Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Saturday, February 15, 2014

5th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2014

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The PyroMusical annual event will put on a never-before-seen spectacle of lights and colors where the night sky and sea meet as staged by the world’s leading pyrotechnic experts.This competition will not only paint the Manila sky with brilliant bursts of vivid color, but will also be the venue to showcase the emerging artistry and evolving sophistication of Filipino fireworks technology.

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition will be imbued with the awesome fanfare and delightful displays of the world’s leading pyrotechnic events, but done with that distinct Filipino flourish that will surely bring together eager audiences from all over the region.

The 5th Philippine International PyroMusical Competition 2014 will be at the SM Mall of Asia starting February 15, 2014. Eleven (11) countries from around the world will showcase their never-before-seen pyrotechnics extravaganzas.

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In order to ensure efficient and effective importation of motor vehicles, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revised all Rules and Regulations on the Accreditation and Stock Reporting of Manufacturers, Assemblers, Importers, Rebuilders, Dealers and Other Entities (MAIRDOEs) authorized to import motor vehicles and/or its components.

This is under Administrative Order No. AVT-2014-23, which was published last January 24 and took effect on 9 February 2014.

“This is part of our reform program at the LTO to improve our services, streamline processes, and curb corrupt or illicit practices. This will benefit stakeholders in the automotive industry, which we hope will translate into faster and better services to the general public,” said LTO Assistant Secretary Alfonso Tan, Jr.

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The Euro-Filipino Understanding and Relations Organization (UP EURO) is a duly recognized university-wide student organization based in the Department of European Languages of the College of Arts and Letters in the University of the Philippines, Diliman.

It caters to the interests of those who envision a mutually beneficial common future between the Philippines and Europe, being the first student organization in UP Diliman to promote socio-cultural exchanges and diplomatic relations between the two regions. Through the years, it has served as a venue for the pursuit of academic discussion of ideas in contemporary European and Filipino affairs.

UP EURO brings the ASEAN-EU connection to the academic community. On February 22, UP EURO will hold the annual Philippine Summit on European Studies entitled, ASEAN Integrated Community 2015: Probing ASEAN-EU Dynamics. The event will delve into the implications of the integration on the sectors of politics, economics, and education in the Philippines vis-à-vis its being an ASEAN member and its relationship with the European Union.

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Local tour operators, airlines, cruise lines, hotels and resort operators, and travel agencies rolled out their fantastic discount programs for travel destinations here and abroad at the 21st Travel Tour Expo 2014 ongoing at the SMX Convention Center Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City until February 16, 2014 from 10 am until 9 pm. Entrance fee is only P 50 for visitors (including students and children) and P 20 for senior citizens.

A total of 53 travel agencies and tour operators, 27 airlines, 5 cruise lines, 96 hotels and resorts, 14 embassies and national travel organizations and 6 theme parks exhibited their discounted and special promo packages for their products and services in an area of over 11,000 square meters.

With the theme, "Love Life Love Travel", the event was jam-packed with long queues of customers and travel fanatics all waiting for their turn to purchase great travel packages to their dream destinations. Just like in the previous years it was a definite blockbuster!

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Komikon aims to continue publishing an independent comic book anthology annually to encourage more budding creators out there to continue honing their skills and to showcase the broad offering of Filipino comics. This is why they created Sulyap that was launched last November 13, 2010 at the 6th Annual Filipino Komiks Convention at the Starmall Trade Hall, EDSA cor Shaw Blvd, Mandaluyong City.

Sulyap is a collection of short Filipino independent komiks works, featuring the works of 8 young and talented comics writers, some of whom started out by joining the Komikon contests and Komikon Indie Comics Tiange. The featured stories and their creators are:

Ambition by Ian Olympia, Baboy 1&2 by Mel Casipit, Goodbye Rubbit by RH Quilantang, Kalayaan by Gio Paredes, Lipad by Rommel Estanislao, Maktan 1521 by Tepai Pascual, Taal Monster vs Evil Space Paru-paro by Macoy, and Windmills: Bearkdowns by Josel Nicolas

Sulyap was designed and compiled by Jon Zamar, with a foreword by Gerry Alanguilan and cover art by Melvin “Taga-ilog” Calingo. As a bonus, Taga-ilog’s Primer on Making Your Own Comic Book was also included.

Now, the people responsible for this ultimate project are introducing the 2nd batch of comic artists to be part of Sulyap 2. Get to know more about them here:

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One faith... one love... one aim. Steps that will make other lives change. Strengthened by one faith, bounded by unity, brethren from all parts of the world. Our brethren all gather, willing and ready to help those affected by the Typhoon Haiyan. "We walk so they can stand".

The Iglesia Ni Cristo is having a fund raising "Worldwide Walk" today, February 15,2014, for the victims of Yolanda typhoon, event located from CCP Complex towards Roxas Boulevard.

It's amazing how the brethren have been united again as one. Brethren from over 13 Ecclesiastical districts here in and around Metro Manila, Philippines joined together for the Worldwide Walk for those affected by typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).Despite the early departure in their own locale congregations, brethren are very thrilled by the thought that they will be able to help the victims of the typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) by participating in the Worldwide Walk that is being held not only in Manila, Philippines but all over the world. This is definitely a lot of fun!

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The 700 Club Asia marks the season of love with its first series of special live episodes this year, dubbed “Luv 2 Give” on February 17-21, at 11:00 p.m. over GMA News TV.

“Luv 2 Give” marries the passion of love and selfless giving as it encourages more people to help our kababayans in need.

The TV special hopes to raise more funds to be able to help more people through the CBN Asia Family of Ministries (CBN Asia Media that produces The 700 Club Asia, the top-rating Superbook and Tanikala; the organization’s humanitarian arm Operation Blessing; Asian Center for Mission and The Prayer Center).

“We want more people to experience the joy of pure love that comes with selfless giving. We just need to look around to see that there are thousands of people who need our help. Luv 2 Give is a wonderful platform where we could all join together in expressing love for others this love month by being cheerful givers,” says Peter Kairuz, President and Chief Executive Officer of CBN Asia and Operation Blessing and one of the hosts of The 700 Club Asia.

Artistang Artlets of UST Presents #Hugot

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Were you able to watch "A.S.L. Pls?", "Sa North Diversion Road", "Isang Dakilang Mamamayan ng Republika", and "Dyip". This March, Artistang Artlets brings you again, not just one, but three incredible productions!

Artistang Artlets, the official theatre guild of the Faculty of Arts and Letters of the University of Santo Tomas, on its 33rd season is proud to bring you its 2nd Minor Production this coming March.

"#HUGOT" a Trilogy of plays including: “Kinaumagahan” written by Wennielyn Fajilan and Rachelle Rodriguez, “COCOL” written by Therese Renee Janine Zialciata and “Chimes” written by Coleen Ivy Cordero and Danielle Joyce Factora, to be directed by Danielle Joyce Factora and to be produced by Marcos Gaston Stig Latorre to be staged this March 3, 4 and 5, 2014. Time slots will be as follows: 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm at the Education Auditorium, Albertus Magnus Building, UST.

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It's the season of the hearts again. A time when lovers become extra close and an opportunity to treat each other extra nice. It's also an excuse to ask for a kiss, a hug or something more intimate. Statistics shows that aside from the ever increasing sales of roses and chocolates, it's also that time of the year when more and more people are getting laid.

Valentine's Day is really magical. I've read a status post of a Facebook friend relating the teleserye-like love story of his parents and learned that he was actually conceived on Valentine's Day (February 14), and eventually born nine months later (November 13). Only a day short of an exact nine months!

From his story, I guess he sort of revealed his age when he told us the year, but what really got my attention was the totally amazing MMK-type love story of his parents. His father was 40, while his mother was 22 when the two met. But the 18 year gap was overcome which brought into this world three more children - plus two grandchildren.

This is the story of Boy and Bebeth.

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Philippines...are you ready?Have you already thought of how to get to the venue already?

No more excuses! There will be free Rides to the 7107 International Music Festival on February 22 and 23. Sign up at the selected Guess stores indicated at the image below as early as February 15.

Realizing the magnitude of the two-day event and the logistical concerns it entails, organizers have also posted various modes of transportation options.

For fans coming from Manila, fashion brand Guess will be providing buses that will leave from its six Guess stores in Glorietta 2, SM Megamall, Ermita, Mall of Asia, Trinoma and Alabang Town Center. Those wishing to avail of this transportation mode must register at any of the Guess stores starting February 15.

Those who have already booked accommodations, shuttle service to and from area hotels will be provided during the festival weekend. Shuttle partners and pick-up points will be listed online as they are confirmed. Those who have their own vehicles must purchase the P300 parking fee on Flavorus but should keep in mind that overnight parking is not allowed.

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A retrospective exhibit that will showcase three decades of Tony Velasquez, the Father of Philippine comics' original works from the 1930's to the 1950's20, is scheduled on February 15 up to 28 at Cevio Art Haus in Pasig City. This exhibit pays tribute to the man who pioneered cartoons and comic illustrations in the Philippines. Opening ceremonies will be held on February 15 at 7 pm.

Velasquez was a Filipino illustrator and cartoonist widely recognized and regarded as the Father of Tagalog comics and as the pioneer and founding father of the Philippine comics industry. During his career as a comic artist, Velasquez created more than 300 cartoon characters, some of whom became household names in Filipino homes, such as Kenkoy, Tsikiting Gubat, Talakitok, Talimusak, and Ponyang Halobaybay. The show will feature Kenkoy, Ponyang Halobaybay, and other personal memorabilia of the comic icon.

Velasquez created the very first serialized Filipino cartoon strip, Mga Kabalbalan ni Kenkoy (‘Kenkoy’s Antics’) in 1928. Arguably the most influential comic strip in the Philippines, Mga Kabalbalan ni Kenkoy, opened the floodgates that started the tradition of cartoon strips in the Philippines.

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It is all systems go for the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit at the Multipurpose Hall of Meralco, Pasig City on February 27-28, 2014. The summit was originally scheduled on November 28-29, 2013 but was reset due to the devastation then brought by Typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas that necessitated the urgent attention of government agencies on relief operations.

Rommel Juan, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (eVAP), one of the organizers, said that the EV Summit has now become more relevant in the light of the recent effects of Typhoon Yolanda. “Now, people are more conscious of the negative effects that can be brought upon by our neglect in preserving the environment thus resulting in global warming and climate change. Thus this year, even major auto shows abroad have prominently featured electric vehicles and other forms of alternative fuel vehicles”, he adds.

eVAP now boasts of 56 active members, 27 of whom are corporate members. It is part of the lead organizing group Electric Vehicle Alliance consisting of Meralco and various like-minded NGOs such as Partnership for Clean Air (PCA), Clean Air initiative Asia and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC).

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The UPLB Com Arts Society is a duly recognized academic and official organization for Communication Arts majors in the University of the Philippines Los Baños. It aims to cultivate human perception towards the arts and the humanities and to provide outlets for the artistic talents of the members especially in the three areas of specialization of the Communication Arts program which are: Writing, Speech Communication and Theatre Arts.

The organization will soon be staging [Re]Play: A Haunting of Nostalgic Nightmares this March 5 to 6, 4PM and 7PM at the CAS Annex 1 building, NCAS Auditorium, University of the Philippines Los Baños. It will be a series of two one-act plays about the remains of the past as they haunt the present lives of the characters.

[Re]Play: A Haunting of Nostalgic Nightmares will be staging “Noche Buena” written by Brylle James Galang and directed by Nashla Camille Locsin, and “Irene” written by Mark Ian Billante and directed by Micah Sementilla. Members of The UPLB Com Arts Society star in both one act plays, with guest performances by Trevor Lim, Jose Gabriel Gloria, Patricia Marie Catriz, John Matthew Prieto, and Jarrod Papasin.

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Almost everyone has a sweet tooth and can't resist taking a bite of anything sugary sumptuous. We love to have them as desserts after every meal to make our dining experience end with a memorable treat. Sweet treats makes every meal complete and also serves as our reward for a great day's work, a job well done, a fulfillment to our longings, to conclude that particular chapter in our lives, as we go on to the next.

Sweet treats are among the first on the list of gifts we want to give to our loved ones, especially during special occasions when we want to make an outstanding impression. If we want to get noticed and be remembered, it's always advisable to include lip-smacking yummy delicacies tucked in somewhere among the bouquet of roses to make it really extra special.

I can still recall how I would always insist to put branded chocolates to highlight my gifts not only during Valentine's Day but in almost every celebration. At a distance, they are not as noticeable as the huge long-stemmed roses, but it never fails to put a smile in everyone's faces the moment they realize there's a sweet treat within the dozen of flowers.

Let me share with you an article below about how Max's Restaurant is making Valentine's Day more extraordinary with their special S'mores Fudge Bar that comes free for every P1,500 food purchase from February 14 to 16 only.

4Sharing Sumptuous Seafood Spread from Max's Restaurant

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We will be visiting Max's Restaurant this weekend to try out their newest 4Sharing Meal choices, but before that let me share with you an article introducing the two dishes of ninong Max that is now a perfect match with everyone's all-time favorite Max's fried chicken.

The nearest branch from our place is the one at Tiendesitas. It's a two-storey branch with an option to dine outside near the area where stalls sell arts and crafts. We've already tried dining there during a certain lunch time and we're satisfied with the prompt service, acceptable ambiance, and of course, excellent food.

We arrived at the branch all full of customers so we had to wait in queue for our turn to dine when a table becomes available. The first tables to become vacant where the ones located outside with no air-conditioning. The service crew asked us if the open air tables were alright for us. Since we were all hungry, my wife agreed. However, the kids started complaining about the intolerable heat only after a few minutes of stay outside. We've just ordered and our food has not arrived yet so we quickly requested to transfer inside.

I'll be sure to create another blog post to show you the actual meals and tell you the story of our next dining experience after our visit at the branch. For the meantime, enjoy reading the article below: