Sharlene San Pedro nails role in ‘Class of 2018’

Community spirit shone brightest as eight tribes representing the different districts of Anilao, Iloilo set the night ablaze with their own riveting play of lights and awe-inspiring cultural presentations on the eve of November 1.

What has been hailed as the Philippines’ Best Municipal Festival put Iloilo on the spotlight once more as Banaag Festival 2018 culminated in the much awaited dance drama competition which showcased the spectacular and fiery performances of the eight competing tribes. By the end of the night, tribe Hubon Bulalakaw from District 1 bagged the year’s festival championship with their glowing and compelling dance interpretation entitled “Celebrating Anilao’s Conservation Efforts in the Time of Climate Change.”

An annual festivity highlighting the rich culture and history of the town of Anilao, Banaag Festival heralded a new era for Iloilo tourism after winning the Grand Prize for Best Tourism Event (Festival Category, Municipal Level) at the recently held 19th Pearl Awards of the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines-Department of Tourism (ATOP-DOT).

“We are honored and proud that what started as a small community festival 14 years ago has gained national recognition and has now become a sought-after tourist attraction in Iloilo,” shared Iloilo 4th District Representative Ferjenel “Dok Ferj” Biron, who led the symbolic lighting of the Banaag Festival 2018 torch along with Anilao Mayor Lee Ann Debuque, Vice Mayor Matet Debuque, among other town officials.

A firm believer and staunch supporter of Banaag Festival since its inception in 2004, Congressman Biron vows to continue his infrastructure projects for better access to Anilao and other towns to further boost Iloilo tourism. Now that Banaag Festival is known as the Philippines’ Best Municipal Festival, Congressman Biron is confident that his comprehensive tourism plans for Iloilo will be in place to accommodate the expected influx of tourists in the coming years.

“We have already completed several concreting and road widening projects, and travel to these parts of the province has definitely improved compared to the days when we only had narrow dirt roads. We are set to meet the needs of the people coming here. Iloilo will be ready for more tourists not just in Anilao but in other areas of the province as well,” assured Congressman Biron.

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The first ever Global Asian Model Philippines search is on! GLAM is a local search for aspiring models here in the Philippines. The search prepares the models with runway training, fitness and wellness classes, personality development and acting workshops.

Empire.ph recently held a casting call for fresh faces to inspire diversity in the modeling industry and to make dreams happen for aspiring models. There are lots of people who want to pursue a career in modeling but smiling looks and prowling catwalks are not just the criteria to break into the industry—it is a lot of hard work, long hours and it’s how models carry and express themselves.

Winners of this competition will receive international modeling contracts with Empire.ph and Mercator Model management.

The Best Model of the World (Male and Female) winners will compete in Istanbul, Turkey in December.

The Manhunt Male winner will compete in Gold Coast, Australia this month.

Winners of the GLAM PH International leg will have a three-month contract each in Manila, Bangkok, Singapore, and an appearance in Los Angeles.

Empire.ph will release a digital series of the search, the challenges and the finale on their Facebook, YouTube and Instragram. Make sure to follow www.empire.ph.

The winners were announced last night at XYLO BGC last night, Nov. 8. The event was organized by Empire.ph, Empire Studios, GAME and Mercator Model Management.

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With its magnificent cast, heart-stomping story, stunning production values and over-all atmosphere of mystery and tension, the teen horror thriller “Class of 2018” is set to become one of this year’s most anticipated  youth-oriented Filipino films.

“Class of 2018,” directed by Bebs Gohetia and co-written with Jericho Aguado, is the newest motion offering from T-Rex Entertainment. It tells the story of a class of high school misfits who get quarantined in a military facility when some of its students contract a deadly virus, which turns the infected into aggressive individuals.

“Goin Bulilit” alumni Nash Aguas, Sharlene San Pedro, Kristel Fulgar, CJ Navato and Kiray Celis lead a cast composed of the most promising young stars and seasoned performers.

Direk Bebs came out with an engrossing film that will leave the audience on the edge of their seats. The cast did a fine job, with special mention to Sharlene who nailed her role to perfection. Not to be outdone is Kiray who managed to steal some scenes effortlessly.