Latest news with #NationalCommissionforCultureandtheArts


GMA Network
19-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Marcos signs law declaring February 1 as Nat'l Day of Awareness on Hijab
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has signed into law the measure declaring the first day of February of every year as the National Day of Awareness on Hijab and other Traditional Garments and Attire. Republic Act No. 12224 was signed by the President last June 18, Wednesday. The law aims to promote diversity, awareness, and tolerance of the various religious and cultural beliefs through the wearing of indigenous and traditional clothing, head garments, and covering. Section 3 of the new law stated that nothing herein shall be construed as requiring the wearing or non-wearing of a particular attire, garment, or clothing. Agencies such as the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts are enjoined to conduct activities that will promote the wearing of hijab and other traditional garments. —VAL, GMA Integrated News


Tatler Asia
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
What makes Iloilo a food haven? Ige Ramos' new book pieces it together
Photo 1 of 3 Dr Eric Babazar Zerrudo, executive director for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts at the launch of the new Iloilo gastronomy book Photo 2 of 3 'Gastronomic Expressions of Our City Iloilo: Nature, Culture, and Geography' was launched in Manila House in BGC, Taguig City Photo 3 of 3 'Gastronomic Expressions of Our City Iloilo: Nature, Culture, and Geography' was launched in Manila House in BGC, Taguig City 'Ige reminds us that food never emerges in isolation,' added Dr Eric Babazar Zerrudo, executive director for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). 'Food is culture made tangible; it is history made flavourful; it is geography served on a plate. And in the case of Iloilo—a city where culinary legacy traces back to its Austronesian roots through Spanish colonisation, Chinese trade and the enduring innovations of Ilonggo creativity—gastronomy becomes a profound expression of identity, memory and community.' Gastronomic Expressions of Our City Iloilo: Nature, Culture, and Geography is thoughtfully divided into six major chapters, highlighting its nuanced approach. The first, written by Ramos, presents its multidisciplinary framework, while the subsequent chapters explore and analyse the various influences that impact Iloilo City's gastronomy: geography, ethnicity, ingredients and technology. Finally, these lenses come together in the final chapter with recipes curated by Mrs Treñas. The publication is a proud display of local talent, with contributions by Ilonggo writers and illustrators. Dr Zerrudo and Mayor Treñas likewise share heartfelt stories in the book's preface and introduction, following a foreword by Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. Read more: Sowing seeds of hope: how Tancho Baes is transforming lives through farming Photo 1 of 8 Ilonggo Valenciana, a recipe from the book Photo 2 of 8 Ensaladang dahon ng kamote, a recipe from the book Photo 3 of 8 Mushroom lumpia, a recipe from the book Photo 4 of 8 Adobo nga lucos, a recipe from the book Photo 5 of 8 Lengua estofado, a recipe from the book Photo 6 of 8 Muasi (palitaw), a recipe from the book Photo 7 of 8 Maurya (banana fritters), a recipe from the book Photo 8 of 8 Manila House prepared a tasting menu featuring recipes from the book Gastronomic Expressions of Our City Iloilo: Nature, Culture, and Geography To commemorate the occasion, Manila House's culinary team prepared a six-course tasting menu featuring recipes from the book: a simple ensaladang dahon ng kamote, crispy mushroom lumpia, adobo nga lucos with a tasty sauce that led some guests to request a side of white rice and a beautifully tender lengua estofado, plus maruya (banana fritters), muasi (palitaw) and suman latik. The Ilonggo Valenciana was a memorable highlight, made with a base of delightfully sticky rice with a warm spice profile that closely resembles the cuisines of our Southeast Asian neighbours, plus shrimp, chicken, egg, bell peppers and a curious addition of Chinese sausage or lap cheong. Yet named after the famed Spanish city of Valencia, the humble dish represents Iloilo's rich history of trade and colonialism and how the city has emerged with its own distinct cuisine—both because of and despite it all. See also: What is 7 Hectares and why is it important? Inside the 'self-healing' fish farm in Negros Above Miguel Cordova (contributing writer), Micky Fenix (editor), Ige Ramos (designer) and Gelo Lopez (moderator) As guests tucked into the Ilonggo feast, panellists divulged more about the year-long project. Joining Ramos on-stage were renowned food writer Micky Fenix, who served as the publication's editor; chef Miguel Cordova, one of the book's contributing writers and Vibal's Gelo Lopez, who moderated the discussion. 'As a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy, like other creative cities, you need to have a very distinct program to be able to retain the crown,' said Ramos. ' Gastronomic Expressions of Our City Iloilo: Nature, Culture, and Geography is not just a cookbook, but actually, a framework that other cities and other LGUs can use as a template for food mapping,' he continued, explaining that the framework is designed to promote sustainable practices within Iloilo's food culture, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 'It's not about any single author of the book. It's very important that the Ilonggo voices are properly represented. I'm just there as a midwife.' Read more: Understanding the global cacao shortage and how it impacts the Philippines Above Tatler Philippines editor-in-chief Anton San Diego with First Lady of Iloilo City Rosalie Saraba Treñas and other guests Above Guests went home with their own copy of the newly-launched book, with the opportunity to have their own copies signed by Ige Ramos, Rosalie Saraba Treñas, and Miguel Cordova Originally a book designer, Ramos admitted he 'came to food writing very late in my career. I was already in my '40s.' Through his new imprint with Vibal, Gastronomía Filipina, he hopes to 'pay it forward to the voices in Philippine gastronomy.' 'We are encouraging young writers to sign up,' he declared. 'I want to shepherd the careers of young food writers—and we need that badly to promote Filipino food.' NOW READ These farmers grow your food, but can't afford to eat—this social enterprise is changing that Why these 8 Filipino sites deserve Unesco World Heritage status All the new restaurants in the Tatler Best Philippines Guide 2025 Gastronomic Expressions of Our City Iloilo: Nature, Culture, and Geography is now available for purchase online, as well as in leading bookstores nationwide. Stay tuned for more titles by Guillermo 'Ige' Ramos under the Gastronomía Filipina imprint, soon.


GMA Network
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Robin Padilla wants Freddie Aguilar declared as national artist
Senator Robinhood Padilla has filed a proposed resolution seeking to declare late musician Freddie Aguilar as a national artist. In filing proposed Senate Resolution (SR) No. 1364, Padilla cited Aguilar's significant contributions to the Philippine music and culture and said he should be honored in accordance with Sec. 15, Art. XIV of the Constitution, as well as Presidential Proclamation 1001. "Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar, also known as Freddie Aguilar, who was born on Feb. 5, 1953, rose to fame in the late 1970s for his powerful and heartfelt compositions using folk rhythms and kundiman music," Padilla said in his resolution. "Given his achievements and contributions, Freddie Aguilar must be considered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) for recommendation to the President as one of the country's national artists," he added. Freddie Aguilar succumbed to multiple organ failure. He was 72. The Filipino singer and songwriter was survived by Jovie, and his four children from his previous marriage: Maegan, Jonan, Isabella and Jeriko. Regarded as one of the pillars and icons of OPM (Original Pilipino Music), Aguilar is best known for his hit song 'Anak' which became an international hit and was translated into 51 languages. More of his hit songs include 'Bulag, Pipi At Bingi,' and 'Magdalena,' among many others. — Sundy Locus/RSJ, GMA Integrated News


Observer
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Philippine film legend Nora Aunor dies aged 71
Nora Aunor, considered by many Filipinos as their country's greatest actor and singer, has died aged 71, the government and her family said Thursday. Proclaimed a "National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts" by the Philippines in 2022, the once child snack vendor will be honoured with a state funeral. "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Nora Aunor, our beloved mother, celebrated television and movie actress," her adopted daughter Lotlot de Leon announced Thursday on her Instagram page. The cause of death, which took place Wednesday, was not disclosed. Aunor starred in 170 films and got her first break when cast in 1967's "All Over the World", a typical teen comedy of the era. With a darker skin tone compared to the half-Caucasian actors that dominated local cinema at the time -- Aunor brought a relatability to audiences, earning her the nickname Ate guy, or big sister guy. She would become a sensation as part of a studio-manufactured "love team" with actor Tirso Cruz III. Together they were known as "Guy and Pip". Critical acclaim followed nearly a decade later with starring roles in the dramas "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos" ("Three Years Without God") and "Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo" ("Once a Moth"), both released in 1976. - 'Splendid career' - Aunor also recorded hundreds of songs, including 1971's "Pearly Shells", said to be one of the Philippine's top-selling singles ever. On Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos described her as "a gift to the Filipino nation", and the government's National Commission for Culture and the Arts said she would receive a state funeral. Aunor's daughter Leon later posted on Instagram that the funeral will take place on April 22 at the National Heroes Cemetery. "Throughout her splendid career that spanned more than 50 years, she was our consummate actress, singer, and film producer," Marcos said. "Her golden voice was a balm for all. Her genius was a gift to the Filipino nation." The fourth of five children from a family in the poverty-stricken Bicol region southeast of Manila, Aunor, born Nora Villamayor, helped the family make ends meet by selling cold water and snacks at a train station. Her grandmother taught her to sing, and at 14, she won a nationwide singing contest. She married Filipino actor Christopher de Leon in 1975, and the couple had one biological child and four adopted children before separating two decades later. Aunor later immigrated to the United States, and in 2005 was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for drug possession. She underwent a court-directed drug diversion programme that kept her out of prison. She returned to Manila in 2011 to resume her acting and singing career. —AFP

USA Today
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Nora Aunor, most awarded actress in Filipino cinema, dies at 71: 'Touched generations'
Nora Aunor, most awarded actress in Filipino cinema, dies at 71: 'Touched generations' Actress Nora Aunor, known as one of the Philippines' most prominent stars, has died at 71. Aunor's death on April 16 was announced by her daughter, fellow actress Lotlot de Leon, on Instagram the same day. "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Nora Aunor, our beloved mother, celebrated television and movie actress, and a true National Artist of the Philippines," de Leon captioned a black-and-white photo of the late star. "She touched generations with her unmatched talent, grace, and passion for the craft. Her voice, presence, and artistry shaped a legacy that will never fade." No cause of death has been given. Aunor is thought to be the most awarded actress in Filipino cinema, with multiple lifetime achievement awards and several international awards, including an Asian Film Award for best actress. The record-breaking singer and theater actress was known for the Filipino films "Bona" and "Taklub," both shown at Cannes International Film Festival; "Himala," the biopic "The Flor Contemplacion Story," "Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina?" and "Thy Womb," which was shown at Venice International Film Festival. She also starred in the television series "Bituin," "Little Nanay," "Onanay" and "Bilangin ang bituin sa langit." Aunor's final acting credit, for "Lilet Matias, Attorney-at-Law," came in 2024. The Philippines' National Commission for Culture and the Arts announced on social media that Aunor would be given a public funeral and ceremony. The film and television star was granted the country's Order of National Artist by the Office of the President in the field of Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022. "The 'Superstar' has an extensive filmography of more than 170 films," the commission wrote. "This number is exceeded only by the number of awards and citations she has received from local and international organizations." Aunor is survived by her five children, including actors Lotlot de Leon, Ian de León and Matet de Léon-Estrada. "She was a star not only on screen, but in the hearts of many—and stars like hers never stop shining," Lotlot de Leon continued. "Her light lives on—forever loved, never forgotten."