WORLDBEX 2018 Opens in Three Mega Venues

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Now on its 23rd year, the Philippine World Building and Construction Expo (WORLDBEX) sustains its outstanding streak as it opens its doors to a record-breaking number of local and international exhibitors. Plus, an increase in its total exhibition space with the addition of the 2,500sqm wide Northwing hall of the World Trade Center which will house over 120 booths.

Officially opening its doors last March 14, this year’s WORLDBEX is the show’s biggest installment yet as it is currently being held simultaneously in the three mega venues of the World Trade Center Metro Manila, the Philippine Trade Training Center, and the SMX Convention Center Manila. With all three venues combined, this year’s WORLDBEX encompasses a total of 37,100sqm of show area and an aggregate of 1,500 booths by both domestic and foreign players of the construction sector.

In turn, WORLDBEX 2018 has noted a 25% increase in international exhibitors, a 12% increase in local exhibitors, and a 20% increase in total number of booths. Signifying something far beyond mere showmanship, the expansion undergone by WORLDBEX is a brimming testament of the show’s thriving ascendancy as a global force. And the same could be said about its decision to adopt the theme of “Shaping Innovations Toward Sustainability” for its 2018 installment.

As revealed by Worldbex Services International’s (WSI) Founding Chairman Joseph Ang, “Deliberately conceived to parallel the growing concern of the international community with regard to the need to develop ingenious yet mindful solutions, our theme for this year’s show deeply echoes WORLDBEX’s commitment to connect with the global pulse.”

Present in the opening ceremony are Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Rowel Barba, Mr. Joseph L. Ang  - WSI Founding Chairman, Mrs. Levi S. Ang, Ms. Jill Aithnie Ang – WSI Managing Director,  Arch. Francisco Flamenano Jr. – WSI Executive Director, Mr. Rene Ramos, Ms. Tessie Roque and IDr. Lilia de Jesus. The members of the diplomatic corps of different countries, association presidents and the WORLDBEX ICONS of Interior Design are also there to witness the grand opening of WORLDBEX.

It comes as no surprise that the reception of both the local and international community towards the upcoming show has been widely optimistic. Laying proof to this was the successful turnout of the WORLDBEX 2018 Exhibitors’ Orientation Program held last January 31 at the Hall B of the Philippine Trade Training Center; where over 700 attendees from 300 companies took part in the pre-show event.

As affirmed by Richmond Sy, President and General Manager of GRM Biowood, a first-time platinum sponsor for WORLDBEX, “Worldbex is the gold standard for construction expos and is well-known for showcasing the newest and most innovative products of the industry under one roof.” Moreover, Sy found this year’s theme highly relevant as it reflects what his company is all about.

On the other hand, 20 years later and Puyat Flooring Products Inc. remains to be one of the longest standing sponsors of WORLDBEX. Recalling their journey as one of the pioneer exhibitors of WORLDBEX, Missy Castro, Communications Manager for Puyat Flooring Products Inc. states, “Our participation has helped us a lot to reach out to our target customers and showcase the beauty and effectiveness of our products. Indeed, it is the most ideal venue to let our clients know about our company and our products!”

However, there seems to be no better exemplification of the burgeoning role of WORLDBEX as a key driver of economic growth on a global scale than the impressive number of international participants that will be taking part at this year’s show. Assuming the role of being the global construction industry’s gateway to Southeast Asia, among the new countries to participate at the much-anticipated event include Indonesia, Australia, Turkey, Germany, Iran, and Japan. These countries now join the roster of long time international partners that support WORLDBEX, such as Korea, Malaysia, Denmark, Singapore, Spain, China, New Zealand, UAE, Thailand, the US, and Vietnam.

Particularly impressive is the enthusiasm expressed by Malaysian companies who are occupying the most number of booths at this year’s International Pavilion. Leading the pack is Malaysian powerhouse MATRADE which has been allocated 30 booths. As remarked by MaTrade’s Trade Commissioner, Ms. Nyaee Ayup, “WORLDBEX has continuously showcased the emerging and innovative products in the industry. Indeed, it serves as an excellent platform for trade exchange and to learn best practices from other participating countries.”

Without a doubt, this year’s WORLDBEX marks an incredible milestone not just for the show but for the country’s economic position as a whole. As remarked by Florian Gottein, Executive Director of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, “With the fast-changing Philippine business landscape and many developments across all industries, it is through events such as the WORLDBEX that the best in the Philippine building and construction industry can come together and showcase the many opportunities within the sector.”

Furthermore, Noel Toti Cariňo, National President of the Chamber of Real Estate & Builders’ Associations, Inc. cites WORLDBEX’s vast global network as an “affirmation of their bright prospects for the Philippine property and construction industry.”

Once again, WORLDBEX leads at the forefront of pushing forth the expansion of the Philippine construction industry to unprecedented heights. WORLDBEX 2018 will run until March 18 from 10am to 8pm at the three mega venues of World Trade Center Metro Manila, Philippine Trade Training Center, and the SMX Convention Center, Pasay. The show is organized by the Worldbex Services International, the country’s leading events and expo organizer. To register, visit www.worldbex.com. To know more, follow the Worldbex Services International facebook page and @worldbex on Instagram.

Lots of Amazing Prizes to be Given Away at TravelBook.ph’s Destination: PH Travel Fair

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Pay attention, travel junkies! This might be the answer to your summer getaway adventure!

TravelBook.ph has so much in store for travelers who are attending its first travel fair entitled Destination: PH at Century City Mall in Makati City from March 16 to 18. From fun games to raffle draws where amazing prizes from sponsors will be given away, the three-day event will be packed with fun activities for every traveler.

There will be five major prizes up for grabs. First is a travel package for Boracay with accommodations care of Azalea Hotels and Residences Boracay for a 3D2N stay with breakfast for 2, coupled with 23,000 worth of Mabuhay Miles which can be used to book airfares from Philippine Airlines. There will also be two winners of roundtrip domestic flights good for two pax in the form of AirAsia BIG points worth 52,000.00. Meanwhile, one lucky winner will get to enjoy a one-way domestic flight worth 13,000 AirAsia BIG points and two winners will get to bring home luggages from World Traveller Bags and Luggage. TravelBook.ph will also be treating two lucky winners to vouchers for TravelBook reward points worth 5,000. These points are as good as cash and can be used for booking hotels and tours through its mobile app or website.

For the minor prizes, Subic Bay Yacht Club will be giving away an overnight stay good for two persons with breakfast to one lucky winner. Midori Clark Hotel and Casino will also be raffling off an overnight stay for one lucky event-goer. Only attendees of the fair who were able to pre-register here: http://bit.ly/DestinationPHReg will be eligible for this prize. Free admission tickets will also be given away as prizes. Zoobic Safari and The Dessert Museum will each give away free admission tickets good for two persons to four lucky winners. Meanwhile, Enchanted Kingdom and Inflatable Island will be giving away free admission tickets good for two persons to five winners. There will also be six winners of free admission ticket for two persons from Zoocobia, Residence Inn, and Paradizoo. Lastly, ten winners will get to go home with loot bags from GetGo.

Products from Silka, UnionBank, and Taters will also be given away during the event.

For added information and knowledge on the tourism industry, TravelBook.ph invited several speakers to discuss travel-related topics during the event. Among these are Ms. Azucena Pallugna from the Department of Tourism and travel bloggers Mr. Arjay Abellara, Ms. Sheena Gonzales, Ms. Arnie Villanueva, and Mr. Rogelio Gabiano, Jr.

With so many amazing discounts on hotels and tours, variety of awesome prizes and freebies, and loads of travel-worthy insights that it offers, this event will surely be every traveler's dream come true! So, what are you waiting for? This summer season, start achieving your travel goals with TravelBook.ph, one of the leading hotel and tours booking websites in the Philippines!

5 Tips For A Healthier You

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Taking measures to ensure a healthy body and soul is imperative especially with the various health conditions affecting many people today. Taking proper care of your health and body starts with being mindful of what you eat, managing stress, and exercising among other measures.  Today, almost everyone knows what is good, and what is bad for their health. Outlined below are a few tips for a healthy you.

1. Eat a well-balanced diet
A balanced diet should contain all the vital nutritional constituents - proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fats.  You however don’t need/have to stick to a boring diet plan to eat healthily. All you need is know how to play about with these foods to produce something delicious and sumptuous. Learn to chew your food slowly and properly to aid in digestion as well. Avoid sugary foods for they are taxing on your body.

2. Drink lots of water
Water is a vital basic requirement for good health. Health practitioners and doctors recommend at least eight glasses of water every day. Drinking enough water helps keep body cells turgid and healthy, and also facilitates the removal of toxins from the body. Instead of taking diet cola or fizzy drinks, go for the much healthier pure water. Dark urine color is one of the signs that your body needs more water.

3. Relax
Giving your body and mind time to relax is essential in that, it helps body cells rejuvenate.  Taking on simple relaxation measures such as getting enough sleep, deep breathing, fishing, yoga, and reading a book should help your brain relax.  Mental exhaustion is one of the leading causes of various health conditions such as stress, depression, and even Alzheimer's. Do not let the hectic modern lifestyle take a toll on your health, find time to spend with your kids, family, and friends, or even take a nap when you need one.

4. Get moving
Regular body exercise is vital for your health. Taking on strenuous body exercise such as walking, swimming, jogging, or even taking the stairs helps keep your cardiovascular health in check. It also plays a crucial role in promoting blood flow and removal of cholesterol from the system. Signing up for the gym also helps your body burn excess body fats, tone down, and even maintain a beach body for longer.

Exercising is known to improve the release of endorphins in the system, thus a happier you.

5. Quit smoking and drinking
Although many people get into smoking willingly or due to peer pressure, very few quit the habit voluntarily. Smoking not only puts your respiratory health in danger but also affects those close to you. And you can get more satisfaction vaping as this Peach Lemonade ejuice suggests. Drinking is another habit that if not controlled can take one's life down the drain.  Drinking in moderation or special events, and quitting smoking altogether is good for your health.  A glass of wine is good for your health, too much of it and the tables turn.

4 Great Tips For Choosing A Shoe

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It’s hard to find the best shoe since different people need footwear for different purposes. There are many things that determine the right shoe for you including biomechanics, weight, surfaces and the shape of your feet. By using characteristics such as performance, stability, minimalist and neutral, you can easily find the right shoe for your needs. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Stability - It’s a shoe feature that’s recommended for runners who are mild or moderate overpronators, especially those with low and normal arches. They need shoes with proper support and midsole cushioning.

2. Performance - It’s a feature in shoes recommended for racing and for training, especially for people who are biomechanically efficient. They provide various types of cushioning and support. However, they tend to be lighter or narrower than other shoes adapted for running such as these Powerstep trainers.

3. Neutral - It’s perfect for runners looking for maximum cushioning in their midsole and the least medial support. They are the best shoes for biomechanically efficient runners with least pronation and forefoot or midfoot strikers with normal or high arches.

4. Minimalist - Perfect for shoes biomechanically efficient runners looking for maximum response and a stripped-down shoe. They are the midpoint between neutral cushioned shoes with top performance. Check out these options - http://www.soletrader.co.uk/womens/

If you’re looking for the best shoe for your needs, check out the ‘Wet Test’ outlined below. You should also think about visiting an experienced shoe retailer or biomechanics expert.  With the Wet Test, your wet footprint on a piece of paper or dry floor determines your stability, the features required and help you find the right shoes for your needs. Therefore, if you want to improve the health of your feet, take the time to determine the basic features required for the best results.

Capacity Enhancement of the Energy Sector on Hazard, Risk Assessment and Exposure Database Development Through the Use of the REDAS Software

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) collaborated to enhance the capacity of the energy sector in terms of determining the areas of concern for earthquake incidents using their state-of-the-art software: Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS).

The REDAS is a tool for emergency preparedness, contingency planning and mainstreaming disaster risk reduction on the adverse effect of earthquake.

The use of REDAS will benefit the energy sector by having a near real-time simulated earthquake hazard information that can help assess the situation on the ground.

Through this MOA signing, the Energy Sector will pursue REDAS Training to support and strengthen disaster management capabilities of the energy sector.

The partnership of the DOE and DOST-PHIVOLCS is in line with the recently signed Department Circular No. 2018-01- 0001 or the “Adoption of Energy Resiliency in the Planning and Programming of the Energy Sector to Mitigate Potential Impacts of Disasters” also known as the Energy Resiliency Policy.

WHAT: Signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DOE-PHIVOLCS entitled

“Capacity Enhancement of the Energy Sector on Hazard, Risk Assessment and Exposure Database Development Through the Use of the REDAS Software”/Press Conference

WHEN: March 16, 2017 (FRIDAY), 9:00 AM-12:00 NN

WHERE: DOE-Media Center, 3rd Flr., PNOC Bldg. 5, DOE Compound, BGC, Taguig

WHO: Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi

           DOE Undersecretary Jesus Cristino P. Posadas

           DOST Undersecretary Renato U. Solidum Jr.

Excellence, Knowledge, Genius: An Inter-University Pre-Medical Quiz Show

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As part of this year's lineup of activities for Scholarship Month 2018, the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority is once again holding its annual pre-medical quiz show entitled “EKG: Excellence, Knowledge, Genius” Several students from different big-time universities including De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of the Philippines, University of the East, and many other schools, will take part in a battle of wits across various pre-medical fields. The competition sure is stiff as not only school pride is on the line, but also a grand prize of up to Php 5,000 in cash! More than twenty teams will contend in the elimination round, but only the lucky five teams will make it to the final buzzer-beater Jeopardy match. Only the best of the best will come out on top!

Find out who will bring home the trophy this coming March 16, 2018 in Buenafe Hall, Calderon Hall (UP College of Medicine) inside the University of Philippines Manila campus from 6PM to 9PM.

Excellence. Knowledge. Genius. 2018 is presented to you by the Mu Sigma Phi Sorority, Learnfast Review Center, Fitness First and Trampoline Park, in cooperation with Abaca Notes. This event is also brought to you by More Than Souvenirs, Inc. and Orange Segment Print and Design Studio, with special thanks to WhenInManila.com, Astig.ph, Wazzup Pilipinas and the UP MedChoir.

For further inquiries, kindly contact Kathy (09989849563) or Belfer (09176217563).

Top Entries in 32nd DPC-PLDT Visual Arts Contest on Exhibit at CCP Little Theater Lobby till March 20

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Thirty diverse visual interpretations of the theme, “Pinoy Pride”, in oil and acrylic are on exhibit from March 13 to 20, 2018 at the Little Theater Lobby of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The exhibit pieces are the works of fine arts students, aged 18 to 24, from all over the Philippines. The 30 paintings constitute the finalists, chosen among more than 70 entries to the 32nd edition of the DPC-PLDT Visual Arts Competition (VAC 32), sponsored by Directories Philippines Corporation and the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company. The annual nationwide competition showcases and immortalizes the winning artworks on covers of telephone directories distributed in Metro Manila and other key urban centers and regions across the land, as well as on multiple online and mobile platforms.

“It is heartening to see a broad national representation of the entries this year,” noted Ricardo D. Bautista, DPC president. “We had submissions from Mindanao, the Visayas, northern and southern Luzon, in addition to the usually prolific output from the fine arts schools in Metro Manila. Interpretations of this year's theme are just as diverse. Some student artists dwelt on our natural endowments; others on our customs, crafts, traditions, and unique aspects of our culture; still others on our admirable traits and on unheralded countrymen, like soldiers and overseas workers, who make great sacrifices for our country.”

The 29”x29” paintings rendered in a variety of styles—realist, impressionist, graphic, and abstract, among others—were the nation’s young artists’ response to the VAC 32 invitation to “bring to light the things inherent in our national identity, culture and diversity that are sources of immense pride unique to Filipinos”.

DPC-PLDT officially launched the contest in November 2017 and will announce the winners of VAC32 on March 20, 2018 at the Main Lobby of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City at 1:30 p.m.

The student who painted the first-place winning entry will receive P100,000 in cash and the VAC32 Grand Prize Trophy; in addition, his/her school will receive a P40,000 donation for it’s fine arts program. Second and Third Prize winners will receive P75,000 and P60,000 in cash, respectively, plus trophies and corresponding donations to their respective schools. Besides the trophies and cash prizes, the Grand Prize winner will have his/her work featured on the cover of the 2018-19 Metro Manila telephone directories of DPC (Yellow Pages) and PLDT (White Pages).

The VAC annual competition is a much-awaited event in the art world, particularly for young artists, as it gives recognition to the abundance of creative and artistic talent available in the country’s fine arts schools.

For more information, please visit VAC 32’s website, www.visualarts.ph, and its official Facebook page, VISUALARTSPH. Queries can also be emailed to visualartsph@gmail.com

Cebu To Produce Natural Gas and Oil

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi today declared the Alegria Oil Field in Southern Cebu to have commercial quantities of natural gas and oil resources.

The pronouncement was made after the ceremonial signing of the Joint Declaration of Commerciality (JDC) between the DOE and the service contractor China International Mining Petroleum Company Limited (CIMP Co. Ltd.) on 14 March 2018 at the Hyatt Hotel-BGC in Taguig City. 

CIMP Co. Ltd. holds Petroleum Service Contract (SC) No.49, which covers the Alegria Oil Field.

Signing the declaration along with Cusi was CIMP Co. Ltd. Chair Lam Nam, while DOE Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos and CIMP Co. Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Eric Lai served as witnesses.

Exploration and drilling activities on the oil field by the service contractor started in 2009.

By 2016, the DOE and CIMP Co. Ltd. jointly established that the oil field contained commercial quantities of natural gas upon its discovery of oil accumulation in the adjacent hydrocarbon traps within the Alegria underground area.

The DOE and CIMP Co. Ltd. discovered an estimated 27.93 million barrels of oil (MMBO) with a possible production recovery of 3.35 MMBO or a conservative estimate of 12% of total oil in place/reserves.

For natural gas, about 9.42 billion cubic feet (bcf) reserves were found, with the recoverable resource estimated at 6.6 bcf or about 70% of total natural gas in place/reserves.

Based on the development plan crafted after the initial testing, the natural gas and oil production of the field may last until 2037.

The JDC outlined the roles and responsibilities of CIMP Co. Ltd., particularly its compliance with all conditions stated in the approved Plan of Development dated 19 December 2017.

Satisfy Your Urge to Party at Class Recess XII: Resurgence

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We’ve all been there. Late night, early morning, or sometimes even in a lazy afternoon, you feel a sensation building up. You feel like something’s missing from you; a sensation, a feeling, something you want, something you NEED. Everyone has those urges and like a popular ice cream brand would say, “Indulge.” However, some of those urges cannot necessarily be fulfilled each day. Thankfully, the International Order of DeMolay, Mt. Makiling Chapter along with the UPLB DeMolay Club thought about this and this year they are giving us a party to help us satisfy those urges with Class Recess. Class Recess XII: Resurgence is the twelfth installment of one of the biggest parties down south. Every year, DeMolay keeps on upping the ante to make sure that we enjoy great company, make amazing memories, and satisfy our urges. Speaking of satisfying certain urges and feelings, here are a few urges you can certainly satisfy in Class Recess: Resurgence. The Urge to get wasted Exams, reports, and toxic groupmates can really take a lot out of you, so to unwind you usually get a drink or two (or seven) at Jacques Pub. The only problem is with your workload, you don’t have time to schedule an "inuman sesh" with your friends. Class Recess is here to satisfy your thirst, along with long time partners, Tanduay and Smirnoff Mule. So prepare your livers and hope that you wake up for your classes tomorrow. The Urge to meet someone (new?) Ever feel like you see the same people every day? Same classmates, same friends, same people walking around Raymundo or Grove, etc. Let Class Recess remind you of how huge the Elbi community is with a pool of party people you don't see very often. Moreover, with DeMolay’s color-status system you’ll get a hint if the person you’re talking to is looking for a friend, a one-time thing, or something long-term. So go on… wear your status. The Urge to party Look, I get it; sometimes life can get toxic. That’s why we have to unwind every once in a while. However, sometimes it can be guilt inducing especially when you have deadlines, homeworks and exams. They thought of that, they thought of your needs and demands which is why they scheduled this party right after the midterms season so you can party to your heart’s (and liver’s) desire. Class Recess: Resurgence is coming to you this April 5th! Look up Class Recess: Resurgence on Twitter and Facebook for more details. You can also contact any DeMolay member to satisfy your need to know more about this party.

https://www.facebook.com/MakilingDeMolay/?pnref=story

Urges are natural. So why not satisfy them? #ClassRecessXII #SatisfyYourUrge

ONE Championship Announce Partnership with Great Sports Media at One: Battle for the Heavens

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship (ONE), recently held a press conference at the SMG Building in Shanghai, China to announce a partnership with Great Sports Media. The partnership will commence at ONE: BATTLE FOR THE HEAVENS, which takes place 26 May at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center. In the main event, reigning ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan returns home to China to defend her title against the challenger, Laura “La Gladiadora” Balin of Argentina.

Ticket information for ONE: BATTLE FOR THE HEAVENS is available at www.onefc.com.

Victor Cui, CEO International of ONE Championship, stated: “ONE Championship is proud to announce its partnership with Great Sports Media, to bring fans the unique action of world class martial arts to the Chinese audience. Martial arts is on the rise globally, and ONE Championship is the home of martial arts. Xiong Jing Nan is an incredible martial arts champion and we are extremely proud of her accomplishments. ONE: BATTLE FOR THE HEAVENS is going to be a spectacular evening that fans will not soon forget. We are excited to continue delivering an authentic martial arts experience to fans all throughout China.”

Weng Weimin, General Manager of Great Sports Media, stated: “Recently combat sports are growing very fast in popularity. We believe ONE Championship has a bright future in China, and we share the same culture and values. We hope though joint efforts to introduce this sport to a wider Chinese audience, makes them fall in love with ONE more.”

Great Sports Media, the holding company of Shanghai Media Group Inc. is one of China’s largest sports broadcasters. Under the Great Sports Media platform, all live ONE Championship events will be broadcast by Great Sports alongside a weekly magazine show.

ONE Championship and Great Sports spoke to media in attendance, revealing ONE Championship’s plans in China for the year 2018, including its stacked calendar of events. The two companies are set to collaborate throughout the foreseeable future and also announced that, two of the top talents from Great Sports, Ni Tianqi and Zhuang Ningyu, have joined ONE Championship as Chinese language cageside commentators.

Xiong Jing Nan, ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion, stated: “Thanks to ONE Championship for giving me the great opportunity to perform at home in Shanghai, China in the one of biggest international cities of the world. It’s really honor for me as an athlete. Although I have experienced competing in China so many times, this time I feel so much more excited because I have the chance to showcase the beauty and strength of Chinese martial arts to the entire world on the ONE Championship platform. I will do my best to defend my title and bring honor and glory to my country.”

Laura Balin, ONE World Title Challenger, stated: “I am very thankful to ONE Championship for giving me the opportunity to compete for the ONE Women’s Strawweight World Championship. I am excited to join the organization and showcase my talents and skills on the global stage of martial arts. My opponent Xiong Jing Nan is a talented athlete, and it will be a difficult test for me. But I will bring my absolute best to the cage to bring the title back home to Argentina.”

“The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan of Shandong is the reigning ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion. She is known as one of the top three leading female martial arts talents in China. With a professional record of 14-1, Xiong began her career competing in professional boxing and was inspired by her father, who imparted in her values of courage and integrity. Featuring a wide array of skills, Xiong recently bagged a gold medal at the prestigious China Open Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament in 2017. In her last bout, Xiong figured in a gruelling championship encounter against Singapore’s Tiffany Teo, winning by technical knockout in the fourth round. Up next, Xiong returns to China to defend her title against Laura Balin.

Laura “La Gladiadora” Balin of Argentina is a female strawweight contender who will be making her ONE Championship debut at ONE: BATTLE FOR THE HEAVENS. Balin, who competed largely in Argentina for most of her professional career thus far, will compete for the very first time in Asia. She owns a professional record of 10 wins and two losses. Out of her 10 total victories, nine have come by exciting finish including five submissions and four knockouts. For Balin’s first foray into the ONE cage, the Argentinian warrior will face China’s Xiong Jing Nan for the ONE Women’s Strawweight 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.