Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

WSOF-GC Announces Exclusive Japanese Partnership with DEEP Fighting Championships

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In a surprise announcement this afternoon at Hotel Sun Route Plaza Shinjuku, DEEP Fighting Championships President, Shigeru Saeki, announced during his press conference an exclusive partnership with World Series of Fighting – Global Championship (WSOF-GC). This deal also carries over to the other DEEP brands, to include Cage Impact and JEWELS. DEEP will be the one and only exclusive partner for WSOF Global inside Japan, as WSOF Global will be the one and only exclusive partner for DEEP outside of Japan, with the exception of the existing partnership already in place with Invicta Fighting Championships.

One of the interesting items about this new relationship points towards WSOF-GC qualifiers, as well as a potential tournaments to be dubbed “The Road to WSOF-GC”. This gives young, up-and-coming fighters an opportunity to know that they will be able to compete on international events outside of Japan and test their skills against some of the best fighters around the globe. Additionally, it was announced that DEEP’s end of year event would contain three WSOF Global title fights. The Road to WSOF-GC championship gold is now paved. Fans from Japan can look forward to a very fun, exciting end of year event between these two promotions.

Speaking shortly before the big announcement to the press, Saeki said, “I am very happy and thrilled about DEEP FC forming a partnership with WSOF-GC. I would like to thank both President Shawn Wright and Vice-President Jason Lilly for considering working with us. Moving forward, a 15-year old MMA promotion DEEP FC would like to provide all the support necessary to help them achieve success in Asia. Let's work together to achieve our goals!”

“DEEP is the premier fight league in Japan. Their consistent level of quality events and premium fighters attests to that,” states WSOF-GC Vice President of Operations, Jason Lilly. “Many great fighters have come through DEEP to go on to the UFC, such as Shinya Aoki and Ryo Chonan. Invicta’s reigning Atomweight Champion, Ayaka Hamasaki, also came up through the DEEP ranks, as did our own 125-pound star, Yusaku Nakamura. Even the legendary Akihiro Gono has competed for them. Whereas we now have this partnership in place, this is not to exclude DEEP fighters from having other opportunities outside of both of our organizations. It’s our mutual goal to promote these fighters and help prepare them for the next level, wherever that may be.”

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the Commission on Higher Education (represented by CHED Chairperson and PCARI Project Director Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan) and University of California Los Angeles campus (represented by UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block) held at the Office of the President, Quezon Hall, UP Diliman, last June 18, 2016.

The Philippine government, through CHED and its PCARI project, and the United States of America government, through UCLA, agreed to broaden and expand relations between the scientific and technological communities in both countries through research partnership.

The MOA signing was witnessed by PCARI Project Manager Dr. William G. Padolina and UCLA Vice Provost for International Studies and Global Engagement Department Prof. C. Cindy Fan. Also in attendance were CHED Legal and Legislative Service Atty. Carmelita Yadao-Sison, PCARI Deputy Project Manager Atty. Walfrido Gloria, UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gisela Concepion, and UP President Dr. Alfredo E. Pascual.

UCLA, ranked 13 among the world’s top 100 universities (London Times Higher Education), is home to several institutes that encompass trans-disciplinary and implementation science approaches in solving a variety of issues such as health system strengthening, climate change, and food security. The world-class expertise of UCLA in PCARI priority areas of Health Innovation and Translational Medicine and Information Infrastructure Development will establish strong linkages and enhance research capacity of selected Philippine HEIs.

UCLA is the fourth PCARI UC research collaborating institution after UC Berkeley, UC San Francisco, and UC Davis.

Wazzupm Pilipinas!

The country’s number one mobile brand, Globe Telecom, is changing the landscape of Philippine entertainment with the creation of Globe Studios and Globe Live which are designed to produce original shows, live events, and engaging world-class content that are fit for today’s discerning customers.

At the same time, Globe reveals the line-up of its new international content partners and improved broadband plans for a complete and immersive entertainment lifestyle.

Nowadays, dramas and movies are no longer confined to television and cinema as they can already be shared through social media via mobile phones. Globe Studios recognizes this and thus, brings the next generation of entertainment to mobile with original video productions from top film directors such as Erik Matti, Paul Soriano, Quark Henares, Dan Villegas, Sigrid Bernardo, Joyce Bernal, and Lav Diaz. Globe Studios is backed by local and Asian media houses such as Viva Films, Reality Entertainment, Quantum Films, Spring Films and Astro of Malaysia.

“Consumption of mobile entertainment has grown exponentially over the past years. Today, customers no longer wait for their favorite shows on their TV screens. Instead, they dictate what they want to watch when and where they want to. With Globe Studios, we will now produce our own clips, series and even movies. Backed up with the biggest director partners and entertainment companies in the industry, we are set to show what customers want today,” said Albert de Larrazabal, Globe Chief Commercial Officer.

On the other hand, due to the rising clamor towards personalization, another challenge is how to deliver the most engaging and creative events that will satisfy customers. Globe Live responds to this demand by leveraging on Globe Telecom’s wide experience in the live events industry to elevate production quality and at the same time, tap the wide distribution coverage of Globe to promote and assemble events that are of international size and quality.

“The caliber of events will forever change with Globe Live. We can now produce shows and events that are world-class, unique to customers and more accessible. Our years of experience in the industry added with our edge as a telco company will bring perfect partnerships to bring wonderful events to our customers,” said Joe Caliro, head of Globe Live and Globe Retail and Transformation Management.

Globe Live’s first foray in the theatrical scene is the staging of Green Day’s American Idiot, a Philippine production of the hit Broadway musical. Produced together with 9 Works Theatrical, American Idiot will be held at the new Globe Iconic Store in Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig which features two massive Times Square-like LED walls in a unique outdoor setup to accommodate thousands of people. American Idiot is composed of a star-studded talent roster headlined by Basti Artadi of Wolfgang, Miggy Chavez of Chicosci, former Rivermaya vocalists Jason Fernandez and Norby David, and veteran thespian Nel Gomez. The show is set to run from June 24 until July 10, 2016.

Royal Enfield Holds Grand Opening of its First Exclusive Store in Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There's an all new 972 sq.ft motorcycle showroom that recently re-opened after a major renovation. It's located at 7462 Bagtikan Street, San Antonio Village, Makati City, and it's called Royal Enfield.

We got invited to witness the grand opening and blessing of this fabulous new store that's ready to satisfy the craving of all Royal Enfield fans. Even motorcycle enthusiasts may suddenly want to purchase their own motorcycles after seeing these beauties proudly displayed at this amazing showroom where some decors came from motorcycle parts. I'm not a biker, but I might change my mine already after climbing into a few of these machines that somehow made me manly enough to want to ride it out of the store and show it off to everyone I pass on the streets.

True enough, these two-wheeled machines are works of art, and I kind of fancy the fact that we are encouraged to customize the bikes based on our preferences. That would surely bring out our imagination into the wild. I wonder what design I could think of to make these bikes stand out.

But why bother? They're already a beauty with their simplicity, yet would definitely make us look astonishingly good especially when we match it with those Royal Enfield branded shirts, jackets, boots, helmets, gloves and even belts.

I'm so excited to get an opportunity to ride one of these magnificent motorcycles as soon as they have a unit for testing.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Introducing the Ekobuds Lifetones! Affordable audiophile-quality earphones are now within reach. With 4 different colors to choose from, these earphones will suit anyone's mood and personality.

A Good Friend To Everybody. To Anybody.

The Ekobuds LifeTones can be used with most portable audio playback devices such as smartphones, feature phones, tablets, MP3 players, and is even useful for quickly auditioning professional audio interfaces.

Extra earcaps in various sizes are provided to help you find that perfect in-ear fit.

Welcomes You To The Cool Kids' Table.

To make the Ekobuds LifeTones not only sound good, but also look good, we took advantage of advanced CNC technology to craft every hardware component with stunning precision.

Sings Your Songs Perfectly.

The Ekobuds LifeTones is able to produce its distinct deep, warm, and clear sound with the help of moving membrane coil technology that responds to bass frequencies better and amplifies them in a way that nicely complements the entire audio frequency spectrum.

SPECS:

Driver Type: Single Moving Coil
Sensitivity: 91± dB
Impendance: 16 Ω
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
Cable Length: 120cm
Plug Pin: 3.5mm

SRP: 299

beep card & BGC Bus Tie-Up, a Win for Commuters

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Bonifacio Global City (BGC) employees, residents and visitors will enjoy carrying one less card in their wallets as AF Payments Inc. officially announced that its beep™ card is now accepted in all seven BGC Bus routes. It replaced the TapBGC stored value cards.

With the objective of making beep™ an all-in-one travel card for Filipinos, AF Payments Inc. started venturing with other public transportation operators in Metro Manila. It has recently outfitted all BGC Buses with the beep payment system and completed a limited public trial from June 11 to 26. Full roll-out will happen on June 27, Monday.

BGC is a financial and lifestyle district in Taguig City. It is home to contemporary office blocks, storied high streets, and parks. It has grown into an urban oasis of unique selections for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

“We want to make going around BGC much easier for workers and other visitors by simplifying the payment system. Now that we are live, the beep™ cards they used in the MRT and LRT can be used to pay for their BGC Bus rides. It’s a win for the commuters,” said Peter Maher, CEO and president of AF Payments Inc..

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The recent Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) bout between celebrities Baron Geisler and Kiko Matos has been a much talked about topic mainly because it was intended to settle a recent dispute between the two who quarreled over what would be considered as a trivial matter gone haywire due to arrogance and pride.

However, despite the hype and ballyhoo surrounding the feud, the fight between actors Kiko Matos and Baron Geisler ended in a draw in URCC Fight Night on June 25, 2016, instead of an expected intense bloodbath to settle their differences.

The judges ruled out 19-19 unanimous decision between the two fighters at the URCC Fight Night at Valkyrie, The Palace located in Uptown Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Kiko Matos and Baron Geisler hug it out after their fight. They hugged and made peace after their fight. Is this really the end of their rift?

The verdict may have been a draw but Baron Geisler gave credit to Kiko Matos for incurring more damage.

Do they want a 3rd round to settle the score? Baron Geisler and Kiko Matos are talking about a possible rematch. Is this likely to be a publicity stunt to once again entice the people to get excited for another URCC match. Was this all for show?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Not everyone can be a model. You need to have the "look" and "attitude" that would make you stand out among the rest. You need to be able to flaunt the outfit you are wearing to effectively promote it to the audience.

Prestige Models Management aims to train, manage, and represent aspiring individuals for them to further advance in their career in modeling.

Thus, all the training discipline you will need to be a promising model can be achieved if you join this organization which specializes on modeling.

Among the many event where the group joins to feataure their models is the Prestige Brand Ambassador 2016 Fashion Show that was held on June 18, 2016 at Fisher Mall in Quezon City and featured the James Paul Collection.

Several fashionable pieces were presented to the lucky guests who got to witness fabulous designs conceptualized by the featured designer, James Paul.

With white as the domineering color of the day, the models looked astoundingly vibrant presenting themselves and their outfits on the runway while impressed people admiringly ogle on the creatuve designs.

Microsoft and DepEd Hatch EGG - Self-Contained Classroom for Remote Areas in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Leading the launch of Microsoft and Department of Education's EGG, a mobile and self-contained classroom with Internet connectivity and its own water and power system, on June 24, 2016 at the DepEd Main Office are DepEd Undersecretary Rey Laguda, David Tapang Microsoft Philippines’ Education Lead and Microsoft Philippines’ Managing Director Karrie Ilagan.

This is not the first that a similar effort has been conceptualized by other organizations (both private and public) but what's new here is that the Internet connectivity will be coursed through the Whitespace technology (the unused VHF and UHF TV channels) which were recently made available when San Miguel Corporation (SMC) sold the 700 MHz frequency to telecommunication companies Smart/PLDT and Globe. Also, the Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) technology (a device that extracts water from humid ambient air. Water vapor in the air is condensed by cooling the air below its dew point, exposing the air to desiccants, or pressurizing the air. Unlike a dehumidifier, an AWG is designed to render the waterpotable) is being used to provide the water system, and solar panels for the power system.

Microsoft has also supplied Lenovo tablets for 16 seats and another 1 for the teacher or instructor. However, the seating capacity of the EGG can be maximized up to 32 students. The EGG also has a huge LED monitor to be used as additional tool in replacement of blackboards or whiteboards.

The EGG mobile classroom can completely run off-the-grid and can also double as a storm shelter for emergency cases. Below are illustrations to further show the details of the contents and functions of the EGG.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Thanks to its many great locations, retiring in the Philippines is a no-brainer, even if you’re a foreigner

With an estimated 7,407 islands featuring gorgeous beaches, upland communities, and busy metropolises, the Philippines offers retirement options for almost any person of any lifestyle. Thousands of islands can be challenging to choose from, especially if you are a nonresident retiree. Fortunately, by taking into combined consideration cost of living, the presence of basic necessities, and the overall retirement atmosphere of an area, it becomes just a little bit easier to narrow the list down.

1. Imus, Cavite

Imus, Cavite. Photo by Ramon FVelasquez via Wikimedia Commons

Imus is an ideal retirement location because it is very close to Metro Manila (approximately 19 km south of the capital), giving foreign retirees a quiet suburb to live in that is not too far from the conveniences of the capital. Earning cityhood in 2012, Imus itself is not one to lack in lifestyle amenities, as it is currently home to 14 commercial centers. While very urbanized, Imus still retains most of its provincial charm. There are also a number of residential developments to choose from, a few of which are upcoming projects by Ayala Land, Vista Land, and Megaworld.

Rent per month: Range from Php4,000 for a two-bedroom townhouse to Php13,000 for a three-bedroom house and lot

Hospitals: 5
Commercial centers: 14

2. Bacoor, Cavite

Bacoor, Cavite. Photo by Lawrence Ruiz via Wikimedia Commons

Widely described as a bedroom community where many of its residents are employees who commute to and from Metro Manila, Bacoor is currently transitioning from being a mainly agricultural economy to one that’s focused on residential and commercial development. Property developers have been keen on developing projects in rural–urban fringes like Bacoor, which will become the future southern terminus of the Manila Light Rail Transit System. Also, part of the city will be traversed by the future Cavite–Laguna Expressway, making travel to nearby Laguna very easy.

Along with several shopping centers, the city has a number of resorts, cultural landmarks, and festivals. And similar to Imus, it is very near Metro Manila but still has a laidback, rural atmosphere, making it an ideal place for retirees.

Rent per month: Range from Php6,500 for a three-bedroom house to Php25,000 for a house in Avida Settings Cavite

Hospitals: 8
Commercial centers: 14

3. Tagaytay City

Taal Lake and Volcano as seen from Tagaytay Ridge. Photo via Shutterstock

While widely known as a tourist destination, Tagaytay City is also an ideal retirement destination thanks to its cool climate. Located in relatively short distance from Metro Manila, it is still far enough to provide the peace and quiet that many come to the area for—not to mention spectacular views of the Taal Lake and Volcano. Although Tagaytay’s popularity as a vacation spot makes it quite costly to live in compared to the other cities on this list, Cavite’s agricultural areas ensure that fresh produce here at least is very cheap. Further, if retirees suddenly feel a need to soak up some sun, the sandy coves of Nasugbu are just a short drive away.

Hospitals: 2
Commercial centers: 4 (including partially opened Twin Lakes’ retail area)

4. Cebu City

Downtown Cebu City. Photo via Shutterstock

Among the Philippines’ top three cities, Cebu may not seem like the best place for a retiree. But on the contrary, it is actually ideal because of the comprehensive urban amenities it offers. And being an island locale, it is very near a good number of tropical resorts and natural attractions, including the white sand beaches of Mactan Island. Properties can sometimes be a little costly in Cebu given that it is a major city, but this also means that there are many options available in various estates developed by some of the country’s biggest real estate companies.

Rent per month: Range from Php18,000 for a two-bedroom townhouse in Lahug to Php140,000 for a five-bedroom house in Banilad

Hospitals: At least 16 major hospitals
Commercial centers: 29

5. Santa Rosa, Laguna

Santa Rosa City poblacion area. Photo by Ramon FVelasquez via Wikimedia Commons

Another area predominantly serving as a suburban residential community of Metro Manila, Santa Rosa is situated a mere 38 kilometers south of the National Capital Region. The premiere city and hub of South Luzon, the city is often called the Makati of the South due to its economic activity sans the density and level of urbanization. The city is popular for being the location of Nuvali, a massive estate developed by Ayala Land. Sta. Rosa is also home to a number of special economic zones, industrial parks, and master-planned communities resulting in the increase of the city’s comprehensive modern amenities.

Rent per month: Range from Php19,000 for a newly built house in Avida Parkway to Php80,000 for a five-bedroom house in Pramana Residential Estates

Hospitals: 9
Commercial centers: 11

6. Calamba, Laguna

View of Mount Makiling from Calamba. Photo via Shutterstock

Calamba is often referred to as the Resort Capital of the Philippines because of its many hot spring resorts located on the slopes of Mount Makiling. However, the city has as of late come to be known as a residential destination as well, thanks to the emergence of developments like Ayala-Greenfield Estates and Ciudad Verde.

To complement the resort-like living retirees can enjoy in Calamba, its local economy is fueled by a number of lifestyle and commercial centers, providing residents’ basic needs. If the city gets too crowded for a retiree’s liking, however, the very laid-back campus of the University of the Philippines Los Baños and the National Arts Center are just a short drive away.

Rent per month: Range from Php8,000 for a one-bedroom house to Php150,000 for a six-bedroom house in Brgy. Canlubang

Hospitals: 10
Commercial centers: 9

7. Subic Freeport Zone, Zambales

Subic Bay. Photo via Shutterstock

Renowned for being a former overseas U.S. military installation, the Subic Freeport Zone is perfect for foreign retirees who want to continue their American suburban lifestyle in the Philippines. Along with its duty-free shopping, there are also a number of great schools, hospitals, and hotels and resorts in the city. While there is plenty to do and see in the Freeport Zone, probably one its biggest draws as a retirement area is the location’s cleanliness and orderliness.

Hospitals: 3
Commercial centers: 5

8. Dumaguete City

Dumaguete City. Photo via Shutterstock

More popularly known as the “City of Gentle People,” Dumaguete City is the capital and primary seaport of Negros Oriental. Typical of a provincial capital of an island province, the city is full of beach resorts and dive sites, and is considered one of the best places for beachfront living on a budget. In fact, the city was listed among some of the most affordable and ideal places to retire to in the 2014 Retire Overseas Index.

Rent per month: Range from Php13,000 to Php18,000

Hospitals: 3 (tertiary)
Commercial centers: 5

9. Bacolod City

Bacolod City. Photo via Shutterstock

Identified by the Department of Science and Technology as a center of excellence for business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology, the city hosts a number of BPO companies and voice call centers. While this has resulted in rapid urbanization, sugarcane plantations and heritage houses are still typical sights in the city. Like the island locale that it is, Bacolod also has a number of beach and resort properties suitable for retirement.

Hospitals: 10
Number of malls/commercial centers: 20

10. Cagayan de Oro City

Cagayan de Oro Press Freedom Monument. Photo by Amarkgio via Wikimedia

Cagayan de Oro City has long been Mindanao’s melting pot. Situated along the northern shores of the island, its economy is driven by agricultural activity and real estate developments, most notably commercial and leisure projects. However, the city also offers plenty of natural attractions, including white-water rafting in Cagayan de Oro River.

While highly urbanized and currently ranked the 10th most populated city in the Philippines, Cagayan de Oro is ideal for retirement thanks to still being somewhat rural and laid-back but also being a place with plenty of leisure and medical facilities. The city is also very accessible, with regular scheduled flights to Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

Rent per month: Range from Php16,000 for a fully furnished three-bedroom house to Php90,000 for a five-bedroom, 400-sqm house

Hospitals: 11
Commercial centers: 18

11. Davao City

Davao City’s Chinatown. Photo by Shubert Ciencia via Wikimedia

Arguably Mindanao’s commercial and business center, Davao City is a budding business hub and a popular tourist destination that many expat retirees have chosen as their retirement destination. It helps that the United States, Japan, Palau, and Malaysia have consular offices here. For such a fast-growing city, the cost of living in Davao is relatively affordable. The city is served by an international airport with regular scheduled flights to Manila, Cebu, and even Singapore, while it is also a jump-off point to Samal Island for those who would like a weekend R&R.

Rent per month: Range from Php18,000 to Php90,000

Hospitals: 31
Commercial centers: 18

12. Baguio City

Baguio City. Photo via Shutterstock

Although Baguio City has experienced rapid urbanization in the last two decades, the City of Pines has retained most of its old charm. It continues to have the trappings of a highland resort, such as quaint B&Bs, cozy cafés, breezy tourist spots, and fresh produce from neighboring La Trinidad Valley. This, coupled with the cool climate, makes the city popular with vacationers and retirees alike. Although it is significantly smaller than other cities like Manila or Cebu, it is by no means inconvenient. It has a good number of commercial centers, BPO centers, good schools, and hospitals within its boundaries.

Rent per month: Range from Php13,000 to Php110,500 for a forest cabin-style property

Hospitals: 5
Commercial centers: 6

13. Tagum City

Kayaking in Nabintad River, Tagum City. Photo by S5Switch via Wikimedia Commons

Although this city has always been overshadowed by its more popular neighbor Davao City, Tagum (the provincial capital of Davao Del Norte) has been getting a lot of attention in recent years. It is cited as one of the most livable cities in the Philippines, and is home to a number of festivals including one that celebrates music and another that celebrates bananas (one of its main crops is the beloved fruit enjoyed all over the world). The city also has a number of good hospitals, branches of national banks, tertiary schools, and shopping centers, and is conveniently accessible to Davao’s international airport through the Pan-Philippine Highway.

Hospitals: 6
Commercial centers: 4

14. Lipa City

Lipa City’s poblacion area. Photo by Ramon F Velasquez via Wikimedia Commons

A recreational, religious, commercial, industrial, and educational center for the province of Batangas, Lipa City offers an adequate deal of urban amenities set upon a rural backdrop. Its location between Mount Malarayat and Mount Makulot gives it a relatively cooler climate compared to its neighboring towns, making it an ideal location for leisure estates that target vacationers and retirees alike. It is home to a number of health resorts, golf estates, and gated communities.

Rent per month: A typical newly built, three-bedroom house rents for Php25,000

Hospitals: 10
Commercial centers: 2 (major shopping malls)

15. Batangas City

Port of Batangas. Photo via Wikimedia Commons

The largest city and provincial capital of Batangas, it is deemed as one of the fastest growing cities in the Philippines. Dubbed as the industrial port city of the CALABARZON region, Batangas City’s economy is mainly driven by trade, services, and manufacturing. Despite all this, the city is still relatively laid-back. Living in Batangas City gives retirees a central location that is accessible to beach resorts and trek sites. It is also the jump-off point to Puerto Galera in Mindoro Island.

Rent per month: A typical newly built, three-bedroom house rents for Php25,000

Hospitals: 5
Commercial centers: 9

Main image via Shutterstock