Benildeans dominate CineMapúa anew

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Student filmmakers from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde asserted their mastery of “the longest-running student film festival in the Philippines” by taking the top two prizes and more during the 20th CineMapúa International Student Film Short Film Festival awards night held recently at the Mapúa University Gymnasium in Intramuros.

“Saan Aabot ang Dapithapon?” (Where Do Sunsets Go?), written and directed by Trixie Vertera and Carissa Sierras of DLS-CSB, garnered the Cardinal Gold Film Award, Best Performance of an Actress for veteran singer-actress Celeste Legaspi, Best Production Design for Paurine Shibata, and Best Sound Design for Orion Flynn at CineMapúa 2023’s intercollegiate category.

“Saan Aabot ang Dapithapon?” focuses on a grandmother (Legaspi) and her granddaughter (Kat Galang), as they search for a missing spark plug in a garage filled with mementos to bring an old car back to life, and into the streets again. The short film centers around life, death, and finding meaning to it.

“Pig’s Game,” written and directed by their fellow Benildean CM Bautista, bagged the Cardinal Silver Film Award, Best Performance of an Actor for James Ramada, and Best Screenplay for Bautista and co-writer Tristan Aguilar. The film revolves around a run-of-the-mill theater actor caught up in an audition for a government propaganda material.

Moreover, “Alingasngas ng mga Kuliglig” (The Gossips of Cicadidae) written and directed by Vahn Pascual, also from DLS-CSB, got the Cardinal Audience Award and Best Original Music for Karl Arthur Javier and BenildeFilm alumna Nik Rosacay. In the film, a boy who is forced by his father to become the next folk healer of their town, secretly despises his conventional boring life. This until he falls in love with a tikbalang, a Philippine mythological creature which has the head and hooves of a horse.

Pascual ruled the previous edition of CineMapúa when his film “Sina Alexa, Xander at Ang Universe” got the Cardinal Gold Film Award, Cardinal Best Performance of an Actor for himself, Cardinal Best Film Editing for Corlisse Nicolas, and Cardinal Best Production Design for Melissa Cuarderno and Ralph Mojica. In addition, his other short film “Silang Mga Naligaw sa Limot” received the Special Jury Award.

Organized by Mapúa’s School of Media Studies, CineMapúa received 2,892 film entries from 108 countries. Fifty entries were selected as finalists, with 15 of them competing in the intercollegiate division, five in the high school category, 10 in the all-Mapúans group, and 20 for the World Film section.

“Si Oddie,” about a rider who embarks on a delivery to a customer who cannot be located, secured the Cardinal Bronze Film Award and Best Direction for Maria Kydylee Torato of UP Visayas. “That Night the Moon Shined” by Xzyron Dumabok of UPFI brought home Best Cinematography for Moore Minglana, while “Pempem at ang Bomba Magasin” by Migs Ruallo of Far Eastern University grabbed Best Editing for Gene Francis Sayson. “Siya na Iba Sainda” (She Who is Different from Them) by Joshua Doce of Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology took the People’s Choice awards for poster and teaser.

Other short films from Benilde, namely “Makoko sa Baybay” (I am Going to the Beach) by Mike Cabarles and “Lilip” (Hem Stitch) by Yanie Cruz, also made it to the list of finalists which were all shown onsite at the newly constructed 150-seater Mapúa Cardinal Cinema, Francisco N. Cervantes Hall, and MPO508 at the Makati campus, and the audio-visual and seminar rooms at the Intramuros campus from March 13 to 18. The films were also screened online at www.yfilms.ph from March 22 to April 5.

On the release of the 2021 Performance-Based Bonus

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The Department of Education (DepEd) is in coordination with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Harmonization of National Government Performance Monitoring, Information and Reporting Systems (AO25 Secretariat) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on the Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) of its personnel.

The Department has already completed the submission to the AO25 Secretariat of the requirements for staff eligible to receive the PBB for 2021.

We understand that it is undergoing assessment now, and we look forward to its release as soon as possible.

We urge DepEd personnel not to fall into the treacherous tales intended to ignite distrust and anger against the agency —whipped up by shadowy groups whose intentions to cause harm and destroy are disguised as concern.

Thank you.

Investing in Quality: Why Buying the Best Hookah Is Worth It

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Introduction

Investing in a high-quality hookah may seem like a daunting expense, but it can be worth it in the long run. The best hookahs are made from durable materials, have superior performance, and can provide a more enjoyable smoking experience. Whether you're a seasoned hookah enthusiast or just starting out, this guide will help you understand the benefits of investing in quality hookahs. For instance, you can Shop Al Fakher and other reputable brands for the best selection of high-quality hookahs!



Durability and Longevity

One of the primary benefits of investing in a high-quality hookah is durability and longevity. A quality hookah is made from durable materials like stainless steel or brass that can withstand frequent use and last for many years. Cheaper hookahs made from low-quality materials like plastic or thin metals can break or warp easily, requiring frequent replacements. Investing in a good quality hookah can save you money in the long run by eliminating the need for frequent replacements and repairs.



Superior Performance

High-quality hookahs also offer superior performance compared to their cheaper counterparts. The best hookahs have precise engineering, well-crafted components, and high-quality materials that provide a smooth and enjoyable smoking experience. They produce thick smoke clouds and allow you to fully taste your shisha tobacco flavors.



Enhanced Smoking Experience

The superior performance and durability of high-quality hookahs can enhance the flavor and smoothness of your shisha tobacco, providing a more pleasurable smoking experience. They are also often easier to clean and maintain, reducing the time and effort required to set up and clean your hookah after each use.



What to Look for When Buying a High-Quality Hookah

When you plan to Shop Al Fakher or other high-quality products, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Here are some key factors to consider:



1. Material: Look for hookahs made from durable materials like stainless steel or brass that can withstand frequent use and last many years.

2. Size: Consider the hookah's size and ensure it fits your smoking preferences and space requirements.

3. Brand: Choose reputable brands with a proven record of producing high-quality hookahs.

4. Components: To ensure superior performance, look for hookahs with well-crafted components like high-quality hoses, precise valves, and airtight seals.

5. Aesthetics: Consider the design and aesthetic appeal of the hookah to ensure that it matches your personal taste and home decor.



Compatibility with Accessories

Investing in a high-quality hookah can also be beneficial regarding compatibility with accessories. Many smoking enthusiasts like to customize their hookahs with various accessories, such as diffusers, wind covers, and charcoal holders. High-quality hookahs are often designed to be compatible with a wide range of accessories, providing more options to enhance your smoking experience.



Final Thoughts

Investing in a high-quality hookah may require a higher initial cost, but the benefits can be well worth it in the long run. They offer durability, superior performance, and a more enjoyable smoking experience. When buying a high-quality hookah, consider material, size, brand, components, and aesthetics to ensure you get the best value.