PLDT Home and Smart Name Clutch Gamers as PH Representatives to Manila Masters

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Dota 2 tournament happens on May 26-28 at SM MOA Arena

Leading digital services providers PLDT Home and Smart Communications, Inc. named Clutch Gamers as the official Philippine representatives to the main event of the much-awaited Manila Masters, the first Philippine international premier Dota 2 tournament to be held from May 26-28 at the SM MOA Arena.

Competing with seven of the best teams around the world, Clutch Gamers is composed of professional Dota 2 players Khim "Gabbi" Villafuerte, Armel Paul Tabios, Rafael Sicat "Rappy" Palo, Marvin "Boombacs" Rushton, and Kenneth "flysolo" Coloma. They bested over 3000 other teams from all over the Philippines in the Nationwide Qualifiers to clinch the top spot.

At stake for the grand prize winner is the $250,000 prize pool and the coveted title of being the first ever Manila Masters.

“PLDT Home and Smart are one with the local gaming community in supporting our very own Clutch Gamers to show the world that Filipinos are a force to reckon with when it comes to competitive online gaming,” PLDT FVP and Head of Home Business Oscar A. Reyes, Jr. said. “A strong and powerful connection is crucial in the world of e-sports and online gaming. As partners and supporters of the local gaming community, we are committed to giving our players access to world-class internet to enable them to level up their game and help put the Philippines in the global gaming map.”

PLDT Home Fibr, the country’s most powerful broadband, is perfect for multi-player and bandwidth-intensive games like Dota 2, because it can go as fast as 1 Gbps and enables equal upload and download speeds so gamers can definitely enjoy a seamless experience. 

On the other hand, Smart’s fastest LTE network allows gamers to follow updates on their favorite teams and stream anytime and anywhere, powered by data-packed GigaSurf offers. Smart also allows gamers to purchase steam wallet codes conveniently via the leading portal, GameX. As part of its support for Manila Masters, Smart users can get a chance to witness the historic event and win Manila Masters tickets by following Smart’s official accounts on Facebook and Twitter. Smart subscribers can also get in on the action at the arena and  livestream the event via Smart360 for an immersive experience on the go at 360.smart.com.ph.

The rise of e-sports

Last year marked many milestones for e-sports in the Philippines. Filipino players consistently rose among the ranks and put the Philippines on the global map. The country also hosted several international gaming events last year, cementing the Philippines’ niche in the region as a force to reckon with in this fast-growing industry.

“E-sports is already as massive as traditional sports,” TV5 President and CEO Chot Reyes said. “With 32 million active gamers in the Philippines, the community is a passionate voice that cannot be ignored. We will send off our Philippine team to compete in the world stage with active support and a commitment to accompany them all the way through nationwide coverage.”

Mineski Franchise Corporation CEO Ronald Robins added, “The Philippine scene already has a strong backbone, and Philippine teams and organizations are getting stronger by the day. This time we want to strengthen Southeast Asia as a whole, despite the inevitable challenges ahead. Now, with the Masters, we are going to move forward again."

 Visit the masters.gg for more details or smtickets.com for event passes.

JDA Day Discusses Digital Supply Chain for Philippines Market

Wazzup Pilipinas!

JDA Software Group Inc. hosted its third edition JDA Day on 18th May in Okada Manila, Parañaque City.

The event, which is entitled "The Next Game Changer: Optimizing Supply Chain Planning and Logistics,” brought together supply chain practitioners and leaders from verticals such as manufacturing, retail, wholesale/ distribution and transportation and logistics.

In his welcome note, Vishal Dhawan, Vice President, Sales, ASEAN & India set the tempo for the event, succinctly sharing insights on the the new supply chain imperative to expand beyond traditional models.

Constantin Robertz, the Managing Director of Zalora, Philippines, deftly engaged the audience with his topic of digital supply chain in eCommerce and omni-channel retail. Ecommerce of physical goods alone is forecasted to grow 16x over the next 10 years in the Philippines. He elucidated how platforms like Zalora enable brands to connect with consumers and integration of systems and processes across the value chain.

The first-hand narration of the featured case study by Jonathan Mayes of Waitrose, part of John Lewis Partnership, one of the leading UK grocery retailers, offered immense value to the audience – as they too explore options on how to embark on their own journey to adapt to the customer demands of omni-channel retail in the competitive Philippines marketplace.

Sessions by JDA speakers, Christo Greyling, Daniel Kohut and Patrick Viney, focused on key retail industry trends, challenges and the capabilities that are needed in order to stay ahead of the competition; and Arjan Van Stiphout highlighted case studies of global brands like Heinz, DHL; as well as PVH, who has a diversified portfolio of brands such as Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, ARROW, Speedo, etc.

JDA’s Alex Yap highlighted the challenges posed by Philippines’ unique geography to consumer goods companies. As JDA works with leading consumer goods companies for more than two decades solving such a problem, Alex shared insights into how companies can improve their distribution capabilities, improving service levels while keeping inventory in check at the same time.

John Boe, Director of Consulting Services, Genie Technologies, illustrated the foundations required to deliver excellent customer service. He spoke about the role of the “buyer” within businesses and the current status of low-end technology enablement of this function. He called out that, ironically, this function is undervalued despite its associated financial KPIs such as cash flow, sales and margins.

“As more and more companies lean towards digitalization, the forces of these changes makes it imperative to follow suit. The stage of business maturity, the investment priorities and commitment from management play a big role in how they can quickly leapfrog competition,” said Vishal Dhawan, Vice President Sales, ASEAN & India, JDA.

The main sponsors of JDA Day’ included gold partner Genie Technologies (also recently awarded the “2016 JDA Partner of the Year” for APAC), Strategic Synergy Inc., (IBM) and Dematic.

Below are the initial panel discussions from the JDA Press Meet:

Comedy Cartel Proudly Presents "Employees of The Month!"

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Are you part of the working class? Do you love your work but hate your boss? Or do you hate your work but love your "officemate?" Wink wink.

Watch Comedy Cartel stand-up comedians Sherwin Cunanan, Jam Perez, Sergio Belarus, Korte Supremo, Kulay Consul and Chris Bacula, make fun of life's daily grind at the Comedy Cartel's New Show "Employees of The Month!"

Catch this show on May 27, 2017 at The Stockpile Bar at the Sapphire Bloc Bldg. Sapphire Street Ortigas Center Pasig City (Just type The Stockpile at Waze)" and let's all laugh our work stress away!

For seat reservations call or text 09178860706!

Ricoh Augments Business Workstyles with Eco-Efficient Printers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Efficient and flexible printing methods continue to gain significance among businesses, as they augment work processes and the capacity of workgroups to deliver requirements well and on time.

Driven by its vision to enhance customers’ business productivity, global imaging and electronics leader RICOH improves document processes with its eco-efficient digital black and white Multi-Function Printer (MFP) series.

The MP 4055SP, MP 5055SP, and MP 6055SP can print up to 60 black-and-white pages per minute (ppm) on a wide range of document types. Its image quality of 1,200 dpi resolution results in crisp images with smooth gradations and precise text. The MP 2555SP, MP 3055SP, and MP 3555SP, on the other hand, has similar functions and can print up to 35 ppm. Both printer series have a maximum paper tray capacity of 4,700 sheets.

To simplify complex procedures, the MFPs’ Scan and Single Pass Document Feeder can scan full-colour originals at 220 sheets per minute and distribute them digitally in an instant. The MP 4055SP, MP 5055SP, and MP 6055SP can also store up to 3,000 frequently used forms on the embedded Document Server for easy accessibility.

Through the 10.1”-wide touch screen Smart Operation Panel with an Intuitive User Interface, users can tailor-fit workflows and reduce repetitive manual steps by customizing user interface, utilizing apps, and changing specific icons with a tap on the screen.

Make Special Memories with Dad at Manila Pavilion Hotel

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Any man can be a Father, but it takes someone really strong and loving to be called a Dad. On their special day, take the chance to spoil the first hero in our lives with delightful treats and promos from Manila Pavilion Hotel.

The Ultimate Dad’s Day Gift

On June 18, make the most of this wondrous occasion by treating him to a delicious Buffet Lunch at the hotel’s interactive lifestyle restaurant, Seasons. As part of paying tribute to these Superheroes, our beloved sponsors and friends will be joining us in this celebration by giving away special gifts and exciting prizes.

Take his stress away with our Dad’s Day Room Promo starting at Php 4600 nett inclusive of overnight accommodation with one of our well-appointed rooms, breakfast buffet for two (2), Father’s Day Buffet Lunch for two (2), access to swimming pool and gym, and a special gift just for the Super Dads. 

 

Specials of the Month

Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino, a luxurious hotel located at the heart of Old Manila, has so much more to offer for you and your Dad for this month of June.

The hotel’s French-style pastry shop, Patisserie, presents you the perfect luscious treat for Dad. Let him feel the taste of New York and greet him a Happy Father’s Day with our Cake of the Month, New York Cheese Cake.

Freshen Dad with our Drink of the Month, Lemon and Lime Twist. For Dads who prefer to chill and drink some good wine, share with him a glass of our Wine of the Quarter, the Grenache, Syrah and Merlot, made in Southern France with Garnet Colour, Silky Tannins and Long Finish.

Manila Pavilion’s modern restaurants and café will make your stay even more memorable with their appetizing Monthly Specials. Patisserie brings you another drooling-specialty, the traditional Middle Eastern dish Homemade Falafel perfectly partnered with Salad and Pita Bread. One of the hotel’s pride, Seasons, will let you feel the Korean vibe with their Kimchi Fried Rice served with a delicious and crispy Pork Belly. Have fun at El Rey Music Lounge and Bar and try their special Pork Barbeque perfectly grilled to its mouth-watering goodness.


For inquiries and reservations visit the Manila Pavilion Hotel at United Nations Avenue corner Maria Orosa Street in Manila. Log on to www.waterfronthotels.com.ph or call 5261212, for inquiries and reservations; Like or Follow @WaterfrontMNL for regular updates.

Yamaha Rev of a Decade: The Historical Celebration in Cebu

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Yamaha brand had humble beginnings in the Philippines before becoming the staple of motoring ingenuity that is known today. The company became part of the Philippine culture by sharing the passion for riding through world-class products that are equipped with state-of-the-art technology for 10 years; and each year was filled milestones and memories that will last a lifetime.

To celebrate a decade of revving a nation, the only way to do it was with a grand event that the entire country can revel in. First, the Yamaha Club set off their biggest ever touring ride across the archipelago which was made up of 1,000 riders with more than half of that coming from Luzon and Mindanao. It was a long trip which included a trip to different ports to make it to Visayas where they joined fellow riders in the region and together made their way to Cebu.

Cebu City was the venue for the 2nd Leg of the Yamaha Grand Prix 8 which is the premiere avenue for Filipino Motorcycle racers to hone their skills and reach the next level of their riding ability. On this occasion, a special treat was at hand for all the attendees. They were introduced to the Mio Aerox 155, the latest AT product that included the masterfully crafted iconic engine – The Blue Core. Carrying the engine’s technological credo of more power for less fuel, the machine perfectly fits into the realm of racing prowess with practical and comfortable use. Its arrival was accompanied by Yamaha’s newest ambassador, Matteo Guidicelli, who showed his riding ability on the Mio Aerox 155.

That wouldn’t be the only showcase of the Blue Core engine. The event was also the culmination of the Be More with Blue Core Challenge which pitted racing Rivals Mickey Mazo and Romer Corbe. After an exciting 8-hour endurance race in the Carmona Racing Circuit which was won by Team Corbe; this one on one race in Cebu was either redemption or domination by either rider. After a competitive race using the Mio Aerox 155, the battle was won by Romer Corbe.

Then the attention shifted from the rivalry to supremacy as the Yamaha Grand Prix 8 was underway. A fiery competition showcased different performances from veteran riders to new contenders.

After the race, the 1000 Yamaha Club Riders rode from Cebu City to Danasan Eco Park to celebrate their historic feat. Lucky winners were drawn in the Raffle and awardees were declared for the customize contest in what was pegged as the ultimate trip. The riders camped out under the stars and enjoyed performances from Bangs Garcia, the Disco Remix Dancers, DJ Veronica Chiongbian, and one of their own in DJ Inan.

All in one day, Yamaha has conquered an inter-island trip to Cebu, raising the level of raising talent in the Yamaha Grand Prix, showcasing a brand new product, empowering through a state-of-the-art engine, the culmination of a rivalry, and the explosion of riding passion. By celebrating 10 years, Yamaha continues to develop an outstanding relationship with the Filipino community and will exhilarate lives for many years to come.

Race Results: 

CATEGORY & NAME

150 OPEN Underbone
1st place Vingie Coloma
2nd place Gary Caneda
3rd place Anacleto Flores

130 OPEN Underbone
1st place JR Caneda
2nd place Anacleto Flores
3rd place Ephraim Onahon

115 VEGA FORCE 
1st place Clint Jay Sande
2nd place Fitz Gerald Sangual
3rd place John Paul Lapente

Sniper 150 Mxi One-Make Race
1st place Onahon, Ephraim
2nd place Coloma, Vingie
3rd place Lapante, John Paul

160 OPEN Automatic
1st place Neil Perino
2nd place Zac Lyndon Caneda
3rd place Jeno Malasa

FUNRACE AT-Beginner
1st place Sylvester Ramirez
2nd place Gilmark Coloma
3rd place Rene Alfarero

FUNRACE UB-Beginner
1st place Gilmark Coloma
2nd place Kentoy Auman
3rd place Jeffrey Galleros Jr. 

Istela Nunes, Agilan Thani Fighting for Prestigious Piece of History

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Istela Nunes and Agilan “The Alligator" Thani are considered promising prospects in the sport of mixed martial arts due to their talent and dedication to their craft.

Both fighters are reaping the fruits of their labor as they slated to compete in separate world title contests on Friday, 26 May in Singapore.

Nunes challenges Asian MMA sensation Angela “Unstoppable” Lee for the ONE Women’s Atomweight Championship in the main event of ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES, while Thani vies for the ONE Welterweight World Championship against the division’s best in Ben Askren on the same card.

Aside from the chance to lodge themselves as MMA world champions, Nunes and Thani will have the opportunity to have their waists girded with prestigious belts.

Beyond the prestige that marks the bearer as the best fighter in his weight class across the globe, the belt is designed as a symbolic ornament of honor and glory.

Weighing more than seven kilograms, the jewel-encrusted silver and gold-plated belt is mounted by hand on a thick natural leather strap that is locked together securely with ten steel studs.

The pair of warring lions that frame the centerpiece ONE Championship logo represents royalty and prestige, and it is complimented by a crown motif at the belt’s apex.

Two blood-red rubies are placed in the eyes of the lions, while two secondary plates added eminent value to the handmade masterpiece as it is studded with 52 crystals on each side.

“Our belt is definitely one of the richest prizes in the world of martial arts today. We make sure that the bearer of our championship title represents a prestigious piece that reflects the true value of martial arts,” ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong stated.

Capturing the ONE Welterweight World Championship belt will not only put Thani in history books as the first Malaysian mixed martial arts (MMA) competitor to claim a world title, but he will also have an intricately-crafted hardware in his possession.

“The ONE Championship belt is one of the most prestigious MMA titles in the sport today. Having that makes you the best in the game. That’s why I want to win it so bad,” Thani said.

Meanwhile, Thani stressed that bringing home the ONE Welterweight World Championship title to Malaysia by defeating a high-profile opponent like Askren will seal his legacy as a world-class MMA athlete.

“Ben Askren is a legend in mixed martial arts, and beating him will also make me a legend. That will be a great motivation for me. I want to get that belt. I believe this is my time. When that time comes, I will be the next legend,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, Nunes is confident that she has what it takes to shock the world by defeating Lee for the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship.

“I have worked very hard to earn this opportunity. Angela Lee is a great, young champion, but I’m coming for the belt. I know chances like this are very rare and I will do my best to take the title home for all my fans,” she said.

Nunes is relishing not just her underdog status when she takes on the highly-popular Lee but also the pressure of the scheduled five-round championship clash.

“I feel strong and ready. I was built for this moment. I have nothing but good words to say about Angela, she is a tremendous champion. I admire what she has done to inspire young women in Asia to take up MMA, but I vow to win this fight at any cost. I have one goal and that’s to become champion. Angela better be prepared to go to battle because I’m coming to the fight with my full arsenal,” she ended.

​​For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

10 Enticing Delicacies that Stood Out at IFEX Philippines 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Amid the celebration of local and international love for savory dishes at the IFEX Philippines event, a few products stood out for their unique qualities. Here we list the products that will surely make you stop on your tracks.

1. Kablon Farms’ Single Origin Chocolate

South Cotabato’s Kablon Farms, known for its tropical juices and jams, launches its dark chocolate bars in 70% dark, 70% spicy dark, 70% Raw Chocolate Single Origin and 60% Spicy Raw Chocolate. All are Single Origin made from Philippine cacao in Mindanao.

2. Carrot Calamansi Spread by Lucille’s

This all-natural, veggie-based spread is packed with nutrients and a great healthy topping, an exciting new alternative to traditional jams.

3. Hillsview’s Mangosteen Kalamansi Concentrate

Hillsview’s Mangosteen Kalamansi concentrate is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, providing an affordable and delicious way to get your daily stamina and detox.

4. Golden Mushroom’s Mushroom Sisig

Golden Mushroom makes ready to eat mushroom tempura straight from the pack. And if that’s not tempting enough, it also offers a ready to eat mushroom sisig, made of sauteed chopped mushrooms with onion and calamansi -- perfect for a great-tasting meat-free meal. 

 
5. Kitchen Witcher Basimatsi

Taste the Philippines in a bottle, promises this maker of all-natural vinegars in the combinations we love. Basimatsi makes one-of-a-kind dipping sauces in seven mouth-watering variants, in delightful rustic packaging that got the attention of even visiting Michellin-starred chefs. Named after the popular local combo of bawang (garlic), sibuyas (onion), kamatis (tomato), and sili (chili), it’s a must at the family dining table.

6. Colonial Creamery Sili Ice Cream

Colonial Creamy claims to be the only local brand that makes and sells Sili Ice Cream. To put the chili flavor, the company mixes green and red chili on a blender, and then cooks the mix in olive oil. Then oil is then mixed with coconut milk to come up with the finished product.

7. McNester Mango Ketchup

McNester destroys everything you know about ketchup. For one, they proved that ketchup can also be yellow. It can also be a little bit sweeter than you know. McNester’s Mango Ketchup is made from Mango by-products, primarily from the flesh that sticks to the fruit’s seed, and is definitely tasty surprise. The company also offers Mango Sauce that may be used on pasta, vegetable salad, and fish.

8. Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation’s Tea Spread

Think that you must always drink tea to enjoy it? Think again. Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation’s turns your regular tea into a snack dressing. Now you can enjoy your tea on a cracker. The company makes their Green Tea Spread from green tea powder from Korea and their Black Tea Spread from products in Sri Lanka. They also import products from Peru to make their Cacao Nibs Choco Berry Spread and from Spain for their Bee Pollen Spread – yes, they make a spread out of bee pollen. All these products have zero food coloring.

9. Dewi’s Diamond’s Vegetable Premium Nutri-Noodles

When Dewi’s Diamon found out that different brands are making noodles out of vegetables, they put on their thinking cap. And after 17 years of research and experimentation, the company hit found their eureka moment. While other brands use one vegetable to make veggie noodles, Dewi’s Diamond picked five and mixed them to maximize the nutritional value.

The company used malunggay, red camote tops, saluyot, monggo, and soya, to make a noodle that is 85% vegetable. It is edible as a snack when dry and can be easily cooked just like your regular instant noodles. It also has a shelf life of one year.

10. Mira Hills’ Vigan Longganisa

Mira Hills brings the garlicy aroma Vigan Longganisa into their ready to cook version of the product. Even better, you do not need cooking oil to cook their longganisa. Just put Mira Hills’ in water and boil it, and it will be cooked in its own oil.

The much-awaited IFEX Philippines is a chance for food lovers and entrepreneurs to discover new products. Tagged as ‘Asia’s ethnic food & ingredients show’, it is the country’s biggest international trade exhibition on the Philippine and Asian specialty food products, attracting wholesale buyers, importers, and food distributors from all over the world.

IFEX Philippines runs from May 19-21, 2017 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

Cover photo: CITEM Executive Director Clayton Tugonon led the opening toast to formally open the festivities at IFEX Philippines on May 19, 2017. IFEX Philippines is organized by the CITEM under DTI.

Millennials ‘Make A Difference’ While Exploring Romblon Through Volunteerism

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Driven by their passion and desire to make their time worthwhile this summer, twenty volunteers  from across the country who were mostly millennials recently gathered for a three-day outreach program called I am M.A.D. (Making A Difference) Camp  in the municipality of Magdiwang,  Sibuyan Island, Romblon.

The millennial volunteers consist of old and new ones united to help 50 students of Tomas and Maria Maglaya Memorial School in Magdiwang to develop their innermost potentials and to make a difference in many simple ways starting from themselves to their families, schoolmates, and their community.

“I am a millennial myself and for me, having a purpose is empowering. Just as we millennials are seeking to find purpose in our career, we also seek purpose in almost everything we do which includes travelling. But regardless of generation, we are all human beings. Each of us is looking for a place to belong, feel loved, and know that we are truly making an impact. This is what I am MAD, Inc. is doing, making meaningful difference not only to our beneficiaries but also to our volunteers who are committed to discover and share their passions through volunteering,” Mark Conrad ‘Maco’ Ravanzo, co-founder and CEO of I am Making A Difference, Inc. said.

During the first part of the camp, students were engaged to various sets of fun and educational activities including storytelling, team-building, games, and obstacle courses—all advocating the four core values of  I am MAD of being Maka-diyos, Maka-tao, Makabayan and Makakalikasan.

Pinoy Otaku Festival Danketsu: Uniting the Otaku Culture in the Philippines

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"I was crying in the bus reading all the feedbacks about #POF2017#POFDanketsu. Salamat po. Kayo po ang tunay na star ng event." - David D'Angelo

David has a lot of reasons why he was crying. It was a cry for joy because of the highly successful turn-out of their event.

Many had lots of fun at the Pinoy Otakufest (Festival for Pinoy Pop Culture)! It is now considered, as one of the best cosplay / otaku conventions in history with thousands of attendees flocking the Fairview Terraces venue on both event days, May 20 and 21, 2017.

This is the fourth run of the festival with the theme of “DANKETSU” - Japanese term for “unity.” The organizers wish to bring together and unite the Otaku culture in the Philippines which includes cosplay, manga, music, games and more. They invited various organizations to collaborate with them and show a message of unity towards achieving positive endeavors in the culture.

The event is free admission, but many would still not hesitate to pay to attend this amazing event.

With so many activities, panel discussions, booths and performances from the Otaku community, supporters, sponsors and media partners like Wazzup Pilipinas, the event was undoubtedly more than awesome as expected.

Congratulations to David D'Angelo and Ranne Tubig, as well as the other organizers and participants of POF for an amazing event. You guys deserve all the praises!!