Top BPO Firms, Executives To Be Honored At The 10th International ICT Awards

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Philippines has emerged as one of the world’s fastest growing IT-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) destinations in the world. In order to showcase these achievements, the ICT Awards was launched in 2007 by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CANCHAM) in close cooperation with IBPAP.

In the picture above are (L-R) Cora Dela Cruz CanCham Executive Director, Julian Payne CanCham President, Jomari Mercado IBPAP President and Dion Asencio Vice President for Sales Globe Business.

The ICT Awards is one of the most renowned awarding ceremonies in the industry and its 2016 installment is geared to be the largest event yet.

In its upcoming 10th year, a new category which determines the winner via online voting has been introduced: Most Popular Team Leader of the Year in the ICT Industry.

“The new category allows us to celebrate the best of the best.” Julian Payne, President of CANCHAM shared, “We are very excited about the Team Leader category where we plan to implement a new voting system for the day itself. It will give us an opportunity to see what type of Team Leaders the companies will put forward.”

Wazzup Pilipinas Featured on Adobo Magazine

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Check out the Adobo Magazine feature of WazzupPilipinas.com.

http://www.adobomagazine.com/philippine-news/2016-beginning-another-great-year-wazzuppilipinascom

Below is the article posted on the Adobo Magazine website. Another article will be published on the January-February issue of the physical magazine.

According to their website, Adobo Magazine is the Philippine advertising industry’s definitive, go-to sources for information, reaching everyone from agency chiefs and professionals, to clients, suppliers, media and the academe.

Fresh off a record-breaking third Philippine Quill Top Award win in 2013, adobo magazine remains the industry bible for the Philippines and the region, consistently leveraging unparalleled access and professional reportage to bring readers the latest from here and around the world. 

Likewise, adobo’s digital platforms reach thousands of subscribers daily via website (www.adobomagazine.com), mobile and social media, as well as a thrice-weekly newsblast of the latest from inside the industry, as well as live reportage from AdFest, Cannes Spikes and other major international advertising festivals. 

Whether you’re looking for in-depth coverage of up-to-date trade news and emerging trends or extensive, exclusive profiles, interviews and showcases, everything you need is here.

To Be a Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas

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"To be a blogger is an honor and a responsibility. Since I am the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas, I will use my blog to influence my followers and I would raise awareness to certain issues like "crab-mentality among the blogging community" that is timely and relevant to my country, which is the Philippines. I want to show the world, the online community rather, that I am confidently famous with a heart."

Merry Christmas to all my fellow bloggers out there! But it looks like not all bloggers are merry since there are still some who pokes fun of others probably because they are sore losers. Those who couldn't stand the truth that they are no longer the only "in" people in the blogging community. As what some PR friends would say "Inggit lang ang mga yun!"

I wish I could say 

"I pity the fools! They obviously have no appreciation of their own accomplishments that they try to look down on others. Sadly, they are bringing themselves further down where they truly belong - in a state of misery.

No wonder. Who would love these kind of people who have nothing but hatred in their hearts. Who would dare be associated with these faggots who are better off with the maggots.

Korean-Filipino Group To Maintain MRT-3 System For 3 Years

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Passengers of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will soon experience significantly improved service levels, as the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has awarded the long-term maintenance contract to the Joint Venture of Busan Transportation Corporation, Edison Development & Construction, Tramat Mercantile, Inc., TMICorp Inc., and Castan Corporation.

Beginning January 5 next year, the winning concessionaire will fulfill the general maintenance requirements for three (3) years. The long contract period will allow the new service provider to procure the necessary spare parts needed to increase the number of operating trains, especially during peak hours.

The P3.81-billion contract also covers the general overhaul of the trains and the total replacement of the signaling system.

Previous attempts to bid out the long-term maintenance contract – once in September 2014 and again in January 2015 – resulted in failure due to the non-participation of bidders. Recognizing the urgent need to address the railway’s maintenance requirements and the core problems of obsolescence and complete wear-and-tear, the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) unanimously approved the transport agency’s decision to proceed with an alternative mode of procurement pursuant to the Republic Act No. 9184.

One Championship Revolutionizes MMA With New Weigh-In Program

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Asia’s largest sports media property, ONE Championship (ONE), has announced that the organization will lead the global MMA industry by banning weight-cutting by dehydration and instituting a new set of regulations and policies governing the weigh-in procedures and contracted weight limits. The new program, which is the first of its kind for combat sports, is focused on athlete safety by introducing "walking-weight" competition via multiple weigh-ins and tests before and during fight week, including 3 hours before an event begins.

Athletes will now compete at their "walking-weight", which will be determined by a robust system that will track his/her weight on a regular basis throughout the period that the athlete is contracted to ONE. Full details of the new weigh-in program can be found on www.ONEFC.com.

The revolutionary weigh-in program was established after thorough discussions and recommendations by ONE Championship's medical and competition team, consisting of Chief Doctor Dr. Warren Wang, Chief Medical Advisor Dr. James Okamoto, Vice President Mr. Rich Franklin, Vice President of Operations & Competition Mr. Matt Hume, Global Athlete Services & Competition Director Mr. Richard Auty and China Athlete Services & Competition Director Mr. Vaughn Anderson.

Singapore Airlines Brings Christmas to NAIA

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Singapore Airlines spreads the yuletide cheer to its passengers with a surprise performance rendered by SIA's ground personnel and staff while ice cream in popular Filipino flavors were served. Pasko sa SQ is the airline’s way of sharing the spirit of Christmas with its customers.

Singapore Airlines adorns the airport with a belen and colorful lanterns that were creatively designed by Singapore Airlines ground staff using only local and recycled materials. Passengers were also invited to vote for their favorite lantern.

Singapore Airlines staff in Filipiniana attires for the airline's Christmas surprise to its loyal passengers. This special treat has been a tradition of Singapore Airlines over the years to celebrate the spirit of this well-loved season in the Philippines.

LTO Holds Plate Replacement Fees

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Due to the notice of disallowance issued by the Commission on Audit (COA), the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will temporarily stop collecting fees for replacement of old license plates.

This means, vehicle owners who have not yet paid for the new license plates will not have to shell out P 450 upon their renewal of registration.

“We are currently in the process of resolving the issue with the COA regarding the Plate Standardization Program. We hope issues will be resolved and COA lifts the disallowance so we can provide the public with plates for improved road safety.” said Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Jun Abaya.

The LTO assures that the new standardized plates will be issued to motorists who have settled the payment as soon as the issue with COA is resolved.

This Christmas, Customers Can Buy The Oppo Neo 7 At 0% Interest Through Home Credit Installment

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Oppo, a global electronics company that is present in over 20 countries, and Home Credit, a multinational consumer finance company, bring a timely offer to those who are looking for a memorable but affordable gift this Christmas. Starting this month until January 31, 2016, customers may purchase an OPPO Neo 7 on installment even without a credit card and at 0% interest rate through installments provided by Home Credit.

The Neo 7, which retails at P7,990, is the newest camera phone under Oppo’s Neo lineup. It carries forward the unique design feature that set the Neo 5 apart: a sleek and reflective rear surface that uses optical coating and fiberglass for increased strength and elasticity. This while adding a wide range of performance upgrades and an attractive streamlined arc edge.

Garrick Hung, operations manager at Oppo Philippines, said, “The Neo 7’s generously proportioned 5-inch screen, improved front camera, and 16GB ROM, along with its powerful battery, make it a heavy hitter in the sub-P10,000 price range.”

Home Credit makes shopping for the Oppo Neo 7 affordable and convenient for customers. All one needs to apply for a loan are at least two IDs – one of which should indicate a current address – and an initial cash payment. The loan is approved in less than 30 minutes, and the customer may leave the shop with the purchased good in less than an hour. The payment term is 6 months, with a monthly payment of as low as ₱866 (based on 35% initial cash payment).

Seven Metro Manila Neighborhoods To Watch In 2016

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The Philippine economy’s continued rise is apparent in the real estate front, notably as evidenced by the condo projects, commercial centers, and office buildings that are being built one after the other in the Metro Manila area. While the business center of Makati and the always investment-worthy Bonifacio Global City will constantly remain hot commodities for both investors and end-users, there are a few areas within the metro that are looking just as promising in terms of offering real estate opportunities in the coming year. MyProperty.ph names the seven neighborhoods in Metro Manila that are sure to be on the list of those who are planning to move to a new home or considering buying a property as an investment in 2016.


Alabang, Muntinlupa

It’s hard to believe that Alabang was once just a farming district as it has one of the most thriving commercial centers in the metro, with the construction of Filinvest City and Alabang Commercial Center. An ideal place for young professionals, Alabang is close to the offices located at Madrigal Business Park and Filinvest City, while up-and-coming townships such as Alabang West and South Park District will establish the area as a legitimate real estate hotspot.

Accomplishments Of Presidential Candidates Related To Real Estate

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In anticipation of the 2016 national elections, real estate website Lamudi Philippines (www.lamudi.com.ph) enumerates the accomplishments of the five candidates for president—Mar Roxas III, Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Rodrigo Duterte, Jejomar Binay Jr., and Miriam Defensor Santiago—that have somehow affected the real estate industry.


Mar A. Roxas III

Former congressman and senator and 2010 vice-presidential candidate Mar A. Roxas may not have pushed pieces of legislation directly related to real estate, but he did author two that in way benefited the industry.

One is Republic Act 8748, which is an amendment to the Special Economic Zone Act. In this amendment, although establishments operating within these eco-zones are exempted from paying taxes, they are required to remit 5 percent of their gross income earned: 3 percent to the national government and 2 percent directly to the treasurer’s office of the city or municipality where the eco-zone is located.

In addition, this piece of legislation also called for providing for disturbance compensation for residents who were displaced or evicted to give way for the construction of these eco-zones.

Another important piece of legislation Roxas authored is Republic Act 8756, which calls for giving incentives to multinational companies who establish regional headquarters in the country. Among the incentives include issuance of multiple-entry visas to the foreign employees and immediate family members of said companies, a fixed withholding tax on compensation of 15 percent, and exemption on value-added tax, among others.

Miss Universe 2015: The Philippines Now Has Three Miss Universe Winners

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"The Miss Universe crown has been very elusive for the past 42 years and finally we really have it now in represent of Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. Presenting to you the third Filipina to ever won Miss Universe. Indeed, We are Confidently beautiful with the heart." - Mark Joseph Abang Llido

"All I can say about the Steve Harvey fiasco in the Miss Universe event is... Wow! (In a positive way). The guy is totally a pro. As a speaker myself, the way he handled the situation was applaudable. He Kept his cool, manned up, owned the mistake, showed empathy, told the audience to blame him and not the two remaining contestants, and moved away from the spotlight. Everyone makes mistakes, but It's what you do with those mistakes that matter.: - Jayson Lo

"Miss Philippines could have laughed hysterically or stretched out her hands and shouted "Yes! Yes! Yes!!" or she could have grabbed the crown and said, "Akin yan!" But she waited patiently as the organizers tried to clear the confusion, and kept a respectful distance from Miss Colombia, and put her personal jubilation under control. Her grace and magnanimity in victory allowed her to feel complete sympathy for a humiliated colleague. Love it! Filipino virtue on full display for all the universe to see!" -Robby Tantingco

Online Registration for JR. NBA/JR. WNBA Philippines 2016 Starts December 21

Wazzup Pilipinas!

  

WHAT:          Online registration for the Coaches Clinics, Open Clinics, and School Clinics of Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines 2016 presented by Alaska

WHO:             The basketball program is open to all male and female basketball players aged 10 to 14 (born from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2006).

The Coaches Clinic is open to all school coaches and those who are coaching junior players in the elementary and high school levels.

WHEN:          December 21, 2015

HOW:             Interested players must log on to www.jrnba.asia/philippines and click on Open Clinic Registration to sign up.

Coaches who want to join the Coaches Clinic should click on

Coach Clinic Registration.

Coaches and participants must fill up all requested information in the form and upon completion, print out a copy and save the file.  The printed copy of the accomplished form must be brought to the registration area at the Coaches Clinics, Open Clinics, or School Clinics.

Gumbo Muffins For Gift Giving And Noche Buena

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Does it seem like a chore to shop for gifts especially during the Christmas Season? Looking for something new and fresh especially for those people who seem to have everything. Give them these superb and delicious Gumbo Muffins! Made only from the highest and quality ingredients, they’re perfect for gifts, potluck or even family gatherings for Noche Buena and Medya Noche.

Available at all Gumbo branches at SM Mall of Asia (5560238), The Block 442-0106, Mega Atrium (6353015), Robinsons Manila Midtown (5671820), Gateway Mall (440-4632) and Robinsons Magnolia (7209632) for take out or pick up only, these muffins comes in a box of 6 for P150.00 and box of 12 for only P275.00. Please order 2-3 days in advance to ensure quality and freshness of your muffins. 

Also, try these these sumptuous and mouth-watering dishes at Gumbo such as Seafood Jambalaya, Bayou’s Stuffed Crabs, Shrimp Etouffe, Bourbon-Style Baby Back Ribs, Southern-Grilled Chicken Caesar, Cajun-Style Fried Chicken, Seafood Boil, Family Feast, among others for dine in or take out, perfect treat these holiday season!

Have A Cheesy Christmas At Burgoo!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Imagine this luscious, heavenly, creamy cheesecake to be the centerpiece of your Noche Buena and Medya Noche table! Yes Burgoo American Bar and Restaurant is now selling your favorite Cheesecake in time for this Christmas season so the whole family can enjoy it at the comfort of their homes and also to giveaway to friends and loved ones.

Save as much as 20% discount for the whole cheesecake! It comes in two sizes: 8” Raspberry and Oreo Cheesecake priced at P1,800 while get 6” of these flavors for only P1,350. Other cheesecake varieties available are Black & White and Fudge Brownie Cheesecakes for P1,950 (8”) and P1,470 (6”). These impeccable and superior cheesecakes are made upon order only to ensure quality and freshness. Please order at least 3 days in advance at Burgoo Rockwell (8981815) to get these cheesecakes for take out or pick up only. However you can still coordinate at Burgoo Rockwell if you’ll like your cheesecake to be picked up at other branches located at Tomas Morato, The Podium, Gateway Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Galleria, The Block, SM Marikina, Fairview Terraces by Ayala, SM Southmall, The District Imus, and Starmall Prima in Taguig.

Also don’t miss Burgoo’s sumptuous variety of appetizers to share, sandwich and burgers, soups and salads, stone-baked pizzas, delicious pasta, mouth-watering chicken and chops, seafood sensations, premium steaks and ribs, and other luscious desserts this Christmas celebrations. At Burgoo it’s always a family treat!

Miss Universe 2015: Congratulations to Miss Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Hosted by Steve Harvey and Roselyn Perez, the 64th Miss Universe beauty pageant held at Planet Hollywood Resorts and Casino located in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 20 (December 21 in the Philippines) features 80 candidates from all over the world including Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach.

Miss Colombia Paulina Vega, Miss Universe 2014, passed the crown to one lucky girl today, and we want to ask all of you if you are in full agreement with the winning choice.

Miss Philippines is one of the most popular candidates, and always on the lead, based on online voting and as heard from the audience cheers. She may have asked for help from the Aldub fans so they can add numbers on the online voting, of which it seems Aldubnation is willing to participate, but needless to say she doesn't need too much convincing from the Filipino people as a whole. Why not, since we should all root for the Philippines, and she is a worthy and rightfully deserving candidate.

She looked truly charming in her swimsuit attire portion where every candidate was allowed to personally pick their choices to highlight their oozing looks, charm and voluptuousness.

The swimsuit attire definitely won Pia place at the Top 10. We were already convinced she will be among the Top 15, and is confident to see her at Top 5. Obviously, we wanted her so much as the grand winner.

Host Roselyn even commented that it seems the entire Philippines was there as the applause and cheers for Miss Philippines was always the loudest. She was consistently the highest at the online voting.

Star Wars Porn Sales Up to Extreme High

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The demand for “Star Wars” porn flicks or parodies - such as “Sex Wars,” “Star Whores,” "Star Wars XXX" and “Star Babe,” have skyrocketed up to 500% ever since the Star Wars: The Force Awakens started releasing movie trailers.

It is not surprising since the geeks who grew up with the very first Star Wars movie are over 40. It is so easy to eroticise something they loved so much.

Just as how fans of comics, anime, action figures, and similar genres related to sci-fi, adventure, fantasy and so on have been fantasizing about scantily-clad and boobed-to-the-max characters and cosplayers, the attraction to all things Star Wars even to the extent of pornography is but natural, or so many of us would like to think. After all, you couldn't consider yourself a real fan if you would not embrace everything about the pop culture.

But is there really pleasure in seeing Princess Leia being fucked mightily on screen by both Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, or Darth Vader getting a blowjob from Princess Leia, and there's even a four-part "Star Wars" gayporn parody.

MMFF 2015: The 41st Metro Manila Film Festival Entries

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The eight entries of the 41st Metro Manila Film Festival: Beauty and the Bestie, All You Need is Pag-ibig, Haunted Mansion, Honor Thy Father, My Bebe Love ‪#‎KiligPaMore‬, Nilalang, ‪#‎WalangForever‬ and Buy Now, Die Later.

What can I say?

I will tell you after the 25th.

It's time we reserve our comments after we watch the movies. Don't even put out a word until you've seen them because movie trailers can be somewhat deceiving and you should not judge a movie based on who are the actors and actresses.

So hang on until we've seen the movies and we'll share what we really think about them.

For real.

Pro-Friends Holds Gift-Giving for Lancaster New City Cavite Homeowners

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Happiness grows exponentially especially when people remember the special days and expresses them through many ways possible. Even small things are appreciated because we firmly believe that it is the thought that counts and we fully cherish moments when we get special treats from friends and families during the holiday season.

This year seems to be a good one for Lancaster New City Cavite as it now holds Christmas Light Shows and Yuletide Bazaars for all the weekends of December. The Simbang Gabi at the Church of the Holy Family is now extra special as they also recently welcomed a new priest namely Rev. Fr. Engelbert Bagcas, the new Chapel Administrator of the said church.

As Property Company of Friends, or more popularly known as Pro-Friends, builds a place where homeowners can live, learn, work, play and pray as a community that is more united socially and spiritually, it never forgets to hold special activities to the delight of its residents.

Lancaster New City is THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY CITY. It is PRO-FRIENDS’ flagship project that spans to more than 1,400 hectares, covering Imus, Kawit, and Gen. Trias.
We recently witnessed a gift-giving activity held on December 19, 2015 at Leighton Hall located at Lancaster New City Cavite where lucky residents were able to receive gifts in the form of toys in partnership with Toy Kingdom from the Pro-Friends management team. This was one of the regular activities held by Pro-Friends for the benefit of their homeowners as added incentives for those who made Lancaster New City Cavite their new homes. There will be another one scheduled on November 22, 2015.

Pismo Digital Lifestyle Opens Eastwood Branch

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Congratulations to Pismo Digital Lifestyle for opening another branch at Le Grand 3 Eastwood. A grand launch was held on December 18, 2015 at the branch itself where some of the products they carry were featured such as the flying drones, instant cameras, gadget accessories, hoverboards, etc.

Pismo Digital is a concept store featuring the best and latest range of tech gadgets including mobiles, cameras, audio, bags, and accessories. They are an exclusive and authorized reseller of well-known brands such as Parrot, GoPro, Segway, Bowers and Wilkins, Fujifilm, Belkin, Polaroid, Otter and many more.

It prides itself for being an 'experiential" lifestyle concept store where buyers can actually use most of the products on display as there are demo units that can be used by customers. A great way to experience on first-hand the products before considering purchasing. There are also product professionals that are knowledgeable about the producte so they can answer all your technical inquiries.

The concept store has products from many well-established brands worldwide that appreciate design, virtuosity and technology. People can play, tinker and hold various gadgets here so they would fully appreciate what the products have to offer.

Robert Spakowski: The Chef of Tapella Tapas Bar and Restaurant

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Yeah, I think I guessed it right. Tapella is probably a playful combination of the words "tapa" and "paella" to indicate the specialties in the Spanish restaurant. But I forgot to confirm that with the chef because the food he served was more than enough to convince me that the restaurant was more than just about those two dishes.

When you hear Chef Robert Spakowski's name, you'll immediately deduce that he is a foreigner, or one with a foreigner for a father, but many of us would expect that he would be mostly talking in fluent English with very distinctive accent. Thus many of us were surprised he was more comfortable speaking with us in the vernacular.

Hearing him speak in Tagalog definitely removed the intimidation. We felt more comfortable knowing we would be interviewing someone who could easily speak in our mother language. No more nosebleeds for us.

To be able to capture everything he will share to us, I've decided to make a video recording so I can share every bit of the discussion, and oh boy! how interesting his life story was. Hopping from one job to the next and some times going back to where he started. Sounds like the story of my life!