Bloggers Are The New Superheroes

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Contrary to what others would say, blogs are supposed to be without any rules, without any restrictions, without any limitations. Our blogs, our rules! or more appropriate is : Our blogs, our

That is what makes blogs unique and different from traditional media publications that must abide by the so called "neutrality" or "non-partisan" guidelines which are somehow mostly defined by what the management dictates or requires of their writers. Indeed, I see a lot of biased publications around, and only one or two who is not afraid to share all the news, as is, where is.

I could still remember an issue about a giant mall but the news that came out were mostly seen only on online publications, specifically blogs or online news sites, which does not belong to a large media outfit.

We should blog based on our own personal viewpoints and sincerely share our own thoughts, and not be manipulated by fear of being scrutinized by fellow bloggers, or journalists, or being banned by brands who did not receive a favorable review from us.

We've been banned by a number of brands already because of our courage to fight against these goliaths who are obviously guilty of something but chose to use their influence and power to remove us from their list of media or bloggers. If they can order a news blackout, what more of discrediting bloggers who are just relaying the truth behind current issues.

Wazzup Pilipinas will continue with our advocacy of informing the people of what's good and bad for society. Bloggers who only share stories of good news do not reflect the complete truth. The world deserves only our honest opinions, and expects us to also share the darker and less flattering stories. When you blog of only the brighter side of life, you fool the people in thinking we are living in a perfect world. There is no such thing as a flawless world.

We will never fear the "goliaths" who continue to brainwash us with their junk services and products. We will commend the real individuals, or groups, who deserve more of our support than overrated mainstream garbage that keeps on dumbing down the masses with their ludicrous "tele-serye" that gives nothing but refurbished story lines pimped by popular stars, or noontime shows that only lures people to watch because of the promise of a small fortune from getting a prize from a contest or giveaway.

It is about time we focus on the real celebrities of our country - the performers who have real talent, the scientists and inventors who deserve some financing, the artists and creative minds with their vivid imagination, the hardworking startups, entrepreneurs and business owners of MSMEs, etc.

There are better "attractions" out there that deserve our attention and support. We simply have to look beyond the spotlight focused only on showbiz celebrities. I know there is nothing bad with showbiz, but when that's mostly what you offer all throughout the day, then you have to rethink of what you're doing to the country as a whole.

Now I only see people venting out their frustrations online on the many social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Online is where people find the courage to speak against an individual, a group or even the government. Since there's still no solid and concrete law implemented for anybody to go after you, many would resort to bashing, mocking and other forms of bullying. 

It is a very sad state we are into right now, and the bloggers who know the real purpose of a blog, can become the new superheroes who can bring back the happy days.

Surveys Are Only There to Mind Fuck Us

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Senator Sergio "Serge" Osmena III said that it may just be a tight fight between Duterte and Poe for the presidential position while Bongbong Marcos and Leni Robredo for the vice presidential spot. With Chiz Escudero nearby as third.

But that's just according to the surveys. We all know surveys are 100% accurate and reliable (and will never be reliable at any point of the immediate future), especially with Filipinos being scattered all over the country 's islands, and that most votes can also be found at far-flung provinces who have no access to social media or have not been reached by the surveyors.

Should we rely on what surveys say? and just pick among the top on their lists? Can't we do our own research about the candidates and choose wisely from our own findings?

Whether they admit it or not, the surveys are a form of conditioning the masses. It's one way of brainwashing the voting public. Never believe anything that you have not personally witnessed or learned.

Those who have the funds can practically craft their own promotional and intentionally exaggerated portfolios, ads, commercials, campaign propaganda, etc., and would definitely have an edge over the less affluent.

Most of these candidates would keep on saying they are not as well do as their counterparts, but we see their posters, ads, commercials, etc., everywhere. I would not debate with them if they will say they are donations from supporters, or financial support from those who believe on their leadership, or capacity to win. Whether they admit it or not, someone or some group(s) is banking on them. What do they give in return once they win this election? I don't think a simple thanks will suffice.

Overall, surveys further confuse us because they just give us a glimpse of  a fraction of the insights of a very few. They should not be allowed in the first place because surveys can obviously be used to either strengthen or weaken the lead of a candidate.

I know it is difficult to choose among candidates with their own imperfections and issues. But it's better to choose the lesser evil on our own rather than let others do the choosing for us.

Book Museum Cum Ethnology Center of Marikina Tour

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In the absence of actual travel, they used to say reading books, magazines or newspapers is the most affordable, fastest and easiest way to learn more about different destinations, cultures, traditions and other worthwhile stuff about our country and the world.

However, in these times when books are quickly being replaced by online content from blogs and social media networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and so many others, publications of traditional media outfits have immediately embraced the impending death of the printed form of publication and has incorporated their own online version to keep up with the times. They have now invested heavily on the management of online content to support their printed materials. Whether they publicly admit it or not, they are destined to die sooner than expected. Nothing can stop us from evolving and developing towards the more reasonable ways.

The Internet now rules when it comes to online promotion and presence since most of us just Google search for information using our Internet-connected smartphones and the convenience of Wi-Fi connectivity almost everywhere. From coffee shops to hotels, to malls and even government offices, the Internet has become no longer a luxury but a necessity for everyone, that they are all offering Internet connectivity for free.

Though most book buyers these days just purchase books to add to their personal home library collection, some would still say reading the actual book remains somewhat therapeutical. There is simply the incomparable feeling of flipping the actual pages of a book that would never comes close to swiping or tapping away from our smartphones or tablets.

The development of this trend is not only beneficial to the survival of our trees as we would no longer have to cut them down just to print paper for the publication, but it also made information to be effectively shared to the most number of people possible. Thus the words "viral" and "trending" has become an "IN" terminology that forever changed the way we send and receive information.

This is probably why there is now what they call a Book Museum cum Ethnology Center. Where else would these quickly decaying publications finally reside but at a museum - to be preserved and protected so that the next generation would still be able to see them when they are totally gone from this world.

Singtel Group’s Go Ignite Opens Doors to Local Startups

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The most promising local growth startups working on solutions in the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, content delivery, cyber security, or customer experience enhancement space have a huge new opportunity to scale their business through Go Ignite, the recently-announced innovation alliance of the Singtel Group with its European counterparts.

The alliance, composed of the innovation arms of Deutsche Telekom (hub:raum), Orange (Orange Fab), Singtel (Singtel Innov8), and Telefónica (Telefónica Open Future), offers to help top startups in the Philippines and abroad find business development opportunities, accelerate the commercialization of their innovations and bring their business outside their home market. Up to five innovative startups will be selected for the program: the global call for startups to apply will be open until 11:59PM CET on April 30, 2016. Applications are submitted via the Telefonica Open Future platform. Shortlisted startups will be invited to pitch to the Go Ignite Alliance members.

“We are thrilled to see developments like Go Ignite giving Philippine startups a path to penetrating the global market. Through the collective resources of these four major global carriers, any startup shortlisted to the top five would have a wealth of opportunities and services to help them accelerate their global growth aspirations,” said Minette Navarrete, President of Kickstart Ventures, Inc., a wholly-owned venture capital firm of Globe Telecom which is also a part of the Singtel Group.

Kickstart is a founding member of Singtel Group’s Innov8 Sparks, a network of technology startup support and funding initiatives. Kickstart helps startups by breaking down barriers that prevent founders from accessing capital, mentors, and markets. The VC firm’s network of business connections build virtual bridges to enable close and relevant engagement between the business community and startup founders.

DOTC, LTFRB Launch Alabang-Makati P2P Bus Service

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As part of the Department of Transportation and Communications’ (DOTC) program to modernize the public utility bus (PUB) system, the DOTC and the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have launched a third point-to-point (P2P) route between Alabang and Makati.

“Residents from southern Metro Manila and parts of Cavite will now have a more convenient transportation option that will provide them significant travel time savings and enhanced passenger experience when traveling to the central business district,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.

The winning operator, RRCG Transport, will have pick-up points at Alabang Town Center in Alabang and Greenbelt 1 in Makati.

“We hope that other bus operators will also join us in our bid to raise the standards for public transportation by offering higher quality services to commuters,” added Abaya.

The P2P routes that are currently operational are Trinoma-Makati, offered by Froehlich Tours, and Ortigas-Makati, offered by HM Transport. Another route will be available this week, which is the North EDSA-Ortigas. More services will be launched in the coming weeks once the operators acquire new buses for the Alabang-Ortigas and Fairview-Makati routes.

The P2P bus service is a new PUB category created by the DOTC that offers commuters another safe and reliable mode of transportation. It allows shorter travel time, as buses depart on a fixed schedule and travel directly from the terminal to the drop-off point.

Diyos-Diyosan: A Timely Movie On Pinoy Faith And Politics

Wazzup Pilipinas!

dIYOS-DIYOSAn is a socio-political/spiritual treatise that highlights the roots of the country’s current political struggles and economic hardships—the focus on money and power by its leaders.

The film seeks to open the eyes of Filipino millennials to the realities of what a true leader should be, and is expected to be a media catalyst for the large percentage of undecided voters.

Its timing is perfect as it opens shortly before the Philippine national elections.

It is hoped that freedom-loving Filipinos draw inspiration from the film’s lessons and use this as a guiding principle in eventually choosing the rightful and deserving leaders who could change the country’s course for the better.

Directed by Christian film director Cesar Buendia, the movie stars top-caliber actor John Prats and veteran actress Princess Punzalan, with a stellar supporting cast that includes Kiko Estrada, Cheska Diaz, Lorenzo Mara, Vaness del Moral, Glaiza de Castro, Tirso Cruz III and many others.

Celebrating the Dawn of a New Decade for Filipino Creativity and Ingenuity:Global Pinoy Bazaar 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Yabang Pinoy, the pioneering Filipino pride movement, will embark on a new journey that will unfold the creativity and ingenuity of Filipinos through different products, ideas and services in this year’s edition of Global Pinoy Bazaar—one of the biggest and long-running all-Filipino bazaars that showcases one hundred percent local products made with love and pride.

Ever since the movement began in 2005, Yabang Pinoy has made a significant effort in changing the consumer mindset of Filipinos—that choosing and prioritizing anything Filipino should be an everyday option and, in the long run, a habit. Through Global Pinoy Bazaar, local brands receive leverage and an equal chance to be recognized by the purchasing public.

This year, as Yabang Pinoy celebrates another decade of Filipino creativity and ingenuity, Global Pinoy Bazaar will be done in three (3) separate and distinct occasions: 16th Global Pinoy Bazaar (Philippine Independence Edition) on June 30 to July 3; 17th Global Pinoy Bazaar (Made in the Philippines Edition) on August 10 to 14; and 18th Global Pinoy Bazaar (Paskong Pinoy Edition) on December 7 to 11. All three bazaars will be held at Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City.

Apart from the new and returning brands, this year’s line-up of bazaars will feature distinct zones that will cater to specific causes. DISTRICT ZONE will house brands that sell art and designs. On the other hand, FOODSOURCE ZONE is a collaborative area that features packed and processed foods and beverages. There will also be the SOCIAL ENTERPRISE ZONE that boasts the products from companies that supports a cause.

Come and discover what Filipino ingenuity is all about, because there are a hundred and one ways to define it.

Please visit www.yabangpinoy.com or e-mail globalpinoy2016@gmail.com for more information.

UP Circle of Entrepreneurs Proudly Presents Tidal

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Get wet and wild as the UP Circle of Entrepreneurs brings you TIDAL, a ground-breaking event that introduces the ultimate pool party experience to college students all over the Metro, through its laidback atmosphere, fun-filled games and exuberant drinking opportunities, happening this April 30, 2016, at the World Trade Exchange Event Venue in Binondo, Manila.

Party guests will not only get to taste drinks with special twists, like cocktail popsicles and jello shots, which will be launched during the party, but they can also get down to the sickest beats from our hot up-and-coming DJs: DJ Sparce, DJ Gallo, and DJ Molina.

Finally, to cap the night off, expect nothing but the best as TIDAL launches a foam party that will surely take your summer experience to a whole new level leaving you this one unforgettable night.

Gates open at 9 PM and tickets cost 300 pesos each before the day of the event & Php 350 on the day itself. For tickets and inquiries, you can contact Nestor at 0916 121 3352 or Mela at 0926 127 9765.

This event is brought to you by the UP Circle of Entrepreneurs together with Zalora and Miller Genuine Draft in cooperation with The Hershey Company, We the Pvblic, Close Up, BusinessWorld University, and PageOne.ph, also brought to you by Gold Stack PH, Tipsy Box, Philippine Association of Food Technologists - Alpha Chapter, DZUP 1602, ClickTheCity.com, WazzupPilipinas.com, Monster Radio RX 93.1, and MTV Pinoy, special thanks to Megawatt PH, La Filipina, and Garage 88, and supported by Maroon FM, Magis Radio, and Tomasian Cable Television.


To know more about Tidal,

Like them on Facebook: facebook.com/TidalMNL

Follow them on Twitter: twitter.com/tidalmnl

My Guidelines to Voting for the Right Government Official

Wazzup Pilipinas!

1. Citizen Involvement. Success cannot happen when we work individually without consulting others. It requires collective action among all concerned - and that is the reason why we should vote for those who agrees that a government should allow each and everyone of us the opportunity to be involved in all matters needing of evaluation and decision. Decisions should not be limited to only the designated cabinet officials so they should allow civilian representatives from each sector of society to take turns in attending meetings and sessions where matters of public concern are tackled.

2. Implementation of Transparency. He should also be in favor of a government open to implement the FOI or Freedom of Information bill so that accountability can be easily monitored and audited. Only those who have something to hide are afraid to pass the bill. Thus, many will continue to try to delay or ignore the implementation of such bill until they've hidden their trail of deceit.

3. End of Unfair Labor Practice. The presidential candidates talk about ending contractualization. I will salute the person who will fight to end this even if he or she does not win as president. It takes guts to go against the large corporations which has been taking advantage of workers for several years already, and I say "boo" to the people already in position who never did anything to contradict this injustice during his or her term. You don't need to be President to fight for such an oppressive act.

4. Extensive Money Laundering Investigations. Aside from casinos, I will vote for the person who will extend the probe to real estate, the high profile collectibles and art pieces, glamorous events, etc., There are several ways to launder money and the incident with RCBC opened our eyes to the sad truth on how the affluent can easily get away with such atrocities.

More soon at http://www.wazzuppilipinas.com #Wazzuppilipinas Wazzup Pilipinas

PiliPinas Debates 2016: Live Blogging the Last Presidential Debate at the University of Pangasinan

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We are live blogging the PiliPinas Presidential Debates happening live at the PHINMA University of Pangasinan where Binay came first, then Poe, then Duterte. Roxas and Santiago arrived next. In just a few minutes, the last presidential debate will start. Are you ready for it?

Hope this last debate will be a great help to enlighten us who to vote this coming election. With just two weeks left before election, Please do watch the final leg of #PiliPinasDebates2016 right now!

Karen Davila and Tony Velasquez moderates the presidential town hall debate format. The presidential candidates are called in one by one: Binay, Santiago, Duterte, Poe and then Roxas. That introduction felt like a UAAP intro.

I hope Presidential bets focus on platforms, not on personality attacks so voters can pick intelligently! We are expecting to see an intellectual debate and not just another comedy skit. Hopefully everyone will follow the rules and will stick on the issues...No More EPAL. We hope the candidates will debate fairly and will not throw shades to each other the whole time.

Eric Santos sings the national anthem of the Philippines.

Presidential candidates are asked this question "Kung ikaw ay mahahalal na pangulo, paano mo maisasalarawan ang Pilipinas by 2022, pagkatapos ng iyong termino" as introductory speech. Duterte follows. Binay as third. Poe as forth and then Roxas.