When PRs Become Unfit for Their Job

Wazzup Pilipinas!

How about you guys? What are your comments or reactions regarding these posts about a PR who was said to be rude to a media during an interview at an event where a very popular singer was the brand ambassador. I guess the brand should be aware of this as they may be affected by this issue too. It's better that they do something about it soon before this controversy explodes uncontrollably.

Do you agree that PRs should be courteous and respectful to both media and bloggers regardless of the situation (relaxed or under pressure)? On and off promotional events or campaigns? Should they avoid talking bad or malicious about anyone (whether personally or via online and social media posts)? Bad-mouthing is such a serious offense that they should advocate for mouthwashes.

Kudos to the shout-out rant by an editor of one of the leading newspapers in the country. May there be more of her who are outspoken and gutsy enough to tell the world that she deserves proper treatment. There are ways to do things discreetly, and that should always be the case for PRs.

I have to commend her fellow media friends for the support they are giving her. I hope bloggers would also do the same and stand by with their colleagues when they encounter the same problems with PRs. It's time to stop being "sipsip" and tell our stories as it happens. No more sugar-coating and false or pretentious advertising. Tell the real story without any hesitation.

However, there are so many great PRs out there that should be praised for keeping their minds sane regardless of how badly behaved some personalities are. These are the PRs and their agencies that should be given awards and recognition. May they continue to flourish and remain successful.

Finally, the mentioned rude PR should reflect on this latest issue about her. She needs to realize that there's definitely something wrong about her. Apparently, this PR was moonlighting. The moonlighting issue is already beyond ethical. The rude behavior towards a media who was just trying to do her job is inexcusable. Who knows what else she is doing behind the back of her multi-national company who already asked the victim to remove the company's name from any post because the event was not officially under them. Raket pa more!

I can now rest my case.

A Memorable Family Bonding Moment at Buddha-Bar Manila's Magical Easter Sunday Celebration

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Easter Sunday was made extra special for the children at Buddha-Bar Manila's Magical Easter celebration.

Amidst the gigantic Buddha glaring from the second level, kids were treated to several games, artsy activities, and a magical show, plus a hearty lunch, on a Sunday where the Easter bunny came out form a magician's hat!

Parents bonded with their kids as they played through the different fun challenges and recreational activities specially organized by Buddha-Bar Manila.

I got hooked with the design your own cookie that's shaped like an egg (or was it a huge water droplet? Lol!). The kids got to use their a mix of their favorite frosting colors, together with tiny marshmallows, color-coated candies, rainbow sprinkles and many other edible decors to enhance their creativity. The best part of the challenge is someone gets to win for the best design, and they all get to eat their creations afterwards.

All the challenges would entails some lucky kids to win toy prizes from Buddha-Bar Manila. I love that portable basketball ring!

All children present were also given loot baskets and cupcakes the moment they entered the place so that meant smiling faces already at the very start of the day.

Filling up both parents and children was the sumptuous buffet spread from delightful salads, to yummy main entrees, all the way to sugary sensational desserts of many varieties. There is no doubt the kids enjoyed these treats as well.

Pilyo Cheesecake Soufllés in Iconic All-Time Favorite Bibingka Flavor

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I don't know any Filipino who can resist eating our iconic all-time favorite "bibingka"  or rice cake that is often seen when the holiday season is around. Though there are some street food stalls and restaurants that still cook them even after Christmas, they are still a rare find making them rare treats for those craving of these delicious rice cakes.

Now, there's an alternative to having the traditional "bibingka" because a couple originally based in Australia has conceptualized the Cheesecake Soufllés in Bibingka flavor! This means Christmas everyday and would also satisfy your craving for cheesecake as well!

We met with the people behind Pilyo Cheesecake Soufllés accidentally through an event held at their restaurant, and after several months we were actually aiming to reunite with them to feature their place. However, they were in the process of re-conceptualizing their business, but they offered instead another one they were currently doing home-based. They were referring to Pilyo which offers Cheesecake Soufllés of different varieties, and among them is the bibingka-flavored!

"We put the cheek in Grandma Filo's food using a playful approach reflective of Australian culture whilst paying tribute to traditional flavours. So come and shout “wala 'yan sa lola ko!" (that's nothing like my grandmother's!)."

My luck that bibingka happens to be an all-time favorite of mine. I don;t need to wait for Christmas for I can eat bibingka everyday. Still, it is very much appreciated that Pilyo has taken "bibingka" to the next level...and that level is delish all the way!

Go All-Natural with Electrolyte-Infused Roar Sports Drink

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Can you bear the heat this summer?

Now, imagine being under the sun ding your favorite sport like basketball, volleyball , or even just running or brisk walking? That would surely make you frown not only because of the heat but also of the dehydration you're sure to experience if you are under that scorching sun.

Those under the shades are already complaining, what more those who are perspiring outdoors. Be also wary that dehydration may cause damage to your health including giving you sunburn and skin diseases. Getting a dried throat and sore eyes also would lead to serious complications. This is why being hydrated is very important.

But you don't need to be an athlete or fitness buff to require proper hydration. As news and events bloggers, we keep on running from one news-worthy event to the next for our media coverage. And if you are without a car, this means hopping from one public transportation to the next whether it's the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) or Light Rail Transit (LRT), taxi, jeepney, bus, tricycle, or even the pedicabs. If we have the budget, we could take the Uber or Grab cars, but that would mean spending extra.

Now, it would have been easier if there's no more need to walk (or run) if all places are connected by public utility drop-offs or pick-ups, but it's not so there's still the need to perspire some more to reach our destination. This is why I always keep an extra shirt to prevent me from seemingly showering in sweat.

To keep myself hydrated, thank goodness I had the Roar Sports Drink with me at every occasion. It is my life-saver to keep myself composed, relaxed and definitely away from dehydration. The best thing is I got my hands on the rainbow samplers - different varieties or flavors so I could taste each one.

Now I'm craving for more as my stock is already at zero.

Two Fold Productions Proudly Presents Traverse: Reinventing Contemporary Tour Guiding

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Itching to travel the world? Turn your passion into a profession! In collaboration with the University of Santo Tomas College of Tourism and Hospitality Management – Travel Management Department & Marsman Drysdale Travel Inc., the Class of 3T2’s Two Fold Productions will be conducting an event that will tackle the multi-faceted and important role of the tour guiding profession in the tourism industry.

Let Two Fold Productions take you into the majestic world of “TRAVERSE: Reinventing Contemporary Tour Guiding.” The said event will be held on May 8, 2017 from 1:00 - 7:00 PM at the 2nd Floor Ballroom, Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building, University of Santo Tomas, España, Manila.


The event aims to:

1. Present an overview of issues and trends in line with the tour guiding profession in the Philippines;
2. Develop the students’ interpersonal skills for effective verbal and non-verbal communication;
3. Propose professional insights that would benefit the travel management students through various talks from professional tour guides;
4. Build an attitude of service excellence and permeate students with holistic values that are essential in the tourism industry; and
5. Advocate a culturally sensitive and ethical tour guiding where respect is present and shared.

Stay connected by liking their official Facebook page @twofoldproductions and following them on Twitter @2FTRAVERSE and on Instagram @twofoldproductions so you will not miss out on any updates.


#TRAVERSE
#TakeYouThere

National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools

Wazzup Pilipinas!

PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications is supporting anew the search for the most eco-friendly and sustainable schools in the Philippines. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is accepting nominations for the “2017 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools” until April 28. Entries can come from public and private schools and universities, elementary to college levels.

“The competition seeks to encourage schools to become more actively involved in environmental issues at a practical and local level,” said Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Assistant Director Jacqueline Caancan in a statement. “It recognizes academic institutions with the best eco-friendly programs and activities.”

“Smart supports the efforts of the government to raise environmental awareness among the youth,” said Ramon R. Isberto, Smart public affairs head. “Through this search, we hope not only to educate them about taking care of the environment but also help them realize the importance of being sustainable and resilient.”

Winners will be announced in November as part of the activities for the National Environmental Awareness Month and Clean Air Month.

This is the fifth leg of the bi-annual search, which began in 2009 and aims to increase environmental awareness among the youth, according to Caancan.

The competition is organized by DENR-EMB in cooperation with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Smart Communications, One Meralco Foundation and other partners.

Winners will receive cash prizes and plaques of recognition. For the national level, which consists of college, high school and elementary categories, the first prize is P50,000 for each category; second prize is P40,000 and third prize is P10,000. For the regional level, a certificate of recognition and P15,000 will be given to winners in each category.

Interested schools can register at sustainableschools.ph and submit their entries to their respective DepEd division or EMB regional offices. For more information, contact EMB-DENR at (02) 9284674 and (02) 3765610; email ecofriendlyschools@gmail.com, or visit emb.gov.ph, sustainableschools.ph, and facebook.com/EcoFriendlySchoolsPhilippines.

Smart has been working with the government and other partners to address the needs of the country in the areas of education and environment, as well as disaster preparedness, health and livelihood. One of its programs is a youth learning activity called the TNT Tropang Ready Disaster Preparedness Caravan which tours state universities and colleges nationwide.

UP Playwrights' Theater Proudly Presents Angry Christ

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Your Pambansang Blog ng Pilipinas is a proud media partner of UP Playwrights' Theater's Angry Christ.

It's the newest play has already started its initial run and features Nelsito Gomez in the leading role as Alfonso Ossorio in a 1950s setting in Negros province. The play is about a Fil-Am artist whose contemporary work, life, love, sexual identity and other chapters of his life were brought to fore by prolific playwright Floy Quintos.

Noted actor Kalil Almonte will play Nel as Anselmo and is also debuting his acting prowess for UP Playwrights' Theater together with Nel. Dexter Martinez Santos, director of ANGRY CHRIST noted that. "The play is not to be missed because it carries valuable messages of relationships, inner conflict, love, what really is important in life."

The Angry Christ is set to run from until May 14 2017 (Wednesdays to Fridays at 7:00 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 a.m and 3:00 p.m.) at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd Floor Palma Hall, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

For ticket inquiries, you may contact Arkel Mendoza at 0917-9673616 or arkelmendoza@gmail.com.

SM Youth Go-See Season 2

Wazzup Pilipinas!

14 finalists. 7 weeks. 2 winners.

The much-awaited return of the #SMYouthGoSee is here.

Last year, we produced the biggest digital youth model search and reality show in the country with more than 3,000 hopefuls that we called the SM Youth Go-See. Over the span of 5 episodes, we tested the final thirteen contestants on different challenges that depict the qualities of being SM Youth brand ambassadors. After 5 tough weeks, we proclaimed Kaila Estrada and Kyle Perry as the winners of our first season.

Fast forward to today, they introduced and lead the second season auditions which once again gathered 3,000 hopefuls online. We opened the floor again to search for the next male and female ambassadors of SM Youth that will join our current roster of talents that include last year's Kaila and Kyle together with Tommy Esguerra, Richard Juan and Janna Tee. From the thousands who auditioned online, we picked the final fourteen contestants who came from different parts of the world, representing today’s Filipino youth. Diversity is one of the most important aspects for this season as seen in our selection of finalists. Since the first season, we’ve never imposed on a certain look, height, body type or age in the auditions. This season’s finalists include not just models but a thespian, a poet, a television and film actor, a singer, a student leader and more to represent today’s multifaceted generation.

The competition has gotten bigger and tougher more than ever. In seven weeks, we will determine SM Youth’s next two ambassadors who we will cultivate to become the next big names in the entertainment and lifestyle industry following the success and footsteps of Kaila and Kyle. We invite you to witness the journey of our finalists in the digital realm as the SM Youth Go-See premieres on May 01, 2017 at 9PM via Facebook LIVE and on our YouTube channel.

For more details, visit www.facebook.com/SMYouthLifestyle, www.youtube.com/user/SMYouthLifestyle, and follow @SM_Youth on Twitter and Instagram and the hashtag #SMYouthGoSee.

Technology Alone Can’t Protect Your Business Against Cyber Threats – ePLDT

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Due to the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), information is being collected at an unprecedented rate, with much of it being highly personal and confidential. It is because of this that cybersecurity is of much greater importance today.

ePLDT, an industry-leading provider of digital business solutions to enterprises in the Philippines, is warning local companies that employing data security software and hardware  is not enough to combat cyber-threats. This is according to its newly appointed head of cybersecurity.

“Companies that focus on data security technology alone unfortunately do not understand cybersecurity,” said Angel Redoble, Chief Information Security Officer of ePLDT. “Because a single attack can affect every department of a company, cybersecurity therefore should be approached holistically by integrating it in every aspect, not just in technology. To do this, a company must first focus on having a strict protocol or process and must have the right people who are skilled to combat different kinds of threats. Once these are integrated with the appropriate technology, a company can achieve business resiliency.”

This crucial insight follows on the heels of Ernst & Young’s Global Information Security Survey of 2016 and 2017 which reveals that 64% of 1,735 firms surveyed, which includes Philippine companies, admitted that they have zero or mere informal threat intelligence programs. Moreover, 42% do not have an agreed communications strategy or plan in place in the event of a significant attack.

Jollibee and CityMall join STI in Nation-Building

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 

Industry stalwarts Tony Tan Caktiong, chairman and founder of Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), Edgar “Injap” Sia II, chairman and CEO of DoubleDragon Properties Corporation and CityMall Commercial Centers, Inc., and Eusebio H. Tanco, executive committee chairman of the STI Education Services Group, Inc. (STI ESG), broke ground on April 21, 2017 to officially mark construction of the first phase of the STI Academic Center and CityMall in Tanauan, Batangas.

The groundbreaking also marked the signing of a joint venture agreement among STI, and the families of Mr. Tan Caktiong, and “Injap” Sia II for the establishment of the agricultural school/commercial complex. Designed to accommodate 5,400 senior high school and college students next school year, the academic center will stand on a 35,114 square-meter property at Soledad Park Subdivision, Barangay Darasa, Tanauan, Batangas. Meanwhile, the CityMall will house affiliated brands such as Jollibee, Mang Inasal, Chowking, Red Ribbon, Highlands Coffee, SM Savemore, Watsons Pharmacy, Ace Hardware, SM Simply Shoes, BDO, ChinaBank Savings, and SM Appliance. The property is located in the main commercial area of Tanauan, Batangas.

Three months ago, STI and Tony Tan Caktiong signed a Memorandum of Understandingin an effort to boost agricultural education in the country through a farm-to-table school that will offer agricultural courses including managing quick-service and gourmet restaurants.

"My experience in JFC has given me unique perspectives on the challenges and importance of having a consistent and reliable supply of high-quality agricultural products. I am excited with this collaboration as it will help to uplift the agricultural and related sectors through education, another potential means for us to contribute to nation-building," Tan Caktiong said.