#MakeUpTransformation: OMG! WOW! and Really!? Compilations

Wazzup Pilipinas!

When the power of make-up undergoes humans into exaggerated and almost bizarre transformations. It's the ongoing fad so we had to join the bandwagon. Not because we couldn't stop ourselves to imitate, but it was really so damn fun and obsessive to see men and women go gaga and loco over instantly changing into something new and unexpected.

It's more than just like a mild-mannered scientist transforming into a gigantic green Hulk. It's more than plastic surgery turning a boy into a Thai lady. It's more than Optimus Prime transforming and rolling out into a truck. Take our word for it that these guys and gals have turned into their wildest dreams and fantasies.

While other have turned it into fancy humorous transformations making fun of make-up and its incredible magical mystical capabilities into humorous, and surprisingly satirical distractions from our daily problems and critical way of living, the fad has offered comic relief indeed to make us put out a smile and even a laughter. Scroll down and laugh with us, and maybe create one yourself and submit it here so we could add it into the collection.

The Epic Snake: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Turla Cyber-espionage Campaign

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The “Epic” operation serves as the first phase in a multi-stage infection of the Turla campaign said Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of secure content and threat management solutions.

Turla, also known as Snake or Uroburos is one of the most sophisticated ongoing cyber-espionage campaigns.

When the first research on Turla/Snake/Uroburos was published, it didn’t answer one major question: how do victims get infected?

The latest Kaspersky Lab research on this operation reveals that Epic is the initial stage of the Turla victim infection mechanism.


Turla big picture:

Epic Turla / Tavdig: The early-stage infection mechanism.

Cobra Carbon system/ Pfinet (+others): Intermediary upgrades and communication plugins.

Snake / Uroburos: High-grade malware platform that includes a rootkit and virtual file systems.

DOTC Still Investigating Cause of MRT-3 Derailment

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The fact-finding investigation into the MRT-3 accident is underway, with the Investigating Committee led by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) targeting to complete its task by Tuesday next week.

“We expect the committee to submit its findings on August 19. In the meantime, we cannot speculate on the events that led to the unfortunate incident. We find it more prudent to await the results of the investigation instead of forming a mere opinion on whether it was a human error or a technical malfunction,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.

“The committee will examine the train coaches’ blackbox-like device, CCTV recordings from the station, the testimonies of the two drivers, and eyewitness reports of passengers and bystanders who witnessed the accident. It will also conduct simulations and interview control center personnel,” he added.

The investigating committee is led by DOTC Undersecretary for Operations Edwin Lopez, with members from the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and the Office for Transportation Security (OTS). Its probe is separate from that being conducted by the Philippine National Police.

Watsons Brings Affordable and Quality Health into Filipino Homes

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Filipinos are extremely family-oriented. One family member’s health concern is shared by the rest of the family – whether it is for the maintenance medications of the elderly lolos and lolas, the vitamins and supplements for nanay, ate and kuya, or cough and colds medicines for tatay. Family members seek to help relatives with their health cost burdens, especially since branded medicines could be very costly.

Recognizing this, Watsons, the number one pharmacy retail brand in Asia*, gives families more options for high quality but affordable generic medicines with the recent launch of its own generics line.

With Watsons Generics’ wide range of medicines and supplements, the most essential health needs of the entire family can be met. Pantry stocking is made easy and affordable with various vitamins, pain relief, cough and cold medicines to aid the recovery of a sick loved one. Super Moms are equipped to fight off common bacteria with the roster of effective and affordable antibiotics. The younger generation will be able to find supplements like Vitamin B that will suit their fast-paced lifestyle. Young women can also purchase affordable beauty ingestives such as collagen or glutathione, giving them the opportunity to be able to focus on other things such as a dream vacation. The elderly can also benefit from Watsons Generics’ wide portfolio of maintenance medicines to help manage their diabetes, hypertension or high blood. The lolo of the family, who previously would not regularly take his maintenance medicines due to high costs, can now make the switch to affordable generics as he is now assured of its quality.

Aquaquest Expands Water Refilling Franchise Outside Metro Manila

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GQWEST Inc announced plans to expand its Aquaquest water refilling franchise outside Metro Manila as part of its plans to drive growth.

A sister brand of Aquabest the country’s premier water franchise and with over a hundred stores, Aquaquest is set to grow in rural areas where potable water access remains an issue. The company’s CEO, Carson Tan, sees tremendous potential in areas outside Manila, which have begun to see rapid development and urbanization. “With the Metro Manila water refilling market getting ever more competitive it would be more practical to look at other areas where opportunities are great and competition isn't as fierce.”

A single Aquaquest store can offer three different types of water: purified, mineral, and alkaline. While the purified water is the staple product of the store, the mineral and alkaline types of water would appeal most to people who have specific medical needs or those who need water as a health supplement.

The Kapeng Barako Club: Samahan ng mga Bitter Play by Juan Ekis

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A Palanca-award winning play to be shown in a coffee shop! At first I doubted. I mean how is it possible to stage a play when the usual coffee shops are smaller in space? I thought, OK I think they're going to put a small stage in the middle then we gather to around to watch them.

When I arrived at Third Cup Cafe, the coffee shop venue it is already jam-packed with media, event partners and bloggers all very eager to watch the show. I looked around. No Stage. I asked the staff "Where are they going to present the show?" She said and smiled. "Here." Then a familiar face called my name. Finally I have someone whom I can share the table with.

I looked around again. Every table is occupied. Everyone is chatting and having a good time enjoying their cup of coffee. Until a guy called our attention, that the show is going to start. But I don't see a stage nor the shadows of the casts! Then to my right, a guy and a girl started a conversation loud enough for everyone to stop talking. Just two tables apart from where I sit, another two guys followed a conversation . Ok I got it. The play has started. They made the plot in such a way that the characters and the audience blend together. I feel like I am just eavesdropping in their conversations. Love it! It's like I am part of the story itself. I can feel all the emotions connecting to my senses right away.

Party Longer, Get There Faster and Stay Safe with Waze and Easy Taxi

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Easy Taxi, the world's biggest taxi booking app, partnered with Waze, of the world's largest community-based traffic and navigation app, to give us more comfort and happiness.

The partnership aims to facilitate mobility and responsible driving. The campaign, which starts initially in the Philippines, Singapore, and Brazil, has common objectives of raising the awareness about the most important problems related to city transportation.

From Friday to Sunday, request a cab with no cost and ask the driver to use Waze to calculate the fastest and shortest route around the traffic. You can also share your location with whoever is waiting for you at your final destination.

Following the theme of “Don’t drink and drive”, the campaign targets one of the growing social problems in the Philippines and comes just two months after the new strict law, prohibiting driving under the influence, was introduced by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

Kids Acts Philippines Presents Aladdin and the Magic Lamp

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As a season offering to all schools, parents and children, Kids Acts Philippines proudly presents “ ALADDIN ” with script and lyrics by LUIGI NACARIO and music by EUGENE BELBIS.

The story of Aladdin is adapted from the popular version of “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp” by Antoine Galland.

Aladdin is a story of a poor boy and his mother. One day, an African Magician disguised as his uncle asked the boy to work for him. He then brought the boy to a cave full of gold and told him to get an old lamp. Before he entered the cave, the African Magician gave him a magic ring. In the cave, Aladdin found the old lamp, but was trapped inside. He accidentally rubs the ring and a genie comes out and granted him his wish to get out of the cave. He was able to get home and handed the old lamp to his mother for her to clean it. As she was cleaning it, another genie comes out from the lamp and granted him all he wished for.

Later, he fell in love with the beautiful daughter of the Sultan, marries her and gave her an enormous palace. One day, the African Magician learned about Aladdin’s success and went to the palace and tricked his wife into trading an old lamp for a new one. The African Magician used the lamp to get Aladdin’s palace, wife and all his riches transferred to a lonely place in Africa. Aladdin, on the other hand, was despaired but tried to get back everything through the use of the magic ring.

Will he be able to get his Princess and the magic lamp back? Will he be able to defeat the evil magician?

Discover Aladdin’s Adventure as Kids Acts Philippines presents Aladdin and The Magic Lamp!

George Birkadze is in Town

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The marriage of martial arts and ballet is personified!

As a young boy George started taking ballet lessons because he dreamed of traveling around the world. In those years becoming a famous artist was the only way a USSR citizen would be allowed to travel anywhere outside of the Soviet Block.

When he was 15 years old, George received an invitation to study at prestigious Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Russia. While living in Moscow he encountered the bullies and started practicing Karate and Judo. Around the same time he met and became friends with Feodor Emelyanenko, who later became one of the greatest MMA fighters in the world.

At the age of 18 George was forced to interrupt his promising dancing career and enlist in the Soviet Army for a mandatory 2-year service. He served in the Special Forces Division where he perfected his skills in all martial arts like jiu-jitsu used by the army at that time. The young soldier especially liked Jiujitsu because in his words, it was a [bjj][/bjj]“smooth” way of disarming the attackers without getting too aggressive or violent. His flexibility gained by being a dancer allowed him to escape the most complicated leg locks.

Pinocchio All Set to Open on August 16

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In celebration of its 22 years of producing well-loved musicals for children of all ages, Repertory Philippines Theater for Young Audiences proudly announces the staging of PINOCCHIO - the story of that familiar wooden puppet whose nose grew when he told a lie.

Originally written by Carlo Collodi as a serial in 1881, Le avventure di Pinocchio (The Adventures of Pinocchio), it has been one of the most famous stories in children’s literature and one of the most adapted. Perhaps the most popular adaptation was the one by Walt Disney. This more current adaptation is by Jim Eiler with music by Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy for the Prince Street Players, Ltd.

Set in Italy, this is the beloved tale of Pinocchio, a life-sized puppet created by the caring puppet maker, Geppetto. Knowing of his longing for a son, the Blue Fairy brings Pinocchio to life as a reward for Geppetto's remarkably generous spirit. The Blue Fairy promises Pinocchio that if he always obeys his father, someday he would become a real boy. But the best laid plans can sometimes go awry and Pinocchio's boyish longings lead him away from his father and on an adventure unlike any other. Hurtled from the Land of The Toys to the belly of a giant, Italian-speaking whale, Pinocchio learns that no love is greater than that of a parent for a child.

iACADEMY's iSCE eyes new heights for ASEAN Integration, welcomes new Executive Director

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iACADEMY School of Continuing Education (iSCE) is pleased to welcome its new Executive Director, Mr. Jordan Imutan, who took the lead last July 2014. A seasoned professional whose career spans over two decades of industry innovation and excellence in the IT field, Mr. Imutan now tries to share his learnings and experiences through iSCE in the service of education.

As iSCE's new leader, Mr. Imutan envisions different strategies of maintaining, improving and ensuring that iSCE continues its excellence through his direction. He sees how our fellow Filipinos can be up-skilled for the coming ASEAN Integration. The Integration is expected to open up and boost investments, create jobs and incomes in the whole region. All member states would then be open to zero import duties for ASEAN products and services by 2015, while all nationals within the state would then be allowed to freely work anywhere in the region without exclusions.

The said integration will allow for opportunities for our companies and work force to collaborate extensively and create a stronger backbone for our economy. With a combined $2.2 trillion GDP market, the best companies in the ASEAN nations will be able to compete with local companies of their neighboring country. However, in order to compete, our local companies would need to raise the quality of our products and service. Moreover, the very competency of our human resource must also necessarily improved, in order to compete with the best of the best in the ASEAN.

Monthly Raffle and Giveaways Series: Zomato

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We will be doing raffle and giveaways every month from now on courtesy of our amazing sponsors and partner brands.

We will start with the hashtag promo brought to you in partnership with Zomato.

The instruction is very simple and you'll get to win lots of goodies from Zomato like a cool red shirt and a restaurant GC worth P 1000.

Just tweet anything about Zomato and add the hashtag #WazzupPilipinas. Please also do not forget to tag @WazzupPilipinas so we could easily spot you.

Follow us on Twitter.

@WazzupPilipinas and @PinoyTekkie for more updates.

You may tweet all you want everyday until the end of the month.

Best tweet for the month of August will win the loots! It's that easy!

Makati Tourism Launches First HoReCa Festival 2014

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Your pambansang blog ng Pilipinas was invited to the official launch of first-ever HoReCa Tourism Festival in Makati history. It was also the unveiling of  the campaign to promote Makati vity as “The Business Tourism Hub of the Philippines.”

Representatives from the Department of Tourism (DOT) were there to support the event led by Catherine Agustin, OIC from the DOT-NCR. Other members of the presscon panel include MFTI Executive Director Volatire Villegas, Adelia Majaba from Danex Expo International, Festival Chairperson Ma. Theresa Dacer, MFTI President Dr. Elton See Tan, Hotel Intercontinental Hotel Area Manager Christian Pirodon, New World Hotel General Manager Farid Schoucair.

The launch was held last August 11, 2014 at the Glass House function room of the New World Hotel, where else but in Makati city. Members of the media, including a few group of bloggers, were invited to witness the first in history.

Everyone is invited to Sip, Savor and Swoon at the first HoReCa Makati 2014. HoReCa stands for Hotel, Restaurant, Cafe/Catering and is considered as significant contributors to promote tourism in every country. Every tourist would love to go to places where these said establishments are at its best. They directly attracts visitors to experience a convenient and comfortable stay at every country. When tourists are aware of impeccable service and products from these establishments, we are assured of regular and returning visits to our country.

Be Closer with Your Loved Ones with LINE Premium Call

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As a gesture of their appreciation to their supporters in the media, the LINE mobile app company threw an exclusive party to celebrate their growing family in the Philippines! LINE brand ambassadors Jessy Mendiola and Matteo Guidicelli also joined the celebration during the later part of the event.

LINE, the world’s leading mobile messaging and call app with 490 million users, also launched a new LINE Premium Call promotion exclusive for Philippine users during the “LINE more, be closer” event held in Makati Shangri-la Hotel in Makati last August 6, 2014.

LINE believes that communication is vital in preserving and strengthening relationships. With an aim to build lasting relationships, the company formally introduced LINE Premium Call, a globally renowned call service, along with loads of other surprises exclusive to its Filipino users.

“Compared to other leading brands, LINE Premium Call provides the lowest price in all the Philippines’ most popular calling destinations because we believe that closer bonds among our loved ones should start with stronger connections,” said Greg Kim, head of LINE Philippines.

Surviving in the Philippines: Towards an Online and Connected World

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We have no landline at home and only uses mobile phones, email and social media networks to communicate with the outside world. Our ten floor "condo" does not allow the installation of wired services and utilities so we have to settle with mobile services.

We are accessing the Internet via a portable Wi-Fi dongle. I had no problems before but when the telecom companies implemented the Fair Usage Policy (FUP) where they will automatically downgrade your service to a speed like that of a dial-up connection once you reach the 3 GB bandwidth limit which they forcibly implemented on all the mobile Internet or data accounts of their subscribers.

You could probably imagine our agony whenever we use the Internet now. When before I could watch all day any YouTube or online streaming video, now I'm lucky if I even reach more than three videos. I  was also downloading some torrents before, now it's zero for me.

We were also using a satellite provider for our TV access. But it brought some problem with the building management since according to them they would not allow the bulky satellite dish installed infront of our unit which looked like mushrooms sprouting. They had to confiscate all the satellite dishes of the tenants which had the service installed. I guess this fucktards wants us to live in the stone age just to maintain the "look" of the place. What is wrong about teh move is that they could have just worked with the satellite TV provider and recommended an alternative way to setup the service in our building.

Join the WeChat and Easy Taxi Selfie Promo to Win 8K Worth of Prizes

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Calling all WeChat users! Take a selfie with your Easy Taxi driver and get a chance to win exciting prices from Easy Taxi's partner brands!

What are the mechanics, you ask?

Here’s all you have to do:

1. Follow Easy Taxi on WeChat: EasyTaxi_PH
2. Take a selfie in an Easy Taxi cab with your driver
3. Send to Easy Taxi your picture on their WeChat account

The 3 most unique selfies will win Php 8,000 worth of Gift Certificates from their partner brands!

It’s that EASY!

#EasyTaxi, your taxi one touch away! #EasySelfie

Why Facebook is Today’s Marketplace

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How often do you browse your Facebook account? Aside from getting the latest buzz from your friends and cyber-stalking your crush, what else do you do online? What other pages do you visit?

Though going to Aling Nena’s sari-sari store to buy a bottle of soft drinks is still done today, anyone with a phone or PC connected to the internet can easily know the latest promos and events of their favorite brands. Want your name on that bottle? Check out your friends’ selfie with theirs! Through the news feed and hashtags galore, you are easily tempted to go to the nearest store and quench your thirst.

Okay, you may be too lazy to stand up and go the mall. Just let your eyes and fingers move to the search bar to look for the trendiest clothes and gadgets. Or you can just spot your product preference for the day by simply glancing on the sidebar of your account.

As you can see, giving a trigger and even selling are possible in Facebook. With more than 30 million Filipino users registered and an average of 21.5 hours weekly browsing history, the said data even surpass a person’s time spent in stores and establishments.

Royal Postal Heritage Tour: The Veiled Beauty

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Traveling always fascinates me. Whether it be for just a short while or for a number days. The mobility of it gives me brief glimpses of the variety of culture and traditions that people have kept throughout their existence contributing to the identity of the place itself. These unique attributes gives us a representation, a title for a place which began without an identity. Manila was one vague place for me. It is the capital city of the Philippines which is probably the reason why it is a melting pot for a lot of cultures. These culture (dominantly Spanish) somehow clashes in tastes when it comes to their architecture but is harmonious in one way or another.

Manila, huge as it is, is home to different worlds. One turn and you may find yourself in another era from another country. This aspect of the place intrigues me because there’s not much variety from the places I am familiar with. Rizal’s provinces are not much different from each other. So walking around and introducing myself to these new sights was a pleasurable surprise for me.

I took part in the Royal Postal Heritage Tour. It was not the typical “Fort Santiago-Intramuros tour” that is so common in Manila. This was different, I can tell because I did not know the places that we’ll be going to. And its unfamiliarity determined my curiosity. The tour said that the meet up will be at the Liwasang Bonifacio around 11:30 on a Sunday. Mind you, although I was a student in Taft during the time of the tour, I was still a newbie to manila itself. In fact I even needed to ask directions on where Liwasang Bonifacio is.

e-Blog mo na yan!: Blogging Community Now on Air

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Now, Bloggers’ voice can be heard  on air and not just in the cyberspace, Ross Flores Del Rosario’s Wazzup Pilipinas, ang pambansang blog ng Pilipinas collaborates with Vigattin  of Radyo Inquirer DZIQ 990AM.   

Many Thanks to Mr. Den Macaranas,  Arnie Barcelo and Elison “Vigattin” Barcelo , Vigattin Anchors , for making bloggers feel at home and comfortable in the studio that lessen our tension being first timers on air.  

It was a welcome news for bloggers for having another avenue to discuss about social media, digital media as a platform for advocacy, marketing or simply sharing personal issues. Wazzup Pilipinas bloggers established themselves as digital media influencers and what a great way to share their stories and advocacy over the radio through the program: e-Blog mo na yan!

The Wazzup Pilipinas community  is grateful for the opportunity  given by Vigattin Radio, Mr.  Elison B. Barcelo, also of Vigattin.com , Vigattintrade.com, Vigattindeals.com and Vigattintourism.com.

Chasing Waterfalls in Mindanao

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The Philippines is a country blessed with so many waterfalls. Most of the provinces has its own unique and beautiful waterfalls to be proud and to be taking cared of. Its either promoted as a tourist destination or used for irrigation and electrification. Everytime I planned a trip to a certain place, I always look for any waterfalls existing and make it a part of my itinerary. I have been in different places in the country, particularly in Mindanao and seen different waterfalls, each one is unique and has its own beauty.

Here’s some of my list of waterfalls in Mindanao that I visited and probably among the best waterfalls in the country.

Maria Cristina Falls, Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte

MARIA CRISTINA FALLS, Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte

During my elementary years, every time my teacher asked me to give an example of  waterfalls, I quickly answered the Maria Cristina Falls. Famous for being beautiful and majestic, this 320 ft feet waterfalls is among the highest waterfalls in the Philippines. Can be found in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte, its cascading water is also a source of electricity in Mindanao, through a hydroelectric plant. You can get a best view of the falls in a viewing deck of the National Power Corporation (NPC) building in Iligan City.

Bacolod: The “City of Smiles” and Merriment

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Masskara, one of the most colorful and upbeat festival in the Philippines. Celebrated on October 19, during the charter day of Bacolod City . “Mass” meaning crowd and “cara” for face, originally coined by painter Ely Santiago. Masskara Festival was initially created to uplift the spirit of the people during the tragic times in the 1980’s.

Since then it becomes one of the most highly anticipated festival of the year because it is a month long celebration. The highlight of the festival is the street dancing competition and parade. Each team that represents a dance group wears a mask and costume originally designed for their specific dance moves.

A beaming face with a smile and laughing gesture is a must in every mask worn by performers as well as colorful and exquisite costume.

I was lucky enough to be invited to witness the festival up close. Armed with our cameras and gears, we followed, danced and took photos of the happiest festival.

Juan Big Idea: Taking Marketing Thoughts into Flight (South Luzon Edition)

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Junior marketers, your next destination in this amazing marketing journey is finally revealed!

Next stop, NAGA CITY!

The Philippine Junior Marketing Association is officially inviting you to the first of four Chapter events this academic year...

Juan Big Idea: Taking Marketing Thoughts into Flight(South Luzon Edition) on August 16, 2014 at the Ateneo de Naga University Gymnasium.

Meet and learn from three notable speakers who will talk about the three stages of Content Marketing, be involved in different fun-filled undertakings and revel in what we have in-store just for you!

Through Faded Walls and Silent Distant Calls

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ever since we were kids we would know Manila as two things, the Capital City and the location of the historic Intramuros. When I started College, I saw more of Manila in my everyday journeys to and from my house to my school. From the train you can see the old glorious architectures and its faded beauty. One would marvel at the intricate and detailed designs seen in almost every house, building, and store that lined the streets of Doroteo Jose to Vito Cruz, where my stop was. There was this one particular building that caught my eye. It was “The Pink” building, as I used to refer to it. Every time I would see its majestic façade and unique architecture, I would always hope for a chance to get a glimpse of its interior, and how it would feel like to be part of the MET experience.

It was during my senior year in College when I found out about a tour inside the MET and its surrounding historic buildings. I jumped on the opportunity for 2 reasons, one because (honestly) it was free and two because I rarely back out on an adventure. During that time (Around 2012), I was becoming quite emotional about Taft and the views I saw on my everyday commute. I would surely miss its vintage appeal and its quaint – hispanic feel.

I got in touch with the tour guide, Mr. Rence Chan who was a contact of my old highschool classmate. He is part of the Royal Heritage group. When I arrived at Liwasang Bonifacio (our assembly area), I didn’t know exactly what to expect from the tour, I was repeatedly thinking that this might have no difference from those old fieldtrips I saw as a kid. I was alone, so obviously I didn’t know anybody from the number of people who were starting to gather in front of the Post office. When the tour began, it was Sir Rence Chan who stood as host, detailing to us all the “fun-facts” of each building we passed by or we went into. As I moved with the crowd from building to building, I was intrigued by how so little of our history is taught in schools. What we read as kids is just a gist of what really happened from a perspective of a number of scholars. I would say I was listening, but I shall admit, that I was listening half-focused because the other half of my mind was anticipating the final stop, which was the Metropolitan Theatre.

Badjao Rebolution: The Most Anticipated Jejemusical of the Season

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Catch the most anticipated jejemusical of the season, Badjao Rebolution!

Badjao Rebolution is a story about making dreams and making steps to make it happen. The musical is about three children who have taken wing under the care of a syndicate go on a journey from being orphan, to beggars, to beggars with stolen identity, to wishful thinkers, to rebels then to liberated thinkers.

It is inspired by an everyday occurrence along the highways in Taytay where “Badjao” children hitching jeepneys, give out dirty envelopes asking for money to buy food while hitting a make-shift drum out of empty milk can or carrying month-old babies on a blanket wrapped around their chests.

More than reaching for their dreams, it is a story of hope. As Netnet says it, “Balang araw maririnig nila ako”. As Menggay says it, “Tingnan nyo, baling araw makikita niyo”. Hope. Hope that we could chase bigger dreams for ourselves. Hope that we could always do better if not best. Hope that we could reach and become our yesterday’s dreams. Hope that one day we can also say “I did it!”

If you’re tired of maturity lectures from the elderly, let Wayang, Netnet, Menggay, Monchi and Anching teach you how “...dapat ganito ang mga bata” and lecture you on life with their brutal honesty from their point of views yet unobstructed by norms and yet dictated by social construct.

ADB-Canada Assures that PH Hotels Ready for Global Market

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Philippine hotels and resorts in key island destinations are ready to compete in the global marketplace, according to the initial findings of a team of International Accommodation Assessors (IAAs) who joined the Department of Tourism (DOT) in conducting a national review of accommodation standards last month.

The team of IAAs composed of ten experts from different countries said Philippine hotels and resorts including the small players have 'very high standards' in keeping the unique Filipino hospitality, one of the country's competitive advantages.

“The warmth of welcome for guests in all types of accommodation is almost unique among international destinations. There is a real potential for the Philippine tourism industry. Some hotels and resorts need to invest to improve, but the new rating system can help identify where to focus that investment,” the initial report noted.

New standards under the Hotel and Resorts Quality Assurance and Accreditation System aim to assist visitors in terms of the quality, service and comfort provided by accommodation businesses of all sizes and types in the Philippines.

AMD Unleashes World’s Most Powerful Server GPU for HPC

Wazzup Pilipinas!

AMD FirePro S9150 server card delivers up to 2.53 TFLOPS of peak double-precision floating point performance for intense compute workloads, and 10.8 GFLOPS double precision-per-watt, up to 77% more performance/watt than the competition.

AMD announced the AMD FirePro S9150 server card – the most powerful server Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) ever built for High Performance Computing. Based on the AMD Graphics Core Next (GCN) architecture, the first AMD architecture designed specifically with compute workloads in mind, the AMD FirePro S9150 server card is the first server card to support enhanced double precision and break the 2.0 TFLOPS double precision barrier¹,². With 16GB of GDDR5 memory – 33 percent more than the competition3 – and maximum power consumption of 235 watts, AMD FirePro S9150 server GPUs provide supercomputers with massive compute performance while maximizing available power budgets.

“Today’s supercomputers feature an increasing mix of GPUs, CPUs and co-processors to achieve great performance, and many of them are being implemented in an environmentally responsible manner to help reduce power and water consumption,” said David Cummings, senior director and general manager, professional graphics, AMD. “Designed for large scale multi-GPU support and unmatched compute performance, AMD FirePro S9150 ushers in a new era of supercomputing. Its memory configuration, compute capabilities and performance per watt are unmatched in its class, and can help take supercomputers to the next level of performance and energy efficiency.”

Ice Age Adventures For Smartphones and Tablets Now Available

Wazzup Pilipinas!

After the worldwide success of Ice Age Village, Gameloft, a leading global publisher of digital and social games, and Fox Digital Entertainment, a subsidiary of 20th Century Fox Filmed Entertainment, have extended their partnership to create Ice Age Adventures, a new game inspired by the wildly popular Ice Age animated film franchise. Ice Age Adventures delivers hours of entertainment with its immersive gameplay and unique storyline, which features the official voices of Manny (Ray Romano), Sid (Denis Leary) and Diego (John Leguizamo).

Scrat's nutty pursuit of his beloved acorn once again has world-changing consequences. It’s up to players to help Sid rescue Manny and Diego, and then save the remaining members of the herd. Players will embark on an epic adventure, exploring uncharted worlds, battling iconic adversaries, solving puzzles, looking for treasures and taking on exciting challenges.

Players will meet all of the beloved Ice Age characters on their journey through Ice Age Adventures. In addition to familiar faces, look forward to the innovative and captivating gameplay, vibrant environments, beautiful graphics and a variety of fun mini games.

Nationwide Literature Education Series Visits Malate, Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The literary and youth volunteer group Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika, at Anyo (LIRA), will hold the 33rd edition of its nationwide seminar-workshop series, the "Pambansang Edukasyong Pampanitikan" (National Literary Education) at De La Salle University-Manila (Multipurpose Room, 2/F Enrique M. Razon Sports Complex) on October 3 – 4, 2014, Friday – Saturday, 8 am – 5 pm.

TO REGISTER:

(1) Log on to: http://bit.do/registerPEPmalate
(2) Fill out the online form.
(3) An email will be sent confirming your registration.

Registration is on a first come, first served basis and is free of charge. Priority will be given to teachers in the Malate district and adjacent areas. Lunch and snacks will be served.

Deadline of registration is on August 12, 2014, 5:00 PM. Only those duly registered can enter the university premises and will be given signed certificates.

Titled "PEP Malate, Manila," this leg is co-presented by the DLSU College of Computer Studies, in partnership with the DLSU Student Media Office, Malate Literary Folio (official arts and literary publication of DLSU), and Ang Pahayagang Plaridel (official newspaper in Filipino of DLSU); and with support from the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, JP Anthony D. Cuñada Law Office, Fringe Manila Arts Festival, ABS-CBN’s Choose Philippines, Kalatas magazine, and the Pulong ng Kabataan. Other media partners are Tomasino Web, Wazzup Pilipinas, and Astig.ph.