...the PH IMO seat

Philippines re-elected to IMO

By John Carlo Cahinhinan
Sun Star

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

MANILA (Updated) -- The Philippines once again bagged a seat in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during its 28th Annual Assembly in London, United Kingdom.

The IMO is the United Nations' specialized agency responsible for ensuring maritime safety, security and protection of marine environment, while its assembly serves as the executive organ of the agency that is responsible for overseeing the work of the entire organization.

Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) administrator Maximo Mejia said the country was placed under "Category C," which includes countries with "special interests in maritime transport or navigation."

The Marina administrator explained that a "Category C" nation has special interest in maritime transport or navigation and whose election into the council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world.

Those member states that belonged to the same category include Australia, Bahamas, Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, and Turkey.

Around one-third of the world's seafarers' population comes from the Philippines.

Mejia noted that the country, as a maritime nation, is deeply committed to the goals of the IMO in a very concrete manner, particularly on the benefits from the operation of safe and secure ships on clean oceans.

"We rely on the seas to connect our thousands of islands and on its bounty for our food and our economy," Mejia said.

He also reassured the international maritime community of the Philippines' adherence to the conventions, rules and regulations set by the IMO and other international regulatory bodies.

"Being the source of more than a quarter of all seafarers on-board ships in the international trade is a position of great responsibility, and the Philippines reassures the international maritime community of its commitment to the letter and intent of the STCW Convention and to ensuring that the world’s ships are manned by able, competent, and qualified seafarers," Mejia said. (Sunnex)

 

...the Voice Belgium's Pinay bet

Pinay makes it to The Voice Belgium semis

 

By Raquel Bernal-Crisostomo

ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau correspondent

04/23/2013

 

 

LINT - Another Filipina has wowed viewers and judges of "The Voice" in Belgium with her singing prowess.

 

Singing “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne, Maria Theresa Morales survived last week’s elimination round which assured her of competing for the semi-finals of The Voice Van Vlaanderen.

The 19-year-old contestant admitted feeling the pressure especially after the elimination of half-Pinay Sarah Goddart a couple of weeks ago.

Although it will be a tough round this Friday, she vows to give her best shot.

“Gagalingan ko po. Di ko po kayo bibiguin,” she said.

She also assured everyone that she’s not affected by the negative comments thrown at her.

“Yung mga negative comments, mas pinapalakas pa po nila ang performance ko lalo pa po ako nagpupursige para po patunayan na kahit hindi ako sanay mag Flemish, kaya ko po,” Morales said.

As she competes for this week’s elimination round, Morales appeals for support and prayers from her fellow Filipinos.

The Voice Van Vlaanderen is shown live every Friday evening. Pinoys in Belgium can support Morales by texting MARIA and sending it to 6677 as soon as the host signals the start of text votes.

 

...the PH hot air ballon fest

Hot air balloon fest puts PH on aerial tourism map

 

 

by Katherine Visconti

Rappler.com
02/21/2013

BIGGEST FIESTA SO FAR. This year's Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta brings together 32 balloons from 15 countries. Photo by Katherine Visconti

ANGELES CITY, Philippines - A floating bus, men dangling from parachutes, and military training jets dot the sky.

 

The view sounds fantastical and it is.

 

From February 21 to 24, paragliders, skydivers, helicopters, kites, jets, and hot air balloons take to the sky for the 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Not surprisingly, the annual event is also known as "the weekend of everything that flies."

 

"A record number of 32 balloons represented by some 15 countries will participate in this year's 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, the biggest participation in the history of the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta to date," said Arnel Paciano D. Casanova, president and CEO of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, in a statement.

 

AERIAL TOURISM. The Philippines is determined to take the lead. Photo by Katherine Visconti

Visitors have come from as far as Belgium, England, Poland, the United States, and the Netherlands to chart hot air balloons in the yearly aviation event.

 

Aimed at putting the Philippines on the map for aerial tourism, the event is supported by the Department of Tourism, the Clark Development Corporation, the Clark International Airport Corporation, and the Bases Conversion Development Authority.

 

An orchestra in the air

 

NEED FOR SPEED. The sexy jets of the Breitling Jet Team gleaming and ready to fly. Photo by Katherine Visconti

A special sight this 2013 is the acrobatic performance of the world-renowned Breitling Jet Team, which considers itself "the world's largest professional civilian flight team." The team was brought to Manila by jewelry and timepiece brand Lucerne.

 

Composed largely of former fighter pilots from France, the skilled crews steered 7 L-39 C Albatros aircrafts — Czech-made twin-seater military training jets — through a daunting series of tricks.

 

They looped through the air, barrel-rolled, and dove straight down together, splitting apart at exactly the same moment.

 

Watch a video on the team's stunts here:

Actor Dingdong Dantes was a passenger in one of the Breitling flights. He described the experience as "exciting and nerve wracking." He added that his dad used to fly planes and that he always dreamed of being a pilot since he was a child.

 

Dantes was in professional hands but there are always risks at every corner, explained Breitling pilot Patrick Marchand. Breitling said in a press statement that pilots flying upside down may be subjected to 9 times the amount of pressure on a typical human body, causing "immense strain on the muscles to keep blood flowing evenly throughout the body."

 

DREAM COME TRUE. Actor Dingdong Dantes's father was a pilot. Photo courtesy of GMA7

The pilots' lives depend on working together as a team. Marchand said they are all extremely close and he intuitively recognizes his teammates' voices over the radio.

 

He called their team "a symphony in the sky" for whom precision is of utmost importance.

 

Captain Jacques Bothelin agreed. "I'm the conductor," he laughed. When he dives, his wingmen follow no matter what, he explained to Rappler.

 

Like musicians, they all have to be in perfect sync for the performance to come off without a hitch, added Marchand.

 

Here are photos from the Breitling Jet Team's shows on February 21 at 8:30am and 10:30am:

Photo by Angie de Silva

Photo by Angie de Silva

Photo by Angie de Silva

Photo by Angie de Silva

ONE DOWN, 3 TO GO. The 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta runs until February 24 at the Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga. Photo by Angie de Silva

...the AsPac filmfest nominees

A first for Filipino films: 3 nods in Asia-Pacific awards

Nominees are ‘happy, proud’ for country

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

October 14, 2012

NORA Aunor and Brillante Mendoza on the set of “Thy Womb” in Tawi-Tawi.

The three nominations the Philippines received in this year’s Asia-Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) signify that the country remains a strong contender in the international scene, said Filipino filmmaker Brillante Ma. Mendoza.

Brillante was nominated for best director for his Venice entry “Thy Womb,” whose lead star Nora Aunor is in the running for best actress. Scriptwriter Chris Martinez, meanwhile, is vying for best screenplay for “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank.”

Mendoza, who was in Ghent, Belgium, for a screening of “Captive” at the time of the announcement of nominations last Friday, told the Inquirer via SMS: “After having at least nine diverse films at the Busan fest (in South Korea), we got three nods in the region’s top awards. This clearly proves that the country will continue to have a strong presence in world cinema. I’m proud and happy to be the first Filipino director to be recognized by the APSA in that category.”

According to its website, the APSA, which was founded in 2007, seeks to “recognize and promote cinematic excellence and cultural diversity (in) the vast Asia-Pacific region … and is considered as the region’s highest accolade in film.”

This year’s APSA awards ceremony will be held in Brisbane, Australia, on November 23.

Among the best

In 2008, Ishmael Bernal’s “Himala,” which starred Aunor, won the CNN APSA Viewers’ Choice award for Best Asia-Pacific Film of All Time.

“These nominations are a source of pride for our country and countrymen,” Aunor said in Filipino.

 “All these recognitions of the work and art of Filipinos are important. My nomination comes four years after ‘Himala’ won and it inspires me to work even harder. It warms my heart, especially since the honor comes from our fellow Asians.”

“I feel more than validated,” said screenwriter Martinez, who was earlier nominated for the same script at the Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong. “These nominations prove that our films and artists are among the best in the region.”

Martinez hopes the citation will highlight the contributions of writers in local cinema. “Every great movie starts with great writing. It’s my wish that the industry would give more importance to the written word. It’s time screenwriters stop being invisible.”

Martinez said that the entire “Septic” team—including actress Eugene Domingo and director Marlon Rivera—are “praying hard that we win.”

Not just poverty

Joji Alonso, “Septic” producer, said that the nods “call attention to the country … that there is so much talent here, just waiting to be tapped. It also shows that there are other stories, apart from poverty, that we can share with the world.”

The APSA citations prove “that there is still hope for the local film industry. That, if only we could all go out of the box, we would reach our prime much faster,” said Alonso.

Alonso noted that when she first read the “Septic” script, she instantly knew that it would go places.

“It’s both real and surreal.”

Martinez said that “Septic” has been making the rounds of international film fests “for over a year now. It will also be released theatrically in German- and French-speaking countries soon.”

After its Venice, Toronto and Busan screenings, “Thy Womb” will compete in Goa, India, in November and in Dubai in December, Mendoza said. It will have its Austrian premiere at the Vienna fest on October 25 and will be shown in local theaters on November 28.

PH’s fish hotdog bags international award

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

07/01/2012

 

 

MANILA, Philippines - A Philippine company has bagged the 2012 Superior Taste Award in Belgium for its all natural fish frankfurter.

 

The Belgium-based International Taste and Quality Institute, which is a global organization of chefs and sommeliers, conferred the award to Fisher Farms, Inc., one of the Philippines’ largest aquaculture processors.

Fisher Farms CEO Imelda Madarang (3rd from right) and Technical Director Kate Buenaventura receive the 2012 Superior Taste Award from the International Taste Quality Institute during the awarding ceremony in Brussels, Belgium

The award, which is described as the “Michelin Guide of Food,” is one of the most sought-after awards in the food and beverage world. It is highly recognized by the food industry in more than 80 countries.

Fisher Farms’ so-called “All-Natural Fish Frankfurter” got the nod of judges from 13 of the most prestigious European culinary and sommelier associations like the Maîtres Cuisiniers of France and Belgium, Academy of Culinary Arts, Hellenic Chefs' Association, Académie Culinaire of France, Verband der Köche Deutschlands, Jeunes Restaurateurs d'Europe, the Federación de Asociaciones de Cocineros of Spain, Federerazione dei Cuochi Italiana, Portuguese Chefs Association, Årets Kock of Sweden, Euro-Toques and the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale.

The All-Natural Fish Frankfurter is the first in the world and does not have artificial preservatives. It mimics the meaty and spicy taste of frankfurters without the taste of “fish.”

Fisher Farms chief executive Imelda Madarang received the award with technical director Katherine Buenaventura in Brussels.

“Fisher Farms is honored to be the first Filipino food company to receive this distinction,” Madarang said.

“We hope this award highlights Filipinos’ ability to create innovative world-class products out of our indigenous agricultural and aquatic resources.”

Fisher Farms exports fish products to the United States, Canada, the Middle East, and Europe. It has established strong business ties with large quick service restaurant chains in the Philippines and created a wide range of innovative and export-quality fish products like fish sausages, cold cuts, and microwaveable meals

...the Road

Pinoy horror-drama film 'The Road' featured in Brussels

 

April 16, 2012

GMA News

 

 

The Philippine subtle horror-drama film "The Road" was shown at the 30th Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFFF) in Belgium.
 

 

Directed by William "Yam" Laranas, the film was screened on April 9, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a news release over the weekend.

The festival opened for public viewing on April 5 and will run until April 17 at Tour and Taxis in Avenue du Port in Brussels.

The BIFFF is a prestigious award-giving institution focusing on horror, cult, thriller, and fantasy films.
 
"Laranas received a warm round of applause and response from the audience after his brief remarks about his film prior to the start of its showing. This was followed by a brief Q & A session with the BIFFF Press Corps and a short signing session," the DFA said.
 
The DFA said Laranas submitted his film for an international premiere at the festival. The results of the competition will be announced during the closing ceremonies on April 17.
 
In 2006, he won BIFFF's 7th Orbit Award for his ghost movie "Sigaw," which helped get him to the United States to shoot a remake of his film "The Echo," for BIFFF 2009. - VVP, GMA News

...the Island of 'Survivor'

‘Survivor’ USA shoots in Camarines Sur

 

by Reyma Buan-Deveza

ABS-CBNnews.com

03/27/2012 12:04

 

MANILA, Philippines - Camarines Sur Governor L-Ray Villafuerte confirmed that the U.S. version of the hit reality TV show "Survivor" is now being shot in Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur.

 

"Actually may 'Survivor' doon. It's a really big production but I cannot (give more details) because I signed a confidentiality agreement. It's is being filmed right now and it's going to air in September," Villafuerte told abs-cbnNEWS.com on Tuesday.

He added that the shooting only started last week and will wrap up in August.

Contestants perform a challenge for a European version of "Survivor" shot in Caramoan, Camarines Sur. Photo from the Facebook page of Caramoan Paradise

According to speculations on the show's fan sites, the American version of "Survivor" with host Jeff Probst is shooting two seasons in the Philippines -- Seasons 25 and 26 -- back to back.

"Survivor" Season 24 is currently airing worldwide. The next season is expected to air in the fall.

Tourism boost

Villafuerte said the filming of the show will help local businesses in Caramoan.

"They are hiring 400 people. They pay them daily wage, they are hiring sasakyan, bangka at lahat ng local supplies doon ay binibili nila so grabe ang business in the locality," he said.

Tourism establishments are also using "Survivor" to market their products.

CK-Inn, in fact, mentioned the shoot on its website.

"The whole Matukad island will be closed during March as production team of USA is now in Caramoan preparing for the Survivor show," it announced on its website.

Tour operator Caramoan Paradise even offers packages that would give tourists a glimpse of the "Survivor" experience.

"Survivor USA is setting up now at Caramoan, shooting will start by March... get the chance to have a glimpse of it.... for only P1,300 2D1N (flat rate)... experience being a castaway," it said on its Facebook page.

Hollywood movie shoot

This is not the first time that Caramoan was chosen as shooting location for "Survivor."

Villafuerte said the French and Swedish versions of the reality TV show were also shot in Camarines Sur.

"Survivors France, Sweden, Belgium, India, Turkey, Serbia, Israel have filmed there as early as four years ago," he said.

But since the American version of "Survivor" attracts a global audience, countries are eager to host the show.

In Asia, the U.S. series has already shot in Australia, Thailand, Malaysia and China.

Aside from "Survivor," Villafuerte also bared that a Hollywood movie will also be shot in the province.

"Magkakaroon ng Hollywood film sa amin this year, I can not say again (what it is)," he said.

---

...the Tribe 1946

New Pinoy mag in Holland launched

by Dheza Marie Aguilar,

 ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

 03/12/2012

Partners Willem Snijder and Maarten Lemmers present the new Pinoy magazine "Tribe 1946" to selected guests in Assendelft, The Netherlands/Dheza Marie Aguilar, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

HOLLAND -- A new Filipino-Dutch magazine was recently launched in Assendelft, The Netherlands, to cater to the need for information and entertainment of Filipinos abroad, especially in Europe.

Tribe1946 magazine was an idea that Dutch businessmen Maartem Lemmers and Willem Snijder decided to pursue when the only Filipino magazine in the Netherlands, Munting Nayon, stopped publishing last year.

They aim to provide not only information but a sort of medium for networking for Filipinos living abroad.

“Last year, we started an idea to support and give services to the Filipinos here in Holland and from the services that we came up with, the magazine is the first one that we started with,” said Snijder.

Lemmers and Snijders came up with the name Tribe 1946 for the magazine because they believed that through their goals, they will help build a stronger Filipino community abroad. The partners also believed that the true Philippine independence was achieved when the United States recognized a free country in the Treaty of Manila signed on July 4, 1946.

In addition to the magazine, they also run an online community for Filipinos and are aiming to start to offer affordable phone rates to the Philippines. Both are happily married to Filipinas.

“What we are trying to do is get together and start a real community. I would like the Filipino community to be more informed, about what’s going on around the world with Filipino communities in other countries, see how to get them really to interact to really learn from each other and benefit from what everyone is doing,” Lemmers said.

According to Lemmers, they do not intend to make a profitable business out of the magazine, but make it more as a tool for Filipinos to become an instrument to help and support each other. They also aim to promote the Philippines not only for tourism but also for business and investments.

The magazine was warmly received by Filipinos in the Netherlands. Most of those who attended were excited that a new endeavor for the Filipino community was started, and promised to support the magazine.

“I’m very glad na may bagong magazine about sa mga nangyayari sa Pilipinas katulad ng Sendong at saka entertainment. Syempre importante din sa atin iyon kasi hindi lamang sa Pilipinas maraming entertainment,” said Irene Looze.

Looze, who owns a catering business, hopes that through the food articles that will be featured in Tribe 1946, Europeans will be able to discover unique and delicious Filipino dishes. She is happy to see that the magazine features Filipino talents not just from the Philippines, but also those who are making a name in Europe.

Tribe1946 is initially available in Spain, Germany, Belgium and Norway, and they hope to distribute it to more countries in Europe.

---

...the Europe's 'Amazing race' location

Belgium's version of 'Amazing Race' films in PHL

 

By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ

January 19, 2012

Manila Bulletin

 

 

 

‘Peking Express’ will feature various tourist spots in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is fast becoming a shooting destination for international entertainment projects, the latest of which is “Peking Express,” considered as the Belgian counterpart of the hit US reality show “The Amazing Race.”

Shortly after cameras rolled in Manila for the Hollywood spy thriller “The Bourne Legacy,” and “American Idol” singer-songwriter David Archuleta started shooting for the TV5 mini-series “Nandito Ako,” a contingent of 61 crew members and talents has flown into the country to shoot five out of 12 episodes of “Peking Express,” reported Interaksyon.com.

Shooting for “Peking Express” is scheduled from Jan. 18 to Feb. 2.

The contestants—composed of eight French couples—will traverse various tourist sites in Luzon. According to Interaksyon, the itinerary “is expected to go through Manila-Bagac-Cervantes-Bontoc-Angeles-Pinatubo Volcano-Quezon-Candelaria-Talisay,” and back to the country’s capital.

The show, which began in 2004 and already in its seventh season, sends couples to hitchhike from one country to another, testing their skills and spirit as teams while learning about a culture different from their own. Competition in the current season began in Seoul, South Korea, and will culminate in Sydney, Australia.

As part of the challenge, each of the contestants are given merely one euro a day (about P56 pesos as of this writing), and must devise resourceful plans in order for them to reach their destinations and fulfill their tasks, with the production team following their quest.

One team will be eliminated per episode until two couples remain to battle it out in the finale.

“Peking Express” has also been adapted in other European territories such as Germany, Scandinavia, France, and Spain.

 

 

 

...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

...the fate of Busong in Brussels

Pinoy indie film Busong wins award in Brussels

CARMELA LAPEÑA,

GMA News

11/07/2011

Filipino filmmaker Auraeus Solito has won again with his "dream film" Busong. The first Palawanon indigenous film has just won the International Competition Tomorrow's Cinema Award at the 38th Brussels International Independent Film Festival in Belgium.

"Beautiful that tomorrow's cinema comes from our indigenous Palawan's past," Solito said on Facebook, where he announced that the film won the award.

Held in Belgium from November 1 to 6, the BIIFF aims to allow independent filmmakers who don't fit the classical ways of visual media to express themselves. The festival featured 100 films from 60 different countries.

"I dedicated the award to my mother at the other side of the world, who told me these stories to put me to sleep. Manunga banar (for beautiful truths)," he said.

Busong was also featured in the 27th Warsaw Film Festival, and was in the official selection of the Cannes Directors' Fortnight last May.

In September, the film was awarded the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) International Critics Prize at the Eurasia International Film Festival (EIFF) held in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Busong, titled after the Palawan concept of fate or instant karma, focuses on how people's disrespect towards nature and fellow humans gets nature's instant reaction.

Solito's first feature film, Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, won 15 international awards, and has brought Solito to Montreal, Toronto, Okinawa, Utah, Berlin, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, New York, Las Palmas in Spain, Sydney, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Warsaw, and London.

The feature film was also named one of the Ten Best Films of the Decade (2000-2009) by Gawad Urian.

Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros was followed by Tuli (2006), Pisay (2008), and Boy (2009). — RSJ, GMA News

...the Island of Survivors

How Caramoan wowed "Survivor India"

By ANSELMO V. TALAGTAG,JR

October 30,2011

Manila Bulletin

Matukad Island (Photo by TEDDY L. PELAEZ)

No other country can boast of that many returning productions. Such is the appeal of the islands of Caramoan.


MANILA, Philippines -- India is the latest country with the “Survivor” franchise to be dazzled by the beauty of the Caramoan islands.

Coming after France, Israel, Bulgaria, Serbia and the Strix group (made up of Norway, Holland, Belgium and Sweden), the Miditech group, the contracted entity of showbiz giant Star Plus India that owns the “Survivor” franchise, is already thinking of returning to Caramoan for its next series.

“We all fell in love with the place when we visited last March,” said Niret Alva, who together with brother, Nikhil, are the executive producers of Miditech. Nikhil is also a member of India’s National Tourism Promotions Board and is keen on promoting the Philippines to the Indian market, especially after being impressed with Caramoan.


How it all began

Caramoan’s popularity with the “Survivor” franchises in Europe started with the first French production in Palawan.

According to Nikolo Juvan of the Philippine Film Studios Incorporated (PFSI), the event handling company, the French wanted to film again in the Philippines but on a more secluded group of islands because El Nido, Palawan is crawling with tourists.

PFSI was then introduced to Caramoan by the son of Governor Lray Villafuerte; and after seeing the islands’ great potential, the French were informed and then it was their turn to be awed.

“There was, however, a condition by the French that housing facilities should be built on the main island to accommodate all its crew, contestants and VIPs. The French producers promised Gov. Villafuerte that they will do the series if there will be facilities built on the main island that was still bare at the time,” Juvan said.

The rest, of course, is history for Caramoan tourism. Facilities were built in what was to be called Gota Village. The French filmed the series, which was shown all over Europe, and the other franchise holders followed suit.

“The French series is the second largest franchise after the United States; so even if we didn’t make any marketing programs to follow it up, the inquiries came,” Juvan revealed.

The latest, of course, is India, whose producers, just midway in the competition, have already signified their intention of returning for their second season, expecting a big slice of the Indian viewers. The first season was a celebrity edition, with 10 celebrities competing against 10 other contestants from corporate to man-on-the-street.


An Economic Opportunity

The “Survivor” series provides jobs, not just for local labor, but also for Manila based personnel. Juvan revealed that every production brings with them a large international crew with various needs from technical expertise to manual labor. It has also provided an opportunity to showcase Filipino talent, skills and friendly disposition that leave a positive mark with each visiting country.

Juvan related that on the first edition of the Israeli series, the producers brought their own carpenters and labor force; but when they saw the ability of the Filipino counterparts, they didn’t bring any of their labor force the next time.

For their part, Miditech Indian managers are pleased with how the Filipino crew handle pressure. “ We usually shout and feel pressured, but the Filipinos just smile and tell us not to worry because things will be done on time.”


Win some, lose some

Juvan and some of his staff have been living in Gota Village for the last four years to handle all the various “Survivor” productions that have returned, time and again, to do their series in Caramoan.

“One thing that stands out is because the islands, numbering around 20 ( only seven are being used regularly because of proximity to Gota) have so much variety. They come in different shapes and sizes, different characters and topography. Some are forested, there’s one with a sandbar, some with rice fields that add a dramatic appeal,” he said.

Definitely an inviting description that will appeal to tourists, domestic and foreign; but, for now, Caramoan may be losing some tourism revenue because it is an exclusive playground of the “Survivor” franchise with Gota village and its nearby islands being opened to the public just two months in a year at least (November and December). But, it more than makes up for it by showing our country’s beautiful islands to the rest of the world.

No other country can boast of that many returning productions. Such is the appeal of the islands of Caramoan.

...the Fil-Am basketers in Amsterdam

Pinoy basketball team wins tourney in Amsterdam

 

by Loui Galicia

ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

08/20/2011

 

 

THE NETHERLANDS - Filipino-Americans bagged the first international basketball tournament held in Amsterdam.

Patience, hard work and dedication in basketball helped the AmPinoy team (American Pinoy) from Germany to snatch the championship trophy in the tournament organized by the United Filipino Dutch Association (UFDA).

“Ilang taon naming pinagpraktis, ibang labanan…pagdadrive sa ibang lugar sa lahat ng labanan. Mabuti sa wakas, kami na nanalo,” said player Crisanto Costes.

The American Pinoys, all working at the US Air Force's Ramstein Airbase, were weaker at the start of the round robin, having been knocked down by the younger Brussels All Stars players.

But the AmPinoys rebounded and beat 4 other teams to face the Brussels All Stars again in the finals.

This time, the AmPinoys proved strong and fierce, beating the Belgian Pinoys who landed second place.

"We are playing our game. They were just bigger and stronger than us,” Jassin Dulnoan from Brussels All Stars said.

The third place went to the Luxembourg Warriors.

The tournament was the very first international basketball tournament organized by UFDA with participants coming from Antwerp and Brussels in Belgium; Ramstein and Bonn in Germany; Luxembourg; and Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam in Holland.

UFDA even hired professional Dutch referees in its aim to hold an organized and clean tournament.

The referees were surprised and impressed at the basketball skills and quality of play of the Filipinos.

"The players are high [level]. They can basketball. It's no street basketball. It's like the competition in Holland," referee Beatrix Lee Ajam said.

The tournament ended well without any injury or fight and the UFDA only had to give credit to two young and energetic Pinoys Archer Escalona and JP Ramos, who organized the hugely successful event.

...the social change assembly

PH hosts 4th assembly of global movement for social change

By MARVYN N. BENANING

July 7, 2011

Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines — Representatives from 40 countries converged at the Ciudad Christia Resort in San Mateo, Rizal, Thursday morning for the 4th assembly of the International League of Peoples' Struggle (ILPS) to chart a common blueprint for genuine social change and liberation.

Organizers said delegates to the assembly head earlier signaled the start of the meet by raising the "annapurna" or Nepalese prayer flags at the Peace Bell Area of the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) in Quezon City on Wednesday morning to represent the 18 demands of the ILPS.

The "annapurna" is usually raised by mountaineers before trekking towards the summit of Mt. Everest.
From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, the delegates heard reports about the accomplishments of the ILPS in the last 10 years, with Chairman Jose Maria Sison addressing the delegates about the global situation and the need to craft a strategic global campaign to advance the interest of the peoples in 40 member-countries, from Belgium, Finland, Germany, the former Soviet republics, Greece, Spain, Italy to Palestine, the Middle Eastern nations, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and a number of countries in Latin America.

Friday, participants will continue to tackle the situations in their homelands and situate the same in the context of the global economic and political crisis, highlighted by the resurgence of democratic and nationalist upheavals even in member-nations of the European Union (EU) saddled by huge debt problems.

Saturday, the members of the International Coordinating Group (ICG) of the ILPS will meet the press at 12:30 p.m. at the Serye Cafè Filipino at the QMC to discuss how the league hopes to broaden the international united front to advance the social, economic and political interest of various peoples, particularly in the light of the debt crisis, the intensification of pocket wars worldwide and the worsening poverty and hunger, particularly in developing nations.

ICG members are expected to share their insights into the impact of globalization, the mass migration of labor and the continuing adverse effects of environmental abuse, particularly by profit-seeking transnational corporations nurtured by multilateral financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB.)

..the fish breeders

Filipino fish breeders win awards

June 10, 2011

Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines -- A Belgian living in the Philippines and his Filipino wife were major winners in the Singapore Aquarama 2011 held recently.
 
Michel Capot and wife Marie took home the Grand Champion Discus Trophy and won five more category awards for their other discus varieties of fish.

Variety of Discus fishes

 
Another Filipino, Eric Tiu, also shone in the event, which is one of Asia’s biggest international ornamental fish and accessories exhibitions. Tiu won a trophy in one category, four first place awards and two silvers for his Betta entries.

Betta fish

 
The Capots live in Binangonan, Rizal. For the last seven years they have bred and developed strains of world-class discus.
 
Michel’s first love is the Japanese Koi. He runs a thriving business in Japan that breeds and exports Japanese Koi mostly to European countries.
 
Michel settled in the Philippines seven years ago, taking advantage of the lower labor costs.
 
He decided that the country was the best place to breed and develop exciting varieties of discus fish.
 
The Capots bought stock from all over the Southeast Asian countries in their quest to develop new and colorful strains of discus.
 
 They built a world-class facility in the heart of Metro Manila, investing in such technology as Reverse Osmosis equipment.
 
 Tiu is another avid discus breeder turned betta fancier and serious hobbyist.
 
He specializes in Betta Splendens, commonly known in the Philippines as “fighting fish.”
 
Filipinos had flocked to Aquarama primarily as principal buyers or distributors of both aquarium accessories and equipment or live fish of different species.

...the charity bazaar

PHL Embassy in Belgium joins charity bazaar

06/09/2011
GMANews.tv

  

Philippine officials in Belgium participated in the 2011 Charity Bazaar organized by the Asia Pacific Women's Association (APWA) in Brussels on June 4.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) cited a report from the Philippine Embassy in Belgium that the bazaar was held at the Woluwe Cultural Center in Brussels.

"Chargé d' Affaires, a.i. Marichu Mauro and Mrs. Pamela Manalo, wife of Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo, spearheaded the Embassy's participation in this event," the DFA said.

Aside from participating in the traditional "Parade of Nations," the Embassy put up a Philippine booth showcasing Filipino handicrafts and other products.

"APWA President Shaista Jilani, spouse of the Pakistani Ambassador in Belgium, had announced during the program that the proceeds of this year's Bazaar will benefit Al Mumainah Foundation in Indonesia (an orphanage), Ausi Alofa in Tuvalu (livelihood for people with disabilities) and L'Eglantier in Brussels (for women of domestic violence)," the DFA said.

The APWA, founded in 1987, consists of the spouses of the Asia-Pacific Ambassadors and Heads of Missions in Brussels. - VVP, GMA News

...the singer with a big heart

Pinay singer in Belgium launches new CD

by Raquel Bernal-Crisostomo

ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

06/01/2011

DIEST, Belgium - It was a jaw-dropping performance  for Pinay singer Bianca Evangelista during her CD launching last week.

The singer, who is also known as Bianca Eve, delivered a stirring performance that earned several standing ovations.

The CD launching coincided with her first ever solo concert.

Pinoys in audience danced  as Bianca sang some fast-beat songs, such as "Waka-Waka" that was popularized by Shakira.



Belgian singers JD Cooper and David Gilles of D' Romeos rendered special numbers to show support for Bianca.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let’s support Bianca Eve," David Gilles said during the concert.

Admiration
Francois Pinnewaert, the man who discovered Bianca Eve, said he is very proud of what the singer has achieved.

"I first met Bianca in a singing competition where she emerged the winner. Then I introduced her to my friend Albert who is now her manager. Bianca has come so far and I believe she’ll be a big star someday," he said.

Even Pinoys believe in  their kababayan's  ability.

"We hope that with God's help, her debut CD will succeed," Pinoy fan Arlda Hueva exclaimed.

It was also an emotional evening for Bianca's mother, Lily Cassas, who is battling cancer.  While she wishes her daughter success, she reminded her to keep grounded at all times.

"Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng tumulong at sumuporta sa anak ko, Belgians at Pinoy.  At kay Bianca, sana manatili syang mapagkumbaba at matulungin sa lahat ng mga nangangailangan," she said.

Part of the proceeds from Bianca's CD launching will go to Bantay Bata.

...the Philippine seafoods

Philippine seafood showcased at EU expo

 

by Raquel Bernal-Crisostomo

ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

05/19/2011

 

BRUSSELS, Belgium - For the first time, the Philippines participated at the annual European Seafood Exposition (ESE), with 10 companies from the local seafood industry joining the trade fair.

Through the joint efforts of the Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the USAID-Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM), the companies joined the fair which aimed to bring together seafood buyers and sellers around the world.

The 19th ESE provided seafood business professionals an opportunity to reach out to global retail, food service and wholesale companies.

Around 1,600 exhibitors from 72 countries participated in what is considered as the world’s biggest seafood fair.

The Philippine delegation - composed of Ayala Seafoods Corporation, Bluefin Seafood Export Incorporated, FAB Sea Resources Corporation, JN Mercado Food Supply, Jess Aquamarine Traders, Well Delight Network Corporation, Jarla Trading, MS Seafood Supplier, Nuevo Fresco and RDEX Food International Phils. Incorporated - believe that the exposition will help boost the Philippines’ seafood industry.

Leandro Gazmin, Director of the Department of Agriculture -Agribusiness and Marketing Services, said the event is an opportunity to showcase Mindanao’s best seafood products.

“Maganda yung expansion natin sa marine culture parts with regards to lapu-lapu, pangasius, bangus and tilapia. And malaki talaga yung magiging output natin ngayon so maganda nating matarget na market itong European market”, he said.

Based on the database of European Commission on Fisheries, the Philippines is the 4th biggest exporter of tuna to EU.

Canned sardines from the Philippines are also among the favorites in Asian food stores in Europe.

Low supply

Despite having a potential market in Europe, the Philippine delegation hope to develop a sustainable resource management schemes to assure continued stocks of marine products.

Lucie Morales of Bluefin Seafood Export Incorporated said that occasionally, supply of seafood products is low compared to the demand.

“Yung lendings of supply is very low compared to the demand which we do not know why maybe because of global warming. It’s a natural phenomenon which we cannot explain really but it’s not just in the Philippines. It’s in some neighbouring countries, there is a very low supply like in the past six months, we have low lendings which is unusual”, she said.

GEM-USAID however maintained that with the current support from the government, illegal or dynamite fishing would be put to an end.

Meanwhile, in a special dinner prepared by the Philippine embassy, Ambassador Enrique Manalo thanked the 10 companies, GEM-USAID and the Department of Agriculture and expressed confidence that the Philippine seafood will soon penetrate the EU mainstream.

“I’m very happy to note that the Philippines under the offices of Department of Agriculture and the support of USAID has decided for the first time to participate collectively in the ESE and by participating in ESE, the Philippines can now show that it is ready to establish itself as a reliable and world class supplier of fisheries products.”

...urban street culture

Filipino-Belgian dancer makes waves in Europe

By Dheza Marie Aguilar, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

 12/15/2010

THE NETHERLANDS – A Filipino-Belgian dancer is making waves in the Netherlands for pioneering and taking contemporary urban street culture to a higher level through dance and theater performances.

Marco Gerris is popularly known as one of the members of the jury of the hit dance show “So You Think You Can Dance”. But he is also the founder and artistic director of “ISH”, a dance company which aims to train young people interested in underground disciplines like hip hop, break dancing, skating, martial arts and beat box. He adopts these disciplines and transforms them into dance and theater shows for the general public.

Gerris, who grew up in Belgium, is proud of being 100% Filipino. He was adopted by his Belgian parents from an orphanage in Cebu when he was only 3 years old.

Bringing street culture to the stage
Originally wanting to be an actor, Gerris got into dancing when he was kicked out of Antwerp’s Terleick School of Drama. Since moving to Amsterdam when he was 23 years old, he discovered street dancing and started his own company “ISH”.

“I felt that there’s too less hip hop and breakdance on stage and if you found it, it was always too little. And I said, I want to make a crew, a dance company, with all these underground skills like skating, martial arts,  beatbox, hip hop, breakdance, what comes from the street and make a show with it. 10 years later we are still doing it and we are still developing and inspiring a lot of youngsters,” said Gerris in an interview with Balitang Europe.

“ISH” quickly jumped to popularity after its first show in 2000, and has since then gathered several recognitions. Their shows were a hit, not only in the Netherlands but also in the United States and Canada, as well as other parts of Europe.

Gerrris' life also inspired the award-winning documentary “Wheels of Fortune,” and he has played in several dance movies.

With an initial crew of 7 young people, Gerris strived to develop his company, and in 2005 achieved his dream of playing in Broadway at the New Victory Theater in New York together with his crew.

Helping youth through dance
From the US, Europe, India and Africa, ISH has been touring their dance workshop all over the world to develop kids with the same interest and teach them the value of standing up for themselves.

“The concept with these workshops with kids is we ask the kids, what are you thinking, what do you think is wrong with this world and how do you think you can change that? And together with the teachers and the dancers, we create a performance about these with them.”

Gerris is proud of his former students from the slums of Bangalore in India, who started a dance company with the same concept as theirs. These achievements continue to inspire him to bring his work all around the world.

“The youngsters always get our philosophy about believing in yourself, stand up for yourself, you have a voice try doing something with that,” said Gerris.

Both in the studio and in his circle, Gerris is considered a friend and a mentor.

“Not only that he recognizes your talent but he also gives you the space and freedom to develop something in your own style. And of course he will lead you and give you his advice and he will guide you through the process,” said Abdelhadi Baaddi who has been training with Gerris for 5 years now.

Meanwhile, another friend and colleague also have the same compliment for the Pinoy dancer.

“He is a really great guy, he is a really good choreographer. You can really see the difference between him choreographing in ISH and him being a friend. Outside, he is really a cool guy, levels with everybody--colleagues, friends--but in the work space, when he is working something, then he is really a choreographer.”

Acknowledging his rootsWhen he was 25 years old, Gerris visited the Philippines for the first time. He said that a whole new world opened up to him, something that is very different from what he was used to. And although he was not able to find his biological parents, Gerris was happy to have visited.

“My biggest goal was to see where I grew up, that was the nicest thing for me. I want to go back one day again. I think every 5 years I want to go there.”

It was also during this visit that Gerris discovered where some of his talents came from.

Bringing his tools with him, Gerris played with some street kids. From there, he noticed how talented the Filipinos are.

“Filipinos are so creative, so talented. When I was there, I was playing with them and they pick it up in split seconds. Oh, so, there’s my talent from, I recognized it,” he said.

Gerris is also enthusiastic of bringing ISH’s dance workshops in the Philippines if there is an opportunity to collaborate with local companies.

“I think if we will ever have the opportunity to come to the Philippines with my concept, with ISH, I think we will blow them away. I think they will be very enthusiastic and will keep on doing it.”