Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Gumbo: Discovering the Taste of New Orleans Here in the Philippines

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Your friendly neighborhood Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas got an invite to try out a restaurant called Gumbo with a sub-line of "A New Orleans Restaurant" at its branch located at SM Megamall. Their very first branch was at SM Mall of Asia but since the branch in the said Mandaluyong mall is conveniently located at the center of the metro, the organizers decided to have the bloggers' event there.

While having our lunch, Mr. Albert, the Managing Director of both Gumbo and its sister restaurant Burgoo, informed us of some of the trivial information about the Gumbo restaurant, including where it got its name. I was surprised to know that the word Gumbo was derived from the African word for "okra," a pod like vegetable that was introduced by African slaves to thicken the stew we now call Gumbo. It has an incomparably rich flavor and texture and was derived from the cooking of French, Spanish, Indian, and African residents of the area.

When asked for my preferred drink, I had the urge to order for the drink with most unusual and intriguing name - the Elephant Charger. I don't really know why they call it that way but there's definitely no elephant harmed in the preparation of this concoction. It was a refreshing blend of a few fruits that go smoothly well with the sumptuous dishes served.

Another very interesting fact about the restaurant is that whenever customers order for their Gumbo or their other specialty called the Jambalaya, the restaurant crew will shout the dishes name as soon as they come out of the kitchen.

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WeChatters are busy – sometimes you need to multi-task, send a message at work, or use a keyboard to type quicker and longer messages. That’s why three years ago, WeChat launched the Web WeChat, a web-based client, and have been improving it ever since. So you can WeChat with your friends and family directly on your desktop.

Have you checked out Web WeChat?

· It’s available for all WeChat Users – iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Symbian and Windows.

· And is supported on multiple browsers. For example, Chrome, Firefox, Safari.

To access:

1. Visit https://web.wechat.com/

2. With your WeChat QR code scanner, scan the QR code shown

· iOS users: Tap “+” in the upper right corner -> “Scan QR Code”

· Android users: Tap the three dots in the upper right corner -> “Scan QR Code”

3. On your phone, confirm your web log-in

Firgun: A Book Swap Event For A Cause

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In this digital age when e-books, social media and blogs are the "in" thing to read, it is quite surprising to know that there are still a significant few that collect and read the printed book versions that many would probably refer to as the old school style of reading.

I remember the earlier days when I used to roam around all the bookstores in search of bargain books and magazines. I was a collector of the sci-fi, detective and adventure literature and glossy magazines of the same genre. But when e-books started becoming popular and many blogs started posting a lot of interesting readings, that passion of collection diminished.

However, I still collect a few rare ones that usually pops out as sensational or controversial but unfortunately, not entirely for reading but more on collecting. I'm not sure if I can still be called a bookworm, but I have to admit that the feel of turning the pages of a real book is a lot different from swapping of pages on the tablet. There is something about the touch, and smell, of the printed form that excites the senses.

This coming February 21, The Dream Shirt, an online shop that sells book inspired t-shirts, will be having its first book swap event called “Firgun”. It will be held at Local Edition Coffee and Tea in Makati City from 1PM to 4PM.

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Art has embraced the use of science and technology to create more engaging displays of creativity and the imagination. With the fast-paced developments in the scientific and technological fields, it is not surprising that other fields are tapping the opportunities to collaborate to reach out to more people and get the much needed attention towards the appreciation of art.

A partnership in presenting to the public more vivid and detailed masterpieces is more than welcomed by many artists and art enthusiasts. We all know museums should become one of the many preferred destinations by both local and foreign tourists who value both the nation's culture and artistic means of expression whether through traditional paintings and sculptures or modern craftsmanship aided by technology.

This is why I am excited about the partnership between the Lopez Museum & Library and Samsung as it opens its first exhibition for 2015. The exhibition is entitled 'Propaganda' and will be held on February 6, 2015.

The exhibition fleshes out the idea of myth-making and its capacity to inspire change or derail genuine national progress. Using state-of-the-art Samsung equipment and programming to enhance the museum-going experience thru digital technology, it is an exhibition that challenges not just our notions of art and history, but also how we view museums and libraries.

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The season to be more intimate brings out a plethora of special promos and personalized packages for all the couples out there that would like to make their Valentine's Day celebration truly memorable and romantic. Aside from the traditional bouquet of flowers, huggable bears, sweet chocolates and heart-shaped treats, I guess the day would become a lot more unique and better if we could become a little more creative and at synch with the times.

Life is truly good as Techbox Philippines, the fastest growing gadget retail chain in the country, launches the “Sweetheart Promo” in time for ‘love month’ this year. This is an opportunity to go techie with your lovey-dovey especially for the young generation who simply couldn't stay away from their favorite gadgets like smartphones while posting status updates or selfies on their social media accounts.

Featuring an exclusive offer for Valentine’s, Techbox Philippines is launching a Buy-1, Take-1 deal to its customers. From February 12 to February 28, those who buy an LG G2, LG P713, or an LG E425 at Techbox Philippines stores will get a similar handset for free.

“Techbox Philippines is the go-to lifestyle gadget store of Filipinos. We understand how important it is to show your affection to your special someone this Valentine’s Day, and what better way to do that than to always be connected to your loved ones?” said Angela Gutierrez, Business Unit Head for Techbox Philippines.

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Who doesn't want to go to Italy? Traveling in this 'bel paese' would always be welcomed any day of the year. I would quickly pack my bags carrying even just a few shirts and jeans just so I won't miss the chance of returning to this beautiful country. Given any opportunity to attend an event or special occasion, I will immediately drop everything that I'm doing just to experience Italy all over again.

Aside from their seemingly exquisite and sophisticated manner of speaking, the Italians are very much well-dressed and family-oriented. The passion and flair that Italians are known for are evident, not only in their culture and the arts, but in their cuisine as well. Italy has a rich culinary history that has been developed with a variety of influences. Antipastos and primos lovingly tease the palate ; secondos are savory, they immediately satisfy while dolces are decadent, you could not afford to miss a mouthful.

The delectable dishes of Italy come alive in Italianni’s new offerings collectively known as “Tastes of Italy.” Created by Bistro Corporate Chef, Josh Boutwood, these were inspired by the authentic flavors of the region using fresh ingredients. What’s more, they are available in big servings that are made for sharing, staying true to the Italian tradition of celebrating with family and friends over mounds of food on the dining table.

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We would always have some candies on hand especially when we travel long distances. When the destination requires a severely long time to reach we must be ready with water to quench the thirst and to relieve us of dry mouths. But the problem in drinking water while on a trip is you would tend to pee a lot. This is why we also keep a few gums and candies accessible either in our pockets or bags so we can easily get to them when we get bored doing nothing while on the car, bus or jeepney.

Among the many brands of candies and sweet treats that I like is Mentos. I sort of like their many flavors that I often buy because each one taste distinctively different.

This is why I was excited to hear the news about Alpenliebe - a product made by Perfetti Van Melle, the same people responsible for Mentos, as well as other all-time favorites like Fruitella and Chupa Chups. This is another product to look forward to and would like to try as soon as possible.

Alpenliebe recently announced Solenn Heussaff as its very first endorser. They've chosen Solenn because Alpenliebe believes that she brings the brand to life with her multi-faceted ways. Her inner and outer beauty shine in everything she does and sweeps her fans off their feet. Much like how Alpenliebe’s very smooth and silky finish is just the tip of the iceberg. The real treasure comes in its ingredients making each and every experience unforgettable.

Be My Valentine "Amorous" Party for a Cause on February 14

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Witness a fiery & fierce night with ledge dance contest & body shot competition ...

Get ready to heat up the dance floor with your shakin' booties.....

Party with hot and sizzling babes and hunks...with the Top Teens Manila

Experience the Valentine like no other with most promising DJs in town and blast the night with ultimate rave party music.....

Celebrate your valentine's day the extra ordinary way!!

#realtalk #valentinesday #amorous #bemyvalentineamorous #amorous2015 #raveparty #eventforacause

Only at Be My Valentine Amorous! (Rave Party for a Cause)

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Bask within the spectrum of lights, relish the rhythm of the beat and dance the night away with the enigmatic exuberance of the crowd as you have the time of your life at NOIR, the UST JFINEX Annual Alumni and Membership Night.

The NOIR: The UST JFINEX Annual Alumni and Membership Night 2015 will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Club Haze, The Fort Strip, Taguig.

For more information, visit and like the Official NOIR page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NOIR-2015/1537024956571853

Oriental Palace Restaurant and Banquet Hall: Perfect for a Festive Family Feast

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Do you know what first came into my mind when I first set foot inside this new restaurant along Tomas Morato? The Tardis - that time machine and spacecraft shaped like an ordinary Police box to make it inconspicuous from everyone else. The Tardis is operated by a Time Lord known to many as Doctor Who in the popular British science fiction television program similarly named after its lead character. Just like the Tardis in the Doctor Who show TV show, the interior of the Oriental Palace Restaurant and Banquet Hall is very much larger than its exterior - that is if you entered through their Tomas Morato entrance. Not everyone would immediately notice that they have two other bigger entrances at the left and right sides along the streets of Scout De Guia and Scout Gandia.

Your friendly neighborhood Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas was gawking in amazement after I've realized I've just been deceived by its humble facade along Tomas Morato. I really thought it was just another small fast-food restaurant since it's Tomas Morato entrance is situated in the middle of two other fast-food joints. My first impression was soon replaced by an overwhelming surprise after realizing Oriental Palace Restaurant and Banquet Hall was a two-level restaurant that's really almost as big as a palace.

There are not much restaurants in the country that can offer a huge banquet hall for a festive celebration. What I like about Oriental Palace Restaurant and Banquet Hall is that, aside from the functions rooms that you can find at the second floor, the ground floor was designed to accommodate huge or smaller gatherings since they have installed means to divide certain portions of the area into smaller function rooms. Thus many activities like birthday parties, wedding receptions, private meetings, press conferences, product launches, or other corporate functions can be done all at the same time.