‘The Write One’ captivates viewers on pilot week with unique storyline

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen

‘The Write One’ captivates viewers on pilot week with unique storyline

Viewers could not help but fall in love with “The Write One” as it made its debut airing on primetime last March 20, beating its rival TV show and earning praises from the audience for its unique storyline and note-worthy acting of its cast.

The first-ever collaboration of GMA Network and Viu, featuring real-life couple and Sparkle artists Ruru Madrid and Bianca Umali, made a strong pilot week, winning against competition every night.

Based on Nielsen’s TV audience measurement overnight data covering March 20 to 23, the pilot week of “The Write One” registered a combined (GMA/GTV/I Heart Movies) average people rating of 6.6 percent with estimated 3 million viewers in Urban Phils. Its rival “Dirty Linen” only logged a combined (TV5/A2Z/Kapamilya Channel/Jeepney TV) people rating of 4.0 percent or around 2 million viewers.

“The Write One” drew positive feedback both from RuCa’s fans and the rest of the viewers. Online, its official hashtag #TheWriteOneWorldPremiere also made it to the top trending topics of Twitter Philippines on its first night.

Ruru and Bianca both voiced their gratitude for the viewers’ support.

“Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng tumutok sa #TheWriteOneWorldPremiere Mahal namin kayo!,” Ruru tweeted.

Bianca likewise thanked the viewers for catching the pilot episode. “Maraming salamat po sa mainit na pagtanggap sa amin. Para po sa inyo ito  mahal namin kayo.”

Viewers took it online to express their admiration for the latest Kapuso Telebabad series.

“The direction of the story is promising. The cinematography is praiseworthy. Ang linis ng audio dubbing ni @Rurumadrid8, hindi kulang, hindi rin sobra. Congrats, @GMA_PA!,” said Twitter use @EmpressKxxx.

“Ang ganda ng ‘The Write One.’ Isa na namang gma drama na aabangan,” shared @heekaroo_.

Another netizen pointed out the great acting skills of Ruru and Bianca.

“Unique concept again from GMA. Ang ganda ng pilot! @Ruruadrid8 and Bianca Umali are really great actors. Woh!!! Can’t wait for new episodes #TheWriteOneWorldPremiere,” tweeted @engr_gum

“Grabe naman yung mga mata palang tagos na,” commented @CercadoMich.

Netizen @trisyan_ noted a scene from the episode which showed a new side of Ruru. “The whole scene was really cute. The script, the frame, the music and the colors which sets the tone. And iba si Ruru dito from what I expected him to be. And I haven’t seen him in a lot of films. Hahaha!”

“Hoyy teka lang naman, mtutulog na ako e. Pero nag-start na huyy. Angas ng dubbing! Kyut nitong dlawa on screen susko. Unang tambalan nla to sa Drama pero hay nakooo panuorin nyo na lang hahahaha. #TheWriteOne”  posted @_MarellaMago

Aside from the story, @iFaithHope2017 also fell in love with the series’ OST. “Ang ganda ng OST ng The Write One.”

The first episode saw Liam (Ruru) narrating how he and Joyce (Bianca) first crossed paths back when they were in college, with Liam being attracted to the unsuspecting Joyce. Back then, Liam missed his opportunity to let Joyce know of his feelings.

Years pass by, and in a serendipitous encounter, they meet again.

Liam now works at his father’s construction company but dreams of being a writer. Joyce, on the other hand, is dabbling in modeling and acting. Liam finally reveals his feelings for Joyce. Eventually, they marry each other. But their story is just beginning. As they juggle family life and their respective careers, they soon discover that there is more to “happily ever after.”

Their son’s accident would lead Liam to regret his decisions in life. With the help of his late mother’s old typewriter, Liam magically rewrites his and Joyce’s lives. He finds himself in an alternate world – one without Joyce and Dex. A stark contrast to his previous life, Liam now lives in a mansion with his mom very much alive. He also holds a high position in his father’s firm and seems committed to a different girl named Via (Mikee Quintos). Bewildered, Liam tries to make sense of this new life and sets out to find Joyce and Dex in the new timeline.

Joining Ruru and Bianca in the series are fellow Sparkle stars Mikee Quintos and Paul Salas. “The Write One” also stars veteran actors Lotlot De Leon, Ramon Christopher, Mon Confiado, Alma Concepcion, Art Acuna, Kokoy De Santos, Royce Cabrera, Kaloy Tingcungco, Analyn Barro, Yvette Sanchez, and Euwenn Mikaell Aleta.

Don’t miss “The Write One,” Mondays to Thursdays, 9:359m on GMA Telebabad, with simulcast airing on Pinoy Hits and I Heart Movies, and at 11:25pm on GTV. Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. Catch the advance episodes of “The Write One” on Viu Philippines from Saturdays to Tuesdays.

The Viu app is available on App Store, Google Play, and select Smart TVs, as well as on the web at www.viu.com.

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The Filipino flavor in Nicholas Sparks’ new novel ‘Dreamland’

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen

The Filipino flavor in Nicholas Sparks’ new novel ‘Dreamland’

Just recently, my son Walden downloaded new books into my iPad for my reading pleasure. The books included “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid; “Triple Cross” by James Patteraon; “Boys from Biloxi” by John Grisham; “It Starts With Us,” “Ugly Love,” November 9,” “It Ends With Us,” and “Verity” by Colleen Hoover; 

“Mad Honey” by Jodi Picoult; “Fairy Tale” by Stephen King; “Four Winds” by Kristine Hannah; “Jackpot” by Stuart Woods; “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus; “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman; “Golden Girl” by Elin Hilderbrand; “While Justice Sleeps” by Stacey Abrams; “That Summer” by Jennifer Weiner; “The Devil May Dance” by Jake Tapper; “Legacy” by Nora Roberts; “21st Birthday” by James Patterson; “A Gambling Man” by David Baldacci;

“One Last Stop” by Casey McQuiston; “Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid; “The Summer of Lost and Found” by Mary Alice Monroe; “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir; “The Other Black Girl” by Zakiya Dallas Harris; “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig; “An Offer From a Gentleman” by Julia Quinn; “The Push” by Ashley Audrain; “Firefly Lane” by Kristin Hannah; “The Russian” by James Patterson; “Prodigal Son” by Gregg Hurwitz; “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman; “When He was Wicked,” “The Viscount Who Loved Me” and “Bridgerton Collection” by Julia Quinn; and “Dreamland,” the latest novel of Nicholas Sparks.

From all these enticing titles from best-selling and esteemed authors, I chose Nicholas Sparks’ “Dreamland” to read first, Sparks being one of my favorite novelists. And I wasn’t disappointed, if only for the Filipino flavor I found to have embedded in the veins of the female lead character Morgan. At the end of the story, Morgan Lee who has gone to Nashville to pursue her musical dream (she became a famous celebrity who made a name in singing, dancing and for being a much-sought and well-loved TV staple and therefore couldn’t put much time anymore in any romantic relationship)  found time to reunite with her formerly beloved sweetheart Colby Mills, a musician and songwriter who’s found passion in farming. She surprised him with a visit to his farm.

And for him to remember her by, she shared with him a talent that she seldom shares with anyone including her family – cooking! And she cooked for him Pansit Bihon, a recipe she learned from her Filipino grandmother when they visited her in Manila one time. 

Morgan described Pansit Bihon as a quick-cooking rice noodles recipe and the “fool-proof comfort food!” Also the easiest dish to cook in the world, she added. Colby brought her to an Asian store where  they bought the ingredients – aside from the Rice Noodles, soy sauce, onions, garlic, cabbage, frozen shrimps, chicken breast. 

“My grandma taught me how to cook, but I wasn’t a good student,” she told Colby as she prepared to cook the Pansit Bihon. “My grandma told my father no one would marry me for my cooking,” she chuckled. 

That’s the Filipino flavor of “Dreamland” which I found very interesting and intimate. It was also in the end that I only found out the rationale for the title of the book. “Dreamland” is the title of the song that Morgan and Colby collaborated on and which became a big hit.

The song goes:

“There’s a place that I know where only you and I can go

Far down the darkness of the past where love can bloom at last

Hold on to Dreamland forever, not just today

Someday Dreamland will be ours

Hold fast, don’t fall away

In my mind we’re living there

In that place we’re meant to share

No more talk of what we owe

Just what our hearts already know

In Dreamland, down in Dreamland

Hold fast, don’t fall away…”

Nicholas Sparks, who’s always wanted to be a writer although at some point in his life he wanted to be a priest, has written more than 20 novels, 11 of them adapted into films.

His first novel was “The Notebook” which he worked on for several months before it was published in 1986. 

The other Nicholas Sparks’ novels that followed “The Notebook” were: “Message in a Bottle,” “A Walk to Remember,” “The Rescue,” “A Bend in the Road,” “Nights in Rodanthe,” “The Guardian,” “Dear John,” “The Choice,” “The Lucky One,” “The Last Song,” “Safe Haven,” “The Best of Me,” “The Longest Ride,” “See Me,” “Two by Two,” “Every Breath,” “The Return,” “The Wish,” and “Dreamland.”

Those adapted into films were: “The Notebook,” “Message in a Bottle,” “A Walk to Remember,” “Nights in Rodanthe” “Dear John,” “The Last Song,” “The Lucky One,” “Safe in Haven,” “The Best of Me,” “The Longest Ride” and  “The Choice.”

All of Nicholas Sparks novels were New York Times bestsellers published across more than 50 languages with over 150 copies sold worldwide.

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Fake news about respected two veteran actresses

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen

Fake news about respected two veteran actresses

“This is fake. Indiscriminate people posted it. Our parents NEVER were  interviewed nor paid for this.”

This was the angry message we received from Marites Gutierrez, daughter of erstwhile “Queen of Philippine Movies” Ms. Gloria Romero, esteemed film and television actress. Marites was referring to an essential oil which was attributed as being endorsed by Ms. Romero and another respected veteran actress, Ms. Cardidad Sanchez.

Expectedly, the daughters of the aforementioned veteran actresses  are incensed that their mothers are being used by an alleged online company peddling a type of essential oil that claims to benefit the mental and physical well-being of the elderly. 

Maritess Gutierrez  stated that her mother had never issued any of the statements in the “testimonial” attributed to Ms. Romero. “It’s terrible how these alleged companies are using the names and faces of two highly respected actresses. What’s worse is that my mom and Tita Caridad are super seniors already!” 

Caridad Sanchez’ daughter, Cathy Babao was equally appalled and said that the said ad was brought to her attention by a friend. “I knew right away it was a fraud because my mom doesn’t even know about that product, and the testimonial attributed to her does not sound like her at all.” Cathy Babao is shocked that the company would brazenly take advantage of two senior actresses who are quietly living their lives now away from the limelight. “The bigger sin for me is that they are taking advantage of Tita Gloria and my mom’s credibility to sell a product to other seniors who might be easily fooled by their false and fraudulent claims.”

Gutierrez and Babao are now in talks with their lawyers as to how to put a stop to this fraudulent online advertisement.

Actually, Marites has also requested assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and they are now looking for those people responsible for posting said erroneous  “testimonials” attributed to Ms. Romero and Ms. Sanchez.

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Dingdong Dantes makes awaited comeback on the small screen

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen 

Dingdong Dantes makes awaited comeback on the small screen  

(L-R) Arthur Solinap, Lianne Valentin, Dion Ignacio, Rhian Ramos, Tirso Cruz III, Direk Dominic Zapata, Dingdong Dantes, Megan Young, Mikael Daez, Rabiya Mateo, and Benjie Paras

Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes makes his biggest and highly-anticipated comeback to the small screen via the upcoming series “Royal Blood.”

GMA Network is proud to present another murder mystery drama that will surely keep the viewers on the edge of their seats. “Royal Blood” is from the creator of “Widow’s Web,”Ken de Leon, and the brilliant mind of RJ Nuevas.

“Royal Blood” tells the story of Napoy (Dingdong), a loving single father who struggles to provide for his daughter’s needs by working as a motorcycle rider. He is also the bastard son of a business tycoon. 

But despite facing financial problems, Napoy is able to provide for his child with the help of their friends and neighbors. However, the chaos begins when his estranged father suddenly appears and wants to make amends with him.

As Napoy enters the family of his rich father, he gets to know his half-siblings and discovers that being rich does not guarantee a perfect and happy life. Sooner or later, things become more complicated when their father is murdered and Napoy becomes the primary suspect.

How will the mystery unravel? Who among them is the real innocent and who will be judged guilty? 

Completing the star-studded cast of “Royal Blood” are Megan Young, Dion Ignacio, Mikael Daez, Lianne Valentin, and Rhian Ramos. Introducing in the action-packed family drama is Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo together with Benjie Paras and Arthur Solinap. 

Playing a special and significant role in the series  is no less than multi-awarded actor Mr. Tirso Cruz III as Gustavo Royales, the rich and shrewd business tycoon and patriarch of the Royales family.

“Royal Blood” is made possible under the supervision of GMA SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; VP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; AVP for Drama Helen Rose S. Sese; Senior Program Manager Redgynn Alba; and Senior Executive’s to Producer Winnie Hollis-Reyes.

The program is a product of the visionary minds of GMA’s creative team – Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Content Development Consultant Ricky Lee; Concept Creators RJ Nuevas and Ken De Leon; Headwriter Obet Villela; and Writers Glaiza Ramirez and Jimuel Dela Cruz.

Don’t miss the twists and surprises in “Royal Blood” — under the helm of esteemed director Dominic Zapata — unveiling soon on GMA Network. 

Hannah Precillas revives Sharon Cuneta’s classic song ‘Sa Aking Daigdig’

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen 

Hannah Precillas revives Sharon Cuneta’s classic song ‘Sa Aking Daigdig’

Kapuso OST Princess and Sparkle artist Hannah Precillas releases a modernized version of Sharon Cuneta’s ballad song “Sa Aking Daigdig.”

Composed by Vehnee Saturno, the song became the soundtrack of the movie “Kaputol ng Isang Awit” which was released in 1991 starring Sharon Cuneta, Gary Valenciano, and Tonton Gutierrez.  This time, GMA Music gives a modern arrangement of the song to cater to the younger generation who have never heard the song before.

Hannah feels blessed with this kind of opportunity for her career, saying “Noong una napaisip ako kung paano kaya namin magagawang modern style itong classic ballad song. Medyo challenging talaga siya pero wala akong ibang ginawa kundi magtiwala sa GMA Music na mabigyan namin ng justice ‘yung outcome ng kanta. At ayun ang swerte ko kasi ang ganda ng kinalabasan nito.”

She also shared what made them revive a classic song. She said “Isa sa reason is ang mabuhay natin ‘yung mga kanta before lalo na ngayon sa social media kapag nai-play natin ulit, magli-linger ito sa tainga ng mga Pilipino. And of course para tangkilikin ang sariling atin na OPM songs. Ang dami nating magagandang songs lalo na ‘yung mga dating nai-release na kaya goal din namin maipakita talaga ‘yung creativity ng mga Pilipino.”

Definitely, Hannah relates to her song and she considers a bunch of people in her life as her “Daigdig.” “Super relatable ito sa’kin ngayon. Marami rin kasi akong itinuturing na daigdig sa buhay ko. Syempre di mawawala d’yan yung pamilya ko, friends, mga naging kasama ko sa trabaho, ‘yung aso ko, ‘yung mga collection ko rin na mugs, at yung partner ko.”

Meanwhile, listening to the latest songs helped her give “Sa Aking Daigdig” a new life.  “I listen to more modern songs para ma-adapt ko. May tendency kasi ako na kapag narinig ko ang isang classic old song, mapi-pick up ko siya kaagad at kapag kinanta ko ganun din ‘yung way ng pagkakakanta. So ang ginawa ko ngayon since modern style dapat, nakinig ako sa kung ano ang pwede maging peg ng kanta. Nakinig ako sa modern bands, ‘yung mga bagong singer ngayon, at mga bagong release na song para pwede ko siya mai-apply sa kantang ito.

In the end, Hannah assures that a lot are in store for her Kapuso fans. “Marami pa kayong dapat abangan. Willing akong mag-risk at mag-explore pa sa career ko. Hindi lang sa pagkanta, kundi ngayon sinisimulan ko na rin sa pag-arte kaya maraming-marami pa silang pwedeng abangan sa’kin.”

Hannah’s latest single was #4 on iTunes PH’s Top 100 Songs chart upon its release and is included in Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist.

Don’t miss Hannah Precillas’ “Sa Aking Daigdig,” now available on all digital streaming platforms worldwide.

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Saranggola Media Productions feted PMPC members

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen

Saranggola Media Productions feted PMPC members

Saranggola Media Production’s President Edith Fider

Saranggola Media Productions tendered recently a thanksgiving treat for the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) for making the year a productive one for some of their talents who won awards at the 37th Star Awards for Movies.

They are John Arcilla, Best Actor: Joven Tan, for Best Original Theme Song: Christi Fider, Best New Female Recording Artist and Ynigo Delen, Best Child Actor.

The thanksgiving event was held from 2pm onwards last March 18 at the One Castilla Place Valencia Hills, Quezon City. And as promised and expected, it was an afternoon full of fun, laughter and music. And more importantly, the PMPC members got to know more about the producer of Saranggola Media Productions,  Ms. Edith Fider.

The first time we met Ms. Fider was in July 21, 2022 at the Club Filipino during the launch of juanetworkx, a new streaming platform in the Philippines.

An independent film producer, she was one of those affected when ABS-CBN lost its franchise. “Isa kami sa mga maliliit na produksyon na natulungan ng ABS-CBN para makarating sa publiko ang sining namin, at ng pinatigil sila, isa kami as mga apektado,” she stressed.

But one who is hard-working and very enterprising, Ms. Fider was able to climb back the stairs of success especially under her Saranggola Media Productions. 

From left to right: Edith Fider, Shira Tweg, John Arcilla and Christi Fider

Saranggola is the producer of “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko,” the musical film about the life of Rey Valera, which will be shown at the first Summer Film Festival of the Philippines (MMFF) to be held from April 8-18. RK Bagatsing will play the role of Rey Valera in the film directed by Joven Tan.

Also in the cast of the movie is Shira Tweg who plays a young  Sharon Cuneta, singing “Mr. DJ.” The 15-year old Shira said her being in the movie is an opportunity of a lifetime, and she was greatly challenged by it. Singing and acting are now her two biggest interests. At the Saranggola event, Shira proved her musical prowess to the appreciative crowd.

By the way, Shira is the new PMPC Star Awards for Music Best New Recording Artist.

Also there to entertain the guests with musical numbers were John Arcilla (more on him in our next column) who will soon have his first big concert in the Philippines, under Saranggola of course, and Christi Fider, daughter of Ms. Edith Fider. Eversince she was young, singing had always been Christi’s passion. “I was only three years old when I became a big fan of Britney Spears,” she revealed. The first song she sang was Britney’s “One More Time.” Christi had no formal lesson in music, she said.

But as much as she loves music and singing, there was a time when she almost quit because of her weight problem. She was found out to be suffering from adenomyosis, a hormonal imbalance. “Lahat ng efforts ko to lose weight, walang nangyari, walang naging effective. I wanted to quit singing na talaga, but biglang kinuha ang dating group naming na Adobers Studios ng ABS-CBN. They  revived our group. 2022  was a challenging year for me. At the beginning I was optimistic about my goal to lose weight, because then I believed people will like me more if I’m a bit skinny. But two friends, sina Pancho and Des, encouraged me to love myself as I am, saying I could do it in the industry kahit di ako payat. I realized my lack of confidence in myself. If you don’t believe in yourself, who will nga naman? So don’t give up on yourself. My song ‘Reyna’ is about loving yourself, being confident and  not giving up…

Christi’s winning in the PMPC Star Awards for Music as Best New Recording Artist of the Year (for the song ” Teka, Teka, Teka” composed by Joven Tan) encouraged her to pursue her singing career. The award, she said, was also the answer to what she had been praying for as a sign not to give up on her singing passion. She was also given the chance to record an EP (Extended Playlist) whose carrier single “Reyna” was made the theme song of the ABS-CBN YouTube show “Mudrakels,” which is about drag queens.

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Super Radyo DZBB, Barangay LS 97.1 maintain lead in February

CELEBRITY WORLD PH 

By Crispina M. Belen

Super Radyo DZBB, Barangay LS 97.1 maintain lead in February

GMA Network’s flagship AM and FM radio stations, Super Radyo DZBB 594 and Barangay LS 97.1 Forever!, remain on top of the rating charts in Mega Manila based on the February 2023 Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement data.

Super Radyo DZBB 594 is definitely the listeners’ most trusted station in Mega Manila with a record of 29.8 percent total audience share, while its closest rival, DZRH, only got 27.4 percent.

The morning block, which includes “Melo Del Prado sa Super Radyo,” “Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide,” “Saksi sa Dobol B,” and “Dobol Weng sa Dobol B” (Saturdays), is still the station’s top-rating daypart.

On FM, the month of February saw Barangay LS 97.1 lording over the airwaves with a 43.5 percent total audience share in Mega Manila – with its closest competitor, 90.7 Love Radio, only managing a 14.2 percent audience share.

Some of the most well-loved and high-rating programs of Barangay LS 97.1 are “Barangay Love Stories,” “Talk to Papa,” “Forever Request,” and “Song Book.”

These winning numbers only prove that GMA Network’s AM and FM radio stations remain the listeners’ preferred sources of news, information, and entertainment. 

Tune in to Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz and Barangay LS 97.1 Forever! Mondays to Sundays. Select DZBB programs are also simulcast via Dobol B TV on GTV and on Pinoy Hits. Kapuso abroad can stay updated via the international channel, GMA News TV.

Online listeners can also catch these stations via live audio stream on http://www.gmanetwork.com/radio.

Netizens can also catch some of Barangay LS’ shows on YouTube with new episodes every week, and get the latest updates on its official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

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C-Lium Fibre Pushes for #HealthGoals Via Habit Formation

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen

C-Lium Fibre Pushes for #HealthGoals Via Habit Formation 

It’s now three years into the pandemic but C-Lium Fibre, the top-of-mind psyllium fiber brand¹ is inspiring Filipinos to realize their health goals through habit formation so they can continue to be more present for the people who matter in their lives. 

With its 2023 campaign “Push Na `Yan With My Daily Fiber” PascualLab’s fiber food supplement brand C-Lium Fibre hopes to create awareness of the importance of good lifestyle and nutrition habits and how these can prevent chronic diseases. 

Healthy Lifestyle: Daily habits such as exercising for 30 minutes a day, getting around eight (8) hours of sleep, and managing your stress can do wonders for the health.

Proper Diet and Nutrition: Equally important to a healthy lifestyle is getting the right nutrients. With a focus on fiber, the campaign hopes to impart the benefits of fiber as part of our day-to-day nutrition and how daily supplementation can help deter chronic diseases.  

Fiber for Fitness: According to research, getting enough fiber can help prevent heart disease, diabetes and regulate bowel movement. 

One rich source of fiber is psyllium fiber which pushes away toxins from the body. It has soluble and insoluble fiber which works in two ways: 

1. It binds excess bad cholesterol, excess fat, and sugar and  
2. Pushes them out of the body. ⁵  

According to DOST-FNRI, we need at least 20 to 25 grams of fiber daily.    

I-Push Na `Yan With My Daily Fiber 

C-Lium Fibre has both 100% natural soluble and insoluble fiber in convenient formats: capsule and husk. A daily dose of a sachet of CLium Fibre alone can give you 5 grams of fiber which is equivalent to 5 cups of Romaine lettuce, 8 cups of cooked white rice, or 3 medium-sized tomatoes.7 

C-Lium Fibre’s husk format comes in regular and flavored variants. 

 C-Lium Fiber in Four Easy Steps 

C-Lium Fibre is easy to take: 

1. Pour a sachet of C-Lium Fibre husk into half an 8. oz glass of water2. Stir for 10 seconds. 3. Drink immediately and completely. 4. Follow with another glass of water or juice.  

          For capsule, take 5 capsules before breakfast and 5 capsules before dinner to get the equivalent of 5 grams fiber. 

C-Lium Fiber is available in all leading drugstores and supermarkets nationwide, and at PascualLab’s official Lazada and Shopee stores. 

Lazada: https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/pascuallab/ ​ Shopee: https://shopee.ph/pascuallabstore ​ 

For more information, follow our social media pages: C-Lium Fibre @FB and @IG 

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Catch The British Council’s Five Films for Freedom at the FDCP Cinematheque today March 22

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen

Catch The British Council’s Five Films for Freedom at the FDCP Cinematheque today March 22 

The British Council and BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival have launched the 9th edition of the world’s widest-reaching LGBTQIA+ digital showcase. 

The British Council in the Philippines has partnered with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) to run limited screenings of the films in Cinematheque locations throughout the country.

The films are also available for free across the world until March 26 through British Council Arts YouTube channel 

“Five Films for Freedom,” the world’s widest-reaching LGBTQIA+ digital campaign, returns this March. For this year’s run, the British Council in the Philippines is partnering with Film Development Council in the Philippines (FDCP) to bring free screenings at Cinematheque Centres in the country from March 21-23, 2023.

“Five Films for Freedom”

Public screening schedules:

FDCP Cinematheque Centre – Manila

March 22, 2023, 6:30pm

FDCP Cinematheque Centre – Iloilo, Davao, Zamboanga, Nabunturan, Negros

March 22, 2023, 6:30pm

Outside of the in-person screenings, audiences can also catch the films online until March 26, coinciding with the BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival.

The selection of films, chosen by the British Council from BFI Flare’s programme, explores subjects such as violence and security, love across borders and shifting identities. The films in 2023 are:

• “All I Know by Obinna Robert Onyeri” (Nigeria/USA)
• “Butch Up! by Yu-jin Lee” (South Korea)
• “Eating Papaw on the Seashore” by Rae Wiltshire and Nickose Layne (Guyana)
• “Just Johnny” by Terry Loane (UK – Northern Ireland)
• “Buffer Zone” by Savvas Stavrou (UK/Cyprus)

Global audiences are encouraged to show solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities around the world where freedom and equal rights are limited by watching the films via the British Council Arts YouTube channel and through other channels in countries with access restrictions.

Since 2015 and with the programmes live for less than 100 days, “Five Films for Freedom” films have been viewed 20 million times by people in over 200 countries and principalities, including all parts of the world where homosexuality is criminalised, and all countries where the death penalty is in place.

British Council Director of Film, Briony Hanson, said: 

“Five Films for Freedom promotes rarely heard LGBTQIA+ stories from around the world, and makes them accessible to a global audience, particularly for people living in cultures where they cannot live or love as they would like.

“People can support this campaign through the hashtag #FiveFilmsForFreedom to drive home the message that love is a human right, no matter how we identify or where we are.”

Michael Blyth, BFI Flare’s Senior Programmer said:

“We are delighted to once again be partnering with the British Council on Five Films for Freedom. This global campaign is an essential part of the BFI Flare programme, and it’s a privilege to share the work of these hugely talented filmmakers with millions of people around the world, many of whom do not have the same level of access to LGBTQIA+ film, or the rights to express themselves freely. This year’s campaign remains as vital and urgent as ever.”

Watch the Five Films for Freedom campaign trailer on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3Inf1ka

“Five Films for Freedom” continues the British Council’s work building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts, education and English language teaching. This year the five selected titles have been translated and made available with subtitles/closed captioning in 23 languages.  

During BFI Flare, the “Five Films for Freedom” programme and filmmakers are presented at a special reception event for politicians in Westminster.

FILM SYNOPSIS

“All I Know”

Obinna Robert Onyeri, 16 mins, 2022, Nigeria/USA 

Two friends meet for dinner, one goes to meet a stranger for a hook-up date while the other goes home. We follow a man’s search for his friend that puts him at risk of revealing life-altering secrets they both share.

Obinna is a Los Angeles based filmmaker, born in Lagos, Nigeria. He studied Film at the University of California, Los Angeles, receiving the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Directing Fellowship award and the George Burns and Gracie Allen Scholarship.

“Buffer Zone”

Savvas Stavrou, ​​​​​​​16 mins, 2022, UK/Cyprus

Two young soldiers across enemy lines fall in love and find escape from their oppressive environments through music.

Savvas was born in Cyprus and studied Film at the University of Westminster, London. He works as a director across advertising, music video and short film, and he is developing his first feature. He is a Sundance Lab alumnus.

“Butch Up!”

Yu-jin Lee, 12 mins, 2022, Korea

“Stop being miserable.” After hearing her ex’s last words to her, Mi-hae, a lead singer of an independent band, cannot get herself to sing the band’s most popular song, Oppa’s Girl.

Yu-Jin Lee studied film directing at the Korea National University of Arts. Her first short film, A Good Mother, was the most talked about queer film of the year in Korea.

“Eating Papaw on the Seashore”

Rae Wiltshire, Nickose Layne, 18 mins, 2022, Guyana 

A coming-of-age film about Asim and Hasani, two queer Guyanese boys, navigating their feelings in a homophobic society.

Rae studied literature and linguistics at the University of Guyana. As a playwright, he won Best New Guyanese play at Guyana’s National Drama Festival in 2015, he recently won the Guyana Prize for Literature in Drama, 2022, for his play Don’t Ask Me Why. Nickose is a playwright, poet and actor. studied Theatre Arts at the University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago.

“Just Johnny”

Terry Loane, 19 mins, 2021, UK - Northern Ireland

Maria and Dermot’s straightforward family life takes a sudden turn when their son Johnny announces that he wants to wear a dress for his Holy Communion. Both parents are keen to do what is best for Johnny, but their different opinions almost pull the happy family apart.

Terry was born and bred in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and studied photography at Ulster University. He began designing for film in 1996 on the Oscar-nominated short Dance Lexie Dance, and in 1998 he wrote and directed his first short film comedy, CLUCK. His latest feature as director, The Last Rifleman, starring Pierce Brosnan and John Amos, is released this year. The film was written by former Hollyoaks actor Gerard McCarthy who came out last summer as non-binary.

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Gala fundraising event held to raise funds for the rehabilitation of CCP

CELEBRITY WORLD PH

By Crispina M. Belen

Gala fundraising event held to raise funds for the rehabilitation of CCP

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is currently seeking ways to raise funds for the rehabilitation of the Tanghalang Pambansa (CCP Main Building).

Regarding this, the CCP management organized a gala fund-raiser event, with an unforgettable night of cocktails, chamber music, and opera. Featuring world-renowned Filipino tenor Arthur Espiritu, soprano Stefanie Quintin, and the PPO Chamber Ensemble, it was held on March 14 at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City.

“There is much to be done. We still need to upgrade our sounds and the acoustic system of our theaters. Our limited budget doesn’t include the refurbishment of the interiors. Our dressing rooms need to be revamped. We are also planning to convert some offices into public spaces. To make our vision of a globally competitive, sustainable, and future-ready CCP, we need funds. So, we appeal to everyone to be part of this worthwhile endeavor,” said CCP president Margie Moran-Floirendo.

The initial fund-raising effort kick-started during the “Bulawan: The CCP 50th Anniversary Gala” in 2019, with the BDO Unibank Inc. underwriting the gala concert and donating the first P1-million.

For the first phase of the private sector fund-raising campaign for 2023, the CCP rolls out various packages that government institutions, non-government organizations, business companies, and generous individuals can avail of to be part of this worthwhile cause.

Launched during the fund-raiser event at the Manila Polo Club, there are two types of sponsorship packages that generous organizations and individuals can avail of: the Institutional Sponsorship Package 2023 and the CCP Anniversary Gala Sponsorship Package 2023.

Under Institutional Package, there are four cash sponsorship categories – Platinum (priced at P10-million), Gold (priced at P8-million), Silver (priced at P5-million, and Bronze (priced at P2-million).

Each package category has corresponding inclusions and perks of partnerships.

(For sponsorship packages, contact Gemma Marco at gemma.marco@culturalcenter.gov.ph or Vince Oliquiano at vincentpaul.oliquiano@culturalcenter.gov.ph.)

“To reach our target, the management is looking at auctioning off the naming rights of our theaters and other venues. We have done this before with our Tanghalang Manuel Conde, which was named after the Dream Broadcasting Company. We are intensively appraising how to maximize this strategy,” Moran-Floirendo added.

But why should organizations and individuals support the CCP and its rehabilitation?

“Over half a century since the curtain of the Main Theater rose with ‘Gintong Salakot: Isang Dularawan,’ the CCP has enriched the lives of generations of Filipinos with virtuosos of our land and of the world. The CCP has brought in our midst the most renowned musicians and performers, discovered and burnished the talent of our most promising artists, and brought them up with pride to the world’s recognitions. Truly, the CCP has offered a glimpse of the soul of the Filipino people,” said CCP chairman Dr. Jaime C. Laya.

As the premiere art institution of the country, the CCP strengthens the country’s cultural branding and helps in the national development by bringing diverse and accessible cultural experiences to the public in the Philippines and beyond.

“With this in mind, we are trying to do our part to address the calls of the modern time and keep our Main Building running for the next 50 more years,” Moran-Floirendo enthused.

Averaging 900 shows a year pre-pandemic, the CCP is quite adamant to help deepen the Filipino identity and tell the social realities through thought-provoking and heart-warming stories within and beyond the Philippines shores that transcend on and off the stage.

The rehabilitation will last for three years. As an architectural icon, the management ensures to remain true to the design of National Artist Leandro Locsin, with no drastic changes to the architecture. The rehabilitation will address the wear and tear of the building accumulated through the years.

“We hope to complete the rehabilitation by 2025, so we can open our venues again to the public in 2026. When we reopen the CCP Main Building, the public can expect a globally competitive performance venue and tourist destination,” said Moran-Floirendo.

Even though the building is closed, CCP programs and projects continue, with performances, productions and shows happening at the newly-launched Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater) and partner venues such as the Metropolitan Theater, the Samsung Theater, and the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
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