as ambassadors......»»
From Korea with love
South Korean love stories are currently playing in theaters. Take your pick between the art-house romantic drama Past Lives and the commercial romantic-comedy Honey Sweet. [caption id="attachment_178877" align="aligncenter" width="1729"] TEO Yoo and Greta lee in 'Past Lives.' | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF A24[/caption] ‘Past Lives’ When Hae-sung (Teo Yoo, Decision to Leave) booked an Uber to the airport with his great love Nora (Greta Lee, The Morning Show) by his side, he pinned the pick-up location a little farther away from Nora’s New York apartment because, maybe, he does not want Nora’s husband Arthur (John Magaro, First Cow) to see them at their most vulnerable state. Celine Song’s directorial debut Past Lives explores one of the greatest conflicts in any love story: Forbidden love. Hae-sung is in love with Nora, but Nora is married to another man. But does Nora feel exactly the same way about Hae-sung? Are they truly meant for each other? For Nora, is Hae-sung “the one that got away”? Song uses ambition, personal values, a buffering Skype, geography and cultural identity to keep her characters apart and to justify why the two are not together. Her style is slow burn and restrained, but sometimes too self-consciously restrained that even moments that require emotions are neglected. This film is too terrified to express the slightest hint of melodrama that it forgets that the characters are still human. When Song puts Nora and Hae Sung together for lengthy sessions of eye contact or speechlessness, it is tensionless. She also neglects body language. Meanwhile, the poor husband Arthur is too kind and understanding that he comes off as bland and predictable. The writing lacks the kind of depth and wit that the film tries too hard to express. At the core the story is the Korean inyeon, or the concept of two people tied together through each reincarnated life, hence the title. But the narrative just hinges on this belief without exploring the richer nuances of true love and attraction. It’s a one-dimensional tale of a guy in love and a girl who may or may not be in love with him. The ending, however, is powerful and heart-wrenching, and answers all the emotional ambiguities of the story, ultimately redeeming the entire movie. What a terrific twist, even if it’s still ultra-restrained. Rating: 3 out of 5 stars ‘'Honey Sweet' Lee Han’s romantic-comedy is the go-to foreign flick if you need something light and entertaining to unwind in the theaters. It’s a working-class love story between two forty-somethings: the pretty single mother Il-Young (Kim Hee-seon) and the not-so-handsome snacks researcher/taster Chi-Ho (Yu Hae-jin). Honey Sweet uses slapstick and gags to tickle your bones. But the selling point here is the strong chemistry between the two leads. You root for them, these two lonely people who meet each other a little late in life. It is a formulaic love story: meet-cute, dating, break-up, and a happy ending. Still, what makes Honey Sweet a charming, endearing time-killer is how it skillfully captures the emotional bond between two people falling in love. The conflict is convincing, and some of the best scenes are when the two are separated for a while, essaying the seemingly boundless pain of a break-up. Meanwhile, the villain, Chi-ho’s cruel older brother, Seok Ho (Cha In-pyo), provides the movie’s much needed tension and distress. While the movie is incredibly shallow, it still provides romantic subtleties and character idiosyncrasies, making it an engaging watch all throughout. He is an introvert; she is an extrovert. He is malnourished; she is a good cook. The film manages to utilize their contrasting personalities and interests for fun and entertainment. Honey Sweet explores how some people do not realize how lonely they are until they meet the right one. Before meeting each other, Chi-Ho and Il-Young have seemingly resigned to their mundane routine. But once romance sparks between them, they take the viewers along with them as they embark on an emotional adventure — and it’s kinda sweet. Rating: 3 out of 5 stars The post From Korea with love appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
What is Stiff Person Syndrome? Celine Dion s diagnosis that made her cancel tour
Stiff Person Syndrome or SPS is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness and painful spasms, often starting in the legs and back......»»
Saso nets P15.5M for joint-3rd as Boutier nails major breakthrough
There were no final round fireworks from Yuka Saso, only a blast of a windup for Celine Boutier......»»
Pialago sends, urges more help for Egay-hit Cagayan
Former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority spokesperson Celine Pialago has sent much-needed assistance to Cagayan residents affected by Super Typhoon “Egay.” In a Facebook post, Pialago thanked Kevin Yao, president and CEO of Autokid, for donating 100 boxes of sardines and 100 sacks of rice for the people of Cagayan. “I am very grateful to my friends for supporting my advocacy of helping Filipinos during calamities. Mr. Yao was very generous for providing more relief goods for the people of Cagayan devastated by the super typhoon,” said Pialago. She added that she has come to realize that even outside of government, anyone can help people in need especially during calamities. The important thing, the beau of Vice Governor Melvin "Boy" Vargas Jr. said, is the desire and will to help. Pialago added that she had been stricken with what the province has to offer. “Cagayan is a very beautiful place. I have fallen in love with it and its people,” Pialago said. She pressed more people to help the people of Cagayan and other areas badly hit by the super typhoon. “I am urging others to step up and help our kababayans in need. They badly need us now and together we can weather this storm," she said in a mix of English and Filipino. On 25 July, state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration hoisted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 over the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan due to Egay. Aside from serving with the MMDA during the Duterte administration, Pialago also served as one of the spokespersons of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Pialago was also the founder of the Malasakit Movement, which performed several charitable works before, during, and after the Covid-19 pandemic. The post Pialago sends, urges more help for Egay-hit Cagayan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Saso, pal rally to tie for 3rd; Del Rosario stumbles
Yuka Saso and Celine Boutier fought back with a solid eight-under 62 in better ball format but came up short by three as they settled for joint third in the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational ruled by Americans Cheyenne Knight and Elizabeth Szokol in Midland, Michigan Saturday (Sunday, Manila time)......»»
Saso, Boutier waver in Dow Great Lakes; Del Rosario shines in Twin Bridges
Yuka Saso and Celine Boutier hardly supplemented each other’s game in the alternate shot format and ended up with an even-par 70 as they all but bowed out of the title race in the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational in Midland, Michigan Friday (Saturday, Manila time)......»»
BATO DARES ICC ‘I am here, arrest me!’
By: Ann JEnireene Gomez and Alvin Murcia With GLEN JACOB JOSE, Tiziana Celine Piatos AND JOM GARNER, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa warned of “big trouble” if the International Criminal Court comes to the Philippines to arrest him or anyone else. “I already expected that, their insistence on meddling in our domestic affairs. Let them, let them do what they want,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino in an interview with Frontline Tonight. “I’ll be here, I am not hiding. If they have a warrant of arrest, let them serve the warrant,” Dela Rosa said, with one caveat — that he’ll only allow himself to be arrested by Philippine authorities and not by any foreigner ordered to do so by the ICC. Dela Rosa was responding to a statement of Senate President Miguel Zubiri that the government will have no choice but to turn over anyone to the ICC if the arrest warrant will be coursed through local courts and will be served by local authorities. “We are still a sovereign country, and they (accused) are still citizens of this country. They do that with many other countries. However, the danger there is if Senator Bato dela Rosa goes to a country that is friendly to the ICC, then they will arrest him. Here in the Philippines, the process is they must coordinate with the local courts,” Zubiri said. The ICC’s Appeals Chamber voted 3-2 on Tuesday to deny the Philippines’ appeal to stop the ICC Office of the Prosecutor from resuming its investigation. “There’s no problem if the Philippine government would be the one to arrest me, but not the foreigners,” he said. “If it’s the government of the Philippines that would decide to arrest me, what can I do? But if they (ICC) would come here to take me, our government would have none of that.” “There’s going to be big trouble if they would insist on coming here against our government’s expressed will. That would be too blatant an interference and they would be treating us like fools,” he added. Chill Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino, who offered to stand as legal counsel for a fellow lawmaker in the ICC probe, advised Dela Rosa to “Just chill”. “I accept the proposal of Sen. Dela Rosa to a lawyer for him. I am now speaking as the counsel for Senator Dela Rosa,” said Tolentino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, in an online press conference yesterday. He said nothing has changed in the Philippines’ position on the dismissal of the ICC Pre-Chamber in the country’s appeal regarding the probe of the “war on drugs.” The ICC, he added, has no jurisdiction in the Philippines. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday advised former president Rodrigo Duterte and Dela Rosa to stay away from countries where the ICC has influence. Dela Rosa is accused of implementing the alleged iron-fist policy of Duterte as a Davao regional police official and later as Duterte’s first Philippine National Police chief in 2016. “They are citizens of the republic who also need our protection,” Remulla said, adding that Duterte and Dela Rosa should refrain from going to countries in Europe. Why Sara? But even before Remulla came out with his advice, Dela Rosa had already said he would not deliver himself to the ICC. “I will make sure not to go to those countries that are friendly with the ICC,” he said. He also brushed aside efforts to involve Vice President Sara Duterte in the ICC probe, calling the move politically motivated against one who could become the country’s next president. He reiterated that the Vice President’s name was never mentioned in proceedings that looked into the alleged activities of the so-called Davao Death Squad. On Wednesday, the Department of Justice maintained that the ICC has no jurisdiction to investigate the extrajudicial killings allegedly committed during the Duterte administration’s so-called war on drugs. The DoJ expressed deep disappointment and strong disagreement with the denial by the ICC of the Office of the Solicitor General’s appeal to stop the probe on account of the Philippines having withdrawn from the ICC, and its having a fully functioning justice system. It said the rejection of the appeal was based on the ICC’s flawed interpretation of its jurisdiction as a court of last resort — that it could only assume jurisdiction when a member country showed it was not capable of investigating and prosecuting crimes within its borders. The DoJ pointed out that the principle of complementarity, enshrined in the Rome Statute that created the ICC, recognizes the jurisdiction of local courts to try crimes within their respective countries. “The dissenting opinions of two esteemed justices out of the five-judge panel highlight the grave errors in the majority decision,” the DoJ said in a statement. “These dissenting justices rightly recognized the Philippines’ commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining an independent and effective legal system.” “Their dissenting opinions underscore the existence of a legitimate difference of legal interpretation, casting doubt on the majority’s ruling,” it added. Remulla had lambasted the ICC for meddling in Philippine affairs and said the government would not honor any arrest warrant issued by the ICC. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor, Duterte, had been firm in saying the ICC had no jurisdiction over events that transpired in the Philippines. PNP no ICC lackey Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police said it would not be dictated to by the ICC as it recognizes the stance of the government that the international tribunal has no jurisdiction over the conduct of the drug war probe. “The PNP is under the executive department and we will follow the lead of the national government that there is a question with respect to sovereignty and jurisdiction of the ICC,” PNP spokesperson P/Col. Jean Fajardo said. Duterte, as Davao City mayor from 2011 to 2016 and as the country’s president from 2016 to 2022, is seen as the ICC prosecutor’s primary target, along with his former police chief, Dela Rosa. Government data showed that about 6,200 people died in “legitimate” anti-drug operations during the Duterte presidency, including law enforcement officers killed in action. Government critics claim as many as 15,000 to 30,000 were killed. Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte appeared to have been included in the complaints filed with the ICC prosecutor, along with her father’s long-time aide, the now Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. “No comment,” was the terse reply of the Vice President’s camp on her alleged inclusion in the ICC complaints. Go, on the other hand, said the ICC had no “business meddling in our internal affairs, where our courts remain fully functional and free from political interference.” “Probes into the war on drugs are presently being conducted by the competent authorities. Filipinos should be judged by fellow Filipinos before Philippine courts operating under Philippine laws,” Go said. With the ICC ruling, the DoJ vowed to continue to defend the sovereignty and integrity of the nation’s legal system and strongly urged the ICC to reconsider its decision and recognize the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the pursuit of justice. “Furthermore, we would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to the well-being and support of all victims affected by the drug war,” Remulla’s department said. “The DoJ, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, is willing and able to assist those who had suffered harm or loss during this challenging period. We encourage all individuals with evidence and witnesses to come forward and share their testimonies with us,” it added. Former president Duterte, through his former spokesperson Harry Roque, shrugged off the ICC decision. In a Facebook post, Roque said Duterte has always maintained that as an independent and sovereign state, only Philippine courts can try any crime committed in Philippine territory. “He has time and again said that because of this, he will face all his accusers anytime but before Philippine courts and before Filipino judges only,” Roque said. In a television interview, Zubiri said the upper chamber would “not give up” Dela Rosa should the ICC issue a warrant of arrest against the latter. “Without the local warrant of arrest issued by the courts, then as far as I’m concerned, he is still a working member of the Senate and accorded of course that respect, similar to Senator De Lima and Senator [Antonio] Trillanes,” he said. “Only when the warrant of arrest was issued, then we allowed or we agreed that he may be taken in custody,” he added. The post BATO DARES ICC ‘I am here, arrest me!’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Why Jake Ejercito and Kylie Verzosa love ‘ukay’ fashion
Jake Ejercito and Kylie Verzosa are excited to be part of Fit Check: Confessions of an Ukay Queen, thefashion-themed series produced by ABS-CBN Entertainment and Dreamscape Entertainment that’s now streaming on Prime Video in the Philippines and in more than 240 countries worldwide. Ejercito takes on the male lead character of Chris Blanco, a top executive at a fashion company founded by his father Michael Blanco (played by Christopher de Leon). Chris helps “ukay queen” Melanie (Kim Chiu) become a fashion designer. Verzosa, meanwhile, plays Chris’ secretary Stella, who makes life difficult for Melanie. Fashion sense “My fashion sense is, I would say, I prioritize comfortability,” Ejercito told Daily Tribune at a recent watch party for Fit Check: Confessions of an Ukay Queen. “I think when you’re comfortable, everything else follows. Kumportable ka sa suot mo. I become confident, and that’s what’s more important to me.” Ejercito doesn’t have a favorite designer or go-to brand for his fashion needs, explaining that he usually checks on fashion websites or Instagram for inspiration. For Verzosa, favoring “classic pieces” defines her fashion sense. She explained, “I like mixing and matching. I love wearing blacks and whites. But during work, mixed.” She made it clear, though, that she’s not obsessed with designer items. In fact, she only bought, in Singapore, her first designer item — a Celine bag — as a treat for herself after winning Miss International in 2016. Ukay finds Both Ejercito and Verzosa confessed to being fans of ukay-ukay, or second-hand, shopping. “There’s no shame in wearing something from ukay,” said Ejercito, who’s always on the lookout for vintage band shirts. “Kasi usually, di ba, kinakahiya. Yes, ukay is second-hand, third, or even fourth. It could be treated by its previous owner as basura, pero it could be a gem for someone else. So, there’s no shame in ukay.” Verzosa, a native of Baguio City that’s famous for wagwagan (the locals’ term for ukay-ukay), recalled having the best time with her high school friends at night markets and finding fashion pieces priced at P5 to P10. Her advice: “You just keep on looking. Dapat may patience ka. Ako, I look for designer brands na hard-to-find. I love going for vintage pieces and more classic pieces. Try to avoid the trendy ones.” The post Why Jake Ejercito and Kylie Verzosa love ‘ukay’ fashion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pride screenings showcase a rainbow of stories
Cinema is one of the most engaging artforms and creative expressions through which the LGBTQ+ community documents their lived experiences, conveys their desires and struggles, celebrates their identities and advocates for reforms and deeper understanding. Thus, film screenings are popular activities during LGBTQ+ Pride Month. This year, several institutions, streaming service companies and film groups are mounting screenings, giving these works more opportunities to reach more audiences. Here is a rundown: FDCP’s Pelikulaya LGBTQIA+ Film Festival The Film Development Council of the Philippines brings back the Pelikulaya LGBTQIA+ Film Festival this year with the theme “Mga Kuwentong Mapagpalaya” (Liberating Stories), and the aim is training the spotlight “on underrepresented members of the LGBTQIA+ community to promote a better understanding of inclusivity, diversity and equality.” According to Tirso Cruz III, FDCP chairman and chief executive officer, Pelikulaya “aims to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues. We believe that by using the power of film, we can do our part in showcasing films that celebrate LGBTQIA+ stories. Hoping to create understanding of the lives, perspectives and advocacies shown in each film.” “With that, the FDCP sends our love and gratitude to you all for being with us, and we hope you’ll have a memorable experience in all of our Cinematheque Centres across the Philippines,” he added. To be held from 23 to 30 June, Pelikulaya will screen titles at the Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Davao, Iloilo, Nabunturan and Bacolod, and several theaters in Metro Manila including Cinema ‘76 and UP Film Institute’s Cine Adarna/Videotheque. Some of the titles will also be available for streaming on JuanFlix (www.juanflix.com.ph) starting 30 June with a subscription fee. A special screening of a digitally restored and remastered version of Wong Kar Wai’s Happy Together will kick off the festival on 23 June at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City. Aside from Happy Together, films that will be screened at the Cinematheque Centres are Girl (directed by Lukas Dhont); Portrait of a Lady on Fire (directed by Celine Sciamma); Women Do Cry (directed by Vesela Kazako and Mina Mileva); Billie and Emma (directed by Samantha Lee); Mamu, and a Mother Too (directed by Rod Singh); Metamorphosis (directed by J.E. Tiglao); and The Boy Foretold by the Stars (directed by Dolly Dulu). Ishmael Bernal’s Manila by Night will have a free screening. Priced from P100 to P200, tickets to Manila screenings may be purchased through bit.ly/CCManilaTickets. [caption id="attachment_146567" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Lukas Dhont’s ‘Girl’ is inspired by a true story of a young trans girl who aspired to be a ballerina.[/caption] Short films will be screened for free at the Cinematheque Centres, and the lineup includes Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig (directed by Vahn Leinard Pascual); Love in the Ungodly Hour (directed by Bradley Jason Pantajo); Dikit (directed by Gabriela Serrano); Gulis (directed by Kyle Jumayne Francisco); Noontime Drama (directed by Kim Timan and Sam Villa-Real); and Nang Maglublob ako sa Isang Mangkok ng Liwanag (directed by Kukay Zinampan). [caption id="attachment_146563" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Dikit,’ a short film by Gabriela Serrano.[/caption] To be available for streaming on JuanFlix are Sila-Sila (directed by Giancarlo Abrahan); Metamorphosis; Mamu, and a Mother Too; Rome and Juliet (directed by Connie Macatuno); How to Die Young in Manila (directed by Petersen Vargas); Nang Maglublob ako sa Isang Mangkok ng Liwanag; and This is Not A Coming Out Story (directed by Mark Felix Ebreo). Portrait of a Lady on Fire and Women Do Cry will be also be available on a pay-per-view basis. At Cinema ’76 Cinema ’76 Film Society is bringing in acclaimed movies this Pride Month. Headlining is Happy Together, the 1997 Cannes-winning romantic drama directed by renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar-Wai and featuring Tony Leung and the late Leslie Cheung as two lovers caught in a turbulent affair. Aside from Happy Together, two films featuring transgender experiences will also be shown. Girl is the debut film of Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont and won the Camera d’Or for Best Feature Film at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. The film was inspired by a true story of a young trans girl who aspired to be a ballerina. On the other hand, Fanny: The Right to Rock is a documentary by Canadian filmmaker Bobbi Jo Hart about Fanny, the legendary Filipina-American-fronted rock band whose trailblazing impact in music was written out of history. The film touches on the place of women, women of color, queers and older women in a straight male-dominated industry. [caption id="attachment_146564" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Fanny The Right to Rock,’ a documentary about a forgotten queer band.[/caption] The three films will have a limited run from 21 to 27 June at Cinema ’76 on Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City. On iWantTFC A streaming platform with international reach, iWantTFC celebrates all types of love with a special selection of movies and series called Love is Love that includes Drag You and Me, iWantTFC’s latest original series that tackles drag culture and stars Andrea Brillantes, JC Alcantara and Christian Bables. Other iWantTFC originals that viewers may stream are the Girls’ Love series Sleep with Me, starring Janine Gutierrez and Lovi Poe, and Fluid, Boys’ Love (BL) rom-com Oh, Mando! and advocacy series Mga Batang Poz. [caption id="attachment_146566" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of Dreamscape Entetainment | ‘Drag You and Me’ is an iWantTFC original series that tackles drag culture.[/caption] There are also empowering movies and series about loving freely and living authentically, such as The Boy Foretold by the Stars and its sequel series Love Beneath the Stars, Black Sheep’s hit series Hello Stranger starring Tony Labrusca and JC Alcantara, and the Star Cinema film My Lockdown Romance, starring Jameson Blake and Joao Constancia. Stories on learning how to embrace one’s sexuality and being true to oneself are told by The Panti Sisters, Die Beautiful, The Third Party and Baka Bukas. Thai BL series, such as 2gether the Series, Still 2gether, A Tale of a Thousand Stars and Bad Buddy are also available to stream as well as well-loved and classic LGBTQ-themed movies, such as T-Bird at Ako, Si Chedeng at si Apple and In My Life. These can be viewed on the iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) and website (iwanttfc.com). In other select countries, watch iWantTFC on a larger screen with select devices, including VEWD, ROKU and Amazon Fire streaming devices, Android TV, select Samsung Smart TV models, Telstra TV (in Australia) and VIDAA. On Jungo Pinoy New Filipino streaming app Jungo Pinoy, which boasts of having the largest Filipino-dubbed movie library in the world, as well as original films and TV series, also has a selection of LGBTQ-themed and queer-created films and series, which can be viewed either for free or through a subscription plan. Recommended watch includes: eCupid (exclusive Filipino-dubbed), a romantic comedy directed by JC Calciano and starring Morgan Fairchild, Houston Rhines and Noah Schuffman, tells the story of a gay man nearing 30 years old tapping into an otherworldly internet advertisement that begins to control his life. Hoping to end his seven-year romance rut, he uses the site to get everything he wants until he discovers that what he thought he wanted wasn’t the thing that would ultimately make him happy. Ten Year Plan (exclusive Filipino-dubbed) is another romantic comedy directed by Calciano and starring Jack Turner and Michael Adam Hamilton. In the film, two best friends make a pact to be together in a decade if neither finds love. With two months left until their deadline, they both scramble to find someone to avoid being each other’s last resort. [caption id="attachment_146565" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘TEN Year Plan,’ directed by JC Calciano.[/caption] Adan is a Filipino lesbian mystery and romance movie starring Cindy Miranda, Rhen Escano and Ruby Ruiz. In the movie, a naive provincial girl finds a way to be independent through the help of her girl best friend, but their actions have consequences. [caption id="attachment_146562" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photographs Courtesy oF JUNGO PINOY | ‘ADAN’ tells about a lesbian story.[/caption] Daddy Issues, starring Jo Ashe and Rachel Barry, is a comedy about loss and starting over. In the film, when her emotionally distant father dies and leaves her his company, a hapless stand-up comic moves to Los Angeles to take over the family business. Tucked is about an aging drag queen who forms an unlikely friendship with a younger queen. As they discover more about each other, they realize how to truly be themselves. Starring Derren Nesbit and Jordan Stephens, this film is about love, loss and friendship. Lady Gaga: iTunes Festival features the pop star’s performance at the Itunes Music Festival, which also marked the world premiere of tracks from her album ARTPOP. [caption id="attachment_146570" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JUNGO PINOY | WATCH pop star Lady Gaga perform in ‘Lady Gaga iTunes Festival.’[/caption] Sam Smith: Austin City Limits features the non-binary English singer and songwriter performing their greatest hits, such as “Nirvana” and “I Know I’m Not the Only One” on the stage at Austin City Limits. [caption id="attachment_146569" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Sam Smith: Austin City Limits.’[/caption] At the Quezon City Public Library A weekly film screening is part of the celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month of one of the country’s most active public libraries, the Quezon City Public Library (QCPL). With the theme, “Equality for All,” their celebration aims “to highlight the unique contributions and lived experiences of the members of the LGBTQIA+ community through various library activities and informational resources.” “This celebration also forwards an aspiration: that one day, we will be able to genuinely acknowledge the existence of our fellow LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters as equally valuable as everyone. And that they too deserve equal opportunity in any given situation and honest representation in all of its forms, shapes and sizes,” the library explained. The film screenings started with Love, Simon and Everything Everywhere All at Once on 9 June and All My Life and Bekikang on 16 June. Other films to be shown are Perks of Being A Wall Flower and Boys in the Band on 23 June, and Eternals and Imitation Game on 30 June. Screenings are from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Conference Room of QCPL. Contact the library to reserve slots. At the UPFI Film Center The University of the Philippines Film Institute also had screenings of LGBTQ+ films on 17 June, in partnership with the UP Diliman Gender Office. Shown were short films Gutab, Dory, Niknik, Kurozetto, Bakit, Papa? and Nang Maglublob Ako sa isang Mangkok ng Liwanag. The post Pride screenings showcase a rainbow of stories appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Eid’l Adha a regular holiday
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared 28 June as a regular holiday nationwide in observance of Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice. Marcos, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, signed Proclamation 258 on Wednesday which declares Eid’l Adha a regular holiday to allow Muslim Filipinos to celebrate the occasion. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos earlier recommended that 28 June be declared as a national holiday in observance of Eid’l Adha following the 1444 Hijrah Islamic Lunar Calendar. The Presidential Communications Office released a copy of the presidential proclamation on Wednesday. “Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice is one of the two greatest feasts of Islam,” the Proclamation read. “Republic Act 9849 declared the Tenth day of Zhul Hija, the Twelfth month of the Islamic Calendar, a national holiday for the observance of Eidul Adha (Eid’l Adha),” it added. Eid’l Adha is celebrated by Muslims around the world as it commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. Tiziana Celine Piatos The holiday is celebrated on the 10th day of the last month of the Islamic calendar, and it also marks the end of Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, the fifth Pillar of Islam. The post Eid’l Adha a regular holiday appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Forbes names 15 richest female celebrities in America
A total of 15 female stars made this year's Forbes list of America’s richest self-made women. Worth a combined $10.8 billion, these celebrities are taking control of their own fame and fortune. First on the list, as expected, is TV host Oprah Winfrey, with a net worth of $2.5 billion, who reportedly owned 14 properties in Hawaii plus some real estate in California and Wyoming. Next to the media mogul are R&B superstar Rihanna, with $1.4 billion net worth; reality TV actress Kim Kardashian, with $1.2 billion net worth; pop sensation Taylor Swift, with $740 million net worth; and social media personality Kylie Jenner, with $680 million net worth. Occupying the 6th to 10th spots are queen of pop Madonna ($580 million), former Destiny's Child member Beyoncé Knowles ($540 million), power balladeer Celine Dion ($480 million), TV actress Judy Sheindlin ($480 million), and country music icon Dolly Parton ($440 million). Rounding up the top 15 are movie actress Reese Witherspoon ($440 million) at number 11, Billboard's greatest female singer of all time Barbra Streisand ($430 million) at number 12, TV host-comedian Ellen Degeneres ($380 million) at number 13, tennis ace Serena Williams ($290 million) at number 14, and film writer Shonda Rhimes ($250 million) at number 15. The post Forbes names 15 richest female celebrities in America appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Two-time Grammy winner Peabo Bryson in Manila, Cebu, Davao
Ovation Productions is bringing back the top-tier adult contemporary balladeer Peabo Bryson to the Philippines. The two-time GRAMMY winner and Living Legend Trumpet Awardee is set to hold his Philippine concert tour 2023 in Manila on 19 July at the New Frontier Theater, in Cebu on 21 July at the Waterfront Hotel, and in Davao on 23 July at SMX Convention Center. New York Times music critic Jon Pareles called Bryson the “Pavarotti of soul singers”. His duets with Natalie Cole — What You Won’t Do for Love — and Roberta Flack — Tonight, I Celebrate My Love, a Top 15 pop smash — earned Bryson the tag “King of Balladeers.” It was two songs for Disney animated films that earned Peabo his two Grammys: 1991’s Beauty and the Beast with international pop singer Celine Dion and A Whole New World from Aladdin which he performed with Regina Belle. Both won Oscars for “Best Song.” Bryson has also collaborated with Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga on We Kiss in the Shadows (number one on the Classical Crossover chart from a new recording of The King and I score), Melissa Manchester’s Lovers After All, and Kenny G’s By the Time This Night is Over. Demonstrating his skills as an actor, he appeared in the lead role for the touring production of the Tony Award-winning Raisin (based on Raisin In The Sun) and in the role of The Wizard in a touring company of The Wiz. In 1998, he appeared in the Michigan Opera Theater’s 100th anniversary production of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess and recorded two songs for the soundtrack for the Barney movie, one of which, the Bryson-produced Dreams, became the lead song for the album. In late 2005 Peabo released Live in Concert: Ladies’ Request in association with Time-Life, for whom he has been the spokesman for their soul retrospective collection. Live In Concert is an excellent collection that covers many of Peabo’s biggest hits and shows that his voice is still as strong and smooth as ever; to date it has sold over 3 million copies. He followed this in early 2006 with The Very Best of Peabo Bryson, a compilation of his biggest hits recorded on multiple record labels. Tickets for Peabo Bryson’s Philippine Tour 2023 are available at TICKETNET.com.ph. Ticket selling for Cebu and Davao will start on 4 June, available at SMTICKETS.com. The post Two-time Grammy winner Peabo Bryson in Manila, Cebu, Davao appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»