Eugene Toquero and Mark Striegl Open Workout at KMA Fitness and Martial Arts Gym

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We caught a glimpse of  Eugene Toquero, one of the brightest mixed martial arts (MMA) flyweight talent from Cebu, and Mark "Mugen" Striegl, Japan-born Fil-Am MMA featherweight, before they enter the ONE Championship cage on the night of April 24, 2015 for ONE: VALOR OF CHAMPIONS.

An open media workout was held at the KMA Fitness and Martial Arts Gym located in Makati city on the afternoon of April 21, 2015 featuring the two fighters of One Championship (formerly One Fighting Championship), Asia's biggest MMA organization..

Both fighters displayed both power and endurance as they demonstrated their speed and agility in the open workout. We can sense their eagerness and excitement towards the upcoming fight night at SM Mall of Asia Arena where thousands of people are expected to watch several matches, five of which will highlight Filipino fighters including the two.

We were fortunate enough to personally interview Toquero, the "Pambansang Siko ng Pilipinas,"  two days before the open workout at our radio show at the Family Business show of Radyo Uno last Sunday, April 19, and we got to know him a little better like the facts that he's happily married with three kids and initially got into fighting mainly for financial reasons. He did expressed his fears every time he enters the cage but believes it is just part of his work as a fighter.

Tupperware Brands Highlights Opportunities in Direct Selling at the 7th Go Negosyo Summit

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Tupperware Brands highlighted income opportunities for women and even students at the 7th Go Negosyo Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit held recently at the World Trade Center in Manila. The event is a yearly project of Go Negosyo, a non-stock, non-profit organization of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship.

During his talk, Mr. Graciano S. Pangilinan Jr., Tupperware Brands’ President and Managing Director shared, “Direct selling is a means to earn extra income that anyone can do—even students! It is a good opportunity for students to study and learn from at the same time. This is a career in itself and can be a fulltime business.”

Direct selling, he said, is similar to the retail business. “But, unlike most businesses, it entails eliminating the middleman by going directly to the customers and consumers. In layman’s terms: YOU are the store,” described Mr. Pangilinan. “The direct selling industry is often misunderstood because of pyramiding scams that have plagued the networking business model in the past. It’s always important to study a company’s marketing plan and know that you earn by selling the products and through hard work. It’s a risky business if you earn solely on recruitment and without a product.”

Mr. Pangilinan explained that Tupperware Brands is an active member of the Direct Selling Association of the Philippines (DSAP), which works hand-in-hand with the Securities and Exchange Commission as well as the Department of Trade and Industry. Thus, to verify a company’s credibility, he advised people to check whether the direct selling companies that interest them are registered on www.dsap.ph.

The Theatre at Solaire Stages Sabel: Love And Passion on April 30

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Theatre at Solaire will stage the world premiere: Sabel, Love and Passion, a musical theater production stars Iza Calzado and the Philippine Ballet Theater with the special participation of Audie Gemora.

SABEL, LOVE AND PASSION essays the story of a dynamic young woman who loved, above all, to dance. From the depths of her depression to the glories of her personal triumphs, it was dance that saw her through, that helped hold her life together, that, even at the loss of so much, helped her regain her soul.

The musical is staged at The Theatre at Solaire on April 30, 2015. With Musical Direction by Louie Ocampo; Direction, Book and Lyrics by Freddie Santos.

This spectacular and amazing entertainment line‐up for The Theatre signifies the continuance of Solaire’s contribution to the flourishing arts and performance scene in the Entertainment City.
THE THEATRE a new state‐of‐the‐art certified lyric theatre is located in the heart of Entertainment City. This majestic performance venue boasts of an astronomical line‐up of performance artists and events; both local and international.

Ballet Philippines Principal Dancer Katherine Trofeo Hangs Up Her Pointe Shoes

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As the curtain fell on the last show of Ballet Philippines’ Sapphire Season, the company bid a tearful farewell to esteemed principal dancer, Katherine Trofeo. The dancers, scholars, and artistic team led by Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales presented her with roses onstage, one by one as a video highlighting Katherine and her extraordinary artistry.

Fondly called “Mommy Kit”, she is an inspiration to everyone around her. As a principal dancer, she not only showcases exceptional dance technique and exquisite artistry, but she also possesses a wonderful character which translates into her dancing. Whenever she performs onstage, she never fails to captivate with her ability to take on a role and give it new life with her own interpretation. Her portrayal of the psychic vampire, Gonongleda in “MANHID: The Pinoy Superhero Musical” has been described as transformative. Gonongleda was her final role as principal dancer of Ballet Philippines.

Katherine started taking ballet at the age of 8 under Amelia Yulo and turned professional at the age of 15 with mentor Enrico Labayen’s Lab Project. Katherine has worked with the finest choreographers and teachers including Alan Hineline, Max Luna III, Anatoli Panasiukov, Gener Karingal, Ida Beltran, Tony Fabella, Maiqui Manosa, Nonoy Froilan, Edna Vida, Denisa Reyes, Paul Morales, Irene Sabas, Anna Villadolid, Thomas Mayr, Jean Paul Comelin, Jean Paul Comelin, Graham Lustig, Stefan Hoff, David Campos Cantero, Michael Chernov, and Gelsey Kirkland. 

“Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady” Set to Open on May 7

Wazzup Pilipinas!

How can an original Filipino musical combine comedy, drama, romance, action, deception, confessions, superheroes, supervillains, family and a maid ?

Manila’s newest theater group Dalanghita Productions, in cooperation with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), proudly presents “KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY THE MUSICAL” from Carlo Vergara’s one-act play and graphic novel of the same title.

“ 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 (I Do Bidoo Bidoo, Kimmy Dora, Temptation Island…Live!).

Club de Damas Latinas Presents Masquerade Annual Latin Charity Ball

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Joyful, civic minded and passionate ladies of the Club de Damas Latinas (Latin American Women’s Club) in the Philippines are joining their forces to organize its 49th Latin Charity Ball. The well known event for this year is named “MASQUERADE”. it is an invitation to be the face behind the mask and join a worthy cause, a continuing call to action for others to get involved and help.

The Annual Latin Charity Ball is one of the most prestigious fundraising events in the country. It has been going on for the past 48 years and has been listed by the Philippine Tatler among the Top 20 Parties of the country.

More than 300 diplomats, dignitaries, expats, executives of multinational companies and other special guests attend the Ball which generates funds for the clubs’ main beneficiaries; the Holy Family Home Foundation, and Eugenia Ravasco Day Care Center.

This fun filled evening event will be held on Saturday, May 16th at the Fairmont Makati Hotel, 7:00 p.m. Come and be part in the best latin night of the year!

For information, please contact:

Barbara Grill 0917-565-5266

Luisa Mencos 0917-509-7375

Three More “Asia’s Got Talent” Finalists to Emerge This April 23 on AXN

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“Asia’s Got Talent”, the biggest talent competition in the world, will continue its search for the next three finalists this Thursday, April 23 at 8:05pm, first on AXN.

Audiences will be dazzled by the performances of the second set of eight semi-finalists who were selected by the celebrity judging panel featuring David Foster, Anggun, Van Ness Wu and Melanie C. The semi-finalists will take their acts to even greater heights to win the hearts and votes of AXN audiences across the region to advance to the Grand Finals on May 7 at the iconic Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

This Thursday’s episode will see the return of the thrilling Filipino dance group Junior New System; the powerful vocals of Singapore’s Fathin Amira and Filipino classical singer Gerphil Geraldine Flores; the stunning extreme acts of Vietnamese master Bao Cuong; mystical Mongolian throat singers of Khosogton Band; comical Indonesian music instrumentalists Young Boys; the funky all-girl South Korea rock band Bebop; together with the amazing 12 year old Thai ukulele player Sydney Uke.

Viewers can vote for their favorite acts in one of three ways: SMS, Facebook and the “Asia’s Got Talent” mobile app. Voting opens after the broadcast of each semi-final episode and will remain open for four days. Details on how to vote can be found on the “Asia’s Got Talent” website: http://asiasgottalent.tv/vote/

Lazada Announces Mi Powerbank Sale on April 24 and Xiaomi Redmi 2 Debut on April 28

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Mi Philippines together with the Philippines’ Online Shopping Destination – Lazada.com.ph will be holding another exclusive flash sale for the 16,000 mAh Mi Powerbank this April 24, 12NN via www.lazada.com.ph/mi with a price tag of Php 1,299.

Don’t have time to shop via your desktop this April 24? Simply download the Lazada Mobile App available for FREE via Google Playstore(https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lazada.android&hl=en) and on iOSAppstore(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lazada-shopping-deals-for/id785385147?mt=8).

Meantime, Xiaomi has announced that its eagerly-awaited Redmi 2 smartphone will soon be available in the Philippines. Priced at ₱5,999, the Redmi 2 will first go on sale on April 28 via www.lazada.com.ph/mi.

Feature-packed but still affordable, the Redmi 2 brings a powerful smartphone experience closer to more people.

Pacquiao Versus Mayweather, Batman Versus Superman

Wazzup Pilipinas!

May matitinding labanan na magaganap! Yan po ay hindi isang hula kundi siguradong mangyayari na. Tumitigil palagi ang takbo ng mundo tuwing may nakatakdang malalaking laban.

Big fights are schedule already and we can't wait to watch all of them soon! Bakbakan to the max in the search for the true champion. Who will emerge victorious? Who will be announced as the winner? Who will go home with a smile in their faces?

In every fight there would always exist the fear from both sides to find out who will be declared as the winner. There could only be one in every match so every fighter must make every strike count.

Good luck to our Pambansang Kamao, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao! Floyd Mayweather might end up running back to his father.

Before Manny's big fight in Las Vegas on May 3 Philippine time, there's another set of fights to be held next week. One Championship (formerly known as One Fighting Championship) will hold the fights on April 24 at the Mall of Asia Arena. There will be around five Filipinos all competing against foreign (Mixed Martial Arts) MMA fighters.

A recent teaser trailer of Batman Versus Superman was also released a few days ago on YouTube, and it looks like one hell of a risky selfie and social media posts. Now that's another fighting extravaganza between two superheroes.

Who else will be fighting soon?

Confessions of a Gatecrasher

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We've been called a gatecrasher, a loot bagger, a plagiarist sympathizer, and a lot more crazy accusations throughout the short years we've ran the Wazzup Pilipinas blog site.

Maybe it's all true since the accusers have their own ridiculous definitions of these terminologies, the same stupid way they define who are the leading bloggers out there. Ironically, they describe these mischiefs biased to what they are doing.

What was so absurdly pathetic was that many believed the online rants and rumors even without concrete proofs or evidences. How could people be so gullible and insensitive? Even after so many explanations to defend ourselves to the point that we decided at one point to keep quiet, but only to bounce back up again when we thought it was getting irritable, and we needed to reveal the truth.

However, fools refuse to believe even when he truth is slapped in their gory faces when they are truly against you, or threatened at what you are potentially becoming. Even an admission of an honest invite from another party was ignored and rejected. They couldn't attack the other one since she was not within their ranks, while we continue raising the roof and going for an expansion of floors.

We were not totally unfazed, but we kept our sanity in tact. We believe we were at the most righteous path even though we are not entirely saints.