Eagle Point Resort: Our Quick Getaway at a Beach and Dive Resort in Anilao, Batangas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Experience Mediterranean-themed accommodations at Eagle Point Resort in Anilao, Batangas!

Situated at the tip of Calumpang Peninsula in Batangas, the beach and dive resort is right smack in the middle of thirty diving spots! There's even a couple of diving spots directly at eyesight infront of the resort itself. Their restaurant, called Eagle Nest, is overlooking the diving site of Anilao and Balayan Bay.

We were fortunate enough to be among those who got invited for a few days of stay at the resort. But unfortunately we could only stay for an overnight due to our busy schedule (mainly a dinner with the ambassador of Qatar). We couldn't also bring our entire family of five (two adults and three kids) since two of our three kids have school activities (photo shoot session for graduation year book pics since one is graduating from college and another one from senior high school) even on weekends. Thus, there were only three of us who got pampered by the opportunity to experience all the resort could offer. Together with my wife and youngest child (bunso), we were off to another memorable adventure.

After 4 hours of travel from Pasig City, we arrived at the resort a few minutes before 10 am. We took Grab ride (P400) from our home in Pasig and took the bus from Buendia JAM Liner bus terminal (P157 per person)  going to Barangas. We got off at the diversion grand terminal in Batangas, then took a jeepney ride (P40 per person) to Mabini market. From the market, we rode on a tricycle (P350) going to the resort.

Since we've seen images of the resort from their Facebook page, we thought we were not going to be surprised anymore. But we were wrong because the actual place is a lot more enchanting when personally experienced.

One Championship Partners with Telco Giant Telenor Myanmar

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™️ (ONE), has just announced a partnership with telecommunications giant, Telenor Myanmar. The partnership will commence at ONE: QUEST FOR GOLD, which is scheduled for 23 February at the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium and will feature ONE Middleweight World Champion “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang who will take on Brazil’s Alexandre Machado for the vacant ONE Light Heavyweight World Championship. 

Photos of the press conference are available here.

Jack Lim, Chief Commercial Officer of ONE Championship, stated: “Technology plays a major role in the success of ONE Championship as a company, and we always strive to provide fans with a unique, world-class digital experience that they cannot find elsewhere. The showcase of Asia’s authentic and rich martial arts history is made possible through the technological advancement in today’s society. This partnership with Telenor Myanmar is but another step in the right direction towards making world-class martial arts accessible to everyone in Asia, especially in Myanmar where martial arts has completely taken off in popularity over recent years.”

“We are excited to have this partnership with ONE Championship that will allow us to offer another best experience to all the people of Myanmar as part of our commitment. We recently has set a new Guinness World Record by forming the largest human image of Myanmar map to contribute to building the nation's pride with the collaboration of general public. Through this partnership with ONE Championship Telenor Myanmar is again proud to present our national hero Aung La N Seng who is the one and only first ever world champion in support of his world champion journey, and strengthening the nation's pride. Telenor is committed to be there for our customers and all the people of Myanmar in contributing to making history as we go forward,” Alex Nyi Nyi Aung, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications of Telenor Myanmar, stated.

ONE Championship, Asia’s largest global sports media property, is a celebration of Asia’s greatest cultural treasure, martial arts. The promotion engages millions of people across Asia by building local martial arts superheroes, telling their inspirational stories of perseverance and triumph through martial arts, which has been home in Asia for the past 5,000 years. The partnership with the Telenor Group ensures ONE Championship is in pole position to deliver the most exciting rendition of authentic Asian martial arts to fans in Myanmar.

ONE: QUEST FOR GOLD marks a significant milestone in ONE Middleweight World Champion “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang’s glorious reign as a world champion martial artist. Aung La N Sang receives the opportunity to become a rare two-division world champion. He will be competing against Alexandre Machado for the vacant ONE Light Heavyweight World Championship in the headlining bout of the blockbuster event.

Aung La N Sang, ONE Middleweight World Champion, stated: “It is always an honor for me to perform in front of my fans in Myanmar, and to be able to make history and be in the position to capture a second world title in a different weight class is a massive achievement. I relish the chance to compete for this title, and once again bring glory to the proud nation of Myanmar! I will do everything in my power to emerge victorious and honor the fans who have placed their trust and support in myself and the prestige of our country.”

Alexandre Machado, ONE athlete, stated: “This is the biggest match of my life. After years of experience, my career all comes down to this. As such, I am training extremely hard for this bout, and I know how well-received Aung La N Sang is in his home country. He’s a hero and a remarkable human being and it is an honor to compete against him. He deserves the biggest challenge and I am prepared to give it to him. This will be a beautiful showcase of the highest level of martial arts.”

32-year-old Aung La N Sang is Myanmar’s most successful athlete in history, whose impressive submission skills 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. Aung La N Sang captured the ONE Middleweight World Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Vitaly Bigdash in June of 2017. In his most recent bout, Aung La N Sang needed less than one round to finish heavyweight kickboxing champion Alain Ngalani in ONE’s first ever Open Weight Super-Bout. He faces off against Alexandre Machado next for the vacant ONE Light Heavyweight World Championship.

Brazilian heavyweight champion Alexandre “Bebezao” Machado is a rare breed of martial artist with a penchant for scoring spectacular submissions and highlight-reel knockouts. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, he currently sports a 8-2 professional record, and will be making his much-anticipated return to the ONE Championship cage. In his last bout, Machado defeated the hulkish Alain Ngalani via second-round technical knockout. After a period away from competition, Machado is back and ready to challenge Aung La N Sang for the vacant ONE Light Heavyweight World Championship.

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.

Martin Nguyen Feels Privileged to Share Global Stage with Lgend Bibiano Fernandes in Bangkok

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Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen, who currently holds the ONE Featherweight World Championship and the ONE Lightweight World Championship, is putting all the stops as he attempts to snare a third world title on 24 March.

Nguyen will drop down in weight to challenge ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes for his title in the main event of ONE: IRON WILL, which takes place at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

The 28-year-old Vietnamese-Australian dual titleholder is one of the most talked about martial artists in the world today after scoring scintillating knockout victory over the Philippines’ Eduard Folayang in November 2017 to become the first man in ONE Championship history to hold two world titles simultaneously in two different weight divisions.

Nguyen seeks to make history again as he shares the ONE Championship cage with Fernandes, who is widely considered one of the best martial artists in the world regardless of promotion.

For the past several months, Nguyen has been vocal about his desire to test his mettle against Fernandes, who made his ONE Championship debut back in 2012 and has remained unbeaten ever since.

According to Nguyen, facing Fernandes in a scheduled five-round bantamweight title encounter will serve as a standard of measure to determine if he is within the top-caliber rank in the sport.

“He is a legend. How I see it is he is at the top of the mountain. He is at the pinnacle of his career, and is one of the top bantamweight athletes in the world. I only want to test myself against the best,” he stated.

“Although I faced Eduard and won the second world title, I have to face the best now. I see Bibiano at the top of the mountain, and I am the underdog, like in every match. I am the lone wolf, and it is the lone wolf who is always hungrier, so I want to get to the top of the mountain and take him out,” Nguyen added.

Fernandes has not lost a match in seven years and is currently riding high on an astonishing 13-bout winning streak with victories over elite athletes such as Reece McLaren, Kevin Belingon and Dae Hwan Kim.

“He is an all-around martial artist, and he is a tough opponent. Not only do I want this match, but the fans want to see it. He has knockout power, he has slick Jiu-Jitsu, he has great cardio – he has it all. He is as complete of a martial artist you would want,” Nguyen said of Fernandes.

In preparation for the historic bout, Nguyen has methodically followed a strict diet to meet bantamweight division limit of 65.8 kilograms.

“My weight is on track. Everything is on track. My nutritionist has my body going up and down on a calorie deficit diet, and the kilos have been dropping off the past couple of months. I have dropped from 72kg to 68kg,” he shared.

Although he admitted that he could already feel the effect of the weight cut in training, Nguyen asserted that he trusts the entire process of his stringent diet plan.

“I am much more shredded, and my speed and cardio has picked up. You have to lose a little bit of strength, though — you’ve got to give and take. But we are working on my strength at the moment, so I do not lose too much. But as far as my speed and my timing go, it is on point, and when I start peaking, everything will fall into place,” he explained.

Aside from having a nutritionist to oversee his daily meals, Nguyen revealed that he invited a familiar face to his training camp as he tapped the services of McLaren.

McLaren nearly defeated Fernandes for the ONE Bantamweight World Championship in December 2016, ultimately losing by a razor-thin split decision.

“We even had Reece down here for a sparring session, and he has given me some tips on how he thinks Bibiano competes,” he bared.

“This was coach Fari Salievski’s idea. He was like, ‘Bibiano has faced Reece before, and we thought Reece won. So let’s get him down here and get his opinion.’ And it worked out in our favor,” Nguyen further detailed.

With a tall order in front of him at ONE: IRON WILL, Nguyen is confident that he is capable in cracking the code to defeat Fernandes.

“There is no pressure. I am 100 percent confident in this win, and it is not a matter of how I am going to do it, but when I am going to do it. At the start of the match, I will have to weather the storm, but I will take him out from there,” he declared.

​

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.

AWITAN Brings the Dawn of the Decade

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As part of the annual Engineering Week of the University of the Philippines - Diliman, AWITAN will once again set the stage as a university-wide choral competition. On its 53rd year, Awitan will be held at the UP Film Institute, Diliman, Quezon City this coming March 5, 2018.

Setting its sights on two of the most iconic eras, Awitan brings back the “Dawn of the Decade” as it takes on songs from the electric 80’s and the swinging 00’s. Relive those bygone days as participants from 12 different student organizations compete with their own renditions of songs that defined generations.

Once again, this night of soulful melodies will be hosted by the UP Chemical Engineering Society, Inc. (UP KEM) as one of its flagship events. Since its establishment in 1954, UP KEM has become a home to more than 150 resident members and over 1,400 alumni in whom it has consistently instilled academic excellence, holistic development, and prime professionalism. Now on its 63nd year, it continues to be one of the largest socio-academic organizations recognized by the university.

Join us in witnessing an exciting and extraordinary show of harmonious talent as you bask in music that rings closest to the heart! Gates will open at 6:00 pm.

For inquiries or ticket reservations, please contact Gel Cabañas at +63 917 907 4412.
See you there!

EMC2 to Hold Concert for Lumads

Wazzup Pilipinas!

When great artists gather in one night to sing for children, the result is Kalye Tunes.

Kalye Tunes is an annual benefit concert organized by THE EMC2 Fraternity from the College of Engineering, UP Diliman.

Now on its second year, Kalye Tunes is bringing back again their musical tune on February 23, 6PM at Sessions Bar & Resto, Royal Place Arcade, Don Antonio Drive, Old Balara, Quezon City.

The event will feature different notable bands such as Lunar Lights, Fourplay MNL and The Geeks PH.

Performing also are great artists like Jana Garcia, Gian Bernal, Tevanny and Avayadown.

Meanwhile, homegrown bands from UP Diliman such as The Roomhoppers, Lattice and Fire Underwater will be also sharing the stage.

A ground for artists to showcase their music for a cause, Kalye Tunes 2018 is for the benefit of the Lumad children who brave everyday going to school despite the fear of bomb threats.

All proceeds of the event will go to their needs such as food, school materials and toiletries.

Tickets are priced at Php180.00 inclusive of one beer.

For tickets and/or reservations, visit EMC2
tambayan, 3/F Melchor Hall, College of Engineering, UP Diliman


Joevanie Cañete Jr.

Marketing Gala: Unrolling the Promotional Glam Through Vlog and Events

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ready your ball gowns as you discover various opportunities as we set about
and adapt with the current trends.
Students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Marketing Management- Seniors
section 4N, elegantly presents "Marketing Gala: Unrolling the Promotional
Glam Through Vlog and Events.

Be captivated on the 3rd day of March at PUP Claro M. Recto Hall as we festively indulge in knowledge and learnings.

Speech of Qatar Emir at Munich Security Conference, by QNA

Wazzup Pilipinas!

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani delivering a speech in the opening session of the Munich Security Conference.


HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani participated Friday in the opening session of Munich Security Conference, which takes place in the city of Munich in the Federal Republic of Germany in the presence of a number of Their Excellencies leaders of states and governments and heads of participant delegations.

HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani then delivered a speech in the opening session of the Munich Security Conference.

The transcript of the speech read as follows:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to address this distinguished audience. Germany is an especially appropriate venue for a meeting to discuss the present-day global order, and the threats to it. A nation that stands for the values of freedom and the rule of law, Germany is also a major pillar for the European Union, seen by many as a bastion of coexistence and trans-national cooperation.

While all of us are aware of the challenges facing the European Union, we in the Middle East and Im sure this is true elsewhere see the EU as proving that peaceful coexistence and collective prosperity are possible in the aftermath of horrific conflicts.

As a body, the EU demonstrates that a union can establish shared security based on mutual interests, even amongst people who tore themselves apart in war. Like it or not, Brexit is an example of a peaceful resolution of differences. No diplomatic ties were cut, and no blood was shed. There is a lesson here for us in the Arab region.

The European Union provides a framework for regional governance, and the peaceful arbitration of disputes. This framework is sorely needed in the Middle East. Today, many governments and international powers act with impunity, without regard for human rights. The lack of accountability for good governance is widespread. It's no wonder that people are losing hope individuals who would otherwise have stood trial for war crimes against their own people are possible candidates in presidential elections!

An audience such as yourselves must be able to see why many people, even entire nations, are losing faith in international accountability. They think arguably right that many of the global mechanisms for conflict resolution, and the maintenance of rights have been paralyzed and sidelined.

My region provides many examples:

Palestinians since the Nakba, seventy years ago; the situation in Syria, Libya, Somalia, Afghanistan and Yemen. The suffering of people in my region may appear distant to an audience in Munich, but the waves of refugees make these injustices a European concern. And the darkness of terrorism now casts a shadow on the entire world.

Suffering and injustice pave the way for terrorism to flourish. Evil actors will twist religious dogmas to poison the minds of desperate people. Extremist religious doctrines pose an undeniable challenge to all of us. They exist in every culture, and the Islam has no monopoly on them. It is clear that we are obliged to combat religious extremism. But, having said that, attributing violent terrorism to extremist ideologies is too simplistic. It does not explain why violent extremism has become a major threat in my region, while extremist ideologies can be found anywhere.

Strong Philippine Cinema Delegation Present at 68th Berlinale

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Filipino filmmakers and films are well-represented this year at the Berlin International Film Festival with films in competition and filmmakers participating in the Berlinale Talents and Co-Production Market.

Lav Diaz’s “Ang Panahon ng Halimaw” (Season of the Devil) is an official entry to the Main Competition while “Babylon" directed by Keith Deligro is competing at Berlinale Shorts. “Manila Scream Expanded” by Roxlee is also featured at the Forum Expanded Section. Meanwhile, four (4) participants are at Berlinale Talents - Pam Reyes, Anthony Falcon, McRonald Nacario, and Leeroy Lee. Bradley Liew and Bianca Balbuena's Motel Acacia is also featured at the Co-Production Market. 

"Once again, Philippine cinema is recognized and represented at this prestigious Festival. It makes us proud that the efforts and talents of our filmmakers are affirmed by the international audience," said Chairperson and CEO Liza Dino.  

Director Lav Diaz, winner of Silver Bear Alfred Bauer prize at the 2016 Berlinale,  “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis (A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery)” comes back with a 234-minute film, this time, a Filipino Rock Opera that shows the life in a remote village in the Philippines during the Martial Law. Director Keith Deligero’s, “Babylon” is a 20-minute short film about two young girls who travel through time to assassinate a small town dictator to revise history but ended up with a weird mixed-up adventure with a talking chicken, a videoke machine from the future, a set of violent triplets and prank calls from the 90s, only at Barangay Babylonia. Manila Scream Expanded combines three recent short films by Philippine underground filmmaker Roxlee, Manila Scream, Yours Trolley, and Slicing Art. The film and its maker and protagonist take us on an idiosyncratic journey through the streets of Manila. It is set to screen on February 20 and 23.

FDCP will be hosting the Philippine Night at Berlin on February 21 in celebration of the Filipino delegates and as opportunity to interact and network with international film commissions, festival programmers, and distributors. 

​The 68th Berlin International Film Festival runs until February 25, 2018 in Germany. 

Toblerone and Cadbury Own Valentine’s Day with Love-Filled Activities

Wazzup Pilipinas!

How Mondelez Philippines won our hearts with two exciting Valentine’s campaigns

The long-held tradition of gifting chocolates during Valentine’s Day has endured through the years. But for global snack company Mondelez Philippines, and its powerhouse chocolate brands Cadbury Dairy Milk and Toblerone, celebrating Valentine’s went beyond the gift and the taste. The two brands owned Valentine’s Day this year through imaginative and bold experiences for consumers. 

“We take Valentine’s Day very seriously, it is our chocolates’ biggest day of the year!  Valentine’s presents the opportunity not only to have more consumers taste our products but also to have more imaginative gifting options for family and friends through Toblerone.

Cadbury Dairy Milk on the other hand will allow you to express your feelings in more creative and diverse channels through unique experiences. And what better way to own this romantic holiday than by celebrating with two campaigns for our two chocolate brands.” says Arlene Amante, Mondelez Philippines Brand Manager for Chocolates.

The two well-loved chocolates brands had unleashed several out-of-the-box campaigns for Valentine’s Day. People are familiar with the delicious taste of Swiss-made chocolate Toblerone with its honey and nougat bite.

But for this year, the gift of Toblerone offered much more than deliciousness – it came with the opportunity to imaginatively and thoughtfully show love.  From Toblerone came the engaging campaign to help consumers give creatively caring gifts: The Valentine’s Blank Pack.

This has the iconic Toblerone pack on one side, amazing and one-of-a-kind illustrations from local artists on another, and a blank space on the third side which consumers can use to personalize their gifts. This was accompanied by many other Valentine experiences and opportunities including a mini art exhibit event which showcased the artwork and the artists behind the sleeve designs, mall booths and an online portal where consumers can be like Van Gogh and customized their packs as well as awe-inspiring billboards which also showcased the consumers’ customized packs. Indeed, love and Toblerone was all around Valentine’s Day.

Cadbury Dairy Milk also launched its biggest Valentine event in the Philippines to date. Featuring the brand’s limited edition Valentine’s Pack with the customizable heart tag, an exciting event held right on Valentine’s Day became a must-go destination for the holiday.

“We believe that one of the best schemes on how to express love is to show it in a big way,” adds Amante. “Last Valentine’s Day, we offered our smooth and chocolatey Cadbury Dairy Milk bars with the limited edition heart tag. But beyond the delicious chocolate, we offered an entire event where consumers can express their feelings in a bold way – the ‘Say It with Cadbury Love out Loud’ event!”

Held at the Bonifacio High Street in Taguig and participated in by hundreds of consumers, the Love out Loud event offered two eye-catching ways to express feelings.

The first was through Cadbury Dairy Milk’s very first Valentine installation – the “Love Arc.” Rivalling Paris’ Pont des Arts love locks bridge, the Cadbury Dairy Milk “Love Arc” was filled with hundreds of the brand’s heart tags with special messages from the consumers themselves.

Still part of the Love out Loud event was the brand’s first-ever interactive “Love Out Loud Wall.” With the high-tech step of scanning the messages on the Cadbury Dairy Milk heart tag, the messages could then be projected and interacted with using the digital “Love Out Loud Wall.”

“Valentine’s Day may have been one day – but with Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk’s out-of-the-box experiences, consumers were able to become more imaginative and thoughtful in their gifts and expressed their love out loud!” says Amante.

Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales Takes Manila by Storm

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales return to Manila and this time they took the time to see a bit of Manila by riding the LRT. But this wasn’t your ordinary commute around the city. This was something historic in every way. Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc. (YMPH) partnered with the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRT) to create the Yamaha Monumento Station. It was a first for the brand who also had its own signature train that bared the designs of its latest campaign “We Are MIO”. By having their own station, Yamaha can share their riding culture with every Filipino who will see campaigns and products daily.

The MotoGP riders started their journey with a short ride from the Roosevelt station. When the train doors opened for them in the Yamaha Monument Station they saw the transformation of the facility which was now filled with Yamaha’s designs. Part of the launch ceremony was the unveiling of their very own Yamaha Star and they signed standees that bared their likeness. Throughout their short but eventful train ride they were joined by members of the media who captured and experienced the moment alongside the racing stars.

After, they set their sights on the Motorcycle Capital of the Philippines. The 10th Avenue in Caloocan is a hotbed for all things motorcycles. A haven that housed everything for riders in the country. The entire avenue which stretched out for 3 city blocks had its own pop-up festival to celebrate the arrival of the riders. Hundreds upon hundreds of fans formed a sea of enthusiasts all eager to see their idols.

Then, it was time to rev. Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales slowly ascended from under the stage to the roar of the crowd. An explosion of confetti, flashing lights, and cheers engulfed the entire avenue. The public appearance of the two riders wasn’t only massive and it was also the most intimate as well. This year, they had more opportunities to personally meet some of the Filipino fans. They answered questions from Yamaha Club members which as mixture of fun and excitement. To continue their support for the cultivation of racing in the Philippines, they awarded medals to the 12 qualifying riders for the Yamaha Grand Prix. An art contest was the opportunity for the fans to show their love for the riders on Valentines they and the top 3 designs were recognized on stage with the artists smiling alongside their heroes. They also gave away signed shirts to lucky online contestants and stayed for a while to sign helmets and other items from those in the crowd. 

After a whirlwind of a time in 10th Avenue, they joined the Yamaha Dealers for the ‘Be Unstoppable’ 2018 Dealers Convention in Seda Hotel. As icons for Global Racing Excellence and the faces of the ‘Blu is Fast’ Campaign, they were living testaments for the performance that Yamaha motorcycles provide.

To cap it all off, they made sure to spend personal time with the media. They expressed how much they enjoy going to the Philippines even if it was always a short stay. And they raved about the warmth they received from Filipinos who always supported the brand and their efforts in racing across the globe.

What’s next for Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales? To focus on the MotoGP season and they bring with them the motivation that was inspired by the joy and passion of their Filipino Fans.