Special Feature: Hiroshi Takano of Osaka, Japan

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This is a special feature of photojournalist and Aqua Image President Hiroshi Takano of Osaka, Japan who was one of the foreign delegates of the Diving Resort Travel (DRT) Expo held at the Megatrade Halls of SM Megamall on September 11 to 13 followed by familiarization tours at different diving sites within the Philippines and included some resort visits and countryside tour.

I joined the group of Hiroshi in Panglao, Bohol along with other delegates from the US, Australia, Korea and some of the DRT Expo organizers from China including Jason Chong, lead organizer of DRT Expo in many countries.

Hiroshi joined the diving tour at many of the popular diving sites of Bohol. He photographs mostly marine or aquatic life. He also talks and sings about water and its precious aquatic natural environment. He performs audio-visual photo-concerts featuring his own photographs and music, including lyrics. This is why he is also called the "singing underwater photographer" playing different kinds of guitars in his performances. He takes the audience on a journey to many places on this planet through his own experiences.

Hiroshi has a music CD album called "Aqua Island" and a photo essay "Ayu" with music CD which shows dramatic life of famous Japanese river fish "Ayu." He also has a portfolio of Marine Photos from MP1 to MP6 available both online and in print. He was the most eager in exploring Bohol especially when we went on a familiarization tour where he took photos and videos of the iconic world's smallest primate called the "tarsier."

I interviewed him on the second night of our 5-day stay at Amorita Resort after a dinner we had at one of the sponsoring resorts nearby namely Bohol Beach Club who treated us for dinner that night.

Building Bonds, Building Brands: A Certified Professional Manager (CPM) Networking Night

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In an effort to introduce their Certified Professional Manager (CPM) Mini-MBA Program to the Philippines, DMKompass, Inc. (formerly known as DM Competitive Advantage, Inc.) invited us to

 celebrate the formal launch of Building Bonds, Building Brands: A Certified Professional Manager (CPM) Networking Night" on September 23, 2015, 6 to 9 pm at the Lucia Ristorante restaurant located inside Hotel Celeste, Makati Avenue corner Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City. 

Ms. Suzan Bigay, CEO of DM Kompass, was there to talk about the CPM program including the schedule and cost.

Attendees were initially treated to a filling pica-pica served by Lucia Ristorante of Hotel Celeste. We tried only a few bites since we were still full from an earlier event held at Rockwell which was also in Makati. The small gathering was an invite-only event that was for potential customers and the alumni of the CPM program. Among the alumni is Ms. Dina Loomis, who is also a book author who promoted her book titled "Beyond Looking Good" during the DM Kompass CPM Networking Night.

In the spirit of continuous learning from experts and colleagues, Grupo Agatep Managing Director and Chief Creative Officer Norman Agatep also gave a short talk on How To Build Brands Through Public Relations and Storytelling." Mr. Agatep actually talked about six (6) ways to tell the story of your brand and he gave real life examples based on companies who actually used the storytelling methods.

Mr. Agatep is the current president of the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines (IMMAP). In 2014, he was the president of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies (4As). Grupo Agatep, formerly known as Havas PR Agatep, Havas Worldwide Manila, and Agatep Associates, is one of the largest PR and Advertising agencies in the country.

According to Norman Agatep, the six (6) new ways of storytelling are the following: 

Journey Spiritual Craft Brings the Holy Land Next to Our Hearts

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Ber months are here and we see many people already planning for the coming holidays. It's that time of the year when we feel a little more generous that we want to give everyone a token of appreciation and would want to spread joy and happiness to everyone.

But what would be the best gift this coming Christmas that would make the recipient feel really special?

Enough with the traditional items you would often see at the shopping malls. It's time we give the gift that would be very meaningful and will make the owner feel blessed and really loved.

Wazzup Pilipinas was at the Journey Spiritual Craft event organized by EnergyGold Corp on September 23 and held at the Hatch 22 Cafe located at the Powerplant Mall in Rockwell, Makati. The organizers introduced to us handmade Authentica Holy Land Spiritual Craft items straight from the Holy Land of Israel. The accessories are uniquely one of a kind and gives you a closer feel to the Holy Land.

Honestly, when I first saw the products, I immediately thought of them as the perfect gift for the nearing holiday season. You'll never go wrong if you pick these beauties as your number for choice to give to your dearest friends and loved ones. It would be one of the most memorable gifts they will get. Actually, you can give these beauties away anytime. Don't wait for Christmas because these are wonderful pieces that can help lift up the spirits of especially those that needs comfort and affection. Say a little prayer as well, as one would feel naturally blessed for being remembered.

I would want to give those extra close to my heart the pendants that they can wore close to their hearts and could be proudly seen by many as a special testimony of my affection to the owners who can also boast of its sentimental value.