Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Airborne Technologies Tough Rock Power Bank: Definitely Tough and Highly Recommended

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Our 3 days and two nights weekend getaway at Infinity Resort in Puerto Galera had actually had a side project to test out a new product that recently launched in the market. Aside from enjoying the accommodation, food, pool, beach, and other attractions in and around the resort, we did some test on the Airborne Technologies Tough Rock Power Bank.

This water-proof, shock-proof, and dust-proof device is not like any other power bank I've seen and used. At first look, you'll be somewhat curious, or intimidated, by its distinctively unique and eye-catching appearance and will prompt you to take a closer look and feel.

True enough, it feels tough as a rock, and even as heavy enough to damage or hurt anything you throw this device at. The design is also impressive as it never fails to attract the attention of anybody who sees it.

I've brought it several times at many occassions and whenever I bring it out to recharge my almost zero and dying battery-powered gadget, the people around me will approach me and ask me about it. They'll be surprised to know its a power bank, and would be asking several questions already.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

On January 15, young people will gather to interact with fellow youth and key government personalities about the merits and shortcomings of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK). Don't waste the opportunity to compete in creating game-changing apps for a better youth government. Will you be a part of ‪#‎HackTheSK‬?

#MNLShapingDavos is a two-day hackathon from January 15-16 that aims to address the challenges in creating a more transparent and accountable SK. We will also host Interactive Panels on the morning of the 15th (open to non-participants of the hackathon) with key personalities from the government like Senator Bam Aquino, the development sector like Transparency International-PH, and the media. The hackathon will give its participants the opportunity to compete in creating game-changing apps for a better SK.

This is part of the international project #ShapingDavos where 40 cities worldwide will discuss 10 topics related to the theme of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting on Jan. 20-24. It will provide local stakeholders and the general public with unprecedented live access to the communities and issues that are driving the global agenda.

There are two (2) ways you can participate:

1/ Join or create a team that will come up with a web or mobile app to solve the challenges in the SK (more details below); or

2/ Sign up as an individual during the Interactive Panel. Invite your friends, groups, and organizations to join.

Register through http://tinyurl.com/MNLShapingDavos before January 15. For detailed information about the hackathon rules and mechanics, please read below.

Time Stands Still is Red Turnip Theater's Second Season Finale

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Red Turnip Theater's founders have recently organized a press conference last January 6, 2015 to launch their season finale play entitled 'Time Stands Still,' another heralded play from Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Donald Marguilles.

At the Pink Panda South East Asian Diner located at the Y2 Residences Hotel that's just beside A. Venue Mall in Makati Avenue, the amazing team of Ana Abad Santos, Toper Fabregas, Ren Zamora, Jenny Jamora and Cris Villonco were excited to share their new production featuring Nonie Buencamino, Nor Domingo, Giannina Ocampo and Ana Abad Santos.

We've seen the success of their previous productions namely 'Rabbit Hole' from this season, as well as 'Closer' and 'Cock' from the first season, so we are so curious of what they have in store for us for their newest play to open this coming January 30, 2015 until March 8, 2015 at Whitespace in Pasong Tamo, Makati.

'Time Stands Still' was a hit when it premiered on Broadway in 2009 and was brought back for a second run the very same year. It also garnered two Tony nominations for Best Play and Best Performance by a Leading Actress for Laura Linney.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Here are Mr. Quickie's Donate a Shoe Drive program flow and list of participating schools targeted in the project.

Mr. Quickie Corporation, the pioneer and the largest shoes and bags repair and key duplication chain in the Philippines are extending its effort to repair lives.

Driven by their mission to be an organization that cultivates a culture of Total Quality Management, achieving the highest standard of quality in their services, they will reach out to kids nationwide and be able to:

Spread learning through exposures to various fun-filled learning activities such as proper grooming
Give joy to kids by giving a brighter step to their future thru shoe donation
Engage in positive solutions for a sustainable future

The “DONATE A SHOE PROGRAM” is the flagship of Mr. Quickie’s Corporate Social Responsibility program wherein they give joy to kids by giving a brighter step to their future thru shoe donation. The program started last 2012 in partnership with SC Johnsons and partner schools in a quest to bring back the concept of “proper grooming” to kids, as the organizers seek assistance from schools to collect shoes for donation and at the same time teach students to share and care for their fellow students.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A new-born baby is a precious gift given to every parent especially if its a first-born. We are all delighted to see the product of our love for each other when two individuals expressed their love for each other. It is thus shocking to find out that an estimated 7,000 babies die each year without warning.[i] If nearly one baby every hour each day dies abruptly, then this is a terrible trauma for every parent out there.

The possible causes of death remain unknown even after undergoing autopsy which leaves many parents clueless. Many are unaware that there is what is called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) - the unexplained death of babies usually occurring during sleep and striking under unexpected circumstances.

Studies have shown that babies with physical conditions including brain abnormalities, low birth weight and respiratory infection have higher risk of dying an unexplained death.

Still some studies indicated that an infant’s sleeping position may also be a cause. Babies sleeping on their stomach side are more prone as they may suffer more difficulty in breathing. Those sleeping on soft surfaces and with their parents are also at risk. [ii]

Even a healthy one-year old baby may be a victim of the condition which is often simply attributed to physical and environmental factors.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Since we Pinoys are heavily influenced by Chinese food that can be found almost everywhere, it can be considered as among the more familiar comfort food of even the Filipinos all over the country. So whenever we want to be sure we will get contented with our meals at a time when we are really hungry, we would always go to where all the things we love for a hearty lunch or a sumptuous dinner can be found.

Chinese food never fails to please as most of us practically grew up dining on dishes with Chinese origin. Thus, our dining experience at Modern Shanghai was intentional as we want to be satisfied with our choices. Their Glorietta 2 branch was shared with the Bulgogi Brothers brand but we were not really in the mood for Korean or Shabu-shabu meals that day.

What we got was plenty of noodles to share among the family that day. It was actually pure coincidence everyone ordered for a noodle-based dish so we are called this day a Festive Noodle Dining Experience for the Family. But we were really there to celebrate in advance the birthday of one of our kids who's natal day is on January 6.

So from crispy to soupy, we delighted ourselves with some culinary masterpieces at Modern Shanghai that are truly heavenly gastronomical treats.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With the coming visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines, I'm sure time will again stand still for many as almost everyone will opt to drop everything their doing just to get a glimpse of the next best thing closest in both mind and spirit to the Lord above.

Certain airlines have already announce several flight cancellations reaching more than a hundred for both arrival and departure dates of the Pope so it is advised not to schedule a flight during those Papal Visit dates. But who really wants to leave the Philippines during these exciting times when the man of God touches Philippine soil.

I'm sure there will also be a lot of traffic rerouting plans all over especially on the roads the pope will pass through. Our public utility vehicle drivers and passengers would be needing some necessary patience as some roads will be blocked to give way to more convenience for the Pope's entourage.

With the recent fare increase in the MRT trains, the public is also having double-thoughts if they will choose to continue to ride the fastest means of traveling in the Metro or opt for a more affordable fare using the buses but sacrifice being late due to the unrelenting traffic congestion no matter what time of the day it is.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Now, with the holidays behind us, we’re very much ready to kick off 2015 with a big bang that's hopefully louder than all the explosive fireworks and boombastic sound-tripping and ear-popping karaoke sessions that happened before, during and after the 2015 New Year celebrations.

I know I was able to start my year right with a TV appearance in one of the top TV stations in the country and won at a raffle during the launch of the world's first digital fighting top at my very first blogging event for the year.

But I think my best accomplishment to start the year was an educational Science and Technology exploration at The Mind Museum with my family. There is nothing better than quality time with family and I am glad I was able to spend the first days of 2015 with some bonding opportunities with my wife and three kids before they finally return to their studies in school.

A whole day spent attending Sunday mass, food-tripping at three restaurants, a bit of shopping for new clothes for the year, and lining up at the barbershop to trim our hair, we also got to experience an afternoon at an amazing venue specially designed to enhance the creativity and imagination of every child.

Infinity Nado Now in the Philippines: The Quest for the Ultimate Fighting Top Begins

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Your friendly neighborhood Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas was invited to attend the Philippine launch of the newest toy craze to soon conquer the country - the Infinity Nado!

Popular toy-maker Auldey helps us take gaming to a whole new level as we spin our way to greatness with these amazing precision fighting tops featuring latest battle technologies and designed using advanced physics that revolutionizes and increases game play and competition.

The Infinity Nado is a mechanical spinning top toy that is turnable and can adjust its gravity center rapidly. This high-tech toy is based from the action packed anime or cartoon currently being aired in TV5 during weekdays at 10 am, but will soon be at an earlier time slot at 9:30 am starting January 10, 2015. The anime series of the same title focuses on battle, justice, & friendship featuring the adventures of Jin and his mates as they enter the center of the Gyro-type tower to stop its rotation and overcome the evil forces to save the world.

The top has the first chip integrated system in the world - RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). This amazing toy is destined to be the next big thing in the Philippines, probably even bigger than Beyblade since this is the next generation of advance toy tops to invade the country.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Thanks to a blogger friend for taking a photo of my "short but sweet" appearance at one of the top prime-time television shows of ABS-CBN last Sunday, January 4, 2015.

Yes! Your friendly neighborhood Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas, Ross Del Rosario, of WazzupPilipinas.com was interviewed by Rated K about Food Trends for 2015.

A former classmate of mine from high school commented that it was "Short but meaningful..all words swak talaga." Wow! Thanks for the compliments! I asked her if "mas healthier" was also correct, and she said "Lahat tama depende yun sa opinion mo..he he he..Congrats!"

My kids were all laughing at that particular statement because they were saying I was being redundant. According to them it should be "mas healthy" or just plain "healthier" instead. Hahaha! My kids are really grammar Nazis! :)

My family and I just got home from a whole day of bonding time (or call it "food tripping") with the family starting with attending Sunday mass at the Sta. Clara De Montefalco church near our residence in Pasig, a festive lunch of noodles at Modern Shanghai Glorietta 2 (a restaurant belonging to the Bistro Group of Restaurants), bought a new shirt at Gap Glorietta, an afternoon of learning Science and Technology at The Mind Museum of Bonifacio Global City (BGC), testing our creativity with Do-It-Yourself pancake snacks at Slappy Cakes SM Aura and a delightful hot and crispy chicken dinner at KFC SM Aura. The day ended with all the boys (including me) lining up at the neighborhood barbershop since it's the first day of school tomorrow (January 5, 2015).

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"From the organization that brought to you the first ever college music festival from DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY, get ready for the sequel of the grandest one yet as DLSU ENGLICOM presents JACKO WACKO MUSIC FESTIVAL: INTO THE WAVES.

Happening on February 7, 2015, Saturday! 4pm onwards, at the SM MALL OF ASIA OPEN GROUNDS BLOCK 22!

Water, foam and music! Your favorites, all in one!

Together with Styles Entertainment, Pioneer DJ and many many more!

Featuring:
Up Dharma Down
Ace Ramos
Marc Marasigan
Katsy Lee
Jess Milner
Lucio Pua
AND MANY MORE!

Everybody unite as we ‪#‎RaveWithTheWAVES‬ and get down to the beats of the best ever DJs and artists in the country!

Come on board and ‪#‎LetsSailTogether‬ with the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation as the proceeds of the event will go to the chosen beneficiary; because ‪#‎HopeSails‬ within us.

So be ready this 2015! See you there!"

Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant: Where You Can Say Frohe Feiertage Everyday

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Frohes Neues Jahr is German for Happy New Year. Since we are now featuring a German restaurant in our blog today, I will try to insert a few German language in this blog post! Joke! All I know is "Ein frohes Weihnachtsfest und alles gute im neuen Jahr!", which means "We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year!" or maybe say "Frohe Feiertage" which is grammatically correct but some would say "Frohes Fest!" instead. Regardless, it's a lot safer if I stick with English in greeting everyone a wonderful new year ahead this 2015.

A friend of mine called me up one night and invited me to join him in dining at one of the German restaurants in the Metro, specifically the one located at EDSA Shangri-La Mall. I was actually in the middle of an event that night but since I was so eager in trying out that restaurant, I accepted his invitation. I quickly asked my correspondent (who was fortunately also there covering the event) if she could cover the even on her own. I believe I was meant to taste the German specialty dishes that night because she immediately agreed without any hesitation.

So your friendly-neighborhood Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas quickly took off from the event happening in Makati somewhere at the Magallanes area and hurriedly took the MRT ride to reach the Shaw Boulevard station. Just a short walk from the station and I was already there at the Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

New Year’s Eve is a time to make resolutions for the upcoming 12 months, not only for yourself, but for your home.

Each one of us wants to attain some goals and are hopeful we could accomplish all of them within the year. We all try our best effort to reach our dreams and aspirations towards a better and more luxurious and comfortable life, whether it involves our career, family, or anything else we planned for our future, and eagerly intend to fulfill them as soon as possible, and definitely within our lifetime.

I've been making a list every year, and is always focused on making sure I am able to scratch off majority of what's listed. Though there are times I get distracted due to some failures or disappointing moments, I immediately try to bounce back and courageously continue what I have started.

As 2015 has now started, now is also the time to ask what property goals you would like to accomplish in 2015.

Global real estate marketplace Lamudi has compiled a list of five simple suggestions for revamping your home for the New Year.

Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant: A Gastronomically Explosive Feast for the Family

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Your friendly neighborhood Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas, together with my wife and kids, had a pre-Christmas meal at one of the fab Japanese restaurants in the Metro located inside one of the popular malls in Mandaluyong city, or is it Pasig city?

Well, we really don't know since we don't care much of the city boundaries as long as we know the landmark establishment housing the restaurant. When we take a taxi, we don't really tell the driver to take us to the address of a location but normally we just name the mall or the building we plan to go to. Since EDSA Shangri-La Mall is one of the widely known malls, except for some confusion from the hotel nearby, or the other hotel located in Makati, as long as you say EDSA, the taxi driver will surely get you there easily without any need to mention the exact address.

Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant in the Philippines belongs to the Bistro Group of Restaurants alongside other brands like Italliani's, Bulgogi Brothers, T.G.I.Fridays, Village Tavern and so on. The restaurant also has other branches located in Makati and Mall of Asia but the one at EDSA Shangri-La Mall is probably the newest since I don't see it yet on their Facebook page.

The family decided to try out the restaurant during our pre-Christmas bonding time after we had a family portrait taken at one of the photo studios at the nearby SM Megamall. Why did we transferred from one mall to the next when SM Megamall also has a lot of new restaurants? I guess we just wanted a change of scenery since we've been going to the same mall ever since it was built because it was the nearest and most convenient mall to go from our Pasig city residence aside from Robinson's Galleria.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Since it's the beginning of another year for us, I might as well re-post what I have learned about the possible upcoming food trends for 2015 and beyond which I learned from a famous chef from one of the events that I attended last year.

The chef says food trends are like fashion trends because they come and go and speak of the times. When not in current style, food appears dated, unappealing and not so fresh. A good example is the cronuts which are like the loom bands that turned out to be more like a fad, and the food trucks that never caught on in the country because of licensing issues.

Globalism with socialism is now in the rise. There is now the demand for global flavors but with local ingredients and a mix source of herbs and spices.

Comfort food is still king, but they are now elevated by adding new ingredients, like mac and cheese with lobsters, and burgers with artisinal cheese.

There is also the interest for food with a conscience emphasizing on the keywords: sustainable, local, organic, farm-raised, free-range, pro-biotic, artisinal, heirloom, fair trade, and grass-fed.

Less in now more. Minimalism is in, the purity of ingredients and dishes with very few but tasty ingredients so that the quality and flavor of each will shine through.

There is also the Nose-to-Tail dishes where restaurants use the whole animal including the offal, intestines, liver, tripe and cheaper, tougher cuts of meat that are braised for a long time.