Saving the Planet One Movie at a Time

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Tree planting fulfills the environmental cause of the Spanish film fest PELÍCULA>Pelikula

Instituto Cervantes, the Embassy of Spain, Acciona and Haribon Foundation held a tree planting activity in Tanay, Rizal last November 21 as a fulfillment of the Pelicula en verde, the green initiative of the 22nd edition of the PELÍCULA>Pelikula Spanish Film Festival.

The tree planting activity was led by Spanish Ambassador Miguel Utray, Instituto Cervantes’ Director Javier Galván, Acciona Southeast Asia Director Rubén Camba, and Haribon Foundation’s Chairman Dante Ang. Also present in the ceremony were Rizal Province vice governor Reynaldo H. San Juan, DENR Assistant Secretary Arleigh Adorable, Tanay Rizal Municipal Administrator Jeffrey Pino, and Haribon COO Anna Rita Varona.

This initiative is a first for the PELÍCULA>Pelikula Spanish Film Festival, which is organized by Instituto Cervantes every October. For this year, in an effort to increase awareness on the importance of protecting our environment while at the same time complying with its mission to promote Hispanic culture, Instituto Cervantes created a pledge scheme wherein for every spectator of a film in the Pelicula en verde section, a tree will be planted.

Instituto Cervantes, the cultural arm of the Spanish Embassy, therefore collaborated with Haribon Foundation, an NGO dedicated to the conservation of natural resources, and among whose activities include tree planting, and Acciona, a leading Spanish company in the field of sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy, to sponsor the planting of the trees. Acciona’s Southeast Asia regional headquarters is in Metro Manila, with projects in construction and water in the Philippines including the Cebu cable-stayed bridge, Putatan II water treatment plant, and parts of the railway linking the town of Malolos with the Clark International Airport in support of efficient mobility towards a low carbon economy. Acciona’s advocacies are geared towards sustainability.

According to Ambassador Utray, one of the main concerns of Spanish society today is the protection of the environment. According to Director Javier Galván, “Through the powerful medium of cinema, the recent film festival was partly programmed to focus and highlight environmental films and issues. Culture is a catalyst of human relations, and Instituto Cervantes acted as a matchmaker between actors in the field of sustainability and the environment, such as Haribon and Acciona. This project is an example of how Spain and the Philippines are working hand in hand for a common concern that has no borders.”


Cover photo caption:

Behind: Mr. Frandel Recto (Board Member, Haribon Foundation), Ms. Anna Rita Varona (COO of Haribon Foundation), Mr. Dante Ang II (Chairman of Haribon Foundation), Ms. Erika Bergara (Chief of Strategic Partnerships of Haribon Foundation)

Front: Dr. Jeffrey Pino (Municipal Administrator of Tanay, Rizal), ASEC Arleigh Adorable (Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Director of the Forest Management Bureau), Dr. Javier Galván (Director of Instituto Cervantes), Hon. Reynaldo San Juan (Vice Governor of Rizal Province), H.E. Miguel Utray (Ambassador of Spain), Councilor Alvin Balderrama (San Andres, Tanay, Rizal), Mr. Ruben Camba (President of Acciona Philippines), Mr. Manuelito Aran (President of the Samahan ng mga Magsasaka ng San Andres Inc.), Forrester Thaddeus Martinez (Chief of the Natural Resources Management Department of Haribon Foundation)

BingoPlus turns on Holiday Spirit with support of Star Magical Christmas 2023and Inspire Music record label

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



BingoPlus, the first and only live streaming bingo in the Philippines, continued to fulfill its mission of providing joy and positive vibes by pushing for memorable, worthwhile entertainment to Filipinos.

It supported two key activities of ABS-CBN, helping it empower local artists and deliver top-tier enjoyment to the community.

This November, BingoPlus and its mother company DigiPlus, a leader in providing world-class multi-gaming platforms, products, and games with a strong distribution network of entertainment facilities, spread early Christmas joy by participating in and supporting Star Magical Christmas 2023, an annual marquee Kapamilya event where glittering Star Magic celebrities and artists dressed up in holiday-inspired fashion and glammed up for the occasion to entertain fans and the public.

The leading entertainment gateway for Filipinos joined the excitement of the star-studded event and provided a total of P400,000 cash prizes that were awarded by DigiPlus president Mr. Andy Tsui and BingoPlus President Jasper Vicencio.

Among the awardees were celebrity couple Ronnie Alonte and Loisa Andalio, who won Best in Costume for both male and female categories. Rising Pinoy-pop boy group, BGYO received the trophy for Best in Costume As A Group is given to the talented and Numerous artists like Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, Raven Rigor, Sean Tristan, and others were also awarded by the BingoPlus Foundation for the “exceptional magic” they shared that night. Their winnings were donated to selected charity beneficiaries, such as the Ephesus House for Girls, Pawssion Project, and Sherwin Buennevida who is a stage-4 cancer survivor.

Earlier this month, BingoPlus joined the unveiling of Inspire Music, ABS-CBN’s newest record label in a press conference at the Academy of Rock in Quezon City. The record label of uplifting fresh tunes was created to inspire people and generate strong faith, love, and hope especially in the face of hardships and trials. Esteemed Kapamilya artists such as Jed Madela, Jamie Rivera, Francine Diaz, KD Estrada, and more took part in the project and are expected to release uplifting spiritual tunes soon.

“Extending support in these events shows BingoPlus’ unwavering commitment to help elevate the local music and entertainment landscapes, nurturing local artists to cultivate and share their crafts to deliver top-tier enjoyment and excellent quality entertainment to Filipinos. It also shows the brand’s steadfast dedication in honoring the value of charity and gift giving during the holiday season, of extending a helping hand to those in need,” said BingoPlus president Jasper Vicencio.

“BingoPlus continues to spread jolly Christmas vibes in its newest Sure Bingonaryo Round, where a total of more than P222 million pesos will be gifted to lucky winners! Play, enjoy, and win this coming December 8 and December 30,” Vicencio added.

For more details, visit www.bingoplus.com. Sa BingoPlus, Bingo sa Saya, Plus sa Panalo!

VP Sara credits Filipino learners for inspiration of her first children’s book, Isang Kaibigan

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As part of the 2023 Pambansang Buwan ng Pagbasa at Araw ng Pagbasa celebration, Vice President of the Philippines and Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) Sara Z. Duterte launched her first children’s book titled “Isang Kaibigan.”

VP-Secretary Duterte shared that the Filipino children inspired her to write her book and when she was invited for a book reading session, a close friend of hers noted that she should read books by Filipino authors. 

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga batang Pilipino because they gave me the inspiration to write the book [Isang Kaibigan],” VP-Sec. Duterte said.

Isang Kaibigan follows the story of Kwago and Loro and teaches how the power of true friendship can overcome even the toughest challenges that may befall anyone. 

VP-Sec. Duterte first read Isang Kaibigan when she was invited to be the mystery reading ambassador of Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School in Davao, City as part of National Reading Month on November 11.

The official book launch was conducted during the culmination program of Araw ng Pagbasa as the VP-Secretary conducted a live reading session to selected Grade 3 learners of Esteban Abada Elementary School in Quezon, City last November 21, 2023. 

“Ang pagbabasa ay nagpapalago ng inyong imahinasyon, nagpapalawak sa inyong kaalaman, at nagbibigay sa inyo ng kakayahan na makita ang mas malawak na posibilidad sa gitna ng inyong mga limitasyon. Tandaan, sa ating mga kabataan, na ang pagbabasa ay ang pintuan patungo sa isang maligaya at matatag na kinabukasan,” VP-Sec. Duterte reiterated. 

Duterte also shared that she will soon donate copies of her book to the school libraries around the country. 

The book was illustrated by Janina Simbillo and Joseph Caligner of the Public Affairs Service- Creative Media Unit of the Department.