Berlin-Based Violin Virtuoso Iskandar Widjaja And World-Renowned Pianist Itamar Golan Comes to Manila for the First Time in “ Passion Flight ” on November 30

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine Suzuki Association (PSA) proudly presents the one-night-only first Philippine concert titled " PASSION FLIGHT” featuring ISKANDAR WIDJAJA, Berlin-based violin virtuoso and ITAMAR GOLAN, world-renowned collaborating pianist on November 30 at 4 pm - Fleur de Lis Theater, St. Paul University Manila, Pedro Gil, Malate.

" PASSION FLIGHT " is a Fundraising Concert of the benefit of PSA Teacher Development Program, Scholarships, and the forthcoming 2018 Asia Region Suzuki Conference in Manila.

Born in Berlin, Iskandar Widjaja began playing violin at the age of four, at first with the Suzuki method under Susan Mann. At eleven, he was accepted as an extraordinary student at the College of Music in Berlin, where he studied with Ursula Scholz and Joachim Hantzschk. Furthermore, he studied at the Julius Stern Institute Berlin– the pre-college division for the highly musically gifted. After completing secondary school, he studied violin at the University of the Arts in Berlin with Prof. Uwe-Martin Haiberg and Prof. Ilan Gronich, which he completed in 2010.

Iskandar’s debut CD “Bach ‘n’ Blues” was released worldwide by OehmsClassics in 2011 to great critical acclaim by press and recommendation by Bavarian, Hesse, and Northgerman broadcast.

His second album ,"Precious Refuge-Works by J.S.Bach", recorded with the Berliner Camerata, was released in April 2014 with notable reviews and recommendations by FonoForum, NDR, BR Klassik, Deutschlandradio Kultur, the Strad, Pizzicato magazine and was named "CD of the month" by Rondo magazine.

Tatlong Linggong Pag-Ibig All Set to Open on Nov. 11

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Naaalala mo ba yung tamis ng unang halik ? Eh yung pait ng una ‘mong break-up ? Yung first date mo ? Yung huling beses na masaya kayo ? Yung maliliit na away na biglang lumalaki? Nung tight budget ang dates niyo pero ang saya-saya niyo parin ? Hayaan niyong iparanas namin sa inyo ang first love, first break-up, first toot, first away, at lahat ng iba ‘pang first sa inyong buhay pag-ibig. Sama-sama tayong maglakbay sa nakaraan, kasalukuyan at hinaharap. Umiyak, Tumawa, Magwala, Humugot, Ma-sawi, Mag-reminisce, at Mag-ultimatum kayo sa pinakabagong handog ng DALANGHITA PRODUCTIONS.

Tunghayan ang inyong Past, Present at Future selves sa usapin ng pag-ibig! Sama-sama tayong umibig sa loob lamang ng tatlong linggo. Oo, Tatlong linggo lang!

Dalanghita Productions proudly presents its 2016 production “Tatlong Linggong Pag-ibig” – a three weekend theater treat of six original one-act Filipino productions in a musical or a play featuring the country’s noted playwrights, directors, musical directors and actors.

“Tatlong Linggong Pag-ibig” is set to open on November 11 and shall run until November 27 at Power Mac Center Spotlight - Level 2, Circuit Lane, Circuit Makati, A.P. Reyes Ave., Brgy. Big Carmona, Makati City.

Globe to Discontinue Selling and Replacing Samsung Note 7

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Here is the Globe official statement on Samsung Note 7:

In support of the recent announcement of Samsung, we wish to inform our customers that effective immediately Globe will discontinue selling Samsung Note 7 and will no longer issue same device replacements to customers. We have implemented a process to retrieve Note 7 units from customers and replace them with a device of equivalent value. We are taking this matter seriously and will do everything we can to keep our customers from harm when using our service. We will be in touch with our customers within the next 4 days.


"Samsung Will Ask All Global Partners to Stop Sales and Exchanges of Galaxy Note7 While Further Investigation Takes Place 

We are working with relevant regulatory bodies to investigate the recently reported cases involving the Galaxy Note7. Because consumers’ safety remains our top priority, Samsung will ask all carrier and retail partners globally to stop sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note7 while the investigation is taking place.

We remain committed to working diligently with appropriate regulatory authorities to take all necessary steps to resolve the situation. Consumers with either an original Galaxy Note7 or replacement Galaxy Note7 device should power down and stop using the device and take advantage of the remedies available."

Miss Earth 2016: Media Presentation of Candidates in Swimsuit

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Miss Earth 2016 candidates are here and they were officially presented to the media on October 11, 2016 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. Wearing their swimsuits, each representative form different countries, all introduced themselves by also mentioning a powerful quote or belief related to the protection of the environment.

This is actually not the first encounter of the candidates as most of them were also present during a Meet and Greet event at Oakwood Premiere where we got to chat with the candidates. The Meet and Greet was done a day before on October 10, 2016 and will be repeated on October 12, 2016 to present the other batch of candidates.

At the media presentation at Diamond Hotel, Miss Philippines Earth 2016, Imelda Schweighart, is a real stunner but surely has a tough competition with the candidates from the other countries who are all equally blessed with remarkable beauty.

Miss Sweden Earth 2016, Cloie Syquia Skarne, is the daughter of former actor Gabby Concepcion and Jenny Syquia, thus the stepsister of KC Concepcion, so this could mean Filipinos would probably be rooting for her as well. 

Schweighart, who represented Puerto Princesa City, was crowned on June 11, 2016 by Angelia Ong, the reigning Miss Earth 2015 who was also present at the media presentation at Diamond Hotel. Miss Earth 2014, Jamie Herrell, was also there and she revealed her latest business cum advocacy - Isla 7107 slippers.

Congratulations to Miss Ecuador Earth 2016, Katherine Espín Gómez, and Miss Philippines Earth 2016, who tied for the highest votes winning for both of them the title of Darling of the Press.

The other two who made it to Bronze and Silver were Miss USA Earth 2016, Corrin Stellakis, and Miss Venezuela Earth 2016, Stephanie de Zorzi.

Miss Iraq Earth 2016, Suzan Amer, was the only one who could not wear a swimsuit out of respect for her country's beliefs. She's probably the slimmest candidate but definitely beautiful as well. According to a friend, another candidate, Miss Palestine, did not join the media presentation too.

You can check the photos of the other candidates at our official Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas or here.

I got so many videos from the Miss Earth 2016 media presentation that the only challenge right now is my Internet connection. You can check them at our official YouTube page at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas

Just come back every now and then as the videos are ongoing upload as of the moment.

I don't believe in luck but this time I hope the heavens smile down at me and push the Internet speed a bit more faster than the usual. Otherwise, the pageant may be all over and I'm still uploading the videos. Lol!

You deserve to see these beauties at all their splendor. They are truly heavenly bodies that are representing not only the external beauty, but also the inner beauty as they advocate for the love of the environment.


Partner Photographer : Collin Sarthou Yap

Short+Sweet Theater Manila 2016: The Biggest Little Play Festival In The World

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Short+Sweet Theater is a festival of ten minute plays and theatre pieces. They are the most far-reaching brand of short form theatre in the world. Each year they showcase hundreds of bite-sized dramatic treats.

They handpicked over 400 ten minute plays, selected from thousands of scripts submitted, and present them in their Festivals. They utilise the talents of established and upcoming actors, directors, writers, and technical crew, to create some of the best short work theatre across the planet.

Beginning as a small festival of 10 minute plays in Sydney, Australia, they have grown into a global organisation. Short+Sweet has made a huge impact on the Australian theatre scene through developing new, original work with emerging artists and providing a platform for established artists to showcase their talents.

Their vision is simple – a more creative world 10 minutes at a time!

Short + Sweet Theatre Festival Manila 2016 marks the third season of the Festival. This year they collaborate with a brand new venue – Power Mac Center Spotlight at Circuit Makati. Featuring 30 Plays, 30 Directors and nearly 100 actors. These plays will be performed over the last two weekends of October and the first weekend of November. Tickets can be availed at the venue prior to the show.

IPC Teams Up with PIA to Keep Students “Off the Streets and Off to School”

Wazzup Pilipinas!

IPC (IP Converge Data Services, Inc.), a pioneer in local cloud and data center services, is pleased to announce that it is now a partner of the Philippine International Aid (PIA), a U.S.-based charity that has been providing health and educational assistance to underprivileged youth.

One of the PIA’s core initiatives is the “Off the Streets-Off to School” scholarship, a program that helps parents and teachers to keep kids in school. Administered in partnership with the Phil-Asia Assistance Foundation, the Off the Streets–Off to School program provides scholarships annually to more than 1,000 children in Metro Manila.

Together with their partners, PIA helps students go through elementary and college. The student's academic progress is monitored throughout the academic year and they are also encouraged to correspond with their respective benefactors.

An all-volunteer organization, PIA was established in 1986 to provide assistance to disadvantaged youth in the Philippines and the United States. Their core programs provide educational assistance to more children in the Philippines than any other U.S.-based charity. In 2013, aid was provided to more than 2,400 students.

Reallocate Interest Payments for Illegitimate Debts to Philhealth, Harm Reduction Strategies

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Amid the national discourse regarding the country’s foreign aid, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros today called for the suspension of interest payments for “illegitimate debts” in the proposed 2017 national government budget.

In the Senate’s hearing of the Department of Health’s (DOH) proposed 2017 budget, Hontiveros also called for the reallocation of the said funds to important health services, particularly to Philhealth to achieve universal healthcare coverage and harm reduction programs to address the country’s drug problem through a public health approach.

“Foreign aid or loans by themselves are not bad. They can be a tool for development or a symbol of solidarity between nation-states. I am however opposed to aid or loans with neoliberal economic prescriptions and other grossly unfair and unconscionable terms; as well as debts that were not used for the benefit of the people. These loans take a large part of the people’s money, which could have been allotted instead to important social services like health,” Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros, citing the study of the debt watchdog, Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC), said that there are at least 13 debt contracts in the government budget with interest payments amounting to P 739.54 million. The amount does not include the debts’ principal amortization worth P 5.39 billion. The said debts are: Sixth Road (Tullahan) Project, Power Sector Development Program, Pampanga Development Flood Control, Bohol Irrigation Phase II, Angat Water Supply Optimization, Philippine Rural Development Project, Agrarian Reform Communities Project, Agrarian Reform Communities Project 2, Third Elementary Education Project, Small Water Impounding Management, Help for Catubig Agricultural Advancement, Global Maritime Safety and the Emergency Network Project. The FDC challenged the debts as “fraudulent.”


100 % healthcare coverage

Hontiveros, who is the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, said part of the fund originally allocated for the said debts can be reallocated to Philhealth to attain 100% healthcare coverage, over and above the allocation it receives from sin taxes.


Harm reduction programs

The senator also wants part of the fund diverted to the building of more rehabilitation centers, and community-based drop-in centers and outreach services, and other out-patient rehabilitation services to address the health needs of the country’s drug dependents.

“I ask the Duterte government to match its rhetoric against tied aid with concrete policy. The deliberations of the 2017 national government budget are a good opportunity to demonstrate this. The government must stop prioritizing payments to illegitimate debts at the expense of public health,” Hontiveros said.



Special provision in 2017 budget, debt audit

Hontiveros said that she will introduce a special provision in the proposed 2017 budget to put on hold interest payments for the said questionable loans. She said that she will also push for a comprehensive audit of the country’s outstanding debts.

The Michelin Pilot Sport S5 and Pilot Sport H5 Tyres Rise Successfully to the Unique Challenge of the 2016 Tour de Corse – Rallye de France

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The toughest asphalt rally of the season lived up every bit to its promise. Once again, the Tour de Corse’s countless corners and unsettled weather provided the high number of spectators (both on the stages and in the service park at Bastia’s airport) with an exceptional show.

Some 70 percent of the competitive distance was new compared with 2015 and the event was also 20 percent longer, with a total distance of 1,170.40km including 390.92km divided into just 10 special stages. The fact that five of them exceeded 50km in length represented a particularly big challenge for the crews’ tyres.

Friday’s action took place in clear, warm conditions, but Saturday’s weather turned out to be more unsettled and rain effectively swept over SS7. Until that point, the drivers had exclusively run the hard-compound MICHELIN Pilot Spot H5, but some crews took the decision to carry two softer Pilot Sport S5s in the boot for Day 2’s afternoon loop just in case the showers proved heavy. Also available was the MICHELIN Pilot Sport FW2 (FW = Full Wet), a new tyre introduced at August’s Rallye Deutschland. It was designed for torrential rain but was not required either in Germany or Corsica.

“The 2016 du Tour de Corse-Rallye de France was the hardest asphalt rally of the year as far as tyres are concerned,” observed Jacques Morelli, the manager of Michelin’s FIA WRC programme. “Even so, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport H5 and S5 were a match for what was a very exacting challenge. The conditions were hot at times and the stages featured the island’s usual cocktail of non-stop corners and abrasive roads. The longer stages were particularly difficult but the wear-rates we noted on our partners’ cars confirmed the value and relevance of the work carried out on our asphalt range by Michelin Motorsport’s engineers. Our tyres delivered racing-style performance and allowed the crews to push at the pace they wanted to without having to be concerned about their strength or durability.” 

The Best Seats on the Best Eats, Now Guaranteed with SEATS

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The revolutionary restaurant reservation app partners with farm-to-fork pioneer, Earth Kitchen.

In a country where 25% of the population would rather dine out than whip up their own meals from home, homegrown restaurant reservation apps such as SEATS are sure to be a swiping success.

SEATS has made securing tables at even the most popular restaurants as simple as a click, with its easy to use interface and quick access to hundreds of wining and dining establishments in the Metro.

As the holiday season kicks in, SEATS goes back to its roots, by cementing a partnership with another revered dining institution. Earth Kitchen is one of the founders of the farm to fork dining movement in the Philippines. With a number of indigenous farming community partners like Got Heart Foundation, Earth Kitchen only utilize locally-yield and freshly-grown produce that not only adds zest and flavor to their delectable menu, but also supports the agricultural economy of the Philippine countryside.

Under the culinary toque of celebrated caterers, Hizon's Catering, Earth Kitchen’s hearty and healthful dishes have, for years, gained a strong and loyal following at its Katipunan Avenue store. And having recently broken ground in the Metro’s most bustling commercial hub, the new Earth Kitchen store at the Bonifacio High Street is sure to win even more green-minded and green-hearted diners.

This is where SEATS once again comes in handy, by guaranteeing sure-seat reservations at BGC’s fast growing and thriving farm-to-table restaurant, just as well as a whole world of dining establishments to choose from.

And with your Globe Postpaid Plan, you are sure to discover more great finds to match your lifestyle, with much ease, speed, and freedom, because nothing beats getting the best seat in the house.

To know more about SEATS, please visit http://seats.com.ph/ or download the app via Google Play Store for Android and App Store for iOS.

PhilJets Develops a Unique Customer Experience In Collaboration with Citibank

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This September 2016, the fast-growing aerospace start-up, PhilJets partnered with international bank Citibank as part of the launch of their new highest credit card: Prestige Citibank. This collaboration is aiming at creating a unique & qualitative customer experience, by offering to the Prestige card’s owners some exceptional flying offers as well as high quality customer service.

This collaboration that soft started in July will run for a year until June 2017, and will enable Citibank Prestige accounts clients to benefit from special deals on PhilJets Helicopters Aerial tours in the Philippines, especially on Luzon Island. The CitiPrestige card holder members can now benefit from a special on-demand per minute rate of Php 1,600 per flying time with inclusive VAT charges, as well as 20% off on Manila drop off tour, or Mount Pinatubo, Tagaytay & Taal aerial tours. These special flying rates & offers are exclusively available to all CitiPrestige card owners.

Over the years, PhilJets positioned itself as an innovative company always seeking for solutions to ​offer the best flying experience to its clients, by increasing the access of its services to the local ​market or upgrading its quality service standards. This collaboration with Citibank will provide ​CitiPrestige card holders the flexibility & adaptability they are looking for, especially by avoiding ​Manila congested traffic. Thanks to the on-demand per minute flying rate, the CitiPrestige holders ​will be able to escape the traffic by flying over the city. PhilJets helipads cover most of Metro Manila, ​enabling the users to fly anywhere in the city to their desired destination thanks to PhilJets pick-up ​and ​drops off points located at strategic places such as, Manila Peninsula, St Luke’s Hospital, Acaci​a​ Hotel as well as Medical City​ ​and​​ ​the airport.

i-ACT to Suspend Window Hours for Private Vehicles Starting October 17, Moratorium on All Utility Works to Start in November

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In a bid to decongest traffic in Metro Manila this Christmas Season, the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (i-ACT) has appealed to the Metro Manila Council (MMC) to come up with a Resolution to remove the "window hours" for private vehicles traversing EDSA, C5, Roxas Blvd., cities of Makati, Las Piñas, Mandaluyong, and Alabang Zapote road under the Number Coding Scheme.

The appeal was made due to the expected rise in the volume of vehicles in Metro Manila in the next few months. Public Utility Vehicles, on the other hand, shall still strictly observe the Number Coding Scheme with NO window hours. The Resolution is set to be implemented on October 17, 2016 and will last until January 31, 2017.

After January 31, i-ACT shall assess the impact of the "no window hours" measure and determine if it has created a positive impact in alleviating traffic congestion in the metropolis. The assessment shall be submitted to the Metro Manila Council, through the Metro Manila Mayors, who will decide if it will be implemented further or permanently.

Window hours refer to the five-hour period (10:00am-3:00pm) when motorists covered by the scheme on a specific day can still pass without being apprehended. A dry-run of the "no window hours" will be implemented on October 12 to 14.

Meanwhile, in anticipation of heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic during the Holiday Season, i-ACT also reached out to operators of Utility companies in order to set the moratorium on road repairs and diggings starting November 1 to January 9.

The moratorium shall cover all road works by utility companies and government, but with the exclusion of flagship projects such as the Skyway 3.

Pangalan.com Affiliate Program: It’s More Than Just Earning!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Last October 7, bloggers and social media influencers gathered for the official launch of the Affiliate Program of Pangalan.com in Zuellig Building, Makati City.

The event brought together aspiring and established bloggers from different fields including tech, lifestyle, fashion, and among others. The talk primarily revolved around the ways to earn money through the Affiliate Program offered by Pangalan.com.

Julie Bulaklak, Business Development Specialist of Pangalan.com, speaks about the benefits of being an Affiliate.

According to Julie Bulaklak, the Business Development Specialist of Pangalan.com, the Affiliate Program doesn’t just aim to provide 10% commission to bloggers but it also has a mission to make a difference in the lives of Filipinos being a local registrar in the country. 

The said program also gives a chance for Affiliates to win an all-expense paid trip to Hong Kong for two. The promo will run until January 31, 2017 and the lucky winner will be announced by February 7, 2017.

Obligatory photo of raffle winners.

Onto the program, there was a raffle of free 4 domains names from Pangalan.com and giveaways from sponsors including gift certificates from Gowns for Rent by Damsel and bags of beauty essentials for women from Her Belle Guide.


The Affiliate Night is set to have its next session by November.

For more information about the Affiliate Program, visit www.pangalan.com/affiliate or visit:
www.pangalan.com
www.facebook.com/pangalancom
www.twitter.com/pangalancom

i-ACT to Mall Operators: Cooperate with the Government to Decongest Roads

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (i-ACT) earlier reached out to various mall operators in Metro Manila to discuss measures on how they can cooperate with the government in an attempt to alleviate traffic congestion in the metropolis during the Christmas Season.

In the past years, authorities have observed that the conduct of mall sales cause traffic gridlock within the mall perimeters due to the influx of customers and vehicles going in and out of the malls. With this, i-ACT stressed out the necessity for mall owners to submit a detailed traffic management plan to the Council two weeks before their conduct of mall sales. The production of a traffic management plan is imperative for both the mall operators and the government, so as not to effect inconvenience to motorists during the conduct of such events.

Further, i-ACT required mall operators to not schedule any mall sales during weekdays, but rather schedule it on weekends so as not to contribute to traffic congestion. Both parties settled to implement the agreement starting October 21, 2016.

I-ACT likewise urged mall owners to start adjusting their mall operating hours from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm starting November 1, 2016.

In the coming weeks, i-ACT will set a dialogue with mall traffic managers to discuss requirements of the traffic management plan, as well as the terms of cooperation between mall owners and the government to address traffic issues.

“Companion” Animated Digital Video Gives Hope in 40 Seconds

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In just 40 seconds, 21-year old digital artist Vince Serrano aims to provide encouragement to emotionally-burdened people through the help of his animated digital video “Companion”, a story of a lonely boy who almost succumbed to the lure of death but received a second chance at life from a beacon of hope.

The young animator‘s short video bested 20 other entries in the “Hope in 40 Seconds” video competition launched in June by the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF), a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing depression to light. The awarding ceremonies were held on October 6 in observance of the National Mental Health Awareness Month.

“Although I heard a lot of suicide cases when I was still in college, I didn’t put much thought on them until I decided to take on the challenge of doing an animation for NGF. I had to research about mental health and that was when I realized that it is actually a hidden epidemic, a real issue which needs our attention. This further inspired me to do my best so that in my own little way, I would be able to help other people,” Serrano said.

The competition encouraged those suffering from depression as well as their loved ones to seek guidance from HOPELINE, NGF’s free 24/7 suicide hotline which can be reached via the following numbers: 804-HOPE(4673), 0917-558HOPE(4673), and 2919 (toll free for TM and Globe).

DOE to Celebrate Consumer Welfare Month 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) is to celebrate 2016 Consumer Welfare Month with the theme, “Consumer Protection: A Shared Responsibility.”

According to Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, the month-long celebration aims “to fully realize the protection of the rights and welfare of every consumer, with particular focus on supporting our underprivileged and underserved kababayans.”

The DOE-CWPO invited the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), Consumer Rights for Safe Food (CRSF) and Sun Life Financial Philippines to talk about consumer-related topics in their respective fields.

WHEN: October 18, 19 and 20, respectively at 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: PNOC Mini Theater and DOE Training Room.

Specifically, MERALCO will discuss about “Kuryente Load” and “Net Metering” which are the new trends in the electricity sector. The Kuryente Load is a prepaid electricity system that aims to provide consumers an alternative way to save on their electricity consumption. Net metering on the other hand, is the company’s response in supporting the country’s thrust for renewable energy development in the household level.

The CRSF will orient consumers on genetically modified organisms and effect to humans and animals, while Sun Life will conduct a free financial planning seminar to attending participants.

Meanwhile, the 2016 Consumer Fair will be featuring products from S&R Membership Shopping and Dunkin Donuts, livelihood products and religious articles, home-made deli, eco-friendly baby diapers, locally-made clothing and toys, and gift items, among others.

WHEN: October 11 to 13, 2016 (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

WHERE: DOE Data Bank Lobby

For more information and confirmation of attendance on the said activities, interested consumers may contact CWPO at (02) 840-2267 or at 0917-556-0759.