Abano Captures the Constancy of the Self In/Against Time and the Rain

Take a peek into internationally acclaimed woodcut print artist Ambie ABANO's "in the constant rain..."

With a clip of me swinging in the exhibit's centerpiece surrounded by rain carved in hardwood and timeless clocks -

And with blogger Leilani Banzon prompting the artist herself to share her treatise on the constancy of the Self despite and amid changes with the passing of Time -

https://www.facebook.com/cmvillanuevajr/videos/a.10218142573109554/10218142578629692/?type=3&__tn__=HH-R&eid=ARCktjX2vxR9TtS9fkNTCIfI_axkNu9EeE0VJpqFus_Ad3p7-bAVc-OYLZ0SirCnzTCQFmK_nh8SFsiB

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ABANO CAPTURES THE CONSTANCY OF THE SELF AGAINST IN/AGAINST TIME AND THE RAIN
Uses Space as Metaphor and Canvas for Her Woodcuts and Woodprints

Visiting Ambie Abano's ...in the constant rain... at Galleria Duemila is a respite from the alternating scorching of the sun and the drenching of the rains for a number of reasons that work physically, emotionally, philosophically, and spiritually, by being able to, first and foremost, capture the refreshing qualities of the rain on wood.

This feat fascinates and comforts me because she did so without sacrificing the aural and tactile qualities of the rain, which not only bring back the memory of times past-present-future, akin to the desire to be refreshed-be drenched-be dried, but also because its stillness disconcerts and moves at the same time.

Rain when seen or felt against the ticking of clocks becomes both timeless and timed, there is both eternity and finitude in having these multitudinous raindrops slashed on Philippine hardwood, and the senses are shocked to alertness when you hear instead of the droplets the measured moves of clocks with incomplete hands, missing numbers, and defaced, surreal melting faces.

The first sign of comfort is having to come into the space from either actual rain/sun to a safe place where the elements are there and not there, yet you are still surrounded with and by them, even as you swing and feel weight on the hardwood as you move back and forth with the silent tick-tocking around you.

https://www.facebook.com/cmvillanuevajr/videos/a.10218142573109554/10218142574469588/?type=3

Audiences turn pendulum in a silent sort of mantra that begins to match the cadence of your breathing and your heartbeat, until you are in full sense of yourself, and begin to notice that you are not only physical, but more so, concept and spirit, fleeting and beautiful as a butterfly!

The second sign of comfort is to see yourself reflected in a multitude that is singular as you enter the inner space of the gallery and be surprised, aghast!, that everything else are simply cropped versions of three images. But which ones are the source images, or are these all originals, much like entering and looking at a Hall of Mirrors and seeing yourself in front and around you, in a magical, mystical dialogue with the self.

Audiences begin to wonder then how the self really is the constant in and against time, and the elements, because like the metamorphosis that witnessed the caterpillar transform to pupa then to a butterfly, rain or shine, there is only the essence of that butterfly from beginning to end. And so we see dialogues of and between selves as printed permutations of the three massive woodcuts that are ONE.

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Catch this complete experiential package at Galleria Duemila from July 13 to August 31, 2019!

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Ambie Abano
...in the constant rain...
Galleria Duemila
July 13-Aug 31, 2019

#AmbieAbano
#intheconstantrain
#GalleriaDuemila
#WoodcutPrints
#PHPrintmakers
#TimeandtheSelf
#ArtExpands
#HappeningPH
#LarawanatKape

Pride in Language: Fresh Bikol Novels Get Served Hot and Hearty at Successful 1st Premyo Valledor Awards

Neni Sta. Romana-Cruz, Chairman of the National Book Development Board in partnership with the 1st Premyo Valledor Awards, recognizes Bikol writers Niles Jordan Breis (leftmost) and Jerome Hipolito (rightmost) as the grand prize winners of the contest.

Revitalizing language and keeping it alive for the next generation is a wonderful way of showing national pride and heritage. And in Bicol, famous for its rich cuisine, centuries-old churches, and natural attractions, things are spicing up even more these days in its flourishing literary scene especially with the recently concluded 1st Premyo Victorio C. Valledor for Bikol Novel. 

Besides its famous chili-based dishes (Laing and Bicol Express, anyone?), scenic spots like Mt. Mayon, and the butanding or whale sharks, Bicol is also celebrated for its rich literary history consisting of folklores, epics, ballads, and patotodon or riddles. 

It takes a community to preserve and enrich language, believes the proponents of the 1st Premyo Valledor. One organization can’t do it alone. Thus, the contest was made possible with the support of the National Book Development Board (NBDB) in collaboration with the Ateneo de Naga University. Victorio C. Valledor—the literary contest’s benefactor and namesake—is an insurance industry vanguard, philanthropist, and a true son of Bicol who traces his roots in Catanduanes.  

Premyo Valledor aims to inspire Bikol writers to pursue novel writing and to encourage more readers to discover and appreciate the depth and nuances of Bikol literature and its diverse sub-languages.

Neni Sta. Romana-Cruz, NBDB chairperson, said there is a lack of dialect-based literary contests in the country. “Our current literary competitions open the local language categories on a rotation basis. So how do you give equal opportunity for our 170 languages or even the Department of Education’s choice of 18 languages? How many more years can a writer wait till a category on his or her dialect is offered again by a literary contest?

“This is the significance of the Premyo Valledor—it opens the doors for Bikol writers to create great works in their native tongue. The award lets the Bikol language grow, to develop the genre and enrich Bicol culture further. It’s really something to look forward to.”

Though the maiden contest has had its birthing pains in terms of submissions, Cruz praised the organizers for coming up with a very fruitful project. “The hardest part was encouraging participation because people were not sure if the idea could be sustained. But the awarding ceremony proved that this is an important literary competition. That, wow, it means serious business and it has a future.”

Cruz also praised the Ateneo de Naga University Press for supporting the contest. Kristian Sendon Cordero, Ateneo de Naga professor and university press deputy director was at the helm of the project. 

Cruz added, “We’re happy with the support of the team behind the Ateneo de Naga University Press. It has always been their dream to organize an initiative for the Bicol novel. They really did a lot of the legwork for this project.”

Two winners were declared this year: Niles Jordan Breis won for “Kalatraban Sa Alkawaraan” and Jerome Hipolito who took the prize for “Dyurnal Entries.” Besides the Php50,000 cash prize and trophy received by Breis and Hipolito, their winning works will also be published into a physical book by the Ateneo de Naga University Press, complete with a launch and tour around the region to boot. 

Besides Breis and Hipolito’s works, other novels included in the shortlist are “Alunsina Kan Dagat” by Marvin Davila Aguino and “An Huring Panuga,” co-authored by Arthur Justine P. Alemania and Roxanne E. Berido. 

Already, the contest has reaped some inspiring impact on Bicol’s growing community of literary artists. At the awarding ceremony held in April, some writers already expressed that they have novels in progress—ready for the 2nd Premyo Victorio C. Valledor for Bikol Novel to be launched in September 2019.

In an interview, Valledor noted, “The success of the first Premyo Valledor awards is proof that Bikol literature is truly vibrant and diverse. There is really a need to encourage our local writers to embrace its richness by writing not just their grandparents’ and parents’ stories but their own narratives as well. This is how Bikol literature will flourish and continue in its heritage. 

Joining Mr. Valledor and Cruz at the awards ceremony held last April were Premyo Valledor jury members Tito Valiente, accomplished film educator and critic; Marne Kilates, prized literary writer and 1998 Southeast Asia Write Award winner; and  Frank V. Peñones Jr., poet, translator, visual artist and Southern Luzon representative for the National Committee of Literary Arts of NCCA. 

Doraemon Celebrates 20 Years on Philippine TV w/ Doraemon Gadget Park Event

THREE REASONS TO CELEBRATE WITH DORAEMON AT 20

DORAEMON, the cute anime character with his cornucopia of gadgets for all problems and occasions, that has been a favorite among Filipino kids celebrate 20 years of being part of Filipino popular culture with THREE good news:

1. DORAEMON' TREATS KIDS TO A FULL-LENGTH FILM -

SM Cinema will bring a full-length anime feature for the whole family starting July 24 with NOBITA'S CHRONICLES OF THE MOON EXPLORATION.

The film touches not only on the higher value given to friendships and the common good above personal benefit, but also on the importance of science, critical thinking, and the scientific method in daily life.

If you want to find out what scientific principles Doraemon and Nobita used to discover if there are rabbits on the Moon, you have to see this movie.

The film is in original Japanese with English subtitles.

2. DORAEMON TREATS KIDS TO A FANTASY ROADSHOW -

SM treats families and children to DORAEMON'S GADGET PARK MALL TOUR to experience super cute, larger-than-life statues of our favorite friend posing and smiling with some 20 of his fantastic miracle machines, inventions, and implements!

Kids will surely enjoy getting their pictures taken with these statues and enjoy the 2D./3D magic of two special rooms where you can sit beside Doraemon himself.

The Gadget Park will also feature live mascots of all the major characters AND a bazaar of Doraemon collectibles that range from keychains, pillows, to coin bank/candy jar!

DORAEMON GADGET PARK will be at the SM Mall of Asia on 19-30 July 2019 before it goes to SM Dasmarinas in Cavite on 16-25 August 2019 then in SM City Cebu on 11-20 October 2019.

3. DORAEMON RETURNS TO PH CHILDREN'S TV -

DORAEMON, which became a household name when it first aired in 1999, returns to Philippine TV as it becomes part of ABS-CBN's YEY Kid's Channel, alongside other values-laden kiddie fare.

The series will air all-new seasons and episodes every 5-6 PM from Monday to Friday to remind kids of the values of family and friends as well as of the importance of doing good and being responsible.

Should kids miss the time slot because of school or chores, they need not worry because they could watch all the shows they've missed on ABS-CBN's iWANT TV mobile app at their own pleasure and leisure on weekends and free times.

Welcome Back and Happy 20th Year, DORAEMON - You are, indeed, so loved!

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Watch clips from the song and dance number from two YEY Kids guests -

Alongside excerpts from the light dance performances - 

To celebrate DORAEMON's two decades in the Philippines!

And,

Did you know that Doraemon is the first Japanese anime UN Ambassador for the Environment?

Reddoorz Makes Traveling Fun, Easy and Oh-So-Affordable

Reddoorz climbs to the top of travel apps in PH

Current trends in traveling have drastically changed over the years. More and more people are looking for ways to start an adventure without having to shell out a lot of money, be it in the outskirts of the Philippines or in international territories to visit beaches, tourist spots, and other cultural landmarks. 

One way to ride the wave of the travel boom is to look for affordable airfare and budget-friendly hotels. 

Thankfully, Reddoorz, the hotel management and booking platform has opened up opportunities for both local travelers and foreign tourists to find and live in comfortable, well-appointed hotels that cost only a fraction of the cost of five-star hotels. 

The Reddoorz travel app – downloadable on the Google Play Store and App Store – has helped drive the travel fever, facilitating booking and access to affordable accommodations all over the Philippines at one’s fingertips. The Reddoorz app has consistently placed among the top 5 travel apps of choice, but climbed to Number 1 as of July 24, 2019. 

With the help of the app and avid consumer usage, RedDoorz has enlivened the travel scene, accommodating tourists and travelers in over 150 affordable accommodations in over 10 cities in the Philippines. Reddoorz hotels can be found in the busy streets of Metro Manila, Cebu, and Pampanga to bustling tourist spots like Tagaytay and Davao,. The technology-driven company has caught the attention of travel-hungry people who are always on-the-go, letting them know that there is a best quality affordable hotel available at practically any time of the year that lets them save money as they experience big adventures. No need to postpone travel plans until after the usually big amount allocated for travel has been saved or earned. 

It’s a “fly now, pay now” experience with Reddoorz. Lodging costs are so affordable, anyone can travel every time the travel bug bites. Furthermore, travelers will be able to allocate a portion of their money to other things like food, transportation, pasalubongs, and fun activities instead of spending a big chunk of the budget on lodging. The good news is, today’s budget hotels place a premium on comfort and convenience as well.

To make sure that not only tourists benefit, but the whole hotel industry as well, RedDoorz has partnered with smaller hotels and apartelles in various cities and key provinces to perk up the tourist activity in more locations.

So now, if the impulse hits to watch and swim with the whale sharks in Cebu, bask in the beaches of Palawan, see the century-old Spanish churches and houses in Iloilo, grab a bite of the famous Chicken Inasal in Bacolod, embark on a food trip in Pampanga, feel the cold air of the City of Pines or Tagaytay, or simply hang out in Manila, there’s always a range of properties to choose from to turn all that into reality. The Reddoorz App makes all that happen right when it’s wanted in the easiest possible way. Just choose the destination, find the Reddoorz hotel there and start packing. 

Now crossing out target destinations from one’s bucket list is easy as pie.

Eduard Folayang Looking to Knock Out Eddie Alvarez

                 

Former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang will get a shot at redemption when he takes on his dream opponent, Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez at ONE: DAWN OF HEROES on 2 August at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines. 

Folayang relinquished the ONE Lightweight World Championship to Japanese grappling legend Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki at ONE: NEW ERA in March. The Team Lakay athlete will enter the Alvarez bout at a critical time in his career, and a win would likely put him at the front of the line once more for another shot at the belt. 

“My journey as a World Champion is like a roller coaster,” said Folayang. 

“There are times when I am a World Champion and people look up to me. There are also times when I am defeated, so I will try again to climb the ladder to get the belt back.

“I got it, but lost it again this time. I think the most challenging part is how to get yourself back on the winning track. We are going to start again. That is not something new to us,” he added.

Despite his recent setbacks, Folayang wants to continue to improve his skills and bounce back strong.

“One of the things that I learned in my career so far is to never stop learning and improving as much as possible because you should realize that everyone is aiming to become a [World] Champion,” said Folayang.

“As an athlete, if you start to think that you are good, you will no longer grow. [That is why] as much as possible, I want to learn to be better, sharpen my strengths, and improve my weaknesses.”

Before he puts another digit in the win column though, Folayang will have to go through another former multiple-time World Champion in Alvarez who is in desperate need of a win after losing his ONE debut.

“I think Eddie is a good martial artist – you will not become a World Champion if you don’t have a good approach to being a martial artist,” Folayang said. 

“I believe wrestling and boxing are his strengths, but if you’ll look at Eddie’s track record, you will see that almost all his defeats are from high-level strikers – that is his weakness. It’s hard, but I am pushing myself to prepare.” 

The Filipino athlete remains optimistic of his chances against the American and is looking to beat him by way of knockout. 

“A knockout and submission will always be there if you are in the proper position – that is a given,” he said. “I think it will end in a knockout.”

Fortunately for Folayang, he won’t be facing Alvarez alone as he will have the entire crowd behind him in Manila.

“Having this bout here in the Philippines gives me confidence,” he concluded. “Those are what give me the confidence to face him in this bout – my preparation and the crowd.”

Additionally, ONE Championship is launching special edition merchandise to commemorate the blockbuster Eduard Folayang vs Eddie Alvarez bout which takes place at ONE: DAWN OF HEROES. The commemorative t-shirt will be available for sale at the Mall of Asia Arena on 2 August.

Edward Kelly Is Happy to Share the Stage with His Team Lakay Brothers

Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly is highly-motivated to face “The Stalker” Xie Bin on August 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

Kelly, who will be the first Team Lakay representative to see action at ONE: DAWN OF HEROES, will be competing in the stacked card alongside Eduard Folayang, Honorio Banario, Geje Eustaquio, and Danny Kingad. 

Also known as “The Ferocious,” Kelly has mixed emotions sharing the stage with four of his teammates.

“I feel a little pressure for me to do well in my next match,” Kelly said. 

“When you are performing on the same night with Eduard, Honorio, Geje, and Danny, I feel the need to do well and win. I also feel inspired because I know that I am not alone and no matter what happens, we will be there for each other.”

The Filipino featherweight contender will return to action against Xie, who himself is riding a six-bout win streak with four victories coming by way of submission. The Baguio City native, who excels in striking, along with the rest of his team has formulated a game plan for his upcoming bout, particularly in dealing with Xie’s grappling.

“Xie Bin is really a great submission athlete,” Kelly said. 

“I know that I have more experience fighting professionally than him but I am not underestimating his skills in any way. Making his opponents tap may be his strongest point but I believe that his striking is his weakness and that is where I will take the match. I just need to time my strikes accurately and prepare to defend myself from his takedowns.”

As Kelly prepares for his upcoming match, he feels confident knowing that he won’t be the only athlete representing the host country that night. In fact, Kelly says he draws strength from knowing his entire team will be there in his corner, as usual.

“I’m really happy and excited to share the stage with my brothers,” Kelly concluded.

 “We have done a lot of things together for the longest time and to compete together in our country is just a huge boost to our morale.”

Petchdam Petchyndee Academy to Defend ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title vs Ilias Ennahachi

. INITIAL BOUTS ANNOUNCED FOR ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD

18 July 2019 – Bangkok, Thailand: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced the initial bouts for ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD, set for the Impact Arena in Bangkok on Friday, 16 August. In the main event, reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Petchdam Petchyindee Academy of Thailand will defend his title against Ilias Ennahachi of The Netherlands. Ticket information for ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD is available at www.onefc.com. Promo video: HR: https://onechampionship.sharefile.com/d-s6e676fbce894db2b LR: https://onechampionship.sharefile.com/d-secf39bc2fc044609 After winning the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship in his last bout, Thailand’s very own Petchdam Petchyindee Academy is ready to make the first defense of his title against Dutch-Moroccan kickboxer Ilias Ennahachi. Petchdam is a multiple-time Muay Thai World Champion known for his devastating left kick, which is responsible for the majority of his wins. He trains out of the famed Petchyindee Academy in Bangkok alongside fellow Muay Thai World Champions Petchmorakot and Sorgraw. Over the course of his stellar career, the Thai hero has claimed several prestigious accolades, including Lumpinee Stadium and WBC World Muay Thai Championships, as well as a Toyota Marathon Tournament Title. Last May, Petchdam captured the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title with a comprehensive performance against Elias Mahmoudi. Now Petchdam makes the first defense of his title against ONE Super Series newcomer, Ilias Ennahachi. Considered one of the top kickboxers in the world, Ennahachi is one of the fastest rising talents in the sport. At just 23 years of age, Ennahachi is already a 6-time Kickboxing World Champion and is now looking to compete against the world’s best in ONE Super Series. With a professional kickboxing record of 34-3-0, Ennahachi’s first assignment is no easy task, as he takes on the champion himself, Petchdam in the main event of ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD. Italian-Armenian kickboxing superstar Giorgio “The Doctor” Petrosyan advanced to the semi-final round of the highly-acclaimed ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix with a victory over Petchmorakot Petchyindee Academy earlier this July. In his next bout, Petrosyan takes on fellow semi-finalist “Smokin’” Jo Nattawut of Thailand. A multiple-time Kickboxing World Champion, Petrosyan is one of the greatest and most dominant kickboxers of all time, having already accomplished an incredible amount in his sensational career. This includes two K-1 World MAX World Championships, a Glory Slam Tournament Championship, and several other prestigious titles. Petrosyan joined ONE Super Series in 2018 and has since put together a solid run through the ranks. A former two division Lion Fight World Champion and WMC Muay Thai World Champion, Nattawut is one of the finest attacking talents in the striking world. Right from the opening bell, Nattawut is known for igniting the ring with his trademark intensity, and it has led him to sterling success in his career thus far. The winner between Nattawut and Petrosyan advances to the final round of the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix and gets a chance to compete for the US $1 million prize. Reigning ONE Atomweight Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion Stamp Fairtex of Thailand begins her quest for a historic third World Title when she makes her highly-anticipated return to mixed martial arts competition against opponent Asha “Knockout Queen” Roka of India. Stamp first made her ONE Championship debut as a participant in Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series, where she knocked out Rashi Shinde in 19 seconds. With dreams of one day becoming a three-sport World Champion, Stamp embarks on a remarkable journey for a mixed martial arts World Title. Standing in Stamp’s way is Roka, who holds unblemished professional records in both mixed martial arts and boxing. Roka is a former Indian National Boxing Champion with fast and powerful hands. Nicknamed “Knockout Queen”, she has two submissions and two knockouts out of four wins. Making her ONE Championship debut, Roka takes on the talented Stamp Fairtex in what promises to be an exciting matchup. In the semi-final round of the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Grand Prix, former WBC and A1 Muay Thai World Champion Samy “AK47” Sana of France takes on former 2-time Russian Challenge and 2-time TNA Kickboxing World Champion Dzhabar “Genghis Khan” Askerov of Russia. Sana shocked the world last April when he defeated Muay Thai legend Yodsanklai IWE Fairtex to advance to the tournament semi-finals. Sana was aggressive and assertive, as he put together the performance of a lifetime to score the upset. Askerov, on the other hand, dominated previous opponent Enriko Kehl to bag a unanimous decision victory and advance in the tournament. Askerov is known for his crisp combinations and thunderous kicks, which he will look to utilize in a high-stakes showdown with Sana. This promises to be an action-packed striking extravaganza that fans will surely not want to miss. Looking to string together two victories in ONE Championship, Vietnamese-American rising star and former LFA Featherweight Champion Thanh Le returns to action against Japanese veteran and former ONE Lightweight World Champion Kotetsu “No Face” Boku. Le burst onto the ONE Championship stage when he stopped dangerous Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Yusup Saadulaev with a knee last March. With a style that incorporates elements of taekwondo and boxing, Le will put his skills to the test against Boku. Boku, meanwhile, is no stranger to facing the best talent ONE Championship has to offer, having taken on legends such as Shinya Aoki, Eduard Folayang, and Narantungalag Jadambaa. Boku has tremendous hands and decent grappling, which should prove to be a solid challenge for Le. Thailand’s “Elbow Zombie” Muangthai PK.Saenchaimuaythaigym will return to the ONE Championship stage when he takes on Kenta Yamada of Japan in a ONE Super Series Muay Thai contest. Muangthai, who owns a professional Muay Thai record of 198-41-4, was successful in his ONE Championship debut in November of 2018 when he defeated Panicos Yusuf by unanimous decision. Already a 3-time Muay Thai World Champion, the 25-year-old is looking to further his career in the world’s most prestigious all-striking league, ONE Super Series. Yamada, a former WBC Muay Thai Japan Champion, will do his best to derail Muangthai’s progress and boost his own spot in the standings. Former ONE Strawweight World Champion Alex “Little Rock” Silva of Brazil is on the comeback trail looking to redeem himself following a handful of setbacks. He takes on Indonesian grappling specialist Stefer “The Lion” Rahardian in a strawweight contest. Silva, a Copa do Mundo World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with over 15 years of experience, has won numerous regional and national titles in Brazil and is a 3rd degree black belt. Rahardian, on the other hand, is the former ONE Jakarta Flyweight Tournament Champion, and one of the finest martial arts talents to emerge from Indonesia. Five of his eight victories have come by submission. Also seeing action in a series of competitive ONE Super Series Muay Thai bouts are some of the world’s greatest striking talents. WKN, WPMF and WMC Lightweight World Champion Lerdsila Phuket Top Team of Thailand takes on WMC Muay Thai Champion Savvas “The Baby Face Killer” Michael of Cyprus, two-division WMC Muay Thai World Champion Bangpleenoi Petchyindee Academy of Thailand faces Super Muay Thai Champion Yohann Fairtex Drai of France, and 3-time IFMA World Champion Alaverdi Ramazanov of Russia goes head-to-head with Lion Fight Lightweight World Champion Ognjen Topic of Serbia. Brazilan Jiu-Jitsu black belt and TFC Featherweight Champion Yusup “Maestro” Saadulaev of Russia is set to square off against former DEEP Tournament Champion Shuya “Stealth” Kamikubo of Japan in a featherweight contest. The 34-year-old veteran Saadulaev recently made the move up to featherweight after experiencing mixed success at bantamweight. However, “Maestro” has yet to record a victory since then. He looks to turn things around, this time against Kamikubo, a formidable opponent who is currently riding a six-bout win streak. ONE Cambodia Featherweight GP Finalist and Kun Khmer specialist Chan Rothana of Cambodia will grace the ONE Championship ring with his presence, taking on Pan-American Greco-Roman Wrestling Champion Gustavo “El Gladiador” Balart of Cuba. Chinese Sanda Champion Zhao Zhi Kang faces 5-time OPMMA Featherweight Champion Paul “The Great King” Lumihi of Indonesia in a bantamweight mixed martial arts contest while former CMSL Champion Hexigetu of China battles Philippine National Kyokushin Karate Champion Ramon “The Bicolano” Gonzalez in a strawweight bout. For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

About ONE Championship™ ONE Championship (ONE) is the largest global sports media property in Asian history, and the largest producer of millennial live sports content in Asia. Headquartered in Singapore, ONE is the Home of Martial Arts, and is the world's largest martial arts organization, hosting bouts across all styles of martial arts such as Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Silat, Sanda, Lethwei, Mixed Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do, Submission Grappling, and more. ONE hosts the biggest sports entertainment events across Asia, featuring some of the world's best martial artists and world champions on the largest global media broadcast in Asia. ONE eSports, a subsidiary of ONE Championship, runs Asia's largest global eSports Championship Series with some of the biggest blockbuster game titles in the world. In addition to its digital platforms, ONE Championship broadcasts to over 2.6 billion potential viewers across 140+ countries with some of the largest global broadcasters, including Fox Sports, ABS-CBN, Astro, ClaroSports, Startimes, Thairath TV, Skynet, Mediacorp, Great Sports, Tencent, Star TV, Mediaset Italia, ProSiebenSat.1, Dubai Sports, Turner Sports, and more.

FUJIFILM Opens 2nd PH Office in Cebu City

As part of its “NEVER STOP” global branding campaign, Japanese company FUJIFILM, one of the leading camera and film brands in the world, will open today its second Philippine office in Cebu City to cater to the growing number of customers in the Visayas region.

Mr. Ryo Nagaoka, FUJIFILM Philippines president, said there has been an increasing demand for FUJIFILM products in the southern part of the country.  “Despite the vast product lineup for camera brands, most Filipinos still choose FUJIFILM because of its high-quality products and competitive prices,” Mr. Nagaoka said. 

According to Mr. Nagaoka, the opening of the second office in the Philippines is in line with FUJIFILM’s dedication to achieve continued growth and to develop innovations for the betterment of society while reinforcing technical support and maintain customer satisfactions.

Same with the FUJIFILM main branch in Pasig City, the new office on the 2nd floor of NIC-2 Building, Capitol Square, N. Escario St., Cebu City, serves people’s needs through diverse range of innovative consumer and business products including solutions and services. The new branch will also prioritizes after-sales support both for consumers as well as business partners and has local repair center for Digital Camera and Endoscopy products.

Fujifilm was established in 1934 as a Japanese photographic film manufacturer, headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Since then Fujifilm continuous to evolve and develops leading-edge, proprietary technologies by leveraging its depth of knowledge and expertise derived from photography film into other products and markets. At present, FUJIFILM today span a diversified range of product segments including healthcare, graphic systems, highly functional materials, optical devices, digital imaging and document products.

Last year, FUJIFILM Philippines partnered with the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care Inc. to promote Pink Ribbon Campaign and remind women to have themselves screened and checked for breast cancer owing to the alarming rates of breast cancer in the country. The company started to work with Philippine General Hospital to deliver quality healthcare to patients through Fujifilm’s AMULET Innovality Mammography System SYNAPSE RIS & PACS (Radiology Information Systems & Picture Archiving and Communication System).

As part of its social responsibility, FUJIFILM Philippines also conducts workshops, shooting events, customer interviews, symposia, tradeshows, and outreach programs to reach more audiences.

FUJIFILM never stops creating value from innovations. The company is committed to ongoing growth and will never stop evolving.

For more information about FUJIFILM, visit http://fujifilm.com.ph and https://brand.fujifilm.com/neverstop/global/.

Zoomanity Group and Yupangco Music Academy for The Manila Times Round Table

July 24, 2019 at The Manila Times Studio with the live  Round Table discussion with The Manila Time’s President and CEO Dante “Klink” Ang II with discussions about the Philippine music industry, Zoomanity Group and Yupangco Music Academy came as guests and we’re represented by Karren Cernal and Nedge Abrasia. Other guests includes Tag Media Group COO Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, Musical Director Adonis Tabanda and Singer Lei Bautista Lo From Prettier Than Pink with hit single “Cool Ka Lang.”

President Klink just launched Dwelo: Battle of the best Filipino artists. It’s Battle of the Bands with original composition.

The “Dwelo! Battle for the best Filipino artists” is to look for the best and talented Filipino performers and artists and to highlight the determination, grit, sacrifices, professionalism and cooperation of the group to achieve success.

According to the President & CEO of The Manila Times, “Were looking for the best music, an original composition to highlight our local talents and to give them a platform to showcase their authenticity and love for music. It’s not easy to be in the band, it needs cooperation of each and everyone and their own passion to complement the skills and talent. The member must have that fire. We, at The Manila Times loves to help and that’s why with Tag Media Group, we have Dwelo.”

Tag Media Group is the producer of Aliw at 40 Concert, Asia’s Best Singing Competition and one of the biggest event organisers in the Philippines with Asia Leaders Awards and Asia Leaders Forums as their signature events. Tag Media Group will implement and direct Dwelo.

Winners will receive the following; cash prices, a recording contract, exposure to events & concerts and their very own single.

Yupangco Music Academy formerly Yamaha School of Music is  a training institution that provides a unique and exciting school environment for young musicians and creative music lovers with a vision to be the leader in the industry and committed to provide world-class products and services to customers, as well as maintaining high standards of professionalism in management.

Dwelo will be a weekly online show  started last July this year but already accepting registrants to audition. To know more about the show, contact 09778978877 / 02 2193503 or Check the Dwelo Facebook fan page.