Backbeat Run 2017: The Coolest and Well-Rewarded Run for a Cause

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Where else can you find a fun run that generously rewards you perks and freebies from start to finish?

Even more, techies will also rejoice as their rewards are a bunch of the coolest gadgets distributed by Banbros like products from Plantronics, Brother, ThiEYE and other gadget brands, that will let you enjoy a well-entertained and leisurely lifestyle.

Imagine receiving a Plantronics ML15 Bluetooth Headset that costs P995 as part of the race kit! This alone makes the run seem like free.

Race winners (3 for every category) gets to bring home gadgets as well. The biggest delegation per company, organization and school also gets more amazing prizes. It's the best motivating factor for groups to join the run.

But wait, there's more! They also make it the ultimate race by giving you a concert party as the participants are entertained by bands, DJs and dancers.

This must be the coolest fun run ever conceptualized. It is very evident that the organizers are seemingly giving away prizes to the participants.

Beyond the fun run is an advocacy as well as the proceeds of the run will go to the Kythe Foundation which takes care of children with cancer. We were surprised that a young man with disability (amputated leg) went up front to give his message or testimonial of how Kythe Foundation has helped him to keep his courage to face life amidst the disability. Now this is the most honorable reason why you have to join this event. 

Kudos to all the sponsors and the brains behind this event. Most of them were at the media launch held on April 17, 2017 at Abe Restaurant Mall of Asia. 

It’s Official: Tomorrow Is Overrated

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Stop everything you’re doing because Jose Cuervo has declared it: Tomorrow is Overrated!

Jose Cuervo’s latest campaign, Tomorrow is Overrated, is a call to arms that invites drinkers to heed the call by filling shot glasses in celebration of today. Is the world ending tomorrow? It doesn’t matter- this newest campaign invites drinkers to make the most out of today.

While the project is rather risqué, it remains true to the spirit of tequila and the ‘never say never’ ethos that has made Jose Cuervo® such a celebrated brand among drinkers around the world.

The campaign is led by the short film, Last Days. The film takes place in downtrodden town on the edge of nowhere and follows a group of patrons in the middle of the apocalypse. With nothing left to do, the group savor shots of Jose Cuervo Especial® Silver as couples dance to the Elvis Presley classic, “It’s Now or Never”.

The film can be viewed in its entirety here: http://cuervo.com/tomorrow-is-overrated/

The video showcases Jose Cuervo Especial® Silver, which can be taken on it’s own as a shot or mixed into your favourite cocktail.

And be sure to keep an eye out for the new Jose Cuervo Especial® bottles which are expected to hit the local market in just a few short months.

For the latest news and exciting events from Jose Cuervo this year, visit http://cuervointernational.com and follow Jose Cuervo on Facebook http://fb.com/cuervopilipinas.

Ashley Gosiengfiao as the Face of 'Lenovo Legion' in the Philippines

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For Lenovo Philippines, no other celebrity can better represent the hip gaming community thanAshley Gosiengfiao – a top social media influencer, musician, photographer, and most of all, a passionate gamer.

Lenovo today announced the signing of Ashley as its ambassador for Legion, Lenovo’s dedicated brand of gaming PCs that boast powerful processors, high-definition graphics, and stylish, portable design.

As PC gaming continues to grow in popularity throughout the country, Lenovo Legion aims to meet the needs of the increasingly discerning gamer community through empowering them with powerful and adaptable products that are co-created with gamers. Legion offers a perfect balance between plug & play PC gaming and DIY flexibility that will keep gamers one step ahead of the competition.

“Ashley is the perfect example of how we see the Lenovo brand. She’s exceptional, versatile, competitive, and in tune with her audiences,” says Michael Ngan, Country General Manager of Lenovo Philippines. “Her cheery disposition, adventurous spirit, and the drive to share many of her talents, make Ashley an inspiration to all avid gamers in the Philippines and beyond.”

Summit On Nuclear Energy Cooperation Kicks Off

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The 7th Annual Meeting of Nuclear Energy Cooperation Subsector Network (NEC-SSN) kicked off with the Seminar on Security of Radioactive Sources on Monday (April 17, 2017) at the Visayas Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

The seminar is jointly organized by the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) and the Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Safety (ISCN) of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), with the Philippines as host.

The delegates to the meet include representatives from other ASEAN Member State (Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), members of the Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO) from the Philippine nuclear network such as the Department of Energy (DOE), the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), the National Power Corporation, the UP National Engineering Center (NEC) and other stakeholders in the public and private sectors.

DOE Undersecretary Jess Posadas, in his welcome remarks, stressed the importance of nuclear security as among the 19 infrastructure issues that need to be prioritized by countries embarking on a nuclear power program (NPP).

Reina Matsuzawa of ISCN/JAEA discussed the concept of nuclear and radioactive security, and emphasized on the strategic benefit of international cooperation in nuclear security as the effectiveness of one ASEAN Member State impacts the rest of the ASEAN region.

Teofilo Leonin of the PNRI talked about the need for the comprehensive nuclear law in the Philippines to regulate and control the utilization of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes,

The IAEA reiterated its support and commitment for an effective nuclear security regime in the ASEAN region by providing expert guidance and assistance through its various programs and services.

Malaysia and Japan shared their first-hand experiences and methods in implementing regulations and security measures for radioactive sources.

Heightened interest for regional cooperation from the ISCN/JAEA and the EU Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centre of Excellence Initiative (CBRN COE) is a welcome opportunity for the ASEAN to increase awareness and improve standards, as well as technology developments in the field of nuclear security.

These involvements will enhance the capabilities of the ASEAN Member States consistent with the strategies under the Civilian Nuclear Energy (CNE) focus area of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC).

With these developments, the DOE is confident that the Philippines will immensely benefit from a successful regional and international cooperation on nuclear security, and be able to contribute strategically to the ASEAN region as a whole.

The 7th NEC-SSN meeting and its associated events is in line with the Philippine hosting of the 50th Founding Anniversary of the ASEAN.

Angela Lee Defends One Women's Atomweight World Championship Against Istela Nunes

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship (ONE), has announced its return to the Singapore Indoor Stadium with a spectacular card scheduled for Friday, 26 May. ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES is set to play host to the absolute best in local and international mixed martial arts talent as ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee of Singapore defends her title against top contender Istela Nunes of Brazil in the main event. In the co-main event, ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben “Funky” Askren will return to the ONE Championship cage to defend his title against rising young Malaysian star Agilan “Alligator” Thani.

Ticket information for ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES is available at www.onefc.com

Victor Cui, CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “We have an absolutely stacked card from top to bottom planned for Singapore, and it will be a night fans will not want to miss. Angela Lee, ever the true champion and warrior, just came off a thrilling performance a little over a month ago and she is already raring to get back inside the ONE Championship to perform for her hometown crowd. On the other side of the cage, Istela Nunes is ready to give Lee a stiff challenge as the division’s top contender. Also, welterweight superstar Ben Askren is back and he’s ready to welcome the young Agilan Thani to the upper echelon of the division.”

20-year-old Angela Lee of Singapore is one of the promotion’s most outstanding athletes regardless of gender or weight class. She captured the inaugural ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship with an awe-inspiring victory over Mei Yamaguchi in 2016, and has since then defended the title successfully. Lee’s beautiful combination of elite striking and grappling skills has proven to be a potent formula for success, as she has remained unbeaten inside the ONE Championship cage. In her last bout, Lee dominated top contender Jenny Huang with a masterful display of striking. She now returns to Singapore to defend her title against Istela Nunes.

Unbeaten female atomweight Istela Nunes of Brazil is a two-time Muay Thai world champion with an unblemished 6-0 professional mixed martial arts record. Her exciting style and knack for delivering powerful strikes makes for exciting fights and is one of the biggest components of her game. In her last bout, Nunes took on top-rated female atomweight Mei Yamaguchi, winning a closely-contested split decision. At her best, Nunes is a well-rounded fighter with a solid striking and grappling skill set. She now takes on the biggest challenge of her young career when she goes head-to-head with ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee in Singapore.

A former NCAA Division I All-American, Ben Askren is a collegiate wrestling legend and one of the finest mixed martial artists in the world today. In just a few fights in ONE, Askren was able to seize the ONE Welterweight World Championship with a resounding technical knockout victory over Nobutatsu Suzuki. The highly-skilled Askren is widely considered to be the absolute best in his division and one of the best fighters in the world pound-for-pound. Next for Askren is a title defense against Malaysian welterweight Agilan Thani.

The undefeated Agilan “Alligator” Thani of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will be making his return to the ONE Championship cage, following a spectacular submission victory over veteran welterweight Jeff Huang. The 21-year old prospect is a perfect 7-0 as a professional, with five of his seven victories ending in the first round. All of Thani’s victories have come by exciting finish. The young Malaysian has shown steady improvement in each outing, and has earned a shot at ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren.

Lightweight veteran Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki of Shizuoka, Japan, is one of the world’s most decorated mixed martial artists. He is the DREAM Lightweight Champion, former Shooto Welterweight Champion, and the former ONE Lightweight World Champion. The 33-year-old Aoki is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Yuki Nakai and has won multiple grappling tournaments across the globe. He also holds a black belt in judo. A veteran in both MMA and the Brazilian jiu-jitsu scene, Aoki’s reputation as a grappling specialist is unrivaled. He will take on Garry Tonon in a Grappling Super-Match.

Garry “The Lion Killer” Tonon of the United States is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Tom deBlass and Ricardo Almeida. He is a No Gi specialist who has clinched multiple world titles at the IBJJF World and Pan American Championships. At age 14, Tonon fell in love with wrestling and grappling and has developed into a bonafide grappling superstar over the course of his career. He is a prominent fixture in submission-only format competitions such as Metamoris, Polaris, and the Eddie Bravo Invitational. Tonon is set to appear in ONE Championship opposite Shinya Aoki in a Grappling Super-Match.

22-year-old Singaporean prospect Amir Khan is a professional mixed martial artist competing in ONE Championship’s stacked lightweight division. He is considered one of the most promising young talents to represent Singapore on the international stage of MMA. Khan is currently riding a three-fight win streak with his victories coming by way of exciting finish. In his last bout, Khan scored a third-round submission over Filipino Vaughn Donayre in a tough matchup. He will once again perform for his hometown crowd as he takes on Rajinder Singh Meena.

Rajinder “Knockout” Singh Meena of India is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the ONE Championship lightweight division. A fast starter, Singh Meena likes to blitz opponents with an intent to finish fights early. He owns a record of eight wins and five losses, with all eight of his victories coming by way of stoppage. Possessing a solid grappling skill set, Meena owns five impressive wins by submission. In his next bout, Singh Meena will lock horns with young lightweight prospect Amir Khan.

Luis “Sapo” Santos is a mixed martial arts veteran from Brazil with over 70 fights on his record, and over half of his wins ending by either TKO or KO. With a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a penchant for spectacular finishes, Santos has emerged as one of the promotion’s most overwhelming physical specimens – a fighter capable of finishing a bout in a variety of ways at any given moment. Known for his aggressiveness and brute strength, Santos looks to continue his dominance inside the ONE Championship cage in his next bout against Vuyisile Colossa.

34-year-old Vuyisile “The Cheetah” Colossa is a mixed martial arts veteran with an 8-5 professional record. He has competed for some of Asia’s top MMA promotions, including ONE Championship, where he has faced opponents the likes of Lowen Tynanes, Kotetsu Boku, and Caros Fodor. After spending three years away from competition, Colossa returned in 2016 to appear in the cage twice. He now makes his way back to ONE to take on tough Brazilian foe, Luis Santos.

Former ONE Strawweight World Champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke is a three-time Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai world champion who has a 6-2 record as a professional mixed martial artist. He is known as a technical striker with quick hands and lightning-fast feet, employing some of the most unique and creative striking combinations in MMA today. As a martial artist with over 25 years of competitive experience, Dejdamrong is set to face Indonesian contender Adrian Matheis.

23-year-old Adrian Matheis of Jakarta, Indonesia, is a mixed martial artist competing in ONE Championship’s stacked strawweight division. In the ONE: TITLES & TITANS strawweight tournament in August 2016, Matheis defeated both Rustam Hutajulu and Roso Nugroho via scintillating knockouts in one night to be crowned tournament champion. In his next bout, Matheis crosses paths with former champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke.

Tiffany “Soul Crusher” Teo is a female mixed martial artist who competes in ONE Championship’s women’s flyweight division. She holds an unblemished professional record of five wins and no losses, including two submissions and two knockouts. Born in Brunei and raised in Singapore, Teo began training in taekwondo before moving on to compete in boxing and Muay Thai, eventually transitioning to MMA. In her last bout, Teo impressed with a comprehensive decision victory over Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol. Teo is set to make her third appearance inside the ONE Championship cage against Rebecca Heintzman.

Rebecca Heintzman of Binghamton, New York, is a 30-year old female mixed martial artist making her return to the ONE Championship cage. In her last bout with the promotion, Heintzman took on then-rising star Angela Lee, going two solid rounds with the future champion. With great all-around skills, Heintzman had a decorated amateur career, transitioning well into professional MMA. Heintzman’s full arsenal should be on display once again as she faces one of the promotion’s most promising young fighters in Tiffany Teo.

Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige is a 28-year-old female atomweight from Bangkok, Thailand. She is of mixed Japanese and Thai heritage, beginning her martial arts training at age nine with aikido and taekwondo. Heavily influenced by her late father who trained in judo, Ishige went on to hone her skills as a martial artist, eventually taking up mixed martial arts. In her last bout, Ishige made a successful ONE Championship debut, impressing fans with her solid grappling skills to defeat Malaysian fighter Audreylaura Boniface. Next up, Ishige takes on the Philippines’ Jomary Torres.

Jomary Torres is a female atomweight contender from the Philippines with a 1-0 professional mixed martial arts record. In her last bout, Torres dominated opponent Krisna Lindaga to win by unanimous decision after three rounds. Torres is set to make her ONE Championship debut against Thai fighter Rika Ishige.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Eugene Toquero Hungry to Redeem Himself in ONE Championship

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Filipino mixed martial artist Eugene Toquero is looking forward to bouncing back from a dismal 2016 as he makes his eighth trip inside the ONE Championship cage.

The 35-year-old Cebu native seeks vindication when he faces top Indonesian prospect Stefer Rahardian on the undercard of ONE: KINGS OF DESTINT, which takes place at the 20,000-seater SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines on Friday, 21 April.

With seven of his professional 8 victories coming by way of knockout, Toquero has a knack for executing highlight-reel striking techniques and is very unpredictable, operating at a pace that his opponents find hard to keep up with.

However, Toquero is coming off two-straight setbacks in 2016, yielding to interim ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano Moraes via first-round submission in March before tasting the same fate at the hands of Team Lakay’s Danny Kingad last December.

Toquero stressed that he has made some crucial adjustments to his preparation as he desires to be on the winning track once again.

“I have made other adjustments. I train longer and harder now. I don’t want to be complacent because I am not getting any younger. This is a huge organization with a lot of very good fighters from all over the world. I want to make my mark. This is my time to shine,” he said.

Beko PH Extends Support for Bukid Kabataan Center

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Beko Philippines, a global domestic appliance and consumer electronics brand, recently extended its support for St. Mary Euphrasia Integrated Development Foundation, Inc.- Bukid Kabataan Center, located at Sitio de Fuego, San Francisco in General Trias City, Cavite.

The company donated two units of 11kg top load fully automatic washing machines as assistance to the foundation. The donation is in line with Beko’s aim to provide the institution with more efficient laundry operations so they need not to waste more time in washing and spend more quality time with the children.

"Beko has always been dedicated in providing meaningful solutions that positively impacts communities. We saw the need to offer our assistance to Bukid Kabataan Center, especially when we found out that the volunteers are still using twin tub washing machines that consumes more water and drains their time and energy during laundry day. Beko Top Load Fully Automatic Washing Machine will help save time and energy as it only consumes P1.37 per wash cycle based on the Meralco Testing. Surely this will not only save cost on the Foundation’s monthly electric bill but will also help provide cleaner clothes to the Children," said Dyeun Zapanta, Beko Sales and Marketing Head.

Bukid Kabataan Center is a foundation that helps at-risk children, especially girls ages seven to 15 years old. The center provides life-giving environment for its beneficiaries through a community that offers protection and fosters physical and psychological healing.

Lebron James Tops NBA’S Most Popular Jerseys List in the Philippines

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2016 NBA Finals MVP LeBron James captured the top spot on the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) list of most popular jerseys in the Philippines, the NBA announced today. Highlighting sales from the four NBA Stores in the Philippines, the list features reigning back-to-back NBA MVP Stephen Curry at No. 2, and four-time NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving at No. 3.

The Golden State Warriors lead the list of most-popular team merchandise, followed by the Cleveland Cavaliers at No. 2 and the Los Angeles Lakers at No. 3.

Rankings are based on in-store sales since the beginning of the 2016-17 NBA season.

Top 10 Selling Jerseys

1. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
3. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
4. James Harden, Houston Rockets
5. Dwyane Wade, Chicago Bulls
6. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
7. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
8. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
9. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
10. Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls


Top 5 Most Popular Teams

1. Golden State Warriors
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Los Angeles Lakers
4. Chicago Bulls
5. San Antonio Spurs


Fans can purchase NBA merchandise through the four NBA Stores in the Philippines, located in Manila at Glorietta 3, Mega Fashion Hall, TriNoma, and in Cebu at Ayala Center.

PH To Gain Insights In Hosting Nuclear Seminar

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi described as "very timely" the Philippines' hosting of the 7th Nuclear Energy Cooperation and Sub-Sector Network (NEC-SSN) Meeting on April 17-19 at Hotel Sofitel, Manila.

According to Cusi, the Philippines hopes to gain insights with the seminar as it is now undertaking various studies and capacity building activities aimed to determine the nation's position on nuclear energy.

"The seminar will focus on securing radioactive sources, a grave concern relative to risks to people and the environment," said Cusi.

The actual meeting of ASEAN member states (AMS) who are part of the SSN will take place on the 19th of April. Starting the three-day activity of the NEC-SSN is the seminar on security of radioactive sources organized by the ASEAN Center of Energy (ACE) in partnership with the Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Nuclear Security (ISCN) of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA).

Attending the seminar are ACE, AMS, international organizations including International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), ISCN/JAEA and European Union Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative (EU CBRN COE).

Local participants from DOE, DOST, DOST-PNRI, academe and electric utilities will also be in attendance.

Most are members of the newly organized Nuclear Energy Program Organization or the NEPIO. The Seminar will be keynoted by the NEPIO Chairperson, DOE Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos.

The Seminar’s objectives are as follows:

·        Reaffirm the importance of international and regional cooperation in the field of nuclear security especially security of radioactive materials;

·        Promote ASEAN member states’ enhancement of nuclear security or security of radioactive sources through experience sharing;

·       Enable JAEA to understand ASEAN’s needs and concerns to counter the challenges on strengthening nuclear security for developing a cooperative scheme to support ASEAN’s effort for the peaceful use of nuclear and radioactive material.

Noted Artist Al Gatmaitan Releases Self-Titled Album

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Artist Playground proudly announces today the official release of AL GATMAITAN Self-titled 3 tracks - Single CD album which can be downloaded in iTunes and streamed via Spotify.

The links are as follows:

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/album/5Q39mmgTqJ5IHnJ7tPDatO

ITUNES: https://itun.es/ph/eTW2ib

AL GATMAITAN is a Classical Crossover Artist and a 2-time Aliw Awardee for Best Male Classical Singer. Award-winning composer JESSE LUCAS (2016 Aliw Awardee for Best Musical Director) composed, arranged and produced the following:

1. Perché Ringrazio La Vita
Poem by Rodolfo Chirico
Music Composed and Arranged by Jesse Lucas

*” Perché Ringrazio La Vita” which means “Why I Thank Life”
is a song about gratitude. The poem is written by Al’s Italian professor, the late Prof. Chirico.


2. Bituing Marikit
Lyrics by Servando Angeles
Music by Nicanor Abelardo
Arranged by Jesse Lucas
Guitar: Mark Reese Gelbolingo

*A new rendition with an updated arrangement of the popular and well-loved kundiman.


3. Sa Muling Pagsibol
Poem by National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera
Music Composed and Arranged by Jesse Lucas

*An inspirational song with the poem written in response to the devastation of the Super-typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban.


RECORDED at the ACOUSTIC UNDERGROUND INC.
RECORDING ENGINEER: JAYMEE RANOA
MIXED BY AJI MANALO

PRODUCED BY ARTIST PLAYGROUND, JESSE LUCAS and AL GATMAITAN.