Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Power Up and Stay Healthy This Holiday Season

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The Holiday season can be both exhilarating and tiring at the same time. To be able to enjoy the season’s festivities fully, it is important to stay healthy all throughout the “ber” months.

Get enough sleep. The holiday season is filled with parties and reunions but don't use this as an excuse to scrimp on sleep. Sleep is the secret to good health, there's no other way around it. If you wish to have energy to enjoy the season, sleep is essential. To be your best, make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night.

Dance and move. The season also means one thing: a lot of eating. Don't deprive yourself but allow yourself to enjoy the season by working out. Don't wait until January to start on your fitness goals; start with something small like walking or even dancing in your living room. Stay hydrated with the help of Summit Natural Drinking Water. Summit is filled with minerals that help you concentrate on your tasks while at the same time hydrating you to be prepared for anything this season.

Power up. If you can't avoid the late nights, make sure you're powered up with Cobra Energy Drink. Cobra Energy Drink is the number one energy drink in the Philippines and contains carbohydrates and B vitamins for that extra push of energy one needs this time of the year.

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The ASEAN integration augurs well to prepared Filipino Companies. As collaboration between ASEAN companies become a commonplace, Filipino small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is poised to benefit from this set-up.

However, the belief that “build and they will come” set-up that many Philippine SME companies hold may not jive with the opportunities that the ASEAN Integration offers.

Marketing and Promotion of these companies at the same time working hard to find the right partners are the keys to realize the benefit of this economic set-up.

The 11th Megabalikbayan OFW Expo (MBOX) set this December 18-20, 2014 at SMX Convention Center is a longest running business expo targeting the OFWs and Balikbayans and encouraging them to go into business.

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The Philippines' Department of Tourism aims to achieve 10 Million tourists every year until the end of 2016.

This target is aided by the major improvements in International Airports in Manila and secondary airports in Cebu, Clark, Iloilo to mention a few.

The rise of budget fares led to significant growth in foreign tourists and domestic travels. This increased led to major hotel players investing in the country. Fairmont, Raffles and Tune Hotels are some of the brands that increased their presence in the country.

In the coming year, the Department of Tourism launched the “Visit the Philippines” Campaign. Already some of the notable international events that will take place in the country for the year 2015 are the Papal Visit, APEC Summit, Madrid Fusion, Asia Pacific Retailers Convention and Exhibition, 40th Kiwanis Asia Pacific Convention to name a few.

Amidst these positive developments in the tourism industry, the 2nd International Travel Festival (ITF) slated this December 18-20, 2014 at SMX Convention Center aims to support the momentum the tourism industry is experiencing.

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Many have probably found out already how easy, safe and convenient it is to order online. The security measures provided over the Internet are now stronger and harder to penetrate by hackers or online identity thiefs that many people are now ordering almost everything using a mobile app or an online system from a friendly shopping portal.

Would you believe I pay my bills, order restaurant food, book a taxi, and a lot of other things using my mobile app? many users are now more comfortable entering their personal details like credit card information for many online transactions and deals. Life has become so convenient that developers of mobile apps and online portals have become rock-stars of the online world. They are now designing our future with their online systems.

You'll be glad to know that you can also order the Proactiv 30-day kit or 60-day kit online (at https://my.proactiv.com.ph) with the same ease, safety and convenience. Why waste time commuting or traveling to a crowded shopping center, grocery or drug store when you can just use your smartphone to order your Proactiv kits?

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November is fast ending but it’s not over till end-November! Shark-related stories continue for the rest of the month of November at one of our favorite cable TV channels. Brace yourselves for more of these sharp-toothed carnivores. Shark lovers and “finatics” can watch out for more jaw-inspiring tales and brand new premieres such as I Escaped Jaws 2 and Sharkageddon. Sharks take the center stage every Sunday until November 30 from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Discovery Channel.

We all loved the Steven Spielberg movie series Jaws, and couldn't get enough of other stories related to sharks. These creatures of the sea are considered the most ferocious and threatening. Who doesn't fear waters infested with sharks. I wouldn't to go to the beach only to find out my life, or limbs, is/are in danger.

Discovery Channel's iconic annual series Shark Week has been showing since early November with a bigger bite with Shark Month. Shark lovers and "finatics" have been treated to a month-long special packed with more jaw-inspiring shark, including brand new premieres:

Animahenasyon 2014: Ready for November 25 to 28 at iAcademy

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"Animahenasyon" is a word play for the combination of two exciting words namely "animation" and "imagination" (imahenasyon). The animation festival spearheaded by the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI), has been stirring our imagination with regards to the field of animation for several years already. The Animahenasyon event, now to be held at the new iAcademy building (formerly Mondragon House) along Buendia avenue, has been running for 8 years already and has undoubtedly improved throughout the years. Animahenasyon 2014 is now ready to further take us up and above greater heights as symbolized by their hot air balloon event poster.

At a press conference held at the Ascott Hotel in Makati last November 16, 2014, key officials of ACPI shared the overview and highlights, schedule of specific events, special VIP guest and speakers and other things to expect at the four day event happening from November 25 to 28, 2014.

Among the key officials of ACPI present at the press conference were Ms. Joie Sales, the Festival Director; Ms. Ayeen Pineda, Conference Director, and Mr. Ricky Orellana, Festival Programmer. There was also Mr. Omar Aguilar, Emerging Artist Awardee for 2014, who also gave a short talk.

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They actually got me on the first bite! Their proud Beef Stew specialty deserves a loud applause. This is what I've been looking for when it comes to a fine budget meal since most of us Filipinos are really into the more affordable and little bit sweet and little bit salty dishes that easily pleases our appetite. I feel like I want to eat more rice to accompany this amazing viand. So simple yet so filling. It can be truly considered the star of the show at their simple food spot at the food court of SM North EDSA.

Honey's Kimchi may look so small since they are normally located at food courts, yet if you really want to get value for your money, you'll have to try out their reasonably priced but tasty meals with the most expensive being only P140. Wow! These are affordable meals suited for minimum wage earners and even students with very little budget.

But why do they call it Honey's Kimchi? Well, Honey is the pet name of the Filipino owners (husband and wife calling each other "honey"), and Kimchi is among their specialty as well. It's their popular side dish that goes really well with all their meals. By now you've probably realized that you'll find more than just kimchi at Honey's Kimchi.

For the information of those who don't know yet, kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made of seasoned vegetables usually based on cabbage. It can be fresh like a salad or fermented. Most popular varieties are spicy and you can eat it along side almost every meal. The versatility of kimchi makes it great to use in everyday cooking.

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When you think about fighting families in the world of MMA, only one name comes to mind. That is the legendary Gracie family, who were the inventors of the martial art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They will now send one of their greatest descendants to do battle in the world-renowned ONE FC cage. The representative is multiple-time world grappling champion, Roger Gracie.

Roger Gracie is set to make his long-awaited debut for ONE FC on 5 December in Manila when he takes on knockout artist James McSweeney. McSweeney has professional kickboxing experience and will look to demonstrate his striking prowess against the grappler Gracie. Since coming to ONE FC, McSweeney has destroyed both light heavyweight and heavyweight opponents via knockout. This is a clash of two high profile athletes in the sport today.

Roger Gracie is an icon of the grappling world. He is the grandson of Carlos Gracie, the creator of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In 2005, he won both the heavyweight and absolute division tournaments at the prestigious ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship. He also won all of his bouts at the 2009 Mundials and have never been submitted in competition in more than ten years. He also has an impressive mixed martial arts record, notching up six victories thus far.

After his last bout a year ago, he was prepared to walk away from mixed martial arts. However, after speaking with a few close friends and ONE FC executives, he decided the itch for competition remains and decided that now was the time to come out to Asia to create a legacy.

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Take your taste buds on a journey through Pampanga - and support differently abled children.

Sign up as one of the 100 competing pairs for a worthy cause! Part of the proceeds of this event will go to the differently abled children at Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth located in Mabiga, Mabalacat, Pampanga. Quest starts November 29, 2014.

Register now at bit.ly/eatwaveprereg! Visit fb.com/upaguman for more updates

In celebration of their 41st Anniversary, UP Aguman launches its first on-campus event entitled Eat Wave: Biggest Food Quest on November 29, Saturday 1PM at UP Town Center Amphitheater. Experience Pampanga’s famous food and festivals! Games, loots, and fun await.

Slots for the food-eating contest are limited. Only 50 pair slots are reserved for ADMU students and another 50 for UPD students. Please note though that this event is also open to non-UPD/ADMU students. Just register at tinyurl.com/EatWavePrereg and pay Php100 per pair to secure your slot! Individuals that will register shall pay Php50 and will be randomly paired with another individual registrant.

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Get ready this December 5 as Team Lakay’s Eduard Folayang, Honorio Banario and Kevin Belingon are back in action and ready to show force inside the cage for ONE FC: Warrior’s Way to be held at SM Arena.

“Everyone can expect exciting fights from the three Team Lakay warriors who are competing this December.” This is according to Team Lakay’s Coach Mark Sangiao, who has been rigorously preparing the three fighters for the upcoming fight.

Folayang, Banario and Belingon have captivated the hearts of fans all across the nation with their exciting performances in the past and have also established themselves as some of the best mixed martial artists in Asia in the process.

Former ONE FC Featherweight World Champion Honorio Banario will take on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Herbert Burns. Banario will have his hands full with Burns coming off three straight victories and looking like a potential title contender in the near future. All of Burns’ victories have come via his superior grappling and Banario will need to keep him away should he hope to leave with his hands raised and a ONE FC medal around his neck.

Four Reasons to Teach Filipino Kids About Real Estate

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They may not be buying their first home anytime soon, but teaching kids about the value of real estate can help secure their future.

Financial advisors always say: “It is not how much you save, but what is important is to start saving early.”

The same goes with teaching Filipino kids about real estate: the earlier, the better. All parents want their children to succeed in life. One way to do this is to teach them to appreciate the importance of real estate. Although owning a house may not be the most crucial ingredient for being successful, it will sure help them achieve financial independence, not to mention provide security for their future family.

Teaching children about real estate early on also allows them to understand the hard work, challenges, and compromises involved in finally affording to own a home, but most importantly the perks that come with it. So when the time comes when your kids have to spread their proverbial wings and fly out of the family nest, they will be ready.

To guide Filipino parents, Lamudi Philippines has compiled a list of reasons why it is important to educate our kids about real estate.

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American Football is a sport which is known to be played mostly by men. But, the Philippine Lady Punishers prove us that that’s not the case anymore through the First Women’s American Football game in Manila held last November 09, 2014 at the ASCOM Field in Taguig City.

Philippine Lady Punishers competed against the Guam Gridiron Divas, Guam’s own female football team. It was their second time to compete against each other- their first match happened last January 2014 in Quezon City.

It was an intense fight for both teams were eager to show their own abilities in the sport. Excitement can be seen in everyone’s eyes, especially in the audience. There were loud yells whenever the team they were rooting for made an excellent run or a touchdown happened!

The game ended with a score of 59-6 in favor of the Guam Gridiron Divas, but that doesn’t mean that our very own Philippine Lady Punishers didn’t do well. The Guam Gridiron Divas is already playing for about 3 to 4 years while the Philippine Lady Punishers is around for more than just a year. The Philippine Lady Punishers didn’t really make it easy for the Guam Gridiron Divas to win the game so, it wasn’t really that bad- especially for a neophyte in the sport. They performed even better than a beginner for they were able to give a good fight against a more experienced opponent.

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The R&E Group of Taxi -- Nine Stars, Sturdy, EFE and R&E fleet have started using its own Global Positioning System (GPS) enabled dispatching system with its very own taxi booking app.

The integrated R&E taxi dispatching system will automatically take bookings received from the R&E call centre and booking app and assign them to the nearest available taxi in the area.

R&E taxi drivers can easily monitor and respond to incoming job orders through a GPS –enabled 7-inch monitor installed on each taxi unit. This results in faster response time from the point of order to passenger pick-up.

R&E partnered with local tech-solutions firm Govago Inc., which brought the Singapore-based transport system in the country.

Govago Managing Director Dennis Ng said that the innovation is a timely opportunity for the R&E group as the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) urges Taxi operators to modernize and shift to tech-based land transport services and solutions.

“We provide a tried and tested full fleet management system that can help taxi operators like R&E to maximize their revenue and give the riding public a convenient and user-friendly tech-based solution.”

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International property portal Lamudi has rolled out its iOS app for property seekers in a further 11 countries, making the popular mobile application available across the company’s global network.

The iOS app has been progressively rolled out in countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America since it was launched in June. The app, Lamudi: Real Estate for Sale & Rent, is now available for iOS users in 27 countries in the emerging markets.

With the release of version 1.5, the Lamudi iOS app has been made available in the Middle East for the first time. The app is now available with right-to-left orientation for Arabic speaking house-hunters in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Countries which already have the app will also benefit from improved speed and security for easier browsing.

The iOS app was this week launched in: Algeria, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Zambia, Sri Lanka, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Lamudi’s Android app was rolled out to 28 countries in the emerging markets earlier this year.

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LINE, the world’s leading life platform with 170 million monthly active users globally, has announced the hosting of “LINE GAME Thanks You for 2 Years!” event on 28 games offered as part of the LINE GAME service, including LINE Pokopang, and LINE Rangers, in celebration of the 2nd anniversary since the launch of LINE GAME.

“LINE GAME Thanks You for 2 Years!” Event Exclusive Website: https://game.line.me/event/2nd-anniversary/

The “LINE GAME Thanks You for 2 Years!” event on a total of 28 titles offer users a chance to get double the EXP and items, as well as the release of 2nd anniversary limited-edition characters.

LINE GAME began service in July 2012, after which it launched 4 game titles, including the puzzle game LINE POP, on November 19, 2012. The service has continued to expand the number and genres of titles offered ever since, achieving over 470 million total downloads on November 15, approximately two years since the service began in earnest.