Author: Press Release

Bask in the beauty of art in the form of light and music at BGC’s light festival ‘Boni Viva Luci’

Get ready to feed your soul and witness life coming to light as BGC unveils its light festival, Boni Viva Luci! Translated as ‘Wondrous life in light,’ see nature-inspired art forms coming together in a feast of lights, with BGC holding a number of exhibits and light shows running from April 6 to 14.

Curated and co-presented by the Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc. (BAFI) with Bonifacio High Street (BHS), Bonifacio Global City (BGC), supported by Metrobank, Boni Viva Luci, with the theme “natural life echoed in light”,will feature new and reimagined public artworks elevated with various light treatments, free for all to enjoy a night of wonder!

Illuminating BGC with their eye-popping and vibrant works through the nine-day festival include a lighted version of creatures by Puppet Theater Manila’s Indigenous Wildlife Puppets featuring 12 larger-than-life Philippine Endemic Species, ‘LuminiSense: Our Place in the Cosmos’ by Joyce Sahagun Garcia, Ohm David, & Arvy Dimaculangan showcased through interactive video mapping, Olivia D’Aboville’s ‘Giant Dandelions’ with a monumental installation of dreamy dandelions, ‘The Abyss’ by Winter David & Ohm David, and ‘Reimagined Chandeliers’ by Ohm David and Mark Choa highlighting giant Bioluminescent octopuses and chandeliers with LED tentacles.

Mythical creatures will also be brought to life through Cheska Cartativo’s ‘Entanglement: Adarna to Bakunawa’ artwork on the Glass Bridge. You will also be enthralled by Leeroy New’s unconventional portrayal of the goddess of fertility and death through his ‘Mebuyan Cradle’ coupled with Sigmund Pecho, Ohm David, Arvy Dimaculangan’s ‘Into the Shadows are Heroes’ shadow play projections.

Featured on LED screens are the creations of Isaiah Cacnio and Joyce Sahagun Garcia with their intricate take on nature through their artworks ‘Celestial Waltz’ and ‘Behold the Eclipse, Behold the Light’ respectively. Members of the Camera Club of the Philippines namely, Fred del Rosario, Chito Viñas and Mark Bautista also unveil via projected images their incredible eye for natural life through their own stills of breathtaking nature. Lastly, take a night stroll at Purple Terra where trees are covered in bright purple lights illuminating the night sky.

Welcome a brighter BGC on April 6 at the BHS Amphitheatre!

Boni Viva Luci kicks off on April 6, 2024, with a stellar opening night featuring vocal performances from Arman Ferrer, Bayang Barrios and OJ Mariano; a dance performance from Galaw.Co Dance Theater; a musical performance from violinist Liz Besana; and a special parade of larger-than-life lighted puppets of Philippine indigenous animals by Puppet Theatre Manila that everyone is encouraged to join. The opening night will be accompanied by a magnificent ending parade, led by rousing music exclusively composed for Boni Viva Luci by National Artist for Music, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.

The light festival will stretch across the sprawl of Bonifacio Global City, with installations along beloved spots such as Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio High Street South, Terra 28th Park, The Mind Museum and the BGC Arts Center.

Experience life in light like never before with Boni Viva Luci, running from April 6 to 14 at Bonifacio Global City. For more information, visit BGC’s socials on Facebook and Instagram.

#BGCBoniVivaLuci #ArtBGC

April 4, 2024
Spotify RADAR Philippines returns with 10 artists shaping the future of Pinoy music

Spotify’s RADAR returns with an exciting line-up of its 2024 slate of artists, featuring artists across different genres. RADAR, a global music program for emerging artists, reflects the kaleidoscope of fresh sounds. This year’s lineup spans various genres, including the next generation of Pinoy Hip-Hop stars Hev Abi and Illest Morena and OPM hitmakers Maki, Cup of Joe, Dionela. Also joining are Pinoy R&B sound makers Jason Dhakal and Denise Julia, indie sibling duo Ysanygo, and Bicol’s pride dwta. Completing the list is RADAR returnee P-Pop girl group BINI.

Now in its fifth year, RADAR is home to what’s next in music, propelling musical up-and-comers to the next stage of their careers. With this year’s slate boasting unique sounds and diverse backgrounds, these artists are poised to reach more audiences and make waves on the global stage.

“Spotify aims to capture the ways that music and culture are constantly evolving. Through RADAR, we are thrilled to spotlight the breadth of incredible rising talents in the Philippines that span different genres. There is so much to discover and something for every listener. We’ve doubled down in our long-term commitment to artist development and empowered music from Asia to travel the world,” said Kossy Ng, Spotify’s Head of Music, Southeast Asia.

Spotify’s playlist ecosystem and bespoke initiatives have helped artists reach new listeners while deepening connections with existing fans all around the world. Since its launch in 2020, the RADAR Philippines has experienced an impressive stream increase of more than 2.5 times.

In the past year, the RADAR Philippines playlist has seen streams from the U.S.A., Canada, the U.A.E., and Singapore, driving the discovery of featured artists to listeners across the globe. Last year’s RADAR artist, R&B sensation DENȲ found new fans and grew her listenership by 471%, while singer-songwriter mrld saw year-over-year growth of almost 260% in monthly streams during her second year with the program. This growing love for emerging Filipino artists has made the 2024 RADAR artists more excited about taking their music to the next level.

“I’m proud to represent my hometown, Bicol, through my music. I want people to hear my music. Being chosen for the RADAR program – not only will more people hear my music, I also get to showcase the culture of Bicol on a bigger platform,” said dwta.

“Ang gusto kong tumatak sa mga tao ay kung paano ako maging creative at mag-produce ng music na hindi pangkaraniwan. Malaking bagay sa akin maging part ng RADAR at ipagpatuloy kung ano pa ang kaya ‘kong gawin bilang isang artist,” Hev Abi added. (I want people to remember me as an artist who is unafraid to be me. The RADAR program makes me look forward to more of what I can do as an artist.)

Be in the know and discover these rising Filipino artists through curated and never-before-seen content on RADAR Philippines. From the hard-hitting bars of “Faded (Raw)” by Illest Morena, to ‘’sepanx’ feels of “Saan?” by Maki, the soothing tunes of Baguio with “Estranghero” by Cup Of Joe, and more – the RADAR Philippines playlist houses the freshest Pinoy sounds you should not miss.

April 4, 2024
Explore the world this summer with Galaxy devices coming to you at a cooler price

This summer, check off your travel bucket list with amazing deals on Galaxy devices at the Galaxy Summer Sale! Samsung invites you to widen your world and make every moment count with Galaxy phones, tablets, and wearables at up to 50% off until April 30, 2024. Check out which Galaxy devices are the perfect fit to elevate your summer! Epic Summer Travels Within Your Reach

Samsung brings Epic closer than ever with a special summer offer on the Galaxy S23 series and Galaxy S24 series. Explore the world with Galaxy AI with enhanced device features including improved cameras for photography, and unmatched zoom capabilities for any event. Galaxy AI also promotes borderless communication for your travels with its AI supported Call and Text Assist and Live Interpreter functions. These top-of-the-line devices also boast a powerful processor for gaming and leisure activities at any point of the day.

Take advantage of Galaxy AI’s full extent with the Galaxy S24 series, the latest powerful line of productivity and creativity devices. Your upgrade can also get you the Galaxy Tab S9 series tablets at up to 30% off and select Galaxy wearables up to 50% off. As a special bonus, from April 8 to 15, your purchase of the Galaxy S24 series devices can also get you a FREE Galaxy Watch6.

For the premium device experience at a lower price, you can get the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23+, or Galaxy S23 at P5,000 off, along with up to 30% off on the Galaxy Tab S9 series. For the complete package, seal the deal and add Galaxy wearables like the Galaxy Watch6, Buds2, Buds2 Pro, or Buds FE to your cart at up to 50% off with your device purchases. Meanwhile, purchasing the Galaxy S23 FE 128GB, now repriced at P31,990, will also give you up to 50% off on wearables and the Galaxy Tab S9 series.

Unfold a Wider World this Summer Join the Flip side and go with style this summer with exclusive freebies and discounts when you purchase the latest Galaxy Z series phones in Samsung Experience Stores and authorized stores nationwide. Now also with Galaxy AI, these devices are perfect for vlogging your summer getaways, taking OOTD photos, and supporting your creative work on the go.

This April, get a P10,000 discount on the Galaxy Z Flip5 and match your cool aesthetic with the Galaxy Watch6, Buds2, Buds2 Pro or Buds FE, which you can get at up to 50% off with your foldable purchase.

Want more from your device? Unfold into a bigger world with the Galaxy Z Fold5 with P15,000 off and top-up with Galaxy wearables up to 50% off. Along with already outstanding foldable devices, you can also get a Galaxy Tab S9 series tablet at up to 30% off.

Awesome Adventures for Everyone

Get in on the awesome vibes this summer time, day in and night out with the Galaxy A series devices. Awesome is for everyone from the entry-level devices, Galaxy A05s LTE and A05 LTE, mid-level phones Galaxy A25 5G and A15 5G, and the premium-like Galaxy A54 5G and A34 5G. You can keep going on your fun-filled adventures all day with an awesome display, long battery life and superb camera, while being able to share your moments seamlessly on your socials through its LTE and 5G support.

You can welcome awesomeness in your life for a cooler price of P3,000 off for the Galaxy A54 5G and P2,000 off for the Galaxy A34 5G. Meanwhile, every purchase of participating Galaxy A series phones comes with a free travel adaptor worth P1,190.

Fan-TABulous Summer Entertainment

Samsung invites you to indulge in your hobbies this summer. Stream your favorite shows, rekindle your creative passions and start playing that action-packed game on the Galaxy Tab S9 and Tab A9 devices.

Get the Galaxy A9 WIFI or LTE up to P2,500 off and the Galaxy Tab A9+ WIFI or 5G at P3,000 off. Also seize the opportunity and get your hands on cool freebies like the Galaxy Buds FE and a Samsung Keyboard when you purchase a Galaxy Tab S9 FE series device.

For those who want to get the most out of their tablet’s features, you can get Galaxy AI on the One UI 6.1 update already available on the Galaxy Tab S9, S9+ and S9 Ultra. The purchase of a Galaxy Tab S9 series comes with freebies of the Galaxy Buds2 Pro and a Samsung Keyboard. This summer, the world is your playground with these amazing Galaxy device deals! This promo is available until April 30 in Samsung authorized stores and dealers nationwide. For more information about the Samsung Great Summer Sale, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/offer/online/2024/galaxy-summer-sale/

April 4, 2024
Kicking off your best summer with GCash
GCash offers the convenience and ease to enhance all your summer adventures this year by giving you endless options to make seamless payments and manage your finances on the go.

You can Send Money via Express Send for convenient money transfers, use the GCash Card to pay in over 20,000 merchants or you can explore a new way to pay with GCash QR’s Scan to Pay. No matter what you need, GCash lets you achieve the perfect cashless summer trip!

GCash also lets you simplify your summer planning. When shopping for your essentials from your favorite online stores, you can Pay Online with GCash and get access to exclusive deals. You can also use GCash to book exciting experiences on Klook or to purchase GInsure Travel Insurance for added protection whether you’re flying out or traveling by land. With GCash, every aspect of your summer journey is taken care of effortlessly!

Recently, to show the ease and convenience of a cashless summer experience, GCash welcomed friends to one of the hottest summer destinations – Surf Town La Union.

From getting travel insurance on the GInsure dashboard and using GCash to Pay Online to paying for their accommodations, the trip highlighted how they used GCash to pay all throughout the exciting trip. They used GCash Express Send to Send Money while enjoying a food crawl at Pentecostal Compound and in Fatwave Sunset Shack. They also effortlessly used GCash Scan-To-Pay to book a selection of creative activities at Putik Friends’ Studios.

As you gear up for your own summer adventures, make every moment count and pay with GCash. In doing so, you unlock big rewards and enjoy discounts through the Shake It, Win it promo!

Keep Paying with GCash and Win Exciting Rewards and Deals when you Shake It, Win It

From March 4 to May 31, each transaction made with GCash earns you entries to the Shake It, Win It raffle where you can win rewards worth up to Php 179 million.

Transactions worth at least Php 100 earns each user a raffle ticket to play Shake It, Win It. You can pay with GCash when you Buy Load, Pay Bills, or avail products on the GInsure or GLoan dashboard to earn tickets daily.

To play Shake It, Win It:
1. Click on your top banner in the GCash homepage.
2. Under the Shake It, Win It page, click the Shake It, Win It banner.
3. Users with a raffle entry will be prompted to play by shaking or tapping their device.
4. Instantly discover your prizes!
GCash credits, exclusive vouchers, and brand new gadgets and appliances await lucky winners selected in the daily Shake It, Win It raffle. You can also win free trips to top local destinations that will take you and your companions to Cebu, Siargao, and Boracay.

A grand prize is also waiting for 5 winners who will get the chance to take an unforgettable summer trip to Japan, China, South Korea or Thailand!

Let GCash be your ultimate companion in creating unforgettable memories this summer. Download the GCash app today and make every payment more rewarding. Tara, Summer Na with GCash!
April 4, 2024
Robinsons Malls gives Philippine theater a boost by partnering with PETA for “One More Chance, The Musical”

Robinsons Malls has partnered with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) in presenting “One More Chance, The Musical,” the highly anticipated stage adaptation of the iconic 2007 Star Cinema film starring John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo.

Get a chance to win FREE tickets for 2 when you shop and dine at select Robinsons Malls from April 1-24, 2024

“We are as thrilled and as excited as the millions of followers and supporters of Popoy and Basha, whose love story has stirred the hearts of so many Filipinos, encompassing decades of classic storytelling,” says Jess Zulueta, Robinsons Malls Senior Marketing Director.

Robinsons Malls, a staunch advocate of the arts, has always championed the many passions of its customers. This is evidenced by its different projects and initiatives, from its collaborations with Jefre and Erwin Wurm to ARTablado, which gives visual artists from all over the Philippines the platform to showcase their work. Robinsons Malls is also home to great entertainment, consistently hosting exciting live performances and giving mallgoers the chance to see their favorite performers up close. It has also become a place where fresh talent is discovered and developed, thanks to the RMalls Academy.

Mr. Joel Lumanlan, Robinsons Malls’ Vice President for Marketing and Operations, signs the partnership agreement alongside Ms. Beng Santos-Cabangon, Executive Director of PETA.

This time, Robinsons Malls is giving local theater a boost with its partnership with PETA. There’s another layer to the partnership—the musical will tell the unforgettable story of Popoy and Basha and their barkada using the songs of the hugely popular band and Robinsons Malls brand ambassadors, Ben&Ben.

“One More Chance, The Musical,” which opens at the PETA Theater Center on April 12, has already set records, selling out 50 shows months before opening night. Due to overwhelming demand, PETA added more shows and released new tickets but those too were gone in an instant.

One More Chance the Musical will feature the hits from Robinsons Malls brand ambassadors, Ben&Ben

No tickets yet? No problem. Robinsons Malls gives you “One More Chance” to get tickets to the highly anticipated musical. You can win the hottest tickets in the country with Robinsons Malls’ Shop and Dine Promo, happening at Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Las Pinas and Robinsons Galleria South.

Spend a minimum of P2,000 in a single transaction at any store in Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, or P1,000 at any store in Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Las Pinas, and Robinsons Galleria South to receive one (1) e-raffle entry. Additionally, a single-receipt purchase of P5,000 from Robinsons Supermarket in any of the four participating malls also earns you one (1) e-raffle entry.

Robinsons Malls looks forward to the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership with PETA

Promo runs from April 1 to 24, 2024. Winners will get 2 tickets to “One More Chance, The Musical” shows in May-June 2024.

The cast of “One More Chance, The Musical” will also be coming to select Robinsons Malls to give a glimpse of the musical and give away exciting prizes. Follow the official Facebook and Instagram accounts of Robinsons Malls for more information.

April 4, 2024
A Stroke of Luck: Winning the Jolly Claro Cooking Oil’s Raffle Promo and the Joy it Brings

Winning a raffle promo is akin to finding a hidden treasure chest—it’s unexpected, thrilling, and fills you with an overwhelming sense of joy.

I hope Jolly Claro Cooking Oil held a Nationwide Raffle Promo, “Mas Claro, Mas Panalo” starting September 2023 up to January of this year. A total of over ₱2 million worth of cash prizes were given away as a reward for the consumers’ loyalty to Jolly Claro. The grand raffle winners were picked in January, hailing from different parts of the country and the story of each winner is unparalleled.

Aside from the Oilinis, Oilinaw and Oilinamnam experience that come from being solid fans of Jolly Claro Cooking Oil, three lucky grand prize winners proved that this once in a lifetime experience is one of the most heartwarming moments of their lives.

An unexpected blessing for a new user

One of the three winners is a native of Tarlac, who recently switched to Jolly Claro Cooking Oil for her Takoyaki business. This Japanese street food requires profuse usage of a good quality cooking oil to give it a crunchy exterior and well-cooked batter. Once a buyer of ‘takal mantika’ in a public market, she became a loyal user of Jolly Claro Cooking Oil after she got to try it and now swears that there’s no looking back. “Gumagamit kami ng takal cooking oil nuon para makatipid. Pero nung nakita ko po yung ads ng Jolly Claro sa grocery at sa Facebook, sinubukan ko po sumali. Maganda po yung quality ng Jolly Claro lalo na sa food business owners kagaya namin. Hindi na kami babalik sa takal-takal. Okay ang quality ng Claro at ang presyo.” For this food business owner, this is not a stroke of luck but also a welcome discovery that paved the way for what she considers an unexpected blessing.

From takal cooking oil user to a Jolly Claro Cooking oil winner

When loyalty reaps a reward

The other lucky raffle winner is Bryan, a Gen Z from Batangas. He and his family have been loyal users of Jolly Claro for years, and with their loyalty came an amazing opportunity. “Ang family po namin gumagamit na talaga ng Jolly Claro noon pa man, mas okay po kasi ang price at quality nito. Napag-utusan po ako ng Auntie ko na bumili ng Jolly Claro Cooking Oil noong araw na iyon. Pagpunta ko po sa grocery, doon ko nakita ‘yung promo, pati po sa Facebook, kaya sumali ako agad. Nagpapa-salamat po talaga ako sa Jolly Claro sa biyaya na ito. Plano ko po na sorpresahin ang buong pamilya namin, lalo na ang Auntie ko, sa prize na napanalunan ko.”

“Ang family po namin gumagamit na talaga ng Jolly Claro noon pa man, mas okay po kasi ang price at quality nito.”

Bryan, a Gen Z loyal user of Jolly Claro Cooking Oil, now a raffle prize winner

From OFW to a food business owner, now a grand winner

The grand winner from the Greater Manila Area was a former OFW. However, during the pandemic crisis, she was one of those who unfortunately lost a job. To be able to make ends meet, she decided to venture into a food business with her husband. “Nagluluto yung asawa ko at nagbebenta kami ng mga lutong pagkain. Nagustuhan namin yung quality ng Jolly Claro kasi walang amoy at hindi mabilis mangitim. Okay talaga ang quality. Yung dati naming ginagamit mabilis mangitim.” When she saw the Facebook ad, she did not hesitate to try her luck. “Naka-apat na entries din po kami sa promo. Tinyaga po namin ang pag sali at siyempre, nag dasal din po na palarin na manalo.” And when she received the call declaring that she was one of the grand raffle winners, she had nothing but a grateful heart and strengthened loyalty for the brand. As a former user of another cooking oil brand, discovering Jolly Claro in 2022 not only helped both her and her husband in improving the quality of the food for their business, it has also given them a life changing blessing which will enable them to grow their business further and recover from the after-effects of the pandemic. Nasunog po kasi yung paupahan ng Nanay ko recently na tanging pinagkukuhanan niya ng ikabubuhay. Sa tulong po ng Jolly Claro, mapapagawa ko na ang paupahan niya para hindi na sya malungkot. Lagi ko pong susuportahan ang Jolly Claro at talagang malaking tulong po sa amin ang blessing na ito.”

“Tinyaga po namin ang pag sali at siyempre, nag dasal din po na palarin na manalo. Ang saya po talaga namin dahil blessing po itong panalo namin.Malaking tulong po ito hindi lang sa aming mag asawa, pati rin sa aking Nanay. Lagi ko pong susuportahan ang Jolly Claro.”

The clear choice of homemakers

Jolly Claro Cooking Oil is not only a household staple, the brand is also a clear and superior choice for everyday cooking. Distinguishing itself through quality and versatility, Jolly Claro boasts a high smoke point, allowing it to withstand high heat frying without burning or smoking. Its clear and smooth appearance, resistant to cloudiness or thickening, further sets it apart. Undergoing a unique 5-step process (3x refined, 2x filtered), Jolly Claro attains this clarity and top-notch quality, positioning it as the perfect partner for your everyday cooking.

With Jolly Claro, enjoying a good, quality cooking oil for your everyday dishes doesn’t have to strain your finances. Choosing Jolly Claro Cooking Oil is a wise move for your kitchen and your wallet. It’s the perfect choice for budget-conscious homemakers and cooks who refuse to compromise on taste and quality.

Jolly Claro Cooking Oil is distributed by Fly Ace Corporation and is available at all leading groceries and supermarkets nationwide and online via AceMarket.ph, Lazada, Shopee and TikTok Shop. For more information, follow its Facebook Page and visit www.flyacecorp.com.

April 3, 2024
Crunch into Happiness with Jollibee’s New Chicken On-The-Go Nuggets

Jollibee, the beloved Filipino fast-food chain, has done it again! With the launch of their latest offering, the Crispy, Juicy, Chicken On-The-Go, Jollibee Chicken Nuggets, they’ve created a snack sensation that’s bound to capture hearts and taste buds alike. Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for these delectable bites.

It’s crispy. Prepare yourself for pure joy as you sink your teeth into these nuggets, with a crunch on the skin as well as a satisfying texture found in each bite. Jollibee has mastered the art of achieving the top-notch crispiness.

It’s juicy. Beyond the crisp exterior lies the juicy and succulent chicken which promises a burst of flavor. Each indulgent bite will have you reaching for more.

It’s on-the-go. The Jollibee Chicken Nuggets are the ideal snack to take with you on-the-go. This delectable finger food is designed to conveniently fit into any activity, allowing you to savor its goodness anytime, anywhere—as seen in Jollibee’s new TVC!

This ad captures the essence of the Jollibee Chicken Nuggets experience. Whether you’re driving to a meeting, working in the office, or hanging out with your buddies, these nuggets make a great companion for your everyday activities. It also comes with a choice of dip—BBQ ketchup, ranch, or sriracha mayo, making it all the more enjoyable.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Jollibee Chicken Nuggets—a delicious snack that combines crispiness, juiciness, and convenience in every bite. We are confident that these nuggets will not only win over the hearts and tastebuds of our customers, but also become their new on-the-go snack companion,” said Luis Berba, Marketing Director of Jollibee Philippines.

The Jollibee Chicken Nuggets are now available nationwide, being offered in 6-pc. for P99 and 10-pc. for P175. Drop by yournearest Jollibee branch and indulge in its crispy, juicy goodness via dine-in, take-out, or drive-thru. You can also have it delivered via the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and Foodpanda.

April 3, 2024
FDCP to meet AFS school reps on April 5

The Film Development Council of the Philippines will reconvene with representatives of Academic Film Society member schools this week “to discuss the current trends and happenings concerning film education in the country.”

FDCP Project Development Officer Korina Dela Cruz shared that the AFS, a nationwide association of schools, colleges, and universities involved in film education, “has grown over the past few months since its launch last March 2023.” The agency’s Education Division has invited registered members to meet to further “promote the incorporation of film in institutional academic activities as well as training for teachers on how to use film in the classroom and in 21st century learning.”

Also expected to attend the meeting are FDCP Officer-in-Charge Rica Arevalo, Technical Consultant Jose Javier Reyes, Education Consultant Seymour Sanchez, and more than 30 program chairs, film professors, and reps of accredited academic institutions offering film, communication, visual arts, and other related courses, as well as teachers from senior high schools with arts-related programs.

The discussion aims to tackle “the different needs of the schools, including suggestions on how FDCP may serve their respective institutions” and “the proposal of a first-ever Film Education Convention to be held in September 2024,” among other related matters.

Among the registered AFS members from Metro Manila are Adamson University, Asia Pacific Film Institute, CIIT College of Arts and Technology, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, DLSU Manila, Eugenio Lopez Jr. Center for Media Arts Senior High School, FEU Alabang, FEU Manila, iACADEMY, La Consolacion College Manila, LPU Manila, Manila Tytana Colleges, Manuel A. Roxas High School, Mapúa University, Meridian International Business and Arts Inc. (MINT), Miriam College, Olivarez College, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, San Beda College Alabang, St. Scholastica’s College, STI Ortigas, Treston International College, Universidad de Manila, University of Makati, University of the East Caloocan, UP Diliman, and UP Manila.

AFS members outside Metro Manila include Alaminos City National High School, Benilde Antipolo, Bicol University College of Arts and Letters, Biliran Province State University, Bulacan State University, DLSU-Dasmariñas, Francisco E. Barzaga Integrated High School, Laguna University, LPU Cavite, National University – Laguna, St. Dominic College of Asia, Partido State University (Camarines Sur), STI College Balagtas, The Manila Times College of Subic, UP Baguio, UP Mindanao, UP Visayas, University of San Agustin, University of San Carlos, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, and West Visayas State University.

AFS-registered schools have access to the FDCP’s Student Film Assistance Program (SFAP) and Film School workshops and specialized training programs, references, artifacts, and films available under its media library, mentors and resource persons for film education component, film exhibition platforms including Cinematheque Centres nationwide and JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel, FDCP ratings and permits, school event promotions, and other benefits.

Through the AFS, the FDCP also encourages educational institutions and student organizations in the country “to mount their own student film festival to provide an avenue for student filmmakers to showcase their works and motivate them to produce more original projects.” The national agency has “existing programs for festival development which the members can apply to and utilize.”

April 3, 2024
Be among the first to see “YOLO”! Catch sneak previews of the global box office sensation on April 8 and 9

The global box-office sensation, YOLO, is punching its way to Philippine cinemas! See it first in sneak previews on April 8 and 9, and find out why YOLO is highly rated. Regular cinema run starts April 17.

YOLO tells the story of Le Ying who has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in particular. After graduating from college and working for a while, Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from social circles, which she believes is the best way to “reconcile” with herself. Then one day, after several twists of fate, she decides to live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun (played by Lei Jia Yin), who just may change her life.

The film was written and directed by lead star Jia Ling, who became the highest-grossing female director in China in 2021 with her directorial debut film Hi, Mom, which, like YOLO, she also wrote and starred in.

Says Cui Ting, a reviewer in China, “While directing the film, Jia Ling also needed to be ‘in character’ with all she can, to ignite the character and emotional empathy with the audience. This film truly ignites the passion from the audience, you can tell it from the standing ovation at the end of the film. Jia Ling wins at this film.”

You only live once. Laugh and cry along with YOLO’s international movie audience. YOLO, distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International, opens in Philippine cinemas on April 17. #YOLO @columbiapicph

April 3, 2024
Emotive florals that catch the discerning eye

The lush, floral paintings currently on exhibit at ARTablado are by two young artists who used what they learned at school and in their line of work to come up with impressive pieces. Interior designer Summer Pasana and graphic designer Rica Cena are now full-time visual artists who have teamed up for their first two-woman show.

The two consider themselves as sisters who have an affinity for flowers and, interestingly, music. “We spend most of our time listening to music when we paint. It can range from musicals to love songs,” they said in a joint statement.

One album they both listened to and were able to connect with while painting was “Nurture” by Porter Robinson. The album which follows an artist’s struggles to find beauty in daily life and in the natural world struck a chord with both of them. It was thus a natural progression to choose “Nurture” as the title their exhibit which runs from April 1 to 15 at ARTablado, Robinsons Galleria.

Summer’s pieces range from large-scale paintings to smaller ones that measure 12” x 12”. Her depictions of irises, poppies, dogwood blooms, phalaenopsis and tulips show an attention to detail but always with a romantic touch as seen in the curvy, wavy lines.

The artist said that when she paints, she pours her heart into each piece. “I paint because it is where I get to express myself wholeheartedly, without any rules,” Summer said.

She started painting a decade ago when she was still at university and recalled how seeing her father paint as a child, inspired her to do the same. “I remember vividly seeing my Dad painting green leaves on a canvas using his palette knife, and mixing oil paints on a glass palette. I found this truly inspiring.”

Summer expressed her desire and was gifted with the materials. Her first painting was a landscape of mountains.

Rica’s interest in the visual arts started when she was only four years old. She was inspired by sketches made by her mother but only tried her hand at painting when she was in high school.

“My parents bought me my first set of oil paints and a bottle of linseed oil. I painted a landscape with a blue sky and a shining sun, lots of trees and a green meadow in the middle. I only knew how to draw and sketch portraits of women before and I thought I should learn how to put colors on my drawings,” Rica recalled.

Both artists initially experimented with portraits with Summer drawing inspiration from Elly

Smallwood and Sarah Graham while Rica admires the evocative work of German artist Valerie Lin.

The Filipino artists Summer looks up to include Lydia Velasco for her studied use of color, and Gerry Joquico because of the way “he portrays distinctive emotions.”

For “Nurture,” however, flowers reign supreme. “When I decided to become a full-time artist in 2022, I grew fond of flowers or botanicals, and created my own style… using bold colors and undulating lines,” Summer said.

Rica’s style has an almost sculptural quality. Her white florals, layered peonies, and liquid-like fabrics appear to be caught in a moment—crystallized.

She “adores” flowers and finds their fragility enchanting. “I feel happy inside whenever I create something that is beautiful and meaningful. What I love the most about painting florals is that I get to use different color palettes. I love mixing my own colors as it helps me improve my color matching,” Rica said.

The two learned about ARTablado through social media. “It’s a great opportunity to be able to exhibit our pieces together as they coexist and show a kind of mutual connection,” they said in a joint statement.

“We hope we are able to connect with every passerby and form a connection with every piece that captures their eye. We want our viewers to stay a while then leave with a part of our emotions that we expressed through our artworks.”

April 3, 2024