7 Pinoy films featured at Rotterdam festival

7 Pinoy films featured at Rotterdam festival

By Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

Posted at 02/08/2012 7:44 PM | Updated as of 02/08/2012 7:44 PM

Director Lav Diaz talks to the media at the International Film Festival Rotterdam

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino filmmakers triumphed once again, this time at a recent film festival in Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

From January 25 to February 5, the Pinoy films were shown at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), which is considered as the home of Philippine cinema in Europe.

Regulars at the IFFR are veteran indie filmmakers Lav Diaz, Khavn dela Cruz and Raya Martin.

Martin, for instance, is dubbed by the Dutch press as the “wonder boy from the Philippines.”

But even if he did not go to this year's festival, his films “Buenas Noches Espana” and “Boxing in the Philippine Islands” were among the seven Pinoy films shown at the festival.

Diaz attended the festival to support his two films “Florentina Hubaldo and “Siglo ng Pagluluwal."

Dela Cruz was also there for his film “MondoManila."

A first timer in Rotterdam, Jet Leyco was ecstatic about showing his films "Ex Press" and "Patlang."

The Pinoys feel indebted to the IFFR for its continued support to Filipino filmmakers, paving the way for the Philippines to become part of the cultural movement.

“It’s not that our films are here but sila ang regular na tumutulong sa atin and they believe in Philippine cinema, especially the Hubert Bals Fund, which is funding independent filmmakers in the Philippines,” said Diaz.

Called a “maestro” by the IFFR, Diaz said the Philippines is not behind anymore in the world of filmmaking.

“The so-called cult movement sa mundo, we’re part of it. Hindi tayo naiiwan. The very fact na that they’re inviting Filipino cinema, bahagi tayo, kasama tayo sa malawak na kilusan sa kultura,” Diaz said.

“They respect us, may acknowledgement, may awareness na may ginagawa rin tayo sa Pilipinas,” he said.“For one, like itong Rotterdam, it’s one of the greatest festivals in the world, in terms of programming serious cinema. Andito tayo.”

According to Diaz, it is IFFR programmer Gertjan Zuilhof, who first programmed the Filipino films at the festival.

“Gertjan Zuilhof believes in Philippine cinema. He’s the first na nag-program ng maraming Filipino films dito sa Europa. This the home of the Philippine cinemas in Europe. Of course, kasama ang Venice dyan,” Diaz explained.

The IFFR is the largest festival in the world in terms of films and audience, which counts more than 300,000 viewers every year.

“They see your films na parang ganung talaban, may ganung interaction ng mga kultura na mahalaga para sa world peace or pag-unawa sa mga pagkakaiba at similarities ng mga tao, ibat ibang tao, ibat ibang kultura,” Dela Cruz said.

Leyco and another first timer to the festival Hazel Orencio, who is the lead actress in "Florentina Hubaldo" and "Siglo ng Pagluluwal," were both in awe of the IFFR.

“Exciting siya kasi first time kong pumunta dito tapos first film ko din siya. Sobrang okay din mga viewers, mga nanonood. Yung atmosphere, ambience dito sa Rotterdam sobrang okay in terms of cinema,” Leyco said.

The IFFR is a unique festival showcasing the works of art of filmmakers although lacking in pomp and glamor.

But still Orencio was overwhelmed by the festival community’s warm reception to the Filipinos.

“Nalulula ako. Nahihiya ako actually. Tapos celebrity dito si Direk Lav so people were greeting him, critics,” Orencio said.

Now that most of the Pinoys have returned to the Philippines, they said that do not aspire for grandeur nor recognition back home.

Their only wish is for the present government to extend a bigger hand to the makers of serious films because they do not expect President Benigno Aquino III to understand the intricacies of Philippine cinema.

But according to the indie filmmakers, what Aquino can do to put the industry on the right track is to carefully choose those who will oversee them.

"They are those who know, those who are open and those who do not allow their biases to affect the growth of both the culture and the Philippine cinema," they said.

SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/02/08/12/7-pinoy-films-featured-rotterdam-festival

Dutch Pinoys welcome Year of the Dragon

Dutch Pinoys welcome Year of the Dragon

By Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Posted at 02/03/2012 2:07 AM | Updated as of 02/03/2012 2:07 AM



Filipinos celebrate the Year of the Dragon in the Netherlands.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands - Pinoys joined the Chinese community of the Hague in its celebration of the Year of the Dragon.

Major shopping streets of downtown The Hague, particularly Chinatown, became crowded, colorful and noisy as the week-long celebrations for the Chinese New Year came to an end.

Some Pinoys also joined in the celebrations.

Everyone had high hopes of a better business climate, work, and the end of Europe's economic and financial crisis.

Leading the optimists are, of course, the Chinese.

"The dragon is a special animal for the Chinese. Last year, we had a difficult year here in Europe and I hope that the year of the dragon will bring us a lot of success, peace and better economic situation," said Hang Chung, an organizer at the Chinese celebrations.

"We hope everything will be fine and everyone can realize their wishes," said Amy, a Chinese who joined the celebrations.

Even Filipinos are full of hope.

“Dahil nga New Year, kahit ano pang nationality, pag nagpalit ang taon ay positive tayo lahat sa darating sa kung anong darating, dahil nga sa maraming krisis na nakikita," said Anabelle Lasaten.

Whatever one's nationality is, a good luck is always on the wish list with every new year.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/02/02/12/dutch-pinoys-welcome-year-dragon

Thousands join ‘Crazy Dutch’ New Year tradition

by Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

Posted at 01/13/2012 1:31 PM | Updated as of 01/13/2012 1:31 PM

THE HAGUE - Thousands flocked to the annual New Year’s Dive in The Netherlands, the biggest of which took place in Scheveningen in The Hague.

January 1 always comes in the peak of European winter but on 12:00 p.m. every New Year’s Day, the abandoned beaches in Holland become jam-packed with people wearing orange bonnets and gloves or funny costumes.

For more than 5 decades now, the normally quiet beaches are transformed into a two-hour summer resort with huge crowds stripping to their swimsuits on New Year's Day.

This year, around 27,000 people participated around the country. Some 10,000 people rushed to dip, dive or swim in the very cold water of Scheveningen.

Even if the temperature was enough to cause goosebumps, many of the first-timers this year were very young people.

This year, the event was also more organized with a huge tent where many of the swimmers could dress and undress.

Many of the Dutch joined the annual Crazy Sea Dip for the fun of it and as a continuation of the New Year’s celebration.

“Life is fun, you have the birth and then you die but between it is only fun. Say it to the world, only fun,” said a Dutch guy who did not want to give his name.

But the light-hearted Dutch tradition became more meaningful to two Pinoy best friends, who pledged to swim together every New Year in Scheveningen.

“It's a bit symbolic. You starting the year off new and fresh. Give it a boost, give yourself a kick start for the New Year,” said Joshua Gonzales from London.

Gonzales joined the New Year’s Dive six years ago when he was still living in The Hague.

He later succeeded in convincing his friend Paulo Tomas to join him. Gonzales now returns to The Hague during the Christmas holidays to keep this tradition.

“Gives you a lot of confidence to start 2012 with a good feeling,” said Tomas, who participated in the New Year's Dive for the third year in the row.

Many follow this Dutch tradition not only for the fun but also to attract good luck and good health that they believe the New Year will bring.


SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/01/13/12/thousands-join-%E2%80%98crazy-dutch%E2%80%99-new-year-tradition

NDFP losing patience with PNoy

By Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

Posted at 11/15/2011 9:49 AM | Updated as of 11/15/2011 1:32 PM

The National Democratic Front Panel is losing patience at the "continued snobbery" of the government of President Benigno Aquino III to its demands in order for the stalled peace negotiations to resume.

"There is an ongoing civil war in the Philippines and it will not stop. The revolutionary movement will continue their armed struggle if there will be no remedy to the NDFP's listed 10 impediments or problems in its peace negotiations with the Government of the Philippines or GPH."

Such were the words of CPP Founding Chair Jose Maria Sison when interviewed by ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau after the press conference at the NDF Headquarters in Utrecht.

The NDFP said it is growing impatient because the GPH remains aloof towards the resumption of peace talks.

Now taking the offensive, the NDFP presented on Monday the prominent international lawyers who will make up its newly formed International Legal Advisory Team or ILAT.

ILAT's mission will be to provide exclusive and confidential pro-bono counsel and assistance to NDFP in matters of law arising from and/or related to the peace negotiations.

The NDFP said it doesn't aim to intimidate the GPH with the formation of ILAT.

"Hindi naman takutin. Pakita na maraming suporta kaya mga prestigious international law experts ito from different countries na they are willing to provide legal assistance. At lumalawak ang solidarity for the Filipino people at for the National Democratic Front all over the world. Pati sa Canada, sa U.S., sa New Zealand, yung trade unions have spoken up for the advance of the peace talks and against the obstacles being put by the government of the Philippines," NDFP chair Luis Jalandoni said.

The press conference gained a lot of interest from the international media and local press in the Philippines as well who joined the video conference.

According to ILAT, the Philippine government's refusal to sit on the negotiating table is a major violation of the human rights of Filipinos.

"The government claims to represent the Filipino people, claims to be elected by the Filipino people, said in public that it intends to negotiate in good faith with the NDFP. Now if it seeks to walk away from the negotiating table then it's betraying itself and it betrays the people it represents," ILAT member and U.K. lawyer Richard Harvey said.

Sison said that soon, the Filipinos will explode just like in the major protests, where the "Occupy Movements" worldwide are rooted because the situation in the Philippines now is grave.

"Kasi ang sistemang naghahari sa Pilipinas, manghihina. Lalo na ngayon yung sistemang capital sa buong daigdig nanghihina. Alam mo naman ang Pilipinas eh lulutang dahil sa pautang pero pag nahirapan nang mangutang tapos yung mga remittance kukulangin na dahil ang mga gobyerno ng bansang nasa krisis yung pag-intake nila ng overseas contract workers hihina..." Sison explained.

Until now, the NDFP is still waiting for the release of its 17 political consultants who are protected under the JASIG agreement.

SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/11/15/11/ndfp-losing-patience-pnoy

Fil-Dutch group celebrates silver jubilee

by Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Posted at 11/10/2011 11:39 PM | Updated as of 11/10/2011 11:40 PM

THE NETHERLANDS - The silver jubilee of the United Filipino Dutch Association became a celebration of unity and solidarity of the Filipinos in Holland.

The supposedly sit-down formal event became a standing room only as the NH Schiphol Hotel became jampacked as early as 2 hours before the start of the party.

The maximum capacity was 300 but more than 500 guests came from the different parts of Holland, Belgium and Germany.

But despite the crowded venue, nobody expressed anger for not being able to go inside, with some Pinoys setting up seats outside the venue and toasting the milestone.

To celebrate the big event, UFDA prepared a long musical program that also showed the 3 generations of members.

For the first time, there was a cotillion of former presidents of UFDA, a feat which was impossible in the past.

"Nagkaron ng parang reconciliation ang mga nakaraang mga presidente na nawawalan ng time ngayon. Ginawan namin ng paraan para magkasama sama sila at nabuhay ang dati, yung mas matatag na samahan, binuhay ulit namin yon," UFDA president Boy Balmaceda said.

The successful event did not fail to impress the new Philippine ambassador to the Netherlands.

They are capable of getting together, working together, helping each other and I see that it is a good community. I haven't encountered anything which would speak of issues amongst associations, so for this association to have been able to bring together a lot of Filipinos from different groupings in the Netherlands, that is very laudable," Ambassador Lourdes Morales said.

Even comedienne Giselle Sanchez was blown away by UFDA's pull among the Pinoys.

"Napansin ko tong UFDA naibukod nila at ginawa niyang solid ang mga Pilipino. So hindi na masyadong watak-watak ang mga Pilipino sa Amsterdam kundi isang buo na. Nagsasaya," Sanchez said.

Officers of UFDA thanked all their kababayans who came to return the camaraderie that they have given in more than 2 decades.

Balmaceda said that in the last 25 years, UFDA has established a solid and deep friendship with different Pinoys and organizations in Europe.

SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/11/10/11/fil-dutch-group-celebrates-silver-jubilee

New PH envoy presents credentials to Queen Beatrix of Holland

by Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

Posted at 11/03/2011 5:42 PM | Updated as of 11/03/2011 5:42 PM

HOLLAND - A very loud drum roll and three platoons of Royal Palace guards welcomed the arrival of Her Excellency Ambassador Lourdes Morales at the Noordeinde Palace grounds in The Hague.

In all its pomp and glory, Morales stepped down from the horse-drawn royal carriage to enter the gates of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix’s working palace in order to formally present her letter of credence as the new Philippine envoy in The Netherlands.

The ceremony on the palace grounds was colorful and impressive with a special platoon of royal guards as the Philippine national anthem was played first.

This was followed by a general salute given to Morales by the Honor Guard and then the ambassador walked past the three platoons for inspection before finally proceeding to the doorsteps of the palace for the presentation of credentials.

Curious spectators both Dutch and Pinoys filled the barricaded part of the street in order to watch the grand ceremony.

A Filipino couple who was touring Europe was so impressed as it is their first time to watch such a regal event.

“Nanood kami ng pag-courtesy call ng Philippine ambassador sa Queen,” said Nympha Tabo.

“Maganda ang ceremony nila, very colorful,” retired Army General Tabo said.

According to Morales, her mission is to strengthen the economic ties between the Netherlands and the Philippines.

“We would like to further strengthen 'yong relations natin in that area and we would like to see, to further strengthen the presence of the Dutch in the Philippines,” Morales said.

She added that she hopes that she will also gain the full support of her fellow countrymen here in Holland.

“Ang expectation ko is they will be supportive of us and in the same way, they can expect that they can get the same thing from us,” Morales said.

The new ambassador also promised to match, if not to surpass, her predecessors’ very close relations with the Filipino community.

She succeeds Cardozo Luna who left his post.

SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/11/03/11/new-ph-envoy-presents-credentials-queen-beatrix-holland

Pinoy basketball team wins tourney in Amsterdam

by Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

Posted at 08/20/2011 3:30 PM | Updated as of 08/20/2011 4:11 PM

THE NETHERLANDS - Filipino-Americans bagged the first international basketball tournament held in Amsterdam.

Patience, hard work and dedication in basketball helped the AmPinoy team (American Pinoy) from Germany to snatch the championship trophy in the tournament organized by the United Filipino Dutch Association (UFDA).

“Ilang taon naming pinagpraktis, ibang labanan…pagdadrive sa ibang lugar sa lahat ng labanan. Mabuti sa wakas, kami na nanalo,” said player Crisanto Costes.

The American Pinoys, all working at the US Air Force's Ramstein Airbase, were weaker at the start of the round robin, having been knocked down by the younger Brussels All Stars players.

But the AmPinoys rebounded and beat 4 other teams to face the Brussels All Stars again in the finals.

This time, the AmPinoys proved strong and fierce, beating the Belgian Pinoys who landed second place.

"We are playing our game. They were just bigger and stronger than us,” Jassin Dulnoan from Brussels All Stars said.

The third place went to the Luxembourg Warriors.

The tournament was the very first international basketball tournament organized by UFDA with participants coming from Antwerp and Brussels in Belgium; Ramstein and Bonn in Germany; Luxembourg; and Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam in Holland.

UFDA even hired professional Dutch referees in its aim to hold an organized and clean tournament.

The referees were surprised and impressed at the basketball skills and quality of play of the Filipinos.

"The players are high [level]. They can basketball. It's no street basketball. It's like the competition in Holland," referee Beatrix Lee Ajam said.

The tournament ended well without any injury or fight and the UFDA only had to give credit to two young and energetic Pinoys Archer Escalona and JP Ramos, who organized the hugely successful event.


SOURCE: WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM


http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/08/20/11/pinoy-basketball-team-wins-tourney-amsterdam