Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Wazzup Pilipinas TV: Tutok na sa Pambansang TV Show ng Pilipinas on May 2

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Tuloy na tuloy na ito!!!! Tutok na sa pinakabagong lifestyle TV show na hindi nakakasawa, hindi nakakaumay at tunay na pang-masa!

Wazzup Pilipinas TV will start airing on May 2, 2015 - that's every primetime Saturday from 8 to 9 pm on IBC 13.

Watch out for our awesome line-up of guests from many types of businesses and lifestyle attractions like top and emerging restaurants, barbershops, salons; skin, dental and health care clinics, hotels, resorts and other destinations, fashionable clothing and accessories, gadgets and technology innovations, events and gatherings, prominent personalities and celebrities, plus a lot more.

Hosting the show are the witty, wacky but definitely talented trio of Ross Del Rosario (The Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas), Bart Abaya (The Philippine Barter King) and Coach Dave Aguila (The Common Sense Investor).

There will also be a few segment co-hosts for special features like Halal cooking courtesy of Chef Tato from the Muslim community; guest appearances from law, business and financial planning experts who will share tips and insights, and special news and events coverage from Wazzup Pilipinas field correspondents. Also watch out for Wazzup Pilipinas promos, contests and giveaways every now and then.

I think this is the first time that a blog has made it into a TV show, and I am ever so grateful to the people who believed in me. Never in my days as a blogger have I imagined or dreamed of having my own TV show bearing my blog's name. My blog was merely an outlet to express my opinions and showcase my interests. It then evolved into a medium to promote everything about the Philippines, and an opportunity to collaborate with emerging and already popular brands and organizations. It also presented several of my advocacies like tourism campaigns and noble causes.

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Discovery Channel today announced that it will be broadcasting FLIGHT 8501: STORM DISASTER, about the tragic events of Air Asia flight 8501. The aircraft, with its 155 passengers and seven crew, was lost in a storm 40 minutes into its journey from Indonesia to Singapore on 28 December 2014 – concluding the worst year for aviation disasters in a decade. The sixty-minute special attempts to shed some light on the mystery that surrounds the event, and provides one of the most comprehensive explanations as to what happened. FLIGHT 8501: STORM DISASTER will premiere on Discovery Channel on 12 April at 8:00 p.m. (MNL). The special will also air across Asia Pacific and internationally, in more than 220 countries and territories.

Theresa Ong, senior vice president and general manager, Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, “Once again, Discovery is bringing viewers compelling stories that have strong local interest. In the past, topical shows such as HAIYAN: AFTER THE MEGASTORM, AFTER THE WAVE, and FLIGHT 370: THE MISSING LINKS, have resonated well with audiences in the region. These specials help provide insight into the tragedies and tell inspiring stories of bravery and the tenacity of the human spirit in the darkest of hours.”

Comparing and contrasting the story of Air Asia flight 8501 with recent aviation tragedies such as Air France flight 447 and Malaysia Airlines flight 370, the documentary will examine the impact of the Earth’s changing climate on the aviation industry. It will question whether so-called “super storms” are becoming more frequent and severe, putting planes at greater risk than ever before. It will also explore whether today’s aviation technology leaves pilots too dependent on automation, resulting in information overload in critical situations.

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Dassault Systèmes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, a world leader in 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock-Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions today announced a strategic partnership with the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) and its local partner, MDCGroup, Inc., to provide cutting-edge 3D engineering design tool for students of UPD. The partnership, sealed in a MoU signing ceremony held at UPD on February 27, 2015,aimsto increase the innovative capability of engineering talents in the Philippines’ premier university.

Engineering students at UP Diliman will be exposed to digital learning experiences that help in familiarizing cutting-edge practices and technologies in the real world. They will have access to Dassault Systèmes’ 3D and PLM technologies based on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, and will be given project management opportunities to enhance industry readiness.

“Engineers play a significant role in any economic and societal development by contributing to initiatives that drive innovation and progress globally. We are delighted to be in this partnership where we are committed to make sure the next-generation Filipino engineers are equipped with not only the right qualifications, but also the right practical skills for the industries,” said Samson KHAOU, Managing Director of AP South, Dassault Systèmes.

Founded in 1908, UP is recognized as the country’s national university. The university has the most Centers of Excellence and Development awarded by the Commission of Higher Education and currently provides the largest number of degree programs in the country.

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No stuttering. No tearing. No extra costs. Just smooth gaming. Those are pretty straightforward and reasonable requests from gamers, right? Today it becomes reality with our latest AMD Catalyst™ driver release. This is our first driver with AMD FreeSync™ technology enabled, and I’m happy to report that there are FreeSync technology-enabled monitors shipping or are about to ship imminently. Should this be your first encounter with AMD FreeSync technology, please make sure you check this out first to learn about how it works! You can also find more information on our website.

Speaking of monitors

Below you’ll find a chart with all of the AMD FreeSync technology-compatible monitors announced to date. I’ve had the pleasure of playing around with a few of them, and they’re more than worth your consideration. You may prefer the Acer or BenQ’s 1440p models that have a wide refresh rate range (40-144Hz). Alternatively, proponents of IPS panels or ultra-wide aspect ratios would be keen to check out the 29” or 34” options from LG. And more monitors are on their way. Up to 20 monitors supporting AMD FreeSync technology are in the pipe for 2015, in fact!

Now, think back to when you saw your first HD video—it was difficult to be satisfied with standard-def content. It was for me, anyhow. That’s how I feel about gaming on AMD FreeSync technology. I always disliked tearing and stuttering, but I couldn’t do much about them with yesterday’s technologies. AMD FreeSync technology changes the game, fixing both tearing and stuttering with smooth gameplay at virtually any framerate. I can now dial up the detail without worrying about whether or not I’m sacrificing smoothness, and I find it difficult to game on normal monitors now.

ZIP 2.0: Outstanding Leadership and Good Governance for Economic Development

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Brought by the persons behind the Junior Philippine Economics Society (JPES), Zoomed-In Philippines 2015, or popularly known as ZIP 2.0, is the second installment of the confederation’s annual national convention.

It aims to provide economics students a kind of acquisition of knowledge coming directly from reputable economists of government agencies that serve as pillars in dealing with different economic issues and providing sound ideas to solve these issues of the society.

ZIP 2.0 features Mr. Zeno Ronald Abenoja and Ms. Wilhelmina C. Mañalac of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; Mr. Rogier Van Den Brink of the World Bank; Dr. Ernesto Gonzales of the University of Santo Tomas; Mr. Kenneth Abante of the Department of Finance; and Mr. Randell Tiongson of the Registered Financial Planners Philippines.

The event shall be held on March 23, 2015 (Monday), from 8AM to 5PM at the GT-Toyota Asian (Cultural) Center Auditorium, University of the Philippines-Diliman.

Tickets are priced at only PhP350. Registration starts at 6AM.

Lazada.com.ph Celebrates Third Year Anniversary with 3-Day Shopping Extravaganza

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Lazada Philippines, a part of Lazada Group which operates Southeast Asia’s number one online shopping and selling destination, is celebrating its third anniversary this month with three days of sales from 24 to 26 March.

Lazada Group has seen rapid growth since its launch in March 2012. The company now has over 4,000 employees across the region and has raised approximately EUR 520 million in funding from leading sector specialists and investors including Temasek, Tesco, JP Morgan, Kinnevik and Rocket Internet, among others.

In December 2014, Lazada Group’s GMV exceeded US$70 million, supported by the success of the month-long Online Revolution campaign which kicks off annually on 11 November. Its sites and mobile applications saw over 40 million unique visitors during the month of December. This performance is testament to the company’s focus on delivering an effortless, secure and reliable one-stop shopping experience for its customers.

Lazada Group’s growth is also a result of its rapid assortment expansion driven by its unique position to provide brands and merchants simple, fast and direct access to approximately 550 million consumers in six countries through one retail channel. The number of sellers on the marketplace platform, which now accounts for approximately 75% of overall sales, crossed 10,000 in December 2014.

Ericsson at the Forefront of Industry Transformation at Mobile World Congress 2015

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· Predictions for 2015 focus on video, LTE subscriber growth and mobile broadband coverage
· Announces hyperscale upgrade to Ericsson Cloud System —adding new software and hardware to ensure a secure cloud experience
· Broad set of new launches support operator needs across network evolution, IT transformation and opportunities for innovation and revenue growth

Telecommunications operators are transforming their businesses and operations, according to the role they have chosen to play as either Network Developers, Service Enablers or Service Creators.

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) also continues to transform in its role as an ICT player, and builds on its position in Mobile Broadband and Telecom Managed Services, while reinforcing its position in Cloud, IP, TV&Media, OSS/BSS.

“These were the key reflections of our President and CEO, Hans Vestberg, as he talked about the pace of change in the industry at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. We predict four key changes during 2015: more people will watch streamed, on-demand video than broadcast TV on a weekly basis; video will generate half of the mobile data traffic; LTE subscriber growth will exceed 80 percent; and world mobile broadband coverage will be above 70 percent. Theseare all massive forces of change and open up new opportunities both in the ICT industry and in other industries,”Elie Hanna, President of Ericsson Philippines and Pacific Islands, shared.

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Reef surfaces new fashion tech at Surf 7107 docu premier Summere officially rolls in as Reef’s fashion collection featuring Swellular™ Technology debuts with a documentary on the Filipino surfing lifestyle. With the travelling surfer in mind, Reef is presenting its latest men and women’s footwear collection highlighted by the special premier of Surf 7107.

The fashion show features Reef’s Rover Collection in head-to-toe outfits, reflective of Reef’s Just Passing Through mentality. Styles are relaxed yet cool, recalling laidback summers and great waves. The footwear highlights Reef Swellular™ Technology which is made up of three distinct layers.
First is a super-soft, contoured Swellular foam deck for comfort, then a medium-density Swellular midsole for support and finally, Reef’s signature Swellular high-density rubber outsole.
“The Outsole is an example of Reef’s commitment to form and function, with tread patterns that mimic lines of ocean waves and ultimate comfort, support, traction, and versatility,” said Carlo Dionisio of Reef Philippines.

Reef was formed in the early 80’s by Argentinian brothers Fernando and Santi Aguerre. Combining their strong entrepreneurial spirit with their passion for surfing, the brothers built Reef as the top sandal brand in La Jolla, California. Their innovative sandal design, the Striped Smoothy, known for its bold stripes and comfortable foot bed, has become a classic and continues to be a top seller.

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ResDiary launched a new platform that allows you to receive booking via Twitter and Facebook. With around 15 million people registered on Twitter and 30 million using Facebook in the Philippines alone, “it’s vital that Restaurateurs and Hoteliers have a strong online presence in today’s market”, according to Dennis Ng, ResDiary Philippines President.

Dennis added: “Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook hold a large influence over people’s decision-making process, especially when it comes to booking their next hot spot to eat in. Now, booking a table for dinner just got easier, with this new product allowing people to make reservations via both Twitter and Facebook.”

Adding: “Social media platforms are a great way to engage with existing and potential guests and increase online exposure, promoting new menus and offers and advertise events. As well as taking bookings, managers can reach out to followers by running specific ‘Twitter Only’ promotions via ResDiary - a very quick and effective way to increase a restaurant’s online exposure, taking more reservations and increasing profits.”

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Hallyuniversity is now accepting new students!

Following 2013’s first Korean pop fan-gathering in the University of the Philippines Diliman, dubbed as Hallyuniverse: The Kpop Takeover, the University of the Philippines Society of Students for Korean Popular Culture, or HallyUP, is opening the gates to Hallyuniverse 2: Hallyuniversity this March 22, 2015 at the National Engineering Center in UP Diliman.

HallyUP is a special interest organization in UP Diliman that caters to the passion of the student for Korean Popular culture. In order to share the Korean wave with fellow students in other schools and universities, the organization is holding this event where participants witness presentations of the HallyUP members and different guest cover groups, purchase official and fan-made merchandises, win games and raffles with surprising prizes from the organizers and sponsors, or just have fun with the company of other K-pop fans.

Some can also win prizes with their talents in singing through the I Got the Voice contest or with their cosplay skills in the I Got the Looks competition. Various dancing cover groups are to present their synchronization to the original choreography of K-pop dances in I Got the Moves.

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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 the most open hearts and sincere desire to hone their talent.

With the success of Philippine Opera Company’s Young Artists Black Box Series now on its second season, the audience will witness a bolder and braver take on Mozart’s masterpieces in “Mad About Mozart: Sex, Seduction, Death, and Transcendence”, this time in collaboration with RankOne Productions.

Mad About Mozart: Sex, Seduction, Death, and Transcendence — will present excerpts from the seminal operas and oratorios of Mozart integrated with dance, stream of consciousness narrative, and mixed media. All performers - singers, dancers, actors, and musicians - will be integrated with the audience for an all-immersive 360-degree black box theatre experience. Mozart’s music is alternatingly sacred and profane, exploring the perennial conflict between the id, the ego, and the super ego. Ultimately, the programming of the scenes will demonstrate that we can attain a state of classical ‘balance’ and inner peace by exploring the layered dimensions of dark and light.

As RankOne President/ Executive Creative Director Jon Meer Vera Perez says, the show is, "An exploration of the subversive themes in the seminal operatic works of Mozart; by journeying into the shadow world does one enter into the full grace of Light and Resurrection." The music will be presented in a contemporary setting, with modern and contemporary imagery, to challenge our perceptions of classical music in the 21st century. Mozart’s themes, both the sacred and the profane, are as relevant in 2015 as they were in 1791 when he died, giving us extraordinary insight into how we manage our lives through the choices that we make, and how those actions affect our relationships and the world around us. Ultimately, we only find peace by acknowledging our weaknesses, resolving to learn from our mistakes, and inevitably surrendering to the healing power of forgiveness and eternal Love.

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For the past 10 years, Flickr has been a companion to millions of memories by people from around the globe, all eager to share inspiring photographs with the world. Since the birth of the first ever major online community that is able to store, organize, tag, and share digital photos, Flickr has not stopped redefining everyone’s experience of online photo sharing by providing you with world-class tools and displays that you can access almost anytime, anywhere.

Flickr knows that there are just too many memories to save and share. On Flickr, that is not a problem, since everyone gets 1 terabyte of FREE storage to save each memory that comes with every photo. In addition to a large depot of all these photos, thehigh quality of your images is retained simply because Flickr believes you deserve the best. Flickr preservesthe beauty of your photos so that each time you store and access your photos, you see the images the same way you remember them. Nothing less. Retained photo quality plus large storage space means you don’t have to worry about posting as much photos as you want.

With Flickr, you can use editing tools and choose a filter to fit your mood when taking that shot. In case you change your mind, you may also change the filters after you have taken the picture. Then you can edit the exposure, color balance, and levels to make the photo suit your taste. You will really feel like a professional photographer when you use Flickr as you can see the specs of your shot by simply tapping on your photo. You will be able to see the focal length, aperture, shutter speed and other details of the photo you have taken.

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In support of “Transforming Communities Through More Responsive National And Local Budgets,” Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) gave assistance to the 11th Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Philippines National Conference held last February at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Quezon City.

CBMS is a tool for local government monitoring and governance. It is used to provide relevant information to policy makers and program implementers to empower communities.

More than 750 participants attended this year’s conference. The list includes local chief executives, local development planners, and officials and representatives of national government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs) and the academe.

The conference tackled the uses of CBMS for grassroots participatory budgeting process (GPBP), disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) and climate change adaptation (CCA), local poverty reduction action planning, local programming and project prioritization, impact‐monitoring, and the improvement of local governance. Another highlight of this year’s session was the discussion of best practices on the implementation of CBMS for fostering transparency and accountability in local governance and sustaining development initiatives.

“For several years now, Epson has supported CBMS in their goal to empower communities,” said Donna Ferro, Head of Marcom and PR for Epson Philippines. “It’s another way on how we want to improve the quality of life of Filipinos,” added Ferro.

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady Announces Cast

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Dalanghita Productions, in partnership with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), will be kickstarting its first season with “ Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady the Musical, ” from Carlo Vergara’s one-act play and graphic novel of the same title.

COMEDY. DRAMA. ROMANCE. ACTION. DECEPTION.

CONFESSIONS. SUPERHEROES. SUPERVILLAINS. FAMILY and a MAID.
“ Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady ” revolves story of two sisters named MELY and VIVA who both yearn to fulfill their dreams. Their sibling relationship and rivalry becomes more complicated due to an unsettled past and a budding romance, all in the context of an ongoing war between the superhero and supervillain teams. Being a maid is tough enough, but when Mely lands a job under a group of superheroes, she steps up to the unique challenge for the sake of her family. The musical takes us through the journey of the characters as each tries to find his/her place in the world where superheroes and supervillains exist.

“ Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady ” is bringing back the artistic team behind Zsazsa Zaturnnah ze Muzikal, which was a massive success with its multiple stage runs (the popular comic book and musical was adapted onto the big screen afterwards). The story of Carlo Vergara (creator of Zsazsa Zaturnnah), together with the music of Vincent de Jesus (Himala the Musical, Batang Rizal, Juan Tamad), will be brought to life by director Chris Martinez (Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, Kimmy Dora, Temptation Island…Live!).

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Now on its 46th year, the CCP Summer Dance Workshop is once again paving the way for young dance talents to achieve their dreams to become professional dancers.

Starting on April 7, 2015, dance students from all over the country will flock to the Cultural Center of the Philippines for the five week-long summer dance workshop. Esteemed Ballet Philippines current company members and alumni will guide these aspirants in honing their craft. The workshop gives courses in Classical Ballet for all ages, Modern & Contemporary Ballet, Creative Movement, Jazz, and Hip Hop for kids and teens.

The workshop will conclude with two grand performances of a double-bill program: “Flower Festival” back to back with “Wonderland” on May 9 and 10 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).. “Flower Festival” will feature excerpts from Aguste Bournounville’s “Flower Festival at Genzano” along with other dances, while “Wonderland” adds a new kind of groove to the beloved classic, featuring the contemporary, jazz, and hip hop dance classes.

Scholarship auditions for the CCP Summer Dance Workshop will be held on February 28 and March 21, at the CCP Rehearsal Hall. Provincial applicants may also audition on April 7. Scholarships are available for students aged 9 to 13, intermediate & advanced students, and promising males from any dance background.