Philippine Internet of Everything Consortium, Inc. Holds Third Founding Members’ Meeting

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 
Access. Build. Collaborate. The Philippine Internet of Everything Consortium, Inc. (PIOEC, Inc.) Board of Trustees (seated from left to right) Ian Wilson, CEO of Cormant Technologies; Dr. Jaime Caro, Computer Science Professor at the University of the Philippines; Louie Castañeda, Corporate Secretary; Jovy Hernandez, Vice Chairman; Danilo Lachica, Chairman; Gilbert Ramos, Treasurer; Gavin Barfield, Chief Technology Advisor at Manila Electric Company (MERALCO); Sean Byrne, ICT Director at Concepcion-Carrier Air Conditioning; and (standing fourth from left) Chet Alviz, Executive Director of PIOEC, Inc. during the third founding members’ alignment meeting held recently at the Manila Peninsula, Makati City. The photo is also joined in by founding members (standing from left to right) Gio Abaquin, PIOEC Head of Secretary; Nico Alcoseba, VP & Head of ePLDT, Inc.’s Disruptive Business Group; Andrei Lopez, Head of Samsung’s Vertical Sales; Theresa Eisma, CIO of Air21; and two representatives from E-science Corporation and Air 21. Not present is Board Member Dr. Francisco Castillo, Chief Information Officer & SVP of Maynilad Water Services.

The Philippine Internet of Everything Consortium, Inc. (PIOEC, Inc.), the first non-profit organization in the Philippines that collaborates with industry leaders to help transform businesses through the Internet of Things, recently held its third founding members’ meeting at the Manila Peninsula to align their efforts in spreading awareness on the value of the Internet of Things (IoT) to people’s lives, work and play.

Created in 2014, the PIOEC aims to provide an avenue for individuals and organizations where they can access resource materials to acquire new skills, build a network of professionals, enthusiasts, educators and members of the public sector who exchange ideas relevant to today’s needs, and collaborate with industry professionals to establish successful business relationships.

According to Chet Alviz, Executive Director of the PIOEC, Inc., “We brought together some of the best industry leaders who will help elevate the country’s businesses, making it up to par with international standards.” He continued, “We are now opening our doors for new members who want to join us in pushing this initiative.”

The Board of Trustees and founding members are composed of executives from various corporations. Presented by PLDT ALPHA, the PIOEC is now open for memberships. For more details, please visit the website at http://www.pioec.ph/.

NBA Brings the Game Closer to its Fans in Asia-Pacific

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With the start of the 2016-17 NBA season, basketball fans across Asia-Pacific will have more access to the NBA than ever before through a variety of touchpoints spanning television, internet and mobile distribution of NBA games and programming, localized content on digital destinations and social media accounts, merchandising, and on-ground events.  With more than 65 partners in the region and the myriad ways to access the NBA, there has never been a better time to be an NBA fan.

The range of experiences from the NBA and its partners include:  

GAMES & PROGRAMMING *excluding Greater China and India

·         Fans can access NBA games and programming via the following television, mobile and digital partners:

• Australia – ESPN
• Japan – Fuji TV, NHK, WOWOW, DAZN
• Korea – SpoTV, NAVER
• Malaysia – Astro
• Mongolia – SPS
• New Zealand – ESPN, TVNZ
• Philippines – ABS-CBN, Fox Sports, Globe Telecom, BTV, NBA Premium 
• Singapore – ELEVEN SPORTS NETWORK
• Thailand – True Visions
• Vietnam – VT Cable

LEAGUE PASS

·         NBA games and programming is accessible through NBA LEAGUE PASS, available in all countries across Asia-Pacific.

·         NBA LEAGUE PASS, the league’s live games subscription service which allows fans to watch every NBA game live and on-demand, tips off the 2016-17 NBA season with new features designed for basketball fans.  From a variety of game packages to multi-screen views of the action, NBA LEAGUE PASS will deliver more ways to experience the NBA. This year’s features include:

o   AROUND THE LEAGUE RECAPS: This new series wraps up the day’s action with the best content from around the league.

o   ON-DEMAND CHOICES: Fans have the ability to download replays of full-length games or condensed games for convenient on-the-go viewing.

o   NBA RAPID REPLAY: A new highlights feature providing fans with in-the-moment updates on great NBA action from around the league. NBA RAPID REPLAY can be accessed as part of the live game experience from the NBA App on iOS and Android.

o   NBA MOBILE VIEW: A completely new way to watch basketball on mobile devices and tablets, the new NBA Mobile View meets the needs of today’s sports fans and their desire to consume content on the best screen available by providing a zoomed-in, tighter shot of the action that it optimized for the smaller screen size of mobile devices.

o   VIDEO ARCHIVES: NBA LEAGUE PASS opens up the NBA vaults providing fans with more access than ever before to classic games, interviews, highlights and documentaries, including 60 hours of new content.  Throughout the season, new NBA content will be added to the Video Archives.

o   VIRTUAL REALITY: The NBA and NextVR, the leader in broadcasting live events in virtual reality, will live stream at least one NBA LEAGUE PASS game per week in virtual reality during the 2016-17 season.  Fans with a Samsung Gear VR headset and a compatible Samsung smartphone can experience the free preview by accessing the NBA Channel within the NextVR app. Later this season, the offering will be expanded to support additional VR headset options. 

·         NBA LEAGUE PASS also returns with two offerings introduced last year – NBA SINGLE GAME and NBA TEAM CHOICE.  NBA SINGLE GAME will once again allow fans to watch individual live games, while NBA TEAM CHOICE, available for all 30 NBA teams, will give them the option to follow one team, so they can watch their favorite player all season long.

·         Globe Telecom, the official wireless and broadband services partner of the NBA in the Philippines, offers day passes to all its subscribers.

·         Fans will be able to enjoy the subscription-based service across computers, tablets and mobile phones, as well as a wide variety of connected devices including the Apple TV and PlayStation 4.

SOCIAL MEDIA

·         Fans can enjoy localized NBA content through a variety of social media platforms:

o   Australia – Facebook, Twitter and LINE

o   Indonesia – Facebook, Twitter and LINE

o   Japan – Facebook, Twitter and LINE

o   New Zealand – Facebook and Twitter

o   Philippines – Facebook, Twitter and LINE

·         “Friend” the NBA’s official account on LINE by adding @nba_global.

DIGITAL DESTINATIONS

·         The League has four official localized digital destinations in Asia-Pacific:

o   Australia – www.sportingnews.com/au/nba

o   Japan – www.nba.co.jp

o   New Zealand – www.sportal.co.nz/nba

o   Philippines – www.nba.com/philippines

EVENTS

·         Jr. NBA, the league’s global youth basketball participation program for boys and girls, has reached more than 1.5 million kids, parents and coaches across Southeast Asia.  The program, which completed its third year in Asia-Pacific, returns in January 2017.  Jr. NBA is currently active across six countries:

o   Indonesia

o   Malaysia

o   Philippines

o   Singapore

o   Thailand

o   Vietnam

·         Fans, parents and coaches can visit www.jrnba.asia to learn more about the Jr. NBA program in Asia.

MERCHANDISE

·         Fans can purchase official NBA licensed merchandise through the following retailers across Asia-Pacific:

• Australia – More than 90 Rebel stores
• Japan – 70 Xebio stores
• Korea – 113 NBA shops
• Philippines – 3 NBA Stores:

§  Ayala Center, Glorietta 3

§  Ayala Trinoma

§  SM Megamall, Fashion Hall

• NBA merchandise can also be purchased from the following official online NBA Stores:
• Australia – www.nbastore.com.au
• Indonesia – www.nbastore.co.id  
• New Zealand – www.nbastore.co.nz
• NBA merchandise is also available at select Adidas and Foot Locker stores throughout Asia-Pacific.

Globe and NBA Provide Enhanced NBA App User Experience Ahead of 2016-17 Season

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As the 2016-17 NBA season tips off, the NBA and Globe Telecom, the League’s official wireless and broadband services partner, provide an updated NBA app user experience for sports fans to watch the NBA live on their mobile devices.

Globe customers subscribing to any NBA promo will experience a simpler registration process without the need to input PIN codes to access NBA content on their mobile devices. Once customers complete the promo registration, users will receive a link via SMS directing to the NBA app to verify their mobile number. Once authenticated, fans can immediately enjoy NBA games and programming on their mobile devices.

“Globe is committed to providing the best possible mobile experience so that our customers can access content seamlessly on their devices. By closely working with the NBA, we have developed a streamlined registration process, free of inputting tedious PIN codes. This way, one can easily access NBA games and content anytime,” said Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan.

Avid NBA fans can now catch their favorite team games and game specials through their Globe Broadband plan that comes with six months free access to NBA LEAGUE PASS. On mobile, NBA promos are also available in three service offerings: NBA499 for a 30-day premium access, NBA299 for 7 days, and NBA50 for a 24-hour access. To begin the NBA LEAGUE PASS registration process, Globe users must text the preferred NBA promo keyword (NBA499, NBA299, NBA50) to 8080.

Chrysalis: 16th JPMAP Annual National Convention

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All roads lead to Davao City this year as young people managers converge in the Land of Promise for CHRYSALIS, the highly anticipated 2016 annual convention of the Junior People Management Association of the Philippines (JPMAP).

The challenge for JPMAP is to fast-track the development of its members as the future managers and developers of Filipino talent, which is the only remaining and sustainable source of competitive advantage of the country. With most of the natural resources of the Philippines having been depleted or sorely inadequate, the country needs to rely on human capital – Filipinos – as the main driver of growth.

• Strengthening critical leadership competencies

• Nurturing creativity and innovation, and

• Strengthening the JPMAP organization by building SYNERGY among various JPMAP members and between JPMAP and other stakeholders (PMAP, other associations, academe, government, etc) through role clarification, focused advocacy points, and various team building activities.

Join this 3-days and 2-nights convention and together let’s cross bridges of greater horizon’s for us, the HR Young Successors. Register now atbit.ly/jpmapnc1 and experience the transformation!

Registration fees are as follows:

Early Bird Sept.19-Oct. 21
Member 5, 000php
Non-Member 5,500 php
Regular Rate- Oct 24 - Nov 16
Member 6, 000php
Non-Member 6,500php
Walk-in Rate Nov 17 - Nov 23
Member 7, 000php
Non-Member 7,500php

Inclusions:
The fee is inclusive of: 3-day, 2-night hotel accommodation, bus transportation (from airport to the hotel and vice versa), conference t-shirts, lanyard, IDs, raffle ticket, and meals(2 Breakfast, 2 am and pm snacks, 3 lunch, 2 dinner).

For more information you may message us here in Facebook or email jpmapchrysalis@gmail.comContact your JPMAP Local Officers and join us!
See you there!
#JPMAPNC2016
#cHRysalis

A Mix That’s Truly Timplang Pinoy

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In keeping with the times, the things that Filipino families enjoy and delight in have constantly evolved – from simple group kite flying, to grandma’s stories of legends and folklore at night, to strolling in the mall, to family karaoke, and to the more contemporary groufies and #FamBam picture taking on their smart phones. Through all that, one thing remains constant, there is still that distinctly Filipino timpla in all these family bonding activities – just like how the Eight O’clock powdered juice drink remains Pinoy na Pinoy.

“Filipino families have enjoyed the delicious taste of Eight O’Clock for more than 20 years. We take pride that no matter how much time changes the bonding activities of Filipino families, Eight O’Clock continues to provide that truly Timplang Pinoy that generations and generations of Filipino families have come to love,” Teejae Sonza, marketing manager for Stills and New Categories of Coca-Cola Philippines.

Eight O’Clock is a delicious homegrown brand that captures the tasty and unique blend of sweet and sour orange flavor perfect for every Pinoy family to enjoy. It has immuno-active agents to help boost the family’s immune system, and each mix can make up to six glasses per pack.

ICTSI and Philippine Kiteboarding Association: Empowering the Filipino Kitesurfing Athletes on its 4th Kiteboarding Tour

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Philippine Kiteboarding Association (PKA), the country's premiere kitesurf organizing body, in partnership with International Container Terminal Services Inc.(ICTSI), Philippines' leading port management company, are thrilled to announce the 4th installment of its Kiteboarding competition this 2016-2017 season.

Over the past 4 years, the PKA has mounted more than 16 kitesurf competitions across the country, and their recent 2015-2016 season of the ICTSI Philippine Kiteboarding (PKA) Tour wrapped up with a resounding success, with more than 160 participants across 20 countries from Europe, America and Asia, have gathered to compete in some of the country’s top kitesurfing destinations.

The competition features three different fields of discipline, namely Race, Freestyle and Hangtime, and further sub-classified to Kids, Novice, Mens, Womens, and Masters class. And now that kiteboarding has been recently announced as one of the sports to be included in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Tokyo, the organizing body is hopeful that the next Olympic gold, may come from their ranks given the right support and funding.

Jay Ortiz, PKA President quipped "This year, the PKA is excited to announce that we will be mounting another adrenaline-filled kitesurfing event, bringing both local and international riders again to 4 kitesurfing locations in the country, an effort that will surely excite and invite more local and international racers."

The four key destinations for this year are Cuyo Island in Palawan (Nov. 24-26), Bantayan Island, Cebu (Jan 13-15, 2017), Boracay Island, Aklan (Feb. 3-5, 2017) and Cagbalete Island in Quezon (Mar. 3-5, 2017). 

Knot So Easy on #AXNTARA: Tempers Flare and Tears Flow as Eight Remaining Teams Struggle to Stay Focused

Wazzup Pilipinas!

After last week’s adrenaline-fueled non-elimination leg, Indonesia’s Rach & Vicky will have to work a lot harder to make up for lost time in tonight’s episode of The Amazing Race Asia Season 5. 

Eight teams remain in the Race and all relationships are put to the ultimate stress test as they undertake grueling challenges in Phuket, Thailand. 

Who has what it takes? Which teams will collapse under pressure? And who will go home?

Catch the all-new exciting episode of The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 tonight at 9pm only on AXN. 

For behind-the-scenes clips and extra footage, visit www.AXN-Asia.com/TARA or join the conversation on Facebook at TheAmazingRaceAsia.

AXN is seen on Cable Link Channel 38, Cignal Digital TV Channel 61, Global Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Channel 20, GSat Channel 51, and SKYCable Channel 49. AXN HD is seen on SkyCable Channel 247.

US Halts Sale of Assault Rifles to the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"President Rodrigo Duterte, who has displayed animosity toward the United States (US) because of its criticisms of his brutal war on drugs, dismissed Washington’s reported refusal to sell rifles as a mere scare tactic. 

He is saying that if the US won’t sell assault rifles to the Philippines, the country can still fight criminals with airguns and fists. 

The President shrugged off threats that the United States would stop the sale of assault rifles to the Philippine National Police (PNP), saying there are other sources in the market.

"Yan lang pantakot niya sa akin. Hindi sya magpabili ng armas? eh karaming de bomba dito" the President said. 

Translated in English: “Is that it? What? They are not selling us arms? That’s their only way to scare me? That they won’t sell firearms? We have several air guns here,” Duterte remarked. 

PNP chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa also downplayed the US embargo on selling firearms to the Philippine police. Dela Rosa said the PNP would continue its war against illegal drugs and criminality even if it meant coming to blows with drug lords after police have fired their last bullet."

The US State Department halted the sale of the assault rifles citing concern of human rights violations in the Philippines during Duterte’s bloody war on drugs. Duterte reacted calling those behind the decision "fools" and "monkeys" and indicating he might turn to Russia and China instead.

"The U.S. State Department halted the planned sale of some 26,000 assault rifles to the Philippines' national police after Senator Ben Cardin said he would oppose it, Senate aides told Reuters. 

Aides said Cardin, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was reluctant for the United States to provide the weapons given concerns about human rights violations in the Philippines. 

The relationship between the United States and the Philippines, a long-time ally, has been complicated lately by President Rodrigo Duterte's angry reaction to criticism from Washington of his violent battle to rid the country of illegal drugs."

Why are we even buying guns? Guns only provoke further violence and it makes the authorities dependent on the weapons that they also refuse to learn other ways to bring down or capture an opponent or criminal.

Because it is a way to protect ourselves when needed? We cannot fight with arnis, karate or with a fork? It is a symbol for security?

Yeah, maybe. But I do not feel safe and secured when in possession of a gun fearing it might also be the cause of my early demise. If not me, maybe my family, who may accidentally get shot with it while we try to protect ourselves from intruders. They should invent a weapon that would only temporarily paralyze and not kill. My father has one tucked away but easily accessible when needed at one part of our house. There were also several bullets that go with it.

The thought that one will buy guns because others have it gives me the shivers. It will be a never-ending search for security because once the others get possession of better weapons, we would all try to follow to get even. The cycle will never end. The winners here are the gun manufacturers, never the users.

Also, in the middle of a confrontation, once you show up with a gun, and even attempt to use it, you only provoke the others to do the same. Though it maybe stupid to come defenseless, you might be more successful in achieving a truce.

I am sad that the reality we now face is a violent one. Many of us are too greedy or desperate that we would readily kill just so we could get what we do not own. We wouldn't need weapons to protect ourselves if we were contented with what we have.

" I think this is the right moment for Mr. Duterte to more than just consider buying from a national (or local) industrialist instead of going all over the world in search of weapons "systems" that we already have in the country. Not only will the move be a good impetus for this government to support national Filipino industry but it will also have the guarantee of what we call in the defense industry, SECURITY OF SUPPLIES, which is a key factor in weapons acquisition by any country. 

To this end, the Republic has the United Defense Manufacturing Company, which makes NATO-specs assault rifles and 100% Filipino-owned technology. Our government must stand by its mantra that it now refuses "colonial mentality" and should prove that it is prepared to go "local".... 

Time to walk the talk, Mr President and support our own defense manufacturing industry!"

Filipina Celebrities in their Halloween Costumes

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Halloween is not only for kids since even adults rave about the season when they can show off their creativity in coming up with either a frightful or fancy costume to celebrate the tradition.

We gathered a few photos of the more popular female celebrities in their Halloween costumes so you'll get to somehow see who were creative enough to make an effort to dress up and show the world they practice the Halloween tradition in or out of the Philippines. Yup! Some went out of the Philippines to celebrate Halloween in other countries.

The above photo shows Anne Curtis Smith with her portrayal of Eleven, a young girl with many psychokinetic gifts played by Millie Bobby Brown on the Stranger Things TV Series which will soon be having its 2nd season.

Actress Coleen Garcia and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach both had an Edward Scissorhands outfit. Who do you think wore it best?

While Angel Locsin and Sarah Lahbati had some body painting to show some scary rendition of zombie scratches and skeleton features respectively.

Meanwhile Arci Munoz, Isabelle Daza, Kim Chiu wore costumes representing iconic characters from pop culture anime and cartoons like Sailor Moon, Captain Planet and Chun Li of Street Fighter.

Now there were also some celebrities like Maxene Magalona and Ruffa Guttierez who wore simple outfits that one could buy from specialty shops.

Manny Pacquiao VS Jessie Vargas Fight: Have Filipinos Lost Interest with the Pambansang Kamao?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

How come very few people are talking about the welterweight title clash between Manny Pacquiao and Jessie Vargas on November 5, 2016 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas?

It's just a few days ago yet the noise created for the event is silently heard.

Nonito Donaire, who reclaimed the WBO super bantamweight title following a unanimous verdict over Cesar Juarez, will also be defending his crown against Jessie Magdaleno. Nonito is also a Filipino favorite as he is among the more popular boxers noticeable in mainstream media, so this should mean a big event. However, I've only seen advertisements about the fight just a few days before the fight as if there's not much publicity being shared throughout the country.

The jr. featherweight champ expects to defeat the young challenger during what will be Nonito's first fight on a card headlined by fellow Filipino Manny. This is the first time the two Filipino superstars will fight on the same card together.

Normally, it will be the fans who create the viral news but the past few weeks was so alarmingly quiet. Has interest with Manny among Filipinos dwindled already.

After running and winning as senator, it was a big disappointment when the boxer turned politician announced another fight for that would mean once again missing time with his obligations in the government. How could Manny devote time for the country if he is too busy training for his fights? Not to mention all the other tasks required of him in coordinating with other people organizing the fights, his job as a senator is obviously divided and it is the Filipinos who are unfairly on the downside. 

But who's saying that the "full-time" senators, or other government officials like congressmen, mayors, etc., are 100% focused on their roles as public servants? There are so many who are also preoccupied with other tasks - and to name them all would just take too much time and space in this blog.

However, it is no excuse for Manny to be spending time with boxing when he is expected to work for the Philippines as its senator. I do not believe that multi-tasking irrelevant matters can be considered excusable. Is it sports tourism? Is it putting the Philippines in the map? I don't think so anymore. Manny has proven himself so many times so I believe it is about time he choose between boxing and politics. He should not be serving two masters.

Is his winnings beneficial to his constituents? Maybe so, maybe people are somehow getting some sort of benefits from all that prize money, but still, it is largely a credible excuse for him to go on with his boxing career. He must chose only one if he really is concerned for the Filipino welfare. We have so many corrupt officials already so we don't need someone who is never around when we need him the most.

UP Tomo-Kai Proudly Presents Shiroshitsuji no Kissaten: Maid Special

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Celebrate the season of scares with UP Tomo-Kai as we bring you Shiroshitsuji no Kissaten: Maid Special!

Shiro (城) or “castle” is the setting for this year’s cafe, so feel your heart tremble in both fear and excitement as the gates to this seemingly haunted manor creak open, and be welcomed by our butlers and maids ready to serve you in their full costumes. A unique crossover of cultures, Shiroshitsuji no Kissaten will be held on 4 November at PH 400, University of the Philippines, Diliman to serve thrill-seeking hime-sama and ouji-sama who will be indulged by their personal butlers and maids with delightful treats and tricks.

Meet the butlers and maids who will make your heart race in our Halloween-themed butler and maid cafe this Friday!


Shiroshitsuji no Kissaten: Maid Special is brought to you by UP Tomo-Kai.


This event is co-presented by Bibo Global Opportunity, Inc.​, Moonleaf Tea Shop​, and Genki Sushi Philippines​.

Special thanks to Cake Haven and Geisha's Blade 芸者の刃.

Media Partners: Wazzup Pilipinas and arkadymac.com"

Christine Picardal of the Philippines Wins Miss Diamond of the World 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Congratulations to Christine Picardal of the Philippines for being crowned as Miss Diamond of the World 2016 at the international contest held at Sofitel Hotel in Algiers, the capital city of Algeria, last October 7, 2016.

Christine was crowned by Delia Duca of Romania, last year’s winner.

Runners-up to Christine were the delegates from Romania (Lavinia Grigore) as 1st runner-up, and Russia (Sofia Lunina) as 2ndrunner up. Misses Algeria and Germany completed the Top 5.

Special awards were given to Miss Poland as Miss Friendship and Miss Zambia for Best National Dress.

There's just too many beauty competitions out there of which not all get mainstream coverage as wide as the Miss Universe. Though all aim to seek the same quality attributes from ladies to represent their respective pageants, not all share the same popularity and following.

The lavishness is also noticeable as sponsorship is not as huge compared with the grand productions of the bigger beauty pageants.

Nevertheless, the honor and prestige of winning in any beauty pageant is equally appreciated by all the winners as they compete exerting all efforts to attain the top title of the competition. Being crowned the best among a group of girls is already rewarding by itself. The perks and privileges are just a big bonus for them.

Miss Diamond of the World 2016 is one of the leading international beauty contests in the world.

We would like to congratulate Christine Picardal once again. We are proud to have another beauty queen for our country. Thank you for bringing home another proud moment for the Philippines.

Imelda Schweighart: Forced or Voluntary Resignation as Miss Philippines Earth 2016?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"If it's a crime to tell the truth, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend Miss Ecuador."

That's what Imelda supposedly said in her defense after she criticized the winning Miss Earth 2016, Katherine Espin of Ecuador when she said "Yung nanalo peke ilong, peke baba, peke boobs! Miss Earth, dapat natural."

They say "Her behavior is unbecoming of a beauty queen." Would you agree?
Though it may be the truth, I guess there would be a lot others who underwent plastic surgery or improvement of their body and facial features. Additionally, I don't think candidates are expected to be truthful in beauty pageants. Just like politicians or showbiz personalities, beauty queens are expected to act and talk decent regardless of their personal beliefs in life. Though it is very difficult to show sincerity, it is very rare for individuals monitored or seen regularly by photo and video cameras, and in the eyes of the public, to show their true selves. In most cases, the beauty queen title is simply a job as well.

For beauty pageant candidates, winning means being your best. So they should forget what they were, or at least leave the negative attributes behind, and make efforts to only highlight their positive assets, including maximizing your chances of winning even if it means being "plastic" or "fake." Everyone is aiming to win at least the Miss Congeniality title. Winning the top title is everyone's dream, and whether they would admit it or not, everyone hopes they would stand out among the other ladies.

Honestly,I was disappointed that Imelda did not even make it to Top 16 during the coronation night, and when somebody from Carousel Productions told me it was because of her attitude problem, I knew beauty pageants such as Miss Earth, and all the rest, would not really have women entirely positive or cordial in their outlook and social preferences.

But since beauty is made to appear never enough to win a beauty pageant, candidates would tend to "smile" even to the most disgusting realities that goes on in a world full of lies and deception. After all, beauty pageants are merely there to project an image for others to envy or look up to. Are all those Earth-friendly advocacy nothing but marketing gimmicks to differentiate Miss Earth from the other beauty pageants? Maybe or maybe not! Just as long as role models are made to exist amidst all these worldly issues and problems, the brands and companies would still sponsor, and the world will still watch beauty pageants.

Synergy88 Digital Launches Barangay Basketball, A Mobile Game With Many Pinoy Firsts

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 

Synergy88 Digital, a pioneering digital solutions company based in the Philippines, has recently announced the release of Barangay Basketball on Google Play. A distinctly Pinoy gaming experience, Barangay Basketball is not only the first story-based mobile game created by Filipinos but is also the first to reflect local community life in the Philippines.

A GAME WITH A UNIQUE PINOY FLAVOR

Barangay Basketball follows the story of Wax, son of a former Filipino basketball legend, as he tries to step out of his father’s shadow and become a basketball star in his own right.  Along the way, he meets a slew of interesting characters who can help make or break his dream.

Players will get to hone their skills in dribbling, shooting, blocking and dunking through a set of challenging and fun mini games. As they clear one challenge after another, they will get to follow Wax’s journey from the humble hoops of the barangay court, to the grand stage where the “big boys” play.

Aside from its awesome gameplay and story, Barangay Basketball features world-class art and animation created by Synergy’s pool of talented artists and animators. Teen stars Patrick Sugui and Ysabel Ortega, and veteran actor and former pro baller, Joey Marquez, lent their voices to breathe life to the game’s protagonists.

Set in Tondo, Barangay Basketball perfectly captures the atmosphere of a working-class neighborhood, making it an excellent backdrop for a narrative that Filipinos can definitely relate to.

QUIRKY PINOY CHARACTERS

A cast of colorful characters fill up the canvas to make the story come alive.

Coach B, a former professional basketball player serves as coach and mentor to Wax, while his son Robbie becomes Wax’s kuya or older brother as well as his best friend. Gasti, the barangay’s iron-pumping bully, makes life less easy for Wax and challenges him to improve his skills on the court.

To help with Wax’s training, Coach B enlists a group of basketball “masters” who will assist Wax in understanding the rudiments of Pinoy street basketball: Croco Martin, a sharp-shooting policeman by profession, gives Wax a lesson in shooting outside the paint. Popoy, who peddles coconuts for a living, teaches him how to block his opponent’s shots. Boy Pana, the barangay’s resident troublemaker, helps improve Wax’s dribbling skills. And Gardo Distrito, the neighborhood’s beautician, instructs Wax on how to dunk a ball with flourish and flair.

And, of course, no story is ever complete without some romantic inspiration. That’s where Vicky, a geeky and yet pretty young lady, comes in as the lead character’s “secret crush.”

SLAM DUNKS AND FUTURE PLANS

“We’re proud and very excited to share this unique mobile gaming experience not just to Filipinos but also to people in other parts of the world,” says Jackeline Chua, Managing Partner of Synergy88 Digital. “There are only a few games out there that highlight the fun and positive side of the Filipinos and we feel that Barangay Basketball is a game that will definitely help fill this gap.”

Because of the game’s high production value and unique storyline, Barangay Basketball was recently nominated under the People’s Choice Award category of the International Mobile Gaming Awards for Southeast Asia.

When asked about the future of Barangay Basketball – the Synergy88 Digital team shared that an iOS version of the game will soon be available for download on the App Store, additional chapters in the story are in the works, and an online player vs. player (PVP) mode is in the development pipeline.

Barangay Basketball also serves as a prequel to the story of an upcoming anime TV series, Barangay 143. The show, co-produced by Synergy88 Entertainment Media, August Media and TV Asahi, will revolve around the challenges, defeats and victories of a group of basketball-loving Filipino teenagers. The show will initially be aired in the Philippines but will also make waves on international shores later on.

Barangay Basketball can be downloaded and played for free using any gaming-capable Android device. For more info about the game, visit www.barangaybasketball.com.

Mark Striegl Talks About Manny Pacquiao’s Influence, Training with Brandon Vera

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ONE Championship bantamweight standout Mark “Mugen” Striegl (14-2) is set to face Brazil’s Rafael Nunes (10-1) when the promotion returns to the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, December 2 for ONE: Age of Domination. Streigl, 28, joined ONE Championship in 2015 and was recently named one of the hottest prospects in Asian MMA.

The Filipino-American stalwart splits his training between Evolve MMA in Singapore and the high-altitudes of Baguio City for his next matchup and says mixed martial arts is getting really big in the Philippines.

“Baguio is one of the best places to train in the Philippines because it’s high altitude. It’s 5,000-feet above sea level. It’s great for strength and conditioning,” said Striegl. “Manny Pacquiao also trained in Baguio in the past for some of his biggest fights. It’s been fantastic for my training.”

Striegl made his ONE Championship debut in April of 2015, defeating American Casey Suire impressively by first round submission. In his second bout months later however, he fell to Filipino-Australian prospect Reece McLaren.

Since his last bout, Striegl has been hard at work preparing for his return, training with none other than ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera.

“Here in Manila I’ve been fortunate enough to train with Brandon Vera and AJ Matthews. Mark Munoz also came through one time so I got to pick his brain a bit,” said Striegl. “There are so many good gyms to work with in Manila. MMA is getting really big in this country. I’ve just been jumping around and training with Brandon and it’s been great.”

A well-rounded mixed martial artist with strengths in both striking and grappling, Striegl is one of the country’s top combat sports athletes. He began his career competing for various MMA promotions across Asia before landing a roster spot in ONE Championship last year.

As someone who has seen the rise of MMA as a sport in Asia, Striegl can’t help but feel in awe of the tremendous growth of combat sports in the region and credits a majority of it to eight-division boxing world champion Manny Pacquiao.

“MMA is getting really big in this country, thanks to ONE Championship. There’s a deeply embedded combat culture in this country with boxing. There are a lot of gyms all around and so many good places to train and so many good people to work with,” said Streigl.

“One of the greatest fighters of all time, Pacquiao, is a legend here and pretty much all over the world. He has put the Philippines on the map as far as fight sports are concerned. He’s a true global icon and one of my inspirations.”

During his time in Manila, Striegl says he just recently met Pacquiao for the first time in person. Pacquiao is training for his highly-anticipated return to boxing against WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas this November 5. He is also a full-time politician who owns a seat at the Philippine senate.

“I went to one of [Pacquiao’s] senate hearings and met him afterwards,” said Striegl. “Super nice guy, super down to earth guy. Just a humble, nice guy and I think that’s why he has so many fans. He’s the people’s champ. Everyone can relate to him.”

Pacquiao’s unique style, Striegl says, is something he tries to emulate in the MMA cage. And just like Pacquiao, Striegl aims to bring a world title back to the Philippines.

Against Brazil’s Nunes this December, Striegl has the opportunity to get back on the right track in his pursuit of ONE Championship gold. It won’t be easy, but Striegl says by channeling his inner- “Pac-Man”, he hopes to be able to make his people proud by becoming a world champion.

“One thing I love about Manny’s fight style is that he’s an action-packed fighter. He just keeps going and going and moving forward. That’s something I try to do in my fights,” said Striegl.

“You’ll never see me in a boring fight. I always press the action, I always come forward. I’m not a point fighter. Sometimes I put myself at risk by doing that but it’s better than being a point fighter, like a Floyd Mayweather-style kind of fighter.

“My goal when I entered this sport was and is to win a world championship title for the Philippines and bring it back here to Manila. That’s what I think about and it’s been my goal since I was young.”