2016-03-20 ~ Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Saturday, March 26, 2016

CineMo, Now More Than Just Movies…

Wazzup Pilipinas!

CineMo, ABS-CBN TVplus’ first and only all-day movie channel on free digital TV, will not just showcase films daily as it announces its newest sitcom, Funny Ka Pare Ko.

This coming April 2016, the exclusive ABS-CBN TVplus channel will finally launch its first locally produced content, Funny Ka Pare Ko, starring Bayani Agbayani, Karla Estrada, and Jayson Gainza.

Also included in the cast are It’s Showtime’s Funny One grand winner, Ryan Rem Sarita, popularly known with his catch phrase “Rakenrol to the world,” and It’s Showtime’s Funny One finalists Nonong Ballinan, No Direction (Steven, Sadam and Bangkay), Crazy Duo (Diego and Gedent).

CineMo was introduced exclusively on ABS-CBN TVplus “mahiwagang black box.” Its newest sitcom will be shown alongside all the other movie offers of wide range of action, comedy and horror movies, both local and foreign.

To enjoy more of CineMo and other ABS-CBN TVplus’ exclusive channels, avail the “mahiwagang black box” on different selling branches like SM Appliance Center, 2Go Express, Abenson, Puregold branches, PC Express, Silicon Valley Outlets, and other stores around Metro Manila and Luzon.

You may also order ABS-CBN TVplus at the ease of your own home! You may order online through the website www.abs-cbnstore.com and you may also text through 23661 or call 488-8888.

Bacchus Sponsors Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice Special Blocked Screening

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Thank you Bacchus energy drink for the lengthy 153 minutes of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice special blocked screening at the Podium cinema 1. The brand sponsored the blocked screening on March 26, Saturday which is also the regular showing of the movie in all theaters.

I guessed it right who would win between Batman and Superman. My hunch was right, and no matter what some people say, I still would reiterate it's worth the viewing on the big screen, and not to discredit it just to promote other movies showing on the same days.

"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is the second movie in the DC Extended Universe series, which began with Man of Steel, and will lead to the Wonder Woman solo movie, the Justice League movie, and more. As a result, it's positively packed with references to DC Comics, and hints about the future of the DC Extended Universe."

Both Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill played their roles well. Though I thought Superman would have been taller than Batman. Jesse Eisenberg played a Lex Luthor like no other - well, he was never like any of the Luthors we've seen in the past movies, or even the comics or animations. Gal Gadot (playing Wonder Woman) would remain an interesting watch to be continued on her own Wonder Woman movie.

Am I the only one who thinks all that collateral damage could have been avoided if the heroes just lured their enemies to other locations where damage would be less? When the Bats lured Doomsday back into the city, I would have preferred if he just went back to find his specially crafted "weapon" and returned to where the Kryptonian killer was. But knowing Hollywood, the more damage, the better it's impact with the viewers.

Kung Ikaw Ay Masaya, Tumawa Ka ... Ha Ha Ha!!!

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It was a tiring but blessed day. We do this every year during Good Friday, and this time it was very special since all seven churches we visited had special and significant meanings in our lives that will forever be a part of our "unforgettable" memories.

Yes, there are memories that are slowly fading away that they are almost forgotten, but there are still those that remain strongly immortalized into our minds because they also have an intimate place in our hearts. I believe that when both mind and heart are in unison, everything else follows and become a lifelong rhythm or melody that will forever be reverberating in our ears like soothing or vibrant music.

Nakaka-LSS naman talaga. Kapag kasi ikaw ay masaya, lagi kang mapapakanta sa tuwa. Lahat ng pangyayari sa iyomg buhay ay may halaga, may katuturan, may natatanging katangian, na dapat ipagmalaki at ipangalandakan dahil nais mong ibalita rin sa iba ang iyong kasiyahan. Hindi upang ipagyabang, kundi para ipadama na dumarating talaga ang grasya sa mga taong nabubuhay ng marangal at tunay na walang itinatago, walang halong pagkukunwari, walang pakitang-tao lang.

Ngayong Semana Santa, sana ay makilala natin ang mga "pretentious" sa paligid-ligid. Ngunit imbes na sila ay talikuran, ipagtabuyan, pagtawanan, at kamuhian, mas nararapat na sila ay ating yayaing sumama upang magkaroon sila ng pagkakataong magbagong buhay tungo sa wastong landas - hindi sa daang matuwid dahil wala naman talagang ganoon - kundi sa daang lubak-lubak pero sama-sama naman nating tinatahak. Kalokohan ang magyaya sa daang matuwid dahil ang buhay ay kailanman hindi magiging perpekto hanggat mayroong nais mangibabaw sa iba.

How to Develop Healthy Relationships

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Everybody wants to find their soulmate and live happily ever after. However, some problems may appear already during the first weeks or months of their relationships. Why does it happen and what should the partners do in order to build a healthy relationship? Consider the following tips prepared by the dating experts from uabrides.com to avoid possible relationship mistakes.

Basic Tips

If nothing goes right from the start, have a closer look at your partner. Perhaps, you are not compatible because you have different temperaments, upbringing, characters, etc. Or, maybe, there is simply no connection between you? Don’t be obsessed with a particular person: if you realize that you are not meant to be, there is no point in dating only to escape loneliness.

As a relationship develops, partners gradually get used to each other and start taking many things for granted. It’s very important to notice and appreciate even small details.

It’s essential to trust your partner. It’s easier said than done but you need to confide in each other. Remember that jealousy and suspicions ruin love. Both partners want to know that they play a special part in each other’s life.

Understanding and patience are also the pillars of any long-lasting relationship. Nobody is perfect so you should be ready to accept your sweethearts as they are. If you can’t stand people who are always late and your date happens to be one of them, you have two options: you should either start looking for another partner or turn a blind eye to his or her bad time management skills.

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The Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) will kick off the start of the summer season with the 3rd PMA Summer Expo in Makati! This year’s Summer Expo is a one-stop destination for products, ideas and things to do under the hot, hot sun.

Last year, the PMA Summer Expo featured thirty-nine (39) brands from the food, technology, health and wellness industries in a showcase of products and ideas that can be done during the summer season – this year, more than 40 brands from those industries will be showcasing their latest products and deals for everyone to see, taste, and experience.

There are a lot of activities in store at the Summer Expo – first up is the Summer Dance Craze competition, where more than 30 groups will show their best moves on stage. This year’s Summer Dance Craze takes up the first two days of the Expo (Tuesday, March 29 and Wednesday, March 30), and is by far the biggest competition the Summer Expo had.

Third day of the Expo (Thursday, March 31) will be filled with discussions on how to make the best out of the season as various people and businesses will share their knowledge and ideas to the audience, including travel blogger Apple Allison of Sole Searching Soul and lifestyle blogger Earth Rullan of Earthling Gorgeous.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With the concluded 2nd round of the Presidential Debate we know as PiliPinas Debates, it was very obvious who emerged as the candidate that is believable. The leads were convincingly visible, composed with style; and sensible. All had their moment to shine but all also failed to answer with enough substance about the issues. Fact checks revealed erroneous statements from the presidential candidates indicating they are not fully aware of the law and their previous acts.

Rodrigo Duterte's questioning on what Grace Poe would do when China attacks the Philippines was the only time during the debate brought attention to Grace Poe's lack of experience. If you will only consider the debates, she might be the best example of what a pretentious leader really is. Her excellence as a speaker that always came well-prepared for the debates was not enough to save her apparent ignorance of a concrete action plan.

The hour and a half long delay caused by Jejomar Binay's camp is actually something to be worried about. It should not be taken lightly as it reflects how Jejomar Binay would rule the country. He would be someone who would try to insist his own needs even when there's a law that needs to be followed. Regardless of the mistake of TV5 network's Luchi Cruz-Valdez, he should have not insisted on having his "notes," rather his documents, with him during the actual debate.

Though everyone got their fair share of accusations and name-calling as they were allowed to react to the answers of their fellow candidates, the debate felt more like a slug fest starting with Grace Poe and Jejomar Binay arguing about how Grace Poe was shameful of her citizenship while she swore to become an American citizen. Rodrigo Duterte had to literally set himself back to let the two quarrel it out between themselves. Grace Poe came back with a vengeance citing it was better to have a dual citizenship rather than becoming a corrupt politician who steals from the Filipino people. Jejomar Binay kept hiding behind the absence of a conviction by the court. The Vice President has not even faced the Senate hearings and has continued to accuse parties behind his so-called character assassination plots.

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Kal-El vs Bruce Wayne in a superhero grudge match. It was bound to be epic. But did the much-awaited movie featuring Batman against Superman really lived up to all that hype?
Ok, we've seen an advance screening of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. So what to do next aside from gloating over others who have not seen it yet since it's still to be regularly shown in the Philippines on March 26?

Do we give our thumbs up or down already? Do we spoil the fun and share some spoilers? Do we give out clues on what to expect? Or do we use the negative reactions or disappointments of the people who were expecting too much from the movie to promote something else?

It is a battle between a man with high-tech devices and vehicles versus an alien with God-like powers. Who do you think would win? But the real question in everyone's mind is: Did the movie-goers win after watching the supposed to be the ultimate match between our biggest childhood superheroes.

The boy scout in blue versus the caped crusader was meant to be a phenomenal high-grossing film to impress everyone around the world. However, for a movie that literally has "versus" in the title, it took a long time to actually see the main characters going up against each other. Both Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill would have wanted to make the slugfest the highlight of the movie, yet the fans may be asking too much. I would say that the fight between Facebook and Twitter may reveal more who would finally reach supremacy.

Below are some thoughts from one of the people who have not yet seen the movie already. I do not want to post any comments yet from the people who have seen the movie from an advance screening.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We invite you to experience the circuit party phenomenon in the Philippines! Unleash The Animal Within for 3 massive events in our world famous party beach, Boracay!

First up, Jungle Circuit Party Neon! A black light & paint party on April 29.

For the 2nd night it's The Lost Paradise!! On April 30, Saturday at the beachfront of Wave Bar & Lounge, station 2!

Music by your favorite Filipino LGBT DJs plus 1 of the most sought after international circuit party DJ from Malaysia!

Tickets are available at all SM cinemas nationwide. Search for "junglecircuitparty" on Facebook and Instagram.

For inquiries and reservation kindly contact 0917 861 5747.

Win an All-Expense Paid Trip to the Captain America: Civil War Red Carpet Premiere in Hollywood

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Tensions will rise. Heroes may fall. Get up soldier, and grab a chance to witness one of the most iconic conflicts in the Marvel Universe!

AsiaPOP Comicon is giving one lucky fan a once in a lifetime all-expense paid* trip to be at the “CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR” RED CARPET WORLD PREMIERE IN HOLLYWOOD, USA!

The lucky winner will be provided a roundtrip flight ticket to Los Angeles, a 3D/2N hotel stay and an Exclusive Invitation to attend this much anticipated world premiere held on April 12th 2016.

Grab your chance to win this Ultimate #APCC Experience now!

Two ways to win:

1. Like Us on Facebook - @APCCKorea or @APCCManila
2. Like and share this post – APCCKorea post | APCCManila post
3. Hashtag #APCC #RedCarpetWin
4. Tag 20 Friends
5. Register at www.asiapopcomicon.com/civilwar/register

OR

1. Follow Us on Twitter - @asiapopcomicon
2. Retweet this link: https://twitter.com/AsiaPOPComicon/status/712503799219232768
3. Hashtag #APCC #RedCarpetWin
4. Register at www.asiapopcomicon.com/civilwar/register

The trip includes:

1. One (01) return economy class ticket to Los Angeles
2. Three-day, two-night hotel stay in Los Angeles
3. Return airport transfer to and from LAX
4. Event transfers (if any)
5. One (01) invitation to the Red Carpet World Premiere of Captain America: Civil War

This campaign will close on 31 March 2016 at 12:00hrs (UTC +8), so hurry!

You must be aged 21 years and above to qualify. *Terms & Conditions apply.

Visit www.asiapopcomicon.com/civilwar for more info!

Who Is Winning and Leading in the Presidential Debates?

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After witnessing the presidential debates via the previous two PiliPinas Debates 2016 series, and highly expecting the upcoming third run, we must be wondering who among our presidential candidates, namely Jejomar Binay, Rodrigo Duterte, Grace Poe, Mar Roxas and Miriam Defensor-Santiago, are leading and should be considered winners in the debates. But that thought is far from what is really troubling me.

I still believe none of the presidential candidates are qualified to become president. But sadly, we have no choice but to accept the fact that there would eventually be one of them who would sit in Malacanang and assume all the power of the presidency.

They say choose the lesser evil. I was hoping there would be a sixth choice of "None of the Above" but a failure of election would only result to definite chaos because the incumbents would only take advantage of the dilemma, and fight over the authority over all they could possibly control.

You would easily know if a political candidate is unreal. When he or she would not entertain interviews alone without his personal assistants, or advisers, etc., doesn't have the guts to speak to you on a one-on-one basis, doesn't have the confidence enough to share his or her very own thoughts and insights, could not answer your inquiries directly, and could not elaborate on his or her platforms and actions plans without the presence of notes or documents.

We better take caution that he or she might just be pulling our legs ....towards our graves, figuratively and literally speaking, just so he could be put into position. They will promise everything, including the moon, just to get elected, and afterwards just say "Sorry" coupled with so many excuses and finger-pointing, if they could not fulfill their promises.

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Your Pambansang Blog ng Pilipinas aka the National Blog of the Philippines now has its very own coffee table book containing our recent adventures from our Pampanga Hot Air Balloon and Restaurant Tour.

Thanks to Picturebooks, we now have our first book. Yup! We are confident to say that this will not be the only one as we plan to do the same thing for all our grander adventures as they truly deserve to be immortalized into a form that we can flaunt everywhere we go.

Not to boast but it's better to also have something in physical form that we can display during our participation in exhibits, expos, trade fairs, etc., where we are part as a media partner. Since there's just too many stuff online, people would still appreciate to see the actual pictures in something like an album or portfolio.

The interesting fact about the Wazzup Pilipinas coffee table book is that everything inside was taken using the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL smartphone which was lent to us for a few weeks by Microsoft and was used in the coverage of the 20th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta held on February 11 to 14 at Clark airfield in Pamapang, along with our restaurant tour at Yu-Fu-In Yakiniku and Japanese Restaurant, Koko Buri, 1956 Downtown Cafe by Bale Dutung and Mequeni Holiday Inn Clark.

Below are just some of the pages contained in the coffee table book!

Visita Iglesia: Visiting The Most Outstanding Churches in Manila

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Aside from Palm Sunday and Easter, the Visita Iglesia is another festive occasion often practiced by faithful Catholics who consider it as a sacrifice similar to how the pilgrims visited the seven basilicas of Rome as penance on a Maundy Thursday.

More than just a religious practice, the Visita Iglesia is also a chance for us to imbibe culture and history, as many of these churches are redolent of our colonial past.

Many have even made the practice socially fun by organizing group tours to the many churches of the country. It also becomes an ideal photo session for photographers who adore street photography, taking photos of mainly the churches, but also including everything else that strikes their fancy, while they visit the churches.

The Visita Iglesia evolved into another well-appreciated art form and tourism event where both photography newbies and oldies can travel together and even teach each other the art. Most would shoot as many images as possible while others would prefer to be selective and take their time identifying the best angle, and lighting.

The Visita Iglesia tradition usually calls for a visit to seven churches on Holy Thursday where the faithful will pray seven repetitions each of Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be, However, others visit 14 churches to correspond with the 14 Stations of the Cross, and prays at one Station in each church.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“Do what you love and the money will follow.”

We have heard this proverbial piece of advice far too many times, and yet many of us still go through the motion of hopping from one job to another, looking for the next one with higher pay. Let’s be honest. How many jobs have you had that enabled you to play out your passion?

If you have attended my seminars, talks, workshops, or even just have caught snippets of it online, you would know that I give all-out support to this do-what-you-love thing. And who wouldn’t? If you have the option to spend each day of your life using your skills and talents doing something you absolutely enjoy, would you stay in a job you don’t even like to begin with?

Turning your passion into something profitable has now become more possible than ever, thanks to FREELANCING.

Freelancing gives you the opportunity to earn from your talents, skills and interests that you may otherwise not be able to use in your job. Freelancing also gives you more control over how you spend your time at “work”. First, you have the option to do it full-time or part-time. You choose what type of work you do, where you want and when you want. You also get to choose where and how and to whom you will market your services. What’s more, you get to network with fellow freelancers and potential clients, both online and offline. In other words, freelancing can very well be your first step to becoming a full-blown entrepreneur.

Now you may wonder, how do I begin doing freelance work?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

To further improve the experience of modern-day property hunters, online property portal Lamudi Philippines has released a modified version of its mobile innovation for homebuyers. The updates includes additional in-app components such as enhanced filter searches and a wish list for logged out users.

Users can now fully modify their searches according to their exact specifications. Property features such as balcony, swimming pool, penthouse, or even ocean view can be added to the search, thereby shortlisting properties that our nearest to the users’ preference.

Adding properties to your list of favorites without logging into an account is now also enabled in the App. This feature allows users to easily save, view and study the properties even while in offline mode.

The Lamudi team continues to improve the functionality of its Android App to ensure that users can maximize the app capabilities in their investment hunt.

Lamudi Philippines Managing Director Jacqueline Van Den Ende, said: “We acknowledge the growing demand of products and services that are mobile efficient. As the consumers continues to evolve, we will always be ready to fit our services to the modern needs of our clients. This latest version of the Android App is a great improvement but we will not stop here. We will always strive to top our own achievements.”

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Crime + Investigation Network (CI) presents “60 Days In,” an unprecedented new, original docu-series following seven innocent participants who enter the dangerous world of incarceration at the Clark County Jail in Jeffersonville, Indiana, in an effort to expose internal issues and what really happens behind bars.

As a result of the facility’s recent corrupt history, Sheriff Jamey Noel has devised a program where seven participants will live among the facility’s general population for 60 days without officers, fellow inmates, or staff knowing their secret. Around-the-clock cameras captured this unparalleled access in an effort to bring problems to light and give viewers a first-hand look as the participants adapt to unfamiliar and terrifying surroundings. “60 Days In” is a warts-and-all view of what life is like behind bars, through the eyes of people who have never been charged with a crime or done time.

This twelve-episode series premieres Saturday, April 9 at 9pm (PH) on CI. CI is available on Skycable Ch 98 , Dream Satellite Ch 35, Cablelink Ch 41 and Destiny Cable Ch 98.

“WearegratefultoSheriffJameyNoelandtheClarkCountyJailforallowingourcamerastocapture this unprecedented and trailblazing program. This provocative series will be an incredible addition the to rich non-fiction portfolio as the network continues to bring audiences cutting-edge immersive content,”says Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and Head of Programming for A&E Network.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In response to the bombing incidents in Belgium yesterday, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and all concerned agencies are working together to ensure continued safety of travel, as instructed by President Benigno Aquino III.

“We assure the public that the government is taking all the necessary measures to secure our airports, other transport facilities, and most especially our people, as they travel during this peak season and beyond. All concerned entities — from government and private sector alike — are ready to address any possible situation,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.

The DOTC has directed transport agencies and their security groups to be extra vigilant and further intensify security measures in additions to preparations made for the annual observance of Holy Week. Terminals and stations have been placed on heighted alert status. Other courses of action in order to bolster the security and safety of the public include implementation of checkpoint monitoring outside these transport facilities and increasing visibility of uniformed personnel.

“For the time being, we have no reason to fear similar events taking place in the country. We are merely taking precautionary steps and activating quick-response protocols in case any emergencies arise,” added Abaya.

Croque Cafe + Bakery: Committed to Freshness and Comfort

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"Croque pronounced as “Krohk” came from “croquer” which means crunch in French. It describes us well, as crunch pertains to freshness and comfort which basically who we are and what we serve." - Croque Cafe +Bakery

Croque Cafe + Bakery, a business venture of chef couple Alexa Abala and Paco Lao offers European-Filipino inspired dishes aside from their freshly-baked breads and pastries, and coffee classics. They also have other offerings that you would soon find out as you read this story of my dining experience at their restaurant.

Just like the other famous chef couple that I know (the Laudicos - Chef Roland and Chef Jackie), the lady chef specializes on the pastries, while her boyfriend would always be in the kitchen in charge of the hot dishes. I believe Alexa was the one who conceptualized the homey look of the resto which is now a trending look for other restos who want to project a cozy ambiance that's conducive to hanging out while reading a book, or for today's Millennials, browsing online through an iPad, smartphone or tablet, or simply passing the time chatting with friends.

It is not my first time to visit the cafe as I attended an event that was held there a few months ago but I never got back to visiting them on my own. However, I met Alexa in a certain gathering of people managing hotels, resorts and restaurants where they raffled off a gift certificate for the restaurant which I won. So that basically how I found my way back to the cafe to try again their dishes.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There's a popular saying that goes something like "The family that eats out a lot together, grows fat and chubby forever," or something similarly like that. I just added a twist to make it a little bit personalized and appropriate for our family.

Needless to say, we are a happy bunch who loves every opportunity of going out to eat. Thank goodness there's always an endless array of blessings which keeps us going out to share festive meals together.

We are the family that's always "busog" every time we decide to go out on a weekend or during special occasions where we celebrate a birthday, anniversary, an accomplishment or a long holiday when there's a longer vacation from school.

Thus you would guess that summer would be a time when we would mostly be out enjoying a family vacation, a hotel staycation, a restaurant visit - that's done usually after mass from our church morning visits - or simply going shopping at the nearest malls.

Among our weekend escapade is our visit to Skippy's Bar and Grill, an Australian restaurant that's not only open at night time for their beer-loving customers, it also welcomes families who want great Aussie-inspired dishes conceptualized by it's Australian owner together with his lovely Filipina wife.

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The Department of Science and Technology–Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICT Office) and the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) forged a partnership to implement the Tech4ED project in over 1,000 public libraries towards community empowerment.

Led by the DOST-ICT Office, the Technology for Economic Development (Tech4ED) project establishes centers in rural and underserved areas to expand access to ICT services, learning resources, and opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.

The photo above shows the Department of Science and Technology–Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICT Office) and the National Library of the Philippines signing of the Memorandum of Agreement led by Blesila Velasco, Chief of the Public Libraries Division, NLP and Bettina Quimson, Deputy Executive Director for eSociety, DOST-ICT Office. Joining them were (standing from left): Jilven Amar, Librarian III, NLP; Clarissa Navarro, Tech4ED Project Manager; Irma Saligumba, Molave Development Foundation, Inc., and Program Manager, Beyond Access Phillipines; and Michael Pinto and Roilingel Calilung, Vice President and President of the Association of Librarians in Public Sector (ALPS), respectively.

The establishment of Tech4ED Centers in over 1,000 public libraries affiliated with the NLP will be a breakthrough in addressing digital inclusion. “We aim to make our public libraries more relevant to the community and further increase their utilization. With Tech4ED in our libraries, we can bring the benefits of ICT to more Filipinos,” said Jilven Amar, Librarian III of the NLP.

“Tech4ED is about creating equal opportunities for everybody,” said Bettina Quimson, Deputy Executive Director for eSociety, DOST-ICT Office. “Librarians are very essential in enabling a person to be trained on special skill sets toward employment and entrepreneurship,” Quimson said. “If the public library has at least three computers and Internet connectivity, we will work with them immediately to set up the Tech4ED platform.”

SikatPinoy National Food Fair 2016: A Taste of Every Kitchen Corner in the Philippines

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As many as our islands, there are so many flavors, textures, and ingredients that make up our Filipino dishes that were reinvented in so many variations. It is not totally surprising as these same islands have paved the way for our ancestors to be more creative in concocting unique recipes depending on the availability of ingredients within their areas.

When the roads, bridges and modern forms of transportation were developed and built, it expanded the recipes with so many twists and turns making our dishes a lot more interesting. When Pinoys began traveling around the Philippines and even outside the country, they also brought back home new methods and discoveries that further enhanced the flavors and appearance of Filipino delicacies brought to a new level.

The accessibility of different flavorings, seasonings and spices, the availability of quality food processing equipment, and the elevation of the culinary basics into a higher art form brought about the interest of so many to become chefs of varied specialties. Chefs are now also considered as celebrities that can easily flaunt their mouth-watering and gastronomically delightful masterpieces through any form of media may it be print, online or on television.

The Department of Trade and Industry - Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI-BDTP) recently held the SikatPinoy National Food Fair 2016, a part of a series of national trade fairs to help promising small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with a theme of Piliping-Piling Pagkaing Pilipino and aimed at helping our modest entrepreneurs to gain a better foothold as an emerging market among the numerous and highly competitive businesses in existence. It also prepares them towards the global export market so they could tap even foreign buyers that would be interested to purchase or even invest on their product ventures.

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Sophos, a global leader in network and endpoint security, today announced that its Sophos Email Appliance now includes Sophos Sandstorm, an advanced, next-generation sandboxing technology that quickly and accurately detects, blocks and responds to sophisticated, constantly-changing cyber threats.

Sophos Sandstorm is an advanced persistent threat (APT) and zero day malware security technology. To combat elusive threats that target email accounts on multiple platforms and mobile devices, companies need signatureless protection in addition to traditional malware protection. Threats are now engineered to be “low and slow” to stay under the radar, using polymorphic and stealth techniques to avoid and delay detection.

Today’s cybercriminals are also proactively taking steps to target, research and crack an organisation’s specific security measures by sending bespoke malware attached to seemingly-benign email messages. Sophos Sandstorm uses powerful cloud-based technology to isolate and address these types of threats before they enter a business network. Information technology managers are provided with detailed reports of threat behavior and analysis for further investigation and action, if required.

“Sophos Sandstorm combines prevention, detection and investigation in one solution to protect against cybercriminals who now use social-engineering tactics with new, not-previously-known malware to invade company networks,” said Bryan Barney, senior vice president and general manager, Sophos Network Security Group. “Keeping threats away from the network is a critical first line of defense. Sophos Sandstorm automatically isolates files to determine if they’re safe, providing an instant additional layer of detection and protection. Advanced technologies are often too expensive and require additional security expertise to implement and monitor them. Sophos is changing this by providing all businesses access to advanced protection that’s affordable and simple to deploy.”

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The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines held their very first Kapihan session for the Science, Technology, Research, and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) Program.

It was held at the Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City on March 9, 2016 led by USAID/Philippines Mission Director Dr. Susan Brems, USAID/Philippines Senior Education Adviser Mr. Mir Tillah, STRIDE Chief of Party Dr. Dave Hall and STRIDE Deputy Chief of Party Dr. Larry Ilag. Dr. Richard Abendan, STRIDE Research and Industry Partnerships Manager, facilitated the event.

STRIDE is USAID/Philippines’ flagship science, technology and innovation program that aims to strengthen local capacity for innovation-led economic growth by building the capacity of universities for industry-relevant applied research. This will make science and technology research a driving force of economic growth in the Philippines.

It is a five-year, PhP1.5 billion project under the Partnership for Growth (PFG) agreement between the U.S. and the Philippine governments. The Philippines is one of only four countries selected for the PFG, with the ultimate goal of accelerating broad-based, inclusive growth.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Amidst all the minimalist fashion trending, one woman dares to stand out like a wildflower.

Unleash also your inner wildflower with WildFlower: A Fashion Retrospective exhibit featuring inspiring wardrobe pieces made by Manila's Top Designer for style icon Tessa Prieto-Valdes on March 8 to 18, 2016 at SM Megamall Fashion Hall.

WildFlower by Tessa Prieto-Valdes features her best gowns and ensembles of her favorite and most loved designers! These iconic designs were on display at the Mega Fashion hall in SM Megamall until the 18th of March highlighting top Filipino designers like Francis Libiran, Rajo Laurel, Cherry Veric, Lesley Mobo, Michael Cinco, Monique Lhuiller, Cary Santiago, Inno Sotto and so much more.

The Sea Princess’ whimsical wardrobe collection is a diverse set of colorful and flamboyant pieces from couture gowns to headdresses that exuding a magical aura of sophistication and lavishness. I have not seen any other lady that can pull off this kind of fashion statement.

From beads, to feathers and even head dresses, you can see the creative and passionate work of our very talented Filipino designers!

Congratulations to Tessa Prieto-Valdes for remaining a one of a kind style icon who always stands out at every event she graciously honors with her presence.

Wazup Pilipinas!

At first I thought that the most popular and highly bought product would be the one that exhibits all the best qualities and usefulness. However, I was proved wrong several times as we would really get what we paid for if we settle for a brand that has mass appeal only because it is available at a lower price.

Usually, the ones that get the most sales are the ones that would not last long making the purchase actually costing you more because you would need to buy a new one to replace the quickly turned defective or dead product.

We should prefer a brand that would make us feel more relaxed and secure and give us less of the stress that we experience every time a product conks out and needs to be brought to the service center for repair.

As compared to a product bought with a higher value, it is much better and less of a hassle if it will continuously run well for years, and with less maintenance requirements.

I see those qualities from Panasonic products especially when I've learned that their projectors consume less electricity as compared to other brands in the market.

The very first Panasonic Rental Summit held on March 17 at the grand ballroom of the City of Dreams was a showcase of Panasonic products used for Staging, Events Rental and Digital Advertisements like Projection Mapping.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

DOST-ICT Office’s flagship project, the Juan Konek Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places Project, is set to begin the initial phases of implementation with the issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP) of the Project’s commissioned Service Providers last March 16, 2016.

Undersecretary Louis Napoleon C. Casambre stated the importance of the collective efforts of the private and public sectors as catalysts in the completion of Juan Konek, “The road to connectivity, however, is one that should not be treaded alone. Our Office recognizes that the public and private sectors each possess particular strengths, and when both parties channel their efforts towards a shared goal, the sky’s the limit to what they can accomplish.”

The commissioned Service Providers are; Innove Communications, Inc. & Yondu Inc (Joint Venture), We are IT Philippines, Inc., Converge ICT Solutions, Inc., AZ Communications Network, Inc., and Omniprime Marketing, Inc., PLDT Alpha and Abratique and Associates Philippines Inc.

Engr. Efren R. Abratique of Abratique & Associates Philippines, Inc. expressed their eagerness for the Free Wi-Fi Project,

“We are happy to support the government’s efforts for digital inclusion and providing Internet for all”. “The Juan Konek, Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places will go a long way in providing access to information, educational materials, e-commerce and communications for Filipinos, particularly in Rural Areas. “ Engr. Abratique said.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Dome Cafe has just launched their new Domefied Menu items and Connoisseur "Conno" Card.

They new Conno card, with a design showcasing the beauty of the store, is given to the restaurant's patrons so the cardholders will receive exclusive rewards, promos and special perks. All cardholders can avail of the 20% discount on the recently launched new food items until March 30, 2016.

The cardholder is entitled to the following benefits:

1. 10% discount for all purchases
2. Free one time drink of his choice from any of the handcrafted espresso beverages (except premium coffees) to be claimed upon purchase using the card
3. Exclusive partners to perks with partnrs and tie-ups
4. Exclusive invites to Dome special events
5. 20% discount on ne menu items within the first week of launch
6. Birthday treat for a minimum bill of P2500 within the birth month (requires presentation of valid ID card containing date of birth information)

In order to have the Conno card, one must have visited the restaurant at least 3 times and have their cards stamped. Once they have completed the 3 stamps, they will be given their Conno plastic cards and be eligible for wonderful benefits from Dome Cafe.

As always, the dishes served during the new menu launch were great. I personally liked the Grilled Salmon and the Vegetarian Sandwich. Perfect for summer was the introduction of their Coolers.

Acoustic nights are also featured every Friday and Saturday and comes with unlimited cocktails.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Crystal clear water, white sand and unspoiled island - these are just my words when I saw Kalanggaman Island. Located in Palompon, Leyte, this island is yet another paradise.

About 2 to 3 hours travel time from Tacloban Airport by land and another 1 hour boat ride you’ll be able to see what Leyte has to be proud of. If you are travelling by group of 7 and up there are vans outside the airport for hire going directly to Palompon proper with reasonable rent prices.

I noticed that Palompon Tourism Office is well organized in people going in the island. Before we depart, they oriented us about rules and regulations in the island including waste management, they even gave us two colored big plastics to separate wastes from non-biodegradable and biodegradable. I must say that it is well maintained and not abused. Hooray for the management!

We planned to stay overnight in the lovely island so when we got in there in the afternoon, two groups of day tour beach bummers were already packing up. Yep! We were the only group that time exploring the island; it's like owning the paradise for a time. We rented a cottage and a bigger hut for overnight.

Be reminded that you have to bring your own food since there are no stores available in the island, you can do barbeques too, the caretakers provided us with concrete grill to use, just bring your own charcoal.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There were over 1.6 Million tweets during the second Presidential Debate on 20 March 2016.

No hour and a half long wait quelled the fiery conversations that Filipino voters anticipated from yesterday’s second Presidential TV debate. The political showdown went on between Jejomar Binay, Rodrigo Duterte, Grace Poe, and Mar Roxas at the University of the Philippines in Cebu, despite the absence of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago who had to excuse herself to undergo an experimental treatment for her medical condition.

There were over 1.6 million Tweets sent during the debate (from its scheduled broadcast of 4:30PM-9.30pm, 20 March 2016), boosting the #PiliPinasDebates2016 hashtag to the #1 Twitter trending topic not only in the Philippines, but also worldwide. The Twitter conversation peaked over 16,000 Tweets per minute around 6:49PM during the heated exchange between Senator Grace Poe (@SenGracePOE) and Vice President Jejomar Binay (@VPJojoBinay) on Freedom of Information bill.

“As we continue amplifying the sentiments of Filipinos over their presidential candidates, Twitter is giving each voter a voice to be heard by their fellow citizens to make a more informed voting decision,” said Pratiksha Rao, Twitter’s Head for Media Partnerships for Southeast Asia. “The second run of the #PiliPinasDebates2016 saw a higher level of engagement and Tweets than the first debate, proving that more and more Filipinos are joining the election conversation, analyzing the debates, and responding in real-time to the candidates’ answers, all on Twitter.”

Embeddable chart: http://reverb.twitter.com/view/689225780792313823

(Embed code: <iframe src='http://reverb.twitter.com/view/689225780792313823' width='768px' height='432px'></iframe> )

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“Let’s cross the bridge when we get there.”

This might sound really old but let’s face it, you’ll never know what lies ahead of you if you don’t take the first step and accept the challenge that you are now more than just a college graduate.

College has been a rollercoaster ride of sleepless nights and deadlines, juggling time for your happy moments and tight academic schedules. We know and we feel you.

Luckily, a lot of tools have helped you in that journey. In fact, these devices and technologies will be much more important to you now as you confidently enter the competitive - yet very rewarding – world of working professionals. And if you haven’t heard of Windows 10, the most productive, innovative and secure OS out there, then you’re definitely missing out.

Windows 10-powered 2-in-1 devices will allow you to transcend from personal to professional seamlessly, because there’s no need to choose whether to bring your laptop, tablet or phone – everything can be at the palm of your hand.

Whether you want to connect with friends while searching for job opportunities online, create an impressive resume while chatting with your college sweetheart, or make that first sales pitch while Minecraft runs in the background – Windows 10 2-in-1 devices lets you get stuff done, whether for work or play, professional or personal, at home, at work, or on the move.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

HISTORY premieres “Roots” on 31 May 2016, airing over four consecutive nights at 9pm (PH). The four-night, eight-hour event series developed by HISTORY, from A+E Studios, is a historical portrait of American slavery recounting the journey of one family and their will to survive and ultimately carry on their legacy despite hardship.

The stellar cast includesAcademy Award winners Forest Whitaker (“Fiddler”) and Anna Paquin(“Nancy Holt”); Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award winner Laurence Fishburne (“Alex Haley”); Golden Globe Award winning and Emmy Award nominated actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers (“Tom Lea”); Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose (“Kizzy”); Grammy Award winner Tip “T.I.” Harris(“Cyrus”); Chad L. Coleman (“Mingo”);EmayatzyCorinealdi (“Belle”); Matthew Goode (“Dr. William Waller”);Derek Luke (“Silla Ba Dibba”); MekhiPhifer (“Jerusalem”); James Purefoy (“John Waller”); Erica Tazel (“Matilda”)and introducesRegé-Jean Page (“Chicken George”) and Malachi Kirby (“KuntaKinte”).

“’Roots’ will allow new audiences to experience this epic family saga with a new vision that is both inspiring and tremendously entertaining,” said Paul Buccieri, President of A&E and HISTORY. “We are proud that HISTORY will be able to bring new life to this powerful story that remains as important today as it did when the original ‘Roots’ first premiered.”

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Galleria Duemila proudly presents Days of Creation, a solo exhibition by Marc Gaba. The works in Days of Creation rose out of the artist’s inexplicable desire to revisit the church in 2015, which led to analytic readings of the first chapter of the Bible. Unlike the second chapter which focuses on the so-called fall of man, the first chapter is pure magic--magic that is according to Giorgio Agamben, the key premise of happiness.

In Gaba’s readings, he was struck by how the first chapter consistently reimagines the creation of difference, of delineations, and that read as an architectural program, seems to prefigure God’s eventual invisibility, if not the curious absence. At this day and age, it is almost ridiculous to believe that the world was created—and yet, to walk down any street in the city while entertaining the idea imbues everything from lowly shrubs to sleeping beggar-children with a large sacredness that feels like an all-encompassing love. Everything was created. Gaba’s credo is that whether or not creationism is true, the world is an unfinished work of creation, and as long as we exist, we are still creating the world.

Marc Gaba’s art presents pictures of relation. A relation is invisible: to create an image of relation that forecloses it from its exclusively figural terms therefore involves serial delineations of conceptual territory as well as wagers on the existent. Multi-disciplinarity is one of the formal strategies of the practice. As spaces, images are simultaneously open and opaque; thus seeing his work subtly forwarding an ethic of experientiality, where relation is an active immanence. Each artwork is a claim that its image of relation is possible, and his work ventures that _within_ the sphere of the contemporary, only the possible is real.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Harte Hanks , a leader in customer engagement and interaction-led marketing, is consolidating its Manila operations and adding room for hundreds of new employees with the opening on April 21 of the company’s BPO-call center at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, in Pasay City.

Harte Hanks Philippines, a subsidiary of the US-based marketing company currently employs about 2,000 people in its main and secondary locations in Metro Manila.

The move allows the company, which has established its presence in Asia-Pacific with the launching of its call center in the Philippines over a decade ago, to integrate the secondary locations with the Pasay facility.

“We have been always impressed by the skill and dedication of our employees in Manila and look forward to sustaining our growth here,” said Jonathan Bondoc Harte Hanks Manila-based Site Director, in a statement.

Among Harte Hanks’ clients are companies known worldwide in information technology, computer software, sports media, banking, mobile phone and health insurance industries.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With an increased number of travelers expected in the coming days due to the annual observance of Holy Week, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has launched Oplan Ligtas Biyahe: Semana Santa 2016 last March 18 to ensure the safety and reliability of various modes of transportation.

All transportation agencies have been mandated to implement heightened security measures at terminals and enhanced services, which include the deployment of additional personnel in airports, sea ports, bus terminals, and highways. To address passenger needs and emergencies, facilities, such as public assistance desks, first-aid stations, additional seats, and charging stations, have been set up.

More frequent worthiness inspections on aircrafts, ships, and buses and random drug and alcohol testing will be done to make sure that these means of transport are compliant with safety standards and the personnel are not under the influence while conveying passengers.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has instructed airline companies to deploy more personnel at check-in counters for efficient processing, shortening queues. Travelers are reminded not to bring prohibited items to the airport and to stow all belongings in one’s carry-on baggage for faster processing at the screening checkpoints.

Storytelling as a Basic Instinct: Egg Theater Company Presents the Filipino Translation of Martin Mcdonagh’s The Pillowman

Wazzup Pilipinas!

After the brief festival run of its productions, Maniacal (Fringe Manila 2015) and Schism (Fringe Manila 2016), Egg Theater Company presents its first full-run production with a Filipino Translation of Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman.

Winner of the 2004 Olivier Award for Best Play and Tony-Nominated in 2005 for Best Play, The Pillowman is about a writer in an unidentified totalitarian state being interrogated about his gruesome and macabre short stories that has inspired a series of child murders. The Pillowman is a dark comedy that boldly exhibits the riveting power of narrative and how storytelling and invention of fantastical tales is a basic human instinct. With the coming elections and the incessant specter of dictatorships and martial law, this production resonates with its exploration of the fine line between the freedom of an individual to tell a story and its impact on the security of society.

Palanca awardee and Egg Theater Company co-founder, George de Jesus III in translating and directing The Pillowman, remarks, “In examining the dark side of imagination and creativity, the play probes into how stories are created, the motivation that drives a writer to tell a story and the responsibility of a writer on the impact of what he has written. Put that against a totalitarian-state setting and we get a play that are by turns disturbingly funny and emotionally shocking. Given that the play is set in an unnamed totalitarian state, translating it into Filipino affords us not only in making it somehow familiar but it also further fuels the idea of it possibly becoming real.”

Wazzup Pilipinas!

And the winner in the 2nd Presidential PiliPinas Debates 2016 is...... Luchi Cruz-Valdez!

This debate didn't help me figure out who I want to be President. What it did was help me figure out who I don't want to sit in the Malacanan Palace. The most important thing that Filipinos shall face right now is to assess the truth based from what they heard or seen - on and off camera?

Seriously, I think what happened behind the scenes can tell us a lot about the candidates' characters. Which ones are sincere and true to their words, but able to act accordingly? Choosing is not easy.

Something appealing, something appalling, it was a comedy because it was super hilarious. But definitely the remarks were superlatively serious yet extremely funny because it seems like fireworks exploded in this Cebu debate as the presidential bets tangle on and off camera.

Despite the delay caused by the Binay camp insisting on bringing in notes during the debate proper because the moderator told them they could, the 2nd #PiliPinasDebates2016 is still a big improvement from the first one done at GMA were the two moderators, especially Mr. Imbestigador, were more like a joke!

There were lots of minutes wasted on personal attacks and accusations! The issues were very slightly answered! Honestly, they are starting to look like nuisance candidates. We would like to inform the esteemed Presidential candidates that the Philippines has much bigger problems than your egos.

Wazzup Pilipinas Mobile App: Get Ready to Become Concerned Citizen Correspondents

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Philippines!!!! Get ready for the Wazzup Pilipinas Mobile App!!!!!

Soon to be developed is our very own Wazzup Pilipinas mobile app that will not only send to your mobile phones the latest news and stories from the Wazzup Pilipinas blog site, but it will also engage the readers to post their own breaking news, stories, announcements, warnings, even selfies and groupfies, using their smartphones and will be posted directly on a special section of our blog.

This will make our readers the citizen correspondents of Wazzup Pilipinas! Using the smartphone's camera, they can take photos of any ongoing crime, accident, disobedience, vandalism, theft, etc. It can also be used to give updates or warnings on disasters or calamities like storm, earthquakes, fires, landslides, etc. The fun side is our readers can also send in photos of noble deeds in action, and give praises to heroes such as taxi drivers who returned a passenger's wallet, a young man who helped an old lady cross the street, etc. Also, users can post selfies or groupfies with famous personalities, tourist spots, or shots of their food from a restaurant. ...and a lot more possibilities!

What makes this app different from what we currently have right now? It's fully customizable for the Wazzup Pilipinas blog site, the self-declared Pambansang Blog ng Pilipinas! This means all your requests for changes, modifications or enhancement can be done if appropriate and necessary. We will listen to you as communications will always be on a two-way basis.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Fuel your appetite! Amp up your taste buds with electrifying deliciousness! This is not your ordinary wash-and-go restaurant concept. Staying true to its goals of serving 1000 kilowatts of electrifying good food to everyone, not only do they serve Pizza, Burrito and Chicken to power-up their customers, but they also generate green energy to power-up our restaurant, contributing a solution to conserve energy one burrito at a time."

The Megawatt Tex-Mex Pizza Chicken Burrito Restaurant is impressively unique. I liked it for somehow being a Hollywood action superhero movie-themed restaurant. Upon entering the restaurant, you will feel like you're in a Marvel Comic's Ironman or Avengers movie setting. I believe the real intention was to create a sort of power plant themed restaurant but since most high-tech superhero movie has adapted similar looks for their superhero headquarters or base of operations, everything feels like you're taking part in a movie shoot.

While your eating their Burgers, Pizzas, Lasagnas, Tacos, Burritos, Rice Meals, Fries, or any Megawatt meal combos on disposable utensils, you may pair them with your choice of coffee, juice, beer, tea or imported drinks. Like pairing the Bundaberg's with a Jack Daniels Beef and Mushroom or Burritos - one of the best paired meal of the newly opened restaurant this year.

Tex-Mex cuisine is characterized by its heavy use of shredded cheese, meat (particularly beef and pork), beans, and spices, so it's very evident at the Megawatt restaurant. Your orders are served by men wearing full jumpsuit like that worn by mechanics or engineers. The theme is completed with a construction worker safety cap or head gear like what you can find in a Super Mario & Luigi brothers game. I may now consider this sport-action themed restaurant as one of my fave restaurants among the others like Howzat, Army Navy and National Sports Grill.

I like the chicken and chips, it taste good with the secret 12 spices of crunchiness that was just right. The packaging and serving are undeniably creative. Each dish in the menu was crafted to almost perfection by a group of friends who love to eat and cook. You can feel the seemingly Ironman Megawatt energy flowing within as you grab a bite of every dish.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Save the date! April 29, 30 and May 1!!! 3 events in the most beautiful island of Boracay!

We invite you to once again Unleash The Animal Within in Boracay, our country's most notorious party beach, for 3 massive nights of parties!

First up, Jungle Circuit Party Neon! A black light & paint party on April 29, Friday at the beachfront of Wave Bar & Lounge, station 2!

Music by 10 of the Top DJs of the Philippines plus 1 of the most sought after international circuit party DJs in Asia!

Tickets will be available on march 23 at all SM cinemas nationwide.

For inquiries and reservation kindly contact 0917 861 5747. Follow us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts.

SuperCharge Your Summer with TropicalSwells SurfCamp

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Wouldn't you want the summer season to happen all throughout the year? It's the most highly anticipated time of the year when most can enjoy a long vacation minus the rainy or gloomy weather. Now that March is here, summer is just around the corner, and everyone is hoping it would last longer and go beyond the months of June!

Since the Philippines has its fair share of wet months, the sunny months would be the busiest time for resort owners especially when their location also has many popular attractions that guests can visit while staying at the their hotel.

And, what does that mean? Sun. Sand. And SURF! Why not?

You can have all three if you visit the beaches where the waves are high and strong enough to keep you afloat above your surfboard. I would love to learn but since I'm a bit overweight and too old to always bum in the beaches, I may Beach is a favorite thing to do with the family as it offers an opportunity to bond while having fun at the same time.

All of us already know that surfing is an exhilarating extreme sport. Immersing yourself into a surfer’s culture brings benefits that make it one of the most unique and fulfilling experiences of your life.