Native Souvenirs, Handicrafts, and Homemade Delicacies [Archive] - Page 5

kiretoce

April 11th, 2007, 01:25 AM

What's in store for RP bangus industry? (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2007/04/11/bus/what.s.in.store.for.rp.bangus.industry..html)
By Henrylito D. Tacio Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Sleek and silvery, beloved because of its mild, sweet flesh, and its melt-in the-mouth belly fat, bangus or milk fish is a favorite Philippine fish, not to mention that is also the country's national fish.

Today, bangus is making waves in such countries as United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong where Filipinos are either working or living.

The Philippines is one of the top bangus producers in the world, along with Indonesia and Taiwan. "Until recently, the country has contributed around 55 percent share of the world bangus production," reports the Laguna-based Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD).

Bangus is one of the most important fishes raised by Filipinos. Because of its adaptability to aquaculture, bangus is widely cultured in brackishwater fishponds, fishpens and recently in marine cages. Data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) of the Department of Agriculture on bangus production by sector showed an increasing trend from the aquaculture sector: from 210,882 metric tons in 1990 to 360,018 metric tons in 2004.

On the other hand, bangus production in the municipal sector showed decreasing trends: from 2,869 metric tons in 1990 to 438 metric tons in 2001. In 1995, the municipal sector contributed 7,466 metric tons of the total production of 158,615 metric tons harvested that year.

In the commercial sector, bangus production was posted at 6 metric tons in 1990 and went up to 222 metric tons in 1997 but went down to 5 metric tons in 2001 (a trend that started in 1999).

PCAMRD reported that bangus production is expected to ascend, based on current trends, to 382,000 metric tons in 2008 and 451,000 metric tons in 2010 (as assumed at 11 percent annual growth).

As President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said during the First Bangus National Congress, the country is envisioned to reach 10 major markets/countries with exports volume of 15,000 metric tons "in five years time."

The Philippines exports bangus in frozen, canned, dried, smoked or marinated forms. Bangus in frozen form is exported in 30 countries. Those in canned form are sent to 23 countries and dried or smoked bangus are sold in 17 countries. The United States, Saudi Arabia and Guam are major export markets for specific product forms.

In the local front, domestic consumption of bangus is expected to increase, too! In order to meet the demand of the growing population, the Philippines will have to expand production at the rate of five percent per year. Per capita consumption of bangus is estimated to be 1.96 kilograms per year.

Bangus is nearly related to tuna and salmon because of its fusiform shape and migratory nature. There is only one species of bangus (Chanos chanos) known all over the world and most of them are found in the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan.

According to PCAMRD, Taiwan is adopting the intensive culture system because of its limited area for fishpond development. It involves stocking of 10,000 to 25,000 fish per hectare, use of mechanical aerators and feeders and stock manipulation in deep-water ponds.

With this method, Taiwan can produce 8,000 to 12,000 kilograms per hectare compared to the national average production of 300 to 1,000 kilograms for Indonesia and 600 to 800 kilograms for the Philippines.

In the Philippines, bangus production is primarily dependent on the availability of brackishwater fishpond (over 190,000 hectares), fertilizers, pesticides, lime, fishfarm implements such as nets and bancas and special equipments like aerators and pumps particularly for the intensive method.

Is there a way the Philippines can still compete with other bangus exporting countries? The answer is affirmative, if the country will only do the following suggestions from PCAMRD: Increase production of export-sized fish (500-600
grams) should be done through the low-intensive method, considered the best technology for producing high quality bangus at lower cost; initiate in processing milkfish into value-added products to create a good expert market demand at attractive prices; and continue allocate funds from the government in the form of credits to support private sector activities.

Sinjin P.

April 11th, 2007, 04:11 AM

only 7D brand fares very well others well it's not really so yummy. there's one new brand from iloilo that is also ok i forgot the name tho

R&M also tastes very well ;)

Risk Taker

April 11th, 2007, 11:07 AM

^^ for pinoy maybe it tastes well but if you give it to chinese or taiwanese, the brand they prefer is 7D this is from Cebu din di ba? By the way the owner of R&M is the friend of my best friend pero para sa kin mas masarap pa rin ang 7D:lol: pero grabe rin ang presyo tumaas nang sobra:ohno:

Thunderflip

April 11th, 2007, 11:34 AM

Well, let me say this...Philippine industries should agressively expand their presense throughout the world, something they should have done a very long time ago. This is also a reason why we were left behind by our neighbors...globalization is now taking its toll and we shouldn't be left behind. This could be easily achieved by good marketing, discipline hard work, wide promotion, constant innovation and appeal through distinguished personalities.

Jollibee...has more than 500 outlets in the country and 20 more in seven countries (US, Vietnam, Indonesia China etc.) It also owns Chowking, Red Ribbon, Greenwich and the Chinese-based fastfood chain Kong He. Its holding company, Jollibee Foods Corp., gained big assets not really through its expansions but through its aquisition of other food chains. It is now also seeking for expansions and aquisitions in India. This company should click relatively well in developing countries in southern Asia and even Africa.

The dominant Universal Robina Corporation of John Gokongwei doesn't make bad food and beverage consumer products, it's quality is not very bad. They can be considered to be world class. I mean they own C2, Jack N' Jill Snacks, different cracker and cookie brands such as Piattos, Nova & Cream-O that are world class and highly competitive. They also have production facilities in China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Shouldn't it make waves in the future? I mean the company also owns the country's only chemical petroleum facility. Can't they export products to India, South America and Africa as well? They are indeed very diversified.

The San Miguel Corporation is Southeastasia's largest and most diversified food & beverage company dating back to colonial times when it was set up as a local franchise by an affluent Spanish-Filipino family (Sorriano clan) until it fully separated and is now owned by the Filipino-Chinese political and business dynasty known as the Cojuangco clan who also own PLTD Telecommunications, Bank of Commerce and the TV Channel ABC 5. The company also owns the poultry and beverage (milk, fruit juice, mineral water) Magnolia. It is also behind the success of Absolute Mineral Water and Coca Cola Bottlers Philippines. Starting out from a mere alcohol distillery, San Miguel Beer is now legendary in its countless forms, Pale Pilsen, Ginebra etc and is also considered to be the most drunk alcohol not only in the Philippines but also in Macau, Hong Kong and the southern provinces of China. It has also made aquisitions from comopanies in Australia, CHina and the United States. I mean it is unimaginable that a Philippine company can attain all this meaning that we are on our way to vast industrialization. Over a year ago, it was published in local nexspapers that San Miguel would also be providing food and be exporting in West African countries. I don't know whether that became true. It also opened up a daughter company in Hong Kong. It's weird how many people still thinkthat it is a Spanish or Chinese owned company.Most of its farm outputs are taken from Hacienda Luisita Inc. in Pampanga also owned by its owners.

Chikka Asia Inc., is a pure Pinoy invention that was triggered by the TXT Mesaaging revolution in the Philippines. The thought of Filipino computer engneers back in 1999 was to make possible, connections between PC user in the internet and moblie phone users in the contry. Since PC's and the internaet has not clicked well in the country, Filipino software developers came up with a chip that makes it possible for Internet users to send messages to moble phone users and vice versa and that for free! Imagine that! When the company and invention was launched in 2001, it was only in 2001 when it was made possible to create the Chikka Messenger, which gives it a much wider step and advantage over the Yahoo! and MSN Messengers due to its distinct features. Back then, the Philippines already had a total output of 2.1 billion SMS Text Messages a month, already making it the world's texting capital in the world back then creating more than 20% of the world volume. Now the country creates 1 billion TEXT Messages a day! WIth its partnership with Globe Telecom, SMART Telecommunications and Sun Cellular, it now has access to 100% of the Philippine mobile industry. Originally developed to serve connection between FIlipinos with overseas workers abroad, many people do not know that this is actually an original FIlipino invention. It was first launched in Indonesia and Thailand, then in Japan, Malaysia and Singapore as of 2005 and it has already been conncted with international media networks. It now has a 34 million member strong foundation in 12 countries including the US. When it was launched in India last year, the international breakthrough of the company began. Within just a few months, it received 1.9 million downloads in India alone. They have seen the possibility for its business transaction services. It has been exhibited in Spain, SOuth Kore and Japan and has been recently launched in the United Kingdom affiliated with 6 networks that have access with 72 million consumers all over Europe. This, the company is unique on its own and has no competitors in the global market! Talagang angat ang Pinoy dito! Wlang laban ang T-Mobile at Vodafone dito. The term Chikka comes from the Filipino word tsika, meaning gossip. It is a negative distinction of the Filipino culture that entrepreneurs have been able to apply economically to conquer the globe.

SM , which only started out from scratch and poverty only a few decades ago is now one of the world's emerging comopanies. Its founder, Henry Sy, is the world's 349th richest man and his daughter heiress Tessie Sy, is one of the worlds 45 most influential women in business. Their retailing company operates more than 30 supermalls in the Philppines including the world's third largest which is the Mall of Asia. The company is now very diversified with its ownership of banco de Oro Universal Bank, PCI Equitable Bank and other ventures in tourism and property, which are growing in a massive scale. The company has secretly been expanding in China with three malls in the family's home province. They are aiming to replicate its success in China!!! They will open 10 malls in CHina until 2010. They are also planning of expansions in India and Vietnam. They've recently opened a mall in Guam. The family has an asset predicted at 15 million US dollars. We'll see how the company evolves in the future.

Oishi, Bench, National Bookstore, Robinsons have started out expansions in China...what will be next? How do we see this as a country? Is this the road to national glory?

Talagang angat ang Pinoy!

diehardbisdak

April 11th, 2007, 05:12 PM

^^ i'd like also to mention ISLAND SOUVENIRS and LACTO PAFI... these brands are now available overseas...

Thunderflip

April 15th, 2007, 09:11 AM

A lot of foreign companies also manufacture their products here, microchips, electronic components, auto parts, toys, textile & furniture. I wonder if the "Made in the Phils." seal is credited throughout the world.

IsabelPresley

April 15th, 2007, 09:21 AM

^^ same thing here in Riyadh....Jollibee closed their store in less than a year...

that's because Jollibee is selfish and serving Filipino size portions (small tiny portions as found in Filipino McDonald's KFC Jollibee's and other fast food places) for 7-8 AMERICAN DOLLARS, trying to suck as much money as possible from overseas Filipinos while giving them diet-sized portions, HELLO? 7 DOLLARS is what many Filipinos make PER HOUR, it's minimum wage, why would they go to Jollibee's to eat like they're on a diet (because that's how little the meals are) when they could go to McDonald's and for 8 dollars get a meal that's 4 times larger than Jollibee's meals for the same prices?

It's like the Marcos mentality try to suck out all of the money from the Filipinos while giving them very little back, in this case, tiny-sized meals for 5-8 dollars, Jesus Christ. (I know cause i ate at a Jollibee's in Glendale, CA just last month, and it was like I was on a diet, that's how small the chicken and rice and spaghetti was, they gave SO LITTLE for such an expensive price, ripping people off)

smokingunmanila

April 15th, 2007, 09:37 AM

Yung sa HK jollibee...malaki saka halos pareho or konte lang ang mahal sa manila price...

OtAkAw

April 15th, 2007, 09:39 AM

I also read somewhere that Kamiseta and Bayo are both enjoying modest growth in other markets around the world. It's about time we export our clothing, brands like Maldita, Penshoppe, the two mentioned above, Oxygen, Solo and F&H have HUGE potentials.

diehardbisdak

April 15th, 2007, 09:56 AM

FYI: Penshoppe, Oxygen and Memo are manufactured by one company which is Golden ABC, Inc. based in Mandaue City, Cebu!

* Penshoppe has 2 store branches in China

diehardbisdak

April 15th, 2007, 10:04 AM

..Cebu's ISLAND SOUVENIRS has branches in Hong Kong and Singapore

diz

April 15th, 2007, 10:35 AM

Here's one:

http://www.darleeneisms.la/imgs/DSC06013.jpg

NOVO ECIJANO

April 15th, 2007, 11:38 AM

FIGARO COFFEE COMPANY SUCCESS STORY:A

passion for coffee
FigarÓ Coffee Co. started as a small kiosk in Glorietta 3, Makati City, in 1993. The venture, which was started by seven friends including entrepreneur Chit Juan, was borne out of the group’s love for brewing, tasting, and experimenting with coffee varieties from across the globe.

The group thought it would be nice to have a place to hang out in while enjoying cups of steaming coffee.

The seven friends were very hands-on in running Figaró. They not only served the coffee themselves but also taught customers how to brew their own coffee. This would pave the way for the company’s commitment to the personalized service that would generate a loyal following in the years to come.

At that time, there were no international chains in the Philippines and Figaró enjoyed brisk sales and a lot of loyal customers. After five years, the European-style cafés, which catered to upscale coffee lovers, grew to five branches.

Pretty soon, Juan and her partners found a way to expand without going in debt: franchising. The company, which awarded its first franchise in 1998, hired franchise consultants, built a commissary, and improved its stock room and other support needs.

Figaró now has over 50 outlets, including two in Shanghai, China, and one in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Juan sees the company growing to 100 stores.

“If you are starting in this business, you have to be prepared to make the coffee yourself, wash the dishes, and mind the counter. That’s something I needed to unlearn. I needed to realize that the business can go without being an actual coffee maker,” she said.

Figaró has also been at the forefront of efforts to revive the local industry with 90 percent of coffee served in its overseas outlets coming from the Philippines. Juan said while Figaró serves international blends, the customers prefer regular coffee, which is made from freshly roasted, grade A Arabica and Barako beans produced by Philippine farmers.

To invest in a Figaró Coffee Co. franchise, an individual or group needs P5 million to P6 million, depending on the business model most suitable to the site chosen by the applicant. The company provides a strong support system to help franchises. This support comes in the form of initial site assessment, training in the Figaro system for the franchisee and initial branch staff, site design and construction assistance, comprehensive store operations manual, an opening team assigned for the branch’s first month of operation, continuous research and improvement of the Figaró product line, regular field visits by the Figaró operations team to give on-site assistance, continuous training programs, and a network of regular communications with franchisees. Dinna Chan Vasquez

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Thursday, March 8, 2007

Exchange Rate
Closing: Mar. 7, 2007
US$=48.73
Up 0.1 centavos
Phisix
Closing: Mar. 7, 2007
3063.26
Up 89.99 points

diehardbisdak

April 15th, 2007, 03:53 PM

Cebu's BO'S COFFEE CLUB , the website is now online...click image to direct you to the site!

http://www.boscoffeeclub.com/splash.jpg (http://www.boscoffeeclub.com/)

NOVO ECIJANO

April 15th, 2007, 04:13 PM

Cebu's BO'S COFFEE CLUB , the website is now online...click image to direct you to the site!

http://www.boscoffeeclub.com/splash.jpg (http://www.boscoffeeclub.com/)

any plans to expand overseas?

sandrn

April 16th, 2007, 01:21 AM

VCO or virgin coconut oil. It’s a good "tried and tested" skin moisturizer.
If you clean your face with AHA or glycolic acid peel pads to get rid of black heads, white heads, or dirt, use VCO as an after-peel moisturizer. It doesn’t tighten your skin like some of the most expensive popular brands. After cleaning with peel pads, massage your facial skin with VCO, leave it for an 1 hour. Rinse with moisturizing soap and water. You will see and feel the difference right after rinsing. It works wonders.
Problema lang sa vco amoy coconut. Dapat lagyan ng mga manufacturer ng konting oabango para sa mga ayaw ng amoy cococnut.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p23bcd06e6e4c835cca93ed83a3f1cc75/e9e6169d.jpg

Lili

April 16th, 2007, 02:13 AM

^^ I'm going to try to find that and buy that here in the US. I have always been a fan of coconut oil eversince I was in the Philippines. I used to use it during hot oil treatment for the hair.

sandrn

April 16th, 2007, 08:54 PM

Try it Lily. Be wary of other brands. Marami daw peke na naglalagay ng tatak na VCO.
The genuine VCO is pure white. It turns transparent when the room temperature is warm and turns into solid white when the room temperature is cold. It has a slight coconut smell (not the rancid type). Don’t drink it as some people do.
You can also use it to soften the heel after a warm foot bath (like in do-it-yourself foot massage).

Lili

April 17th, 2007, 12:22 AM

^^ Thanks for the tip. Once I get to visit a Filipino store in Queens, I will look for VCO.

Sinjin P.

April 17th, 2007, 05:36 AM

I recommend the brand "TheraHerb". May flavored (and therefore scented) din sila such as banana, orange, apple, chocolate, lemon, etc. :)

Lili

April 17th, 2007, 05:41 AM

^ What is TheraHerb? Also coconut oil?

They used to market Ampalaya tea and Pito-pito here. They should continue with that because these have known medicinal and therapeutic effects. The Philippines should not lose stimulus marketing these products because pretty soon, other countries and companies will package these as their own.

Right now, Mangosteen juice is being sold in health food stores for its anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties similar to Noni and Acai juices.

Sinjin P.

April 17th, 2007, 05:52 AM

^ TheraHerb is the best-selling VCO brand in the Philippines. I love it. I take a tablespoon after every meal (I think it helped me achieve the "kutis" I have now :hahaha: )

Lili

April 17th, 2007, 06:02 AM

^^ Oh maybe so. Because here they say taking a spoonful of flaxseed oil (with high Omega 3 acids) will make your skin smoother, ease digestion and control appetite. They have good fatty acids, that's why.

I love fresh buko juice. The canned ones that I bought made in Malaysia and Jamaica have that rancid taste.

I hope that they can sell affordable ones here that really tastes like fresh buko juice without preservatives.

OtAkAw

April 17th, 2007, 04:52 PM

^^Oh, time to buy Coconut oil! I desperately need a way to lose weight this summer.

You're right, bottled coconut juice have that really awful taste. The best parin ang buko juice sa mga grill houses sa Pinas.

Sinjin P.

April 18th, 2007, 02:59 AM

sandrn

April 18th, 2007, 05:13 AM

^ Nope. The best facial moisturizer I've ever tried. More gentle and milder than any of the expensive brands I had tried in the past.

Risk Taker

April 18th, 2007, 05:18 AM

^ TheraHerb is the best-selling VCO brand in the Philippines. I love it. I take a tablespoon after every meal (I think it helped me achieve the "kutis" I have now :hahaha: )

^^ where can you buy this one in pinas? i just noticed that you're very young but very health and beauty conscious as well:D ...pareho sa pamangkin ko na lalaki, napapalungo lang kami sa kanya kasi kung anu ano yung nilalagay sa balat nya, daig pa nya kami na mga babae:lol:

schaner

April 18th, 2007, 05:59 AM

I just read that the Bayanihan Dance Troupe won first place at the recently concluded World Folk Dance Festival. According to the Inquirer, the Philippines bested other dance groups from 50 countries of Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. The judges were from Spain, Australia, Argentina, the Netherlands and Wales.

Congratulations!

Sorry, I couldn't find the article online, but it's on the second front page of today's PDI, and written by Tarra Quismundo :)

Sinjin P.

April 18th, 2007, 06:32 AM

^^ where can you buy this one in pinas? i just noticed that you're very young but very health and beauty conscious as well:D ...pareho sa pamangkin ko na lalaki, napapalungo lang kami sa kanya kasi kung anu ano yung nilalagay sa balat nya, daig pa nya kami na mga babae:lol:

In Pinas? It's in all major supermarkets and drugstores nationwide (SM, Metro, Robinsons, Watsons, Mercury Drug, Rose Pharmacy, etc.)

TheraHerb VCO: http://www.splash.com.ph/?S=25&ID=H,445,PCB,-1&SS=PC&PID=4&P=2

International Markets:
http://www.splash.com.ph/?S=25&SS=264

The manufacturer:
http://www.splash.com.ph

Risk Taker

April 18th, 2007, 06:47 AM

thanks for the reply and the link, never know it's splash product, i'm a splash consumer too in pinas. i use their skin white lotionm))

smokingunmanila

April 18th, 2007, 06:58 AM

there are tons of very intelligent pinoys scattered all over the world...this we should be proud off....

beads_strawberries

April 18th, 2007, 10:28 AM

^^We should really be proud of ourselves. We're really good at what we do. Professionalism and hard work always bring us at the height of everything. No wonder we are conquering the world from skilled workers to health professionals to IT persons.

While some think of it negatively, we should look at it at an optimistic end. After all, the world might go chaos without Filipinos, as per an article I've read few weeks ago entitled A Day without Filipinos.

NOVO ECIJANO

April 18th, 2007, 10:48 AM

there are tons of very intelligent pinoys scattered all over the world...this we should be proud off....

im proud of this ssc group,kung ganito lang sana ang attitude ng karamihan sa
ating mga pilipino,we could be the leader in asia.

dattebayo

April 19th, 2007, 01:07 AM

schaner

April 19th, 2007, 03:03 AM

dattebayo

April 19th, 2007, 05:13 AM

^ Talaga? That's a shame. I got to talk to a woman a couple of months back from Daly City. She doesn't have Filipino or Asian blood, but she enjoys eating halo-halo from the Goldilocks branch in their city. What's funny is she doesn't really know the ingredients but she loves it anyway. Hehe. And she's aware that it's Filipino food, not the generic "Asian".

yah, yun nkalagay sa billboard nla. I also see americans na kumakain dun. yund walang kasamang pinoy ha. Nkakatuwa din tingnan na in every pinoy resto, may nkikita akong puti other asians na kumakain :)

diehardbisdak

April 19th, 2007, 07:55 PM

Cebu's Aldeguer Group of Companies...makers of USA Sports, Island Souvenirs and Loalde....expands overseas!

***********

Loalde to open outlets in Malaysia, Singapore
By Ehda M. Dagooc
The Freeman 04/20/2007

Homegrown brand Loalde goes international in the next few months as it opens outlets in Malaysia and Singapore.

Aldeguer Group of Company (AGC) president Jay P. Aldeguer, however said the company is still negotiating with its potential partners in these countries and most probably the deal would be a franchise operation.

The provider of apparel products for sophisticated market, Loalde has two boutiques in Cebu, one in Makati, two in Bacolod and Iloilo, as well as Davao City, and one in Cagayan de Oro City.

Loalde, is one of the long-standing Cebuano-owned apparel brand for men and women in the Philippines. AGC is also the mother company of other apparel brands such as Islands Souvenirs, USA Sports, Bisaya Ispisyal, among others.

Aldeguer also mentioned that Loalde is also planning to open more shops in Metro Manila, aside from its plan to venture into the overseas market.

Just like its sister company, Island Souvenirs, which has outlets in other countries like USA, Saipan, among others, Loalde is also starting to open its doors to international market.

Capturing the growing market for sophisticated apparel fashion not only in the highly-urbanized areas such as Metro Manila and Cebu, Loalde has been able to penetrate other cities in the Philippines, such as Iloilo City, Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City.

Recently, the company opened its 10th outlet in Bacolod City at the SM Supermall.

With the success of the Loalde brand in the Philippines, there is no reason why it can't be successful in other Asian countries, Aldeguer said.

Aldeguer said the increasing purchasing power of Filipinos brought about by the robust investments in BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) as well as other employment and entrepreneurial opportunities have paved the way for more dynamic retail industry, including the branded RTW (Ready-To-Wear) products.

Specifically, he said the Cebuanos buying preference has now improved. The market has become more sophisticated, thus, despite the existence of cheap products, sales of branded or original items in different retail establishments are still doing very well.

athan

April 20th, 2007, 01:00 AM

I just feel a bit bad about Goldilucks sa California. instead kasi of displaying Filipino cuisine, nilagay nla Asian cuisine pero cguro part of marketing strategy nla yun kasi di sikat ang filipino food.

Yea i also don't like how filipino businesses in America display Asian or Oriental. Goldilock's is like one of the most successful Filipino stores here and yet the country where it is from is not recognized. It's just weird cos Italian or Greek owners don't name their stores "European".. That's like too broad.

Sinjin P.

April 20th, 2007, 04:05 AM

I really wasn't aware that USA Sports was a Cebuano/Filipino brand. It makes me even more proud to be a Filipino ;)

Risk Taker

April 20th, 2007, 07:42 AM

I just feel a bit bad about Goldilucks sa California. instead kasi of displaying Filipino cuisine, nilagay nla Asian cuisine pero cguro part of marketing strategy nla yun kasi di sikat ang filipino food.

^ Talaga? That's a shame. I got to talk to a woman a couple of months back from Daly City. She doesn't have Filipino or Asian blood, but she enjoys eating halo-halo from the Goldilocks branch in their city. What's funny is she doesn't really know the ingredients but she loves it anyway. Hehe. And she's aware that it's Filipino food, not the generic "Asian".

Yea i also don't like how filipino businesses in America display Asian or Oriental. Goldilock's is like one of the most successful Filipino stores here and yet the country where it is from is not recognized. It's just weird cos Italian or Greek owners don't name their stores "European".. That's like too broad.

for me it's jsut business sense. business survival first then others will just follow. not displaying the name Filipino doesn't really mean they're less patriotic. we jsut have to accept reality that for now we still have to double our effort in establishing our name. Italians and Greek they already have names and they are recognized in the world already so they doesn't have to resort to something like what our business establishments are doing. Let's just be patient i'm sure we will be there soon.

:cheers:

while writing this post i remember and i'm just glad of what i bought last night, sunflower crackers from the local store here:D

tigidig14

April 20th, 2007, 04:26 PM

yah, yun nkalagay sa billboard nla. I also see americans na kumakain dun. yund walang kasamang pinoy ha. Nkakatuwa din tingnan na in every pinoy resto, may nkikita akong puti other asians na kumakain :)

d2 rin eh minsan nga nakakatuwa yung mga mexicano umo-order dun sa binibilan ko ng pagkain. tinanong ko minsan dun sa nagtitinda bat may mga kumakaing mexicanong dito, sabi nung nagtitinda: ewan rin baka nagustohan lang yung mga luto. sabi ko na lang: no, are u serious...haha

bitoy

April 21st, 2007, 06:43 PM

Yea i also don't like how filipino businesses in America display Asian or Oriental. Goldilock's is like one of the most successful Filipino stores here and yet the country where it is from is not recognized. It's just weird cos Italian or Greek owners don't name their stores "European".. That's like too broad.

I don't know what you meant by being recognized. Filipino owned businesses abroad usually cater for their fellow Filipinos, other nationalities enjoying what they provide is just an added bonus. Goldilocks has been a local brand for quite a while so as Betsy's, Cindy's, Aristocrat, Max's, Barrio fiesta and etc..with other foreign sounding name owned by Filipinos and anyone would appreciate any businesses foreign or local if they really suited one's taste. ( Anything written to broaden the scope of the customers is just a business strategy. )

We still can not compete with other nations when it comes to foreign businesses if that what you meant. Most of those famous names or regional delicacies have been there for a very long time and we are just barely starting to expand.

Askal82

April 21st, 2007, 07:28 PM

d2 rin eh minsan nga nakakatuwa yung mga mexicano umo-order dun sa binibilan ko ng pagkain. tinanong ko minsan dun sa nagtitinda bat may mga kumakaing mexicanong dito, sabi nung nagtitinda: ewan rin baka nagustohan lang yung mga luto. sabi ko na lang: no, are u serious...haha

Discovery by accident method of introducing Pinoy food. :lol:

diehardbisdak

April 21st, 2007, 07:58 PM

I really wasn't aware that USA Sports was a Cebuano/Filipino brand. It makes me even more proud to be a Filipino ;)

...for more info, here's the link to their website:

http://www.usasports.com.ph/contact.php?PHPSESSID=66be1766c3376bdf3189b92e8beafc88

Sinjin P.

April 27th, 2007, 05:33 AM

Consumers now prefer local brands (http://businessmirror.com.ph/0427&282007/companies04.html)
By Rory Visco
Correspondent

Many years ago Philippine-made brands, or lokal in the vernacular, were ignored by Filipinos due to poor craftsmanship and overall product quality.

Now, all that has changed. More local products are now competitive and at par with some of the foreign brands. In fact, many Filipinos prefer to have them than their foreign counterparts.

The latest Philippine results of the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands survey point to this development. Now in its 9th edition, results of the survey will be announced today at the Dusit Hotel Nikko in Makati City.

In some of the categories like banking, Filipinos trust local banks such as Metrobank, Philippine National Bank and Bank of the Philippine Islands.

Crown Asia, Ayala Land and Sta. Lucia Realty, on the other hand, were chosen as trusted property developers.

Other local firms trusted more by Filipinos include Philamlife for insurance.

Other familiar brands include San Miguel Beer, Boysen Paints, Panda, Emperador, Philippine Airlines, Enervon, Wilkins, Carrier, Condura and Miladay Jewels.

Brands that excelled in the survey’s new categories include St. Luke’s Medical Center, Makati Medical Center and Philippine General Hospital. Internet service provider PLDT MyDSL, processed food maker Purefoods and tire maker Goodyear also garnered excellent results in the survey.

A total of 41 local brands were included in the latest survey.

But because the economy is also cosmopolitan and open, Philippine consumers still trust familiar foreign brands like Rolex, Toyota, Honda, Petron, Coca-Cola, Canon, Pilot, Sony, Nokia, General Electric, Lenovo, HP, DHL and Samsung, which were again voted this year.

Hospital and university categories were added this year. Reader’s Digest feels that the level of trust in these areas is very important, according to Simon Cholmeley, regional advertising director for Reader’s Digest Asia, in a statement Thursday .

“We are constantly refreshing the survey to include information that will be useful to consumers and also to encourage brands to strive harder, be it to upgrade their products, update their image or improve their service levels to meet consumers’ expectations,” the statement said, quoting Cholmeley.

The Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands survey was done in coordination with Nielsen Media Research, whose expertise is in international media research and analysis.

A total of 7,000 respondents in seven countries, including the Philippines, were sampled, with more than 300,000 questionnaires mailed by Reader’s Digest last October. Also, 3,500 participants were interviewed by telephone from October to November 2006.

Consumers were asked to name the brand they trust most in 43 categories of services and products, and rate them based on six factors: trustworthiness, credible image, quality, value, understanding of customer needs and innovation.

The results of the survey will be published in the May 2007 issue of Reader's Digest Asia editions and the Philippine results will be available on the Web site www.rdasiatrustedbrands.com, including previous survey results.

The Reader’s Digest Association Inc. is a global publisher and direct marketer of books, magazines and home entertainment products. The company publishes 77 magazines, including its flagship Reader’s Digest.

bariQ

April 27th, 2007, 08:42 AM

OtAkAw

April 27th, 2007, 08:45 AM

^^Looks like the "Buy Pinoy" campaign is now finally working, good thing local companies have decided to make their services "world class". This is a really good indication, time for our local giants to explore overseas markets big time!

dattebayo

April 27th, 2007, 09:07 AM

Sinjin P.

April 27th, 2007, 10:00 AM

Eh gusto ko yung Colgate Fresh Confidence (Blue) eh, works well for my teeth... ;)

amigo32

April 27th, 2007, 01:54 PM

true, world class tlga pinoy products. ako pag toothpaste, happy toothpaste ginagamit ko. masarap gamitin kesa mga colgate and close up. tska recommended narin ng dentists. try nyo. :)

we ourselves should start buying pinoy products. Wag kau bibili ng colgate. kasi most of the colgate brands galing sa ibang bansa. just like yung nakikita natin sa grocery na ibat ibang kulay na colgate, sa Malaysia ata galing yun.

Happee http://www.shemberg.com.ph/images/proudly_philippine_made.gifdin gamit ko, I've switched since colgate factory/production was moved from Makati to Bangkok and closeup (unilever) to Indonesia.

NOVO ECIJANO

April 28th, 2007, 08:27 AM

ako kahit nasa ibang lugar ako ay filipino products pa rin ang binibili ko.in clothings sa bench ako bumibili sa mga foodstuffs ganoon din,kung ang remittances ay malaki ang naitutulong sa atin ekonomiya what more if we buy our own products,may chain effects iyan.

diehardbisdak

April 28th, 2007, 09:43 AM

Happee http://www.shemberg.com.ph/images/proudly_philippine_made.gifdin gamit ko, I've switched since colgate factory/production was moved from Makati to Bangkok and closeup (unilever) to Indonesia.

...did you know that one of Colgate Toothpaste's main ingredients is carageenan which is processed and refined at Cebu's Shemberg Company...they are the official supplier to Colgate-Palmolive... and 'eto pa, they will be supplying the same ingredient to Victoria's Secret's toothpaste line...soon....though, negotiation is still on-going!

amigo32

April 28th, 2007, 10:20 AM

carageenan is a common ingredient on food, and yes on toothpaste.

Pinoy products una bago imported. Siempre yung may quality.

oz.fil

April 28th, 2007, 01:07 PM

lol i use close up :D

OtAkAw

April 29th, 2007, 09:26 AM

^^Colgate naman kame! My family loves the Fresh Confidence with Cooling Crystals line. I wonder why they decided to move to Bangkok, not a long while ago, I could still remember the "Made in the Philippines" indication at the back of Colgate toothpastes.

Sinjin P.

April 29th, 2007, 11:39 AM

amigo32

April 29th, 2007, 02:04 PM

^ Yes, 'yan din ang toothpaste na ginagamit ng aming family. :colgate: <--Colgate Smiley. So does that mean that the owner of this site uses Colgate too? :lol: I-recommend natin ang Happee sa kanya ;)

Seriously, are you willing to give up those brands to give way for Pinoy brands?

I see no difference when it comes to quality of the said toothpaste brands.

sandrn

April 29th, 2007, 02:36 PM

Beam and Happee toothpaste are both homegrown Pinoy brands.

I also buy Pinoy-made Johnson's Baby Cologne (blue and pink color) and nenuco, angel's breath and baby's breath, Nature's way Aloe Vera Shampoo, VCO,
CocoJam (matamis na bao), Peanut Butter, Pinoy-made Lady's Choice with Pickle Relish, Cheez Whiz and a lot more.

diehardbisdak

April 29th, 2007, 04:02 PM

^^ kahit papano, may part pa ring "pinoy" ang Colgate Toothpaste na gawa sa ibang bansa...

crappypants

April 30th, 2007, 07:29 AM

that is so great to hear that pinoys are catching on this habit ,our se asian neighbors have been practicing the buy your own campaign. we may be late in joining the parade but better late than never.
Try to also buy local products for cleaning like dishwasing soaps, shampoos, detergents glass cleaner etc..I don't understand why we have many imported products of these items since they are so easily fabricated. In the US most household items are all locally made.
Do you know why korea and chinas economy is taking off ,since most of small household appliances sold in the PHils . are all manufactured by them. how sad

NOVO ECIJANO

April 30th, 2007, 08:58 AM

:banana: karamihan sa mga pilipino ay mahilig sa imported,dito sa pinagtatrabahuan ko
ay dito namimili ang mga pilipino ng kagamitan sa bahay o appliances para ipadala sa pilipinas.hanggat maari sa atin ko binibili ang mga bagay na kailangan ko sa bahay.last i year when i went home for vacation,ang lahat ng appliances na kailangan ko sa bagong bahay ko ay binili lahat sa pilipinas.although my kamahalan ang mga iba like lcd tv.here the sony lcd is 40 percent lower so it's not practical anymore to buy it back home.

Askal82

May 1st, 2007, 03:04 AM

OtAkAw

May 1st, 2007, 09:53 AM

^^My dad is doing this. Pinoys have this reverence to things na "amoy-Stateside". Because we rarely see those products here and they have good quality plus the fact that it came from a land/place that we haven't step foot into, that adds to the raving. Everyone wants something new for a change.

jbkayaker12

May 1st, 2007, 10:29 AM

I also notice how Filipinos bring loads of soaps, toothpastes and even toilet papers in balikbayan boxes whenever they go back to the Philippines. Does this have anything to do with their perception that imported goods are always superior to the local ones? These items are usually available in the Philippines and is much cheaper compared to buying them here in mass quantities and wastes your time stuffing them in boxes.

It is about the gift of giving to our relatives that makes Filipinos overseas bring in goods back home. The genuine appreciation when you see a relative receive an unexpected gift is worth the hassle of stuffing the suitcases with all different kinds of merchandise. When I went home, my roomate and I brought home 3 suitcases and 2 carryons filled with gifts. The other suitcase was for our belongings. Coming back from the Philippines, our relatives returned the favor by stuffing our suitcases with Philippine delicacies and handicrafts.:)

Sinjin P.

May 1st, 2007, 04:00 PM

^ Kahit nga hindi galing abroad eh... Grabe talaga makaappreciate at makavalue ng regalo ang mga Pinoy :)

smokingunmanila

May 1st, 2007, 04:08 PM

Good..buy pinoy..it will help our economy...ako din minsan guilty...pero I will take note of beam toothpaste or happi....

kiretoce

May 2nd, 2007, 12:32 AM

Sultan Kudarat offers tilapia for export (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/gen/2007/05/02/news/sultan.kudarat.offers.tilapia.for.export.html)

Isulan, Sultan Kudarat -- Local officials and business leaders in Sultan Kudarat urged the National Government and exporters to look at the province's tilapia industry amid the country's goal to penetrate the United States with tilapia fillet.

Elena U. Haw, the Sultan Kudarat-based chairman of the Federation of Business Chambers Mindanao Foundation, said the province's tilapia industry, based in Lutayan town, is capable of supplying part of the demand.

"Our tilapia industry has been there for a long time. It is a stable industry. The edge of Sultan Kudarat's tilapia is that they're grown naturally (without commercial feeds)," she said.

Sultan Kudarat Representative Suharto Mangudadatu, whose family owns significant portions of tilapia fish cages grown at Lake Buluan, said the local tilapia product has yet to land in the export market.

He told reporters recently their buyers are mostly from Mindanao who may have been shipping the tilapia to other parts of the country like Manila.

Haw said the possibility of sending local tilapia abroad would boost the local economy and may cut poverty incidence in the area as the prospects may lead more local people to embark in tilapia farming.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) director Malcolm I. Sarmiento earlier said the bureau is now gearing to increase tilapia production, particularly to produce tilapia fillet to supply the US market by next year, as US demand for the product rose to 24,000 tons in 2005 from only 4,000 tons in 2002.

"The biggest market now for tilapia is the US," said Sarmiento.

He said the Philippines is already capable of producing the needed export volume since it ranks second in world tilapia production, next only to China.

But, despite the high production rate, the Philippines is not even one of the top 15 suppliers of the US.

Since Filipinos are tilapia eaters, he said, most of the tilapia produced in the country is consumed domestically, leaving very little for export.

Bfar recently allocated P10 million for a tilapia fillet plant in Cagayan de Oro within the year, with a targeted production of at least 50 tons a month.

Sarmiento said BFAR plans to convert Northern Mindanao into a tilapia-growing center and a fillet-production area for the fillets eyed for export.

Don Fresco, a fish sales monitoring officer of a company engaged in tilapia production in Lutayan town, said they have been supplying tilapia to Northern Mindanao through Cagayan de Oro City wholesale buyers.

His company, Lutayan Fish Farm, rakes is an estimated two million pesos from Lake Buluan, an estimated 17,000-hectare inland body of water straddling Lutayan town and Buluan in Maguindanao, due to vast harvests at least twice a week of tilapia and also bangus.

BFAR is still trying to increase tilapia production areas to 250 hectares, the hectarage needed to produce 150 to 200 tons of raw materials a month to support the planned export venture.

Today, 60 percent of the Philippines' tilapia production comes from Central Luzon.

Sarmiento said that region's production can focus on meeting the domestic demand, while Northern Mindanao's production can focus on exports.

Lili

May 2nd, 2007, 01:19 AM

I also notice how Filipinos bring loads of soaps, toothpastes and even toilet papers in balikbayan boxes whenever they go back to the Philippines. Does this have anything to do with their perception that imported goods are always superior to the local ones? These items are usually available in the Philippines and is much cheaper compared to buying them here in mass quantities and wastes your time stuffing them in boxes.

^^My dad is doing this. Pinoys have this reverence to things na "amoy-Stateside". Because we rarely see those products here and they have good quality plus the fact that it came from a land/place that we haven't step foot into, that adds to the raving. Everyone wants something new for a change.

I think you hit on to something here. It is the sensory effect of "amoy Stateside" that I think somehow gives them a vicarious feeling of experiencing America. Hence, Pinoys love soaps, shampoos, perfumes, etc. as pasalubongs from the USA.

It is the reverse for Pinoys in the States. I remember I asked those from the Philippines who are coming here for a visit to buy me Tender Care baby powder before because it reminds me of childhood in the Philippines.

Askal82

May 2nd, 2007, 01:38 AM

^^ and the papaya soaps. In addition to its skin whitening properties, I simply love the aroma of papaya. :lol:

Sinjin P.

May 28th, 2007, 06:53 AM

NZ eyed as market for tropical fruits (http://businessmirror.com.ph/05282007/economy05.html)
By Jennifer Ng
Reporter

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking to expand the country’s exports of tropical fruits to New Zealand as President Arroyo goes there for a state visit.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap, who will accompany the President to Australia and New Zealand, said the increase in the export of fresh and processed fruits like banana, mango, papaya and pineapple is on his agenda.

Aside from more exports, Yap said he is looking to tap more investments from Australia and New Zealand into the country’s dairy sector and halal food processing.

Currently, the DA noted that New Zealand ranks 32nd among the importers of local fruits worldwide.

Yap said there are good prospects for the export of fresh mangoes as the demand for the fruit in New Zealand is estimated at 255,500 cartons annually. He said the DA would also negotiate for the export of mangoes from Davao del Sur to Australia and the United States.

Yap said that besides promoting Philippine tropical fruits in New Zealand, he will also pursue cooperative activities on soil conservation that could provide employment and training opportunities for Filipino farmers.

The DA chief said he will also explore the possibility of implementing a “dairy manpower exchange program with” New Zealand.

OtAkAw

May 28th, 2007, 09:17 AM

^^About time! Pinoy tropical fruits could be a big hit in that country considering they cannot grow and harvest them there.

sugarboy

June 13th, 2007, 10:28 AM

An invitation to the SSC forumers...

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a94/avenidalasalle/Art4spaces/HopeofTheFutureInvitation600.jpg

NOVO ECIJANO

June 16th, 2007, 06:43 PM

:banana: :banana: :banana: Hollywood actor Jesse Bradford gets Richard Gutierrez’s role

Jesse Bradford, the Hollywood actor recently picked to star in the US remake of Yam Laranas’ acclaimed thriller in Tagalog, “Sigaw.”

Jesse, whom we interviewed last October when he played one of the leads in Clint Eastwood’s World War II drama, “Flags of Our Fathers,” tackles the role played by Richard Gutierrez in the original movie. The photo was taken during our press con with him at the Warner Bros. lot.

Our congratulations to Yam — he gets to direct the American version, “The Echo,” as well. It’s a tribute to the filmmaking talent he displayed in “Sigaw.” An American director could have been chosen to helm “The Echo.” For Hollywood to give him the job, that’s a significant achievement.

Yam, way to go! For a change, it is nice to hear that Hollywood is doing a remake of a Filipino film and not the other way around. Let’s hope the American film industry taps more Pinoy stories and talents.

kyle@1008

June 16th, 2007, 07:01 PM

These two are Cannes-tastic!

By Tals Diaz
Inquirer

Last updated 07:21pm (Mla time) 06/08/2007

MANILA, Philippines—They may not have been on the world-famous Riviera red carpet, but the red-hot duo of Carlo Ledesma and Mel Lozano certainly deserved to be.

So I’m channeling my inner paparazzi and rolling out a red, white and blue carpet of my own for this hypertalented twosome. They recently won the Best Film Award from the Mini Movie International Channel at the Short Film Corner of the 2007 Cannes Film Festival for their film, “The Haircut.” To go with the groovy title and bragging rights for the next few years, the award also came with a hefty paycheck to the kaching of 10,000 euros.

“The Haircut” was produced in Sydney, where the two filipinos had moved to in pursuit of higher studies in filmmaking. Their short film is hardly short on concept. The idea for “The Haircut” began while brainstorming on possible film ideas for Carlo’s graduation film at the University of Sydney College of Arts. Mel came up with the simple premise: what would happen if a bald guy walked into a barbershop and asked for a haircut?

The film was shot on Super 16mm film, an extremely refreshing alternative in this digital mainstream era. “The Haircut” was shot in a barbershop they chanced upon after searching for six weeks around Sydney, in the small beach town of Dee Why. The shop was replete with ’80s Tiger Beat posters of Ralph Macchio on the walls. In other words, it was the perfect setting.

What resulted is a work that is both playful and poignant; perfect vignettes strung together with not a moment wasted. After watching the film, I can honestly say I gained a whole new insight on barbers!

Cut to: two years since its submission to Tropfest, Sydney’s annual indie film fest. “The Haircut” has gained critical acclaim, having been screened in 11 film festivals. Australian film critic Margaret Pomeranz even described it as “gorgeous in its whimsy … so well shot … nicely acted and the milieu is so well-established … it’s a complete film.”

I’ve had the pleasure to get candid with Carlo and Mel about sundry subjects, from their inspirations and film icons, to “Star Wars” and “Palibhasa Lalaki.” Hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as I did!

What films first made you say, “I want to get into film”?

MEL LOZANO: If I had to pick, two movies really made a huge impact on me growing up—“Star Wars” and “Pulp Fiction.” Both movies are indies and blockbusters which to me really aren’t two separate things.

CARLO LEDESMA: It would probably be “E.T.,” “The Empire Strikes Back,” and “Steven,” an uplifting tale about a murdered nerd who comes back to life and gets revenge on his bullies by killing them one by one. It was a video project I made in high school. Amidst the cheesy dialogue, hammy acting, and tomato sauce blood, I knew that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

It’s refreshing to know that you used film instead of digital format. Was this a matter of stubborn nostalgia, or do you really prefer film quality?

ML: I think every filmmaker has to shoot in film at least once. Digital makes everything so easy. But film, film makes everything beautiful. Even an ugly shot of an ass-crack will look like pretentious art shot on film.

CL: I just found it odd that I was in “film school” yet nobody was shooting on film! They were doing their projects on Mini-DV and I thought I wanted to raise the bar for myself by shooting on Super 16, costs be damned. For all the challenges a film shoot brings—begging for money, bigger crew, slower setups—it’s all worth it once you see the rushes. Iba pa rin ang film.

Still on nostalgia—there was certainly this palpable sense of it in “The Haircut.” Did that stem from your own sentimentality about barbershops?

ML: My family runs a barber shop in QC and as a kid I used to love running around the place, smelling that distinct old-school pomade aroma, playing with the shaving brushes, making kulit our barbers in white suits. Barber shops just evoke warm memories for me. We all agreed to give the film an old-school, bygone-era feel as much as possible.

CL: Barbers are so interesting because it seems like they all have stories to tell, whether it’s their own, or tales they’ve picked up from customers over the years. I also love how most barbershops always seem to be 20 years behind in decor, and that for me brings out some deep-rooted nostalgia. Maybe it’s because time seems to stand still in these places, probably because these aging barbers can’t be bothered to update themselves to the times. I also thought the concept of two people meeting—each totally different from the other—and connecting briefly, then parting ways, was an interesting idea to explore.

Budget is always a nightmare in film production. But you managed to come up with a good, award-winning film with “The Haircut” in spite of your budget limitations. Can you give realistic advise to indie hopefuls out there who want to make good films but lack the budget?

ML: The best thing my professor said in class was “Shoot with what you have.” Wise words. Use your connections, go through your rolodex, call long lost family friends. There’s no shame in pulling strings and being resourceful especially with such a tight budget. It goes a long way.

CL: It’s all about the story. When you sit down and write the script, don’t think about what type of cool angles you’re going to shoot or what lenses to use. Put as much thought into the story and characters as you can. Show your script to people and try to get as many unbiased opinions about it. And, when you have a first draft, do accept that it’s most likely crap. Throw it out and do it again. If you have a simple story that’s well told and thought out, then it won’t matter if it’s shot on 35mm or Video 8.

What do you think about our local film industry? What are the factors that impede wide release films in the Philippines from becoming truly world class?

ML: A number of things, I think. Lack of creativity, originality. Lack of really good scripts and studios that want to take risks. Big part of it also is that we don’t even patronize our own movies. But I think we’re getting there again, with “Maximo” and “Kubrador” making waves abroad.

CL: I’ve been out of the country for three years already so I’m kind of out of touch with the scene, but I have been hearing about lots of talented young filmmakers though, so all I say is, keep ’em coming! Would love to meet and have a beer with all of them.

What needs most improvement scriptwriting? Production? Better acting? Everything?

ML: I think, despite the incredible amount of talent we have in this country, everything needs improvement. Maybe because everything’s compromised with limited budgets. Like when I watch a big fantasy movie here you can still tell how cheap the props are and stuff. The actors still act as if they’re on “Palibhasa Lalake.” There’s just too much formula when you watch those date movies or whatever. I would just like to see a wide release, studio-backed Pinoy movie that doesn’t involve bad dubbing, melodramatic acting, and an over-synthesized score.

What is “Indie genius” to you?

CL: Indie genius is more than just someone with a creative mind and a good eye. It’s also about being a good leader and motivator. If you can convince an award winning cinematographer with over 20 years experience to shoot your film for peanuts based on your script and passion, then you’re a genius.

I also think an indie genius would be smart enough to take studio money, run with it, play the game, yet still come out with something that’s good and not compromised. Alfonso Cuaron and Chris Nolan come to mind.

Best lessons you learned in Uni during film school?

ML: I think I was too busy playing frisbee in Uni to be honest! (laughs) Australia in general has a great foreign movie production market—so many movies and commercials shoot there. Unfortunately, they don’t have much of a local film industry. They actually have the same problem as the Pinoy movie industry.

CL: To be honest, the best film school is making a film. I did make great friends and valuable contacts in film school, but nothing really exposes you to the ups and downs than by just doing it. Save your tuition, use it for a camera, and go shoot stuff. All the theory and techniques are just a Google search away anyways.

Tell us about allOrange films.

ML: Now that Carlo’s still in Australia and I’m in Manila, it would be nice to make it a bi-coastal company. Personally, I would really love to produce a Stephen Chow-like comedy with Vic Sotto or make a kick-ass Pinoy action flick sans the leather jackets and rolling around in abandoned factories.

CL: allOrange Films has been going on for three years. Its latest project is my short action-drama film called “The Last One.” Again, I wanted to raise the bar for myself by setting new goals. With “The Haircut,” it was shoot on film, keep it simple. With “The Last One,” my mindset was, write a film that presents as many challenges as possible. So I have night shoots, car scenes, guns, stunts. Thankfully I left out children and animals!

Finally, If you had a superpower, what would it be?

ML: I’d like to have the power to hire Johnny Depp, get the Bahamas as the main shooting location, and conjure $150 million out of nowhere to fund a mediocre blockbuster sequel. Wait that’s not a superpower. That’s a normal day for Jerry Bruckheimer.

CL: I’ll pick a character from “Heroes”— Eden’s power of persuasion. Imagine:

Carlo walks into Harvey Weinstein’s office.
Carlo: I would like for you to give me $40 million now.
Harvey: Yes. Now.
Carlo: And Natalie Portman’s number while you’re at it please, thanks.

(To watch “The Haircut” and learn more about allOrange films, log on to Carlo Ledesma’s website at www.allOrangefilms.com)[/QUOTE]

Carlos Ledesma is the former host of gameplan

CgMzc07ccmY

spacewagon1

July 11th, 2007, 12:58 PM

Another thread opened for Iloilo to showcase the best of Iloilo's Arts Exhibition. Museo Iloilo will be the first museum of arts, etc outside Manila for nothing. Let's embrace ourself to the beauty and grandeur of arts, paintings, etc of Iloilo.

spacewagon1

July 11th, 2007, 01:00 PM

Hope: An Exhibit
By Kathy M. Villalon

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/07/10/hope3.jpg
Facilitators Coco and Benji Belgica (middle) with
DSWD social workers

Allied Arts under Benji Belgica and his son, Coco held an exhibit for the teen residents of Home for the Girls. It was attended by some of the girls themselves and social workers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/07/10/hope1.jpg
A display of flowers and birds

The exhibit featured the works that the girls made from a series of workshops facilitated by Benji. One of them said that she enjoyed doing the workshops and advised girls her age to study art. The girl, whose name is withheld, wants to use her art in order to help others who are like her, who are victims of abuse. "I want to be a social worker someday," she said.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/07/10/hope2.jpg
The beauty of nature through the
strokes of a girl

Judith Tanate, OIC and head of the Home for Girls said that the center houses girls who were sexually and emotionally abused. "They are girls who are in need of special protection -- the neglected and abandoned, too. The house provides protective custody as well as temporary shelter," she said.

The exhibit culminated last June 30.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/07/10/hope.an.exhibit.html)

METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

July 14th, 2007, 08:14 AM

hmm nice thread...

we'll this is what I missed about ILOILO...

try this link... contains the pics for Hublag 92 The Ilonggo Arts Festival!

http://www.eddefensor.homestead.com/PhotoGallery4.html

with of course my favorite Ilonggo Artist Ed Defensor... Founder of Hubon Madia-as!

Contains some of his varied works as well... tani i-revive ang Hublag! The Ilonggo Arts Festival (held from annually 1988-1995)... now is the right time.

Hope you enjoy and hope we can invite him to our Thread!

spacewagon1

July 14th, 2007, 09:16 AM

i hope we can put a lot of Ilonggo Arts articles in this thread. I think Arts is pat of our Ilonggo culture hence galleries available in the city. I'm glad they're starting to revive this lost culture of Iloilo. More to come !

eonynx

July 14th, 2007, 10:04 AM

Ed Defensor was once my prof in humanities!:) brilliant painter with a unique personality

spacewagon1

July 14th, 2007, 10:32 AM

i hope unique will not mean exotic later. Care to share?

eonynx

July 14th, 2007, 10:36 AM

what do you mean exotic? is that a clinicalized term for something else? he's funny, he jokes around a lot! and even the way he dressed himself, unique!

spacewagon1

July 14th, 2007, 10:38 AM

could it be then. he he

Ps. I'll locate more arts exhibits in our city and province recently and tried to post them here.

spacewagon1

July 15th, 2007, 06:04 PM

Different strokes
By Dannuel G. Uy

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/18/tibong11.jpg
The artist (middle) with
Marichel Magalona of
The News Today and Francis
Benedicto

Last June 1, 2007 at the Museo De Iloilo, Tibong Jardeleza conducted his first paint exhibit entitled 'Painting through Different Strokes.'

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/18/tibong2.jpg
L'esprit de Famille

Before the grand opening, five of the artworks were already purchased. Jardeleza's works are nature inspired and many of them featured flowers.

The ribbon cutting was unique and reflected how creative Jardeleza is. The guests of honor cut a group of miniature paintings from the wall and they were allowed to take home the ones they were holding.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/18/tibong9.jpg
A Back Road to Toulouse

A few hours after the opening, the artworks were all sold out! This simply shows that the passion of Ilonggos for art is stronger. The cost of the artworks ranged from P4,500 to P10,000.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/06/18/different.strokes.html)

METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

July 20th, 2007, 07:24 AM

Anything Under the Sun
By Atty. Rex S. Salvilla

Art triumvirate of Pavia (1)

Few Ilonggos and perhaps, still fewer Pavianhons know that Pavia had produced three noted national artists long ago. They are Timoteo J. Jumayo, Lamberto R. Hechanova, and Alberto G. Himalla, all products of the College of Fine Arts of the University of Santo Tomas.

Timoteo J. Jumayo, the more known of the three, is popularly known as the sculpture of Oton Saga -- a 9 by 54 feet historical mural in full relief sculpture in uniform concrete at Oton Plaza and Iloilo Heritage -- a 3 by 15 feet mural relief sculpture depicting various epochs in Iloilo cultural evoulution at the old Mandurriao Airport, Iloilo City.

After his graduation from the University of Santo Tomas, he took several special studies by correspondence in art institutions in the United States while working for various advertising agencies in Manila. But after around ten years he returned to Iloilo in 1966.

Here, he became curator of Museo Iloilo, Cultural Deputy of the province of Iloilo,and member of the Board of Travel and Trade Industry and of Iloilo Cultural Research Foundation.

He held his first solo exhibition at Kahirup Hotel in 1968 followed by those at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Museo Iloilo, Gawahan Show at Roxas City and Robinsons Galleria in Manila.

Many of his works were published in national newspapers and magazines like Times Journal, Bulletin Today, Philippine Panorama, Daily Express, and Women's Journal. And also in books like Art of Southeast Asia, Art Museum of Southeast Asia and Sugar is Sweet.

He also garnered following awards: First Prize in USIS Art Competition, Bahandi Award for Sculture in 1986 and Iloilo Heritage Award.

Lastly, he was a founding member of the annual Carabao -- Carroza Festival of Pavia held in honor of the farmers and his ever loyal breast of burden, the lowly carabao.

2. Lamberto R. Hechanova, Jr.

The second of this arts triumvirate of Pavia is Lamberto R. Ledesma, Jr. He was practically not known in Iloilo because he transferred as a child to Silay City.

He engaged in both painting and scuplture. His works were exhibited in the Philippines, United States where he now resides, in Canada and in Europe.

Among his solo exhibits in the Philippines were held in Silay City, Bacolod City, Makati City and Manila. In the United States, he displayed his art works in more than 30 exhibitions in New York City, Pittsburg City, Washington D.C., Cleveland, Ohio, Baltimore, Maryland and in Delaware. In Canada, his works were shown in Ottawa, Alberta, Windsor and Cambridge. In 1969, he presented the Philippines with his works at the Sixth Paris Bienale Art Exhibition in France.

This multi-awarded artist received more than 30 awards and prizes abroad and more than ten national awards in the Philippines.

3. Alberto G. Himalla

The last of the arts triumvirate. His first solo exhibition was at Northern Motors Showroom in Manila in 1966 sponsored by the Philippines Women's University, College of Fine Arts.

This was followed by several others in Manila and in the provinces.

His sculpture style is characterized as “sharp, enclosed in geometric figures, squares of straight lines to centralize a whole finite idea or concept.”

His medium are oil, water color, acrylic and and tempera in abstract form and style. This artist is also less known here because he chose to live in Manila after his graduation from college.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/07/17/art.triumvirate.of.pavia.2.html

spacewagon1

July 25th, 2007, 09:04 AM

thanks Metro. I'm still awaiting more input from the online papers. There are many articles in the past but I guess I'll opt to post new developments rather then the old ones.

METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

July 26th, 2007, 05:58 AM

thanks Metro. I'm still awaiting more input from the online papers. There are many articles in the past but I guess I'll opt to post new developments rather then the old ones.

Yes that is good. But from time to time we can go retro. ALso if its Ok, I'll post here the Ilonggo prominent Artists around the globe. Just need some time.

We have many talented Ilonggos in the Arts field winning competitions, gaining recognitions... though if you have noticed we haven't had any Fine Arts course being offered in ILOILO. :D

masterni

July 30th, 2007, 05:50 PM

Dear All,

News about recent art exhibitions there in our province and city makes me homesick especially when I read about my artists-friends Ed Defensor, Benjie Belgica and PG Zoluaga.

Home is a few miles away but my art-making is, as usual, passionately ongoing.

My last solo exhibition FREE FLOW (http://www.upb.pitt.edu/NewsReleases.aspx?menu_id=250&id=5945)in the USA showcased a mural-sized phone cards montage (MANICURED CANYONS AND THE HOWLING WINDS OF HOMESICKNESS (http://freeflowferraris.blogspot.com/2007/07/manicured-canyons-and-howling-winds-of.html)) depicting city skylines and skyscapers. I was surprised to come across this site and see the title skyscraper city plus the fact that Iloilo, unlike my childhood years, is fast improving but also increasingly deteriorating what with all those mushrooms, este....buildings and malls appearing around the city. The site of SM near the airport, for example, was a swampy area where we use to camp as cubscouts. Nowadays those natural beauty of youth are fast diminishing, together with morality, as Iloilo joins the ratrace called globalization.

Kindly visit my blogs to view my artpieces old and new and my writings:

http://joelferraris.blogspot.com/

http://freeflowferraris.blogspot.com/

http://spiritualjourney14.blogspot.com/

Thanks,

Joel Ferraris

http://www.hkmuralsociety.com/

death327

July 30th, 2007, 10:42 PM

Hello masterni! :hi: Welcome to Iloilo thread. I hope you can also post some of your works here. He he he he and leave some comments or topics for discussion. :)

BYAHILO

July 30th, 2007, 11:47 PM

spacewagon1

July 31st, 2007, 11:49 PM

welcome Masterni. Enjoy all Iloilo Threads.

METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

August 1st, 2007, 07:58 AM

Hello masterni! :hi: Welcome to Iloilo thread. I hope you can also post some of your works here. He he he he and leave some comments or topics for discussion. :)

Yup! you'welcome here. And we'll love to see some of your works. Are you by any chance from Oton, Iloilo?

:)

kiretoce

August 7th, 2007, 01:42 AM

Finally, a book on Pinoy dressing as art and function (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view_article.php?article_id=80772)

MANILA, Philippines -- After three years of burning the lines and spending extended dinners with collaborators Ige Ramos and Winnie Velasquez, designer Barge Ramos has finally succeeded in combining his twin passions for fashion and journalism into one handsome coffee-table book that best reflects his niche as a purveyor of Filipino-inspired fashion.

Published by Anvil Publishing, “Pinoy Dressing” is a collection of newspaper articles Barge wrote as a columnist for Malaya. The column, which went by the same name, ran for five years in the newspaper’s lifestyle pages in the early 1990s.

Just like what he did in its previous run, Barge combined his essays, which are now grouped into corresponding chapters, with contemporary sketches by fellow designer and accomplished illustrator Loretto Popioco.

Aside from providing the book’s pages with eye candy, just like in the past, Popioco’s illustrations offer readers with visual pegs on how these indigenous fabrics actually work if juxtaposed with today’s raging trends.

If anything, the sketches help underscore the books’ two main objectives: to show people, especially Filipinos, how rich the country’s culture is through its indigenous fabrics; and to open up minds to the possibilities of using these materials in more contemporary ways.

Even the book’s subtitle, “Weaving Culture into Fashion,” was lifted from the column’s very first title.

But fans of the column, which tackled such diverse and sometimes dying art forms as tribal weaves based on chants and dreams, will be in for a surprise as Velasquez, the project’s book editor and Barge’s former boss in Malaya, consolidated several articles into one.

Distillation process

Apart from imbuing the book with a timeless quality, the distillation process makes for a more seamless and informative reading, says Barge. Anjie Blardony Ureta, Velasquez’s former assistant, wrote the foreword.

“In essence, Winnie retained what I wrote and simply removed certain parts that pertained to current events then involving fashion,” says Barge.

Being the true fashion designer that he is, he simply can’t resist comparing Velasquez’s editing process to that of making clothes.

“She sort of got several gowns, took them apart, recut them, took out the best parts, re-sized them and merged these parts into one,” he adds.

Velasquez also sat down with Barge and Ige to help them sift through hundreds of columns. When the purging process was over, they were able to whittle the number down to 70 or so columns, which, in their abridged form, eventually became part of the book.

Since Loretto’s original sketches were no longer around, Ige had to scan the illustrator’s works one by one from actual newspaper pages. It was a good thing Barge had the foresight to keep most of his original columns, which, together with their illustrations, used to occupy entire pages in Malaya.

The designer had to fill in the blanks by trooping to Ateneo de Manila University, his alma mater, to do some old-fashioned research. Research work is no stranger to Barge, who worked as a scriptwriter soon after graduating from college in the early 1970s.

In fact, most of the information found in his columns was culled from research. Others came about from his dealings on the ground, particularly with weavers in Iloilo and Cotabato. Barge’s efforts to preserve and promote native, handloom weaving, embroidery and other art forms antedate his work as a fashion journalist.

Cultural weight

“The thought inspired me to stage my first barong exhibit embellished with silk-screened images of tribal weaves at the old Ayala Museum,” he says. “I figured that someday all these traditions would be gone unless they are passed on to younger generations, who are willing to learn them.”

As the book’s designer, Ige, who won a National Book Award for best design for Ureta’s “Pilgrim’s Diary,” worked primarily on updating the book and giving it more cultural weight through several visual devices.

Not only did he mixed and matched the sketches with certain articles (which, because of editing, weren’t in their original forms as well), he also supplemented each page with early 20th-century photos of tribal Filipinos from the collection of Jonathan Best and John Silva.

“Ige took all the illustrations out of context from the columns and used them freely,” says Barge.

In quite a number of cases, Popioco’s stylized drawings seem to match photos of real people, who wore the fabrics the way they were supposed to be worn almost a century ago.

There was no way Popioco could have copied them, as he never saw those vintage pictures while he was providing Barge with weekly sketches for his columns.

Archival images

“The drawings mirror the articles,” says Ige. “Now, as we use them in the book, they dovetail. Loretto didn’t see any of these archival images, but being a Filipino designer the patterns and silhouettes were most likely in his subconscious.”

Ige further updated the book’s look by framing each page and juxtaposing Popioco’s sketches with authentic indigenous prints culled from books provided by the Design Center of the Philippines and Intramuros Administration.

There are quite a number of instances when he used recognizable patterns and actual photos as backgrounds to Popioco’s sketches.

As a designer, Barge is aware of the absence of a real and viable local fabric industry that—apart from providing people like him with a steady source of raw materials—is nimble enough to cater and adjust itself to the needs of its clients. Addressing such problems isn’t the purpose of his book.

“I just look at the positive side, what we have and what we can make use of,” he says. “The book’s aim is to inspire designers and entrepreneurs to explore various possibilities. I want to show them that combining local fabrics with current designs can be done.”

kiretoce

August 7th, 2007, 01:42 AM

METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

August 11th, 2007, 07:32 AM

Any updates here?

I'll post more when I have completed my research on Ilonggo Artists making waves here and abroad!

Tika-Tika lang ko di ah!:)

flymordecai

August 16th, 2007, 10:32 AM

I was looking at pictures in Flickr of the Ikon Philippines event and saw something that made me happy. Vina Morales, the winner of the event, was wearing something that is very Filipino in a very modern style.

http://images.gustavpula.multiply.com/image/1/photos/upload/orig/RrYs4goKCm4AAA7RqSk3/2.jpeg?et=6%2BIiBIX8wbn8iSaDJfcoPw

Maybe it's just her beauty that makes me like it, but I think the mix of old Filipiniana style and a tight top and jeans really have a good effect.

I really wish Filipino would stop looking at foreign cultures for inspiration, and instead get inspiration from our own beautiful culture. I'm happy whenever I see Filipinos wearing Filipino clothes, speaking in 100% Filipino language, or when they use their creativeness and add some Filipino culture whether it be music or clothing. With that said, is there any signs of a revival in pure Filipino-inspired fashion?

And are Filipinos more fashion conscious now? Last time I was there, the majority wore shirts and pants. It would be kinda cool if Filipinos were known for a certain style, kinda like how the Japanese have their own (crazy) sense of fashion.

flymordecai

August 16th, 2007, 10:32 AM

Animo

August 16th, 2007, 09:05 PM

By Pennie Azarcon dela Cruz
Inquirer
Last updated 07:32am (Mla time) 08/12/2007

MANILA, Philippines – The idea, says fashion designer Barge Ramos, is to come up with clothes that are unmistakably Pinoy without looking like one is bound for an Independence Day Parade or a costume party.

“It is possible to look thoroughly modern and contemporary and still retain the Filipino touch in one’s clothes,” says Ramos who is widely known for his barong Tagalog creations. Aside from being a gauge of one’s age, taste, income level and politics, clothes should proudly hark back to our cultural identity, says this erstwhile fashion journalist who expounded his theory through a weekly column for the newspaper Malaya from 1990-1995.

The best of those columns have recently been gathered into a book of the same title, “Pinoy Dressing: Weaving Culture Into Fashion,” a scrumptious coffee table book that details how history has shaped the way we dress, and how clothes in turn reflect cultural beliefs and traditions.

Among some tribes, it is believed that continuously weaving cloth transmits spiritual force and protective powers to the woven fabric. The process of weaving itself represents “continuing the threads of kinship and descent, with the simple motions of tying, binding and wrapping celebrating lineage, ancestry and solidarity.”

The barong, a formal wear usually worn on special occasions, used to be a cautionary measure against Filipino insurgency during the Spanish times. Fearful of brewing dissent, colonial rulers required Filipino ilustrados to wear the sheer tunic shirt to reveal any hidden weapons tucked in their waistline.

Such cultural minutiae and fashion history have always interested Ramos who held his first barong exhibit at the Ayala Museum in 1985. There he showcased photo silk screening of ethnic patterns on barong using synthetic silk. “I used photo screening instead of embroidery on barong because some foreigners find the lavishly embroidered national dress too feminine,” explains this designer who was first exposed to costume design as part of the theater group Dulaang Sibol at the Ateneo de Manila.

Ramos has also toyed with historic imprints on his barong, including the signatures on the country’s declaration of independence in 1898. “My friends were joshing me, ‘ano yan, pirma sa tumalbog na tseke?’ (what are those? Signatures on bad checks?)” he recalls.

His use of woven fabrics as accents on barong has found a receptive audience among balikbayans and Filipinos living abroad. This he attributes to “cultural pride, the need to assert our identity in a world where blending in seems to be the norm.”

Among locals, the response has been mixed, he acknowledges. “Filipinos are rather conservative when it comes to fashion. They won’t wear anything until everybody else is wearing them.” His best bet are younger Pinoys who are more open to ideas and more experimental, notes this designer who hails the Monday rule during the Ramos presidency. Back then, he recalls, government employees were required to wear a Filipino dress at the start of the week. It was a chance to dress up and to feel proudly Pinoy every Monday, he says.

But even the best intentions are weighed down by the ills of the local fashion industry, rues Ramos. “How can we compete with cheap fabric imports from China and the ukay-ukay (secondhand clothing) bargains?” he sighs. “Our textile industry is dead—killed by too many taxes.” Thirty years as a designer has taught Ramos that “everything in fashion begins with the right fabric—how it feels, how it falls and behaves… Before you can even conceptualize a design, you must know what fabric you’re using and where to source it—mainly abroad, in our case.”

Fortunately, Ramos adds, brightening up, there are two things going for the Philippine fashion industry: “Creativity and design.” Production costs may be prohibitive, fabric choices may be restricted and the market limited, but there’s no arguing with the Filipino designers’ creativity, he sums up.

“Pinoy Dressing: Weaving Culture into Fashion” will be launched on Aug. 17 at the second level of The Podium in Pasig, with an exhibit and fashion show interpreting the fashion illustrations in the book. For details, call Anvil Publishing c/o Gwenn Galvez at (02) 637-8840.

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/sim/sim/view_article.php?article_id=82036

Animo

August 16th, 2007, 09:05 PM

METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

August 17th, 2007, 04:04 AM

I was able to research some... prominent ILONGGO's in the Arts scene....

I will posts all infos when I have the time this weekend.

:D

spacewagon1

August 18th, 2007, 06:11 PM

^^ no updates yet, Metro. I'm waiting for local dailies to start posting Arts updates in Iloilo.

masterni

August 18th, 2007, 09:34 PM

Dear All,

You are invited to visit our online art gallery and its related links. FERRARIS ART GALLERY ONLINE (http://ferrarisart.blogspot.com/) is a showcase of the Ferraris Family of artists. We are originally from Jaro but our roots are from Pototan, Iloilo. I cannot trace the linkages of all the Ferraris clan but it seems that we are all related.

http://ferrarisart.blogspot.com/ (http://ferrarisart.blogspot.com/)

This online gallery will be updated from time to time...therefore feel free to visit and enjoy the artpieces.

Thanks a lot and God bless!

Joel Ferraris
http://www.hkmuralsociety.com/ (http://www.hkmuralsociety.com/)

masterni

August 18th, 2007, 09:47 PM

Yup! you'welcome here. And we'll love to see some of your works. Are you by any chance from Oton, Iloilo?

:)

WELCOME TO OUR ONLINE FAMILY ART GALLERY

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear All,

You are invited to visit our online art gallery and its related links. FERRARIS ART GALLERY ONLINE (http://ferrarisart.blogspot.com/) is a showcase of the Ferraris Family of artists. We are originally from Jaro but our roots are from Pototan, Iloilo. I cannot trace the linkages of all the Ferraris clan but it seems that we are all related.

http://ferrarisart.blogspot.com/

This online gallery will be updated from time to time...therefore feel free to visit and enjoy the artpieces and read my writings. There's a lot of things to do to help our society that start in people's spiritual enlightenment.

Thanks a lot and God bless!

Joel Ferraris
http://www.hkmuralsociety.com/

kirby21

August 19th, 2007, 04:04 AM

Thank you very much, Masterni.

lewdsaint

August 20th, 2007, 11:19 AM

Maximum Tolerance

A close-up of The Web by Allain Hablo

WORKS of seven Ilonggo artists which were entries in the recentprestigious Philip Morris Art Competition, are on exhibit at GalleriGrapphito until Aug. 31, 2007.

Sissy CC by Guijo Dueñas

Featured in “Maximum Tolerance” are the works of Lester Amacio,Czar Arro, Guijo Duenas, Allain Hablo, Rheo Nepomuceno, PierrePatricio and PG Zoluaga.

Waiting in Vain by Rheo Nepomuceno

The exhibit opened last August 10 and was attended by other artists,students taking up Fine Arts in the University of San Agustin, artaficionados, families and friends. They were treated to a view of theimpressive paintings, hors d'eouvres and ethnic music by theMaharlika band.

Awareness by PG Zoluaga

Galleri Grapphitto is located at the 2nd level, Mabini Wing,Robinsons Place Iloilo.

MAXIMUM TOLERANCE: THE DEFINITIONS

Divinity in Disguise by Czar Arro*

Highest degree or amount, quantity or value attainable to endure oradapt physiologically to an unfavorable environmental factor.

* An upper limit allowed by authority

Time Formation by Pierre Patricio*

The period of highest, greatest or utmost development to allowdeviation from a standard

spacewagon1

August 20th, 2007, 05:22 PM

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/08/20/maximum.tolerance2.jpg
A close-up of The Web by
Allain Hablo

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/08/20/maximum.tolerance5.jpg
Sissy CC by Guijo Dueñas

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/08/20/maximum.tolerance3.jpg
Waiting in Vain by
Rheo Nepomuceno

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/08/20/maximum.tolerance1.jpg
Awareness by PG Zoluaga

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/08/20/maximum.tolerance7.jpg
Divinity in Disguise by
Czar Arro

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/08/20/maximum.tolerance4.jpg
Time Formation by
Pierre Patricio

source: Maximum Tolerance - The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/08/20/maximum.tolerance.html)

eonynx

August 20th, 2007, 05:38 PM

^^ wow! nice!

spacewagon1

August 21st, 2007, 12:27 PM

both Arts and Fashion industries are being pushed by Robinson's Iloilo. Lately, it's becoming more and more pronounced that whilst SM focused on helping Iloilo when it comes to tourism, entertainment and more, Robinson's Place is really keen to support these two long lost Ilonggo tradition. And I'm glad it started to pick up recently. Cheers.

METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

August 22nd, 2007, 07:12 AM

^^

Amen to that Amigo Space... thats what I noticed too... may they're locations tells why is it so...

Robinsons is in City Proper Area (more of Heritage like Arts and Fashion)

while SM City is in the new CBD District :D

and those are nice Paintings! :)

odyssey

August 22nd, 2007, 10:03 PM

spacewagon1

August 23rd, 2007, 12:03 PM

^^ ^^ it's getting better and better everyday, so they say. :cheers:

METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

August 24th, 2007, 07:13 AM

yup, i was able to check the website of masterni... great paintings there...

hopefully... we will have more venues or new museum dedicated to contemporary arts by ilonggo artists... :)

spacewagon1

August 24th, 2007, 01:30 PM

let's lobby for the restoration of the Old Capitol Building and make it the Museo Iloilo Annex. It will make way to further showcase the ingenuity of Ilonggos and the treasures we had in the past.

I hope Tupas and Suplico will be reading posts here. Suplico, hopefully, will help build Iloilo and not impede progress. If he continues to blab around and not doing his job in helping Iloilo progress, I'm sure he'll be the next Gallar comes 2010. So he better watch out hi mouth and movement. He thinks he's the only one watching. He forgets that every Ilonggo eyes in the province is watching his tactics as well. :)

spacewagon1

August 27th, 2007, 10:46 AM

Flare up through Outbursts
By Francis Lloyd Sauza, Ma. Teresa de los Santos and Hazel Mae Gayatgay

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/08/24/outbursts4.jpg
Life Drain

Outbursts is the first-ever piecemeal exhibit by Anthony Castillo at the UPV Art Gallery within the main building of UP in the Visayas.

It illustrates his sketches and representations of ballpoint cartoon by means of utilizing ball pen as his tool in creating assorted drawings and portrayal. As said by Castillo, "Outbursts is an expression of one's self; fundamentally your feelings in your way of thinking."

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/08/24/outbursts1.jpg
Prof Gaudilia Doromal, Prof Vicente Tan,
Dellia Jarantilla and Anthony Castillo

His drawings depict persons that exemplify torment, affliction and besieged as human beings. He's also into sculpture. But as of now, his conduit is the ballpoint. For him, it's the most easily reached tool not like in painting that is by some means intricate to get hold of.

His exhibit will run from Aug. 13 to 31, 2007 and is presented by the UPV Chancellor's Committee for Culture and Arts.

Note on the Exhibit
By Martin Genodepa, curator

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/08/24/outbursts2.jpg
Ordisi Osenio, Melanie Simborio,
Dominique Dabad and Rejay Alvarado

An outburst is defined as a sudden and violent release or outpouring or a sudden spell of activity or energy. All these apply to Anthony Castillo's first solo exhibit, OUTBURSTS.

But Castillo's works in OUTBURSTS are not just an outpouring of his feelings against the circumstances in his life especially his sense of helplessness in the face of bipolar disorder he was diagnosed to be suffering from since 1999. They are also concrete proofs of the sudden spells of creative energy he experiences during or after those moments. The works in this collection are visual journals --Castillo's attempts to capture his struggles, physical and psychological, and give form to the sensations and feelings that he experiences during his manic-depressive episodes.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/08/24/outbursts3.jpg
Artist Anthony Castillo (3rd from left) and
the writers, Francis Lloyd Sauza, Hazel
Mae Gayatgay and Ma Teresa de los
Santos

Castillo, a self-taught artist has been joining group exhibitions in Iloilo since 1992. He has created abstract expressionist works in oil before; but human figuration, specifically drawing using pen and ink or pencil, has been his favorite mode of expression. Castillo has been drawing since his elementary years after learning some basic drawing techniques in a workshop. It is no wonder then that in his first solo exhibit he chooses to present his drawings.

Through them, not only does he display his métier in the medium but also his mettle as an artist who creates pictures from the limitless reservoir of the subconscious.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/08/24/outbursts5.jpg
A light moment with Prof John Barrios

Castillo draws human figures because he, admittedly, wants to understand human nature especially his own. His works, like all surreal works of art, are interesting study materials for psychology students and psychiatrists. Castillo's drawings concretize, among others, mental or psychological stress or pressure, the hollow emptiness of mind and spirit, the terror of living and wrestling with one's demons. Castillo's works do not apologize but they are not intended to shock either. The viewer is free to make his or her own conclusions about them or about the artist because Castillo's drawings are about self-expression. He is not concerned about sympathy or empathy. One can see metaphorically in Castillo's works a human being who has been through a form of hell and has come out to tell it all, no holds barred.

Castillo was a psychology student from the University of san Agustin. He was literary editor and lay-out artist of The Augustinian Mirror. An alumnus of U.P. in the Visayas High School, Castillo was a lead dancer in Teatro Amakan's APIK which was staged in Melbourne, Australia in 1995.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/08/24/flare.up.through.outbursts.html)

eonynx

August 27th, 2007, 04:22 PM

Professor Vicente Tan! my batchmate during my u.p.-iloilo days! he's also involved din pala in this art exhibit!

spacewagon1

August 27th, 2007, 08:29 PM

there you go, eonynx. Lots of talented Ilonggos indeed.:cheers:

METROPOLITAN_ILOILO

September 12th, 2007, 06:55 AM

^^

any updates here?

AH-7Raja

January 9th, 2008, 11:03 PM

Pls post all the known filipino indegenous products here, may it be shoes, garments, machinery, military, & other agricultural products. Never mind those food products (magnolia, sorbetes, UFC, etc.) cuz we all know about them.

Here is my contribution:

1. KAYPEE SHOES: what happened to its maker? anyone? tnx!
2. BENCH SHIRTS: Is it still around?
3. SEIKO?

Wednesday January 9, 2:01 PM

Expand Markets for Philippine Products, Arroyo Tells Trade Team
MANILA, Jan 9 Asia Pulse - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has directed the Philippine commercial and agricultural trade delegation to the United States to expand existing markets and tap new outlets in the American market for Philippine farm products.
"I want the delegation to Washington this year to maximize trading opportunities because the United States remains one of the top destinations for the Philippines' agricultural exports," the President said.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arthur Yap will lead the delegation to Washington in March this year.

Philippine exports to the US reached US$542.348 million or 23.33 per cent of the countrys total exports for the first eight months of 2007. US is the top buyer of the Philippines' coconut (copra) oil, desiccated coconuts, preserved pineapples, dried mango and mango juice, carrageenan and tuna.

Yap had visited Washington, D.C., in November to attend a meeting of the Coral Triangle Initiative and hold separate talks with acting US Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner, US Trade Representative Ambassador Susan Schwab, and Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary Scot Marciel to discuss a proposed free trade agreement between the Philippines and the United States, along with the country's bid to allow the entry of bananas in the American market.

During US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney's visit to the DA last November, Yap also briefed the ambassador on his meeting with US trade and state officials, who had assured him of the speedy processing of the pest risk analysis for Philippine bananas.

The move could soon allow the entry of this high-value commodity into the American market and boost the country's export earnings by US$6 million yearly.

Kenney was also updated by Undersecretary Bernie Fondevilla on the status of 14 US-assisted agricultural, fishery and biotechnology projects worth over P7.7 billion (US$189.6 million) that have either been completed, are underway or due for implementation this year.

As part of the Official Development Assistance of the United States for Philippine agriculture, five projects worth over P5 billion have already been completed, six others totalling more than P1.7 billion are ongoing, and three more projects with a combined funding of almost P887 million are due for implementation this year.

Fondevilla said the US had approved P7.725 billion worth of projects under the Public Law (PL) 480 Food Program, of which P5.993 billion of funds had already been released.

(PNA)
http://asia.news.yahoo.com/080109/4/3dd46.html

tigidig14

January 10th, 2008, 12:25 AM

most of gap products are from pnas, right? well some from indonesia and sri lanka i noticed haha

Sinjin P.

January 11th, 2008, 08:32 AM

2. BENCH SHIRTS: Is it still around?

Ofcourse it's still around...

Add to that, Penshoppe, Human.

dreamtime07

January 12th, 2008, 12:41 PM

I think Carrier aircondition is proudly Filipino made.

ponso

January 12th, 2008, 01:46 PM

Raven83

January 12th, 2008, 02:54 PM

Err, Carrier is part of United Technologies, which is an American Fortune 500 Company... I think you're referring to Concepcion Industries which manufactures, among others, Carrier-branded airconditioners and exported around the world...

Sayang if the government could just make efforts to revive the local manufacturing industry than just simply depend on foreign investments:ohno:

My dad says that in the 1960's we have a local brand of television company who also happens to make radios and early refrigerator and air conditioning sets exporting them around Asia...but the company collapsed in the 70's against Japanese competition,

We also happen to made our own cars in fact probably the first in SEA, In the 1920's the Carroceria de Manila makes the first Philippine made motorized "carruaje" which could have been a forefront for a local auto industries. Sadly it seems that because of the current high cost of manufacturing in this country. It is very rare that we could export or even develop a competitive locally branded machineries or electronics...halos puro agricultural products na lang at apparels na lang na eexport nating local brand:ohno:.

jogavilz

January 12th, 2008, 03:04 PM

fluorescent bulb by agapito flores

The controversy surrounding Agapito Flores
The Agapito Flores controversy continues - Agapito Flores has been acclaimed by some as being the inventor of the first fluorescent lamp. However, the dates are all wrong for this being possible. The following points have been taken from "The History of Fluorescent Lights"

* In 1857, the French physicist Alexandre E. Becquerel who had investigated the phenomena of fluorescence and phosphorescence, theorized about the building of fluorescent tubes similar to those made today.

* American, Peter Cooper Hewitt (1861-1921) patented (U.S. patent 889,692) the first mercury vapor lamp in 1901. The low pressure mercury arc lamp of Peter Cooper Hewitt is the very first prototype of today's modern fluorescent lights.

* Edmund Germer (1901 - 1987) who invented a high pressure vapor lamp, also invented an improved fluorescent lamp. In 1927, Edmund Germer co-patented an experimental fluorescent lamp with Friedrich Meyer and Hans Spanner.

So What Is True About Agapito Flores?
Agapito Flores was born in Guiguinto, Bulacan, Philippines on September 28, 1897. He worked as an apprentice in a machine shop and later moved to Tondo, Manila where he trained at a vocational school to become an electrician.

It has been reported that Agapito Flores received a French patent for a fluorescent bulb and that the General Electric Company bought Flores' patent rights and manufactured and sold his fluorescent bulb (making millions from it). However, all the inventors named above and more predate Agapito Flores' possible work on any fluorescent bulb.

According to Dr. Benito Vergara of the Philippine Science Heritage Center, "As far as I could learn, a certain Flores presented the idea of fluorescent light to Manuel Quezon when he became president. At that time, General Electric Co. had already presented the fluorescent light to the public."

http://inventors.about.com/od/filipinoscientists/a/Agapito_Flores.htm

chocolato1000

January 12th, 2008, 03:16 PM

most of gap products are from pnas, right? well some from indonesia and sri lanka i noticed haha

Gap has plants in Baguio at Peza...the gloves that OJ simpson allegedly used when he murdered his wife were made in baguio, i don't know if its Gap though. the gloves however seemed to not fit OJ's hands when asked by the prosecution to put on, so the prosecution argued that it shrunk...but the defense summoned the plant manager in baguio to testify, to which the manager claimed that gloves are made of highest quality materials and thus- would not cause the product to shrink.

Sayang if the government could just make efforts to revive the local manufacturing industry than just simply depend on foreign investments:ohno:

My dad says that in the 1960's we have a local brand of television company who also happens to make radios and early refrigerator and air conditioning sets exporting them around Asia...but the company collapsed in the 70's against Japanese competition,

We also happen to made our own cars in fact probably the first in SEA, In the 1920's the Carroceria de Manila makes the first Philippine made motorized "carruaje" which could have been a forefront for a local auto industries. Sadly it seems that because of the current high cost of manufacturing in this country. It is very rare that we could export or even develop a competitive locally branded machineries or electronics...halos puro agricultural products na lang at apparels na lang na eexport nating local brand:ohno:.

this could be good. but with china at our turfs even a nail is now imported. too sad really.

leechtat

January 12th, 2008, 05:12 PM

Chocnut, one of my most favorite Filipino product.

tigidig14

January 12th, 2008, 05:57 PM

dried mangoes

gen1

January 12th, 2008, 10:48 PM

I was going to say flores of the flourescent bulb fame as a joke.

but jogavilz beat me to the draw :lol:

gen1

January 12th, 2008, 10:53 PM

manila rope - made from abaca

still the best natural fiber rope in the world ! only synthetics are better.

with the move towards "green" materials, the world may yet see the renaissance of the manila rope (and maybe resuscitate the economy of the bicol region)

cheersmate

January 13th, 2008, 12:59 AM

most of gap products are from pnas, right? well some from indonesia and sri lanka i noticed haha

only bec the labor is cheap in pinas..more profits for gap companies..only phil made like levis and more..not really our own products.

animasola

January 13th, 2008, 03:53 AM

how about quink used in Parker pens? I heard it was made by Quisumbing, a prominent family from Cebu.

AH-7Raja

January 13th, 2008, 03:54 AM

NEWSFLASH: India's most indiginous cheapest car, TATA, is trying to penetrate the north american auto industry following the move by their chinese counterparts who have previously set a good deal with an american automaker to build their own indiginous car, CHERRY.

http://www.torontosun.com/Money/2008/01/11/4767235-sun.html

http://www.chinacartimes.com/2007/02/08/plucking-cherys-cherry/

Philippines should continue our old Filipino Dreams' self-reliance programs that supposed to include the development of our own People's Car, televisions, electronic gudgets, etc.

jbkayaker12

January 13th, 2008, 10:51 AM

Seiko is a Japanese brand of watches.

xednanx

January 13th, 2008, 02:03 PM

Crispa Shirts

Taipan Sky

January 13th, 2008, 03:14 PM

happee toothpaste
products by splash corporation

demented_pigeon

January 13th, 2008, 03:18 PM

tribu sandals, sandugo sandals, khumbmela bags, marami pang iba. pati accel sports shoes filipino din.

chocolato1000

January 13th, 2008, 03:23 PM

popular ang philippine mahogany sa mga famous interior designer.
manila paper?
ifugao wood carvings.
philippine banana.

demented_pigeon

January 13th, 2008, 03:38 PM

ayun kilala yang philippine mahogany natin. nung panahon ng WWII, ginamit yung stockpile ng mahogany na inexport natin sa US para gumawa ng maraming patrol boats at kung anu-ano pa yung US army.

AH-7Raja

January 16th, 2008, 02:25 AM

Wow...

Any heavy machineries or something?

LordCarnal

January 16th, 2008, 04:03 AM

Furnitures by Kenneth Cobonpue

Hehe

..and we also have a good number of softwares made in the Philippines

leechtat

January 16th, 2008, 04:33 AM

^^ i love those furniture! :)

jogavilz

January 16th, 2008, 12:10 PM

lunar rover daw.....pinoy daw ang gumawa.....

kiretoce

January 28th, 2008, 07:29 PM

Turning Manila’s streets into fashion runways (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife1_jan28_2008)

To the daily commuter, knowing the right clothes to wear is as crucial as knowing the LRT lines, jeepney and bus routes. Comfort must always come with style; but looking good on the streets requires not only fashion sense but also the skills of a weather forecaster. How does one survive intensely hot temperatures and surprise rain showers without sacrificing style? Fashion designer Pol Doble tells us how.

Doble never thought of himself as a designer and yet this 23-year-old Interdisciplinary Studies student from the Ateneo de Manila University has done work for Corrine Cheng’s I Love You store (now Irene’s Closet at Power Plant) and Camille Villanueva’s the Yellow Door and Baul in Saguijo. Doble believes in the practicality and potential of reusing resources, which explains his label “Born Again.” For this avid bargain bin shopper and ukay-ukay aficionado, even clothes deserve a second chance.

Wearing a hand-me-down Hawaiian shirt which he altered to accentuate his body type, Pol shares his many interests and influences which range from communication and Japanese studies, his theater experiences, culture magazines, comic books and video games.

“I got into fashion design because of my environmentalism,” he says as he points to his shirt, “You don’t have to spend a lot to look good. We just need to reuse.”

Doble aims to reverse the mindset that fashion is only for those who can afford it. He asserts that true fashion is dictated not by trends or price tags. Filipino fashion is about defining oneself according to what one wears on a daily basis, he says, adding that most Filipinos, himself included, commute as part of daily life, and so his designs burst with a casual but edgy, do-it-yourself vibe fit for Filipino streets.

Commutable clothes

Doble’s creative process begins and ends on the streets. His ideas are translations of what he picks up from his commuting experiences; his eye primed to catch the most striking details. This heightened sense of perception, which he says is a habit formed from his theater days, is reflected in his design.

He combines every day Filipino culture and functionality for clothes-on-the-go.

Doble is behind such quirky innovations such as the “Boy Skirt,” which is a short skirt for girls that he reconstructed from a pair of men’s briefs. The Boy Skirt not only prevents unwanted slip-ups, it also makes the wearer look fashionable as she runs, leaps, or dives to catch the train before the sliding doors close.

“Clothes should emphasize who you are and what you do. They should not inhibit you.” Adaptability is also one of Pol’s concerns when he designs. Not only should the clothes look good by themselves, they also have to make you look good when it starts to rain or when you start to sweat. The end goal is to never sacrifice style at the expense of comfort. And again, Doble stresses that we don’t need celebrity budgets to look like celebrities.

Dare to do-it-yourself

Creativity is part of Filipino culture, and it entails working with whatever one has at the present. Doble is gifted with this knack to create something from what would otherwise be yesterday’s leftover trend or tomorrow’s dish rags. He has been able to transform old shirts into dresses and a pair of jogging pants into a stylish bolero. If the whole point of fashion is to make people look again, Doble has found a way to do it.

Despite the constant calls for more merchandise from stores that sell his designs, he insists that his success so far is shared with his favorite tailors.

“I can’t draw. I can’t sew all that well,” he admits. He approaches his choice modistas and T-shirt printing shops with a list of his ideas, in the process helping promote these local establishments. He pays them not only with money but with referrals for further business. Once, he even tutored a modista’s son in Algebra in exchange for one of his design projects.

Anyone can exercise their own creativity with just a little bit of artistic insight and initiative to take a trip to the neighborhood sastre or modista. This way, one can get an outfit that perfectly fits you at a price lower than a sale at Mango or Zara.

Fight club apparel

Because most of his previous work was for ladies’ fashion, he now wants to venture deeper into the risk-free world of men’s fashion. He challenges the same old shirt-and-jeans combination by offering men more options such as vests, jackets and embellished jeans that are neither too formal nor too flashy for casual living.

Men don’t have to worry about softening their image.

“If you can beat someone up, literally, in what you are wearing and still look good, then that is an outfit for a man,” he quips, adding that he is not encouraging men to pick a fight before picking clothes.

Moreover, he asserts that studying the male figure is essential in designing clothes for men. Most of the marketed shirts for men are either too tight or too loose, and both result in an unflattering look.

Doble’s shirts, aside from carrying video-game-themed and Pinoy culture designs, are always bound to make the male, in Pol’s words, “scary—because scary is impressive.”

Truly Pinoy

Doble is all about practical street fashion through the vision of a Filipino commuter and culture enthusiast. Because clothes are a form of wearable art, he believes that we don’t need anything else aside from who we essentially are to express through fashion. It is about making things our own in our own ways; and more importantly, it is about finding these ways. Creativity needs patience and resourcefulness, and Doble says that it simply starts with constant reuse. This is good advice even non-commuters can benefit from.

Being Filipino is about the sensibility behind the clothes and wearer and so we have to think of things like our culture and weather. If the ideal of practical Filipino fashion is tucked in place, soon Manila streets will be as bold and beautiful as fashion runways.

kiretoce

January 28th, 2008, 07:29 PM

Animo

February 1st, 2008, 07:38 PM

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2008/01/31/nono.palmos.jpg
http://www.thenewstoday.info/2008/01/31/shangri.la22.jpg
http://www.thenewstoday.info/2008/01/31/manila13.jpg
http://www.thenewstoday.info/2008/01/31/manila16.jpg

If dance is a paean to God expressed in movement and music is an entreaty contained in rhythm and harmony, fashion is perhaps the embodiment of thanksgiving. In its most sublime forms and make, garments emulate Nature's bounty—colors and prints copy the brilliant hues of creation, silhouettes take off from organic shapes, and design inspirations obtain motivation from natural occurrences—be it the elements or the changing of the seasons.

Recognizing the potent power of fashion to evoke the essential and primal, and tell an arresting narrative, haute couturier Nono Palmos turns his attention to his island home of Panay to tell a timeless story of passion, sacrifice and redemption—all told in the art of haute couture. Located in right in the heart of the Visayan chain of islands, Panay is an island rich in culture—conspicuous in its myriad festivals, its rich languages, and its quaint tribal customs. This lively culture is also best expressed in the island's indigenous weaves that have survived mechanized technology and the onslaught of imported fabrics.

Since time immemorial, while the men looked after the fields and the livestock, it was the women of Panay who took over the handlooms and with great diligence, started a way of life expressed in the warp, weft and ingenious insets of fabrics of great beauty and delicacy. So prolific were the women of Panay that this once insular activity confined to quiet, sleepy villages became communal livelihood. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the fabrics of Panay gained fame throughout the country and in the distant colonies of the Spanish Empire.

Palmos is a staunch supporter of handwoven fabrics. "Handweaving forms the backbone, not just of an industry, but also of a way of life and culture of Panay. Its history dates back to the dawn of civilization in the Philippines and thus, duly chronicles our native creativity, our way of life, our dreams and aspirations. We cannot let the handweaving industry just die," he said.

Using his own proficiency in textile design and manufacture, Palmos, with the help of Miagao Mayor Geraldo Flores, started a campaign to help revive the weaving of hablon, his town's own indigenous fabric. Starting in 2000, he began helping weavers update the hablon by combining the native cotton used primarily in the weaving of the fabric with other fibers. Palmos likewise introduced newer, more interesting color schemes to help enrich the palette being used in the weaving of hablon. The result is astounding: hablon that is more malleable, softer and in more refreshing hues.

"I realized that for these local weaves to survive, they must be relevant to the times. The younger generation should be able to use and appreciate these fabrics. If our native hablon or piña remain stiff and outdated, we should just as well limit them to the making of costumes that have no relevance to today's dressing dictums and styles. We have to make hablon, piña and the other fabrics sophisticated enough to be able to express new design schemes, styles and fashion whims," reasons Palmos.

His bid has also taken Palmos to centers of weaving in Kalibo where he convened with local weavers to open up their minds to new fiber combinations. The collaboration paid off as Palmos started to create new piña-based fibers such as piña lambo, piña bulak, salinghabi, tatlong hibla, piña seda, katha and kislap seda. These fabrics have, more than winning countrywide attention, have also won raves in international expositions abroad, specifically in the UK, Belgium, the US, Malaysia, Thailand, China and Korea. These days, Palmos counts foreign dignitaries and international business figures as some of the staunchest admirers of his creations using these newfangled fabrics.phitex 2005 intramuros manila16

Clearly, Palmos is single-minded in his pursuit to put a 21st century spin on the fabrics that have shaped the lives of countless people. To help step up awareness of these fabrics and their inherent versatility, Palmos is set to unleash his creative genius in a forthcoming show in Iloilo City.

To be held in Punta Villa, Iloilo City on Feb. 29, 2008, the fashion exposition will showcase Nono Palmos' high-end resort wear, haute couture creations and bridal finery featuring some of Manila's current top models.

The event is being produced by the Iloilo Producers Association (IPA).

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2008/01/31/nono.palmos.romances.the.fabrics.of.panay.html

Animo

February 1st, 2008, 07:38 PM

Fundador

February 4th, 2008, 05:20 PM

i usually go for comfort style.but hell, i almost always wear a black shirt, and maong pants :lol:

Fundador

February 4th, 2008, 05:20 PM

i usually go for comfort style.but hell, i almost always wear a black shirt, and maong pants :lol:

chocolato1000

February 6th, 2008, 02:42 PM

2 European-based exhibitors feature Filipino décors

MANILA, Philippines -- Finely crafted Philippine décors were featured prominently among the wares of two exhibitors at the annual Gave and Interior Expo held in Lillestrom, Norway last month.

According to a dispatch from Philippine Ambassador to Norway Victoria Bataclan, exhibitors Filipiniana and African Image featured capiz-based items like lamps, bowls, trays, and the so-called lotus candle holder, a top seller in Denmark and Sweden and only recently introduced in Norway.

The two exhibitors also showcased during the January 23-27 exhibition religious figures, antique reproductions, whimsical décor, angels and Christmas ornaments, among others.

Filipiniana is a company based in Gothenburg, Sweden and was established in 1994. Its main market is Scandinavia.

According to Bataclan, the company regularly participates in trade fairs in the Philippines and will be in the country this April for the Manila FAME International.

African Image, on the other hand, is a Danish company based in Øverødvej and has been in the business a little longer than Filipiniana, starting out as a company mainly featuring African-made products.

While on a trip to the Philippines in the 1990s, Mette and Per Skjoldager, owners of African Image discovered the exquisitely crafted capiz ornaments that the Philippines is known for. Since then, capiz-based products have become the main feature of their company.

Bataclan said both exhibitors, as well as visitors to the expo, had nothing but praises for Filipino craftsmanship and creativity.

Both exhibitors are now in Denmark promoting the globally competitive Filipino décor.

Maxxclip

February 7th, 2008, 05:36 AM

Lapid's Chicharon (pioneer)

one of my favorite pulutan...

OtAkAw

February 7th, 2008, 02:41 PM

^^The Chicharon in Guagua town is much better. Puro hangin lang yata Lapid's eh.

Maxxclip

February 8th, 2008, 05:16 AM

^^Nope. If I'm not mistaken...sila yung nagdedeliver ng chicharon sa Jollibee (used in palabok):)

odyssey

February 13th, 2008, 02:54 AM

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/13/yehey/business/20080213bus14.html

Coconuts
VIEWS FROM A BRIT
By Mike Wootton

There is a much debated statement that falling coconuts kill about 150 people a year worldwide. Although the statement is contested it wouldn’t surprise me if it were accurate or even understated. It has been said that coconuts are more dangerous than sharks, as sharks only kill about 10 people per year!

In the Philippines there are lots of coconuts. In fact there is nearly the same number of coconuts grown in the Philippines as there are in the state of Kerala in India. Philippine annual production is about 2.5 million tons whilst Kerala production is slightly less than 3 million tons. The difference between Kerala and Philippines “coconut economics” is that from its coconut crop Kerala produces 60 percent of the world supply of coco coir (250,000 tons/year). Coco coir is coconut fiber produced from coconut husks, and it has lots and lots of uses from making coconut matting, through ropes, to filling for car seats and civil engineering earthworks retaining mats. Most of the balance of world demand for the products is filled by Sri Lanka—the Philippines does figure in the world coco coir statistics, but hardly, with production annually of between 5 and 10,000 tons.

The coco coir industry in Kerala is organized as a small-scale cottage industry which provides gainful employment for 400,000 people. Given the environmental acceptability of using natural materials in as many applications as possible it may be imagined that efforts will be put into widening the uses of coco coir with the consequence of even more people (in Kerala and Sri Lanka) getting the opportunity for gainful employment in the sector.

So why, we might reasonably ask, doesn’t somebody in the Philippines get a coco coir industry up and running on a revitalized basis, to provide employment, to produce exports and earn foreign exchange and to stimulate the economy? Why not, indeed. There are coconut husks lying around all over the place here in the Philippines, in particular in Bicol and Laguna, but generally they just tend to lie on the ground and rot. Or if they are used they get burned to produce charcoal. When asked why these husks are not collected in “commercial quantities” those people involved in the business in the Philippines will say; “Ah, but the economics don’t work, costs too much to collect the husks for it to be worthwhile on a business basis.” But the Kerala coir industry does not work on a private commercial big business basis, it works as cooperatives and the state has helped and encouraged by establishing a “Coir Authority” which helps and supports at a national level the efforts of the cooperative coconut growers, coir producers and exporters.

I may of course be missing something here but I believe that what is going on with the coco coir industry in Kerala is well known to people in agriculture and livelihood programs in the Philippines (as also it will be well known to the multilateral development agencies that are there to help places like the Philippines). I see that the Philippines still needs to provide gainful employment opportunities for many of its people in rural areas; if something new could be started that could employ even 200,000 people would that not be a major step forward in Philippines economic development (a much better, in some ways, step, than say financial games like heaping up foreign exchange reserves)? I suspect the reason that the Kerala model is not being emulated in the Philippines is simply inertia aided possibly by political lack of interest, private sector disinterest, and no doubt somehow or other impeded by attempts at agrarian reform. Sayang …

If anybody who reads this column is looking for livelihood schemes (and development progress!) then please consider a re-energizing of the Philippines coco coir industry. It looks to me to be an opportunity going to waste, and if there is one thing the Philippines cannot afford it is to let good economic development opportunities go to waste.

Sleepwalker

February 13th, 2008, 03:51 AM

I have few Habagat backpacks....I hope Habagat backpack will go international...I believe, it can compete Timberland or Columbia backpacks... :)

spearhead

February 13th, 2008, 03:14 PM

^^ same thing here in Riyadh....Jollibee closed their store in less than a year...

Jollibee should have been selling "Halal" meat for their hamburgers if they are gonna open some outlets in the middleast.

OtAkAw

February 13th, 2008, 03:58 PM

^^Nope. If I'm not mistaken...sila yung nagdedeliver ng chicharon sa Jollibee (used in palabok):)

Kadalasan kasi ng nakikita kong Lapid's stalls dito puro chicharong bula eh. Pero baka di ko lang nakikita ibang variants nila.

Animo

February 25th, 2008, 07:56 PM

From flickr.com (mostly from theacanlas) piña cloths designs.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/55/136420368_52e06a4d4c.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/51/136420260_29cb718efa.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/44/136420300_c97826c304.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/47/136420110_3eda06788a.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/136420271_36d599b2db.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1327/872343546_818f8440e8.jpg?v=0

By Michaela Cabrera (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080211/lf_nm_life/philippines_pineapple_dc_1)
Mon Feb 11, 3:18 AM ET

MANILA (Reuters Life!) - It takes one whole month to create one meter (yard) of pineapple cloth, an exotic fabric spun from the tropical fruit by weavers in the central Philippine province of Aklan.

But the paper-thin cloth that was first worn during the 17th century Spanish colonial era is worth the painstaking process, say weavers whose prints are being scooped up by designers from Japan, France, and the U.S.

Fashion giant Calvin Klein is one of the clients importing pineapple cloth from weavers and ateliers that specialize in manufacturing pineapple fabric.

While the cloth sells at 2,500 pesos ($61) per meter, spinning pineapples into fabric is no get-rich quick scheme, said Susima dela Cruz, one of the oldest weavers in Kalibo town in Aklan.

The labor-intensive process sees fibers first scraped from the leaves, then dried, parted into threads thinner than hair strands, knotted together, and inserted into a loom, she explained.

Only then does the weaving begin.

Most women in the town start weaving as a rite of passage, rather than a business venture, she said.

"It was really my ambition to become a weaver. I enjoyed it a lot. In the afternoons when my mother would step off the loom, I took her place. And when the threads broke, I put them back together," dela Cruz said.

But with patience, Aklan's weaving export market, worth only $105,000 in 2006, has potential, said the weaver who now employs fellow housewives as weavers for her business making dinner sets for American clients.

While underselling machine-made fabrics that dominate the market is impossible, weavers hope that the global trend for organics will perk up demand for their niche, fruity, fabric.

"If you compete with synthetics... it cannot be done...it won't flourish," she said.

"The trend now is on organic. No chemical is being used, even the dyes are safe. Now, it should be globally safer for everyone."

(Editing by Gillian Murdoch)