Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Dusit International Reveals Plans for Tourism Market in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Leading international hotel brand Dusit International has disclosed its intent to increase its presence in the Philippines, beginning with reaching out to the upscale, long-staying travel sector. The hotelier has further expressed plans to tap the strong MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) market in Asia.

“We are looking to grow in the other cities and destinations within the Philippines as we are positive about the country’s tourism outlook and potential. These new projects can leverage from our experience and established networks in the Philippines and in the region,” said Ryan Chen, Dusit International Director for Development Asia Pacific.

Focus on Davao

Currently, construction is underway for Dusit Thani Residences Davao. The first Dusit Thani Residences in Asia-Pacific, the 168-key full-service residences is scheduled for turnover in 2018.

According to Chen, Davao was chosen because of the positive economic growth in the region, which bodes well for the international hospitality industry. He further commended the company’s timely partnership with Filipino real estate developer Torre Lorenzo.

“We have found a quality partner in Torre Lorenzo as this company is both experienced with the local real estate market and is aligned with our vision for the Dusit brand in the Philippines,” Chen elaborated.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Start your week right with laughter as the BEST Stand-Up Comedy acts in the country is coming to Vu’s Sky Lounge!

This September, Vu’s Sky Lounge launches its new themed night - Comic Mondays with The Comedy Cartel - a veteran comedy group who has been performing all over the Philippines since 2007.

Next Monday (Sept. 14), Tim Tayag, one of the pioneers of point ot view stand-up comedy in the Philippines and one of Asia's Top Ten Stand-Up Comedians will take centerstage at Vu's Sky Lounge! Show starts at 9:30 PM! See you there!

Tickets are priced at Php 888.00 with a complimentary standard drink.

Vu’s Sky Lounge is the first sky bar in Ortigas, located at the 45th floor of Marco Polo Hotel, Ortigas, Manila.

For inquiries or reservations, text 0922-8596144.
#comedycartelPH #Vu’sSkyLounge

Top Investment Opportunities In The Emerging Markets

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Do you want to live in paradise?

Ten acres in the Kenyan countryside, a rooftop lounge in the heart of Marrakech, or a beachside resort on the Tanzanian coast - the emerging markets are home to an abundance of exciting investment opportunities.

Global real estate portal Lamudi explores the most exciting commercial properties in the emerging markets, for those looking to take advantage of growing economies, improving infrastructures and developing real estate markets.

Star Light Hotel in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
~ $ 1.3 million

Invest in a 14-roomed tourist hotel on Sri Lanka’s south coast and you will never be short of visitors. The Star Light Hotel offers a relaxing beach holiday with all the modern comforts any traveler would need. The property is fully-furnished, with a bar license, a large outdoor swimming pool, and approval from the Sri Lankan tourist board. Only eight kilometers from the historical city of Galle, this charming coastal hotel is filled with opportunity.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In keeping with its tradition of celebrating literary excellence in the Philippines, the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature (Palanca Awards) honored 57 Filipino literary artists at the 65th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Awards Ceremony held at The Peninsula Manila in Makati City, September 1.

This year’s batch of winners saw many first-time winners, coming from different localities within the Philippines and abroad, making literary history alongside veteran authors, some of which have already earned their place at the Hall of Fame like Edgardo Maranan and Peter Solis Nery. Also, two young women fictionists copped the Grand Prizes in the bi-annual Novel and Nobela categories.

Now on its 65th year, the most prestigious and longest-running literary contest accepted 895 entries in 22 categories, with the Novel and Nobela categories open this year. Entries for each category were evaluated by select panels of judges especially chosen for their contributions and excellence in their respective fields of literature.

The Palanca Awards was named in honor of businessman and philanthropist Don Carlos Palanca, Sr. It aims to develop Philippine Literature by providing incentives for writers to craft their most outstanding literary works as well as serve as a treasury of Philippine literary gems.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Learning experience.

This was how Azkals coach Thomas Dooley assessed the defeat of the Philippine national football team against Uzbekistan Tuesday night in a 2018 World Cup qualifying game at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan.

“We had a bad day, they (Uzbeks) had a good day,” Dooley said.

He said the defeat in the hands of the 76th ranked Uzbekistan is not a reason for the Azkals to feel down and give up.

“We need to go on and play. We don’t have to give up. We should be fine,” he added.

Dooley said they will analyze the game where they allowed the Uzbeks to score five goals, determine what went wrong “and then move forward.”

“There is something we have to learn and develop (after this defeat) and next we have to step up. We need to learn from this and take the lessons to the next game,” he pointed out.

The Azkals, now with two wins and one loss, will face North Korea in Pyongyang on Oct. 8. and Bahrain in Manama on Oct. 13.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“Our new Rolls-Royce Dawn promises a striking, seductive encounter like no other Rolls-Royce to date, and begins a new age of open-top, super-luxury motoring. Dawn is a beautiful new motor car that offers the most uncompromised open-top motoring experience in the world. It will be the most social of super-luxury drophead motor cars for those who wish to bathe in the sunlight of the world’s most exclusive social hotspots.

Quite simply, it is the sexiest Rolls-Royce ever built.

The name ‘Dawn’ perfectly suggests the fresh opportunities that every new day holds – an awakening, an opening up of one’s senses and a burst of sunshine. In its tentative, inchoate, anticipatory state, dawn is the world coming to light from the ethereal dark of the night. The early-day chill of dawn provides an erotic tingle on the skin, awakening the senses and passions as the day begins.

Like Eleanor Thornton, thought by many to be the inspiration behind the Spirit of Ecstasy, the

Rolls-Royce Dawn will itself prove to be the muse that leads its owner to believe that at the start of the day, anything is possible.” - Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Lake Sebu: Cradle of Dreams Media Launch

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Tourism - Regional Office XII recently organized a press launch of the Lake Sebu: Cradle of Dreams campaign held on September 5, 2015 during the Philippine Travel Mart event at SMX MOA complex in Pasay city which was running from September 4 to 6, 2015.

Photo above shows Ralph Layco- Marketing Consultant for Region 12 brand, Amor Maclang - Consultant and Marketing Strategist for South Cotabato, Regional Director Nelly Dillera, Shawn Agabe - South Cotabato Tourism officer and designer of T-boli accessories, Mayet Sy - Regional Tourism member and hotel owner, Michelle Solon - Regional Tourism President and wife of Governor.

Soccsksargen, now called shorter and friendlier as "Sox," and dubbed as the 12th paradise of the Philippines, offers adventures in culture, nature, and gastronomy. It already had two international events held this year of which are all firsts in the country, namely the Paragliding Accuracy World Cup and the International Folklore Festival.

DOT Region 12 has successfully participated in both Madrid Fusion Manila and Flavors of the Philippines last March and April respectively. It had a pavilion that is shared by the cities, municipalities and provinces of the region that showcased the different destinations such as river tubing in Maitum Sarangani, diving in Lemlunay resort, paragliding in Safi Ranch, cultural immersions in Lemlifew Cultural Village, Al jamelah Weaving Center, New Israel and the community of the moncados, a tour in Glan, GenSan Fishport, souvenirs of Kablon Farms, different trekking destinations of SIOK Falls in Koronadal City, Tawsuvan Falls, Asik asik curtain falls, a dip in the waters of hot and cold spring of Esperanza and Lake Agco pilgrimage in Lake Holon TBoli, Birds of Baras, Grand Mosquea nd brasswares in Cotabato City, and the muscovado processing plants of lambayong ultan Kudarat.

La Union Surfing Break Now on Its 10th Year

Wazzup Pilipinas!

At the 10th La Union Surfing Break presscon with DOT Region 1 Director Martin Valencia, La Union Tourism Officer Adamor Dagang, surfer and surf school owner Felimon "Lemon" Dines, the adorable Mutias of La Union namely Alessandra Casimiro, Angelica Maranan and Cassandra Ralbovsky, who won as Mutia Ti La Union, Mutia Ti Turismo, and Mutia Ti Kalikasan, respectively. and two more lovely ladies that I still have to verify the names (lol).

This was held on September 4, 2015 at Giligan's restaurant SM By The Bay Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay city. The actual event will be from October 28 to November 1 at San Juan, La Union.

La Unison Surfing Break is the flagship event of La Union that has continued to draw in crowds for years, and considered as one of the best tourism events geared on sports and wellness.

There will be a street dancing competition, surfboard design contest, surf clinics, sandcastle building contest, sundown fun run, Trick or Treat costume contest, Henna Tattoo design contest, and Face and Body painting contest.

A Fun Art exhibit by the Arts Guild of La Union (AsLAUN), Photography contest, Surfing competition, Zumba session, beach volleyball tournament, and beach party in the evening.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

From the all-girl band General Luna, Nicole Laurel Asensio is now ready to show her pure talent with the launch of her debut album called Schizoprano - a play of words combining schizophrenic and soprano. the album is produced by MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines)

Get to see what she showed us at her album launch on September 2, 2015 at 12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub at Century City Mall in our video coverage of all her performances, plus special video greetings from Nicole Laurel Asensio herself.

I uploaded the videos on our YouTube channel several days ago and has now compiled them for your viewing pleasure convenience.

The tracks performed that night included "Leader for a Day" which lyrics came from replies taken from Nicole's Facebook status "What would you do if you were leader for a day?"

Joining her as back-up singers are her mom Iwi Laurel, cousin ino Asensio Lopez and friend
William Kramer Jr..

Her dearest friend Franco Mabanta hosted the night. Of course, her beloved Ira Cara Cruz will always be there for musical direction.

Drums: Wilf Trinidad, Bass: Louie Talan, Guitar: Ira Cara Cruz, Keys: Kim Lopez, Sax: Michael Mark Guevarra, Trombone: Jose Aris Antinero , Trumpet: EJ Celestial, Lights: Macky Mangasi, Sound: Angelo M. Rozul

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In their bid to expedite the testing of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) prototype, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and MRT-3 project team will head to Dalian next week to meet with the German suppliers of traction systems, gearboxes, and brake systems.

“As we announced last June, static testing will be conducted from September to October. Meanwhile, dynamic testing was scheduled from November to December, when these parts will be delivered from Germany,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.

“To fast-track the whole process, we met with officials from the German Embassy, Voith, and Knorr-Bremse a few weeks back regarding delivery schedules. Next week, our team will discuss the details with these suppliers, so we can explore ways to provide more trains to the public earlier than scheduled,” he explained.

Voith will manufacture the traction systems and gearboxes for the 48 brand new coaches of the MRT-3 line, while Knorr-Bremse is in charge of the brake systems. Both firms are established suppliers in the global rail industry.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ready your hearts as Ateneo Blue Repertory presents its 24th Season Premiere, BREAKUPS & BREAKDOWNS, an original Filipino musical with book and lyrics by Joel Trinidad and music by Rony Fortich. It is a story of an unexpected (re)meeting of four people that leads to hilarity and a gratuitous amount of awkward moments, as well as finding love, and losing it.

Mark, portrayed by Alex Masucol, is a young playwright about to put the finishing touches on his play about finding the One Perfect Girl. The play is a thinly-veiled retelling of his failed relationship with Nina, portrayed by alternates Celine Bengzon and Marga Crisostomo, who, unbeknownst to Mark, is starting to miss him just a little.

Raffy Nepomuceno is Derek, Mark’s roommate and best friend, who used to be a notorious playboy, an expert at The Game. But that was before he started dating Sandy, played by alternates Angela Mercado and Maria Velez, the girl who was able to hook Derek and keep him on his toes because of her apparent disinterest in commitment.

Find out how their stories will go as they discover all about love, heartache, second chances, what-ifs, and what it means to finally find that One Perfect Person who’s worth the commitment.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Healthway Medical, the most trusted and preferred mall-based clinics in the Philippines, recently partnered with PhilCare, the country’s first Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) provider, to be the official online seller of HealthCheQ, the Healthway’s premium brand of executive checkup.

The partnership will make Healthway’s HealthCheQ available through PhilCare’s digital platforms, including its website and Facebook page.

“With the new joint venture, we will be able to make preventive healthcare more accessible to every Filipino,” said Carmie de Leon, vice president for sales and marketing of Healthway Medical. “PhilCare is one of the biggest and most reputable HMOs in the country and we are privileged to finally forge this partnership.”

According to de Leon, Healthway customers no longer have to wait in line to purchase HealthCheQ.

“For a hassle-free transaction, they can simply avail the package and set their appointment at the comforts of their home. We want to emphasize the importance of keeping a close eye to your health,” she said. “Our aim is to give the ease of access to good health which is also achieved by having enough sleep, eating right, exercising, and de-stressing (S.E.E.D.),” she added.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

DHL Global Forwarding Philippines, Inc. is delighted to announce the appointment of the company’s new Country Manager, Mr. Imran Shaikh, which took effect on 15 July 2015.

Imran has over 15 years of experience in international logistics, accounts management, freight forwarding and import and export operations. His first exposure to the logistics and transportation industry was when he worked as Ocean Export Supervisor with Expeditors International in Los Angeles, California. He oversaw gateway operations, directed all aspects of ocean export operations and provided support to sales, by actively helping in the acquisition and maintenance of business and client base.

From 2002 to 2006, he held the role of Import Manager at Exel DHL Global Logistics in Los Angeles, California, where he handled the largest and most challenging US freight management accounts, import operations for LAX branch and the control tower for North America. He was a member of the U21 global strategy team and was involved in the design and implementation of the west coast competency center procedures, the first in North America. The same model was subsequently launched and used in the Midwest and east coast operations in North America. Imran also had a working stint in DGF Singapore from 2006 – 2008 as Director for Strategic Accounts.

In 2008, he was appointed Managing Director, DGF Pakistan, where he successfully expanded their domestic operations and achieved outstanding business results. Imran is a certified Global Logistics Specialist who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the California State University.

Please join us in congratulating Imran and wishing him every success in his new role. DGF Philippines also like to express gratitude to Stephen Ly for his leadership and guidance as Country Manager, DGF Philippines over the last few years.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Globe Telecom remains the dominant player in the country’s mobile postpaid segment after posting postpaid revenues of P15.8 billion during the first half of the year on the back of its innovative myLifestyle Plan which set a global standard in postpaid plan offerings.

The phenomenal growth in revenues gave Globe the upper-hand in terms of revenue market share, a global metric used in determining market leadership across telcos worldwide.

Postpaid customer base likewise grew by 12% to 2.3 million in the same period from 2.1 million in the previous year. These positive gains are derived from the success of the myLifestyle Plan that helped boost gross acquisitions to reach a new record-high of 477,608 for the first six months of the year, up 23% from last year. Year-to-date net incremental postpaid subscribers stood at 60,776, 14% higher than 2014 level.

With the myLifestyle Plan, customers get a base postpaid plan that already comes with built-in unlimited calls and texts to Globe and TM for only P499 monthly. With an additional P99, customers get data access and a free smartphone. Globe has also made available various lifestyle packs suited for their entertainment, social media or productivity needs. The more services they add on top of the base plan, the better the handset they can get.

Northpine Land Meets Increasing Demand For Horizontal Development In The South

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As the demand for horizontal developments outside of Metro Manila increases, one of the major players in the country’s real estate industry is focusing its efforts in the South.

For almost 20 years, NorthPine Land, Inc., (NLI) has been building quality yet affordable suburban communities in areas where there is a strong combination of accessibility and opportunity. NLI’s President Alan R. Cruz noted that the South, particularly the CALABARZON region, is one such area.

Mr. Cruz further stressed that, “In terms of accessibility, the South is an ideal place to raise a family, especially for professionals who work in cosmopolitan areas like Makati and Bonifacio Global City. This is why NorthPine Land made a firm commitment to change the landscape of the South to fit people’s lifestyle needs.”

Accessibility to Metro Manila will be further enhanced with the ongoing development of the Skyway extension and other infrastructure projects such as the Intermodal Transport System (ITS), the LRT 1 Cavite Extension and the LRT6 Project, among others.

These infrastructure projects are also expected to significantly decrease rush hour traffic in the near future, providing another reason why establishing a home in the South is such an appealing proposition.