Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Dulaang UP Proudly Presents "Faust"

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“Man errs, till he has ceased to strive” so sighs God in the prologue to Wolfgang von Goethe’s romantic tragic masterpiece FAUST. Driven by a boundless desire for knowledge, Faust struggles to fathom “what holds the world together in its innermost self.” Directors and theatre audiences around the world have been asking similar questions in their relentless pursuit to comprehend this masterwork.

On its 41st Theater Season, Dulaang UP brings you Rody Vera’s adaptation of FAUST. The play opens in heaven where the devil, Mephisto, wagers with God that he can corrupt his most virtuous servant FAUST. What follows in the play is a series of events that questions our preconceived notions of justice, rationality, and morality.

Neil Sese and Jack Yabut alternate in the title role of Faust while Paolo O’Hara and Mailes Kanapi as Mephisto − a cultivated, witty and cynical servant from hell who is an embodiment of a complex doctrine of philosophical nihilism and negation as some scholars point out. Karen Gaerlan plays the innocent and pious Gretchen who is transformed into a tragic heroine as the play develops.

FAUST is directed by José Estrella with an artistic team led by Sir Anril Tiatco, Jem Javier, and Bryan Viray (Dramaturgy), Barbie Tan-Tiongco (Lights), Carlo Pagunaling (Costume), Ed Lacson (Set), JM Cabling (Choreography), and Jon Lazam (Sounds).

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The Miss Universe 2016 candidates had plenty of activities at the Baguio Country Club (BCC) while they were in Baguio city. Aside from the tour of the place, they were given the opportunity to experience strawberry picking and tree planting. They also graced The Crown Invitational Golf Tournament with their presence, plus a Gala Dinner at the Cordilerra Convention Hall to honor and reward with tokens coming from the Tourism department of the country. They were treated to an evening of culinary adventure and cultural performances.

These 28 lovely ladies (out of the total 86 official candidates), of which one of them could be the next Miss Universe for 2016, were joined by reigning Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach and known personalities from Baguio City and nearby provinces. Wurtzbach was inducted as an honorary member of Cordillera Women by Regional Director Ma. Venus Tan of the Department of Tourism in the Cordillera Administrative Region. Of course, Luis "Chavit" Singson is always there for the photo ops.

To continue with the ancillary events for the 65th Miss Universe beauty pageant, some of the candidates will head to Davao City for the Mindanao Tapestry Presentation and to Batangas for the sunset photo shoot.

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Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach and 28 Miss Universe candidates went to Baguio City as part of their tour of the country. In their honor, and for the residents' appreciation, a mini Baguio Flower Festival parade, or what we all popularly know as Panagbenga, was done part of their visit in the Summer Capital. Panagbenga is usually celebrated annually in the city every February but this is an opportunity for the Baguio officials to let the candidates experience even a little what it feels like to be part of their grandest parade.

Wurtzbach and candidates were welcomed by Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, and Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB) president and Baguio Country Club (BCC) general manager Anthony de Leon in a simple rite followed by a silent drill exhibition by the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

Baguio City is one of the few places in the country that will be visited by selected contestants of the Miss Universe Pageant. Thus, City Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan even issued an administrative order (AO) suspending classes in all levels on January 18, 2017 to pave way for the conduct of the street dancing and mini float parade for the visiting beauty contestants of the Miss Universe.

Roads in the city were closed early morning to prepare for the mini version of the flower festival with four floats and eight street dancing contingents ready for the exhibition performance for the international visitors. A contingent of 5,000 composed of schools, groups and officials paraded with the candidates along the stretch of Upper Session road until the Baguio Country Club to the delight of the waiting crowd.

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There is more to the Philippines than the typically well-known Metro Manila cities, and in 2017, it will be more evident in the continued development of these cities to watch, compiled by Lamudi Philippines

With sustained progress in the real estate industry backed by an overall economy that various financial institutions predict to grow between 6 to almost 7 percent in 2017, many places in the Philippines are becoming increasingly ideal to live and/or invest in.

Whichever reason to move: a fresh start, exploring new career and business opportunities, or a growing a family, ten of these places in the country, compiled by global real estate website Lamudi Philippines, stand out, and are worth your consideration for this year, and even beyond.

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In compliance with a government mandate, Globe Telecom said it is ready to provide Credit Information Corp. (CIC), a state-run agency, with credit information of its customers starting February this year.

“As mandated by law, Globe is ready to comply with the directive to provide basic credit data. We are confident that establishment of a credit information system in the country will further enhance development of the local financial sector that, in turn, will further boost economic growth,” Globe General Counsel Froilan Castelo said.

Republic Act 9510, also known as Credit Information System Act, which was enacted into law in 2008, provides for the creation of the CIC. CIC is tasked primarily to collect and disseminate relevant credit information that will directly address the need for reliable credit information concerning the credit standing and track record of borrowers, thus potentially improving chances of loan approvals and enabling lenders to make appropriate decisions regarding loan applications.

The law requires banks, quasi-banks, their subsidiaries and affiliates, life insurance companies, credit card companies and other entities that provide credit facilities to submit basic credit data and updates on a regular basis to the CIC, which is mandated to update the basic credit data of a borrower on a monthly basis. Basic credit data includes any negative and positive credit information that tends to update the credit status of borrowers.

The establishment of a comprehensive credit information database is expected to enhance financial inclusion in the country. For instance, Globe customers with no credit record from a bank or financial institution, but with a Globe account, can now have credit information, which could be one of the possible bases for loan approval.

Recently, the scope of CIC’s coverage was expanded to include telecommunication companies as provided for under CIC Circular 2016-01. “The CIC has determined that telecommunications companies are within the purview of the law whose data is relevant for determination of creditworthiness and in making credit decisions,” the circular stated.

With the establishment of a comprehensive credit information database, financing companies may use the basic credit data from the pool of credit information gathered and collected by CIC from the submitting entities to establish creditworthiness of an individual or an organization.

The Best Travel Deals for Your Next Dream Getaway

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Kick-start 2017 with wonderful travels to inspiring destinations. Now on its 4th year of partnership since 2013, Globe Platinum and Singapore Airlines bring the Singapore Airlines Showcase and Travel Fair to Manila starting January 20 to February 20, 2017. Globe Platinum customers can enjoy discounted round trip all-in-fares and other wonderful surprises during this year’s event.

"Traveling is one of our customers’ biggest passions and our longstanding partnership with Singapore Airlines allows us to provide some of the best travel deals! This exclusive access is just some of the many privileges that only we can offer. Our partnership complements the already existing travel privileges of a Globe Platinum customer, such as access to over 800 international airport lounges and our worldwide concierge service. This is just the start of many exciting things and travel opportunities for our customers this 2017,” shares Kaisie del Carmen, Globe Platinum Head.

Wonderful travel destinations in Southeast Asia, North Asia, West Asia, Africa, Europe and USA, can now be accessed directly from the Philippines through Singapore Airlines (SQ) and SilkAir (MI) with the most affordable fares. Globe Platinum customers can exclusively enjoy year-round discounted flights to these destinations if they purchase their flights from January 20 to February 20, 2017 at any Singapore Airlines Showcase and Travel Fair. Customers can also book their flights to any of these said destinations using their BPI credit card through http://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/ph/home.

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“Saan ka kayang dalhin ng pag-ibig? Hanggang saan mo kaya magpadala?”

Antrosininglaya continues to break walls with its not-so-typical play about love and relationships or popularly known today as “hugot”. Music, theatre, poetry, and audience are treated as elements of the performance.

The Ang Walang Katapusang Sequel performance discusses modern relationships in all its glory and complications. The play is experiential with a site-specific approach placing the audience inches away from the performers, treating everyone in the space as a part of the performance.

Love is boundless and has interminable sequels. The play does not want to tell stories of love under a typical light. The performance tells them how love stories are, how they end, and continue to exist. Ang Walang Katapusang Sequel also takes an experiential and interactive approach to the story where the audience participates and contributes to the performance.

The play is told through different stand-alone episodes involving Matt and his friends, and other lovesick individuals at the bar. The scenes are woven through Matt, who is secretly in love with the Alice, the bar’s resident singer.

Set in an acoustic bar bunch of familiar characters, date, hangout, drink, and catch up. Testaments and sentiments of a hopeless romantic, an old lover, the-one-that-got-away, an unwitting mistress and other not so familiar characters fuel the story's unending discussion about relationships, life, love and everything in between. These not-so-familiar characters share their intertwined stories to the heart-breaking music of the bar’s band and cold bottles of beer like what a typical Friday night should be. What else could happen, right?

The Disappearing Fourth Wall - Instead of the traditional on-stage set up, we will break borders and tell the story in an actual environment where it could happen in actual time. Audience interaction is treated as an essential element of the performance to highlight its realism aspect.

Collaboration of Music and Segmented stories - The play is influenced of stories we hear and encounter on a typical bar night hangout but told in a different approach. The execution of the stories are not limited to acted-out scenes and live music.

Antrosininglaya is open to selling Ang Walang Katapusang Sequel performance to different bars, resto, or any space given where they can blend it in. Contact them through their page or directly message their Artistic Director, Alvin Molina (09167084981 or albin.molina@gmail.com) for details and set-up.
TRT: 75 mins to 90 mins
GENRE: Romantic – Comedy – Light Drama
THEME: love, “hugot”, relationships (and all its complications)
TARGET AUDIENCE: Class B – C. Teenagers, yuppies, people who just want to hang out and chill out to good music.

TICKET PRICE: P250
CONTACT: Maxin Canlas – 0917 764 0827 or send a message through the AWKS Facebook Page
SHOW DATES And VENUE: SPLICE RESTO BAR, GREENFIELD DISTRICT, MANDALUYONG CITY February 4, 2017 (5pm and 9pm) February 5, 2017 (3pm and 7pm)

Previous shows: (the show on the 4th of February will be the 19th show and 7th run)
A Space, Makati City – June 2016
Splice Resto Bar, Mandaluyong City – June 2016
Splice Resto Bar, Mandaluyong City – July 2016
Roxy Events Place, Quezon City – August 2016
Dad Jim’s Diner, Las Pinas City – September 2016 77
Grove Place, Los Banos, Laguna – November 2016

Buddha-Bar Manila to Host Cabaret Night for its 5th Year Anniversary

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Buddha-Bar Manila, a world-class bar that offers fine dining and entertainment experience, will celebrate its 5th anniversary with an evening of spectacular entertainment, heart-stopping music, exquisite wine, and non-stop dancing on Saturday, January 28, 2017.

The event dubbed “Cabaret Night” will feature live performances by the Silk Band, Can-Can Dancers, and Buddha-Bar’s Resident DJ Joseph Alturas. Former Myx VJ and Kulay Band member, Angel Jones will host the evening of festivities, which also coincides with the celebration of the Year of the Rooster.

“Buddha-Bar is known for bringing multiple dining and entertainment experiences for our customers. That is why aside from our relaxing lounge bar area, the culinary pleasures from the restaurant, and the good music vibes distilled by our resident DJ, we also conceptualize themed events. This time, we are bringing the extravagance and glamour of a cabaret night for our customers,” said Angelito Agustin, Head of Operations of Buddha-Bar Manila.

Buddha-Bar’s Cabaret Night starts at 9 pm and is co-sponsored by Distileria Destileria Limutuaco & Co., Emperador Distillers, Inc., and Maserati Philippines. It also offers an Open Bar promo in which for Php 1,000 per person, customers will get unlimited cocktails, wines, and spirits.

Since it first opened in 2012, Buddha-Bar Manila has brought the exquisite taste of Modern Asian and Western cuisine. It also carries the sophistication and the world-class service offered by the Buddha-Bar International franchise based in Paris, France.

“We hope to get the word to the glamorous people out there to join us as we celebrate five fabulous years. We are thankful for the support of our customers and we look forward to many more years to come.” Agustin added.

Buddha-Bar Manila is located at Picar Place, Kalayaan Ave, Makati City. For inquiries and reservations, please call 8566719, 8566859 or 09989833918.

NEC Named to the “Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations” List for 2017

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NEC Corporation announced its selection to the “Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World,” an index listing the world’s 100 most sustainable corporations. This marks the third time NEC has been selected as one of the Global 100, following an announcement at the World Economic Forum held from January 17 in Davos, Switzerland.

The Global 100 index has been published annually since its establishment in 2005 by Canadian publisher Corporate Knights Inc. The Global 100 were evaluated and selected from among approximately 4,900 corporations around the world based on efforts made toward twelve quantitative key performance indicators related to sustainability. NEC is one of four Japan-based corporations selected to the list.

Global 100 Key Performance Indicators:

Prioritized for the Technology Hardware Storage and Peripherals Group

l Energy Intensity

l Carbon Intensity

l Water Intensity

l Waste Intensity

l Innovation Capacity

l Percentage Tax Paid

l CEO-Average Employee Pay

l Pension Fund Status

l Leadership Diversity

l Clean Capitalism Pay Link

l Supplier

l Clean Air Productivity

As a social value creator, NEC will continue leveraging ICT to resolve challenges facing society as it aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by 193 UN members in 2015.

Cusi: Energy Sector’s Resiliency vs Calamities a Must

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The Department of Energy (DOE) will continue to adapt, improve and be pro-active in ensuring the resiliency of the energy sector in the face of the onslaught of natural calamities like the recent typhoons.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi made the assurance today as he revealed that the DOE is updating the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and emergency responses of the sector to lessen the impact of calamities on energy infrastructures.

“Disaster risk reduction is always a priority along with immediate restoration of power during outages caused by Mother Nature," said Cusi. “We have to live by the new reality that typhoons have become far stronger because of the effects of climate change.”

Cusi said the best practices in disaster risk reduction being employed by various government agencies including the DOE is being continuously overhauled, tweaked or upgraded to be more responsive in addressing today’s challenges.

“On the part of the DOE, we are reviewing the protocols to be followed by energy sector players, especially the measures on climate change adaptation,” he added.

Cusi said the DOE has been strictly following the measures set forth by the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (R.A. 10121) as implemented by the National Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Council.

The DOE secretary sits as member of the NDRRMC.

Cusi identified “Task Force Kapatid” as one of the measures employed by the energy family, through the supervision of the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

The task force facilitates the repair and rehabilitation of lines and the restoration of electric service during disasters in coordination with the NDRRMC.

“We constantly convene industry partners to encourage climate change adaptation in order to reduce the vulnerability of our power supply system against future calamities,” said Cusi.

“We are constantly on the lookout for better systems and technologies, as well as SOPs and protocols in undertaking repair and rehabilitation of damaged lines and energy facilities,” added the DOE chief.