Category: Entertainment

ALAMINOS, Philippines — Alaminos City in western Pangasinan is hosting its month-long Hundred Islands Festival, a celebration that aims to highlight the city’s agricultural prowess, particularly in oyster production, and to boost tourism. The festival includes a variety of events, with the Talaba Ihaw-Ihaw (oyster grilling) as one of its main attractions held on Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the city stands as the largest producer of oysters in the Pangasinan region. The mayor expressed hopes that the city’s oysters would gain popularity similar to that of Alaminos City longganisa (local pork sausage). He reported that 185 sacks of freshly harvested oysters were consumed during the grilling event, which took place along a 400-meter stretch of Barangay Poblacion.

City aquaculturist Mikhaela Tamayo revealed that Alaminos has approximately 1.5 hectares of oyster farms spread across the villages of Pangapisan, Mona, Cayucay, and Baleyadaan. Last year, the city’s oyster production reached 766 metric tons, thanks to the efforts of 266 oyster farmers. Alaminos has seen success with the adoption of modified bamboo raft technology, introduced by the Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI). This technology, which was funded by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research and implemented in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Ilocos and National Fisheries Development Center, has led to the installation of 29 modified bamboo rafts in Barangay Baleyadaan.

Tamayo highlighted the environmental and operational benefits of the bamboo raft technology, which has been praised by farmers for its safety and ease of harvesting. This method has also been credited with reducing mortality rates among oysters, facilitating faster growth, and improving meat quality.

The festival not only celebrates the city’s agricultural achievements but also aims to attract more visitors to the Hundred Islands. Last year, the Hundred Islands National Park saw an increase in tourist arrivals, with 438,619 visitors, a 12 percent rise from the 389,006 visitors in 2022. While the figures have not yet reached the pre-pandemic level of 520,000 visitors in 2019, they significantly surpassed the numbers from 2020 and 2021. Tourism receipts for the city also saw an increase, rising to PHP44 million from the previous year’s PHP33.3 million.

The Hundred Islands Festival features several other activities, including a lights parade, street dancing competition, the first Hundred Islands Amazing Challenge, Miss Hundred Islands 2024, an invitational hip-hop dance showdown, an agri-trade and tourism expo, and a longganisa cookfest. These events aim to showcase the city’s vibrant culture and tourism potential, alongside its agricultural success.

MANILA — The Philippine entertainment industry is in mourning following the death of acclaimed actress Jaclyn Jose, who passed away from a heart attack on March 2 at the age of 60. Senator Jinggoy Estrada, a figure in both politics and cinema, shared his condolences and recognition of Jose’s significant contributions to Philippine film.

According to Philippines News Agency, Estrada has filed Senate Resolution 942 to formally express the Senate’s profound sympathy and condolences to Jose’s bereaved family. He praised Jose for her unparalleled talent and her lasting impact on the industry. “Her awards and recognition speak volumes about her unique skill and talent, which have become a remarkable part of Filipino film history,” Estrada stated, acknowledging her indelible mark on the craft.

Jose’s monumental achievement at the 69th Cannes Film Festival, where she was awarded Best Actress for her role in “Ma’ Rosa,” stands as a historic moment for the Philippines. She is the first Filipino, as well as the first actress from Southeast Asia, to receive this prestigious award, triumphing over renowned international talents such as Charlize Theron, Marion Cotillard, and Isabelle Huppert. Estrada highlighted how this victory not only brought national pride but also affirmed the global stature of Filipino artistry and storytelling.

In response to Jose’s international acclaim, Estrada mentioned the proposal of Senate Bill No. 1032, dubbed the World-Class Filmmakers’ Incentives Act, which aims to bolster Philippine cinema on the global stage through tax incentives. Jose’s career, decorated with accolades from the Gawad Urian Awards, FAMAS Awards, and Luna Awards, spanned over four decades, inspiring countless actors and film enthusiasts with her compelling performances. “She made her characters come alive, resonating with audiences far and wide,” Estrada emphasized, celebrating her legacy.

Senator Robinhood Padilla, also transitioning from acting to politics, joined Estrada in mourning Jose’s loss, extending heartfelt condolences to her family and highlighting her esteemed status within the entertainment community. “We join in solidarity to offer our sympathies for the loss of the admired and beloved Jaclyn Jose,” Padilla remarked, echoing the sentiment of loss felt across the Senate and the broader Philippine entertainment industry.

TUTONG DISTRICT – The Satay Festival in Tutong District remained open to the public until 11:30 p.m., featuring contributions from 11 satay entrepreneurs. This culinary event took place at the Gerai Selera Tutong area, marking its debut as an initiative to boost the local district’s vibrancy. The festival was inaugurated by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, who also took the opportunity to present certificates of appreciation to participating satay entrepreneurs.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the Satay Festival was jointly organized by the Tutong Municipal Department, Tutong District Office, and Tutong District Development and Creative Body. The event aimed to celebrate and promote the local satay industry, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their culinary skills to the public.

MANILA — The 49th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) celebrated Filipino cinema’s vibrancy and creativity, with the historical movie ‘Gomburza’ clinching seven awards, including Best Director and Second Best Picture. ‘Firefly,’ a fantasy film, was awarded the Best Picture, along with Best Child Performer and Best Screenplay.

According to Philippines News Agency, MMFF Executive Chairman and MMDA Deputy Chairman, Undersecretary Frisco San Juan Jr., highlighted in his opening remarks the festival’s commitment to promoting Filipino filmmaking talent. He praised this year’s films for showcasing the diversity of the Philippine cinematic landscape. Other notable winners included ‘Mallari’ with four awards, and celebrated actress Vilma Santos, who won Best Actress for her role in “When I Met You in Tokyo.” The festival, which is a significant platform for the local film industry, will have its entries screened at the Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles in January 2024. The MMFF, an initiative of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, contributes proceeds to various beneficiaries within the film industry.

Bandar Seri Begawan – Over 50 local vendors are participating in the ‘Thrift and Chill’ expo, a part of the Brunei December Festival 2023. This sales expo, hosted at Rimba Point until Tuesday, 26th December, is drawing public attention from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.

According to Radio Television Brunei, The expo serves as a significant platform for local businesses to promote and expand their market presence directly to customers, encouraging domestic spending. The range of products on sale includes new and used clothes, electronics, home goods, among others, showcasing the diversity and creativity of local entrepreneurs.

Tutong: The Kampung Ukong Festival 2023, organized by the Kampung Ukong Consultative Council, recently concluded at the Kampung Ukong Sports Court in the Tutong District. The two-day event, which wrapped up on the afternoon of 17th December, attracted visitors with various sales and engaging activities.

According to Radio Television Brunei, During the festival, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a range of activities, such as ketupat and ambuyat making. There was also a coloring competition for children, adding a family-friendly dimension to the event. The festival served as a community-centric event, bringing together residents and visitors for a celebration of local culture and communal activities.

Tutong District – The Kampung Ukong Consultative Council has launched the inaugural Kampung Ukong Festival 2023, aimed at enhancing the end-of-year school holiday experience. This first-of-its-kind festival is taking place at the Kampung Ukong Sports Arena in the Tutong District and will run until December 17th, 2023.

According to radio Television Brunei, the festival was officially opened by Awang Muhammad Sofian bin Haji Basri, the Acting Tutong District Officer. A member of the Legislative Council was also in attendance. The festival features an array of attractions including food and drink stalls, local products, and various engaging activities. The event serves a dual purpose: to provide a platform for small businesses to showcase their products and to foster stronger relationships among consultative council members and village residents. The festival welcomes visitors from 7 in the morning until 4 in the morning.

Tutong District, Brunei – The Bedanu Festival 2023, an event under the Brunei December Festival, was inaugurated on the morning of 10th December at Wasai Bedanu Recreational Park in the Tutong District. The festival, organized by the Kampung Kiudang and Padnunok Consultative Council, aims to foster community engagement and economic growth.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Awang Mohammad Sofian bin Haji Basri, the Acting Tutong District Officer, officiated the festival’s launch. The event is part of the Wasai Bedanu Recreational Park Eco-tourism Transformation Plan, designed to boost local socioeconomics through eco-tourism, entrepreneurship, and social community events. Highlights included village bazaars, cultural exhibitions, family games, and the 3-hour Bedanu Trail Challenge, with prize presentations for six categories.

Following concerns raised by Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton about the environmental impact of the event in Azerbaijan, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) has announced that the 2024 Prize Gala will be held in Kigali, Rwanda.

According to Africa News Agency, This decision signifies the FIA’s effort to address sustainability and governance issues raised by Hamilton, a seven-time world champion.

The FIA’s choice of Kigali for its next Prize Gala, scheduled for December 2024, reflects a growing awareness and commitment to environmental considerations within the world of motorsport.

The 21st Borneo Island International Big Bike Festival (BIIBBF) commenced on the evening of 8th December with the ‘Malam Berdudun Kitani’ event. The festival, attracting 700 participants from Borneo and Southeast Asia, is co-organized by the Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Brunei History Centre, and PEMODA. The event is part of the Brunei December Festival and is being held at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex in the capital.

According to Radio Television Brunei, The BIIBBF aims to promote Brunei Darussalam as an attractive tourist destination and support the country’s tourism industry and small and medium enterprises through a unique and prestigious festival. Dayang Salinah Binti Haji Mohd Salleh, Acting Director of Tourism Development, and Awang Mohammad Faisal bin Haji Mat Salleh, Acting Head of the Brunei History Centre, were among the attendees. The festival, featuring various activities, will continue until 10th December.

Over 50 films vied for accolades at the 6th Edition of the PRISM UBD Short Film Festival, held at the University Technology Hub, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). The festival, themed ‘Crisis and Opportunity’, saw participation from local and ASEAN educational institutions.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Mahakarya Institute of the Arts Asia clinched the Best Animated Film Award; Politeknik Brunei received the Best Documentary Short Film Award; Bangkok University and Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand, were honored with the Best Experimental Short Film Award; UBD won the Best Social Media Content Award; and the Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Thailand, secured the Best Fiction Short Film Award.

Apayao – In a significant move towards peace and reconciliation, the Apayao provincial government awarded PHP500,000 each to six former rebels as part of their reintegration into society. The cash aid was distributed in a ceremony attended by the beneficiaries and government officials.

According to Philippines News Agency, The recipients, including a 20-year-old former rebel identified as ‘Ka Axel’, expressed gratitude for the assistance, which they see as a substantial step in starting anew and reuniting with their families. The financial aid is part of the provincial government’s efforts to address insurgency, complemented by commitments from various government agencies like the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, and others as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who administered the oath of allegiance to the former rebels, emphasized the value of freedom and peace over monetary aid, praising Apayao’s commitment to peace and security.

The event also included the presentation of confiscated and surrendered war materials by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to Teodoro. These included six M16 rifles, a grenade launcher, an M653 rifle, and other explosive devices. Teodoro highlighted the dangers posed by landmines and expressed relief at their confiscation. The initiative reflects a broader strategy to encourage rebels to surrender and reintegrate into society, emphasizing local government autonomy in managing peace and order situations.