Page 26 - 2018 JAN-JUN KAAKBAY

26 January to June
2018

ASEAN Consulates in New York organized the first ever
Short Film Festival

The ASEAN Consulates General in New York, through the

initiative of the Philippine Consulate General and in cooperation with

the International Political Economy and Development Department of

Fordham University, gathered together their communities at the

McNally Ampitheater at Fordham University for the first ever ASEAN

Short Film Festival on 28 April 2018. Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar,

Philippines, Singapore and Thailand participated in the Festival with a

short film from their respective countries. From L-R Minister Counsellor Mr. Ye Min Thein of Myanmar, Consul

The festival highlighted a variety of documentary, student and General Jeremiah Oliver Jitos, Consul General Abdulkadir Jailani of
animated films depicting culture, values and daily life stories of the Indonesia, Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville Tate of the Philippines,
Consul General Nipon Petchpornprapas of Thailand and Consul Eugene
region. Included in the lineup were Ahu Parmalin by Cecilia Maharani Ng of Singapore joined together to kick off the ASEAN Short Film Festival
of Indonesia; The Pursuit directed by Kin S of Malaysia; To School by at McNally Ampitheatre at Fordham University.

Soe Moe Aung of Myanmar; Viva Viva Escolta by Janus Victoria of the Philippines; Parting by Boo Junfeng of Singapore and

Nine by Chawalit Kaewmanee and Wanichaya Tangsutthiwong of Thailand.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Jeremiah Oliver Jitos, Consul
General of Malaysia and Dean of the ASEAN Consuls General, stated that
the Festival provided an opportunity to raise the profile of the ASEAN film-
making industry and a collaboration among ASEAN countries in film
making.

A talk back, moderated by Singapore, was participated by film

experts from the participating countries who expounded not only on their

country’s selection, but also the history of each country’s film making

Representatives of (L-R) Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, industry.

Thailand and Myanmar discuss the history of film industry in The program was co-emceed by the Philippines and Myanmar. A

ASEAN. Consul Eugene Ng of Singapore facilitates the Talk Back. reception featuring ASEAN cuisine preceded the film screening.

Secretary Jesus Dureza Holds Town Hall Meeting in New York

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus
Dureza held an engaging dialogue with members of the
Filipino-American media and Fil-Am community in New
York at a town hall meeting organized by the Philippine
Consulate General on 25 April 2018 at the Philippine
Center’s Kalayaan Hall.

Keeping the participants abreast of the peace

process developments in the country, Secretary Dureza

informed the group that the Philippine government is

committed to sitting down with rebel groups in trying to

find a convergence point or common ground, not in the

context of surrender, but in bridging divides among

differing ideologies. He cautioned, however, that signing a

peace agreement is not the measure of success that

Secretary Jesus Dureza and members of Fil-Am community and media during the town peace has been achieved. He emphasized that it is only
hall meeting in New York. (Photo by Lambert Parong) one of the milestones and it is where the arduous work of
attaining the long-elusive peace begins.

Noting the lessons learned from previous failed peace talks, Secretary Dureza added that the Philippine government is
now working on an inclusive approach for peace, where the concerns of all stakeholders – whether they are peaceful citizens
or those who have taken up arms - are to be taken into consideration during the negotiations. He said that the Philippine
Government is likewise stepping up its effort to reach out to other rebel groups in depressed areas.

(Continue to page 27)