Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Madrid Fusion Manila: Philippines and Spain to Spark New Culinary Fusión

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Filipinos love to eat. This is probably why there's a lot of restaurateurs setting up their own food business here in Manila. Both local and foreign brands have proliferated as fast as our backyard mushrooms. It seems in every corner of an area, there's a restaurant coming into scene. We see a lot of popular international restaurant franchises now setting foot in the Philippines.

Thus, it is not surprising that a food-related event will be very successful as everyone seems to be eyeing to be a chef nowadays. Everyone wants to be a culinary expert so they can be called "chef" with the utmost qualifications and credentials. Setting up a restaurant is always easy, but you need to provide great tasting food with superior presentation so it will please all the senses that Filipinos will adore.

Madrid Fusión, one of the most globally anticipated annual gastronomic affairs, is set to seize the Manila summer with three exciting events—the International Gastronomy Congress, Trade Exhibition and Flavors of the Philippines Festival. A grand launch was held at Fairmont Hotel in Makati last March 2, 2015 led by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Mon Jimenez.

This will be an interesting event to be part of this coming April. I can't wait for April. But never worry, time flies so fast especially when you're having lots of fun eating your way towards the said date. More restaurant reviews soon along the way as we get near Madrid Fusion Manila.

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STAR Magic talents painstakingly defeated the best players of Philippine collegiate basketball at the Celebrity Slam Jam held last March 1 at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The STAR Magic roster braved the intimidating height and skills of the UAAP’s and NCAA’s best to land a defying win for their fans in the Celebrity Slam Jam, a charity basketball tournament held for Philippine basketball legend Samboy “Skywalker” Lim.

Despite the apparent disadvantage, STAR Magic was able to get the upper hand at the start of the game, with Xian Lim quickly garnering six points before De La Salle’s Jason Perkins finally gave the college all-stars their first point at the third minute.

While the young basketball veterans were still heating up, the surprisingly nimble Matt Evans and Young JV where able to sidestep a seemingly dazed all-star defense and built up quick leads for STAR Magic.

STAR Magic’s time soon came, as the all-stars began to get their offense together. University of the East’s Roi Sumang kicked off the collegiate effort with the game’s first three-pointer, with Ateneo’s Kiefer Ravena slowly bridging the gap with daring shots inside STAR Magic’s defense.

Despite their effort, the all-stars lost the first quarter to STAR Magic thanks to Jose Sarasola’s amazing offensives and Gerald Anderson’s surprising three-pointer, ending with a score of 20-23.

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Ahoy, Mateys!

We are pleased to announce that the community of Department of Advertising and Public Relations (ADPR) in PUP Manila is taking a giant leap forward and having an official reunion for its 50th year anniversary that will happen at the Plenary Hall of Marikina Hotel, Marikina City on March 22, 2015. The festivity dubbed as ALL ABOARD: THE GOLDEN VOYAGE, 50 YEARS OF SAILING will begin exactly at 4:00 in the afternoon.

Established in 1954, ADPR continues to produce dedicated expertly trained, technology- proficient, socially responsible and values-oriented, and globally competitive future advertising practitioners and entrepreneurs. Some of ADPR’s notable alumni are Jonathan Manalo (Director-Star Records), Marcelo Santos III (Author of “Para sa Broken Hearted”), Francis Homo (Art Director-IdeasXMachina, Jolo Moreno (Account Executive-Abracadbra Productions).

This nautical dinner and cocktail party will be filled with fun and exciting activities such as talks from different personalities from the field of advertising and public relations, performances from the members of ADPR department, raffles and games—and with only a few days until show time, our team has kicked into full gear. Project head Lowie Eniceo along with his independent events agency, GANAP Design and Events, are committed in making this big production one that goes down in history.

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It's amazing to see horseback riders gallop their way towards a destination. It seems so easy as they sometimes would gracefully trek a path that we would normally take longer. Their long legs will indeed take you farther than any man can manage to do on his won without any help from a motorized or with engine vehicle. It is also not everyday you would see horses being rode in Manila but we got a glimpse of this very rare occasion at the Manila Polo Club in Makati.

We have to thank Mr. Butch Albert for giving us the opportunity to see horses in all their glory. Just how they were meant to be. Riding together with their rider as one. The man behind iSportlife Inc., (FILA Philippines), a leading distributor and wholesaler of world-class sport shoes and apparel, sponsored the 1st iSportlife Equestrian Cup held last February 28, 2015 at the West Polo Field of the Manila Polo Club located in Makati city, and participated by competitive by a few young riders of the upper class. Of course, this kind of sport is so high-end that not too many can possibly join just like that.

Though the sun was hot, it was the perfect weather for the much-awaited competition. It would be quite hard to play this kind of sport under the rain, and the horses react to sudden lightnings and thunder. Thus this sport is perfect to be played during the summer time. Since June is officially the rainy season, we still have a few more months to spend. I'm betting this will be an annual affair so many would surely be interested in joining again next year

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After pioneering online laboratory results in the Philippines, Hi-Precision Diagnostics (HPD) is offering another healthcare innovation – the country’s medical diagnostics mobile application.

Developed to make health management more convenient and accessible, the Hi-Precision Diagnostics mobile app features a sophisticated software program that provides a cumulative report or the summary of an individual’s previous medical test results. Apart from providing figures, the report also contains green and red arrows, for clearer indication of high and low results.

“Today’s widespread adoption and use of smartphones and mobile devices have opened new ways to improve healthcare management. With the use of mobile apps such as HPD’s medical diagnostics app, one can gain access to useful information whenever and wherever it is needed,” Kendrick So, HPD’s I.T. manager, said. “This is especially helpful for individuals who need to keep track of important health indicators such as sugar or cholesterol levels. With the app, one does not have to worry about going to the lab, to get results or find your previous records.”

The results can be downloaded online in the form of a Portable Document File (PDF). As the first medical laboratory in the Philippines that allows patients to access and download their results online, HPD is also the only laboratory that stores a patient’s history permanently while maintaining security and confidentiality. Other institutions, while offering online results, only keep records for a certain period of time.

Supreme Sampler Graduation Treat at Burgoo!

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Indeed special occasion like graduation is best shared and celebrated with your family. Share and enjoy this Supreme Sampler with the whole family complimentary of Burgoo to all graduates of 2015. No minimum purchase needed!

Just dine in at any Burgoo restaurants located at Tomas Morato in Quezon City, Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Makati, The Podium and Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, Gateway Mall in Cubao, The Block at SM City in North EDSA, SM City Marikina, Fairview Terraces Mall, The District Ayala Mall in Cavite, SM Southmall in Alabang, and Starmall in Taguig.

Just present any proof of graduation (diploma, certificates, etc) and you’ll get this sumptuous Supreme Sampler (combination of Burgoo’s well-loved appetizers such as Bufallo Wings, Cheddar Cheese Fries, Mozzarella Sticks and Onion Rings) for free!

Likewise the whole family will surely enjoy other Burgoo’s favourite dishes like Shrimp and Ribs Platter, Seafood Caesar Salad, Chicken Dianne, Shrimp or Chicken Fajitas, supreme pizzas, pastas and luscious desserts, among others. For reservations and inquiries, please call 9277424, 8981815, 6875565, 7264663, 9136112, 5560091, 6336256, 4420115, and 4771932.

Gumbo Salutes Graduates with Free Pepperoni Pizza!

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Gumbo salutes all graduates of 2015 by giving away free Pepperoni Pizza which they can share with the whole family! Just dine in at any Gumbo restaurants and present any proof of graduation to get this sumptuous treat, no minimum purchase needed!

More sumptuous treats await the whole family at Gumbo such as Cajun Blackened Salmon, Barbecued Shrimps, Family Feast, Baked Artichoke Formagio, Cream Dory with Mango Salsa, Seafood Jambalaya, Fish & Chips, Ultimate Seafood Feast, Halibut Pesto, delightful pizzas and pasta and must-try desserts!

Gumbo restaurants are located at the 2nd level, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia; 2nd level, The Block, SM City North Edsa; 3rd level, Robinsons Place Manila Midtown; 2nd level, Atrium Bldg., SM Megamall; Gateway Mall Araneta Center; and Robinsons Magnolia. For reservations and inquiries, please call 5560238, 4420106, 5671820 and 6353015.

What To Do This Summer For Your Kids

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Aside from Christmas, summer vacation is the kids' favorite time of the year. Finally, a respite from months of pouring over books and struggling over homework.

But summer break should not be an excuse for kids to just laze around for two months. There are many fun, productive activities your children can engage in.

Are your children interested in athletic activities? Why not enroll them in sports clinics or let them take swimming lessons?

For the artistically inclined, get in touch with local artists who hold summer art workshops. Those who love music can enroll in voice, guitar or piano lessons.

If you don't have the budget for professionally taught lessons, you can also teach your children how to cook in your very own kitchen.

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The Five Knights production of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, will be conducting an Intergalactic informative and Entertaining Seminar workshop entitled “Stratwars: The Strategy Shift” The interstellar event will be held on March 9 2015 at SM City Sta. Mesa Manila Cinema 9, 11am-4pm.

Aim: The event aims to disseminate quality information about the newest Strategy in Corporate world, so marketing students and other business related courses will be ready to attack the market in a whole different and creative way they can.

This event will also deliver speeches that will inspire and motivate the audience that will surely improve their Personal development.

Participants: The Seminar is Open to any Courses specially Business Related courses like Marketing, Management, Human Resource, Entrepreneur who are specifically the target of the Seminar.

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After almost two months of preparation, a group of Polytechnic University of the Philippines Marketing Management Students showcased their talent on how to conduct an academic seminar. And last February 20, 2015, Erudite Productions finally conducted a seminar entitled “Metamorphosis: Unfolding the World of Digital at Cinema 9, SM City Sta. Mesa. The whole cinema was jam-packed with students from different schools, professors, parents, relatives, friends and other special guests. Based from the theme Metamorphosis, the lectures of the two speakers tackled about the evolution of Traditional Marketing to Digital Marketing. Their talks were not only informative but truly motivating. And what’s good about it was that the audience were able to interact with them. There were also intermission numbers which really made the crowd go crazy! And of course, raffles and give-aways from the generous sponsors.

The event started with a doxology which really captivated the hearts of the audience, followed by the Philippine National Anthem and PUP Hymn. The people behind the production were introduced one by one; MARJORIE R. CAGADO (Project Head), RAFAEL P. RIVERA (Co-Project Head), JOHN DAVID V. GALIZA (Marketing Head), KRISTY V. LEBRIL (Treasurer), JEREMIAH NORIEL and SARAH ROSE SALLEGUE (Public Relations), FELIZA JANE NALANG, ALLYSA FLORESCA CUNANAN and LOU JAME AQUINO (Research & Development), JERICCA ANN OROCAY and ANGELO DUEŇAS (Graphics & Designs), PAULO S. NAVARRO (Officer-In-Charge) and Professor ANGELINA G. GOYENECHEA (Adviser).

The hosts, Kristy and Dave, acknowledged the presence of the audience and guests. They also gave thanks to the sponsors of the event by the aid of an AVP.

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Madame Tussauds Singapore and Singapore Airlines announced the launch of a wax figure of the iconic Singapore Girl, one of Singapore’s best known icons.

The figure is modelled after Ms Nur Surya Binte Mohamed Ambiah, a flight stewardess with Singapore Airlines (SIA) who joined in 2007 but left to start a family in 2011 and rejoined SIA in 2012 under the Returning Crew Scheme.

“We are truly delighted to have created a wax figure of the Singapore Girl; she is a global icon and the epitome of grace and hospitality. Representing a leading Asian brand, the iconic Singapore Girl is well-known all over the world and therefore we wanted to feature her in our attraction which aims to showcase the best of Singapore!” said Ms Sharon Wong, Marketing Manager, Madame Tussauds Singapore.

“The Singapore Girl, with her distinctive sarong kebaya, is a global icon and one of the most instantly recognizable figures worldwide. She is perennial and appeals to both young and old. Our customers have a strong emotional connection with our brand as a result of her iconic image. Her contribution to SIA’s brand is invaluable and we are excited for her to be featured in Madame Tussauds Singapore,” said Mr Marvin Tan, Singapore Airlines Senior Vice President Cabin Crew.

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On March 13, 2015, Ley La Salle, the professional organization of Legal Management students and aspiring lawyers of De La Salle University, will hold its second Business Law Conference (BLC) with the theme: Into The Era of ASEAN Integration. From last year's successfully held conference, which tackled business and law in the technological age, this year's focus will be on the symbiosis between the domestic laws and the upcoming economic integration.

Acknowledging the importance of being business-driven individuals, BLC is an event to look forward to be informed about the opportunities in store for everyone brought by the said integration. From deciding which career path to take to choosing what business venture to pursue, all of these will be discussed at BLC 2015. The conference will also dwell on the alongside implications of the political and economic assimilation of the Philippines with the other South East Asian countries.

Here are some of the prominent speakers to educate you about the matter-- Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara; Mr. Jonathan Yabut, winner of The Apprentice Asia Season 1; Atty. Tonisito Umali, Assistant Secretary for legal and legislative affairs of the Department of Education; and many more.

Frolicking at the Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City (Part 1 of 2)

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If you want to watch the Panagbenga Festival parade in Baguio, be sure to be there along Session Road as early as 4 am so you can get the best spot for photographs. It should be the very first in your itinerary after eating breakfast (or better yet - eat later), otherwise you'll end up missing the highlights, walking towards Burnham Park, struggling your way through the crowd, trying to squeeze in your camera to take a shot, and left with very few magnificent photos of the floats and the stars that adorn (ride) them.

I was in luck since I met some photographer friends officially covering the event for the LGU so I was let in beyond the crowd borderline. I can't believe they recognized me among the crowd. They yelled out to me as "Wazzup Pilipinas - the Pambansang Blogger!" I laughed when I heard the shouts. Nowadays, you really need "friends" in high places (like Baguio) to gain an edge.

We were in Baguio last February 28 to March 1 due to an invitation from the leading real estate developer in the country. Camella Homes of Vista Land goes to the summer capital of the Philippines to promote their properties to the many diverse visitors who were currently in Baguio because of the Panagbenga Festival. They had a booth at the special GMA Kapuso concert setup at SM City Baguio. Since visitors of the Panagbenga Festival mostly came from all parts of the Philippines as well as other foreign visitors from other countries, it was but right to promote their properties during the month-long festivities. They hold parades during the weekends so it was the perfect time to have some marketing efforts in Baguio city.

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I've gone under electrocautery thrice already. The experience was never pleasant. You can imagine the painful minutes I had to endure.

I've recently discovered an alternative way to remove warts without the painful process of electrocautery, and that is through herbal cautery. RCC Amazing Touch offers removal of warts using Rolando C. Dela Cruz' amazing invention that originated from cashew nuts. What is even more amazing, the multi-awarded inventor is a Filipino. It is baffling why not too many are aware of his amazing invention.

I was never really into skin care during my younger years, and even now. The only cosmetics products that ever gone near my face was talcum powder. I think my parents never really made us so conscious of how we look. Our daily routine as kids never really taken into consideration having a skin maintenance time. I never really cared because my sin was great as it is, and I knew I looked good because my girl classmates and friends were all over me.

This went on until my working student days as a fast-food restaurant crew. My days as a service crew for three of the popular fast-food chains in the country was a great help to finance my studies but the long hours at work plus the dirty environment buzzing the left-overs of diners was never really helpful in caring for my skin. This was probably the reason why my chicken fox experience was a disastrous moment of my life. The minimal caring for my skin went on until I graduated and landed my first jobs. The nightmarish "bulutong-tubig" phase was quickly forgotten when the ladies from my first jobs continue to hover around me like vultures waiting to prey on an unsuspecting delicious meal. Lol!

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Our Wazzup Pilipinas TV show will officially start to roll this weekend.

Ipon mode muna siyempre para sa isang buong season - assignment of tasks, production meetings, preparation of scripts, props, promotional materials, scheduling of sponsors, guests, venues,... video editing, addition of special effects and graphics, promotions, etc.,... saka ipapalabas kapag pulido na. This involves too many people with different availabilities and preferences.

Hindi pwedeng i-serve ng hilaw pa, baka maasiman lang dahil hindi ito mangga. Kailangang paghandaan ng husto para plantsado at walang gusot. Hindi pwedeng ura-urada o agad-agad. Kailangan pinagplanuhan at pinaghandaan. Baka lalo lang kaming mapulaan kapag rushed job ang gagawin.

Pero sabi nga nila, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Kaya wait na lang muna ninyo maluto at saka mai-serve para magkaroon kayo ng chance na matikman. Saka kayo mag-comment, criticize, bash or praise. All are welcome to do so kahit detractor ka man or fan. Lol!