23rd PELÍCULA Spanish Film Festival: Premio del Público Winner Announced!

Wazzup Pilipinas!!?



Instituto Cervantes is thrilled to announce that the winner of this year’s Premio del Público (Audience Choice Award)! of the 23rd PELÍCULA>PELIKULA Spanish Film Festival is Casa en llamas (Dani de la Orden, 2024). The award-winning film will be shown once again on October 13 at 5:00 PM at the Red Carpet Cinemas, Shangri-La Plaza, as a special closing feature of the festival.

Casa en llamas follows Montse, a determined woman set on reuniting her distant family for an ideal weekend at the Costa Brava. However, what begins as an attempt at familial bonding quickly unravels into chaos, as her dream of togetherness spirals out of control. This darkly comedic film, filled with humor and heartfelt moments, resonated strongly with PELÍCULA’s audiences. It has earned acclaim for its witty portrayal of family dynamics, capturing both the light and dark aspects of familial relationships.

The 23rd edition of PELÍCULA>PELIKULA is presented by Instituto Cervantes de Manila, Embajada de España en Filipinas, Shangri-La Plaza, and Red Carpet Cinemas. The festival is held in collaboration with MTRCB, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Teatro Real, Embajada Argentina en Filipinas, Embassy of Brazil in Manila, Embajada de Colombia en Filipinas, University of the Philippines Film Institute, De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, CMB Film Services Inc., University of the Philippines Department of European Languages, Far Eastern University - Institute of Arts and Science, Ateneo de Manila University - Modern Languages, Meridian International College, CIIT College of Arts and Technology, Mapua University School of Media Studies, i-Academy Makati, Asia Pacific Film Institute, Kinoise PH, and SINEGANG PH. The Festival is proudly sponsored by Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc., Arthaland, Ayala Corporation, BOYSEN, Fundador, Terminal Six, and Barcino.

All screenings are free of charge, and films will be shown in Spanish (or their original language) with English subtitles.

For more information and updates on the festival, including the full schedule, please visit the Instituto Cervantes de Manila website at https://manila.cervantes.es or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila .

Why the Environment Must Be a Priority in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a country where natural disasters are a regular occurrence, it’s surprising that environmental concerns often rank low on the list of critical national issues. But should we allow the environment to be relegated to "others" when its fate directly impacts our health, safety, and future?

The Philippines: A Nation at Environmental Risk

Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries on Earth. Typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes frequently wreak havoc on communities, and climate change is intensifying these already severe events. The destruction is inescapable, but as the environment slips further down the national agenda, we are essentially ignoring the very thing that could help mitigate these risks.

The Environment is the Foundation of Health

It’s no secret: a greener environment means a healthier population. The World Health Organization has deemed the air quality in the Philippines "moderately unsafe." The consequences of this are already being felt. Cities like Makati, Pasig, and Quezon City rank among the most polluted in the National Capital Region. Air pollution is causing respiratory illnesses, while coal plant emissions are contributing to an estimated 2,400 premature deaths every year.

But imagine this: clean air, unpolluted water, and accessible green spaces. All these elements contribute to improved mental and physical health, easing the strain on our already fragile healthcare system. Health isn’t just about hospitals and doctors—it’s about the air we breathe and the water we drink. When the environment thrives, so do we.

Pollution: A Crisis We Can No Longer Ignore

The Philippines is the third largest contributor to plastic pollution globally, producing 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste annually. This waste doesn’t just disappear. It chokes our oceans, kills marine life, and threatens coastal communities. In a country reliant on fishing and tourism, allowing plastic to destroy our waters is like cutting off our lifeline.

Water and air pollution have also exceeded acceptable health standards, leading to rising greenhouse gas emissions. As cities become more urbanized, the pressure on natural resources intensifies. But the solution to these problems is clear: an urgent shift toward sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The Cost of Environmental Degradation

Natural disasters—floods, droughts, and typhoons—are becoming more frequent and intense. Deforestation, another serious issue, leaves us more vulnerable to flooding and soil erosion, accelerating the destruction of agricultural lands and endangering food security. Our forests, which serve as natural barriers against disaster, are disappearing at an alarming rate. Without them, we are left defenseless.

And it’s not just the land. Rising sea levels and plastic pollution are damaging our coastal ecosystems and threatening the livelihoods of millions who depend on marine resources. The crisis isn’t looming—it’s already here. How long can we ignore the environmental disasters unfolding before our eyes?

The Link Between Poverty and Environmental Degradation

The cycle of poverty exacerbates environmental destruction. Impoverished communities often rely on unsustainable practices, such as illegal logging, to survive. These activities strip the land of vital resources, further eroding the environment. Deforestation leads to flooding; overfishing depletes marine stocks; pollution poisons the water. The result? The most vulnerable are left even more exposed to environmental harm, creating a downward spiral that becomes harder to escape.

Our Constitution Demands Environmental Protection

The Philippine Constitution is clear: "The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature." Yet, despite these words, environmental protection remains sidelined. Why are we not holding our leaders accountable to this constitutional promise? Why are we not making the environment a central issue, as it so clearly should be?

A Call to Action: How to Care for What You Don’t See

Perhaps part of the problem lies in a disconnection from nature. Many Filipinos, especially those living in urbanized areas, rarely experience the natural world firsthand. Without a personal relationship with nature, it’s easier to disregard its importance. But caring for the environment isn’t a matter of sentimentality—it’s about survival. We need to reconnect with our surroundings, not just for aesthetic reasons, but because our lives depend on it.

Environmental Responsibility is Everyone’s Duty

The environment sustains us all. It provides the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe. We cannot continue down this path of environmental neglect without paying a steep price. Every time we ignore the destruction of a forest, the pollution of a river, or the extinction of a species, we are chipping away at the very foundation of our own existence.

The question is not whether we should prioritize the environment—the question is, why haven’t we already? Environmental degradation affects every facet of life: from the health of our people to the strength of our economy. It is time we made it the priority it deserves to be.

The Time for Change is Now

The environment is not just a backdrop to our lives—it is the stage upon which our future will be played out. If we want to live in a world where natural disasters are less frequent, where our air is clean and our water safe, we must act now. We must demand more from our leaders, our industries, and ourselves.

The environment is not "another" issue. It is the issue. Because without it, nothing else matters.

UEM Edgenta Champions Malaysia’s First Pet Food Rescue

UEM Edgenta Berhad (UEM Edgenta), Malaysia’s leading provider of integrated asset management and infrastructure services, in collaboration with The Lost Food Project, is proud to announce the remarkable progress of the Saving Animals, Serving Community campaign through the Pet Food Project (PFP) from January to July 2024. As the first initiative of its kind in Malaysia, this groundbreaking project is dedicated to rescuing surplus pet food and redistributing it to animals in need, thereby fostering a more sustainable and compassionate community.

UEM Edgenta, the sole corporate partner in this first-of-its-kind collaboration, has been instrumental in driving the success of the Pet Food Project. Over the past six months, the project has successfully diverted 5,496 kilograms of surplus pet food from landfills, bringing the total amount of rescued pet food to an impressive 12,724 kilograms since the project's initiation. This surplus has been distributed to individual cat and dog rescuers, shelters, and feeders across the Klang Valley and beyond, ensuring that countless animals receive the nourishment they need.

The success of the Pet Food Project highlights UEM Edgenta’s commitment to innovation in community support and sustainability. By partnering with The Lost Food Project, UEM Edgenta has enabled the PFP to engage individuals and local businesses in combating pet food waste. This effort has rescued 5,490 kilograms of pet food, prevented 36,935 kilograms of CO2 emissions, and supported over 50 shelters, rescuers, and feeders. It has also delivered 50,384 meals to cats and kittens and 8,833 meals to dogs, enhancing the well-being of countless animals. At the same time, this initiative has significantly reduced the environmental impact of food waste, making a lasting difference in the community

As PFP moves beyond its pilot phase, UEM Edgenta and The Lost Food Project are committed to integrating the valuable learnings and connections established to ensure the continued success and growth of the initiative. Insights gained from the pilot, including the specific needs of animal shelters and the logistical challenges of surplus pet food distribution, will be leveraged to refine processes and make them more efficient and responsive to community needs.

Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Syahrunizam Samsudin, MD/CEO, UEM Edgenta, emphasised “At UEM Edgenta, sustainability is not just a business objective; it is an integral part of our commitment to creating lasting value for the communities we serve. The ‘Saving Animals, Serving Community’ campaign, in partnership with The Lost Food Project, exemplifies this commitment by addressing the critical issue of pet food waste while enhancing animal welfare across Malaysia. As the only corporate partner of this groundbreaking initiative, we are proud to be at the forefront, which aligns with our broader vision of driving innovation and fostering social responsibility. As we continue to scale this effort, we remain dedicated to building meaningful, sustainable partnerships that make a tangible difference in society.”

In addition to this initiative, UEM Edgenta proudly served as the main sponsor of the "Potong Royong" programme, in collaboration with Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). This vital campaign successfully neutered 680 animals, including over 500 cats and 150 dogs, helping to manage the stray animal population and promote responsible pet ownership. SPCA has been UEM Edgenta's trusted partner since 2023. Through the Company's continued sponsorship in 2024, this collaboration further underscores the UEM Edgenta's enduring commitment to both animal welfare and community sustainability. Building on the success of these initiatives, UEM Edgenta will continue to strengthen its collaboration with other like-minded organisations. The Company is dedicated to expanding its efforts in reducing pet food waste, enhancing animal welfare, and driving sustainable, community-focused solutions across Malaysia.

For further information on UEM Edgenta’s CSR programmes and its journey in sustainability, log on to https://www.uemedgenta.com.

(fourth from right) Wan Laila Fatihah, Head, Corporate Communications, UEM Edgenta Berhad and (third from left) Daniel Devadason, General Manager, The Lost Food Project together with representatives of UEM Edgenta symbolically handing over rescued pet food to TLFP.

(left) Wan Laila Fatihah, Head, Corporate Communications, UEM Edgenta Berhad together with (right) Daniel Devadason, General Manager, The Lost Food Project at a recent pet food rescue programme.

A representative of UEM Edgenta Berhad with one of the many feline recipients of the rescued pet food under the Pet Food Project following the collaboration between UEM Edgenta and TLFP.

About UEM EDGENTA BERHAD

UEM Edgenta (www.uemedgenta.com) is a leading Asset Management and Infrastructure Solutions company in the region and is a subsidiary of the UEM Group. Listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (KLSE: EDGENTA), our expertise covers Healthcare Support and Property & Facility Solutions, and Infrastructure Services covering Expressways and Rail, including project management & engineering design capabilities via our Opus Consultants business arm.

Guided by our ‘Edgenta of the Future 2025’ vision, UEM Edgenta’s full suite of business services is driven by technological advancements throughout the business assets’ life cycle including consultancy, procurement & construction planning, operations & maintenance, as well as optimisation, rehabilitation and upgrades. Digital solutions across multiple industries positions UEM Edgenta as a powerhouse to become a Technology-Enabled Solutions Company with a focus on healthcare by 2025. 

UEM Edgenta has operational presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES