The Philippine Top Choice Awards for Excellence 2017 Recognizes Outstanding Achievers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We are deeply honored to be recognized again as one of the awardees of the Philippine Top Choice Awards for Excellence for the year 2017. It was way back in 2014 when Wazzup Pilipinas first got the attention of the award-giving body when they conferred to us the recognition of Top Filipino Community Blog Site. We still remember visiting Camelot Hotel on the night of August 23, 2014 to receive the award. Now after three years, we once again join the ranks of outstanding companies to receive the same recognition.

The awarding ceremonies this time was held on February 3, 2017 at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resorts & Casino where several of our fellow awardees from different business sectors gathered together to receive their respective awards for their exceptional achievements.

The Philippine Top Choice Awards for Excellence is organized by the Philippine Communication Event Management Inc., and the Philippine Top Choice Awards Council. The award council aims to acknowledge and reward individuals and companies, products and services, that promote and recognize best business practices leading to consumer welfare and protection, product quality and consumer services.

Recipients that are selected were chosen based on Product/Service Reliability, Product/Service Excellence, Ethical Business Practices, Customer Concern and Intimacy, and Product/Service Trustworthiness.

Selections were based on the nominations from independent body of different industry or category. Market research and survey were conducted by the survey group through street interview, word of mouth, personal and telephone interviews, and focused group discussions. A panel of judges selected a shortlist of companies for each award.

La Estrella: A Night of Music and Flamenco

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Set in the south of Spain, La Estrella follows the story of Carina (Katsie Llave), and her childhood best friends –Alejandro (David Ezra) the shy but sweet village boy, and Ricardo (Arman Ferrer) the headstrong but charming aristocrat, as they journey through life, and discover love in its purest and most steadfast form.

First of its kind, this Flamenco/Classical/Musical Theater showcase directed by Katreen Dela Cruz explores the profound simplicity of life through dance and music: the challenges of growing up, the complexity of friendship, and the pain, strength, and hope in love.

La Estrella is a love triangle story between childhood friends which will be communicated through Spanish classical songs with Arman Ferrer (Philstage Gawad Buhay Awardee for Best Male Featured in a Musical in 2015; last seen on Disney in Concert, Tale as Old as Time with ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, November 2016), Spanish pop songs with David Ezra (Aliw Awards Best New Male Artist in 2015 and Aliw Awards Best Actor Nominee for 2016; son of Asia's Diva, Dulce) and different forms and style of Flamenco dance with Katsie Llave (practiced flamenco in Escuela Amor De Dios: Centro de Arte Flamenco y Danza Espanola in Madrid under legendary teachers Antonio Maya, Alfonso Losa, Miguel Canas, Immaculada Ortega, La Truco and Nino de los Reyes).

Dates: 20, 21, 27 and 28 May 2017
Times: 3:00pm and 8:00pm
Venue: Power Mac Center Spotlight, Circuit Makati.

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW: https://goo.gl/forms/YQcVKys9uHZ4BFnO2

#LaEstrella2017 #PortkeyEvents

“Pan de Musika” Open Mic on March 3 at Kamuning Bakery Cafe

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"Pan de Musika" open mic night of beautiful music & poetry---organized by talented young artists of Songwriters Philippines & Kamuning Bakery Cafe---will be held on March 3 (Friday) 7:30 p.m. onwards and the public is invited.

Among the music artists of Songwriters Philippines performing at the first session of “Pan de Musika” include Santy Leonardo, actor/poet Rey Talosig, Alec Padua, Jayson Joaquin, Gian Bernal, Janine Liao, Norjen Los Añes and others, to be hosted by Bryan Amparo and Edward Dunlao. 

Also invited are some topnotch literary poets. Kamuning Bakery Café plans to support more meaningful yet non-traditional cultural and civic projects, such as the now popular tertulia-inspired “Pandesal Forum” where newsmakers and leaders dialogue with media and intellectuals, also this “Pan de Musika”, possibly publishing a poetry journal, and others.

The venue is the 78-year-old, handcrafted/pugon-style Kamuning Bakery Cafe at Judge Jimenez St. corner K-1st Street, Quezon City. Musicians and poets are welcome to contact Tels: 4161637, 9292216, 4126628, office 4151692, 4126685 or Joanna 09302481553, 09059302339 or Mela 09338604252 or 09228901893 or text 24-hours 09188077777 or 09178481818. Email kamuningbakerycafe@gmail.com. You can also register at the Kamuning Bakery Café branch store at SM North Edsa’s second-floor East Bridge.

What to Expect from Lamudi’s Broker Awards Night 2017

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As a way to thank hardworking Filipino brokers who supported the country’s top property portal, Lamudi Philippines will award the best of the best this year to give back to the real estate profession who have grown hand in hand with the company by way of recognizing exceptional Filipino real estate professionals at the first Lamudi Brokers Awards Night.

The awards and networking night is slated on March 30, 2017, at the New World Hotel in Makati.

“As we look back at the three trailblazing years of Lamudi in the Philippine real estate arena, we cannot ignore the amazing contributions of our partner brokers to our company’s success. Thus, we are staging this prestigious event to award the most active, the most professional, and the most successful brokers in the country,” said Bhavna Suresh Chathambeth, CEO of both Lamudi Philippines and its sister website MyProperty.ph, a long-running property portal acquired by Lamudi from Summit Media in 2015. Together, Lamudi and MyProperty.ph are the Philippines’ most visited and largest real estate websites.

Eleven award categories divided into individual, company, and special recognitions will be given to deserving real estate professionals in the much-awaited black-tie event. Top brokers and brokerages with the most inquiries generated, the most viewed properties, and the most responsive will be lauded on the debut of the Lamudi Broker Awards. Awards for overall top broker and brokerage for year 2016 will also be given out during the awards night.

The Special Awards, on the other hand, will encompass exciting accolade for most commendable brokers. All active Lamudi licensed subscribers can vie for the Lamudi Hall of Fame Award and the People’s Choice Award for broker category. Likewise, the Lamudi Real Estate Brokerage of the Year will be named at the awarding ceremony.

Furthermore, a Lamudi event will not be complete without sharing valuable real estate education. A panel discussion focusing on how Lamudi brought growth and success to your real estate business will be spearheaded by the Lamudi training team to emphasize the value of the property website to the industry.

More than 300 Lamudi Premier Brokers will grace the event not only for the awarding but also to network with fellow real estate professionals and major sponsor developers. This will be the biggest and most exclusive gathering of real estate players and luminaries and will only be a first of many to be organized by the leading real estate listings website. “Aside from citing the brilliant work of real estate brokers, we are also creating a fun and chic venue for sellers and developers to convene and build business,” Ms. Suresh added.

A series of real estate–related events are lined up by the Lamudi group for 2017 as the company continues to explore and highlight their brands across all platforms.

“The Broker Awards Night is just our first for this year, but the entire industry can expect more activities and events from our brands. Surely the best way to start our busy year is by awarding the true heroes of the field. Moreover, we are eyeing this event to be the start of a tradition to award outstanding Lamudi brokers every year,” Ms. Suresh ended.

Parties interested to partner with Lamudi Philippines in awarding the best brokers are invited to take part in the event. They may contact events@lamudi.com.ph and avail of the early-bird promo where they can get 30% discount on all booths if they book before March 6, 2017.

Mental Health and Anti-Hospital Deposit Bills Advance to Senate Plenary

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Despite the recent Senate reorganization, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros, who recently moved to the minority, sponsored on Wednesday two major health-related legislative bills for second reading.

Hontiveros said that the advances she made in pushing for the passage of her bills proved that her legislative work is unhampered by the recent developments affecting the Senate.

"The accusation that we hampered the Senate's work because of our position on key issues is pure hogwash. Our legislative work speaks for itself. And now, despite being in the minority, this will not stop me from championing health legislations”, Hontiveros remarked.

Hontiveros sponsored Senate Bill No. 1190 or the Philippine Mental Health Act.

The proposed measure aims to integrate mental health services and programs in the public health system. She said that the Philippines is one of the few countries in the world without a comprehensive mental health law.

The Senator also sponsored Senate Bill No. 216 otherwise known as "The Amendments to the Anti-Hospital Deposit Act" that seeks heavier penalties on hospitals that continue to demand any deposit or other form of advance payment, as a prerequisite for admission or medical treatment of an emergency patient.

"I hope these bills will greatly contribute in the realization of universal healthcare for the people. I hope my colleagues can cross party lines for the passage of these important measures," Hontiveros concluded.

Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke Feels Confident in Handling Filipino Foe’s Well-Rounded Skillset

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Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke is fully aware of Joshua Pacio's outstanding reputation inside the ONE Championship cage as both men are scheduled to face each other on the undercard of ONE: WARRIOR KINGDOM in Bangkok, Thailand on 11 March.

Pacio holds an impressive 8-1 professional mixed martial arts (MMA) record and is one of the most highly-regarded strawweight prospects in the Asian region today.

A member and a proud product of the legendary Team Lakay in La Trinidad, Benguet, Pacio is a Wushu specialist with a solid well-rounded skillset.

All eight of his career victories have come by finish, including five wins by impressive submission and three triumphs by spectacular knockout.

“Pacio is a well-rounded fighter, and I have a lot of respect for him. He has good striking. He is good on the ground as well. Joshua Pacio is such a talented fighter,” Dejdamrong said of his opponent.

Despite the worthy praise that he has given to Pacio, Dejdamrong is confident that he can handle the versatility of his Filipino foe inside the cage.

​“For this fight, I’ve trained as hard as ever. I have continued to improve my overall MMA game. I’ve also worked on my ground skills, both offensively and defensively. I'm very excited to test these out in the cage in March,” he stated.

In-House IT Department Urged to go from Maintenance Hub to Growth Driver

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“Going digital” is a trend among businesses right now since it boosts overall productivity in the workplace and in the market. It means maximizing new and available technologies and models in the areas of Social Media, Mobility, Data Analytics, Cloud, and Security in order to make work and processes more efficient and effective.

Its apparent benefits are more than enough reasons to start the digital transformation. Stressing the importance of IT, TJ Rosal, the Assistant Vice President for Sales and Marketing of CuroTeknika, a managed IT services company said, “In light of the global digital shift, IT is in a position where it can make significant business impact. It is time for IT to take on a more strategic role within the organization by developing technology-driven tools, systems, and processes that add value to the business. This is an opportune moment for IT to make a shift from being a company’s mere maintenance hub to a major growth driver.”

Based on a study made by management resources firm Brilliant, majority of companies surveyed have no plans to increase their in-house IT staffing in 2017. However, as companies grow, their IT infrastructure become more complex, placing IT in a dilemma of keeping their current infrastructure up and running rather than focus on strategic initiatives. “The time that should have been spent in researching, evaluating and testing new technologies that add competitive advantage are spent mostly on operational activities which of course are equally important. Unfortunately, the culture of learning is pushed to the side and for the most part, IT resources are hired primarily for maintenance,” said Rosal.

Dusit Thani Extends Lease on Prime Bangkok City-Centre Plot

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Dusit Thani Public Company Limited, one of Thailand’s foremost hotel and property development companies, today announced it has signed an agreement with the Crown Property Bureau to continue leasing the plot of land at the intersection of Silom Road and Rama 4, and on which the Dusit Thani Bangkok is built.

The lease will be extended by 30 years with the right to extend for another 30 years. Dusit Thani Public Company Limited, together with its partner, Central Pattana Public Company Limited (CPN), will further elevate Dusit Thani Bangkok’s standing as one of the world’s renowned hotels, as well as build a landmark mixed-use real estate development that features a hotel, residences, retail areas and office spaces, with a large green space.

Mr Chanin Donavanik, Vice Chairman & Chairman of the Executive Committee, Dusit Public Company Limited, said, “Built in 1970, Dusit Thani Bangkok was the very first iconic landmark of modern Bangkok. It has been a prominent feature of Bangkok’s skyline for almost half a century and symbolised the beginning of the city’s transformation into one of the world’s greatest metropolises in the era of globalization. As a leading hotel in Thailand for almost 48 years, today Dusit Thani dedicates itself to bringing to life a world-class development which will strengthen its image as a renowned Thai brand that has been internationally recognised for more than 65 years.”

Mrs. Suphajee Suthumpun, Group Chief Executive Officer, Dusit Thani Public Company Limited, said “Dusit Thani has been granted the rights to extend the lease agreement with an additional plot of almost 24 rai. We plan to elevate the Dusit Thani Bangkok and, in partnership with Central Pattana PCL, create a mixed-use real estate development of international standard with an estimated project value of around Bht 36,700 million (approximately USD1.05 billion).

“This project will build on our unique Thai heritage, which has long been synonymous with Dusit Thani, combined with international standards, while utilising space in the area to its full potential. It will be a new icon of Bangkok’s new era the same way the iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok made history 47 years ago.

“Our goal is to develop a project that benefits both tourists and the general public. This land lies right at the epicentre of the metropolis in the heart of the business and retail district, as well as at the intersection of multiple mass transit systems such as the BTS and the MRT. The area also houses a number of high-end residences. It is also adjacent to Lumpini Park, one of Bangkok’s most significant and popular public parks.

“This is a rare opportunity. Thanks to combined reputations and capabilities of our partnership with Central Pattana, we are determined to create an icon that embodies gracious Thai heritage with international standards at the epicentre of Bangkok. We hope that this project will exemplify the talents of Thai people and the strength of Thailand’s hospitality business, as well as real estate development and retail industries, and ultimately make Bangkok a hub of high-end tourism and shopping, therefore enhancing Thailand’s reputation to the world,” she said.

Planning for the project is currently being undertaken and details of the development will be announced as soon as they are finalised before the middle of the year.

DOE Sees LPG Price Rollback, Shares Safety Tips

Wazzup PIlipinas!
With the downtrend in the international contract price for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the Department of Energy-Oil Industry Management Bureau (DOE-OIMB) has announced a possible rollback in the price of an 11-kilogram LPG cylinder by about P4.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said that based on the DOE-OIMB's international price monitoring, the contract price for March amounts to $564 per metric ton (MT) which is $9 lower than the contract price in February of $573/MT.

He added that the rollback of $9/MT could translate to a P0.36/kg; hence a possible P4 reduction per 11kg LPG cylinder.

Cusi urged the buying public to always check every LPG cylinder to ensure that it is of the right quantity and quality.

“Aside from determining the right price, I encourage the public to also look closely at the quantity of the LPG cylinder by assuring that it is the correct and accurate weight. The quality of the tank should also be taken into consideration especially if it poses certain safety risks,” Cusi recommended.

To know if your LPG-filled cylinder is of the right quality and safe to use, the DOE has issued the following guidelines:


1. Buy LPG cylinders with proper markings (brand name, tare weight, etc.) from authorized outlets only;
2. Check the LPG cylinder for excessive rustiness and dents;
3. Ensure that the collar and footring are smooth and properly-welded and
4. Ensure that the LPG seal is intact and firmly affixed to the valve.

Cusi also asked the public to take extra precautions especially since March is Fire Prevention Month.

“Paalala po sa ating mga Nanay at mga kusinero para sa maingat na paggamit ng LPG. Sa pagpasok ng summer season, tumataas ang insidente ng sunog. Kaya po, we encourage the public to regularly check if there is a leak in their LPG cylinders, to store it in areas with sufficient ventilation, to keep it away from electrical switches and outlets and to ensure that it is always in an upright position,” Cusi advised.

“We do not want to see our people suffer from fire caused by the misguided use of LPG,” Cusi concluded.

Church Pop: Making Ash Wednesday Fun and Colorful for Millennials

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"Kailan ba Ash Wednesday? Sa Friday ba?"

It's that time of the year again to be dirty. Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of the Lenten season, a period of fasting, alms giving, and prayer as many prepare their hearts to receive the Risen Lord at Easter. Going to Mass to receive ashes is a beautiful penitential way to begin this spiritual season.

This is when priests put ashes resembling an image of the cross on our foreheads. From ash, and back to ash, that's how our lives start and end, if we are religious enough to believe what the Catholic church has taught us through our ancestors, and how the tradition has been practiced throughout generations.

While there is certainly an element of humility in receiving ashes in church, it consists of the public acknowledgment that we are sinners, and have begun the process of conversion by fasting, prayer, and works of charity.

So by this time you've probably seen lots of selfies or photo ops of individuals with ashes on their forehead. It has always been a viral sight on social media for everyone would want to be "in" with the fad.

Sadly, many are still unaware of the real meaning of Ash Wednesday. Some people believe that the Catholic Church actually has no place for righteousness, because it's inheritance is befuddled with Pagan practices and beliefs that were considered evil if seen during our time. They say people just do not research well enough about the historical background of their faith that is as blind as a bat. Just like if you ask them if they've heard of Mardi Gras. They will say they do know what it is, but they only know about the partying, and not the reason behind it or what follows!

But of course, there's always the theory of reincarnation when our soul comes back from to inhabit another newborn and grow up not remembering our past life. The use of ashes to symbolize our mortality has been also used to strike fear among Christians to self-reflect. Ashes are in-your-face statement that death and suffering are real.

But this theory should be the same for animals and other living things as well, especially after watching "A Dog's Purpose" movie just a day ago. But in that movie, the dog remembers his past lives very clearly.

Though there is definitely a need to self-reflect on how awesome we are, for it might just help turn the tides towards a better world! But with so much politics put in religion, I am still surprised not all has made the decision to leave Christianity. It has now become a mockery thanks to such whinny actions.

But, there's no support or mention in the Bible for an Ash Wednesday. It's something the Roman Catholic Church made up. Still, the tradition continues with so many lining up to have their foreheads ashed.

I've read somewhere that somebody even made up humorous names for ashes that seem to be of different shapes and sizes, depending on how elegantly or carelessly the priests put it. Every priest could have a different way of applying the ashes, and every person could also wear them differently.

The rubrics for Ash Wednesday say that after the blessing of ashes the priest "places the ashes on the head of all those present who come to him" First, it does not say "forehead" but "head", so the need of "drawing something" in the forehead (even a cross) is hard for me to understand.

However, many have always considered Ash Wednesday with its solemn reminder of "Remember, Man, you are dust, and unto dust you shall return" a very serious day. As we begin our Lenten observance, could we find anything edifying or helpful about this almost juvenile attempt to be jocular, even for something called "Church Pop."

I'm sure some will respond, "Lighten up, it's just meant to be funny." However, some would surely say "It's not funny. We should not make fun of Catholic sacraments."

Now, some religious leaders also want to make sure the Christian message is one of love and inclusivity, of empowering people to be who they are. So here comes glittered ashes for taking in consideration the LGBTQ community.

Wow, so we would soon have rainbow-colored ashes at our churches?

Glitter Ash Wednesday was created by Parity, a faith-based organization that works to empower LGBTQ and allied people in their spiritual life.

There are posts on Facebook calling for "all Queer-Positive Christians" to "Come Out of your Christian Closet! This Ash Wednesday, and get glittered!" They offered ashes mixed with some professional, make-up grade purple glitter so people can demonstrate that they are both Christian and supportive of all people – irrespective of sexuality or gender identity.

The concept was created to allow people to promote the fact that they are Christians that are also supportive of LGBT rights. The ashes are supposed to represent self reflection. The glitter is a very reflective substance, hence the glittering. so take note of the metaphor and literal reflection.

But others think Ash Wednesday should remain glitter-free to preserve the somber and traditional religious ritual. The ashes are a visible symbol of penance - not something to be glamoured. Using the cross in that way may be blasphemous and being Christians we should know that. There are other ways as a Christian to support the gay community. Just because one person does it it doesn't mean that it is right thing to do and then follow like sheep to the slaughter.

So who's in favor of innovating how we receive our ashes? Do we need to evolve it to make it more interesting for the liberal Millennials where many from LGBTQ community have come out in the open? Do we need to make it at least fashionable and with "identity" to match the person wearing it?

I would appreciate all your thoughts on this topic.