Miss Universe Philippines 2022: WATCHFUL EYES Top 15 Favorite National Costumes

The Philippine textile industry is an integral part of our uniquely beautiful history. It represents the rich stories and craftmanship of different tribes and communities throughout the archipelago. It is part of the fabric of our nationality. 

Aside from promoting our tourism, the Miss Universe Philippines Organization also aims to promote and put forward Filipino textiles and weavings because these are treasures we can't afford to lose. This is an industry we want to continue and help strengthen. 

The theme for this year's National Costume presentation is HABI (weaving) where 30% of our finalists' costumes should be comprised of Philippine textiles or weaving. 

Backed by the music of Sam Concepcion - In ALPHABETICAL ORDER of the city or province, they represented, here are Watchful Eyes' Favorite 15 National Costumes Of Miss Universe Philippines 2022:

 

 

Designer: Adriano Samar

 

Designer: Erjohn de la Serna      Shoes: King George Bueno

 

Designer: Axel Que

Designer: Mark Joseph Sayad

Designer: Rafy Sy

Designer: Toto Blas-Pinuela

"ILOY CANDELARIA (Mother of Candles)"

Dorothy Gemillan | Iloilo City

It takes one flickering candle to light the darkest of these nights.

It takes one faithful heart to determine one's prayer. It takes a woman to encapsulate the true meaning of storge love. This is “Iloy Candelaria” Our Lady of Candles enshrined from the romanesque revivalist architecture, the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral from the district of Jaro the land of the faithful, the fabled and the formidable, ILOILO CITY. 

HEAD DESIGNER: Tata Blas - Pinuela

Assisted by the following people in making this national costume come to life!

> Sarah Mae Sulit

> John Ryan Pinuela

> Paulyn Acolentava

> Kirt Marvin Balgos

> John Paul Custodio Conte

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Director | HMUA: Malick James Hilado of The Face Mantra : Make-Up Artistry

Video: Kim Bryan of KB Productions and Joshua Bobadilla Studios

Photo: Aj Laylo | Aj Laylo

Assisted by: Geremy Barceliano | Rapsie R. Mallorca | Guen Quinlat Yntas | Jul Cudias

Creative Consultant: Joemar J. Sustento | Rheno Mar Segura Soqueño| Ron Matthews Espinosa

Studio: The Face Mantra Studios

Hair: Elitista Salon Lipa Branch by Brew Alcazar

Nails: Pinky Swear Nails

Designer: Hector Totong Gellangarin

A “manugtubok” is an artisan from Panay Bukidnon, the Indigenous Peoples of Calinog, Iloilo who creates hand embroidery called “panubok,” the only living ancient needlecraft heritage in the Philippines. Through their artistry, the national costume is adorned with Indigenous designs like bulak ka labog (flower of vegetables), bulak putik (wild flower), pako pako (fern), matang punay (eyes of a bird), sikag sikag (mid-rib), and binalagon (wild vine) that showcases the inspiration of the Panay Bukidnons’ creativity and ingenuity and the living witnesses of the Panay Bukidnons’ rich culture and traditions. Their embroidery echoes the cultural beliefs, practices, and world views of Calinog’s Panay Bukidnons--- the same town where I am from.

A “manughabol” is a weaver of “habol”, a hand-woven fabric made of fibrous natural materials endemic in the Province of Iloilo like jusi from banana fiber and piña from pineapple fiber or made of polyester yarn indigenous to the towns of Oton and Miag-ao, Iloilo. The quality handloom fabrics that come out from what is considered as one of the oldest surviving crafts in the Philippines once made Iloilo Province the Textile Capital of the Philippines. Featured in the national costume is patadyong, a muti -colored handloom cotton, with patterns of stripes and plaids that intersect in bright colors, and a take on the teral (wooden loom) which is also made of interlacing colors of thread and handloom frays made of abaca fibers.

Manugtubok x Manughabol reflects the unseen labor, world-class local fabrics, and generational craftsmanship found in various communities of Iloilo Province--- a living testament to the silent strength that comes from its people, the Ilonggos. In honor of the Ilongga hablon weavers and Panay Bukidnon culture bearers who worked together with fashion designer Hector “Totong” Gellangarin in the creation of this national costume, and to uplift the thriving and sustainable glocal treasure and ecosystem of the promising textile economy that Iloilo Province offers, we present to you “Manugtubok x Manughabol.”

Designer: Ivanka Borja Hipolito

Designer: Mark Barry Luche

Designer: Jermaine V. Nabong

Designer: Michael Barassi

Designer: Edwin Uy

Designer: Rowell Panlilio by Darwin Liangco Reyes

Designer: John Carlo Pagunaling

Designer: Pablo Mendez 

Photo Source: 

Miss Universe Philippines Organization Facebook Page

Filipino Cinema, Celebrities, Actors and Actress Trivia Part 7

Pioneering Woman In Filipino Cinema

ISABEL ACUÑA

Born: January 28, 1904, in Iloilo

Died: September 15, 1986

Husband: Jose Nepomuceno

Sibling: Consuelo Monina Acuña, Miss Philippines 1930 of Manila Carnival

First Movie: Krus Na Lihim (1925)

Last Movie: Punit na Bandila (1939)

Occupation:

Art director, casting director, costume designer, film company treasurer, a film company vice-president, make-up supervisor, producer, production assistant

Other Filmography:

1926 - Ang Pagtitipid/The Thrifty

1926 - Ang Tatlong Hambog/The Three Humbugs

1926 - Mary, I Love You (The Miracles of the Virgin of Antipolo)

1927 - Ang Manananggal

1927 - Hot Kisses

1927 - La Mujer Filipina

1928 - Sampaguita

1928 - Ang Lumang Simbahan

1929 - Mutya ng Pamilihan

1929 - Sa Landas ng Pag-ibig

1930 - Luha ng Ina

1930 - Maria Luisa

1930 - Ang Anak sa Ligaw

1930 - Noli Me Tangere

1931 - La Hija de Revolucion/Daughters of the Revolution

1931 - Ang Monghita/La Monjita

1931 - Lilies of Benguet

1931 - Moro Pirates

1931 - Dalaga/Really

1931 - Ang Multo sa Libingan

1931 - Ang Lihim na Bathala

1932 - Sa Pinto ng Langit/At Heaven's Gate

1932 - Pugad ng Pag-ibig/Nest of Love

1932 - Satanas

1932 - Mang Tano: Nuno ng mga Aswang

1932 - Luha/Tears

1932 - Ligaw na Bulaklak

1932 - Tianak

1932 - Mali-Mali

1932 - Lantang Bulaklak

1932 - Over the Hill, Filipino

1933 - Ang Punyal na Ginto

According to a 1962 magazine interview, Mary Walter said the kissing scene with his screen partner and love team actor turned director Gregorio Fernandez in the film La Hija de la Revolucion (The Daughter of Revolution, English) (1930) was real and genuine. She said "It was a kiss and there was no faking about it".

This is child actress Kristine Mangle taken from a scene in the film Buhay Kamao (2001)

This is actress Millie Mercado, sister of actress turned politician Lani Mercado who is at the peak of her career in the 70s.

Barbara Perez achieved her smallest waistline ever of 19 inches during her maiden years since she was already slim then. 

The Filipino film version of the Middle Eastern folktale made it to the screen in 1946 with Jaime de la Rosa as Aladin several decades earlier than the animated version was released by Walt Disney Pictures only in 1992 with Scott Weinger behind the voice of Aladdin and Robin Williams behind the voice of Genie.

Aring Bautista

Luz Valdez in her maiden years

This is cartoonist and illustrator Larry Alcala during his college days (probably this is his graduation photo)

Larry Alcala Self Portrait

Many of Larry Alcala's works and illustrations most especially colorful comic characters were immortalized on the screen such as Palitaw, Asiong Aksaya, and Kalabog en Bosyo.

The comedian actor Apeng Daldal whose real name is Serafin Gabriel is also a recording artist with such hit songs as Hoy Mamang Kaminero and Pandanggo Ng Aswang in 1968. 

Filipino Star Of The Silver Screen: Atang de la Rama

 Atang de la Rama 

(1902-1991)

Queen Of Sarsuela and Kundiman; First Filipina Film Actress

Atang de la Rama is the first Filipina film actress who starred in the very first Filipino feature-length film, Ang Dalagang Bukid (1919). Prior to becoming an actress, she already made a name in zarzuelas and kundiman performing on several occasions and at some very important events. Her spirit of nationalism and patriotism was explicitly manifested during the American colonial period.

Birth and Early Life

Atang or Honorata de la Rama was born on January 11, 1902 in Pandacan, Manila. Orphaned at an early age, she grew up under the care of an elder sister who was married to a zarzuela composer where she got her first exposure to zarzuela. Atang is a talented woman. At the young age of 7, she already starred in some Spanish zarzuelas such as Mascota, Sueño de un Vals, and Marina. When she was fifteen years old, she played the role of Angelita in the zarzuela Dalagang Bukid in 1917 where she was fondly remembered and known for singing the song Nabasag Na Banga. She reprised her role for the film version of this zarzuela of the same title in 1919 becoming the first Filipino feature-length film directed by Jose Nepomuceno.

Life during the American Colonial Period

During the American colonial period in the Philippines with the emergence of new forms of entertainment and musical genres, Atang de la Rama fought for the dominance of the kundiman and the zarzuela, which is a musical play that focuses on Filipino contemporary issues such as usury, cockfighting, and colonial mentality. She would later become the lead star of over 50 zarzuelas and performed not only in locally renowned venues but also in open plazas and cockpits. 

Queen of Kundiman and Zarzuela

Atang believed that art should be for everyone; not only did she perform in major Manila theaters such as the Teatro Libertad and the Teatro Zorilla but also in cockpits and open plazas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. She also made an effort to bring the kundiman and sarsuelas to the indigenous people of the Philippines such as the Igorots, the Aetas, the Mangyans, the Bagobos, and Lumads. She was also at the forefront of introducing Filipino culture to foreign audiences. At the height of her career, she sang kundimans and other Filipino songs in concerts in foreign places and cities such as Hawaii, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo.

De La Rama sang kundimans created by some of the most important composers of the time (the 1920s - 1930s). She popularized the songs "Bituing Marikit", "Madaling Araw", "Mutya ng Pasig" and "Anak Dalita". She also wrote lyrics for songs such as "Pag-asa", whose music was composed by L. Ignacio. During the Japanese occupation, she did her patriotic duty by carrying secret messages, often hidden in her hairdo, back and forth to Filipino guerillas.

Generations of Filipino artists and audiences consider Atang de la Rama's vocal and acting talents as responsible for much of the success of original Filipino zarzuelas like Dalagang Bukid, and dramas like Veronidia.

 

Atang As An Actress

Since her success playing Angelita in the first Filipino feature-length film the 1919 Jose Nepomuceno film Ang Dalagang Bukid, she starred in other films both silent and talking films such as Dugong Silangan (1930), Ay Kalisud (1938), Batong Buhay (1950) and Ang Buhay at Pag-ibig Ni Dr. Jose Rizal (1956) among others. She was so popular in her role as a simple servant turned coquette in "Ang Kiri" that it was immortalized in the 1939 Serafin de los Angeles film "Mahiwagang Binibini: Ang Kiri" reprising her role.

Other Works

She has also been a theatrical producer, writer, and talent manager. She was the producer and the writer of plays such as Anak ni Eva and Bulaklak ng Kabundukan.

She wrote skits in Spanish, English and Tagalog, including "Hele-Hele", "Kabayanihan" and "Milagros ng Birhen" to name a few.

She wrote short stories in Tagalog such as "Doon sa Dakong Timog", "Sa Malayang Lupain", "Nakukubling Tala" (under the pseudonym of Herminia de la Riva) and "Kahinahinayang na Pag-ibig" (under the pen name Matimtimang Laqui).

Atang also wrote four operatas, namely, "Bulaklak sa Kabundukan", "Aking Ina", "Anak ni Eva", "Puri at Buhay".

A civic-minded artist, de la Rama led several groups not only in culture and arts but also in politics namely Kaisahan ng Kababaihan sa Pilipinas, the Gagalangin Ladies Association, and the Red Cross Fund Drive and became an ardent supporter of such groups as  Confederation of Labor Organization, the Home Nursing Association and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. Later, she also supported other causes like the PETA Babaylan and Gabriela by giving inspiring lectures.  

Awards and Recognition

For her achievements and contributions to the art form, she was hailed the Queen of the Kundiman and Sarsuela in 1979 at the age of 77. 

In recognition of her contributions to the enrichment of the nation's cultural heritage, she has conferred the National Artist Award for Theater and Music on June 11, 1987. 

Other awards, recognition and citations she received were:

Panitik ng Kababaihan (1950)

Kababaihan ng Lahi (1975)

Presidential Medal of Merit (1966)

Sagisag ng Lungsod ng Maynila (1964)

Diwa ng Lahi (1974)

Reyna ng Kundiman at Mutya ng Dulang Tagalog (1963)

Queen of the Kundiman and Prima Donna of Filipino Theater (1968)

Reyna ng Kundiman, Paglilingkod sa Bayan (1973)

Tandang Sora trophy (1977)

Walang Kupas Award (1982) 

The Ateneo de Manila University Tanglaw ng Lahi

Last Years

During the remaining years of her life, she lived in Gagalangin, Tondo the birthplace of her husband Amado V. Hernandez who was also a National Artist for Literature whom she married in 1932.

Atang de la Rama died on July 11, 1991, of a lingering illness. She was given a state funeral and buried at the North Cemetery.

Sources: 

https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/national-artists-of-the-philippines/honorata-atang-dela-rama/

http://topicalphilippines.com/People_Individuals/delaRama_Honorata.html

https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1418/today-in-philippine-history-january-11-1902-atang-de-la-rama-was-born-in-pandacan-manila

Person Behind The Camera: Albert Yearsley

Behind the scene of the film El Fusilamiento de Jose Rizal (1912)

 

Behind the scenes of the film La Vida de Jose Rizal (1912)

Films have been made and produced in the Philippines since the early 1900s with the arrival of foreign films making documentaries and short films about life and culture in the country just a few years after the first few films shown in Manila in the late 19th century. The following year a Spanish army officer named Antonio Ramos documented through film some scenes in the city. He is credited to be the first film producer in the Philippines. Other foreign filmmakers followed suit documenting their travels in the country including Burton Holmes and Carl Frederick Ackerman (aka Raymond Ackerman). By 1909, the Philippines already had three (3) film studios and two years later, a board of censorship and an association to oppose censorship. Some foreign filmmakers and travelers make short films of different scenes in the country in the early 1900s starting in 1905 until 1911.

One of the early filmmakers in the Philippines is Albert Yearsley. If Jose Nepomuceno is often credited as the "Father of Filipino Cinema Industry", Yearsley along with Harry Brown, Edward M. Gross, and some other foreign filmmakers were credited as the founding Fathers of Philippine Cinema hence they are the "Father of Philippine Cinema." Yearsley shot Rizal Day celebration in 1909, the Manila Carnival in 1910, the eruption of Mayon Volcano in 1911, and the first Airplane Flight over Manila by Bud Mars among others.

Albert Yearsley along with Harry Brown and Edward M. Gross made the first feature-length film in the Philippines named La Vida de Jose Rizal (The Life of Jose Rizal) by Edward M. Gross and El Fusilamiento de Dr.Jose Rizal (The Execution of Dr. Jose Rizal) by Albert Yearsley in 1912 and were released within one day of each other. 

Not much is known about the pioneering filmmaker Albert Yearsley except that by making one of the first feature-length films in the Philippines he solidified his name and claim to fame as the "Father of Philippine Cinema Industry" (not to be confused with Father of Filipino Cinema Industry). 

Source:

http://www.filmreference.com/encyclopedia/Independent-Film-Road-Movies/Philippines.html

https://sinesiyasat.tumblr.com/post/33309289442/the-earliest-rizal-films-were-part-of-the-american

Filipino Star Of The Silver Screen and Person Behind The Camera Intro

As part of the first 100 years of Filipino cinema and Philippine cinema as a whole, I will soon feature some of the names in the filmmaking industry both men and women like actors, actresses, directors, and behind the camera. I am doing my little research online to find pictures, life stories, and portfolios of some of these people who deserve to be known by people. Some of these individuals are really popular during their heydays as film stars but through time as their brilliance fades their names were almost forgotten by many so it is high time to introduce them to today's generation these people who in their time shine the brightest and earned their place in the hallmark of excellence in the motion picture and those people whose work make a significant contribution to Filipino film industry.

Photo Source: 

https://www.fdcp.ph/updates/great-beginnings-contemporary-showcase

https://wfpp.columbia.edu/

FIFA World Cup 2022 Official Group Draw And Best Team In Each Group

Best Teams Per Group 

Group A

Netherlands

Senegal

Group B

England 

USA

Group C

Argentina

Mexico

Group D

Denmark

France

Group E

Germany

Spain

Group F

Belgium

Croatia

Group G

Brazil

Switzerland

Group H

Portugal

Uruguay