For Liberal Party senatorial candidate Leila de Lima, her image is totally different from what she is when cameras and reporters are not around
A mother to two sons, she has always believed that she is very much like other mothers in the country: caring, thoughtful and only aspires to provide enough for the family.
“Isa po akong ina, at lola. I have always been the typical mother; namamalengke po ako tuwing Linggo. Gusto ko kasi ako ang namimili dahil ako rin po ang nagluluto. I believe I make a mean laing,” De Lima said.
Having an autistic son, the Liberal Party Senate bet has considered herself as a very fortunate mother. She also adds that the social justice aspect of her campaign is personal because of him.
“I never considered Israel’s (her son) condition as a disability. In fact, it is what makes him special. It allowed him to excel other skills,” De Lima said.
“The chance to help the marginalized became more personal because of my son. Because we need to have laws that shall also grant poor families with special children sufficient access to opportunities, like what I have done for my Israel,” De Lima added.
When it comes to her legislative plans for the media and entertainment industry, De Lima also believes that reforms are needed for these sectors to grow.
“First and foremost, Libel has to be decriminalized. There are enough measures to self-regulate the media as it is. We are just one of two countries in the world that still penalizes libel as a criminal offense. This has to be corrected,” De Lima said.
“Let us also look into the working hours in the industry. Recently, the Department of Labor and Employment recommended eight hours, with 14 hours as the maximum number of hours for taping. I support that move. In fact, we should be looking into possible amendments in the Labor Code to accommodate safeguards for workers who do field work, such as tapings” De Lima added.
“There is also a need to study the possible fiscal incentives for the entertainment industry, as part of reforming taxation system. We must encourage more shows that promote the talent of the Filipino artist,” De Lima ended.
★★★★★
Vic Sotto remains faithful to Hanabishi
Fondly known as “Bossing of the Masses,” Vic Sotto will continue to be the face behind the “Kapartner ng Praktikal na Nanay at Bossing” brand identity of the Hanabishi line of home products, as he recently renewed his endorsement contract with the company.
The well-loved actor, television show host, and film producer has been promoting Hanabishi since 2015, and has been especially active in building it up as a line of products perfectly suitable for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Chest-type freezers, heavy-duty juicers and blenders, hand mixers, food steamers, and beverage showcase chillers are among the Hanabishi wares being targeted to SMEs.
“’Bossing’ Vic has always been an icon of practicality and he best exemplifies the practical and productive living that the Hanabishi brand is all about. We are very proud to renew our partnership with him and we look forward to working with him for many more years. As we continue to empower more Filipino families with quality products to help them in their homes and small business ventures, we are happy that ‘Bossing’ Vic remains part of the Hanabishi family,” shares Hanabishi Vice President Cherish Ong-Chua.
Now 30 years in the business, Hanabishi distinguishes itself from competitors as a provider of quality yet very affordable products which include kitchen appliances such as toasters, rice cookers, refrigerators and more; living appliances such as electric fans, air conditioners and others; and garment care products such as washing machines and flat irons. It plans to diversify into other appliances and home electronics categories soon.
“Parang pamilya na sa akin ang Hanabishi. Masayang masaya ako na ipagpatuloy ang partnership namin dahil ako mismo ay naniniwala sa mga produkto nila. Gusto kong maging bahagi ng misyon nilang makapaghatid ng mura pero de-kalidad na mga appliances para sa bahay ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino. Sana makatulong akong mahikayat ang mga nanay at tatay na subukan ang mga produkto ng Hanabishi lalo na sa mga nagpaplanong magtayo ng sariling negosyo (Hanabishi has always been a family to me. I am very happy to continue this partnership with them because I really trust the brand and their products. I want to be a part of their mission of providing high quality yet affordable products to every Filipino family. I hope to encourage more mothers and fathers to try Hanabishi products especially those who are planning to start their own business),” Sotto says.
★★★★★
Chiz’a cheering squad
Heart Evangelista was rooting for her husband during the first vice presidential debate held at the University of Sto. Tomas recently.
The debate was held in cooperation with Commision on Elections (COMELEC), CNN Philippines and UST.
Even when she was just on her way to UST, she had posted a photo of her and Chiz on her Instagram account with the caption: “On our way to the VP debate. Break a leg my sweetheart. #SayChiz,” Heart said on IG.
After the debate, Heart was all praises for her husband. Netizens also applauded Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero who remained calm even when others were already exploding during their arguments.
“Always a gentleman. That’s my VP #SayChiz,” said Heart who added that Chiz had shown good breeding.
“Di ko gawain manira at magyabang,” tweeted Heart, quoting her husband, adding, “At the end of the day you showed good character. Always proud to be standing by your side @SayChiz.”
She also posted her husband’s closing statement,“You stayed with the good and you kept your dignity. I am and will always be proud to be standing by you. At the end of the day, you are a good man. #SayChiz”.
★★★★★
‘Barangay Utakan’ on its second season
TV5’s Barangay Utakan, the first and only “barangayan” quiz show brings sizzle to your summer on its second season. A fun-filled and exciting take on the Pinoy community spirit, this innovative news quiz show on Philippine television aims to showcase “Pinoy bayanihan’’ in the country’s different barangays — communities rather than just individuals compete for a variety of prizes and collectively try to outsmart the competition by answering questions drawn from current news and public events. The participating teams also get the chance to perform challenging tasks and what makes the show more exciting is the fact that it does not require “talino’’ from the players, they just need “diskarte.”
Barangay Utakan’s unique format that makes it endearing for Filipino viewers has led to copycat versions by other TV stations but nothing beats the original — offering viewers the country’s leading broadcast trio of Internet celebrity and academician Ramon Bautista; Politics for Beginners host, satirist Jun “Bayaw” Sabayton; and newsman and Palanca awardee Lourd de Veyra. They and their female co-hosts: Bea Benedicto and Nikki Veron make up for a truly stimulating and mind-expanding evening.
Aside from the constant support that it has been getting from the viewers, the Kapatid network also owes the success of this groundbreaking show to the brain behind it, its director RA Rivera. “We want to offer something unique, informative, innovative and entertaining to our fellow Filipinos especially the masses. Our goal is to capture their hearts by feeding minds with information and putting emphasis on the essence of nationalism and teamwork,” the director shared. Rivera also stressed that the second season of the show will still continue to keep on pushing sports to be one the driving forces in transforming communities.