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Monday, March 11, 2024

Your European Summer Bucket List for This Year


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With its abundance of experiences just waiting to be discovered, Europe beckons as summer's warmth draws near and the days lengthen. From the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean to the northernmost regions of Scandinavia, the continent offers a diverse tapestry of adventures, cultures, and landscapes. 

Europe promises to fulfill your summertime dreams, whether you're an adrenaline junkie, history buff, food connoisseur, or just looking to unwind. So, gather your sunscreen and prepare for an amazing journey through our summer bucket list for Europe, which is filled with events that will make this year one to remember. 


Exploring Historical Landmarks

Every cobblestone street, historic ruin, and imposing castle that dot Europe's landscape are testaments to its rich past. You can easily explore Europe by train which will make your trip budget friendly. Admire the architectural marvels of the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum as you meander through the maze-like streets of Rome. Explore the Croatian city of Dubrovnik's fortified walls or get lost in the Old Town of Prague, which has a medieval charm. 

Europe's historical sites, which range from the opulence of Versailles to the eerie charm of Stonehenge, provide an enthralling voyage through time and culture.


Immersing in Nature's Beauty

Take a break from the bustle of the city and explore the magnificent natural settings of Europe. 

Set out on an energizing hike through the Swiss Alps, where serene valleys beckon and snow-capped peaks pierce the blue sky. Experience the untamed splendor of Norway's fjords, where emerald waters sculpt through sheer cliff faces and tumbling waterfalls produce a visual and auditory symphony. As an alternative, discover the wild wilderness of the Scottish Highlands or enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine on the picturesque beaches of the Greek Islands. Europe's natural beauty is as varied as it is breathtaking, ranging from the Tuscany region's undulating hills to the Amalfi Coast's striking coastlines.


Adventuring in the Great Outdoors

Europe provides an endless supply of exhilarating experiences for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, just waiting to be discovered. Put on your hiking boots and set out on a multi-day journey through France, Italy, and Switzerland on the Tour du Mont Blanc, passing through alpine meadows and towering peaks. Experience the thrilling rafting Tara adventure that will turn into something absolutely memorable, or venture out on a kayaking expedition through the waters of Norway's fjords. For a bird's-eye perspective, try paragliding over the French Riviera's azure waters or hot-air ballooning above Cappadocia's fairy chimneys.

Indulging in Culinary Delights

Enjoying the delectable cuisine of Europe, which reflects the diversity of its cultures and landscapes, is a must-do experience for any traveler. Start your culinary adventure in France, where you can indulge in hearty cassoulet in the quaint countryside of Provence or enjoy buttery croissants and delicate macarons in the city's quaint cafes. Take a trip south to Italy and treat your taste buds to fresh seafood from the Amalfi Coast, handmade pasta from Rome's alleyways, and creamy gelato from Florence. Alternatively, travel east to Greece to experience the lively tastes of baklava, souvlaki, and moussaka while taking in the atmosphere of the Mediterranean. You will learn about the diverse range of flavors and customs that characterize European cuisine with every dish.


Relaxing and Unwinding

After exploring and experiencing the day's events, spend some time unwinding and revitalizing in Europe's opulent spas and peaceful retreats. Relax in Budapest's thermal baths, where the healing waters have been relieving tired tourists for centuries, or treat yourself to a revitalizing massage in Tuscany's picturesque countryside. Savor a leisurely picnic in the picturesque gardens of Versailles or take a wine-tasting tour among Bordeaux's vineyards. As an alternative, enjoy a cocktail at a rooftop bar with a view of Barcelona's glittering skyline or unwind on the French Riviera's sun-drenched beaches.


Immersing in Cultural Experiences

With its top-notch museums and exciting festivals, Europe has a thriving cultural scene that draws tourists from all over the world. Marvel at the works of art at Florence's Uffizi Gallery or take a step back in time at Athens' Acropolis Museum. Explore Prague's cobblestone streets during the city's yearly Christmas markets, or party all night long at Venice's Carnival celebrations. Wander through Berlin's colorful neighborhoods, where street art is everywhere, or get lost in Dublin's pubs' rich literary history. Europe offers a plethora of cultural events and celebrations throughout the year, making it easy to fully immerse oneself in the region's rich legacy of music, art, and culture.

Europe offers a multitude of experiences to make your summer one to remember, from historical landmarks to outdoor adventures. The continent beckons with its unending charm and allure,whether you're going on a family holiday, a solo adventure, or a romantic retreat. Thus, gatheryour belongings, welcome the spirit of exploration, and allow Europe's summertime to enchantyou while you cross off all the activities on your European summer bucket list and make lifelongmemories.

Friday, March 8, 2024

Five Films For Freedom: British Council celebrates a decade of LGBTQIA+ Stories


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Five Films For Freedom, the world’s widest-reaching LGBTQIA+ digital campaign, returns on 13 March bringing five new films from the Philippines, India, Spain, the UK and USA to audiences across the world.

Over two weeks (13 to 24 March 2024) audiences worldwide are invited to dive into the world of LGBTQIA+ cinema from the comfort of their own homes and watch the films online for free.

The film programme continues the British Council’s partnership with BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, with the short films promoted across the British Council’s global digital networks and BFI Player for free. 

Our tenth anniversary edition will showcase global LGBTQIA+ stories that resonate with strength and spirit, from the historic defiance of Compton's 22 in San Francisco to the heartfelt journey of love and understanding in Halfway. This year's selection, including Little One, Cursive, and The First Kiss, dives deep into themes of family, identity, and the universal quest for acceptance. 

"We are immensely proud to mark the tenth anniversary of Five Films for Freedom," said British Council Director of Film, Briony Hanson. 

"This platform has not only provided a vital space for LGBTQIA+ stories to be heard but has also fostered a global movement for equality and acceptance. As we celebrate this milestone, we invite audiences everywhere to join us in championing love in all its forms."

Audiences in Philippines are encouraged to watch the films online for free from 13 to 24 March 2024, and share their experiences using the hashtag #FiveFilmsForFreedom. For more information and to access the films, visit our British Arts YouTube channel. "It is a privilege to showcase the exceptional work of these immensely talented filmmakers to audiences worldwide and we are truly proud to have a Filipino film included in this year's selection," said Lotus Postrado, British Council in the Philippines Country Director.

"Throughout the ten-year journey of Five Films For Freedom, we've been able to reach over 23 million viewers globally with these remarkable films. We take pride in our ongoing commitment to supporting this initiative, which not only sheds light on new narratives but also fosters new connections and understanding."


About Five Films For Freedom 

Five Films For Freedom is an annual online celebration of global LGBTQIA+ stories, presented in partnership with BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival. Launched in 2014 by the British Council and the British Film Institute, the initiative aims to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices and advocate for love as a human right.


About the British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021–22 we reached 650 million people. 


Watch this year's five films online for free on our British Arts YouTube channel.


2024 Film Selection

Little One

Directed by Clister Santos (Philippines – 9 mins)

A pregnant mother, unsure of how to raise a child, arranges an interview with her two gay dads but fate intervenes when his dad suffers a heart attack. Her dad reflects on their family's history, captured on an old camcorder.

Halfway

Directed by Kumar Chheda (India – 14 mins)

A turbulent couple ends up at different entrances of Juhu Beach, forcing them to walk towards each other and meet halfway.

Cursive

Directed by Isabel Steubel Johnson (UK – 9 mins)

When a woman on the verge of a breakup gets help from a mysterious stranger to improve her handwriting, she finds the inner voice she longed for all along.

The First Kiss

Directed by Miguel Lafuente (Spain – 9 mins)

Today is a special day for Andi, he is going to Madrid to have his first date with a boy he's met online.

Compton's 22 

Directed by Drew de Pinto (USA – 18 mins)

Three years prior to Stonewall, transgender sex workers and drag queens revolted against police violence at Compton's Cafeteria in San Francisco's Tenderloin district.

Retirement benefit remains the most availed SSS benefit reaching P156.7 B in 2023


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The Social Security System (SSS) said it released P156.7 billion retirement benefits to 2.2 million members in 2023 making it the most availed SSS benefit last year.

SSS Vice President for Benefits Administration Division Joy A. Villacorta said that of the 4.7 million benefits disbursed to pensioners, members and their beneficiaries in 2023, nearly half, or 47 percent, received retirement benefits.

Villacorta said SSS released about P156.7 billion in retirement benefits to 2.2 million payees in 2023, up by 10.7 percent from the P141.5 billion retirement benefits given to over 2 million payees in the previous year. The majority of these payees, at around 87.46 percent of the total, are pensioners.

“Retirement benefit is a cash benefit being granted by SSS to a member who can no longer work due to old age. Members who paid at least 120 monthly contributions will get a lifetime monthly pension while those with less than 120 monthly contributions will receive a one-time lump sum amount,” Villacorta explained.

She said that death benefit came in second with a total release of P70.1 billion to 1.4 million beneficiaries last year, slightly lower than the P70.2 billion death benefits to 1.3 million beneficiaries in 2022.

“SSS grants cash benefit to beneficiaries of a deceased member. Deceased SSS members with 36 monthly contributions will entitle their beneficiaries to a monthly pension. In comparison, beneficiaries of those with less than 36 monthly contributions will get a one-time lump sum amount,” she added.

Maternity benefit follows with a disbursement of P14.1 billion to 357,000 members in 2023, which rose by 9.6 percent from about P12.9 billion recorded in 2022.

Villacorta said that female members who have paid at least three monthly contributions in the last 12 months before the semester of childbirth, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy can avail of the maternity benefit. As provided in the Expanded Maternity Leave Law (EMLL), the SSS maternity benefit is paid to an eligible member at every instance of her pregnancy since March 2019.

Meanwhile, Villacorta noted that disability benefit came in fourth, with P7.5 billion released to over 130,000 members last year, a 16.3 percent increase from the P6.4 billion released in 2022.

“Members who become disabled either partially or totally can receive a monthly pension or lump sum amount under the disability benefit. Members who have paid at least 36 monthly contributions are qualified to get a monthly disability pension while those with less than 36 monthly contributions will be granted a lump sum amount,” she added.

She said that funeral benefit follows with P4.8 billion reimbursed to 211,000 payees, and sickness benefit with P3.2 billion provided to 376,000 members.

“We grant SS funeral benefits to whoever paid the funeral expenses of the deceased member. Claimants of deceased members with 36 or more monthly contributions may receive a variable amount from P20,000 to P60,000 depending on the number and amount of contributions paid by the member. The funeral benefit arising from the death of a member who paid less than 36 monthly contributions is fixed at P12,000,” she continued.

Further, Villacorta said that sickness benefit is a daily cash allowance paid for the number of days a member cannot work due to sickness or injury.

“Unemployment benefit is the least availed benefit in 2023 with a total disbursement of P914.1 million to 64,000 members, down by 4.9 percent from the P961.4 million released to 75,000 members in 2022. This is also a reflection of the continuing improvement in the Philippine labor market with the unemployment rate reaching its lowest levels last year,” she said.

Villacorta noted that benefit payments in 2023 amounted to P257.4 billion, up by 6.9 percent from the P240.6 billion disbursed in 2022.


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