Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Solstice Bistro and Boulangerie: Rockwell's Newest Must-Experience Restaurant

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Your Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas was among the very few select bloggers who got an invite to taste the dishes being served at one of the newly opened restaurants located in Rockwell, Makati city. The restaurant is fairly new and opened just around the last quarter of last year (2015), and being just a few months old, they are still at a stage where they are experimenting on their food offerings including serving sizes and presentations.

When a good friend scheduled me to visit after a scheduled affair attending the opening day of the four-day Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, I immediately Googled for Solstice Bistro and Boulangerie, the name of the restaurant, so I can get a peak of what they are all about. It is a modern European restaurant concept that is now making a noise as one of the must experienced restaurant in Rockwell.

Solstice is actually all about the astrological transitions that happen in June (summer solstice - the longest day of the year) and December (winter solstice - the shortest day of the year). This is what inspired the Solstice Bistro and Boulangerie to be all about transitions.

Surprisingly, only one blog about the restaurant existed, and so it was an honor to be among the second group to dine at this particularly considered high-end establishment. This is where I've learned that it was newly opened and owned by two prominent restaurateurs namely Joseph Assad of One Way Restaurant, and Jack Rodriguez, the innovator behind the Bistro Group (TGI Fridays, Italiannis) and Global Restaurant Concepts (CPK, IHOP), and a third partner from the Antonino family.

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Here's what transpired with my online discussion with friends on Facebook about the failure of telecom companies, specifically PLDT Home, in immediately correcting our Internet service provision at home. I've been experiencing repetitive down-time or slow-time from our Internet connection taking into account the limited bandwidth available especially on the uploading part.

When my connection was first installed, I was uploading large-size video files, as big as 30-minute averaged videos on my YouTube account, but after a few months of usage, the connection will take an hour or more to upload even just a 6-minute video.

How do the PLDT contractors resolve the problem. They call somebody at PLDT and they correct it on their side. The contractor merely checks if the problem is with the physical lines, or with the desktop/laptop admin configuration setup.

They could not return my Internet connection to the original download and upload speeds. It seems they've intentionally capped the speeds to be able to support other subscribers. They keep on enticing the public to subscribe to their services even when their infrastructure could not handle the load. You see them flaunt bandwidth-hungry applications and services, they accept subscriptions so fast, and yet they remain inefficient for after-sales services where complaints about their poor network and slow action to resolve issues rise and last for several weeks to months.

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We should buy a product not because of its famous endorsers, lavish events and extravagant promos. We don't really care who the ambassadors or endorsers are, who are performing at their events, or what amazing prizes they are giving away, as long as the products are good, we will still buy them regardless of the promotional gimmicks.

But if the products are nothing but junk, not even the most adored celebrity love teams, sports superstars, rockstar performers, iconic personalities - all of them combined - can never persuade me to buy junk.

Only bad brands conduct grand events because their products cannot really sell on their own. Remove all that glamorous hype and let them honestly inform everyone what their products really are made of, and the damage it does to the body, for sure "lalangawin ang kanilang produkto."

Help us with our advocacy against softdrinks. Everyone should know that this junk is damaging to our health especially the youth who are growing addicted to these and turning obese and poor in nutrition. Let us not be attracted with their grand events, advertisements, endorsers, promotional campaigns, and other elaborate schemes that brainwashes people to think they promote fun and happiness. The product offers nothing beneficial and should never be drank by anyone in his right mind.

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What's up with Madonna getting all that flak from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and some netizens. NHCP is set to study possible violations committed during Madonna's 'Rebel Heart' concert in Manila.

I believe Madonna's use of the Philippine flag as a cape was meant to honor the country. She did the same thing at her concerts in other countries. Her performances were literally almost the same except for a few modifications based on the country she's performing at and the requests/reactions of the audience.

The Philippine authorities have also suggested the concert organizer may be sanctioned over the flag incident. "Malacañang is keen on banning Grammy award winner and Queen of Pop Madonna from performing in the Philippines for disrespecting the Philippine flag in her concert," said Sec. Sonny Coloma from the Presidential Communications Operations Office. The singer and concert producers could be held liable for the violation even if they were unaware of the law.

She also sparked ire from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) after the singer somehow “disrespected” religious symbols as well. Cavorting on a giant cross-shaped stage during her two-nights concert on February 24 and 25, 2016 was never an easy sight for religious leaders and their loyal followers. Catholic officials even encouraged fans not to show up to Madonna's concert. But how many listened to them?

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SM's Art For Everyone art fair is happening from February 27 to 28, 2016 simultaneously at 6 premier SM Malls. You'll see different works at every mall so that's one of the many reasons why you should visit all the malls participating. All works on display are for sale so you better see them before they all get sold.

SM plans to do this as an annual event to help Filipino artists get more exposure. It showcases a curated selection of paintings and artworks and includes SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Aura Premier, SM Southmall, SM City Cebu, and SM Lanang Premier.

I've met with Jonjon San Agustin, the SVP of Marketing from SM Supermalls, and is seen here on a photo beside several paintings showing the old interiors of SM Megamall. He personally showed this to me as one of the works he truly appreciates as it depicts what SM megamall used to look like back then. I've learned that the paintings were created way back around 1995 by an artist during his student years and did these for his thesis.

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What should be the main difference between freelance bloggers and employed journalists?

Bloggers should be able to speak out loud and stand firm and upright for something, without getting worried our publication outfit will restrict or stop us, for being biased and truthful. We are a joke and not credible enough if we remain neutral or intentionally ignoring and neglecting the very obvious negative realities. We need more gutsy individuals in this country that would be determined to fight for what is right.

Kailangan natin ng "ma-dramang" leader dahil kawawa na po ang ating mga kababayan na patuloy na naghihirap dahil ang kaban ng bayan ay napupunta lamang sa iilan. Kung sino pa ang masagana ang buhay ay siya pa ang nabibigyan ng oportunidad na mai-angat pang muli ang kanilang pamumuhay samantalang barya-barya lamang ang napupunta sa tunay na nangangailangan at dapat na magkaroon ng karampatang pagkakataon na makipag-sabayan sa komersiyo ng mundo.

For example, di ba ninyo napapansin sa isang pagtitipon kung paano ang discrimination ay patuloy na umiiral. Kung sino pa ang dapat na "public servants" ay sila lang ang nabibigyan ng importansiya ngunit ang ordinaryong sambayanan ay dinadaan-daanan lang. Maliit na ehemplo pero diyan mo makikita na ang trato natin sa ating mga government officials ay parang hari samantalang ang mamamayan ay alipin. It should never be that way. Tayo dapat ang binibigyan ng halaga.

Napakarami pong kababayan natin ang talentado ngunit naaagawan ng pagkakataon at puwesto dahil sa mga maimpluwensiyang mga nakaupo na sa gobyerno. Huwag po nating hayaang magpa-ikot-ikot lamang sa kanila ang pamumuno sa bayang Pilipinas. Ang responsibildad sa pagpapatakbo sa bansa ay napakalaki para ibigay lamang ng paulit-ulit sa iilang tao.

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There’s no stopping two-time UFL Champion GLOBAL FC now.

Loyola Meralco Sparks FC saw a formidable opponent in GLOBAL FC last Saturday, Feb. 27, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium as GLOBAL FC blanked Loyola FC, with a 2-0 score.

The Saturday night crowd at Rizal Memorial Stadium saw players Omid Nazari and Arthur Kouassi contributing 1 goal each in behalf of the Leyte-based team.

First goal was by Arthur Kouassi, during the 42nd minute of the first half of the match, while the 2nd goal taking place at the 2nd half of the match.

Omid Nazari, who became a marked man after his hat trick during GLOBAL FC’s UFL opening game against Pasargad FC, was named Man of the Match.

Coach Leigh Manson says,“On Thursday we will have the Ceres game, which is obviously the most challenging among the recent games we’ve had. We are not yet where we should be, but I think slowly, we are gaining momentum which is good. I think with Ceres next week we probably have to go higher (take it a notch higher). But when we play against each other, I think you’ll find that the teams lift themselves because there’ll be a lot of Azkals players, playing against each other, they know each other very well and nobody wants to lose that game.”

“GLOBAL FC fans are also encouraged to root for their team this Thursday, March 3. There is nothing like a stadium full of screaming fans”, Coach Manson adds.

GLOBAL FC vs. Ceres FC takes place on March 3, Thursday, 8:30 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Top Eight Things to Remember As a Correspondent for a Publication

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There are so many publications out there that share the daily news. It is one of the tasks I find fascinating as I admire people who can deliver the stories as precise and comprehensive as possible using their very little time for preparation and research but able to come out with a newsworthy reporting.

I also admire the correspondents who are more than eager enough to come out with their best work especially when the news need to come out as soon as possible to be timely and relevant to the season or occasion.

If you're planning to accept an assignment as a correspondent for a publication, whether it's online or a daily printed news, there are a few important things that you need to remember to be effective.

It is highly important to remember that news is more significant and relevant if it follows certain criteria that will give it a better impact.

Here are some pointers that will prove useful for beginners or newbies who would like to stand out and make some real noise - not just the noise that sensationally controversial "chismis" about showbiz or political personalities make, or the noise that viral or trending scandals or disasters stories make, but the noise that reverberates when you come out with stories that is timely, relevant and the best of all, (for columns and blogs) emotionally-laden and full of personal insights.

One Big Phi Spotlight: Front and Center

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The Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity and the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority of the UP College of Medicine, in partnership with John Robert Powers, Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park, and Zalora, in cooperation with Mont Albo Massage Hut, Life Support Medical Equipment and Supplies, David's Salon, Royal Star Appliance Store, Crescendo Audio and Music Depot, brought us ONE BIG PHI SPOTLIGHT: Front and Center.

Last Monday, February 22, 2016 at the Chill Bar, Bocobo, we chilled with Ebe Dancel, Bullet Dumas, and Johnoy Danao together with various acts from UP Manila such as the A Band, Class 2020 Band, Noise From the Attic, RSO Band, PHI Band, and the newest batch of brods and sisses, Stormtroopers and PHI6ht Club, took center stage and performed the night away!

Everyone sat back and unwind as talented performers, together with various acts from UP Manila, take center stage and perform the night away!

The proceeds of this event will be coursed through PROJECT HERФ, a comic book project on cancer awareness, as well as EmpoweRED, the Phi Lambda Delta Sorority's project on HIV awareness.

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Congratulations to the DLSU-D Junior Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (JFINEX) for the successful holding of its annual fashion competition and fund raising activity entitled Executive Looks: Pastel Play on February 24, 2016. The event aimed to accumulate funds for the "Golden Patriot Scholarship Fund" through ticket selling by the contestants.

The new reigned Mr. and Ms. Executive Looks 2016 are Roi Leonard Digma and Raven Jean Tabilin respectively.

Roi Leonard Digma is a current first year student taking up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Human Resource Development Management. When asked how he feels being the new reign Mr. Executive Looks 2016, Roi said "I feel great and blessed to think that it’s my first time to join such competition. Executive Looks 2016 was a great experience for me. I’m looking forward for more opportunities like this to come." He dedicates his success to his friends, family, and oto the whole HRD family who have supported him throughout the competition.

Raven Jean Tabilin is a current third year student taking up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Management Accounting - specialized in Business Analytics. Raven said joining the pageant is already an honor, and winning the title is beyond exceptional. She feels blessed and thankful to the Lord and to the people who helped her achieve this success. And most especially, she feels very inspired to show other people the importance of business ethics and wearing of proper business attire to promote professionalism.