Saturday, May 27, 2017

Takeda Philippines Recognised as an Investor in People


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc (THPI), has been awarded the Investors in People silver accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to high performance through effective people management.

Investors in People is an international standard for people management, defining what it takes to lead, support and manage people effectively to achieve sustainable results. The Investors in People framework process reflects and takes into consideration workplace trends, essential skills and effective structures required to outperform in any industry. Investors in People allows organizations to benchmark against the best in the business on an international scale.

Gabriel Georgy, President & General Manager of Takeda Healthcare Philippines said, “We can say we have successfully laid the foundations to become a Best Employer in the Philippines. Our aim is to continue to strive for excellence in the work place while we help our people reach their full potential and achieve success in their careers.”

Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People said, “Investors in People Philippines, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Takeda Philippines. Our accreditation is the sign of a great employer, an outperforming work place and a clear commitment to success.”

Takeda Healthcare Philippines currently employs around 250 people, and has been operating since 2015. Takeda Healthcare Philippines also recently received certification from the Top Employer Institute.

Friday, May 26, 2017

Advocacy Group Encourages the Youth for their First HIV Test


Wazzup Pilipinas!

With 30 Filipinos being diagnosed with HIV every day, LoveYourself, Inc. will hold a free, fast and confidential HIV screening day for the Youth on 28 May 2017 (10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.) at Victoria Court, Malate dubbed as “Let's TestMNL.”

Let’s TestMNL specifically targets the Youth sector following the rate of HIV infection in this population, but nonetheless, all are invited, to register at this link: go.loveyourself.ph/testmnl to join the event.

“We are aggressive in bringing this free, fast and confidential HIV testing to the Youth because of their apparent vulnerability to the causes of the disease, and most importantly, only through testing that we can detect if one has the virus,” LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin G. Pagtakhan underscored.

According to the latest Department of Health (DOH) data, there are 2,160 individuals aged 15-34 who have contracted the virus for the first January to March of this year alone.

Pagtakhan clarified, “Let’s TestMNL testing day is for all ages, but LoveYourself highly encourages college students and those in their early 20s to support the movement in knowing their HIV status for the first time, especially in a safe and welcoming space.”

Giving Back Through Community Outreach Programs with Meaningful Travels Ph


Wazzup Pilipinas!

“When we travel, we are ‘takers’. We take a lot of things with us – memories, learning, photos and souvenirs. But isn’t it time for us to truly give back?” 

By the time you are reading this, the Wazzup Pilipinas team is on their way to the Mountain Province, specifically Maligcong and Mainit in Bontoc, for a community outreach program cum travel organized by Meaningful Travels Ph.

We met the main organizer at an event where she was one of the speakers., and we got so interested in what she was doing that we approached her personally to tell her that we want to write about her and Meaningful Travels Ph.

She was not able to get back to me that very moment as she was about to join a mini-contest on stage as one of the activities for the event of the Australian Embassy, but we received a text message from her later that day to ask us how we are going to go about it.

Now, that led to finally joining their trip, together with our best partner photographer, who was also eager to join the exploration to two communities.

Meaningful Travels Ph is appropriately named to depict how the organizers make it a very "meaningful" travel. When most travellers will just go to a site to take selfies, photos, videos, and some souvenirs, Meaningful Travels Ph aims to give back.

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Yamaha Safe Riding Science for Women as Mother's Day Special Treat


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Yamaha Motor Philippines conducted a special edition of its Yamaha Safe Riding Science for Women on Mother’s Day. This was a way for Yamaha to give their own gift to all the mothers out there by giving them the opportunity to learn how to ride a motorcycle. By sacrificing most of their time for their families they can enjoy this new experience that is solely for them. 

The participants had their own take on the event with some mother’s attending to develop their skills, influence their children to ride motorcycles, and to deviate from the usual celebration of the occasion. They all received roses when they arrived at the Yamaha Flagship shop – YZONE where they started with a seminar about the basics of motorcycle riding and traffic rules. Afterwards they headed to the test ride area where they were greeted by their instructors and Yamaha’s Mascot, Revvy Bear. When the test ride went on, Revvy Bear walked around the Greenfield District and offered Roses to all the mothers in the area. 

In order to complete the YSRS program the moms had to go through different stations that teach them more about riding. They were taught how to properly wear their riding gear from gloves, to knee pads, elbow pads, and their helmet. Next, they learned more about the parts and different functions on a motorcycle such as signal lights, horns, and how to switch the engine on and off. Then their balance was tested before they began the riding proper. First, they experienced how to slowly begin throttling and braking before they were guided across the course on their Mio Motorcycles. 

After receiving their certificates, the Mother’s were all smiles because of the exhilaration they felt during their session. They celebrated a special day and have grown from the experience that turned them into riders. This won’t be the last special edition that celebrates the women in our lives and Yamaha will continue to take this program across the country to women of all walks of life.

Fight Allergies with Claritin Anytime, Anywhere this Travel Season


Wazzup Pilipinas!


Don’t miss out the fun this summer!

Allergens are ubiquitous and may be found in various places. If you’re planning to hit the beach with your friends this summer, there’s a chance that you’ll get itchy hives if you are allergic to the burning heat of the sun or some types of seafood. If hiking is your thing, you might find yourself incessantly sneezing due to the pollens from the plants that you’ll be seeing along the dusty trail.

If you catch these allergies, you probably can’t make the most out of your summer vacation. How can you flaunt your favorite swimsuit if you have rashes all over? How can you enjoy your favorite local seafood if you’re fearful that they will just trigger your allergies? How can you laugh along with your friends if you keep on sneezing? These allergies will zone you out and might make you miss out on the memorable moments of your summer. You wouldn’t want that, would you?

This is why you always need to have an anti-allergy medicine in your packing checklist. Just one tablet a day of Loratadine (Claritin) will help free you from the symptoms of allergy so that you can enjoy and experience your summer vacation with all of your senses.

Have a great, allergy-free summer!

Video Coverage of Manila Masters Presscon


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Manila Masters Presscon held on May 24, 2017 at Solaire featured the owner of Mineski himself, Ronald "Rhom" Rhobins, considered as the Father of eSports in the Philippines.

Partnering with Mineski are PLDT Home Fibr and Smart, plus TV5, who will all actively play an important role in holding what can be called as the biggest DotA 2 Tournament in Asia.

We did a video coverage of the event, including the Question and Answer portion with panelists coming from the said sponsors or partners, as well as Rhom himself, so you could all just watch and listen to their exact words.

The other members of the panelists, who also spoke individually on stage, are:

John Henry Yanez, Head of Home Business Group of PLDT Fibr

Victor Carlo Endaya, VP for Brand Strategy and Communications of Smart

Lloyd Manoloto, Head of Marketing and Digital of TV5, in behalf of Chot Reyes, President of TV5

Marlon Marcelo, Mineski VP for Marketing and Events

There was a sixth guy among the panel but  we didn't get his name.


Meanwhile, Carlo Ople, VP of Digital Marketing Strategy, also spoke infront of the stage to share his previous experience in gaming and some thoughts related to the event. He did not joined the panelists.


Below are the videos we took from the event. We apologize for the shaky videos due to the absence of a stabilizer and tripod..

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Video Coverage of MSAP's 2017 Media Congress Ascendant


Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Media Specialists of the Philippines (MSAP) brings the 2017 Media Congress to Baguio City on September 6-9, 2017. Celebrating it's 3rd year, this will be the first out-of-town Media Congress event for the organizers. It will be the first to have a 3 ½ -day event and will be brought outside Metro Manila, so we are thinking this may even be their grandest so far.

With a 
theme they dubbed as ASCENDANT, the event remains to be the biggest and largest gathering of the country’s media experts and practitioners that's expected to bring in more than 2,000 delegates. This year’s theme is designed to talk about the rising power of media, influencing and dominating behavior, culture and business and harnessing this for nation building and the greater good.

At the press launch held at Makati Shangri-La on May 23, 2017, we were told that the congress promises to feature global and local speakers with fresh voices, presenting different perspectives, and new lenses in our industry.

How we wish we could join this prestigious event, but the cost for a lowly blogger like us may be a bit too high. The travel alone to the venue, plus the hotel accommodations would break the bank already. Unlike media practitioners that could be sponsored by their publication, network or media outfit, most bloggers would rely on their own savings, and though we may have the money to spend, it may leave us low on budget for the following days to come.

Hopefully, there would be someone to sponsor our team or we could have some form of ex-deal with the organizers. Yet, we already tried to reach out to the people who invited us to the launch, but still we have not received any reply.

Sophos on Preventive Measures on SIM Swapping



Wazzup Pilipinas!

SIM swapping is the process of replacing your existing SIM with a new SIM, moving your existing number to the new SIM.

If your mobile phone gets stolen, a SIM swap is a great security benefit as you can quickly invalidate the SIM in the stolen phone, so the phone thief is unable to rack up calls on your phone. However if the crook is the one perpetrating the SIM swap, then he/she has access to your incoming calls, messages and passwords.

With SIM swap, attackers can change your profile settings, add new payment recipient accounts belonging to accomplices, and pay money out of your account. As the account settings are changed, it is harder for banks to spot the fraud.

Sophos recommends the following measures to prevent SIM swapping:
  
  • Watch out for phishing emails or fake websites that crooks use to acquire your usernames and passwords. 
  • Avoid obvious answers to account security questions. Consider using a password manager to generate absurd and unguessable answers to the sort of questions that crooks might otherwise work out from your social media accounts.
  • Use an on-access (real time) anti-virus and keep it up-to-date. One common way for crooks to figure out usernames and passwords is by means of keylogger malware, which lies low until you visit specific web pages such as your bank’s logon page, then springs into action to record what you type while you’re logging on. A good real time anti-virus will help you to block dangerous web links, infected email attachments and malicious downloads.
  • Be suspicious if your phone drops back to “emergency calls only” unexpectedly. Check with friends or colleagues on the same network to see if they are having problems. If you need to, borrow a friend’s phone to contact your mobile provider to ask for help. Be prepared to attend a shop or service centre in person if you can, and take ID and other evidence with you to back yourself up.
  • Consider switching from SMS-based 2FA codes to codes generated by an authenticator app. This means the crooks have to steal your phone and figure out your lock code in order to access the app that generates your unique sequence of logon codes.

Understanding the Marawi Siege and Duterte's Martial Law


Wazzup Pilipinas!
PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF AKBAYAN SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS

Mr. President, I rise on a point of personal and collective privilege.

Yesterday afternoon, we were all jolted by news that elements of the Maute group ­­­­­had taken siege of Marawi City. Several facilities were occupied by this group, including a government hospital, city hall, the city jail and a school, the Dansalan College. Buildings were being set on fire, and firetrucks were detained and held by members of the terrorist group so that no assistance could be rendered. Chilling photos on social media and in news sites showed ISIS flags being hoisted over public buildings and on the streets. This was the same terrorist group responsible for the Davao night market bombing last year.

Mr. President, there are no words for this unspeakable tragedy. Just yesterday morning, we were commiserating with the citizens of Manchester, England, whose young people became victims of a terrorist attack at a concert. Only a few hours later, our own countrymen and women from Marawi were flooding social media with desperate entreaties for help. Sabi nga ni Marawi City Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra, ‘we are not okay.’ I can only condemn in the strongest possible words this brazen act of terror and inhumanity that is an assault on our country, our people, and the peace-loving values of Muslim peoples all over the world.

Terrorism, however, should be responded to not with bloodlust and unfettered state violence. Actions of the state must be measured, even as they should be prompt and decisive. I do not want to preempt the report of the President before the Congress, but I would like to express my concern over the words of President Duterte this morning, saying, and I quote, “Martial law is martial, it will not be different from what President Marcos did. I will be harsh.”

It concerns me that the President appears to not be aware that any martial law declaration done in the post-Marcosian era will, by necessity, be different from the Proclamation No. 1081. Then, Marcos did not need Congress’s approval. There was no possibility of overriding the proclamation. Now, the proclamation needs affirmation by Congress, that can revoke it. Then, the military took over the civilian courts and Congress was eventually abolished. Now, the judicial and legislative branches need to remain functioning and will be headed by civilians. Then, when the writ of habeas corpus was suspended, the suspension could apply to anyone now. If the President suspends the writ now, it can and should only apply to those charged with rebellion or offenses connected with the invasion. Furthermore, that person arrested or detained should be judicially charged within three days. These changes have been installed in place precisely because of our nation’s experiences in executive excesses and overreach.

Kaya po, isa ko pong tanong sa Pangulo: ano po ang ibig sabihin ninyo na ang inyong Martial Law ay igagaya niyo sa Martial Law ng diktador? When you say you will be harsh, do you mean that you will be as harsh as the dictator that threw journalists and critics into prison? As harsh as the dictator that authorized waterboarding, Russian roulette, rape as a form of torture? As harsh as the dictator who co-opted the judicial and legislative branches and arrogated unto himself all the powers of the state? As harsh as the dictator that ordered the Malisbong massacre and the burning of Jolo to the ground, leaving searing memories of Martial law on generations of Muslim Filipinos? 

Terrorism must be met with decisiveness, but I fear the implementation of Martial law in the hands of a government that has demonstrated a poor track record in the area of human rights, and in the hands of a President that has time and again, expressed disdain towards the rule of law. If the people’s human rights are wantonly violated under peacetime, what more under martial law? Kung ang ating uniformed personnel ay hinahayaang maging abusado at marahas sa panahon na walang Martial Law, paano pa sa ilalim ng Batas Militar? What has become of the declaration of the state of lawlessness imposed by the President in the aftermath of the Davao night market bombing, and has this been assessed in terms of what it has accomplished and where it remains deficient? Why do we keep resurrecting relics from our painful history, instead of coming up with new solutions and modern strategies that are in accordance with the rule of law and our international commitments?

These are questions I, as legislator and therefore constitutionally mandated to check on Executive excesses, need to ask at this difficult moment confronting our nations. These are questions that I call on you, my fellow legislators, to keep asking as we navigate our way through these murky waters and as we listen to the President deliver his report to Congress tomorrow. I call on this chamber, Mr. President, to express the sense of the Senate as early as now to remain steadfast in our commitment to human rights, to protect the lessons that we have learned from Marcos’s Martial Law, and to ensure that that dark period of history will never happen again.

Make no doubt about it: terrorism is a monster to be suppressed. But in suppressing this monster, let us not rouse another monster. One that carries with it the legacy of so much blood and pain.

Maraming salamat po.

Sony Channel Brings Enchanted Evenings Into Primetime Viewing with “The Next Great Magician” this June


Wazzup Pilipinas!
         
Brand new magic show premieres June 5, weeknights at 7:55pm
Sony Channel wants you to believe in magic like never before when some of the world’s best magicians compete against each other in the spellbinding contest The Next Great Magician, which starts fascinating audiences this June.
All kinds of magic are covered throughout the series – from illusions to comedy magic, from locations stunts to close-up performances, etc. - as magicians go head to head in a battle of spectacular magical displays that showcase their amazing talents in front of a studio audience and on location.
Six incredible acts will perform the impossible night after night, but only five will be chosen as the magicians judge each other to determine the winner in each episode and goes through the grand finale, where the finalists will perform a brand new illusion in the quest to be crowned The Next Great Magician!
The six-part series is hosted by professional magician Stephen Mulhern and singer Rochelle Humes.

The Next Great Magician premieres on June 5 and airs weeknights at 7:55pm, first and exclusive on Sony Channel.



Sony Channel is available on SKYCable Channel 35, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cignal Channel 120, G Sat Channel 48, and Cablelink Channel 39.

Yamaha Holds First Ever MotoGymkhana Competition


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc. introduces a new style of racing with the MotoGymkhana; a time trial sport in which riders compete to maneuver in the shortest time through a course restricted by traffic cones or other obstacles. The competition was held at SM City Sta.Rosa and had 6 categories:

1. The Automatic Category : open to all riders
2. Underbone Open : open to all riders
3. SZ Category : for beginners
4. FZ Category : for beginners
5. TFX150 Group A : for beginners
6. TFX 150 Group B : for intermediate and expert riders

By using Yamaha Motorcycles which are of Global Standard, riders maximized their potential by using techniques of acceleration, braking, handling, and weight transfer during the tournament. Riders are given one walk-through and two practice runs before their actual run. Their fastest time including any penalties from two attacks is used to determine the overall result.

The winners are:

Automatic Open Category 
Champion – Christian Jose 
2nd Place – Lyle Parica 
3rd Place –Rashne Obligacion 
Underbone Open Category 
Champion – Luisito Sta Ana 
2nd Place – Paul Mark Doblada 
3rd Place – Raynan Reyes 


All SZ Users Open Category – (Will compete on the National Finals on September) 
Champion – Ronaldo Bautista 
2nd Place – Jollie Resurreccion 
3rd Place – Lester Kenneth Lorenzo 


All FZ Users Open Category – (Will compete on the National Finals on September) 
Champion – Maverick Azurin 
2nd Place – Victor Azurin 
3rd Place –Mike Bryan Pecayo 

TFX150 Beginner Class 
Champion – Carlos Alarcon 
2nd Place – Jermel Sevilla 
3rd Place –Jim Paulo Rabeza 


TFX150 Expert Class - Will compete on the National Finals on September 
Champion – Luisito Sta Ana 
2nd Place – Mark Paul Doblada 
3rd Place – Maverick Azurin 


Yamaha will the take the Motogymkhana across the Philippines with legs in Visayas and Mindanao with the finals taking place Luzon. 


Be part of history and witness a new era of competitive riding only with Yamaha.

Sending Surprises and Joy on the Road: Jollibee Culminates its Scratch2Win Promo


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Not much a believer of luck, a doctor’s usual Jollibee drive-thru has given her the most unexpected fortune.

In awarding the final winner of its Scratch2Win promo, the country’s leading fast-food chain surprised physician Lalaine Macatangay of Quezon City, with a grand celebration to go with her brand-new Honda BR-V.

Macatangay walked into a festive gathering at Jollibee Siena where, just a few weeks before, she drove over to buy a bucket of Chickenjoy for her children, Richard, 16, and Allison, 6.

Jollibee is usual fare for the Macatangays who would always conveniently “drive thru” the Siena store to get their langhap-sarap favorites. In fact, Dr. Lalaine reveals that she has two more unclaimed Scatch2Win ticket prizes at home.

“It was over the long weekend; we came from the mall and ordered food through Jollibee Siena’s drive thru. I didn’t even scratch the card until days after. It was already the Sunday before Labor Day when we found out. Imagine how excited we were,” recalled Dr. Lalaine.

“My family has always believed in hard work, but I guess there are also such things as luck, fortune, and blessings. The Scratch2Win promo really restored my faith in this kind of contests,” said Dr. Lalaine.

The People of Ifugao


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ifugao is pronounced as i-pugao which means "inhabitants of the known Earth. The name is supposed to have come from ipugo which means "from the hill."

This describes the people who live there which anthropologists have regarded as possibly the oldest residents of the highlands. Their Ifugao people's origin is attributed to Indonesian migration which dates back as early as 800-500 BC.

The Banaue Rice Terraces, which was also known formerly as the Ifugao Rice Terraces, is what naturally comes in mind when you mention Ifugao.

Just as how majestic the rice terraces are, the people of Ifugao have their own epic stories to tell. If you understand their language, and when they get comfortable with you, they'll be able to tell you amazing stories that are mostly unknown to the Filipinos.

"Ifugao culture value kinship, family ties, religious and cultural beliefs. They're unique among all ethnic groups in the mountain province, not only for their interesting customs and traditions but also for their narrative literature such as the hudhud, an epic dealing with hero ancestors sung in a poetic manner." says Manny Bigornia when he wrote about the Ifugao People.

Banaue Rice Terraces: Visit It as Part of Your Bucket List


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Whenever one mentions Banaue, it is automatically associated with the rice terrace - the iconic image that perpetuates in everyone's mind because of the majestic landscape it offers. The sight is just too wondrous to miss within your lifetime that everyone should put a visit to Banaue Rice Terraces as part of their bucket list.

They say this stunning view, and considered as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," is viewed even better during the months between May and June, when the rice fields are at their greenest. But that would also depend on the very unpredictable weather of the Philippines. Our country is blessed but we still could not properly predict when the storm and flood would wipe out a portion of our country. Sadly, we still couldn't prevent nature from destroying lives and properties, including the rice field terraces of Benguet. Though the terraces are strategically arranged in such a way that water will be distributed the best way possible, too much rain, also causing flood waters, would still drown and cause damage to most plantation.

Banaue is a town on the Cordillera mountain range in the north of the island of Luzon, and is one of the nine towns of the Ifugao Province. It is the gateway to the rice terraces which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We should be very proud of this recognition and thus every Filipino should visit the site to appreciate this man-made wonder accentuated by the splendor of nature.

It has earned the title of the most photographed and picturesque sight  that you could see at postcards. It is also recognized as a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines. They are awe inspiring to say the least.

Upgrading of 5 Regional Airports to be Pursued Through GAA or ODA


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The Department of Transportation (DOTr) yesterday announced that the Regional Airport Projects [Airport Development, Operations and Maintenance for the Bacolod-Silay, Davao, Iloilo, Laguindingan and New Bohol (Panglao) Projects] will be pursued through the Official Development Assistance (ODA) or General Appropriations Act (GAA) funding instead of through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) procurement process as originally planned.

“The expansion and upgrading of the airports via the GAA make the projects cheaper as cost of money is lower, thus more beneficial to the public,” says DOTr OIC Undersecretary for Aviation Manuel Antonio Tamayo.

Usec. Tamayo further emphasized that the change in the procurement mode will not necessarily delay the implementation of the Projects.

“Through this decision, we expect project completion to be faster and more efficient. Further, this would help avoid legal issues with concessionaires that may cause regrettable delays," Usec. Tamayo added.

The DOTr underscored that this decision was brought about through collegial discussions, including the economic clusters and congressional leaders.

In a Memorandum dated 16 May 2017, DOTr assured that payments for the Invitation Documents shall be refunded to both previously pre-qualified (for the bundled projects) and new (for the unbundled projects) bidders at the soonest possible time.

The Regional Airport PPP Projects were originally approved under a bundled PPP structure by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) and the NEDA Board. The NEDA Board approved the unbundling of the five airport projects in November 2016.

Snap, List, Sell in 30 Seconds: It's Time to De-Clutter with Carousell


Wazzup Pilipinas!

I have lots of items that I no longer use, especially the similar items that I get as complimentary gifts, souvenirs or  tokens from events that I attend. Sometimes, the brands would send me stuff that are not that useful at the moment since I'm already using something similar. This could be power banks, jackets, shirts, notebooks, mugs, tumblers and all sorts of USBs that they use to put in the press releases.

However, I try my best to organize and store them neatly in labelled boxes and pile them up at a portion of my room. I have to confess that I am a hoarder since I do not like to throw stuff away. While my wife wants to clean up my haul by giving them away to her friends, relatives and colleagues, I am more of the entrepreneur type that wants to earn something out of everything. 

But don't get me wrong, I sell items at more than half of its regular or retail price. I usually Google for the price, and sell my items at half of what was indicated on most sites. But usually, the buyer also ask for further discount so I end up selling the item at only the quarter of the retail price.

My additional challenge, aside from agreeing with the most convenient meet-up or pick-up point (if buyer refuses to pay for the courier cost), is finding the best way to sell them. Putting up the item on social media like Facebook is not that convenient, and a bit of a hassle if I put them at other online sites especially if I want to sell pre-loved items. There are just so much negative stories to tell that I could devote an entire blog post for it.

This is why eventhough I had several choices of events at a particular time of the day, I decided to attend the event that may finally solve my selling problems.

PLDT Home and Smart Name Clutch Gamers as PH Representatives to Manila Masters


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Dota 2 tournament happens on May 26-28 at SM MOA Arena

Leading digital services providers PLDT Home and Smart Communications, Inc. named Clutch Gamers as the official Philippine representatives to the main event of the much-awaited Manila Masters, the first Philippine international premier Dota 2 tournament to be held from May 26-28 at the SM MOA Arena.

Competing with seven of the best teams around the world, Clutch Gamers is composed of professional Dota 2 players Khim "Gabbi" Villafuerte, Armel Paul Tabios, Rafael Sicat "Rappy" Palo, Marvin "Boombacs" Rushton, and Kenneth "flysolo" Coloma. They bested over 3000 other teams from all over the Philippines in the Nationwide Qualifiers to clinch the top spot.

At stake for the grand prize winner is the $250,000 prize pool and the coveted title of being the first ever Manila Masters.

“PLDT Home and Smart are one with the local gaming community in supporting our very own Clutch Gamers to show the world that Filipinos are a force to reckon with when it comes to competitive online gaming,” PLDT FVP and Head of Home Business Oscar A. Reyes, Jr. said. “A strong and powerful connection is crucial in the world of e-sports and online gaming. As partners and supporters of the local gaming community, we are committed to giving our players access to world-class internet to enable them to level up their game and help put the Philippines in the global gaming map.

PLDT Home Fibr, the country’s most powerful broadband, is perfect for multi-player and bandwidth-intensive games like Dota 2, because it can go as fast as 1 Gbps and enables equal upload and download speeds so gamers can definitely enjoy a seamless experience. 

On the other hand, Smart’s fastest LTE network allows gamers to follow updates on their favorite teams and stream anytime and anywhere, powered by data-packed GigaSurf offers. Smart also allows gamers to purchase steam wallet codes conveniently via the leading portal, GameX. As part of its support for Manila Masters, Smart users can get a chance to witness the historic event and win Manila Masters tickets by following Smart’s official accounts on Facebook and Twitter. Smart subscribers can also get in on the action at the arena and  livestream the event via Smart360 for an immersive experience on the go at 360.smart.com.ph.


The rise of e-sports

Last year marked many milestones for e-sports in the Philippines. Filipino players consistently rose among the ranks and put the Philippines on the global map. The country also hosted several international gaming events last year, cementing the Philippines’ niche in the region as a force to reckon with in this fast-growing industry.

“E-sports is already as massive as traditional sports,” TV5 President and CEO Chot Reyes said. “With 32 million active gamers in the Philippines, the community is a passionate voice that cannot be ignored. We will send off our Philippine team to compete in the world stage with active support and a commitment to accompany them all the way through nationwide coverage.”

Mineski Franchise Corporation CEO Ronald Robins added, “The Philippine scene already has a strong backbone, and Philippine teams and organizations are getting stronger by the day. This time we want to strengthen Southeast Asia as a whole, despite the inevitable challenges ahead. Now, with the Masters, we are going to move forward again."


 Visit the masters.gg for more details or smtickets.com for event passes.

JDA Day Discusses Digital Supply Chain for Philippines Market


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JDA Software Group Inc. hosted its third edition JDA Day on 18th May in Okada Manila, Parañaque City.

The event, which is entitled "The Next Game Changer: Optimizing Supply Chain Planning and Logistics,” brought together supply chain practitioners and leaders from verticals such as manufacturing, retail, wholesale/ distribution and transportation and logistics.

In his welcome note, Vishal Dhawan, Vice President, Sales, ASEAN & India set the tempo for the event, succinctly sharing insights on the the new supply chain imperative to expand beyond traditional models.

Constantin Robertz, the Managing Director of Zalora, Philippines, deftly engaged the audience with his topic of digital supply chain in eCommerce and omni-channel retail. Ecommerce of physical goods alone is forecasted to grow 16x over the next 10 years in the Philippines. He elucidated how platforms like Zalora enable brands to connect with consumers and integration of systems and processes across the value chain.

The first-hand narration of the featured case study by Jonathan Mayes of Waitrose, part of John Lewis Partnership, one of the leading UK grocery retailers, offered immense value to the audience – as they too explore options on how to embark on their own journey to adapt to the customer demands of omni-channel retail in the competitive Philippines marketplace.

Sessions by JDA speakers, Christo Greyling, Daniel Kohut and Patrick Viney, focused on key retail industry trends, challenges and the capabilities that are needed in order to stay ahead of the competition; and Arjan Van Stiphout highlighted case studies of global brands like Heinz, DHL; as well as PVH, who has a diversified portfolio of brands such as Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, ARROW, Speedo, etc.

JDA’s Alex Yap highlighted the challenges posed by Philippines’ unique geography to consumer goods companies. As JDA works with leading consumer goods companies for more than two decades solving such a problem, Alex shared insights into how companies can improve their distribution capabilities, improving service levels while keeping inventory in check at the same time.

John Boe, Director of Consulting Services, Genie Technologies, illustrated the foundations required to deliver excellent customer service. He spoke about the role of the “buyer” within businesses and the current status of low-end technology enablement of this function. He called out that, ironically, this function is undervalued despite its associated financial KPIs such as cash flow, sales and margins.

“As more and more companies lean towards digitalization, the forces of these changes makes it imperative to follow suit. The stage of business maturity, the investment priorities and commitment from management play a big role in how they can quickly leapfrog competition,” said Vishal Dhawan, Vice President Sales, ASEAN & India, JDA.

The main sponsors of JDA Day’ included gold partner Genie Technologies (also recently awarded the “2016 JDA Partner of the Year” for APAC), Strategic Synergy Inc., (IBM) and Dematic.





Below are the initial panel discussions from the JDA Press Meet:





Comedy Cartel Proudly Presents "Employees of The Month!"


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Are you part of the working class? Do you love your work but hate your boss? Or do you hate your work but love your "officemate?" Wink wink.

Watch Comedy Cartel stand-up comedians Sherwin Cunanan, Jam Perez, Sergio Belarus, Korte Supremo, Kulay Consul and Chris Bacula, make fun of life's daily grind at the Comedy Cartel's New Show "Employees of The Month!"

Catch this show on May 27, 2017 at The Stockpile Bar at the Sapphire Bloc Bldg. Sapphire Street Ortigas Center Pasig City (Just type The Stockpile at Waze)" and let's all laugh our work stress away!

For seat reservations call or text 09178860706!

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Ricoh Augments Business Workstyles with Eco-Efficient Printers


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Efficient and flexible printing methods continue to gain significance among businesses, as they augment work processes and the capacity of workgroups to deliver requirements well and on time.

Driven by its vision to enhance customers’ business productivity, global imaging and electronics leader RICOH improves document processes with its eco-efficient digital black and white Multi-Function Printer (MFP) series.

The MP 4055SP, MP 5055SP, and MP 6055SP can print up to 60 black-and-white pages per minute (ppm) on a wide range of document types. Its image quality of 1,200 dpi resolution results in crisp images with smooth gradations and precise text. The MP 2555SP, MP 3055SP, and MP 3555SP, on the other hand, has similar functions and can print up to 35 ppm. Both printer series have a maximum paper tray capacity of 4,700 sheets.

To simplify complex procedures, the MFPs’ Scan and Single Pass Document Feeder can scan full-colour originals at 220 sheets per minute and distribute them digitally in an instant. The MP 4055SP, MP 5055SP, and MP 6055SP can also store up to 3,000 frequently used forms on the embedded Document Server for easy accessibility.

Through the 10.1”-wide touch screen Smart Operation Panel with an Intuitive User Interface, users can tailor-fit workflows and reduce repetitive manual steps by customizing user interface, utilizing apps, and changing specific icons with a tap on the screen.

Make Special Memories with Dad at Manila Pavilion Hotel


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Any man can be a Father, but it takes someone really strong and loving to be called a Dad. On their special day, take the chance to spoil the first hero in our lives with delightful treats and promos from Manila Pavilion Hotel.


The Ultimate Dad’s Day Gift

On June 18, make the most of this wondrous occasion by treating him to a delicious Buffet Lunch at the hotel’s interactive lifestyle restaurant, Seasons. As part of paying tribute to these Superheroes, our beloved sponsors and friends will be joining us in this celebration by giving away special gifts and exciting prizes.

Take his stress away with our Dad’s Day Room Promo starting at Php 4600 nett inclusive of overnight accommodation with one of our well-appointed rooms, breakfast buffet for two (2), Father’s Day Buffet Lunch for two (2), access to swimming pool and gym, and a special gift just for the Super Dads. 
 

Specials of the Month

Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino, a luxurious hotel located at the heart of Old Manila, has so much more to offer for you and your Dad for this month of June.

The hotel’s French-style pastry shop, Patisserie, presents you the perfect luscious treat for Dad. Let him feel the taste of New York and greet him a Happy Father’s Day with our Cake of the Month, New York Cheese Cake.

Freshen Dad with our Drink of the Month, Lemon and Lime Twist. For Dads who prefer to chill and drink some good wine, share with him a glass of our Wine of the Quarter, the Grenache, Syrah and Merlot, made in Southern France with Garnet Colour, Silky Tannins and Long Finish.

Manila Pavilion’s modern restaurants and café will make your stay even more memorable with their appetizing Monthly Specials. Patisserie brings you another drooling-specialty, the traditional Middle Eastern dish Homemade Falafel perfectly partnered with Salad and Pita Bread. One of the hotel’s pride, Seasons, will let you feel the Korean vibe with their Kimchi Fried Rice served with a delicious and crispy Pork Belly. Have fun at El Rey Music Lounge and Bar and try their special Pork Barbeque perfectly grilled to its mouth-watering goodness.


For inquiries and reservations visit the Manila Pavilion Hotel at United Nations Avenue corner Maria Orosa Street in Manila. Log on to www.waterfronthotels.com.ph or call 5261212, for inquiries and reservations; Like or Follow @WaterfrontMNL for regular updates.

Yamaha Rev of a Decade: The Historical Celebration in Cebu


Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Yamaha brand had humble beginnings in the Philippines before becoming the staple of motoring ingenuity that is known today. The company became part of the Philippine culture by sharing the passion for riding through world-class products that are equipped with state-of-the-art technology for 10 years; and each year was filled milestones and memories that will last a lifetime.

To celebrate a decade of revving a nation, the only way to do it was with a grand event that the entire country can revel in. First, the Yamaha Club set off their biggest ever touring ride across the archipelago which was made up of 1,000 riders with more than half of that coming from Luzon and Mindanao. It was a long trip which included a trip to different ports to make it to Visayas where they joined fellow riders in the region and together made their way to Cebu.

Cebu City was the venue for the 2nd Leg of the Yamaha Grand Prix 8 which is the premiere avenue for Filipino Motorcycle racers to hone their skills and reach the next level of their riding ability. On this occasion, a special treat was at hand for all the attendees. They were introduced to the Mio Aerox 155, the latest AT product that included the masterfully crafted iconic engine – The Blue Core. Carrying the engine’s technological credo of more power for less fuel, the machine perfectly fits into the realm of racing prowess with practical and comfortable use. Its arrival was accompanied by Yamaha’s newest ambassador, Matteo Guidicelli, who showed his riding ability on the Mio Aerox 155.

That wouldn’t be the only showcase of the Blue Core engine. The event was also the culmination of the Be More with Blue Core Challenge which pitted racing Rivals Mickey Mazo and Romer Corbe. After an exciting 8-hour endurance race in the Carmona Racing Circuit which was won by Team Corbe; this one on one race in Cebu was either redemption or domination by either rider. After a competitive race using the Mio Aerox 155, the battle was won by Romer Corbe.

Then the attention shifted from the rivalry to supremacy as the Yamaha Grand Prix 8 was underway. A fiery competition showcased different performances from veteran riders to new contenders.

After the race, the 1000 Yamaha Club Riders rode from Cebu City to Danasan Eco Park to celebrate their historic feat. Lucky winners were drawn in the Raffle and awardees were declared for the customize contest in what was pegged as the ultimate trip. The riders camped out under the stars and enjoyed performances from Bangs Garcia, the Disco Remix Dancers, DJ Veronica Chiongbian, and one of their own in DJ Inan.

All in one day, Yamaha has conquered an inter-island trip to Cebu, raising the level of raising talent in the Yamaha Grand Prix, showcasing a brand new product, empowering through a state-of-the-art engine, the culmination of a rivalry, and the explosion of riding passion. By celebrating 10 years, Yamaha continues to develop an outstanding relationship with the Filipino community and will exhilarate lives for many years to come.

Race Results: 

CATEGORY & NAME

150 OPEN Underbone
1st place Vingie Coloma
2nd place Gary Caneda
3rd place Anacleto Flores

130 OPEN Underbone
1st place JR Caneda
2nd place Anacleto Flores
3rd place Ephraim Onahon

115 VEGA FORCE 
1st place Clint Jay Sande
2nd place Fitz Gerald Sangual
3rd place John Paul Lapente

Sniper 150 Mxi One-Make Race
1st place Onahon, Ephraim
2nd place Coloma, Vingie
3rd place Lapante, John Paul

160 OPEN Automatic
1st place Neil Perino
2nd place Zac Lyndon Caneda
3rd place Jeno Malasa

FUNRACE AT-Beginner
1st place Sylvester Ramirez
2nd place Gilmark Coloma
3rd place Rene Alfarero

FUNRACE UB-Beginner
1st place Gilmark Coloma
2nd place Kentoy Auman
3rd place Jeffrey Galleros Jr.