Istela Nunes, Agilan Thani Fighting for Prestigious Piece of History

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Istela Nunes and Agilan “The Alligator" Thani are considered promising prospects in the sport of mixed martial arts due to their talent and dedication to their craft.

Both fighters are reaping the fruits of their labor as they slated to compete in separate world title contests on Friday, 26 May in Singapore.

Nunes challenges Asian MMA sensation Angela “Unstoppable” Lee for the ONE Women’s Atomweight Championship in the main event of ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES, while Thani vies for the ONE Welterweight World Championship against the division’s best in Ben Askren on the same card.

Aside from the chance to lodge themselves as MMA world champions, Nunes and Thani will have the opportunity to have their waists girded with prestigious belts.

Beyond the prestige that marks the bearer as the best fighter in his weight class across the globe, the belt is designed as a symbolic ornament of honor and glory.

Weighing more than seven kilograms, the jewel-encrusted silver and gold-plated belt is mounted by hand on a thick natural leather strap that is locked together securely with ten steel studs.

The pair of warring lions that frame the centerpiece ONE Championship logo represents royalty and prestige, and it is complimented by a crown motif at the belt’s apex.

Two blood-red rubies are placed in the eyes of the lions, while two secondary plates added eminent value to the handmade masterpiece as it is studded with 52 crystals on each side.

“Our belt is definitely one of the richest prizes in the world of martial arts today. We make sure that the bearer of our championship title represents a prestigious piece that reflects the true value of martial arts,” ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong stated.

Capturing the ONE Welterweight World Championship belt will not only put Thani in history books as the first Malaysian mixed martial arts (MMA) competitor to claim a world title, but he will also have an intricately-crafted hardware in his possession.

“The ONE Championship belt is one of the most prestigious MMA titles in the sport today. Having that makes you the best in the game. That’s why I want to win it so bad,” Thani said.

Meanwhile, Thani stressed that bringing home the ONE Welterweight World Championship title to Malaysia by defeating a high-profile opponent like Askren will seal his legacy as a world-class MMA athlete.

“Ben Askren is a legend in mixed martial arts, and beating him will also make me a legend. That will be a great motivation for me. I want to get that belt. I believe this is my time. When that time comes, I will be the next legend,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, Nunes is confident that she has what it takes to shock the world by defeating Lee for the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship.

“I have worked very hard to earn this opportunity. Angela Lee is a great, young champion, but I’m coming for the belt. I know chances like this are very rare and I will do my best to take the title home for all my fans,” she said.

Nunes is relishing not just her underdog status when she takes on the highly-popular Lee but also the pressure of the scheduled five-round championship clash.

“I feel strong and ready. I was built for this moment. I have nothing but good words to say about Angela, she is a tremendous champion. I admire what she has done to inspire young women in Asia to take up MMA, but I vow to win this fight at any cost. I have one goal and that’s to become champion. Angela better be prepared to go to battle because I’m coming to the fight with my full arsenal,” she ended.

​​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.

10 Enticing Delicacies that Stood Out at IFEX Philippines 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Amid the celebration of local and international love for savory dishes at the IFEX Philippines event, a few products stood out for their unique qualities. Here we list the products that will surely make you stop on your tracks.

1. Kablon Farms’ Single Origin Chocolate

South Cotabato’s Kablon Farms, known for its tropical juices and jams, launches its dark chocolate bars in 70% dark, 70% spicy dark, 70% Raw Chocolate Single Origin and 60% Spicy Raw Chocolate. All are Single Origin made from Philippine cacao in Mindanao.

2. Carrot Calamansi Spread by Lucille’s

This all-natural, veggie-based spread is packed with nutrients and a great healthy topping, an exciting new alternative to traditional jams.

3. Hillsview’s Mangosteen Kalamansi Concentrate

Hillsview’s Mangosteen Kalamansi concentrate is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, providing an affordable and delicious way to get your daily stamina and detox.

4. Golden Mushroom’s Mushroom Sisig

Golden Mushroom makes ready to eat mushroom tempura straight from the pack. And if that’s not tempting enough, it also offers a ready to eat mushroom sisig, made of sauteed chopped mushrooms with onion and calamansi -- perfect for a great-tasting meat-free meal. 

 
5. Kitchen Witcher Basimatsi

Taste the Philippines in a bottle, promises this maker of all-natural vinegars in the combinations we love. Basimatsi makes one-of-a-kind dipping sauces in seven mouth-watering variants, in delightful rustic packaging that got the attention of even visiting Michellin-starred chefs. Named after the popular local combo of bawang (garlic), sibuyas (onion), kamatis (tomato), and sili (chili), it’s a must at the family dining table.

6. Colonial Creamery Sili Ice Cream

Colonial Creamy claims to be the only local brand that makes and sells Sili Ice Cream. To put the chili flavor, the company mixes green and red chili on a blender, and then cooks the mix in olive oil. Then oil is then mixed with coconut milk to come up with the finished product.

7. McNester Mango Ketchup

McNester destroys everything you know about ketchup. For one, they proved that ketchup can also be yellow. It can also be a little bit sweeter than you know. McNester’s Mango Ketchup is made from Mango by-products, primarily from the flesh that sticks to the fruit’s seed, and is definitely tasty surprise. The company also offers Mango Sauce that may be used on pasta, vegetable salad, and fish.

8. Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation’s Tea Spread

Think that you must always drink tea to enjoy it? Think again. Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation’s turns your regular tea into a snack dressing. Now you can enjoy your tea on a cracker. The company makes their Green Tea Spread from green tea powder from Korea and their Black Tea Spread from products in Sri Lanka. They also import products from Peru to make their Cacao Nibs Choco Berry Spread and from Spain for their Bee Pollen Spread – yes, they make a spread out of bee pollen. All these products have zero food coloring.

9. Dewi’s Diamond’s Vegetable Premium Nutri-Noodles

When Dewi’s Diamon found out that different brands are making noodles out of vegetables, they put on their thinking cap. And after 17 years of research and experimentation, the company hit found their eureka moment. While other brands use one vegetable to make veggie noodles, Dewi’s Diamond picked five and mixed them to maximize the nutritional value.

The company used malunggay, red camote tops, saluyot, monggo, and soya, to make a noodle that is 85% vegetable. It is edible as a snack when dry and can be easily cooked just like your regular instant noodles. It also has a shelf life of one year.

10. Mira Hills’ Vigan Longganisa

Mira Hills brings the garlicy aroma Vigan Longganisa into their ready to cook version of the product. Even better, you do not need cooking oil to cook their longganisa. Just put Mira Hills’ in water and boil it, and it will be cooked in its own oil.

The much-awaited IFEX Philippines is a chance for food lovers and entrepreneurs to discover new products. Tagged as ‘Asia’s ethnic food & ingredients show’, it is the country’s biggest international trade exhibition on the Philippine and Asian specialty food products, attracting wholesale buyers, importers, and food distributors from all over the world.

IFEX Philippines runs from May 19-21, 2017 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

Cover photo: CITEM Executive Director Clayton Tugonon led the opening toast to formally open the festivities at IFEX Philippines on May 19, 2017. IFEX Philippines is organized by the CITEM under DTI.

Millennials ‘Make A Difference’ While Exploring Romblon Through Volunteerism

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Driven by their passion and desire to make their time worthwhile this summer, twenty volunteers  from across the country who were mostly millennials recently gathered for a three-day outreach program called I am M.A.D. (Making A Difference) Camp  in the municipality of Magdiwang,  Sibuyan Island, Romblon.

The millennial volunteers consist of old and new ones united to help 50 students of Tomas and Maria Maglaya Memorial School in Magdiwang to develop their innermost potentials and to make a difference in many simple ways starting from themselves to their families, schoolmates, and their community.

“I am a millennial myself and for me, having a purpose is empowering. Just as we millennials are seeking to find purpose in our career, we also seek purpose in almost everything we do which includes travelling. But regardless of generation, we are all human beings. Each of us is looking for a place to belong, feel loved, and know that we are truly making an impact. This is what I am MAD, Inc. is doing, making meaningful difference not only to our beneficiaries but also to our volunteers who are committed to discover and share their passions through volunteering,” Mark Conrad ‘Maco’ Ravanzo, co-founder and CEO of I am Making A Difference, Inc. said.

During the first part of the camp, students were engaged to various sets of fun and educational activities including storytelling, team-building, games, and obstacle courses—all advocating the four core values of  I am MAD of being Maka-diyos, Maka-tao, Makabayan and Makakalikasan.

Pinoy Otaku Festival Danketsu: Uniting the Otaku Culture in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"I was crying in the bus reading all the feedbacks about #POF2017#POFDanketsu. Salamat po. Kayo po ang tunay na star ng event." - David D'Angelo

David has a lot of reasons why he was crying. It was a cry for joy because of the highly successful turn-out of their event.

Many had lots of fun at the Pinoy Otakufest (Festival for Pinoy Pop Culture)! It is now considered, as one of the best cosplay / otaku conventions in history with thousands of attendees flocking the Fairview Terraces venue on both event days, May 20 and 21, 2017.

This is the fourth run of the festival with the theme of “DANKETSU” - Japanese term for “unity.” The organizers wish to bring together and unite the Otaku culture in the Philippines which includes cosplay, manga, music, games and more. They invited various organizations to collaborate with them and show a message of unity towards achieving positive endeavors in the culture.

The event is free admission, but many would still not hesitate to pay to attend this amazing event.

With so many activities, panel discussions, booths and performances from the Otaku community, supporters, sponsors and media partners like Wazzup Pilipinas, the event was undoubtedly more than awesome as expected.

Congratulations to David D'Angelo and Ranne Tubig, as well as the other organizers and participants of POF for an amazing event. You guys deserve all the praises!!

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

Wazzup Pilipinas!

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

Wazzup Pilipinas!

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

Wazzup Pilipinas!

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

Wazzup Pilipinas!

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.