Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Sunday, September 7, 2014

New San Jose Builders Re-Launched Victoria de Manila 2 at the "I Love Manila" Open House

Wazzup Pilipinas!

More than a city, Manila is a breathing and living entity that has the power to captivate both its long-time residents and passersby. But as the Philippine capital continued to evolve through the years, it was able to keep pieces of its heritage through the walled streets of Intramuros and art deco buildings in Escolta.

Manila also boasts of the best sunset view at the baywalk along Roxas Boulevard. Also at the heart of the city is the iconic Luneta Park, which houses the historical Rizal monument as well as open lawns ideal for family picnics. A trip to Manila wouldn’t be complete without tasting authentic Chinese delicacies in Binondo and hunting for bargain finds in Quiapo and Divisoria.

Because of its distinct character and rich cultural history, New San Jose Builders Inc. (NSJBI) has chosen Manila as the location of its new high-rise condominium building—the Victoria de Manila 2.

To drum in its theme of “I love Manila,” Victoria de Manila 2 held an open house at Ibarra’s Garden, Ermita, last August 29, 2014. A motorcade was also held earlier along streets and barangays surrounding Victoria de Manila 2. There was also a short program held that night at the venue where they featured artists Los Viajeros, to the delight of the women crowd, and DJ Lara A of 107.5 Win Radio as host. Lots of prizes and games were given away to the attendees.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Sadly, there aren’t much readily available spaces for Filipinos to start-up and get the support they need to pursue their passions. In the areas of entrepreneurship, design, arts and culture, education, health, social advocacies, and causes; these initiatives fail to start, or in some cases scale, because they lack one of the most basic and crucial resources, funds.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have people and organizations capable of funding potential projects but are not adept with the logistics of reaching out to these initiatives.

Although existing forms of funding like venture capitalists, angel investors, grant giving bodies, and banking institutions are present; they are not readily available year-round and sometimes cater only to a specific niche. At the end of the day, only a few among hundreds of equally compelling ideas get the funding they need.

The Spark Project aims to change all of these and address the country’s need for more entrepreneurs and change-makers by democratizing the disproportionate distribution of funding capital.

The community that aims to showcase Filipino talent and ingenuity through an online crowdfunding platform where they can campaign to fund their creative, innovative, and passion-driven projects.

The team believes in the Filipino and its ability to create something awesome. It’s about time that we have our own crowdfunding platform in the Philippines."

Below is an interview with Patch Dulay, one of the founders of The Spark Project. Get to know more about him, his team and the "project" and be inspired to get involved as well.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With 25 years of experience, Lactacyd understands that every woman has distinct needs. This is why Lactacyd came up with a full range of feminine care that suits the different types of women best.

Lactacyd formally unveiled its latest range in the Philippines with no less than top model, TV and movie actress Anne Curtis Smith, Lactacyd’s brand ambassador since 2012. The press launch was held recently at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, with company officials, VIPs, and select media in attendance.

Anne is no doubt gleaming with the vibrancy of what women should be despite of their busy schedules anywhere whether at home, school or at work, or even as a celebrity with a very hectic schedule.

Lactacyd’s new feminine care range celebrates the joys and gentle spirit of femininity that is unique and wonderful in every woman. With five variants to choose from, Lactacyd empowers all types of women to be the best kind of woman they can be.

The five variants were showcased through a theme of different travel destinations around the world like booths designed to represent certain tourist spots like Intimate Maldives, Classic London, Bustling New York, Cool Tokyo and Revitalizing Bali.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I have never heard of The Misters of the Philippines pageant ever since. It was only this year when there was a viral photo of one of the contestants online that got my attention. Here in the Philippines, the popularity of the female beauty pageants are very overwhelming but for the males, sadly it is not very known for this competition that according to its website it aims to find the most desirable and dynamic Filipino men who can make our country proud.

Last August 31st I had the chance to cover The Misters of the Philippines 2014 Festival Costume Competition at Fisher Mall, Quezon City . Aside from I am really curious of seeing a male pageant for the first time, I really look forward to have a photo with this 24-year old hunk policeman contestant who made my fellow girl friends swoon so hard.

As usual I arrived on time which is 6PM for their Festival Costume Competition but the contestants are just starting to rehearse. I saw them still wearing jeans and shirts so I had to chance as well to see them without make ups and outfits. After almost two hours, the show finally started. The very first question I asked from one of the usherettes is who among them is Neil Perez, the contestant whose photo became viral online. The guy gladly pointed his finger to him.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In just a year and a half, your friendly neighborhood pambansang (national) bloggers are very proud to announce that your self-declared national blog of the Philippines has already reached more than 2 million page views in just a year and a half of being a dot com blog site.

We are very ecstatic to cherish this moment as we are already overwhelmed with the many recognitions conferred to us, and the several accomplishments we've had. We look forward to more achievements today, tomorrow, and beyond. We believe this is just the beginning of a more rewarding future for all of us.

It seems like just yesterday when we were struggling with just a few page views, and now our readers have gone extremely high in just a few months of being online. We owe everything to our supporters namely our correspondents with their contributions in both content and creativity that are very well appreciated, our sponsors and partners who believed in us, and to our friends and colleagues who collaborated with their own little ways.

The first 2 million would not have been possible if not for every suggestion, every reminder, and every effort that were put into the site. Wazzup Pilipinas would not have been successful if it were not for these people.

Ang Huling Lagda ni Apolinario Mabini

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The troika which is part of the hugely successful musical Ang Nawalang Kapatid-- Floy Quintos, Dexter M. Santos, and Krina Cayabyab collaborate once more in a play celebrating the sublime paralytic’s 150th birth anniversary.

Ang Huling Lagda ni Apolinario Mabini chronicles the last days of Apolinario Mabini’s exile in Guam and explores the conditions which spurred him to return to his homeland. The play is written by Quintos, direction and choreography by Santos, and original music by Cayabyab.

This musical in one act is, perhaps, the most significant contribution of the local theatre scene to the celebration of the sesquicentennial of Apolinario Mabini. While the musical explores the private pain of a hero forced to swear allegiance to the USA, Ang Huling Lagda ni Apolinario Mabini also instills a new pride and importance in his greatest work- the True Decalogue. The musical also allows audiences to be more familiar with the value of Mabini's greatest opus and strengthens their sense of duty to their country.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Would you believe you can feng shui your desk? This is where your important decisions are written and made. According to feng shui expert Karen Rauch Carter, if your desk is not optimally serving you, it could be robbing you of vital energy.

The size of the desk is crucial. Big tasks need a big desk. If you have a small desk, you can’t multi-task. If your desk is bugging you, and you feel cluttered, it’s probably too small.

Desks should be organized and clutter free. Everything should have its own space – not just on your desktop but including the area around your desk which holds files, trays, drawers, and bins. Make sure at least 50 percent of your desktop is visible.

If you have a wall or a partition in front of you when you sit at your desk, change your location. Turn your desk around, and put the wall or partition behind you. Make sure you can see the door from where you’re sitting.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Digital imaging technology leader Epson will hold its “People’s Choice Roadshow 2014” at various SM Cyberzones nationwide from September to November this year.

“2013 has been a remarkable year for us. FutureSource Consulting, a leading global marketing research company, has confirmed that Epson achieved the unprecedented accomplishment of being the World’s No. 1 brand in projectors for 13 consecutive years. For printers, an International Data Corporation (IDC) report showed that Epson led the Philippines market for inkjet printers in 2013 in terms of Value Share. And in the dot matrix category, Epson remains the undisputed leader. Truly, we are the ‘people’s choice in 2013,” said Toshimitsu Tanaka, President/Country Manager of Epson Philippines.

Epson’s roadshow will showcase Epson’s champion products that provide genuine value to customers, such as Epson’s 3LCD projectors and new additions to the best-selling L-Series genuine ink tank system printers. The exhibit also highlights genuine feedback garnered from actual Epson users.

Young Artists Series Presents Songs and Sonnets

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Catch Philippine Opera Company's Young Artists Series (YAS) Season opener "Songs and Sonnets" on September 10. Directed by Meynard Penalosa.

YAS is designed as an arts development program for the young, upcoming singers of the company to showcase their talents. The YAS Team decided to enhance the program by engaging the artists in more creative work and perform scenes from various Operas, as well as, Musical Theater pieces that have crossed over into the classical arena.

What initially was conceptualized as a recital, every third Wednesday of the month, grew into an out-of-the-box, innovative, and enticing program known as the Black Box Series, garnering not only an enthusiastic audience, but has also become a creative template for other groups to follow.

In the theater the term Black Box refers to a space devoted where daring experiments and new visions are tested through performance. Performers who choose to go and perform in a black box are usually the ones with most open hearts and sincere desire to hone their talent.

Gilas Pilipinas: Croatia, Greece, Argentina, Puerto Rico and We Need To Win This Time!

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We went home with a heavy heart after our Gilas Pilipinas lost again to another team. Sill fresh from their losses from the basketball teams of Croatia, Greece and Argentina, the additional lost to Puerto Rico made everyone miserably lonely that night after realizing the few remaining seconds were no longer sufficient to expect a win.

While dining a sumptuous chicken dinner at Max's Restaurant Scout Tuazon at Quezon City, we cheered and jumped for joy with every shot that went in, and for every miss the opponent makes, but I guess it was not meant to be for Gilas Pilipinas to finally earn a win. I guess we need more training as a team to make it against these other teams that all made the game a worthy match.

Gilas Pilipinas! Go go go!!! You may have lost again, but still our heart belongs to you. Though it is unfortunate that we won't make it to the FIBA finals, our #PusoToTheMax still beats for you. Our pride towards the Gila Pilipinas team still reigns supreme above everything. After all, we gave it all, and that is what is more important.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In a special repeat performance, Ballet Philippines’ highly celebrated restaging of “Giselle” returns this September 19-21 to the CCP Main Theater. The beloved romantic ballet is once again being restaged by the Philippines’ premier danseur, Nonoy Froilan to start off the Blue Moon Series, a two-week fundraising series celebrating the company’s sapphire milestone.

Stella Abrera and James Whiteside from the American Ballet Theatre will perform as Giselle and Albrecht on the fundraising gala on September 19. That evening’s performance will also feature live accompaniment by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Olivier Ochanine.

Ballet Philippines principal dancers Katherine Trofeo and Jean Marc Cordero, as well as newly promoted soloist Denise Parungao and junior principal dancer Earl John Arisola will reprise their roles of Giselle and Albrecht for the other 4 shows in the production’s one-weekend run.

The 2013 restaging of “Giselle” earned recognition at the Philstage Gawad Buhay awards, winning the trophies for Outstanding Ensemble Performance for Classical Dance, Male Lead Performance in Classical Dance for Jean Marc Cordero, and Female Featured Performance in Classical Dance for Rita Winder.

Dominique Cojuangco on the Cover of Preview Magazine September 2014 Issue

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"The girl we can't stop talking about: Dominique Cojuangco wears Nicolas Ghesquière's debut collection for Louis Vuitton as she headlines our September 2014 issue on fashion's new muses, It sisters, and bright young things." - Preview magazine

After the Amazing August 2014 cover, here comes another must grab preview issue. Considered as the next generation of showbiz royalty, Dominique Barretto Cojuangco is the only daughter of businessman Antonio "Tony Boy" Cojuangco and Kapamilya actress Gretchen Barretto, who apparently has the genes to pull it off as among the beautiful ladies of the Barretto clan similar to Julia, daughter of Marjorie Barretto.

They all have the charming sophisticated faces matched with the height and the slim and fab body to reign supreme in the showbiz industry.

"This young woman who turned 19 this year quickly puts people at ease with her open smile and self-deprecating humor."

Grab a copy of Preview Magazine to get to know more about Dominique Cojuangco.

Sarah Lahbati on the Cover of Sense & Style Magazine September 2014 Issue

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"I'm done trying to please other people" says a sexier and stronger Sarah Lahbati who is now the cover model for Sense & Style magazine September 2014 issue.

Best remembered for her title role in the GMA afternoon soap, “Kokak”, Sarah Lahbati was also Richard’s love interest in last year’s short-lived primetime teleserye “Makapiling Kang Muli”. She also made headlines as a spokeswoman for breast cancer awareness.

Born in Geneva, Switzerland as Sarah Lahbati Alzol, she bagged the title as “Ultimate Female Survivor” in 5th season of Starstruck, GMA 7’s reality search for new talents but she got more attention after expressing her dissatisfaction with her network which later led to her desire to be let go from her contract, and eventually being countersued by GMA 7. But the real highlight was when she and Richard Gutierrez admitted to their relationship and their baby Zion.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

And it's out! They've got a double cover special! Metro's Big Fashion Issue featuring 'It' girl and multi-hyphenate @solennheussaff in Belgium. Cover 1 of 2 is shot in the capital city of Brussels, where Solenn wears head-to-toe Salvatore Ferragamo. On the second cover, @solennheussaff wears a Ricky Vicencio dress, and was also shot in Brussels.

Though Solenn is admittedly drop-dead gorgeous, the front cover seems to be more like what FHM would put in their covers. But, wait--yes, they've got more surprises for you! This special double cover also features two other covers on the gatefold.

The first gatefold reveals @solennheussaff in a Jaz Cerezo dress, undergarments by Bench Body, and shoes by Erika Lauren dela Cruz shot against Antwerp's dramatic architecture. While on the second gatefold cover, @solennheussaff opts for sensual safari style in Bruges.

Wazzup Pilipinas Talks About Blogging at Global News Network (Videos)

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Listen to an interesting discussion on the ins and outs of BLOGGING. This was a fun interview I did a few weeks ago with leading Filipino bloggers Ross Flores Del Rosario, Kathy Kenny Ngo, and Kaye Rey. This episode of "Philippines Uncut" entitled "All About Blogging" aired on the Global New Network. Thank you Hrh Ronnie Cruz Bernardo for arranging!" - Buddy Cunanan

Bloggers Ms. Kathy Kenny Ngo of www.lifeiskulayful.com, Mr. Ross del Rosario of www.wazzuppilipinas.com, Ms. Kay Rey of www.babestravelling.com and Mr. Ronnie Bernardo of www.heliconprojects.com ( declined to participate due to cough), talked about blogging in the Philippines.

The three guests were asked various questions all related to blogging, like the perks and privileges of being a blogger, the downsides of dealing with bashers and haters, and at some point their similarities and differences with journalists - seems like a controversial topic.

Below are the videos divided into three parts for viewing. Enjoy!