Bacolod joins roadmap dev’t for PH film industry

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Bacolod City Government officials and Negrense filmmakers met with the Film Development Council of the Philippines and global creative industries research organization Olsberg•SPI to discuss the development of a strategic roadmap for the future of the country’s film industry.

Councilor Em Legaspi Ang, Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Marty Go, Bacolod Film Festival (BFF) 2024 Director Seymour Sanchez, and Department of Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions head Dr. Mae Ferrer-Llamas and colleagues Zabrina Bentley and Aisel Joyce Tupas welcomed Project Development Officers Rachelle Villaluna and Kianne Cho of the FDCP Policy and Planning Unit and Olsberg•SPI representatives Joshua Hines-Dedman and Kayleigh Hughes at the Office of the City Mayor last January 16.

The consultative meeting focused on the Bacolod filmmaking industry, the city’s pitch to become a UNESCO Creative City of Film, the recently concluded BFF, and proposals for a filmmaking workshop or bootcamp. 

The Bacolod City Government expressed its willingness to foster partnerships and collaborations to help further improve the city’s creative industry.

After the meeting, regional filmmakers and industry professionals from Negros Occidental gathered at Cinematheque Centre Negros to meet with the same team from FDCP and Olsberg•SPI for a separate group discussion organized by the Sine Negrense Film Festival.

FDCP is collaborating with Olsberg•SPI to come up with a roadmap that “will underpin the FDCP’s main priorities of strengthening the country’s domestic film industry and expanding the potential to attract more international productions.”

Filmmakers from BFF, Sine Negrense, Margaha Film Festival, La Salle Film Society, Hinigaran National High School, and others engaged “in meaningful discussions on workforce development, infrastructure, production incentives, distribution challenges, and sustainable practices in filmmaking” with the goal of strengthening the Philippine film industry and amplifying its presence on the global stage. 

Last year, ten filmmakers showcased their short films with the theme “Stories with a Smile” during the Bacolod Film Festival held at SM City Bacolod and Ayala Malls Capitol Central cinemas from September 12 to 15. “Sa Pwesto ni Pistong” (The Barber’s Chair), written and directed by Vincent Joseph Entuna, won BFF Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

FDCP Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes, who also headed the BFF 2024 jury, and Olsberg•SPI CEO Leon Forde signed a strategic roadmap partnership to “deliver goals and targets that will address challenges and gaps, and will also outline the strategic direction of the Philippine film industry in the next five to 10 years.”

A Heartbreaking Loss: Skating Team Among Victims of American Airlines Flight 5342 Tragedy

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The world of figure skating is in mourning following a devastating midair collision that claimed the lives of an entire skating team. American Airlines Flight 5342, en route to Washington, D.C., tragically collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 29, 2025. None of the 67 individuals aboard both aircraft survived. Among them were 14 members of the U.S. figure skating community—rising stars, devoted coaches, and supportive family members—who were returning home from a national development camp.

This tragic loss has left an irreplaceable void in the sport, robbing the world of young talent and experienced mentors who had dedicated their lives to the ice.

A Sport in Mourning

U.S. Figure Skating confirmed the heartbreaking news, revealing that several promising skaters and coaches had been aboard the ill-fated flight. They had just attended the National Development Camp, a prestigious event held alongside the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.

In an emotional statement, the organization expressed its profound sorrow:

"We are devastated by this unspeakable tragedy and hold the victims’ families closely in our hearts."

Vigils and tributes have begun across the nation as the skating community grapples with the shock of losing some of its brightest talents and most dedicated mentors.

Gone Too Soon: Remembering the Victims

Among those who perished were two young skaters who had already begun making names for themselves:

Jinna Ha of the Skating Club of Boston, a graceful and determined competitor with Olympic dreams.

Spencer Lane, a rising star from New York, known for his artistic expression and powerful jumps.

Both were accompanied by their mothers, who had been their biggest supporters in their journeys to the top.

Also lost were two legendary figures in the sport:

Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, former world champions whose contributions to the sport had inspired generations of skaters.

Their tragic deaths have left the skating world reeling, with tributes pouring in from athletes, coaches, and fans around the globe.

The Tragedy That Shook a Nation

The collision between Flight 5342 and the Black Hawk helicopter occurred just minutes before the jet was scheduled to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Air traffic control recordings revealed the shock and horror as controllers watched the disaster unfold in real time. Both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River, leaving behind no survivors.

Investigators are now working tirelessly to determine how such an unthinkable accident occurred. They are examining factors such as air traffic control communications, flight paths, and weather conditions.

Political Controversy: Trump’s Blame Game

In the wake of the tragedy, former President Donald Trump sparked outrage by politicizing the incident. He claimed—without evidence—that diversity hiring policies within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were to blame.

"This is what happens when you put diversity hires in charge of air traffic control," Trump stated.

His remarks were met with immediate backlash from aviation experts, lawmakers, and grieving families, who condemned the baseless accusations. FAA officials confirmed that there was no evidence of mistakes by air traffic controllers at Reagan National Airport, and investigators have urged the public to await official findings.

A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten

As the figure skating community gathers to mourn, the loss of these young athletes and dedicated mentors is a painful reminder of life’s fragility. Yet, their passion, dedication, and love for the sport will live on in the hearts of those they inspired.

The ice may seem emptier today, but their legacy will continue to shine as a beacon of perseverance and excellence for future generations.

At this moment of sorrow, the world stands with the figure skating community, offering strength, support, and remembrance for those who will never be forgotten.

Who is Li Duan Wang, and Why Did the Senate Grant Him Citizenship?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The recent decision of the Philippine Senate to grant citizenship to Chinese businessman Li Duan Wang, also known as Mark Ong, has sparked intense controversy. With 19 senators voting in favor, only one opposing, and none abstaining, the swift approval of House Bill No. 8839 has raised serious questions.

At the center of the debate is Senator Risa Hontiveros, the lone dissenter, who flagged Wang's alleged ties to junket operations, POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators), and questionable business dealings. But why did the Senate, led by Senator Francis Tolentino, push for Wang’s citizenship despite these red flags?

Who is Li Duan Wang?

Li Duan Wang has been residing in the Philippines since 1991 and is engaged in the gambling and leisure industry. He owns Avia Leisure Group, a company that operates KTVs, lounges, and coffee shops, and provides services for high-rolling Chinese casino players.

Wang also declared himself a Filipino in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) records under the name Mark Ong. However, he was born a Chinese citizen and only applied for naturalization through legislation, instead of undergoing the usual lengthy process.

Red Flags Raised by Hontiveros

During the Senate deliberations, Hontiveros aggressively opposed Wang’s naturalization, presenting multiple concerns that she believed made him unfit for Philippine citizenship:

He is a casino "junket operator" – Wang earns commissions by bringing high-rolling gamblers to casinos, particularly Nine Dynasty Casino.

He has ties to POGOs – Wang is closely associated with Duanren Wu, the alleged leader of a POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga, which was raided by authorities.

He declared himself "Filipino" on SEC papers – This is misrepresentation, as citizenship can only be granted by birth, naturalization, or legislation.

He used multiple Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) – This is illegal, and Wang's excuse was that it was "inadvertent."

He has connections to China’s United Front – He is a member of the Philippine Jinjiang Yu Shi Association, which Hontiveros claims is linked to China’s influence operations.

Why Did the Senate Approve Wang’s Citizenship?

Despite these concerns, Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, JV Ejercito, and Francis Tolentino defended Wang’s naturalization, citing his long residence in the country and contributions to business and employment.

Gatchalian insisted that Wang had complied with all requirements and that no direct evidence linked him to illegal POGO activities.

Ejercito pointed out that Wang has been an active member of the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Tolentino, who sponsored the bill, claimed Wang had no criminal record and was qualified for citizenship.

A Citizenship That Raises More Questions Than Answers

Hontiveros fired back, arguing that Wang does not meet the high standards that should be required for naturalization. Unlike athletes, scientists, or investors who bring prestige or economic growth to the country, Wang is merely a businessman with a questionable track record.

“Why are we giving this man Philippine citizenship on a silver platter?” she asked, warning that this move could set a dangerous precedent for wealthy and well-connected foreigners to buy their way into Philippine citizenship.

Calls for a Presidential Veto

With growing public scrutiny, Hontiveros is now urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to veto the bill, arguing that Wang’s background should disqualify him from being a Filipino citizen.

The controversy surrounding Wang’s naturalization highlights deeper issues in the Philippine government’s vetting process. Is the Senate prioritizing economic contributions over national security? Did Wang simply buy his way to citizenship?

These are the tough questions that Filipinos must now demand answers to.