2014-03-30 ~ Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Monday, April 7, 2014

LM Metro Hotel of Zamboanga City: Alternative Accommodation at Asia's Latin City

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I got a short tour of another hotel during my stay at Zamboanga City to attend the many celebrations happening that week which included the 9th Philippine Bird Festival, the Dia De Zamboanga activities, and the launch of the Cinematheque Zamboanga, among other festivities scheduled by the Department of Tourism Region 9 and the local government units.

The LM Metro Hotel, located at Don Toribio street corner Falcatan street of barangay Tetuan, was one of the newest hotel there that was supposed to open last year but also one of the businesses that got affected by the sudden outbreak of the Zamboanga siege. It was far from ground zero, but the siege simply was bad news for many to operate their businesses while a war was going on between the rebels and government forces.

The hotel boasts of amenities sufficient enough for a great stay since it already has your basic needs. The improvements on existing facilities and the construction of additional ones are ongoing. They have great plans for the hotel to be able to satisfactory comply with above average standards, if not exceed expectations.

It has a coffee shop near the hotel lobby called 3rd Cup Cafe (I am just not sure if its called 3rd Cup Cafe because they are also into Third wave coffee), a Casa LM Restaurant just infront within the compounds of the hotel, and a Sky Gym where fitness and health buffs already hang out to workout.

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Is fashion art? Could fashion be considered as a form of art?

Well, for me, I believe fashion sense comes from appreciating art. The blending of colors, shapes and sizes to harmonize well as a clothing or outfit that you can also wear comfortably is one of the truest art form.

For an art lover like me, this will be an interesting read. I am curious on what they have to say, and how they will defend their statements.

Preview magazine gets graphic this month of April 2014 with an awesome cover featuring the sexy Sam Pinto and their foldable fashion editorial.

Grab a copy of our April issue to see more artwork from amazing local artist via this download link: https://summitnewsstand.com.ph/preview-magazine

9th Philippine Bird Festival in Zamboanga: Students Participate in Festival Competitions

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Zamboanga is also known for its variety of birds found in the forest and mangroves of Asia's Latin City. Just like the many languages spoken in the city, there seems to be a lot of species of birds that made Zamboanga their home.

This was why the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, an organization of bird lovers, enthusiasts, and conservationists, agreed of the invitation to collaborate with the Department of Tourism (DOT), along with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), of the region, to hold the 9th Philippine Bird Festival in Zamboanga.

They have chosen the city as the venue of the festival with the theme “Pajaros: Bula Sin Miedo, Sin Lingasa” which means “Birds: Fly Without Fear, Without Worries.” The Philippine Bird Festival aims to help improve awareness of threatened habitats and species in Mindanao, aside from attracting tourists to visit the city Zamboanga, and nearby areas.

There was also a city festival celebration where students coming from different schools paraded with their colorful bird costumes and joined a dance competition. I was there during the parade and when the awarding concluded at the Paseo Del Mar, the city's primary events venue where lots of activities are being held.

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Celebrate the artist.
The artist who inspires.
The artist who uplifts.
The artist who empowers.

Celebrate all those who have selflessly given the world part of themselves through their art.

It's hard to believe that there was a time not too long ago when art-related courses were considered a fall-back for those unable to cope with a more "serious" line of studies.

Thankfully, life always seems to find a way of putting things into the right perspective.

iACADEMY, the leading DESIGN, COMPUTING and BUSINESS School in the Philippines understands the importance of art and acknowledges YOUNG ARTISTS from Marist school of Marikina City, St. Mary's Academy Sta. Ana, Angels in Heaven Cabuyao Laguna, Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila, Divine Light Academy Bacoor, MCA Montessori Taguig, Holy Family School Quezon City and Caritas Don Bosco Laguna for their contributions to the world.

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Do not be misled by my good looks.

This was the warning given by undefeated Malaysian mixed martial arts contender Gianni Subba to Filipino Eugene Toquero.

Subba will bring to the cage a competitiveness and tenacity that made him undefeated so far in his last three professional fights under the ONE Fighting Championship (ONE FC) banner.

“The competitiveness of the sport really got me into MMA. Also watching my fellow Malaysian peers compete in great organizations like ONE FC made me really want to challenge myself,” Subba said.

Subba will be facing Toquero, a tough and more experienced Filipino fighter who has also a string of victories before falling last December in the ONE FC event at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.

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I was able to visit Thailand, particularly Bangkok, for a 5 day training program sponsored by the United Nations several years ago. The training was for 5 days at a hotel and the only opportunity to get out and see the sights was only during the night after the whole-day training. This is why I decided to stay for a couple more days to get the chance to see the sights during the day.

For the entire 5 days I was there I made it a point to only eat the Thai cuisines to experience authentic Thai cooking right in the heart of Thailand itself. It was a fabulous week of gastronomic exploration as I even tried the street foods recommended by our Thai friends.

I've been to a few Thai restaurants in the Philippines already after that Bangkok trip and each opportunity brings back memories of Thailand. I take delight visiting anything and everything Thai so you can imagine what I felt when I found out I will be dining again at a Thai restaurant soon. More great news is I would be able to bring along my family with me. Now that made me want to jump for joy really high I could feel like almost touching the clouds.

True enough, our dining experience at the Benjarong Royal Thai Cuisine Restaurant made me reminisce my Bangkok days once more. Ahhhh ...happy days are here again, and I got to spend it with my family. I may not have been able to bring them along with me to Thailand, but that night I brought a piece of Thailand to them.

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Travel and tourism professionals in South India voted the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) as the “Best National Tourism Organization” for 2013.

“South India Travel Awards will create an all-India platform to recognize those behind the success of the travel and tourism industry and to recognize their achievements,” Amit Bhasin, Convener of the India Travel Awards, said

The DOT was awarded for its branding campaign and roadshows in South India, particularly in the cities of Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Last year, the Philippines organized three roadshows and one location meeting with filmmakers in the region alone to promote various destinations and facilitate business-to-business deals among its private sector partners.

Amit Bhasin added that the South India Travel Awards, supported by the Indian Ministry of Tourism, is the first of the four regional recognition events (the other three are in the North, East, and West) leading to the nationwide India Travel Awards scheduled later in the year.

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We spent a family bonding opportunity at the Dusit Thani Manila hotel after my father was invited to try out a staycation at the said hotel. It was perfect timing to celebrate my sister’s high school graduation which was happening in just a few days from now. After a great dinner at the Benjarong Thai Royal Cuisine restaurant and an overnight at a magnificent hotel room, we woke up eager to try out the buffet breakfast at the Basix Restaurant of the hotel.

Basix Restaurant had quite a selection of food since it seems to contain the popular type of breakfast choices: American, Filipino, Continental and a few more to satisfy your appetite. Our breakfast here was the best we’ve experienced so far, because everything was so delicious, like an adventure for our taste buds.

Witnessing the surroundings, everything was portrayed conveniently so you wouldn’t look like a lost kid searching for your parents. We got our plates, and raided each station to our hearts content. We chose food to make the perfect breakfast; I chose cereal, waffles and pancakes, bread, noodles, rice with franks, corned beef, chicken curry, bacon and finally yogurt (carbs on carbs on carbs on carbs on carbs on carbs...hehehe….just joking).

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To continue with our Dusit Thani Manila Hotel family staycation story, I left you wondering what it was like inside our hotel room. Well now I bring you inside to get a few glimpses of how it looked like.

Since it was a family staycation, the room should be big enough for all five of us (two adults and three kids aged 15, 14 and 10). Lucky enough, we were given a hotel suite at the 12th floor.

Basically, there were two partitions. One partition is where you can find two beds along with some tables and a flat screen TV monitor where you can watch cable TV, and the other the living room containing a sofa set plus an extra bed for the fifth member of our family. The living room also had a flat screen TV monitor with cable TV connection. Its like living at home except that there was no kitchen and dining area.

However, who needs a kitchen in a hotel when it already has four specialty restaurants that can serve the best meals possible. But we'll be sure to visit the hotel gym as too much eating will surely increase our waist size soon.

Hirugohan O Taberu at UMU Japanese Restaurant

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Last March 29 and 30 marked another significant day of our lives as a family. We spent our family bonding in Dusit Thani Manila hotel, located at Ayala Center, the central business district of Makati City here in the Philippines. It was also sort of a celebration of my high school graduation since I will be soon graduating in just a few days.

We checked in at around 1:30 in the afternoon of March 29th for an overnight stay that my father calls a family staycation. Our stay in the said hotel was worth reminiscing because we got to spend time at a luxurious hotel room filled with amenities fitting for VIPs, had dinner at the Benjarong Royal Thai Cuisine Restaurant, enjoyed a buffet breakfast the following morning at the Basix Restaurant, and had our lunch at the Umu Japanese Restaurant of the hotel.

I volunteered to write about our dining experience at the Umu Japanese Restaurant because I really enjoyed the dishes there, and since I love Japanese culture particularly the anime, I am more than willing to write about it. So here goes the story about our fabulous Japanese feast.

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The eight national winners of the 2014 Philippine Art Awards (PAA) have been honored during the awarding ceremony and formal opening of exhibition at the Yuchengco Museum in Makati City.

Bayen Elero, Corporate Affairs Director PMFTC, Inc., said in her message, "As we strengthen our community projects all over the country, we truly take pleasure collaborating with the sectors promoting Philippine culture and the arts."

Dave Gomez, Communications Manager of PMFTC, Inc., thanked the partners of Philippine Art Awards. without whose support, the PAA would have not done its tasked for almost 20 years. He said "through the years, PAA, has maintained its preeminent status particularly due to the consistent support of our national as well as regional partners all over the country, and generally, by the eagerly growing participation of the Filipino visual artists nationwide."

Aside from cash prizes, each of the eight winners received a trophy designed by National Artist Napoleon Abueva and a trip to the forthcoming Basel Art Fair in Hong Kong this May. The winners were to keep their winning entries as well.

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Does it feel like the hottest summer ever?

Pick up the latest issue of UNO Magazine with Irina Ansell on the cover and you're guaranteed to feel even hotter.

Irina epitomizes scorching hot and is the perfect girl to bring anyone out of hibernation. This Polish-born seductress has Jewish, Italian and Russian blood running thru her veins and her sun-kissed complexion coupled with her sultry gaze will get your blood running to all the right places.

Find out what keeps UNO Magazine's summer siren focused (hint, she's actually quite talented behind the lens as she is in front of it), discover some of her deepest darkest desires and even be surprised that this girl can take you to court (and even provide the background information to boot).

She is such an accomplished woman, she even gave the photos for this issue--shooting them in the exotic sands of Mexico and Hawaii. She makes crocheted pieces of swimwear look very sexy indeed and images of her bending her tiny waist over a hard white rock make you go...

Well, you get the picture. Think feathers, here, there and everywhere plus itsy bitsy bikinis. Have we whet your appetite enough?

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Your favorite night food market leveled up a few floors higher in Makati because you can now find Cucina Andare at the roofdeck of The Link building located just right across The Landmark department store and Makati Shangri-La hotel.

The Anton Diaz and RJ Ledesma line of night food market continues to dominate the industry every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights as it offers very affordable meals available for an average of Php 100 for every meal. true enough, all sorts of viands can be bought at surprisingly very low prices just like at their other night food markets that can be found at other locations.

Where else can you find delectable meals as low as that within the Makati commercial business district? This is definitely your best choice to go and hang-out with your colleagues after working hours, or with your friends and family after a weekend of gimmick or bonding.

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They're so cute, cuddly and can light up your night. Every kid would want them to be part of their room and, if possible, their best friend to make them feel safe at night.

The dreamy and colorful light collection is a collaboration between Philips and Disney to help light up the room of kids at times when darkness seems to be dreadful for your little toddlers. They will surely love the adorable vibrant designs of Philips and Disney LED SoftPals and LivingColors light collection.

The collection features Disney characters that kids all over the world love like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan or otherwise known as Sulley of Monsters Inc, Micro Cars, and the Disney princesses like Snow White, Cinderella, Jasmine, Aurora, and Belle.

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Filipina mixed martial arts fighter Jujeath Nagaowa, who will be making her ONE Fighting Championship debut on May 2 in ONE FC Rise of Heroes at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, guarantees she is more “inspired” to fight now that she has broken off with her boxer boyfriend.

In an interview, Nagaowa said: “I’m inspired 10 times now that he’s no longer around.” When pointed to her the statement seems contradictory, her only answer is, “Basta.”

She revealed through questioning that it’s been three months since the breakup. “Naka move on na ko.”

Her having a boyfriend was an issue during her training last year when she was supposed to fight Malaysian muay thai contender Siti Syahida Binte Adek, a bout which was scrapped at the last minute. Her relationship was reportedly interfering in her training.

Nagaowa will be battling Indian kickboxing champion Jeet Toshi on May 2. She is aware of the importance of the fight as she is the first female mixed martial arts fighter from the Philippines seeking her rightful place
in the male-dominated sport.

She said she is not taking her fight with Toshi lightly. “Magaling din sya pero kakayanin ko.”

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Digital door locks have been around for years but it is only now that it has slowly penetrated into the households as it becomes more convenient and affordable even for the home. The future has been around and yet we get to only see them yet in the movies and TV series. But now Yale has brought the future to us.

Yale now focuses on introducing digital door locks in the Philippines when it launched an event a few days ago last April 2, 2014 at the Marquee Hall of EDSA Shangri-La Hotel located in Mandaluyong. Members of the media witnessed the multi-featured convenience of having the keyless alternative as there are now many ways to secure your home using the many technologies now available.

There are now several digital locking technologies using fingerprint, RFID card, or smart touchpad using PIN code that you can use to open doors. These locks are also equipped with alarm systems for security against burglary, vandalism and fire for selected models.

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Museo Orlina, the newest venue of world-class and internationally acclaimed artistry, is now opening its doors to the public.

Ramon Orlina, the Philippines' pioneer and foremost practitioner of glass sculpture, proudly presents his exultant body of works that, throughout the decades, have dazzled the art scene and prized by numerous collectors. The artist has totally changed our appreciation of glass as merely a utility that we use to create drinking vessels, window glass panes or automotive windhields because he has elevated glass as a wonderful expression of his vivid imagination and vision.

I've seen the artist's works several times in many exhibits and galleries within Metro Manila and I can't help but feel a sense of respect towards the creator of the masterpieces. His works seems to reflect what I've been wanting to do ever since I grew fond of the arts - to shape and mold objects into enchanting works of art.

When we got invited to attend a press preview of the Tagaytay museum, I thought I needed to bring my youngest kid along on the trip to introduce him to the creations. There was so much things that I wanted to do during my younger years that I got into thinking that it may be possible to pass it on to my children. My appreciation for music and the arts should also be of interest to them so that they will grow up to be wholistic, and not be concerned with just foreign influences brought upon to them by popular entertainment like anime and K-Pop. I am just relieved they never got to like those appalling "tele-seryes" that further dumbs down the masses.

DOTC Awards MCIA Project to GMR-Megawide

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Following several months of reviewing various legal questions raised by a bidder in connection with the Mactan-Cebu International Airport project, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) finally awarded the 25-year concession to the GMR-Megawide Consortium yesterday, 4 April 2014.

“Amidst all the noise drummed up in different forums the past few months, the DOTC has allowed nothing but the law and the country’s interests to matter in awarding the project. Finally, Cebuanos will soon get the world-class airport they deserve – one that will not only boost the province’s economy and tourism industry, but the whole country’s as well,” said DOTC Spokesperson Michael Arthur Sagcal.

“This project should have been done at least a decade ago, so there is no more time to waste. We have resolved all issues, we are ready to defend our decision, and it is now time to push forward on Daang Matuwid by delivering our services to the people,” Sagcal added.

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For kids and young at hearts, the Pacific Licensing Studio (PLS) and The SM Store unveiled the launch of a storewide program, "Justice League: Heroes United at SM", a year-long merchandising program lead by Honey Barn Corporation, who is Warner Bros. Consumer Products key product licensee for DC Comics in the Philippines.

The program which will extend over 80 key product offerings is based on exclusive art inspired by DC Comics "New 52" comics series, which is being featured for the first time in Asia.

The "Justice League: Heroes United at SM" product assortment includes apparel, accesories, footwear, bags, gifts & novelties, houseware, bedding & personal care items. Products will be launched in three waves commencing mid-February which is currently in store, and refreshed in May and July. The product also features the new store fixtures and product packaging.

Family Bonding Time at Dusit Thani Manila: A Truly Memorable Staycation

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One of life's simplest pleasures is spending quality time with the ones we love. There are a lot of amazing things that can happen when the family has opportunities to do meaningful things together. Family bonding time strengthens the relationship even further to a level that each and every family member will cherish forever. As they say, "The family that _________ (fill in the blank with anything you want) together, stays together."

It is totally heart-warming when you can easily connect with your kids who appreciate the value of close family ties. I believe that children that do not have a sense of family values are more likely to be influenced by friends that do not necessarily have their best interests at heart. It will always be up to the parents to model expected behaviors inside the family circle and with others in the community, of which the children will eventually emulate. To spend a more intimate weekend with the kids would be the best way to show that spending time with them was truly something special and memorable.

This is the reason why I quickly grabbed the opportunity to bond with the kids after I got an invitation to spend the weekend at the luxurious Dusit Thani Manila. My wife and I were very grateful that we will be able to get the chance to take the time off from our busy schedules, and most of all, spend quality time with our children.

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The main reason why people opt to sign up for quick broadband services is for convenience. Amazingly enough, the best broadband providers also managed to come up with a way to increase the user’s level of convenience by offering bundled services.

Bundled services is a service that allows a user to have a single account that provides for their Internet connection, TV services, and digital voice services. Bundled services allow a customer to save money, enjoy convenience, and even customise specific aspects of their account, thus making the idea of bundled services a good move to anyone who wants to fully maximise their Internet and digital capabilities without paying a lot of money.

Here is a more detailed discussion of why you should look into bundled broadband services today:

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"Do nice girls finish last? Not if Toni Gonzaga has anything to say about it. The driven and ambitious TV host, singer, and actress fronts our Big Fashion Issue wearing pieces from Louis Vuitton S/S ‘14. The stunning and unstoppable woman definitely makes good girls look cool."

Toni Gonzaga graces the cover of the Philippine's best fashion magazine Mega Magazine's April 2014 issue as she "makes good girls look cool."

The magazine shares articles about their choice of the top most stylish women, accents and decors for a stylish home, and discuss about the Brangelina Complex and if power couples do really work. It also tackles skirting topics about revamped, restyled and upcycled skirts, reveals the months Mega Man Enrique Gil, and how a conditioner brand believes the Fiilipina is beyond beautiful.

PHILPost enters MOA with DEPED and KWF to Institutionalize Letter Writing Skills

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The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPOST) has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Education (DEPED) and the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (KWF) to institutionalize letter writing skills of students in elementary and secondary school nationwide .

The partnership was signed by Postmaster General Maria Josefina Dela Cruz, Brother Armin Luistro (DEPED secretary) and Mr. Virgilio S. Almario (Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino commissioner)

Under the Memorandum of Agreement ( MOA) DEPED will issue a memorandum and advisory on PHLPost projects such as the yearly Universal Postal Union ( UPU ), Letter Writing Competition, National Letter Writing Project , and the establishment of student stamp clubs in all levels .

DEPED will also work on the inclusion of letter writing and stamp collecting as part of the K-12 curriculum.

The Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino ( KWF) will intensify the promotion of the nationwide ” Letter Writing Project ” and initiate action to seek the approval from the Office of the President for the issuance of an Executive Order declaring a ” National Letter Writing Day” with the theme ” Salamat Po ” using the Filipino language.

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Fan-favorite Eduard Folayang faces Kotetsu Boku in co-main event plus Rey Docyogen to meet Guam native Joshua Alvarez in a flyweight bout and middleweights Leandro Ataides and Tatsuya Mizuno set to clash tickets for One FC: Rise of Heroes are on sale now at www.smtickets.com

One Fighting Championship (ONE FC), Asia’s largest mixed martial arts organization with a 90% market share, has announced three additional fights for ONE FC: RISE OF HEROES, set to take place at MOA Arena in Manila on 2 May. Filipino fan-favorite Eduard “Landslide” Folayang will feature in the co-main event opposite former ONE FC Lightweight World Champion Kotetsu “No Face” Boku.

An exciting flyweight bout between another popular Filipino fighter, Rey “The Punisher” Docyogen, and Guam’s Joshua “The Hedgehog” Alvarez, has also been added to the main card. The ONE FC cage will also host a battle between two top middleweights, Leandro Ataides and Tatsuya Mizuno.

Tickets for ONE FC: RISE OF HEROES are on sale now at SM Tickets (www.smtickets.com). Ticket categories begin with the full Red Carpet and cageside experience for VIPs at PHP 6,360, followed by Patron PHP 3,180, Lower Box PHP 1,280, Upper Box PHP 640 and General Admission PHP 220. Prices
include ticketing fee.

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More than a thousand barefoot kids and children in tattered shoes and worn out slippers marched toward the expansive school grounds of the Sta. Fe Central School, the biggest school in this district, last Tuesday morning, they diligently fell in line behind designated scouts who carried their special “numbers.”

Unmindful of the searing pre-noon heat, the students came from the 17 schools of Sta. Fe who were chosen to receive premium slip-ons from Skechers donated through Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines.

Before it reached the school, volunteers painstakingly went through the list earlier submitted by the teachers, ensuring that they had the right sizes and carried the huge cartons containing the Skechers slip-ons toward the delivery vans en route to the school.

To spice up the occasion, representatives from the Youth with a Mission (YWAM) even presented a brief puppet show to the delight of children.

The distribution of the Skechers slip-ons was both fun and tedious. Trying the slip-ons to each and every student was a daunting task. But the reward came from the sincerest “Thank Yous” from the students, a tight hug, a big smile and the happy races of some of the students as they clutched their new pair of shoes while others waved them on air.

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Use your power to make environmental change a reality

Use your power to make change. This is what Philips, Sun Life, and World Wide Fund (WWF) Philippines campaign for in the Earth Hour held at the Sun Life Centre Green Roof at Bonifacio Global City on March 29, 2014.

“For this year, we have the superhero theme for Earth Hour. We have Spiderman as our first ever superhero ambassador,” says Mr. Jose Maria Lorenzo Tan, CEO of WWF Philippines, “We want to ask people, what heroic act can you do to save the planet? We chose Spiderman because he is a superhero who shows that we can all be great once we realize the power that we have.”

In addition to this partnership with WWF Philippines, Philips also collaborated with Sun Life Financial—another fervent supporter of green living. Philips is a tenant of the Sun Life Centre building which is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) construction in Bonifacio Global City.

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Former U.S. Navy SEAL and escape and evasion expert Joel Lambert is pitted against some of the globe's most elite military and law enforcement tracking units in a challenge that will test both parties' skills and determination. The tracking units of ever country must exert all efforts to try and capture Joel Lambert before he reaches a certain extraction point within 48 hours known only to the former US Navy SEAL.

This is the main scenario and what the new Manhunt TV series on Discovery channel is all about. The highly trained national units can use all assets available to them against Joel Lambert who will only be taking with only the basic survival kit, along with his wits gained from his years of experience. Joel may employ diversionary tactics, inflitration and evasion techniques, and other strategies. You'll also see how he beats dehydration, hunger, and the elements.

At the Philippine launch held at Cinema 5 of Greenbelt 3, the members of the press along with some of the Philippine Army Scout Rangers were treated with an advance screening of the episode involving Joel Lambert against the said Philippine elite tracking unit. The hunt happens in the mountainous terrain of Sta. Rita town in the province of Zambales.

The show will premiere on April 7, 2014 on Discovery Channel.

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I witnessed how they won at the Sun Broad Band Quest 2013 competition held at the Music Museum located in Greenhills, San Juan. I was there when they announced the winner and was so very proud for they truly deserve the spot on top place.

Though the others were a real competition, Iktus delivered their performance very well . Mind you that the performance was done live so it gives you an idea of how great they were to impress the judges and convince each one of them to give them the title of becoming the very first champion of the Sun Broad Band Quest annual search for the best bands in the Philippines. They will soon hand over another crown to the next winner sometime probably this November as revealed by Sun Broadband Marketing Senior Manager, Karen Capellan.

Their self-titled album launch is their momentous glory of finally showing off their musical talents to the world now immortalized as a concrete album under MCA Music, Inc. with their proud faces smiling on the album cover. It is an accomplishment well deserving of a celebration. Thus the album launch in the form of a bloggers night last March 27, 2014 held at Flare located in Metrowalk Commercial Complex.

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The very first Marvel Avenger that wears the colors and images of the American flag strikes the big screen for the second time with Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

A special blocked screening was held recently last March 26, 2014 by PMCM Events Management at teh EDSA Shangri-La Shang CinePlex Cinema 2, and was attended by a huge crowd all obviously fans of the red, white and blue star-spangled costumed superhero.

We've seen the Avenger kick butts on the first movie but here on the sequel, we now see Captain America had become tougher and truly a badass fighter.

Uh-oh...Spoiler alert after this sentence so consider this as a warning before you read any further. You've been warned so if you haven't watched the movie yet. Again, I repeat, there's a lot of spoilers following this sentence so don't blame me if your viewing pleasure got spoiled because you've been warned again and again. Final warning before you click on Read More, spoilers alert incoming.

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Now this is a topic that is least talked about even among families, friends or peers. You can easily count the ones that will be courageous enough to admit or reveal having difficulties keeping it "hard" and "long." Not too many will dare consult a doctor because that would seem to be so shameful and humiliating. I would probably just keep it to myself rather than announce to the world that I am suffering from premature ejaculation.

But wait! The problem is not solely limited to you. Your partner also deserves to be pleased with your sexual performance, and whether we like it or not, a sexual relationship is always part of the love life between couples. When one is not satisfied, then that may result to many lonely nights.

We do understand that love can go beyond the primal and basic instincts but a relationship is better when shared at its finest. Just like how an advertisement will ask "How much do you love your wife?" You'll do more than just take vitamins or food supplements to satisfy her sexual desires.

Menarini, the world's largest Italian biopharmaceutical company in the world, launches the "Commit to Control PE" advocacy to help couples overcome the problems of premature ejaculation by promoting awareness. The sexual dysfunction suffered by 1 out of 3 men should no longer be denied and kept in secrets because Menarini is here to help.

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The album Stories by Johnny Alegre Affinity is now out in record bars AstroPlus and Odyssey plus on digital distribution via iTunes and Spinnr.ph.

The Stories album contains the most memorable performances from Affinity's first two recordings: 2005's Jazzhound and 2007's Eastern Skies.

I guess this kind of music is highly appreciated by professionals at their 30s, as per Johnny Alegre's statement when I asked for their target audience, and those that appreciate music without the vocals.

The youth may have a hard time adding this selections to their album playlist but it is these kind of music that elevates OPM into a level much higher than the novelty songs that are banking on the popularity of personalities that we see most of the time on TV, or probably shows, concerts and other gigs.

But basically, one has to marvel on the effort of our Filipino music artists, composers and producers in producing quality work and masterpieces but with only a select number of audience or market.

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“There is so much out there to conquer and no matter where you come from, and no matter how small your beginnings may be, you can never be too small to dream big,” the first Apprentice Asia winner Jonathan Yabut told over 500 delegates of international organization AIESEC’s Asia Pacific Youth to Business Forum (APY2B) last March 24, 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City.

The Economics major tried to instil the importance of preparedness to the young delegates of Asia Pacific who have the passion to be the successful leaders of tomorrow. Yabut emphasized that ”preparation breeds familiarity and familiarity breeds confidence. When you’re confident you become this unstoppable force that makes you think no matter what the problem is, you’re going to be number one.”

APY2B revolved around Values-based Leadership that focused on identifying common Asia Pacific virtues and ideals that can be used in transforming a better region that thrives with transparency, global competence, and youth empowerment.

“For the first time, we decided that the Youth to Business Forum should be held individually in the different regions of the globe because each region has its own dominant social problem that all people in that part of the world can relate to and would like to address,” AIESEC International Vice President for Public Relations Cassie Ruggiero said.

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“There should be an end to this cycle of corruption, and that end could be you,” Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago told over 500 young delegates in AIESEC’s International Youth Leaders Conference (IYLC) 2014 last March 22, 2014 at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City.

The Senate Committee head on Foreign Relations encouraged the Asia Pacific youth to become leaders with the purpose of serving and adding value to others while upholding the values of trust, respect, determination, and excellence.

“Some leaders are not born but are made. You, in conclusion, can make yourself a leader. Each person has the potential to make a difference and build a legacy” the iconic senator said.

The one-day youth summit focused on fostering self-leadership with engaging activities such as the panel discussion, leadership café, and youth rally where delegates shared their leadership experiences and pledged the creation of individual legacies towards self and social change.

“The youth wants to work independently and are very competitive. But with people who have the same advocacies and beliefs, there is more impact. We have the idealism, we have the energy while we’re young,” Social Entrepreneurship advocate Noreen Bautista said.

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It was a colorful festivity of more than 24 national cultures in one event.

The Asia Pacific Global Village (AP GV) bridged the Asian region and some countries from Oceania and Latin America to celebrate culture and globalization last March 22, 2014 at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City.

As the world’s largest youth network that provides a leadership platform through exchange programs to over 120 countries, AIESEC hosted AP GV to promote cultural diversity and relativism, as well as individual nationalism and tourism.

“We brought all these young delegates from all over Asia to let the people see how diverse the world really is. But more importantly we wanted to highlight the interesting differences of humanity to discover and emphasize that our core isn’t entirely different at all,” AIESEC President Audrey Elumba said.

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Traveling around the world is undeniably part of each and everyone’s bucketlist. However, it shouldn’t begin and end with hopping on a plane with a destination in mind.

It’s so much better to indulge in the culture and their way of life; being ridiculously open to appreciating a country’s traditions and lifestyle while still being able to cherish your own.

That’s how one can become more than a tourist by gaining experiences that can’t be encapsulated by mere photographs.

Some even let themselves be cloaked with empathy towards a different society that enables them to become young Philippine ambassadors, showcasing Filipino values and talent abroad as they try to help and create positive impact in countries like China, Germany, Czech Republic, Brazil, Romania, India, and many others by involving themselves in social projects and organizations.

It may sound as if it’s too good to be true but international student-run organization AIESEC has been making it possible for the Filipino youth through their Global Citizen and Global Talent Programs.

AIESEC is present in 113 countries and is known for their holistic world-class and global leadership platform and extraordinary socio-cultural exchange programs.

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Your friendly neighborhood pambansang blogger of the Philippines is becoming a fitness and health buff. Yeah, I'm sincere with those words. Ever since my shirt size increased from a medium to an extra large, and I grew a beer belly even though I do not drink at all, and worsts is the unwanted growth of a second chin more popularly known as double chin....well I think you can imagine how horrified I was when one day I had the bad luck of looking into a man-size mirror and realized all that food and restaurant review made me look like a bullfrog.

I am actually relieved getting to be invited in health and wellness event. I guess everything that happens were really meant to be....or probably because being fit and healthy has become a fad for many...and a sign of opulence for some. Frankly, some treat the healthy lifestyle as a trademark of affluence since it is expensive to buy organic and "healthy" foods. After all, when you're living in a dump, you can't afford to be choosy with your food. Whatever comes, you grab it and eat it.

Now for those that can afford to buy well-balanced meal alternatives, there are many centers with trained experts that are now offering the healthy living lifestyle. The argument is that the cost of buying selected food choices is a lot cheaper in the long run compared to getting weary, looking ugly and falling sick in bed.

There is this terminology called food intolerance that would somehow provide you with the appropriate information towards a goal of keeping healthy.

LifeScience can help Filipinos get their right nutrition through a better understanding of food intolerance and how to benefit from FIT in meeting health goals and preventing health issues, how to eat healthy and present solutions to food intolerances. You'll be surprise that the food you once considered healthy may do the opposite for you if done the wrong way.

Celebrating Blackout Year End Bash with the Philippine Junior Marketing Association

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It was definitely a night of pure F-U-N and P-A-R-T-Y last Saturday at the BLACKOUT PARTY held at One Esplanade in Pasay City. The Philippine Junior Marketing Association together with other sponsors organized this event for all Marketing Students from different schools.

Students from the top schools graced the event wearing their dress-to-impress clothes and flashy stiletto shoes. The ladies looked lovely with their cocktail party dresses. Everyone is in the mood to enjoy the night away.

To get the party started, funky and hyped beats by renowned DJ’s pumped up the energy of the place. Booths were present inside the venue including the photo booth by Wacoal Philippines, WeChat, Noah Ion Cleanse to name a few.

Free flowing drinks were provided by Tanduay Distillery and Red Bull. Some of the attendees played beer pong on the tables.

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The recently-concluded 3rd Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit showed that putting the electric vehicle into the mainstream of the Philippine auto industry needs a lot of things, foremost among them the infrastructure and the technology. Add to that some incentives for those pioneering in this sunshine industry.

Rommel Juan, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (eVAP) says that to be able to do this, we have to plant the seeds now. “Together, let us all help in removing all road blocks and collectively help to facilitate, if not even accelerate, the growth of the Philippine EV industry”.

One of the biggest roadblocks is technology. Nilo Pena of the DOST-PCIEERD pointed out that science and technology initiatives are now sadly lacking in infrastructure such as advanced materials testing laboratories, auto parts & components testing facilities and vehicle research and testing laboratories. These they hope to be able to provide in the future.

Mr. Toru Tokushige, president of Terra Motors agrees and cites that a very important factor in EV success is the battery, specifically on the need for new technologies to reduce its cost while enhancing battery life and performance and the way it is charged.

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Yahoo is excited to unveil world-renowned coach, Jose Mourinho as their global football ambassador for 2014. For the billions of football fans who make football their daily habit, Mourinho will be an exclusive analyst for Yahoo’s worldwide football coverage including the FIFA World Cup 2014 and he will also provide exclusive behind the scenes content from his world on his own Tumblr, so don’t forget to follow.

This is the first time Jose Mourinho has partnered with a media or technology company to offer his insight and expert commentary or to have a personal social presence. Renowned for his confident style and no stranger to a little controversy, Mourinho’s opinion will bring his passionate perspective to sports fans around the world on Yahoo and Tumblr.

“Having worked with some of the league's best players, I'm excited to share some analysis and perspective about the game with the most passionate fans in the world. Teaming up with a global leader like Yahoo allows me to reach football fans from Brazil all the way to Philippines - whether they're in front of their computers or on their mobile or tablets," said Mourinho. “There are many people around the world who like to comment on the game and I look forward to bringing my opinion exclusively to Yahoo starting today on my own Tumblr.”