Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Friday, April 11, 2014

PCSHS Prom 2014: When The Lights Got Brighter

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The end of high school years is usually marked by two things; graduation and prom. Graduation is where the fourth years receive their diplomas which certify that they have completed their high school education. But before that is an event where the seniors can get to socialize with the juniors before leaving their beloved alma mater. That event is the junior-senior promenade (“prom” for short), and this year Pasig City Science High School’s prom got brighter and brighter as the earth lurched away from the sun.

This year, the student body of PCSHS has decided to make the Great Gatsby the theme for their junior-senior prom. So with that theme comes one word-vintage. Dresses and coats were all flaunting a touch of nostalgia. Some even sported the clothes straight from The Great Gatsby itself. The venue was decorated with black, gold, and anything that sparkles, with bouquets of flowers to balance the overall atmosphere.

We were serenaded by selected students while dinner time was ongoing. There were lots of performers from both the juniors and the seniors. Some sang for their special someone. Some sang to entertain. Some even played guitars while performing!

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Ashley Rivera, otherwise know as Petra Mahalimuyak, is the cover model for FHM Philippines magazine April 2014 issue.

Wearing only a bikini panty and with hands holding two water guns covering her perky well-rounded breasts, Ashley teases all who catches a glimpse of the magazine to find out more about this beauty inside the pages of the magazine.

The magazine has articles on what women actually like, how grilling makes a man and that girls love a man who can burn meat, reminding that better living starts with getting your back straight, and a sexual debate between sex gurus Abby Poblador and Jahziel Manabat to determine which is better: Pop In or Pop Out?

Now available on news stands and book stores nationwide.

Maybank and Wendy's Partner to Treat You With Awesome Burger Combos

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I can still remember the days when we often visit Wendy's burger joints after work week. My colleagues and I would always attack the salad bar as one of our favorite meals aside from their burger with bacon and melted cheese. We would often compete with each other making the tallest salad just using the plate provided. There is something really challenging in making their salad look like a tower especially when you see others able to make it look like a skyscraper.

OMG! How are they able to do it? They were very ingenious in using the cucumbers and other veggies to create a humungous bulk of salad on their plate. I am at awe seeing many other people aside from our group trying their best to emulate the same achievement like it was a career on its own. Yeah! We frequent the salad not just because it taste really good because of those several choices of salad dressing, but also because we were challenged to find out how tall we can go.

Everyone is only allowed a one-time visit to the salad bar but how can others able to eat so many, or better yet how can they make their salad defy gravity? I would often be in a state between admiration and feeling weird. This is probably why Wendy's no longer has a salad bar. Lol! They still serve salads, but gone are the salad bars.

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Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph “Jun” Abaya hails the European Union’s (EU) decision to lift its ban on Cebu Pacific Air, citing the carrier’s efforts in satisfying the European Commission’s safety standard requirements, as well as the effective governance of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines’ (CAAP) top officials.

In a message he delivered during the announcement of the lifting, Abaya gave the following remarks:

“One of our missions at the DOTC and CAAP under President Aquino’s leadership has been to revive the country’s aviation sector and to elevate it to world-class standards. Today’s announcement of the EU’s decision to lift its ban on Cebu Pacific Air brings us that much closer to establishing the Philippine civil aviation sector’s resurgence as one of the hallmarks of the Aquino administration.

“We are grateful to the EU for opening its skies to more flights from the Philippines. This will afford your constituents better access to excellent tourist destinations across our islands, and will give our citizens convenient and affordable means of travelling to your countries as well.

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Below are both statements of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Malacanang (from the Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Undersecretary Abigail Valte) on the upgrade to Category 1 Status of the Philippines by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Earlier on I posted the official press release of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) at a separate blog post.

We are glad to hear about this great news that will surely uplift the recognition of the Philippine aviation industry towards strengthening tourism promotion efforts of the country.

Many will feel more confident flying to the Philippines now that we are on FAA Category 1 status.

Flying is relatively the safest means of transportation with very little, and almost insignificant compared to the accidents happening on the roads and even the seas, but with the recent disappearance of the Malaysian airplane, there seems to be an impending concern for some to become more aware of classifications such as these to ensure their safety.

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We did some Wine Tasting 101 a few days earlier during one of the events I attended for another brand and that is where I realized the many factors that make up a great wine, and how the delicate and lengthy process takes place. From there I found out that wine is simply a symbol of elegance because it takes a real wine lover to be able to tell which wine is of superb quality. You need to do a lot of reading, and a lot of tasting, to master the art.

Now here's the chance for all wine enthusiasts to indulge on great wines. Get ready as Buddha-Bar Manila finally brings the Ultimate Wine Experience! Unlimited wine every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, 8-11PM for only Php 1500. Enjoy unlimited serving of top of the line wine, making conversations with friends a feel good one!

What are you waiting for, dress up and troop over at Buddha-Bar Manila for an Ultimate Wine Experience.

For inquiries and table reservation, please contact (+63 2) 856-6859, (+63 2) 856-6719, or email at info@buddhabarmanila.com

Category 1 Status Cements Landmark Era in Philippine Aviation Sector

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After seven (7) years, the United States (US) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has finally upgraded the country’s civil aviation status from Category 2 to Category 1, enabling Philippine air carriers to open new direct flights to the US.

Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph “Jun” Abaya lauds this significant development in the country’s aviation industry and notes that it would further strengthen ties with the US.

“This upgrade cements a landmark era in the Philippine aviation sector. From one major achievement to another in a span of less than 2 years, the country has made great strides in enhancing its aviation industry to one that is at par with the best in the world,” said Abaya.

“We congratulate the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) for a job well done in ensuring the lifting of the ICAO’s significant safety concerns, the lifting of the European ban on local airlines, and now, the FAA upgrade to Category 1. Truly, your accomplishments prove that good governance and competent leadership will be the legacy of President Aquino’s Daang Matuwid,” Abaya stated.

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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

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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

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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

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"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

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.