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Kaspersky Shares Cybersecurity Tips for a Peaceful Getaway during the holy week
As the holiday season approaches, the urge to unwind and kick back is natural. And it’s all too common for people to let their guard down completely when connecting to the Internet too– but shouldn’t. Recently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group shared its findings on identity theft cases in the country. Between November […].....»»
Visita Iglesia suggestions in Metro Manila
Staying in Metro Manila for the long weekend? Here's a quick guide to Catholic Churches in the metropolis you can include in your Visita Iglesia list.....»»
Meralco reminds public of electrical safety tips this Holy Week
Electric concessionaire Meralco said that its personnel will attend to the needs of its customers during Holy Week despite its offices being closed from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday......»»
Prevent Pollen From Ruining Your Spring with These Tips
Allergy season has arrived early in the US, affecting more than 80 million Americans, as reported by The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Pollen.....»»
Sunshine emosyonal sa 1st death anniversary ng ama, may inamin!
RAMDAM na ramdam ang pangungulila at patuloy na pagluluksa ni Sunshine Dizon sa yumaong ama na si Isagani Bengson Dizon, Jr.. Inalala at ginunita ng aktres ang first death anniversary ng kanyang tatay na pumanaw noong March, 2023. Sa pamamagitan ng Instagram, muling binigyan ng tribute ni Sunshine ang ama kasabay ng pag-amin na sobrang.....»»
With help from Paul Lee, Raymond Almazan rules inaugural 3-Point Shootout for bigs
Raymond Almazan credits former teammate Paul Lee for some valuable tips as he tops the first-ever Big Men Three-Point Shootout during the PBA All-Star Weekend.....»»
Substantiate your opinion : Students join NCCA workshop on film reading
Students in Zamboanga, however, learned a few tips on how to appreciate or read a film better in a workshop facilitated by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts when the national agency visited the southern city last March 8 in celebration of the National Arts Month every February......»»
Utlang calls for preservation of king cobras: ‘They do not attack unless provoked’
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Unless threatened or cornered, the king cobra, just like any other snakes, would not attack humans. This was according to Dr. Alice Utlang, Cebu City’s special assistant on veterinary, agriculture, and fishery concerns, who added that king cobras locally known as ‘banakon’ are ‘harmless’ animals. “Kanang mga bitin specifically cobra, mahadlok.....»»
Alice Dixson nagkakaproblema na rin sa kalusugan, sumasakit ang paa at tuhod
NAKARARANAS na rin ang aktres at dating beauty queen na si Alice Dixson ng karamdaman sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng kanyang katawan. Aminado ang 54-anyos na aktres na hindi na siya bumabata at marami na rin siyang iniindang sakit na nagsimula raw nitong mga nagdaang buwan. Kahapon, January 31, nagpakatotoo na si Alice tungkol sa.....»»
Claudine, Alice, ER agaw-eksena sa ‘untold story’ ni Imelda Papin
BONGGA! Naging matagumpay ang idinaos na premiere night ng pelikulang “Loyalista: The Untold Story of Imelda Papin” starring Claudine Barretto. In fairness, sa tatlong sinehan sa SM Megamall ipinalabas ang life story ng Jukebox Queen na si Imelda Papin kasabay ng pagdiriwang ng kanyang 45th year sa entertainment industry. Bukod kay Claudine, kasama rin sa.....»»
Imelda Papin pinuno ang tatlong sinehan
SHOWBIZ KONEKni Maricris Valdez Nicasio TATLONG cinema sa SM Megamall ipinalabas ang pelikulang Loyalista: The Untold Story of Imelda Papin na pinagbibidahan ni Claudine Barretto kasama sina Gary Estrada, Alice Dixson, ER Ejercito, at Maffi Papin. Ang pagpapalabas ng biopic ng Philippines’ jukebox queen na si Imelda Papin ay kasabay ng pagdiriwang nito ng ika-45 taon sa industriya. Napag-alaman naming isang taon ginawa ang Loyalista: ….....»»
H.E.R., Halle Bailey magsasama sa musical film na ‘The Color Purple’, ibabandera ang istorya ng sisterhood
BIBIDA sa isang bagong pelikula ang Filipino-American singer na si H.E.R. at ang “The Little Mermaid” star na si Halle Bailey. Ito ang classic musical film na pinamagatang “The Color Purple” na base sa nobelang isinulat ni Alice Walker na may kaparehong titulo. Mapapanood sa inilabas na pasilip na iikot ang storya nito sa tatlong babae na may “extraordinary sisterhood.” Bukod sa drama, magpapakitang-gilas ang mga bida sa kanilang husay sa pag-awit. Baka Bet Mo: Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey nag-alay ng kanta para sa mga kababaihan, nilabas ang debut single na ‘Angel’ Ang musical film ay mula sa direksyon ni Blitz Bazawule at prinoduce naman ng ilang bigating personalidad kagaya nina Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders at Quincy Jones. Bukod kina H.E.R. at Halle, tampok din sa musical film sina Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor at Fantasia Barrino. Ang “The Color Purple” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures at nakatakdang ipalabas sa mga lokal na sinehan sa January 24, 2024. Related Chika: Andrea Brillantes kinilig kay Halle Bailey: Baby Blythe would have totally freaked out H.E.R. Pinoy na Pinoy pa rin; laging kinakanta noon ang ‘Maging Sino Ka Man’ ni Sharon Sam na-stress pauwi ng Pinas dahil sa biniling aso sa US para kay Catriona.....»»
Nurturing the future audiences of theater
“It’s been a dream come true, my experience at the Met and I felt honored to see the show that our National Artists created, especially Alice Reyes and Ryan Cayabyab......»»
‘Rama, Hari’ gala is a cultural feast
Rama, Hari (Rama the King) returns to live stage, becoming one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year. Produced by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the ballet and musical had its gala at the rehabilitated Manila Metropolitan Theater on 15 September. Aside from the show itself, there were a lecture and a small tiangge (bazaar), affording the audience a fuller experience and a deeper appreciation of the ballet, as well as the source material, the Sanskrit epic Ramayana. Also an initiative in line with the recently signed Philippines-Indonesia Memorandum of Understanding on Cultural Cooperation and the Philippines-India Cultural Exchange Program, the lecture, “Perspectives: Understanding Ramayana, The Great Epic of Asia,” was held in the early afternoon at the Metropolitan Theater Ballroom, tackling the impacts and different interpretations of Ramayana not only in India but also in Southeast Asia. Speakers were Agus Widjojo, ambassador of Indonesia to the Philippines; Shambu Kumaran, ambassador of India to the Philippines; and Dr. Marilyn Canta, retired professor from the University of the Philippines in Diliman. [caption id="attachment_185911" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Indian Ambassador Shambu Kumaran, Dr. Marilyn Canta, NCCA chairman Ino Manalo and Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo. | Photograph by Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] The Hindu epic, said to date back as early as the mid-eighth century BCE, is a much beloved work and has many versions in Southeast Asia. Its influence is very much evident in Indonesia, where the epic has a version written in old Javanese, called the Kakawin Ramayana. The Prambanan, the ninth-century Hindu temple compound, has bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the epic, and the Ramayana Ballet is regularly performed up to this day. In the Philippines, the Meranaw people of Mindanao has a folk story derived from Ramayana, “Maharadia Lawana,” which was adapted into an hours-long, modern theatrical showcase for the Budayaw: The BIMP-EAGA Festival of Cultures in 2017. On the other hand, the tiangge, at the Hardin ng Ekspresyon, the west courtyard of the theater, had booths offering Indian food, spices and home decors. Fashion brand Plains & Prints also set up a corner featuring their latest collection featuring heritage sites in collaboration with photographer Mark Nicdao. On the other hand, the tiangge, at the Hardin ng Ekspresyon, the west courtyard of the theater, had booths offering Indian food, spices and home decors. Fashion brand Plains & Prints also set up a corner featuring their latest collection featuring heritage sites in collaboration with photographer Mark Nicdao. Audience members started arriving at six. The first-timers to the theater explored and took photographs of the different corners. Illustrious guests were led by National Artists Virgilio S. Almario, Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, Ricky Lee and Agnes Locsin, as well as cultural agency heads, National Archives of the Philippines executive director and NCCA chairman Victorino Mapa Manalo, National Museum of the Philippines director Jeremy R. Barns and Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino chairman Arthur P. Casanova. Also in the audience were theater and cinema scholar Nicanor Tiongson, professor and researcher Galileo Zafra, actor and satirist Mae Paner, actor Menchu Lauchengco Yulo, talent manager Noel Ferrer, theater critic Amadis Maria Guerrero, Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo, chef Gelo Guison and designer Barge Ramos. Aika Robredo, the eldest daughter of former Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, also enjoyed the show. [caption id="attachment_185913" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The wedding of Rama and Sita.[/caption] Her mother graced a rehearsal on 6 September, especially invited by Rama, Hari choreographer and director, National Artist Alice Reyes and composer, National Artist Ryan Cayabyab. On 7 September, Robredo enthused on Facebook: “Yesterday, we, together with some local artists from Naga, trooped to the Metropolitan Theater in Manila to watch their first full stage rehearsal and we were stunned. They were not in costumes yet and the stage design was not even mounted yet but the entire production left us breathless and speechless!! It is the best of Philippine Dance and Music.” She encouraged everyone not to miss “the only collaboration that features the masterful works of five National Artists.” Aside from Reyes and Cayabyab, the other National Artists involved in the production are the late Bienvenido Lumbera, who wrote the lyrics and libretto; Salvador Bernal, who designed the stage and costumes; and Rolando Tinio, who translated it to English. They were not yet declared National Artists when the production by Ballet Philippines premiered on 8 February 1980 at CCP’s Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. The original staging featured Nonoy Froilan, Basil Valdez, Kuh Ledesma, Leo Valdez and Edna Vida. Rama, Hari was not restaged until 2012, starring Christian Bautista, Karylle Tatlonghari, Richardson Yadao and Katherine Trofeo. It won 14 Philstage Gawad Buhay awards. An adaptation was mounted in 1999, called Rama, Hari, Rama at Sita, The Musical, featuring Ariel Rivera and Lani Misalucha as performers, directed by Leo Rialp and choreographed by Locsin. The music was composed by Cayabyab and Danny Tan, and the lyrics written by Roy Iglesias and Dodjie Simon, based on Lumbera’s book. Rama, Hari was planned to be the closing production of Ballet Philippines’ 50th season in March 2020, but was canceled when lockdowns were imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic. When Reyes established her own dance company in 2022, the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, Rama, Hari became one of its cherished projects. [caption id="attachment_185909" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Energetic dancing by Alice Reyes Dance Philippines. | Photographs courtesy of Teddy Pelaez[/caption] Reyes put both dancers and singers on the same stage, interpreting scenes and emotions in both words and movements. The cast is led by Arman Ferrer as Rama with alternate Vien King and dancer versions Ronelson Yadao and Ejay Arisola. Sita is portrayed by singers Karylle Tatlonghari, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez and neophyhte Nica Tupas and dancers Monica Gana and Katrene San Miguel. [caption id="attachment_185910" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Erl Sorilla as Lakshmana and Monica Gana as Sita. | Photograph courtesy of Teddy Pelaez[/caption] Singers Poppert Bernadas, Matthew San Jose and Jonel Mojica and dancers Richardson Yadao (also dancer for King Janaka) and Tim Cabrera take on the villain role, the demon king of Lanka, Ravana. Other performers are Audie Gemora (singer, King Dasaratha), Lester Reguindin and John Ababon (dancers, King Dasaratha); Miah Canton and Raflesia Bravo (singers, Kooni and Soorpanakha); Ma. Celina Dofitas and Sarah Alejandro (dancers, Soorpanakha); Michaella Carreon and Dofitas (dancers, Kooni); Katrine Sunga and Maron Rozelle Mabana (singers, Kaikeyi and the Golden Deer); Janine Arisola and Karla Santos (dancers, Kaikeyi); Erl Sorilla and Renzen Arboleda (dancers, Lakshmana and King Sagreeva); Paw Castillo and Jon Abella (singers, Hanuman and Lakshmana); and Dan Dayo and Ricmar Bayoneta (dancers, Hanuman); Alejandro and Krislynne Buri (Golden Deer); Dayo and James Galarpe (Bharata). Aside from ARDP and CCP’s Professional Artist Support Program, other performers come from Guang Ming College Artist Residency Program, Philippine High School for the Arts, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers. Music is performed by Orchestra of the Filipino Youth with Antonio Maria P. Cayabyab as conductor. After the two-night gala on 15 and 16 September at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, the production moves to the Samsung Performing Arts Theater of Circuit Makati in Makati City on 22 and 23 September. The post ‘Rama, Hari’ gala is a cultural feast appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Native Aussies supporters urge ‘yes’ vote
Thousands of Australians rallied in major cities Sunday for a “yes” vote to the proposed indigenous rights reform that is facing strong opposition from other citizens in the land down under. The “Walk for Yes” marches were four weeks ahead of the 14 October referendum that the minority group and the government hope will address the marginalization of the natives. More than 200 years since British colonization, indigenous people — whose ancestors have lived on the continent for about 60,000 years — have shorter lives than other Australians, poorer education and are far more likely to die in police custody. A favorable referendum result would give them a voice in parliament, which supporters believe is long overdue. Supporters of the Voice, who also gathered in Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart and Alice Springs, say a “yes” vote would help address inequalities. Opponents, however, argue that it would confer special privileges on indigenous peoples while adding an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy. In the referendum, voters will be asked: “A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognize the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?” Voting is compulsory, with non-voters who don’t have a valid reason liable to a fine of 20 Australian dollars. WITH AFP The post Native Aussies supporters urge ‘yes’ vote appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Warning to China
Deal with the slick, covetous country for who and what she really is, vis-a-vis the Scarborough Shoal or West Philippines Sea. Don’t fall for her “drama.” The interest of China in the WPS, transcendent of her main goal to grab it, is to win to her side the countries whom she considers obstacles to carrying out their delusive agenda, not to mention her machinations to maliciously involve the United States in the issue (by propaganda/psywar) and put in bad light the merely “internationally concerned” superpower country. China’s “10-dash line,” though a fresh/new figment of its imagination, is now passe/obsolete because the Philippines has an “11-dash line,” as I have just drawn a map that contains it, and which Filipinos can present to the current Chinese officials so that the Philippine government may (perchance) be able to convince them to come to their senses and stop their illegal activities in the disputed sea. All that China can do with its “10-dash line” is to play their “cheat and steal” game with it. They have revised their “nine-dash line” because the old map did not stand in the Permanent Court of Arbitration and will never ever stand in any court of law (for humans) anywhere in the universe. But let them be informed herein that the Philippines has thus far made her own “11-dash line” map. Ano pa laban nila? 10 lang ang kanila, 11 ang sa atin (What is there to beat? Theirs is only 10; ours is 11). China cautioned other countries about courting a new Cold War (by offending China) during the recent ASEAN Summit in Indonesia when, as a matter of imperative, China should have been the one that received a warning (more than caution), not only from the ASEAN member nations but from the entire world — on account of her continuing aggression and illegal actions in the WPS that destabilize the region and will so “destabilize” the world, ultimately. But, alas, what the Philippines, the ASEAN, and the world are doing seems to be just all talk, useless talks, when the only talk that may matter to solve the problem (with finality) is a bilateral talk between the Philippines and China. It was reported in June this year that China is willing to dialogue with the Philippines to resolve the issue. Did our government ignore it? Three months later, I read another news that said, “Zhou Zhiyong, the Chinese Embassy’s deputy chief of mission and minister counselor, also claimed that Beijing had been reaching out to Manila, but it had yet to respond to China’s proposed bilateral talks on tensions in the South China Sea.” Were all these fake news? I don’t think so because I read them from reputable media outlets. Thus, are our officials playing callous toward the best possible solution to end our already boiling squabble with China, with China trying to initiate the move? However, China’s sincerity must be tested when the talk commences. I am sure this one is not fake news. China has been using “local operators” to divide the Philippines on the WPS issue. It is time, indeed, for our officials to do something about this handful of noisy traitors and apostates, much less those who are part of the media or Philippine media. Pronto. Reni M. Valenzuela renivalenzuelaletters@yahoo.com The post Warning to China appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
On right track
"Culture and the arts reflect our identity as Filipinos, as people. We must have a strong patriotism to embrace our culture and identity fully.” It may be a long and arduous road toward a free and genuine Filipino culture, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Executive Director Oscar G. Casaysay says, “In taking a whole of government approach, we are on the right track in attaining Philippine Development Goals.” Casaysay, who managed the community relations and major festivals and celebrations of the country’s largest city for nine years (from 2004 to 2013), now leads NCCA in preserving, developing, and promoting the Philippine arts and culture. Founded in 1987, NCCA “promotes unity among individuals involved in the conservation of cultural properties, such as artworks, ethnographic collections, archaeological artifacts, and other materials of historical significance.” He admitted that before joining the agency, he only read the works of national artists like Bienvenido Lumbera, Nick Joaquin, and Ricky Lee. He watched the films of esteemed Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal and Marilou Abaya. “I only heard and read about the productions of the Cultural Center of the Philippines featuring the Ballet Philippines and the Philippine Harmonic Orchestra,” he said. “It was only when I became the executive director that I was able to watch those productions inside the CCP in the front row and even stand on stage giving out messages.” “I now meet our national artists up close and personal. I have the luxury of being introduced to many theater greats in the Philippine Education Theater Association and other theater productions,” he added. He went on to say that he also had the pleasure of meeting Alice Reyes (whom he described as “graceful and very down to earth”), Ryan Cayabyab (“cool and very accommodating”), Virgilio Almario (“so dignified”), Ramon Santos (“unassuming”), Ricky Lee (“down to earth and very accommodating”), Nora Aunor (“warm and humble”) and Agnes Locsin (“friendly and very warm”). In the absence of regional offices to connect with local artists and cultural workers, he said NCCA works with sub-commissions whose members are elected from among the private sector members from different communities. “Ours is a complex network that we have to deal with,” Casaysay said. “A lot of challenges each day. The most difficult part is we don’t have a huge budget, although the grants we give out come from the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts.” These grants, he said, are derived from the proposals coming from civil society organizations, individual artists and cultural workers, other national government agencies, schools, colleges, universities, and local government units for their culture and arts programs and projects. Through the Sentro Rizal Office, the NCCA also engages in international initiatives. Every day has a lot of challenges and struggles to confront and hurdle, but still, with the most gracious style, he jested. The NCCA oversees the entire recognition process, from the call for submissions and selection to the presentation of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, the Order of National Artists and the National Heritage Awards. Culture is a nation’s soul “Culture is the soul of the nation. Without culture, a nation doesn’t have an identity. Culture refers to the way of life of a nation. Thus, everything that we do as a people becomes our culture,” he said. “Culture is best manifested through the arts that are said to be the best expressions of culture.” “All seven types of arts contribute to the overall growth and advancement not just of a person but of the community and the nation as well,” he said, referring to architecture and allied arts, cinema or film, dance, drama or theater, literary arts, music and visual arts. Throughout the pandemic, he felt disheartened by the perception of the arts sector as being “non-essential.” “We cannot imagine the online platform without some of the best online programs communicated through the arts — films, dances, poetry, music, or even Netflix,” he said. Citing the NCCA’s role in supporting and promoting the interests of indigenous people groups, Casaysay said valuing and preserving the cultural heritage of IPs contributes to the diversity and richness of Philippine culture. Through its programs, projects, and collaborations, the NCCA empowers IPs to protect, revitalize, and celebrate their unique cultural traditions, languages, and arts, ensuring their continued existence and appreciation for future generations. “Other aspects, such as indigenous cultures and cultural heritage, also contribute to a nation’s progress and development,” he said. Indigenous cultures, he said, refer to the knowledge, skills, and practices of our culture bearers that are preserved and handed down from one generation to another. “Cultural heritage may be tangible or intangible and is considered the wealth of a nation in terms of its glorious past. All these facets of culture are important in the life of a nation and are essential towards the holistic advancement of a country,” he said. Opportunities The lack of widespread discussion and engagement among Filipinos regarding culture is a primary concern Casaysay and many others share. “There are many challenges faced by the NCCA in this aspect. To enumerate a few — due to the lack of interest generally by Filipinos in arts and culture. For many, culture and the arts are seen as not essential; for many, it is only for the elite,” he said. He lamented the current trend wherein the younger generation shows greater appreciation for foreign cultures, such as those from Korea or the United States, rather than their own. Instead of viewing these as obstacles, he said the NCCA sees them as opportunities for growth and enhancement. Expressing confidence in the significant achievements of the NCCA in fostering greater appreciation, understanding, respect, and love for arts and culture among Filipinos, he said these encompass various aspects, including policy formulation, programming and promotions. Several laws have been enacted to safeguard the country’s cultural heritage, such as the Republic Act 10066 of 2009, commonly known as the National Heritage Law. Moreover, the NCCA organizes institutional programs throughout the year to celebrate and promote different facets of Filipino culture. Notable examples include National Arts Month held every February, Food Month and Literature Month in April; Heritage Month in May, Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (OPM Week) in the last week of July, and IP Month in October, among others. “The NCCA is also in charge of the cultural mapping and monitoring of the local culture and arts councils in the local government units,” he said, adding that it needs to intensify its efforts to be able to reach the grassroots levels. Since dreams don’t become reality through magic but by sweat, determination, and hard work, Casaysay said the NCCA will harness and maximize more platforms to reach a larger market, especially the younger generation. The dream of having a Department of Culture is neither a mountain high enough. The post On right track appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DHSUD, UPAC create group to solve housing issues
A technical working group focused on solving housing issues has been created by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Urban Poor Action Committee (UPAC) to address shelter woes. The TWG, with member representatives from DHSUD, UPAC, National Housing Authority, and Social Housing Finance Corporation, aims to craft programs that will make public housing more accessible to the underserviced sectors. “The creation of this TWG was in response to the clamor of urban poor groups. It will primarily focus on issues that remain unresolved for decades now. I can see complexities on the concerns but by uniting and helping each other, we can find ways to appropriately address gaps in the sector,” said DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar in a statement Sunday. "Ito po ay nagpapatunay na ang Marcos administration at ang DHSUD ay nakikinig sa lahat ng stakeholders, at inuuna po natin ang mga kababayan nating mahihirap," he added. Members of urban poor groups consist of informal settler families, residents living near danger zones, especially in river banks and coastal areas, and beneficiaries of government housing programs. During its first meeting Thursday, led by Assistant Secretary Daryll Bryan Villanueva, the discussion has identified the functions of each group to move toward effectively resolving various housing resettlement concerns. The TWG also tackled UPAC’s People’s Plan which proposes a more participative and solution-based housing plan involving the beneficiaries from planning to program sustainability plans. “We also see challenges in the implementation of previously issued presidential proclamations and NHA housing projects. But with this TWG and our working relationship with involved agencies, we can tell that concrete solutions are underway,” assured Secretary Acuzar. Earlier this year, the housing czar engaged leaders and members of UPAC in an open dialogue to tackle concerns of different urban poor organizations and align their recommendations to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program. UPAC which represents 205,000 families from various groups, headed by lead facilitator Alice Murphy, vowed to work closely with the government to properly implement any approved provisions under 4PH. The post DHSUD, UPAC create group to solve housing issues appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DHSUD, urban poor activate TWG to address shelter woes
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar on Sunday said the DSHUD and the Urban Poor Action Committee (UPAC) recently activated a technical working group (TWG) that will harmonize efforts in providing decent shelters to more Filipinos, particularly the underprivileged. “The creation of this TWG was in response to the clamor of urban poor groups. It will primarily focus on issues that remain unresolved for decades now. I can see complexities on the concerns but by uniting and helping each other, we can find ways to appropriately address gaps in the sector,” Acuzar said. The TWG, with member representatives from DHSUD, UPAC, National Housing Authority, and Social Housing Finance Corporation, aims to craft measures for immediate implementation of programs that will make public housing more accessible to the underserviced sectors, particularly the urban poor. "Ito po ay nagpapatunay na ang Marcos administration at ang DHSUD ay nakikinig sa lahat ng stakeholders, at inuuna po natin ang mga kababayan nating mahihirap," Acuzar explained. Members of urban poor groups consist of informal settler families, residents living near danger zones, especially in river banks and coastal areas, and beneficiaries of government housing programs. During its first meeting Thursday, led by Assistant Secretary Daryll Bryan Villanueva, the discussion identified the functions of each group to move toward effectively resolving various housing resettlement concerns. The TWG also tackled UPAC’s People’s Plan which proposes a more participative and solution-based housing plan involving the beneficiaries from planning to program sustainability plans. “We also see challenges on the implementation of previously issued presidential proclamations and NHA housing projects. But with this TWG and our working relationship with involved agencies, we can tell that concrete solutions are underway,” Acuzar said. Earlier this year, the housing czar engaged leaders and members of UPAC in an open dialogue to tackle concerns of different urban poor organizations and align their recommendations to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program. UPAC, which represents 205,000 families from various groups headed by lead facilitator Alice Murphy, vowed to work closely with the government to properly implement any approved provisions under 4PH. The post DHSUD, urban poor activate TWG to address shelter woes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Juanito Torres presents National Heroes’ Day masterpiece
As a tribute to the heroes of the country, Juanito Torres completed a 67-by-91-inch work of art as the nation celebrated the annual National Heroes’ Day last 28 August. The artwork, titled “La Solidaridad,” depicts a gathering of prominent historical figures in one frame — Dr. Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Mariano Ponce, Jose Maria Panganiban, Graciano Lopez Jaena, Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, Juan Luna and Antonio Luna. This is among the pieces in The Magnificent September Auction 2023 of Leon Gallery this 9 September. [caption id="attachment_179655" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] ‘Generals of the Philippine Revolution’ (59” x 91.5,” oil on canvas).[/caption] Paying tribute to noble soldiers in Philippine history is Torres’ “Generals of the Philippine Revolution.” In this piece, he painted key figures, such as Andres Bonifacio, Antonio Luna, Emilio Jacinto, Emilio Aguinaldo, Macario Sakay, Miguel Malvar and Gregorio del Pilar, among others. Torres attended the Philippine High School for the Arts in Makiling in Los Baños, Laguna, where he was awarded for Outstanding Visual Arts in 1994. He took further studies at the University of the Philippines’ College of Fine Arts in Diliman, Quezon City. The late art critic Alice Guillermo described him as one of the leading contemporary artists of his time, joining the ranks of Elmer Borlongan, Mark Justiniani and Neil Doloricon, among others. Torres was a finalist at the Metrobank Foundation National Painting Competition in 2005 and was a fellow and designated artist for CANVAS Romeo Forbes Children’s Literature Initiative from 2009 to 2010. His works are part of the permanent collections of major museums in the country, such as the Museum of the Katipunan in San Juan City, Miguel Malvar Museum in Batangas, Pinto Museum in Antipolo City and Luna Museum in Ilocos Sur, and the National Historical Commission, among others. His portfolio made the seminal artwork exhibit “Icons and Superheroes.” Among his other works is the recently sold monumental work The Grand Ball and the auctioned piece, “Parade of Heroes.” He is represented by Galerie Joaquin. For more information, email info@galeriejoaquin.com. The post Juanito Torres presents National Heroes’ Day masterpiece appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»