ASEAN Youth Summit 2018 Opens Delegate Registration

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Uniting the ASEAN youth once again, the University Student Government of De La Salle University (DLSU) opens its doors to Delegates and Observers for this year’s ASEAN Youth Summit (AYS). AYS 2018 invites all the ASEAN Youth to register from June 22 to July 13, 2018.

The qualifications for applicants are as follows:

Must be a citizen from the ASEAN Member-States or ASEAN +3 Member-States (Delegates)
Must be a citizen from non-ASEAN Member-States or non-ASEAN +3 Member-States (Observers)
Must be 15-30 years of age
Must be mentally and physically fit to travel

AYS 2018 aims to connect the ASEAN youth to opportunities in achieving and accomplishing greater goals. Centered on ASEAN’s three pillars – the Economic Community, the Socio-Cultural Community, and the Political-Security Community – this year’s summit holds a case study competition that challenges the youth to critically analyze different issues that persist in ASEAN Member-States. The case study competition encourages its participants to create solutions to these issues from different angles. 

Interested participants may apply as a delegate or an observer. The delegates are entitled to the full package which includes the talks, meals, field trip, and other activities. Delegates will also be able to take part in the case study competition wherein they will analyze the different issues that exist in their represented country and propose long term solutions in line with the goals of the three ASEAN pillars to solve these problems. The observers will not participate in the case study competition. However, they will be able to listen to the same speakers and participate in the same program of the delegates. They are more than welcome to join the delegates’ plenary sessions to give insight and listen to their case study presentations.

All accepted applicants are expected to pay the registration fee of USD 150 which is inclusive of the conference fee, field trip fee, delegate kit, AYS shirt, meals during the program, and the transportation fee from DLSU to other program venues.

Register now at www.ays2018.com or email us at info@ays2018.com for more inquiries.

DOTr- LTO to Start Release of Motor Vehicle Plates Nationwide

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the Land Transportation Office (LTO), will release this to automotive dealers and owners nationwide, the plates of motor vehicles registered in July 2016.

DOTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade will grace the event with LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar C. Galvante, along Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Bong Go, House Committee on Transportation Chairman and Cong. Cesar V. Sarmiento (Catanduanes, Lone District), and Cong. Federico S. Sandoval II (Malabon, Lone District).

Vehicle owners who have registered their vehicle during this period may claim their plates at the Authorized District Office (ADO) or through their respective dealers.

One of Secretary Tugade's marching orders when he assumed his post was to make sure that the problem on the lack of vehicle plates be resolved the soonest possible time.

"Itong problema na ito ay matagal na inireklamo at idinaing ng mga kababayan natin. Sino ba naman ang matutuwa na nagbabayad ka ng tama tapos aabutin ng siyam siyam bago makuha ang plaka. Kaya tuld ng ipinangako ng ating Pangulo, heto ho, inayos namin, heto ho, may plaka na kayo" said Secretary Tugade.

The Transportation Chief further adds that it only took political will to solve a problem that seemed so impossible in the past. 

"Unti unti po nating aayusin ang mga problema. Magtiwala lang po kayo sa amin lalo't nagsisipag ng husto ang mga ahensya sa ilalim ng DOTr para guminhawa ang buhay natin. Utos po iyan ni Presidente Duterte kaya sisikapin nating matupad at masolusyunan" said Secretary Tugade.

According to LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar C. Galvante, the plates for the succeeding months of 2016 are already being shipped to the Regional Offices for distribution to the ADOs and dealers.

"Today, we will start the release of the plates nationwide for vehicles registered July 2016," Asec. Galvante said.

As of yesterday, 04 July 2018, the LTO Plate Making Plant has produced a total of 231,332 pairs of motor vehicle plates since it started operating in April. These plates are enough to cover the July to December 2016 requirements.

However, he said that the release of plates will be gradual and will be announced in the succeeding months.

"We ask the vehicle plate owners to wait for their notification. We do not want the owners to rush to the District Offices only to find out that their plates are not yet there," Asec Galvante emphasized.

Motorists who registered their vehicles before 01 July 2016 (2013 to June 2016) will not receive their license plates yet, as these are under a different contract from another supplier. The LTO Chief reiterated that the said contract is still the subject of the Commission on Audit (COA) disallowance.

He however expressed, “We are positive that the COA decision will come out soon.”

On motorcycle (MC) plates, Asec. Galvante said that these will be issued as soon as the Bill for differrently--sized  plates is  enacted.

ColorManila Holds Marvel Run, First in Philippines and Southeast Asia

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ColorManila, the country’s biggest fun-run organizer, just recently concluded the first Marvel-themed run in South East Asia.  The event was attended by at least 8,000 participants at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Event Grounds, last July 7, 2018.

Marvel fans were seen wearing various Avengers-inspired costumes, such as Iron Man, Thor, Spiderman, Captain America, Black Widow, among others.

ColorManila VP Justine Cordero says, “We are thankful for the support of the thousands of ColorManila followers who got to attend the first Marvel Run in the Philippines and in South East Asia.  We plan to have more events such as this one in the next couple of months.  We are also looking forward to seeing our runners once again in our next events.”

ColorManila’s upcoming events include the CM Challenge Clark, to be held on August 5, 2018, at the Clark Parade Grounds.  While Proactive Sports, ColorManila’s sister-company will host the first Tough Mudder to be held in Asia, on July 21-22, 2018, at Portofino Amore in Alabang.


For more information, please visit colormanila.comand toughmudder.ph.

A Superb Second Place for Alex Rins in Assen

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The ‘Cathedral of Speed’ was fast furious throughout the weekend, and Sunday’s race was no exception. Assen Circuit stayed dry and the pace was hot from the get go.

Alex Rins, from the second row, was able to get a good start and Andrea Iannone soon joined him, also making good progress from his 9th slot start. The pair began to mix it in the leading group, and as the frantic and combattive race got closer with each lap, Alex Rins used his good feeling and form at Turn 5 to great effect; passing several riders there and constantly placing himself in podium contention. The young Spaniard executed a brave move on Marquez for 2nd place with 15 laps to go, proving his desire to bring his GSX-RR back to the podium.

In the final laps he pushed hard once again and completed a great pass on Viñales before the final chicane, fighting all the way to the flag for his second podium of 2018. Meanwhile, Andrea Iannone managed to keep himself in the Top 10 throughout the race, despite struggling with rear grip and movement, but a 2-second penalty for over-running turns 15-18 demoted him to 11th place.

Ken Kawauchi - Technical Manager
“It was an incredible race. This morning Alex’s feeling was not so good, so despite hoping for a good race I couldn’t imagine getting this second position. Andrea had good speed, especially in qualifying, but it didn’t transfer to the race. This is a problem we’ve had for the last few races, so we have to fix it. We’ve had several podiums now, some third positions and some second positions, now we have to go for a win.”

Davide Brivio - Team Manager
“Of course we enjoyed the race a lot, it was really great to have Alex in the middle of the pack, battling with all the top riders. I really liked his spirit, fighting until the end and making a move on the last lap for second position. Assen is a difficult circuit and it’s easy to make mistakes, a few riders did, but he was very good for the whole race - this is the Alex we hope to see every Sunday! Unfortunately Andrea couldn’t do a really good race, he was struggling, especially with movement on the rear. At the beginning he was there in the front group, but then he lost some ground and unfortunately he couldn’t keep contact with the others, despite good lap times. I hope next time we’ll have both riders fast and fighting together. Anyway, we’re happy with this fourth podium.”

Alex Rins
“This morning I was feeling really sick, some problems with my stomach. But the doctors at Clinica Mobile gave me some medicine and it took away the pain, so I must really thank them, because when I felt better I thought ‘wow, this will be my race!’. It was a fantastic battle and I learned a lot of things during the race. Our race pace was good and I was able to enjoy it! There were a lot of over-takes and tight moves, so I was always trying to push to stay with the others and hold my space. I feel very positive with my bike and with my team, we all really want to improve and win. We’ve had a really competitive bike since Qatar, but we’ve been able to change a few things to get extra power and better performance, so I hope I can stay at the top for the next races too. I feel confident for Sachsenring.”

Andrea Iannone
“It was a bit of a difficult race. From the beginning I had problems with the bike moving a lot, so I struggled with this problem. But together with the engineers we’ll try to resolve it. We’ve already tried a few things, but we won’t give up until we find the solution. We have good one-lap pace, but we need to improve race pace and tyre longevity. I was on the limit a lot today and for that reason I made a mistake, but sometimes it’s like this in racing. I’m really happy for Alex, he made a really good race and it shows our potential. I hope I can use all of my potential soon too. Today my pace was good and I was quite close to the front group, so our target for Sachsenring is to try to improve a few things and stay closer to the front.”


Get updated with Suzuki Racing story by visiting https://www.suzuki-racing.com/ and subscribing to to the newsletter at https://www.suzuki-racing.com/contact.aspx.

Manila Wrestling Federation Creates New Filipino Heroes and Icons with MWF 3: Republika on July 8

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Manila Wrestling Federation -- the hottest and fastest rising live sports-entertainment spectacle in Metro Manila – continues its unique blend of athleticism and action-adventure storytelling “MWF 3: Republika”, the next episode of the country’s one and only live “AksyoNovela”, to be held on July 8 at the UP Bahay ng Alumni, Diliman, Quezon City. The show will start at 6 PM.

The company’s third major presentation celebrates Filipino courage, dignity and integrity through its larger-than-life, colorful characters and culturally relevant stories, highlighted by the main event featuring MWF’s high-flying daredevil pioneer Robin Sane facing his archrival, King of Pro Wrestling China Champion and former WWE NXT and Cruiserweight Classic participant Ho Ho Lun.

The event also promises to be packed with superb in-ring action delivered by the first round of the inaugural MWF Championship Tournament. MWF’s “Kapa-FEDs” will also be treated to “Sagot Kita 3: Basta Stryker, Sweet Lover”, the next chapter highly entertaining short film series starring action hero Gigz Stryker, one of the company’s top attractions.

MWF has also partnered up with event ticketing app Ticket2Me, making it more convenient for Pinoy wrestling fans to buy their tickets online and pay through a variety of outlets such as Paypal, local banks, and 7-11 stores nationwide.

Get your tickets to ”MWF 3: Republika” now at  www.ticket2me.net! For inquiries and ticket reservations, please send a message to the Manila Wrestling Federation’s official Facebook page www.facebook.com/ManilaWrestlingFederation, or contact +63 9178431194.

Fil-Aussie Reece McLaren Battles for Validation as Next Flyweight Title Challenger

Wazzup Pilipinas!

After notching two impressive victories in the span of five months, Reece “Lightning” McLaren has proven without a shadow of a doubt that he truly is the top contender in ONE Championship’s star-studded flyweight division.

However, McLaren is having a slight detour towards his goal to meet undisputed flyweight kingpin Geje Eustaquio as he has been booked to duke it out with Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada.

Both men are slated to face each other in a three-round flyweight affair in the co-main event of ONE: BATTLE FOR THE HEAVENS, which takes place at the Guangzhou Tianhe Gymnasium in Guangzhou, China on Saturday, July 7.

“I do not really want to wait around,” McLaren said. “The way I see it is – if you are feeling like you are the champ, then you should be able to beat anyone on any given day.”

“My goal is to become the champ, and if I want to be the champ, then I have to be able to step up at any time and beat anyone. Champions train, losers complain,” he added.

After recreating himself as a flyweight, the 26-year-old Filipino-Australian dynamo has been a force to be reckoned with in ONE Championship’s 61.2-kilogram weight class.

In front of a sold-out crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines last November, McLaren had a thunderous divisional debut when he submitted Anatpong Bunrad with a spectacular brabo choke.

McLaren followed it up with a feat that was just as impressive this past March, submitting Malaysian standout Gianni Subba in a short-notice bout with an arm-triangle choke in the second round.

Following his victory over Subba, it was clear as daylight that McLaren should be next in line for a shot, but before he could claim his championship opportunity, the promotion’s flyweight title picture situation had to be settled.

It was eventually sorted out at ONE: PINNACLE OF POWER last June when Eustaquio pulled off a gutsy split decision to defeat Adriano Moraes and become the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion.

McLaren could have sat on the sidelines and waited to challenge the winner of the aforementioned unification contest later this year, but he chose to get right back into action.

“I will get my shot regardless. I will knock the other contenders down one by one until I get it. It is just a matter of time,” he stated.

To show he is willing to square off with any combatant on the ONE Championship stage, McLaren crosses paths with Wada at ONE: BATTLE FOR THE HEAVENS.

Holding a professional record of 19-8-2, 1 NC, Wada is a former DEEP flyweight titleholder, who enters his in-ring encounter with McLaren with a phenomenal eight-bout winning streak.

McLaren is well aware of his Japanese opponent’s ability, which is why he refuses to take him lightly.

“He has had a lot of fights and he has a lot of experience. He has some awkward looking stand-up, and I think he has a really good ground game,” he explained. “It is a really good match, and I think it is a really dangerous match. I am always excited for a challenge. Whoever the name, I am happy to buckle in, and get set and go.”

Should McLaren beat Wada on Saturday, McLaren may furnish a date with Eustaquio and make his dream of becoming a world champion a reality.

“I have been dreaming of having a world title around my waist since I can ever remember. It is a lifetime goal, but to just win is not enough. I want more,” he ended.

​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. ​

Pour More Fun and Refreshment with Tang!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It’s no secret that we Filipinos love our refreshing drinks. In the warmest of days, we always turn to our favorite refreshments to beat the heat! For us, an iced, refreshing drink to share with friends and family is the most satisfying. That’s why Tang has been a staple in countless Filipino homes for the past 46 years!  We get more refreshment, enjoyment, and value from Tang!


Still the Best Refreshment

Tang is a well-loved household name because it has stayed committed in making life more refreshing each time it’s shared with family friends. A glass of Tang’s unbeatable fruit-flavored and refreshing taste is sure to quench everyone’s thirst!


Real Fruit Flavors 

While everyone knows Tang started with just one flavor - its classic, Orange taste, - the brand continues to innovate and create new flavors for us to be refreshed in many different ways! Tang quenches your thirst in 16 different fruit flavors so you don’t have to settle for the same old carbonated drink. Made with real fruit extracts, you can be refreshed with tropical flavors like mango, pineapple, and dalandan. If you’re feeling more adventurous, make an iced-cold pitcher of Tang Pomelo, or Guyabano! You can also have a glass of the new Tang Mixed Berries - a wonderful fusion of grape, strawberry, and raspberry flavors which your family will surely love. Tang can definitely give you more by offering many delicious options for each day!


Vitamin Goodness 
In addition to having all of these wonderful flavors to choose from, each serving of Tang is fortified with Fruit Power7*. Unlike carbonated soft drinks, A glass of Tang has Vitamins A, B3, B6, Iron, and Folate to help meet your child’s daily nutrient needs, based on the 2002 Philippines Recommended Energy and Nutrients Intake (RENI). It also has Vitamin B2 and 100% Vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system. With Tang, kids ages 7 – 9 get more nutrients in every glass, giving more than just refreshment.


Value-filled Fun Family Times with Tang  

Tang also helps you get the most out of life with its budget-friendly price point. With a suggested retail price of 16.45 pesos per liter pack, you can have a cool and refreshing treat that is enough for 5 full glasses as opposed to a solo-sized can of soft drink, which is only good for one person - that is almost the same price!

Tang will surely remain as the market leader in the powdered beverage category in the country. With its pledge of creating delicious flavors, developing budget-friendly servings, and infusing vitamins and minerals in every pack, Tang simply packs more fruity goodness for every Filipino family. With Tang, you get many refreshing possibilities and even more added value!

To know more, like TANG on Facebook (www.facebook.com/TangPhilippines).

*Fruit Power7: Tang is a source of Vitamins A, B3, B6, Folate and Iron and high source of Vitamins B2 and C. This is based on the 2002 Philippines Recommended Energy and Nutrients Intake (RENI) for kids 7-9 years old.

Better Connectivity in Palawan: Network Upgrade Boosts Businesses, Smart Retailers’ Sales

Wazzup Pilipinas!

For a tourist-popular place like Puerto Princesa in Palawan, better mobile internet is a boon not only to travelers, but for local businesses as well.

“Mobile data is a need for our (travel) agency to keep up with the strong online community of travelers,” said Jocelyn Libato, staff at Pretty Planet Travel and Tours in Puerto Princesa. “We post updates, promos and tour packages on our Facebook page to attract customers here and abroad.”

Locally owned gaming shops like Lucky Panda Game Zone have also felt the boost. “It really helps me promote the business especially now that communication with customers mostly takes place online, be it via email, Facebook, or Messenger,” said Lucky Panda Game Zone supervisor Rochelle Baylon.

From P2,000 a week last year, store owner Evelyn Juntado now sells more than twice as much cell phone load. She is one of many Smart load retailers in Puerto Princesa enjoying a boost in earnings since Smart Communications upgraded its network, boosting connectivity and consequently driving data traffic.

“I have been re-loading from Smart agents more frequently since the LTE rollout,” she says, and P5,000 worth is easily sold out.

Marilyn Bundac, a veteran Smart retailer in Puerto Princesa, has likewise tripled her earnings because of better signal. “From P500 a day, I now average P1,000 to P1,500. My customers from the Land Transportation Office here say that they can use Smart’s faster LTE to watch videos on YouTube or play mobile games,” she said, adding that she herself is an avid Facebook user.

Smart is rolling out more Long Term Evolution (LTE) sites across Palawan, the country’s largest province in terms of land area, starting in Puerto Princesa. Initial internal tests in areas like the Puerto Princesa International Airport and Honda Bay wharf showed LTE download speeds between 12 and 60 Mbps, depending on the device.

Evelyn’s Jairus Store is located at Honda Bay wharf. Being also an online seller on Facebook, the mother of two herself uses mobile data -- GigaSurf50 for fast and stable online experience—the same promo she often recommends to her regular customers, mostly tricycle drivers and housewives.

Higher month-on-month growth

With increased data traffic Puerto Princesa, Smart in Palawan has also posted month-on-month growth in sales over the last six months.

Ryan Abadilla, provincial customer development manager for Palawan sees more opportunities for the province. “With improved connectivity, tourists can upload photos, update their social media, and keep in touch with their families via messaging apps faster.” And with more tourists coming in, “local businesses will also flourish.”

Aside from the city proper, tourist areas like Coron, El Nido, Roxas, San Vicente and Taytay have also been growing, thanks to Smart LTE already in place,” he adds.

Like Evelyn, load retailer Riza Cinco also reports a spike in business since the network upgrade.

“My customers now prefer higher load denominations ranging from P50 to 100 like GigaSurf50 and AllOutSurf 99 so they can enjoy mobile data for a longer period of time,” she says. “They also still buy call-and-text promos like the Super Combo 20 and UnliCall&Text30.”

Increasing LTE traffic

For student Aziel Almasco, who buys AllOutSurf99, mobile data is helpful for both work and play. “With the improved network in our area, I also get to enjoy the Free YouTube Everyday promo now that I am on vacation,” she says.

Until July 15, Smart, Sun, and TNT prepaid customers can enjoy up to one hour of free access to YouTube every day as long as they are registered to select promos including GigaSurf99, AllOutSurf99, GigaSurf 50, AllOutSurf 30, Panalo Data 30, Panalo Combo 30, Super Combo 20, and Big Time Data 70. This offer is also available to Smart and Sun postpaid customers, while Sun Fixed Load Plans users simply have to register to select load buckets to enjoy the offer.

Puerto Princesa is just one of many high-traffic areas where Smart has already deployed LTE. Recently, Smart also fired up LTE in the Philippines’ most picturesque tourist havens, including Batanes, Sagada, and Sarangani, as well as in the cities of Tacloban and Ormoc in Leyte, to name a few.

Investing in network transformation

In 2018, Smart is doubling the number of LTE base stations to about 17,700 nationwide and raising the number of LTE-equipped cell sites to more than 6,800, using frequencies that are compatible with CA-capable smartphones available in the market today. It is on track toward to fulfill its commitment to the National Telecommunications Commission to cover 90% of the country’s cities and municipalities with mobile data service by the end of this year.

Parent company PLDT has committed historic levels of resources to support network transformation, with capital expenditures expected to reach P58 billion this year. Alongside Smart’s ramped-up LTE roll out, PLDT is also aggressively rolling out its fiber broadband service, which also supports the stepped-up deployment of the mobile network by providing high-capacity links for cellular base stations.

3 Ways Your Printer Threatens Your Security

Wazzup Pilipinas!

What comes to mind when you start thinking about internet security? If you’re like some people, your printer might be last on your list. However, your printer can disclose more private information than you might think possible.

Our friends at internet privacy giant ExpressVPN have created an extensive guide on printer security that reminds us to include our printers as part of our security strategy.

Your printer logs everything 

Although the number of logs kept by a printer can vary by model and manufacturer, every printer records at least some information. In addition to simple time and date stamps that identify print jobs and system events, some printers go so far as to keep copies of everything they print. When someone accesses this information, your life could get complicated.

Printers that are connected to external print servers pose an additional security threat. These servers are computers that manage print jobs sent to a printer and store an entirely separate set of logs and stored documents.

Even 3D printers are at risk. For starters, they store logs that are similar to ordinary printers. Also, while they may not store physical outputs, a study by the University of California at Irvine revealed that hackers can use the sounds emitted by a 3D printer to replicate its output.

To counter these threats, check the logs your printer stores and consult the manufacturer and online security resources to find ways to keep your printer from spying on you.

Every printed document has hidden watermarks 

Whenever you print, you create a forensic trail that leads back to your printer. Unless you take precautions, this means that someone can hold you personally responsible for what you print. This reality became public knowledge years ago during some high-profile money-counterfeiting cases.

If you think this could never affect your life, you could be wrong. The FBI analyzed printer steganography, the science printers use to encode data in ordinary printouts, to investigate leaked data from the NSA. As a result, the contractor responsible for the leaks was arrested.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation warned about the threat printers pose to security and, as early as 2005, exposed how various government agencies exploit those threats as part of routine investigations.
Documents will always be tied to the printer that produced them. So, consider buying a second-hand printer so that authorities will have difficulty identifying you as its owner.

Printers and Bitcoin do not mix 

Cryptocurrencies and the wallets that store them have created new online security threats that everyone should take seriously. Although most of those threats involve computers and networks, they also involve printers, especially if you print backup encryption keys recovery codes.

Even if you never trade with Bitcoin and other currencies, this type of exploit may still affect you. Many two-factor-authentication (2FA) systems also provide emergency backup codes. As the threat of printer malware becomes more prevalent, some analysts believe that hackers and investigators will have the ability to intelligently scan print jobs for sensitive information.

Counter this threat by recording your backup codes by hand, to eliminate the threat of a compromised printer.


In summary, your printer can tell on you. After learning about the above threats, you can expect more to emerge, especially as internet-connected printers become ubiquitous. In response, stay informed and vigilant. Don’t let your printer be the weak link of your security strategy.

You can find out more here:

https://www.expressvpn.com/blog/how-your-printer-tells-on-you/

Why Mattress Brands Pick Weird Names like Koala or Ecosa

Wazzup Pilipinas! 

What’s in a name? Businesses invest quite a lot in finding the right brand name. The sleep industry is no different. I have been in the industry for a decade or so, and one of the things I’ve noted is how the brand names have evolved. As newer companies enter the market, they come with interesting “weird” names.

I’m the exploring the reasons why mattress brands pick weird names like Koala or Ecosa. They are both from Australia and among the top beds on the market. Do their names have anything to do with their success? Well, let’s find out.

To Stand Out
Your name is your identity; it's what identifies you from the rest. It's the same case for businesses. The sleep industry can be described as flooded with companies, and I think every year new brands are entering the market. With this in mind, these companies must come up with names that make them stand out from the rest of the competition.

These companies adopt unusual names that make an impression with their consumers. Take examples of the two names – Ecosa and Koala. We are familiar with Koala the animal, and when you give a mattress such a name, it's difficult to forget it. Ecosa too is different; you can read the review here.

Research has shown that some vowels relay attractiveness, taste, and size. Examples ‘a,' ‘o,' and ‘e.'

It’s Easier to Get a Domain Name
Among the top highlights in the sleep sector is the migration of the majority of brands to online retailing. They have to get domain names, and it can be a challenge at times. Businesses are often advised to get a domain name similar to the brand name. It’s a portrayal of corporate strength. When the domain and brand name are different, it can be confusing for your customers.

With weird names, getting a domain becomes easy since nobody else will have thought of it. It also sets you apart from businesses outside the industry. When you search a name like Ecosa on search engines it automatically brings up the mattress because the name is unique only to that company. There’s a lot in a brand name which these companies consider, and that's why they are often ‘weird.' The name is vital especially if your business is online.

Psychology
An organization that succeeds in its marketing campaign relies on the strategy they adopt. That means companies will invest in a marketing strategy. The best strategies focus on the target audience appealing to their needs and preferences. It uses human behavior to figure out our needs.

Weird names play with our psychology. When ‘something' is normal, it doesn't have much impact. Out of the ordinary stuff is easier to remember and captures our interest more.

Another reason why brands go for weird labels is to dominate social media. In today’s world, the internet is a critical platform for them to showcase their products and access the market, SEO is a crucial issue. Weird titles make social media domination easier.

It Helps Avoid Trademark Issues
Several brands have had to change their brand or product name, while some even faced lawsuits because of trademark issues. Having a unique or weird name helps avoid such a scenario.

Brands in the sleep industry trademark their unique names to avoid such lawsuits or changing their identity which negatively affects the business. Therefore, once you identify a name, experts advice trademarking it.

Names Tell a Story
Getting market isn’t a challenge; the test comes when you want to retain it. It’s as they say: becoming the first is easy, the problem is maintaining that first position.
One way companies attract consumers is through their label. A catchy phrase, with a backstory, can help achieve that. Take the Koala mattress for instance. It’s Australian, which is home to the Koala.

What’s even more exciting is that the brand helps protect these animals from extinction. They make donations to Koala charities. Their weird choice of identity combined with the work they do for the animals attracts a lot of consumers. Plus it will be difficult not to consider that brand when thinking of mattresses.


Koala and Ecosa are among the best of Australia's bedding. They both have attracted a huge following thanks to their quality products, unique naming, and marketing strategy. You can find more on the two here: Koala vs Ecosa.

So, why do mattress brands pick weird names? There are different reasons the primary ones being to have a distinctive identity, avoid trademark issues, to acquire domain names quickly, to tell a story and for market domination.

Alliance Send- Off 5 Fundraising Concert Scheduled on July 14

Wazzup Pilipinas!

After bagging Bronze in the varsity division in 2016 World Hip Hop Dance Championship, an official delegate of the Philippines to the Hip Hop International stage since 2014 is set to compete and represent the country for the fifth time - and this time, they’re bringing back their varsity team.

Just last April, The Alliance bagged BRONZE in the varsity division of the 2018 Philippine Hip Hop Dance Championship National Finals, which qualifies them to compete against different Philippine representatives and dance crews from around the world. The competition will be held at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona from August 5-11.

The Alliance, now on it’s fifth year to hold a fundraising dance concert to help them with expenses such as flight tickets, accommodations, and competition registration fees. Events like this aim to promote the Philippine Dance Community and inspire those who are believers of the culture and arts, as well as raising the impact of the Filipino talent in the international scene.

We have special performances from our guests, LSDC Street and ICA DT.

Alliance Send- Off 5 is happening on July 14, 2018 at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater, ADMU. Tickets sold at Php 350 each. Please contact Sam Gamboa at 0916 442 9704 or any Alliance member.

Open house will start at 6:00 PM, so make sure to be early to get good seats and participate in our games to get a chance to win some of our event sponsors products. We also have a couple of food stalls where you can buy meals to satisfy your cravings. Show proper will start at 7:00 PM.

Keep updated by subscribing to our official accounts!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlliancePhilippines/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Alliance_PH/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alliance_PH
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AlliancePhilippines
For performance bookings contact [JJ San Juan at 0917 527 4070]
For sponsorship & media features, contact [Jay Resuello 0917 774 1121] and [Steffi Tolentino 0919 999 9424]
For general inquiries, email us at [dancewithalliance.ph@gmail.com].

And if you wanna join the conversation then use #ALLIANCESENDOFF5!


ALLIANCE SEND OFF 5 is presented to you by The Alliance

TOGETHER WITH
WACOAL

IN COOPERATION WITH GROOVE CENTRAL SILVERPOD
MAC
                                                                         
ALSO BROUGHT TO YOU BY
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ASIA BREWERY INC.
COLGATE
PALMOLIVE
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SPECIAL THANKS TO
NORMINRING MOTORBIKES
FAUST FAMILY
TOLOSA FAMILY
DIGITAL OPTION, INC.
KUWAGOS
PANSIT PINOY
ABIGAMID, INC.
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FERNANDEZ FAMILY
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MR. BRIAN JOHNSON
MR. MIKE FERNANDEZ

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About The Alliance

Established in 2013, The Alliance is a professional dance team that has become one of the most sought-after groups in the local and international dance scene to date. The team has been competing and bagging podium finishes in prestigious competitions such as Hip Hop International Philippines and World of Dance Philippines. It is also one of the official delegates of the Philippines to the annual World Hip Hop Dance Championship held in the U.S. and has represented the country in the Varsity division since 2014. Just last year, the Megacrew team advanced to the world stage finals and ranked 5th among it’s numerous competitors that was held in Phoenix, Arizona. This year, the team sets higher standards for another podium comeback – with a stronger team to venture the international stage and aiming to bring back another gold win to the country. The team strives to be an excellent role model by imbibing senses of camaraderie and sportsmanship in uplifting the art within the Filipino dance community – all while doing it for the glory of God.

DOE Interactive Expo Gives Consumers the E-Power Mo Experience

Wazzup Pilipinas!

LET THE ENERGY FUN BEGIN: Officials from the DOE and PIA-NCR formally open the Interactive Energy Expo 2018 to the public. (L-R) In photo are PIA-NCR Officer-in-Charge Emver P. Cortez, PIA Staff Director Emelyn Q. Libunao, DOE Asec. Robert B. Uy, DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Jesus T. Tamang, and DOE Energy Efficiency and Conservation Division Chief Artemio P. Habitan. 

The Department of Energy (DOE) in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency - National Capital Region (PIA-NCR) launched the Interactive Energy Expo 2018 earlier today at the Activity Center of SM City Fairview. This two-day event (6-7 July 2018) is part of the DOE's E-Power Mo campaign, which seeks to empower consumers with the knowledge to adapt an energy smarter lifestyle and actively contribute to securing the country's energy future. 

"We are earnest in encouraging consumers to join the E-Power Mo movement. When done individually, each wise energy choice made may seem like a tiny drop in a pond. However, when considered collectively, each contribution creates ripples that redound to the benefit of our country's energy security," said Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi.

Central to the expo is the use of an interactive approach to engage visitors of all ages, allowing them to participate in activities that impart lessons on intelligent energy utilization and management.

Activities include the "Wall Alive", which features a life size touch screen display where visitors are able to select smart energy consumption habits and discover the corresponding monthly electricity bill savings. 

After being inspired by this knowledge, guests are given the opportunity to pledge their commitment to use energy responsibly through the "Sketch to Life.” Pledge drawings and statements made on paper are instantly brought to life as part of a projected wall display. 

DOE Assistant Secretary Robert B. Uy, DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Jesus T. Tamang, PIA-NCR Officer-in-Charge Emver P. Cortez, and PIA Staff Director Emelyn Q. Libunao led the ribbon cutting ceremony with other members of the E-Power Mo family from the DOE and PIA-NCR. 

The E-Power Mo movement uses four principles to capture President Rodrigo R. Duterte's energy roadmap:

E-POWER MO - to develop and utilize energy resources available to Filipinos for wealth creation and global competition. 

E-SAFETY - to undertake safety and savings measures through energy efficiency. 

E-SECURE - to secure the delivery of quality, reliable and affordable energy services. 

E-DISKARTE - to empower consumers through a wide range of options in utilizing conventional, renewable and alternative energy sources. 

The next Interactive Energy Expo will be conducted in August in one of the university belt campuses.

E-POWER MO LIFESTYLE: DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Jesus T. Tamang gives an overview of the interesting experiences awaiting the public at the Interactive Energy Expo 2018 being held today and tomorrow at the SM City Fairview Activity Center. The exhibit is part of the DOE's E-Power Mo Movement, which educates consumers on efficient energy consumption choices. 

PHANTOM MENACE: DOE Asec. Robert B. Uy tries the Phantom Buster Load Game. This activity teaches players how to avoid the "phantom load", or the unnecessary consumption of power resulting from appliances that are left unplugged when not being used. 

7 Best Drinks That You Need for Weight Loss

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Living in a society where everyone is brand conscious and care about their reputation, it is essential to have a healthy lifestyle. You have to look perfectly well while going out in the company of your friends. And that’s only possible if you take care of your body and diet. Having a slim and fit body doesn’t only make you look beautiful but also boosts your confidence. Now to get a perfect physique we think dieting and starving are some of the best ways. Actually they are not, as it will make your immune system weak and you won’t get proper nutrition. To lose weight all you need is some homemade natural drink instead of heavy workout or exercise. Just to start, get some coffee beans and a coffee maker. You can see some of the best coffee maker reviews to buy the finest coffee maker.

Here are some best drinks that are known for weight loss.

Green Tea:

Green tea is a standard beverage in our daily life. With time, it is gaining more and more popularity because of its potential for weight loss. The flavonoids caffeine present in green tea is useful for fat oxidation. Also, it helps in boosting metabolic rate and insulin activity.

Moreover, there are various other procedures for loosing weight such as weight loss surgery. But, such surgeries are usually recommended when your weight leads to serious health related issues. There are different types of weight loss surgeries such as Private Gastric Band Surgery, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass Surgery.

Ingredients:

1 cup water
Tea leaves or powder

Boil the water and then add leaves in it. You can prepare it the way you like.

Raw Honey and Cinnamon mix:

The raw honey and cinnamon are the natural ingredients that are good for health and skin as well. The antioxidants present in cinnamon helps in cleansing the blood and weight loss. Having this drink in the morning helps in improving your digestive system and increasing metabolism. It results in weight loss without affecting your diet.

Ingredients:

1 cup warm water
1 Tsp Honey
2 Tsp Cinnamon

Mix honey and cinnamon in water until it is mixed perfectly. Remember not to put the honey when water is hot; as it inactivates all the healthy enzymes of honey. This drink also aids in increasing our energy level.

Black Coffee:

Black coffee is the best drink to lose weight. People often think that coffee increases your weight and makes you fat. But the case in rather opposite, it is the sweeteners, milk, and cream in the coffee that makes you fat. Coffee is a calorie-free beverage. The caffeine present in coffee contains antioxidants that increase body temperature hence increasing the metabolism. Also, it provides you extra energy that keeps you fresh for a longer time. Check out the best coffee maker reviews to buy yourself a coffee maker. Once you have it, start having a cup of black coffee every morning and you will see incredible results yourself.

Lime and Raspberry Juice:

Lime is enriched with vitamin C and antioxidants that are good for fat loss. In addition to detoxification, it boosts your digestive system and makes your liver healthier to increase secretion of bile and acids. On the other hand, the raspberry contains ketones that are responsible for cutting calories. Also, they are very healthy for skin growth. Blend all the ingredients in a blender and enjoy your healthy drink.

Ingredients:

1 Lime (juice)
½ Cup Water
Chopped Raspberries

Ginger and Lemon Water:

Lemon contains a right amount of ascorbic acid that is antioxidant and essential for digestion. Lemon also produces white-blood cells that enhance the immune system, hence resulting in weight loss. Also, pectin fiber present in lime keeps your stomach full for a longer time. Therefore you won’t feel hungry. Ginger is widely used as folk medicine. It works as an appetite suppressant and helps in losing fats.

Ingredients:

Fresh Water
Grated Ginger
Lemon Juice
Mix them in a jug and drink one glass daily.

Cucumber and Grapefruit Drink:

Cucumber is known as antidiuretic that is essential for detoxifying liver and removing the toxins and calories out of it. Also, it keeps the body hydrated. Grape fruit is enriched with Vitamin C which increases the metabolic rate and works as an immune booster.

Ingredients:

½ Sliced Cucumber
1 Slice Lemon
1 Medium Sized Grapefruit
Mint Leaves
1 Cup water

Add all the ingredients in a blender and blend until they are mixed thoroughly.

Fat burning Detox Water:

Fat burning detox water is an ideal drink you need to lose weight. All you have to do is just add a sliced apple and cinnamon powder in a jug of water. Whenever you feel thirsty, have a glass of it. Apple will serve as an appetite suppressant, and cinnamon helps in increasing metabolic rate.