DOT chief visits Baguio City, touts cultural tourism with creative crawls

Tweet

The Department of Tourism (DOT) touts cultural tourism in Baguio as it remains optimistic that initiatives such as the Ibagíw Festival will sustain the treasured traditions and art forms of the city.  

 Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat at the Baguio Convention Center with National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik. Photo courtesy of Denison G. Manuel

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said that the DOT will continue to promote Baguio as a creative city and support its development for arts and culture. The move to highlight Baguio’s cultural tourism comes as the city celebrates Ibagiw 2020, a month-long creative festival that showcases its rich and vibrant culture and history. 

“Baguio is more than just its natural wonders, and we want more Filipinos to rediscover what UNESCO designated as a Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts. Initiatives like Ibagiw will certainly help revive tourism in the region and jumpstart the local economy,” said Secretary Puyat. 

Puyat visited Baguio to see Ibagiw 2020’s highlights such as its lineup of creative crawls and series of tours that showcase Baguio’s artistic and cultural heritage sites. 

She added, "Experiencing the Ibagiw 2020 festival ensures the bright future of Baguio’s creative economy while keeping its traditions and art forms alive.” 

She began the tour at the newly-refurbished Baguio Convention Center, with an ongoing exhibit called “Interlinked.” The Tourism Secretary personally met with National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik who created pieces that explore themes of “community, collective memory, personal and cultural identity, environmental activism, social commentary, contemporary society, humor, and local color" together with local artists.  

On the spot weaving at the Sunshine Park for the Art in the Park Opening Ceremony.

She also visited the Art in the Park at Sunshine Park to witness different activities such as spot painting by local visual artists, craft demonstrations by local artisans such as textile-weaving and wood-carving, and a photo exhibit of native plants in the Philippines.

Local artists showcase their artworks at Sunshine Park for the Art in the Park Opening. The exhibit will run until November 30, 2020.

Meanwhile, those who want to participate in the crawl can explore the Mirador Hill, a nine-hectare Jesuit property that offers breathtaking views of Baguio and Benguet’s breathtaking views. This is followed by a trip to the BenCab Museum where works of the national artist for Visual Arts Benedicto Cabrera, other Filipino masters, and rising contemporary creatives are exhibited.

National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera spearheads the Wood Carving Competition held at BenCab Museum

Another itinerary that is part of the creative crawl is Ili-Likha Artists Village, the brainchild of Kidlat Tahimik. Built around trees redesigned with recycled materials, the village showcases artistic works, and serves as an inspiration hub for local and emerging artists. 

This is followed by a trip to the Mandeko Kito Artisanal Market, an arts and crafts fair organized by the University of the Philippines Baguio, to feature local talent in the Cordillera Region. Lastly, guests will visit the Museo Kordilyera, the first ethnographic museum in the northern part of the country. Its collection includes works that celebrate the regional culture and the heritage. 

DOT’s support of Baguio’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship in wood carving, silver craft, weaving, tattooing, and more could help support the livelihood of locals and help the city recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“The pandemic has brought on challenges for everyone, especially those working in the tourism industry. Creative crawls bring guests to places they may not have visited before, thus supporting more locals. This means no one gets left behind as we rebuild tourism,” shares Puyat.

Those who wish to go to Baguio after Ibagiw 2020 can still experience the creative crawl through accredited tour operators. 

For more information about the Philippines, visit app.philippines.travel.

LG Goes Live to Showcase Refs for Everybody

Tweet

Following the success of their previous Livestream events, LG Philippines will hold another exclusive online gathering for its fans. As the holidays are slowly coming up, the need for appliances that can keep up with the rigors of the season is crucial. Knowing Filipinos, even with socially distant celebrations, there will be plenty of food going in and out of refrigerators. With this in mind, LG conceptualized an event to highlight their different refrigerators and how each particular model is perfect for certain individuals.

Doing the hosting duties is socialite and prolific event host Tim Yap, who knows a thing or two about throwing parties. Together with LG’s Project Manager for Refs, Jillian Yap, the pair will go over the different refrigerators LG has available, and how it pairs well with a specific niche.

LG will highlight refrigerators that are perfect for young professionals, starting families, and large, extended families. Each of the refrigerators that LG will showcase make a compelling case on how it’s the best refrigerator available for its category.

For example, for the fresh graduate young professionals, the single-door GR-Y33ISLZB gives a solid performance while being light on the pocket. LG’s top of the line refrigerator, the GR-X247CSAV InstaView is billed as the perfect choice for big families and large spaces. It has LG’s Instaview technology where you just knock on the fridge door and you’ll immediately see what’s inside. Aside from that, it also has the Door in Door with Inverter Linear Compressor for energy savings. A water and ice dispenser is also already built-in so you don’t need to hassle yourself with other machines.

LG will also highlight refrigerators that are ideal for startup businesses. Given how the pandemic forced individuals to adapt and pivot, home-based businesses enjoyed a boom during the start of community quarantine up until now. The GR-C33ISLZB is perfect for small startups while the GR-N222SQCN is best for those needing a bigger capacity. Both refrigerator units have wire shelves for easy stacking of items as well as LG’s smart inverter technology.

As it has become a tradition, LG will also be having a special giveaway for the South Korean brand’s Livestream viewers. One lucky winner will receive a brand new GR-N22SQCN refrigerator absolutely free. The details of the contest will be announced during the LazLive event so don’t forget to tune in for the giveaway mechanics. If you are in the market for a new refrigerator, a large selection of LG refrigerators will enjoy a special price during the event, just in time for the holidays.

Catch LG’s livestream at 12:00NN on LG’s Official Flagship Store in Lazada, Facebook, and Youtube page.

TECNO Mobile launches new AI-powered, revolutionary: TECNO Spark 6 Series - A smartphone for the masses

Tweet

Recognizing the evolving need for high-performing, multi-tasking and affordable smartphones during these challenging times, global premier mobile phone brand TECNO Mobile has launched its latest innovation, the TECNO Spark 6 Series.

6 new enhancements bring users an elevated immersive experience, along with more powerful cameras, multiple Bluetooth sharing, bigger screens, higher capacity and faster speeds

The TECNO Spark 6 Series is smartly designed for work and play, and is competitively priced to give locals the best value for their hard-earned money. Price ranges from PhP3,990 to PhP6,490. The Spark 6 Series is packed with six upgraded features - a unique camera system designed to elevate photographic immersion to the next level, bigger screen, more generous memory and storage, boosted processing speed, enhanced video call experience, and a fun Bluetooth audio share feature.

Ye Yuan, Deputy General Manager of TECNO Mobile, said: “Now more than ever, the smartphone is a necessity. It is an essential link to the outside world – for remote working, online learning, staying in touch with loved ones, getting news, and for entertainment. Our goal is to make advanced, innovative smartphones more accessible to more people. TECNO Mobile’s smartphones are affordable, and that includes the latest TECNO Spark 6 Series. We continue to develop our smartphones with the consumers’ changing needs.”  

The Spark 6 Series comes in three (3) amazing variants – Spark 6 4GB RAM+128GB, and Spark 6 Go in 4GB RAM +64GB and 2GB RAM+32GB. These all have a high performing, impressive battery life, and a sleek, simple yet bold design. The Spark 6 Go variant was the first to be released this November, and is available in all TECNO Mobile partner retail stores.

Here are some of the features packed into the powerful Spark 6 Series that everyone can enjoy:

Spark 6 Go

●       A 13-megapixel AI Dual camera and 8MP front camera, AI lens with 18 different scene detection, up to 95% recognition rate and upgraded algorithms. The 13-megapixel primary lens supports 4x digital zoom with F-1.8 big aperture that captures more light at night, and processes image details more finely.

●       Various shooting modes for the AI Dual camera, including Bokeh, AI Beauty, and AI HDR, among others. Full picture details and quality are greatly improved, plus a dual rear flash fills light in dark environments to ensure better photos.

●       A Bluetooth Audio Share feature that can connect to multiple wireless Bluetooth headsets at the same time, enabling users to listen and watch with friends.

●       A 6.52 inches dot in display screen with 20:9 screen aspect ratio and 720 x 1600 resolution for a wider, clearer, immersive display effect, rich color contrast, and great visual experience.

●       A 5,000 mAh battery that stays charged longer, ideal for photography, gaming, browsing, video streaming and music.

●       HiOS for a more intelligent and convenient user experience, with a brand new dark theme feature that uses less phone battery and causes less eye strain.

Spark 6

●       A 16-megapixel AI quad camera with a depth lens. This 16MP primary lens can work as a macro lens, and AI lens with AI Scene Detection that can recognize 18 different scenes with a 95% recognition rate.

●       Quad lens that provides high definition portraits, macro photos, and immersive AI video experiences with features like ‘Video Beautify’, ‘AI Beauty’, ‘AI Body Shaping’, and ‘AR Interaction’.

●       Android Q with a G70 processor, and 4G long-term evolution (LTE) network connectivity for improved performance, and allowing for a wide range of user customization. The operating system is also equipped with utility applications that allow users to free up memory, freeze applications, limit data accessibility for specific applications, and other useful features.

●       A Bluetooth Audio Share feature that can connect to multiple wireless Bluetooth headsets at the same time to enable users to listen and watch with friends.

●       A 6.8-inch high-definition (HD) dot in display screen that gives a perfect screen ratio for an extremely sharp display and much broader viewing experience.

●       A 5,000 mAh battery that ensures top conditions for photography, gaming, browsing, video streaming and music with every full charge.

The Spark 6 Series is available at TECNO Mobile partner retail stores, and comes in three models – Spark 6 4GB RAM+128GB priced at PhP6,490, Spark 6 Go 4GB RAM+64GB at PhP5,490, and Spark 6 Go 2GB RAM+32GB for only PhP3,990. For a complete list of stores, visit http://bit.ly/TecnoStoresPH.

To stay updated on products and the latest offering from TECNO Mobile, visit www.tecno-mobile.com/ph and follow TECNO Mobile Philippines on Facebook.

TV5 brings more exciting shows on 'PRIMETIME TODO' block

Tweet

TV5 continues to live up to its promise of inspiring and empowering its Filipino viewers with original and remarkable content; offering a wave of new programs ranging from drama, romance, action and suspense. They are likewise, introducing an alternative way that viewers can enjoy their programs through their 9:30 PM primetime block, PRIMETIME TODO. 

Starting this Monday, November 23, TV5, through its partnership with Cignal TV, will dominate your primetime evenings and bring an influx of fresh and familiar stars as they launch the newest lineup of teleseryes. Cignal Entertainment, the film and television production arm of Cignal TV, has commissioned Archangel Media to bring Ate ng Ate Ko & Carpool, Cornerstone Entertainment for Stay-in Love, and Viva Entertainment to bring Bella Bandida and Kagat ng Dilim.

Now, viewers can enjoy once-a-week series in a variety of genres delivered from Monday-Friday. The PRIMETIME TODO block brings five (5) new shows that will give the viewers a variety of exciting stories to fill their weekday evenings with, namely: Ate Ng Ate Ko (Monday), Stay In Love (Tuesday), Bella Bandida (Wednesday), Carpool (Thursday), and Kagat ng Dilim (Friday). 

Undoubtedly, quality entertainment is at the heart of TV5’s core mission as they continue to provide opportunities for people in the entertainment industry and more meaningful reasons to come together, offering viewers access to a wide array of programs.

Ate ng Ate Ko

Popular actors Kris Bernal and Isabelle de Leon make their return on screen as they star in the newest weekly primetime series, Ate ng Ate Ko, alongside Jake Cuenca, Tonton Gutierrez, Joem Bascon, Kim Last, and Phil Noble. The show boasts a dramatic yet cryptic narrative of two sisters whose differences get in the way of their loving relationship. A mysterious incident causes the sisters to switch roles. The story also tackles a psychological condition called ‘dissociative fugue’ which is a rare form of amnesia wherein one loses awareness of their identity or other important personal information. The pilot episode is set to premiere this November 23 and will air every Monday at 9:30 PM on TV5.

Stay-in Love

Next on TV5’s slew of fresh primetime teleserye is the romantic comedy that will make viewers swoon with excitement. Stay-in Love follows the journey of a young and charming lady, played by Maris Racal, whose dream is to become a maid. As the story unfolds, the audience will be introduced to more characters; all scrambling to get their lives in order and find answers to their troubles. Joining Maris Racal and Ruffa Gutierrez in this light-hearted rom-com are Bobby Andrews, Pooh, Marc David, and breakout artist Kokoy de Santos. Stay-in Love is set to launch this November 24 and will air on TV5 every Tuesday at 9:30 PM.

Bella Bandida

From the producers of action-packed women starrers “Buy Bust” and “Maria” comes Bella Bandida, an action-drama series loosely based on the classic comic book by National Artist Francisco V. Coching. The series is headlined by Ryza Cenon as Bella Banida, an idealistic doctor who inherits mystical powers and uses them to fight injustice and avenge a heinous crime inflicted upon her by a gang of ruthless men. This series will showcase a different kind of female power. Premiering this November 25 on TV5, it will air every Wednesday at 9:30 PM.

Carpool 

Carpool is the newest suspense thriller series which will tackle the lives of four young individuals portrayed by Sarah Carlos, Alex Diaz, Kate Lapuz, and Kenneth Medrano. The series starts with the four sharing a carpool ride together, that leads them to a whirlwind of tragedy and horrific hauntings that will continue to follow them. The mysteries of Carpool further unravel as a former classmate, portrayed by Elora Espano, is suspected to be behind the events that haunt the four passengers. What is mind-boggling though, is that, the said suspect that continues to torment them is already dead. Viewers can catch Carpool on TV5 starting November 26 and will air every Thursday at 9:30 PM.

Kagat ng Dilim

Kagat ng Dilim, is the 2020 evolution of the horror anthology series in the early 2000s. This time, four of the most talented, young and well-known directors of the genre were enlisted to craft 13 episodes of terrifying tales that have haunted the minds of Filipinos. The stories, created by directors Lawrence Fajardo, Richard Somes, Paul Basinillo and Rae Red, are set to give a new generation of Pinoy horror fans a few more reasons to be afraid of the dark. Headlined by top Viva talents such as Matteo Guidicelli, Cristine Reyes, Maui Taylor & Ella Cruz, the series is launching this November 27 and will air every Friday at 9:30PM. 

Ate ng Ate Ko, Stay-in Love, and Carpool will have a next day catch-up airing every 5:30 PM via One Screen on Cignal TV Channel 09 and SatLite Channel 35. Bella Bandida and Kagat ng Dilim will also have its catch-up airings: Bella Bandida starting November 27 airing Fridays at 7:00 PM and Kagat ng Dilim starting November 28, airing Saturdays at 7:00 PM; both via the SARI SARI Channel on Cignal TV Channel 03 and SatLite Channel 30. 

What’s more, you can access both One Screen and SARI SARI Channel via the Cignal Play app. Download for FREE for Android and iOS users.

Indeed, Cignal Entertainment & TV5 remain true to its mission in redefining the television experience. These giants continue to showcase Filipino ingenuity and highlight passion by providing its viewers outstanding production. Creativity and collaboration will continue to remain at the heart of Philippine entertainment; and TV5’s Bigger Better BER Months campaign is a testament to that. 

“2020” Agents of Change: 10 Artists Supporting Artists

Tweet

Art enthusiasts Giorgio Guglielmino and Hugo Bunzl in partnership with The Drawing Room, launched an art project celebrating Filipino talent. They produced a portfolio titled “2020” containing 10 original photographs each numbered and signed by ten of the most talented artists/photographers in the Philippines. The portfolio, in an edition of 33 copies, will be sold through the Drawing Room Gallery and with the sales, five Filipino artists will receive each one a grant of PHP 300,000. The five awardees will be chosen by an independent panel among the names that each artist participating in the project will submit.

 

With the collaboration of Angel Velasco Shaw and the facilities of Pioneer Studios for the production, the works in the portfolio tackle the unique struggles Filipinos are facing during the current health crisis and represent an insight on the works of the following participating artists:

At Maculangan – One of the most respected photographers in the country, Maculangan is known for his crisply shot portraits and beautifully lit interiors.

Gina Osterloh – Osterloh is a conceptual artist who uses photography to question one’s notion of identity and is well known in the international art community.

Kawayan de Guia – Known for his unique and bold style, de Guia is known for his ability to transform seemingly unrelated objects into one seamless picture.

Kiri Dalena – Dalena is well-recognized in the international art community for her works on Philippine history, politics, and social justice.

Manny Montelibano – Montelibano’s work is always subtle in its expression of the psychology of contemporary socio-political and religious structures.

Neal Oshima – Oshima’s works cover a wide range of subjects, yet all carry his signature style of expressiveness and storytelling.

Paul Pfeiffer – An internationally applauded visual artist, Pfeiffer is known for his use of modern technology to create nuanced art pieces.

Poklong Anading – This contemporary artist likes to assume the role of observer in his images that explore fact and memory.

Wawi Navarroza – A multi-awarded contemporary artist, Navarroza’s works often delve into Self and how life often meets art in strange ways.

Yason Banal – Banal is a multimedia artist who uses his work to explore hidden meanings within common images.

For more information about the exhibition project, please email: ailene@a-listconsulting.com.