Is Gift-Giving Still a Good Marketing Investment?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Is your PR budget being “realigned”? Before you trim or worse, scrap your budget for corporate gifts, think again.

Shrugging off corporate gift-giving as an unnecessary expense may be one of the biggest branding mistakes you can make. With the ever-increasing competition across all sectors and industries, that little token might just be the final push that your brand needs to get its message across.

A restricted budget is simply an invitation to explore your creativity. Rather than just considering the cost, think about the perceived value of an item, anticipate the needs of the recipient, or even re-think the packaging for a more customized look. Most importantly, make sure whatever you’re giving reflects well on your brand.

Sounds complicated? Not really. Simplify your life and find what you need by visiting Corporate Giveaways 2014 at the SMX Convention Center on July 9-11, 2014.

The Corporate Giveaway Buyers’ Show on Business Gifts, Premiums, Promotional Ideas and Merchandise Incentives is an annual event held every July to help companies prepare for holiday and year-round gift-giving needs. This event will definitely be beneficial for Purchasing Marketing, Advertising and PR professionals, along with business owners, event managers, wedding planners, and the like as suppliers of quality and creative gift items will all be gathered under one roof.

ER Ejercito Steps Down to Avoid Further Turmoil: Hoping to Return in Position Soon

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Pansamantala nating nilisan ang kapitolyo ng Laguna upang panatilihan ang kaayusan at katahimikan sa Lalawigan ng Laguna. Base na rin sa paki-usap at payo ng aking tiyuhin at dating Pangulo Joseph "Erap" Estrada tayo ay pansamantang bumaba bilang gobernador upang hintayin ang ating apela sa Supreme Court para sa TRO o status quo order sapagka't ako ay naniniwala na magiging patas ang kanilang hatol at papakinggan ang boses ng 550,000 na lagunense na naglagay sa akin sa katungkulan bilang ama ng lalawigan. Nawa tayo ay patuloy na magdasal at magkaisa para sa ating minamahal na Lalawigan ng Laguna!" - ER Ejercito

Even when Ramil Hernandez stepped in and declared himself as the new governor after the COMELEC has disqualified the current governor for overspending during the elections, ER Ejercito was still determined to stay as governor. But it took his uncle, former president Joseph "Erap" Estrada to finally convince him to step down for the sake of peace and order.

Erap even told the people that the same situation happened to him during his term as president when he voluntarily stepped down to avoid further turmoil, but thern he said also that "the Agila will return" (and so he did as Mayor of Manila), the same with ER when he said "the Lawin will return!", but maybe not as governor again, like his uncle, probably getting another position in government.

Abangan ang pagbabalik ng mga "Angry Birds."

Quanta Paper Presents R3RUN: The Run for Sustainability

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Your friendly neighborhood pambansang blog is supporting another fun run activity to be held this coming August 10, 2014 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Roxas Boulevard Manila. We caught one of the organizers looming around the Jasmine Curtis-Smith fans day so we took the opportunity to air our support towards our beloved young actress and her endorsements.

The eco-friendly tissue paper manufacturer in the Philippines organizes the most aggressive green campaign fun run dubbed as R3RUN for Sustainability or also called as R3RUN (Reuse, Reduce, Recycle Run). You have to sign up to sustainability as it's all up to us if we want to live in a better world.

Participants will range from students, government officials and employees, artists and TV personalities, corporate partners and green advocates from all walks of life. And of course, we expect event endorser Jasmine Curtis-Smith, also the Company’s brand endorser for its new sanitary napkin product, to be there joining in the activities.

There will be four race categories, namely 1km and 4km (carrying the Company’s sanitary napkin brand, Perfect), and 8km (carrying the Company’s institutional brand, Eco-Hygiene), and 12km (carrying the Company’s flagship brand, Fresh).

Wazzup Pilipinas is proud to be an online media partner of the R3RUN for Sustainability.

May Tiwala Ako: Skil Celebrates 90 Years of Durability, Reliability, and Repairability

Wazzup Pilipinas!

When I learned about Norman Black as brand ambassador of the leading power tools brand Skil , and that he is coming to the 90th anniversary celebratory campaign dubbed as “May Tiwala Ako” press launch, I had to block of my schedule immediately.

The popular basketball icon is a great choice as an ambassador to the Skil line of products. Loyal users of Skil products, who have placed their trust in the brand, should be able to look up to someone that has an equally great reputation in his field of expertise.

And if you want to talk about someone to look up to, then with Norman Black's intimidating height, you really need to look up.

The "May Tiwala Ako" campaign centers on building long-term relationships with the brand’s consumers and pays homage to its real users which include the professional workers, freelancers, small scale businesses, and tradesmen.

Jasmine The Series Premieres This June 1 on TV5

Wazzup Pilipinas!

At a fans day gathering held at Shangri-La Restaurant in West Triangle Quezon City, Jasmine Curtis Smith, the equally talented and shining-as-bright younger sister of Kapamilya ABS-CBN's Anne Curtis Smith, reveals to her fans the run of a new television series on her Kapatid TV5 channel.

JasMINE is a first-of-its-kind television series formed out of the partnership among Ace Saatchi & Saatchi (creative content), Unitel (line producer) and TV5. The TV series is a romantic drama series with a touch of suspense. It's actually a TV series-within-a-TV series, where Jasmine plays the role of a fictional version of herself as among a TV network's promising young actress.She is posed to be the on-screen partner of the network's hottest hunk actor, Alexis Vergara played by actor Vin Abrenica.

But the story becomes more interesting when she doesn't get the role she auditioned for in the network's flagship TV project called Ur Loved. Adversity among her fellow actress who surprisingly get teribbly hurt from an accident, and the revelation of a stalker named Maskara made the TV series a bit more interesting and in the midst of becoming suspenseful as we try to figure out the identity of the masked stalker.

Cebu Bus Rapid Transit, Other Transport Projects Get NEDA Greenlight

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In a marathon session lasting until close to midnight, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved several transportation projects last night, said Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Abaya.

“We are pleased that we can now proceed with these projects. They will modernize our country’s transportation systems, and boost travelling convenience, safety, and efficiency for the people. Our hard work today will pay off tomorrow, which is why we now have to make sure that they will be bid out, awarded, and implemented at the soonest possible time,” said Abaya.

The following projects were approved:

P 10.618 Billion Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) – the first of its kind in the Philippines, this relatively new land-based system is being introduced by the World Bank, which will finance the project through a loan.

The BRT system, which has been a success in other parts of the world, entails a segregated lane for buses, controlled dispatching, priority in stoplight signaling, fixed stops, and various technical components, all of which are designed to substantially increase passenger mobility.

One of its significant impacts is that its buses will run on fixed schedules, providing riders with greater reliability, efficiency, and convenience.

The project in Cebu will run on a 23-kilometer corridor having 33 stations. It will have 176 high-quality buses. A detailed engineering design (DED) is currently being prepared, and bidding for its construction is scheduled for Q2 of 2015.

Maleficent Special Blocked Screening at Trinoma Cinemas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Through the years, Disney had given us entertaining and at the same time genuinely meaningful movies. They never fail not only to amaze us but also impart life lessons with the countless works they’ve created so far.

This year, Disney retells one of our childhood fairytales, Sleeping Beauty, in a way that we might’ve not expected it to be told. It is like a “what if” question answered imaginatively. This variation of the tale tells it from the viewpoint of the villain, who is later proven to be, surprisingly, the hero as well.

Maleficent is definitely worth the watch. Maybe it’s just me being a fantasy lover, but it is now one of my favorite movies. The imaginary world is well portrayed as well as the actuality of the real world. The movie succeeds in leaving the viewers a new perspective on the well-known children’s fairytale we all know and miss. Like it says, it “tests you how well you know the tale.”

Papa John's Launches the New Chicken Carbonara Pizza

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Now on its 3rd year in the Philippines and with 17 branches in NCR to serve you, Papa John's gives you more reasons to enjoy its great-tasting pizza with the launch of the new Chicken Carbonara Pizza!

The new Chicken Carbonara Pizza comes with crispy bacon in creamy carbonara sauce and a blend of Parmesan, Romano, and Mozzarella Cheeese, topped with grilled chicken, onion bacon and mushroom at a party size price of P485!

We were invited to the launch held on May 29, 2014, Thursday, at their Tomas Morato branch in Quezon City, and got to taste for the first time their new pizza offering that taste just like your favorite chicken carbonara. It's a dining experience worth trying out by every pizza and carbonara lover. Your two favorite dishes combined into one feast.

We were also given a quick demonstration on the pizza making process as one of their crew showed us a glimpse of how a Hawaiian pizza is made. They told us what really makes Papa John's stand out among other pizza restaurants. I have a video of the actual demonstration so please do watch and learn from the experts.

Free Kids' Workshops, Shows at "Likot, Liksi, Lipad Children's Arts Festival"

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Theater Center invites all children ages 6-12 years old, as well as teens ages 13 -16 years old to an art extravaganza this May 30, 31 and June 1! Likot, Liksi, Lipad Children's Arts Festival is a three day celebration of children's creative potential - a fun filled event open to the public. Children and their parents can enjoy live performances, workshops, seminars and other creative activities in various spaces at the PETA Theater Center.

As an added treat, PETA's partners will be showing films about children all throughout the festival. Green Days from the Korean Cultural Center, Brave Story: Wanko from the Japan Foundation Manila and Les Fables from Alliance Francaise de Manille will be shown at designated free play areas.

One of the highlights of the festival is a special storytelling session by veteran actor Kuya Bodjie Pascua on March 30, 1:00 PM at the PLDT/SMART Hall of the PETA Theater Center.

For the schedule of events, see the calendar below: 

Conference Celebrates the Success of the Zero Carbon Resorts Project

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Zero Carbon Resorts (ZCR) project conference was held in celebration of the success and achievements of the SWITCH-Asia project  in its 4 and a half years of implementation. The organizers successfully hosted a closing ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Casino Manila on May 21, 2014.

Dr. Robert Wimmer, ZCR project leader, opened the event with his warm welcome to all guests and participants. Mr. Matthieu Penot, on behalf of the European Union funding agency, delivered an inspiring message and stressed the importance of the ZCR project for the Philippine tourism sector.

Implementing project partners namely Dr. Robert Wimmer (GrAT), Engr. Charlton Materum (GrAT), Ms. Maria Luz Martinez (PCSD), Dr. Guillermo Zaragoza (CIEMAT-PSA) and Ms. Olga Babina (ASSIST), all gave notable presentations which focused on the core outputs of the project.

The awarding of ZCR members from all over the Philippines that gained the highest energy and resource savings was considered among the highlights of the conference. Chosen as the top 10 awardees were the Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort, Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila, Kokossnuss Resort, Tropical Sun Inn, Balay Tuko Garden Inn, Puerto Pension Bed&Breakfast, Alta Pension House, River View Resort & Conference Center, Sangat Island Dive Resort and La Vicente Hotel. Following the unique 3R Methodology of the project - "REDUCE, REPLACE and REDESIGN" - the award is based on the number of implementations for energy, resource and monetary savings per room.

Filipina Wins Global Education Motivators Award of UN Affiliated Body

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Filipina educator and international lecturer Rayla Melchor Santos received the prestigious Global Education Motivators (GEM) Award for 2013-2014 for her advocacy on the empowerment of children in schools under the I Am SAM Foundation.

Santos, of Muntinlupa, Philippines, acceped the GEM Global Educator Award at the 9th Annual United Nations Conference on Teaching Peace and Human Rights on Saturday morning, April 4, 2014. Wayne Jacoby, President of Global Education Motivators looks on as Santos thanks the people and organizations who helped make her, I AM S.A.M Foundation, successful.

Santos co-founded the I am SAM foundation in 2010 following her mother Merci Melchor’s long years of advocacy to help abused women and children to be aware of their rights and be able to rebuild lives after suffering from various forms of abuse.

The teachings of the I am SAM foundation are based on two fundamental UN treaties- the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Their flagship program, IamSAM Prevent-to-Empower Protocol (PEP), was created to teach children and women the values of self worth and uniqueness, respect and responsibility for self and for others.

A Bridal Affair to Remember at the Diamond Hotel

Wazzup Pilipinas!

On your way towards becoming the blushing bride, allow Diamond Hotel to escort you through the necessary wedding plans. Catch the latest and greatest ideas from our exhibitors, guest speakers and event planners. And if you're in need of a fashion inspiration for your big day, a bridal fashion show at the hotel lobby will cap the event with the creations of Manila's finest designers from the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines strutting down the catwalk.

Diamond Hotel brings together the industry’s top designers, stylists, florists and finest event suppliers to create a burst of captivating ideas to plan your wedding day.

The bridal fair will conclude with an exclusive bridal fashion show facilitated by master director Jackie Aquino at the hotel lobby, with the creations of Manila’s finest designers from the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines strutting down the catwalk.

The event is in partnership with Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines, Company of Brides and Max Factor. Media partners are Lifestyle Network, Crossover Radio 105.1, Business Mirror, The View, Cook, Health & Fitness, and Philippines Graphic.

13th Philippine Toycon 2014 Epic Launch at Resorts World Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We invite everyone to attend and join our 13th Philippine Toycon 2014 Epic Launch and press con this Saturday, May 31, 2014 at Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila. The event will start from 10am onwards, and the media and press con starts at 2pm. Entrance is FREE!

We’re going to show you a teaser of our 13th Philippine Toycon 2014 event by bringing the whole toys, comics, anime, cosplay, hobbyist community for one day in Resorts World Manila.

Enjoy the toys and collectibles exhibit provided by the best toy collectors of Manila featuring different toy lines based on our movie partners for the year – Transformers 4: Age of Extinction, Guardians of the Galaxy and Rurouni Kenshin. Also check out the X-Men Icons on Exhibit at the G/F Newport Mall.

Start your treasure hunt by shopping for awesome deals with our Toycon exhibitors and official toy distributors. They will sell new toy items and bargain collectibles for one day at Newport Mall. Get a chance to learn how to be a toy and comic collector by listening to our experts at the panel discussions about our Toycon hot topics.

Join the Toycon cosplay contest open category at 5pm. Come in as your favorite comics, toys, superhero, animation, or gaming character.

Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon Manila: Discuss, Edit, Review, Contribute and Collaborate on Wikipedia

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Everybody is invited! Come to the first Wikipedia Edit-A-Thon in the Philippines!

Organized by Wikimedia Philippines, the Wikipedia Edit-a-thon Manila on May 31 will be the first Edit-a-thon organized in the Philippines.

And what is a Wikipedia Edit-a-thon?

Wikipedia Edit-a-thons are social events where experienced Wikipedians and Wikimedians, newbies, and other people interested in Wikipedia can meet offline to discuss, edit, review, contribute, and collaborate on Wikipedia and its sister projects like Wikimedia Commons.

At Wikimedia Philippines, the Edit-a-thon on May 31 will be a combination of a meetup for experienced local Wikipedia editors, and a chance to introduce Wikipedia editing to interested newbies who want to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in Wikipedia.

The Dream Expo MNL: Featuring Inspiring Filipino Innovators

Wazzup Pilipinas!

#‎TheDreamExpoMNL‬ is a 3-day exposition that will celebrate and feature more than 30 inspiring Filipino innovators from various fields of specialization and regions.

In partnership with the Office of Sen. Bam Aquino, IdeaSpace Foundation, ADB Youth Initiative, Global Shapers Manila Hub, Works of Heart and The Dream Project PH, #TheDreamExpoMNL is a free event that generally hopes to map out Philippines through the different social innovations (initiatives, projects, enterprises, movements) created by Filipino innovators in the different regions of the country.

WHO CAN JOIN:
#TheDreamExpoMNL seeks to engage Filipino youth who have existing social innovations (project, enterprise, invention, program) or want to learn more about Filipino social innovations.

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION:
Accomplish #TheDreamExpoMNL Application Form at http://bit.ly/TheDreamExpoMNL. Please note that the application for registration will close at 2 PM of 1 June, Sunday.

Ballet Philippines Announces "Manhid" Auditions on June 13, 14, And 17

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ballet Philippines with Tanghalang Pilipino invites you to be part of MANHID, the 45th season ender performance slated for February 20 to March 8, 2015 at the CCP Main Theater.

MANHID. The Pinoy Superhero Musical was first staged by UP TROPA in 1991 by Auraeus Solito, Kanakan Balintagos, Vincent de Jesus, Carina Evangelista and the Eraserheads.

Actors/Singers between 20-35 who are able to play the following characters:

DILIM (coloratura soprano), LAM-ANG (soprano), ALUNSINA (rock alto), BANTUGAN (tenor/baritone), RADYA/INDARAPATRA (baritone), and other roles.

Auditions will be at the Museo ng Kalinangang Pilipino (MKP Hall) at the 4th floor of the Cultural Center of the Philippines on June 13 and 14 from 4:00pm to 9:00pm and on June 17 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Registration begins an hour before the audition proper.

Celia Diaz-Laurel Set to Launch "The Colors of My Life" Coffee Table Book on June 18

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Celia Diaz-Laurel is a name synonymous to world of arts.

By virtue of imagination, talent or skill to create works of aesthetic value, especially in the field of fine arts, Celia Diaz-Laurel has gained the reputation for being a prolific stage actress, painter, writer, poetess, set and costume designer for more than six decades.

Now at 85 years of age, Celia Diaz Laurel has a record feat of chalking up hundreds of stage plays and musicals, painting a treasure trove of artworks on different subjects, and writing / publishing books.

And yet, Celia Diaz-Laurel is still up and about to launch her latest project which is a coffee table book aptly titled ‘The Colors of My Life’ on June 18 – Wednesday 4 p.m. at the Executive House located at Maramag St. corner Tavera St., Area 14, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

The first part of the book which contains five chapters is the author’s personal memoirs of her early childhood in Talisay, Negros Oriental up until she moved to Manila for secondary education at Assumption Convent. The author also shares her anecdotes as a budding artist, and her college years at the University of the Philippines - College of Fine Arts located in Padre Faura. 

Hansel and Gretel: A Pre-Father's Day Treat All Set on June 8 at Eastwood Mall Atrium

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In line with the forthcoming Father’s Day celebration, EASTWOOD MALL and Kids Acts Philippines shall present ‘ Hansel and Gretel ’ on June 8, 2014 --- 3 p.m. at the Eastwood Mall Atrium. Free admission for everyone!

Hansel and Gretel will come to life on stage through colorful sets, props and costumes, beautiful songs and music, and most of all, the genuine portrayal of the professional theater actors ages 7 to 14 years old from Kids Acts Philippines.

Hansel and Gretel is the musical play for children wherein Kids Acts Philippines intently integrated the most important learning abilities of children called the eight multiple intelligences. The play incorporated every intelligence type in the specific scenes to enable children appreciate the total importance of learning while being entertained by the play. This musical play for kids and by the kids is an advocacy to augment the interest of kids in performing arts.

2013 Gawad Buhay!: The Philstage Awards for the Performing Arts

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Now on its sixth year, Gawad Buhay! is the first-ever industry awards exclusively for the performing arts. Outstanding individual and group achievements in various artistic and technical aspects of play, musical
and dance productions and performances are honored based on quarterly citations deliberated by the jury who are required to watch all productions of Philstage member-companies for the entire year.

From the four quarterly citations, the jury selects the final nominees qualified to win the awards by the end of the performance season. Awarding ceremonies will be on JUNE 6, 2014 - 7:30 P.M. at the CCP - Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino.
 
Philstage is the only alliance of professional performing arts organizations in the Philippines. Its members include Ballet Manila, Ballet Philippines, Gantimpala Theater Foundation, Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit, Peta, Repertory Philippines, Tanghalang Pilipino, Trumpets, Actor’s Actors Inc., 9 Works Theatrical and Philippine Opera Company. 

And the winner is.....

Mommy and Me Mall Tours: Fun Time, Family Time with CDC Manufacturing Corporation

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With the fast-paced lifestyle we live these days, the more important things tend to be set aside. That’s why, CDC Manufacturing Corporation, the leading manufacturer and distributor of tablewares, is putting back the focus to those that matters most.

The makers of Melawares, Perfect Dining, Bestware, and Urban Kitchen, is dedicating its “Mommy and Me” mall tour to all the moms. Through this mall tour series, CDC Manufacturing Corporation aims to bring the message of family time to different parts of the country.

In partnership with ELBA Philippines, San Miguel Purefoods, Monterey, Magnolia, Nestle Maggi and SM Homeworld, the “Mommy and Me” event is packed with activities that foster bonding time between moms and kids. The event features a cooking demonstration for easy to prepare recipes that both moms and kids can enjoy preparing.

Moms can also spend time at the face painting station with their kids and have a matching face décor with their children. There is also a Vintage Party Station set up for those who want to play tea time, which is one of the favorite games of the little ones. Kids can also unleash their creativity in designing their own plates in the Design Your Own Plate station. The winning design will get produced and the winner will get to have his/her own set of the design. And, bonding moments won’t be complete without the keepsake. Guests can visit the fun photo booth station is ready to take the best mommy and me shot!

Renaissance Art Gallery’s 11th Anniversary Exhibit “Tinuod/Truth” by Bag-Ong Hinan-Aw Set to Open on June 25

Wazzup Pilipinas!

One of the trendiest art galleries in Metro Manila, Renaissance Art Gallery boasts of having among the finest collections of established and upcoming Filipino contemporary artists.

Among the events celebrating its eleventh anniversary this June, Renaissance Art Gallery is proud to present the grouped art exhibition “Tinuod/Truth,” featuring sixty-four masterpieces created by the artists and mentors of the Cebu-based art group Bag-ong Hinan-aw.

Cebuano for “New Perspectives,” Bag-ong Hinan-aw is a group inspired and guided by the giants of Cebu’s academic realist tradition: the art philosophy of Martino Abellana, the Amorsolo of the South; and his two greatest apprentices, Sofronio Ylanan Mendoza (also known as Sym); and Romulo Galicano.

Bag-ong Hinan-aw is composed of ten artists: Publio “Boy” Briones, Jr.; Buboy Cañete, Audie Estrellado, Ramon De Dios, Carlos Florida, Jonathan Galicano, Luther Galicano, Bernardo Hermoso, Facundo “Dodong” Tallo, and Jose “Pepe” Villadolid.

Their works are suffused with the academic realism that came from National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, and bequeathed through the teachings of Abellana, Sym, and Galicano.

An Open Letter to an Online Publication

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The open letter below submitted by one of our contributors, who was apparently a former writer of an online publication, had to pass through a lot of scrutiny from the Wazzup Pilipinas core team before it was allowed to be posted as is, and with very little correction. We intentionally removed the identity of the online publication since we know very well many will be able to quickly identify which one it is.

Wazzup Pilipinas stands by our obligation to respect all forms of freedom of expression, may it be somewhat sounding hateful, malicious or biased, as we allow all parties directly or indirectly involved with the issues to freely submit their personal statements that will voice out their true feelings, to affirm or deny accusations, and explain their side of the actual stories that are often hidden from the eyes of the public due to manipulated efforts and uneven resources.

It was quite difficult to finally allow this open letter to be posted on our site as the Editor himself was a former senior writer of the said online publication. But we will let our readers evaluate on their own if this was justifiable enough to make an online presence. The author claims he is representing not only himself but others who also feel he same way. There was no sugar-coating, and no effort was made to tame the fiery statements of the original author of the letter.

Please read on with an equally "open" mind. Be mindful that we will also accept the counter-statements of the other parties if they will request for it. Everyone deserves an opportunity to air out their concerns. We are glad to be instrumental to this effort to communicate.

Lamudi: Fast-Growing Property Portal Expands Operations in Sri Lanka

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Lamudi, one of the leading real estate players and a global property portal operating exclusively in emerging markets, is expanding its presence in Asia, with the platform launching in Sri Lanka this week. It is now available in seven new markets across Asia, the Middle East and Africa, with launches also announced recently for Jordan, the Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius and Zimbabwe. This brings the number of countries where the platform is available to 28.

Co-Founder and Managing Director, Paul Philipp Hermann, said: “Countries like Sri Lanka have the perfect trifecta for online property: each has a strong real estate market, growing rate of internet usage, and a young and vibrant demographic.

We are expanding our presence in Asia because, quite simply, we could see a demand that was not being met. As more people in each of these markets switch online, they want to have access to the same resources that are available elsewhere.

Whether its buying a house in Sri Lanka or renting an apartment in Jordan, Lamudi is helping to meet the growing demand for e-commerce in emerging markets.”

Our Daily Breath: Mga Karaniwang Reklamo at Himutok ng Isang Ordinaryong Pinoy

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Pasensiya na...hindi po kasi ako komedyante. Mas madalas ay seryoso ako, tahimik, nasa isang tabi lamang. Hindi mo agad-agad akong mapapatawa, kahit mapangiti...pilit siguro..pero mahirap at halatang peke.

Pero kapag interesado talaga ako o nasa syento porsyento pa ang aking lakas, uupo ako sa harapan, makikinig ng maiigi, magtatanong pa minsan, tititigan kita dahil may gana pa ako. Once na tumingin ako sa sahig, its either inaantok na ako, or nahihiya ako sa iyo dahil sa sobrang ka-cute-an mo. Shy rin ako noh.

Kaya lang kapag naramdaman kong hindi ka pala totoo, mapagkunwari ka lang na pilit na nagpapaka-tao, aantukin na ako, iba na ang iisipin, kating-kati na umuwi. Kahit landiin mo pa ako at magpakita ka ng cleavage at legs, there will never be something between the two of us.

Dadamihan ko na lang ng inom ng iced tea, kung meron, o kaya tubig na lang ang pagtiyatiyagaan para pampalipas lang ng oras, lamang tiyan di yan...kahit malunod na ako sa kakainom, para makaraos lang, para di mapanis laway ko. Pagbibigyan ka pa rin, kahit atat na talaga akong tumayo. Mas masarap pa kasing umutot kaysa makinig sa iyo.

Friend or Foe App: Keep Your Facebook Friends Close - and Your Enemies Closer

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of secure content and threat management solutions presents FriendOrFoe – a free app for Facebook that allows users to assess just how “valuable” their friends are, and even shows what others think of them.

The app will reveal which of those hundreds of followers are genuine fans, who reposts and comments most of all in a user’s circle of friends, as well as highlighting threats to social network users, and how to keep personal information secure.

For those who like using various apps to analyze their activity, Kaspersky Lab has created a tool for collecting statistics about Facebook activity.

FriendOrFoe displays how many videos and photos a user publishes, the number of likes received and lots of other stats that may be of interest to Facebook devotees.

FriendOrFoe is currently available in English, Russian, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Mexican Spanish, Arabic, and Japanese. Kaspersky Lab promises to add to the list of languages in the near future.

Hack the Climate: Manila - The Longest Hackathon in the Philippines

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"....we found ourselves staying up late in our common room discussing the possibilities of using technology as a tool for social justice, especially as it relates to the climate crisis. We wondered, what if the same energy that went into the development of YouTube or LinkedIn was applied to conservation, recycling or disaster relief?
Hackathons could provide the venue for coordinating grassroots efforts to create technology that solves the climate problem" -Jacob Scheer and Miguel Lachanski

"Hack the Climate: Manila" will soon be the longest hackathon happening in the Philippines. This is a coding marathon aiming to create an app (mobile/web/hardware) that can be used by an NGO whose main advocacy is to respond to the Climate Change problem such as Move.ph, Greenpeace, ReDraw the Line, WWF and others.

"The climate problem is complex and technological innovations, especially mobile applications will be instrumental in solving many of the challenges particular to the Philippines. The hackathon is designed to support the development of applications that include but are not limited to: day-to-day decision making (i.e. adjusting to shifting agricultural zones), crisis management (finding a hospital/food during extreme weather events like Typhoon Haiyan), or long-term adaptation efforts (migration away from rising sea level)."

The organizers target to get at least 250 to 300 Tech Rockstars to launch a technology that could help our country in responding to Climate Change.

Ballet Philippines Announces 45th Season Line Up

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ballet Philippines, the country’s premier classical and contemporary dance company proudly announces its 45th Anniversary – The Sapphire Season as it celebrates 45 years of sharing the gift of dance.

The exciting line-up of productions is as follows:

Agnes Locsin’s LA REVOLUCION FILIPINA
CCP Main Theater | July 25-27, 2014

Hailed by critics as “poignant and powerful,” Agnes Locsin’s modern dance masterpiece returns to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of its lead character - Apolinario Mabini, the paraplegic, ‘brains of the Katipunan’.

Winner of Outstanding Dance Production and Outstanding Choreography for Agnes Locsin at the 2008 Gawad Buhay! Awards

Bangka-sion: A Tabang Tambayan Benefit Gig for Coron, Palawan

Wazzup Pilipinas!

What is Tabang Tambayan?

Tabang is a Visayan word that means tulong in Tagalog and help in English. Tambayan is a Tagalog word, translated in english as a comfi (comfortable) place.

Tabang Tambayan is a project by The Silver Lining Project, Primarch Entertainment, SparkMyIdeas, individual organizers, Kamilla Sumagui, Bryan Favorito, Jansie Hernandez and Kris Garcia, and several volunteers. It is a series of events, whether gigs or workshops, aimed to bring together artists and artisans from the creative and music industries to pool together their talents as a means of providing assistance to our Yolanda survivors.

Together with beneficiaries, the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary-401 Squadron, PCGA-Coron and AirJuan, the fundraising drive is for the Relief-Rehab-Rebuild of the project's adopted community and barangay, Sitio Maricaban in Coron, Palawan.

Travel & Tourism Colleagues Being Asked to Change Professional Image of the Industry

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Members of the Travel & Tourism industry are being asked to participate in a new World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) campaign to help change the perception of a career in the sector.

People are being asked to create their own 15 second videos to explain why they love working in Travel & Tourism. Chris Nassetta, President & CEO of Hilton Worldwide is joined by other Industry leaders including Raymond Bickson, CEO of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces and Thulani Nzima, CEO of South Africa Tourism in kicking off the Instagram campaign, which is intended to demonstrate the career opportunities available.

The campaign comes on the back of new research from WTTC*, which shows that Travel & Tourism holds opportunities for job creation to address the youth unemployment and gender inequality issues faced by countries across the world. The findings show that the sector employs a higher proportion of women and young people compared with the workforce as a whole. The high proportion of youth in the industry is forecast to remain the case for the next ten years.


However, serious challenges have been identified, when it comes to the understanding and profile of the sector**. As David Scowsill, President & CEO, WTTC explains, people need to be persuaded to consider Travel & Tourism as a career option; “Travel & Tourism helps transport people to all corners of the world, immerse them in different cultures and experiences and provides a livelihood to millions worldwide. It’s a fantastic Industry to work in but we need to increase awareness of career opportunities. Graduates need to be moved away from always only considering banking or finance or law as careers with opportunities for progression and security and see Travel & Tourism as an excellent career option. We believe this campaign can play its part in doing that”.

Sumilon Island, Cebu: The Epson Fusion 5 Media Appreciation Adventure

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Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC), one of my favorite technology brands, recently announced some really great news during its annual Media Appreciation Activity dubbed as Fusion and already on its 5th year, held last May 21 to 23, 2014 at Bluewater Resort of Sumilon Island, Cebu. The island is located at the southeastern tip of the Cebu mainland so it was just a boat ride away from Cebu, but about 4 to 5 hours drive away from the Cebu city airport. This was why we chose to take the Dumaguete flight so it will be less time-consuming to travel from Dumaguete to the Sumilon Island.

Several members of the media were among the first ones to hear about Epson's accomplishments for the past year as the No. 1 brand in three different categories namely projectors, inkjet printers, and dot matrix printers. Epson also unveiled 14 new products from four (4) different categories including: Visual Instruments (VI)/Projectors, Inkjet Printers, Commercial & Industrial (C&I) and, Business Systems.

Epson remains the undisputed leader in the dot matrix printer category, with a market share of 97%, it retained its Value (US$) Share Leadership in the Inkjet hardcopy peripherals (printer) market category with 33.1% share in 2013, and achieved the No.1 position in the projector category with a 31.84% market share.

But that announcement was just the tip of the iceberg with regards to a lot of other things to celebrate namely our adventure lined-up within the three days we will be spending starting off from the Sumilon island. Epson may have conquered the said technical categories, but we are set to conquer some water-related activities soon. The Epson management were excited to share with us their wonderful "stats," but we were actually more thrilled to begin our adventure in Cebu and relieve our body of some of our unwanted "fats."

Full Disclosure by Abaya, DOTC Officals of House Probe on MRT-3 Extortion Case

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Officials of the Department and Transportation and Communications (DOTC), led by Secretary Jun Abaya, made full disclosures at the Congress investigation on the alleged Metro Rail Transit III (MRT-3) extortion attempt this morning, as promised by Abaya last week.

"We promised that we would be transparent, so we made full disclosure to Congress. We at the DOTC have nothing to hide, and are as interested as anyone else in uncovering irregularities, if indeed there were any," said Abaya.

It was revealed during the hearing of the House of Representatives (HOR) Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability that the MRT-3 maintenance contract which was awarded to CB&T was made to ensure the safety of its passengers.

"Safety is always our priority. That is our commitment to the public. We resorted to the simplied emergency bidding procedure so as not to compromise passenger safety," Abaya remarked.

This situation arose due to the refusal of the Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC) - the private company which owns the facilities of the MRT-3 - to renew its maintenance contract with Sumitomo of Japan in 2012. The Emergency Procurement mode is provided for under Republic Act No. 9184 or the Procurement Law.

Make Your Own Havaianas 2014: The Biggest Flip-Flops Customization Event in the Country

 

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Hashtag #MYOH2014 is an exclusive Make Your Own Havaianas 2014 event for the loyal Havaianaticos! Calling all footie fans! Havaianas has been touring around the Philippines to proudly bring you closer to Havaianas - the best rubber flip-flops in the world from Brazil!

Right in the middle of the summer season comes the colorful event that was open to the anticipating public from May 8 to 11, 2014 at Glorietta Activity Center. But a media launch was held last May 6 at the same venue where we spotted celebrities like Elmo and Arkin Magalona (along with their mom), Kathryn Bernardo, Azkal brothers Phil and James Younghusband, Lauren Young, the family of Maricel Laxa and Anthony Pangilinan, Janeena Chan, were celebrating with the crowd in true Brazilian style along with some Samba beats at the background, the cultural dance numbers and beautiful Portuguese speaking models that made a glorious noise inside the Glorietta Activity Center.

At the public launch, we caught a glimpse of popular faces like Sam Pinto, Vanessa Matsunaga, the Ateneo Lady Eagles, Daphne Oseña-Paez, Denise Laurel, couples Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia, and a lot more, during the biggest four days of Brazilian flip-flops customization. Guess who else were also head over heels mixing and matching soles, straps, and pins of their Havaianas flip-flops?! There's too many of them to list down in just one blog post!

Swensen's Philippines Opens New Branch at The Block of SM North EDSA

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Our family has always been a fan of ice cream. Then again, who isn’t right? Living in a tropical country, it is almost a given that people here enjoy a bite of ice cream every now and then. However, there are only a few places here that sells quality ice cream. Thankfully, Swensen's came over and our problem of finding great ice cream has been solved.

My family and I enjoy going to Swensen's after dinner. It’s a great thing that they now have 3 branches. One is in Mall of Asia, the other is in Eastwood, and the newest one is located in SM North The Block which just opened recently and was formally launched last May 14, 2014. They have everything covered from the South to the North.

My son’s personal favorite is the Strawberry Sundae Parfait. He love the glass that they use. You see he’s very particular about presentation and the glass used for parfait. He feel that if its the wrong one, the experience is diminished if not broken. He also loves that they ensure that the banana is always fresh. It matters. No one wants a soggy banana on their sundae.

Jollibee Family Bee Day: A Grand Picnic For the Entire Family

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"Dito ang sarap maging pamilya" at the Jollibee Family Bee Day grand picnic where the langhap-sarap goodness of Jollibee burgers, fries, and other treats exploded all over the place as many families enjoyed the true Pinoy taste that has even toppled the other fastfood chain giants of other countries.

Along with hundreds of families, my friends and I joined the festivities at the Quirino Grandstand of Manila one perfectly good afternoon that drizzled a bit like it the event was being blessed by the heavens. This is where I saw again more than one of their very familiar mascots like Twirlie, Mr. Yum and of course that big jolly bee that couldn't even sting but could only dance and give away burgers and fries especially to the kids.

Many other families converged in five different venues across the country and enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon during Jollibee’s Family Bee Day, dubbed as the grandest picnic ever!

Held simultaneously at the Quirino Grandstand in Metro Manila, Bayanihan Park in Pampanga, Nuvali football grounds in Laguna, Plaza Independencia in Cebu and Crocodile Park in Davao, the event was highlighted by performances from topnotch celebrity guests, live bands, side attractions and overflowing Jollibee treats.

Lee’s 125th Anniversary Special: 125 Years of Denim Mastery and Purposeful Design

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Nowhere does the cultural heritage of the Americas - the delineating design of popular culture—come more alive than in a classic pair of Lee Jeans. Inherited in the brands DNA is 125 years of craftsmanship, innovation and purposeful design. Lee Jeans has created history in ways that we see, wear and experience denim now. To celebrate this more-than-a-century of inventing functional fashion, the “Lee Archive Tour”, was created - a curated collection of iconic Lee pieces - to tour around the Asia-Pacific region starting with Beijing, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, India and Australia.

Building the exhibit from the ground up, the two-storey contemporary metal-and-wood structure will first be constructed in Glorietta and deconstructed to be put up again in Robinson’s Place Ermita and then to SM Mall of Asia. The Lee Archives serves not so much as a museum as a chronicle of fashion firsts, denim die-hards will see where much of the current jean innovations started from.

The exhibition space opens with a visual play on repetition: at attention are 125 limited edition “Buddy Lee” dolls wearing customized and shrunken to proportion 101+ denim replicas—complete with miniature hardware and stitch detail. “Buddy Lee”, 92 years old and cherubic faced as ever is the brands mascot and has been since 1922. In the earlier days, Buddy was used as an advertising product, a convenient traveling tool to showcase new styles but now he’s more of the brand’s symbol of heritage and an endearing icon for Lee.

Just Thai Authentic Thai Restaurant: Sa-THAIs-faction Guaranteed

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My visit to Bangkok several years ago introduced me to Thai foods the most hilarious way because even though I knew it would be spicy as told by friends and colleagues, I never knew it would go pass the boundaries of our also famous Bicol Express in terms of spiciness.

Whoah! I was surely surprised to sip a soup that would have me reaching for the nearest drink within my proximity. I had to quickly drink a friend's glass of water because it was not so tolerable for me. I felt the spice go burning down through my throat like it was on fire. OMG! I literally screamed for water! I was all sweating afterwards!

It was my fault! It was warned! I smelled that spicy aroma! But ignored everyone of them. I was asked if I wanted it milder before we ordered, but I said "Bring it out as it is!" I thought I've tasted the "hottest" dish in my years of existence in this world, but that 10-day trip in Thailand became so memorable because of that darn Tom Yum!

Now you could now imagine me giving that Pad Thai a long hard look before I took a bite of it. You'll never know if those noodles or bean sprouts may be hiding something despicably spicy that's equally unbearable for culinary noobs like me.

Pampanga Culinary Tour: Rediscovering Kapampangan Cuisines and Concoctions Among the Collections

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In celebration of the International Museum Day, the Museo ning Angeles and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) prepared a guided tour of the inner depths of Filipino cuisine with lecturers who not only talk about food but actually live it, at the same time, experience Kapampangan cooking traditions and feast upon it.

True enough, notable personalities like internationally awarded author and culture advocate Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, renowned Filipino chef and artist Claude Tayag, famous food historian and cook Atching Lillian Borromeo and historian and consultant Francis Musni were the chosen speakers to grace the Pampanga Culinary Tour held at the Culinarium of Museo ning Angeles of Angeles, Pampanga last May 15, 2014, and on May 16, 2014 at several sites like Lillian Borromeo's ancestral home - hailed as Mexico, Pampanga's center of culinary attraction., and at the Historic Camalig Restaurant - the home of Armando's Pizza, which earned the monicker as the "Pambansang Pizza."

The Culinarium is dedicated to Kapampangan culinary art and is developed from the basic concept that food preparation is a heritage and a legacy worth preserving not only by exhibit or collection but most importantly by continuous practice of this living tradition.

Epson Rules Projector Market Marks Unprecedented World’s No. 1 Status for 13 Consecutive Years

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Epson’s 3LCD technology reigned supreme as the digital imaging leader achieved the No.1 position in the projector category in the Philippine market. Based on a report by Future Source Consulting covering the 4th quarter of 2013 and the 1st quarter of 2014, Epson is currently the No.1 projector brand with a 31.84% market share.

Future Source is a 3rd party organization and the leading global marketing research company that has tracked data for the worldwide consumer electronics market for the past 25 years.

The latest Future Source brand ranking covers all business projectors with brightness level from of 2500-14999 / all resolutions.

BRAND	CY2013 4th Quarter (Oct-Dec)		CY2014 1st Quarter (Jan-Mar)
	Share	Rank	Quantity	Rank
EPSON	29.89%	1	31.84%	1
Brand “A”	27.11%	2	25.14%	2
Brand “B”	15.53%	3	11.17%	4
Brand “C”	8.50%	4	18.41%	3

Source: Future Source Consulting CY2014 (Jan-Mar)

Get Ready for Some Foosball This June 12 at Sofitel

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Yes, foosball! that game you tried once or twice in your student days, family basement, office lounge or favorite watering hole. You can enjoy it and join a foosball tournament by Foosball Filipinas Association (FFA) with Snaps Sports Bar during the FIFA World Cup opening and championship matches at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.


TOURNAMENT FORMAT

Open division. First time competitor, enthusiast or league player will play in a single-elimination system where the loser of each bracket is immediately eliminated from winning the championship or first prize in the event while the winner of each match moves on. There will be five events: Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Several specialty events are also scheduled, including Juniors, Forward Shootout, and Goalie Wars. First prizes include a trophy, room nights and food & beverage certificates compliments of Sofitel Manila.


TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

The tournament begins with events at 8:00 pm, Thursday, 12 June 2014, continuing throughout the night. All matches will be played on Garlando and Solex soccer tables. The next tournament will held on Sunday night, 13 July 2014.

UP Diliman Retains NUCC Crown After Thwarting La Salle-Manila Fightback

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UP Diliman remains as the reigning champion of the National Ultimate Collegiate Championship after beating De La Salle-Manila, 15-10, in the Pool A championship game of the said tournament at the Greenfield City Sports Field in Sta. Rosa City.

UPD raced to an early 4-1 lead in the race-to-15 match-up, but DLSU-M threatened to regain its early lead as the team came to within 3-4.

UP Diliman scored six of the next seven goals to open a 10-5 lead, but the team conceded five La Sallian goals, the last three unanswered, while only making one as the lead was cut to one again, 11-10.

The Diliman ultimate players secured the championship, their fourth straight since the tournament began in 2011, by scoring four goals in succession in the end.

Junie Dela Cruz and Jenny Demagaje were hailed as the co-MVP's of the title match for steering UP Diliman to the successful title defense.

In the battle for third, UP Los Baños smoothly cruised to a 9-2 win against Ateneo.