"Finding Rizal in a Time of Barriers" Premieres on ANC

In a time when Filipinos are still confined in the walls of our homes, how do we remember our heroes?

This year marks the 160th birthday celebration of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. As a person who enjoyed the subject and much of the life/teachings of the man who proved that the pen is mightier than the sword, there seems to be little to no information available to Filipinos about what he did in Europe. This June 19, a Rizal documentary is set to premiere on the ABSCBN News Channel and ABSCBN Youtube account. It's aptly called "Finding Rizal in a Time of Barriers" which is conceptualized and envisioned by well known environmentalist, cultural mover and journalist, Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda.

The former Senator had the chance to tour Heidelberg and a little German town called Wilhelmsfeld two years ago. In that place, she met Dr. Fritz Hack Ullmer (who is the great grandson of Pastor Karl Ullmer) who's family hosted our national hero for 3 months in 1886. His lineage (all three generations) had kept Rizal's letters, memorabilia all these years. This wouldn't have been possible without the help of Ambassador Theresa de Vega of the Philippine Embassy in Berlin, Consul General Evelyn Austria Garcia of the Philippine Consulate in Frankfurt and the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila + the men and women from the Office of Deputy Speaker Legarda. With the pandemic making all things impossible for them to finish everything, they came to help make this happen in time for Rizal's 160th birthday this year.

Senator Legarda says "Our national hero Jose Rizal lived in a time where there were barriers on skin color, religion, ideologies and more. He broke though these barriers, and his trip through Germany also earmarked the completion of his most famous book Noli Me Tangere which changed a whole country in the process. He also wrote "A Las Flores De Heidelberg" while studying ophthalmology and lived with scientists and humanists Blumentritt and Virchow in Berlin. You'll also get to know the Ullmer family whome he stayed with for a short time in Wilhelmsfield. The Filipinos need to know about this time in Rizal's life, and we're showing that on the documentary. It will also include stories passed on from his Grandfather Friedrich who was only 14 during Rizal's time. You will also see how special he's regarded in Germany as he remains immortalized in streets, plazas, tons of markers paying homage to our national hero."

This will be shown on the ABS-CBN News Channel this comine June 19th, 2021 which falls on Saturday at 7PM. It will also be streamed simultaneously on ABS-CBN News YouTube channel and the Facebook Pages of the Department of Foreign Affairs, National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Office of Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda. Replays will also be done the day after on ANC at 4PM so make sure you catch it at these times.

Happy birthday Pepe!

SARAH GERONIMO and BILLY CRAWFORD Sing "Pusong Pinoy" for Jollibee

This 123rd year of celebrating independence couldn't come at an opportune time as the Philippines just like other countries across the world is experiencing the pandemic.

Jollibee knows how hard it is for you, me, and countless Filipinos around the world so they tapped world class performers Sarah Geronimo and Billy Crawford to perform and sing "PUSONG PINOY" to bring hope, instill resilience and encourage the spirit of "bayanihan" despite the hardships around the world, a mark of what it is to be Filipino. 

Mr. Francis Flores, Country Marketing Head of Jollibee Foods Corporation says "We want compassion to be highlighted in this video, albeit the tons of challenges that come our way, we make it a point to still be happy, full of joy, something that is instilled in our culture despite modern times. It's what's innate, we should be so proud about our "Pusong Pinoy"!"

Sarah says "For me, I think what "Pusong Pinoy" means is being there to help no matter who needs it. The Filipino trait of being of help for others, being strong, loving, big or small, Filipinos are always there to be of service for others." 

Billy adds "We remain humble, even in desperate times. Jollibee gives us joy through "Pusong Pinoy" and let us feel a love that's light and free. It's something that is innate, and priceless."

Check out the video here!

The joy of sharing your heart for others, priceless.

IKEA is Looking For Models, It Could Be You!

The world's biggest IKEA is set to open in the Philippines and what better way to keep the excitement rolling but to get YOU involved. See, IKEA is about to produce a magazine featuring Filipinos on the cover. What's good is that they're looking for FIVE Families, Friends, Individuals that would be on the printed and digital version of the magazine. It will contain not just the brand's milestones, but also inspiration on design that you could also follow. That model they're looking for, could be you.

The family can be the run of the mill Dad, Mom and kids, but it can also be multi generation, LGBT, or any kind of family there is. Well, aside from the usual fun, you'll get Php 30,000 worth of IKEA shopping vouchers to get your dream items from the store. Make sure you like their official channels because they'll also announce the winners there. If you want to audition, CLICK HERE and follow the directions on how to apply.

Don't say I didn't tell you! Because I just did.

Budget Friendly Infinix Hot 10S Says GAME ON!

Well, it looks like Infinix is going to make your payday a little better as they bring their recently launched gaming phone the Hot 10S to an even more attractive price. Shopee is having their Payday Sale this coming June 15th and with that, they're partnering with the retail app so they'll have their own Infinix Super Brand Day on June 15-18, 2021.

This phone has a MediaTek Helio G85 processor which can handle most of your favorite games, a 6.82 inch HD+ screen so you can see the whole picture and watch countless movies on your entertainment library. The phone comes in two variants, one is 4GB+64GB and the other has 6GB+128GB so you do have tons of apps that can run at the same time and never worry about storing your photos and videos if you need to.

Armed with a 48MP camera, 2MP lens for depth and AI lens, it can take great photos near or far. The 8MP front cam is ample for your lovely selfies, it's got fingerprint unlock and can charge 10W so it's quite fast. The battery is a whopping 6000mAh, so you've got juice all day and never worry about getting those priceless moments captured when you need to. Now go arm yourself today if you're in a need for a gaming buddy, and say game on!

Then again, I've never seen this yet perform. I'll see if I can get a review unit handy.