Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Thursday, November 24, 2016

The Ultimate BGC Passionfest 2016 Survival Guide

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The BGC Passionfest 2016 is just around the corner and we bet that everyone’s excited to enjoy three days filled with Filipino food, music, games, art, and culture, and no one can blame you. From becoming a simple celebration of Pinoy culture within the BGC community, it has now become a much-awaited celebration for all.

Now running on its fifth year, it is undoubtedly exciting and fun-filled. As a way to help out those joining the festivities, here’s a simple “Survival Guide” for all of those attending.

Passionfest FAQs

First things first, here’s a little FAQs session to clear out a few things about the event.

Is the Passionfest only for the residents of Bonifacio Global City?

No! It’s open for everyone to enjoy.

When is it and where in BGC will it happen?

November 25 to 27, Friday to Monday. The event will take places simultaneously in various areas around BGC such as at Bonifacio High Street and The Mind Museum.

What will happen at this year’s Passionfest?

A lot! Games (with prizes up for grabs of course), music, art, food, you name it. For those attending, be sure to wear the proper clothes and drink lots of water.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Maaga ang Pasko, the country’s biggest and longest-running annual toy and book donation drive, is once again bringing out the iconic boxes that have helped taught generations of Filipinos the value of sharing and the real spirit of Christmas.

On its 22nd year, the Maaga ang Pasko program welcomes the mother and son tandem of Jodi Sta. Maria and Thirdy as ambassadors, hoping to bring more smiles across the faces of more Filipino kids. “Seeing your kid grow up to be a loving, kind and generous person is the most fulfilling thing for a parent. That is why I wanted Thirdy to learn sharing early, and he started that right here at Jollibee,” said mommy Jodi.

To help make this Christmas brighter and warmer for less fortunate kids, the 22nd Maaga ang Pasko ambassadors are inviting families to place their pre-loved gifts—toys and children’s books—inside Maaga ang Pasko boxes at Jollibee stores nationwide, or send in their donations online through campaign partners Lazada and Blink and via the program’s website, http://www.jollibee.com.ph/MaagaAngPasko.

Filipino generosity overflowed in last year’s Maaga ang Pasko program as more than 5,000 kids benefitted from 600,000 toys and children’s books that were collected in Maaga ang Pasko boxes from Jollibee stores nationwide, corporate donors, partners, and online channels.

For this year, Jollibee invites parents and children of all ages to once again help shower children with joy and love. Simply donate pre-loved or brand new toys and books and you can add to the 3.1 million gifts unwrapped and embraced by new owners since the program was launched in 1994.

Geje Eustaquio Looks to Test Opponent’s Striking Ability

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Known as one of the most highly-skilled striking specialists in the Philippines, Team Lakay's Geje "Gravity" Eustaquio has faced some of the best fighters in the ONE Championship ranks. His ability to stay in the pocket and nullify an opponent's offense is perhaps the most deliberate of any fighter in the promotion. That unique striking advantage that Eustaquio possesses will come in handy in his next bout.

Eustaquio (RECORD) will return to the ONE Championship cage on Friday, 2 December at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines. He will take on Finnish fighting sensation Toni "Dynamite" Tauru (RECORD) in a three-round bantamweight contest on the main card of ONE: AGE OF DOMINATION.

Eustaquio says he feels great and that training camp has been one of the toughest and most satisfying yet.

"My conditioning is on point. We are at ninety percent right now. By fight week we'll be at a hundred percent and I'll be ready," said Eustaquio.

"There's no more weight-cutting. Fighters fight at their walking weights which makes it so much easier to focus on training and getting better for the next one."

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Christmas Warehouse Sale is back on its 6^th year!

With Christmas around the corner, the Christmas Warehouse Sale is expected to have more participating brands that offers a wide selection from select SM retail stores, lifestyle and top retail brands, and other independent distributors.

Christmas Warehouse Sale without a doubt will draw the weekend Christmas shoppers to this event for a hassle-free and laid-back shopping experience with great discounts!

From the latest fashion in clothes, gadgets, shoes, bags, Christmas decors, food and a whole lot more, Christmas Warehouse Sale will surely be the answer to your growing Christmas shopping list.

This event is being promoted by Megatrade Hall, the premier event venue for trade fairs, exhibits and events.

Enjoy a fun and convenient shopping at the Christmas Warehouse Sale on December 2-4, 2016, Friday to Sunday at the 5^th level of Mega B Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall.

Energy Chief Inaugurates 150MW Iloilo Power Plant

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As part of government efforts to provide reliable, stable and sufficient power supply in the Visayas, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi led the inauguration ceremony of the Panay Energy Development Corp.’s 150-megawatt Expansion Project located in Barangay Ingore, La Paz, Iloilo City on Wednesday (23 November 2016).

In his keynote address, Cusi emphasized that community acceptability is one of the major considerations in putting g up a coal-fired power plant or any other energy development project.

“We need reliable and cheap power supply to support our economic development, especially in this fast growing region of Visayas,” said Cusi.

The Energy Secretary underscored the importance of the PEDC’s expansion project in addressing the Visayas power situation which has been experiencing Yellow and Red alerts or insufficient power supply.

Cusi urged strict adherence by coal-fired power plant operators to existing national and international environmental policies and regulations to help mitigate climate change.

“I am pro-environment. My challenge for you (referring to the plant operators) is how to co-exist with your neighbors,” he said.

Cusi also cited the benefits of Barangay Ingore and the City of Iloilo as the host community under Energy Regulation 1-94. "You can use this fund to develop the community and uplift the quality of life of Ilonggos."

Supercharge Your Sundays With History’s Watch And Win Contest On Supercharged History

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HISTORY is giving away 3 sets of petrol vouchers worth PHP3,000 each to 3 lucky winners weekly in the Watch and Win Contest on Supercharged HISTORY, a programming block on HISTORY every Sunday from 10-11 pm.

How to join:

1. Download the IQNECT app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your mobile
phone.
2. Watch Big Easy Motors/Counting Cars on Supercharged HISTORY airing Sundays starting
at 10pm.
3. Using the IQNECT app, scan any car featured in Big Easy Motors/Counting Cars.
4. Answer a simple question on the app to participate.

HISTORY’s Watch and Win Contest is open to all HISTORY subscribers in the Philippines. Contestants are allowed to submit only 1 entry each and must be submitted between 10pm and 11pm every Sunday.

Three winners will be selected per week who will win vouchers worth PHP3,000 each redeemable for petrol. Winners will be notified via email or phone within 2 weeks from date of submission of entries.

Contest ends 9 January 2017.

For more information, visit www.historyasia.com/shows/supercharged-history.

HISTORY™ is available on SKYCable Ch 67; Cable Link Ch. 43; Dream Satellite Ch 30; Destiny Cable Ch 57; and Cignal Ch 125.

Free, Anonymous and Fast HIV Test for World AIDS Day

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In celebration of World AIDS Day this December, LoveYourself, Inc., the leading non-government organization on HIV awareness and testing in the Philippines, will again hold its free, anonymous, and fast community-based screening on 27 November at Victoria Court Malate in Manila.

Dubbed as LoveYourself Incognito 2.0, the organization invites interested individuals to register at go.loveyourself.ph/incognito who can be assured of quality service, as this one-day testing activity is supported by the Department of Health- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (DOH-RITM), Pilipinas Shell Foundation and Mister Gay World Philippines Organization (MGWPO).

LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivinn G. Pagtakhan said “With this kind of HIV testing day, we always ensure utmost confidentiality and promptness of procedure to best protect and serve our clients.”

“We are also expanding our reach to cover untapped populations who are scared to know their HIV status,” Pagtakhan relayed. He added that while the event focuses on the male population, the group also welcomes females and transgender friends to avail of the free, anonymous, and fast HIV testing service.

Emphasizing on the significance of early detection of HIV, MGWPO Board of Director Ryan D. Soto underscored that “It is not the virus that kills them, it is the pride and stigma.”

In August alone, the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau reported that there are 764 newly-diagnosed people living with HIV (PLHIV), while only 611 PLHIVs who have been diagnosed up to that month have sought treatment.

Alarmed over the huge fallout from the newly-diagnosed PLHIV to immediately enroll to HIV treatment, Pagtakhan said “We are tying testing with treatment to further help our kababayans to live their lives to the fullest even with HIV.”

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Property portal Lamudi Philippines’ first foray in gathering together various real estate movers and players in the country today reported successful returns in sales and attendees. Held last November 18 to 20 at the Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall, the recently concluded Lamudi Housing Fair, was opened by PRC Board of Real Estate Service Chairman Dr. Eduardo G. Ong.

“The event offers great opportunities for homebuyers and well participated by real estate players,” shared by Dr. Ong as he welcomes guests and the press in the first day of the three-day event.

One major partner, My Saving Grace Realty & Development Corporation, generated a total of Php25 million worth of properties sold during the event’s property auction. “This proves that many Filipinos are appreciating the saleability and investment yield of foreclosed properties and we are now seeing a new trend in real estate buying in the form of property auctions,” said Jacqueline van den Ende, Managing Director of fair organizer Lamudi Philippines and MyProperty.ph.

The fair was attended by more than 2,500 visitors comprised of interested homebuyers, investors, property bidders, and seminar attendees. Other event highlights were the full-house investment and homebuying seminars conducted by industry experts and the discounts offered by various developers and other real estate related companies.

Joanne Almaden, CEO of Philippine Property Expert, talked about a hot topic: investment guide on pre-selling condos.

Lamudi Housing Fair seminar rooms were full-house during the three-day event. Colliers International Philippines Research Manager Joey Bondoc talked on current market conditions and where the biggest investment opportunities can be found. He also discussed his outlook regarding the most profitable real estate locations in the Philippines.

Cover Photo Caption: Dr. Eduardo G. Ong (third from right) Chairman of the Professional Regulation Commission - Board for Real Estate Service opened the Lamudi Housing Fair together with Jacqueline van den Ende (third from left), Managing Director of Lamudi Group Philippines, Claro Cordero, Associate Director for Research, JLL (second from right). Also present were (from left) Ma. Cristina Cruz, Senior Account Manager of Lhoopa Inc.; Armie Nozal, Senior Project Consultant of Solid Pattern Homebuilders Corp.; and Gilles Hage, Head of Corporate Partnerships of Lamudi Group Philippines. (Photo courtesy of Hardwarezone Philippines)

Honorio Banario Stronger As Lightweight, Ready for Another Spectacular Performance

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Baguio City’s veteran striker Honorio “The Rock” Banario (10-6) is ready to return to the ONE Championship cage next Friday, 2 December at ONE: AGE OF DOMINATION. The 27-year-old lightweight standout is scheduled to face Indian boxer Rajinder “Knockout” Singh Meena (8-2) in a three-round undercard bout.

Banario, a winner of his last two fights, says he is wrapping up training and ready to make the trip down to Manila for fight night.

“I’m a hundred percent ready to go back in there again. In victory or in defeat, I will never stop doing what I love to do,” said Banario.

“I never stop training. I train all year round. Whether I have an upcoming fight or not, I’m always prepared. True martial artists are always in search of perfection of their craft. I can’t wait to go back inside the cage and show the world how much better I have gotten.”

Banario’s opponent, Singh Meena, is expected to give him another stiff challenge. Singh Meena has eight victories on his fight resume, but more impressively, all of his victories have come by exciting finish which includes five submissions and three knockouts.

Because both fighters do not know how to back down and will most likely engage in a fan-friendly affair, Banario fully expects fireworks for however long the fight will last.

Bibiano Fernandes Says He Loves Manila Like Home

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Reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes may have been born and raised in Brazil, but the ONE Championship titleholder feels deep in his heart that Manila is his home away from home.

Fernandes (19-3) is the promotion’s top bantamweight talent and is one of the best fighters in the world. He will take on Filipino-Australian sensation Reece “Lightning” McLaren (9-3) in the co-main event of ONE: AGE OF DOMINATION which takes place Friday, 2 December at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.

Fernandes has competed four times so far in Manila. His stint this upcoming ONE Fight Night will be his fifth. The Brazilian says making his ONE Championship debut in Manila was a special moment in his career.

“First time I went to Manila I thought about Muhammad Ali, the boxer, and that I fought in the same arena he fought,” said Fernandes, who debut for ONE at the Araneta Coliseum. “For me that was a big thing. Ali fought there and I fought the same place as him. So for that reason, fighting in Manila is very special for me.”

Fernandes began his tenure with ONE Championship back in 2012 at the event dubbed “Pride of a Nation”. It was ONE’s fifth show overall since establishing the promotion in 2011. Fernandes at the time was being positioned as a superstar in Manila.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

From November 21-30 in line with Thanksgiving Day celebration this November, Burgoo offers Upsize Salads or Appetizers for FREE in all of its outlets located at Tomas Morato (9277424), Rockwell (8981815), The Podium (6875565), Gateway Mall (9136112), SM Mall of Asia (5560091), Robinsons Galleria (6336256), The Block (4420115), SM Marikina (4771934), Fairview Terraces by Ayala (720-9513), SM Southmall (5192114), The District Imus (0915-8023070), Starmall Prima in Taguig (632-1411), and Solenad 3 in Sta Rosa Laguna.

You can get a Large size of your favourite appetizers such as Extra Supreme Nachos, Chicken Tender Fingers, Fried Calamari, Buffalo Chicken Wings, Chicken Quesadilla, Gambas al Ajillo or Supreme Sampler, etc and Sumptuous Salads like Caesar Seafood Supreme, Shrimp Pomelo, Manhattan’s Best, etc for the regular price! This is also Burgoo’s way of thanking God for its many blessings and giving back to its loyal guests!

An annual celebration in the US, Thanksgiving Day is now also celebrated in the Philippines which is also a time for merrymaking, shopping, family reunions and feasts. Enjoy Burgoo’s delicious and huge servings of quality American dishes. Feast on Burgoo’s sumptuous variety of appetizers to share, sandwich and burgers, soups and salads, stone-baked pizzas, delicious pasta, mouth-watering chicken and chops, seafood sensations, premium steaks and ribs, and luscious desserts. At Burgoo it’s always a family treat!

Vikings Season 4 Returns With New Episodes This December On History

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Vikings, the critically acclaimed historical drama on History, returns for its fourth season with all-new episodes starting December 1, Thursday at 9:00 pm.

The series, inspired by the tales of exploring Norsemen of early medieval Scandinavia, follows the exploits of legendary Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) as he leads his army of Viking warriors in daring raids and conquests of most of England and the rest of the modern world. With the help of his brother Rollo (Clive Standen), Ragnar has amassed a great deal of fortune no Viking could ever imagine. But his ambition has also made enemies on all sides that will put the future of his family and his people in grave danger.

In the midseason premiere, Ragnar returns to Kattegat to handle unfinished business in Wessex with King Ecbert (Linus Roache). A face-off between Ragnar’s ex-wife Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) and his second wife Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland) becomes imminent as both attempt to plot themselves back into power. In Paris, Rollo prepares for the eventual return of his brother as he tries to build a relationship with his new wife, Princess Gisla (Morgane Polanski). In Wessex, Ecbert grows closer to his son’s wife, Judith (Jennie Jacques), while his son Aethelwulf (Moe Dunford) forms a relationship with Queen Kwenthrith (Amy Bailey) of Mercia. King Harald Finehair (Peter Franzen) arrives in Kattegat with his brother Halfdan (Jasper Pääkkönen), to return with Ragnar to Paris. However, Harald has desires to become the King of all Norway, but must overthrow Ragnar to do so. Not keen in following his father’s wishes, Ragnar’s eldest son Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) prepares to sail to the Mediterranean in an innovative new boat built by Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård).

HISTORY™ is available on SKYCable Ch 67; Cable Link Ch. 43; Dream Satellite Ch 30; Destiny Cable Ch 57; and Cignal Ch 125

Why Pure Fiber Connectivity Is The Next Big Thing For Businesses

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The demand for high-speed internet among businesses accelerated recently. This is due to the widespread adaption of business applications and cloud computing services, which both require a great deal of bandwidth in order to run smoothly.

However, while these applications are beneficial for boosting business productivity, these reduce the capacity of the company network to deliver high-speed internet. It also slows down business operations and causes the lost in manpower hours due to sluggish connectivity.

According to a study conducted by SanDisk, a producer of flash drives and other storage devices, employees waste an average of one week every year because of slow internet speed caused by inadequate network bandwidth.

To address this problem, most companies demand a high-bandwidth broadband connection from their internet service provider (ISP). Below are some features that allow for superior bandwidth.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Black Box Productions proudly presents its first theater production “MULA SA BUWAN ” --- a new Filipino musical about love, ideals, and the heartbreaks in between.

Based on French poet Edmond Rostand’s play Cyrano de Bergerac, “ Mula Sa Buwan ” is now set in 1940s Manila, among young ROTC cadets and blushing colegialas. The play shows the innocence and beauty of our nation where music, harana, kundiman, wit, passion, and hope abound! However, when World War II strikes, virtue, honor, and love are all tested – the young now forced to suddenly grow up as men. The story moves to a time after the war, to a field of ruble, of forgotten memories, of heroes lost in a country struggling to survive. At the center of it all, the tragic love story between Cyrano, Roxane and Christian.

“ Mula sa Buwan” is a brainchild of two prolific artists namely Pat Valera who conceptualized, wrote the book / lyrics and directed the production together with William Elvin Manzano who co-wrote the original lyrics and composed the original music. And it was in 2010 at the University of Asia and the Pacific under Dulaang Rock Opera Company, when they first produced “ Mula sa Buwan” transforming the timeless piece into a Filipino musical. The run captivated the hearts of the public and was well-received by the critics.

Since then, the duo has patiently reworked the material to make it more moving and relevant. And come December 2016, a full, grand, and elaborate production will grace the stage – once more bringing laughter, tears and remembrance to a much broader market.

MULA SA BUWAN is set to open on December 2 and will run until Dec. 4 at the Irwin Lee Theater located at the Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, QC. Performance schedules are as follows: Dec. 2 – 8 pm; Dec. 3 – 3 pm; Dec. 4 - 3 pm and 8 pm.

The cast of “ Mula sa Buwan “ is led by Nicco Manalo and Boo Gabunada who alternately plays the role of Cyrano; KL Dizon as Roxane; Fred Lo and Edward Benosa who alternately plays the role of Christian.

The supporting roles and ensemble are composed of Jon Abella, Jasmine Balunes, Gel Basa, Matthew Chang, Nico Dans, Harly Daria, MC Dela Cruz, Michael Fernandez, Francelle Fetalvero, Rhenz Gabalonzo, Patrick Libao, Arielle Magno, Victoria Mina, Ralph Oliva, Gerhard Pagunsan and Ronah Rostata,

The artistic team of MULA SA BUWAN is made up of seasoned and award-winning artists mainly from Dulaang Universidad ng Pilipinas namely: Pat Valera – Concept, Direction & Book; Pat Valera and William Elvin Manzano – Original Lyrics; William Elvin Manzano – Original Music; TJ Ramos – Musical Director and Vocal Arrangement; Dana Marquez – Musical Arrangement; Ohm David – Set Design; Meliton Roxas Jr. – Lighting Design; Katherine Sabate – Dramaturgy; and JM Cabling – Choreography.

The production and marketing team of Mula Sa Buwan is composed of Baha Vergara -- Production Manager; Toots Tolentino – PR Consultant; Cat Aldeon -- Marketing Manager; D Cortezano – Technical Director; and John Mark Yap – Stage Manager.

Black Box Productions is the producing arm of Black Box Collab, Inc. - a premium agency for creatives and events that has been part of numerous successful campaigns and programs, either as collaborator or main producer.

For more information, visit facebook.com/mulasabuwan.

For inquiries, email: info@mulasabuwan.com

Gary Payton to Celebrate Opening Fourth NBA Store in PH on Nov. 24 at Ayala Center Cebu

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The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that the fourth NBA Store in the Philippines will open Nov. 24 at the Ayala Center in Cebu City.

NBA Legend and Hall of Famer Gary Payton will be on hand to meet and interact with fans at the store opening, which will celebrate the league’s first NBA Store in the Visayas region. To commemorate the occasion, the first 300 customers that purchase an item will receive an NBA gift.

Located on the fourth level of the Ayala Center in 452 square meters of retail space and managed by International Athletic Trading Company, Inc. (IATC), the new NBA Store will offer a wide selection of authentic NBA products from all 30 teams, including official jerseys, footwear, performance gear, lifestyle apparel, and non-apparel merchandise including basketballs, toys, collectibles, and more. The store will also offer personalized jerseys and will feature interactive elements including NBA 2K video game players where fans test their gaming skills and compete against each other, a Pop-a-Shot machine and a dedicated section for NBA memorabilia.

“We had envisioned expanding the NBA footprint across the country and to have now reached the Visayas region is a milestone for us,” said IATC President and CEO Melvin Lloyd Lim. “We could not be more excited to open the first NBA Store in the second most populous metropolitan area in the Philippines after Metro Manila.”