Rebisco Volleyball Academy launched

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

To play at an elite level in international competitions and ultimately score a podium finish has always been the country’s volleyball dream.

But to become elite in any sport, the effort must begin in the grassroots.

Thus Republic Biscuit Corporation (Rebisco), a committed supporter of Philippine volleyball, launched the Rebisco Volleyball Academy to train coaches and game officials on international coaches and refereeing standards to put them at par with their counterparts in other countries in Asia and the world.

The snacks and biscuits company believes that the development and competitiveness of volleyball athletes are due to the quality of coaching and officiating in the schools. Thus, coaches and referees must learn concepts, skills, and modern, scientific approaches for the game consistent with international standards.

The 5-day courses for volleyball coaches and referees had a pilot run in Naga City, Tacloban City, and Cagayan De Oro City last March and April. Four more courses were conducted in October and November in Numancia, Aklan; Dauis, Bohol; Infanta, Quezon and Morong, Rizal in response to LGU requests.

Over 200 coaches and 200 referees benefited from the courses conducted by volleyball experts. They were conducted in person, endorsed by local government units, and approved by the IATF. Strict health and safety protocols were followed.

Theory courses highlighting scientific research, game trends, new philosophies, and concepts were shared with coaches who were oriented based on a unified system for volleyball coaches’ training worldwide. Coaches were also given the opportunity to exchange views and experiences with trainers and fellow coaches.

Referees meanwhile participated in drills and on-court activities that improved their technical abilities, perceptive responses, and judgment decisions. They were also given the most comprehensive interpretation of game rules.

“We learned new skills, new tactics, and new rules that will help us a lot in handling our players and in refereeing the game. All that we learned from Day 1 to Day 5 we will take to heart and put into practice when we go back to our schools. We thank Rebisco for this opportunity. This is only the beginning,” said Coach Lutchina Tabuso of Timoteo Reyes Memorial School in Morong, Rizal.

“We are happy that the Rebisco Volleyball Academy is now a reality. It is the fulfillment of a grassroots program approved by the Philippine Sports Commission that aims to, among other things, develop a pool of people with technical volleyball know-how who can teach and improve the level of competition in their respective areas,” explained Noric Ng, Business Unit Head of Rebisco.

“The Academy will fire up volleyball enthusiasm in the provinces after the long hiatus from the pandemic. Ultimately, we hope to attain our long-term goal of being able to compete at a higher level locally and abroad,” Ng added.

WorldHotels Collection Brings Back Blissfulness

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

 

Reconnecting for the festive season with WorldHotels Asia Pacific

 

As the ‘world’ continues to open its doors ahead of the festive season, WorldHotels is committed to providing locally-curated experiences to help guests reconnect with people, places, and with themselves. Staying true to the brand’s pledge of inspiring unique and life enriching experiences, WorldHotels Asia Pacific will ensure that every traveller – from couples to families, or those going solo can once again explore our wonderful world in the safest way possible. With We Care CleanSM, our guests stay at our properties knowing that our hotels have implemented industry-leading cleaning standards, best practices and protocols.



Reconnect in the Saigon, Vietnam

Immerse in the ultimate moment whilst preparing to welcome in a brighter 2022. Caravelle Saigon has crafted luxurious and rejuvenating accommodation packages. Whilst there indulge in Festive culinary creations, from magical, memorable dining experiences at Reflections, hearty buffets at Nineteen Restaurant, a delightful high tea, or tapas at Café de I’Opera, all with their own flairs and flavours.

Link to booking here

Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit - Festive Afternoon Tea

Caravelle Saigon - Festive Staycation

Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit - Countdown at Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar

Reunite in vibrant Bangkok and Singapore

Celebrate the New Year with something spectacular.

Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit welcomes guests back to its iconic five-star accommodation in Bangkok, one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting and exotic destinations. Make this holiday time an opportunity to enjoy the happiest of seasons at Carlton, where one-of-a-kind dining experiences await temptingly close to home. Treat yourself and your loved ones to Afternoon Tea or Christmas Goodies, each delicacy specially created by the award-winning Pastry Chef who won the 2021 Iron Chef Thailand Competition, or indulge at the renowned signature restaurant Wah Lok.

Link to the offers here

The Grand Dame of Singapore, Goodwood Park Hotel offers an exclusive Christmas Staycation in the city. Experience luxury set amongst an urban landscape backdrop, while enjoying first-class cuisine. This special festive package includes a Christmas Carousel 2-Tier Set, English Afternoon Tea and more. Find full details and link to book here


Retreat and Unwind in Ubud, Indonesia

Surrounded by palm trees and paddle fields on the outskirts of Ubud, a serene SereS Springs Resort & Spa is home to the utmost in relaxation and re-energising. For a serious wellness break, guests can relax with the resort’s signature treatments at SenS Spa Sanctuary to reboot a balance of the mind, and spirit. Take advantage of the outdoor yoga pavilion fanned by natural breezes, six treatment suites, and a sacred natural spring, overlooking the Wos River. Discover our wellbeing here

To celebrate WorldHotels’ golden anniversary and reimagine travel, we are at your service to aid you in exploring what makes travel experiences so special. Link to exclusive Global Campaign

ImagineLaw urges President Duterte to veto measure

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

“Sinakripisyo ng mga senador ang kalusugan ng mga Pilipino para sa kita at pansariling interes ng mga kumpanya ng vape at e-cigarette (Senators sacrificed Filipinos’ health to the profit-driven interests of vape and e-cigarette companies)”.

This was the statement of public interest law group ImagineLaw on Thursday as Senators approved on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2239 (SBN 2239) or the Vaporized Nicotine Products Regulation Act, more commonly known as the Vape Bill. The measure received 19 affirmative votes and 2 abstentions. Only Senators Pia Cayetano and Francis Pangilinan voted against the bill.

The measure, according to its proponents, seeks to regulate the manufacture, import, and sale of vapes and e-cigarettes. Medical practitioners and health advocates, however, heavily-criticized the measure as ‘anti-health, anti-youth, and anti-children’.

ImagineLaw Executive Director Sophia San Luis, said that the Vape Bill’s passage ‘signals a defeat of public health in the hands of corporate interests’. “The Vape Bill will not help smokers quit but will diversify the market and profit source of the tobacco industry which has invested in e-cigarette companies and manufactures heated tobacco products,” San Luis said.

“Once enacted into law, it will relax existing restrictions on these harmful products, including lowering the minimum age of access from the current 21 years old to 18 years old. It will also transfer the mandate to regulate these products from the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the tobacco-friendly Department of Trade and Industry,” she also said.

An insult to frontliners amid the pandemic

The law group also said that the passage of the Vape Bill is an insult to medical frontliners. “The Senators approving an anti-health bill during the COVID-19 pandemic is an insult to our doctors, nurses, and health workers who have already sacrificed a lot in the last two years and will now have to contend with another epidemic,” San Luis said.

Previously, more than 60 medical associations and health groups released a statement urging the Senators to junk the measure. “The Senators chose to ignore the overwhelming professional opinion of Filipino doctors against vaping products, e-cigarettes, and the Vape Bill,” she also said.

Veto urged

ImagineLaw also urged President Rodrigo Duterte to veto the measure, citing that it goes against his existing policies on vape and e-cigarette use.

“President Duterte’s previous executive orders and issuances are for stronger control and regulation on vaping and e-cigarette use,” San Luis said. “We trust that he will remain resolute in fighting for the public's health. The President should not allow this measure to pass and we strongly urge him to veto the Vape Bill for the sake of Filipinos’ health,” she urged.