Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Surf 7107 Docu Premiers Reef’s Rover Collection

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Reef surfaces new fashion tech at Surf 7107 docu premier Summere officially rolls in as Reef’s fashion collection featuring Swellular™ Technology debuts with a documentary on the Filipino surfing lifestyle. With the travelling surfer in mind, Reef is presenting its latest men and women’s footwear collection highlighted by the special premier of Surf 7107.

The fashion show features Reef’s Rover Collection in head-to-toe outfits, reflective of Reef’s Just Passing Through mentality. Styles are relaxed yet cool, recalling laidback summers and great waves. The footwear highlights Reef Swellular™ Technology which is made up of three distinct layers.
First is a super-soft, contoured Swellular foam deck for comfort, then a medium-density Swellular midsole for support and finally, Reef’s signature Swellular high-density rubber outsole.
“The Outsole is an example of Reef’s commitment to form and function, with tread patterns that mimic lines of ocean waves and ultimate comfort, support, traction, and versatility,” said Carlo Dionisio of Reef Philippines.

Reef was formed in the early 80’s by Argentinian brothers Fernando and Santi Aguerre. Combining their strong entrepreneurial spirit with their passion for surfing, the brothers built Reef as the top sandal brand in La Jolla, California. Their innovative sandal design, the Striped Smoothy, known for its bold stripes and comfortable foot bed, has become a classic and continues to be a top seller.

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ResDiary launched a new platform that allows you to receive booking via Twitter and Facebook. With around 15 million people registered on Twitter and 30 million using Facebook in the Philippines alone, “it’s vital that Restaurateurs and Hoteliers have a strong online presence in today’s market”, according to Dennis Ng, ResDiary Philippines President.

Dennis added: “Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook hold a large influence over people’s decision-making process, especially when it comes to booking their next hot spot to eat in. Now, booking a table for dinner just got easier, with this new product allowing people to make reservations via both Twitter and Facebook.”

Adding: “Social media platforms are a great way to engage with existing and potential guests and increase online exposure, promoting new menus and offers and advertise events. As well as taking bookings, managers can reach out to followers by running specific ‘Twitter Only’ promotions via ResDiary - a very quick and effective way to increase a restaurant’s online exposure, taking more reservations and increasing profits.”

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Hallyuniversity is now accepting new students!

Following 2013’s first Korean pop fan-gathering in the University of the Philippines Diliman, dubbed as Hallyuniverse: The Kpop Takeover, the University of the Philippines Society of Students for Korean Popular Culture, or HallyUP, is opening the gates to Hallyuniverse 2: Hallyuniversity this March 22, 2015 at the National Engineering Center in UP Diliman.

HallyUP is a special interest organization in UP Diliman that caters to the passion of the student for Korean Popular culture. In order to share the Korean wave with fellow students in other schools and universities, the organization is holding this event where participants witness presentations of the HallyUP members and different guest cover groups, purchase official and fan-made merchandises, win games and raffles with surprising prizes from the organizers and sponsors, or just have fun with the company of other K-pop fans.

Some can also win prizes with their talents in singing through the I Got the Voice contest or with their cosplay skills in the I Got the Looks competition. Various dancing cover groups are to present their synchronization to the original choreography of K-pop dances in I Got the Moves.

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In the theater, the term ‘Black Box’ refers to a space devoted where daring experiments and new visions are tested through performance. Performers who choose to go and perform in a black box are usually the ones with the most open hearts and sincere desire to hone their talent.

With the success of Philippine Opera Company’s Young Artists Black Box Series now on its second season, the audience will witness a bolder and braver take on Mozart’s masterpieces in “Mad About Mozart: Sex, Seduction, Death, and Transcendence”, this time in collaboration with RankOne Productions.

Mad About Mozart: Sex, Seduction, Death, and Transcendence — will present excerpts from the seminal operas and oratorios of Mozart integrated with dance, stream of consciousness narrative, and mixed media. All performers - singers, dancers, actors, and musicians - will be integrated with the audience for an all-immersive 360-degree black box theatre experience. Mozart’s music is alternatingly sacred and profane, exploring the perennial conflict between the id, the ego, and the super ego. Ultimately, the programming of the scenes will demonstrate that we can attain a state of classical ‘balance’ and inner peace by exploring the layered dimensions of dark and light.

As RankOne President/ Executive Creative Director Jon Meer Vera Perez says, the show is, "An exploration of the subversive themes in the seminal operatic works of Mozart; by journeying into the shadow world does one enter into the full grace of Light and Resurrection." The music will be presented in a contemporary setting, with modern and contemporary imagery, to challenge our perceptions of classical music in the 21st century. Mozart’s themes, both the sacred and the profane, are as relevant in 2015 as they were in 1791 when he died, giving us extraordinary insight into how we manage our lives through the choices that we make, and how those actions affect our relationships and the world around us. Ultimately, we only find peace by acknowledging our weaknesses, resolving to learn from our mistakes, and inevitably surrendering to the healing power of forgiveness and eternal Love.

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For the past 10 years, Flickr has been a companion to millions of memories by people from around the globe, all eager to share inspiring photographs with the world. Since the birth of the first ever major online community that is able to store, organize, tag, and share digital photos, Flickr has not stopped redefining everyone’s experience of online photo sharing by providing you with world-class tools and displays that you can access almost anytime, anywhere.

Flickr knows that there are just too many memories to save and share. On Flickr, that is not a problem, since everyone gets 1 terabyte of FREE storage to save each memory that comes with every photo. In addition to a large depot of all these photos, thehigh quality of your images is retained simply because Flickr believes you deserve the best. Flickr preservesthe beauty of your photos so that each time you store and access your photos, you see the images the same way you remember them. Nothing less. Retained photo quality plus large storage space means you don’t have to worry about posting as much photos as you want.

With Flickr, you can use editing tools and choose a filter to fit your mood when taking that shot. In case you change your mind, you may also change the filters after you have taken the picture. Then you can edit the exposure, color balance, and levels to make the photo suit your taste. You will really feel like a professional photographer when you use Flickr as you can see the specs of your shot by simply tapping on your photo. You will be able to see the focal length, aperture, shutter speed and other details of the photo you have taken.

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In support of “Transforming Communities Through More Responsive National And Local Budgets,” Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) gave assistance to the 11th Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Philippines National Conference held last February at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Quezon City.

CBMS is a tool for local government monitoring and governance. It is used to provide relevant information to policy makers and program implementers to empower communities.

More than 750 participants attended this year’s conference. The list includes local chief executives, local development planners, and officials and representatives of national government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs) and the academe.

The conference tackled the uses of CBMS for grassroots participatory budgeting process (GPBP), disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) and climate change adaptation (CCA), local poverty reduction action planning, local programming and project prioritization, impact‐monitoring, and the improvement of local governance. Another highlight of this year’s session was the discussion of best practices on the implementation of CBMS for fostering transparency and accountability in local governance and sustaining development initiatives.

“For several years now, Epson has supported CBMS in their goal to empower communities,” said Donna Ferro, Head of Marcom and PR for Epson Philippines. “It’s another way on how we want to improve the quality of life of Filipinos,” added Ferro.

Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady Announces Cast

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Dalanghita Productions, in partnership with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), will be kickstarting its first season with “ Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady the Musical, ” from Carlo Vergara’s one-act play and graphic novel of the same title.

COMEDY. DRAMA. ROMANCE. ACTION. DECEPTION.

CONFESSIONS. SUPERHEROES. SUPERVILLAINS. FAMILY and a MAID.
“ Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady ” revolves story of two sisters named MELY and VIVA who both yearn to fulfill their dreams. Their sibling relationship and rivalry becomes more complicated due to an unsettled past and a budding romance, all in the context of an ongoing war between the superhero and supervillain teams. Being a maid is tough enough, but when Mely lands a job under a group of superheroes, she steps up to the unique challenge for the sake of her family. The musical takes us through the journey of the characters as each tries to find his/her place in the world where superheroes and supervillains exist.

“ Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady ” is bringing back the artistic team behind Zsazsa Zaturnnah ze Muzikal, which was a massive success with its multiple stage runs (the popular comic book and musical was adapted onto the big screen afterwards). The story of Carlo Vergara (creator of Zsazsa Zaturnnah), together with the music of Vincent de Jesus (Himala the Musical, Batang Rizal, Juan Tamad), will be brought to life by director Chris Martinez (Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, Kimmy Dora, Temptation Island…Live!).

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Now on its 46th year, the CCP Summer Dance Workshop is once again paving the way for young dance talents to achieve their dreams to become professional dancers.

Starting on April 7, 2015, dance students from all over the country will flock to the Cultural Center of the Philippines for the five week-long summer dance workshop. Esteemed Ballet Philippines current company members and alumni will guide these aspirants in honing their craft. The workshop gives courses in Classical Ballet for all ages, Modern & Contemporary Ballet, Creative Movement, Jazz, and Hip Hop for kids and teens.

The workshop will conclude with two grand performances of a double-bill program: “Flower Festival” back to back with “Wonderland” on May 9 and 10 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).. “Flower Festival” will feature excerpts from Aguste Bournounville’s “Flower Festival at Genzano” along with other dances, while “Wonderland” adds a new kind of groove to the beloved classic, featuring the contemporary, jazz, and hip hop dance classes.

Scholarship auditions for the CCP Summer Dance Workshop will be held on February 28 and March 21, at the CCP Rehearsal Hall. Provincial applicants may also audition on April 7. Scholarships are available for students aged 9 to 13, intermediate & advanced students, and promising males from any dance background.

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Kalibrr, a Philippine tech start-up, recently joined the ranks of successful companies like AirBnB, Reddit, Dropbox, Scribd and 9-gag, which were initially funded by Silicon Valley venture firm, Y-Combinator. Headed by University of California-Berkeley alumni, Paul Rivera and Dexter Ligot-Gordon, Kalibrr is a cloud-based job-matching platform, which makes online recruitment not only faster and smarter, but also more reliable.

Kalibrr generated a whopping $2 million, the largest fund raised by a local start-up so far. This was made possible by a number of investors, 75% of which are foreign-based including Pierre Omidyar of eBay and Y Combinator, and 25% from PH-based Kickstart Ventures.

“We are proud to be the first Filipino company to receive support from the Valley, but we certainly hope that we are not the last,” says Rivera, Kalibrr founder.

The firm started local operations in the fourth quarter of 2014 and their platform is currently on beta, but the founders recently disclosed their plan of going full swing by the second quarter of this year.

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Looking for a way to up your hip hop game? Grab this opportunity to train under Italian choreographer and Hip Hop International Elite Judge Margherita Vasselli.

As part of the 46th annual CCP Summer Dance Workshop, Margherita “Meg” Vasselli joins in the Ballet Philippines tradition of bringing together budding dancers who are eager to learn. In this case, she will enrich advanced hip hop students’ vocabularies in New Style Hiphop.

Vasselli started her dance training at the age of 6 in ballet, contemporary, and modern dance. In 1999, she started studying hip hop with Italian and foreign choreographers. She also became a teacher in dance schools and a Hip Hop Presenter in Italy, Europe, and Brazil. In 2003 she started to work with Hip Hop International. This was the most important moment in her professional life, because she started to met the most important names of the Hip Hop movement, in USA and around the world. That same year, she became a certified international hip hop judge in Miami (Florida) and every year since then she attended the international course, focusing her attention both on the artistic side as well as on the technical side of the competition routines. She became an Elite Judge for Hip Hop International in 2014 and is currently is the judge director of Hip Hop International in Italy, Brazil and UK.