Epson To Bolster Production Capacity of Leading-Edge PrecisionCore InkJet Printheads

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The development of printing technology continues its steadfast pace, with players aiming for faster print speeds, better quality prints, and low running cost.

That is why global digital imaging leader Epson is increasing the production capacity of its leading-edge PrecisionCore inkjet printheads. PrecisionCore printheads, which offer blazing fast print speeds and stunning image quality, are used primarily in office, commercial and industrial inkjet printers. The company is investing approximately 10 billion yen from the 2014 fiscal year (beginning April 1, 2014) through the 2015 fiscal year (ending March 31, 2015) in production lines at its Suwa Minami and Tohoku Epson PrecisionCore production sites in Japan.

Investment will total roughly 40 billion yen by fiscal 2015, including research and development spending and capital investment over the past decade.

Wanderlust Photography Exhibition at Water Dragon Gallery

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Writer/ curator Giselle P. Kasilag combines her twin passions for travel and photography in her first solo exhibition dubbed "Wanderlust: Windows to Asia." Featuring 40 photographs, the exhibit opens on November 13, 2014 -- which is also Kasilag's 40th birthday -- at the Water Dragon Gallery of the Yuchengco Museum.

"Wanderlust" showcases photographs Kasilag has taken on her trips to various places in Asia, including South Korea, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam and the Philippines. Her favorite subjects include architecture, especially windows and staircases, as well as street scenes and nature views.

"I like anything that can serve as a portal into another world. I enjoy it when I come across things that are different but still strangely familiar, or so familiar but vaguely different," says Kasilag.

Through her photographs, she hopes others can join her in discovering the extraordinary in the everyday.

Take Gorgeous Selfies with LINE B612!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Do you want to take your selfies to the next level? LINE, the world’s leading mobile platform with over 560 million users, has launched the B612 Camera App to revolutionize the selfie-taking experience!

Filipinos love to take selfies. In fact, two of the country’s cities have been globally recognized as the Selfie Capitals of the World: Makati and Pasig. Bearing this in mind, LINE is giving Filipinos a more enjoyable way to take their selfies.

LINE’s B612 is a simple camera app that strips away unnecessary features and zeroes in on making selfies look fabulous. The name B612 was inspired by one of the planets that the protagonist in the novella “The Little Prince” lived in.

Use B612 Camera App when you’re scouting for the perfect shot to send to your friends, upload on social media, or post on blogs. This app will certainly make your selfies look more stylish!

The B612 Camera App is now available for both iOS and Android users. It has tons of photo-editing tools, which allow users to decorate, smoothen edges, and add filters to their selfies.

ResDiary: Manage Your Restaurant With This Cool Online Reservation System

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With so many restaurants to choose from at every location, getting ahead or at least at par with, the competition is not only about serving affordable and tasty dishes but also on how you market your place. People need to know you exist before they could experience what you offer. Thus, arming yourself with the proper knowledge to reach a wider audience is very essential. There are several ways to promote and build your reputation as a prominent place for dining by Googling online, and one is by checking out Profitboss founder Adam Guild way of restaurant marketing.

Your friendly neighborhood Pambansang Blogger was invited to an intimate presentation of a new restaurant reservation system. The meet-up was held at the 2nds restaurant located in Bonifacio Global City where a handful of the members of the media witnessed the promising new system.

Start up company, Govago Inc, and UK Based restaurant reservation system, ResDiary, are introducing the first complete  online booking system that allows them to know more about their diners and manage tables more effectively. This new online reservation system is not only very useful for the customers but also for the restaurant owners. 

A shortcut for Restaurant Diary, ResDiary is a clever management tool designed to improve the restaurant reservation practice and also to enhance customer loyalty.

Diners will now have the convenience to book at any restaurant with the said system using any smartphone or computer. The portal and mobile phone products are designed to make it easy for diners to find restaurants and eventually book themselves. That's free bookings with no cover charges!

An Intimate Interview with One FC MMA Fighter Brandon "The Truth" Vera

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Your friendly neighborhood pambansang blogger is deeply honored to have been given the rare opportunity to have a one-on-one interview with a top MMA fighter who is also proud of his roots as a Filipino. Our idol is the son of a Filipino father, Ernesto and his Filipino step-mother, Amelia. His birth mother is Italian American which makes him half-American and half-Filipino, but he would probably be quick to reiterate that even though he is American by nationality, he is proudly all-Filipino by heart.

Imagine my delight after a phone call inviting me to interview the big guy at one of the hotels in Ortigas. I was actually surprised that it would be an intimate interview. Wow! It made me feel really special, so I was actually as nervous as a newbie because my thoughts keep reminding me "You need to make this interesting for both Brandon and the Wazzup Pilipinas readers."

I've read somewhere that Fil-Am Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Brandon Michael Vera will soon be fighting Ukrainian Igor Subora at the One Fighting Championship (One FC) “Warrior’s Way” event on December 5, 2014 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, so it's great timing to be able to ask more details and personal statements from the main man himself.

I decided to make it a video interview so that everything will be captured in its entirety for everyone to hear and see, including all the warm feelings and smiles from Brandon who actually understands and speaks fluent Tagalog. I would have loved to interview him in the vernacular but I was more comfortable hearing him talk in the universal language so that he can reach the heart and mind of more people from different nationalities all over the world.

The video is for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Wazzup Pilipinas Original Short Stories Series: The Client

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There’s this social truth with us about the “strong vs. weak”. Just like in our story, the social classes are different.

Mr. Smith is among the affluent, while Mr. Wilson is part of the lower class people. There are abusive parts where Mr. Smith told Mr. Wilson that he has no right to reject everything he said, especially the part where he was fired. The main conflict of this story is about the job and human rights of people. It is important for us to know when to save ourselves.

Life would seem a bit unfair most of the time since equality for all is not really very evident in society. There will always be a class dominating and continuously progressing inspite of all our hard work and creativity.

Most of us will still be divided among classes, and most of us will still reap from the benefits of belonging to the rich and influential families.

Though some of us may find comfort to know that all classes have their share of misguided elements.

Read and enjoy our short story for the day.

Wazzup Pilipinas Original Short Stories Series: A Place Where Forever Exists

Wazzup Pilipinas!


John and Cass were introduced here as a couple and have been together for almost four years already.


One day, Cass had an accident and was brought to the hospital. The doctor diagnosed that Cass has been suffering from brain cancer which explains why her head suddenly aches every now and then. What is worst is that, she only has two months left to live.

Cass so loves John so much that she thought of finding a replacement for her as the lover of John so he will not get hurt when she dies. She then thought her best friend Julia would be the best candidate. Cass then made a way for John and Julia to get close and arrange dates for them to fall for each other.

However, Cass wasn’t successful in making John fall in love with Julia. John found out about what Cass was planning and explained that he never really dated with Julia and he doesn’t like her. And in fact, John will never like anyone except Cass. Cass realized that John really loves her so much. Unfortunately, John died in a car accident before Cass’ last day of existence.

Below is our short story for the day. Read and enjoy.

Dance Unite!: One United Move and Groove to Raise Funds for the Rebuilding of Yolanda-­‐Stricken Areas

Wazzup Pilipinas!


The Yolanda-stricken communities are still in the process of rehabilitation so we could bring back a new and improved-for-the-better Central Visayas. It was such a touching experience hearing about lots of relief donations in many forms, from cash to kind, from service to celebrity visits, to the Philippines after the Yolanda or internationally known Haiyan tragedy.

However, we must not stop helping because the storm may be over, but the tragedy is still very clear in memory for those affected especially when they are now starting again from scratch, or from what little remains of their personal belongings or properties. The noble efforts must continue if we really want to

It would be of great help if we help rebuild their lives that have been devastated by a cruel weather disturbance that left many of our countrymen feeling so hopeless and forsaken after the loss of their loved ones and homes.

Thus, it is with great admiration to keep seeing movements for the benefit of these Yolanda-stricken areas. I understand that the process to recover will take years so all the efforts are well appreciated.  Among the many organizations that have partnered together to bring back hope for the Yolanda survivors are the Lifeline Foundation and Food for the Hungry.

Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth Supercharged by AMD Radeon's Mantle Graphics API

Wazzup Pilipinas!

AMD today joins Firaxis Games in celebrating the release of Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth, which features day-one support for AMD’s Mantle graphics API to enable top gaming performance for AMD Radeon graphics customers.

“AMD Radeon GPUs with Mantle are over a year ahead of other graphics companies in delivering high-throughput, high-efficiency graphics to gamers and developers,” said Matt Skynner, corporate vice president and general manager, Product and Platform Solutions Business Unit, AMD. “As gamers settle in for a marathon session of Sid Meier’s Civilization: Beyond Earth, we’re proud that the potent combination of Mantle and the award-winning Graphics Core Next architecture effortlessly enable the definitive experience.”

Mantle is a “low-overhead” graphics API that can help improve performance for gamers by making better use of multi-core CPUs, streamlining game code execution, virtually eliminating software bottlenecks and utilizing GPU resources with incredible efficiency.

Property24 Makes the Big Move to a New Home

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The largest real estate classified ads site in the country has recently transferred to a new, bigger and better home within the same Union Bank Plaza building in Ortigas Center. Your friendly neighborhood pambansang blogger decided to pay a visit to see what the "big move" fuzz was all about. I later found out that they are now at the 27th floor coming from their previous work hub at the 24th floor shared with OLX.

The property portal's new urban-themed modern workspace can now accommodate more people up to an average of 50 personnel. The new office environment is designed to be a laid-back setup so that the staff can freely move around and work comfortably wherever corner or spot of the office they prefer.

Property24 Country Director Steve Santos says they wanted an open office design that encourages out-of-the-box thinking and employee collaboration by implementing a good balance of fun and function.

BGC Passionfest 2014: A Boni-Fide Urban Fiesta on November 28 to 30

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"BGC Passionfest" is set to once again fill the dynamic city on November 28, 29 and 30, 2014 with various activities focused on culture, art, fitness, lifestyle and most of all, FUN!"

At a press conference held at the Lorenzo's Way restaurant last October 21, 2014, the team responsible in organizing BGC Passionfest 2014 announced the many planned activities happening on the three event dates highlighted by traditional Filipino food, games, and culture-inspired activities like kalesa rides, street food extravaganza and many more.

Your friendly neighborhood pambansang blogger is such a sucker for "throwbacks" and historically significant events so these activities lined up this last week of November would be a sure hit for me. This will also make the young ones appreciate the good old days when the Internet has not yet conquered the lifestyle of many individuals. Nowadays when smartphones, social media and apps ruled the past time of many, it is such a wonderful sight seeing the youth experience how it was during the past.

Dinner in the Dark from Zoomanity for the Benefit of the Eye Bank Foundation

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Zoomanity group has started bringing us "Dinner in the Dark", an activity that is already popular in some countries because of the uncanny situation that will leave most people learning to appreciate our sight more, and understanding the state of the blind handicaps.

The honorable program, that is more of an advocacy to support the Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines, was designed to encourage more people to undergo an experience that simulates the world of the blind people by providing you a venue where you will eat in total darkness. It initially started in Tagaytay as a part of the 4 venue trials but may soon become a regular activity in many of the Zoomanity group establishments.

We got to experience "Dinner in the Dark" in Makati, specifically at the Misono Teppanyaki restaurant along Jupiter street, where we were taken to a dark room, blindfolded at first, and eventually taken off as soon as everyone was seated.

What was amazing during that night was that our guides were the members of the blind community.

Chef Lau's Pugon Roasters Now at SM San Lazaro: Fiesta Araw-Araw with Fast Good

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Your friendly neighborhood pambansang blogger was recently invited to a grand opening of a new branch of restaurant partly owned by a famous chef couple. The invitation came directly from the chefs themselves so I'm pretty sure we were more than welcome to join the other VIPs and guests mostly coming from the friends, affiliates, suppliers, relatives and friends of the owners.

Chef Lau's Pugon Roasters now opens its 4th branch at SM San Lazaro, just a short walk from the LRT Tayuman station, and offers "fast good" that's not just yummy but healthier for you as compared with the traditional fast food restaurants that uses artificial flavorings and the dreaded MSG (more popularly known as the "vetsin" or "mono-sodium glutamate") or its similarities and variations that are continuing to proliferate the market and makes our food seem tastier but are actually endangering our health.

Chefs Rolando and Jacqueline Laudico, or more widely known as Chef Lau and Chef Jacqui of the famous Guevarra's by Chef Laudico and Patisserie Filipino, boasts of using only natural and fresh ingredients. No instant, no artificial, all good. The "pugon" oven or brick oven concept used in this fast food type but fine dining level of restaurant operation is remarkably the first, and a daring approach backed up by the culinary expertise of the Laudicos.

Plush Toy Making Workshop at Yuchengco Museum on November 9

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Create your own stuffed toy from scratch and spend quality time with your children at Yuchengco Museum’s hands-on Plush Toy Making Workshop on November 9, Sunday, from 2 to 5 p.m. In three hours, learn how to make your own plush toy, from cutting the pattern (or making your own!) to stuffing the toy and sewing it all together.

Choose from three plush toy options: pink teddy hug bear, blue teddy hug bear, or a googoo monster. The workshop is open to children at least 5 years old, as well as adults. Children between 5 to 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult, who will help create the plush toy.


About the instructors

Apol Lejano-Massebieau established La Pomme, an online shop of handsewn whimsical fabric objects, in France in 2007. Having relocated to her birth country, the Philippines, Apol opened her own brick-and-mortar shop in Makati, specializing in handmade toys and offering a craft space for children.

4 Things to Look for in a Franchise

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Franchising has boomed recently because of its reliability and potential as an investment for aspiring entrepreneurs and OFW’s.

Compared to starting out on your own franchising has several benefits chief such as reduced risk on the part of the franchisee. Franchisors have developed a system that takes out the guesswork on how to run the business. The have also built up a brand elevating it from other businesses. These factors have helped the industry thrive with thousands of franchise stores opening every year. To get started with franchising here are tips to help you choose the right franchise for you.

1) Reputation and Brand

This should be the top consideration for aspiring franchisees since with today’s hyper competitive market investing in a well-known brand usually boosts your chances for success. In the water refilling industry, Aquabest is considered the top brand with more than 700 stores nationwide. The company invests in high profile marketing and advertising on television or billboards to ensure that it is top of mind among consumers. At the same time it has a solid track record of industry reputation and integrity.