2015-03-01 ~ Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Nelfa Querubin: A Passion for Clay Book Launch at Ayala Museum

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I have that special interest on works of art since I'm a frustrated artist myself. I wanted to take a course on Fine Arts or anything related to the arts but my mother disagreed saying there's not much money in the arts. Thus I ended up taking an engineering course, working as an IT professional for most of my life, and now writing for a living (if you consider blogging as writing).

I'm back to where I wanted to be. Writing and dabbling with artistic inclinations through my venture into blogging and social media. You have the eye of an artist when you have the capability to choose the right combination of colors, shapes, balance and other factors related to art.

Sadly enough, most artists are recognized when they are at the prime of their lives or after their death. During my youth, I think the only popular artists where the ones already in their grave. Their work only get attention, and value, because they couldn't create anymore new masterpieces. What remains are their last pieces of art.

It was therefore inspiring to have heard of Galleria Duemila proudly presenting a book launch highlighting Nelfa Querubin’s works. A Passion for Clay book launch held at the Ayala Museum last March 2, 2015 was sort of a tribute to the artist.

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BrainHQ is the leading international brain fitness online training. It is an inclusive and accessible all-natural cognitive training program that is scientifically designed with proven effectiveness in over 70 peer-reviewed publications.

BrainHQ Philippines, designated by the BrainHQ Posit Science based in the United States of America is teh exclusive distributor in the Philippines and is committed to promoting overall health and well being that starts with a strong brain function and that is known to power up the body's mental, physical and emotional faculties. Their management team is composed of individuals that are strong advocates of health. education and principled leadership. They are committed to improving people's quality of life by providing accessible all-natural health products.

The company recently organized the First Neuroplasticity Conference last March 2, 2015 held at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati. Nuroplasticity refers to the physical and functional changes that lead to improvement of brain processes. The key is identifying what mechanism to target and how to exercise them effectively. Exercising the brain is as good as physical exercise and requires regularity and consistency.

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Is there room for development while still preserving our heritage? It has been a constant battle to choose between maintaining our historical past or sacrificing them to build new structures. We are torn between making sure our establishments meets the standards of the future, and keeping our old buildings for the sake of the new generation.

In line with these thoughts, a symposium on sustainable heritage tourism was held last Thursday, 26 February 2015, 1-5 PM at the Conrado Benitez Hall of the Philippine Women's University along Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila.

Leading the talks was Gemma Cruz-Araneta, former Department of Tourism Secretary during President Joseph "Erap" Estrada's short term. She is now the Chairman of the Heritage Conservation Society. She heads the HCS in its daunting but enriching task of pushing for "a Filipino society that values and preserves its cultural heritage to instill pride of place and strengthen Philippine national identity through advocacy and volunteerism, project implementation, education and information."

Also present was Ivan Henares, a known hertitage conservation advocate and acting as President of the Heritage Conservation Society. He encourages heritage and cultural awareness among the youth through the establishment of school and local chapters of the HCS as well as through social media and his award-winning blog. Ivan engaged the students during his talk by letting them identify certain landmarks within the country. He also showed several before and after photos of structures that were destroyed or damaged by either nature or man.

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The Volkwagen brand is recognized as one of the most popular automobiles in the world and everyone will take pride in owning one of these vehicles. It's a great vehicle to bring out on the roads for both pleasure and work. The great looks, comfort and power provided by their cars are top of the line.

The Volkswagen Golf, produced in Germany since 1974 and marketed across seven generations, has been the recipient of several awards globally, which include the 2013 European Car of the Year for the second time (first recognition received was in 1992), 2013 World Car of the Year, 2013-2014 Car of the Year Japan (the first imported car to win the award), among others.

The GTI line was first introduced in 1976 on the 1st generation Golf. With its unmatched success, it popularized the GTI name and made it synonymous with the Golf GTI brand. Now on its 7th generation, the GTI is the ultimate sportsman within the VW sports car family. It combines technological leadership and uncompromised performance making it a sustainable sports car. The GTI is the sports car with true “style and performance”, because it is THE GTI.

And after the successful introduction of the Polo Hatchback on February 16, VW Philippines continues to create landmarks with the launch of the Golf GTI-a car that perfectly embodies the confidence of a true leader.

The launch was held at their Bonifacio Global City showroom with members of the media given opportunities to test-drive the Golf GTI last February 26, 2015.

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Filipinos love to eat. This is probably why there's a lot of restaurateurs setting up their own food business here in Manila. Both local and foreign brands have proliferated as fast as our backyard mushrooms. It seems in every corner of an area, there's a restaurant coming into scene. We see a lot of popular international restaurant franchises now setting foot in the Philippines.

Thus, it is not surprising that a food-related event will be very successful as everyone seems to be eyeing to be a chef nowadays. Everyone wants to be a culinary expert so they can be called "chef" with the utmost qualifications and credentials. Setting up a restaurant is always easy, but you need to provide great tasting food with superior presentation so it will please all the senses that Filipinos will adore.

Madrid Fusión, one of the most globally anticipated annual gastronomic affairs, is set to seize the Manila summer with three exciting events—the International Gastronomy Congress, Trade Exhibition and Flavors of the Philippines Festival. A grand launch was held at Fairmont Hotel in Makati last March 2, 2015 led by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Mon Jimenez.

This will be an interesting event to be part of this coming April. I can't wait for April. But never worry, time flies so fast especially when you're having lots of fun eating your way towards the said date. More restaurant reviews soon along the way as we get near Madrid Fusion Manila.

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STAR Magic talents painstakingly defeated the best players of Philippine collegiate basketball at the Celebrity Slam Jam held last March 1 at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The STAR Magic roster braved the intimidating height and skills of the UAAP’s and NCAA’s best to land a defying win for their fans in the Celebrity Slam Jam, a charity basketball tournament held for Philippine basketball legend Samboy “Skywalker” Lim.

Despite the apparent disadvantage, STAR Magic was able to get the upper hand at the start of the game, with Xian Lim quickly garnering six points before De La Salle’s Jason Perkins finally gave the college all-stars their first point at the third minute.

While the young basketball veterans were still heating up, the surprisingly nimble Matt Evans and Young JV where able to sidestep a seemingly dazed all-star defense and built up quick leads for STAR Magic.

STAR Magic’s time soon came, as the all-stars began to get their offense together. University of the East’s Roi Sumang kicked off the collegiate effort with the game’s first three-pointer, with Ateneo’s Kiefer Ravena slowly bridging the gap with daring shots inside STAR Magic’s defense.

Despite their effort, the all-stars lost the first quarter to STAR Magic thanks to Jose Sarasola’s amazing offensives and Gerald Anderson’s surprising three-pointer, ending with a score of 20-23.

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Ahoy, Mateys!

We are pleased to announce that the community of Department of Advertising and Public Relations (ADPR) in PUP Manila is taking a giant leap forward and having an official reunion for its 50th year anniversary that will happen at the Plenary Hall of Marikina Hotel, Marikina City on March 22, 2015. The festivity dubbed as ALL ABOARD: THE GOLDEN VOYAGE, 50 YEARS OF SAILING will begin exactly at 4:00 in the afternoon.

Established in 1954, ADPR continues to produce dedicated expertly trained, technology- proficient, socially responsible and values-oriented, and globally competitive future advertising practitioners and entrepreneurs. Some of ADPR’s notable alumni are Jonathan Manalo (Director-Star Records), Marcelo Santos III (Author of “Para sa Broken Hearted”), Francis Homo (Art Director-IdeasXMachina, Jolo Moreno (Account Executive-Abracadbra Productions).

This nautical dinner and cocktail party will be filled with fun and exciting activities such as talks from different personalities from the field of advertising and public relations, performances from the members of ADPR department, raffles and games—and with only a few days until show time, our team has kicked into full gear. Project head Lowie Eniceo along with his independent events agency, GANAP Design and Events, are committed in making this big production one that goes down in history.

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It's amazing to see horseback riders gallop their way towards a destination. It seems so easy as they sometimes would gracefully trek a path that we would normally take longer. Their long legs will indeed take you farther than any man can manage to do on his won without any help from a motorized or with engine vehicle. It is also not everyday you would see horses being rode in Manila but we got a glimpse of this very rare occasion at the Manila Polo Club in Makati.

We have to thank Mr. Butch Albert for giving us the opportunity to see horses in all their glory. Just how they were meant to be. Riding together with their rider as one. The man behind iSportlife Inc., (FILA Philippines), a leading distributor and wholesaler of world-class sport shoes and apparel, sponsored the 1st iSportlife Equestrian Cup held last February 28, 2015 at the West Polo Field of the Manila Polo Club located in Makati city, and participated by competitive by a few young riders of the upper class. Of course, this kind of sport is so high-end that not too many can possibly join just like that.

Though the sun was hot, it was the perfect weather for the much-awaited competition. It would be quite hard to play this kind of sport under the rain, and the horses react to sudden lightnings and thunder. Thus this sport is perfect to be played during the summer time. Since June is officially the rainy season, we still have a few more months to spend. I'm betting this will be an annual affair so many would surely be interested in joining again next year

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After pioneering online laboratory results in the Philippines, Hi-Precision Diagnostics (HPD) is offering another healthcare innovation – the country’s medical diagnostics mobile application.

Developed to make health management more convenient and accessible, the Hi-Precision Diagnostics mobile app features a sophisticated software program that provides a cumulative report or the summary of an individual’s previous medical test results. Apart from providing figures, the report also contains green and red arrows, for clearer indication of high and low results.

“Today’s widespread adoption and use of smartphones and mobile devices have opened new ways to improve healthcare management. With the use of mobile apps such as HPD’s medical diagnostics app, one can gain access to useful information whenever and wherever it is needed,” Kendrick So, HPD’s I.T. manager, said. “This is especially helpful for individuals who need to keep track of important health indicators such as sugar or cholesterol levels. With the app, one does not have to worry about going to the lab, to get results or find your previous records.”

The results can be downloaded online in the form of a Portable Document File (PDF). As the first medical laboratory in the Philippines that allows patients to access and download their results online, HPD is also the only laboratory that stores a patient’s history permanently while maintaining security and confidentiality. Other institutions, while offering online results, only keep records for a certain period of time.

Supreme Sampler Graduation Treat at Burgoo!

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Indeed special occasion like graduation is best shared and celebrated with your family. Share and enjoy this Supreme Sampler with the whole family complimentary of Burgoo to all graduates of 2015. No minimum purchase needed!

Just dine in at any Burgoo restaurants located at Tomas Morato in Quezon City, Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Makati, The Podium and Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, Gateway Mall in Cubao, The Block at SM City in North EDSA, SM City Marikina, Fairview Terraces Mall, The District Ayala Mall in Cavite, SM Southmall in Alabang, and Starmall in Taguig.

Just present any proof of graduation (diploma, certificates, etc) and you’ll get this sumptuous Supreme Sampler (combination of Burgoo’s well-loved appetizers such as Bufallo Wings, Cheddar Cheese Fries, Mozzarella Sticks and Onion Rings) for free!

Likewise the whole family will surely enjoy other Burgoo’s favourite dishes like Shrimp and Ribs Platter, Seafood Caesar Salad, Chicken Dianne, Shrimp or Chicken Fajitas, supreme pizzas, pastas and luscious desserts, among others. For reservations and inquiries, please call 9277424, 8981815, 6875565, 7264663, 9136112, 5560091, 6336256, 4420115, and 4771932.

Gumbo Salutes Graduates with Free Pepperoni Pizza!

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Gumbo salutes all graduates of 2015 by giving away free Pepperoni Pizza which they can share with the whole family! Just dine in at any Gumbo restaurants and present any proof of graduation to get this sumptuous treat, no minimum purchase needed!

More sumptuous treats await the whole family at Gumbo such as Cajun Blackened Salmon, Barbecued Shrimps, Family Feast, Baked Artichoke Formagio, Cream Dory with Mango Salsa, Seafood Jambalaya, Fish & Chips, Ultimate Seafood Feast, Halibut Pesto, delightful pizzas and pasta and must-try desserts!

Gumbo restaurants are located at the 2nd level, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia; 2nd level, The Block, SM City North Edsa; 3rd level, Robinsons Place Manila Midtown; 2nd level, Atrium Bldg., SM Megamall; Gateway Mall Araneta Center; and Robinsons Magnolia. For reservations and inquiries, please call 5560238, 4420106, 5671820 and 6353015.

What To Do This Summer For Your Kids

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Aside from Christmas, summer vacation is the kids' favorite time of the year. Finally, a respite from months of pouring over books and struggling over homework.

But summer break should not be an excuse for kids to just laze around for two months. There are many fun, productive activities your children can engage in.

Are your children interested in athletic activities? Why not enroll them in sports clinics or let them take swimming lessons?

For the artistically inclined, get in touch with local artists who hold summer art workshops. Those who love music can enroll in voice, guitar or piano lessons.

If you don't have the budget for professionally taught lessons, you can also teach your children how to cook in your very own kitchen.

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The Five Knights production of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, will be conducting an Intergalactic informative and Entertaining Seminar workshop entitled “Stratwars: The Strategy Shift” The interstellar event will be held on March 9 2015 at SM City Sta. Mesa Manila Cinema 9, 11am-4pm.

Aim: The event aims to disseminate quality information about the newest Strategy in Corporate world, so marketing students and other business related courses will be ready to attack the market in a whole different and creative way they can.

This event will also deliver speeches that will inspire and motivate the audience that will surely improve their Personal development.

Participants: The Seminar is Open to any Courses specially Business Related courses like Marketing, Management, Human Resource, Entrepreneur who are specifically the target of the Seminar.

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After almost two months of preparation, a group of Polytechnic University of the Philippines Marketing Management Students showcased their talent on how to conduct an academic seminar. And last February 20, 2015, Erudite Productions finally conducted a seminar entitled “Metamorphosis: Unfolding the World of Digital at Cinema 9, SM City Sta. Mesa. The whole cinema was jam-packed with students from different schools, professors, parents, relatives, friends and other special guests. Based from the theme Metamorphosis, the lectures of the two speakers tackled about the evolution of Traditional Marketing to Digital Marketing. Their talks were not only informative but truly motivating. And what’s good about it was that the audience were able to interact with them. There were also intermission numbers which really made the crowd go crazy! And of course, raffles and give-aways from the generous sponsors.

The event started with a doxology which really captivated the hearts of the audience, followed by the Philippine National Anthem and PUP Hymn. The people behind the production were introduced one by one; MARJORIE R. CAGADO (Project Head), RAFAEL P. RIVERA (Co-Project Head), JOHN DAVID V. GALIZA (Marketing Head), KRISTY V. LEBRIL (Treasurer), JEREMIAH NORIEL and SARAH ROSE SALLEGUE (Public Relations), FELIZA JANE NALANG, ALLYSA FLORESCA CUNANAN and LOU JAME AQUINO (Research & Development), JERICCA ANN OROCAY and ANGELO DUEŇAS (Graphics & Designs), PAULO S. NAVARRO (Officer-In-Charge) and Professor ANGELINA G. GOYENECHEA (Adviser).

The hosts, Kristy and Dave, acknowledged the presence of the audience and guests. They also gave thanks to the sponsors of the event by the aid of an AVP.

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Madame Tussauds Singapore and Singapore Airlines announced the launch of a wax figure of the iconic Singapore Girl, one of Singapore’s best known icons.

The figure is modelled after Ms Nur Surya Binte Mohamed Ambiah, a flight stewardess with Singapore Airlines (SIA) who joined in 2007 but left to start a family in 2011 and rejoined SIA in 2012 under the Returning Crew Scheme.

“We are truly delighted to have created a wax figure of the Singapore Girl; she is a global icon and the epitome of grace and hospitality. Representing a leading Asian brand, the iconic Singapore Girl is well-known all over the world and therefore we wanted to feature her in our attraction which aims to showcase the best of Singapore!” said Ms Sharon Wong, Marketing Manager, Madame Tussauds Singapore.

“The Singapore Girl, with her distinctive sarong kebaya, is a global icon and one of the most instantly recognizable figures worldwide. She is perennial and appeals to both young and old. Our customers have a strong emotional connection with our brand as a result of her iconic image. Her contribution to SIA’s brand is invaluable and we are excited for her to be featured in Madame Tussauds Singapore,” said Mr Marvin Tan, Singapore Airlines Senior Vice President Cabin Crew.

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On March 13, 2015, Ley La Salle, the professional organization of Legal Management students and aspiring lawyers of De La Salle University, will hold its second Business Law Conference (BLC) with the theme: Into The Era of ASEAN Integration. From last year's successfully held conference, which tackled business and law in the technological age, this year's focus will be on the symbiosis between the domestic laws and the upcoming economic integration.

Acknowledging the importance of being business-driven individuals, BLC is an event to look forward to be informed about the opportunities in store for everyone brought by the said integration. From deciding which career path to take to choosing what business venture to pursue, all of these will be discussed at BLC 2015. The conference will also dwell on the alongside implications of the political and economic assimilation of the Philippines with the other South East Asian countries.

Here are some of the prominent speakers to educate you about the matter-- Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara; Mr. Jonathan Yabut, winner of The Apprentice Asia Season 1; Atty. Tonisito Umali, Assistant Secretary for legal and legislative affairs of the Department of Education; and many more.

Frolicking at the Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City (Part 1 of 2)

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If you want to watch the Panagbenga Festival parade in Baguio, be sure to be there along Session Road as early as 4 am so you can get the best spot for photographs. It should be the very first in your itinerary after eating breakfast (or better yet - eat later), otherwise you'll end up missing the highlights, walking towards Burnham Park, struggling your way through the crowd, trying to squeeze in your camera to take a shot, and left with very few magnificent photos of the floats and the stars that adorn (ride) them.

I was in luck since I met some photographer friends officially covering the event for the LGU so I was let in beyond the crowd borderline. I can't believe they recognized me among the crowd. They yelled out to me as "Wazzup Pilipinas - the Pambansang Blogger!" I laughed when I heard the shouts. Nowadays, you really need "friends" in high places (like Baguio) to gain an edge.

We were in Baguio last February 28 to March 1 due to an invitation from the leading real estate developer in the country. Camella Homes of Vista Land goes to the summer capital of the Philippines to promote their properties to the many diverse visitors who were currently in Baguio because of the Panagbenga Festival. They had a booth at the special GMA Kapuso concert setup at SM City Baguio. Since visitors of the Panagbenga Festival mostly came from all parts of the Philippines as well as other foreign visitors from other countries, it was but right to promote their properties during the month-long festivities. They hold parades during the weekends so it was the perfect time to have some marketing efforts in Baguio city.

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I've gone under electrocautery thrice already. The experience was never pleasant. You can imagine the painful minutes I had to endure.

I've recently discovered an alternative way to remove warts without the painful process of electrocautery, and that is through herbal cautery. RCC Amazing Touch offers removal of warts using Rolando C. Dela Cruz' amazing invention that originated from cashew nuts. What is even more amazing, the multi-awarded inventor is a Filipino. It is baffling why not too many are aware of his amazing invention.

I was never really into skin care during my younger years, and even now. The only cosmetics products that ever gone near my face was talcum powder. I think my parents never really made us so conscious of how we look. Our daily routine as kids never really taken into consideration having a skin maintenance time. I never really cared because my sin was great as it is, and I knew I looked good because my girl classmates and friends were all over me.

This went on until my working student days as a fast-food restaurant crew. My days as a service crew for three of the popular fast-food chains in the country was a great help to finance my studies but the long hours at work plus the dirty environment buzzing the left-overs of diners was never really helpful in caring for my skin. This was probably the reason why my chicken fox experience was a disastrous moment of my life. The minimal caring for my skin went on until I graduated and landed my first jobs. The nightmarish "bulutong-tubig" phase was quickly forgotten when the ladies from my first jobs continue to hover around me like vultures waiting to prey on an unsuspecting delicious meal. Lol!

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Our Wazzup Pilipinas TV show will officially start to roll this weekend.

Ipon mode muna siyempre para sa isang buong season - assignment of tasks, production meetings, preparation of scripts, props, promotional materials, scheduling of sponsors, guests, venues,... video editing, addition of special effects and graphics, promotions, etc.,... saka ipapalabas kapag pulido na. This involves too many people with different availabilities and preferences.

Hindi pwedeng i-serve ng hilaw pa, baka maasiman lang dahil hindi ito mangga. Kailangang paghandaan ng husto para plantsado at walang gusot. Hindi pwedeng ura-urada o agad-agad. Kailangan pinagplanuhan at pinaghandaan. Baka lalo lang kaming mapulaan kapag rushed job ang gagawin.

Pero sabi nga nila, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Kaya wait na lang muna ninyo maluto at saka mai-serve para magkaroon kayo ng chance na matikman. Saka kayo mag-comment, criticize, bash or praise. All are welcome to do so kahit detractor ka man or fan. Lol!

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Hahaha... hindi talaga nawawala mga detractors ko. May nag-comment sa pre-event blog ko about the 1st Philippine Healthcare Social Media Summit held in Cebu last February 21. Akala siguro ay yun na ang post-event article ko about the event. Then when the culprit probably realized it was only a pre-event blog that I did on my own initiative just to help announce the event, biglang binura ... hahaha! Napahiya siguro ang kumag!

He or she even used "Admin" as his or her screen name and did not even have the courage to use his or her own name. As what more notable leaders would say, derogatory comments from persons using an anonymous or alias account should not be given any significance as they are too cowardly to stand firm on their accusation.

My advise to that person: Understand first before commenting. Check the date of the blog post before drastically reacting. Alamin ang mga circumstances before concluding. We all have different situations so it is unfair to judge an individual based on man-made standards that are apparently irrelevant for many cases.

Here is the little devil's comment on the blog post I created two days before the actual event. The comment was deleted by the same person afterwards:

"Pinondohan ka ng taumbayan para pumunta sa Cebu tapos ito lang ang post na ginawa mo?"

Healthcare Social Media Summit: Social Media and Healthcare Synergized in Cebu

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Cebu witnessed the gathering of several healthcare professionals and social media enthusiasts as they all converge at the Radisson Blu hotel in Cebu for the 1st Healthcare Social Media Summit last February 21, 2015.

The summit aims to strengthen the use of social media as a useful tool towards a more widespread, immediate and reliable information dissemination and feedback of healthcare goals and objectives. Primarily supported by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST), the HealthXPh group of healthcare professionals, who also dabble in social media, organized this summit to encourage active participation and interaction among the people through social media as well as establish appropriate guidelines on the proper and responsible use and etiquette.

It is without any doubt that social media has changed the way healthcare professionals communicate with their patients which presents both opportunities and challenges for the medical profession. We've heard inquiries on how much information should be shared and what should remain confidential and private to maintain a professional relationship with the patients.We've witnessed how social media has benefited some in their efforts to surpass and go through life's obstacles and limitations. We've heard people pour out their personal emotions so they could share their life's lessons.

Several heads of agencies and experts from the healthcare profession discussed about engaging topics that many of the participants couldn't help but thrown in a lot of inquiries.

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Precious Pages Corporation, publisher of the popular Tagalog romance pocketbooks ‘Precious Hearts Romances’ has recently launched

" 25 Most Precious ” -- a coffee table book featuring the top bestselling, most prolific and most pioneering Tagalog romance writers of the last two and a half decades in a 160-page hardbound, premium limited edition.

Precious Hearts Romances is recognized as the best-selling Tagalog romance pocketbook dubbed as the best love stories of all time. The novels reinforce traditional values of commitment and a happy ending. It is an eternal escape fantasy of living out adventures and for romance readers it addresses the fantasy of falling in love with Mr. Right.

“ 25 Most Precious ” is a must-read and must-have for all fans, readers and aspiring writers as it expounds on the 'writers' lives and the inspiring stories of the 25 women behind the stories which have captured the hearts of millions of Filipino readers here and abroad.

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Power Mac Center, the premier Apple partner in the Philippines, has launched a new campaign aimed at inspiring individuals to embrace an active lifestyle and achieve their fitness goals this 2015.

Fitness Revolution focuses on helping people take on the challenge of lifestyle transformation and improving their health and wellness by providing them with a comprehensive selection of premium fitness accessories that complement their fitness journey, such as sports earphones that are sweat and water-resistant, arm bands, necklaces and other wearable technology that help you monitor your health and track your fitness progress.

“Being physically active can be fun and easy given the right gadgets and tools. As such, Power Mac Center presents Fitness Revolution which underscores the benefits of an active lifestyle. More importantly, the campaign ultimately motivates individuals to be healthy and fit,” said Power Mac Center Marketing Director Joey Alvarez.

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Wouldn't it be cool to have a hotel named after you?

Wazzup Pilipinas was at the Amelie Hotel Manila grand launch last February 19. This new hotel located at Bocobo street in Malate, Manila has around 70 comfy Executive and Deluxe 1 and 2 rooms with queen size beds and larger than usual spaces available at an average of only 4k per night.

What's interesting is where the owners got the name of the hotel....and the real story behind the name.

It was really cool to find out they got the name from the owner's granddaughter. Yes! Amelie is a real person, and she's just a little girl who now has a hotel named after her. She's the only granddaughter of the owner who has four grandchildren from three of his children.

Her mother Giselle is the daughter of the owner, Atty. Bobby Uy of the Ruygroup Hotel Corporation, and his father is Mark Abellon, Brand Manager of the hotel. They both named their daughter after the popular 2001 romantic comedy movie directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet.

The lead character in the Amelie movie is an innocent and naive girl named Amelie Poulain who lives in Paris with her own sense of justice. She decides to help those around her and, along the way, discovers love. Amelie is portrayed by the adorable Audrey Taotou.

Well, congratulations dear Amelie for having a hotel named after you. I'm sure you would appreciate it more once you grow a little older and much wiser.

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"I am still hurt For Fun Bad past To gain friends I got nothing planned for Valentine's and I am single I am curious to join."

Minority of people will say these and that's exactly what I heard from the Speed Dating I attended the night of February 14th.

Valentine's Day is not only for love birds, couples, special / complicated relationships but deem ideal for family, friends, someone you just met online or on a recent trip and for ourselves - the beautiful and rare singles *evil grin*

Telu Events made another successful event presented together with Oz Bar - 50 Shades of Love

I asked a few guy friends recently if they would consider Speed Dating - others will and some are not into matchmaking to meet his Ms Right. Although it's like a competition to impress the girls on the other side of the table, they thought of the challenge which makes it more interesting.

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The Junior People Management Association of the Philippines believes that great leaders are dynamic leaders - those who know how to establish strong working relationships to a variety of people, embrace diversity, delegate, network, and give feedback.

And as JPMAP continues to build globally competitive leaders for the country, they proudly present its 2nd JPMAP CUP entitled, "Igniting the Team Spirit: Mapping the Power of Stronger Relationships in Building Better Leaders of Today".
This is a sports event that aims to build camaraderie among its members and provide opportunities for personal development through leadership, diversity, and teamwork. This event also aims to help the street children of Metro Manila, through Silong Tanglaw Foundation Inc., by providing them shelter, guidance, and education. JPMAP found great potentials in these kids and believes that these young faces will be the game-changers that the world will be needing tomorrow.

So join us this March 08, 2015, from 7am-7pm, at the Far Eastern University – Manila, and ready yourselves because awesome surprises awaits you.

Jade Hotel and Suites: A Special Valentine's Day Family Staycation

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I thought my Valentine's Day would be the typical dinner and movie date with the wife but luck seems to be always on my way recently. Valentine's Day for me and my wife, as well as my three children, was made even more special after we got an opportunity to have a family staycation at one of the hotels located in Makati.

I've been itching to try an overnight stay at the Jade Hotel and Suites since a few months ago after I learned the owner was a friend but it was only this February that I finally got to talk with the hotel manager. I was sort of so busy with my weekends since its the travel season and they would normally schedule the sponsored trips during weekends to accommodate those who are working during weekdays.

What made the opportunity more amazing was that the hotel was just a few steps away from the Media Resource Plaza building where the Radyo Inquirer DZIQ 990 AM radio station was located. It is where I would sometimes join in on the broadcast whenever I'm free. Unfortunately, the out-of-town travel, events and hotel reviews made me miss the Vigattin radio show which was scheduled every Saturday from 10 to 11 am. That Saturday was very convenient since I get to drop off my family at the hotel before showing up at the radio station, then easily walking back to the hotel to join my family for lunch.

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Roberto "Rob" Bonifacio recently concluded his first solo exhibition at the Renaissance Art Gallery of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong last February 13 until the19th. The exhibit was the illustrative execution of his written thesis entitled "A Person with Autism's Expression of His Perception of Emotions: A Penomenological Study."

Rob is a graduating student of Fine Arts at Kalayaan College with art influences from Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh and Picasso. Supported by his family, relatives, teachers, classmates and close friends, he considers himself as a surrealist and impressionist that uses pastels, watercolor, acrylic and oil in his artworks.

Seeing his works at the exhibit, you can sense that his favorite subjects are mostly his family. There were artworks representing his grandparents, father and other members of his family, including a portrait of his teacher who obviously made an impact on him.

The artworks, when displayed side-by-side together, form a very vibrant and colorful representation of his thinking. We can see a glimpse of how he sees the world through his paintings.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The new year is the start of the travel season once again. I'm betting most of us are all planning our very own travel itinerary for this year. Thus the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) Travel and Tour Expo held last February 13 to 15 was a superb effort to help out those travel enthusiasts or vacationers to book their trip as early as February this year.

Lots of savings via discounted flight and packages from many airlines, hotels, travel agencies and tour providers were offered to the further convenience of our travellers. The long queues at every booth was an indication that the event was very successful and shows how eager people are on traveling especially the Filipinos.

Surprisingly, I've seen more people flocking the local or domestic destinations rather than the foreign countries. But that was only during the morning of the first day. I'm sure the foreign destinations had their equal share of patrons who lined up for travel towards countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, Guam, Japan, Taiwan and even as far as Europe and Britain.

With over 844 booths composed of 327 exhibitors spread across 16,230 square meters exhibition floors of the SMX Convention Center, it is the biggest travel event ever. The Expo also holds merchandisers, food concessionaires and other travel-related companies.

Epson Receives Thomson Reuters Top 100 Global Innovators Award For 4th Successive Year

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As a company that prides itself on its ongoing technology innovation, Epson was delighted to be presented with the Thomson Reuters Top 100 Global Innovators Award for the fourth year in succession.

The photo shows Hirofumi Hino (right), senior director, Japan Service Operations IP & Science, Thomson Reuters Professional KK, presenting the award for 2014 to Shigeki Inoue, managing director and general administrative manager of Epson’s Intellectual Property Division.

A list of the 2014 award winners can be found here: http://top100innovators.com/

Power Mac Center’s Summer Workshop is back on its 8th Year

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Power Mac Center, through its Apple Authorized Training Center (AATC), presents a specialized educational opportunity for children to gain or enhance their digital skills during summer break with the return of Summer Workshop. Early registration is now open for this annual seasonal program that will run from April to May.

Summer Workshop 2015 is designed to help young learners aged 4 to 16 years old to maximize their iOS and Mac devices through a variety of enriching topics. Trainings will be facilitated by Power Mac Center Apple Authorized Training Center Trainers who will engage participants in lectures and hands-on instructional activities to ensure learning while having fun.

“One of Power Mac Center’s thrusts is to promote digital literacy among the youth, and Summer Workshop 2015 exemplifies this advocacy by providing training programs that help these young learners acquire valuable knowledge and skills in this digital world,” said Marketing Director Joey Alvarez.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Artistang Artlets, the official theatre guild of the University of Santo Tomas’ Faculy of Arts and Letters, presents “PWD (Puso With Disabilities)” written by Danielle Joyce Factora and is directed by Michelle Emily Lozare and produced by Mary Crizette Arce.

PWD (Puso With Disabilities) is a musical play that comprises of different stories about lapses that occur in relationships and eventually lead to certain conflicts that may hinder someone from choosing to love again. This production aims show the audience certain remedies to various problems one may experience in love and how people involved in a relationship can use these remedies to compromise for each other’s shortcomings.

The play, PWD (Puso With Disabilities), is about different but connected love stories about who loves and loves more and who hurts and hurts more. Would you fall in love to find happiness even if it means losing your senses? Are you willing to become blind, deaf or mute in exchange of finding love? Is love truly found in others and is it really enough in order to fill the emptiness you feel inside?

This play is set to grace the Tan Yan Kee Student Center AVR on the following play dates: March 23, 24 and 25 at the time 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm. For tickets and information please contact Jann Kayla Mendoza (09278423870) or John Michael Peña (09058245399).

DHL Express Gives Away Valentine’s Day Pillows to Loyal Customers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

DHL Express,the world’s leading international express services provider, gave out neck pillows last Valentine’s Day to loyal customers in the Philippines. Some 120 couriers made their rounds and delivered DHL neck pillows to valued customers as a way of expressing their appreciation.

“We make it a point to give something to our customers every Valentine’s Day because these occasions are perfect for us to thank them for their continued confidence in having us as a partner for their growth,” said Yati Abdullah, DHL Express Country Manager.

DHL Express has been engaging its customers nationwide through various events, act DHL activities and campaigns.

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics and transportation industry and “The logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, national and international parcel delivery, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation as well as contract and e-commerce related solutions along the entire supply chain. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and around 315,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their shipping and supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting environmental protection, disaster management and education.

InfinitePH: Going Beyond the Possibilities of Hotel Booking

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A friend of mine from Mindanao messaged me a few days ago on Facebook asking for hotel recommendations in Manila. She needed a place to stay for an overnight only since she was actually on her way to Palawan but needed to pass through first in Manila in the afternoon but fly again to Palawan the following day. She wanted a place to stay that's near the airport but affordable as well.

Since I'm living in Manila, I needed to Google first for preferable hotels before I could answer her since stock knowledge wasn't a big help because I'm more familiar with hotels outside Manila. I had to rush the search for hotels since she only messaged me the same day she was arriving in Manila. Wouldn't it have been easier, faster and more convenient if there was a mobile application that we could access through our smartphones that can help search hotels or transients matching our specific needs?

If I only knew back then that there's already an app called InfinitePH that allows you to find and book hotels, I would have recommended it to her so she could have quickly found a place to stay for the night that very same day. The Booking System of InfinitePH would be able to easily notify the user, the hotel representative and the admin of all transactions that would occur. The Hotel Listing would include any textual, audio or visual representation of the hotel within the application to give the users more information about the hotel to help them decide as well. This would include galleries, room descriptions, hotel "About Us" and others. The best of all features, the platform would only charge the commission that the application would have on the hotel.