Six Filipino Kids Get Exclusive Training with FC Barcelona in Spain Through Astro Kem Bola and TM Football Para sa Bayan Programs

Wazzup Pilipinas!

After 89 years since legendary football superstar Paulinho Alcantara retired from FC Barcelona, homegrown Filipino booters will once again step on the popular La Liga team’s pitch but this time for an advanced training and schooling with some of the Spanish club’s most revered coaches and trainers.

The six young Pinoy footballers aged 10-12 who luckily punched a ticket to the 12-day Astro Kem Bola Overseas Training Programme in Barcelona, Spain this month are Lance Lawrence Locsin, Jared Alexander Peña, Ryan Philip Johansson, Astrid Heiress Ignacio, Mikaela Jacqueline Villacin and Jasmine Cassandra Agustin.

The team was the product of a two-month long TM Football Para sa Bayan (TM FPSB) talent search organized by Globe Telecom in July and August. Globe was tapped by Malaysian media and entertainment powerhouse Astro to be its partner in discovering talented young athletes and helping them further harness their craft.

Globe Director for Citizenship Fernando Esguerra expressed elation over the selection of the six players especially after going through tough competition against other footballers from the South East Asian region. The six were among 12 Filipino players who qualified for the Astro Kem Bola Advanced Training Programme held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia two months ago which was also participated by 60 players from Malaysia and Singapore.

“We are so happy with the turn-out, to think that this is the first time that Globe has partnered with Astro in this international activity. We are looking forward to being part of the Astro Kem Bola program again in the succeeding years,” Esguerra said. “The TM Football Para sa Bayan is now beginning to turn out quality players after four years of incubation. Hopefully this will be an avenue for furthering the football development in the country. This is just the first step albeit one big, giant step.”

The Philippine players will join 22 kids from Malaysia and four from Singapore to train with coaches from FC Barcelona.

Datuk David Michael Yap, Astro Vice President of Community Affairs said: “Astro is committed to championing sports and sportsmanship to aspiring athletes within the region. We continue this commitment through Astro Kem Bola.”

“Nothing is more rewarding than seeing potential turn into reality. In a special way for these young kids, the experience gives them a unique opportunity to really see how far their talent can develop at such an early age. I'm sure they will do us proud,” added Ray Guinoo, TM Portfolio and Brand Head.

TM FPSB technical director and Green Archers United coach Hans Peter Smit was not surprised with the naming of six to Barcelona. “I personally saw the potential of these kids having supervised the program and try-outs in Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao and Muntinlupa a couple of months ago,” said Smit. “This is a chance of a lifetime for these very young players. I wish that these kids will take it all in and savor the experience and use what they will learn to their advantage! What they will learn is a win- win situation not just for them personally but for Philippine youth football.”

The kids were selected not only based on talent but also on other criteria such a teamwork; discipline, behavior and sportsmanship; communication on and off the pitch; positive attitude towards teammates, volunteers, and coaches; ability to listen to instructions; and good personality.

New Year’s Eve Festivities at City of Dreams Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 
The luxury integrated resort City of Dreams Manila delights revelers with a spectacular experience to ring in 2017 with a gastronomic adventure in one of the signature restaurants such as Nobu Manila, Crystal Dragon and Red Ginger, and other dining options, and intensifies the celebration with a high-voltage energy of the New Year’s Eve Countdown party at CenterPlay with a 12-hour non-stop entertainment; Chaos Night Club with international DJ Stadiumx; and Wave restaurant, dinner by the Nobu pool area for an outdoor vibe and view of the fireworks display by the Manila bay skyline.

Nobu Manila

For epicureans who’d like to welcome 2017 with a high note, it’s simply Nobu or nothing. With these gourmands and their loved ones in mind, Nobu Manila is prepared to satisfy the most discerning palate with the Nobu New Year’s Eve special seven-course Omakase dinner and New Year’s Day Brunch.

7-Course Dinner on New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) at P6,999++ per person

The New Year’s Eve seven-course dinner includes a “zensai” of Vegetable and Quinoa Ceviche followed by the Toro Tartar With Osetra Caviar, Wasabi Soy And Kumamoto Oyster Duo. A delightful array of the freshest seafood follows: Nigiri Sushi With Oh-Toro, Kinmedai, Hamachi, Tasmanian Ocean Trout And Unagi; Sashimi Two Ways Comprised Of Australian Scampi, Uni And Truffle New Style and Japanese Snapper Dried Miso; Sashimi Salad Of Kampachi, Blue Fin Tuna And Tachiuo Topped With Matsuhisa Dressing; And Phyllo Wrapped King Prawn In Sweet Truffle Aioli, Smoked Cauliflower Puree And Micro Greens. The sixth course and the evening’s entrée – Seared Wagyu Beef With Foie Gras Miso, Caramelized Onion Dust, and Braised Daikon – balances the meal’s selection of premium seafood fare. Ending the seven-course dinner is Nobu style cheesecake, a unique take on the classic favorite.

New Year’s Day Brunch (Jan. 1) at P3,880++ per person

At the New Year’s Brunch, a carving station offers a Rosemary Miso Crusted Prime Rib perfectly paired with Nobu style sauces creamy wasabi, rosemary den miso, sweet soy anticucho. Guests are spoilt for choice with an assortment of kushiyaki or skewered and grilled meat and vegetables, and pass around items such as Tuna Poke On Crispy Nori Chip, Washu Beef and Shrimp Tempura With Creamy Spicy Sauce. The special hot buffet items include Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s signature Black Cod Miso, Braised Shortrib Sliders and Grilled Chicken Teriyaki Balsamic. Completing the selection are Nobu style creamed corn, Roasted Sweet Potato With Truffle Quinoa, Roasted Cauliflower with Warm Jalapeno Matsuhisa, Yaki Udon and Japanese steamed rice.

The New Year’s Eve Omakase Dinner is at P6,999++ per person. The New Year’s Day Brunch is at P3,880++ per person and an additional of P1,700++ per person to avail of the premium drink package with alcohol. 

Crystal Dragon

Set Menu for New Year’s Eve Lunch and Dinner (Dec. 30 & 31) - set A and B menus are at P4,680++ and P6,180++ per person

For December 30 and 31, in time for New Year’s Eve festivities, guests craving for Cantonese cuisine can opt for the premium set menus for lunch or dinner. Set Menu A is composed of Double Happiness Combination Platter: Crispy Prawns with Wasabi Mayo Salad, Deep-fried Eggplants with Pork Floss and Spices; Double-boiled Chicken, Fish Maw Soup with Maca Herbs, and Ling Ji Mushroom; Steamed Cod Fish with Baby Pak Choy in Cantonese Homely Flavor Sauce; Stewed Pork Ribs with Canton Bou and Chinese Wine Vinegar Reduction; Braised E-Fu Noodles with Crab Meat served with Vegetable Parcel and Morel Mushrooms; William Pear Mousse with Oolong Tea Gel, Coconut Malibu Ice Cream. 

Set Menu B comes with Crystal Dragon Three Combination Platter: Hand Roll Beijing Duck, Crispy Seafood Roll, Poached Soy Herbal Chicken Roll, Stir-fried Crab Meat and Scallop Omelet served in Crispy Cup; Puree of Yellow Pumpkin infused with Truffle and Scallop Dumpling; Steamed Grouper Fillet with Baby Pak Choy, Chopped Ginger and Preserved Turnip; Braised Mushrooms, Bamboo Pith, Sea Cucumber with Vegetables and Bean Curd; Pan-fried Ohmi Wagyu Beef Sirloin with Chef’s Special Sauce paired with Wok-fried Fragrant Rice with Diced Abalone, Pumpkin and Seafood; and Lychee Dome with Pomegranate Gel with Jasmin Tea Ice Cream.

The New Year’s lunch and dinner set A and B menus are at P4,680++ and P6,180++ per person, respectively.

Red Ginger

Festive Season Platters (Dec. 16-31) starts at P540++ for a la carte dishes

A Yuletide celebration for Red Ginger brings hearty a la carte dishes daily for lunch and dinner. From December 16 to 31, the restaurant’s Festive Platters let diners experience a range of Southeast Asian cuisine -- Red Ginger Sampler of Malaysian style “Otak Otak”, Lemongrass Chicken Skewers, Charred Salmon Salad and Crispy Crab Wonton at P540++; Wagyu Beef Phad Thai made with Stir-Fried Rice Noodles, Marinated Wagyu Beef, tofu, bean sprouts, chives, Tamarind Sauce, and crushed peanuts at P780++; Ayam Percik or Roasted Spring Chicken with Fragrant Spices, Coconut Pandan Rice, and assorted Tagaytay leafy greens at P640++; Hoisin-Glazed Australian Lamb Cutlets in Asian Herb Salad, Oven-Dried Tomatoes and Coconut crumbs with steamed Jasmine rice at P980++; and Babi Pongteh or Nyonya Style Slow-braised Pork with preserved yellow beans, black mushrooms, and traditional vegetable achara with steamed Jasmine rice at P560++.

Red Ginger festive platters starts at P540++ for a la carte dishes.

Wave

New Year’s Eve Barbecue Buffet (Dec. 31) at P2,900++ per person with a choice of one iced tea, soda, or chilled juice

Enjoy a mouthwatering spread by dining al fresco style with live acoustic entertainment while enjoying a panoramic view of the fireworks by Manila Bay at Wave for New Year’s Eve dinner on December 31. An expansive variety of appetizers, salads, seafood, breads, cheeses, and desserts are part of the delightful spread together with carvings of Suckling Pig Lechon, Whole Roasted Turkey, Whole Roasted Baby Piglet, Lemon Grass stuffed with House Made Lechon Liver Sauce, Rolled Turkey Leg with Roasted Breast, Stuffing, Cranberry, Turkey Jus, Brussel sprouts and Roasted Carrots. For seafood, Blue Swimmer Crab, King Prawns, Slipper Lobster, Spanish Mussels with Brandy Cocktail Sauce and Condiments, Norwegian Salmon with Soy and Garlic, Grilled Slipper Lobster with Ginger and Shallots, Black Grouper with Preserved Lemon, and Lemon Grass Whole Black Tiger Prawns will be offered. Hickory Smoked Black Angus Beef Brisket, Tamarind Glazed Pork Ribs, and Indonesian Chicken Satay are likewise available for meat lovers. 

At the dessert station, diners can expect Mince Pie, Deconstructed Mont Blanc, Festive Assorted Éclair, Ginger Bread Christmas Tree, Stolen White Chocolate Cream with Spiced Apricot Compote in Glass, Hazelnut Ginger Spiced Pecan Nut Tart, Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce, Malibu and Mango Christmas Log, Selection of Seasonal Fresh Fruits, Yule Log and Imported Italian Pantone, as well as a Chocolate Fondue area with Christmas Dry Fruits Cake, Marshmallow, Fresh Fruits and Assorted Meringue Color. Puto Bumbong, a traditional Filipino Christmas Dessert of Steam Glutinous, Fresh Grated Coconut with Palm Sugar, will also be available.


New Year’s Day Sunday Grill (Jan. 1) at P1,280++. per person

Nobu Hotel’s poolside restaurant, Wave also holds weekly Sunday outdoor dinners including January 1, 2017, New Year’s Day, from 5 to 9 PM. Accompanied by live entertainment, an expansive array of buffet offerings showcasing premium salads, breads, grilled meats, seafood paella, and desserts are available for guests.

The New Year’s Eve dinner is at P2,900++ per person with a choice of one iced tea, soda, or chilled juice and Wave Sunday Grill on New Year’s Day is at P1,280++.

Guests can add P1,000++ for the New Year’s Eve dinner and P700++ for the New Year’s Day Sunday Grill for an upgrade to free-flowing non-alcoholic beverages as well as unlimited local beers and cocktails. 

CenterPlay

12-Hour Non-Stop New Year’s Eve Countdown Party

Partygoers will have an exceptional time welcoming 2017 from dusk till dawn (6:00 PM to 6:00 AM) with a 12-hour non-stop entertainment and exciting raffle prizes at CenterPlay, situated at the main gaming area of City of Dreams Manila.

Live band performances culminate with Freestyle’s grand salvo to the New Year’s Eve countdown party from 11:30 PM to 12:30 AM. Other featured top local bands are Jex and Abby, Silk, Resoul and Trifecta. 

Chaos Night Club 

Candyland Party with International DJ Duo Stadiumx at P1,000. door charge includes one drink

A supercharged and Candyland-themed New Year’s Eve countdown party featuring international electronic dance music (EDM) DJ Duo Stadiumx will thrill the nightlife elite at Chaos Night Club.

To jumpstart the party fever and sustain the high-voltage energy of the 2017 countdown party, Chaos resident DJs Supmerman, MVRXX, Marc Marasigan will be spinning the soundtrack of Top 40 hits, hiphop, trap, bass, electro, EDM, House, Nu-Disco/Indie House, dubstep and RnB. Chaos resident hypeman Ronthug, known as one of the new generation club emcee and rap artist will keep the party crowd’s excitement and interaction with the DJ performers.

The New Year’s Eve Countdown party culminates with the live performance of Stadium X. The Budapest-based DJs and producers David and Sullivan will bring the house down with “Xsound,” the duo’s signature EDM which is a unique and energetic sound fused with production techniques from multiple genres.

For Chaos Night Club, P1,000. door charge includes one drink. For VIP table reservations, guests can call 0917-8863678 or e-mail chaostablereservations@cod-manila.com.

For dining inquiries and reservations, guests can call 800 8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com.

Wednesday Live Band Sessions at Chaos Night Club, City of Dreams Manila in December

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Stellar local bands of the 90s perform every Wednesday, 9pm at Chaos Night Club at City of Dreams Manila this December. Upcoming performances at the trendsetting nightclub include Freestyle and M.Y.M.P. on December 21, and Side A band together with Kudos Loves 80s on December 28.

Chaos nightclub has hosted a number of world-class performers including prominent international DJs from a wide spectrum of electronic dance music sub-genres, as well as popular hip-hop and R&B artists on weekends. Wednesday nights are currently dedicated to locally-renowned homegrown talents who continue to elevate music to a whole new level.

Freestyle

Freestyle fans will be treated to a live performance of the band’s memorable hits such as “So Slow”, “This Time” and “Bakit Ngayon Kalang?”  Ushering a new era for Freestyle is the fresh voice of Ava Santos, who's behind a series of popular Ivory Records' acoustic albums: Love Songs Unplugged 6,7,8; Praise & Worship Unplugged, Chill Out Sessions and Whitney Houston Acoustic. With continuing members, Gerald Banzon (drums), Rommel dela Cruz (bass), Tat Suzara (guitar), Mike Luis (vocals and keyboards), and Joshua Desiderio (vocals and keyboards) the collaboration with the new vocalist resulted into a powerhouse of rich harmonies, and robust music, flavoring their cool mix of old and new school R&B, Hip Hop, funk, neo soul and ballads.

Freestyle is currently promoting their latest independent album: Mga Kwentong Kinanta. The album showcases original compositions including "True Love", "Kahapon", and “Kulang Ang Mga Sandali".

M.Y.M.P.

On the same night of Freestyle’s show, M.Y.M.P. will also perform some of their most popular acoustic rendition of pop songs. M.Y.M.P. (Make Your Momma Proud) acoustic band is comprised of Chin Alcantara (guitar/vocals), Jana Laraza (vocals), Ibey Haber (bass), Hannche Bobis (keyboards) and Joel Tolentino (drums). The band has released 7 studio albums namely Soulful Acoustic, Versions, Beyond Acoustic, New Horizon, Now, The Unreleased Acoustic Collection and Electrified. 

During the last Wednesday of December, Side A band and Kudos Loves 80s will perform alternately on stage for a last hurrah to 2016.  

Freestyle

Side A

Music lovers will swoon over the classic OPM tunes as Side A performs their 90’s greatest hits such as “Forevermore”, “So Many Questions” and “Before I Let You Go.”

Having undergone several permutations in its long career, South Border has nevertheless retained its unique sound and musical sensibility and has even moved up along the current global trends in music. Hence, retaining the top spot in their particular musical genre. Much credit goes to keyboardist, chief songwriter, arranger, producer and musical director and lead creative genius Jay Durias, the staunchest unifying force that has kept the band and its music alive and thriving.Side A band composed of Naldy Gonzalez (keyboard/vocals), Ernie Severino (drums/vocals), Leevon Cailao (lead guitar/vocals), Ned Esguerra (bass/vocals) and Yubs Esperat (vocals/guitar) will captivate Chaos nightclub patrons with their original songs that bring back a lot of memories. Known for their romantic ballads and up-beat live performances, the group never stops reinventing themselves and have worked hard to give their very best in both recordings and live concerts. As multi-awarded and certified platinum recording artists, Side A is considered as the most durable band in the country today and continues to be an ever-innovative musical force in the industry.

Kudos Loves 80s

Guests can go back further in time and relive the heydays of their lives with Kudos Loves 80s band, the ultimate 80s tribute band in Manila. Partygoers will be amazed with the band’s faithful renditions of the most beloved 80s songs from pop, love songs, dance hits, synth-pop to new wave.

Kudos Loves 80s band members are Richard Soto (Vocals/Guitar/Percussion), Yohan (Guitar/Synth/ Vocals), Marc (Drums/Percussion), Ralph (Bass/Vocals), Jomar (Keyboards/Vocals), and Melai Katsumi (Vocals). The band will perform the music of The Police, Tears for Fears, Mike Francis, New Order, Big Country and other 80s popular bands.

Tickets to see the live band performances every Wednesday at Chaos are at P400 each with one (1) drink. For VIP table reservations, guests can call 0917-8863678 or e-mail chaostablereservations@cod-manila.com. 

6 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at City of Dreams Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

City of Dreams Manila ushered in the holiday season with a festive Christmas tree lighting ceremony at The Shops at the Boulevard, the luxury integrated resort’s retail avenue that houses some of the world’s most sought-after brands.

The Christmas tree lighting event marks the beginning of City of Dreams Manila’s 6 unique holiday activities and offers that will please the young and the young at heart.

Indulge in Yuletide treats

Everyone can feel like a child once more with the Yuletide treats at Café Society. Guests can take pleasure in a variety of holiday goodies that bring back wonderful childhood memories such as English fruit cake, stollen, Yule log cake, gingerbread house, Christmas cookies, macarons, Christmas Santa and a selection of Panettones.

Weekend Christmas Parade

Guests can catch the Christmas weekend parade with DreamPlay’s beloved characters Shrek, Fiona, Alex the lion, Po the Panda, and King Julien the lemur every Saturday and Sunday starting December 17 and 18. The parade will start at the DreamPlay entrance at 6 PM and make its way to the Grand Carousel at The Shops at Boulevard.

Wild Winter at DreamPlay

Holiday attractions and surprises are in store for guests at DreamPlay. Both the young and the young at heart can have a “Wild Winter” experience on December 23 to 24, 26 to 31, and January 1. Guests who avail of the “Wild Winter” package at P1,500 per person will have VIP access to all attractions plus limited edition DreamPlay goodies such as a Christmas apron and hat, an Alex the lion notebook, a special Christmas-themed gingerbread from Cooking with Gingy, and a printed souvenir photo. The package also provides access to see the Merry Madagascar movie and comes with a free box of popcorn and unlimited iced tea.

Merry Live Band Performances at Chaos Nightclub every Wednesday

Chaos nightclub hosts the best local artists every Wednesday night at 9 pm, elevating Original Pinoy Music (OPM) to a whole new level. Upcoming performances at the trendsetting nightclub include Freestyle and MYMP on December 21, and Side A with Kudos loves 80s on December 28.

Tickets to see the live band performances every Wednesday at Chaos are at P400 each with one drink.

Holiday Party Like a Rock star at KTV at City of Dreams Manila

Guests can sing like a rock star or their favorite pop music icons and immerse themselves in the KTV’s uniquely-themed interiors. Ideal for Christmas gatherings and parties, revelers can have fun and sing to their hearts’ content in their selected KTV room, each one with a different theme inspired by world-renowned cities: Amsterdam, Bangkok, Las Vegas, Marrakesh, or Miami or the Tarot card-inspired rooms: the Sun and Moon, Lovers, Fortune, as well as the combinable Emperor and Empress rooms to accommodate larger groups.

All rooms come with en suite powder room and fully-operated touchscreen control pads and start at a consumable food and beverage package of P5,000++ for two hours and up to ten persons. Larger rooms can accommodate up to 30 guests for private parties.

The KTV rooms are available from Wednesdays to Sundays, 7 pm to 2 am, and Mondays to Tuesdays by reservation.

Family Staycation and Honeymoon for the Holidays Packages

Crown Towers Manila and Nobu Hotel Manila offer luxurious holiday stays for families and couples.

Yuletide room package

For a memorable Christmas, families with children can avail of the Yuletide room package either at Nobu Hotel or Crown Towers starting at P17,000. net and P20,000. net respectively. Package includes a two-night stay at a Deluxe Room for Nobu and Resort room for Crown Towers, breakfast for 2 and DreamPlay passes for 2 adults and 2 children.

Check-in dates are from December 1 to 30, 2016. Rooms are subject to availability and prior reservation is required.

Crown family staycation & honeymoon package

The Crown Family Staycation Package at P11,000 net, comes with an elegant Resort room and breakfast for two adults and two children below five years old at Breezes, and four passes to DreamPlay.

The Crown Honeymoon package at P16,500 net lets couples enjoy a romantic stay at a sophisticated Resort Studio with a one-hour couple’s spa treatment at the Crown Spa and dining credit at select City of Dreams Manila restaurants.

Nobu family staycation & honeymoon package

The Nobu Family Staycation Package at P9,500 net, comes with an overnight stay at a Nobu Deluxe room with breakfast for two adults and two children below five years old at Nobu Manila and four passes to DreamPlay.

The Nobu Honeymoon Package at P15,000 net includes an overnight stay in an Executive room with a one-hour couple’s spa treatment at Nobu Spa and P3,000 dining credit at select City of Dreams Manila restaurants.

For inquiries and reservations, guests can call 800 8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com.  

PAGAHOM 2017: An Environmental Conference

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Association of Filipino Forestry Students – UPLB, Inc., an academic-environmental organization, will be holding its very first environmental conference entitled PAGAHOM 2017: An Environmental Conference this January 21, 2017 at Lansigan Auditorium, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, UP Los Baños. PAGAHOM 2017 will cater Filipino youth participants aged 15-30 years old.

The conference’s name was derived from the Cebuano term pagahom which means “empower”. 

With its theme “Green Minds think Alike”, PAGAHOM 2017 aims to promote environmental awareness among the Filipino youth; to engage the youth in discussions concerning the status of the environment and related issues; to strengthen camaraderie among Filipino youth and to expose the youth to activities that would hone their skills.  The conference will tackle environmentally-relevant topics:  Indigenous People, Soils and Disaster Risk-Reduction Management: Climate Change.

Registration period for PAGAHOM 2017 is until January 7, 2017. Interested participants can register through https://form.jotform.me/62534922234453. For queries and more details, visit and like PAGAHOM 2017’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/pagahom2017, email us at pagahom2017@gmail.com or you may contact Ms. Angeline B. Concepcion at +639058360455.

Sony Channel Brings Comedic Combination of Family Fun and Workplace Wackiness on ROFLing Sundays This January

Wazzup Pilipinas!

January is up for grabs - and laughs ­– as Sony Channel livens up your ROFLing* Sundays in the new year. Enjoy a primetime combination that raises comedy to a whole new level of fun and laughter with the returning season of the workplace comedy, Superstore, and the premiere of the brand new sitcom, The Carmichael Show.

SUPERSTORE Season 2

It’s back to work for the retail employees of Cloud 9 after their protest which they thought would paralyze the store’s operations.

In the new season, things appear to get better for Amy (America Ferrera), Jonah (Ben Feldman), Dina (Lauren Ash), Garrett (Colton Dunn) Mateo (Nico Santos), Cheyenne (Nichole Bloom) and Glenn (Mark McKinney). They return to their workplaces and try to keep their acts together as a team as they haggle through corporate politics, seasonal sales, lost and found items, storage theft, another protest, and more.

Superstore Season 2 premieres on January 22, Sunday at 7:30pm.

THE CARMICHAEL SHOW Seasons 1 & 2

Standup comedian Jerrod Carmichael navigates through life with his liberal girlfriend Maxine (Amber West), and his opinionated family - his admirable brother Bobby (Lil Rey Howery) and his old-fashioned parents, the outspoken Joe (David Alan Grier) and the deeply religious Cynthia (Loretta Devine). Spirited conversations dominate their daily routine as they discuss social issues of the day in humorous fashion.

Each argument tests the ties that bind Jerrod’s relationships with his girlfriend and family, and the values they learn from every verbal tussle they get into. In the end, they forgive and find each other in more heartwarming ways than one.

The Carmichael Show Seasons 1 & 2 premieres on January 22, Sunday at 8:00pm with 2 episodes back-to-back.

ROFLing* Roll-On-The-Floor- Laughing

Sony Channel is available on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 120, Global Destiny Cable Channel 62, and Cable Link Channel 39.

What Food Can Lower Your Risk of Chronic Disease and Even Death

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Nuts are Kenyan traditional sweets, they can level up your health, lower the risk of chronic disease and can make you live longer

While we regard nuts as sweets and something to treat children with, the world of science proved them to be a powerful source of antioxidants and vitamins. In this article, we will write some general facts about nuts which people usually overlook when they start to care about their health. Eating only 20 grams of nuts per day can lower your risk of dying by up to 20%.

If you are in your middle ages or older and your heart is worrying you, or you are afraid to succumb to cancer you should try eating an ounce of nuts every day. That can reduce the risks of heart disease by 33% and drop a cancer risk by 15%

Having a small portion of nuts in your daily ration can save you from type 2 diabetes, scientific research of this fact is under way.

There is no universal remedy for all diseases which might happen, but one is known for sure – nature worked it all out for us long before doctors appeared. Eating just a few grams of nuts a day is a natural substitution for the expensive and frequently ineffective medicine. Different types of nuts can be found in abundance in any country. They are available everywhere.

There is one more interesting fact about nuts – following the scientific classification nuts are regarded as fruits. Regardless of this technical nomenclature, unlike most kinds of fruit, they have no sweet taste and have an increased fat rate. Eating approximately 20 grams of nuts daily will bring you a daily dose of antioxidants and even decrease your risk of dying by up to 20%.

Isn`t it great!

Vincent Latoel Lauds Filipino Fighters, but Eyes Big Win Over Vaughn Donayre

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Dutch-Indonesian stalwart Vincent “Magnivincent” Latoel (16-18-2) might not have received a warm reception in his past encounters against Filipino fighters, but he is all praises when it comes to their fighting spirits.

The 37-year-old kickboxer from Deventer, Netherlands has fought two highly-regarded Filipino competitors in his 36-fight career. Latoel faced future ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang in December 2013, while he locked horns with featherweight standout Edward Kelly last August.

However, he fell short on both occasions. Although Latoel did not get his hand raised against Folayang and Kelly, he did not mince words about his admiration for Filipino MMA combatants.

“Filipino fighters are true warriors. I’ve faced Eduard Folayang before he became the ONE Lightweight World Champion. He was so tough and a gallant competitor. The same goes with Edward Kelly. He has a big heart,” he said.

“Filipinos fight with their pride and heart. I like these kinds of fighters because I have the same mentality,” Latoel added.

DOE Commits Immediate Restoration of Power in Typhoon Nina Hit Areas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As super Typoon Nina made landfall in Catanduanes on Christmas Day, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi instructed concerned units and agencies to immediately restore power facilities and supply to the damaged communities hit by the weather disturbance specifically in Southern Luzon and the Bicol Region.

“This is another superTyphoon, we’ve prepared for it and we are currently on the ground to assess the damage and quickly restore compromised energy facilities in each province,” relayed Sec. Cusi.

The Secretary added “The energy family is in full force in our disaster response. We’ve activated the Task Force Kapatid to augment affected distribution utilities’ assets for rehabilitation.”

Under the strong directive of the Secretary, DOE Usec. Felix William B. Fuentebella went earlier today (Dec. 26) to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) overall command and monitoring center and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to facilitate coordination on the rehabilitation efforts and set deadlines for the ground assessment of damaged energy facilities in details.

As agreed in the coordination meeting, “the DOE and its partners in the energy sector will deploy restoration teams for the speedy recovery of power to the affected towns and provinces,” Usec. Fuentebella reported.

In particular, the NGCP commenced its aerial technical inspection at 11:30 a.m. today following the typhoon track. By 6:00 p.m., the NGCP will report to the DOE, in detail, the status of the 230 kV lines- the main line connecting the electricity to Southern Luzon (Southern Tagalog and Bicol).

As of 11:00 a.m. (26 Dec.), NGCP reported that eleven (11) 69kV lines and its Daraga substation were currently down due to the superTyphoon affecting the provinces of Batangas, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Albay and Sorsogon.

On the distribution side, NEA committed to come up with more details from the ground by 8:00 a.m. tomorrow (Dec. 27) and to deploy the restoration teams under its Task Force Kapatid.

Usec. Fuentebella reported that “The electric cooperatives will receive the power from NGCP once their respective loads through the distribution lines will be ready.”

Earlier, Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) volunteers and the linemen from other electric cooperatives and private investment-owned distribution utilities (PIOUs) committed their assistance to aid the hardly hit electric cooperatives and restore power.

Sec. Cusi calls on everyone to ensure safety in their communities while the energy family works to restore power during the holiday season.

"We will need everybody's cooperation to open the roads and clear the areas for our linemen to have access to the damaged lines and energy facilities. We are committed to restore power immediately," Cusi concluded.

#IAmSmart: I Use My Smartphone to Enjoy a Hassle-Free Christmas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Christmas is that time of the year for family and friends to re-connect and celebrate the season's different festivities. However, the preparation can feel overwhelming, as there seems to be an endless list of things to do and never enough time to do them.

With the current state of traffic nowadays, both on the road, as well as the foot traffic in malls, restaurants, and almost every public place imaginable, it can be quite a challenge to even begin to imagine how you can get through your to-do list. Thanks to the convenience of technology, however, our smartphones can actually help us manage and deal with our Christmas preparation, all with a swipe, click, and tap of some apps. Smart shares some smart tips that can help you enjoy a hassle-free holiday.

For more #IAmSmart tips, go the Smart Communities Facebook page at facebook.com/SmartCommunities.