Filipino Inventions Vie for Gold in Geneva, Switzerland

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) is set to showcase nine (9) DOST-developed and supported inventions and technologies at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (IEIG) on April 17-21, 2024.

The DOST-TAPI announces its participation of nine (9) DOST-developed and supported inventions and technologies at the 49th Geneva International Exhibition of Invention. This prestigious event marks a significant milestone in showcasing Filipino ingenuity and innovation to the international community.

The agency prepares to showcase a diverse array of inventions spanning various fields, including textiles, healthcare, agriculture, water security, and environmental conservation. Among the highlights of this participation is the groundbreaking research and development initiatives of Filipino scientists and inventors.

In a bid to reclaim its place in the global tech scene, the DOST unveils its plans to continue their legacy from five years ago where two out of three of the Technology Innovation for Commercialization (TECHNiCOM) Program- funded technologies secured gold awards. This time, the DOST is bringing nine homegrown inventions and innovations from DOST Research and Development Institutes, including winners from the 2022 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE), as Philippine representatives vying for much-coveted gold awards.

After careful benchmarking and market compatibility selection, the DOST is set to go head-to-head against other industry giants at the IEIG 2024, showcasing the exceptional technical superiority of the Philippine invention forerunners. 

What technologies will represent the Philippines? Let’s take a rundown: 

1. Flavored Salts and Food Seasoning

The flavored salts of DOST - Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) are developed to add economic value to locally-produced salts. It is infused with umami tastant (savory flavor) from seagrapes/’lato’, tiger prawn shrimp heads, and shiitake mushrooms. With a rising market valuation, the flavored salt market is estimated to secure a 2023 valuation of US$ 3.2 billion (estimated rise to US$ 5.8billion in 10 years). Taking advantage of the rising market, this product finds its value by using readily-available organic and repurposed ingredients. Additionally, the flavored salts have less sodium without any added preservatives.

2. Mobile Water Disinfection System (SafeWaTrS)

Unlike other disinfection systems available in the market, “SafeWaTrS" of DOST-ITDI is locally-fabricated, mobile and compact, and energy self-sufficient to better help communities of rural and calamity-stricken areas. With an expanding market, the mobile water treatment system market is estimated to reach a valuation exceeding US$ 66.98 billion by 2030.

3. High-blend Natural Textile Fiber/Lyocell Yarns

With European regulations favoring sustainability, Lyocell of the DOST - Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) sees potential rise in demand, prompting many apparel companies to integrate it into their lines. Its value lies within its environment-friendly materials that are High-value, and plant-derived Natural Textile Fiber/Lyocell Yarns for fashion, home textiles, and industrial textile applications for a reduced carbon footprint.

4. Eco-friendly Bamboo Textiles

Bamboo textiles, driven by their softness, breathability, and minimal environmental impact, led to the popularity of bamboo-based fabrics like bamboo viscose and bamboo lyocell which are both eco-friendly, and sustainable. This DOST-PTRI product gains advantage by providing a more sustainable process in home and industrial textile applications.

5. Carboxymethyl Hyaluronic Acid (CMHA) Hydrogels 

Carboxymethyl hyaluronic acid (CMHA) hydrogels of DOST - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) are crosslinked networks of hyaluronic acid molecules modified with carboxymethyl groups. These hydrogels have been developed for various biomedical applications, leveraging their biocompatibility and ability to retain moisture to promote wound healing, tissue regeneration, and drug delivery. The Hydrogel Market is projected to grow from an estimated US$ 23.16 billion in 2024 to US$ 32.62 billion in 5 years.

6. Super Water Absorbent Technology (SWA)

The DOST - PNRI’s SWA was designed for agricultural application as a soil water retainer to help reduce irrigation water consumption, lower mortality rates of plants, improve fertilizer retention in soil and increase plant growth rate and drought tolerance. The global market for super water absorbent gels is predicted to escalate from US$ 11.03 billion in 2023 to a projected US$ 20.94 billion by 2030.

7. New Hemostat Technology

Another DOST-PNRI’s innovation, the new hemostat technology uses biocompatible natural water-soluble polymers that aim to control excessive bleeding by exhibiting fast clotting abilities upon immediate application, this does not damage the wound site nor inflict a burning sensation to promote comfort while increasing patient survivability. The global hemostats market is projected to be worth US$ 3.7B by 2028.

8. Multi-fuel Dryer

This device functions by combining both drying and baking capabilities, while using diverse fuel or heat sources to process a wide array of products, including but not limited to fish, vegetables, fruits, rice, corn, tobacco, root crops, apparel, roasted meats (pig or chicken), and traditional delicacies. This winning innovation from the 2022 NICE, which was developed by a local inventor/researcher from the Mariano Marcos State University, targets MSMEs and is focused on versatile product processing techniques.

9. Pili Seal: Pili Tree Resin as Sealant and Flame Retardant

Another winning NICE innovation developed by a graduate student from the Mapua University, the Pili Seal pioneers the use of discarded material for the formulation of sustainable sealant and adhesive while ensuring cost-effectiveness, safety and non-toxic effects on the user's health and environment. The adhesive boasts an estimated market valuation of USD 1.40 billion in 2021 to USD 1.9 billion by 2026.

As the IEIG 2024 approaches, DOST-TAPI is primed to make history once again. 

Equipped with cutting-edge innovations from across the Philippines, the agency strives for gold as they get ready to showcase our country’s technological prowess and prove our industry’s noteworthiness on the international stage once more.

The delegates from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the 49th International Exhibit of Inventions Geneva this April 17-21, 2024 (From left to right: 1. Ms. Maricar Carandang, Senior Science Research Specialist from the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute presenting the Flavored Salt and Food Seasoning, 2. Engr. Prima Joy F. Margarito, Senior Science Research Specialist from the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute presenting the Mobile Water Disinfection System, 3. Julius L. Leaño Jr., Ph.D., Director IV of the DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute presenting the Spinnable Lignocellulosic Bamboo Textile from Bambusa philippinensis, 4. Ms. Evangeline Flor P. Manalang, Supervising Science Research Specialist from DOST-Philippine Textile Research Institute, presenting Lyocell/Natural Textile Fiber-Blended Yarns, 5. Prof. Zaldy A. Fernandez, Associate Professor IV from the Mariano Marcos State University presenting the Multi-Fuel Dryer, 6. Engr. Mark Kennedy E. Bantugon, Inventor, Founder, and Presenter of Pili Seal: Pili Tree Resin as Sealants and Flame Retardants, 7. Ms. Charito T. Aranilla, Senior Science Research Specialist from the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute presenting New Hemostat Technology and Super Water Absorbent Technology, and 8. Ms. Lorna S. Relleve, Senior Science Research Specialist from the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute presenting Carboxymethyl Hyaluronic Hydrogels and Super Water Absorbent Technology).

By Elijah Espiritu 

FDCP pays tribute to Filipino film icons and pioneers through “Parangal ng Sining”

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) presents this year’s “Parangal ng Sining,” an annual bestowment of recognition to exemplary Filipino artists, scholars, and organizations for their significant contributions to the development of Philippine cinema. The awarding ceremony will be held on April 19, 2024 at Seda Vertis North, Quezon City.

Through “Parangal ng Sining” (“Honor of the Arts”), the FDCP aims to gather the creatives and stakeholders of the Philippine film industry to celebrate the role of cinema in distilling the nation’s cultural identity. It also aims to encourage Filipino artists, educators, and film institutions to continue to achieve and work for excellence in their craft.

“Parangal ng Sining” will revive the glamor of the Golden Age of Philippine Cinema with the theme of Old Hollywood. Reminiscent of classic Filipino films and the elegant parties held at Sampaguita Studios, honorees and guests will be dressed in black and white finery while the main stage will be displayed in technicolor.

Parangal ng Sining: Lifetime Achievement Awards

• Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo

Veteran actress Maria Elisa Anson Rodrigo, known as Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, has a prolific body of work in the Philippine film, television, and radio broadcasting industry. Her remarkable career started in 1968, working as an actress under Sampaguita Pictures and starring in films alongside other Filipino icons such as Fernando Poe, Jr. and Dante Rivero.

Most notably, Anson-Roa served as the President of the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (MOWELFUND), Inc. for 18 years. During her presidency, she remained steadfast in upholding MOWELFUND’s mission to protect and support marginalized workers in the local film industry.

• Dr. Nicanor Tiongson

Regarded as an esteemed film critic, writer, educator and scholar in the Philippines, Dr. Nicanor Tiongson is a founding member of Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino and the Professor Emeritus of the University of the Philippines (UP) Film Institute. He served as vice president and artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), chair of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), and co-founder of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

He has produced scholarly works on the rich history of Philippine cinema such as the “The Urian Anthology” and “The Cinema of Manuel Conde,” fostering appreciation and understanding of Filipino films and cultural heritage.

• Clodualdo “Doy” del Mundo, Jr.

Known as an influential figure in the Philippine film industry, Clodualdo “Doy” del Mundo,Jr. is an eminent filmmaker, screenwriter, and educator who has written the screenplays of acclaimed Filipino classics such as National Artist for Film Lino Brocka’s “Maynila, sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag” and Mike De Leon’s “Kisapmata” and “Batch ‘81.” He has also directed films such as “Pepot Superstar” and “Paglipad ng Anghel.”

Del Mundo was a founding member and former chairman of Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, a film critic organization which confers the annual Gawad Urian Awards to outstanding Filipino films. He serves as the President Emeritus of the Society of Filipino Archivists for Film (SOFIA) and is a staunch advocate of film archiving, believing that the preservation of Filipino films is essential for the preservation of Philippine culture and history.

• Armando “Bing” Lao

Armando “Bing” Lao is an award-winning filmmaker and prolific screenwriter who has written the screenplays of Jeffrey Jeturian’s “Kubrador” and Brillante Mendoza’s films “Kinatay” and “Serbis,” both of which competed at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. He has won numerous Gawad Urian Awards for Best Screenplay for films such as Chito S. Roño’s “Itanong mo sa Buwan” and “La Vida Rosa.”

He is well-known for the “Found Story” screenwriting workshops, which served as a platform to nurture and educate aspiring screenwriters in crafting original screenplays that reflect the lived experiences of Filipinos. He has also served as a creative consultant and invaluable mentor to contemporary Filipino filmmakers who are making waves in Philippine independent cinema.

• Society of Filipino Archivists for Film (SOFIA)

Formed in 1993, the Society of Filipino Archivists for Film (SOFIA) is composed of individuals from various professional backgrounds brought together by a shared purpose of preserving the country’s cinematic heritage.

With the organization's valiant efforts in film archiving for 30 years, SOFIA remains true to its mission of preserving Filipino films and educating the public of our rich cinematic history.

They are the modern heroes: our very own film archivists, restorators and preservationists.

• ABS-CBN Film Restoration (Sagip Pelikula)

The ABS-CBN Film Restoration Project or Sagip Pelikula is headed by Leo Katigbak of the ABS-CBN Film Archives. Since 2011, it has successfully digitized and restored more than a hundred Filipino films, including National Artist for Film Ishmael Bernal’s “Himala,” Peque Gallaga’s “Oro, Plata, Mata,” and Carlos Vander Tolosa’s “Giliw Ko,” which is the first film produced by LVN Pictures.

The ABS-CBN Film Restoration has been instrumental in reintroducing well-loved Filipino classics to Filipino audiences, particularly the youth. It remains committed to its purpose of preserving the country’s cinematic legacy for future generations of Filipinos.

• Gloria Romero

Known as the “Queen of Philippine Cinema,” Gloria Romero is an award-winning veteran actress who starred in iconic films by Sampaguita Pictures such as “Dalagang Ilocana” and “Cofradia” before venturing into matriarch roles in acclaimed films “Tanging Yaman,”“Magnifico,” and “Rainbow’s Sunset.”

Romero is a prominent figure in the Golden Age of Philippine Cinema and is known for her sophisticated image and the longevity of her career, which spans more than 70 years in the industry and serves as an inspiration to new generations of Filipino actors.

Parangal ng Sining: Posthumous Award

• Teddy Co

The FDCP will confer the Posthumous Award to film curator and archivist Teddy Co for his invaluable contribution to the conservation, development, and archiving of the country’s film heritage.

Co is also known as a staunch advocate of Philippine independent and regional cinema, encouraging cultural diversity and wider visibility of regional films in the country. He also served as the Head of National Committee on Cinema and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Commissioner for the Arts, solidifying his legacy in the local film industry.

Parangal ng Sining: Honorary Distinction

• Jaclyn Jose

The FDCP pays homage to legendary actress Jaclyn Jose, who passed away last month. Jose was well-known for being the first Southeast Asian actress to win the highly coveted Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for her notable performance in Brillante Mendoza’s film, “Ma’ Rosa.”

She was the recipient of various accolades for her roles in Lino Brocka’s “White Slavery,” Chito Roño’s “Private Show,” and Joel Lamangan’s “The Flor Contemplacion Story.” Her appearances in independent films, television series, and theater marked her as one of the most versatile actresses in the Philippine entertainment industry.

In Memoriam

Furthermore, “Parangal ng Sining” will honor the memory of the following Filipino artists:

• Mario Dumaual, Veteran Broadcaster and Reporter (July 5, 2023)

• Willie Nepomuceno, Satirist and Impersonator (July 26, 2023)

• Robert Arevalo, Veteran Actor (August 10, 2023)

• Angie Ferro, Veteran Actress (August 17, 2023)

• Mike Enriquez, Veteran Broadcaster (August 29, 2023)

• Ethel Ramos, Veteran Talent Manager and Entertainment Columnist (September 10, 2023)

• Leo Bukas, Entertainment Writer and Publicist (November 6, 2023)

• Jun Urbano, Comedian and Director (December 2, 2023)

• Gil Soriano, Veteran Television Director (December 6, 2023)

• Ronaldo Valdez, Veteran Actor (December 17, 2023)

• Mario Bautista, Veteran Entertainment Journalist (January 13, 2024)

• Tony Tantay, Jr., Veteran Photographer (January 18, 2024)

• Romy Vitug, Cinematographer (January 18, 2024)

• Deo Endrinal, Dreamscape Entertainment Head (February 3, 2024)

• Joe Gruta, Veteran Theater and Film Actor (March 10, 2024)

Through this year’s “Parangal ng Sining,” the FDCP honors the rich history of Philippine cinema and its influence on the future of Filipino films. The awarding ceremony will be attended by esteemed guests along with a special lineup of hosts and performers which will be announced soon.

For more news and updates, follow FDCP on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Oceania Cruises Offers Free Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay on a Range of Sailings in 2024 and 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




Sailings explore destinations from Tokyo to Cape Town to Bali to Rio de Janeiro



Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has announced that it will offer guests a free pre-cruise hotel stay on a range of sailings throughout late 2024 and 2025. The offer means that curious travellers will have the convenience of arriving a day before their cruise embarkation as well as the opportunity to delve even further into the departure port on their itinerary before relaxing in the comfort of Oceania Cruises’ small, luxurious ships.

This valuable offer is available on 33 destination-immersive sailings exploring far-flung locations such as Brazil, the Canary Islands, Japan, Singapore, Bali, and New Zealand on incredible, destination-rich itineraries ranging from 11-day explorations to an expansive voyage of 35 days. The offer is available for reservations made between now and 31 May, 2024, giving guests ample time to choose their next bucket-list cruise.

With this generous offer, travellers can start their cruise vacation with an extra measure of comfort and ease. During the free pre-cruise hotel stay, they might choose to spend more time meandering through the Ginza District of Tokyo, admiring the breathtaking views of Table Mountain in Cape Town, or immersing themselves in the colourful, sun-soaked culture in Rio de Janeiro before venturing to their next destination.

“This exclusive free pre-cruise hotel stay gives our guests the opportunity to start their journey even more relaxed and experience some of the world’s great cities in a deeper and more authentic way,” commented Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “We know that our guests revel in immersing themselves in the local lifestyle, and our destination-focused approach makes spending more time in enriching cultures, experiencing mouthwatering cuisines, and embracing iconic cities even easier for our valued guests.”

Available on more than 30 voyages, the offer extends across itineraries exploring Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, South America and beyond.



A sampling of featured voyages with free pre-cruise hotel include:

14 November, 2024 - Astounding Australasia, Singapore to Auckland: Spend more time meandering through the Gardens by the Bay and savour a Singapore Sling before setting sail for Jakarta aboard Regatta, and then exploring Bali, Papua New Guinea, and Australia before disembarking in Auckland.

27 January, 2025 - Exotic Atlantic Shores, Rio de Janeiro to Cape Town: Soak up the sun and the culture in Brazil’s most vibrant city before departing aboard Insignia to explore this exotic continent, crossing the Atlantic Ocean, and landing in Namibia before disembarking in Cape Town.

14 February, 2025 - Tropics of the Far East, Tokyo to Singapore: Spend an evening marvelling in the bright lights of the Ginza District, watching Tokyo’s bustling scene come alive, before embarking on Riviera to venture south exploring Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia, ending in Singapore.

22 May, 2025 - Africa Navigator, Cape Town to Barcelona: Pass the time in Cape Town on Boulders Beach with its resident penguins or between the colourful buildings of the Bo Kaap District before starting Nautica’s African exploration, calling at Namibia, Angola, São Tomé and Principe, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Cape Verde, the Canary Islands, Morocco, and a selection of ports in Spain before disembarking in Barcelona.

23 June, 2025 - Outback & Island Pearls, Bali to Papeete: Experience the lush countryside of Bali or settle in with a sundowner on the beach before stepping aboard Regatta and venturing to Australia, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Samoa before ending the cruise in Tahiti.

For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call +852 800-967609 (Hong Kong), +65 31 651 677 (Singapore), or speak with a professional travel advisor.



About Oceania Cruises:

Oceania Cruises is the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. The line’s eight small, luxurious ships carry a maximum of 1,250 guests and feature The Finest Cuisine at Sea® and destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. Expertly curated travel experiences aboard the designer-inspired, small ships call on more than 600 marquee and boutique ports in more than 100 countries on seven continents on voyages that range from seven to more than 200 days. Oceania Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH). To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.