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Marian Rivera takes on projects that her children can watch
With her upcoming primetime show, “My Guardian Alien,” Marian Rivera has added sci-fi to the growing array of genres — from drama, fantasy, romance, and action to historical and comedy — that the Kapuso actress has successfully ventured into thus far......»»
On April 2, Rappler interviews Patricia Evangelista on the craft of storytelling
Watch the interview and get to ask Patricia a question by registering as a Rappler user and downloading the Rappler Communities app.....»»
WATCH: Patricia Evangelista on the craft of storytelling
Registered users and Rappler Communities app users can sign up here for the virtual interview and live chat with the 'Some People Need Killing' author.....»»
WATCH: Why your choice of mattress can affect your sleep, posture
You do not have to suffer through sleepless nights because there is an option available on the market that its makers say can improve your sleep quality and even your posture......»»
‘One More Chance’ reincarnated as musical
Musical theater is booming. Pinoys are not lacking for shows to watch anymore......»»
UP Concert Chorus reprising Sama-Sama Together Again with former, current members
The University of the Philippines Concert Chorus is staging "Sama-Sama Together Again," a repeat of their sold-out 60th anniversary show on February 17 at UP Theater......»»
Lola Amour joins Coldplay s Chris Martin for Raining in Manila
Filipino fans of Coldplay were surprised during the band's long-awaited return to the Philippines after hearing lead vocalist Chris Martin sing the chorus to Lola Amour's hit song "Raining In Manila.".....»»
Landmark UN Report Calls for Sex Work Decriminalization
The struggle for sex worker rights has been a marathon, not a sprint, but the chorus of voices calling for an end to stigma, abuse, and criminalization is growing. The United Nations Working Group on discrimination against women and girls released a landmark report in October calling for the full decr.....»»
BGYO hataw kung hataw sa sariling version ng ‘A Better Place’ ng NSYNC
ILANG araw bago ipalabas ang bagong pelikula ng blockbuster animated musical na “Trolls,” nakisayaw at nakihataw na ang sikat na Pinoy pop boy band na BGYO! Ginawan nila ng sariling version ang chorus ng “A Better Place,” ang bagong kanta ng legendary American pop boy band na NSYNC para sa pelikulang “Trolls Band Together.” At.....»»
Manila says Chinese vessels ‘intentionally’ hit Philippine boats
Manila said Monday that Chinese vessels "intentionally hit" Philippine boats at the weekend, escalating a diplomatic row over two collisions in the South China Sea. The countries have traded blame over Sunday's incidents near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, with both sides filing diplomatic protests and releasing videos to support their accusations. The two collisions happened during a Philippine resupply mission to troops stationed on a navy vessel that was grounded on the shoal in 1999 to assert Manila's territorial claims. Philippine officials accused a Chinese coastguard ship and a "militia" vessel of "dangerous maneuvering" that resulted in collisions with a Philippine resupply boat and a Philippine Coast Guard vessel. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro took it one step further Monday, labelling the Chinese actions near Second Thomas Shoal deliberate. "Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels, in blatant violation of international law, harassed and intentionally hit Unaiza May 2 and Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Cabra," Teodoro said. "We are here to really decry in the strongest possible terms this egregious violation and illegal act within the (Philippines') 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone and the obfuscation of the truth by China's distorting the story to fit its own ends." His comments came hours after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos met with security officials and ordered the coastguard to investigate the incident, which was "being taken seriously at the highest level of government", his communications team said. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Mao Ning on Monday accused the Philippines of "continuing to spread false information and hype things up". Earlier Monday, the Philippine foreign ministry summoned China's ambassador to Manila and lodged a diplomatic protest over the incident. Spokeswoman Teresita Daza said the ambassador was unavailable and was represented by his deputy chief of mission. "Ayungin Shoal is part of our exclusive economic zone and continental shelf and we have sovereign rights and jurisdiction over it," Daza said, using the Philippine name for the shoal. The Chinese foreign ministry and embassy in Manila also issued "stern representations to the Philippines" over its "infringements" at Ren'ai Reef, Mao said, using China's name for Second Thomas Shoal. China has said a "slight collision" happened after the Philippine resupply boat ignored "multiple warnings and deliberately passed through law enforcement in an unprofessional and dangerous manner". In the other incident, China accused the Philippine Coast Guard of reversing in a "premeditated manner" into a Chinese fishing vessel. No Filipino crew member was injured, but the supply boat was damaged and forced to turn back, Philippine officials said. A second supply boat reached the tiny garrison on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre and unloaded its cargo. Manila's longtime ally Washington has led a chorus of international criticism of China's alleged interference in the resupply mission. The US State Department on Sunday reiterated its mutual defence pact with the Philippines "extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft –- including those of its Coast Guard –- anywhere in the South China Sea". 'Arbitral ruling is binding' China claims almost the entire South China Sea, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually, and has ignored a 2016 international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. Second Thomas Shoal is about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan, and more than 1,000 kilometers from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan island. Previously warm ties between Manila and Beijing have cooled since Marcos took power in June 2022, as he seeks stronger relations with the United States. The Marcos administration has publicly criticized Chinese actions in the South China Sea, publishing photos and videos to support its claims of Chinese harassment and the blocking of its vessels. Beijing has released its own images of the incidents. Despite the challenges, the Philippines would "continue to do what is necessary" to supply its troops on the BRP Sierra Madre with provisions, said Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the National Security Council. Manila and Beijing have a long history of maritime disputes in the South China Sea. Tensions flared in August when China Coast Guard vessels used water cannon against a Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal, preventing one of the boats from delivering its cargo. The post Manila says Chinese vessels ‘intentionally’ hit Philippine boats appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The Kid LAROI, Jungkook, Central Cee team up on ‘Too Much’
After a series of Internet-breaking teasers, The Kid LAROI has unveiled his new single and music video “Too Much,” featuring Jung Kook and Central Cee. The track is out via Columbia Records and Sony Music Entertainment. Uniting these stars for the very first time, the powerhouse collaboration heralds the arrival of The Kid LAROI’s full-length album, The First Time, dropping in November. “Too Much” intertwines three styles, countries and cultures, with The Kid LAROI from Australia, Jung Kook out of South Korea and Central Cee repping the UK. The track’s head-nodding bounce and glowing keys accent the back-and-forth between this trio, culminating in an instantly catchy chorus. Directed by Ramez Silyan, the visual depicts the three on various covers of a “Too Much” magazine. Highly stylized performance vignettes come complete with elite choreography Prior to the song’s arrival, Billboard had already noted the union of “three of the biggest male artists in the new class of 2020s breakout stars,” while UPROXX proclaimed, “The Kid LAROI is going global.” The post The Kid LAROI, Jungkook, Central Cee team up on ‘Too Much’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Palestinian supporters, pro-Israel counter-protestors rally in Manhattan
Some thousand demonstrators on Sunday gathered in Manhattan in solidarity with Palestinians as pro-Israel marchers counter-protested following a bloody escalation in the Middle East conflict. The rallies followed Saturday's surge in violence that's killed hundreds and wounded thousands in the region after militant group Hamas launched a deadly assault on Israel which responded by hammering blockaded Palestinian Gaza with heavy air strikes. Demonstrators in New York waved Palestinian flags during the peaceful march from Times Square to near both the Israeli consulate and the United Nations headquarters, where the Security Council was to convene over the weekend's violence. "We are here in solidarity with the Palestinian people who are fighting 75 years of Israeli settler colonialism, settler violence, and 16 years of military blockade of Gaza," said Munir Atalla, a 30-year-old member of the Palestinian Youth Movement group, which was among the demonstration's organizers. "What we saw yesterday was the people of Gaza breaking out of their open-air prison," he continued. "It's impossible to view the events of this week, without first understanding the context that the Israeli regime is founded on violence... it's founded on the erasure and annihilation of Palestinians." Counter-demonstration The rally was among others backing the Palestinian cause in American cities including Washington and Chicago. The demonstrations came as the United States quickly affirmed its support for Israel, with US President Joe Biden ordering US ships and warplanes closer to its ally and sending fresh military aid. "Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israel's crimes," protestors in New York chanted. Sarah Barqawi, 38, told AFP she came to Sunday's rally "because my family is currently under siege in Gaza and are just waiting to know if they will be alive or dead, without any electricity, without any support, without any supplies." "They are merely trying to defend their right to existence." On Saturday evening the New York branches of organizations including Jewish Voice for Peace and If Not Now marched to the Brooklyn home of Chuck Schumer, the Senate's majority leader, to call "for an end to all US military funding to Israel." Schumer was among the chorus of US political leaders over the weekend to reiterate support for Israel and its "unwavering right to defend itself." At a separate Manhattan protest on Sunday, a couple of hundred people waving Israeli flags decried "vicious Hamas," among them Ofer Jacobawitz, who said, "We need to demonstrate for public opinion." "We just want everyone to know that we're supporting Israel and whatever it does now in order to defend itself and prevent this from ever happening again." New York's Governor Kathy Hochul -- who lambasted Manhattan's Palestinian solidarity rally as "abhorrent and morally repugnant" -- meanwhile ordered landmarks in the state including the World Trade Center and Niagara Falls to be illuminated in blue and white. "New York is proud to be home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel," she said. As he marched on Sunday at the Palestinian solidarity rally, Morgan Bassichis, 40, told AFP that "as a Jewish person who believes that everyone, with no exception, should be free, I am firmly in support of the Palestinian freedom movement, and I believe that all violence in the region is a result of the root cause of Israeli apartheid." "It's our job as people in the US to get our government" to stop financing Israel, he said. The post Palestinian supporters, pro-Israel counter-protestors rally in Manhattan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P1B for Marawi victims a cruel joke (1)
I beg my readers’ kind indulgence for using this column as a platform to air our grievances. This is something personal to us, and it is my moral obligation to add my voice to the public indignation sweeping a part of Morolandia. For transparency and disclosure, my family was a victim of the war and is seeking compensation for the damage to our precious possessions. Having said that, as the national budget deliberations for 2024 draw to a near conclusion, the public discourse in Morolandia on the compensation for the 2017 Marawi Siege victims heightened. It’s the issue much discussed in public fora, coffee shops, and social media platforms of Muslims. The Moro attention is largely riveted to the budget deliberations in the House of Representatives, where the budget bill originates by provision of the Constitution. Social media likewise reported the hearing conducted by the Oversight Committee for the Marawi Compensation Law jointly chaired by Senator Ronald dela Rosa and Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong. According to reports, P1 billion is proposed in the 2024 budget for compensation, which is the same amount appropriated in the current budget, alarmed resident victims. They have reason to fear that P1 billion is becoming the appropriation template for the ensuing years. The Marawi Compensation Board or MCB, created to process, approve and pay legitimate claims, will fold the tent and become a functus oficio in 2028 because the law provides for a five-year life span. Let’s do the math. If the budget is not increased, the aggregate appropriation for Marawi victims will only be P5 billion, which is ridiculously insufficient vis-a-vis the number of victims and the magnitude of their claims. From an unofficial report, we gathered that “as of 18 September 2023, there were 75 death claims, 74 structural claims, 1,858 other properties claims, and 4,041 multiple claims. Hence, there were 6,048 claims as of the latest report by the in-take team from July to September. (And) 362 claims have been evaluated or are ready for final deliberation.” The claims statistics are increasing exponentially by the day, with the list of claimants getting longer. The MCB asks for something like P10 billion or more as an aggregate ballpark figure to compensate all the victims. The sparse appropriation has triggered unkind comments from citizens calling the proposed amount outrageously deficient, cruel jokes and insulting the victims. While the public is amused by the stories in tri- and social media on funding for projects that are less urgent — like the millions needed for the confidential and intelligence funds of agencies to address “kuno” (allegedly) the threat of terrorism — here we have a situation where the threat of terrorism is real. Our security and intelligence authorities will tell you that the remnants of the ISIS-affiliated Maute Dawliyah Islamia group are just around the corner, engaged in sporadic hit-and-run guerrilla ambushes to make their presence known. Terrorist cells are confirmed to be existing in the hinterlands of Morolandia. The disgruntled victims of the Marawi war are easy prey for recruitment by the dissidents. There is no denying the depth and scale of the damage sustained by the Marawi victims of the war. The whole world was watching on their television sets for months the daily telenovela-like bombing of the city in what Confucious described as “burning the house to catch a rat.” We have written numerous published articles pleading for cessation of the bombing, but the thrashing by state authorities continued. We note with gratitude the public expression of support by Senator De la Rosa, chair of the Special Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation, who spent years studying at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City, along with Muslim Senator Robinhood Padilla. Senator Risa Hontiveros, in her recent trip to Marawi, saw for herself the progress of the claims processing and has likewise committed support. The list of senators and House representatives joining the chorus of support is getting longer. (To be continued) amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post P1B for Marawi victims a cruel joke (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Paris Fashion Week opens with drama and dashes of humor
Paris is the last of the big four fashion weeks in the busy September calendar that sees back-to-back events in London, New York, and Milan. The biggest story this season has been a new creative director at Gucci. The debut by Sabato de Sarno in Milan on Friday was a relatively low-key affair but gave a boost to the share price of French parent company Kering, which has been struggling lately to keep up with its major rival, LVMH. The first day of Paris Fashion Week always focuses on emerging designers and there was excitement this year about avant-garde newcomer Marie Adam-Leenaerdt from Belgium, who brought a dash of much-needed humor to the opening show. It opened with a chorus singing "Let's go to the beach!" only to follow it with a series of decidedly un-beachy gray, formal, and structured outfits before introducing some more summery Barbie pink and sky-blue dresses. "There's something very Belgian about it," the 27-year-old designer told AFP backstage. "It's important for me to play with the codes and have some paradoxes." Also showing on Monday was Victor Weinsanto, a former classical dancer who trained in fashion with Jean Paul Gaultier and loves to bring cabaret to the catwalk. There were doses of humor -- opening with an extravagant wedding gown that he said was designed for "a woman who gets married entirely in Swarovski". But he also showed a more serious side, with structured and chic pieces alongside more offbeat items like hooded suit jackets. Far from a newcomer, but long absent from the official line-up in Paris, is Pierre Cardin, which returned to the catwalk for the first time in 25 years last season and was back with a glamorous show on Monday night. The label's founder died in 2020 and his nephew Rodrigo Basilicati-Cardin is currently in charge but is embroiled in a bitter succession dispute with family members who have accused each other of fraud and other crimes. The post Paris Fashion Week opens with drama and dashes of humor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Their ‘golden hour’: SB19, JVKE live collab finally happens
P-pop global sensation SB19 finally got to share the stage live with JVKE, at the American singer-songwriter’s What Tour Feels Like finale show at the House of Blues Boston on 2 September. “What an honor sharing the stage with JVKE for his epic ‘What Tour Feels Like’ finale at House of Blues Boston! Thank you all for making it an unforgettable night!,” the quintet wrote on X (formerly Twitter). SB19 members Pablo, Josh, Ken, Stell and Justin released their collab track with JVKE titled “Golden Hour (SB19 remix)” in July. Their own spin on the singer’s hit song featured a Filipino verse after the chorus of the song. The lines read: “Paggising sa umaga, siya agad ang gusto na makita ‘Di ako marunong kumanta pero para sa kaniya harana, harana Teka lang, bakit ba parang ‘la sa tono ‘tong aking gitara? Gusto ko lang naman sabihin na Mala-maharlika ang ‘yong ganda, malaya ‘Di magwawakas tila parirala Oh, Diyos ko (Oh-oh-oh) ‘No pa nga ba’ng masasabi ko? (Oh-oh-oh) Sana ‘di ka mawalay sa’kin, oh, aking sinta.” “SB19 are crazy talented. As an artist, when I open my art to others so they can add their own interpretation, I never know how I’m going to feel about what they contribute. With SB19, I was just blown away. I hope this isn’t the last time we work together,” JVKE said in a statement following the release of the remix. “Golden Hour,” also released in July, debuted in the Top 10 Billboard Hot chart and landed at the top spot on the Global Spotify viral chart. It has an orchestral version by Max Martin as well as remixes by artists Ruel, milee and Fujii Kaze. SB19 recently kicked off its Pagtatag! world tour with shows at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on 24 to 25 June, followed by shows in Chicago, Texas, California, New York, Washington, Toronto, Winnipeg, Vancouver and Edmonton. In Los Angeles, the group shut down Hollywood Boulevard to film a busking performance of their songs “Bazinga,” “Crimzone” and “Gento”, then gathered another large crowd for a similar act at the New York Times Square on 1 September. SB19’s fierce fandom, A’TIN, won Billboard’s 2023 Fan Army Face-Off against K-pop group Seventeen’s CARATs last August. JVKE, born Jacob Dodge Lawson, was also part of the Fast X soundtrack alongside BTS’ Jimin, NLE Choppa, Kodak Black, Muni Long and Charlie Puth. The post Their ‘golden hour’: SB19, JVKE live collab finally happens appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
James Arthur serves up grit, emotion, rawness in ‘Blindside’
Singer-songwriter James Arthur serves up a superb offering in his new song “Blindside,” which features a killer, top-down driving chorus and powerful belting vocals. “Blindside” is a song I’ve wanted to write for years, about falling in love with the right person at the wrong time. It’s an energetic song with a sad lyric and it really suited this new rawer style I was after,” Arthur said. The anthemic single also comes with a visual helmed by Tim Mattia. Arthur recently received the BRIT Billion award, which celebrates surpassing one billion career UK streams. Presented to him live on BBC’s The One Show, the award puts him in elite company, alongside recipients including ABBA, Anne-Marie, Coldplay, Ellie Goulding, George Ezra, Lewis Capaldi, Mariah Carey, Rita Ora, Sam Smith and Whitney Houston. The Middlesbrough-born artist has scored four top 10 albums, with 2016’s Back From The Edge hitting the Number 1 spot, and over his career has collaborated with the likes of Anne-Marie, Sigala, Rudimental, Marshmello and many more. Arthur is one of the world’s biggest streaming artists, with over 37 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone. “Say You Won’t Let Go” became his breakthrough hit in the US. It was officially the UK’s most streamed song in 2016 and has gone on to be enjoyed via four billion streams, while the song’s official video has achieved 1.5 billion views on YouTube. Earlier this year, the track became his first RIAA Diamond Single with 10 million certified units, making Arthur one of just 100 recipients of an RIAA Diamond Single certification in the program’s history. The post James Arthur serves up grit, emotion, rawness in ‘Blindside’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Duterte giveth, Diokno taketh
Since his call in 2017 to veto Republic Act 10931, the law granting free higher education, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno has been singing the same dissonant melody. A similar theme can be heard in his most recent attempt to cast doubt on the program’s long-term viability, which is frequently praised as one of the Duterte administration’s legacies. However, as Diokno continues to bang his well-worn drum, it becomes increasingly obvious that his arguments are out of tune and lacking in both substance and harmony. The frequently repeated assertion by Diokno that the free college program is “anti-poor” because of its supposed bias toward wealthy students doesn’t ring true with logic or facts. His claim that wealthy students have supplanted their less advantaged peers in the competition for openings at state universities and colleges lacks supporting data. He tries to play the fiscal unsustainability card by asserting that the program is an exorbitant financial burden for the government. This perspective is myopic because education spending continues to be one of the most effective ways to boost the economy and create jobs. In fact, a World Bank report has said that every dollar spent on education generates ten times as much in economic benefits, thus emphasizing the real worth of such expenditures under RA 10931. Additionally, Diokno ignores the reality that the program has been in force since 2018 after President Duterte rebuffed his veto campaign. After six years of effective implementation, for Diokno to suddenly pronounce it untenable sounds more like pessimism than a valid criticism. Diokno also veers away from the upbeat chorus that is led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor, former President Duterte, as he continues to play his dirge. His persistent pessimism has turned him into a maestro of despair rather than a conductor of progress. The Finance chief certainly needs a lot of the can-do attitude of both Marcos and Duterte, the latter with the bravado and tenacity he showed in guiding the country through the turbulent waters of the Covid-19 pandemic. Diokno should learn to instill confidence in the hearts of the populace, or he should just hand the job to someone who would tackle it with more vigor. Diokno claims that wealthy kids who can afford review lessons and other incidental costs are disproportionately benefited by RA 10931. This claim is again without basis as a lot of impoverished students have gained access to higher education without having to pay tuition thanks to this law. A thorough assessment by the Commission on Higher Education showed that the free college program has dramatically increased enrollment rates among students from low-income families. This should lay bare the falsity of Diokno’s claims. If we may add, the CHEd study also resonated with people by emphasizing its contribution to closing the achievement gap between the affluent and the less fortunate. Probably most befuddling of all was Diokno’s unsettling claim that the program benefits students who live close to public universities and colleges. This conflicts with what we see on the ground, of students renting bed space or living with their relatives so they can be near their schools, wherever they may be located. Additionally, the value of an educated citizenry transcends geographical boundaries in the grand scheme of nation-building. It’s ironic that for a Finance chief, the needed comprehension of the complexity of not only our economy and the numbers but also how they relate to society and people seems absent from Diokno’s spiel opposing free higher education. His quest to repeal RA 10931 has fallen short of capturing the long-term benefits of investing in education to improve the lives of underprivileged youngsters. Diokno’s desire to take away what Duterte and Congress have given would be a step backward and an assult in the minds of millions of Filipino students. While undermining President Duterte’s legacy, Diokno’s dissonant song poses a threat to muffle the dreams of numerous Filipino students, one that is intended to deprive them of the opportunity to pursue higher education and the prospect of a better future. The post Duterte giveth, Diokno taketh appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Jose Mari Chan on becoming Phl’s ‘Christmas icon’
While Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is known as one of the most popular Christmas anthems, and South Korean mega group Exo’s “First Snow” revisits South Korean charts as the Christmas season approaches, the Philippines takes pride in Jose Mari Chan, who is known by many as the “Father of Philippine Christmas Music.” As soon as September approaches, Filipinos gear up for the Christmas spirit by starting their Christmas countdown, buying and setting up Christmas decorations, playing holiday playlists, or sharing Christmas-related posts. Known for the songs “Christmas in Our Hearts,” “Mary’s Boy Child,” and more, Jose Mari Chan is considered the Philippines’ Christmas Icon. The Christmas icon In Boy Abunda’s talk show segment, Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, aired on 1 September, the singer said that he was initially confused with Internet memes about him, but it still gave him a good laugh. However, Chan does not want to be called “The King of Christmas” by Filipinos. “Because there is only one King of Christmas and that is our Lord Jesus Christ,” Chan said. He also confessed that he did not expect the massive success of his song “Christmas in Our Hearts,” noting that his producers suggested a romantic Christmas song instead of a Christian-themed song, but suddenly “Christmas in Our Hearts” became a popular hit at radio stations. Although his songs are booming in popularity as the holidays are fast approaching, the singer admitted that he does not earn much from his songs anymore. “The technology has changed: Nobody buys records, nobody buys CDs, nobody buys cassettes anymore,” he said. “We earn a little bit from Spotify, [but] not too much… and also from endorsements and doing shows, that’s all.” Still, Chan is overjoyed that Filipinos continue to associate him with Christmas up to this day. “How nice to be associated with [the] Christmas season. I mean, it’s the biggest season in the Philippines, and it’s the best-loved season.” he said. Despite the busy schedule due to endorsements and upcoming shows until the end of the year, the singer celebrates what truly matters in his life: being married to his wife for more than 50 years and a healthy, beaming grandfather of nine grandchildren. [caption id="attachment_178686" align="aligncenter" width="680"] Jose Mari Chan | SCREENGRAB FROM YOUTUBE.COM/NINONG RY TV[/caption] Jose Mari Chan-approved Christmas content Aside from the Internet memes and posts of Jose Mari Chan peeking through almost everything as a reminder that Christmas is fast approaching, there is already an abundance of content with the 78-year-old singer that will make you feel the Christmas spirit. On 30 August, social media personality Yasmin Asistido, more popularly known as Kween Yasmin, posted a duet with Chan. Both dressed in red, the duo sang the chorus of “Christmas in our Hearts.” As of writing, the video garnered over 120,000 likes and 1.5 million views on Facebook. Meanwhile, chef and social media personality Ninong Ry and Chan collaborated in a 24-minute-vlog titled, “JOSE MARI CHAN x NINONG RY — ANO PA ANG KULANG SA PASKO?” on 1 September. In the vlog, the two prepared staple Noche Buena dishes such as macaroni salad, roast chicken, and embutido, while discussing what matters the most during Christmas — keeping the tradition and spending the holiday with our family and loved ones. Chan is also set to appear on the weekend variety show ASAP Natin ‘To along with Jamie Rivera, the World Hip Hop Dance Championship 2023 Adult Division winners, the cast of the youth-oriented show Senior High and more. Some might say that Christmas does not feel like how it used to be in the past due to the advent of social media, the loss of someone special, the continuous deterioration of quality of life and the economy, or how it becomes a reminder that we are all growing older and we have adult responsibilities to face. Still, entertainers like Jose Mari Chan give us a wave of nostalgia for what Christmas should truly feel like — that the holidays should feel warm and festive even in the smallest of ways. Celebrating Christmas does not have to be glamorous every time, but it should always feel like a comforting hug, an exciting tune to a familiar Christmas song, or a hopeful reminder that we all made it through the end of the year.ac The post Jose Mari Chan on becoming Phl’s ‘Christmas icon’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Icon Grandmaster Flash leads the Bronx in 70s-style hip-hop jam
As a teenager Grandmaster Flash began pioneering the turntable-as-instrument, playing the now iconic Bronx block parties that gave birth to hip-hop and revolutionized music. On Friday, he was back home, commemorating 50 years of the genre with a performance that had New Yorkers born in the mid-20th century reliving their youth -- and hip-hop's. "This is not a concert -- this is a jam!" Flash, now in his 60s, shouted from the stage, as hundreds of fans roared in applause in the South Bronx's Crotona Park. The audience swayed with their hands in the air as Flash threw it back to the jams of the early 1970s, which ushered in the genre that's profoundly impacted music as well as fashion, dance and the culture at large. The community parties offered teens and families a lifeline in an era of financial crisis that left much of the borough in crippling poverty. "It was the music that really resonated at the time in New York," said Quentin Morgan, 54, who rolled into the park on his bike to catch the event that's part of a series of festivities commemorating hip-hop's birth. "It was gritty in New York -- barely any laws," he said with a chuckle. "It was a different era." Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five in 1982 released "The Message," delivering a raw portrait of urban life and bringing a socially conscious element to the genre on a grand scale. On Friday night, the air was electric as Flash brought MCs Melle Mel and Scorpio onstage where they delivered a rendition of the iconic hit. That preceded a fierce appearance from MC Sha-Rock, widely considered the first woman to MC during hip-hop's nascent years. And KRS-One, who also hails from the South Bronx, freestyled to a chorus of cheers as Flash scratched and transformed, manipulating the vinyl, using now-standard techniques he pioneered half a century ago. Earlier in the evening as opening acts warmed up the crowd, Coke La Rock -- who on 11 August 1973 joined DJ Kool Herc at the party many musicologists consider hip-hop's official conception -- told AFP that for him, hip-hop and the Bronx are one and the same. "I can't see no division of it," the 68-year-old said, calling offshoots of the genre across the United States and even the world "my kids." "They all my kids, if I'm the patent, they the product." 'Biggest music on earth' Speaking to AFP backstage, Flash said Friday's event was meant to emulate the jams of his youth. "It was recreation -- moms said go outside and play," he said. "Never... did I think it would become part of the biggest music on earth." Organizers also relayed a message from the mayor of New York, as the city officially declared August 4 "Grandmaster Flash Day." Keisha Harmon joined the event with her partner of 27 years -- "my Teenage Love," she said, quoting the rap classic by Slick Rick. She'll be 50 in October: she was born in the Bronx just months after the genre she grew up on. "I have chills, look, goosebumps," she told AFP. "All the songs that are playing -- I'm a mother of seven and I'm a grandmother of eight -- and they take me back to No Kids." She described how the hip-hop jams of her childhood spread by word of mouth: "Hey, DJ-such-and-such is in the park, and we would have parties and sing, and it was just fun." "And this reminds me of that," Harmon added, motioning to the park crowded with partygoers on a humid August evening. The celebration "shows our talent" as citizens of the Bronx, she added. "It shows what we contributed to the arts," Harmon said. "Hip-hop has a substance." "The artists were storytellers." "South South Bronx, South Bronx!" the audience shouted throughout the evening, singing the song by Boogie Down Productions produced by KRS-One and DJ Scott La Rock. According to city organizers, Friday night was Grandmaster Flash's first time playing the Bronx in two decades. Along with fellow hip-hop pioneers, he was joined by a troupe of breakdancers who wowed the audience with a throwdown. "Where's my old-schoolers at?" Flash asked the joyous crowd. "I wanna keep it in the 70s." "Somebody say Bronx!" The post Icon Grandmaster Flash leads the Bronx in 70s-style hip-hop jam appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New slogan, same tack?
We remember distinctly how students of the seventies were made to sing to the strains of the then-required Bagong Pagsilang hymn, a paean to the newly established New Society of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of the incumbent. The march, incorrectly referred to by its chorus Bagong Lipunan (New Society), was commissioned during the presidency of the older Marcos for the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, a movement introduced upon the declaration of martial law in 1972. Its lyrics were written by the legendary Levi Celerio and the music was composed by Felipe de Leon in 1973. “May bagong silang. May bago nang buhay. Bagong bansa, bagong galaw sa Bagong Lipunan!” The new generation may not have much recollection of the song other than the version of the present-day rock band Plethora, whose rendition was used as the campaign anthem by the son, Bongbong Marcos, during last year’s presidential campaign. It was also used by Marcos Jr. during the 78th Leyte Landing anniversary last October and his camp visit to the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City a week later. “Magbabago ang lahat, tungo sa pag-unlad. At ating itanghal: Bagong Lipunan!” The composer’s eldest son, Felipe, recounted that two days after the declaration of martial law, at around 2 a.m., two military trucks came to their house with an officer who asked for a “hymn and a march for the New Society,’’ as requested supposedly by then First Lady Imelda Marcos, to be delivered in a couple of days. “Ang gabi’y nagmaliw nang ganap. At lumipas na ang magdamag. Madaling araw ay nagdiriwang. May umagang namasdan.” The song was first released on radio and television during the early days of martial law as an anthem to trumpet Marcos Sr.’s vision of a new society for Filipinos. It also gave rise to the movement called Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, a political vehicle of the then administration. “Ngumiti na ang pag-asa, sa umagang anong ganda!” Depending on which side of the fence you were on those days, the present-day rendition of the march evokes memories that are either bad or good. Critics see it as nothing but propaganda that brings back chills to their spines, while others consider it a patriotic song that could help guide the country’s progress. That part of history came rushing back to us, particularly when the incumbent came up with his Bagong Pilipinas as the overarching theme of his administration’s brand of governance and leadership. Malacañang says this official branding, as contained in Memorandum Circular 24, calls for a deep and fundamental transformation in all sectors of society and government. The new logo was “produced internally” by the government’s lead communications arm without the use of public funds, according to the Presidential Communications Office. Take note, Bongbong’s new campaign slogan and logo came less than a week following Pagcor’s logo controversy. It’s common for presidential administrations to come up with government slogans, but not so common for them to launch them with a logo. There’s Rodrigo Duterte’s “Change is Coming,” Benigno Aquino III’s “Daang Matuwid,” and Joseph Estrada’s “Erap Para sa Mahirap,” to name a few. The PCO explained that the Bagong Pilipinas logo shows various stages of development in the Philippines’ journey toward the future. The three red stripes refer to the Philippines’ post-war agricultural and rural development, the post-colonial period, and the current metropolitan development. The blue stripes show a “progressive Philippines that leverages technological advancement in pursuing sustainable industrial development.” The rising sun signifies the dawn of a new Philippines, while the weave pattern illustrates the interconnectedness and unity of the Filipino people. “Overall, the Bagong Pilipinas logo embodies the Marcos administration’s vision for the country, emphasizing unity, involvement, and the bayanihan culture as the main fibers and components for its full realization,” the PCO said. We really don’t know if this new vision of the younger Marcos would translate into something similar to what his father started back then. Or would it eventually become a political vehicle just as his father’s was? At any rate, we just hope that the son would live up to the expectations of most Filipinos and that in the future, the memory of it won’t send chills down our spines. *** e-mail-mannyangeles27@gmail.com The post New slogan, same tack? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»