World Class Philippines Awards: Recognizing Top Filipino Brands and Achievers for 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Awards and recognition keeps us well motivated because of the thought that we are doing something right and it should then be sustained so we could accomplish greater achievements. It is also equally flattering to be sit down and converse with fellow awardees who are mostly like-minded individuals who aim for the best for themselves and their companies.

Thus, even though I failed to personally be there because of a community outreach program cum travel event that I joined all the way at Bontoc, Mountain Province, I would like to extend my special thanks to the World Class Philippines council for another recognition given to Wazzup Pilipinas. We are indeed honored to be among the awardees amidst several entrepreneurs and companies that all excel and provide world-class products and services.

With so many events that day, I couldn't get a correspondent to attend and cover the awarding that night of May 27 at the Ascott Hotel in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig city. But I thought it was the best opportunity to send my mother and brother instead so they could somehow see what I have accomplished so far. I know they are proud of me for winning the award I got for my Wazzup Pilipinas community blog which excels in the field of Multimedia Promotions and Opinion Blogging.

As proud as the other awardees in the awards night venue, my brother received the award in my behalf while my mother looks on. During that time I believe I was at barangay Mainit in Bontoc, Mountain Province still recuperating from my sore body after climbing Mount. Kopapei barangay Maligcong. But we were enjoying an equally sumptuous dinner prepared by our host house for the night coordinated with Virgie Lakey Chagyowen Kilito, the daughter of the house owner who was also one of our models together with his husband and granddaughter during a photo-shoot wearing some traditional clothes of the Igorots.

A Hero Among Us at Bontoc, Mountain Province

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Before we continue posting our Bontoc, Mountain Province exploration photo and vlog series, we would like to give special mention to Wesley, our road trip driver, who took extra effort to keep us safe (and satiated) on our way back home. He even made sure we got on the bus after we got left behind due to a misunderstanding on the departure time. On our jeepney, we literally chased the bus that left an hour ago.

The several days of rain caused many landslides along the road including that road travel was delayed due to an accident involving a van that got covered under one of the landslides. I just hope the victims survived after the rescue that took a long time to finish.

Our bus, along with many other vehicles, was stranded along the road due to the landslides.We waited for several hours in the bus hoping everything gets cleared up. The long hours of waiting got us worried because we did not have that much water and food with us. We were also afraid that the continuous rain may create more landslides that may put us in danger. Our bus driver even tried to stay away from the landslide prone area. The fact that it was night time and raining non-stop aggravated the situation.

However, we were surprised that Wesley came back for us at our bus, and offered to take us to a nearby resort where food and shelter awaits. We even invited others in the bus to join us so they could at least eat and freshen up.

What Wesley did was very admirable. Not too many people will brave through the unlit roads and cold and rainy weather just to come back for us.

Our travel cum community outreach with Meaningful Travels PH led by Ann Marie "Naknak" Cunanan could very well be the "travel-with-a-purpose" opportunity that many of us should be looking for. From the name itself, Meaningful Travels PH could definitely make your travels more meaningful and bring out the hero in you.

The least we suspected to rise above the heroes in our midst is our driver who stood out as a hero in our eyes. We never really thought he would exert that extra effort. I guess seeing how we also took effort in distributing the school supplies at far-flung areas of Bontoc, Mountain Province, the goodness in his heart came out and decided to do good himself....or he is truly good from the very start.

We salute Wesley for his heroism.

Resorts World Manila Tragedy Leaves Several Dead and Injured

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"This is a sad day for Resorts World Manila. At approximately 12 midnight on June 2, 2017, a lone gunman barged into Resorts World Manila firing shots and setting gaming tables on fire. The Company’s security, together with police authorities, launched a hot pursuit and at around 7 a.m. this morning, the gunman was found dead. He had taken his own life by setting himself on fire followed by a self-inflicted gunshot wound."

Apparently, the death of 35 people (38 reported as of this moment) at Resorts World Manila was because of panic and confusion, and not from the hands of the still unknown man believed to be a foreigner who is one of the casino's frequent customer (based from eyewitness accounts).

Several statements reveal that some people jump from three levels high, while other suffocated from the smoke after some casino tables were set ablaze.

There seems to be a lack of dependable security at this casino. Security should have been trained enough to prevent the entry of the lone gunman in the first place. ...and should have been able to secure the place and escort the customers to safety, even before the perpetrator got to do so much damage or caused fear among the customers.

I am appalled by this incident especially when you learn that many died for what it seems like a senseless crime....or are there more stories behind this that are yet to unfold?

I've been to the place countless times and I could say I am lucky I was not there when the incident happened, but my prayers goes to the victims who will forever be unable to tell their side of the story.

The foreign looking gunman had a baby armalite. He set fire some gambling tables and took a backpack full of gambling chips with him. However, it was reported that he burned himself inside one of the rooms, and not killed by police contrary to Bato's claim he was killed by cops.

The Southern Police District says the suspect was charred to death by his own hands when It is with deep sadness that in addition to the 54 injured, there are 38 reported casualties from this tragic incident. Majority were from customers, while the rest are employees of the casino. The husband of actress Azenith Briones was one of the 38 people found dead.

Resorts World Manila chief operating officer Stephen Reilly gave a statement after a reported gunfire.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

As of 3:00 pm., June 2, 2017

It is with deep regrets that we confirm that there were 35 casualties in this tragic incident, of which 13 are employees and 22 are guests. The identities of two employees and four guests are still being validated as of this time.

We are doing our very best to inform the families of the victims. We are extending all forms of assistance to the affected next of kin. We are one in mourning with the families of those affected by this tragedy.

This is also a very difficult time for all of us here in Resorts World Manila. We consider our guests, patrons and our employees as our family.

My colleague, Gina Alvarez, will read the names of the confirmed fatalities:

EMPLOYEES

1 Hazel Yangco Veronica
2 Jellah Ramos
3 Melvin Herrera
4 Arvi Gavino
5 BJ Pagsibigan
6 Rojie S Uy Veronica
7 Jessica Alindogan
8 Merylle Gwen Ala
9 Lea Grace Mozo
10 Loudette Santos
11 Kay Nuguerra

And 2 are still being identified

GUESTS
1 Caccam Katherine Cervantes
2 P Ling Hung Lee
3 Pacita Guillermo Comquilla
4 Pomenciano Vargas Jr.
5 Susan Abulencia
6 Lai Wei Chung
7 Jaime Gaboy Jr.
8 Ariel Abrogar Veronica
9 Lai Yu Cheeh Veronica
10 Cliff Reyneira
11 Rolando Pena Sison Rizal
12 Eluterio Reyes
13 Antonina Yuzon Allanigue
14 Sheila Malicse
15 Carmelita Taylo Delacruz Rizal
16 Mielle Oliveros
17 Pamela Silvestre
18 Elizabeth Gonzales Veronica
And 4 are still being identified

Testimonies of responding members of Resorts World Manila’s security team confirm that they were able to shoot and wound the gunman that attacked Resorts World Manila in the early hours of June 02, 2017. Severe blood loss from the gunshot wound significantly slowed the assailant down and resulted to his holing up in a room where he took his own life.

We would like to extend our gratitude to our security team, particularly Mr. Bernard Cajigas, who also sustained a gunshot wound, and Mr. Petronio Kinol, Jr. We also commend the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection for their courage and efforts to contain the incident.

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to refute claims circulating online that there were two assailants involved in the incident. We reiterate that there was only one gunman involved in this senseless attack.
On behalf of the victims’ families and loved ones, we request everyone to refrain from spreading hurtful speculation and false information.

"Offering our prayers and deepest sympathies to the families of the victims of the Resorts World Manila attack. May our Lord bless them and provide them with strength and comfort in this time of grief. Let us remain calm, stay informed, and always be mindful of our safety and those of our loved ones. God bless our people and nation." - Pia Cayetano