Category: Entertainment

An Exhibition and Painting Charity Sale titled "Ikhlas tapi Jauh, Palestine Di Hati Ku" was launched on the afternoon of 18th November at Art Avenue Mabohai Shopping Complex. The event featured works from 17 local painters and aims to support the Palestine Humanitarian Fund.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Pengiran Muhammad Ameer Mubarak bin Pengiran Haji Hasim, Temburong District Officer, officiated the exhibition organized by Yayasan Seni Zakaria Omar in collaboration with Impian 7 Art Group. The proceeds from the painting sales will be donated to the humanitarian cause and the exhibition is open to the public until the end of the month.

NEGROS ORIENTAL - The organizers of the Negros Oriental provincial government's Buglasan Festival 2023 responded on Thursday to allegations of non-payment of subsidies for the Ms. Negros Oriental candidates. Social media posts had claimed that the candidates were owed PHP40,000 each.

According to Philippines News Agency, the subsidies for the Miss Negros Oriental candidates, amounting to PHP40,000 each, had already been released by the Provincial Treasurer's Office to the participating local government units (LGUs). The municipality of San Jose, for example, received its subsidy on October 19. Descuatan advised candidates and their handlers to address their concerns to their respective LGUs, as the funds were no longer with the provincial government. She urged LGUs with funding concerns to directly communicate with the provincial government. Several LGUs, including Canlaon City, Sta. Catalina, Bacong, Basay, and La Libertad, have already released the subsidies to their candidates and handlers. This year marked the first time the provincial government provided subsidies to Miss Negros Oriental candidates. Descuatan also denied any knowledge of disallowances by the Commission on Audit. The Buglasan Festival, a significant cultural event in Negros Oriental, is celebrated annually in October and showcases the province's diverse cultures, heritage, and tourism destinations.

Singapore - President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the critical role of digital technologies in transforming the finance sector during his address at the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) via hologram. Speaking to the festival's participants, Marcos Jr. stressed the need to shape the digital future of finance and expressed the Philippines' openness to collaboration in this area.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos Jr. said that the Philippines is ready to adapt to new technologies to meet regional and global challenges. He called for collective efforts to utilize technology in creating a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous world. He emphasized his administration's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to collaboration, noting public-private partnerships that have evolved in response to the fast-changing ICT landscape. The president also pointed out the Philippines' burgeoning status as a hub for digital innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting the dynamic startup scene in the country. He invited global partners to explore potential collaborations with Filipino startups. Additionally, Marcos Jr. recognized the importance of digital banking and inclusive finance in the country's financial landscape, stressing the aim of leaving no one behind in the pursuit of progress. The Philippine government is prioritizing the digitalization of cash flows to help Filipinos build a digital profile. The president expressed appreciation for the SFF's role as a global platform for sharing, learning, and cooperation, vital for fostering an inclusive and sustainable financial sector. The SFF 2023 brings together over 500 exhibitors from 134 countries, offering a platform to discuss global financial technology trends and opportunities. The Philippine Country Pavilion at the SFF showcases the Marcos administration's 'Bagong Pilipinas' governance approach and transformation across various societal and governmental sectors.

The Family Camping Brunei Club commemorated its third anniversary with a two-day camping event starting from 11th November at Kampung Parit Recreational Park.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the event saw participation from over 150 individuals. The camping activity included various family-oriented events such as games for children, a movie screening, and a competition for the best tent.

The organizer highlighted that the event provided families with an opportunity to bond and enjoy the natural beauty of the recreational area. The camping activity underscores the club's commitment to promoting family togetherness and appreciation for outdoor experiences.

An innovative art initiative has transformed over 6,000 confiscated bladed weapons from the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) into a meaningful installation art piece.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), the repurposed weapons, which include homemade sharp objects, are now a part of an art installation crafted by visual artist Pete Jimenez. The artwork represents a shift from violence to creativity and is aptly titled to reflect a message of "farms not arms." Concurrently, the Rotary Club of Quiapo Plaza Miranda and BuCor have embarked on a social reform art program aimed at rehabilitating persons deprived of liberty through artistic expression. This initiative, featuring the 'Creating Hope in the New Bilibid Prison via Project Laya and Hope Creating Gallery,' focuses on providing qualified inmates with skill development opportunities. BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. emphasized the program's role in preparing inmates for community reintegration, while also announcing ambitious plans to upgrade the NBP Hospital to a world-class facility for the benefit of both retired and active BuCor personnel.

Brunei Darussalam — His Majesty detailed the importance of employee development in his titah during the 30th Civil Service Day celebration.

According to Radio Television Brunei, His Majesty stated that the country places emphasis on building the capacity and competency of each civil servant, equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and basic values. Additionally, a new award was introduced this year in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the celebration.

LEGAZPI CITY: The Department of Tourism (DOT) 5 in Bicol is in the process of securing funds for the inaugural hot air balloon festival in Albay, slated to take place next year. Herbie Aguas, DOT-5 Director, disclosed on Friday that discussions are underway with Ako Bicol Party-List Rep. Elizaldy Co, who is also the Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, about funding and logistical preparations for the event.

According to a new release by Philippines News Agency, Co earlier this week unveiled plans for the "Bicol Loco Festival," a hot air balloon celebration inspired by international festivities, to be hosted in the capital city of Albay, likely in mid-2024. Aguas stated that DOT-5 could not allocate substantial funds for the festival on its own and expressed gratitude for the support of Rep. Co. "It's a significant boost for Bicol, especially for Albay," Aguas said.

In addition to funds, Aguas revealed that DOT-5 is also planning to consult tourism experts in Clark, Pampanga, which hosts an annual hot air balloon event. Aguas emphasized the festival's potential benefits to tourism and the local economy. "Tourists who will participate will need to stay in a hotel, eat in a restaurant, buy food, and many other things while they are enjoying the place. The more they stay, the more they will spend money, and this will help the economy of the place," he said.

Los Angeles, California — Three Filipino movies are slated for a VIP screening and reception at the Directors Guild of America on Sunset Boulevard. The event is set to mark the inaugural launch of the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) on November 2.

According to a news release by Philippines News Agency, the films selected for the screening were originally featured during the Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in April. The titles include "About Us But Not About Us," which won the best picture award at the Summer MMFF, "Here Comes the Groom," and "Love You Long Time."

The premiere event will host a red-carpet VIP reception and offer attendees the chance to engage in a meet-and-greet with the filmmakers and stars of the featured films. A question-and-answer segment about the MIFF will also be included in the program.

MMDA acting chair and concurrent MMFF chair Don Artes stated that the MIFF aims to showcase the quality of Filipino films on a global stage. The festival also seeks to connect the Philippine entertainment sector with Hollywood and the international community, according to Artes.

Tickets for the event are available in two categories: a single movie pass priced at USD60 and an all-movie pass with VIP lounge access priced at USD249. Tickets can be purchased on the official MIFF website, manilainternationalfilmfest.com.

Among the expected guests are award-winning Filipino actresses Hilda Koronel and Pinky De Leon. The event will also feature cast members from the movies being screened, including actors Enchong Dee and Kaladkaren from "Here Comes the Groom," director Jun Lana and actor Romnick Sarmenta from "About Us But Not About Us," and director JP Habac and actress Eisel Serrano from "Love You Long Time."

The next MIFF screening is scheduled to take place from January 30 to February 2, 2024. The event will feature ten films from the 49th MMFF, which will be screened nationwide during the holiday season.

BACOLOD CITY: Barangay Granada emerged as the grand winner in the 44th MassKara Festival Street Dance and Arena Competition, taking home PHP1 million in cash prizes. The village outperformed nine other groups at Paglaum Sports Complex on Sunday night to secure its fifth champion's trophy in the past decade.

According to a new release by the Philippines News Agency, Barangay Granada's win serves as a testament to its status as the 'home of the champions.' The win came after the festival returned in 2022 following a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The group presented a seven-minute dance production featuring elaborate costumes, masks, and headdresses, supported by approximately 200 propsmen. The performance was themed 'Super City Bacolod.'

Barangay Granada also won three out of four special awards, including Best in Headdress, Mask and Costume, Best in Theme, and Best in Music, each coming with a PHP25,000 cash prize. Corporate awards were also received from FoodPanda and Pocari Sweat, which contributed PHP75,000 in food vouchers and PHP50,000 in products, respectively.

The victory was choreographed by Joedem Casabuena and Mark Philip Lamirez, who also led the village to previous wins in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Both expressed their satisfaction with the performance, noting the hard work and dedication of the dancers and propsmen.

Barangay Tangub, the champion in 2018, was named the first runner-up, with a prize of PHP500,000. Barangay Sum-ag, mentored by veteran dancer-trainor Segundo Jesus Cabalcar Jr., claimed the second runner-up spot and a PHP300,000 cash prize. Barangay Sum-ag also received a special award for Best Introduction Video with a PHP25,000 cash award.

Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez voiced his pride in showcasing the MassKara Festival to both local and international audiences. The event was attended by distinguished guests including Senator Ronald de la Rosa, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose, and Department of Tourism-Western Visayas Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez.

BERAKAS - The Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam organized a festival highlighting the diverse aspects of Japanese culture, including food and calligraphy, on the night of 21st October at the Times Square Shopping Centre.

According to a new release by Radio Television Brunei, the event was officially opened by Dayang Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari, Permanent Secretary for Culture at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. His Excellency Maeda Toru, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Brunei Darussalam, stressed the importance of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries in his opening speech. The festival, which was open to the public and ran until 22nd October, included a Japanese food cooking demonstration and was co-organized by Times Square, the Japan Foundation, Lifelong Learning Centre, Ministry of Education, and several other associations in the country.

Seri Begawan, Brunei — The International Agrotechnology Festival 2023 came to a close with a ceremony held on the morning of 18th October. The event was jointly organized by the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) and Politeknik Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (POLISAS), Kuantan, Pahang. The ceremony took place at Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in the capital city.

According to Radio Television Brunei, His Excellency Dato' Raja Reza bin Raja Zaib Shah, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam, was present at the event. Certificates were presented to participants of the SEAMEO students exchange program involving IBTE and POLISAS as well as their Student Councils. The program aims to generate interest among the youth and students in becoming future farmers through the use of current technology.

Some 500 artists belonging to 32 art groups and galleries across Mindanao have their art pieces on display in the Mindanao Art 2023 that will run until Oct. 1.

During its opening on Sunday night, the Mindanao Art 2023 showcased over a thousand murals, sculptures, photography, and paintings, which the public can freely visit at SM Lanang mall.

With the theme 'Art in Glitch: Resonating and Reverberating,' the event aims to communicate authentic Mindanao art to the public, according to organizer Lawig-Diwa Inc., which collaborated with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the National Committee on Art Galleries.

This year's exhibit explores the glitches that prevent something from being successful or working as well as it should, according to Rey Mudjahid 'Kublai' Ponce Millan, a renowned Mindanaoan artist.

Milan, who conceptualized the theme, described a glitch as something confusing, confounding, enraging, and depressing as questions short-circuiting the brain are yielding no answers.

'While the skilled and talented hands are belittled by the deluge of works put together and labeled as art, just recognizing the glitch beckons us to a deeper search and knowing, and this is where we take flight as one,' he told the media

Source: Philippines News Agency