MARINA Stirs PH Cruise Industry

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) stirs local cruise shipping industry as it endorses the acquisition and operation of cruise ships in the Philippines. 

“We are encouraging companies to operate cruise ships in the Philippines. By stirring the cruise shipping industry, we aim to advance local maritime industry through the boosting of Philippine tourism,” MARINA Administrator Rey Leonardo Guerrero said. 

However, despite the advocacy to venture into local cruise shipping industry, the MARINA assures it will be uncompromising in the regulating the industry. 

Come September 2018, the MARINA will implement strict policies for the acquisition and operation of local cruise ships to ensure maritime safety and security, one of which is the rule on the accreditation of cruise ships. 

To guarantee the quality of ships plying over the Philippine seas, the MARINA will only accredit cruise ships that are operational for not more than 20 years.  

Moreover, cruise ships, whether newly-built or previously-owned, are required to be classed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) to warrant its adherence to technical standards and requirements, ensuring maritime safety and environmental protection. 

While all Philippine cruise ships are required to be manned by Filipino seafarers, the MARINA is open for granting special permits to foreign cruise ships to engage in local cruise shipping industry in areas that are not serviced by local cruise ships. 

Award-Winning Pinoy Film "Santa Nena!" Competes in Iraq

Wazzup Pilipinas!

An award-winning short film from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Design and Arts (SDA) has been officially selected to compete at the 3rd Slemani International Film Festival in Iraq from October 10 to 16.

Tim Rone Villanueva‘s “Santa Nena!” follows fellow Benildean filmmaker Shallah Montero’s “Papa’s Shadows,” which represented the Philippines at the Slemani IFF’s international short film category last year.

"Santa Nena!" tells the story of a miraculous patron saint (Elora Españo in the titular role) who springs to life at night. One day, while talking to her friend, an angel (Jelson Bay), she received a message from God. She has to be the child-bearer for the second coming of the Messiah on earth with Manuel (Ross Pesigan), “the boy with the golden balls.” Fellow thespians Mailes Kanapi, Rolando Inocencio and Martha Comia play supporting characters.  

Villanueva, who hails from Kawit, Cavite, said he was inspired by Santa Maria Magdalena of Kawit Church, or more popularly known as Santa Nena to Kawiteños, in coming up with the short film.  Advocacy filmmaker and BenildeFilm mentor Seymour Sanchez served as creative producer of the capstone project.  

"In Philippine culture, having devotion to a saint or patron is a huge part of it. Most people believe in the miracles of different patrons of the church to accommodate their request. But what if the situation turns around and saints were to ask people a favor? Will the people grant a saint’s request? This film challenges what happens if you reverse the situation of men and saints," the young filmmaker explained.

The black comedy earlier won several accolades such as Best Short Film (Student Category), CineFilipino Film Festival 2018; Best Director and Best Production Design (Student Category), Pelikultura 2018: The CALABARZON Film Festival; Honorable Mention (Short Feature Category), 29th Gawad CCP Independent Film and Video Festival; Gold Picture Prize, Outstanding Direction, Outstanding Performance for Españo and Technical Excellence awards (Maningning Category), CineSB7 Film Festival; Best Narrative Short Film, Best Director, Best Script and Best Actor for Pesigan, Ateneo Video Open 2017; and Best Narrative, Best Performance and Best Production Design (Intercollegiate Category), Sinepiyu XI.

"Santa Nena!" was also screened last July 5 at the DLS-CSB SDA Cinema as part of the One La Salle Film Festival. Last year, it figured prominently in two film events in Mindanao -- competing at the Philippine shorts competition of the fifth Salamindanaw Asian Film Festival in General Santos City and being part of the official selection of Cinema Rehiyon 9 in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley.

Villanueva’s capstone project under the Digital Filmmaking program will slug it out with 19 other similarly notable short films from Afghanistan, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Estonia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Lebanon, Kyrgyzstan, Palestine, Spain and Turkey.

UP OVPEA Proudly Presents the Filipino Youth Summit

Wazzup Pilipinas!

For the first time, the Office of the Vice President for External Affairs (OVPEA) of the University Student Government is organizing the first Filipino Youth Summit, an advocacy-based youth conference in the country where student-leaders gather to participate in reviewing local and national government initiatives, addressing national issues, and collaborating towards a more empowered and progressive nation. The summit will be composed of collaborative discussions, and issues-centered talks to further unite the Filipino Youth of common interest.

The summit will be divided into 5 pillars and composed of mainly: Business Ethics, Education, Environment, Human Rights, and Public Health. Each delegate will thoroughly discuss specific issues in relation to ther respective pillars. In addition an activity entitled “Cross Talks” will be facilitated wherein 5 distinguished guests are invited to discuss relevant topics outside the 5 pillars of the conference. These topics outside the pillars aim to engage and focus the youth into adapting better lifestyles, addressing other issues the best way they can, and improve themselves in society today. It will feature topics on healthy living, solid waste management, maximizing social media platforms and building a career at a young age to name a few.

This coming August 30-September 2, the very first FILIPINO YOUTH SUMMIT will be pioneered by outstanding Filipino students all over the world.

For more info their website, www.filipinoyouthsummit.org or their Facebook page