WD Makes Cloud Storage More Personal (And Private)

Wazzup Pilipinas!

WD, a Western Digital company, and a worldwide leader in storage solutions, today introduced significant enhancements to WD’s family of My Cloud® personal storage devices, including a new, redesigned My Cloud OS 3 operating system, Software Developer Kit (SDK) enabling enhanced app integration and a dual-drive My Cloud Mirror personal cloud storage offering increased memory and faster processing performance than previous generations.

WD’s My Cloud OS 3 features an intuitive user interface delivering a rich content-sharing experience, and back-up and sync capabilities that elevate the personal cloud NAS offering while retaining the privacy and control unique to personal cloud devices physically located in the home or office.

“We know our personal cloud customers place the highest value on their personal content and enjoy the peace of mind from backing up PCs, smart phones and tablets to and centralizing content on their My Cloud systems,” said Jim Welsh, executive vice president and general manager of Content Solutions business at WD. “They tell us they are confident in the privacy, control and anywhere access we provide them with the My Cloud OS. Now, with My Cloud OS 3, we’ve made users’ management of their digital lives easier than ever before.”

My Cloud OS 3 features new photo and video capabilities. MyCloud.com provides users global access to their My Cloud via an intuitive web browser-based user interface and enables file collaboration, comprehensive access management and a photos and videos gallery view.

AOC Reveals Chance To Win All-Expenses Paid Trip For 2 To Kennedy Space Center

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In partnership with global entertainment industry powerhouse Twentieth Century Fox Film “The Martian”, AOC, a global-leader in display technology, we may soon be winning great prizes. With the company's first product placement in a major Hollywood film, AOC has become the official monitor partner of "The Martian," the highly-anticipated sci-fi adventure from master director Ridley Scott.

AOC supports the spirit of technological discovery and exploration. To celebrate this, AOC has just announced a Facebook campaign which welcomes participants from countries across the Asia Pacific. Participants can win limited edition The Martian merchandise. But the Grand Prize is a free trip for 2 to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA.

The Grand Prize includes a return flight from the winner's country, 4-day car rental; 3 night accommodation at a luxury hotel in Orlando, Florida, USA; Exclusive Two-Day Space Adventure at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; Full-day admission to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Lunch with an astronaut, and more.

AOC Unveils New Ultra Slim Monitor with Narrow Bezel to Celebrate Theatrical Release of The Martian

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AOC, a global-leader in display technology, has partnered with a powerhouse in the global entertainment industry – Twentieth Century Fox. With the company's first product placement in a major Hollywood film, AOC has become the official monitor partner of "The Martian," the highly-anticipated sci-fi adventure from master director Ridley Scott, in cinemas globally starting September 30.

The Martian is about an astronaut that was stranded in Mars. During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Millions of miles away, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring “the Martian” home, while his crewmates concurrently plot a daring, if not impossible, rescue mission. As these stories of incredible bravery unfold, the world comes together to root for Watney’s safe return. Based on a best-selling novel, and helmed by master director Ridley Scott, The Martian features a star-studded cast that includes Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Kate Mara, Michael Pena, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Donald Glover. The Martian was released globally in cinemas on September 30.

In line with the themes of "The Martian”, AOC supports the spirit of technological discovery and exploration. To celebrate the movie release, AOC has unveiled a new ultra slim monitor with narrow bezel featuring cutting edge technology, the 27" AOC I2769VM display.


Attractive ultra slim and narrow bezel design

AOC’s I2769VM has a sleek, ultra-slim design with an appearance of narrow bezels. With ultra-slim design, the display takes up no unnecessary space, adds style to any setting and encourages end-users to focus on what is on screen. And the 2mm ultra-narrow bezels for a virtually borderless appearance are ideally suited for use in dual monitor or multiple monitor setups. The display features solid panel that ensures no trails, puddling or flashing from touching the screen.

Fujitsu Opens New Office in Laguna

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Fujitsu Philippines Inc., a leading Information Technology (IT) systems integrator and solutions provider in the Philippines, recently launched its new office in Sta. Rosa, Laguna to strengthen its operations in the region.

According to FPI president Raul “Cricket” Santiago III, the Laguna office will serve as the consultation office for its more than 75 customers in the South, bringing the company’s products and services closer to them.

“With the new office in place, our customers no longer need to waste their time in travel. Now, our workforce can address our customers’ I.T. woes faster and more efficiently,” Santiago said.

The office is designed as a “hot desk” where employees can use different work stations during shifting time periods. This means that no permanent seats are provided for each employee. This is intended to encourage more customer interface outside the offices.

“Our employees are expected to work outside the office, usually where their clients are. For closed door meetings and other consultations, they can invite the customers here and discuss important matters,” Santiago added.

Twitter Partners ABS-CBN And McDonald’s In Support Of UAAP Cheerdance Championship With Twitter Amplify

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Twitter today announced a partnership with leading television network ABS-CBN and McDonald’s through Twitter Amplify, a sponsorship package that allows the global foodservice retailer to extend its brand presence and reach targeted audiences following the UAAP Cheerdance Championship in the Philippines on October 3, 2015.

The first Twitter Amplify deal of its kind in the region, starting tomorrow ABS-CBN will tweet live content, including videos of the cheerleading action from the annual competition which McDonald’s @McDo_PH, will be running a series of Promoted Tweets against, supported by Twitter’s Auto Amplify. Apart from being at the live event, students from the eight competing universities cheering for their teams can watch the competition on television, follow #UAAPCDC2015 conversations on Twitter and tweet #McDoBonFries for a chance to win free fries for their school.

Twitter Amplify enables media organizations and brands to capture the excitement on television and distribute it to audiences across Twitter, far beyond their existing followers, even across the globe. Audiences can immediately relive that moment or experience it for the first time on their mobile phones while they engage in Twitter conversations.

“We are pleased to have ABS-CBN and McDonald’s come on board as our first Twitter Amplify partners in Southeast Asia, paving the way for development in the region,” says Marie Sornin, Head of International Development, Content Partnerships and Twitter Amplify. “This Twitter Amplify partnership in support of the cheerdance championship is an excellent opportunity to connect with the youth of Philippines through creative and premium video content.”

PhilBike Expo Blazes Trail on Its 2nd Year

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The PhilBike Expo, the country’s first and largest trade and consumer show dedicated to the promotion and development of cycling, is all systems go for its second annual run this 2015. The expo offers trade participants and media exclusive access on Oct. 2, and welcomes the public from Oct. 3 to 4 at the SMX Convention Center, Halls 2 – 4.

Organized by Phil-Bike Convention, Inc., the PhilBike Expo this year is expected to surpass its crowd count of 10,000 at its inaugural two-day show last 2014 at the World Trade Center. To make this feat possible, organizers are flying in three of the sport’s biggest superstars: Vittorio Brumotti of Italy, Spaniard Viki Gómez, and Matthias Dandois of France for breathtaking demos and workshops with local biking enthusiasts.

Gómez and Dandois are also slated to judge the National BMX Freestyle Championships – advanced category during the three-day affair. Sanctioned by the Asian Extreme Sports Federation of the Philippines, the competition offers local bikers the chance to represent the country in international meets.

Other events include: MANILA FIXED GEAR Harabas Criterium; Mountain Bike Time Trial and Tricks; Pinoy Mt. Biker Rat Race; Fastest Fold; and a bike clinic hosted by the National Bicycle Organization. Cash prizes and special items await contest winners.

Globe Telecom Signs P5-B and US$45-M Term Loan With Metrobank

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Globe Telecom, Inc. signed a 10-year P5 Billion and 7-year US$45 Million term loan with Metrobank. The loans shall be used to finance Globe's capital expenditures.

“This new loan facility from Metrobank will help us address the demands of our customers in their continuing shift to a digital lifestyle. Globe is committed to invest in additional network capacities to handle the robust growth in data traffic from our customers“, said Alberto de Larrazabal, Globe Chief Financial Officer.

Globe invested about P11.4 Billion in capital expenditures in the first half of 2015. Bulk of the investment was allocated for data-related projects, including investments for the company’s broadband network, capacities for wireless data, LTE, and domestic and international transmission facilities.

Globe Telecom, Inc. closed the first half of 2015 with record-level consolidated service revenues of P53.8 Billion, 13% higher than the P47.7 Billion reported a year ago, on the strength of robust revenue gains on mobile data and broadband, as more customers adopt a digital lifestyle. On a sequential basis, Globe posted its highest ever consolidated service revenues of P27.6 Billion for the second quarter of the year, outpacing both the record-level revenues in the seasonally strong fourth quarter of 2014 of P26.3 Billion and last quarter’s P26.2 Billion by 5%.

Power Mac Center Partners With PAL Mabuhay Miles For Awesome Travel Rewards

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Power Mac Center, the premier Apple partner in the Philippines, takes its customers to a new adventure as it partners with the country’s most prestigious travel rewards program for the PAL Mabuhay Miles - Power Mac Center’s “Adventure Awaits.”

“This partnership is important for PAL because it will allow us to tap into Power Mac Center’s market. Since we have the same brand profile, this will allow us to reach their customers and engage them,” said PAL’s Asst. VP - Loyalty Program, Marietta Casanova.

From October 1 to November 15, Power Mac Center customers who are PAL Mabuhay Miles members with a minimum purchase of ₱80,000 in a single transaction receipt will get 10,000 Mabuhay Miles. And if a single purchase transaction fetches more than ₱120,000, customers get double the miles or 20,000 Mabuhay Miles.

“Our latest promotion aims to reward customers of Power Mac Center with the chance to enjoy their Apple devices while traveling with the country’s premier flag carrier, Philippine Airlines,” said Power Mac Center Marketing Director, Joey Alvarez.

Claudine Barretto at the Blogcon for Etiquette for Mistresses

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"Etiquette for Mistresses" is already showing and recently had its premier night last September 30 but the forever beautiful Claudine Barretto, just like all the other equally beautiful Barretto ladies, still gave us the opportunity to interview her at a bloggers' conference or what we call as "blogcon" for short.

The blogcon was held at the Star Cinema office on October 1, the very first day of showing of the said movie, and will also be shown at other countries as we write this for the benefit of our fellow Filipinos who are abroad, and of course, also for the foreigners who already appreciate Pinoy movies.

Claudine was without doubt so stunning as always when she came in the room. She really is still one of the most beautiful faces in showbiz. She hasn't lost her appeal and even though she is a bit bigger now, she still has that charming overall appearance that you'll definitely make full notice everytime she passes by. She is always deserving your full attention for who couldn't resist staring at her angelic face that also has made the Barretto clan belonging to the most beautiful faces of Philippine entertainment. From her sisters to her nieces, and also her daughters, you would really see them stand out among a sea of faces.

We were really starstruck for this will be our first time to see her again for years. We've seen her before at some presscons and appearances at certain gatherings but this will be our first time to meet her in a blogcon.

Thanks to Star Cinema for finally noticing WazzupPilipinas.com and inviting us as well to their events.

We took a video coverage of the entire blogcon interviews so be sure to watch out for it soon here at our blog site and also at our YouTube channel.

Julian Ongpin Young Artists (JOYA) Gallery Launch

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The Julian Ongpin Young Artists (JOYA) Gallery is now officially open immediately after the launch held on Thursday, the 1st of October, 2015, at the JOYA gallery located on the second floor of Alphaland Makati Place. Alphaland Makati Place is located on the corner of Malugay and Ayala Avenue Extension in Makati

Drinks and hors dʼoeuvres, amidst entertainment from an oldies but goodies band, were served throughout the evening at The City Clubʼs Club Lounge located on the fourth floor of Alphaland Makati Place.

One greatly recognized function of art is to act as a shining beacon and mirror to the subconscious. In light of this, JOYA gallery is pleased o announce its debut show entitled FRONTIERS, featuring emerging Australian artist Henry Curchod (Sydney) with his series “Reductions,” and established Filipino commercial photographer Artu Nepomuceno (Manila) with his first abstract offering entitled “Psychedelic Warfare.”

JOYA is a new contemporary art gallery set on showcasing emerging international artists alongside a select stable of the country’s emerging and most inspired artistic talent. As youthfulness and young art are a reflection of one's inner sensibility rather than of age, it is only fitting that JOYA will cater to all demographics and represent artists of all ages and stations of life; in this vein, a path towards both quality and passion is earnestly illuminated.

Showcasing the different states of movement and tension within each artist’s collection, FRONTIERS aims to highlight the differing stages of spiritual and emotional balance that have surfaced in the constantly changing landscape of our consciousness.

Sigabo 2015: Ang Ikapitong Taunang Patimpalak sa Sabayang Pagbigkas

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The Children’s Museum and Library, Incorporated is a youth leadership organization that promotes the welfare, development, and empowerment of the Filipino youth through its conventions, competitions, seminars, and tournaments. The CMLI Junior Council-Regional Executive Board National Capital Region (JC-REB NCR) 2015 presents SIGABO 2015: Ang Ikapitong Taunan at Rehiyunal na Patimpalak sa Sabayang Pagbigkas.

SIGABO aims to promote the talents of the youth through the Sabayang Pagbigkas while also highlighting the Filipino language, culture, and modern literature with their interpretations of the contest piece. Now on its seventh year and with a growing number of participating schools, SIGABO is envisioned to become one of the most prominent Sabayang Pagbigkas competitions in the country.

SIGABO will be held on October 24, 2015 at the Asamblea Magna (Main Theater), Tanghalang Pasigueño, Pasig City at 6:00 PM. Regular tickets are priced P250 and VIP Tickets are priced P350. For ticket inquiries and reservations, you may contact Sam Quinto (0906 106 6805) or send an email at cmli.jcrebncr@gmail.com.

Anchor Land, Lamudi Host Successful Real Estate Summit In Cebu

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Noted Manila-based real estate developer Anchor Land Holdings, Inc. and the Philippines’ number one real estate website Lamudi (www.lamudi.com.ph) recently held a real estate professionals summit in Cebu City. Conducted last September 16 in the Sampaguita Room of the Mariott Hotel in Cebu, the summit allowed Cebu-based real estate brokers to learn more about the local real estate market.

One of the speakers, Anchor Land Holdings’ training manager Cheryl Linato, discussed the company’s Manila-based projects specifically Monarch Parksuites in the Bay City. Touted to become Metro Manila’s most important business districts, the Bay City is also one of the Philippines’ grandest tourism projects. It is already home to two integrated resort casinos, the country’s third largest shopping mall, BPO offices, residential condos, hotels, a convention center, and a concert hall, and Anchor Land will soon call the Bay City its home with its newest and most luxurious project, Monarch Parksuites—a four-tower residential condo complex.

Monarch Parksuites features Dutch baroque architecture and is one of the few luxury condos in Metro Manila that offer buyers unobstructed views of the famed Manila Bay sunset. In addition, as the Bay City is expected to soon employ more than 100,000 people—almost 4,000 of them expats—property investors are promised a potential rental yield of 8 percent.

Lamudi Philippines’ managing director Jacqueline van den Ende also spoke during the event and shared the secrets for successful online marketing for real estate brokers. Among the subjects van den Ende discussed was the current online landscape in the Philippines, and how real estate professionals must leverage this to their favor.

Krisflyer Members Can Now Earn Miles On Scoot And Tigerair

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Members of the KrisFlyer frequent flyer programme can now earn miles when flying on Scoot and Tigerair, in the latest enhancement to the programme.

With effect from today, KrisFlyer members can earn miles when they purchase a PlusPerks bundle or FlexiCombo fare for their flights on Scoot and Tigerair, respectively. The option for KrisFlyer members to redeem miles for vouchers for travel on Scoot and Tigerair, or to pay for selected products offered by the two low-cost carriers, was made available earlier this year.

“We are pleased to offer our KrisFlyer members more benefits through this partnership with Scoot and Tigerair. With this launch, our members can now earn and redeem KrisFlyer miles across the Singapore Airlines Group portfolio of airlines,” said Singapore Airlines’ Senior Vice President Marketing Planning, Ms Lee Wen Fen.

“KrisFlyer is committed to delivering on our promise to constantly make it more exciting and rewarding to be a member with the range of partners we have now.”

Scoot CEO Campbell Wilson added: “PlusPerks, a new bundle of benefits including KrisFlyer mileage accrual, priority check-in and boarding, preferred seat selection and ticket flexibility, delivers Scoot’s commitment to choice and unbeatable value. PlusPerks gives you all the more reason to ‘get outta here’ with Scoot.”

PH Startups, Developers Push For Global Digital Inclusion Through Facebook’s Free Basics Powered By Globe

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Philippine startups and developers were recently called to push for global digital inclusion by providing free access to basic internet services to millions of people worldwide through Facebook’s Free Basics powered by Globe.

Globe, through its venture capital subsidiary Kickstart Ventures, Inc., recently brought Facebook’s Free Basics closer to Philippine developer and startup communities to rally them to develop locally relevant and useful services for Filipinos through the Free Basics platform.

Jackie Chang, Product Partnerships Manager, Facebook, spoke to over 150 members of the Philippine startup community at the Raid The Fridge event hosted by Kickstart.

“We’re here to support local developers create locally relevant services and content that will make a real impact in people’s lives. This is an opportunity for the developer community in the Philippines to scale their products and bring the benefits of the internet to more Filipinos,” said Chang.

One of Kickstart’s portfolio companies, Kalibrr, which provides online job training and assessment tools to job applicants, is already one of the pioneer Philippine digital startups to be part of the Free Basics platform. To date, Kalibrr has 40,000 monthly active users on its blog advice content.

DOTC: 7-Month MRT-3 Signaling System Upgrade Begins

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Most of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) glitches experienced by riders the past months are set to be eliminated soon, as the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has awarded the signaling system upgrade project to Bombardier Transportation Signal, Ltd. as part of the agency’s railway rehabilitation efforts.

“This upgrade of an obsolete signaling system, which should have been done by the private sector owner years ago, is crucial in minimizing operational disruptions. This will improve reliability and efficiency of the rail system for the benefit of our passengers,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.

Under the P53.37-million contract, Bombardier will replace the existing local control system called MAN 900 with the more contemporary EBI Screen 900 – a software with the same functionality as MAN 900, but which will allow the use of modern personal computers and fiber optic technology – over the next seven (7) months.

The signaling system maintains safe distances between trains and controls their speed: issues with its components may result in less operating trains and in slower travel.

Apart from modernizing the software components, this upgrade will also ensure the availability of spare parts needed for the uninterrupted and efficient operation of the metropolis’ busiest rail line.

Philippine Tourism Secretary to Open PATA New Frontiers Forum 2015

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The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce that Hon. Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr., Secretary of the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT), will deliver the opening address during the PATA New Tourism Frontiers Forum 2015 at the Oriental Hotel in Legazpi, Albay, Philippines from November 25-27. The event is being generously hosted by the Provincial Government of Albay in partnership with The Department of Tourism, Philippines.

Secretary Jimenez, who is responsible for the country’s highly successful tourism campaign, It’s More Fun in the Philippines, will speak on the “Successful Destination Marketing Campaign – Trend in this digital economy”.

“This forum is timely and relevant as we step up our marketing efforts for our destination-based campaign and as we launch Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016 –which is going to be the most massive retail-focused effort the Philippines has ever made. Destination marketing is a daunting task as it involves selling an experience, both tangible and intangible. The Philippines prides itself of having a unique biodiversity, rich natural resources, and wide variety of product offerings for tourists. But most of all, we have the Filipino people—the country’s most important asset—to thank for, who serve as the PDOT’s partners in building our brand and fulfilling the promise of a more fun Philippines,” Tourism Secretary Jimenez said.

Mr. Mario Hardy, CEO, PATA, said, “We are extremely delighted to have Secretary Jimenez open the event, as his experience and expertise on how to market a destination is something all industry stakeholders should learn from, especially when trying to market a new emerging destination. In addition to Secretary Jimenez, we have a very broad and dynamic range of speakers confirmed for the event, and delegates can be assured of coming away with practical skills and knowledge to take back and apply to their organisation, especially through the Technical Tour and Tourism Marketing Treasure Hunt.”

Protect Customer Data With Fortinet’s New High-Performance Web Application Firewalls and Security Services

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Fortinet, the global leader in high-performance cybersecurity solutions, today announced the launch of its new FortiWeb 4000E and 3000E Web Application Firewalls (WAFs), designed to help customers prevent identity theft, financial fraud and denial of service through specialized, layered application threat protection. FortiWeb appliances now offer advanced security services backed by FortiGuard Labs’ advanced threat intelligence, providing real-time threat protection at the application level.These new FortiWeb solutions are also integrated with Fortinet’s FortiSandbox and offer support for new enhancements in partnership with Acunetix’s advanced vulnerability scanning solutions. These new additions bolster Fortinet’s broad end-to-end cybersecurity platform that protects customer data at every possible entry point to the network.


High-Performance Meets Advanced Layered Protection

The new FortiWeb 4000E delivers an unprecedented 20 Gbps WAF throughputand features built-in advanced anti-malwarecapabilities – a first for the WAF appliance market – while also integrating leading vulnerability scanning features from Acunetix.Fortinet’s FortiWeb appliancesprovide the performance, effectiveness and featuresthat only Fortinet can deliver, surpassing all competitive solutions and resettingexpectations for web application firewalls.

The FortiWeb series of WAFs are now fully integrated with Fortinet’s FortiSandbox and Advanced Threat Protection (ATP framework), ensuring that organizations can arm themselves with seamless, end-to-end protection from even the most sophisticated cyberthreats.These enhancements to FortiWeb deliver advanced, layered application threat protection for medium and large enterprises, application service providers and SaaS providers demanding the very best WAFs in the industry.

AOC Philippines Sponsors "The Martian" Movie Special Block Screening

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AOC Philippines sponsored a special block screening of the movie "The Martian" starring Matt Damon. The event was held on September 30, 2015 at the Promenade Cinema located in Greenhills, San Juan and was attended by their dealers, event partners, and friends from the media.

It would not be my first time to see the movie as I already attended a similar block screening just a couple of days ago last September 28 sponsored by 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros, but I was actually late at that event so I missed a few minutes of the start of the movie. It was a great thing that AOC Philippines also scheduled the same movie screening.

The event started off with some activities with some booths like two photo opportunities from two different booths were at one you get a chance to win a visit the Kennedy Space Center if you get to be selected as the best photo, and at another one you get to have a photo taken with a Mars terra background. There was also a Beer Pong game where you get to win an AOC monitor if you can shoot all 10 balls in the cups.

There were also a few AOC monitors on display including their newest curved monitor which I get to review soon. The AOC people gave everyone a preview of their products and promos and hopefully we get to receive the complete information or press release soon.

Video Coverage and Review of the Short+Sweet Theater Manila 2015 Final 12 Plays

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Here's all 12 finalists' plays from the Short+Sweet Theater Manila 2015 festival of 10-minute plays taken from the audience seats on two dates: Half from September 26, and another half from the September 27, playdates.

From half  you will obviously see the audience heads which was our predicament since we were seated about 5 rows from the front, so I decided to transfer to the front row on the second day to be able to get a front view of the remaining half of the plays.

I also intended to divide my video coverage so that I can use the other half of my camera batteries for the backstage interviews and for photos during the plays. What I intentionally left out was to take photos during the backstage interviews because I was really sure I will ran out of juice if I also do that extra activity. Anyway, I can screen grab from the videos if I wanted to.

I have nothing but praises for the 12 plays that I've seen, and it was very unfortunate I was not able to watch the earlier weeks due to a week-long flu followed by a week-long assignment in Bohol. The same things always happen to us whenever we plan for an activity, other unavoidable circumstances and necessities will become obstacles to the earlier goals.

Anyway, we were still able to watch the "best of the best" and were glad our normally hectic schedule no longer got into the way. All the plays were awesome, and we have to admit that we can't really pick a single favorite.

Comedy Cartel presents The Marco Polo Hotel and VU's Sky lounge Comic Monday

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Start your week right with laughter as the BEST Stand-Up Comedy acts in the country is coming to Vu’s Sky Lounge!

This September, Vu’s Sky Lounge launches its new themed night - Comic Mondays with The Comedy Cartel - a veteran comedy group who has been performing all over the Philippines since 2007.

Next Monday (Oct. 5), Tim Tayag, one of the pioneers of point ot view stand-up comedy in the Philippines and one of Asia's Top Ten Stand-Up Comedians will take centerstage at Vu's Sky Lounge! Show starts at 9:30 PM! Entrance is FREE so See you there!

Vu’s Sky Lounge is the first sky bar in Ortigas, located at the 45th floor of Marco Polo Hotel, Ortigas, Manila.

For inquiries or reservations, text 0922-8596144.

#comedycartelPH #Vu’sSkyLounge

The Beauty of Bohol As Seen Through The Lens of Hiroshi Takano

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We should all be concerned in the protection of our environment. The preservation of all living things, may they be above or below the seas, should be everyone's cup of tea. There should be no other choice for us. It is every man's obligation to keep the world and all life forms safe and flourishing.

Singer-songwriter and aquatic photographer Hiroshi Takano raises environmental awareness through his songs done in a very unique way. He is what they dubbed as the "singing underwater photographer" for his talent in singing and playing many kinds of guitar using his own music and lyrics. He shares his talent through mixed media concerts more aptly called as photo-concerts where he uses his photographs and videos as an effective way to engage people to listen and become involved no matter what their age, language or religion is.

For him "Pictures and music can go beyond boundaries" and are valuable tools to send his message to the people to value "water" and the living things that can be found in it.

We can feel his concern for the environment even during our tour of the seas of Bohol where we accompanied him and the other foreign delegates of the post-event diving tour of the Diving Resort Travel Expo held in Manila on September 11 to 13. The post-event was held in Bohol from September 14 to 18, as well as other 5 locations within the Philippines. Since the tours were happening all at the same time, we had to choose only one destination- and you probably know already that we chose Bohol.

Mystery Affair: A Speed Dating Event by Telu Events

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Blood. Black roses. Guns. Candles. Can you keep a secret?

On October 31, let Telu Events present to you a one-of-a-kind Halloween event you shouldn’t missed.

After a successful Valentines special at Oz Bar, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, Telu Events will once again set the tone for Halloween with their event entitled “Mystery Affair: A Speed Dating Event”, and take you back in the 1920’s to search not only for the suspect, but for friendship, and maybe love?

All single ladies and gentleman aged 23 – 35 years old are invited to attend. Only 25 pairs will be accommodated for the event. Speed daters are mostly professionals, with Telu Events making sure that they screen the participants according to age group and personality profiling so everyone will find a match. Participants will be given 5 minutes to know their dates before the bell rings to signify to move on to the next.

As quoted from their previous participants:

“It was a fun event. The participants are diverse and interesting. Thanks and good job Telu! J ”

Thank you for the great service! :) Great job on the concept as well, it was very consistent.

The speed dating was not just for romantic purposes but it also paved way for new friends. It was an awesome event. My friends would love to attend you next speed dating event…”

Davide, Cebu Delegation in Russia, Promote People-to-People Connectivity

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Governor Hilario Davide lll arrived in Russia Sunday afternoon upon the invitation of Governor Georgy Poltavchenko to renew the twinning agreement between Cebu Province and St. Petersburg Administration.

"We are pleased to be here, finally, in the historic city of St. Petersburg to promote people-to-people connectivity," said Davide, who mentioned that the trip has been postponed twice due to scheduling concerns.

Governor Poltavchenko expressed his gratitude for the "interest and attention to enhancing tight and fruitful cooperation between St. Petersburg and province of Cebu" in his letter to Davide. He is also optimistic that both will "effectively advance the dialogue on the broadest range of issues."

Davide will discuss with his counterpart various areas of potential cooperation which were taken up during the recent visit of Ambassador Igor Khovaev of the Russian Federation together with Honorary Consul Armi Lopez Garcia in Capitol. These include educational exchanges, arts, culture and sports cooperation, tourism and investments promotion, and knowledge sharing on disaster preparedness, emergency response and crisis management.

#DIMSummit 2015: Are We Really Digital Influencers?

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Do you know what's wrong with us? We are so inconsistent! We are like that because we are so moody. We always need to be on the mood to keep ourselves motivated. We're also what you may call a "Flavor of the Month" kind of individuals. Why? Because we tend to change interests every now and then, depending on our mood swing. We'll be cheering about an advocacy one day, and then breaking it by promoting something totally opposite. It kinda sucks sometimes, but we believe we're still at a stage of self-discovery even if we're already too old to act that way.

We keep telling ourselves we're going to be "determined and focus" individuals who definitely knows what we stand for, what we are rooting for, and what we are fighting for. But we keep getting lost along the way when there's so much opportunities (and temptations) that keep distracting us, along with the necessities and urgencies of life outside blogging, which often strays us away from our original objectives.

It keeps happening to us every time we aim for a goal. We get opportunities that would make us think twice, thrice, and a lot more unimaginable times, to keep asking ourselves, where we're really heading for. Are we heading for deep space, or deep under the seas? Both are miraculously filled with amazing wonders, but we can't possibly explore them both at the same time since there's not enough time in this lifetime to achieve that feat.

Blogging has been a hobby, so every chance to earn or gain some rewards has been a big bonus, but why is it that some people would wrongly interpret our words and actions. Was it our choice of words? Did we give an impression of arrogance? Were we going overboard with our shout-outs? Have we been too naughty or mischievous with our aggressiveness?

Alex Gonzaga is Proactiv's First Brand Ambassador from the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The bubbly, high-spirited and spontaneous actress and comedienne Alex Gonzaga, known to many as the little sister of actress and TV host Toni Gonzaga, was earlier announced as the first endorser from the Philippines of the Proactiv facial skin care brand - popular as an anti-acne solution for all types of skin, and race, even for us Asians. 

Proactiv, the skin care product choice among Hollywood’s elite finally found the perfect Filipina who embodies the brand. Young, charming and most importantly, a loyal user of Proactiv, Alex is now among the league of other Proactiv brand ambassadors like Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Adam Levine, etc.,

The launch was held at Buddha Bar Manila in Makati city on September 29, 2015, and was attended by members of the media from print, TV and online, including bloggers.

Hosting the event was the debonaire actor and director Eric Quizon, who grilled Alex with so many questions coming from him and from the audience.

The event also presented the new TV commercial or ad starring the new brand ambassador, and they also gave us a glimpse of its making. Eric mentioned how Alex had made it easy for everyone in the production while creating the TV ad, implying that working with Alex was great.

Watch out for more of our video coverage at our YouTube channel.

Comedy Cartel Presents The Walrus Wednesday Comedy Workout

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Wednesday is the day!

Do you want to graduate as the top class clown? Can you challenge your fear of rejection to a staredown contest?

Is the urge of performing comedy in front of a random buzzed up crowd killing you from the inside?
Then wait no longer and register to perform at The Walrus Katipunan's Wednesday Comedy Workout with the Comedy Cartel! 

Join us this Wednesday, September 30, 2015 @ 9:00PM

Work on your joke form & comedy delivery and get to do with some of the members of the Comedy Cartel - The Pioneers Of POV Stand-Up Comedy in the Philippines.

This is open to performers of all comedy formats and genres (stand-up, sketch, improv, ventriloquism, gags, music w/ comedy, props comedy etc.).

The stage is yours to perform at!

Philippine Opera Company Opens 15th Year Anniversary Season With The Re-Staging Of “Ang Bagong Harana”

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In the midst of so many foreign pop acts and musical productions from Broadway and the West End, one small theatrical effort made waves four years ago. It was a musical revue featuring traditional and contemporary Filipino songs, sung not by legends of Classical singing, but by a troupe of dedicated artists. The show was Philippine Opera Company’s “Ang Bagong Harana”.

In celebration of its 15th Year Anniversary Philippine Opera Company's bringing back "Ang Bagong Harana" this October. "Ang Bagong Harana" is very fitting to celebrate POC's Pearl Anniversary not only because it is one of POC's successful shows but also to promote that our heritage is our country’s best asset. “Ang Bagong Harana” will also remind us to put our country's future first especially in the coming election.

From children’s songs to tribal chants, from planting songs to courtship ditties, from stirring kundiman to the delightful showstoppers by Sylvia la Torre, “ANG BAGONG HARANA” will showcase the best of all the Filipino composers from different music genres --- Nicanor Abelardo, Ryan Cayabyab, Willy Cruz, Francisco Santiago, Antonio Molina, Resti Umali, George Canseco, Ernani Cuenco, Levi Celerio, Jose Estrella, Constancio De Guzman and Felipe de Leon, to name a few.

What was the secret of this small revue’s success?

The Normal Heart Is All Set For Re-Run This October

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The recent, very-limited run Larry Kramer’s “The Normal Heart” by The Necessary Theatre was called “important,” some critics hailing the quality of its acting, its direction, and design. It drew raves from a very wide spectrum of audiences, theater-goers and non theater-goers alike.

But for all the praise garnered for different aspects of the production, the two most common sentiments were: 1. How the play has awakened the viewer to the HIV crisis in our own country and 2. A real clamor for a repeat of the show.

In 1981 in New York, a mysterious disease was ravaging a very specific, very “specialized” demographic: gay men. It aggravated deep-seated feelings of hatred and festering bigotries against, and even within the ranks of its victims. The confusion, chaos, panic and paranoia could have been a scenario from a b-grade disaster movie except that the crisis was very real and very frightening. No cause for the fatal illness was yet known, no strategies for prevention, no cure remotely in sight.

One doctor understands that the disease is transmitted sexually. She recruits a writer with a reputation for abrasiveness to combat the epidemic in two ways. First, he noisily clamors, if almost singlehandedly, for action against City Hall and the Health Department; and then fights against his own community,-- the gay community-- to convince its members to cease all sexual activity among themselves.

Ballet Philippines' Sarong Banggi Celebrates The Filipino Family on Oct. 16 to 18

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Rediscover local musical treasures in a new ballet about the Filipino family. Ballet Philippines’ Sarong Banggi features new works by six exciting Filipino choreographers set to classic folk songs from around the country, arranged and orchestrated by Ryan Cayabyab, the country’s best-loved composer. Renowned fashion designer Rajo Laurel designs the costumes for this ballet.

The show features choreography by Carissa Adea, Ronelson Yadao, Cyril Aran Fallar, Paul Alexander Morales, Nonoy Froilan, and Carlo Pacis. Each choreographer brings to the stage his unique impression of the Filipino family in a new contemporary ballet with the cast led by Jean Marc Cordero, Earl John Arisola, Rita Angela Winder, and Monica Amanda Gana.

“Sarong Banggi will tug at the audience’s heartstrings with its nostalgic music and earnest look at traditional Filipino values,” says Ballet Philippines Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales”. “It will be exciting to see these choreographers’ different takes on familiar themes; love, loss and reconciliation that cements the Filipino family”

When asked by Morales to create two pieces for the show, Hong Kong-based choreographer Carlo Pacis was excited at the chance to come home and work with Ballet Philippines again. “As a Filipino living overseas, I felt that it was my responsibility to give back.” Pacis, former soloist of the Hong Kong Ballet is a two-time awardee for Outstanding Choreography at the Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards.

The Joy of Third World Improv - SPITs Own Improvisational Theater School

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Third World Improv - SPIT's own improvisational theater school is ready to accept applications for their very first level one classes on October 7!

"The Joy of Improv" is for people who are curious about the art of improv and are ready to explore their creative side. No theater and performing arts experience required. All you need is curiosity and a hunger to play improv games!

There will be eight three hour classes on Wednesday nights in Makati starting OCTOBER 7 (7-10PM.) This class will be led by Ariadne Cristobal.

"The Playful Stage" is for actors and performers who want to inject more spontaneity, quick thinking and deep listening into their thespic toolkit.

There will be eight three hour classes on Saturday afternoons for this starting OCTOBER 10 (2-5PM.) Dingdong Rosales will be muse and mentor for this class.

Sony Pictures Television’s Networks Launch "Picture This" in 177 Countries

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Sony Pictures Television Networks launched a worldwide campaign across their channels in 177 countries, engaging viewers in environmental issues, it was announced today by Andy Kaplan, president, worldwide networks for Sony Pictures Television (SPT). The effort, titled Picture This, will utilize the channels’ storytelling expertise to engage viewers around environmental issues important to each market. Picture This will then combine these local efforts into a worldwide voice to bring awareness to everyday efforts that can help protect our natural resources.

“With the reach of our global networks and the passion of our storytelling, our networks will both engage the community and energize people to action by picturing a better environment,” said Kaplan. “Collectively we can make noise heard around the world on behalf of issues that are central to everyone’s well-being and do it in an entertaining way.”

In Asia, SPT Networks, which includes leading channels Animax, AXN, Gem, ONE and Sony Channel will present a three minute on air spot encouraging viewers to reduce the use of plastic bags in their daily lives. To communicate the message, SPT Networks enlisted the support of “El Gamma Penumbra”, the mesmerizing shadow play group who won the first season of Asia’s Got Talent on AXN earlier this year. 

Globe Telecom Holds Forum for Journalism Students in Cebu

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Globe Telecom recently held a forum for graduating journalism students in Cebu, coinciding with celebrations of the Cebu Press Freedom Week, amid growing impact of technology and internet on journalism practice. Entitled “Role of Technology and Social Media in Journalism”, the forum sought to provide relevant insights from journalism and social media practitioners based on their respective professional experiences. 

Panelists were past winners of the Globe Media Excellence Awards, which is now on its fourth year. More than 200 journalism students from University of the Philippines (Visayas); University of San Jose – Recoletos; Southwestern UniversityCebu; Institute of Technology University; University of the Visayas (Cebu); Cebu Normal University; St. Theresa's College; Benedicto College, joined the forum. 

Above photo shows from left Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto; Wilson Ng, President of Ng Khai Development Corp. and tech columnist of SunStar; Marian Codilla of Cebu Daily News; Mike Lopez of The Freeman; Andrea Patena of TV5; Behind them are Kat Cacho of SunStar and Ruben Licera of INewMedia.

GT Cosmetics Brings Latest Papaya Lotion to Luzon

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Cebu-based maker of soaps and skin care products GT Cosmetics Manufacturing, Inc. is now offering GT Papaya Lotion to Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon. The GT Cosmetics Papaya Lotion is now also available for the international markets.

Engr. Leonora B. Salvane, GT Cosmetics Founder and Chief Operating Officer, said that the GT Papaya Lotion can now be bought at Watsons, SM Supermalls, Robinsons Malls, Gaisano Malls, Metro Malls, Mercury Drug, and Prince Hypermart chains, among others.

Salvane said the GT Papaya Lotion is distributed nationwide along with other GTCosmetics products. It is also available abroad in the US and Canada.

Recently launched by the cosmetics firm last August, GT Papaya Lotion is a moisturizing and whitening lotion packaged in a smaller, easy to bring along tube intended for the young, active and on-the-go.

The three-in-one lotion contains collagen which helps reduce the signs of aging as well as pure papaya enzymes which helps reveal younger skin.

“As we celebrate our 21st year, GTCosmetics is diversifying our product line and expanding our distribution networks as we move towards the ASEAN Integration,” said Salvane.

“GTCosmetics is fully ready to harness the opportunities in the emerging markets of Asia offered by the ASEAN integration,” she added.

IPC’s Cloud Summit to Tackle Emerging Technologies And Best Practices in IT

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Local cloud computing and data management firm IPC (IP Converge Data Services, Inc.) is pooling together business leaders and stakeholders to tackle the growing role of digitization in today’s enterprises at the 2015 Philippine Cloud Summit. With this year’s theme, “The Enterprise Cloud Journey”, the annual industry event will be held on October 7, 2015 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

According to IPC President Rene Huergas, “Today’s global economy compels Filipino enterprises to take advantage of and adapt to emerging technological trends in order to achieve business success. The Enterprise Cloud Journey takes local companies to a global level of competitiveness, and we at IPC are more than ready to help them start the journey.”

Huergas elaborated that this year’s Philippine Cloud Summit aims to provide attendees with valuable insight and actionable information regarding the role of cloud computing in achieving success and hastened growth within their respective organizations, and the Philippine business sector at large. Furthermore, IPC will introduce the benefits of data mining and analytics especially when making business decisions.

To this end, industry leaders have been lined up to walk the audience through the digital journey for today’s enterprises.

Alcatel Flash 2 Unboxing

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We've just unboxed the new Alcatel One Touch Flash 2 smartphone and we are so proud to show it to you now even before the Philippine launch this September 30, 2015 at Lazada.com.ph.

Philippines will be the first country to launch this new smartphone so grab the opportunity when noontime of September 30 arrives. It would be probably similar to what happened last time when Alcatel also launched their smartphone model online and were immediately gone within just a few minutes.

The Alcatel Flash 2 boasts of bringing the "mobigraphy" (shortcut for mobile photography into the next, if not the highest, level. With its 13 Megapixel rear camera, and both front and rear flashes, selfies, groupfies, and all sorts of mobile photography will be like almost professional of quality.

This will encourage more people to socialize even more and continuously share the beauty of both the destinations, dishes, friends and almost everything else - which is totally about our lifestyle! It's like a documentation of our live using the new "mobigraphy" features of the new Alcatel Flash 2.

But of course, in order to achieve the superiority of experience, everything else about the new smartphone are features truly exceptional and competitive with the rest of the leading smartphones with high-end cameras. The amazing part is actually the very affordable price that's only around Php 6K. Wow! That's a great deal! So I won't be surprised if Alcatel breaks another record. Their units will all be gone again within a few minutes as soon as it goes for sale online at Lazada.com.ph.

Be among the first to experience "mobigraphy" at a levelled-up advantage!

Can BPO Workers Afford To Rent A Condo?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With the country’s real estate sector continuously performing well in terms of capital appreciation and rental rate growth, it seems that many Filipinos employed in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry are quickly becoming priced out of Metro Manila’s condo market.

An analysis conducted by Lamudi Philippines (www.lamudi.com.ph), using data from its 80,000-plus property listings and from real estate consulting firm Colliers International, found that even BPO employees at supervisory and managerial levels would be hard-pressed to afford to rent a condo, let alone buy, in most of Metro Manila’s townships or central business districts. This comes as a surprise, as most of these condos are situated close to BPO offices.

In the analysis, Lamudi used data on average salaries of BPO workers presented by Colliers International in a meeting hosted by SHDA. The data shows entry-level customer care representatives receive on average Php22,500 per month, while supervisors and managers receive Php32,500 and Php75,000 per month, respectively.

Using the 30 percent rule—that is, not spending more than 30 percent of one’s salary on housing—Lamudi found that only those working as managers in BPO firms may be able to afford a condo in select areas in Metro Manila. These areas include Eastwood City, Pioneer-EDSA, Poblacion (Makati), and San Antonio (Makati). The average rents of one-bedroom and studio condos in these areas range from Php19,838 to Php22,563.

PFF Calls Up Players For WCQ Matches Against DPR Korea

Wazzup Pilipinas!
The Philippine Football Federation has issued call-up letters to the following players selected by Head Coach Thomas Dooley to compose the pool of the Philippine Men’s “A” Football Team that will play against North Korea on 8 October 2015 in DPR Korea for the 2018 FIFA World Cup RussiaTM – Asian Qualifiers / AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019TM Qualifiers (Round 2).

The information came from the official PFf website: http://pff.org.ph/2015/09/28/pff-calls-up-players-for-wcq-match-against-dprkorea/

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MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM LIST OF PLAYERS CALLED UP – 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA – ASIAN QUALIFIERS / AFC ASIAN CUP UAE 2019 QUALIFIERS

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DPR KOREA VS. PHILIPPINES – 08 OCTOBER 2015: DPR KOREA

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	SURNAME	GIVEN NAME
1	AGUINALDO	AMANI MANUEL
2	BAHADORAN	MISAGH
3	BUGAS	PAOLO
4	DANIELS	KENSHIRO MICHAEL
5	DEYTO	PATRICK PHILLIP
6	ETHERIDGE	NEIL LEONARD
7	GIER	ROBERT JAMES
8	INGRESO	KEVIN
9	LUCENA	JERRY RUBEN
10	MULDERS	PAUL
11	MULLER	ROLAND RICHARD
12	OTT	MANUEL
13	PALLA	STEPHAN
14	PORTERIA	JOSE ELMER
15	RAMSAY	IAIN
16	REICHELT	PATRICK
17	SATO	DAISUKE
18	SCHROCK	STEPHAN MARKUS
19	STEUBLE	MARTIN MARKUS
20	VILLANUEVA	DENNIS
21	WOODLAND	LUKE
22	YOUNGHUSBAND	PHILIP JAMES

Yahoo Launches Countdown to First Ever Free NFL Global Livestreaming

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Yahoo has recently announced via their official Tumblr website the countdown to the launch of https://nflstream.yahoo.com/, the first ever free National Football League (NFL) global livestream for all devices. This is produced by NFL and Yahoo Studios especially for the die-hard NFL fans, where they can see the latest team stats, videos and behind the scenes content. On game day, October 25, fans can tune in to watch the Buffalo Bills take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in London in whichever device they prefer – their desktop, laptop, mobile device or tablet.

"We’re a month away until the Buffalo Bills take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in London for the first ever, free, global live stream across all devices. To get NFL fans around the world revved up for October 25, we’re launching a destination dedicated to everyone who loves football. Fans can check-in daily to see the latest behind the scenes content, team stats, and videos produced by both the NFL and Yahoo Studios.

As we announced this past summer, on game day fans around the world can tune in here - across Yahoo, on phones, tablets, laptops, consoles and connected TVs.

So what are you waiting for? Go check out the site and start getting pumped up for the game. And if you’re like me and can be forgetful, we can help you set a reminder to tune in for this historic kickoff." - Matt Edelman, Product Manager

Winners of 4th Globe Media Excellence Awards in Visayas Announced

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto (extreme left) poses with the winners of the 2015 Globe Media Excellence Awards. They are from left, Eileen Mangubat, Editor-in-Chief Cebu Daily News; Isolde Amante, Editor-in-Chief of Sunstar Cebu; Cherry Ann Lim, Managing Editor of SunStar Cebu; Patricia Andrea Patena of TV 5; Ador Vincent Mayol of Cebu Daily News; Rowena Capistrano of DYRF; Glady Reyes, a blogger from Bacolod; Jasmine Garrido, Globe Regional Marketing head for VisMin; Globe Legal Counsel Atty. Manuel Gordon, Ayala Corp. Corporate Communications Associate Gale Launio.

Outstanding media professionals and social media practitioners were honored at the 4th Globe Media Excellence Awards for their exemplary work in bringing most relevant social issues to the fore through the different channels of print, broadcast and digital media.

The most anticipated premier award-giving body that gives recognition to excellence in journalism in central Philippines, the Globe Media Excellence Awards event was held at the Grand Convention Center of Cebu, coinciding with celebrations of the Cebu Press Freedom Week.

“As Globe strives to be at the forefront of the Filipino digital lifestyle and as we ensure that our customers are ready to face the future, we hope that together with media professionals and social media practitioners, who take on relevant social issues, that we can all contribute in effecting meaningful transformation in our society for a more wonderful Philippines,” Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto said.

Short+Sweet Theater Manila 2015 Winners: Congratulations Everyone!

Wazzup Pilipinas!
The winners of the Short+Sweet Theater Manila 2015 festival of 10-minute plays were announced last night, September 27, 2015, at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura in Taguig city during the awarding ceremonies following the final presentations of the 12 finalists.

Congratulations to the sensually humorous "Voicing Up the Marriage" (above photo) for bagging the Best Play award for the Short+Sweet Theater Manila 2015. The Best Actor was also last year's winner of the same recognition, namely the truly astounding Eshai Mesina for "Captain Everything" which also won as an audience favorite for the Wildcard category. The Best Actress of the festival was the highly protective and caring "Nanay" of the play "Si Nelson, Ang Nanay, Ang Pancit Canton" which also won for the writer as the Best Playwright. There were two highly deserving winners for the Best Director category namely the directors of "Thank You, Mr. Pongpat" and "Decision, Decisions."

Also announced were additional winners for the Audience Poll from the weeks and wildcards of the festival. We still need to get the official list of winners so we can give you the accurate names and categories but from what I remembered the recognized were "Speaking Freely", "A Good Deed for Mr. Stinky", "Afterwards", "Lunes", and an award for best poster which a friend, Martin Vicencio, were among the guys who came up on stage to receive the award. We will update this post as soon as the organizers of Short+Sweet Theater Manila send us the official list of winners.

Actually, the winners were already determined the previous night after a few select unannounced and secret judges who were among the audience evaluated all the performances of the 12 finalists at their 2nd to the last performance on September 26, 2015.

Halinat's Bumasa and ThinkBIT at Vigattin Radio of Radyo Inquirer

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It's another techie Saturday with our very special guests at Vigattin Radio of Radyo Inquirer on September 26, 2015 as we discussed a remarkable app designed for 2 to 4 years old - the tender age when they are not yet still in school but are already appreciating words, images and sounds, and an IT  (Inventory and Apps) and Digital Marketing Solutions ( Events and Websites) provider.

Our special guests were the founders of Halina't Bumasa namely husband and wife team Terry and Nico Tuason, and two of the founders of ThinkBIT namely Zennon Jean Gosalvez and Lord Christian Gosingtian.

Halina't Bumasa offers a fun children's app downloadable for $3 only starting with the Body Parts module that's available in four languages (English, Tagalog, Ilongo and Cebuano), but you get to have the other new releases like the upcoming Bahay Kubo for free.

ThinkBIT, with BIT being short for Business Information Technology, is a passionate group of friends who decided to form their own company to offer quality solutions for your IT and Digital Marketing needs. They also mentioned as an example an events management system that would greatly help events organizers deal with the huge information about attendees as they automate the tedious process with their solution.

It’s A Fun-Filled October On Discovery Kids

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It’s totally an October to watch out for on Discovery Kids!

Rescuing and saving lives are what the six chosen young teens are up to on the new series HERO SQUAD. Facing real life rescue operations, they will be working with the most trusted men and women in the world of life-saving. Guided by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Her Majesty’s Coastguard (HMCG) and the Fire service and Mountain rescue teams from across the country, they will be working as one on fronting responsibilities, with all their brave and might. Catch the amazing team of the heroic cadets on HERO SQUAD premieres October 1, Thursdays at 5 p.m.

Who said kids can’t save lives and have fun at the same time? The Kratt Brothers are still on for some animal adventures on WILD KRATTS. Exploring all sides of the world, the brothers together with their squadron will be bringing their creature friends off dangers using their awesome Creature Power Suits. Join the action-packed animal escapades of the Kratt Brothers on WILD KRATTS, airing weekdays at 4:30 p.m. from Monday, October 5.

With our resident art warrior Ricky Martin, it’s all a session of inventiveness and good laughs on ART NINJA. Swapping martial arts for paints, pens and PCs, witness Ricky create epic masterpieces with a ninja twist on ART NINJA, airing Fridays at 5 p.m.

Sébastien Ogier, Julien Ingrassia, Volkswagen and Michelin Motorsport Claim the 2015 WRC titles

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Sébastien Ogier, Julien Ingrassia, Volkswagen and Michelin wrapped up three 2015 World Rally Championship titles today (Sunday) in Australia.

The 2015 Rally Australia saw Sébastien Ogier /Julien Ingrassia and their Michelin-equipped Volkswagen Polo R WRC secure the top prize to wrap up the WRC Drivers’ and Co-drivers’ crowns for the third year running.

Volkswagen Motorsport’s Jari-Matti Latvala / Miikka Anttila and Andreas Mikkelsen / Ola Floene came second and fourth overall in their Michelin-shod Polo R WRCs to sew up the Manufacturers’ title for the German make.

These titles add to Michelin Motorsport’s impressive record of championship successes in world class motorsport and reinforce its leading status in the fiercely-competitive WRC which permits open competition between tyre companies (23 driver’s titles and 25 manufacturers’ titles).

A thrilling finale in New South Wales

Ogier / Ingrassia took the win in Australia after a close battle with Citroën DS3 WRC crews Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle who trailed by just three-tenths of a second ahead of the final day, with 13 of the event’s 17 tricky stages completed.

The Frenchman went on to win Sunday’s four tests, including the Power Stage, to reap the weekend’s three bonus points and make sure of the WRC title at the end of the tenth of the 2015 season’s thirteen rounds.

Philippines Premiere Stand Up Comedian

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Start your week right with laughter as the BEST Stand-Up Comedy acts in the country is coming to Vu’s Sky Lounge!

This September, Vu’s Sky Lounge launches its new themed night - Comic Mondays with The Comedy Cartel - a veteran comedy group who has been performing all over the Philippines since 2007.

on Monday (Sept. 28),veteran stand-up comedian Mike Unson will take centerstage at Vu's Sky Lounge! 

Show starts at 9:30 PM! See you there!

Tickets are priced at Php 888.00 with a complimentary standard drink.

Vu’s Sky Lounge is the first sky bar in Ortigas, located at the 45th floor of Marco Polo Hotel, Ortigas, Manila.

For inquiries or reservations, text 0922-8596144.

Watch The “Jungle” Come Back To Life With K: Return Of Kings, Same-Day-As-Japan On Animax!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Anime fans, look out! Highly rated television anime series K will be back on the small screen this October with its second season K: Return of Kings, airing same day as Japan, first and exclusively on Animax – Asia’s first 24-hour Japanese anime channel.

Wildly popular, even four years later

Since its 2012 debut, the K series has seen more than 10 anime and light novel spin-offs including K: Missing Kings, which was made into a film of the same name in July 2014. Since the announcement of this new season in May this year, the anime series has made countless appearances on international anime news sites, but it was in these last three months that K really dominated the online buzz in the scene, thanks to a “100 days” promotional video and visual campaign by writer GoRa and Japanese animation studio GoHands.

More power, more action

Fans can expect to see even more action in K: Return of Kings, as modern-day kings armed with high-tech outfits and weapons continue to lead their colour-represented clans through thrilling conflicts in the concrete “jungle” – Shizume City. And not only is original director Shingo Suzuki back on the team with a fresh storyline, he is also the man behind the new characters, namely Green King Nagare Hisui, the strongest and most influential one of all.

Those who love anison can also look forward to the release of “Asymmetry”, the season’s opening theme composed by popular pop group angela. The track is performed by Yui Horie, who voices the character of Red clansman Anna Kushina in K. On top of that, the author of the series Tatsuki Miyazawa pens the ending theme “Kai”, which is performed by four-member group Customi-Z.

Ready for war? K: Return of Kings premieres in 3 October 2015, airing every Saturday at 11pm with an encore the next day at 8pm, first and exclusively on Animax.

Animax is seen on SKYCable Channel 46, Cignal Digital TV Channel 34 and Dream Channel 7.