LCCM alumna rules filmmaking workshop showcase

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A recent graduate of La Consolacion College Manila bagged the Best Picture award in the fifth SineOmni Film Festival held last August 25 at the Cinematheque Centre Manila.

Maria Del Carmen “Mikee” Villapol, who previously won Best Picture in the Mini Short category of IKLI: Super Short Film Festival for her work “Bitin,” topped SineOmni with her new short film “Da Master Plan.” She is an alumna of LCCM and its resident film and theater organization SineDulaang Agustino.

“Da Master Plan” tells the story of Macoy, an imaginative young boy who seeks help from his toy companions to confront the sinister monster tormenting him. Without his disbelieving mother’s support, he must defeat the monster once and for all. It also won Best Sound Design for Jalen Buenaseda.

Mick Quito’s “The Prodigal Daughter” and Angelica Manipol’s “Magdalena” placed second and third, respectively. In “The Prodigal Daughter,” Penelope, a 20-year-old Filipino-American, visits Manila to meet her estranged father for the first time, hoping to understand his departure from her life. Meanwhile, in “Magdalena,” a determined 22-year-old woman named Aira Magdalena navigates the dark and dangerous world of prostitution in a relentless pursuit to escape poverty and complete her education.

“The Prodigal Daughter” also received awards for Best Director for Quito, Best Actress for Ivanka Marie Guillermo, and Best Supporting Actor for Soliman Cruz. On the other hand, “Magdalena” also got Best Screenplay for Manipol and Best Production Design for Cire Alessandra Yaptengco and Khryza Maaba.

The other winners are Edrey Paul Biteng, Jury Prize, and Heidi Bayani, Best Cinematography, for “Magic Memory,” Miguel Luis Nera, Best Actor, and Elizabeth Santos-Nera, Best Supporting Actress for “Genesis,” Adrian Bolante, Best Editing for “Rad,” and Justine Cusipag, Best Musical Score for “Pahimuyong.”

Biteng’s “Magic Memory” is about an emerging local DJ who crosses paths with a girl who offers him a cryptic cigarette, sparking a shared night of indulgence and vulnerability they will eventually forget.

In “Genesis,” also directed by Nera, the titular character reconnects with God as he tries to seek repentance while battling his worsening condition, with the hope of finding his way to heaven.

“Rad,” also directed by Bolante, zeroes in on a man and his dog trying to find a way out of an isolated town exposed to radiation.

In “Pahimuyong” by Randy Pimentel Olesco, Chona, a single mother of two children named Miko and Dante, is involved in illegal drugs and she needs to get their lives out of danger before it is too late.

“Balasa” by Rhonn Mercene, “Byaheng Sikmura” by Kathrino V. Resurreccion, “Chess” by Szackobe Kabro Z. Sanchez, “Crossroads” by Beatrice Talagtag, “Golden Hour” by Nehemiarey Dallego and Ruzzel John Palomillo, “Mamay” by Marione Morales, and “Saida” by Catherine Sevilla complete the entries.

SineOmni is a showcase of the films produced by workshop participants of the Screen/Stage Performing Arts Course for Enthusiasts (SPACE) facilitated by award-winning director Arvin “Kadiboy” Belarmino and Jonathan Montes with mentors Elora Españo, Veronica Reyes, Bel Paquiz, and Tim Rone Villanueva.

Aside from featuring eight new filmmakers and six returning directors, the culmination of this year’s filmmaking workshop also paid tribute to the late filmmaker and mentor Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez.

Mintel's APAC Food and Drink Landscape 2023 spotlights senior nutrition, brain health and guilt-free indulgence

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Mintel releases its annual APAC Food and Drink Landscape report, exploring key consumer needs and opportunities for brands across three distinct areas: ageing consumers, brain health benefits, and indulgence.


Silver Economy: Catering to an ageing population

Nutrition is a key focus area among adults aged 55+. The report discusses how consumers’ desire for overall health creates avenues for brands to introduce diverse products tailored to the specific health and nutrition requirements of seniors.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the significance of health for seniors, with 46% of Chinese consumers aged 50-59 agreeing that health-specific products contribute to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, according to Mintel research.

However, data from Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) shows that less than one per cent of global food, drink and vitamins, minerals and supplements (VMS) launches between October 2017 and September 2022 hold a senior claim.

Brands can support seniors’ holistic health by incorporating key botanicals and nutrients such as lutein and folic acid. Mintel suggests brands can highlight ingredients that support specific benefits like beauty, urinary tract health and circulatory health.



Staying Sharp: Focus, energy and brain health

Another window of opportunity for food and drink brands highlighted in the new report is brain health. Products containing B vitamins, choline, adaptogens, and natural caffeine can enhance focus, clarity and support brain health. Mintel research reveals four key ingredients for ‘Staying Sharp’: alternative caffeine, B vitamins, adaptogens, and choline.

While coffee and tea are natural sources of caffeine, their use as an added ingredient is often synthetic. Brands have the opportunity to educate consumers about less conventional sources of caffeine. B vitamins, encompassing B1 to B12, can be positioned as familiar and safe nutrients for mood and cognitive health, supporting metabolism and energy production.

Adaptogens are botanical substances that restore balance and manage physical and mental stress. Among the notable adaptogens to watch are ashwagandha, holy basil, schisandra, and brahmi. Choline, an essential nutrient with under-discussed benefits, supports positive outcomes at all life stages.

Brands also have the opportunity to attract parents with kids who don’t drink enough water by leveraging traditional trusted nutrients to boost their child’s brain performance. In Thailand, over half of parents are willing to pay more for packaged drinks with added Thai herbal ingredients that improve cognitive function, according to Mintel research. Such claims must, however, be substantiated with scientific proof.


Unguilty Pleasures: Ushering a new level of indulgence


Mintel’s 2023 Food and Drink Trend Unguilty Pleasures looks at how brands can support consumers to indulge in the enjoyment that food and drink delivers without feeling guilty about the experience. In the carbonated soft drinks category, brands can engage new consumers and broaden consumption occasions by evoking comforting flavours reminiscent of childhood treats like candy or ice cream. Incorporating traditional sugar confectionery flavours can also appeal to younger consumers who are proud of their culture.

Lastly, Gen Z's nighttime snacking habits offer another avenue for food and drink brands. By understanding these habits, brands can offer products that provide comfort and satiate hunger pangs. In the US, almost three in five Gen Z snackers snack to relax, while two in five say they snack to relieve stress. Salty snack brands can explore adding adaptogenic ingredients that help consumers relax in preparation for a good night’s sleep.

Surf, Snowboard, and Skate in the Heart of Southeast Asia at TRIFECTA Singapore

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Snowboarding and surfing in tropical Singapore will soon be a reality in the heart of the city. TRIFECTA by The Ride Side (TRIFECTA) will be Asia’s first snow, surf, and skate attraction opening in Singapore from 28 October 2023. Beginners and seasoned riders from the region will be able to learn and train in Singapore for winter sports and surfing, without travelling longer distances abroad.

TRIFECTA aims to make snowboarding, skiing, and surfing more accessible by introducing a lineup of beginner and kids-friendly programmes and events where people can learn in a safe, comfortable, and controlled environment. For experienced skiers, snowboarders, and surfers, TRIFECTA offers a space for community and training during the off season, utilising technology to mimic conditions on ocean waves and ski slopes.

While Singapore does not have ski resorts and surf breaks, TRIFECTA will now have access to its own version of mountains and waves in Singapore’s most famous shopping strip: Orchard Road. TRIFECTA is inspired by the hallowed concept in the world of adventure sports when snowboarding, surfing, and skateboarding are completed in one day — a feat that requires both summer and winter conditions in the same place at the same time, that is now made possible in tropical Singapore. With its multi-dimensional and immersive experience, the opening of TRIFECTA will bolster the transformation at Orchard Road and strengthen its position as a must-visit lifestyle destination.

 

Conceptualised and developed by home-grown adventure travel company, The Ride Side, TRIFECTA covers 49,611 square feet - approximately the size of four Olympic swimming pools - in Somerset Road, with a unique open public layout that encourages spectatorship and interactions among visitors. TRIFECTA is free to access for all members of the public who wish to be spectators of the various sports or to dine in. Those who wish to try the activities can easily purchase flexible tickets and memberships. TRIFECTA will operate from 7am to 12 midnight daily.

“Despite the growing interest in board sports in Asia, we realised there weren’t enough spaces at home that allowed people to discover, watch, and learn. At TRIFECTA by The Ride Side, we welcome all who are interested in board sports to take that first step with us, and for all enthusiasts to continue to hone their skills and share their experiences with the greater community,” said Daphne Goh, co-founder of The Ride Side.

With hybrid working becoming a more regular arrangement, travellers are choosing to take flexcations to holiday and work in one destination over longer periods of time. With TRIFECTA’s multi-purpose space, travellers can now continue to practise their sport and achieve their wellness goals while making the most of their long-term holidays in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Facilities will include the latest technology in surf and snow simulators to provide visitors with an unrivalled experience of being able to do extreme sports in Orchard Road. The physical experience is also enhanced with a mobile app, where visitors and users alike can connect with others in the community, book sessions and classes, track training schedules and conduct cashless in-app payments with rewards.Snowboard: Simulator machines in the snow arena are powered by the first Virtual Reality (VR) ski simulator in Asia, with best-in-class speed simulation and directional movements to mimic the natural mountain terrain. A “Freestyle” area, fitted with airbags and dry slopes, will also allow guests to try popular snowboard tricks such as jumps and backflips in a safe environment. Each session can accommodate six people per simulator per hour.

Surf: The arena will incorporate Citywave, the world’s leading technology in deep water wave pool, for an endless surf experience. It will be Asia’s largest standing wave pool at 10m wide, generating 1.5m high waves, the deepest in Singapore. Guests will be able to use surfboards with fins in this Olympic-size pool for the first time in Singapore. Each session can accommodate 12 people per hour.

Skate: Experience the world’s first hybrid skate bowl designed for skateboarding and surfskating. Designed by skaters from Bali’s popular community skate sports such as Pretty Poison and Amplitude Skate Park, the skate bowl will be free for all to use and was built to complement the Somerset Skate Park next door, and add to the youthful energy and vibrancy of the Somerset belt in Orchard Road. Lessons are available through bookings with TRIFECTA.




Brand New Dining Concept

Supplementing the TRIFECTA experience is Butter, an exclusive collaborative kitchen by Singapore cult-favourite, Two Men Bagel House, and TRIFECTA. Butter will be serving up all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus which revolve around cosy favourites — Two Men’s signature bagels, baked goods such as croissants, family-friendly pancakes, hearty grain bowls, as well as beers, coffees, desserts, and more.

Diners can also look forward to exclusive menu items at this 70-seater outlet or choose take-out and have their meals while being spectators to all the action in the surf and snow arenas. Expect the same Two Men attitude, packed with a ton of Butter flavour.




Early Bird and Starter Packages

Early bird packages have been launched and will be available from now until 4 September 2023 with up to 10% off passes and credit packages. Single Class passes for 60-minute sessions start from as low as S$54 for Skate, S$90 for Snow/Ski, and S$108 for Surf. General sales start from 5 September 2023, and visitors will also be able to purchase off-peak single passes and open sessions. More information can be found on TRIFECTA’s website (www.trifectasingapore.com) or Instagram page (@trifecta.singapore).




Loyalty Programme and Multi-Label Retail Store

Visitors who download the TRIFECTA mobile app will receive access to in-app promotions and exclusive access to events, based on spending tiers. Members can earn points with every check-in for activity sessions and classes, and also by spending on food, drinks and retail. Exclusive merchandise and offers can be redeemed with points within the app.

Representing brands in Singapore and Southeast Asia, TRIFECTA will also be home to The Ride Side’s flagship retail store, combining over 50 brands from four lifestyle and board sports brands in surfing, snowboarding, skiing, and skateboarding. Guests can also expect to test a collection of demo-boards in the arenas, alongside a boot fitting and customisation station for ski and snowboard boots.




Trifecta Festival

Starting 28 October 2023, members of the public can expect an exciting lineup of events celebrating the launch of TRIFECTA! Enjoy four weekends of entertainment and activities across sports, lifestyle, art, culture, and music. More details will be released in September 2023.

Head to www.trifectasingapore.com or follow @trifecta.singapore for the latest updates and happenings.