NIL

NIL. Wala. Pero meron talaga.

NILalaman ng pagtatanghal na ito ang ilang mga eksena ng kawalan―ng malay, ng katinuan, ng bait, ng karapatan, ng buhay. Nakagugulantang ang mga imahe pero hindi nakagugulat sa karamihan ang ipinapakita. Naging laman ng mga balita, isinuka para sa maralita, habang nagpaparaya ang mga may-kapangyarihang dapat talagang makakita.

Sa KamayNILaan nakunan o saan man, ang mga litrato rito ay sumasalamin sa realidad na may nagtutunggaling mga panig sa anumang usapin. Sa isang banda, ihahalintulad ng ilan ang mga larawang ito sa basura, na dapat idispatya at huwag nang ilantad kaninuman. Sa kabilang banda, hindi kaunti ang maghahalintulad ng mga ito sa mga bagay na pampagising ng diwa, dala ng pagpupukaw na maaaring maranasan kung pagmasdan at pag-isipan ang makikita rito.

Iba’t ibang buhay man ang panandaliang iNILalahad rito, nagkakaisa ang mga litratong ito sa pagpapakita ng katiwalian. Ngunit sino ang tunay na tiwali? Ang mga nasa larawan? O ang lipunan o sangkatauhan na kaNILang NILalarawan?

Ang mga tao na makikita―karamihan ay mga DaNILo (hindi tunay na pangalan), may ilang mga BeNILda (hindi tunay na pangalan)―ay NILason ng gutom, hirap, poot, pighati o kaya, oo, maling asal at hindi wastong diwa. NILabas ang anumang armas o nagtangkang tumakas. NILamon ng kabaliwan, kamunduhan, kasakiman, kahirapan. NILusob, ng sarili man o ibang pwersa, ang sana’y mapayapa NILang mga tahanan, barangay o kinatatayuan. NILamas, hindi NILinis, ang pagkatao. NILunok ang dangal, NILamangan ng mga mapang-api, NILapastangan ng mapanghusga, NILoko ng matatakaw na kapwa tao na halimaw ang kalooban. Binalot ng trahedya, sinaksak ng pulitika, NILaglag ng sistema.

Ang masuwerte sa kanila ay NILalamok, NILalanggam sa selda. Hindi man makapag-NILagang paborito o relyenong gusto, maaari pang magbago, maaari pang lumaya. Ang iba rito ay NILagutan ng hininga, ninakawan ng pag-asa kapalit ng paglaya mula sa pang-habangbuhay na rehas nitong malupit na mundo.

Ang malungkot pa rito, bagama’t ilang taon na ang nakalilipas nang makuha ang mga larawang ito―noon kapanahunang hindi pa NILalabas ang pinagsanib na kamera at telepono―hindi pa rin nawala sa ating bansa ang ganitong mga eksena. Kung hindi natin papansinin ang mga detalye sa ilalim o paligid ng bawat litrato, iisipin natin na kahapon lang o nung makalawa nakunan ang mga nakalarawan dito.

Sa pagsulyap sa mga litratong ito, marahil ay mapapatanong tayo: May pag-asa pa ba ang mga Pilipino, lalo na ang kagaya NILa na karamiha’y dukha? May pag-asa pa ba para sa lipunang marahas? May pag-asa pa ba para sa ating iisang bayan na, sa kabila ng lahat, ating sinisinta?

Marahil ang sagot ay oo kung tatanggapin natin, pagniNILay-NILayan at gagawan ng paraan ang katotohanang ito: Sila ay tayo. Tayo ay sila.

Artinformal presents NIL, an exhibition curated by Erwin Romulo and Neil Daza at the gallery’s Greenhills location opening on June 9, 2018, 6PM. The exhibition will be on view until July 14, 2018.

Taking their cue from Daza’s Blacksoup exhibition in 2006, Romulo and Daza are mounting a new show of crime scene photographs taken between the years 1987 to 2002. Also included in the exhibition are video works by Cinema Regla.

Raw and at times graphic, the show asks: “Is there really such a thing as ‘the good old days’?

Editor, writer, producer, and composer Erwin Romulo curated Everyday Impunity: Ang Mga Walang Pangalan, an exhibition based on the work of photographer Carlo Gabuco at Art Fair Philippines 2018 as well as an exhibition of sound art and multi-media art during the fair’s 2017 and 2015 edition, respectively. He was also one of the curators of Wasak! Filipino Art Today, shown in Berlin in 2015.

Filmmaker and photographer Neil Daza is known for his work in films like Bwaya, Emir, and Dekada ‘70, among others. In 2017, he marked his 25 years in the film industry with an exhibition at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, 25 Times: Images From Behind The Camera. He has curated several shows of photography for arts space Blacksoup in Cubao, including KAMBYO, an exhibition of cellphone images, and Detritus, featuring photographs from which this current exhibition is based.

Filmmaker collective and guerrilla media outfit Cinema Regla is an online magazine and channel run by documentary filmmakers Rico Ibarra, Blair Camilo and Jun Sabayton. Founded by visual artist, animator and director Roxlee, it is dedicated to covering Filipino culture, with a focus on (in no particular order) art, photography, music, literature, science, politics, history, environment, crime, violence, truth, sex, drugs, and budotz.

DepEd, Muntinlupa LGU recognize partnership with PCPPI and private sectors as key to quality education

(L-R) Muntinlupa District 1 Councilor Allan Camilon; Davedinah P. Cometa, Project Development Officer II, Department of Education; Brother Philippines Product Manager Shinichi Tanaka; Atty. Jun Manuel, Vice President for Legal, Government, and Corporate Affairs, of Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc.; Muntinlupa City Mayor, Hon. Jaime R. Fresnedi; Marissa M. Andanza, Principal IV, Muntinlupa Elementary School; Tadefa City District 1 Councilor Ivee Arciaga; Dr. Florante C. Marmeto, Principal IV, Muntinlupa Elementary School; Public School District Supervisor, Gerry Maligaya  

THE DEPARTMENT of Education, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc., Brother Philippines, and Muntinlupa Elementary School cements their commitment to quality education.

MUNTINLUPA – The Department of Education, the city of Muntinlupa, and Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) cemented their partnership and commitment to quality education at a turnover ceremony held at the Muntinlupa Elementary School (MES).

“Naging magandang engagement yung partnership namin with Pepsi (Our partnership with Pepsi was a very good engagement),” said Dove Cometa, Project Development Officer from the Department of Education, who spoke on behalf of Undersecretary Tonisito Umali, in giving recognition to PCPPI for the company’s involvement in the Adopt-A-School Program.

DepEd’s Adopt-A-School program aims to link up the private sector in giving assistance to public schools. Along with home and business IT solutions company, Brother Philippines, PCPPI turned over 37 printers to the Muntinlupa National High School and the Muntinlupa Elementary school as part of this commitment.

“Napakaswerte ng Muntinlupa Elementary School dahil kayo ay mabibigyan ng good quality printers (The Muntinlupa Elementary School is very lucky to be receiving good quality printers). Pepsi has several branches and business units around the country and we are looking forward to arranging more turnovers in the future,” said Cometa.

The turnover ceremony of PCPPI’s donation of printers coincided with the culmination of Brigada Eskwela, a nationwide initiative by the DepEd to maintain and repair facilities of public schools. PCPPI fielded over 50 volunteers to MES for the repainting of classroom walls and the school’s nutrition room. Meanwhile, Brother Philippines will be providing training for the school’s staff on how to utilize the printers.

“Ito po, mga magulang, ay pagpapakita ng mga opisyales sa pamahalaan at mga private sectors ng kahalagahan ng pagtutulungan para sa kinabukasan ng inyong mga anak (This, dear parents, is the government officials and the private sectors showing the importance of collaboration for the future of your children),” declared Muntinlupa Mayor, Atty. Jaime R. Fresnedi. On behalf of the local government of Municipality, Mayor Fresnedi during the same ceremony donated school supplies and school uniforms to the students of MES.

“Tulong-tulong kaya mabilis ang pagunlad ng ating lungsod, ng ating pamahalaan (We help each other, which is why there is quick progress in our city and in our government),” he said.

PCPPI reiterated its commitment to building the community in which the company has been a part of for many years. The company’s main bottling plant and Head Office is located in Tunasan, Muntinlupa.

“We are proud that our head office is here, and we strive to contribute to the progress of our home,” said Atty. Jun Manuel, PCPPI Vice President for Legal, Government and Corporate Affairs. “We are proud to part of the community and we are always here to be a partner of the DepEd and of the City of Muntinlupa.”

As the students and their parents lined up to receive their school kits from the Muntinlupa LGU, Fresnedi reminded the parents of their role in ensuring quality education:

“Mga magulang, tiyakin po ninyo ang inyong responsibilidad na ang inyong mga anak ay sadyang nag-aaral.”

Shopee Launches Latest In-App Game, Shopee Shake, With Over 2.5 Million Shopee Coins to be Given Away; Debut Game Coins Run Out in Less Than 60 Seconds

Earn coins and shop at Shopee’s Orange Day Sale happening from June 13 to 15 with discounts of up to 90% off and 24 hour free shipping

In the lead up to this month’s Orange Day Sale happening from June 13 to 15, Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launched its latest in-app game, Shopee Shake, with the promise of over 2.6 millions worth of Shopee Coins to be given away.  Within the first three days of its launch on 8 June, Shopee Shake recorded a total of over 100,000 users logging in to the Shopee app during the designated game timings (12 noon and 9pm daily) and shaking their phones for a chance to win Shopee Coins.

Terence Pang, Chief Operating Officer of Shopee, said, “At Shopee, users form the core of all our strategies, features and innovations, which is why we introduced the in-app game, Shopee Shake, as a way for us to better engage our users and provide them with an exciting new way to earn rebates and other prizes. We are thankful for the overwhelming support we’ve had so far, and will continue to work on introducing even more features to enhance the overall user experience. We welcome all users to join us and participate in Shopee Shake.”

From now till 15 June, users can look forward to winning more Shopee Coins by taking part in Shopee Shake.

To add to the excitement, Shopee will also be holding a weeklong social media contest where users are invited to post videos of themselves doing the Shopee Shake on Facebook or Instagram. Users should include the hashtag #ShopeeShakePH to stand a chance to be one of three lucky winners to walk away with an iPhone X, Fujifilm X-T20, or Nintendo Switch.

In addition to the launch of Shopee Shake, Shopee will also be holding its monthly Orange Day Sale from June 13 to 15. Users can look forward to discounts of up to 90% off, 2 for the price of 1 deals, category collections, beat the clock vouchers and many more. As a special treat this Orange Day, users can also enjoy 24 hours of free shipping with a lowered minimum spend of just ₱250 on June 13.

What are you waiting for? Set your alarms, mark your calendars, and get ready to shake and shop this Orange Day!

Swimjunkie Challenge: An Open Water Swimming

Swimjunkie Challenge is the only open-water swimming series that offers long distance destination swims in the Philippines. Racers travel to swim anywhere from 2.5KM to 10KM in exotic but challenging swim locations. 

For the first race of the season, 280 swimmers made their way to Lobo, Batangas on May 6, to swim 2.5KM and 5KM along the Verde Island Passage. 

On its second year, the Swimjunkie Challenge held at Lio Beach in El Nido on June 10, 2018. The race is co-presented by Lio Tourism Estate, supported by the LGU and its Mayor Nieves Rosento and sponsored by Seafood Island and Wilkins Pure Water.

The Swimjunkie Challenges were created by Betsy Medalla, a former Philippine National Swim Team Member and the first Asian to make the iconic cold water swim crossing from Robben Island to Bloubergstrand in Cape Town, South Africa.

Today, the number of races per year has more than tripled with some races generating more than 300 participants. Now swimmers are no longer limiting themselves to 2KM but more and more are open to the challenge of swimming longer distances.

The Swimjunkie Challenge Series has been instrumental in encouraging swimmers to not only transition from pool swimming to the open water but to attempt longer and longer distances.

In August 19, 2018, the flagship race of Swimjunkie Series, Swimjunkie Challenge will be held in Caramoan with 5KM and 10KM swim.

What sets the Swimjunkie Challenge series apart from other races? – “Recognized for establishing the Philippines as an open water swimming destination and helping to protect the marine environment in the process.”

5 things every mom should know about flu

Dr. May Montellano shares that adults are just as susceptible to flu as children are

Moms are the true jacks of all trade. On top of the many roles they fulfill, they also need to be the go-to first-aider of the family. This job includes knowing the truths from the myths about common illnesses that are often taken for granted.

Now that it is once again high time for flu, the recent Expo Mom 2018 held in Glorietta, Makati invited moms from all over Metro Manila to be further empowered with crucial information about keeping their families safe and healthy. The #Mompowerment campaign creates a community of moms who share personal and relatable stories on how to deal with the ups and downs of motherhood including dreaded contagious illnesses for both children and adults.

Dr. May Montellano, Professor in Pediatrics - FEU-NRMF, Vice President of International Society for Tropical Pediatrics and mom herself, provided an expert’s point-of-view on why moms should pay close attention to what everyone dismisses as the common cold. As the first-aiders in their homes, moms are the key to keeping the family safe from influenza. The first step is learning about the disease and the different ways it can be prevented:

1. Flu is not the same as common cold.

Flu and common cold most of the time are considered synonymous due to similar symptoms of the two diseases. However, moms should keep in mind that flu is more severe than common cold. Bed rest and drinking plenty of water do not always work on flu, as it is caused by a viral infection. Moms should be vigilant because if flu is not treated properly it can result to severe implications.

2. Spreading flu is inevitable.
Part of growing up is to play with other children. Unfortunately, flu is one of the most contagious diseases that can easily spread through contact. It is important for moms to teach the proper coughing etiquette to their children to avoid spreading the virus. Usage of disposable tissue to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing is highly recommended. If it is not available, it is better to cough or sneeze into the upper arm or sleeve to avoid using one’s hands. Being exposed to many bacteria, it’s important for children to learn to clean their hands after playing.

3. Rainy season is flu season.
The start of the school year is also the start of the rainy season and the cold weather often brings the flu virus. Moms are advised to take extra precautionary measures during this time and be more observant with their children’s health. While the cases of flu are more rampant during this time, the outbreaks of flu for tropical countries like the Philippines are irregular and are occurring throughout the year.

4. Adults are just as susceptible to flu as children are.
As much as adults would want to protect their little ones, parents need to know that they too are potential carriers of the disease. Parents can also get flu from their surroundings, especially in their workplace and pass it on to their children at home. The risks of getting flu are even greater for pregnant women that they can have spontaneous abortions or get pneumonia from the disease.

5. Prevention is always better than the cure.
Moms would always want to rock motherhood in the most practical way possible, but as the cliché goes, “health is better than wealth.” In considering the costs in treating flu, people often discount the indirect costs they shoulder when they have flu. One of which is the loss of productivity. Whether it’s the children missing school, adults missing work, or the whole family missing out on a vacation, curing flu can be more expensive than preventing it.

Moms know better than to take a common disease for granted. They do not need to worry about such illnesses because they know the precautionary measures they can take to protect their loved ones from vaccine-preventable disease. From imparting good health habits to getting the whole family vaccinated, moms can embody #Mompowerment in knowing the truths about flu and choosing to act against it.

Public and Private Sector Leaders Pledge to Empowering more Women in Sciences at L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women In Science Ceremony

Tackling the greatest challenges of the Agenda for Sustainable Development, will depend on harnessing all talent, and today, more than ever, science and gender equality are equally vital to drive sustainable development. Despite this truth, women account for only 30% of the world’s researchers, and with even lower percentages at higher decision-making levels. In response, L’Oréal and UNESCO founded the For Women in Science (FWIS) program in 1998 with the mission to empower more women in the field of sciences by increasing the number of women in scientific research, promoting more young women to enter the profession, and to assist them once their careers are in progress.

Since the launch of FWIS, the program has supported more than 3,100 women scientists from 117 countries, and celebrated 102 renowned scientists at the peak of their careers including three who have won a Nobel Prize. The program has increased the visibility, career opportunities, and self-confidence of women scientists across the world. The Philippines has had the privilege of seeing Dr. Lourdes Cruz win as a Global Laureate (2010) for her work with snail toxins, and has had four Filipina scientists awarded as National Fellows (2011 and 2012).

June 5, 2018 marks a milestone for the Philippines as FWIS celebrates the return of the program in the Country through the awarding of the newest FWIS National Fellow. The program’s return to the Philippines cements L’Oréal’s strong commitment to pushing women empowerment and leadership in science in the Philippines. “The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program was founded with the mission to ensure that critical research across various fields in science takes full advantage of the intelligence, creativity, and passion of women,” shares Ms. Carmel Valencia, Corporate Communications Manager of L’Oréal Philippines.

“We have been immensely proud of the work of our Laureates, Fellows and all the awardees across various fields, each proving to be vital in contributing towards sustainable economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. They all serve as testament to our belief that women in science truly have the power to change the world,” she asserts.

More than just an awarding ceremony, the forum tackled the multifaceted challenges of gender inequality in the field of science, recognized women’s contributions across various fields, and underscored the critical need for their full participation in driving the sustainable development agenda.

To solidify their commitment to drive increased women participation and success in the field of science, a six-point manifesto was signed by representatives from L’Oréal, UNESCO, National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), and the scientific community.

The forum also featured distinguished panel speakers and women leaders from the scientific moderated by Ms. Rina Jimenez-David including Dr. Didith Rodrigo, Scientist and Author of “Women in Science” Children’s Books; Dr. Marieta Sumagaysay, Executive Director, National Research Council of the Philippines; and Dr. Laura David, FWIS Philippines National Fellow 2011; and Dr. Aletta Yñiguez, FWIS Philippines National Fellow 2012, to name a few. Each shared on their experiences as Filipina scientists and the opportunities that they see for more thought-leaders in the community. Through the discussion, it is L’Oréal’s and UNESCO’s hope to encourage visibility on the challenges and breakthroughs of Filipina scientists and push more sectors to provide support.

In its first year back, FWIS awarded one outstanding woman scientist who is leading with her study in chemical oceanography. Dr. Charissa Ferrera is recognized as the FWIS Philippines National Fellow 2018. With a relevant and timely research on the water quality in coastal areas and fishing localities particularly Bolinao and Anda, Dr. Ferrera pushes for sustainable mariculture by advocating to help communities recover from effects of pollution through effective science communication.

“I see my win as an opportunity to create a ripple effect that will allow for more individuals to be inspired to pursue careers in science,” shares Dr. Ferrera on winning the fellowship. As a woman who dared to ask, she hopes to encourage women who want to become researchers to stay motivated. “Look for opportunities because they are there and do not be afraid to ask. Always go for what you want and keep going no matter the circumstances,” advised Dr. Ferrera.

After its first year back in the country, FWIS looks at further pushing the needle to create an impact in the local scientific community and will continue to recognize women in the field as well as encourage awareness among the younger generation.

About For Women In Science

Founded in 1998, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science partnership was created to recognize and promote women in science. Its programs reward established women scientists whose outstanding achievements have contributed to the advancement of scientific knowledge and provide support to promising young women who are already making significant contributions in their scientific disciplines.

About L’Oréal Philippines

L’Oréal Philippines has been present in the country as a wholly owned subsidiary of L’Oréal since 1994. Based on the unique and diverse beauty needs of every Filipino, L’Oreal Philippines manages a portfolio of the most technologically advanced brands across several beauty categories and present across all beauty channels, including L’Oréal Paris, Maybelline New York, Garnier, Nyx Professional Make Up, Kiehl’s, Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Guy Laroche, L’Oréal Professionnel, Kérastase, and Matrix.

As one of the big beauty players in the country, L’Oréal Philippines has also made its contributions as a good corporate citizen to the country over its 25 years of presence. It is our priority and commitment to reduce the impact of our activity on the planet and bolster positive socio-economic impact on the lives of people and communities in the Philippines. This has been done through our various philanthropic activities such as “Beauty For a Better Life,” and “Citizen Day”.

About L’Oréal

L’Oréal has devoted itself to beauty for over 100 years. With its unique international portfolio of 34 diverse and complementary brands, the Group generated sales amounting to 26.02 billion euros in 2017 and employs 82 600 people worldwide. As the world’s leading beauty company, L’Oréal is present across all distribution networks: mass market, department stores, pharmacies and drugstores, hair salons, travel retail, branded retail and e-commerce.Research and innovation, and a dedicated research team of 3 885 people, are at the core of L’Oréal’s strategy, working to meet beauty aspirations all over the world. L’Oréal’s sustainability commitment for 2020 “Sharing Beauty With All” sets out ambitious sustainable development objectives across the Group’s value chain.For more information: http://mediaroom.loreal.com/en/

Filinvest City holds first Festival of Possibilities

What's your favorite day?

Is it Friday? Well, it's everybody's favorite. What's not to like? That's two days of no work for adults and no homework for the young. If you're from the north side of Manila: Malate, Timog, and Makati are some key places to be in for a night life. Good thing, Filinvest City has something for peeps in the south as well. Right in the City Events Grounds, the Festival of Possibilities was held for the first time and that's absolutely free for residents or employees of Filinvest City while a small fee of P500 is required for non-residents and non-employees. Even better news is a purchase amounting to P1000 from any of the merchants in Festival Alabang, Westgate Center and Fastbytes in Northgate Cyberzone serves as a ticket to the event.

Photo credits: @avg.ph and @brandxph of Instagram

Attendees were in for a good time.  Food, games, arcade, inflatable playground, and most of all.. good music for a special Friday night last 8th of June.  For the early birds, they had time to play at the arcade consisting of a Basketball booth, racing for two, and Foosball. The giant Jenga and Snake & Ladders were among the games that kept the rest occupied while kids enjoyed the inflatable setup. 

Photo credits: @avg.ph and @brandxph of Instagram

That night was a first time for me to try Wagyu cubes. Nothing tasted more delicious, I swear. No wonder they cost P100 for only four tiny pieces. Then it dawned on me that I wasn't in a food review. 

Photo credits: @avg.ph and @brandxph of Instagram

Photo credits: @avg.ph and @brandxph of Instagram

The festival started early in the evening with DJ Wicked Adobo opening the show while the rain started pouring hard. Nothing could ever stop the occasion. Each participant was ready for anything. They opened their umbrellas and wore their coats when the rain started as the DJ turned a simple night into a party! Among the OPM bands, Autotelic was the first to perform. They  wowed the crowd with their awesome songs that's truly suited for Millennials attending the scene. Ben & Ben, a group that's making waves in social media and on radio, left a great impression on me. It was the first time I heard their music and it wasn't bad at all. I found out that the vocalists are both named Ben.. what a cool way to name a group! Just as the crowd was enjoying the show, the rain started to pour harder but it didn't stop the listeners and nobody took cover for shelter. Franco and Parokya ni Edgar were unmistakable with their signature music. 

In the aim to bring the residents closer to each other, they were successful in doing so. In line with their goals to strengthen community bonds, they have prepared more events such as the Endurance Weekend setup for July. The upcoming event encourages sports enthusiasts in a bike event that's going to be held in Filinvest City as well.

Visit the Filinvest City website https://filinvestcity.com/ or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FilinvestCityOFFICIAL/ for more updates.