A Sustainable Journey Filled with Life and Culture: CNN’s The Journey Matters highlights what’s to love about the Philippines

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Travelers are spoiled for choice when they visit the Philippines, this beautiful archipelago has 7,641 islands teeming with experiences that tourists will definitely love. From world-famous white sand beaches like Boracay, fantastic waves of Siargao, bustling cities, rich biodiversity, unique traditions, and flavorful feasts, there’s always something to love when you visit.

The show explores some of the places and activities that await in Siquijor, a small island filled with beauty and wonder.

Get to know more about the best of island life in the Philippines in the latest episode of The Journey Matters on CNN. This week’s episode showcases some of the country’s most popular destinations as well as the locals who honor the Philippines’ rich traditional heritage and work hard in protecting its diverse natural environment.

Tourism frontliners based in some of the country’s popular island destinations, share their stories of love for the Philippines. “Doing yoga around nature is very relaxing. It has a very healing kind of effect. I was born in Manila, and I've always wanted to live somewhere closer to nature. When I first came to El Nido, I fell in love with the place and decided I could try and maybe live here.” shared Bek Soriano, founder of Yoga Tayo in El Nido, Palawan. Bek’s Yoga Tayo has attracted a community of travelers, who seek wellness and inspiration from El Nido’s diverse natural attractions. Over the years, that community has grown with more travelers drawn in by El Nido's charms through its abundance of natural attractions and its welcoming people.

Meanwhile, on another side of Palawan, in Coron, Anthony “Joy” Rabanal and Darwin Agquiz, seasoned tour guides at Big Dream Boatman, have brought countless local and foreign visitors to see the breathtaking beauty of the islands, sharing their knowledge and ensuring that everyone has a wonderful experience. “I really love this job because aside from being a tour guide, I can also do something for our environment,” said Darwin. Like educating visitors on how to respect and protect nature and green life. “We get them really aware about what is really happening.” added Joy. This does not only help them protect their livelihood but mostly their home.

Local tour guides make it a point to also educate visitors on how to respect and protect nature and green life in Coron, Palawan.

From Palawan, the show also featured Siquijor, a small island which has become a popular emerging destination with local and international tourists, eager to discover its stunning beauty. “Siquijor is a very special place especially for tourists, the vibes here are still different from any other destination,” shared Luis Nathaniel Borongan, emphasizing on the island’s special ability to “heal” visitors. Tuob is one of Siquijor’s age-old natural healing methods to help ward off illnesses and bad spirits. The show explores some of the places and activities that await in Siquijor, which, just like Palawan, showcases idyllic island life in the Philippines, where there's always something to discover and to love at every turn.

El Nido, Palawan has attracted a community of travelers, who seek wellness and inspiration from El Nido’s diverse natural attractions.

Tune in to CNN tomorrow, Sunday, February 23 at 7pm HKT and catch The Journey Matters in The Philippines. Embark on a visual journey through the country and discover hidden gems, embrace the healing powers of nature, and witness the warmth of Filipino hospitality. Let the Philippines’ 7641 islands captivate you. This is a journey you won't want to miss.

DOT’s Philippine Experience Program now on KLOOK

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The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Klook Philippines on Wednesday (Jan. 15) formally signed a partnership that would make travel experience in the country more accessible for all, highlighting curated tour packages of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), a flagship tourism program that was developed and launched under the Marcos Administration.

With the unveiling of the latest collaboration between the DOT and one of Asia’s leading platforms for experiences and travel services comes a pioneering roster of PEP tours on the platform offering tours across the country. It also aims to accelerate the digitalization of Philippine tourism.

Now available on Klook are must-experience destinations including a Culture, Heritage & Arts Tour in Calabarzon, where travelers will discover the captivating Pagsanjan Falls, and cultural landmarks like the connective Pinto Art Museum and the historical Villa Escudero.

Also available is the Culture, Heritage & Adventure Tour in Bicol, where one can embark on an ATV adventure to Mayon Volcano and sample the delicious Bicolano cuisine, highlighting the wonders found south of the capital in Luzon.

Up north, the Culture, Heritage & Arts Tour in the Ilocos Region offers visitors to the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage City to discover the Philippines’ Spanish colonial history. During the tour, participants will also get the chance to interact with locals and savor local specialties like empanadas and tupig.

For those looking to explore the Visayas region, travelers can look into visiting Silay City, known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and heritage houses, as well as its fresh and delectable seafood through the Culture, Heritage & Arts Tour in Western Visayas.

To round up the pioneering set of tours is an exclusive experience highlighting the beautiful sights, history, and traditions of Palawan in the Culture, Heritage & Arts Tour in Palawan, through the Palawan Special Battalion WW-II Memorial Museum, Binuatan Weaving Creation workshops, and the Butterfly Garden.

On top of the PEP curated tours the partnership also looks to integrate the DOT’s Tourist Rest Areas (TRAs) on Klook and initiate exploratory partnerships with the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Clark International Airport through the endorsement of the DOT.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Klook President and Co-Founder Eric Gnock Fah led the ceremonial signing of Strategic Alliance and Memorandum of Agreement between the DOT and Klook, with Tourism Assistant Secretary Sharlene Zabala-Batin and Klook General Manager for Philippines and Thailand Michelle Ho as witnesses.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco

“With this partnership with Klook, the Philippine Experience Program will now be carried on the Klook platform. The Philippine Experience Program is a flagship initiative of the Marcos administration, whereby, we are translating the President's vision of reintroducing the Philippines to the world, not just from a one-dimensional lens of fun and adventure, but also from the highly diversified lens of our Filipino identity that can very well be seen in in our culture, our heritage, our stories, immersions into our communities, our gastronomy, and all the other experiences that you can have in our destinations. Carrying the Philippine Experience Program on Klook will also equalize tourism opportunities among our destinations, which is the advocacy of the Department of Tourism,” Secretary Frasco said.

Tourism Assistant Secretary Sharlene Zabala-Batin and Klook General Manager for Philippines and Thailand Michelle Ho

From Klook's end, the global platform’s co-founder shared his excitement about this new endeavor.

Klook President and Co-Founder Eric Gnock Fah

“At Klook, we believe there are countless adventures, unique experiences, and cultural treasures still waiting to be discovered. Here in the Philippines, with its stunning natural wonders and the warmth and vibrancy of its people, we are excited to partner with the Department of Tourism to bring even more of these incredible experiences to Filipinos and travelers around the world,” Gnock Fah said.

Klook will also continue hosting a series of regional roadshows to encourage more travel operators to take advantage of its technology and have a global reach.

Over the years, Klook has been an active partner of the DOT. The first partnership was during the pandemic for training seminars on social media marketing and product development; the rolling out of Intramuros Pass to give travelers exclusive access to attractions and activities inside the award-winning Walled City; and the marketing collaboration with the Tourism Promotions Board on the Love the Philippines Campaign.

At present, Klook has over half a million experiences on its platform, catering to over 2,700 destinations nationwide.

Ballet Manila’s Giselle to feature global superstars Renata Shakirova and Alexei Timofeyev

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World-renowned ballet superstars from the prestigious Mariinsky Ballet, Renata Shakirova and Alexei Timofeyev, will be coming to Manila for a rare Philippine performance in the restaging of Ballet Manila’s Giselle set to happen at the Aliw Theater on August 31, 2024 at 8pm and September 1, 2024 at 5 pm.

This much-awaited collaboration with the Russian superstars of ballet once again highlights Ballet Manila’s artistry and keen eye for excellence in every production, by working with world-class performers – this time for Giselle. This very special collaboration was made possible by Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s artistic director and chief executive officer, and her close ties with the Mariinsky Ballet (formerly Kirov Ballet) where she also trained and became the first foreign soloist in the mid-80s. She shared, “The fact that we are collaborating with guest artists and star performers Renata Shakirova and Alexsei Timofeyev will always bring out the best in the company.”

With their star power, Macuja Elizalde couldn’t be more excited for their rendition of the well-loved Giselle. “I think that Renata’s true romantic style of dancing and the fact that she is dancing with her real-life prince Alexei is going to transform Ballet Manila’s Giselle to a Giselle of another level,” she adds. The world-renowned Russian dancers, incidentally, are married to each other in real life.

Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Renata joined Mariinsky Ballet, one of the leading dance companies in the world, upon her graduation in 2015 and was immediately given her first principal role as Kitri in Don Quixote. That same year, she was listed among the 25 to Watch by Dance Magazine. And in 2016, she competed in the Bolshoi Ballet Competition, where she won first prize.

Meanwhile, Leningrad-born Alexei joined Mariinsky Ballet in 2004 and is currently the soloist of the dance company. As a soloist, he managed to secure various awards under his belt, including prize-winner at the VII International Ballet Competition in Seoul in 2010; diploma-recipient at the XVI International Rudolf Nureyev Ballet Festival in 2010 where he was cited for his superb levels of professionalism and contribution to the development of ballet in the Republic of Bashkortostan; and diploma-recipient at the XI International Ballet Dancers’ and Choreographers’ Competition in Moscow in 2009.

While it is their first time to perform on the Philippine stage, Renata is looking forward to connecting with the Filipino audience through her performance. “What’s important to be able to connect with the audience, wherever they are, but especially with a Filipino audience, is to highlight the small nuances that are included in the performance, like the turn of the head or the eye-to-eye contact with your partner, so that the emotions in the story can be conveyed and that the audience can enjoy the show.”

Meanwhile, Alexei excitedly looks forward to performing in front of a new audience, as he noted, “We are feeling the good kind of vibes with the Filipino audience, and we want them to live the story of Giselle with us on stage. It’s going to be our first time, and we hope to share that special experience with all of them.”

The third offering of Ballet Manila’s 26th performance season, dubbed Ballet Masterpieces, Giselle is a classic love story of a village girl (Giselle) who falls in love with Albrecht, not knowing he is already engaged. When she finds out, she dies of a broken heart and becomes a wili, joining the souls of girls who are also wronged by their men. Meanwhile, Albrecht visits the grave of Giselle, who protects him from Myrtha, the vengeful queen of the wilis.

Complementing their performances is a dynamic ensemble made up of young and veteran dancers from Ballet Manila, which, according to Macuja Elizalde, is the main change for the restaging of Giselle. “Ballet Manila Corps de Ballet is made up of more young members who have just joined the company post-pandemic - standing side by side with Ballet Manila dancers who are "veterans" and have performed the ballet many times before.”

The two-act ballet will interestingly showcase the talents of real-life couples both on and off stage. Ballet Manila's principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo will headline the performance on August 31 at 1pm while the world-renowned duo Renata and Alexei will take on the title roles on August 31 at 8pm and September 1 at 5pm.

All performances will be staged at Aliw Theater, Pasay City. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To know more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph

LG OLED TVs Illuminate Artistic Legacy at National Museum of Fine Arts - Celebrating 140 Years of Spoliarium: Juan Luna's Masterpiece and National Treasure

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LG Electronics, a global leader in technology and innovation, proudly announces its partnership with the National Museum of the Philippines, furthering its commitment to supporting cultural heritage and promoting the arts. The announcement was made during a special event held at the National Museum of Fine Arts, where Mr. Nakhyun Seong, Managing Director of LG Philippines, expressed LG's pride in being part of significant celebrations aligned with the Philippines' rich cultural heritage.

LG Philippines Managing Director, Mr. Nakhyun Seong and the National Museum of the Philippines Director-General Jeremy Barns, CESO III stand proudly at the National Museum of Fine Arts with Juan Luna’s Spoliarium as the backdrop. Experience art in a new light with the 2024 LG OLED AI evo TVs, featured beside the masterpiece.

"At LG, supporting the arts and culture is an integral part of what we do," said Mr. Seong. "We are honored to collaborate with the National Museum of Fine Arts for the 140th anniversary of the masterpiece 'Spoliarium' by Juan Luna. Through our donation this National Heritage Month, we hope that more people will be able to enjoy the enhanced interactive experience and offer visitors a deeper understanding and appreciation of Luna’s significant work and its historical context."

LG's commitment to the National Museum extends beyond this donation, as highlighted by Mr. Seong: 

"The installation of LG OLED AI TVs illuminates the artistic legacy of the National Museum of Fine Arts. The partnership between LG and the museum signifies a synergy between cutting-edge technology and timeless artistry. LG is committed to the National Museum of the Philippines and its causes in the arts, aiming to foster greater appreciation and accessibility to cultural heritage."

During the event, Director-General Jeremy Barns of the National Museum also addressed the audience, acknowledging the importance of modernizing cultural institutions for today's generation: 

"It's a challenge for the National Museum today to make museums accessible to the modern generation. The addition of LG OLED AI TVs will greatly enhance our ability to engage visitors and provide them with enriching experiences."

(From L-R) LG Philippines Product Director for Home Entertainment, Mr. Yongwoo Park; LG Philippines Managing Director Mr. Nakhyun Seong; National Museum of the Philippines Director-General Jeremy Barns, CESO III; Deputy Director-General for Administration Atty. Ma. Rosenne Flores-Avila and National Museum Deputy Director-General for Museums; Jorell M. Legaspi at the official turnover of the World’s Best LG OLED TVs at the Old Senate Session Hall of the National Museum of Fine Arts.

Mr. Yongwoo Park, LG Product Director for Home Entertainment, provided insights into LG's latest advancements in home entertainment during the event. "It’s a privilege for our TVs to be an integral part of your lives," said Mr. Park. "Our Home Entertainment vision - 'Sync to You, Open to All' - is guiding how our TVs are becoming windows onto different experiences. With your partnership, we’re continuing our OLED leadership, now in our 11th year. It is our commitment to continue to break new grounds, to push the boundaries of entertainment."

(From L-R) Drew Arellano, Bianca Yao, LG Philippines Product Director for Home Entertainment, Mr. Yongwoo Park, Gretchen Ho, and Mikee Reyes

Angelica Dumlao, Product Manager for TV, detailed the features of the LG OLED AI TV 2024 lineup, emphasizing the role of AI technology in enhancing the viewing experience. "The Alpha11 AI Processor offers four times the performance of its predecessor, allowing LG OLED AI TVs to recognize users and personalize experiences according to their preferences. The event also showcased LG's QNED TVs, known for their vibrant colors and exceptional brightness, as well as LG Soundbars essential for elevating the surround sound experience.”

(From L-R) National Museum Deputy Director-General for Museums; Jorell M. Legaspi; Deputy Director-General for Administration Atty. Ma. Rosenne Flores-Avila; National Museum of the Philippines Director-General Jeremy Barns, CESO III; Sportscaster Mikee Reyes; Gamer Bianca Yao; Host Gretchen Ho; LG Philippines Managing Director Mr. Nakhyun Seong; LG Philippines Product Director for Home Entertainment, Mr. Yongwoo Park; LG Philippines Product Manager for TV Angelica Dumlao; TV Personality Drew Arellano

LG enthusiasts and avid users also shared their experiences with LG OLED AI TVs. TV host and cinephile Gretchen Ho expressed her admiration for the LG OLED AI B4: "As a cinephile, having LG OLED AI B4 is like having a cinema experience right in your home. Whenever I see my documentaries and movies on the screen, the colors are so vibrant and the details are so clear, it feels like I’m still immersed in my travels. And it’s not just about the movies – even regular TV shows and streaming content look amazing. The deep blacks and vibrant colors really make everything pop. LG OLED AI B4 truly brings out the best in every film and video, making it perfect for both movie nights and everyday viewing.”

Ms. Gretchen Ho with the LG OLED AI B4

Drew Arellano, a devoted family man and renowned TV personality, offered heartfelt insights into LG OLED AI TVs, reflecting on their transformative impact on his family's entertainment. "For me, as a family man, LG OLED AI TVs are more than just cutting-edge technology; they're a gateway to unforgettable moments shared with loved ones. Drew marveled at LG's technology, expressing admiration for features like Al Picture Pro, which imbues every frame with authentic realism. With Al Sound Pro, every detail of the soundscape resonates with lifelike clarity, creating an immersive audio experience. OLED G4, powered by the new Alpha11 AI Processor, provides you with the ultimate home theater viewing experience. Combined with Brightness Booster Max, peak highlights reach a new high, which is 150% brighter than conventional OLEDs.”

Mr. Drew Arellano with the LG OLED AI G4

Bianca Yao, aka Biancake, an avid gamer, shared her enthusiasm for LG OLED AI TVs, particularly the LG OLED AI C4, which she described as a game-changer for gaming enthusiasts. "For us gamers, OLED is the number one TV in gaming. The LG OLED AI C4’s gaming capabilities really set it apart. The low input lag and fast response time ensure a seamless gaming experience, making it a favorite among gamers like myself. It gives me next-level gaming experience with ultimate speed, and real-time response for an easy way to win”. Bianca underscored the advanced features of LG OLED evo AI G4 and C4, noting their support for 4K 144Hz and NVIDIA G-SYNC, which elevate the gaming experience to new heights.

Ms. Bianca Yao, aka Biancake, with the LG OLED AI C4

Sportscaster Mikee Reyes highlighted the LG QNED AI TV's exceptional features, stating, "My next-level screen delivers vibrant colors and detailed picture quality from any angle." He mentioned how the TV's vibrant colors and detailed picture quality enhance the viewing experience, especially for sports enthusiasts like himself. With its enhanced contrast and brightness, comparing it to a thrilling game day experience at home. He also appreciated the convenience of the Sports Alert feature and its Quantum Dot and NanoCell technologies for delivering rich colors and advanced motion handling, ensuring clearer and smoother viewing of fast-paced sports. Lastly, he lauded the TV's sleek design, noting its slim profile and compatibility with ultra-big screens, such as the new 98” QNED, which offers an expansive viewing experience ideal for a home theater setup.

Mr. Mikee Reyes with the LG QNED AI

In closing, Ms. Mayan Salapantan, LG Philippines Head of Corporate Marketing, emphasized LG's commitment to integrating advanced technology with timeless art to enhance cultural experiences. She expressed pride in supporting initiatives that bring people together, spark creativity, and promote education, aligning with LG's brand promise of “Life’s Good” and brand mission of creating a better life for all through smart life solutions.

Life's about more than having the latest technology, rather, it's about the experiences technology creates that impact our lives. LG Electronics Philippines delivers consumer electronics through top-of-the-line home entertainment appliances that prepare Filipinos for their greatest moments. LG promises to bring "Innovation for a Better Life" nationwide - from Luzon, to Visayas, and Mindanao. LG OLED AI products are available via lg.com/ph and through its flagship stores in Lazada and Shopee. 

For more information, visit and follow their social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube (@lgphilippines).

Philippine Pavilion honors Mt. Banahaw’s influence on the Filipino cultural landscape

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The Philippine Pavilion held its vernissage at the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia and opened its doors to the public on April 20, 2024, at the Artiglierie, Arsenale, Venice, Italy, with the theme “Sa kabila ng tabing lamang sa panahong ito / Waiting just behind the curtain of this age.”

(L-R) Consul General Elmer Cato, Philippine Consulate General in Milan, Italy;  Ambassador Nathaniel Imperial Philippine Embassy in Rome, Italy;  Mark Salvatus, Participating Artist; Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda;  Chairman Victorino “Ino” Manalo, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Commissioner of the Philippine Pavilion;  Carlos Quijon, Jr., Curator of the Philippine Pavilion; Honorary Consul Giorgia Di Biasi;  Patrick Flores, Curator of the Tie a String Around the World in 2015, which marked the comeback of the Philippines after 51-year hiatus

The visionary behind the Philippines’ participation in the Venice Biennale, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, led the vernissage together with Carlos Quijon Jr, the curator; artist Mark Salvatus; Chairman Victorino Manalo of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Commissioner of the Philippine Pavilion; Consul General Elmer Cato of the Philippine Consulate General in Milan, Italy; and Ambassador Neal Imperial of the Philippine Embassy in Rome, Italy.

In her opening remarks during the vernissage, Legarda underscored that the exhibition explores the cultural and spiritual significance of Mount Banahaw—a protected natural and sacred site in the Philippines, in shaping Filipino consciousness and cultural landscape as it delves into the intricate relationship between mysticism and modernity, exploring the themes of tradition, faith, and resilience.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda

“Enshrined by Republic Act 9847 as a Protected Area in 2009, Mount Banahaw stands as a sanctuary for both nature and culture, nurturing diverse ecosystems and serving as a beacon for spiritual seekers and pilgrims alike. Its slopes bear witness to the ebb and flow of history, as religious and political movements have found sanctuary amidst its peaks and verdant valleys,” Legarda said.

“As we unveil the Philippine Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition at la Biennale di Venezia, we pay homage to the enduring legacy of Mount Banahaw and its profound influence on the Filipino cultural landscape,” Legarda added.

The four-term Senator, recognized as the Dangal ng Haraya awardee – Patron of Arts and Culture, emphasized how Salvatus’s evocative artwork and Quijon’s perceptive curation encourage us to explore the intricate relationship between nature, spirituality, and art. She urged everyone to ponder on the artworks, reflect on our interconnectedness with nature, and celebrate Mount Banahaw’s enduring spirit and the boundless creativity of the Filipino people.

“As we marvel at the pulchritude and complexity of the artworks on display, let us also reflect on the broader implications of our interconnectedness with the natural world. Mount Banahaw reminds us that we are not mere spectators but we are also active participants in the web of life, entrusted with the stewardship of our planet and the preservation of its sacred landscapes,” Legarda said.

“Art reflects who we are as a people. Art reflects our soul. Culture is the string, the element that binds us as a nation. No matter how diverse and divided we are,” Legarda concluded.

Aside from the exhibition in the Philippine Pavilion, Legarda proudly invites visitors to visit the main exhibition, “Stranieri Ovunque – Foreigners Everywhere,” curated by Adriano Pedrosa and featuring the works of five Filipino artists: Pacita Abad, Anita Magsaysay-Ho, Nena Saguil, Joshua Serafin, and Maria Taniguchi.

The Philippine Pavilion, a joint project of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Office of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, is open to the public from April 20 to November 24, 2024 at the Artiglierie, Arsenale, Venice, Italy.

The MIDFest Success on its inaugural run

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The Manila International Dance Festival (MIDFest 2023) roared to success as it unveiled a spectacular showcase of talent and creativity. The three-day extravaganza,  September 8 to 10, 2023 festivities held at various iconic venues, schools and malls throughout the city, left the audience, organizers, and performers beaming with pride.

The festival experience was nothing short of magical. Audiences were transported into a world of rhythm, grace, and expression, as dancers from across the globe displayed their exceptional skills and artistic prowess. Each performance was a testament to the power of dance as a universal language that transcends boundaries and unites people in joy and appreciation. 

Beyond its entertainment value, the MIDFest 2023 carved its own unique mark on the local creative community. It also served as a platform for budding talents to shine alongside seasoned professionals, by providing a stage for emerging artists to share their craft and skills. Furthermore, the festival fostered an atmosphere of growth, learning, and collaboration

This inaugural edition of the festival certainly captured a special place in the hearts of the performers. The happy but enduring faces of the dancers were a testament to their passion and dedication as performers. They also found inspiration in the warm reception of the Manila audience and the opportunity to connect with their fellow artists in the global community.

The MIDFest owes its trailblazing success to the generous and dedicated efforts of the organizers, the National Parks Development Committee, and the Office of the Manila City Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto. Their commitment to the arts and culture scene in Manila was evident in the excellent execution of this world-class event.

As the curtains rolled on the first chapter of the MIDFest, it also left behind great memories of exhilarating performances, artistic collaboration, and the boundless potential of the city's creative community. This festival has set a remarkable precedent for what promises to be an annual celebration of dance, culture, and unity in Manila.

The #MIDFest 2023 was organized and produced by and Archiestic Events Production of Director Archie Dema-ala and Verde Creatives of Ms. Bemz Benedito. Two production houses that deliver the best in everything that they do.

5th Ortigas Arts Festival paints broader stroke of Philippine art with film, dance, and visual arts

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Ortigas Art Festival returns for its 5th year with a month-long celebration of Filipino art in forms.

“This year’s festival paints a broader stroke of Philippine art where we encompass more art forms from visual art, film, dance, and even pottery,” said Renato “Mang Ato” R. Habulan, head curator of Ortigas Art Festival. “We want to show the diversity of talents across many disciplines Filipino artists have and we are honored to present all of those–and more–through this year’s exhibit and festivities.”

Launched in 2018, the Ortigas Art Festival was created with the goal of making art accessible to everyone. From featuring over 60 local artists during its first run, the number of artists who participated in the festival reached more than 200 and even included artists from Southeast Asia, America, and Europe in 2020.

Running from July 7, 2022 (Thursday) until August 7, 2022 (Sunday), the festival will showcase a wider variety of Filipino arts and culture across five pillars: Painting & Sculpture, Film and Photography, Dance and Fashion, ArtisTree, and Workshops.

“We believe that art has the power to connect people and uplift their spirits especially at trying times. We’ve proven that when we ran the festival during the two years under a pandemic. Now that we’re slowly recovering and embracing the new normal, we believe that there is no better time to show that Philippine art is alive and well and is for everyone to enjoy,” said Arch. Renee Bacani, Vice President of Ortigas Malls. “Through the Ortigas Art Festival, we reiterate our mission in bringing art to a wider audience and supporting the local art scene and community by including art in all its forms in this year’s celebrations.”

Painting and Sculpture will feature works from local galleries–Agos Studios, Bastedor Art Project, Vmeme Contemporary Art Gallery, Linangan Art Residency, Red Lab Gallery, Thombayan Art Space, and Makiling Art Studio; and celebrated visual artists Rita Bustamante and Rico Lascano.

Film and Photography will be led by The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and Born in Film who will be hosting retrospectives and late-night screenings of restored Philippine films, and from National Artists for film during the festival. FDCP will also be holding its 2nd Vertical Cinema Contest during the festival.

Performing Arts and Fashion will see Ballet Works Manila hold special performances during the Vernissage on July 7 and on July 31 while the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines will be presenting some of its best designs and creations throughout the month-long event.

ArtisTree will have the Learning Tree Child Growth Center that will showcase some of the masterpieces of its alumni, teachers, and students from Preschool, Grade School, and High School. They will also be holding several workshops such as painting, 3D art, paper cutting, paper sculptures, pottery, and oil pastel drawing for children and adults alike.

FDCP and Born in Film will conduct workshops such as Cinematography, Storytelling, and Film Editing while Born in Film will be conducting Creative Visual Storyline and Mobile Photography workshops, perfect for Film buffs and photography enthusiasts. They will also feature 2,000 inspiring photos from around the world. Meanwhile, those interested in getting their hands into pottery can also join the pottery sessions led by Big Mac for both adults and children as part of its Workshops, which will be exclusive to Ortigas Community Card members.

Ramon Santos, pride of Pasig City for being a National Artist for Music, will be holding a special exhibit on the second floor, showcasing a wide variety of art forms and artistry to foster appreciation for Filipino art and artists.

Mr. Santos is a composer, conductor, musicologist, and is currently the country’s foremost exponent of contemporary Filipino music.

“What we want in this year’s iteration is to introduce Filipinos to the works of some of the country’s best while stoking their interest and appreciation for Philippine art,” said Helen Mirasol, art patron and one of the co-founders of Ortigas Art Festival. “This is a month-long celebration of our art and artists where everyone is invited–no matter if you’re an art connoisseur or a regular person who wants to find the art form that will speak to their soul. Everyone is welcome at Ortigas Art Festival.”

The Ortigas Art Festival runs from July 7 to August 7 at the Estancia East Wing, Capitol Commons, Pasig City. Admission is free. To get the full festival schedule, follow Ortigas Art Festival on Facebook and visit ortigasmalls.com for the latest info on upcoming events and activities. Sign up for the Ortigas Malls Community Card by downloading the Ortigas Malls Mobile App and unlock your access to the amazing perks, privileges, and workshops during the festival.

"Dayaw” continues to champion Filipino heritage and indegeneous culture with Season 11 at Abs-Cbn News Channel (ANC)

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"Dayaw," a documentary series feature different facets of our indigenous culture.

With Deputy Speaker Congresswoman Loren Legarda, rhe 1st virtual Dayaw press conference was held featuring our indigenous culture and heritage 

The mission to promote Filipino indigenous culture and heritage goes on for the award-winning documentary series “Dayaw” with the launch of its eleventh season on ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel, this August.

A production of ANC and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), “Dayaw” has been documenting the lifeways, traditions, practices, and culture of the different Indigenous Peoples groups since 2015.

Still leading the way for “Dayaw” on its eleventh season is its host, three-term senator, and now House deputy speaker and Antique congresswoman, Loren Legarda, who conceptualized the program.

“It has always been Dayaw's mission to document as many aspects of Filipino culture and knowledge systems as possible. We can only save these from extinction by continuing to instill their importance in the younger generation, and let them practice and learn these treasures. With the theme "Kakaibang Sigla,” Dayaw Season 11 allows us to look at the different ways in which our energy, competitiveness and sportsmanship are mainstreamed in the traditional societies and knowledge systems,” Loren said.

After featuring traditional Filipino children’s games such as patintero, sipa, and luksong tinik in the first episode, followed by a two-part special on the Punnuk, a show of physical strength that ends the Ifugao’s harvest season, “Dayaw” will then focus on Filipino martial arts such as arnis, silat, and eskrima in its next two episodes, starting on Thursday (August 26), 6pm on ANC and the ANC Facebook.

The season will wrap up on September 3 with “Sayawang Pinoy,” an episode highlighting how grace and fluidity of movements of Filipinos express our energy, discipline and joy as a people.

Despite the pandemic, “Dayaw” has been able to launch new seasons, with Season 12 already in the works. Titled "KAKA-IBANG SIGLA: Our Vital Energy Part 2," it will explore love, courtship, marriage, and the cycles of life featuring the Gaddang, Tboli, and Sama Dilaut.

“We are fortunate to have shot a treasure trove of material before the pandemic began. This has enabled us to go on with our mission of telling the stories of our indigenous peoples so that future generations may still be able to appreciate and continue their legacy,” said ANC chief operating officer Nadia Trinidad.

NCCA chair Arsenio "Nick" Lizaso expressed his gratitude to former Senator Legarda and ANC for their part in bringing our indigenous people's knowledge and heritage closer to Filipino and even foreign viewers.

“I would like to commend Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda for her vision and commitment to preserve, promote and enrich our culture and heritage, and to ANC for translating that vision into an exemplary body of work,” he said.

“Dayaw” Season 11 airs every Thursday at 6 pm on ANC on cable and the ANC Facebook page. 

For news, follow @ANCalerts on Facebook and Twitter or visit news.abs-cbn.com/anc online or via the ABS-CBN News App. Watch ANC online via iWantTFC. For updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

Artinformal‎ to NIL (1987-2002) Curated by Erwin Romulo and Neil Daza

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Artinformal presents NIL, an exhibition curated by Erwin Romulo and Neil Daza at the gallery’s Greenhills location opening on June 9, 2018, 6PM. The exhibition will be on view until July 14, 2018.

Taking their cue from Daza’s Blacksoup exhibition in 2006, Romulo and Daza are mounting a new show of crime scene photographs taken between the years 1987 to 2002. Also included in the exhibition are video works by Cinema Regla.

Raw and at times graphic, the show asks: “Is there really such a thing as ‘the good old days’?”

Editor, writer, producer, and composer Erwin Romulo curated Everyday Impunity: Ang Mga Walang Pangalan, an exhibition based on the work of photographer Carlo Gabuco at Art Fair Philippines 2018 as well as an exhibition of sound art and multi-media art during the fair’s 2017 and 2015 edition, respectively. He was also one of the curators of Wasak! Filipino Art Today, shown in Berlin in 2015.

Filmmaker and photographer Neil Daza is known for his work in films like Bwaya, Emir, and Dekada ‘70, among others. In 2017, he marked his 25 years in the film industry with an exhibition at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, 25 Times: Images From Behind The Camera. He has curated several shows of photography for arts space Blacksoup in Cubao, including KAMBYO, an exhibition of cellphone images, and Detritus, featuring photographs from which this current exhibition is based.

Filmmaker collective and guerrilla media outfit Cinema Regla is an online magazine and channel run by documentary filmmakers Rico Ibarra, Blair Camilo and Jun Sabayton. Founded by visual artist, animator and director Roxlee, it is dedicated to covering Filipino culture, with a focus on (in no particular order) art, photography, music, literature, science, politics, history, environment, crime, violence, truth, sex, drugs, and budotz.

UST, UnionBank launch massive multivolume catalogue of rare books and documents

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UnionBank of the Philippines together with University of Santo Tomas (UST) thru Miguel de Benavides Library and Archives of UST launch Semper Lumina (Always the Light),  massive multivolume catalouge of rare books and documents at the Garden Ballroom of the Edsa Shangri-La in Ortigas. UST Rector Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P. and UnionBank CEO and chair Dr. Justo A. Ortiz lead the launch  on May 5, 2017.

In an effort to share to a wider world the priceless collections that have “nourished the minds of countless generations of Filipino students" Semper Lumina launched a six-volume catalogue of rare publications, a two volume catalogue of the UST Archives, and the Heritage digital library.

The Herculean project titled “Semper Lumina” (Always the Light) features the vast treasures found at the UST Miguel de Benavides Library and the Archivo de Santo Tomas. It is a follow through of “Lumina Pandit” (Spreading the Light), an international exhibit of the rich collection of Asia’s oldest university with accompanying two-volume catalogues showing such holdings.

Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P.

“The collection of rare books of the UST Library is an eloquent witness to the role of this institution in nurturing the values that have contributed to the birth and growth of this nation,” wrote UST prefect of libraries Fr. Angel Aparicio, O.P., in the Volume 1 prologue. He served as the catalogues’ general editor.

Volumes 1 to 3 feature catalogues of rare books housed at the UST Heritage Library section dated 1492 to 1900, while Volume 4 covers rare Filipiniana periodicals up to 1945.

Among the 466 books printed between 1492 and 1600 included in Volume 1 are Josephus Flavius’ “De Bello Judaico” (The Jewish War, 1492), Nicolaus Copernicus’ “De Revolutionis Orbium Coelestium Libri VI” (1542), and the Biblia Regia Plantin or Polyglot Bible (between 1569 and 1573), among others.

Totaling to 5,861 entries and presented in three parts, Volume 2 focuses on the collections of UST acquired in three centuries (17th to 19th centuries) and used as textbooks by the University. Among the books in the collection is Pope Leo the Great’s “Opera Omnia” (1614). This volume is one of the catalogues of Lumina Pandit II.

Volume 3 showcases the UST Filipiniana rare collection, which is considered one of the richest of its kind in the Philippines. Publications included are the first edition of José Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere,” one of the three original copies preserved by UST.

Rare Filipiniana periodicals like “La Solidaridad” and “La Independencia,” are shown in Volume 4

Meanwhile, a separate catalogue in two volumes for the collection of the UST Archives (becerros, folletos, and libros) will also be released with archivist and respected Philippine church art and architecture historian Prof. Regalado Trota José as editor.

Documents included in the catalogue are the Foundation Act of 1611, Apolinario Mabini’s 1898 Decalogo, copy of Rizal’s “Ultimo Adiős,” and documents in baybayin (1623), recently declared National Historical Treasures by the National Archives.

Digitized versions of books and periodicals from the UST library (834,000 pages) may be accessed through the UST Digital Library (digilib.ust.edu.ph). As of date, a total of 1.5 million pages has been scanned, which will also be uploaded on the website.

UST Rector Fr. Herminio V. Dagohoy, O.P

UnionBank CEO and chair Dr. Justo A. Ortiz

Asia’s only Pontifical University finds its roots to the donation by Msgr. Miguel de Benavides, O.P., second Archbishop of Manila and founder of UST, of his personal library collections.