Filipino Martial Arts kick it way to Spain

 

SPAIN – Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) are becoming more and more popular in Spain.

Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Jhonee Llandejar teaches the techniques of Laraw, Kali, Pamuok to both Filipino and Spanish students in Fitness Place Sports Center in Barcelona.

Laraw, Kali, Pamuok, explained Llandejar, is a type of Filipino Martial Arts that employs the use of weapons such as wooden sticks Arnis and dirty boxing techniques.

Laraw means picture or reflection of the Kali weapon and the warrior. Kali means the use of weapons like Arnis and dagger, and Pamuok, which refers to hand-to-hand street fighting or no rules boxing techniques.

This type of martial arts is not only for self-defense, but also develops patience and self-control.

“Napaka-kumpleto niya, pwede mong ituro sa bata, pwede mong ituro sa matanda…sa mga babae. At saka kailangang-kailangan natin kasi mga Pinoy tayo, maliliit tayo. Yung sistema na pwede nating atakehin ‘tong isang ganitong kalaking tao, pwede tayong mag-defend sa sarili natin. Hindi tayo magpapa-bully, basta basta,” said Llandejar, who underwent FMA training in the Philippines and earned the rank of Guro.

Barcelona-based Filipinos Morland Magnayi and Daven Baraquel Magboo attend the sessions for health and self-defense reasons.

“At least mayroong self-defense ba, habang nag-e-exercise ka may natutunan ka sa sarili mo,” Magnayi said.

“Habang nasa kalye ka, hindi mo alam kung bigla ka na lang nanakawan alam mo yung gagawin mo para ma-defend mo yung sarili mo,” Baraquel pointed out.

The martial art also attracted interest of Spaniards despite mastering other combat sports.

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Suntukan to the next level. Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) which include the use of weapons (sticks or kali/arnis and knives), dirty boxing, and street fighting techniques have long been offered in a number of fitness centers in Barcelona. According to Guro Jhonee Llandelar, its origin can be traced to the fighting techniques employed by Philippine hero Lapu Lapu when he killed Fernão de Magalhães the Portuguese voyager sent by then Spanish Empire to colonize the archipelago now called the Philippines. In the picture is Llandejar's Itak Tagalog Barcelona chapter teaching Filipino martial arts Laraw Kali Pamuok. FMA have already been used in movies such as Bourne Identity and Fast and Furious 7 #kali #arnis #arnisdemano #filipinomartialarts #laraw #pamuok #panuntukan #itak #selfdefense #martialarts #fight #artesmarciales #Barcelona #España #Spain #suntukan #boxing #dirtyboxing #streetfighting #bourneidentity #fastandfurious #furious7 #Filipinas #Philippines #culture #history #lapulapu #magalhães #upbeatsunday

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Ruben Salas, who teaches boxing, said: “Most of my friends are Filipinos and I consider it very interesting because it trains the body both internally and externally and provides more defense than boxing,” said.

Filipino-Spanish taekwondo instructor Pepe Manuel wants to know more about Filipino culture through FMA.

“My mother is Filipino (so) it’s something that I want to learn, and its teaching method is more fluid. Perhaps, Korean taekwondo (and) Japanese karate although (have similarities with FMA) are very static, very rigid, but Arnis is very fluid with different method and employs a lot of strikes. I like it,” explained Manuel in Spanish.

Llandejar added that Filipino Martial Arts can trace its origin from precolonial fighting skills. Philippine hero Lapu-Lapu already showed expertise in the use of shield and weapon against Ferdinand Magellan’s heavily armored forces.

Filipino Martial Arts have also gained more international exposure, thanks to action stunts used in Hollywood blockbusters like Bourne Legacy and Fast and Furious 7. ABS-CBNnews.com

Watch the related TV report aired on Balitang Global, TFC, ABS-CBN:

Pinoys seek justice for Filipina jailed in Spain

SPAIN – The Filipino community in Barcelona is rallying behind the family of a Filipina imprisoned for drug trafficking.

Emilia Dueñas was sentenced to three years and six months in prison in Barcelona for drug possession and trafficking.

In an interview with Balitang Global, Dueñas’ husband Meynardo Ramirez said that in 2013, police searched their flat for drugs while nobody was home. The police took their jewelry, passports, bank books, cellphones, 10,000 euros that they saved, and laptops including those of their bedspacers.

“May pinapanhik pa silang aso. Wala. Wala silang nakuha. Betsin po ang kinuha nila. Tapos may aso pa nga pong pinapanhik para sila’y makasigurado, lahat, wala, yun nga po, betsin ang kanilang dinala at sabi iyun daw,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez recounted that when they arrived home, he and his wife were immediately arrested. He was later on acquitted but his wife was sentenced last year.

They filed an appeal but it was denied and she was eventually sent to Wad-Ras prison in Barcelona last month.

Ramirez said he and his wife make an honest living. He works as chief cook in a restaurant while his wife works as a factory worker of a grocery chain.

He suspects that the police were wrongly informed about the address of the drug traffickers. Instead of searching a nearby building where there were alleged drug traffickers, the police raided their flat.

Their former lawyer also promised that there was an 80% chance that they would win the case but Ramirez thinks that the lawyer did not defend them well.

“Bakit siya (abogado) nagpabaya…komo kami ay extranjero (foreigner) at sila naman komo ay taga rito, bakit naman kami pinabayaan? Hindi naman ako maghahabol kung yun ay tunay. Naaawa ako sa asawa ko. Alam ng Diyos yan na wala kang kasalanan,” Ramirez said.

KABAYANS HELP

Meanwhile, Filipino associations, the Filipino Personal Parish, and companies have started to collect signatures in the hopes of shortening Dueñas’ prison sentence.

Centro Filipino-Tuluyan San Benito volunteers placed a small table outside the San Agustin church in Barcelona where they explain about the campaign and ask for signatures from Filipinos who attend the Sunday Mass at the Filipino Personal Parish.

Organization coordinator Miguel Doctama said signatures from Filipinos would definitely help.

“Para mapagaan ang sentensya. Una, signature campaign, sulat ng presidente ng Centro Filipino, sulat ng pari ng parokya natin dito (at) pirma ng asawa na nagpapatunay na siya’y walang kasalanan. Marami po yun, mga anim na pamamaraan,” Doctama said.

Doctama cited the case of Filipino-Spanish “Crisanto,” who was accused of setting a homeless indigent on fire years ago. He said the signature campaign organized by the Filipino community contributed in his acquittal.

Relatives of Dueñas also asked for signatures in places frequented by Filipinos like remittance centers.

Metrobank Remittance Center manager Vilma Grace Miguel also supports the signature drive.

“Kawawa naman ang isang tao napapagbintangan ng isang bagay na hindi mo naman talaga ginawa. Naniniwala tayo na dito sa Barcelona, meron na talagang nangyayaring hindi kanais-nais at nai-involve talaga sa droga. Pero sa parte ko, naniniwala ako at na sana siya’y mapababaan ng kanyang sentensya kaya kami’y nakikiisa,” said Miguel.

Ramirez is also asking President Benigno Aquino III or any Philippine government agency that can help them achieve justice. ABS-CBNnews.com

Watch the related TV report aired on Balitang Global, TFC, ABS-CBN:

UP Manila Chorale int’l prize win to help Bohol quake survivors

UP Manila Chorale competing at 61st Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonia in Torrevieja, Spain. Photo from UP Manila Chorale Facebook Page.

The official choir of the University of the Philippines Manila, UP Manila Chorale (UPMC), reaped awards in the two international choir competitions held in Spain.

UPMC, under the baton of Prof. Eman P. de Leon Jr., bagged two awards at the 33^rd Cantonigros International Choral Music Festival held in Vic, Spain—second prize in the Folk Music Category and third prize in the Mixed Choir Category.

Photo from UP Manila Chorale Facebook Page

It also competed at the 61^st Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonia in Torrevieja, Spain where it took the top prize in the Polyphony Category.  The award includes a cash prize worth 10,000 euros (approximately PHP 500,000).

Proceeds of the cash prizes and donations they received during their European tour will be given to the NGO Habitat for Humanity to build houses for the Bohol earthquake survivors.

“Bilang mga nasa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas at bilang yung mga istudyante ko po ay istudyante ng Medicine or Dentistry, basta nasa field kami ng health sciences, talagang pinili namin na tumulong para doon sa mga kababayan natin kasi pagkatapos nilang mag-aral, doon din ang punta nila, manggagamot ng mga kababayan natin at tutulong doon sa talagang mga nangangailangan,” de Leon said.

The choir also shared their world-class talent in music to international audience and fellow Filipinos living in Europe.  As part of their European tour “Talindaw 2015”, they also performed in Switzerland, France, Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Germany, and Czech Republic.

In Barcelona, Spain, UPMC participated in the 17th anniversary of the Filipino Personal Parish Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción y San Lorenzo Ruiz held at Iglesia de San Agustin.

The choir sang Spanish, Filipino, classical and popular music to the delight of Filipino residents in Barcelona.

 

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Something soothing and soporific from the University of the Philippines Manila Chorale who just had their concert at Iglesia de San Agustin as part of the Filipino Personal Parish's 17th anniversary celebration. It's their rendition of the Spanish song by Mocedades "Eres tú". The official choir of my alma mater recently reaped awards, under the baton of Prof. Eman de Leon Jr., in Cantonigros and Torrevieja International Choir Competitions. The last stop of their "Talindaw 2015" European tour is Frankfurt, Germany slated next week. Proceeds of cash prize and donations raised will be donated to Bohol earthquake survivors through Habitat for Humanity. More power to them and to our kababayans abroad who always open their homes to accommodate these talented students and goodwill ambassadors! Details on TFC Balitang Global and ABS-CBNnews.com #iskolarngbayan #upmanilachorale #upmc #talindaw #torrevieja #cantonigros #iglesiadesanagustín #anniversary #parish #parroquiadeinmaculadaconcepcionysanlorenzoruiz #mocedades #erestu #choirs #Spain #España #Barcelona #concert #Frankfurt #Germany #Europe #goodmusic #supportmusicians #supportartists #bayanihan

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“Napakaganda, naalala ko tuloy ang aking Inang Pilipinas,” said Emma Mercado.

“Napakaswerte ng parokya na meron tayong UP Choir from Manila. Kayamanan ng bayan yan,” said Thezz Saulog.

Filipinos in Barcelona also showcased the treasures they have in the community during the event—the the Filipino-Spanish youth talent in dancing and choir singing, which also won the hearts of the audience. ABS-CBNnews.com

Watch the related TV report aired on Balitang Global, TFC, ABS-CBN:

‘Taklub’ makes it to Gijon Int’l Film Fest in Spain

SPAIN – Just after winning the Ecumenical Jury Prize-Special Mention at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival last May, Filipino filmmaker Brillante Mendoza’s “Taklub” is still on a roll, this time competing at the Official Section of the Gijon International Film Festival in Asturias, Spain.

Starring Nora Aunor, the film is about the life of survivors of supertyphoon Yolanda.

The festival which will be held in November is famous for featuring independent films from around the world.

Last year, the festival invited Mendoza as its guest of honor.

Recently, his work was featured in a presentation by the Casa Asia in Barcelona.

Mendoza is considered as someone who continues the legacy of Lino Brocka, Kidlat Tahimik and other prominent directors who used their films to criticize social ills in the 70s.

Award-winning director Brillante Mendoza in 2013 Sitges International Film Festival in Spain with the author.

Jorge Ivan Argiz, program director of the Gijon International Film Festival, said Mendoza doesn’t surrender to what the market dictates. He maintains his identity as a director and continues to fight for cinema literacy and portrays reality.

Director Nacho Carballo of the Gijon International Film Festival added that Mendoza is a great filmmaker with fresh and unique films. Most importantly, his films tackle the real issues of Philippine society.

Aside from the praises he receives, the Filipino director knows how to interact with people, according to Gloria Fernandez, director of CineAsia, who wrote a book about him.

Mendoza is also behind the films “Masahista”, “Foster Child”, “Manoro”, “Kinatay”, “Lola”, “Thy Womb”, and many more. He said his stories are based on ordinary people in extraordinary situations. ABS-CBNnews.com

Watch the related TV report aired on Balitang Global, TFC, ABS-CBN:

Robin Padilla wants Duterte-Lacson for 2016

SPAIN – Actor Robin Padilla is one of those urging Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to run for president in the 2016 elections. For the first time, Padilla has expressed support for former senator and rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson to be Duterte’s running mate.

“Tandaan naman natin na si Sen. Lacson ang nag-iisang senador na hindi kumuha ng pork barrel…Kaya kung mamarapatin ang dalawang magaling na lalaking ito, sana magkaroon ng tambalan ang Duterte-Lacson,” said Padilla.

Padilla further reiterated his support for Duterte, who, however, is still not inclined on joining the presidential race despite his improving survey ratings, especially in Mindanao.

“Ang Davao ay number 8 sa safest city sa buong mundo…Tandaan natin ang progress ay susunod kapag may peace. Walang progress kapag walang peace,” Padilla added.

The actor has been very vocal about his stand on the peace process in Mindanao. For him, peace is long overdue given the many agreements already signed such as the “Tripoli Agreement, Jakarta Accord, and now the Bangsamoro Basic Law.”

“Parang babaeng nililigawan lang yan. Pagka gusto ka ng babae, hindi na kailangan ng napakaraming bolahan, pero pag ayaw ka ng babae, wala na, kahit na ano pang gawin mo, magkikisay ka pa diyan, tapos! Ganyan ang peace talks sa atin.”

Padilla believes that only through Duterte’s federalism will Mindanao achieve true autonomy, comparing it to Spain’s model of autonomous governments.

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Consulado general de filipinas Jordi Puig Roches

A post shared by robin padilla (@robinhoodpadilla) on Jun 12, 2015 at 10:02am PDT

 

The actor is currently in Barcelona to celebrate Philippine Independence Day with the Filipino community.

 

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Ang mga Spanish- Filipino ng Catalonia

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Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia, a region with an autonomous government which is clamoring for independence from Spain.

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Daniel and Robin Padilla. With Filipino action superstar Robinhood Cariño Padilla. If I'm not mistaken he's the first Filipino actor I have interviewed and the interview went really well. He's very brave to speak his mind. One can write three headlines from just one interview with him. He even considers himself "revolutionary", very fitting for his role in the movie about a Philippine national hero who revolted against the Spanish colonizers–Andres Bonifacio. The award-winning movie "Andres Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo (the first president) will be shown in Barcelona, Spain on June 20, Saturday, 8 p.m. at Iglesia de San Agustin. Everyone's invited to watch the 2014 MMFF Best Picture and there you could also meet personally the very approachable Mr. Robin Padilla. It's for free and open to the public. The day after, June 21, Sunday, lots of activities will be held in front of MACBA to celebrate the Philippine Independence Day in Barcelona. #independenceday #philippineindependenceday #Philippines #arawngkalayaan #andresbonifacio #andresbonifacioangunangpangulo #Barcelona #Spain #robinpadilla #Filipinos #filipinas #España #independencia #arawngkasarinlan #iglesiadesanagustin #iglesiadesanagustín #filipinosinbarcelona #filipinosinspain #artista

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Despite being very political in his pronouncements, Padilla denied any plans to run in the 2016 senatorial race, saying he considers himself “revolutionary.”

“Ang isang rebolusyonaryo, kailanman hindi magpapaalipin sa mga kapitalista. Pag ako’y naging pulitiko, alipin ka na ng kapitalista at magsisimula mo nang ipagpalit ang kayamanan sa karapatan.”

His award-winning movie on the Father of the Philippine Revolution, “Andres Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo,” will be shown on June 20 at Iglesia de San Agustin in Barcelona, Spain, where many kababayans are expecting to see their idol in person. ABS-CBNnews.com

For Padilla, OFWs are heroes like Bonifacio:

Pinay sa España nagnakaw umano sa alagang matanda, timbog!

As reported by Daniel Infante Tuaño on Balitang Global, TFC, ABS-CBN

For English, please click this link: abs-cbnnews.com

 

Mossos d’Esquadra

Kalaboso ang isang Pilipina sa Barcelona matapos umano niyang pagnakawan at painumin pa ng pampakalma ang inaalagaang matanda.

Nakapiit sa Barcelona ang Pilipinang si “Marilou”, ‘di tunay na pangalan, taga-Barcelona sa kasong pagpapainom niya ng benzodiazepine, isang gamot na pampakalma, para nakawan ang matandang inaalagaan.

Anim na buwang inalagaan ng suspect ang matanda at siya lang ang parating kasama.

Noong una, mga alahas umano na nagkakahalagang 9,720 euros o mahigit 460,000 pesos ang ninakaw niya.

Pero ayon sa pamilya ng biktima – maraming alahas pa na aabot sa 35,000 euros o higit 1.6 million pesos ang nawawala.

Sa imbestigasyon ng pulisya sa rehiyon ng Catalunya, Mossos d’Esquadra, nagwithdraw pa raw ang suspek ng 18,700 euros o higit 880,000 pesos sa bank account ng biktima simula noong kalagitnaan ng Pebrero.

Dahil sa paglala ng kalusugan ng 85-taong gulang na biktima, nagdesisyon ang pamilya na ipasok siya sa residencia o nursing home pero pag kailangan, si Marilou pa rin ang nag-aalaga.

Nagsimula raw magduda ang pamilya nang makitang maraming withdrawal sa bank account ng matanda.

Pinacheck up nila ang biktima at napatunayang pinapainom ng gamot pampakalma kaya nagsampa na ng kaso ang pamilya laban sa suspect.

Nadakip si Marilou noong ika-18 ng Marso at nakuha rin sa kanya ang bank book at credit card ng matanda, 725 euros, at authorization para magwithdraw na umano’y kanyang pineke.

Hindi pa malinaw ang motibo ng suspect sa pagnanakaw ayon sa pulisya.

“Maaaring dahil sa utang. May pinagkakautangang malaki. Pero kaduda-duda ang teoryang ito dahil noong nagpunta ang pulisya sa bahay nya para masusing magimbestiga, napag-alamang bumili pa ito ng iphone 6 na nagkakahalaga ng 1,000 euros,” ani Carlos Fernandez sa Catalan, caporal ng Police Investigation Unit ng Mossos d’Esquadra.

Dagdag ni Fernandez dati nang may kasong pagnanakaw at estafa si “Marilou” pero nakalalaya dahil wala pang sentensya.

Hindi makapaniwala ang mga taga-Barcelona sa pangyayari dahil kapulaan ito sa magandang imahe ng mga Pinoy.

Ayon naman sa police na half Filipina-half Spanish na si Elizabet Cano Beredo,walang dapat ikabahala ang mga Pilipino.

“Nakakagulat ang nangyari pero isolated case lang ito. Tiwala pa rin sila sa mga Filipino. Wala namang problema sa mga Filipino kumpara sa ibang nasyonalidad.”

Sinubukan ng Balitang Global na kunin ang panig ni Marilou sa pamamagitan ng kanyang abogado pero tumanggi siyang magbigay ng pahayag.

PH artifacts part of newly-opened museum in Barcelona

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Bulul. 19th century figures believed by the Ifugaos to protect ricefields and bring abundant harvest. Part of the Filipino collection at Barcelona's newly opened Museum of World Culture. #culture #world #museum #Ifugao #Barcelona #Spain #Philippines #guardian #figures #rice #harvest #beliefs #sculpture #art #ancient #riceterraces #bulul

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SPAIN – Artifacts from the Philippines are included in the permanent collection of the newly opened Museum of World Cultures in Barcelona, Spain.

The Museu de les Cultures del Mon (in Catalan), which opened in February, holds a collection of artifacts from four continents—Africa, Oceania, the Americas, and Asia.

On display in the Philippine section are 19th century Bulul, figures believed by the Ifugaos to protect rice fields and bring abundant harvest, Kalinga’s war shield kalasag, objects of daily use such as spoons and accessories from Isabela and Bontoc, karaban or a bamboo quiver that holds darts from Palawan, mamaan or betel nut boxes from Lanao, and 6th century burial urns from Sultan Kudarat.

 

 

Burial urns from Sultan Kudarat

These are one of the oldest collections the City Council of Barcelona has according to the Museum’s technical director Quim Vicente.

A part of it was brought to Spain during the Barcelona Universal Exposition of 1888 and some were donated by Folch Archaeological Foundation.

Barcelona-based Filipino resident Joel Sibay was surprised to see a Filipino collection in the museum.

“Maganda yung mga koleksyon natin na tinatangkilik sa ibang bansa at malaking bagay sa atin yan,” Sibay said.

Neighboring country Indonesia also has their Wayang Kulit marionettes on display.

Masks of all shapes and sizes from Africa, towering spirit figures bisj from Papua New Guinea, one of the few remaining pieces of fasting Buddha Gandhara, and a figure from Mexico that represents sports and human sacrifice are among the museum pieces that can also be seen inside.

With the help of interactive maps, more can be learned about the traditions and beliefs behind the collections.

“I really like the museum. I didn’t know what I was going to find and I’m very impressed. It’s very well organized. The figures, the little sculptures I think are very, very nice. I’m learning a lot,” museum visitor Marta Perez said.

The museum, housed by renovated medieval mansions Palau Nadal I del Marquès de Llió, can be found at the city’s Gothic Quarter right in front of the popular Picasso Museum. It used to be the location of Barbier-Mueller Pre-Columbian Art and Design museums. Daniel Infante Tuaño, ABS-CBNnews.com

Watch the related TV report aired on Balitang Global, TFC, ABS-CBN:

 

Pinoy basketball player in Spain gets own Nike jersey

SPAIN – A Barcelona-based Filipino playing for Spain’s 3×3 street basketball team has once again brought pride, especially to Filipinos in Spain.

Nike Spain has produced basketball jerseys that bear the surname of Ruben Zaballa, the only Filipino player representing Spain in FIBA’s international street basketball tournaments.

According to Zaballa, only 3,000 shirts have been released in Spain last January but more shirts will be available this summer.

His photo with Filipinos wearing the Zaballa jersey went viral among Filipino residents in Spain.

Recently, Zaballa was given the “Lifetime Achievement Award” by Filipino organization Barcelona All Filipino Sports Commission (BAFSCOM) for serving as an inspiration to fellow Filipino basketball players.

The former UE Red Warriors varsity was MVP for a number of times in BAFSCOM leagues and Spain-wide tournament for Filipinos Ambassador’s Cup.

“Proud ako kay Ruben dahil napakagaling niya maglaro ng basketball hindi lang dito sa liga namin ng BAFSCOM, sa Europa (rin),” said BAFSCOM president Allan Mabilangan.

“Pinatunayan ko lang na hindi puro height ang labanan dito, kundi yung sabi nga sa national team natin, puso, puso, saka yun nga, siyempre trust in God, yun ang pinakaimportante roon,” said Zaballa.

Self-discipline and right attitude are also important to reach one’s dream, he added. Daniel Infante Tuaño ABS-CBN

Watch the related TV report aired on Balitang Global, TFC, ABS-CBN:

 

Pinoy, part of rising indie rock band in Spain

 

Photo grabbed from the band’s Facebook page

SPAIN – A local band with a Filipino drummer is gaining popularity in Spain. Their first album is also titled in a local Philippine dialect: Pangasinense.

The Prussians’ Filipino drummer Tino Lucena Bautista was born in Spain but still remains Pinoy at heart. His father is native of Santo Domingo, Nueva Ecija while his mother is from Urdaneta City, in Pangasinan.

“Sa mga ibang lugar, walang Pilipino kaya nagugulat sila. Parang taga-saan ka? Bakit perfecto, perfect ang Spanish mo, tapos Catalan? Kasi dito ako lumaki,” he said.

Bautista was the one who formed the band. Among his influences are the drummers of Yosha, Michael Alba and Vic Mercado of Bamboo.

“The Prussians” is composed of vocalist Dominic Masso, guitarist Jorge Alarcon, bassist Biel Abrines and keyboardist Ferchu Vallejos, who are all from the island of Mallorca.

“It’s nice that a lot of people come to your show and congratulating you after the show,” said Abrines.

The band just recently capped its national tour at the Barts Club in Barcelona.

“I really like it. I mean, they are really young people but I think they have a very good future,” said concert promoter, Inday Mercader.

The band held concerts all over Spain to promote their first album titled in Pangasinense called “Mul Mul”.

“We want to play in international festivals. We want to grow up all time. First of all festivals in Spain and then let’s see what happens,” said Alarcon.

Meanwhile, Masso mentioned that the band was supposed to be named “White Philippines”. But since they were already known as The Prussians, they decided not to change it anymore.

“We would love to go to Philippines on tour, for example. Philippine promoters, if you want us, we will be there. Girls, boys, we want to go to Philippines. You won’t regret it,” he said. Daniel Infante Tuaño, ABS-CBNnews.com

Watch the related TV report aired on Balitang Global, TFC, ABS-CBN:

‘Kinilaw’ steals spotlight at food festival in Madrid

SPAIN – The Philippines’ very own raw dish in vinegar captivated food lovers and the world’s top chefs who participated in Spain’s important international gastronomy summit, Madrid Fusion.

It is a culinary milestone for the Philippines as this is the first time the country has been invited to showcase Filipino cuisine in an event considered as world’s most important chef’s congress, and a dream come true for superstar Filipino chefs Margarita “Gaita” Fores and Myrna Segismundo to put the country in the world’s culinary map.

Fores and Segismundo’s demonstration on how to prepare kinilaw received enthusiastic reception and praises from the public at the Palacio de Congresos Municipal in Madrid where the event was held.

Fores presented Negrense seabass kinilaw while Segismundo showed how to prepare Batangueño seafood kinilaw. They also prepared grilled pork and fish kinilaw called ‘sinuglaw’ and introduced some of the ingredients that can only be found in the Philippines such as tabon-tabon fruit, calamansi, and salt with coconut called ‘duldul’.

 

 

“Very innovative, I like it a lot. It has a mixture of new flavors, lot of spices, very spicy. It’s new for me,” Amanda Iglesias, a chef at Madrid five-star Hotel Orfila, said in Spanish after tasting kinilaw.

“I never knew that you could create this kind of acidity with this fruit that you have, so it’s amazing to me on how can you avoid to use lime or lemon and use this kind of fruit vinegar,” said Texas-based chef Juan Gomez.

Why kinilaw?

“When the Madrid Fusion people came to Manila, of course we were entertaining them and during the MOA signing, which was happening in Restaurant 9501, we had lechon, adobo, all other things, but it was particularly the kinilaw that caught their attention,” said Segismundo.

She stressed that kinilaw is a Filipino dish that doesn’t have any Spanish, Chinese, or foreign influence on it.

“Kinilaw is pure 100 percent Filipino (pero) international ang appeal,” she said.

Aside from kinilaw, attendees flocked to the Philippine booth strategically located at the venue entrance to have a try of Filipino delicacies such as pili and cashew nuts, chicharon, dried mangoes, and cocktails.

The Philippine delegation, headed by Department of Tourism director for Europe Verna Buensuceso with Agriculture undersecretary Berna Romulo-Puyat, introduced five different Filipino flavors—maalat (salty) matamis (sweet), mapait (bitter), maasim (sour), and malinamnam (tasty).

Taking Madrid Fusion to Manila

Philippine cuisine will be further introduced to the world in the upcoming Madrid Fusion Manila, which will be held on April 24-26 at MOA SMX Convention Center in Pasay.

The country has been chosen to host the event to rekindle cultural and gastronomic ties with Spain, which has strong influence on many Filipino dishes.

“They realized also that for European chefs, for Western chefs, their inspiration now comes from Asia, and our cuisine is so rich, the ingredients are unique,” added Fores.

Eight Spanish Michelin-starred chefs and top Asian chefs will travel to the Philippines to demonstrate and discuss with top Filipino chefs latest techniques and innovations that are transforming the global culinary scene.

“It will be a fusion of chefs of all over the world but also with the Philippines, and I’m looking forward [to it]. I’ve never been to the Philippines. I really want to go for many many years,” said chef Elena Arzak of three-starred Michelin and three-starred Repsol restaurant Arzak in an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN.

Fores could not contain her excitement and believes that this will further boost Philippine tourism.

“To come to the Philippines and discover all these new things. I think that they’re really looking at not only our food but at our beaches, our hospitality,” Forés said.

“Alam nyo mga kapamilya, bihirang mangyari ito sa atin sa Pilipinas, sa kasaysayan ng ating kulinarya, ika nga,” said Segismundo. Daniel Infante Tuaño, ABS-CBNnews.com

Watch the related TV report aired on The World Tonight, ABS-CBN: