Urduja and Dayo to give new life to Philippine Animation

Two top-notch Filipino animation films will soon make their debut in Philippine cinemas.

Filipino animators, many of whom have been employed by the Disney, Cartoon Network and Warner studios for the last 20 years, are producing the full-length animated films. And both productions commissioned major talents to lend their voices for the lead parts.

"Urduja," produced by Tony Tuviera's APT Entertainment, has a star-studded voice cast. Regine Velasquez stars as Princess Urduja; Cesar Montano as her lover Lim Hang; Johnny Delgado as Wang; Eddie Garcia as Lakanpati; Allan K as Tarsir; and Michael V as Kukut.


"Dayo," by Cutting Edge Productions Inc., features the voices of child stars Nash Aguas as Bubuy and Katrina "Hopia" Legaspi as Anna Manananggal. Peque Gallaga is the voice behind the character Nano, Michael V is Narsi, Johnny Delgado is Anna's father and Laurice Guillen plays a diwata.

"These are ambitious projects," said Artemio Abad Jr., "Dayo" supervising producer. "We hope to erase the image of Pinoy animators as mere subcontractors of big animation companies. We want the world to know that we are also capable of producing our own animated content."

"Urduja" tells the story of the legendary warrior princess and ruler of the Kingdom of Tawalisi in Pangasinan from 1350 to 1400. Urduja was famous for leading a group of women warriors, called Kinalakian or Amazons, who were skilled fighters and equestriennes. These women, having developed a high art of warfare, fought alongside male warriors to protect their land from invaders.

"Dayo" follows the adventure of 11-year-old Bubuy as he tries to save his grandparents who have been abducted and brought to Elementalia, a mysterious and magical land that is home to popular creatures of Philippine mythology.

The local theater run of "Urduja" is tentatively set for the middle of the year. The makers of "Dayo" plan to make their project an entry in the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival in December.

"Urduja" and "Dayo" are only the second and third locally produced full-length animated movies.

An animated version of "Ibong Adarna," co-produced by FLT Films and Guiding Light Productions, was shown in 1997. It was the brainchild of animator Gerry Garcia, winner of the 1995 Star Awards for Best Visual Effects.

In 2002, local production studio Top Peg ran an animation TV series, "Tutubi Patrol," a values-oriented show for children.

Abad, who co-wrote "Dayo" with Eric Cabahug, said work on the film began as early as October 2006, about the time Cutting Edge Productions started investing in digital animation.

Cutting Edge is a 4-year-old post-production company specializing in TV commercials and audio-visual presentations. Its owner, Jessie Lazaten, is a musical director of several TV series and films.

"While 'Urduja' is done in the traditional animation process (hand-drawn), 'Dayo' is all-digital, which is a combination of 2D and 3D technologies," explained Abad. "We are hoping to get Lea Salonga to record the movie's theme song with a 30-piece orchestra. This will be a first in Philippine cinema."

Summer Getaway: Cebu

CEBU: QUEEN CITY OF THE SOUTH

Cebu City, the oldest city in the country, which forms part of the Cebu Metropolitan Area together with 6 neighboring cities Carcar City, Danao City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Naga City and Talisay City and 6 other municipalities. Cebu is served by Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Mactan Island, thirty minutes drive from downtown Cebu City.

Cebu is one of the most developed provinces in the country and the main center of commerce, trade, education and industry in the central and southern parts of the archipelago. It has five-star hotels, casinos, white sand beaches, world-class golf courses, convention centers, and shopping malls.

The UK-based Condenast Travellers Magazine named Cebu the 7th best island destination in the Indian Ocean-Asia region in 2007.

Must See Landmarks:
Magellan's Cross
Fort San Pedro
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
Magellan shrine
Lapu Lapu shrine
Cebu City Chinatown
Cebu City Japantown
Cebu City Koreatown
Cebu Provincial Capitol
Cebu International Convention Center
Marcelo Fernan Bridge
Taoist Temple

My mock 2019 SEA GAMES LOGO..

Vinta Inspired Logo,, My vison of Introducing Mindanao to the rest of South East Asia. with the theme: "Voyaging our way to peace, unity and progress. Celebrating the colors of South East Asian way of life and brotherhood."

The vinta ( locally known as lepa-lepa or sakayan) is a traditional boat found in the Philippine island of Mindanao. These boats are made by Bajau and Moros lining in the Sulu Archipelago. It has a sail with assorted vertical colors that represents the colorful culture and history of the Muslim community. These boats are used for inter-island transport of people and goods. Zamboanga City is known for these vessels

Summer Getaway: PALAWAN

Summer in the Philippines is more than just BORACAY,,, join PP as it explores other summer Getaways in the Philippines that the world will surely love..

PALAWAN , Philippines' Last Frontier

Palawan, the only Philippine island cited, is rated by National Geographic Traveler magazine as the best island destination in East and Southeast Asia region in 2007, and the 13th best island in the world having "incredibly beautiful natural seascapes and landscapes. One of the most biodiverse (terrestrial and marine) islands in the Philippines...The island has had a Biosphere Reserve status since early 1990s, showing local interest for conservation and sustainable development".

Palawan is a melting pot of 87 different cultural groups and races. Basically Its culture bears a strong influence from Japan, China, India and the Middle East. Influx of migrants from other parts of the Philippines, particularly from Muslim Mindanao, accounts for the high population growth rate of 3.98% annually. Eighteen percent of the population is composed of cultural minority groups such as Central Tagbawa, Palawan (Palawano), Batak, Calamian Tagbanwa, and Molbog.

Palawan is considered to be the Philippines' "last frontier". The province boasts of many splendid beaches and has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

PALAWAN MORE THAN THE USUAL PARADISE:

Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary
A game reserve and wildlife sanctuary of exotic African animals and endangered endemic animals of Palawan. The reserve was established on August 31, 1976 by virtue of Presidential Decree No.1578, this was initiated in response to the appeal of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature to help save African wildlife when former President Ferdinand Marcos attended the 3rd world Conference in Kenya. By virtue of RA 7611 (SEP), administrative jurisdiction of DENR was given to the local government of Palawan, effective December 31, 1993. Management of the area is the responsibility of the PCSDO (Palawan Council of Sustainable Development Office). It is located in Calauit Island, Busuanga, Palawan.

Coron Reefs, Coron Bay, Busuanga
Seven lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract hundreds of nature lovers to Coron Reefs in Northern Palawan, near the town of Coron. Busuanga Island, whose main town is Coron, is the jump-off point for numerous dive operators. The principal dive sites are 12 World War II Japanese shipwrecks sunk on September 24, 1944 by US Navy action. They range in depth from the surface to 40M. This large variety offers exciting wreck exploration for enthusiasts, from novice divers and snorkelers and recreational divers to experienced TEC divers. Dive operators offer PADI dive courses ranging from Discover Scuba to Assistant Instructor, Technical and Enriched Air Diving, as well as other specialty courses. Dive operators offer day diving, snorkeling trips, and overnight dive safaris. Live-aboard and charter boats also offer diving in the area.

El Nido Marine Reserve Park
The January, 2008 issue of international magazine Travel + Leisure, published by the American Express Co. (which partnered with Conservation International) listed El Nido’s sister hotel resorts El Nido Lagen Island and El Nido Miniloc Island in Miniloc and Lagen Islands as “conservation-minded places on a mission to protect the local environment.” Travel + Leisure’s 20 Favorite Green Hotels scored El Nido Resort’s protection of Palawan’s giant clam gardens and the re-introduction of endangered Philippine cockatoos: "8. El Nido Resorts, Philippines: "Guest cottages on stilts are set above the crystalline ocean. The resorts are active in both reef and island conservation." Doubles from $210."[5] Palawan was also categorized as “doing well” in the 4th Destination Scorecard survey conducted by the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations, and Conde Nast Traveler magazine voted its beaches, coves and islets as the tourist destination with the best beaches in Asia. Further, the aquatic views from the sunken Japanese warships off Coron Island are listed in Forbes Traveler Magazine’s top 10 best scuba sites in the world.

It's PACMAN again...

Based on Philippine daily Inquirer..
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080317-125135/Pacquiao-dethrones-foe

By Roy Luarca
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:39:00 03/17/2008


LAS VEGAS—His blinking nearly did Manny Pacquiao in. But he scraped through and was champion again—by one point on one judge’s scorecard.

With blood dripping from a cut above his right eye and unable to fully see the punches being thrown at him, Pacquiao leaned on instinct and a big heart to get through a dangerous eighth round against Juan Manuel Marquez.

The Filipino survived the Mexican’s assault, regained his bearings in the late rounds, and wrested Marquez’s World Boxing Council super featherweight crown by a split decision Saturday at the Events Center of Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino here.

For a while, Filipinos in the crowd fell silent when it was announced that judge Jerry Roth had scored the fight, 115-112, for Marquez.

They saw hope when another judge, Duane Ford, gave the fight to Pacquiao, also by 115-112, and then erupted in celebration when the third judge, Tom Miller, delivered the clinching verdict, 114-113, for the Filipino ring icon.

The former WBC flyweight and IBF super bantamweight champion thus became the first Asian to hold three world crowns in three different divisions.

Pacquiao’s victory in the bout dubbed “Unfinished Business” was as close as their first fight in May 2004, when Marquez recovered from three first-round knockdowns to salvage a draw. This time, Pacquiao floored Marquez only once, connecting with a brutal left straight to the chin in the third round.

Marquez wants rematch

But again, the Mexican fought back, had the bleeding, blinking Pacquiao in trouble in the eighth and later said that he was again robbed of victory after the bloody bout that sent both warriors to their doctors immediately afterward.

It was so close that as soon as the final bell sounded, both fighters were boosted into the air by their handlers, each side certain of victory. In the end, the verdict went Pacquiao’s way—a sort of a payback for a judge’s scoring error that denied the Filipino hero a victory in their first encounter in 2004.

After contesting the result of Sunday’s fight, the Marquez camp asked for a rematch. But a third fight was unlikely at the moment as Pacquiao seemed bent on climbing up to the lightweight division, where he may challenge WBC champion David Diaz.

“I don’t think so,” Pacquiao said of a third fight with Marquez. “This business is over.”

“It was a close fight, but we came back at the end,” said Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach. “It could have gone either way, in my mind. Manny followed him around the ring too much. He didn’t cut off the ring like he should have. Marquez may have had a lot to do with that as well. Manny was more disciplined in training than he was in the fight tonight.”

10 stitches

Pacquiao, who also staggered Marquez in the fourth round, raised his record to 46 wins, 36 by knockout, against three losses and two draws.

Marquez, who surprised Pacquiao with new movements and stronger punches, fell to 48-4-1, with 38 knockouts.

In conquering Marquez, Pacquiao buttressed his reputation as the “Mexican Assassin,” having also mastered future Hall of Famers Erik Morales (twice in three bouts) and Marco Antonio Barrera (twice), as well as other topnotch Mexican fighters, like Oscar Larios, Hector Velasquez and Jorge Solis.

Pacquiao’s two superficial cuts from accidental head butts required 10 stitches to close, according to Dr. Jeffrey Ross, who attended to him after the match.

Marquez, despite being examined by the ring physician late in the seventh round, needed eight stitches and appeared at a post-fight press conference before Pacquiao arrived.

$6-M offer

There, Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions that handles Marquez’s career, made a $6-million offer for a Pacquiao-Marquez III. But Bob Arum, president and CEO of Top Rank, refused to bite.

Showing up in dark shades later, Pacquiao thanked God, the Filipino people and even the Marquez camp for giving him a tough fight.

“He (Marquez) was a lot better, with move improvements and was a better counterpuncher,” Pacquiao said, admitting that he got worried in the eighth as he could hardly see with blood dripping on his eyes.

‘It’s all about heart’

“But I know I could handle his power so I never thought of quitting. It’s about heart, brave heart.”

Marquez also showed a lot of heart in getting up from the knockdown in the third.

And, statistically, he looked better than Pacquiao. He landed more punches with 171 to Pacquiao’s 157. He also delivered more power punches, 130 against Pacquiao’s 114.

The knockdown made the difference in the closely scored match as it left a lasting impression on the judges. Pacquiao’s strong performance in the 10th and 11th rounds also helped him through.

The bloody ending was a sharp contrast to the festive atmosphere—characterized by chants of “Manny, Manny” and “Mexico, Mexico”—before the bout that drew 11,061 paying fans began.

Prayers answered

Cris Aquino carried the Philippine flag, while Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia brought Pacquiao’s WBC international super featherweight belt into the ring.

Ciara Sotto sang the Philippine national anthem while Black Eyed Peas member Allan Pineda, aka Apl.d.ap, delivered a popular rap song as Pacquiao made his entrance in the arena.

Wearing his trademark cloak, Pacquiao rushed to a corner immediately after ascending the ring and knelt to pray. His plea was apparently answered.

Aside from an estimated revenue of $8 million from PPV (pay-per-view) earnings, gate receipts and the purse, he stands to earn more in the coming days in terms of endorsements and appearances.

‘I gave everything I had’

Interviewed on radio dzBB in Manila after the fight, Pacquiao said he suffered two cuts around the eyes and they bothered him. “I could not concentrate, I could no longer see,” he said.

But he said he told himself to hang on and not give up “even if you (Marquez) hurt me, even if you batter me, even if you knock me out.”

“It would have been a shame to give up in front of my countrymen,” Pacquiao said.

He added: “I told myself, ‘Even if I could not see your punches, I will just duck and evade them … But I am going to keep on punching if you get near me even if I couldn’t see’ … I gave it everything I had.”

Toughest fight

Pacquiao conceded the fight was the hardest he had been through but it was worth it.

He said he was dedicating his fight to his countrymen. Apparently referring to the political divisions in his country. Pacquiao added: “My only appeal is for all of us to be united. We are all one family and we have to be together … Now that I have won, let us have unity.”

Marquez thought he won.

“I still feel I am the champion,” he said. “It was a bad decision. That first knockdown, he got me cold, but then I adjusted my game plan and I thought from then on, I dictated the whole fight. … The people are the best judge, and the people are booing him. I won.” With a report from Associated Press

SLAPSHOCK- the only ASIAN band to perform in ROCK DESERT DUBAI...

ASTIG ANG PINOY

Filipino of The Month: Brandon Vera...

Vera is the son of a Filipino father, Ernesto, and an Italian-American mother, Amelia, and grew up in a family with seven boys and three girls. He was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia,and attended Lake Taylor High School, where he excelled in wrestling and earned a four-year athletic scholarship to Old Dominion University. He however dropped out of Old Dominion after a year and a half when he felt college was not for him, and he enlisted in the United States Air Force.

In the Air Force, he joined the force's wrestling team and trained at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His military wrestling career was cut short in 1999 when he shred ligaments in his right elbow. Arthroscopic surgery repaired the ligaments but he had nerve damage from the experience, causing him to be unable to use his right arm. He was released from the Air Force on a medical discharge.
He returned to Virginia where he steadily rehabilitated his arm, and eventually was fit enough to enter the Grapplers Quest submission wrestling competitions on the east coast. There, his solitary training methods (he did not belong to a camp, and trained and cut weight on his own) caught the attention of Lloyd Irvin, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and coach, who invited him to train with his school. At Irvin's school, he was introduced to mixed martial arts. He also trained with Linxx Academy, and Hybrid Academy, where he received a foundation of his Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Vera's first professional mixed martial arts bout was on July 6, 2002, while training under Lloyd Irvin. He won the fight, against Adam Rivera, via TKO in the first round. He fought and won another bout in 2004 before entering a World Extreme Cagefighting heavyweight tournament in 2005, where he won two bouts in one night, including a bout against The Ultimate Fighter 2's Mike Whitehead in the finals.
Vera moved to San Diego, California on New Year's Eve, 2003, to accept a training position with City Boxing in San Diego. At City Boxing, Vera excelled as a trainer and was taken under the wing of City Boxing owner Mark Dion, who became his manager and introduced him to kickboxing great Rob Kaman. With Vera's success as a trainer and a mixed martial arts fighter, Dion gave Vera partial ownership of City Boxing.

Vera made his UFC debut at Ultimate Fight Night 2 on October 3, 2005 against Fabiano Scherner. Vera won the fight via TKO mid-way through the second round. Following the Scherner bout, he faced Justin Eilers at UFC 57, winning early in the first round by knockout. At UFC 60, Vera defeated Assuerio Silva with a guillotine choke. Vera's career as a mixed martial artist flourished under the management of Mark Dion. It reached its zenith on Nov. 18, when he needed just 69 seconds to stop ex-heavyweight champion Frank Mir at UFC 65 in Sacramento, Calif.
UFC president Dana White was effusive in his praise of Vera, who was on the fast track to the title.

Whatever happens? Brandon Vera is always a PHILIPPINE PRIDE!!!!

Vitamin Beer ....Oye!

You have to hand it to the Filipino inventor Virgilio "Billy" L. Malang for creating an invention that has a widespread appeal. He has created a type of beer, which is Vitamin B complex-fortified and makes a promise to "take some of the guilt out of drinking" by replacing the essential Vitamin B which is lost when excessive amounts of alcohol are consumed. Mind you, this is the same guy who has published a book, called "Sex Every Minute." I don't think he's got a patent on that, though.

Malang says that he believes the invention will be popular because beer is the national weakness of the Philippines. A Kirin Research Institute study ranked the Philippines as the 5th highest beer consumer in Asia, after China, Japan, South Korea and Thailand, with an average of nearly 20 liters (45 pints) of beer per person per year.
It has not been marketed yet, but Vitamin Beer already won a gold medal at the European Union-sponsored Genius-Europe competition at the Budapest Fair Center in Hungary in May 2004 and bagged the Romanian Ministry Education and Research Cup among 1,000 inventions by 540 inventors from 46 countries, Philippine Daily Inquirer reports.

This is interesting because I have lived under the impression that there is a lot of Vitamin B in every beer, that is why beer is supposed to be good for you. Or it could just be something my dad tells my my mom to make her feel better.

Recently in Thailand:

Vitamin Beer was the hottest among 150 products by the International Federation of Inventors’ Association recently held in Thailand. Uncontrolled crowds gathered to taste this new product by a Filipino Inventor Billy L. Lalang.
“If you are looking for an excuse to take a swig, this is it,” said Billy L. Lalang, who concocted a beer mixed with Vitamin B, to replace the vitamin lost when people drink too much booze.

Basically when you are drinking beer or alcohol, you are drawing Vitamin B and that’s why Vitamin Beer was invented. The inventor noted that Vitamin Beer has Vitamin B in its content. So if you drink a lot of Vitamin Beer you’ll wake up one morning without hang-over and feel a lot better.

Vitamin Beer is prophylactic for drinkers Lalang said and has already won a gold medal at the Genius Europe competition
Too good to be true? If that is the case, for sure beer lovers can’t wait to taste this new invention.

Cheers to all!

Philippines Home of The brightest!