Beyond the Blade: The Surgeon’s Playbook Sets the Stage for the Next Generation of Life-Savers

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the high-stakes world of medicine, few paths command as much respect, rigor, and relentless discipline as surgery. It is the art of precision under pressure—the mastery of scalpels, sutures, and split-second decisions that mean the difference between life and death. In the Philippines, this specialty remains among the most coveted and competitive, not only for its prestige but for its vital role in responding to the country’s growing healthcare needs.

But with limited access to surgical care still plaguing many areas across the archipelago, the time to invest in the country’s future surgeons is now.

Forging the Surgeons of Tomorrow

Enter the UP Surgical Society—fondly known as SurgSoc—founded in 2022 at the University of the Philippines Manila. With a vision far grander than its years, SurgSoc has taken up the mission of nurturing a new wave of Filipino surgeons: curious, competent, and committed to saving lives.

More than just a student organization, SurgSoc is a thriving hub of mentorship, skill-building, and professional discovery. Since its inception, it has brought together medical students from different levels and backgrounds, united by a common pulse: the passion for surgery. From landmark events like The First Cut: A Launch Talk Special, which spotlighted trailblazers of the surgical field, to Snip ‘It: Surgical Panel Discussion, which gave voice to aspiring surgeons across the country, the society has made surgical education not just accessible—but deeply inspiring.

The Surgeon’s Playbook: A First-Class Surgical Experience

This year, SurgSoc pushes the scalpel further with its biggest and boldest event yet: The Surgeon’s Playbook: Surgical Summit 2025, taking place on May 17, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at the Medical Sciences Building, UP College of Medicine, UP Manila.

Designed for anyone with even the faintest spark of interest in surgery—from high school students dreaming of white coats to pre-med hopefuls and med students already deep in dissection—the summit promises a transformative one-day journey into the world of surgical excellence.

Morning of Mentorship, Afternoon of Action

The day opens with illuminating keynote talks and panel discussions featuring seasoned surgeons who have weathered countless operations, triumphed over clinical challenges, and shaped lives—patient by patient. Attendees will gain unparalleled insights into the surgeon’s mindset: the principles, philosophies, and real-life stories that cannot be found in any textbook.

But the summit isn’t just about listening—it’s about doing.

In the afternoon, participants will dive into three cutting-edge workshops:

Stitch Trainer Station – Master the fundamental simple interrupted suture and its removal using stitch trainers provided on-site.

Hand Knot Trainer Station – Learn both one-handed and two-handed surgical knots—and take home a handmade bracelet as proof of your new skill.

Stop the Bleed Certification – This hour-long, life-saving training course—run in partnership with STOP THE BLEED Philippines and PGH’s Department of Emergency Medicine—certifies participants as responders and instructors in hemorrhage control.

And for the lucky few? Limited slots will be available to try out a Laparoscopic Trainer, offering a rare chance to simulate operating with actual laparoscopic tools—an essential skill in modern minimally invasive surgery.

More Than a Summit—A Call to Purpose

The Surgeon’s Playbook isn’t just a one-day affair—it’s a calling. A gateway into the surgeon’s sacred role: where every cut counts, every decision matters, and every hand must be steady, not just with skill, but with purpose.

Whether you’re chasing your first dream of donning surgical gloves or still weighing where your stethoscope will take you, this summit offers something invaluable: clarity, courage, and connection with a community that lives to heal.

Register now through https://bit.ly/SurgicalSummit2025 for Php 350 (Operating) or Php 200 (Observing). Laparoscopy slots are limited, so act fast. For updates, follow facebook.com/upsurgsoc.

See you at the table, future surgeons. The OR awaits.

Are you ready to make your first cut?

Catwalk Philippines 2025: A Glamorous Revival in the Search for Supermodel Supremacy

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Lights, camera, catwalk—Catwalk Philippines roars back to life in 2025 with a vengeance, glamour, and grit like never before. Now on its fourth spectacular edition, the country’s premier modeling competition returns bigger, bolder, and more breathtaking, asserting its position as the breeding ground for the next generation of Filipino fashion royalty.

This year's edition is masterfully helmed by FirstSun Production, with Michaela as its major presenter, setting the stage for what promises to be the most iconic season yet. Backed by the prestigious Designers Circle Philippines (DCP), the competition returns with a revamped energy and vision that speaks of reinvention, excellence, and Filipino ingenuity.

A Legacy Reimagined: The Mission Behind the Movement

Founded by Designers Circle Philippines, Catwalk Philippines has always had one mission: to discover, mold, and launch the careers of world-class male and female supermodels. From its inception in 2018 to its most recent edition in 2022, it has served as a dynamic platform for fashion-forward talents aiming to break into the elite worlds of fashion, pageantry, and media.

“We want Catwalk Philippines to become the most credible and influential modeling competition,” said Johnny Abad, DCP Founding Chairman and Overall Chair. “The Designers Circle Philippines is committed to making it the most dynamic venue for Filipino fashion creativity and excellence.”

This year, a newly invigorated DCP administration, led by President Rafael Gonzalez, VP for Internal Affairs Edwin Uy, VP for External Affairs Laura Santos, and Creatives & Communications Head Alfonso Emmanuel, has partnered with FirstSun Production, bringing in powerhouse Artistic Director Rodel De Jesus Mercado to elevate the competition’s theatrical and visual storytelling.

A Vision in Vintage: "Redux - Vintage Reimagined"

The 2025 theme—“Redux: Vintage Reimagined”—is a fashion fantasy woven from the opulence of the 1920s Gatsby flappers, the bold geometry of the Art Deco movement, and the elegance of Old Hollywood's pin-up aesthetics. This nostalgic flair meets contemporary flair as candidates showcase exquisite creations across four main runway segments: Resort Wear, Streetwear, Luxe Wear, and Haute Couture.

A constellation of acclaimed designers will bring this theme to life, including Bepz Torres, Jasper Adorador, Darlene Acuna, Alistair Balane, Ganda Anore, Sony Boy Mindo, and many more, alongside emerging talents from the Fashion Institute of the Philippines – Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Glitz and Grit: The Candidates Ready to Rule

This year's runway will be set ablaze by 19 fierce female candidates and 15 charismatic male contenders, each armed with aspirations, elegance, and fierce determination. They are not just walking for a title—they are vying for the future.

Among the female front-runners are:

Trisha Mae Calabita, Shine Chavez, Francesca Zoey Francisco, Psalm Savannah Francisco, Kenlyn Geroy, and Daniella Moustafa—names soon to dominate the runways, magazine covers, and digital campaigns.

Representing the gentlemen are:

Samie Nathaniel Al-Ajarmeh, Niño Jay Brucal, Kirby Chen, Mohammad Rayhan Datu, Marcus Fernandez, and Jonard Zandro Salonga, whose commanding presence and diverse appeal redefine the modern Filipino model.

The Road to the Crown: June 14 Grand Finale at Intramuros Convention Center

The competition reaches its glittering climax on June 14, Saturday, at the newly inaugurated Intramuros Convention Center. From 34 dazzling hopefuls, only 7 male and 7 female finalists will emerge for the final runway showdown. Then, one male and one female will ultimately be crowned the next Catwalk Philippines Supermodels of 2025.

Each grand winner will receive a P50,000 cash prize and an exclusive modeling contract with both Designers Circle Philippines and Ignis Novus Artist Management—the talent arm of FirstSun Production.

A Nation Behind the Runway

Beyond the glitz lies a tapestry of support from the industry’s finest:

Coro Hotel (Venue Partner), MUD Studio (Makeup Partner), Just Nifty (Videographer), Neitiviti Studios (Livestream), Prima.One Modelo (Shoes), and Sony Boy Mindo Creation (Swimwear) among others.

The competition is also powered by Heseneya Aesthetic (Skincare), KFC, Ate Rica's Bacsilog, Founders Donut, and Mogu-Mogu (Food and Beverage Sponsors), with Prowess Supremacy Production Inc., Gold's Gym, Studio 56, and Landco Pacific serving as go-see venues.

WazzupPilipinas.com is a proud media partner.

A New Breed of Global Icons

Catwalk Philippines 2025 is not just a competition—it is a cultural movement. It’s where creativity meets courage, and where aspiring models are sculpted into global icons. It’s where the Philippines’ fashion heartbeat reverberates with pride, power, and passion.

With every stride on the runway, these young aspirants carry the dreams of a generation—and soon, the world will watch as they sashay, slay, and ultimately soar.

Silence Is Not Neutrality—It Is Surrender

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In this age of curated truths and manipulated narratives, I have come to embrace a conviction that may seem uncomfortable to many—but I wear it like armor:

“I’d rather be hated for exposing the truth than be loved for embracing the lie—because silence is not neutrality; it is surrender.”

This is not just a quote. It is a declaration of purpose. A personal manifesto.

We live in a time where silence is mistaken for diplomacy, and neutrality is paraded as wisdom. But let’s be honest—how many injustices have thrived because good people chose to look the other way? How many lies have flourished under the warm applause of willful ignorance?

As the founder of WazzupPilipinas.com, I’ve walked a path where truth-telling often felt like standing in the middle of a storm with nothing but your voice as your shield. It’s not always easy. Sometimes, it’s downright brutal. But I’ve learned that being true to the story—no matter how controversial, no matter how inconvenient—is far more important than being liked or followed.

There is no middle ground when the stakes are the soul of our society. You either speak up or stand down. And standing down is, in itself, a decision to let the lie win.

My advocacy isn’t just about news or content creation. It’s about principle. It’s about choosing courage over comfort, truth over popularity, and justice over convenience. Whether I’m challenging local irregularities, questioning national inconsistencies, or spotlighting untold stories, I’ve made peace with the reality that some people won’t like what I have to say.

But if we are to create a nation of thinkers—not blind followers—then we must first be brave enough to confront what others dare not name. We must call out hypocrisy, unmask corruption, and amplify the voices that have been silenced for too long.

Because in the end, I do not seek applause. I seek impact.

And if the cost of telling the truth is being misunderstood or even hated—then so be it. I would rather walk alone in truth than march in harmony with a lie.

The truth has no audience requirement. It only needs someone brave enough to speak it.