Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Star Wars Fever In PH Heats Up

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With the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in December, Filipino fans are abuzz with everything Star Wars, with Disney Southeast Asia partner Globe Telecom offering a complete Star Wars experience in and beyond the cinema.

The above photo shows Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu together with Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Group Dan Horan share the stage to reveal the exciting partnership of Globe and Star Wars as part of the telco’s major collaboration with Disney.

Fans and communities all over the world are gearing up for the much-awaited release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. With a little over a month away before its premier in the Philippines, the Star Wars fever is definitely heating up with all the social media buzz and on-ground experience that Star Wars fanatics have been raving about.

Leading the pack is the country’s purveyor of the Filipino digital lifestyle Globe Telecom, whose partnership with Disney Southeast Asia allows the leading telco to bring the Star Wars fever to a new level with a series of experiences and offerings in anticipation of the movie premiere this December.

Kicking off the excitement for Star Wars, Globe is transforming its Generation 3 (GEN3) stores nationwide into a Star Wars -themed hub with creative installations, exclusive Star Wars: Battle Pod arcade games, and premium collectible accessories, toys, gadgets up for grabs for all Star Wars fans.

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As part of the annual celebration of its advertising week, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa's department of Advertising and Public Relations will, once again, showcase the beauty, wit and charisma of young advertising savvies as they bring the ultimate throwback pageant to the millennial decade, -- The Mr. and Ms. Advertising and Public Relations 2015 entitled "Retrograde: The King and Queen of the 70s" on November 25, 2015, Wednesday, at PUP Freedom Park.

With the year 1970 as its theme, Retrograde will focus the spotlight on the three dominant styles of the funkiest era of all time namely – the hippie look, the discotheque vibe, and the plaid fashion. Spectators will remarkably feel the nostalgia and they can walk down the memory lane as each candidate creatively re-transform these supreme trends to their casual outfits, eco-friendly attires, and formal wears respectively.

Another aspect that dudes and dudettes of this techy decade should look forward to with this pageant is its carefully-picked retro song playlist that consists of only the best of the best 70s songs that slayed every music charts of the 70s' music industry. This group of hippie, groovy and funky bops will surely refresh the jive of the groovy 1970 times. And on the beat of these songs echoing loud and clear, the candidates will sashay and kill the runway with oozing vibrance, confidence and sophistication like a true-blooded retro king and queen.

Aside from the look and the music, no expense has been spared as they meticulously examined and researched all the vital elements of the 70s and use these essential aspects on their set design to make sure the ultimate throwback pageant is guaranteed.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It's not surprising that more expats than ever before are choosing to rent condos in the Philippines. The Philippines, an archipelago in South East Asia is located between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea making it a wonderful place to stay and rent a condo, whether short or long term.

These beautiful islands are renowned for their:

Idyllic beaches
Friendly locals
Diverse countryside
Tropical climate
Delicious cuisine
Relaxing atmosphere

The relatively low cost of living compared to the west is another reason why renting a condo in the Philippines is proving to be extremely popular. Condominium living in the Philippines is a practical option giving you a good idea of what to expect in this part of South East Asia. Condos offer the comfort of a traditional home design with the latest fashion in mind. There's no doubt, living in condominium definitely has its perks when you are within walking distance of stunning beaches, shopping malls, restaurants, bars and cafes.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

One of the most popular family that sings together during the 80s is once again in the Philippines for their Greatest Hits Tour.

Your Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas was invited to attend their Greatest Hits Tour press conference held on November 4, 2015 at the new Novotel hotel located at Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City. The hotel serves as their temporary home during their stay in the Philippines.

The Jets will be celebrating their 30th Anniversary in the music industry at a concert on November 6, 2015 at the Kia Theater located also at Araneta Center.

Members of the media got the rare privilege to interview and have photo ops with 5 of the siblings. I am proud to say we were the very first one to request for a photo ops with them while they were on the elevated platform where the press conference was held. We have video coverage of both media Q & A and their a cappella performances, including a personal interview with them.

You can view the videos below (divided into several parts for viewing convenience), or check them at our YouTube channel, or at our new Dailymotion channel. Links to the videos will also be posted at the Facebook fan page of Wazzup Pilipinas.

Travel Weekly Asia Readers Name AirAsia as Best Low Cost Carrier!

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AirAsia took home the coveted title of Best Low Cost Carrier at the inaugural 2015 Travel Weekly Asia Reader’s Choice Awards as voted by the leading travel trade magazine’s strong base of readers comprising of seasoned travellers and industry players.

Readers of Travel Weekly Asia magazine casted their votes from 14 August to 25 September 2015 on www.travelweekly-asia.com to choose their favourite travel and hospitality establishments out of 31 award categories ranging from airlines, cruise lines to travel agencies and hotel chains.

Mr Logan Velaitham, CEO of AirAsia Singapore received the award on behalf of the AirAsia Group at the award ceremony held yesterday in Singapore.

“On behalf of AirAsia Group, we are both delighted and proud to be recognized as the Best Low Cost Carrier among the readers of Travel Weekly Asia. Each award received is a testament to the hard work and determination of 17,000 AirAsia Allstars around the globe and it drives us to develop even better products and services for our guests. We would like to thank everyone for voting for us," said Logan.

This is the first Travel Weekly Reader’s Choice Awards that is held in the Asia region as the spin-off of its American version which has been running for over a decade now in the United States. The Travel Weekly Asia Reader’s Choice Award will be presented annually to industry leaders as recognition for their service and product excellence, voted by the magazine’s pool of discerning readers.

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"I was taken by the power that savoring a simple cup of coffee can have to connect and create community" -Howard Schultz

Are you aspiring for success but do not know where to start? How about being competent on how a business works. Today’s generation is fuelled with fresh and brilliant ideas and all they need is a push to make it happen.

In pursuit of its objectives to promote academic excellence, efficient and effective usage of existing resources, and creativity and artistry within and beyond the organization, the University of the Philippines' Junior Executive Society (UPJES), together with Sun Life Financial and John Robert Powers, has organized UPJES KAPEHAN 2015: Enhancing the Business Competence of the Next Generation of Innovators, a symposium of the College of Economics and Management of University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) that will be held on the 9th of November 2015 at the NCAS Auditorium from 9am to 12nn, where the attendees are taught to pursue academic excellence and perform social responsibility though serving people by uplifting economic and entrepreneurial awareness.

Be the next business success story, don't miss the opportunity to attend this event.

Guest speakers at the event are Jamie Solivas-Dayacap, Senior Associate in Bengzon Negre Untalan Intellectual Property Attorneys; Luis Arcanghel, CEO of Montgomery and Fitch Associates; Glenn Baticados, Entrepreneur and Assistant Professor in College of Economics and Management (CEM) of UPLB.

WazzupPilipinas.com is a proud media partner together with Rappler and Monster RX 93.1.

Other sponsors are Birkenstock, and Gardenia.

Free coffee and snacks will be served. Admission is free!

For more information, you can reach our Facebook page at facebook.com/Upjes.kapehan15 or email us at upjes95@gmail.com.

Globe Invests In Employee Development; Launches Globe University Campus

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Strongly believing that employee engagement will further drive company growth and performance, Globe Telecom recently launched its first Globe University campus, showcasing the company’s commitment to invest in its people, motivating them towards personal and professional development.

Globe Telecom’s success as the leading mobile brand in the country is attributed in part to its efforts to create wonderful work environment for its employees, which in turn helps spin the company’s Circle of Happiness., a philosophy rooted in the belief that happy and engaged employees create more opportunities for better products and services which Globe customers enjoy. Happy customers, in turn, circle back towards increased growth and revenues for higher shareholder value.

The Globe University campus follows the design of the The Globe Tower, the leading telecommunication provider’s headquarters in Bonifacio Global City, which seeks to create an environment that reflects its vibrant culture and passion for technology. The campus features 5 studios or training rooms that can accommodate 18-25 people, pods or meeting rooms that can accommodate 8-12 people, a function hall called Collaborate, which can accommodate up to 200 people, a cafeteria called Munch and workstations in an area called Create. A planned expansion of its facilities would also include a design studio for digital learning, a test lab for networking training, a boutique for Globe and Globe University branded items, a Globe University Art Gallery as well as additional training rooms and meeting areas.

The Globe University campus supports the company’s talent development program that aims continuous progression of knowledge, skills, and attitude of Globe employees. Expanding its academic programs, Globe University now has five academies: namely Sales and Marketing, Technical, Professional Leadership, and Culture.

Boodle Fight at Sebay Surf Resort of La Union

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A "boodle fight" type of lunch or dinner, whether it's laid out on banana leaves, or any kind of layout, as in our case - something like a decorated bamboo tray filled with various viands along with the rice, soups and sauces, always adds that extra excitement for everyone that's partaking the meal.

The thought of sharing the festive meal with friends, colleagues, relatives or even total strangers, always brings out a smile in everyone's faces as they dig into the different dishes served in a seemingly big plate composed of an assortment of seafood, meat and vegetables.

The dining experience becomes even better when everyone is really hungry (like coming from a long trip so we can cover the 10th La Union Surfing Break). We just came from a five hour travel from Makati to San Juan, La Union specifically at Urbiztondo where our temporary home, Sebay Surf Resort, is located. This is also where most of our meals will be served.

Sometimes even if you're not that hungry, the sight of the boodle meals turns everyone into seemingly starving lunatics as they even eat with their bare hands. You do have the option to still use utensils as many of us did since it's our very first time to meet, but eventually if you give us more time and opportunities to do the same, we should soon be comfortable using our hands.

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HoReCa (hotel resto cafe & catering) Philippines is a non-profit organization that aims to reinforce the Filipino values and culture through acts of social entrepreneurship in the realm of Philippine Tourism and Hospitality Industry.

It hosted its first intimate gathering of HoReCa Leaders dubbed as "The HoReCa Leaders' Night" on October 28, 2015 at the Linden Suites in Ortigas Center.

The HoReCa event gathers the biggest hotel GMs, restaurant cafe and catering owners in the country.

To kick off the HoReCa Leaders' Night, one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the Philippines shared his story of inspiration from being zero to hero.

Mr. Jose Mari Del Rosario, the 2015 Ernst and Young Industry Entrepreneur of the Year, charmed the audience with his success stories and anecdote of failures that led him to where he is today. Mr. Del Rosario also heads the Microtel by Wyndham as President and CEO.

Also present at the event were HoReCa founder, Triccia Dacer; Mercato Centrale Group of Companies founder, RJ Ledesma; The Croque Cafe and Gruppo Kusinero President, Alexandra Ann Alaba; Linden Suites General Manager, Dominic Dorol; Bluewater Resorts Vice President Margarita Munsayac; The Burgery co-owners JC De Vera and Karlo Rono; The Wild Juan owner and San Miguel Corporation Special Projects for Business Development Thelma Dumpit-Murillo; and Acacia Hotel General Manager, Bobby Horigan.

I also met Microtel by Wyndham Director of Marketing Mary Grace T. Magnaye; The Linden Suites Director of Sales and Marketing Janice Ian Vicente; The Linden Suites Account Manager Nicole Marionette De Castro; The Linden Suites Marketing and Communications Manager Bianca de la Merced; Broadcaster and Columnist Vivien Mangalindan; and Pink Pumpkin's Kitchen and Pink Opal Jewelries owner Rosena Dixie Ruta.

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The largest sports media property in Asian history, One Championship, held its press conference for the December 11, 2015 One: Spirits of Champions titanic matches at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The presscon was on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at the City of Dreams in Pasay.

World-renowned Muay Thai stylist and 8-time Grappler's Quest Champion, Brandon "The Truth" Vera, and the Philippines' most talented young bantamweight, Mark "Mugen" Striegl, were present to answer the inquiries of the members of the media.

When Vera was asked what could be the weakness of Parry that could help bring him down, Vera replied that Parry is quite slow so he will take advantage of his speed in putting Parry down on maybe at the 4th or 5th round.

Vera was also thinking of letting people experience the championship belt so he plans to leave it in the Philippines to be loaned to Filipino fans if he wins at the December 11 match against Parry. Vera also plans to look for Whang Od, the oldest living traditional tattoo artist from Kalinga, after the fight so he could also be honored with her craftsmanship.

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Michelin continues its advocacy for road safety by holding more Fill up with Air safety campaigns in Metro Manila and CALABARZON. The events were held at S&R Membership Shopping Parking Lot at Imus, Cavite on Friday, September 18, and S&R Congressional Ave., in Quezon City on September 25. More FUWA events will be organized in the rest of the branches in the coming months.

Michelin, the leading tire company, is dedicated to sustainably improving the mobility of goods and people by manufacturing and marketing tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles/motorcycles, earthmovers, farm equipment and trucks. It also offers electronic mobility support services on ViaMichelin.com and publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases.

The Fill Up with Air Campaign aims to raise awareness among motorists on the importance of correct tire pressure and maintenance for vehicular safety and fuel efficiency.The campaign involves giving a free tire safety check and safety advice by the Michelin tire experts.

Fill Up with Air is a Michelin global initiative to increase public consciousness for road and public safety.

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Who says you need to take a flight to go to Japan? Hallohallo Inc. is going to give you two ways to experience Japan from north to south of Manila.

Register, be cool, and go shop at Cool Japan Shop!

This October, say konnichiwa to Japan, southern peeps! Hallohallo Inc. opened their new Japanese-themed concept store at Festival Supermall Alabang, Cool Japan Shop (CJS). Feel the exclusivity as we offer you a membership shopping experience. CJS gives you a membership card that can be used to purchase items at Cool Japan Shops, you can also use the card when shopping at Hallo Hallo Mall and Hallo Hallo Town.

There's more! CJS offers unique and authentic Japanese items ranging from food to clothing, as well novelty items, and many more. So, express yourself and be original. Don’t worry if you’re not an Otaku, we know you want it and we love you for that!

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Burgoo Tomas Morato now serves big breakfast starting from 9 am.

Yes! You read it right. Your favorite American Bar and Restaurant has now began serving breakfast starting October 26, 2015 for early bird customers looking for a satisfying meal in the early hours of the morning. We know that most establishments open late in the morning so there really are very little choices except for fast food chains that offer less fulfilling meals.

Now, Burgoo has joined the restaurants offering "almusal" or "breakfast" with choices of Continental or Filipino favorites giving us plenty of options to choose from.

"Big Breakfast" is accurate as the servings are indeed big for its very reasonable price. The prices starts at only Php 145 which gives you great value for your hard-earned money and a very satisfied tummy to start your day right with a hearty smile.

Since the Burgoo Tomas Morato branch is not located inside a mall, it is not restricted to mall hours of operation thus the "Big Breakfast" meals are born to our delight. I believe they are able to serve breakfast in very large serving since they are also not paying too much on building rentals. But hopefully they would be opening up equally independent branches that would also serve the same "Big Breakfast."

A few days before Halloween, or more popularly known as All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day or "Undas" for us Filipinos, we were invited by Burgoo to try out their breakfast meals for the very first time, and we were surprised to be the only guest of the restaurant that day. Since it was a Monday, and the very first day they would offer the "Big Breakfast" meals, we are proud to say we were among the first to experience a fabulous treat that was surely big enough for any individual who wants to begin their day with a heavy feast.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Here are the following price adjustments as advised by oil companies on petroleum products as of this writing:

OIL

Pilipinas Shell: P0.25/L on gasoline; P0.10/L on kerosene

Chevron: P0.25/L on gasoline; P0.10/L on kerosene

* No adjustments on Diesel products.

*Both companies mentioned to adjust the following prices effective 6:00a.m. today (03 November 2015).

LPG

Solane; Gasul; and Petronas: P2.95/kg

*Adjustments for Solane; Gasul; and Petronas are effective today (02 November 2015)

Liquigaz: P2.50/kg effective 12:01 a.m. today (03 November 2015)

Eastern Petroleum: P2.90/kg effective 6:00 a.m. today (03 November 2015).

For your reference and use please.

Judicaël Perroy in Manila: From Bach to Villa-Lobos

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Independent Philippine Art Ventures (iPav) and Alliance Français de Manille (AFM) present an outstanding French guitarist in a concert at 7pm on November 12, Abelardo Hall, UP College of Music in Diliman.

Judicaël Perroy is one of the most sought-after classical guitarists on the world stage. He has had rave reviews not only as a concertist but as an inspiring teacher as well. His students have also won the most prestigious international awards.

During his stay November 11-15, Perroy will hold a master class for the country's most promising young guitarists to teach them theory and technique in one-on-one sessions.
To open the concert are multi-awarded Filipino guitarists Roneil Santos and Aaron Aguila, from the UP College of Music.

IPav was founded by classical guitarists and enthusiasts and has formed a solid alliance with AFM to promote classical music in the Philippines.
Concert tickets are available from TicketWorld and iPav.

Inquiries may also be addressed to ipavinc@gmail.com.