Senators Find Holes in Probe on Alleged Bribery by Jack Lam

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Wig: Jack Lam offered to bribe me. 

Q: Is it not a CRIME not to report this offer to the authorities? 

The wig is caught with his pants down!

When Wally Sombrero asked Aguirre to be "ninong" to Jack Lam, that should have been reported immediately. The Senators are in a squabble on the Senate inquiry of the Jack Lam extortion issue. They are trying their best way to be apolitical - but there's no such way!

"Where is justice in the Jack Lam case? "The Justice Secretary’s “forgive-and-forget” attitude in the Lam affair should’ve set alarm bells at the President’s inner circle. "Allowing a suspected criminal to return to the Philippines without prosecuting him certainly does not jive with President Duterte’s fierce anti-corruption and anti-oligarch stance. "And in light of the escalating “media war” being waged against the President, Aguirre should have realized that his actions might have inadvertently placed Duterte on the war zone once again. "He ought to know that as the President’s alter ego, his actions whether good or bad are deemed to be his boss’s positions – and would certainly affect the people’s perception on the President."

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on alleged bribery in Bureau of Immigration involving Jack Lam is highly interesting. When Senator Richard Gordon said Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II is not yet off the hook in the Jack Lam bribery scandal, I thought that's something everyone could easily deduct yet with these personalities currently in equally higher power, it would be easy for them to manipulate, delay and escape the system. Gordon said there are circumstances that put a cloud of doubt over the justice secretary’s integrity. Duhh!?

Aguirre said that gambling tycoon Jack Lam has a protector in the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). That is expected. Every corrupt businessman has people in government under their payroll. No one can get away with similar crimes if they do not have a scoundrel protecting him. There are government people under his payroll indeed.

Even the Ex- Bureau of Immigration (BI) Al Argosino should be held accountable for meeting with Jack Lam's aide and accepting money bags. The two former immigration officials-- Al Argosino and Michael Robles-- allegedly received P50M bribe from Jack Lam. Argosino says he split the Php 50 million with Robles for security reasons.

Wally Sombrero says that the Chinese companies approved the P100M goodwill money and Jack Lam advanced the P50M. These people do have so much money that they are almost giving them away. But how come Jack Lam owes the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) an accumulated Php13.9 billion over the years, according to Arnel Ignacio, PAGCOR Assistant Vice President. My thoughts - these businessmen really do know how to deploy their money and get away with it? Also, how did a comedian cum host became a PAGCOR official? Lol!.


Highlights (from CNN):
- Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre recalls meeting with gambling tycoon Jack Lam
- Aguirre: I rejected bribe offer from Jack Lam
- Aguirre: Operations of casino ongoing for 10 years
- Aguirre: Many workers escaped despite over 200 police security
- Aguirre recalls Wally Sombero's words to him: "Pwede ba si Justice Secretary ang mag-ninong kay Jack Lam?"
- Aguirre: I was asked to protect illegal online gambling
- Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente: Many of the workers entered as tourists
- Former Immigration Deputy Commissioner Al Argosino: Jack Lam associate called me for a meeting
- Argosino: Sombero called me often before City of Dreams meeting
- Argosino: Sombero brought two shopping bags to the meeting
- Argosino: Sombero requested help for Jack Lam
- Sen. Joel Villanueva: Labor committee investigating illegal Chinese workers
- Villanueva: Former Immigration Bureau commissioner confirms work without permits
- Villanueva: Former Immigration Bureau commissioner withheld information
- Villanueva: Former Immigration Bureau commissioners lied before committee
- Villanueva: Entrapment operation was not disclosed
- Villanueva: Considering contempt charges vs. former Associate Commissioner Al Argosino

NBA Philippines and Alaska Hold Tip Off Ceremonies for Jr. NBA 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It is beyond doubt that basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines. For reasons that you can leisurely play the game anywhere you are. May it be on a professional basketball court, or at any open area, in the garage, inside your room, even on the streets, and almost anywhere that you can hang a ring to shoot that ball.

This is one reason why a lot of people are motivated to play basketball since you can even play on your own. Of course, playing with or against others for a friendly competition, is definitely better.

The sport also keeps our youth away from bad vices and keeps them healthier with all that running, dribbling and shooting. Height is an advantage but even the vertically challenged or handicapped are also seen playing the same sport.

The NBA has made the sport even popular with games that have produced celebrity players that are admired and idolized by many people especially basketball enthusiasts and those that want to follow their footsteps.

The Jr. NBA Philippines 2017 presented by Alaska returns this year to the Philippines from January 20 - May 14, 2017 as part of the league’s effort to encourage youth basketball participation. The tip off was held on January 21 at Don Bosco Makati and was attended by the lead organizers and partners, including the coaches and alumni.

Sugid Productions All Set to Restage Chris Millado’s “Buwan at Baril Sa E♭ Major” From January 26 – February 12

Wazzup Pilipinas!

For its first offering as the newest theater company in town, SUGID Productions Incorporated, in collaboration with the Bantayog ng mga Bayani Foundation, is all set to present the restaging of Chris Millado’s “Buwan at Baril sa E♭ Major” on January 26, 2017 at the Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco Auditorium of Bantayog ng mga Bayani Center located in Quezon Ave., Diliman, Quezon City.

To be directed by Andoy Ranay, “Buwan at Baril sa E♭ Major” collects the stories of various characters whose lives, seemingly separate, intersect at a crucial juncture in Philippine contemporary history – the height of the anti-dictatorship struggle.

The schedule of performances are as follows: January 26, 27, 28, 29 (3pm and 8 pm), February 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12 (3 pm and 8 pm). A special Gala will be held on February 3 at 8 pm.

“Buwan at Baril sa E♭ Major” was written by Chris Millado in 1985 and originally directed and designed by Apo Chua, with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) producing it at the Rajah Sulayman Theater, Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila.

Chris Millado is currently the Vice President and Artistic Director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Cinemalaya Festival Director, playwright, director and educator. Fully aware that his aesthetic sensibilities are in context with his childhood experiences on provincial Catholic rites, and Filipino folk pageantry, he plunged into street theater in 1982 - energized by the student and youth protest against the 1982 Education Act. Amidst the media censorship at this time, he, and fellow University of the Philippines theater majors, offered the theater as alternative media, as ‘living newspaper’. 

Beko Officially Kicks-Off Presence In Ph With “Kick Your Way To Barcelona: The Beko Grand Kick-Off Challenge”

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BEKO, one of the largest home appliance brands in Europe, is finally in the Philippines. Entering the Philippine market in July of 2015 and exclusively available in select SM Appliance Center stores, BEKO provides an innovative and reliable range of kitchen and home appliances which make consumers daily lives easier.

“Kick Your Way to Barcelona” with BEKO & FC Barcelona

As part of this global premium partnership with FC Barcelona, one of the top football clubs in the world (lead by Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., Gerard Piqué, Luis Suárez and Andrés Iniesta), and to strengthen the Beko Philippines Facebook fan page (@BekoPh); BEKO Philippines launched the “Kick Your Way to Barcelona: The BEKO Grand Kick-off Challenge” Promo.

With BEKO Philippines awarding one (1) lucky winner with a tax-free, all-expense paid trip to Barcelona, Spain to watch an FC Barcelona match live in April 2017 (inclusive of a roundtrip ticket to and from Barcelona, hotel accommodation with breakfast, in land transfer, Barcelona city tour, & a VIP La Liga match Box Ticket), the promo attracted a number of Facebook followers to submit and post their creative selfies welcoming Beko’s arrival in the country with #HelloBekoPH.  Successful entries qualified for the Kick-Off Challenge that was held on January 14, 2017 at Sparta Philippines, a sports complex which houses the country’s only FIFA 1-star certified indoor soccer pitch.  The qualifying round aimed to select ten (10) participants who will move on to the final round on February 10.

During the Kick-Off Challenge qualifying round, each participant was given three (3) attempts within one (1) minute to try and kick the soccer ball inside a customized mock-up washing machine goal from a designated distance of twenty (20) feet.  Since only one (1) participant was successful in hitting the goal, a second round to determine the remaining final nine (9) participants was conducted with which each participant was allowed to kick the ball with unlimited chances within one (1) minute from a nearer distance of fifteen (15) feet.

Swan Lake Caps Off Ballet Philippines’ “Wings” on Feb 24 – March 5

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As a fabulous fitting finale of Ballet Philippines’ 47th season entitled “Wings”, come and watch the new staging of “Swan Lake”, the most famous and legendary ballet adored by audiences all over the world for over a hundred years. On March 4, “Swan Lake” will be celebrating the 140th anniversary of its premiere.

“Swan Lake” is set to open on February 24 at the CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo) at 8:00 PM. Other performance schedules are as follows: February 25 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM, February 26 at 3:00 PM, March 3 at 8:00 PM, March 4 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and March 5 at 3:00 PM.

This year’s “Swan Lake” boasts three extraordinary pairings for Odette/Odile and Prince Siegfried: multi-awarded guest artists Candice Adea and Joseph Phillips, BP principal dancer Denise Parungao and company member Garry Corpuz, and soloists Jemima Reyes and Victor Maguad in their first lead roles in a classical ballet.

Set to Tchaikovsky's beautiful and moving score, The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura are set to perform the music live during the gala nights on February 24, February 25, and March 3.

The February 25, 7:00 PM performance is an International Gala featuring guest stars Candice Adea (formerly of Hong Kong Ballet and BalletMet) and Joseph Phillips of the Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre. Both artists have garnered multiple awards in international ballet competitions, including the Helsinki IBC, and the Jackson IBC.

“’Swan Lake’ is regarded as the summit of achievement in the theater for every major classical ballet company,” says Ballet Philippines artistic director Paul Alexander Morales. “Nowadays so many versions and interpretations of the ballet are available online, so audiences will likely have their own ideas of what ‘Swan Lake’ is and what it should be like. It is our challenge to come up with an entirely new experience of this ballet.”

Based on Germanic folk tales coupled with Russian traditions, “Swan Lake” weaves drama and dance together in an unparalleled spectacle. The ballet tells a timeless story of magic, love, and forgiveness through the ingenious choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. It centers around Odette, a princess under a curse that traps her in swan form during the day, and Prince Siegfried, an idealistic royal under pressure to find a suitable bride.

Ballet Philippines has previously staged the full-length “Swan Lake” in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1989, 1991, and 1994. The 2017 production marks the company’s 7th restaging to date. Ballerinas who have brought the dual role of Odette/Odile to life on the BP stage include the likes of Maniya Barredo, Kelly Cass, Toni Lopez Gonzalez, Valentina Kozlova, Yoko Morishita, Guo Peihui, Cecile Sicangco, Ester Rimpos, and Anna Villadolid. Notable Siegfrieds include Medhi Bahiri, Fernando Bujones, Wes Chapman, Nonoy Froilan, Serge Lavoie, Robert Medina, Brando Miranda, and Zhang Weiqiang.

“Swan Lake” is restaged by Nonoy Froilan after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. Set designer Ohm David shall combine grand scale and psychological intimacy. His magnificent designs pit Edwardian splendour against the spectral beauty of the white acts. James Reyes’ dramatic costumes shall emphasize the contrast between human and spirit worlds, in shimmering fabrics and designs to create a magical setting.

From the first yearning bars of Tchaikovsky’s score, “Swan Lake” shall beckon you to another world. This timeless and enchanting tale filled with magic, manipulation, and eternal love will surely melt countless hearts, stir the soul, and send tingles down the spine. “Swan Lake” - the ultimate night at the ballet.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines
Twitter: @balletph
Instagram: @balletphilippines
YouTube: balletph

To join in the Ballet Philippines conversation, use our official hashtags: #balletph, #swanlakeballetph

For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999.

WWF Ambassadors Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez Teach Kids with Pascual Laboratories

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It’s a chilly January morning but the classrooms of the General Roxas Elementary School in Quezon City are heating up, abuzz with the chitter-chatter of nearly 100 students, discussing ideas and listening to WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors Marc Nelson, Rovilson Fernandez, plus a team of environmental educators from WWF-Philippines and Pascual Laboratories.

“Can you guys name all the vegetables in the song Bahay Kubo?” asks kuya Rovilson, alluding to a popular Filipino children’s song. “Regularly eating vegetables can build up your immune system and shield you from cough, colds and other sicknesses brought on by stronger typhoons,” he explains.

In the next classroom is kuya Marc, explaining how climate change is exacerbated by the burning of fossil-fuels. “Switching to renewable energy sources like wind power and solar parks can stop global warming,” he says as the other teachers hand out climate change brochures.

The duo recently participated in WWF and Pascual Laboratories’ SEED (Sowing to Empower, Educate and Develop) Programme, which aims to enhance local communities’ resilience to climate change by eliminating diseases and switching to healthier lifestyles through a proper diet, exercise, vitamins and good hygiene.

10 Netflix Picks to Binge-Watch on Your Spare Time, Long Weekend, or Romantic Date

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Netflix has become associated with streaming well-loved films and shows. Increasingly, they are bringing stories from the world’s best storytellers through its growing library of quality content that is gaining recognition including 54 Emmy nominations in 2016.

What makes Netflix unique from other content providers is that members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials. On top of that, Netflix releases the originals’ episodes at the same time, which means members can binge-watch their favorite shows. It’s the perfect way to enjoy your spare time, the long weekend, or that romantic date with your special someone!

At Globe Broadband, you can enjoy six months of Netflix if you subscribe to Plan 1299 and up. You can watch award-winning Netflix originals, high-definition quality TV shows and movies, and your favorite flicks on your TV, computer, or mobile phone within the comforts of your own home.

Here are our favorite Netflix shows that might suit your personality and mood:


1. The Crown

If you’re the type of person who enjoys political drama and royal intrigue, The Crown is for you. The Crown tells the inside story of two of the most famous addresses in the world -- Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street - and the intrigues, love lives and machinations behind the great events that shaped the second half of the 20th century. Critics have praised the acting, storytelling, and the production design, making it the perfect period drama to binge on.

2. A Series of Unfortunate Events

Based on the international best-selling children’s novels by Daniel Handler, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events recounts the tragic tale of the Baudelaire orphans -- Violet, Klaus, and Sunny – whose evil guardian Count Olaf will stop at nothing to get his hands on their inheritance. The siblings must outsmart Olaf at every turn, foiling his many devious plans and disguises, in order to discover clues to their parents’ mysterious death. Leading the cast is award-winning actor, singer and television host Neil Patrick Harris and has just premiered on Netflix last January 13. 

3. Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life

Gilmore Girls was a feel-good favorite in the 2000’s, and tells the story of Lorelai and Rory, a mother and daughter team who navigates family, friendship, and romance in the fictional town of Stars Hollow. It was praised for its witty comedy and clever dialogue, and has been called a new TV classic. The Netflix revival is set 8 years after the series finale. And if you never caught the original, all 6 seasons are available to binge on Netflix too!

4. Designated Survivor

Designated Survivor is a political thriller that follows the concept of a designated survivor, or a person assigned to become or act as the President of the United States upon the death, incapacity, resignation, or removal of the present leader. In the series, the designated survivor is U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Tom Kirkman, who is sworn in after an attack, and is thrust into the throes of political drama.

5. Stranger Things

Stranger Things pays homage to ‘80s sci-fi movies by Steven Spielberg, Stephen King, and George Lucas, and faithfully recreates the era through music, fashion, and even hairstyles. A love letter to the ’80s classics that captivated a generation, Stranger Things is set in 1983 Indiana, where a young boy vanishes into thin air. As friends, family and local police search for answers, they are drawn into an extraordinary mystery involving top-secret government experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one very strange little girl.

6. Black Mirror

Black Mirror is a sci-fi anthology where each episode is based on a different reality, with a different cast and story. The themes are dark and satirical, and it intelligently studies the dangers of technology and what can happen if we let it go unchecked. This is the perfect series to watch if you’re addicted to technology and social media.

7. Marvel’s Luke Cage

Marvel’s Luke Cage is recommended for those who enjoy comic books and their film adaptations. After a sabotaged experiment leaves him with super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage (Mike Colter) becomes a fugitive trying to rebuild his life in modern day Harlem, New York City. But he is soon pulled out of the shadows and must fight a battle for the heart of his city – forcing him to confront a past he had tried to bury. Luke Cage is part of the popular Marvel Cinematic Universe, and will lead to the crossover series The Defenders, which will bring together Cage, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, (both of which are now streaming) and Iron Fist which premieres on Netflix in March 2017.

8. Narcos

Narcos is a raw, gritty series which chronicles the gripping real-life stories of the drug kingpins of the late 1980s and the corroborative efforts of law enforcement to meet them head on in brutal, bloody conflict. Seasons 1 and 2, which are now streaming, are based on the life of Pablo Escobar, a Colombian who achieved notoriety (and billionaire status) for producing and distributing cocaine. The series shows his dealings with the law and his enemies, but it always portrays Escobar in a sympathetic light. It’s fun, it’s tense, and maybe just a little bit addictive.

9. Orange is the New Black

Orange is the New Black is based on the book with the same name by Piper Kerman, which details her life in prison after helping her international drug smuggler girlfriend. The show has become Netflix’s most watched original series for its story and positive depiction of race, sexuality, gender and body types. Since its release in 2013, it has received 16 Emmy nominations. Seasons 1-4 are streaming now.

10. Sense8

Sense8 is the interconnected stories of eight “sensates,” or people who are emotionally and mentally linked despite being in different countries. As they try to figure out how it works and why it happened, they must protect themselves from Whispers, a sensate from an organization that hunts them down. It is created and directed by the Wachowski siblings who also created The Matrix Trilogy.

These are just some of many Netflix shows that exist, and that can create wonderful moments for you and your loved ones in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy #GlobeNetflix with awesome HD TV’s that can be yours through the new Globe Broadband plans!

Learn more about how to catch all these by visiting http://broadband.globe.com.ph/watch.html.

NEC to Provide Digital Terrestrial TV Equipment for Public Broadcasting Services in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

NEC Corporation and NEC Philippines, Inc. announced today the signing of a contract to provide digital terrestrial TV equipment for the People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTNI), the public broadcasting service for the Republic of the Philippines.

This contract supports the expansion of digital terrestrial TV broadcasting in the Philippines, which has been gaining momentum since November 2013, when the country adopted the Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting Technologies (ISDB-T) standard.

Under this contract, PTNI is scheduled to introduce digital terrestrial TV transmitters and compression multiplexers across six locations* in the Philippines by July 2017. NEC is providing total support for the introduction of these units, including their provision, installation, and the training of personnel.

The equipment that NEC is slated to provide features some of the world’s highest levels of power efficiency, and is highly evaluated for superior reliability in the broadcasting field.

“NEC is proud to be working with PTNI to expand the delivery of high quality broadcasting to a larger audience in the Philippines,” said Elizabeth Pangan, President, NEC Philippines. “As part of NEC’s focus on providing Solutions for Society, this equipment will help to ensure that broadcasting and access to information is reliably maintained, especially during times of emergency, such as when powerful storms strike the region.”

NEC began providing digital terrestrial TV transmitters for international markets in 1998, when it provided equipment for the world's first commercial digital terrestrial broadcasting service in the United Kingdom. Since then, NEC has shipped more than 4,500 transmitters to over 50 countries throughout the world.

#CyberPinoy Cyberwellness Campaign to Promote Online Health and Safety

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Nearly half of Philippine internet users are at risk of falling prey to cybercriminals due to online habits that make them highly-vulnerable to attacks, prompting leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom to launch the #CyberPinoy cyberwellness campaign which promotes safe and inspiring digital nation.

“Being in the forefront of digital innovations -- from providing reliable mobile and broadband connections to world-class content offerings, global partners and more, Globe continuously seeks solutions that will support its sustainability philosophy to allow it to operate in a socially responsible way. Thus, we believe that being a purveyor of digital lifestyle, it is also our responsibility to promote online health, safety, and positive digital citizenship for all,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications.

As an advocate of safe and responsible use of the Internet, Globe came up with #CyberPinoy to unify all its efforts to embrace a digital nation such as Protech101, Stop Spam, and more recently, the Digital Thumbprint Program.

ProTech101 is an online information drive that seeks to inform netizens of the dangers of online crimes by reminding them to keep their accounts and valuable information safe while Stop Spam is an initiative to address the proliferation of spam and scam messages through a Globe channel (http://www.globe.com.ph/stopspam ) where customers can reports such incidents.

Nicole Cordoves for Dairy Queen's Toblerone Blizzard and Valentine's Day Treats

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The most recent bloggers event for Dairy Queen (DQ) was the launch of the Toblerone Blizzard, plus the surprised reveal of their newest Valentine's Day treats - heart-shaped Dilly Bars and Ice Cream Cakes.

The event was held on January 20, 2017 at one of Taco Bell's newest branch located at the Cyberpark Tower, just behind the Novotel hotel in Araneta Center Cubao, Quezon City. Taco Bell is a sister brand of DQ, just as Pizza Hut.

Dairy Queen also showed us an ice cream cake with Toblerone toppings as part of the ingredient. The mere mention of DQ and Toblerone together is enough to convince everyone this is a great deal. Just as when Taco Bell announced its Quesadillas with Cheetos, I'm positive loyal customers would continue to patronize all the tasty creations of these brands.

What happens next is of course are tummies filled with all the mentioned frozen favorites that keeps every DQ fan anticipating what they will soon see and taste next. I must admit that even though I want to eat up everything, the tummy is too weak to consume everything in one seating. The mind is willing though. If only I could bring them all home for take-out, but sad to say, they will melt along the way home especially with the traffic congestion we all encounter everyday - even on weekends.

The three yummy flavors for DQ's Toblerone Blizzard are Strawberry, Double Fudge and Choco Chips. I loved the Double Fudge a lot more since I am a chocolate lover. Meanwhile, the heart-shaped Dilly Bars has four exciting color coats available.

Congratulations to Repertory Philippines' Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ongoing right now until February 12, 2017 at OnStage Theater in Greenbelt 1 of Makati city is the season opener of Repertory Philippines' Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. ...or you may add also ...and Nina and Cassandra, as this 6-cast play treats you to a comedy worth your every waking and sleeping hours.

The play is led by the youthful and glamorous Cherie Gil, playing Masha, who at the first minutes of the show had a very sensual kiss with the actor playing Spike. I must admit I was surprised with the scene that I was not able to take a photo or video during the media preview. I did not expect it to happen as this must be the first time I've seen actual torrid kissing on a theater stage. Since Cherie Gil is unbelievably great both in mainstream movies and theater, all her acting projects are sure hits - quality and content wise. You would give the best material and role for Cherie as she would graciously wear the crown if this was the Miss Universe beauty pageant.

Playing as her siblings Vanya and Sonia respectively are theater veterans Michael Williams and Rosalyn Perez, who both did an amazing job of engaging the audience with their worries. I loved the monologue of Vanya since I could relate. Disturbed with the lengthy rant, the younger audience could probably be at lost since even I was not yet alive when they still lick stamps or envelope seals. But it sure gives the older audience a throwback to what was once before a norm. For Sonia, I have been loving all of Rosalyn Perez' characters not only because of her superb acting but also of her distinctive voice. She got me with her voice since the first time I've watched her in other plays.

Playing as the sexy boy toy Spike is the great looking Joaquin Valdez who is very right for his role. Again, I am surprised he took his clothes off, not only once but several times. But he definitely fits right in as the muscular tease.

Masha is oozing with sexiness as well. I must admit that Cherie Gil seems to have a fountain of youth for remaining a knock-out all these years. I can imagine what ladies would do to have her fit and slim body, and how she carries herself very well wearing any set of clothing is truly amazing.

Not to spoil it for the readers, I thought Spike will have a fling with the lady neighbor named Nina (played by Mica Pineda), but I obviously made a mistake at the revelation somewhere in the end. Damn, I am a sucker for the typical and expected. This is why the theater stories are much better that Pinoy teleserye where most stories are predictable.

Nina is adorable playing a "molecule" during a rehearsal for Vanya's written story. Her outfit makes her look so sweet yet sultry. When I was a bit confused she was dressed like a fairy during that scene, the moment she covered her face with the clothing made it all forgotten. Well, what would you wear if you were playing the role of a molecule?

Casandra, played by Naths Everett, could tell the future, or the past, as seen on stage. But how she does it makes it a lot more interesting. Predicting what will happen is an amazing power already but the way she announced it is the best super power I would like to have as well. Her outfit was appropriate for the role though she did made a mistake on her gift of sight saying Masha should beware of Nina.

The mention of a certain name to beware made my day since I never knew that name would be the disruptor of almost everything, which led to an ending that is quite more pleasing for most of the once gloomy main characters. Unfortunately, this character had no face as she was only mentioned several times. Beware!

Overall, kudos to the director Bart Guingona for bringing all of these characters together in a frenzy. Anton Chekhov will be very proud.

Donald J. Trump as US President

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"What's the reason why Donald Trump won as US President? It's not because of Russia. What kind of intelligence report is that if it only identified the problem after the event? I call it a stupid report.The real reason Trump won is because mainstream America or America's elite was too arrogant to overlook the voting power of the rest of its citizenry - the middle-class, the quiet ones, the less dramatic"- Carlos Aces

"I am honored to serve you, the great American People, as your 45th President of the United States!" - Donald J. Trump

Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States. But the Women’s March in Washington was roughly 3 times bigger than the size of the audience at President Trump's inauguration, crowd counting experts said. “It looked honestly – it looked like a million and a half people. Whatever it was, it was. But it went all the way back to the Washington Monument." The protesters said they were resolved to keep fighting the Trump agenda long after the march ended. But Trump's press secretary says the inauguration drew “the largest audience ever to witness an inauguration, period, both in person and around the globe”. Trump has claimed 1.5m people came to Washington for his inauguration.
The Twitter account of the National Park Service was temporarily suspended after retweeting photos comparing the crowd's at President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009 with Trump's inauguration.

Trump has said he has been "running a war" with the media and warned them of consequences for falsely reporting that less number of people attended his inauguration.

"Well, good did not win this election. But good will win in the end," Madonna delivered a fiery R-rated, anti-Donald J. Trump speech during the Womens March.

Ashley Judd may take the top honor (or DisHonor) for an R-rated tangent against “Electoral College-sanctioned hate speech” by President Trump and his team of “Nazis” capturing “little girls like Pokemon” and Ivanka Trump as his “favorite sex symbol.”

Judd seized the stage from Michael Moore and proclaimed prior to her spoken word diatribe that she was there to“bring you words from Nina Donovan, a 19-year-old in middle Tennessee and she has given me the privilege of telling you what she has to say.”
Judd fretted that “I feel Hitler in these streets” as a mustache was replaced by “a toupe” and “Nazis renamed as the cabinet.”

While Trump was giving his very first speech as president, people couldn't help but notice what Obama was doing behind him. Did Trump really just quote Bane in his Inauguration Speech? Side-by-side comparison shows Trump might have plagiarized part of his inauguration speech from DC villain Bane in Dark Knight Rises. "It is time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget: that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots!"

"I’ve been watching and listening to inaugural addresses since John F. Kennedy’s, in 1960. I’ve never heard anything like this one in terms of its divisive content and complete lack of uplift."

"I have a lot of respect for those two people," despite a hectic campaign run, Trump applauds both Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton for attending his inauguration ceremony.

"We are going to do some great things over the next eight years." Is that a hint to a re-election bid?

"Very proud of my father Donald J. Trump who will be a great President for all Americans." - Ivanka Trump

Ace of Cakes star Duff Goldman noticed as he watched Donald Trump’s Inaugural Ball that the president’s celebratory cake was an exact copy of the one he created for Barack Obama’s swearing-in several years ago. "I was told to copy it," the inaugural baker says.

Trump is only at the beginning of his presidency, but he's already planning to shut down one of the government's most wasteful programs. In his first hours as president Friday,Trump ordered federal agencies to "ease the burden" of ObamaCare while his chief of staff directed an immediate regulatory freeze.
"Sorry Trump, God can't make it. I know, I know, I'm omnipresent and so technically I'm everywhere, but your inauguration is the one place I won't be. I can't be seen with you. You're just such a turd sandwich." says God.

Trump will be Trump will be Trump, and we don’t have much choice but to get used to it. The presidency just raises the stakes of Trump’s con game to a completely new level.

"To Americans: You will never be ignored again. Your voice, your hopes and your dreams will define our American destiny. Your courage and goodness and love will forever guide us along the way. Together we will make America strong again. We will make America wealthy again. We will make America proud again. We will make America safe again - and yes, together, WE WILL MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" - Donald J. Trump

Master Joseph Chau Kam Shing and his Feng Shui Predictions

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With the coming of the Chinese New Year this 28th of January, we see the familiar images all over the Metro - like "tikoys" (Nian gao sometimes translated as year cake or Chinese New Year's cake) of different shapes, colors and sizes. There are also the other familiar items that you'll find an abundance in Binondo or Chinatown in Manila designed to bring you luck and fortune. I could tell you that there would be many who would do a food, site and/or temple tour within these days, especially at the actual night when fireworks will once again lit the skies.

Not to be confused with fortune telling, is Feng Shui, a Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing everyone with the surrounding environment. This is something like putting everything in its rightful place. There also seems to be several ways to receive luck and fortune using this practice, and thus Feng Shui masters are also very popular during the Chinese New Year season.

Since most Chinese, may it be pure or Tsinoy, are affluent or rich, and very much successful in business, there's probably nothing wrong in following this age-old tradition.

Will we be lucky this year?

Now that this is the Year of the Fire Rooster, 2017 for me might be sort of lucky or unlucky as I tend to get confused when so many "masters" say different "fortunes." But Master Chau explained that he is only into Feng Shui and not in fortune telling. He did told us that there are many who try to master everything from Feng Shui to Fortune Telling - Jack of All Trades? Master of None?

Hontiveros on Duterte's Slavery Comment: Don't Trivialize People's Suffering

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday called President Rodrigo Duterte's attention after the country's Chief Executive compared drug addicts to African slaves, saying that at least African slaves can be put to work.

Hontiveros said the statement is racist and belittles the value of human life.

"This is the height of absurdity. The president tries to make light of slavery, which is universally frowned upon and condemned. His remarks were callous, insensitive and uninformed," Hontiveros said.

"Abuse is abuse. Whether drug addiction or slavery, the lives of the people that are trapped in these circumstances are incomparable. It is wrong to trivialize people's suffering and judge which situation is 'better' than the other," Hontiveros added.

Hontiveros said Duterte should stop referring to the ostracism and persecution done to people of different races when talking about the country's drug users.

"First it was the Holocaust, now it's slavery. When will this madness stop? I remind the President that drug addiction is a public health concern. Ostracizing drug addicts only make it extra difficult for the government to fully rehabilitate and reintegrate them back into society," Hontiveros remarked.

"What they need are appropriate health care interventions to manage and stop their addiction. The government should also recognize their right to decent work as a response to the roots of their dependence. The president should stop making it seem like drug dependents are better off sent to gas chambers or slave ships," Hontiveros said.

Last year, Duterte was reported to have compared his anti-drug campaign to the Holocaust. He said that he is willing to slaughter the country's drug users.

FEU Short Film Bags 6 POV Awards

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A short film made by a group of students from Far Eastern University-Manila recently took home majority of the awards in the 13th Piling Obrang Vidyo or “POV XIII: Celebrating the Power of People’s Narratives” organized by UP Cinema.

“Ma?” won Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Performance (in a tie with “Nandito Naman Tayo Para Sa Isa't Isa, ‘Di Ba?” by Gilb Baldoza of UP Diliman), Best Poster, Cinemasters’ Choice (selected by the organizers) and Audience Choice at the awards ceremony held last January 21 at UP Cine Adarna.

The 10-minute film tells the story of Andre (Antonio Collantes), a boy who suddenly finds himself alone in their house. He looks for his mother (Aileen Sahibad) despite having no electricity at home. He eventually finds an explanation the unexpected turn of events as well as the shadows lurking in the dark.

FEU Film Society Vice President Ralph Quincena wrote the screenplay, edited and co-directed the film with fellow Department of Communication student Patricia Ramirez. They also got ample support from director of photography Josel Fajardo, producer and sound designer Zheina David, associate producer and assistant director Ronalyn Torres, production designer Andrea Rigor, sound recordist Faith Medina, script continuity supervisor Rodney Barnes and musical scorer Athena Respicio, among others. Fajardo, David, Torres, Rigor, Medina and Barnes are Quincena’s fellow FEU FilmSoc members and communication majors while Respicio is an architecture student at FEU.

“So far, my bad experiences have been my investment in filmmaking. I’m the type of person who believes that the grudges that people have from their dark pasts are great sources of magnificent stories. That is why I found myself being fond of making horror films. For me, all of the films that I’ve made have that dark touch, a feeling of unhappiness and fear. I don’t know why exactly but anger, sadness and fright seem to drive my creativity crazy,” Quincena shared.