Isko Moreno hits the ground running

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno earned praise not only from citizens in Manila but also from non-Manila residents for having done something good during his first week as city executive.

Even the Department of Interior and Local Goverment heaped praise on Mayor Isko’s move in clearing Divisoria and Blumentritt from vendors.

The young mayor showed he meant business when he personally led the operations to clear the said major roads of illegal vendors who were blocking the streets.

Most of the people commented they are happy to see the roads clear and passable for vehicles. They also said that order and cleanliness can be enforced in Manila if the leader has political will.

Mayor Isko’s dream is to bring back the glory days of Manila when it was still the capital city of the Philippines.

“Ito ang unang major city ng Pilipinas na nakikita ng mga bisita natin galing sa ibang bansa kaya dapat lamang na ito ay maayos at malinis,” the good Mayor said.

The Office of the Mayor is likewise coordinating with the office handling Intramuros so they can work hand in hand to make the place a tourism hub.

They are many interesting places in Manila which have historical significance and can serve as landmarks to usher a vibrant tourism industry.

Mayor Isko is asking for the help and cooperation of Manila residents to effect change that can restore the city to its former glory.

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The newest batch of Ricky Lee Workshoppers attended their first session last Sunday at the residence of the famed scriptwriter who should be a candidate to be a National Artist.

According to the post of talent manager Noel Ferrer, Batch 22 has a star in Bea Alonzo who joined the workshop which will last for 14 weeks.

It seems that Batch 22 is the most celebrity-studded because of its members that are not only stars but film directors as well.

Aside from Bea, also in Batch 22 are directors Nestor Abrogena, Jay Altarejos, Prime Cruz, Sheron Dayoc and actors like Vaness del Moral, Mikoy Morales and Candy Pangilinan.

Coinciding with the opening of the workshop of Batch 22 is the launch of the limited edition Ricky Lee Film Screenwriting Workbook.

Previous workshoppers of Sir Ricky (like us) also have a workbook which is very helpful in guiding an aspiring filmmaker in writing his script.

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The Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, now on its 15th year, will start on August 2 with the screening of Lav Diaz’s “Hupa” as opening film. Cinemalaya is the most successful indie film festival in the Philippines. It has created its own audience who troop to the Cultural Center of the Philippines every year since it started.

Some of the most-awarded films of recent years came from Cinemalaya and the festival became the breeding ground of top directors and writers who earned plaudits here and abroad.

Some of the award-winning movies from Cinemalaya include “Pamilya Ordinaryo,” “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros,” “Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa,” “Bwakaw,” “100,” “Respeto,” and many more.

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The visa-free privilege for Filipino travellers going to Taiwan has been extended for another year: from August 1, 2019 to July 31,2020.

This official announcement came from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan on July 2.

This is wonderful news for Filipino travelers who would want to visit Taiwan which is now one of the favorite destination of many tourists.

A big boost to the upsurge of visitors to Taiwan was the choice of Pinoy YouTube Mikey Bustos as endorser of Taiwan for the second straight year. Mikey is very thankful for this opportunity to endorse Taiwan anew. In his new music video that he shot in Taiwan, he featured some of its new places that should be a must-see for new travellers.

Also included in the must-list are the unique dishes that first time visitors to Taiwan should not miss.

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Held at the Mindanao Room of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila last Sunday, June 30, at 7 pm, was the rigorous search for models to endorse ACEBUCHE Scents.

ACEBUCHE Director Mark Tan was optimistic that the contest will provide a wide range of opportunities both for his company and the winners.

“This platform will give rise to the models to conquer a larger avenue to fulfill their dreams of becoming sought-after endorsers of various products that would start with perfumery,” said Mark.

Fifteen female and fifteen male contenders vied for the Mr. & Miss ACEBUCHE Scents titles that will enjoy privileges of being promoted and shooed-in as celebrity endorsers to join the big league of professional commercial models in the country.

The search had four segments to showcase the candidates’ runway forms: Festival Attire reflecting the costumes of Philippine festival celebrations, Casual Wear, Swimwear and Formal Wear.

Special awards and trophies were at stake in this year’s competition. Guests of honor in the show included Ambassador Dhyanna Althea Quiamor and Miss Haninah Omar Alrefai. The show was directed by Carmelo Soberano.