Liza Diño Makes History as First Filipina French Knight in Cinema and Sole Southeast Asian Producer Selected for EAVE Producers Workshop

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Multiawarded actress, public servant, turned producer Liza Diño has achieved yet another groundbreaking milestone in her career. The former head of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has been selected as the first Filipina to participate in the prestigious EAVE Producers Workshop, where she will also be the sole representative from Southeast Asia for the year-long programme in 2024. Diño was awarded one of France’s most distinguished titles, the Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, last year.

The EAVE Producers Workshop, in partnership with Film Fund Luxembourg and supported by Creative Europe, is a premier training lab based in Europe aimed at fostering professional development and international collaboration for global producers in the film industry. The year-long program includes a series of three week-long intensive workshops focused on the development of fiction, documentary, and TV series projects, providing participants with invaluable networking opportunities and the chance to work alongside esteemed industry professionals.

Mentored by top-notch industry leaders, including EAVE Head of Studies Lise Lense-Møller from Magic Hour Films (DK), the workshop offers participants a transformative training journey spanning over 3 residential workshops in Luxembourg, Norway and Sweden. In addition to the core curriculum, participants will have the unique opportunity to develop 28 selected documentary, feature film, and series projects, as well as focus on their careers, company structures, and entrepreneurial skills over the course of the year.

Liza Dino, known for her outstanding contributions to the Philippine cinema, has emerged as a trailblazer and a formidable force in the global film landscape. As an accomplished actress, government official and producer, Liza has continuously championed the development and promotion of Southeast Asian cinema on the world stage.

Throughout her career, Liza has amassed an impressive array of accomplishments, including her noteworthy role as the Chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), where she spearheaded various initiatives to elevate the local film industry. Her visionary leadership has led to the implementation of groundbreaking programs and policies aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and global presence of Filipino cinema.

“I am thrilled to further my mission of shining a spotlight on Southeast Asian cinema and drawing global attention to our talented regional filmmakers. We are already witnessing the significant impact of our efforts, with Southeast Asian films triumphing at top-tier festivals and beginning to establish a foothold in the market. However, the work is far from over. It is crucial to sustain this momentum and strive for continuous improvement in the quality of films we create. I am grateful to EAVE for enabling me to persist in the work I have initiated.” Liza Shared.

Liza Diño's participation in the EAVE Producers Workshop not only serves as a testament to the exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the craft but also underscores her commitment to advancing the interests of Southeast Asian filmmakers on an international scale. Through her involvement in this prestigious programme, Liza aims to further her advocacy for the development and promotion of diverse and authentic narratives from the region, thereby solidifying Southeast Asian cinema's position in the global cinematic landscape.

As the first Filipina French Knight in Cinema, Liza Diño continues to break barriers and inspirefuture generations of filmmakers with her pioneering spirit and unwavering passion for the art ofcinema. Her participation in the EAVE Producers Workshop represents a significant opportunityto further her vision and advocacy, ultimately contributing to the enrichment and advancementof Southeast Asian cinema on the world stage.

Diño is currently in Luxembourg for the first leg of the EAVE Producers Workshop.

Animal Town: Play Your Way to a Greener and Bluer Planet!

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Videogames can positively influence how people view the world.

Since the very first videogame, Bertie the Brain, was unveiled in 1950, developers have conjured a bewildering array of worlds for us to explore.

From Nintendo’s iconic 1985 Family Computer hit Super Mario to Nokia’s addictive 1997 Snake phone app, videogames have moulded millions of players, ranging from pre-schoolers to senior citizens.

To foster love for Philippine wildlife and biodiversity, the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (DENR-UNDP BIOFIN) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) together with the Forest Foundation Philippines (FFP) recently launched a new mobile game application called Animal Town.

 

“Animal Town is a chill-paced simulation game where you build and manage a tiny town of animals. You can gather resources, develop various characters and complete a host of quests,” explains Animal Town App Developer Lord Gosingtian. “The game also serves as an educational tool to learn about the challenges and solutions to protect Philippine biodiversity.”

“In development since 2019, Animal Town is also a real-world test to gauge if free-to-pay mobile games with in-app purchases can be a viable source for conservation funds,” says DENR-UNDP BIOFIN Philippines Country Manager Anabelle Plantilla. There are about 30 million gamers in the Philippines, with roughly 12 million annually spending around PHP700 (USD13) each on their beloved apps and PC games via game downloads and in-app purchases.

“There are 46 million registered mobile app users in the Philippines, so even a tiny percentage of paying gamers can do a lot to support our country’s conservation initiatives,” says DENR Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and concurrent OIC BMB Director Marcial Amaro, Jr.

Funds generated by the new app will be managed by conservation partner FFP while DENR-BMB will identify conservation programmes to be supported by Animal Town.

“We will exercise prudent stewardship over the funds generated by Animal Town. We will ensure that the funds are utilized in accordance with the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP) and are directed towards the conservation of our natural resources. We also commit to maintain transparency in reporting the utilization of the funds to our valued players and partners,” says Forest Foundation Philippines Executive Director Atty. Jose Andres Canivel.

“People rarely care about what they don’t understand. And biodiversity is something which still requires awareness raising among the wider population,” adds British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils. “The use of technology, specifically mobile applications, could be a game changer here. Animal Town can play a unique role in softly building that understanding in a fun, non-intrusive way. It’s a readymade supplement for educators to teach environmental science and biology.”

Animal Town hopes to inspire a new generation of gamers to learn about Philippine wildlife. “Children learn so fast and positively attributing animals from the onset might just inspire today’s tiny tykes to ‘Level Up’ and do bigger things for a greener and bluer planet,” concludes UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran.

Animal Town can be downloaded now at the Google Play Store for Android Phones or the Apple App Store for iOS Phones. 

A Tour of Italian Wines in the Heart of Manila

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Indulge in an extraordinary evening touring Italy at Sheraton Manila Bay's Italian Wine Dinner Buffet and Wine Tasting. Partnering with Sommelier Selection, a distinguished importer and distributor of estate wines in the Philippines since 2002, we promise a journey through Italy's finest flavors. This exclusive event at Manila Bay Kitchen offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Italian cuisine paired perfectly with a selection of exquisite wines.
We start this gastronomic journey in Southern Italy featuring Liboll Spumante and Cantine San Marzano then we sail to Abruzzo, Marche, Sicily, and Fruili Italy to experience a selection of red and white wines from Brunori Azienda and Azienda Agricola Occhipinti. We end our journey in Puglia, where we enjoy the Edda Lei Bianco to end the night of discovering a wide array of dishes where every bite has transported you to the heart of Italy's vibrant culinary scene.
Whether you are a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable evening of indulgence, this event is not to be missed. Join us at Sheraton Manila Bay for an unforgettable night celebrating the art of Italian winemaking and culinary mastery. Allow your senses to be captivated by the beauty and elegance of Sheraton Manila Bay as we celebrate Italy –in art, literature, food, and wine. Viva La Vino!

Book the Italian Wine Dinner and Wine Tasting for only Php 3,800 nett per person. For more information and to make reservations, please call +632 5318 0788 or email sh.mnlsb.fnb@sheraton.com. Stay updated on the latest news and promotions by following Sheraton Manila Bay on Facebook and Instagram @sheratonmanilabay.

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Sheraton Manila Bay is a renowned hotel located at M. Adriatico corner Gen. Malvar Streets, Malate, Manila. The hotel offers luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining experiences, and state-of-the-art facilities. With its commitment to providing exceptional service and creating unforgettable moments, Sheraton Manila Bay is the perfect destination for both leisure and business travelers.To reserve your FAM at the Bay experience, visit https://bit.ly/FAMattheBay or go to www.sheratonmanilabay.com.

Sheraton Manila Bay is conveniently located at M. Adriatico corner Gen. Malvar Streets, Malate, Manila. Like us on Facebook and Instagram @sheratonmanilabay and follow us on Twitter at @sheratonmnlbay.