Director: Ramanathan UndiapahCast: Julius Silas, William Bereung, Majorie Noan, Theodore Tei Rating: PG | Genre(s): Drama | Run Time: 1hr 30mins (appr.) A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES FOR FILM CRITICS AND A TRUE TREAT FOR PNG’S GRASSROOTS “Ples Man 2, a sequel to the film Ples Man, continues the story of the resilient character Eric in his journey to bring change to his community.” After bringing change to his community and establishing a family of his own, young Eric (Julius Silas) decides to run for the up-coming by-elections as a member for Rural Development. But tensions are high as he comes face-to-face with a serious political rival, Victor (William Bereung) who will do anything to prevent Eric from taking a position of power. Julius Silas commonly known by his social media persona, Tuli Mahn, delivered an average performance at best. Although he was the main character, the spotlight was stolen by William Bereung a.k.a Bata Rat through his performance as the villainous character, Victor. Silas’ acting was flat and emotionless compared to Bereung’s which was passionate and natural. Although both individuals are known for comedy content, Bereung appeared to have more range, being able to play both serious and funny characters. The script had no buildup and especially in critical moments. Characters accepted major events or choices without much resistance or debate. For instance, when the character Eric says that he wants to stand during the upcoming by-elections, his buddies immediately agree to his decision immediately. Realistically such major decisions will be thought through before coming to an agreement. On the other hand, characters such as the Prime Minister (Theodore Tei) delivered his dialogue with zest especially in scenes depicting political speeches. Filming prisoners wasn’t the best creative choice. Inmates’ faces had to be blurred for privacy purposes. In the case of filming for entertainment, getting actors to play the part of prisoners would’ve been the best choice. The prison scene amidst the fictional scenes was out of place and put the film in a state of disarray, making you question whether Ples Man 2 is a feature film for entertainment or a documentary. Captions were used unnecessarily and in big bold lettering drawing attention away from the scene. Small, simple fonts would be more effective to communicate locations or using establishing shots. In spite of its flaws, Ples Man 2’s cinematography, editing and direction has improved greatly from the last film thanks to the input of individuals such as TJ Agua and SP William Wangare. Compared to Ples Man 1, Ples Man 2 has made efforts to ‘show the story’ instead of just ‘telling the story’. The first installment of the franchise was characterized by means of long dialogues and monologues whereas Ples Man 2 focused more on actions complemented by appropriate interchanges to communicate its message. Issues such as sorcery accusation related violence, payback killing, political struggle, and grief are topics that the average Papua New Guinean will relate to be able to empathize with. Final Thoughts: Ples Man 2 is unwatchable to the educated Papua New Guinean, however to the grassroots, it is a voice – a window to their soul and livelihood. No, it wasn’t the best PNG film, but it certainly will open doors to more films in the future. Rating: 3/10 Best enjoyed for educational purposes.

Director: Joachim RønningCast: Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters Rating: PG-13│Genre(s): Action, Sci-Fi │Run Time: 1hr 59mins A VISUAL TREAT; NOT EVERYONE’S FAVORITE THOUGH “Tron: Ares deviates from the original storyline involving the Flynn Family introducing new plots and characters.” Ares (Jared Leto) – a highly sophisticated AI program escapes from the digital universe into the real world, defying Julian Dillinger’s (Evan Peters) wishes in order to pursue a dangerous mission. Unlike the first two films, Tron: Ares deviates from the established storyline of the Flynn family line and instead focuses on Ares and character Eve Kim (Greta Lee). Audiences who have followed up in the previous films may find this disjointed and unsatisfying, perhaps hoping to see more of the Flynn storyline. On the other hand, Tron: Ares’ plot introduces an AI into reality – something fresh into the Tron franchise. Soundtracks produced by Nine Inch Nails brilliantly capture the aesthetic of Tron Universe. Although there may be personal preferences to Daft Punk from initial release, Tron: Legacy. Lessons taken from the film include, not letting reckless pursuit of technological advancement overpower one’s humanity otherwise consequences could be fatal. This is demonstrated when Julian Dillinger, CEO of Dillinger Systems witnesses the death of his mother who is killed by Athena – another AI Program created by his company. Another important lesson is the power of empathy. In the film, although Ares was built to be an emotionless obedient program, exposure to humankind and emotion causes it to malfunction according to technology’s standards. Ares’ defiance to Dillinger’s orders demonstrates the power of choice based on values. Visually the film is stunning and lives up to the current era of cinematographic technology. Final Verdict: Audiences who are not followers of the franchise may perceive this film as a brilliant cinematic masterpiece. However, fans of the Tron series may have opposing views. Much of it is due to nostalgia and past storylines. Rating: ★ ★ ★ ⯪ (6.5/10) Best enjoyed with zero expectations.

Colgate-Palmolive (PNG) Ltd. officially launched Global Handwashing Day 2025 today, on October 14, through its Protex Brand. In collaboration with the National Department of Health, the initiative aimed to encourage individuals to dedicate 20 seconds to washing their hands regularly, as a simple but effective step toward better health for all. The main event took place at South Bridges International School, Port Moresby where 200 students and staff participated in handwashing. More than 370,000 people across the country, including participants from 527 schools, registered to take part in the campaign. Since starting off in 2012, the Clean Hands Good Health (CHGH) program has reached over 2 million children in the country, making a lasting impact on the country’s health and hygiene practices. The program emphasized the importance of washing hands at key moments to prevent the spread of infections and diseases, including: - After using the toilet - After coughing or sneezing - Before preparing or touching food - After handling animals The initiative also educated participants on the four simple steps to effective handwashing: - Use soap and water - Scrub and rub hands for 20 seconds - Rinse with clean water - Dry with a clean towel According to health experts, effective handwashing can reduce the risk of diarrheal diseases by 30% and lower respiratory infections by up to 20%. Hand hygiene plays a critical role in preventing the transmission of communicable diseases, helping reduce the number of unhealthy infections in communities across the country. This year’s theme, "Be A Handwashing Hero", encourages individuals to take responsibility for their health and wellbeing by adopting regular handwashing habits. The campaign calls upon government bodies, businesses, schools, families, and individuals to come together and practice proper hand hygiene. Colgate-Palmolive (PNG) Ltd. emphasized that the launch of Global Handwashing Day is part of its continued commitment to improving public health and wellbeing through proper hygiene practices. The company aims to foster healthier communities and reduce the spread of preventable diseases. Everyone is encouraged to take part in this important initiative and become a Handwashing Hero. By doing so, they contribute to building a healthier future for all.

The 2025 Papua New Guinea National Short Course Swimming Championships recently took place at the Lae International School pool. Proudly sponsored by FedEx, the competition brought together competitors, clubs, families, and supporters from all over the country, from various age groups – the youngest competitor, five-year-old Georgie King, to the oldest, 60-year-old Masters swimmer Tony King. Athletes competed in various age categories, with events designed to highlight both competitive excellence and participation for all levels. Also, a participant, Ryan Pini, President of PNG Swimming Inc., stated that this year’s championships encouraged inclusivity and lifelong passion for swimming.  “It’s inspiring to see our youngest swimmers share the pool with seasoned masters like Tony King. That’s what builds the future of the sport.” The sponsorship from FedEx provided much needed support to keep the event running smoothly, which included logistics assistance, competition resources, and vibrant branding. Their collaboration demonstrates a growing dedication to promoting community development and youth sports in Papua New Guinea. The weekend ended with medal presentations and acknowledgements to coaches, officials, and volunteers responsible for making the event a success. Strong performances were seen across all age categories, signaling a promising future for PNG swimming both nationally and internationally. At the Championships, four young swimmers reached significant milestones by advancing to the Silver Intermediate Squad: From Boroko Amateur Swimming Club: - Lily Lin (12) - Dylan Papenfus (12) From Lae Amateur Swimming Club: - Cassandra Boas (14) - Elshadai Salum (13) This year’s event also featured six new PNG short course records, highlighting the rising level of competition across the country. Michelle Garbutt (43) broke three national records in the 40–44 age category : • 100m Freestyle – 1:19.44 • 200m Freestyle – 2:55.44 • 400m Freestyle – 6:42.72 Tony King (60) also set three national records in the 60–64 age group: • 50m Freestyle – 30.93 • 100m Freestyle – 1:09.92 • 100m Butterfly – 1:22.82 These exceptional results reflect the dedication and experience of PNG’s Masters swimmers, inspiring the younger generation to aim for their own achievements. PNGSI expresses its appreciation to the Lae Amateur Swimming Club for hosting the championships at their facility and extends heartfelt thanks to major sponsor FedEx for its ongoing support of swimming in Papua New Guinea.

Screenings of the film Ples Man kicked off in 2024, drawing praise and criticism from audiences online and offline. Many criticized the film’s production technique, pointing out editing mistakes and bad acting.Recently in May 2025, Jona Film Productions went ahead and released the trailer for Ples Man 2, focusing on the realities of politics and developmental struggles in Papua New Guinea as well as sorcery accusations and violence. In every case, feedback is needed for improvement. But while improvements in film technique are necessary in the eyes of a movie enthusiast and for the people of arts, the average Papua New Guinean is more interested in the story and messages portrayed. Ples Man focused on the story of a Morobean youth who comes face to face with the harsh realities of unemployment after graduating from university. Some netizens pointed out editing errors in the film, others dubbing it the worst PNG film. On the other hand, numerous individuals have rallied behind Jona Film Productions and Director Ramanthan Undiapah for addressing serious social issues plaguing the country. Social media content creator and entrepreneur Theodore Tei also known as KAIR BII NEM, in a Facebook post on April 21 highlighted major issues and areas of interest addressed in the first instalment of Ples Man. These include unemployment and the value of land, agriculture and tourism. Of course, every person regardless of gender, education, or ethnic heritage will relate to the struggles faced by the protagonist. Since film is still a small industry here in Papua New Guinea, most audiences are unable to grasp the fact that not every piece of entertainment is for the educated, working class or technologically experienced. The Ples Man franchise are films that make the experienced cringe but inspires the ordinary.

After a successful start to Westpac's financial literacy initiative, fifteen participants at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) were fortunate to attend Westpac’s Financial Basics for My Business workshop with the university as part of the global Financial Inclusion Week celebrations.This equipped participants with essential skills in Balance Sheet preparation, Income Statement analysis, and Business Plan development, valuable for both experienced entrepreneurs and aspiring small-business starters. Joylyn Taravaru, a fourth year Psychology student explained how the session has shed a light on the financial aspects of running a business. “The knowledge I have gained is invaluable. I learnt that having savings is very important.” “A lot of us want to save money but we face problems in saving money, and the session was a reflective one because all of the things mentioned in the session are things that we face in our daily lives.” “The session has thought me the importance of saving money.” Meanwhile, Westpac Chief Executive Andrew Cairns stressed Westpac’s commitment to supporting PNG’s business community. “Financial literacy is the foundation of successful business operations.” “Through our Financial Basics for My Business program, we are empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools they need to build sustainable enterprises and contribute to PNG's economic growth.” “We are proud to support the next generation of business leaders.” On the other hand, UPNG’s Coordinator for Peer Training & Development Beniah Nari, acknowledged the bank’s commitment to support future workforce. “Financial literacy is a vital skill that empowers students to make confident, informed choices about their future.” “These sessions are both timely and practical, providing young people with essential life tools.” “The strong engagement and enthusiasm we have seen reflects the value of the program, and we fully support its expansion to reach all students in 2026.” “Westpac PNG’s dedication to youth empowerment is a meaningful investment in the nation’s future.” Moreover, Westpac will launch its Financial Basics for My Business webinar series in October, with updates being shared on their social media platforms in Papua New Guinea. So far, over ten successful sessions have been conducted, providing essential financial knowledge to more than 200 participants from various industries across the country to help foster business growth.

Churches across the country will benefit from a K1 million funding commitment announced by Jason Peter, Member for Huon Gulf and Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, during the closing ceremony of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELC) Malaclo Circuit’s 50th Anniversary celebrations held in Salamaua LLG, Morobe Province. The three-day event was held at Buakap Primary School from 3rd to 5th October 2025. It brought together church leaders, circuit pastors, and community members to reflect on five decades of faith and service. The event was held under the theme “Let your light continue to shine for God’s glory” (Matthew 5:16). In his keynote address, Minister Peter repeated the National Government’s commitment to supporting churches, announcing that K1 million has been allocated through the Department of Community Development, Youth and Religion for the rehabilitation of rundown church buildings across the country in 2025. He also emphasized that the Department is working towards reviving mission stations operated by various church denominations, acknowledging their ongoing role in community service, moral guidance, and social development. The Minister urged pastors and church elders to remain faithful to their calling and to serve God’s people with integrity and humility. He reminded church leaders to avoid becoming involved in politics for personal gain and to focus instead on their mission to promote faith and unity in their communities. In addition to the national commitment, Minister Peter, through the Huon Gulf District Development Authority (HGD-DDA), has also delivered K729,000 in 2025 towards church-related programs within the district. Of that amount, K649,000 was allocated for infrastructure maintenance, while K45,000 supported ministerial activities. Additional funds remain available for use before the end of December. The ELC Malaclo Circuit, the host of the anniversary celebrations, received K249,000 in direct support. This includes: - K180,000 – Infrastructure Maintenance - K10,000 – ELC Mama Geyamsao Support - K10,000 – 50th Anniversary Celebrations - K5,000 – ELC Malaclo Circuit SAM Support - K20,000 – Church Bell Setup Materials - K4,000 – Labour & Transportation Highlights of the celebration included the opening and closing ceremonies, the dedication of the historical Malaclo Church, the launch of the Geyamsao Conference Hall, and a Sunday worship and ordination service. The event was attended by senior church leaders, including the Yabim District President and Wampar District President, as well as local officials and members of the wider ELC-PNG community. Minister Peter commended the ELC Malaclo Circuit for its 50 years of committed service, encouraging the congregation to continue being a light of faith, unity, and hope in the Huon Gulf District and beyond.

Governor of East New Britain province Michael Marum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with churches across the province, calling them key allies in service delivery, and community development. In a funding presentation held on Sunday, October 5, Governor Marum delivered financial support to two churches in the Gazelle District, K20, 000 to the Valaur United Church and K10, 000 to the Vunagamata United Church. The Governor described the church as a “frontline service provider,” particularly at the ward level, noting its critical role not only in meeting physical needs but also in nurturing the spiritual, emotional, and social wellbeing of communities. “With the current law and order issues we are facing in the province, we believe the churches are the way forward.” “That is why the East New Britain Provincial Government will continue to support church programs and initiatives that strengthen our communities and uphold positive values.” He also stressed that the financial assistance aims to build the institutional capacity of the churches, empowering them to play an even greater role in driving peace, unity, and sustainable development across East New Britain. Receiving the support on behalf of both congregations, Reverend Bellie thanked the Governor and the people of East New Britain for their continued trust and backing. “We are deeply grateful for this assistance.” “It shows that the Government values the work of the Church in transforming lives and building stronger, more peaceful communities.” “We will continue to pray for Governor Marum and his leadership as we work together for a better East New Britain.” The Valaur and Vunagamata United Church congregations expressed great appreciation and pledged their ongoing support to the Government’s broader vision for peace, progress, and unity in the province.

Eastern Highlands Governor Simon Sia recently made a heartfelt contribution to the House Krai program for the late Luther Wenge, donating K50,000 in cash and goods worth another K50,000 on behalf of the people of Eastern Highlands Province. The donation was officially presented by Deputy Provincial Administrator Peter Gare, who represented both the Governor and the provincial administration. The contribution included the cash amount as well as three live pigs, a cow, garden produce, and store-bought food items. Speaking during the presentation, Gare paid tribute to the former Morobe Governor, saying the country has lost a patriotic leader who served both his province and Papua New Guinea with distinction. “Governor Sia sends his deepest, sincere condolences to the immediate family members of the late Luther Wenge and the people of Morobe Province for a great loss.” “The passing of a great leader is not only your loss, but a national loss.” He reflected on the longstanding relationship between the two provinces, noting that Morobe Province has long been considered a “big brother” to the Eastern Highlands, due to shared history, values, and the influence of early missionaries and public servants who moved inland from the coast. “Our presence here is to remind you that we are with you during this mourning period and to reaffirm that Morobe still holds a special place in our hearts.” Receiving the support, Chief Mourner and Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso expressed his gratitude to Governor Sia and the people of Eastern Highlands for their solidarity during a time of mourning.

Grade 10 students have commenced their National Examinations, marking point in Papua New Guinea’s education calendar. At Gordons Secondary School, a total of 386 students — 186 male and 200 female students— are sitting for the week-long assessments that will determine their eligibility to progress to higher secondary education. According to Mr. Johnymar Cudal, Deputy Principal of Academics, the examination week has begun with Personal Development and Mathematics papers. The exams are being conducted across eight classrooms, with invigilators drawn from nearby schools — including New Erima Junior High, Jubilee Secondary School, and Asia Pacific College — to ensure proper supervision.  When asked about student safety, particularly as NCD joined in the 50th Independence celebrations, Mr. Cudal assured that operations remained stable. “Students were hardly affected. We completed all the requirements." He also noted a slight decrease in student numbers compared to the previous year, though the number of classes remains unchanged. “It’s the same number of classes, just a minor change in student count." The examination schedule is as follows: * Oct 6: Session1- Mathematics Session 2 - Personal Development * Oct 7: Session 1- S/Science Session 2- Arts * Oct 8: Session 1- Science Session 2 - TIA/CCT * Oct 9: Session 1 - Bus Studies Session 2 - Agriculture * Oct 10: Session 1 - English The National Examinations are a critical stage in Papua New Guinea’s education system, assessing students’ academic performance and readiness for the next level.

Marie Stopes Papua New Guinea (MSPNG) reaffirmed its vital role in advancing the country’s development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the dissemination of Papua New Guinea’s Second Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report and the launch of the SDG Portal. The event, held at the Hilton Hotel, was hosted by the Department of National Planning and Monitoring. MSPNG's Country Director Angelyn Famudi, participated in a high-level panel alongside leaders from government, academia, and the United Nations. She highlighted MSPNG’s significant contributions, particularly in relation to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). “MSPNG’s mission is deeply tied to the heart of Papua New Guinea’s national development and the SDGs.” She stressed the organization’s work in providing life-saving family planning and reproductive health services, directly contributing to reducing maternal deaths, preventing unintended pregnancies, and averting unsafe abortions. Additionally, MSPNG’s efforts in empowering women and girls to make informed decisions about their bodies are integral to promoting long-term gender equality and empowerment. Famudi also noted the economic benefits of MSPNG’s services, particularly in reducing the strain on national health financing. In 2024, the organization’s services helped save an estimated K3.34 million in direct healthcare costs, providing essential financial relief to the government and the broader health sector. “These savings are crucial, especially at a time when health financing is stretched.” “Our services enable the government to redirect resources to strengthen health infrastructure, expand essential services, and fulfil broader goals under the Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV).” In addition to its health contributions, MSPNG has been dedicated to the principle of ‘leaving no one behind,’ with a strong focus on reaching underserved and remote communities across PNG. Despite immense logistical and geographical challenges, Famudi reaffirmed MSPNG’s commitment to overcoming these barriers to reach those most in need. Going forward, she emphasized MSPNG's ongoing partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea to deliver on development priorities and meet SDG targets. She also expressed gratitude for the support of the organization’s donors, including the Australian Government through the PNGAus Partnership, the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and other philanthropic partners.Marie Stopes Papua New Guinea (MSPNG) reaffirmed its vital role in advancing the country’s development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the dissemination of Papua New Guinea’s Second Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report and the launch of the SDG Portal.

The Governor of East New Britain Province Michael Marum has made a significant commitment to supporting local youth and wards aimed at cleaning key tourism areas along the Kokopo-Rabaul road. Governor Marum recently presented K10, 000 worth of tools and equipment from Agmark Didiman Store in Kokopo to assist six wards in the Raluana Local Government Area including, Vunamurmur, Barowon, Nguvalian, Bitatita, Raburua, and Karavia. This donation will help the communities engage in environmental preservation and development programs. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between the Governor’s Office and RAMs Shipping Limited, marking the beginning of a joint partnership to involve local youths in the cleanup of tourism hotspots. The clean-up will cover areas along the Kokopo-Rabaul road, from Barowon to Karavia, including the Blue Lagoon and beach front areas. As part of the MOA, RAMs Shipping Limited will contribute K2, 000 per month to each participating ward account for the next three months, with the program to be reviewed at the end of the trial period. The funds will support the cleaning efforts along the designated road areas, encouraging youth involvement and offering them valuable work experience. The program will be closely monitored, and if successful, will be extended to other areas across the province, continuing the focus on environmental stewardship and youth empowerment.