Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Monday, April 14, 2014

Zamboanga Adventure: Exploring Asia's Latin City (Paseo Del Mar)

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One of the most frequently visited places during our visit to Zamboanga city was Paseo Del Mar. This is where we had lunch on our first day at the Kape Zambo Bar and Restaurant, had dinner during one of the sort of thanksgiving activities at Centro Latino (but the unexpected blackout that night ruined it), where the 9th Philippine Bird Festival activities were held participated by a lot of students coming from different schools, same place where the Dia De Zamboanga concluding mini-concert was held after the Grand Civic and Military Parade, and the starting point where we rode motorized boats going to the Grand Santa Cruz island.

Obviously, it is the place where a lot of things happen. There is no doubt and argument here that this is the busiest place in Zamboanga City.

Paseo Del Mar is a seafront parkway with a long walkway along the shoreline or break-water. It can be likened to the Roxas Boulevard in Manila. To the south you can see the two Santa Cruz Islands and the big Basilan Island while at another direction towards the west is the famous Lantaka Hotel.

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Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) recently sponsored the 10th CBMS Philippines National Conference held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Quezon City.

CBMS, which stands for Community-Based Monitoring System, aims to serve as a tool for local governance and complement the national poverty monitoring system. It also serves to provide policymakers and program implementers with good information base for tracking the effects of macroeconomic reforms and various policies.

Seen on the photo above are CBMS leaders with Epson Senior Marketing Executives EJ Sulit and Camille Coronel strike a pose with Representative-elect Lucy Torres-Gomez during the 10th CBMS Philippines National Conference at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.

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Golfers are considered elite because golf is a precision club and ball sport which requires a lot of patience. It is a very slow sport that will never excite me at all. Don't hate me when I say "playing a ball with a club from the teeing ground into the hole by a stroke or successive strokes in accordance with certain rules" is really boring.

But that doesn't stop me from enjoying my time exploring a certain golf course in Zamboanga. However, maybe the fact that it has a beach park beside it was good enough reason why I found it really pleasing. So when I get bored trying to put my balls in a hole...wait that sounded wrong...anyway, I can just walk a few steps and get all wet and wild at the bitch...Oooppss....I mean the beach. Lol!

The Zamboanga Golf Course and Beach Park, originally known as the Zamboanga Golf and Country Club, is located some 5 km from the city hub in Upper Calarian west of the city. It boasts of being the oldest golf course in the Philippines. But wait, though the golf course has been around for ages, the maintenance and renovation of the place was impeccable!

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To continue with our tour of Zamboanga, Asia's Latin City where you'll get hooked on eating tiger prawns, curachas, and knickerbockers, or if you're the more adventurous, you could have indulged on the satti for early morning breakfast. We now take you to a few more popular places we've explored while immersed between birdwatching and celebrating Zamboanga Day through its many festivities and activities.

Above you'll see another popular landmark and heritage site called Fort Pilar or Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza (Royal Fort of Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza). The 17th-century military defense fortress built by the Spanish colonial government is now a regional museum of the National Museum of the Philippines.

What you see outside the walls at the eastern side is a Marian shrine dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of Zamboanga city. The insides of Fort Pilar was under renovation when we visited sometime end of February 2014. They told us it was supposed to have been completed already it the Zamboanga siege did not take place.

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Manny Pacquiao wins vs Timothy Bradley via unanimous decision last April 13, 2014. The Pambansang Kamao ng Pilipinas regains world title with decisive win over Timothy Bradley. The Pacman is back where he belongs! After 12 full rounds of action, ringside judges score in favor of Pacquiao. Manny Pacquiao back in legendary fighting form with the best pound for pound ever! Looks like he's back on that stuff that Mayweather called him out on. Gayweather you are the next on the list. Put down your Barbie doll and fight! I ought to Photoshop Bradley out of the photos and put yours instead, and that would still look right!

I guess the other breaking news now is Kim Henares is having a hearty working lunch with calculator and spreadsheet on hand. But no! I stand corrected, the real breaking news is how Mommy Dionisia steals the show with the "kulam" (hex) powers. Whatever it was, it worked! Pacquiao's mother was there casting spells like a witch. Manny Pacquiao's mom was the real winner last night!

I guess Hogwarts can now considering Mommy D to be their new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I would love to see Mommy Dionisia guest on the Ellen Degeneres Show and show us again that magical pray over. It would be a riot, if ever, and a fun episode to watch. She might as well show off her ballroom dancing skills and do the split for the audience. Now that would put everyone at awe!

Games People Play Returns to Perform on April 22 to 26

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Due to popular demand, we will be seeing a repeat performance of Games People Play soon at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Games People Play, a Palanca-winning play by Glenn Sevilla Mas features theater actors Abner Delina, Thea Yrastorza and Kalil Almonte. Ed Lacson Jr., who also does the production design, directs it while Teresa Barrozo does the sound and music design.

Games People Play is about three characters who try to understand why they are the way they are by revisiting their childhood, specifically the games that they played with each other. Each game is a rite of passage and it represents a significant moment in their coming of age. The writing of the play was inspired by this quote from child psychologist and writer Bruno Bettelheim: “The monster a child knows best and is most concerned with [is] the monster he feels or fears himself to be.”

The production will run from April 22 to 26, 2014, 7:30 PM with a 2:30 PM show on April 26, at the Fine Arts Blackbox Theater, Fine Arts Annex, Ateneo de Manila University.

For ticket inquiries, contact John Yap at 0917-722-5399 or visit www.facebook.com/gppgamespeopleplay for more information.

Magkabilaan: Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company's 20th Anniversarry Concert Set on April 25 & 26

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The Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company in partnership with the Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe and PETA Theater Center proudly presents “ Magkabilaan ” --- the 20th anniversary concert to pay homage to the late Dr. Paz-Cielo A. Belmonte, Founder & Artistic Director of the Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe (PBFDT).

“Magkabilaan” shall celebrate Lahing Kayumanggi’s and Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe’s long standing partnership and exchange programme spanning two decades.

“Magkabilaan” will be held on April 25 and 26 (Friday & Saturday) --- 7:30PM at the PETA Theater located at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City.

Special guests include the alumni of the Philippine Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe, longest folk dance company since 1946; Hail Mary The Queen Children’s Choir and talented singer / fashion designer Leo Almodal.

Ellen Adarna Covers Esquire Philippines April 2014 Issue

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Esquire magazine reveals an ingenious cover for its April 2014 issue with Ellen Adarna seductively gracing it in a very provocative yet somehow blasphemous way.

In the absence of a cross, she may get away with it but how she lay on the floor and the position of her hands and feet do not mistakenly portray the image of Jesus Christ in a cross.

Creative it may seem with the major article topics covering most of her sexual assets like Manuel L. Quezon III's power, the love of Ely Buendia, and the pain of Lav Diaz.

Alternately, with the other cover reveals Lourd De Veyra's God, the sex of Ellen Adarna, and death by Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo.

There has never been any magazine cover yet that has struck my attention enough to read what's inside those glossy pages. I am betting I will be seeing more than just the oozing sexiness of Ellen Adarna.

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Maja Salvador is looking well in a two-piece swimsuit revealing her sensational firm and hot body ready to officially face summer with style and wellness.

The magazine shares articles on how to bag that dream trip without breaking the bank, how to keep your holiday hot, how to travel like a pro, how to keep your abs flab free, and the hottest reasons to hit the beach among many other worth reading topics.

The magazine also reveals JC De Vera as the alternate cover of Men's Health magazine where JC shows off his awesome muscles.

The alternate cover shows the other articles namely, Free sandbag workout, the best new shoes for men, readers sharing their secrets to success, shares ways on how to fortify your heart to add 50 years to your life, how to put your sex drive into overdrive, how to become a roastmaster and brew that perfect cup, and ways to save the Earth.

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I stopped organizing food reviews, but I keep myself open and available when there's an invitation. Sadly, I try to make it my last priority because my wife will continue to scold me whenever she sees my double china and growing belly (lol). But what was I supposed to do when I got an invitation to travel to Zamboanga for a four day visit, and then surprised to learn that our hosts will be treating us to different restaurants everyday to help promote Zamboanga as a promising tourist destination inspite of the recent conflict between MILF elements and government forces. It was followed by an exorbitant dining adventure at the three fine-dining restaurants of the Dusit Thani Manila hotel accompanied by our overnight family staycation treat the hotel gave me in exchange of blogging about them. Now that really bloated me like a blimp, but I so loved it!

Who wouldn't want to drop his dietary plans when you see before you several plates of delectable cuisines all waiting for you to dig in and explore its taste? So that was it!...I knew it wouldn't last. Life is just too short to restrict myself from eating seemingly fattening foods. It doesn't really hurt if I keep eating moderately. At least I try my best to remain guilt-free and in control. There are times I am tempted to over-eat but that's only if I eat alone. It's not everyday I indulge on one of life's finest moments especially when the dining experience is at restaurant that I've never been to.

Take for example my visit to the Grillery Restaurant and Bar located at the Greenhills Town Center along Granada street just a few blocks away past the Greenhills Shopping Center along Ortigas Avenue. By the way, don't get confused between the two places as the former is a newer spot farther away form the latter. At this restaurant, you'll find me reunited with what I love doing - teasingly going through a gastronomic adventure once again.

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Earthday Jam returns once again for another star-studded evening on April 25, 2014 filled with many of the young and veteran performers from the music industry collaborating in an effort to give tribute to the celebration of international Earthday.

The celebration will be held at the same venue where it happened last year - at the 9th Avenue corner 34th of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) starting at 7 pm. The event promises to be a merry music marathon that is still free for public viewing. I am sure it will again be flooded with individuals of all ages who will share the night with us in recognizing Earthday through the Earthday Jam 2014 celebration.

I was there covering the event last year and I have to say it was an impressive line-up of bands and singers, coupled with a few talks from NGOs and advocacy groups, and a spectacular presentation of talent and showmanship. I wanted to take photos and videos of all performances but they were simply numerous that my camera drained its battery just more than half-way the performances. Trust when I say that you'll have

At the press conference held at Gerry's Grill at Greenbelt 3, members of the media were presented with what to expect at the Earhday Jam for the year. From all the artists already identified, there will be a few more surprises to make up for an evening of non-stop music tripping and Earth-loving advocacy.

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Your friendly neighborhood pambansang blogger was invited to the launch of the Oppo Find 7, the flagship phone of the Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corporation Ltd, an international mobile phone brand committed to designing beautiful technology products with an open attitude. The company seeks to fuse technology and affection in all their products and has been restless in the pursuit of innovation, quality standards and delivering an element of positive surprise.

The Oppo Find 7 is a level above the rest of the smartphone models that are currently available in the Philippines. They introduced features I have never seen before on any of the brands that have proliferated in the country. Truly there's a lot of innovations done on their phone.

Unknown to some, the brand is very popular in China and has been a talk in the international tech forums where they discuss about the China brand phone. Though the only concern of most during the question and answer portion is the pricing. The Oppo Find 7a retails at Php 22, 9990 - almost Php 23k already save Php 10. Meanwhile the Oppo Find 7 retails for Php 25,990 - almost Php 26k.

At the media launch held at the Sofitel hotel in Manila, Oppo awes the crowd with the fascinating stage production with the number 7 represented in both small and large sizes, the dynamic stage presence of all speakers, and the stunning light display including the Oppo logos that seemingly danced on the walls of the grand ballroom of the hotel. It was a night of glamor and elegance as they introduce a very innovative product to the audience.

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In the unique tradition of street art, gritty visuals transform spaces into artistic landmarks and markers of community engagement. It is a language defined by contact, dialogue and exchange. At the heart of which lies human relationships- the inspiration for street artists such as Blic.His art depicts personal and social experiences- a creative response, expanding and collapsing, to the yearning of public spaces and specific sites. Blic brings to life “sub-cities”, familiar and storied public spaces with his street art icon, a hand or a pair of hands, which hints at a language of its own.

Pildera is an obscure enclave in Pasay City. It is no exception to the precarious and dire conditions found in a “megapolis”. It is a stark reminder of neglect, disparity, contradiction and the drama of social change. In Pildera, the economic and social divides are evident not only in the make-up of community dwellings but also amidst the interaction of people living in specific spaces.

Blic painted this wide mural on a wall behind a church and near a basket- ball court by a derelict Padefo. The Padefo, a day-care center turned urban ghetto inhabited by informal settlers, is the focal point of the mural. Beyond the frustrations of urban angst, the mural wistfully illustrates the possibility of rising out of destitution.

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My first taste of real Korean culinary was no other but from Chef's Noodle Korean Restaurant. Before I was a blogger, the only food I knew was Filipino dishes. Well, yes.. I may have eaten some foreign dishes in the past, but it's my first time to eat something authentic from a Korean Restaurant.

I was there when they introduced their very first endorsers like Down to Mars and Grace Lee. I was also present when they renewed Grace Lee's endorsement contract. Now I also recently attended their formal launch of a new Chef's Noodle brand endorser - Sam Concepcion, the teen actor, singer and dancer well-loved by the youth because of his flexibility as a performer.

Beauty queen Shamcey Supsup and her husband Lloyd Lee is also among the other special endorsers of the Korean restaurant, but Sam Concepcion is here to project an image of youthfulness and freshness that is the basic characteristics of Chef's Noodle. The restaurant is fast becoming a diner's haven for those that love everything about Korea.

I could still remember my first take-out of their dishes from their Greenhills branch. The staff were very courteous and helped me with my choices from the menu. What was great was the affordability because I remember going home with two paper bag full of dishes for only a few bucks. Back home, my family and I enjoyed the feast, and they had no complaints of the food.

Pretty Little Liars Philippines' Stars Cover Sense & Style Magazine April 2014 Issue

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Sense and Style magazine presents the stars of the Philippine version of Pretty Little Liars namely Danielle Lee, Sophie Albert and Chanel Morales on their April 2014 issue.

All three pretty little ladies are TV5 princesses from the Kapatid network of Manny Pangilinan. The three ladies exude an aura of sophistication and elegance wearing those exquisite printed dresses, and long beautiful hair that are simply highlighted as the teenage stars' crowning glory.

Their faces could also launch a thousand ships if we were back in the old days, now they can launch a thousand boys' dream of heavenly paradise, or become viral on social media shared mostly by the love-struck boys.