Miyerkules, Pebrero 18, 2015

Furniture makers as History Designers.

Ageing the wood (tree) from the time it was germinated , grows a tree ,then sawed ,cut and molded into a desirable kept as functional design either as furniture, or a component of an architectural design is an antique way of  measurement being  practiced by the aborigines Igorot,  from the North of Luzon , ( Baguio) .

Yes, its have been proven by the mainstream culture , that admiring Antiquity is a norms since time immemorial. An objects of antiquity supposedly intended only for  a  storage of history (legacy),evolved to be an actual exchange mode of value ( the antique itself) . However for some , an object of antiquity,provides a higher form of significance as a  gift for diplomacy , friendship and goodwill .

Examining the old narra cabinet in my safekeeping is gamut story associated with the one who made it , associated with the local history of the town of Barcelona. The old narra cabinet was original gift ,customary built by my paternal grandfather Philipe Estipona a master on his own craft as a furniture designer,carpenter , planner and  house builder on his era, to my newly wed parents Teofilo Kee Paras Estipona and Sorayda Casulla Estipona. Since the couple have just been celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary ( 50 years ), most likely the Cabinet age would around be more than 50 years old using the aborigines way of measuring wood antiquity.

My grand father wood craft carving techniques was special then, when hand made tools was a customs . Labor and skills and time consume would always be prime consideration of contracting a customized designs furniture or a entire house itself. He was one of the few who originally consulted, hired, executed the original elegant Rennaissance Mansion of our retired honorable major of Municipality of Barcelona , Salvador Nee Estuyee. The Rennaisance Mansion is located exactly to what is now a modest ( minimalist ) Mansion today standing at Barangay Tagdon Barcelona Sorsogon.

Growing up in the same barangay where the "Elegant Rennaissance Mansion " , seeing it was always a sighed of   bewilderment , despite of  its few years  era of abandonment . It become of landmark of admiration for each passersby , despite of its historical narratives besieged the whole family of the " Nee Estuyee". I witnessed how it was slowly decayed by the passage of time. The Rennaissance Mansion , characterized by its "azotea", with a balustrade made from the brownish glazed ceramics ,over looking to the wide blue Pacific Ocean. It has a grand  staircase from the second floor leading to the ground of the  main grand entrance of the gated mansion.

The Rennaissance Mansion become an epitome of an era of opulence where the owner owning only a vast tract of land, merchandise traders, owners of many dogs, high breed texas roosters for cockfighting and a special model of car (now consider vintage model). No body in the history of the local Municipality can predict the fate of the Rennaissance Manions as its stood on its hay day. Until one day it padlock by the local banks for the business fatality. Its an era of borgeouse defeatism haunting probably not just the Municipality of the Barcelona , but in the entire regions perhaps in the whole archipelago . It would take only one generation, one man in the person of honorable Atty. Salvador Nee Estuyee , an heir of the " Nee - Estuyee", to claimed the clans name . The Rennaissance Mansions which was abandoned during my formative years , bring back its luster after a decade of dark silence. Determine to catapult , family historical narrative of borgeouse defeatism .Barely a youthful on his profession as a certified lawyer , he took the town Mayor ship.He claimed the right title from the bank of the entire property , and renovate it to what it is today., a modest minimalist architecture.

Atty. Salvador Nee Estuyee achievement for what he have done to his family became a model of admiration. Because of this he was voted in the majoralty for several consecutive years . He have been in the position for almost symmetrical with the terms of the former president Ferdinance Marcos. He belongs to the ticket of the Salvador Escudero, then with the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.Being the presume head of head of the clans and respectable public servant, his personal and political statement pervades  , cascade down even up to the dinner table of his immediate others, relatives, neighbors most especially to his political allies.


It was Atty. Salvador Nee Estuyee, who helped eloped and depended on  my father sentence for a short term in jail for a case of alleged illegal fishing .How ever it was his local ordinance, complying with the Department of the Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture that the supposedly expansion of my fathers owned managed fishpond have been postponed a lifetime.

It was he who made the final wish to my grandfather Philipe Estipona , whom he asked " Philipe if you are going to die today what would be your grand wish", and my grand father replied " to be able to experienced a ride in an airplane". So good to be true, after Atty. Salvador Nee Estuyee granted him that wish " providing my grand father a free ticket from PAL Philippine Airlines from Manila to Legaspi City ", after a few days  my grand father died.( the story is from a neighbor acount).

Until lately that Atty . Salvador Nee Estuyee  nake name have been change. Formerly   called by the children who fond of poking him as just " major", or lovingly "papa major", he adopted the name " Dato". Does he envision of the BBL Bangsamoro Law , for " Dato"is synonymous with the Sultanate titles? A very Malays sound.

According to " Mr. E ",  now the leading actor Pastoring the " Local Eglesia ni Cristo Church", looking now the modest minimalist architecture of the former Renaissance Mansion " i was one together with your lolo who made that house".


Wood, design, furniture, architecture would be the main feature of the upcoming Manila Fame March 13-15, 2015 at SMX , SM Mall of Asia.

BLUE PRINT , architectural and design magazine have just celebrated their 15th anniversary at Madison Bistro Moderne ( Shangri-la Hotel , Manila Ortigas) . The event was worth attending with the presence of the Philippine only glass sculptor Ramon Orlina. "Cote de Mas  Intense Indulgence Sud de France", was official red wine , for the only invited guest .



Henry Estipona
Philippines






















Linggo, Pebrero 15, 2015




SAF 44 highly sensationalized carnage and the live forum massacre of the SAF officers have been saved   by THE MR. INTERNATIONAL WINNER NEIL PEREZ- is a redemption to the tarnish image of the law enforcement cavalry.

What is very fatal and painful looking at the live feed from the ANC channel, the SAF Officers including Mr. Espina, Mr. Purisima, Mr. Napinas et all, being puzzled off by the litigant way of public hearing , moderated by the Senator Grace Poe, and participated in by the high ranking Senators like Merriam Santiago . The frontal lobotomy "brick a brac", rapid , tricky questions by the experts of  case litigation thrown by Senator Mirriam Santiago is quite good enough to mirror some puzzlement on behalf of the SAF officials.Which is tantamount to live massacre and that is very painful to stomach , seeing the SAF Officers to answer on their own , with out  the benefits to be represented by an authorized lawyer to answer , consulted from time to time. Remember SAF Officers are not expert on the oral arguments , labyrinth of tactical debates . Their imprumptu and live litigants style public forum is a blow of double tragedy that may ruins the machinery of the AFP, SAF and the Law enforcement cavalry.It exposes the entire nation internal security with could give a go signal to some opportunist. Considering that the Philippines is in currently embroiled with the South China Sea what we need is more of the atonement , building the morale of the SAF, AFP is all that we needed.

For this I deeply admired Senator Gringo Honasan for his statement ,as my interpretation SAF , AFP for now is in control, they exercised with care in handling their duty and they are strong . What Senator is requested is deep sobriety on all stakeholders, relatives of the victims, the SAF and AFP, the public, and the media. For the benefits of innocence and doubt, what the senator is requesting , is for the SAF officers to produce the written reportage , authenticated and notarized before the full blown inquiry should happen , regarding on the law enforcement operations hunting the world number (asia's terrorist) Marwan ( now dead ) and Usman ( fugitive), that leads to the untimely death of the 44 SAF personnel .

Points to ponder for the SAF 44 Tragedy:

1. Case of law enforcement tactical operations that have halted several times  attributed to alleged leakage of information.An inside job to sabotage the whole strategy of the law enforcement operations is not a minor considerations to by pass. Who among the original planners have the motive to for said operations , would not be treated as an achievement for the entire Law enforcement machinery.



2. Is text messaging a reliable mode of communication in a highly confidential , high profile case of law enforcement operations like this ( SAF 44- exodus)? Should there be a need to a fast GMS -Mobile frequency inside the whole of Mindanao , necessary for the inter operability of information management system a major requirements for safe keeping information , peace and security?

3. The need to future proof , the living relatives of the SAF 44, about theirs social welfare,psychological , emotional needs  would now be the ultimate solutions for the government..

4. Declare the Mamasapano Place a tragic-turn to Heroic Place, by declaring the Place the cross roads of Peace- Reconciliation by putting a tombstone -landmark , perhaps a universal church where everyone should have pilgrimage of remembrance to imortalize the heroic - sacrificial deeds of our fellowmen.

5. Is there any law , prohibiting from any natural tragedy (public hearing )  to be covered live ,especially if its involved delicate national security?

Lets us not forget , that Law Enforcement Operations no matter how well laid the plan, the zero casualty occurence cannot be avoided , but could be prepared  turning it not be major National Disaster .Its like shooting or making a movie on the set. Every scene is accorded with the original script , how ever from time to time , diverting from the original script is needed because of the natural tendencies that hindered in the set, the weather, the late arrival of the cast, etc, that sometimes the lead actor needs to " adlib".

Hope , Niel Perez could the Mamasapano SAF 44 - Exodus operations a movie , that would needs his look, charisma and hands training as police officer and award Oscar winning movie.


Henry Estipona
Philippines
www.on-linexpress.blogspot.com









Lunes, Pebrero 9, 2015

Linggo, Pebrero 8, 2015

Collecting Post War and Contemporary Arts :

1. How would publicist build artist reputation to become a bankable artist?
2. Do you have prevention measures to control laundered money to invest in high valued arts?
3. Can Christie's be sought as an independent final opinion of last resort to a country in gridlock of nominating a national artist?


Three big question brought up today in the last day of the Christie's Forum, facilitated  by the Christie's expert coming from Hongkong. The last but not the least panelist is Ms. Jane Yoon , associate Vice President , specialist for Post War & Contemporary Art Department , Asia. 

In a mature economy of arts power houses like Paris, London, Tokyo, Beijing and Manila the role of publicist to act as artist , road agent have been a professional norm. The question when applied in the block regional like of South East , the Christie's experts response is optimistically necessary , that for each artist to have a publicist. For this an artist priority in creativity  should not be muddled with finance nor the wimps of artificial press releases. The publicist of course have a role in the intermediate intercourse of artist works not only for his personal avocation but for his integrity, reputation, sense of personal and national worth. 

For Christie's point of view , when it comes to " laundered money" conduit in the pipe line of arts intermediaries , " every auctions houses in the region should be aware, and be careful in dealing with this kind of transaction", according to Jane Yoon.

The Asian , region should formulae a policy, and create policy makers, watch dog , for each auctions house to monitor the occurrence of possible money laundering activities. In the outset of Asean Economic Community 2015 , the arts community community of each nations should recommend to each national policy makers to draw a law mandating , evaluating, grading auctions participants , and collections on loans/ auctions .

In case of the Philippines situations, of caught  in grid lock in choosing National Artist , Christie's expert through Jane Yoon, will summoned his immediate big bossing in London , draw a policy of wither the Christie's auction house could be a viable arbiter , to break the grid lock of choosing a national artist for not only in the Philippines but for the whole region.

Christie's arts auction house could be  a reliable ,independent, object source of opinion that could be consulted as out sourced consultant for each government in the Asia, if not in nomination but in choosing the national artist of each country.


Henry Estipona
Philippines 

Sabado, Pebrero 7, 2015

"The String around the world ', the official theme of the Philippine booth official entry for this year upcoming May 9-November 22, 2015 , Venice arts biennnale to curated by Dr. Patrick Flores , Arts historian , Professor of Arts in Philippine University of the Philippines, and Curator of the Ateneo Arts Gallery.

The Philippine  who have been the cross roads of civilization even the times of Marco Polo , the great Italian merchant traveller, fascinated by his mythical enamored with the Middle Kingdom that now China and Christopher Columbus  the discoverer of the New World that is now America on behalf of the Spanish Crown, Philippines participation in the 2015 Venice Arts Biennale need not more logic reasoning . A nation that now and then trying to define his own identity , healing from its own " cultural neuroses ", now completely rebuilding its image at what reasons and cost . 

With China's economic upheaval and its strategic awareness about " the century old  silk maritime road " , is essential for its longterm , sustainable trade routes linking the China from South China sea, to Indian Ocean, then to Ivory Coast of Africa. And the Philippines access to its blue ocean economy which was proven  a success of a halted century old galleon trade , linking Philippines not only to China, but from the  western hemisphere  to South America, Mexico Acapulco, New York, California, then move forward to Europe Spain. For these reason that " 2015 Venice Arts Biennale " could be a fertile ground for a cultural amicable diplomacy , forging a reconciliation of both countries Philippinea and China being a booth neighbor in the upcoming 2015 Venice Arts Festival.

What could be seen in the Philippine arts booth ? 

According to Dr. Patrick Flores, " the Philippines booth thematic tableau , will be composing of like a periodic cinematography where Genghis Khan et all, with a period customs , inspired by the movie of Conde , the  pioneer Film in the Philippines that been exhibited abroad"

"For what ever reason, this is to remind China, perhaps there was one time on their history ,what's it being felt being bullied '?, Paving for the emperor to create a formidable grounded barrier that is now the Great Wall of China. 

Remembering my statement to one of the distinguished officer from Mongolia sitting beside him , in the sit down dinner conference hosted by the Euro- Asia Foundation. " Here is a man from Mongolia whom I should be afraid most ", not the Chinese. , and the Mongolian laugh at his best.

Back to Philippine Booth ,for this year 2015  Venice Arts Biennale , according to Dr. Patric Flores, the segments for the Philippine Pavillion will be composing of the thematic experiences like Ax the Worlds Future, Parliament Forms, (gender disorder), then Capital a live reading.But what is astonishing , showcasing the best of the archipelago is the "Epic for Palawan". Which is a multi dimensional  in nature where fix objects , mobile objects, and sounds intertwine giving way to a reactionary , engaging act for the viewers .

Mr. Patric Flores a working curator himself is a professor of arts history in Philippine University of the Philippines, former curator of Vargas Museum and Ateneo University . 



Henry Estipona
Philippines

Huwebes, Pebrero 5, 2015


The Changing Environment in Arts Investment


Christie's Art Forum 2015, for Art Fair Philippines 2015 have come into maturity attesting to voluminous  attendee for a nine year old Art Fair Philippines .

The brain child project of trio arts impresario Din Din Araneta, Tricky Lopa, Liza Ongpin Periquet. Today's project came into being after the trio, came upon with the monthly week end tortilla talk about arts in the National Museum , being an officers of the National Museum Foundation formerly headed by Ma. Isabel Ongpin then followed by Mita Rufino. Indeed , the trio partnerships became a full blown arts advocacy . Promoting Philippine arts and cultures to be available to "all Filipino", which culminated in to a more successive staging of " arts in the Park " held annually in Salcedo Park.

From those years of arts journey into what is become today , the Art Fair Philippines 2015 " the best in Philippine Contemporary Art " as being dubbed off is now the  most anticipated calendar of events not only in the Philippine arts aficionado  but through the region of Asia.

Coming to terms with the robust economic development of the Philippines , putting it to the Investment radar of the prestigious arts galleries, curators, artists, arts investors all around the world.It is fitting that alternative investments vehicles like arts investments could be of best options for the discriminating  risk appetite of the Filipino, perhaps Asian investors.

Today's Christie's Art Forum 2015 , as was participated in by Ms. Olivia Yao, art collector and President of " the Modern Reader ", Mr. Sundaram Tagore , Director , Sundaram Tagore Gallery, New York, Honking, and Singapore and Mr. Darryl Wee, Head of Visual Arts, Asia, Blouin Artinfo , and Ms. Shuyin Yang , Asian 20th Century and Contemporary Art Specialist who served as moderator.

In the forum , the equivocal effect of  technology , thus internet as a flat form to mass feed information, access to information have been discuss with scrutiny. Neo phyte collectors,seasonal collectors, could take advantage in forming informed decision necessary in acquiring a piece of arts. However some preferred  it in traditional norms of going out their comfort zone, visiting  arts galleries , sought the advice of the arts gallery owner, curators, or attending arts opening to meet direct in person the artists. By talking direct with the arts professionals investors could get the idea necessary for the goodwill value of arts investments. 

Major considerations for arts investments is the aesthetic  value of the artist works in what ever medium it be , like oil , water, pastel or mex media in canvass  , sculptors, wood, metals, slabs of stone or marbles. Excellent artist creates a formidable integrity in the arts scene either via good sound marketing , hype multi media promotions , or a product of networks build up due to " university " affiliations. The quality of the arts works should be a paramount concern for every arts investors. But not all expensive paintings goes with quality collectibles works to up keep for value accumulation.  Arts investors should primarily know first and fore most the artist reputation and his total commitment in the arts scene. His durable professions and untiring creation for pieces to collect will build a networks of collectors necessary for his works to be culminated for a certain arts awards. The penultimate success of the artist entire professional life is wither he could be attributed an award of " National Artist".

One major consideration for a certain artist works incremental value formation is being featured in the art auction like Christie's , Sothbey's or Leon Arts Auction. 

With all these factors to be in mind. Arts investors should have their own initiative to research or sought and arts consultant independent advice for their fastidious arts investments requirements . 

" we from the gallery people knows and followed a certain artist maturity on their own respective chosen medium and field , so arts fair nor auctions should somehow must coordinate well, in choosing who's works deserves to be  auctioned  especially if its involve enormous amount , because as gallery owner we keep  the artist collections in our catalogues , we keep each artist score cards of performances and achievements, so on the matter of arts works auctions , I think the art gallery owner and arts auctions establishments should talk before hand for a collaborative advice", re interpreting the very essence  of the  question of  Miss Silvana Diaz , gallery owner of Galleria Duemila raise in the just concluded forum of Christie's , one of the highlight sideline event for todays Art  Fair Philippines 2015 , from February 5-8, 2015.



On the matter of national investments sentiments  , which one is the best to prioritise  the national economic infrastructure over the arts scene landscapes  maturity. Both contention is an essential elements that goes hand in hand. A nations with a strong vibrant economy , preceded with a strong dynamic arts scene. All financial capital of the developed  estate like Newark of USA, London of United Kingdom, Tokyo of Japan, Hongkong of  China, Manila of Philippines , India, Singapore,Paris , Germany and Madrid of Europe become a haven of foreign direct investments due to its thriving arts momentum . 

In Japan , according to the Mr. Darryl Wee , head of Visual Arts , asia Blouin Artinfo, small galleries sprouted even in the prefecture ( provinces), that leads to the development of the entire gamut of museums networks nationwide . This was happened even during the Japanese bubble economy in the 1980's. 

The arts circles " industry", should evolve despite of the dictate of the capitalist markets. Creation and innovation could be inspired in what ever period of economic downturns or upheavals. Arts lingers beyond economic narratives because , arts comes from the will , and a product of self determination. It knows  no economic boundaries because it deals also other virtue like the" true , good and the beautiful".

Ms. Olivia Yao, a former banker for twenty two years now consider arts investments as her therapeutic "goodness", that elevates her sense of worth. In fact , she will be launching her pet projects , a luxury coffee table table books featuring the best of the Filipino Contemporary Artist, this coming June 2015. From  banker to arts investment collectors now , she evolve as arts books publisher. 

Mr. Sundaram Tagore high elite arts investors travel all around the world , attending every arts fair because its only not for status symbols for the fear of being not tune with the current happening in the arts scene. With over a hundreds arts fairs, biennale , arts auctions all over the world its mundane for an arts investors to attend personally  those arts happening. However with the presence of the online arts communities , galleries and information available every one have all the amenities of social media like face books, internet , web, to browse information  about arts that is worth investing.


Henry Estipona
Philippines
www.on-linexpress.blogspot.com

Miyerkules, Pebrero 4, 2015

Forum on " Rising China : Specific Policy Options for the Philippines and United States", February 04, 2015, Wednesday , 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM , ABS -CBN Caseroom , G/F Asian Institute of Management have just been concluded today , a forum courtesy of Asian Institute of Management Policy Center, Management Association of the Philippine , AIM Stephen Zuellig Graduate School of Development Management, Fulbright Philippine American Fulbright Educational Foundation , Asia Society -Philippine Foundation Inc., Harvard Kennedy School Alumni Association of the Philippines .



Cocktail Talk :


Michael Tkacik, Ph.D.
Director of the School of Honors Professors of Government 
Stephen F. Austen State University
 
Question:
" I think the lasting and sustainable solutions for the Philippines is to seek the seat for UN Security Council paving its way to  Internationalized  its issue towards China , and can be able to networks and build allies with the peace loving people of its own kind in the Asian regions. Would there  it be a possibility for the pathways on UN security council seats for the Philippines through lobbying in Washington D. C  Capitol Hills or in New York UN Head Quarters?"

Answer: 
Yes indeed , and I think even Asian regions as a block could make it move to have its own seats in the UN Security council in the rotating seats ( 5:10) . 

Question: 
The most famous Chinese slogans, for its world foreign relations though informal is these" silence accent ", " there is glory for being rich", and a " country engage in business ultimately would never engaged into war" , for these I strongly believe that the possibility of Philippine- China war will not happen. Your lectures suggested a workable recommendations for the Philippines to contain China for its miss conduct towards its neighbors , like expansion of sms mobile coverage , nuclear capability installations (for US to use), submarine. However despite of its feasibility and cost benefit to consider and beyond our government priority program. 

Question:
Do you think UN Security Council , the US and China can contribute each other for these recommendation of yours to happen? 

Answer:
 In the long run, the Philippines should consider this as an investment. On who will shoulder the cost, appropriation from the UN Security council would think so. But for China I don't think so. 


Question:
Anyway I think China is one of the permanent member (seat ) in the UN security council, and correct me if I am wrong, its actions towards its neighboring countries in Asian - China is considering its mandate as part of International security force .However it is being miss construed as bullying ?

Answer: Bullying?


Jarius Bondoc 
Columnist
The Philippine Star

Question:
My wife and  the wife of foreign secretary of  Hon. Albert Del Rosario are related ( cousins through German Ancestry). And you know in Bohol , there is Alona Hotel who own and operated by a German expat, have you met and visited Bohol ?


German Retiree, former Investment officer of
ADB Asian Institute of Management:

Answer:
My wife is from Zamboanga del Zur, one part of Mindanao but outside of the jurisdiction of the BBL ( bangsamoro Law). We have been retired coming in and out of the country for leasure. We are now settle in Bataan. I have not aware of that German Community in Bohol? Its interesting to know , and I would love to visit that place. Actually we've have been in that Hotel Alona , some years back. 


Question: 
How long been in the Philippines ? Have you been in Mindanao in Mamasapano? 

Malaysian Diplomate : from Malaysian Embassy:
Answer:
Yes, I have been all around in the Mindanao regions, as part of the peace panel brokering the Philippines and Malaysia. 


Henry Estipona

Question: 
Hi?


Peter Lau
Second Secretary 
Embassy of the United States of America
Economic Section

Answer:
Do I know you? Have we met already?I am Peter Lau, from US Embassy Economic Section.

Henry Estipona

Answer:
We have not met  yet before, but you are from the US Embassy ? Economic section?  I know from the US Embassy from the Senior Commercial 
Her name is Margaret.

Peter Lau
Answer:
Ha! Margaret Keshishian 
She is Senior Commercial Officer
U.S Commercial Service Liason Office to the Asian Development Bank .



Thanks for the cocktail sponsor " Conti's resto"


Henry Estipona
Philippines

Martes, Pebrero 3, 2015

APEC Ramps Up Climate Change Focus with Innovator Search

Issued by the APEC Policy Partnership for Science, Technology and Innovation

Clark, Pampanga, The Philippines, 2 February 2015 – APEC, the world’s leading economic growth engine and most natural disaster prone region, is on the lookout for a young scientist whose collaborative research in the Asia-Pacific stands to revolutionize efforts to protect lives, livelihoods and the future of the global economy against the increasing threat posed by climate change.
Nominations are now open for the 2015 APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education whose theme, Disaster Risk Reduction: Understanding the Role of Climate Change and Variability, spotlights the cross-border development of next generation technologies vital to helping economies adapt to changing natural conditions, strengthen environmental protection and build more resilient, sustainable communities.
The theme of this year’s award, known as the ASIPRE Prize, was selected by APEC Chair for 2015, the Philippines. It is an extension of deepening partnership between the 21 APEC member economies to tackle climate change and related challenges, which are among the policy priorities being taken forward by Senior Officials and technical experts meeting through this week in Clark and Subic.
“We recognize the new and escalating challenges posed by climate change to Asia-Pacific economies and the region’s three billion people,” exclaimed Mario Montejo, Secretary of Science and Technology in the Philippines. “Rising sea levels and the increasing ferocity of typhoons tearing through the region are the compelling and urgent reasons for game-changing solutions.”
Collectively, the 21 APEC member economies account for 40 per cent of the world’s population, half of global trade, 60 per cent of total GDP and most of global growth today. They are also hit by more than 70 per cent of all natural disasters. In December, a key APEC planning meeting was abruptly moved from Legazpi, Albay to Manila due to concerns over Typhoon Hagupit which traveled the same path as devastating Typhoon Haiyan just one year before.
“Climate change is at the top of the Asia-Pacific agenda and prompting a new era of cooperation to combat this rapidly unfolding threat to humanity,” explained Chen Linhao, Chair of the APEC Policy Partnership for Science, Technology, and Innovation, which administers the annual ASPIRE Prize. “Cross-border research has the power to inform how economies can adapt to, and mitigate, the effects of climate change and must be fully tapped.”
“APEC economies alone suffered around USD70 billion in costs related to natural disasters annually over the last decade and the rapidly warming planet continues to magnify associated risks,” noted Dr Alan Bollard, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat. “We are seeing important signs of progress in areas like emissions reduction and emergency preparedness. The introduction of new innovations is crucial to building on this momentum and strengthening capacity right across the world’s most populous region to save lives and secure growth.”
Entering its fifth year, the ASPIRE Prize recognizes the interaction between the APEC region’s researchers, universities, research centers and the business community to foster cutting-edge ideas and technologies that result in more robust, integrated and sustainable economic activity.
Each APEC economy may nominate one individual for the ASPIRE Prize. Nominees must be from the region and under 40 years of age. The impact of their work will be screened against scholarly publications and must involve cooperation with peers from other APEC economies. Relevant academic disciplines in 2015 include sustainable development, environmental studies, ecology, disaster management, urban planning and engineering, among others.
The ASPIRE Prize will be awarded at a ceremony in Cebu in August 2015. Wiley and Elsevier, publishers of scholarly scientific knowledge, are sponsors of this year’s Prize. The winner will receive USD 25,000 in prize money.
“Support for early career researchers in the Asia-Pacific will open up new avenues for tackling environmental challenges in the region," said Stephen M. Smith, Wiley’s President and CEO.
“Young scientists in the region are at the forefront of efforts to address an issue that knows no borders,” concluded YoungSuk “Y.S.” Chi, Chairman of Elsevier. “Recognition of their work can help to encourage further breakthroughs that will be critical to ensuring the sustainability of human progress and prosperity worldwide.”
For more information please visit: http://www.apec.org/aspire.
For more:
The First APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1) and Related Meetings schedule in Clark and Subic can be viewed here.

‘Inclusive Economies’ Key to Asia-Pacific Growth, Says Bollard

Issued by the APEC Secretariat

Hong Kong, China, 2 February 2015 – The capacity for improved growth across the Asia-Pacific will be greatly determined by the establishment of more ‘inclusive economies’ that boost trade and investment while ensuring that the benefits are widely felt by the people, according to APEC Secretariat Executive Director Dr Alan Bollard.
Dr Bollard offered perspective on a newly launched 12-month initiative within APEC to advance this objective and associated policy actions being taken forward by member economies in remarks delivered to the City University of Hong Kong, on the sidelines of a just concluded 4-day meeting of private sector executives from the APEC Business Advisory Council, or ABAC. 
“We can no longer assume that growth will be driven by trade,” cautioned Dr Bollard, setting the tone for a separate meeting of APEC Senior Officials on 6-7 February in Clark, the Philippines to direct implementation of the initiative originated by the archipelago as APEC 2015 Chair. They will consider recommendations from ABAC and build on collaboration among more than 20 APEC technical working groups now gathered in Clark and nearby Subic.
“We are seeing significant development of a growing middle class in East Asia and Latin American and that drives domestic demand,” he noted, while pointing out that these trends fall up against a period of considerable transition and new challenges.
“The story for the region is one of growing inequality,” Dr Bollard explained. “This is not about inequality among economies but populations within economies.”
Measures being pursued under APEC’s ‘inclusive economies’ initiative aim to narrow economic gaps by promoting cross border education and career training opportunities, the development of starts-ups and new openings for small businesses to participate in global trade and production chains, and safeguards against emerging economic, social and environmental threats.
“APEC is working through a complicated set of issues and complicated drivers, and it means different things in different economies,” said Dr Bollard. Mitigating risks such as those linked to climate change and the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, pandemics, gender imbalances in the economy, and labor migration are among the points of focus.
“As populations urbanize, people move into the middle class, cities change, environmental problems arise, social services increase and demand for technology surges,” he exhorted. “Electronic commerce and common data standards offer ways of doing this without the friction that existed previously,” additional areas of collaboration between APEC economies.
Dr Bollard went on to describe how these measures amplify the value and feasibility of concurrent efforts to lower barriers to trade and investment through greater regional economic integration.
“China promoted the study into the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific within the context of the Trans Pacific Partnership, ASEAN+ Regional Economic Comprehensive Partnership and Pacific Alliance,” he explained. “We don’t want to see those negotiations going off in different directions.”
Last November in Beijing, APEC Leaders called upon member economies to pursue a new two-year collective strategic study on issues related to the realization of the FTAAP.
“In the first year we’ll work on setting up the terms of reference for the strategic study,” Dr Bollard concluded. “After that plan is in place, we can address the substantive questions about what elements to include and whether pursuing a FTAAP is likely.
“Solidifying constituent buy-in by demonstrating the extent of the benefits of greater interconnectedness will be crucial to facilitating this process.” 
For more:
The First APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1) and Related Meetings schedule in Clark and Subic can be viewed here.
Packed with photos, synopses, data and additional planning information, the newly unveiled APEC Outcomes and Outlook 2014/2015 puts APEC’s agenda into greater context. 
Talking with the of H.E George Ney De Souza Fernandez , Ambassador of Embassy of Brazil to the Philippines on the eve of the 6th Brazil Film Festival held in UP University of the Philippines Film Institute , together with the Roehl Jamon Director of UP FI, Robert Rownd MFA Film Making, Eduardo Lejano Jr. FC for theater and Extension Services , Film Center  the Philippines Cultural Exchange between Brazil will be rekindled , through the medium of Film. 

" the closest we can get to seeing films from Latin America is through this Annual Brazilian Film Festival. Brazilian cinema holds a special place to Philippine indie film cinema, harnessing from the bleakness and innovativeness of Italian neorealism. This western neorealism has found interesting cultural idioms in the Cinema Novo movement for Brazil, and new Philippine cinema and the present indie cinema movement in the country"as being said by one of the UP Film Institute officer.

Thus he further said , " I remember seeing the film " Pixote " , in one of the classes at the College and being mesmerized with its affinity to Lino Brocka and other movers of new Philippine Cinema. I more recent times, Brazilian cinema would produce Oscar-Winning films, such as " Central Station" and " City of God",attesting to its cinematic power. "

Attested further by the UP Film Institute , " I can only remember a singular 1981 Philippine Film shot in Brazil , entitled " Carnival Queen ", starring Alma Moreno and directed by Gil Portes. Part of the " Bomba" film genre, the film depicted the carnival and the Rio de Janiero as exotic sites for Philippine desires . I think we can move on as Brazil and the Philippines share old and newer affinities : both countries come from specific and lingering colonial pasts, rule of dictatorships and military , both countries are maximizing its multicultural present, and both countries are moving forward to a more economically developed future, propelled by a populist leaders."

On behalf of the academic institutions of the UP Film Institute, the director hence said , " on a more recent note , both countries have been pure heaven for Pope Francis with the massive turn out of inspired participants, and his equally inspired messages. This calls attention to a kind of shared active devotion and zest for life among Brazilians and Filipinos".

In the end, the premiere academic Philippine academic institution , department of UP Film Institute expresses his full optimism, " we look forward to a more cultural exchanges, economic trade, carnivals, direct flights, and film co-productions . The College and U.P. is looking forward for more academic exchanges to be able to put shared backgrounds and goals into the forefront of learning and cultural dissemination. For a continuing spirit of cultural exchanges , " Cheers", " Mabuhay", and " Saude".

Please Note:

Movie Screening on Saturday  Feb.07 , 2015 ,2:00pm  at Instituto Cervantes 
Braxilia (2010)
Director: Danyella Proenca
Time: 17 min
Genre: Documentary

Summary:

" A 2010 documentary film ( short film) about Brazilian poet Nicolas Behr  and his poetic gaze upon the city of Brasilia. The film shows how the modernist land scape of the city designed by Oscar Niemeyer impacted on Behr's literary output, culminating in the creation of " Braxilia", an imaginary city with in the boundaries of the real one. The film is a drifting through the streets of Brasilia in search of the where abouts of the fictitious metropolis imagined by the poet. It mixes images of the city with Behr's poetic and playful language and its structured in the three fundamental axis : 1. interviews with Nicolas Behr; 2. Poems read in voice-over by the poet himself; 3. urban interventions with Behr's poems written and/ or projected over different architectonical supports. 


"The greatest adventure in my whole life perhaps is being to "pop up" , deliver my baby in the Philippines ,literally according to the pregnant director of the movie . This movie is a product of academic research as a major requirements for a master thesis in the University of my Brazil country."

Speaking of Brazil Country , adventurism and " Poping UP", kindly watch out Brazil entry:

for "Vision Show" of Brazil vs. Martarello Group of Italy , clashes out their "pop up " technique for a fireworks display . ( Feb.14, 2015 )in times of the,

" The 6th Philippine International PyroMusical Competition "
Every Saturday February 7 to March 14, 2015  7:30-8:30 pm . Seaside Boulevard , SM Mall of Asia.


Henry Estipona
Philippines