Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Healthway Medical’s HealthCheQ Now Available Online

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Healthway Medical, the most trusted and preferred mall-based clinics in the Philippines, recently partnered with PhilCare, the country’s first Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) provider, to be the official online seller of HealthCheQ, the Healthway’s premium brand of executive checkup.

The partnership will make Healthway’s HealthCheQ available through PhilCare’s digital platforms, including its website and Facebook page.

“With the new joint venture, we will be able to make preventive healthcare more accessible to every Filipino,” said Carmie de Leon, vice president for sales and marketing of Healthway Medical. “PhilCare is one of the biggest and most reputable HMOs in the country and we are privileged to finally forge this partnership.”

According to de Leon, Healthway customers no longer have to wait in line to purchase HealthCheQ.

“For a hassle-free transaction, they can simply avail the package and set their appointment at the comforts of their home. We want to emphasize the importance of keeping a close eye to your health,” she said. “Our aim is to give the ease of access to good health which is also achieved by having enough sleep, eating right, exercising, and de-stressing (S.E.E.D.),” she added.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

DHL Global Forwarding Philippines, Inc. is delighted to announce the appointment of the company’s new Country Manager, Mr. Imran Shaikh, which took effect on 15 July 2015.

Imran has over 15 years of experience in international logistics, accounts management, freight forwarding and import and export operations. His first exposure to the logistics and transportation industry was when he worked as Ocean Export Supervisor with Expeditors International in Los Angeles, California. He oversaw gateway operations, directed all aspects of ocean export operations and provided support to sales, by actively helping in the acquisition and maintenance of business and client base.

From 2002 to 2006, he held the role of Import Manager at Exel DHL Global Logistics in Los Angeles, California, where he handled the largest and most challenging US freight management accounts, import operations for LAX branch and the control tower for North America. He was a member of the U21 global strategy team and was involved in the design and implementation of the west coast competency center procedures, the first in North America. The same model was subsequently launched and used in the Midwest and east coast operations in North America. Imran also had a working stint in DGF Singapore from 2006 – 2008 as Director for Strategic Accounts.

In 2008, he was appointed Managing Director, DGF Pakistan, where he successfully expanded their domestic operations and achieved outstanding business results. Imran is a certified Global Logistics Specialist who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the California State University.

Please join us in congratulating Imran and wishing him every success in his new role. DGF Philippines also like to express gratitude to Stephen Ly for his leadership and guidance as Country Manager, DGF Philippines over the last few years.

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Globe Telecom remains the dominant player in the country’s mobile postpaid segment after posting postpaid revenues of P15.8 billion during the first half of the year on the back of its innovative myLifestyle Plan which set a global standard in postpaid plan offerings.

The phenomenal growth in revenues gave Globe the upper-hand in terms of revenue market share, a global metric used in determining market leadership across telcos worldwide.

Postpaid customer base likewise grew by 12% to 2.3 million in the same period from 2.1 million in the previous year. These positive gains are derived from the success of the myLifestyle Plan that helped boost gross acquisitions to reach a new record-high of 477,608 for the first six months of the year, up 23% from last year. Year-to-date net incremental postpaid subscribers stood at 60,776, 14% higher than 2014 level.

With the myLifestyle Plan, customers get a base postpaid plan that already comes with built-in unlimited calls and texts to Globe and TM for only P499 monthly. With an additional P99, customers get data access and a free smartphone. Globe has also made available various lifestyle packs suited for their entertainment, social media or productivity needs. The more services they add on top of the base plan, the better the handset they can get.

Northpine Land Meets Increasing Demand For Horizontal Development In The South

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As the demand for horizontal developments outside of Metro Manila increases, one of the major players in the country’s real estate industry is focusing its efforts in the South.

For almost 20 years, NorthPine Land, Inc., (NLI) has been building quality yet affordable suburban communities in areas where there is a strong combination of accessibility and opportunity. NLI’s President Alan R. Cruz noted that the South, particularly the CALABARZON region, is one such area.

Mr. Cruz further stressed that, “In terms of accessibility, the South is an ideal place to raise a family, especially for professionals who work in cosmopolitan areas like Makati and Bonifacio Global City. This is why NorthPine Land made a firm commitment to change the landscape of the South to fit people’s lifestyle needs.”

Accessibility to Metro Manila will be further enhanced with the ongoing development of the Skyway extension and other infrastructure projects such as the Intermodal Transport System (ITS), the LRT 1 Cavite Extension and the LRT6 Project, among others.

These infrastructure projects are also expected to significantly decrease rush hour traffic in the near future, providing another reason why establishing a home in the South is such an appealing proposition.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Office spaces are quickly becoming the next attractive investment in Metro Manila’s real estate. Data from Colliers International show that as of the last quarter of 2014, the Philippines’ office market boasts a stock of 6.99 million sqm worth of inventory, which will surge 36 percent to 9.52 million sqm by 2018.

Prices and rental rates of office spaces, especially in the metro’s key central business districts (CBD), are poised to increase over the next year, thanks to healthy demand and tight supply, while vacancy rate is expected to decrease further as more companies (BPOs, corporate offices, and small and medium-sized enterprises) open and expand, providing savvy investors another option to diversify their real estate portfolio.

However, just like any business venture, office rentals have potential pitfalls if one is not sufficiently informed. Global property portal Lamudi Philippines (www.lamudi.com.ph) lists down several steps to get started on renting out office real estate.

PH One Step Closer to Faster Internet Access

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Users will now be able to access government websites faster with the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the ICT Office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and telecommunications provider PLDT on Monday, September 7.

The MOA shall signal the tie up between the parties wherein PLDT, shall provide the DOST through the Advanced Science and Technology Institute, (ASTI) operator of PHOpenIX, the country’s first and only neutral Internet Exchange, fiber optic connectivity from PLDT’s Pasig City Vitro Data Center to ASTI; becoming PHOpenIX third Physical connection point, together with Globe’s MK1 in Makati and ASTI in Diliman.

Through the new link between PLDT and PHOpenIX, private networks hosted with PLDT can opt to connect and peer directly to PHOpenIX, allowing for faster access to content hosted on the Internet Exchange’s peered networks.

At the MOA signing, the ICT Office of the DOST also announced the designation of PHOpenIX as the official Government Internet Protocol Exchange (G/IPX) as specified in Administrative Order (AO) No. 39.

Internet exchanges (IX) allow for Internet data to be transmitted between users within a locality to take shorter route through an IX rather than taking a longer route outside the country. Most of the country’s providers are not peered through an IX, which is one of the reasons Internet access in the country is relatively slow compared to its neighboring countries where providers are peered through a neutral IX.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Gumbo New Orleans Restaurant invites the whole family to celebrate this once a year tribute to our beloved elderly as we honor all lolos and lolas this Grandparents Day celebration happening from September 11-13.

Our awesome lolos and lolas will be treated to a complimentary serving of Seafood or Chicken Gumbo – one of the restaurant’s house specialties, which they will surely love, plus P250.00 gift voucher which thy can use on their next visit!

Likewise, the whole family will truly enjoy Gumbo’s mouth-watering and sumptuous dishes like Seafood Jambalaya, Bayou’s Stuffed Crabs, Shrimp Etouffe, Bourbon-Style Baby Back Ribs, Southern-Grilled Chicken Caesar, Cajun-Style Fried Chicken, Seafood Boil, Family Feast, etc.

Visit Gumbo at the 2nd Level Entertainment Hall, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay; 3rd Level Robinsons Manila Midtown; 2nd Level SM City The Block, North EDSA: Gateway Mall in Araneta Center, Cubao; Robinsons Magnolia; and at the 2nd Level Atrium Bldg. in SM Megamall. For reservations and inquiries, please call 5560238, 4420106, 6353015, 5671820, 4404632 and 5271925.

Discovery Announces 13 New Productions Out Of Asia Pacific

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Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific today announced 13 new local productions commissioned out of Asia Pacific for the network’s various brands including flagship Discovery Channel, leading travel and lifestyle channel TLC, and Discovery Kids. The shows are produced with local production companies and crews, and/or feature local talent, bringing a truly local flavour to programmes that are made for an international audience.

The slate of local productions further reinforces Discovery’s commitment to investing in content and creating compelling local programmes that give insight into the people, cultures, and history in the region - while deepening its connection with viewers.

Charmaine Kwan, Vice President of Programming, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, “We have been bringing the world stories from our region for more than 20 years now, ever since Discovery started operations in Asia Pacific. Our programmes are about celebrating human achievements and the wonders of the world, driven by curiosity. So we are very excited about these shows – from animation and sport to survival and lifestyle – all of which have their own appeal but with a distinctly local element.”

The latest topical special from Discovery Channel is SABAH EARTHQUAKE DECODED which examines the science behind the earthquake and the possibility of future occurrences, and tells the touching human stories of those affected. In the one-hour special, some of the children from Singapore’s Tanjong Katong Primary School recount their experience on the mountain – the first time they have spoken in such detail about the tragic day. The special is produced by Malaysia’s Matavia Reka.

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Burgoo American Bar and Restaurant joins the whole world on an annual celebration to pay tribute to all the awesome grandparents. Burgoo is laying down the red carpet for grandparents on September 11-13 in anticipation of families celebrating this special occasion.

Awaits your lolo and lola at Burgoo are quality and sumptuous dishes such as Supreme Caesar Salad, Grilled Pork Chops, Seafood Linguini, Fish & Chips, Chicken Dianne, Supreme Pizza, Raspberry Cheesecake, among others. Moreover, Burgoo is treating them with a free hot bowl of Burgoo Stew – also perfect this cold rainy season, plus a surprise gift your grandparents couldn’t resist!

Visit Burgoo at T. Morato in Quezon City; Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Makati; The Podium in Ortigas; Gateway Mall in Araneta Center Cubao; Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas; SM City The Block in North EDSA; Mall of Asia in Pasay; SM City Marikina; SM Southmall in Alabang, The District in Cavite; 3rd level Terraces Mall in Fairview; and Starmall in Taguig. For reservations and inquiries, please call 9277424, 8381815, 6875254, 7263578, 9136112, 5560091 or 6336256.

Globe Telecom Brings World Class Artists, Performances to PH for a Wonderful Experience for Music-Loving Pinoys

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The country’s number 1 mobile brand and purveyor of the Filipino digital lifestyle Globe Telecom continues to make its presence felt in the music industry to reach out to music-loving Pinoys with its participation in the country’s biggest concerts, festivals, and music events.

Globe has successfully penetrated the music industry and took the music experience to a whole new level. With its partnership with top music streaming service Spotify, Globe conquered the online music space by giving customers access to over 30 million songs anytime, anywhere using an innovative and interactive platform.

Globe has also established itself as a consistent supporter of international music festivals and concerts. From Wanderland, Unleashed, KPOP Best of the Best, and KPOP BIG BANG, Globe continues to reach out to its young market and give them an unforgettable concert experience like no other as a true music advocate.

Over the next few months, Globe broadband brand Tattoo will conquer the Valkyrie Club and the Palace Pool Club in Bonifacio Global City for a series of music events headlined by top electronic dance music (EDM) DJs Alesso, Steve Aoki and Kaskade, including the much-anticipated Halloween Ball as the biggest costume and dance party of the year.

“As part of our commitment to enabling the Filipino digital lifestyle is our constant presence in engagements and activities that bring our customers closer to their interests, lifestyles, and passions, and one of which is music. With our participation in and support for the country’s biggest music festivals, concerts, and parties, we are able to reach out to our customers and give them exclusive privileges and offers that make their concert experience wonderful,” says Issa Cabreira, Senior Vice President for Consumer Mobile Marketing at Globe.

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Professional underwater photographers/writers, underwater cinematographers, ocean advocates, technical divers, and marine biologists from nine countries are set to impart their professional experiences to Filipino dive enthusiasts, marine conservationists, and the general public at the Dive Resort Travel (DRT) Philippines Show to be held on 11-13 September 2015 at the 5th Floor of the Megatrade, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

With the theme “It’s more fun to dive in the Philippines,” the three-day travel fair will gather dive industry stakeholders in one venue, especially those from Asia and Oceania. Expected to participate in the event are at least 2,000 international dive exhibitors, dive enthusiasts, and marine conservationists.

A series of underwater photography and cinematography workshops, a marine conservation seminar, and a technical diving seminar will be conducted by international experts like Dr. Terry Gosliner of the California Academy of Sciences, Charlie Fasano, Mike Bartick, Amanda Cotton, and Andrew Marriott (US); Gunter Bernert (Germany); Yoshi Hirata (Japan); Enzo Chen (Taiwan); Jerome Kim (Korea); Imran Ahmad and Zulkarnain Ng (Singapore); Tim Ho (Malaysia). Also giving talks during the event are the country’s very own Scott “Gutsy” Tuason and Dr. Arnel “AA” Yaptinchay.

Some of these diving experts will share their diving experiences in the country through thematic sessions. Dr. Terry Gosliner will deliver a lecture on “The Philippines: The Center of the Center of Marine Biodiversity” and “Marine Invertebrates of the Philippines”; Charlie Fasano will speak about “Anilao’s Underwater Fauna and their Roles to the Reef in Southern Mabini”; and Jerome Kim will deliver talks entitled ““Romblon: The New Macro Haven” and “Sogod Bay: The Hidden Treasures of Southern Leyte.”

Designation of PHOpenIX as G/IPX and MoA signing with PLDT

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The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Office and the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), invited members of the media to attend a press briefing announcing the designation of the Philippine Open Internet Exchange (PHOPenIX) as the official Government Internet Protocol (IP) Exchange (G/IPX) as per Administrative Order No. 39.

Venue: DOST ICT Office Seminar Room
Date and Time: 7 September 2015, 8:30 A.M.

Also happening at the event is a Memorandum of Agreement Signing between the Philippine Long Distance and Telephone Company (PLDT) and ASTI as operator of the PHOpenIX wherein PLDT will become third physical connection point of PHOpenIX.

These two events will ensure that Internet traffic to and from Government Networks will be transmitted efficiently and securely in compliance with Administrative Order 39.

Speakers and Panelists at the press briefing are the following:

Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aguirre Aquino IV
Secretary Mario G. Montejo – DOST
Undersecretary Louis Napoleon C. Casambre - Executive Director DOST-ICT Office
Jovy Hernandez - 1st VP PLDT Alpha Enterprise Head
Denis F. Villorente – Deputy Executive Director DOST – ICT Office
Ramon Isberto - Public Affairs Group Head PLDT

Porsche Carrera Cup Asia coming to Sepang this Weekend!

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The race for the 2015 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia overall and Class B championship titles remains wide open as the region’s premier sportscar championship resumes at Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit this weekend, with the 28-strong fleet of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991) racing cars set to dazzle under the tropical sun.

Leading the charge after winning six of the season’s 14 races is Kamlung Racing’s Chris van der Drift as he continues his astonishing Porsche racing debut, having won the last six consecutive races. However, keeping his eye firmly on the prize is fellow New Zealander Craig Baird of Clearwater Racing who is just 15 points behind.

Key facts:

- Porsche Carrera Cup Asia is one of the leading one-make series championship in the region. It is one of the 8 Carrera Cups championships existing worldwide
(http://www.porsche.com/international/motorsportandevents/motorsport/customerracing/racing/carreracupsworldwide/)

- Strong fleet of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars all running with MICHELIN tyres with many teams involved in the Asia championship

- The Championship has been a testing ground for some rising talents such as Earl Bamber, 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours winner, who won the championship in 2013 and 2014.

- For 2015 season, 8 rounds already took place over 5 weekends (including test days). Still 6 rounds to go before end of the season with the next two rounds (Rounds 9 and 10) taking place this weekend in Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia.

More information: http://www.carreracupasia.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/CarreraCupAsia

Moment of Truth for Philippine Azkals

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The Philippine Azkals’ caliber will finally be put to the test when they faced a highly-favored Uzbekistan at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan.

After winning their first two World Cup qualifying matches against Bahrain and Yemen and a tune-up game with Maldives last week, the Azkals are going into the competition with momentum and confidence on their side.

Uzbekistan, on the other hand, got a shocker when it lost its first match against North Korea in June but came back to overcome Yemen, 1-0, last September 4 in Tashkent.

Both Azkals coach Thomas Dooley and team manager Dan Palami refused to give a prediction except to say the Philippine national football team will give a good fight against the Uzbeks, who are ranked 76th in the FIFA rankings. The Azkals are ranked 125th.

“We are cautiously optimistic,” Palami has declared, while Dooley said “we have a great team that is playing good football.” This is the first time the Philippine Azkals will be playing the Uzbeks.

Uzbekistan is considered a tough squad and one of the best teams in Asia along with football powerhouses Iran, South Korea, Japan, Australia, United Arab Emirates, and China.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Did you know that even how good you take care of yourself, you are still susceptible to develop warts? Warts are caused by a certain strain of human papillomavirus (HPV) and anyone can get warts. Even children and teens can get warts. Although warts in children disappear after some time, some can thrive up to their adult years. And if the wart is located on the face or other visible areas, it can cause embarrassment and inadvertently lowers a person’s self esteem.

“If you have a weakened immune system, you are more susceptible to develop warts,” adds Richard B. Dela Cruz, President of RCC Amazing Touch International, Inc. (RCCAT). According to him, warts are contagious that it can spread from one person to the other through touch or skin contact. He explains that warts can even spread by the mere use of towels that are exposed to warts.

He further explains that touching a door handle infected with HPV can also spread warts. A cut or a scrape can even become an entry point for HPV that causes warts. “Every person develops warts many times in their lifetime. So even though you have removed warts now, it doesn’t mean that you wouldn’t in the next few months or years.”

Although warts commonly found in the body are harmless, warts found in the genitalia are a different story. Accordingly, genital warts should be treated as soon as possible since it can spread and grow in large numbers. It is also a common viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) so it is contagious and it can infect another person.

Another reason why people with genital warts should worry is that HPV can cause cancers, specifically cervical and anal cancers. “The presence of warts on the genitalia means that a person was exposed to HPV, and medical researches tell us that HPV poses risks that can develop cancers,” Dela Cruz warns.