Alex Silva Eyes Encore Performance in Rematch Against Japanese Rival

Wazzup Pilipinas!

After fireworks erupted at the state-of-the-art SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines nearly a week ago, ONE Championship shifts focus immediately to its next blockbuster event in Jakarta, Indonesia on 12 May.

Taking place at the Jakarta Convention Center, ONE: GRIT AND GLORY features a highly-anticipated strawweight championship rematch between newly-minted division kingpin Alex Silva and Yoshitaka Naito as its headliner.

Both men initially crossed paths this past December when Silva shocked the world by dethroning Naito for the ONE Strawweight World Championship by unanimous decision.

“I was very emotional and excited. I talked to my cornermen after every round, and they said I was doing okay and doing good, so I was pretty confident I would be the winner. I was very emotional and happy by the time they announced my name as the winner,” Silva recalled.

Silva wrapped the coveted gold-plated strap around his waist following a dominant striking performance, unveiling a new dimension to his evolving skillset by putting together dynamic combinations.

Figuring in an offensive clinic against his Japanese counterpart, Silva overwhelmed Naito from the beginning of the bout, peppering his opponent with lashing leg kicks and rocking right hands.

Although Silva had the upper hand in the first three rounds of the championship clash, he had to overcome a spirited performance from Naito, who did his best effort to wear down the Brazilian challenger in the last two periods of the contest.

Relying on his exquisite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background, Silva managed to defend Naito’s grappling advances to walk out of the Impact Arena with the unanimous decision victory and the prestigious ONE Strawweight World Championship in his possession.

“I am very happy about my performance because people usually see me as a grappling guy. I know my skills, and I know I can strike. Because I was competing in Thailand, I wanted to put on a good show for people, so I came up with this plan to strike with him,” Silva bared.

“I was having fun with my striking. I would just keep all the rounds striking. I wanted to show I could strike. I think it is going to be good for my future. I want people to see I am more than just a grappler. I want people to see I am a complete martial artist,” he added.

The 35-year-old submission specialist from Brazil seeks to accomplish an encore performance against Naito, who has been handed a golden opportunity to win back the title he once called his and against the only man to ever defeat him.

“He was the champion for a good reason. He is tough as nails. Giving up is not his style. But with all due respect, I am determined to keep my belt. I am confident of my skills. My martial arts, my grappling, my conditioning – all of that makes me confident,” Silva stated.

Silva respects his opponent’s skillset and is quick to offer that Natio’s ground game remains as his best attribute.

“I can’t be complacent against Yoshitaka Naito. He has a great ground game. Plus, he has a big heart. Even I if I won the first encounter, this match on May 12th is going to be a tough one,” he explained.”

As he expects another tough encounter with Naito at ONE: GRIT AND GLORY, Silva seeks to take his championship stature to the next level.

“I do not want to just be the world champion. I want to be the best ever in this division. I work hard, I have the discipline, and I have everything on my side to do it. I have a good team around me, I have the dedication, I have the skills, and I am hungry. So that is my new goal, to become the best athlete to ever compete in this division,” 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.

Etihad Launches Loungewear Collection at the Iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Airways leveraged its sponsorships of global fashion weeks and its Platinum Partner status of Louvre Abu Dhabi to launch a new Emirati designed loungewear collection at an exclusive reception held at the iconic cultural institution. The stylish new line by Emirati brand A Friend of Mine by Xpoze will be offered to the airline’s guests on all First Class flights, and also to those staying in The Residence on board the Airbus A380 fleet.

The ‘Night at the Museum’ event was jointly hosted by Etihad Airways and influential fashion luminary Lauren Santo Domingo, co-founder of online luxury fashion retailer, Moda Operandi, and attended by leading figures from the world of fashion including models Halima Aden and Eric Rutherford, as well as global fashion and lifestyle media.

The loungewear collection was designed by A Friend of Mine by Xpoze following an extensive brief from the airline, which was seeking innovative and striking designs for inflight apparel which would be comfortable, functional, and would follow the same attention to detail and design principles held by Etihad Airways. Importantly, the creations would have to be high-quality, wearable onboard for relaxing and sleeping, yet be simple and stylish enough to be worn outdoors or matched with other items of clothing.

Linda Celestino, Etihad Airways Vice President Guest Experience and Delivery, said: “We are thrilled to be launching the new Etihad loungewear collection here at Louvre Abu Dhabi. This is after all an Abu Dhabi story. What the ladies at a Friend of Mine have managed to deliver is a testament to the tremendous talent and creativity which has become synonymous with our home city.

“In today’s throw-away culture, it has never been more important for us to challenge the norms and to create clothing which can be enjoyed inflight, yet be strong and trendy enough to be kept and worn again as a bespoke item, whether relaxing at home or out with friends. By doing so we also present our guests with a long-lasting and valuable memento of their experience with us. This is something uniquely Etihad and reinforces our position as the airline of innovation and choice.”

The new loungewear is inspired by the simplicity, clean lines and timeless elegance of traditional Emirati dress, cleverly combined with current global trends to create an aesthetic unique to Etihad. Simple, earthy colours have been used to ensure that the pieces in the collection complement all skin tones, and can be easily matched with other items of clothing for everyday wear. Made of anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic Modal, the loungewear is free of unnecessary stitching and embellishments and is crease-resistant and breathable.

A Friend of Mine by Xpoze was founded by Rawdha Al Shaffar, Buthaina Al Marri and Fatma Al Muddhareb. In November 2017, the young Emirati brand was announced as the winner of a major competition launched by Etihad Airways in partnership with leading UAE fashion magazine Zahrat Al Khaleej to identify the best local talent to create the new designs. The competition drew almost 71,000 votes via the publication’s social media channels.

The launch of the loungewear coincides with the debut of Moda Operandi’s Ramadan collection. Both Etihad Airways and Moda Operandi share a commitment to fashion’s expansion in the Middle East through the support of local designers. Moda Operandi is currently exploring e-commerce opportunities with young Emirati brands, offering them access to its global luxury retail platform.

This is the second time Etihad Airways has collaborated with Moda Operandi. In February 2017, the airline co-hosted a star-studded dinner with Lauren Santo Domingo at New York Fashion Week: The Shows to mark the launch of ‘Runway to Runway’, its unique rewards program specially designed to support the fashion community’s international travel requirements.

3 Awesome Awesome Reasons Why Your Why Kids Should Join a Vacation Bible School This Summer

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Summer i’s hereout and this is the perfect time for kids to enjoy, relax and have fun after a busy school year!

Aside from beach getaways and outdoor activities with the family, summer is also a time for kids to meet new friends, try new things and improve their skills by enrolling in summer workshops, and (yes!) to know more about God!

Around this time, Vacation Bible Schools (VBS) for kids are being held in local churches near you. VBS are usually held for 5-7 days and are filled with fun Bible games and activities, and with lots of singing and dancing! What’s more? Enrollment is usually free of charge!

Here are 3 awesome reasons why you should send your kids to VBS this year:

Your kids will learn while having fun.
VBS is a perfect place for kids to understand learn important Bible lessons that will help build their character as they grow up.

Your kids will learn how to relate to with others and build friendships.
VBS also gives an opportunity for your kids to meet new friends!As th ey interact with each other and , gain “new experiences” and go through games and activities as a team, VBS kids will “provide fertile ground for bonding,” with their peers.

Learn how to value each other and work well with one another.
This is a skill that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

They’ll grow.
Your kids will grow in their relationship with and knowledge of God. Teaching kids the ways of God and about God’s Word and sharing with them the love of God. Letting them know how much He loves them is the most precious learning that they can get in a VBS. It is a precious gift that you can give.

With the songs and materials lessons that are call centered on God and the goodness of God, the kids will have the at opportunity during VBS to really know who the Lord is in a very personal level way—as young as they are.

Discovering these through VBS classes are packed with  exciting and creative activities and games that makes learning fun and even more interesting and memorable.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” (NLT)

Now, who wouldn’t love to be a part of that?

So if you are a parent, consider sending your kids to a Vacation Bible School near your place! Ask your local church.

If however, if you are church admin, church pastor or leader who thinks of organizing a VBS in your local church, give it a go using Superbook’s the Superbook KampEON VBS kit!

The kit contains a Director’s Guide, a Teacher’s Guide, music videos, printables and 5 Superbook episodes on DVD!

To avail Superbook ’s KampEON VBS Kit, just go to the nearest Philippine Bible Society (PBS) branch near you. You may also call  or call 663-4700 loc 410 or 440 for more details!

Those who will purchase before April 30 will get 2 Superbook Coloring books for free!

For more details, please visit Batang Superbook or Cconnect with us through Superbook’s Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Pinterest, and Twitter pages to keep updated with the latest Superbook VBS updates!.