PH Consulate Hosts PH Startup EdukSine USA’s San Francisco Launch, Film Screening of Nora Aunor-Starrer “Thy Womb”

PH CONSULATE HOSTS PH STARTUP EDUKSINE USA’S SAN FRANCISCO LAUNCH, FILM SCREENING OF NORA AUNOR-STARRER “THY WOMB”

Vice Consul Adrian Baccay and EdukSine Founder and CEO Karen Salutan-Krukover with Daly City, California Mayor Juslyn Manalo, FACINE Executive Director Neil Torrefiel, and representatives from the California and San Francisco Film Commissions. (San Francisco PCG photo)

SAN FRANCISCO, USA – Showing its support to Philippine startups in the United States and the creative industry, the Philippine Consulate General hosted the San Francisco launch of the startup company EdukSine and a free film screening of the Brillante Mendoza film “Thy Womb,” starring National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor, at the Philippine Center’s Kalayaan Hall on 5 December 2024.

The launch is in support of the Department of Trade and Industry’s “Malikhaing Pinoy” Program for the Philippine creative industry, while the film screening in line with the annual observance of the “18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women.”

For the EdukSine USA launch, the Consulate partnered with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley (PTIC-SV), and San Francisco-based Filipino American Community group Filipino Arts and Cinema (FACINE).

In attendance during the event were Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, Vice Consul Hannah Go and Vice Consul Adrian Baccay, as well as Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo and representatives from the California & San Francisco Film Commissions.

In his remarks on behalf of Consul General Neil Ferrer, Vice Consul Baccay welcomed EdukSine’s entry into the United States and said that San Francisco, “a city that thrives on innovation and diversity,” is a “perfect place to launch EdukSine.”

“As we expand Eduksine to the United States, we are also showcasing the vibrancy of Philippine culture and the strength of the Philippine creative industries… Filipino artists have made remarkable contributions to global culture, and today, more than ever, the world is looking to the Philippines for fresh ideas, unique perspectives, and a new wave of talent,” Vice Consul Baccay said.

“San Francisco] is home to a diverse community of people who understand the power of creativity and technology, and I am confident that Eduksine will be embraced with open arms here,” Vice Consul Baccay added.

“To the team behind Eduksine led by Karen Salutan-Krukover, thank you for your vision, dedication, and commitment to our film industry. We look forward to the future collaborations that will surely come from this exciting new chapter,” the Philippine Vice Consul further said.

New York City-based EdukSine Founder and CEO Salutan-Krukover gave a presentation on her startup, outlining her plans to expand EdukSine’s reach in the United States through in-person and/or online block screenings of independent and socially relevant Filipino films.

The film screening of the Aunor-starrer “Thy Womb” capped off the launch. The critically acclaimed and award-winning movie tells the story of a Tausug midwife who copes with her infertility as she helps women in her community. END

Vice Consul Adrian Baccay gives his welcome remarks at EdukSine USA’s San Francisco launch and “Thy Womb” film screening at the Philippine Center on 5 December 2024. (San Francisco PCG photo)

Founder and CEO Karen Salutan-Krukover begins her presentation at EdukSine USA’s San Francisco launch and “Thy Womb” film screening at the Philippine Center on 5 December 2024. (San Francisco PCG photo)

(San Francisco PCG photo)