Unenthusiastic Anthem Singers May Face Jail Time In This Country

Citizens who don’t perform the national hymn with enthusiasm may face fines and jail time in the Philippines.
Philippines citizens may have to work on their singing skills because they might end up in jail if they don’t.

According to a new bill, approved by the country's House of Representatives, citizens are required to sing the national anthem, "Lupang Hinirang," “with fervor” in public.

A lackluster performance can result in fines between $1,000 to $2,000 and up to two years of jail time. Moreover, citizens convicted of violating the proposed law repeatedly will also reportedly be "named and shamed" in a national newspaper.

And even though the country’s controversial president, Rodrigo Duterte, who is notorious for adopting an aggressive approach toward drug lords, doesn't have anything planned to tackle the extremist groups in the Philippines, forcing patriotism among citizens is apparently worth it.

"Some Filipinos don't even know all the words to the national anthem,” said Marlyn Alonte, one of the bill's sponsors.

According the bill, known as the "Revised Flag and Heraldic Code," it will be mandatory for students to memorize the anthem at public and private schools. Furthermore, the anthem should be played in accordance with its original composition, a 2/4 time signature when played instrumentally and a 4/4 time signature when sang. It should be played at a tempo between 100 and 120 beats per minute.

All Filipinos are required to stand during the anthem and face the flag, or the band and conductor in case of no flag. Casting contempt, dishonor or ridicule upon the national anthem is considered a violation of the law.

However, the bill doesn’t mention how it would measure a person’s enthusiasm while singing the national hymn.

Some in the Philippines expressed disappointment on social media over this bizarre patriotism-instilling measure while the country is already inundated with many pressing issues.

http://www.carbonated.tv/news/philippines-bill-jail-time-unenthusiastic-anthem-singers-bill

Lee heaps praise on ‘Bloody Crayons’ cast

Filmmaker Topel Lee attributes the ease of crafting “Bloody Crayons” to its cast that includes Janella Salvador, Elmo Magalona, Sofia Andres, Diego Loyzaga, Jane Oineza, Maris Racal, Yves Flores, Empoy Marquez and Ronnie Alonte.

At a press conference, he said it is more challenging to mount than usual as “this is my first suspense film without using entities.”

“It is my first opportunity to practice that,” he explained. “Buti na lang magagaling ang cast ko. Sobrang laking tulong ng mga batang ito.”

Having nine characters in the movie also boosted Topel’s creative juices, making sure each one has distinct nuance.

“We have to specify what kind of characters they have para hindi nagkakapareho. We used different devices for each of the characters.”

He added that in lieu of using supernatural characters in the movie, he used a lot of camera cranes to make his shots and the scenes look more dynamic. He is thankful Star Cinema provided him the tools he needed.

“I used a lot of equipment na imposibleng magamit sa mga indie shoots,” he said.

Hyped as the “ultimate barkada movie,” “Bloody Crayons” is based on the Wattpad story and Precious Pages’ best-selling novel by Jason Argonza.

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Excitement continues on ‘MVR’

Viewers have fallen in love with Pagaspas (Miguel Tanfelix) and Lawiswis (Bianca Umali) characters on the top-rating primetime series “Mulawin Vs. Ravena.”

They, in fact, now refer to the characters endearingly as Gas and Wis.

Meanwhile, the most hated character in the series is Siklab (Dion Ignacio) because of his fierce intention to have Wis as his wife. But, of course, Wis loves only Gas and vice versa.

Will Gas be able to protect Wis from Siklab’s intentions? This and Almiro’s (Derrick Monasterio) discovery that he is a Mulawin are just some of the more exciting developments on the show.

“Mulawin Vs. Ravena” airs weeknights after “24 Oras” on GMA Telebabad.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, July 13, go to Zeny Iglesias, Rey Cristobal, Dr. Vinson Pineda, Ben, Benedict and Barbara Ann Yalung, Lalaine Vitug, Claire Macaraeg, Rose de Villa, Maya Savellano, Msgr. Marlo Peralta, Gregory Jed Salterio, Jody Manuel, Ma. Teresa Casanova Tan, Laurie Tan, Marie Elaine Fernandez, RK Villacorta, Maricel Eden Cua, Kyla Solera, Michelle Dy, Jualberto Kualkera. Lydia Quintella, Fr. Jeff Quintella and Vicky Morales…Belated b-day greetings to Airiel Enteria of Bulusan, Sorsogon (July 11) and Nestor Gervacio (July 12)…FR. SIMEON REYES, S.J. died early this morning, July 12, in the Jesuit Health and Wellness Center. Funeral Mass on 15 July at 8 a.m., also in the Oratory of St. Ignatius. His Interment at Sacred Heart Novitiate Jesuit Cemetery, right after the Funeral Mass.  July 14: Manny Pangilinan, Roselle Monteverde, Rudy Bediones, Romy Suzara, Nerissa Cabral, Dr. Merly Tan, Mizbee Salvador, Mila Marquez, Ricky Calderon, Edel dela Cruz, Jed Madela, Rolando Timbol, Darren Timbas, Theresa Santamorino, Cesar Alesis Bunoy Orica, Julieta and Petpet and Rosemarie, Gerald Zunera, Jam Achias, Louie Martin, Bea Cortez, Erwin Amboy, Julie Bonifacio and former Caloocan Vice Mayor Nancy Quimpo…Belated b-day greetings to Katherine Cortez and Nancy Hapis…

Standing ovations for Boy Abunda

Hailed as the “King of Talk” in Philippine TV, Boy Abunda received standing ovations when he delivered speeches at different venues recently. The first, in Singapore, was attended by 200 of the most in-demand public speakers in Asia and in the world. The second happened at a commencement exercise for the graduating students of AMA.

The Singapore speaking engagement was upon the invitation of Fredrik Haren, one of the leading figures of the Asia Professional Speakers. Abunda delivered his speech with aplomb: He got a rousing 10-minute standing ovation, which he himself did not expect. It was his first time to talk before a gathering of professional public speakers.

 Despite his expertise in interviewing and talking before varied audiences, Abunda felt he was not “professional” enough to be called a professional public speaker. The audience reaction surprised him as it did the audience.

 Like what he does in all of his engagements, Abunda came prepared with his piece, mentally. He did not have the usual teleprompter common among speakers or a prepared written speech to read before his audience. What he had was, aside from bullet points which served as reminders for him to keep on track, were his heart, his words and his truth.

“At the onset, I told them that I am not a professional speaker. That I am a talk show host, an interviewer but I use the same tools as they do – my words, my heart, my truth.”

They were floored. They were in awe. What could have been more compelling than to tell a story from the heart?

Abunda titled his talk as “The Fab Sermon In Singapore: Don’t Just Be A Speaker, Be A Star”. In it, he pointed out the how and why it is important to be a star speaker. Three of the more important qualities he named were, charisma, x-factor and presence. He also made them realize that nothing lasts forever including fame. But fame can be prolonged though. Quoting Bono, front man of the world-renowned band U2, Abunda said, “Stars have strong sense of occasion. They know they and their audiences are temporary.”

While at the AMA commencement speech he delivered to thousands of graduates, he was the inspiring figure. He provided them with insights on success and failure and how the latter pushed him to be where he is now. He also reminded the graduates to always love their mothers and of how his own mother served as his rock and inspiration.

Indeed, Abunda never fails to amaze his audiences.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, July 11, go to Sylvia Reynoso-Gala, Baby Monroy, Robert Roque, Eliseo Aurelio, Jr., Maynard Penalosa, Oliver Teves, Bex Vinaviles, Merci Lejarde, Hannah Flores, Herminio Agunias, Karen L. Enriquez, Captain Romeo, Karissa Reyes and Editha C. Nación who will celebrate her 80th birthday at Water Woods Clubhouse in Baliuag, Bulacan…Belated b-day greetings to Jovannie M. Nicdao (July 9)… July 12: Xian Lim, Margo Midwinter, Bro. Bo Sanchez, Don Ado Escudero, Agnes Rustia-Ver, Meelin Raymundo, Trina Kalaw Yujuico, Cathy Garcia Bermundo, Susan Reyes Grau, Dr. Chari Ballecer, PJ Dacuycuy, Sunshine Dacudao, Gene Navea, Jean Sobee Lipa-Cabangon, Julius Enrico Arcaya (of Gumaca), Ma. Naneth Aguilar of Cagayan de Oro City, Chan Chan Torres, Carmen Macapulay-Peralta, Vilma Selga, Sarah Abdullah, Regie Baylon, Dorie Arosa, Thea Lalican, James Floyd and Fr. Jeff Quintella…

https://www.google.com.ph/maps/place/Metro+Manila/@14.6894769,121.1227592,13z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x3397c8d26026386d:0x5fed23daac9278d0!8m2!3d14.6090537!4d121.0222565?authuser=1

Special arts & music event at Ka Freddie’s

Ka Freddie’s Music Restaurant on Tomas Morato in Quezon City will be the venue for “Kultura” on July 28.

The event showcases 12 original and especially selected watercolor and acrylic paintings by artists Roland Santos and Nik Masangcay whose works are featured in the coffee table books “Nostalgia” and “Philippines.”

The hardbound publications are the creations of award-winning publisher and author Marlene Aguilar, who is also the curator for the event. Cocktails commence at 5 p.m.

Later that night, singer-composer Freddie Aguilar will perform live with the Watawat Band. Aguilar is President Rodrigo Duterte’s adviser on Philippine art and culture.

Guests of honor at the event are Frederick M. Alegre, Asst. Secretary, Department of Tourism, Office of Public Affairs,Communications and Special Projects; Rafael M. Alunan III, former DILG Chief; Rhodora “Dodod” Cadiao, Governor of Antique; Arthur P. Tugade, Secretary, Department of Transportation; and art patrons Dolores Encabo Barrion-Palacios and Ma. Teresita Herrera.

“Kultura” is a nationwide affair sponsored by the Department of Tourism. It is a travelling show to be presented in eight key cities in the Philippines covering the provinces of Antique, Cavite, Davao, Iloilo, Aklan, Mountain Province, Palawan, and Pangasinan.

“Kultura” aims to promote tourism through Philippine music, art and culture.

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Effective role for Jackie Rice

It seems Jackie Rice is playing Lucy in “My Love From The Star” effectively because she’s getting into the nerves of fans of the series.

Her being “plastic” to Steffi (Jennylyn Mercado) is clear to fans who are, of course, on Steffi’s side. Lucy is also in love with Winston (Christian Bautista) who in turn has eyes only for Steffi.

The Philippine adaptation of the hit Koreanovela “My Love From The Star,” also starring Gil Cuerva, airs weeknights on GMA Telebabad.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, July 8, go to Willie Nepomuceno, Ces Drilon, Gardo Verzosa, California-based Millet Garcia, Marco Jose Revilla, Ms. Miloy Trinidad, James Maturino, Liza Velasco, Olive Castro of PCSO Chairman’s office, James Aron Mangun, Evel dela Cruz, Viz Bonalos, Prof. Carmencita T. Aguilar of Philconsa, Jude Bautista and Emylou R. del Castillo… July 9 celebrators: restaurateur Rod Ongpauco, Atty. Jessie Eustaquio, Baby Joson, Susan D. Banaria, Cristina Ablaza, Mark Pierre C. Tobias, Cheryl de Leon, Ofelia Pumar, Jhim Justine M. Lazatin, Linda Veronica dela Rea, Loretta Atienza-Lina, Cirilo Bautista, Veronica Velasco-Bayota of Luna, La Union; Julius ‘Empoy’ Marquez and Bam Romana…July 10 celebrators: Dennis Ting, Rep. Evelio R. Leonardia, Marco Sison, Geny Tan, Philip A. Nazareno, Princess Revilla, Alex Timbol, Nelda Quizon, Senedy Que, Claire De Leon Papa, Susan Amoranto, Prescilla Martinez-Flores, Joby Tanjuatco, Wilma Doesn’t, Armand Braun Jr., Linda Dizon, Sally Ancheta, Kailash Ramchandani, Joshua Lim, Raven Batan Castanos, Australia-based Rufina Mangabat-Aldeano and Millie Sta. Ana-Gurfinkel … Happy wedding anniversary to Juan and Maria Gomez…

3.2-Km. Laguna Lake Highway Opens July 7

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the construction of the 3.2 kilometer portion of Laguna Lake Highway in Taguig City.

DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar led on Friday, July 7, 2017, the opening to motoring public of the additional 2 lane at the east bound direction of Laguna Lake Highway which is expected to reduce travel time from Taytay, Rizal to Bicutan, Taguig from one (1) hour to just 30 minutes.

The 3.2-kilometer additional 2-lane road from Napindan to M.L. Quezon Avenue was built under Phase I and Phase II of the Laguna Lake Highway Project costing P512 million.

“This newly opened highway is part of a road network that we are building to ease congestion in this particular area and provide a barrier that would prevent back flow of water coming from the Laguna de Bay going to industrial and residential areas in Metro Manila,” said Secretary Villar.

Villar said structures for pedestrians are integrated in the road projects to ensure inclusive mobility not just of motorists, but also bikers and pedestrians.

The Laguna Lake Highway Project in particular covers the construction and widening of two (2) bridges, improvement and concreting of existing dilapidated asphalt road, with provision of additional two lanes, and construction of 2-meter wide planting strips, 3-meter bike lane, and 1.5-meter sidewalk.

Laguna Lake Highway, also known as Circumferential Road 6 (C6) located along the peripheral areas of Laguna de Bay links the towns of Rizal to the eastern corridor of Metro Manila.

It was opened to light vehicles in 2000, effectively serving as an alternate route of motorists to avoid the congested Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) and Circumferential Road 5 (C5).

Due to strategic commercial importance, the road network became a favorite access of all types of vehicles including heavily loaded trucks that resulted to early deterioration of the existing asphalt pavement.

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