2015-05-24 ~ Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Daylong Advocates #NoVacationFromSunProtection

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At a time when we face an abundance of choices in how, when, and why we use products, so have sunscreen products slowly evolved from being solely used at the beach during summertime to a daily skin care staple. The message is clear: not only is it important to prevent sunburn, it is equally important to prevent rapid skin aging and deeper cellular damage.

Daylong, a dermatological suncare brand from the makers of Cetaphil, is the first to explicitly advocate daily sunscreen application. In its recent efforts to support its cause, Daylong conducted a UV-exposure study to investigate whether the outdoor sun at the beach shows the same level of strength in the city – even when indoors.

Together with five Filipina urbanites – Jaymie Pizarro, Jackie Go, Marj Sia, Janeena Chan, and Marie Lozano – Daylong used sun sensors to track daily UV exposures in Metro Manila for a week. From day to night, their daily activities were recorded, even when indoors.

The study showed that in Metro Manila, the daily UV Index recorded reaches up to 10 from 12nn to 1pm, which places a ‘Very High’ risk from unprotected sun exposure. Comparing the city’s UV index to Caticlan (Boracay) and El Nido (Palawan), and data showed both summer destinations also reach UV Index 10 during the same hours.

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Energizer is set to launch its first open run on June 27, 2015 where over 3,000 runners are expected to light up the streets of Filinvest City in Alabang. This is part of Energizer’s ongoing commitment to share positivenergy with the children of Bantay Bata 163.
According to Claire Guevarra, senior brand manager of Energizer, the company’s partnership with Bantay Bata 163 allowed them to further their thrust in giving back to the community.

“"It is important to put self-improvement as your daily goal in life, but stretching your arms to further help others is one of the best indicators that we have lived fully. With our partnership with Bantay Bata 163, we were able to realize this, and we will continue to engage ourselves in a partnership that nurtures both the brand and the beneficiaries it embraces." said Guevarra.

As an open run, the participants are encouraged to keep going and run as far as they can within the 2 hours given time. For every 3k loop that the runners will run, P100 will be donated to Bantay Bata 163 as part of its operation and medical treatment funds. With the expected runners, the Energizer Night Race Manila 2015 aims to raise P1,000,000.00 with the help of the participants who will run within the 2 hours given time.

According to Vincent Lizo, Energizer Philippines’ business director, the first open run bears truth that no competition is needed if we want to help improve the lives of children.

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Online hiring in the Philippines has shown a huge decline over the past year, according to the Monster Employment Index (MEI) Philippines, which is being released for the first time.

The Index reported a 31% decline in activity between April 2014 and April 2015, with a 20% month-on-month decline as well, between March and April 2015.

The MEI, a gauge of online job posting activity, also records the industries and occupations that show the highest and lowest growth in recruitment activity across the Philippines. In April 2015, the BPO/ITES industry showed the highest activity, although this was still in decline overall at -2%. The Production/Manufacturing, Automotive and Ancillary industry showed a steep decline in online hiring activity, at -51% year-on-year.

The second lowest growth industry was Advertising, Market Research, Public Relations, Media and Entertainment at -43%.

“The Monster Employment Index Philippines has registered a decline of 31% in the past year, with the BPO/ITES industry showing the most amount of promise. The Philippines’ economy has recently emerged as a global hub for BPO, currently employing over one million people,” said Sanjay Modi, Managing Director, Monster.com (India, Middle East Southeast Asia and Hong Kong).

Discovery Channel Partners with Actress Michelle Yeoh to Promote Aftershock: Disaster In Nepal

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Discovery Channel announced the commissioning of AFTERSHOCK: DISASTER IN NEPAL, a new documentary that will explore the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that shook Nepal on 25th April, 2015 and the subsequent 7.3-magnitude earthquake on 12th May, 2015. The 60-minute special will air on Discovery Channel, starting 14 June at 8pm.

As part of the production, Discovery Channel will be partnering with actress Michelle Yeoh, who will be hosting programme links and a special public service announcement to further highlight the disaster, its after-effects, and the plight of those affected. Discovery Channel has also produced a public service announcement featuring several of its personalities calling on viewers to support recovery efforts, which has been on air across Asia Pacific since the beginning of May.

The devastating earthquake that struck Nepal on 25th April unleashed a shockwave equal to the force of 20 thermonuclear weapons on the region, amassing an overwhelming death toll of more than 8,000 people, including 19 climbers who were scaling Mount Everest at the time of the quake. Historic buildings in the centre of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, were reduced to rubble and generations-old family homes destroyed.

AFTERSHOCK: DISASTER IN NEPAL will feature expert interviews and seismic demonstration to explain the science behind the earthquakes, footage of the rescue operations in Kathmandu, news reports from around the globe and exclusive glimpses of new technology and research being developed to help humanity better predict and cope with natural events such as earthquakes. The documentary will also feature a variety of compelling first-hand accounts from those who survived the natural disaster, from a hotelier in Kathmandu laying out breakfast service and two sisters opening up their bakery in the shadow of the Pashupatinath Temple, to a group of tourists visiting Dubar Square and a newlywed couple at Everest’s Camp 1. In addition, the programme will supplement these first-hand accounts with user-generated content and social media.

Leo Ralph Villamayor is New Emerging YouTube Artist with Let It Go from Disney's Frozen

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What's new and what's hot on social media today?

The weather is incredibly hot but what will make your summer a bit cooler is a new emerging YouTube artist who has just uploaded his first YouTube video – a cover of Let it Go from Disney's Frozen.

His name is Leo Ralph Villamayor, which may not ring familiar yet, but his with heartthrob looks that will soon change. The video was intended for the upcoming concert this June 7, 2015 8pm at Mall of Asia Arena of the Broadway superstar Idina Menzel, the original artist and though he didn't win the contest, a lot of people noticed his talent.

Leo covered the song in a unique male rendition, and he makes it sound effortless. The Voice of the Philippines Season 2 runner-up Alisah Bonaobra was also amazed at Leo’s beautiful version of Let It Go (the same song which made her a YouTube sensation and which she used for the competition of The Voice Ph 2).

Undeniably the song is a difficult one, as even legendary Broadway diva Ms Leah Salonga admitted to co-host Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo on the same show. So way to go to this new artist!

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Animax, Asia’s first channel specializing in Japanese animation, will be bringing its annual flagship event back to the Philippines! Viewers and fans will be treated to two days of fun-filled anime-themed activities at Animax Carnival Philippines 2015, to be held at Hall 4 SMX Convention Center, Pasay City on 30 and 31 May 2015, 11am to 8pm.

Anime lovers can look forward to a bigger event this year with more exciting activities such as special performances by renowned cosplayer Alodia Gosiengfiao, the Animax Cosplay Competition, exciting activities and sale of exclusive anime merchandise, and special guest performances from Japan. Admission to the carnival comes at the affordable price of Php200.00 each.

The Cosplay Royalty

The Queen of Philippine Cosplay, Alodia Gosiengfiao will be performing onstage bringing some of her best costumes and pegs. Her passion for anime, video games and other creative media has led her to contribute to the rise of Cosplaying activities in Philippines so better watch out for her.

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CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals that sets the standard for professional excellence, will recognize May as Putting Investors First Month. This marks the second year of this annual awareness campaign and builds on the success of May 2014, when activities took place in 58 cities globally by member societies representing more than 60,000 investment professionals. The initiative aims to unite investment professionals in a commitment to place investor interests above all others.

Throughout the month, many of the organization’s 144 member societies worldwide will host local events and call attention to the needs and rights of investors by endorsing the Statement of Investor Rights, a list of ten rights that any investor should expect from financial service providers.

CFA Society Philippines hosted the Philippine Retail Conference 2015 last May 16, 2015 at the SMX Convention Centre Aura. The conference provided education to over 1,500 retail investors collaboration with the Philippine Stock Exchange, Central Bank of the Philippines, Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of Justice, Insurance Commission, ABS-CBN News Channel, The Global Filipino Investors, Fund Managers Association of the Philippines, Trust Officers Association of the Philippines, Money Market Association of the Philippines, Asian Institute of Management, and Ateneo de Manila University.

April Tan, president of CFA Society Philippines said that, “The conference aimed to increase the financial knowledge of individual Filipino investors in today’s dynamic market. With the theme ‘Secure Your Future Now,’ the conference highlighted the key principles and practices that will help individual investors reach their retirement goals.”

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The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the government’s arm in promoting the country as a destination for filmmaking and filmmakers, is bolstering efforts to draw in an international crowd at their annual International Film Expo. Now on its fourth year, the IFX is set to happen on June 26 to 28 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, MOA Complex, Pasay City.

“This year, we have a roster of quality production houses, film schools, equipment suppliers, service providers, and other prominent exhibitors from all over the country and the world participating in this event. We are literally a film corridor helping the Philippines make way around Asia and beyond,” remarked Briccio Santos, Chairman of the FDCP.

IFX 2015 brings together the world’s most prominent players in the film industry that will showcase the best and the latest in the global film and broadcast market today. Attending directors, producers, film and broadcast companies and professionals can expect to see more international companies to participate this year, as a section of the hall is already blocked off for the ASEAN pavilion.

Catering to the increasing demand of the film industry, a special segment about audio and video editing, broadcast equipment, cinema technologies and equipment, satellite modems and receivers, special effects and 3D technologies, studio equipment and so much more can be seen at the International Broadcast, Recording and Television Expo (IBRT).

MLQU Regaining Its Glorious Days!

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“Maghihintay ako… - Manuel” This has been the talk of the town since numerous billboards with that statement were put up all over the Metro, and along the SLEX and NLEX. Who is Manuel? What is he waiting for? Is this a proposal? Questions have been circulating around the news as well as in social media.

All these questions boil down to one -- who is behind it?

The time has come for Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU) to emphasize its historical significance to the new generation. Their plans for coming back into the limelight involved the campaign billboards we’ve seen around Manila. The campaign heralds the university's many plans to continue its legacy into the future.

“It’s about time that we get back on track and build the culture of excellence and legacy of becoming an outstanding institution,” New San Jose Builders, Inc. (NSJBI) co-chairman and MLQU president Dr. Isagani Germar said.

Since New San Jose Builders' acquisition of MLQU last October 2014, the university's plans for upgrading are beginning to take shape. At the top of its priority are reclaiming its role as a breeding ground for nation-builders and producing graduates that would attain 100% passing rate in board and bar exams. The new leadership of MLQU assures that with the help of the new management, today’s generation of Quezonians would be able to meet and even exceed the glory of the university's past.

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Asian cuisines do share similarities, but as far as the dining etiquettes go, it is quite the opposite. For example, an empty plate means different things to different cultures- in Japan, it's important to finish your food in order to let the host know you enjoyed the meal. In China, however, it is considered rude and means that you weren't fed enough.

foodpanda/hellofood (www.foodpanda.ph) collected some useful Asian food customs and their associated meanings to set things straight. So here is your essential guide to do's and dont's in some countries in order to avoid any uncomfortable mistakes everyone is -inevitably- bound to make.

The foodpanda group is the leading global online food delivery marketplace, active in 40 countries on five continents. The company enables restaurants to become visible in the online and mobile world and provides them with a constantly evolving online technology. For consumers, foodpanda offers the convenience to order food online and the widest gastronomic range, from which they can choose their favorite meal on the web or via the app. foodpanda operates in India, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Russia, Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia and Serbia. hellofood operates in Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Algeria. Delivery Club operates in Russia. JUST EAT in India, NetPincer in Hungary, Donesi in Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro, and Pauza in Croatia, Room Service in Malaysia and Singapore, City Delivery in Philippines, Food By Phone in Thailand, Koziness and Dial-a-Dinner in Hong Kong, Eatoye in Pakistan, and 24h in UAE.

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Professionalism, Integrity, Leadership, Esprit de Corps and Remuneration: these are the values that built the foundation of the organization, Mapúa Institute of Technology Student Branch of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (Mapúa – IEEE).

Striving to maintain its distinction from other organizations, Mapúa -IEEE is known to lead in providing opportunities for social and academic advances for both undergraduates and professionals. In line with the organization’s mission to foster technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity, the organization hosts the “Mapúa-IEEE Week: A Walk through Technology” from June 1-5, 2015 at Mapúa Institute of Technology, Intramuros Manila organized by the officers and advisers of the Mapúa – IEEE.

This event provides an opportunity for the interaction between IEEE Philippine Section Student Branches of various colleges and universities regarding technological innovations, researches, and progression of skill and knowledge in technical – related professions. Specifically, IEEE members from De La Salle University – Manila (DLSU), University of the Philippines – Diliman (UP), University of Santo Tomas (UST), University of the East – Caloocan (UE) and Mapúa Institute of Technology – Manila (MIT) are invited to the said event.

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Last May 19, 2015 we got invited to join a tour of a community that's just a quick zip from Manila and meant for higher middle-income individuals who are looking for grand and elegant subdivisions with quality homes commanding aesthetic value. It now offers an equally promising phase 3 development to follow the phenomenal success of phase 1 and 2.

A few of us were all eager to return to this place since we were there last year during its seasonal display of a Christmas-themed attraction that undeniably causes the traffic jam due to many people visiting the place for some photo-ops or to reflect on the spirit of the season.

A part of the Vista Land masterplanned community called Sta. Elena City, Crown Asia Valenza at Sta. Rosa Laguna is a 25-hectare Italian-themed community that's just a short ride from Tagaytay and boasts of a prime location amidst premium shopping centers and renowned world-class institutions. It has first-rate amenities, and a wealth of possibilities only limited by the imagination. You'll have all necessities needed within reach without the hustle and bustle of the city.

Since 2005, this high-end development project is truly your heart's every desire that currently no other projects can beat that it is considered as a community for people who seek to escape to the more refreshing South. This is why it has attracted most distinguished set of buyers of which the bulk is overseas Filipino workers or OFW.

Alta Pampanga Resto Bar & Cafe: A Fusion of Kapampangan and Other Culinary Treats

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What could be better than listening to iconic songs from the Beatles, and other notable artists from the same generation, sang by a youthful acoustic trio who goes by the name of Trisera, while dining on a fusion of East Asian, Mediterranean, and Kapampangan culinary treats? Maybe a great windy penthouse ambiance situated in a building that is more advanced than the neighborhood it is located because of its low-emission glass windows and self-cleaning front glass that protects you from harmful UV rays? or maybe an elevator to take you up to the penthouse so you'll avoid walking several flight of stairs? or maybe a building that uses LED lights, inverter airconditioning units, and a sewerage treatment facility that let's you peacefully enjoy a more Mother Earth friendly surrounding?

But wait, Alta Pampanga Resto Bar and Café boasts of being all that and more. It's the very first building already operational that can proudly say it's also helping the environment while serving excellent food to its customers.

We had the opportunity to try out Alta Pampanga after we got an invite to attend a mini-photo exhibit entitled Estructura Herencia by Mal-A-Ari held last May 17 at the said venue in Angeles, Pampanga. Together with other bloggers, we arrived at our destination earlier than expected as the organizers were still setting up the place. We waited for a few more minutes before the management and owner arrived to welcome and orient us about the building, the restaurant and their plans for the future.

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At an undisclosed amount, international property portal Lamudi Philippines recently acquired MyProperty.ph, in a move that will strengthen the online real estate market in the Philippines.

Announced at the New World Hotel last May 19, the merger will make them the leading property portal in the Philippines. However, the two companies will continue to operate individually, as both seek to grow their existing brands in the country’s thriving online property sphere.

Jacqueline van den Ende, co-founder at Lamudi.com.ph led the announcement to the members of the media though we were already informed of the big leap last May 7 from the invitation Lamudi Philippines sent via e-mail. It was only last May 19 when we learned that they were referring to MyProperty.ph.

While changes at an operational level will be limited, the acquisition will result in knowledge sharing between the two businesses and improvements to the overall customer experience for online property-seekers.

Kian Moini, Lamudi Global’s Co-founder and Managing Director, said: “By acquiring MyProperty, we are combining the two strongest players in the Philippines to create the go-to destination for both house-hunters to find their new dream home, and for brokers and developers to market their properties online.

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"You've got simultaneous epidemics of obesity and starvation, explain that one. Bees butterflies start to disappear, the glaciers melt, the algae blooms. All around you the coal mine canaries are dropping dead and you won't take the hint! In every moment there's a possibility of a better future, but you people won't believe it. And because you won't believe it you won't do what is necessary to make it a reality." - Nix of Tomorrowland

What exactly are we doing to better our future? Are we still inspired and hopeful of a paradise-like tomorrow, or have we fallen into accepting our doomed fate of a polluted, crime-infested, politically-aggravated and trampled upon future where only the strongest survives?

Tomorrowland, a Disney movie based on one of the theme parks in Disneyland, gives us a glimpse of a probable future, but also gives us hope of changing it. Just like how the Terminators travelled back in time to change the future. The robotic beings of Tomorrowland are sent back to put the future in its rightful place. By enticing some of the humans that still aspires of a better future to continue with their dreams and put them into reality.

The New York Times says it's a Box Office disappointment saying "“Tomorrowland” is a major misfire for Disney’s live-action movie division, which, with films like “Maleficent” and “Cinderella,” had finally managed to move beyond flops like “The Lone Ranger.” Lackluster “Tomorrowland” ticket sales came despite an aggressive two-year marketing campaign that included a Super Bowl commercial, trailers on “The Avengers: Age of Ultron” and exhibitions at Disney theme parks."

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There is no denying that businesses are booming as we see a lot of businesses investing in the Philippines as well as entrepreneurs that are all daring to join the challenging world of running their own businesses as opposed to working as an employee. Though there is greater assurance with a monthly paycheck, I guess no one ever became rich unless they become their own bosses. The secret to success has always been running your own businesses eventhough there are some that fail in the beginning. The winners would always be the ones who stood up after their fall.

Joining the bandwagon of visionaries is the owner of a newly constructed seven (7) storey modern design building located at the heart of Sto. Domingo, Sto. Rosario street near the corner of McArthur Highway of Angeles City, Pampanga. It currently has a resto bar and an al fresco dining and function area called Alta Pampanga Resto Bar and Café at its multi-purpose roofdeck, but the rest of the building is open for rent or lease to whoever wishes to establish their offices in its more than 1,200 square meters of commercial spaces.

The owner toured us around the building, called Global Eco-Link Development Corporation, or GELDC for short, so we can have an idea of the many possibilities that awaits for those interested to do business in Angeles, Pampanga. The building aims to provide world-class business offices/ commercial spaces and urban development to partners and entrepreneurs. coupled with the most affordable rates and the best deals. In an effort to uphold the quality of life of every business entrepreneur, it offers partnership opportunities for even small-scale businesses and local-based industries.

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Established in 2010 by UP Cinema, Kontra: The Alternative Film Project is a mini film competition that aims to provide alternative means of the study of film outside the standard classroom experience, to develop the creativity of aspiring filmmakers, and to develop and to learn from a relationship with other film enthusiasts from other colleges and universities.

On its 6th year, Kontra continues to challenge student filmmakers to shoot outside the box. This year, Kontra seeks to defy stories, deflect norms, and defy boundaries in filmmaking. Competing for Best Film, Most Creative Use of Ingredients, and Audience Choice Award, ten finalists will screened and critiqued by a set of refined practitioners in the industry on May 30, 2015, 6PM onwards, at Dito: Bahay ng Sining, J. Molina St, Marikina City. The entrance fee is 100 php. For inquiries, contact Daniel at 09067062611.

Kontra 2015 is presented by UP Cinema, Pretzel Crips, Big Bang, Puff Corn, and Tostillas. This event is also brought to you by Comfort Sole Philippines and Timezone. Special thanks to DealSPOT, Dito: Bahay ng Sining and La Claire Spa. Our official media partners: Magic 89.9, Choose Philippines, ClickTheCity, Circuit Magazine, and Wazzup Pilipinas.

San Andreas Hollywood Movie: First Impressions

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Am I the only one who thought it was about GTA? Who else thought that the upcoming San Andreas movie was a GTA movie? You know, the GTA San Andreas game with CJ as the main character?

Kidding aside, I thought this was just going to be another 2012 movie, but of course they'll be boasting of better special effect "exclamationally" punctuated with action and drama brought by the lead characters like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

You can never enjoy films when you're a scientist because you can't help but pick apart all of the inaccuracies

LMAO, anyone who knows anything about seismicity will tell you the San Andreas is a strike slip fault. Meaning the two plates grind against one another not split apart like this shows. Also in order to have a tsunami of that size you really need an undersea earthquake specifically a deep thrust or mega thrust earthquake. The San Andreas runs mainly inland in California . This movie looks like typical Hollywood dramatic interpretation . Not likely in real life, but as all Hollywood disaster flicks go it is based on sensationalism not actual facts..

The giant tsunami at the end of the trailer is not possible due to the gradual progression of our continental shelf. As opposed to a place like Japan, where tsunamis happen because of the energy from a quake displaces water on the sea floor, and that energy hits their nearly vertical continental shelf cause immense tsunamis, though no where near what is shown in the trailer here. Typical Hollywood BS.

Mga Pusang Gogora: TOMCAT Seniors' Tribute

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As TOMCAT bids goodbye to its graduating kittens, it will hold the annual seniors' tribute titled "Mga Pusang Gogora: TOMCAT Seniors' Tribute" at The Lounge, Tomas Morato, on June 4, 2015. This event will be a night filled with exciting surprises, touching farewells—the ultimate throwback for its dear seniors. This is a night of a trip down memory lane while commemorating the journey and celebrating the exceptional hard work and dedication they have displayed during their stay in TOMCAT. All these, of course, while giving thanks for their service to the Thomasian community.

With Tomasian Cable Television (TOMCAT) being the official broadcasting arm of the University of Santo Tomas, it has been disseminating news inside and outside the university, providing quality entertainment by producing television and radio shows and covering and staging events through partnerships with other college-based and university-wide organizations. From the kittens’ humble beginnings as volunteers to members of an official media organization in the campus, the organization has evolved and taken it up a notch by gaining partnerships and bagging awards within and beyond the walls of the university, inspiring them to attract and gain strong partnerships with sponsors and media partners.

As TOMCAT continues to work to maintain the post for being the top source of premium entertainment and information, in and out of the university, its doors remain open for new partnerships and long term sponsorships from companies and other organizations. For inquiries, you are always free and encouraged to say hello at hello.tomcatust@gmail.com. Do not forget to visit www.kittenshq.org for latest trends and updates.