This makes it easier for patients needing assistance in accessing and paying for medical treatment to get the help they need, as well as making the administration of assistance programs faster and more efficient. In the wake of his serving as a juror for this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), he has proposed the launch of a second festival, to be held during the summer months. The idea of a “summer film festival” is a much-needed shot in the arm for the local film industry, which is struggling to survive amid intense competition from foreign films and growing alternatives to traditional cinema such as Netflix. Without audiences, creative artists cannot support themselves or their work; the current situation is rapidly killing the local film industry, and with it, a large part of what makes Filipino culture unique is being lost. Staging another festival, even several more festivals throughout the year, is an obvious solution to help save Philippine cinema.

Source: Manila Times December 31, 2019 16:52 UTC