Microsoft, Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board Launch Windows 8 Apps for Tourism

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With ease of technology, more Filipinos are relying on their mobile devices and apps for their important activities such as banking, tracking of courier packages and even for computing electricity consumption among others. The gadgets they have in hand have become their partners as well in planning their travels from looking for the best local destinations to visit to organizing their itineraries. Tourists need one-stop shop apps that can provide them the information and features they need when they travel around the Philippines.

In line with this, Microsoft Philippines (Microsoft), the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) formally sealed their partnership today to enable Windows 8 users with information and features they need on the country's best local destinations through a series of local apps. Microsoft, DOT and TPB are proud to announce that the set of More Fun Series apps is now available for download in the Windows Store.

The More Fun Series is a group of apps which aims to highlight the country’s 25 key tourist destinations including their interesting overview, exciting activities, famous sites and itinerary builder among other features. Furthermore, these free apps feature commercial information coming from the official website of DOT including but not limited to accredited restaurants, spas and souvenir shops to complete the travel experience of every tourist. 

7 Groups Qualify To Bid For The Mactan-Cebu International Airport Project – DOTC

Wazzup Pilipinas!

All seven (7) groups vying for the first airport project to be bid out under President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program have been successfully prequalified, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) disclosed on Thursday (May 16, 2013).

The announcement, which was made four (4) days ahead of schedule, signifies that the P 17.5-Billion Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Passenger Terminal Building Project will be contested by the following groups:

• AAA Airport Partners, led by the Ayala and Aboitiz groups and Houston airport operator ADC&HAS;
• Filinvest-CAI Consortium of the Gotianuns and Singapore’s Changi Airport;
• First Philippine Airports of the Lopez group and New Zealand’s Infratil Asia Limited airport operator;
• GMR Infrastructure and Megawide Consortium, which includes India’s Delhi Airport’s operator;
• MPIC-JGS Airport Consortium, composed of the Pangilinan and Gokongwei companies, as well as France’s Aeroports de Lyon;
• SM-led Premier Airport Group, which includes Switzerland’s Zurich Airport operators; and
• San Miguel-Incheon Airport Consortium, led by the SMC conglomerate and the operator of South Korea’s Incheon Airport.

DOTC Calls For Technology-Based Proposals To Solve Illegal Bus Operations

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Seeking to solve wide-ranging issues caused by the illegal operations of buses and other public utility vehicles, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are resorting to modern technology, in line with a strong Anti-Colorum campaign.

In a Request for Information (RFI) published earlier this week (May 14, 2013), the DOTC called for proposals from the public regarding “available technology-based solutions” such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Global Positioning System (GPS), and Smart Cards.

The RFI indicated that the primary purposes for this effort are to monitor the movements of both registered and unregistered or unauthorized public utility vehicles, to apprehend illegally-operating vehicles real-time, and to maintain a database containing relevant information on traffic violations, among others.

3rd International Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge Held in Davao

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The third international installment of the Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge was recently held in Davao to raise tourism activity and awareness for the environmental protection of the Philippines’ highest peak. The competition brought foreign and domestic challenge takers to cover 113.3 kilometers in four different activities: 47.8 km of biking, 50 km of trekking, 3.5 km of water tubing, and 12 km of road running –all in 24 hours. Regular hikers usually take two days to climb the peak of Mt. Apo and one day to descend.

The race served as the highlight of the annual Pista sa Kinaiyahan or Feast of Nature, a municipal festival in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Sta. Cruz is one of the entry points to climb the highest peak in the Philippines which boasts of sound environmental practices.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Region XI Director Arturo Boncato explained that there is a growing awareness to protect and save Mt. Apo. “The Davao Region’s brand promise of from islands to highlands can only be true if there is protection of the environment. The “highlands” part of the brand promise refers mostly to Mt. Apo which is home to Davao’s most iconic symbols – the Philippine Eagle, waling-waling, and durian,” Director Boncato added.

DOT Joins ABS-CBN’s Green Initiative

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Tourism (DOT) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last 6 May 2013 with media conglomerate ABS-CBN to launch Bantay Kalikasan’s Green Initiative.

A joint program involving ABS-CBN Foundation Incorporated’s (AFI) Bantay Kalikasan, the government, media, and academe, Green Initiative responds to protect and nourish the country’s natural biodiversity, while alleviating poverty and enriching the lives of people through various livelihood projects.

Other signatories of the MOA are the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (DENR-PAWB) represented by Secretary Ramon Paje, Department of Agriculture (DA) represented by Secretary Proceso Alcala, and the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU).

WD’s My Passport Ultra Offers Consumers Ultimate Mobile Storage Solution Including Wd Smartware Pro Data Protection With Dropbox Integration

Wazzup Pilipinas!

WD, a Western Digital company, today announced the availability of the My Passport Ultra line of portable hard drives, which combine additional layers of data protection with super-fast USB 3.0 connectivity, a slim, compact design and four color choices to offer mobile consumers the safest and easiest way to protect their digital content while traveling. Available in 500 GB, 1 TB and new 2 TB capacities, My Passport Ultra portable hard drives have built-in WD SmartWare Pro backup software with Dropbox integration, hardware encryption and password protection to safeguard against unauthorized drive access. A protective pouch is included with the My Passport Ultra to help shield it from the daily knocks encountered by today's mobile consumer.

“WD's My Passport Ultra combines USB 3.0, a range of colors and capacities and the best software and hardware functions currently found in our line of My Passport portable storage drives to create the ultimate portable digital safe for today's active consumer,” explained Jim Welsh, executive vice president and general manager of WD's branded products and consumer electronics groups. “Adding WD SmartWare Pro technology with auto backup and password protection to one of the industry's fastest interfaces and largest capacity drives gives consumers the convenience and peace of mind to enjoy, share, and protect their personal digital content everywhere they go.”

Filipino Golden Boy Eduard Folayang Reinvents his Training in the United States

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Battered and defeated, Eduard Folayang knew that good was no longer good enough. Having been designated by Filipino fans and MMA experts as the country’s best mixed martial artist, he knew he needed to improve drastically to fulfill the potential that his compatriots have claimed he had.

The turning point came in Folayang’s last fight at a URCC event in Manila in January, where he was dominated by fellow ONE FC lightweight Lowen Tynanes. The less experienced Hawaiian displayed superior grappling in neutralizing Folayang, who failed to muster much offence in the bout. Losing in his home country, especially in such one-sided fashion, was a bitter pill for Folayang to swallow. Lesser men will have cowered and left the sport, but Folayang showed his resolve and dedication to the sport by relocating his training to the United States.

WeChat Set to Reinvent Social Conversations Among Filipinos

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This is a way too awesome application that was introduced today at the Palawan room of EDSA Shangri-La hotel in Mandaluyong.

The war of the mobile social communication applications in the country heats up as WeChat, one of the world’s most popular social media communication apps, officially launches in the Philippines. With over 300 million registered user accounts worldwide , WeChat is set to change the way social-media-savvy Filipinos communicate with friends, family and people from all over the world.

WeChat is an innovative mobile social communications application designed for smartphone users.

ePLUS.ph is Here!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

An all new lifestyle portal is introduced today. The portal—ePLUS.ph---will serve as a local resource for SM Cinema movie tickets, Mall of Asia Arena events, nationwide deals and lifestyle articles. The site will also be a ground-breaking resource for consumers to find high-value tickets to movies, concerts, sports, theater, arts, and live events, while serving as a timely and effective way for customers to get updated with lifestyle perks, deals and informative articles. The launch is planned in time for mid-year sale season.

The e-PLUS portal is positioned as an e-magazine featuring the latest news and trends on movies, events, beauty and fashion, tech and living, food and dining, deals, and a lot more.

With unprecedented access to a consolidated network of nationwide events from the Philippines’ ticketing leader, movies schedules from the county’s largest cinema chain, and unbeatable prices from the country’s largest mall network, ePLUS.ph will be the destination for exclusive SM Lifestyle deals. ePLUS.ph shall work with SM to further deliver its commitment to offer amazing local experiences to its members.

ASUS Fonepad Launched in the Philippine Market

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ASUS, the world’s top 3 consumer notebook vendor and the maker of the world’s best-selling and most award winning motherboards, is a leading enterprise in the new digital era.

ASUS Philippines has just introduce to media their ASUS Fonepad, a competitively priced handheld with 3G voice and mobile data for all the features of a smartphone, with the versatility of a 7-inch tablet.

ASUS Fonepad is ideal for people who value both the voice communication features of a smartphone and the entertainment opportunities afforded by a tablet, but prefer the convenience of carrying just one device.

Powered by the latest Intel® Atom Z2420 processor with full Android compatibility, Fonepad which comes in Titanium Gray and Champagne Gold, features a perfect balance of performance and energy efficiency, with hardware-accelerated 1080p Full HD video decoding. The 7-inch screen features 10-point multi-touch, and a 1280 x 800 HD resolution for crisp screen results.

MSD and DOH Go Full Circle for 6th Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Health (DOH), in a public-private partnership with MSD Philippines and medical societies, is now on its sixth year of raising awareness and providing free cervical cancer screening programs nationwide. For the sixth run of its Cervical Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) activities this May, both the DOH and MSD are going beyond just screening. This year, the awareness is going full circle—from prevention to treatment.

Free cervical cancer screening will be offered to women aged 30-49 years old in 58 DOH-retained hospitals nationwide for the whole month of May.

Apart from free screenings nationwide, MSD, in partnership with DOH, will be providing free quadrivalent HPV vaccinations to 9,000 girls aged 13 years old this coming school year.

WD 3.5-Inch SAS WD XE Hard Drives Offer Flexibility, Extension Of Datacenter Hardware Investments

Wazzup Pilipinas!

WD, a Western Digital company and a world leader in storage, today announced a new 3.5-inch SAS hard drive solution for legacy datacenter storage systems with the release of WD XE, 2.5-inch, 10,000 RPM SAS hard drive, now available mounted in a 3.5-inch WD performance adapter. Shipping immediately, the WD XE hard drives provide best-in-class performance, low power consumption, and an easier upgrade path for existing 3.5-inch storage systems.

While demand for 3.5-inch, high-performance enterprise-class hard drives slows, a need remains for an alternate high-performance storage device as a transitional solution for legacy systems. WD XE hard drives offer best-in-class sequential performance and provide a compelling upgrade for datacenters migrating away from legacy drives nearing end-of-life.

“Delivering up to 50 percent higher capacity, similar or better maximum sequential performance, higher reliability and up to 67 percent lower power consumption versus 3.5-inch,15,000 RPM drives, the new WD XE drives are the answer for data center server and storage solutions needing a transition strategy,” said Rich Rutledge, senior vice president of WD’s datacenters business unit. “IT managers now have a worry-free migration path to the latest enterprise performance drives from WD, while preserving their chassis and solution investments.”

Sarah Jessica Parker to Grace the Launch of SM Aura

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There’s been a lot of buzz about the SM Aura Premier opening this May. And it has just been confirmed that international screen and stage actress–and style icon-Sarah Jessica Parker will be gracing the launching of the mall’s SM Store.

Parker, who played Carrie Bradshaw on the HBO television series Sex and the City (1998-2004), has won four Golden Globe Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Emmy Awards. She served as a producer and reprised her role in the screen adaptation of the hit series with the theatrical release of Sex and the City and Sex and the City 2.

Her Carrie character –who has been described as someone who lives for fashion - as well as her own incredible personal style make Parker the perfect guest for the store opening, which Manila’s stylish set is looking forward to.

Vin Diesel Spotted in Manila : SM Cinema to Host Premiere of Fast and Furious 6

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Vin Diesel and cast members of “Fast and Furious 6” are in Manila for the premiere of the Hollywood action blockbuster movie on Wednesday, May 15, 2013.

Diesel was supposed to have arrived in Manila on Monday night via a private plane.

Diesel is now in the country as his photos strolling around an open-air mall in Taguig City are now making the rounds online:


In a Facebook post by Bonifacio High Street on Tuesday, Diesel is seen walking around the al fresco mall.
"Spotted at Bonifacio High Street today was the Fast and the Furious star, Vin Diesel. Photo by @issastar "Vin Diesel in Bonifacio High Street!!! #starstruck #fanmode #fanpic #igmanila #bonifaciohighstreet #bgc #may142013," the post said.

Babe Watch at Prive Summer Closing Party on May 15

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Short shorts, bikini tops, beach balls and life savers! Its Stiletto x Babewatch at Privé Wednesday night on May 15!

Top40 by the Superfly crew & Hip Hop by Bad Boy Jeff!

Girls in bikini tops get free drinks all night!

Do I need to say more?

See you?

Definitely!!!

SM Cinema to Host the Philippine Premiere of Fast & Furious 6

Wazzup Pilipinas!

SM Cinema, the country’s home of premiere nights, will host the upcoming Fast and Furious 6 premiere which will be held at SM Mall of Asia on May 15, 2013. The film’s lead action star, Vin Diesel, along with fellow stars Michelle Rodriguez, Gina Carano and Luke Evans, producer Neal H. Moritz, and director Justin Lin will be coming to the Philippines to be part of this exciting movie event.

Fast & Furious 6 continues in the tradition of thrilling fast‐paced car chases, action, and suspense that has made the movie franchise a worldwide sensation. Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson lead the returning cast of all‐stars as the global blockbuster franchise built on speed races to its next continent. Reuniting for their most high‐stakes adventure yet, fan favorites Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Sung Kang, John Ortiz, Gal Gadot, and Elsa Pataky are joined by badass series newcomers Luke Evans and Gina Carano.

Fast & Furious 6 is a United International Pictures Release through Solar Entertainment Corporation. The film will be released in theatres across the Philippines on May 24, 2013.

Mad For Garlic: Wow! I See Garlic, But I Don't Taste It!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This food review is long overdue. I promised it will come out within a week but I have been so very busy the last few days until now, and the coming days so since I was with my kid when we visited this restaurant, I asked him to write it for me. He loved the dining experience so much that I am encouraging him to blog as well, so he will soon have other opportunities in the near future. Maybe he is not the youngest blogger out there but it would sure help a lot to improve his writing skills.

So please remember that I am posting the article he wrote as is, without any correction or modification on my part. Please also take note that he is just a 13 year old kid, and this will be his first time to "blog" or write a food review.

Please read on the food review of my 13 year old kid, Hezron Kyle.

Philips Launches LED Promise Campaign “The Promise of a Greener World”

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Philips Lighting Philippines kicked off its LED campaign at the SM Mall of Asia.

Philips guarantees consumers that its LED lighting products offer long lasting and consistent brightness, savings on energy and cost, and guaranteed safety. Partnership with photography club ties Philips efforts in sustainability with environmental awareness.

Entitled “The Promise of a Greener World”, the campaign emphasized how using LED lighting solutions can help reduce the Philippines’ carbon footprint, and avert the drastic effects of global warming.

Philips Country Manager and General Manager for Lighting Fabia Tetteroo-Bueno said that “Philips LED lighting solutions are not only energy-efficient but also provide a superior quality of light. With this campaign, we hope to share with consumers the facts about LED lighting solutions and encourage them to make the simple switch to sustainable lighting solutions that is environmentally-friendly.”

The Birds of IRRI Photo Exhibit : Revisiting Los Banos, Laguna

Wazzup Pilipinas!

An email coming from an IRRI staff excited me that day because it was another opportunity to get out of Metro Manila and visit Los Banos, Laguna. My first visit there - attending a Hackathon - gave me great memories, and I'm glad the IRRI people remembered me because I would like to have beautiful memories again.

Without any hesitation, I immediately replied and eventually we were able to arrange for transportation to take me and a few of my Wazzup Pilipinas family of bloggers to IRRI's Photo Exhibit of Birds.

That's me! Eventhough the invite was just for me, I always make it a point to share the experience with my peers. To share the blessings with my fellow bloggers who would also like the opportunity to witness a very noble program ran by great people who aim for the greatness of our country.

Ystilo Salon : Time for Some Hair Pampering for the Wifey

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It was again that time of the month when my wifey needed some pampering....and what else would be equally great or better than shopping, but to go on a beauty make-over.

We only have one name to go to for that particular requirement and that's at Ystilo Salon, partially owned by the popular celebrity Vina Morales.

What's great about the salon is that it has very friendly staff that's willing to help you out in your make-over decisions. They would advise you of the proper and more appropriate treatments that would be perfect for you.

Budget-wise, the salon charges very reasonably - right-smack to what we can afford.

Lime by Chef Arch: Fabulous Street Smart Specialties

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I really never expected that there could be a place that would surprisingly serve street-smart gourmet dishes that's fit for a king but priced for the average citizenry.

Chef Arch's Lime (Streetfood na Pina-Sosyal) exceeds all expectations, similar to my experience at their Kanto Freestyle Breakfast where you'll be in extreme awe once you've seen and ate the meals that comes out of their small kitchen.

Its a feast that's comparable if not totally beats anybody else with a fancy ambiance and prime location.

It seems like just a neighborhood family business, which is true, but wait till you taste their specialties, and you'll probably wonder "Why on Earth are they still stuck in this place?"

CiF Cream Surface Cleaner Launch 101 Beautiful Endings

Wazzup Pilipinas!

If you thought Cif Cream was just for the kitchen, think again.

The revolutionary non-scratch surface cleaner aims to help moms everywhere achieve beautiful homes with the launch of its latest campaign, “101 Beautiful Endings with Cif”.

The campaign highlights the product’s effectiveness even with the most stubborn dirt and grime. It also emphasizes that even though Cif is made for tough cleaning, it’s still gentle enough to use on a variety of surfaces. It can be used in the kitchen, the living room, the garden, and even on dirty leather goods.

Uratex, OUR|HOME Launch Mother's Day Promo

Wazzup Pilipinas!

 In due recognition of their unconditional love and hardships in raising their children and running a home, Uratex, the country’s leading foam and mattress brand, and OUR|HOME, the country’s leading lifestyle furniture store chain, launches today a special Mother's Day promotion called "Best Mattress for Best Mom."

Dubbed "Un Regalo Delicato" (One Delicate Gift), this stylishly themed yet simple kick-off event held today at the V-Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center store of OUR|HOME, a contemporary furniture store for stylish living, gathers select guests from both the upscale market and lifestyle media—all hailed via a red-carpet treatment with free flowing wine and cocktails amid the lively vibe of the newly renovated store.

Election Reminder : Vote SMART!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We have waited eagerly for this day to come. We have pinned our hopes in our bounden duty of electing the right people who can bring us to the promised land. Despite facing the odds of the day brought about by vote-buying and the likes, we know we can manage and still emerge victorious because we know that everything is not meant to be momentary solution to the problem of social ills and economic deprivation.

We are aware of our duties and responsibilities. We are aware that today marks the end of corruption in governance and as we march towards our respective polling places, we arm ourselves with the best weapon of choice available in a democracy, the vote of conscience.

 Let's cast our vote and be counted.

Bago iboto ang isang kandidato, isipin muna ng maiigi kung ito ay magdudulot ng katatawanan o kahihiyan kapag ikinuwento sa iyong kaibigan. Sana mga tunay na magsisilbi sa Bayan, at hindi para pagkakitaan.

ICT Innovation Converge 2013 Held in Calamba, Laguna

Wazzup Pilipinas!

If it was held in a Manila venue, I'm sure a lot of people will be flocking this IT event dubbed as ICT Innovation Convergence 2013. But it must have coincided with a few more events that same day thus a venue as far as Calamba would be quite a factor to consider in decision making. Nevertheless, many have missed the opportunity to learn how to take advantage of the latest advancement in technologies.

ICT Innovation Converge 2013 was the collaboration of top-rated IT companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Smart Devnet, Mannasoft, Mozilla, Soft Micro Enterprises and IP Systems Inc. For the first time in Calamba City,  Laguna  province to provide, educate and enhance IT enthusiasts and Business Owners their knowledge and skills about the newest trends and innovation created by these top icons of the industry.

The event was held at the 2nd floor of Jollibee crossing , Calamba in Laguna province  where industry practitioners, experts , social media groups will convene .

Event organizer was Mr. Mark Anthony Wagan of Soft Micro Enterprises.

Red Buffalo Wings and Pizza: Awesome Taste Rediscovered

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!

If you are in search for the most tasty chicken wings in the Metro then go visit this restaurant at the Greenhills Town Center.

They were in Caniogan, Pasig before but has now transferred to a bigger and better Quezon City branch already. They are now located at Granada St. If you fare not familiar with the area, you may also check out their website for the map www.redbuffalowingspizza.com.

Their Greenhills Town Center address is a bit confusing especially for me who is more familiar with the Greenhills Shopping Center. So I really thought they were somewhere near, in walking distance, but I was surprise they were located a bit further away.

But not to worry, the extra effort of going there was worth it.

SALE-RIOUSLY??!! Seriously Outrageous Sale of Phones, Computers and Gadgets!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Summer sale: up to 70% off on computers, phones and gadgets by Samsung, Sony, Asus, LG, Nokia, HTC, Sennheiser, Western Digital, Toshiba, Gear4, JBL and more!

Technophiles rejoice! Indigo Enterprises Inc. is holding a 3-day sale of the latest gadgets, computers, and mobile phones. Visit the “Sale-Seriously Super Sale” from May 17 to 19 at Whitespace, in Makati City and get up to 70% off on brands.

Can’t wait for the event? Start by downloading a copy of the partial pricelist and start salivating today! The sale is Open to all major credit cards. A special offer of 0% for BPI credit cards holder.


Whitespace is located at 2314 Chino Roces Ave. ext. Makati City. 

For more information, visit the Sale-riously event page on Facebook.

Jacinto and Lirio Impact Night : Stories of Positive Change

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Jacinto & Lirio Impact night is in cooperation with Girltank – an international fellowship of girl entrepreneurs, which the Jacinto & Lirio founders are part of. There will also be a silent auction of Jacinto & Lirio eco-chic products in line with the Girltank crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for the social impact efforts.

Special thanks to AyalaLand and Ayala Foundation who have always supported the young enterprise.

They  look forward to your attendance at their event! Everything they do is for the progress of their partner community livelihoods, and ultimately for a better Philippines!

Pinoy Otakufest (Festival for Pinoy Pop Culture)

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Celebrate Japanese Culture and how Pinoys enriched it. Experience our own culture as well through the latest popular culture as we combine cosplay, music and the Filipino's heart of gold for helping people.
 
We are INVITING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS to come and join the celebration Japanese and other Asian Culture and how Pinoys enriched it. Experience our own culture as well through the latest popular culture as we combine cosplay, music and the Filipino’s heart of gold for helping people.
PINOY OTAKU FESTIVAL 2013 is a month long celebration composed of a a series of events and festivities culminating in our second major event, “PINOY SUPER HEROES ARISE!”. This is a call for all of us to rise up and unite for our country and the community we belong in. We encourage you to spark the Filipino spirit of BAYANIHAN in all of us.

Pinoy Otaku Festival 2013 will be composed of the following events:

Summer Cosplay Extravaganza - May 18, 2013 – Manila Ocean Park, Roxas Blvd., Manila (TENTATIVE)

Pinoy Super Heroes Arise! – May 24-25, 2013 – Trade Hall, Starmall EDSA Shaw

Manila Improv Festival 2013 to be Held on June 25-30

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In celebration of its 11th year anniversary, the Silly People’s Improv Theater (SPIT) and the PETA Theater Center proudly present the Manila Improv Festival 2013 from June 25-30, 2103.

The theme for this year is “Follow Your Feet”, an improvisational theater concept which also ties in with the art form’s return to PETA - the group which first introduced improvisational theater to the country in the early 1970s. As SPIT takes on a new decade of laughter and innovation, the group decided to take a bolder step in sharing the art of improv to bigger audiences through the festival and its partnership with PETA Theater Center.

Gabe Mercado, artistic director of the festival and founder of SPIT describes the vision of the festival: “SPIT was founded back in June 2002, because I saw the need for a new kind of comedy—one that differed from the usual stand-up comedy routines that we are used to seeing on TV and comedy bars. Improv appealed to me because of its grounding on truth, the magic of spontaneity, and the fun that on-the-spot creation brings about. We hope events like these help build the improv community of the country and the region.”

Young Pinoy Artist Placed Highly in UNIQLO’s Global T-Shirt Design Competition

Wazzup Pilipinas!

 He may have ended only as runner-up, but for Filipino graphic artist Karlo Victoriano, it’s already a big accomplishment for his design to be chosen out of thousands submitted by other designers from all over the world—and eventually ending up among the top.

For Karlo, being shortlisted at the top of UNIQLO’s UT Grand Prix 2013 (UTGP ’13) t-shirt design competition and competing against the best of the world is indeed a dream come true for him and for the country. Never in his wildest dreams did he think his work would be considered as among the best of the best.

HP Launches the Write and Read Program with Efren Penaflorida

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With several finalists and a final ten composed of college level students to top the list to win fabulous prices from HP (of which there would surely be HP's popular laptops, printers and desktops) , many will surely join this pretigious competition sponsored by a name synonymous already to excellence in computer technologies. 

Filipino school-going children will soon learn how to integrate the use of modern technology in making their creative school work matter with the launching of the HP Write and Read 2013 program.

HP, a global leader in technology, has launched the second phase of their Write and Read program with CNN Hero and HP Write and Read Ambassador Efren Peñaflorida, in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd), at the Richmonde Hotel here in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Chateau 1771 Offers Two Special Treats in Celebration of its 25th Anniversary

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In celebration of its 25^th year anniversary, Chateau 1771 is offering two special treats from May 18 to 31, featuring well-loved and one-of-a kind dishes by the group’s Executive Chef, Vicky Rose Pacheco.

True to the spirit of festivity, Chateau 1771 offers two stand-out dishes that have stood the test of time with a glass of wine for P990 net, available during dinner only.

The first course is the restaurant's renowned Raclette, a luxurious melted Swiss cheese with marbled potatoes, pickled onions and gherkins-- a certified favorite for over two decades. The piece de resistance is the restaurant’s head-turner, Potence. Juicy and flavorful steak hangs from a metal gallows is presented to the diner flambéed with skill and flair. The beef is seasoned, robust and tender, dressed in its natural juices then whisked with some brandy.