Tuesday, July 27, 2021

Philippine Cinema, 1897-2020

 

Vibal Foundation’s Art Book Chronicles 123 years of Philippine Cinema 

Vibal Foundation recently launched Philippine Cinema, 1897-2020—a lavishly illustrated art book that not only provides an in-depth retrospective of over a hundred years of Philippine cinema, but also simultaneously traces its history, genres, narratives, tropes, and lore while subjecting its rich filmography to critique and film theory. The book tracks Philippine cinematic beginnings as a technological marvel and its many turn up to the twenty-first century as it blindly accepted, appropriated, indigenized, and even attacked Western conventions through intentionally wicked but hilarious parodies.

Philippine Cinema, 1897-2020 is the latest addition to Arte Filipino, Vibal Foundation’s imprint on art books. Arte Filipino promotes Philippine artistic history and culture and brings art into broader public view by pairing innovative scholarship with brilliantly reproduced visuals. 

Written by Gaspar Vibal and Dennis Villegas and edited by film educator, curator, and archivist Teddy Co, Philippine Cinema, 1897-2020 boldly looks at the seamier side of the film industry with its unblinking examination of DVD plenitude and piracy, trafficking of low-brow exploitation flicks, dislocation of mainstream distribution brought on by the advent of streaming and Netflix, and the tragic loss of the cinematic archive and the consequent loss of national memory.  

Philippine Cinema, 1897-2020

In Philippine Cinema, 1897-2020, a common thread runs through all its pages: a fevered cinephilia that equally valorizes the sublime and the ridiculous, from the socially realistic films set in the most miserable slums to the most inspired satires of spy capers and spaghetti westerns, and from the most profound critique to a weltering listmania of nostalgia and trivia. Its one hundred essays contain 1,200 notes and gossipy asides, plus over 1,315 images, which will equally delight any diehard movie buff or casual cinematic art lover.

The book is a retrospective survey of cinema from its birth in Spanish colonial Manila to the challenging era of the pandemic. Arranged chronologically in four periodizations, the book’s 100 essays on manifold aspects of cinema, such as its artistic language, conventions, narratives, textual sources, discourses on women, gender, modernity, and national identity as well as its inherent hybridity and undeniably transnational character are written primarily from an audience or fan perspective. 

In seeking to elide the division that traditionally separated academic film discourse from the bakya (popular) or the commercial, the book posits a holistic approach to appreciating Philippine cinematic art. In acknowledging this populist bent, an attempt has been made nevertheless to balance this cinephile-driven art history with postmodern critique and film theory.

Philippine Cinema, 1897-2020 is part of the Arte Filipino series. The art books under the series aim to elevate Philippine artistic history and culture and bring art into broader public view. Other titles in the series include  Fabian de la Rosa and His Times, The Life and Art of Botong Francisco, The Life and Art of David Medalla, The Life and Art of Francisco Coching, The Life and Art of Lee Aguinaldo, The Life and Times of Purita Kalaw-Ledesma, and The Life, Art, and Times of Damian Domingo; Fifty Shades of Philippine Art: Damián Domingo; Fifty Shades of Philippine Art: Francisco V. Coching; Fifty Shades of Philippine Art: Isabelo Tampinco; Fifty Shades of Philippine Art: Philippine Cinematic Art; Fifty Shades of Philippine Art: Toti Cerda; Fifty Shades of Philippine Art: Art of Window, Display, and Design; Fifty Shades of Philippine Art: Nono: The 19th-Century Masters of Angono; and Fifty Shades of Philippine Art: Lee Aguinaldo.

Interested readers may purchase Vibal books online at https://shop.vibalgroup.com/ and Shopee https://shopee.ph/vibalgroup

Thursday, July 22, 2021

Negrense Season of Culture boasts Negros Food


Tambo

Being an advocate of Negrense heritage, the Negros Season of Culture will shift the editorial spotlight to food in July and August this year. The cooler climate of these rainy months provides a cozy backdrop to take on favorite soup dishes. Warmth in a Bowl started as a social experiment after a backyard survey revealed that 80% of Negrense's favorite food selections are soup dishes.

Warmth in a Bowl


Kansi

The series features 10 dishes, from refreshing consommés to hearty chowders, and versions thereof, as happens between families, between kitchens. Many are swayed by ingredients that abound locally. Others are dictated by prized family recipes executed by well-trained “kusineras”. And so, travelers from across the country find their bearings through blogs that point them to the best Kansi house, or that of the hearty one-pot KBL (acronym for kadyos, baboy, langka). There are amazingly creative menus written out of humble farms, featuring the veggies of Laswa, the banana of Inubaran, the bamboo of Tambo, and the coconut of Chicken Binakol. Still, others are rooted to peculiar traditions, like the Fish Tinola and Bas-oy that are part of Negrense breakfast fare, and the Pancit Molo that reigns supreme in the Negrense mahjong fare. The list is capped by the warmth and nostalgia of Linutikan, a bowl that predates the popular squash soup of today.

Laswa

Heritage, however, is not carved in stone. It is a developing human saga. What we know as culinary heritage today was formed through the years. It absorbed influences foreign to it, from the Malays, Chinese, Spanish, and Americans. We can probably expect that decades from now our food heritage will be more complex, but hopefully without losing its trademark identities.  

That hope rests on our young and maverick chefs. Our second food project, Beyond Borders, features three who have quickly established names for themselves at home, running their popular restaurants. We follow the journeys of BJ Uy of East Bite Asian Kitchen, Don Colmenares of Berbeza Bistro, and Nico Millanes of Portiko Café and Lounge as they pursue the Negrense’s love for culinary adventure beyond traditional borders. They are modern-day food whisperers, purveyors of fusion cuisine made possible by a world where boundaries have been blurred by technology and geopolitics, where differences of nationalities have yielded to similarities of age segment. To them, we ask, quo vadis Negrense cuisine?

Negrense Season of Culture is proud to present these Negros Food stories with the standing endorsement of the Department of Tourism, Region VI, and alliance and support from Union Bank GlobalLinker.

Monday, July 19, 2021

Want to Know Why Chickenjoy is the Pride and Joy of the Philippines?

 

Here’s why Chickenjoy is the Pride and Joy of the Philippines


Top Filipino stars – Pia Wurtzbach, Anne Curtis, and Aga Muhlach share why the Chickenjoy means so much to the world

Filipinos are well known and loved around the world. That much can’t be denied, as our culture and race have made a lot of notable contributions to the international scene. Whether it’s unbeatable creative talent, inventions that help shape our lives, or simply the tireless workforce that helps keep everything going, Filipinos have long been the source of wonderful things.

But out of all the contributions the Philippines has given the world, there’s nothing quite like Jollibee Chickenjoy. The best-tasting crispylicious, juicylicious fried chicken has become an iconic taste that brings so much joy to so many people not just at home, but all around the globe.

Jollibee’s new TV commercial highlights why Chickenjoy is becoming a world-class food icon. This new ad features three iconic Filipino household names—Pia Wurtzbach, Anne Curtis, and Aga Muhlach—each representing an aspect of Chickenjoy that makes it the pride of the Philippines.

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach represents the Joy of Filipino Pride, as Chickenjoy as a Philippine product is well-loved by both Filipinos and foreigners alike. Foreigners love it for its highly sought-after experience, while Filipinos abroad always look for it because it gives them a much-needed taste of home.

When I’m abroad, I always try to look for a Jollibee store so I can have Chickenjoy that reminds me of home no matter where I am. As a Filipino, I’m proud that many people around the world love Chickenjoy as much as we do,” said Pia.

Top star Anne Curtis represents the Joy of Famous Taste, as the crispylicious and juicylicious taste of Jollibee’s iconic fried chicken brings joy to everyone, everywhere. Anne Curtis is the perfect fit to represent the Chickenjoy’s famous taste, as the multi-talented actress—who’s won fame and recognition both locally and internationally—comes full circle as her own career began after she was serendipitously discovered eating and enjoying Chickenjoy at a Jollibee store as a balikbayan.

Anne’s enjoyment of the Chickenjoy is a testament to its world-famous, absolutely unique, and truly delicious taste, which is also why Jollibee is referred to as the “Home of the Famous Chickenjoy” outside the Philippines.

I’ve had many different fried chicken, but there’s really nothing that compares to the crispylicious and juicylicious Chickenjoy. I’m proud that a lot of people both in the Philippines and abroad agree that it’s undeniably great-tasting fried chicken,” said Anne.

Lastly, Philippine showbiz legend Aga Muhlach represents the Joy of Family Through the Years, as Chickenjoy has also played a huge part in bringing families together over the many decades. Chickenjoy serves as a great family bonding meal, allowing everyone to become closer over the best-tasting fried chicken.

I know first-hand the ability of Chickenjoy to bring families together, as my own family loves to bond over a bucket of Chickenjoy. I’m proud that it brings people closer together across the world,” said Aga.

There’s no mistaking the global impact of Chickenjoy, and we’re truly proud that we are able to create a homegrown product that the world can fall in love with. Our three ambassadors truly represent the best aspects of the Chickenjoy, and we are happy to tell the Chickenjoy’s story through them,” said Cathleen D. Capati, Jollibee Marketing - AVP for Bestsellers.

You can watch the new Chickenjoy commercial with Pia, Anne, and Aga here

Your favorite best-tasting Jollibee Chickenjoy is available at your nearest Jollibee store! Have it safely delivered to you via the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, foodpanda, and LalaFood! It’s also available in Drive-Thru and Take Out.

 

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

New MILO® drink helps get kids to get energized, with less table sugar


MILO®, the country’s leading choco malt milk beverage is introducing the NEW MILO® Less Than 1Gram Table Sugar, a delicious new drink that gives kids the same nutritional goodness of MILO® with less table sugar content. MILO® Less Than 1Gram Table Sugar will help moms provide another choice for their kids to stay active throughout the day, and the fortified nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong.

We want to give moms more options to support their children’s growth and overall wellbeing through good and nourishing food that suit their preferences and needs,” said Veronica Cruz, MILO Business Executive Officer, Senior Vice President, Nestle Philippines, Inc. “With the MILO® Less Than 1Gram Table Sugar, moms can have the confidence to give their kids a drink that offers essential nutrients and the chocomaltee taste they love with less table sugar.”  

Serving the right balance of ‘nutritious’ and ‘delicious’, the MILO® Less Than 1Gram Table Sugar is made with the natural goodness of milk as its main ingredient, which provides the Calcium and Protein kids need to promote bone and muscle growth and development. At the same time, it is also made with cocoa which brings out the unique malted barley flavor that is distinct to MILO®.

With less than one gram of table sugar in every glass, the MILO® Less Than 1Gram Table Sugar is packed with the same Champion Energy Nutrients that will provide the energy kids need to perform their academic tasks, chores at home, or after-school activities. MILO®’s Champion Energy Nutrients is a unique combination of energy-giving PROTOMALT® and energy-releasing Vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12, and Iron.

We at MILO® are partnering with moms to nourish their children’s champion dreams through our products and sports programs that will help promote their kids’ holistic development,” said Cruz. “Along with eating a balanced diet with the MILO® Less Than 1Gram Table Sugar, we encourage kids to make physical activity and exercise part of a daily habit to be on the top of their game.

MILO® Less Than 1Gram Table Sugar is now available in leading groceries and supermarkets in Greater Manila Area, and online at Shopee and Lazada. Kids can also enjoy the on-the-go format with MILO® Ready-To-Drink Zero Added Table Sugar.

To learn more about MILO® Less Than 1Gram Table Sugar, visit MILO’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/milo.ph) or https://www.milo.com.ph/. 

 

 

 

 

About MILO

MILO has been in the Philippines for over 50 years and is the country’s favorite chocolate malt powdered milk drink that can be prepared with hot or cold milk or water. Its purpose is to nourish kids’ journey to success with nutritious energy and inspiration to grow with sports.

Every mug of MILO contains the goodness of Milk, Cocoa, Barley, and Activ-Go® - a special blend of Protomalt®, Vitamins, and Minerals. It is high in Vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12, C, and Iron that helps in energy release from food. It is also a source of calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D that supports child growth and bone health.

 

About Nestlé Philippines

Over a hundred years after it first started operations in the country, Nestlé Philippines, Inc. (NPI) today is a robust and stable organization, proud of its role in bringing high-quality food and beverage throughout the stages of the Filipino consumers’ lives. The Company employs more than 3,200 men and women nationwide and is among the country’s Top 10 Corporations.

Driven by its purpose of enhancing the quality of life and contributing to a healthier future, Nestlé today produces and markets products under some of the country’s trusted brands such as NESCAFÉ, NIDO, MILO, NESTEA, MAGGI, BEAR BRAND, NESTLÉ, and PURINA, among others. Its product range has expanded to include coffee, milk, beverages, non-dairy creamer, food, infant nutrition, ice cream and chilled dairy, breakfast cereals, confectionery, and pet care.

 

 

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Make the most of lunch in the new normal through Usapang TANGhalian!


Due to lockdowns, families are spending most of their time together at home. Parents and kids are physically together for days on end, working and going through distance learning. However, are you, as parents, taking this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to know your kid and build stronger relationships with them? With so many things happening at home, it is easy to forget to set time to bond and know your child. 

An example of such a moment is lunch, a meal that is often rushed with parents mentally preoccupied with the next task of the day. Instead of being a time to share a meal with the family and connect over conversations, lunch has become a time where the family is physically together but emotionally distant from one another. This is one of the reasons why kids nowadays feel neglected or lonely. 

Tang strongly believes that lunch can be a moment to build stronger relationships with your kids; calling on moms to transform lunches into bonding moments by having an Usapang TANGhalian. It is about the power of conversations to know your kids, understand their perspective, and check up on their emotional well-being. With its new campaign, Usapang TANGhalian, Tang leads the way in reminding moms to be fully present during tanghalians, taking this time to nurture their kids through healthy beverages and meaningful conversations. 

Together with Camille Prats, Tang showcases how every tanghalian can be transformed into bonding moments through Usapang TANGhalians. Camille shares with us real Usapang TANGhalians with her son Nathan, most of which lead to surprising revelations that help her understand her son even better. Camille shares, “Nathan is always busy with online school and I was curious if he needed help with anything. Whenever I would ask, he replies, “Nothing Mom, kaya ko ‘to.”. One lunchtime, I decided to ask: Is there anything mom can do better? And he told me that he appreciated every time I would check up on him because it made him feel that I was always there for him. This made me tear up and surprised me at how much Nathan appreciates the little things I do”. As a hands-on mom, Camille believes, like Tang, that all parents should use their time together with their kids as an opportunity to build stronger relationships, nurture them, and prepare them for an even better future.  

Tang’s Usapang TANGhalian takes a step further by partnering with Facebook Mom Communities such as Mommy Mundo, Lifestyle Moms PH, Usapang Nanay, Moms Support Moms PH, Moms Club PH, 1ST Time Moms, and many more to kickstart the transformation of every tanghalian into an Usapang TANGhalian. Within each community, hundreds of KOLs will be sharing their experiences and tips to start an Usapang TANGhalian. Tang will also be launching a Facebook and Instagram filter with randomized questions for parents and kids; with the hopes of making Usapang TANGhalian fun and helping moms capture these bonding moments. 

In addition to advocating for stronger parent and kid relationships, Tang is also encouraging moms to serve healthier beverages over lunch. With the 100% Vitamin C of two oranges in every refreshing glass, Tang provides the protection your kid needs. So, Tang calls out to all moms to transform tanghalians from being a rushed and neglected meal to being a time to prepare their kids for a better future through Usapang TANGhalians and the 100% Vitamin C of Tang. 

Kaya mga mommies and daddies, ‘wag palampasin ang Tanghalian na walang Tang at #UsapangTANGhalian! Try the #UsapangTANGhalian filter on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3w3XBHE or Facebook:https://bit.ly/3wjRgYK with your kids and you might just be surprised by their answers!





About Mondelez

Mondelez Philippines Inc. has been providing consumers with delicious snack products for the past 58 years - since 1963. We provide enriching careers working with well-loved brands like Tang powdered beverages, Eden cheese, mayonnaise and sandwich spread, Cheez Whiz spread Oreo cookies, Tiger energy biscuits, belVita breakfast biscuits, as well as Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates. We provide a great place to work for our 450 people in the Philippines. Our head office and manufacturing facility is located in Parañaque City, where we have been responsible corporate citizens these many years.

Friday, July 9, 2021

J’s Diamond Opens its Flagship Store in Ayala Malls Trinoma

 

“When one sees something especially wonderful, it’s always nice to have someone shared it with.”

- Mary Anne Schwalbe


A gift of love, a timeless gleam, a stunning jewelry that is worth giving or keeping, J’s Diamond fine jewelry is more than a piece of accessory. It represents a memory captured in the moment of extreme bliss. It brings you back to the moment with the one that you love the most. It makes you remember the feeling, atmosphere, texture, drama, and emotion, the very moment that you treasure that forever be part of your subconscious. J’s Diamond reawakens the time when you feel loved and cherished or when you made someone happy.

J’s Diamond is a gift of love with a timeless gleam.


To immortalize once more the moment of love and bliss, J’s Diamond held its virtual launch of its newest flagship store at the Ground Level of Ayala Malls Trinoma this afternoon , 10th of July 2021, Saturday.

J’s Diamond is ready to take the next step with you. Check out its new flagship store at the Ground Level of Ayala Malls Trinoma!

J’s Diamond will take your hand as it steps to its new journey by showcasing in its fourth branch a wide array of 18K gold engagement rings, wedding rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and GIA diamonds that exude elegance and tasteful style. Its new boutique exhibits a classy contemporary vibe, designed to represent the extraordinary craftsmanship of J’s Diamond, truly a world-class on its own.

 


If you are looking for a gift that may create a lifetime love and bliss, visit J’s Diamond in Ayala Malls Trinoma today and see its wide array of stunning jewelry collection!

 


About J’s Diamond

J’s Diamond is a Hong Kong based company founded in 1998 and extended its business in the Philippines in 2012. It is always inspired to create stunning pieces that reflect the sophistication, glamour, and elegance of the wearer. For J’s Diamond, each of its creations is more than a fashion statement, more than a gift, more than an art but commemorates treasured moments and mirrors the brilliance and beauty of love. It believes that every jewelry is crafted to achieve its perfection, attention to details, and new trends attuned to global standards. Its mission is to uphold the competitive edge in the design aspects and product quality, creating beautifully crafted jewelry pieces that are worth owning and wearing. Its vision is to be one of the leaders in excellence in jewelry industry focusing on client satisfaction and dedication.

Good news! J’s Diamond will offer 40% OFF on diamond accessories and 20% OFF on rings during its Ayala Malls Trinoma virtual launch livestream on July 10, 2021 from 12:00 NN to 1:00 PM. After the livestream, J’s Diamond will get back to its current “across all stores” promo, 30% OFF on diamond accessories and 20% OFF on rings. Present this article to any J’s Diamond branch to avail of the promo. Promo runs from July 1 to 31, 2021.

You may visit J’s Diamond branches at 2/F Lucky Chinatown Mall, LG/F SM City Dasmariñas, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Ayala Malls Trinoma from Monday to Sunday at 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM. For more details, you may refer to https://www.jsdiamond.com.ph/. For inquiries, you may send an email at js.diamond@yahoo.com or contact mobile numbers (+63915) 393-9320 / (+63932) 886-2357 or telephone number (02) 254-9097.


 

Hotel Sogo Pioneers Anti-Covid Technologies

 


To rebuild the public’s trust and attract hotel guests who are worried about hygiene, social distancing, and safety at the top of their concerns, Hotel Sogo pioneered anti-covid technologies based on research and benchmarking from promising practices around the world.

The worldwide pandemic the country is continuously experiencing resulted in millions of lives lost and massive unemployment. The crisis has likewise destroyed the public’s trust whenever their health safety is at stake.

As quarantine policies restricting movements of the population were lifted, the majority of the people, as well as businesses, started to go back to a sense of normalcy, the people’s continuing distrust, affects various businesses, including the hospitality industry.


To regain the public’s trust, at the top of Hotel Sogo’s priority is to reduce touchpoints and intensify no-contact fixtures. Based on pre-pandemic research carried out by Hotel Sogo, data shows that guests had a minimum of 59 Touch Points (TPs) during a typical hotel stay. Due to new protocols that include contact-less fixtures, TPs have been reduced by 40.7% with the goal to achieve a reduction of 66.1% with more advanced technology centered on cellphone use.

At the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, Sogo was the first hotel to use UVC (254nm) to fight Covid-19. Taking the cue from hospitals abroad, remote-controlled carts have been deployed for room disinfection. Compartments for utensils, key cards, and cash were also fitted with UVC LEDs but kept away from personnel since 254 nm UVCs, while great for killing viruses it may harm the skin and eyes.

Hotel Sogo also expanded UVC disinfection for its room air conditioning units. All room ACs are fitted with specially manufactured UVC LEDs. Through germicidal irradiation, the UVC light attacks the DNA/DNR of micro-organisms, killing bacteria and viruses, and preventing their spread. As it is turned on with the aircon, room air is always sterilized each time it passes through the unit, ensuring the best possible room air quality for our guests.

FAR UVC disinfection was also extended at elevator lobbies. After extensive research, Sogo has acquired and tested the FAR UVC 222 nm lamps that effectively kill viruses while being harmless to humans. Just recently (2020 Q4) produced commercially, it is quite expensive and is sold by only a few manufacturers abroad. Sogo is the first hotel to install these revolutionary excimer lamps in all its elevator lobbies.

In its lobbies and hallways, ventilation ACR Air Change Rate is doubled. The ACR  or the number of times the air is replaced for all general spaces is set at ≥ 4 per hour by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air-Conditioning Engineers). Sogo is doubling its current ACRs for intensified inflow of covid-free fresh air to accelerate indoor air replacement.

Automatic thermal scan controlled entry doors were installed in most branches. Guests on their own, get scanned before entry, and if within the safe temperature limit, main doors will open automatically without the need for any contact. 

Each branch has an Anti-Covid Team that regularly swabs high touch point surfaces that pass through ATP Fluorescence Detectors to verify microbial presence and effectivity of the new protocols. Anti-microbial coatings were applied on furnishings, fixtures & touchpoints. Widely used in hospitals and mass transports in China, Hong Kong, and Japan, these Polymer coatings are formed after spraying millions of nano-capsules with contact killing and anti-adhesion features that last for weeks. It effectively kills bacteria and viruses, including H1N1 and Covid. Sogo applies these overall furnishings and touchpoints.

To further sanitize indoor air, Sogo installed air-purifying equipment having several levels of filters: Pre-filter, Activated Carbon, HEPA (H11), with built-in Cold Catalysts, Ion Generators and UVC lights that eliminate allergens and pollutants such as dust, pollen, odor, bacteria, viruses, and even reduces carbon dioxide levels.

 


Covid sniffer dogs are being utilized for regular covid screening of employees. Patterned after Dubai and Helsinki Airports where sniffer dogs screen passengers and report a > 94% accuracy rate with dogs detecting the virus days before symptoms even start. Sogo has tied up with a leading K9 company, to have specially-trained Covid sniffer dogs regularly screen its personnel for Covid.

To date, Hotel Sogo continues to invest and rely heavily on research-proven technologies that alter the spread of Covid19 to assure the safety of its guests. The hotel also continues to accept frontliners and essential workers across all Hotel Sogo branches, and can also accommodate those who prefer a long-term stay for work purposes. 

Hotel Sogo is also ramping up its effort in helping the country’s indigent communities through Sogo Cares, the hotel’s Corporate Social Responsibility program. Continuously, Sogo provides necessities, such as food and water to indigent communities. Recently, it donated food packs with linens and towels to some fire victims in Manila; essential needs such as bottled waters, linens, pillows, surgical masks, pillowcases, and mattresses to the Philippine General Hospital with the help of AFP and donated in different community pantries in Bulacan and Quezon City.

For more information about Hotel Sogo, check out https://www.hotelsogo.com.