Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Flavors of Vietnam: A Sensory Journey Unfolds at Sheraton Manila Bay

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Malate, Manila — June 25, 2025 — The Sheraton Manila Bay invites guests on a sensory voyage like no other as it launches “Flavors of Vietnam,” a vibrant Vietnamese food festival running from June 25 to 29, 2025, at the iconic Manila Bay Kitchen. With a special appearance by acclaimed Vietnamese culinary artist Chef Thong Nguyen, this extraordinary event promises to awaken palates, stir emotions, and bridge cultures—one dish at a time.

A Culinary Bridge Between Manila and Vietnam

The gastronomic spotlight shines brightly on Sheraton’s latest culinary celebration, with Chef Thong Nguyen—hailed for his authenticity and artistry—bringing the soul of Vietnam to every plate. From the heart of Hanoi to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh, every dish tells a story of tradition, harmony, and innovation.

Opening night on June 25 welcomed guests with a feast for both the senses and the soul. The celebration continues with lunch highlights from June 25 to 27 (11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.), and dinner buffets from June 25 to 29 (6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.), offering an immersive experience of Vietnam’s culinary treasures.

Lunch Specials: A Taste of Tradition and Freshness

The midday menu, served under the theme “Noon at ‘Nam,” offers a refreshing dive into Vietnam’s lighter yet flavorful fare:

Soup: Chicken with mushroom and lotus seed (Súp thịt gà, nấm và hạt sen)

Salads:

Green mango & seafood salad with spearmint (Gỏi xoài xanh với hải sản)

Chicken with onion, bean sprouts, and laksa leaves (Gà gỏi bắp cải)

Cold Appetizers:

Cold sliced ginger, lemongrass spiced beef knuckle (Thịt bò hầm gừng, sả)

Fresh spring rolls "Nem cuốn" with shrimps & steamed pork (Nem cuốn tôm thịt)

Entrees unfold a dazzling array of textures and regional specialties:

Deep-fried Hanoi spring rolls, spicy fried prawns, soft-shell crab in tamarind, grilled “Cha ca” fish, and Bún Chả Hà Nội pork.

Showstoppers include Vietnamese baguette sandwiches, duck breast with lemongrass, and tender braised beef knuckle.

Of course, no Vietnamese feast is complete without the iconic Phở.

Dinner Buffet: A Night Market Dream Come True

Evenings at Sheraton Manila Bay transform into a bustling Vietnamese night market. Diners indulge in an expansive buffet curated with heart and heritage:

Soup: Crabmeat with green asparagus (Súp thịt cua măng tây)

Salads:

Green papaya salad with semi-dried beef (Nộm đu đủ bò khô)

Pineapple, cucumber & shrimp salad (Gỏi dứa dưa chuột tôm)

Cold Appetizers: Chicken & mushroom aspic, fresh spring rolls

Live Action and Carving Stations

Pho Station: Vietnamese Phở made to order with either beef or chicken, with all the trimmings.

Carving Station: Angus beef steaks, perfectly spiced with chili and lemongrass.

Dinner Entrées: Comfort Meets Complexity

Crispy fried prawns in zesty green orange sauce

Soft shell crab with rich tamarind emulsion

Grilled chicken glazed with honey

Galangal-braised fish filet in caramelized fish sauce

Stir-fried water spinach with garlic (Rau muống xào tỏi)

Chicken rice with mushroom and lotus seed (Cơm gà, nấm và hạt sen)

Event Details

Venue: Manila Bay Kitchen, Sheraton Manila Bay

Address: M. Adriatico corner General Malvar Street, Malate, Manila

Reservations: +632 5318 0788

Email: RESERVATIONS.MANILABAY@SHERATON.COM

More Than a Meal—An Experience

“Flavors of Vietnam” is not just a food festival—it is a celebration of culture, memory, and the universal language of flavor. Through the hands of Chef Thong Nguyen and the warm hospitality of Sheraton Manila Bay, guests are invited to taste, savor, and discover the stories of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage.

As someone who has dined across Asia’s culinary capitals, I say this without hesitation: Sheraton Manila Bay’s “Flavors of Vietnam” is a must-experience event. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Vietnamese cuisine or a curious palate ready for adventure, this is your chance to savor the real deal—crafted by a master, served with flair, and celebrated with warmth.

Bravo, Chef Thong Nguyen. Vietnam never tasted so close to home.

Whether you're a food lover, an adventurer, or a seeker of authentic experiences, this is your passport to Vietnam—no flights needed.

Reserve your seat. Savor the moment. Celebrate Vietnam.

Article by Ross Flores Del Rosario, Founder of Wazzup Pilipinas – Your Premier Source for Food, Travel, Culture & Beyond.

BIR extends registration deadline for Non-Resident Digital Service Providers

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The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), under the leadership of Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr., has issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 58-2025, announcing the extension of deadline for the online or electronic registration of all Non-Resident Digital Service Providers (NRDSPs) until July 1, 2025.

Said Circular is in response to the unavailability of the VAT on Digital Services (VDS) Portal and the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS) due to ongoing system migration activities being undertaken by the Bureau.

The extension of deadline was made to give affected NRDSPs sufficient time to comply with the Bureau’s registration requirements.

In the Circular, it was further clarified that existing NRDSPs that are already registered with the BIR but have not yet updated their classification to reflect their status as "Non-Resident Digital Service Provider", and/or those who have not included VAT in their registered tax type/form, must amend their registration information accordingly.

RMC No. 58-2025 also emphasized that the extended registration deadline does not exempt NRDSPs from their tax obligations. Non-registration for VAT does not relieve them of the obligation to file the required tax return and pay the corresponding tax due. Additionally, buyers or customers who are engaged in business remain liable to file the appropriate remittance return, and to withhold and remit the VAT due on their purchase of digital services within the period prescribed under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended, and in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations issued by the Bureau.

“We encourage all affected NRDSPs and businesses engaged in digital services to closely monitor further announcements of the BIR and to ensure timely compliance with the Bureau’s registration requirements once the VDS Portal and ORUS become available”, said Commissioner Lumagui.

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Wellness Without Borders: World Wellness Weekend 2025 Set to Ignite a Global Movement for Health and Humanity

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September 19–21, 2025 | 160 Countries | 10,000+ Venues | Millions Inspired

In a world grappling with rising stress, chronic inactivity, and a deepening sense of social disconnection, one global initiative is standing tall—unifying communities and cultures under one shared goal: collective well-being.

From Sunrise in Fiji to Sunset in Hawaii, Wellness Will Sweep the Globe

From September 19 to 21, 2025, the 9th edition of World Wellness Weekend (WWW) returns bigger, broader, and more boldly than ever. Spanning 160 countries and over 10,000 venues, this international non-profit movement will energize millions with a powerful message: Wellness starts with WE.

And indeed, from yoga on the beach at dawn in Fiji to sunset Street Wellness sessions in Hawaii’s Grand Hyatt Kauai, WWW 2025 is a celebration of life, vitality, and togetherness. At the core are five pillars of wellness:

Sleep

Nutrition

Movement

Mindfulness

Community Care

These pillars aren’t abstract ideals—they're actionable foundations for a thriving life, and World Wellness Weekend transforms them into unforgettable, tangible experiences.

A Global Wake-Up Call for a Healthier Humanity

Against the backdrop of a health crisis characterized by sedentary lifestyles, mental fatigue, and widening social gaps, WWW serves as a vibrant counterforce—rallying communities through thousands of free events, including fitness classes, nature walks, sound healing sessions, mindfulness workshops, and spa rituals.

This year’s edition coincides with World Cleanup Day (Sept 20) and interlocks with Campaign Nonviolence Action Days, European Week of Sports, and Dubai 30x30, forming a synchronized wave of wellness and environmental consciousness across time zones.

It’s a weekend that unites—not divides—transcending geography, politics, and personal limitations to deliver a message of hope, healing, and harmony.

Digital Wellness for an Interconnected Era

Whether you’re in the heart of Paris or a remote village in the Andes, WWW is more accessible than ever thanks to WellMap.org and the new World Wellness WebTV. These platforms offer a robust lineup of virtual workshops, expert panels, and live-streamed sessions in 18 languages, empowering people to engage from anywhere in the world—indoors, outdoors, or online.

From free wellness classes to talks by leading experts, this digital dimension ensures no one is left behind in the global pursuit of health.

None of this would be possible without an international coalition of wellness champions and industry leaders who share the vision of a healthier, more united world.

Global Sponsors include pioneers like:

LEMI (innovative spa equipment)

Matrix Fitness France

Agilysys

Spa Academy by Manuel De la Garza

Vagheggi, Altearah, Tip Touch International, and bbspa group—each fusing wellness with design, education, and sustainability.

Supporting Associations from across the globe fuel WWW’s mission, including:

Global Wellness Institute

ISPA

CIDESCO

Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Coalition

Industry Spa Association

Beautiful Hearts and many more

Program Partners like Endurance Zone gamify wellness through rewards and wearable tech, while Nutrition Beyond Borders, World Cleanup Day, Pace e Bene’s Campaign Nonviolence, and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Sports bring civic and environmental strength to the movement.

Not Just an Event—A Revolution in Motion

In 2024 alone, millions worldwide joined World Wellness Weekend. But 2025 is shaping up to be a historic leap forward—reaching people not just in spas and studios, but also in hospitals, schools, parks, and digital platforms.

From urban jungles to island sanctuaries, WWW is proof that wellness doesn’t belong to the elite—it belongs to everyone. It is a tool of resilience, a language of compassion, and a spark for transformation in the way we live, work, and connect.