Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Pink Panda: Perfect Pica-Pica Pleasures

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I rarely write about buffet or pica-pica food served during media events but after recently attending one at this restaurant called Pink Panda South East Asian Diner, I really have to make an exception.

We were served with delightful pica-pica food that were totally sumptuous, that I found myself askin for more from the waitress to the point of calling their attention even from afar.

It was an afternoon event so snacks were expected but I was surprised that they made it a pica-pica style of serving where servers carry around trays of pica-pica food that you can grab from them while you're seated.

I was not really hungry that time since I just had lunch earlier, but after tasting the food especially their Chicken Sate, all I could say was "Wow! I have to eat more of these!"

Later, a few minutes after the event ended, a good looking guy walked into the restaurant and proceeded directly to the counter area to talk with some of the crew. From there I realized he must be one of the owners for he looks too charming to be one of the crew.

My hunch was right, for he was celebrity Erwan Heussaff, most widely known as the brother of actress Solenn Heussaff.

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Seiko Epson Corporation recently announced it had acquired Somerset, Wisconsin-based K-Sun Corporation, a supplier of award-winning portable and desktop electronic label printers. The acquisition of K-Sun, with its more than three decades of experience in the industrial identifications solutions market, will provide Epson with broader access to labeling customers and influencers as well as expand the company's presence in the industrial labeling market.

After supplying K-Sun with label printers on an OEM basis for two decades, Epson believes that acquiring its partner will enable it to better serve industrial customers with the ever expanding line of Epson label printing solutions - from the desktop to the industrial press. Junichi Watanabe, director, and chief operating officer of Epson's Visual Products Operations Division, commented, "We are delighted to take our partnership with K-Sun to the next stage. The acquisition will not only give us access to K-Sun's expertise in industrial label printing, but will help boost the Epson brand and increase exposure of Epson's label printers in this important strategic market."

Michael Kasun, founder and president of K-Sun, said: "K-Sun has enjoyed a strategic partnership with Epson since 1994. Now as a member of Epson's prestigious group of companies, we are very excited for our future and the new products and supplies that we can offer our customers and the expanded opportunities for our employees."

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The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) in pursuit of its objective of promoting cultural exchange through Japanese Language Education in the Philippines, announces the Nihongo Speech Contest to be held on Saturday, 28 February (TIU Theater, Mile Long Compound, Amorsolo cor. Dela Rosa Sts., Makati City). The speech contest, now in its 42nd year, is one of the major events of the 9th Nihongo Fiesta which will feature the Nihongo Quiz Bee, and a lot more activities on Japanese culture.

The Nihongo Speech Contest is an ideal platform for Filipino students and professionals to demonstrate their linguistic skills through articulating an original composition written by themselves on a theme of their choice. It continues to attract high caliber contestants from the country’s numerous language institutes, colleges/universities and other organizations offering Japanese language courses.

The Champion and the Outstanding Performance Awardee will both take part in an all-expense-paid week-long study tour in Japan; all qualified contestants will receive consolation prizes.

The deadline for submission to the Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) of the duly accomplished application form with a written copy and a recording of the speech (time limit – within 5 minutes) will be on Wednesday – 14 January 2015 for Davao/Mindanao applicants; and, Wednesday – 21 January 2015 for NCR / Luzon applicants.

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Numbering the days of colorum operations with new yellow license plates and pushing a paradigm shift to sustainable public utility vehicles (PUVs): these programs mark the beginning of the Department of Transportation and Communications’ (DOTC) program for 2015 to aggressively push for the modernization of the country’s public land transport services.

DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya today joins the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in issuing the brand-new, security feature-packed yellow license plates to PUVs for the first time; as well as the Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in inspecting the first-ever proposed route for electric jeepney (e-jeep) services in Quezon City.

“Safety and sustainability – these are key concepts in our modernization programs. Today is a milestone in the promotion of road safety through the use of new yellow license plates, and in the shift to sustainable, environmentally-friendly public transportation through electric-powered PUVs,” said Abaya.

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Food lovers and local sports fans rejoiced to the news of the Philippine opening of Buffalo Wild Wings at its very first branch at Capitol Commons, known to serve classic American food specifically NY-style chicken wings served with 18 signature sauces and seasonings ranging from Sweet BBQ to Blazin', spiced up with its wide selection of draft and imported/local bottled beers plus the exciting sports viewing atmosphere that will surely keep you hanging out until the restaurant's closing time.

The restaurant also offer other shareable dishes like burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and other delectable and mouth-watering dishes to keep your appetite in full blast while engaged in watching your favorite game. They regularly update their boldly-flavored menu including a variety of limited-time special offerings to keep things always fresh and interesting. That's more reasons to keep you coming back for more Buffalo Wild Wings dishes.

Founded by Jim Disbrow and Scott Lowery back in 1982 shortly after the two friends moved to Ohio from Buffalo. The two were driven by their craving for New York's popular food bar which was nowhere to be found in Ohio so they opened up their own wing joint near the Ohio State University campus. Three decades later, the modest wing joint has grown into an influential brand with over 1,040 locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and now in the Philippines.

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Entering its 17th year, The Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA), an organization dedicated to best practices in professional publishing, announced the call for entries for the "SOPA 2015 Awards for Editorial Excellence". The premier publishing awards represent the most outstanding journalistic accolade in Asia. Deadline for entries is February 26, 2015.

The SOPA Awards for Editorial Excellence were established in 1999 as a tribute to editorial excellence in both traditional and new media, and were designed to encourage editorial vitality throughout the region. The awards cover a broad range of categories reflecting Asia’s diverse geo-political environment and vibrant editorial scene.

New judging criteria for the award category "Journalist of the Year" will be adopted, in which entries from Group A, B and C will be combined for judging resulting in only one winner. Journalist of the Year is designed to honor the journalist who has best demonstrated excellence in editorial achievement. Last year winner's honor went to Mr. Todd Pitman of Associated Press.

The SOPA Awards highlight editorial excellence in both traditional and new media, and are designed to honor and encourage editorial vitality and innovation throughout the region, and welcome entries from English and Chinese-language publications for Asian journalism. The awards cover a broad range of categories reflecting Asia's diverse geo-political environment and vibrant editorial scene.

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Smart and Aquabest have signed an agreement for Smart to provide communications solutions to Aquabest franchisees. Signing the agreement are (L to R) Paul Tan Aquabest AVP - Operations, Carson Tan Aquabest President/CEO, Ian Glen Asuzano Senior Manager Corporate Sales Acquisition, and Arwin Malimban Account Manager for SMART Retail Sales-NCR.

Airborne Technologies Tough Rock Power Bank: Definitely Tough and Highly Recommended

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Our 3 days and two nights weekend getaway at Infinity Resort in Puerto Galera had actually had a side project to test out a new product that recently launched in the market. Aside from enjoying the accommodation, food, pool, beach, and other attractions in and around the resort, we did some test on the Airborne Technologies Tough Rock Power Bank.

This water-proof, shock-proof, and dust-proof device is not like any other power bank I've seen and used. At first look, you'll be somewhat curious, or intimidated, by its distinctively unique and eye-catching appearance and will prompt you to take a closer look and feel.

True enough, it feels tough as a rock, and even as heavy enough to damage or hurt anything you throw this device at. The design is also impressive as it never fails to attract the attention of anybody who sees it.

I've brought it several times at many occassions and whenever I bring it out to recharge my almost zero and dying battery-powered gadget, the people around me will approach me and ask me about it. They'll be surprised to know its a power bank, and would be asking several questions already.

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On January 15, young people will gather to interact with fellow youth and key government personalities about the merits and shortcomings of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK). Don't waste the opportunity to compete in creating game-changing apps for a better youth government. Will you be a part of ‪#‎HackTheSK‬?

#MNLShapingDavos is a two-day hackathon from January 15-16 that aims to address the challenges in creating a more transparent and accountable SK. We will also host Interactive Panels on the morning of the 15th (open to non-participants of the hackathon) with key personalities from the government like Senator Bam Aquino, the development sector like Transparency International-PH, and the media. The hackathon will give its participants the opportunity to compete in creating game-changing apps for a better SK.

This is part of the international project #ShapingDavos where 40 cities worldwide will discuss 10 topics related to the theme of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting on Jan. 20-24. It will provide local stakeholders and the general public with unprecedented live access to the communities and issues that are driving the global agenda.

There are two (2) ways you can participate:

1/ Join or create a team that will come up with a web or mobile app to solve the challenges in the SK (more details below); or

2/ Sign up as an individual during the Interactive Panel. Invite your friends, groups, and organizations to join.

Register through http://tinyurl.com/MNLShapingDavos before January 15. For detailed information about the hackathon rules and mechanics, please read below.

Time Stands Still is Red Turnip Theater's Second Season Finale

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Red Turnip Theater's founders have recently organized a press conference last January 6, 2015 to launch their season finale play entitled 'Time Stands Still,' another heralded play from Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Donald Marguilles.

At the Pink Panda South East Asian Diner located at the Y2 Residences Hotel that's just beside A. Venue Mall in Makati Avenue, the amazing team of Ana Abad Santos, Toper Fabregas, Ren Zamora, Jenny Jamora and Cris Villonco were excited to share their new production featuring Nonie Buencamino, Nor Domingo, Giannina Ocampo and Ana Abad Santos.

We've seen the success of their previous productions namely 'Rabbit Hole' from this season, as well as 'Closer' and 'Cock' from the first season, so we are so curious of what they have in store for us for their newest play to open this coming January 30, 2015 until March 8, 2015 at Whitespace in Pasong Tamo, Makati.

'Time Stands Still' was a hit when it premiered on Broadway in 2009 and was brought back for a second run the very same year. It also garnered two Tony nominations for Best Play and Best Performance by a Leading Actress for Laura Linney.

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Here are Mr. Quickie's Donate a Shoe Drive program flow and list of participating schools targeted in the project.

Mr. Quickie Corporation, the pioneer and the largest shoes and bags repair and key duplication chain in the Philippines are extending its effort to repair lives.

Driven by their mission to be an organization that cultivates a culture of Total Quality Management, achieving the highest standard of quality in their services, they will reach out to kids nationwide and be able to:

Spread learning through exposures to various fun-filled learning activities such as proper grooming
Give joy to kids by giving a brighter step to their future thru shoe donation
Engage in positive solutions for a sustainable future

The “DONATE A SHOE PROGRAM” is the flagship of Mr. Quickie’s Corporate Social Responsibility program wherein they give joy to kids by giving a brighter step to their future thru shoe donation. The program started last 2012 in partnership with SC Johnsons and partner schools in a quest to bring back the concept of “proper grooming” to kids, as the organizers seek assistance from schools to collect shoes for donation and at the same time teach students to share and care for their fellow students.

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A new-born baby is a precious gift given to every parent especially if its a first-born. We are all delighted to see the product of our love for each other when two individuals expressed their love for each other. It is thus shocking to find out that an estimated 7,000 babies die each year without warning.[i] If nearly one baby every hour each day dies abruptly, then this is a terrible trauma for every parent out there.

The possible causes of death remain unknown even after undergoing autopsy which leaves many parents clueless. Many are unaware that there is what is called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) - the unexplained death of babies usually occurring during sleep and striking under unexpected circumstances.

Studies have shown that babies with physical conditions including brain abnormalities, low birth weight and respiratory infection have higher risk of dying an unexplained death.

Still some studies indicated that an infant’s sleeping position may also be a cause. Babies sleeping on their stomach side are more prone as they may suffer more difficulty in breathing. Those sleeping on soft surfaces and with their parents are also at risk. [ii]

Even a healthy one-year old baby may be a victim of the condition which is often simply attributed to physical and environmental factors.

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Since we Pinoys are heavily influenced by Chinese food that can be found almost everywhere, it can be considered as among the more familiar comfort food of even the Filipinos all over the country. So whenever we want to be sure we will get contented with our meals at a time when we are really hungry, we would always go to where all the things we love for a hearty lunch or a sumptuous dinner can be found.

Chinese food never fails to please as most of us practically grew up dining on dishes with Chinese origin. Thus, our dining experience at Modern Shanghai was intentional as we want to be satisfied with our choices. Their Glorietta 2 branch was shared with the Bulgogi Brothers brand but we were not really in the mood for Korean or Shabu-shabu meals that day.

What we got was plenty of noodles to share among the family that day. It was actually pure coincidence everyone ordered for a noodle-based dish so we are called this day a Festive Noodle Dining Experience for the Family. But we were really there to celebrate in advance the birthday of one of our kids who's natal day is on January 6.

So from crispy to soupy, we delighted ourselves with some culinary masterpieces at Modern Shanghai that are truly heavenly gastronomical treats.

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With the coming visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines, I'm sure time will again stand still for many as almost everyone will opt to drop everything their doing just to get a glimpse of the next best thing closest in both mind and spirit to the Lord above.

Certain airlines have already announce several flight cancellations reaching more than a hundred for both arrival and departure dates of the Pope so it is advised not to schedule a flight during those Papal Visit dates. But who really wants to leave the Philippines during these exciting times when the man of God touches Philippine soil.

I'm sure there will also be a lot of traffic rerouting plans all over especially on the roads the pope will pass through. Our public utility vehicle drivers and passengers would be needing some necessary patience as some roads will be blocked to give way to more convenience for the Pope's entourage.

With the recent fare increase in the MRT trains, the public is also having double-thoughts if they will choose to continue to ride the fastest means of traveling in the Metro or opt for a more affordable fare using the buses but sacrifice being late due to the unrelenting traffic congestion no matter what time of the day it is.

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Now, with the holidays behind us, we’re very much ready to kick off 2015 with a big bang that's hopefully louder than all the explosive fireworks and boombastic sound-tripping and ear-popping karaoke sessions that happened before, during and after the 2015 New Year celebrations.

I know I was able to start my year right with a TV appearance in one of the top TV stations in the country and won at a raffle during the launch of the world's first digital fighting top at my very first blogging event for the year.

But I think my best accomplishment to start the year was an educational Science and Technology exploration at The Mind Museum with my family. There is nothing better than quality time with family and I am glad I was able to spend the first days of 2015 with some bonding opportunities with my wife and three kids before they finally return to their studies in school.

A whole day spent attending Sunday mass, food-tripping at three restaurants, a bit of shopping for new clothes for the year, and lining up at the barbershop to trim our hair, we also got to experience an afternoon at an amazing venue specially designed to enhance the creativity and imagination of every child.