Filipino films take the spotlight as well at Cine Europa 2017

For many local film enthusiasts, the month of September will not be complete without the annual Cine Europa Film Festival held at the Shangri-La Mall's Cineplex.

The longest running film festival in the country opens in Manila on 16 September 2017 at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City with the perfect fusion of the best of classical and contemporary films from the European Union. Public screenings started on 17 September 2017.

Filipino Films take the Spotlight as wellat Cine Europa 2017

For many local film enthusiasts, the month of September will not be complete without the annual Cine Europa Film Festival held at the Shangri-La Mall's Cineplex.

The longest running film festival in the country opens in Manila on 16 September 2017 at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City with the perfect fusion of the best of classical and contemporary films from the European Union. Public screenings started on 17 September 2017.

Now in its 20th year, the film festival has become stronger and bolder as it brings to the Philippines 24 films from 16 European countries, namely Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and Norway.

Cine Europa boasts of being the oldest film festival in the Philippines with the widest potential of reaching the largest audiences as it screens in a variety of venues  from theaters to malls and to universities, and in a wide selection of cities. 

Cine Europa is presented by the European Union Delegation to the Philippines, the EU Member States' Embassies and Consulates, the Embassy of Norway, and its partner organisations from the private sector, academe and government agencies.

Apart from the fact that the film festival is celebrating its 20th year, this year’s edition of the Cine Europa continues to put a spotlight on the creativity and ingenuity of the Filipino filmmakers who have strong connections to Europe through their films.

Last 17 September, Sunday, Brillante Mendoza, Best Director at the 62nd Cannes International Film Festival, will speak about film appreciation and his venture into making television movies.

Two of his recent works for TV5, “Kadaungan” and “Everlasting,” will be screened at 1 pm.

On 23 September, Saturday, the Cinema One Original film “2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten” by director Petersen Vargas screens at 1 pm. Set in Pampanga during the period after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, “2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten” stars Khalil Ramos as the honor student who tutors Jameson Blake and Ethan Salvador who play Fil-American-transferees at the school.

The youth film , which depicts the coming-of-age of a gay boy; it won Audience Choice at the 32nd Torino LGBTQ International Film Festival in Italy.  Members of the cast have been invited to speak about the making of the film.

The series ends with a “double feature” on 24 September, Sunday. Showing from 1 pm to 6:30 pm is “Mula Sa Kung Ano Ang Noon” by director Lav Diaz. This film, about the horrors of Martial Law, won the Grand Prize Golden Leopard Award at the 67th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. Lav Diaz and the film’s lead actress, Hazel Orencio, will be at the screening, together with film critic and educator Adrian Mendizabal.

To be unveiled at 7 pm on September 24 is the work-in-progress documentary “Journeyman Finds A Home (The Life Story of Simone Rota)". Simone, a football player with the Philippine Azkals Men’s National Team and Davao Aguilas FC, was abandoned when he was a child and adopted by an Italian couple. Simone will be present at the screening and forum together with film makers Albert Almendralejo, Maricel Cariaga and Clodualdo “Doy” del Mundo.

Venue of all screenings and forums is at the Premiere Theater of the Shangri-La Mall Cineplex. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit here:

http://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/philippines

The 20th Cine Europa Film Festival this September at Shangrila Cinema

 The Cine Europa fever is now back, the longest and widest film festival in the country opens in Manila on 16 September 2017 at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City with the perfect fusion of the best of classical and contemporary films from the European Union. Public screenings start on 17 September at Shangri-La Plaza.

Sharon’s first indie film opens in theaters on September 6

“Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha,” the first independent film of Megastar Sharon Cuneta, has gotten a commercial release. The comedy-drama opens in theaters nationwide on September 6. Star Cinema, the film arm of ABS-CBN, is the distributor.

Launches OTOP Next Gen in Caraga, Screens Products for Go Lokal!

Modern, cool, and uniquely Filipino - these are the qualities looked for in products that will be recommended for placement/sale in Go Lokal! stores, retail concept stores showcasing quality and innovative Philippine products crafted, designed, and produced by the country's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The stores, to be located in malls, are intended to be a free marketing platform for MSMEs to gain access to the lucrative local consumer market, and ultimately, to the global export market.

Twenty (20) out of 111 Caraga products initially screened were deemed ready for such endorsement to Go Lokal!. The process, called Screening, Assessment & Triage (SAT), was conducted in June by experts from the Design Center of the Philippines and local designers engaged by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga.

DTI-Regional Operations Group Assistant Secretary Demphna Du-Naga who oversaw the screening said the rest of the products from the region’s 71 participating MSMEs will be lined up for further assistance in product design and development under the One Town One Product Next Generation (OTOP Next Gen) program.

Leon Flores III, project consultant of OTOP Next Gen, said during the press conference held on the last day of the screening sessions that the interventions will be customized and will not be the "cookie cutter" type. He stressed the importance of identifying what the exact needs are so that the development services for the MSMEs “are meaningful and the products become more marketable in terms of design and appeal and customer experience, among others.”

For her part, ASec Du-Naga, OTOP Next Gen National Project head, lauded DTI Caraga for being the only regional office that is successful in facilitating the full and sustained operation of not just one but two (2) OTOP Tindahang Pinoy/Pasalubong Stores. She said this is very good for the local producers because they have a ready marketing outlet for their produce.

DTI Caraga Regional Director Brielgo O. Pagaran said other MSMEs who need help only need to approach the nearest DTI office or any of the Negosyo Centers in the region.

Go Lokal! stores, a partnership between the DTI and the private sector, will soon open in selected SM Malls and Robinsons Malls nationwide.

Coca-Cola turns up the volume on OPM music with Coke Studio

 The sounds of Pinoy music got a refreshing taste as Coke Studio opens in the country, bringing a fresh experience for the local music industry.

The first of its kind in the country, Coke Studio was a music TV show that encourages collaborations among Filipino artists – bringing together different musical genres, the young and seasoned artists, and the mainstream with the indie. Coke Studio is a celebration of the rich diversity in OPM and the central unifying role of music among Filipinos.

Generation Z, it is Your Time, Your Place

The 102M population of the Philippines indicates that Generation Z (those born between 2000 to 2015 on average estimate) are approximately 35% of the total population. It’s a big number which is good news because we need more of them to make this country great.