Flash Plus 2: Available Exclusively at Lazada on May 31

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The new Flash Plus 2 mobile phone will be exclusively available for P6990 (2GB) at Lazada on May 31, 2016. A 3GB version will also be available 1 month after for P8490. The Helio P10 processor powered smartphones are available in fashionable Luna Silver and Venus Gold.

A special launch was held by Flash Philippines on May 24, 2016 at the Penthouse level of Lepanto Building in Paseo de Roxas, Makati. Mr. Lei Zhang, Flash Philippines Country Manager, was present to answer our questions about the phones specifications and features. With him at the event were Sheree Gae Gayas, Flash Philippines Country Marketing Manager, and Kenneth Tung, Flash Philippines Business Development Manager fro E-Commerce. Also present was Inanc Balci, CEO and co-Founder of Lazada.

It was on August 2013 when the first Flash was introduced by Alcatel only to the Indonesian and Indian market. It was on May 2015 when Alcatel launched the Flash Plus exclusively through online shopping portal Lazada and broke records by selling 28 units per second. After a few months, September 2015, they launched Flash 2 exclusively again through Lazada with a tagline "Let's Mobigraph." It was only on May 17, 2016 when they introduced via online Flash Plus 2 or the More Than Metal. Starting May 2016 Flash is now an independent brand separating from Alcatel which will focus on its own line of products.

K-Start Up Grand Challenge 2016

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Seeking to expand your business overseas? The Korean government has organised a golden opportunity for start-ups to develop and grow through this competition. Your company will benefit through the close knitted mentorship with MNCs based in Korea like Samsung and LG, as well as monetary benefits and access to the Korean market.

The ultimate goal of the K-Startup Grand Challenge is to "promote the expansion of an open entrepreneurship ecosystem in Asia and to assist in South Korea's evolution into a permanent startup business hub in the region." The country's Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, is sponsoring the program. Accelerators including SparkLabs and DEV Korea are also backing the initiative.

Applicants of the K-Startup Grand Challenge will have an opportunity to vie for a number of packages and prizes, including a chance to come to South Korea and court investors. To start, companies will display their solutions this summer to vie for a spot at Demoday at Pangyo Tech Valley in Seoul. A total of 80 applicants will be invited to pitch their products and services in August 2016. The list will eventually be narrowed down to 40 startups that will advance to Demoday in December 2016. At this event, Korean and foreign investors will be invited to mingle and gauge the competition.

Power Mac Center at Abreeza Mall in Davao Opens

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The newly opened Power Mac Center Service Center at the 2/L Abreeza Mall in Davao is ready for all Apple device repairs.

Apple device owners in Davao and the rest of southern Philippines now have easier access to repair and maintenance services as premium reseller Power Mac Center opened its brand new service center in Abreeza Mall.

From a small in-store Service area, the newly opened Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP), which covers approximately 130 square meters, can now accommodate more device repairs and provide better service offerings for customers’ convenience. It is located at the second level of Abreeza Mall and operates from Monday to Saturday, at 10 A.M. until cut-off time of 7:30 P.M.

“Power Mac Center is now on its 22nd year and we are more than grateful to our Davao clients for the patronage. The opening of a bigger and better service center at the Abreeza Mall reinforces the importance to us of our clients in the south,” Power Mac Center Marketing Director Joey Alvarez said.

Manned by Apple Certified Technicians fully equipped to offer fast, reliable, and efficient repairs, the Abreeza Mall branch is among Power Mac Center’s eight service centers − the largest network of Apple Authorized Service Providers throughout Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Apart from diagnosis and repairs, the new service center also features various non-Apple products such as power banks, cables, and screen protectors for purchase.

Over the years, Power Mac Center has proven its reliability and expertise in servicing clients, having cemented its status as an Apple Premium Service Provider for 2016. Aside from the AASPs, its perpetually expanding network consists of 26 retail stores and two Apple Authorized Training Centers.

More information about its products and services may be obtained from any Power Mac Center branch or at www.powermaccenter.com.

Sony Channel Holds Fun Auction Event for The Art of More TV Show

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Kudos to Sony Channel for coming up with a very innovative event to promote their upcoming TV show featuring Dennis Quaid and Kate Bosworth, among many other stars of the show which premiered that night, May 24 at 8:50 pm Philippine time.

After a delightfully elegant five-course meal highlighted by superb wines, the crowd was ushered in to another room within Salcedo Auctions to introduce us to the world of auctions. Though I've seen how it works at other movies and TV shows, the feeling of being part of an actual auction was invigorating, but it makes you want to wish you had more money to spend.

It also introduced us to the power of collaboration as some attendees formed together to combine their money just to be able to outbid the other bidders. If I knew there would only be 10 items for auction, I would have negotiated with my seatmates at the very beginning. But I waited for a better item that would be useful for me as a blogger. Unfortunately, it was only kater that we were told there would only be 10 items for auction. 

Well, that's OK since I did enjoy having to anticipate the chance of winning some items which involved surprise or undisclosed items from Sony Channel. 

Kid Lightning Crew: Braving the International Dance Scene

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This year, Kid Lightning Crew will be representing the nation overseas again as they advance to the WORLD OF DANCE Finals in Los Angeles, USA on July 30, 2016. They will be the youngest contender among other Philippine qualifiers.

Kid Lightning Crew, founded in 2013, is the country’s pioneer junior division team to represent the country for international street dance competitions (i.e. Hip Hop International World Championships, Las Vegas ’14). The group, composed of students aged 11-15 years old, is founded and directed by Coaches Therese and Patricia Rivera.

Kid Lightning Crew Team Captains Corrine Limsin and Kyla Kingsu.
(Photos by: Sara Sarmiento)

A fundraising concert entitled: Braving the Daydream will be held on May 27, 2016 at 7:00pm in Ateneo De Manila University’s Henry Lee Irwin Theatre. Gates open at 6:30! This concert jointly features TRS Class of 2016! 

It’s never to early to start learning. Here is the youngest class from TRS summer workshops 2016

It’s never to early to start learning. Here is the youngest class from TRS summer workshops 2016.

Teens and pre-teens from TRS summer workshops 2016

Teens and pre-teens from TRS summer workshops 2016. 

The concert proceeds will support the 30 Kid Lightning Crew members, from different schools such as Immaculate Conception Academy (ICA Greenhills), St. Paul Pasig, Poveda and the School of the Holy Spirit, in their journey to WODLA, 2016.

Special guests include Legit Status, Dance X, Vavengers, Team Rocket, TRS Alumni and more! 

Kid Lightning Crew with their coaches at Hip Hop International Philippines

Kid Lightning Crew with their coaches at Hip Hop International Philippines (Nationals leg) 2016. 

Join ‘Kidlat’ as they champion youth potential and empowerment for the Filipino dance community. What better way to support than come through! Let their passion inspire you.

Tickets at Php200 each only! You may text 09063701001 for more details!

Instagram: @trs.kidlightning
Twitter: KidLightningPH
Facebook: TRS x Kid Lightning Crew 

https://www.facebook.com/trskidlightningcrew/?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/trskidlightningcrew/videos/1188831774490707/?pnref=story

Super Food and the World’s Best Restaurants on TLC

Wazzup Pilipinas!
This month, learn about the healthy and luxurious ways you can indulge only on TLC.

In The World's Best Restaurants, tune in to find out about the finest food, the most glamorous dining rooms and the exceptional chefs and serving staff who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of perfection. From a stunning underwater restaurant in the Maldives, an alfresco restaurant towering over Bangkok, exquisite New York City cuisine, three - Michelin star restaurants in Spain and Las Vegas, to destination dining in the depths of rural England and Japan, the series travels the globe to find places where the food is outstanding, the service impeccable and the experience truly out of this world. The World’s Best Restaurants premieres June 7, airing Tuesdays at 8PM. 

Jamie's Super Food is an exciting new series where you can learn how to eat your way to a healthier life. Jamie Oliver wants to revolutionize how we think about our health, advocating that we don’t have to choose between a love of food and a love of life. By learning from the world’s healthiest communities, he aims to inspire audiences to make small changes that will make a huge difference. This vibrant series will arm even the most casual cook with all you need to cook well and eat super food every day of the week. Jamie’s Super Food premieres June 6, airing Mondays at 8PM. 

Bataan Death March Commemmorated by Czech Community

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The above photo shows members of the Czech Community from Manila commemorate the Bataan Death March, including Czech Republic Embassy Consul Jakub Černý (second from left) and David Minol (left most).

Czech Community Honors Bataan Death March. The Czech community from Manila held on May 14 its third annual memorial tour of the 1942 Bataan Death March. For this year, participants traveled 102 kilometers from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga on bicycles. Consul of the Czech Republic Embassy Jakub Černý says, “After our first two memorial walks, we switched to commemorating the Death March with a bicycle ride to be able to finish the tour in one day and allow our other family members to join us.” This is Černý’s third straight year to participate in the annual memorial tour which finished in the old San Fernando train station.

14 Czechoslovaks were part of the 1942 Death March. Most of them came to the Philippines as workers of the Tomas Bata shoe factory while others were part of the Czechoslovak honorary consulate. After the attack on the Philippines, they voluntarily joined the defenders and seven of them sacrificed their lives for the liberty of this country.

Aspect Software Bolsters Cloud, Partnerships and ASEAN Region Through Leadership Appointments

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Aspect Software, a leading and award-winning provider of fully-integrated consumer engagement, workforce optimization, and back-office solutions is bolstering Aspect Cloud, partnerships and ASEAN region through leadership appointments in Asia Pacific.

“People are the foundation of everything we have achieved and everything we will achieve. As a company, we place the highest value on people and leaderships. We remain committed to work, serve and make the difference for our customers and partners. Sanjay, Richard and Shilpi are top talents who have leaned in, stepped up and helped make the difference with their proven leadership capabilities and expertise, while embracing our core values and culture,” states Jagan Narendran, Senior Vice-President for Asia Pacific and Middle East, Aspect Software.

Over the past few years, more organizations have increasingly embraced the benefits of cloud contact centers for their business. According to Frost & Sullivan, the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of Asia Pacific Cloud Contact Center is 14.1% till 2021, and ASEAN Cloud Contact Center is growing faster at 22.8% CAGR till 2021. This signifies the importance placed by companies to evolve and improve their customer service operations, as customers increasingly demand better service.

“As we build on our market momentum as a leading customer experience software provider and expand the footprint of our market-leading cloud portfolio in Asia Pacific with our strategic alliance partners, I am confident that Sanjay’s dedication and experience in this industry, coupled with his proven execution capabilities, will bolster our Aspect Cloud growth in the region,” said Jagan.

He continued: “As our Asia Pacific go-to market is mainly indirect, we plan to further strengthen our Channel ecosystem and are confident that this will provide further inroads and revenue growth opportunities for Aspect. In recognition of Ms Shilpi Puri’s excellent work in engaging with existing partners and being instrumental in bringing on board new partners and important alliances, I am delighted to announce her promotion to the role of Senior Director, Strategic Alliances and Partnerships for Asia Pacific and Middle East.”

Jagan added: “ASEAN continues to be an important market for us in Asia Pacific, and to allow for dedicated focus, I am pleased to appoint Richard Loberas as Head of Sales for ASEAN and Korea. Richard has been a consistent performer and will further build upon our ASEAN growth momentum.”

Sanjay, Shilpi and Richard will report to Jagan.

Aquabest Announces New Batch of Scholars

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Aquabest the country’s leading water franchise is pleased to announce the awarding of its new batch of scholars under its Corporate Shared Values (CSV) program.

Under its CSV program the company offers scholarships to the children of its deserving employees. The company has always placed an emphasis in the welfare of its employees and their families. This is driven by the company's realization that its people are its prime assets and as part of its Christian values.

Every year the company sets aside funds to help with the education of its employees in good schools that offer quality education. With the scholarship grants, the children of its employees get to realize their dreams and reach their full potential.

Since its inception the scholarship program has assisted dozens of children in getting the good education needed to succeed in their life. This year's scholars are: Aletheia Arellano, Grade 3 at Greenfield Academy, Danica Marie Boton, Grade 10 at Fortunato Halili National Agricultural School, Jianne Rhed Catapia, Grade 4 at PBTS Academy, Mabhe Dimple Esguerra, Grade 3 at Saint Jude Academy of Quezon City, Samantha Siervo, 2nd year at Mary the Queen College, and Scarleth Jane Cayetano, Grade 3 at Merry Mount Preparatory School of Quezon City.

Balay Mindanaw Awards 2016 Finalists Bared

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Barangay San Vicente of Sumilao, Bukidnon -- home barangay of the highly-acclaimed Sumilao farmers -- joins the cast of 20 finalists in the Balay Mindanaw Awards 2016 set to be held on May 27 at the Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro City.

This was announced by Balay Mindanaw president and founder Charlito “Kaloy” Manlupig who said the selection of the finalists was based on the outstanding community initiatives, land rights advocacy, resiliency projects, and peace dialogues of the nominated barangays.

Barangay San Vicente, where some of the Sumilao farmers hail from, is among the contenders in the Kaangayan Category for communities with outstanding local capacities in addressing issues of injustice and inequities.

To recall, the Sumilao farmers staged a major 28-day hunger strike in 1997 and a historic 1,700-kilometer march in 2007 which generated positive public opinion enough to help influence the passage of laws extending the CARP twice, covering 15 years with a total 200-billion-peso budget allocation.

Last April, they also made the headlines when they launched their 3,750-kilometer campaign caravan for vice-presidential candidate Leni Robredo from Barangay San Vicente, Sumilao, Bukidnon to Quezon City.

The other two Kaangayan finalists are Barangay Mimbuahan, of Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental and Barangay Tubo-Tubo of Cagwait, Surigao del Sur.

Cagayan de Oro’s Barangay Gusa and Barangay Lumbia make up the list of finalists in the Kalambuan Category for communities with outstanding initiatives in addressing poverty towards sustainability and viability.

Barangay Lawaan of Gingoog City and Barangay New Panay of Aleosan, North Cotabato complete the Kalambuan lineup of finalists.

Three barangays from Panay join the company of finalists in the Kalig-on Category for communities that have shown outstanding institutionalization and development of resilient initiatives and preparedness in facing disasters.

Barangay Manipolon of Estancia, Iloilo and Barangays Pinamihagan and Marita of President Roxas, Capiz compose the Kalig-on finalists along with Barangay Ban-ao of Baganga, Davao Oriental, Barangays Macasandig and Carmen of Cagayan de Oro, and Barangays Mat-e and Tawagan of Cagwait, Surigao del Sur.

Barangays Pagangan and Dunguan of Aleosan, North Cotabato are among the finalists in the Kalinaw Category for communities with outstanding local initiatives in transforming violent conflicts and building peace.

Rounding up the group of Kalinaw finalists are Barangay Diatagon of Lianga, Surigao del Sur, Barangay Tuburan of Cagayan de Oro, and Barangay Mahayahay of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.

The winners will be selected by a council of judges composed of 14 seasoned personalities with solid backgrounds on community development, peacebuilding, disaster management, and human rights and social justice.

Chaired by Edicio de la Torre and co-chaired by Archbishop Tony Ledesma, the Council is made up of Manlupig, Emma Leslie, Gerry Bulatao, Ma. Corazon Llanderal, Jose Noel Olano, Sylvia Paraguya, Ayi Hernandez, Teody Pena, David and Jane Langworthy, Ramon Chua, and Goldy Chan.

Winners will receive a specially-made trophy, which represents Balay Mindanaw’s vision for Mindanao as the bearer of hope and peace, is handcrafted by Jojo Sescon, a renowned international sculptor, environmentalist, photojournalist, and multi-awarded film maker from Mindanao.

The first-ever Balay Mindanaw Awards is part of the Balay Mindanaw’s 20th anniversary celebration.

“Through these awards, we will celebrate local victories in building empowered, sustainable, resilient and peaceful communities,” Manlupig said.