...the UAE Architect of the Year nominee

Filipina nominated "Architect of the Year" in UAE

Manila Bulletin
08 November 2019

Filipina Christine Espinosa-Erlanda, a Dubai-based architect, was nominated for the “Architect of the Year” award in the 12th annual Middle East Architect Award.

Architect Christine Espinosa-Erlanda (Photo via MPIO / MANILA BULLETIN)

Erlanda was also nominated for the Big 5 Women in Construction Award.

In an interview with the Kabayan Weekly, a Filipino newspaper based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Erlanda shared how she was able to achieve her dreams.

“I am fortunate that my humble beginnings in Tondo, once I was a little girl sketching my dreams on the wall, I have culminated my creative instincts, have met mentors along my way, flew from Manila to Dubai and now I am part of building the future of the Middle East, designing and working on noteworthy award-winning projects, master plans, heritage, residential, commercial, hospitality, and heritage projects, turning visions into reality.”

Erlanda graduated from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) with a degree in Bachelor of Science Major in Architecture.

She spent her internship at the Manila City Planning and Development Office.

Erlanda is now an associate architect in UAE for 11 years, working for Godwin Austen Johnson.

Erlanda explained how she survived to work in a foreign country despite all the challenges that she had encountered.

“I am a Filipino. I smile a lot. Being Filipino helped me cope with the challenges of working abroad. We Filipinos are like water; versatile and can adjust to any shapes or forms and like water, they are necessary to life. Filipinos have the hunger for development and better future. We are not bounded by our race, gender nor financial situation. We Filipinos need to lift each other up, raise our flag and show the rest of the world our ingenuity, resilience and skills, all of those while radiating with the sincerest smiles,” she explained.

One of her missions as an architect was to empower women and promote gender equality: “As an architect my mission is to design and build something valuable that will last even after my own lifetime and in doing so elevate the position of women in what is, still, a male-dominated arena. Being part of the industry that creates and shapes the present and future cities keeps me close to that mission.”

The 12th annual Middle East Architect Award recognizes the great architects behind the best projects in the architecture community in the Middle East. The awarding ceremony will be on November 20.

...the Nick's Favorite Asian Act nominee

Kapamilya star, Anne Curtis nominated in the Favorite Asian Act category in Nickelodeon award show

The Global Dispatch

Robert Herrimsn

25 February 2014

 

 

The Philippines “Princess of All Media”, Anne Curtis is among the nominees in the Favorite Asian Act category in Nickelodeon’s 27th annual Kids’ Choice Awards.

 

Image/Anne Curtis Instagram

 

The excited “Philippine’s National Sweetheart” went to Twitter to say, “Ecstatic to be nominated at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2014 as Favorite Asian Act!!!!

 

 

 

She will be competing against G.E.M. of China, Coboy Junior of Indonesia, and Lisa Surihani of Malaysia in the category.

 

The announcement comes just days after Anne revealed on It’s Showtime her new concert, “The Forbidden Concert Round 2: AnneKapal” and corresponding new album, ”The Forbidden Album”, all due to happen in May.

 

Nickelodeon’s 27th annual Kids’ Choice Awards will be hosted by Mark Wahlberg and will take place on March 29 at University of Southern California’s Galen Center. It will be aired in the Philippines on March 31.

 

 

...the Asian TV awards nominees

Filipino artists get nominated at Asian TV Awards 2013

Ferdie Villar
Asian Journal
14 November 2013


The Philippines was able to get nine nominations for this year’s Asian Television awards. Four of those nominations were performance or hosting, while five for programs.

Fighting in the category of Best Actress in a Leading Role are Marian Rivera and Lorna Tolentino.

 Marian has been nominated for her role as the martyr wife in the GMA-7 series, Temptation of Wife.

 Lorna on the other hand, is nominated for her character in the series Pahiram Ng Sandali, where she plays the role of a publisher having an affair with her daughter’s boyfriend.

The Queen of All Media Kris Aquino has been nominated for Best Entertainment Presenter/Host for her daily morning talk show, Kris TV.

Comedian Michael V. is again nominated for the category of Best Comedy Performance by an Actor/Actress for his show on GMA 7, Bubble Gang. He has won twice in the category—in 2005 and 2006—but is almost been nominated every year.

Other nominees include 24 Oras and Saksi for Best News Programme, while Reporter’s Notebook is nominated for Best Current Affairs Programme. All these shows are from GMA 7.

From ABS-CBN, The X Factor Philippines is nominated for Best Reality Show.

The announcement of winners will be during the awards/gala ceremony to be held in Singapore at the Resorts World Sentosa, Compass Ballroom on December 5.

 

...the 2013 MTV EMA Nominee

Sarah Geronimo nominated at 2013 MTV EMA

             

By Eunice Blanco

philstar.com

September 18, 2013

 

 

Sarah Geronimo is nominated for Best Southeast Asia Act in the 2013 MTV EMA. File Photo

 

MANILA, Philippines – Popstar Princess Sarah Geronimo has been nominated for Best Southeast Asia Act in the upcoming MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA).

The Kapamilya singer’s recognitions were enumerated on MTV EMA’s page, including the Best Asian Artist (Philippines) at the 2012 MNet Asian Music Awards held in Hong Kong, making Sarah the first Filipino to receive such award.

They also recognized the local awards that the Popstar Princess received through Awit Awards, namely Most Promising Female Entertainer in 2003; Entertainer of The Year and Record Breaker in 2010; Best in Collaboration For A Concert for What Love Is in 2011; Best Female in Major Concert for 24/SG and Best Selling Album of the Year for “One Heart” in 2012.

Also in the list is her Nickelodeon Philippines' Kids' Choice Award in 2004.

Other nominees for the Best Southeast Asia Act are Hafiz from Malaysia, NOAH from Indonesia, Olivia Ong from Singapore, Slot Machine from Thailand and My Tam from Vietnam.

Justin Timberlake, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus are likewise among the nominees.

The MTV EMA will be held on Nov. 10 at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

 

 

...the docu film Emmy nominee

Filipino-produced docu nominated in Emmys

 

ABS-CBNnews.com

07/13/2013

 

 

MANILA, Philippines -- "Give Up Tomorrow," a documentary film about a Filipino-Spanish teenager who was convicted in a 1997 massacre case, has been nominated in the prestigious Emmy Awards.

The documentary, produced by Filipino Marty Syjuco and directed by American filmmaker Michael Collins, is nominated in the News and Documentary competition.

This was announced early this week by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences on its official website.

"Give Up Tomorrow" centers the controversial case of Paco Larranaga, a Filipino-Spanish student accused of the murder of the Chiong sisters in 1997 in Cebu.

Larranaga has been serving a life sentence for 16 years now.

The feature-length documentary, which was first screened in the Philippines last year as part of the Cinemalaya film festival, has been reaping recognition internationally since its New York premiere in 2011.

 

...the APSA awardees

Aunor, Mendoza win top prizes in Asia Pacific awards

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

November 23, 2012

 

Brillante Mendoza and Nora Aunor.

DAVAO City, Philippines—Filipino actress Nora Aunor won the best actress prize while Brillante Mendoza bagged the best director award for “Thy Womb” in the 6th annual Asia Pacific Screen Awards held in Brisbane, Australia, Friday night.

Mendoza and Aunor were clearly ecstatic about their movie’s latest triumph.

“After winning abroad, we hope our countrymen would become more curious to watch our films so that indie films will be recognized not only by foreigners, but by Filipinos well,” said Mendoza.

Founded in 2007, the Asia Pacific Screen Awards 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.”

All APSA winners and nominees are inducted into the Asia Pacific Screen Academy. They are some of the most respected names in film from the region.

Four years ago, Ishmael Bernal’s “Himala,” which also starred Aunor, won the CNN APSA Viewers’ Choice award for best Asia-Pacific film of all time.

Aunor and Mendoza were informed of the good news while at the Philippine premiere of “Thy Womb,” held during the second Sineng Pambansa at the SM Lanang in Davao City.

They chose to hold the local premiere of “They Womb” in Davao because the film was set in Tawi-Tawi.

Both Aunor and Mendoza fell in love with the island-province and have dedicated the film’s many triumphs to its “gentle, peace-loving” people.

Co-star Mercedes Cabral also graced the Davao screening,

APSA celebrates “the finest, bravest and most audacious cinema in the region,” according to its web site.

Chris Martinez, who attended the event in Brisbane, told the Inquirer that Marlon Rivera, the director of “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank,” was awarded the APSA Netpac award which comes with a film development cash prize of $5,000. Martinez was nominated for best screenplay in APSA for “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank.”

In September, “Thy Womb” won three awards at the 69th Venice International Film Festival: Bisato D’Oro, La Navicella or Venezia Cinema prize and the P. Nazareno Taddei Award Special Mention.

...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.

...the "World Living Museum"

Vigan vies for New 7 Wonders of the World

 

Text and photos by DANNY PATA

September 29, 2012

 

 

A toast of indulgence. A taste of the past. Scholarly leisure.

Situated 400 kilometers from Manila, on the western coast of the largest island of the country, Vigan never fails to attract history aficionados, tourists or even plain travelers.

Vigan, the famous historic city in the north of Luzon, offers a brief respite from busy urban life, with its rows of Spanish ancestral houses line cobblestone streets, where kalesas frequently pass by. A church features unique baroque architecture from over two centuries ago, and a plaza houses a 17th century monument. Vigan has everything to quench one's sentimental yearning for the grandeur of the past.

Street dance performance in front of the more than two-century-old St. Paul Cathedral highlights the celebration of Longganisa Festival in Vigan.

Being one of the few Hispanic towns left in the Philippines, Vigan is greatly adored for its vast effort in preserving their centuries-old historical edifices, which have survived the ravages of natural calamities and even the horrors of war.

The heritage city, formerly called Villa Fernandina during the Spanish Occupation, gained recognition both in local and international communities.

In December 1999, UNESCO included Vigan in its World Heritage List. The city also takes pride in being a Hall of Famer as the Cleanest, Greenest and Safest City in Region 1, having been conferred with the recognition for three consecutive years from 2006 to 2008. Just last year, the city bagged another hall of fame award after being proclaimed the “Most Child-Friendly City” for three years in a row.

A kalesa on Calle Crisologo, Vigan City.

But despite the colorful accolades, Vigan chooses not to rest on its laurels.

The city, also known as the “World Living Museum,” embarks on a new journey as it joins the race for the New 7 Wonders — Cities of the World. The city has managed to pass the nomination phase along with six other cities in the country. Now in its qualifying phase, Vigan is on the top spot of the campaign in South East Asia and Oceana.

"We are so proud to have been included in the list," Vigan Mayor Eva Medina said.

To reap yet another international victory, Vigan is not just banking on its rich heritage, but on the collective effort of its people whose cooperation is behind the city's vast achievement.

"We are calling on the Filipinos all over the world to please join us in our quest by voting for Vigan as one of the New 7 Wonders — Cities of the World," Medina appealed. Votes may be cast online at the New Seven Wonders site.

Carabao painting.

After pushing for the inclusion of the now world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River in the New 7 Wonders of Nature, there's no reason Filipinos can't rally behind Vigan.

The qualifying phase in the competition is from March 7, 2012 to March 7, 2013. This will be followed by the shortlisting process, which runs until March 21, 2013. Cities that will make it to the finals will compete from March 21, 2013 to July 7, 2014. The announcement of the New Seven Wonders — Cities of the World will be on July 7, 2014. — CGL/KG, GMA News

...the Pinoy Emmy nominees

2 Pinoys get Emmy nods for work on 'Pan-Am,' 'Touch'

 

by Yong Chavez,

ABS-CBN North America Bureau

 09/17/2012

 

 

LOS ANGELES, California - Two Filipinos were nominated for Emmys for their visual effects work in two US TV shows "Pan-Am" and "Touch."

 

In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN, Meliza Fermin and Tony Ocampo said they are proud to represent Filipinos at the Creative Arts Emmys.

One week before the primetime Emmys, the prestigious organization honors outstanding work featured on Hollywood's best shows.

Walking alongside stars on the red carpet are other nominated choreographers, animators, musicians and other people who work behind the scenes.

Fermin previously won an Emmy for her work in the TV show "Heroes."

"If you're passionate about it, it doesn't feel like you're working hard because you're so into that you just get lost in your work, so it's nice," she said.

Ocampo said there are a growing number of Filipinos in the industry.

"Ah, madami na. The thing is you have to prove yourself eh. When you come here, you have to prove yourself. You can't just come here and expect them to give you a work visa, a green card, you have to prove yourself talaga," he said.

Ocampo has already received several trophies from the Visual Effects Society and nominations for his work in TV shows like "Grey's Anatomy," "CSI," and "Walking Dead."

...the professor

Pnioy professor nominated to UN committee on prevention of torture

August 15, 2012

GMA News

A Filipino professor has been nominated to the United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment for 2012 to 2016.

In a letter dated August 10, 2012, the Department of Foreign Affairs-Philippine Mission to the United Nations said it is honored to submit, through the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the candidature of Ms. June Caridad Pagaduan Lopez for membership in the UN Sub-committee on the Prevention of Torture (SPT).

Dr. Pagaduan-Lopez, is a professor at the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines-Manila and one of the founding members of the Medical Action Group (MAG).

The MAG welcomed Dr. Lopez's nomination to the SPT.

“We are convinced that Dr. Lopez will make an immediate positive contribution to the mandate and function of the UN body.  She was selected as the nominee of the Philippines to the SPT in view of her outstanding commitment and achievements in linking her profession as a psychiatrist to the promotion and defense of human rights particularly the prevention of torture and the rehabilitation of torture victims in the country,” MAG said.

Dr. Lopez has 30 years as an undergraduate and postgraduate educator in medical school and public health school (psychiatry, organizational development, occupational and mental health). She finished her medicine at the University of the Philippines-Manila.

She was awarded by Ten Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) in 1989. In 2010, she was awarded Outstanding Achievement Award by the International Council for the Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (IRCT) given by the Dr. Inge Genefke Foundation, Copenhagen, Denmark, during its 25th anniversary celebration.

She was among the 39 recipients of the Most Distinguished Alumnus Award  by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) in 2011.

The Philippines became the 63rd State Party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) on April 17, 2012.

Its accession to the OPCAT means that the country as a State Party is eligible to submit a candidate for the SPT.

The SPT has a preventive mandate focused on an innovative, sustained and proactive approach to the prevention of torture and ill treatment.

The SPT started its work in February 2007 with 10 members and expanded to 25 members in January 2011.

It also has an operational role which consists in visiting all places of detention in States parties. The SPT started its work in February 2007 with 10 members and expanded to 25 members in January 2011.

The election of twelve (12) members of the SPT will be held on October 25, 2012, at the United Nations Office at Geneva. — Jerbert Briola /LBG, GMA News

...the Aussie actor

'Immigrants and Cigarettes' film featuring Fil-Aussie actor nominated for two awards

 

Karla Maquiling

August 13, 2012

 

 

"Immigrants and Cigarettes," a short film featuring Filipino-Australian actor Felino Dolloso, is a finalist in two international film festivals.

 

 

Directed by Mike Kang, the film is an official entry to:

• the Korean Film Festival in Australia on August 25, and
  
• the Guam International Film Festival on September 27-30.

Kang’s previous film "It's about Survival," also starring Dolloso, won the Best Film Award in the Digital Series Film Festival in Sydney this month.

The film follows the story of Michael (played by Dolloso), a cleaner at a migrant resource center who devotes his life to the well-being of minorities.

Dolloso, who is always on the lookout for “film projects with great characters, imperfect characters, and raw, off-center-type characters,” said he enjoyed doing "Immigrants and Cigarettes."

“It [showed] the relationship between flawed human beings [and explains] why people do what they do and become the person they are, and the sacrifices they make,” he said in an email to GMA News Online.

Dolloso is no stranger to a migrant’s life. Like the character he plays in the movie, he knows what it is like to work long hours to achieve your dreams.

Hard work, humility pay off

Born in the Philippines, Dolloso migrated to Australia as a young child. He got into acting by accident, wanting to skip classes by joining the high-school play.

Today, he is one of the few visible Filipino actors in Australia, seen in theater, television, and film.

His television credits include guest roles in "Packed to the Rafters," "Spirited," "Answered by Fire," "All Saints MRU," "Review with Miles and Barlowe," "Comedy Inc," and "The Hostages." 

Dolloso has also appeared in Hollywood films such as:

• "Point Break 2," starring Keanu Reeves,
  
• and "Candy," with the late Heath Ledger, Abbie Cornish, and Geoffrey Rush.

Dolloso's film credits include "The King’s Seed," "Suppose the Night Tasted Like Sugar,"
"Seeing the Elephant," "Callabona Red," "Under the Same Sky," "The Devil’s 6 Commandments," "Pitbulls," "Tallulah Falls Apart," "Balibo," "RaChoi," and "Mother Fish."

Onstage, Dolloso has appeared in "Coup d’etat," "Aussies of the Magic Mic," and "Adobo Kind," and "A Quiet Night in Rangoon," among others.

Critic Lloyd Bradford Syke called his performance in the play Havana Harlem “dynamic and arresting.”

Dolloso has also worked with Griffin Theatre, Riverside Theatre, The Colour Blind Project Theatre Festival, Urban Theatre Productions, Belvoir St. Theatre, Sydney Fringe Festival, and Brand Spanking New Festival.

Currently rehearsing for his role as Dr. Jose Rizal in a play, Dolloso hopes to do a film in the Philippines in the future.

His dream roles would be to play international boxing champion Manny Pacquiao or the national hero Lapu-Lapu.

Despite his accomplishments in the last decade, Dolloso knows that show business is “a hard trade.”

To Filipino-Aussies like him wanting to get into the industry, he has this advice: “If you’re passionate about becoming an actor, then take classes. Go to a drama school. Do projects—plays and films, paid and unpaid—and learn the craft properly. Always be humble and polite and [keep] your dignity always.” - VVP, GMA News

...the World Mayor prize nominee

Three PH Mayors vying for World Mayor Prize

By Shielo Mendoza

Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom

16 April 2012 

 



Three city mayors from the Philippines are vying for the 2012 World Mayor Prize, an award given to outstanding mayors worldwide.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio were among the award's initial candidates, the City Mayors Foundation published last week.

 



Mayor Alfredo Lim, Manila



Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, Angeles City



Mayor Sarah Duterte, Davao City

“The prize is awarded to a mayor who has made outstanding contributions to his/her community and has developed a vision for urban living and working that is relevant to towns and cities across the world,” the international foundation said in its website.

As of this month, 88 mayors from all over the world were nominated for the award – 16 from North America, 13 from Latin America, 30 from Europe, 19 from Asia, three from Australasia and seven from Africa.

Online nominations will be accepted until mid-May while a shortlist of 25 nominees will be published in early June. Winners and other results of the World Mayor Project will be announced in December.

“When contemplating the shortlist for the 2012 World Mayor Prize, the City Mayors Foundation will take into account the number of nominations a mayor has received from separate individuals and organizations and, more importantly, the persuasiveness of supporting statements,” it said.

Previous winners of the award were Marcelo Ebrard of Mexico City in 2010, Helen Zille of Cape Town in 2008, John So of Melbourne in 2006, Dora Bakoyannis of Athens in 2005, and Edi Rama of Tirana in 2004.

Meanwhile, three Philippine city mayors have made it to the top 10 since its establishment in 2004: then Marikina City mayor Marides Fernando ranked 7th in 2008; former Makati mayor now vice president Jejomar Binay placed 4th in 2006; and still incumbent mayor of San Fernando, Pampanga, Oscar Rodriguez, bagged the 4th spot in 2005.

The City Mayors Foundation, an international think tank on urban affairs, said it organized the World Mayor Prize to “honor mayors with the vision, passion and skills to make their cities incredible places to live in, work in and visit.”

The winner will receive the artistically acclaimed World Mayor trophy, while the runner-up will be given the World Mayor Commendation, it added.

...the Nick Kid's Choice nominee

Charice is Nick Kids Choice Awards nominee (The Philippine Star) March 28, 2012

| Zoom

MANILA, Philippines - Get ready for a powerhouse roster of celebrity presenters and performers at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2012 in Los Angeles. Joining this year’s host, Will Smith, on stage are Chris Rock, Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield, Zac Efron, Heidi Klum, Victoria Justice, Miranda Cosgrove, Big Time Rush, Chris Colfer and Cee Lo Green as well as recently announced performers, UK pop sensation One Direction and Katy Perry.

Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards 2012, airing in the Philippines on April 12, 10 a.m., will be the most global version yet with the introduction of a new international category.
Nicksters will be given the opportunity to vote in a new category — Favorite Asian Act.

Featuring four of Asia’s most popular music acts, Agnes Monica (Indonesia), Charice (Philippines), Wonder Girls (Korea) and Yuna (Malaysia), they join the star-studded line-up of nominees from all corners of the world.

Kids have been invited to vote since March 1 and can still cast their votes until March 31 in 20 total categories by logging on to kca.nick-asia.com/vote. Voting for the 2012 KCAs spans over six continents across 13 localized voting sites in 10 different languages, giving kids practically everywhere the chance to decide who takes home a coveted blimp.

Nickelodeon, now in its 32nd year, is the No. 1 entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the US and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s US television network has been the No. 1-rated basic cable network for 17 consecutive years.

...the new World's New 7 Wonder cities Nominee

Vigan In The Mix For World's New 7 Wonder Cities

By FREDDIE G. LAZARO

February 17, 2012

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur, Philippines — This city, which gives the Philippines pride as a World Heritage Site, has been chosen as one of the nominees for the New 7 Wonder Cities of the World (N7WCW), Mayor Eva Marie Singson Medina revealed Friday.

Vigan City had been nominated for the search of the N7WC with 15 other cities in the country such as Manila, Bacolod, Cebu, General Santos, Vigan, Legaspi, Marikina, Makati, Quezon, Baguio, Davao, Iloilo, Zamboanga, Taguig and Tagaytay.

It was also reported that Vigan is one of the 38 cities nominated worldwide for the said search.

Earlier, the Underground River of the Puerto Princesa in Palawan was voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7WN).

To enlist Vigan in the new seven wonder cities of the world, anyone can vote on-line.

To note, Vigan is a prominent city globally due to its existing Spanish ancestral houses; its delicious delicacies such as ‘longganisa’ (native sausage), ‘empanada,’ (deep-fried rice dough filled with egg and vegetables), bagnet (deep fry pork) and various ricecakes; its attractive “burnay” jars; native woven cloth called “inabel;” horse-drawn carriages or “kalesas;” the Archbishop’s Palace of the Nueva Segovia and Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral; and other cultural traditions.




Vigan Longganiza



Vigan Empanada

Bagnet

Abel Iloco

It is also noted that Vigan City has been the recipient of several prestigious national awards.

To name a few are the national hall-of-fame awardee as Most Child Friendly Component City of the Philippines and Best Performing Local Government Unit of Region 1.

...the Asian best actress nominee

Domingo gets Best Actress nom from Asian Film Awards

abs-cbnNEWS.com

01/17/2012

MANILA, Philippines -- The local independent film “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” received two nominations for the 2012 Asian Film Awards on Tuesday, including one for Best Actress for the movie’s lead star Eugene Domingo.

The movie’s screenwriter Chris Martinez also scored a Best Screenplay nomination for the acclaimed indie film.

Actress Shamaine Buencamino, meanwhile, got a Best Supporting Actress nomination for the indie film “Nino.”

Directed by Marlon Rivera, “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank” is a comedy about three filmmakers who want to make a film about poverty.

Domingo will be competing against India’s Vidya Balan for “The Dirty Picture,” Taiwan’s Michelle Chen for “You Are the Apple of My Eye,” Iran’s Leila Hatami for “A Separation” and Hong Kong’s Deanie Ip for “A Simple Life.”

Buencamino will face against Hong Kong’s Gwei Lun-mei for “The Flying Swords of Dragon Gate,” Thailand’s Cris Horwang for “Headshot,” Japan’s Mitsushima Hikari for “Hara-Kiri: Death of a Samurai” and China’s Yan Ni for “11 Flowers.”

Apart from “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank,” also up for Best Screenplay are “A Separation” (Iran), “Postcard” (Japan). “The Flowers of War” (China) and “Overheard 2” (Hong Kong).

Bid-budget films from Greater China dominated the nominations, led by the Hong Kong 3-D action film “Flying Swords of the Dragon Gate” with seven. The Christian Bale-starrer “The Flowers of War” from China had six.

The Asian Film Awards will be presented on March 19 in Hong Kong, with Singaporean director Eric Khoo heading the jury.

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