Twitter, Globe, and Smart to Provide Daily Entertainment Updates to over 120 Million Mobile Phone Subscribers in PH

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It may not be the first time I've seen the two telcos (Globe and Smart) together in one project, but it is still very rare. I have to commend them for being able to have them show up for a photo ops to support this latest innovation from one of the most widely used, if not top, social media network in the country.

Twitter just launched Twitter Lite in the Philippines. This is the third country in Southeast Asia that they launched the app which is a smaller version of the well-loved Twitter. The aim here is to provide consumers access to a similar Twitter application but requiring smaller file size and faster loading times that would save us from longer data or Internet connection on our mobile phones. Globe and Smart will be providing entertainment content and updates through Twitter that could now easily be accessed by consumers..

Just recently I attended another project having the equal presence of Globe and Smart. It is the launch of the EDSA MRT Wi-Fi which allows us to access the Internet along the lengthy track of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) along EDSA, and though it has not been fully implemented yet as of this writing, this project, along with the ongoing Juan Konek project of the government (which aims to place free Wi-Fi Internet connections on all public places all over the country), would definitely increase the usage of social media networks including Twitter.

Still, the free Internet connection is not unlimited for a long time since the two telcos are planning to have it for free only on the first 30 minutes as soon as all systems are stable and have been tested having acceptable standards. They will soon be charging rates so you would need to top up or load up.

Twitter Lite will provide faster, data-friendly, and more accessible mobile web experience for Filipinos to stay updated on what’s happening in the Philippines and around the world. Users can enable data saver mode on Twitter Lite to enjoy real-time Entertainment content in an affordable manner at any time and reduce their data usage by up to 70%. In this mode, users will see a preview of images and videos before choosing which ones to fully load.

I've had a great opportunity to video interview two executives form Twitter Southeast Asia namely Tina Pang (Head of Sales) and Dwi Adriansah (Head of Business Development). It will be uploaded soon on Wazzup Pilipinas social media networks including Twitter.

One Championship Announces Additional Bouts at One: Light of a Nation

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship (ONE), will make its triumphant return to Yangon for another evening of authentic martial arts action. ONE: LIGHT OF A NATION takes place Friday, 30 June, and is set to once again electrify the iconic Thuwunna Indoor Stadium. In the main event, ONE Middleweight World Champion Vitaly Bigdash defends his title against hometown hero “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang.

In addition, ONE Championship has organized a Myanmar Flyweight Tournament to determine the country’s next flyweight superstar. Saw Min Min will take on Tun Lwin Moe while Ye Thway Ne battles Pat Kyaw Lin Naing in the semi-final matches. Shwe Kyaung Thar takes on Ye Yint Thway in the alternate bout.

ONE Middleweight World Champion Vitaly Bigdash of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, has proven to be one of the most talented martial artists in the world. Making his ONE Championship debut in 2015, Bigdash captured the middleweight title with a resounding technical knockout victory over Igor Svirid, in one of the most action-packed contests in ONE Championship history. In his last bout, Bigdash successfully defended his world title for the first time against Aung La N Sang, winning by unanimous decision. With an unblemished professional record of nine wins and no losses, Bigdash is set to return to the ONE Championship cage in a rematch against the Myanmar hero.

32-year-old top middleweight contender Aung La N Sang is one of the world’s most renowned athletes from Myanmar, whose constricting style has earned him the moniker of ”The Burmese Python”. Born in Myitkyina in the mountainous Kachin State, he belongs to an ethnic minority known as the Kachin. In his most recent outing, Aung La N Sang battled valiantly against reigning ONE Middleweight World Champion Vitaly Bigdash, losing via decision. This time, the Myanmar national hero believes he can produce a different result with better preparation in a highly-anticipated rematch against Bigdash.

26-year-old Jenny Huang is a female martial arts athlete who represents Chinese Taipei. Highly-regarded as one of the most skilled talents in ONE Championship, Huang sports a professional record of five wins and one loss, losing only to reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee in her most recent bout. Of her five victories, Huang owns three via impressive submission. Huang is now set to make her much anticipated return to the ONE Championship cage and will take on Mei Yamaguchi.

34-year old Japanese martial arts veteran Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi is a female atomweight from Tokyo and is the former DEEP Jewels Featherweight Champion. She owns a stellar 15-10-1 professional record, including six submissions and two knockouts. In 2016, Yamaguchi challenged Angela Lee for the inaugural ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship, an epic showdown that would later win multiple Fight of the Year honors. In her last bout, Yamaguchi fell to former 2-time Muay Thai world champion Istela Nunes. She is set to take on dangerous submission specialist Jenny Huang next.

26-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Bruno "Pucci Bull" Pucci from Brazil is ready to make his much-awaited return to the ONE Championship cage. A first degree BJJ black belt and world champion in No Gi, Pucci is famous for finishing all his fights via rear naked choke. Pucci has experienced mixed results so far in his professional mixed martial arts career, but he is determined to get back on the right track. He will take on Filipino Jimmy Yabo in his next contest.

36-year-old Jimmy “The Silencer” Yabo is a former Philippine featherweight standout with an impressive mixed martial arts record of 5-4, 1NC. He boasts one of the best finishing percentages in the division, having stopped all five of his opponents by either knockout or technical knockout. Although Yabo has experienced highs and lows throughout his career, the rededicated veteran is looking to add one more to the win column. However, he will have to go through grappling ace Bruno Pucci to earn the victory.

Unbeaten Tha Pyay Nyo, who owns an unblemished professional record of 3-0 and is the ONE Myanmar Featherweight Tournament 2015 Champion will return to the ONE Championship cage to face former Lethwei fighter Htet Aung Oo who makes his promotional debut.

Kevin “Old Boy” Chung is a 24-year-old South Korean who was born and raised in the United States. He started his amatuer mixed martial arts stint in his adoptive hometown of Centreville, Virginia, in 2010. Chung turned professional in 2015, and currently holds an perfect win-loss record of 4-0. Two of his four pro career wins have come by way of spectacular submission. Chung prides himself on being an exciting competitor, willing to please the crowd by always seeking the highlight-reel finish. He makes his ONE Championship debut against Zhong Qingya.

26-year-old Zhong Qing Ya is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner from Chengdu, China. Along with the rise of Chinese martial arts talent in Asia, Zhong will be making his much-anticipated ONE Championship debut against Kevin Chung.

Ticket information for ONE: LIGHT OF A NATION is available at www.onefc.com

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.

16 Top Philippine Firm Joins Major Taiwan Food Show

Wazzup Pilipinas!

DTI-CITEM targets USD22M export deals in Taiwan food market

Sixteen Philippine companies are set to exhibit at Taipei International Food Show or popularly known as Food Taipei this June 21-24 June 2017, held at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. Organized by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and considered as one of Asia’s leading food shows, the show will coincide with five events and over 1,500 exhibiting companies.

The FoodPHILIPPINES exhibition is part of the efforts of the Department of Trade and Industry, through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-CITEM), to strengthen the position of Philippines as a leading source of premium, natural, healthy, and ready-to-eat processed food and beverages in the Taiwan food market. Exhibitors will be representing the Philippines’ Premium Products such as Coconut, Banana, Cacao, and Tuna and other healthy products.

Tagged as one of Asia’s “Four Tigers,” Taiwan has a vibrant economy and is considered as one of the richest in Asia.

“Our aim is to increase market share of Philippine food exports to Taiwan by achieving at least USD 22 million worth of export sales. For the longest time, Taiwan has been increasingly reliant on food and agricultural imports due to the country’s limited arable land and agricultural production. This factor enhances the market opportunities for the Philippines, to penetrate the Taiwan food market,” says Clayton Tugonon, Executive Director of CITEM, or the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions.

Global Network Provider Continent 8 Teams up with IPC to Provide World-Class Cybersecurity to PH Biz

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 

Cybersecurity Deal. IPC and Continent8 Technologies team up to provide world-class cybersecurity to Philippine enterprises amid the growing and evolving cyber threats today. From L-R: IPC Director for Marketing and Digital Innovation Niño Valmonte, IPC Chief Operating Officer David de Leon, Continent8 Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Michael Tobin, Continent8 Chief Development Officer Nick Nally.

Companies worldwide are suffering from massive revenue loss due to cyber attacks. According to research firm Juniper Research, the global cost of cybercrime will reach up to $2.1 trillion in 2019 amid rapid digitization in consumer and enterprise transactions.

In its bid to further strengthen its suite of web security solutions, IPC (IP Converge Data Services, Inc.), the country’s pioneer DDoS Mitigation service provider, is partnering with Continent 8 Technologies, a global ICT firm with offices in Europe and North America.

“With Continent 8’s industry-leading services spanning the globe, and IPC’s local market coverage and expertise in cloud, data center, and DDoS mitigation services, this partnership will offer Philippine enterprises highly sophisticated yet easy to deploy security solutions with truly localized support,” said IPC Chief Operating Officer David R. de Leon.

DDoS is a type of cyber attack that “denies” service or renders a company’s website and servers inaccessible to users by flooding it with large volumes of malicious traffic. Hackers have launched DDoS attacks for various reasons, such as extortion, revenge, competition, diversion, and politics. Popular targets include government agencies, banks and financial institutions, online gaming sites, and software-as-a-service providers.

Be Prepared for Disasters with the Batingaw Mobile App

Wazzup Pilipinas!


Because readiness is the key to survival.

The country has been hit by a series of earthquakes in recent months. PAGASA has also officially announced the start of the rainy season. In the next few months, we can expect typhoons and other weather disturbances to enter Philippine area of responsibility every now and then. What are we doing to keep ourselves and our families safe? One of the most important tools that you can have in the midst of an emergency is a survival kit, and you can now carry around your own survival guide with you through your mobile phone.

In partnership with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and app developer Tudlo, Smart Communications came up with the Batingaw mobile app – a handy mobile guide that educates users on disaster-preparedness and gives them tools that can be used in emergency situations. With the Batingaw app, the mobile phone can be a more powerful addition to the family’s emergency survival kit.

The Batingaw app was designed to aggregate important and timely disaster and emergency preparedness updates from government agencies and citizens. With the built-in tools, the app can let you do all these and more:

1. Know what to do to prepare for and survive disasters like flood, earthquake, fire, tsunami, cyclone, and more.

2. Set off a siren to alert and call the attention of your family or community.

3. Let family and friends know that you are safe by simply pressing the “I Am Safe” button.

4. Use your phone as a flashlight.                                                               

5. Get to your designated meeting place or evacuation site through a compass.

6. Be easily tracked or easily call the attention of responders through a strobe light.

7. Get reliable information from authorized government sources.

Now, we can boost our disaster preparedness with just a few taps on our smart devices. Download Batingaw for free by searching the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or going to bit.ly/Batingaw-Android or bit.ly/Batingaw-iOS.

Spectacular Ways to Celebrate Dad’s Day at City of Dreams Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 

On Father’s Day, City of Dreams Manila offers spectacular ways for families to honor the man of the household with exciting treats for dads, consisting of: custom offers and activities at DreamPlay; a Dad’s night out at CenterPlay; epicurean delights at Nobu, Crystal Dragon and Wave restaurants, and a lavish staycation at Crown Towers and Nobu Hotel.

Family bonding time with dad is memorable at DreamPlay, the world’s first interactive play space inspired by films from DreamWorks animation such as Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, Madagascar, and How to Train Your Dragon. On June 18, fathers can avail of the “Greatest Dad” promo wherein one complimentary ticket is offered to them if registering with at least two kids, and 50% discount on one ticket if with one child. Dads can also show their fun side by hitting the punching bag that measures their strength and those with the highest score in the electronic punching machine Kung Fu Panda Po’s Five-fingered Punch Blast get a chance to win special prizes.

Families can have more excitement in the 12 attractions featuring educational and technology-rich activities such as making a gingerbread man in Cooking with Gingy, creating one’s own 3-D animation in Dream Studio, experiencing a 4-D animation at the Dream Theatre, joining Kung Fu Panda Dojo and other fun-filled activities. For an unforgettable dad’s day experience, the family can also interact and have a photo opportunity with DreamWorks characters Shrek, Princess Fiona, Kung Fu Panda’s Po, King Julien, Mega Mind and Puss in the Boots.

The grown-ups can bond with their dads in a Father’s Day night out replete with lively entertainment at CenterPlay. A group of six can avail of the Father’s Day Bucket Deal at P988+, consisting of a bucket of six bottles of ice cold San Miguel Pale Pilsen or Light beer paired with fried chicken wings with sweet and spicy sauce, truffle cream potato wedges, vegetable spring rolls with sweet chili sauce and chicken liver pate with toasted bread and gherkins.

  

At Nobu Manila, the Father’s Day Sunday Buffet Brunch is enhanced with Roasted US Prime Ribeye, Short Ribs Miso Gochujang, Nobu Style Borchetta, Wagyu Beef Takumi Burger, and Truffle Butter Crusted Fresh Baked Oysters. Nobu’s Sunday Brunch is from 11:30 am to 3 pm at P3,880++ per person for the non-alcohol beverage package and an additional P990++ or P1,990++ per person for the standard alcohol and premium champagne beverage packages, respectively. Kids from six to twelve dine at half price while those five and below dine free of charge.

Premium Cantonese and regional Chinese cuisine at Crystal Dragon offers a choice of two sumptuous seven-course menus for Chinese food lovers, or their usual favorites in the a la carte items at Crystal Dragon from June 1 to 18.

The Precious Set Menu is for a minimum of five to seven persons and highlights Double Boiled Crocodile Tail Soup with Sea Cucumber and Maca; Crispy Roasted Chicken Hong Kong Style; and Braised Pork Belly with Australian King Brown Mushroom in Clay Pot. The Virtuous Set Menu, which is for a minimum of eight to ten guests, includes: Home-Styled Steamed Cod Fish with Cordyceps Flower; Roasted US Duck in Cantonese Style with Plum Sauce; and Braised 10 Head Abalone with Homemade Spinach Bean Curd. The set menus are both priced at P3,380++ per cover. An a la carte menu with some of these items will also be available during the promotion period.

For al fresco dining, families can celebrate Father’s Day with a barbecue buffet at Wave poolside restaurant from 5 to 9 pm. Some of the mouthwatering and freshly-grilled buffet specials are Black Angus beef brisket and eight-hour smoked pork ribs, and Angus beef burgers. A salad bar, specialty breads, pasta choices, cheese display, and desserts including a halo-halo station complete the barbecue experience ideal for the whole family. The Father’s Day barbecue buffet rate is at P1,280++ inclusive of one round of iced tea, soda or fresh juices. Free-flowing local beers may be included for an additional P500++.

To top it all off, nothing else says “I love you dad” more heartwarmingly than a gift of a relaxing Father’s Day staycation with the entire family at Crown Towers or Nobu Hotel Manila. The weekend staycation, offered from June 16 to 18, includes a Father’s Day gift of mini liquor set and dark chocolate bonbon that is sure to make dad feel truly special.

At Crown Towers, dads get the ultimate pampering package as the VIP luxury hotel offers a choice between an overnight or two-night accommodation complete with buffet breakfast at Breezes for two adults and two children five years old and below, F&B dining credit at any of City of Dreams Manila-owned establishments worth Php 3,000 net, and a 60-minute Intensive Muscle Release Massage for two adults at the luxurious Crown Spa. Overnight stay packages start at P17,500 net and a two-night stay for P26,000 net, both for a Resort Room.

A modern Japanese-inspired Father’s Day getaway is in store for dads at Nobu Hotel Manila. This staycation package also offers a choice of an overnight or two-night accommodation, with buffet breakfast for two adults and two children five years old and below at Nobu Manila restaurant, F&B dining credit worth Php 3,000 net at any of City of Dreams Manila-owned establishments, a 60-minute Renewal Massage for two adults at Nobu Spa. Overnight stay packages range from P14,700 net for a Nobu Deluxe room to P22,700 net for a Nobu Suite. Two-night stays are P21,700 net for Nobu Deluxe up to P37,700 net for Nobu Suite.

For inquiries and reservations, interested patrons can call 800 8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com.

Tugade to Government Employees: Be Free from Corruption and Poor Sense of Service

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade went back to his native Cagayan to commemorate the country’s 119th Independence Day, and took the opportunity to meet with local transportation officials, inspect the airport, and lecture about corruption.

Tugade, who came with Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Edgar Galvante and some DOTr officials, was welcomed by Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba and other local officials. In his speech, Tugade outlined modern connotations and significance of independence.

“Independence Day is a commemoration, but every day is a celebration of Independence,” Tugade said. “Sa araw-araw na pamumuhay ay maaaring makamit ng isang indibidwal ang kaniyang kalayaan maging sa pinaka-simpleng pamamaraan na kapaki-pakinabang sa pangkalahatan.”

He went on to enumerate what it really takes to be free during these times. Among them is to stop tolerating procrastination, laziness, and narrow-mindedness and being contented with mediocre results and. Tugade also asked everyone to stop the blame game especially among administrations, which is a source of division in society.

“Ngayon na ang panahon upang palayain natin ang ating mga kaisipan sa nakaugaliang sisihan. Tama na ang turuan! Ang tanong nga sa akin ng ilan: “Bakit hindi natapos ang mga proyekto noong nakaraang pamunuan?” Ang sagot ko: “Huwag ninyo akong tanungin ng ganyan. Tanungin niyo ako kung paano at kailan ko tatapusin ‘yan,” Tugade said.

Tugade also urged government employees to free themselves of a corrupt system and a poor sense of public service. He reiterated this during a meeting with local officials from the LTO, Philippine Coast Guard, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and Maritime Industry Authority.


The transportation chief ended his Independence Day visit with an inspection of the Tuguegarao and Lallo airports in Cagayan. He directed CAAP officials to equip the Tuguegarao airport with night landing capabilities this year to allow it to accommodate flights after sunset.

Is It More Fun When You Experience The Philippines?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A perfect place to stay in the world is in the Philippines - the Pearl of the Orient seas of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The essence of paradise is the wonders of every island - All 7,641 of them.

We all aim to share this wonderful country with the rest of the world by inviting them to come over and Experience the Philippines. 

But what's your take about the DOT's new tagline campaign "Experience the Philippines"?

Experiential, not a rip-off. The Tourism department, together with the ad agency they hired for this campaign, denies they copied a South African tourism ad after netizens pointed out the striking similarities of the two ads.

But do we really need to change our tourism slogan?

The Department of Tourism - Philippines (DOT) spent millions (Php650 million) for the #ExperienceThePhilippines campaign, which I believe is unnecessary since the #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines still works fine...and is more engaging and meaningful for many.

Louis Xavier and His World Refugee Day Video

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"June 20 is World Refugee Day. 

I wrote a song dedicated to the 65 million fellowmen forcibly displaced around the globe. This song "Keep holding on" was recorded live in my home studio, then produced a lyric video featuring heartbreaking refugee drawings. 

I was in the middle of this project when the Marawi City battle started, and just like that, we have Filipino refugees. Wars and persecution have driven more people from their homes than at any time since UN refugee records began.

On June 20, as the world celebrates World Refugee Day, sharing this Lyric video thru Wazzup Pilipinas would be meaningful to our kababayans especially in the south. 

Help me share this song of hope to all refugees around the globe, including the volunteers that always lend a helping hand. Keep holding on. " -  Louis Xavier

Louis Xavier is a singer-songwriter upcoming pop artist based in Manila. He is a finalist in the UK Songwriting Contest--one of the world's most popular, longest running and established songwriting events. He plays piano and guitar, mixes and produces his demo songs in his own studio. Iin 2015 Louis Xavier appeared in Sprite’s Klaro ang diskarte TV Commercial as “Jhunard the Rocker guy “ He is currently busy finishing his first self-titled album.

Here's a teaser of "Explode" single, one of the songs included on the album.

Ang Walang Katapusang Sequel Finale Episode 7: Ang Katapusan

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Antrosininglaya follows through on their viral web series Ang Walang Katapusang Sequel to give us the live finale Episode 7: Ang Katapusan. The performance treads on the subject of love, giving light to the different sides and stories within a relationship; it’s foundation, climaxes, downfall, and reconciliations. Currently, the total view of our episodes reach up to 9million views and almost 20 million organic reached. Along withthe views, we can see that the audience is really engaged through the number of shares and comments. Even through Twitter and Instagram, posts quickly gather reach and interactions. 

The story is told through the conversation of Francis and Japet the night before the wedding. The scenes are shown as flashbacks with Francis and Japet starting and breaking the scenes while they deliver their thoughts on what happened.

Situated in a wedding, Ang Walang Katapusang Sequel web series will officially end in the moment of exchanging of vows, promises of love, and devotion of commitment. The series duration of 6 online episodes closes at Episode 7: Ang Katapusan for the things that should end, before you completely begin. Love is a phase, love is committing; and in love, we sometimes need to say goodbye.

Everything will happen on the day of the wedding where Francis and his best friends reflect on the past events before they get to the part of the wedding. Episode 7 will be performed in an actual wedding ceremony giving you a unique experience of being invited on the wedding of the year. From the exchange of vows, wedding toast, first dance, catering, to souvenirs, we assured our viewers to not just be an audience but guests of the lovely couple. But the question is: who will be the couple? Will Francis choose Jen; the one that fills what you need? Or Reede; the person who you built your memories and completed you?

Witness Francis and Japet as they relive Francis and Reede’s relationship, and recount the moments leading to the much awaited wedding. Francis and Japet also share their thoughts on love, their realizations after everything they have been through. We get to see how every character changes throughout their journey. The play will be set in the moments before and during the wedding placing the audience to be seated as guests at the event. They will be able to watch the scenes close up and feel as if they are part of the celebration.

There are always two sides to a story. The play tries to shed light on both sides of a seemingly one sided story, letting the characters tell explain and ponder on the events that have unfolded. Episode 7: Ang Katapusan will show us that in love, right and wrong is always circumstantial.