Plan B Sucks: Lessons from the Guy Behind “The Pursuit of Happyness”

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I was fortunate enough to attend the annual National Achievers Congress (NAC) organized by Laurus Enterprises last November 4, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City (VIP seats, baby!).

Hundreds of participants filled the venue, all excited to learn from world-renowned speakers – Andrew Matthews, illustrator and author of “Being Happy” and “How Life Works;” Kevin Green, real estate mogul from the UK; Peng Joon, young millionaire and authority in online wealth creation; and Sean Seah, master in value investing. The highlight of the conference is keynote speaker Chris Gardner – entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker. Gardner published his autobiography in 2006 called “The Pursuit of Happyness,” which became popular when it hit the big screen, starring Hollywood celebrity Will Smith.

The movie showed 1 year of Gardner’s life as a homeless, broke single parent. He lost his home, his wife, his money, but gained custody of his young son. He slept on the streets, in train stations and in public toilets, while making ends meet selling bone density scanners and training to become a stock broker. In the end, his courage, persistence and positivity enabled him to rise above his circumstances, and succeeded to become the man of inspiration that he is today.

LoveYourself to Dethrone Reigning HIV with the PHL’s Biggest Testing Day Event

Wazzup Pilipinas!

On its way to dethrone HIV, LoveYourself, Inc. has sought a partnership with Mister Gay World Philippines Organization (MGWPO) to eradicate the social stigma on the disease and its relevant interventions.

Advocating for timely testing and treatment, the LoveYourself-MGWPO partnership entails the promotion of the LoveYourself Incognito 2.0, which is the country’s largest community-based HIV screening that is free, anonymous and fast, set to happen on 27 November at Victoria Court Malate in Manila.

With the aim to continuously implement HIV and AIDS early detection programs, both organizations together with the Department of Health-Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (DOH-RITM) and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. are calling individuals to have themselves tested for HIV by signing up on go.loveyourself.ph/incognito.

LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin G. Pagtakhan said “We are trying to build as many allies as possible towards the HIV cause to make our call to action within the community more resounding and sustainable.”

Pagtakhan emphasized that “the partnership with MGWPO would greatly help the advocacy in spreading the awareness and reach the unchartered waters that only pageant organizers have an expertise on.”

Exclusive Interview with Buddy Valastro aka Cake Boss of TLC

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Social media noisily buzzed lately with the presence of the Cake Boss in the Philippines. He's in the country for the 2016 TLC Festival held on November 5, 2016 at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) High Street in Taguig City, and from what I heard, he also conducted masterclasses for some special group of people.

Though the TLC Festival is open to the public that can experience several booths offering various activities and freebies, we were lucky to have been invited to meet him for an exclusive video interview. The time allotted for the interview was just a few minutes so we were quite nervous with the rushed opportunity.

Fortunately, my new-found friend and fellow blogger Wowie was there to help me out with the questions. He is an avid admirer of the Cake Boss so he could totally relate to what Buddy was saying and he was able to ask away easily. However, he did tell me his palms went cold from the excitement of meeting the TLC star face-to-face.

It is not everyday you get to meet a famous TV personality so even though it was totally impromptu, we ignored all our nervousness and proceeded with the interview with very little hesitation.

The TLC Festival was definitely bigger this year, but unlike last year when we had a media event at the Village Tavern restaurant featuring the TLC talents, this time there was none but arranged interviews with them at the hotel where they were staying.

For Buddy, we interviewed him at the lounge of the newly constructed Shangri-La BGC Hotel.

Objectum Sexuality Tops Short + Sweet Theatre Festival Manila 2016 Winners

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Congratulations to the winners of Short + Sweet Theatre Festival Manila 2016 who were all recognized during the gala and awards night held on November 5, 2016 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight theater located at Circuit Makati.

Since the performers for that night were all top finalists from the two weeks and wildcards groups of this wonderful festival of 10-minute plays, all of them are winners already. Thus, everyone who went on stage that night should already be proud by just being among the finalists.

Topping the list of winners is the group that did Objectum Sexuality -  an unusual psychological phenomenon in which an individual feels powerful affection toward a particular inanimate object – for all intents and purposes falling 'in love' with the object which in this case was a rocking chair. 

A psychiatrist tries his best to understand a patient with a strange affection for a 'rocking chair' he calls "Rocky." It seems this group has caught the attention and interest of the audience especially with its end scene where the psychiatrist falls prey to the tempting allure of "Rocky."

Their ultimate edge among the other finalists was obviously the rocking chair which also shares the stage with them, including during the awarding portion.  The rocking chair is an intriguing component of the story, but I would say it was also the actors' effective and convincing facial expressions, body gestures, and perfect timings in delivering their punch lines. The humor was apparently hitting their target as intended. The audience were fully focused on the scenes and all were anticipating what would happen next.

16th Grand Wine Experience: We Keep Coming Back Because It Always Gets Better

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Congratulations to the Joseph brothers of Philippine Wine Merchants for the Grand Wine Experience for another success on their sweet 16th run held on November 4, 2016 at the fabulous and equally grand Marriott Hotel Manila in Pasay city.

At a bigger space, you can't imagine that the ballroom would be filled with so much people that were all excited to taste the more than 500 wines, beers and other spirits, plus the amazing buffet spread of tasty dishes lavishly displayed all over the grand ballroom. Sumptuous culinary treats were at everyone's easy reach courtesy of the chefs and crew of Marriott Hotel Manila led by Executive Chef Meik Brammer.

The event started with the attendees having chill time with white wines at the red carpeted halls leading to the main ballroom while everyone waited for the grand ballroom event venue to open its doors. Live music was also playing on stage to complete the mood, and then host of the night greeted everyone to officially start the event. Finally he led everyone in to the grand ballroom where everyone was amazed with the spectacular wine choices and buffet spreads. 

The program continued after a few minutes of the attendees already engaged with eh wines and food offerings. The Joseph brothers held a welcome toasts for all on stage as many were already busy with their wine tasting and buffet dinner. Robert Lim Joseph, Chairman of Philippine Wine Merchants said a few messages including the announcement about the partnership with the Department of Tourism making the Grand Wine Experience another tourism attraction that will include visits at the different destination of the country. He also announced the very first issue of the Grand Wine magazine which featured Ralph Lim Joseph on the cover.

The Very First Whisky Live Manila Held at Shangri-La BGC

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The very first Whisky Live Manila was an outstanding success! Even during the first hours of the event, hundreds of attendees, both enthusiasts and newcomers to the world of the dram, sampled the many available whiskies within the ballrooms of no less than the newly opened Shangri-la Hotel, Bonifaco Global City in Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines on October 28 and 29, 2016.

Whisky Live Manila opened its doors to a huge number of whisky enthusiasts for two days. Manila is the world's premier whisky tasting show's 5th venue in Asia, and we are fortunate to be among the lucky media attendees invited to taste the whiskies and witness the other happenings including learning a little more from industry experts, and took it a step further by attending some of the organised master classes conducted by whisky experts like Jim Murray, author of the bestselling Whisky Bible, the world's leading whisky guide containing over 4,600 whiskies tasted, evaluated and rated.

I am amazed at how the event was promoted as there were a lot of foreigners, celebrities and other VIPs who attended the event. Some of the personalities that were at the event were Philippine Volcanoes team captain Jake Letts, veteran character actor Joel Torre,  fashion designer, columnist and socialite-philanthropist Tessa Prieto-Valdez, Uno Magazine editor-in-chief and Mercator Centrale owner RJ Ledesma, Model and son of governor Imee Marcos-Manotoc Birgy Manotoc, actor and Persia Grill restaurant owner Kian Kazemi, and a lot more.

DOE Drafts Comprehensive Energy Plan

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Under the helm of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, DOE Undersecretary Jesus P. Posadas presented the DOE Strategic Directions and Energy Outlook during the Regional Public Consultation on the Philippine Energy Plan Public 2016-2030 today (04 November) at the F1 Hotel in BGC, Taguig City.

The public consultation was attended by various stakeholders – local government units, electric cooperatives, non-government organizations, civil society organizations (CSOs), academe, RE developers, oil industry players, generation companies, chamber of commerce and industries, financial institutions and development partners.

The Department of Energy- Energy Policy and Planning Bureau (DOE-EPPB) is conducting a series of sectoral campaigns in line with the agency’s mandate to formulate a comprehensive energy plan.

The DOE-EPPB is finalizing the Philippine Energy Plan 2016 to 2030 as the energy sector’s contribution to the Ambisyon Natin 2040 (Executive Order 5), which lays down the foundation for inclusive growth and a high-trust society.

According to Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, the DOE is currently formulating a 15-year energy plan and even a plan until 2040 that entails a series of studies factoring in gross domestic product (GDP) and population growth, among others.

According to DOE-EPPB, these sectoral roadmaps are a result of the review exercises done by the Department on the effectiveness of the current agenda and the identification of implementation gaps in the program. Each of the roadmaps is complemented by programs of action which are broken down into short, medium, and long-term targets guided by its overall objectives by 2030.

Cusi said, “The PEP formulation paved the way for the development of sectoral energy roadmaps that are critical to ensure energy security and increased energy access. We have conducted a series of consultations with various stakeholders – local government units, electric cooperatives, non-government organizations, civil society organizations (CSOs), academe, RE developers, oil industry players, generation companies, chamber of commerce and industries, financial institutions and development partners – to present the Plan and generate inputs for its enhancement."

The DOE brought the Plan to the following cities:

1)       Cagayan de Oro (11 October)

2)       Legaspi (13 October)

3)       Iloilo (18 October))

4)      Davao City (25 October)

5)       Cebu City (28 October)

6)      Bonifacio Global City (04 November).

The DOE-EPPB collated issues raised in the plenary discussion during the consultations held in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Legaspi, Iloilo and Davao, which are initiatives on low carbon future (lowering of greenhouse gas emissions), oil deregulation, electricity pricing, rural electrification, renewable energy development and its policy mechanisms, measures on energy efficiency and conservation, Energy Regulations 1-94 and other local energy concerns.

“Planning our country’s energy roadmap safeguards our Filipino consumers and our industry participants from any undesirable energy scenarios in the future. It is our job to protect them,” Cusi explained.

"Once the plan is finished, it will greatly contribute to the expansion of the country’s economic prospects through the provision of employment opportunities and generation of investments that will subsequently provide all Filipinos a life envisioned to be Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag,” Cusi concluded.

RICOH Continues to Innovate Philippine Print Industry

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Global imaging and technology leader RICOH opens the doors to new applications and revenue streams for local printing businesses with the launch of a new series of digital production devices, unveiled for the first time in the country at the recent Print Philippines 2016 industry expo in Pasay City.

The RICOH Pro C7100X series is the only machine in the market that boasts of a revolutionary fifth-color station for either clear gloss or white toner, which enables users to print additional colors than the traditional CMYK. This function allows more added-value applications such as spot gloss, flood, and watermark images along with regular printing, on both colored and clear media. Very soon, Ricoh will also be launching their fluorescent line of toners such as neon green and neon pink.

The RICOH Pro C7100X is ideal for high-end work on a wide range of print jobs, such as annual reports, catalogs, postcards, direct mail, business and invitation cards, posters, packaging, and a whole lot more. With digital technology, cutting-edge design and varnish effects that have previously been possible only with traditional offset printing is now made accessible for lower volume, on-demand print jobs.

“There are a lot of small and mid-sized printing businesses here in the Philippines, and all of them are always looking to expand their application portfolio to enter new markets and expand their business,” says Irene G. Santos, general manager and sales & marketing division head of RICOH Philippines. “This is definitely what we had in mind when we created the RICOH Pro C7100X series, especially when we added the fifth-station solution to the devices.”

“What’s happening with the market right now is that a lot of printing is moving from high volume analog to lower volume, short run digital printing,” affirms Eric Sulit, RICOH Philippines president and CEO. “That’s where a lot of features come in—variable data printing, capability to do very short runs and still have the quality of an offset machine. So jobs that previously a large printer would have turned down can now be accepted because of our machine.”

Foreclosures: Path to Home Ownership for Filipinos

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Don’t be limited by your budget. Take advantage of foreclosure investments at the Lamudi Housing Fair this November

As the Philippine real estate industry continues to flourish, more and more properties are being developed especially in all vibrant and emerging cities of the country. Although this progress means success to the sector and to the economy, it affects the purchasing power of common Filipinos toward home ownership, as it means more expensive homes.

To address this problem, other viable means to own a property are being explored. One option that continues to gain popularity is the acquisition of foreclosed properties. Lamudi Philippines and partner My Saving Grace Realty & Development Corporation (MSGRDC) will showcase some of the 15,000 foreclosed properties that they manage and will offer it for auction to the public at the Lamudi Housing Fair on November 18–20 at the SM Megamall.

MSGRDC is a brokerage owned by Ramil Alquileta that specializes in foreclosed properties. In the process, the real estate firm also educates Filipinos about the advantages of foreclosures. The foreclosed properties handled by MSGRDC are owned by different banks and Special Purpose Asset Vehicles Companies (SPAV).

Alquileta believes that with proper education, foreclosures can indeed be a smart way to put a real estate asset under your name. To further help people who are eyeing their first investment, Alquileta also enumerated some of the advantages of buying foreclosed properties: (a) Buyers can use regular mortgage financing; (b) Properties are clean and named under reputable owners such as banks; (c) and most especially, property is sold for outstanding mortgage balance, which means it is priced way lower than the market standard.

Know more about foreclosed properties acquisition and take advantage of the property auction only at the biggest housing event in the country this 2016. Apart from the auction, the Lamudi fair will also feature the widest selection of properties and offer exclusive discounts to home buyers and property investors. Investment and homebuying seminars and virtual reality application in real estate can also be learned and enjoyed at the fair.

For more information visit www.lamudi.com.ph/housing_fair/

Espinosa Killing: Awfully Unsettling, Height of Impunity

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The killing of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. inside his cell is awfully unsettling. That Espinosa was brazenly shot dead behind bars is the height of impunity.

Independent, inter-agency task force

I call on the Duterte government to immediately form an independent inter-agency task force to conduct a swift and thorough investigation of this disturbing incident. The government must get to the bottom of this issue and answer the following questions: Was there foul play behind the mayor's death? Why was a warrant served at 4:00 am to someone who is already behind bars and without proper coordination with jail guards? Why was the hard drive of the jail's CCTV cameras removed? Was there poor jail management?

I believe the majority of the police force is honest and trustworthy. Yet, the PNP, as an institution, cannot possibly earn the public's trust and ease their fears if incidents like this happen in its very backyard. It also cannot realize security sector reforms under such a climate. The Duterte government cannot convince the public that the country is safer now if the police force's image is continuously tarnished by cases of human rights violations and other abuses. 

i-ACT Goes All-Out on Clearing Major and Secondary Roads

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (i-ACT) is stopping at nothing when it comes to clearing major and secondary roads of illegally-parked vehicles and sidewalk vendors.

From July 6 to November 2, 2016, a total of 5,728 illegally-parked vehicles have been towed and 2,479 illegal sidewalk and footbridge vendors have been cleared. Intensified clearing operations are being conducted daily, even on holidays, to ensure that there will be no obstructions in primary and secondary roads. The i-ACT is encouraging motorists to take secondary roads, such as Mabuhay Lanes, to decongest EDSA and C5.

To rid highways of traffic violators, a total of 26, 016 citation tickets have been issued and 247 colorum vehicles have been impounded.

These efforts are on top of stricter enforcement and suspension of window hours for coded vehicles in almost all of Metro Manila.

The i-ACT, the single traffic authority in Metro Manila, is also tapping force multipliers and volunteers to help in traffic management. It is also asking shopping mall operators to provide enforcers who will help manage traffic flow going in and out of their establishments especially this Christmas season.

Lenovo Continues Support for the Youth, Renews Partnership with TAYO Foundation

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Lenovo Philippines and TAYO Foundation renews partnership for the 14th TAYO Awards
(L-R) Anna Abola, Marketing Communications Manager, Lenovo Philippines, Michael Ngan, Country General Manager, Lenovo Philippines, Mr. Rollie Fabie, Co-Chairman of TAYO Awards Foundation, and Gio Tiongson, Former NYC Chairperson and Chief Political Officer, Office of Senator Bam Aquino

Lenovo is back as the exclusive technology partner of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO) Foundation, Inc. for the 14th TAYO Awards. The TAYO Awards is the country’s leading annual search that aims to discover and recognize exceptional organizations of young Filipinos who have contributed to the progress of their communities or schools through innovative and valuable projects.

As the official technology partner of the TAYO Awards, Lenovo will provide laptops and tablets to the organization to help throughout the screening process.

“Lenovo believes that life rewards those who never stand still. Through our partnership with TAYO Foundation, we are able to give recognition to our youth who never stop making progress to make the world a better place in their own ways,” said Michael Ngan, Country General Manager, Lenovo Philippines.

Lenovo has been the official technology partner of the TAYO Foundation, Inc. for the TAYO Awards for 5 years now.

Marrakech Presents an Opportunity to Accelerate Global Climate Action

Wazzup Pilipinas!

UN climate negotiators will have an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate global climate action when they meet just days after the world’s first universal climate deal becomes a legally binding global agreement.

The talks, which must now clarify rules for implementation and a clear the way for ambitious, accelerated climate commitments, begins in Marrakech, Morocco on 7 November.

“Marrakech is about getting down to business, clarifying the Paris Agreement’s rules of engagement, and empowering governments, businesses, cities, and other sectors to make increasingly ambitious commitments. We must leave these negotiations having a more solid framework, but knowing we already have all the power to create the world we need,” said Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, leader of WWF International’s Climate and Energy Practice.

The Paris Agreement is now the global roadmap for climate action. We have moved from a period of promise to an era of action. Now, we must hold leaders accountable for delivering on commitments to limit rising global temperatures.

“Decisions made in the next few years will largely determine if we’re able to achieve the 1.5°C warming threshold agreed in Paris or if we take the unthinkable option of blowing right past it,” said Pulgar-Vidal. 

In Marrakech, negotiators must focus on:

• Creating clearer guidelines for this new global agreement: With the Paris Agreement we have a plan of action but we have not finalised the rules that will govern this plan. All Parties involved need to leave COP22 with greater clarity on process and how they can meet and improve on their current climate pledges, so we can successfully deliver on the promise of the Paris Agreement.

• Highlighting the role of collaboration between State and non-State actors: Many non-State actors are taking action now and this must send a signal to countries to take bolder actions themselves, before 2020, and build on this progress in subsequent years.

• Underscoring the importance of the 2018 moment, and the need to ramp up the ambition before that date: 2018 is the next global opportunity to take stock of progress towards meeting the Paris goals and to mobilise for more ambitious climate plans (NDCs). There are additional opportunities to be capitalised on that depend on individual country leadership and cooperation among countries, critical to unleashing additional mitigation potential. Ramping up ambition before 2020  - when the next round of climate commitments take effect  - will be crucial to closing the gap between existing pledges for climate action and what we need do to reduce emissions to keep warming below 1.5°C and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

 
Fred Kwame, regional director for WWF’s Regional Office for Africa, said it was meaningful that the first meeting of UN climate negotiators after the Paris COP, is taking place in Africa.

“Africa is one of the regions hardest hit by climate change. So support - especially on finance and technology transfer - is vital to ensure that African countries can fully implement their national climate plans. The Marrakech COP22 must ensure these issues are addressed with clear financing mechanisms of INDCs."

Globe Telecom Accepts Reservations for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus Starting Oct. 28, 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 

Globe announced it will offer iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, the best, most advanced iPhone ever, featuring an all-new advanced camera system, dust and water resistant design, stereo speaker system and the A10 Fusion chip which is the most powerful chip on any smartphone while delivering the best battery life ever in an iPhone. 

Customers can start reserving their iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus beginning Friday, October 28, 2016 via www.globe.com.ph/iPhone7. The new smartphones will be available through the Globe myLifestyle plans that already come with unlimited texts and calls to Globe/TM, mobile data and free access to content such as Netflix, Disney Channel Apps, HOOQ, and NBA, among others. 

Together with exclusive content, postpaid customers who are renewing their plans and will pre-order their iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus from Globe will not only get their new smartphones, but will also have the opportunity to give back to the community through the Globe of Good bundle. A first of its kind, the Globe of Good bundle gives customers a chance to be part of a meaningful cause through donations that will be made in their name. 

Participating recipient organizations include KIVA, an online crowdsourcing platform to support micro-enterprises; the Global Filipino Schools program that brings 21^st century learning in public schools through ICT; and finally the Hineleban Foundation for the rehabilitation of forests in Northern and Central Mindanao. Upon receipt of their new phones, customers will receive the voucher that confirms their donation to all three organizations. 

“Packed with the latest upgrades in features and hardware, the new iPhone 7 is set to give all our customers a wonderful digital lifestyle experience. Apple has always given its users more reasons to enjoy the devices from all its updates. But what makes this year's launch extra special is the Globe of Good bundle that makes everything more meaningful. It is a good feeling when you acquire something new, and it gets even better knowing that you were able to be of help to others,” says Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business, Dan Horan. 

The new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will also available on the Globe myBusiness Unli Plus Postpaid Plans. Globe myBusiness customers may get in touch with their respective account managers for complete details.

Postpaid customers can enjoy a more seamless mobile browning as Globe continues to expand its Long Term Evolution (LTE) footprint and migrate its customers to the LTE network. For postpaid customers who have yet to switch to LTE, they will receive their new LTE SIMs together with the new iPhone 7. The SIMs are free of charge and still carry their current mobile number. 

  

iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus is powered by iOS 10, the biggest release ever of the world’s most advanced mobile operating system. iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will also be available. 

For complete details on pricing, please visit: www.globe.com.ph/iPhone7.

For more information on iPhone, please visit: www.apple.com/iphone. 

#NBFE2016: The Grand Taste Test at Mercato Centrale

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ever wondered how food stall owners or entrepreneurs get chosen at your favorite foodie havens? There were a lot of contenders but only a select few were made to be part of every food spots out there. This strict screening happens especially at Mercato Centrale where the founders, led by RJ Ledesma and Anton Diaz, make sure that only the best are offered to their customers.

Every once in a while, they also conduct searches or competition for their tenants so that they get to inspire them to do better, and come up with innovative and tasty dishes to the delight of their customers. No wonder people keep coming back for more at Mercato Centrale. These competitions include The Grand Taste Test, now an annual event.

This time, don’t just be a spectator. On November 4 6PM-10PM at Mercato Centrale BGC, be part of food history and decide who takes the cake (or adobo? Your palates would be surprised).

TASTE. CRITIQUE. VOTE. at The Grand Taste Test of Mercato Centrale.

This is great news for foodies out there as you get to sample 30 mouth-watering dishes of aspiring food entrepreneurs and then cast your vote to decide The Next Big Food Entrepreneur at Mercato Centrale in BGC!

Registration starts at 6pm, but they have limited slots so make sure to come early!

Door charge: 180php

Who will be The Next Big Food Entrepreneur? You get to find out soon and be part of the decision if you join the event. So what are you waiting for? Drop by the Mercato Centrale as early as possible so you can still make it to the cut as one of the tasters.

#NBFE2016