Events

Five reasons you should see the Dutch-Filipino Film Festival

Films have a distinct power to distill the complexities of the common human experience and translate it into moving and compelling art. The stories told in movies– whether it is about a country’s culture, a person’s experience, or prevalent social issues– allows the audience to see and understand realities that are unfamiliar or unbeknownst to them.

Recognizing this, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in cooperation with Dakila – Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism, holds the Active Vista Presents: A Dutch – Filipino Film Festival as part of the celebration of the 65 years of diplomatic relations and 150 years of consular ties between the Netherlands and the Philippines. Themed “Inspire Innovation: Leading Sustainable Innovations toward a Progressive World”, the three-month film fest reflects the two nations’ commitment to promote human rights and aims to inspire sustainable innovations to address the global challenges ahead.

Here are five reasons why you should check this film fest out:

1. It will open your eyes to a world sometimes unseen, oftentimes ignored

Films can move people to tears or more importantly, to action. The Dutch-Filipino Film Festival features full-length films that showcase the different injustices that are prevalent in our world today. Serious issues like rape, racism, murder, immigration, gender inequality, and women rights violations, are tackled to open the audience’s eyes to the many atrocities committed in today’s modern world.

Morgan Knibbe’s Those Who Feel the Fire Burning

These issues are best represented by Dutch feature films Those Who Feel the Fire Burning by Morgan Knibbe, 12 Months in a Day by Margot Schaap, Forget Me Not by Jan Jaap Kulper, A Haunting History by Ilse van Velzen and Fernke van Velzen, A Family Affair by Tom Fassaert, Kicks by Albert Ter Heerdt, Boys by Mischa Kamp, Accused by Paula van der Oest, and Borgman by Alex van Warmerdam.

The curated list of featured Filipino include Kano: An American and His Harem by Monster Jimenez, Edna by Ronnie Lazaro, Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, Purok 7 by Carlo Obispo, Imbisibol by Lawrence Fajardo, Himpapawid by Raymond Red, Crescent Rising by Sheron Dayoc, Mondo Manila by Khavn Dela Cruz, Swap by Remton Siega Zuasola, Shift by Siege Ledesma, Bunso by Ditsi Carolino, Iisa by Chuck Gutierrez, Balikbayan #1: Memories of Overdevelopment Redux III by Kidlat Tahimik, Miss Bulalacao by Ara Chawdhury, Honor Thy Father by Erik Matti, Barber’s Tales by Jun Lana, Taklob by Brillante Mendoza, Engkwentro by Pepe Diokno, and Norte by Lav Diaz.

2. Don’t have the luxury of time? Indulge in immersive short films

If you’re pressed for time and can only watch short films, the Dutch-Filipino film fest also features a collection of short documentaries to warm your heart, get you thinking, or thrill you to the bone.

Donna Verheijden’s Land of Desire – Happy is the New Black

Dutch short films include 10 x 1: A Collection of One Minute Films by Gertjan Zuilhof, Land of Desire – Happy is the New Black by Donna Verheijden, I Am a Girl! by Susan Koenen, Arigato by Anielle Webster, Sniper of Kobani by Reber Dosky, The Double by Roy Villevoye and Jan Dietvorst, Under the Apple Tree by Erik van Schaaik, and Sprinkles 4-Ever! by Willem Baptist.

Katapusan Labok by Aiess Alonso, Wag kang Titingin by Pam Miras, Mga Alingawngaw sa Panahon ng Pagpapasya by Hector Barretto Calma, Missing by Zig Dulay, Sa Wakas by Ma. Veronica Santiago, Bakaw by Ron Segismundo, Ang Telenovela ni Juan at Luzviminda by Emerson Reyes, Hindi Ako Makatulog Nang Wala Ka sa Tabi Ko by Jade Castro, Da More Da Meniyer by Erik Matti, and Faculty by Jerrold Tarog are among the Filipino short films featured in the film fest.

3. Witness two different cultures merge through the language of film

Despite the geographical distance and their cultural differences, the Netherlands’ relationship with the Philippines is defined by mutual understanding and cooperation. Nothing is more fascinating than to see these two countries work together toward a common goal using creative means like movies.

Behind the scenes of Ara Chawdhury’s Miss Bulalacao

The Dutch-Filipino film fest will showcase the best of Dutch and Filipino films which tell stories in extraordinary ways. If you’re a movie-goer who likes watching documentaries that make you think of today’s society or a film student who likes to learn about different cultures, this film fest is definitely for you.

4. Be fascinated by the magic of award-winning films

If you want to watch Dutch and Filipino films that have been recognized by the world’s most prestigious award-giving bodies, then this film festival is the perfect venue for you.

Alex van Warmerdam’s Borgman

Those Who Feel the Fire Burning
Golden Calf for Best Documentary Long Documentary & Best Sound Design,
Nederlands Film Festival

Borgman
Golden Calf for Best Feature Film, Best Actress, & Best Script,
Nederlands Film Festival

Balikbayan #1: Memories of Overdevelopment Redux III
Caligari Film Award,
Berlin International Film Festival

Brillante Mendoza’s Taklub

Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysayan
Filipino entry for Best Foreign Language Film, 87th Academy Awards
Nominated for Prix Un Certain Regard, Cannes Film Festival
Best Picture and Best Actress, Gawad Urian Awards
Nuremberg International Human Rights Film Award

Taklub
Ecumenical Jury Prize- Special Mention, Cannes Film Festival
Best Picture, Gawad Urian Awards

5. No need to spend a single peso to satisfy your craving for films… and learning!

You don’t have to spend a lot to learn new things, culture, or even language and immerse yourself in a world of ideologies and insights. Watching films featured in the Dutch-Filipino film fest will let you do all those things for no cost at all.

All you have to do is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the variety of films the film festival is offering. You can also invite a friend or two!

Erik Matti’s Honor Thy Father

The Active Vista International Human Rights Film Festival is co-presented by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in partnership with the Commission on Human Rights of the Philippines, Film Development Council of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, University of the Philippines Film Institute, Movies that Matter, Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates, Ateneo Human Rights Center, Alternative Law Groups, Metro Manila Pride, Filipino Freethinkers, ABS-CBN News Channel, BusinessWorld, WhenInManila.com, and CinemaBravo.

Films will also be screened in Davao (July 30-August 5), Iloilo (August 9-13), Cebu (August 20-26), Baguio (September 6-10), and Manila (September 27-October 1). Closing screenings will be held on October 8-9 at Shang Cineplex, Shangri-La Mall, Mandaluyong.

For more information on the Dutch-Filipino Film Festival, visit the website and Facebook or follow on Twitter.

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Events

Some Enchanted Evening–Marguerite Lhuillier hosts a Despidida Dinner for Eva Gullas in her Fabulous Post-Modernist Maria Luisa Mansion

by Oj Hofer

The doyenne of everything bright and beautiful, Marguerite Lhuillier, hosted a dinner party in honor of her dear friend Eva Gullas at her effortlessly elegant home. She invited an intimate circle of guests for an evening of photo ops, fashion talk, positive vibes, and absolutely no politics—not even a whisper on the subject.

A 38-year-old Sapodilla tree with branches adorned with bird’s nest ferns and bromeliads that deepen its quiet, enduring beauty.

Upon entering the hostess’s expansive residence, guests were greeted by an open and welcoming space. A tall vase of fiery heliconias offered an instant boost of visual pleasure. Flanking this vibrant floral arrangement were two sacred sentinels: a Tibetan thangka of Compassion and Wisdom on the right console, and to the left, a serene image of Guanshiyin Pusa glowing with the aura of a Uruguayan amethyst geode. Completing this spiritual trio was a towering clear quartz cathedral geode. It felt as if each guest underwent a quiet cleansing and energizing upon stepping into a lush sanctuary framed by bougainvillea blossoms.

Marguerite Lhuillier, Mariquita Yeung, Frances Siao, and Christine Pelaez.

Cocktails were served at dusk. The usual spirits made their rounds—champagne, red and white wine—but this writer opted for a refreshing non-alcoholic cooler, which provided just the right kick. The extravagant tablescape featured a familiar array of cheeses and charcuterie, with my personal favorite, tortilla de patatas, delightfully arranged against the sparkling backdrop of Cebu City.

Standing Left to Right: Jun Pelaez, Dindo Arcenas , Lilet Heredia, Oj Hofer, Marguerite Lhuillier, Maris Holopeinen, Frances Siao, Christine Pelaez, Manolet Heredia, Erwin Siao Seated: Angelique Gradne Salve,Iris Fernan, Eva Gullas, Mariquita Yeung, and Jiji Gullas.

Dinner followed in a buffet-style spread catered by Café Laguna. There were no place cards on the table, allowing guests the freedom to choose their seats. Naturally, the dinner crowd gravitated between the gracious hostess, Marguerite, and the guest of honor, Eva. I was particularly fortunate to be seated beside Jun Pelaez, art connoisseur and collector. Our conversation flowed effortlessly into the realm of the arts, creativity, and life’s finer pursuits—pausing only with the arrival of desserts (my absolute weakness).

Jiji Gullas, Christopher Darza, Manolet Heredia, Dindo Fernan, and Erwin Siao

The final course of the evening featured the hostess’s famous leche flan and Christine Pelaez’s signature bibingka—sweet reminders that, like dessert, life is fleeting, but friendships, shared stories, and enchanting evenings like this one linger long after the last bite.

Eva Gullas, soon departing on a well-deserved hiatus, left us wrapped in laughter, elegance, and warmth. It’s a gift to have friends whose presence makes coming home to worth it.

Events

Can Art Spark Awakening? Inside Oj Hofer’s Tribute to His Zen Master

by Emmanuel Hamoy

On April 4, 2025, the much-anticipated exhibit One Flower, One World: Brushstrokes of Compassion and Wisdom opened at SM JMall, blending contemporary Buddhist art with interactive experiences. The event brought together art students, enthusiasts, collectors, social luminaries, community leaders, international Buddhist practitioners, and Dharma masters to celebrate Oj Hofer’s tribute to Venerable Master Hsing Yun through calligraphy, Zen ink painting, and Ikebana.

Erwin Choa (Adviser for Buddha’s Light International, Philippines), Marisa Fernan (Vice President of SM Prime Holdings Inc), Venerable Yung Guang (Head Abess of Fó Guāng Shān, Philippines), Marguerite Lhuillier (Social Luminary and Animal Rights Advocate), Sheila Go ( Adviser for Buddha’s Light International, Cebu)

Margie Lhuillier, artist Oj Hofer and Mariquita Yeung

Oj’s live calligraphy demonstrations captivated guests, offering them a unique chance to witness his creative process and receive personalised calligraphy pieces. The afternoon culminated in an exclusive cocktail reception featuring delicious vegetarian delicacies prepared by Nonki Japanese Restaurant.

Joy Uy, Francis Dravigny, Venerable Yung Guang, Marissa Fernan, Margette Sarmiento

Among the distinguished guests were Oj’s muse, society maven Marguerite Lhuillier, SM Holdings’ Marissa Fernan, Buddhist advisers Sheila Go and Erwin Choa, and, most importantly, Fo Guang Shan Philippines’ Head Abbess, Venerable Yung Guang, who shared reflections on Master Hsing Yun’s teachings and the role of art in spiritual practice.

Artist Oj Hofer and Paeng Batuigas (Senior Assistant Vice President, Visayas Marketing, SM Supermalls)

The exhibit was a resounding success, showcasing how art can foster reflection, connection, and understanding in a diverse, multicultural society. The event was made possible with the support of SM JMall, Buddha’s Light International Association, and Fo Guang Shan Philippines.

Events

Villa Mariquita: An Evening of Elegance, Laughter, and Fine Champagne

by Emmanuel Hamoy

Villa Mariquita opened its doors to a very select few. On cue, a server hands you a glass of Pol Roger as Mrs. Yeung warmly greets you, effortlessly chic in a perfect pair of Chanel jeans and a pullover. Conversations over food, between sips of wine and champagne, range from the mundane to the profound—each exchange punctuated with laughter, and then even more laughter.

Margie Lhuillier, Frances Siao, this writer and Mariquita Yeung

Mariquita Yeung sharing experiences with guests on art collection

Oj Hofer, Freemont Base, Eva Gullas, Frances Siao, Jun Escario, Margie Lhuillier, Cary Santiago, the host Mariquita Yeung, Phillip Rodriguez, this writer, Christine Pelaez, Tamsin Booth and Pearl Atienza