The upcoming Spartan Philippines: North ASEAN Series 2024 finds its home at Montclair Destination Estate in Porac, Pampanga. This sprawling development, clocking in as Robinsons Land Corporation’s largest at 233 hectares, prioritizes environmental sustainability. Montclair integrates green spaces throughout its urban planning, fostering a cooler, more biodiverse, and ultimately more resilient community.
It’s the perfect terrain for the much-awaited Spartan Philippines event, which happens from May 11 to 12 at the prime location. It’s not just any other Spartan race, too. The North ASEAN Series is making stops in Vietnam and Thailand, with the starting leg in Pampanga, where athletes and fitness enthusiasts from across the region can secure a spot in the broader Asia Pacific Championship circuit.
Spartan Philippines: North ASEAN Series 2024 features three challenging categories: the Sprint 5K, the Super 10K, and the Spartan Trail 10K. Each category is designed to push competitors to their limits while offering a unique blend of physical challenges and scenic beauty across the terrain in Porac.
The Sprint, known for its 20 obstacles over a 5K distance, is perfect for those new to the Spartan experience or looking to improve their obstacle course racing skills. The relatively easy trail features the classics: wall climbs, overhead wires, monkey bars, and more. It combines speed with obstacle management, making it a thrilling competition for both beginning racers and returning Spartans.
For those seeking a more demanding challenge, the Super 10K presents 25 obstacles over a 10-kilometer course. This race combines trail running with rigorous obstacle navigation, creating a demanding environment that tests even seasoned athletes. The Super’s obstacles are known for their increased difficulty, requiring not just physical strength and endurance but also strategic pacing and mental toughness. This category is specific to the North ASEAN Series Leg 1 (Montclair).
The Spartan Trail, a 10K race without the traditional Spartan obstacles, focuses purely on trail running. This race attracts both experienced trail runners and those looking to start their journey in trail running. It promises an engaging route through Montclair’s varied landscapes, characterized by its flat but challenging terrain due to the dry, sandy conditions typical of Pampanga.
Montclair Destination Estate is just a five-minute drive from Clark Freeport Zone, offering convenient access for participants already in the area. For those traveling from afar, they can simply take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) which will take less than an hour and a half to reach the event site from the Balintawak interchange. Simply follow the NLEX, exit at the Clark Spur Road, and then take the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) Exit towards Subic. Keep an eye out for the Montclair Interchange on your way and exit there to reach the event area at Montclair Destination Estate.
Like every Spartan Race, Spartan Philippines: North ASEAN Series 2024 in Montclair is expected to bring in runners from different backgrounds. The event is strategically planned to ensure smooth access and a great experience for all attendees.
Competitors are reminded to prepare for the high temperatures and intense sunlight that are characteristic of Pampanga during May. Proper hydration, sunscreen, and training for heat acclimatization are crucial for maintaining performance and safety during the races.
As the premier arts and culture institution in the country, the Cultural Center of the Philippines advocates for an inclusive arts education and participation by providing intensified approaches in upskilling Filipino artists to make them sustainable and competitive in today’s contemporary setting.
This rationale sets in motion a series of workshops, dubbed the Upskilling in Performing Arts Program, aimed at equipping artists with additional skills in art and wellness, festival management, and performance curatorship for modern museums. First launched in 2022, the program was made possible through the congressional initiative of Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia.
It has three major phases – the first phase focused on harnessing the power of the arts, particularly performing arts, in providing psycho-social interventions to individuals affected by natural disasters and other crises. The second phase looked into the artistic and logistic side of festival management. The last phase merged performing arts and visual arts curation.
From November 2023 to March 2024, selected cultural workers participated in the third phase and attended an intensive workshop facilitated by the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division, with ideas and practice on curatorship, cultural appreciation tours, and artistic explorations.
Selected practitioners from art and cultural institutions, organizations, spaces, and communities from different parts of the Philippines learned various aspects of community-based and ethical curatorship in performance and visual arts, exposing them to different contexts, disciplines, and strategies pertinent to their duties on cultural education and awareness.
As a culminating activity, the project team curated an exhibition featuring documentations of ideas and conversations, exposure trips, presentations, and project plans developed during the workshop. The exhibit opens on May 3, 2024 and runs until June 3, 2024 at the Bulwagang Roberto Chabet (TIG Gallery), located at 3/F Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).
Aside from the exhibition, the CCP launches the Upskilling Handbook: Workshop Proceedings and Guide to Developing Modes of Care in Curatorship, a product of the intensive workshop intended as a guide for future use. The handbook contains transcripts of the lectures and documentation of the upskilling activities, including discussion prompts, worksheets, and workshop instructions.
Documentation and key elements of the workshop experience have been curated as publication content, enabling readers to further their grasp of different processes involved in cultural work. The handbook is particularly aimed at cultural workers, who are invited to use the materials to inform their professional practice, towards more meaningful and empathetic cultural work.
Authors and contributors include Cecilia De La Paz, Roselle Pineda, and Mark Louie Lugue of the University of the Philippines-Diliman, performance artist and museum worker Nicolas “Nic” Aca, Alain Zedrick Camiling and Lara Acuin of the De la Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Greys Compuesto and Jay Nathan Jore of University of the Philippines-Cebu, Jason Dy, SJ and Pauline Bianca Ma-alat of the Ateneo de Manila University, Katherine Nuñez and Shara Francisco of 98B COLLABoratory, Siddharta Perez of the National University of Singapore Museum, and Adonis Reuel Enciso and Mercedes Marie Tolentino of the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division.
To get the latest updates onthe Upskilling on Performance & Visual Arts Curation Exhibition, follow the official CCP and CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division (CCP VAMD) social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
The Bacolod Film Festival is now accepting script submissions with the theme “Stories with a Smile” or those with a “potential to inspire laughter, warmth, and a renewed appreciation for the brighter side of life.”
The filmfest, set to be held in September this year, is open to filmmakers who are registered voters and residents of Bacolod City. They can be producers, directors, or scriptwriters of an entry.
The festival accepts short film scripts of any genre, such as romance, drama, comedy, or horror, in any Filipino language with English translation. Entries must be submitted on or before May 18, Saturday, 11:59 p.m., after which ten (10) finalists will be chosen.
Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez with the Bacolod Film Festival Team
Selected filmmakers will be given a production grant of 300,000 pesos each, to be released in two tranches, of which the first one is worth 200,000 pesos. The remaining 100,000 pesos will be released once the picture lock version of the film has been submitted.
The total running time of the produced films must be at a minimum of fifteen (15) minutes and maximum of twenty (20) minutes, including opening and closing credits. The short films must be in narrative live action form, when taken as a whole. Documentary, experimental or animation will not be accepted, except if added only as elements within the film.
Bacolod City Councilor Em Ang at work
The Bacolod Film Festival aims to create a venue where local filmmakers and producers can showcase their talents and further solidify Bacolod, known as the “City of Smiles,” as one of the creative hubs for filmmaking in the Philippines.
“Bacolod should be proud of its creatives. We have very artistic directors, and actors,” Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, who also chairs the Bacolod Film Festival Council, said.
Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez meets with the Bacolod Film Festival Team
The Bacolod City Council or Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) recently passed City Ordinance No. 1061, or the Bacolod Film Festival Ordinance, authored by Councilor Em L. Ang, with Councilors Cindy Rojas and Celia Matea Flor as co-authors. Councilor Ang, chairperson of the SP Committee on History, Culture and Arts, also serves as BFFC vice chair.
Aside from Mayor Benitez and Councilor Ang, the BFFC is composed of the chair of the SP Committee on Tourism, City Tourism Officer, City Legal Officer, City Budget Officer, Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Officer, Department of Education Division Superintendent, representatives from SM and Ayala Malls Cinemas and the local film industry.
Bacolod City Council or Sangguniang Panlungsod in session
Members of the BFF Organizing Committee and their relatives (up to the second degree of consanguinity) are prohibited from joining the competition. There is no entry fee to participate.
Multiple entries are accepted, but each script must be submitted with a separate entry form and online registration. The selection committee will only consider one entry per finalist.
The short films must have their premiere at the Bacolod Film Festival this September.
After directing, writing, and co-starring with his wife Emily Blunt in global box-office hits A Quiet Place and A Quiet Place Part II, John Krasinski does a complete 180 turn with IF, a whimsical adventure for the whole family to enjoy. The inspiration— his very own family. “I’ve always wanted to make a movie for them,” he explains.
Krasinski wanted to create something he and Blunt can enjoy with their daughters. “Emily says that the Quiet Place movies are PG-40 for them, so they won’t see those for a long time. During the early days of the pandemic, I got to spend a lot of time around my then-8-year-old and 6-year-old daughters and see the power of their imaginations. But as the pandemic wore on, I started seeing their lights dwindle. They had been so full of energy and excitement, but they were becoming more cautious about everything.”
As he sought inspiration in how his children’s imaginations grew up with them, the world of IF began to form. Producer Allyson Seeger, who is also Krasinski’s partner in their company, Sunday Night, recalls the beginnings of IF. “John said, ‘What if, instead of making a movie about imagination, we make imagination a character in the movie?’ Adulthood and real life can often temper the imagination right out of you, but the movie explores the question – what if it’s never too late to reconnect with that? To be a kid again, even for a moment,” she says.
Krasinski also admits to having IFs, or imaginary friends of his own, while growing up. “Our home was very close to a video store and I was allowed to walk there by myself at night. It would take me a half hour to get home, because I would pretend that all these different creatures were after me and I had to hide in my neighbor’s bushes to escape.”
They started working on this transformative journey centered around a 12-year-old named Bea, who at that age, had to grow up a little too fast. At the precipice of teenhood, ready to leave her childhood behind, she discovers her unique superpower of being able to see everyone’s imaginary friend.
Krasinski decided to run this idea past a good friend, actor Ryan Reynolds, before putting it into script. “Ryan is, in my opinion, one of the most talented people out there,” says Krasinski. “He knows comedy, he knows drama. We had been talking about doing a film together forever. I explained that I was developing a film about children and their imaginary friends. Would he want to be a part of it? He said, ‘Yes, definitely.’”
Reynolds believes in Krasinski’s range, and that IF is the next natural step for Krasinski as a filmmaker, saying, “I struggle to think of a writer or director more informed by their own parenthood than John Krasinski. Being a dad and a husband has really cemented his cinematic language. What’s most striking to me is that he can make a movie as scary and provocative as A Quiet Place, yet he can also do something as tender, unexpected and hilarious as IF.”
At the center of the Quiet Place films and IFis family, and how family handles difficult situations, but with IF, instead of hair raising thrillers, there’s plenty of laughs to be had along with heartfelt moments. “A Quiet Place was a metaphor about parenthood and about how far you’ll go to protect your kids,” producer Seeger says. “I think IFis a movie for kids, parents, for every generation. It’s a coming-of-age story for everyone.”
From writer and director John Krasinski, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends – and what she does with that superpower – as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids. IF stars Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. and Steve Carell alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination.
Written and directed by John Krasinski, IF is produced by Allyson Seeger, Andrew Form, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski
Cast includes Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., Alan Kim, Liza Colón-Zayas and Steve Carell
In Philippine cinemas starting May 15, IF is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures through Columbia Pictures. Connect with #IFMovie and tag @paramountpicsph
Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
Get ready for an exhilarating blend of adventure and music at THE BICOL LOCO FESTIVAL, taking place in Albay from May 3 to 5. Each day begins with the inaugural Bicol Hot Air Balloon event, offering breathtaking morning flights against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Mayon Volcano. This thrilling experience promises to captivate visitors with unparalleled views and a sense of adventure.
As evening approaches, the excitement shifts to the Old Legazpi Airport, with a stellar lineup of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) performances. Sarah Geronimo and Bamboo will light up the stage on May 3, followed by Ely Buendia and Jericho Rosales on May 4. Each evening promises an unforgettable showcase of some of the most respected talents in the local music scene.
Envisioned by Ako Bicol Party-List Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, THE BICOL LOCO FESTIVAL aims to highlight the majestic beauty of Mayon Volcano and the vibrant culture of the Bicol region.
“This grand festival is more than just an event, it’s a platform for cultural exchange, a catalyst for economic development, and a grandiose expression of pride for the Mayon Volcano and the Bicol region’s vibrant heritage,” he said.
The festival’s rich program, featuring both hot air ballooning by day and musical performances by night, positions it as a landmark event that celebrates the adventurous spirit and musical heritage of Bicol.
“Through this grand festival, I envision a transformed Bicol, recognized globally, where the economy is as rich and lively as the experiences it offers,” Co added.
Robinsons Malls is making this summer more fun and memorable as it holds the final stage of competition for the finest amateur dancers in Metro Manila. SWAGThe Street Dance Battle 2024 is its first metro-wide search for the best dance group in the region and is a celebration of the overflowing talent and creativity of our local dance performers.
The search started in March this year through a series of elimination rounds held at Robinsons Malabon, Robinsons Novaliches, Robinsons Antipolo, Robinsons Las Pinas, Robinsons Metro East, and Robinsons Galleria. More than sixty dance groups competed during the first stage, but only 14 groups advanced to the final round.
The grand finals will be held on May 4 at the Main Atrium of Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas where the Champion and 2 runners-up will be chosen to win cash prizes and other surprises from Robinsons Malls and its partners GoTyme bank, Coca-Cola, Smart, Cignal, Shakey’s and Timezone.
So ready your cheer for your favorite street dance groups – Rizal Performing Arts Guild, ATM Dance Artists, Obs Fuego Eterno, Outstrip, Baby Boyz, New Breedz, U’Swagg, Obsequious, AMK Rocknation, Hustle N’ Flow, OBS PH.ICON, Vizzaroz, JF All Stars and Steps of Gold as they prove they got the swag to win the ultimate dance showdown.
For more information, visit our official social media pages or download the RMalls+ app for other exclusive mall deals and promos.
Nine years after “Mad Max: Fury Road,” the Australian director, screenwriter and producer George Miller’s famous saga is back on the Croisette! The highly anticipated “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” will be revealed in the presence of the director and the cast, led by Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke, on the occasion of an Out of Competition gala screening at the Grand Théâtre Lumière at the Palais des Festivals on Wednesday May 15.
“Mad Max” (1979), “Mad Max II: The Challenge” (1981), “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome” (1985), “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015), “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” (2024): in 5 episodes and in almost 5 decades, George Miller has created a cathartic myth, even a cathartic mythology. “Mad Max” is a chronicle of societal and environmental collapse, playing with genre codes to question these themes, initially visionary and now cruelly topical. Originally filmed in the Australian Outback, this revisited “Western on wheels” describes a dystopian world where speed and movement are just as synonymous with life energy as with death as a result of resource depletion, offering the viewer a dose of adrenaline rarely equalled on the big screen.
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is the latest episode. It returns to the origins of Furiosa, the new saga-heroine who appeared in “Mad Max: Fury Road,” rewarded with several Oscars. Actress Anya Taylor-Joy plays the young Furiosa, trying to return home, despite numerous hostile armed gangs.
“The idea of this prequel has been with me for over a decade,” said George Miller. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to return to the Festival de Cannes – along with Anya, Chris and Tom – to share ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.’ There is no better place than La Croisette to experience this film with audiences on the world stage.”
George Miller, the singular and unclassifiable filmmaker, passing from post-apocalyptic films to young audiences – “Babe” (1995), “Happy Feet” (2006) – was twice a Festival de Cannes Jury member before becoming its President in 2016 for the 69th edition. In 2022, he presented “Three Thousand Years of Longing” with Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba, Out of Competition.
As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe. While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home.
This all-new original, standalone action adventure was directed by George Miller, script by Miller and “Mad Max: Fury Road” co-writer Nico Lathouris. The film was produced by Miller and his longtime partner, Oscar-nominated producer Doug Mitchell (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Babe”), under their Australian-based Kennedy Miller Mitchell banner.
Starring Anya Taylor-Joy in the title role, Chris Hemsworth, Alyla Browne and Tom Burke.
In cinemas May 22, 2024, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is distributed in the Philippines by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Discovery company.
The Philippines’ world-first solo hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship has gotten a boost as PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Cignal TV announced their support for the prestigious volleyball tournament taking place on September 12-28, 2025.
(L-R) Sen Alan Peter S. Cayetano, DOT Office of Film and Sports Tourism Director Roberto Alabado III, Mediaquest Holdings Inc. and Cignal TV President and CEO Jane Jimenez Basas, and PNVF President Ramon Suzara at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship press conference at the Marquis Events Place at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
The country’s largest telco network PLDT will be the official broadband partner of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. Cignal TV, the pay TV arm of the MediaQuest Group, will be the event’s official broadcaster.
“This is a great opportunity to inspire a new generation of Filipino athletes and showcase our countrymen’s passion for sports,” said Manuel V Pangilinan, Chairman and CEO of PLDT. “The Philippines is now taking center stage in the world of volleyball. We look forward to working with the DOT and the PNVF to provide a top-notch experience for fans all over the world.”
(Aries’ Photos) DOT Office of Film and Sports Tourism Director Roberto Alabado III, Sen Alan Peter S. Cayetano, PNVF President Ramon Suzara, and MediaQuest Holdings Inc. and Cignal TV President and CEO Jane Jimenez Basas pose with top UAAP, NCAA men’s volleyball players at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship press event.
The Philippines is the first solo host nation of the biggest men’s volleyball tournament in the world. The event will also be the biggest FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship to date, as the tournament format expands to 32 teams. The sport has rapidly grown in popularity in the Philippines over the past few years, with a passionate fanbase supporting highly competitive leagues such as Spikers’ Turf, Premier Volleyball League (PVL), and Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League.
PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan with Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) officers and Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon Suzara (3rd from left) and Secretary-General Don Caringal (rightmost).
“It will be a huge challenge to host the highest-ranking teams and fans from all over the world. But as Filipinos, we know we can create the best environment for everyone to compete at the highest level on our home soil.”, said PNVF president Ramon Suzara.
The Philippine men’s national volleyball team’s preparations will begin with a comprehensive selection process for the player pool and the unveiling of a new team name. Aside from supporting the national team, PLDT was a key partner in the recent 2023 Volleyball Nations League in Manila.
About PLDT
PLDT is the Philippines’ largest fully integrated telco company. Through its principal business groups — from fixed line to wireless — PLDT offers a wide range of telecommunications and digital services across the Philippines’ most extensive fiber optic backbone, and fixed line and cellular networks.
PLDT is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE:TEL) and its American Depositary Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:PHI). PLDT has one of the largest market capitalizations among Philippine — listed companies.
Further information can be obtained by visiting www.pldt.com
The Walt Disney Company and National Geographic announced a new global cross-platform campaign, ourHOME, timed to coincide with Earth Month. The campaign will spotlight efforts internally and externally that help protect, restore, and celebrate ourHOME by highlighting creators, storytellers, and cast members for their contributions.
For over a century, Disney has created stories that celebrate the wonders of the world we all share. And for more than 136 years, National Geographic has been synonymous with inspiring a deeper connection to our world. This year, these two powerful legacies are coming together to celebrate this beautiful planet we call home and the power within each of us to create change for the better.
ourHOME will bring compelling stories to the forefront, highlighting efforts being undertaken as part of Disney Planet Possible and our commitment to taking meaningful and measurable action to support a healthier planet for people and wildlife. A new digital series will be released spotlighting three Disney Planet Possible stories with Nat Geo talent visiting Walt Disney World Resort to see the work firsthand.
Disney+ marks the occasion with the launch of an ourHOME content collection, featuring some of the very best storytellers and content creators celebrating the planet, including the critically acclaimed series Queens, A Real Bug’s Life, Incredible Animal Journeys, along with the full library of Disneynature films.
Additionally, on Earth Day, April 22, 2024, the latest installment of Nat Geo’s Emmy® Award-winning Secrets Of… franchise, Secrets of the Octopus, narrated by Paul Rudd, will be released on Disney+. Also streaming on Disney+, Disneynature’s all-new feature film Tiger, narrated by Priyanka Chopra-Jonas, journeys alongside a young tigress raising her rambunctious cubs in the fabled forests of India.
“National Geographic is one of the most beloved and trusted global brands with a combined social media following of more than 750 million people. We harness this reach to remind people that the world is an amazing and miraculous place, filled with beauty, awe and wonder,” said Courteney Monroe, President, National Geographic. “This Earth Month we hope by sharing this passion we can also inspire others to protect, restore and celebrate our home.”
“Disney is committed to putting possibility into practice and inspiring optimism for a brighter, cleaner and more environmentally sustainable future,” said Yalmaz Siddiqui, Vice President, Environmental Sustainability, The Walt Disney Company. “We hope the ourHOME campaign with Nat Geo helps bring greater awareness of the beauty and majesty of our planet to audiences everywhere.”
ourHOME will touch every area of The Walt Disney Company:
ourHOME Digital
DisneyPlanetPossible.com – Destination detailing actions The Walt Disney Company is taking to protect, restore, and celebrate our planet.
Nat Geo.com/ourHOME – Destination for details on Nat Geo’s storied history of being a steward for the planet, as well as ourHOME campaign content.
Nat Geo Social – Using the full power of the Nat Geo social platforms, ourHOME will be amplified throughout the month, with curated daily posts around the three campaign pillars – Protect, Restore, Celebrate – as well as highlights of efforts across the entire campaign.
All relevant social handles will be celebrating ourHOME all month long, including: @Disney; @Disney+; @NatGeo; @NatGeoTV; @NatGeoWILD; @NatGeoTravel; @NatGeoAdventure; @NatGeoDocs.
OurHOME Digital Series highlights Disney Planet Possible stories with Alex Honnold (Free Solo) visiting Walt Disney World to learn more about how the company’s solar arrays not only provide renewable electricity but also provide habitat for bees and other pollinators; Mariana Van Zeller (award-winning journalist) visiting Walt Disney World to learn more about the recycling efforts at the parks, specifically related to the glass pulverizing initiative; and the Critter Fixers visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World to learn about wildlife care and conservation success stories at the park (along with some cute baby animals).
ourHOME Content
ourHOME Collection on Disney+ – Disney+ is launching an ourHOME collection withcontent that celebrates the beauty, awe, and wonder of our planet.
Secrets of the Octopus – Next installment of this franchise in partnership with James Cameron debuting on Earth Day, narrated by Paul Rudd and premiering on Disney+ onEarth Day.
Disneynature’s Tiger – All-new feature film narrated by Priyanka Chopra-Jonasstreams on Disney+ beginning Earth Day, marking 15 Years since Disneynature’sinaugural release, “Earth.”
ourHOME-themed programming scheduled across National Geographic Channel, NatGeo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Freeform, FX and FXX.
A dedicated ourHOME spot featuring the voice of Morgan Freeman, airing throughout the month across all of Disney networks, Disney owned television stations and selectdigital platforms.
ourHOME in the Parks
Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate Earth Week, April 21-28, with specialty offerings and experiences that connect audiences with the magic of nature.
ourHOME Castle show at Disneyland Paris, highlighting scenes and images inspired by National Geographic explorers, will happen in the month of April.
Walt Disney World will also have Earth Month-themed food throughout the month of April.
Photo Activations – Special photo activations for Park goers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disneyland Resort to celebrate the launch of Secrets of the Octopus.
Animation Academy – Special drawing activity at Disney California Adventure tied toSecrets of the Octopus.
Shanghai Disney Resort will host the ourHOME Nature Conservation Forum on April 22,joined by National Geographic Explorer Xi Zhinong and will see the return of the “Celebrate Earth – Earth Month Fair” at Disneytown from April 19 through 22.
ourHOME Giving
The Walt Disney Company will be making grants in excess of $1 million to charitable organizations through the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF). Funds will support global efforts to protect, restore and celebrate ourHOME. These programs add to the cumulative $125 million giving impact of DCF since it was established in 1995, with more than 1,000 species supported through programs that span half the countries of the world and all five oceans. Here are just a few examples happening this month:
Jane Goodall’s 90th birthday – In celebration of Jane Goodall’s 90th birthday on April 3 and in honor of her storied history with our company, Disney will provide funding to Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots, a program of the Jane Goodall Institute that empowers young people to create a better world for humans, other animals and our shared environment.
Disneynature’s Tiger: In celebration of the release of Tiger, DCF will also provide funding to support the conservation of tigers across Asia.
ourHOME in the Community
Disney VoluntEARS – Activations with various partners and organizations for TWDC employees to take action for the planet.
ourHOME with Cast Members
Special employee-engagement screenings and events in Disney offices around the world.
ourHOME Around the Globe
ourHOME campaign will be part of Disney Earth Month celebrations around the world in major regions in EMEA, APAC and LATAM.
ABOUT THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Entertainment, Sports and Experiences. Disney is a Dow 30 company and had annual revenues of $88.9 billion in its Fiscal Year 2023.
ABOUT DISNEY+
Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Star, along with The Simpsons and much more. The service offers an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on select compatible mobile and connected TV devices.
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Award-winning and critically acclaimed National Geographic Content, part of a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society, creates and delivers riveting stories and experiences in natural history, science, adventure and exploration. Inspiring a deeper connection to the world, the content studio reaches 300 million people worldwide in 180 countries and 33 languages across the global National Geographic channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO), National Geographic Documentary Films, and direct-to-consumer platforms Disney+ and Hulu. Its diverse content includes Emmy® Award-winning franchise Genius, series Life Below Zero and Secrets of the Whales, and Oscar®- and BAFTA award-winning film Free Solo. In 2022, National Geographic Content was awarded eight News and Documentary Emmys, in addition to Life Below Zero’s Emmy win for Outstanding Cinematography for a Reality Program, it’s sixth Emmy overall. For more information, visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or follow Nat Geo on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Diverse cultures, perspectives and artistic styles are showcased in the Art Show Philippines exhibit “Cultural Kaleidoscope,” running at ARTablado Robinsons Antipolo until April 30.
ARTablado and Art Show Philippines are united by their common goal: to promote Filipino art and help Filipino artists. The two have been partnering since 2022.
ARTablado, a portmanteau of the words “art” and “entablado” (stage), is the initiative of Robinsons Land which has been giving artists the space and support they need so they can showcase their work to a bigger audience since 2020. Art Show Philippines is an artist-run community that aims to empower Filipino artists and make it possible for them to exhibit their work globally. It started during the pandemic and now has a network of over 2,000 exhibiting artists of all levels from all over the Philippines.
Art Show Philippines also holds fundraising exhibits for children with cancer and with special needs, art mentoring sessions, mental health programs for creative people, and gives grants to artists in need of art materials.
Artists get a chance to grow in Art Show Philippines, just like Jay Vincent Gatdula, who now helps organize and lead exhibitions. “I am happy to be a part of Art Show Philippines. With their help, I discovered my art style Sining Sawali [weaving of two different paintings together to make a single art piece] and have given me many opportunities like participating in local and international exhibits to represent our country.”
For many years now, artists have been using the internet to showcase their work but physical exhibits are still essential both for artists and the audience. Art Show Philippines founder Frederick Epistola talked about their importance. “Physical exhibits like the one at ARTablado can be incredibly important for Filipino artists for several reasons. First, they provide a platform for local artists to showcase their work to the public, allowing them to reach a wider audience and gain recognition for their talents. These exhibits also offer opportunities for artists to network with other creators and industry professionals, fostering collaboration and growth within the local art community. Additionally, physical exhibits can help Filipino artists connect with buyers and collectors, potentially leading to sales and further opportunities for their artistic careers to thrive. Overall, these exhibitions play a valuable role in promoting Filipino art and artists both locally and globally.”
And that’s exactly what ARTablado does. The art stages, which can be found in Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Antipolo, Summit Ridge Tagaytay and Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila, have given the spotlight to both up-and-coming talents and established artists, allowing people to enjoy their creations up close.
Epistola added, “ARTablado, a gallery in malls and hotels, helps artists by increasing their visibility to a wider and more diverse audience, making art more accessible to the public, potentially boosting sales through impulse purchases, and fostering community engagement within the mall environment.”
This time, at ARTablado Robinsons Antipolo, mallgoers will get to enjoy “Cultural Kaleidoscope” which features the work of a new generation of Art Show Philippines artists, most of whom are exhibiting in ARTablado for the first time.
One of the first-timers said, “I’m participating in an exhibit organized and presented by ARTablado for the first time. I appreciate that Robinsons Land’s ARTablado provides a venue for artists, no matter their experience level, and a space to pursue their passion.”
Some of the art that can be viewed at “Cultural Kaleidoscope” are “Sampaguita Garland Maker” by Lei De Jesus, “Habing Katutubo” by Joanne Nidea, “Mga Laro” by Marjowyn Vito, “Baro’t Saya” by Cristel Ramos, and “Almusal” by Paula Santiago Clarito.
Epistola said, “Like a kaleidoscope that creates beautiful patterns through a combination of different colors and shapes, this exhibit may showcase a colorful array of artwork that celebrates various cultural influences and artistic expressions. It suggests a rich tapestry of creativity and diversity for visitors to explore and enjoy.”
The exhibiting artists are as diverse and colorful as their art. Here are just some of them: Gina Flores-Molina is a dentist-painter from Batangas with a passion for Impressionism. Nikolai M Flores is a software analyst at a bank who creates abstract art. Maria Cecilia Tacayon-Sarinas is a professional animator who has a newfound love for painting. Elise Capunitan is a visual artist and architect in the making. Solenart is an ex-OFW who considers art her safe space and emotional therapy. Pat Munar-Wigan is a wife and mom of two with a deep love for visual arts. Jobert U. Serrano, a son of a farmer and who grew up in a city at the foot of Mt. Banahaw, finds inspiration in nature and animals. Paola Santiago Clarito is a painter who has published two contemporary coloring books.
Why did they choose to exhibit at ARTablado? Epistola said, “Collaborating with Artablado can boost the credibility of emerging artists and assist in their establishment within the art community.”
The artists traveled from all over, with some coming from as far as Pangasinan, Zambales and Cavite, to attend the exhibit opening.
Epistola said, “I am incredibly proud of the new breed of artists of Art Show Philippines. Their innovative approaches, creativity, and fresh perspectives continue to inspire and drive us forward. Each artist brings a unique talent and passion for pushing boundaries and creating impactful art.”
