Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Nelfa Querubin: A Passion for Clay Book Launch at Ayala Museum

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I have that special interest on works of art since I'm a frustrated artist myself. I wanted to take a course on Fine Arts or anything related to the arts but my mother disagreed saying there's not much money in the arts. Thus I ended up taking an engineering course, working as an IT professional for most of my life, and now writing for a living (if you consider blogging as writing).

I'm back to where I wanted to be. Writing and dabbling with artistic inclinations through my venture into blogging and social media. You have the eye of an artist when you have the capability to choose the right combination of colors, shapes, balance and other factors related to art.

Sadly enough, most artists are recognized when they are at the prime of their lives or after their death. During my youth, I think the only popular artists where the ones already in their grave. Their work only get attention, and value, because they couldn't create anymore new masterpieces. What remains are their last pieces of art.

It was therefore inspiring to have heard of Galleria Duemila proudly presenting a book launch highlighting Nelfa Querubin’s works. A Passion for Clay book launch held at the Ayala Museum last March 2, 2015 was sort of a tribute to the artist.

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BrainHQ is the leading international brain fitness online training. It is an inclusive and accessible all-natural cognitive training program that is scientifically designed with proven effectiveness in over 70 peer-reviewed publications.

BrainHQ Philippines, designated by the BrainHQ Posit Science based in the United States of America is teh exclusive distributor in the Philippines and is committed to promoting overall health and well being that starts with a strong brain function and that is known to power up the body's mental, physical and emotional faculties. Their management team is composed of individuals that are strong advocates of health. education and principled leadership. They are committed to improving people's quality of life by providing accessible all-natural health products.

The company recently organized the First Neuroplasticity Conference last March 2, 2015 held at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati. Nuroplasticity refers to the physical and functional changes that lead to improvement of brain processes. The key is identifying what mechanism to target and how to exercise them effectively. Exercising the brain is as good as physical exercise and requires regularity and consistency.

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Is there room for development while still preserving our heritage? It has been a constant battle to choose between maintaining our historical past or sacrificing them to build new structures. We are torn between making sure our establishments meets the standards of the future, and keeping our old buildings for the sake of the new generation.

In line with these thoughts, a symposium on sustainable heritage tourism was held last Thursday, 26 February 2015, 1-5 PM at the Conrado Benitez Hall of the Philippine Women's University along Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila.

Leading the talks was Gemma Cruz-Araneta, former Department of Tourism Secretary during President Joseph "Erap" Estrada's short term. She is now the Chairman of the Heritage Conservation Society. She heads the HCS in its daunting but enriching task of pushing for "a Filipino society that values and preserves its cultural heritage to instill pride of place and strengthen Philippine national identity through advocacy and volunteerism, project implementation, education and information."

Also present was Ivan Henares, a known hertitage conservation advocate and acting as President of the Heritage Conservation Society. He encourages heritage and cultural awareness among the youth through the establishment of school and local chapters of the HCS as well as through social media and his award-winning blog. Ivan engaged the students during his talk by letting them identify certain landmarks within the country. He also showed several before and after photos of structures that were destroyed or damaged by either nature or man.

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The Volkwagen brand is recognized as one of the most popular automobiles in the world and everyone will take pride in owning one of these vehicles. It's a great vehicle to bring out on the roads for both pleasure and work. The great looks, comfort and power provided by their cars are top of the line.

The Volkswagen Golf, produced in Germany since 1974 and marketed across seven generations, has been the recipient of several awards globally, which include the 2013 European Car of the Year for the second time (first recognition received was in 1992), 2013 World Car of the Year, 2013-2014 Car of the Year Japan (the first imported car to win the award), among others.

The GTI line was first introduced in 1976 on the 1st generation Golf. With its unmatched success, it popularized the GTI name and made it synonymous with the Golf GTI brand. Now on its 7th generation, the GTI is the ultimate sportsman within the VW sports car family. It combines technological leadership and uncompromised performance making it a sustainable sports car. The GTI is the sports car with true “style and performance”, because it is THE GTI.

And after the successful introduction of the Polo Hatchback on February 16, VW Philippines continues to create landmarks with the launch of the Golf GTI-a car that perfectly embodies the confidence of a true leader.

The launch was held at their Bonifacio Global City showroom with members of the media given opportunities to test-drive the Golf GTI last February 26, 2015.

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Filipinos love to eat. This is probably why there's a lot of restaurateurs setting up their own food business here in Manila. Both local and foreign brands have proliferated as fast as our backyard mushrooms. It seems in every corner of an area, there's a restaurant coming into scene. We see a lot of popular international restaurant franchises now setting foot in the Philippines.

Thus, it is not surprising that a food-related event will be very successful as everyone seems to be eyeing to be a chef nowadays. Everyone wants to be a culinary expert so they can be called "chef" with the utmost qualifications and credentials. Setting up a restaurant is always easy, but you need to provide great tasting food with superior presentation so it will please all the senses that Filipinos will adore.

Madrid Fusión, one of the most globally anticipated annual gastronomic affairs, is set to seize the Manila summer with three exciting events—the International Gastronomy Congress, Trade Exhibition and Flavors of the Philippines Festival. A grand launch was held at Fairmont Hotel in Makati last March 2, 2015 led by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Mon Jimenez.

This will be an interesting event to be part of this coming April. I can't wait for April. But never worry, time flies so fast especially when you're having lots of fun eating your way towards the said date. More restaurant reviews soon along the way as we get near Madrid Fusion Manila.

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STAR Magic talents painstakingly defeated the best players of Philippine collegiate basketball at the Celebrity Slam Jam held last March 1 at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The STAR Magic roster braved the intimidating height and skills of the UAAP’s and NCAA’s best to land a defying win for their fans in the Celebrity Slam Jam, a charity basketball tournament held for Philippine basketball legend Samboy “Skywalker” Lim.

Despite the apparent disadvantage, STAR Magic was able to get the upper hand at the start of the game, with Xian Lim quickly garnering six points before De La Salle’s Jason Perkins finally gave the college all-stars their first point at the third minute.

While the young basketball veterans were still heating up, the surprisingly nimble Matt Evans and Young JV where able to sidestep a seemingly dazed all-star defense and built up quick leads for STAR Magic.

STAR Magic’s time soon came, as the all-stars began to get their offense together. University of the East’s Roi Sumang kicked off the collegiate effort with the game’s first three-pointer, with Ateneo’s Kiefer Ravena slowly bridging the gap with daring shots inside STAR Magic’s defense.

Despite their effort, the all-stars lost the first quarter to STAR Magic thanks to Jose Sarasola’s amazing offensives and Gerald Anderson’s surprising three-pointer, ending with a score of 20-23.

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Ahoy, Mateys!

We are pleased to announce that the community of Department of Advertising and Public Relations (ADPR) in PUP Manila is taking a giant leap forward and having an official reunion for its 50th year anniversary that will happen at the Plenary Hall of Marikina Hotel, Marikina City on March 22, 2015. The festivity dubbed as ALL ABOARD: THE GOLDEN VOYAGE, 50 YEARS OF SAILING will begin exactly at 4:00 in the afternoon.

Established in 1954, ADPR continues to produce dedicated expertly trained, technology- proficient, socially responsible and values-oriented, and globally competitive future advertising practitioners and entrepreneurs. Some of ADPR’s notable alumni are Jonathan Manalo (Director-Star Records), Marcelo Santos III (Author of “Para sa Broken Hearted”), Francis Homo (Art Director-IdeasXMachina, Jolo Moreno (Account Executive-Abracadbra Productions).

This nautical dinner and cocktail party will be filled with fun and exciting activities such as talks from different personalities from the field of advertising and public relations, performances from the members of ADPR department, raffles and games—and with only a few days until show time, our team has kicked into full gear. Project head Lowie Eniceo along with his independent events agency, GANAP Design and Events, are committed in making this big production one that goes down in history.

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It's amazing to see horseback riders gallop their way towards a destination. It seems so easy as they sometimes would gracefully trek a path that we would normally take longer. Their long legs will indeed take you farther than any man can manage to do on his won without any help from a motorized or with engine vehicle. It is also not everyday you would see horses being rode in Manila but we got a glimpse of this very rare occasion at the Manila Polo Club in Makati.

We have to thank Mr. Butch Albert for giving us the opportunity to see horses in all their glory. Just how they were meant to be. Riding together with their rider as one. The man behind iSportlife Inc., (FILA Philippines), a leading distributor and wholesaler of world-class sport shoes and apparel, sponsored the 1st iSportlife Equestrian Cup held last February 28, 2015 at the West Polo Field of the Manila Polo Club located in Makati city, and participated by competitive by a few young riders of the upper class. Of course, this kind of sport is so high-end that not too many can possibly join just like that.

Though the sun was hot, it was the perfect weather for the much-awaited competition. It would be quite hard to play this kind of sport under the rain, and the horses react to sudden lightnings and thunder. Thus this sport is perfect to be played during the summer time. Since June is officially the rainy season, we still have a few more months to spend. I'm betting this will be an annual affair so many would surely be interested in joining again next year

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After pioneering online laboratory results in the Philippines, Hi-Precision Diagnostics (HPD) is offering another healthcare innovation – the country’s medical diagnostics mobile application.

Developed to make health management more convenient and accessible, the Hi-Precision Diagnostics mobile app features a sophisticated software program that provides a cumulative report or the summary of an individual’s previous medical test results. Apart from providing figures, the report also contains green and red arrows, for clearer indication of high and low results.

“Today’s widespread adoption and use of smartphones and mobile devices have opened new ways to improve healthcare management. With the use of mobile apps such as HPD’s medical diagnostics app, one can gain access to useful information whenever and wherever it is needed,” Kendrick So, HPD’s I.T. manager, said. “This is especially helpful for individuals who need to keep track of important health indicators such as sugar or cholesterol levels. With the app, one does not have to worry about going to the lab, to get results or find your previous records.”

The results can be downloaded online in the form of a Portable Document File (PDF). As the first medical laboratory in the Philippines that allows patients to access and download their results online, HPD is also the only laboratory that stores a patient’s history permanently while maintaining security and confidentiality. Other institutions, while offering online results, only keep records for a certain period of time.

Supreme Sampler Graduation Treat at Burgoo!

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Indeed special occasion like graduation is best shared and celebrated with your family. Share and enjoy this Supreme Sampler with the whole family complimentary of Burgoo to all graduates of 2015. No minimum purchase needed!

Just dine in at any Burgoo restaurants located at Tomas Morato in Quezon City, Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Makati, The Podium and Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, Gateway Mall in Cubao, The Block at SM City in North EDSA, SM City Marikina, Fairview Terraces Mall, The District Ayala Mall in Cavite, SM Southmall in Alabang, and Starmall in Taguig.

Just present any proof of graduation (diploma, certificates, etc) and you’ll get this sumptuous Supreme Sampler (combination of Burgoo’s well-loved appetizers such as Bufallo Wings, Cheddar Cheese Fries, Mozzarella Sticks and Onion Rings) for free!

Likewise the whole family will surely enjoy other Burgoo’s favourite dishes like Shrimp and Ribs Platter, Seafood Caesar Salad, Chicken Dianne, Shrimp or Chicken Fajitas, supreme pizzas, pastas and luscious desserts, among others. For reservations and inquiries, please call 9277424, 8981815, 6875565, 7264663, 9136112, 5560091, 6336256, 4420115, and 4771932.

Gumbo Salutes Graduates with Free Pepperoni Pizza!

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Gumbo salutes all graduates of 2015 by giving away free Pepperoni Pizza which they can share with the whole family! Just dine in at any Gumbo restaurants and present any proof of graduation to get this sumptuous treat, no minimum purchase needed!

More sumptuous treats await the whole family at Gumbo such as Cajun Blackened Salmon, Barbecued Shrimps, Family Feast, Baked Artichoke Formagio, Cream Dory with Mango Salsa, Seafood Jambalaya, Fish & Chips, Ultimate Seafood Feast, Halibut Pesto, delightful pizzas and pasta and must-try desserts!

Gumbo restaurants are located at the 2nd level, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia; 2nd level, The Block, SM City North Edsa; 3rd level, Robinsons Place Manila Midtown; 2nd level, Atrium Bldg., SM Megamall; Gateway Mall Araneta Center; and Robinsons Magnolia. For reservations and inquiries, please call 5560238, 4420106, 5671820 and 6353015.

What To Do This Summer For Your Kids

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Aside from Christmas, summer vacation is the kids' favorite time of the year. Finally, a respite from months of pouring over books and struggling over homework.

But summer break should not be an excuse for kids to just laze around for two months. There are many fun, productive activities your children can engage in.

Are your children interested in athletic activities? Why not enroll them in sports clinics or let them take swimming lessons?

For the artistically inclined, get in touch with local artists who hold summer art workshops. Those who love music can enroll in voice, guitar or piano lessons.

If you don't have the budget for professionally taught lessons, you can also teach your children how to cook in your very own kitchen.

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The Five Knights production of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, will be conducting an Intergalactic informative and Entertaining Seminar workshop entitled “Stratwars: The Strategy Shift” The interstellar event will be held on March 9 2015 at SM City Sta. Mesa Manila Cinema 9, 11am-4pm.

Aim: The event aims to disseminate quality information about the newest Strategy in Corporate world, so marketing students and other business related courses will be ready to attack the market in a whole different and creative way they can.

This event will also deliver speeches that will inspire and motivate the audience that will surely improve their Personal development.

Participants: The Seminar is Open to any Courses specially Business Related courses like Marketing, Management, Human Resource, Entrepreneur who are specifically the target of the Seminar.

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After almost two months of preparation, a group of Polytechnic University of the Philippines Marketing Management Students showcased their talent on how to conduct an academic seminar. And last February 20, 2015, Erudite Productions finally conducted a seminar entitled “Metamorphosis: Unfolding the World of Digital at Cinema 9, SM City Sta. Mesa. The whole cinema was jam-packed with students from different schools, professors, parents, relatives, friends and other special guests. Based from the theme Metamorphosis, the lectures of the two speakers tackled about the evolution of Traditional Marketing to Digital Marketing. Their talks were not only informative but truly motivating. And what’s good about it was that the audience were able to interact with them. There were also intermission numbers which really made the crowd go crazy! And of course, raffles and give-aways from the generous sponsors.

The event started with a doxology which really captivated the hearts of the audience, followed by the Philippine National Anthem and PUP Hymn. The people behind the production were introduced one by one; MARJORIE R. CAGADO (Project Head), RAFAEL P. RIVERA (Co-Project Head), JOHN DAVID V. GALIZA (Marketing Head), KRISTY V. LEBRIL (Treasurer), JEREMIAH NORIEL and SARAH ROSE SALLEGUE (Public Relations), FELIZA JANE NALANG, ALLYSA FLORESCA CUNANAN and LOU JAME AQUINO (Research & Development), JERICCA ANN OROCAY and ANGELO DUEŇAS (Graphics & Designs), PAULO S. NAVARRO (Officer-In-Charge) and Professor ANGELINA G. GOYENECHEA (Adviser).

The hosts, Kristy and Dave, acknowledged the presence of the audience and guests. They also gave thanks to the sponsors of the event by the aid of an AVP.

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Madame Tussauds Singapore and Singapore Airlines announced the launch of a wax figure of the iconic Singapore Girl, one of Singapore’s best known icons.

The figure is modelled after Ms Nur Surya Binte Mohamed Ambiah, a flight stewardess with Singapore Airlines (SIA) who joined in 2007 but left to start a family in 2011 and rejoined SIA in 2012 under the Returning Crew Scheme.

“We are truly delighted to have created a wax figure of the Singapore Girl; she is a global icon and the epitome of grace and hospitality. Representing a leading Asian brand, the iconic Singapore Girl is well-known all over the world and therefore we wanted to feature her in our attraction which aims to showcase the best of Singapore!” said Ms Sharon Wong, Marketing Manager, Madame Tussauds Singapore.

“The Singapore Girl, with her distinctive sarong kebaya, is a global icon and one of the most instantly recognizable figures worldwide. She is perennial and appeals to both young and old. Our customers have a strong emotional connection with our brand as a result of her iconic image. Her contribution to SIA’s brand is invaluable and we are excited for her to be featured in Madame Tussauds Singapore,” said Mr Marvin Tan, Singapore Airlines Senior Vice President Cabin Crew.