Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Chili Asylum: The Taste That Deliciously Lingers

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I was so curious with the name of the brand that I went out of my way to communicate with the owner directly via email. I got her card from a previous foodie event that I attended a few weeks ago and got so hooked on the taste of the sample. I really wanted more but there were just too many food concessionaires that day that i decided to hold my eagerness and craving and try the others for the meantime.

Sadly, I never got to finish even half of the 75 food providers that day, but interestingly, the taste of this particular dish lingered all throughout the day even after I went home all bloated and sleepy already due to the many food samples we got to enjoy at the event.

I was impressed with a few of the food and Chili Asylum was amazingly distinctive. Thus I searched deep into the spot where I kept all the business cards I got from the event and emailed Isi Laureano, self-proclaimed "Chefotographer." I figured it's an artsy way of describing her multi-skilled professions. She must be a Chef and a photographer rolled into one. Nowadays, you make your own designation similar to how I call myself a "Social Media Evangelist" mainly because I'm an opinionated social media specialist who loves to do sermons among my friends and acquaintances.

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There are moments when words are not enough to express how we feel. A moment when we are completely enthralled by the beauty of a place that we cannot help but stare and wonder how they were able to setup such a magnificent paradise-like destination. The amazing structures built with architectural superiority and miraculously surrounded by the solemnity of nature brings us to an overwhelming state of admiration.

The Infinity Resort located in Puerto Galera of Orienta Mindoro was artistry brought into the highest level.Every corner of the place was Instagram-worthy that I probably posted quite a number of photos on those three days and two nights of stay. We were in a heavenly and peaceful place embraced by the sun, the sea and the mountains. Everything you ever wanted in a vacation spot was there. You would not ask for more

Our weekend at Puerto Galera was more like meant to be a honeymoon adventure for newly-wed couples. It has all the makings of a romantic ambiance that seemingly calls for lovers to visit and fall deeply in love more with each other. This is where you will take anybody you want to impress or fall in love with you.

#MakeUpTransformation: OMG! WOW! and Really!? Compilations

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When the power of make-up undergoes humans into exaggerated and almost bizarre transformations. It's the ongoing fad so we had to join the bandwagon. Not because we couldn't stop ourselves to imitate, but it was really so damn fun and obsessive to see men and women go gaga and loco over instantly changing into something new and unexpected.

It's more than just like a mild-mannered scientist transforming into a gigantic green Hulk. It's more than plastic surgery turning a boy into a Thai lady. It's more than Optimus Prime transforming and rolling out into a truck. Take our word for it that these guys and gals have turned into their wildest dreams and fantasies.

While other have turned it into fancy humorous transformations making fun of make-up and its incredible magical mystical capabilities into humorous, and surprisingly satirical distractions from our daily problems and critical way of living, the fad has offered comic relief indeed to make us put out a smile and even a laughter. Scroll down and laugh with us, and maybe create one yourself and submit it here so we could add it into the collection.

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The “Epic” operation serves as the first phase in a multi-stage infection of the Turla campaign said Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of secure content and threat management solutions.

Turla, also known as Snake or Uroburos is one of the most sophisticated ongoing cyber-espionage campaigns.

When the first research on Turla/Snake/Uroburos was published, it didn’t answer one major question: how do victims get infected?

The latest Kaspersky Lab research on this operation reveals that Epic is the initial stage of the Turla victim infection mechanism.

Turla big picture:

Epic Turla / Tavdig: The early-stage infection mechanism.

Cobra Carbon system/ Pfinet (+others): Intermediary upgrades and communication plugins.

Snake / Uroburos: High-grade malware platform that includes a rootkit and virtual file systems.

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The fact-finding investigation into the MRT-3 accident is underway, with the Investigating Committee led by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) targeting to complete its task by Tuesday next week.

“We expect the committee to submit its findings on August 19. In the meantime, we cannot speculate on the events that led to the unfortunate incident. We find it more prudent to await the results of the investigation instead of forming a mere opinion on whether it was a human error or a technical malfunction,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.

“The committee will examine the train coaches’ blackbox-like device, CCTV recordings from the station, the testimonies of the two drivers, and eyewitness reports of passengers and bystanders who witnessed the accident. It will also conduct simulations and interview control center personnel,” he added.

The investigating committee is led by DOTC Undersecretary for Operations Edwin Lopez, with members from the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and the Office for Transportation Security (OTS). Its probe is separate from that being conducted by the Philippine National Police.

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Filipinos are extremely family-oriented. One family member’s health concern is shared by the rest of the family – whether it is for the maintenance medications of the elderly lolos and lolas, the vitamins and supplements for nanay, ate and kuya, or cough and colds medicines for tatay. Family members seek to help relatives with their health cost burdens, especially since branded medicines could be very costly.

Recognizing this, Watsons, the number one pharmacy retail brand in Asia*, gives families more options for high quality but affordable generic medicines with the recent launch of its own generics line.

With Watsons Generics’ wide range of medicines and supplements, the most essential health needs of the entire family can be met. Pantry stocking is made easy and affordable with various vitamins, pain relief, cough and cold medicines to aid the recovery of a sick loved one. Super Moms are equipped to fight off common bacteria with the roster of effective and affordable antibiotics. The younger generation will be able to find supplements like Vitamin B that will suit their fast-paced lifestyle. Young women can also purchase affordable beauty ingestives such as collagen or glutathione, giving them the opportunity to be able to focus on other things such as a dream vacation. The elderly can also benefit from Watsons Generics’ wide portfolio of maintenance medicines to help manage their diabetes, hypertension or high blood. The lolo of the family, who previously would not regularly take his maintenance medicines due to high costs, can now make the switch to affordable generics as he is now assured of its quality.

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GQWEST Inc announced plans to expand its Aquaquest water refilling franchise outside Metro Manila as part of its plans to drive growth.

A sister brand of Aquabest the country’s premier water franchise and with over a hundred stores, Aquaquest is set to grow in rural areas where potable water access remains an issue. The company’s CEO, Carson Tan, sees tremendous potential in areas outside Manila, which have begun to see rapid development and urbanization. “With the Metro Manila water refilling market getting ever more competitive it would be more practical to look at other areas where opportunities are great and competition isn't as fierce.”

A single Aquaquest store can offer three different types of water: purified, mineral, and alkaline. While the purified water is the staple product of the store, the mineral and alkaline types of water would appeal most to people who have specific medical needs or those who need water as a health supplement.

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A Palanca-award winning play to be shown in a coffee shop! At first I doubted. I mean how is it possible to stage a play when the usual coffee shops are smaller in space? I thought, OK I think they're going to put a small stage in the middle then we gather to around to watch them.

When I arrived at Third Cup Cafe, the coffee shop venue it is already jam-packed with media, event partners and bloggers all very eager to watch the show. I looked around. No Stage. I asked the staff "Where are they going to present the show?" She said and smiled. "Here." Then a familiar face called my name. Finally I have someone whom I can share the table with.

I looked around again. Every table is occupied. Everyone is chatting and having a good time enjoying their cup of coffee. Until a guy called our attention, that the show is going to start. But I don't see a stage nor the shadows of the casts! Then to my right, a guy and a girl started a conversation loud enough for everyone to stop talking. Just two tables apart from where I sit, another two guys followed a conversation . Ok I got it. The play has started. They made the plot in such a way that the characters and the audience blend together. I feel like I am just eavesdropping in their conversations. Love it! It's like I am part of the story itself. I can feel all the emotions connecting to my senses right away.

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Easy Taxi, the world's biggest taxi booking app, partnered with Waze, of the world's largest community-based traffic and navigation app, to give us more comfort and happiness.

The partnership aims to facilitate mobility and responsible driving. The campaign, which starts initially in the Philippines, Singapore, and Brazil, has common objectives of raising the awareness about the most important problems related to city transportation.

From Friday to Sunday, request a cab with no cost and ask the driver to use Waze to calculate the fastest and shortest route around the traffic. You can also share your location with whoever is waiting for you at your final destination.

Following the theme of “Don’t drink and drive”, the campaign targets one of the growing social problems in the Philippines and comes just two months after the new strict law, prohibiting driving under the influence, was introduced by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

Kids Acts Philippines Presents Aladdin and the Magic Lamp

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As a season offering to all schools, parents and children, Kids Acts Philippines proudly presents “ ALADDIN ” with script and lyrics by LUIGI NACARIO and music by EUGENE BELBIS.

The story of Aladdin is adapted from the popular version of “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp” by Antoine Galland.

Aladdin is a story of a poor boy and his mother. One day, an African Magician disguised as his uncle asked the boy to work for him. He then brought the boy to a cave full of gold and told him to get an old lamp. Before he entered the cave, the African Magician gave him a magic ring. In the cave, Aladdin found the old lamp, but was trapped inside. He accidentally rubs the ring and a genie comes out and granted him his wish to get out of the cave. He was able to get home and handed the old lamp to his mother for her to clean it. As she was cleaning it, another genie comes out from the lamp and granted him all he wished for.

Later, he fell in love with the beautiful daughter of the Sultan, marries her and gave her an enormous palace. One day, the African Magician learned about Aladdin’s success and went to the palace and tricked his wife into trading an old lamp for a new one. The African Magician used the lamp to get Aladdin’s palace, wife and all his riches transferred to a lonely place in Africa. Aladdin, on the other hand, was despaired but tried to get back everything through the use of the magic ring.

Will he be able to get his Princess and the magic lamp back? Will he be able to defeat the evil magician?

Discover Aladdin’s Adventure as Kids Acts Philippines presents Aladdin and The Magic Lamp!

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The marriage of martial arts and ballet is personified!

As a young boy George started taking ballet lessons because he dreamed of traveling around the world. In those years becoming a famous artist was the only way a USSR citizen would be allowed to travel anywhere outside of the Soviet Block.

When he was 15 years old, George received an invitation to study at prestigious Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Russia. While living in Moscow he encountered the bullies and started practicing Karate and Judo. Around the same time he met and became friends with Feodor Emelyanenko, who later became one of the greatest MMA fighters in the world.

At the age of 18 George was forced to interrupt his promising dancing career and enlist in the Soviet Army for a mandatory 2-year service. He served in the Special Forces Division where he perfected his skills in all martial arts like jiu-jitsu used by the army at that time. The young soldier especially liked Jiujitsu because in his words, it was a [bjj][/bjj]“smooth” way of disarming the attackers without getting too aggressive or violent. His flexibility gained by being a dancer allowed him to escape the most complicated leg locks.

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In celebration of its 22 years of producing well-loved musicals for children of all ages, Repertory Philippines Theater for Young Audiences proudly announces the staging of PINOCCHIO - the story of that familiar wooden puppet whose nose grew when he told a lie.

Originally written by Carlo Collodi as a serial in 1881, Le avventure di Pinocchio (The Adventures of Pinocchio), it has been one of the most famous stories in children’s literature and one of the most adapted. Perhaps the most popular adaptation was the one by Walt Disney. This more current adaptation is by Jim Eiler with music by Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy for the Prince Street Players, Ltd.

Set in Italy, this is the beloved tale of Pinocchio, a life-sized puppet created by the caring puppet maker, Geppetto. Knowing of his longing for a son, the Blue Fairy brings Pinocchio to life as a reward for Geppetto's remarkably generous spirit. The Blue Fairy promises Pinocchio that if he always obeys his father, someday he would become a real boy. But the best laid plans can sometimes go awry and Pinocchio's boyish longings lead him away from his father and on an adventure unlike any other. Hurtled from the Land of The Toys to the belly of a giant, Italian-speaking whale, Pinocchio learns that no love is greater than that of a parent for a child.

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iACADEMY School of Continuing Education (iSCE) is pleased to welcome its new Executive Director, Mr. Jordan Imutan, who took the lead last July 2014. A seasoned professional whose career spans over two decades of industry innovation and excellence in the IT field, Mr. Imutan now tries to share his learnings and experiences through iSCE in the service of education.

As iSCE's new leader, Mr. Imutan envisions different strategies of maintaining, improving and ensuring that iSCE continues its excellence through his direction. He sees how our fellow Filipinos can be up-skilled for the coming ASEAN Integration. The Integration is expected to open up and boost investments, create jobs and incomes in the whole region. All member states would then be open to zero import duties for ASEAN products and services by 2015, while all nationals within the state would then be allowed to freely work anywhere in the region without exclusions.

The said integration will allow for opportunities for our companies and work force to collaborate extensively and create a stronger backbone for our economy. With a combined $2.2 trillion GDP market, the best companies in the ASEAN nations will be able to compete with local companies of their neighboring country. However, in order to compete, our local companies would need to raise the quality of our products and service. Moreover, the very competency of our human resource must also necessarily improved, in order to compete with the best of the best in the ASEAN.

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We will be doing raffle and giveaways every month from now on courtesy of our amazing sponsors and partner brands.

We will start with the hashtag promo brought to you in partnership with Zomato.

The instruction is very simple and you'll get to win lots of goodies from Zomato like a cool red shirt and a restaurant GC worth P 1000.

Just tweet anything about Zomato and add the hashtag #WazzupPilipinas. Please also do not forget to tag @WazzupPilipinas so we could easily spot you.

Follow us on Twitter.

@WazzupPilipinas and @PinoyTekkie for more updates.

You may tweet all you want everyday until the end of the month.

Best tweet for the month of August will win the loots! It's that easy!

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Makati Tourism Launches First HoReCa Festival 2014

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Your pambansang blog ng Pilipinas was invited to the official launch of first-ever HoReCa Tourism Festival in Makati history. It was also the unveiling of the campaign to promote Makati vity as “The Business Tourism Hub of the Philippines.”

Representatives from the Department of Tourism (DOT) were there to support the event led by Catherine Agustin, OIC from the DOT-NCR. Other members of the presscon panel include MFTI Executive Director Volatire Villegas, Adelia Majaba from Danex Expo International, Festival Chairperson Ma. Theresa Dacer, MFTI President Dr. Elton See Tan, Hotel Intercontinental Hotel Area Manager Christian Pirodon, New World Hotel General Manager Farid Schoucair.

The launch was held last August 11, 2014 at the Glass House function room of the New World Hotel, where else but in Makati city. Members of the media, including a few group of bloggers, were invited to witness the first in history.

Everyone is invited to Sip, Savor and Swoon at the first HoReCa Makati 2014. HoReCa stands for Hotel, Restaurant, Cafe/Catering and is considered as significant contributors to promote tourism in every country. Every tourist would love to go to places where these said establishments are at its best. They directly attracts visitors to experience a convenient and comfortable stay at every country. When tourists are aware of impeccable service and products from these establishments, we are assured of regular and returning visits to our country.