Celebrate Chinese New Year with a Touch of Mexico!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Kung Hei Fat Choi, Compadres!

Your friends here at Jose Cuervo bring you tidings this Chinese New Year. This year, the Chinese Zodiac celebrates the year of the rooster, and in particular, the famed Red Fire Rooster.

In accordance to the zodiac, the year of the Red Fire Rooster looks to be a positive one, with good news and progress to be found in the sectors of love, growth, and wealth.

This Chinese New Year, consider bringing in the New Year with a touch of Mexico. Both cultures are held together by a sense of superstition that is deeply rooted in a tradition that has continued to thrive over the course of several centuries, starting in the sixteenth century when the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade began distributing goods and spices from the East.

The tradition still continues today in Mexico City’s famed Barrio Chino neighbourhood. For over a century, this neighbourhood has become the heart of Chinese-Mexican culture, with shops and local businesses fusing traditional Chinese furnishings with beloved Mexican iconographies, such as statues of San Juan Tadeo and the Virgin of Guadalupe. 

In February 2008, Mexico City Major Marcelo Ebrard and Chinese ambassador Yen Hengmin, inaugurated the Chinese Arch at the Santos Degollado Plaza. The arch stands as a tribute to the impact that Chinese immigration has had on Mexico City.

This Chinese New Years, treat yourself to a shot of Reposado as you celebrate the pageantry that’s made the event celebrated the world over. From the fireworks to the parades, make the most of your Chinese New Year with the best Mexico has to offer.

For the latest news and exciting events from Jose Cuervo this year, visit http://cuervointernational.com and follow Jose Cuervo on Facebook http://fb.com/cuervopilipinas.

"Si Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tabon" Mula sa Tanghalang Ateneo

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Inihahandog ng Tanghalang Ateneo sa kanyang ika-38 na tagdula: De/Constructing Narratives kasama ang Rizal Library, Ateneo Fine Arts, Performing Arts Cluster, at ABS-CBN sa pakikipagtulungan sa Adarna House

ang

SI JANUS SILANG AT ANG TIYANAK NG TÁBON

ni Edgar Calabia Samar

Sa Direksiyon ni Charles Yee
Adaptasyon ni Guelan Varela-Luarca
Disenyo ng Entablado ni Gwyn Guanzon
Disenyo ng Kasuotan ni Mitoy Sta. Ana
Disenyo ng Ilaw ni Meliton Roxas, Jr.
Disenyo ng Tunog at Musika ni Toni Muñoz
Disenyo ng Biswal ni Joyce Garcia
Galaw nina Delphine Buencamino at Zyda Baaya
Disenyo ng Lathala nina Gab Mesina, Diana David, at Victor Datu

Media partner ang Wazzup Pilipinas

Petsa ng mga palabas:
Pebrero 1-4, 7-11, 13-16, 18, 21-25 | 7:30 N.G.
Pebrero 4, 11, 18, 25 | 2:30 N.H.

Rizal Mini Theater, Ateneo de Manila University

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, maaaring makipag-ugnayan kay Dean Silva sa 0916-314-5475

#TA38

#JanusSilangTA 

#DeConstructingNarratives

CCP, J&S Productions Co-Present the 60th-Anniversary Milestone Production of 'Noli Me Tangere, The Opera'

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and J&S Productions Inc., in cooperation with Ayala Foundation, will co-present the Philippines' first full-length opera, Noli Me Tangere, The Opera. The opera, which premiered at the Far Eastern University in 1957 and made its CCP debut in 1974, will mark its 60th anniversary with a limited six-performance run at the CCP's Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo from January 28 (gala premiere) to February 3, 2017.

The 60th-anniversary production of Noli Me Tangere, The Opera is chaired by philanthropist Mercedes Zobel.

Based on Dr. Jose Rizal's 1887 classic novel of the same name, Noli Me Tangere, The Opera was written by National Artist for Music Felipe de Leon (“Payapang Daigdig,” “Sarong Banggi”) and was set to a libretto by National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino. Both creators, who were obsessed with Dr. Rizal’s landmark novel, finished the opera in 1957. According to New York-based dramaturg Randy Gener, the opera was, however, “not the first Filipino opera ever written. That honor belongs to ‘Sandugong Panaguinip,’ a 1902 work with a Spanish libretto by Pedro Paterno, which was translated into Tagalog by Roman Reyes, and music by Ladislao Bonus. ‘Sandugong Panaguinip’ was a one-act opera made up of five scenes, while de Leon’s ‘Noli’ opera was written in three acts, making it the country’s first full-length grand opera.”

This production, which earlier had critically-acclaimed engagements in N.Y., Washington D.C., and at the Resorts World Manila, will feature more than 200 opera singers, musicians, and crew, 16 scene changes, and a brand-new staging under the directorial reins of debuting stage director Jerry Sibal, a sought-after event designer in New York City, who is also designing new sets and costumes.

The show's score and orchestrations, arranged in the Western operatic tradition with overflow passages reminiscent of Mozart, Puccini, and Wagner, and sung in Tagalog (supertitles in English to be provided), will be played by the newly formed 53-piece Noli Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Herminigildo Ranera.

DOE Imparts To Consumers Effective Energy-Saving Tips

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As part of its mandate to inform and educate the public, the Department of Energy (DOE) released another set of energy efficiency and conservation tips with distinct focus on the consumer.

‎DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi strongly emphasized the importance of these measures, especially with the impending Malampaya Scheduled Maintenance Shutdown‎ by the end of the month.

Secretary Cusi explained, “Demand-side management is one of the measures that we are encouraging our consumers to practice. By doing this, our energy consumption is made more efficient and economical, with the beneficial effect ultimately reflected and felt through our electric bills.”

“When energy-efficiency becomes second-nature to us, we are able to cushion whatever impact may be caused by spikes in the cost of electricity. For example, despite the upcoming Malampaya maintenance activities this end of the month, we can still be able to lower our electricity bills with ease,” added the Secretary.

“These are consumer-friendly tips, very simple and very doable,” Sec. Cusi assured.

The appliance-focused and consumer-managed energy-saving tips have been developed by the DOE, through its Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB).

DOE Rallies Students to Learn Energy Conservation

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As part of its mission to empower energy consumers, the Department of Energy (DOE) headed by Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi enjoins the academe to inculcate the value of energy saving to their students.

“We are here to guide our younger generation who will be the ones running not only the energy sector, but the nation as well,” Cusi said.

“Supplementing the learning process of the students by exposing them to a real-world working environment helps arouse their interest and unleashes their potentials to become future scientists, engineers or energy experts,” Cusi explained.

In the second half of 2016 alone, the DOE’s Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office (CWPO) facilitated the conduct of 11 half-day consumer workshops dubbed as EnerSmart Kids Program and EnerREADY Project attended by various students in Metro Manila.

For the EnerSmart Kids Program, a total of 200 Grades 4, 5 & 6 from South CEMBO, Pitogo, San Jose, and Nemesio Yabut Elementary Schools in Makati City attended lectures and performed Science experiments at the DOE Central Office in Taguig City.

The sessions were capped by the kids’ “Pledge of Commitment” to be “Energy Cost Busters” by practicing energy efficiency and conservation measures in their own homes.

Among those who participated in the DOE program were students from the College of Computer Engineering & Communication and Engineering, STI Global City; College of Technology students and senior high school students from the University of Makati and Electrical Engineering students from the Technological University of the Philippines, Taguig Campus.

More than 200 students were given an overview of the electricity supply chain, including fundamental electricity concepts and a laboratory tour at the DOE-Lighting and Appliance Testing Laboratory.

Meanwhile, as part of the agency’s efforts to mainstream Gender and Development (GAD) in the energy sector programs, activities, and projects, the EnerREADY Project was pursued by the DOE-CWPO on-site in the following schools in Taguig and Makati City: Bangkal High School, Fort Bonifacio High School, Bagumbayan National High School and Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School.

EnerREADY is a Career Talk that aims to promote gender equality in the energy sector, encouraging young students to pursue technical careers based on their interest, passion, and strength in technical subjects and not on gender stereotyping as to the roles of women and men as perceived or dictated by society.

More than 400 Grade 10 pupils benefited from this activity through interactive and experiential learning with the female energy experts who shared their actual experiences, including the challenges they hurdled in order to achieve their career goals.

With the continuing Consumer Education Program of the CWPO, public elementary, high school, and college institutions interested in visiting the agency located at the Energy Center, Rizal Drive cor. 34th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, can get in touch with Ms. Helen B. Arias, Chief of the CWPO at telefax no. ‎ (02) 840-22-67 or trunkline no. ‎479-2900 local 329; email at energycwpo@gmail.com.
PHOTO CAPTION: ENERGY READY STUDENTS: DOE-Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office staff led by Helen B. Arias with Engr. Arlyb Joy R. Pestana and Engr. Pia Louren C. Gatinga from the DOE-Energy Resource Development Bureau;  Engr. Eduardo B. Fernandez of the DOE-Electric Power Industry Management Bureau and Engr. Martha Isabel S. Dealino and Engr. Katrina Mae S. Royo from the Manila Electric Company as guest resource persons pose after the ENEReady: A Career Talk on Breaking Gender Stereotypes in the Energy Workforce last  24 November in Fort Bonifacio High School, Makati City.

Socialites Production Proudly Presents "Marketing on Fleek: The Art of Captivating Millennials"

Wazzup Pilipinas!

SHOUTOUT TO ALL THE MILLENNIALS!

Gather the squad as we take it to the next level. Wear your flower crowns and wake your boho spirit as we bring you the fabbest and most lit marketing seminar of 2017. Get ready to be captivated with something new and trendy mixed with a touch of the corporate world.

Socialites Production brings you, "MARKETING ON FLEEK: The Art of Captivating Millennials"

Let us slay together at PUP Bulwagang Balagtas on February 7, 2017.

#ONFLEEK2017
#MarketingOnFleek
#COACHELLAPARTY

Hong Kong Tourism Board Launch "Best Of All, It's In Hong Kong" Tourism Campaign

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Not only because it's just an hour and a half away, Hong Kong has so many attractions to offer for every tourist who wants to maximize his or her trip for a more memorable and worthwhile experience.

Aside from all the shopping from the numerous large malls, and amusement from all the colorful theme parks, there are so many tourists attractions to enjoy. I've learned at the event that Hong Kong also has many areas where you can hike and camp out to enjoy their mountains or wilderness.

This is why it was not surprising that Filipinos emerged as the number one tourist of Hong Kong. There is no doubt that we have totally embraced Hong Kong as our "quick" and most affordable best choice for our weekend getaways or simply to enjoy special holidays like the Christmas and New Year seasons.

But one of the many reasons why Hong Kong is often visited is also because of its culinary delights. There are so many choices to feast upon that many chefs also go there once in a while to get inspiration for their next gastronomic masterpiece.

This is the reason why the Hong Kong Tourism Board has focused on "food" as a campaign theme to attract us even further to come and visit Hong Kong more often. They've tapped select chefs to become their ambassadors for their Hong Kong Tourism ads with a campaign slogan of "Best of All, It's In Hong Kong", and their list of endorsers included Chef Margarita "Gaita" Araneta Fores, an internationally renowned chef from the Philippines who's already making waves globally for her amazing creations.

Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps Opens Its Second Manila Branch at SM MOA

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The seafood restaurant from Davao that we all love - Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps - just recently opened its second branch in Manila and we were fortunate enough to be invited to a lunch treat at their newest location at SM Mall of Asia (MOA). We were also invited by Zomato for a dinner treat at the same restaurant but we had to give up that second serving as we were still full from the earlier meal.

We could still recall our first encounter with the restaurant brand during their first branch in Manila, specifically at their SM North EDSA branch, and we couldn't stop thinking about it since then. Of course, we saw ourselves revisiting the branch again after that first branch launch. Their seafood specials of shrimps and crabs are really something to look forward to especially for special occasions or when we simply want to reward ourselves for doing a great job.

Since the price for seafood is a bot expensive similarly  for most restaurants, it is at Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps where you won't regret spending a bit more. The food is really "fresh from sea to table" and their "plastic bag" and eat with your hands on the table ala "Boodle Fight" way is truly memorable. True enough, this is when "it's fun to be messy" is an understatement.  You do need to "un-mind" the mess so OCs (Obsessive-Compulsive) are not allowed here. Lol! Just kidding, you can eat however you want it. There's nobody stopping you from enjoying your meals.

Though the SM MOA branch is a bit small, it has a second floor to add a few more tables for diners. The second floor is also a great place to get a little more privacy from passersby seeing you eat up all those yummy seafood dishes..hahaha. Seriously, I wouldn't mind being seen getting messy with my seafood as if you really want to enjoy the experience, they are meant to be eaten by hand.

Oyayi Farewell Party and Superbook Season 3 Launch

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We now say goodbye for now to the cast of Oyayi as they end their first season this Sunday, January 29, 2017 but hopefully we get to see them again for the second season as "Kuya Maki" played by Frederico "Icko" Gonzalez reveals during the event that talks are already ongoing for the continuing shows. Also, it was highly assured during their grand launch last year that the organizers of the show, along with their partners, will be working hard for another season so that the value-enriched Oyayi will again educate our children every Sunday morning. For me, I would want to see the show for many more seasons since our children deserve quality shows like these that would help mold them to be better citizens.

Along with Kuya Maki, the team leader of "Pangkat Oyayi," during the farewell event for Oyayi were two other characters namely Bon Haribon (inspired by the Haring Ibon or Monkey-Eating Eagle) and Tama Raw (inspired by the Tamaraw) but we were missing Kuwago Zhibago (played by Ruther Urquia), a robotic owl, and his three sidekicks, the Tornilyons (shaped as nuts and bolts), also Tele Bobby (the character with a television head), plus the other three hand puppets Diva Butanding, Dok Pil and Tarsiera, inspired by indigenous endangered species such as butanding (whale shark), pilandok (mouse deer), and the tarsier.

However, as what you have read on our title, the event was also the launch of the third season of Superbook, the Bible-based animation that I grew up with during my formative years. This is the new version of the animation as it now uses 3D CGI unlike the previous 2D animation from its original run. The cartoon was also run in Tagalog dubbed for both versions to make it more engaging for Filipinos. I generally like the show in whatever language it is presented, but we really shouldn't worry since the children nowadays are fast learners and more adaptive even with English as the means of conversation. It also helps to create familiarity with the English language so that our children will be more competitive in international opportunities. But we don't really need to argue as both languages have their own respective benefits.

As expected, the lovable and cute Gizmo mascot was there to entertain the children with his dance-along with the official Superbook soundtrack "The Salvation Poem." The children were actively participating in the sing and dance portion just as how they did during the Oyayi soundtrack dance, and very engaged as well with the many games that were held that day giving the children some prizes like stickers and notebooks.

Privacy Rights and Privacy Wrongs: 3rd National Privacy Conference

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Social media users are often criticized for being too harsh, or should we say, too open. It has become a no holds barred venue that could be an outlet for posting of either rants or raves especially when there's too much hate or love for something or somebody.

This openness makes most of us so vulnerable because we tend to reveal even sensitive or confidential information that could lead us to danger if it falls into the wrong hands. Our lives may be in jeopardy if it is taken advantage by cunning individuals that are up to no good. On the other hand, social media can also be used by shady individuals to malign or ruin the reputation of individuals too. There is so much false news and information proliferating online that many are getting brainwashed or confused on what to believe.

Statements on social media could make or break anybody if taken too far. The advantage is with those that have the financial resources that could easily run a massive campaign online for or against anybody.

Meantime, there are some entities or organizations that require us to submit our personal information that we know could also be a source of threat for us, just as how the COMELEC was hacked and robbed of its precious data that is all about the many Filipino voters. Who knows what they will do with all those information about a few million Filipinos?

An attendee gave a tip that we should also think twice about sharing personal information like emails and addresses with institutions or corporations. If absolutely necessary, use a separate email account not linked to any other accounts. I agree because we wouldn't know if they could use these information to penetrate, access and control our personal accounts.

Thus, we do need to have some sort of regulatory body that could help prevent such occurrences to persist and also to identify and penalize the erring individuals or groups. We need to talk more about our privacy and the impact of data breaches on our rights.