PH delegation joins the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market in France

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) leads the Philippine delegation and hosts the Philippine Pavilion at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Marché International du Film d'Animation (MIFA) in France.

The Philippine Pavilion is a dedicated space for business meetings and networking events to foster collaborations between Filipino delegates and global counterparts.

The FDCP’s FilmPhilippines Office (FPO) is also set to showcase the country’s filmincentives that cater to animation projects to international stakeholders.

“Iti Mapukpukaw” at the festival’s Feature Films Contrechamp and “EWA” at MIFA’s Southeast Asia Pitch

Carl Joseph Papa’s “Iti Mapukpukaw” (“The Missing”) is in competition at the festival’s Feature Films Contrechamp category. This Filipino-Ilocano rotoscope animated film follows a young man named Eric whose life unravels after the arrival of a familiar alien, which triggers Eric to remember his past and untangle his memories.

“Iti Mapukpukaw” is produced by Project 8 Projects and supported by the FDCP’s CreatePHFilms funding program. It made history as the Philippines’ first animated entry to the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.

Keith Sicat’s “EWA” was selected to join the Southeast Asia Pitch where projects in development can find international partners, financiers, or sales agents.

Produced by Kino Arts and supported by CreatePHFilms, this animated science fiction film takes place in a future of intergalactic migrant workers, one of whom is an idealistic scientist who struggles to reconnect with her child who is lightyears away.

Featured Filipino projects in development at MIFA 2024

Eight (8) Filipino projects in development are featured at the world’s biggest animation film market for the opportunity to acquire funding and co-production deals. Filipino representatives have the chance to pitch their respective projects and establish connections with their global counterparts.

● AD MEMORIAM

When a rock band suddenly rises to game thanks to a series of deaths, an old detective races against time to save the singer from the clutches of her own demons, figuratively and literally.

Director: Ria Lu

Producers: Leveret Group and Wayfarer Media

● AFTERNOONS WITH LAPU-LAPU

Paula, a third generation Fil-Am teen, must take care of her sick grandfather.

However, babysitting Grandpa is not so easy when he thinks he is one of Philippine history’s greatest warrior – Lapu-Lapu.

Director: Marla Rausch

Producers: Kampilan Production, Animation Vertigo Asia, and Puppeteer Studios

● ANITO

Anito is the story of a young boy named Aaren who falls into the mythological spirit world full of fantastical and vicious creatures of Filipino legends. He finds himself lost and haunted by these creatures as he struggles to find his way home.

Director: John Aurthur Mercader

Producer: The Puppeteer Animation Studios, Inc.

● EWA

In a future of intergalactic migrant workers, Ewa is an idealistic scientist forced to take a dangerous job in outer space to provide for your young son’s future. When she is marooned on a hostile world, she struggles to reconnect with her child who is lightyears away.

Director: Keith Sicat

Producer: Kino Arts

● FLAN FLAN

A tiny, rambunctious cat and her stalwart companions are on an epic adventure to defeat the Demon King and bring peace to the land of Fandania - but first they need

to learn how to fight.

Director: Karla Circe Consolacion

Producer: Meowsmouse

● LEADER, BORED

Four unlikely friends leap into video game-inspired challenges each morning.

Director: Tobie Abad

Producer: Taktyl Studios

● STEAMPULP SOCIETY

Hughes Hector, boomer billionaire leader of the Steampulp Society, has never feared for the future until he is forced to team up with the younger and unpredictable digital native A.I. recruit, Itzel. Meanwhile, Sheba, an efficient X adventurer with no filter, is stuck in between them. They must find ways to work together and thwart the schemes of the mysterious Megalomind.

Director: Tobie Abad

Producer: Taktyl Studios

● TALES OF HASHEESH

The story follows a 20 year old French man on his journey from Paris to the Middle East, finding the best supplies for his father's struggling business.

Director: Mari Nicole Mendoza

Producers: Half Wolf Entertainment Inc. and Martinii Animation Studio

Participating Filipino animation companies at MIFA

The Philippines is also represented by ten (10) animation companies to introduce Filipino talents, original content, and services to the global film market.

● Animation Vertigo

● Kampilan Productions

● J. Legaspi Computer Graphics

● Kino Arts

● Leveret Group

● Martinii Animation Studio

● Puppeteer Studios

● TeamApp, Inc.

● Toon City

● Top Draw Animation

Government and organization partners at MIFA

The Philippine delegation in Annecy is presented by the FDCP in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and with the support of Creative Content Creators Association of the Philippines, Inc. (SIKAP) and Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI).

To learn more about the country’s participation at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market, follow FDCP’s official pages on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Earthquake-affected SSS members in Taiwan can now apply for a calamity loan

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet today announced that members affected by the recent Magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Taiwan may now avail of a calamity loan until August 20, 2024.

Macasaet said that SSS offered a Calamity Loan Assistance Program (CLAP) to its members living, residing, or working in Taiwan when the earthquake struck the island on April 3, 2024.

“The calamity loan offered to members in Taiwan was a historic first for SSS since we have never extended financial assistance to calamity-hit members outside of the Philippines until now. It only proved that we are always ready to assist our members wherever they are,” he said.

Macasaet said calamity-affected members can submit their loan applications online using their My.SSS account from May 21 to August 20, 2024.

“However, members must first visit the SSS Taiwan Foreign Office in Neihu District, Taipei City, to secure a Calamity Loan Reference Number (CLRN) needed in their loan applications. The CLRN is a unique 12-alphanumeric identifier provided to SSS members and among the requirements for the calamity loan,” he explained.

Under the CLAP, SSS Senior Vice President for Lending and Asset Management Group Pedro T. Baoy said qualified members can borrow a loan equivalent to one monthly salary credit or up to P20,000.

To qualify, Baoy said affected members must meet the following requirements:Have a My.SSS account at www.sss.gov.ph;
Have at least 36 monthly contributions, six of which must be posted within the last 12 months before the month of filing of application;

Must be an OFW SSS member;
Must be living, residing, or working in Taiwan during the time of the earthquake;
Must be 65 years old and below at the time of loan application;
Have not been granted any final benefit such as permanent total disability or retirement;
Have no past due SSS Short-Term Member Loans;
Have no outstanding restructured loan or calamity loan.

“Once approved, the loan proceeds will be credited to the member’s registered Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID)-ATM Card or their active accounts with a Philippine Electronic Fund Transfer System and Operations Network (PESONet) participating bank,” Baoy explained.

He said members could pay the calamity loan in two years or 24 equal monthly installments with an annual interest rate of 10 percent, and the one percent service fee has already been waived.

Baoy said the first loan amortization will start in the second month following the loan approval date. “For example, if their loan was approved on May 22, 2024. They will start paying their loan amortization by July 2024.”

He reminded member-borrowers that the loan’s payment deadline is every last day of the month following the applicable month. “If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, members may still make payment on the next working day. Late payments will be charged a one percent monthly penalty,” he added.

Sheraton Manila Bay's Tour de France du Vin 2024: A Journey through French Vineyards and Delights

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs are invited to embark on an extraordinary journey through the vineyards and culinary delights of France. Sheraton Manila Bay, in partnership with Le Cellier French Wine Selection, proudly presents "Tour de France du Vin 2024."


This exclusive wine and dinner event will take place on June 27, 2024, at 7:00 pm in Manila Bay Kitchen. It promises an unforgettable evening filled with French charm and delectable indulgence.

For only Php 3,800 net per person, attendees will be transported to the heart of France through an exquisite selection of 17 premium wines sourced from the renowned regions of France, such as Beaujolais, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhone Valley, and the South of France. These exceptional wines have been meticulously chosen to encapsulate the essence of their respective terroirs, offering a true celebration of French winemaking excellence.

Another highlight of this evening is the 17 regional specialties prepared by Sheraton Manila Bay's very own General Manager, Mr. Richard Masselin, alongside our renowned Executive Chefs. Guests will have the unique opportunity to explore the nuanced flavors of "Pot Au Feu," "Coq Au Vin de Bourgogne Rouge," "Fish and Seafood Bouillabaise," and more.

For those eager to deepen their understanding of these remarkable wines, Bernard Flour, owner of Le Cellier French Wine Selection and a wine expert himself, will be at the event to share his knowledge in their wine selection as well as give our guests insight on French Wine.

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