Changing the Reel: Budding Director Gino M. Santos Ushers in a Generation of Film with New Flick “Island Dreams”

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The action behind the camera has become one of the most intriguing contemporary art forms in the country. Despite being the youngest of Philippine creative styles, film making has succeeded in immortalizing the rich culture and character of the Filipino people through the silver screen.

Even with the challenges that face the industry such as the growth of illegal camcording and movie piracy, filmmaking continues to captivate and engage many young talents. One such passionate artist is Gino M. Santos, who, at the age of 24, has made waves in the local film scene.

Gino is a two-time Gawad CCP honorable mention awardee with his experimental short “Bangungot” and his short movie musical "Ang Tangke" (The Water Tank), the latter of which vied in the 19th Contravision Film Festival in Berlin. With award-winning director Brillante Mendoza as his mentor, Gino continues to hone his craft with the best from the trade and raise the standards for local filmmaking.

Google Zeitgeist Reveals the Most Searched About Topics in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We were given three chances to guess which we think was the most searched about in the Philippines, and most of us were wrong!

It was really surprising, and only reveals two probable facts. It's either a lot of people were really curious and concerned of the tragic lost, or many really love the person from the very start of 2013 until the end of the year when he met a very unfortunate accident.

Yes! Paul Walker was the most searched about term in Google Philippines!

I am not sure if this is comforting enough for him to know that many recognized him as influential for others, but the guy really made an impact to the Filipinos.

Volunteers from Scientology Churches and Missions help the Philippines recover from Typhoon Haiyan

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A month since Super Typhoon Haiyan ravaged the Philippines, the country is still staggering. The Church of Scientology Mission of Manila immediately activated their Volunteer Ministers to help. They were joined by Volunteer Ministers from abroad who have continued to provide relief to help the country recover.

The Typhoon, known as Yolanda in the Philippines, slammed into the country November 8 with sustained winds as high as 195 mph. More than 5,000 died and the United Nations estimates 1.9 people were forced from their homes. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, the storm disrupted the livelihoods of more than 5 million people leaving 2.4 million in need of food.

The Scientology Disaster Response Team, led by veteran Scientology Volunteer Minister Ayal Lindeman of New York and members of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers India Goodwill Tour, is working with government agencies and humanitarian organizations to help with the distribution of food and supplies.