Havoc 2014: Witness the Mayhem!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Let the cold draught of February set the laser light-filled battlefields for the BIGGEST, GRANDEST, and MOST ANTICIPATED party in the South happening on Thursday at 7 pm, February 6, 2014 at Java Avenue! 

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 2014 offers. 

Witness the mayhem for only Php 180 inclusive of 2 beers + unli mixed drinks + welcoming shot provided by Jose Cuervo. 

Vhong Navarro Molested A Student at BGC Condo?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"As much as I feel bad for Vhong, something's not adding up. Ilang araw na ang nakaraan since the incident pero hindi pa din naglalabas ng malinaw na detalye ang kampo ni Vhong. Meron ba silang itinatago? Puwede rin kasing hindi ito simpleng extortion case. Hindi naman s'ya sasaktan ng mga taong 'yun ng walang mabigat na dahilan. Maaaring may mga "nasagasaan" din s'ya o may mabigat na atraso. Sino 'yung babae na 'yun? Ano'ng relationship n'ya kay Vhong? Ano'ng ginagawa ni Vhong sa condo na 'yun? Anyway, get well soon sa kanya." - Rad Macapagal

I've read from an article at GMA News Online that Vhong Navarro allegedly tried to molest a 22 year old lady student at a condominium in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). It says that there was a blotter at the Southern Police District at BGC documenting the incident signed by Ferdinand Navarro - Vhong's real name outside showbizness.

The article says that Vhong was taken in under citizen's arrest by the the lady victims' friends who caught Vhong in the act.

Below is the news reported in Tagalog:

Wazzup Pilipinas Awarded as Most Outstanding Filipino Community Blog Site of 2013

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Wazzup Pilipinas wins as Most Outstanding Filipino Community Blog Site of 2013, a national award conferred by the National Customers' Choice Annual Awards for Business Excellence "for its excellence in company reputation, experience, brand integrity, product quality, and trust in customers' service.

The awarding ceremonies was held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers' Club (AFP-COC) Tejeros Hall located inside Camp Aguinaldo Quezon City last Friday, January 23, 2014.

Several companies that were recognized as excelling in their respective businesses from many different categories attended the grand event. Companies responsible for popular brands like Fila, EQ Diapers, and many others. Notable personalities that were also awarded were Vice Mayor of Manila Isko Moreno and Senator Chiz Escudero.

Special guest speaker and performer, as well as an awardee, was comedienne and stage performer Giselle Sanchez. Also providing entertainment were The Angelos, and the Halili Cruz Ballet Company dancers.

A Thousand Meals for UP Tacloban Benefit Concert

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Congress of Teachers and Educators for Nationalism and Democracy (CONTEND) in the University of the Philippines Diliman will be launching a campaign dubbed as “A Thousand Meals for UP Tacloban” through a benefit concert on January 30, 2014 at the UP Diliman Amphitheater.

“A Thousand Meals for UP Tacloban” campaign aims to address the needs of UP Tacloban students and staff who were devastated by Typhoon Yolanda last November 8, 2013. This activity is in response to the call to continuously and consistently support the survivors after the initial phase of relief operations last year. In fact, the survivors need more support and assistance of all members of the community at this time.

Primarily, this event is a fund-raising drive to provide meals to UP Tacloban students and staff. It is also a venue to raise the level of awareness of the community regarding the issues and concerns after the disaster and the challenges ahead.

Escol-Tara: Reliving Manila's Once Fabled Premier Street

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This coming Sunday, January 26, Heritage Conservation Society - Youth (HCS-Y) will be conducting a special, FREE walking tour in Escolta, Manila dubbed as "Escol-Tara: Reliving Manila's Once Fabled Premier Street".

The tour will feature the heritage buildings in the historic site in order to promote the conservation of Escolta. Joining the tour will be a team from China Central Television (CCTV) which will feature Escolta in one of their shows. This will be aired worldwide.

The HCS-Y is the youth arm of the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS). They aim to involve the Filipino youth in the appreciation and preservation of built heritage as an intrinsic part of our national and cultural identity. They advocate adaptive reuse as an alternative to demolishing old heritage sites. The organization focuses on educating other young people towards heritage awareness and preservation through advocacy projects, workshops, talks and art initiatives.

It's "Complicated" at the Lopez Museum and Library

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"It's Complicated", a phrase popularized by social media, has become the catch all for all undefined and problematic relationships typical of the post-modern world. Seeing parallels between these and the complex relationship of the Philippines with its colonial pasts, the Lopez Museum and Library, in partnership with Tin-aw Art Gallery, opens its first exhibit for the year, Complicated on February 21, 2014 featuring commissioned works by guest artists Mike Adrao, Leslie de Chavez, and Ea Torrado, juxtaposed with works by Juan Luna, Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, Juvenal Sanso, Bencab, Ang Kiukok, Jerry Elizalde Navarro and other artworks from the Lopez Museum collection.

Mike Adrao's charcoal on paper works collectively titled "Colony" comprise of intricately ornamented, larger-than-life anthropomorphic pillars and delicately drawn insects whose patterns were researched from the Lopez Library collection. Representing various forms of colonization our country has undergone, his works reference the interplay of our living culture and those of the colonizers that have reached our shores. Several of these pieces were selected for the curated "platform exhibits" representing Southeast Asian art trajectories in the recently concluded Art Stage 2014 in Singapore.

Leslie de Chavez presents several installations and paintings that focus on colonization, not just as the context of our history, but as an ongoing process in which we are very much a part of. Known for his acerbic cultural commentary, his works take a critical stance that aims to jolt audiences to reflexivity, awareness, and realization. One work in particular is created in reaction to the museum's collection of Per Pacem et Libertatem (For Peace and Liberty) studies.

Problema ng mga Katulad Ko: "Bakit Sobrang Pogi Ko Talaga?"

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Are you being troubled by your "kagwapuhan" or "kapogian"? Do you always find yourself the center of attraction because of your very pleasing personality na "artistahin"? Do you simply light up the room and believe you're the "life of the party" because everyone flocked into the event or party all because you were coming? Is the biggest question in your life "Bakit sobrang pogi ko talaga?"

Here is an obvious satire video made for the Victory church on Love Cam about Xandrino Mangunay, a graduate from De La Salle University - College of St. Benilde (DLSU-CSB), who previously complains about his super good looks, but then learned to accept his so called very unfortunate fate after joining the Victory church youth ministry.

"If this is a strategy of Victory church to gain more followers, naku po bakit naman ganun? sana yung may cancer na gumaling, baka mas ok pa" commented Arpee Lazaro who finds the video a bit distracting. "Putangina, joke ba to? I felt like getting a shotgun and hunting this jerk down. the humor escapes me. God I wish this was all a joke." he earlier said as posted on his Facebook status.

Frozen Soundtracks Translated Into Tagalog: Bumitaw and Gusto Mo Gumawa ng Taong Nyebe?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Thanks to YouTube user Silverrainxyz for the great Tagalized (translated in Tagalog version) "Frozen" movie soundtracks.

Like almost everyone I was deeply impressed with the Disney movie about the "Ice Queen"? The story about two sisters and the seemingly curse of a power that somehow made their relationship as "cold" as snow. Well I believe every Disney fan out there has seen the movie already so I really don't have to discuss what happened between the two.

I'm now impressed with the quality of the translated "Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?" into "Gusto mo Gumawa ng Taong Nyebe?" There's another one "Let It Go" by Idina Menzel, or was it Demi Lovato?, that was also translated in Tagalog though he didn't translated the title to Pinoy words. DisneyDubAmy, another YouTube user translated it as "Bumitaw" and she even posted the lyrics and download link online. Another one, Jay D, made lyrics translated as "Ilabas Mo"

"Honestly I'm not really confident with my translations, trip ko lang sya gawin ^_^
I based this to Hyorin's ver. a bit. I don't intend to destroy the lyrics or anything, napagkatuwaan ko lang pong gawin syang tagalog at i-share po dito. I own nothing but my voice and my crappy translyrics. No copyright infringement intended."- Silverrainxyz

Jeanne Lim Napoles Executes Affidavit for Tax Evasion Case

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"The daughter of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles on Friday finally answered the P32-million tax evasion complaint filed against her by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in the Department of Justice last year. She executed the affidavit in London before Philippine Consul General Senen Mangalile, a DOJ staffer said." - Inquirer.net

Well, well the pork daughter has finally surfaced after some little respite from the scrutiny and public scorn. And now she is in London? Obviously the money stashed is still there kept in her personal vault. Poor Pinoy, London is only visited in a dream!!!!

We can only assume Jeanne Lim Napoles moved from the US to the UK because of the extradition treaty between RP and the former. Just wondering why RP's consul general in London did not confiscate her Philippine passport if she is indeed still a Filipino citizen because of a pending case of her mother and the fact that she might be holding the key to the "fruits of their labor" abroad?

The Attic Bazaar: Where Decades Collide

Wazzup Pilipinas!

From the organizers of Soleil, Seoularis, and Times Square Fashion Bazaar, now on its 28th year, the Business Management Society of De La Salle University presents to you: “The Attic Bazaar: Where Decades Collide”.

Little by little the past is making a comeback. We see how old inspires new. The ingenuity of people drives them to recreate something from the past and make it entirely their own. Old fads are continually being revamped to suit the needs and tastes of society today. Iconic elements in fashion, food, and entertainment from various eras are being revived and reworked with modern touches to produce something original, yet still reminiscent of the past. Though this bazaar, we bring you the throwback of the century.

With its modern vintage theme, the Attic Bazaar is a place where people can revisit the past. With over a hundred concessionaires, one will truly be able to have a unique shopping experience. It’s definitely a treasure trove where you’ll be able to buy great finds. There will also be a series of events such as fashion shows, live performances, and many more that are in line with the “old meets new” concept.

Vhong Navarro Badly Mauled at a Condo in the Fort

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Si Vhong Navarro ay naimbitihan sa isang condominium unit sa Fort ng isang kaibigang babae. At sa di pa malamang kadahilanan, siya ay piniringan, pinagtulungang bugbugin, ginapos, tinakot, at hinihingan ng pera ng isang grupo ng kalalakihan noong January 22, Miyerkules." - Chito Rono

Chito Rono, his manager, earlier confirmed that Vhong Navarro is in a terribly bad condition after suffering from bruises brought about by his attackers at a party where he was invited by a lady friend at her condominium somewhere at The Fort in Bonifacio Global City last January 22, 2014.

We first heard all about it on Twitter and now we got confirmation that our favorite "Totoy Bibo" was mauled and badly beaten by a group of men. It was said that there were six unidentified asailants who triied to extort money from Vhong. Navarro was tied up, blindfolded and beaten up. The actor and "It's Showtime" TV host may undergo an operation for the injuries he sustained from the incident. Photos of the badly beaten actor’s face circulated in social media immediately after the news became viral. Many of his fellow cast members from the noontime show posted their sympathetic reactions on social media.

Above is the photo sent by the actor, host and comedian to ‪ABS-CBN‬. Let's pray for ‪Vhong Navarro‬ and his fast recovery. Also below is another photo showing how the bruises are already looking worst.

Saving the Life of a Child Thanks to My Red Cross Training

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This is a heart-warming and a must share story we read from a Facebook user about his experience saving a child who drown at a beach somewhere in Anawangin, Zambales just this month. It was because of his  basic RED CROSS training in CPR and the likes that he was able to save the life of the child.

"Isang araw sa Anawangin, Zambales last January 11, 2014. Barkada beach outing habang nag-iihaw sa beach-front sa cottage namin.. ng biglang may nagtakbuhan na mga tao papunta sa dagat... sunod nito ay sunod-sunod na ang sigawan "May nalunod, may nalunod!!!" (akala ko tinatawag ako sa apelyido ko..NULUD) sunod nito ay tinawag ako ng mga kaibigan ko "Pare may nalunod... may batang nalunod! di ba nag training ka sa RED CROSS?" 

Kahit hirap akong tumakbo.. eh bigla itong bumilis.. papunta sa nagtutumpukang tao sa pangpang.. at may nagsasalita na. "o tabi tabi..tabi kayo jan may nurse dito.. may RED CROSS volunteer dito" at bumungad sa akin ang batang walang malay.. tirik ang mata..lawet ang dila.. namumutla...At nakabaliktad na bata.. hawak ng mga bangkero sa paa ang biktima at saka itinataktak ito ng paulit-ulit dali dali kong nilapitan at nakialam na din ako...

"Kuya mali yang ginagawa ninyo... asan ang kamag anak nitong bata? pwede ba kong tumulong?" walang sumasagot ganun pa man ay ginawa ko na ang pumasok sa aking isip.. HINDE AKO BOARD PASSER, at HINDI AKO PERPEKTO SA CPR.  HINDI RIN AKO YUNG ESTUDYANTENG MAGALING sa KLASE.... bahala na si Lord! 

Guerilla Race Series: The First Extreme Obstacle Course Racing in the Philippines!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The first and only obstacle racing series within Philippine territories, Guerilla Race Inc. is proud to launch the Guerilla Race Series, targeting over 2,000 athletes and race aficionados, and nearly as many spectators, all set to participate in this launch event alone at Nuvali Estates, Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Santa Rosa, Laguna. Registration is now open for those who are interested in joining the Guerilla Race Series. This is a benefit race. With its guerilla mission to embark on corporate social responsibility, Guerilla Race Inc. supports the H.E.R.O. Foundation through its launch of the Guerilla Sprint-Nuvali which marks the beginning of the races.

The Guerilla Race Series is the first obstacle-driven race series of its kind in the Philippines. Developed by a Philippine Army scout ranger, this race is meant to test the participants’ limits in terms of endurance of body, presence of mind and resilience of spirit. It offers a progressive race course, with four venues of varying distances and difficulty levels. Each leg of the series is devised with terrain-inspired or venue specific obstacles, all guaranteed to surprise the participants and to ignite their sense for strategy.

Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival 2014: More Artists Announced

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Malasimbo is an adventurous grass roots experience with essence focusing on MUSIC, ARTS, the ENVIRONMENT and the INDIGENOUS PEOPLE. The festival blends traditional and contemporary arts and culture together with music performances while working towards the protection and sustainability of the environment."

The 2nd announcement to add to the previous list of artists participating in the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival are Good Leaf, Mishka Adams, Badkiss, Erwin Edralin, Jungle Boys & Mark Zero! Excited also to announce Afrobeat Reggae legends Kooii and the Vocal Harmony vibes of The Melotonins, as well as their very own Malasimbo Sextet! 

Final announcement will be out on the 1st week of February! This means more artists to be announced soon!!!

We are so excited for the festival happening in Puerto Galera on February 27 to March 3, 2014.

Value for Money Real Estate Developments in Metro Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Metro Manila has emerged as one of the top five real estate investment destinations in Asia-Pacific, according to the Emerging Trends in Real Estate Asia-Pacific 2014 report published by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The report, covering 23 urban areas in Asia-Pacific, showed Metro Manila went up eight places from the previous year to rank fourth in terms of investment prospects for real estate. Metro Manila placed eighth in terms of development prospects. Rankings of city investment prospects showed Tokyo on top, followed by Shanghai, Jakarta, and Manila in fourth spot. Sydney followed in fifth spot with Guangzhou, Singapore, Beijing, Osaka and Shenzhen rounding out the top 10. The rankings are based on the survey and personal interviews of 250 of the most influential leaders in the real estate industry.

“Manila is among the big movers in the survey given the success in the impact of the BPO (business process outsourcing) and strong GDP (gross domestic product) growth,” said ULI chief executive for Asia Pacific John Fitzgerald during the launch of the report.

Investors are now more aware that the problems long associated with lack of transparency and governance issues in the country have improved. “The country also benefits from a young demographic, strong capital inflows from local citizens working overseas, and a workforce with a cultural affinity with the West,” the report read.

In this light, we would like to present to you eight (8) value for money affordable developments in Metro Manila¹s booming real estate market

Shang Salcedo Place: One of the Best Investment Propositions in the Country

Wazzup Pilipinas!

From the Shang Properties, Inc., an affiliate of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, world-renowned owner and developer of the most illustrious properties in the Philippines like One Shangri-la Place, The St. Francis Shangri-La Place, The Shang Grand Tower, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, The Enterprise Center, Makati, Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa comes another prestigious address ... the Shang Salcedo Place!

Shang Salcedo Place is the newest highly prestigious offering of the world class Shangri La ­ Kuok Brand perched along the posh neighborhood of Salcedo Village along the Makati CBD. It is an affordable world class quality condo in Makati's most prime location.

Located along the streets of Sen. Gil Puyat (Buendia), Tordesillas and H.V. de la Costa, moving around by foot or by car is a breeze, and commuting options are fast and hassle-free.

From Shang Salcedo Place, business, commercial and medical establishments within Makati Central Business District are easily accessible. The Ateneo Professional Schools and Mapua Institute of Technology-Makati Campus are just a few steps away.

This luxury high-rise residential development is brought to you by Shang Properties, Inc. and Kerry Properties Limited, one of Hong Kong's largest property investment and development.

Five of the Best Real Estate Developments in Makati City

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Makati is the city that makes it all happen. This is the country's leading city and the place to be for business, lifestyle, entertainment, and culture.

The Make It Makati initiative gives us a new, fun, and easy way of looking at the city. By defining distinct districts with their own vibrant personas, the campaign helps bring people, places, and events together for the best Makati experience possible.

If ever you are a businessman who wants to stay in the Philippines for a long period of time, then Makati is the place to reside. This place is the center of all things within Metro Manila and though expensive, it is the most ideal place to get a condominium residence to provide convenience on your daily "ins and outs" within and nearby the very busy business districts of the Philippines.

We are very pleased to introduce to you 5 of the best vevelopments across the High End, Upscale and Affordable market segments located in Makati City.

Top Four Reasons Why You Should Invest in the Vita Tower

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The long wait is finally over!

It is with great pleasure and utmost excitement that we present to you the very first residential tower in Vertis North, Ayala Land's first grand-scale, mixed-use sustainable master planned city center in the heart of Quezon City, located within the Trinoma Complex.

1. The Ayala Land Brand: The country’s leading and most trusted developer continues its legacy of highly acclaimed and well established communities. Over the years, Ayala Land communities are known for its excellent property management and continuous commitment to enhance their master planning thus making their developments appreciate in value over time. By enhancing the lives of their residents through continuous improvements of their communities, they continue to enrich your hard earned investment.

2. Flagship Development: The Vita marks the entry of affordable Ayala Land developments in Quezon City’s newest prime destination. Being its first development, it is envisioned to be the benchmark of future developments by which other projects will be compared. Ayala Land carries a strong commitment to ensure the delivery of this community will far exceed expectations. For every master planned community that Ayala Land has developed over the years, the first development has always been very special and highly acclaimed. The track record will speak for itself.

The Problem with the Privilege Speech: Tamaan Na Ng Kidlat ang Bumitiw!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The problem with the so-called "privilege speech" at the Senate or Congress is that a lawmaker can go on and on and on for long hours without anybody able to question the many discrepancies, loopholes and incompleteness within their often dramatic and seemingly teleserye-inspired stories.

They're not really after the truth. They are only asking for sympathy! - at a free media coverage event for the whole world to see!

When the were supposed to bring out evidence proving them innocent of the crime being accused to them, they will instead try to make you cry and feel sorry for them. They will make it look like they are the underdog being persecuted, being bullied, being trampled upon.

Winning a WD My Cloud Personal Cloud Storage During the Media Launch

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Finally, a cloud of my own! Thank you WD for my raffle prize!

From a 500 Gb My Passport Air to a 3 Tb My Cloud Personal Cloud Storage - that's a big leap for my storage requirement needs. Just what I really need for my ever growing collection of personally taken photos and videos that I've accumulated throughout the past months as a blogger. I don't need anymore to keep my shots to a minimum due to lack of storage on my drives.

I can now save everything! No more deleting less favored shots due to storage shortage. What's even more pleasing is that I can now even access my files from anywhere using any of my gadgets with my new tech toy!

With direct file uploads from my mobile devices, all my important data is safely stored at home on my personal cloud. I can now save everything in one place and access it anywhere with blazing-fast performance.

An Enchanted Evening with Jonathan Badon

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Internationally acclaimed tenor and classical pop artist Jonathan Badon, also known as the "Josh Groban of the Philippines" and the Prince of Popera, is performing "An Enchanted Evening" on January 30, 2014 7 pm at the Teatrino in Promenade, Greenhills, San Juan City.

Jonathan has a bachelor’s degree in Music in Voice from the University of the Philippines College of Music. An Aliw Awardee for Best Male Classical Performer in 2004 and Best Global Pinoy Performer  in 2010, he is the ultimate cross-over artist in his transition from classical to pop singing. He can easily switch his singing style from classic opera to pop or vice versa.

Jonathan, also a composer and arranger, won the grand prize in the AFP National Songwriting Contest for "Dugong Pilipino."

Jonathan has traveled the world performing in major cultural festivals and with renowned orchestras and played lead roles in musicals (“Les Miserables”, “Camelot”, “Westside Story”), operas (“Candide”, “Tales of Hoffman”, “La Traviata”), oratorios, zarzuelas and done concerts in United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. He is consistently the top choice to represent the Philippines in different musical competitions.

Hennessy Artistry Manila Halo: Musical Collaboraton of Both Local and International Talents

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Don’t miss your chance to step into the biggest Hennessy party of the year happening on Friday at 8 pm January 24 at the SM Aura Samsung Hall, Bonifacio Global City!

Hennessy Artistry Manila Halo is the biggest party event of the year to bring you a night of exceptional musical collaboration of both local and international talents namely Kimkat, Timomatic, Urbandub, Jessica Milner, Motherbasss and Nicole Asensio.

To perform also are Ira Cruz, DJ David Ardiente, DJ Ron Poe, DJ Emel Rowe, DJ Cammy V and Deuce Manila.

Hennessy Artistry is a famed global music campaign to promote the art of mixing various genres and blending the talents of the world's top artists. Every trademark Hennessy Artistry event is an evening pure unification; mixing sound, visual innovation and drinking experiences from around the world.

Each event features some of the most cutting edge and formidable names in music today. 

Globaltronics Presents the National Digital Arts Awards 2014

Wazzup Pilipinas!

March 1 is just around the corner so if I were you, I’ll be readying myself for the biggest digital arts awards in the country.

Aspiring participants, time to show the world what you've got. This is the time to make a difference. Globaltronics presents a bigger and better National Digital Arts Awards (NDAA) for 2014.The NDAA is considered as the biggest award-giving body that seeks to recognize the top digital artists in the Philippines. It was launched by Globaltronics on November, 2012 in conjunction with its 10th year anniversary as an advocacy that aims to highlight the skills and talents of young digital artists in the Philippines.

The NDAA seeks not only to recognize the talents of the artists but also to showcase the capabilities of the local digital art community. Globaltronics sees the potential of homegrown artists and the company believes that given the chance, the Filipino talent can excel globally.

Graphika Manila 2014: Conference on Creativity

Wazzup Pilipinas!

If you are creative at heart, passionate about design or are one who appreciates the arts, you are very welcome to attend Graphika Manila.

Graphika Manila is the premiere multimedia and graphic design event in the Philippines. Since 2006, Graphika Manila has attracted over 16,000 design students and professionals and is now hailed as one of the most influential multimedia events in the country. It is the biggest creative gathering in the Philippines, with close to 3000 attendees every year.

As it celebrates its ninth year running, Graphika Manila once more brings together Manila’s creative minds to listen to inspiring stories and celebrate the works of the best multimedia and graphic designers from the Philippines and from around the globe.

Simply put it as a creative symposium with speakers from different fields of the creative arts. The conference focuses on the creative side of design rather than technology.

Fadal Manila X Ash Reginald : Portraiture Exhibit

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A portrait is typically defined as a representation of a specific individual, such as the artist might meet in life. A portrait does not merely record someone's features, however, but says something about who he or she is, offering a vivid sense of a real person's presence. Each portrait is thus meant to express individual identity but it also "seeks to bring out whatever the sitter has in common with the rest of humanity."

Portraiture is a sense of reality, an apparent intention to depict the unique appearance of a particular person.

Portraiture Exhibit is a 2014 kick-off fashion collaboration exhibit of Fadal Manila & Ash Reginald Evasco | Photographer showcasing the iconic personalities of music, film, fashion and arts personified by the fabulous drag queen divas !!!

Save the date and see your favorite icons relived in a photography exhibit entitled Portraiture this January 28, Tuesday at URBN Bar & Kitchen, at The Fort !

Malolos City Bike Festival 2014: Celebrating 115 Years of the First Philippine Republic

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Its huge! Its beautiful! Best of all it will open its doors to all of us cyclists and beautiful bicycles all over the metro on the Jan. 25 and 26!

Our Proud Historic Event Host will be, The Malolos Sports and Convention Center in Malolos City.

This Historic Bike Festival Event host now celebrates 115 yrs of the First Republic of the Philippines which was held in Malolos City in 1899.

The fun, food and entertaiment Bike Festival will be held in the newly built Malolos Sports and Convention Center and shall open its doors to all the cycling communities, bike clubs and bicycle collectors and enthusiasts.

Malolos City will proudly host its sports and convention centers modern amenities and its fully air-conditioned festival area for the 2 day fun bike festival.

Cook Out 2 Help Out: Rebuilding Visayas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Looking for a good reason to break your diet this week? Look no further.

Some of the country’s top toques led by Lusso’s Margarita Fores and Antonio’s Tony Boy Escalante, will be flipping burgers once again at "Cook Out 2 Help Out: Rebuilding Visayas", for the benefit of the rebuilding efforts of Habitat for Humanity, for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda.

This repeat of the very successful, “Cook out to Help Out” which was held last November 2013 at Rockwell’s Power Plant Mall, will again be staged on January 24, 25, and 26 at the Powerplant Mall’s Plaza Drive located at the open air area, across Hatch 22, Starbucks and Cibo.

Every ticket holder is entitled to one free burger, fries, and drink for Php300.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical is the feel-good international hit sensation! 

Adapted from the 1994 movie about three Australian drag queens on an epic road trip through the outback, Priscilla is the heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they could have dreamed of.

Priscilla combines the campy sentimentality about drag life epitomized by “La Cage Aux Folles” with a singalong soundtrack spanning a bewildering array of pop from at least three decades.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical is the feel-good international hit sensation! Based on the smash hit movie, Priscilla is the heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they could have dreamed of. With a dazzling array of costumes and a hit parade of dance-floor favorites, this wildly fresh and funny new musical is a journey to the heart of FABULOUS.

Multi award-winner, Priscilla has already been seen by over 2.5 million people and grossed in excess of $250 million.

Priscilla features 20 full-length scale production numbers and a sensational song list featuring classic disco hits including: Don’t Leave Me This Way, I Will Survive, Finally, I Love The Nightlife, Color My World and Shake Your Groove Thing. With over spectacular costumes, extraordinary headdresses, stunning scenery, and a customized bus as its sparkling centerpiece, Priscilla is a must see spectacular, and it’s coming to the Newport Performing Arts Theater this summer 2014! - See more at: http://www.rwmanila.com/events/priscilla-queen-desert-musical#.dpuf

Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical is the feel-good international hit sensation! Based on the smash hit movie, Priscilla is the heart-warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they could have dreamed of. With a dazzling array of costumes and a hit parade of dance-floor favorites, this wildly fresh and funny new musical is a journey to the heart of FABULOUS.

Multi award-winner, Priscilla has already been seen by over 2.5 million people and grossed in excess of $250 million.

Priscilla features 20 full-length scale production numbers and a sensational song list featuring classic disco hits including: Don’t Leave Me This Way, I Will Survive, Finally, I Love The Nightlife, Color My World and Shake Your Groove Thing. With over spectacular costumes, extraordinary headdresses, stunning scenery, and a customized bus as its sparkling centerpiece, Priscilla is a must see spectacular, and it’s coming to the Newport Performing Arts Theater this summer 2014! - See more at: http://www.rwmanila.com/events/priscilla-queen-desert-musical#.dpuf

As in the movie a Sydney drag performer, Tick, professionally and personally known as Mitzi, receives a stern summons from Marion, the wife he left back in the sticks, who is determined to bring about a meeting between Tick and the son he has never known.

Selfie: How to Create Meaningful Personal Brand

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Philippine Junior Marketing Association’s biggest event of the year is here!

Mad World 2014 entitled, “Selfie: How to create meaningful Personal Brand," is coming your way this Feb. 02 at the SMX Convention Center!

It is PJMA’s annual convention for budding marketing professionals all over the country. Through this event, PJMA has constantly given its best, year after year, to provide the students the perfect venue to learn the current trends in the ever-changing world of advertising and marketing.

Only the best among the big names in Marketing and Advertising in the Philippines are invited to transform the ordinary you to the extraordinary! How? By helping you create your own unique branding!

August: Osage County

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Be prepared ! An electrifying theatrical work of art.
Coming soon ! The cast announcement of AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY.

The main characters are Beverly and Violet Weston. They are married and live in a three-story home in Oklahoma. They have three daughters by the name of Barbara, Karen and Ivy in the order of their age.

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY tells the dark, hilarious and deeply touching story of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose lives have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Midwest house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them. 

Tracy Letts' Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name made its Broadway debut in December 2007 after premiering at Chicago's legendary Steppenwolf Theatre earlier that year. It continued with a successful international run and was the winner of five Tony Awards in 2008, including Best Play. 

A film starring Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, has just been released late last year.


AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY
Opens February 21.
Onstage, Greenbelt 1.

Rak of Aegis: A Rock Comedy Musical Featuring the Songs of Aegis

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RAK OF AEGIS is a rock comedy musical using the songs of Aegis that will tackle Filipino resilience, or how the country faces and resolves compromising situations, whether this be a natural disaster or a broken heart. 

Set in a subdivision that has been flooded for two months, “Rock of Aegis” will revolve around the love interests of the main characters, whose names are derived from those of Aegis band members
as a tribute to the Filipino novelty rock group that made waves in the 90’s.
 
RAK OF AEGIS
Written by Liza Magtoto
Directed by Maribel Legarda
Musical Direction & Arrangement by Myke Salomon

JAN. 31 - MAR. 9, 2014
PETA THEATER CENTER

Call TICKETWORLD and book your tickets now !

Mark Rothko’s “Red” by John Logan

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Mark Rothko’s “Red” by John Logan is the critically acclaimed production about the abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko who was commissioned, for what might have been the equivalent of the Sistine Chapel commission, to paint a series of murals for the cutting edge Seagram Building on Park Avenue. 

But after completing the works, he mysteriously decides to keep the paintings and returns every penny of the advance. Years later, the artist donates the works to the Tate Gallery in London and on the very day it arrives at the gallery, he commits suicide.

The play introduces a fictitious assistant who engages Rothko in arguments and conversations that ultimately make us understand why Rothko might decide to withdraw his work from the commission.

Definitely not-a-miss !!!!!

Full Gallop Stars Cherie Gil as Diana Vreeland

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My Own Mann Productions, the newly-formed theater company of CHERIE GIL and Actors' Actors' Inc (AAI) proudly announces its debut offering for 2014 with “ FULL GALLOP ” a play about fashion doyenne Diana Vreeland.

Written by Mary Louise Wilson and Mark Hampton, FULL GALLOP focuses on the life of Diana Vreeland, who stood at the center of American style for five decades. 

As editor of Harper's Bazaar and Vogue magazines, and as a member of the International Cafe Society, Diana chronicled the extraordinary people and events of her time.

FULL GALLOP is a portrait of this remarkable woman at a turning point in her life. Vreeland has just returned home to New York after four months in Europe—a trip she took after being fired from Vogue magazine. She throws an impromptu dinner party in the hope that a wealthy friend who is invited will bankroll her in starting a magazine of her own. Other friends, however, attempt to persuade her to take a job at the famed Metropolitan Museum of Art. In her distinctive style, once she decides in which direction her life will move, she goes at it "full gallop."

The Sixth Ani ng Dangal Awards Night at Resorts World Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ani ng Dangal or "Harvest of Honors" is a state recognition given by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts under the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. It is an annual affair in the Philippines celebrated as a highlight of the Philippine Arts Festival. A tradition of recognizing Filipino excellence in the arts.

On February 2, 2014, all roads lead to the Ani Ng Dangal Awards Night at Resorts World Manila!

Ani Ng Dangal celebrates the achievements of Filipino artists who have been recognized elsewhere in the world. This year's roster includes Eugene Domingo, Alessandra De Rossi, Jed Madela, Merlie Alunan, Joel Torre among others. The complete list will be posted soon!

Though this is a free admission event, the public is invited to register and sign up for a seat via the online guest list to reserve a seat for the awards night. Performances will be with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra and Maestro Gerard Salonga. 

Online Application for NBI Clearance Now Available

Wazzup Pilipinas!

To those planning to get an NBI clearance today,  instead of battling it out patiently in a depressing queue, you might just want to wait a couple more days.

With the recent news about the terrible service that a lot of individuals had to endure when getting their NBI clearance, the government has finally come to its senses by offering a more convenient form of getting the much needed document especially during job application. The very slow processing resulting in the long queue of applicants were terribly disappointing. Many had to fall in line at the National Bureau of Investigation offices even earlier than 2 am just to be among the first people in line.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced in a press release dated January 23, 2014 that applicants for the NBI Clearance can now apply and fill out the complete form online.

According to the DOJ’s press release, NBI Clearance applicants can now apply and fill out the complete form at www.doj.gov.ph/nbi or www.nbi.gov.ph starting Friday, January 24, 2014. After the online registration, applicants may proceed directly to any of the 55 sites nationwide for payment and biometric enrollment for the release of the clearance.

8th Spring Film Festival at EDSA Shangri-La Plaza Mall

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Admission is free to the 8th Spring Film Festival this January 24 to February 2, 2014 at the Shang CinePlex of the  EDSA Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong brought to you by the Ateneo de Manila University Ricardo Leong Center for Chinese Studies, together with Confucius Institute and Credit Suisse, with the cooperation of Ateneo Celadon and Shangri-La Plaza.

The festival is organized every year to promote Chinese culture in the mainstream Philippine society, particularly among young Filipinos so that they may become bridges between the Philippines and China. This year’s festival features 8 movies that are close to Filipinos hearts.

The offerings for this year features eight outstanding moving tales which includes romantic comedy, family drama, historical action drama, suspense, romantic drama, and Parkour action films.

Criminals Beware: Strike Anywhere Except Davao or Suffer Death From Duterte

Wazzup Pilipinas!
“Smuggling has been going on since time immemorial and nobody really stopped it,” he said. “No amount of threats from government prosecution stopped smuggling. This has been going on and controlled by a cartel. If no one is willing to kill for the Filipinos–for the poor Filipino farmers–nothing will happen to this country.”   

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte slams against Commission on Human Rights Chair Loretta Ann Rosales and Department of Justice Secretary Laila De Lima for scrutinizing him regarding his threat to "literally" kill the suspected smugglers. He says it's about time somebody takes a stronger stand against hardened criminals.

He is sending a strong resounding message to the two ladies to please just shut up! Wow!

How about you guys? Who do you think is right? Is it high time to bring out more than just an iron fist?

DOTC Celebrates 115TH Anniversary With Start Of Two Major Infra Projects

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) celebrates its 115th founding anniversary this week with the start of two (2) major infrastructure projects: the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 (MMS 3) project and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 Rehabilitation.

“We are very happy to celebrate the DOTC’s anniversary with the start these major works. These are our gifts to the public,” said DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the P 26.59 Billion MMS 3 project was held today, 22 January 2014. This project entails a 14.82-kilometer, mostly 6-lane elevated highway extension of the Skyway from Buendia, Makati to Balintawak, Quezon City.

Top Twelve Most Dangerous Places in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

According to a Yahoo article, the Philippines ranks number one in the world for deaths caused by natural disasters. Last year, 2,360 people lost their lives in the Philippines due to natural disasters. It says that the Philippines is situated at the dead center of Typhoon Alley. Thus the typhoon Yolanda was really not so much surprising. The flooding was bound to happen, and yes, sadly,  it did to our great disappointment.

The article also says that our country rests on the unstable “Ring of Fire” where volcanoes blast forth magma from the Earth’s core, and rides earthquake prone tectonic plates as they slip against one another. It’s the most dynamic location on the planet, bar none, positively terrifying if you think too much about it.

Scary indeed to learn that we might be experiencing more than just floods, but also something more dangerous than the Pinatubo volcano disaster. Earthquakes, landslides and fires have occurred already, and it is quite alarming that we are less proactive in our efforts to prevent a huge number of fatalities and property damage. There should be more dynamic movements to avoid the unfortunate staggering figures.

However, we really do not just have to look at nature's wrath to find places in the Philippines where there are impending tragedies that are just waiting to happen...and if only our authorities will look beyond their PDAFs or pork barrel funds and become more concerned with the small yet probable sources of disasters.

Below are my Top Twelve Most Dangerous Places in the Philippines.

Mabuhay Restop Launches Festival Series

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Mabuhay Restop recently launched exciting new shows featuring various regions of the country in partnership with Department of Tourism, Gawad Kalinga , National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Local Artists , CITEM, Department of Trade and Industry in promoting local products, talents and destinations.

Mabuhay Restop’s Mabuhay Festivals is where different Philippine regions will be celebrated every month through music, dance, food, visual arts, products, and tourist attractions. The first three (3) regions to be highlighted are Central Luzon, Eastern Visayas, and Davao region.

The evening started off with an introduction by Mabuhay Restop owner, Rose Cabrera, and a beautiful performance of “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika ” sang in 7 Philippines languages – Tagalog, Hiligaynon, Cebuano, Bicolano, Ilocano, Chabacano and Maranao - by veteran performer Mitch Valdez.

The main preview of the evening was the Mabuhay Fiesta Show hosted by Thea Gloria and captures in 45-minutes the best of the Philippines – our festivals, arts, love of music and dance, tourist attractions, and our vibrant culture in general.

NCR Palarong Pambansa 2014 Kicks Off Opening Ceremonies at San Juan

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Palarong Panrehiyon of the NCR Palarong Pambansa 2014 opened up with several activities last January 20, 2014 at the Pinaglabanan Shrine located near the new San Juan City Government Center.

The Palarong Pambansa, dubbed as the "National Games, is an annual multi-sporting event involving student-athletes from seventeen (17) regions of the Philippines organized and governed by the Department of Education or DepEd.

Student-athletes from private and non-private schools from elementary and secondary levels are legitimately can joined the national event as long as they are qualified and they are regional champions.

The celebration started off with a parade at around 3 pm participated by several delegates including students, leaders and officials of the different schools from all NCR divisions including Pasig, Pateros, Taguig, Paranaque, Makati, Marikina, San Juan, Las Pinas, Caloocan, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Pasay, Valenzuela, and Quezon City.

Palarong Pambansa 2014 Will Be Held in Laguna

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Laguna was chosen as the venue of the Palarong Pambansa 2014. The Department of Education (DepEd) and Provincial Government of Laguna already signed an agreement to conduct this year's Palarong Pambansa.

Governor Emilio Ramon “ER” Ejercito Jr. of Laguna and Secretary of Education Armin Luistro signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)  which contains the duties and responsibilities of the Provincial Government of Laguna (PGL) and DepEd for running the Palarong Pambansa.

The MOU was signed at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City last January 11, 2014. DepEd Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC, DepEd Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali, and other DepEd representatives welcomed the delegation from Laguna composed of Governor Ejercito, his wife Pagsanjan Mayor Girlie “Maita” Ejercito; Provincial Administrator Atty. Leonardo M. Ragaza, Jr.; Office of the Governor’s Chief-of-Staff Carlos F. Dolendo; board members of Laguna; and PGL department heads.

Atheist Aware: Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This year, Pinoy Atheist and The Agora will launch its new program/activity called Atheist Aware to be held at Ichill Theater Cafe on January 26, Sunday at 2 pm.. This is a once a month activity that will focus more on ideas relevant to the Filipino non-believers.

In 2006, Prof. Richard Dawkins has published a book that made a lot of noise about atheism. The God Delusion is a 2006 best-selling, non-fiction book by the English biologist and professorial fellow of New College, Oxford. Dawkins was also the former holder of the Charles Simonyi Chair for the Public Understanding of Science at the University of Oxford.

In The God Delusion, Dawkins contends that a supernatural creator almost certainly does not exist and that belief in a personal god qualifies as a delusion, which he defines as a persistent false belief held in the face of strong contradictory evidence. He is sympathetic to Robert Pirsig's statement in Lila that "when one person suffers from a delusion it is called insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion it is called "religion"

Tanghalang Ateneo Presents Floy Quintos’ Break Away Antigone

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Floy Quintos’ Break Away Antigone is based on Sophocles’ classic play, the production revisits the tragic story of Oedipus’ daughter, Antigone, who defies a King’s edict by burying a brother deemed an enemy of the State. It is a tale set in a city devastated by war, now under martial rule, and played out as a musical with songs that span different genres — Broadway, Alternative, Pop and Rock.

Eminent sportscaster and columnist Bill Velasco returns to the Ateneo stage after more than 25 years and joins the cast as Oedipus, who in Sophocles’ plays unknowingly marries his mother, Yocasta. His two sons, Eteokles and Polynikes, battle each other for the throne and in combat slay each other. Creon (Brian Sy; Tarek El Tayech) takes over as King.

Keen to impose law and order amidst the chaos of a civil war, Creon issues an edict that gives the loyal Eteokles an honorable burial while Polynikes, who sided with an opposing army, is left to rot on the battlefield. Antigone (Laura Cabochan, Opaline Santos), sister to the slain brothers, witness the funeral procession honoring Eteokles, agonizing not for the Theban hero but for Polynikes, the brother she passionately loves. Grief turns to thoughts of an escape, a break away from Thebes, but not before Antigone can bury Polynikes as is expected by custom. But Creon, Antigone’s uncle, has decreed that anyone who buries Polynikes will be sentenced to death.

Ballet Philippines Presents The Art of Dance

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Widely recognized today as a cornerstone of the Filipino cultural identity, Ballet Philippines, the Phillippines' flagship company in ballet and contemporary dance, closes its successful 44th season, themed IllumiNATION, with an exceptional repertoire of breathtaking performances in The Art of Dance.

The highly anticipated season-ender presents a mixed repertoire of new and revived works from notable guest choreographers, showcasing Ballet Philippines’ acclaimed mastery of both classical and contemporary ballet. This will be shown at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati on February 14 to 16 and 21 to 23 at 3pm for the matinees and 8pm for the gala shows.

The Art of Dance takes on varied dance forms in a stunning display of technique, talent, contrast, and artistry, presenting two different shows—Day (matinee shows) and Night (evening shows). Essentially taking into consideration each program’s target audience, both shows offer completely different - yet equally-enthralling - experiences for its viewers.

Do You Hear the People Sing for the Benefit of Typhoon Yolanda Survivors

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"Do You Hear the People Sing? is the latest effort of Resorts World Manila along with Bouberg Productions, Enda Markey and the performers who waived their talent fees for those affected by the typhoon. Funds that will be raised from this production and auction will go to the rebuilding programs. The people behind the event hope to raise funds with the goal of building 200 homes."

On January 29 and 30, 2014, the creators of the international musical sensations Les Misérables and Miss Saigon will present a special concert entitled “Do You Hear the People Sing?” celebrating their work at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) in Resorts World Manila (RWM) to raise funds to offer humanitarian relief and assist the rebuilding efforts after parts of the Philippines were left devastated in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda.

Do You Hear The People Sing? is the only symphonic concert that has been authorized (and created) by Boublil & Schönberg. The concerts have played to enormous acclaim in major concert halls throughout the United States and the Asia Pacific tour of the show recently commenced in China.

Julia Barretto on the Cover of Metro Magazine February 2014 Issue

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Everything you need to know about the new season is in Metro's February Issue! On our cover is breakout star Julia Barretto, who is poised to conquer primetime with her upcoming TV series, Mira/Bella. Watch out for this issue in bookstores and newsstands this week! Photograph Melson Bolongaita. Makeup Robbie Pinera. Hair John Valle. Dress, Brian Evalle." - Metro Magazine

Admittedly the most stunning Barretto that ever come out from the clan. Though the sisters of Gretchen, Claudine, and Marjorie all deserved more than just a second look especially during their younger years, Julia is truly a breakout star.

With a very angelic face and the matching sophistication and gleaming aura, Julia deserves all her spots in magazine covers as she truly commands attention and admiration.

Metro Magazine never went wrong in selecting her as their February 2014 cover model.