Have a sustainable new normal with Parkland and WWF-Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Looking for a meaningful gift item for your friends and family this Christmas? Begin your loved ones’ journey to a sustainable new normal and give back to the planet! This holiday season, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines has teamed up with eco-design label Parkland, and from November 11, 2020 to January 11, 2021, Parkland will donate a portion of its sales to WWF-PH’s environmental conservation efforts.

Established in 2015, Parkland is a lifestyle brand designed with style and sustainability in mind. Its durable exterior is made with 100% recycled water bottles and the classic diamond detail on select styles is made from 100% vegan apple leather. The exterior of all Parkland products are made of recycled polyester, a fabric traditionally produced using an energy-intensive chemical reaction involving coal, petroleum, air, and water. In contrast, recycled polyester is created from 100% recycled water bottles and the production process uses far less energy than the traditional process. With its mission to inspire the public to make sustainable choices by offering products that combine purpose, style, and quality at an accessible price, Parkland constantly innovates its business process—from design to production—to reduce its impact on the environment.

Parkland bags are available in Bratpack, The Travel Club, Grind, ROX, Lazada, SM Department Stores online stores and physical branches nationwide. With a wide array of models to choose from, you are sure to find something for everyone on your holiday gift list!

WWF-Philippines is set to launch more campaigns and programs with our innovative partners in the months to come. Stay tuned to WWF-Philippines’ official social media pages for announcements and to find out more ways to help #ChangeTheEnding for the environment.

For more information, follow Parkland on Facebook @ParklandPhilippines and Instagram @parklandmfg_ph and hashtag #BagsFromBottles.

Top Ten (10) Official Finalists of Virtual #MMFF2020

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Congratulations to the TOP TEN (10) Official Finalists of Virtual #MMFF2020, starting Christmas Day, Dec. 25! This is the first time that #MMFF goes ONLINE and can be viewed by all Pinoys all over the world! :)




1. MAGIKLAND (adventure-fantasy) – directed by Christian Acuña, starring Miggs Cuaderno, Elijah Aleto, Joshua Eugenio, Princess Aliyah Rabara, and all-star supporting actors




2. COMING HOME (drama) – directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr., starring Jinggoy Estrada, Sylvia Sanchez, Martin Del Rosario, Edgar Allan Guzman, Vin Abrenica, etc.




3. THE MISSING (horror) – directed by Easy Ferrer, starring Ritz Azul, Joseph Marco, and Miles Ocampo




4. TAGPUAN (romance-drama) – directed by Mac Alejandre, starring Alfred Vargas, Iza Calzado, and Shaina Magdayao




5. ISA PANG BAHAGHARI (drama) -- directed by Joel Lamangan, starring Superstar Nora Aunor, Phillip Salvador, Michael De Mesa, Zanjoe Marrudo, Joseph Marco, Sanya Lopez, etc.




6. SUAREZ, THE HEALING PRIEST (biofilm, drama) -- directed by Joven Tan, starring John Arcilla, with Alice Dixson, Rosanna Roces, Rita Avila, and more




7. MANG KEPWENG, ANG LIHIM NG BANDANANG ITIM (comedy adventure) -- directed by Topel Lee, starring Vhong Navarro, with Benjie Paras, Ritz Azul, Ryan Bang, Ion Perez, etc




8. PAK BOYS (comedy) -- directed by Al Tantay, starring Andrew E, Janno Gibbs, Jerald Napoels, and Dennis Padilla




9. THE BOY FORETOLD BY THE STARS (BL-romcom) -- directed by Dolly Dulu, starring Adrian Lindayag and Keann Johnson




10. FAN GIRL (coming of age) -- directed by Antoinette Jadaone, starring Charlie Dizon and Paulo Avelino

DOST kicks off first virtual science week

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched the first virtual 2020 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration on 23 November 2020 via Facebook live and the 2020 NSTW virtual platform.

This year’s theme, “Agham at Teknolohiya: Sandigan ng Kalusugan, Kabuhayan, Kaayusan, at Kinabukasan”, aims to highlight different innovative solutions and new S&T knowledge related to agriculture, livelihood and enterprise development, safety, health and nutrition, education, disaster preparedness, and community development.

“The pandemic did not deter us from celebrating the 2020 NSTW. On the contrary, it inspired us more to think outside the box. In reality, it helps us to be more creative, be more resourceful, and be more innovative,” said Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña of DOST.

DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña commenced the opening of this year’s NSTW.

This is the first time that the DOST will be holding a virtual celebration of the science week. In the previous years, NSTW is held in a big convention venue.

“Pangako ng DOST ang NSTW sa taong bayan bawat taon at kahit na may pandemic ay hindi namin kayo dapat biguin. It may have been a challenge, but it is not impossible. With the power of technology, we were able to design virtual exhibits.”, Sec. de la Peña added.

The DOST believed that the NSTW has become a beacon of hope ever since. As DOST aimed to bring science closer to the people to let them experience, to let them live, and let science work for them.

At the virtual kick-off, the DOST also recognized outstanding research projects in the 2020 National Science and Technology Awards. Annually, the DOST, through the National Academy of Science and Technology or NAST PHL, gives recognition to deserving individuals or groups who exemplified outstanding qualities in science and technology and who proved themselves worthy of their achievements and accomplishments in their respective fields.

The DOST awarded two (2) winners for the Outstanding Research and Development Award for Basic Research or the Eduardo A. Quisimbing Medal. The winners are Dr. Rachel June Ravago Gotanco, of the Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman for her research titled, “Rarity of the ‘common’ coral Pocillopora damicomis in the western Philippine archipelago” and Dr. Roel R. Suralta, with co-authors Jennifer M. Mangkil, Jonathan M. Manangkil, Jonathan M. Niones, Jerwin R. Undan, Mitsuhiro Obara, Teodora E. Mananghaya, Rachelle P. Mallari, Maybell DM. Banting, Sherilyn B. Estrada, and Mark Philip B. Castillo for their research titled, “Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Root Elongation Ability of Rice under Nitrogen-deficient Condition”.

The Outstanding Research and Development Award for Applied Research or the Julian A. Banzon Medal was awarded to Dr. Erwin P. Enriquez of the Ateneo de Manila University with co-authors Sarah May Sibug-Torres and Isagani D. Padolina for their research titled, “Field-ready tools for fingerprinting of herbal materials for the medicinal plant industry”.

The Outstanding Science Administrator Award or the Dioscoro L. Umali Medal was given to Dr. Cynthia P. Saloma of the Philippine Genome Center in recognition of her profound and lasting contributions as Executive Director of the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) of the University of the Philippines (UP) System