Sharing our love of the filipino arts to the world.
Huge Turnout for Fiesta Kultura
Oct 3rd
Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis cutting the ribbon to formally open Fiesta Kultura 2012.
Turnout in today’s Fiesta Kultura could be one of the biggest in the event’s 24 year history. [More photos here]
With clear skies, visitors to the Fairfield Showground Filipino festival could not ask for more.
Thousands have again enjoyed traditional Filipino audio-visual and gastronomic feast offerings.
As of this writing (4:32 pm), singing, folkloric and modern dance performances are continuing on the main stage whilst the beauty pageant contests are getting ready. To be contested are the Miss Philippines – Australia and Charity Queen Australia titles.
The popularity of Fiesta Kultura More >
FILIPINO AUSTRALIAN MIGRATION STORIES
Oct 3rd
There’s a great amount of cultural diversity in Australia and we’ve all got our own experiences of being Australian.
This theatre project explores Filipino cultural identity in an Australian context. There are many layers to the stories, whether it’s a story from a first or second generation Filipino-Australian or a recent arrival. It’s a collection of poignant, amusing and honest observations of life as Australians of Filipino heritage, and is essentially every Australian migrant’s story.
Inspired by our experimental production Aussies of the Magic Mic and Adobo Kind for Sydney Fringe Festival 2011, we hope to bring a new theatre project to More >
BORACAY named 2012 No.1 World’s Best Island
Jul 20th
The Philippines’ Boracay Island made world-famous for its pristine and white sand Boracay Beach placed 1st (no 1) best overall in Asia according to Travel+ Leaisure’s World’s Best Awards 2012,
BORACAY named 2012 No.1 World’s Best Island, as featured on NBC’s Today Show… Boracay has been named as this year’s world’s best island getaway by an international travel magazine.
The magazine’s editor, Nilou Motamed, made the announcement Friday on the “Today” daily American morning television show that airs on NBC.
“The world’s best island, I confess to never having heard of it in the Philippines,” “Today” host Willie Geist.
“This is important, Boracay. It beat out Bali, More >
2012 Miss PA Campaign
Jul 3rd
Hi everyone,
If you have facebook, please visit Miss Philippines Australia facebook page and share the post “The Search is on…” to help with our Miss PA campaign.
The page is located at www.facebook.com/missphilaust .
If you haven’t already, please “like” the page so you can be kept up to date with what’s happening in the pageant.
Thanks.
Regards, Honeylet
Perfection trailer
Jun 21st
This is the trailer for my short film Perfection. I produced it with the help of Donna Svanberg at Capitol Productions, the DOP was Murray Stillman, the actor is the beautiful Kenneth Moraleda and the music on the trailer is composed by Rosie Chase, who created the music for the film. It is a 7 minute study on the inter-relationship of beauty and violence.
Guactruck Mobile Eatery
Jun 1st
The food truck craze has officially hit Manila, Philippines by way of the Guactruck, a modern mobile eatery full of sustainable initiatives. The truck itself is a used delivery truck that has been outfitted locally with LED and energy-saving lighting.
Too bad this Filipino-Mexican food truck can’t swing its way through the States for a peek at the truck and a chance to taste the delicious-looking food.
The design for the packaging is a creative solution to the wastefulness that most containers are today with it’s single cardboard, origami-inspired design. It’s made of biodegradable paperboard that is easy to recycle. Customers are More >
The Philippines – beyond the beaches
Jan 20th
Think of the Philippines and images of gorgeous beaches and crystal blue seas are sure to spring to mind. Islands such as Boracay and Palawan easily attract travellers with their picture-perfect looks but if you get away from the coast (which granted in a country with more than 7000 islands might not seem like the obvious thing to do), you’ll see a whole new side to the country.
Yes, the Philippines is a tropical paradise and yes, it has some of the best beaches you can swing a hammock on, but there is plenty more to this country than just a More >
Visa Exemption for Filipinos
Jan 5th
Visa Free for Pinoys
If you’re a Filipino and a holder of Philippine passport who likes traveling and exploring the beauty of the world, but hates the visa requirement to some countries, frown no more for you can still go to wonderful places without hassle-visa-appointments.
The list of countries below doesn’t require a visa for Filipinos prior to arrival. All you need are passport, plane tickets / itinerary, and some money for your tour.
No Visa Required for Filipinos in the Following Countries… AsiaASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
- Brunei Darussalam – 14 days
- Cambodia – 21 days
- Indonesia – 30 days
- Laos – 30 days
- Malaysia – 30 days (sufficient fund More >
Puey Quinones: The designer the Philippines loves to hate
Dec 29th
“Puey Quiñones: cheat, thief, liar, embezzler, fraudster,” tweets one Puey Quinones hater just a week before Project Bilibid Runway 3 is mounted on November 7, 2011.
It’s the third year the designer has hosted his fashion show competition at the New Bilibid maximum security prison in Muntinlupa City, a city in southern Metro Manila.
Since 2007 he has been teaching male prisoners convicted of rape, murder and kidnap how to create gowns and accessories to be worn on the runway by professional models; his contribution to National Correctional Consciousness Week.
This year cash prizes of P10,000 (USD$227) and sewing machines have been put More >
Sizzling Fillo Restaurant
Nov 22nd
Greetings!
We, Oliver and Joel of Sizzling Fillo Restaurant would like to invite you to please watch our very first production, a Comedy Concert on Saturday, 26 November at 6:30 pm at Blacktown RSL Club, 2nd Avenue, Blacktown.
This is a not-to-be-missed show as it surely is an entertaining and quality show as we feature top comedians all the way from our country, the Philippines! Featuring Ms Kakai Bautista and the impersonators of the Divas, Ms Regine Velasquez, Ms Kuh Ledesma, Ms Szasza Padilla and Ms Pops Fernandez!
Thank you very much for your patronage and see you there!
PS
They will also be dining More >
Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal I Rehabilitation and Renovation
Oct 28th
A pro-bono proposal from Budji Layug, Royal Pineda and Kenneth Cobonpue in cooperation with the National Competitiveness Council of the Philippines.
Its time someone did something about the worst airport in the world. So we made this design because we believe that no matter how beautiful our country is, our airports give the first and last impressions. This plan is relatively inexpensive and simple to adapt. The plan also involves renovating the interiors to allow faster flow of travelers between security, immigration and departure.
The first step has been done. Lets hope our government moves on this proposal quickly.
More >
Aussies of the Magic Mic and Adobo Kind world premiere at the Sydney Fringe Festival 2011
Sep 19th
Think of Sydney’s vast and varied population, and you initially think of the cultural groups that have made this city their home. The Greek community, the Italian community, the Vietnamese. The Filipino community, by and large, barely get a look in.
In Aussies of the Magic Mic and Adobo Kind, the Filipino community is presented in a no-holds-barred comedic production brought to the Sydney Fringe Festival by two of its own, Rosary Coloma and Erica Enriquez. First-time producers and passionate about their heritage, Coloma and Enriquez want to show Sydney how funny, messy, embarrassing and downright beautiful it is to be More >
Aussies of the Magic Mic and Adobo Kind premieres at the Sydney Fringe Festival 2011
Aug 25th
First-time playwrights Rosary Coloma and Erica Enriquez have collaborated to developed a unique production for the 2011 Sydney Fringe Festival, called Aussies of the Magic Mic and Adobo Kind. This piece of contemporary theatre is a series of candid vignettes portraying the many layers of being Filipino-Australian, whether they are first or second generation or recent arrivals. The idea was born from the writers’ amusing and poignant observations of life in Australia as a person of Filipino heritage. Comprising a cast of talented Filipino-Australian artists, Aussies of the Magic Mic and Adobo Kind will show at:
The Cultural Centre at the More >
‘America’s healthiest drink’ is made in the Philippines
Aug 24th
MANILA, Philippines – An organic coconut water drink once named by Health magazine as “America’s healthiest beverage” is proudly made in the Philippines.
Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo told ABS-CBN News that O.N.E. organic coconut water is manufactured in the Philippines but is sold in export markets such as the US.
The product was praised as an example of how the Philippines’ coconut product exports can be packaged in an attractive way for the foreign export markets.
O.N.E. organic coconut water is made with coconuts from the Philippines and packaged in shiny blue Tetra Pak cartons. The stylish but eco-friendly Tetra More >
Pinoy artist nominated for comics ‘Oscars’
Aug 24th
For many, the best comics may conjure images of dark, brooding superheroes and warriors. Who would have thought, however, that the story of a chicken living like a human would create enough acclaim to be considered among this year’s best?
And one created by a Filipino komikero, at that. Gerry Alanguilan’s “Elmer” has been nominated for Best Graphic Album in the 2011 Will Eisner Comic Industry Award, widely considered as the “Oscars” of the comic book industry.
The Eisner Award, a celebration of the best of the comics art form established in 1987, is a much-awaited event at the Comic-Con International, the United More >
FYI
Aug 8th
Pinoy-Aus actor FELINO DOLLOSO has signed up to do a play about being a Filipino-Australian.
The play will be a part of the Sydney Fringe Festival 2011
The Title is – AUSSIES OF THE MAGIC MIC AND ADOBO KIND
Written and Directed by fellow Pinoy-Aussies and a cast of whos who of Pinoy-Aussie actors.
Here’s the link to the Theatre/Play details and a synopsis of the play.
Enjoy!
http://thesydneyfringe.com.au/shows/aussies-magic-mic-and-adobo-kind
A series of candid vignettes portraying the many layers of being Filipino-Australian, whether they be first or second generation or recent arrivals. It will inspire the audience to contemplate notions of empathy in multicultural Australia. Although told More >
Youth Concert Auditions by Hoopdreamz
Jun 24th
Auditions open for youth concert
Community Announcement
Marco Selorio, community advocate and founder of events and entertainment management group Hoopdreamz, takes on the task of rounding up Fil-Aus youth singers, dancers and performers to showcase their talent at a youth concert to be held in October.
This month, Selorio, as director of the Philippine Community Council of NSW (PCC NSW), said he has accepted the role of organising the youth concert to promote Filipino-Australian youth talents in NSW. The event is not a competition but a showcase.
“I’m looking for Filo-Australian singers, dancers, rappers, beatboxers, MCs, or any kind of youth talent More >
WITHIN AND WITHOUT
Jun 22nd
Kenneth Moraleda is a guest artist in “Within and Without”- a collaborative performance installation by Paschal Berry, Valerie Berry, Deborah Pollard and acclaimed Philippines based Anino Shadowplay Collective presented by Performance Space and Blacktown Arts Centre. Rehearsals have been in progress for the last 4 weeks. Preview is on Wednesday 22 June and opens on Thursday 23 June followed by a 2 week season.
23 June – 2 July Wed – Fri 8pm, Sat 3pm & 8pm
Within & Without is a new performance and installation that examines a capital city through its physical and psychological landscape. Audiences are immersed in a More >
Bruno Mars: The Fil-Am Artist with Universal Appeal
Apr 25th
Filipino-American singer-songwriter-producer Bruno Mars ended 2010 with a big bang. His song, Grenade is at the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 and expected to stay there for some time. He wrote on his website, “Grenade is the no. 1 song in the country. What a way to end my year! Thank you all for giving me the greatest year of my life.”
Yes, 2010 has been Bruno Mars’ greatest year in his 25 years in the planet. Grenade is Bruno’s third number one after Nothin’ On You with B.o.B. and Just the Way You Are. Grenade sold over 500,000 singles in More >
Taken by Cars (TbC)
Jan 27th
Taken by Cars, usually referred to as TbC, is a Filipino indie rock band composed of Sarah Marco on vocals, Bryce Zialcita on lead guitar, Derek “Siopao” Chua on rhythm guitar, Isa Garcia on bass guitar, and Bryan Kong on drums and sampler. They describe their sound as a mixture of electro, shoegaze, andnew wave.
Formation (1998–2008)Zialcita, Chua, Yap, and Kong, who have been friends since elementary school, formed a rock band in 1998 when they were high school sophomores. In an interview with Philippine Daily Inquirer, Zialcita said that their only goal was to play gigs in saGuijo, a café in Makati City, Philippines, which caters to indie rock enthusiasts. They performed during their high school and college days More >
Kenneth Cobonpue
Jan 12th
Kenneth Cobonpue (born 1968, Cebu, Philippines) is an industrial designer known for his signature designs in natural fibres and materials. Designs mainly focus on nature’s forms using rattan, buri, bamboo, and abaca.
AWARDS:
- Microsoft Special Award for Most Dynamic Entrepreneur 2007
- Manila Peninsula | Nov 6, 2007
- Entrepreneur Magazine’s 10 Most Outstanding Entrepreneurs 2007
- Manila Peninsula | Nov 6, 2007
- 13 Mugna Design Prizes for Exhibition and Product Design 2007
- Best Indoor Furniture | Noodle Collection
- Ten Most Outstanding Alumni
- Given on the 50th year of the founding of Sacred Heart School for Boys | Cebu City, Philippines
- 5 Katha Design Awards for Product Design
- Philippine Furniture Industries Foundation | Manila, Philippines
- 13 More >
Fashion Designer OLIVER TOLENTINO
Jan 12th
A designer who started his career in Manila in the late 90s, Oliver Tolentino became the first ever Philippines-based fashion designer to expand into the United States when, in 2009, he opened a Los Angeles boutique.
Prior to opening his U.S. shop, Oliver already had secured a place in his native country by designing gowns for the elite, including socialites, celebrities, and government officials at the highest levels. He created the gown for former First Lady Imelda Marcos for her 80th birthday celebration in 2009. Because of his intricate, hand-made, time-consuming couture, Oliver often has been dubbed “the Valentino of the More >
Chicken with Tamarind Tops Recipe
Jan 4th
Sinampalukang Manok Ingredients:
1 kilo chicken; cut into serving pieces 1 onion; sliced 2 tomatoes; sliced 1/2 cup string beans; cut 2″ length 4 cloves garlic; crushed 1 root ginger; crushed 2 cup tamarind tops and flowers 5 cups water Fish sauce or salt to taste / Cooking oil
Sinampalukang Manok Cooking Instructions:Wrap the tamarind tops and flowers in a cheesecloth; tie both ends together.
In a casserole, sauté garlic, ginger, onion, and tomatoes. Add chicken and saute until chicken turns light brown. Pour enough water, then add the wrapped tamarind tops and flowers. Bring to a boil and simmer. Add the More >
Filipino-Australian actor FELINO DOLLOSO in another Feature film
Dec 10th
Filipino-Australian actor FELINO DOLLOSO wrapping up on his next feature film “Chains”. Filming finishes December 2010. A feature film project “CHAINS” – tells the story of those chains that link us & sometimes bind us, for good or for ill. Feature film project produced by Amin Palangi & Billy Marshall Stoneking.
Told through seven, inter-linked stories, the film dramatises a sampling of some of the cultural and generational challenges… and conflicts that confront the multi-cultural community that is Sydney’s western suburbs.
More information and details of this and other projects in the link below.
Felino Dolloso trained at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne Australia. More >
The Philippine Passion for Basketball
Nov 17th
After a tiring daylong flight to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, American hoops junkie Rafe Bartholomew saw something at a baggage carousel that made his heart sing. Writing in his first book, Pacific Rims — an ode to the exuberance of basketball in the Philippines — Bartholomew recalls that a tall foreigner made her way to the luggage belt only to be “denied” by a limber Filipino who “bent his knees, spread his legs, pushed his butt out and made it impossible for her to get around.” At first, Bartholomew thought, “It can’t be,” and yet it was — a classic box More >
Up Dharma Down Rocks Facebook
Nov 12th
by: Carlo Ople
A few weeks ago I met up with one of the members of the band Up Dharma Down to just exchange ideas about social media marketing. I was completely blown away with what they’ve accomplished so far on Facebook and I think it would be a crime for me not to recognize them here at New Media Philippines. They’ve done an excellent job on building a strong community online and I think they just have to leverage it some more and they’ll definitely book more corporate gigs without any effort. As of this writing, the Up Dharma Down Facebook Page has 73,600+ “likes”.
Appropriate More >
Filipino Designer on Project Runway
Nov 10th
SAN FRANCISCO – A Filipino designer is on top of the pack of the new season of the hit reality television show, “Project Runway”.
Jay Sario, 31, is the first Philippine-born designer to ever make it to the show. Sario said representing Filipinos was his goal when he auditioned for Season 7 of the popular reality show.
“I’m proud to be able to represent and be part of history. I am history!” Sario said.
Sario was born and raised in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. He and his family moved to the US when he was 17.
He developed his design skills at the Honolulu Community More >
An Earthly Ritual in Manila
Nov 10th
If you’re in the Philippine capital and looking for original gifts for the folks back home, bypass the barong shops and head for Ritual. Located on the periphery of Makati, Metro Manila’s frenetic financial district, this alternative grocery bursts with smart gift choices in the form of organic goods sourced from all over the archipelago.
The gourmet in your life will thank you for one-of-a-kind cooking ingredients like organic sea salt from southern Sarangani province. There are seasonal food items like balayang, an indigenous banana from the northern Ilocos region that’s pickled in black cane vinegar and served as a tangy garnish. More >
Dream Jungle
Nov 8th
Dream Jungle
by Jessica Hagedorn
Hagedorn’s latest masterpiece described by the New York Times Book Review as “a narrative collage hopscotching from year to year, from place to place and from one point of view to another: that’s what Jessica Hagedorn offers in her intricate new novel, which boldy links a Manila millionaire’s ‘discovery’ of a Stone Age tribe on Mindanao with a filmed recreation of the Vietnam War on that same guerilla-plagued island six year later.”
I just started reading this novel and am savoring every word of it – that is why I elected to read it only on the train More >
