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Reported by Celso De Guzman Caparas Photos : CTTO Multi-awarded film director Brillante Ma. Mendoza's 'Gensan Punch' is one of the seven nominees for the Kim Jiseok Award at the 26th Busan International Film Festival in South Korea.  Multi-awarded film director Brillante Ma. Mendoza's 'Gensan Punch' is one of the seven nominees for the Kim Jiseok Award at the 26th Busan International Film Festival in South Korea.
 Written by Honee Alipio, "the film is based on the true story of Nao Tsuyama, a disabled athlete who refuses to let his artificial leg hinder his dream to become a professional boxer. His remarkable journey takes him from Japan to the Philippines, specifically the Gensan quarter which has spawned worldwide stars such as boxing legend Manny Pacquiao." It stars Shogen Itkz, an Okinawan actor (as Nao Tsuyama) with Ronnie Lazaro, Beauty Gonzales, and Kaho Minami. Shogen was ecstatic in his Facebook post when he learned the good news. "I’m thrilled to announce that “Gensan Punch” will have it’s World Premier at 부산국제영화제 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)! Actually Busan is the memorable place to have met the director Brillante Mendoza in 2018 and then we pitched this project for the first time. So I feel like it was meant to happen.
As posted in BIFF's website and social media platforms, here's the official announcement : "The 26th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has selected 7 nominees for the Kim Jiseok Award! The Kim Jiseok Award is celebrating its 4th year at the 26th BIFF, and was established in respectful memory of the late program director Kim Jiseok in 2017. The award will be given to the most attractive films that reflect the contemporary standing of Asian cinema in accordance with the late Kim's intent. Among the films in the “A Window on Asian Cinema” section, seven candidates are selected to compete for the award. Two award recipients will be chosen by jurors and be given a cash prize of 10,000 USD each." The other six contenders are as follows:
 Renowned Iranian director Reza Mirkarimi is Jury Head with members, Gulnara Abikeyeva and Kim Haery, acclaimed film critics from Kazakhstan and South Korea, respectively.
The nine-day Busan International Film Festival will run from Oct. 6 to Oct. 15. #BIFF2021 #BrillanteMendoza #CenterStageProductions #GensanPunch #Shogen #GenSan #PhilippineIndieFilm #PhilippineCinema Reported by Celso De Guzman Caparas Photo : CTTO  The ongoing pandemic has, literally, changed the norms of our daily lives. Reinvention is key to stay “afloat,” aside from keeping a positive mindset despite the looming uncertainties as we can get a grasp on when we can regain our normalcy. No, it’s not happening anytime soon. No one can really tell when this will end. Aside from basketball and boxing, Filipinos are relating to beauty pageants as a personal, important life event. It is most women’s childhood dream, and a mother’s wish for their daughters. Winning in a beauty pageant is like a confirmation of one’s beauty (with a purpose) and intelligence. It gives one a sense of pride for having the honor to represent the country in the global arena. But more than the klieg lights and the glam, pageants are organized to empower women (repeat: women, meaning all in general): from building up their confidence to creating opportunities to evolve and grow.
 It is a welcoming and encouraging environment meant to push women to success.
After all, a confident and successful woman has the power to make real change to those around her, to her local community, even to a global audience. At this time when the pandemic still looms around and pushes us back to the simplest, most basic of things, where many have to fare on our own to survive, is it also time for a new normal winner for beauty pageants? If beauty pageant judges will take a cue from the rise of social media bloggers-slashed-influencers, some are completely outside the usual stereo type of “star material” but are famous because people are not intimidated by their presence. They are individuals whom people from all walks of life can completely relate to. Sans the look and figure, people are more focused on what they say, their message and extend their support, in the good and bad of times, all the way. Although yes, beauty pageants are different because they are compelled to implement standards, but may the judges look beyond the walk, face and whistle-bait figures in swimsuit and evening gown. May they dig more on the passion to serve, what’s inside their hearts and listen, closely, to their voices. The challenge, then, is not only among the candidates but also on the judges. As we are in a constantly a-changing (not to say depressing) times and where “in person” interactions are still, and constantly challenged (and more are done virtually/online) and people wear face masks and shields, may we see their best version of a “new normal” winner. There are pros and experienced ones but who knows? One of the young, vibrant, promising newbies could turn out to be the most capable, willing and effective beauty to live out the role and influence the people with their voice. Afterall, whoever gets the crown will be the official voice of the nation. The Filipinos deserve not the beautiful, nor the sexy muse with towering height. Reported by Celso De Guzman Caparas Photos : CTTOs  The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected the lives of every Filipino as they struggle with socio-economic fallout and mental health issues. Amidst these challenging times, children are silently dealing with life-altering changes that are beyond their comprehension. For the fortunate ones, they attend online classes from the safety and comfort of their own homes. However, there are those children who aren’t as lucky where even the most basic needs are not met. According to Save the Children Philippines, hunger among our children was already a huge problem as the numbers reveal.  Lia Andrea Ramos, Miss Universe Philippines Head of Women Empowerment & Charity, shared, “This year, we decided to partner with Save The Children Philippines, an independent international children’s organization in the world. We recognize that health and nutrition as well as access to education are areas that need our attention especially during the time of pandemic. Save the Children has been in the country for 40 years and they have proven to implement sustainable and impactful programs to help improve lives of children in less fortunate communities.” With this in mind, the Miss Universe Philippines Organization has chosen Save The Children Philippines and their “Hope For Their Future” Campaign to be its beneficiary for this year’s edition.
 A portion of the proceeds from the subscriptions and all the previous and upcoming voting will be donated to Save the Children Philippines. It is a partnership grounded on love for children that aims to inspire people to give hope for the children’s future. The 30 Miss Universe Philippines delegates essentially become ambassadors for this worthy cause. They join three equally empowered women who are the official Save the Children Philippines Ambassadors, Liza Soberano, Ria Atayde and Katarina Rodriguez. Their journey to the crown becomes a much more meaningful experience knowing that they have truly made a difference in this hunger-fighting campaign. The past votes, votes in the Lazada app and the current subscriptions made through the KTX Season Pass proceeds help support Save the Children Philippines. Miss Universe Philippines 2021 will hold an advocacy week dedicated to featuring inspiring stories of children who have benefitted from Save the Children Philippines. A highlight of the advocacy week is a Zoom session between Save the Children Philippines and the 30 Miss Universe Philippines delegates. “Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In the Philippines and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach.We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.” (Save the Children). To know more about Save the Children’s Hope for their Future campaign, visit: https:// bit.ly/HopeForTheirFuture.  The Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Preliminary Competitions and Pageant Finals are available through a KTX Season Pass subscription on KTX.ph . Book your Season Pass now to get access to three amazing shows: September 21, 2021 - Preliminary Q&A September 23, 2021 - Preliminary Swimsuit & Evening Gown Competition September 25, 2021 - Finals Night Reigning Miss Universe Philippines is RABIYA MATEO.  #missuniversephilippines2021 #phenomenalwomen #InspireYou #SaveTheChildrenPHReported by Celso De Guzman Caparas  Organized by Mrs. Universe Philippines 2019-20 MARIA CHARO CALALO (top collage) under FDN Productions, our country will select a delegate to the forthcoming Mrs. Universe 2021 competition in South Korea. For the first time, a physical pageant will be held. It will be staged at Okada Manila, date to be advised soon . Previous Philippine delegates to the Mrs. Universe contest were only handpicked. Sixteen equally accomplished, empowered, advocacy-driven and gorgeous married and single Filipina moms will vie for three coveted crowns and titles, namely : Mrs. Universe Philippines 2021, Mrs. Pacific Continental 2021 and Mrs. North Pacific Asia 2021. Also to be awarded are subsidiary titles : Mrs. Luzon 2021, Mrs. Visayas 2021 and Mrs. Mindanao 2021; and two runners-up.
The Official Candidates
DARLINGS OF THE PRESS Voted Darlings of the Press by members of pageant media and bloggers were :
Grand winner will be announced and awarded during the Coronation Night.
SPONSORS : The following sponsors are supporting Mrs. Universe Philippines search : • Okada Manila • Goldilocks • Xiaomi Philippines • EZ Wealth • Norman M. Acuba Clothing & Designs • Naomi • We Evolve Philippines • My Daily Collagen • Suzette Escalante Beauty and Tattoo Studio • Aura Beauty and Wellness • Graceful Rosed • Alpha Global Prestige • Litrato Philippines • The Grand Fraternal Order of the Philippines Eagles International • Amelie International Incorporated • La L'or and Seduction • P3 Heavenly Beauty • Evidenc3 Health, Beauty and Skin Essentials • Glamp @ Z Zoomanity • Luxuriskin & Aesthetic Clinic • LUV Cosmetics & The Cool Mom's Shop • Rjay B. Cruz Exclusive Collections • Deep Clean Services Philippines • Enagic International • Garden Hive  4 September 2021, Manila, Philippines - Psalmstre, cautions against the proliferation of counterfeit New Placenta products that have penetrated the market and urges consumers to purchase only authentic New Placenta skincare products from legitimate sellers. Reports received by the Psalmstre office in Manila include counterfeit New Placenta cream circulating in Bangladesh. Said counterfeit product comes in a 25g blue jar and is widely available in Bangladesh. This is a far cry from the authentic New Placenta cream that comes only in 15g and is contained in a white jar. The fraudulent operation in the market has been regarded as an absolute disrespect to the reputation of New Placenta which has been a trusted brand in the Philippines and abroad for over two decades now. The beauty industry has been the target of various counterfeit activities. Fake beauty products may contain harmful ingredients such as arsenic, beryllium, mercury, and cadmium which may cause skin cancer. They may also contain a high amount of bacteria which can cause acne, rashes, psoriasis, and eye infections. In his official statement, Jaime V. Acosta, president and CEO of PEI, said, “Products that are offered at much lower prices may already be considered a red flag. Please be more discerning when purchasing New Placenta products. Fake products are not laboratory-tested and are not registered with the Food and Drugs Administration, thus do not guarantee the safety of use.” PEI reiterates its support for the Consumer Protection Law and continues to follow the strictest standards of business conduct. They are also encouraging the public to report counterfeit New Placenta products so that actions can be taken to rectify the matter. New Placenta products are widely available at Mercury Drug outlets & other drugstores in the Philippines & Filipino stores abroad. Consumers can also order New Placenta products directly from PSALMSTRE through its online selling platform. This platform is available for local consumers as well as international consumers and resellers. For details on the online purchase of New Placenta products, visit www.psalmstre.net or send an email to sales@psalmstre.net. To confirm the authenticity of purchased New Placenta products, send an email to inquiry@psalmstre.net.  Reported by Celso De Guzman Caparas Photos by Miss Universe Philippines Organization  Miss Universe Philippines 2020 RABIYA MATEO The final 30 delegates of Miss Universe Philippines 2021 search were revealed in a simple ceremony by Billie Hakenson and Nico Locco via Empire.ph's YouTube on September 1.  "Miss Universe Philippines commends all of our official delegates for exerting effort into all five Virtual Challenges. For the past weeks, we’ve narrowed our delegates down from 100 to 75 to 50 based on the combined votes of our panelists and the fans. Your votes definitely mattered and supported your favorite delegate’s journey. We already know the verdict from the fan votes, and with the completion of our last virtual challenge, it’s time to let the Universe know of our panelists’ decisions from the previous challenges! The battle to secure the coveted spots on the coronation night is getting really interesting! From there, it will be back to zero with a different set of judges," says MUPh Org. in their official Facebook page.
THE FINAL 30 DELEGATES : The Final 30 official delegates who will compete for the coveted Miss Universe Philippines 2021 crown and title in order of announcement are :
MUPh Org. explains, "In choosing The Final 30, a group of panelists chose 27 delegates based on their performances in all the challenges. Completing the The Final 30, the delegates who garnered the 3 highest votes through the Fan Votes cast between August 22 to August 31 on the Miss Universe Philippines App automatically advanced. Cebu Province (Steffi Abesturi), Masbate (Kirsten Danielle Delavin) and Pangasinan (Maureen Wroblewitz) are the three delegates who made it through with the fan votes.  These three inspiring women are affirmed by the enormous support of their fans in ensuring that they automatically advanced to The Final 30. They are equally as qualified to be in The Final 30 as the rest of the delegates. Now, the scores are back to zero and will be facing a different set of judges in their quest for the crown. Will new frontrunners and favorites emerge? We’ll find out on September 25 when a new Miss Universe Philippines is crowned by last year's queen Rabiya Mateo." "Don’t miss those coronation moments on later on this month. Subscribe to the Season Pass of Miss Universe Philippines on KTX.ph and enjoy exclusive content and access to the Preliminary Interviews, the Preliminary Swimsuit and Evening Gown and the Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Finals on September 25," shared MUPh Org. CHALLENGES WINNERS :  Miss Universe 2021 in Israel : Miss Universe 2021 will be the 70th anniversary of the Miss Universe pageant, to be held in December 2021 in Eilat, Israel. Andrea Meza of Mexico will crown her successor on the Grand Coronation Night.  Photo by Miss Universe Organization KTX SEASON PASS :
Book your Season Pass now to get access to three amazing shows: • September 21, 2021 - Preliminary Q&A • September 23, 2021 - Preliminary Swimsuit & Evening Gown Competition • September 25, 2021 - Finals Night Get your KTX Season Pass now. https://www.ktx.ph/events/33037/miss-universe-philippines-2021 #MissUniversePhilippines2021 #MUPHSisterhood #PhenomenalWoman #InspireYou Reported by Celso De Guzman Caparas  'Anak ng Macho Dancer,' directed by Joel Lamangan, has been selected to compete at the 25th Annual QFest: The Houston International LGBTQ Film Festival, September 23 - 27, 2021, U.S.A. Written by Henry King Quintain, the film is the story of Inno, the son of Pol, the original Macho Dancer. Produced by Joed Serrano's Godfather Productions, 'Anak ng Macho Dancer' previously competed at the Far East Udine Film Festival in Italy and Rainbow Film Festival in the United Kingdom. 'Anak ng Macho Dancer' stars award winning actors Jaclyn Jose, Alan Paule (as Pol), Rossana Roces, Jay Manalo, Emilio Garcia, Jim Pebanco, Elora Espano and introducing Ricky Gumera and Sean De Guzman (as Inno).  By Celso De Guzman Caparas Photos by MBC / AFDQ  The twelve finalists, four each from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, vying for ALIWAN FIESTA DIGITAL QUEEN 2021 were formally presented to Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) President Ruperto S. Nicdao and members of pageant media via Zoom presscon on Tuesday, August 31. From 47 hopefuls to 23 semi-finalists then trimmed down to 12 finalists. Here they are :  1. From what is perhaps the most multi-cultural province in Central Luzon, comes KRISHIA MAE ABAD. Krish is 24 years old, stands 5 ft 6 inches tall and weighs 54 kilograms. Already a Tiktok sensation on social media, she is a licensed real estate broker and is also owner and operations manager of Bad Barista. Krish loves working out apart from reading books, drawing, and travelling. From the province of lush rice fields and sugar cane plantations -- Tarlac -- KRISHIA MAE ABAD.  2. Hailing from the city of love is COLLEEN BEATRIX ALCARDE. Bea is 23 years old, stands 5 ft 5 inches tall and weighs 52 kilograms. She holds a degree in foreign service from the University of San Agustin and is a self-proclaimed inspirational speaker who discovered her baking skills during the quarantine. At present she works as sales and service associate at PNB. The standard bearer of Iloilo -- COLLEEN BEATRIX ALCARDE.  3. De dentro la ciudad hermosa de Zamboanga viene SHARMAINE DE LA CRUZ. Maine is 24 years old, stands 5 ft 5 inches tall and weighs 55 kilograms. A graduate of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, she was a former international flight attendant for Cebu Pacific and is currently a medical representative. Maine loves watching Korean telenovelas and is an accomplished in cultural.ethnic, modern, interpretative, and ballroom dances. Ayuda Badjao is her chosen charity. From Asia’s Latin city - Zamboanga -- SHARMAINE DE LA CRUZ.  4. From Echague, Isabela - 18-year old is a Senior High Scool graduate from Isabela State University and an online boutique owner named K8's Collection. She was hailed as first runner-up in the 1st University Star search held last May 2021. KEITH ARBOLEDA  5. And from the other end of the island, known for the beaches of Boracay comes SHEALTIEL KYZE CAHILIG. Kyze is 18 years old, stands 5 ft 5 inches tall and weighs 45 kilograms. She is a freshman political science major at Garcia College of Technology. Kyze likes public speaking and is into mountaineering, swimming, and running. She has chosen Basura, Baylo, Bugas as her chosen charity, which promotes the fabrication of eco-bricks for remote coastal and upland areas. From Malay, Aklan -- SHEALTIEL KYZE CAHILIG.
 6. JAYVEE LYN LOREJO is the candidate from Davao. Jayvee is 20 years old, stands 5 ft 7 inches and weighs 103 pounds. She is a third year tourism management major at the Joji Ilagan School of Business and Tourism. Jayvee plays badminton, golf, and loves spending time with her dogs. She hopes to be able to help Pulong Para Tumulong, which cares for LGBT and PWD residents of Davao. Luminously rerpresenting Davao de Oro -- JAYVEE LYN LOREJO  7. The town of San Manuel, formerly known as Callang, is considered the rice granary of the western part of Isabela. Known as the town of seed growers, they have spouted beauteous Ilokanas too like VJIE MATIAS. Badi, as she is fondly called, is 21 years old, stands 5 ft 5 inches tall and weighs 48 kilograms. An undergrad at the International School of Asia and the Pacific, she likes playing the guitar and experimenting with creative make-up techniques. The muse of Cagayan Valley -- VJIE MATIAS.  8. Up next we have SHANYL KAYLE HOFER of Minglanilla. Shan is 20 years old,stands 5 ft 5 inches tall and weighs 55 kilograms. A student at the University of San Jose Recoletos, she is into acting and painting, loves going to the gym, and is now learning graphic arts. Shan is an avowed supporter of the LGBTQ community. From the queen city of the south - Cebu -- SHANYL KAYLE HOFER.  9. JERAMIE MINGO hails from Iligan City. Jhay is 24 years old, stands 5 ft 6 inches tall and weighs 50 kilograms. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. Jhay is a fitness enthusiast who loves dancing and is a dedicated teacher of Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health or MAPEH. If she wins, she hopes to support to Badjao community in Tambacan, Iligan. ProUDly representing Lanao del Norte -- JERAMIE MINGO  10. Moving down to the lowlands, we have CHYNNA KAYE VEROSIL of Bugallon. Chynna is 18 years old, stands 5 ft 8 inches tall and weighs 54 kilograms. A senior high school student at the PHINMA-University of Pangasinan, she is into reading, planting, hiking, and travelling. Her chosen charity is the Go Bike Project, which was founded by the Sangguniang Kabataan of Bugallon to enable youth patrollers oncargo bikes to attend to medical needs of town residents. Pangasinan’s bet -- CHYNNA KAYE VEROSIL.  11. Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan queen for this year is CHERRY MAY REGALADO.. Cherry is 26 years old, stands 5 ft 5 inches and weighs 50 kilograms. She graduated from Aklan State University and is a martial arts and fitness coach. Cherry is a national athlete for pencak silat, who won both gold and bronze medals at the Asian Games and was a silver medalist at the world championships. Known as the silat princess and queen of the blades, Cherry has been training young Aklanons online even throughout the pandemic. If she wins, she hopes to support the St John the Baptist Cathedral and Movement of Gratitude, which is behind their community pantries. From Kalibo, Aklan -- CHERRY MAY REGALADO.  12. From Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte comes Krysti Ann Villarias. K-Ann is 22 years old, stands 5 ft 6 inches tall and weighs 56 kilograms. She is a high school graduate from Northern Mindanao Colleges Inc. She loves dancing and painting, but has more recently been hooked on airsoft. K-Ann wants to help the Services and Devices for PWDs program. This year’s standard bearer for Cabadbaran Agusan del Norte -- KRYSTI ANN VILLARIAS.  Reigning Aliwan Fiesta Digital Queen (2020) JANNARIE ZARZOSO graced the virtual press presentation. CALENDAR of EVENTS :  • September 11 - Launch and Pride of Place
• September 18 - Talent and Skills Competition • September 25 - Queens for a Cause • October 2 - Evening Gown Competition and Q&A • October 9 - Awarding & Coronation Night |
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