Fil-Am actress stars in 'Godspell' Broadway show

 

JANET SUSAN R. NEPALES

 November 22, 2011

GMA News

 

 

NEW YORK --- Filipino-American actress Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, the 20-year-old granddaughter of Philippine screen legend Sylvia La Torre, received a standing ovation in her Broadway debut in “Godspell" at the Circle in the Square Theatre in New York.

 

The daughter of former TV personality Archie Perez de Tagle and Evelyn Enriquez, Anna Maria was born in San Francisco, California.

Anna Maria has already appeared on several movies such as "Camp Rock 1," "Camp Rock 2," "Hannah Montana," and "Fame."

In "Godspell" Anna Maria surprised audiences when she suddenly spoke Tagalog in one part of the show.

Among those who have already seen her performances on Broadway were Filipino actress and singer Lea Salonga, fashion designer Oliver Tolentino and his business partner Andrew Carruthers, former fashion model and beauty queen Bessie Badilla, among others


“I wanted to be a part of ‘Godspell’ because it felt like the right musical to be in for my Broadway debut," Anna Maria said.

“This musical involves a very diverse cast with songs that tie into today's culture. I'm very honored and excited to be a part of this musical adventure. This is definitely a dream come true for me," she added.

Among the cast members are:

• Hunter Parrish who plays the role of Jesus; Parrish has previously appeared in the Broadway show “Spring Awakening" and the film “It’s Complicated;"

• Telly Leung who appears as Wes of the Dalton Academy Warblers in the top hit TV show, “Glee."

"Ultimate challenge"

Anna Maria said, “Broadway to me is an ultimate challenge," she said. “There are no second takes unlike film and TV. You have to do your utmost best the first time. This is why I have high regard and respect for people on the big stage. I'm happy, excited, nervous, and ready to get started."

She revealed that her grandmother Sylvia learned of her Broadway debut through the social media.

“It’s so funny that my grandma, Mamacita, found out first thru social media! You know how news spread like wild fire," Anna Maria said.

"She proudly tells all her friends and our relatives: ‘Bata pa ‘yan, mahilig na kumanta, mahusay na umarte. Kanino pa mag mamana kung hindi sa lola," she added.

Anna Maria related that she had to go through a lot to get the part in "Godspell."

“I went through a rigorous audition process and flew to New York three times," she revealed. “I sang ‘Someone Like You’ for the audition and performed my own parable. For the final callback, I sang ‘I Enjoy being a Girl’ and ‘Day by Day.

She only learned that she got the role on her birthday.

"About a week and a half later while I was on my way to a birthday celebration, my dad sent me a text message saying that I have to be on a conference call with my manager, Kevin Jonas Sr., my representative, Hana Emily Lee and my agent, Mitchell Gossett.

"I already had a good feeling that this was going to be a special phone call. When all of us were on the call, my agent announced that he had some good news but let Mr. Kevin Sr. tell everyone on the line that I got the part! Everyone started shouting ‘Congratulations!’ All of us had tears of joy in our eyes!"

This San Francisco-born actress admitted that she first saw the film version of “Godspell" on DVD. “I saw the film version on DVD first and then I saw the 2009 Jacob Inman and company version (Delta Center for the Arts) on YouTube," she said.

“When I saw the version on YouTube, I was very much impressed. The musical was very well put together and humorous," she added.

To prepare for her Broadway debut in “Godspell," Anna Maria revealed that rehearsals started last September 12 with 8-hour days, 6 days a week.

After “Godspell," Anna Maria hopes to continue doing Broadway “if I'm given the opportunity. I would love to go back to TV and film, of course. Another goal is to release an album in the near future as well."

For the 40th anniversary production, “Wicked" and “Pippin" composer Stephen Schwartz, who originally created the musical with the late John-Michael Tebelak, will be adding new lyrics.

As for a trip to the Philippines, Anna Maria replied, “I definitely want to go back to the Philippines once my schedule permits. It's been about 11 years since I was last there, so I'm hoping to make a trip home very soon."


Those who are interested may catch “Godspell" at the Circle in the Square Theatre (1633 Broadway at 50th Street). - VVP, GMA News

...the apology

California gov't says sorry to Filipinos

abs-cbnNEWS.com

11/25/2011

 

 

MANILA, Philippines - The state of California has extended its apology for the years of discrimination Filipinos endured in their state with the presentation of the Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 74 to the cast and crew of the Filipino play “Ang Romansa ni Magno Rubio” in Hollywood.

 

The resolution, which was pushed by Assemblyman Luis Alejo, states that the government of California expresses regret over the Americans' unwarranted prejudice on Filipinos from the 1920s until the 1940s.

Alejo said, "It's the official apology by the state of California for the past mistreatment, discrimination and unjust laws that Filipino-Americans had to endure here."

The cast and crew of “Ang Romansa ni Magno Rubio” welcomed the humble gesture on behalf of the Filipino people, especially those who experienced mistreatment first-hand.

Its director Bernardo Bernardo said, "Pahalagahan natin ang pinagdaan nung mga nauna sa atin. Sila ang nagbukas ng daan para sa atin."

"Can you imagine kung tayo ang naunang sumalta dito? We owe them a lot."

"Ang Romansa of Magno Rubio" is the Tagalog version of the Lonnie Carter play "The Romance of Magno Rubio," which is based on a story by Filipino writer Carlos Bulosan.

It revolves around the story of Filipino immigrants in America.

"Ang Romansa of Magno Rubio" is the first Tagalog play mounted at the Ford Theater, Hollywood. -- Report from Yong Chavez, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

...the Presidential awardee

Filipino professor to receive award from Obama

by Nadia Trinidad,

ABS-CBN North America News Bureau

11/24/2011

Dr. Amelito Enriquez talks to his students at Cañada College in Redwood City, California.

REDWOOD City - It all started with a simple "me-too" complex for Dr. Amelito Enriquez.
 
When he was growing up in Novaliches, he wanted to be many things: a priest, an athlete and eventually an engineer just because his older siblings had the same aspirations and they told him he couldn’t be any of these.

“Everyone’s telling me you can’t do this, you can’t do that. The more people tell me I can’t do something, the more I want to do it,” said Dr. Enriquez.

After earning a degree in geodetic engineering at the University of the Philippines, he worked for a big company for 6 months before quitting to start a business with his friends.

Teaching was something he did on the side. Today, this accidental teacher is invited to the White House to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.

It’s been 17 years since he decided to make a difference in the lives of students at Cañada College in Redwood City, a job he took after earning his doctorate at the University of California in Irvine.

The bigger universities he said, wanted its professors to focus on research, but he only wanted to teach.
 
“The fact that I feel like making a difference, pag nakita mo yung mata nila na kumikislap, na naiintindihan nila—it’s a good feeling,” he said.
 
John Paulino is one student who says doors opened for him when he took a class under the man he calls ‘Doctor E’.

For one, he was able to secure an internship at NASA.

“Maraming mga professor diyan they tell you ‘I want you to do well in school’ but they don’t really put a lot of effort into helping the students. But with Dr. E, he goes out of his way,” said Paulino, a mechanical engineering student.

In recent years, Enriquez has secured about US$10-million in federal and state grants for this small community college in the bay area.

He has developed several programs helping underprivileged and minority students achieve success in science, math and engineering.

Enriquez hopes to one day give back to the Philippines. When he does, he hopes the system won’t give him a hard time like it did in his youth.

“It’s really a systemic problem in terms of corruption. Kung gusto mong umasenso sa Pilipinas, you have to learn to be part of the system, play the game! And that was the part that was difficult for me,” he added.

For now, he said he will just focus on the bigger task of changing the world, one student at a time.

---

Palawan isle named 'stylish' private retreat by UK newspaper

by Patrick Camara Ropeta,

ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

11/24/2011

 

LONDON - Ariara island in Palawan has been named one of the world’s top private island retreats by The Sunday Times newspaper in Britain.

 

 

 

In a travel feature entitled "Who needs neighbors?", writer Susan D’Arcy described the Philippine island as "a stylish retreat for people who don't do hotels".

Ariara is among the Calamian group of islands in the Palawan region, located 160 miles southwest of Manila, and four hours away from Hong Kong.

The private island was bought and developed by British couple Charles and Carrie McCulloch, and is now available for travellers who seek the "sun, sea and sand experience" with privacy and luxury.

Buildings on the island were designed by Filipino architect Jorge Yulo, known for his designs of modern high-end spaces for both commercial and private clients.

Guests stay at fully-equipped beach cottages and jungle villas, with access to the entire 125 acres of private grounds which includes beaches, an infinity pool, dining facilities, numerous social areas, and stretches of unspoilt natural resources.

A private chef and a small army of staff look after each guest with the typically warm Filipino hospitality known all over the world.

The island offers peaceful relaxation alongside a host of activities, from water sports and fishing to sailing and scuba diving. Guests also have access to a private boat, which can be used to explore nearby islands, world-class diving sites, and local villages.

Other private islands on The Sunday Times list include Lankayan in Borneo, Taprobane in Sri Lanka, Philipkutty’s Farm in India, Quilalea in Mozambique, Boca Brava in Panama, Eilean Shona in Scotland, Jicaro in Nicaragua, Henriksholm in Sweden, and Sovalye in Turkey.

---

...the social media in business

Philippine firms beat global peers in social media usage

By: Michelle V. Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Thursday, November 24th, 2011

The Philippines, earlier cited as one of the most tech-savvy countries in Asia, has beaten the global average in terms of the proportion of businesses that use social media as a means to market their products and boost revenues.

This is according to the results of the latest survey by Grant Thornton showing that 44 percent of enterprises in the country use social media—one of which is the social networking site Facebook—to improve profitability.

This figure is slightly higher than the global average of 43 percent, although slightly lower than the average of 45 percent for the Asean region.

Punongbayan & Araullo, a member of the Grant Thornton group, said that the proportion of Philippine businesses that use social media is expected to grow over the short term given the popularity of social media sites among Filipinos.

P&A said this popularity is aided by the significant number of Filipinos working offshore and who use social media to communicate with their families in the Philippines.

“Filipino businesses in particular have more of an incentive to use social media because of the large number of overseas Filipino workers that are all over the globe.

These online tools are probably the most efficient way to cover such a diffused market— they’re borderless and a business can get a campaign going at zero to minimum cost,” Marivic Españo, P&A managing partner and chief executive officer, said in a report on the survey released yesterday.

The Philippines is the fourth-biggest exporter of labor in the world, next to China, India and Mexico. There are about 10 million Filipinos working abroad.

Businesses in the Philippines that use social media use it mainly for advertising and for communicating with their customers. Other uses are for communicating with suppliers, communication with staff and recruitment.

....the Emmy Gold awardee

'Impostor' gets medal from Int'l Emmys, loses best telenovela to Portugal

By KAYE VILLAGOMEZ

November 24, 2011

Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines — “Impostor” picked up gold medal recognition from the 2011 International Emmy Awards for having been nominated in its Best Telenovela category. However, Portugal’s “Laços de Sangue” (“Blood Ties”) snatched the Emmy from the ABS-CBN soap aired in 2010.
 
 
 

Nonetheless, “Impostor” production manager Rowena Benitez remained proud bringing home a gold medal honoring the nomination.
 
“We feel very honored because we made it to the cut. There were 800 judges, 67 countries [involved in the selection], so it’s already a feat being nominated,” she said on “Umagang Kay Ganda” Nov. 22.

Benitez, who attended the medal awarding ceremony Nov. 21 at Hotel Sofitel in Manhattan, added: “[We feel very] privileged and inspired that we can produce world-class dramas that can make it to the international market.”

While in Manhattan, she participated in an Emmy tradition by signing on its official poster, which all nominees do.

The news of the Emmy nod broke early October in Manila, but the gold medal made everything official for the Maja Salvador-Sam Milby starrer, which was the only Asian-made serial in the category.
 
“The honor only means that the passion of the people behind drama is there. At ‘yung hindi tumitigil para mag-produce at gumawa ng mga drama, na magiging proud tayo at kayang luminya sa programa in the international market,” Benitez said.

In a separate report on ABS-CBN’s online news, Bruce Praisner, president and CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts and Science, encouraged all nominees: “This group, partly speaking, is the winner. Everybody can’t win, but if you’re a nominee in a competition around the world with a thousand nominations and you emerge from all of that, well in our book, you’ve won.”

Based on the 11th installment of the Precious Hearts Romances about stealing a model’s identity, “Impostor” also stars Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco. Jerome Pobocan and Neal del Rosario shared directorial credits for the serial.

Other soaps that competed for the best telenovela award were “Contra las Cuerdas” from Argentina and “Destiny River” from Brazil.

The 39th International Emmy Awards was concluded Tuesday afternoon, Manila time. Among those who attended the event were Lady Gaga, Nigel Lythgoe, among others. Former “Beverly Hills 90210” star Jason Priestley hosted the ceremony for the second straight year.

...the Taiwan's fave reality show contender

Filipina a favorite in Taiwan’s reality show

By: Karen Boncocan
INQUIRER.net

November 23, 2011

FAVORITE Lalaine Jertrude Hablado of Las Piñas City has been making waves in the television show Fun Taiwan Challenge. Host Janet Hsieh said she is a “favorite of the whole production crew” and that she “is really loved by the audience."

MANILA, Philippines—A Filipina from Las Piñas City is a tough contender in the television reality show Fun Taiwan Challenge.

Lalaine Jertrude Hablado, 21, has been making waves in the television show, Fun Taiwan Challenge host Janet Hsieh said in a phone interview Wednesday in Makati City.

Hablado is “a favorite of the whole production crew,” Hsieh said.” She’ll get a lot of television time. She is really loved by the audience and crew.”

Hablado “surprised” the Fun Taiwan Challenge host who said that “she grew, matured (during the show although) she was shy and didn’t talk much. She became stronger, more opinionated.”

Another Filipino contestant, 28-year-old Calvin Chung, also seemed promising during the beginning of the show but was unfortunately eliminated during the second challenge, Hsieh said.

An off-shoot of Hsieh’s popular travel series Fun Taiwan aired over lifestyle channel TLC. The reality show features 15 contenders, hailing from Australia, Europe, Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States, who will battle it out through a set of daredevil challenges for NT$1,000,000.

Fun Taiwan Challenge aims to put a spotlight on the interesting sites, delicacies, and experiences unique to Taiwan as Hsieh and 15 other contestants see them.

Hsieh said that despite having seen a lot of the country in her past Fun Taiwan seasons, Taiwan keeps surprising her in many ways. “I’m surprised whenever I do a season of Fun Taiwan… but I’m always surprised with certain areas I’ve never seen…places I’ve never been to before.”

“There are plenty of places still to explore,” she told reporters.

Fun Taiwan Challenge started airing on TLC last November 14 and is scheduled to air back-to-back episodes 8 p.m. every Monday with encores on Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

Tune in to see Hablado go head-to-head with other competitors in challenges that will test her mentally, physically, and emotionally.

...the potential investment location

Investors now eyeing Philippines

China wage inflation drives business to Manila

By: Abigail L. Ho
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

The Philippines is benefiting more and more from China’s increasing wage inflation as companies in the region turn to other countries with their investments.

According to Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, even native Chinese companies are keen on locating in the Philippines.

“There have been movements from China to the Philippines. We have gotten increased queries from Chinese, Japanese and Korean firms,” he told reporters in a recent interview.

Domingo declined to give specific names, saying only that these potential investors were a mix of medium and large companies, some of them multinationals.

A survey conducted by Chinese media group Caixin a few months ago showed that labor costs in China continued to increase due to higher demand for labor and rising salaries.

Labor-intensive companies, such as those in the garments and textile sectors, are now feeling the pinch from this accelerated wage inflation, the Caixin survey found.

Some garments factories in China have already transferred their operations to the Philippines due to increasing labor costs in the mainland, Domingo said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is expecting to increase its investment haul for the year, and looks forward to another good year in 2012.

According to PEZA director general Lilia de Lima, the PEZA board has further increased its investment growth target for the year to more than 11 percent.

Initially set at 10 percent, PEZA has revised the target to 11 percent, due to the expected increase in investments, exports, and employment for the year, she said.

And given the success of recent investment missions, de Lima said PEZA’s investment pledges for the year could grow by more than 11 percent.

PEZA last year registered a little over P201 billion in investments, $40.47 billion in exports, and 735,672 in employment.

...the hip hop stars' advocacy

Hip hop stars to raise funds for PH orphanage

by Loui Galicia,

ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

11/23/2011

AMSTERDAM - The Netherlands’ hip hop stars are returning to the Philippines to raise funds for an orphanage for street children.

Noah Smidstra, John Boy Denekamp, Muztafa Ozdemir, Andy Huber, Ersin Kelekci, Sabina Mehic and Albion Gaxherri are the members of the “All Style Division”, which won the 2008 Mars World Championship, among other international and national hip hop competitions.

All the dancers are half Dutch, with Noah and John Boy being half Pinoys.

The hip hop world champions are going on an SM Mall Tour from February 18 to March 10, 2012.

The tour is part of the group’s continued efforts to raise funds for Bahay Aurora, an orphanage in Baras, Rizal.

Bahay Aurora was founded by Filipina Arleen Smidstra and her Dutch husband in 1992.

All Style Division already visited the Philippines in May, appearing as a guest at Calla Lilly's concert in Morong, Rizal, as well as ABS-CBN shows Showtime and

Pilipinas Got Talent.

The dancers paid for their own expenses in the Philippines yet donated all their talent fees to the street children of Bahay Aurora.

“It's all for the orphanage. We can help others by doing what we love to do and that is by dancing. So if we can help anybody just doing the thing we love and maybe we can teach them, then it's just very fulfilling for us,” Noah said.

Noah is the son of the Bahay Aurora founders, who was still a young boy when it was established almost 20 years ago.

The orphanage is very close to his heart and even suggested the idea for the hip-hop group to visit the Philippines and to perform to raise funds for Bahay Aurora.

While other hip hop champions take full advantage of their youth and status in order to perform full-time at gigs and other competitions, the All Style Division members always allow space in their busy schedules to help the less fortunate.

John Boy, who is considered the acrobat of the group with his love for somersaults, said that performing without compensation is not a waste of their time at all.

“It's just to exchange my knowledge to the orphanage, to express myself through dancing. Even if we are world famous or something like, we hear all the people’s voices so we like to help everyone,” John Boy said.

Looking at their loose sweatpants, shirts, hoodies, baseball caps and snappy moves, one would think these young men only speak street language, which might have a negative connotation to some.

But these young adults have a pure spirit, believing that hip hop is not just a dance, but a serious form of expression.

“I know we're blessed because we come from Holland, we have a better life than in other countries…but that doesn't stop us from exercising our love, our passion through our four goals of peace, love, unity and having fun,” Andy said.

“Love is the first place. And money, it's not the most important thing. The most important thing is that we can dance together like a family and we try to share our skills, talent, with another people,” Muztafa said.

“In the end, dance is what connects all of us. It is not that we're only doing it for ourselves but also for others if we can help them, then we will,” Albion added.

...the Premio Baiocco di Ponte Mollo awardee

Pinay honored in Italy

abs-cbnNEWS.com

11/22/2011

ROME, Italy – A Filipina was honored for her dedication in helping the Filipino community in Italy.

Analiza Bueno Magsino, 43, received the Premio Baiocco di Ponte Mollo award given by the Municipio XX Roma (sub-municipality 20 of Rome).



 

She was recognized for her many contributions as a writer, a cultural mediator and president of the Associazione Stranieri Lavoratori in Italia (ASLI).

“Para sa akin, isa hong karangalan na ang isang katulad kong Pilipina ay mabigyan nila ng isang special award sa mga kontribusyon na nagawa natin sa society nila, sa kultura nila, sa integration,” said Magsino.

Demetrio “Bong” Rafanan, a Filipino councillor of the municipality, presented the award to Magsino.

“Dahil ako lagi ang nagbibigay ng award sa mga estranghero, ngayon lamang napili ang isang Pilipina at ako, bilang isang Pilipino, ay taas noo ngayong araw na ito,” said Rafanan. Report from Diego Evangelista, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

...the NETPAC awardee

Pinoy film 'Halaw' wins screen award in Australia

 

 

11/22/2011

GMA News

Filipino filmmaker Sheron Dayoc's movie "Halaw" won the 2011 Asia Pacific Screen Awards' (APSA) Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) award in Australia last November 17.

A news release of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the film represents the multi-cultural groupings of Mindanao, bound by an opportunity to earn a living.

"Written, produced and directed by Dayoc, 'Halaw' follows the journey of a kaleidoscope of characters hoping for a better life in Sabah, Malaysia, despite the dangers of illegal immigration and the uncertainty of a true job in Malaysia," the DFA said.

Dayoc said the award inspires him to do more films which distinctly capture not only the Filipino spirit but also represent the Asian value of resilience.

Also, he said APSA's recognition of the film is also a recognition of the Philippines' vibrant independent cinema industry.

Dayoc is a Mindanaoj independent filmmaker, editor, videographer and writer. His documentaries focus on untold stories of people from the grassroots level.

The 2011 APSA NETPAC Jury included APSA Nominations Council-NETPAC members, Philip Cheah (Chair), Jeannette Paulson Hereniko and Peggy Chiao.

It chose "Halaw" for its seamless storytelling and documentary quality which evokes the uncertainty and desperation in a little-known story of a modern-day boat people, the DFA said.

The APSA is an international cultural initiative of the Queensland State Government, which aims to promote and acclaim the cinematic excellence and cultural diversity of the Asia-Pacific region.

It brings together in a collaboration Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and FIAPF-International Federation of Film Producers Associations. - VVP, GMA News

...the longest coin line

PHL to try breaking US Guinness record for longest line of coins

 

GMANews 

22 Novermber 2011

 

 

The Philippines will try to break the Guinness World Record on the longest line of coins now held by the United States.

On Nov. 30, Bonifacio Day, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Officers Club and the BSP Employees Association will lay down a 70-km line of 25-centavo coins in the open space fronting the Manila Grandstand in Manila’s Rival Park.

The feat — "Maharaja Ado - Barry ng mega Banyan: The Power of Small Change Campaign" — is in cooperation with the KaBayanihan Foundation.

The Guinness World Record on the longest line of coins currently at 64.8 kms is held by the US.

The organizers intend to raise at least 3.5 million pieces of 25-centavo coins to cover at least 70 kilometers to break the existing US record, said BSP Officers' Club president Dr. Greg Suarez II said in a press conference.

Suarez said 1 km is equivalent to P12,500 worth of 25-centavo coins.

"The present world record holder is USA who laid the longest line of coins of 64.8 kilometers. The project seeks to break this record by reaching at least 70 kilometers or even up to 100 kilometers using 25 centavo coins to be carefully laid over at least 6,000 square meters of space fronting the Manila Grandstand," he stressed.

At least 1,200 Kabayanihan volunteers will take turns in shifts to lay the coins one after another starting at 2 p.m. on Nov. 30 to 8 a.m., Dec. 1.

The project aims to unify Filipinos through the "bayanihan" concept and to unleash the power of small change by enlisting and involving as many Filipinos as possible to do small acts of heroism in the collection and donation of barya as their contribution to nation building, Suarez noted.

To address classroom shortage
It also aims to address the country's acute shortage of public classroom using the small coins collected and donated for the world record-breaking attempt, Suarez said.

"This is a manifestation of the rising spirit of Filipinos wanting to beat the best in the world," said Kabayanihan Foundation chairman emeritus Alex Lacson.

The organizers have already exceeded 70 kms in terms of commitments from sponsors and with more Filipino families expected to join the project and generate more funds for building more classrooms in the country, Lacson noted.

"In addition to creating a world history, this project will also raise funds for the building of classrooms for public elementary schools and will promote the importance of coin recirculation," Lacson explained.

From the proceeds of the 75 kms of 25-centavo coins, three classrooms could be constructed.

The organizers expect the coins to come from Metro Manila and Luzon, contributed by partners — schools, companies, media, local government units, cooperatives and non-government organizations (NGOs), communities — and Filipinos willing to contribute at least a single 25-centavo coin.

According to the Bangko Sentral, video game and karaoke machines, vending machines, church contributions, and jueteng numbers game are the main causes of coin shortage in the country.

It said only 10 percent of 18.9 billion pieces of coins in circulation are being recirculated in the financial system.

There are 18.9 billion pieces of coins (P10, P5, P1, 25 centavos, 10 centavos, 5 centavos ) worth P18.9 billion in circulation, or 198 coins for each Filipino, according to BSP data.

As of May 31, currency in circulation consisted of 1.959 billion pieces of banknotes worth P520.739 billion and 16.796 billion pieces of coins worth P18.678 billion, BSP data showed. — VS, GMA News

...the Peso power

Peso up over projections of decent economic growth for Philippines

By: Michelle V. Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

 Monday, November 21st, 2011

MANILA, Philippines — The peso inched up by 10 centavos on the first trading day of the week amid expectations that the Philippines would manage to post a decent growth rate in 2011 or over the short term even amid a weak global economy.

The local currency closed at 43.295 against the US dollar on Monday, up from 43.395 on Friday.

Intraday high hit 43.29:$1, while intraday low settled at 43.505:$1. Volume of trade amounted to $1.118 billion from $1.029 billion previously.

Traders said some profit-seeking portfolio investors were still keen on buying Philippine securities given the country’s growth prospects.

The Philippines grew by 4 percent in the first semester, and is projected by the government to grow between 4.5 and 5.5 percent for the full year.

The growth forecast for the year is actually a slowdown from the 7.6 percent in 2010, but this is still much better than the growth projections for industrialized countries in the West.

Fitch Ratings also said in a report released Monday that the Philippines has become one of the countries in emerging Asia likely to be the least vulnerable to liquidity problems in the international financial community that might arise should global risk aversion worsen.

The country’s resilience is attributed to its growing foreign exchange reserves, which is driven in part by steady flow of remittances.

...the Big 3 (TV network) in Asian TV awards

TV5 leads local networks in number of nominations at the Asian TV Awards

By NEIL RAMOS

November 21, 2011
Manila Bulletin

TV5's 'Talentadong Pinoy' are among the nominees in this year's ATA

MANILA, Philippines – Recently revamped TV5 romped off with more nominations than ABS-CBN and GMA-7 in this year's Asian Television Awards (ATA).

The finalists in the 2011 ATA were announced Thursday by organizing publication,
Television Asia Plus, which were trimmed from a total of 224 entries spanning 13 countries.

TV5's "Talentadong Pinoy" and "Lokomoko" got the nod in the Best General Entertainment category and Best Comedy Programme categories, respectively. "Ito Ang Buhay Ko," the theme song from the network's “Star Confessions,” also landed on the ATA Best Theme Song shortlist.

ABS-CBN and GMA-7 have two nominations each.
 
ABS-CBN's “The Bottomline with Boy Abunda" is nominated in the Best Talk Show category, while Angel Aquino is nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance on ABS-CBN’s "Magkaribal."

GMA-7, on the other hand, has Michael V. of "Pepito Manaloto" nominated in the Best Comedy Performance. Another GMA-7 program, "Mind Master," is in the running in the Best General Entertainment category.

Another Filipino and work by Filipinos also figured in the shortlist. These are Singapore-based Filipino journalist Rico Hizon, who is nominated as Best News Presenter for his BBC World News program; and the documentary dubbed “The Vizconde Massacre” that's produced by local production company Unlimited Productions for the Crime and
Investigation Network channel, which got nominated in the Best Infotainment Program category.

Winners in the ATA will be announced in a gala in Singapore on Dec. 8.

The ATA recognizes excellence in television programming, production and performance. It draws about 1,400 entries each year from a wide range of broadcasters, including free-to-air TV stations and pay-TV platforms as well as many independent production houses in Asia.

...the strong and mighty economy

PH can withstand further volatilities: Fitch

 

abs-cbnNEWS.com

Posted at 11/21/2011

 

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines can withstand further volatility in the global economy because of its strong foreign exchange reserves, Fitch Ratings said in a report released on Monday.

 

Fitch's report entitled “Emerging Asian Sovereign Pressure Points" said that the Philippine foreign exchange reserves' capacity to handle potential capital outflows in a period of risk aversion is among the strongest in the region.

"Exposure to a sharp deterioration in global market liquidity as judged by the adjusted liquidity ratio appears greatest for Indonesia, Korea and Malaysia, and more limited for China, Taiwan and the Philippines," Fitch said.

For emerging Asian countries like the Philippines, Fitch said exposure to a “sudden stop” in external financing appears limited.

"Financial market disruption and the impact that may have on the balance of payments can feed through into the real economy and hurt performance. The current account balances (CAB) for emerging Asia suggest the region as a whole is well placed to handle a liquidity shock," Fitch said.

Last week, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported the balance of payments (BOP) surplus was $9.929 billion in the first 10 months of the year due to inflows from portfolio investments, exports and remittances. The BSP is reviewing its 2011 BOP surplus forecast of $6.7 billion.

In October, the country’s gross international reserves also increased by $600 million to $75.8 billion from the previous month's level due to the BSP's foreign exchange operations and income from its investments abroad as well as revaluation gains on its gold holdings.

Authorities have been saying that international credit rating agencies, including Fitch, have underrated the Philippines' sovereign ratings by one to two notches.

Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima and BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. have noted that the Philippines' macroeconomic fundamentals including reserves coverage, inflation rate, economic growth, external payments position, and debt service ratios were better compared with other countries.

The credit ratings given to the Philippines by 3 major international ratings firms – Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch – were all below investment grade.

The Philippines received a series of credit rating and credit outlook upgrades from the 3 agencies within the first year of the administration of President Aquino.

...the Imprisoned Artist prize finalist

Filipino is finalist in 2011 Imprisoned Artists Prize


By Pablo A. Tariman
The Philippine Star
November 21, 2011

Former UP Collegian editor Ericson Acosta in the Calbayog sub-provincial jail in Western, Samar is visited by only son Emmanuel last Oct. 29| Zoom

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino political prisoner Ericson Acosta — former editor of the UP Collegian and a detainee for 10 months now at the Calbayog, Samar sub-provincial jail — is one of the three finalists in the prestigious 2011 Imprisoned Artist Prize in the Freedom to Create Award Festival in Cape Town, South Africa. Winners were announced yesterday, Nov. 20, at an awards ceremony and concert at the stunning Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in South Africa.

The finalists in the Main and Artist in Prison categories were chosen out of more than 2,000 nominees from 145 countries by a select jury that included Hollywood actress and filmmaker Daryl Hannah, novelist Salman Rushdie and ballet icon Mikhail Baryshnikov, among others.

The other two finalists are musician Win Maw of Burma and filmmaker Dhondup Wanchen of Tibet.

Win Maw was imprisoned for seven years under emergency regulations from 1996 to 2002 for performing as lead guitarist in the rock group Shwe Thansin, one of Burma’s top bands of the 1990s. He wrote songs in support of Burma’s opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 1997. He was released from Taunggoo prison in November 2002, but his music remained banned and can only be listened to through exiled broadcasters and online soundfile networks.

Detained filmmaker Dhondup Wanchen of Tibet made a film titled Leaving Fear Behind which has been screened in more than 30 countries worldwide and translated into five languages, including Chinese. The worldwide campaign for his release continues.

Cover of CD recordings of the compositions of Ericson

The finalists for 2011 Freedom to Create Main Prize are Ayat Al-Gormezi (Bahrain), a 20-year-old poet and student at the Faculty of Teachers in Bahrain, who was put on trial for merely expressing her opinion peacefully and openly; Sister Fa (Senegal), one of the most widely recognized female rap artists in Senegal, who has devoted her life’s work to raising awareness on the dangers of female genital mutilation, a practice in theory outlawed by the state but which continues across Africa; and Ramy Essam (Egypt) who spent 18 days in Tahrir Square writing music and performing songs to motivate the protesters, suffering threats and attacks from the military police, but refusing to leave until Mubarak’s regime collapsed.

The Imprisoned Artist Prize is one of the awards given by Freedom to Create, an international award-giving body launched in 2008 to “celebrate the courage and creativity of artists and the positive influence of their work to promote social justice and inspire the human spirit.”

The prize — according to the Freedom To Create website — is given to artists who are incarcerated “because of their courage and creativity in pursuing their art, and the role of their work in highlighting injustice.”

One winner will be awarded $25,000, which will then be utilized in securing the artist’s release and advocacies and campaigns for his or her freedom.

Acosta is an artist, journalist and cultural worker who was arrested by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Feb. 13, 2011 in Barangay Bay-ang, San Jorge, Samar province in the Eastern Visayan region. He faces trumped-up charges of illegal possession of explosives and is currently detained at the Calbayog City sub-provincial jail.

The UP activist’s counsel has filed a Petition for Review of his case before the Philippine government’s Department of Justice (DOJ) last Sept. 1.

Even in jail, Acosta continues to make his art and music heard despite and in spite of the most pressing of circumstances. A raw recording dubbed Prison Sessions featuring Acosta singing his original compositions in jail instantly enjoyed thousands of hits and followers online. He also maintains an online journal, Jailhouse Blog.

Acosta’s supporters — among them National Artists for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera and F. Sionil Jose, Philippine Center of International PEN (Poets & Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists), Concerned Artists of the Philippines, University of the Philippines National Writers Workshop fellows, filmmaker Joel Lamangan and Carlitos Siguion Reyna and actors Nanding Josef and Bibeth Orteza — have called on DOJ Sec. Leila de Lima to immediately withdraw fabricated complaints against Acosta.

Launched in 2008, the Freedom to Create Prize is a celebration of the courage and creativity of artists, and the positive influence of their work to promote social justice and inspire the human spirit. The Prize is open to all forms of art, in any creative field and to any individual or group of any gender, religion or nationality.

...the gold diggers

SEA Games: Philippine men’s baseball, rowing teams strike gold

By Celest R. Flores
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sunday, November 20th, 2011

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine men’s baseball team, which bucked funding woes to get to Indonesia, delivered a gold medal for the country in the 26th Southeast Asian Games.

The baseball squad bucked adversity and raced to a 2-0 win over Indonesia in the finals Sunday behind an overall effort and clutch pitching from ace Darwin de la Calzada.

The Filipino clouters almost didn’t make it to the biennial competition because of lack of funding from the Philippine Sports Commission. They were only given the green light after a businessman, Marty Eizmendi, came to the rescue of the team.

Meanwhile, the Philippine dragonboat team also caught gold in the 20-man crew for the 500 meter traditional boat race with a time of 01:53.950.

The Filipino rowers edged Myanmar (01:54.120) and Thailand (01:56.210) for the title and also settled for silver in the standard men’s 500m race.

Alfie Catalan toppled his Indonesian rivals and claimed the 4000m individual pursuit title for the gold medal in cycling.

In weightlifting, Hidilyn Diaz took home the silver in the 58kg women’s category, which brought the Philippines’ medal haul as of 7 p.m. Sunday at 25-45-63 (gold, silver, bronze).

SEA Games: Sinag Pilipinas outclass Thailand to bag basketball gold

11/20/2011

GMA News

Sinag Pilipinas outclassed the Thailand squad on the back of a big second quarter run to win 85-57. - OMG, GMA News

...the investment haven

Invest in the Philippines, Koreans urged

By: Tina G. Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sunday, November 20th, 2011

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) Director General Lilia de Lima has urged Korean businessmen to invest in the Philippines.

De Lima sounded the call during the Philippine Investments Seminar held in Seoul on Nov. 14 which was attended by some 80 Korean businessmen, the Department of Foreign Affairs said, citing a report from the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.

In her speech, De Lima disclosed that Peza registered total investments of P113.6 billion this year, a 60-percent increase in investments over the previous year.

“She urged Korean companies to consider the Philippines as an investment destination due to its favorable investment climate and dynamic political regime,” the DFA said in a statement.

There are 269 Korean enterprises operating in various Peza zones, constituting 3.89 percent of all local and foreign investors.

During the seminar hosted by the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Samsung Electronics Philippines Manufacturing Corp. (Sephil) president Sun Hung Kim gave a testimonial.

He said Sephil had always believed in the Philippines as an investment destination, adding that Sephil was also proud of the company’s Filipino engineers who developed a fully localized product for the international market.

In the course of her two-day visit, De Lima met with Minister Choi Joong-kyung of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and visited the assembly plant of S&T Daewoo.

...the good neighbor

Korean president in PHL for 3-day state visit

11/20/2011

GMA News

President Benigno Aquino III will host a state dinner Monday for visiting Korean President Lee Myung-Bak, who arrived Sunday for a three-day state visit to the Philippines.

Korean President Lee Myung-bak and first lady Madame Kim Yoon-ok arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday for a three-day state visit to the Philippines.

abs-cbnnews.com

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said welcome honors would be accorded to Lee when he visits Malacañang where he would have a bilateral meeting with Aquino.

The two would also witness the signing a memorandum of understanding on agro-industrial development between Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and South Korean Agriculture Minister Seo Gyu-yong.

The MOU binds the two countries to jointly promote a "Multi-Industry Cluster" project that aims to promote agro-industrial development to be funded by loans or private investments.

Valte, in an interview by Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday, said they expect Aquino and Lee to discuss subjects that are of common interest to the Philippines and Korea like the tourism and infrastructure industries, as well as the deepening of ties between the two countries.

At least 21percent of foreign tourists in the country are Korean. An estimated 740,000 Koreans visited the Philippines in 2010.

Foreign Affairs spokesperson Raul Hernandez said Lee, during his visit to the country, would also offer a wreath at the statue of Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal at the Luneta Park, attend the Philippine-Republic of Korea Business Forum and a town hall meeting at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Lee, who arrived around 1:30 p.m. Sunday, will leave on Tuesday morning.

Prior to his visit to Manila, Lee attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) meeting in Bali in Indonesia with Aquino. — KBK, GMA News

...the aggie exports

PHL eyes increased exports to European agriculture center

11/20/2011

GMA News

Philippine officials in Europe are considering tapping the European Center for Fruits and Vegetables in Brussels, Belgium as an outlet for the increased export of Philippine agricultural products to the region.

Ambassador-designate to Belgium and Luxembourg Victoria Bataclan, who heads the Philippine Mission to the European Union, visited the center, one of its kind in Europe, last Oct. 13.

"In the meeting (with Center director Thierry Nuttin), she shared with Director Nuttin her vision of tapping all possible avenues to increase the trade of Philippine goods in Europe," the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Bataclan also relayed her interest to increase Philippine exports of agricultural products as she noted the inroads made by the Philippines in technology, innovation and research.

With her in the visit to the center were Agricultural Attaché Jose Laquian and Celso Enriquez, Team Leader for the fruits and vegetable sector of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Growth with Equity in Mindanao (USAID-GEM) Program.

The USAID-GEM program aims to accelerate economic growth in Mindanao and to assure that as many people as possible can equally benefit from this growth.

It had sent its own representatives from the Philippines to visit the center and explore market opportunities for Philippine exotic and tropical fruits and other produce.

Established in 1981, the European Center for Fruits and Vegetables is a 13-hectare world-class integrated supply chain facility where first-grade quality fruits and vegetables from around the world are stored, showcased and traded.

It has 28 importers and exporters, and boasts of an annual sales turnover of €500 million and 950,000 metric tons. — LBG, GMA News