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LIST: Winners of the 41st National Book Awards
The authors, editors, illustrators, and translators of 35 books across the literary and non-literary divisions are recognized at the awards ceremony.....»»
Six Mindanao books win National Book Awards
Six books published by Mindanao-based authors are among the winners of the 41st National Book Awards......»»
Metrobank gets global recognitions for exceptional performance
Built on trust, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. has been recognized as the Strongest Bank in the Philippines by The Asian Banker for the third straight year and the Best Domestic Bank in the country by Asiamoney. This attests to the Bank’s strength and reliability in putting its clients in good hands. The Bank gained these prestigious international recognitions from The Asian Banker and Asiamoney for its consistent strong financial performance across the board. In the first half of 2023, Metrobank maintained a strong 34 percent growth in net income of P20.9 billion, fueled by the Bank’s expanding assets, enhanced margins, and robust fee income growth while sustaining a stable asset quality. One of the World’s Best Companies On top of these awards, the Bank was also listed by TIME Magazine and Statista as one of the World’s Best Companies. The “World’s Best Companies” is a comprehensive list that ranks top performing companies across the globe based on employee satisfaction, revenue growth, and sustainability. “We’re honored to receive these back-to-back recognitions, especially as we celebrate the Bank’s 61st anniversary. At Metrobank, we always strive for excellence — whether it be in addressing our clients’ needs, achieving exceptional financial performance across our business, or contributing to nation-building. These awards are testaments to the steadfast commitment and relentless drive of each Metrobanker to keep Filipinos in good hands,” said Metrobank president Fabian Dee. Reliable partner through Filipinos’ financial journey For decades, Metrobank served as a reliable partner for Filipinos throughout their life journey — providing them financial services and guidance that are tailor-fit to their needs, even as they now navigate a modern and digital world. But before offering them a product or a service, every Metrobanker ensures that their clients fully and clearly understand the financial products and services they will avail of. The Bank’s mission to enable Filipinos throughout their financial journey goes beyond simply offering relevant solutions. Despite its financial success, the Bank’s priority and advocacy is to educate Filipinos first as they step into their financial journey. This is to make sure that every client makes a fully-informed financial decision and know how to protect themselves against fraud. This is made evident through Metrobank’s sustained financial education efforts — designed to equip Filipinos with reliable financial advice, fit for every life stage. In 2022, Metrobank introduced a comprehensive personal finance e-book developed to help Filipinos to become financially resilient. Meanwhile, the Bank’s Earnest app aims to simplify investing, through bite-sized lesson cards and easy-to-understand articles that cover basic investing concepts. For more advanced investors, there is Wealth Insights, an online portal that contains publicly accessible market-moving news and insights, as well as exclusive premium content that includes bespoke articles which dive deep into timely and actionable investment ideas. Meanwhile, Metrobank provides its clients with regular reminders and guidance to protect themselves against fraudulent transactions via SMS, emails, and social media posts. Today, Filipinos can easily start their financial journey by going to Metrobank’s hundreds of branches nationwide or digitally via the Earnest app. Those aiming to further grow their funds through investments can do so with Metrobank’s Online Time Deposit, which offers an interest rate of up to 4.5 percent, or through Metrobank’s wide-range of unit investment trust funds (UITF). With its commitment to give customers a safe, simple and secure experience on the NEW Metrobank app, the Bank recently introduced its interoperable QR feature, which allows on-the- go clients to enjoy more convenient fund transfers to and from other banks and e-wallets. Meanwhile, clients who are ready for a life upgrade - be it a new car or their dream home, can avail of Metrobank’s home and car loan offers with affordable rates and flexible payment terms. Growth partner for businesses Metrobank’s services transcends from customers to enterprises. When Metrobank was founded in 1962, it was primarily built to be a bank for businesses. Over six decades later, the Bank continues to stay true to its roots by offering a full suite of best-in-class financial solutions designed to serve enterprises of all sizes — from SMEs to large corporations based here and abroad. The post Metrobank gets global recognitions for exceptional performance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘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......»»
‘HAMILTON’ MAKES ROUSING ASIAN PREMIERE IN MANILA
An exhilarated first audience welcomed the Tony, Grammy, Olivier and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Hamilton at The Theatre at Solaire in Manila on Sunday, 17 September, ahead of the official opening night on Thursday, 21 September. “Good things come to those who wait, and I know Hamilton’s Filipino fans have been waiting patiently for this moment to arrive,” said Michael Cassel, producer of Hamilton’s international tour. “The Manila audiences responded with such warmth, enthusiasm and generosity — we couldn’t be more thrilled and we are ecstatic to bring the revolution to Asia for the very first time.” Hamilton’s first ever international tour continues at The Theatre at Solaire until November with no further extensions. It will then make its Middle East premiere at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi in January 2024. More cities are expected to be announced in coming months. [caption id="attachment_185938" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Jason Arrow as Alexander Hamilton in the Australian Production. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DANIEL BUOD[/caption] Tickets to the Manila and Abu Dhabi seasons are available now at hamiltonmusical.com/international-tour. Hamilton premiered on Broadway in August 2015 to wide critical and audience acclaim. The show has won Tony, Grammy and Olivier Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre — a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education. With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. [caption id="attachment_185941" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Benet Monteiro as Alexander Hamilton in the German production. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF HAMILTON[/caption] The Hamilton creative team previously collaborated on the 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Musical In the Heights. Scenic design is by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg and hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe. The international tour of Hamilton is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman, The Public Theater and Michael Cassel. The Manila season is presented by Michael Cassel Group and GMG Productions. For news and updates, fans can visit hamiltonmusical.com/international-tour, instagram.com/hamiltoninternationaltour or www.facebook.com/hamiltonintltour. The post ‘HAMILTON’ MAKES ROUSING ASIAN PREMIERE IN MANILA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MMAFI and FEU now accepting entries to Maningning Poetry Workshop
The Maningning Miclat Art Foundation, Inc., in cooperation with the Far Eastern University Center for the Arts, Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts and Institute of Arts and Sciences, is now accepting entries of one Filipino poem per entry with the theme “Pagtatagumpay sa Pandemya” for the Maningning Poetry Workshop on 27 September. Fifteen participants, aged 26 and younger, will be chosen to avail of the free workshop that is part of the one-day art and poetry event at the FEU University Conference Center. A hardbound book, Ningning at Liwanag: Antolohiya ng 10 Nagwagi sa Gawad Maningning Miclat sa Tula (2003-2021) will be launched in the event, which will also proclaim the winners of the 2023 Maningning Miclat poetry competition. The book, published by MMAFI and Erehwon Artworld Corporation, received a publication grant for 2023 from the National Book Development Board. Meanwhile, there will also be an exhibit sale of artworks by past Maningning Art Award winners like Dexter Sy, Jessica Lopez, Nikko Pelaez, Kristoffer Tolentino and Joen Sudlon and faculty and selected students from IARFA. The workshop on 27 September, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, will be facilitated by two previous winners of the Maningning Miclat Poetry Awards — Karl/Kid Orit, president of Cavite Young Writers Association (CYWA); Enrique S. Villasis, film and television writer for Viva and ABS-CBN and a former judge of the Maningning Miclat Poetry Competition; and Romulo Baquiran, Jr., UP professor and director of Likhaan: UP Institute of Creative Writing. FEU participants can send their entry to egonzales@feu.edu.ph while non-FEU participants can send theirs to maningningpoetry@gmail.com. Deadline to submit is 15 September at 11:59 pm based on the email stamp. The post MMAFI and FEU now accepting entries to Maningning Poetry Workshop appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
9 Works Theatrical to stage ‘Rent’ in 2024
9 Works Theatrical has announced that it will restage the Broadway musical Rent in 2024. Following the successful run of tick, tick… BOOM!, another production by Jonathan Larson will be mounted as the local theater company’s first production next year. 9 Works Theatrical previously staged Rent in 2010 and 2011 with Gian Magdangal as Roger, Sheree Bautista as Mimi, Fredison Lo as Mark, OJ Mariano as Tom, Job Bautista as Angel, Jenny Villegas as Joanne, Lorenz Martinez as Benjamin and Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Maureen. As a teaser, tick, tick… BOOM! cast members Kayla Rivera, Reb Atadero, Khalil Ramos, Tanya Manalang-Atadero, Vien King and Jef Flores sang an excerpt of “Seasons of Love” during the show’s curtain call. “You won’t have to wait 525,600 minutes to catch this musical,” 9 Works wrote on Instagram. The theater company had earlier announced auditions for Rent would take place on 25 to 26 September at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in BGC, Taguig City. Applicants should bring their latest photo, curriculum vitae and should prepare a maximum of 16 Bars of two pop-rock songs in English of varying tempos. They are required to bring their own music sheet or minus one (in a thumb drive or phone). Broadway songs and songs from Rent are not allowed. The registration period is until 11 September. All auditionees must register via tinyurl.com/9wtRENT2024AuditionForm. Applicants who will receive a text message with their assigned time slot must be in the venue at least one hour before their slot. 9 Works is looking for the roles for: 1. Roger (male, tenor, must know how to play the guitar); 2. Mark (male, tenor); 3. Mimi (female, mezzo-soprano, dancer); 4. Angel (male/ transgender, tenor, dancer); 5. Benny (male, baritone-tenor); 6. Tom (male, bass-baritone); 7. Maureen (female, mezzo-soprano); 8. Joanne (female, mezzo-soprano); and 9. ensemble (male/ female, can dance, various vocals). Applicants must be 22 years old and up. Rent, set in the late 1980s and early 1990s, follows a group of friends living in Manhattan’s East Village amid issues of poverty, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS epidemic, social tension and political unrest. It is loosely based on Giacomo Puccini, Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa’s opera La Bohème. It won the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and four Tony Awards the same year including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Original Score and Best Performance by a Featured Actor. In 2005, director Chris Colombus helmed its movie adaptation with Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Rosario Dawson, Jesse L. Martin and Idina Menzel in the cast. The post 9 Works Theatrical to stage ‘Rent’ in 2024 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Hamilton’ ticket lottery confirmed for Phl
Producers Jeffrey Seller and Michael Cassel have confirmed the Hamilton digital ticket lottery for the Metro Manila season of the international tour playing at The Theatre at Solaire from 17 September. The digital ticket lottery, known in North America as Ham4Ham, is run exclusively through TicketWorld in the Philippines. The Hamilton Lottery will have a limited number of tickets available throughout the season at a special price. Winners will have the opportunity to purchase two orchestra tickets at P800 each. The lottery will be open from 10 a.m. on 11 September through 11:59 p.m. on 13 September for tickets to performances on the week of 17 to 24 September. Subsequent Hamilton lotteries will begin on each Monday and close the following Wednesday for the upcoming week’s performances. [caption id="attachment_178871" align="aligncenter" width="735"] THE Broadway cast of ‘Hamilton’ (from left) Daveed Diggs, Okieriete Onaodowan, Anthony Ramos and Lin-Manuel Miranda.[/caption] To enter the lottery, sign up at TicketWorld to receive Hamilton Lottery entry access. Those who sign up must use the email address associated with their active TicketWorld account. The lottery will open at 10 a.m. every Monday and will close for entry at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday prior to the following week’s performances. Participants can enter to win the chance to purchase two tickets for the upcoming week’s performances at P800 per ticket. A one-entry-per-week limit will be applied. Winners will be notified every Thursday at 12 p.m. for the upcoming week’s performances via email from TicketWorld. The confirmation email will include a one-time-use promo code and a purchase link that will expire at 12 p.m. the following day of the receipt of the email. Winners may claim and pay for their tickets online or over the counter at TicketWorld outlets before the promo code expires. Additional rules and full terms and conditions can be found on TicketWorld site. “The digital ticket lottery, created for Hamilton fans on Broadway has been embraced with tremendous enthusiasm wherever the show has played all over the world and we know fans in Manila will be exactly the same,“ Cassel said. “It’s important that theatre is accessible for anyone who wants to see it and the digital ticket lottery allows us to introduce this transformative experience to people who may not have been able to see it otherwise.” Hamilton’s first ever international tour will premiere in Manila at The Theatre at Solaire on 17 September ahead of making its Middle East premiere at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi in January 2024. More cities are expected to be announced in coming months. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre — a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education. It premiered on Broadway in August 2015 to wide critical and audience acclaim. The show has won Tony, Grammy and Olivier awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. The Hamilton creative team previously collaborated on the 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Musical In the Heights. Scenic design is by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe. The international tour of Hamilton is produced by Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman, The Public Theater and Cassel. The Manila season is presented by Michael Cassel Group and GMG Productions. Tickets to the Manila and Abu Dhabi seasons are available now at hamiltonmusical.com/international-tour. To be notified when the Hamilton lottery opens and get more updates on the ticket promo news, sign up for the Hamilton Lottery Newsletter at TicketWorld. For more information on tickets and Hamilton Lottery details, visit gmg-productions.com/hamilton/lottery. For news and updates, fans can visit hamiltonmusical.com/international-tour, instagram.com/hamiltoninternationaltour or www.facebook.com/hamiltonintltour. The post ‘Hamilton’ ticket lottery confirmed for Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Emma Stone stars in sex-mad Frankenstein-like tale at Venice
With Emma Stone as a sex-mad reanimated corpse in "Poor Things" and Wes Anderson presenting his take on Roald Dahl, the Venice Film Festival was taken on some wild rides on Friday. "Poor Things" was set to premiere on the Lido without its star to light up the red carpet, due to the ongoing Hollywood strike barring actors from publicity work. Rumors at the festival suggest the horror-comedy, in which Stone plays a woman brought back from the dead by a mad scientist, could be an early awards frontrunner. Its Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos has established himself as one of the most imaginative and daring filmmakers of his generation. His previous film "The Favourite", also starring Stone, won the Jury Prize in Venice in 2018 and best actress for Olivia Colman, paving the way to her Oscar triumph. "Poor Things" is among 23 movies competing for the top prize, the Golden Lion, to be awarded on September 9 by a jury including directors Damien Chazelle, Jane Campion and last year's winner Laura Poitras. Anderson's Dahl Meanwhile, another indie darling, Wes Anderson, was feted in Venice with a lifetime achievement award. He presented "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar", a 40-minute film based on a short story by beloved children's author Roald Dahl. It is one of four Dahl adaptations the whimsical director has made for Netflix featuring Benedict Cumberbatch, Ben Kingsley, Dev Patel and Ralph Fiennes. As always, there is a meticulous, chocolate-box feel to Anderson's film. "It's more like a little theatrical presentation that we found a way to film," Anderson told reporters. The director, who previously adapted Dahl's "Fantastic Mr Fox", said he was strongly against moves to alter the author's books for "sensitivity" reasons. Asked about recent revisions to Dahl's books to remove character descriptions like "fat" and "crazy", Anderson said: "No one who is not an author should be modifying someone's book." He added: "I understand the motivation for it, but I'm in the school where, when the piece is finished... the audience participates in it, we know it, so when it's done, it's done." Strikes and waivers Also premiering on Friday was "The Promised Land" starring Mads Mikkelsen, described by The Hollywood Reporter as a "gripping historical epic" about a low-born soldier seeking to better himself. Mikkelsen was able to attend the festival for the Danish film, but Venice has lost out on several star appearances due to the actor and writer strike in Hollywood, which is primarily over pay and the potential threat of AI. Some independent films have been given a waiver, including Michael Mann's "Ferrari" which premiered on Thursday, allowing lead actor Adam Driver to attend. But others such as Stone and Bradley Cooper (for his Leonard Bernstein biopic "Maestro") are not coming, costing the studios valuable PR shots of their stars arriving by gondola and working the red carpet. Still to come in Venice are new movies by Sofia Coppola ("Priscilla" about Elvis Presley's wife) and David Fincher ("The Killer" starring Michael Fassbender and Tilda Swinton). There are also out-of-competition premieres for controversial directors Woody Allen ("Coup de Chance") and Roman Polanski ("The Palace"). The post Emma Stone stars in sex-mad Frankenstein-like tale at Venice appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kadayawan sa Dabaw now on its 38th year
Today, 20 August, is the culmination of Kadayawan sa Dabaw, touted to be the festival of all festivals in Mindanao. Now on its 38th year, the official festivity of Davao’s most colorful and bonggacious celebration started last 10 August. [caption id="attachment_173332" align="aligncenter" width="784"] street dancing at the festival. | Photographs By Henrylito Tacio For The Daily Tribune[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173333" align="aligncenter" width="763"] Floralfloat.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173334" align="aligncenter" width="898"] The streets of the city were on fire as dancers stomped their feet, swayed their hips and cheered in their loudest voices.[/caption] A week later, 17 August, Kristine Claire Tar of the Bagobo-Klata was crowned as this year’s Hiyas ng Kadayawan. “Hiyas sa Kadayawan is a great avenue for us to show not only for our strength as a tribe but to show as a woman that we are powerful, we have a voice and that we are talented,” she answered when asked the question: “How does Hiyas sa Kadayawan empower the women of Davao City?” “The Hiyas sa Kadayawan,” she further explained, “is a showcase of different diversity, the unique beauties of the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes of the city. It is a way for us to showcase our uniqueness and our diversity, and I am an example for that.” Tar then concluded her reply, “I, as a Hiyas, have experienced the great opportunity to show and share my voice, in sharing my advocacy and my plans as a tribal youth president, and as a woman.” First runner-up Juhana Sultan of the Maranao ethnic group was chosen as Hiyas sa Panaghiusa while Althea Asnawi of Taosug tribe settled for second runner-up as Hiyas sa Kalambuan. Sultan also got the following special awards: Eastern Smile of the Night, The Spectrum, Pau-Pau Choice, Hiyas of Mr. D.I.Y and Best in Cultural Presentation. Street dances On the 19th, the streets were filled again with contingents from the city itself and even those from other provinces of Davao and even other regions with the execution of Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan. Some streets of the city were literally on fire as street dances stomped their feet, swayed their hips and shouted with their loudest voice ever during the event. Moving colors — mostly red, yellow, orange and green — flooded the streets. For the Davao City School-Based Category, there were six contingents: Apo Duwaling Dance Company of the Mabini National High School; Tribung Lacson Performing Arts and Ensemble of Lacon Integrated School; Sining Sayon Dawet Cultural Ensemble of Davao City National High School; Hinugyaw Dance Performing Arts of Don Enrique Bustamante National High School; Sining Mananayaw Ensemble of Catalunan Pequeno National High School; and the Performing Arts Company of Lapu-Lapu Elementary School. There were 13 entries in the Open Category or those contingents outside of Davao City. Davao Oriental was represented with four entries: Caraga Matimawa of Caraga National High School (from Caraga), Tribu Maganahay Matiao National High School (from Mati City), Banayan Performing Arts (from Banaybanay) and Rise and Shine Caraga of San Luis National High School. (also from Caraga). Davao del Norte had two entries: Madyaw Samalikha Cultural Dance Troupe (from Island Garden City of Samal) and Asuncion National High School Performing Arts Guild (from Asuncion). There was a lone entry from Davao de Oro: Indak Elizalde Performing Arts Guild of Elizalde National High School (from Maco). Entries outside of Davao Region were as follows: Tribung Balovebagueño (from Balabagan, Lanao del Sur), Agusan del Sur Artists’ Guild (from Agusan del Sur), Landan National High School Performing Arts Group (from Polomolok, South Cotabato), Kalingawan Dance Troupe (from Sto. Niño, South Cotabato), Gagandilan Akbar Performing Arts Guild (from Akbar, Basilan) and Sindac Anib Performing Arts Guild (from Bislig, Surigao del Sur). “The Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan is wildly popular because of the distinctively Mindanaoan beat and costumes,” one pundit commented. “Several tourists come to Davao to watch hundreds of people dancing with vigor in the streets, clad in their native attire and carrying extravagant props that would give Hollywood studios a serious run for their money.” Unlike in the past, the street dancing was moved to the afternoon instead of the usual morning. When asked why, Second District Council Al Ryan Alejandre, the festival spokesperson, told Davao media: “So, it will not be too hot for the children, and we have a good vantage view since it will be in the afternoon and the evening.” (Editor’s note: By the time this feature came out, the winners were already announced.) ‘Pamulak sa Kadayawan’ Also today, August 20, the Pamulak sa Kadayawan will be held. It is a sight to behold as it is patterned after the Pasadena Parade of Roses in the United States — where flowers and fruits are set in colorful floats by business establishments, community assemblies and peoples’ organizations as they promenade on the streets symbolizing all the bounty sustainably enjoyed by the city’s residents. This year, the Daku Category has nine entries: Ipi Kadayawan Float, Kadayawan Kaleidoscope: A multicultural Float Gala, The Fruits of Love and Caring the Nature, Kahayas sa Kalipay (XVI Global Holdings B.V.), IQOR Nurturing Hands, Nurturing Hearts, Harmony in Motion: Vista Estates and Vista Mall Tribute, Fly with the Champions — Philippines Air Asia, Inc., The Davaoeño Spirit (Aeon Blue), and National Food Authority Region XII. The Gamay Category has 13 entries: Guardians Anti-Crime Phil, International Inc., Barangay Councilors League of the Philippines First District, Teleperformance, Kababaihan Group, Duterte Squad Solid Supporters Group, Hudyaka sa Sutherland, Black Hawk Extreme Riders of Davao, Inc., Eng Seng Products, Tahawrog Tribe, Own Your Future — Alorica Teleservices, Inc., The Cause and Effect — A and L Marketing Solutions Hub, Inc., and Balangay — Philippine Retirement Authority. The Non-Competing Category has 14 entries. Perhaps not too many know that the festivity actually started in the 1970s when then Mayor Elias B. Lopez initiated tribal festivals featuring the lumad (native) and the Muslim tribes of Davao City where they showcase their dances and rituals of thanksgiving. It was then called “Apo Duwaling,” in honor of the three royalties for which Davao is famous for — Mount Apo, durian and waling-waling. In 1988, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte renamed “Apo Duwaling” to “Kadayawan sa Dabaw.” Kadayawan is derived from the friendly greeting “Madayaw,” a term taken from a Dabawenyo word dayaw which means “good,” “valuable,” “superior” or “something that brings good fortune.” “As the longest-running community festival in Mindanao, Kadayawan sa Davao has metamorphosed into a grand celebration that honors Davao’s rich cultural heritage and the many blessings bestowed on the city,” the Davao Tourism Office said. “Kadayawan’s sights and sounds remain unparalleled.” The post Kadayawan sa Dabaw now on its 38th year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Why MIBF remains the book event of the year
For 40 years now, the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) has earned the reputation of being the ultimate book haven in the country. A one-stop shop for books and educational needs, MIBF is simply known as the Book Fair, calendared year after year for all the books Filipinos want to read and own. MIBF returns to SMX Convention Center in Pasay City from 14 to 17 September, ready to welcome another record-breaking crowd post-pandemic. Here’s what to look forward to in the paramount event for the book industry and the Filipino reader: The biggest. Under one roof, there will be over 100 exhibitors at MIBF 2023 — mainstream and indie publishers, international publishers, university presses, academic publishers and distributors, bookstores, and more. Special MIBF rates and special deals are up for grabs, ideal to fill up your Christmas list! The latest. Count on the MIBF to bring the latest titles, many hot off the press and not yet even available online or at regular bookstores, some reprinted or updated specifically for the MIBF crowd. It is the perfect time to load up on a crop of the newest releases. Authors represent! Blockbuster signings by the most in-demand authors and creators have always been an MIBF crowd drawer. Whether it’s with the National Artists for Literature, celebrity authors, Wattpad sensations, top comic book creators, and even international bestselling authors, the chance to interact with fave authors and have their books signed and dedicated is something for the books. The most fun. Book events await readers of all ages and from all walks of life: book awards, storytelling sessions, art workshops, book launches, seminars, book awards, and more. People attend the MIBF not just to get their annual book shopping done, it’s also a great place to learn new things and meet fellow book lovers. Industry hub. Whether it’s for the book industry, librarians, or the education sector, the MIBF is the most sought-after venue for industry dialogues for books, education, and allied industries. Keep abreast with the latest in the industry and expand your knowledge at the various seminars and workshops offered at the MIBF. School World. MIBF’s co-located event, School World, is a one-stop shop for teachers, students, parents, school administrators, young professionals and working adults to provide a wide selection of products and services as schools transition into new modes of learning in the new normal. Check out school supplies, art supplies, gadgets, and technology, learning aids, and more in this section of the MIBF. Find all these and more at MIBF, organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. in partnership with Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc. (ACCI), Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), Philippine Booksellers Association of the Philippines (PBAI) and Overseas Publishers’ Representatives Association of the Philippines (OPRAP). For details, call 8400-9680, 8896-0682 or 8373-3301, e-mail bookfair@primetradeasia.com, or follow @ManilaBookFair on Facebook and Instagram. The post Why MIBF remains the book event of the year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
TONY BENNETT : GRIT AND GRACE
Tributes have continued to pour in for Tony Bennett, the last of the great mid-20th-century American crooners who died on 21 July at 96, after outliving his fellow giants in popular music such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin and gaining a whole new generation of fans in the era of social media with his number-one duets album with Lady Gaga. That 2014 late-career triumph had made Bennett, at 88, the oldest living American performer to notch a number-one album on the charts. It was more proof at the time of the extraordinary odds-defying grit that undergirded the grace and elegance of Bennett’s persona as the living embodiment of classic American standards, a sound that in the post-rock era many had banished to the dismissive-sounding “adult contemporary” category. Sinatra himself crowned Bennett as “the best singer in the business” in a 1965 interview with Life magazine. “He excites me when I watch him. He moves me. He’s the singer who gets across what the composer has in mind, and probably a little more,” said the Chairman of the Board. Fifty-eight years later, Elton John, decades and a whole music era removed from Sinatra, was moved to say at Bennett’s passing: “Without doubt the classiest singer, man, and performer you will ever see. He’s irreplaceable.” Indeed, Bennett was sui generis, from his singular sound to his defiant artistry. “Neither a fluid singer nor an especially powerful one, he did not have the mellifluous timbre of [Bing] Crosby or the rakish swing of Sinatra,” wrote the New York Times in its obituary. “If Louis Armstrong’s tone was distinctively gravelly, Mr. Bennett’s wasn’t quite; ‘sandy’ was more like it.” You can hear that sandy rasp even in his early, ebullient years, in signature hits like “Rags to Riches,” “Cold Cold Heart” (originally a country ditty by Hank Williams, remade by Bennett and sublimely covered 51 years later by Norah Jones), and of course, his timeless “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” Touch of roughness The touch of roughness was what gave Bennett’s sound a rich, warm quality sort of like the hiss and pop of a vinyl record, conveying a more grounded, open-hearted, truthful sense to everything that he sang. In later years, as his lung power diminished with age, he cannily pruned his singing to a more direct, compact style, the belts now occasional but always at surprising moments, the lovely loping line maintained along with the heartfelt near-whispers. He kept to that sound and refused to change his style in the face of the sea change in popular music that would engulf his generation of swinging, jazzy entertainers. “Mr. Bennett stubbornly resisted record producers who urged gimmick songs on him, or, in the 1960s and early ’70s, who were sure that rock ’n’ roll had relegated the music he preferred to a dusty bin perused only by a dwindling population of the elderly and nostalgic,“ wrote Bruce Weber in the New York Times. Eight decades Time an unprecedented eight decades in the business some 20 Grammy awards, and the reverence of his peers and the public ultimately proved Bennett right: that his music still had a place in the modern world, that he could stick to what he did best — sing like nobody else the Great American Songbook, that canon of masterworks by the likes of Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Harold Arlen — and people of whatever stripe and age, undeterred by his gentleman’s suit and courtly manners from a bygone age, would sit and listen. Because great songs are great songs no matter the era, and as he once put it, “I wanted to sing the great songs, songs that I felt really mattered to people.” Asked if he ever got bored of his repertoire, Bennett said: “No. Do you get tired of making love?” “I was taught never to compromise; to never sing a cheap song,” he explained. “I never look down at the audience and think that they are ignorant, or think that I’m more intelligent than they are.” Bennett said these words in 2012, when, at 86, he had just released a new album, was doing grueling concert tours, and was also dabbling in painting in his free time. His historic 11 o’clock peak was two years away — the Cheek to Cheek album with Lady Gaga that made him an octogenarian with a number-one album on the Billboard 200 chart. (Attesting to his longevity and range, before Gaga he had collaborations as well with other epoch-defining female performers such as Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand.) “Here I am today, at 86, and I’m even more passionate now than ever before. I feel that I’m at the top of my game, and things just keep getting better and better,” he said with characteristic cheer in his 2012 book Life Is a Gift: The Zen of Bennett. In announcing Bennett’s passing on Friday, the Twitter account under his name revealed: “Tony left us today but he was still singing the other day at his piano and his last song was ‘Because of You‘, his first #1 hit.” What grit. What grace. The post TONY BENNETT : GRIT AND GRACE appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LIST: Star Awards 2023 winners
Erik Matti's "On The Job: The Missing 8" went home as the biggest winner of the 38th PMPC Star Awards for Movies held last Sunday in Manila Hotel. .....»»
Donny Pangilinan reaches 1-M YouTube subscribers
Filipino actor Donny Pangilinan reached a new career milestone when he garnered a million subscribers on his YouTube channel on 17 July. The same day Pangilinan reached a million YouTube subscribers, fans and viewers were also anticipating the debut of his vlog with his younger sister, Solana, titled “Date with Sola (The Remake).” In the 15-minute vlog, the 25-five-year-old actor took his younger sister, Solana, out on a date as she turned 12 on 14 July. The siblings went on a shopping spree date, bought birthday gifts, ate a scrumptious meal and played arcade games to celebrate his Solana’s birthday. The heartwarming vlog was also a remake of the same vlog he did with his sister six years ago. Fans reacted quickly and lauded the siblings’ tight bond through the years. As soon as he gained a million subscribers, Pangilinan went to Instagram to thank his fans and subscribers for the support. “HAPPY 1M LABYU,” said his Instagram story. [caption id="attachment_158930" align="aligncenter" width="525"] DONNY Pangilinan is also working on a new single, according to Universal Records Philippines. | Photograph Courtesy IG/Donnny Pangilinan[/caption] The celebration is far from over for Pangilinan fans and DonBelle supporters, since Pangilinan and his onscreen partner Belle Mariano just won the Movie Love Team of the Year Award for their movie Love is Color Blind (2021), at the 38th Philippine Movie Press Club, Inc. Awards for Movies on 17 July. The popular pair was nominated for the Movie Loveteam of the Year Award alongside Paolo Contis and Yen Santos for A Far Away Island, Andi Abaya and Joaquin Domagoso for Caught in the Act, JC Santos and Janine Gutierrez for Dito At Doon, Ken Chan and Rita Daniela for Huling Ulan sa Tag-Araw, Jeremiah Lisbo and Kaori Oinuma for Love At First Stream, and JC Santos and Yassi Pressman for More Than Blue. Aside from Pangilinan’s successful career as an actor and a vlogger, his singing career is also on the upswing. On 16 July, Universal Records Philippines announced on Twitter that Pangilinan is working on a new song in Baguio. In 2022, ABS-CBN announced that DonBelle will headline the TV show Can’t Buy Me Love under the direction of director Mae Cruz Alviar. Alviar is the director of the hit TV series 2 Good 2 Be True (2022) and the movies Can’t Help Falling in Love (2017) and Four Sisters Before the Wedding (2021). Although not much has been disclosed to the public, the pair has revealed that they have begun preparing for the show. Can’t Buy Me Love will be Pangilinan and Mariano’s comeback to the small screen after He’s Into Her (2021), a teen romantic-comedy series based on the 2012 Wattpad novel by author Maxine Lat Calibuso or Maxinejiji. The post Donny Pangilinan reaches 1-M YouTube subscribers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Expanding my Reach and Impact
Forging the future is a theme that speaks to the importance of taking action today to create a better tomorrow. As a book author, life coach and climate change advocate, my vision for the future is to continue empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives, become effective leaders and take action towards mitigating climate change. As an international author, my mission is to share my knowledge and insights with a global audience. Inspiring through my published self-help books can help individuals unlock their full potential and achieve their goals. I believe that everyone has the ability to live a fulfilling life, and my goal is to help them explore their purpose and deepest essence of their being. In the coming years, I plan to build on my current and past successes by expanding my reach and impact. I will continue writing books that provide practical guidance and inspiration to individuals around the world. I will also be launching online courses and workshops, as well as campus tours, that will help the youth and individuals develop self-awareness and leadership skills. As a mental health practitioner, my mission is to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and provide support to those who are struggling. I believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that everyone should have access to mental health resources and support. I intend to propagate the cause through campus tours to educate the youth prioritize their mental health and overcome any challenges they may be facing. Self-awareness is an essential tool for effective leadership, and effective leadership is essential for success. As I quote from my book: “Self-leadership is a prerequisite to organizational leadership.” It is always important to learn how to lead the self before others, even in dealing with our personal relationships. As a climate change advocate, I believe that the prospects for the coming years are both challenging and exciting. The challenge lies in the urgent need to take action to mitigate the effects of climate change. However, the exciting prospect is that we have the opportunity to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all. I am launching the first “The Green Gala Awards 2023” that will be held on 8 November 2023, which marks the 10th year of Typhoon Yolanda in partnership with the Climate Change Commission of the Philippines, with private companies and various organizations who commit to support the environment. This is going to be a yearly event that will recognize individuals and companies who are climate change action heroes in their own capacities, and to raise funds for various environmental projects. I am excited about the future and the opportunities it holds for book authors, life coaches and climate change advocates. I am committed to continuing my work of empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives, become effective leaders and take action towards mitigating climate change. I am confident that the prospects of life coaching in the coming years are bright, and I look forward to being a part of this positive change. ***** Marichelle “Mache“ Torres-Ackerman is an entrepreneur, educator, philanthropist, international author, leadership/transformational life coach, socio-civic leader and environment advocate. She is a retired school owner of family-owned business, St. James College System, and the CEO and president of the Jaime T. Torres Educational Foundation Inc. She is currently pursuing Public Leadership Credentials at the Harvard Kennedy School. The post Expanding my Reach and Impact appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Madonna hospitalized for several days, tour postponed
Madonna is recovering after falling ill with a "serious bacterial infection" that landed her in an intensive care unit for several days, her manager Guy Oseary said in a statement Wednesday. "Her health is improving, however she is still under medical care," he said. "A full recovery is expected." Oseary said the 64-year-old pop icon's "Celebrations" tour, due to start July 15 in Vancouver, Canada, was postponed until further notice. The New York Post's Page Six website said the pop star was taken to a hospital in the city after becoming unwell. Her global, nearly sold-out tour was billed as paying homage to Madonna's more than four-decade long career, and according to her website boasted 84 concert dates. Stops in the United States were to include Detroit, Chicago, Miami and New York, the city where her storied rise to superstardom began. She was then slated to continue in Europe, with dates in London, Barcelona and Paris, as well as four dates in Mexico City. The Grammy-winning megastar behind classics including "Like a Virgin" has asserted incalculable influence over her stellar career as one of music's top stars. In his statement on social media, her manager vowed to provide more information when available, including a new start date for the tour and for rescheduled shows. In 2020 Madonna underwent hip replacement surgery following an injury sustained on her "Madame X" tour. 'Material Girl' Born in 1958, the Catholic-educated artist headed to New York in the late 1970s with just 35 dollars in her pocket. She scraped a living through everything from nude modeling to selling donuts. Her first big single was "Everybody" in 1982, followed by a string of hits including "Lucky Star," "Borderline," and "Holiday." The 1984 release of "Like A Virgin" propelled Madonna onto the international stage. She followed up in 1985 with another disco anthem, "Material Girl." The early 1990s saw her don infamous pointy cone-shaped bras on her "Blond Ambition" Tour in 1990. She also released a racy book called "Sex," filled with photographs of sexual acts that was released to accompany her 1992 album "Erotica." In the late 1990s her music took off in a new direction, thumping to a new dance-flavored beat on her multi award-winning 1998 album "Ray of Light." In 2003 she grabbed the showbiz world's attention by clinching pop princess Britney Spears in a lingering kiss on stage at that year's MTV Music Video Awards. And she still displays the provocative streak for which she is both beloved and notorious. In January, news dropped of her forthcoming tour in a video nodding to her 1991 documentary "Truth or Dare." In the clip, the Queen of Pop plays the classic sleepover game with fellow celebrities, all with risque undertones. "I am excited to explore as many songs as possible in hopes to give my fans the show they have been waiting for," she said when announcing the tour. The post Madonna hospitalized for several days, tour postponed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Madonna hospitalized for several days, tour postponed
Madonna is recovering after falling ill with a "serious bacterial infection" that landed her in an intensive care unit for several days, her manager Guy Oseary said in a statement Wednesday. "Her health is improving, however, she is still under medical care," he said. "A full recovery is expected." Oseary said the 64-year-old pop icon's "Celebrations" tour, due to start on 15 July in Vancouver, Canada, was postponed until further notice. The global, nearly sold-out tour was billed as paying homage to her more than four-decade-long career. Stops in the United States were to include Detroit, Chicago, Miami, and New York, the city where her storied rise to superstardom began. She was then slated to continue in Europe into the fall, with dates in London, Barcelona, and Paris. The Grammy-winning megastar behind classics including "Like a Virgin" has asserted incalculable influence over her stellar career as one of music's top stars. In his statement on social media, her manager vowed to provide more information when available, including a new start date for the tour and for rescheduled shows. In 2020, Madonna underwent hip replacement surgery following an injury sustained on her "Madame X" tour. 'Material Girl' Born in 1958, the Catholic-educated artist headed to New York in 1977 with just 35 dollars in her pocket. She scraped a living through everything from nude modeling to selling donuts. Her first big single was "Everybody" in 1982, followed by a string of hits including "Lucky Star," "Borderline," and "Holiday." The 1984 release of "Like A Virgin" propelled Madonna onto the international stage. She followed up in 1985 with another disco anthem, "Material Girl." The early 1990s saw her don infamous pointy cone-shaped bras on her "Blond Ambition" Tour. She also released a racy book called "Sex," filled with photographs of sexual acts that were released to accompany her 1992 album "Erotica." In the late 1990s, her music took off in a new direction, thumping to a new dance-flavored beat on her multi-award-winning 1998 album "Ray of Light." She has maintained the provocative streak that she is both beloved and notorious for well past middle age. In 2003 she grabbed the showbiz world's attention by clinching pop princess Britney Spears in a lingering kiss on stage at that year's MTV Music Video Awards. She dropped news of her forthcoming tour in a video nodding to her 1991 documentary “Truth or Dare.” In the clip, the Queen of Pop plays the classic sleepover game with fellow celebrities, all with risque undertones. The post Madonna hospitalized for several days, tour postponed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Avel: A Book, A Fashion Show, A Filipino Designer
BY JOJO G. SILVESTRE Whether one refers to the book, the fashion show or the Filipino designer who takes center stage on the first two, there is no mistaking the message — Philippine textile, woven and embroidered, at their best. In all three, there is another common denominator — the support and patronage of the First Lady, Liza Araneta Marcos. [caption id="attachment_147815" align="aligncenter" width="525"] FIRST Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos with designer Avel Bacudio.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_147821" align="aligncenter" width="525"] First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos with the author.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_147818" align="aligncenter" width="525"] BIANCA Zobel and Dina Arroyo-Tantoco of the Office of the Social Secretary with Avel Bacudio.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_147824" align="aligncenter" width="525"] THE designer with Grace Bernardo Chan.[/caption] The fashion show that was recently held at the Goldenberg Museum, under the auspices of the Office of the First Lady, with the Office of the Social Secretary providing a multi-faceted back-up, was a spectacle in black and white as interpreted by Avel Bacudio whose creations paid tribute to the handiwork of Filipino artisans all over the country. Each piece of clothing modeled by legislators and cabinet secretaries, their wives, key officials of the executive branch, and scions of political families, all clients of Avel, manifested the virtuosity of the iconic designer who chose to downplay extravagance and over-the-top ornamentation by focusing on well-defined structure, casual elegance, comfortability and versatility, the last allowing the wearers to mix and match to suit the occasion. [caption id="attachment_147820" align="aligncenter" width="525"] DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco and Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_147816" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ACTOR-MODEL Jerome Ponce and Cong. Linabelle Villarica, 4th District of Bulacan.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_147822" align="aligncenter" width="525"] KATRINA Ponce Enrile, Administrator, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority.[/caption] Goldenberg Mansion, in all its splendor, served as a fitting yet contrasting backdrop to Avel’s functionality, simplicity and orderly geometric configurations. The book, Avel, Ladies in the Palace, quotes the Bicolano designer who laments, “The local weavers and their craft are dying out and they are unable to pass it on to the next generation. This is where I found the passion to do what I can, as a designer, to help this craft alive.” His intention looks beyond the communities where these beautiful fabrics originate and reveals his deep longing to present the best of Filipino craftsmanship to the international community. He admits to being “challenged to bring their weaves into the modern world but going beyond the ordinary. I turned my focus towards elevating them into pieces worthy of the global stage while still paying tribute to their stories and the craft.” On his part, Ilocos Norte Representative Sandro Marcos, who supported the book project, describes Avel as “a highly accomplished and extraordinary fashion designer.” He enumerates his distinctions, namely, “more than 20 years of successful career; extensive and impressive client list; and numerous awards including Metro Magazine’s 2012 Breakthrough Designer and Asia’s Most Influential Designer in 2014 at the Mercedes-Benz Style Fashion Week in Malaysia.” [caption id="attachment_147825" align="aligncenter" width="452"] Yeye Vivas, Chief of Staff of Congressman Sandro Marcos.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_147814" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PCOO Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_147823" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Marga Montemayor Nograles, COO, Tourism Promotions Board.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_147819" align="aligncenter" width="377"] CONGRESSMAN Migz Villafuerte, 5th District of Camarines Sur.[/caption] On these pages are Avel’s creations as modeled by dazzling personalities in government and society, as well as the personal choices of guests, celebrities and achievers too, and Malacanang insiders from their respective closets. Fittingly, everyone arrived in their black and white outfits, eager and ready to be impressed by what the designer had been up to in the past months. Avel Bacudio did not disappoint them. [caption id="attachment_147826" align="aligncenter" width="525"] XAVIER Tengco[/caption] [caption id="attachment_147835" align="aligncenter" width="525"] DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. and Vice Mayor Menchie Abalos.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_147817" align="aligncenter" width="641"] Atty. Joeie Domingo, Undersecretary, Special Assistant to the President.[/caption] The post Avel: A Book, A Fashion Show, A Filipino Designer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dolly de Leon to star opposite Nicole Kidman in Hollywood series
Dolly de Leon’s career continues to gain traction in Hollywood as she’s set to star opposite Nicole Kidman in a major drama series. Dolly is part of the second season of "Nine Perfect Strangers," according to news reports by Deadline, Variety, and other media outlets. "Nine Perfect Strangers" is based on the 2018 book of the same name, whose story revolves around nine guests at a wellness resort and the resort owner. It premiered in August 2021 on the streaming service Hulu. For the series’ second season, Nicole will return to reprise her role as resort owner Masha Dmitrichenko and, off-cam, as an executive producer. Aside from Dolly, the other new cast members include two-time Oscar nominee Liv Ullmann, Emmy winner Murray Bartlett, television star Maisie Richardson Sellers and Turkish actor Aras Aydin. Dolly is the first Filipino actor to be nominated for best supporting actress at the Golden Globe Awards and British Academy Film Awards. She was recognized for her superb performance in the 2022 international film "Triangle of Sadness," directed by Swedish filmmaker Ruben Ostlund. Last March 2023, Dolly was reported to have been cast in the action-comedy movie titled "Grand Death Lotto," along with John Cena and Awkwafina. She’s currently in the Philippines, working on the Kathryn Bernardo starrer "A Very Good Girl." The post Dolly de Leon to star opposite Nicole Kidman in Hollywood series appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cormac McCarthy, revered American novelist, dies at 89
Celebrated author Cormac McCarthy, an unflinching chronicler of America's bleak frontiers and grim underbelly, died on Tuesday aged 89, his publisher said. The Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist who wrote "The Road" and "No Country for Old Men" -- both of which became feature films -- passed away at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Over his nearly six-decade-long career, McCarthy won major literary awards and gained international acclaim for a dozen sparsely written, soul-wrenching novels. Considered a demanding but honest writer, his clinical descriptions of inner torment and the backwoods of America won him a fiercely loyal following. Born on July 20, 1933, in Providence, Rhode Island, McCarthy's family moved to Tennessee when he was four years old. His father worked as a lawyer there. His given name was Charles, but he changed it to Cormac (after an Irish king) as he opted not to finish university and instead embark on a full-time career in writing. McCarthy wrote his first novel, "The Orchard Keeper," while working at a car parts shop in Chicago in the 1960s -- it was published by Random House. His editor at the time, Albert Erskine, had also worked for William Faulkner, a writer who McCarthy admired and with whom he is sometimes compared. The raw and violent book is an ode to the savage natural environment of the mountains of Tennessee, the southern US state where McCarthy grew up. McCarthy's focus on the dark contours of humanity remained the through line of his work, gaining him an ardent fan base and critical success. Following "The Orchard Keeper," McCarthy received multiple writing fellowships, including one from the Rockefeller Foundation. In 1968, he published "Outer Dark," the story of the fallout from an incestuous relationship. His next book, "Child of God," published in 1973, is about a man who heads into the Appalachian mountains to live apart from society. It contains descriptions of murder and necrophilia. By contrast, McCarthy's "Suttree," published six years later, is often described as his most humorous novel. He worked on the book, which depicts an outcast community living on the Tennessee River, on and off for some 20 years. The road In 1981, McCarthy received one of the MacArthur Foundation's so-called genius grants, and he spent the next part of his life living in El Paso, Texas on the border with Mexico -- a time that had a profound impact on his work. His next book, "Blood Meridian," was published in 1985 and marked a turning point in his career. Set in Texas and Mexico during the 1840s, it was a post-apocalyptic Western. The 1990s brought the publication of The Border Trilogy -- "All the Pretty Horses," "The Crossing," and "Cities of the Plain" -- all set in the American West. Despite Erskine's lament that "we never sold any of his books," "All the Pretty Horses" became a surprise hit, garnering a spot on the New York Times bestseller list. Hollywood took notice, and the film version was released in 2000, starring Matt Damon and Penelope Cruz. In 2008, an adaptation of his novel "No Country for Old Men" by directors Joel and Ethan Coen won four Oscars, including one for Spanish actor Javier Bardem. A year earlier, McCarthy was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for "The Road" -- the story of a father and son making their way across a post-apocalyptic landscape. Oprah Winfrey earlier named the novel one of her book club selections, giving McCarthy a massive publicity boost, and it was made into a film starring Viggo Mortensen. Sixteen years after "The Road," McCarthy's final works were a pair of companion novels -- "The Passenger" and its prequel "Stella Maris" -- both published in 2022 and tackling complex issues of grief and the nature of knowledge. Reclusive and known for living a life with few material pleasures -- for years, he lived in motels -- McCarthy was married three times and had two sons. The post Cormac McCarthy, revered American novelist, dies at 89 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»