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‘We are more than enough’: KaladKaren dedicates historic win to LGBTQ+ community
Comedian, television host and actress KaladKaren, whose real name is Jervi Li, was declared the winner in the Best Supporting Actress category of the first Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) during the Gabi ng Parangal, held on 11 April at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City. She bested co-nominees Ana Abad Santos of Love You Long Time and Maris Racal of Here Comes the Groom. She made history by becoming the first transgender person to win an acting award at the MMFF for her role in Here Comes the Groom, which won Third Best Picture. She is the second trans person to win an acting award in Philippine cinema. “Alam niyo po, itong parangal na ito ay hindi lamang recognition ng aking trabaho kundi pati na rin po ng aking pagkatao (You know, this award is not just a recognition of my work but also of my identity) When I entered show business, I never thought na makakakuha po ako ng award kasi (that I would receive an award because) as transgender woman, I thought I will never be enough,” she said in her emotional acceptance speech. KaladKaren continued: “Kaya napakahalaga po nitong award na ito para sa akin (That’s why this award is very important to me), and I want to share this to all transgender people, drag artists, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, whose lives and existence are being threatened in the world right now, para sa inyong lahat po ‘to (this is for all of you). And I want to remind all of you that we are more than enough.” The actress expressed her gratitude to the Summer MMFF board of jurors, which was headed by Golden Globe- and BAFTA-nominated actress Dolly de Leon, and included filmmaker Jose Javier Reyes, saying that “it only goes to show that there is diversity, inclusion, and equity in Philippine cinema.” She also thanked the film’s writer and director Chris Martinez and Quantum Films producer Joji Alonso for “this chance and thank you for hiring a transgender actress to play a transgender character. Thank you for being truthful.” [caption id="attachment_119814" align="aligncenter" width="525"] KaladKaren wins Best Supporting Actress for ‘Here Comes the Groom’ at the first summer MMFF Awards.[/caption] In Philippine showbusiness, LGBTQ+ characters are often played by straight actors. This practice has taken away opportunities from LGBTQ+ actors, who have been relegated to sidekick roles and providing comedic reliefs. KaladKaren also thanked her co-actors including Iyah Mina, the first trans person to win an acting award, when she won Best Actress at the 2018 Cinema One Originals Film Festival for her work in Mamu; And a Mother Too. Mina was nominated at the Gawad Urian in the Best Actress category in 2019. “Thank you rin po sa mga role models ko sa (to my role models in the) industry — Ma’am Karen Davila, if not because of your support I don’t think KaladKaren would fly,” she further said. “And to Meme Vice Ganda, thank you for opening so many doors for us so we can enter. You’re one of the reasons why I’m here tonight.” KaladKaren also acknowledged her fiancé, British seafarer Luke Wrightson: “And to the love of my life, Luke, kung nasaan ka man (wherever you are), for 11 years, you have showed me and you have made me feel that I am more than enough. I love you from the bottom of my heart. He’s my husband-to-be. Ang suwerte niya, noh? (He’s so lucky, right?)” The last part of her speech addressed the children and the youth: “Lahat ng mga batang nangangarap, sa mga LGBTQIA+ na kids, mga batang beki, ‘wag kayong matakot maging kayo at ‘wag kayong matakot mangarap because one day, hindi niyo alam, kayo rin ang nandirito. At sana ‘wag po nating kalimutan ang mensahe ng aming pelikula: Hindi po ang itsura at kasarian ang mahalaga kundi ang inyong puso at kaluluwa (To the kids who are dreaming, to the LGBTQIA+ kids, do not be afraid to be yourselves and to dream because one day, who knows, you would also be the one standing here. And I hope we also remember the message of our film: What’s important is not your appearance or your gender, but your heart and soul).” The LGBTQ+ community also celebrated KaladKaren’s win. Trans activist Mela Franco Habijan wrote on her social media accounts: “Our dearest KaladKaren winning Best Supporting Actress is a beautiful exclamation point for the trans community! It is a huge win for the LGBTQIA+ community! You are power, mars! Congratulations and we are proud of you!” Trans filmmaker Rod Singh, the director of Mamu; And a Mother Too, expressed delight when KaladKaren was nominated, writing on Twitter (@iamrodafrog), “This is a feat! Regardless if Jervi wins or not, this is already a win for the community! A step to the right direction. Magiging precedent din ito (This will be a precendent) for future MMFF! Which means we also have to stand our ground.” The University of the Philippines’ College of Mass Communication also congratulated KaladKaren on its official Facebook page. The actress studied at the university and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Broadcast Communication in 2009. KaladKaren rose to prominence by impersonating broadcast journalist Karen Davila Her screen name is a portmanteau of Karen and the Filipino word “kaladkarin,” meaning “easy to get tagged along,” which can imply being “loose.” She has hosted several television shows such as Umagang Kay Ganda, I Can See Your Voice and The Voice of the Philippines. Last year, she was a regular judge in the first season of Drag Race Philippines. KaladKaren played Wilhemina in Here Comes the Groom, the sequel of the 2010 film Here Comes the Bride, with a plot of souls being “swapped” in an accident during a solar eclipse. It stars Enchong Dee, Racal, Best Supporting Actor winner Keempee de Leon, Awra Briguela, Gladys Reyes, Miles Ocampo, and Xilhouete. The Summer MMFF ran from 8 to 18 April. The post ‘We are more than enough’: KaladKaren dedicates historic win to LGBTQ+ community appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The 51st GMMSF-BOEA: List of winners for movies and TV categories
The 51st Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation Box-Office Entertainment Awards announced on Sunday, Oct. 18, the winners for this year’s annual show simulcast on YouTube and TV 5. The prestigious award-giving body honors Filipino actors, actresses and commercial success. Here are the winners: FILM Phenomenal Box Office Star – Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards (Hello, Love, Goodbye)Box Office King – Aga Muhlach (Miracle in Cell No. 7)Box Office Queen – Xia Vigor (Miracle in Cell No. 7)Film Actor of the Year – Alden Richards, Aga Muhlach (Hello, Love, Goodbye)Film Actress of the Year – Kathryn Bernardo (Hello, Love, Goodbye)Prince of Philippine Movies and Television – Enrique Gil (Alone / Together)Princess of Philippine Movies and Television – Liza Soberano (Alone / Together)Movie Supporting Actor of the Year – Joel Torre (Miracle in Cell No. 7)Movie Supporting Actress of the Year – Bella Padilla (Miracle in Cell No. 7)Most Popular Loveteam of Movies – Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano (Alone / Together)Most Promising Actor – JC Santos (Open Film, 2019)Most Promising Actress – Kim Molina (Jowable)Most Popular Film Producers – Olivia Lamasan and Carlo Katigbak (Star Cinema (ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc.)Most Popular Film Screenwriter – Carmi Raymundo /Rona Go/Cathy Garcia-Molina (Hello, Love, Goodbye)Most Popular Film Director – Cathy Garcia-Molina (Hello, Love, Goodbye)Comedy Actor of the Year – Paolo Ballesteros (The Panti Sisters)Best Acting Ensemble in a Movie – Miracle in Cell No. 7 (VIVA Films) TELEVISION TV Actor of the Year for Primetime – Coco Martin (Ang Probinsyano)TV Actor of the Year for Daytime – JM De Guzman (Pamilya Ko)TV Actress of the Year for Primetime – Angel Locsin (The General’s Daughter)TV Actress of the Year for Daytime TV – Dimples Romana (Kadenang Ginto)Prince of Philippine Television – Joshua Garcia (The Killer Bride)Princess of Philippine Television – Janella Salvadaor (The Killer Bride)TV Supporting Actor of the Year – Tirso Cruz III (The General’s Daughter)TV Supporting Actress of the Year – Yassi Pressman (Ang Probinsyano)Most Popular Male Child Performer – Kenken Nuyad (Parasite Island)Most Popular Female Child Performer – Sophia Reola (Nang Ngumiti ang Langit)Most Popular Loveteam for Television – Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali (Sahaya)Most Promising Loveteam for Television – Andrea Brillantes & Seth Fedelin (Kadenang Ginto)Most Promising Male Star for Television – Kyle Echarri (Kadenang Ginto)Most Promising Female Star for Television – Francine Diaz (Kadenang Ginto)Most Popular TV Program for News & Public Affairs – 24 ORAS (GMA Network)Most Popular TV Program for Primetime Drama – Ang Probinsyano (ABS-CBN)Most Popular TV Program for Daytime Drama – Kadenang Ginto (ABS-CBN)Most Popular TV Program for Talent Search, Reality, Talk and Game Show – Magandang Buhay (ABS-CBN)Most Popular TV Program for Musical-Variety – ASAP Natin ‘To (ABS-CBN)Male TV Host of the Year – Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros (Eat Bulaga!)Female TV Host of the Year – Toni Gonzaga (Pinoy Big Brother Otso, The Voice Kids)Best Ensemble Performance – The General’s Daughter (ABS-CBN).....»»
DOLE lauds outstanding Public Employment Service Offices across nation
The Department of Labor and Employment urged collective action to address the Philippines’ job problems on 25 October during the 23rd National PESO Congress in Palo, Leyte. DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma stressed in his speech the vital role of Public Employment Service Offices or PESO and DOLE’s frontline partners in promoting productive employment at the local level. “The responsibility of realizing the objectives of the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan and the Trabaho para sa Bayan Act is not the DOLE’s responsibility alone. It is jointly shared with our social partners, especially our PESOs. The challenges we face in our employment landscape demand collective action and innovative solutions,” Laguesma said. Laguesma also emphasized the need for open and constructive dialogue with PESO managers across the nation as he bared the department's five-point agenda, which includes strengthening its core functions, fortifying partnerships with employers and educational institutions and digitalizing public employment services. DOLE conferred awards to PESOs with outstanding accomplishments in the past year during the 2022 National Search for Best PESO Awards. Among the accomplishments are the 2.4 million jobseekers employed through the facilitation of PESOs, which translates to a 91 percent placement rate across the regions. PESO Bataan won in the first-class province category, PESO Lanao del Norte in the second-class province category and PESO Aurora in the third to fifth class category. DOLE also hailed PESO Iloilo City as champion for the highly urbanized city category and PESO Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental for the component and independent component city category. Among the awardees for the municipal PESOs were PESO Villasis, Pangasinan (first class municipality category); PESO Pila, Laguna (second to third-class municipality category); and PESO Llanera, Nueva Ecija (fourth to sixth-class municipality category). The University of Batangas was elevated to the Hall of Fame for winning the search for best PESO in 2018 and 2019 and the Bayanihan Service Award in 2020 and 2021. The university job’s placement office received a trophy and a P250,000 cash prize. The post DOLE lauds outstanding Public Employment Service Offices across nation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
S. Korean migrant’s tale to open Asia’s biggest film festival
The world premiere of Jang Kun-jae's "Because I Hate Korea" will open Asia's largest film festival Wednesday night as it looks to rally from a year marked by scandal and budget cutbacks. The South Korean director's tale of a disillusioned young woman who relocates to New Zealand is among 209 official entries from 69 countries set to unspool at the Busan International Film Festival, which runs until 13 October. Eighty will be making their world premieres in the southern port city. This year's edition comes as organizers grapple with the fallout from former festival director Huh Moon-yung's resignation in May amid accusations of sexual misconduct. The scandal saw BIFF's 2023 budget reduced by about 10 percent as sponsors withdrew in the wake of the allegations, according to organizers. Kang Seung-ah, now serving as acting deputy director, acknowledged they had endured a "difficult phase" before assembling a lineup she said was "more substantial than ever before". Opening night director Jang, who noted he'd attended BIFF far more as an audience member than a filmmaker, told a late afternoon news conference he had sought to address serious questions with his film. "I believe it's necessary to pay attention to the fact that many young people are finding it difficult to navigate through Korean society. I started questioning whether our society is providing a fair and equitable foundation for young people to pursue their dreams," he told reporters after a preview screening. Based on the best-selling Chang Kang-myoung novel, "Because I Hate Korea" received support from BIFF's Asia Project Market back in 2016. South Korea has transformed itself into a cultural powerhouse since then thanks to the explosive success of the Oscar-winning "Parasite" and the Netflix series "Squid Game". "Many people are now showing great interest in Korean content such as K-pop, K-movies, and K-dramas. Living in such an era, they might develop a certain fantasy about South Korea, I think," Nam Dong-chul, the festival's acting interim director, told reporters. But "I thought it might be good to consider these views from the perspective of people living in Korea and especially the youth in South Korea", he said of the opening night choice. "They might have different thoughts and experiences." Frequent Bong Joon-ho collaborator Go Ah-sung, who delivered a memorable performance as the protagonist of "Because I Hate Korea", was unable to attend the festival due to a back injury. 'Dear Jinri' Despite Go's absence, the festival will still feature serious star power, with acclaimed Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat scheduled to receive the Asian Filmmaker of the Year award. Three of Chow's films -- "A Better Tomorrow" (1986), "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000) and 2023's "One More Chance" -- will be screened in his honour. Other highly anticipated screenings include "Dear Jinri", a documentary that features late K-pop star Sulli's last and incomplete project. Sulli, born Choi Jin-ri, took her own life in 2019 after a long struggle with online bullying. The film includes her final media interview, which has not been disclosed previously. Korea's filmmaking diaspora will also be showcased with a special series of screenings that includes "Searching" (2018), starring John Cho, and director Celine Song's Sundance favorite "Past Lives". Netflix's highly anticipated "Yellow Door: 90s Lo-fi Film Club" will also have its world premiere at BIFF. The documentary spotlights South Korea's renowned cinephile generation of the 1990s, acclaimed "Parasite" director Bong among them. "The Movie Emperor", director Ning Hao's satirical take on the Chinese film industry starring Hong Kong actor Andy Lau, is set to close the festival. Ning's comedy "deftly captures the fine line between the film industries in Hong Kong and mainland China", as well as the "delicate relationship between Western film festivals and Asian filmmakers", according to the program notes. The post S. Korean migrant’s tale to open Asia’s biggest film festival appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Narcolepsy, cancer tipped as Medicine Prize opens Nobel week
Narcolepsy, cancer, or mRNA vaccine research could win the Nobel Medicine Prize on Monday when a week of announcements kicks off, but experts see no clear frontrunner for the Peace Prize. The awards, first handed out in 1901, were created by Swedish inventor and philanthropist Alfred Nobel in his 1895 will to celebrate those who have "conferred the greatest benefit on mankind." The Medicine Prize is first out and will be announced in Stockholm on Monday around 11:30 a.m. (0930 GMT), followed by the awards for physics on Tuesday, chemistry on Wednesday, and literature on Thursday. The Peace Prize, the most highly-anticipated Nobel and the only one announced in Oslo, will follow on Friday, before the Economics Prize rounds things off on October 9. The Medicine Prize has over the years crowned groundbreaking discoveries like the X-ray, penicillin, insulin, and DNA -- as well as now-disgraced awards for lobotomy and the insecticide DDT. Several Nobel watchers have suggested this year's prize could go to research into narcolepsy and the discovery of orexin, a neuropeptide that helps regulate sleep. It could also go to Hungarian-born Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman of the United States for research that led directly to the first mRNA vaccines to fight COVID-19, made by Pfizer and Moderna. Their discovery has already won a slew of major medicine prizes, but the Nobel committee nowadays often waits decades to bestow its laurels to ensure the research stands the test of time. "Maybe the Academy thinks it needs to look into it more, but someday they should win," predicted Annika Ostman, science reporter at Swedish public radio SR. Gene engineering and IceCube telescope But Ostman said her guess for this year was on Kevan Shokat, an American biologist who figured out how to block the KRAS cancer gene behind a third of cancers, including challenging-to-treat lung, colon, and pancreatic tumors. T-cell therapy for cancer treatment and work on the human microbiome could also be contenders, said David Pendlebury, head of the Clarivate Analytics group which identifies Nobel-worthy research. "There are more people deserving of a Nobel Prize than there are Nobels to go around," he told AFP. Lars Brostrom, Ostman's colleague at SR, singled out two American biologists, Stanislas Leibler, and Michael Elowitz, for their work on synthetic gene circuits which established the field of synthetic biology. It enables scientists to redesign organisms by engineering them to have new abilities. But Brostrom noted the field could be seen as controversial, raising "ethical questions about where to draw the line in creating life". For the Physics Prize, twisted graphene or the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica were seen as possible winners, as well as the development of high-density data storage in the field of spintronics. Peace Prize to Iranian women? For Wednesday's Chemistry Prize, Pendlebury suggested next-generation DNA sequencing could get the nod, or research into how to target and deliver drugs to genes. Brostrom said he would love to see it go to US-based chemist Omar Yaghi for his work into porous materials known as MOFs, which can absorb poisonous gases or harvest water from desert air, and is an "important field for the future" with enormous potential for the environment. Criticism over a lack of gender and geographical diversity has plagued the Nobels over the years. US-based men have dominated the science fields, while women account for just six percent of overall laureates -- something the various award committees insist they are addressing. Among the names making the rounds for Thursday's Literature Prize are Russian author and outspoken Putin critic Lyudmila Ulitskaya, Chinese avant-garde writer Can Xue, British author Salman Rushdie, Caribbean-American writer Jamaica Kincaid and Norwegian playwright Jon Fosse. But for the Peace Prize, experts have been scratching their heads over possible winners, as conflicts rage around the globe. Some have pointed to the Iranian women protesting since the death in custody a year ago of Mahsa Amini, arrested for violating Iran's strict dress code imposed on women. Others suggest organizations documenting war crimes in Ukraine, or the International Criminal Court, which could one day be called upon to judge them. "I think that climate change is a really good focus for the Peace Prize this year," Dan Smith, the head of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, told AFP after a year of extreme weather around the world. For the Economics Prize, research on income and wealth inequality could be honored. Recent winners of the Nobel Medicine Prize Here is a list of the winners of the Nobel Medicine Prize in the past 10 years: 2022: Swedish paleogeneticist Svante Paabo for his discoveries on the genomes of extinct hominins and human evolution. 2021: US duo David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian for discoveries on human receptors responsible for our ability to sense temperature and touch. 2020: Americans Harvey Alter and Charles Rice, together with Briton Michael Houghton, for the discovery of the Hepatitis C virus, leading to the development of sensitive blood tests and antiviral drugs. 2019: William Kaelin and Gregg Semenza of the US and Britain's Peter Ratcliffe for establishing the basis of our understanding of how cells react and adapt to different oxygen levels. 2018: Immunologists James Allison of the US and Tasuku Honjo of Japan, for figuring out how to release the immune system's brakes to allow it to attack cancer cells more efficiently. 2017: US geneticists Jeffrey Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael Young for their discoveries on the internal biological clock that governs the wake-sleep cycles of most living things. 2016: Yoshinori Ohsumi of Japan for his work on autophagy -- a process whereby cells "eat themselves" -- which when disrupted can cause Parkinson's and diabetes. 2015: William Campbell, an Irish-US citizen, Satoshi Omura of Japan, and Tu Youyou of China for unlocking treatments for malaria and roundworm. 2014: American-born Briton John O'Keefe, May-Britt Moser, and Edvard I. Moser of Norway for discovering how the brain navigates with an "inner GPS". 2013: Thomas C. Sudhof, a US citizen born in Germany, and James E. Rothman and Randy W. Schekman of the US for work on how the cell organizes its transport system. The post Narcolepsy, cancer tipped as Medicine Prize opens Nobel week appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD hails winners of 2023 Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino
The Department of Social Welfare and Development, together with partner agencies in the National Committee on the Filipino Family, recognized exemplary Filipino families during the awarding of the 2023 Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino at SM City San Mateo over the weekend as part of the celebration of National Family Week. The NPP aims to recognize and award Filipino families who have significantly contributed towards nation-building and the development of the family as the foundation of Philippine society. In the message of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, which was delivered by DSWD Undersecretary for Policy and Plans Adonis Sulit, the DSWD chief highlighted the courage and strength demonstrated by Filipino families in overcoming life’s challenges as well as their contribution to nation-building. "You and the members of your family are not only exemplary in your love for each other but also in your significant contributions to your communities and society. Your stories of cooperation, care, and even the stories of overcoming life's challenges pave the way for a better future for all of us," Gatchalian said. "Today, I want to convey our heartfelt appreciation to Filipino families who continue to demonstrate the importance of unity, love for one another, and cooperation in our country. Your dedication to family and nation inspires us all," he added. From the regional winners, the NCFF chose the top five model families that will become a pool of ambassadors in promoting NCFF goals, promoting Filipino values, and acting as resource persons in Family Development Sessions, fora, and other family development-related initiatives. Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino from Western Visayas The National Award Grand Winner was bagged by the Delgado family from the province of Antique in Western Visayas. Mr. Joaquin Delgado and Mrs. Benedicta Seguera Delgado were gifted with nine children. With their guidance, perseverance, and efforts, the Delgado couple now have two doctors, five teachers, one international nurse, and a merchant marine graduate. The Delgado family received different awards and recognitions for their invaluable contributions to their community such as in the Sta. Monica Parish; Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals; and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. The Delgado family members also did their part during the COVID-19 vaccination in Antique, volunteering to provide food to students and their families in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette, and conducting feeding programs and reading sessions in their community, among others. “My children had their fair share as they struggled also to sell AVON [products], Sara Lee, butong-butong, coke products, and even did padyak para lang po matustusan ang pangangailangan sa med school at sa college (My children had their fair share as they struggled also to sell AVON, Sara Lee, butong-butong, and coke products, and even did padyak just to make ends meet for their medical school and college expenses.),” Mrs. Delgado said. “Again, I am proud of everyone and I gladly accept this award to challenge our family with shared decision-making despite differences and to inspire that despite how big our families are and how difficult life can be, we always be natatangi,” Mrs. Delgado added. The national winner received a plaque of recognition and a cash prize of P50,000 and another P50,000 from Secretary Gatchalian. The first runner-up was awarded to the Colmo family from Davao Oriental; the second runner-up to the Mandawe family from Cagayan de Oro; the third runner-up to the Bal-iang family from Baguio City; and the fourth runner-up went to the Manuel Family from Cagayan. As the chair of the NCFF, the DSWD vowed to continue to support policies and programs aimed at strengthening the foundation and protection of Filipino families. The post DSWD hails winners of 2023 Natatanging Pamilyang Pilipino appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AboitizPower utilities score tech win for A.I. use
An artificial intelligence-enabled software developed by Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) distribution utilities Davao Light and Power Co. Inc. (Davao Light) and Visayan Electric Company Inc. (Visayan Electric) with Aboitiz Data Innovation Pte. Ltd. gained recognition for helping advance technology and digital transformation in the utilities industry. ADI was awarded the Philippines Technology Excellence Award for A.I. — Utilities in the Asian Technology Excellence Awards 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand for Project A.I. CU (“I see you”), a homegrown idea that began in Davao Light. The project utilizes A.I. to optically scan images of electrical installation components — like those mounted on electrical poles — and check if these align with the records of a distribution utility. After a series of pilot tests in Davao Light, the software was able to identify and tag the asset by its individual and unique compatible unit number which was manually assigned to it beforehand. Each CU represents a grouping of electrical items that a certain electrical asset is composed of. Grouping materials and categorizing assets makes it easier for distribution utilities to identify its infrastructure. Overall, verifying the accuracy of records ensures regulatory compliance, better asset management, operational efficiency, and the continued trust that a distribution utility can deliver justified and cost-effective electricity prices in its franchise area. Reduce manpower The use of A.I. to recognize CUs can also significantly reduce the need for manpower and rendered work hours, allowing team members to dedicate time and effort in other activities. Typically, trained engineers are sent to each electrical installation and visually identify each item installed. “The inspiration for Project A.I. CU goes beyond streamlining asset verification. This initiative serves as a window into how we are leveraging artificial intelligence to transform our operations, making them more efficient and smarter,” said Davao Light Meter Shop Supervisor Mark Anthony Catalan, adding that the idea for Project A.I. CU began in 2019 and was proposed to Davao Light in 2020. Catalan was joined by fellow Davao Light innovators Eric Camerino, Jeffrey Lingatong, Raquel Caro, Russel Bolivar, and Prince Yamyamin in developing Project A.I. CU in its early stages and rejuvenating the search for other possible A.I. applications in the operations of Davao Light, particularly in the aspects of safety, audit and maintenance. Proof of concept The group was able to complete an A.I. model for Project A.I. CU as a proof of concept before turning it over to ADI, the data science and A.I. arm of the Aboitiz Group. In the near future, ADI aspires to refine and scale the project for its full implementation in Visayan Electric and Davao Light. These AboitizPower subsidiaries are the second and third largest distribution utilities in the Philippines, respectively. Once fully implemented, Project A.I. CU is estimated to save both companies millions of pesos in annual operating costs. As such, ADI will also assess its potential use in other AboitizPower distribution utilities. “This award demonstrates the data-driven innovations being applied in AboitizPower and highlights the growing synergies within the Aboitiz techglomerate, which in this case is between our distribution utilities and ADI,” said AboitizPower President and CEO Emmanuel Rubio. “It also reaffirms AboitizPower’s mission of ‘Transforming Energy for a Better World’ as it continues its digitalization and innovation initiative to ensure quality service.” The post AboitizPower utilities score tech win for A.I. use appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AboitizPower utilities score tech win for use of A.I.
An artificial intelligence-enabled software developed by Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) distribution utilities Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. and Visayan Electric Company, Inc. (Visayan Electric) with Aboitiz Data Innovation Pte. Ltd. gained recognition for helping advance technology and digital transformation in the utility industry. ADI was awarded the Philippines Technology Excellence Award for A.I. - Utilities in the Asian Technology Excellence Awards 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand for Project A.I. CU (“I see you”), a homegrown idea that began in Davao Light. The project utilizes A.I. to optically scan images of electrical installation components — like those mounted on electrical poles — and check if these align with the records of a distribution utility. After a series of pilot tests in Davao Light, the software was able to identify and tag the asset by its individual and unique compatible unit (CU) number which was manually assigned to it beforehand. Each CU represents a grouping of electrical items that a certain electrical asset is composed of. Grouping materials and categorizing assets makes it easier for distribution utilities to identify their infrastructure. Overall, verifying the accuracy of records ensures regulatory compliance, better asset management, operational efficiency, and the continued trust that a distribution utility can deliver justified and cost-effective electricity prices in its franchise area. The use of A.I. to recognize CUs can also significantly reduce the need for manpower and rendered work hours, allowing team members to dedicate time and effort to other activities. Typically, trained engineers are sent to each electrical installation and visually identify each item installed. “The inspiration for Project A.I. CU goes beyond streamlining asset verification. This initiative serves as a window into how we are leveraging artificial intelligence to transform our operations, making them more efficient and smarter,” said Davao Light Meter Shop Supervisor Mark Anthony Catalan, adding that the idea for Project A.I. CU began in 2019 and was proposed to Davao Light in 2020. Catalan was joined by fellow Davao Light innovators Eric Camerino, Jeffrey Lingatong, Raquel Caro, Russel Bolivar, and Prince Yamyamin in developing Project A.I. CU in its early stages and rejuvenating the search for other possible A.I. applications in the operations of Davao Light, particularly in the aspects of safety, audit, and maintenance. The group was able to complete an A.I. model for Project A.I. CU as a proof of concept before turning it over to ADI, the data science and A.I. arm of the Aboitiz Group. In the near future, ADI aspires to refine and scale the project for its full implementation in Visayan Electric and Davao Light. These AboitizPower subsidiaries are the second and third-largest distribution utilities in the Philippines, respectively. Once fully implemented, Project A.I. CU is estimated to save both companies millions of pesos in annual operating costs. As such, ADI will also assess its potential use in other AboitizPower distribution utilities. “This award demonstrates the data-driven innovations being applied in AboitizPower and highlights the growing synergies within the Aboitiz techglomerate, which in this case is between our distribution utilities and ADI,” said AboitizPower President and CEO Emmanuel Rubio. “It also reaffirms AboitizPower’s mission of ‘Transforming Energy for a Better World’ as it continues its digitalization and innovation initiative to ensure quality service.” In line with the Aboitiz Group’s Great Transformation, and as a partner in Philippine development via its power generation and distribution assets, AboitizPower is focusing its transformation in the realms of decarbonization, digitalization, and growing beyond its core business. The Company had already indicated its goal of growing its renewable energy portfolio to at least 4,600 megawatts or 50% of its generation mix by the next decade to aid the country’s energy transition to a cleaner power mix. The Asian Technology Excellence Awards was presented by Asian Business Review, a regional magazine serving Asia's dynamic business community. The post AboitizPower utilities score tech win for use of A.I. appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Homemade gin with a hint of malunggay and sampaguita
Swing through the double glass doors along 30th street of Bonifacio Global City and straight into the city’s award-winning drinking den, The Back Room, as it serves its newest elixirs to enjoy. Spearheaded by mixologist Volkan Ibil, The Back Room offers 13 new concoctions. [caption id="attachment_183397" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The Bootleg.[/caption] “The bar’s philosophy is more tipple than fare. Our 13 new signature cocktails are categorized into five themes based on taste preference which were named after a specific narrative of the Prohibition Era: Jag Juice (strong, flavor-forward), Giggle Water (sophisticated and glamorous), Live Wire (refreshing), Moonshine (experimental) and On a Toot (for sharing),” says Ibil, head mixologist of Shangri-La The Fort, Manila. [caption id="attachment_183399" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The Daily.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_183400" align="aligncenter" width="740"] Shoeshine at 30th.[/caption] Since its inception, The Back Room received multiple recognitions, such as 50 Asia’s 50 Best Bar 2019; Best Hotel Bars in the World — The Legend Awards 2020 by Departures Magazine; 51 Asia’s Best Bars 2021; Best Bar in the Philippines by Travel + Leisure Asia’s Best Awards 2022; and most recently 75 Asia’s Best Bars 2023. The Back Room also has its homemade gin — Bee’s Knees — locally made which pays tribute to popular Philippine ingredients: dalandan, malunggay and sampaguita. The post Homemade gin with a hint of malunggay and sampaguita appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EXO’s D.O. returns as soloist after two years
After the global success of EXO’s group comeback Exist, member Doh Kyungsoo, known by his stage name D.O., again goes solo with his second mini-album Anticipation, which drops on 18 September. On 1 September, his agency, SM Entertainment, announced the K-pop idol’s comeback as a solo singer after two years, with a logo update across all their social media platforms and a teaser image showing the singer sitting in front of a desk inside a barely lit room. D.O. also posted the teaser on his Instagram account, which he opened to the public on 10 July. His IG was a surprise, since the 30-year-old K-pop star has kept a minimal social media presence. Although details of the mini-album are yet to be announced, the seven-track EP is sure to highlight once again the singer’s vocals. His first solo album, Empathy, was critically acclaimed following its release in July 2021, topping iTunes’ album charts in 60 countries despite minimal promotions. D.O. is also busy with his acting career and variety show appearances. The multi-award-winning Korean idol-actor recently led the South Korean sci-fi drama film The Moon (2023), written and directed by Kim Yong-hwa, the esteemed director behind box-office hits Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017) and Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days (2018). After bagging his first Male Actor Excellence award at the KBS Drama Awards last year with his impeccable comic acting in Bad Prosecutor, D.O. has bagged nominations for Best Actor at the 2nd Blue Dragon Series Awards with Bad Prosecutor, and another Best Actor nomination at the 32nd Buil Film Awards for The Moon. D.O. and his bandmates are currently headlining the fourth season of the variety show EXO Ladder. He will also star in a new show by Na Yeong-seok with Kim Woo-bin, Lee Kwang-soo and Kim Ki-bang. Pre-orders for D.O.’s second mini-album have officially started in various online and offline music stores. The post EXO’s D.O. returns as soloist after two years appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Family Matters’ wins big at 39th Luna Awards
Family Matters won big at the 39th Luna Awards held Saturday night, 26 August, at the Quezon City Sports Club. The family drama produced by Cineko Productions Inc. was named Best Picture by the award-giving body made up of the Film Academy of the Philippines and supported by the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation Inc. Its cast members Noel Trinidad and Mylene Dizon bagged the trophies for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively, while production designer Elfren Vibar got his own award in his category. “Nakuha sa dasal, kaya thank you, Lord,” Trinidad said in his acceptance speech. “I want to share this award sa lahat na-involve sa pelikula. Para na rin kaming isang pamilya talaga. Nagmamahalan, may tampuhan.” He then thanked director Nuel Naval and screenplay writer Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario. The 82-year-old actor, who plays the patriarch of a family worried sick about him and his wife (Liza Lorena), added, “Shini-share ko ang award na ito sa lahat ng actors at actresses na nakaeksena ko na kasama sa pelikula dahil ang gagaling nilang lahat. Kaya bawat eksena na kasama sila, nagiging very challenging and exciting. So, hindi lang para sa ’kin ’to. Sa atin lahat ito.” He also thanked his real-life wife Lally “for supporting me all these years sa lahat ng projects ko. I love you.” Trinidad bested other lead actors Sid Lucero (Reroute), Cesar Montano (Maid in Malacañang), Christian Bables (Mahal Kita, Beksman) and Jerome Ponce (Katips). In the Best Actress category, Heaven Peralejo emerged as the winner for her impressive performance in the thriller Nanahimik ang Gabi. She won over Liza Lorena (Family Matters), Cristine Reyes (Maid in Malacañang), Cindy Miranda (Reroute) and Belle Mariano (An Inconvenient Love). “Thank you so much to FAP for making a kid’s dream come true,” Peralejo said while accepting her award. “Seven years ago, pangarap ko lang po ’to. Ngayon, this is a big thing for me. I love my job so much, and this means a lot. Thank you.” The 23-year-old actress expressed her gratitude to Lauren Dyogi, who heads the Star Magic talent management agency she was under contract with when the offer to do Nanahimik ang Gabi came. She’s now under the care of Viva Artists Agency. She also gave props to her mother Shirley Luanne, a.k.a. “my mommyger,” saying, “I hope I made you proud. Promise, I’ll keep making you proud.” For her part, Dizon bested in the supporting actress category her Family Matters costar Agot Isidro, as well as Beverly Salviejo (Maid in Malacañang), Elizabeth Oropesa (Maid in Malacañang) and Lara Morena (Relyebo). Dizon, who plays a daughter worried about her parents while also busy raising her own family, thanked her movie’s director and screenplay writer “for choosing me to play Fortune.” She then turned to the people behind the Luna Awards. “It’s such a privilege to work in a film like Family Matters po. Maraming salamat po ni-recognize n’yo ang pelikula namin, na akala namin inisip lang namin na maganda ang pelikula namin. Totoo pala.” Best Supporting Actor winner John Arcilla sent his two sisters to accept his award. The internationally acclaimed actor won against Nonie Buencamino (Family Matters), Keempee de Leon (Mahal Kita, Beksman), Vince Tañada (Katips) and Mon Confiado (Nanahimik ang Gabi). The award for Best Director went to Mikhail Red (Deleter), besting Nuel Naval (Family Matters), Perci Intalan (Mahal Kita, Beksman), Darryl Yap (Maid in Malacañang), Vince Tanada (Katips) and Shugo Praico (Nanahimik ang Gabi). For Best Screenplay, Martika Ramirez Escobar (Leonor Will Never Die) prevailed over Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario (Family Matters), Eric Ramos (Mamasapano), Darryl Yap (Maid in Malacañang) and Joaquin Enrico Santos (An Inconvenient Love). The technical awards went to Carlos Mauricio (Best Cinematography, Leonor Will Never Die), Elfren Vibar (Best Production Design, Family Matters), Lawrence Ang (Best Editing, Leonor Will Never Die), Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso (Best Musical Scoring, Blue Room) and Andrea Idioma (Best Sound Design, Nanahimik ang Gabi). Four special awards were given out in recognition of the outstanding contributions to the cinematic arts and the entertainment industry. Senator Imee Marcos received the Golden Reel Award through her representative, Elizabeth Marcos. Actor Leo Martinez, who also served as FAP director general from 2003 to 2019, accepted the FPJ Lifetime Achievement Award from Mowelfund chairperson and actress Boots Anson-Roa. National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee was given the Manuel de Leon Award for Exemplary Achievements as a writer and an educator. Cinematographer Conrado Baltazar was honored posthumously with the Lamberto Avellana Memorial Award for his timeless works, such as in the classic films Jaguar, Angela Markado, Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang, Insiang and Gumising Ka, Maruja. The post Family Matters’ wins big at 39th Luna Awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Veteran actress Angie Ferro dies at 86
Angie Ferro, an acclaimed veteran actress of stage, TV and film, has passed on, according to tributes by friends and industry colleagues posted online. She was 86. "Rest in eternal peace, our feisty talented driven theater colleague, our dearest Angie Ferro!," wrote Bohol-based theater director and musician Lutgardo Labad, a stalwart colleague of Ferro in the theater company Philippine Education Theater Association or PETA. "Patay na si Uray Hilway ng Amaya at Lola Igna. My teacher, a friend, ina ng aming teatro. Rest in peace, BB. Angie Ferro," said GMA head writer Suzette Severo Doctolero in her own Facebook post. Doctolero's tribute referenced two of the late-career projects that made Ferro a recognizable face and name to younger TV and movie watchers. In 2011-2023, she was in the cast of GMA7's blockbuster period TV series "Amaya". In 2019, at 82 years old, she was the lead star in the independent film "Lola Igna," for which she would win Best Actress in that year's Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino and garner as well a Best Actress Gawad Urian nomination. Born in Baleno, Masbate, Philippines, Ferro was in landmark films across various decades such as Celso Ad Castillo's "Pagputi ng Uwak... Pag-itim ng Tagak (1978) and Lav Diaz's "Ebolusyon ng Isang Pamilyang Pilipino" (2004). She won Best Supporting Actress at the FAMAS Awards for "Pagputi ng Uwak..." and was a supporting actress nominee in the 2005 Gawad Urian for "Ebolusyon". In October 2021, she received the Nora Aunor Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award at the 36th PMPC Star Awards for Movies. She was reported to be in critical condition in May this year, with friends and colleagues rallying for financial support because the actress had no immediate family. The post Veteran actress Angie Ferro dies at 86 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Iran sentences film-maker over Cannes-selected movie
A court in Iran has sentenced prominent movie director Saeed Roustaee to six months in prison for the screening of his film "Leila's Brothers" at the Cannes Film Festival last year, local media reported Tuesday. "Leila's Brothers", a rich and complex tale of a family struggling with economic hardship in Tehran, has been banned in Iran since its release last year. The movie was in competition for the Palme d'Or at last year's Cannes festival. It missed the top prize but won the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) award. On Tuesday, the reformist daily Etemad said that Roustaee, along with the movie's producer Javad Noruzbegi, "were sentenced to six months in prison for screening the movie at the Cannes Film Festival". Roustaee and Noruzbegi were found guilty of "contributing to propaganda of the opposition against the Islamic system." "Leila's Brothers" was banned after it "broke the rules by being entered at international film festivals without authorization," and the director refused to "correct" it as requested by the culture ministry, official media said at the time. The filmmakers will only serve one-twentieth of their sentence, about nine days, while the remainder "will be suspended over five years," according to Etemad, which added the verdict can be appealed. During the suspension period, the defendants will be required to take a film-making course while "preserving national and ethical interests" and refrain from associating with other cinema professionals, the newspaper said. Roustaee, 34, has gained international renown since the 2019 release of his film "Just 6.5", an uncompromising look at Iran's drug problem and the brutal, and fruitless, police response. Iran has long had a thriving cinema scene, with figures like Jafar Panahi and Asghar Farhadi scooping awards around the world. The post Iran sentences film-maker over Cannes-selected movie appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nadine Lustre, ‘Family Matters’ victorious at 71st FAMAS
The 71st Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), the country’s oldest award-giving body for cinema, held its 2023 awarding ceremony on 13 August at the Fiesta Pavilion, Manila Hotel. The drama Family Matters, an entry at the 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival, emerged victorious after bagging four awards out of 12 nominations. Family Matters bested other nominees in the Best Picture award such as Blue Room, Leonor Will Never Die, La Traidora and Deleter. Aside from its Best Picture win, the film also won Best Actor for Noel Trinidad, Best Supporting Actress for Nikki Valdez and Best Editing (Beng Bandong). [caption id="attachment_171195" align="aligncenter" width="525"] 71ST FAMAS Best Actress awardee Nadine Lustre. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF VIVA[/caption] Directed by Nuel Naval, Family Matters is a drama-comedy film that revolves around an elderly married couple and their children who must take turns caring for their parents, especially their stroke-stricken father. Meanwhile, multi-award-winning actress Nadine Lustre secured her second FAMAS Best Actress award for portraying Kichi in the 2019 thriller film Greed. Lustre received her first FAMAS Best Actress award for her performance in the 2018 romance film Never Not Love You. With this achievement, the 29-year-old actress extended her record as the youngest woman to win the Best Actress award at the FAMAS. Several artists and prominent figures also received special awards during the ceremony. Veteran actresses Liza Lorena and Marita Zobel won the Susan Roces Celebrity Award and the FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award, respectively. Popular young actress Jillian Ward received the German Moreno Youth Achievement Award, while actor-director Jun Urbano, known for his iconic “Mr. Shooli” character, was honored with the Dr. Jose R. Perez Memorial Award. Actor and Senator Lito Lapid received the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award, with Mischa and Mattie Lapid accepting the award on behalf of their grandfather, who was absent that night. House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez also won the FAMAS Exemplary Award in Public Service. Below is the full list of the 71st FAMAS Awards winners: Best Picture: Family Matters Best Director: Ma-an Asuncion Dagñalan, Blue Room Best Actress: Nadine Lustre, Greed Best Actor: Noel Trinidad, Family Matters Best Supporting Actress: Nikki Valdez, Family Matters Best Supporting Actor: Sid Lucero, Reroute Best Screenplay: Abet Raz and Alejandro Ramos, La Traidora Best Cinematography: Neil Daza, Blue Room Best Production Design: Eero Yves Francisco, Leonor Will Never Die Best Editing: Beng Bandong, Family Matters Best Musical Score: Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso, Blue Room Best Sound: Alizen Andrade and Immanuel Verona, Reroute Best Short Film: Kurt Soberano’sGolden Bells Male Star of the Night: Sid Lucero Female Star of the Night: Jillian Ward Face of the Night (Male): Mon Confiado Face of the Night (Female): Nadine Lustre Susan Roces Celebrity Award: Liza Lorena FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award: Marita Zobel German Moreno Youth Achievement Award: Jillian Award Dr. Jose R. Perez Memorial Award: Jun Urbano Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award: Lito Lapid FAMAS Exemplary Award in Public Service: Ferdinand Martin Romualdez The post Nadine Lustre, ‘Family Matters’ victorious at 71st FAMAS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cinemalaya acting winners mostly first-timers
The Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, which this year had the theme “IlumiNasyon,” concluded its 10-day run on 13 August with the awarding ceremony held at the grand lobby of the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. Jasmine Curtis-Smith hosted the ceremony and sweetly reminded everyone of the goal to conclude it in less than two hours. Iti Mapupukaw made history in Cinemalaya's 19 years of operations by being the first animated entry and winning Best Film in the full-length category. “Gusto kong ibigay ito sa lahat ng mga Eric na inalisan ng bibig at hindi nakapagsalita,” said the movie’s director, Carl Joseph Papa, in his acceptance speech. He was referring to the lead character named Eric (played by Carlo Aquino) who literally has no mouth and can’t speak but goes on to overcome a traumatic experience. In the short film category, Januar Yap’s Sibuyas ni Perfecto was named Best Film for its “quiet but coruscating take on social iniquity and how the poor’s exploitation by the rich is driven by their own denigration and self-abasement.” The top-grossing Iti Mapupukaw also won the NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific) award for “its finely nuanced, masterfully crafted tale of healing, friendships and young love, effectively utilizing state-of-the-art technology that is integrate to its storytelling.” The NETPAC for short film went to Hinakdal for “its pithy, layered and strong social commentary lace with dollops of humor.” Dolly de Leon, who plays Eric’s mother Rosalinda, won Best Performance of a Supporting Actress. She thanked Papa “for your beautiful script, your beautiful story,” adding“Kung hindi dahil sa ’yo, talagang hindi ito mangyayari.” The internationally acclaimed actress also thanked the movie’s producers Antoinette Jadaone and Dan Villegas of Project 8 Projects film production company, as well as costars Carlo Aquino and Gio Gahol. She then exclaimed, “Grabe, first time kong makatanggap at magsalita ng award dito sa Pilipinas. Ang sarap pala ng feeling.” She later clarified to media outlets covering the event that she meant giving an acceptance award here in the Philippines. She wasn’t able to do that when she won the Famas Best Supporting Actress award in 2020 for the film Verdict. Newcomer Pat Tingjuy, who played the lead role in the coming-of-age volleyball movie Rookie, bagged the award for Best Performance of an Actress in first-ever acting project. She was understandably speechless when she accepted her award. “I don’t know what to say,” she said, but went on to thank the producers, who are also from Project 8 Projects, and then admitted, “Naiyak ako.” Tingjuy’s costar Mikoy Morales won the award for Best Performance of an Actor for his other entry, the sexually charged Tether. “This means so much to me,” said the GMA-7’s homegrown artist in his acceptance speech. Rounding up the acting awards was Bon Andrew Lentejas for Best Supporting Actor, who was singled out for his “engaging portrayal of a young man trying to under his best friend’s difficult ways” in another coming-of-age movie, Huling Palabas. Tingjuy, Morales and Lentejas are all first-time acting award winners. The stellar cast of Ang Duyan ng Magiting — including de Leon, Agot Isidro, Bituin Escalante, Joel Saracho and Paolo O’Hara — was given the special award for Best Ensemble Acting. Dustin Celestino’s full-length feature film got the Special Jury Prize for presenting, among others, a “trenchant portrait of the wages of political violence.” Its counterpart in the short film category went to Sam Villa-Real and Kim Timan’s Hm Hm Mhm for “its boldly experimental verve to depict a woman revisiting the darker aspects of her childhood.” The Best Director awards were bestowed on Ryan Espinosa Machado for Huling Palabas (full-length feature) and Mike Cabarles for Makoko sa Baybay (short film). Machado was commended for effectively harnessing “the resources of art to come up with a deeply personal film that evokes fond memories of pre-digital cinema while paying homage to one’s small-town roots, and how all of this contributes to fashioning self-respect and self-identity.” Cabarles was lauded for employing “the resources of cinema in effectively evoking the loneliness of two brothers missing their mother whom they have lost to the sea.” The awards for Best Screenplay were given to Jopy Arnaldo, who also directed Gitling (full-length feature film), and Arvin Belarmino, the cowriter, along with Kyla Romero, of Hinakdal (short film). Gitling was cited for “its very tender tale of two persons bridging the divide between races and cultures and, through constructed language and through silence and even evasion, coming to a poignant understanding of the heart.” On the other hand, Hinakdal got the jury’s nod for the “very striking narrative that remakes the horror genre while humanizing and endowing them with heart and soul.” Kevin Mayuga’s When This Is All Over won three technical awards: Best Cinematography for Martika Escobar, Best Production Design and Best Original Musical Score for Kindred. Kindred is composed of Justin Punzalan, Vince Dalida, Luis Montales, Jaime San Juan, Moses Webb, Fern Tan, Jorge Juan Wieneke V, Othello Intia. Samatha Lee’s Rookie nabbed the Best Editing award for Ilsa Malsi while Gian Arre’s Tether got the Best Sound for the filmmaker who’s also responsible for this technical aspect. Rookie also received the Audience Choice award for full-length feature film, along with Hinakdal in the short film category. The post Cinemalaya acting winners mostly first-timers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nadine Lustre, ‘Family Matters’ win big at the FAMAS awards
Nadine Lustre continues to seal her legacy as one of the best actors of her generation as she bags another plum acting trophy not to mention 'Face of The Night' at the recently concluded FAMAS awards. "Family Matters" is the big winner getting four awards including Best Picture. The other "Family Matters" winners are Noel Trinidad as best actor, Nikki Valdez as best supporting female actor and Beng Bandong for editing. Here is the list of winners at the FAMAS awards 2023: Best Picture: Family Matters Best Director: Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan for (Blue Room) Best Actor (Female): Nadine Lustre for (Greed) Best Actor (Male): Noel Trinidad for (Family Matters) Best Screenplay: Abet Raz and Alejandro Ramos for (La Traidora) Best Editing: Beng Bandong for (Family Matters) Best Cinematography: Neil Daza for (Blue Room) Best Supporting Actress: Nikki Valdez for (Family Matters) Best Supporting Actor: Sid Lucero for (Reroute) Best Production Design: Eero Yves Francisco for (Leonor Will Never Die) Best Musical Score: Jazz Nicolas and Mikey Amistoso for (Blue Room) Best Sound: Alizen Andrade and Immanuel Verona for (Reroute) Best Short Film: Golden Bells (Kurt Soberano) Special Awards: FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award (Marita Zobel), Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award (Sen. Lito Lapid) Susan Roces Celebrity Award (Liza Lorena), Dr. Jose R. Perez Memorial Award (Jun Urbano), German Moreno Youth Achievement Award (Jillian Ward), FAMAS Exemplary Award in Public Service (House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez) The glamour awards: Face of the Night (Male): Mon Confiado Face of the Night (Female): Nadine Lustre Male Star of the Night: Sid Lucero Female Star of the Night: Jillian Ward The post Nadine Lustre, ‘Family Matters’ win big at the FAMAS awards appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Jung Hae-in’s swoon-worthy love advice at Manila fan meet: ‘Love with all your might’
K-drama star Jung Hae-in met Filipino fans for the third time with his solo fan meeting tour The 10th Season at the New Frontier Theater on 13 August. The D.P. actor showed his youthful charm and enthusiasm as he sang songs, played interactive games and talked about his experiences and personal plans. The actor sent his audience into a swoon when, asked for love advice, he said: “I guess I could say to you that if you’re going to love somebody, please love. Love them with your all might to the point that you will have no regret.” However, the 35-year-old actor said he has no marriage plans at the moment and is focused more on his acting career. The fan meeting concluded with the actor singing a cover of Hyolyn’s “I Choose to Love You.” The 10th Season fan meeting tour celebrates Jung Hae-in’s 10th anniversary in the entertainment industry. It also marks his biggest fan meeting since his debut. Manila served as his tour’s second stop, with the fan meeting tour starting in Seoul on 22 July. He will meet more fans in Macau (13 August), Hong Kong (12 September), Jakarta (16 September), Japan (30 September), Bangkok (21 October) and Singapore (29 October), with more stops to be revealed in the future. This is Jung Hae-in’s third fan meeting held in Manila. He met Filipino fans for the first time in June 2018 with Smile and the second time in September 2019 for One Summer Night. Jung Hae-in rose to fame with his lead role in While You Were Sleeping (2017) alongside Suzy and Lee Jong-suk, and his supporting role in Prison Playbook (2017). He was also acclaimed for Something in the Rain (2018), One Spring Night (2019) and Snowdrop (2021-2022), where he teamed up with Blackpink superstar Jisoo. Jung gained even more international fame when he led the multi-award-winning web series D.P. in 2021. The highly-anticipated second season premiered on Netflix on 28 July. The post Jung Hae-in’s swoon-worthy love advice at Manila fan meet: ‘Love with all your might’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LIST: Mga nominado sa 71st FAMAS Awards; Nadine, John, Ian kumasa sa top acting honors
NAGLABAS na ng kumpletong listahan ang 71st Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards para sa mga nominado ngayong taon. Kabilang sa “Best Actress” ang award-winning actress na si Nadine Lustre para sa kanyang pagganap sa pelikulang “Greed.” Ang mga makakalaban niya riyan ay sina Liza Lorena (“Family Matters”), Heaven Peralejo (“Nanahimik ang […] The post LIST: Mga nominado sa 71st FAMAS Awards; Nadine, John, Ian kumasa sa top acting honors appeared first on Bandera......»»
‘The Cheating Game’ director thinks Julie Anne is superstar material
GMA Public Affairs, GMA Network’s news and public affairs division, is now producing movies. Its debut feature, the romantic drama, The Cheating Game, stars real-life couple Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz, or “JulieVer.” San Jose plays Hope, an NGO worker who breaks up with her fiancé and colleague Brian (Martin del Rosario) for cheating on her. [caption id="attachment_164002" align="aligncenter" width="1708"] Martin del Rosario as Brian.[/caption] Trying to move on from her painful break-up, she starts looking for a new job until she is finally hired by a company specializing in social media content, where she channels all her negative energy. Hope soon meets a random guy, Miguel (Cruz), at a Kamuning overpass, who begins to actively pursue her without reason. Wary at first, she eventually warms up to Miguel, who tells her that he is giving her license to use him as her rebound. [caption id="attachment_164001" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Rayver Cruz as Miguel.[/caption] But Hope’s promising new romance with Miguel is not that hopeful, as it is still overshadowed by a viral sex video that involves Brian its leakage may or may not involve those close to her. The Cheating Game is directed by fiction author Rod Marmol, who is best known for helming Cuddle Weather (2019) and Mata Tapang (2018). The story and concept are by Peabody award-winning documentary writer and producer Shao Masula, with Marmol and Jessie Villabrille serving as screenwriters. Julie Anne San Jose’s acting method In an exclusive chat with Daily Tribune, Marmol describes the 29-year-old San Jose, who showed impressive naturalism in her performance as the scorned woman. “I sincerely think that Julie has all the makings of a movie superstar. She has it all. Unparalleled professionalism. Magaan sa set (Easy to work with on set). Understands her character through and through,” Marmol said. In the film, San Jose’s Hope is frequently tearful. Effortless in her small and big dramatic scenes, she earned the admiration of her director, who reveals San Jose’s talent in shedding tears in front of the camera. “She knows not just one way of crying, marami (but many). She knows how to cry beautifully, how to wail uncontrollably, how to let only one tear drop fall, how to hold back her tears. She has mastered her instrument and this allows her to seamlessly morph from one character to another,” Marmol said. Marmol further told Daily Tribune that while they were filming The Cheating Game, San Jose was also shooting the final episodes of GMA’s hit series Maria Clara at Ibarra, praising the actress for her excellent command of her craft. “Ganoon siya kahusay (That’s how good she is),” he praised. Not your typical romance The Cheating Game cannot be simply boxed in a specific genre, making the film not your typical or formulaic love story. When asked about his influences as a director, Marmol candidly revealed his inspirations for GMA Public Affair’s first offering. “Some of my inspirations for this movie are films like Amélie (2001), Once (a 2007 Irish romantic musical drama) and, of course, Phoebe Waller-Bridges’ series Fleabag (on HBO). Gustong-gusto ko ng mga madaldal na pelikula na hindi takot mag-swimming sa emosyon (I am enamored with dialogue-heavy films that are not afraid to wallow in emotion). I’m a big sucker for beautifully-flawed female leads,” he explained. He also explained that his top three favorite filmmakers are Hirokazu Kore-eda, Jordan Peele and Lino Brocka. “Ang galing nilang maghimay ng kalungkutan (They are so good at dissecting sadness),” he explained. For the film’s style, treatment and color palette, which sometimes shifts to dreamy, with a touch of European vibe but highlights the nitty-gritty reality of Metro Manila, Marmol does not take credit for it alone. “Regarding the treatment of The Cheating Game, tingin ko ay (I think it is the) combined effect iyon ng (of the) talent ng core team namin (of our core team). Our assistant director is Chad Cabigon, who has mounted dozens of the most-awarded Filipino films of the past decade. Our director of photography is Arbi Barbarona, an Urian-winning filmmaker from Davao. Our production designer, this is his first movie, Kenneth Villanueva. Kaya, ang fresh pa ng mata and ramdam mo pa yung (So the vision is still fresh and you can feel that) hunger to be excellent. And syempre lahat ng ito, nakabalot sa (And of course, these are all under wrapped in the) guidance ng (of) GMA Public Affairs.” Millennial issues When asked what he is most excited about showing this movie to the Filipino audience, Marmol said: “I hope that the Filipino audience appreciates the honesty of the movie. We tried to capture the gray area that most people find themselves in when trying to heal from a traumatic heartache while building the foundation of a new romance. I also hope that they appreciate what Julie’s character, Hope Celestial, is trying to represent — which is the generation of overworked, underpaid millennials.” Asked about the challenges of directing The Cheating Game, Marmol said: “Challenges? Hmm, as always, marami (a lot) haha. Pero siguro, like most Filipino films, resources. It’s hard to compete with Hollywood movies when we only get less than a tenth of the resources that they get.” He explained that 95 percent of The Cheating Game was shot in only 11 days. “I hope that in the future, we get more investors betting on Filipino films so we can afford to prepare more and execute our stories in the best manner possible. We owe that to ourselves, we owe that to our stories, we owe that to our audiences.” The film also stars Winwyn Marquez, Yayo Aguila, Candy Pangilinan, Phi Palmos, Thea Tolentino, and Paolo Contis. The Cheating Game is now playing in cinemas. [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="163999,164000"] The post ‘The Cheating Game’ director thinks Julie Anne is superstar material appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fortman Cline declared Best M& A Advisory Team in SE Asia
Fortman Cline Capital Markets was recently named the Best Mergers and Acquisitions Advisory Team in Southeast Asia for 2023 by Capital Finance International, a premier London-based print journal and online resource for business, economics and finance. In recognition of FCCM’s work as a corporate finance advisory and consulting firm, CFI wrote that the firm has “demonstrated a track record on assisting entrepreneurs and family businesses achieve transformational growth via joint ventures, external fund-raising placements, and inorganic acquisitions.” “In addition, it has assisted a number of entrepreneurs monetize their businesses via strategic transactions with responsible partners that could transform businesses towards a larger scale. The team has also developed specialized practices in healthcare, consumer businesses, infrastructure, and logistics. It has complemented its workforce with industry professionals,” CFI further said. The CFI award program aims to demonstrate “the many ways in which the economies of the world are converging” and the awards are given to individuals and organizations “that truly add value.” This is the second time that CFI has bestowed the recognition to FCCM. The first time was in 2019. That same year, FCCM was also given the Most Innovative Solutions Provider Award from International Finance, Inc. FCCM has been ranked as one of the top M&A firms in the Philippines by Bloomberg and in Southeast Asia by Thomson Reuters. “Having meaningful dialogues with our clients over a company’s lifecycle is very important. This develops customer loyalty, and annuity like revenue streams vis-à-vis a transaction-oriented approach to business,” said FCCM president and co-founder Daniel D. Ibasco. FCCM acted as one of the two financial advisers of Professional Services Inc., the company that owns The Medical City, as it recently sealed the deal with Luxembourg-based CVC Capital Partners. The deal will involve a control entry by CVC over the hospital’s Philippine assets and operations through a combination of convertible notes and secondary share purchases via an ongoing tender offer. FCCM has also assisted PSI in refinancing $146 million worth of guaranteed obligations of its subsidiary in Guam with non-recourse long-term debt from a syndicate of South Korean lenders. FCCM has assisted TMC grow into one of the largest healthcare networks in the Philippines through a series of multiple transactions performed for TMC over the last 10 years. In November 2022, FCCM advised TMC on the issuance of up to P12.7 billion of convertible notes to Universal Healthcare Services, Pte., Ltd., which is managed by CVC. The move is part of the hospital’s recapitalization program. “The current industry environment is ripe with opportunity driven by a demand for quality healthcare services, an increase in healthcare spending, and a growing middle class population,” Ibasco said. Prior to the CVC-TMC deal, FCCM advised Mang Inasal Philippines Inc. on its sale of a 70-percent stake to Jollibee Foods Corporation, and All First Equity Holdings on its acquisition of a 60-percent equity stake in Philippine Geothermal Production Company, Inc. from Chevron Geothermal Philippines Holdings, LLC (USA). The firm was also the financial advisor of San Miguel Corporation’s acquisition of Citra Tollways’ interest in the Southern Luzon Expressway, the sale of Air 21 Group to AC Logistics Holdings Corporation, the sale of 51% of The Generics Pharmacy to Robinson Retail Holdings, Inc., Bounty Fresh Food Inc.’s $300 million acquisition of Tegel Foods Ltd. in New Zealand, Fernwood Holdings, Inc.’s acquisition of a 100-percent stake in Liquigaz Philippine Corporation, and more. Before founding FCCM along with Gary P. Cheng in 2007, Ibasco headed Asian Capital Markets and Southeast Asian Investment Banking for Bear Stearns and Co. in Singapore and Hong Kong. He has over 30 years of experience in investment banking, debt and equity capital markets, private and venture equity and special situations, specializing in emerging markets and Southeast Asia. Cheng, on the other hand, is currently the Managing Director of FCCM. He was the president and CEO of Amalgamated Investment Bancorporation and has worked with J.P. Morgan in New York, Hong Kong, and London. Ibasco and Cheng are joined in the top executive positions by Clarisse T. Tan and Michael C. Tiutan, Executive Directors for the Investment Banking Group. Earlier in the year, FCCM established a management consulting arm under the leadership of Francis S. Del Val, who has more than three decades of global executive experience. The post Fortman Cline declared Best M&A Advisory Team in SE Asia appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»