Acclaimed Latin American films on spotlight at new Instituto Cervantes Cinema in Intramuros

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Instituto Cervantes will feature “Four Gems of Latin American Cinema,” a series of critically acclaimed and award-winning films directed by Latin American filmmakers, every Saturday during the month of August at the new Intramuros branch of the Spanish cultural center.

The film cycle, which serves as an invitation to appreciate Latin American cinematography, will kick off on August 4, 6 p.m., with the screening of "Azul y no tan rosa" (My Straight Son), a plea for respect and non-discrimination due to sexual orientation. It won the 2013 LGBT Montreal Film Festival Best Feature and the 2014 Goya Award for Best Latin American Film. 

Directed by Miguel Ferrari, the film tells the story of Diego, a successful Venezuelan fashion photographer, who decides to formalize his relationship with his boyfriend Fabrizio by moving in with him. A tragic accident leaves his partner in a coma. Unexpectedly, he is obliged to take care of his own son, Armando, who lives in Spain and with whom he has not seen in years. Now, both of them have to adapt to each other -- Armando to the unknown, homosexual world of his father, and Diego to the closed attitude of his teenage son. 

Next to be shown as part of the film series is El método (The Method) on August 11, 6 p.m. Based on a famous play by Jordi Galcerán and directed by Argentine filmmaker Marcelo Piñeyro, El método explores the dark inner mechanisms of the corporate world.

Seven candidates are put together in a meeting room as part of final selection process for a single high-level position in a multinational corporation. Then, they are informed that one of them is not a candidate but an employee from HR analyzing their attitudes. What follows is a series of fierce tests which will question their priorities, ethics and loyalty under stress.

On August 18, 6 p.m., the masterfully-crafted thriller El secreto de sus ojos (The Secret in Their Eyes) will be shown. Benjamin Esposito, a legal counselor who is about to retire, starts writing a novel hoping to find closure for one of his past unresolved homicide cases and for his unreciprocated love with his superior -- both of which still haunt him decades later. 

Writing the book leads Benjamin to investigate his own past and a period of Argentina’s history marked by violence and death. Arguably the best work by talented Argentinean filmmaker Juan José Campanella, it has received more than 50 international awards, among them the Oscar for the Best Foreign Language Film, and the Goya Award for Best Latin American Film.

The comedy Lista de espera (Waiting List) concludes the film cycle on August 25, 8 p.m. Directed by Juan Carlos Tabío, it tells the story of a group of passengers who wait for their transportation at a Cuban bus station. 

However, the passengers have no way to get on any bus, as all buses that pass are full. The administrator does not see any solution and intends to close the terminal. Even so, they decide to stay and repair an old bus -- as a strange and tender story is woven among them.

This film series "Four Gems of Latin American Cinema" is presented by Instituto Cervantes, the Embassy of Spain, and the Film Archives of AECID, with the support of Intramuros Administration and Accenture. 

Instituto Cervantes Intramuros is located at Casa Azul, a two-floor replica of a 19th-century Philippine house at Plaza San Luis Complex, next to San Agustin Church. Designed to complement the cultural and academic activities of the main branch in Makati, it has a 90-seat auditorium, an exhibition room, classrooms, and a library containing over 30,000 items. 

All the films are in Spanish with English subtitles. Admission is free on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, please visit the Instituto Cervantes’ website (http://manila.cervantes.es) or its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila). 

Ignite 2018 Startup Insights

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I was at Shangrila Makati Day1 of Ignite Start Up Ph Summit - The Philippines Premiere Innovation Conference. Roamed around and listened to several speakers and start up. Some booths offer chat support, fintech, office spaces and more. To support business even bloggers to maximize time and resources.

Also the shared thoughts about the Role of Accelerators in Creating World Changing Startups. Interesting talks about emerging market scale and tech startup industry issues. The 2 day conference offers strong connections between start ups, entrepreneurs and investors.

Listening to panels is like in a boardroom of the apprentice or shark tank. Where the start ups pitch on what they were doing and investors kneel down to be part of that successful start up business pie. Reading the mind mind of both start up and investors make me come up with these questions. 

Why should I buy you? Or why should I invest on you? Why should I start partnering with you? Why should I select you over other banks? Its like the silicon valley of Manila moments where everybody wanted to share its passion and excitement when it come to start up. 

The question and answer open mic were delivered to satisfy both panel and audience. More than 500 attendees gathered together to hear the talks and buzz of the next Alibaba, Facebook, Amazon, Oracle, Google or Instagram like talks inspiration that once a start up. 

I did several start up ventures then failed. Here I am again listening and gathering ideas to same mind like. So Im back to corporate world, gathering enough resources to start a start up that was started several years ago. But still thinking to continue the reinvention start up ideas on the other hand  still always underconstruction. To follow the lead that  Mark, Elon and Jack footsteps made before. 

Panels discussions were juicy and useful for customize business solution.  Much more of understanding the detailed metrics when it comes to target markets. Because each demographics is different. And focus on what is really important when it come to expansion, partnership and acquisition even exit. @jbiadog 

PhilPop Announces Top 30 Semifinalists

Wazzup Pilipinas!

PhilPop Foundation announce the Top 30 Semifinalists to this year’s music festival. A non-profit organization led by Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, PhilPop Foundation reinvents itself this 2018. With the theme “Music. Powered by Pinoys,” and coming from a year-long and nationwide songwriting boot camps in 2017, the foundation adopted a grassroots approach to discover and develop the most talented songwriters in the country, and prepared them for the 2018 songwriting festival.

Numerous aspiring composers across the country submitted song entries to join PhilPop. Over 100 judges – established figures in the music industry, music educators, youth groups, college students, religious communities and advertising executives – screened the songs, narrowing them from a thousand down to 30 entries.

This year’s semifinalists are as diverse as their origins and music genres. PhilPop strongly advocates for song entries written in the vernacular. Some of the entries in the Top 30 were written in Hiligaynon, Bisaya, and other local language. According to PhilPop Executive Director Dinah Remolacio, the “foundation’s pivot to change the format and competition timing was imperative to encourage more songwriters outside Luzon and the greater Metro Manila to join the festival. Embracing the biennial campaign by starting with the songwriting boot camps and then the festival proper was implemented to arm songwriters with knowledge and songwriting essentials that will push them to be confident to showcase their masterpieces, even those written in local language.”

All semifinalists’ entries will be produced by Viva Records, PhilPop 2018’s official record label-partner.

They are also required to undergo an intensive coaching camp on July 23- 24 in Tagaytay City, spearheaded by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, PhilPop Coaching Camp Master and foundation board member. He firmly believes that education is the key for the country’s music industry to move forward. According to Mr. C., “The next generation should be better than us hence, the best way to do this is to teach them everything we know at every instance possible.” Having been involved with PhilPop since its inception due to his desire to develop songwriters, he now works together with other music industry stalwarts such as Jazz Nicolas, Ebe Dancel, Jungee Marcelo, Trina Belamide, Jonathan Manalo, Wally Acolola, Thyro Alfaro, Yumi Lacsamana and Jungee Marcelo to guide the semifinalists in refining their creations.

From the Top 30 compositions, only ten will make it to the final round. These ten entries will be showcased to the public on November 30 in the PhilPop Festival Finals Night that will be held at Capitol Commons in Pasig City.

The 30 Semifinalists are:

1. AEIOU - Kenneth John Pores (General Trias, Cavite)

2. Ako, Ako - Jeriko Buenafe (Taguig, NCR)

3. Away Wa’y Buwagay - Eamarie Gilayo and Jovit Leonerio (Davao City, Davao Del Sur)

4. Bumbero - Michael Llave (Quezon City, NCR)

5. Di Ko Man - Ferdinand Aragon (Cebu City, Cebu)

6. Ikaw Ang Aking Pag-ibig - Mark Jay Felipe (Guimba, Nueva Ecija)

7. Isang Gabing Pagibig - Carlo Angelo David (Quezon City, NCR)

8. Kariton - Philip Arvin Jarilla (Antipolo, Rizal)

9. Kelan Kaya? - Sarah Bulahan (Mandaluyong City, NCR)

10. KilabI - Karlo Frederico Zabala (Valenzuela City, NCR)

11. Korde Kodigo - Jeremy Sarmiento (Davao City, Davao Del Sur)

12. Laon Ako - Elmar Jan Bolano and Donel Transporto (Tigbauan, Iloilo)

13. LDR (Layong ‘Di Ramdam) - Russ Narcies Cabico (Quezon City, NCR)

14. LGBT (Laging Ganito Ba Tayo?) - Kyle Pulido (Davao City, Davao Del Sur)

15. Lilipad - Agatha Morallos and Melvin Joseph Morallos (Baguio City, Benguet)

16. Loco De Amor! - Edgardo Miraflor, Jr. (Bacolod City, Negros Occidental)

17. Mahirap Magselos - Paul Hildawa (Makati City, NCR)

18. Makisabay - Carlo Angelo David (Quezon City, NCR)

19. Malilimutan Din Kita - Marvin Blue Corpuz (Koronadal, South Cotabato)

20. MMRA - Oliver Narag (Valenzuela City, NCR)

21. Nanay Tatay - Teodoro Festejo III (Davao City, Davao Del Sur)

22. Oka - Michael Angelo Aplacador (Pateros, NCR)

23. Perfectly Imperfect Human - Barry Villacarillo (Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu)

24. Pilipit (Paano Sasabihing Mahal Kita) - Sean Gabriel Cedro and John Ray Reodique (Antipolo City, Rizal)

25. Promise Sorry Note - Michael Angelo Aplacador (Pateros, NCR)

26. Pwede - Agatha Morallos and Melvin Joseph Morallos (Baguio City, Benguet)

27. Tama Na - Michael Rodriguez and Jeanne Columbine Rodriguez (Makati City, NCR)

28. Unang Adlaw Nga Wala Ka - Therese Marie Villarante and Henrick James Pestano (Talisay City, Cebu)

29. Utang - Ignacio Dennis Roxas (Malolos, Bulacan)

30. Yun Tayo - Donnalyn Onilongo (Angono, Rizal)


The reveal is just in time as the local music industry is celebrating the Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP). As a kickoff event of LMP2018, PhilPop stays true to its mission—to discover original songs and foster appreciation for these original compositions that truly reflect Filipino culture and identity.

PhilPop is an initiative of the MVP Group of Companies, Mid Atlantic foundation for Asian Artists, Inc. (MAFFAA, Inc.), and NYXSYS Philippines. PhilPop’s President, Ricky Vargas believes in the significance of strengthening our culture thru music. And as the foundation continues to expand and respond to today’s music scene challenges, Maynilad’s SVP and PhilPop VP Patrick Gregorio says, “Maynilad champions Filipino creativity, that’s why we invest in them. This is more than a corporate social responsibility. This is calling and we are honored to be in the position to help shape our future thru music.”

Practical Dating Tips

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Match Me Happy Free Dating Site offers online dating service. If you'd like to meet someone then go to this online site. Its an assertive move and advance thinking to make you dating life memorable. They offer several choices and dating tips here. 

Save time and resources with online dating actual experience tips. If you're still looking for your Mr and Ms Right, online dating is a great source of having a perfect partner. So here's the Wazzup Pilipinas dating tips.

DOE Empowers Electricity Consumers with RE Choices

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi recently signed a Department Circular (DC) providing the guidelines on how consumers may avail of renewable energy as the source of their electricity needs.

The DC entitled, “Promulgating the Rules and Guidelines Governing the Establishment of the Green Energy Option Program Pursuant to the Renewable Energy Act of 2008,” was signed by the Energy Chief on 18 July 2018.

Said Circular was issued pursuant to Section 9, Chapter III of the Renewable Energy (RE) Law, which mandates the DOE to establish a Green Energy Option Program, or GEOP.

The program will give end-users the option to source their energy requirements from RE resources. 

The GEOP rules establish the general guidelines and procedures governing transactions between consumers, RE suppliers and network service providers, on the matter of choosing and using RE resources at the least cost and in a sustainable manner.

A voluntary program, all end-users with a monthly average peak demand of 100kW and above for the past 12 months may opt to participate in the GEOP.

Those with an average peak demand below 100kW may also participate in the GEOP, but only after the DOE, in consultation with the National Renewable Energy Board and industry stakeholders, is able to determine that the technical requirements and standards are met by the end-user.

With the promulgation of the GEOP Rules, the DOE hopes to attract more consumers to source their power from RE.

The DOE likewise believes that the GEOP will not only promote sustainability, but will also empower more Filipinos by giving them a wider variety of options for their energy requirements.

The program is also in consonance with the DOE strategy to aggressively promote the development, utilization and commercialization of indigenous and clean sources of energy, while ensuring the sustainable and secure supply of power for the country.

12 Toe Nail Designs to Keep Up with Trends Striped Nail Designs

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Striped Nail Design

This look is elegant and classy. The pretty blue polish is dressy, and the white tip and sparkly bow design on the big toe give this design a sophisticated look!

White Floral Nail Art

If you love floral toe nail designs, this look is for you! The matte gray and pink polish is very subtle. The pretty flower on the big toe dresses it up for a look that’s girly and chic!

Butterfly Colorful Nail Art

Butterflies are so pretty! This cute pink to orange gradient nails fade is bright and cheery, and the matching butterfly on the big toe is super girly!

French Mani with Rhinestones

If you want a glamorous look, try this pretty maroon polish and add some shiny rhinestones to your big toe. Nothing says a night out on the town like sparkly gemstones!

White-Burgundy Floral Design

Here is another pretty floral look for a fun and feminine style! The stunning combo of burgundy and white polish with flowers is dainty and demure!

Cool Blue Ombre

Ombre nail art is so pretty. This blue fade is just stunning. Add some gemstones or tiny sea shells to your nails to dress them up a bit!

Fresh Watermelon Art

Watermelons are really tasty. This look with its vibrant red and green and a cute watermelon design on the big toe is super fun.

Totally Pink with a Girly Flower

Pink is such a pretty shade. The 3-D flower and gemstones on the big toe add a demure and dainty look that’s perfect for a romantic walk!

Nude Vintage

If you want a more simplistic style, this nude base is elegant and chic. We love the black lace tribal design on the big toe to give it a bit of class. This look is perfect for a wedding or formal event.

Black and Pink Rose Petals

If you prefer a more edgy look for your toes, this pretty black and pink combo is a bit more dark and daring. The black polish is bold, but the pretty black and gold leaf design on a pink base on the big toe gives it a feminine and flirty vibe. This is another look that’s great for a formal affair!

White and Blue Leaves

Cerulean blue is such a pretty shade. Paint your nails with this pretty blue polish and then paint your big toe white and paint some cerulean blue swirly leaves for a look that’s totally girly and cute! This style will appear adorable against some pretty white sandals!

White-Purple Lace Design with Glitter

Is purple your go-to color for nail art? Why not try this delicate lace design with a mixture of white, dark purple, and lavender for a look that’s classy and chic?

Romblon: A Hidden Paradise of Southern Tagalog

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The province of Romblon is part of Region 4-B or MIMAROPA Region in Southern Tagalog. This province has three main islands namely Tablas, Romblon and Sibuyan; wherein the Town Capital is Romblon which is in the island of Romblon. It can be easily reached by a RORO or Ferry coming from Batangas Pier with 10-12 hours travel time depending on sea condition and on your destination whether Odiongan (Tablas) or Romblon (Romblon). Direct air flights are made possible by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific who transport from Manila to Tugdan (Tablas) for more or less an hour travel time.

Romblon is rarely visited by Filipinos until the Carabao Island has become viral on Social Media, with the leaning coconut tree along the shore of fine white sand and clear turquoise water on photos. Upon seeing this, we became interested in visiting this humble province.

Then we learned that there are Foreign visitors who stayed more than a month enjoying the peacefulness and vibrant of the island.

WHAT TO DO IN ROMBLON?

Since Romblon is not a popular tourist destination in the Philippines, it has a lot of unspoiled beaches where you can lay down and relax. Hire a boat and do an Island Hopping to sea different beauty of each islets this province has to offer. One can also do Fish Feeding, Diving and Swimming in the clear waters. Chartering a habal-habal or motorcycle is advisable to get you around the corners because public transportation in the area is very few and has departure schedules. Chasing Waterfalls is also a recommended activity here.

Romblon, Romblon is known as the Marble Capital of the Philippines, and shopping souvenirs of marbles is should be on your list! Just make sure that you will have your baggage checked-in if you’re traveling via plane.



WHAT TO SEE IN ROMBLON?

1. Fish Sanctuary in Looc
From the Airport, take a van to Looc (₱150) which takes about 30-45 minutes. Then hire a habal-habal that will take you to Looc Port.

There you will have to pay a registration fee of ₱100 and roundtrip boat fare of ₱20 per head. The Fish Sanctuary is only 10 minutes away from the Port.

Make sure to buy plain breads before going
here. There are no snorkel gears for rent
but they have life vest for rent instead.

2. Bantigue Resort
Who would have thought that Romblon has a version of London’s Big Ben and Paris’ Eiffel Tower?

Bantigue Resort is located at Aglicay, Tablas few minutes form the Airport. It has a restaurant, pool and hotel rooms where guests can fully enjoy the amazing view of Eiffel Tower and Big Ben. It is more attractive at night when all the lights are on!

3. Aglicay Beach and View Deck
Thirty minutes away from Looc is the Aglicay Beach Resort which requires no entrance fee for the first 30 minutes of your stay. Aside from the beach, the main attraction here is the View Deck which takes about 10-20 minutes of hike up from the beach.

4. Carabao Island
The real name of Carabao Island is Hambil Island in San Jose, Romblon which is also part of Tablas. It has the finest white sand beach called Inobahan Beach, which people say, similar from Boracay’s (an hour away from Carabao Island) that why it is called the Twin of Boracay.

From Looc, take a Jeep going to Sta. Fe which leaves at 7:30 in the morning form the Plaza. Fare is ₱50 and it takes about an hour to reach Sta. Fe Port. Once at the port, you will see the boat bound for San Jose waiting for the passengers from Looc and Odiongan then leaves at 9am (Fare: ₱100).

Hire a habal-habal (₱500 whole day) to take you around the island and see the Kuding-Kuding Point, Tagaytay Viewpiont, Dingle Cave and other spots which your Habal Driver knows. Take note that they strictly follow 1 Motor = 1 Passenger Policy.

5. Calatrava Coves, Beaches and Islets
From Odiongan, the town of Calatrava can be reached in one hour to an hour and half by taking a jeep from the Odiongan Jeep Terminal. Fare is ₱70. Drop off at Calatrava Fish port then there you meet your boatman.

Take note that you have to contact your boatman prior your visit. Rate of boat depends on your destinations.

Based on our itinerary, we visited only Paski Cove (Turtle Cove), Lapuz-Lapuz Beach and Tinagong Dagat, and enjoyed the majestic limestone that surrounds these islets for ₱1,200.

After the island hopping in Calatrava, there are shower rooms near the port where you can wash up and change clothes.

6. Waterfalls of San Agustin
San Agustin, another town of Tablas, has a numerous waterfalls waited to be visited. Due to time concerns, we were able to see only one Waterfalls and this is Busay Falls.

From the centro, ride a tricycle that will take you to Busay Falls (nearest from the town proper) and will wait for you, fare is ₱150 rountrip for 2 pax. There is no difficult hikes, but merely few easy steps to get to the mother falls of Busay. This has four levels but only three are accessible. There is also no entrance fee required.

7. Bonbon Beach
One hour away by RORO from San Agustin is the Island of Romblon. ₱80 is the fare plus ₱10 of Terminal Fee must be paid prior your boarding. 6 in the morning is the earliest schedule of boat going to Romblon,
Romblon.

Upon arriving Romblon Port, take a tricycle to Bonbon Beach, ₱50 for 2 passengers. You will have to walk a few meters to reach the Bonbon beach from the drop off point. No need to worry because you will surely enjoy the scenery while walking towards the Bonbon Beach. During low tide, the sand appears extending to that little island (see photo on left) which looks like a long beautiful sandbar.

8. Tiamban Beach
If you walk a little bit more further from the Bonbon beach, you will reach the Tiamban Beach. Along the shore, you will pass by a beautiful rock formations of smooth black stones, just be careful not to step on the mossy parts. Walk is approximately 20-30 minutes away, but you may opt to walk back to where the tricycle driver dropped you off, then take another tricycle from there to take you to Tiamban Beach.

With ₱40 entrance fee, you may enjoy your stay in the beach until anytime you want and with use of Toilet and Shower. Sand in Tiamban is a lot more different form Bonbon’s. You will notice the sudden change of sand when you chose to walk along the shore. Snorkeling is a good activity as well but be careful of the Sea Urchins (which we saw not only one but plenty). You may ask the locals here to get one for you and try eating fresh Sea Urchins!

9. Fort San Andres
Fort San Andres is a historical site which the locals preserved and made is as a museum. With the entrance fee of ₱25, you will learn the discovery of Romblon and the old life of Romblon’s ancestors. This structure is not far from the design of Intramuros being a defence wall from war.

Getting here, you will have to take a tricycle to Fort San Andres or Fuerza San Andres (₱25). The driver will ask you whether to drop you off at the staircases or bring you at the top which is near the entrance. It is up to you, but for us, we just asked to be dropped off at the stairs so it is way cheaper. From the stairs, you will have to take more than a hundred steps to reach the Fort San Andres, but the hard work is really worth it! There are different designs each sections of staircases so will not feel bored nor tired. You will enjoy it! Entrace fee is only ₱20.

10. Cresta De Gallo
Cresta De Gallo is another beautiful Islet of the province which is part of Sibuyan Island. Its name comes from a Spanish word which means Cock’s comb because of its shape. Oh, and by the way this is a pristine white sandbar!

We had no enough time to visit Sibuyan Island, because of the schedules of transferring Ferry from Tablas to Romblon, then Romblon to Sibuyan and vice versa. Still, Cresta De Gallo is in our Bucket List!

Tourists will surely fall in love with this quiet and secluded place. This is the real island life here which will make you want to stay for more – happy and humble people, cheap goods, clear skies, clean beaches, uncrowded roads, simple lifestyle – truly a great escape from the busyness of our life.

We highly recommend that you add this province in your Bucket List not just to witness its beauty but to boost the tourism which would help the locals and their economic growth. As you visit this place, please be responsible travelers following the LEAVE NO TRACE POLICY, meaning do not leave your trashes anywhere. Respecting the people and the nature mean respecting your self-reputation.


For Itinerary, Budget Breakdown, Contact Details and more Photos, Visit www.facebook.com/wheresbamskiph or www.wheresbamskiph.weebly.com

Contributed By Where’s Bamski

One Warrior Series Holds Succesful Season 2 Midseason Finale in Singapore

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Rich Franklin's ONE Warrior Series, a subsidiary of  ONE Championship™ (ONE), the largest global sports media property in Asian history, recently concluded the season 2 midseason finale of its wildly popular ONE Warrior Series, held last Thursday, 19 July in Singapore.

The brightest young stars in martial arts came out to participate in action-packed bouts. After a series of compelling contests, Anita Karim, Mark Cuizon, Ismael Bandiwan, Ali Motamed, and Mark Abelardo each received a Warrior Bonus for their extraordinary performances.

Rich Franklin, CEO of ONE Warrior Series, stated: “The second OWS event was live for the first time on the ONE Super App. It was a a big step up for the organization and our athletes. They rose to the challenge and entertained the viewers with some of the most exciting matches I have ever seen. We awarded five Warrior Bofnuses to a group of athletes who left everything in the ring!”

Jonathan Fong, Director of ONE Warrior Series, stated: “ONE Warrior Series 2 marked the return of some of the most entertaining prospects as well as the highly anticipated OWS debut of other recruits. It was a highlight-filled evening with 13 finishes and two of the most exciting and competitive match ups. Can't wait to run it back in October!”

The second half of Season 2 will air in September 2018.

Episodes of Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series are available on ONE Championship’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/OneFCMMA

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.

Renzo Gracie Lauds ONE Championship: ‘It Will Be No. 1 Very Soon’

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ONE Championship will be rolling out the red carpet for a revered martial arts legend on Friday, 27 July as Brazil’s Renzo Gracie is set to make both his comeback and promotional debut in the Singapore-based organization.

Gracie, whose family introduced the discipline known as “The gentle art” to the world as an essential component of mixed martial arts competition, is slated to duke it out with fellow promotional debutant and three-division King Of Pancrase Yuki Kondo at ONE: REIGN OF KINGS in Manila, Philippines.

Still going strong at the age of 51, Gracie did not mince words about his excitement to wear four-ounce gloves for the first time in eight years.

“To be able to come back after all these years and do this again, it seems surreal to me,” he quipped.

“For me, I’ve always been talking about life and following your passion. Mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are an avenue for me to exemplify desire, diligence, discipline, dedication, character, integrity, and pride for my culture,” Gracie added.

Gracie expressed his gratitude to ONE Championship head honcho Chatri Sityodtong for extending his hand to host his return to action.

“I have been preparing a long time for this. I would like to thank Chatri Sityodtong and ONE Championship for the opportunity, for giving me the global stage once again, and for allowing me to satisfy my craving for competition. This one is for the fans,” he said.

Although it was more sensible for the New Jersey-based Brazilian submission specialist to sign with Western mixed martial arts companies for his comeback, Gracie disclosed that ONE Championship stood out as the appealing product.

“It’s my dream to fight in ONE Championship. They are doing a great job on this side of the world. What they do in Asia affects and benefits the entire ecosystem of the sport. I have everything. I don't need to be here, but I want to be part of something big," he stated.

Gracie has strutted his wares in different mixed martial arts organizations throughout his 26-year professional career, but he believes that ONE Championship will be the frontrunner of the sport in the coming years.

“It’s an amazing company. ONE Championship makes one of the best shows in the world. That’s why I’m feeling so privileged to be fighting in ONE Championship and in Manila,” he explained.

ONE Championship has achieved tremendous success since its inception in 2011, establishing itself as one of the key players of the sport in the world.

Since its early beginnings, the promotion has undergone a myriad of changes and developments.

From changing its name to revolutionizing the mixed martial arts weight-management system, the promotion’s iterations have brought it from promising young startup to global combat sports powerhouse in a matter of years.

Aside from housing some of the world's best martial artists and world champions like Bibiano Fernandes, Ben Askren, Roger Gracie, Brandon Vera and Shinya Aoki, ONE Championship has also been pivotal in the development of local and homegrown talents like the Philippines’ Eduard Folayang, Singapore’s Angela Lee and Myanmar’s Aung La N Sang.

Headquartered in the heart of Singapore, ONE Championship holds the largest sports and entertainment events across Asia, broadcasting to over 1.7-billion potential viewers across 136 countries around the world.

“It (ONE Championship) will be No. 1 very soon,” Gracie declared.

Respected in both fields of mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a pioneer, elite athlete and fearless competitor, Gracie will show the world what he is capable of in ONE Championship.

“The only thing that I know is that I’ll be a better man, I’ll be a better teacher, and I’ll be a better person in the sense of passing forward everything that I learn in there,” he conveyed.

Whether he wins or loses against Kondo at ONE: REIGN OF KINGS on Friday, Gracie assured that it will not be his last ride in mixed martial arts.

“I believe I’m going to fight more. I’m going to impress people with this fight, and they’re going to want me to fight more, so I will do it. This is not my farewell fight,” he promised.

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.

​

Let Honestbee Do the Groceries for You

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Being a responsible adult for me means paying my bills on time, having a work/life balance, and bringing food to the table. Of course doing all these isn’t as easy as it sounds.There’s always so much going on that sometimes I don’t have enough time to run errands. When I do have spare time, I’d rather use it to take a nap or catch up with friends.

Since I have found out about Honestbee, it has become a huge part of my shopping routine. I no longer have to rush to the grocery store before heading home or stand in long lines at the checkout counter. This food and grocery delivery app gets the job done for me and has saved me so much time.

Prices online are not different from the physical stores either which is what inclines me to keep using the app. And because I only shop every other week, I make sure to get everything I need – meat products, canned products, toiletries, etc. I usually reach the minimum amount of P2,500 so I almost always qualify for free shipping.
Bonus: Instead of brown paper bags, it’s packed in a yellow eco bag with with the smiling bee logo.  (cute!)

The delivery time is impressive, too. Unlike other grocery apps, Honestbee has same day delivery so you’re guaranteed to receive everything in good condition. You also get to choose which time you want your items to be delivered in case you will be out or there’s no one at home to receive it.

You can visit and download the app at:

Home:
https://www.honestbee.ph/en/

For IOS:
https://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/id1001581823?mt=8

For Android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.honestbee.consumer&hl=en