January 2014 ~ Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Friday, January 31, 2014

DOTC Awards Its First PPP Project: AFCS to Modernize Rail Ticketing Experience in 2015

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) awarded the first of its many projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program to a joint venture led by the Ayala and Metro Pacific groups last Thursday, 30 January 2014.

“We are pleased to announce that a modern ticketing system is on its way for our train riders. This is part of the DOTC’s effort to improve our services at the LRT and the MRT. The AFCS will provide passengers with more comfort, convenience, and efficiency in their daily commute, at no cost to government or to the passengers,” said DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya.

The Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS), a tap-and-go ticketing scheme for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) rail systems, is envisioned to improve passenger comfort and convenience by cutting queuing time and allowing seamless transfers from one rail line to another.

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A grand back-to-back comeback of the SM Bowling Center and Ice Skating Rink at SM Megamall's new Fashion Hall made a spectacular launch last January 28, 2014. Members of the media were invited to attend the celebration to witness the newest and coolest entertainment hubs in the metro that are now located at the 4th and 5th levels of the SM Mega Fashion Hall - the newly-opened lifestyle wing of SM Megamall.

First on the back-to-back launch was the launch of the new SM Ice Skating Rink where guests were treated to skating performances of current and previous students of the SM Ice Skating Rink. Solo and group performances on ice were made at the Olympic-sized Ice Skating Rink located at the 5th floor of SM Mega Fashion Hall.

Next, we moved on to the 4th level to witness the launch of the new SM Bowling Center which features cutting-edge technology with the Bowler Entertainment System X (BES X) which allows customers to enjoy the game by combining the essentials of bowling and the most advanced offering of this new entertainment system to the market. To pursue fun and connection with today's digital age, the innovative system allows bowlers to chat with each other while playing and post their final game scores in their own Facebook walls. It has the most updated scoring system which gives players the option to personalize their digital score board with their own photos.

Providing some musical entertainment through his hyper-energetic mixed beats was the gorgeous DJ David Callum.

Tourism Promotions Board of DOT Signs MOA with Manila Shimbun

Domingo Ramon Enerio III, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), shakes hand with Nobuhiko Hashimoto, adviser of the Asian International Community Information, Inc. (AICI) after signing Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

Wazzup Pilipinas!

An assortment of articles and photos on Philippine tourist destinations, specifically targeted to the Japanese outbound travel market, will be made available to the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism, to support its marketing communications programs.

The TPB recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Asian International Community Information (AICI), Inc. as partnership for the use of feature articles and high resolution photos published by AICI’s The Daily Manila Shimbun (TDMS), the publishing firm of the Navi Manila Magazine and the Navi de Cebu Magazine. AICI has copyrights to the articles and photos.

Navi Manila Magazine, a tourist guide for Japanese visiting the Philippines written in the Japanese language, with Navi de Cebu, tourist magazine for Japanese tourists and residents in Cebu, specialize in travel articles on tourist attractions in the Philippines. The contents of both magazines are appropriate for better marketing of Philippine tourism in Japan.

Precision M3800 and PowerEdge T20 Launched by Dell Philippines

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Dell Philippines recently launched the Dell Precision M3800 - their thinnest and lightest 15-inch true mobile workstation along with the Dell PowerEdge T20 - an entry-level uni-processor server at the Craft Rock and Grill at the Fort Strip last January 28, 2014.

The Dell Precision M3800 is a merging of a beautiful ultra-thin form factor design and workstation-class performance, while the Dell PowerEdge T20 enables users to consolidate data and applications from multiple devices into a single server where they can be shared more effectively.

According to Christopher Papa, Country Manager of Dell Philippines, due to the consistent evolution of our workplace, customers are requiring more portable systems without sacrificing performance. They also require a server that will allow them faster data transfers compared to using external storage, cloud storage or email.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Ajinomoto Umami Culinary Challenge (UCC) once again opened its doors to hundreds of young talents and provided them with a venue to learn from the best in the culinary and food service industry.

The event was held last Tuesday, January 28, 2914 at the Hall 2 of the SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia.

Year after year, the contest successfully grows in size and coverage, gathering the Philippines' most creative and innovative foodies, culinarians, professional and aspiring chefs.

Accordinng to Chef Russel Bautista, UCC Competition Head and Resident Chef of Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation. "This one day event is a golden opportunity for us to witness our future chefs showcase their skills and masterpieces. Ajinomoto hopes to contribute in discovering and maximizing their true potentials."

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Google Street View initiates its very first 360-degree panoramic shots of the Philippines at Intramuros, Manila. We can now virtually look around certain places of the walled city using our online gadgets and computers. The sites now available for viewing are the San Agustin Church, Baluarte De San Diego, Plaza San Luis Complex and Fort Santiago.

This was revealed to us during the Google Street View Launch held at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia a few days ago with Department of Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez as guest of honor.

It will continue driving Street View cars in the Philippines starting with places in Metro Manila to capture more panoramic images of the famous tourist spots in the country. This includes historic or heritage spots like the structures in Intramuros where they chose as a starting point of this project because of the vast number of structures there that are almost turning into ruins.

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We were informed about the Fila Polo Cup 2014 only a few days before the actual event so we had second thoughts about attending in such short notice. But it was surely a great decision to finally come and witness the great Gatsby-themed event sponsored by the Italian clothing brand Fila Philippines.

Aside from getting to see for the very first time the game of polo and how it actually works at the Manila Polo Club, it was a day filled with a momentous production number and a truly star-studded affair featuring several high-profile personalities from all levels of society.

We got to see famous people from the government, showbiz, sports, media and foreign guests, plus the beautiful elite people that you won't see everyday.

Aside from awarding the winners and runner-ups of the polo game which included Fila owner Butch Albert himself, there was a spectacular series of activities that made the day more grandeur. The day was ended with an astonishing dinner buffet that surprised everyone as it appeared so quickly prepared and assembled out form the curtains which covered the field where an amazing performance was held earlier.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The very eloquent darling of Social Media, Bianca Gonzalez shares her Get-Confident secrets and shows off her awesome figure in the cover of Women's Health magazine January-February 2014 issue.

Looking really sexy wearing a cute magenta top revealing her belly button and paired with a short denim jeans.

The Women’s Health Philippines magazine’s latest issue also features "Workout Strategies For Your Fitness Level," Stay Healthy Shortcuts", "How to Slim Down for Good", "Tips From Leading Dermatologist On How To Get Flawless Skin," "Five Fresh Approaches to Solve Life Dilemmas", "Secrets to Mind Blowing Sex", among others.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Preview magazine strips down the hottest love team of the moment in the season's bare essentials. Kim Chiu and Xian Lim revisit the 90s and sweet talk their way to the February 2014 issue.

With a title of "Dare to Bare" does this mean the two love teams are now willing to show off more skin in this issue or in the near future in other forms (TV, movie, etc.)?

The love team to beat are wearing only a few clothes and no sign of any accessory, clearly states they might be taking off a few more to expose their assets.

Why not? Both celebrities have the body to show off to the world and flaunt whenever and wherever they want. It's a free world and the more daring you get, the more you get noticed.

Are the two almost pass their wholesome love team image and getting ready to bare more in a rebellious theme?

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

PNP Wheel of Torture: Your Luck May Run Out Soon

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I've heard about the Philippine National Police's (PNP) dreaded-by-detainees "Wheel of Torture" where punishment is given to a detainee based on outcome of the spinning multi-colored wheel.

Do you think it's a horrifying treatment to be served to the detainees? I can imagine right now how the police pokes fun of the condition of the men, mostly drug traffickers, behind this so-called detention facility located at Binan, Laguna. What is even a lot cruel is that the detention facility is not even a legally run PNP facility as claimed by being non-existent from their records as if it was kept a "secret".

Under the game, detainees were punched if the “torture wheel” stopped at “20 seconds Manny Pacman,” referring to a nickname of popular boxer Manny Pacquiao, or hung upside down if it stopped at a punishment called “30-second bat.”

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Keep staring and get PHOEM! Phoemela Baranda is FHM Philippines’ February 2014 issue cover girl!

Our sexy showbiz news reporter goes delectably daring on the February issue of FHM Philippines magazine. At the cover, we see her wearing nothing but her little white panties. It looks like many men will be drooling soon when they get the chance to buy a copy of the magazine.

The February 2014 issue is now available in supermarkets, newsstands, and bookstores everywhere! Grab a copy now! Digital copies will soon be available for download at this link.

Click the link for a sneak peek at her cover photos.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Wow! Another award for Wazzup Pilipinas! The year 2014 has been a blessing for our blog!

It was only last January 23, 2014 when Wazzup Pilipinas received a National Award for Most Outstanding Filipino Community Blog Site for 2013 from the National Customers' Choice Awards for Business Excellence.

Now, I just received another e-mail earlier today congratulating us for winning another award for Best Filipino Community Blog Spot conferred by the Golden Globe Annual Awards for Business Excellence.

OMG! We are so thrilled and honored for being recognized for our efforts to make our blog the most preferred online media partner in the Philippines!

Awarding will be held at 6 pm on March 22, 2014 at the Centennial A Grand Ballroom of the Manila Hotel.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I attended an event at Cordillera Coffee or Cordicoffee’s advocacy, The Coffee AID Jam after braving traffic from a tourism conference in BGC. It was a night of homegrown music and coffee featuring independent musician Tao Aves and Ukelele Manila ambassadors.

Cordillera Coffee serves organically and highland grown pure Arabica coffee from Kalinga and Benguet. It has a unique taste due to the rich soil and unpolluted environment of the Cordillera region, they also have the exotic civet (alamid) coffee which is well-known in the region for strong aroma and good taste. If you are in the area it is worth the trip, they have good concoctions and great dishes such as house specialties, pastas, sandwiches, and toasts. Well-loved dishes include Chef Gene Gonzalez' Cordillera Risotto and new menu item Pinoy Kaya Toast, and home baked goodies like the Cordi tsokolate brownies and tsokasuy (chocolate with cashew) cookies, and their Tablea Arabica cupcakes.

One of the very reason why I attended is that, I’m an avid supporter of our local artists, advocacies, indigenous cultures and products and social enterprises. I heard from cordicoffee volunteers the sad fate of many cordillera coffee growers, some are exploited by businessman and not really getting the fair share, and the hardships of growing coffee in the mountains specially during rainy seasons. Coffee AID advocates fair trade and help support local coffee growers. The event is also the perfect time to sign up as a volunteer for their outreach activities like coffee tree-planting, harvest and processing, as well as community workshops.

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A musical adaptation of India’s greatest epic closes Dulaang UP’s 38th season. Ang Nawalang Kapatid, adapted from The Mahabharata by acclaimed playwright Floy Quintos, with original score by Ceejay Javier, directed and choreographed by Dexter M. Santos, is a re-telling of the epic battle between the Kaurava and Pandava families. The story focuses on the anti-hero Karna, a brave young man who must choose between loyalty to his family or to the state which made him a prince.

Ang Nawalang Kapatid was originally written as a children’s play for the Ateneo Children’s Theater and was first produced for their 2011 season. This new version allows for many more of the complexities of the original material to be dramatized. New arrangements of the original songs were created by Ceejay Javier, whose original works include “Isang Panaginip na Fili”, “Astig”, “Alex in Wonderland”, “Break Away Antigone”. He is best known as Musical Director for Atlantis Productions’ “Next To Normal”, Disney's “The Little Mermaid”, “Carrie”, “Addams Family”. As expected, the new staging will showcase Dexter Santos’ flair for images and movement as seen in his previous works “Maxie the Musical”, “Collection”, “Orosman at Zafira”.

In adapting the Indian epic, Floy Quintos has chosen to highlight the story of family and blood ties, and the conflicts that these bring about. Karna, who in Indian literature is traditionally the anti-hero, is now a young man searching for his dharma, his truth and destiny, while unaware of his true blood ties. The young and energetic cast is made up of the Dulaang UP Ensemble, with a live band. Krina Cayabyab is vocal director.

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Spam in 2013 decreased by 2.5 percentage points compared last 2012. Kaspersky Lab experts said this is because more and more Internet users and subscribers are likely becoming aware of these spam materials.

However, Kaspersky Lab noticed that they see more fraudulent and malicious messages appearing and cybercriminals are adopting new tactics to steal confidential data, especially passwords and logins to banking systems.

The experts at Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of secure content and threat management solutions, have summarized spammer activity for 2013:

The proportion of spam in email flows was 69.6% in 2013, which is 2.5 percentage points lower than the previous year
The percentage of emails with malicious attachments was 3.2% - 0.2 percentage points lower than in 2012
32.1% of phishing attacks targeted social networks
The biggest sources of spam were China (23%) and the USA (18%)
The proportion of spam in email traffic continues to fall. In the last three years, the share of unsolicited messages has fallen by 10.7 percentage points.

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Magnus Eventus Inc. grand opening of 2014 Mega Job Fair yesterday Tuesday January 28, was indeed a huge success. Attended by 1756 jobseekers, more than 40 employers, event partners, LGU officials namely Councilor Bong Liban of QC District 2 and Councilor Candy Medina of QC District 6, PESO Manager Mr. Carlo Abella, POEA representative Ms. Cathy Magda, DOLE representative Tita Nora and Ms. Angelu De Leon - Rivera the MEI Official Endorser.

During this day, Ms. Angelu De Leon-Rivera also announced the new co-endorser of Magnus Eventus Inc. namely, the showtime Ka-Loka-Like semi finalist, Ms. K Brosas , Jed Madella, Julia Clarete and Chariz Pampengco.

There are a total of 30 Participating Companies from different industries and supported by 10 Event Partners. The Magnus Eventus Mega Job Fair at Trinoma will be only until today January 28 between 10 am until 6 pm.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Damn! It's currently the blockbuster news that's still scorchingly hot due to more shocking revelations coming out from both parties involved....and also from third parties joining the bandwagon of extreme controversy. It has overshadowed all other news in the Philippines, even the privilege speech of almost namesake senator with the name of "Bong."

Vhong Navarro says it couldn't be rape since Deniece Cornejo and him already had a previous sexual relationship. Apparently, Deniece had performed oral sex on Vhong several days before the "attempted rape" broke out and created a resounding noise all over the Philippine archipelago.

The CCTV footages at Forbeswood Heights condo also seems to side with the declarations of Vhong seemingly making it strong that it was a planned and deliberate setup. Poor Cedric Lee and his minions which includes a Mixed Martial Arts expert and body-builder friend. You guys are the bad guys in this movie.

Now former MTV Philippines VJ, Kat Alano, enter the picture, and blows the story to a whole new level once again. While Alano never mentioned names in any of her posts, Twitter was immediately abuzz with speculation that she may have been a victim of Navarro’s advances. Her strong cryptic social media posts about rape believed to be in support of Deniece, Kat is now widely believed to be a victim of Vhong 9 years ago.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Teen pop never fails to put in a lot of "kilig" factor to the youth of today especially the young teenage girls who's probably also into anime, Glee TV series, and similar cutesy stuff composed of sugar, spice and everything else nice.

Undoubtedly, these are exciting times for teen pop. We see several young pop idol groups sprouting left and right. But who's complaining? Fans couldn’t be so happier! The more, the merrier!!

However, some groups just stand out among the rest and one of the very few is the newest boy teen pop group that's armed with disarming cuteness and the catchiest of songs - Sugarhigh, a quintet of charming personalities.

Sugarhigh, the newest boy group to make you fall in love, consists of Luis, Daniel, Carlos, Julius and Carl.

Let's start with Luis, the assured voice of the group, steady, talented and reliable at a young age. Daniel, who sings the hook, is all curly cuteness and is the R&B and soccer guy of the group. Meanwhile, Carlos is the low booming voice–tall, brooding, mysterious and is into drums and beat-boxing. Julius is the adorable chinito with a ready smile ready to greet everybody and an experienced model having worked at Hotdog commercials at a young age . Last but not the least is Carl who balances the group with his every guy attitude, is sporty and good looking of course.

D3000: A Smarter Photo Solution Exhibit from Epson

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A 7-day exhibit will be launched by Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) from January 31 to February 6 at SM Lanang Premier in Davao. The exhibit will highlight EPC’s first inkjet-based dry photo lab: the Epson Surelab SL-D3000.

Epson will leverage its strong experience as the world’s top large format photo printer maker at the event titled as D3000: A Smarter Photo Solution.

Epson’s SureLab SL-D3000 dry lab promises superior quality, low cost per print, improved flexibility, and simpler maintenance for photo print service providers.

This is made possible by the system’s key features as listed below:

· An ultra-reliable, 1440 x 1440 dpi resolution-capable Epson Micro Piezo print head
· A newly developed UltraChrome D6 ink set
· A sophisticated Look Up Table (LUT)

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Makihataw! Makatulong! Groove with the best Pinoy crews this January 31 from 9PM at B-Side in support of our Yolanda survivors medical mission at Coron, Palawan.

Tabang Tambayan is a series of events whether gigs or workshops, aimed to bring together artists and artisans from the creative and music industries to pool together their talents as a means of providing assistance to our Yolanda survivors.

Tabang is a Visayan word that means tulong in Tagalog and help in English. Tambayan is a Tagalog word, translated in english as a comfi (comfortable) place.

Tabang Tambayan is a project by The Silver Lining Project, Primarch Entertainment, SparkMyIdeas and individual volunteers, Kamilla Sumagui and Bryan Favorito.

Vhong Navarro Camp Versus Deniece Cornejo Camp

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"You want a Bugatti?
You want a Maserati?
You want a Lamborghini?
Sippin' martinis,
Look hot in a bikini,
You wanna live fancy?
Live in a big mansion?
Party in France?
You better work, b!tch"

Want to get rich quickly? Aside from trying your luck in Lotto, you could probably consider setting up a church, a school, or join the glamorous world of showbiz.

You could also run for a government position aka Congresswoman or Senator, do a Napoles NGO scam, and lastly, extort celebrities for 2M - Nah! the last one won't work especially when it's a Vhong Navarro you're dealing with!

Now that the number of characters involved in this hot fiasco involving affluent personalities have grown huge, we are expecting a very colorful news drama ala teleserye. Cedric Lee, Deniece Cornejo, Jinggoy Estrada, Laila De Lima, Bianca Lapuz, ABS-CBN, GMA 7, Southern Police District, their respective lawyers, fans and supporters, etc.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Have you already thought about where you'll be spending your Chinese New Year? How about at a place filled with lots of suspense and thrills?

Scream Park Manila is the first in Asia with the most terrifying and anticipated new horror theme parks designed for the young and old. This attraction is the first of its kind in the Philippines and Asia bringing high-level, US style Halloween-themed attractions to Manila. Everyone in the Philippines and Asia will enjoy the thrills, haunts and frights that thrilled millions every year in the US.

Experience the horror with the terrifying scare mazes
• Haunted Mansion – Curse of the White Lady
• The Living Dead – Hungry for your Flesh
• Old Town inspired by Vigan and Intramuros– Walking Dead

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Kembot Na, Kembot Na, Iladlad na ang iyong kapa...Kembot Na, Kembot Na, Gora na sa Pag Rampa!!!"

Unlike the cold early mornings here in Manila, the Frozen "fever" is still hot with many people making their own cover version of the movie's soundtracks especially the main song "Let It Go".

Earlier we posted the songs in Tagalog version (Let It Go translated in Tagalog as "Bumitaw", and Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?" into "Gusto Mong Gumawa ng Taong Nyebe?", now there's even a Beki version for our entertainment.

We also posted the lyrics below so you can sing along with the song. Enjoy!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Parang kinain niya rin ang sinabi niyang " In the field of women's rights. The right will always be right." Eh if that's what you believe in, dapat you should have filed a case against Vhong to straighten what you claim is right. Pero hindi eh, ang ginawa mo instead is , humingi ng pera kay Vhong at pinabugbog mo pa!!! Where is the "RIGHT" diyan? Mali ka na diyan girl..... at kung sa tingin mo ay rerespetuhin ka ng mga lalaki, I think you are wrong.

Who will respect a girl who invites a guy to come over to her place and drink wine and who knows what else happened......If you want to be respected, then act like somebody worth respecting!

If she's the victim, bakt hindi siya ang unang nag-react sa situation? Ano ba tayo.... patangahan lang?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Vhong Navarro previously revealed that Cedric Lee was one of the masterminds who orchestrated his mauling and eventual blotter at a police station where he was forced to admit a "rape" accussaton againts him.

On Cedric Lee's Facebook account (yet to be confirmed if true account), the boyfriend/husband of Vina Morales reveals the following statements:

"I’m not a CRIMINAL.

Ang napanood nimyong interview is planned by the station, para lumabas na walang kasalanan si Vhong.

He clearly had the intention to rape denise at that time, naawa kami kay denise kaya binugbog namin siya, wala kayong alam sa totoong nangyari kaya wag kayong mang husga agad. Mayayaman kami aanohin namin ang 1m? Wag kayo maniwala sa mga lumalabas sa media, malakas ang kapit niyan ni Vhong sa station kaya’t kaya niyang baguhin ang istorya with the help of media. Sana pakinggan niyo ang side namin.”

Wazzup Pilipinas!

WeChat is a free innovative mobile social communications app designed for smartphone users. There's no question why WeChat subscribers has grown exponentially - 379% more users globally as compared from last year! That's because it has many great features well-deserving of the high acceptance from users all over the world!

Wow! The app that lets you connect with your friends and loved ones is the only searched app in Malaysia and now the 2nd most searched and downloaded app in Indonesia and India and the 3rd in the Philippines!

Now with the version 5.1 ow available for download, there's now more reasons why it might reach number 1.

Three games are available for download which makes your social messaging app an entertainment spectacle as well.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Friday, January 31 is a holiday and coincides with the Chinese New Year. We invite all those who loves riding their bicycles to join us for a Chinese New Year night ride from Cubao to Binondo. Meet-up will be in in front of the Red Gate of the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao (near the North Park Restaurant) at 5 in the afternoon (ride out at 5:30PM).

We'll ride together untill Binondo Plaza (in front of the Binondo Church) and from there, kanya-kanya na pong enjoy ng food and sites sa Binondo area. Please bring lights, blinkers and wear your helmets po. If possible, let's wear something red too.

World Ukulele Day at Bonifacio High Street Central

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Join us on February 2, 2014 and let's all celebrate "World Ukulele Day" with the rest of the world!

Plenty of things to be happy about! Accentuate the positive and eliminate bad vibrations as we strum as 1Uke! Tell and bring your friends!

List of fun-filled activities for us to enjoy and share:

1.) Ukulele Manila Meet Strum Jam
2.) FREE Ukulele "The 5-Minute Theory"
and cool new ukulele tips and tricks >> Workshops
3.) "Ukulele Manila World Uke Day Song" You and Me Songwriting Jam
4.) Art Uke Exhibit Silent Auction for Yolanda Survivors
5.) All Requests Sunday Jam from your Ukulele Manila Ambassadors >> sing-alongs and collaborations
6.) Basic Uke checkup and setup
7.) Games, Raffles and Giveaways
8.) Product trials sales stickering campaign
9.) Ukulele Painting
10.) Grand Jam

and a lot of impromptu stuff!
You don't want to miss this! Seriously! :)

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The Chemical Engineering Students Summit Philippines (ChESSPh) is an annual event conducted by the UP Academic League of Chemical Engineering Students (UP ALCHEMES). ChESSPh is an avenue for the great minds of aspiring young chemical engineers from all over the Philippines to interact and exchange ideas on the development of chemical engineering in the country. On February 7-9, 2014 UP ALCHEMES hosts its 7th Chemical Engineering Summit in University of the Philippines Diliman. In this three-day event full of exciting seminars and workshops, future chemical engineers are equipped with the knowledge they could to use to maybe someday pioneer a breakthrough in chemical engineering in the country.

Now on its seventh year, ChESSPh continues to foster an atmosphere for a wide exchange of ideas. This year, ChESSPh is themed “NEXUS: Embracing New Possibilities through Unified Perspectives” as it unlocks the door to many different opportunities in forming a distinct image of chemical engineering. ChESSPh aims to connect the different prospects of chemical engineering throughout the country to come up with a greater viewpoint of the field. The event promotes camaraderie among the chemical engineering youth as they innovate and develop chemical engineering technology in the Philippines.

In line with these goals, ChESSPh organizes value-adding seminars such as the chemical engineering colloquium, where students can envision the different paths to take in chemical engineering. A series of seminars tackles different topics such as innovations, idea generation, economics and the environment where students can see a different side of chemical engineering. A debate will take place for the students to voice out their opinion regarding issues in the field. Finally, a plant visit is organized for the students to observe the real life application of what they learn inside their classroom, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the chemical engineering operations. An acquaintance dinner and a culmination night tie all the excitement together in fun and camaraderie. Through these events, connections between delegates are strengthened as they converge towards a unified chemical engineering, leading to a bright future of chemical engineering in the Philippines.

Deniece Milinette Cornejo: Is She Vhong Navarro's Lady Victim or Villain?

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"Ang tagal ko na sa industriya, wala pa akong inagrabyado. Ginagawa ko ‘to kasi alam ko na pwedeng maulit ito. Kung sa akin nagawa ito, I’m sure sa mga maliliit na tao puwede nilang gawin. Pwedeng maulit ito," Vhong Navarro talking to Boy Abunda on "Buzz ng Bayan." - ABS-CBNnews

Sa exclusive interview ni Vhong Navarro sa "Buzz Ng Bayan," pinangalanan niya ang mga sangkot sa pang-aabusong sinapit niya.

Ang babaeng tinutukoy niya na pinuntahan niya sa condo unit nito ay nagngangalang Deniece Milinette Cornejo at ang isa sa mga nangbugbog sa kanya ay si Cedric Lee na diumano'y ex-husband ni Vina Morales. -Kapamilya Gold

GMA has also released a statement saying "This is to clarify that the complainant involved in the Vhong Navarro incident is not related to GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon" because of a photo where Deniece captioned as " with my lolo rod of GMA7 with lolo atty. Gozum" as if meaning she is related to the big boss of GMA 7.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This is just the beginning.

ADHOC by UP JMA and Republiq bring you ADHOC: THE LAUNCH on 01.31.14 at Republiq.

Doors open at 10 PM!

Open bar from 10 PM - 12 MN
Guest list closes at 12 MN.
No minors allowed.
Bring a valid ID WITH BIRTHDATE. School IDs without birth dates will NOT be accepted.

Partying made easy!
To get on the guestlist, go to www.guestlist.ph.
1. Sign in through Facebook.
2. Enter your necessary information.
3. Join the event - ADHOC Launch Party
(http://guestlist.ph/events/adhoc-launch-party--2?event_id=2089#.UuS01nlm5hA)

Make sure you get a confirmation text from Guestlist.ph!
Only a limited number of people will be accommodated.

See you there!

FILA's Annual Polo Cup 2014

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Fila is a global sports brand with a rich Italian heritage that understands the relationship between performance and style. Inspired by their enduring core values, they design and build products with exceptional performance, function and lifestyle appeal.

It actively participates in promoting sports and recreational activities for an active lifestyle, and sponsors endeavors and advocacy programs contributing to health and fitness. The company entered the world of sports in 1973, after consolidating its expertise in the Italian textiles industry and assimilating the tradition of know-how that permeates it.

Fila Philippines, the official sponsor of the National Rugby Team, the Philippine Volcanoes, has been in the sportswear business for almost 14 years. The brand has actively participated in several sports and have supported several national teams and athletes.

It's the time of year again for FILA's Annual Polo Cup. January 26, 2014 will be another day of sporty fun and glamour as Manila's luminaries attend FILA's annual Polo Cup at the Manila Polo Club at McKinley Road, Forbes Park.

The Low Goal game starts at 2:00 pm, the High Goal game at 4:00 pm, and the festivities at 6:00 pm which promises to be grander than the previous years.

Havoc 2014: Witness the Mayhem!

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Let the cold draught of February set the laser light-filled battlefields for the BIGGEST, GRANDEST, and MOST ANTICIPATED party in the South happening on Thursday at 7 pm, February 6, 2014 at Java Avenue!

Volunteer in the regiment hosted by Ms. Joyce Pring, with a special performance from the G-Force Dance Company, all to the beat provided by our special guest DJ Lucio Pua, and Hype Man of the Year (2013) Paolo Avila. Conquer the battle and share the merits with the Filipino War Veterans Foundation Inc. (FILVETS), Camp Eldridge, and the Yolanda typhoon victims.

So stock up on your ammunitions, and set your spirits to witness the mayhem HAVOC 2014 offers.

Witness the mayhem for only Php 180 inclusive of 2 beers + unli mixed drinks + welcoming shot provided by Jose Cuervo.

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"As much as I feel bad for Vhong, something's not adding up. Ilang araw na ang nakaraan since the incident pero hindi pa din naglalabas ng malinaw na detalye ang kampo ni Vhong. Meron ba silang itinatago? Puwede rin kasing hindi ito simpleng extortion case. Hindi naman s'ya sasaktan ng mga taong 'yun ng walang mabigat na dahilan. Maaaring may mga "nasagasaan" din s'ya o may mabigat na atraso. Sino 'yung babae na 'yun? Ano'ng relationship n'ya kay Vhong? Ano'ng ginagawa ni Vhong sa condo na 'yun? Anyway, get well soon sa kanya." - Rad Macapagal

I've read from an article at GMA News Online that Vhong Navarro allegedly tried to molest a 22 year old lady student at a condominium in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). It says that there was a blotter at the Southern Police District at BGC documenting the incident signed by Ferdinand Navarro - Vhong's real name outside showbizness.

The article says that Vhong was taken in under citizen's arrest by the the lady victims' friends who caught Vhong in the act.

Below is the news reported in Tagalog:

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Wazzup Pilipinas wins as Most Outstanding Filipino Community Blog Site of 2013, a national award conferred by the National Customers' Choice Annual Awards for Business Excellence "for its excellence in company reputation, experience, brand integrity, product quality, and trust in customers' service.

The awarding ceremonies was held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers' Club (AFP-COC) Tejeros Hall located inside Camp Aguinaldo Quezon City last Friday, January 23, 2014.

Several companies that were recognized as excelling in their respective businesses from many different categories attended the grand event. Companies responsible for popular brands like Fila, EQ Diapers, and many others. Notable personalities that were also awarded were Vice Mayor of Manila Isko Moreno and Senator Chiz Escudero.

Special guest speaker and performer, as well as an awardee, was comedienne and stage performer Giselle Sanchez. Also providing entertainment were The Angelos, and the Halili Cruz Ballet Company dancers.

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The Congress of Teachers and Educators for Nationalism and Democracy (CONTEND) in the University of the Philippines Diliman will be launching a campaign dubbed as “A Thousand Meals for UP Tacloban” through a benefit concert on January 30, 2014 at the UP Diliman Amphitheater.

“A Thousand Meals for UP Tacloban” campaign aims to address the needs of UP Tacloban students and staff who were devastated by Typhoon Yolanda last November 8, 2013. This activity is in response to the call to continuously and consistently support the survivors after the initial phase of relief operations last year. In fact, the survivors need more support and assistance of all members of the community at this time.

Primarily, this event is a fund-raising drive to provide meals to UP Tacloban students and staff. It is also a venue to raise the level of awareness of the community regarding the issues and concerns after the disaster and the challenges ahead.

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This coming Sunday, January 26, Heritage Conservation Society - Youth (HCS-Y) will be conducting a special, FREE walking tour in Escolta, Manila dubbed as "Escol-Tara: Reliving Manila's Once Fabled Premier Street".

The tour will feature the heritage buildings in the historic site in order to promote the conservation of Escolta. Joining the tour will be a team from China Central Television (CCTV) which will feature Escolta in one of their shows. This will be aired worldwide.

The HCS-Y is the youth arm of the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS). They aim to involve the Filipino youth in the appreciation and preservation of built heritage as an intrinsic part of our national and cultural identity. They advocate adaptive reuse as an alternative to demolishing old heritage sites. The organization focuses on educating other young people towards heritage awareness and preservation through advocacy projects, workshops, talks and art initiatives.

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"It's Complicated", a phrase popularized by social media, has become the catch all for all undefined and problematic relationships typical of the post-modern world. Seeing parallels between these and the complex relationship of the Philippines with its colonial pasts, the Lopez Museum and Library, in partnership with Tin-aw Art Gallery, opens its first exhibit for the year, Complicated on February 21, 2014 featuring commissioned works by guest artists Mike Adrao, Leslie de Chavez, and Ea Torrado, juxtaposed with works by Juan Luna, Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, Juvenal Sanso, Bencab, Ang Kiukok, Jerry Elizalde Navarro and other artworks from the Lopez Museum collection.

Mike Adrao's charcoal on paper works collectively titled "Colony" comprise of intricately ornamented, larger-than-life anthropomorphic pillars and delicately drawn insects whose patterns were researched from the Lopez Library collection. Representing various forms of colonization our country has undergone, his works reference the interplay of our living culture and those of the colonizers that have reached our shores. Several of these pieces were selected for the curated "platform exhibits" representing Southeast Asian art trajectories in the recently concluded Art Stage 2014 in Singapore.

Leslie de Chavez presents several installations and paintings that focus on colonization, not just as the context of our history, but as an ongoing process in which we are very much a part of. Known for his acerbic cultural commentary, his works take a critical stance that aims to jolt audiences to reflexivity, awareness, and realization. One work in particular is created in reaction to the museum's collection of Per Pacem et Libertatem (For Peace and Liberty) studies.

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Are you being troubled by your "kagwapuhan" or "kapogian"? Do you always find yourself the center of attraction because of your very pleasing personality na "artistahin"? Do you simply light up the room and believe you're the "life of the party" because everyone flocked into the event or party all because you were coming? Is the biggest question in your life "Bakit sobrang pogi ko talaga?"

Here is an obvious satire video made for the Victory church on Love Cam about Xandrino Mangunay, a graduate from De La Salle University - College of St. Benilde (DLSU-CSB), who previously complains about his super good looks, but then learned to accept his so called very unfortunate fate after joining the Victory church youth ministry.

"If this is a strategy of Victory church to gain more followers, naku po bakit naman ganun? sana yung may cancer na gumaling, baka mas ok pa" commented Arpee Lazaro who finds the video a bit distracting. "Putangina, joke ba to? I felt like getting a shotgun and hunting this jerk down. the humor escapes me. God I wish this was all a joke." he earlier said as posted on his Facebook status.

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Thanks to YouTube user Silverrainxyz for the great Tagalized (translated in Tagalog version) "Frozen" movie soundtracks.

Like almost everyone I was deeply impressed with the Disney movie about the "Ice Queen"? The story about two sisters and the seemingly curse of a power that somehow made their relationship as "cold" as snow. Well I believe every Disney fan out there has seen the movie already so I really don't have to discuss what happened between the two.

I'm now impressed with the quality of the translated "Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?" into "Gusto mo Gumawa ng Taong Nyebe?" There's another one "Let It Go" by Idina Menzel, or was it Demi Lovato?, that was also translated in Tagalog though he didn't translated the title to Pinoy words. DisneyDubAmy, another YouTube user translated it as "Bumitaw" and she even posted the lyrics and download link online. Another one, Jay D, made lyrics translated as "Ilabas Mo"

"Honestly I'm not really confident with my translations, trip ko lang sya gawin ^_^
I based this to Hyorin's ver. a bit. I don't intend to destroy the lyrics or anything, napagkatuwaan ko lang pong gawin syang tagalog at i-share po dito. I own nothing but my voice and my crappy translyrics. No copyright infringement intended."- Silverrainxyz

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"The daughter of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles on Friday finally answered the P32-million tax evasion complaint filed against her by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in the Department of Justice last year. She executed the affidavit in London before Philippine Consul General Senen Mangalile, a DOJ staffer said." - Inquirer.net

Well, well the pork daughter has finally surfaced after some little respite from the scrutiny and public scorn. And now she is in London? Obviously the money stashed is still there kept in her personal vault. Poor Pinoy, London is only visited in a dream!!!!

We can only assume Jeanne Lim Napoles moved from the US to the UK because of the extradition treaty between RP and the former. Just wondering why RP's consul general in London did not confiscate her Philippine passport if she is indeed still a Filipino citizen because of a pending case of her mother and the fact that she might be holding the key to the "fruits of their labor" abroad?

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From the organizers of Soleil, Seoularis, and Times Square Fashion Bazaar, now on its 28th year, the Business Management Society of De La Salle University presents to you: “The Attic Bazaar: Where Decades Collide”.

Little by little the past is making a comeback. We see how old inspires new. The ingenuity of people drives them to recreate something from the past and make it entirely their own. Old fads are continually being revamped to suit the needs and tastes of society today. Iconic elements in fashion, food, and entertainment from various eras are being revived and reworked with modern touches to produce something original, yet still reminiscent of the past. Though this bazaar, we bring you the throwback of the century.

With its modern vintage theme, the Attic Bazaar is a place where people can revisit the past. With over a hundred concessionaires, one will truly be able to have a unique shopping experience. It’s definitely a treasure trove where you’ll be able to buy great finds. There will also be a series of events such as fashion shows, live performances, and many more that are in line with the “old meets new” concept.

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"Si Vhong Navarro ay naimbitihan sa isang condominium unit sa Fort ng isang kaibigang babae. At sa di pa malamang kadahilanan, siya ay piniringan, pinagtulungang bugbugin, ginapos, tinakot, at hinihingan ng pera ng isang grupo ng kalalakihan noong January 22, Miyerkules." - Chito Rono

Chito Rono, his manager, earlier confirmed that Vhong Navarro is in a terribly bad condition after suffering from bruises brought about by his attackers at a party where he was invited by a lady friend at her condominium somewhere at The Fort in Bonifacio Global City last January 22, 2014.

We first heard all about it on Twitter and now we got confirmation that our favorite "Totoy Bibo" was mauled and badly beaten by a group of men. It was said that there were six unidentified asailants who triied to extort money from Vhong. Navarro was tied up, blindfolded and beaten up. The actor and "It's Showtime" TV host may undergo an operation for the injuries he sustained from the incident. Photos of the badly beaten actor’s face circulated in social media immediately after the news became viral. Many of his fellow cast members from the noontime show posted their sympathetic reactions on social media.

Above is the photo sent by the actor, host and comedian to ‪ABS-CBN‬. Let's pray for ‪Vhong Navarro‬ and his fast recovery. Also below is another photo showing how the bruises are already looking worst.

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This is a heart-warming and a must share story we read from a Facebook user about his experience saving a child who drown at a beach somewhere in Anawangin, Zambales just this month. It was because of his basic RED CROSS training in CPR and the likes that he was able to save the life of the child.

"Isang araw sa Anawangin, Zambales last January 11, 2014. Barkada beach outing habang nag-iihaw sa beach-front sa cottage namin.. ng biglang may nagtakbuhan na mga tao papunta sa dagat... sunod nito ay sunod-sunod na ang sigawan "May nalunod, may nalunod!!!" (akala ko tinatawag ako sa apelyido ko..NULUD) sunod nito ay tinawag ako ng mga kaibigan ko "Pare may nalunod... may batang nalunod! di ba nag training ka sa RED CROSS?"

Kahit hirap akong tumakbo.. eh bigla itong bumilis.. papunta sa nagtutumpukang tao sa pangpang.. at may nagsasalita na. "o tabi tabi..tabi kayo jan may nurse dito.. may RED CROSS volunteer dito" at bumungad sa akin ang batang walang malay.. tirik ang mata..lawet ang dila.. namumutla...At nakabaliktad na bata.. hawak ng mga bangkero sa paa ang biktima at saka itinataktak ito ng paulit-ulit dali dali kong nilapitan at nakialam na din ako...

"Kuya mali yang ginagawa ninyo... asan ang kamag anak nitong bata? pwede ba kong tumulong?" walang sumasagot ganun pa man ay ginawa ko na ang pumasok sa aking isip.. HINDE AKO BOARD PASSER, at HINDI AKO PERPEKTO SA CPR. HINDI RIN AKO YUNG ESTUDYANTENG MAGALING sa KLASE.... bahala na si Lord!

Guerilla Race Series: The First Extreme Obstacle Course Racing in the Philippines!

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The first and only obstacle racing series within Philippine territories, Guerilla Race Inc. is proud to launch the Guerilla Race Series, targeting over 2,000 athletes and race aficionados, and nearly as many spectators, all set to participate in this launch event alone at Nuvali Estates, Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Santa Rosa, Laguna. Registration is now open for those who are interested in joining the Guerilla Race Series. This is a benefit race. With its guerilla mission to embark on corporate social responsibility, Guerilla Race Inc. supports the H.E.R.O. Foundation through its launch of the Guerilla Sprint-Nuvali which marks the beginning of the races.

The Guerilla Race Series is the first obstacle-driven race series of its kind in the Philippines. Developed by a Philippine Army scout ranger, this race is meant to test the participants’ limits in terms of endurance of body, presence of mind and resilience of spirit. It offers a progressive race course, with four venues of varying distances and difficulty levels. Each leg of the series is devised with terrain-inspired or venue specific obstacles, all guaranteed to surprise the participants and to ignite their sense for strategy.

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"Malasimbo is an adventurous grass roots experience with essence focusing on MUSIC, ARTS, the ENVIRONMENT and the INDIGENOUS PEOPLE. The festival blends traditional and contemporary arts and culture together with music performances while working towards the protection and sustainability of the environment."

The 2nd announcement to add to the previous list of artists participating in the Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival are Good Leaf, Mishka Adams, Badkiss, Erwin Edralin, Jungle Boys & Mark Zero! Excited also to announce Afrobeat Reggae legends Kooii and the Vocal Harmony vibes of The Melotonins, as well as their very own Malasimbo Sextet!

Final announcement will be out on the 1st week of February! This means more artists to be announced soon!!!

We are so excited for the festival happening in Puerto Galera on February 27 to March 3, 2014.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Metro Manila has emerged as one of the top five real estate investment destinations in Asia-Pacific, according to the Emerging Trends in Real Estate Asia-Pacific 2014 report published by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The report, covering 23 urban areas in Asia-Pacific, showed Metro Manila went up eight places from the previous year to rank fourth in terms of investment prospects for real estate. Metro Manila placed eighth in terms of development prospects. Rankings of city investment prospects showed Tokyo on top, followed by Shanghai, Jakarta, and Manila in fourth spot. Sydney followed in fifth spot with Guangzhou, Singapore, Beijing, Osaka and Shenzhen rounding out the top 10. The rankings are based on the survey and personal interviews of 250 of the most influential leaders in the real estate industry.

“Manila is among the big movers in the survey given the success in the impact of the BPO (business process outsourcing) and strong GDP (gross domestic product) growth,” said ULI chief executive for Asia Pacific John Fitzgerald during the launch of the report.

Investors are now more aware that the problems long associated with lack of transparency and governance issues in the country have improved. “The country also benefits from a young demographic, strong capital inflows from local citizens working overseas, and a workforce with a cultural affinity with the West,” the report read.

In this light, we would like to present to you eight (8) value for money affordable developments in Metro Manila¹s booming real estate market

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From the Shang Properties, Inc., an affiliate of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, world-renowned owner and developer of the most illustrious properties in the Philippines like One Shangri-la Place, The St. Francis Shangri-La Place, The Shang Grand Tower, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, The Enterprise Center, Makati, Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa comes another prestigious address ... the Shang Salcedo Place!

Shang Salcedo Place is the newest highly prestigious offering of the world class Shangri La Kuok Brand perched along the posh neighborhood of Salcedo Village along the Makati CBD. It is an affordable world class quality condo in Makati's most prime location.

Located along the streets of Sen. Gil Puyat (Buendia), Tordesillas and H.V. de la Costa, moving around by foot or by car is a breeze, and commuting options are fast and hassle-free.

From Shang Salcedo Place, business, commercial and medical establishments within Makati Central Business District are easily accessible. The Ateneo Professional Schools and Mapua Institute of Technology-Makati Campus are just a few steps away.

This luxury high-rise residential development is brought to you by Shang Properties, Inc. and Kerry Properties Limited, one of Hong Kong's largest property investment and development.

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Makati is the city that makes it all happen. This is the country's leading city and the place to be for business, lifestyle, entertainment, and culture.

The Make It Makati initiative gives us a new, fun, and easy way of looking at the city. By defining distinct districts with their own vibrant personas, the campaign helps bring people, places, and events together for the best Makati experience possible.

If ever you are a businessman who wants to stay in the Philippines for a long period of time, then Makati is the place to reside. This place is the center of all things within Metro Manila and though expensive, it is the most ideal place to get a condominium residence to provide convenience on your daily "ins and outs" within and nearby the very busy business districts of the Philippines.

We are very pleased to introduce to you 5 of the best vevelopments across the High End, Upscale and Affordable market segments located in Makati City.