San Isidro to be the Cacao Capital of Davao del Norte

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Local agricultural players pledged to make the municipality of San Isidro become the "cacao capital of Davao del Norte" in a stakeholders forum organized by the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) last July 19.

Representatives from the local government, business sector, community leaders, farmers and PEF trustees as well as its program committee members met to lay down their visions to contribute in the area development of the municipality.

"This is a welcome development for us because San Isidro is a fourth-class municipality. We need the support from other stakeholders to cope up with the limitations," Municipal Administrator Allan Delideli said.

San Isidro has 3,600 hectares of cacao farms and is known for its tableya and cacao beans production.

Aside from developing the cacao industry, the participants also discussed strategies to cope up with the falling prices of copra, with inputs such as intercropping cacao with coconuts, good farm practices, value-adding, and improving the quality of nuts.

According to PEF Executive Director Roberto Calingo, the stakeholders forum became opportunity for everyone to strengthen partnerships and cooperation.

“(This is an opportunity) para mapakinggan kung paano magkakaroon ng pagkakaisa ng pananaw kung paano pauunlarin ang kabuhayan ng mga pamilya at kung paano papalakasin ang cacao commodity," he said.

For her part, PEF board vice chairman Carmencita Abella said that the convergence of all stakeholders is a step towards improving opportunities for the farmers in San Isidro.

"Ang punto ng ginagawa natin ay maitaas ang income ng farmers,"she said. "Hindi natin maiingat ito kung hindi tayo magtutulungan."

The stakeholders forum is part of the two-day visit by PEF board and program committee members to look into the Foundation's efforts in developing the agricultural value chain in the municipality.

The group visited model and demo cacao and coconut farms, as well as local enterprises of the Laak Multipurpose Cooperative and Chokolate de San Isidro.

13 Dance Groups Contend for Agilakas Gumalaw 2019 Dance Competition

Wazzup Pilipinas!

What started out as a meek dance contest providing a significant follow through on the onset of Agila The EKsperience in 2016, AGILAKAS GUMALAW DANCE COMPETITION now makes dynamic reception, waves, and recall in the dance community in the Philippines.

Bringing in their intricately-designed props and costumes, 13 solid groups battled it out and proved that they all deserve of the title last Sunday (June 23). Guests were marveled at the grooves of each team firing up the dance floor with moves from hip hop, break dance, contemporary, tribal, up to punk.

Like the Philippine Eagle as a national symbol of Filipino’s undying grit, dance groups showed an all-out performance with smoothness and ease in their routines and exhibitions. Highlighting a patch of patriotism in the dance piece, groups have showcased their interpretation of an original Tats Faustino composition, “Pinoy Magaling Ka” at the end of every team’s performance.

The 13 finalists were adjudged by the esteemed names in performing arts chamber headed by Neslyn Anne Janiola of A.X.I.S Dance Company. Personalities who also joined on the judging panel were Keisha Almoroto of Sexbomb NewGen, Carlos Serrano III of A.X.I.S and TPM, and XB Gensan member Gon Gungon. Enchanted Kingdom Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Cynthia R. Mamon also seated on the panel.

Proving they’re worthy of last year’s tilt, J-Crisis showed an astounding performance that left the crowd in awe and screamed for more with their death-defying stunts. A special performance from A.X.I.S Dance Company brought the house down with their hip-smashing and all-style groove.

“Elites of God” Reigned Supreme

Oozed out in fascinating costume allied with astonishing acts, sky-high jumps and winding flips and spins, Elites of God reigned supreme and hailed as this year’s champion. The 20-piece, Muntinlupa City-based dance squad took home a trophy, and P25,000 cash.

Completing the roster are Little Warriors as second runner up, and Philippine Identity Crew as first runner up. They, too, have knocked the judges and audience dead that ticketed them to take home P15,000 and P20,000 respectively.

Film Festival Celebrates Stories of PH National Heroes

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Learn more about the Philippines’ colorful history and discover the stories of Filipino historical figures by watching biopics during the National Heroes Retrospective Film Festival. Organized by the Shangri-La Plaza in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the Festival happens until June 22, 2019 at Shangri-La Plaza’s Red Carpet Cinema 4, which coincided with national hero Jose Rizal's 158th birth anniversary last June 19.

In celebration of Sandaan: the One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema, six (6) films that champion different Philippine national heroes and their contributions to the country will be screened during the Festival. These are “Ang Kababaihan ng Malolos” directed by Sari Dalena and Kiri Dalena, “Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli” directed by Gil Portes, “Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo” directed by Enzo Williams, “Jose Rizal” directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, and “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” and “Heneral Luna” directed by Jerrold Tarog.

The screening schedule is as follows:

Admission to the screening is free on a first-come, first-served basis.