Brillante Mendoza has done it again. His film, Alpha, The Right to Kill, won the Special Jury Prize in the San Sebastian International Film Festival in Spain.

Alpha, The Right to Kill is set in the Philippine government’s war on drugs.

The film competed against Felix Van Groeningen’s Beautiful Boy, Louis Garrel’s A Faithful Man, and Peter Strickland’s In Fabric.

Mendoza is an award-winning director whose films Serbis, Kinatay, and Taklub were screened in various editions of the Cannes Film Festival. Serbis and Kinatay were nominated for the Palme d’Or, the festival’s highest distinction. Kinatay didn’t win the Palme d’Or, but it won the Best Director Award for Mendoza. Ma’ Rosa, which tells the story of husband and wife Nestor and Rosa who use a sari-sari store as a cover-up for a drug business, won Jaclyn Jose the Best Actress Award in 2016.

Besides the Cannes, Mendoza’ work was nominated in the past for the Golden Lion in the Venice Film Festival and the Golden Bear in the Berlin Film Festival.

Are you excited for this? Share your thoughts below!

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If you’re like most of the showbiz-watching and fashion-following crowd, you spent most of last night and this morning ogling at the looks at the ABS-CBN Ball. At the ball, stars turned up decked out in their most glamorous couture. Heck, some even took risks that didn’t pay off, but it’s nice to see everyone in formalwear.

Eagle-eyed fans noticed many of the stars wearing blue ribbons over their chest, and in case you were wondering why, it’s to raise awareness for child abuse. The blue ribbon is a symbol used to represent the issue since 1989, when American grandmother Bonnie Finney began wearing and using it after her grandchild died at the hands of his mother’s abusive boyfriend.

The ABS-CBN Ball aims to raise funds to relaunch the Bantay Bata Children’s Village, located in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

Check out some stars who wore the blue ribbon:

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A post shared by C O L E E N (@coleen) on Sep 29, 2018 at 10:54pm PDT

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A post shared by Erwan Heussaff (@erwan) on Sep 29, 2018 at 8:03pm PDT

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A post shared by Angel Locsin (@teamangelph) on Sep 29, 2018 at 6:57am PDT

What do you think of the looks? Share your thoughts below!

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Famous stepbrothers Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly are back, and this time they’re playing a not-so-good version of classic detectives Sherlock Holmes and Watson in the comedic Holmes and Watson.

Watch the trailer below:

In the film, Ferrell stars as Watson and Reilly stars as Watson, a detective duo who has to solve a mystery in the Buckingham Palace, or else James Moriarty will kill the Queen of England.

The two will be joined by Rebecca Hall as Dr. Grace Hart, Ralph Fiennes as James Moriarty, Rob Brydon as Inspector Lestrade, Kelly Macdonald as Rose Hudson, Hugh Laurie as Mycroft Holmes, and Pam Ferris as Queen Victoria.

This will be the third film between Ferrell and Reilly, after starring in the hit comedies Step Brothers and Talladega Nights.

The film is directed by Etan Cohen and will be released on December 21, 2018.

Are you excited for this? Share your thoughts below!

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The new season of Doctor Who will be upon us and the biggest surprise is that the 13th doctor will be a woman, to be played by Jodie Whittaker.

BBC also released the first clip of the new season and you can watch it below:

According to new head writer and executive producer Chris Chibnall, “I always knew I wanted the Thirteenth Doctor to be a woman and we’re thrilled to have secured our number one choice. Her audition for The Doctor simply blew us all away. Jodie is an in-demand, funny, inspiring, super-smart force of nature and will bring loads of wit, strength, and warmth to the role. The Thirteenth Doctor is on her way.”

Whittaker is an English actress who has played roles in Black Mirror, Attack the Block, and Broadchurch. She will take on the role of the Doctor this year.

The casting drew mixed reactions from the internet, but the Merriam Webster Dictionary shut down trolls who couldn’t accept the female casting with one tweet:

‘Doctor’ has no gender in English.

— Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) July 17, 2017

Doctor Who is a British TV show that followed a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey called the Doctor, who travels through time in a blue police box called the TARDIS and saves people. It began airing in 1963 and has become a pop culture phenomenon.

Are you excited for this? Share your thoughts below!

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One of our favorite non-Disney animated films is Anastasia, based loosely on the legend of the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, who was said to have escaped the execution of her family, the influential Romanovs.

It has since been adapted into a Broadway musical and one of our favorite numbers is “Journey to the Past,” sung by Liz Callaway in the animated film. Now, Callaway has united with Christy Altomare, who portrays Anastasia on Broadway, to sing the song and you can watch it below:

The Russian Imperial Romanov Family were led by Tsar Nicolas II, the last emperor of Russia. He and his family were executed by Bolshevik troops, or the majority faction of the Russian Social Democratic Party, in 1918. It is believed that the whole family perished in a field, but stories have persisted that youngest daughter Anastasia survived.

The 1997 animated feature is set during the siege of the palace, and fast forwards to 10 years later. Anastasia survives but experiences amnesia. Her grandmother, the Dowager Empress Marie Feodorovna, offers a princely sum for the return of Anastasia, which two friends take advantage of. They search for a lookalike, until they find Anya, a beautiful teenager who looks strangely like the grand duchess. The film was reviewed well, with Rotten Tomatoes saying that it offers “beautiful animation, an affable take on Russian history, and strong voice performances.”

The Broadway musical premiered last year. Altomare is joined by Derek Klena as Dmitry, John Bolton as Vlad, Caroline O’Connor as Lily, Ramin Karimloo as Gleb, and Mary Beth Peil as Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna.

What do you think of the song? Share your thoughts below!

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For those who already finished bingeing the second season of Stranger Things and can’t wait for the third season, we have something for you: Netflix has partnered with Del Rey, an imprint of Penguin Random House, to create Suspicious Minds, the first official Stranger Things novel, written by YA author Gwenda Bond.

The novel will be a prequel to the series and will follow Eleven’s mother as a test subject in the MKUltra program, which resulted in Eleven’s powers.

The cover has already been released and the first chapter is available on Entertainment Weekly.

Stranger Things follows a group of young boys whose friend goes missing, not knowing that his disappearance is tied to a top-secret government experiment that involves monsters and a creepy parallel universe. For its second season, the missing Will Byers returns and seems to be the first person who realizes that not everything is as it should be.

The show has received acclaim from viewers and critics, with its first season earning 18 nominations at the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards.

Suspicious Minds will be available Feb. 5, 2019, and is available for pre-order.

What do you think of Sharing Things? Share your thoughts below!

Follow When in Manila Koji for more stories like this!

One of the most awaited movies this year is A Star is Born, the musical romantic drama starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.

Much has been said about the film and we’re just looking forward to the film being screened in Manila.

The first single off the soundtrack, “Shallow,” has been released and you can watch the music video below:

“Shallow” is the first song that Gaga and Cooper sing in the film, and is the song that starts their love affair and musical collaboration.

Gaga described the song as about “two people talking to each other, and talking about the need and the drive to dive into the deep end and stay away from the shallow area.”

A Star is Born is the third remake of the 1937 film starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March. In the film, Cooper plays Jackson Maine, a singer-songwriter who falls in love with Gaga’s Ally, a newcomer in the industry.

The remake premiered at the 75th Venice International Film Festival, and already has a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, with the review, “With appealing leads, deft direction, and an affecting love story, A Star Is Born is a remake done right — and a reminder that some stories can be just as effective in the retelling.”

The film will premiere in Manila on October 10, 2018.

What do you think of the song? Share your thoughts below!

Follow When in Manila Koji for more stories like this!

I really, really suck at flirting. I just can’t do it. In fact, I suck at it so much that the one time I actually mustered the courage to give ~the smile~ to someone I found attractive at a party, and it worked and he came over, the moment he opened his mouth, I froze and said “haha yeah!” in a nervous laughter, and I walked away. I WALKED AWAY. The poor guy looked so confused.

I’ve heard many similar, painfully awkward but equally hilarious failed-flirting stories from friends and other people, so if you are one of us, know that you are not alone in this! Here are 12 struggles of all people who can’t flirt can 100% relate to.

ALSO READ: We Asked People ‘How Did You Know Your Partner is THE ONE?’ and the Answers Will Make Your Heart Melt

12. When you ask people for flirting advice and they say, “just be yourself!”

But, friend, this is myself:

via GIPHY

PAANO.

11. When a cute guy or girl tries to talk to you and you’re a smorgasbord of emotions

Yung tumitili yung mga laman-loob mo pero kailangan kalma ka lang. So IRL, ganito yung mukha mo:

10. When you can never respond with a witty, sexy come back to what your crush just said

Crush: “Tell me something dirty.”

You: “I haven’t washed my hair in five days.”

9. When even your parents are giving you flirting advice

You know it’s bad when even your parents try to give you flirting advice. “Anak, konting ismayl naman kasi. Di ka makakapag-asawa nyan.”

Asawa agad???

8. When you freeze the moment your crush approaches you

“Besh ayan na sya, ayan na sya, ayan na sya, ANO GAGAWIN KO???”

7. Not knowing how to find the balance between letting them know you’re interested but also not give out too much

So todo ignore ka kay kuya cos bilin ni mama dapat pakipot, but also really you’re dying inside cos p*kshet ang pogi nya.

via GIPHY

6. That one time you got bad flirting advice from friends, but you tried it anyway

Once, a guy friend told me “magpa-singkit ka lang”. Oh, okay.

5. You plan the words so well in your head but when it comes out its like, whaaaat?

As Cady Heron said, “Grool.”

“I meant to say cool and then I started to say great.”

4. You can never actually tell when someone is flirting with you

And when someone does try to flirt with you, you can never tell.

“Friendly sya, noh?”

3. When you try to do that thing in the movies where you smile at someone from across the room, but the game changes when he actually comes up to you.

Halp, I didn’t think this all the way through!!! *Walks away* #truestory

2. When you’re just NEVER emotionally, mentally, and spiritually ready for flirting.

How do other people make this look so easy?????!

1. That no matter how bad you are at flirting, you don’t really worry because you know the perfect person for you will like you anyway, awkwardness, embarrassment, and all. <3

So until then, keep on keeping on!

–

Know someone who is just really, really bad at flirting and can relate to these? (Or maybe it’s you?) Tag them in the comments! :p

Sen. Leila de Lima shared her thoughts regarding the ban to feed stray cats by a condominium complex in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

In her press release, she said that this was “inhuman and heartless.”

Her handwritten note was shared via her Facebook Page.

Here’s a copy of her full post:

Dispatch from Crame No. 391: Sen. Leila M. de Lima’s statement on some BGC complexes banning residents and employees from feeding stray cats (29 September 2018)

“NO TO INHUMAN AND HEARTLESS BANS AGAINST FEEDING STRAY CATS!”

9/29/18

I was alarmed and dismayed when I read about alleged circulars issued by the management of posh condominium complexes in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) prohibiting residents and employees from feeding stray cats, and even going so far as to impose penalties for “violations” thereof.

It may sound strange to some, but there is something inherently inhuman about forcing people to ignore their instinct to care for other creatures who are weak, helpless and in need of care.

There is something utterly dehumanizing – and, if I may say so, monstrous – about punishing people because they harbor altruistic and unselfish emotions, such as the basic instinct to feed a starving creature.

It is possible that the strong objections I immediately felt when I read the news about such circular is because I have, in the last 583 days, grown fond of my own stray cats here in the PNP Custodial Center. I have always considered myself a dog-lover, but under these trying circumstances, I have found a new love and passion for protecting the stray cats that have adopted me as their “human,” as much as I have adopted them as my constant companions.

They have different personalities, but they are all the same in that they understand friendship and companionship, much like a human would. They understand that I feed them because I care for them and, in turn, they are amiable, playful and, more often than not, obedient. In their own way, they are also caring towards me. They seem to sense when I need company, and when I would prefer to be alone as I work, read or write. One particular cat, whom I call “Blackie” – who proudly wears the many battle scars earned from surviving the harsh life of stray – is even fiercely protective.

The bond between humans and God’s other creatures is an innate one.

Therefore, I deem it unnatural and, in fact, dangerous to foster such a hostile attitude towards stray cats. They will be condemned to a slow death by starvation and neglect, not because nobody wants to help and feed them, but because those who are inclined to are threatened with punishment.
In a world that is moving ever nearer towards apathy, cultivating this level of heartlessness is the last thing we need.
I wonder if the reason for the proposed ban and penalty is based on considerations of what would be most convenient for the management. Perhaps they think that starving out the cats will result in them dying out and eliminating a “problem” for the management. But sometimes what is “convenient” is the opposite of what is “right”. Especially if convenience comes at the price of a life – even the life of a creature as small as that of a stray cat.

After all, what defines the kind of human beings we are is how well we treat even the smallest of God’s creatures. ###

On August 30, Two Serendra sent a citation to its residents which warned them that they would be fined up to P10,000 for feeding stray cats.

The first offense is a citation, the second offense had a penalty of P1,000, the third offense had a penalty of P5,000, and the fourth offense had a penalty of P10,000 and suspension of privileges for a period of no less than one month.

Anything to add to this story? Share your thoughts with us.

When Captain Marvel’s trailer came out, I remember being ecstatic because it was going to be the first movie led by a female superhero in the Marvel Comics Universe. GIRL. POWER.

Sadly, not everyone felt the same way. In fact, some people totally bashed Brie’s performance in the trailer, claiming that she should “smile more”. It is assumed that these statements were made because she is a woman whose positive emotions should be displayed for the enjoyment of others.

One particular Twitter user even put smiles onto the Captain Marvel’s promos to show what she should apparently look like. In the caption, the user says, “I fixed Captain Marvel!”

I fixed #CaptainMarvel! Thanks @faceapp_ai.@DiversityAndCmx @TheQuartering @OneAngryGamerHD pic.twitter.com/SWx1ReRuJN

— Turd Flinging Monkey (@TFMonkeyYouTube) September 18, 2018

Well, Brie ain’t having none of it. To showcase just how ridiculous this demand is of a female superhero (and of a woman, in general really), Brie posted several Instagram stories featuring Marvel posters, where she put smiles onto the male Marvel superheroes. I can’t tell if they’re funny or creepy, but they sure are ridiculous. Check it out:

Don’t they look downright ridiculous?

(ALSO READ: Sorry, Thor. Captain Marvel is the Strongest Avenger.)

Can you imagine the Marvel superheroes trying to save the world with smiles plastered on their faces? Do you think Brie should have been smiling more as Captain Marvel? Share your thoughts with us!

Words by Micah Avry Guiao

Even if you’re not a bookworm, you’d have to be living under a rock to not know or at least hear about the annual Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) held in September at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Widely regarded as the biggest and longest running book fair extravaganza in the Philippines, MIBF caters to all people of all walks of life.

Now on its 39th year, the MIBF is no less than alluring than it was the previous years. Bookstores come together under one roof to present discounted novels, short stories, and the like. To add to that, the event also offers numerous seminars, workshops, and book signings throughout the five-day run. Truly, the success of MIBF every year is one massive evidence that Filipinos still read.

However, the MIBF is not just limited to its event title. Aside from books, there are a number of other things that can be purchased to add variety to one’s haul.

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Who doesn’t love book fairs!! . MIBF Haul soon on my channel!! . #MIBF #ManilaInternationalBookFair #BookFair #BookHaul #classicbooks #classicbooksph

A post shared by Maxine Lara (@maxinelara) on Sep 14, 2018 at 1:21am PDT

If you’re into journaling or artistic note-taking, you’d be elated to know they offer a wide array of pens, highlighters, brushes, and markers of different brands to choose from. All of them are specially suited to match your needs.

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Are you all set for the 39th edition of the Manila International Book Fair? Find out what titles and discounts await you at this year’s fair by clicking the link in our bio! #regram : @summit.books #mibf

A post shared by smartparenting (@smartparenting) on Sep 12, 2018 at 4:45am PDT

The perfect accessory to a full day spent in the MIBF would have to be a reusable, light-weight tote bag. If you plan to hoard books, take the convenience of a tote bag into consideration as plastic bags may not be the best option. Not only would it be noisy, but it might be vulnerable to completely splitting open. In the MIBF, several selections of minimalistic designed tote bags are being sold from store to store.

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Ang naabot ng aking kakarampot na salapi. Ang dami ko pang gustong bilhin pero sila na lang muna. Nagbago na ko, hindi na gastos now, gutom later. Haha! May Agaw Trip pa kong next week ko makukuha.

A post shared by Charmaine Barce Prevosa (@chaprvs) on Sep 16, 2018 at 4:23am PDT

As a fellow bookworm myself, I cannot state a more frustrating time than realizing you’ve lost your bookmark just as you’re in dire need of one. As I am not a monster who folds the tips of the pages to mark a page, bookmarks are an absolute must. Find a perfect accompanying bookmark for your latest read in the MIBF.

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New bookmarks!! #MIBF

A post shared by Erenne Gonzales (@ejaegonzales) on Sep 16, 2018 at 5:09am PDT

Of course, it would be a sin to forget about the stickers.

On your notebook, on your laptop, or left inside your cabinet never to be used because of your indecisiveness, stickers are one of the best things to embellish everyday objects.

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Here’s my other haul during #MIBF2018 :D I was finally able to buy the Pilot Color Eno Erasable Mechanical Pencils from @pilotpensphilippines :D They’re less messy to keep compared to my coloured pencils. :> I’m also excited to use these in my watercolor drawings. #art #artph #illustration #illustrationph #kawaii #kawaiiph #pencil #doodle #sketch #plant #guhitpinas #guhitpinasartist #dinosaur #pilot #piloteno #doodleph

A post shared by Denden Parreño :D (@illustratedbydenden) on Sep 21, 2018 at 2:26am PDT

If you missed this year’s MIBF, worry not! There’s always next year’s MIBF to look forward to.

What are your purchases from this year’s MIBF? Share it with us in the comments!

Assistant Secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Mocha Uson has resigned from her post.

Based on reports from different media outlets on Wednesday, Mocha announced her resignation during a Senate hearing.

She was at the hearing for the proposed budget next year of the PCOO.

Mocha was appointed as assistant secretary of the PCOO by President Rodrigo Duterte on May 8.

Prior to this, she was appointed as board member of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

Anything to add to this story? Share your thoughts with us.

Written by Joseph Cesar

Photos by Jeff Pascual

Katipunan is a bustling avenue filled with food, drinks, and experiences to remember. Adding to the already busy avenue is The Pop Up. Easily spotted because of their high roof, The Pop Up is an architectural masterpiece as the variety of stalls found inside all have the same exact rectangular crate design! These metal crates might not look like much but leave it to the ingenuity of the people behind each stall to turn them into some of the most eye-catching ones around.

Each stall is decorated to stand out and look unique–sliding doors, custom designs, and neon lights are just some of the ways the owners got creative! Who would’ve thought that these colorful establishments were all just metal crates?

Now, despite having the same base for each stall, The Pop Up is distinguishable for its variety. At first glance, it may seem like a typical food park of some sorts but really going in and seeing it will immediately change your mind.

First off, I’m not sure it can even be called a food park. But not because of the lack of food choices! It’s the opposite, really. In fact, there are several options when it comes to food-dim sum, Peking duck, steak, burgers, ice cream, and so much more are all brought in by well-known establishments. But beyond the food, they have so much more, too!

Greeting you right at the entrance are the carnival-themed games that win you gigantic stuffed toys of all sorts. Interestingly, there’s another game that seems really simple–hang on the bar for 2 minutes and 30 seconds and you win whatever prize you want! But if you’ve worked out before or if you’ve tried to hang on a bar for as long as possible, you’d know that 30 seconds is pretty difficult and 2 minutes and 30 seconds is a Herculean task.

Worry not–after trying (and miserably failing) at the games, there will definitely be food and drinks ready to comfort you. If you’re not feeling up to eating yet, there’s always the option of going through their clothing stalls, too!

If you’re staying until night time then you’re in for a treat as they turn on the music and transform the vibe into a chill drinking place where you can buy drinks and hang out with your friends.

See? It isn’t exactly a food park–it is so much more than that! And to think that all of them came from hunks of metal crates! Amazing!

Check out these stalls for yourself and stay tuned for upcoming events by clicking here!

Words by Rianna Bernabe

It’s easy for a lot of people to look down on those who decide to pursue their passion in art. The traditional-thinking ones would say that it wouldn’t be enough to provide for a sustainable future. These cynics are just some of the giants we stumble upon as artists. The truth is, there are so many factors that hinder us from reaching our dreams.

Kung ‘di ka magpupush, ‘di ka makikilala.. Babagsak ka lang.
(If you don’t push yourself, you won’t be able to make a name for yourself. You’ll just fail.)

These are the words of Kevin Cayuca, a self-made photographer, film director, and creative director who has become one of the prominent names behind shoots such as those for Nike Philippines and FHM Magazine. Cayuca is an artist who was left at the hospital for a week after being born due to an infection which resulted in zero hearing in his right ear and only 30% hearing on his left. It wasn’t until he was four that he could finally speak.

(ALSO READ: Fresh graduate with autism shares college journey)

Photo from Kevin Cayuca

Just like you and me, Kevin had plenty of obstacles to overcome. But it was even harder for him considering his condition then. However, I realized that when it comes to pursuing our dreams, we are all one and the same. We all get lost, we start to doubt our capabilities, and we lose sight of what’s in store for us.

Sawang-sawa na akong walang ginagawa sa bahay, hanggang sinabihan ako ng mentor ko na si Xander Angeles to “Open the door, create yourself.” Naging eye-opener talaga iyon. (I was getting tired of not doing anything at home, until my mentor, Xander Angeles, told me to “Open the door, create yourself.” It truly became an eye-opener.) 

Kevin taught me that sometimes, all we need is to shut out the skeptics and remain focused on our vision.

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This is my favourite surf shot I've taken. Majestic Waves. #internationalsurfingday Surfer: Jomary Tanael of Catanduanes / Photographed by @kevincayucaph of @edgeoflightstudios #edgeoflightstudios #eolstudios #surf #majestic

A post shared by Kevin Cayuca (@kevincayucaph) on Jun 27, 2017 at 4:37am PDT

Kevin had to change schools a number of times–from a Christian school to a school for the hearing impaired. He even had to take gap years, saying it was because he was constantly bullied. In kindergarten, he even had a tutor who said that he would only be able to finish first grade. This is what pushed Kevin’s mom to transfer him to Community of Learners where he finished high school without any hearing aid. All it took was a lot of faith in himself as he took his speech therapy to heart.

Kevin’s story is one that every frustrated artist needs to know about. His dad, Jay Cayuca, is a famous musician. As artists, we can all agree on how important support really is. In fact, sometimes, it’s all we really need to keep us going. Kevin says he is most grateful for all his mentors. This includes his dad, the one who gave him his first camera because according to him, Kevin had stronger eyes.

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Experimental lighting setups always fun #cinematicportraits @graydelf of @farahmodels HMUA @vanessaestormakeup Assistant @brayc.ph

A post shared by Kevin Cayuca (@kevincayucaph) on Aug 9, 2017 at 6:55pm PDT

When Kevin graduated high school, he had no idea what to do. Another scenario we can all relate to. This was when he received his first hearing aid and was completely overwhelmed by the beauty of sound that he couldn’t leave the house. He was eventually inspired to take up Communication Arts at Mapúa Institute of Technology. This was where his love for photography was developed.

Today, Kevin celebrates nine years of being a photographer. He is proud to be self-made as he whole-heartedly taught himself all the skills he now possesses–from perspective, texture, lighting, focus, mood, and all other visual arts. He started with fashion photography and now, he indulges in commercial lifestyle and travel.

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The Gungal Rock Formation at 1814 meters above sea level. @daren.kingsley | Mountaineer @kevincayucaph of @edgeoflightstudios #edgeoflightstudios #eolstudios #nikon

A post shared by Kevin Cayuca (@kevincayucaph) on Feb 8, 2018 at 8:40pm PST

Those cynics I mentioned in the beginning weren’t entirely wrong. It definitely gets tough to survive in the arts industry. As for Kevin, his giants haven’t stopped. He would be judged for taking the PWD lane in the LRT, or PWD line in restaurants, as bystanders would think that he looked completely well and able.

Even though Kevin’s hearing has now reached 100% naturally, there is still no reason to listen to those giants. He extends his utmost gratitude to his mom, his uncle Rico Gutierrez of GMA, and Xander Angeles, who took him under his wing at Edge of Light Studios. Support can go a long way and for Kevin, this meant him being able to witness the movement of the ocean up close and capturing the best of life.

Major props to you, Kevin! And here’s to all the starting artists, wherever you are in your craft, may this story inspire you to never stop pushing yourself and defying the ordinary.

What do you think of this story? Let us know in the comments below!

A spot in the cemetery or a family mausoleum serves as the final resting place of our deceased loved ones. Most of us would take good care of these places and would want to keep them in the best condition. We even make sure that out of respect to our loved ones who have passed, the mausoleums are always clean.

So, it was quite unfortunate when Grace Foronda found that this has happened to their newly-constructed family mausoleum.

She shared her disappointment via a post on Facebook.

Here’s the full text of her post:

I’m beyond devastated and angry. Sharing a recent horrific incident that happened in my parents’ mausoleum in Concepcion Memorial Shrine Cemetery, Concepcion, Tarlac. Some deranged person defiled what was supposed to be a sanctuary for the physical bodies of those who have gone. I heard that we were not the only ones victimized by this person/group. What absolute disrespect to the beloved who have passed on. The place was actually just finished for construction a few months back.

If anyone has information on who’s been doing these atrocious deeds, kindly share, please. Currently, we have no info on who is/are behind it. Hoping that no one else gets victimized by these people.

Hope my media friends can help spread the word. We’d appreciate it very much. Thank you.

What can we do to protect our mausoleums from things like this? Let us know in the comments.

Words by Carinna Reyes

It’s the rainy season again, and it’s time to make meaning out of everyone’s favorite textmate-slash-concerned lover. Nope, not your S.O. The NDRRMC. *Insert alarming NDRRMC message beep here*

Screenshot: upsize.ph

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is mandated by law under Republic Act 10639 to send warnings to all Filipinos in times of calamities. This is to help us prepare and take necessary action in case our cities would be affected by incoming typhoons.

But what do these startling, vibrating, and sometimes cryptic messages from NDRRMC mean? Here are a few terms and definitions from the PAG-ASA warning system that we can use to decipher these messages:

Rainfall Warnings

Yellow Warning

• For Community Awareness
• Forecast: flooding is possible in low-lying areas and near river channels
• This is what happens when you wear your white sneakers outside and the universe decides to spite you just for fun

Orange Warning

• For Community Preparedness
• Forecast: flooding is threatening in low-lying areas and near river channels
• Imagine a very tiring day after work/school, and all you want to do is go home and sleep. Then this happens, and you get stranded. Fun.

  ALSO READ: I was stranded for 8 hours because of the rain – so I hitched with soldiers to get home

Red Warning

• For Community Response
• Forecast: Severe flooding is expected. Take necessary precautionary measures
• The movie 2012 has come to life. Mother nature is out to drive us all into extinction.

Tropical Cyclone Warnings

Got a text from NDRRMC saying a Signal No. 1 has been raised in your area? Here’s what that means:

• No damage to very light damage
• Very light or no damage to high-risk structures; slight damage to some houses of very light materials
• Keribells pa, push through ang gala

Signal No. 2

• Light damage to moderate damage
• Unshielded, old dilapidated schoolhouses, makeshift shanties, and other structures of light materials are partially damaged or unroofed
• Hingi na ng suspension kay Ninong Erap

Retweet this lucky picture of erap for faster suspension in manila #WalangPasok pic.twitter.com/sQ122N0SrY

— John Lloyd Mejorada (@JohnyPandy) August 12, 2018

Signal No. 3

• Moderate damage to heavy damage
• Increasing damage to old, dilapidated residential structures and houses of light materials; some warehouses or bodega-type structures are unroofed
• Time to tweet “pahinging cuddle buddy” while crying and watching Netflix

Signal No. 4

• Heavy damage to very heavy damage
• Many houses of medium-built materials are unroofed, some with collapsed walls, extensive damage to doors and windows; all signs/billboards are blown down
• Your local 7 Eleven becomes a mini-hunger games arena, so bilisan mo or mauubusan ka ng cup noodles

Signal No. 5

• Very heavy damage to widespread damage
• Most residential and institutional buildings of mixed construction may be severely damaged; electrical power distribution and communication services are severely disrupted
• Time to do walling and pretend you’re in a music video as the internet is down and you’re alone with your thoughts

ALSO READ: 5 Ways Millennials Can Help Build A Disaster-Ready Community

Need more info? You can read more in the official PAGASA website.

What do you think about the NDRRMC messages? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The much-awaited reopening of Boracay is fast approaching. Finally, after a 6-month shutdown, the popular island destination will again welcome visitors to its white sandy shores starting on October 26. It was closed on April 26 due to environmental degradation.

Of course, the tourists are excited to set foot on their favorite island getaway again. The establishments’ workers must be relieved to have their jobs back, too. The government departments that are part of the task force must be on tenterhooks by now, hoping that everything will go according to plan. The rest of us are curious about many things.

You have probably heard numerous updates in the news about how the rehabilitation of Boracay is progressing, so you know more or less what to expect: better beaches, roads, facilities etc. What shouldn’t you expect when Boracay reopens, though?

10 Things You Shouldn’t Expect Once Boracay Reopens

10. The same amount of tourists

Unlimited visitors are not allowed on the island anymore. Only 6,405 visitors are allowed daily. Authorities will strictly implement the carrying capacity on the island, which is 55,000 people – tourists and residents combined. If you want to know more about the carrying capacity, check out the study here.

A less crowded Boracay is anticipated with the strict implementation of a carrying capacity on the island.

9. Parties on the beach

Drinking and smoking in public places, especially along the beach shores, is now prohibited. In fact, even setting up of beach umbrellas, tables and chairs near the beach is no longer allowed.

8. LaBoracay

Labor Day weekend used to attract as many as 70,000 tourists, which overshoots the island’s carrying capacity.

7. A ton of activity choices on the beach

Activities will now be limited on the beach. Some of the activities that will no longer be allowed on the beach include fire-dancing, massages, and tattoos. However, they will still be allowed in private establishments.

6. Water sports

Diving and other water sports are currently suspended, as well.

5. Casinos

Casinos are not allowed to operate on the island.

4. Fewer incoming flights

Airlines will have fewer daily flights to the island. The Department of Tourism (DoT) has already asked various airlines to limit their flights to the island, again to maintain the carrying capacity. So far, Philippines Airlines has responded to DoT’s request and has decreased its daily flights from Boracay to only one (they previously had six daily flights for Boracay).

3. Your favorite hotels

Your favorite hotels might not reopen yet. So far, only 25 hotels have complied with government regulations and will be allowed to reopen. They have 2,063 rooms available, so tourists are advised to only book with compliant establishments.

Book only with accredited or compliant establishments. More hotels will be added to the list upon compliance.

2. Plastic

Single-use plastics are now banned in Boracay. The Malay municipal government has passed an ordinance prohibiting the use of single-use or disposable plastic items by hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other establishments; so make sure you bring reusable bags, straws, cups etc. to avoid paying a fine.

1. A perfect island

Rehabilitation works will continue even after the reopening, so there will still be ongoing construction. Do not expect everything to be fully rehabilitated yet. According to the DoT, they have only finished the first phase. The second phase will not be completed until April 2019 and the third phase until December 2019.

Boracay awaits you…

Despite all of the changes and limitations on the island, there is no doubt that the rehabilitated Boracay will still live up to people’s expectations. After a 6-month hiatus or “beauty rest”; the island’s sand, sea and surroundings will surely be more beautiful. Let us please make sure it stays that way.

When are you planning to visit the island again?

A bank ATM was spotted to be littered with receipts. Sadly, just right beside the machine are two trash bins.

Abbie Emm shared a photo of the said ATM on Facebook.

Take a look at it below.

Abbie captioned it with:

Dear Filipinos & Humans,

Sobrang sama ba ng aim ninyo na 2 basurahan na nakalagay sa ATM wala pa rin?!?
Seriously! SERIOUSLY!!! 
It took me less than 5 min. Just to pick up everything. And that little piece of paper takes less than a second to get in the bin.
We complain about saving the planet. yet here we are. 
If you cant put it in the bin, BPI has an option not to print a receipt.
Seriously!!!

Abbie has a point, it only takes a second to properly aim for the trash can and throw the receipt in there. Also, if we can’t properly aim for the trash can, maybe we shouldn’t print the receipt anymore?

Anything to add to this story? Share your thoughts with us.

As of the time of this writing, no one has won the Ultra Lotto 6/58 jackpot yet. The prize has now increased to P903,290,152.

In an Ultra Lotto 6/58 draw, six numbers are obtained from a drum with 58 balls. If you match the six numbers then you win the jackpot prize. If you partially match some of the numbers, you win a smaller fixed prize.

Source: Screenshot from pcso.gov.ph

Now, you might think that this legendary prize is enough for you to try to bet on every combination. Before you do that, a redditor named NotAikoYumi did the math and shed some light on this.

Source: Screenshot from reddit.com

The Ultra Lotto 6/58 is drawn every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday. Ticket price is at P24. The initial jackpot starts at P50,000,000 and the pool grows bigger every time there is no winner.

This P903,290,152 is the biggest so far. The last biggest win was P741 million in the Grand Lotto jackpot in 2010. A Filipino balikbayan from Olongapo City won that huge money pot.

Anything to add to this story? Share your thoughts with us!

Looks like the Sotheby’s just got Banksyed.

A Banksy artwork has “self-destructed” a few moments after it sold for more than £1 million (about $1.3 million).

The Girl with Red Balloon is probably Banksy’s most popular work. It was sold at an auction in the Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Evening Sale in London. It was one of the most anticipated pieces of the night.

However, right after the painting was sold to the winning bid of £860,000 (£1,042,000 including buyer’s premium) at around 9PM that night, the artwork was shredded on the frame through a remote mechanism.

Banksy shared this moment on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

Going, going, gone…

A post shared by Banksy (@banksy) on Oct 5, 2018 at 6:45pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

. “The urge to destroy is also a creative urge” – Picasso

A post shared by Banksy (@banksy) on Oct 6, 2018 at 10:09am PDT

The shredded artwork then came out the bottom in strips.

It is said that if a piece is damaged while in the care of an auction house, a buyer would not normally be expected to go through with the sale.

However, since this seemed like it was going on a very Banksy-like fashion, the Girl With Red Balloon might be worth even more in its shredded state.

Anything to add to this story? Share your thoughts with us.