Palawan World's Best Island Tourism and Trade Expo at Glorietta Activity Center This August 7 to 11

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Palawan's top resorts and hotels, as well as tour operators, the local government units and advocacy movements are now present at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati for the Palawan World's Best Island Tourism and Trade Expo happening from August 7 to 11, 2015.

The first ever tourism and trade fair initiated by the provincial government aims to capture a wider tourism market and create broader awareness for the province of Palawan. It will also bring together local and foreign investors, economic development organizations, and high level government officials for greater business-matching opportunities.

Governor Jose Chavez Alvarez led the opening ceremonies on August 7 initiated with a ribbon cutting to officially open the expo. A program was immediately held afterwards on stage with Miss Debbie Tan, The Palawan Tourism Council President, giving the welcome address, while the Governor giving the keynote speech.

Also present at the occasion were DOT Mimaropa Regional Director Atty. Minerva Morada, Vice Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates, and other representatives from the Department of Tourism (DOT), Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and key officials from the province of Palawan.

An Unconventional August on EVE

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This August, Discovery Network’s EVE presents three series that will make you think about the wonders of life and love, however unconventional they may be. From unlikely births, odd physical appearances and seemingly strange occupations, the three new shows on EVE will spark the hearts of its viewers by showing that love for life pushes through, in whatever unusual circumstance or situation the people are in.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is back to examine the extremes of discrimination, bringing together people often defined by the way they look; whether they have facial disfigurement or an intense preoccupation with their appearance. Beauty and The Beast airs every Tuesday at 7.20 p.m., starting on August 25. 

From a baby who was delivered in a shopping mall parking lot to a woman who went into labor as the hospital is torn apart by a tornado, join us as we experience the amazing true stories of women giving birth under extraordinary circumstances, during natural disasters, through incredible medicine, or in the most unlikely places. OUTRAGEOUS BIRTHS: TALES FROM THE CRIB premieres on August 10 at 8.10 p.m.

Witness the Miracle of Childbirth on EVE’s Outrageous Births: Tales from the Crib

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You’ve taken Lamaze classes.

You have bought and read every baby book you can get your hands on.

But how much preparation can you really do? What if your labor does not go as planned?

These are the very questions each episode of EVE’s Outrageous Births: Tales from the Crib explores. Laden with first-person accounts by real mothers and fathers sharing their unbelievable, unexpected birth stories, the show shines the spotlight on the miracle – and randomness - of childbirth.

From a baby that was born during a hurricane to a baby that was actually born twice, each hour-long episode reveals three bizarre, mysterious and sometimes humorous medical stories involving childbirth, labor and delivery. The stories should fascinate locally, where outrageous births make headlines:

During the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, one good news that spread throughout the world was that of Emily Sagalis, who gave birth to her baby girl inside the destroyed Tacloban Airport. A makeshift medical center was created inside the ravaged airport, and her bed was a piece of plywood that rested amid typhoon debris. She named the baby Bea, after her mother Beatriz, who perished in the storm. She was quoted, “She is my miracle. I had thought I would die with her still inside me when high waves came and took us all away.”

NorthPine Land: Where Dreams Come To Life

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It is every hardworking Filipino’s dream to have a house he can call his own. NorthPine Land, Inc. (NLI), one of the leading and most trusted real estate companies in the Philippines, has committed to provide homes and purposeful areas that improve the quality of life. More than a good house, NorthPine Land builds better homes. More than a good neighborhood, it creates better communities. More than a good area to stay, they make a better place of comfort and security for the whole family.

NorthPine Land has established its own niche in the middle income housing market in the country since it was founded in 1996 as a joint venture of four leading companies. Hongkong Land, one of Asia’s leading property investment, management and development groups, partnered with local investors San Miguel Properties, the real estate arm of San Miguel Group; BDO and Metrobank, the country’s largest and leading commercial banks.

NLI President Alan R. Cruz affirms the company’s commitment to give people who strive to own their dream home the quality of life that only an integrated self-contained community can provide.

Cruz said, “NorthPine Land defines the ideals of fine living on five foundations namely design, quality construction, lifestyle amenities, continuing estate management, and value.”

CHED and DOST to Hold APEC Conferences and Policy Talks on Science and Technology in Higher Education

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We were at the press conference organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) with regards to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 conferences scheduled on August 10 to 15 - a two-part series of conferences namely the Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI) on August 10 to 12, and High Level Policy Dialogue on Science and Technology in Higher Education (HLPD-STHE) scheduled on August 13 to 15. This conferences will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

CHED and DOST combine forces to bring us a series of APEC conferences specific to policy talks highlighting Science and Technology in Higher Education. The DOST and CHED will host the talks.

The panelists during the press conference held on August 7, 2015 at the Sulo Riviera Hotel in Diliman, Quezon City was led by DOST Secretary Mario Montejo and CHED Secretary Patricia Licuanan. Other members of the panel were DOST Usec Amelia Guevarra, CHED Commissioner Minella Alarcon, and CHED Director Napoleon Juanillo. DOST Assistant Secretary Raymond Liboro was also there to moderate the panel, As well as DOST Undersecretary Rowena Guevarra, and other personalities from both the DOST and CHED.

Yours truly was representing Vigattin Radio of Radyo Inquirer being one of the co-anchors of the radio show aired every Saturday from 10 to 11 am. I was with Elison Barcelo, CEO of Vigattin Inc. I noticed that there were no bloggers invited to this particular press conference which was surprising because we were actually listening to the initiatives of government agencies that were supposed to be embracing technology in full force.

Best Cities in the Philippines for First-Time Homebuyers

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In real estate, the adage “drive and drive until you qualify” holds true, especially in the case of Metro Manila. As homes in the capital become more expensive, many first-time homebuyers whose work base is either Makati, Bonifacio Global City, or Ortigas Center are looking further afield in search of their dream home.

The good thing is that areas that surround the capital abound with affordable options for these homebuyers. Lamudi Philippines (www.lamudi.com.ph) picked the top cities and towns around Metro Manila for first-time buyers, using five factors to judge the best: market popularity, prices, inventory, and ease of commute to the capital.

1. San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan
Average home price: Php495,999
Inventory: 590

Although San Jose Del Monte, situated just north of Quezon City, has been previously known as the government’s go-to site for mass relocation projects, the city is now shedding that image and is fast becoming an economically important city. Big-ticket real estate projects, such as Ayala Land’s Altaraza Town Center, are putting San Jose Del Monte on the map. Homes in the city are still quite affordable, which average Php495,999, and plenty of inventory is available.

Start and End Your Day Informed with Yahoo News Digest

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In this day and age when news travels as fast as the speed of light, the challenge is to keep up without info-overload stress. Yahoo News Digest offers a solution by providing news delivered in digests twice a day, in a beautiful and seamless design. You can even choose from four different editions of the digest – United States, United Kingdom, Canada and International.

Yahoo News Digest offers a compilation of global headlines in the morning and in the evening, with topics ranging from world, politics, technology, science, sports, health, entertainment, odd news and business. As soon as they are notified that the digest is ready, users can scan the summary, as well as read units of information called “Atoms,” which provide context to each story, including maps, infographics, videos, photos and more.

The digest summarizes news from respected sources such as Reuters, BBC, and the Associated Press and supplement it with relevant information -- Wikipedia entries, related tweets, videos and maps. In case users missed some articles, the app provides a countdown to the next digest and an option to go back to previous digests.

The app was created to serve people’s daily need to stay informed about the most important news and events around them. The algorithms, which were developed at Summly, smartly reduce stories to the most fundamental elements and meaningfully combine them with select point of views sourced from around the web. 

Gear Up and Get Ready for an Epic August on DMAX

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This August, gear up and get ready as DMAX premieres five all-new epic series showcasing rare places and rides that will surely dial up your machismo!

EPIC MANCAVE BUILDS follows a motley crew of torch-wielding, adrenaline-soaked fabricators hell-bent on building the most epic mancaves in the world. Metalwork mastermind Brandon Ruff and carpentry wizard Tomas Aguirre head the rough-and-tumble company known as Firemass Metal. Along with their friends, Bryan, Jake, and Nate, team Firemass tears through garages, basements, and unused spaces across the country like a testosterone-infused wrecking ball. They demolish what was there and rebuild their monuments to manhood full of custom creations and mechanical masterpieces. Epic Mancave Builds premieres on Sunday, August 9 at 9 p.m.

Also premiering on August 9 is another show on epic builds! In EPIC BAR BUILDS, follow Aaron Heineman and the Heineman Bar Company team in Chicago as they create the most awesome and unique bars. The team takes on custom projects all over the country: from a home bar in the swamps to an outdoor bar at a hunting lodge. No bar project is too big or too small and they always rise to meet challenges such as a build around a pet alligator, or get a huge commercial bar installed in just a week. Nothing can stop these guys from getting the job done. Epic Bar Builds airs every Sunday, starting on August 9 at 9:50 p.m.

Upgrade Your Pub IQ with Epic Bar Builds on DMAX

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Grabbing some beer this weekend? DMAX,  the definitive factual entertainment destination for young men who live life to the absolute fullest, gives you a new way to appreciate your trusted bartender’s work space.

In EPIC BAR BUILDS, watering-holes are taken to new heights. Watch Aaron Heineman, founder of the Heineman Bar Company, and his team build the most awesome and unique bars. Grab a pint and get cozy as you watch them rise to meet the challenges and the demands of their clients, no matter how tight the deadlines are. The job might be tough, but nothing can stop these guys from getting it done.

Catch the team take on all kinds of custom projects: a home bar with gator-skinned counter-tops and an outdoor bar at a hunting lodge that can withstand the most extreme weather conditions among others. They can build them from the ground up, or take the existing bar to the next level.

From turning your son’s bedroom into your neighborhood party place, to providing a signature drink through an interactive monstrous contraption, the Heineman Bar Company will fulfill all your bar’s needs and wishes.

Get tipsy with awe in EPIC BAR BUILDS, airing every Sunday starting on August 9 at 9:50 p.m.

Seven Heritage Places In The Philippines Worth Visiting

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If you attended a Filipino school as a kid, chances are you know that whenever August rolled around, it was time to polish your skills in declamation, singing, or slogan making in celebration of the Buwan ng Wika­. As a nationalistic event, it aims to celebrate the Filipino language while also embracing our linguistic diversity.

This month is also an apt time to visit some of the country’s towns and cities that helped shape our history and heritage. You can make a holiday out of your visit to any of these sites, as many of them are located in distant provinces, although some of them are close enough to Metro Manila for a day tour.


Kawit
Province: Cavite
Spoken languages: Tagalog, Chavacano

Considered as Cavite’s oldest municipality, Kawit was founded in 1587 for the Spanish Crown and referred to by the Spaniards as “Cavite El Viejo.” Its most famous spot is the Aguinaldo Shrine, the ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo and the site where the Philippine independence from Spanish rule was declared. It is also home to St. Mary Magdalene Church, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines; as well as the Battle of Binakayan Monument, which commemorates a struggle between Spanish and Filipino soldiers in 1896.

Malolos
Province: Bulacan
Spoken languages: Tagalog, Kapampangan
Malolos is recognized as the Premiere Heritage City of Bulacan for its ancestral houses, Spanish colonial churches and chapels, and historical landmarks. The Barasoain Church, for one, is the site of the First Philippine Congress in 1898. Also worth visiting is the neoclassic Bautista-Uytangcoy Mansion, known as home of Aguinaldo’s interior secretary Don Antonio Bautista, but is more recognizable as the site where Jose Rizal and Marcelo H. Del Pilar spoke with the 21 women of Malolos in 1892.

SUCs' Budget All-Time High, No Truth to VP's Claim

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Recognizing the strategic role of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in national development, the Aquino Administration has increased the budget of SUCs considerably, from PhP22.03 billion in 2011 to PhP42.28 billion in 2015, almost doubling the amount in five years.

Contrary to Vice President Jejomar Binay’s claim of only PhP809 million at his recently concluded "True SONA" in Cavite State University, the SUCs’ budget in 2014 was PhP35.93 billion. In the same year, the University of the Philippines (UP) System and Mindanao State University (MSU) received PhP9.37 billion and PhP1.97 billion respectively.

While it is true that there was a slight decrease in the UP System budget of PhP156 million in 2014, the UP System received the biggest Capital Outlay (CO) allocation in 2013 of PhP1.45 billion. Further, UP’s 2015 budget is at its highest so far at PhP13.14 billion with a CO of PhP4.6 billion.

MSU’s budget in 2014 on the other hand, dropped by PhP632.66 million from the previous year because its 2013 CO had reached an unprecedented PhP868.59 million.

Virile Max: The Natural Way for Sexual Prowess

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Here's a supplement that has the natural way to enhance libido, sexual endurance and lick premature ejaculation, and also ideal for women with decreased sexual desire. All these without the headache side-effect.

Virile Max, the newest natural supplement in the market shown to enhance libido, sexual function and endurance, has been getting good feedback from many who have tried taking it.

The main indications for the supplement are to help enhance sexual potency in those with erectile dysfunction and premature or involuntary ejaculation. The effects though may be variable. Some respond optimally already to just one capsule two to three hours before intimacy—preferably on an empty stomach—while others may require two capsules, especially in those with diabetes.

Although primarily intended as a supplement for men, it may also be tried by women to enhance their sexual desire in those with depressed libidos already, particularly post-menopausal women, and in those who have diminished sexual arousal after multiple pregnancies and deliveries.

From the photo above, Ms. Rhea King, Product Manager at Trianon International, Inc. discusses the importance of using natural supplements like Virile Max to provide “intimacy boost”, which loving and committed couples can take to bring back the spice and joy during their intimate moments.

Her talk was during the Brandcast Media Day 2015 held last July 29, 2015 at The Lounge bar located in Tomas Morato Quezon City. The event gathered various tri-media practitioners in Metro Manila to discover new brands and services that caters to their specific beat and interest.

They also launched the H&L Mobile App, the first free magazine mobile app for doctors and healthcare professionals.

Phil Younghusband Hopes Azkals Sustain Strong Start

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Facing their toughest test yet, Philippine Azkals skipper Phil Younghusband hopes the team can carry the momentum of the two early victories in the World Cup Qualifiers when they go up against powerhouse Uzbekistan on Sept. 8 at Philippine Sports Stadium.

The Azkals stunned Middle East powerhouse Bahrain, 2-1, at home, before blanking Yemen, 2-0, in Doha, Qatar last June 17 to gain a share of the lead with North Korea in Group H, considered as one of the toughest groups of the tournament that also serves as a qualifier for the 2019 Asian Cup in the UAE.

“We are in a good position after the two wins, but more importantly, we have some confidence going forward,” said Younghusband, the country's leading international scorer with 42 goals, who turned 28 last Monday.

“There are no easy games in this group. We know we would need to play better and work harder against Uzbekistan.”

The Azkals achieved their highest ranking of 124 last month but the Uzbeks are still ranked 49 notches higher at No. 75 by Fifa with some of their standouts playing in Russia.

Lloyd Cafe Cadena Teaches Us How to Sing Like a Diva

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Internet is really filled with amazing video content that I no longer see my children watch the television. They are up there in their rooms busy with their tablets and watching videos on YouTube. They are among the digital natives who were born with easy access to superb gadgets and technologies.

During weekends, the only time they will go down to join us at the living room is when lunch or dinner is served, or when they feel their videos deserved to be watched in the bigger LED monitor of our Smart TV which allows them to watch YouTube on television too. The Smart TV is connected to the Internet via W-Fi connection and they can browse any web site with it.

I won that Smart TV at a raffle from one of the events that I attended a few days before Christmas so I consider it a gift from the heavens above. Howver, I still prefer watching on my laptop where I can multitask. I can easily check out any new information or news out there via my social media accounts or favorite news portals, and of course, videos from my favorite YouTube sensations. Consider that I am always one among the huge number of viewers that would always check out everything new they have to offer.

One of the newest YouTube sensation discoveries I encountered was this Lloyd Cafe Cadena character. I met him personally at the YouTube Fan Fest event held a few weeks ago at the Marriott Grand Ballroom but I've been watching his videos already even before that special day.

Mikey Bustos Performs a One-Man Band Act with Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)

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Frank: Mikey, who's Stan Kilig?
Mikey: Frank! It's Stanky leg!
Frank: Instant Kilig?
Mikey: Hay, Nako! I'll break your leg!
Frank: Break 'em?

The lines above is a short skit that Pinoy Boy and YouTube sensation Mikey Bustos added to his newest YouTube video upload called the Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) One Man Band/ A cappella/ Voice & Mouth Only. It's a conversation between Mikey and one of his fictional character played by himself. The new video now highlights again Mikey's other equally fabulous talent of mixing voices to create one magical piece. He created a one-man band performance to please our senses.

Mikey is like a mixologist here concocting the perfect Margarita! There's more to this video than just the primary ingredients of tequila and orange liqueur. The nine individuals (differentiated by uniquely designed caps) that you see on screen is composed of keyboard, bass drum, snare, bells, snap, wingman, synth 1, synth 2, snap and the lead, had an additional character named Frank to provide the comic input to an already amazing merging of voices and sound.

If you count all the characters, they make a perfect 10! Just like the recent event that I attended where a mixologist made a demo of his idea of a perfect Margarita, the popular party and bar drink was also made out of 8 other ingredients added to the tequila and orange liqueur. The end result was a perfect Margarita!

Kaspersky Lab Hosts Special Mission Impossible Rogue Nation Movie Screening

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We would like to thank Kaspersky Lab, especially Corporate Communications Manager for South East Asia Sanjeev Nair who flew all the way from Malaysia, just to give their media friends a special movie treat - Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation at the posh Director's Club of SM Megamall Fashion Hall.

I think Sanjeev is a geek too when he told us his favorite character in the movie was Benjie "the computer expert" Dunn (played by actor Simon Pegg) instead of Ethan "the action man" Hunt (played by Tom Cruise).

Most men will idolize the actor in the lead role, but nowadays geek is the new sexy. This is why men who can code and make apps will rule the world, and of course, hailed by most of the women of the universe!

The guys with the Dadbod are the real deal hunks of the 21st century! Those who find time playing video games, reading comics, gawking at cosplayers, collecting miniature sculptures of anime and retro toys, staying tuned to the latest episode of The Big Bang Theory and other geeky sci-fi, fantasy, adventure, techie, etc., TV series, and especially those attending the Geeks on a Beach tech confab in Boracay this August 20 to 21 are more than meets the eye, flab, belly, and comic con shirts.

Feed Your Curious Minds This August on Discovery Channel

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Discovery Channel answers some of your burning questions - from the origins of human beings to the modern way of living - this August. See how far we have come from the beginning of time to today’s fast paced society with two new shows and the return of Discovery Channel favorites.

Tawi-Tawi, Philippines is home to Santarawi, one of the last Badjao breath-hold divers who serve as modern models of our ancestors. THE GREAT HUMAN ODYSSEY follows Anthropologist Niobe Thompson as he takes us on a journey of discovery in the footsteps of our human ancestors, and unlocks the mystery of our unlikely survival and miraculous emergence as the world's only global species, meeting Santarawi along the way. We evolved during the most volatile era since the extinction of the dinosaurs. Like the many other kinds of humans who once shared our world, Homo sapiens should have died away. Instead, our species survived to populate every corner of the planet. Why are we the last of our kind? How did we do it?

Marvel at the wonders of human adaptability in THE GREAT HUMAN ODYSSEY premiering August 2, airing Sundays, 8PM.

Every great invention has to start with a great idea. HOW WE GOT HERE tells the stories of iconic Americans whose entrepreneurial genius radically changed their worlds and ours, creating new ideas and industries that transformed our nation in ways so profound, we often take them for granted today. Each episode will dramatize that moment, exploring both how the future unfolded as a result of that precise moment in time, and also how fundamentally different our world would have been had things happened differently.

Find out how America made a name for itself and paved for exponential impact in HOW WE GOT HERE premiering August 6, airing Thursdays, 9PM.

Dr. Manny Calayan and Dra. Pie Calayan Launch Healthcetera on GMA NewsTV 11

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Dr. Manny Calayan and Dra. Pie Calayan together with powerhouse experts launch the newest beauty, health and lifestyle magazine show to air every Sunday on GMA NewsTV Channel 11 entitled Healthcetera.

Healthcetera is a portmanteau word derived from the words Health and Etcetera. The program aims to provide tips on topics that are very significant to everyone such as beauty, health and wellness. The gamut of health issues, controversial medical topics - inside our bodies, from the head down to our toes, and even the humble weeds, grass, herbs, fruits and vegetables as alternative natural sources for healing and wellness are unraveled in practical, simple terms.

Healthcetera gathers a powerhouse cast which makes it more than just a health news show namely Dr. Manny Calayan, Dra. Pie Calayan, Nina Taduran, Marou Sarne and Dr. Sonny Viloria.

Take Advantage of Windows 10, Update Your Starmobile Engage 10 Pro Now!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Windows 10 is a very promising operating system update from Microsoft. I heard there are a lot of great features that would be very useful for us. I'm betting many Windows users have already updated or are about too since it's available for free.

I'm already scheduling our laptops at home for the same upgrade, and would be doing the same thing with my Windows smartphone. 

Just hoping my Internet connection will cooperate soon,. There's a major ISP maintenance going on at our area so I would have to wait for a while before I could feel the power of Windows 10. I do hope my ISP shapes up real quick so I can now experience the newest OS from Microsoft.

Starmobile ENGAGE 10 Pro users can also take advantage of the newest features of the newest version of the OS. Go on and update your devices for free with Microsoft Windows 10 that is now available for download.

Here are the instructions:

Bogart The Explorer Presents #GoogleMoLang Trip ng Barkada Epic Video Compilaton

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26 Collaborators, over 20 places. This is hands down the biggest collaboration this group has ever been a part of. Thanks to Google for allowing such an epic collaborative adventure to be posted online.

Bogart the Explorer from Davao City, on his YouTube account with Paperbug TV, previously asked people to take a trip with their barkada, using Google to ask questions and to prominently display the question written on a piece of paper. The question should be about how Google Search helped them with the answers in pursuing their journey or trip anywhere in the Philippines. They asked to share with them the videos to qualify for a chance to be part of a big commercial.

This was the original announcement: "Mates, we’re working with Google to create their next commercial, and we want you to be a part of it! Just send to tripngbarkada@googlegroups.com a 2-min video of your barkada traveling or exploring somewhere you've never gone before, with a little help from Google Search. Make sure you show us on a piece of paper the place/question that you asked Google while on your trip. Send in your video by July 15, and if we like it, it’ll be in the next Google commercial. If we really, really, really like it, we will give you a special gift thanks to our friends at Google!"

Other important guidelines reiterated were: No nudity, profanity, violence, defamation of character, and to shoot horizontally. The videos must also meet the criteria of 40% Usage and relevance of Search, 30% Friends benefiting as a result of Google, and 30% Creativity and Fun.

TLC Presents the Fine Taste of Travel with the Sweet Relief of Familial Ties this August

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Food and family take center stage as TLC let us relish the fine taste of travel with the sweet relief of familial ties this month of August.

Best-selling author, reluctant food celebrity and culinary adventurer Anthony Bourdain returns with an all-new season of ANTHONY BOURDAIN: PARTS UNKNOWN. This season, Anthony has carved out a distinct place as a gastronomic Indiana Jones and his quest is the perfect dining experience. Join his travels to parts unknown in places like Jamaica, Tokyo or London and beyond, on the new season of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, premiering on August 4, airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m.

Vietnamese chef Luke Nguyen stars in his new series LUKE NGUYEN’S UNITED KINGDOM. The show follows Luke as he travels and cooks his way across the length and breadth of the UK, discovering the wide and wonderful food delicacies of this fascinating island. Explore London, now widely acknowledged as one of the finest food capitals in the world, through Luke’s eyes as he discovers regional specialties, local culinary secrets, meets a host of local producers and characters and visit some of the world’s most historic iconic locations. Luke Nguyen’s United Kingdom premieres on August 10, airing Mondays at 9 p.m.

Be Limitless with Big Battery Starmobile JUMP Max

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My biggest problem when using smartphones is that I keep on losing battery power in the middle of the day especially when I use it for Wi-Fi Internet access. Bringing a powerbank would be a great solution except that it adds weight to my already heavy pouch bag where I put my camera, mini tablet computer, and other stuff aside from the tripod that I often hand-carry. I feel there is already so much I bring with me at events coverage, so I really don't need an extra bulk to weigh me down further.

Now that I've heard about the Starmobile JUMP Max with its big battery, I'm considering on getting one for myself. The big bonus is that it is now available at a sale price of only P2,990. The previous price was P3,690 so this means a lot of savings.

This portable powerhouse–rated to last for up to 15 hours for calls and up to 33 days on standby thanks to its super large 3000mAh battery–is the most affordable big battery smartphone in the market today (3000mAh and higher).

Complementing the capacious battery is a power-efficient CPU that’s ideal for every day tasks such as calling, texting, and surfing. A metal-reinforced Micro USB port also ensures that the JUMP Max is able to withstand wear and tear from the constant plugging and unplugging of the charging cable.

Buddy Valastro: Whipping Up Amazing Cakes and Confections with All-New Season of Cake Boss on TLC

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TLC, the number one travel and lifestyle channel in the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia, will be premiering an all-new season of CAKE BOSS this August! Starring famed baker Buddy Valastro and his cake crew family, the team is back and whipping up amazingly crazy cakes and confections.

Over the years, the team has successfully made their burgeoning bakery, Carlo’s Bakery, a household name. And as the business has grown, so have their responsibilities. But at the end of the day, Buddy wants to be true to his roots: cake and family. Whatever the challenge, the Valastros prove that no matter how sticky the situation, the family that bakes together stays together!

CAKE BOSS is now a partnership between Discovery Networks International (DNI) and TLC in the United States with seasons seven and eight produced by original series producer Jon Sechrist, High Noon Entertainment and Valastro’s own Cakehouse Media. The new partnership enables more creative control globally, giving the show a truly international flavour and appeal.

Catch Buddy Valastro and his team create the cakes of your dreams, starting August 12, airing Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on TLC. 

Starmobile Smartphone Price Drop! Don't You Dare Miss Miss This Awesome Sale!

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Who said quality should always equate to a high price?

Well, Starmobile is proving them wrong with their promotional sale to answer every Filipinos smartphone needs. If you are looking for practical and affordable solutions to your smartphone needs, then look no further.

Starmobile has Quad Core Sarmobile Up Lite for only P 3,990. Originally priced at P 4, 690, the slim and sleek Starmobile UP Lite is good enough to satisfy your everyday needs with its powerful Quad Core processor, 8-megapixel AutoFocus BSI Camera, and front & back LED flash bulbs.

Originally priced at P4,690, the slim and sleek Starmobile UP Lite is equipped with a Quad Core processor, an 8-megapixel AutoFocus BSI Camera, and front & back LED flash bulbs. It is also one of the first Starmobile devices to feature innovative gesture controls such as Double Tap to Wake & Sleep and Multi-gesture patterns. You can read more about it at http://www.starmobile.ph/smartphones/up-lite/

Short+Sweet Manila is Back with Festival of 10-Minute Plays

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It is without doubt that the Philippines is a country with great potential and a lot of natural talent. As a blogger, I've met so many talented and gifted personalities with various skills and expertise that it gives me great honor to be able to mingle with them even for a short while.

The theater, dance and music industries are among those where you can find real talent. To be able to memorize lines and act seamlessly, sing or dance live on stage, without the audience noticing your mistakes or ad-lib is fascinating. Unlike in mainstream movies, dance or music videos, where the performers are allowed to do retakes, the live performers need to be able to mask their minor errors and finish their acts effortlessly with grace.

What is more remarkable is when they are able to keep the interest of the audience at a high. I would sometimes find myself not noticing time passing by because I was just too deeply involved with the performance.

Now imagine doing a complete performance in just a limited time of 10 minutes. Even for the very talented and experienced performer, that seems to be so challenging. To be able to squeeze in enough substance, intelligence, wit and creativity in one act is mind-boggling for someone like me.

But it seems I am lucky enough to witness such a rare treat. Not just one, but more than a handful will try their very best to fascinate the crowd with their 10 minute performances.

In collaboration with SM Aura, the organizers of Short+Sweet Manila composed of the trio of Divya Rajan Sriram as Festival Director, Vaishall Ray as Festival Producer and Marianne Quintos-Ortega as Production Manager, will hold the second edition of the month long Festival starting September 4, 2015 at The Samsung Hall in SM Aura located at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig city.

Will Drones Fly Over Boracay During Geeks on a Beach Tech Confab?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs, will be flying over the world-famous white sand beaches of Boracay on the second day of the upcoming Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) tech conference this August 20-21, 2015.

“Some of the most exciting developments in the world are happening with drones. These cool aerial gadgets are helping people do things in new and exciting ways. Drones and similar devices are going to rule the world so we better get ready,” said Tina Amper, TechTalks.ph founder and GOAB lead organizer.

In the Philippines, drones have been used to survey damage and assist search-and-rescue operations after disasters. It also has enormous potential for use in other fields such as tourism and agriculture wherein drones have been used to count livestock and monitor the health of crops in other countries.

Drones-on-a-beach or the “drones track” discussion during GOAB is set on August 21, Friday afternoon, while the “fly-in” for participants bringing their drones to Boracay is set on August 22, Saturday morning, pending favorable weather conditions and venue permissions.

“Those who are curious about drones can join this event and find out what the fuss is all about. If you already have a drone or want to buy one, joining the event can help you get tips from the experts before choosing your own,” said Amper.

Ericsson Appoints Sean Gowran as President and Country Manager of Philippines and Pacific Islands

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Ericsson announced the appointment of Sean Gowran as President and Country Manager for Philippines and Pacific Islands as of August 1, 2015.

Prior to his appointment, Sean headed Engagement Practices for Ericsson in North East Asia and was based in Beijing, China. He has been with the company for the past 28 years, and has held leadership roles in Research and Development, customer solutions, business and technology development, sales and operations.

From 2010-2013 Sean was Executive Vice President of Ericsson Greater China, where he was responsible for sales and operations in South China, covering the provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian and Hainan. In 2005 he was President of Ericsson Taiwan, and two years prior to that was Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Ericsson US, where he was responsible for business and technology development with a number of operators, including Verizon, Nextel, and Sprint.

Sean has also held leadership roles in various Ericsson offices around the world, including Ireland, Mexico, Sweden, Indonesia, the United Sates, Taiwan, and China. With his years of experience in Asia, he shared that he is looking forward to his new role.

Free Wi-Fi Backbone Awarded, Connectivity Providers for 867 Municipalities Sought

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The photo above is the Chinese Garden in Luneta, one of several areas in Rizal park where the DEpartment of Science and Technology (DOST) – Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Office’s Free Wi-Fi Internet access in Public Places Project is have a pilot run. Soon, public places like parks, town plazas, schools and government offices in 967 municipalities will have Free Wi-Fi Internet Access.

The Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places Project of the Department of Science and Technology’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Office has awarded data connectivity for fourteen Points of Presence (PoP’s) of the project to a Joint Venture of Innove Communications and Yondu Solutions, both subsidiaries of Globe Telecom, for a sum of PHP 74,844,000. These PoPs are slated to serve as the backbone and distribution hubs for Internet connectivity for the 967 municipalities connected under the project.

Fourteen POPs are distributed in the country’s three island groups and are located in the following areas: Luzon – 1) Tugegarao City, Cagayan; 2) Dagupan City, Pangasinan; 3) San Fernando City, Pampanga; 4) Lipa/Batangas City, Batangas; 5) Legazpi City, Albay; 6) Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Visayas – 7) Iloilo City, Iloilo; 8) Cebu City, Cebu; 9) Calbayog City, Samar; 10) Tacloban City, Leyte; Mindanao – 11) Cagayan De Oro City, Misamis Oriental; 12) Pagadian City, ARMM; 13) Davao City, Davao del Sur; 14) Zamboanga City, Zamboanga. The original plan to use Butuan City as one of the POPs was changed to Cagayan de Oro City to maximize the coverage area needed by the project. 

Groups Ask PH Gov’t to Bring Canadian Case to Basel Secretariat

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After the announcement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that it will lodge a diplomatic protest with the Canadian government over the illegal waste shipment they sent to the Philippines, environmental watchdogs Basel Action Network (BAN) and BAN Toxics (BT) today called on the DFA and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to alert the Implementation and Compliance Committee (ICC) at the Basel Convention regarding Canada’s negligence to the treaty.

The Terms of Reference of the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance provides that a “Party that has concerns or is affected by a failure to comply with and/or implement the Convention’s obligations” may submit these concerns to the ICC. BAN and BT are asking the Philippines to not just lodge a protest but to tell Canada that they are taking the case to the ICC if Canada continues its disregard to the Convention.

“The Philippine government needs to do more than just protest in this case,” said BT Executive Director Atty. Richard Gutierrez. “It is in the government’s best interest and the interest of the global community to ensure that this dumping will not happen again and that no other countries should suffer the indignity that we are experiencing because of Canada’s non-compliance. The ICC can help ensure this.”

The DFA said it is still waiting for some documents from the DENR and the Bureau of Customs to back its note verbale to the Canadian Embassy. 

Geeks on a Beach Returns to Boracay

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Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) turns 3 this year and a lot has been said and even more has been learned. It's time to put all of the learnings to the test, are we ready? Let's all find out: Sink or swim, as they say!

The geeks are going back to the one of the World's best - BORACAY BEACH, BABY! Where the sand is like powder and orange sunset has power. Boracay, with its pristine seas and world-class amenities, is the perfect place for this year's conference.

Geeks on a Beach is the honest-to-goodness, no holds-barred conference where people speak the truth about startups, tech and design.

Real people come to GOAB. People with dreams. Those that are looking to get started. The ones that are trying to make it over the hump. Those that have something important to say. Talented, forward-thinking, good people.

Heroes have come to hang out by the beach. BUSINESS people. Investors. Founders. Founders' buddies. Hotshot designers. Smart-a Developers. And you know what the good part about it is? Everybody gets a chance to speak up. You know what's even better? Nobody has to be forced to dress up. GOAB has cracked the code to the perfect half and half of events - important exchange of ideas in an environment that is not daunting. So leave your long-sleeved plaid shirts AT HOME, pack your tank tops and short shorts and book your flights for Boracay for August 20 and 21, 2015!

The main event is two days but the activities happen over four days. There are pre-event get-togethers and welcome drinks. Workshops and training sessions. Networking and pitching events. Product demonstrations. Breakout talks for niche interests (bring out your flying drones!). Post-event demos and fun group activities. All centered around the invaluable ideas that will be SHARED in the keynote talks.

"Ginugunita Kita" & Kammerchor Manila Highlight 2015 Maningning Awards on Sept. 3

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Jesse Lucas set to music a poem by Maningning Miclat titled “Ginugunita Kita” and was welcomed by viewers when first aired on TV and was passed online by hundreds of netizens last May.

Critics, music lovers and avid fans watched it, and seven other Lucas songs of Maningning poems, at the Aldaba Recital Hall of the UP Diliman Theater on the fifth and last Saturday of the same month. Said songs, and more, will be featured at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino of the Cultural Center of the Philippines on September 3, back to back with the 2015 Maningning Miclat Trilingual Poetry Awards featuring Kammerchor Manila. It is aptly entitled “Ginugunita Kita.”

Lucas is a multi-awarded composer for film, television, theater and dance. Miclat was a trilingual poet, award-winning visual artist and art teacher. Directed by film and theater actor Roeder Camaňag, the performance will feature soloist Banaue Miclat-Janssen and master cellist Renato Lucas, together with singer Al Gatmaitan and artist Delphine Buencamino. 

Lazada Philippines Reaches Out Through Bantay Bata

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Lazada, the Philippines’ One-Stop Shopping and Selling destination, recently partnered with ABS CBN’s Bantay Bata 163 in reaching out to children displaced by recent calamities.

Last July 3, 2015, Lazada Philippines, together with Bantay Bata 163, brought smiles and laughters to over 100 kids when they visited the Bantay Bata Site located in NHA Calauan, Laguna. Lazada PH employees together with the company’s CEO, Inanc Balci, shared an afternoon with the kids through healthy lunch, games, and other fun-filled activities. 

Later that afternoon, the kids of Bantay Bata in NHA Site Calauan Laguna received school supplies and educational toys. The afternoon was filled with joy and hope as Lazada Philippines pledged its support to the cause of helping out Filipino children.

In line with this, Lazada is giving away P300 worth of vouchers with a minimum purchase of P3000, exclusively for the Toys, Kids, and Babies category. These vouchers will be available every month for a week from July 27 until October 2015. Enjoy this discount using the voucher code BANTAYBATA and for every voucher used, P50 will be donated to Bantay Bata 163. 

Grab the opportunity to help out and head on to http://www.lazada.com.ph/bantay-bata-163/ and spread the joy of giving.

Juan Big Idea: "A Voyage Towards Marketing Eminence" South Luzon Edition

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Junior marketers, fasten your seatbelts as the Philippine Junior Marketing Association officially unveils its next destination!

Join us as we travel down South for our First Chapter Event this academic year…

“JUAN BIG IDEA: A VOYAGE TOWARDS MARKETING EMINENCE, South Luzon Edition” happening this 16th of August, 2015 at Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Gymnasium, Quezon Province!

We have invited three distinguished speakers who will impart with us some techniques on how we can create powerful Personal Branding that will truly help us to achieve career success in the dynamic world of Marketing!

The fee is only Php300 for member schools and Php350 for non-member schools inclusive of lunch, freebies and certificate.

Let’s unravel the best version of ourselves, junior marketers! 

WazzupPilipinas.com is an official media partner.

For inquiries, you may reach Ralph Gonzales at 0927 961 7480/ 0919 298 9373 | pjma.rrcgonzales@gmail.com or Ivan Paderon at 0927 881 9471 | pjma.irpaderon@gmail.com

#PJMAChapterEvent #JBI2015 #OnePJMA

UP 49ers’ 61st Year: Transcending Excellence

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Keep the fire burning: these are the words UP 49ers has always lived by. As an organization, it is rooted to a deep sense of camaraderie and excellence. It is through these values that it has grown into what it is today. Since 1954, this group of young men and women has realized their ideals of excellence and service to the community at large. Recognizing the roles of students on the development of the fields of mining, metallurgical, and materials engineering, UP 49ers has continually provided avenues for student involvement.

In its 61st year, the organization continues the tradition of excellence. In celebration of its anniversary this September, it has prepared a lineup of events transcending its own benchmarks. To empower students in their respective fields of study, now on its 6th year is the National Mining and Metallurgical Engineering Summit, an event in advocacy to form responsible engineers in mining and metallurgy. With delegates from all over the country, it promotes solidarity in tackling the current issues faced by the industry. It is a three-day event filled with talks from noted individuals and companies practicing mining and metallurgy, a quiz bee, plant tours, and capped off by a socials night.

This September also marks the first ever Materials Innovation: Materials Science Fair where high school and undergraduate students present their studies on the related fields of materials science and engineering. In line with the spirit of innovation is the Materials Design Competition where project designs are presented for specific engineering problems. Discoveries are being made by the day; one innovation at a time can revolutionize the future.

James Reid and Nadine Lustre: About to Fly High With "On the Wings of Love" TeleSerye

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Hashtag #OTWOLMediaDay was trending earlier during the launch of the newest Primetme Bida teleserye show of ABS-CBN's Dreamscape Entertainment Television entitled "On the Wings of Love." The "most romantic teleserye" will soon be brought to us starting August 10, 2015 and will star one of the most popular love team in Philippine showbiz - James Reid and Nadine Lustre.

Members of the media had the opportunity to get first dibs to the very first TV series starring the love team known to everyone as JaDine. The media day was hosted by the charming VJ Ai of Myx and co-moderated by Aaron Domingo, Media Relations Manager of ABS-CBN.

The On The Wings of Love Media Day was held at the 14th floor of the Eugenio Lopez Jr. Communications Center Building located at E.Lopez Drive corner Mother Ignacia Street Diliman, Quezon City.

James Reid will portray the role of Clark, a young man living in America who wants to give his siblings in the Philippines a good life after their mother died, and Nadine Lustre will play the role of Leah, a young woman who wants to go to America to be able to help her family.

DOST Hybrid Road Train: Possible Solution to Traffic Congestion

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The Hybrid Road Train, a part of the three-component project of the Advanced Transport Program of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) under the Makina Para sa Bayan Program of MakiBayan, was one of the various technologies that was featured at the 2015 DOST National Science and Technology Week (NSTW)held on July 24 to 28, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center of the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay city.

The DOST NSTW is set every third week of July and is a show window for Filipino ingenuity, innovation, S&T developments, eye-catching exhibits, interactive gadgets, robotic creations by students, and other local inventions. The NSTW also holds several product launching, press conferences, career talks, product demonstrations, awards and other activities during the week-long celebration. NSTW is also a platform for promoting poverty alleviation and economic development.

Eyed as one of the possible solutions to ease the traffic congestion of Metro Manila, the Hybrid Road Train is a 40-meter long system of interlinked and air-conditioned coaches. It is estimated to serve around 650,000 passengers when rolled out. That will be 60 persons per coach for a total of 240 passengers.

The train weighs about 10 metric tons but can run at a top speed of 50 kph and is equipped with dual braking system for efficient braking. It uses ordinary rubber tires so there is no need for rails. It is also environment-friendly with the last of the five coaches dedicated to its electric power batteries which are used alternately with its diesel fuel. It is also cost-effective since most of its parts are locally sourced like the coaches which are fabricated locally.

Metro Online Influencers Kapihan: Shaping Business and Political Landscapes Towards 2016

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Where else can you find the likes of Lynda Jumilla, senior news reporter of ABS-CBN; Janette Toral, Mother of E-Commerce; honorable Vice Mayor Isko Moreno of Manila; Dr. Ana Maria Tabunda, Research Director of Pulse Asia; Atty. Karen Jimeno, anchor/host of CNN Philippines anchor, and the honorable Senator Antonio Trillanes?

Where else but at the Metro Online Influencers Kapihan!

I got an invite from Paulo Florendo but unfortunately I already had a previous engagement for that day so I missed this opportunity to hear the messages and stories of these influential people who have been using the power of online media for many purposes.

But since I truly support this idea of a "Kapihan" for online media practitioners, I am blogging about this event even though I was not able to attend. It gives me great pleasure to talk about how online media is becoming a powerful force to reckon with that even the traditional media of print, radio and television have started mobilizing efforts to create their own digital strategies as they are accept the fact that the only way to go now is online.

The event that focused on the role of online media and influencers in shaping the business and political landscape of the country towards 2016, was held at the Wheatberry Bakery and Coffeeshop located at 84 Scout Castor cor. Scout Tuazon, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City. It was a very familiar place since I already had a chance to do a review of the restaurant.

Pasig City Revolving Restaurant Renovation Ongoing

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"The city of Pasig is a highly urbanized eastern city found in the island of Luzon in the Philippines. It was once the capital of the province of Rizal before it became a part of the conurbation of cities that constitute Metro Manila, the country’s National Capital Region. It is surrounded by the cities of Quezon and Mandaluyong in the west, Marikina in the north, Makati, Taguig, and the municipality of Pateros in the south, and in the east by the municipality of Cainta in Rizal province. Flowing through it is the Pasig River that connects the Laguna Bay with the Manila Bay. Thus, the name Pasig, derived from a Hindu word, literally denotes a body of water connecting two bodies of water."

What is interesting to take note of today is that one of the historical structure is being renovated. We do not really know what the exact plans are but I read somewhere that they are planning to revive the restaurant.

The Pasig City Revolving Restaurant is one of the rare examples of Brutalist towers in Asia. It opened in 1974, offering panoramic views of the city with one revolution every hour. For some reason, it fell into disuse in the 1980s. It looks like a control tower of an airport.

It is currently being renovated right now as I write this article. I do not really know the details yet but I am aiming to find more information about it from the city government soon if they will allow me to interview them. 

Coach Thomas Dooley Steers Philippine Azkals to the Next Level

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Philippine Azkals coach Thomas Dooley believes he has formed a squad that will take the country to greater heights against some of Asia’s finest teams in the World Cup Qualifiers.

Now on his second year at the helm of the team, the German-American mentor finally found the best mix of players to banner the country’s bid particularly in the qualifying tournament for football’s most prestigious tournament.

Working closely with Azkals manager Dan Palami, Dooley infused some fresh talent to the team by calling up Luke Woodland, Stephan Palla, Kevin Ingreso and Iain Ramsay for the games against Bahrain and Yemen last June.

The entry of the four players coincided with the return of Stephan Schrock, Neil Etheridge and Javier Patino as well as the resurgence of Misagh Bahadoran who already has two goals in the first two matches.

Midfielder Manny Ott has also improved immensely under Dooley’s reign, while Phil Younghusband remained effective even after the coach switched him from striker to midfielder.

The Azkals’ results have been impressive with a 2-1 home win over Bahrain followed by a 2-0 conquest of Yemen in Qatar in the first two match days in Group H.

Joining the Jericho Walk of Hudyat: The State of Philippine Heritage Address

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We were recently invited to attend Hudyat: The State of Philippine Heritage Address last Sunday, July 26, 2 p.m. It was organized by the Heritage Conservation Society-Youth, Sanghabi, and Kapitbahayan sa Kalye Bautista.

Heritage conservation volunteers and students convened at the site of the Jai Alai building (in front of Torre de Manila) to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Jai Alai’s demolition and give light to the country's heritage situation.

Activities included a Jericho Walk - harkening back to the biblical story, the walk was an educational tour to several of Manila’s under-appreciated heritage sites, and to raise awareness about threats that they face. It covere the following destinations around the area like the Casino Español (Instituto Cervantes), the San Vicente Church, Adamson University Main Building, the Former Meralco Headquarters, and the Normal Hall, Philippine Normal University.

The Trumpeting of the Budyong, or shell horn, was done during the Jericho Walk to signify the start of a new beginning - a renaissance for heritage conservation.

Watson Institute Philippines' Demo Day Showcased Ventures of Scholars

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Friday nights have always been very busy for many of us as this is usually the time when many event organizers hold special gatherings or activities thinking the following weekend will guarantee attendance. Most events will start usually during late afternoons or night time until the wee hours of the morning.

I always find myself going from one event to the next (event hopping) because I really want to satisfy every event invite. But Fridays have always been undoubtedly the most hectic. Another reason why I really hate to decline is because I do not want to miss out on great opportunities to network or collaborate with like-minded individuals that I could possibly meet at events.

Watson Institute Philippines, An incubator program for student entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators in Manila, recently invited us to its culminating event, "The Watson Demo Day." last Friday, July 31, 2015, 6-9PM at the Freelancer office located at Ecotower Building, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), 32nd cor. 9th Ave, Taguig Philippines. 

The Watson Demo Day showcased the ventures of the 13 Watson Institute Scholars who have been convened for 2 months this summer. They have been rigorously trained in transformative leadership and entrepreneurship and were mentored by the world's foremost social entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators. 

Chef Boy Logro at Panlasang Norte "Mahalin Pagkaing Atin" Movement of Pilmico Foods

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Join the Mahalin Pagkaing Atin movement to support the local farmers and the love of local food.

The Mahalin Pagkaing Atin program aims to to encourage more farmers to invest in manufacturing local produce, and to encourage corporations and entrepreneurs to buy home-grown food instead of importing from abroad in the hopes of bringing forward the quality of local Filipino goods, which showcases that local quality food can be better than foreign produce.

The movement is directed towards providing sustainable livelihood businesses to places with high incidences of poverty, disasters, and conflict. It also aims to tell the story of the farmers, whose produce reflects the various geographical conditions in the country, as well as the differences in local farming practices and culture.

We were invited to visit the Mercato Centrale, BCG on July 31 8PM-12MN for the Mahalin Pagkaing Atin movement with a theme of Panlasang Norte - to experience the taste the best of the North has to offer!

Mercato Centrale that night had some of the famous dishes and delicacies from Luzon that's truly #MahalinPagkaingAtin. There was a live band playing with performers giving out their best songs. There were also the DJ hosts from a local FM radio station who moderated the program proper for the night including the introduction of RJ Ledesma, co-founder of Mercato Centrale; John Paul Pangilinan, Marketing Manager of Pilmico Foods, and Chef Boy Logro, celebrity chef of the Kapamilya network giving a few "ping, ping, ping, ping" cooking demos of dishes that can be found up North.

Addasound Denmark A/S: "Sound Changing the World" Product Launch in the Philippines

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Addasound Denmark A/S, global top headset manufacturer and headset provider of wearable intelligent voice and unified communication devices from Denmark, and its local partner Ardent Networks, Inc.,the Philippine distributor of Addasound products, and in partnership with the Embassy of Denmark, recently made a product launch of their headsets on July 31, Friday at Ascott BGC hotel in Taguig.

I was fortunate enough to be among the very first to discover the latest state-of-the-art voice solutions equipped with the world's most advanced electro-acoustic devices, providing powerful support for products’ design, development, and testing. Addasound products target users from different customer groups, such as office, education, mobile, car, medical cares, etc.

Addasound products incorporate leading technologies to offer advanced Noise-Cancelling-Technology to guarantee high-standard sound quality and best user experience. It's simple Nordic style design perfectly combines outer simplicity and inner excellence. From product to service, the brand looks deeply into every detail to meet our every need.

Thus the tagline of "Sound Changing the World" since it offers high-end headsets for optimum performance. Addasound develops products based on the customer's need and devotes into making outstanding technology practically usable. The ergonomic design combines outer simplicity with inner exquisiteness.

TaskUs Philippines: Fast-Growing BPO Company Expands in the Country

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TaskUs Philippines has acquired a new home within the 24/7 McKinley building located of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. The new office has a floor area of 2,500sq. ft. occupying three floors of space and boasts facilities such as spacious meeting rooms, boardrooms, and recruitment facilities, as well as state-of-the-art data centers equipped with Variable Refrigerant Flow air conditioning system, and 100 percent back up power capability.

The new office facility, that will be the official flagship regional corporate headquarters, is just the first phase of their expansion. It is capable of seating 400 employees and will also have amenities like a gym, theater and facilities where employees can rest or sleep. This is the third site after the company opened offices Imus in Cavite and in SM Aura also located in Taguig.

TaskUs expanded its presence in the country after an investment came in the form of a US$15M private equity funding from Navegar. Navegar is a locally-based fund established by individuals from the call center industry. The expansion will strengthen the company's operational and employee capabilities in the country.

Celebrating the expansion at the same building, a Gatsby-inspired theme party took place last July 31, 2015 with their employees and friends, including members of the media. I was fortunate enough to be among the few invited to attend this celebration. 

Health and Lifestyle (H&L) Magazine Offers Free Mobile App for Doctors and Healthcare Professionals

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Everyone's creating their own mobile app due to the popularity of smartphone access of the Internet. It seems that everyone prefers searching for information through their portable devices instead of researching using the desktop or laptop computers.

Many companies out there have realized that online mobile presence is very significant if they want to remain competitive since the trend dictates what would be highly in demand. Even the traditional media of print, radio and television have admitted being threatened by online media.

It is really evident that many has embraced the latest technologies available to every Juan or Maria of the Philippines. If the current trend continues, online mobility will soon become the most prominent preference of many.

This is probably why Health and Lifestyle (H&L) magazine has now provided doctors and healthcare professionals an easy-read online magazine that emphasizes the importance of health promotion and healthy lifestyle to prevent non-communicable diseases. The mobile app is now available for free for download compatible for Android smartphones, and will soon be available in iOS version soon sometime September.

A grand launch was held on July 29, 2015 at The Lounge in Tomas Morato where the organizers invited some of their partners for a few discussions about some latest stories on health and medicine. Dr. Rafael Castillo, Chairman of the Board of FAME Inc., gave the opening remarks while Hudson Peter Pelayo, Group Operations manager of FAME talked about the H&L mobile app. Godfrey Santos of FAME, Inc., Marketing was, as always, the designated host of the event.