Pinoy Short Films Honored With International Awards By Viddsee

Tweet

‘Caterwaul’ and ‘Redlights’ named Gold and Silver winners, with special mention for ‘Maybe Aliens’

Three outstanding Pinoy short films were honoured at the Viddsee Juree Awards for the Philippines today. The sobering drama ‘Caterwaul’ directed by Josel Fajardo was named the Gold winner, thriller drama ‘Redlights’ by Christian Lat the Silver. A Special Mention award was reserved for the drone-shot ‘Maybe Aliens’ directed by Glen Barit.

The awarding ceremony was held at the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Cinematheque Manila, attended by filmmakers, industry professionals and members of the media.

The top entries were selected from ten finalist films by a panel of international judges: Loïc Valceschini, festival programmer of Neuchâtel Int' Fantastic Film Fest & Locarno's Semaine de la Critique, Marcus Manh, Vietnamese film producer & founder of YxineFF and Antoinette Jadaone, Filipino film director.

The judges said of the films: “We commend ‘Caterwaul’ for the simple story and strong performances from the actresses, and their delivery of the storytelling twist. With ‘Redlights,’ we found the story timely and relevant and were impressed with the complex characters and high production value. It demonstrated a thirst for cinema and a refreshing insight on the Filipino social climate.

“We found ‘Maybe Aliens’ deserving of a special mention, for its aesthetic and creative direction and the exploration of an innovative and unique form of storytelling. 

“Overall, we were deeply honoured to have a glimpse of all the Pinoy talents presented at this Viddsee Juree for the Philippines competition, as all finalists demonstrate great promise and expectation for their future careers.”

Fajardo wins a Blackmagic URSA Mini 4.6K Digital Cinema Camera EF worth US$4,995 and a five-day film immersion course in Los Angeles sponsored by the Motion Picture Association. Lat goes home with a Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Micro Panel worth US$995.

This edition saw a selection of finalists from a outstanding crop of new filmmakers from different schools such as the University of the Philippines, Far Eastern University, Mint, College of St. Benilde, Letran, and International Academy of Film and Television.

Fajardo is a director and cinematographer and an undergraduate at the Far Eastern University. With ‘Caterwaul’, Fajardo hoped to “show the reality of objectification experienced by women.” He collaborated with scriptwriter Jennifer Leoncio to tell an intimate and explosive story of exploitation, delicately grappling between representing a woman’s perspective and the “male gaze”. 

Lat grew up in the Philippines and Canada, and ‘Redlights’ was his thesis film for the International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT). ‘Redlights’ is a thriller set in the seedy underbelly of Manila, and inspired by the hustle of taxi drivers in the Philippines.  Barit's ‘Maybe Aliens’ (‘Aliens Ata’) is a familiar story about the Filipino diaspora told from a different perspective, as it was shot entirely by drone.  

The other competing short films are Chloe Veloso's ‘Mother of Perpetual Help’, Christian Candelaria ‘In His Island’ (‘Sa Saíyang Islá’), Marvin Cabangunay and Jaynus Olaivar's ‘Nakauwi Na’ (‘Home’), Nathan Bringuer's ‘Slingshot’ (‘Tirador’), Rogin Losa's ‘Lovely Is Off Air’, Tashana Rivera's ‘Companion’ (‘Kaulayaw’) and Zheina David’s ‘Look Through’ (‘Dungaw’).

Viddsee Juree Awards for the Philippines is an initiative by the entertainment platform Viddsee to celebrate and support filmmakers and film communities in Asia. With a growing Filipino audience and an expanding network of creative content producers from the Philippines, this initiative aims to bridge the gap between digital filmmaking and distribution by working closely with local film communities. 

It was launched four months ago to encouraging response through an online campaign and offline roadshows in Manila, Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. The competition culminated in this weekend’s awarding ceremony, forums moderated by film critic and journalist Oggs Cruz, and actor-writer Lilit Reyes, a cinematography workshop by Blackmagic and a post-production workshop by Da Vinci Resolve, and a series of short film screenings and panel discussions.  

The winning films, finalists and out-of-competition short films are all free to view on Viddsee.com.

About Viddsee

Founded in 2013, Viddsee is an online entertainment and technology platform that drives distribution and marketing of short movies. Its unique stories have generated over 1 billion views through Viddsee’s mobile applications and platforms with its proprietary marketing insight of targeted communities and content. With the vision of building an ecosystem for creators and audience, Viddsee empowers storytellers to tell their very own local stories that resonate with a global audience. Visit www.viddsee.com to find out more.

About Film Development Council of the Philippines

Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is an agency under the Office of the President mandated to promote and support the development and growth of the Philippine film Industry and currently under the leadership of Chairperson Liza Diño. FDCP's goal is to create a thriving and self-sustaining Filipino film industry that contributes to the cultural and economic development of the country.

Discover Life Simplified with top-grade appliances as Gorenje unveils local showroom

Tweet

Gorenje, a European manufacturer of high-quality kitchen appliances, has opened its doors to the Filipino market, unveiling its first showroom in the country at 165 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City.

At their new store, customers can find a wide range of top-of-the-line products representing household appliances such as cookers, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, hobs, and hoods.

The new showroom is part of Gorenje’s plan to establish its presence in major Asian markets. “Gorenje has been taking steps to enter local markets in Southeast Asia including Singapore, Indonesia and now the Philippines,” shared Ignatius David, president of IODHome Inc, Philippine distributor of Gorenje.

Ignatius noted that in the region, the European brand started off in Shanghai, Beijing and other cities in China, and eventually found success in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand. “We hope to continue to spread the brand’s philosophy of a life simplified with home solutions for families in the Philippines.”

Gorenje has always been a brand that is readily associated with durability, efficiency and energy savings. With high-quality materials that undergo rigorous manufacturing processes, their appliances are technologically-advanced to make life more convenient for customers.

Both functional and stylish, Gorenje appliances have also been known for their stunning designs. The European brand has collaborated with internationally-acclaimed designers such as Philippe Starck, Ora-ïto, Pininfarina, and Karim Rashid to create luxurious and classic collections that are sure to glam up homes.

Your home defined by you

Homes reflect their owners. In any individual’s home, each space has meaning and each piece of furniture has a story. This is what internationally-acclaimed French designer, Philippe Starck, tries to capture with the Gorenje by S+arck kitchen line.

Gorenje has partnered with one of the world’s most unique designers to create a line of kitchen appliances that allows home-owners to create their own beautiful experiences. Philippe Starck has made one iconic creation after another, designing everything from brilliant yachts to glamorous spaces like hotels and restaurants. In collaborating with Gorenje, Starck creates minimalistic and versatile designs with sleek stainless steel and high-end reflective glass, which can easily match and reflect customers’ lifestyles and personalities.

Simplicity in complexity

Gorenje’s appliances are equipped with cutting-edge technologies to help make life more convenient for their customers. The brand has collaborated with creative French designer, Ora-ïto, to create a stylish collection that makes complex features simple through unique and innovative design.

Recognized by Louis Vuitton, Levi’s, Swatch, and Apple for his minimalist forms of elegance, Ora-ïto shares Gorenje’s philosophy of simplicity with his designer line marked by silver and black with clean and elegant lines. The Gorenje by Ora-ïto collection brings the artist’s vision of a futuristic kitchen to life, simplifying sophisticated appliances by making complex functions and advanced operations appealing and user-friendly.

Yet more than just focusing on its appliances, at the core of this premium brand is a goal to improve their customer’s lifestyle. Gorenje aims to provide innovative home solutions to make life simpler so people can spend their time and energy on things that really matter.

Enjoy a life made simple as Gorenje offers 30% off on all appliances until December 31, 2017. Visit the Gorenje showroom at 165 Legazpi St, Legazpi Village, Makati and discover beautifully-designed, superior-quality appliances that are fit for your home. Find out more about Gorenje on Facebook @gorenjeph or their website, gorenje.ph. 

The stylish exterior of Gorenje’s first showroom in the Philippines in Legazpi Village, Makati

Gorenje collaborates with famous French designer, Ora-ïto, to build the kitchens of the future with technologically-advanced appliances in simple and classic black. 

Gorenje’s first display store in the country is home to beautiful and top-grade appliances that are perfect for stylish homes.

Form meets function as Gorenje’s sophisticated appliances are equipped with advanced functions to simplify life.

Gorenje offers a wide range of products and small appliances, built with the finest technologies and designed by the most unique creators.

Gorenje partners with internationally-acclaimed designer, Philippe Starck, to create a stunning line of appliances to reflect personal styles.

The Gorenje by S+arck kitchen line is a minimalist masterpiece designed with high-end reflective glass and steel.

Following the brand’s Life Simplified philosophy, the Gorenje by Ora-ïto Collection is designed with elegant, clean lines and classic silver and black colors.

Complete your kitchen with the Gorenje by Ora-ïto Collection that merges complex technologies with sleek and simple designs.

Senator Grace Poe keynotes Globe Telecom’s AttyATBP

Tweet

Senator Grace Poe keynotes Globe Telecom’s AttyATBP, an annual event organized by the company’s Corporate and Legal Services Group (CLSG) where various government services from the Land Transportation Office, Philippine Statistics Office, Social Security System, National Bureau of Investigation, as well as free legal consultations, are provided to employees of the leading telecommunications provider. In her keynote address, Poe emphasized the need to fast track infrastructure permitting as a key to sustainable economic development in the country. She is joined in above photo by top company executives and employees that included Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu, Globe General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo, Globe Chief Information and Technology Officer Gil Genio and Rep. Geraldine Roman, (1st District, Bataan), who also spoke at the event.

ABS-CBN Reveals New Shows For 2018 In “Just Love” Trade Event

Tweet

New and returning loveteams and captivating stories of love and family will add color to ABS-CBN’s programming in 2018, as revealed during the network’s “Just Love: The ABS-CBN Trade Event” held last Tuesday (November 28).

Leading the Kapamilya network’s new offerings is “Bagani,” which marks the TV comeback of Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil, with Sofia Andres, Matteo Guidicelli, and Makisig Morales.

Filipino talent will once again take center stage as “Pilipinas Got Talent” returns for another season, with Vice Ganda, Freddie Garcia, Robin Padilla, and Angel Locsin as judges, and Billy Crawford and Toni Gonzaga as hosts.

Erich Gonzales, Enchong Dee, and Ejay Falcon, meanwhile, reunite and prove their acting chops in upcoming series “The Blood Sisters.”

Love will be the binding force in “No Ordinary Love,” which stars Ultimate Heartthrob Piolo Pascual, with Arci Muñoz and JC De Vera. The series also marks the television debut of Alessandra De Rossi and Empoy or AlEmpoy. 

Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap will once again spread kilig vibes to viewers via their new series “Sana Dalawa ang Puso,” which also stars Robin.

Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo, on the other hand, will show the joy and struggles in relationships in “Playhouse.”

The trade event, held at the ABS-CBN Vertis Tent, was attended by hundreds of advertisers. It featured performances by the biggest Kapamilya stars, including the “It’s Showtime” family who danced to disco tunes in their 80s-inspired dance number, the cast of “Bagani” led by LizQuen, and “La Luna Sangre” stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla who gave a wolves-and-vampires routine.

Juarez Siblings: Family Goals

Tweet

The Bee Gees, The Carpenters, The Corrs, Hanson, The Jackson 5, Jonas Brothers, The Moffatts, The Pointer Sisters. These are only some of the famous siblings who skyrocketed the charts with their musical talents, creativity, and commercial success as a group.

If these characteristics worked wonders to the famous broods, then musical success is also possible and within reach by the Juarez siblings composed of Anton, Miko, and Aiana. As the newest talents of Asian Artists Agency, Inc. (AAAI), the siblings are steadily making a name for themselves in the local music scene.

These brood of musicians once formed a band called Game4 whose song covers can be viewed on YouTube. Their family moved to Canada in 2011 but returned to the country last year to give way to Miko’s audition in ABS-CBN’s Pinoy Boyband Superstar.

Anton Juarez is a gifted singer-songwriter who started his love affair with song writing when he was 13. He penned the hit debut single Hugot of the singing duo Miko and Gab. He shares, “One evening last year, I wrote Hugot. It was from 11 pm to 3 in the morning.” Little did Anton know that the single will become an instant hit among fans and music lovers. The single is currently at the top of the chart at MOR 101.9 and its official music video is gaining a number of views, shares, and likes. Anton’s music credentials include penning the song Restart Back to Love (with Jonathan Manalo) and writing songs for artists like Yeng Constantino.

Younger brother Miko Juarez got the public glued on television when he joined Pinoy Boyband Superstar. He became an instant heartthrob among fangirls. He lasted until 12 aspirants remained. When asked about his take on fame, Miko said, “Fame doesn’t happen overnight so we have to work hard and improve our skills if we want to last in this industry. Our family goal is to support and bring out the best in one another and to create good music that can inspire people.”

As the other half of the singing duo Miko and Gab, he is overwhelmed and grateful for the public’s interest in them. Their song Hugot can be downloaded in Spotify and iTunes.

The youngest and only rose among the thorns, AIANA is a real head-turner. If looks is not enough, wait until you hear her sing. She has viral covers of Titibo-Tibo by Moira dela Torre and Dahil Sa ‘Yo by Iñigo Pascual. “Like music, we siblings live in harmony. I thank my kuyas for being there for me. I can always rely on them. It’s fun jamming along with my brothers. When someone starts humming tiyak na there’s another one who will sing along with the tune.” Aiana is also featured together with Miko and Gab doing a cover of Too Good at Goodbyes. 

You can follow Anton, Miko, and Aiana at their social media accounts.

Anton Juarez | Miko Juarez, Miko & Gab | AIANA, Aiana Duane Juarez

Anton, Miko, and Aiana Juarez are talents of Asian Artists Agency. For inquiries, please call (02) 855-4765 or (02) 405-4423, emailinfo@asianartistsagency.com, and visit fb.com/asianartistsagency