2014-07-13 ~ Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Maja Salvador Performs at the Yahoo Celebrity Awards 2014

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As requested by a huge number of online voters, The Legal Wife's favorite "kabit", actress Maja Salvador, performed a captivating and sexy song and dance number for the huge audience of the SM Mall of Asia Arena last July 18, 2014 during the Yahoo Celebrity Awards 2014 night.

Maja Salvador proves that she can actually make a significant impact as a total entertainer as she traverses another entertainment skill beyond merely acting and dancing on TV or in the movies. We could hear very well that she has the voice though not as powerful as our "biriteras" she can very well carry a tune and can fully accomplish a performance with very little errors or mistakes.

Combining dancing with her singing talent makes it more difficult, and make her more convincing as a performer, plus her magnificent outfit that night revealing her fabulous trimmed and fit body fully emphasized by her glaring dance moves signifies she's been also improving her physical prowess and figure.

The Yahoo Celebrity Awards, formerly called the Yahoo OMG! Awards is already on its fourth run as an award-giving body which gets its results from an online poll powered by votes form netizens worldwide. Filipinos all over the world, including foreign fans, must have all bonded together to vote for Maja as the chosen performer of the night. We all know why, and we are truly glad they voted for her!

The video can be found below:

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Stuggling against disasters and surviving to tell the tale needs no words in the latest twin-bill production at the PETA PHINMA Theater. The Dora Theater Company’s (Japan) Ayanasu (Woven) shows back to back with Philippine Educational Theater Associaton (PETA)’s Strong Boy, Deaf Boy and a Girl in an Abaya on July 26, 2014, with shows at 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

In celebration of the Philippine-Japanese Friendship Month, the PETA Theater Center and Japan Foundation Manila present these two non-verbal performances that explore the two country’s shared experiences in facing national tragedies.

Ayanasu (Woven) is an improvised non-verbal performance depicting a family’s journey from loss to hope during the 2011 tsunami in Japan. Ayanasu, literally meaning ‘to weave’, reflects the creative process that the Dora Theater Company (Japan), guided by director Kenjiro Otani, underwent to produce this piece. During the course of rehearsals, spontaneous vignettes were interwoven into a narrative of solitude, memory and synchronicity. This international staging coincides with the company’s 40th anniversary. Interested performing groups are invited to join a workshop to be given by Dora Theater Company on July 27, 2014 at the PETA Studios. The workshop is divided into three components: ‘Devise Works’, which focuses on how to build non-verbal scenes, ‘Physical Theater’, which engages participants in activities from the Viewpoints technique while,‘Taboo’ deals with engaging in taboo topics via theater.

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Now in its third year, PETA, the country’s pioneering company in the use of theater for education, joins one of the country’s biggest publishing companies, Lampara Publishing House in enriching the competition with creative workshops to enhance the participants’ storytelling and performance skills.

Register now to begin a fun journey of learning, self-discovery and telling of some of the most exciting and value-laden children’s stories!

HOW TO REGISTER

1. Application forms are available in all PRECIOUS PAGES NCR outlets and the PETA Theater Center located at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila Quezon City. You may also email petastorytelling@yahoo.com to request for an electronic copy of the form.

2. Fill-up registration form and submit to any of the PRECIOUS PAGES outlet or to the PETA Theater Center with the following:

a. Photocopy of student ID and school registration form
b. Registration fee of P 400.00 which will cover workshop and materials costs.

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Nowadays, a lot of medications are sprouting out claiming that they can treat acne. But are their claims honestly true, factual and verified? Can they really treat acne on their own?

For years now, the gold standard of treating mild to moderate acne is the benzoyl peroxide (BPO). This is because it is a topical antimicrobial medicine, an oxidizing agent that specifically kills P. acnes, the bacteria that cause acne breakouts. To a lesser extent, it also helps to unblock pores and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Be smart in choosing a product for your acne! BPO is known as superior to any medications for acne treatment. It is not an antibiotic, and in 50 years of use, there has never been a documented case of BPO bacterial resistance; it is the cornerstone of prescription and over-the-counter acne therapy. And Proactiv Solution knows that.

That’s why Proactiv Solution has Micro-crystals (micro-crystal medicine) benzoyl peroxide! The exclusive form of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) found in the Proactiv 3-Step System’s Renewing Cleanser (Step 1) and Repairing Treatment (Step 3). A crystalline BPO that is finely milled in order to achieve the pore penetration required to control the acne cycle. The Proactiv micro-crystal BPO features exceptionally small and uniform particles—designed specifically to penetrate pores faster and to be gentler on the skin.

There are other ways to treat acne, but are all of them as effective as the other?

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Nyfti Bicycles is a start-up company affiliated with Manny V. Pangilinan's Metro Pacific Investments Corporation. MVP recently provided them with support through the IdeaSpace Foundation technology start-up competition. They developed their own unique folding bicycle that is more compact and has better road dynamics than what is available in the market. Their goal with our Filipino innovation is to get it internationally known.

They are currently nominated in the Youth Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition sponsored by UNESCO, Stiftung Entrepreneurship and Goi Peace Foundation. The winners of the competition will be awarded on October 2014 in Berlin, Germany during the Entrepreneurship Summit.
Three (3) winners will be selected among the top 10 teams with the most votes. The team with the most votes are automatically awarded the People's choice award. Below is the link to their voting page.

https://www.youth-competition.org/groups/entrepreneurship-competition-2013/contests/2/1308#

There is no registration required. Voters simply need to click on the vote button to chose our idea. Voting ends July 31. They are targeting about 9000+ votes to secure a spot in the top 10 teams. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Below is a Japan surplus bike that they modified. This is not the 3-fold bike that they designed.

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Education is the most important inheritance a parent can give to their children, with proper guidance and right up bringing, a child can never go wrong with his or her decisions. This holds true in the case of these two students. At a very young age they persuaded their parents to buy them a condominium unit at Paseo Verde in Las Piñas City.

A mid rise condominium located South of Metro Manila interest the two students, Doreen Joy Rosell and Maria Jessica Bello both students from FEU, because of its unique features that Paseo Verde offers to its unit owners. The bike facilities and electronic bike charging is just one feature that the condominium offers, it also has park and play ground of its own located in its premises. Plus the certified accreditation by the Building for Ecologically Responsive Design Excellence (BERDE) and a member of the Philippine Green Building Council for its steps toward promoting a sustainable community.

Presently, the awareness in promoting and living in an eco friendly place is the current fad among young people today. They want to give their contribution in protecting the environment and helping it in their own way.

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Eid'l Fitr marks the end of Ramadan for Muslims all around the world. It is an event that brings together brothers and sisters ofIslam with a chance to celebrate their faith together. The end of fasting brings a clean start to the Muslim community, allowing them a look at the world with a clearer perspective. For this year’s Eid’l Fitr Festival, the concept for the art exhibit will be to provide an opportunity for Muslim artists to come together with their Christian brothers in the spirit of unity. It is in celebration of this unity of both Muslims and Christians that Magbassa Kita Foundation, Inc., together with Galerie Joaquin Podium and the Podium Mall, present “Unitas: Muslim and Chrisitan Artists as One.”

The exhibition will feature works that use not only Islamic but ecumenical and universal motifs and themes, from the likes of National Artists Abdulmari Imao, Arturo Luz, and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, as well as noted artists Toym Imao, Rameer Tawasil, Jamila Tamano, Dominic Rubio, Jovan Benito, and Aljo Pingol, as well as fashion designers Len Cabili, Amir Sali Aluk, Patis Tesoro and Cora Manimbo. Also featured is a Pangalay Dance from Tawi-Tawi.

The exhibition will be on display at the 2nd Floor Atrium of The Podium Mall in Ortigas Center from July 21 to 27, with an opening reception on July 21 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please contact 634-7954, and visithttp://www.galeriejoaquin.com.

Wazzup Pilipinas!It looks like Kim Chiu has gained a significant footing among her online fans as she emerged as the most popular celebrity gaining the largest votes and in a lead with hundreds of thousands among the other nominees at the recently concluded Yahoo Celebrity Awards.

Aside from winning the highest Celebrity of the Year award for 2014 because of her 744, 773 votes, she was also awarded as the Actress of the Year with 725, 162 votes.

Her movie Bride for Rent also won as Movie of the Year with 630, 061 votes, and her teleserye Ikaw Lamang won as Teleserye of the Year with 704, 038 votes.

I guess her die-hard supporters really made a lot of effort to see her lead the Yahoo Philippines online voting and totally showed their strength as they also dominated the online votes as her love team fan club with Xian Lim, KimXi, also won as the Fan Club of the Year with 578, 015 votes.

Her leading man on the Ikaw Lamang teleserye Coco Martin also won as Actor of the Year, of which must have been influenced by her fans as well since the two are love team in the show.

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Yahoo Philippines staged an awesome awarding event last night that literally made the fans cheer to the top of their lungs with the delight of the many fans and supporters who flocked the SM Mall of Asia Arena last July 18, 2014. The Yahoo Celebrity Awards was a truly memorable night celebrated with style and powered by the fans. Hosted by Maxene Magalona and Robbie Domingo, the night was made even more special with teh appearances of celebrities we rarely see nowadays.

It was a truly star-studded evening filled with lots of entertainment numbers by our popular performers including Maja Salvador who was the most requested to perform based on online votes so therefore the audience got its wish and we saw how charming the young My Legal Wife actress was on stage. Parokya ni Edgar, Spongecola, Gary and Gab Valenciano, Sam Concepcion, Mark Herras, Jasmine Curtis Smith, and a lot more.

Many celebrities also were tasked as award presenters like Richard Gomez, Jolina Magdangal with Marvin Agustin on video, Gladys Reyes and her husband Christopher Roxas, Barbie Almalbis, beauty queen Ariella Arida, and a lot more stars that made the night sparkle with excitement.

Below are just some of the many photos that I took form the awards night:

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Let us see who walked the purple carpet of Yahoo Philippines' awards night held last July 18, 2014 at the SM Mall of Arena dubbed as the Yahoo Celebrity Awards. The likes of Annalisa star Andrea Brillantes, the awards hosts for the night Maxene Magalona and Robbie Domingo, and the collegiate basketball stars Teng Brothers Jeric and Jeron, were among the early birds who walked the purple carpet leading towards the awarding ceremonies.

Fans were all swooning over the purple carpet as they catch glimpses of their favorite stars along with some photo ops and especially selfies as the stars walked along their way. The night was filled with cheers and lots of flash bulbs from many photographers and fans who have now captured the images of many of these celebrities and made part of their portfolios, fan photo albums or even scrapbooks.

Joyce Pring led the interviews along the purple carpet as they took opportunities to chat with the celebrities before they proceed to the stage lounge to await the awarding ceremonies. I got an opportunity to only have a photo with ABS-CBN Entertainment News Reporter Gretchen Fullido and the Queen of All Media, who also won as Female TV Host of the Year, Kris Aquino.

Let me share some of the many photos I got from the event for your viewing pleasure.

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Yahoo Philippines once again rolled out the purple carpet last night to award the Best of the Best as voted by the fans and supporters of the celebrities in this year's Yahoo Celebrity Awards. Formerly called the Yahoo OMG! Awards, this year's awards has new categories available including the Male and Female Hotlete - a combination of the words "hot" and "athlete" of which the Teng brothers, Jeric and Jeron with 98, 918 votes, and Gretchen Ho, with 116, 021 votes, won respectively.

Yahoo was true to its theme of "Powered by You" since the highest record-breaking votes are all because of the fans that support their online voting, including attendance to teh star-studded event that was held at SM Arena at the Mall of Asia Complex last July 18, 2008.

Garnering the highest votes form fans, Kim Chiu emerged as the over-all highest scored celebrity to received a whopping 744,773 votes earning her the award as Celebrity of the Year. She also won as the Actress of the Year for getting 725, 162 votes. Her movie Bride for Rent won as Movie of the Year with 630, 061 votes and her teleserye Ikaw Lamang won as Teleserye of the Year with a total vote of 704, 038. Coco Martin who also stars in the Ikaw Lamang teleserye won as Actor of the Year with votes reaching up to 490, 179.

Internet-Connected Cars Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks - Kaspersky Lab

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Internet-connected cars are now becoming a reality and various international studies show that their market will continue to grow in the near future. But this emerging trend in the automotive industry can also become a new vehicle for cybercrimes, according to a leading developer of secure content and threat management solutions Kaspersky Lab.

Announcing the First Annual Connected Cars Study that seeks to provide an overview of the connected car market, Kaspersky Lab said motorists can no longer ignore safety concerns about the communications and Internet services included in the new generation of connected cars.

Kaspersky Lab said privacy, software updates and car-oriented mobile applications in Internet-connected cars are three areas where cybercriminals could potentially launch attacks.

"Connected cars can open the door to threats that have long existed in the PC and smartphone world," said
Vicente Diaz, the Principal Security Researcher at Kaspersky Lab who developed a proof of concept to analyze the safety implications of connecting these cars to the Internet.

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Right beside the Rockwell Powerplant Mall is Amorsolo Square where you'll find Chef Jessie's Rockwell Club fine dining restaurant that serves a lot of culinary expertise in International cuisines - French, Mediterranean, American, Asian, and probably a lot more inspirations since we all know many restaurants nowadays are evolving and coming out with many fusion dishes).

After a road trip in a MINI Cooper that was generously lent to me for a two days test drive, my son and I went over to the Rockwell Club for lunch to experience dining at another Chef Jessie restaurant. The famous chef is also widely known for her 100 Revolving Restaurant on top of MDC 100 at Eastwood Libis Quezon City, and the Top of the Citi restaurant on top of Citibank Tower in Makati. All-in-all there are three but who knows maybe she would agree to handle a fourth one soon.

Mall goers may not realize it but the best restaurants are not only located within the Powerplant mall but also around it. I've dined in quite a handful already from both within and the surrounding areas and truly the Rockwell district has become another place where you'll find great restaurants.

But it's actually the first time I've visited one where I find all the dishes served truly a delight to the appetite. Maybe we were in luck that we ordered the best among the many choices, but some of the other dishes I've tasted already from Chef Jessie's other restaurants and I also find them superb in both taste and presentation. It only means one thing: Chef Jessie's own distinct style of cooking beats even mother's homemade specialties.

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The Necessary Theatre will stage the Philippine premiere of “Venus in Fur” by David Ives. This is a hilarious, sexy romp of a play that stormed Broadway and won major awards in its wake.

Directed by Bart Guingona fresh from his highly acclaimed “Red,” and “Full Gallop.”

Featured artists: Jennifer Blair-Bianco and David Bianco.

Performance dates: July 25, 26 and 27
Venue: CCP Tanghalang Huseng Batute.

Tickets are at :
P1200 (Orchestra Premium Reserved)
P800 (Orchestra Free Seating)
P600 (Orchestra Balcony Seating)

For Inquiries contact :
Grace Firmeza / 09272858580
Tickets available at Ticketworld 891-9999 and the CCP Box Office 8323704.

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The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Technical Theater Program Batch 111 proudly presents a reinterpretation of the Palanca Award-winning play, “ FLUID ”.

Written and directed by Floy Quintos, the comedy is about young Filipino contemporary artists struggling to make a name for themselves as they negotiate the tricky terrain between Love, Art and Compromise.

“ FLUID ” is set to open on July 24 and shall continue to run on July 25 and 26 (1:00 pm and 7:00 pm) at the 5/F SDA Theater, School of Design and Arts Campus, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 950 P. Ocampo St., Malate, Manila. A press preview is set on July 23 at 7 p.m.

“ FLUID ” is written as a series of scenes in different locations featuring three pairs of characters who seemingly have nothing to do with each other. Amir is a struggling and frustrated young painter whose life is about to be changed by Mira a wealthy art collector who dreams of discovering new talent. Jom and Alben are passionate theater actors torn between their passion for their craft and the lure of fame. Renata is a seemingly batty orchestra coordinator out to defend the dignity of her orchestra when it is hired to play at a society wedding by the overbearing events coordinator, Simone. All these unique and clashing characters come together unexpectedly at an art exhibit where their impulses lead to joyful mayhem.

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With only three characters Aying, Vangie and Redford, the play is circa 1985 and is set on a beach in Southern California. It is a funny and highly moving story about three Filipino immigrants in America navigating through the shifting landscape of home, desire, loneliness and belonging. The play examines what it means to be an outsider, to be Filipino and/or American, to be a hybrid.

BECCA GODINEZ ( AYING ) is a seasoned singer, songwriter, director and actress. Her career has taken her through numerous musical avenues, from country to musical theater and everything else in between. She was a student of classical voice, where she competed and won for her college its first classical voice trophy. Believing in her gifts, she was given the lead role in the operetta, “The Telephone” by Gian Carlo Menotti, where she sang the difficult lines of the sole female soprano, Lucy. Simultaneously, she was a student of vocal jazz, scatting and enjoying the less traditional and less rigid boundaries of that genre, and for a season, she was a member of a vocal jazz ensemble that toured Northern California. Years later, she performed as front act to jazz musicians, Tom Scott, Richard Tee, Carlos Rios and Steve Gadd.

Becca spent a good amount of time on the legitimate stage, where she performed in straight plays and in musical theatre. She was a member of Repertory Philippines where she portrayed numerous roles which included Tuptim in The King and I, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, and in a CA production of West Side Story where she played Anita. An Orange County newspaper’s review stated... “In her role of Anita, she displayed a deep understanding of the role and gave it a passionate interpretation, which outshone Rita Moreno's interpretation …of "West Side." When she came to her big song "A Boy Like That," she gave it tragic and heart-wringing overtones …”

Avida Shares Inspired Home Interior Ideas for Elle Deco Talks Series

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Avida, in partnership with ELLE Decoration Philippines, recently concluded the second edition of the magazine’s Deco Talks series. Moderated by ELLE Decoration’s Tom Castañeda, the second series of design conversations assembled an impressive panel of industry specialists who shared their expertise and discussed the importance of creating inspired interiors. Interior designer Eric Tañedo-Paras, architect Lara Fernandez Barrios, and art consultant Miguel Rosales led the panel discussion. They were also joined by Avida’s Innovation and Design Group Head Jojo Fabricante, who shared the design aesthetics and inspiration behind the featured projects in Avida Showroom Glorietta.

Fabricante also noted the importance of visiting a showroom particularly for condo dwellers looking for design inspirations. “Here at the Avida showroom, we feature a deliverable unit that shows you what you will get, while the model units show you the potential [of your home]. It gives you an idea on what you can do and how you can maximize your space.”

The Avida Showroom in Glorietta served as the perfect venue for the event as it embodies the essence of an inspired interior. With its contemporary modern design, the showroom feature separate nooks that introduces the company’s newest projects, allowing guests to view model units that can be found in an Avida residential development.

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Epson, the world’s first, and to date the only printer maker to offer genuine ink tank system printers, announced the launch of the latest models in the award winning L-Series Original Ink Tank Printers. With four new models being introduced into the market - the L120, L1300, L1800 and L555 - Epson continues to offer an incredible print volume at the lowest cost per page of any genuine supplies printer.

Target Market	Type	Model	Print Speed	Connectivity
Home/Small Office	Single Function Document Printer	L120	Up to 8.5 ipm² (ISO)	USB
SMB Print Provider/ Professional photo studios	Single Function A3 Photo Printer	L1800	Up to 45 sec per 4R Photo (borderless)	USB
Small Office to Medium Sized Business	Single Function A3 Printer	L1300	Up to 15 ipm² (ISO)	USB
Small Office to Medium Sized Business	All-in-one Fax Printer	L555	Up to 9 ipm² (ISO)	USB and Wi-Fi

The new range of L-Series printers continues to provide for all level of users from the more affordable, high-speed L120, which offers SOHO and small businesses the option of a highly reliable, low cost document printer with a small footprint, to the all-in-one, super high ink capacity L555 with fax, Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) and wireless printing flexibility for medium sized businesses that need speed and reliability.

image from gmanewsnetwork.com

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The Office of the Ombudsman filed plunder charges against three senators for their roles in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III is expected to address that on his state of the nation address scheduled on July 28. It will be interesting to see what he has to say about it since it is very embarrassing how three senators are found to be pocketing funds. It is going to tarnish the reputation of the country since these people were voted in to their positions by the people. There have been rumblings that the senators will be reconsidered but those rumors were quickly put to rest by the Ombudsman.

The corruption cases made a lot of headlines nowadays due to the fact that the government officials were using funds that came from the citizens. The Filipinos paid their taxes rightfully so they deserve to know where the funds go to. Once the issue with Janet Lim Napoles came out, Filipinos started to rally since they realized their money is going to the benefit of the government officials. In fact, the children of these officials are seen having a good time like going on out of the country trips and buying luxury items such as gold watches and jewelry.

President Aquino will most likely encourage everyone to vote wisely on the next election which is in 2 years. He will point out that it is the Filipinos who are responsible for the high ranked government officials right now. One issue that is expected to be tackled in the next SONA is the preparation of the Filipinos for upcoming storms. It seems like every year lives and homes are shattered thanks to really bad weather. President Aquino is expected to announce new ways in finding out about the storm in advance so everyone can prepare.

Accept Abad’s Resignation, President Aquino

image from Bandera

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President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Cojuangco Aquino III actually issued a statement when asked why he did not accept Budget Secretary Florencio "Butch" Abad’s resignation from his post at the Department of Budget and Management. Unfortunately, the president did not really state a valid reason. He is saying the DAP or Disbursement Acceleration Program is benefitting the people when there is no evidence that it has indeed benefitted them. The president is saying the government’s most vociferous critics are saying that the program has benefitted the country. Unfortunately, the opposite is true for his statement as the government’s most harsh critics are completely against the program.

Nobody really knows the true effect of the DAP to the people and the justice department are determined more than ever to find that out. Secretary Abad has the right to resign so President Aquino should not stop him for any reason. Abad could want to have a career shift and President Aquino does not know it. The fact that the country improved from the DAP is just an opinion from the President and Secretary Abad. There is really no proof that the country was able to benefit from the program so the fact that the country was able to benefit was made from pure presumption.

The DAP is illegal so it has no right to exist. The Supreme Court of the Philippines has deemed it unconstitutional. The president must know that Abad can be replaced as there are many people who want his post right now. If he wants to resign because of something he either did right or wrong then let him do it. It is going to do P-Noy more harm if he refuses to accept the resignation of one of his men. It is also possible Abad wants to get out of this mess while it is still early.

SM Says Aura Area Should Not Go to BCDA

SM Aura image from Manila Coconuts

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SM Prime Holdings Inc. has built SM Aura for the residents of Taguig so they see no reason why it should benefit BCDA and not the people of Taguig. SM is sick and tired of all the restrictions the BCDA is trying to place on the property when it is not really theirs. The BCDA is trying to argue that the property should also benefit Taguig when SM did just that when they placed a park on top of the mall that can be accessed even when it is off mall hours. The food establishments on SM Aura are international brands like NBA Café, Ramen Nagi and Todd English Food Hall. There is a reason why the Al Fresco part of SM Aura is always jam packed and that is because the food here is good.

SM won the bidding for the property in an auction fair and square so BCDA really has no right to dictate to them what they want them to build in the property. They actually let Taguig dictate what they want to build as there is a little bit of everything in the Aura property including a mall, convention center, park, government offices and a lot more. The fact that SM let BCDA dictate what they have to build in the property is completely unfair since they won the auction.

It is widely expected that SM Aura is going to be crowded for a long time since it is a nice place to hang out. It won’t be long before the building there is open to be occupied by offices which will make the area even more crowded. BCDA’s arguments are so pointless that Taguig officials are starting to questions their points. Even the Taguig mayor knows that the Taguig residents were able to benefit from the new mall of SM.

ValGrine Entered the Bellecour Committee

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ValGrine is now a part of the board of high French designers and craftsmen. ValGrine entered officially the Bellecour committee in the end of June. The committee is exclusive and unique in France, wanting to be the showcase of French luxury. The specificity of its membership is settled on a precise know how, very exclusive. ValGrine joins jewelers, masons, carpenters and upholsterers.

During the exhibition “One designer, One craftsman, One oeuvre”, ValGrine putters were introduced to professionals as well to the general public, touching the unreachable. This was organized under the supervision of Joël Madile, ambassador of the Lyon region to the international audiences.

This novel exhibition had as main goal to display œuvres realized between artists and craftsmen. The S.T. Dupont putter was elected, wedding between two Maisons recognized for their daring, exclusivity and sumptuousness. This putter is engraved and lacquered by the hands of S.T. Dupont craftsmen.

From the emotion of the public stood out the delicacy and refinery of these putters’ lines, the quality of the materials and the embellishments, world unique.

This success settles ValGrine as legitimate member of the Bellecour committee, and announces an amazing future under the skies of the creation.

For further information, feel free to contact us through our site www.valgrine.com or Facebook www.facebook.com/www.valgrine.fr.

Philippine International Motor Show: Progress In Motion Towards the Future of Automotive Industry

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The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) brings back the country’s premiere motoring exhibit on September 18-21 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

At a press conference held last Thursday, July 10, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Ballroom 1, Fairmont Hotel, Makati City, CAMPI announced the much-awaited 5th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) which banners the theme “Progress in Motion” to highlight the robust performance of the motoring industry and its vital role in Philippines’ growing economy.the event focused on how the automotive industry’s recent triumphs boost the nation’s upward mobility and economic growth.

PIMS was established by CAMPI in 2008 as the prime industry supported motor show in the country.The last show had the theme "Drive The Fun." The CEOs and Presidents of the CAMPI members were present in this momentous event.

Present at the event were Maricar Parco - President of Asian Carmakers Corporation, Felix Ang - President of Auto Nation Group Inc., John Philip Orbeta - President of Automobile Central Enterprise, Steven Tan - President of Berjaya Auto Philippines Inc., Ginnia Domingo - President of Columbian Autocar Corporation, Arsenio Yap - President of Columbian Manufacturing Corporation, Dong Magsajo - Marketing and Communications Director - Eurobrands Distributor Inc., Atty. Rommel Guttierez - President of CAMPI, USEC Edwin Lopez of DOTC, Gov. Jose Alvarez - Chairman Emeritus of CAMPI, Noel Barachina - Vice President of Honda Cars Philippines, Nobuo Izumina - President of Isuzu Philippines Corporation, Hikosaburo Shibata - President of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation, Kenji Naito - President and Managing Director Nissan Philippines, Inc., Shuzo Hoshikura - Automotive Division General Manager of Suzuki Philippines Inc., Yohei Murase - EVP for Marketing of Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, and George Chua - Principal Adviser of Universal Motors Corporation.

Laugh and Stack Open Mic Showdown: Laughing Out Loud All Night with the Boys of Comedy Cartel

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Being a stand-up comic is really hard work. For one, you need to match your jokes to your audience profiles. You can only find out what tickles their fancy once you're already in the middle of the stage and doing your thing. Thus, you need to have a lot of stuff as reserve. Find their soft spot first by trying out a few short jokes, serve the similar ones that clicks, and continue pushing the experience further to that point where they will really laugh out loud, and you're good for the rest of the night.

The experience on stage and performing for a huge crowd must have been totally out of this world. I can imagine the stage fright, and that "mental block" state when you forgot all of your lines, plus all the sweaty foreheads and armpits due to nervousness especially if the crowd does not react to your initial jokes. I would have fainted and almost died immediately.

I therefore admired those who were able to finish their few minutes of fame or shame, whatever they may call it, but the courage they showed to get up on that stage really points more to respect towards the boys of Comedy Cartel during the Laugh and Stack Open Mic Showdown held at Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge located at Bonifacio Global City last July 12, 2014.

The night was filled with jokes coming from both newbies and veteran stand-up comics who all fought for the votes of the audience on who will emerge as the crowd's favorite. With special guests like Uli Oposa and Mike Unson, the night promised to be full of laughter.

Ryzza Mae Dizon Wows the Crowd at the Loom Band Magic Show

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Young and old alike, everyone loves Ryzza Mae Dizon - that cute and cuddly "Aleng Maliit" that we see almost everyday from Monday to Saturday at the popular noon time show Eat Bulaga which airs on GMA 7 and also has her bubbly and vibrant show dubbed as The Ryzza Mae Show.

I've witnessed how the children adored the child star and former Little Miss Philippines winner who has consistently amazed the crowd with her charming personality and an aura that fascinates everyone inside the Solaire Resort and Casino Grand Ballroom. The Loom Bands Magic Show, with Ryzza Mae and Rico the Magician as headliners, was jam-packed with half of the audience being children of all ages.

Though there were many other performers that were equally amazing, it was still Ryzza Mae who got a standing ovation and literally the security couldn't stop everyone, especially the children, to go up front towards the stage to see the child star up close. Everyone was truly starstruck and if it were not for the security, everyone would have asked for a photo ops or "selfie" with the little wonder girl.

Wazzup Pilipinas is proud to have been a media partner of the event as everyone in the family really love Ryzza Mae. It was actually my second time to see her in person but I still couldn't stop myself staring at her performance. I am that kind of person that is hard to impress but there is something in the child that always triggers the child in me.

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Metro Manila continues to witness major transformations on its landscape. What were once barren districts are now thriving with structures that host multinational companies and iconic commercial and residential developments.

Long-standing buildings from old avenues are being preserved through furthering its purpose and role in the growth of its provenance. The number of city centers, or at least those that are aspiring to serve as one, is on the rise—bringing together the live-work-play aspects in a single dense area to fulfill the promise of convenience and modern living.

Despite such renovations, the paths that identify the richness of Manila’s history are still visible— how the metropolis sprung from cohesion of small communities in the form of barangays, as well as the influence of the colonial era. Picturing these elements, when combined, the city has an immense contrast of edifices that help strengthen the character and diversity of its entirety.

These are just some of the ideas that make up WTA Architect and Design Studio’s installation for the Global Art Affairs Foundation Architecture Exhibition, a collateral event for the 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale. Carrying the theme "Fragments: Uncertainties and Characters," WTA will be presenting the various cultural, social, and political influences that mold the urban character of cities in the Philippines, particularly that of Metro Manila. Dissecting Manila’s Urban Fabric “Our exhibit seeks to elaborate how uncertainty and informality allow for a greater growth and creativity,” shares Founder of WTA Architect William T. Ti.

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We have witnessed how tri-media (print, radio and TV) networks have crossed over new media (blogs and social media networks) to share their news. Bloggers have also been doing the same as they now penetrate the mentioned news and entertainment sources. Many bloggers have written for newspapers and magazines and been interviewed and guested on TV and radio shows. It seems blogging has reached a new level as many bloggers are really investing on better ways to share their stories online, and now embracing other mediums to gain access to a wider audience.

Bloggers from the Wazzup Pilipinas community were given the opportunity to guest at the Vigattin Radio Show of Radyo Inquirer DZIQ 990 AM last July 12, 2014 during the 10 to 11 am time slot. Thank you to Elison Barcelo, CEO of of Vigattin Inc. and co-anchors Den Macaranas and Arne Bacelo for allowing Ross Del Rosario of Wazzup Pilipinas to bring along other bloggers to share the spotlight. If Ross was all alone there being interviewed, he would have suffered terribly from "mental block," "stage fright", and who knows what else. It was great to have fellow bloggers with him as it was more comfortable to talk while they had fun temporary ruling the airwaves that day.

Pepi De Leon of Kampeon Ng Pag-Ibig, Rey Estevez of Boy Raket, Ronnie Bernardo of Helicon Projects and of course, Ross Del Rosario of Wazzup Pilipinas were interviewed about their lives as a blogger - how they got started, what influenced them to start blogging, to answer the question "Is there money in blogging," and other topics circling the blogosphere including an on-the-spot blogging-on-air task given by the radio anchors.

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Algoriddim and Spotify recently announced a major update to djay for iPhone and iPad, the world’s best selling DJ app with over 10 million users on iOS. This new version lets Spotify Premium subscribers mix millions of tracks using their iPhone and iPad, as well as hook up their professional DJ hardware to a massive library of music - being a DJ has never been easier or more fun!

● Find the perfect next track with Match. Finding the next track to mix has always been one of the biggest challenges for DJs, and it doesn’t get easier when you’ve got millions of tracks to choose from. Also recently introduced is Match, an innovative feature that recommends tracks that go well with what the DJ is currently playing - allowing users of any skill level to create professional sounding mixes. Match, powered by Spotify’s recent acquisition The Echo Nest, provides unprecedented track recommendations based on danceability, BPM, key, music style, and how well the song mixes with the currently playing track.

● Introducing Automix Radio. For people who simply want to lean back and have a continuous music mix at their next party, the all-new Automix Radio in djay 2 not only picks tracks that go well with each other, but also automatically mixes these tracks for them with beatmatched, DJ-style transitions. This means users can step away and enjoy live DJ mixes based on their personal musical taste. All with the simple tap of a button.

3M: Enabling Next Generation Electronics at the PSECE 2014

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Hundreds of people flocked to the semiconductor and electronics industry’s biggest and most awaited event of the year - the Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition 2014 (PSECE 2014). Exhibitors and delegates from the industry, government, and academe all gathered to showcase and witness a wide variety of technologies as well as participate in numerous forums on this year’s theme: Manufacturing and R&D: Leveling Up the Philippines’ Capability.

3M Philippines was a highlight at the exhibition, celebrating 50 years of Innovation in the country. At the forefront was 3M Electronics business stressing vitality of innovation to the growth of the entire local industry. The 3M two-story booth – which bagged the best booth award in the 36sqm category - stood tall at the front of the exhibition hall demonstrating a culture of innovation spilling over to fun and exciting activities and displays such as product-fashion shows, a daring VHB tape hanging chair photobooth, a Lego®-robot static monitoring display, and a working CPU submerged in Novec™ liquid.

The event held at the SMX from June 4-6 was organized by the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI). Electronics products continue to be the country’s top export and as such present during the opening ceremony was PEZA Director-General Dr. Lilia De Lima.

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Veteran team building facilitator, management consultant and long time sportswriter Lito Cinco has successfully finished part 1 of his free Mental Strengthening Seminar being held at R.O.X. Bonifacio Global City for two dates. The first part last July 10 was all about the athlete and the coach and how each one can offer his best towards achieving any goal especially in sports.Both athlete and coach needs to mentally dig deep within their personality to be able to accomplish tasks that would be a lot more difficult if you have no "will power" to begin with.

Sponsored by 3M Futuro, a full line of supports, braces, and compression products, the seminar dubbed as "Skills & Attitude, Life's Winning Combination" shared several learning that may become optimal towards coach and athlete relationships. I learned from the first part that talent and skills alone may not be enough to win a game. Most of the time, it takes a lot of positive and good attitude in order to increase our chances of "winning" - in both sports-related activities and our lives as well.

A lot has been said but many are basically common sense that we often neglect to do since we are sometimes blinded by too much or lack of domineering authority, in the case of the coaches, or by too much or the lack of self confidence, in the case of the players or athletes.

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In an effort to lead an innovation campaign for the local music industry, the students of iACADEMY in cooperation with music online sites PinoyTuner, Radio Republic, Amplify, Vandals on the Wall and Ndfy, has successfully developed a local search engine that will give you search results containing only local Filipino music creations. The search engine will also allow you to share your choice of music among your friends through the social media networks.

PiLE hopes to give users access to an impressive database of Filipino music and artists, culled from other locally managed sites, as a way to keep up with a rapidly evolving industry.

We all know that when we use the more popular search engines on the Internet, the usual search results may lead us to some other sites that does not really offer what we intended to look for, and quite possibly lead us away and into something else foreign thus losing the opportunity of our local music artists to get our attention and support. There is a huge competition with the foreign artists for being always on the top of the lists of search engines because of their popularity that we often neglect to appreciate our own.

At a preview held at the new location of iACADEMY, some members of the media were introduced to the new search engine and had the opportunity to interview the leads of the project. It is admirable to see the youth participating in this cause to help promote original Filipino music. I actually suggested that the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) should partner with them as both groups will benefit. Since OPM would like Filipinos to support Filipino music more, the search engine could become valuable to introduce everyone to the new local talents who do not have the luxury of being backed up by big recording companies.

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To kick off Ballet Philippines' 45th Anniversary – The Sapphire Season, the sublime paralytic Apolinario Mabini and the story of his role in the Philippine Revolution are brought into the limelight once again, just in time for the hero’s sesquicentennial birth anniversary.

La Revolucion Filipina is scheduled from July 25 to 27, 2014 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) and is the fourth restaging of the modern dance masterpiece led by three members of La Revolucion Filipina’s original cast, Annette Cruz-Mariano, Judell de Guzman-Sicam, and Alden Lugnasin.The show is at 3pm and 8 pm (Friday and Saturday) and 2pm and 6pm (Sunday).

At a media launch held at the CCP itself last Friday July 11, 2014, members of the media were treated to an excerpt of the show performed flawlessly by the cast themselves, and then followed by a press conference participated by the management of Ballet Philippines and the La Revolucion Filipina cast themselves. Present to answer our inquiries were choreographer Agnes Locsin, Ballet Philippines President Margie Moran, set designer Mio Infante, librettist Dennis Marasigan, Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Paul Morales and some of the lead cast of La Revolucion Filipina.

FILA and ATAT Racing Team Partnership: A Testament of Superior Branding

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FILA Philippines has consistently been promoting sports since its promotional tie-up with the popular basketball during its earlier years. Undoubtedly, it has evolved into a brand that identifies itself more with elite sports like Polo, Rugby, Figure Skating, and now more recently with Motorbike Racing.

At an event launching its partnership with the ATAT Racing Team, along with the Ducati and Aprilia brand of motorbikes, the brand has manifested its commitment to partner with only the best to endorse its products. It's not the company that hires the most popular celebrities out there, but it's obviously one that looks into an upper level of appreciation towards promoting sports-related activities geared to better and healthy living, that hopefully the people will realize.

Jill's Bar located at The Fort in Bonifacio Global City, along with its neighboring bar called Jack's, was fully booked with many of the friends, colleagues and sponsors of both FILA and ATAT (Any Time All The Time), as well as friends from the media. The July 9 night was oozing with party-filled excitement as we finally had a chance to meet the team that were primarily racing because of their passion.

Lots of raffle prizes were given away including 3 watches from TechnoMarine, 10 FILA shoes, an expensive Foil A Car service, and 120 bottles of vodka - of which I haven't claimed mine yet. Lol!

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Proposing Sangley Point in Cavite as the site for a new international gateway, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has also recommended to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) that this new airport operate under an integrated airspace with the same air traffic control tower as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) until 2025.

“JICA’s recommendation means that, in effect, the new Sangley airport will be NAIA’s ‘third runway’ until greater expansion can be made in the long-term. Meanwhile, upgrading Sangley’s existing airport may be done faster and at a lower cost, since initial reclamation will be needed for only one to two runways, instead of three to four. This will significantly bring down JICA’s initial ballpark estimate of $ 10 Billion to build a 4-runway airport in Sangley,” noted DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.

The decision on whether NAIA should be closed down eventually may be made later on, based on the evolution of this common-airspace strategy. The options for 2025 and beyond would be to close NAIA once Sangley is expanded into a 4-runway airport, or to retain this dual-airport system and possibly develop Sangley into a 2- to 3- runway airport.

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They are more than meets the eye! They magically transform into something new! They cleverly convert into another convenient thing that's all useful, trendy, and affordable. They are Parachute Bags - a unique and stylish backpack can quickly turn into a messenger bag, or vice versa, and many other variations with stunning printed designs that can fashionably reflect your changing moods.

From the same people who gave you Elle bags, these new line of convertible bags makes it look like you own more than just one bag. It is undeniably an ingenious way to make people think you rock with a couple of stylish bags!

The materials are imported and water repellant and is deal for everyday use whether by students or professionals who value quality and affordability matched by that uber-trendy style that makes you feel young and alive.

At a launch held at Just Thai Bonifacio Global City branch, bloggers were introduced to the several lines of Parachute Bags and eventually made everyone jaws drop because of the "convertible" feature. These bags were designed to impress!

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To everyone who is looking for affordable and semi-furnished condominiums, there is a new condominium project that will soon be towering at a height of 42 stories at No. 69 Sierra Madre street, Barangay Highway Hills, in Mandaluyong and just along EDSA for that added convenience that will surely catch the attention of our mid-class single upwardly professionals, or otherwise known as "yuppies," and colleges students.

Your friendly neighborhood pambansang blogger was invited to the groundbreaking ceremonies of another great condominium project that will reach out more to the younger generation that needs more time for themselves and their career or studies rather than wasting their time in the busy streets of the metro.

Aimed to address the need for a quality lifestyle for long-hour commuters, the Urban Deca Towers project ultimately becomes a weekday halfway house or private dwelling unit for those who would otherwise co-share apartment or dormitories. It is expected to be finished by third quarter of 2017 but now pre-sells at prices starting at P875,000 which equates to a monthly amortization of around P7500 only.

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The Cultural Center of the Philippines and Galleria Duemila presents Psychology Today, a solo show by conceptual painter Maria Cruz. Psychology Today is a suite of text-based paintings based on eight out of seventeen topics from an advertorial insert of the same name at a 1971 issue of Esquire magazine. The selection strikes a chord in the areas of gender, politics, race, and identity.

The exhibition aligns with one of Cruz’s recurring themes in her body of work—identifying helplessness and potential in casual text, and eventually dressing them up as vigorous propaganda-like forms. In creating text-based works Maria Cruz has utilized constructivist color systems, color combinations that undermine meaning, and modified color concepts.

Maria Cruz will be giving an Artist talk on 24 July, Thursday, 4pm, which will be followed by her Opening Reception at 6pm. Psychology Today will be on view from July 24 until August 24, 2014 at the Bulwagang Fernando Amorsolo (Small Gallery) of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Viewing Hours are Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 6 pm.