The Hub at Rizal Park Opens Bar and Cafe

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It's a five-in-one place - a lounge, cafe, bar, restaurant and ticketing office!

You can spend an afternoon here sipping a locally roasted coffee brewed to perfection, or try a Regional Filipino cuisine twisted to another deliciously creative delight, or trying out novel cocktails while watching people come and go at the park.

The Hub at Kilometer Zero located at the heart of Rizal Park, or what we all know as Luneta, somewhere at the Bulwagan ng Kagitingan area, is a project of 2GO Travel, the domestic shipping passenger business unit of the 2GO Group, Inc., the country's biggest total supply chains solution company according to Stephen R. Tagud, Vice President of 2Go Travel.

4 Spooky Places In the Philippines That Travellers Must Know Of

Wazzup Pilipinas!

1. The Clark Air Base Hospital

Haven't we all heard our share of ghost stories in every hospital? Hospital in Angeles City too has its own. Now and abandoned hospital but surely it has enough stories that can give one sleepless nights. If you aren't convinced yet, then may be the fact that Ghost hunters International had declared it to be "one of the most haunted places in the world” will send shivers down your spine. This hospital has the maximum number of ghost spotting documented. People have experienced violent spirit voices among other things.

If we go back in History, we can trace the hospital back to the days of World War two. The hospital was home to the dying young soldiers, hence this place is believed to be haunted by restless spirits. Owing to its reputation, the National Geographic Channel started a documentary series on it, titled "I Wouldn’t Go In There.”

ASUS Announces Availability of MeMO Pad 8 and MeMO Pad 10 Tablets

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ASUS today announced the availability of two new affordable Android tablets, the MeMO Pad 8 and MeMO Pad 10, with an 8-inch and 10-inch screen, respectively. Both tablets feature a 1280 x 800 resolution, a quad-core processor and microSD card storage.

Designed for easy one-handed use, ASUS MeMO Pad 8 measures just 127mm from side to side and weighs only 350g, yet packs an 8-inch display that gives 30% more screen space than a 7-inch tablet. ASUS MeMO Pad 10 is equally portable, at just 522g.

Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu Tops Hot New Destinations List in 2013

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Filipino-owned Mӧvenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu (Mӧvenpick Resort)  is the second most Googled destination in the Philippines, according to Google’s 2013 year-in-review search list. As first reported on CNN, the Zeitgeist is Google’s year-ender report and lists the hottest travel destinations by country.

The annual Google report captures the trends and interests of people all over the world, including new favorites among Filipinos.

Sky Ranch in Tagaytay and Tubbataha Reef in Puerto Princesa were ranked the first and the third respectively. Pico de Loro, Tugawe Cove Resort, Potipot Island, Amana Waterpark, Misibis Bay, Nuvali and Laiya resorts rounded up the ten spots that Filipinos were most interested in learning more about.

Toilet the Musical: Shit Happens Within the Walls of the Toilet

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Shit happens.

This is the theme of Ateneo Blue Repertory’s new original musical, Toilet: The Musical. Created by blueREP alumnus Ejay Yatco (gold medalist in the World Championship of the Performing Arts, nominated for Best Musical Direction for Sa Wakas: The Sugarfree Musical by Broadway World Philippines), Toilet: The Musical leads its audience on a journey into the lives of eight seemingly ordinary students, each with a story to share and a secret to disclose within the cold confines of the toilet walls. In line with blueREP’s 22nd theme “Magkano Mabuhay?” Toilet: The Musical discourses upon grim territory close to home – suicide, unrequited love, religious disparity, bulimia, sexuality, and fear of what the future holds- yet never forgetting to show the light at the end of the tunnel, and the struggle to remember that there are no real endings, just new beginnings.

Ateneo Blue Repertory, the foremost college musical theatre organization of the Ateneo de Manila University, closes blueREP’s 22nd season with the highly anticipated original production, Toilet: The Musical. 

Grand Canyon Winter Experience at One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Grand Canyon is a powerful and inspiring landscape that overwhelms our senses because of its immense size. Vast, magnificent and inarguably beautiful, the Grand Canyon is easily Arizona’s most distinguishable landmark – and a natural wonder that you simply have to see to believe.

It's hard to look at the canyon and not be curious about geology. Rock that dates back 1.8 billion years lies at the bottom. Exactly how the river formed the canyon is still unclear, but geologists generally agree that most of the cutting occurred within the last five million years.

There are many opportunities here for adventurous and hardy persons who want to backpack, ride a mule to Phantom Ranch, or take a river trip through the Canyon on the Colorado River which can take anywhere from several days to three weeks - there are no one-day river trips through the length of Grand Canyon.

Snapchat: The Photo App That Covers Your Tracks

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Experience a totally new way to share today. Snap a photo or a video, add a caption, and send it to a friend (or maybe a few). They'll view it, laugh, and then the snap disappears from the screen - unless they take a screenshot! If you want to share a Snap with all of your friends, add it to your Snapchat Story, a living narrative where each Snap lives for 24 hours until it disappears, making room for the new." - Snapchat

But what is this I hear that the app made famous because its inventor refused a billion dollar deal from Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook is now in the Philippine news for potential threats to people especially to the youth mainly because of its "disappearing" content.

The sent photographs and videos on the Snapchat app are known as "Snaps". Users can set a time limit for how long recipients can view their Snaps (as of December 2013, the range is from 1 to 10 seconds) and then after which they will be hidden or disappear from the recipient's device. It practically encourages teens to engage in behavior that they may regret later.

Just like its logo, Snapchat messages are like ghosts - Now you see it, now you don't!

ASUS Announces PadFone Mini

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ASUS announced PadFone mini, a beautiful 4-inch smartphone that transforms effortlessly into an elegant 7-inch tablet. PadFone mini comfortably fits the palm for an instantly expanded view on a glorious 1280 x 800-pixel display — even better than HD.

This latest addition to the hugely popular ASUS PadFone family is powered by an Intel Atom Z2560 processor, has 8GB of internal storage and a micro SD card slot that enables storage to be upgraded by up to 64GB.

With exclusive ASUS DynamicDisplay technology to automatically resize apps for the different display sizes, a brilliant 8-megapixel (8MP) main camera and 2MP front-facing snapper for selfies, and finished with the resplendent concentric-circle design detail that’s become an iconic part of the ASUS brand, PadFone mini is an outstanding smartphone that’s also a lightweight handheld tablet — and with five brilliant color choices on offer, there’s a model to please everyone.

OPM Band 1:43 Pays Tribute to Beautiful Filipino Transgenders

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There is no denying that our beloved "sisters" known as transgenders are remarkably convincing in many aspects to be confused with the real deal as if they are naturally female in nature. Many of them are realistically very similar if not seemingly better than the features of our women. They astonishingly strike us bewildered seeing men who now look a lot like beauty pageant contestants.

It is not surprising that foremost OPM boy band 1:43 pays tribute to the most beautiful Filipino transgenders in their latest single titled "Hayop Sa Ganda." There is a music video released on YouTube that displays how enigmatic their beauties are.

With names like Bee Urgello, Bembem Radaza, Francine Garcia, Maki Gingoyon, Marian Crisologo, Rain Marie Mardigal, and Kevin Balot, I'm really having a hard time differentiating them from our ladies.

Check the tribute video out and let us know who you think is the fairest of  them all.

Makalanyog Festival Celebrated at Lipa, Batangas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Lipa City of Batangas is celebrating for the very first time its "Makalanyog Festival". Makalanyog pays tribute to their St. Sebastian, their patron saint, and to showcase Lipa City's prime agricultural products or crops where the name of the festival was derived namely "mais" (corn), "kape" (coffee and cacao), lanzones, and niyog (coconut)./...thus MaKaLanYog was born!

The "Makalanyog Festival” is the celebration of the Lipeños' way of life, a thanksgiving for the city’s abundant harvest, and the Lipeños' way of promoting the preservation and conservation of the city’s environment.


This year's theme of the newest grand fiesta of the Lipenos is “Patrong San Sebastian, Gabay at Pag-asa sa Patuloy na Kaunlaran” and is being held from January 11 to 20.

The ten day merriment composed of religious activities and night parties is really something to look forward to every year.

Ateneo Blue Repertory Presents Toilet: The Musical

Wazzup Pilipinas!

High school is that point in life that many adults consider to be the epitome of shallow problems – pimples, crushes, and popularity, as well as a vast collection of other hormone-driven dilemmas. This, of course, is just the stuff spoken of in the outside world– in the privacy of one’s own thoughts, however, is where deeper and darker problems are kept secret.

Toilet: The Musical is a story about the inevitable painful experiences one must go through in high school in order to ‘grow up’. Toilet: The Musical forces its audience to ask: Am I doing the right thing? Am I ready? Where do I go from here? Questions that all uncertain adolescents seem to know too well, especially when life seems like it’s being flushed down the drain.

In line with blueREP’s 22nd theme “Magkano Mabuhay?” Toilet: The Musical leads its audience on a journey into the lives of eight seemingly ordinary students, each with a story to share and a secret to disclose within the cold confines of the toilet walls. Toilet: The Musical discourses upon grim territory close to home – suicide, unrequited love, religious disparity, bulimia, sexuality, and fear of what the future holds- yet never forgetting to show the light at the end of the tunnel, and the struggle to remember that there are no real endings, just new beginnings.

AAP Travel Drive Tour Caravan to Banaue: A Journey from Land to the Sky

Wazzup Pilipinas!

AAP Travel is staging its 7th Drive Tour Caravan in Banaue on February 06-09, 2014. With the theme “Banaue (formerly Ifugao) Drive Tour Caravan: A Journey from Land to the Sky”, the caravanning program aims to promote domestic tourism and at the same time serve as a family bonding activity for AAP members and friends. It informs and educates its participants not only on the historical and cultural aspects of the place but on various products and practices.

The Banaue tour will take the AAP convoy to explore one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites. Guest will have an outstanding preview of the beautiful countryside surrounded by mountains and tribal villages. The caravan will visit the Banaue Museum a proud repository of rare photographs and artifacts that includes beads, baskets, pottery, woodcraft and woven materials.

The Viewpoint a perfect spot on top of a plateau for taking pictures of the rice terraces in a much larger and deeper magnitude. Shoppers will definitely enjoy the Banaue Trade Center it offers a wide variety of curio souvenir items that ranges from authentic wood carving, basketry to fabulous wooden bicycles. The caravan with not be complete without the tour of magnificent terraces such as Hapao, Hiwang and Banga-an and Tam-an Village.

Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival: Jump On Board for Another Heavenly Adventure at Puerto Galera

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It was way back in 1981 when Frenchman Hubert d'Aboville first fell in love with Puerto Galera located at Oriental Mindoro here at our beloved country, the Philippines. It was also that same year when he met his Filipina wife, Araceli Valenzuela, and when they got married a year after, they chose to live in the same place where Hubert invested all his savings in a small property that eventually got bigger and better.

But it was because he was so in love with the place that he partnered with Croatian Miro Grgic, who happens to be his daughter Olivia's boyfriend, to organize a music and arts festival for the whole world to see the beauty of Puerto Galera. With much energy and enthusiasm, Hubert hurriedly approached the Mayor of Puerto Galera, Hubert Dolor, to coordinate on where to hold the event, of which later on he eventually realized that the best venue was right at his very own property. 

The year 2010 was the start of a phenomenon! Something that no one else have done before! It was the beginning of the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival! Through the years it has flourished and became bigger and better!

Bottoms Up 2014 After-Event Highlights

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The start of the year 2014 was extremely lucky for us as we join several college and universities as their online media partner for their events. To start the year right, we initiate it with an awesome party filled with free-flowing drinks, pounding beats by a great DJ and lots of fun-filled games and awesome activities.

Though the event started a little bit late, Up Travel Society's Bottoms Up 2014 event held at the Decagon Silver City a few nights ago (January 10, 2014) was one of the hottest and truly sizzling college night party we've ever attended.

Hosted by Sam YG and with DJ Pab rocking the night away with impressive music mixes, the event catapulted to become one of the most unforgettable event to start the year of the wood horse.

It was also a party for a cause as all the proceeds will go to Musmosyalan, UPTS’ annual all-day charity program for the children from families affected by recent calamities. It was a time to celebrate all that is good about giving back!

Hacienda Isabella : A Prominent Getaway that Won't Fail to Give You the Best

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Enter Hacienda Isabella, a much-lauded location for weddings, photo-shoots and vacations, tucked away in Indang Cavite off Tagaytay City. It’s a huge land owned by Kuh Ledesma with villas maintained by about 30 housekeepers and staff who are glad to serve guests the Filipino way, unhurried yet sincere.

Last weekend, with Wazzup Pilipinas bloggers, we had the chance to experience dining and staying in at Hacienda Isabella. Click here for the review of our close encounter in the hacienda.

This blog post is another part of the review which specifically talks about food.

Gawad Kalinga Tours Brought To Us By Mabuhay Restop

Wazzup Pilipinas !
 
Whoever thought that two of the best things I would love to do for the rest of my life would be found in one of the most unexpected places I could think of. When I stopped going to Manila after my college years, due to the terrible traffic jams and thick suffocating pollution within its busy and crowded streets, if not for the LRT train stations, I never thought I would come back again to be eventually part of an adventure I would forever cherish as part of my unforgettable memories.

Whew! That was a long statement coming from someone who's last visit in Manila was just to get an NBI clearance in Taft Avenue....which was also a nightmare for me due to the exhausting queues before finally getting the employment requirement that every new applicant needs to submit.

But my return to Manila was indeed a magnificent one because not only did I enjoy a wonderful musical comedy show, I also became part of a tour that renewed my vigor for some worthwhile advocacy.

Thunderbird Resorts Rizal : Serenity at its Best

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"It's the stunning mountain views we really wanted to see. It's something we believe is the property's strongest asset. This, plus its accessibility from Metro Manila, makes it one of the better-value choices for harrowed city dwellers for the weekend. The surroundings have cool mountain air around instead of smog just like the splendid mornings of Baguio."

That is how a friend describes the Thunderbird Resorts hotel in the Rizal province. Just a stone's throw away from the always busy streets of Metro Manila. Plus with hotel shuttle vans available to pick you up from certain Metro Manila locations and back, there's no excuse in not being able to visit this luxurious travel, vacation or resting destination.

Silliman Anthropology Museum : A Time Travel Experience

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The first on the list of tourist spots we visited while we were at Dumaguete was the Silliman Anthropology Museum. It was based at the Silliman University grounds located at the southeastern side of the main campus.

The museum is housed at the Silliman Hall which is the oldest standing American structure in the Philippines. Its architecture is reminiscent of the Stick Style type of architecture that characterize American buildings in the late 19th century. Some of the materials used to build it were salvaged from an old theater in New York. The present structure was built in 1909 as an addition to the original structure built in 1902, now demolished.

The museum offers one of the best collections of Anthropological findings within the Province of Negros Oriental. Open Monday 8:30 - 11:30 AM - Friday 2:30 - 5:00 PM. Holiday or Weekends - by appointment.

Trav-A-Mat : The Eco-Friendly Travelers Mat

Wazzup Pilipinas !
 
Instead of buying the imported products from other countries,  we could also try out our very own proudly Philippine made products.

This way, in our own modest little way, we are helping our countrymen with their livelihood. We contribute to the welfare of our indigenous brothers and sisters. We improve the economy of our country and its residents as we patronize our very own native products.

But only a few entrepreneurs have the vision to make something new and creative out of existing products. Only a handful have the vision to invest on products that are innovative and useful even at certain risks.

PSE-iACADEMY 4th Run of the Certified Securities Specialist Program

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The PSE and iACADEMY School of Continuing Education are launching the 4th Run of the PSE-iACADEMY Certified Securities Specialist Course (CSSC) on Monday, February 10, 2014.

The Certification Program is comprised of 136 classroom hours divided into three weekly sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 6-9 pm over 16 weeks. Classes are held at the iACADEMY campus on Ayala Avenue, directly across from the PSE. The program starts on February 10 for a learning investment of P55,000. Aside from the courses, there will also be a Review & Mock Exam and a Comprehensive Exam. Participants who pass the exam will earn the privilege of being Certified Securities Specialists.

We encourage the following individuals to attend this Program: Financial Planners/Advisors, Chief Financial Officers, Investors and Leaders & Other Professionals interested in the financial markets.

Crumpler End of Season Sale

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Enjoy as much as 80% off on the hottest Crumpler bags as part of Crumpler's End of Season Sale happening from January 15 to 31, 2014.

Check out the sale at any of the Crumpler stores below:

• Bonifacio High Street
• Robinsons Magnolia
  
• Shangri-La Plaza Mall
  
• Trinoma
  

Please see the promo poster attached.

For more information please visit Crumpler Philippines on Facebook and Twitter.

DOTC Optimistic for P 64.9-B LRT-1 Cavite Extension Bid: 4 Original Bidders Plus 2 New Groups Join Bid Activities

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Following a pre-bid conference and the first round of one-on-one meetings held earlier this week, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is optimistic that the bidding for its biggest Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project will receive the same resounding response as its tenders in 2013.

All four (4) original bidders from last year’s failed bidding of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension (CAVEX) Project joined the bid activities and reaffirmed their continuing interest in the project. These are: DMCI Holdings, Inc., Light Rail Manila (LRM) Consortium, MTD Philippines, Inc., and SMC Infra Resources, Inc.

In addition, the Ayala group has rejoined Metro Pacific in the LRM Consortium. New players Globalvia Inversiones of Spain and Megawide Construction Corporation have also indicated interest in the tender.

Driven Pinoy Dream Property & Lifestyle Event 2013 More Driven Pinoys Jumpstart Their Goals For 2014

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Last December 27 to 29, 2013, DRIVEN Marketing Group Inc. teamed up with BPI to hold the very first Driven Pinoy Dream Property and Lifestyle Event at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. Investors, OFWs and their families attended the event hoping to be inspired and guided on how they can finally buy their first home, upgrade their lifestyle and make their dreams happen this new year.

The event was also sponsored by Elanvital Enclaves, Perch Furnishing, Businessworld, Crossover 105.1, The View Magazine, ClicktheCity.com, WheninManila.com and Wazzup Pilipinas.

Apart from the sponsors, selected real estate and car brands also participated in the event to showcase their products and lifestyle solutions to the home buyers and investors. Participating brands were Robinsons Land, Alveo Land, Amaia Land, Antel Land, Transphil Land, Phinma Properties, DMCI, Duraville, Data Land, Sandari Batulao, Puerto Del Sol, Crystal Power, DRIVEN Go Cavite, DRIVEN – CAVITEx, DRIVEN – Laguna, DRIVEN – North, DRIVEN – East, DRIVEN – Metro Manila Mid- Market, DRIVEN – Metro Manila High-End, DRIVEN - Quezon City, PA Metro Residences, Robinsons Land - South Projects, Club Villa Anna, Ambertronics, Megaworld Corporation, Pro-friends, Property 101, Leondell, Honda Cars Manila, Nissan (Universal Motors Corporation), V Office Philippines, Azalea Vacation Club, Great Wall Motors, G Mango and Waters Philippines.

Havoc: Stock Up on Your Ammunitions and Witness the Mayhem Soon!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Let the cold draughts of February set the laser light-filled battlefields for the BIGGEST, GRANDEST, and MOST ANTICIPATED party in the South. Volunteer in the regiment hosted by Ms. Joyce Pring, with a special performance from the G-Force Dance Company, all to the beat provided by our special guest DJ Lucio Pua, and Hype Man of the Year (2013) Paolo Avila. Conquer the battle and share the merits with the Filipino War Veterans Foundation Inc. (FILVETS), Camp Eldridge, and the Yolanda typhoon victims. So stock up on your ammunitions, and set your spirits to witness the mayhem HAVOC offers.

Email: upjes.havoc@gmail.com
Twitter: upjeshavoc

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/upjeshavoc

Get ready to witness the mayhem in the biggest party in the south as the UP Junior Executive Society brings you HAVOC. 02.06.14

Residence Inn : Zoo Fun and Zip Line Adventure in Tagaytay

Wazzup Pilipinas !
 
Residence Inn at Tagaytay City was remarkably a fun place to be in.  It had all the elements of appreciating love for animals as you would see a lot of furry, feathered, and scaly livings attractions right before your very eyes. There are several shops strewn around the small place selling toys and souvenir items, and there's even a small restaurant.

Residence Inn is the perfect place to go to if you are on a budget and you are looking for a place away from the city to see interesting attractions and a beautiful view of Taal lake and the volcano.

I look forward to it every time I go there and I have even told my friends to make sure that they make it one of their stops when they are in Tagaytay.

Vigan, Ilocos Sur : Exploring the Baluarte Zoo

Wazzup Pilipinas !
 
We got an invitation from no less than the Governor of Ilocos Sur, Luis "Chavit" Singson to witness the construction of a light and sound water fountain attraction located at the town plaza in an area which used to be called Plaza Salcedo. The governor had it converted into a new attraction in order to provide a better attraction for both local and foreign tourists, and to attract investors in probably setting up businesses like hotels in Ilocos.

He shared with us his concerns stating that Ilocos Sur, lacks enough attractions, and destinations like hotels, to attract tourists in visiting Ilocos. He hopes that the newest attraction is just the continuation of the further additions of more tourists attraction in the province.

Since he won't be running for Governor anymore, we hope the new Governor of Ilocos Sur will continue on improving the local economy by providing more opportunities to their constituents, and I think promoting tourism on the province would be a great idea to gain more sources of income for its people.

Calle Crisologo of Vigan, Ilocos Sur : Travel Back to the 18th Century

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It is with no doubt that Calle Crisologo or Mena Crisologo street is a major attraction of Vigan because of the Spanish houses were the rich people lived during the Spanish era. It is probably the highlight of any trip to Vigan because it takes you back in time to an era that is of interest to many because of the sophistication and elegance of many century old houses of stunning architecture that were now transformed into commercial shops, hotels and restaurants for local and foreign tourists.

Postcard pretty Calle Crisologo is a street made out of a layer of cobblestones with ancestral homes all over. Imagine it as the area where the affluent and rich among the society used to live. It is hailed as the most beautiful street in Vigan, Ilocos Sur for you will surely be at amazed with its many intricate historical attractions and the photo ops moments especially at night time. Your jaw will literally drop at the sight of a truly picturesque Mestizo District where some of the rich Chinese-Filipinos built their houses and are still intact today preserved as a Heritage village for the world to see and appreciate. It exudes an experience brimming with nostalgia and an enchanting old-world charm.

The Circle Hostel: One Big Happy Family, There Are No Strangers Here

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It's always so damn difficult to write about something so sweet and good in fear of shortchanging the write up. The experience couldn't really be expressed by simple words alone, yet I seem to have a mental block on highfaluting words whenever I try to remember the great times. Every word seems not enough to fully relate the sensation.

The place may not be luxurious if you're looking for total leisure and entertainment. It may not be your kind of enjoyment if you're used to 5-star accommodations and fine dining. It may also not be your dream weekend if you prefer indoor activities.

The Circle Hostel is a bonding with the elements. It allows you to be at peace with your environment and become one with your fellow travelers, transients or backpackers. In the Circle Hostel, there are no strangers!

Sky Eye : An Eye in the Sky at the Sky Fun Amusement Park

Wazzup Pilipinas !
 
Sky Fun Amusement Park in Tagaytay will open its doors to the public starting tomorrow ! - Its right beside Taal Vista Hotel so you can check in the hotel after a day of fun at the rides - especially the tallest Ferris Wheel in the country - the Sky Eye !!I was here yesterday with my youngest kid and we were among the first to try out the Sky Eye !

The Sky Eye now boasts of being taller than the MOA Eye which was previously the tallest Ferris Wheel in the Country. Now they say the Sky Eye may be the tallest in Asia.

Mt. Pulag Adventure : This is the Way to the Playground of the Gods

Wazzup Pilipinas !
 
Towering at a height of 2922 meters (9587 feet) above sea level, Mt. Pulag is the highest peak in Luzon (and the third highest in the Philippines). No wonder it is dubbed as the "playground of the gods".

When you reach the summit of the mountain,  you just can't help but get mesmerized of the amazing view. Watching a very heavenly view of a sea of clouds was just too incredible. You won't believe you're practically higher than the clouds on top of a mountain that you painstakingly had to trek and climb for several hours.

I took no time to waste and just quickly grabbed my camera to take photos of the scenery. I can still feel the pain of my body because of the long hours of hiking but every bit of pain was not a very big deal compared to the magnificence of what was in front of me.

I then waited  for the rise of the sun as I watched it rise above the sea of clouds and slowly rolled into the horizon to make way for the glorious sunrise. It was a glorious sight to behold.

ASUS Announces VivoTab Note 8 Windows 8.1 Tablet with Professional Wacom Digitizer Stylus

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ASUS today announced the VivoTab Note 8, a Windows 8.1 tablet featuring a professional Wacom digitizer stylus, making it the best pen-based tablet for productivity or creativity. Designed for professionals and students alike and bundled with Microsoft Office Home and Student, which includes Microsoft Word, Excel , PowerPoint and OneNote, VivoTab Note 8’s light 380g weight and the ability to use it one-handed make it an ideal mobile productivity tool.


With slim bezels, a high-definition IPS display and an elegant design it deserves pride of place in any business or educational environment.



Powerful Quad-Core Processor

The VivoTab Note 8 is powered by the latest Intel Atom Z3740 processor for a perfect balance between multitasking performance and outstanding energy efficiency. With up to 8 hours battery life, VivoTab Note 8 can last for a working day before it needs to be recharged. And with 2GB of memory, up to 64GB of solid-state storage plus the ability to use up to 64GB microSD cards, there is all the space you need for your apps and files. Accessing your data on the move is simple, too, thanks to one year’s worth of unlimited ASUS WebStorage.

American Idol Premieres in Star World

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A new year means another batch of amazing hidden talent coming to the fore as American Idol Season 13 hits TV screens on January 16, 2014 on Star World! The most successful reality TV show returns for its 13th season for another round of bombastic performances from hundreds of aspiring singers aiming to be American Idol.

Season 13 will kick off on Star World on January 16 at 6 PM, live via satellite, with encores at 8 PM and 11 PM to ensure that all die-hard American Idol fans won’t miss the exciting premiere of the show.

Thousands of American Idol hopefuls turned out during the nationwide auditions held in different cities around the US: Salt Lake City, Utah; Detroit, Michigan; Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; Austin, Texas; and Omaha, Nebraska. The show left no stone unturned in looking for the brightest singing talents in the US, ensuring a diverse mix of backgrounds and personalities for candidates who make it through the auditions to the semi-finals. Expect to see a showcase of mind-blowing talent and an array of colourful personalities throughout the much-anticipated episodes of the screening process.

Social Media Networks: Are You Online Everyday?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

What's the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? Do you fix your bed first? Do you even pray first before leaving the bed? Or is it right to say that the first thing that you do in the morning is to check your phone and see if there are notifications from your friends through Facebook and Twitter? Am I guessing it right?

People get used to entertainments and daily stuffs that we spend our time on. There can be a lot of ways how to entertain yourself and have fun and people nowadays are so much into technologies and gadgets like it becomes a part of our daily routine, thus, distorting the appropriate and usual routine without these stuffs.

It's becoming a viral in our society to say "Are you online?" and everything about online stuffs. Why? Why do we go online? What do we get from going online? Because we know that we have a lot of stuffs to do when we go online specifically on Facebook. We go online to see our notifications from what?

UP JMA ADHOC 2014: Save The Date for the Biggest College Party in the Metro

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"What made it special: The only party that can beat AdHoc is another AdHoc. Last August's AdHoc Seek Avidity broke all records known in partying in the Philippines. Imagine 15,000 people dancing tirelessly with free flowing drinks all night? That's a recipe for party of unheard of proportions! That's like 3 Sonic Carnivals all in one venue! There is no bigger party in the Philippines than AdHoc and we can't wait till the next one happening this Feburary 2014."- Guestlist.ph

Just when you thought you've had the best, it gets better. Experience it all in one night at the biggest college party in the Metro!

Better get ready for the another chart-topping party of the year this February! Lose yourself to the music and let's make this fleeting moment last forever! We'll run where lights won't chase us! We'll put our hands up like the ceiling can't hold us.

Save the date 02.22.14
ADHOC by UP JMA

MATA Expo Is Coming for the 2nd Time to the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In February 4, 2012, MATA EXPO Philippines was held in the World Trade Center, Pasay City. Where in over 3,000 guests attended to support the "Equal Communication Rights for the Deaf" advocacy and raise funds for the VRS (Video Relay Service) project for the Deaf.

This event showcased over 100 booths, performances by Deaf visual artists, Deaf dancers and ended the program with a rock show featuring the country's top rock bands. Funds gathered from this event went to the construction of VRS stations in different areas in Manila.

This year, "Global MATA EXPO Philippines" will be held on February 8, 2014 at One Esplanade in Pasay City.

You are invited to MATA EXPO Philippines! Cosplay, Arts & Fashion Shows plus Food Fest and International Wrestling Show.

ASUS Announces ZenFone 4, ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 6

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ASUS today announced ZenFone, a brand-new high-value smartphone series that offers a choice of screen sizes from 4 to 6 inches and is available in an array of striking colors — meaning there’s a ZenFone for everyone.

ZenFone also introduces ZenUI, a sublime new user interface that’s exclusive to ASUS smart devices. With simplified icons and menus, a selection of themes beautifully designed to match the device colors and a clever What’s Next feature that helps users keep track of their lives, ZenUI is the irresistible front end of these irresistible new devices — and proof that fantastic functionality can have a friendly face.

Celebrity Endorsers: Believable or Fake Brainwashers?

Wazzup Pilipinas!


Almost in every advertisement, a famous celebrity’s face can be seen. On flyers, T.V. commercials, billboards, a celebrity is always the endorser. But is it really effective to use the product they advertise or are we just being convinced to buy the product because the endorser is our favorite celebrity?

Whether we admit it or not, many of us buy a product because the endorser is our favorite celebrity. And most of the product isn’t really as effective as said in the advertisements. Sometimes people get eager to use the same product their favorite celebrity is using, thinking that they will become like them when in fact a celebrity endorsing a product was mainly hired mostly for business basis only. And in many cases the celebrity endorsers themselves do not use the products they endorse (or it will be the first time they'll be using them).

Take for example "mestiza" celebrities promoting whitening beauty products. They were only chosen because they already have fairly white and smooth skin. It is very unlikely that a brand will choose and dark-skinned celebrity and invest time and money to make her use their products and turn white after a few usage.

Paskotitap for a Pascian

Wazzup Pilipinas!

One of the most awaited competitions for the school year is the so called “Paskotitap”. Paskotitap is a combination of parade and contest that is held every December in the city of Pasig wherein different schools are given a chance to show case their talents and skills in the field of dancing.

It has always been a challenge for everyone to perform their best and give it all they have. Even before December has begun so much preparations has been done. From the props, the costumes and up to the choreography of the dance, everything required so much time.

Though it was hard for most of us we still pushed through with it and did everything we could. We help each other out and made sure that no one was behind. And when the night of the competition has finally arrived, everyone was nervous. This is our night and it’s our time to shine.

Dasmarinas Village Association Replaces Security Agency But Absorbs Guards Involved in the Binay Controversy

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Update on Dasmariñas Village (Banyan Gate) Guards vs Mayor Binay issue: The security agency was fired. The involved guards were absorbed by the replacing agency. I love this. I hope Binays get the message. Hah!"- Clinton Balud

It was reported that effective January 19, the Right Eight Security Agency will now be replaced by First Eagle Security Agency, the winning bidder who will now be guarding the Dasmarinas Village in Makati. The guards involved will be absorbed by the latter.

For those unaware, the former security agency were involved in a sort of a stand-off with Junjun Binay, the current Mayor of Makati, and his convoy bodyguards who forcefully tried to use a village gate during the wee hours of the night. It was said that the security guards did not recognized the personalities involved and were just upholding their duty at the village to keep that particular gate closed.

If the news were accurate, the level of arrogance the Binay clan is exhibiting is quite alarming. This is much worse than wang-wang.

Rose Fostanes Wins As Grand Winner of X-Factor Israel

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Pinay caregiver Rose "Osang" Fostanes wins as the grand winner of X-Factor Israel.

Osang, who hails from Taguig City, is the lead vocalist of a band who performs in a small bar in Tel Aviv, according to her fan page in Facebook. She wowed everyone with the very controversial song "My Way" which led to a standing ovation applause to the delight of the crowd and even the X-Factor Israel judges.

Many of the Filipinos, especially her relatives from Taguig City, who tuned in to the show until the announcement of the winner, were very proud of their fellow Filipino who has been hailed as another Susan Boyle, Scottish singer who won in Britain's Got Talent, a reality competition program in the United Kingdom also created by Simon Cowell, the former “American Idol” judge who also started “The X-Factor” franchise.

Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar: True Foodies Craving for Authentic Mexican Food Should Celebrate

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The restaurant may have been named after the smallest breed of dog in the world but you'll be surprise how big their dishes are in both serving and taste!

We got to try some of their dishes (especially the Nachos that were served on what looks like an aluminum container bowl used to feed dogs - Wow!) a few weeks ago, and still craving for more opportunities to visit again and try the rest of their menu.

The Chihuahua Mexican Grill and Margarita Bar offers its customers Tex-Mex specialties, accompanied by great choices of drinks and, surprisingly, a dessert, that are truly deserving of multiple visits.

It's a great place to bring your friends and "barkada" for a night of hanging around while enjoying satisfying treats in a cool ambiance.

Mabuhay Festivals 2014: Celebrating Philippine Regions!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Last January 13 marked the launch of Mabuhay Restop’s MABUHAY FESTIVALS, where different Philippine regions will be celebrated every month, through MUSIC, DANCE, FOOD, VISUAL ARTS, PRODUCTS, & TOURIST ATTRACTIONS. The first three (3) regions to be highlighted are Central Luzon, Eastern Visayas, and Davao Region.

The guests were warmly welcomed by the bamboo instrumental music of the Tatalon Angklung Choir and festive songs by Mabuhay Restop’s young singers.

After a rousing introduction by Mabuhay Restop owner, Rose Cabrera, a glimpse of the monthly MABUHAY FESTIVALS REGIONAL SHOWS was given by the indomitable Mitch Valdes who sang a rearranged version of Ryan Cayabyab’s “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” in 7 dialects with Andy Bais and Dulce Punzalan who did the translation.

WD My Passport Slim : Hardware Review While Watching The Walking Dead

Wazzup Pilipinas!

More than 24 Gb of files (movies, apps, documents, etc.,) transferred within 12 minutes. Was that fast enough?

That was one of the questions I asked myself after testing out the WD My Passport Slim portable external drive. That's actually 2 GB per minute. Well, that was the resulting speed when I transferred the said files from my desktop computer to the WD My Passport Slim....and the similar speed vice versa.

I waited for around 12 minutes for the process to complete. Waiting was done while I was watching the mid season finale of The Walking Dead where several terrible things happened and left two main characters dead.

Brighter Vision for the Future

Wazzup Pilipinas! 

As students, we are just relying on our parents or guardian, and we, young citizens of the Philippines are not that open to the idea of being "independent" when we hit 18 years old just like what teenagers do in the United States. Attending Money Expo's seminar made me think of the advantages of earning  money even though I'm not yet in the legal age.

The seminar introduced us to the idea of stocks, being introduced into something that big is quite overwhelming. At first, I thought that the seminar is not suitable for our age because, again, we are not yet allowed to do business and things that are connected to that because we are underage, but one thing that I learned after the seminar is that, while we are still young, we should have a brighter vision of what we must do when we are already able to do this kinds of things, we should save money and prepare for entering business.

Also, we should invest in things that would not make us tired or let others work for us. Common denominator with us Filipinos versus other nationalities is that, we dream to be employees right after we graduate while other nationalities dream of being employers. There's a big difference between those things.  

Contributed by: Lois Baguio