July is actually the celebration of the Philippines-Japan Friendship month.
In line with its celebration, the Japan Foundation, Manila, in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan, the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and the UP Film Institute proudly presents a Japanese Contemporary Film Festival entitled “Eigasai ‘09” which literally means ‘film festival’ in Japanese.
Last July 2, 2009 was its kick-off activity at Shang Cineplex Cinema 3 for the month-long celebration.
“Eigasai ‘09” aims to bolster further the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan by continuously providing an opportunity for Filipinos to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Japanese arts and culture explored in this medium. This year’s offering brings together 7 contemporary films and 1 anime film in 35mm format.
Some films to be featured are Memories of Matsuko (Kiraware Matsuko no issho, 2006) directed by Nakashima Tetsuya, Kamome Diner (Kamome shokudo, 2006) directed by Ogigami Naoko, Memories of Tomorrow (Ashita no kioku, 2006) directed by Tsutsumi Yukihiko, The Milkwoman (Itsuka dokusho suru hi, 2005) directed by Ogata Akira, Turn Over – An Angel Is Coming on a Bicycle (Futari biyori, 2004) directed by Nomura Keiichi, Tony Takitani (Toni Takitani, 2004) directed by Ichikawa Jun, and the sole anime film Mind Game (Mind Game, 2004) directed by Masaaki Yuasa.
Admission is actually free and will be shown with English subtitles. The screening schedules are as follows:
- Shangri-La Plaza Cinema 3 (July 2 to 12)
- UP Film Institute (August 14 to 20).
- Provincial screenings:
- Gaisano South City Mall, Davao (July 18 and 19)
- Ayala Center, Cebu (July 28 to Aug 2)
- Baguio Center Mall, Baguio (August 7 to 11)
For more details on the festival, please access the Japan Foundation, Manila website: http://www.jfmo.org.ph/ or you may view the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines in its press-release.
In continued recognition of our dear OFW’s, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is launching the 2009 Search for Most Outstanding OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA).
Now on its fifth year, they are encouraging the people’s organizations, local government units and agencies, non-government organizations, church based organizations, government agencies, and communities to take part in the search for this year’s nominees.
The periodic and regular overseas employment may lead to financial stability for the family but prolonged separation also threatens family ties. However, it is erstwhile to note that some OFWs and their families have surmounted the challenges and downside of overseas employment. The 2009 Search for MOFYA aims to identify these families whom we can all draw our inspiration from.
Support to this worthwhile endeavor in honoring the Filipino Migrant Workers are most welcome. OWWA welcomes your nominations until July 31, 2009.
For queries, please call our Rotanisi, Inc. Office Hotline at (82) 305-8369/300-3402, look for Nilfa/Henry or at OWWA Regional XI Office, (82) 221-8593/ 227-9536 look for Mayette Abarca.
In early July, two seminars on WordPress will be conducted. One is for the bloggers and the other is for the web developers who are looking into using WordPress as a content management system (CMS).
The following are the schedules and rates:
Seminar 1: WordPress as CMS, 3 July 2009 (Friday), 5:00 – 8:00 P.M.
Fee: P450 per person
Venue: Lane Systems conference room, Wheels n’ More Drive, J.P. Laurel Ave., Bajada, Davao City (in the compound where Urban Club & AutoShop are located)
Seminar 2: WordPress for Bloggers, 4 July 2009 (Saturday)
Time: TBA
Venue: TBA
Fee: P300 per person | Student rate: P150
The seminar fees will go towards renting of the venue, cost of materials, and merienda. For more queries, please visit Robilloblog.com.
