Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Monday, June 9, 2014

Learn the Art of Gift-Giving at Corporate Giveaways 2014

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Every gift giver’s goal is to find an item that’s just perfect for its recipient. This seemingly simple task is made a bit more difficult when the giver is a company, the recipient is a valued client and the gift must reflect the giver’s brand and image. More than just a token emblazoned with a company logo, you want something that will be appreciated and valued. A gift that stays with the recipient, and isn’t passed on to someone else or worse discarded, never to be seen again. Sadly, the latter is what happens when one doesn’t take the time or effort to understand the recipient’s needs or interests.

On the other hand, a well thought out gift can do wonders for your brand. There’s something great about receiving a present that is “just what you needed” or something so unique that you’ve never seen anything like it before. The item need not be expensive, but rather creative, thoughtful and useful. After all, the more relevant the gift is to the recipient’s needs, the more they will use it, which in turn means more goodwill and mileage for your brand.

There’s no need to worry, corporate gift giving isn’t rocket science. Here are some tips and trends to ensure that your company’s gifts will always be anticipated and welcomed by your discerning clients.

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There was no surprise that Marian Rivera came out as the winner of the Yahoo Media Magnet award gathered from votes given by members of the media through Yahoo Philippines. Marian won as the Celebrity of the Year from last year's Yahoo awards and she is also a candidate again for this year. She is well deserving to win the recognition as she has truly made a great impact in the industry this year. She really impersonates what an iconic media personality should be - confident, expressive and beautiful!

Yahoo Philippines is again very excited to roll the purple carpet once again for their annual celebrity awards but before the big night it all starts with the voting site. The former Yahoo OMG! Awards is now called Yahoo Celebrity Awards and has recently announced the voting site (http://www.yahoo.com.ph/celebrityawards) and the list of celebrity nominees at a star-studded press launch held last June 4, 2014 at the Amber Ultra Lounge located at the Bonifacio Global City.

The reason for the change was because "celebrity kind of encapsulates the content of the site much better" says Mike Constantino, Country Sales Director of Yahoo Philippines. "and the awards is a reflection of the site and the content that we host there." adds Yahoo Philippine's Country Manager and Country Editor Kate De Los Reyes.

Many celebrities graced the event which includes Christian Bautista, Saab Magalona, Rocco Nacino, Janele Salvador, Kaye Abad, Bea Binene, Jake Vargas, Nicole Hyala, Ritz Azul, and Jeron Teng. The event was hosted by Sam Oh, also a nominee for Female DJ of the Year, who stirred the crowd into excitement.

The Perfect Place for a Summer Vacation

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When you hear the words “summer vacation”, what comes in to your mind? Exhausting weather? Wandering? Boring days? Messed up body clock? Here’s how I spent mine.

Last day of Junior Year, staring at my wrist watch, hearing the word “summer” echoing in my mind. And then I heard the dismissal bell ring. It’s officially the start of our summer vacation.

On my ride home, I kept on thinking what interesting things would and could happen during my two-month vacation: "Will we go to our province?", "Will I meet relatives I didn’t know yet?", "Will we go to the beach?", "Or will it be tedious just like last year’s summer stay-cation?"

Well apparently, April was a staycation for me. My usual routine: eat, bath, household chores, read e-books, sleep late, wake up late and just repeat the process. I managed to finish reading Veronica Roth’s Divergent trilogy and Becca Fitzpatrick’s Hush, Hush series. They are those kind of books that would make you tell yourself, “Just a few chapters left, I’ll continue reading.” That’s why I slept late and screwed up my biological clock (My body clock is still messed up until now).

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It’s been weeks since we had our vacation to Bangkok, Thailand. I’m seriously so sad that our trip is over, and how everything just felt too fast-paced and short during our three-day escapade. I wish we could have stayed longer, but it’s alright. Going to Bangkok, I had the chance to admire their picturesque country which made it the highlight of my summer vacation.

We totally lived our life to the fullest even though we did have a hard time trying to understand the Thai language, and I don’t even know how I managed to survive their food- everything was so spicy! I adored everything (literally), so sleeping for only about two to three hours was really worth it especially when you know that tomorrow is another day to explore and have fun.

As soon as our plane landed in Bangkok, I can’t stop myself from smiling. My seatmate kept on glancing at me because I really can’t stop moving and I kept on poking my sister. I was really feeling giddy that day. I mean, who wouldn’t? We’re in Thailand! That's why we all went crazy taking pictures at the airport that we kept on posing as if we were models.

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Ten months of hard work, waking up early, doing assignments and reviewing for tests but only two months of rest. This unfair division of the year has been the culture not only to us, Filipinos, but to most of the countries in the world. But somehow, we have been used to it despite the unfairly-made situation made by the government. By the phrase 'used to it' doesn't mean there were no complains voiced out from us, instead we use this short piece of time to make up for the active ten years we've spent. This is where my story comes in, the days from April 18 to April 21 have become part of the highlights of my life. These days were filled with laughter, complains and adventure—and also don't forget the scratches and wounds.

The start of my summer vacation was idle until my father was invited in a mountain-hiking trip to Mt. Pulag, Benguet. This said mountain is known to be the third highest mountain in the Philippines but officially the second highest. I haven't yet experienced climbing a mountain before so I took the rare opportunity and insisted my dad to take the whole family–except for my younger sister and baby brother–to Benguet with him.

Fortunately, my dad loved the idea and got us there the next day. But by the time we got to Baguio, the meeting place, we found out that most of the other hikers cancelled their plan with my father's group and it turned out that the only people left were our family, my dad's friend and his wife. The plans were altered but the trip went on. The fifth highest mountain, Mt. Tabayoc, in Kabayan, Benguet was where we went instead.

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For the last time the clock strikes at four, the bell rings and the students scream. “What time is it?” we always say and together we were quick to respond, “Summer time!”. Summer is filled with flip flops, ocean smell, dark skin, ice cream, loud music and crazy minds. But mine is filled with indoor slippers, book smell, pale skin, cold drinks, soft music and tired mind. To maybe compensate for my lost summer, my mom rewarded me with a 4-days-3-nights vacation that includes a passport, a luggage filled with too much clothes, and a merlion.

Let me start with saying that I love summer vacation but I hate summer. You might think that there is not much of a difference but maybe that is just you not taking a close look at the situation. I like the ocean-only when there is no heat, I like taking a stroll outside-only when there is no heat, I like being under the sun-that is a lie.

So my summer consisted of taking college entrance exam review courses that is a must for incoming seniors who aspire to get into the top big four colleges and make a name for themselves, a lot of book reading, a lot more of sleep, and that tiny bit of merlion. I want to talk about the adventures that books have luckily provided me with, or the wonder of truly seeing the world and not just looking at it from books, but let me just talk about the adventures I did with my family. After all, adventures with yourself are fun but an adventure with your whole family makes a fam-bam!

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Palm trees, ocean breeze, salty air, and sun kissed hair, new friends, new adventures and more fun. Splash! I just took a load off from that stressful school year but if I am not in school where am I? I am in the beautiful season of summer where I can sleep in, go to the pool, and I don’t have to worry about homework!

Summer 2014 for me is very unusual compare to the other summer vacations I’ve had. Right after classes ended, the day after that, we went to Mangatarem, Pangasinan to attend a wedding ceremony. It was a unique wedding because of the marine officers who made a grand entrance for the bride. Also, during the reception, I met a lot of cousins for the first time in my life! It was nice meeting them though. I’ve got to experience swimming in a beach without paying anything, oh wow that’s just great because swimming for free!! Before we left Pangasinan, we had a seafood boodle fight for lunch.

After a few days, some relatives from the province visited us and we took them to Mansion Garden Hotel in Subic. There are many places to stay in Subic, and this is probably one of the cleanest, best options. It was a wonderful stay for me and my family and relatives, they really enjoyed the ambiance of the pool, and the water is warm and perfect for a hot weather!

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Ballet Philippines, the country’s premier classical and contemporary dance company proudly announced its 45th Anniversary – The Sapphire Season to the members of the press last May 21, 2014 at the newly-opened Studio One located at Liwasang Ullalim (near Folk Arts Theater).

The weather was cool and breezy and the setting was very informal. Before sunset, a simple ceremony was led by BP’s president Ms. Margie Moran Floirendo. With the help of her magic wand, the huge red cloth which initially covered the entrance of the new ballet studio finally unveiled and revealed the cavernous space with the BP dancers in a tableau inviting everyone to come inside for the program proper.

Ms. Margie officially welcomed all the guests and shared a few pertinent information about BP’s new season productions, the newly opened BP Dance School at SM Aura and Studio One, the US and Canada tour, the participation of BP to the International Ballet Competitions in US and Bulgaria, and the fundraising projects spearheaded by the Ballet Philippines Alumni Association.

Join the Proactiv Unselfie Campaign and Get a Chance to Win @ProactivPH 30-Day Kits

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We've all heard about Time magazine’s recent award to the Philippines as the selfie capital of the world. That recognition is probably the ultimate testament to how Filipinos love sharing their selfies. But not all people are confident in taking selfies because they do not find themselves photogenic enough, or worst if their face is ridden with disturbing iamges of acne that totally ruins their self-esteem.

Selfies are the ultimate ways of self-expression on social media, and Proactiv recognizes the importance of confidence to people as they share their photos with faces free or less troubled by acne or pimples.

A lot of people have resorted to using various filters and photo editing apps for their “selfies” as
they want to hide their acne from their friends and the public. A little photo shop here and there, and
viola they can already post their perfect selfies.

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Ballet Philippines, the country’s premier classical and contemporary dance company proudly announces the participation of three company members to compete in two prestigious international ballet competitions in USA and Bulgaria.

Victor Maguad and Jemima Sanielle Reyes will represent the Philippines in the USA International Ballet Competition to be held in Jackson, Mississippi from June 14 – 29, 2014.

Monica Amanda Gana will represent the Philippines in the 26th International Ballet Competition - Varna 2014 to be held at the Open theater Varna in Bulgaria from July 15 - 30, 2014.

Victor Gamosa Ursabia, director of the Ballet Philippines Dance School is coaching the three dancers and will be accompanying them to both competitions abroad.

Jemima Sanielle Reyes started dancing at the age of 3 at the Lilibeth C. Trinidad Dance and Exercise Center in Cabanatuan City. She graduated from the Philippine High School for the Arts, Majoring in Ballet, in 2011. She joined the company as an apprentice at the age of 16 and was promoted to junior company member a year after. She performed the principal role of Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty for the CCP Dance School. For the company she has essayed significant roles such as Princess Florine in Sleeping Beauty, Prinsesa in Crisostomo Ibarra, and Gintong Usa in Alice Reyes' Rama Hari. Jemima was a finalist at the National Music Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) in 2009, she placed 8th at the first Asian Grand Prix International Ballet Competition in 2011 in Hong Kong, and she was a semi-finalist at the 2012 Rudolf Nureyev International Ballet Competition in Budapest, Hungary.

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"Every summer has a story."

Summer vacation is probably the happiest time for a student like me. This is where we wake up late, sleep late, have a relaxation, go to the beach and do whatever we want. But as my quotation said, every summer has a story. We expect that we can do all we want, party all night and always having fun. But for my summer 2014, my expectations all went down. Summer 2014 was my not-so-good summer time that I’d ever had. It was a tragic and a bit happy at the same time.

On my summer vacation, my sister and I spent our vacation in Bulacan. We stayed there for a week with our cousins. It was fun staying there because we missed each other and we did things that we liked to do. We talked about what happened in our school what’s new about us. During holy week, my family and I did the “Visita Iglesia.” We went in seven churches and I could say that I enjoyed it and I had time for God.

My summer was tragic and sad because I lost a special person in my life, my mom. She is the most important person for me. I felt so down and I don’t know what will happen to me now that my mom is not here on my side. I was sad because I will graduate this year and she’s not here to congratulate me and to accompany me on stage to get my diploma.

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The school season is back and this means more requirements for financial stability especially for the parents, and those that support kids to school, because of the additional need to spend for school supplies books,uniforms, and projects.

This would always bring thoughts in our mind to personally reflect if we are in the right job to provide for all our needs. There might be a better job for us out there that we could really call our dream job where we can grow old and retire from afterwards.

Magnus Eventus, Inc., will soon be having another Mega Job Fair at Starmall EDSA-Shaw on June 19 and 20, 2014. This job fair is dedicated to give opportunities to aspiring newly graduates and existing professionals to boost their career towards greener pastures.

Who knows? Maybe your dream job is just waiting somewhere in one of the booths of the many companies who will be joining the search for the perfect applicant to join them in a position at their company.

Magnus Eventus Inc., Mega Job Fair also provides free resume printing to all applicants to help those who are financially short in budget. They can just bring a soft-copy of their resume or curriculum vitae and print it there at one of their stations.

DUP’s Ang Nawalang Kapatid Stages Benefit Shows on July 4-6, 11-13

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Coming off a hugely successful and critically acclaimed extended run, Dulaang UP’s Ang Nawalang Kapatid stages benefit shows on July 4-6, 11-13 (Friday to Sunday only) in celebration of UP Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts’ 55th Anniversary. Proceeds are for the improvement of UP Diliman’s famed theaters - Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater and Teatro Hermogenes Ylagan - bastions of DUP plays.

If you missed or would like to relive the Filipino retelling of one of the world’s oldest and longest epic poems, The Mahabharata, this is your chance to watch the production praised by critics for its direction, text, music, and choreography. Critics laud the production as “an astonishing theatrical experience”, “an elegant and regal Filipino adaptation”, and Dexter Santos’s direction as “breathless and daring”.

The story revolves around the battling royal families of the Pandavas and Kauravas, and the moral dilemma Karna, the lost brother, finds himself in. To whom does he owe his loyalty? To his family or to the state which made him a prince?

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Filipinos love fiestas. They are celebrated all year round and all over the country during summer especially in the month of May. One of the most awaited fiesta in May is the Santacruzan which is also considered as the "Queen of all Filipino Festivals." During this summer I was asked to joined the Santacruzan, I immediately agreed because it looks like it would be fun and I think it would be a chance for me to give my thanks and appreciation to Mama Mary for all the blessings she gave to me and my family.

The Santacuzan was held at Santolan, Pasig. We were supposed to be there at 5:00 in the evening to attend a mass in the Santolan Church but it took hours for the makeup artist to finish my hair and make up. That's why we arrived at 7:00 in the evening.

After I arrived at the church, the parade started. I was a bit embarrassed because I was the reason why the parade started late. This is my first Santacruzan that's why I am a bit nervous but it was soon overpowered by the feeling of excitement and happiness. My escort was my former classmate in nursery and he is also my neighbor. The parade was super fun and I can hear praises from the people around us.

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A solitary soul has diverse appreciation. If you're going to look into different eyes, what are the things you’ll stare at?

Last summer, I fell in love with sunsets. Especially when the sky is tainted with colors just enough to keep me staring at it. I think of it as beauty ensconced in smoke and noises. Luckily, I had a lot of chances to see this lovely scene in different ways and I think, they were the highlights of my summer.

First was when I had my photo shoot in the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Just for fun. We started capturing moments and whatnots late in the morning and went home at sunset. We intentionally went home at the golden hour to experience looking at buildings light up as the dark approached. It was a really enchanting scene.

The same thing happened at my second photo shoot at Evergreen, just here in Pasig. The only difference was that there were only a few buildings but nature was revealing. It was also a lovely sight to see.