Wazzup Pilipinas Radio 2nd Episode: Dissecting Anime and Cosplay in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We've just completed another episode of Wazzup Pilipinas Radio over 8Trimedia Network and broadcasted live on DZRJ 810 AM, plus livestreaming on Facebook Live and YouTube Live. The best about our show is that you can easily go back and watch the episode just in case you missed it, or is not an early riser as the 6 to 7 am time slot is indeed too early for a Sunday.

Wazzup Pilipinas Radio guests were Emerson Anthony Lacson, Ferrari Lacson and Ronald Guanzon from the Anime and Cosplay community. Thank you to my co-host, David D'Angelo (aka Master Pogi) for reaching out to these guys and inviting them to our show.

We've learned that the twins (Emerson and Ferrari) are very active in the cosplay community and had a very interesting past engagement with Ronald whom they consider as a major influence and mentor.

We heard Emerson talked about his cosplay of John Wick (Keanu Reeves) while his twin brother cosplays Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), and a surprise re-launch of We Are Anime (WAA) from Ronald Guanzon, who is the man behind its popularity way back when anime was just starting in the country. You could consider him as a pioneer of the anime community in the Philippines. He even showed us an image of an anime character he named as "Waa" of which I jokingly said it could also be called as Waa-zzup Pilipinas!

Wow is just not enough to express our appreciation of the discussion of many topics as they express their thoughts and opinions about the community. They should return for a part two of our discussion as the topics are almost endless. I'm sure many are interested in finding out more about anime and cosplay.

Mutya ng Taguig 2017: Beauty with Conviction, Confidence and Action

Wazzup PIlipinas!

SM Aura Premier of Taguig shined with the radiance of the most beautiful, and the brightest of Taguig city's young ladies, as the Mutya ng Taguig 2017 grand coronation was held at their SMX Convention Center on the night of May 21, 2017.

Congratulations to the newly crowned Mutya ng Taguig 2017, Lovely Ely Lamptey. 21 year old Lovely Ely is representing Barangay Central Bicutan of Taguig city. She believes in volunteerism for camaraderie.

"Thank you City of Taguig for choosing me to be your Mutya ng Taguig 2017 and giving me a chance to represent my Barangay (Brgy. Central Bicutan) in this pageant I am beyond thankful and gratified to wear this crown today" says Lovely Ely on her Facebook page.

Daniella Mariz Lamptey, Lovely Eley's sister, also posted a special message to her sister "2017 is truly a lucky year for both of us, Congratulations my dear sister Ely Lamptey for winning Mutya ng Taguig 2017, God has given you the crown because of your determination ang hardwork, you are truly beautiful tonight and you deserve that crown, Congratulations and Godbless."

True to her given name, Lovely Ely, is now Taguig city's "loveliest" Mutya ng Taguig 2017, as she takes over in being an ambassador of her beloved Taguig city.

24 Korean Exhibitors Lead International Food Firms at IFEX Philippines

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Twenty-four Korean companies showcased their leading food and products at IFEX, making it the top foreign exhibitor country at the three-day international food trade fair which started on Friday, May 19, and runs until Sunday, May 21.

This year’s Korean delegation had 23 returning companies and 1 new entrant, presenting their native as well as innovative food and beverages.

Among the group are the top two Korean leading firms in food distribution, manufacturing and service: the CJ Group, a conglomerate that holds both CJ Freshway and CJ Cheiljedang; and the Daesang Corporation, which have a combined annual revenue of around $19.8 billion dollars.

“Here in the Philippines, we are looking to create more opportunities for trade and improve our relations with the local companies. We are aware that Filipinos are particularly fond of our product and we are also interested in the tropical products here, especially seafood,” said Shen Shin, Executive Vice President of CJ Freshway.

Targeting the Philippines and Asia’s trade buyers, Korean exports included the iconic seaweed snacks, kimchi, and health beverages. Other products were Gam Moon Yeoun’s soybean paste, Brandacumen’s korean red ginseng, banana milk from Yonsei University Dairy, and Applease Korea Brewery’s Apisode, an apple carbonated hard cider made of fermented Korean apple. There were natural and organic products such as 3B Netrorks’ Smart Bar, made from blueberry, almond, peanut, oat, green tea, and brocolli; and Natural Dream Co.‘s Preto Acai powder, and green tea spreads that seemed to be targeting the younger and trendy market.

Agricultural products from Gyeongbuk Corporation were Apple, Pears, Persimmon, and fruit juices and aloe vera drink from Tulip International.

Food industry experts from ASEAN-KOREA CENTRE Trade Facilitation Workshops in the Philippines also held seminars on Purchasing Trends and Import Procedures of Seafood products, by Mr. YOON Jae-sik; Seafood Merchandiser at CJ Freshway; and Sourcing Trends and Import Procedures of agricultural products by Mr. SONG In-su; Assistant Manager at DAESANG; and Packaging Trend of Food Products and strategy for global market access, by Mr. LEE Young-hwan; Specialist of Strategic Purchasing Team (Packaging team), CJ Cheiljedang.

A total of 85 foreign exhibitors are participating this year, with Korea leading the pack, followed by China with 19 exhibitors, and Taiwan with 11, based on the latest tally.

Residential Towers Set to Change Metro Manila’s Skyline this Year

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Property portal Lamudi Philippines shows how the local real estate scene continues to be robust this year through Metro Manila’s changing skyline

Leading real estate listings website Lamudi Philippines says that the local real estate industry is still riding high as more skyscrapers are set to transform the Philippine capital’s ever-changing skyline.

One of the most awaited buildings that will redefine the shape of the city is Century City’s Trump Tower Manila. Rising 250 meters in one of Makati’s up-and-coming business districts, Trump Tower Manila will beautifully stand as the fifth tallest tower in Metro Manila once it is completed later in 2017. Just like its sister buildings across New York and other parts of the world, Trump Tower Manila will boast luxury apartments and first-rate amenities.

Property giant Megaworld Corporation will likewise add iconic landmarks through its roster of residential towers scheduled for turnover this 2017. Three Central and Paseo Heights both in Salcedo Village, Makati, are scheduled for completion this year. Three Central will stand 51 floors high near Ayala Avenue and will feature a two-story posh mall. Paseo Heights, on the other hand, is a 30-story condominium tower overlooking the trees and greens of Makati. Both residential buildings are designed to cater to professionals living in Makati.

Staying true to their live-work-play concept, Megaworld will also finish two exciting developments in Bonifacio Global City. Uptown Ritz Residence in Uptown Bonifacio and The Florence at McKinley Hill will soon stand out in the high-class cityscape of Taguig. Uptown Bonifacio, one of Megaworld’s mixed-use townships in Taguig, also features commercial areas and corporate hubs. And at the center of it will rise the 45 floors Uptown Ritz, a high-end condominium that offer residential suites ranging from two to four bedrooms and will only have a maximum of 10 units per floor.

​​Improved Geje Eustaquio Ready to Rock Singapore

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Even though Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio is coming off a disappointing setback and facing a familiar foe as he makes his return to the ONE Championship cage, the celebrated Filipino martial artist remains optimistic that he will have his hand raised in triumph.

Eustaquio faces fierce Thai rival Anatpong “Mak” Bunrad on the undercard of ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES, which takes place at the 12,000-seater Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore on Friday, 26 May.

The 28-year-old Baguio City native first crossed paths with Bunrad in April 2015 at ONE: VALOR OF CHAMPIONS, where the latter took a razor-thin split decision victory.

Although he is fresh from a first-round submission loss to Finnish submission specialist Toni Tauru this past December, Eustaquio has no doubt that he could settle the score following a controversial split decision in favor of Bunrad when they first met two years ago.

“My first fight against him served as a big lesson. It’s my duty to learn from my mistakes and improve to become a better martial artist. I know what I am capable of. I can’t wait to showcase my talent this coming May 26,” he said.

“Singapore, be ready. I am bringing the fireworks to you,” Eustaquio added.

Surfs Up with Chef JP Anglo

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Chef JP explores Philippine’s surfing hotspots and their culinary treasures

Surfing, cooking, and eating mix well together as Chef JP Anglo proved it with the successful run of his first season of Hungry with Chef JP, conceptualized and produced by local film company Seabiscuit Films. This time around, Chef JP surfs up (pun intended) his show onto a higher wave of culinary discoveries. The second season hopes to explore more food adventures in the different surfing spots of the Philippines!

For starters, Hungry with Chef JP is a documentary series about rich Filipino cuisine and the active surfing community in the country. Each episode features the surfing hotspots in the Philippines as Chef JP explores the area’s unique cuisine. With Filipinos’ penchant for surfing, the show pays tribute to it and captures the essence of the surfing lifestyle. Surfing isn’t limited to chasing waves and the adrenaline rush that comes with it. It is about belongingness and sharing experiences with the community. “You're out in the middle of the water—waiting for sets, catching waves with your friends. You surf together and when you ride that wave and they see it, it's a bond you share and something to talk about forever,” shared by Chef JP Anglo in one of the episodes.

The second season delves into the stories of different artisans and individuals living uniquely. It's important for the viewers to see how these people are living and to be inspired by their stories. “What makes this show different from the other shows is that it gives a glimpse of the lives of the local community within various surf spots. We wanted to feature locals making a difference either in food or in helping the community thrive. At the same time, we want to show how Chef JP shares his skills and knowledge with the people he connects with and show how he learns from their techniques and unique practices,” shared by Nicky Daez, Seabiscuit Films Content Creator and Director.

9 Food Startups Worth Checking Out

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Some of most innovative food startups from all over the Philippines were gathered in a global gastronomic showcase at IFEX Philippines. Theyw ere seen, and their products tasted, at the country’s largest food show on May 20 - 21, 2017 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) and Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).

1. Take Root

Partners Monica Mendiola and Aileen Payumo-Whisnant will be presenting their flagship product, Kale Chips, which started a kale-munching craze in the Philippines. Founded in 2014 with the goal of providing junk-free, whole food, plant-based snacks to Filipinos using locally-grown produce, Take Root makes healthy eating as accessible and enjoyable as possible. Their Kale Chips are made from pesticide-free, dried kale leaves grown by family-run farms in the Philippines.

2. 7 Grains

Embracing the healthy food revolution, 7 Grains Pantry caters to food alternatives. The company produces Skinny Carbs, popular with the young and health-conscious market. It uses konjac or shirataki noodles which has been dubbed the “Holy Grail” of dieting in Japan and US whole food stores. The company also makes Skinny Veggie Chips, a crispy snack made of cassava, moringa, squash, carrots and spinach; Skinny Tomato, a healthy version of ketchup using real tomatoes, organic coco sap sugar, and less sea salt than commercial brands; Skinny Seasoning, using gluten-free liquid aminos which is a nutritious alternative to high-sodium soy sauce; and Skinny Soup Base, an alternative to bouillon offering less sodium and less calories.

3. Coco Dolce by The Free Food Co.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a healthy chocolate fix. Coco Dolce chocolates are sweetened using coco sugar making them a better alternative to the chocolates you usually crave. Made by Davao-based company The Free Food Co. these rich and creamy Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate bars come in Chili, Pili Nut and Rice Crisps variants. Coco Dolce sources their cacao from Davao farmers at fair trade prices and works closely with farmers who are committed to produce quality organic products that adhere to international standards.

4. Natural Health

This newcomer makes a range of tropical-inspired fun snacks and supplements including Superfood Trail Mix, Fruit+Nut Bar, Coco Sugar-Coated Cacao Nibs and Toasted Coconut Chips. The snacks feature ingredients sourced within the country. According to Brand Manager Ria Villanueva, their easy-to-use pantry substitutes such as Coconut Flour, Stevia, Coconut Oil and Coco Sugar, are sought after for their low-glycemic and gluten-free properties.

5. Coco Wonder

Promoting many different products made of coconut and cacao for a healthier life style, the aptly named Coco Wonder under its founder Andy Albao, works directly with farmers to produce a wide range of organic food. Watch for new snacks like coconut chips, coconut nachos, coconut pita bread, coconut wrapper and coconut water, in addition to its staple products Virgin Coconut Oil, Coconut Balsamic Vinegar, Coconut Cider Vinegar and Coconut Liquid Aminos. It also makes Coconut Worcestershire Sauce, Coconut Barbeque Sauce, and Coconut hot chili sauce.

6. Raw Brown Sugar Milling Company

The Dumaguete-based company produces organic muscovado sugar, now available in several forms – powdered, cubed, rocks and syrup. In less than seven years, the products have penetrated markets with highest and strictest food safety standards, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the United States and several countries in Europe.

7. Theo and Philo Chocolate Factory

Recognized for their vibrant packaging of chocolate bars that heralded the boom of the local chocolate maker movement a few years ago, this brand is now setting its sights on foreign markets. In addition to the classics, the brand’s unique local twists on flavors including labuyo, green mango and salt, barako and dark chocolate with calamansi.

8. Hacienda Macalauan

This small-scale dairy farm has been around for a while but its premium quality dairy products are now available to more people. Known for milk, cheese, cream and yogurt, their products also expanded into white cheese or kesong puti, ricotta and cottage cheese. They now make coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut water and organic flour.

9. Chocolaterisa 

Owner Pam Cinco makes elegantly packaged Risa Chocolates using the purest chocolate-making standards. Meticulously handcrafted with the finest ingredients, the product line includes bars, pralines and truffles in classic as well as innovative combinations.

Cover Photo: 

One of Take Root’s owners and 2017 Katha Award for Food winner in the Snack category, Monica Mendiola welcomes every foodies and health enthusiasts to taste their kale-munching goodness at IFEX Philippines.

Hontiveros to Gov't: Identify Aid with Unjust Conditionalities

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Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday challenged the Duterte government to show to the public aid, grants and loans that it deemed had unjust conditionalities and could interfere with the country's state of affairs.

Hontiveros issued the statement after the government decided to reject aid from the European Union (EU) citing unfair conditionalities that could possibly interfere with domestic affairs.

Four questions

"I have four basic questions for the government. First, which of the EU aid packages had unfair conditionalities? Can the government provide the public a list? Second, what exactly were the unjust conditionalities in the said grants and/or aid that could interfere with our national affairs? Third, how could the said conditionalities possibly interfere in our domestic affairs? Fourth, what audit mechanism was used by the government in rejecting the said aid?" Hontiveros asked.

Hontiveros also asked the Duterte government if the billions of dollars in loans acquired from China are free from any conditionalities. The senator said that in the spirit of fairness and transparency, the government should divulge all the details regarding the Chinese loans.


Tied Chinese loans?

"Since the government said that it is their policy to reject all aid and loans from countries with unjust conditionalities, I therefore ask, are Chinese loans without any conditionalities? Are they not tied loans? Are they not tied to Chinese companies, contractors, supplies, technical experts and manpower? Were Chinese loans given with the condition that the Philippines will not enforce against China the UN-supported arbitral decision of the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal? Can the government provide the public the loan contracts and other documents to ascertain that they, too, will not interfere with our national affairs? Are Chinese loans in accordance with the principles on promoting responsible sovereign lending and borrowing by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)? Hontiveros further queried.

Hontiveros said that unless the government can provide the public more information about the supposed unfairness of EU aid, its decision appears to be a retaliation for the criticisms that the regional bloc aired on the human rights situation in the country.



"Walk the talk, conduct a debt audit"

"To answer all these questions, I call on the government to walk the talk and conduct a comprehensive debt audit as called for by Senate Resolution 253 and the debt audit provision we've managed to include in the 2017 General Appropriations Act. There is a strong need to scrutinize all the loan agreements the Philippines has entered into, if they are legitimate and not riddled with questionable processes, contractual obligations, purposes and use. These include the recently acquired loans from China," Hontiveros stressed.

"If the government is serious in rejecting aid and loans with unjust conditions, it must be based on the appraisal of a debt audit process conducted in partnership with social movements working on debt and development issues. The principle of rejecting aid and loans with unfair and onerous conditions should apply to all, whether they are from EU or China," Hontiveros concluded.

Thousands Attended Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 PH Audition

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The most creative and aspiring Pinoy acts turned out in full force today as AXN kicked off its open auditions for the second season of Asia’s Got Talent.

Thousands of talented performers – from magicians, singers and acrobats to dancers and variety acts – headed to QCX: Quezon City Experience to audition for a coveted spot in the record-breaking talent contest and a USD100,000 cash prize.

“Asia’s Got Talent celebrates performers of any age and with any dream and that was certainly the case here in Philippines today. Our first season was won by the Filipino shadow dance group, El Gamma Penumbra, and this has inspired the entire nation to pursue their dreams. I wish all performers who auditioned for Asia’s Got Talent today the very best of luck and I hope to see them shine on Asia’s Got Talent later this year,” Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.

Billed as the world’s greatest talent competition, “Asia’s Got Talent” welcomed individual and group performers of all ages, who took to the stage with dreams of making it to the next round. 

Pioneer Adhesives, Inc. Launches Pioneer Contact Bond Grupo Sapatero

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Pioneer Adhesives, Inc., makers of Pioneer Contact Bond,  successfully launched Grupo Sapatero on March 17, 2017, an association of local shoemakers and manufacturers, in a bid to help uplift the shoe industry in Marikina City.

The local shoemakers who gathered at the event launch were declared to be the first members of Pioneer Contact Bond’s Grupo Sapatero. This event was held at the historic Kapitan Moy Events Place, the 200-year-old house of Don Laureano “Kapitan Moy” Guevarra, the founder of the city’s shoe industry.

According to Camille Fernandez, Asst. Product Manager of Pioneer Adhesives, Inc.—the said association was initiated to not only provide assistance to the members, but also mount programs like free training and workshops. This effort was greatly supported by local government of Marikina City through the Marikina Shoe Industry Development Office (MASIDO)..

“Pioneer Adhesives Inc., as a leading Filipino-owned company, has always been dedicated to helping the local industry because we also believe in the quality of Filipino craftsmanship. We saw the need to support the shoemakers and manufacturers, who are continues to craft dikit-tibay and tatak world-class products. They have also been doing their best to revive the glory of the Marikina shoe industry,” Fernandez added.

With stiff competition due to the entry of cheaper imported brands, the country’s Shoe Capital has experienced a decline in production. The industry also had to contend with a decline in the number of expert cobblers. Many of them having been forced to look for other forms of employment.

Despite these realities, the local shoemakers remain resilient in making world-class quality footwear. Most of the small and micro-scale manufacturers, also continue the art of crafting quality shoes passing on the legacy to the next generation of cobblers.