Working Smarter with Ricoh MFPs

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In these fast-paced times, professionals and office workers are accustomed to multitasking, working with tight deadlines, and taking on projects that require intense creativity and efficiency. Although this may be considered already the norm in the modern-day workplace, many still find it challenging to cope with the demands of their respective dynamic and competitive industries.

Continuously improving the way people work requires simplification of day-to-day processes that may seem menial, but can actually contribute greatly to getting tasks done in faster, easier, and in more cost efficient ways.

One such daily task is the printing of various documents and other materials, ranging from printing for individual consumption, preparing for meetings, to producing materials for events or for mass distribution.

Smarter ways to work

As part of its vision to empower professionals with a new way of working that is tailor-fit to their needs, global imaging and electronics leader RICOH pioneered its innovative Multi-Function Product printer (MFP) models MP C2004SP ,MP C4504SP upto MP C6004SP.

RICOH MFPs present a wide variety of paper and finishing options designed to help users achieve more creative and efficient output. These printers can deliver up to 60 color pages per minute, has an expanded capacity of 2,300 to 4,700 sheets in its stock. Innovatively designed rollers reduce paper curls for more uniform paper stacks and fewer jams.

Users can produce marketing collaterals such as handouts, flyers, brochures, and banners with an excellent print quality of 1,200 x 1,200 dpi. These new printers also do away with manual stapling, and can automatically bind up to five printed pages together with no staple wire using the Hybrid Stapless Finisher—spelling cost and work efficiency.


Fingertip access to information

Featuring a 10.1”-wide touchscreen Smart Operation Panel with intuitive interface, users can swipe, scroll, drag-and-drop, and pinch-flick as they would with their smart phones and tablets to print, scan, copy, and fax using comprehensive applications.

The embedded apps also allow users to simplify and personalize even complex workflows. Repetitive, manual jobs can be bypassed, such as in scanning one’s weekly meeting notes and sharing them with the same pre-entered recipients with a touch from the printer’s home screen.

Moreover, RICOH’s Integrated Cloud Enterprise Solutions allows documents to be saved in a folder or cloud storage such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Evernote. The RICOH Smart Device Connector App, on the other hand, allows personal mobile devices to connect to the MFPs and print and share information from almost anywhere.

For other tasks such as scanning, RICOH’s 100-sheet automatic reversing document feeder (ARDF) enables sharing of digital information through a multitude of scanning capabilities. The printers can also fax contracts and other forms just as quickly, as faxes can be sent and received between email inboxes to save on paper and transmission costs.



Managing workstyles and eco-efficiency

Further adding value in cost efficiency is RICOH’s EZ Charger Xpress. which is a software that manages individual users or departments’ usage of the printing equipment. An IT administrator can customize automated cost charging for the different users, and set print quotas. This spells utmost convenience for organizations and corporations in managing their paper use, and even helps conserve resources.

For archiving and protection of files, the MFPs can store up to 3,000 frequently used documents in the document server, and files can be retrieved quickly through keyword searches. Access to specific functions can also be restricted, print jobs can be deferred until the author releases them, and watermarks can be added on documents to prevent unauthorized copies of important information.

For RICOH, offering high performance and innovative equipment should always take into account managing environmental impact and energy consumption as well. Hence, the MFPs have a wide range of eco-friendly features, including an in-built human detector sensor that recovers the machine from sleep mode as soon as a user is nearby. Its 0.5 second switch-on time is the fastest in its class.

The RICOH MP C2004SP and MP C4504SP are products of the company’s solution-focused Workstyle Innovation Technology that revolutionizes peoples’ ways of doing things to support them in accomplishing their goals at work.

RICOH products are showcased at its main office in Makati (tel. no. 865-9500) and branches located in Laguna (045-502-7243), and Cebu (032-256-4559). For more information, visit www.ricoh.com.ph

Netflix is Looking for the Best Translators Around the Globe

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We’re pleased to introduce HERMES, the first online subtitling and translation test and indexing system by a major content creator.

Since Netflix launched globally, the scale of our localization efforts has increased dramatically. It’s hard to believe that just 5 years ago, we only supported English, Spanish and Portuguese. Now we’ve surpassed 20 languages - including languages like Korean, Chinese, Arabic and Polish - and that number continues to grow. Our desire to delight members in “their” language, while staying true to creative intent and being mindful of cultural nuances is important to ensure quality. It’s also fueling a need to rapidly add great talent who can help provide top-notch translations for our global members across all of these languages.

Since we unveiled our new HERMES tool two weeks ago, thousands of candidates around the world have already completed the test, covering all represented languages. This is incredible to us because of the impact it will ultimately have on our members as we focus on continually improving the quality of the subtitles on the service. We’re quickly approaching an inflection point where English won’t be the primary viewing experience on Netflix, and HERMES allows us to better vet the individuals doing this very important work so members can enjoy their favorite TV shows and movies in their language.

More information about HERMES can be found on the Netflix Tech Blog.

- Chris Fetner and Denny Sheehan

Chris Fetner is Director of Media Engineering and Partnerships at Netflix

Denny Sheehan is Director of Content Localization & Quality Control at Netflix

Ayala Land and Ube Express to Launch Preferred Airport Bus Service

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ayala Land, Inc. and in partnership with Ayala Malls, Glorietta, and Greenbelt wishes to launch Ube Express' Preferred Airport Bus Service from Makati City to NAIA Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3. This event will formalize the partnership, which will provide a seamless ride from Makati to NAIA Terminals.

Ayala Land, Inc. intends to highlight the concept that they call “Easy Ride” wherein they offer all Ayala Mall customers the ease and comfortability of their travel while ensuring a seamless ride all the way to their desired location. Ube Express' Airport Bus Service will be part of that concept and is a new route innovation within the Ayala Malls.

Together with Ayala Land, Inc. and its executives, the send-off rites will be on April 5, 2017, Wednesday at 8:00 am, park area in front of Glorietta 4, Ayala Avenue, Ayala Center Makati City. Join Ube Express as they strengthen their partnership with Ayala Land, Inc, and formally launch the Airport Bus Service from Makati to NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Government officials from DOTr, LTO, LTFRB, Makati City Officials, and Easy Ride Transport Leaders will together converge for a simple program and refreshments after.

Rob Lisita Determined to Break Losing Spell in Upcoming Bout

Wazzup Pilipinas!

If there is a perfect way to describe Rob “Warrior of God” Lisita as a mixed martial arts (MMA) competitor, he is the true epitome of a gallant warrior inside the cage.

The 34-year-old native of Campbelltown, Australia is known as a relentless offensive force, armed with powerful striking combinations with the intent of scoring highlight-reel finishes.

Lisita is 14-9 as a professional mixed martial artist and has proven to be a fixture in big fights owing to his fan-friendly style.

His reputation as an MMA athlete with a never-say-die attitude gained the attention of ONE Championship, which is widely regarded as the frontrunner of the sport in the Asian region.

Lisita quickly made an impact in ONE Championship by easily taking out Japanese rival Yusuke Kawanago with a 28-second knockout in May 2014.

Under Armour Announced Test of Will Winners to Compete in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 6

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine leg of Under Armour’s ‘Test of Will’, took place last weekend at Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City.

The winners of the event, for the Men’s Division, on 3rd place was Gian Carlo Mercado with a total score of 136. On second place was Merwin Torres, with a score of 140 and for 1st place, winner was Raje Fama, with a total score of 150.

For the Women’s Division, on 3rd place was Rachel Ann Martin, with a total score of 93. On 2nd place, it was Lynette Suler, with a score of 98. While, Joyce Reboton won for first place, with a score of 126.

Joyce Reboton and Raje Fama will be sent to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia on May 6 for the Finals, to compete with other representatives from other countries.

There were a total of 260 participants who competed in the said event, with 114 participants competing on the first day and 146 participants on the second day.

UA ‘Test of Will’ Philippine leg, offered athletes the chance to compete in a simple 4-minute circuit consisting of Burpees, One Arm Thruster, TRX Rows and Sandbag Throw. The side-events also included arm wrestling challenge and a fitness session with Elle Adda.

Discover the Extraordinary with Animax this April!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This April, be dazzled by the fantastical with two same-day-as-Japan simulcast series premiering on Animax! Both series will be available in localized subtitles for the enjoyment of anime fans across Asia.

Even the ordinary can become heroes in My Hero Academia (Season 2)!

The highly rated My Hero Academia series returns for a power-packed second season, premiering on Animax on the same day as Japan this April! The young, idealistic Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming a hero even though he was born without a “quirk”, which is a superpower that the majority of the population develops. His life changes in a chance encounter with his idol and top hero All Might, who decides to share his power with Izuku. With his newfound superpower, Izuku begins to attend a high school for budding heroes and finally embarks on his lifelong dream to become a hero himself.

My Hero Academia (Season 2) premieres on 1 April, every Saturday at 10pm on the same day as Japan. 

 
Dreams really do come true in Alice & Zouroku!

Adventure awaits when grumpy old man meets nonsensical young girl! Based on an award-winning manga series by Tetsuya Imai, Alice & Zouroku revolves around main character Sana, a member of a group of young girls who possess a mysterious power known as “Alice’s Dream”, which gives them the ability to turn their thoughts into reality. These girls are locked away in secret so they can be experimented on. However, Sana manages to escape one day and encounters a stubborn old man Zouroku, who intensely dislikes disruptions to his orderly life. Will life ever return to normal for Zouroku with a girl like Sana around?

Alice & Zouroku premieres on 2 April, every Sunday at 11pm on the same day as Japan.


Apart from the two highly anticipated simulcast series, viewers can also enjoy whimsical comedy series This Art Club Has a Problem! and action-packed mecha series Gyrozetter on Animax in April.

The former series follows along the adventures of middle schooler Mizuki as she attempts to play her part as a member of the art club, with just one problem – she’s the only member who actually seems interested in art! Surrounded by outrageous fellow club members and distracted by her crush on one of the other members, can Mizuki continue to pursue her passion for her craft?

Based on a manga series, which was also adapted into a video game, the latter series Gyrozetter features an alternate version of 21st century Japan, in which cars have been equipped with artificial intelligence. As a student training to operate these cars, fifth-grader Kakeru is one day assigned to the transforming robot known as Gyrozetter. Together with other specially selected drivers, he must now use Gyrozetter to save the world from the evil organization Xenon.

This Art Club Has a Problem! premieres on 11 April, every Monday and Tuesday at 8pm, with two episodes back-to-back. Gyrozetter premieres on 19 April, every Monday to Friday at 5.30pm.



Animax is available on Sky Cable Channel 46, Cignal Channel 73, Dream Satellite TV Channel 07, and GSat Channel 24.

Get to Know Usanimals Better and Discover How Great it is for Your Child’s Health!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Are you confident that your child is getting all the nutrients he or she needs for daily nutrition and overall health? How do you encourage your child to like or even enjoy taking vitamins?

With the help of Usanimals by USANA, parents can support their children’s growth in a fun, convenient and healthful way. Usanimals is a daily multivitamin for children ages 2 to 12 with a balanced formula that contains 23 essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support healthy growth and development for healthy immune functions and energy levels, and bone support.

“Good growth encompasses all aspects in the development of children – from physical, physiological, intellectual, emotional and psychological. We are proud to say that Usanimals by USANA can support the nutritional demands of growing children by providing the relevant and the most comprehensive nutrients that result in improved overall health development,” said Gen Blasurca, Corporate Pharmacist at USANA.

Gen Blasurca (right at top cover photo), Corporate Pharmacist at USANA Health Sciences (USANA), leads a discussion about Usanimals, an FDA-approved multivitamin for children and teens, at a recent press conference on March 31, 2017 at the Happy Garden Café in Makati.

Usanimals was relaunched locally in response to parents’ clamor for complete, high-quality and effective kids’ multivitamins. According to Blasurca, each tablet is complete with 23 essential multivitamins, minerals and antioxidants to promote children’s healthy growth and development, a healthy immune function, balanced energy levels, and bone support.

With Blasurca are two of USANA’s to-earning distributors nine-star Diamond Director Josephine dela Fuente (center) and Emerald Director Mara Pasco (left), both of whom are mothers. During the discussion, Dela Fuente and Pasco revealed that Usanimals has nearly eliminated their children’s allergies and sick days, boosted their energy, and enabled them to enjoy taking vitamins through the chewable and animal-stamped tablets.

Founded in 1992, USANA is a U.S.-based nutritional company that manufactures high-quality supplements, personal care and healthy food products in its FDA-Registered Drug Establishment in Salt Lake City. In the Philippines, the company recently celebrated its 8^th year, earning PhP4 billion in local sales last year.

Children’s nutritional needs
Children need a diet sufficient in macro and micronutrients. Macronutrients refer to carbohydrates, fats and protein needed by the body to provide the vital energy and body building elements for survival and development.

Meanwhile, micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals children needed in small amounts to support their physical and mental development. A child’s diet must also be sufficient to provide for the accumulation of stores of nutrients in preparation for the accelerated growth spurts of the teen years.

The lack of micronutrients such as iodine, vitamin A or iron in their daily diet may result in brain underdevelopment and poor performance in school, as well as the inability to cope with stress.

Usanimals contains quality antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to help ensure that the essential nutrients are present in your child’s diet. It contains vital micronutrients such as Vitamins A, C, E, and zinc to boost immunity; B6, B12, folate, and choline for healthy brain function; calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D for strong bones and teeth; and iron, thiamin, and B12 for energy. It also contains calcium pantothenate, biotin, inositol, antioxidant phytonutrient complex (blackberry, raspberry, cranberry, blueberry fruit powder), selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum.

It is free of artificial flavors and sweeteners. Each chewable tablet is easy to eat, is stamped with animal shapes and has a natural wild berry flavor, making it a yummy and fun treat for kids!

Gen Blasurca, Corporate Pharmacist at USANA Health Sciences, recently presented Usanimals, an FDA-approved dietary supplement for children and teens, during a recent press conference at the Happy Garden Café in Makati. The multivitamin was relaunched in response to parents’ clamor for complete, high-quality and effective kids’ multivitamins. According to Blasurca, each Usanimals tablet is complete with 23 essential multivitamins, minerals and antioxidants that promote children’s healthy growth and development, a healthy immune function, balanced energy levels, bone support.

Each tablet costs only PhP18 versus purchasing discrete multivitamins and minerals which would cost more. Additional benefits of Usanimals include its chewable form compared with messy syrup counterparts, and its sugar-free formulation.

Founded in 1992, USANA Health Sciences is a U.S.-based nutritional company that manufactures high-quality supplements, personal care and healthy food products in its FDA-Registered Drug Establishment in Salt Lake City. In the Philippines, the company recently celebrated its 8^th year, earning PhP4 billion in local sales last year.

Feeding Program

USANA True Health Foundation (THF), USANA’s corporate social responsibility organization, recently partnered with Cornerstone Foundation – an education program under the group Couples for Christ, the Ateneo Center for Educational Development and the Department of Education – to conduct a six-month feeding program during their Saturday classes.

Throughout the program’s duration, the students were individually weighed and their heights measured before and after each feeding cycle, to track their physical development. It also allowed USANA’s program coordinators to monitor the other health needs of the children.

Aside from the weekly feeding sessions, USANA also generously gave each of the students a six-month supply of Usanimals. Results of the student’s physical progress, to be available later this year, will be used to improve the program further.

The USANA difference

“USANA ensures that it manufactures products that are well-researched and is backed by reliable and accurate science,” said Aurora Gaston, USANA Vice President for the Philippines and Indonesia. “We have in-house world-class scientists who test the potency and purity of USANA product to ensure complete and balanced formulas.”

“Our Scientific Advisory Council consists of independent associates whose insights into product applications and efficacy help us deliver high-quality products that promote human health.

“We work with distinguished scientific institutions who conduct research to ensure out company provides cutting-edge nutritionals.”

“At USANA, we believe that the quality of raw ingredients is of the utmost importance. USANA only uses ingredients of high quality to ensure maximum purity, potency, and bioavailability.”


For more information on Usanimals and other updates from USANA Philippines, visit and follow USANA’s social media portals on Facebook (facebook.com/OfficialUSANAPhilippines), Twitter (@usana_ph), and Instagram (usanapilipinas).

Three Ways Smart Uses Tech and Social Media for a Better Workplace

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Can you see yourself sharing a work idea with your CEO via social media?

For some people, such a scenario is difficult to imagine, as many companies still ban the use of social media (and sometimes even phones!) in the workplace. But for employees of Smart Communications, communicating with top bosses via social media is a normal thing. In fact, Smart encourages them to use digital tools that can improve productivity and make work more fun. Here are some of the ways they do this:

1.      Facebook for work

Smart is one of the telcos in Southeast Asia to use the platform called Workplace by Facebook. This is very much like your favorite social media site, except that it connects people within companies or a group of companies. Smart employees use this to share information and ideas (even with their CEO!), ask questions, receive instant feedback from colleagues, see real-time company news, communicate with co-workers via messaging, and even host video meetings. It allows them to collaborate with people from different departments and across different levels.

But it’s not all about work. Here they can also join different interest groups. There’s one for coffee lovers, another for members of the dragon boat team, and even one for sneakerheads!

Corporate learning is made more fun via gamified sessions.

2.      Training via mobile games

Remember dozing off at your last corporate seminar? At Smart, trainings are made more fun via the Gamified Mobile Learning (mLearning) Program. Notifications are regularly sent out to inform employees about available online lessons, many of which are translated into games. They can then decide which lessons they want to take AND when they want to take these.  Some enjoy taking these courses while stuck in traffic! Some of the lessons are about telecommunication basics, Microsoft Office, and project management.

3.      Digital activities during events

Toward the end of 2015, Smart organized an event for employees called Paskong Pagsaluhan. While there were a lot of on-ground activities, employees were also encouraged to post about these on their personal social media accounts, and to join a video-making caroling contest. To promote a spirit of gratitude, they were also urged to express appreciation for colleagues on Smart’s online commendation portal.

During the event, employees were also encouraged to use the Customer Advocacy Referral App (CARA for short). Through this app, they can help family and friends determine which Smart postpaid plan best suited them, facilitate postpaid applications, and report subscriber concerns faster.

Workplace has fostered a culture of open communication and collaboration among Smart employees, from all levels and departments.

These three programs won Gold Anvils at the 52nd Anvil Awards, which is considered the Oscars of Philippine public relations. Smart took home a total of 24 Anvils, earning them the Company of the Year trophy. 

Receiving the trophies were Smart representatives led by (starting sixth from left) Chief Financial Officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla, People Group FVP Gina Ordoñez, Chief People and Culture Officer Liza Sichon, and People Group AVP Che Agsaoay.

Smart has also won international awards citing it for being a top employer.

If you’re interested to join Smart, please visit smart.com.ph/careers

Up Playwrights' Theater Proudly Presents Angry Christ

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Perhaps one of the most enigmatic works of Philippine contemporary art is the mural entitled THE LAST JUDGEMENT in the Chapel of ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER in the Victorias Sugar Mill in Negros Occidental. The work of the Fil-American painter Alfonso Ossorio was created in 1950, a time of great social upheaval in Negros.

Ossorio was born to a family of great wealth. His father, Don Miguel Ossorio, was from a wealthy Manila merchant clan. Although he was born in Manila, he was sent to study in England at 8 years old and returned to the land of his birth only in 1949. After finishing what many acknowledge as his masterpiece, Ossorio flew back to the United States where he established his reputation as a painter and a patron of such artistic giants as Jackson Pollock and Jean Dubuffet. He never returned to the Philippines.

The mural both shocked and scandalized the people of Negros when it was first unveiled late in 1950. Today, the entire chapel is a tourist attraction as well as an important part of Negros history. It is a singular treasure of Philippine art.

ACT 1 covers the period when Ossorio first came home to begin work. His younger brother Frederic has commissioned a foreign architect to build a chapel. Ossorio brings with him the Countess, Ade de Bethune to design the church’s mosaics. While de Bethune easily integrates herself into the life of the sakadas, Alfonso must struggle with the many influences that shape the mural. The ghosts of his troubled childhood, his sexual preference, the poverty of the sakadas and the growing insurgency all prove deeply troubling. Equally troubling are the conventions of traditional liturgical art which he finds stale and limiting. A fictional character, Anselmo, a boy from a sakada family, is Alfonso’s assistant. Try as he may, Anselmo cannot accept the conventions of Ossorio’s art.

In ACT 2, Alfonso decides on the theme of the mural. Going against all convention and acknowledging all opposing influences, he begins to create a statement that reconciles both dark and light in his nature.

Volkswagen PH Introduces All-New Tiguan SUV, Activates CSI’s Steps to Safety at 13th MIAS

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Volkswagen Philippines, the number one European car brand in the country in 2016, is set to introduce at the 13th Manila International Auto Show on March 30 to April 2, 2017 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City its new product lines as well as activate the second phase of the multi-awarded Child Safety Initiative with the “Steps to Safety” program.


All-New Tiguan

The all-new 5-seater Tiguan compact SUV is powered by a 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder turbo-charged stratified injection (TSI) engine with BlueMotion Technology that generates a maximum output of 150 Ps at 5,000 rpm and torque of up to 250 Nm at 3500 rpm, all coming from a compact, fuel-efficient Euro 6 emission-compliant engine mated to a 6-speed direct shift gear (DSG) transmission. This SUV is laden with safety features, most notably the airbags, including a knee airbag for the driver, the ISOFIX child seats’ anchorage points, and the Electronic Stabilisation Program with the driver steering recommendation. 

Underrated Places to Visit this Holy Week

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Take advantage of the long holidays this Holy Week to relax and reflect in these best-kept Philippine destinations

The next much-awaited time of the year in the Philippines after Christmas is the Lenten season. Many use this time to escape the hustle and bustle of life in Metro Manila and other big cities and just seek comfort and freedom from everyday stress. Combining religion and summer vacation, the Holy Week is the best time to get that much-needed rest and offer a silent prayer.

To help you in this endeavor, real estate website MyProperty has listed down some of the must-go sites this Holy week that might be less crowded and just perfect for the season. Relax and reflect in these awesome places so you’ll get back with a refreshed mind and body.

Siquijor

The mystical island of Siquijor also boasts various tourist destinations. Some of the most noted are the Isla del Fuego, the pristine beaches in San Juan town and the centuries-old St. Francis de Asisi Parish, which is also the biggest convent in the country built in 1884. Siquijor also have a butterfly sanctuary and breathtaking waterfalls and springs but medical tourism is the real attraction here. The province is known for the alternative healing methods of the locals.

Simultaneous with Holy Week is their yearly Healing Festival. The four-day festival is opened by a Holy Mass and will include healing sessions, exploration in Cantabon Cave and a holy trek to Mount Bandilaan.

Deep Forest Waterfall, National Park Island of Siquijor, Philippines. Photo via Shutterstock.

The Pinatubo Crater Lake. Photo via Shutterstock.

Tarlac

The Philippines has its own version of the Holy Land located in the province of Tarlac. Just 30 minutes away from the main highway and located at the top of a mountain in Bamban are life-size images that show the mysteries of the Holy Rosary and a number of Bible verses. The local “Holy Land” also has a replica of the tomb of Jesus Christ to complete the experience. It also highlights a 40-foot statue of Jesus on the cross on Mount Golgotha.

Furthermore, Tarlac should be part of anyone’s bucket list as some of the most thrilling tourism experiences can be found here, including the Mount Pinatubo trek adventure and Kart City Tarlac. Museums, waterfalls, and luscious food finds also dot the city to ensure a worthwhile vacation for all.

Sunset in Sta. Ana, Cagayan. Photo via Shutterstock.

Cagayan Valley

Slowly rising to popularity are the well-preserved white-sand beaches of Cagayan and Palaui Island’s raw beauty is at the top of the list. Once hailed as one of the “World’s 100 Best Beaches” by CNN, Palaui is beyond doubt a magnificent sight to behold and experience.

Aside from its amazing water features, Cagayan has other activities perfect for all especially for the season of Lent. Historic pilgrimage sites can also be found in this stunning province tucked in the quaint northern part of the Philippines. One of the must-visit pilgrimage destinations in the country is the Calvary Hills in the town of Iguig. Life-size statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross and the old church of San Antonio de Galica built in the 1900s can be explored here. What’s best is its astonishing location atop a hill, which affords every visitor scenic views of the mighty Cagayan River.

Mount Pulong Bato in Zamboanga City. Photo by Zamboanga Historical Landmarks

Mount Pulong Bato in Zamboanga City

Going to a pilgrimage is a favorite Pinoy activity during lent. In Zamboanga City, you can go on a nature trekking while observing religious traditions. At Pulong Bato in Abong Abong Park, the Stations of the Cross commence at the foot of the mountain and end at the peak. Religious images are also scattered and carved into the mountainside.

After hiking and praying, you will surely get a different kind of high spiritually and mentally once you reach the top to rest and just appreciate the picturesque views.

Apart from this marvelous religious place, Zamboanga City is also the home of a large number of natural and man-made attractions to add worth to a meaningful vacation. Carreon, Congo, Nancy, Busay, and Merloquet Falls are just some of the water adventures that are an absolute must-see in Zamboanga City, in addition to beaches and neighboring islands.

Miag-ao Church in Iloilo. Photo via Shutterstock.

Iloilo

Take your annual Visita Iglesia a notch higher by visiting the beautiful province of Iloilo. A trip to the centuries-old churches of the province is a must especially for your Holy Week reflection. Be in awe with the historical churches that surround Iloilo, such as the Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, Miag-ao Church, and Guimbal Church, to name just a few.

After church hopping, neighboring island-province of Guimaras is just a short boat-ride away, which offers a different kind of water adventure for tourists. Forget about time and stress through the various offerings, such as marine sanctuaries, limestone formations, isolated beaches and coves, and a lot more.

Free yourself with stress, feast on the beauty of the country, and observe the true meaning of the Lenten season through these lovely places in the Philippines that offer a total spiritual and mental cleansing.

Kevin Belingon Ready to Scrap with Finnish Foe on the Ground

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It is no secret that the grappling aspect of mixed martial arts has been Kevin Belingon’s Achilles' heel as three of his five career setbacks have come by way of submission.

Belingon had a difficult time in dealing with elite submission specialists such has Bibiano Fernandes, Dae Hwan Kim and Masakazu Imanari inside the ONE Championship cage.

Following his first-round submission loss to Fernandes for the ONE Bantamweight World Championship belt in January 2016, it forced Belingon to take a nine-month hiatus to extensively work on his ground game.

In his most recent outing, Belingon managed to pick up a lopsided win over Tajik standout Muin Gafurov, who is well-versed in both stand-up and grappling departments of the sport.

The 28-year-old Baguio City native shied away from his relentless fighting style and resorted to a more tactical approach to get a unanimous decision against Gafurov.

From bell to bell, Belingon banked on his lashing leg kicks and takedown defense to keep Gafurov at bay.

Belingon continued to dictate the pace of the match in the third and final frame, where he maintained his distance by consistently telegraphing his leg kicks while making Gafurov hesitate to cut the gap with his signature left hook.

“Gafurov has a knockout power. I had to be careful. In a match with a fighter like him, you have to be one step ahead of him while being cautious. One mistake could cause me the match,” Belingon shared about his meeting with Gafurov this past October.

Belingon will once again share the ONE Championship stage with a feared grappling expert as he is set to square off with Finnish fighter Toni “Dynamite” Tauru.

Both men are booked to face each other on the undercard of ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY, which takes place at the 20,000-seater SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines on 21 April.

Eight of Tauru’s 11 pro wins have come by way of submission. Belingon’s teammate Geje Eustaquio fell into the hands of Tauru last December via first-round rear-naked choke.

With his highly-improved wrestling and grappling arsenal, Belingon is not worried if he has to enter the submission wheelhouse of Tauru as the 5-foot-4 Team Lakay standout is confident that he could match his Finnish foe’s grappling arsenal.

“Toni Tauru is world-class athlete. He is no pushover. I know that he has a high-caliber ground game, but I believe I can cope up with his grappling. In my last fight, I wasn’t able to fully show my capabilities on the ground,” he asserted.

“It’s fine with me whether it will be standing up or exchanging positions on the ground. I can fight anywhere,” Belingon quipped.

However, Belingon believes that fighting within his comfort zone will give him a better chance of walking out with his hand raised.

“Striking is my bread and butter. If he wants to trade strikes, I will be happy to exchange strikes with him,” he stated.

​For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Make the Most of your Easter Holiday at Buddha-Bar Manila’s Magical Easter Celebration

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Buddha-Bar Manila, a world-class resto-bar-lounge that offers fine dining and entertainment experience, levels up the fun and excitement of the Easter Sunday celebration as it sets its exquisite place for a Magical Easter this April 16, 2017.

“We are glad to invite everyone to come and celebrate with us at Buddha-Bar Manila with our Magical Easter event. We’ve always been doing this to celebrate the Easter Sunday; and this year, we made sure that it’s more magical, different, and spectacular,” said Bernadette Castillo, Sales and Marketing Head of Buddha-Bar Manila.

Buddha-Bar Manila’s Magical Easter features an exciting lineup of activities that promises to make the celebration of the Easter Sunday for families more memorable than ever before.

Among these is the Easter Bunny Trail that kids will surely enjoy. Participants of these activities will receive exciting prizes and giveaways. Magical treats will also be given away for the first 30 reservations.

Aside from these, Buddha-Bar Manila also offers a sumptuous spread of delicious cuisines that will be served at the Easter Lunch Buffet. It opens from 11am to 2pm with free-flowing non-alcoholic drinks.

The Buffet with Magical Play Pass is priced at PhP475 for kids, (ages 10 and below), and PhP950 for Adults.

Part of the Easter festivities is the Search for the Magical Egg (Easter Egg Hunt), which will happen in the Magical Program at 1pm. The program also features magical shows and exciting games. Kids can watch this magical extravaganza if they purchase a Magical Play Pass priced at PhP250 only.

“This event is our way of treating our customers to an event that makes the most of the upcoming Easter Holiday. We encourage them to join us and spend a quality and fun time at Buddha-Bar Manila with their family and friends,” Castillo added.

Since it first opened in 2012, Buddha-Bar Manila has been dedicated to offering different themed events for its customers. It also carries the sophistication and the world-class service offered by the Buddha-Bar International franchise, based in Paris, France. It has also brought the luscious taste of Modern Asian and Western cuisine.

Buddha-Bar Manila is located at Picar Place, Kalayaan Ave, Makati City. For inquiries and reservations, please call 8566719, 8566859, or 09989833918.

The 700 Club Asia Unveils 5 Truths about Nuno sa Punso

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“Tabi, tabi po!” “Huwag kang turo nang turo baka ka manuno.” (Excuse me, I’m going to pass by your territory. Don’t point your fingers, you might offend a dwarf.)

These phrases are commonly uttered among Filipinos upon crossing a pile of soil or when passing through the woods, fields, or unfamiliar places. It is coming out of fear that one might disturb, offend, step on, or provoke tiny beings that dwell and roam around the area.

According to an article on the top 10 scariest monster creepers and creatures in the Philippines, Nuno (goblin/elf/dwarf) is one of the scariest mystical creatures in the Philippines. Nunos are believed to have the power to endow wealth, give warnings about future events, and can also bring misfortune and harm on someone who provokes them to anger.

This coming Holy Week, your perspective toward nuno will never be the same as The 700 Club Asia presents, Nuno, a true to life story about a boy named Armand (played by BJ Forbes), who did not believe in the existence of nuno until series of stupendous events happened in his life.

The truths about these mystical creatures were proven by those who experienced them like Armand, and here are 5 of the truths about who they really are and what they can do.

Better Your Craft with These Real Estate Presentation Tips from Miriam Quiambao

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Former beauty queen turned successful real estate broker Miriam Quiambao shares some personal tips and advice that helped her conquer the real estate scene

From the glamorous pageant stage, Miriam Quiambao-Roberto is now a wife, a mother, a TV host, an inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, investor, property manager and a real estate broker. Juggling all of these roles, Quiambao still managed to learn and excel.

Now that the most-awaited Lamudi Philippines Brokers Awards Night is coming near, more aspirants are getting hyped up to know what it really takes to be one of the best brokers in the country. For this reason, Miriam Quiambao shares the ingredients of her success to other inspiring brokers, here are some proven tips and advice from the 1999 Miss Universe first runner-up herself.

Above all aspects of being a real estate professional, presentation might be the most important. Whether it is showing a home to a possible buyer or renter, or helping owners sell their properties while clinching the best deal, the job requires a great deal of persuasion and convincing. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as it sounds. Common mistakes are hard selling or being too dull as they present. The most unforgivable, however, is coming unprepared and being unprofessional in front of clients.

Arrive on Time or Earlier Than Scheduled

This is a basic best practice not only in real estate dealings. According to Miriam, being early at the venue sets the tone for how the presentation goes. As the owner of Q Estates Management and the Managing Director of 3Win Realty & Development Corporation, Miriam is regularly attending meetings, and she says that arriving ahead allows one to settle in to the venue before a presentation, avoiding having to rush and be unkempt. Arriving early also gives you the chance to prepare yourself and your visual aids if you have any.

“For brokers and in anything actually where one wants to appear as professional, I would suggest you come on time. In fact, even 15 minutes before the meeting, because that will allow you to relax a little and settle in, and not rush because you’ve found an ample parking space or the venue itself beforehand. If you are meeting with a seller, it also allows you to prepare with them way before the buyer arrives,” Ms. Quiambao shared.

Preparation Is Key

Whether in media or in business, preparation is a necessity. Unlike in a television or movie shoot where mistakes can be corrected, there are no retakes when making a live presentation to a client, so preparation is very important. More than arming yourself with the right words, coming confident and prepared ensures that the clients feels a professional kind of care from you and not just there to push business.

“If there are documents or need-to-know information that are required or that might come up in the meeting, you should already have acquired or researched that way before. If you’re the selling broker, you want to make sure you’ve done your due diligence, so that the person you are selling to does not experience any problems because of your lack of it,” shared by the Philippine Realty TV host.

“Always take note that your reputation is also on the line, so you want to make sure that you are showing your fellow brokers and their buyers or sellers the professionalism they deserve. For instance, you should avoid occurrences where you will present a property for sale that will turn out as a problematic property and will cause delay in the process due to your lack of research,” Ms. Quiambao added.

The Way You Present Yourself Also Matters

“The way you carry yourself and the way you look are the first measure to your character. It can show that you are trustworthy and also reflect on the kind of work that you do. If you look disorderly, they may think that’s how you work.” Going beyond aesthetics, clients prefers to listen to a presentable speaker, and keen to do business with someone knows how to care for him- or herself.”

It is all in the details, says Miriam, as the presentation begins the instant you meet the person or people you are presenting to. “Always practice proper hygiene and present yourself professionally, because they will immediately see that you cared enough to be put together well for the presentation.”

“When you introduce yourself, it is important to give them a nice, firm handshake. Not too long, not too short, not too strong, not too limp but just right. Remember as well that eye contact shows confidence and that you are secure about yourself and your job,” Ms Quiambao detailed.

Finish Strong and Follow up Gently

Even if the presentation did not end in a deal, it is still vital to leave a good lasting impression. Miriam stressed that business doesn’t end when the presentations are finished, and being appreciative and sending follow-ups can build relationships that all started with that initial meeting.

“It would be nice if you could send them birthday cards or Christmas cards, flowers, or a decently priced bottle of wine. Nothing too expensive, but just something they can remember you by. Those little actions will mean a lot to your clients. Apart from showing professionalism and appreciation of their time, this will likewise ensure that you will be on top of their mind in case they need to buy, sell, or rent property in the future,” Ms. Quiambao ended.

Global Protests Push Samsung to Finally Recycle Galaxy Note 7 - Greenpeace

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After nearly five months of campaigning and global protests, Samsung officially published its plan to deal with the 4.3 million Galaxy Note 7 devices produced and recalled worldwide following battery faults.

“People around the world signed petitions, emailed Samsung’s CEO, demonstrated in cities around the world, and finally Samsung has listened. This is major win for everyone that took action, and a step towards shifting the way we produce and dispose of electronics,” said Jude Lee, Global Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace East Asia.

“While we welcome this news, Samsung must share as soon as possible more detailed timelines on when it will implement its promises, as well as how it intends to change its production system to make sure this never happens again,” added Lee.

This company’s commitment came within days from the launch of Galaxy S8, the first Samsung phone to be released since the Note 7 incident. The phone will be the first test to see how the company will apply these commitments to proceeding models. In a public statement released on its website, Samsung committed to:

• refurbishing and selling the recalled phones or use them as rental phones,
• detach salvageable components, such as semiconductors and camera modules, for reuse or sale; and,
• extract metals using “environmentally friendly methods”.

The IT giant also claimed it will be joining a new research conducted by the European Union aimed at developing a new environmentally friendly technology to recycle smartphones.

“This is a very welcome move from Samsung, being one of the world’s leading smartphone companies.  For them to accept every single Greenpeace demand to reuse the almost new components and those that have the highest environmental costs, push for efficient disassembly and more effective recovery systems, among others is a step in the right direction and is truly what we call true innovation,” said Abigail Aguilar, Detox Campaigner for Greenpeace Philippines.

Electronics production, including smartphones, is incredibly energy and resource intensive, according to a Greenpeace USA report published in February 2017 on the impacts of smartphone production since 2007. According to a United Nations report in 2014, e-waste volumes from small IT products, such as mobile phones and personal computers are predicted to rise globally to 50 million metric tons or more every year in 2017. This represents a massive waste of resources, and a source of contamination from hazardous chemicals.

In the Southeast Asian region, the International Data Corporation (IDC) Asia/Pacific Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker estimates the total smartphone shipments to nearly 28 million units in the second quarter of 2016. Countries in the SEA region tracked by IDC’s local and regional analysts are Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

In 2014, Samsung accounted for 13.3% of smartphones shipments in the Philippines, second only to local brand Cherry Mobile’s 21.9% market share. The growing smartphone adoption among Filipinos drives the Philippines smartphone market to a high 20% year-over-year (YoY) growth. This puts the Philippines as the fastest-growing smartphone market in Southeast Asia to date.

A survey conducted by Greenpeace revealed that the Philippines has the highest number of phones possessed by an individual, with 6.76 mobile phones per capita. The countries surveyed include USA, China, Indonesia, and South Korea, among others.

“Filipinos being tech lovers have the power in their hands to influence Samsung to transition from the current business model of producing tons of electronic waste to closing the loop, tackling overconsumption and transitioning from programmed obsolescence to repairability,” said Aguilar.

Greenpeace will further push the tech sector in the coming month to rethink its impact on the planet. The Galaxy S8 and best-selling models from 14top IT companies’ will be scored to inform customers on how repairable the phones are.

8 Ways You Can Write Conclusion for Your Essay

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Conclusion is an important part of the essay. To present your write-up in a cohesive and polished manner, follow our tips of writing a powerful conclusion.

What are the top 8 ways you can write conclusion for your essay?

A conclusion is the crucial component of an essay which restates the vital points of a write-up by using words and phrases distinct from what you penned own in your thesis statement. Brevity is the key to leaving an impression in the reader’s mind. Avoid using unnecessary words such as ‘in conclusion’ or ‘in short’ as they distract the mind. Summarize the vital points of a write-up in an attractive and logical manner, but do not rephrase each and every word and write the conclusion. A conclusion cannot be more than 5-7 lines and must be crisp, short and interesting. Do not use uncertain words and be authoritative. Try and highlight in the section how your essay is helpful for the readers. Use powerful emotions, some irony here and there to excite the readers. Well, let us check out the 8 ways to come up with an impressive conclusion.

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The 8 essential steps of writing the best conclusion

If you wrote essays in the past, you know that the conclusion has to be convincing and solid. Its main job is to bring together the entire piece and the relevant points that were discussed earlier. Follow the below steps closely:

●    Composition of a memorable conclusion is indispensably connected with brainstorming for ideas that came throughout your essay. As soon as the stage of writing a conclusion comes, you may feel unable to wrap it all up, while in fact, all the information lies on the surface. So relax and think over what your essay is actually about. What have you learned when writing it, and what lessons should your readers learn? Pen down the important themes you stated in your opening section of your essay. Consider linking the composition argument to some different context.

●     Start writing your conclusion with a bit of transition so that your readers pay attention. Readers must get to know that you are concluding the essay. Stay away from words that are overused like ‘in conclusion’ as it might make the section dull.

●     Write the entire content in just 5-6 sentences. It will remind the readers what you were discussing all through the write-up. The discussion must be simple and sweet.

●     Your conclusion must clearly state what you wish to communicate in the essay or through the thesis. Use a different language and rework your write-up.

●  Always write the last sentence in an elegant, impressive manner. It must be playful, ironic and provocative.

●     Avoid the common pitfalls in the conclusion. Do not just restate the entire essay in the conclusion. Take your readers to the next level.

●    There is no need to use flowery quotation in the conclusion. Avoid this urge. There should not be any fluffy language. The tone must be terse, direct and authoritative.

●      Never write something new in the concluding section.

By following the above steps, you will be able to write an imposing conclusion. It will leave a very positive impression on the minds of the readers. Use these tips and tricks from our professional writers to make your essays truly great, and to embrace the mastery of professional writing.