The 23rd Spanish film festival

Pelikula Spanish Film Festival 2024: Fiesta de Cine Español y Latinoamericano

On October 5-13th, the cinema aficionado audience was yet again treated to an exciting show of Spanish and Latin American films at the PELíCULA Spanish Film Festival. Organized by Instituto Cervantes de Manila in coordination with the Spanish Embassy in the Philippines, the festival ran from October 5-13, 2024. The PELíCULA, on its 23rd edition, continues to be the most distinguished Spanish film festival in Southeast Asia because it features prize-winning films in various genres.

This was held at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong and gathered a dynamic lineup of films as it was an exemplification of the richness and diversity of Spanish-speaking cultures. The festival not only covered heartfelt dramas but also gave thrill to animations, which is all testimony to the evolving forms of storytelling by Spanish and Latin American filmmakers.

A Journey Through Spanish and Latin American Cinematic Excellence

Since it had been launched in 2002, PELíCULA became one of the most eagerly waited cultural events in the region. In addition to being one of the best Spanish and Latin American films in Filipino markets, many were also recognized at international film festivals. Any genre - drama, comedy, thriller, or documentary - PELíCULA entertains the taste of all audiences.

Different films were featured in this year's program, telling the multiple narratives, cultures, and history of Spain and its Latin American counterparts. The "Carmen", for example, can be watched. How about the exquisite "Loli Tormenta" or "Benito Pérez Buñuel"?

PELíCULA 2024 Featured Films

Here is a rundown take on the standout films and documentaries:

1. Carmen: A musical romanticism about the Spanish opera, where tradition and contemporary mix differently.
2. Loli Tormenta: A peaceful comedy reflecting on family through light-hearted display.
3. Benito Pérez Buñuel: A tribute to the legendary filmmaker, which recreates his life and works together.
4. El amor brujo: A powerful drama, full of passion and love, which betrays a couple in front of the audience.
5. El maestro que prometió, Robot Dreams, and Dispararon al pianista were also some of the films that, by virtue of their innovative storytelling, impressed audiences.

Other attractions were the well-informed documentary "Hispanoamérica, canto de vida y esperanza", the "Cerrar los ojos" feature; and the touching drama, "Las hijas". Also on the list are "Rioja, la tierra de los mil vinos", an invitation to witness Spain's culture for wine-making.

The Audience's Choice: Premio del Público

Probably, the most eagerly anticipated event for the festival was the Premio del Público or the Audience Choice Award. In this event, the audience votes for the film it will like best. This year definitely was no exception since the audience was spoilt for choice in viewing some excellent films cut from the same cloth of themes, including love, identity, family, and personal growth.

A Platform for Cultural Exchange

Not only films, but PELíCULA means much more as it sets up an understanding between the Filipino and the Spanish-speaking communities by deriving empathy for the cultures of Spain and Latin America. End.

The festival is also an excuse to watch some of the world's finest films and celebrate the vibrant cultural ties between the Philippines and Spain. With both Spanish and Latin American films on the roster, spectators will revel in the rich tapestry of cultures that unite the regions, reflecting shared history and growing contemporary narratives.

Mark your calendars for next year!

For those who could attend, PELíCULA 2024 was a cinematic journey that highlighted the best of Spanish filmmaking. If you couldn't make time for this year's screenings, worry not; PELíCULA will be back next year, 2025 with its next griping lineup of films promising yet again to get everyone on the edge of their seats.

Stay tuned for more Instituto Cervantes de Manila and Spanish Embassy including other Spanish-speaking countries, updates as they continue to bring the beauty of Spanish cinema to the Filipino audience. Until then, ¡disfruta del cine! (Enjoy the cinema!)

Studying online for a diploma

Unlock your career potential-learn business and sales management online

Living in today's fast-evolving competitive environment, better education is a growing challenge, what with having to balance work, family, and personal obligations. Easy access to highly valuable skills and qualifications in the field of business and sales management, however, is right at your fingertips with online learning. Whether you are a working professional looking for an opportunity to advance your career or someone looking to break into the business world, an online diploma in business and sales management can open doors to countless opportunities.

I started my learning journey through Kingston International College based in Singapore to earn this diploma in business and sales management on October 4th, 2024.

Why Study Business and Sales Management?

Business and sales management is a dynamic field that cuts across such significant skills that include strategic thinking, leadership, customer relations, negotiation, and financial management. The process of conducting business is almost always subject to change and fierce competition, thereby increasing the need for a highly skilled professional who would be able to work in such areas. Preparing to make informed decisions, leading your team, and developing strategies that take businesses forward in any area.

Advantages of E-learning

Online education is flexible, convenient, and accessible. Here are some of the key benefits of learning business and sales management through online courses:

1. Study at Your Own Pace

One of the key strengths of online learning is that students have the flexibility to study at their own pace. Whether a full-time worker, stay-at-home parent, or juggling multiple commitments, online courses work around schedules. You can do coursework on your own for hours so that you continue with your work, attend to your responsibilities, or might be doing any number of other things while putting your education on hold.

2. Access to a Great Replenish of Resources

However, the best feature of online courses is that it can offer access to loads of resources such as video lectures, readings, case studies, and interactive exercises. Many courses further provide the possibility of interacting directly with instructors and peers through the use of forums and live discussions, thereby giving one an opportunity to collaborate and acquire other perspectives despite the distance between you.

3. Economical Education

Many online diploma programs in business and sales management are cheaper compared to campus-based programs. The beauty of this is that you save on transport, accommodation, and textbooks costs, while online programs often have lower tuition fees than classroom programs. Furthermore, it is easier to fund education if you can continue earning an income while studying.

Value of a Diploma in Business and Sales Management

It not only built one's knowledge but also heightened credibility in the business world. Some of the ways in which this diploma can be beneficial include the following:

1. Career Advancement

A business and sales management diploma tells employers that you have the skills needed to make you successful in any kind of job, from the simplest sales representative to the highest positions, such as business management. It makes you a more competitive candidate against others because people tend to choose candidates with a diploma rather than those who do not.

2. Higher Salary Potential

A diploma in business and sales management enables one to fetch higher-paid jobs. Account managers, business development executives, and sales managers, to name the most important, are paid competitively, and the more your credentials will enhance your prospects for the salary.

3. Success as an Entrepreneur

For business owners and entrepreneurs, a diploma in business and sales management will offer the right skills for running a successful business. This will include obtaining substantial knowledge about the managing of operations, optimal sales strategies, and market trends so as to lay the foundation of setting up a highly thriving company.

4. Increased Network

Most online business and sales management programs encourage you to connect with industry professionals, instructors, and peers. It can help you develop the network that may be associated with mentorship opportunities, collaboration, or even the opportunity to work under them in the future.

While there are many theories that might be applied to an online diploma in business and sales management, the degree focuses on practical application. Its delivery throughout the course provides exposure to real-life scenarios, case studies, and mirroring the current kind of challenges that may prevail among today's business leaders. That way, you can be quite sure to take up a lead position when you complete the course and immediately apply what you have learned in the workforce. An online diploma in business and sales management is as practical as its delivery.
Online courses accommodate students all over the world, irrespective of location. It is more easily accessible for time zone or a restricted facility dweller to access their physical institutions in pursuing their dream of getting a diploma in business and sales management. And, additionally, it gives ideas about learning community all around the world.

Conclusion: Invest in Your Future

Finally, within the dynamics of the ever-changing business world, it is imperative to stay ahead of that curve. With the online course in business and sales management, you will acquire skills, gain knowledge, and become more confident to stand out in your chosen career path, while offering you flexibility and convenience of learning at your own discretion. Be it stepping up the ladder in the corporate world, starting your own business, or just increasing your expertise, a diploma in business and sales management is an intelligent investment for your future.

Take a step today towards changing your career—unlock your potential and seize the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in the world of business and sales management.

We have 41 ways to celebrate

41 Fabulous Ways to Celebrate Your 41st Birthday

Forty-one is one of those special ages that call for a very unique and memorable celebration. No matter whether you are looking to celebrate your day with adventure or relaxation, we have 41 fantastic ideas on how to make your 41st birthday unforgettable:

1. Plan a weekend retreat to the coziest cabin, a beachside resort, or another energetic city you've always wanted to see.
2. Throw a Theme Party: Choose a unique and interesting theme that defines your interest. It could be 80s retro, masquerade ball, or tropical luau.
3. Wine Tasting Tour: You could spend your day around the local vineyards, tasting fine wines, or alternatively take up a trip to some famous wine region.
4. Take a Cooking Class: Learn to prepare a gourmet meal or a new cuisine with friends or family.
5. Book a Spa Day: It's time to rejuvenate yourself with massages, facials, and all other lavish treatments.
6. Arrange a Movie Marathon: Invite lots of people over to have a movie marathon of your favorite movies, or simply get into a big binge of some new series.
7. Set Up a Game Night: Gather your favorite board games, card games, or video games and enjoy a night full of fun competition.
8. Go Skydiving: Freefall from an airplane, and drop down to form a memory you will never forget.
9. Potluck Dinner: Get friends and family over and enjoy everyone's favorite dishes.
10. Road Trip: Take out, and head to new places, stopping wherever you feel like.
11. Try a New Hobby: Engage in a new hobby—painting, knitting, or playing any musical instrument.
12. Have a Picnic: Have nice picnic by packing delicious food and going to a beautiful park or beach.
13. Throw a Dance Party: Set up a DJ or make a playlist of your favorite songs and dance all night.
14. Go for a Hike: Explore nature with a hike at a national park or some nice scenic trail.
15. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: Observe breathtaking views of the world from above in a hot air balloon.
16. Attend a concert—It's time to see your favorite band or artist live.
17. Take a Photo Shoot: Book a professional photographer, or take it into your hands with a self-managed photo shoot to document this time of life.
18. Go to a Comedy Show: Laughter is great for the soul, so let a live show give you something to belly laugh about.
19. Book a Staycation: Treat yourself to a stay in one of the classy local hotels and indulge in what luxuries are offered.
20. Try an Escape Room: Challenge yourself and friends to a fun, exciting adventure in an escape room.
21. Backyard BBQ: Casual BBQ firing up the grill for a good time with family and friends.
22. Glamping: Experience the outdoors in style; real camping with creature comforts - very glamorous.
23. Volunteer: Give back to your community by spending a day of volunteer work that interests you.
24. Watch a live sports game of your favorite team.
25. Take a day trip to some nearby town or famous places.
26. Experience a nice dinner in that high-end restaurant one has always wanted to visit.
27. Spend the day at the beach, soaking in the sun, swimming, or relaxing near the ocean.
28. Visit an Amusement Park: Tye one on with some really great times riding roller coasters and playing games at this amusement park.
29. Take a Dance Class: Learn a new dance style, whether it be salsa, ballroom, or hip-hop.
30. Go Fishing: Enjoy a day of peace while fishing at a lake or river near you.
31. Host a Talent Show: Invite your friends over to show off their stuff in a fun, non-judgmental setting.
32. Go on a Scavenger Hunt: Organize a scavenger hunt around the city or in your neighborhood.
33. Visit a Museum: Take the whole day to explore the exhibits of your local museum or art gallery.
34. Have a DIY Craft Day: Let out your creativity with an all-day craft-making day of DIY projects.
35. Go Horseback Riding: Enjoy a dignifying ride through nature on horseback.
36. Attend a Workshop: Sign up for a workshop related to a field you are interested in, be it photography, gardening, or writing.
37. Run a Charity Fundraiser: Use your birthday to raise funds for something that really means a lot to you.
38. Go on a Shopping Spree: Treat yourself to a day of shopping and indulgence in that special something.
39. Karaoke Night: Sing away with friends at a karaoke bar or home.
40. Take a Yoga Retreat: Let loose and rejuvenate with a yoga retreat or spending a mindfulness and meditation day.
41. Reflect and Set Goals: Take a little time to reflect on the past year and set some goals for the future as you celebrate your journey and look toward what's yet to come.

My teachers, my heroes

I would like to remember the following teachers when I was studying in Isabela National High School, making this day a special day to my teachers, my heroes.

To Filipino teacher Rogelio R. Lopez,

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to teaching the Filipino language. Your passion for literature and language has inspired me to appreciate our rich cultural heritage and embrace the beauty of our national language. Your guidance and encouragement have not only improved my language skills but also instilled in me a deeper love for our country's literature and heritage. I am grateful for the knowledge and wisdom you have imparted to me, and I will always cherish the lessons I learned from you.

To Social Studies teacher Isabela C. Lagua,

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your commitment to educating us about our society, history, and culture. Your dynamic teaching style and engaging lessons have sparked my curiosity about the world around me and encouraged me to become an active citizen in our community. Your dedication to fostering critical thinking and social awareness has had a profound impact on my understanding of the world, and I am truly thankful for the valuable lessons I learned from you.

To PEHM/CAT 1 teacher Dominador C. Mallillin,

I want to extend my sincere appreciation for your guidance and mentorship during my time in PEHM/CAT 1 class. Your leadership and discipline have not only helped me develop physical fitness and self-discipline but also instilled in me important values of teamwork, leadership, and responsibility. Your unwavering commitment to our growth and development as individuals has left a lasting impression on me, and I am grateful for the valuable skills and lessons I gained under your tutelage.

To Values Education teacher Narcisa B. Cabalonga,

Thank you for your dedication to teaching us important moral and ethical values that have shaped our character and guided us in making responsible choices. Your lessons on integrity, compassion, and empathy have had a profound impact on my personal development, and I am grateful for the wisdom and guidance you have provided. Your commitment to nurturing our moral compass and fostering a culture of respect and kindness has left a lasting impression on me, and I will always carry the lessons I learned from you in my heart.

To English teacher Venecita A. Gaspar,

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your dedication to teaching us the English language and literature. Your passion for language and literature has inspired me to become a better communicator and critical thinker. Your patience, encouragement, and guidance have helped me overcome challenges and develop confidence in expressing myself effectively. I am truly thankful for the knowledge and skills you have imparted to me, and I will always cherish the memories of our time together in your English class.

To Science and Technology teacher Alma C. Apalla,

Thank you for your dedication to teaching us about the wonders of science and technology. Your passion for discovery and exploration has inspired me to develop a curiosity about the world around me and pursue a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. Your innovative teaching methods and hands-on experiments have made learning enjoyable and engaging, and I am grateful for the knowledge and skills you have imparted to me. I will always remember the valuable lessons I learned from you and the impact you have had on my passion for science and technology.

To Mathematics teacher Norman T. Nicasio,

I want to express my sincere gratitude for your dedication to teaching us the principles of mathematics. Your patience, encouragement, and support have helped me overcome my challenges and develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Your passion for mathematics and commitment to our success as students have inspired me to strive for excellence and persevere in the face of difficulties. I am truly thankful for the knowledge and skills you have imparted to me, and I will always remember the valuable lessons I learned from you.

To Technology and Home Economics teachers Higino T. Manaligod and Perla A. Toribio,

Thank you for your dedication to teaching us practical skills in technology and home economics. Your hands-on approach to learning and creative teaching methods have equipped me with valuable knowledge and skills that I will carry with me throughout my life. Your guidance and mentorship have not only helped me develop practical skills but also instilled in me important values of creativity, resourcefulness, and resilience. I am truly grateful for the time and effort you have invested in our education, and I will always remember the lessons I learned from you.

To RHGP teacher Venecita A. Gaspar,

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your dedication to teaching us about responsible parenthood and family life. Your guidance and mentorship have helped us develop a deeper understanding of the importance of building strong and healthy relationships with our families and communities. Your passion for empowering young people to make informed choices and lead fulfilling lives has left a lasting impression on me, and I am grateful for the valuable lessons I learned from you. Thank you for your commitment to our growth and well-being, and for inspiring us to become responsible and compassionate individuals.