Manila X Festival Exceeds Expectations

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Last Saturday, June 04, Manila X exceeded expectations as the first ever proudly local style and music festival in the country. The grandest fusion of music and fashion brought a multi-sensual feast accessible to every Filipino

Zalora was the first to present its romantic summer collection with music from The Juans Thyro and Yumi. This was followed by Myrrh Lao To's Coachella show led by stars Angel Locin, Pokwang, K Brosas, KZ Tandingan and Ylona Garcia. Up Dharma Downserenaded the crowd with their laidback hits as models strutted the runway.

John Paul Dizon went sleek with sophisticated looks to match his celebrity models led by Wynwyn Marquez, Jake Ejercito, Phytos Ramirez, Yasser Martha, Koreen Medina, Pauline Medina and Roxanne Barcelo. This was accompanied by performances from Kiana Valenciano and Yeng Constantino in collaboration with DJ Mars Miranda.

Takeda Digital Healthcare Innovation Challenge Launched First in PH, 10 Days Left to Apply

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. launched the Digital Healthcare Innovation Challenge in a TechTalks.ph meetup last 19th May 2016 at A Space Makati. The Takeda Digital Healthcare Innovation Challenge, also known as Takeda DHIC, is a search for digital solutions in the area of Oncology. It is the first time for Takeda Global to hold this event. Philippines was the lucky country they chose to pilot from among their emerging markets.

Mr. Gabriel Georgy, Country Manager of Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc., with his leadership team, graced the event. The meetup became a venue to share Takeda’s commitment to innovation and discuss the current status of digital healthcare in the Philippines.

It was an interesting presentation from the panelist including Mr. Georgy himself; Jerome Wang, Digital Explorer for Emerging Markets of Takeda Pharmaceutical which is based in Singapore; and the invited speakers, Dr. Iris Thiele Isip-Tan from UP Medical Informatics, and Dr. Ryan Banez, founder of Healthylitics.

“Takeda is committed to innovation, and that is what we do every day and we are going to extend this. We want to come up with digital innovations and technologies that would improve the lives of those we care about - patients and their loved ones, physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals,” said Mr. Georgy.

Franchisers Optimistic on Entrep Growth Under New Admin

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI) has expressed big hopes for entrepreneurs after hearing President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s plans for the sector over the last few days.

Duterte has bared his 8-point economic agenda, which his administration plans to implement once he officially assumes office. He has also vowed to end red tape and corruption in the government to fast-track business processing, promising to cut business registration to only three days.

“We’ve been hoping to hear something like this from our would-be leader even before the elections,” says AFFI Executive Vice President Ricardo Cuna. “We’re ranked pretty low in terms of ease of doing business here in the country, and that’s primarily because of our current entrepreneurial ecosystem. I think most of us in the industry agree that it’s the first thing we need to improve.”

Cuna cited the latest World Bank Group’s Doing Business 2016 report, where the Philippines ranked 103rd out of 189 economies with regard to “processing business permits and registrations”. It also came 6th place among its ASEAN counterparts, with Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, and Vietnam outranking the country for the first five slots.

“This situation is one of the factors that slows down the growth of entrepreneurship in the country. Hearing directly from President-elect Duterte that he plans to focus on resolving that gives us confidence that this will all change soon,” mused Cuna.

Gordita Supreme: A Tasty Twist at Taco Bell

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Taco Bell launched the new Gordita Supreme last June 8, 2016 in their Gateway Mall branch.

Gordita Supreme is touted as a best selling and well loved taco in other countries such as US and UK. It is available in the Philippines for a limited time.

It features a tasty twist and a next level taco experience.

It is truly a delight to the tastebuds with its right combination of seasoned beef, fresh shredded lettuce, cool sour cream and diced tomatoes in a warm pillowy flatbread..

Bloggers were enjoined to view how the Gordita Supreme was prepared.

Taco Bell also has a promo for the Gordita Supreme. Titled Snap & Share, 10 lucky pairs could each get a Gordita Supreme combo by sharing a photo of their Gordita Supreme on either Facebook or Instagram.

CE FOCUS 2016: Green Urbanization Symposium

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Civil Engineering Society of De La Salle University - Manila brings you CE Focus 2016: Green Urbanization Symposium. CE Focus 2016 is a one-day symposium that aims to promote and advocate green building and its environmental, economical, social and health benefits in today’s global status. With the nation’s leading experts such as Dr. Alvin Culaba, Arch. Rowena Ramos, Mr. Alexander Ablaza, Arch. Felino Palafox and Dr. Ricardo Sigua, it would surely be an event that any engineer and architect could benefit from. This is surely an event to be checked out from your academic bucketlist!

The registration process is divided into three (3) options. Follow the procedures for each option below:

Option A: Individual Registration

1.  Accomplish the online registration form at bit.ly/GUS2016-reg. You will receive an email confirming the receipt of your form.

2.  Deposit the registration fee to the following BDO account:

Account name: Rupert Joseph R. Mella

Account number: 004580415070

1.  Send a scanned copy or photo of the bank deposit slip to dlsuces.gus@gmail.com. This may be done as a group.

FILENAME & SUBJECT: GUS2016_BDS_<School Initials> (e.g. GUS2016_BDS_DLSU)

CONTENT: Name of participants whose payments were made

1.  Wait for an email confirming your registration. Kindly inform us if you have not received an email within two (2) working days of sending the photo of the deposit slip.

Option B: Group Registration

Register as a group to get big discounts! A representative of the group must accomplish the following by June 13, 2016.

1.  Download and accomplish the group registration for at bit.ly/GUS2016-group-reg.

2.  Collect and deposit the payment of all the participants to the following BDO account:

Account name: Rupert Joseph R. Mella

Account number: 004580415070

3.  Send the accomplished group registration form and scanned copy or photo the bank deposit slip to the dlsuces.gus@gmail.com. You may send the form first, then send the bank deposit later (on or before June 13, 2016).

FILENAME & SUBJECT: GUS_<FORM/BDS>_<School Initials>_group

e.g.      if submitting both the form and bank deposit slip:

GUS2016_FORMBDS_DLSU_group

if submitting the form only (BDS to follow):

GUS2016_FORM_DLSU_group

4.  Wait for an email confirming your registration. Kindly inform us if you have not received an email within two (2) working days of sending the photo of the deposit slip.

Option C: DLSU Booth Registration

From June 13-16, there will be a registration booth in DLSU where Lasallians can register (regular registration). For those who have already registered as an early bird or as a group, you may also settle your payment at the booth. Further details will be announced through Facebook page.

For more information and for interested participants, you may visit CE Focus 2016: Green Urbanization Symposium Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CEFOCUS2016/ or you can contact Ms. Danielle Tan at 0922 823 5211 for details. See you there!

Of Independence, Freedom and True Filipino Hospitality

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118 Years of Bitter-Sweet Independence

It was the 12th of June 1898, at the Balcony of the Aguinaldo residence in Kawit, when the general himself waved the first flag of the Philippines and proclaimed the independence of the country from the Spaniards. It was a bitter sweet memory as the Filipino people embraced the freedom and autonomy that many men fought and died for centuries ago – the glory of the first republic.

With some stumbling blocks along our path, here we stand at the dawn of the 16th Republic as the great grandchildren of the generations before us, enjoying the finest wine that aged through time – the wine of Democracy.


Five Years of Freedom, and Two fruitful years of True Filipino Hospitality

It is known to many foreign lands that Philippines is the most hospitable race in the planet. Every Filipino home knows how to esteemed their guest, and provide them with utmost comfort during their visit. This is a trait that made Filipinos remarkable, most especially, in the industry of Tourism and Hospitality.

And in this industry – a highly competitive one – lies a remarkable hotel located in the heart of Ortigas Central business district. A place that provides true Filipino Hospitality at its finest – The Linden Suites.

Miss Global Philippines 2016 Coronation Night Candidates in Swimsuit

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Congratulations again to all the winners of Miss Global Philippines 2016 held on June 4, 2016 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila.

Miss Global Philippines 2016
Miss Camille Hirro

Tourism Ambassador 1st runner up
Miss Perlyn Ocampo

Tourism Ambassador 2nd runner up
Miss Janelle Olafson

Tourism Ambassador 3rd runner up
Miss Sammie Anne Legaspi

Tourism Ambassador 4th runner up
Miss Christine Horstmann

Below are the striking candidates in all their glory wearing only two piece bikinis during teh swimsuit portion of the event.

I just hope that the new government led by its new president, Rodrigo Duterte, would not abolish the swimsuit portions of every beauty pageant as we believe it is necessary to actually see what our ladies look like without clothes that would most of the time hide the imperfections or flaws. We deserve winners with beautiful bodies to be among the many factors of a beauty queen aside from being smart and having pleasing personalities.

Globe Secures Support Of DOTC In Bid To Make Mobile Connectivity More Pervasive

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Agreement with MRT Line 3 expected to improve mobile internet experience of riding commuters and customers along EDSA

Above photo shows Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu (2nd from right) shakes hands with MRT Line 3 General Manager Roman Buenafe (2nd from left) following the signing of a memorandum of understanding to provide mobile internet and wifi to commuting public along EDSA. Joining them are Joel Agustin (right), Globe Senior Vice President for Project Governance and Joel Erestain, MRT Line 3 Head Executive.

Globe Telecom secured the support of the DOTC to use train stations around the metropolis to host network infrastructure that would significantly improve the mobile internet experience and connectivity of the commuting public.

The company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Metro Railway Transit (MRT), an attached agency of the Department of Transportation and Communication allowing Globe to deploy wireless internet infrastructure in all MRT Line 3 stations along EDSA.

“In line with the two organization’s commitment to continuously improve the lives of its customers and the Filipino people in general; this partnership is a milestone that is expected to improve the experience of the public riding the MRT, including those in the communities surrounding the MRT stations. With the support of government agencies such as the operators of the MRT Line 3, we hope to change the experience of our customers in high foot traffic areas and strategic locations such as public transport systems,” said Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Program Governance, Network Technical Group, noting that many of the company’s customers seek internet connectivity not only in their offices or at homes but even while they are in transit.

“By providing a reliable mobile and Wi-Fi internet connectivity, our customers will be able to catch up on emails, keep updated on online entertainment and other communication requirements to further enhance their digital lifestyle even while on their way to work or after work,” he said.

Agustin said the project will also help address existing challenges on mobile signals along EDSA especially during rush hours. The additional capacity brought by the macro sites and small cells deployment will help decongest peripheral areas around the train stations, providing improved mobile experience to customers. In addition to expanding network capacities in major areas where there is commuter traffic, Globe will also provide free Wi-Fi services in all MRT Line 3 stations. This is expected to benefit about 350,000 who will have free Wi-Fi access for 30 minutes daily.

Globe has set aside for 2016 a capital expenditure of $750 million, bulk of which will be used to boost data capacity and expand network reach. In line with its vision of ushering in a digital nation, the network build will also increase the capacity of its network for both mobile and wirelines using different technologies including 3G, LTE and Wi-Fi. In addition, Globe also launched early this year an initiative of creating an internet superhighway by deploying fiber optic cables in 20,000 barangays all over the country to provide faster and more reliable Internet access in about 2 million homes nationwide. The infrastructure build is expected to take 5 years and will extend network coverage to more areas that currently have no connection or spotty service. 

Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2016: The Sidney Perez Sio Collection

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"Running a successful fashion house requires 90% business accumulate and 10% artistic ability. Most Fashion houses start – ups are manage by the designers themselves who, whilst strong on the design font, may have only a very rudimentary understanding of the business of fashion, as a result, although thousands of talented fashion designers graduated every year, most new fashion designers start – ups fail." - Sidney Perez Sio
Another fashion designer who showed off his fabulous creations at the Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2016 held at the Discovery Primea is Sidney Perez Sio who wowed the crowd with his playful designs.

The experience of competing on an International level boosted his confidence, which pushed him to try out his luck in the mainstream of American fashion in New York. His four-year stint in the United States proved to be most fulfilling, Highlights of which include employment with the prestigious Milo’s Events and Promotion Agency in Manhattan. It took no less than an enticing offer from renowned designer Inno Sotto to work as fashion Stylist & production designer, for Sidney to pack his bags and return to the motherland.

"I like the playfulness of Sidney Perez Sio's design. It is something that I would see in Vogue Nippon. It is sweet and very on-the-street. The homage to the Filipino aesthetic was also there." - Jernih Agapito

Congratulations to Sidney for his masterpieces. His designs are superbly done as he can express himself to the maximum. He has that “Now or Never Attitude” for he just do it and is a result oriented person who considers himself very productive.

Below are some of his designs worn by top models during the Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2016.

MSFT Incentives Businesses to Bring Affordable Internet to Scale

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Microsoft announced it has awarded seed grants and resources to 12 small businesses, in 11 countries, to help scale their solutions to increase affordable internet access in communities in underserved markets.

In the Philippines, the grant received by Wi-Fi Interactive Network Philippines will enable them to further their mission of using TV White Space to reach areas where Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is not available all across the country’s more than seven thousand islands.

Peggy Johnson, EVP of business development at Microsoft, shared more about Microsoft’s approach to partner with local entrepreneurs in tackling last-mile connectivity challenges in the article below:
At Microsoft, we believe that technology can empower everyone to achieve more. And for much of the world, it already has. You’re probably reading this on a laptop, tablet or smartphone, each connecting you to the incredible benefits of the Internet.

But for 4 billion people – more than half the world’s population – the benefits of digital technology remain out of reach.

To these communities, technology represents opportunity. The Internet can connect an expectant mother with her doctor, even if they’re hundreds of miles away. With a basic mobile phone, a rural smallholder farmer can access financial services like microloans and online banking. And with a simple Wi-Fi connection, any child can take online courses from the world’s best schools.