Filipino Photography Biennial

Calling all Filipino Photographers in the Gulf:
Participate in the BIGGEST & MOST AMBITIOUS Filipino Photography Project in the Region!

In line with our commitment to uplift the Filipino community - ILLUSTRADO will be providing a platform for the Filipino creative community across the Gulf with which to achieve recognition and prominence in our host countries and in the Philippines, at the same time contributing to the development of the photographic art/discipline in the region.

We are inviting all Filipino Photography Clubs and Photographers at all levels (professional, hobbyists and amateurs) to participate in the biggest and most ambitious Pinoy photography project in the region - the Filipino Photography Biennial, a coffee table book to be published every two years showcasing the works of Filipino photographers in the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

2010’s theme - “The Gulf through the Eyes of a Filipino Photographer” will be captured in five photographic categories: Landscape and Architecture (local), Heritage and Culture (local), Pinoy Slice of Life, Fashion, and Beauty (Filipino).

We are also calling all Filipino photography clubs in the region to participate and help us shape this worthwhile project that will boost our community.  For each participating org, we will be inviting a representative to join the selection panel.

Deadlines for submissions - August 25, 2010. 

CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION ON RULES ON PARTICIPATING, GUIDELINES AND SELECTION CRITERIA.

filipino-photography-biennial-rules-on-participation

 

For queries, you may e-mail us at: filphotobiennial@gmail.com

You may also call us at: (+971) 4 365 4543 or 365 4547

The Songbird and The Songwriter of the Philippine Music visit Dubai

Dubai - "The Songbird and The Songwriter" pre-Valentine's concert at Zabeel Park. Regine Velasquez, dubbed Asia's Songbird, and popular Philippine singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid, with Velasquez and Alcasid singing a duet of ‘I gotta feeling (Tonight's gonna be a good night)', for their opening. With special guests Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, two of the hottest "love teams" in Philippine prime-time television and cinema, and veteran balladeer Rico J. Puno.

More Pics Click Here

Filipino Community Set To Celebrate Bayanihan Festival

Filipino Community Set To Celebrate Bayanihan Festival
Khaleej Times by - Lily B. Libo-on 6 November 2009

DUBAI — The ‘One Filipino Spirit’ that motivated the Filipino community in Dubai and the Northern Emirates to help the typhoon victims in the Philippines, will be celebrated with the Bayanihan Festival set for December 11 at the Megabowl, Zabeel Park.

‘Bayanihan’ or the spirit of working together will be celebrated once again in the year-end programme. It will be a celebration of the heroic deeds not just of the leaders and members of the more than 60 Filipino organisations accredited with the Philippine Consulate General but also of the ordinary Filipino workers in the UAE, who contributed for the cause.

Robert Ramos of the National Association of Mapua Alumni, chairman of the Organising Committee of the Filipino Community, told Khaleej Times that this year’s celebration will be somewhat different from last year because it will highlight the innate goodness and helpfulness of every Filipino in the UAE, particularly those based in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Now on its second year, the Bayanihan Festival this year carries the Theme, ‘Together We Made A Difference’.

The event will be a whole-day affair of fun games and exciting presentations of martial arts, cheering squads, dance exhibition, public speaking and songs.

It will start at 8am with a mini-bazaar and a special show to be presented by TV personalities from Manila.

Ramos said Philippine schools in Dubai and the Northern Emirates will participate in the cheering squad presentation while the other units will render their own performances.

The event will be free, although there will be a Dh5 fee park entrance.

Rakrakan Fest 2009 -TFC Middle East successful events

Filipino Rock Arise in Dubai

By: Dominique Pechuela-Famador

ABS-CBN Middle East capped 2009 with the Rakrakan Fest 2009 on December 4, 2009 which was attended by thousands. Callalily, Itchyworms, Brownman Revival and Wolfgang kept the crowd’s untiring energy at its highest peak for hours at the free standing venue, East Hall of the Dubai Airport Expo. The ‘rock concert’ first staged in 2006 has evolved into an annual reunion of the Filipino expats in the Middle East. In its previous legs done in Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Rakrakan did not only showcase the best of Filipino rock acts perse. The organizer took the pulse of the masses in full consideration and tried their very best to heed the plea of these modern-day heroes. This year, the team embarked on a brave venture to combine four of the Philippines’ most sought-after bands in their own respective genres.

Starting the night was the youthful Callalily. The talented young guns had set the tempo so high with their alternative singles and passionate preludes. They have undoubtedly got the ladies screaming and the gentlemen singing along. Theirs was such an impressive performance that gives assurance of a promising future for Philippine music. Quirky and catchy—that’s Itchyworms for you. The group invited great vibe and the audience willingly engaged. After all, this is the band whose songs Pinoys would sing over the highs and lows of their lives. It was Itchyworms’ second time to perform in Dubai but this is definitely their first with this magnitude.

The unlikely crew of Brownman Revival showed why they made it to the fold in spite of being a Reggae act. The 9-piece band gave their grooving twists to most-loved OPM (Original Pilipino Music) as well as wicked flavors to their own compositions. The desert winter was taken over by cool and comforting Philippine breeze that seemed to be settling during the whole stretch of their set. They spontaneously played Filipino Christmas carols to the delight of the masses. It was during their set that Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates H.E. Grace Princesa graciously went onstage to greet all who were present.

But more than anything, the audiences at the Rakrakan Fest 2009 were predominantly part of the ‘wolf pack’. More people began to gather and were entranced song after song. An unforgettable moment came was when lead vocalist Basti Artadi paused in “Natutulog Kong Mundo” and the crowd just filled in the following lines… It was a total uproar from front to back of the concert hall as thousands clapped and sang in unison: a truly hair-raising experience. Each of the band members couldn’t pick the right words to describe how great they felt.

In this YouTube era, where people can watch their favorite bands perform at their own convenience, this convergence of rock aficionados at the Dubai Airport Expo is undoubtedly exceptional as it is exhilarating. The global and national crisis that they are going through took the backseat for a good five hours—all in the name of Filipino pride. Other nationalities came to rock with much amusement. There were even Filipinos who came all the way from neighboring countries just to see their favorite bands. And everyone would agree that Rakrakan Fest 2009 is an event that truly lived up to their money’s worth…and much more! More Pics here

RAKRAKAN Fest 2009

RAKRAKAN FEST 2009: ‘ASTIG ANG ORIG!’

The experimental event concept in 2006 has now become a yearly tradition that is being looked forward to by Filipinos in the UAE. A Filipino rock phenomenon that was born in Dubai has already branched out to its neighboring countries–Qatar and Bahrain—for its off-shore legs. A historical feat which was primarily intended to amuse and entertain rock enthusiasts has now charmed Pinoys of all ages, from the different walks of life.
This December, ABS-CBN Middle East bids adieu to 2009 with a roaring rock music celebration. The most successful and most attended Filipino concert in the whole of Middle East to date is set to explode as four bands rock our world. Experience grand mix of Alternative, Reggae, Heavy Metal and Grunge at the Rakrakan Fest 2009!

CALLALILY—THE YOUNG GUNS
(Kean Cipriano on lead vocals; Aaron Paul Ricafrente on bass guitar; Tatsi Jamnaque on rhythm guitar; Alden Acosta on lead guitar; Lemuel Belaro on drums)
The youngest of the pack picked their unique-sounding name CALLALILY from a rather odd source—their favorite brand of bread. But that distinctive ring to it gave just as fast a recall as their hits. Barely on their 20s when they started in the scene, the five-piece band consisted of talented college studs has already claimed notoriety especially to the younger crowd. Their fresh music that has been widely embraced by the masses includes Stars, Magbalik and Susundan which garnered recognition since their rise to fame in 2006.

ITCHYWORMS—POP ROCK MADE BETTER
(Jazz Nicolas on lead vocals and drums; Jugs Jugueta on lead vocals and guitars; Chino Singson on lead guitar and backing vocals; Kelvin Yu on bass and backing vocals)
Surely you’ve heard the song of a lovelorn guy choosing between his unrequited love and alcohol… Or maybe you’ve sang “Akin Ka Na Lang” yourself to that one person who, at the moment, cannot be yours. You might have been glued on TV during Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition days and heard “Kabataang Pinoy” over and over. No matter how many times you play their music, you just can’t get enough of them. Exceptional vocal harmonies and masterful musicality is what definitely sets ITCHYWORMS apart from their contemporaries.

BROWNMAN REVIVAL—REGGAE FIX
(Dino Concepcion on lead vocals; Dennis Concepcion on drums; Jayson Cuevas on trombone; Amber Abundo on trumpet; Jojo Antinero on saxophone; Januarie Sundiang on percussions; Jao Larion on bass; Alphy Desaville on guitar; Onard Bonavente on keyboards)
Gone were the days when other more senior acts such as their genre conquered the Philippine music charts. Now, listeners don’t have the trouble relating Filipino reggae to BROWNMAN REVIVAL. They’ll certainly make your heart skip a beat or two with their bold and one-of-its-kind renditions of all-time favorite OPMs. Passionate as it is festive, the entourage effectively blends the fusion of reggae and pop sensibilities eagerly accepted by the chill-out loving audience. Their repertoire comprises of Binibini, Maling Akala, Lintik, Under the Reggae Moon and more. Best to get your grooves ready…

WOLFGANG—THE REUNION
(Basti Artadi on lead vocals; Manuel Legarda on guitar; Mon Legaspi on bass guitar; Francis Aquino on drums)
The band’s reunion happened two years ago. However, this year, WOLFGANG will be reuniting with their fans that had missed their groundbreaking live performances since they had gone on hiatus and their followers had embraced the life of an expatriate. With almost 12,000 fans on a social networking site such as Facebook, the band undoubtedly hasn’t lost their fangs. Prepare your grunge mood as you sing along their best hits such as Halik ni Hudas, Natutulog Kong Mundo, Arise and Beast. Welcome the heavy music of their new album, Villain. And experience once again three things: Mosh Pit. Nineties. Wolfgang.

For only AED 85, these four bands will unleash the rocker in you in one night. Be there on December 4, 2009 at the East of Dubai Airport Expo. Gates open at 5PM. Concert starts at 7PM. Dial 800-ABSCBN for more details. Don’t miss the ‘annual Kapamilya reunion’ happening at the RAKRAKAN FEST 2009: ASTIG ANG ORIG!

2nd Filipino Exposition 2009 in Dubai

There’s definitely more reason to join the merry festivities at The 2nd FILEXPO in Dubai: Tiangge, Bazaar, Atbp. In the line with The Filipino Channel’s 15th anniversary, we are bringing you a BIGGER, BETTER and MORE FUN-FILLED EXPERIENCE on July 2 to 4, 2009 at the Hall 3, Dubai World Trade Center.

The 1st Filipino Expo in Dubai and Qatar held in 2008 gathered a tumultuous number close to 60,000 attendees making it the most successful and most attended all-Filipino organized event in the Middle East to date. Shoppers and exhibitors alike had a superb experience in the event that is beyond doubt for the Filipino, by the Filipino.

This year, set your sights to the largest convergence of Philippine companies in Dubai. Expect the leading groups in the industry of real estate, banking, cargo and remittance, transportation and automobile products to offer their best deals for the Global Pinoy. Don’t get left behind with the most up-to-date offers on electronics and telecommunications. Plan your next trip with travel and leisure packages within your reach. You want ‘tiangge’? Then ‘tiangge’ it is! Get ready for more stylish apparels, accessories and cosmetics to satiate the fashion frenzy.

Various services will be offered to the Filipinos in the UAE. Representatives of the Philippine Government will be present through the three-day affair. Employment and business opportunities are also available in the exhibition hall.

And after hours of shopping, treat yourself to the soothing sounds of ASAP Sessionistas. A variety of Kapamilya artists will serenade the audience with their distinct mellow tunes paired with their authentic musical talent that is proudly Filipino. Savor the soothing vocals of crooner Richard Poon in Ballad Thursday. Meet you Pinoy Dream Academy idols Bugoy Drilon and Laarni Lozada in Pop Radio Friday. Chill with the Bossa Nova siren Sitti on Bossa Saturday. Radio DJ of WRR 101.9 China Heart will be the on-the-ground jock to provide extra entertainment to the expo-goers.

Entry to the venue is absolutely FREE. Tickets for the nightly shows are at AED 20 only. Plus, a free shuttle service will be offered to the venue. All these and more will be made possible especially for you at The 2nd FILEXPO IN DUBAI: TIANGGE, BAZAAR, ATBP.

111th Philippine Independence Day celebrates by Filipinos in Dubai UAE

More Filipinos come in Al Nasr Leisureland to join in the celebration of 111th Philippine Independence Day in Dubai United Arab Emirates. The celebrations of this events was historic because for the very first time we celebrated it exactly the actual day according to the organizers.

The celebration was started in the Consular Office by raising the Philippine Flag and followed by motorcade attended by Filipino Clubs. The motorcade started in Philippine Consular Office in Al Ghusais and ended at the Al Nasr Leisureland where the events held whole day.

More Pictures Click Here

Charice Pempengco concent in Dubai Cancelled

Due to unpredicted circumstances, the Filipino Music Festival in Dubai at Zabeel Park Thursday March 12, 2009 organized by Mint Lemon Events was canceled.

The performing artist from the Philippines are Charice Pempengco, Kyla along with the band group of Parokya ni Edgar. Performing also on the event are homegrown Filipino talents in the UAE.

Wowowee Live in Dubai - Another Events from ABS-CBN Global

Just last January 30, 2009 Wowowee held at Dubai Festival City, Dubai UAE. It is another successful events organized by ABS-CBN Global and TFC Middle East. The events was flocked by more than 19,000 from all over the Middle East.

Willie and his group give their audience a good shows and gives a lot of prices from where the players won all the Grand Prizes like, house & lot and a brand new car.

Also one of the special guest was Charize Pempenco a young girl with a voice of a diva.

More Photos Click Here

Season's of Music - A Filipino Concert

Friday, 6th February 2009 for the "Seasons of Music" - an official Dubai Shopping Festival event for the Filipino community. Please bring along your family and friends and enjoy great music from 2 of the most popular artists from the Philippine - Christian Bautista and Rachelle Ann Go.

STAR CINEMA’S Present "LOVE ME AGAIN" ( A movie from LAND DOWN UNDER) now in theaters in the Middle East

Press Released:

STAR CINEMA’S LOVE ME AGAIN (LAND DOWN UNDER)
SHOWING IN THEATERS ALL OVER THE MIDDLE EAST

From the Director of box-office Filipino films Dubai, Kailangan Kita (I Need You) and Anak (Child) comes a story that reminds us on how far we are willing to go in the name of love in LOVE ME AGAIN (LAND DOWN UNDER). The tale revolves around a woman who sought for a better life and the man who would go at world’s end just to be with her as portrayed by Philippines’ most popular and beautiful love teams to ever appear onscreen, Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual.
After working for several years in Manila, Migo (Piolo Pascual) returns to Bukidnon, to its magnificent rolling hills and lush pasture lands, to reclaim the ranch that his family had lost after his father's death. During the famous Kaamulan festival, Migo sees his first love, Arah (Angel Locsin), who also happens to be the beautiful and fearless rodeo queen of Bukidnon. He falls in love with her all over again and resolves to win back her heart as well.
Ranches everywhere are closing one by one. The glory her hometown once knew was slowly disappearing in favour of life abroad, particularly in Australia. Arah believes this too. Australia will save them from poverty. But Migo does not share this belief. He believes that Bukidnon’s glory will return if only people didn’t leave. When Arah’s father suddenly encounters an accident, Arah is left with no choice but to seek better opportunities in the land down under to earn for her family. Her decision breaks Migo’s heart. The two part ways, their problems unresolved. Arah leaves Bukidnon, along with a group of Pinoy cowboys who have been hired to work in the vast and lonely Australian ranch, which is even bigger than Bukidnon.

In Australia, Arah showed her willingness to hold her ground and tough it up along with the boys just to fulfill her dreams for herself and her family. It was this determination that caught the attention of the cold and mysterious Brian Sullivan, an Australian rancher. Back in Bukidnon, Migo was experiencing his own wave of reality. Bukidnon is not what it used to be. And fighting to keep a ranch alive and working is something he cannot do without enough experience. Despite his enthusiasm and hard work, his investments crumble slowly until he is left with nothing but a humbling realization—there is money in Australia. Migo decides to give the land down under a try. With fierce hopes of earning back what he lost, he flies to Australia, to the land where his beloved Arah went when she left him for her dreams.

However, Arah is already engaged to Brian. Being the eldest daughter of a poor cowboy, she feels compelled to accept this man's offer of marriage in order to give her family a better life, no matter how much she still loves Migo. Can their love bloom again in the dry landscape of the Outback? Will Migo be able to reclaim the love he has lost, or will he learn to let her go and start anew?

Award-winning director Rory B. Quintos takes on another heart-warming love story shot outside the metropolitan of Manila. With its scenic locations from Philippines’ highland paradise of Bukidnon to the captivating natural landscapes of Australia, Love Me Again is a film that is close to any expatriate’s heart as it delves on seeking for greener pastures far from their home country. This is Piolo Pascual and Angel Locsin’s first big-screen team-up after their hit TV series Lobo (Wolf) and the latter’s first project under Star Cinema. Love Me Again is a part of Star Cinema’s major offering for its 15^th anniversary. It was the very first all-Filipino produced and made movie, starring local actors, to get a US premiere before its commercial run in the Philippines. Officially showing this 2009, Love Me Again will not only be shown nationwide in the Philippines but all over the globe. Filipinos in the Middle East would be delighted to know that they will have the chance to see what unravels of Arah and Migo’s love story themselves on the following dates:

January 29, 30, 31 at the Grand Cine Center in QATAR and Seef Cineplex in BAHRAIN; February 5, 6, 7 at the Grand Cine City in DUBAI and Grand Megamall in SHARJAH; February 12, 13, 14 at the Grand Al Mariah in ABU DHABI; and Feb 12, 13 at the Cinescape, Marina Mall in KUWAIT.

Gary V at 25 in Dubai

Gary Valenciano better known as “Gary V.” performing at the Dubai Aviation Club on Thursday night November 2, 2008.

Gary’s sons Paolo and Gabriel performing together with their proud father and also Yeng Constantino who won the Pinoy Dream Academy competition.

Tina Monsod - Palma visit Dubai

Tina Monzon-Palma Program Director Bantay Bata 163 ABS-CBN Foundation visit Dubai and joined in the Clean Up Drive. This event was organized by LIFPG (Lightform International Filipino Photographers Guild- Dubai) with Dubai Municipality and The Clean Up the World Organization held at Mamzar Park, joined by most of the Filipino Organization here in Dubai.

Second Day of The 1st Filipino Exposition In Dubai

After I post the first day of the events of ABS - CBN at the Dubai World Trade Center Title; 1st Filipino Exposition in Dubai our friend " Arabia Josh" post a comment asking if I there in the last 2 days of the events, As answer to his comment here it is:

ABS-CBN Personalities in Dubai last June during "the 1st Filipino Exposition in Dubai"

I was so busy last month and find no time to update this site (my apology)... And the question is why I'm so busy, because few days a lot of events happened here in Dubai like the 110th Independence Day Celebration last June 13, a photo competition in Abu Dhabi with a price of AED 30,000.00 for the 1st prize and thr events of ABS-CBN were I'm one of the Photo contibutors plus all the work in my office. Just to share some of this events here it is:

ABS-CBN Personalities in Dubai last June during "the 1st Filipino Exposition in Dubai"

As we witness the kick-off that steer the Dubai shopping scene towards the world-class all-Filipino trade fair like no other, dubbed as the “The 1st FILIPINO EXPOSITION IN DUBAI: Tiangge, Bazaar, Atbp.” The opening ceremony was held last 19th of June at 4 ‘o clock in the afternoon in Hall 4 of the Dubai World Trade Center. Gracing the event was no less than one of Philippines’ most respected broadcast journalists, Ms. Korina Sanchez. Another first will be unfolding as Dubai will have the honor of hosting few episodes of Ms. Sanchez’s award-winning informative magazine show, “Rated K: Handa Na Ba Kayo

Other Kapamilya personalities from radio and television joined to complete the truly Filipino Ambience. WRR’s DJ Billie played most requested OPM hits. Nightly shows featured the Asian Pop Idol Christian Bautista on “Ballad Thursday”, Grand Star Dreamer Yeng Constantino on “Pop Friday”, and Soul Siren Nina on “Acoustic Saturday.” Sale on apparels and gadgets, as well as opportunities on travel and leisure was few during the shopping festival for the global Pinoy in the Middle East. There was also a chance to win on the raffle prizes, which drowned hourly! ENTRANCE TO THE EXHIBITION IS ABSOLUTELY FREE! Nightly shows charged at only AED 10. BigAtin members were given a discount at only AED 5. These happen on June 19-21, 2008 at the Hall 4 of Dubai World Trade Center. At least 35 exhibitors from the Philippines was there flew in all the way to Dubai, “The 1st FILIPINO EXPOSITION IN DUBAI: Tiangge, Bazaar, Atbp.” is truly ‘by the Filipino, for the Filipino.’

During the 1st Day:

Cutting of the Ribbon from left to right: Mr. Egay Garcia, Korina Sanchez, Vicky Belo and Con Gen. Valerio

Vicky Belo & Korina Sanchez


Korina Sanchez

Christian Bautista & DJ Billie

Christian Bautista

Korina Sanchez and Dindo Amparo

Dindo Amparo Middle East Chief Bureau

My Wife and DJ Billie


I will publish soon some of the photos taken during this event...

Cast of ABS -CBN TV Series "Lobo" during there Kapamilya Fiesta World Tour

More photos during the Kapamilya fiesta world Tour in Dubai with the Cast of TV series title " Lobo".