#UAAP82 Juniors Day 12: FEU Averts Collapse, Fends Off Junior Archers.

The Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws extended their winning streak to 11 after they fend off the DLSZ Junior Archers 65-46.

The Baby Tams were able to start off the game blazing with an early 20-2 lead, but going to the second period they slowed down giving the Junior Archers the chance to capitalize and erase the huge advantage of the Baby Tams.

Jorick Bautista saved the day for FEU with 23 points and 13 rebounds, Cholo Anonuevo and Penny Estacio both added 10 points in this game.

A SIZE BIG ENOUGH TO ENTERTAIN: ETFD (2020)

A celebration of equality in all various sizes! Enter The Fat Dragon travels around the cities of Hongkong and Tokyo, Japan while following the story of a Hongkong Special Task Force Agent whose job and dream is to stop crimes with all his might. Turns out: The Superman that he thought he could be will greatly affect his relationship with his fiancé. Conflicts like spending less to no more time with his bride to be, or worse, putting their wedding on hold after a surprising break up is just one of the many things that you never thought would see. With their relationship falling apart, can he still solve crimes assigned to him? Will the gravity of the crimes weigh more than his dying relationship? even if It is a notorious drug dealer on the loose?

Fei Lung Gwoh Gong is a simple masterpiece you wouldn’t know you would enjoy, after you’ve seen it for yourself. Honestly speaking, I am not a huge fan of Chinese films for I am completely distracted reading subtitles and trying to understand everything rather than just absorbing what is happening frame by frame. But with Enter The Fat Dragon, I was wrong! The film is a jam-packed action comedy that tackles a lot of certain subjects. Don’t underestimate the showbiz industry, the effects of depression to mental and physical health and treating weight gain as an inspiration to continue life, as topics such as these and more are some of the relevant themes the film offers throughout its one-and-a-half-hour runtime.

Don't expect too much because it is just your typical action film. But don't fret! What sets this film apart from other existing pictures in the same genre is the execution itself. All actions sequences are undeniably engaging. From the camera movements, unexpected pauses and how each intense scenario ends, it is greatly done and are overall, relevant to the flow of the story. Musical scoring? Good! Editing? Superb! The cast ensemble? All did well! What amazes me the most is the production design. I am completely mind blown how all the Tokyo, Japan scenes are shot only inside a studio. Imagine the hard work and numbers of hours the production team exerted only to give you a breathtaking view of Tokyo, Japan’s nightlife poisoning your eyes and mind to make you believe that this is real until you’ve reached the ending credits when it is finally told that all of it are just merely build-up sets. The production design alone is worthy of your time, the fact that 60 to 70% of the film is mainly focused on what is happening in Japan, I guess you will have the same reaction as mine once you got out of the cinema. Enter The Fat Dragon will be shown in local theatres starting January 29, 2020! Distributed by Reality Entertainment.

#UAAP82 Juniors Day 11: Baby Tamaraws books twice to beat advantage after beating down UP

The FEU Baby Tamaraws made it 10 straight victory after trouncing the hapless Junior Maroons 115-66.

The Baby Tams were off to a hot start in this game with a commanding 12-0 start that ballooned to a 50 point advantage as the game progressed.

It was another total team effort showed by the Baby Tamaraws with Penny Estacio leading the charge with 17 points, Aeron Bagunu powers through the paint with 16 points, Patrick Sleat and Jorick Bautista both added 12 points, while Vincent Saldua added 11 points.

The Baby Tamaraws are now secured of the second twice to beat after this win with a 10-1 record.

Enter The Fat Dragon

Just in time for the start of the Year of the Metal Rat and a few days after its release in Hong Kong, the movie “Enter the Fat Dragon” starring Hong Kong’s martial arts superstar Donnie Yen screens in the Philippines beginning January 29. 

The film—inspired by the 1978 HK comedy of the same title—is described by the South China Morning Post as “delightful” and “a winner.” 

This new tale is about a Hong Kong police officer, Fallon Zhu played by Donnie Yen, who is dumped by his fiancée. Heartbroken, he indulges in food and ends up transforming into a 200-plus pound agent. To help him gain his confidence and lose his excess weight, Fallon’s supervisor orders him to escort a suspect to Japan. Challenges of hefty proportions befall the agent on the way to the Land of the Rising Sun, begging the question, “Can Fallon still do his job and find love?”  

Donnie Yen is one of Hong Kong’s top martial arts stars. The versatile Mr. Yen is an actor, director, producer, action choreographer, stuntman and multiple-time wushu tournament champion. Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Torro (“The Shape of Water,” “Hellboy,” “Pan’s Labyrinth”) may have described Mr. Yen’s appeal best when he said, “I can watch Donnie 24/7.”

In 2002, Mr. Yen appeared in director Zhang Yimou’s “Hero” which catapulted the actor to international attention. Mr. Yen is known for his blockbuster “Ip Man” films based on the life of Bruce Lee’s teacher and grandmaster of the Wing Chun form of martial arts. “Ip Man” grossed over $21 million worldwide and spawned three sequels.  Mr. Yen has also conquered Hollywood. He played the blind preacher and fighter Chirrut Imwe in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” 

Known for constantly reinventing himself on screen to stay true to character and to delight viewers, Donnie Yen’s character in “Enter the Fat Dragon” is truly different. His transformation is mesmerizing as it entertaining. 

Get Ready Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 4 is coming!

The fourth Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) will be back this September 11-17, 2020 where audiences can experience a week-long celebration of Philippine Cinema at FDCP’s annual flagship program featuring quality films with captivating storylines, set to premiere in movie theaters nationwide. 

This national industry event celebration in partnership with cinemas provides an exclusive platform for Filipino filmmakers and producers, giving particular focus to independent productions. PPP allows them to showcase their unique stories with the opportunity to reach the widest audience in the country. It also provides an opportunity to showcase quality films with an elevated genre, exhibiting the versatility and ingenuity of Filipino Cinema.

Last year’s PPP concluded with an award’s night that crowned Eduardo Roy Jr.’s Lola Igna as the festival’s ‘Best Picture’ and LSS as the ‘Special Jury Prize’ winner. Lola Igna also racked in the awards for ‘Best Screenplay,’ ‘Best Musical Score.’ Its lead star Angie Ferro won the award for ‘Best Actress’. Other winners included Tyrone Acierto as ‘Best Director’ for his film Watch me Kill and Martin Del Rosario as ‘Best Actor’ for his role in The Panti Sisters. 

“We are truly proud and excited to continue championing Filipino films and encouraging Filipino filmmakers to be competitive players in the industry through the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino. In the past three years, we have raised immense support from our Filipino audience who have shown how eager they are to watch quality films of different genres from stories that are ours,” said FDCP Chairperson Liza Dino. “With the fourth year and the closing of the 100 Years of Philippine Cinema, PPP will continue to challenge and expand the stories and reach of our films towards a more global perspective. Especially with our next hundred years, we hope that this platform becomes integral in placing Philippine Cinema at the worldwide stage in both technical and creative and storytelling aspects,” she added.

Aside from featuring 10 full-length films, last year’s PPP also premiered short films under ‘Sine Kabataan,’ a short-film competition for young filmmakers conducted alongside the week-long festival. Kalakalaro, directed by Rodson Verr Suarez, won the ‘Best Short Film’ award for the competition.

This year’s PPP will conclude Sine Sandaan, the year-long celebration of one hundred years of Philippine cinema spearheaded by FDCP that kicked off at last year’s PPP. Under Presidential Proclamation 622, signed November 2018, FDCP was assigned to lead the centennial year celebration of Philippine cinema, held from September 2019 to September 2020.

OPM Stars and Celebrity Guests lead Grand Chinese New Year Countdown in Binondo

ALL-STAR LINE UP OF OPM ACTS AND CELEBRITY GUESTS LEAD GRAND CHINESE NEW YEAR 2020 CELEBRATION

Get ready for the biggest celebration to kick off the Year of the Rat! The Office of the Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, in cooperation with the Filipino-Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Inc. (FCGCCI), and Manila Chinatown Development Council is holding several activities to celebrate the new year. Join the Chinese New Year Countdown 2020 Street Party, happening this January 24, 2020 from 7PM-12MN at Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo, Manila. The show will feature special celebrity guests, and some of the biggest acts in OPM including Parokya Ni Edgar, Sponge Cola, Gloc-9, Shanti Dope, Ex-Battalion,  Darren Espanto, Angeline Quinto, Janine Berdin and many more musical acts to keep the night festive. Also joining the festivities are all-star celebrity guests from ABS-CBN and GMA including Joshua Garcia, Derrick Monasterio, and Rita Daniela. To top the New Year Countdown off will be a 30-minute grand firework display to start the year with a big bang. The following day, January 25 will see a Grand Float Parade which will travel along the streets of Binondo and Sta. Cruz, also featuring special celebrity guests. This is one grand celebration you wouldn’t wanna miss! ADMISSION IS FREE for all events.

CRIME, COMEDY AND ALL THE SLAPSTICKS IN BETWEEN: D' NINANG (2020)

Photo by Mark Anthony Bautista

D' Ninang Red Carpet Premiere last January 20, 2020 at SM Megamall

D’ Ninang is Regal Entertainment’s first offering this 2020. It revolves around the character of Ninang Ditas, a thief, but named as the most generous personality in their barangay as every request of material thing whether cash, or cellular phone are always quickly given. The tables turn when she stumbles upon her long-lost daughter who wished to become a lawyer to decrease the number of criminals in the country. Find out how Ditas faces her fate of being a criminal mastermind while being there for her daughter’s wishes all at the same time in this wacky laugh-out-loud comedy from Regal Films. 

I would give the movie a rating of 7 over 10 for it satisfies its supposed intention to entertain the viewers in the most hilarious way possible. Though the story's execution started strong, it felt rushed in its last hour. Formula used to narrate is somehow generic and is unsurprisingly predictable. Slapstick lines work but the movie can stand without some of them. What makes it unique from recent comedies is the new faces of actors served fresh in your eyes. The director’s way of attacking the audiences secretly in its lines are very much appreciated too, for it tackles lots of issues including political views that are relevant in this present age.

Aiai's performance here is undoubtedly good. She proved that she is still the reigning comedy queen throughout the years. In comparison with her recent rom-com, Tripol Trobol which is an official entry to the MMFF 2019, her portrayal in D' Ninang is far better throwing laugh-worthy dialogues scene after scene and proving to the masses that she has great acting skills aside from just making the crowd laugh. 

Kisses plays the role of Mikhai, Aiai’s daughter. The role is important for the build-up of the story. It is good, but it can be pushed further.  Though several scenes that requires Kisses’ strong emotions felt lacking, it still does not ignore the fact that she has potential to act better. I guess she’s still in the adjustment stage after transferring to GMA Network a few months ago which I think became a factor in her performance here. 

What surprise me the most is Angel Guardian’s performance. She portrays Sol, as the anak-anakan and the helping hand of Ninang Ditas in their illegal deals. It is my first time to see her act and I saw the highest potential in her acting skills. Every scene she is in felt remarkable. I can see the emotions in her eyes as the scenes required it so and her lines were delivered brilliantly. If critiques would notice it, Angel Guardian can go far.

Though included in the official movie poster, Mccoy De Leon, Joey Marquez, Lou Velasco, Kiray Celis and Kelvin Miranda only plays minor roles in the film, atleast for me. Basing it in their screen time, I guess they deserve more exposure for I know they can act good. Especially with Kelvin Miranda who seems like an add-on in the film as the love interest of Sol, who was given almost non-sense lines that were not that necessary for the build-up of the story.

Looking in its technicalities, the color grading is what caught my eyes. It is refreshing and indeed sets the mood of the story. The scoring is fine, but it can be better. I have no problems with the editing too for the director’s usage of right timing is perfect especially every time Aiai delivers a hilarious line. Overall, D’ Ninang is still worthy of your time. Start the year right by being happy while still absorbing something from what the film is trying to say. D’ Ninang is now showing nationwide!

#UAAP82 Juniors Day 10: Baby Tams boosts semis bid after dominant win over UE

The FEU FERN Baby Tams bolster their bid for a twice to beat advantage after getting win number 9 against UE Junior Warriors in a dominant 70-46 victory.

The Baby Tams took charge of the whole game, pushing their control of the lead up as high as 24 points in the latter part of the game.

It was a total team effort for the Baby Tams as almost all of the players fielded in contributed with Patrick Sleat leading the scoring department with 10 points, Cholo Anonuevo, Aeron Bagunu, and Royce Mantua all scored 9 points for FEU.

FDCP To Hold the Fourth Annual Film Ambassadors' Night In February

For its annual kickoff event, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) will usher in 2020 by honoring Filipino filmmakers, producers, actors, projects and the various figures of the film industry that received global recognition over the past year at the fourth edition of FDCP’s Film Ambassadors’ Night.

Film Ambassador’s Night, which inaugurated in 2017, has honored over 200 filmmakers with particular focus on those who represented the Philippines in the international arena. In this year's edition to be held on February 9 (Sunday), FDCP will recognize several Film Ambassadors who consist of Filipino film industry artists, filmmakers, and films across genres and formats that received awards in film festivals abroad. 

“We call our honorees Film Ambassadors for their incredible role in promoting and elevating Philippine Cinema globally by winning in international platforms,” said FDCP Chairperson Liza Dino said, “ Their works and artistry add to the whole of an already great Filipino heritage that is constantly growing in scale and quality. and it makes us truly proud that we call the world's attention to the Philippine Cinema through their efforts,” she added.” 

In the past, these recognitions have included director Brillante Mendoza as part of the A-listers category for winning the special jury prize in San Sebastian Film Festival in 2018 and directors Treb Monteras and Mikhail Red as some of the many ‘Film Ambassadors’. The event also brings together industry workers and opens up the possibilities of sharing experiences and future collaborations.

In addition to recognizing these ‘Film Ambassadors,’ FDCP will present the Camera Obscura Artistic Excellence award to three members of the film industry. This award recognizes outstanding representatives of the film industry — be they filmmakers, producers, actors and so on — who made breakthroughs internationally, brought an appreciation for Philippine cinema abroad, and have positively inspired the Philippine film industry to aspire to greater heights. Awardees will receive a trophy and 50,000 pesos from FDCP. 

Last year’s Camera Obscura awardees included filmmaker and national artist Kidlat Tahimik, film producer Bianca Balbuena and the highest-grossing Filipino film of 2018, The Hows of Us. Other past winners include Lav Diaz and Jaclyn Jose, as well as the films Saving Sally (dir. Avid Liongoren) for its recognition as an original full-length animation film and Kita Kita (dir. Sigrid Andrea Bernardo) for setting a new box office record as the highest-grossing, independently produced Filipino film. 

FDCP’s Film Ambassador’s Night is the first of many events to be held this 2020 by the agency as it continues spearheading the year-long celebration of Sine Sandaan, the commemoration of a hundred years of Philippine cinema.

#UAAP82 Juniors Day 9: Baby Tamaraws edges out Blue Eaglets in a come from behind victory

The FEU-FERN Baby Tamaraws shrugged off their sloppy start to make it 8-1 in the standings after they edges out the gritty Ateneo Blue Eaglets, 67-57.

The Blue Eaglets manage to capitalize FEU's scrappy start as they were able to take control of the first half, but going to the second half the Baby Tamaraws charges back as they break down Ateneo's defense and strengthen their own offense to complete a comeback in the final period.

Patrick Sleat led the charge of the Baby Tamaraws with a solid double-double performance of 18 points and 16 rebounds, Jorick Bautista added 15 points.

Cholo Anonuevo and Vincent Saldua gave FEU 27 rebounds in this game.

TikTok commits to safer space for creative expression with its Community Guidelines update

TikTok commits to safer space for creative expression with

its Community Guidelines update

• TikTok policies are updated to promote a more positive and safe environment for the community, and users are encouraged to follow and utilize these measures to keep TikTok fun and welcoming space for every user.  

  

MANILA, JANUARY 14, 2020 - TikTok released a comprehensive, expanded publication of the Community Guidelines to help maintain a supportive and welcoming environment on the platform and continue to provide a space for creative self-expression while remaining safe, diverse, and authentic – and define a common code of conduct.

The update on TikTok’s policy ensures that users understand the guidelines, including when and why some restrictions are placed and identify what is or isn't allowed on the app. Users will begin to receive notifications of the updated guidelines starting January 8, 2020 which they can easily check on the Safety Center and directly in the app.

Updated for greater transparency

The Community Guidelines published will give users far more detail and greater transparency than previous versions.

Users will notice that violations are grouped  into 10 distinct categories, each of which includes an explanation of the rationale and several detailed bullet points to clarify what type of misbehavior would fall into that category.

These changes offer clarity around how we define harmful or unsafe content that is not permitted on the platform.

The values behind the guidelines

TikTok is an inclusive platform built upon the foundation of creative expression. We encourage users to celebrate what makes them unique, within a community that does the same.

“Our community is diverse and global, and we aim to cultivate an environment for authentic interactions. We believe that feeling safe helps users feel comfortable expressing themselves openly and allows creativity to flourish."

“Our global guidelines are the basis of the moderation policies TikTok's regional and country teams localize and implement in accordance with local laws and norms. Our teams remove content that violates these guidelines, and suspend or ban accounts involved in severe or repeated violations,” said Lavanya Mahendran and Nasser Alsherif, Global Trust and Safety at TikTok. 

Inspiring creativity and bringing joy to users across the globe

As further explained by Mahendran, spending time on TikTok is meant to be rewarding and fun. That doesn't mean serious or controversial content doesn't have a place on the platform; ultimately, the platform is built to support our users and their diverse thoughts, experiences, and interests. But the goal is to provide tools for users to foster their creativity and enjoy content that's expressive, authentic, refreshing, and sometimes delightfully quirky – all within a supportive community environment.

TikTok continues its commitment to transparency on the ways the app experience is maintained while providing the necessary protections. The update is just one step for TikTok as we constantly work to improve and expand its practices, policies, and protections in order to provide a joyful experience for its users.