Filmmaker Cece Asuncion produces ‘Manila Matriarchs’
A HUGE congratulations to Biyaya Animal Care and Biyaya Animal Sanctuary on its 2nd Anniversary. Its unwavering dedication to spreading love and hope to fur babies across the Philippines is inspiring. This year’s goal of providing 2,000 + free spay and neuter services to dogs and cats shows the power of compassion in action. Sen. Grace Poe has been supportive of Biyaya, an organization that aims to make
a positive change in companion and street animal welfare.
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Slay Model Management director Cece Asuncion has created a Filipina-led reality show, “Manila Matriarchs,” starring singer Karylle, Myrza Sison, Joanna Preysler-Francisco and Trisha Bantigue Tsao. He was in Manila recently to do some shots.
The LA-based Fil-American filmmaker said to me that fashion is fickle and really not glamorous: “What goes on behind the camera is more interesting to me. I’ve learned not to take things personally and that rejection is part of life. Sometimes, you’re on the receiving end of it and sometimes you’re the one who rejects. It all evens out, so enjoy the journey that is life.”
On weekends, he leads a quiet life and is lucky to have a tight circle of friends that he can be “unapologetically myself with.” He likes to cook as it takes his mind away from his day-to-day worries, but most importantly, he spends time with his dog, Kenzo. I asked him what he misses about the Philippines. He responded, “The beaches and the hospitality, however, it would be the kindness people have.” And his advocacy? “I am an advocate for shedding positive light on communities that may not have the platform to do so. I am a proud ally to the trans
community and of course, to my Filipino community,” he revealed. He concluded the brief interview with his personal philosophy:””When you’re in a position to help, do so.”
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Pet TJ was the recent cynosure during visual artist Joy Rojas’ 8th solo exhibition in ArtistSpace in Makati City.
His “Japan’s Cherry Blossom,” “French Riviera Summer,” “Winter Solace,” and “New England’s Foliage” mixed media works based on his travels in different countries have caught the attention of art enthusiasts. Likewise, his three “Historica Filipinas” mixed media works based on Philippine history and “Metanoia” series drew rave reviews. In his latest show, Rojas delves into the intrinsic nature of objects. He uses mixed-media creations, canvas-shaped pieces and sculptures. During the Ipso Facto art show at Ayala Museum Annex, I saw People Asia Magazine’s editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, Aliw Broadcasting Corp. chairman Edgard Cabangon, and former Press Secretary Ignacio “Toting” Bunye.
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Through the years I’ve been doing writing as a mission. I gave up my comfortable, glamorous, social life in the U.S. and my rising journalism career in The Japan Times. I’m accustomed to living simply. Perhaps, the nature of my work as a writer requires freedom from mental, emotional and physical stress and pressure. I know you will agree that the “real well of ideas” is the subconscious, which is the storehouse of facts, observations, impressions and other memories. But there comes a time when thinking becomes clogged, when errors pile up and when no significant insights occur. At this point, a writer stops for the moment and turns to something entirely different. I was associated with the late French priest who turned Filipino, Fr. Pierre Tritz, SJ, a Mother Teresa awardee and a Ramon Magsaysay awardee, in volunteering to the Foundation for Assistance to Hansenites, to help our leprosy patient brethren and to the Samahan ng mga Batang Nananambakan, to help in the education of former child scavengers in Tondo, Manila. My life story is just a tip of the iceberg of the many interesting stories to hear from the recipients of the 2nd Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers.
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Mrs. Philippines 2016 Dr. Fritzie Lexdy Noche graced the recent artist reception of “Batangan: Batangueño Art at its Finest,” a special exhibition at Museo Orlina in Tagaytay City from September 1 to October 30, 2024. The exhibit showcases the rich and diverse talents of 6 award-winning visual artists from Batangas (artists Lino Acasio, Jorge Banawa, Nante Carandang, Yelcast, Zorrick Enriquez and Ramon Orlina), bringing together a curated selection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works by the Dangal ng Batangan Awards recipients. Their unique artistry reflects the region’s unique cultural heritage and artistic expression. Each piece tells a story of Batangas, from its vibrant landscapes to its deep-rooted traditions, captured through the eyes of its most celebrated artists. The exhibit honors the individual achievements of these artists and highlights the collective spirit and creative potential of the Batangueño community.
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awardee Rogelio Medina, awardee Lae Manego, Mica Chely Manego, awardee Wej Cudiamat, Miller
Daniolco and Nirro Marcelo (at the back).
Thanks to Sam Azurel and to the Amerika Prestige Awards for the Inclusive Media Excellence Award to be given on November 17, 2024 in North Hollywood, California. Other awardees are Ludivina Lelim Nacionales, Thelma Calabio, Benny Uy, Roland Abante, Lourdes Oliva, Sonia Bermejo, Dr. Elvis Mopera Verzo, Agnes Gonzalez, Yamani Caliwara, Saira Bunny Paras, Gina Faucher, Chef Heikichi Racuya
Allida. Kimberly Carter, Carmen Cordero, Dr. Peter Morante, and Henry Bio. Guest speaker will be Ricardo Brown of PBA Legend RB23.
Congrats too to some Amerika Music Awards recipients on October 27 (Comm. James Baker II, Yannie Rumbaoa, Joym Msantiago, Michael Luke, Kevin Ray Amores, Matt Relox, David Bustamante, Dakila, Khaye Rodriguez, Rod Navarro Jr., Prince Capucino, Claire Isabel Wong, Sam Richey, Genous Band, John Mirisch, Hagibis USA, Sol Glass, Vynz VS, Wala ng Iba (Live), Marissa Pascual, Pedro Leguro, Jameson Juliander, Madz Johnson, Haven Richey, Heather Richey, Sam Richey, George Umali Nalapo, Henry Lopez, Yuhgirlfran, Imelda Bosing Wood, Malou Zagala Toler, DJ Arnold, Ricardo Brown, Prescious Cejo, Queen Corazon Ugalde Yellen, Sab Baker, Didi Caneda, Mekong Bistro, PHLV Radio, Tina Cruz, Paulette Mouquet, Serenity Entertainment, Dr. Rica Silbol, Caren Mempin, Jenny Taimanao, Violeta Martin, Jenor Zapanta Maniti, Lito Nuqui, Klique, Millie Cadag, Renato de Jesus Jr., Rhea Tan, Angel Cheryll Klein, JC Garcia, Romm Burlat, Rose Lucier, MJ Saragoza, Jane Magan Chang, and Imogen Atangan) and to the event hosts Louie Roa, Shekinah Austria and Naiia Lajoie and director Jules Graeser.
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Asian TV Heritage Network News UK and Global Asia Insider-International correspondent Chino Hansel Philyang, a jiu-jitsu master and a paralegal advocate, is the author of 12 books, including the new children’s book series, “Zeno” (named after his male cat), to help kids learn valuable life skills. He is an ex-VJ of Channel V Malaysia and Indonesia. He studied at the Univ. of British Columbia Canada and
later at Harvard Univ. in the U.S. He completed his international law degree in Belgium. What is admirable in this guy is living life simply with “my belief in simplicity, sustainability, and intentional living. It’s a decision that allows me to live a life filled with purpose, contentment, and a deeper connection to what truly matters.”
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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