Eugene Toquero Confident To Beat Gianni Subba on One FC: Rise of Heroes

Wazzup Pilipinas!

At the first conference held for the One FC: Rise of Heroes fights, I remember undefeated American-born Malaysian Gianni Subba saying that Filipino mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Eugene Toquero "should worry about his face rather than his hair." But Eugene boasts of a lot of experience and skills to beat, even knock out,  Gianni Subba on May 2 in the star-studded ONE Fighting Championship card at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.

“My experience and skills will make the difference. There will be a knockout and it will be him going down,” Toquero, whose MMA record is four wins and one loss, said.

He guarantees that the fans will enjoy his fight with Subba. “The fans will enjoy our fight. Subba may be good but I’m better because of my experience and skills.”

“I have more fights in my career than Subba. I’m a veteran when it comes to competition. Mas maraming baon ako,” he added.

He is truly oozing with confidence even during the open workout held last week at the Ultimate Fitness Gym located at Metrowalk in Ortigas, Pasig. His hair was still looking fine even after several hours of sweating inside the gym. There is no doubt in his mind that he will be able to put down Gianni even before his hair turns messy.

Anne Curtis Smith Covers Cosmopolitan Philippines Magazine April 2014 Issue

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Anne Curtis Smith has this OMG abs worth the envy of many. The newest Dyesebel star flaunts her awesome body on the cover of Cosmopolitan Philippines magazine April 2014 issue wearing a flowery two red, green and white-colored two-piece swimsuit.

Anne shares how she owned up to her mistakes and reveals the secret to her staying power.

The popular brand endorser, TV host, recording artist, and concert blockbuster princess has remained very popular among the madlang people even after several issues seemingly showing her arrogance when drunk at parties.

Other articles included in the magazine are equally hot, hot, hot topics like fantasy sex sharing hot moves to spice it up in bed, how to speak up and stand out at work, some travel tipid tips, and why murder could happen to you.

Now available in news stands and bookstores nationwide.

Philippine International Friendship Balloon Festival 2014: It's More Than Just Hot Air

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This year's hot air balloons took flight in Brgy. Prado Siongco in Lubao, Pampanga. Unlike last year when the festival was celebrated in Angeles city, Pampanga's hot air balloon festival, now organized by Pilipinas International Balloon Festival, Inc. (PIBF) in cooperation with the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTO) and with support from Provincial Government of Pampanga, was held last April 10 to 13, 2014.

Department of Tourism Regional Director Ronnie Tiotuico did say that even though the festival was held more than 30 kilometers away from its original location, more people populated the area since the festival ground was fairly passable and accessible for both private and public vehicles. The new site was just along the Gapan-Olongapo Road going to Dinalupihan. The festival attracted more than 100,000 visitors.

Around 30 hot-air balloon teams from the US, Europe and Southeast Asia have been invited to participate in the four-day event entitled Philippine International Friendship Balloon Festival 2014 with the theme “It’s More than Just Hot Air.” 

Marian Rivera Covers Women's Health Magazine April 2014 Issue

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Yun and pinakamasarap sa buhay: Totoo ka sa sarili mo" as the always beautiful Marian Rivera graces the cover model of Women's Health magazine April 2014 issue. True enough, she is an epitome of true beauty who's personality follows dearly.

Marian never fails to impress while looking all fresh and ready for summer wearing a pair of denim shorts and yellow hanging top that highlights her cleavage and amazing belly button and waist.

What I wouldn't do to spend a day,  or better yet, an overnight with her.

The magazine teaches us how to have a lean body and a sexy belly revealing your abs, how to have more and better sex, shares a lot of confidence-boosting tips, enumerates some great ideas to boost feel-good hormones, lower stress, and be happier, how to jump-start a fitness routine, look great this season and live your best life. It also shares the magazine writer's take on the season's diet trends.

Hai San Seafood Market and Restaurant of Zamboanga: Fingerlicking Great Spicy Fried Tiger Prawns

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Situated along the expanse of San Jose lies another famous restaurant in Zamboanga that goes by the name of Hai San Seafood Market and Restaurant where, as its name implies, you can buy your favorite seafood and ingredients and have them cooked any way you want them. My favorite, obviously as seen from above, was the large prawns cooked in spicy chili, butter and garlic. Well, I don't really know the exact ingredients they used but rest assured that it was the best dish among the other delectable dishes served to us.

This is one of the famous restaurants where the residents and local government officials take their VIPs visitors and special guests for meals that won't disappoint and will make a good image of Zamboanga. You can't go wrong choosing this place for meetings, gatherings and special occasions when you want to impress whoever it is you're dining with.

The prices are quite reasonable considering the large servings and the superb taste of every meal. I would love to do more of lunch meetings at this place because I may be wanting to eat more than the usual.  Seafood has always been a priority dish for me if given the opportunity to dine generously, but I do have to watch out for my health as this is a real threat to my waistline and blood pressure. Lol!

Santa Cruz Island of Zamboanga: Pink Sand Beaches of the South

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It's now undoubtedly summer time in the Philippines even though it somewhat rained a few days ago. You can feel the extreme heat everywhere you go. The air-conditioning in public buses cannot cope with how hot it is right now that you'll sweat it out profusely if you commute in the middle of the day.

I would often bring a spare shirt everytime, and would take a bath before and after the daily trips. If only I could shower while commuting, I would do it just to get rid of this sticky sweaty feeling. I would do everything in exchange for the opportunity to dip in a pool, or better yet, I would trade my soul for a swim in the southern seas - specifically the pink sand coralline beaches of the Great Santa Cruz Island of Zamboanga.

The color of the sand comes from the pulverized red organ pipe coral from eons of surf erosion mixed with the white sand. There is a smaller island nearby called Little Santa Cruz Island but it's a guarded military installation.  Illegal coral reef mining has wiped out most of the Great Santa Cruz Island's vast and beautiful coral reef population but the coral reef at the Little Santa Cruz Island is still healthy, and could become a possible source for restoration of the big island.

Satti de Zamboanga at Andy's Special Satti: Halal-Certified Sweet and Spicy Breakfast

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I've done a lot of readings online several days before going to Zamboanga to check out what to expect and look for to satisfy my cravings for native delicacies of the city. It isn't everyday that you get the opportunity to visit the place so it's best to make the most of it rather than contend myself with what the hotel has to serve.

One that caught my attention was the Satti - an exotic Hala-certified local culinaria signifying the unique ties between Christians and Muslims in Zamboanga City, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. It is a mix of cubed rice and grilled beef or chicken (meat or liver) barbecue poured with a generous amount of sweet and spicy thick sauce. The meat were like literally swimming because the sauce were so plenty.

The dish is a hit among tourists because the taste of this piquant soup is something to perk up one's day especially when eaten early in the morning.

Best for breakfast, the Satti is a regional delicacy popular in Zamboanga but may not translate well for the people from Manila. We are used to sweet and salty in the mornings along with our favorite 3-in-1 instant or brewed coffee, but at Andy's Satti, they recommend sodas or softrinks as a thirst quencher, and spice reliever just in case you are not used to the spiciness.

Alavar Seafood Restaurant of Zamboanga: Everyone Went Gaga Over the Curacha

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The spanner crab or more popularly known in Zamboanga city as the Curacha is like a gigantic brilliant-red orange cockroach with pincers and fringed with hair at its sides. The name curacha is so close to the chavacano word cucuracha which literally means cockroach, thus the name.

It may be a weird looking monster-like crustacean but many are longing to dine on these Indo-Australian crabs once they are cooked, minimally either steamed or boiled, because it is best experienced in its natural exotic flavor, so as to preserve its original taste.

You should add sauce toppings made with a combination of gata (coconut milk), ginger, chili and other aromatics to enhance the flavor. But the well-loved special sauce from the Alavar Seafood Restaurant seems to be the most highly recommended in the city.

Contrary to what others are saying, these sea creatures can also be found in other waters aside from just Zamboanga. It just so happens that Zamboanga was the one that made it popular as the iconic must-try native delicacy when you go visit Asia's Latin City.

Palmeras Restaurant of Zamboanga: Doing the Knickerbocker All the Way

Wazzup Pilipinas!

You'll know everyone liked it when we can't stop talking about it. The ultimate proof is when everyone votes to order it on the last day before going back to Manila. This delectable dessert from Palmeras Restaurant of Zamboanga was simply a blockbuster hit for all of us that we persuaded our host to treat us out again with the yummy treat while we ate at another restaurant.

The Knickerbocker from Palmeras Restaurant is not really that complicated to make because its simply similar to our native halo-halo but instead of beans, sweet potatoes, and other traditional halo-halo ingredients with ice, they used an assortment of fruits instead, plus a few jellos then generously trickled with cream and topped off with a scoop of strawberry ice cream.

There was melon, banana, ripe mango, watermelon,.... and one of our companions even said he tasted avocado somewhere in the mix.

The Palmeras Restaurant serves a lot of delightful dishes but it was their dessert that became the talk of the afternoon, and until the next grueling days when we felt hot under the scorching heat. "How I wish I was eating a knickerbocker right now" I would say to myself. Maybe because it had an extraordinary name unlike any other but what is a name if it didn't taste great as well.

In fairness to the other dishes from the restaurant, I will also share them with you as they also brought out a huge appetite from our group.

Jan Manual Plays "Beki" Role in Tanikala: My Sister, My Lover

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Kapuso actor-comedian Jan Manual may have not won when he joined the teenage reality show Starstruck, but as many would say, there's always a next time and a host of other opportunities. This served true for Jan after landing the lead role in an episode of CBN Asia's Holy Week Special Tanikala: My Sister, My Lover.

Exciting things are about to happen in the coming months for CBN Asia especially with Holy Week is just a few weeks away. On Maundy Thursday until Black Saturday, CBN Asia brings back its telemovie Tanikala, where a great line up of stories on pain, tears, hope and moving on, and of how God worked in the lives of the four people featured will be shown.

On Maundy Thursday at 5:30 p.m. on GMA 7, Jan Manual and Sheena Halili star in My Sister, My Lover, where Jan plays the role of gay Art Duyan.

Club de Damas Latinas To Hold “Fire Up Your Heart” Annual Latin Charity Ball

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Club de Damas Latinas (Latin American Women´s Club) in the Philippines, founded 47 years ago, is a duly registered non-stock non-profit organization that has focused in supporting children who do not have access to education, health services, or a safe environment.

Sophisticated, civic minded, passionate and empowered ladies of the club are joining their forces to organize its 48th Latin Charity Ball. Their Annual Latin Charity Ball, one of the most prestigious fundraising events in the country and recently been recognized as one of the Top 20 Events of the Year in the Philippines by Philippine Tatler, is their major fundraising event. Their goal is to provide a night full of fun and entertainment while at the same time procuring hope and support to the poorest communities of the country that is our home.

This year, their well known event is named, "Fire Up Your Heart” as it represents the energy of the Latin culture and their inherent passion to help and make a positive impact in the lives of those in need. It is also a continuing call to action for others to get involved and help. The fun filled evening event will be held on May 10th 2014 at Fairmont Makati Hotel, 7:00 p.m.

Alaska Milk Corporation and FrieslandCampina Partners to Bring Dairy Expertise

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Alaska Milk Corporation’s (AMC) has been a trusted ally in providing everyday affordable nutrition to Filipino families.

I still remember the time during my childhood when they used to call me Alaska boy because I looked a lot like the image of the boy printed in every can of Alaska milk. I had curly wavy hair and had white complexion that I got from my mother side. But unfortunately when I grew older, I got to look more like my father. Anyway, the other reason they call me Alaska boy was because I would always prefer to eat milk with rice instead of any other viand. I would pour condensed milk on top of rice and eat it as is.

Obviously, Alaska has been my favorite because its the only brand that my mother buys from the supermarket even though there are several milk brands out there. Until now, Alaska remains a favorite choice.

This unwavering commitment is now made even stronger as Alaska Milk Corporation partners with Royal FrieslandCampina, the Dutch dairy company that has been supplying mothers all over the world with high quality dairy nutrition for over 130 years now. Mothers can now benefit more from the combined power and expertise of the two companies. The partnership will offer essential nutrients from milk at any stage of the people’s lives.

Berta Rojas of Paraguay: Guitarist Exraordinaire Performs Live in Manila and Cebu

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Berta Rojas, a star in the international guitar community and a tourism ambassador of her native Paraguay being the most popular musician of the country, will hold concerts in Manila (on May 15, 2014 at 8 pm in the Meralco Theater) and Cebu (on May 17, 2014 at 8 pm in the Marcelo Fernan Hall in Lahug). Ms. Rojas, described by the Washington Post as "Guitarist extraordinaire," will play a mainly classical repertoire with a taste of jazz and salsa.

At a press conference held at the Richmonde Hotel last April 7, 2014, members of the media got to interview Ms. Rojas via Skype video call straight from Paraguay. The time difference between Paraguay and the Philippines is around 12 hours so that would mean she had to remain awake late in the evening at around midnight so he could talk to us at the press conference. The presscon started at around 12 noon that day so you can do your own computation.

Present at the presscon were the front acts for the concert in Manila namely Ramoncito Carpio, the country's most internationally awarded classic guitarist and Triple Fret, a trio that plays classical and more accessible pieces, composed of Marga Abejo, Jenny de Vera, and Iqui Vinculado.

Heart Evangelista Covers Metro Magazine Swimsuit Special April 2014 Issue

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Heart Evangelista looks oh so sultry in a swimsuit gracing the cover of the Swimwear Special of Metro Magazine April 2014 issue.

The issue talks about how to be sexy in Gucci, shares tips and tricks on how to get a sexy summer body, several beauty products, reaffirms that the Filipinas is beyond beautiful. and introduces new swimsuit styles for every shape, size and budget.

They say real sexiness is when you know when not to reveal everything yet still look sexually appealing to the eyes of men, and even women. Heart manages to please even though she partly covers her body to only reveal slightly a portion of her upper assets.

It's really beginning to look a lot like ...summer!

PETA Announces Line Up for its 47th Theater Season

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I grew very fond of watching theater plays ever since I got invited to my very first theater event by a publicist that wanted us to blog about it to help in the promotion. It was a very endearing night as I never realized it would mean staring at the stage for quite a long time admiring how the performers speak out their lines with passion. What was more remarkable was when I started to laugh at the hilarious scenes. It was strikingly surprising for me because there has never been a show that made me laugh that much. I am totally bored of Filipino movies, but I feel more than alive watching theater plays.

This is why I am always in the look-out for opportunities to cover theater performances. It may take several hours of seating, but the entire length seemed only seconds because you simply won't feel any boredom watching live performances. If I could only throw away the TV and setup a theater in my living room and make theater actors perform daily plays for me, then that would be worth subscribing to. Local TV channels sucks, cable TV channels dominates, but theater RULES!

This is why I was excited to hear about the  47th theater season announcement of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). When they recently announced it line-up for its 47th theater season at a press launch held at the PETA Theater Center located in New Manila last April 5, 2014, I knew it would be another great year.