Ten finalists for the Short Film Category for the 2013 Cinemalaya Competition

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The Cinemalaya Foundation has announced the finalists for the Short Film Category for the 2013 Cinemalaya Competition.

The ten finalists in the Short Film Category are:

Bakaw by Ron Segismundo

Katapusang Labok by Aiess Athina E. Alonso

Missing by Zig Madamba Dulay

Onang by Jann Eric S. Tiglao

Para kay Ama by Relyn A. Tan

Pukpok by Joaquin Adrian M. Pantaleon

Sa Wakas by Ma. Veronica Santiago

Taya by Philip Adrian Bontayam

The Houseband’s Wife by Paulo P. O’Hara

Tutob by Kissza Mari V. Campano

Bakaw is a day in the life of a child who steals at the Navotas fishport.

Katapusang Labok depicts the struggles of fishermen who must deal with environmental abuse and the effects of coral harvesting on their livelihood.

Missing tackles the subject of forced disappearances.

Onang is the classic tale of a young probinsyana who seeks her fortune in the big city.

Para kay Ama is about a young Chinese-Filipino girl who discovers she has a half-brother when she meets him on the last day of her father’s wake.

Pukpok is one adolescent’s transition to manhood as he hurdles a case characterized by excessive blood, superstition and a man with failing eyesight.

Sa Wakas is a reflection on the bond of a father and daughter tested by cultural, political and religious hypocrisy.

Taya is about a 12-year-old boy who learns to play the game of life with a new set of friends. The film highlights how traditional Filipino games reflect the realities and disparities of our society.

The Houseband’s Wife is an essay about a typical OFW family, with the OFW wife as breadwinner and the husband left in the Philippines to care for the children.  Technology and the internet bridges the physical distance but shatters domestic harmony when the wife, on a Skype video call, sees a bra, not hers, hanging in the marital closet.

Tutob begins when recent bombings in the region put authorities on alert. A mysterious, strange-looking native Maranao man dressed up in Muslim attire shows up.  He is tasked to fetch a package from his boss’ contact.  From a rural area in the mountains, he rides his motorcycle to the city to get the package.  On his way back, he is stopped at an army checkpoint.  Speaking Maranao, he says he doesn’t know what’s in the package, but the Visayan-speaking soldiers don’t understand him and insist on opening it.

The short feature category finalists were selected by the Cinemalaya Selection Committee comprised of Emilio Abello, VI, Lawrence Fajardo, Nic Deocampo, Mike Sandejas and Teddy Co.

The Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition seeks to discover, encourage, and honor the cinematic works of Filipino filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity. The works are narrative features that articulate Filipino identity and culture in digital format. The competition is held in three categories, the New Breed Full Length Feature, Short Feature and the Directors Showcase.

Cinemalaya 2013 will be held on July 26 – August 4 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Ayala Cinemas at TriNoma, Greenbelt 3, and Alabang Town Center. It is a project of the of the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and Econolink Investments, Inc. (EEI).

Cinemalaya also features the Short Feature competition category as well as film exhibitions, seminars, conference, the Cinemalaya Film Congress, and other film-related events.

For more information, please visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph and the CCP facebook page.

Western Digital Green Desktop 3.5-inch Hard Drives Wins Best Choice Awards

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Cool and Quiet Drives Awarded for Their Innovative Energy-saving Technologies, Wide Market Acceptance and High Capacity to Meet Today’s Data Growth

WD®, a Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC) company and world leader in storage and connected-life products, today announced that its WD Green™ desktop 3.5-inch hard drives have been awarded the COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2013 Best Choice Award in the Green ICT category. 

The Best Choice Award is a technology-industry recognition of distinctive products, judged on functionality, innovation and market potential. This year the judging panel, comprised of government officials, professors, experts and journalists, received more than 400 entries.

Employing the company’s WD GreenPower Technology™, WD Green hard drives were the industry’s first drives to significantly reduce power consumption when compared to standard hard drives, and have been widely accepted globally, with more than 125 million units shipped since their introduction in 2008. In addition to consuming less power, the purpose-built drives’ power-saving technologies result in cooler and quieter operation. Available in capacities up to 3 TB, the WD Green family is designed and manufactured with lead-free, conflict-free and halogen-free materials.

“We are honored by the recognition COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2013 is giving the WD Green drives,” said Matt Rutledge, vice president of WD’s client computing business unit.

"Our customers have embraced WD Green drives for their efficiencies and cool and quiet attributes, which are a primary criteria for certain applications. From working closely with our customers, we understand their needs for purpose-built storage technologies, whether they deliver high performance or network capability, or low power consumption, like WD Green drives." 

WD Green desktop hard drives will be exhibited at the Best Choice Award display area at COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2013. WD will showcase its full product portfolio, latest storage technologies and software solutions addressing thin-and-light mobile devices, cloud datacenter computing and products for the connected lifestyle at booth number L0810 in the World Trade Center Nangang Exhibition Hall.

Relive The Greatest Ever Story Told Through Superbook!

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The long wait is finally over the day we"ve all been waiting for has come. Get ready to relive the greatest adventure of all time.

Superbook airs pilot episode on GMA this June. Do the names Gizmo, Chris and Joy ring a bell? Were you an avid fan of the Superbook TV series or a member of the Superkids Club? Or is it your first time to hear about Superbook? Whether you’re a first timer or a long-time fan, we've got great news for you!

The phenomenal 1980’s animation we love is back! Get ready as Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) brings you an all-new Superbook. Once more, viewers will experience a one of kind journey with triple the excitement.

The Superbook creations aims to contribute content to children's television / online / communication landscape. As children and their parents watch Superbook episodes together, interaction and discussion will be encouraged.

Superbook episodes will higlight values and emphasize the importance of being God-fearing, morally upright, and excellent citizens.

On June 1, 2013, the new Superbook’s pilot episode “In the Beginning” will air at 7:30 a.m. on GMA 7. In addition, Superbook Classic episodes will air every Sunday, starting June 2 at 7:30 a.m. also on GMA.

What started as an animated Bible series for children in Japan is now a world-class animation production. Since its first airing in Japan, the Superbook series has now been broadcasted in over 106 countries, translated into 43 languages and has been viewed by over a half billion people.

And to keep up with today’s new storytelling technology, the original series has been improved to match this media-savvy generation. To address this challenge, CBN, together with top Hollywood producers, animators, and directors, put their minds together and as a result: a relived, reinvented, and reimagined Superbook.

“Our goal is not only to produce a child-friendly program, but more importantly, a child-focused show for this generation to digest. Superbook aims to capture the hearts of the children of today. In addition, even the parents will enjoy and learn from it. It’s a perfect bonding activity for families,” says Icko Gonzalez, Superbook Project Head in the Philippines.

As Gonzalez puts it, “The new Superbook is for the NOW generation.”

So are you ready to experience the greatest adventure ever written and told? Mark your calendars, save the date and spread the news. 

Beginning June 1, watch Superbook on Saturdays and Sundays on GMA, 7:30 a.m. Support Superbook and be part of the NOW GENERATION.

Enjoy the wonderful world of Superbook ! 

More photos @ Facebook. Some photos from Superbook/CBN Asia. 

"Barbie Forteza", self-titled album that fits her personality perfectly- bubbly, fun and wholesome!

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Enjoying the wonderful world of young pretty lady - Barbie Forteza.  Just last Saturday, May 25, I really enjoyed an intimate, fun meeting with her, she's really bubbly, fun and simple young lady. As what used to be tween queen, now turned teen queen Barbie adds another facet to her young entertainment career—singing. She finally released her debut album under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines). It is simply self-titled, the album fits Barbie’s personality perfectly- bubbly, fun and wholesome!

Barbie Forteza, GMA Network tween star and now known as one of the Philippines’ top teen stars whose popularity started with lead roles in highly rated GMA Network soap operas like “First Time”, “Pilyang Kerubin”, “Nita Negrita” and recently, “Paroa: Ang Kuwento ni Mariposa”. She has also appeared in top grossing movies such as “Ang Darling Kong Aswang”, “Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote”, “Tween Academy: Class of 2012”, “The Road”, “Ang Panday 2” and “Sossy Problems”. She is also one of today’s most in-demand young endorsers.

Her first single “Meron Ba” composed by Freddie Saturno, fits Barbie to a T as it is about young love and having a crush on someone- something that teens like her are experiencing. A lot will surely to relate to the song especially when watching the Korean series “Big”.

“I am so thankful to MCA Music for trusting me and giving me a chance to share my talents. I can’t wait to share it to my fans who supports me all the way,” Barbie said.

As special treat to her fans, Barbie will hold an album launch and fans day on June 2, 5pm at 3rd Floor of SM North EDSA The Block. Grab a copy of her album which will be sold by Astroplus to get a free poster and have it signed by Barbie herself after the show.

It includes the carrier single “Meron Ba” about having a crush on someone but could not tell anyone including the person she admires. Its music video is now out on MYX directed by J Pacena and also stars fellow GMA artist Jeric Gonzales as Barbie’s love interest. The album, produced by Francis Guevarra, also features her version of Jolina Magdangal’s “Laging Tapat”- another song about young love, the bouncy track “Upside Down” (originally from the A-Teens) and an original song “Wala Lang”- written by Jude Gitamondoc. “Wala Lang” also comes with a dance version for those who want to groove to Barbie’s music. All tracks have minus one versions for those who want to sing-along to Barbie’s songs.

Kapag Tumibok Ang Puso

Meron Ba

Laging Tapat

Upside Down

Wala Lang

Wala Lang (Dance Version)

Kapag Tumibok Ang Puso (Minus One)

Meron Ba (Minus One)

Laging Tapat (Minus One)

Upside Down (Minus One)

Wala Lang (Minus One)

Wala Lang (Dance Version) (Minus One) 

Also catch Barbie Forteza on June 9 at SM Marikina and on June 30 at Pavilion Mall, Binan, Laguna. All shows start at 5pm.

Enjoying the wonderful world of Barbie. From being a good young actress, she's definitely now a certified recording artist. 

Barbie Forteza, the debut album, is now out on record stores nationwide under 

MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines).

It is also available via iTunes via this link-

https://itunes.apple.com/ph/album/barbie-forteza/id634521122. 

It features the iTunes exclusive track “Wala Lang” (Pop Version). 

Watch her music video via this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7NmTyrTLYg.

To download Barbie’s song “Meron Ba” as your ringback tone,

 just text MERONBA to 2728 (free for 5 days).

A fun afternoon with Barbie Forteza is brought to you by MCA Music, Pinoy Magazine, LionHearTV and GMA Artist Center.

Philippines Wins New Frontiers Award for Typhoon Rebuilding Efforts

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The Philippines has been awarded the "New Frontiers Award 2013" at this year’s Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism exhibition.

Tourism officials said the New Frontiers Award became the main feature of the ATM and is given to destinations that have surmounted great adversity to rebound its tourism industries.

The award also gives tribute to the resilience of local communities to rebuild their lives, as well as bring attention to the crisis management and risk reduction practices of local authorities. It is the only citation extended during the event. 

The Philippines was shortlisted, together with New York State (Hurricane Sandy) and Pakistan (2012 floods), among an original list of 10 nominees for outstanding contribution to tourism development in the face of overwhelming adversity. 

“The Philippines, its government and its people, has shown remarkable fortitude and a stoic determination to get both communities and the local economy back on track following the devastation wreaked by Typhoon Bopha late last year, and their resilience in the face of such a monumental crisis is commendable,” Mark Walsh said. 

Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr., who led the Philippine delegation to ATM, received the award from Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director of Reed Travel Exhibitions. The crystal trophy came along with free exhibition space at the ATM worth US$10,000. The delegation was composed of 14 organizations representing nine tour operators, four hotel and resort companies, and one airline company. 

The award is in recognition of the continuing efforts to rebuild infrastructure and the tourism economy after Typhoon Pablo (international name: Bopha) wrought havoc in December 2012. The catastrophe is deemed the world’s deadliest last year, leaving millions homeless and infrastructure and agricultural farms vastly damaged. 

 Assistant Secretary Bengzon Jr., said that "the Philippine government, under the administration of President Aquino and the Department of Tourism have worked hand-in-hand to establish tourism as a major generator of income for the people and the country. At times of adversity, such as this, the determined spirit of our countrymen, supported by assistance from the international community, shines through and, it is this same spirit that is driving our tourism industry forward.”

The first quarter arrivals from the Middle East region recorded a 22.1% gain over the same period last year.

“We intend to attract more of the high-spending market from this region. Service providers are optimistic of the continued uptrend and are investing to take advantage of this windfall. Cebu Pacific has launched its first long-haul flight to Dubai to commence in October. Other airlines are to announce their services within the year,” Assistant Secretary Bengzon added. 

“This award highlights the sheer resilience of our people and the resolve of all stakeholders to fast track recovery. We also are very thankful to the many countries and international agencies with their generosity to help in our rebuilding efforts. Our record-breaking performance and new highs of the industry clearly indicate that our partnerships are bearing fruit. Despite these crises, we remain undaunted and focused in showing our visitors that we are worth visiting,” DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said. 

“Indeed, what makes the Philippines more fun is its people. The bayanihan spirit, amplified during crisis, is a unique social phenomenon that will forever drive the Filipinos to remain steadfast and dependent on each other for strength, through good times and bad. That in the midst of great challenges, we still manage to put on a happy face,” Secretary Jimenez concluded.

Enjoy the wonderful world and visit itsmorefuninthephilippines.com.