National Geographic Channel celebrates 10 years in Asia

By Nickie Wang

Contributor/Manila Standard Today

31 May 2008

This month, National Geographic Channel celebrates its decade-long success in Asia with a star-studded campaign featuring some of the region’s most celebrated artists and celebrities, co-hosting the best 30 documentaries in the last 10 years.

This high-profile campaign invites viewers in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia to vote for their favorite documentaries anchored by celebrities like Jacky Chan, Hong Kong’s Paul Wong, Thailand’s Tata Young and the Philippines’ Gary Valenciano, Donita Rose, Christian Bautista and Kim Atienza.

Being the world’s leading pure documentary channel, NGC’s initiative to draw the viewers closer to the brand is parallel with its engagement to present every possible ways viewers can appreciate, support and understand the world, and to commensurate their continuous patronage to the channel.

For 30 consecutive days in June, one documentary will be featured each night and viewers across the region will have the opportunity to vote for it through www.ngcasia.com/top30.

“We have narrowed all the documentaries [down] to 30 and each one of the documentaries will be featured everyday in June with special host and guest celebrities. We have great hosts across five to six countries and we are lucky we got Jacky Chan and other great artists all over Asia. They are keen to share their favorite documentaries,” said Hong Kong-based director Craig Leeson who was in town to launch the campaign.

Leeson, with his local crew, started the taping for the NGC’s handpicked local celebrities who will present their favorite documentaries. The taping started on May 21 at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife in Quezon City.

“The artists we specially chose here in the Philippines to present their favorite documentaries are: Donita, who is fantastic because she loves what she does; Kim, he has a passion with history and science and he can relate very closely to the documentaries the NGC shows. As a director it’s great to work with someone who understands what I need; and artists like Gary and Christian, we chose them because of their deep connection with the public,” Leeson said.

Gary V’s Seconds from Disaster: Pentagon 911

Gary’s chosen documentary is about the American Airlines flight 77 that was hijacked by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001. Less than an hour after the airplane’s takeoff, it slammed directly into the Pentagon’s West Wall at nearly 530 mph, destroying 30 structural columns and killing 184 innocent people and five terrorists. NGC’s documentary narrated second-by-second tragic event that led to the worst day of terrorist attacks on American soil.

“I would certainly recommend this [documentary] because there’s so much to learn that people would just say ‘oh I didn’t know that’,” Gary revealed. “I think if there’s one event that everyone has been affected by it, is probably this event. This is one event that all ages can look back and see and really would be interested. It would be the details of what went on not just what we saw, but the other things that we never knew about. Like personally, I didn’t know that the Pentagon was built in the 1940s unlike the way buildings were built today.”

Donita’s Amazing Moments-Close Encounter

Former MTV Asia VJ Donita Rose will front her chosen documentary Amazing Moments-Close Encounter. It is a close encounter of the amazing kind—surprising moments when predator meets prey- man meets animals and people look death in the face—in some of the most incredible scenes ever captured on film. Meet people who get up close and personal with rats—from grubs to maggots to whole new octopus. The documentary features amazing encounters between predator and prey, as crocodiles and killer whales fight to survive. It also captured incredible moments where life hangs in the balance—from passengers on a sinking ship to pilot in a mid-air collision.

“I feel privileged to be chosen for this, I had done something that honored our country some few years back, but this one is different. I’ll be hosting a documentary that talks about people and animals in a brink of death” Donita expressed on an interview during the taping.

Christian with Megamovers: Panama Canal Unlocked

Asian pop heartthrob Christian Bautista, who said that watching NGC is not nerdy at all or boring because people could learn a lot on how things work, why things work, and how we can be better part of this world, shared his excitement with chosen documentary about the Panama Canal .

“I was really amazed by this awesome project and to think that it is from the 19th century. I was amazed how people work together to accomplish this huge task. It’s actually full of traffic already in the Panama Canal because of the huge quantity of ships that pass through it. Passing through the canal saves them time, four weeks around the continent so they will be able to get the delivery done,” he narrated.

Kuya Kim’s choices

TV’s weather man Kim Atienza couldn’t believe that he has been chosen to be part of the NGC’s star-studded campaign. He will anchor two documentaries entitled Inside the Tornado and China’s Mystery Mummies.

“I love watching this channel because it sparks an interest to learn more about the world. The topics featured give much relevance to things all around us, focusing not just animals and nature, but science, technology, history, relationships, government and so much more. When my friend told me about it, I thought it was a frank. But when it became reality, I am really flattered,” the TV host said.

Inside the Tornado is about an NGC-sponsored team of storm chasers and photographers who managed to position an armored device with cameras in the direct path of a tornado near Manchester, South Dakota. The device was able to take magnificent pictures.

Being haled by director Leeson as ‘a person in-the-know,’ Matang Lawin host Kuya Kim will also front the documentaries about the mummies in China.

“This is not actually my concern. But in China, mummies are studied and treated as national treasures. But in the Philippines we don’t put importance on the mummies that we have. We have lots of mummies up north in Sagada and Banaue. But sad to say, our mummies are practically gone. We are losing these mummies because of lack of awareness, theft and pilferage. People actually steal the mummies and put them in their homes,” he ended regretfully.

Bluntly, British rocker charmed his Pinoy fans

By Nickie Wang/Manila Standard Today

26 May 2008

As the piano started to play an almost otherworldly figure appeared on stage. We heard a voice humming and as the lights were turned on we saw a gaunt figure in gray suit over a white polo shirt and gray slacks. The crowd gave the man a deafening applause for James Blunt.

It was an exhilarating night, with local and foreign fanatics singing along with Blunt and waving their hands all throughout the British singer-composer James Blunt’s 80-minute concert at the Big Dome last Monday.

With his rich voice and the venue’s superb audio system, the show sounded exactly the same as listening to your stereo playing a copy of his CD. He opened the show with the ballad “Give Me Some Love.” Unfortunately there wasn’t enough crowd to give the singer a thunderous welcome, but the three thousand or so Blunt fans were very appreciative of him and embraced him with warm applauses, especially when he did his previous hit “High.”

He performed some of the hits included in his debut album Back to Bedlam, that earned praises from critics and sold more than 14 million copies worldwide, and some of the tracks from his latest album All The Lost Souls.

Blunt tried to show his humorous side by saying that he got life and death pretty much covered in the charts when he performed “Goodbye My Lover.” He strutted back and forth while performing the song about a “naughty little girl” called Annie.

It seemed that Blunt was not informed that there’s no divorce in the Philippines because when he played the piano and sang “I’ll Take Everything” he said: “This song is a good place to move on. This song is dedicated to anyone here who’s going through a divorce.”

With his guitar clung over his shoulder, he sang the song “No Bravery” in front of a giant video background showing the death and carnage of the war in Kosovo. This song always brings him down the memory lane as he formerly served as an armored reconnaissance officer in the Nato peacekeeping force in Kosovo.

He had every female in the crowd and even the preppy young men running toward the stage holding up their camera phones to record his ultimate single “You’re Beautiful.” This single that stayed at no.1 for four weeks in the US Billboard Top 100 Singles chart gave his name an impeccable luster earning him three Grammy nominations.

Blunt poured out his emotions as he sung “Shine On,” “Out of My Mind,” “Wise Men” and “So Long, Jimmy.” A gong came down after the last song and Blunt banged it to signify the end of the concert. The crowd kept on screaming “more” and after a few minutes Blunt and his band returned and finished off the show with ballads “One of the Brightest Stars” and then “Same Mistake.” To finally end the show, he sang his latest hit, “1973,” where he stood up on the piano and pretended to surf. Then he jumped off the piano and took his digital camera to take the crowd a picture and went off saying ‘Maraming Salamat’ in his British twang.

He indeed staged an impressive show that showcased his panache in his genre. He jumped up and down the platform and shook the hands of his yelling fans when he jumped off the stage.

Those who don’t enjoy his kind of music and barely know his songs and their sappy lyrics, they could have left the venue in the middle of the show.

Rachy Cuna joins Heritage Month festivities

By Nickie Wang

Contributor/Manila Standard Today

24 may 2008

Rioting colors, rumbling musical instruments, graceful dances and beautiful smiles: these were the highlights of the visually stimulating floral installation by world-renowned floral architect Rachy Cuna at the lobby of the Intercontinental Manila on May 13.

Entitled BayanCuna: Unity in Philippine Artistry and ongoing until June 14, the exhibit features Cuna’s latest works using local raw materials. From driftwood, dried leaves to sprig of twigs, Cuna flaunted his intuitive artistry turning these materials to a whole new creation.

“When people are divided in thought and spirit, what brings them closer is culture. Our own culture teaches Filipinos to love one another. That is what BayanCuna is all about,” Cuna affirms. “This exhibit is also about having fun and staying positive. The vibrant colors of these masterpieces reflect the Philippine culture: lively and very rich,” he explains.

He added that the floral installation is in line with the celebration of the Philippine Heritage Month, and the better way to pay homage to the country is by celebrating the abundance of flora across the archipelago. This is same idea that inspires him every time he stages an exhibit.

The blooming show

Accompanied by the national folkdance company of the Philippines’ the Bayanihan, Cuna entered the venue like a royalty riding a boat-like chariot carried by the dancers. He was then applauded by the ethnically diverse audience who came to see the exhibition.

Mirrored in his piece “Tatlong Tugatog,” inspired by the mountains of Davao, is his third year in Intercontinental Manila as a floral architect. This year is also his third exhibition in the hotel. His previous successful exhibitions were the bamboo inspired “Kawayanihan,” and the Christmas Tree exhibit.

“Definitely, all of the masterpieces here reflect Filipino culture and history,” says Nonie Dono, an exhibition designer from Metropolitan Museum of Manila.

The primary purpose of the exhibition is to highlight the multi-faceted features of the Philippine culture through Cuna’s artworks: the piece “Tsinoy” tells the story of the Chinese influence in the country; “Puno ng Bahay” tells the modest living of the early Filipinos; “Dugong Bughaw” and “Yamang Dagat” illustrate the richness of the country’s marine life; “Kalakaran,” where Cuna utilized bakya (wooden slippers) depicts the busy life in the countryside; “Pag-usbong” and “Kayumanggi” depict the many Filipino talents that continuously surface here and abroad; and “Isa Pa Nga” and “Bingo Panalo” erected with bamboo and rattan, describe the peculiar yet jocose behavior of the Filipino people and just like the materials, resilient and have hurdled the tests of time.

Gary V. celebrates 25 years with gratitude and optimism

By Nickie Wang

Contributor/Manila Standard Today

20 May 2008

There’s a lot more to Gary Valenciano than just music as he celebrates his 25th anniversary in showbiz. It is going to be a year-long celebration of thanksgiving beginning with a concert entitled His Love at the Music Museum on May 22, 23 and 29.

“I am ending my remarkable 25 years and beginning another 25. I am moving to another chapter with His resounding Love,” Gary muses in optimism that he would still continue inspiring people with his artistry and good deeds.

Gary ’s His Love concert will be a celebration of fun and relevance, and humble prayer of thanksgiving for a milestone that exceeds the 25 years he’s stayed on top of his game. Incidentally, this year also marks the 30th year he’s successfully managed and beaten all odds to become the poster child for juvenile diabetics everywhere.

“His doctor in the States calls him a living miracle,” says wife and Genesis president Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano. Given the exhausting and demanding nature of his tours and performances, Gary has defied odds of being a diabetic patient even after years of close calls. Often, juvenile diabetics are given five years before their eyesight shows signs of deterioration.

Rebirth

Fittingly, Mr. Pure Energy released his new album entitled Rebirth. It is a 15-track compilation album that consists his covers of meaningful songs like Mandy Moore’s “Only Hope,” a Michael English song originally recorded by Lea Salonga called “Mary Did You Know,” and his version of the classic “Lean on Me” and “Stand by Me” as well as some of the most emotional songs including “He Won’t Let Go,” and “When I Hear You Call.”

“I call it Rebirth because it’s time to renew ourselves. With all the things happening around us and with all the crises in our country, Filipinos have been feeling down, they need, we need something to lift our spirits,” Gary states.

Inspired by the public who continuously admires and looks up to him, Rebirth is his personal prayer of gratitude that aims to touch everyone’s life. It is his relevant gift not just to the music aficionados but for the people as well who thrive and regard music as a significant part of their lives.

In the album, Gary writes in the liner notes: “Rebirth is not about trends but rather it hopes to cater to the rhythms and beats, harmonies and melodies played out in real life, filtered by emotions nestled in the human heart.”

Gary’s legacy continues

The inclusion of his children in the concert is always a much-anticipated act. In his concert at the Music Museum, he will be joined by his two sons Gabriel and Paolo. He will perform the bracing interpretation of Gab’s arrangement of “Shout for Joy,” and Beatles medley with Paolo.

“People want to see my children performing with me. I enjoy it as much as they do. They are starting to do something else; they are creating their own names in music. I want to perform with them while they still have time,” Gary says as a proud father of his two equally talented boys.

Paolo, who had tough times getting away from the shadow of his father and being compared to younger brother Gab, being expected to venture in pop music, found his niche in rock music with his band Salamin. He is the lead vocalist of the band.

“I was very affected and insecure. I am Gary V.’s son but it is kinda peculiar not being able to sing. But now, there’s no pressure at all. I am secure with the Lord and His plans. It just makes me proud being a Valenciano so I strive for excellence in everything I do, I can’t do something mediocre,” Paolo reveals during the press conference of his father’s concert.

Gabriel who’s regularly seen in Asap resembles his father in so many ways: his being lean and tall, his passion for the beat and his flair on the dance floor. Gab is a dancer, actor, choreographer, percussionist and a music producer.

“Humility. I keep my feet on the ground. That is one of the things I have learned from my dad, from my parents. He also thought me to be hard working and how to be a perfectionist in a world of imperfection,” explains Gab when asked about the things he learned from his superstar father.

Turning point

Gary ’s success with a career that spans 25 remarkable years did not come to the singer easy. In fact, he had to hurdle challenges in all the turning points of his career before he finally attained stardom. In 1984, before his first major concert, he shocked everyone with an admission in his private life that would later decide the fate of his career as a performer and an artist.

“Before the public I had to admit that Angeli is pregnant and I am the father,” Gary remembers.

His honesty and his willingness to perform and touch other people’s lives through his music and works made his name an indelible mark not just as a singer, an actor, or a performer but an institution in the industry that command respect and admiration.

Growing old with style

There are artists who have faded and there are musicians who are in the verge of losing their luster. But amid the number of growing young audience, Gary is still able to make himself and his works appealing to them.

“I can’t be a total performer forever. I may lose the energy but not the ideas. I get ideas from the younger generation. I ask my children and get their opinion to the type of materials I am going to release. That’s why I am optimistic for the next 25 years of my career,” he states in his pure energetic style.

Young blood livens up classical music scene

By Nickie Wang/Manila Standard Today

17 May 2008

Every great composer had to use all creative energy left in his body to compose a musical masterpiece: music with strong dramatic impact that lingers in our senses and unleashes the free-spirit that induces us to sway with the melody.

A pianist with the highest artistry like Angelo Ortiz can do more than that. He can open the skies and call down the angels to sing with him while caressing the keys of the grand piano.

A very young master of the keyboards at 24, Angelo is the only one in the country who plays and composes under the genre of new age classical pop piano music. With this feat, he has already proven his exceptional talent overseas. In 2006, he topped two categories in the World Championship of Performing Arts, a competition that drew 50,000 participants from 50 countries. Held in Hollywood, the competition is considered the Olympics of performing arts.

He started playing the piano at a very young age. He was only seven years old then. As he grew older, he proceeded to acquire formal training in classical piano. He enrolled at the University of the Philippines College of Music in its Piano Extension Program. Inspired by the music of Jim Chapell, Jim Brickman, Yanni, David Lanz, and Maksim Mrvica, Angelo is giving new age classical pop piano music a twist, via his artistry and dashing looks that resonate with international appeal. Recently he released his fourth album, Classica!. The album is distributed by Galaxy Records. It contains nine tracks including the very passionate “Amore,” and his interpretation of Pachelbel’s “Canon” and Vangelis’ “Chariots of Fire.” It also includes the breathtaking “A New Age Beginning” and the outstanding “Pilgrimage,” both his winning pieces at the World Championship of the Performing Arts.

“There are many pianists in the industry but each of us is unique. We play every piece differently. With my new album, my original compositions differ from what I used to play on how my emotions are poured out,” Angelo said explaining his music in the album.

The former musical director and founder of the classical tenors group in the Philippines called Angelos, Angelo also formed his own orchestra, which he calls New Age Orchestra.

“I believe in the talents of the new generation. I am arranging a concert for these children. Who knows, one of them might be a sensation in the future,” said Angelo who attends to his young talents every weekend.

With his dynamic presence on stage and his technical brilliance with his craft, Angelo aims to bring his music to the young generation. He wants to introduce new age classical pop to the young audience.

“The people who listen to me are grown-ups, I want my generation to appreciate my music. I want to inspire them with this gift I have,” the young accomplished pianist added.

Angelo has already set the benchmark for young artists like him. He can even outplay older classical pianists. A relative of world-renowned Cecile Licad, it might not surprise us if he would even outshine this already great artist.

His debut album Serenity, a compilation of his original compositions, continues to reverberate with each of the composition’s slow yet haunting melodies.

Angelo developed his craft through constantly practicing on the keyboards, and the result of which is evident in his awesome performances. He watches performances of other artists to acquire techniques and shares his techniques to his colleagues. He memorizes his pieces by preparing three weeks before the show’s performance dates.

“Before my performance, I don’t talk to anyone so I could focus; I eat less and drink a lot of water. When I practice, I think my neighbors get irritated with [the] sound of my piano,” he said in embarrassment.

After earning standing ovations in the United States and here as well, it didn’t surprise Angelo that he’d receive offers from producers, but most importantly from agents working in the American music industry.

Eco-friendly beauties in skimpy bikinis

By Nickie Wang/Manila Standard Today

15 May 2008

From being a thank-you girl in the Bb. Pilipinas 2008 beauty pageant, Karla Paula Henry, a 21-year-old guest services associate in a hotel in Cebu, won the coveted Miss Philippines-Earth title during the pageant’s night on Sunday at the Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila’s Grand Ballroom.

Karla, with her environmental message: “Be wise enough to use eco-friendly products, appliances and even vehicles to improve quality of our atmosphere,” emerged as the crowd favorite and bested 40 other delegates that had everyone in the ballroom drooling as they paraded in skimpy bikinis in the swimwear portion.

Melanie Felix, a 23-year-old Psychology student who came to join the pageant all the way from the US, was the first Miss Pagcor International Tourism Ambassadress, a title given for the first time in the pageant.

The other winners were Maria Venus Raj, of Legazpi City as Miss Philippines-Ecotourism; Kristelle Lazaro, of Candaba, Pampanga as Miss Philippines-Fire; Marian Michelle Oblea, of Obando ,Bulacan as Miss Philippines-Water; and Marie Razel Eguia, of Dipolog City as Miss Philippines-Air.

The new Miss Philippines-Earth was the choice of a board of judges composed of Earth Institute Asia president Dr. Corazon PB. Claudio, senior managing head of Pagcor Corporate Communication Dodie King, Asian GEM & Tourism Foundation and Cordyn Tours and Travel president Cecile Clemente, costume and fashion designer Eric Pineda, Crowne Plaza Galleria general manager Bridgitte Trattner, Korean Air regional manager Hong Jin, France’s Ambassador to the Philippines Gerard Chesnel, TV host Kim Atienza, Ricky Reyes, and actress Anne Curtis.

This year’s pageant showcased several firsts.

Apart from a new beauty title, Miss Pagcor International Tourism, the winner of which has the duty to promote Philippine tourism abroad, it was also the first time that the contestants themselves acted as the interviewers in the question-and-answer portion of the competition’s semi-finals round. And, instead of holding regional competitions in the provinces and conducting screenings in Metro Manila as it was in the past years, Carousel Productions simply invited local government units to send their respective delegates.

For the other special awards, Miss Congeniality went to Jaydielou Dilidili (Indang, Cavite) while both the Miss Photogenic and Best in Swimsuit awards went to Filipino-American Nikki Martin; both the Miss Talent and Best in Long Gown awards went to Marian Michelle Oblea (of Obando); and the Best in Cultural Attire was won by Ma. Kristelle Lazaro (of Candaba).

Hosting booboos

Comparatively, the show wasn’t as spectacular as last year’s, but the female hosts Ginger Conejero and Nikki Gil were drop-dead gorgeous and did a good job. On the other hand, Rafael Rossel was dapper and we noticed the smile in every bejeweled member of the female gender whenever he was on stage.

The inexperienced Rafael committed several mistakes during the show, which actually started at 8 p.m. with a delayed telecast at 10 p.m. on ABS-CBN. The director had to do some retakes to rectify his errors. After the opening, Rafael stuttered several times complaining that he couldn’t read his lines from the teleprompter. Next, when he made the announcement for the winning delegate for the Best Cultural Attire Award, he referred to delegate from Candaba, Pampanga as Miss Municipality of Canada. Then he shuffled the names of the candidates during the Q and A in the semifinals round reading Miss Municipality of Obando twice. After that, he read “degradation” as “degration” five times during the final Q and A round. He read it properly only once for the last finalist. Finally, he bade goodbye inviting the audience to attend Miss Earth Day.

The winning question

The question for the final round was: “The lack of awareness is a primary reason why the degradation of our environment continues. If you win tonight, how will you teach the ignorant and the illiterate about the ill effects of global warming to our environment?”

Nervous yet was able to maintain her composure, the winning answer of Miss Cebu was: “How will I teach them? It’s very simple, I have a lot of idols with me which is Catherine Untalan and the previous winners who have already taught me in simple ways how to, uhm how to solve our environmental issues, and I would follow in their [foot] steps by maybe writing a book as they have, going to public schools teaching the young ones but most of all, I would encourage everyone in some little ways starting with my own little, starting with Cebu, to uhm to continue and be aware with our remaining pressing problems because we cannot solve one thing if we are not aware.”

That was the exact words of the new Miss Philippines-Earth. Now, it’s up to all of you to decipher that cryptic answer.

Heritage Month kicks off

By Nickie Wang

Manila Standard Today

3 May 2008

“To build among people a consciousness, respect, and pride for the legacies of Filipino cultural history” is the chief objective of the Filipino Heritage Festival as it commences this merry month of May.

Ongoing until June 12, a month-long celebration will take place across the archipelago to promote the diversity and richness of the Filipino culture. The whole event will be made possible by the tandem of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Department of Tourism.

This national festival aims to promote cultural heritage sites and architectural wonders, various facets of Filipino culture such as tiangges, music and dance performances, visual arts, exhibits, thematic culinary events, design retrospectives, walking tours and array of activities that will bring the Filipino people a new awareness of age-old traditions, cultural treasures and practices.

Filipino Heritage Festival director Bambi Harper stated that this year’s festivities will reopen a treasure trove of oral traditions presenting epic chants that showcase the traditional beliefs and values of early Filipinos.

To captivate local and foreign tourists, the festival will pay tribute to the Filipino epic by bringing to life age-old chants. This is spearheaded by Maranao’s venerable epic “Darangen ni Bantugen” to be performed by the Philippine Ballet Theater and Sayaw Foundation on May 14 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. Excerpts of this epic chant will be revisited in Las Piñas and Cagayan de Oro City.

The odyssey of Darangen is a celebration of Maranao’s opulent history that narrates the adventures of mythical heroes. Embedded in the chant are social values, traditions and customary laws. This epic chant is one of the 43 declared by Unesco as “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritages of Humanity,” which is told and retold in the original ancient verse.

The festival was born out of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Proclamation 439 on Aug. 11, 2003, “declaring the month of May as National Heritage Month.” This year’s roaster of events is organized by festival president Armita Rufino and finance officer Araceli Salas.

The Heritage Month kicked off in Cagayan de Oro City with the Darangen epic, Maranao and Higaonon weaving, Subanen baskets, mats, pottery and beads, and their crafting, and performances by homegrown talents Gintong Amihan Dance Troupe of the Mindanao Polytechnic State College, the Xavier University Dance Society, and the Rondalla of Pilgrim and Mr. Waway Saway.

Underscoring this event are Farola (exhibit of Spanish colonial lighthouses found all over the country) in Gameng Museo, Ilocos Norte until July and at Robinsons Galleria on May 8, Philippine Spanish Colonial Bridges (a weeklong photo exhibit of the old Spanish colonial bridges in the Philippines by architect Manuel Noche of the University of Sto. Tomas) at Robinsons Mall, Lipa City, Batangas on May 5, Bangsa Moro Exhibit with lecture ( 30-panel photo exhibit featuring pre-colonial photographs acquired by the family of former Rep. Michael Mastura from Washington archives) at the Davao Museum on May 11 to 31, Tapan Exhibit of Philippine Fiestas ( photo exhibits by renowned photographer Donald Tapan) at Robinsons Mall Ermita on May 13, Sinauna (showcase of Filipino artifacts) at SM Mall of Asia on May 15 to 21, Patawa (evoking laughter with poems, jokes, photos and memorabilia) at the Metropolitan Museum on May 19, National Artist Exhibit at SM Megamall on May 19 to 22, Banig Exhibit and Komedya Linambay (showcase of handwoven mats of Basey, Samar) at SM Cebu on May 24, Kisame ( display of the magnificent church ceiling paintings in Bohol) at the Ayala Museum on May 26 to July 6, and “Las Gran Damas de Negros” (biographical photo exhibit of Negrense Women of Substance then and now).

The observance of the Heritage Month will also feature Santacruzan in the City of Manila tomorrow, a Balagtasan on May 7, 8, and 14 in Hagonoy, Bulacan, and also at the Inner Ground of both the Quezon City Hall and Makati City Hall, a thematic food festival at the Intercontinental Hotel featuring Bicol Food Harvest Festival, May 6 to 31, and the Parian (a re-enactment of Chinese influx to Manila to serve the needs of the Spaniards) at the Binondo Plaza on May 17.

Different regional festivities will take place across the archipelago.

Mike Enriquez: Primetime newscast king

By Nickie Wang

Manila Standard Today

2 May 2008

“Hindi ka namin tatantanan!” has become like a mantra for most people. It is spoken by many in the manner that only Mike Enriquez can deliver it with a threatening boom in his voice.

With his popularity among all age groups, plus the recognition as a media practitioner both from here and abroad, and not to mention the top-rating television programs 24 Oras and Imbestigador, Mike Enriquez is the undisputed King of the Philippine Primetime Newscast.

Born on Sept. 29, 1951 in Santa Ana, Manila as Miguel Castro Enriquez, Mike is currently the senior vice president for radio of GMA Network, and president of RGMA Network Inc., an affiliate of GMA that manages the network’s regional TV and radio operations. He joined the network in 1995 when he became one of the news anchors of then early evening newscast Saksi, now the network’s late-evening newscast. Among the programs that he previously anchored and co-anchored were GMA Network News and I-Witness.

Currently, Mike anchors 24 Oras with Mel Tiangco, Imbestigador, the investigative show that airs every Saturday night, Review Philippines on QTV 11 and on GMA’s flagship radio station dzBB’s the early morning weekday program Saksi sa Dobol B.

Early career

Mike’s stint in broadcasting began in 1969 when he visited a friend in Manila Broadcasting Co. The visit was an eye opener for Mike who discovered his interest in radio. He eventually worked as a staff announcer in the same station. Since then, his career has flourished, working his way in various fields in broadcasting and journalism. He became a broadcast reporter, a news editor, program director, station manager, and a senior manager of a radio network. He also became the general manager of FBS Radio Network and vice president of Radio Mindanao Network. He has also taught Broadcast Management at De La Salle University, his alma mater where he finished a degree in AB Liberal Arts in Commerce in 1973.

As a radio announcer, his voice had already made an inedible mark among listeners, and now, his signature closing spiel “Hindi ka namin tatantanan,” and the interjection “Excuse me po”, Mike has even become part of the Filipino psyche.

Personal life

Mike describes his childhood as “destructive to a certain extent.” It’s not that his childhood was corrupted or he had traumatic experiences. Just like any other kings, Mike was stubborn as a prince. As the eldest of three, he was an ultra-hyper kid.

“Every time relatives knew we were coming, they would keep all the breakable items as if a super typhoon were headed their way.” Mike recalled.

He explained that every time his family visited the homes of relatives, he would always play with every piece of decoration including breakables—ceramics, glass and even vinyl phonograph records. He would almost always smash or break a piece or two.

He never thought of making a career in media, but he enjoyed what he was doing and he has developed a passion for the job. He looked up to prominent media icons like Louie Beltran, (Ka) Doroy Valencia, Walter Cronkite, Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings.

Married to Lizabeth Yumping, Mike said her wife is his main inspiration. He also mentioned his parents and grandparents who brought him up.

A religious man, he also added Saint Francis of Assisi and Jesus of Nazareth in his list of inspirations. He had always been active in church and used to be an altar boy with an ambition to be Franciscan priest.

When he was a radio announcer known among his listeners as “Baby Michael,” people would ask why he chose to use the moniker. “All of the other guys in the business were above 50! So, I was the baby!”

Awards and recognition

Enriquez’s mantra is “helping others.” That is the wisdom behind his definition of genuine public service. It is about helping people specially the poor and downtrodden, with sincere, heartfelt and honest willingness, generosity and without expecting or wanting to be rewarded or even thanked for it.

For young media practitioners who would like to follow in his footsteps, his message is: “Be true and honest, to yourself, to others, to your profession. Stay focused and be a little crazy sometimes. Never stop learning. Always genuinely like and help people.”

Mike has been named as one of the most child-friendly personalities by the Southeast Asian Foundation for Children and thrice consecutive by the Anak TV Seal awards in 2004, 2005 and 2006. He ranked 54 in Biznews Asia’s 100 Most Influential Filipinos in 2006, up by 26 positions from rank 80 in 2004 when he was first included in the prestigious list.

He is the only Filipino to receive the Best Newscaster in Asian Television Awards in 1999. He has received Best Newscaster awards by the Golden Dove Awards (1999, 2000, and 2002), Outstanding Television Host by Volunteers against Crime and Corruption and Outstanding Radio and Television Commentator by Consumers Union of the Philippines 15th Annual National Consumers Awards in 2004, Best Male Newscaster by University of Sto. Tomas’s USTV awards in 2006, and recently Most Outstanding Male News Presenter of the Year by Comguild Center for Journalism in 2007.

Fun in finance

By Nickie Wang

Manila Standard Today

1 May 2008

Number wizards and mathematicians alike would agree that numbers are fun, because it’s the nature of their work. On the other end of the spectrum however, there are people who find it difficult to deal with figures. These are students and entrepreneurs who encounter trouble in dealing with their everyday tasks – numbers and finance.

“Before students even start studying finance, most of them are hesitant to do so,” said Carlo Calimon, program manager of Let’s Go Foundation.

This explains why the traditional practice in introducing and studying finance leave gaps in the learning experience of the students. Is there any solution to reconcile this issue or is there a way to add fun in finance?

Integrating fun and finance is the wisdom behind the paradigm shift introduced by the Funance. It is an integrated teaching tool developed and made possible through the collaborative effort of Let’s Go Foundation (Leading Entrepreneurs Towards Seizing Global Opportunities) a non-stock and non-profit organization that focuses on Entrepreneurship Education, and GE Money Bank under their Women Entrepreneur Program (WEP). This program is an initiative effort to better understand female entrepreneurs’ and college students’ attitude towards entrepreneurship.

What is Funance?

Funance is an interactive teaching method that complements the traditional way of teaching and studying finance by incorporating the use of inspirational and educational videos, board games, and case studies. To answer the lack of available materials for teachers and students to use, the Funance aims to introduce finance in a more enjoyable way by operating three program modules: 1. Definition of terms, the players’ guide through balance sheet and income statement; 2. Building a case, the players’ instructions on how to develop a balance sheet and income statement based on transactional cards; and 3. Cash flow, a board game that teaches cash management.

This pioneering teaching tool is a joint effort of the concept developer Prof. Maurino Bolante, a finance professor at the Asian Institute of Management, Let’s Go Foundation founder Prof. Jay Bernardo, Carlo Calimon, and inputs contributor Reggie Santos.

The whole program is the product of a baseline research and a long scientific process that started in 2006 when GE Money and Let’s Go Foundation, through WEP, realized the role of women in economic development. Through a survey commissioned by WEP in four women universities in Manila—Assumption College, St. Scholastica’s College, College of the Holy Spirit, and Miriam College—showed that over 88 percent of women students intend to start their own business in the future.

Recognizing the need to train women on the fundamentals of business even before they graduate in college, providing them financial empowerment, and equipping them to become job creators to through heightened awareness of entrepreneurship, are the chief goals of the organization promoting the program. The launch of Funance has the commitment of GE Money to support this initiative effort to introduce the program to more schools in the future.

Gobingo is back with bigger, more prizes

By Nickie Wang

Manila Standard Today

10 April 2008

Watch, play and win, as GMA Network brings back Gobingo, hosted by Arnel Ignacio. Expect fun-filled and explosive surprises as the interactive game show invades the primetime viewing starting Monday next week.

From Monday to Friday, before 24 Oras, the game show will go interactive by including home viewers as players through text messaging. The program that is set in high-tech studio promises exciting and even bigger prizes and electrifying entertainment.

How to Gobingo

In every episode, there will be three studio players selected through auditions. They will try to outwit each other for three rounds by answering the questions asked by Ignacio as quick as possible. A 15-digit number board will be designated for each player. Once a player gives a correct answer, the light will be switched on in one of the numbers in the board. In round no. 1, the players have to complete the four-corner pattern of their number boards. In round no. 2, the players will choose a different category for the questions and they have to complete the middle row pattern. In the third round, just like any other bingo games, the players have to complete the blackout pattern or all the numbers in their number boards must be lighted up.

The victor on the third round automatically advances to the jackpot round. If the studio player failed to win the jackpot round, the pot prize will be added onto the next episode until someone gets the roll-over prize.

On the other hand, home viewers can also participate in the interactive game. To join, all they have to do is to complete proofs of purchase that they can exchange for scratch cards redeemable at selected Mercury Drug outlets nationwide. By texting the unique code embedded in the scratch cards, they can get their Gobingo virtual playing cards. They have to watch the show and wait for the numbers that will light up in the contestant’s number board. To win, home players have to match the numbers on their Gobingo cards with the lighted up numbers in the studio contestants’ number board. Whoever completes the blackout pattern on his or her Gobingo virtual playing card wins the game as a home player.

Flashing back the cards

It was in 1996 when Gobingo first aired on Philippine television and became a huge success. Hosted by Arnel Ignacio with Maricar de Mesa, it was the most watched game show of its time until it went off air in 1999. Hosting this game show earned Ignacio a PMPC Star Awards for Television as Best Game Show Host in 1997.

The latest version of the game show follows the same format of its first edition. Studio contestant must outwit each other by being alert and attentive to the questions asked by the game show host.