From 2020 Vision to a New Contemporary”. ManilART"23!

The country"s national art fair proudly announces its milestone 15th year with the theme "A New Contemporary.” This marks the culmination of a series of themes that ManilART explored over the most recent years, emphasizing the legacy and tradition of Philippine art, while embracing new perspectives and the incorporation of new media.

Leading up to this milestone and beyond

In 2020, the art fair faced the year"s unprecedented challenges head-on with the theme 2020Vision for a Future Reimagined, ready to take on the country"s evolving artistic landscape. In2021, Continuing Legacies highlighted the art fair"s journey as a platform for the arts, celebrating tried and tested methods and paying homage to the artists behind its success. And in 2022, Forging Futures captured the spirit of progress as the fair began to navigate a post-pandemic world, ushering in a new era of artistic exploration.

This year signals "A New Contemporary" as ManilART continues its commitment to excellence, built upon each iteration of its evolving journey–bridging traditional and contemporary,  providing a space for an ever-expanding spectrum of old and new media expression in the visual arts.

From functional to phygital: offerings at ManilART"23

At ManilART'23, there"s surely something for everyone. The art fair shall showcase a diverserange of exhibits, featuring both traditional and interdisciplinary expressions. Attendees can explore captivating canvas-based and sculptural works, as well as delve into the world of 

functional and technology-based art. The fair also embraces various media, including automotive art and design, digital art, sound art, and emerging forms like non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and phygital media.

ManilART also returns as a festival and fellowship for all art lovers via the grand gala opening, as well as VIP vernissage, artist night and various planned social and artistic engagements for collectors, artists and art aficionados. The milestone 15th year also celebrates the fair"s

uninterrupted annual staging and having come out more responsive to the times.

A new art world of interconnectivity

Having gone through the crucible of global challenge, ManilART"23 retains the gains of being thrust onto the online sphere and continues to develop its online viewing platform and portals. These digital spaces allow for simultaneous, multi-location and satellite exhibitions, offering a larger showcase that brings art to wider audiences, allowing them to engage with art from the comfort of their own spaces.

ManilART"23 shall continue to partner with satellite exhibitions around the country as well as expand its onsite offering through collaborations. In the lineup include projects with Museo Orlina, The Estate, Silangan Art Fair, Barasoain Church and the Manila Clock Tower.

As the flagship project for Museums and Galleries Month of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, ManilART"23 continues to abide by its mandate to strengthen creative economy and promote Philippine visual artistry through supporting art galleries, museums, and associated institutions.

Elevate Your Experience at ManilART 23’s Estate Lounge

Step into a realm of sophistication and luxury at the fair’s Estate Lounge, proudly presented by The Estate Makati. This premium offering by SM Development Corporation defines modern luxury nestled at the heart of Makati’s Central Business District. After a long day of strolling  through the art fair, you can look forward to unwinding in the most elegant manner, courtesy of  The Estate’s touch of refinement and sophistication.

Soak in the sights and spirits at the Estate Lounge’s sculpture wine fountain – a masterpiece by none other than Ramon Orlina, making its grand return after years to claim its place as the centerpiece. This elegant experience is supported by Novellino wines.

Tradition Meets Innovation with Our Partners

ManilART’23 takes center stage as the flagship project of the Museums and Galleries Month, a tradition proudly upheld for fifteen years to the day. This legacy marries artistic heritage with the forward-looking spirit of the New Contemporary.

Among its esteemed partners, you’ll find the Museo Orlina, Galerie Du Soleil, Manila Clock Tower, Barásoain Church, and Loyola Retreat House, each hosting satellite exhibits. From the iconic Museo Orlina in Tagaytay to historical treasures like the Clock Tower and Church Museum, there’s a place for every art enthusiast within the embrace of this new contemporary movement.

This year"s participating exhibitors are OMV Art Gallery, Galleria Nicolas, M Gallery MNL,Ysobel Art Gallery, AT Art Gallery, Renaissance Art Gallery, The Artologist Gallery, Art for Space Gallery PH, Gallery du Soleil MNL, Portrait Artists’ Society of the Philippines, Inc., Galerie Raphael, Gallery Nine, Annual Sculpture Review, Espacio Manila, Artes Orientes, Historia Arts, 371 Art Space, Village Art Gallery, Drybrush Gallery, Art Circle Gallery, Rayos Del Sol Gallery, Art/Space* Galeria Bañez, NAMI Art Gallery, Galerie Artes, G9Online, Daloy Likha Art Gallery, Artalyer Art Gallery, and Visual Central Art Gallery.

ManilART"23 will be held from from October 11 to 15, 2023 at the SMX Aura ConventionCenter, Taguig City.

ManilART"23 is supported by The Estate Makati, SMDC, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Museums and Galleries Month, BAGO, SMX Convention Center Aura, Ladder Productions, Museo Orlina, Novellino Wines, Grentek Solutions Inc., Vision, Think Big Taguig, I Love Taguig, SM Aura Premier, Future Studios, Phoundry, BDO Credit Cards, Ticketbooth.ph, Giffard, Via Mare, Sebastiao Cocktails, ANC, Daloy Likha, Cebu Daily News, Inquirer.net, Preen.ph, Inquirer POP!, Be An Inquirer, Scout, nolisoli.ph, The Manila Times, WhenInManila.com., SMNI Channel, DZAR 1026, Metro Style, People"s Journal,FrontpagePH, Klik.PH, Experience Travel & Living, & Pilipino Mirror. by Rissa Coronel

𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 B𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 R𝗶𝘀𝗲, B𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗛 F𝗶𝗹𝗺 T𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺

𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙖𝙩𝙞, 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨—A Film heritage building will soon rise in the historic Walled City of Intramuros in Manila as the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its infrastructure arm, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), formally sealed a 22-year agreement with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Tuesday (26 Sept.) at the DOT Central Office in Makati City. 

The building, which will occupy the 800 sqm lot along Sta. Lucia St. in Intramuros, beside “Beaterio de la Compania de Jesus”, and TIEZA's Light and Sound Museum, will be designed in such a way that it will house a cinematheque, film museum/gallery, film and media library, film storage/vaults, and film scanning and restoration room. It will also accommodate FDCP offices, lounge areas, board room, as well as a merchandise shop and a cafe. The said property will be utilized with consent from the Department of Finance (DOF), the registered owner of the lot. 

The ceremonial signing of the MOA was led by DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, TIEZA Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mark Lapid, and FDCP Chair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tirso Cruz III, witnessed by DOT Undersecretary Mae Elaine Bathan, TIEZA Assistant COO Jetro Lozada, and FDCP Executive Director Dan Morales. 

"𝘐 𝘫𝘰𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘋𝘊𝘗 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘐𝘌𝘡𝘈 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘯,” the tourism chief began her address during the MOA signing.  

To recall, FDCP chair Cruz first came to DOT to share his project proposition and other aspirations for the film industry back in August.  

“𝘍𝘪𝘭𝘮 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘍𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦, 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘶𝘴, 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘮, 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮,” the tourism chief noted, citing as well that the partnership is included in the Marcos administration’s push for transformative tourism.  

But she expanded that this current collaboration with the FDCP goes beyond the establishment of the building, but toward the growing of the creative industry in the Philippines.  

“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘔𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘈𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘢 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘋𝘊𝘗, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘖𝘛, 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘐𝘌𝘡𝘈 𝘪𝘯 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴, 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦, 𝘸𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺, 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘮, 𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘰 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘺𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘍𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘰,” she added.  

For his part, TIEZA COO Lapid expressed his appreciation to Secretary Frasco for her openness and support. He likewise noted that the partnership with the FDCP is a manifestation of the collective commitment of the DOT and TIEZA in preserving the legacy of Philippine cinema. 

“𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘤𝘺, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘭𝘢. 𝘐𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳, 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘔𝘖𝘈 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯'𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴,” he said. 

FDCP chair Cruz also thanked both the DOT and TIEZA, saying that the ceremonial signing between the agencies is a “collective dedication to safeguard and further the Philippine film heritage.” 

“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘭𝘮 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘔𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘶𝘮 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘶𝘴, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘤𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦; 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘺. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘴, 𝘢 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘢 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥. 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘭𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯’𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦,” he said.  

The agreement involving the film heritage building shall be effective until February 25, 2045, but is also subject to renewal of the parties involved.  

#LoveThePhilippines #BagongPilipinas

Message of Israeli Ambassador during the Rosh Hashanah event at Pandesal Forum

        

Rosh Hashanah or the Jewish New Year is a time of rejoicing and serious introspection. This is one of Judaism’s holiest days. Meaning “head of the year” or “first of the year,” the festival begins on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, which falls during September or October.

Rosh Hashanah 2023 begins on the evening of Friday, September 15, and ends at sundown on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement. This high holiday is a time to do self-reflection of the previous year and an opportunity to make decisions for the coming year.

As we enter this new phase, the Embassy of Israel looks back on the fruitful year we had here in Manila. The recent visit of Israeli FM Eli Cohen signified the strong relations between Israel and the Philippines. It further strengthened our bilateral relations and the areas of cooperation such as agriculture and water, trade and economy, innovation and technology, and defense, among others. The Embassy is working closely with the Philippine government to reap the fruits of the high-level visit.

Another important visit we sponsored is with Deputy Director of the Volcani Institute of Israel Prof. Uri Yermiyahu to talk about Agriculture with relevant agriculture leaders, departments, and agrimovers in the Philippines. This is one way to answer the call of President Marcos for Israel to do more in agriculture.

In the coming new Jewish year, we are working on many economic and defense cooperation between our nations. This year, we are expecting delegations including a water roadshow, emergency response delegation, and agtech roadshow. We are also expecting a visit of the Israel Asia Chamber of Commerce to the Philippines. Another economic event happening next month is the first Israel-Philippines Joint Economic Committee in Jerusalem.

A delegation from Israel’s Minister of Defense International Defense Cooperation is currently in the Philippines to strengthen further the defense cooperation between our nations. Another high-level delegation from the Israeli Ministry of Defense-SIBAT will be paying a visit to the Philippines soon, which is a manifestation of our close defense partnership.

This year, as we enter the post-pandemic year, the Embassy has been more active in other areas to bring Israel and the Philippines closer. We recently participated in the Manila Improv Festival and held a side event for the Israeli Improv group which is dedicated to the OFWs in Israel and to remember the late DMW. Sec. Ople. Annually, the Embassy participates in the Brigada Eskwela of the Department of Education. This year, we built a mini-library called Jerusalem Learning Resource Center in Barangay Bagong Tanyag Annex A in Taguig. We work closely with the DepEd, and we actually agreed on commemorating together the International Holocaust Remembrance Day every January.

MASHAV – Israel’s agency for International Cooperation, has been offering training programs for Filipinos to go to Israel. Some of the training courses are about environmental challenges, flood forecasting, intensive fish farming, inclusive Early Childhood Education for Children with Disabilities. We are happy that some Filipinos got accepted as MASHAV Scholars.

In the coming new Jewish year, we will also enhance the level of interaction between our countries and people. We are working on promoting the innovation and technology of Israel to different academes around the Philippines. The Embassy will soon be bringing back the Israeli film festival which was halted by the pandemic. We also encourage cultural exchanges, just like the upcoming concert of Julie Ann San Jose, Rayver Cruz and Boobay in Tel Aviv.

In October, we are expecting Filipino delegations to join the Agritech 2023 in Israel which is one of the most important exhibitions in the fields of technology, irrigation, fertilization, agricultural mechanization, water and food. Agritech is also a leading platform for global exhibitors presenting the best innovative technologies in the field of agriculture.

The Israeli Embassy is working on more projects and events that will further enhance the relations of Israel and the Philippines. On behalf of the Embassy, I thank everyone for joining us today. Our media friends play a very important role in promoting the historically friendly relations between Israel and the Philippines.

Shana tova! Maraming salamat!

MEDIA FELLOWSHIP TO UNPACK UNHEALTHY FOOD MARKETING TARGETING CHILDREN LAUNCHED

Pasig City - Public interest law group ImagineLaw on Monday invited Filipino journalists to produce stories and reports through a media fellowship that will shed light on the advertising and marketing of unhealthy food to children. 

“Unhealthy food marketing harms children,” said ImagineLaw Executive Director Atty. Sophia San Luis. “It increases their risk of being overweight or obese and leads to other diet-related diseases,” she added, citing a study by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). 

The said media fellowship, dubbed as ‘Bawas Patalastas’, seeks to deepen the public’s understanding about the issue and initiate conversations through stories, features, or reports.  The fellowship will accept seven (7) Filipino journalists, called ‘Fellows’, who will receive a grant of up to PHP 60,000 for research, editing, and publication of their desired stories. 

The fellowship is open to all journalists, whether employed by a media outlet or freelancer, who work in television, print, radio, and online. 

“Media plays an important role in creating an environment that encourages children to make healthy choices,” San Luis said. “The stories and reports produced by the Fellows will help us craft a policy proposal that will regulate unhealthy food marketing targeting children,”

Interested journalists can apply through https://bit.ly/ILMediaFellowship until October 5, 2023. On top of the cash grant, the Fellows will also receive briefings and review sessions from experts and fellow journalists on the topic. 

The Fellowship proper is from November to December of this year and is being conducted in partnership with Gugma PR, a public relations group helping advocates, movements, and changemakers build impact through empathic communications.

[Proposed caption: ImagineLaw invites journalists to a media fellowship that will help unpack unhealthy food marketing targeting children. Interested journalists can apply through https://bit.ly/ILMediaFellowship until October 5, 2023.]

DTI Secretary Pascual Eelcomes Digital Payment Platforms for MSMEs

MAKATI CITY – On 21 September 2023, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual led the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DTI E-Commerce Division and GoDigital Pilipinas Movement Inc., for the upcoming Cashless Expo 2023. The DTI Chief underscored that this partnership is vital to the Department’s mission of promoting the benefits of adopting digital payments, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).   

Secretary Pascual said, “This multifaceted approach in encouraging small businesses to adopt digital payments is aligned with the goal of the government to promote digital inclusivity through innovation to ensure that local enterprises remain globally competitive. Through a whole-of-government approach, the DTI will partner with both public and private stakeholders to foster digital transformation and wider accessibility for our enterprises.”  

The objectives of the MOA are: (1) to increase digital payment adoption by merchants, and (2) to encourage cashless transactions among consumers. Following the e-Commerce Philippines 2022 Roadmap launched earlier in [month] last year, this agreement further strengthens the aim of the Department in promoting digitalization and financial inclusion among merchants and consumers.   

The Cashless Expo 2023, scheduled on 17-19 November 2023, is a collaboration between the DTI Digital Philippines E-Commerce Division and the GoDigital Pilipinas Movement. It aims to ramp up efforts to increase digital payments across the nation. The event is supported by other government agencies such as the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), along with the private sector and digital payment enablers. 

The Cashless Expo 2023, the first cashless expo in the Philippines, will be a three-day trade show that will feature micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that pioneer entirely cashless transactions. It will also showcase businesses using digital payment methods like e-wallets, debit/credit cards, online bank transfers, and QR codes or Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to enable contactless transactions.  

The DTI Chief stressed the significance of digital transformation to enable MSMEs to be globally competitive, saying, “This event takes us one step closer to our goal of encouraging the adoption of digital payments across all industries. As the DTI works on a science, technology, and innovation (STI) driven approaches, we encouraged both public and private sectors to work with us in ensuring that digital transformation will happen in the Philippines.”    

ENSAYO Creative Hub, Critical to PH Creative Industry’s Global Competitiveness – DTI Chief

PASAY CITY–During the launch of the ENSAYO Creative Hub on 22 September 2023 held at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual underscored the vital role of the creatives industry in strengthening the Philippine economy. Secretary Pascual emphasized that through the launch of this hub, Filipino creative talents will be nurtured to be globally competitive.  

“Our creative industries have always been a cornerstone, adding billions to our GDP, providing livelihoods to millions, and painting a vibrant image of our culture on the world stage. Yet, like any masterpiece, there are challenges that cast shadows on its brilliance. ENSAYO stands as our answer to these challenges, offering resources, training, and market accessibility to ensure our artists and creative firms don’t just survive but thrive,”   Secretary Pascual stressed.  

The DTI Chief emphasized that the ENSAYO Creative Hub is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering the growth and fame of the Philippine creative landscape. Further, according to the Secretary, this Hub represents the Department’s transformative initiative aimed at boosting the country’s creative industry.

To further promote the Philippine creative industry, DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group commissioned the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC)-Global MSME Academy to establish the ENSAYO Hub. This hub is aligned with the objectives of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA) to uphold the protection and strengthen the rights and capabilities of various stakeholders within the creative sector. 

Further, the Hub is in support of PCIDA by empowering creative talent as it will provide a co-working space equipped with tools and equipment, enhancing the creative industry’s design thinking capabilities. Secretary Pascual stressed that capacity-building offered by the Hub will provide entrepreneurial and technical training programs to creative workers to ensure that they acquire the skills needed to excel in the global market. Finally, through networking and collaboration, the Hub aims to strengthen the ties between the creative industry ecosystem. 

The DTI Chief emphasized that ENSAYO represents the collective efforts of the public and private stakeholders to nurture and empower the creative industry, as part of the long-term vision of #TrainingForNationBuilding. Further, he shared that through this initiative, the nation is poised to unlock the full potential of its creative talents and enhance its global presence, enriching both cultural and economic landscapes. 

Secretary Pascual underscored that ENSAYO Hub offers a fertile ground with resources, guidance, and boundless possibilities, saying, “Through this hub, we’re tapping into the talents of our people and we’re setting them free. We are unleashing their limitless potential, amplifying their voices, and ensuring that the world not only hears but reveres them. This is our contribution to the rich tapestry of our culture and the robust engine of our economy.”  

Also present during the event were Congressman Christopher V.P. De Venecia, DTI CIG Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba, Director Lilian G. Salonga, and Assistant Director Jo-Dann N. Darong. 

YOUth Can Make It Happen: BOI Highlights Young and Talented Workforce in PH’s Game Development Industry at PGDX 2023

With the country’s young and talented workforce, the Board of Investments (BOI) expressed its optimism on the promising potential of the country’s game development industry during the first Philippine Game Development Expo at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on August 18, 2023. 

MAKING IT HAPPEN IN PH’S GAME DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRY: The Board of Investments (BOI) participates in the Philippine Game Development Expo (PGDX) 2023 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, running from August 18 to 20, 2023. 

FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR THE PH’S GAME DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRY: BOI Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa underscores the immense talent and skills of Filipino game developers and animators in her remarks on the first day of the PGDX 2023. 

Throughout the three-day event, the BOI had a booth to connect with game developers and pitch business opportunities through incentives available to them. It joined the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) and the Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) in sending messages about the government’s efforts in promoting and improving the country’s game development industry. 

The event, which was organized by the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), brought together game developers and enthusiasts to promote the numerous opportunities in the game development and animation industry of the Philippines.

In her opening remarks, Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa recognized the pivotal role of the game development sector in the country’s economy, being known as one of the higher-value segments of the IT-BPM industry. 

“We recognize the notable contribution of the game development industry to the Philippine economy and quality employment of Filipinos,” she told the attendees. 

In 2022, the digital interactive goods and service activities, which include Game Development and Animation, contributed over Php325 billion or over 20% of the country’s GDP. In terms of employment, the digital interactive sector recorded a growth rate of 4.5%, providing a total of 388, 828 jobs.

Notably, the BOI official introduced the “YOUth Can Make It Happen” Campaign, which is aligned with the BOI’s investments promotion campaign “Make It Happen in the Philippines.” 

The campaign advocates promising opportunities in the game development for the youth with the belief that by providing competitive career options for the younger generation, the better it will be for the future of the country’s economy. In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and GDAP, video was produced to raise awareness among secondary school students about the Philippine Game Development Industry.

“Through this initiative, we hope to inspire and motivate young people to explore the opportunities available, pursue their dreams, and turn them into reality,” she said. 

The BOI pledged to help move the industry to higher levels of growth and achieve its roadmap targets by continuously replenishing the pool of qualified labor and consequently reducing the training costs of local companies. To this end, the BOI has partnered with academic organizations to implement projects and programs that will pave the way to graduates’ employability and fulfill the needs of industries. 

In particular, the partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to strengthen industry-academe linkages resulted in the conduct of the National Skills Mapping and Survey on Human Resource Development Needs of the IT-BPM sector. Published in June 2022, the report underscored the concern about the readiness of talent entering the workforce in the game development industry.

The report confirmed the need for proactive government interventions to equip students with the necessary skills for the future. It emphasized the reskilling and upskilling of the industry workforce to remain competitive globally. 

As such, the BOI has also been coordinating with DepEd to implement relevant initiatives through their upcoming collaboration program on “Kids for the Future of Philippine Industrialization” to support learners and educators in expanding their knowledge of industry trends, technologies, industry skills, and competency requirements and challenges, among others. 

Other government officials who also delivered their presentations to express  their support to GDAP were  Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, and Director Emmy Lou V. Delfin, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Director Bianca Pearl Sykimte of the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) and Director Jo-Dann Darong of the DTI Competitiveness Bureau. 

On the other hand, Mr. Alvin Juban and Mr. James Ronald Lo, the chairman and the president of GDAP respectively, said that various government agencies, including the BOI, have been supportive of them for a very long time to bolster the country’s game development and animation industry. 

In PGDX 2023, participants engaged with, experienced, and learned more about game development. Other activities conducted were a series of workshops, interactive activities, panel discussions, and B2B opportunities.