At a luncheon at the ballroom of Diamond Hotel on March 15, actor-turned-public servant, now Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Cesar D. Montano awarded plaques of recognition to eight films released in 2016 and 2017 for highlighting tourism destinations.
Among the films honored were Sakaling Hindi Makarating (Ice Adahan) shot in Ilocos, Siquijor, Batanes and Zamboanga; Lakabay2Love (Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil) showcases Timberland Heights and Benguet; Camp Sawi (Irene Villamor) set in Bantayan Island in Cebu; Patay na si Hesus (Victor Villanueva) shot in Cebu and Bohol; Apocalypse Child (Mario Cornejo) shot in Baler; Siargao (Paul Soriano) showcasing the island of the same name; Requited (Nerissa Picadizo) features Mt. Pinatubo; and Kiko Boksingero (Thop Nazareno) filmed in Baguio.
In his speech before the plaques were given to the filmmakers Montano said, “Sa mga nakaraang taon, nakita natin kung paano napupunuan at natutulungan ng pelikula ang industriya ng turismo. Film provides viewers with real-life touchpoints, by showcasing a destination and its breathtaking views that (sic) attracts people from all walks of life, the warmth of its people, and the rich history and culture it has to offer.
“Kapansin-pansin ito sa kaso ng Baguio, Benguet, Sagada, na setting ng pelikulang That Thing Called Tadhana. It took viewers on a pilgrimage to sites such as Session Road, the Bencab Museum, Banaue Rice Terraces, Kiltepan Peak, and Gaia Cafe.
“We at the Tourism Promotions Board are closely watching this wonderful development. Kami na po sa TPB ang unang kikilala sa mga benepisyong kayang anihin from film tourism: increased revenues for tourist attractions; jobs for locals; patronage of local food and handicrafts.”
Cine Turismo also honored the South Korean film Mango Tree by Lee Soo-sung that was shot in Cebu and Romantic Island by Cheol-woo Kang that was filmed in Boracay.
While this honor given by TPB was merely honorific (at this time), Montano hopes that in the following years such recognitions are awarded, they will be with some monetary considerations. In fact, the actor is also thinking of mounting a tourism-related film festival in the future.
There is a pending bill at the Senate sponsored by Sen. Grace Poe and introduced by Sen. Sonny Angara (Film Tourism Bill or SB 1330) that aims to recognize the “potential of international and local motion picture production to create jobs, grow the economy and raise the nation’s profile.”
It also seeks to offer incentives to production companies (sic) that choose to showcase Philippine destinations and the nation’s historical and cultural heritage or champion Filipino film practitioners and artists in foreign productions. Montano is urging the Senate to pass the bill.
The Tourism Promotions Board is an attached agency of the Department of Tourism.
We chanced upon Joshua Garcia at the set visit Dreamscape arranged for members of the media at Tivoli Royale Homes where The Good Son was taping an episode for the remaining days the series would be on the air.
I asked him how he felt being with more experienced actors nominated for the 2nd Eddys, the awards handed out by members of the Society of Entertainment Editors (which, by the way I led as president in the last two years).
The actor merely said, “I am honored to be among the nominees and glad that the members of SPEEd noticed my work.
Garcia is nominated for his role in Love You To The Stars And Back (Star Cinema) along with Abra (Respeto), Edgar Allan Guzman (Deadma Walking), Aga Muhlach (Seven Sundays), and Ronaldo Valdez (Seven Sundays).
Meanwhile, some people (actually writers close to the manager of an actress) asked an actress why she wasn’t among the nominees in this year’s Eddys. The actress won an award for her role in a film exhibited in a foreign film festival.
This year’s Eddys Best Actress nominees include Joanna Ampil (Ang Larawan), Mary Joy Apostol (Birdshot), Sharon Cuneta (Unexpectedly Yours), Bela Padilla (100 Tula), and Alessandra de Rossi (Kita Kita).
The actress, whether in jest or not, said, “Bakit nga hindi?”
Does that need an answer? And why would the scribes ask her that? She wasn’t nominated and clearly the answer could be her performance was not Eddy worthy!
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SKY subscribers now have new reasons to stay glued on TV as it adds new channels across the sports, news, and lifestyle genres to its line-up including LIGA, Fight Sports HD, EDGEsport HD, TLC HD, and Euronews.
Select SKYcable and SKYdirect subscribers will get access to three new sports channels including Liga, which airs the ASEAN Basketball League, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, among others.
Other channels include Fight Sports HD, a 24/7 live sports network that airs epic boxing bouts on “MEGA Fights;” and EDGEsport HD, the home of the Festival International Des Sports Extremes (FISE) World Series, which brings together top athletes in the most popular action sports such as skateboarding, BMX, mountain biking, wakeboarding and inline skating among others.
Meanwhile, the popular lifestyle channel TLC HD that houses hit shows like Cake Boss, Say Yes to the Dress, and The Kings will also be added to the lineup of select plans, as well as worldwide news channel, Euronews, that offers a comprehensive perspective on current events by putting to light diverse viewpoints on issues.
Meanwhile, Liga is available nationwide in standard and high definition in selected SKYcable plans, in One SKY Premium and Lite plans, and all SKYdirect plans.
For more details, visit mysky.com.ph.
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To combat the rampant piracy happening online, Globe undertook “Piracy vs. Piracy,” a unique approach to strengthen #PlayItRight, the company’s homegrown advocacy to encourage Filipinos to download or stream content from legitimate sources.
The idea behind “Piracy vs. Piracy” is to use channels where piracy happens to reach effectively and deliver the message to the target audience. Thus, during the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival, Globe uploaded copies of the participating films and other blockbuster Filipino movies on torrent and streaming websites.
“Piracy Against Piracy sends a strong message to everyone on the effects and realities of piracy in the industry and the people who work hard to keep it alive,” says Globe Studios Director Quark Henares.
“Pirating local films robs fellow Filipinos of livelihood and the possibility of making more films. This campaign has forced people who illegally stream or download to meet the people they rob from,” continues Marielle Nones, art director of Publicis JimenezBasic.
“This campaign allows us to connect with Filipinos who are in the act of trying to look for content from illegitimate sources and share with them the effects of their actions,” says Globe Senior Vice President for Content Business Nikko Acosta.
Globe launched #PlayItRight in 2017 to highlight the impact of piracy to the people in the industry and their families. The advocacy encourages customers and the public to play content from legal sources and protect the copyright of its content partners, while ensuring that its network, products and services are not used in illegal activities.