EDITORIAL - Face the music
As of last weekend, Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. was deemed AWOL from the House of Representatives, whose leadership urged him to return to work “as soon as possible” because his authorized leave of absence was only until March 9......»»
EDITORIAL - Just face the music
As of yesterday, the stand of suspended Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag was that he would surrender only if Jesus Crispin Remulla would resign as secretary of the Department of Justice and take a drug test......»»
Brit wins Cannes newcomer prize for ‘How to Have Sex’
British director Molly Manning Walker won the coveted Un Certain Regard newcomer prize at Cannes on Friday for her much-praised feature debut "How to Have Sex". "This film was the most magical moment of my life," the 29-year-old Londoner said after receiving the prize, which she dedicated to "all those who have been sexually assaulted". The film follows three best friends getting drunk in Crete, with one of the girls, Tara, on a mission to lose her virginity -- but things soon go wrong. All the stereotypes of Brits abroad feature in the film but Manning Walker also sought to break them by digging deeper into the thorny issues of rape and consent. It caused a storm at this year's festival and drew rave reviews. Variety found it "chillingly dark", The Guardian admired its "complex chemistry" and The Hollywood Reporter dubbed it a "hidden gem". Drawing from her own experience, Manning Walker speaking to AFP earlier during the festival, said she was inspired by "the best times of my life", but also the sexual assault she suffered at 16 -- and wanted to show it all without judgment. Shot in a fly-on-the-wall style, she resisted showing graphic assault scenes. "I think we as women know that experience way too much -- we don't need to be re-traumatized," she said. Instead, she focused on her characters' emotional experiences. "Everything was from her eyeline and everything was on her face and reading her emotion," she said. Manning Walker is one of an emerging crop of exciting British woman directors alongside the likes of Charlotte Wells whose "Aftersun" was last year's unexpected breakout at Cannes, earning an Oscar nomination for star Paul Mescal. Before directing she was a cinematographer for nearly a decade and shot films for other young British talents including Charlotte Regan's "Scrapper" which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance film festival this year. She has also made music videos and adverts, as well as two short films including "Good Thanks, You?" that screened at Cannes in 2020. The post Brit wins Cannes newcomer prize for ‘How to Have Sex’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ariel Nepomuceno — Man of his word
One thing that can be said about Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, the administrator of the Office of Civil Defense of the Department of National Defense, he is results-driven. Right after graduating from the University of the Philippines, where he received Magna Cum Laude honors, Nepomuceno applied for a Congressional Fellowship program, to which he was accepted. He then became the National Capital Region Youth Representative to the House of Representatives when it reopened in 1987. [caption id="attachment_137206" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CHRISTIAN MAR BARACENA FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE | (FROM left) Daily Tribune editor-in-chief Gigie Arcilla, Director of the Office of Civil Defense of the Department of National Defense (rank of Undersecretary) Ariel Nepomuceno and Daily Tribune’s executive editor Chito Lozada.[/caption] Of his legislative stint, he shared, “It was like we had a mini-Congress for seven months and we, youth representatives, received a salary. I had a seat in the session hall, but we were not allowed to talk. We just observed the proceedings and learned about the whole legislative process. “It was the House’s way of encouraging us to appreciate democracy. In the end, after those seven months, I realized legislative work was not for me. I am the kind who wants to see results immediately.” Business mind Nepomuceno next engaged in business with his friends. “I was always interested in business. We put up a fish pen in Malabon and started with three hectares until we gradually grew and reached the maximum 50 hectares. We got lucky in this venture. We stopped only when a strong typhoon hit the country,” he recounted. “Next, we put up a trucking or logistics company. Then we organized an insurance company and reinvested our earnings.” To raise his initial capital, he borrowed from his father and friends. The group assigned him as the general manager. His first formal job outside of private business was with the Food Terminal. It was in his time when they “initiated its privatization.” Finally, he ventured in the energy sector. “We put up Orion Energy and developed Liquified Natural Gas or LNG. We linked up with traders in Singapore and the Middle East. On our end, we developed the power plants. At the time I joined the Department of National Defense, we were entering the field of renewable energy by developing solar and offshore wind resources. Government work It wasn’t long before he would join the Department of National Defense in 2010. “I was the Executive Officer of Civil Defense. And then, during the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, he aimed to introduce reforms at the Bureau of Customs. I was given a position there along with other generals. Through it all, he has kept his moral ascendancy. That he was honest in government work, he attributes to his having done well in business, which allowed him economic independence. “Many are tempted to steal or engage in graft and corruption because the salary is too tiny. “Of course, my ATM card is with my wife,” he said, laughing. As a manager, he has stuck to “what I learned from my Armed Forces of the Philippines training. I am more on the authoritative side, but I encourage participation.” He has had to deal with certain issues and problems. “Here at the Office of Civil Defense, I have had to remove the head of Finance. [caption id="attachment_137194" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph Courtesy of FB.com Office of Civil Defense[/caption] “I came in with an attitude of fairness. Whatever shortcomings or mistakes they had in the past, I overlooked them. I realized that they were just following orders, but when I came in, I made clear I expected everyone to do right.” It has helped that he acquired his Master in Business Administration at the Asian Institute of Management. He was already 50 years old in 2022 when he received his degree. His experience in business, his love for reading and writing, all have contributed to his continuing success. He is now writing a book where he is sharing his thoughts on possible solutions to the energy crisis. Family time When he took his government position, he promised his sons that no matter how busy he is at work, he will take their calls. Ariel takes time to be with his wife and his two sons. “My boys are now managing our family companies.” He is a fortunate man. The elder one took up Economics from the University of the Philippines. “Like me,” he said. “The younger one attended Ateneo, like his mother.” Both sons are athletic, being enthusiasts of Taekwondo. As a father, he has always thought of himself “as their friend and gangmate. When the father is good, the sons are good,” he shared. “I taught them how to drink. This way, they would know how to manage their drinking and socializing. So, we go out together. We enjoy our glass of wine.” A favorite father-and-sons haunt is the Peninsula Manila lobby, “also because of the good live music. It is also the time when they open up and share their plans, challenges and accomplishments.” Both sons are bachelors. With his wife, he loves to drive and visit places. “Recently, we read that the halo-halo in Cavite is good, so we went to Digman. Another time, we drove all the way to Lucban to buy their longganisa.” Although he has since 1989 become a vegetarian. When driving to work, which he enjoys, “I sing a tune or hum what’s playing, usually piano or violin pieces.” He is an active member of the Rotary Club in Chinatown. “We conduct medical missions regularly.” Ariel has reached a level of success that puts a smile on his face. He has done well in his career and in his family life. No, he has not chosen to rest on his laurels. In fact, he is getting ready to pursue his Ph.D in Management. We won’t be surprised if he makes it to the top of his class. It would all be keeping true to his form. The post Ariel Nepomuceno — Man of his word appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Wide-ranging partnerships define the new ABS-CBN
Here’s proof that ABS-CBN has been seriously taking itself in its new avowed role as a content supplier to the entertainment industry as well as online media: Since May of last year, the Lopez enterprise has been a major partner of Pinoy Interactive Entertainment, a company that has begun to make its mark on the entertainment scene with its acronym PIE. Billed as the country’s first multiscreen, real-time interactive channel, PIE is a collaborative project of ABS-CBN, BEAM, 917 Ventures and KROMA Entertainment, which boasts of being “tradigital,” meaning engaged in creating traditional and digital outputs. BEAM, KROMA and 917 Ventures are all under Globe Telecom. ABS-CBN’s involvement with PIE is overseen by the towering (as in basketball player-tall) Jamie Lopez, the company’s head of digital business. Ian Monsod, once known as a theater actor and music man, heads BEAM. He is the son of the famous and influential couple Christian Monsod, one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution, and renowned economist Winnie Monsod. [caption id="attachment_137021" align="aligncenter" width="896"] PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY KROMA ENTERTAINMENT | Kroma Entertainment CEO Ian Monsod (second from left) and Kroma head of Broadcasting Jil Go with ABS-CBN chief of staff Connie Lopez and PIE Channel head Alex Asuncion.[/caption] The PIE company was launched last year to media people and to v/bloggers only through a Zoom conference. To mark its first anniversary this year, the company held a face-to-face conference with the media and v/bloggers at Pandan Asian Restaurant in QC, just some blocks away from the ABS-CBN studios. Interaction with the company’s shows is mainly through digital devices. On its second year, the interactive channel promises a platform where people can increase their chances of winning while having fun by simply clicking on their mobile phones or engaging via the website. Or as its tagline puts it: “Pindot PIEnalo ka dahil kada pindot, PIEnalo ka more!” ABS-CBN stars Stars from ABS-CBN topbill many of PIE’s shows. For instance, Sinong Manok Mo? is headlined by momshie and pop-culture icon Jolina Magdangal, joined by It’s Showtime “Ate Girl” Jackie Gonzaga and comedian Eric Nicolas. [caption id="attachment_137022" align="aligncenter" width="525"] JOLINA Magdangal and Eric Nicolas.[/caption] Sino’ng Manok Mo? airs Saturday and Sunday nights, 7 to 8 p.m. A co-host in the show is Paris-born and -raised Ralph Malibunas, a contestant on ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Big Brother, where he revealed that he didn’t mind working as a caregiver and park attendant for some years. The seemingly suddenly famous Jennica Garcia of the ABS-CBN series Dirty Linen cannot be happier that Pie Channel recently also gave her a chance to co-host Ur Da Boss with Melai Cantiveros (Magdangal’s co-host in the morning show Magandang Buhay). [caption id="attachment_137025" align="aligncenter" width="896"] MELAI Cantiveros and Jennica Garcia.[/caption] Garcia said she felt un-ready to be a host as she had not done that kind of job before. Her smart solution: “Iniisip ko na lang na (I just think that) for this show, I’m going to be the Gen Z version of Jean Garcia.” Jean Garcia is her mom, whose showbiz fame began as one of the hosts of the well-loved 80’s and 90’s musical variety youth show on GMA 7, German Moreno’s That’s Entertainment. Even Jennica’s father, then-actor Jigo Garcia, was a That’s Entertainment mainstay. Ur Da Boss airs Monday to Friday, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dramatic actress Charlie Dizon seems to be not getting major follow-up exposures after she made waves as an obsessed fan in the film The Paulo Avelino Story. So let’s all hope her being made a mainstay in the PIE show Mga Kwento ng Dilim can lead to a series on ABS-CBN, PIE or elsewhere. Angeline Quinto, meanwhile, hosts The Chosen One (TCO): Kakatacute an interactive piliserye with comedian Chad Kinis. The show’s weekly elimination show is hosted by actor Jameson Blake and reality show alum Karina Bautista. [caption id="attachment_137023" align="aligncenter" width="896"] KARINA Bautista and Jameson Blake.[/caption] The channel also has a teen narrative offering, Para Sa All, headlined by Mutya Orquia this month. Another teen show, Pak na Pak! is hosted by Vivoree, Aljon Mendoza, Anji Salvacion, Jeremy G., Igi Boy Flores, Sheena Belarmino and Gello Marquez. Then there’s the daily show Matching-Matching Mini Game, which uses customized PIE cards inspired by the classic Filipino card game ungguy-ungguyan. For late sleepers, PIE offers the adult show SPG: Saktong Pang Gabi, a naughty evening talk show topbilled by comedian Negi and supported by MNL48’s Rans Rifol and actor-model Argel Saycon. [caption id="attachment_137024" align="aligncenter" width="896"] RANS Rifol and comedian Negi.[/caption] Expanding content reach ABS-CBN Corp. has declared that it is keen on forging more partnerships to expand content reach in a bid to secure its financial future. “We’re willing to work with any partner, whether in free, pay TV or online streaming,” said Carlo Katigbak, president and CEO of ABS-CBN Corp, during the company’s annual stakeholder meeting. Hence, it’s taken on partnerships here and abroad, such as with Amazon Prime Video to syndicate a TV series, and a distribution deal with India’s MX Player. It also has partnerships with Netflix, Hong Kong-based Viu and Youtube. “We decided to shed off all assets not relevant to storytelling… The new ABS-CBN is learning to partner with other platforms,” Katigbak added. ABS-CBN’s partnerships on the domestic front include a milestone deal with its media rival, GMA Network, Inc. The two signed a deal to produce a teleserye, and the Kapuso network can now use ABS-CBN’s iWantTFC streaming platform to widen its international reach. ABS-CBN has also inked content partnerships with the Pangilinan-owned TV5, PIE Channel, AMBS and the A2Z channel founded by Bro. Eddie Villanueva. The company managed to trim its net losses in 2022, now at P2.63 billion after posting a P5.67-billion loss in the preceding year. The post Wide-ranging partnerships define the new ABS-CBN appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Jason Hernandez may pa-face reveal ng ‘mystery girl’, mahal pa rin si Moira?
MATAPOS ang ilang araw na pagiging laman ng social media, tuluyan na ngang ini-reveal ng singer-songwriter na si Jason Hernandez ang kanyang “mystery girl”. Nitong Miyerkules, May 24, naglabas ang estranged husband ni Moira ng kanta na pinamagatang “Ikaw Pa Rin” kung saan makikitang parte pala ng music video niya ang mga inilabas niyang larawan […] The post Jason Hernandez may pa-face reveal ng ‘mystery girl’, mahal pa rin si Moira? appeared first on Bandera......»»
EDITORIAL — Again, Arnie, come home
In this age of live-streaming, even a person who has been charged in court for multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder and gun-related offenses will eventually have to face the court in person for arraignment......»»
PBBM may bring up Teves issue with E. Timor counterpart, says Romualdez
INDONESIA – House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said the denial of Rep. Arnolfo Teves’ asylum application may be tackled in the upcoming bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Timor Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak in the 42nd ASEAN Summit and related meetings here. Romualdez made the statement after the Department of Justice said Teves was in Timor-Leste and had applied "for a protection visa with the intent of asylum." The Southeast Asian nation, however, has rejected his application and ordered him to leave the country in five days since Teves has been tagged as the alleged mastermind in the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. In an interview with the reporters, the House Speaker believed Marcos was equally concerned about Teves' situation. "We are also interested in the developments and his current situation in Timor Leste. From what we know, he applied for political asylum, which was denied yesterday. We have confirmed this information tonight (Wednesday)," he said. However, Romualdez clarified that he was still determining if the President had conversations about this matter on the sidelines. When asked if the President will ask the head of Timor Leste to "produce" Teves or ask him to come back to the Philippines, Romualdez said: "Well, I don't know if he will ask to produce him because he's already in Timor Leste and we are aware of that." Romualdez also clarified that the President would not ask Timor Leste to bring Teves back to the Philippines because there is no extradition treaty between the two countries. Instead, Teves has less than a week to leave Timor Leste. The House Speaker also said there are three options for the congressman: To return to the Philippines and face the charges against him; continue defying orders and face further sanctions; or move to another country. He urged Teves to return home and face justice, adding that the rights and privileges of a congressman are not meant to be used to evade justice. “So Cong. Arnie Teves, umuwi ka na (go home) and face the music and let the justice take its course,” Romualdez said. In a separate statement, Romualdez warned Teves that "another possible disciplinary action" may be imposed against him if he refuses to return to the Philippines after his 60-day suspension. The House Speaker also called on Teves anew to "return home immediately and face the accusation against him" instead of evading investigation in the Philippines." "Should Cong. Arnie continues to defy the return to work order after the lapse of the 60-day period of his suspension, the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges may be constrained to reconvene and consider another possible disciplinary action against him," Romualdez said. "This is our recourse in order to preserve the dignity, integrity, and reputation of the House of Representatives," he added. The post PBBM may bring up Teves issue with E. Timor counterpart, says Romualdez appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EDITORIAL - Support for R& D
Throughout the COVID lockdowns, US-based Dominican priest Nicanor Austriaco became a familiar face, as a molecular biologist working with the OCTA Research group......»»
Paul Jatayna to speak at Liverpool conference
Artist and LGBTQ+ advocate Paul Jatayna, one of the lead organizers of the Philippines’ queer rave community, Elephant, has been chosen as an international delegate for the Sound City Conference, which will be on 28 April in Liverpool, England, United Kingdom. Supported by the British Council, UK’s international agency for cultural relations and educational opportunities, Jatayna is set to speak on the panel about “Gender Balance and Inclusivity in International Territories.” Sound City is the UK’s independent music conference and Association of Independent Music UK’s Conference in The North. For over 15 years, they have remained at the forefront of the global music conference circuit and welcomed leading industry figures, emerging artists and aspiring music business professionals from across the world to Liverpool for a full-day program of educational panels, in-conversations and networking parties. “We are honored to be working alongside the British Council to bring an outstanding group of speakers from around the world to Sound City 2023. With a shared passion for creating new business opportunities, advancing gender equality and shaping a brighter future for generations to come, we are confident that their insights and expertise will leave an indelible mark on the music industry and inspire positive change for years to come,” said Jo Whitty, Sound City chief operating officer. This delegation will open opportunities for Jatayna to talk about the Filipino LGBTQ+ community and to share the core values of Elephant, enabling a safe place for all and promoting platforms for marginalized artists in the drag and music scene. “It is important to me that I get to represent the queer community that I belong to and to raise awareness of the achievements and learning curves that we face, especially on the political and economic influence on queer nightlife psychology. I am also very keen to learn from other queer communities from other parts of the world and to understand how they customize and create their own safe space,” Jatayna shared. Mich Dulce, British Council in the Philippines’ Head of Arts, said that “equality, diversity and inclusion have always been part of the British Council’s values,” and they are thrilled to have Jatayna for the conference, which will happen alongside the three-day Sound City Liverpool festivities, from 28 to 30 April, featuring local, national, and international emerging talents. The post Paul Jatayna to speak at Liverpool conference appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BANTAG, ZULUETA, ARESTUHIN NA!
Naglabas na ng kautusan ang Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 206 na arestuhin na sina dating Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag at dati niyang deputy officer na si Ricardo Zulueta, kaugnay sa pagkamatay ni Jun Villamor, ang umano’y middleman sa pananambang at pagpatay sa broadcaster na si Percy Lapid. Ang arrest warrant laban kina Bantag at Zulueta ay pirmado ni Muntinlupa RTC Branch 206 presiding judge Gener M. Gito at nakasaad sa arrest warrant walang piyansa na inirerekomenda sa dalawang dating opisyal para sa kinakaharap na kasong murder kaugnay sa pagkamatay ni Villamor. Sinabi naman ng abogado ni Zulueta na si Atty. Lauro Gacayan, na wala pa silang natatanggap na arrest warrant, at hindi pa niya nakakausap ang kaniyang kliyente. Noong Marso 14, isinampa sa korte ng panel of prosecutors ng Department of Justice ang kasong two counts of murder laban kina Bantag at Zulueta, kaugnay sa pagpatay kina Lapid at Villamor. Binaril at napatay si Lapid sa Las Piñas City noong October 3, 2022, habang pinaslang si Villamor sa New Bilibid Prison noong October 18, 2022. Sa isinagawang awtopsiya ni forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun sa mga labi ni Villamor, lumabas na pinatay ang biktima sa pamamagitan ng pagsuklob ng plastic sa ulo nito hanggang sa hindi makahinga. Nauna nang itinanggi nina Bantag at Zulueta ang mga alegasyon laban sa kanila. Samantala, sinabi naman ni Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla na dapat harapin na ni Bantag at Zulueta ang kanilang sitwasyon matapos nang maglabas ng arrest warrant laban sa kanila. “If you think you’re innocent, just come in and face the music. Ano naman yan e, the judges would be able to know if the truth is there. Alam naman nila yung totoo at hindi totoo,” saad ni Remulla sa isang pahayag. “That’s due process. The wheels of justice are turning. So that’s a welcome development. Law enforcement na yan. It’s already up to the prosecutors to do their job…we take custody of him. Hopefully we can arrest him or he will surrender, hopefully,” sabi ni Remulla. “The law has a protocol on how to handle persons who will be arrested. So we will let the protocol of the law, the way that it runs, run its course. Yun naman talaga yung nangyayari. Pag may warrant of arrest, sini-serve yan in due time,” dagdag niya. The post BANTAG, ZULUETA, ARESTUHIN NA! appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EDITORIAL - Come out, face the charges
Neither Gerald Bantag nor his long-time trusted aide, Ricardo Zulueta could be found yesterday by law enforcers who tried to serve arrest warrants for the two top former corrections officials at their listed home addresses......»»
EDITORIAL - Promoting children’s mental health
Although the targeted 100 percent face-to-face classes could not be achieved last Wednesday, child welfare advocates welcomed the resumption of in-person classes in most schools nationwide......»»
EDITORIAL - Wanted: More classrooms
Face-to-face classes could not resume 100 percent on Nov. 2. This was partly because over 200 schools were damaged by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng while others were being used as evacuation centers......»»
EDITORIAL - Back to school, in person
For the first time in over two years, millions of children are set to return to classrooms today for the start of full face-to-face education in public schools......»»
FACES OF CEBU: Ariel Casimero Grijaldo Jr., 25, viral energizer teacher
CEBU, Philippines — MAPEH (music, arts, physical education, and health) teacher Ariel Casimero Grijaldo of Lapu-Lapu City is absolutely one of the coolest teachers. The COVID-19 pandemic has been the largest disruption to education in history, which is why when face-to-face classes returned after a two-year hiatus, Grijaldo made sure to welcome back his students […] The post FACES OF CEBU: Ariel Casimero Grijaldo Jr., 25, viral energizer teacher appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Rico Blanco susugal sa pagko-concert muli sa Araneta Coliseum: I’m happy to take on that risk…
TULOY na tuloy na ang major, major concert ng OPM icon na si Rico Blanco sa Araneta Coliseum sa susunod na buwan. Ito ang good news na ibinandera ng singer-songwriter nitong nagdaang Biyernes, July 29, sa kanyang unang face-to-face mediacon makalipas ang dalawang taong pandemya. Mula sa produksyon ng KDR Music House, muli ngang magko-concert […] The post Rico Blanco susugal sa pagko-concert muli sa Araneta Coliseum: I’m happy to take on that risk… appeared first on Bandera......»»
EDITORIAL - Masking versus Delta
With the continuing spread nationwide of the highly infectious Delta variant and the sustained high COVID cases in Metro Manila even during lockdown, the Department of Health is urging people to use disposable face masks instead of those made of cloth......»»
EDITORIAL- Paralyzed by floods… again
Even with face-to-face classes suspended and other pandemic restrictions, traffic slowed to a standstill in many parts of Metro Manila and neighboring provinces on Wednesday as Typhoon Fabian combined with a tropical depression and the monsoon, dumping heavy rains and spawning flashfloods......»»
EDITORIAL - Discordant voices
As of yesterday, Malacañang and the Department of Health could not agree on the policy regarding the use of face shields......»»
Reese Lansangan makes it to Times Square
Singer Reese Lansangan has made it to New York's famous Times Square becoming another face of Filipino music to land on an electronic tarp in the major commercial intersection and entertainment center......»»