Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

"People Power: 30 Years On" Special Advance Sreening Video Coverage

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This special video contains some highlights and interviews taken during Discovery Channel's special advance screening of the People Power documentary dubbed as People Power: 30 Years On" held on February 23, 2016 at the Quezon City Museum.

The production is from Discovery Networks Asia Pacific's Executve Producer Emile Guertin, which is an updated version of the work of Sally Bellosillo. According to Sally, this was her thesis back then which Discovery Channel enhanced for a special documentary.

One of the insights she had when making the film was "It is my hope that, that the work I do will inspire people to be better, to dream big and for young aspiring young filmmakers to go and live out this insane journey. And in my own little way help contribute to building the character of the youth who will one day take over in running this country."
Additional commentaries from Fil-Am host Trey Farley and interviews with the Aquino sisters, were included in the documentary. Trey adds narration and presenter-led links and also shares his own recollections of his experiences as a boy during those years. He visit key locations in Manila significant to the story.

Also included in the documentary are interviews with other prominent individuals like Fidel V. Ramos, Agapito "Butz" Aquino, Imelda Romuladez Marcos, the late Corazon Aquino, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel, Sen. Francisco "Kit" Tatad, Bishop Soc Villegas, the kate Fr. James Reuter, Sister Sarah Manapol, General Vic Batac, Col. Red Kapunan, Manuel Quezon III, Cheche Lazaro, Prof. Luis Teodoro, the late June Keithley and Sen. Gringo Honasan.

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Here is the complete interview from the press conference held after the advance screening of Discovery Channel's special documentary for the 30 years celebration of the People Power or EDSA Revolution entitled as "People Power: 30 Years On" held on January 23 at the newly established Quezon City Museum located at Quezon City Circle.

Many prominent personalities attended the event including Vice Presidential candidate Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan. Most questions came from me as everyone else was not too eager to ask so it looked more like my exclusive interview.

Aside from our interview with Vice presidential candidate Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan, Wazzup Pilipinas has special interviews with Jacqueline Suzanne "Jackie" Mendez Aquino - the daughter of Agapito "Butz" Aquino, MTRCB Chairman Eugenio "Toto" Villareal, Quezon City Vice Mayor Ma Josefina "Joy" Belmonte-Alimurung more popularly known as Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, Emile Guertin - Discovery Channel Executive Producer for "People Power: 30 Years On," and Sister Marie Sarah Manapol, SPC who worked with Fr. James Bertram Reuter.

Everyone shared with me their insights about the EDSA Revolution. I will post the otehr videos soon but they are now available in our YuTube channel at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas

You can also get updates form our Facebook fan page at http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas

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Celebrating its 62nd anniversary this year, the University of the Philippines Chemical Engineering Society Inc., more popularly known as UP KEM, remains as one of the largest socio-academic organizations recognized by the university. One of its most prestigious events, Awitan, is a university-wide choral competition showcasing the talents of different UP organizations in singing.

This year marks the 51st Awitan, which will be held on February 29, 2016 at the Convenarium, 77 Scout Reyes St., Quezon City.

With the title “OPM Hits: Decade Parade”, participants will serenade the crowd with their own rendition of OPM songs ranging from way back in the ‘70s to present time.

Join us as we honor the hits of our very own Filipino musicians through performances aspiring to give you an enjoyable and memorable night!

Gates will open at 6:30 PM. Tickets are priced at P140 each. For inquiries, please contact Gail Edselle Reyes (0915 667 9381).

Madonna Visits Bahay Tuluyan Foundation and Hospicio De San Jose

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"Sooner or Later performed live at the Academy Awards was one of the most spectacular live performances Madonna has EVER given. It was the 1991 Oscars, and Madonna, in a sparkling low-cut Bob Mackie gown and dripping with 20 million dollars' worth of Harry Winston diamonds, was set to perform her sultry Dick Tracy torch song, 'Sooner or Later'. Her vocals were powerful, confident & assured, She looked utterly breathtaking. And the audience (of more than a billion people worldwide) were left starstruck & dazzled. Her date for the night was none other than Michael Jackson. Her song ended up winning. Sooner or later, Madonna always steals the show!" - Charles Manning III

I have to agree with the above statement. Madonna's performances are always well thought and executed. She has that uncanny appeal that will make you look and listen from start to end. Never was a boring or dull time. Like what we say on our radio show, there should be no dead air to keep the interests going, and Madonna can even wake up the dead with her fabulous acts whether its on a music video or performing live on stage at her concert or at awards like the Academy.

When I am an emo-sap, my favorite song would be "Power of Goodbye". If I'm feeling sassy, it would be "Beautiful Stranger". And if I'm not feeling social, "Frozen". Madonna's songs really always has great messages and fantastically choreographed dance moves.

What is also awe-inspiring about her is her noble heart. While some Catholic church leaders shake their heads as Madonna continues her Asian World Tour. The Queen of Pop, sneaked in to the Philippines quietly, ahead of her concerts, to bring cheer to orphaned and abused street children.

What will the church say about this now?

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If you ever felt like leaving everything you love, you should watch the last two performances of

Egg Theater Company's production of SCHISM (Adapted from Moliere's The Misanthrope) for ‪Fringe Manila.

Date: February 28 - Sunday at 3:00 and 8:00 PM.

Venue: Pineapple Lab

Appropriated from Moliere’s “Le Misanthrope Ou L'Atrabilaire Amoureux”, the play directed by Geroge de Jesus III, is a comedic satire that explores how hypocrisy and pretension can polarise and divide artists. After creating a brutally honest theater production that has created a schism in his community, a playwright finds himself at a crossroads in finding what art really means: an expression of his own ideals or a reflection of what society expects.

The cast are as follows: Tuxqs Rutaquio as Alex, the playwright; Angeli Bayani as Helen, an actress; Jojo Rigerra as Jim, an actor; Ron Alfonso as Don, the upcoming playwright and director; Roence Santos as Arnie, a veteran actress; Kyla Rivera as Casey, the actress and blogger; Chini Concepcion as Drea, an actress; and Renante Bustamante as Eli, an actor;

Gringo Honasan at the Discovery Channel "People Power: 30 Years On" Special Advance Screening

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Where were you and what were you doing on February 25, 1986?

That is question I can pretty much relate to since I was already in high school on that particular day that is widely known to many as the People Power or EDSA Revolution. But I believe if we were to ask the same questions to the youth today who were either still too young to be aware, or were not yet even born, they probably will answer based on the information they read online, or from the stories of their parents or grandparents and other elders.

We all know what happens when stories are told. They all get either a bit exaggerated or lacking complete facts, or would even highly depend on the biases of the storyteller. Thus, it is best to advise them to learn the facts from reputable sources that are third party to what really happen so it will be less biased and founded from actual events and circumstances that unfolded.

We may not be able to find the entire historical facts from all reliable sources, but it is much more comforting to learn them from those whose job is to share well-studied information.

I was recently invited in unraveling the stories of this historical affair as we mark the 30th year of the EDSA People Power with an exclusive advanced screening of Discovery Channel’s People Power: 30 YEARS ON on February 23, 2016, Tuesday, 2:30 PM at the Quezon City Museum.

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Whether you are a die-hard football fan who wants to get into the sport, or simply just looking for a new form of exercise, you may be interested in joining the Football Fundamentals for Adults Program at the Sparta Football Academy.

Sparta Football Academy is located inside the 10,000 square-meter Sports and Recreational Training Arena or SPARTA, along Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong City, and is best known for the first and only FIFA certified 1-star indoor football field in the country.

According to SPARTA's owner Amanda Fernandez, "The program was set-up so that adults can experience the beauty of the sport for the first time. It is also meant to teach the basics of football and expand the football community in the Philippines."

"Expected results for this crash course revolve around having a very good understanding of the basic skills and rules of football, as well an appreciation for the sport", she adds.

The program will be headed by Head Coach Joel Villarino and Assistant Coach Joseph Villarino.

The program will start February 3 and will be held every Wednesday from 2-4 in the afternoon for the entire month.

For more information, please call 6553799 or 0977-7634402.

Sparta Launches Football Academy for Kids

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Sports and Recreational Training Arena or SPARTA, best known for its FIFA certified 1-star indoor football field, launches the Sparta Football Academy for Kids.

PFF A-License Head Coach Joel Villarino says, "The program was set-up so that kids can experience the sport for the first time. Since football is a universal and a well-renowned sport, it is a sport you can play anywhere regardless of your height, gender, race and social status.”

Villarino continues, “With this program, kids can learn the basic skills of football and the rules of the game. Apart from which, kids can also learn discipline and have a good sense of teamwork. Football can also help in the improvement of one's health condition, it can also improve their decision-making skills, as they make decisions while on the field."

The program runs from March to May of 2016. Classes are to be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 am-12nn.

SPARTA is located along Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong City. For more information, please call 6553799 or 0977-7634402.

PUP Sining Lahi Polyrepertory Proudly Presents Ang Unang Aswang

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With a mission to inspire, connect, and uplift the community’s spirit toward arts, and culture, Sining-Lahi Polyrepertory is proud to bring on stage Mr. Rody Vera’s “Unang Aswang”. Sining-Lahi Polyrepertory has been serving the Polytechnic University of the Philippines for more than three decades now. As the Resident Student Theater group of the university, SLP was proven to stage quality theatre productions that made them bagged various awards from different competitions outside the university.

The director, Roland Legaspi, special picked this script because of its unique story and lines that are sure to stab every audience’s heart. Thus taking the audience on a journey in determining who is truly good and evil.

A night when the moon is in full, on a desert, a new born baby swallowed a heart of a banana tree. As the time passed by, the baby has grown with the help of a dog, cat and a wild pig who stands as her mother. Away from the city, the girl lives happily until she encounters a man that will change his life. The man will introduce to her both love and pain. In a situation where there are dirty secrets everywhere, will love overcome pain? “Ang Unang Aswang” is a story of love, failure, abuse and pretentions. This play will leave you a question of who is really bad and what is the basis of good. From the era of Spanish occupation in the Philippines, this is a story that has been passed from different generations and will mirror Philippines' culture.

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Sam Concepcion’s Teka Break has been nominated for two major categories in the MYX Music Awards 2016 namely: Favorite Song and Special Awards for Best Music Video. Teka Break is produced by CBN Asia, directed by Voltz Hubilla and Icko Gonzalez, and written by master songwriter Jungee Marcelo. It is one of the songs included in the Transforming Love album produced by CBN Asia for its 20th anniversary.

“It’s great to be recognized for your talent, and obviously, people who work here at CBN Asia are very dedicated to excellence. I am just really grateful that we are nominated,” said John Tan, CBN Asia’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President.

He also added that the generosity of artists like Sam Concepcion and Jungee Marcelo is very admirable, “They set aside their schedules to accommodate us and volunteered their time to record and perform the song in support of our 20th anniversary. We are so grateful to Sam, Jungee, and everybody else who helped and contributed,” Tan added.

Watch Teka Break’s music video in HD by subscribing to The 700 Club Asia’s Youtube channel. Just type youtube.come/The700ClubAsia and search for Teka Break. To get a copy of the Transforming Love album, visit cbnasia.org/transforminglove.

Help Teka Break win in the Favorite Song category, by registering on MYXPH.com and clicking on the MYX Music Awards 2016 tab. If you already have an account, just log in directly to the MYX Music Awards 2016 voting page, look for the Favorite Song category, and click on Teka Break as your chosen nominee. Please note that you may only vote ONCE PER IP ADDRESS PER DAY PER CATEGORY. Voting will end on March 13, 2016, 11:59 p.m. Be a part of making music history by voting now!

Globe Backs Mobile Design Award in adobo Design Awards Asia

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As the purveyor of the Filipino digital lifestyle and thought leader in digital design, Globe Telecom is partnering with adobo Design Awards Asia in recognizing the best and the brightest talents in design for digital and interactive media.

Specifically, Globe is supporting the Mobile App Design for Social Good, which will recognize entries in the mobile application format that present creative solutions to social issues. In addition, Globe is also supporting sub-categories under Digital/Interactive category, which will recognize entries that are interactive interface, or motion designs used for digital problems.

“With a growing number of our population now going digital, we should be able to tap on fresh talent with this new category. We are happy to collaborate with adobo magazine and the D&AD in coming out with the Mobile App Design for Social Good category to bring out the innovative spirit among many Filipinos,” Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto said.

“By supporting this award, we continue our course of being the purveyor of the Filipino digital lifestyle,” Crisanto emphasized.

More entries from the Southeast Asia region are expected this year, which is expected to further enhance creative excellence in the Philippines and in the region. Deadline for submission of entries will be on February 27, 2016 while awards night will be held on April 8, 2016 and celebrated along with adobo magazine’s 10th anniversary.

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We were among the very first ones to try out the Trampoline Park, the newest attraction well suited for families who want to bond while having a great time. The fun is absolutely real while you jump up into the air reaching several feet depending on how willing you are to freely feel like gravity is nonexistent.

This is probably why they also call it a Zero Gravity Zone. This is the best place where you can play like a kid again....and for kids to feel awesome they still have the energy to last even after an hour of pure adrenaline.

The sweat you get out from all this jumping is healthy, but be sure to warm-up first before you experiment on going all the way to flips or somersaults. Only experts like the parkour experts can do those stunts. But eventually, if you're daring and eager, you'll soon be able to imitate the same skills.

I had an opportunity to interview Mark Hogsden, the co-founder and major owner of Trampoline Park, and he was very optimistic of this attraction that can be availed for only P320 per hour, and P600 for two hours straight. Trust me when I say you would need to go two hours if you're a first timer since it is really very addicting.

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"I didn't believe in evolution before until I visited the Chicago Museum of Natural History and saw the evidence for myself. We evolved. It is a fact. The theory of evolution is one of the strongest theories in science." Ray Refundo

There's news out there that the Evolution feature of Kim Atienza on ABS-CBN's TV Patrol was criticized when he did not mention "Adam and Eve."

"In particular, they claim that the feature is fake because it does not recognize Adam and Eve, who, in the Bible, are identified as the first man and first woman." says Manila Coconuts.

This is actually Science versus Religion which really contradicts a lot if we are to base scientific discoveries and facts with the claims and writings in the Bible. What religious leaders taught us are now being dispelled by science, and not to offend anybody, common sense.

But since we are a Catholic country, many of us cannot let go of the culture which we inherited from our elders and ancestors. Long before proper education was scarce, many were led to believe in stories made up due to unexplained, and often regarded as mysterious and somewhat miraculous, circumstances and events.

They say this is why Manny Pacquiao will win in the coming elections, or if not by 2016, in the near future with a higher position than Senator....maybe as Vice President?

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Three, Two, One, Arai!

Independent Philippine Art Ventures, Inc., presents an afternoon of contemporary and classical guitar music with three outstanding artists from Japan who will play solos, duets, and trios at 530 pm on March 20, at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium in UP Diliman.

Concertgoers are encouraged to enjoy the UP campus that bustles with activity on Sundays. People hike, bike, walk, picnic, fly kites. The family-oriented concert will be a good way to cap a Sunday.

"Classical guitar has a PR problem. It seems to lack the "cool" factor steel-string guitars enjoy, and it doesn’t seem to be perceived as sexy as the electric guitar by a lot of people. You rarely see classical guitarists skyrocketing to mainstream fame, and you hardly hear of one being referred to as a guitar hero. But why? The truth is, classical guitar is sexy as hell—maybe even sexier than steel-string and electric guitars. There’s no hiding behind distortion or effects pedals; it’s just you and your mighty fingers. It's sheer beauty in its most raw, natural form. So, in an effort to dispel any beliefs or perceptions that classical guitar is boring and old school, we’ve created a list of reasons you should pick one up."

You can read the 10 Reasons You Should Play Classical Guitars here.

Featured artists: Tomonori Arai and Duo Trussardi

Chickilicious Chicken Steak and Tea Shop: Taiwan's No. 1 XXL Fried Chicken and More

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Taiwan's No. 1 XXL Fried Chicken is now here in the Philippines to give Filipinos real value for their hard-earned money!

My visit at Chickilicious Chicken Steak and Tea Shop gave me an awesome opportunity to try out for the first time a couple of their humongous slab of XXL fried chicken, namely the Takoyaki Crispy and the BBQ flavored fried chickens. If you love spicy chicken meals, then you can order them with three levels of spiciness from light, medium to extra spicy.

My first reaction was quite a surprise because I was expecting like a fastfood-sized chicken piece. What was served to me was quite a large piece that was a real steal if you'll consider its price. The huge piece of fried chicken was indeed very worth every peso you'll pay for it.

Match that with several choices for teas and juices. My drink was the highly recommended Taiwan Ultra Lemon Juice which was more refreshing than the ordinary lemonade drinks from other restaurants. I would have loved to try out the other teas and juices but I needed more room for the snacks that I ordered.

This is because Chickilicious also serves snacks that are not common at other restaurants. I ordered the Crispy Fried BBQ Tofu, Baked Cheese French Fries, Taiwan's Honey Bun, and the Crispy Century Egg. They were also the highly recommended snacks among the many other choices.