Voices in Harmony 2015: The 17th Annual Awit-Tagisan ng Batang Pilipino

Wazzup Pilipinas!

If one would look closely at the iconic logo of Voices in Harmony, one would notice that the three faces are tilted in different angles.

Yet there is one thing in common - they are all singing. This symbolizes the different perspectives individuals have and emphasizes how in singing, people unite and create harmony.

Through ViH, let us continue encapsulating the essence of Filipino culture and the arts - diverse but unitive.

Voices in Harmony, with its passion and heart for music, has withstood the Philippines' struggles for almost two decades. It has stayed strong together with the Filipino youth in preserving this country's culture through music.

The years made their music stronger. 

With OPM and with you, ViH will not stop as long as there is Filipino music to be made.

Join them as they continue the mission.

Witness the top ten choirs as they sing it out for the championship in the grandest, most prominent, and most sought-after high school choral competition in the country, Voices in Harmony 2015: The 17th Annual Awit-Tagisan ng Batang Pilipino!

Don't miss your chance to experience the talent, the victory, and the glory of music on December 6, 2015, 5:00 PM at the AFP Theater. Mark your calendars and join them as they celebrate the endless possibility of writing new musical history.

Who will take home the coveted Aria? See you at the Finals Night!

Narantungalag Jadambaa and Marat Gafurov Set for One Featherweight World Championship Bout

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The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship (ONE), announced today that the mixed martial artists competing at ONE WUJIE: DYNASTY OF CHAMPIONS II (BEIJING) are ready for all the action which takes place tomorrow evening, 12 November, at the Gymnasium of National Olympic Sports Centre in Beijing, China. ONE Featherweight World Champion Narantungalag Jadambaa and interim ONE Featherweight World Champion Marat “Cobra” Gafurov have successfully made the featherweight limit ahead of their main event bout.

Visit the official ONE WUJIE: DYNASTY OF CHAMPIONS II (BEIJING) weigh-in photo gallery by clicking: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6k384krsvdao0f3/AABoZfKfuYDUszYYrjf_77sta?lst=

CEO of ONE Championship, Victor Cui stated, “ONE Championship is back in Beijing and we’ve lined up an amazing card for fans all across the world! Our featherweight champions, Narantungalag Jadambaa and Marat Gafurov are ready to unify the ONE Featherweight World Championship. Get ready for a thrilling night of world-class MMA action!”

ONE Featherweight World Champion, Narantungalag Jadambaa stated, “I am proud to be recognized as champion. It is an honor for both myself and my country. Tomorrow night, Marat Gafurov and I will determine who will have the privilege to be called the undisputed champion.”

Interim ONE Featherweight World Champion, Marat Gafurov stated, “It has always been my dream to be champion. I won’t stop until I am considered the best in this sport -- for my family, my country and for myself. Tomorrow night, I have the chance to claim sole honor of being ONE Featherweight World Champion. It’s an opportunity that I am ready to seize.”

Globe Telecom’s Ernest Cu Among Most Powerful Telecom Executives Worldwide

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For the third straight year, Globe Telecom President & CEO Ernest Cu is on the elite list of Global Telecoms Business Power 100 for 2015. Cu is the only Filipino executive to make it to the Power 100 and among the top 10 in Asia. The GT Business Power 100 annually releases its list of the most powerful people in telecoms worldwide.

This year’s list of Power 100 is different from previous year’s versions as inclusion was divided into a number of different categories such as operators in various parts of the world, over-the-top and content providers, hardware companies, among others. Cu was listed in the Top Ten Operators from Asia.

“Under Cu’s leadership, Globe Telecom has held its own against stiffening competition in the telecoms market in the Philippines. Setting itself apart from its rivals, the operator has focused on growing its revenue from the market’s postpaid subscriptions while providing consumers with value-added services such as music streaming service Spotify and video streaming service Hooq in a bid to boost its revenues,” Global Telecoms Business said. Global Telecoms Business is the only magazine and website dedicated for senior executives of telecommunication companies worldwide.

“Our business success catapulting Globe as the leading mobile operator in the Philippines is a result of our strategy of providing differentiated customer service. Globe shall continue to deliver innovative and game-changing products and services most relevant to our customers’ digital lifestyle,” said Cu.

The Way Of The Warrior Lives In Great Bodies 2015

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Taking inspiration from the honored traditions of ancient Japan, Slimmers World International conducts the search for the 2015 Mr. & Ms. Great Bodies on November 21, 2015 at the Resorts World, Manila.

Asia’s foremost name in health, slimming, fitness and beauty, Slimmers World celebrates the 20th year of Mr. & Ms. Great Bodies with the biggest ever search for the pinnacle of physical perfection.

This year’s 32 candidates embody the spirit of the samurai, sacrificing time and effort, training relentlessly, and conducting themselves with unwavering discipline and honor to reach the ultimate goal of achieving the peak of the human form.

The 32 elite candidates, the practitioners of the way of the warrior are a diverse group from all across the country.

The Michelin Pilot Sport EV Rises Successfully to Malaysian Humidity

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The Michelin Pilot Sport EV overcame difficult weather conditions to deliver consistent, competitive performance and grip throughout the day in Putrajaya, Malaysia, despite temperatures in excess of 30°C, a track temperature of almost 50°C and humidity levels of between 60 and 90 percent.

Round 2 of the 2015/2016 Formula E ePrix featured the same format as 2014, with a 12-turn, 2.5km track and the start brought forward by two hours to 2:04pm local time in order to minimise the threat of wet weather. Indeed, torrential rain swept over the city an hour after the chequered flag was shown. The hot, damp conditions made the day hard not only for the drivers, but also for the battery of their all-electric single-seater racing cars. However, the teams knew they could count on their Michelin tyres which effectively proved a match for the challenge


Excellence and versatility

While all the teams are using the same chassis as least season, the latest technical regulations of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) now allow them to run their own motor, transmission and electronic management system. The rear suspension may also be modified, but the rest of the specification – including the battery – is identical to last season. Meanwhile, the FIA has authorised a power increase from 150kW to 170kW for the races, and from 170kW to 200kW in qualifying, and that has resulted in an improvement of around two seconds per lap at circuits like Putrajaya.

Seamless Flying Experience at Your Fingertips with the All-New AirAsia Mobile App

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AirAsia, the world’s best low cost airline for seven consecutive years, launched its all-new mobile application offering innovative new features, smoother functionality and an improved interface to provide guests with an enhanced and seamless flying experience with AirAsia.

AirAsia's mobile app is nominated as the 'World's Leading Low-Cost Airline App' at the upcoming World Travel Awards. This enhanced version is now available in 11 languages and it can be downloaded from the respective app stores of both iOS and Android devices.

Siegtraund Teh, Group Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia said, “We are constantly investing in technology and innovation to make flying easier and more enjoyable for our guests. Our all-new mobile app offers our guests everything they need right at their fingertips. There has been over 9 million downloads of the AirAsia mobile app on both iOS and Android platforms, and we hope that more people will discover the convenience of our new and improved mobile app.”

Among the new features of the AirAsia mobile app are the ‘Add to Calendar’ feature, which automatically links upcoming flights to the calendar; faster and simpler flight booking process, as well as improved mobile check-in and Manage My Booking experience where guests can include various add-ons to their flight bookings easily.

Alodia Gosiengfiao, AKB48, Akishibu Project, Kawaii 5 and Friends at Cool Japan Festival 2015

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We just experienced the biggest Japanese event dubbed as Cool Japan Festival 2015 last November 7 and 8, 2015 courtesy of Hallo Hallo Alliance.

The event highlighted the biggest idols from Japan and the Philippines namely AKB48 Team 8, our very own cosplay queen Alodia Gosiengfiao, Akishibu Project, Kawaii 5 (featuring Amachan), the Japanese drum group Tokoro Taiko, Hello Kitty and Doraemon and his friends Nobita and Shizuka.

Alodia Gosiengfiao did a fabulous song number with the Akishibu Project to the delight of the crowd who were all fans of both celebrities.

The two day festival also featured Japanese-inspired attractions like the teamLab Drawing Aquarium where drawings on paper come to life on massive screen, http://www.team-lab.net/en/all/products/aquarium.html, the teamLab Camera where a photobooth with 3 kinds of fun backgrounds and unique themes is available: https://youtu.be/Pfb1taVJ5Ac, a real Sushi Nigiri Experience where they had a chef straight from Japan who taught attendees how to make sushi!

There were also a Make-up Workshop where we learned the kawaii style makeups from BCL cosmetics, a Hello Kitty / Sanrio booth giving you nothing but cute and kitty goodies!

One Cordillera, Yes to Autonomy

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Finally, the advocacy for Cordillera Autonomy goes national. On November 25, 2015, the Regional Development Council of the Cordillera Administrative Region (RDC-CAR) will be holding a National Conference on Cordillera Autonomy at the Novotel Manila, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City. Around 350 officials of national government agencies, Congress and the Senate, the Judiciary, civil society organizations, executives of the business sector and the Cordillera leaders and elders will attend the National Conference.

The collective struggle for an Autonomous Cordillera has indeed come a long way. Since Philippine political independence in 1946, there have been several attempts by the Filipino government to integrate the Cordillera into the mainstream. The Commission on National Integration was established in 1957. In 1964, the Mountain Province Development Authority (patterned after the Tennessee Valley Authority) was established to facilitate development efforts in the region. By the 1970s, the Cordillera became a hotbed for foreign-funded infrastructure programs foremost of which were dams. The Cordillera peoples who continued to experience geographic and social dislocation opposed all these efforts. To suppress the local resistance, militarization in the region intensified.

Finally, in 1987, the Philippine constitution recognized the need for the establishment of autonomous regions in Mindanao and the Cordillera. Today, however, the Cordillera peoples still have to define the substance of that autonomy which would fully put to practice the Cordillera people’s vision of having control over their institutions, their economy and their affairs.

MiCab to Share “Startup Experience” at Startup Weekend Iloilo

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MiCab, the Cebu-based tech startup that developed a low cost taxi-hailing app, will be sharing their experience as a startup or innovation-driven enterprise at the Startup Weekend (SW) Iloilo on November 12.

The tech start-up which started as a pitch during Startup Weekend Cebu in 2012 will also be sponsoring the inaugural SW Iloilo at UP Iloilo.

MiCab’s Chief Executive Officer Eddie Ybanez will be a judge and Chief Marketing Officer Kenn Costales will be mentoring the participants for the 54-hour startup competition and seminar.

“We at MiCab feel humbled and excited to share our experiences, failures and learning points, and hopeful that we can help in our own little way,” Ybanez added.

“MiCab are bringing their experience and perspective of running a homegrown startup. They can help participants go over their strategy and business model to hopefully form their own homegrown startup,” said Kyra Ann Dianon, SW Iloilo co-organizer.

“Our goal is to create an environment where skilled and creative people can come together to build a business idea within 54 hours. Startup Weekend offers participants the opportunity to learn, network, see their potential, and see a business idea turn to reality,” said Dianon.

Oriental Mindoro Declares The First Ever Mimaropa Festival Winners

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Congratulations to Sharla Santillan of Baragatan Festival-Palawan for being the very first Mimaropa Festival Queen. Marielle Sarmiento of Oriental Mindoro is 1st Runner Up while Princess Anne Noche of Marinduque was 2nd Runner Up.

Marrielle Sarmiento, Miss Oriental Mindoro, was also Best in Modern Filipiniana Casual Wear, and Best in Barong Inspired Long Gown. She also won the Sponsors Awards for Miss Avon, Miss Kia Motors, and Miss Aram Wellness.

Miss Photogenic was Princess Anne Noche, Miss Marinduque. Best in Festival Wear was Mikaela Diestro, Miss Puerto Princesa, and the Best in Dance Presentation was Miss Palawan, Sharla Santillan.

The other Festival Candidates candidates are Ariane Garcia, Miss Calapan City, and Kattline Joy Eranes, Miss Romblon. Occidental Mindoro was not able to send a candidates since they are also busy celebrating their own 65th founding anniversary.

Stoked by the 10th La Union Surfing Break

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The call time for members of the media was at 6 am of October 29, 2015 at the Department of Tourism (DOT) Makati office. Our destination was San Juan, La Union, known as the surfing capital of the North for being the preferred surfing spot for both beginners and professionals who want a laid-back surfing experience.

With only five hours away from Manila, the place is very accessible even through commute via bus lines that directly pass along the spot where many surfing enthusiasts gather almost every weekend and even during weekdays especially during the surfing seasons when the tides are at its best.

We travelled via van exclusive to a handful of media people invited by DOT to cover the annual event. Wazzup Pilipinas is proud to be a part of the group. It was a great day to travel since it was fairly sunny and without any sign of rain. We will surely be stoked this weekend!

What makes the place very special is the annual surfing break event that is always held at the same spot. The 10th La Union Surfing Break, held from October 30 to November 1 at Urbiztondo San Juan, La Union, is the climactic event when all surfers, wannabes, and other like-minded individuals, enjoy being together under the sun and amongst the sand and sea.

La Unison Surfing Break is the flagship event of La Union that has continued to draw in crowds for years, and considered as one of the best tourism events geared on sports and wellness. If the regular days already attracts crowds, what more during the surfing break events. You'll definitely see San Juan alive all throughout the day - from early morning up until 9 am when surfing is at its best, and the nightlife at bars and restaurants where you can chill with your friends or barkadas, or just about anybody you newly met while surfing.

The event boasts of a street dancing competition, a surfboard design contest, several surf clinics from different surf shops, a sandcastle building contest, a sundown fun run, a Trick or Treat costume contest to celebrate Halloween, a Henna Tattoo design contest, and a Face and Body painting contest.

We had surfing lessons 101 from Surf Star, owned by Felimon "Lemon" Dines, who was also one of the organizers of the event. His team taught us the basics of surfing in just a few minutes before going to the waters, and almost an hour doing the actual surfing through their guidance. Some of us managed to successfully stand on top of the surfboard since some already had previous experience on surfing while some of us still had to endure falling down into the waters at every attempt.

Also at the event were a Fun Art exhibit by the Arts Guild of La Union (AsLAUN), a photography contest, a few surfing competition, a Zumba session, a beach volleyball tournament, and a beach party in the evening filled with booze and food from participating stalls.

Thank you to the organizers of the 10th La Union Surfing Break headed by DOT Region 1 Director Martin Valencia, La Union Tourism Officer Adamor Dagang, surfer and surf school owner Felimon "Lemon" Dines.

See you again next year for the 11th La Union Surfing Break, of which the DOT has announced the transfer of obligation to the local government. By next year, the LGU will now be responsible in organizing the annual event. We hope that it will be equally as successful as when the DOT was leading it.

Zoomanity Group Gives Diners a Taste of Dinner in the Dark

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Zoomanity Group, one of the leading companies in the park industry, is hosting a series of "Dinner in the Dark" events this November.

Last Saturday, I had the privilege of being one of the visitors of Zoocobia Park Zoo to experience this much-talked about dining event.

The zoo is located on top of Sacobia Valley in Clark, Pampanga. It's name was the combination of the words "zoo"anacobia". The name of Zoocobia’s three adorable owl mascots: Zooc, Cobi, and Bia, was derived from Zoocobia.

In addition to the park’s informative animal exhibits and taxidermy displays, Zoocobia offers a variety of other opportunities to make your visit memorable, from enjoying camel (yes, you read that right!) rides to feeding bearcats and long-tailed monkeys. It’s an ideal weekend getaway with loved ones, young and old.

An Intimate Afternoon with Addasound Philippines

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As technology moves, new trends emerge. High call volumes in today’s businesses have put forward higher requirements for headsets to have long time wearing comfort, excellent noise cancellation and durability at an affordable price.

Addasound Denmark A/S, global top headset manufacturer and headset provider of wearable intelligent voice and unified communication devices, can help us meet the said demands. The woman behind the Philippine office, namely Country Representative Loren Remo Aguilar, invited selected members of the media to an afternoon of coffee and snacks on November 17, 2015 at 1pm in Ascott Hotel, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. 

Building up on the successful history of acoustic companies based in Denmark, Addasound believes that the trend goes further towards hand-free communication and natural sound. They develop products based on the customer's need and devote themselves into making outstanding technology practically usable. The ergonomic design combines outer simplicity with inner exquisiteness.

The event introduced us to the excellently crafted audio solutions developed by Addasound whose technology offers the latest state-of-the-art voice solutions led by an award winning team from Denmark, a global leader in sound technology. 

International Rapper and Singer Nicki Minaj Recognizes Darren Espanto

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MCA Music’s very own Darren Espanto the runner up for the 1st season of The Voice Kids performed for Wish 107.5’s radio show called the Roadshow. The 14-year old showed his vocal prowess with his rendition of Sia’s hit, “Chandelier”.

Darren Espanto was able to hit and belt every note with ease thus impressing the DJ of the show; little did the young singer know that somewhere and somehow a very popular international artist was also wowed by his vocal chops.

Nicki Minaj an international singer and rapper shared the young singer’s video on her facebook page. “So effortless. Incredible voice!” said Nicki, sharing her thoughts about the video. Not only had the international artist got to share her thoughts about the video but also the fans of both artists also shared their delight over the video, and how impressed they are with the young singer’s amazing voice. 

One person even said that Darren’s version is better than the original, while Darren’s fans thanked the international artists for sharing a video of their idol. Nicki’s shared video garnered 5,000 plus likes, and still counting!

An Afternoon of D-Coding with Biobalance

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I was surprised to find out that I am Vitamin D deficient. This was according to the test conducted on me via a quick method using just a few drips of my blood pricked from one of my fingers. The tool was like that from a pregnancy test but instead of dripping urine, they used blood fro the testing.

According to the invitation we got, Vitamin D deficiency is now considered a global pandemic. Why does it matter? New research shows it's no longer just for calcium and bone health. Vitamin D deficiency is now linked to conditions like fatigue, depression, risk of pre-eclampsia, and diseases like diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's, and psoriasis!

This prompted me to attend the event held on November 12, 2015 at Biobalance situated at the Soho Central building at the Greenfield District along Shaw Boulevard. I assumed there will be free testing, and if ever they find me Vitamin D deficient, they will provide a corresponding solutionor cure.

We were informed that today's lifestyle, of being mostly indoors under roofed and airconditioned housing, establishments and other facilities, and the farming and preparation of our food (vegetables, fruits, poultry and similar sources, has changed the amount of Vitamin D we receive on a regular basis. At an afternoon of "D"-coding with BioBalance consultant, Dr. Stan Chua (Functional Medicine Practitioner) gave us more reasons why we needed to bask under the sun more often than stay indoors in the comfort of our homes.