Uplifting Short Film "Manokan Country" Showcases Bacolod’s Culinary Heritage and Community Spirit

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Manokan Country, a heartwarming short film directed by Banjo Hinolan, is set to premiere at the Bacolod Film Festival from September 12-15, 2024, at Ayala Malls Capitol Central and SM City Bacolod cinemas.

The 20-minute comedy/family film captures the essence of Bacolod City’s culinary and cultural heritage, focusing on a family-owned Chicken Inasal restaurant under threat of redevelopment. The plot centers on Raul, a passionate restaurant owner who organizes a high-stakes Chicken Inasal cooking competition to save his business. With the support of his daughter Maria and the local community, Raul must navigate the balance between tradition and innovation to preserve his family’s legacy.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Bacolod City, the film celebrates Filipino resilience, tradition, and the power of food to unite people. Featuring performances from Hector Gloria, Jerianne Panisales, Tex Romero, Hayde Portal, and Louis Dormido, Manokan Country promises to be an uplifting tale of perseverance and community spirit.

The film is one of 10 finalists competing in this year’s Bacolod Film Festival.

Do you think that it's high time for Wazzup Pilipinas to create a new logo design?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The components (sun, ocean waves, coconut tree, island) of this logo created by ChatGPT looks like it was based from my original logo that was created years ago.

The Wazzup Pilipinas logo was made more than 10 years ago by a graphic artist/designer that we commissioned. He was referred by a fellow blogger. But do you think that it's high time for us to create a new logo design?

Could anyone make a better version to keep up with the constantly changing and evolving times?

Original design of the logo was with a coconut tree:

The artist removed the coconut tree on the final design leaving only the three flag colors of red, blue and yellow.. He improved the rays of the sun as well and made the color blue of ocean waves similar to that of the letterings of Wazzup. The word Pilipinas is red. He played with the combined but still separate letters W and P creatively to come up with this amazing logo.

As the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, I believe the time is right to consider evolving our logo to reflect the growth and maturity of our platform. Wazzup Pilipinas has been at the forefront of Filipino digital media for years, and with our expanding reach, we need a logo that speaks to our present and future while maintaining the essence of who we are.


When to Change the Logo

Reflecting Our Growth:

We’ve come a long way since our early days, and as we expand our content offerings and partnerships, now is the perfect time to refresh our logo. This is more than just a redesign; it’s about signaling to our audience that Wazzup Pilipinas is moving forward, adapting to changes, and staying relevant in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Milestone Moments:

With significant milestones on the horizon, such as our upcoming anniversaries and the growing influence of our platform, it makes sense to align a new logo with these important events. This not only gives us a chance to celebrate our journey but also positions Wazzup Pilipinas as a forward-thinking brand.

Keeping Up with the Times:

The digital world moves fast, and as we continue to make our mark on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and other social media channels, our logo needs to reflect the sleek, modern aesthetics that dominate today’s media landscape. Our current logo served us well, but it’s time to modernize and stay ahead of the curve.


How We Can Improve the Logo

Evolution Over Revolution:

Wazzup Pilipinas has built strong brand recognition, and we don’t want to lose that. Instead of a complete overhaul, I suggest evolving the current logo. We can keep elements that resonate with our audience—like key colors or symbols—but refine them for a cleaner, more contemporary look.

Simplicity is Key:

As we continue to engage across various platforms, especially mobile and social media, a simplified, minimalistic logo will help ensure our brand is recognizable everywhere. A more streamlined design that works across different formats, whether it’s on a YouTube video thumbnail or a social media avatar, will make our identity even stronger.

Cultural Connection:

Wazzup Pilipinas is proud of its roots in Filipino culture. While modernizing the logo, I’d like to see subtle nods to our heritage, whether that’s through the use of traditional patterns, symbols, or fonts inspired by local art. This way, we remain true to our identity while staying fresh and modern.

Adaptability and Versatility:

Our new logo should be versatile enough to work on everything from our website to merchandise. It should look just as impactful in black and white as it does in color, and it needs to scale well across all sizes and platforms. This flexibility will ensure Wazzup Pilipinas stays recognizable in any context.

Maintaining Our Energy:

Wazzup Pilipinas has always been about vibrancy, energy, and a forward-looking spirit. The new logo needs to capture that same dynamic vibe while still feeling professional and credible. Whether it’s through the choice of bold colors or a playful, yet clean design, the logo should reflect the lively nature of our content and community.

Involving the Community:

Wazzup Pilipinas has always thrived because of our strong connection with the community. That’s why I think it would be great to involve our audience in the logo redesign process. We could host a logo design contest or ask for feedback on a few design options. Not only will this create buzz, but it will also make our community feel like they’re a part of our journey.

Updating the logo isn’t just about making things look better; it’s about positioning Wazzup Pilipinas for the future while staying true to our origins. By keeping the core identity intact but refining and modernizing the design, we can ensure that the brand remains relevant and continues to resonate with our growing audience.

Media and Information Literacy as a Catalyst

 

This is the last part of the four-part series of The Future of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in the Philippines. It will see explore the impact of MIL on sustainable development goals, educational initiatives, and strategies for advancing MIL.

In the context of the Philippines, Media and Information Literacy (MIL) initiatives are playing a vital role in driving progress and fostering a more sustainable and equitable society. MIL emerges as a critical skill set for navigating the complexities of the digital age.

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) paint a global vision for a better future, through MIL. Since MIL emphasizes critical thinking and responsible digital engagement, this serves as a powerful tool for achieving many of these goals.

This article delves into the profound connection between MIL and the SDGs. It highlights how MIL empowers individuals and communities to actively participate in shaping their future. It will also examine specific examples of how MIL initiatives in the Philippines are making a tangible difference in areas such as education, gender equality, and reducing inequalities. Additionally, it will outline key strategies for advancing MIL education and fostering a culture of informed citizenship throughout the country.

MIL and the Sustainable Development Goals: Empowering the Philippines

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) present a global vision for a better future. Media and Information Literacy (MIL) serves as a powerful tool for achieving many of these goals. In the context of the Philippines, MIL initiatives are playing a vital role in driving progress and fostering a more sustainable society.

Specific SDGs Boosted by MIL

•  Quality Education (SDG 4): MIL equips learners to critically analyze information. This supports lifelong learning.
• Gender Equality (SDG 5): MIL bridges the gender gap by ensuring equal access to information and digital resources.
• Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): MIL helps bridge the digital divide. It ensures social inclusion.
• Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16): MIL fosters informed citizens who contribute to democratic processes.

MIL Success Stories in the Philippines

The Philippines has embraced MIL with several notable initiatives:

• EduAksyon: This program promotes digital literacy in rural areas. This promotes quality education and gender equality.
• Bayanihan for Digital Transformation: By providing digital learning platforms to underserved communities, this project bridges that gap to reduce inequalities.

Strategies for Advancing MIL in the Philippines

The future of MIL in the Philippines rests on a multi-pronged approach:

• Policy Development: Comprehensive policies are needed to integrate MIL into the national education system and address the digital divide.
• Collaboration: Partnerships among stakeholders are essential for creating effective MIL programs. Different stakeholders have different specializations that they could contribute to make the delivery of the initiatives more effective.
• Technology: Online courses, webinars, and digital literacy apps can enhance MIL education.
• Community Engagement: Awareness campaigns tailored to local needs can boost MIL participation at the grassroots level.

Conclusion

MIL is not merely about using digital tools. It is about empowering individuals to navigate the digital world responsibly. The Philippines' commitment to MIL initiatives demonstrates its dedication to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals to promote a more equitable, just, and sustainable society. By prioritizing MIL, the country is building a future where informed citizens actively contribute to a brighter tomorrow.