Glitz and Glamour in Miss Universe Philippines Preliminary Long Gown Competition.

After the Swimsuits here comes another favorite part of the preliminaries, the glamorous long gown competition.

 

Some of the standouts in the long gown competition are again the ladies from Cebu, Steffi Aberasturi and Beatrice Gomez, Albay's Janela Cuaton, Misamis Oriental's Chela Falconer. 

Only 15 candidates will be chosen in the preliminary rounds and the other 1 will be chosen via online voting.

 

This year the preliminaries were all held at the new terminal of the Clark International Airport in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Check out the 28 candidates in their stunning gowns made by the best and up coming designers here in the Philippines. 

 

 

Miss Universe Philippines 2021: Preliminary Swimsuit Competition.

Competition gets hotter as the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 showcases their beach bodies in their swim suits for the preliminary competition held at the new terminal of the Clark International Airport in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

Some of the stand outs in the Swimsuit round were Cebu's Steffi Aberasturi and Beatrice Gomez, veterans Leren Mae Bautista and Katrina Dimaranan. Only 15 girls will be chosen in the preliminaries while the other one will be chosen via the Lazada app. 

The coronation night will be on September 30 at the Hennan Resort and Hotel in Panglao, province of Bohol. Meanwhile, do check out the photos of the 28 candidates wearing swimsuits by Paulina by Mikee Andrei.

 

1st PH Film Industry Screens Elwood Perez Retrospective Online

 

As tribute to his 50-year legacy in the filmmaking industry, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP)’s Philippine Film Archive (PFA) showcases free screenings of nine (9) films from the seminal works of Elwood “El Maestro” Perez on the FDCP Channel from September 25 to 30. 

 

 

PFA’s “50 Years / 50 Films: An Elwood Perez Film Retrospective” features Perez’s “Isang Gabi… Tatlong Babae!,” “Inday Garutay,” “Masarap, Masakit ang Umibig,” “Nakawin Natin ang Bawa’t Sandali,” “Stepsisters,” “Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos,” “Bilangin Ang Bituin Sa Langit,” “Otso,” and “Esoterika: Manila.”

Perez, a two-time Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) Awards Best Director and three-time Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Best Director, directed his first feature film “Blue Boy” in 1970. Among the famous celebrities he has worked with are Star For All Seasons Vilma Santos-Recto, Philippine Cinema's “Superstar” Nora Aunor, and the the reigned “Sex Goddess of Philippine Movies” in the '70s and '80s, Alma Moreno.

Nestor Cuartero of the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) expressed the significance of the retrospective: “The Elwood Perez Retrospective is an opportunity for today’s audiences to absorb the cinematic art of the director known in his time as a superstar director.” 

“The nine-film retrospective, from September 25 to 30, celebrates Perez’s 50th anniversary as a multi-awarded filmmaker, a career marked by his strong presence in the industry through a gallery of films remembered for blending both artistic and commercial merits,” he added.  

In 2013, FDCP awarded Perez “Master Filmmaker” for his film “Otso” in the Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival All Masters Edition along with 11 other veteran Filipino filmmakers. He is also one of Philippine Cinema’s Sine Sandaan Luminaries. 

“Elwood ‘El Maestro’ Perez is the only living master of his generation with over 50 films in his name. As we near the end of the very 1st celebration of Philippine Film Industry Month, we honor one of Philippine Cinema’s icons through a film retrospective of his notable works,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

FDCP also held a Gala Night to officially launch the “50 Years / 50 Films: An Elwood Perez Film Retrospective” on the FDCP Channel last September 25. Perez’s retrospective featured a performance by The Company, hosted by Miss Kakki Teodoro, heartfelt messages from celebrities he has worked with such as Charo Santos-Concio, Rio Locsin, Dexter Doria, and Gloria Diaz, which was followed by a special screening of “Esoterika: Manila.” 

Perez, who was present during the gala night, expressed his thanks for the retrospective. “May God protect and bless you all, moviegoers, movie-makers, and the people behind the FDCP. I will always be grateful. From the bottom of my heart, mamahalin at mahal ko kayong lahat. Chair Liza Diño, through whose initiative this is happening right now, I will always be grateful to you.” 

The Elwood Perez Retrospective is part of the 1st Philippine Film Industry Month celebration spearheaded by FDCP. 

To watch the “50 Years / 50 Films: An Elwood Perez Film Retrospective” titles, log in at the FDCP Channel (or create an account for free) and click the Basic tab. For more information and inquiries, visit https://philippinefilmarchive.fdcp.ph/ and https://www.facebook.com/FDCPPFA.

Discover the Best TECNO Mobile Smartphones for Online Learning

 

Now that classes are being held online, easy access to high-quality, affordable smartphones makes access to education much easier, too. Understanding the needs of its consumers, premium smartphone brand, TECNO Mobile, sees the importance of making reliable smartphones for online classes available to Filipino learners across all levels, at prices that are well within their budget. 

Anyone in search of a smartphone that is capable of meeting the demands of online schooling can certainly find one among TECNO Mobile’s offerings. These smartphones are powered by fast processors, and are equipped with large memory and storage capacities. With clear, big-screens, they are great for viewing online lectures, and their large-capacity batteries allow students to learn and work longer, in between charging. 

The best TECNO Mobile smartphones for online learners

TECNO Mobile continues to inspire the youth, and the young-at-heart, to continue pursuing excellence. These multitasking TECNO Mobile smartphones, all priced below Php 10,000 - from the Spark Series to POVA 2, and the Camon series - are built to help online learners shine and thrive in their virtual classes.

On September 30, Spark 6 Go and Spark 7 will become even more affordable, with the special Payday Offer at the TECNO Mobile Official Store in Shopee. Enjoy almost Php 800 off on Spark 6 Go, and get yours for only Php 4,699. Spark 7 will also go on sale for only Php 4,699 during the one day sale. 

Check out Spark 6 Go, packed with these awesome features that suit the needs of everyone:

• A large 6.52” HD Resolution Screen that allows users to enjoy media content with ease

• Built-in AI Dual Unlock Feature, capable of both face-unlock and fingerprint scanning 

• Camera with AI Beauty Mode and 18 AI Scene Detection features for outstanding images every time

• 5000 mAh battery that allows for up to 36 days of standby time, 24 hours of calling, 19 hours of web browsing, 25 hours of video playback, 125 hours of music, or 15 hours of gaming on a single charge

• Audio Share that allows up to 3 Bluetooth speakers or 2 Bluetooth headphones to connect simultaneously

• Aqua Blue, Ice Jadeite, Sky Black, and Mystery White colors

Spark 7 ignites inspiration through these key features:

• A storage capacity of 3GB RAM + 64GB ROM for more space available for photos, music, videos, and files

• HiOS 7.5 Operating System based on Android 11 with features that include WiFi Share, Phone Cloner and Smart Scanner

• A 6000mAh battery for longer standby time, voice calling, web browsing, music and video playback, and even gaming.  

• 6.52” FHD+ Dot-notch Display with 720x1600 HD+ resolution to enhance your viewing experience

• 16MP AI Dual Rear Camera with quad flash and an 8MP Front Camera that lets you capture every wonderful moments and selfies with more details

• Smile Shot, which detects your smile automatically to instantly take a photo

• Ultrathin body with fin-shaped design for a superior hand feel

• 3 eye-catching colors – Magnet Black, Morpheus Blue, and Spruce Green

Here are the features of Spark 7 Pro, the smartphone that’s big enough for your dreams:

• A huge storage capacity of 4GB RAM + 128GB ROM 

• Helio G80 – 2.0 GHz Octa Core Processor, capable of effortlessly running multiple apps at the same time

• HiOS 7.5 Operating System based on Android 11 with features that include WiFi Share, Phone Cloner and Smart Scanner

• 5000mAh battery that offers a standby time of up to 14 days, up to 18 hours of voice calling, 16 hours of web browsing, 22 hours of music playback when using earphones, 20 hours of video playback or 16 hours of offline gaming 

• 6.6” HD+ Dot-in Screen with 720x1600 HD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rate

• 48 MP AI Triple Rear Camera with Quad Flash - 48MP Main Camera, 2MP Bokeh Lens, and AI Cam – with Quad Rear Flash, plus an 8MP Front Camera with Dual Front Flash for the perfect selfie, even in low light

• Smile Shot, which detects your smile automatically to instantly take a photo

• Professional shooting modes for capturing every dream moment, including Super Night Shot, Timelapse, Video Bokeh, and 2K

• Ultrathin body with fin-shaped design for a superior hand feel

• 3 eye-catching colors – Magnet Black, Alps Blue, and Spruce Green

Work hard and play hard with the TECNO Mobile POVA 2, which has:

• A Helio G85 Gaming Processor , which unlocks intelligent resource management that ensures sustained performance and longer gameplay with its 2GHz octa-core processor. Heavy games load faster, the performance is smoother, and power efficiency is maintained to ensure uninterrupted game play.

• A powerful 7000mAh battery with 18W dual IC flash charger that ensures longer playing time on the go.

• A 6.9” 1080P FHD+ screen with an extremely sharp display that vividly shows every amazing game detail.

• A 6GB RAM + 128GB Storage and  ET Engine for lag-free gameplay, eliminating screen jittering, and allowing  fully immersive gaming experience. 

• Game Space 2.0. Provides a unique user interface that enhances your gameplay by accelerating memory, network connectivity , CPU and GPU boost. 

• A Game Voice Changer feature that transforms voices in various ways, for an even more fun and exciting gaming experience. 

• Slim and modern design that is lightweight and easy to grip, perfect for hours of comfortable gameplay.

• Enhanced artificial intelligence cameras for taking professional-quality photos, with a 48MP quad camera set up at the rear, and an 8-megapixel AI powered selfie camera.

C the best in you with the Camon 16 smartphone, equipped with:

• A 48MP Ultra Quad Camera, with a four-camera lens combination for comprehensive smartphone photography - Bokeh Depth of Field Lens, AI Lens, Macro Lens, and 48MP Main Lens with a 79-degree wide-angle view

• Ultra Night Lens with 1-second image processing that produces higher quality night images, aided by convenient anti-over exposure and AI portrait segment features

• Huge RAM and ROM capacity of 128GB+6GB that enables users to enjoy entertainment on the go with thousands of saved songs and images, as well as HD movies and apps

• 18W fast charging, with advanced protection technology that ensures automatic regulation of charging inputs, helping to prolong the hardware and software of the device.

Capture the beauty of everyday life with Camon 17P, which has these key features:

• A 48MP AI Triple Camera & 16MP Selfie Camera

• Powerful Helio G85 processor

• 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging

• 6.8” FHD+ 1080P that provides sharper and clearer display with a high screen refresh rate of 90Hz

• Three colors available - Magnet Black, Spruce Green and Frost Silver 

•  Priced at only P8,490

To find out more about these fantastic smartphones from TECNO Mobile, check out the TECNO Mobile Flagship store in Lazada (https://bit.ly/TecnoLazada) and Shopee (https://bit.ly/TecnoShp). Also visit the TECNO Mobile Concept Store at SM North Edsa Annex, along with other  partner retail stores (http://bit.ly/TecnoStoresPH) for exclusive offers and special discounts.

For all the latest updates, follow TECNO Mobile Philippines on Facebook (facebook.com/TECNOMobilePH).  

Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Showcase National Costumes, Sets up Grand Coronation in Bohol.

 

The Miss Universe Philippines Organization pays homage to the first ever beauty pageant in the Philippines the Manila Carnival Queen in their National Costume presentation. The 28 candidates paraded their modernized mascota inspired costumes that were all presented in a 7 minute music video on YouTube. 

Meanwhile, the IATF already gave a go signal for the grand coronation night of the Miss Universe Philippines this coming September  30 at the Hennan Resort in the province of Bohol. Check out the Miss Universe Philippines candidates in their Natcos in the photos below. 

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TikTok Collaborates with the Department of Tourism for Locally Driven #GandaMoPinas Campaign

TikTok, the leading destination for short-form mobile video, collaborated with the Department of Tourism (DOT) in an effort to elevate local livestream content through the #GandaMoPinas campaign. The campaign spotlights creators from around the country who will promote their region through TikTok Live and explain how each place showcases the beauty of the Philippines

During their live sessions, each creator will share more about their province, highlighting its natural landscape, top tourist spots and activities, best cuisine, as well as local products. These creators will  encourage their viewers to help share more of the Philippines' beauty to travellers missing the islands and for them to visit when it's safe to do so. All that is needed is to tag the DOT in their own entertaining and engaging content featuring their provinces, and following the official TikTok account of the DOT to discover more local destinations to fall in love with.  

Nine creators from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao were shortlisted by the DOT and TikTok as local representatives to participate in the campaign. These creators were each tasked to share a short video inviting their followers to watch their #GandaMoPinas live sessions on TikTok. They will then go live on TikTok for one hour each, between September 22 and 30, 2021.

Once all nine creators have completed their livestreams, a winner from each area will be bestowed the honour of the 'TikTok Funfluencers', based on their number of viewers. Winners also will receive selected merchandise and support from TikTok and the DOT. 

The #GandaMoPinas campaign is only the first of many planned partnerships between TikTok and various local departments in the Philippines. Through these initiatives, TikTok hopes to produce more high-quality, relevant livestream content among local creators on the platform. 

Catch the #GandaMoPinas live sessions on TikTok from September 22 to 30, 2021! Download the app on your iOS and Android devices to get started.

A Different Kind of Everlasting Love in Limited Edition the Series.

Once upon a time, three fine gentlemen named Jethro, Arnold and Mario, figure in a different kind of love, complete with its many saccharine trappings, weep-triggering tribulations and promise of happily ever after which are all in “Limited Edition.”

“Limited Edition” is a romantic drama about finding one’s elusive and everlasting love with a love triangle story arc that gives it more kilig, heartstrings pull, and a fairy-tale like conclusion of who ends up with who. 

“What makes him lovable is his innocence and simplicity,” says Jomari Angeles about Mario. “Not all of us are born with the right knowledge about life and love right away. He is a hopeless romantic and pag  pag nakuha na ang loob niya or pagna-inlove na siya bibigay niya ang lahat sa kanyang partner.”

Andrew Gan, on being Jethro enthuses:  “The most challenging part about being him is how to feel like him, to live in his shoes, and give justice to that feeling of falling in love with another young man. I want to be truthful lalo na pag naramdaman na niya na he is in love with Mario.”

“Well, his only fault is that he fell in love with Mario as well,” declares Ron Angeles who is Arnold. “I should say my being a pambansang third wheel is solidified and becomes a notch higher in this romantic BL drama. Ilalaban ko talaga yung feelings ko for Mario and my character has sincere and pure intentions.”

Director Jill Singson Urdaneta avers: “The process of love and loving, of being loved and in love, everyone who will give us their time and support, they will witness it in Limited Edition. The many discoveries about one’s self, insecurities exposed, that willingness to compromise and sacrifice, to make a relationship work because all relationships need a lot of work and commitment to make it work. All these and more, are in this drama about romantic connections and everlasting possibilities.”

Other cast members are Donna Cariaga (Chona, Mario’s best friend), Michelle Jhoie Ferraris: as Mamita, Mario's nanay nanayan Miss Iyah Mina: Ivory, Mamita's rival Miss Yayo Aguila: Jethro's mom Miss Ruby Ruiz: Mario's mom Introducing are Anton Arceo, Aaron Concepcion, Celine Dorado and Luke Hembling

 Story by Bernard Umali, screen play written John Fontanos with Jill Singson Urdaneta as its director.  Produced by world-famous shoe designer Jojo Bragais, with Michelle Jhoie Ferraris as co-producer.

“Limited Edition” starts airing on October 2, 8pm, Saturday, on BRAGAIS TV.

BRAGAIS TV is an online channel for fun and entertainment for Filipinos. 

NCR under Alert Level 4, Film and AV Shoot Allowed to Operate with Max of 50 People Onsite

 Following the Inter-Agency Task Force’s (IATF) COVID-19 Alert Levels System, Metro Manila is currently placed under Alert Level 4 from September 16 until 30. The new quarantine scheme of granular lockdown aims to curb the COVID-19 cases while allowing economic activities. 

Under the Alert Levels System, film and audiovisual production shoots are allowed to operate with a maximum of 50 persons at any time and are subject to the same restrictions and protocols of the DTI-DOLE-DOH Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2021-0001. 

Production activities are also reminded to follow strict implementation of Minimum Public Health Standards and avoidance of the three (3) Cs: 1.) Closed Spaces 2.) Crowded Places 3.) Close-Contact Settings.

“Despite the limitations caused by COVID-19 pandemic, we are still able to continue production under the community quarantine guidelines. With that in mind, we should always practice strict adherence to the safety protocols set by the government,” said Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

FDCP’s Safe Filming Program encourages all film and audiovisual productions to abide by the government’s prescribed safety and health protocols amid the pandemic. For more assistance with transitioning to the new normal, productions may register with the Safe Filming Program.

To know more about the safety and health protocols for production shoots and audiovisual activities in community quarantine areas, read the DTI-DOLE-DOH JAO 2021-0001 at http://bit.ly/OmnibusGuidelinesNFVPforCovid19 or visit www.safefilming.ph.

Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 5 Kicks Off with Youth, Regional Shorts Competition

 

The much awaited annual flagship program of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP) puts the spotlight on short films this year as it kicks off its fifth edition with free screenings from the 25 finalists from Sine Kabataan Short Film Competition and Sine Isla: LuzViMinda Short Film Competition on September 17 to 26 on the FDCP Channel.

PPP 5, with the theme “Bagong SineMula,” highlights the narratives of the regional filmmakers and the youth with Sine Isla and Sine Kabataan, respectively. It features ten (10) entries from Sine Kabataan, a platform that provides an opportunity for aspiring young filmmakers to expose their fresh talents, and fifteen (15) finalists from Sine Isla: LuzViMinda, a new short film competition that provides support and recognition to regional filmmakers. 

On September 15, PPP 5 held its virtual Opening Ceremony to launch the Sine Kabataan and Sine Isla: LuzViMinda screenings on the FDCP Channel and introduced the filmmakers of both competitions. From September 17 to 26, the 25 short films will be available to stream on the FDCP Channel. Furthermore, to give the participating filmmakers and audiences a platform to discuss the short films and gain deeper insights, Talkbacks with Sine Kabataan and Sine Isla: LuzViMinda filmmakers will be held on September 24 and 25, followed by the awarding of the winners during the Closing Program of the Philippine Film Industry Month on September 30. 

“The agency, through its annual PPP, showcases a variety of stories from filmmakers all over the country. This year, we are introducing unique voices from carefully curated short films from the agency’s programs. We hope to inspire the audience and ask for their support as FDCP highlights films by the youth and regional filmmakers in this first leg of the program,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

Sine Kabataan is a platform that encourages the youth to develop their creativity and originality in storytelling while touching on pertinent issues in society. In its 4th edition, for the first time, FDCP chose ten (10) projects in development and awarded them with a production grant. These projects underwent intensive labs to elevate their works until 

the final films were produced. The finalists are set to debut on the FDCP Channel for PPP 5. 

Through the chosen 15 short films by the selection committee and esteemed jury, Sine Isla: LuzViMinda, a nationwide short film competition, aims to attain a more inclusive Philippine Cinema by highlighting narratives from regional filmmakers.  

PPP 5 Free Screenings from September 17 to 26: 

Sine Kabataan Finalists 

• “Abot Kamay Ang Langit” by Brian Spencer B. Reyes 

• “Ang Alamat ng Prinsipe at Mandirigma” by Jacob Mikhail U. Collado

• “Ang Balay ni Conrad” by Ardinian Jaq Sanque

• “Ang Bunga sa Tiyan ni Adam” by Ella Louise B. Salomon

• “Jeremy Supot” by James Allen Fajardo

• “Jombi” by Angela Francesca V. Andres

• “Love in the Ungodly Hour” by Bradley Jason Pantajo

• “Mga Ulap Tayong Nagiging Ulan” by Demetrio E. Celestino III

• “Reconnected” by Judd Bradley Avelino

• “Si Jet at ang Dark Lord ng Dol Gurskul” by Terence Giourdan Gonzalves

Sine Isla: LuzViMinda Finalists

• “Ang Meron sa Wala” by Arby Laraño and Christine Laraño 

• “Forever” by Domingo I. Molina

• “Gulis” by Kyle Jumayne Francisco

• “Halawod” by Anna Katrina Velez Tejero

• “Maglabay Ra In Sakit” by Mijan Jumalon

• “Mga Bag-ong Nawong (sang Damgo kag Katingalahan)” by Mark Raymund Garcia

• “Oppa-wikan” by Tracy Tang and Hanz Florentino

• “Palabas” by Arjanmar H. Rebeta

• “Replay” by Franky Arrocena

• “Singil” by Maria Graciella Musa

• “Sumasaiyo” by Jermaine Tulbo

• "Tarang” by Arvin Belarmino

• "The Man Who Isn't There and Other Stories of Longing” by Trishtan Perez 

• "Urihi Nga Luha” by Niño Maldecir and Rodjie Tabigo-on

• "You Are Here” by Neo Bryce Largo

The PPP 5: Sine Kabataan and Sine Isla: LuzViMinda is part of the celebration of the Philippine Film Industry Month this September.