There Could Be a Happy Place for Everyone

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Over a decade ago, there were 4.5 million cases reported on this silent illness called depression. Due to its social stigma, no one really wants to step up front and get diagnosed with it. As a result, not enough study or monitoring is being done in the Philippines for the moment.

It is estimated that for every 90 depressives, only one-third is expected to seek help, one third will suffer silently while the other one-third will bear the symptoms not knowing there's something wrong.

"Depression can hit anyone but not everyone knows what to do or where to go for assistance. Some are afraid to talk about it for fear of being labeled as insane or crazy. They need someone who can understand their situation, give advice and support, and bring light to their journey of suffering and pain with positive self-discovery and well-being,” said Jean Goulbourn, president of Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF), a non-profit organization which helps people be aware of how one can prevent, recognize or treat this illness.

With this in mind, NGF and Globe Telecom earlier entered into a partnership for the NGF HOPELINE, a portal which makes it possible for people in need to quickly connect on a person-to-person basis with qualified, trained and certified responders who assist callers through established protocols. It also directs the callers where to undergo diagnosis, treatment and therapy.

Mu Sigma Phi Scholarship Week 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Unleash your potential and get ready as the Mu Sigma Phi kicks off Scholarship Week 2016!

For over eight decades, the Mu Sigma Phi Fraternity and Sorority of the UP College of Medicine, the first Medical Fraternity and Sorority in Asia, have upheld the pillars of Brotherhood, Sisterhood, Leadership, Scholarship, and Service. The Scholarship Week 2016 is a testament to its continued commitment to the promotion of exemplary scholastic performance. This week’s highlights include:

• 25th Brainstorm: Inter-Medical University Quiz Show

Celebrating its Silver Anniversary, Brainstorm is the flagship event hosted by the Mu Sigma Phi Fraternity and Sorority during the Scholarship Week. As a mark of our continuing commitment to the promotion of camaraderie within the medical profession, Brainstorm is regularly attended by the best minds from the Philippines' most prestigious medical institutions such as Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, De La Salle Health Sciences Institute, Our Lady of Fatima University, University of Perpetual Help, University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, and University of the Philippines College of Medicine

• Evidence-Based Medicine and Beyond: Basic Epidemiology Workshop for Medical Students

The Mu Sigma Phi Scholarship Summit is a whole-day event, which features lectures and return-demos on Evidence-Based Medicine, a course solely taught on the UP College of Medicine. In partnership with the Department of Clinical Epidemiology, the summit aims to disseminate to other universities the importance of this medical tool especially to our future clinicians. This is a testament of our continuing commitment to the promotion of excellence in medical education.

Get the New Samsung Gear VR, FREE on Globe Platinum Lifestyle Plan

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Order your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge from Globe Platinum and get the latest in wearable technology

The launch of the latest Samsung Galaxy models, S7 and S7 edge showed today’s digital generation how a smartphone can truly be part of life’s everyday adventures. Complementing the new phones is the introduction of the latest device that will open up a whole new world of entertainment - Samsung Gear VR.

Allowing one to experience a new dimension of mobile entertainment, Samsung Gear VR lets Globe Platinum customers see more inspiring moments as it comes FREE with the Platinum Lifestyle Plans.

A Globe Platinum exclusive offer, by visiting www.globe.com.ph/platinum-S7, customers can pre-order their new Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 edge on any of the Platinum Lifestyle Plans starting at Plan 3799 to get their free Samsung Gear VR. Redefining what a phone can do, the Gear VR changes content is enjoyed and experiences are shared. It boasts a super AMOLED display, wide field of view, precise head-tracking and low latency. Carrying a more comfortable design, it is now 19% lighter, with a larger touchpad for easy and accurate control.

With a growing library of Gear VR-compatible content, one can also live through their favorite movies or play the coolest games, as it all comes to life in 360° of detail.

“The Samsung Gear VR lets our Platinum customers discover a whole new way to fully enjoy their digital lifestyle. It not only compliments their new Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, but it also allows them to maximize the rich mobile data and premium content they have on their Platinum Lifestyle Plans. With the Gear VR, they will be able to watch movies or play games like never before. We are also happy to be the first in the Philippines to release and hand-deliver the new Samsung Galaxy S7 and Gear VR starting last March 14 to some of our Platinum customers personally by their Platinum Relationship Managers.” says Globe Platinum Brand Head, Kaisie del Carmen.

Experience the Circuit Party Phenomenon at Jungle Circuit Party Laboracay from April 29 to May 1

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We invite you to experience the circuit party phenomenon in the Philippines! Unleash The Animal Within for 3 massive events in our world famous party beach, Boracay!

First up, Jungle Circuit Party Neon! A black light & paint party on April 29, Friday at the beachfront of Wave Bar & Lounge, station 2!

For our 2nd night it's The Lost Paradise!! On April 30, Saturday at the beachfront of Wave Bar & Lounge, station 2!

For our 3 rd night, we will make it Rain as Hydro Manila take the stage and everyone WET and Wild On May 1, Sunday at the beachfront of Wave Bar & Lounge, station 2!

Music by your 10 Top Filipino DJs and 3 International Filipino LGBT DJs plus 2 of the most sought after international circuit party DJ from Malaysia and Thailand!

Tickets are available at all SM cinemas nationwide. Search for "junglecircuitparty" on Facebook and Instagram.

For inquiries and reservation kindly contact 0917 861 5747 or krisnuevoevents@gmail.com

Visita Iglesia 2016: Pasig Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It was a tiring but blessed day. We do a Visita Iglesia every year and always during Good Friday. This time it was very special since all seven churches we visited had special and significant meanings in our lives that will forever be a part of our "unforgettable" memories.

Yes, there are memories that are slowly fading away that they are almost forgotten, but there are still those that remain strongly immortalized into our minds because they also have an intimate place in our hearts. I believe that when both mind and heart are in unison, everything else follows and become a lifelong rhythm or melody that will forever be reverberating in our ears like soothing or vibrant music.

Our first visit was of course starting with the main church of Pasig, formally known as the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral located at Plaza Rizal of Barangay Malinao. It was not only because we live in Pasig, but this is also the church where I was christened. I was born in Pasig and my parents first lived in this city before we transferred to Pateros where my parents built a house. I was very young when we left Pasig, and I was destined to return and live here with my wife and kids again. This is where my eldest child was christened too, but that happened when we were still living in Pateros where my eldest was also born.

I've included the Pasig church which we already visited from a previous Visita Iglesia way back 2014 so you can just refer to the article we wrote about it. We often visit this church aside from the Santa Clara de Montefalco Parish located at C. Raymundo Avenue Barangay Caniogan and the San Antonio Abad Parish located at Stella Maris Avenue Barangay Maybunga which are nearer our home.

This is Part 1 of 7 since we visited 7 churches from different locations starting with Pasig and ending in Paranaque where we visited the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help of more popularly known as the Baclaran church.

CineMo, Now More Than Just Movies…

Wazzup Pilipinas!

CineMo, ABS-CBN TVplus’ first and only all-day movie channel on free digital TV, will not just showcase films daily as it announces its newest sitcom, Funny Ka Pare Ko. 

This coming April 2016, the exclusive ABS-CBN TVplus channel will finally launch its first locally produced content, Funny Ka Pare Ko, starring Bayani Agbayani, Karla Estrada, and Jayson Gainza. 

Also included in the cast are It’s Showtime’s Funny One grand winner, Ryan Rem Sarita, popularly known with his catch phrase “Rakenrol to the world,” and It’s Showtime’s Funny One finalists Nonong Ballinan, No Direction (Steven, Sadam and Bangkay), Crazy Duo (Diego and Gedent).

CineMo was introduced exclusively on ABS-CBN TVplus “mahiwagang black box.” Its newest sitcom will be shown alongside all the other movie offers of wide range of action, comedy and horror movies, both local and foreign.

To enjoy more of CineMo and other ABS-CBN TVplus’ exclusive channels, avail the “mahiwagang black box” on different selling branches like SM Appliance Center, 2Go Express, Abenson, Puregold branches, PC Express, Silicon Valley Outlets, and other stores around Metro Manila and Luzon. 

You may also order ABS-CBN TVplus at the ease of your own home! You may order online through the website www.abs-cbnstore.com and you may also text through 23661 or call 488-8888.

Bacchus Sponsors Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice Special Blocked Screening

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Thank you Bacchus energy drink for the lengthy 153 minutes of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice special blocked screening at the Podium cinema 1. The brand sponsored the blocked screening on March 26, Saturday which is also the regular showing of the movie in all theaters.

I guessed it right who would win between Batman and Superman. My hunch was right, and no matter what some people say, I still would reiterate it's worth the viewing on the big screen, and not to discredit it just to promote other movies showing on the same days.

"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is the second movie in the DC Extended Universe series, which began with Man of Steel, and will lead to the Wonder Woman solo movie, the Justice League movie, and more. As a result, it's positively packed with references to DC Comics, and hints about the future of the DC Extended Universe."

Both Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill played their roles well. Though I thought Superman would have been taller than Batman. Jesse Eisenberg played a Lex Luthor like no other - well, he was never like any of the Luthors we've seen in the past movies, or even the comics or animations. Gal Gadot (playing Wonder Woman) would remain an interesting watch to be continued on her own Wonder Woman movie.

Am I the only one who thinks all that collateral damage could have been avoided if the heroes just lured their enemies to other locations where damage would be less? When the Bats lured Doomsday back into the city, I would have preferred if he just went back to find his specially crafted "weapon" and returned to where the Kryptonian killer was. But knowing Hollywood, the more damage, the better it's impact with the viewers.

Kung Ikaw Ay Masaya, Tumawa Ka ... Ha Ha Ha!!!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It was a tiring but blessed day. We do this every year during Good Friday, and this time it was very special since all seven churches we visited had special and significant meanings in our lives that will forever be a part of our "unforgettable" memories.

Yes, there are memories that are slowly fading away that they are almost forgotten, but there are still those that remain strongly immortalized into our minds because they also have an intimate place in our hearts. I believe that when both mind and heart are in unison, everything else follows and become a lifelong rhythm or melody that will forever be reverberating in our ears like soothing or vibrant music.

Nakaka-LSS naman talaga. Kapag kasi ikaw ay masaya, lagi kang mapapakanta sa tuwa. Lahat ng pangyayari sa iyomg buhay ay may halaga, may katuturan, may natatanging katangian, na dapat ipagmalaki at ipangalandakan dahil nais mong ibalita rin sa iba ang iyong kasiyahan. Hindi upang ipagyabang, kundi para ipadama na dumarating talaga ang grasya sa mga taong nabubuhay ng marangal at tunay na walang itinatago, walang halong pagkukunwari, walang pakitang-tao lang.

Ngayong Semana Santa, sana ay makilala natin ang mga "pretentious" sa paligid-ligid. Ngunit imbes na sila ay talikuran, ipagtabuyan, pagtawanan, at kamuhian, mas nararapat na sila ay ating yayaing sumama upang magkaroon sila ng pagkakataong magbagong buhay tungo sa wastong landas - hindi sa daang matuwid dahil wala naman talagang ganoon - kundi sa daang lubak-lubak pero sama-sama naman nating tinatahak. Kalokohan ang magyaya sa daang matuwid dahil ang buhay ay kailanman hindi magiging perpekto hanggat mayroong nais mangibabaw sa iba.

How to Develop Healthy Relationships

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Everybody wants to find their soulmate and live happily ever after. However, some problems may appear already during the first weeks or months of their relationships. Why does it happen and what should the partners do in order to build a healthy relationship? Consider the following tips prepared by the dating experts from uabrides.com to avoid possible relationship mistakes.

Basic Tips

If nothing goes right from the start, have a closer look at your partner. Perhaps, you are not compatible because you have different temperaments, upbringing, characters, etc. Or, maybe, there is simply no connection between you? Don’t be obsessed with a particular person: if you realize that you are not meant to be, there is no point in dating only to escape loneliness.

As a relationship develops, partners gradually get used to each other and start taking many things for granted. It’s very important to notice and appreciate even small details.

It’s essential to trust your partner. It’s easier said than done but you need to confide in each other. Remember that jealousy and suspicions ruin love. Both partners want to know that they play a special part in each other’s life.

Understanding and patience are also the pillars of any long-lasting relationship. Nobody is perfect so you should be ready to accept your sweethearts as they are. If you can’t stand people who are always late and your date happens to be one of them, you have two options: you should either start looking for another partner or turn a blind eye to his or her bad time management skills.

Get Ready to Kick-Start the Summer Season at the 3rd PMA Summer Expo!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) will kick off the start of the summer season with the 3rd PMA Summer Expo in Makati! This year’s Summer Expo is a one-stop destination for products, ideas and things to do under the hot, hot sun.

Last year, the PMA Summer Expo featured thirty-nine (39) brands from the food, technology, health and wellness industries in a showcase of products and ideas that can be done during the summer season – this year, more than 40 brands from those industries will be showcasing their latest products and deals for everyone to see, taste, and experience.

There are a lot of activities in store at the Summer Expo – first up is the Summer Dance Craze competition, where more than 30 groups will show their best moves on stage. This year’s Summer Dance Craze takes up the first two days of the Expo (Tuesday, March 29 and Wednesday, March 30), and is by far the biggest competition the Summer Expo had.

Third day of the Expo (Thursday, March 31) will be filled with discussions on how to make the best out of the season as various people and businesses will share their knowledge and ideas to the audience, including travel blogger Apple Allison of Sole Searching Soul and lifestyle blogger Earth Rullan of Earthling Gorgeous.

The Pretentious Leaders of the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With the concluded 2nd round of the Presidential Debate we know as PiliPinas Debates, it was very obvious who emerged as the candidate that is believable. The leads were convincingly visible, composed with style; and sensible. All had their moment to shine but all also failed to answer with enough substance about the issues. Fact checks revealed erroneous statements from the presidential candidates indicating they are not fully aware of the law and their previous acts. 

Rodrigo Duterte's questioning on what Grace Poe would do when China attacks the Philippines was the only time during the debate brought attention to Grace Poe's lack of experience. If you will only consider the debates, she might be the best example of what a pretentious leader really is. Her excellence as a speaker that always came well-prepared for the debates was not enough to save her apparent ignorance of a concrete action plan.

The hour and a half long delay caused by Jejomar Binay's camp is actually something to be worried about. It should not be taken lightly as it reflects how Jejomar Binay would rule the country. He would be someone who would try to insist his own needs even when there's a law that needs to be followed. Regardless of the mistake of TV5 network's Luchi Cruz-Valdez, he should have not insisted on having his "notes," rather his documents, with him during the actual debate.

Though everyone got their fair share of accusations and name-calling as they were allowed to react to the answers of their fellow candidates, the debate felt more like a slug fest starting with Grace Poe and Jejomar Binay arguing about how Grace Poe was shameful of her citizenship while she swore to become an American citizen. Rodrigo Duterte had to literally set himself back to let the two quarrel it out between themselves. Grace Poe came back with a vengeance citing it was better to have a dual citizenship rather than becoming a corrupt politician who steals from the Filipino people. Jejomar Binay kept hiding behind the absence of a conviction by the court. The Vice President has not even faced the Senate hearings and has continued to accuse parties behind his so-called character assassination plots.

Spoiler Alert for Batman Versus Superman: Dawn of Justice Movie Review

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Kal-El vs Bruce Wayne in a superhero grudge match. It was bound to be epic. But did the much-awaited movie featuring Batman against Superman really lived up to all that hype?
Ok, we've seen an advance screening of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. So what to do next aside from gloating over others who have not seen it yet since it's still to be regularly shown in the Philippines on March 26?

Do we give our thumbs up or down already? Do we spoil the fun and share some spoilers? Do we give out clues on what to expect? Or do we use the negative reactions or disappointments of the people who were expecting too much from the movie to promote something else?

It is a battle between a man with high-tech devices and vehicles versus an alien with God-like powers. Who do you think would win? But the real question in everyone's mind is: Did the movie-goers win after watching the supposed to be the ultimate match between our biggest childhood superheroes.

The boy scout in blue versus the caped crusader was meant to be a phenomenal high-grossing film to impress everyone around the world. However, for a movie that literally has "versus" in the title, it took a long time to actually see the main characters going up against each other. Both Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill would have wanted to make the slugfest the highlight of the movie, yet the fans may be asking too much. I would say that the fight between Facebook and Twitter may reveal more who would finally reach supremacy.

Below are some thoughts from one of the people who have not yet seen the movie already. I do not want to post any comments yet from the people who have seen the movie from an advance screening.

Boracay Is More Fun with Jungle Circuit Party Laboracay

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We invite you to experience the circuit party phenomenon in the Philippines! Unleash The Animal Within for 3 massive events in our world famous party beach, Boracay!

First up, Jungle Circuit Party Neon! A black light & paint party on April 29.

For the 2nd night it's The Lost Paradise!! On April 30, Saturday at the beachfront of Wave Bar & Lounge, station 2!

Music by your favorite Filipino LGBT DJs plus 1 of the most sought after international circuit party DJ from Malaysia!

Tickets are available at all SM cinemas nationwide. Search for "junglecircuitparty" on Facebook and Instagram.

For inquiries and reservation kindly contact 0917 861 5747.

Win an All-Expense Paid Trip to the Captain America: Civil War Red Carpet Premiere in Hollywood

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Tensions will rise. Heroes may fall. Get up soldier, and grab a chance to witness one of the most iconic conflicts in the Marvel Universe!

AsiaPOP Comicon is giving one lucky fan a once in a lifetime all-expense paid* trip to be at the “CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR” RED CARPET WORLD PREMIERE IN HOLLYWOOD, USA!

The lucky winner will be provided a roundtrip flight ticket to Los Angeles, a 3D/2N hotel stay and an Exclusive Invitation to attend this much anticipated world premiere held on April 12th 2016.

Grab your chance to win this Ultimate #APCC Experience now!

Two ways to win:

1. Like Us on Facebook - @APCCKorea or @APCCManila
2. Like and share this post – APCCKorea post | APCCManila post
3. Hashtag #APCC #RedCarpetWin
4. Tag 20 Friends
5. Register at www.asiapopcomicon.com/civilwar/register

OR

1. Follow Us on Twitter - @asiapopcomicon
2. Retweet this link: https://twitter.com/AsiaPOPComicon/status/712503799219232768
3. Hashtag #APCC #RedCarpetWin
4. Register at www.asiapopcomicon.com/civilwar/register

The trip includes:

1. One (01) return economy class ticket to Los Angeles
2. Three-day, two-night hotel stay in Los Angeles
3. Return airport transfer to and from LAX
4. Event transfers (if any)
5. One (01) invitation to the Red Carpet World Premiere of Captain America: Civil War

This campaign will close on 31 March 2016 at 12:00hrs (UTC +8), so hurry!

You must be aged 21 years and above to qualify. *Terms & Conditions apply.

Visit www.asiapopcomicon.com/civilwar for more info!

Who Is Winning and Leading in the Presidential Debates?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

After witnessing the presidential debates via the previous two PiliPinas Debates 2016 series, and highly expecting the upcoming third run, we must be wondering who among our presidential candidates, namely Jejomar Binay, Rodrigo Duterte, Grace Poe, Mar Roxas and Miriam Defensor-Santiago, are leading and should be considered winners in the debates. But that thought is far from what is really troubling me.

I still believe none of the presidential candidates are qualified to become president. But sadly, we have no choice but to accept the fact that there would eventually be one of them who would sit in Malacanang and assume all the power of the presidency. 

They say choose the lesser evil. I was hoping there would be a sixth choice of "None of the Above" but a failure of election would only result to definite chaos because the incumbents would only take advantage of the dilemma, and fight over the authority over all they could possibly control.

You would easily know if a political candidate is unreal. When he or she would not entertain interviews alone without his personal assistants, or advisers, etc., doesn't have the guts to speak to you on a one-on-one basis, doesn't have the confidence enough to share his or her very own thoughts and insights, could not answer your inquiries directly, and could not elaborate on his or her platforms and actions plans without the presence of notes or documents.

We better take caution that he or she might just be pulling our legs ....towards our graves, figuratively and literally speaking, just so he could be put into position. They will promise everything, including the moon, just to get elected, and afterwards just say "Sorry" coupled with so many excuses and finger-pointing, if they could not fulfill their promises.