Rediscover local musical treasures in a new ballet about the Filipino family. Ballet Philippines’ Sarong Banggi features new works by six exciting Filipino choreographers set to classic folk songs from around the country, arranged and orchestrated by Ryan Cayabyab, the country’s best-loved composer. This show is co-presented by the Province of Albay.
The show features choreography by Carissa Adea, Ronelson Yadao, Cyril Aran Fallar, Paul Alexander Morales, Nonoy Froilan, and Carlo Pacis. Each choreographer brings to the stage his/her unique impression of the Filipino family in a new contemporary ballet with the cast led by Jean Marc Cordero, Earl John Arisola, Rita Angela Winder, and Monica Amanda Gana.
“Sarong Banggi will tug at the audience’s heartstrings with its nostalgic music and earnest look at traditional Filipino values,” says Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales”. “It will be interesting to see these choreographers’ different takes on familiar themes; love, loss and reconciliation that cements the Filipino family”
When asked by Morales to create two pieces for the show, Hong Kong-based choreographer Carlo Pacis was thrilled at the chance to come home and work with Ballet Philippines again. “As a Filipino living overseas, I felt that it was my responsibility to give back.” Pacis, former soloist of the Hong Kong Ballet is a two-time awardee for Outstanding Choreography at the Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards.
Sarong Banggi’s opening night on October 16 is a Filipiniana Gala featuring the live performance of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Cayabyab himself.
The music of the show was recently created by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in the special Collector’s Edition CD entitled “Serenata: Well-loved Philippine Folk Songs and Melodies”. Included in the album are the Kapampangan “Atin cu Pung Singsing”, the Hiligaynon “Ay Kalisud”, and the Tagalog “Dalagang Pilipina” and “Saranggola ni Pepe”, among others.
Sarong Banggi’s libretto is by Dennis Marasigan, lighting design by Meliton Roxas Jr., sets by Ohm David, and costume design by Rajo Laurel.
Sarong Banggi will be performed from October 16 to 18 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). For inquiries, visit www.ballet.ph, send an email to info@ballet.ph, or call Ballet Philippines at 551-1003. For tickets and reservations, call the CCP Box Office at 832-3704 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.
Major sponsors of Ballet Philippines’ 46th Season include Globe Platinum, San Miguel Corporation, and Belle Corporation.
Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:
Samsung Corporate Citizenship celebrates the richness of Filipino culture and heritage by using innovative technology to cast the spotlight on historical sites and landmarks.
Once the center of Filipino life, plazas in Manila are either disappearing or falling into a state of disrepair. Few people recognize the historical and cultural significance of these landmarks, and they are often overlooked by heritage conservationists, as well as students of history.
Samsung and the Philippine Science High School Foundation, Inc., to help Filipinos rediscover Philippine’s heritage and culture, teamed up to hold an exhibit entitled The Plazas of Manila at the Yuchengco Museum with noted architect, designer, and urban planner Paulo Alcazaren as the curator. Open from August 27 until September 18, the exhibit highlights the historical and cultural significance of plazas in Manila, with the use of augmented reality on Samsung’s latest digital tablet and Smart TV technology.
Coinciding with the exhibit is the launch of Culture Explorer, a mobile application that uses augmented reality technology to help people, especially the youth, learn about Manila’s plazas and other cultural and heritage landmarks. The app is virtually a tour guide in one’s pocket, with fresh content and plenty of interesting trivia. It also allows users to navigate around key landmarks and travel back in time to see how the landmark has looked and evolved over the years. Since history is better appreciated with other people, the Culture Explorer app allows users to connect with other Culture Explorers who share their interest in the different sites.
“Through this exhibit, we are able to cast the spotlight on one of the most important elements of Filipino culture and history, the plaza. This exhibit allows us to bridge technology and art together, giving the Filipino youth a chance to learn about their roots,” said Linda Cordova, Executive Director of the Philippine Science High School Foundation, Inc.
Alcazaren, a founding member of the Heritage Conservation Society, believes that the marriage of technology and art will not only benefit artists, but also students of culture and history.
“Technology makes the arts, culture and history more accessible and more appealing to people. It allows them to appreciate everything in a more dynamic manner, injecting a new dimension and giving it a meaning beyond what they get to read in books,’’ said Alcazaren.
The digital exhibit and app launch is an undertaking of Samsung’s Corporate Citizenship Program which is committed to the conservation of Filipino culture and history.
“Philippine history is very rich and it has to be kept alive in the minds and hearts of people. Samsung believes that technology is the perfect medium to link the past with the present, to generate greater appreciation of our rich heritage. Culture Explorer enables users to appreciate the Philippines’ rich history in these everyday landmarks, which can be easily overlooked. It helps to pique interest among the young generation with the use of augmented reality technology,” said Arlita Tayko-Narag, Head of Samsung Public Affairs.
Culture Explorer is compatible with all Android smartphones and tablets, and can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store* and Galaxy Apps. No registration is required for users to enjoy full access to the app.
“We hope that the public will find the time to visit the exhibit and download the Culture Explorer app. It is a great and fun way to learn about history and culture, and will definitely help everyone—students, teachers, and plain curious folk—to appreciate the richness of Filipino heritage,” concluded Cris Concepcion, Director of Content and Services at Samsung Electronics Philippines.
P9.48M has been released by the DBM in order to jumpstart rehabilitation work on the Manila Metropolitan Theater. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts purchased the heritage building from the Government Service Insurance System last May.
“The Aquino Administration had made the first step in purchasing this iconic landmark from GSIS, and now the NCCA can begin the worthy task of restoring the MET to its former glory. Ultimately, funding the MET’s rehabilitation will not only preserve a piece of history from our country’s storied past. It is also a cultural investment for future generations of Filipinos,” Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.
The amount of P9.48 million is a special budget release that will be charged against the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts (NEFCA). The latter represents the NCCA’s 10-percent share from the travel tax collected by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA, formerly the Philippine Tourism Authority), and is treated as an Automatic Appropriation.
The release will fund the conservation efforts to rehabilitate the theater, which includes the mobilization expenses for the physical cleaning as well as the establishment of security.
“Rehabilitating the MET will restore dignity to the Crown Jewel of Manila Theaters after years of neglect and disrepair. Bringing the MET into the modern age will also boost our country’s tourism industry, as the proper management of our cultural heritage will support the gains of our economic growth,” Abad said.
Designed by architect Juan Arellano and opened in 1931, the MET was constructed in the Art Deco style. It had undergone restoration and rehabilitation several times through the years, especially in the wake of the damage it incurred after World War II. Despite being a National Cultural Treasure, it had been closed due to the theater’s state of decay and issues with regard to its ownership since 2012.
It has often been observed that the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines is seamlessly captured through our equally enticing cuisine. Indeed, the tapestry of our geographic diversity and historical influences is well-reflected in the way that our best-loved dishes (both savory and sweet) are interpreted.
Through a remarkable array of exhibits, demonstrations, parades, workshops, and performances, two of Manila’s most popular malls will highlight the amazing synergy that exists between Filipino culture, art, and food.
From August 28 to August 30, Robinsons Place Manila, premium mall in the heart of Manila and a favorite shopping destination of tourists will feature “Flavors of Manila”, which will offer a unique activity for each of the three days it will be held. Day one will present a water lilly bag making workshop, with a traditional rondalla performace delighting visitors on the next day. The final day kicks off with a cooking demonstration by “Master Chef” sensation Chef Myra, followed by a water lilly gown parade and a cultural performance. Throughout the entire duration of the festival, visitors can indulge their cravings for Filipino food via an impressive line-up of tenant booths and stalls.
Meanwhile, Robinson’s Place Otis will begin the festivities a little earlier, beginning on August 22 and lasting up to the 28th. In order to conclude the “Buwan ng Wika” with delighful flair, the Pandacan area’s most contemporary shopping complex brings wonderful new meaning to “Pistang Pinoy”. The Fiesta-themed event will feature exciting and interactive traditional Filipino games, as well as performances from the country’s leading cultural dancers (Tingob and banga dance, tinikling, karatong, katzudaratan and singkil) and singers. Needless to say, a vast selection of customary Filipino dishes, delicacies, and pasalubong items will be readily available to take customers on a veritable culinary tour of the Philippines.
Flavors of Manila and Pistang Pinoy will be held in partnership with Mangan Filipino Restaurant, Bacolod Inasal, Vibes Massage, Dermstrata, and BGT Healthcare Center.
For more information about this cultural and culinary renaissance in the heart of Manila, please visit www.robinsonsmalls.com
Tesoros brings out the best that the Filipino can do as Tesoro's helped in the evolution of our nation’s identity, our sense of nationhood for in our stores are the products of our people.
Tesoro’s has helped preserve our country's indigenous art-forms, as we learned new skills from our colonizers and made it our own. Tesoro showcase these crafts of embroidery, fiber and woodworks, features in Tesoro's stores are the images that resonate with “Filipino-ness.”
Casa San Pablo Clay Storytellers featured during initial salvo
The arts have been known as the greatest representations of society’s culture and traditions – from traditional to the contemporary; not just the heritage but also the modern. Showcasing aspiring and inspiring craftsmen who reflect the fine Hispano-Asian legacy of the Philippines through various works of art, Tesoro’s, the provider of quality local treasures, has launched the event series “Disenyo At Talento.”
“Our country is blessed with so many great artists,” pronounced the Group CEO of Tesoro’s, Maria Isabel “Beng” Tesoro. “Being one of the leading promoters of our local talents, we thought to launch ‘Disenyo at Talento’ to shed light on both Filipino craftsmanship and the constantly thriving art scene in the country,” she added.
For the first salvo, the store has featured the Casa San Pablo Clay Storytellers, crafted by former corporate publishing executive-turned-clay artisan An Mercado Alcantara. To formalize the start of the series, a ribbon-cutting has been conducted by Department of Tourism Regional Director Rebecca Labit and President of Philippine Tour Operators Association Cesar Cruz.
“My creations are mostly inspired by the culture and the people of my husband’s birthplace San Pablo, Laguna – a place I have fallen in love with,” shared An. Her favorite subjects include the Virgin Mary in several incarnations, including Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lipa, and Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba. She surrounds these main subjects with storytellers and tablets featuring festive processions and villagers.
An’s friends and growing number of clients admire the positivity that Casa San Pablo dolls have always radiated. Asked about the secret behind the beauty and expressiveness of her storyteller dolls, An said, “My hands are my main tools. Although I have clay shapers and precision dentist’s tools – I asked a dentist friend to buy me a set – there’s nothing like our palms and fingers to get the shape we want.”
These hand-pinched and hand-painted terracotta dolls are regularly available at Casa San Pablo,a bed and breakfast in a still genteel family compound in San Pablo City run by An and her husband, art collector and hobby enthusiast Boots Alcantara. Casa San Pablo is also known a creativity hub, where people can come to re-charge and rekindle their imagination.
Part of the total sales from Casa San Pablo Clay Story Tellers at the “Disenyo At Talento” event series will be donated to San Francisco Terraces Orphanage, one of two orphanages under the auspices of the San Pablo City government's DSWD office. “We chose this organization because our clay works celebrate the special bond between storytellers and children. We hope to help feed their bodies and their minds with food and stories that will, hopefully, help them experience a better world,” shared An.
The institution houses 32 orphans, at least 5 of whom are mentally challenged. Many of these children are survivors of abuse, parental neglect or family abandonment.
All of the orphans share only 2 rooms and 2 toilets in a house that is in dire need of repair. The government’s financial monthly subsidy for the institution is currently not enough to cover the subsistence of these children.
From Tesoro’s Makati branch, the Casa San Pablo Clay Storytellers will be available across all Tesoro’s outlets nationwide starting June 2015.
“By including the works of the chosen local artists in our stores, we hope that more and more people can appreciate the genuine creativity of Filipinos.
It is also rewarding that this event allows us and the artists to reach out to our friends in need through art for a cause,” said Beng Tesoro.
Teachers of the recently-launched TSHS at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato said that this program will surely promote global competitiveness without compromising the cultural preservation of the indigenous peoples in the long run.
The teachers perceived the program as a beneficial tool to boost the livelihood status of the Tbloli community since the TSHS offers technical-vocational tracks that are in line with the culture of the Tboli people.
“Ang diwa ng kultura namin ay naisasalin at ang kaalaman ay made-develop pa kung kaya’t ilang henerasyon man ang magdaan, ang kultura namin ay buhay pa rin. Ang kaalaman at ang kasanayan ay nagmula mismo sa kanila [mag-aaral na Tboli] upang matuto na silang makihalubilo sa mundo,” said Benji Manuel, a Tboli teacher at Tboli Senior High School (TSHS).
This project of the Department of Education (DepEd), in collaboration with Ateneo de Davao, aims to produce graduates who are equipped with entrepreneurial and management skills and are capable of managing and improving their own resources and coming up with sustainable livelihood and opportunities for the Tboli community.
Manuel said that through the program, he now sees the teachers of TSHS as carriers of the plan of the Tboli elders.
“Sa tulong nito, nakikita namin ang aming sarili bilang tagapagdala ng plano ng elders ng pamayanan ng Tboli na dalhin ang indigenous knowledge, cultural and intellectual heritage sa loob ng classroom,” Manuel added.
Ateneo de Davao President Father Joel S. Tabora, SJ said that the Tboli SHS is “the most sophisticated, anthropological, pedagogical project in the country relative to Senior High School”.
"Davao entered into this program--to be able to help the K to 12 create a program that will not make the students foreigners to their own culture, but will make them imbibe the values and the cultural traditions of the tribe even in a global age, even in an age when the Tboli also want to be able to be world-class, to be able to enjoy the advantages of globalization and modernization. The Tboli, it has to be clear, also want first and foremost to preserve their own cultural traditions and their cultural identities. This is the reason why Ateneo de Davao has been really priveleged to be part of this program," Tabora said.
Through the help of Ateneo de Davao, the program commenced through a research wherein they consulted the Tboli community if they would want a program that is appropriate not only to their culture but also to the standards of DepEd. After the research, the Tboli community gave positive feedback, which means that they are willing to have the program being proposed to them.
TSHS will be initially lodged at Lake Sebu National High School and will be catering to approximately 45 students upon the first implementation of Grade 11 this coming school year 2015-2016.
"We are developing ourselves and we are achieving our goals and aspirations but we should not forget our culture. That is our intention," Manuel said.
It's sakura time in Japan! A cherry blossom is the flower of any of several trees of genus Prunus, particularly the Japanese Cherry, Prunus serrulata, which is called sakura after the Japanese.
From March, April and May, the bloom of Cherry Blossom ( the Japan's iconic sakura) captured the attention of visitors and locals as their beautiful pink flowers blanket the country in soft and colorful splendor.
Here in the Philippines, you have to try the best cake you will love. A japanese designer cake shop unveiled a new product in time for the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan. It’s the cake of the season (Spring in Japan) called Sakura Mango Cake!
'Sakura Mango Cake" is a seasonal cake that's only available for a limited time in commemoration of the sakura, cherry blossom season in Japan.
I got invited to the unveiling of Honeybon’s Sakura Mango Cake. I got the chance to try it and it tastes deliciously good, It's light and not overly sweet, for me - it's perfect. Cherry infused soft fluffy chiffon with fresh Guimaras mangoes fillings covered in pink ice cream frosting.
The Sakura Mango Cake Roll sells for P550/whole and P120/slice and It will be available in all Tokyo Bubble Tea branches this March to May.
Honeybon Katipunan, the flagship branch of this Japanese designer cake shop. It’s the sister company of Tokyo Bubble Tea, that’s why the 2-floor restaurant houses the two brands. Tokyo Bubble Tea and Honeybon are basically Japanese food chains with the former being known for serving Japanese fusion food and sensational milk teas and the latter serving pastries.
At first, there was a confusion because the signage says “Honeybee Patisserie and Cafe” It was later explained to us by their marketing people that they are in the process of rebranding the cake shop to its new name - “Honeybon.”
Aside from Cakes, Honeybon also serves breads like Ensaymada, Cheesy loaf, Cinnamon loaf, Manila Pandesal, Hokkaido loaf and Honey Raisins Loaf.
For Pasalubong, Honeybon offers boxes of Brownies, Banana Loaf, Ofudge Bar, Food for the Gods, Lengua, Crinkles, White Choco Chunk, and Double Choco Chunk.
They also have fruit juices like Fresh Mango (P115), Fresh Watermelon (P115), Fresh Calamansi (P115), Fresh Orange (P145), Fresh Dalandan (P125) and Fresh Lemonade (P125).
For more information about Honeybon, like/follow their social media properties:
Honeybon Cakes and Pastry Shop is located along the street of Katipunan a few meters away from Quirino Memorial Medical Center and at the same building of the Honeybee Patisserie & Cafe , Tokyo Bubble Tea.
The festival weaves Music, Arts, Dance, Environment, and Indigenous Culture into one life-changing adventure.
Get ready for great surprises and parties! To celebrate Malasimbo’s 5th year anniversary, Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro is getting ready to host thousands of music, art, dance and nature lovers over two weekends.
The magic of great festivities and eco-cultural preservation is back. Last January 22, Malasimbo 2015 details was shared during the Press Conference held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.
Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival is set to happen on March 6-8 and the first Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival is happening on March 13-15, 2015.
What Malasimbo music and arts festival that sets it apart from all other festivals?
With a lineup that will boast an array of electronic and indie acts, the festival blends traditional & contemporary arts & culture together with music performances while working towards the protection & sustainability of the environment.
Every year, people from all walks of life seek the Malasimbo Magic. The festival continues to grow into a global phenomenon, with more than 5,000 people from over 30 countries in attendance in 2014.
It is the Philippines’ first event of its caliber, and is a top attraction in the Department of Tourism’s campaign, “Visit the Philippines Year 2015.” Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival is the official event featured for March on DOT’s Visit The Philippines 2015 Calendar.
This year, for the first time ever, Malasimbo awed the fans as they revealed a second weekend – March 13-15 – with a whole new concept. The Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival caters more to the youth with a focus on hip hop, house and electronic music, enhanced with amazing dance performances and state of the art light shows.
At the heart of Malasimbo is the Mangyan village, where exhibits and workshops showcase their rich culture and beautiful crafts. The demo Mangyan village, built by Mangyan craftsmen in 2010, is a permanent feature of the Malasimbo Grounds, and showcases the 7 Mangyan tribes of Mindoro. Each tribe is represented through life-size houses respecting their original architecture.
The Malasimbo brand keeps getting stronger over the years. In 2011, the first Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival became a catalyst for a boom in contemporary festival culture in the Philippines. With its natural amphitheater boasting of coconut trees, grass-terraces, the tropical breeze, coupled with the view of the world famous Puerto Galera Bay, there really is no other venue like Malasimbo.
The festival weaves Music, Arts, Dance, Environment, and Indigenous Culture into one life-changing adventure.
Visual Arts
The Sculpture Garden at Malasimbo is a witness to the festival’s love for the visual arts. The grounds have been blessed by the beautiful works of talented contemporary artists, mostly Filipino but attracting foreign artists as well. In four years, more than 40 artists including Agnes Arellano, Wawi Navarroza, Ling Quisumbing Ramilo and Leeroy New, have used the venue as their canvas for their art installations.
As a 5th Anniversary special, over 30 artists will showcase their works. Whether permanent or degradable, loud or discreet, phantasmagoric or natural, interactive or silent, the works all have a synergy with the mountain, the landscape, the wind, the ocean or the festival’s creative energy.
Entertainment
Known for quality sound, the Malasimbo Amphitheater is praised by musicians and music lovers. The many acts that have played, including living legends Jimmy Cliff, Roy Ayers, Joe Bataan, Joss Stone, Robert Glasper and Jose Gonzalez, were entranced by the beauty and energy of the place. The stage is also abundant with local talent hailing from the different parts of the Philippines. It has become a platform where collaboration between international and homegrown music can ring around the island.
On March 6-8, Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival is scheduled to attract its loyal attendees from all over the world, excited to listen to Ky-Mani Marley, son of legendary reggae artist Bob Marley. The international lineup also includes Fred Wesley and the New J.B.s, led by the former band director of iconic artist James Brown, the Godfather of soul and funk music. Taylor McFerrin, son of popular vocalist Bobby (“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”) McFerrin is a Brooklyn-based DJ, producer, keyboardist and beatboxer that released his debut album, Early Riser on Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder record label.
Tom Thum, a world famous beatboxer with the most viewed TEDx video in the world with over 30 million views.
More artists, both local and international, are completing the exciting lineup: French Kiwi Juice (France), GOCOO + GORO (Japan) Taiko Drum Band, our own Brigada, Noli Aurillo, Akasha, Bleu Rascals, Adinkra Lumads Djembe Community, Crwn, and many more to be announced soon!
New attractions
Exciting additions to watch out for the 5th Anniversary—Malasimbo pulls neighbouring cities (Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao and Boracay) closer; Malasimboat parties up-the-ante for festival-day-programs, and in between the two weekends—Malasimbo will stay alive hosting activities for Puerto Galera’s local community.
The Malasimbo Festival is an experience-driven event—regardless of the lineup of acts, one is sure to have an unforgettable time. The biggest headliner in Malasimbo is Malasimbo, and for those who seek culture, adventure, and magic, this is the place to discover it.
Partners
Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival wouldn’t be possible if not for our major sponsors and partners Ipanema, VISA, Department of Tourism, Ticketworld, Stage Craft, Fox International Channels Asia, Yahoo Philippines, Grid Magazine, Mabuhay Magazine, Scout Magazine, ABS-CBN Publishing Inc., Metro Society and Metro.
5th Anniversary Special: Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival
In an industry where sustainable development is at times overlooked, Malasimbo Festival has proven to be a solid name to stay for decades, which will continue giving innovation and quality entertainment to its loyal fans and its organically-growing audience. In celebration of the 5th Anniversary, the Malasimbo family proudly introduces an entirely new concept that is already creating a buzz with the youth: The Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival, set on March 13-15.
Why two weekends?
Malasimbo Festival hosts more than 5,000 people from over 30 countries. Having a 10-day affair encourages international tourists to stay at least 10 days in Mindoro and the Philippines. This further activates Malasimbo’s eco-cultural tourism efforts, and allows tourists to fully discover all of the amazing activities & sights the Philippines have to offer.
At the rate of Malasimbo Festival’s growth parallel to Puerto Galera’s limited accommodating capacity, creating a 2nd weekend and ultimately longer Malasimbo Experience helps maintain convenience for our audience and gives local tourism a greater return. We have a capped capacity and we want to ensure safety for all.
The Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival caters to a specifically targeted market – the millenials – and offers an immersive feast of state-of-the-art light shows enhanced with contemporary and traditional dance performances, full-circled with hip hop, house and electronic music that is most relevant to the youth of today.
Performing acts
Dance organizations are given a prime spot at the festival in celebration of the 5th Anniversary: Philippine All Stars, Planet Zips Luminaries, Daloy Dance Company and more to grace the Malasimbo stage.
Quality music is, of course, another key element of the Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival. A talented selection of DJs, both local and international, is guaranteed to make you dance all night. DJ Kentaro, DJ Mitsu the Beats, To-Ru, HiFaNa, and Tetsuji Tanaka & MC Cardz are flying in straight from Japan, accompanied by many great acts: Swindle (UK), Manolet Dario, Mikail, Br3aking Silence, Emel Rowe, and Lyrically Deranged Poets to bring Philippines’ finest in hip hop today; many more notable acts soon to be announced.
Partners
Malasimbo Lights & Dance Festival is a collaboration between Malasimbo Productions and Japan’s BassCamp festival run by Dj Kentaro. For this, the Malasimbo family thanks our Japanese partners Groundstar+, Basscamp, Asia Unite, and GOJA Cafe. Malasimbo Lights and Dance Festival wouldn’t be possible without our other major sponsors: Ipanema, Ticketworld, Stage Craft, Department of Tourism, Fox International Channels Asia, Yahoo Philippines, Grid Magazine, Mabuhay Magazine, Meg, Scout Magazine, and ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc., Chalk, Metro.
Party high-up in the mountains for Malasimbo's 5th anniversary double weekend special!
As we celebrate MUSIC, ARTS and NATURE at Malasimbo Festival, there is so much to see and explore in the tropical paradise. Indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines!
As a result of consultations with various Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities, educators, and civil society support groups nationwide, the Department of Education (DepEd) has released an order promulgating "Guidelines on the Conduct of Activities and Use of Materials Involving Aspects of Indigenous Peoples Culture.”
Signed by Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC at the National Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) Gathering, the guidelines seek to provide guidance on the ethical assessment of the conduct of learning activities and related engagements of schools, DepEd offices, and other education initiatives that involve various aspects of indigenous peoples culture (e.g., ‘cultural’ presentations, performances, festivals, use of artifacts and indigenous clothing).
Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro welcomes indigenous peoples community leaders at the signing of DepEd Order 51, s. 2014, "Guidelines on the Conduct of Activities and Use of Materials Involving Aspects of Indigenous Peoples Culture.”
Luistro expressed his gratitude to the IP leaders who continue to engage with DepEd in pursuing IPEd. “Ang lahat po ng mga kwento, mga awitin, at mga ritwal na inyong ipinapadala sa amin ngayon ay isang pagbabalik-tanaw sa kung sino ang Pilipino. Maraming salamat sa mga panahon na pinagtibay ninyo ang inyong mga paniniwala at hindi ninyo pinagpalit ang tunay na diwang Pilipino.”
The signing event was preceded by a consultation with IP community representatives and support groups, who welcomed the order and were instrumental in crafting the guidelines. Luistro emphasized the importance of cultural exchange in the constant effort to better understand and value indigenous culture in education.
He said, “Kami po sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon ay patuloy na pinag-aaralan ang mga katutubo nating kaalaman. Kami po ay mga guro pero alam ko po na sa larangan ng katutubong kultura ay marami pang dapat malaman. Hindi po kami mga eksperto sa mga bahaging ito. Kaya hinihiling namin sa umagang ito na huwag po ninyo ipagkait sa amin ang mga katutubong kaalaman, bagkus, patunayan po ninyo na kayo ang tunay na nangangatawan sa pinapahalagahan ng ating mga katutubong komunidad.”
“Sa atin pong paghahanap ng ating katutubong diwa bilang mga Pilipino, makikita po siguro natin ito sa iba't ibang mga katutubong kaalaman, mga katutubong awitin, kwento, ritwal, at iba't ibang mga pinapahalagahan na ngayo'y nasa inyong mga komunidad,” Luistro said.
Apart from issuing the said guidelines, the DepEd had also begun recognizing private educational institutions serving IP learners in an effort to promote the right of IP communities to cultural integrity and due recognition of "katutubong kaalaman" in the education system.
SM Lifestyle Entertainment Incorporated or SMLEI showcases movies that are part of the Chinese Film Festival.
In time for the celebration of Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese Moon Festival, SM Cinema is hosting the Chinese Film Festival this September 5 to September 9.
This partnership between the Chinese Embassy of the Philippines and SM Cinema aims to promote cultural understanding between China and the Philippines.
The screening presents novative Chinese films of high artistic value that gears towards Filipinos’ understanding of the Chinese cultural diversity and heritage.
Movies that are part of the Chinese Film Festival will be available in selected SM Cinema branches such as SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM San Lazaro and SM Manila.
SM Cinema will be running popular movies including the following :
“Back to 1942” which won awards at the International Rome Film Festival in 2012 and Hong Kong Film Awards in 2013;
“Caught in the Web” whose story ensembles a young woman who was victimized by a massive viral internet campaign;
“The Grandmaster” which won several awards and nominations from different organizations such as the 50th Golden Horse Awards and 33rd Hong Kong Film Awards;
“Say Yes”, The Romance-Fantasy movie of 2013 is also included in the list along with the Comedy-Drama about old people “Full Circle”
“Little Big Soldier” who was produced and written by Jackie Chan himself which he starred also in the movie.
As part of the celebration, SM Cinema will be holding the admissions for free.
SM Cinema is the cinema and exhibition brand under SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc, or SMLEI, the lifestyle and entertainment company of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. SM Cinema is one of the many premium brands managed by SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. Tucked under SMLEI’s belt are: Mall of Asia Arena, Snack Time, SM Tickets, e-PLUS Tap to Pay, e-PLUS Digital, SM Bowling and Leisure Center, SM Skating Rink, the Exploreum, IMAX, Director’s Club Cinema, WM Cinemas, and SM Cinema.
