Ghie Pangilinan a multi awarded, is AAP Woman of the Year!

Awards and citations coming one after the other for Ms. Ghie Pangilinan, Founder and CEO of Skin Magical. She was declared “Woman of the Year” in the most recently concluded American Association of the Philippines “Men and Women of the Year” awards night. It was her second in a row from AAP, next to many other awards received in the recent years. She was also a recipient of Asia Leaders Awards in 2019 and 2020, as Influencer of the Year and the Beauty and wellness company she founded, Skin Magical, as Startup Company of the Year. In the 14th Gawad Pilipino Awards, she was also regarded to as the Most Influential Entrepreneur of the Year.

The serial entrepreneur and young CEO is very thankful to all the award giving bodies and promised to strive more to help the Filipino people to be successful also.

Ghie Pangilinan’s name has been making waves since the rise to fame of her pilot business, Skin Magical. She did not start big time, she started as an ordinary online seller who bravely ventured into starting a brand of her own with a meager capital of P7k. Her story is more than just a story of success, it’s a story of inspiration and empowerment, a successful business born out of hard work, perseverance and determination, now providing livelihood and high-quality skin care and beauty products for all.

“What could be more inspiring than being able to inspire others that no big dreams are impossible if you have the heart for it!  It doesn’t matter how many times you tried or fail, what matters is you never give up and you continue to achieve it little by little. “ says Ghie Pangilinan

Not resting from her accolades, from Skin Magical alone, now she has a “Skye group of companies” to manage.  To name a few more for Health & Wellness, Speaks G, Cloud Face International, Magical Posh Cosmetics, and Artista Scent.  Venturing into food and beverage, she has Coffee Periodt and “Tea Talk,” which for only 2 years now, has grown into many franchises across Rizal and the Metro. And now, together with her husband Gerry, they made official their dream realty and construction business, the “MagicalWorld Realty Corporation. 

According to Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, the 1st ever woman President of the American Association of the Philippines and an equally empowered woman, “Ghie is a superwoman. Having so much in her plate and yet still building and conceptualizing more projects and branches nationwide helping the Filipino people to earn and succeed.”

Such a truly remarkable and amazing woman in business, undoubtedly deserving to be included in this year’s AAP’s Profiles of Excellence, Men and Women who matters list!

The American Association of the Philippines is a non-political, non-commercial organization established in 1949, founded on the concept of community interest, welfare, responsibility.

Israel Tourism and DOT to Boost Two-way Tourism

Israel Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov held a meeting with Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat in the Israel Pavilion at the World Travel Market (WTM) held in London.  

The two ministers, discussed about the great potential of both Philippines and Israel to see the tourists in each country. They also talked about the matters regarding the direct flights and how it will be a game changer to boost two-way tourism for both countries.  

According to Razvozov, Israel had reached an amazing and historic record in 2019, with (more than) 33,000 Filipinos arriving in Israel.   

"We are looking forward to seeing the Filipino tourists in Israel. In 2019 we had a record number of tourists from the Philippines – about 33,000. We hope to have at least the same numbers soon. The new direct flights will give a massive boost for the tourism between our two countries."  

On the other hand, data from Department of Tourism that 22,851 Israelis visited the Philippines.  

Philippine passport holder is visa free to Israel up to 90 days.  

Israel Minister of Tourism Yoel Razvozov also invited DOT Secretary Puyat to join the IMTM happening in February 2022. The IMTM is an annual tourism event that brought together travel and trade industry partners to introduce new attractions and tourist destinations.  

Inclusive SDGs Resiliart Earthsaving Event in Manila to this December 2-10, 2021

After being rescheduled three times from May 2020 because of the ongoing pandemic, the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goal) Resiliart Earthsaving event in Manila will finally push through on December 2–10. 

Headed by former senator and The Manila Hotel President Jose D. Lina, UNESCO Artist for Peace Director Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, South-South Cooperation Council President Dr. Viktor Sebek , Councilor Numero “Uno” Lim, Philippine Normal University Vice President for University Relations and Advancement Dr. Lordinio A. Vergara. Also present were the directors of the various workshops, art camp, forum, festival performances, and outreach program: Director Frank Rivera will handle the workshop for the prisoners, Neni Miranda for the ASEAN Art Camp which will be held at the Philippine Normal University, Dr. Ted Everest Esguerra will handle the workshop for the health workers, Gigi Felix Velarde will handle the PWD workshops, Ed Pagayon will be handling the refugees and dislocated indigenous communities workshop, and Joland Santos for comics.

In celebration of Human Rights Week, organized by the Earthsavers UNESCO Artist for Peace and the Philippine Center of the International Theater Institute (ITI) Social Change Network, the event actualizes the roadmap identified in the May 2018 Manila Declaration for the Launch of the International Peace and Climate Justice Movement: Not by Force but by Art, under UNESCO Patronage. This agreement was endorsed by the November 2018 Cartagena de Indias SSCC Conference and at the December 2018 Katowice COP 24 through an international citizen art exhibition at the ART’s PLANET.

This event will showcase the Philippines communications agenda in support of South-South cooperation and United Nations Programmes on Cultural and Biological Diversity Dialogue on Sustainable Development

The 9-day event will feature:

· ART CAMP, an interactive activity involving Filipino and ASEAN visual artists in interaction to create mural paintings conveying the SDGs;

· FESTIVAL OF PERFORMANCES, a harvest of techno-artistic manifestations on the SDGs to be staged by foreign and local dance groups, musicians, singers, poets and other artists;

· FORUM, a series of discussions to forge a platform of action for actualizing the SDGs focused on people, planet, peace and prosperity through partnerships;

· WORKSHOPS, sessions showing transformation, healing of trauma popularizing science and income-generating creative industries among the vulnerable communities namely, Prisoners, PWDs, Health Workers, Refugees and Indigenous Dislocated Families; and,

· OUTREACH PROGRAM, cultural immersion and interaction of delegates and performing groups in the Visayas and Mindanao hubs.

It will be participated by distinguished cultural animators, media leaders and artists of different disciplines, UNESCO Artist for Peace, parliamentarians, and executive officers (basic education and culture, higher education, science and technology, ecology, women, tourism, poverty, alleviation, public information, trade and industry, information and communications technology, human rights, and indigenous communities), performing groups by partners endorse by relevant UNESCO National Commissions, vulnerable communities such as prisoners, persons with disabilities, rehabilitation center drug dependents, refugees and displaced indigenous communities.

“Because what we’re all fighting is equity of opportunities, respect for cultural diversity but unified as one global community. That’s what we’re going to allow the world to see. If they think of Greece as the one who started the Olympics games, they’re going to remember the Philippines which started this global cultural movement. Not by force but by art and media,” shares Earthsavers UNESCO Artists for Peace Director Cecile Guidote-Alvarez.

The event will be hosted by the Senate of the Republic the Philippines, individuals endorsed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and affirmed by the Office of the President, and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Nick Lizaso, Chairman, Philippine Normal University (PNU) President Dr. Bert J. Tuga, and Manila Hotel President and former senator Jose D. Lina.

The goal of the event is to have examples of how art can build bridges between countries and areas of conflict and encourage similar exercises across the globe in the future, to have strong implementation of SDGs through the medium of art and media, to have public education at all levels on environmental protection and climate justice through art; popularizing science and motivating the will to reduce carbon footprints and promote alternative clean energy not to breach 1.5degree C, and to have the input the work of relevant committees in the Congressional Committees on Environment and Climate Change, Culture and Education, Peace and Order HEALTH, SOCIAL JUSTICE SDG Committee.

Visit here for more information https//:manilasdgevent.info.

DTI Launches #flexPHridays Calls on all Filipinos to support Local Businesses with Online Campaign

#flexPHridays, a new call to action campaign by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to encourage Filipinos to support local businesses through the power of social media, will be launched this November 26.

For the past six years, the Philippines has been at the top of global charts as to the number of social media users and internet usage. The country’s over 76 million unique social media users account for approximately 71% of its population. DTI sees this as an opportunity to tap the online community, encourage them to support local businesses, and help promote Filipino products in the global market.

The campaign leverages on the rising “flex” culture online where social media users share and showcase their purchases on their personal accounts or different online communities spanning various industries. The term “flex” has evolved into an online jargonsynonymous to showcase, feature, show off, or be proud of. The “PH” inside the hashtag serves as a campaign identifier to specify that what is being promoted is Philippine-made. With the amalgamation of “PH” with the word “Fridays” resulting to “PHridays,” the campaign aims to make it a weekly Friday habit to inspire purchase of local goods and express pride in supporting Filipino products.

“Stimulating economic recovery is a monumental task, and we want to invite and involve the entire online Filipino community in this endeavor. The spirit of Bayanihan is alive and strong, and this digital #FlexPHridays campaign will help champion the beauty and quality of Filipino products in the digital space,” shared Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

While the pandemic has heavily impacted economies not just in the Philippines but around the world, the country’s economic performance has shown signs of strong economic rebound, with GDP posing at 7.1% for the third quarter and is projected to hit 5.5% for the entire year, according to the trade chief.

“This campaign aims to drive awareness that in buying local products and supporting our micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), we are providing jobs to countless Filipinos and developing the entrepreneurial drive of our countrymen,” added Secretary Lopez.

The #FlexPHridays campaign welcomes all Filipino consumer goods industries including but not limited to fashion and apparel, textiles, gift items, furniture, food and beverages, accessories and décor, houseware and fixtures, and technology. Through this campaign, DTI hopes that it would also help the discoverability of brands and products online as consumers share photos or videos of Filipino products on various platforms. Global studies have shown that the majority of retail or commercial buyers search brands online before proceeding with their purchase. Participation of companies and personalities in this campaign allows the increase of brand visibility in the dynamic environment of the digital space.

This campaign was personally conceived by Secretary Ramon Lopez and is designed by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM). The program implementation will cut across all of DTI’s branches and attached agencies. 

“We are proud to be part of this campaign and this fully utilizes not only the local Filipino community but our countrymen abroad to advocate for Filipino products. We envision that this campaign will not only develop our local economy but also position our country as a sourcing destination for a variety of export products,” explained CITEM Executive Director Pauline Suaco-Juan.

This campaign is not only for consumers but also encourages businesses to participate. DTI is inviting all entrepreneurs to participate by using the hashtag on their campaigns, engaging their endorsers to post, and also incentivizing loyal customers who use the hashtag and mention their brand

“The campaign was designed so that it can be easily integrated in existing marketing campaigns of companies. We wanted to provide opportunities for the development of promotional and loyalty programs so companies can identify loyal customers and reward their patronage and support,” added Trade Promotions Group Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman.

To participate in the campaign, just simply snap a photo or take a video of a Filipino product that you’re wearing, in your closet, in your home, on your office desk, or on your dining table and use the hashtag #FlexPHridays. Participants are encouraged to share the story of how they discovered the brand, where they bought it and why they find the product excellent.

“Tomorrow, we call on everyone to use the hashtag #FlexPHridays and wear something local during Fridays. We encourage you to post your locally-produced goods on your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok. Hopefully this transforms into a habit or culture of patronizing locally-made products as this will help restimulate demand that will bring back more jobs needed in the recovery,” the Trade Secretary emphasized. 

Balik Scientists boost R&D in the Philippines amidst the pandemic

The pandemic made an impact on the science community and created a disruption in the scientific activities of our local scientists. However, our Balik Scientists beat the odds by continuing to engage in R&D activities in the country. One of our Balik Scientists, Dr. Venecio U. Ultra Jr., a soil science expert, continued the R&D work with the Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) despite the difficulties due to restrictions. As NwSSU is new to R&D work, the involvement of our Balik Scientist boosted their project on sustainability assessment of agriculture and aquatic food production in Taft River Basin, a body of water that is affected by the post-operation of the Bagacay Mines.

Other Balik Scientists featured were our “stay” Balik Scientists. They are Balik Scientists who decided to stay for good contributing continuously to the development of Science, Technology and Innovation in the country.

The accounts of Dr. Ultra with NwSSU and our stay Balik Scientists were some of the highlights in the recently conducted 7th Balik Scientist Program (BSP) Annual Convention organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) held last November 19, 2021, Friday, via Zoom and other online platforms.

The BSP convention is a yearly gathering of Balik Scientists and Host Institutions, which serves as a platform for returning Filipino researchers to impart their knowledge, experiences, and initiatives in the areas of agriculture, health, industry, energy, and emerging technologies. It also provides an avenue for research collaborations, networking, and forging of ties among Balik Scientists, existing and prospective Host Institutions, and other stakeholders.

Other experts that were also featured during the convention include Dr. Christian Mark G. Salvador and Dr. Heidi Frisco-Cabanos. Dr. Salvador specializes in the formation and transformation of atmospheric pollutants while Dr. Heidi Frisco-Cabanos focuses on translational research, chemical biology and oncology and infectious diseases. The host institutions and other Balik Scientists like Dr. Florence Onda, Dr. Thomas Neil Pascual, and Dr. Chosel P. Lawagon who stayed in country also participated in sharing their experiences on how they have provided solutions to the challenges brought by the pandemic.

“The sharing of experiences from our Balik Scientists and Host Institutions demonstrates the ingenuity and determination to move forward whatever

circumstances that may come and may hamper their momentum”, as mentioned Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, Executive Director of DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD)

“DOST will continue working closely with our researchers under the BSP to build local capacities in research and to generate accessible innovations for all,” Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, mentioned. “We have relatively new fields in the Philippines where we need experts in neuroscience, quantum computing, plant breeding, medical chemistry, among others. We need the expertise of our Balik Scientists to further these new interests in the country.” he added.

This year’s theme, “Balik Scientist: Tugon sa Hamon ng Panahon”, conveyed the message that Balik Scientists, together with the local counterparts in host institutions, thrive even in the most critical situation whether they are here in the country or currently abroad.

In the said convention, a new BSP online portal was launched to cater to potential Balik Scientists and Host Institutions in processing of online application in five easy steps.

Relative to the implementation of the program amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the DOST adjusted the program guidelines which now allow a 100 percent remote engagement of Balik Scientists under Short-Term category to ensure the health and safety of the Balik Scientists and the Host Institutions

“Through this activity, we hope to stir your patriotic spirit of cherishing the Philippines and serving the people. That science has no borders, and Filipino scientists have their motherland. We need more Balik Scientists! We need you to adapt foreign technologies to local realities,” Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara, said.

The BSP was established in 1975 to counteract the nationwide concern on “brain drain” or the emigration of highly trained professionals from our country, in search of a better standard of living and quality of life, higher salaries, access to advanced technology and more stable political conditions in different places worldwide.

Through the program, foreign-based Filipinos are encouraged to return to the country and impart their knowledge and expertise for the advancement of research and development in the country, as well as address development gaps.

QCinema International Film Festival 2021 Jump-starts Cinema’s ‘Great Rebound’

MANILA, PHILIPPINES-- The QCinema International Film Festival is back under the new tagline,  "Jump Start," an apt phrase to describe the festival’s function in Filipino’s gradual return to movie theaters. 

Lav Diaz’s ‘Historya ni Ha’ and Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s ‘Memoria’ headline QCinema’s 2021 lineup, screening alongside a sextet of competing Filipino shorts

The 10-day film fest will take on a hybrid approach with screenings available online via KTX.ph and in-person at the Gateway Cineplex 10. The festival will happen from November 26 - December 5, 2021.

“This will be the first film festival to be held after cinemas opened their doors again and we are very happy to be part of the jump start of our much-loved industry,” said Ed Lejano, Festival Director.

In-person screenings at Gateway Cineplex 10
QCinema 2021 will open with Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s Memoria, Cannes Festival 2021 Jury Prize winner and Colombian entry to the 94th Academy Awards. The film, which stars Tilda Swinton, is the acclaimed director’s first English language film. This is the film’s Southeast Asian premiere.

Memoria will be screened at Gateway Cineplex 10 with other much-acclaimed films.

The films under "Screen International," which is one of QCinema’s most awaited sections, are The Worst Person in the World, The Box, Happening, Vengeance is Mine, All Others Pay Cash, Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy, and Drive My Car.

The Worst Person in the World by Joachim Trier will also have its Southeast Asian premiere at QCinema 2021. The film premiered in competition at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, with Renate Reinsve winning the award for Best Actress for her performance in the film. It was selected as the Norwegian entry to the 94th Academy Awards. This film is co-presented by the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

Another film having its Southeast Asian debut is The Box by Lorenzo Vigas, the first Latin American to win the Venice Film Festival’s top award with his searing debut From Afar. This film won the Leoncino d'Oro Agiscuola Award at Venice Film Festival 2021.

Venice Film Festival 2021 Golden Lion winner Happening by Audrey Diwan is having its Asian premiere at QCinema 2021. This is Audrey Diwan’s second film and is based on the 2000 novel of the same name by Annie Ernaux. This film is co-presented by the Embassy of France.

Also for Southeast Asian premiere is Vengeance is Mine, All Others Pay Cash by Indonesian auteur Edwin. This film won the Golden Leopard at the Locarno International Film Festival 2021. Edwin is known for his two prior films, Blind Pig Who Wants to Fly and Postcards From the Zoo.

QCinema earlier announced that it is also hosting the Southeast Asian premiere of Ryūsuke Hamaguchi’s 2021 films, in partnership with The Japan Foundation. Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy premiered at Berlinale 2021 and won the Silver Bear, while Drive My Car played in competition in Cannes Film Festival 2021 and brought home the Best Screenplay trophy. 

Aside from these "Screen International" selections, QCinema will also screen at Gateway Cineplex 10 more films including Great Freedom under "RainbowQC" section, Lamb under "New Horizons" section, and Onoda: 10,000 Nights in the Jungle and Historya ni Ha under "Special Screenings."

Great Freedom by Sebastian Meise is the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize winner at the Cannes Film Festival 2021 and Austrian entry to the 94th Academy Awards. This is the prison drama’s Asian premiere.

Premiering in Asia is Scandinavian folk-horror film Lamb by Valdimar Jóhannsson, Cannes Un Certain Regard Prize of Originality award winner and Icelandic entry for the 94th Academy Awards.

The biopic of a World War II holdout in the Philippines will have its Southeast Asian premiere at QCinema 2021. Onoda: 10,000 Nights in the Jungle by Arthur Harari is about a Japanese soldier who spent 30 years hiding in the Philippine jungle unaware that World War II was over. The film opened the Un Certain Regard of the Cannes Film Festival 2021. Angeli Bayani is part of this film.

Completing this section list is Lav Diaz’ Historya ni Ha, which will be having its Asian premiere. The film, which stars John Lloyd Cruz, had its world premiere at the prestigious 65th BFI London Film Festival in the United Kingdom.

Aside from these films, QCinema will also screen select Patrick Alcedo films for free. These are the A Will to Dream and short films They Call Me Dax and Am I Being Selfish. 

Online streaming via KTX.ph
Those who are still not comfortable going to the cinemas or are staying outside Metro Manila can still be part of the QCinema experience. The festival is presenting an equally exciting lineup for its online edition.

Under the "Screen International" section are My Salinger Year, The Great Movement, and Miracle.

Berlinale 2020 opening film My Salinger Year by Philippe Falardeau is a coming-of-age story headlined by Sigourney Weaver and Margaret Qualley.

Set for its Asian debut is The Great Movement by Kiro Russo. The film won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Horizon Awards 2021 and is the Bolivian entry to the 94th Academy Awards.

Warsaw International Film Festival 2021 Best Film Miracle by Bogdan George Apetri is another film having its Asian premiere at QCinema 2021. This crime drama film had its world premiere in Venice.

Apples, Magnetic Beats, El Planeta, and Playground will be part of the ‘New Horizons’ section, which ushers debut films all over the world.

Apples by Christos Nikou won Best Screenplay at the Chicago International Film Festival 2020. This film, which will have its Southeast Asian premiere at QCinema 2021, is the Greek entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards.

Vincent Maël Cardona’s feature, Magnetic Beats, is also set for its Southeast Asian premiere. The film won an SACD Award at the Director's Fortnight of the Cannes Film Festival 2021.

In El Planeta, Director Amalia Ulman stars in this film opposite her real-life mother. This film, which will also have its Southeast Asian premiere, won the Best Director award at the Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema 2021.

Playground by Laura Wendel is the Belgian entry to the 94th Academy Awards. This film won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Cannes Film Festival 2021.

New section "Asian Voices" will feature new opus from Asian directors. This section will include Yuni and Islands.

Yuni by Kamila Andini, another coming-of-age drama, will have its Philippine premiere. This is Indonesia's official submission to the 94th Academy Awards. It won the Platform Prize, Toronto International Film Festival 2020. 

• 

DOST Launches Online Portal for Balik Scientists

In line with the government’s thrust toward digital governance, the Balik Scientist Program (BSP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), during its 7th BSP Annual Convention on Friday, 19 November 2021 at 9 in the morning, will launch an online portal where aspiring Filipino scientists abroad can submit applications to be Balik Scientists in the Philippines.

The BSP convention is a yearly gathering of Balik Scientists and Host Institutions which serves as a platform for returning Filipino researchers to impart their knowledge, experiences, and initiatives in the areas of agriculture, health, industry, energy, and emerging technologies. It also provides an avenue for research collaborations, networking, and forging ties among Balik Scientists, existing and prospective Host Institutions, and other stakeholders.

“DOST will continue working closely with our researchers under the BSP to build local capacities in research and to generate accessible innovations for all,” Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, mentioned. “We have relatively new fields in the Philippines where we need experts in neuroscience, quantum computing, plant breeding, medical chemistry and so on. We need the expertise of our Balik Scientists to further these new interests in the country!” he added.

With this year’s theme, “Balik Scientist: Tugon sa Hamon ng Panahon,” the convention aims to showcase the undertakings of Balik Scientists and their Host Institutions despite the pandemic through engagements under the provision of the BSP Supplemental Guideline. The convention hopes to present how BSP is moving forward even in this challenging times.

In the said convention, potential Balik Scientists and Host Institutions will learn about the new BSP online application process in five easy steps.

Relative to the implementation of the program amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the DOST adjusted the program guidelines which now allow a 100 percent remote engagement of Balik Scientists under Short-Term category to ensure the health and safety of both the Balik Scientists and Host Institutions.

“Through this activity, we hope to stir your patriotic spirit of cherishing the Philippines and serving the people. That science has no borders, and Filipino scientists have their motherland. We need more Balik Scientists! We need you to adapt foreign technologies to local realities,” Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara, said.

“With DOST initiatives and BSP, we expect the steady flow of new strategic technologies that are vital to national development,” Paringit said.

The BSP was established in 1975 to counteract the nationwide concern on “brain drain” or the emigration of highly trained professionals from a country, in search of the better standard of living and quality of life, higher salaries, access to advanced technology and more stable political conditions in different places worldwide.

Through the program, foreign-based Filipinos are encouraged to return to the country and impart their knowledge and expertise for the advancement of research and development in the country, as well as address development gaps.