Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

After Success in Indonesia, ZEN Rooms Announces Expansion

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ZEN Rooms (powered by Rocket Internet) confirms its #1 position in the South East Asia budget hotel sector by announcing the opening of operations in 4 new countries: Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Philippines.

In line with its slogan Sleep Well, Pay Less!, ZEN Rooms has assisted thousands of travellers on short and long stays in Indonesia, who looked for quality rooms and concerned with personal safety. Travellers exploring Jakarta, Bandung, Bali, Bogor and Yogyakarta choose ZEN Rooms as the preferred choice and double rooms start from as low as US$10.

Through its strict quality vetting of each room on the network and ongoing curation, ZEN Rooms ensures guests always experience the same quality service on what matters most: Free WIFI, clean rooms, comfortable double beds, air-conditioner and in-room shower.

“Following hundreds of excellent reviews posted online by our guests, customer satisfaction at ZEN Rooms has fortunately been very clear. This geographic expansion is a logical next step for us.” says co-founder Nathan Boublil.

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Harte Hanks, a U.S-based leader in customer relationships, experiences and interaction-led marketing, helped Samsung grab attention and build engagement when it launched its Galaxy Note 4 in 2014.

Harte Hanks is well-known for creating many brand success stories for their clients that include Hewlett Packard Software EMEA, Microsoft UK Enterprise, Sony, and Samsung, will be opening a BPO-call center at the Mall of Asia Complex, in Pasay City on April 21.

Now, the Samsung campaign has been awarded Direct Marketing News’ 2016 Marketing & Tech Innovation Award in the Mobile Marketing category.

The campaign, directed at an under-30 audience, focused on using social media to turn someone’s bad day into a good day. The campaign dubbed #NoteMyDay, helped turnaround bad days for those young people who tagged social media with #NotMyDay.

“Research tells us, millennials use social channels to share everything, even the bad things,” says Alan Kittle, creative director at Harte Hanks. “But we'd never seen a brand take direct action and find ways to make the bad days better, even though turnaround stories are popular. Using smartphone features to create happy endings felt so unusually emotional.”

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While wandering in Baguio city, a friend recommended going to Tsokolateria Café. I'm glad I followed her tip because I was not disappointed of this new discovery. Let me tell you why.

First, the place, located in Igorot Stairs, Upper Session Road, Baguio City, is so nice. It was very accessible to get there because Baguio is very well known for fair and courteous taxi drivers. It is just a short walk away from the SM Baguio mall.

Inside, you'll see that their interior is simple yet relaxing, as it is an outdoor café embracing the cold breeze of Baguio.

Secondly, from the name itself, it is a haven for chocolate lovers. Like who can’t get away with CHOCOLATES?! They showcase artisan chocolates. Definitely all in their menu are made by hands. Their HOT CHOCOLATE BATIROL IS DEFINITELY A WINNER!

Third, their craft is not only bounded by chocolates; they also offer different kind of dishes for lunch and snacks but all of them are of the same rate of deliciousness.

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With a good phone, there is no need to buy a camera.

In an economy where smartphone ownership and internet usage continue to grow, the number of traditional camera users is seen to decline, according to a Flickr review. In fact, the report added that popular smartphone devices like iPhone took the sweet spots in the most used camera category, leaving traditional cameras in seven other seats of the top 20 list.

This trend is evident in the number of gadgets being shipped in 2014, where more than 1.3 billion smartphones were shipped globally in contrast to the sharp decline of digital camera shipments. It was revealed that only 65 million cameras were shipped in the same year, less than half of the count in 2010.

With the increasing penetration of smartphones and their more and more powerful photography performance, traditional cameras have been marginalized. For consumers, smartphones not only have easy-to-use camera features that are enough for everyday use; this also makes photo-sharing easier and faster.

To meet the demands of these always-on-the-go consumers, many smartphone manufacturers ventured into improving their devices that integrate powerful photography features. This gave rise to ‘mobigraphy’ or mobile photography, the new art of capturing images and editing them—all in one place.

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Telecommunications company Globe Telecom announces the highly-successful pilot run of the Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), the award-winning brainchild of Optus and Singtel first deployed in Australia. It was designed to increase high school students’ knowledge of digital citizenship and cyber safety by taking a critical look at their online behavior and helping them develop insights into the influences of the online world and the choices they are making.

“By empowering a generation of students with digital savvy and leadership skills, Globe is giving them a way to understand the individual impact of their decisions and actions as well as enhances their view of how technology can be used to create a #WonderfulPH,” said Fernando Esguerra, Director of Globe Corporate Social Responsibility.

He added: “The youth is greatly represented in the online community. Thus, to prepare them for the immense benefits that a digital nation brings, we want them to learn how to discern proper online behavior, be aware of technology’s impact on their social activities, and develop skills on how to use technology to help them achieve life goals.”

An assessment conducted by global consulting firm Karrikins Group of Australia showed that DTP had a very high impact among students of the two pilot schools ---- Dasmarinas East National High School in Dasmarinas, Cavite and Sico 1.0 National High School in San Juan, Batangas --- particularly on the topic of privacy and security settings on social media platforms.

NAITAS Travel and Trade Show (NTTS) 2016 on April 8 to 10

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The heat is on, summer has come. And so "NAITAS Travel and Trade Show (NTTS) 2016" blisters with more and more exhibitors and stakeholders confirming their active involvement. Slated on April 8, 9 and 10, 2016 at the SM Mall of Asia SMX Convention Center, NTTS 2016 promises once more to be the Philippines' liveliest travel, tourism and trade fair promoting outbound and inbound destinations and allied products and services.

For more information, you may call the Event Secretariat at (632) 254.9873 and (63)977.1744352.

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV Showcases its Versatility Around Race Circuits, Too!

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The Mexico City ePrix saw the MICHELIN Pilot Spot EV rise successfully to the very different challenge of competing around a permanent circuit, instead of at a temporary city-centre facility, as has been the case since the inaugural Formula E race in Beijing, in September 2014. Previous venues have ranged from street tracks to public parks (as in London) and airfield runways (Berlin), but Mexico City chose the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez and in the infield of a baseball stadium to stage its round of the FIA Formula E Championship.

Although the competition’s all-electric cars and their Michelin tyres have been tested previously at conventional tracks like Donington, England, and Issoire, France, purpose built circuits are very different to street circuits, notably in terms of the grip they provide, as well as the abrasiveness and dirtiness of the surface. [...] “This was effectively unknown territory for us because we needed to take account changes in grip in places, as well as changes in the type of asphalt,” added Serge Grisin. “We were confident, though, thanks on the one hand to Michelin Motorsport’s experience of circuit racing and, on the other, because of the versatility the MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV has shown in the Formula E Championship to date. It performed impeccably in Mexico City and the way it evolved matched our predictions. Today, I think we can say that whatever the weather or surface type, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV is a match for all types of conditions, with no detriment to either wear or performance.”

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Ekotek is turning up the heat with their Super Summer Sale! They've got amazing deals especially for you! Get up to 40% off your favorite Ekogadgets.

This summer, the 64-bit Quad Core LTE Ekophone Sage 2 can be yours for only P3799! Apple fans can get their hands on the Apple Certified Firmlink Charge and Sync cables for only P399! So what are you waiting for? Get your fans and shades out, 'cause this sale is hot and coming at you from all our kiosks and branches!

Grab'em while they're hot, and don't forget to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and IG: @ekotekgadgets.

*Online prices are subject to change
**We’re available in SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Las Piñas, SM City Pampanga, SM City Clark, SM Valenzuela, and SM Manila

Discounts and Freebies for Gratuates at Burgoo

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All 2016 graduates can avail twenty percent (20 %) discounts plus exciting freebies at all Burgoo outlets located at T. Morato in Quezon City; Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Makati; The Podium in Ortigas; Gateway Mall in Araneta Center Cubao; Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas; SM City The Block in North EDSA; Mall of Asia in Pasay; SM City Marikina: SM Southmall in Alabang, The District in Cavite, The Terraces Mall in Fairview, Starmall Prima in Taguig and the newly-opened Solenad 3 in Sta Rosa Laguna.

From appetizers, salads to pasta, pizza and main entrees, Burgoo has made available quality and sumptuous dishes for your dining pleasure which includes: Mozzarella Sticks, Fried Calamari, Gambas al Ajillo, Seafood Caesar Supreme, Shrimp Pomelo Salad, Frutte de Mare and Garden Fresh Pizza, Seafood Jambalaya Pasta, Seafood Linguini, Linguini with Clams, Shrimp Arrabiatta, Tomato Basil Spaghetti, Shrimps and Chips, Seafood Jambalaya,, Spinach Grilled Salmon, and Friday Fish Fry. For sweet endings, highly recommended are Raspberry Cheesecake, American Fruit Salad, Brownie ala Mode, etc.

For reservations and inquiries, please call 9277424, 8381815, 6875254, 7263578, 9136112, 5560091, 6336256 or 4420115.

Gumbo Salutes Graduates!

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Gumbo salutes all graduates of 2015 by giving them twenty percent (20%) discounts on their bill. Just dine in at any Gumbo restaurants and present any proof of graduation to get this discount plus a surprise gift! Enjoy these sumptuous treats at Gumbo such as Cajun Blackened Salmon, Barbecued Shrimps, Family Feast, Baked Artichoke Formagio, Cream Dory with Mango Salsa, Seafood Jambalaya, Seafood Gubo, Fish & Chips, Ultimate Seafood Feast, Halibut Pesto, delightful pizzas and pasta and must-try desserts!

Gumbo restaurants are located at the 2nd level, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia; 2nd level, The Block, SM City North Edsa; 3rd level, Robinsons Place Manila Midtown; 2nd level, Atrium Bldg., SM Megamall; Gateway Mall Araneta Center; and Robinsons Magnolia. For reservations and inquiries, please call 5560238, 4420106, 5671820 and 6353015.

There Could Be a Happy Place for Everyone

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.