...the sweet country

Philippines set to become sugar exporter in Southeast Asia August 19, 2011 (philstar.com)

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippines is set to become a sugar exporter in the region and is poised to export 300,000 metric tons (MT) of raw and refined sugar this crop year after a bumper sugarcane harvest, an official said today.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said with a substantial harvest of 2.39 million metric tons (MT) or 21.3 percent more than last year, "The country is on the way to regaining its previous distinction as a net sugar exporter. This may very well be the start of the country producing more than enough to meet its domestic requirements and quota obligations," Alcala said in a press release today.

Alcala added that the country may no longer import sugar and instead be a major sugar supplier in Southeast Asia.

The supply of raw sugar increased five-fold to more than 623, 500 MT due to lesser sugar consumption and a good harvest, while domestic consumption for refined sugar dramatically dropped to 655, 840 MT, 31 percent less than last year, leaving a balance of more than 300,000 MT.

Alcala said the Philippines remains confident to maintain a high level of production of at least 2.4 million MT of raw sugar.

"We look forward to building from these gains next year, as more farms are planted and program interventions continue for crop year 2011-2012," he said.

...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 Cosplay finalists

Filipina cosplayers in STGCC finals

By MAUREEN MARIE BELMONTE

August 19, 2011

Manila Bulletin

Filipinos Stephanie Sumbe (L) and Mary Grace Roldan (R) are set to compete in Singapore cosplay contest on Aug. 21 (Photos courtesy of their Facebook Fanpages)

MANILA, Philippines – Unlikely Pinay cosplayers Mary Grace Roldan and Stephanie Sumber were two of the eight finalists in this year's Singapore Toy, Game and Comic Convention (STGCC) Cosplay Competition, one of the biggest cosplay events in Asia.

As reported by abs-cbnNEWS.com’s Aug. 18, report, Roldan, an accountant whose cosplay name was Kawaimace and Sumbe whose cosplay name was Nikki is a grade 2 teacher will be flying to Singapore on Friday to prepare for the competition to be held on Aug. 21 at the Suntec Convention Center, Singapore.

Asked how she got into cosplay, Roldan replied "Dati attendee lang ako sa cosplay events. Nakita ko 'yung creativity nila, skills, tapos in one event naisip ko kaya ko rin 'yun."

In a taped interview posted on Cosplay Network Philippines’ official Facebook account, Roldan shared that she discovered her knack for cosplay in 2007.

Also a photography enthusiast, Roldan shared that she owns about six costumes, including outfits of Lime from “Saber Marionette,” Witchblade from Witchblade comics and female predator from “Predator.”

 

“Yung mga costumes ko mostly pinapagawa ko, pero yung mga small details pinapagawa ko na lang,” Roldan shared.

Asked what her favorite costume are, she replied, “Favorite ko si female predator kasi gawa siya sa mga recycled materials. Mga karton, mga balikbayan box, mga  old Styrofoam na pinulot lang sa mga nagcoconstruction. Tapos paper mache lang siya na very unique.”

Sumbe, for her part, related to abs-cbnNEWS.com that she was inspired to do cosplay by Amane Misa, a fictional character in Tsugumi Ohba’s manga-turned-anime then film series, "Death Note."

"I really like Amane Misa, so I wore her clothes," she said. As to why she's into cosplay, she quipped, "I find self-fulfillment in cosplay."

The two tied in the first place under the individual category of anime channel, Hero TV’s Face Off cosplay contest last year.

The grand winner in this year's STGCC cosplay competition will take home 1,000 Singapore dollars (or about P35,260).

...the transparent government

Transparency drive lauded by investors

By MAR T. SUPNAD

August 18, 2011

Manila Bulletin

MARIVELES, Bataan, Philippines — President Benigno S. Aquino III’s clampdown on graft and corruption earned a positive review from foreign investors, among them executives of a Hong Kong-based garments firm who noticed an “improvement” in government transactions in this industrial town.

Luen Thai President Raymond Tan said Thursday that the government’s campaign against corruption has improved a lot and this is the reason why his firm signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) for the setting up of a manufacturing plant here.

Tan did not pinpoint which particular agency of government he was referring to about corruption but newsmen gathered that there was a previous incident allegedly involving certain representatives of the Board of Investments (BoI) that hindered foreign investments.

Luen Thai’s project in this town will add to its other branches in Clark, Tarlac and Cebu, employing around 12,000 workers for its export-quality apparel brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Carhartt, Dillard’s and Levi’s, among others.

...the resilent economy

Palace shrugs off WB chief’s warning on 'more dangerous' times

18 August 2011

GMANews 

Cabinet official on Wednesday said the Philippine economy will remain resilient amid the United States’ and Europe’s economic problems, shrugging off the World Bank (WB) chief’s warning of “more dangerous" times ahead.

In an interview with reporters, Communications Strategy Secretary Ricky Carandang said the warning of WB president Robert Zoellick applies more to the US than to the Philippines.

He explained that the country is now in better shape than it was in 1997, when Asia suffered a financial crisis, and in 2008, when the US debt crisis took place.

“I think the Philippine economy is more resilient than we've been given credit for. We survived the credit crunch in ‘08, we survived the Asian crisis in ‘97. I'm not saying there won’t be some effect but the Philippine economy has always been very resilient," Carandang said.

Carandang also said the government is monitoring the situation in the US and Europe, acknowledging that the situation in the two economies will create repercussions on the global economy.

He added that the economic team is visualizing several scenarios to prepare for what could happen.

“What's important for us is that there's no contagion effect. If people are losing confidence in some markets, they should not lose confidence in our markets. And so measures are being considered that would help maintain confidence," Carandang said. — PE/VS, GMA News

...the Pinoy fashion guru

Pinoy fashion guru tapped for reality shows

by Steve Angeles,

ABS-CBN North America News Bureau

08/17/2011

 

 

Joey Galon has the chance to launch his own clothing line if he wins in Lifetime's 24-Hour Catwalk reality show/Balitang America

EAGLE ROCK, California - Joey Galon has been in the fashion and beauty pageant scene since he was 18 years old. 

Galon has been chosen to compete in Lifetime’s 24-Hour Catwalk reality competition hosted by British model Alexa Chung. 

 

If he wins, he will receive a cash prize and the chance to launch his own clothing line nationwide.

 

“It’s a dream come true. It’s just the next step in coming closer to launching my line,” said Galon. “And I’m really excited about it.”

 

As a fashion veteran, Galon has coached dozens of Miss Philippines contestants and has helped crown a few winners. 

 

The former fashion show producer has worked for Macy’s, Oscar de la Renta, Armani and Vicky Belo.

 

The San Francisco native, who now lives in Las Vegas, had just finished filming another reality TV series Model Latina on SiTV. 

 

Galon, who appeared throughout the season as the pageant coach, said he approached the show the same way he has always worked with pageants.

 

“Just help them out in every way possible to become their best,” said Galon. “That way it makes the pageant more interesting, makes the pageant much more competitive because all the girls are doing their best.”

...the Bataan freeport

HK firm to invest $30M in Bataan freeport (philstar.com) August 17, 2011

 

 

By Punto Central Luzon

 

MARIVELES, Bataan – A Hong Kong firm on Wednesday signed a memorandum of agreement with the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) signaling the start of its operation here by the first quarter of 2012 with an initial investment of $30-million.

 

Raymund Tan, president of Luen Thai International, said they will be operating in Bataan their fourth unit in the country under Luen Thai Group Philippines.

 

The publicly-listed company in Hongkong will invest in fabric mill and garment-related factory in the former Bataan Economic Zone turned FAB that will create jobs for 6,000 workers.

 

He said that depending in the global market, he will increase investments in five years.

 

Luen Thai has been in the Philippines for 22 years with a unit producing polo shirts in Pampanga, another unit manufacturing Adidas products in Cebu and another area manufacturing coat with combined manpower of more than 20,000 workers.

 

In Bataan, he is eyeing the production of a well-known polo brand like the one he wore in the MOU signing.

 

When asked why he chose Bataan and not establish in Cebu or Pampanga where he already has been operating for some time, Tan mentioned his strategy of diversifying focus. He said that each of his unit focuses on one particular customer.

 

“The company will not fight for the same workers and management team in the same way that workers will not be competing in one area,” he said.

 

Adidas is one particular customer he meant. He said that to be successful, a firm has to partner with the right customer. “I chose my customer and I do not allow customer to choose me,” he said.

 

“There is a need to manage well, balance the market and to have incomes in yen, euro, dollar and other currencies to counter the weakening of the market because of the depreciation of the United States dollar,” he added.

 

Tan admitted that the poor showing lately of the U.S. dollar is a global problem that affects many countries.

 

“But it opens new opportunity because when the American currency weakens, we will see China coming up and other Asian countries growing fast,” he said.

 

Joel Villanueva, director general of the Technical Education Skills Development Administration, said that TESDA is ready to supply Luen Thai with skilled and competent workers.

 

The former partylist representative even announced that Pres. Benigno Aquino by text has sent congratulatory message to Bataan officials, FAB management while thanking Luen Thai.

 

Rep. Albert Garcia of Bataan’s Second District said that FAB is the most strategic location for investments being nearest to Manila.

 

The Bataan Freeport, the congressman said, offers generous incentives, has ready facilities already existing, has highly-reliable manpower and has deep harbor that will complement the seaport in Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and airport in Clark, Angeles City.

 

As add-on advantage, the young Garcia said that Bataan will soon have the cheapest power with the operation of GN Power, a Chinese firm, in Mariveles.

 

The Bataan lawmaker is the principal author in the House of Representatives in the creation of the Area of the Freeport Authority in Bataan (AFAB). He is chairman of the House Committee on Trade and Industry.

 

For his part, Gov. Enrique Garcia announced that they will be building a temporary port since AFAB is still preparing a master plan for a permanent port facility.

...the novel that becomes tourism pitch

Pinay's hit int'l novel promotes Boracay

 

08/17/2011

GMA News

A new hit fiction novel by Filipino author Samantha Sotto is turning out to be a tourism pitch for world-famous Boracay Island in Western Visayas.

In a call on the Philippine Embassy to Washington, Sotto said that while her novel "Before Ever After" is set in Europe, Boracay figured prominently the story.

"She informed Philippine ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr. that] while the setting of her novel is Europe, the famous island resort of Boracay in the Philippines is an important location in the story," the Philippine Embassy to Washington D.C. said in a news release.

"My being Filipino was definitely a plus. My living overseas was not an issue at all with my publisher," added Sotto, who lives in the Philippines.

Also, she said there are no barriers to Filipino talent and one of her goals in being an author is to raise awareness about the Philippines.

Sotto's fiction novel is published by the prestigious Random House, and was released last August 2. She is the second Filipino after National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose to have her work published by Random House.

"Before Ever After" is a love story that defies the boundaries of time and space. Sotto wrote it at a coffee shop while waiting for her son to get off from school. It is her first work.

For his part, Cuisia expressed pride at Sotto's achievement and urged her to continue with her good work to showcase Filipino talent not just in the US but in many parts of the world, the embassy said.

Sotto said she is already working on a second book. She said she is "80 percent done" with the second book and will be back in the US in October for more promotional events. — KBK, GMA News

...the socialite

Paris Hilton all praises for Pacquiao, Philippines

 

08/17/2011

GMA News

Hollywood socialite Paris Hilton is all praises for the Philippines, and said she loved being in the country.

"So I'm just so honored to be with them here tonight and to be here in the Philippines. People here are so amazing and I just can't wait to come back," said Hilton after her dinner Tuesday night with boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and wife Jinkee at a Makati hotel.

"Such an incredible couple. So amazing. All my friends and the world love them," said Hilton in a report on GMA News Tv's "News to Go" on Wednesday morning.

Upon arriving last Monday, she tweeted she loves the Filipinos. "Mahal ko kayo! :)"

Hilton first said she wanted to visit the Philippines when she met Pacquiao at a press conference during the latter's Las Vegas bout with American fighter Shane Mosley. At the time, Hilton tweeted her praise for Pacquiao as "an incredible fighter" following his win over Mosley.

She also mentioned on Twitter her visit early this month.

The socialite's busy schedule includes endorsing and designing a beach club, and launching her fashion boutique.

"I love being a businesswoman. It's what I do. But I love having a good life, and traveling and living life to the fullest. You only live once so I enjoy it to the fullest," said Hilton.

The best time

"Had the best time!" This was how Hilton described her meeting and dinner with the Pacquiao couple.

Hilton, who arrived in the Philippines Sunday night, also posted several Twitter messages and photos about the meeting and dinner on her website.

"Just got home from dinner with Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao. Had the best time! Loved hanging out with them and all their amazing friends! :)" she said in one tweet after midnight Tuesday.

"I am loving the Philippines! Having the best time! Went to dinner with my friends Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao tonight.... " she said in another tweet.

She then posted photos of her and Pacquiao from Tuesday night's meeting.

"He rocks!" she said of Pacquiao.

She also posted a photo of her with the Pacquiao couple, who she described as "amazing."

"Love this pic from tonight of me with Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao. What an amazing couple they are! Love them! :)" she said.

Shortly after her arrival in the Philippines, Hilton had tweeted she was looking forward to meeting the Pacquiao couple.

"Looking forward to meeting up with my friends Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao while I'm here. They are such a cool sweet couple! Love them! :)" she had said in her Twitter account.— with Carmela Lapeña/LBG, GMA News

...the hero in us

Editorial

The Hero in Every Filipino

August 17, 2011

Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines — Hero worship is often called “looking up to someone,’’ and as children, we looked up to those people like our parents, who were probably our first heroes. In ancient times, heroes were considered extraordinary, and performed astonishing deeds, far beyond the capabilities of the average person.

 

Heroes are brave, compassionate, committed to change, and prove that a good deed can help uplift a million lives. Through their words, actions, and good deeds heroes make a difference worth celebrating.

Drawing inspiration from simple people whose lives were made remarkable by their generosity in spirit, innovation, service, and concern for others, the alumni of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines created Bayanibolusyon, a digital movement to unleash the Bayani (Hero) in every Filipino, especially among the youth.

 

The project seeks to be an inspiration to many who may have lost hope and aims to educate Filipinos that no act is too small or big, and that all Filipinos have the capacity to do their bit to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

The program has four elements: The Bagong Bayani which highlights the success of Pinoys who have set a model by walking the extra mile; the Bayanihan which focuses on organizations portraying the bayanihan or community spirit; the EDGE (Every Day Great Examples) which features Filipinos from various walks of life who have made contributions to their communities; and the Bayanitaktakan, a social platform which serves as a forum to engage every member to speak up, get heard, and be counted through wall posts and mouse clicks.

The Internet and the Web have made it possible for our fingers to change the world. A technological tool that has also made it viable for the world to instantly connect, it has become a means where service can be done, inspiration can be shared, and where Filipinos can affirm their potentials, and motivate others to lead, learn, and serve for the benefit of present and future generations.

Bayanibolusyon has big dreams for the Philippines and aspires for way of life that gives a chance for every Filipino to leave their constructive footprints that can change our lives forever. MABUHAY!

...the Disney Legend

Lea Salonga is among this year's Disney Legends Award Honorees

By MAUREEN MARIE BELMONTE

August 16, 2011

Tony Award-winning singer Lea Salonga provided the singing voice of popular Disney characters Jasmine and Mulan

MANILA, Philippines – For her “extraordinary and integral” contribution to the “great Disney legacy,” international singer Lea Salonga will be honored at the Disney Legends Award this year.

Salonga provided the singing voice for two Disney characters: Jasmine in “Aladdin” (1992), and Fa Mulan in “Mulan” (1998) and “Mulan II” (2004).

According to the Aug. 15 feature posted on the Official Disney Fan Club’s website, joining Salonga as this year's recipients are 12 other Disney Legends including TV icon Regis Philbin and  “Muppets” creator Jim Henson.

Other actresses who lent their voices to other Disney characters including Jodi Benson (Ariel from “The Little Mermaid”), Paige O’Hara (Belle from “Beauty and the Beast”), and Linda Larkin (speaking voice of Jasmine from “Aladdin”) will also grace the event to be held on Aug. 19 at the Anaheim Convention Center in California, and hosted by “Dancing With The Stars” host Tom Bergeron.

Each honoree will reportedly receive a two-foot-tall bronze Disney Legends sculpture that signifies “the imagination, creativity and magic they have brought to the Company.”

Furthermore, the feature also mentioned that the Disney Legends Award recipients will also participate in a handprint ceremony, and their bronzed prints will be displayed in the Disney Legends Plaza at Disney’s Burbank headquarters.

The Disney Legend Awards recipients were chosen by a selection committee, formerly appointed and chaired by the late Disney Legend Roy E. Disney, Walt Disney's nephew, former vice chairman and director emeritus of The Walt Disney Company. The committee consists of long-time Disney executives, historians and other authorities, as noted in the website.

Over 237 Disney Legends have already been honored since its establishment in 1987. Past Disney Legends awardees include Hollywood celebrities Tim Allen, Robin Williams, Julie Andrews and Barbara Walters.

...the farmer's son

Pinoy farmer's son qualifies for Ironman Hawaii

abs-cbnNEWS.com

08/16/2011

 

MANILA, Philippines – Camarines Sur Gov. LRay Villafuerte said on Tuesday that the province will be sponsoring a 24-year-old farmer’s son in the prestigious Ironman Kona Hawaii, the “holy grail” event of triathlon.

 

Villafuerte said Camarines Sur’s very own, Benjamin Raña, was able to qualify for Ironman Kona after competing in Philippine Ironman 70.3 held in the province.

The Philippine Ironman 70.3, which was topped by Aussie triathlete Pete Jacobs, got 30 slots in Ironman Kona.

"Ito na ang pinakamarami at [ang] maganda this year ay nagkaroon tayo ng 30 slots for Kona," he said.

Villafuerte said most athletes aspire to join the Kona event. Participants can only join the competition by invitation or by qualifying.

“Isa na doon sa nag-qualify ang taga Camarines Sur na anak ng farmer. Si Benjamin Raña… makakarating siya ng Hawaii, iisponsoran natin,” he told Anthony Taberna in dzMM's Dos por Dos program.

A total 1,150 people from 38 countries joined Philippine Ironman 70.3. Villafuerte said even senior citizens, including a 67-year-old Japanese, joined the event.

...the Apl gives back

Apl.de.ap gives back to fellow Cabalens

abs-cbnNEWS.com

08/16/2011

 

 

Apl.de.ap gives back to his fellow Cabalens. Photo by Marie Lozano, ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – International Filipino-American performer Allan Pineda, better known as Apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas, is currently in the country to fulfill a promise and to 'give back' to his fellow Cabalens.

On Tuesday, Pineda went to Sapang Bato National High School in Angeles, Pampanga to donate a music library and a computer room.

Pineda said he makes it his mission to help aspiring young Pinoy talents follow in his footsteps.

Sapang Bato National High School is where Pineda had his elementary education.

Earlier this year, Pineda visited the Philippines and worked on improving schools in his native province of Pampanga through the Apl.de.ap Foundation, his joint project with President Benigno Aquino III.

“We try to add extra classrooms in the Philippines. I’m also excited about my new school in Pampanga. There’s a computer lab for kids where that they can use for free and learn about computers,” he said. – Report from Marie Lozano, ABS-CBN News

...the King Sejong Literary awardee

Tagum City wins 2011 UNESCO literacy award August 15, 2011 Philippine star

MANILA, Philippines – The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized Tagum City Literacy Coordinating Council as one of the winners of this year’s King Sejong Literacy Prize. The program was cited for its Peace Management Literacy and Continuing Education through Night Market Program. It used peace education activities, literacy teaching, and business entrepreneurship to generate employment for the marginalized sector.  Education Secretary Armin Luistro cited the award showed how literacy can empower people, saying “At the end of the day, literacy gives everyone a fighting chance to a better life.” City Mayor Rey Uy introduced the program, which gave small and medium entrepreneurs the opportunity to sustain their businesses in accordance with an ordinance on the revised code of economic enterprise of the city. The ordinance offered a functional literacy program for the vendors which included lessons on values formation, literacy, health awareness, financial literacy and management, solid waste management and peace education. “One of the most visible effects of these literacy initiatives is that many people visit the night market and roam the city streets without fearing for their lives,” said Uy.

...the Jones Cup hopeful (update)

Gilas hurdles Taipei quintet, finishes third By Joey Villar (The Philippine Star) August 15, 2011

  

CHINESE TAIPEI – Smart Gilas Pilipinas, foiled in its title crack by Iran, vented its ire on Chinese-Taipei as it fashioned out an 82-72 victory to clinch third place honors in the William Jones Cup here yesterday.

Marcus Douthit, humiliated by NBA veteran Hamed Haddadi in Iran’s masterful 78-59 win over Smart Gilas in the semis, redeemed himself with a double-double output, powering his way to 28 points and hauling down 11 rebounds to lead the Nationals past the hosts to the dismay of the hostile crowd at the Hsinjhuang Stadium in New Taipei City.

“Our goal is to be in the top three and we made it,” said Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman, whose wards matched Team Philippines finish in the annual event four years ago.

He added the win more than made up for the Nationals’ embarrassing loss to Haddadi and the Iranians last Saturday.

“It left a bad taste in the mouth, that Iran loss yesterday (Saturday) because we played very, very bad,” said Toroman. “But we played good (against Taiwanese), we need this game badly for our confidence and I congratulate my players because it’s not easy to play nine straight games.”

Marcio Lassiter, Dondon Hontiveros and Mark Barroca stepped up to fire 16, 13 and 10 points, respectively, in the absence of JV Casio (swollen knee) and Chris Lutz (swollen elbow).

Chris Tiu struggled with just a point but he teamed up with Barroca, who also bucked a sprained ankle, in orchestrating the team’s play patterns.

“We responded well from a bad game last night (Saturday), the guys came out and played with aggression and a lot of energy even though we’re playing without our two guys,” said Douthit, who went 12-of-18 from the field.

“My hats off also to our wings for denying their shooters,” he added.

The Filipinos, cheered on by a small but loud crowd headed by Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano and Powerade governor JB Baylon, were already celebrating as early as midway of the fourth quarter when Japeth Aguilar rammed in a slam off a Lassiter assist.

Douthit bullied his way through the Taipei defense early on, exploding with 20 points – nine in the first quarter and 11 in the second – as the Filipinos raced to 10-point leads twice before settling for a 43-34 margin at the turn.

Chien Chia Hung, a 6-5 bruiser, kept the hosts in the game with sneaky shots over the taller, slower Douthit and twice pushed his team to within two and three-point leads.

Earlier, Japan pounced on the absence of Osama Daghles as it stunned Jordan, 77-73, to clinch fifth place.

Meanwhile, Toroman stressed the need to strengthen the team’s power forward position as they gear up for the FIBA-Asia Championship slated Sept. 15-25 in Wuhan, China where a lone berth in the 2012 London Olympics is at stake.

“I’ve been saying all these years that our main problem is at position four,” said Toroman.

The Filipinos lost games to the Jordanians, Iranians and even the Koreans largely because of that particular weakness, which Toroman hopes to fill with the addition of Talk N’ Text’s Kelly Williams and Ranidel de Ocampo.

Williams and de Ocampo, along with teammate Jimmy Alapag, are rejoining the Nationals after the PBA finale between Talk N’ Text and Petron Blaze late this month in time for the four-team joust in Doha, Qatar that features Smart Gilas, Lebanon, Jordan and the host country.

“We need Kelly Williams and Ranidel de Ocampo badly, they can help us get rebounds and defend the position four from other teams,” said Toroman.

The national team stunned Iran, 73-59, in Day 1 of the tournament last Aug. 6 with an off-form Haddadi, who played with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA, before beating Taipei the next day, 90-78.

The Nationals then lost two close matches in their next three games, against Jordan (76-72) and Korea (78-70) while beating the country’s Southeast Asian neighbor Malaysia (86-68). The team closed out the eliminations with wins against the United Arab Emirates (95-60) and Japan (94-78).

In the semis, Haddadi dominated the inside game with 36 points, and Iran controlled the boards, 78-59.

Meanwhile, the Nationals will play in a single round robin in Group D in the FIBA-Asia against China, Bahrain and UAE with Toroman confident of the team’s chances to advance in the next round where the top three teams from Groups A and B will be combined with Group E, while the three best teams in groups C and D will be joined together in Group F.

The preliminary records will not be carried over in the second stage where teams will play in another single round robin. The top four teams from groups E and F will advance to the crossover quarterfinals knockout round with the winners moving to the semis and then the Finals.

...the novelist Sparks Manila-bound

Nicholas Sparks to visit PHL

By MAUREEN MARIE BELMONTE

August 15, 2011

Manila Bulletin

 

Celebrated novelist Nicholas Sparks tweets in Filipino (Photo courtesy of his Twitter account)

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino fans of “A Walk to Remember” author Nicholas Sparks have a reason to rejoice with his announcement of a forthcoming trip to the Philippines.

“I don't know where my events are, but I'll be in the Philippines on Oct. 27-28th ... and yes, I'll be signing,” posted Sparks on his official Twitter account (@SparksNicholas).

This revelation came after a series of tweets on the various languages that he said that he’s “still learning.”

 

“I'm better at the ‘latin’ languages (spanish, italian, portugese, romanian, french) and okay at northern European languages (German, Dutch).

“I'm not saying I'm fluent ... but I can get around and talk to people in those countries ... with effort on both our parts,” he said.

The novelist of Christian faith, love, tragedy and fate themes mentioned that, “Aside from a bit of Tagalog, my Asian language skills are non-existent. And I'm poor at Arabic (not even good) ... but I like the language.”

However, he did try his hand at composing a message in Filipino, “Aking tiyahin ay mula sa Maynila. Siya itinuro sa akin,” he wrote, which he translated for his non-Filipino followers to mean: “I tried to say that my aunt is from Manila ...she used to talk to me and taught me to say some stuff.”

Having learned the language on his own, he recounted, “My aunt ... she didn't set out to teach me. I just listened to her talk to her mom and her sisters ...”

And being a self-taught Filipino of sort, Sparks wished for his followers “not to be mean.”

“I know I get lots of stuff wrong ... and please, if I see you in Manila, talk slow so I can understand you ... I'm no expert ...” he said.

Sparks is the author of 16 published novels. Six have already been adapted to film, namely the Kevin Costner starrer “Message in a Bottle,” Mandy Moore and Shane West’s film “A Walk to Remember,” and the Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams’ film “The Notebook,” the Richard Gere and Diane Lane starrer “Nights in Rodanthe,” Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried’s “Dear John” and, most recently, Miley Cryus and Liam Hemsworth's “The Last Song.”

While two of his upcoming novels are in various stages of development, the film adaptation of “The Lucky One,” starring Zac Efron, is expected to be released in March or April of 2012. His other novel, "Safe Haven," is expected to begin filming by October, according to his website.

...the LPG alternative

Local firm offers Pinoy-made charcoal stove as LPG alternative

loQal – Fri, Aug 12, 2011

By Anna Valmero

PASIG CITY, METRO MANILA—With the rising prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG),  more Filipinos should consider using charcoal stoves to cook meals, especially those that require slow cooking such as bulalo or nilaga.

The Joy charcoal stove was fabricated by Filipino inventor Rizal Obligar, who founded  G.O. Unique Products Inc. in 1978.

Back then the charcoal stove sold for 500 pesos only. It was made from scrap aluminum parts from aircraft, mugweels and cylinder heads. It was then billed as a cheaper alternative since acquiring a gas range was quite expensive those days, said Joseph Sincero, grandson of the inventor.

Obligar named the stove after his first daughter Joy, Sincero added.

“Our grandfather said that the stove allows for 70 percent savings in energy consumption. You can cook rice in ten to fifteen minutes and for slow cooking like boiling bulalo for six hours, you only have to pay P30 for the charcoal,” said Sincero, who joined the the recent World Food Expo and Home-based Business Expo.

Sincero added that the stove is meant to last for decades because it is made of pure aluminum; the prototype made by Oligar is still used by the family to cook their food .

Like the prototype, the newer models have a circular body with four holes around the charcoal grate or holder. The holes are used to regulate the flow of oxygen into the body, through the use of a knob.

The annular ring holds the pots in place and put on top of the body to conduct heat from the layer of burning charcoal. The rings are at least three inches above the charcoal to pass US standards for importation. This produces steady heat, which is ideal for cooking and grilling meat.

“Unlike traditional charcoal that emits smoke during cooking, the charcoal stove does not emit black smoke and it does not darken the pots because of its ingenius design based on the optimal combustion principle,” said Sincero.

To provide ease in adding charcoal, there are two openings on the body placed above the charcoal grate where you can insert pieces of charcoal using tongs (to prevent burns since the stove is hot).

It is best to soak a piece of charcoal into kerosene before putting it on the charcoal grater to start fire. This way, there is less kerosene used.

Aside from home use, the new models are now made more compact and portable (weighing from three to 37.6 kilos) for use in campings and picnics, added Sincero.

The large stove (P2,400), which measures 12 inches in diameter and weighs six kilos, is ideal for families and can hold up to 65 kilograms of weight. Other models include the small version (P1,000), which has a diameter of 7.75-inches, the medium (P1,800) with 9-inch diameter and jumbo (P3,500)

“My grandfather's hope is to give Filipinos an economical means to cook food and we hope that more Filipinos will recognize and patronize Filipino inventions because these are really useful in daily life,” said Sincero.

...the human cross

UST sets Guinness world record for human cross

GMANews – Fri, Aug 12, 2011

A Philippine Catholic university has officially made history by setting a world record for the world’s largest human cross on Ash Wednesday, March 9.

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) said Guinness World Records recognized the 13,266 participants who formed the human cross inside the UST campus in Manila.

“Although [the] actual turnout of participants was close to 20,000, the official count only recognized those who swiped their IDs both when entering and going out of the field, as relayed during the instructions," UST said in an article on its website.

The article also showed photos of the cross and the Guinness certificate for the “largest human cross" achieved by 13,266 participants.

For its part, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said the official Guinness certificate confirming the title was sent to UST on Aug. 10.

“We are pleased to confirm that you have successfully set the new Guinness World Records title for ‘Largest Human Cross.’ Guinness World Records congratulates you on your achievement," Guinness said in its letter dated Aug. 8, the CBCP said.

The CBCP said the official announcement is posted on the Guinness website under “Amazing Feats" and “Mass Participation" categories.

March’s human cross also aimed to convey to the world the university’s stand against the Reproductive Health bill.

In the March 9 event, students, faculty, and university employees dressed in black and white and with crosses on their foreheads formed a human cross and stood still in prayerful silence for 15 minutes.

“Norway previously held the record for the world’s largest human cross with 935 participants at the Oslo Opera House in May 2010," the CBCP said. — JE/VS, GMA News

...the happy shoppers

Survey says Filipinos happiest grocery shoppers

 

By Daxim L. Lucas in Manila/Philippine Daily Inquirer |

Sat, Aug 13, 2011

 

Manila (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) - Here lies the irony: the average Filipino shopper visits the grocery less-as most are hard pressed for money and time-but she and, increasingly, he are happier doing so compared with other shoppers in Southeast Asia.

Indeed, four out of five Filipinos enjoy grocery shopping, outstripping their peers from around the region, many of whom view their periodic trips for consumable goods as "chores," according to an international market research firm.

In the latest Nielsen Philippine Shopper Trends Report, 80 percent of consumers in the country said they "enjoyed" grocery shopping. In contrast, one in 10 consumers claimed to "dislike" it, with the balance of respondents having more neutral views.

Consumers in Thailand placed a distant second, with 66 percent saying they really enjoy or like grocery shopping, according to the results of the survey, which was also conducted in other countries in the region.

"This finding is unique to consumers in the country," Nielsen associate director for retail services Marge Martinez said in a statement.

"With 85 percent of the Philippines population falling into the lower income bracket, grocery shopping continues to be a way for some consumers to entertain themselves and spend time with their families at the same time."

Martinez added: "Most consumers take this must-do activity in their stride and even derive enjoyment from this activity, which may be seen by many consumers in other countries as a chore."

Grab-and-go

Indeed, shoppers say, trips to the supermarkets, at least in the Philippines, seem like family affairs, with parents bringing even their children and, sometimes, their babies, too.

According to the study, when it comes to main grocery trips, Filipino shoppers on average will make about two trips a month. Thirty percent of consumers in the Philippines do their main shopping once a week, another one-third do it fortnightly, and 25 percent do it once a month.

Filipino grocery shoppers are most likely to "grab-and-go," with 35 percent of respondents saying they know what they want from the store and 51 percent saying they will just visit parts of stores that have what they want.

In contrast, the most "leisurely" shoppers in the region are from Singapore, where only 16 percent said they will just visit sections of the stores that have what they want. The rest shop in a more leisurely manner, including 9 percent who said they know what they want.

Aged 18 and 65

"Shoppers who 'grab-and-go' are either pressed for time, or are from the lower income classes, trying to manage their budgets by resisting the temptation to buy more," Martinez said. "Both types of shoppers will be looking to get in and out of the store as quick as they can."

Nielsen Shopper Trends is an annual study on consumer shopping behavior that is conducted in Metro Manila and major cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The research for the latest edition was fielded between October and December 2010 involving interviews with at least 1,500 respondents between the ages of 18 and 65, who were both main grocery buyers and "key influencers" in their households.

The survey also showed that females continued to be the dominant shoppers in Filipino households, comprising 67 percent of the total, even as a slight downtrend has been detected over the last few years.

Emergent males

The study noted the "emergence of more male main shoppers when it comes to grocery shopping."

Nielsen's analysis revealed that the percentage of male main shoppers tripled from 2006 to 33 percent at the end of 2010.

This relatively high percentage also placed Filipino males as the second most likely to be the main grocery shopper for their households in Southeast Asia, trailing Malaysia's 36 percent.

Martinez pointed out that the growth of the business process outsourcing industry in the Philippines over the past few years has driven women to take more of a proactive role in seeking employment and landing a job.

"We therefore see more men and women sharing household responsibilities from bringing food to the table to taking care of the children to doing errands for the household needs," Martinez said.

Retail trade growing

The survey also revealed that, despite the global economic downturn, retail trade in the country continues to grow as consumers' monthly spending on food, grocery and personal care increased by 19 percent in 2010 compared to 2009.

Most consumers continue to spend their money mostly at supermarkets, with one-third of consumers claiming to have spent most their funds at this channel last year.

Another 28 percent of consumers spent their money mostly in sari-sari stores, and 25 percent of shoppers claimed to spend their money mostly at wet markets.

...the AI's in Manila

‘American Idol’ Live Tour sets only Asian stop in Manila

 

By Karen Valeza | Coke Music Studio 

Aug 13, 2011

The AI finalists in one of their live performances in the US (Getty Images)

"American Idol" will hold its first foreign show for its Season 10 finalists in Manila on September 20 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

 

Filipino fans will get to see Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery and other top 10 finalists such as Casey Abrams, Haley Reinhart, Jacob Lusk, James Durbin, Lauren Alaina, Naima Adedapo, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Stefano Langone and Fil-American Thia Megia.

Various 'American Idol' alumni have already visited the country to perform but this is the first time 'American Idol' will be bringing its top finalists on tour in Asia as they normally hold it in different states in the US.

Casey Abrams got to join the top 10 on live tour because of the save option of judges Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez during the show. Scotty McCreery showcases his country roots as he performs songs such as 'Your Man' by Josh Turner and 'Are You Going to Kiss Me or Not' by Thompson Square.

On tour, Scotty also performs his single and victory song, 'I Love You This Big.' In an interview, Scotty said that performing the song on tour is different compared to performing it in American Idol.

"It's in an arena every night. It's a huge crowd every night. Luckily for me, I got the chance to play an arena when I went to the Walmart Convention in Arkansas, and then I got to play with Josh Turner at LP Field in Nashville for Fan Fest in front of like 70,000. So I've had a little bit of experience," Scotty told Billboard.com.

In 'American Idol Live! Tour,' fans will also get to see duets and collaborations of the finalists to give a sample of the popular singing show. Scotty performs 'When You Say Nothing at All' with Lauren Alaina and 'Gone' with Lauren, Thia, Pia and Haley.

The Top 11 will perform fan favorite performances from the show, as well as  current singles from  solo projects. Pia Toscano also performs her new single, 'This Time.'

 

 

...the basketball U16 champs

Energen Pilipinas trounces Singapore for 1st Seaba U16 crown

By Jasmine W. Payo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Sunday, August 14th, 2011

BANTING CITY, MALAYSIA—The Energen Pilipinas Under-16 Youth Team capped its dominant run with a crown.

Living up to their tag as favorites, the young nationals completed a championship sweep of the 1st Southeast Asian Basketball Association (Seaba) U16 for Men after trouncing Singapore, 70-52, on Saturday night at the Kuala Langat Gym here.

The Philippines had big men Gelo Vito and Arvin Tolentino working in the paint as the Philippines bucked its worst shooting night to pull off a four-game sweep.

“Mission accomplished,” said national youth coach Olsen Racela. “Although Singapore held us to our lowest output, we’ll take it.”

The title romp in the five-nation tournament also gave the Philippines a ticket to the Fiba Asia U16 tournament set on October 18 to 28 in Nha Trang City, Vietnam.

Runners-up Malaysia (3-1) and Indonesia (2-2) earned berths as well in the next youth tournament, which will pit Asia’s best basketball nations for slots in the 2012 Fiba U17 World Championship.

“This is just one step,” said Racela. “We realized we have a difficult time playing against the zone (defense). So we’ll concentrate on that in our training, especially with the addition of more players.”

The Philippines missed all of its 22 attempts from three-point range, but pulled away early after holding down Singapore to just 18 points in the first half.

Vito led with 13 points and six rebounds while Tolentino–the tournament’s best performer with averages of 19.5 points and eight boards–had 13 markers to go with five rebounds.

The Philippines arrested the third-quarter outburst of Singapore, which closed in within seven, 48-41, as Vito, Tolentino and guard Rev Diputado took charge in the next canto.

Diputado delivered nine points, four boards and five steals as he teamed up with the two big men in scoring all but three of the team’s 20 fourth-quarter points.

The Philippines recorded its lowest field goal clip in four games at 31 percent, but outscored Singapore in the paint, 44-24.

The other big men also stepped up as the Filipinos won the rebounding battle, 46-36, with Jay Javelosa and Daryl Pascual combining for 13 boards.

“On a scale of 1 to 10, we’re still an eight,” noted Racela.”But I’m proud of the boys. Our first two games actually surprised me.”

The Philippines, which blasted its opponents by an average of 38 points, also routed  Malaysia (91-64), Indonesia (109-46) and Laos (101-57).

Singapore finished its campaign with a 1-3 record, while Laos dropped all of its four assignments.

The scores:

PHILIPPINES 70–Vito 13, Tolentino 13, Diputado 9, Pascual 8, Cani 8, Lao 8, Asilum 5, Brill 2, Tongco 2, Javelosa 2, Babilonia 0.
SINGAPORE 52—Lim 11, Goh 10, Tay A. 8, Toh 7, Chua 5, Tay W. 4, Han 4, Lee 3, Cheok 0, Tee 0, Ng 0, Ridzuan 0.
Quarters: 17-6, 34-18, 50-41, 70-52

...the PH Little League vs Europe

Phl thumps Europe in Little League W Series (The Philippine Star) August 14, 2011

  

Muntinlupa pitcher Marides Uytiepo pitches against Europe.|

MANILA, Philippines - Team Philippines, represented by Muntinlupa Little League, dumped Team Europe, 18-8, over four innings in a rousing start in the Little League Softball World Series in Portland, Oregon.

Coaches Kulafu Posadas and Joy Lanting drew solid performances from pitchers Marides Uytiepo, Kevyn Lacson and Mariana Reyes and hitters Monica Martinez, Jill San Juan, Lucia Lorenzo and Angela Caringal as Team Pilipinas easily disposed of Team Europe.

Lanting was a member of Team Philippines in the 1996 staging of this event featuring 10 of the top 12-year-old Little League softball teams in the world.

...the VP at Miami University

Fil-Am educator bags key Miami University post

08/14/2011

GMA News

 

A Filipino-American educator who puts a premium on listening before making decisions bagged a key post at the Miami University in Ohio this year.

According to an Asian Journal report, Conrado Gempesaw took over last May the position as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Miami University, which was facing budget cuts and financial problems.

Gempesaw is considered one of the highest-ranking members of academia who is of Filipino descent in the US, the report said.

During his pitch for provost last year, he spoke for an hour about his plan for the 200-year-old university, including cost-cutting measures, increasing student diversity, online education, and need for more programs for foreign students.

“If I was your provost for every discussion we have about cutting programs, there would have to be a discussion about new programs… I’ll make a commitment to listen to all parties involved," the report quoted Gempesaw as saying.

Among those in the audience during his speech who were impressed was Gerald Yearwood, senior director in the university’s Office of Diversity Affairs.

“He’s very knowledgeable, not only about what’s needed at Miami University, but [also about] what’s needed in higher education," Yearwood said.

As provost, Gempesaw will have a say in virtually every aspect of life at the Miami University, which has 14,000 undergraduate and 2,400 graduate students and 1,500 faculty members.

Gempesaw

“Dr. Gempesaw is an accomplished scholar and administrator, and a passionate teacher," said Miami University president David Hodge.

Gempesaw is even “widely praised for his innovative thinking, his ability to build consensus and accomplish goals, and his deep commitment to student success," he added.

Hodge pointed out: “At Delaware, he has compiled an extraordinary record, serving as a professor, department chair, vice provost for academic and international programs, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and dean of the Lerner College."

For his part, Gempesaw said he was grateful for the confidence and support of all those who participated in the search process.

Gempesaw graduated from Ateneo de Davao University, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics. He taught economics as an adjunct instructor at Ateneo before heading to the US.

He earned a master’s degree from West Virginia University, and doctorate in agricultural economics in 1985 from Pennsylvania State University.

He then climbed the teaching ladder at the University of Delaware, starting as an assistant professor and becoming vice provost and dean of the Lerner College’s five academic departments and five centers.

At Delaware, he managed the college’s more than $55-million budget under responsibility-based budgeting. He also oversaw the hiring of 28 new faculty members, 17 of whom were women or members of the protected class.

He has published more than 100 papers in various academic journals, including the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Production and Inventory Management Journal, Applied Economics, European Review of Agricultural Economics, and Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education. — JE/LBG, GMA News

...the ideal place for investment

Philippines an ideal investment site

August 14, 2011

Manila Bulletin

 

 

MANILA, Philippines — Two factors – skilled workforce and competitive labor cost – account for investors’ choice of the Philippines as an ideal investment site. Many foreign companies reportedly prefer Filipino workers because they are easily trained, industrious, computer literate, English-speaking, and willing to work longer hours and at cheaper labor cost. We have the best workforce in the world,” the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) declares, citing the aforecited traits as to why the Philippines continues to attract foreign investors.

Every year, the Philippines sees an increased number of companies setting up operations in the country. The biggest number of foreign direct investments (FDI) in the Philippines has been in the call center and/or business process outsourcing (BPO) sector. Special incentives are given for companies in the BPO sector that are setting up branches in the Philippines.

PEZA grants investors that are locating their BPO or call center operation within a PEZA zone or building a number of incentives, including reduced taxes (e.g., on the importation of information technology equipment). Companies file for incentives by the Board of Investments (BoI) wherever they may be located.

In the first five months of 2011, FDIs reportedly rose by 189 percent to R300 billion and this is attributed to renewed investor confidence. Republic Act 7042, the Foreign Investments Act of 1991, is the basic law that governs foreign investments in the Philippines.

The Philippines is regarded as a good investment location because of the many advantages it offers to local and foreign investors, including strategic location, skilled professionals and workers, improved infrastructure, liberal economic policies, and growing market.

...the Hollywood visual effect master

Pinoy behind Hollywood's stunning visual effects

 

08/13/2011

GMA News

If you loved the eye-popping visual effects in big Hollywood-made movies since the late 1980s, chances are they are the handiwork of a Filipino.

Filipino-American Ariel Velasco Shaw is considered a pioneer of sorts in visual effects, being at the industry’s forefront for more than 25 years.

 

“Before that, I dabbled into still photography, which was my first love," the Manila-born Shaw told the Asian Journal in a recent interview.

But he said his world opened when he discovered the wonders of filmmaking. He has since become a leader in the digital production community.

To date, he continues to widen his reach as he ventures into 3-D filmmaking.

Shaw started his career in 1984 when he joined the New York Institute of Technology, one of the premier computer graphics facilities in the world.

“His early research in digital imaging set the foundation for today’s digital imaging production process," the Asian Journal said.

Disney

In 1989, Shaw was asked to join Walt Disney Feature Animation to help design a digital-imaging department that can complete full-length feature films via computer.

His work became the first full-length animated film to be digitally post-produced, according to the report.

During his stint as digital imaging supervisor at Walt Disney Feature Animation, he worked on hit classic films as “The Rescuers Down Under," “Beauty and the Beast," “Aladdin," and “The Lion King."

The culmination of his Disney career was an Academy Award Nomination in Visual Effects for his breakthrough work on “The Nightmare Before Christmas."

“That was quite exciting, and I was very honored. Too bad, we were up against ‘Jurassic Park,’" Shaw said, referring to the nomination.

Apart from Disney

Shaw left Disney in 1994 and went to Boss Film Studios, where he assisted in the company’s transition to a fully functioning digital effects studio. He supervised the feature films “True Lies," “The Scout," and “Drop Zone."

He then went to Warner Digital Studios, where he worked on “Batman Forever," “My Fellow Americans," “Vegas Vacation" and “Contact."

At Pacific Title/Mirage, he handled the visual effects for "Lethal Weapon 4," "Armageddon" and "Soldier," while receiving an Emmy Award nomination for Tom Hanks’ HBO series "From the Earth to the Moon."

‘Final Destination 5’

This month, Shaw returns to the “Final Destination" series and his first foray into 3-D filmmaking. “Final Destination" began in 2000 and had sequels in 2003, 2006, and 2009.

Shaw will be responsible for many effects in the fifth installment of the popular horror film series, having been part of its first and third installments.

As visual effects supervisor of “Final Destination 5," Shaw oversaw the film’s many elaborate special effects, including those used for the terrifying collapse of a suspension bridge.

Pioneer

Shaw moved to the United States with his family when he was barely four years old. They settled in Brooklyn, New York.

Shaw said his dream project is to showcase ghost stories, particularly those from Baguio City.

“I am very much fascinated by Filipino myths and ghost stories, particularly in Baguio City. The stories are pretty much unheard of outside the Philippines so it would be nice to showcase that," he said.

For now, he looks forward to collaborating with other Filipino-Americans in Hollywood, particularly Matthew Libatique, who was nominated for an Academy Award last year for his cinematography work for “Black Swan."

“My sister has worked with him, and I hope I’d be able to work with him someday. That would be a great collaboration and I promise you, it is going to happen," he said. — JE/VS, GMA News