Gawad Buhay 2016 Nominations Out, PETA’s Francis M. Musical ‘3 Stars and a Sun’ Leads with 13 Nods

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine Educational Theater Association’s “3 Stars and a Sun,” an original Filipino musical that featured the music of the late rap artist Francis Magalona in a story about youthful hope and rebellion in a dystopian Philippine setting, grabbed 13 nods to lead the 2016 nominations for Gawad Buhay, the Philstage Awards for the Performing Arts.

Following closely with 12 nominations is Ballet Philippines’ “Firebird and Other Ballets,” with new choreography by George Birkadze for the Act 1 “Firebird” section, and a suite of modern works by several Filipino choreographers in Act 2. Another BP production, “Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko,” which employed the music of the ‘70s band VST & Co in a hybrid dance-musical show, garnered 11 nominations.

Sharing 10 nominations each are Red Turnip Theater’s production of Nina Raine’s “Tribes,” a play about a young deaf man and his unconventional family; and Full House Theater Company’s production of the Broadway musical “Annie.” (Full House is the resident theater company of Resorts World Manila.)

The nominations, chosen by an independent jury, were announced via a Facebook Live session this Friday evening, hosted by Philstage president Audie Gemora and VP Maribel Legarda (also the Peta artistic director). The awarding ceremonies will be on May 10, Wednesday, 7 p.m., at CCP's Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater).

UP Circuit InteraCKT Year 7

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Afraid of getting lost inside UP Diliman? We all agree that UP Diliman campus has a vast area of land. Not only a university but also a community, UP Diliman is a tricky place for first timers with the confusing jeepney routes and the puzzling streets.

Worry not because on April 29, the annual UP tour for incoming EEE freshmen students will be held. It is the InteraCKT and it is already on its 7th year! InteraCKT will bring you the ultimate freshie adventure that will test how much you know about your future university through a series of fun activities. Also, there will be amazing freebies to be given to the attendees.

Again, this coming April 29 will be start of your fun and adventurous UP life. Meet up will be at 8 am.

Eduard Folayang Retains One Lightweight World Championship with Unanimous Decision Over Ev Ting

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship (ONE), sent shockwaves throughout the capacity crowd at the state-of-the-art Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines with another exciting evening of world-class mixed martial arts action. ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY showcased a series of compelling bouts, punctuated by a thrilling main event that left fans on the edge of their seats. In the main event, Eduard Folayang successfully defended his ONE Lightweight World Championship, defeating Ev Ting by unanimous decision.

Visit the official ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY photo gallery by clicking: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ivh34n9pza3q94o/AADwuMwRg-gnDecd5AIBoQyTa?dl=0

In the main event of ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY, Eduard Folayang retained his ONE Lightweight World Championship with a masterful display of striking to defeat top Malaysian lightweight Ev “E.T.” Ting. Operating behind his world-class wushu stance, Folayang dazzled with his trademark variety of lightning quick and powerful spinning attacks, pouncing on Ting with side kicks and back fists. Controlling the action from the outside with the intent to counter, Folayang allowed Ting to come forward with his attacks which were few and far between. In the end, all three judges agreed on Folayang winning a unanimous decision to remain champion after five thrilling rounds of intense action.

After the bout, eight-division world Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao congratulated Folayang inside the ONE Championship cage.

“I would like to thank Ev Ting, he really came prepared for this fight. We came to give the fans a good fight, and that’s what we have done,” said Folayang. “This is the essence of martial arts, five rounds to show how much we’ve prepared for a long time. [This fight] means a lot. A lot of you [fans] were discouraged the last time I was here, I slept on that mat. I rose up from my circumstances. I needed to train a lot to improve a lot. This is it on my shoulder. Thank you for your support.”

In the co-main event of the evening, Team Lakay top bantamweight Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon swarmed Finnish kickboxing sensation Toni “Dynamite” Tauru with a relentless barrage of attacks to earn a scintillating striking victory. Tauru, the taller fighter by over 10cm, used his length to keep Belingon at range but it was only a matter of time before the Filipino would come looking for the stoppage. Tauru tried his best to keep the distance, but Belingon launched a furious offensive to close the gap, pounding Tauru with thunderous lefts and rights. In the end, Tauru had no choice but to bow out of the contest via verbal submission.

With another spectacular performance, resurgent lightweight contender and former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario marched to victory once more, stopping newcomer Jaroslav Jartim with a monstrous left hook. After spending the first round on the mat with Jartim in technical grappling exchanges, Banario showcased his incredible power in the second round. Catching a kick to the body, Banario uncorked a devastating left hand counter that knocked Jartim out cold, effectively ending the bout in an instant.

It was a triumphant return to the ONE Championship cage for 18-year-old Christian Lee. “The Warrior” turned in a tremendous showing against Chinese featherweight “The Werewolf” Wan Jian Ping, dazzling the crowd with his quickness and trademark unorthodox movement. After mixing up his strikes very well, Lee shot in for a successful takedown, bringing Wan to the canvas. Once on the mat, it was all Christian Lee as the youngster went to work, pounding the Chinese fighter with sharp elbows and punches to earn the stoppage victory.

With an astounding display of gargantuan strength, Team Lakay top flyweight prospect Danny “The King” Kingad out-muscled Malaysian opponent Muhammad Aiman to win by unanimous decision after three fierce back-and-forth rounds. Kingad, who enjoyed most of the fight with successful takedowns of his Malaysian foe, punished Aiman with elbows and knees from dominant positions. In the third round, Aiman caught Kingad in a triangle but the Filipino powered himself out of it and earned the judges’ nod.

In an entertaining flyweight contest, Indonesian standout Stefer Rahardian dominated unorthodox Filipino striker Eugene Toquero with his effective chain wrestling skills, winning by unanimous decision after three rounds of action. For the majority of the bout, Rahardian took Toquero down seemingly at will, and the Filipino spent most of the fight defending off his back. In the third round, Toquero made things interesting by landing a couple of telling blows but it was not enough to offset Rahardian’s superior ground control.

19-year-old Chinese bantamweight prospect “The Stalker” Xie Bin showcased his tremendous grappling skills in defeating Cambodian Khun Khmer specialist Chan Rothana. After a brief feeling out period for both fighters, Xie scored on a takedown to bring the action to the mat. The second round saw Xie score on another takedown, this time working towards a submission. With Rothana completely out of his element, Xie was able to grab a hold of his opponent’s neck, executing a D’Arce choke to seal the win.

Team Lakay lady striker Gina “Conviction” Iniong made her successful ONE Championship debut, besting Filipino-English fighter Natalie “The Kilapino” Gonzales Hills with a solid display of striking superiority. Looking to play the role of counterpuncher, Iniong laid back and allowed Hills to press most of the action. Iniong dominated in the clinch with knees to the lower body and scored on a handful of takedowns. She then found a home for her powerful right hand which landed with great accuracy throughout the fight. After three rounds, judges saw the bout in favor of Iniong.

8-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Michelle Nicolini of Sao Paulo, Brazil extended her winning streak to two wins inside the ONE Championship cage with a beautiful first round armbar over previously unbeaten Irina Mazepa of St. Petersburg, Russia. Nicolini utilized a missed kick from Mazepa to take the Russian fighter to the ground. From there, Nicolini worked her magic, easily taking the bout by submission.

Filipino strawweight fighters Robin Catalan and Jeremy Miado kicked off ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY with a wild exchange of striking and wrestling to get the crowd ready for an exciting night of fights. After three gruelling rounds, Catalan emerged victorious by split decision, impressing with a series of emphatic slams while controlling the action on the mat.

Official results for ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY

ONE Lightweight World Championship bout: Eduard Folayang defeats Ev Ting by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 5 rounds

Bantamweight bout: Kevin Belingon defeats Toni Tauru by Submission (Verbal Tapout) at 2:27 minutes of round 1

Lightweight bout: Honorio Banario defeats Jaroslav Jartim by Knockout at 1:31 minutes of round 2

Featherweight bout: Christian Lee defeats Wan Jian Ping by TKO (Strikes) at 4:50 minutes of round 1

Flyweight bout: Danny Kingad defeats Muhammad Aiman by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Flyweight bout: Stefer Rahardian defeats Eugene Toquero by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Bantamweight bout: Xie Bin defeats Chan Rothana by Submission (D’Arce Choke) at 1:46 minutes of round 2

Women’s Atomweight bout: Gina Iniong defeats Natalie Gonzales Hills by Unanimous Decision (UD) after 3 rounds

Women’s Catchweight bout (57.8kg): Michelle Nicolini defeats Irina Mazepa by Submission (Armbar) at 2:11 minutes of round 1

Strawweight bout: Robin Catalan defeats Jeremy Miado by Split Decision (SD) after 3 rounds

In case you missed the action log on to www.onefc.com/livestream for the full replay of the fights at only US $9.99.

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.

Philippines' First Barge Terminal Starts Construction

Wazzup Pilipinas!

To further efforts in decongesting Metro Manila traffic and effectively maximizing the use of the country’s nautical highways, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the International Container Services, Inc. (ICTSI) held the groundbreaking ceremony of the Philippine’s first container Roll-on Roll-off (RORO) Barge Terminal earlier today, 21 April 2017. 

The Cavite Gateway Terminal (CGT), a six-hectare property currently being developed in Brgy. Capipisa in Tanza, Cavite, will enable containerized cargo transport through barges moving between ICTSI’s International Container Terminal in Manila and Cavite. Phase 1, which will cost USD 30 million (PhP 1.5 billion), features an annual capacity of 115,000 TEUs – equivalent to 140,000 fewer truck trips on city roads each year. This project will be constructed at no cost to government, and is expected to be operational by Q1 2018.

Leading the ceremony are (from left to right): ICTSI Vice President and Head of Asia Pacific and MICT Christian R. Gonzalez, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, ICTSI Chairman and President Enrique K. Razon Jr., former Cavite Governor Juanito “Jonvic” C. Remulla Jr., and Tanza Mayor Yuri A. Pacumio.

Jose Cuervo Especial Silver and the Origins of Margarita

Wazzup Pilipinas!

One of Jose Cuervo’s greatest contributions to the world of alcohol is the Especial Siler. Crafted by the masters at La Rojeña, this clear and impeccable offering balances the subtleties of agave, fresh herbs, and caramel. It can be savored on its own, chilled or on the rocks, or as a mixer to a classic and pallet-pleasing cocktail.

Compadres, there’s no better way to truly savor the taste of Jose Cuervo’s world-famous Especial Silver than in a Margarita. For as long as tequila has been enjoyed, there has always been a few who have dared to extract its purity in order to take the agave flavor to new, uncharted places. No other drink, in the hundreds of years of tequila distillation has won as many hearts as the Margarita.

Its tradition dates back to the late 1930’s in a small speakeasy between Tijuana and Rosarito, Mexico where a bartender by the name of Carlos Herrera concocted the first glass for one of his regulars, a certain Marjorie King. Now, Marjorie was a dancer, a very popular dancer and she was allergic to almost every form of alcohol, except for tequila.  So, Carlos Herrara, obviously looking to impress this remarkably beautiful woman, crafted a drink that not only fit her tastes but also embodied the characteristics that made her such a unique woman. And from there, the famous drink was born.

So, in the spirit of the Margarita, Jose Cuervo presents it’s Silver Margarita; a chance for people of all kinds to truly savor this icon drink at its purest by utilizing Especial Silver. Tequila at it’s purest and most potent form, Especial Silver is an unaged ‘blanco’ that contains over 51% Blue Agave.

Cusi: PHL Aims for 20,000MW RE Capacities

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi said today that the Philippines endeavors to add at least 20,000 megawatts of renewable energy (RE) capacities by 2040 to sustain economic gains and continuously elevate the quality of life in the country.

Cusi issued the statement during the launch by the DOE and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) of the Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA) for the country at the Energy Center at Bonifacio Global City.

“RRA is a collaboration among the DOE, IRENA and other renewable energy stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. It is vital in our vision towards attaining 20,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacities by 2040,” said Cusi.

The DOE chief said that with the Philippine governments’ aggressive stance towards building RE capacities, there is a “need to identify and analyze key challenges to further guide our stakeholders in our policies, regulatory and institutional framework.”

He said that formulating RRA involved research, interviews, focus group discussions and several multi-stakeholder consultations.

The goal, he added, is to provide a comprehensive and detailed analyses of the country’s RE profile in order to recommend measures to deal with the pertinent issues in the industry.

Cusi said that the Philippine RRA will also contribute to a database of the status of renewables readiness across member countries of IRENA.

The DOE-Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB) also prepared the launching ceremony of the RRA to serve as a forum with industry stakeholders to inform them on its results, solicit their views in carrying out the recommendations and discuss opportunities and challenges of the RE sector.

The launching was graced by DOE Assistant Secretary Roberto Uy, DOE-REMB Director Mario Marasigan, DOE-REMB Assistant Director Marissa Cerezo, National Renewable Energy Board (NREB) Chairperson Atty. Jose Layug Jr., IRENA Senior Programme Officer Gurbuz Gunol and IRENA Regional Programme Officer for Asia-Pacific Yong Chen.

IRENA is an intergovernmental organization that supports countries in transitioning into a sustainable energy future. It serves as the principal platform for international cooperation and an avenue to explore other values of renewable energy as it promotes widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms in the pursuit of sustainable development.

“The DOE is committed to provide a level of playing field among RE developers to assure the country of its indigenous and sustainable energy for the consuming public,” said Cusi.

Cover photo caption: RRAP turnover: Gurbuz Gunol, IRENA Senior Programme Officer (left), turns over a copy of the Renewable Resource Assessment Publication to Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Robert Uy on Friday, 21 April 2017, in Taguig City. With them are NREB Chairman Jose Layug Jr. (2nd from left) and DOE-REMB Director Mario Marasigan (right).         

ASEAN Members Pitch for Nuclear Energy

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A pre-feasibility study unveiled during the recently concluded 7th Annual Meeting of the Nuclear Energy Cooperation Sub-Sector Network (NEC-SSN) showed that many member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are in favor of tapping nuclear energy for peaceful or commercial use.

The three-day summit, which ended April 19 at the Sofitel Hotel, was hosted by the Philippines with the Department of Energy headed by Secretary Alfonso Cusi as the lead agency in facilitating the conference chaired by Malaysia.

Nuclear energy is being seen by ASEAN members as a long-term source of power, according to the study conducted by ASEAN Center for Energy (ACE) Canada’s Nuclear and Radiological Program.

In representing Secretary Cusi, DOE Undersecretary Jess Posadas underscored regional and international cooperation to advance the use of civilian nuclear energy (CNE) in the ASEAN region.

The DOE official also highlighted the Secretary’s stance that “the meeting was timely as it afforded the Philippines insights while it tries to develop and formulate its national position on nuclear energy.”

In his speech opening the summit, Posadas said the Philippines will need a kind of energy that will power the economic development resulting from the P8.9 trillion worth of investments in infrastructure in the next five years.

“Pagnakita mo ‘yung golden age of infrastructure, magugulat ka … Train na lang, electric lahat 'yun. Magkakaron pa tayo ng subway,” Posadas said. "If the infrastructure projects will be built, the Philippines will need huge amounts of energy."

Nuclear power has the potential of meeting such huge energy demand, according to Posadas, as he noted that one gram of uranium is equivalent to 1.8 million cubic meters of oil and three million grams of coal.

"Nuclear energy would last longer than other fuels," said Posadas.

“The Philippines has always viewed nuclear energy as a long-term option for power generation that will provide supply security, stability and reliability. Should this be the path that the country will take, nuclear further diversifies our existing generation mix comprised of coal, natural gas, geothermal, hydropower, oil, wind, biomass and solar,” he said.

“Owing to its baseload characteristics, nuclear energy will be in support to the thrust of the Philippine government which is the realization of the Philippine Development Plan’s (PDP) drive for industrialization and urbanization. It is central for a country towards the path of development to have the available and required capacity to meet the nation’s increasing demand requirements,” Posadas added.

“Moreover, nusclear’s pivotal role to augment supply will also aid in accomplishing Ambisyon Natin 2040, a long-term vision that highlights the aspirations, values and principles of the Filipino people for themselves and for the country.”

Posadas also pointed out that the Philippines is “privileged to have a President that personifies strong political will which is essentially one decisive factor if a country is to embark on a nuclear power program (NPP).”

The DOE official emphasized that discussions on nuclear energy as well as radioactive sources tend to attract issues on security. “We are cognizant of this and must admit that this issue cannot be discounted as people and the environment must always be protected. As you would note, security and physical protection is just one of the 19 infrastructure issues identified by the IAEA for countries pursuing nuclear power development. When we talk about radioactive sources, there is also emphasis on security. There must be a security culture practiced and a system well in place,” he told the forum.

Many of the resource persons emphasized that to realize the full potential of nuclear energy, ASEAN governments must come up with clear cut policies, legal and regulatory framework, infrastructure and unstinting support for it through capacity build-up.

Malaysia presented its efforts for public acceptance of nuclear energy as the power source carries with it some stigma because of nuclear accidents like Japan’s Fukushima Incident.

Malaysia was represented by Mr. Song Wong Tin with the Philippines, being represented by Ms. Carmencita Bariso of the Department of Energy (DOE) as vice-chair.

In attendance were NEC-SSN focal persons from ASEAN member states of Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia, as well as representatives from the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE).

Also those who joined were representatives from the China Nuclear Engineering Group Corporation (CNEC), Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Nuclear Security (ISCN), Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the European Union Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation (EU CBRN) and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNCRI) Centres of Excellence (COE).

Teofilo Leonin of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), 2017 chairperson of the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM), discussed potential areas of cooperation with AMS on nuclear regulatory.

Shi Boxuan of the CNEC, on the other hand, led the contract signing for the Clean Energy Project between ACE and CNEC, and expressed interests in future collaborations with AMS.

The NEC-SSN also welcomed and duly noted the initiatives of the EU CBRN UNCRI COE on nuclear protection in the ASEAN region. Ms. Reina Matsuzawa of ISCN/JAEA and Dr. Kusnanto of ACE discussed the productive outcome of the Seminar on Nuclear Security and the Capacity Building on Nuclear Material Transport.

Teatro Tomasino Jolts Out the Stage with Bob Ong’s Kapitan Sino

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Teatro Tomasino, the official university-wide theater guild of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), culminates their 39th season: Let Thy Art Illuminate with a smash hit comedy-drama play, Kapitan Sino based on Bob Ong’s novel and adapted for stage by playwright Cyrene Mendoza on May 3-6, 2017 at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium, UST. The renowned advertising practitioner and former Teatro Tomasino Artistic Director, Franny Omampo directs the play as his energizing theatrical comeback. 

Not Just Super Powers

Illuminating the current socio-political climate of the country, Kapitan Sino is a tale of Rogelio who possesses lightning superpower which he uses to rescue those in need. More than a battle of good vs. evil, Kapitan Sino examines Rogelio’s response to heroism at the expense of his happiness and family, the consequence of people's overdependence on a hero, and their inherent nature of being abusive and selfish.

On Comebacks, Passion and Pseudo Heroes

Director Franny Omampo’s excitement is mobilized with the socially relevant contemporary play’s visual delight and core lessons on pseudo heroes, sacrifices, and change-seeking people. Omampo is also excited about collaborating with friends from the industry, and the fresh talents from Teatro Tomasino.

When asked about what keeps the production together, “Innate talent from each one of us who share the same vision for the play, and who share the same passion for our arts, ‘yun ‘yung nagpapagalaw sa amin (those are the things that move us)”, Omampo shared.

The production features the comeback of members who have been with the organization for the past 15 to 20 years, including one of the country’s comedy icons, John Lapus.

Show Details

Catch Kapitan Sino on the following play dates:

May 3 at 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm;

May 4 to 5 at 10 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm;

May 6 at 7pm.

For more information and ticket inquiries, contact Patricia at 0905 421 5255 or Maureen at 0906 693 7681.

Upcoming Festivals Across the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Happy Filipinos always find a reason to celebrate. MyProperty.ph lists down upcoming festivities around the country that can help you plan your next vacation destination

Some say you can only truly experience the Philippines once you see and partake in traditional festivities that almost every province in the country is proud of. Philippine festivals are perhaps the most effective way to be familiar with the country’s rich and colorful history.

As summer draws near more travel itineraries are being planned right now so to help you add an authentic and unique cultural feel to your next getaway, MyProperty comes up with a list of entertaining festivals you can explore. Witness streets come alive with exciting dance and vibrant activities filled with locals and tourists all hyped up to participate in the fun.

Fruit Festivals

The tropical country of the Philippines boasts fresh and mouth-watering fruit that are abundantly offered in various provinces; thus, each town celebrate the harvest through fiestas dedicated for the corresponding fruit that a place is known for. For instance, the festivities for the Strawberry Festival of La Trinidad, Benguet, started last March of 2017 and will run until April. Likewise, the world-renowned sweet mangoes of Zambales also have a festival under its name. Held every April in time for the bumper mango harvest, the Mango Festival is surely an exciting feast that attracts mango-lovers as well as tourists who enjoy the exciting tourist spots in Zambales.

Both the Strawberry and Mango Festivals feature street parades, float competition, and trade events where you can sample the best products made from these succulent fruit.

Bangus Festival

Celebrated yearly every April in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, is the Bangus (milkfish) Festival meant to honor the bountiful harvest of the province. Pangasinan, the milkfish capital of the Philippines, started a tradition of lighting hundreds of barbeque grills for locals and tourists to sample and savor the delicious bangus. The grills stretch more than a kilometer long, highlighting the importance of the festival to the natives of the province. The grill parade also features a cooking contest, eating competition, dance performances, and street parties. The longest barbeque of culinary experts even earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Sarangani Bay Festival

The Sarangani Bay Festival, also known as Sarbay Festival, is an annual event that unites both locals and tourists alike in a two-day fun fair. Scheduled every third week of May, this festival celebrated in Sarangani Province is one of the most popular beach events in the Philippines’ southern island of Mindanao. The event caters to all party-goers as it offers a mixture of activities for all. They have extreme outdoor sports for adrenaline junkies or bay parties for fun-seekers. A Filipino festival will never be complete without a gastronomic feast and Sarangani Bay Festival offers one of the best. The fresh produce of Sarangani is surely an exciting reason to visit and taste the best flavors.

More than being a lively fiesta, you can also contribute to the community through conservation efforts that happen alongside the festivities, such as mangroves planting. Enjoying pristine beaches while taking care of nature is beyond doubt an excellent way to spend your free time.

Pasalamat Festival

As a way of thanksgiving to a generous harvest, the Pasalamat Festival is held every First of May or the closest Sunday to the date in La Carlota City in Negros Occidental. The festival highlights a gathering of participants at the base of Mount Kanlaon where cultural traditions to thank the gods of fertility  of the mountain are celebrated. Colorful costumes and masks, as well as street music and dances plus delicious local fares, can also be enjoyed in this fiesta.

Pahiyas Festival

The Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon, is one of the most popular festivals in the Philippines, thanks to the very colorful and elaborate decorations that adorn the houses of this quiet town every May 15. The decorations, which are known as kiping, are leaf-shaped rice wafers and are arranged in elaborate patterns forming large flowers or colorful chandeliers.

Celebrated to honor the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro Labrador, the feast is also the town’s way to thank a great harvest. Pahiyas Festival is also must-attend event especially by food lovers as authentic and delectable dishes are prepared by every household. Hundreds of stalls and merchants of locally produced items, such as the town’s famous longganisang lukban and pansit habhab, are also available for all attendees who are looking for unique souvenirs. Known as one of the most colorful events in the Philippines, Pahiyas Festival is certainly an amazing blend of culture, food, and lifestyle in one exciting affair.

Cover Photo: Pahiyas Festival. Courtesy of Kuhreizy - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0 WikiMedia Commons

Espresso Yourself: A Dynamic Coffee Experience

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Espresso Yourself is a dynamic, hands-on coffee experience featuring interactive mini-lectures about coffee and workshops on latte art, coffee painting, and cookie decoration. This will be held on April 22, 2017, from 8am - 9pm at Casa Bocobo, Ermita, Manila. Through this worthwhile endeavor, we plan to sponsor a child's 6 years of education, through A Better Chance Foundation.

For 400 Php, choose from any of our six available time slots (9:00-11:00 am, 11:00 am-1:00 pm, 1:00-3:00pm, 3:00-5:00pm, 5:00-7:00pm and 7:00-9:00pm) and have the opportunity to learn how to prepare and design your own latte, express yourself through coffee painting and cookie decorating, and listen to mini-talks on coffee appreciation. Beyond your time slot, you can also enjoy our local coffee tasting booths, our coffee painting exhibit and lots of giveaways!

So what are you waiting for?

PRE-REGISTER NOW AT https://goo.gl/forms/MNwrAxixu6m1uaa02

or

contact TRISHA THADHANI (0917 550 9442)