Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Ping Lacson for Senator Exclusive Video Interview

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What I appreciate about Ping Lacson is that when he comments on an issue, he always follows it up with a clear action plan and solution to resolve them at his current capacity.

From my initial impressions, he's the guy who would not over-promise just to get votes. He would tell you who's the appropriate person to handle certain issues. He would not assume the role of Superman as nobody can really solve the problems of the country if he has no access to resources.

Thus, his proposed program on equal distribution of funds at the LGU level is very reasonable. After all, no matter how bright and intellectual the leader of a community is, if he has no access to funds, the projects may just end up as a dream and never materialize within their term.

He would also prefer to evoke emotional responses from his fellow candidates rather than persuade the voters that he is the right candidate for the position. Whoever wins should assume the role of a statesman, thinking about how he can make the country better, and not trying to work on being voted again for the next election during his time of service.

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AirAsia and AirAsia X are offering 3 million promotional seats for its highly anticipated Red Hot Seat Sale* which will connect travellers to over 100 destinations across 22 countries including flights to/from Manila, Kalibo, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Davao, Tacloban and international destinations in Korea, Malaysia, China, Macau and Hong Kong.

The promotional seats start from P1.00 base fare, excluding applicable taxes and fees. It is available for booking from 7 to 13 March 2016 on the airline’s website – www.airasia.com for the travel period from 1 October 2016 to 22 May 2017. This promo is also available on AirAsia’s mobile site mobile.airasia.com.

AirAsia’s Group Chief Commercial Officer Siegtraund Teh said, “This time around, we are pleased to offer 3 million promotional seats. Guests may grab this perfect opportunity to make advance travel plans and enjoy extra value for their money. We have introduced many new and undiscovered routes throughout the region and grabbing a promo seat is the best way to discover new destinations!”

“Guests from around the region can take advantage of our Fly-Thru service to connect to many exciting AirAsia X destinations such as Auckland, Sapporo, Tokyo, Gold Coast, Sydney and more. In conjunction with this special promotion, AirAsia X’s Premium Flatbed to all AirAsia X destinations are also on sale,” added Siegtraund Teh.

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I was an enthusiast of Open Source software when I was working as an Information and Communications Technology professional for corporate companies and organizations. I can still remember how I often try out the new versions that keep coming almost every few months. My download queue never ran out of something to try since we all know that open source is free for all.

Though mainstream operating systems from brands like Microsoft was the leading OS for many industries, many were still experimenting on Open Source for the less critical processes that do not require too much support and maintenance.

I even tried setting up an Internet Cafe using open source software, and my difficulty was teaching the kids how to operate within the user interface that they find unfamiliar since many are used to using the Windows OS.

Thus, the Open Source Museum actually brought back memories. I was very familiar with most of its contents and it was sort of a throwback for me when Mitchie Tabirao was touring me around the 8Layer Technologies mini museum and sharing her knowledge about each item on display.

There's so many stories behind every object that the museum can take you back at a historical throwback if you research further online. The Open Source museum may seem small, but I was told they already have expanded this at another location, and I'm pretty sure there will be more added to the collection soon as 8Layer Technologies is very active in organizing events.

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Thank you to Warner Music Philippines for inviting me to an opportunity to interview one of the young bands out there that is surely rocking the music scene with their hit songs.

I was fortunate to be able to chat with EJ Pichay, Eunice Jorge and Jazz Jorge - the three remaining members of Gracenote, and got a copy of their latest album called "Transparent."

It was almost an hour of video interview with these group of young artists that were all eager to answer all my inquiries while laughing every now and then to their teases and jokes especially to Jazz who seems to be in love nowadays as implied by her sister Eunice, the pretty vocalist of the group. Eunice also does most of the writing so that probably makes her the most creative among the three.

Though Eunice said all their success was a collaboration among supportive minds, and the encouragement of their manager, Darwin Hernandez who also manages other popular OPM artists like 6CycleMind, Callalily, Banda Ni Kelly, Chicosci, Imago, Moonstar 88, Pedicab and Sandwich, under the Soupstar Entertainment company.

The album was four years of blood and sweat in the making and had a grand launch at 19 East Paranaque. Star studded guests came to support Gracenote including their sisters and brothers in the industry who came to give an outstanding performance Callalily, Moonstar88, and 6cyclemind. Guest artist such as Yeng constantino, Alexa Ilacad and Tutti Caringal also jammed with Gracenote.

Below is the full video interview wiith Gracenote:

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Basta ‪#‎PinaghaHawaiian‬ ng barkada, sure masarap!

Here's a video blog of the 1st leg of the Greenwich Hawaiian Overload free pizza day held at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Tagig on March 4, 2016.

Greenwich wants to show everyone that their Hawaiian pizza is full of delicious toppings that would be called "overload." But don't worry because we got a video interview from their Marla Bunecamino, Brand Manager of Greenwich, and she's on the video to share what exactly is going on and why they are giving away free pizza slices to everyone.

There's also some fun games for those who are willing to participate like the Hawaiian dancing and trying out the Hoola Hoops together with your barkada, friends, families or colleagues who were around the vicinity of BGC.

The Hawaiian Overload Combi Van is also on display at the area so take a group photo and get a chance to win tickets to Paradise Music Festival!
Their chef would also be doing a pizza making demonstration so be sure to keep glued on how he makes the Greenwich Hawaiian Overload starting with just a dough.

Their next run will be at the SM Mall of Asia by the Bay so be sure to catch them there next on March 6, 2016. The third stop is at SM Megamall on March 19 and at last stop will be at SM Seaside Cebu on April 2.

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To all art lovers out there, come check out Julian Ongpin Young Artists' (JOYA's) second show titled "At The Heart of It".

"At The Heart Of It" is a group exhibit featuring works by three spirited Filipino mixed media artists namely Brisa Amir, Michael Rahman Declarin, and Arnel Agawin, that are sure to impress! These artists are of different mediums and backgrounds, but with the same emotional depth and insight in applying their Art and narratives.

All works selectively hand-picked and curated to show the life, times and power of the space between war and peace.

This exhibit is a journey through the intricacies of both states in pursuit of an answer. The exhibit is a testament to what is, our nature, and our artistic capacity, to positively and wholly transform the world around us from within; even in the midst of persona and impersonal unrelenting tyranny.

Exhibit runs from March 10 till May 10. See you all there!

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Twitter and COMELEC today officially launch exclusive #PiliPinas2016 and presidential candidate emojis for the Philippines’ upcoming national elections, geared to inspire Filipinos to engage and discuss their opinions via Tweets on important topics to shape their voting decision.

Embeddable Tweet: https://twitter.com/COMELEC/status/705592449524084736

Embeddable Tweet: https://twitter.com/TwitterPH/status/705617482048909312

By using #Pilipinas2016 or #PiliPinas hashtags when composing a Tweet, a special Twitter emoji will appear in the sent Tweet: a hand dropping a ballot symbolizes the participation of every Filipino in this very important political exercise complimented with a red background that stands for the affirmation of his choice, juxtaposed with a blue thumbmark that underscores the deeply personal nature of every vote. Aside from the election hashtags, emojis of the presidential candidates will also appear in your Tweet by using the following hashtags for each candidate: #PHVoteBinay, #PHVoteDuterte, #PHVotePoe,#PHVoteRoxas, and #PHVoteSantiago.

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Huawei launched its highly anticipated flagship device last Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at the Solaire Resort and Casino: the new Huawei Mate 8. A breakthrough in power and efficiency, the device features the world’s most advanced smartphone technology which sets a new benchmark of amazing performance and long battery life. A productivity-driven mobile phone with significantly enhanced power, efficiency and top-end spec, Huawei Mate 8 is the new choice for the Filipino business achievers and game changers.

South Pacific Region, Huawei Consumer Business Group President Mr. Peter Tong regards the new Mate 8 as a strong follow-up to the brand’s 440% revenue increase in 2015 and track record of delivering high-end devices that reflect global consumer demand and inspire loyalty in their users. Aiming for a 10% market share growth through various premiumization strategies and efforts to stay connected with Filipino consumers, Huawei Mate 8 delivers “the new style of business” concept ideal for today’s on-the-go professionals, adds Mr. Tong.

After the unparalleled success of penetrating the fierce smartphone market in the Philippines, Huawei introduces a new choice to the trailblazers and business elites whose everyday routine requires multitasking and unimpaired connectivity.

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The University of the Philippines Mining Engineering Society and University of the Philippines Geology Majors' Society, co-presented by Nickel Asia Corporation, in cooperation with Global Ferronickel Holdings, Incorporated, bring the FIRST EVER NATIONAL GEOLOGY AND MINING ENGINEERING CONVENTION, a week-long summit from March 8-11, 2016 that centers on the geology and mining industry of the country, with the theme "DIAGENESIS: Lithifying the youth, geology and mining engineering towards environmental protection and development”.

It aims to cater geology and mining engineering students, geologists, mining engineers and other people in the industry through its various events. The series of events of the convention are as follows.

Convention Registration Fee: FREE!

National GEM Convention Kickoff
Date: March 8, 2016
Time: 9:00am to 10:30am
Venue: UP Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

Description: The National GEM Convention Kickoff aims to formally introduce the objectives, events, the organizations and the people who have made this pioneering convention happen. There will be an official launch of the themed-exhibit with a progressive advocacy for the environment and responsible mining. FREE CUPCAKES WILL BE SERVED!

National GEM Lab Tour
Date: March 8, 2016
Time: 1:30pm to 4:00pm

Venue: UP DMMME Pilot Plant and UP NIGS Academic Laboratories

Description: The National GEM Lab Tour aims to introduce the students from other schools to the sophisticated and advanced laboratory equipment housed in the National Institute of Geological Sciences and the Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. LUNCH WILL BE SERVED!

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On February 23, 2016 the mobile application AksyonVAW made its debut in Google Playstore. But what is AksyonVAW all about?

Aksyon is the Filipino word for action, and VAW stands for violence against women. The app AksyonVAW is a project of the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA), a non-government organisation based in Quezon City that assists individuals and groups in their strategic and appropriate use of various means of information and communications technology (ICT). FMA partnered with 8 Layer Technologies, a free and open source company, to develop the said app.

This mobile application calls on users, especially women and girls, to take control of technology and strategically use any ICT platform for activism against gender based violence. It demonstrates the need for users to know their rights and to keep safe online.

AksyonVAW features three stories of technology-related violence against women – cyberbullying, identity theft, and online harassment. Each story has a scenario where the app user can help choose an action regarding the case. For example, a victim of cyberbullying in school can choose to report to school authorities about the incident or just keep quiet about it. If the user chooses one option, a resulting scenario appears. It has to be noted though that some of the responses to the cases are based on Philippine law. Tips on what to do in case of online abuse are also featured in the app.

The idea for coming up with such an app was inspired by FMA’s work on technology-related violence against women. Since 2012, it has started mapping cases on technology-related violence against women (see ph.takebackthetech.net).

The online mapping is part of a project that FMA has with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC). Other APC project partners in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Mexico, and Pakistan have also mapped similar cases in their own countries.

The app is now available for downloading but further improvements to it will still be added in the next few days.

Ping Lacson for Senator: My Crash Interview with the Senatorial Re-Electionist

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Look who I bumped into in the elevator on my way to a presscon at a certain building in BGC.

Funny is, I asked him if he was really Ping Lacson and not just someone who looks like him. He smiled and confirmed he is the senator we all know. I shook his hand and said "Hello, sir!" Then I looked away but after a few seconds of silence, he asked me where I was heading. I looked back at him and said I was going to a presscon and told him its on the nth floor of the building. He asked what it was about and I replied that it was about a corporate social responsibility program of a certain company. Then I looked away again facing the elevator door but after a few seconds of silence again, I looked back at him and jokingly said, "Can I also interview you later?" and I was surprised he agreed and told me where his office was and that I can come there after my presscon. That's exactly what I did!

The great thing about this moment is that he did not even know who I was and which media outfit I was representing. That's what I like about my future leaders - approachable and would not discriminate. He will accommodate you no matter who you are. It seemed like a long elevator ride for me, and was amazed I scored an instant interview schedule without setting any advance appointment with him.

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FHM, the Philippines' number 1 men's magazine, underwent a transformation in terms of its themes and aesthetics. FHM swerved a little bit beyond the usual look, content and concept that FHM readers grew to love for over 16 years.

In line with this, We would like to share with you the FHM March 2016 issue with Margo Midwinter, former Filipina-British model/ beauty queen housemate on Pinoy Big Brother: 737, as the cover girl and the reason behind FHM's new design from FHM's acting Editor-in-Chief Allan Hernandez.

Summit Media has offered to send us an actual copy of the magazine so watch out for more of our stories soon.

Criminal Minds Beyond Borders to Launch 17 March First and Exclusively on AXN in Asia

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Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders looks at the specialized International Division of the FBI tasked with solving crimes and coming to the rescue of Americans who find themselves in danger while abroad.

Created by Erica Messar as a spin-off to the highly popular Criminal Minds franchise, this new series examines cases of abductions, hostage taking, extortions, threats and other criminal activities posed by increased cross-border travel, globalization, and technology freedom.

The backdoor pilot was first introduced as an episode on the flagship show where an innocent family of four was abducted while vacationing in Barbados. The new series will continue to travel to Spain, Tokyo, Thailand, Mumbai and Paris investigating crimes that include the religion, culture and politics of the different countries.

Starring Gary Sinise as Unit Chief Jack Garrett a seasoned 20-year veteran of the Bureau, his team includes Clara Seger a smart, well-traveled and multi-lingual cultural anthropologist played by Alana De La Garza. Heart throb Daniel Henney is Matthew Simmons, a former military hero while Tyler James Williams plays the unit’s compassionate, brilliant tech analyst, Russ “Monty” Montgomery. Annie Funke rounds out the group as Mae Jarvis, the team’s fearless and fun medical examiner.

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The Department of Broadcast Communication, University of the Phillipines Diliman invites you to its annual student academic conference-- Mulat: The 6th Sining del Pilar.

Discover your favorite programs in a different light as the UP Maskom students discuss their critical papers in the "The Cecilia Lazaro Kritika Series". Watch and enjoy their daring new and never before seen audio-visual creations in the "Sineng Lito Tiongson: Broadcast and Emerging Productions"

Just drop by the UP College of Mass Communication from March 15 to 18!

This event is free and open to all media scholars, students, and enthusiasts. Mulat: the 6th Sining del Pilar. See you there!

Register for an NBA2K Online, Get a Chance to Win a Signed and Framed Stephen Curry Poster

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Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors are on the verge of re-writing the history books as they're near on breaking the 72-10 win-loss card of the vaunted 1995-96 Chicago Bulls squad, which is regarded as the best regular season record in the annals of the NBA.

For Curry, he continues to build his legend in each game. As proof, the reigning league most valuable player had just topped the season record for the most three-point field goals made, a record that he also established last season. The point guard currently has 288 three-pointers and is looking to add more with a number of games still left in the season.

NBA2K Online and X-Play Online Games are giving fans the chance to own a piece of history through the Register and Win Promo. One (1) lucky winner will be able to take home a signed, framed, and authenticated Stephen Curry "In Focus" poster/

In this simple yet rewarding contest, participants just need to register for an NBA2K Online game account. In doing so, a participant automatically gets five (5) raffle entries.

Further simple tasks are needed to complete the maximum of ten (10) raffle entries. To see these and the full mechanics of NBA2K Online Register and Win Promo, follow this link: https://nba2konline.ph/join-the-nba2k-online-register-and-win-raffle-get-a-signed-curry-memorabilia/

To experience today's most exciting online basketball game, check out the following links: