Microsoft Lumia 950 XL: Highly Recommended for Mobile Photo and Video Coverage

Wazzup Pilipinas!

For selfies, groupfies, and other photo ops, the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL definitely gives you what you paid for, and even more, as it's a very powerful smartphone that is a small computer by itself using the familiar Windows operating system. As a blogger, it's the better valued choice for its price range.

It is the smartphone I used to take all the awesome photos and videos during many events and travels.As a blogger, it's highly recommended. It's really great in mobile photography and videography.

If you've seen some of my photos and videos, some of them were taken using the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL. I used it for the coverage of some of the activities in Binondo including a video of a long dragon passing thru Chinatown. It was also used for the coverage of the dry run opening of the Trampoline Park in Mandaluyong, the coverage of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta where we did a lot of activities which led to the printing of a coffee table book where all our Pampanga adventure were immortalized in print.

It was also the one I used for food photography at the new Solstice Bistro and Boulangerie located at Rockwell in Makati, of Skippy's Bar and Grill located in Bonifacio Global City, and of Eight and Co. Restaurant somewhere in Addition Hills of Quezon City. This means it's also great for food photography.

Froehlich Tours: Our Pampanga Adventure Official Transport Service

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Do you want a hassle-free and comfortable commute to avoid the inconveniences of driving, or sharing an overloaded bus ride that takes eternity stopping at every bus stop?

You'll also never have to worry about the stresses of driving and expensive parking by taking Froehlich Tours' Point to Point (P2P) bus service. Froehlich Tours continues to make a mark as a popular transport service. True enough, Philippine transportation services is gearing up to become world class thanks to Froehlich Tours.

I've seen them on the roads for the Point to Point (P2P) projects where they travel EDSA non-stop from point A to point B (Trinoma to Glorietta 5 P2P bus service) and I've seen announcements that there will soon be many more points like the upcoming one in Ortigas to Trinoma.

I've also seen their buses being used at the City of Dreams in Pasay, and plenty of posting on social media where people see their buses at other locations, so they are really almost everywhere.

This is what prompted me to contact Chris Bauer, CEO of Froehlich Tours for our Pampanga Hot Air Balloon and Restaurant Tour scheduled from February 10 to 11 at Clark, Pampanga.

Can you guess where I had the opportunity to find and talk with Chris? It all happened in Facebook. We had a common friend so I made an effort to chat with him and I was surprised that he agreed already even before he let me finalize the arrangement with his team.

1st Draft Manila Clothing: Looking Good and Comfy in Pampanga

Wazzup Pilipinas!

One year and few shirt designs later, 1st Draft Manila Clothing continues to grow bigger than ever with fabulous shirt designs that are themed with Filipino culture.

I bumped into these guys at one of the event where I was invited to cover as a blogger and their shirts designs are just too good to ignore. You'll definitely want to have a closer look as the designs are good to look at from afar and much better appreciated when up close.

The designs include Sabong (a combination of cockfighting and Alibata/Baybayin ancient Filipino writing), Novena (an act of pious Roman Catholic devotion consisting of repeated prayers), Supremo (featuring Andres Bonifacio), Kuwentong Barbero (as a tribute to barber rumors), Litson, Balut (the foreigner-dreaded hard boiled egg with partially-developed chick), Pacman and Fight of the Century (featuring our Pambansang Kamao).

We got to try four designs for our Wazzup Pilipinas five-man team which covered the 20th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Clark, Pampanga on February 11 to 14, 2016.

The team wore the shirts on the first day of the event, but on the way to the venue a day before, I already gave each member of the team their shirts. Jayson got the the Balut, Peter got the Novena, Jimmylyn got the Kuwentong Barbero and Allan got the white shirt with the bestseller Supremo design. I also got the Novena design as I think those are the ones available in Extra Large sizes.

Mequeni of Holiday Inn Clark: A Festive Pampanga Lunch Buffet for the Team

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Seafood is my weakness and they have it in great quantity at Mequeni of Holiday Inn Clark. The delightful crabs and shrimps would be among my first picks together with other choices that were most probably meant to pamper your cravings for excellent buffet offerings.

Our visit at the 20th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta led us to stay at the luxurious Holiday Inn hotel in Clark. This hotel should be your preferred accommodation if ever you're around Clark as it boasts of international standards making it top of the line.

Thanks to the organizers of the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival, specifically Captain Joy Roa of Ads Asia, the hotel provided us with two rooms for our team of five. But we are not here to showcase the hotel just yet. We would do that on a separate article.

What we would want to feature here first is their amazing buffet at a restaurant they call Mequeni. The buffet restaurant is located at the ground floor of the hotel, just a few steps from their spacious lobby, and just opposite their elevators leading to the different floors of the hotel.

The hotel management gave the Wazzup Pilipinas team a quick tour of the hotel and we would tell that story soon just in time for the travel season. You have to come back to read about how we toured the different areas of the hotel including their two other restaurants that are more like bars, their huge pool area, and the other parts of the hotel.

Pradera Verde Summerfest: The Fun Summer Adventure Begins Now (Part 1 of Many)

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Summer is early at Pradera Verde as we were recently invited to join the Pradera Verde Summerfest. Together with celebrities and media friends, the organizers arranged a special challenge for us similar to the Amazing Race challenges involving speed, wisdom and teamwork.

To break the news immediately, I would like to proudly announce, and flaunt, already that our team won the challenge so all seven of us in the team got to bring home our own GoPro Hero 4 Silver! Yippeee!!!

Incidentally, we called our group Team GoPro, and luckily, we were destined to win the GoPro grand prize. I would like to thank my team for all the effort and determination especially to our team leader who was even waiting for me as I desperately try to run, even when I was running out of breath and lagging behind. He was concerned that I might suffer a heart attack or a heat stroke because of the scorching heat of the sun. We were actually dehydrated already so thank you for the bottled waters at every challenge area.

But that's just part of the amazing experience we enjoyed at Pradera Verde where their wakepark was the prime attraction. The challenged happened on the second day so it might be best if I start this story on the first day and post a continuation on a separate blog because this may be too long to share oin just one blogpost. The three day event was a very memorable experience especially for me now that my dream action camera is now in my hands.

3rd Lubao International Balloon Festival: Soon to Proudly Fly High Up Into the Pampanga Sky

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon

Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon

We could float among the stars together, you and I

For we can fly we can fly

Up, up and away

My beautiful, my beautiful balloon"

Yeah! It may be an old song, but still the wonders you'll experience riding "up, up and away" in a hot air balloon is definitely, and absolutely, beyond awesome. Not everyone can easily ride a hot air balloon, so it's one of the goals included in my bucket list, and hopefully, if everything goes well, it will be achieved this year.

We recently attended the press conference  of the Lubao International Balloon Festival on March 17 at the Passion Restaurant of the Resorts World Manila. Now on its 3rd year , we are so very much excited to be soon witnessing another spectacular hot air balloon show on April 14 to 17, 2016 once again at Pradera Verde, Prado Siongco in Lubao, Pampanga.

The place is is also where the Pradera Verde Wakepark is located so the people would have a nice place to visit after the event. But the daily morning and late afternoon flights of the hot air balloons are not just the attractions during the 4 day event. There's also the many activities happening all throughout the day until late night as many food stall and activities and attractions,like a mini zoo and car show, awaiting on the ground. There's also the nightly concert from artists and DJs to keep you awake at night.

Fortinet Launches Cyber Threat Assessment Program to Uncover Critical Security Risks

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Fortinet,the global leader and innovator in Network Security, aims to deliver the most innovative, highest performing network security platform to secure and simplify our IT infrastructure. They provide of network security appliances and security subscription services for carriers, data centers, enterprises, distributed offices and MSSPs.

Derek Manky, Global Security Strategist - Threat Researcher and Evangelist for Fortinet, shared Fortinet's findings on identified critical security risks, at a gathering held at the Makati Shangri-La hotel on March 16, 2016.

Derek formulates security strategy with more than a decade of advanced threat research. His ultimate goal is to make a positive impact towards the global war on cyber crime. He works globally with the security industry and Computer Emergency Response (CERT) to connect the dots, streamlining mitigation advice and threat forecasts based on personal knowledge and a team of world class experts at Fortinet and FortiGuard Labs.
He shared his expertise as threat researcher and the importance of having threat intelligence that can able to detect and stop threats both inside the perimeter and outside the organization.

Sean Gowran of Ericsson Philippines Says 5G, IoT and Cloud to Disrupt Every Industry

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Sean Gowran, President and Country Manager of Ericsson Philippines and the Pacific Islands, says that a digital disruption will soon come to every industry by 2016. This is after the recently concluded Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2016 where he spoke and identified 5G, IoT and cloud as the hottest topics in the ICT industry.

At a gathering held at the Manila Peninsula in Makati, Gowran discussed with members of the media some crucial information that would soon change the way we work and live.

Gowran  shared major announcements the company has made in 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud. With these announcements, Ericsson solidifies its position as a leading ICT transformation partner for customers across industries.

He also announced the global alliance with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to accelerate cloud transformation in the telecommunications service provider industry, and that the new IoT transformation offering is leveraging Ericsson's global services footprint, industry experience and technology leadership to help customers drive IoT business.

Ericsson also affirmed its strong focus on Cisco partnership; with the Dynamic Service Manager launched.

Entangled: Reliving the Artistry of Philippine Textiles in Interior

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As part of the approved syllabus of the BS Interior Design program of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, College of Architecture and Fine Arts for the subject Interior Design 8: Special Project, the graduating students designed and built their concepts in actual. 

This culminating activity aims to give students first-hand experience of the actual design and construction processes that would be very significant in their practice of the interior design profession in the future. 

This year’s Exhibit entitled: ENTANGLED: Reliving the Artistry of Philippine Textile in Interior, an Interior Design Exhibit of the PUP-CAFA BS Interior Design Graduating Class 2016 (17 students) is design projects centered on six (6) different commercial interior spaces with the vivid craftsmanship of our own Filipino textiles, ENTANGLED pose an enigmatic spin of queer commercial spaces interlacing ingenious functional concepts and rich legacy of different regional textiles.

An interior design exhibit of PUP-CAFA BS Interior Design Graduating Class 2016 Intertwined mint twists of six (6) commercial interior spaces with the vivid craftsmanship of our own Filipino textiles, ENTANGLED pose an enigmatic spin of queer commercial spaces interlacing ingenious functional concepts and the rich legacy of different regional textiles.

It is a design project centered on different cultural textiles of the Philippines embracing history, style and details enlaced with each story. This gives life to experience the six (6) distinct commercial spaces with inspiring interior designs.

Fr. Larry Faraon’s Lenten Recollection at Teatrino, March 23; Easter Egg Hunt at Promenade, March 27

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Fr. Larry Faraon O.P. will conduct another stirring Holy Wednesday Recollection at Teatrino on Holy Wednesday, March 23 to bring Christ’s Passion and Death closer to the lives of the faithful. On Easter Sunday, March 27, the Promenade hosts another fun and frolicsome Easter Egg Hunt as the Risen Christ removes the pall of gloom with the joy of His glorious Resurrection.

From 2 to 5:30 p.m. on March 23, the popular Retreat Master will take retreatants on “A Journey of Presence, Sacrfice and Communion”, focusing on the wonder of the words “..and He dwelt among us” – the special privilege we all have because God became man, lived on earth to work wonders and redeem us from sin.

“In this year of the Special Jubilee of God's Mercy and Compassion, the Eucharist comes out as the perfect example of such mercy. The abiding presence of Christ in the Eucharist is God 's expression of 'being with' his people especially in challenging times. The sacrifice on the cross of His son Jesus commemorated in the Eucharist brings forgiveness, the ultimate act of God's mercy and compassion. In holy communion, which is the result of the eucharistic activity, God's mercy and compassion is shared in fellowship and charity. We shall share with each other the richness of God's mercy and compassion in the retreat,” said Fr. Larry.

WSI Unboxed: IT Distributor Introduces Fresh Solutions For Philippine Businesses

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It was an amazing afternoon as your friendly neighborhood Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas got to have the Wazzup Pilipinas tarp design printed on two different large HP printers namely the HP PageWide XL 5000 can almost print as fast as the Flash. They printed several copies of the Wazzup Pilipinas design and it took only a few seconds to print, and the HP Designjet T830 which printed a glossy version of our tarp design.

I have it on video as the printers were doing their job. It was quick and easy. They just required my file which came from my smartphone. I downloaded the trap design file from my email account, and one immediately copied it on their desktop to prepare for printing, while the other asked me to share it through bluetooth to his smartphone which connected to the printer.

We also got a special interview with the 3D Printing team which handles the MakerBot, for small 3D projects, and Stratasys, for industrial applications, 3D printing brand of machines. Since most of the printing machines were huge, the event was held at two different places: one at the lower ground floor where the 3D Design and Printing Hub was located, and another at a few floors higher where we saw other products like the CCTV, headset, storage, and other systems solutions.

These were just some of the attractions we got to see at the WSI Unboxed event, a special gathering held on March 15, 2016, at the WSI Corporate Center in Makati City for all technology journalists and bloggers to announce the new products and offerings of Wordtext Systems, Inc. (WSI), the oldest pure IT distributor in the Philippines.

Singapore Airlines’ Special A380 Flight to Bangkok for Songkran Festival and Amazing Deals for Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Traveling to the exquisite cities of Thailand has always been a dream for many travellers. With the country’s rich tourism, travelers can find almost anything and everything – cultural and historical sites, white sand beaches, unique festivals and delightful cuisine, among others.

As Singapore Airlines continues its year-long celebration of its 50th Anniversary in the Philippines, the Airline is offering all-in special round trip Economy Class fares to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket from just USD250 per passenger, valid for a minimum of two passengers travelling together on the same itinerary. Solo travelers also get an all-in exceptional deal from just USD280.

Special SIA A380 Flight to Bangkok

For travellers flying from 12-14 April 2016, they can experience flying on SIA A380 on flights SQ975 and SQ972 as the double-decker flies to Bangkok for the Songkran Festival to be held from 13-15 April 2016. The A380 is dubbed as the most comfortable and spacious aircraft ever to grace the skies, and Singapore Airlines is the first Airline to introduce the A380 to the market globally. Customers who will travel on the Singapore Airlines A380 will experience unsurpassed standards of luxury and sophistication in air travel.

66th Palanca Awards Now Accepting Entries

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (Palanca Awards), the country’s longest-running literary contest, is reaching out anew to all writers looking to showcase their literary genius.

Now on its 66th year, its organizer and sponsor, the Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. (Palanca Foundation), announced that it is now accepting entries for the Awards’ categories, which are as follows:

· English Division – Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry Written for Children, One-act Play, and Full-length Play;

· Filipino Division – Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tulang Para sa mga Bata, Dulang May Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap ang Haba, and Dulang Pampelikula;

· Regional Languages Division – Short Story-Cebuano, Short Story-Hiligaynon, and Short Story-Ilokano.

Microsoft Office 365 Now Available in More Than 100 Appliance Centers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In its continuing effort to make solutions most accessible and empower every individual to achieve more, Microsoft Philippines announced that Office 365 is now available in more than 100 major appliance centers nationwide.

Productivity sits at the heart of Microsoft Office 365, whether it’s for the home or the business, with all the tools to get things done — be it on your desktop, on the web, and other devices in between.

“Making Office 365 available through other channels is a true testament on how technology and solutions should be: accessible and ready for optimum use,” said Jerry Bongco, Consumer Channels Group Director.

For every Office 365 subscription, users have the full power of familiar Office applications at their fingertips, such as Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, plus a suite of solutions that is built and maximized for teamwork. Through its cloud storage on OneDrive, one can access files on any device, anytime, anywhere. With Office 365, you can have your data anywhere and at any time. Collaboration is also punctuated with the Office 365, allowing you to do real time co-authoring, create a compelling digital story on a fun Microsoft app, reach landlines in various countries through Skype.

Have a Summer Escapade with The Grove by Rockwell’s Tastes and Travels Raffle Promo!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This summer, sip cocktails and bask in the sunset at Bali or get away from the bustling city’s noise and relax at Aruga at The Grove. Take a break from your daily grind and treat yourself to a well-deserved vacation.

Get a chance to win an overnight stay in Aruga at The Grove or a trip for 2 in Bali! The Grove by Rockwell will be raffling off two (2) 3 days, 2 nights stays at a 2-bedroom suite at Aruga at The Grove and four (4) round trip Cathay Pacific Economy Tickets to Bali.

Dine and shop at The Grove Retail Row from March 7 to May 31, 2016. For a single receipt of P500 at any establishment at The Grove Retail Row or a minimum purchase of P1000 at Rustan’s Supermarket, shoppers can avail of a raffle stub. The promo is open to all The Grove by Rockwell retail customers of legal age with a Philippine address. The raffle contest will have two draws, which will be on April 18 and June 1. Raffle stubs can be dropped at the Redemption Booth located at The Grove Sales lounge, The Grove by Rockwell, E. Rodriguez Jr Ave, Ugong, Pasig City.

To know more about the raffle mechanics, visit The Grove by Rockwell’s Facebook page (The Grove by Rockwell) and Instagram page (@thegrovebyrockwell).

Dickies to Launch New Underwear Line and Brand Ambassador

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Global streetwear brand Dickies will be launching its new underwear line called Dickies Intimates with local television’s it-girl as the brand ambassador. Catch her walk down the runway and perform with her band, a revelation you cannot miss.

Here are some clues on who Dickies Intimates brand ambassador is. She recently released a box-office hit under Star Cinema which grossed over Php 100M. Her soap opera that wrapped up less than a month ago, triumphed in the ratings game nationwide. And with her success as an actress, Dickies Intimates new brand ambassador leads a double life and is the vocalist of a famous rock band.

Can you guess who the endorser is?

But even without the brand ambassador, Dickies is a quality brand that is both durable, comfy and sensible to wear and flaunt. You would want that especially for your underwear. I would buy their products even without any endorser.

Lubao International Balloon Festival 2016: Soon to Heat Up Summer from Sunrise to Sunset on April 14 to 17

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We saw ourselves uploading photos with the hashtag #LubaoIBF2016. Of course, that would include our favorite selfies posted on instgram, Twitter, Facebook and every other social media that's connected to my app. The venue had cute and adorable hot air balloon decors per table, a lot of tarps around to indicate some of the sponsors, and the huge signage on stage indicates the event for that day.

The organizers came in carrying their official outfits for the day, and they wore them before the presscon started. But before that, everyone enjoyed having lunch at the Passion restaurant of Resort's World Manila.

Everyone is excited and eager to listen to the press conference held at Resorts World in Manila for the biggest annual hot air balloon festival in Southeast Asia is back! The hist introduced the main organizers led by Event Chairman Hilario Castro Jr, and Event Director Steve Kim. Rambo Nunez Ortega was also there as the Event Organizer.

Accoring to the organizers, there's a total of forty one (41) colorful hot air balloons from different countries that will fly to the skies of Pampanga at this year’s Lubao International Balloon Festival (LIBF) on April 14 to 17 at the Pradera Verde, Prado Siongco, Lubao, Pampanga.

Unsafe Space 2 at Big D's Eastwood City Walk 2

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It's the Comedy Cartel and once again, they are going all out in their signature Uncensored show, Unsafe Space!

Big D's Smokehouse and Comedy Cartel presents Unsafe Space 2 at Eastwood City walk 2, March 19, Saturday 9:30PM.

Check the poster for details on reservations. See you there! (The show is not family-friendly, okay?)

Globe Media Excellence Awards Now in its 5th Year

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Globe Telecom is staging its fifth Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA) this year to recognize excellence in journalism exemplified by print and online media as well as bloggers, and social media influencers in Visayas and Mindanao.

Globe Telecom first launched its Media Excellence Awards in Cebu and Davao in 2012 to promote freedom of the press and media excellence by recognizing media practitioners who demonstrate excellence in their field of work.

Last year, GMEA expanded its coverage to Bacolod and Iloilo in Visayas, and General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga in Mindanao. In its fifth milestone year in 2016, GMEA is expected to become bigger, better, and grander.

This year's GMEA is anchored on Globe Telecom's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and support for the #WonderfulPH campaign.“The critical role of traditional media organizations and, of late, the social media in forming public opinion makes it imperative for an ICT enabler like Globe to encourage excellence in this field as we all aspire to effect societal change towards a more wonderful Philippines,” Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto said.

Revitalizing Energy Efficiency and Conservation Efforts

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) steps up initiatives towards energy efficiency and conservation through finalizing the Philippine Energy Standards and Labeling Program (PESLP), which will be a key contribution to the attainment of the country’s aspirational target to reduce energy intensity by 45% by 2035.

"We’re almost done in updating the Philippine Energy Standards and Labeling Program, which would cover a wider range of appliances and lighting systems, and to include even light duty motor vehicles,” said OIC-Assistant Secretary Patrick T. Aquino. He added that comments and suggestions raised during the public consultations held in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao last February were given substantial weight in the finalization of the PESLP to make the policy more responsive to the needs of all stakeholders.

The PESLP initially covers room air-conditioners, split-type aircons, refrigerators with 5-8 cubic feet storage capacity, and three types of fluorescent lamp (CFL, linear and circular) and electronic ballasts.

This initiative is in line with the DOE’s “energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C)” program, as a major aspect in cutting down the country’s carbon emissions.

Maine Mendoza is BDO’s Newest Endorser

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Maine Mendoza, whose overwhelming stardom not only took the entire country but also the world by storm, is now a proud endorser of BDO Unibank.

The 21-year-old phenomenal celebrity says it was a dream to partner with BDO for the reason “Abot ang pangarap pag BDO ang kausap”. Like Maine who is a self-confessed big-time dreamer, people would like to have their own house, car, and business to manage. With BDO’s right solutions, these dreams can turn into reality.

Maine’s TV commercial is officially out Wednesday on major TV channels, BDO’s official facebook page and youtube channel. She will help you find ways to reach your dream!

Cash Cab Philippines Set to Conclude Debut Season on High Note

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The coolest cab in town has definitely made commuting in the city a cheerier task. Since premiering last December, Cash Cab Philippines has entertained viewers with its mobile trivia game show. It immediately went into high gear, consistently enjoying good ratings.

Host Ryan Agoncillo, a matinee idol-turned-host extraordinaire and a devoted father has played “Kuya Driver” since December. He has traversed the streets of Metro Manila in an inconspicuous taxi cab for months, picking up passengers and instantly transporting them to a game show stage.

Cash Cab aired its original version first in the United Kingdom and has since invaded the streets in other countries in Europe and Asia.

This March, Cash Cab is set to wrap up its first “trip” around the bustling streets of Manila and viewers are expected to await announcements regarding a second season.

Catch the last episode of Cash Cab Philippines tomorrow, Thursday at 9:15pm on AXN.

Carmudi Ensures Car Buying Safety with Rapide Partnership

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As shopping for a vehicle can now be done in various ways—online, dealerships and pre-owned shops, among others—the risk of being victimized by fraudsters increases. Horror stories about restored flooded vehicles, or cars that figured in countless accidents being sold at attractive prices are usually the case of secondhand vehicles, so how would you know if the pre-owned car you’re eyeing is a good buy?

Based on the research made by the National Telehealth Center under the University of the Philippines, there are 44.2 million active internet users in the Philippines. With that figure alone, it is easy to say that around the same number are possible victims of online fraud.

First time buyers of pre-owned vehicles would always say that there is no foolproof solution when it comes to purchasing a secondhand vehicle, except maybe bringing a trusted mechanic to assess the overall condition of the vehicle one wants to buy.

Many sellers would brag about the capabilities of the car, the money shelled out putting aftermarket parts, but some have failed— intentionally or not—to mention even the most glaring issues, just to have the vehicles peddled or traded.

Here's An Affordable Calling Plan to the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

For as low as P700 per month, Airtel customers from around the world using the airtel talk app get access to unlimited calls to Globe/TM customers in the Philippines

Globe Telecom has forged a partnership with Bharti Airtel to give Airtel customers from around the world access to an affordable calling plan to the Philippines via Airtel’s voice calling app airtel talk.

With the partnership, airtel talk users can make unlimited high-quality VoIP calls to their Globe and TM contacts in the country for as low as USD14.99 or P700 for a 30-day period, or only P23.30 per day.

Available on both iOS and Android, airtel talk offers superior call quality, exclusive call me free service, multi-party conferencing, voice message chat, multi-device access, free audio/video app-to-app calling, and instant phonebook access.

“We are very excited about this partnership with Airtel as we cement our commitment to help bridge the gap between Filipinos around the world and their loved ones back home through affordable calling services and rates. Calling remains an effective means to connect Filipino families with each other and through this collaboration, we are able to offer an affordable calling plan via airtel talk. This is indeed another milestone in the regional telco landscape as two of the biggest telcos converge to give customers another innovative service that gives customers access to unlimited calling at a price within reach,” says Nikko Acosta, Senior Vice President for International Business Group at Globe.

Luxury Properties and Their Place in Philippine Real Estate

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Despite the challenges the Philippine economy continues to face, it still enjoys steady growth, with no less than the World Bank projecting a rate of 6.4 percent for the country in 2016. Real estate has been a beneficiary of, and contributor to, this sustained growth, with the nation’s capital of Metro Manila going as far as being included in Jones Lang LaSalle’s Commercial Attraction Index as one of the top 30 real estate investment cities in the world.

Expectedly, many predict that the continued shift of demand toward middle-income properties will be what will help sustain overall growth of the real estate market the most, as it is these properties that can be afforded by most with disposable incomes. In no way does this devalue luxury properties, however, as mentioned in Lamudi Philippine’s 2015 Real Estate Report: “There are many reasons why ultra-luxurious properties are considered a safe investment: their values rarely—if ever—stagnate.”

The report further indicated how leasing, both from local tenants and the expanding expatriate population, will be an increasing source of yield for these luxury properties, and that the most definitive of these are found in the cities of Makati and Taguig, and in a number of high-end townships in Cavite and Laguna.

Contaminated Coca-Cola or Coke Products: Not Isolated Cases, Complainants Offered Two Cases of Softdrinks in Exchange

Wazzup Pilipinas!

EXCLUSIVE: We have an exclusive Video Interview with a victim of contaminated softdrink. Inside the unopened 1 litter bottle of @Royal Tru Orange softdrink is an X.O. Coffee Candy wrapper.
This is alarming as this is not an isolated case. There were others who communicated with us about their own cases where they found unwanted objects in their softdrink bottles and we will also soon interview them.

Another woman called our attention via Facebook message that she also has a contaminated Coke product where similar a candy wrapper can be found. I still have to schedule an interview with her.

Reports keep coming in from other people as well. We will collect all of these interviews and give you updates soon.

These are very new cases as they reveal that the discovery only happened recently. This is not my first time to hear about dirty softdrink bottles where foreign objects where found inside, so the public should be warned about the safety and health hazard in drinking softdrinks that are obviously unsafe to consume aside from the negative effects they give to our over-all health.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Soon on March 26

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, an Atlas Entertainment/Cruel and Unusual production, a Zack Snyder film, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, starring Oscar winner Ben Affleck (“Argo”) as Batman/Bruce Wayne and Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent in the characters’ first big-screen pairing. 

Directed by Snyder, the film also stars Oscar nominees Amy Adams (“American Hustle”), Jesse Eisenberg (“The Social Network”), Diane Lane (“Unfaithful”) and Laurence Fishburne (“What’s Love Got to Do with It”); Oscar winners Jeremy Irons (“Reversal of Fortune”) and Holly Hunter (“The Piano”); and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince. 

Snyder directed from a screenplay written by Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer, based on characters from DC Comics, including Batman, created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger, and Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. 

The film is produced by Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder, with Wesley Coller, Geoff Johns and David S. Goyer serving as executive producers. 

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will be released in 3D, 2D, and in select IMAX 3D theaters worldwide beginning March 25, 2016, from Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. batmanvsupermandawnofjustice.net

Nashville’s Divas Returns for a Fourth Season

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Critically acclaimed country musical TV series Nashville returns for its 4th Season.

Known for naming each episode after country songs, this series follows the lives of country singers on and off the stage. Starring Connie Britton as a country music celebrity whose star has begun fading, and Hayden Panetierre, as the toast of the industry.

Season 3 ended with a cliffhanger, with viewers wondering if Deacon Claybourne (Charles Esten) died. The series is already known to be an emotional roller coaster ride.

Rayna James’ (Britton) love life will quickly unfold early into season 4. With her career seemingly back on track, will she finally have everything by finding “the One?” Meanwhile, Juliette Barnes (Panetierre), is still a huge star at the top of her game but things seem a bit different off stage.

Follow the latest season on the lives of these two country divas on Sony Channel, premiering on March 21, Monday at 8:50pm on Sony Channel.

Sony Channel is seen on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cable Link Channel 39.

The New MINI Clubman: Go With Your Gut

Wazzup Pilipinas!

MINI Asia and MINI Philippines have introduced the new MINI Clubman to conquer the premium compact segment. The new model offers the highest level of everyday practicality, long distance suitability, versatility and ride comfort ever seen in a MINI.

At a lavish launch held at Axion Green Sun located at Pasong Tamo Extension on March 10, 2016, we got to see the unveiling of the new MINI Clubman luxury vehicles namely the MINI Cooper Clubman and the MINI Cooper S Clubman. 

MINI Executives Willy Tee Ten, President and Sunny Medalla, Head of Asia Pacific, were there to give their message about the new models. MINI Philippines General Manager Lito Jose was also there for the ceremonial toast welcoming the new MINI Clubman models.

The venue was themed with cool, classy and sophisticated displays showing how you would also look when driving the new MINI Clubman. 

There were areas where you can have a haircut and a shoe shine, a spot where they customize you leather key holder with your initials,  bars for cocktails and coffee, displays of artistic furniture form a famous designer, a spot for suits, shirts and ties from a foreign brand, a couple of food stalls where you can queue for pasta, salads, and many other choices, a dessert station for the sweet tooth, and a sala set where you can relax and unwind while sipping your cocktails.

Energizer PH Partners with Warner Bros. Pictures to Boost Fans’ “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” Movie Experience

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Last year, Energizer launched its Energizer Max batteries, which are 35 percent longer-lasting than its previous version. Now, Energizer Philippines, Inc., partners with Warners Bros. Pictures on its upcoming release, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” coming to cinemas in the Philippines on March 26, 2016.

The epic action adventure features the much-awaited battle between the world’s most iconic Super Heroes in their first-ever big screen pairing. Adding to the excitement, Energizer will launch a promotional activity featuring limited edition Superman, Batman and WonderWoman-inspired collectibles.

According to Claire Guevarra, Senior Brand Manager of Energizer Philippines, the company’s partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures made it possible for the company to share positivenergy with its Filipino customers, who are fans of the famous Super Heroes as well.

“This gives a new perspective to what Energizer can do for its customers. With the partnership, we can share positivenergy with our Filipino consumers,” Guevarra said. “Just like these legendary DC Comics characters, Energizer is also powered to bring to life the battery-operated gadgets owned by Filipinos, making lives more convenient and entertaining. For us, that’s positivenergy beyond borders.” 

Classical Japanese Artists Comes to Manila for Mar. 20 One Night Concert at UP Abelardo Hall

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Independent Philippine Art Ventures, Inc., presents THREE, TWO, ONE…ARAI ! - an afternoon of contemporary and classical guitar music with three outstanding artists from Japan namely Tomonori Arai, soloist and Takashi Endo and Eisei Tanigawa of the Trussardi Duo.

THREE, TWO, ONE…ARAI ! will be held on March 20 (Sunday) - 5:30 p.m. at the UP Abelardo Hall Auditorium located at the UP College of Music, UP Diliman, QC.

The repertoire includes classical and samba music as solos, duets, and trios.

Two promising young Filipino guitarists, Sting Asistores, 15, and Marlee Pabico, 18, both from the Philippine High School for the Arts, are slated to open the concert.

The concert is supported by Japan Foundation-Manila, and is part of the 60th anniversary celebration of Philippine-Japanese Friendship.

Concertgoers are encouraged to enjoy the UP campus that bustles with activity on Sundays. People hike, bike, walk, picnic, fly kites. The family-oriented concert will be a good way to cap a Sunday.

Philstage Gawad Buhay!’s 2015 Nominations Out

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Mabining Mandirigma,” a reappraisal in musical form of the heroism and legacy of Apolinario Mabini that featured the radical casting of a female actor in the role of the revolutionary patriot, took the lead in the 2015 nominations for the Gawad Buhay!, the Philstage Awards for the Performing Arts, with 13 nods in the performance and technical categories.

Following “Mabining Mandirigma” is the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s “Arbol de Fuego,” which transposed Anton Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard” to the haciendas of Negros in the martial law era, with 12 nominations.

Receiving 10 nominations each are 9 Works Theatrical’s production of the Broadway musical “La Cage aux Folles,” the Philippine premiere of Larry Kramer’s AIDS drama “The Normal Heart” staged by Actor’s Actors Inc. and The Necessary Theatre, and Ballet Philippines’ Christmas presentation “Peter Pan.”

Now on its eighth year, Gawad Buhay! is the first-ever industry awards exclusively for the performing arts juried by an independent panel of critics, scholars, artists and theater enthusiasts. Outstanding individual and group achievements in various artistic and technical aspects of play, musical and dance productions and performances are honored based on quarterly citations deliberated by members of the jury who are required to watch all productions of Philstage member-companies for the entire year.

PH Set to Become World’s Next Tourism Hub

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Tourism has become one of the major economic drivers in the Philippines, marked with strong, continued, and uninterrupted growth in both visitor arrivals and receipts, making the country ripe to become the world’s next tourism destination.

According to the Department of Tourism, tourism remained profitable and accounted for an estimated US$5.0 billion or P227.62 billion worth of international visitor receipts in 2015. This is 5.92% greater than the 2014 total earnings, with the month of December 2015 yielding the peak of all tourism activities at P23.47 billion and the month of September 2015 registering the highest growth of 24.24%.

Korea continued to be the top spending market with visitor spending amounting to P66.55 billion for the year 2015. The United States ranked second with P42.31 billion, followed by Australia with P12.83 billion, overtaking Japan which provided P12.20 billion to take the fourth spot. Completing the top five spending markets is China with visitor spending of P10.19 billion.

For the year 2015, tourists spend an average of P4,888.82. They also spent heavily last year, with an average per capita expenditure of P48,350.44. Their average length of stay in the country is registered at around 10 nights.

DOE Warns Public Against Patronizing "Bote-Bote" Gasoline/Diesel

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) is reiterating its warning to the public of the dangers "bote-bote" may cause to lives and properties. This is with the observed rampant proliferation of illegal sale of liquid fuels (i.e., gasoline, diesel) in “bote-bote.”

Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada strongly emphasized that “peddling of liquid fuels in any container, such as, soda bottles, plastic bottles, jugs and other similar portable containers are strictly prohibited,” which is stipulated under the existing Department Circular No. DC2003-11-010 also known as the Retail Rules. She also stressed that improper handling of liquid fuels may lead to accidental fire, illnesses due to inhalation of hazardous fumes, and undesirable effects to the environment.

The DOE notes that liquid fuels are highly combustible and flammable products, and therefore require proper storage and handling as provided under the Fire Code of the Philippines. Thus, as the country observes the National Fire Prevention Month spearheaded by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), "bote-bote" must not be patronized, especially following increase of cases of fire accidents during summer period.

In order to eliminate the bote-bote scheme, the DOE encourages persistent participation of the consuming public, mostly motorists, in this advocacy by buying from authorized and formal gas stations only, instead of patronizing illegal liquid fuel peddlers, as this does not assure the public of “proper fuel quality and right quantity.” The motorists should realize that they may actually be short changed, and end up spending more for repairs, or worse, accidents.

Mu Sigma Phi Fraternity & Sorority Proudly Present Scholarship Week 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Mu Sigma Phi Fraternity and Sorority of the UP College of Medicine brings you its annual Scholarship Week this coming March 28 to April 4, 2016.

The lineup of events for the week include:

Alam Mu Ba? A trivia quiz night for the brods and sisses of the Mu Sigma Phi on March 28, 2016 (7pm) at Astral Tower Roofdeck

Excellence Knowledge Genius (EKG): an inter-University Pre-Medical Quiz Show on March 29, 2016 (6pm) at Buenafe Hall, Calderon, UP College of Medicine

25th Brainstorm: an inter-medical school quiz competition on March 31, 2016 (6pm) at Robinsons Place Manila Midtown Atrium

EBM and Beyond: Basic Epidemiology Workshop on April 2, 2016 (7AM-5PM) at Buenafe Hall, UP College of Medicine

and MedEx: Medical Career Expo for PGH interns on April 4, 2016 (8AM-5PM) at the PGH Science Hall.

All these and more this coming Scholarship Week 2016!

Tips on Maximizing Our Potential As a Top-Notch Blogger

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The months of March, April and May are so tight with events, ang hirap maghanap ng time for meetings. No worries, pili na lang ng kayang puntahan then offer na lang sa iba yung di kakayanin. It's called blessing-sharing....better than event-hopping! Lol!

I don't have the stomach to cut events (coming in late or leaving early) so that I can attend the most events possible. It's more important to have less events but able to come up with more quality and substantial outputs. The less stressed we are, the more rested we are to write cleverly-crafted and timely stories with awesome photos and videos. Hindi yung puro partial and less creative event coverage, and delayed posting na lang palagi. Ouch!!! Iwas na lang ang tatamaan.

If ever I do come to events late, or leave early, those were for special reasons that requires my immediate and personal attention. Like receiving an award at the next event, or just dropping by at an event due to a special request from the organizers.

It is admirable that we exert every effort to make our outputs as timely and creative as possible regardless of how big or small the event is. I keep stressing timely, and creative, but would also like to emphasize on news and stories having complete and substantial content. Below are my thoughts about how to improve our blogging activities as I've personally experienced and learned throughout my few years within the community.

We are not sharing this because we think we are among the best blogs out there, we are sharing this because we believe our almost three years of experience as a blog is more than enough to qualify recommending tips based on our experience. We will soon be celebrating our third year only so there are still a lot to learn, and we are always open to learn and re-learn new or better things to maximize our potential as the self-declared Pambansang Blog ng Pilipinas, or the National Blog of the Philippines.

JPCS Explore IT and National General Assembly 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Junior Philippine Computer Society (JPCS) is pleased to invite your JPCS Chapter Members and Faculty Advisers to participate in the JPCS EXPLORE IT AND NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2016.

The theme for this year is “Building a Culture of Innovation, Responding to the Call of Change”. The objectives of this annual JPCS event are:

1. To explore the challenges that not only lay ahead, but also probe some ideas and solutions on various disciplines in IT and their applications. This is an event to watch as students are expected to display their brilliant ingenuity and exceptional ability.

2. To recognize the ability of students to produce and come up with real business solution outputs through innovation and creativity. As we aspire to develop innovate solution, this event will serve as venue to challenge student’s abilities and will add value to their work.

3. To further strengthen the connection among all the JPCS chapters by means of exposing the members to several challenging physical activities, promoting networking, and lead in today's environment in the labor force and in the forefront of technology in business.

School of Life - Pochology 101: Passion Statement

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Why did you wake up this morning? What got you out of your bed and into the shower, to changing your clothes to leaving the house to go to wherever you need to go?

For most people, the answer is one and the same – to work and earn money.

But let me ask you… if that’s all you do day in and day out, does it make you HAPPY?

There’s nothing wrong with earning money. We all need money to fulfill some basic needs, and that includes me. But when money becomes your primary motivation to do anything, you end up tired and sad and bitter because you know in your heart there’s something ELSE you would like to do.

That something else is your PASSION.

BalayMindanaw Launches Awards for Outstanding Partner Barangays

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BalayMindanaw Group (BMG) is launching its first-ever BalayMindanaw Awards to celebrate its 20th year of existence by recognizing and acknowledging outstanding partner barangays.

“Through the awards, we will celebrate local victories in building empowered, sustainable, resilient and peaceful communities,” said President and Founder of BalayMindanaw, Charlito “Kaloy” Manlupig.

The BalayMindanaw Awards seeks to recognize citizens' initiatives of barangay governance to make a difference by working towards equity, development, peace and resiliency.

“We wish to recognize community-based and barangay-focused initiatives and best practices. Inspired by their examples, we see our 20th anniversary as the time to give back to our partners,” he said.

All BalayMindanaw partner barangays, of at least 3 years standing, in the Visayas and Mindanao can be nominated for the BalayMindanaw Awards.

There are 4 categories for the awards. The Kaangayan Award is for communities that have shown outstanding local capacities in addressing issues of injustice and inequities.

Kick Off the Summer Season at the 3rd PMA Summer Expo!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The summer season has started, and a way to enjoy it is by coming to the PMA Summer Expo! Get the latest deals, be informed with the latest trends and be entertained in the two-day Summer Dance Craze competition.

The Summer Expo is a showcase of businesses from various fields that offer a wide selection of choices and deals. Having troubles where to go? We have a showcase of the popular resorts where you can relax. Can’t get enough and you want to go to other places outside the country? We have tips on that too. Thinking of making yourself fit? We’ve got your back! We even have suggestions on what to do as summer ends.

Alongside the exhibits, the Summer Expo also has its set of informative talks from people and businesses to give you an idea of what to do during and after a vacation.

Last but not the last, the two-day Summer Dance Craze competition will gather dance groups from all around the metro and nearby provinces to prove who’s better at dancing. With the theme “Summer na, Sayaw na,” this will pump out the vibe of everyone.

Come to the Glorietta Activity Area this March 29 to 31, 2016 and feel the summer vibe at the PMA Summer Expo! For partnerships, call tel. no. 633-0153, 643-3887, or email info@exlinkevents.com.

Wazzup Pilipinas is a proud media partner of the 3rd PMA Summer Expo.

Globe Business Earns Certification for Excellence in IT Service Management

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Globe Telecom information and communication technology (ICT) arm Globe Business achieved another milestone as it recently earned an ISO 20000 or the Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) certification through its Technical Services Support Management Group (TSSM).

Accepting the ISO 20000 are Globe Business Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT Enabled Services Group Mike Frausing (6th from the left) and Globe Business Head of the Technical Services Support Management (TSSM) Group Meo Perez (5th from the left). With them is the rest of Globe Business TSSM team.

ISO 20000 is an international IT standard certification awarded to companies which demonstrate excellence and embody best practices in IT management. It leverages on evidence-based benchmarks to ensure companies continuously improve delivery of their IT services.

“This certification attests to our preparedness and readiness to address the needs of our partners and clients so we feel honored to receive it as testament to quality service delivery,” said Mike Frausing, Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT-Enabled Services Group at Globe. TSSM provides end-to-end technical management for Globe Business clients, from service desk to service management.

Senior Theater Students of Miriam College Proudly Presents "Tanikalang Korona"

Wazzup Pilipinas!

How far can one endure the rottenness of a crumbling home?

The Senior Theater students of Miriam College in cooperation with the Applied Arts Society (AASOC), presents “Tanikalang Korona,” an adaptation of Layeta Bucoy’s Tatlong Prinsesa, Dalawang Ina, Isang Hangal. This is under the direction of Mr. Abner Delina Jr. and supervision of Mr. Armando Rutaquio Jr.

The play tells a spinoff story of King Lears’ three daughters: Gonerila, Regania and Cordelia, longing for the love from their parents but given the wrong affection by their father. Prisoners in their own home, they do not know where to go.

The play aims to present the ‘men in women.’ There is no sight of any man but it bends gender boundaries by presenting the sense of manhood in the female characters, while the story exposes miscommunication, misunderstanding, abuse, and identity crisis that shatter family relationships.

Tanikalang Korona runs on March 17 (Thursday), 18 (Friday) and 19 (Saturday), 2016, 7pm at the Miriam College, Arts and Design Studio (ADS) Trellis.

For ticket inquiry, please contact: 09173147145/09776246965

Flash Announces "Life with Metal" Photo Contest

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Flash launches biggest photography contest yet. Flash invites photography enthusiasts to join its ‘Life with Metal’ photography contest, the company’s biggest photography initiative to date.

Coming on the heels of the launch of its two flagship smartphones, Flash has been consistent in engaging with its customers through online activities. This time, Flash invites its customers to submit photos with a metal element and share how it complements their daily lives. Ten lucky winners from around the world will receive the latest premium Flash smartphone.

To join, just visit the website at http://www.flash3c.com/ph/life-with-metal/. Promo ends until March 20, 2016 only.

Transmission Tower No. 25 Restored Connecting Cheap Power from Hydro

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In constant pursuit for adequate and reliable power in Mindanao, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Securing Energy Facilities (IATFSEF), headed by the Department of Energy (DOE), has successfully restored Tower No. 25 today (March 14), which connected the generated power from Agus Hydroelectric Plant Units 1 and 2.

The Members of the IATFSEF commenced restoration activities on March 05 or 24 hours after the court ruling from Regional Trial Court of Lanao del Sur was served to the Sambitory family (the defendants), directing them to allow access in their claimed property for the rehabilitation to proceed smoothly.

“With the cooperation from all stakeholders to restore Tower No. 25, Mindanaoans have again enjoyed about 80 megawatts of cheaper and cleaner power supply from the Agus plants. This will substantially result in reduction of rotating brownouts in the affected areas,” Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada said.

Moreover, the IATFSEF calls on further public support following the execution of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 10067 deputizing member agencies to implement clearing of trees, infrastructures and any obstructions beneath the transmission facilities to ensure reliable power during the national and local elections in May.

Smarter Same Day Delivery at the Touch of a Button

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Zyllem, one of the fastest growing delivery service providers in the country, now makes its same day delivery services available for consumers and businesses in Metro Manila. These same day services, which are offered along with premium one and two hour express delivery services, are available from Monday to Saturday. Deliveries can be booked in advance or on the same day.

“We want to change the way logistics is done. Before, we would have to wait for one to three days for a package that we bought days ago to arrive,” said Quito San Agustin, country managing director of Zyllem Philippines.

“With this smarter platform, we don’t just deliver on the same day. We can deliver within hours. We are driven by the aim to change the way businesses respond to their customers’ needs. We want to help our clients to delight their own customers,” he said.

The company’s platform can be easily accessed through desktop and mobile devices.

“Through this smarter platform, we are able to connect businesses to delivery service providers, and help them better manage their logistics requirements.” he added.

Get Ready to Amplify Your Passion with New JBL Audio Equipment

Wazzup Pilipinas!

JBL, a global audio equipment brand, understands that we are all unique individuals with various interests. But they also know what links us all together, and that is our desire to excel in our own passion.

As the leader in revolutionary sound, the brand continues to push audio boundaries through innovation and personalized sound technology.

The brand recently held a two-day event, dubbed as the #AmplifyPassion, at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati on March 10 to 11 to introduce their extensive line of headphones  that will fit everyone's interests and needs and push them further with JBL's signature sound and design.

Their brand ambassadors, volleyball superstar Michelle Gumabao and fashion blogger Camille Co, also made an appearance during the media launch held on the afternoon of March 10. We have special video coverage of the event featuring messages from the two ambassadors and also with the executives from JBL.

We are fully aware that not all headphones are alike. Some are not equipped with the latest technologies to provide the most soothing and captivating sound that will set them leading the race among other consumer favorites.

Open Letter of UPLB Student Stephen Villena to Duterte Supporters

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Stephen, salamat.

Maraming salamat kasi nagtanong ka, hindi para i-angat ang kung sinuman, kundi para maging boses ng mga taong walang pagkakataon para makapagtanong sa mga kandidato.

Maraming salamat dahil kahit "freshman" ka pa lang ay hindi ka nagpakulong sa sistema at paniniwala na mas may alam ang nakatatanda.

At higit sa lahat, maraming salamat dahil isa kang aktibong mag-aaral para sa pagbabago at ikauunlad ng ating lipunan at ng mga mamamayan nito." - Marielle Chico
Below is a reported open letter of UPLB student Stephen Villena, the one who was reported to have been rude in questioning presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte at an Academic Forum held at the University of the Philippines Los Banos.

While Duterte was answering, he interrupted him and insisted that Duterte answer directly instead of going through a lengthy back story of issues. After the event, the student was reportedly receiving a lot of flak from netizens, even to the points of death threats for him and his family.

Did the media exaggerated the issues and twisted the facts to make it look like there's a misbehavior that transpired. Did Duterte intentionally tried to avoid answering in detail because he also doe snot have any clear plan on how to implement his campaign promises of increasing the salary of policemen?

I guess we all should be the judge by watching the video.

Duterte Camp, UPLB Student, and What People Believe

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Do you get bashed when you point out the weaknesses of Duterte's campaign, and get the same treatment when you point out its strengths?

Presidential candidate and former Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte attended a transparency forum at the University of the Philippines Los Baños campus on Friday, March 11. However, the students were disappointed he entertained only four questions, and was criticized for not giving concrete and straight answers.

The UPLB student asked a loaded question, and didn't wait for an answer because he wanted to hear the solutions directly without all the "palabok" or flowery ad libs. Was the student ignorant of circumlocution and just wanted to embarrass a candidate? We all want these political candidates to cut to the chase and just state their actual plans attached to their glorious promises.

Did the UPLB student disrespect Duterte?

The campaign leaders and Duterte himself have an obligation to disown and publicly reject the hooliganism of some of its supporters. We should be seeing a lot of disowning from every presidentiable PR team online with the way mud is flowing online. Duterte-die-hards are offensive, but don't single out Duterte here. Other bets are also doing shit.

Cloudera Partners With Computrade Technology Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A partnership between Cloudera, unified platform provider for big data enterprise data hub built on Apache Hadoop, and Computrade Technology Philippines, Inc. (CTPI), a leading IT infrastructure solution provider and is the Philippine subsidiary of PT Computrade Technology International (CTI Group), a leading IT Infrastructure solution provider. 

Cloudera, is revolutionary enterprise data management that offers a unified platform for big data. It is an enterprise data hub built on Apache Hadoop. As the leading educator of Hadoop professionals, Cloudera has trained over 40,000 individuals worldwide. Over 2,100 partners and a seasoned professional services team help deliver greater time to value. Leading organizations in every industry plus top public sector organizations globally run Cloudera in production.

Cloudera offers enterprises one place to store, access, process, secure, and analyze all their data, empowering them to extend the value of existing investments while enabling fundamental new ways to derive value from their data. Cloudera's open source big data platform is the most widely adopted in the world, and Cloudera is the most prolific contributor to the open source Hadoop ecosystem.

A 360 Degree Perspective in Leadership!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As Business Management Society (BMS) of DLSU turns 30 this year, its annual activity entitled “BMS Leadership Symposium 2016” is now opening its doors to external participants. The main objective of the annual leadership seminar is to promote the personal development of the organization’s members, while encouraging them to become the next future leaders of the country.

BMS Presents: Leadership Symposium 2016 will encompass a 360 degree point of view theme, covering major types of leadership in 4 different fields. This event will serve as a ground to inspire the youth to become the kind of leaders they want to be through Good Governance, Advocacy Leadership, Student Representation, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The well-acclaimed speakers of the activity are Mr. Paul Hata, Chairman of British Cambridge Institute for Advocacy Leadership, Mr. Jayson Lo, motivational speaker for Student Leadership, and Mr. Dan Lachica, President of SEIPI, for CSR.

The event will take place on March 18, 2016 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 NN at 4th floor Multipurpose room of Henry Sy Hall in De La Salle University.

Be involved and be inspired!