Collabro Confirm Manila Show at Resorts World

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Winners of TV’s ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ To Star On February 26

Collabro, the world’s most successful musical theatre group, will perform for the first time in the Philippines when the four-piece make their debut at Resorts World Manila on February 26, 2018.

The British act, comprising singers Jamie Lambert, Michael Auger, Matt Pagan and Tom Redgrave, won TV’s ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ in 2014 before releasing their debut album Stars, which went to No.1 in the UK and registered double gold in sales. Since then they have released two more studio albums and toured the globe winning millions of fans in the process.

The boys – currently in the middle of a 29-date UK Tour - will showcase their latest album Home when they swap the West End stage for the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World in a show produced and promoted by Spicy Lemon. News of Collabro’s first live show in the Philippines comes just weeks after the group shared the stage with international superstar Lea Salonga at the Lytham Festival in the UK.

“We’re all very excited about playing in the Philippines for the very first time,” said a band spokesperson. “We’re currently touring the UK right now but will be over to Asia in the New Year with shows in Japan before we head over to see our fans in Manila. We’ll be performing songs from all three of our albums as well as some other few surprises.”

Tickets for the show at Resorts World go on sale soon with full details to be announced by Spicy Lemon, organisers of Bamboo’s recent tour of the UK, Ireland and the Middle East as well as Kamikazee’s hugely-popular “Huling Sayaw” concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Manila.

Ends

About Collabro
Collabro is a four-piece musical theatre super-group - winners of Britain’s Got Talent in 2014 – whose debut album ‘Stars’ went to No.1 in the UK and subsequently achieved double gold sales.
Their second album ‘Act 2’ was released in June 2015 on Syco, entering at No. 2 in the UK Official Charts and they’ve performed at The Royal Variety Show alongside Dame Shirley Bassey, One Direction and Alfie Boe.
Loved in the UK, Collabro are now winning fans across the world including the US, Canada and Japan. In 2016 they completed their hugely triumphant ‘Act 2’ tour of the UK, selling out venues across the country, including the Royal Albert Hall.
Their third album ‘Home’ – released in early 2017 under their own record label - reached Number 7 in the UK album charts and preceded a sell-out tour with Sir Cliff Richard and the release of their debut single ‘Lighthouse’ in collaboration with Save the Children reaching Number 1 in the iTunes Classical singles chart.

Collabro’s continued success and positive critical response in the live performance and recording markets further affirms them as the leading Musical Theatre group in the world today and they are currently on their third UK tour performing at 30 venues across the country, including the London Palladium. In 2018 they will tour in North America, Japan, the Philippines and give their first performances in Australia.

They have performed twice at the Royal Variety Performance, on Britain’s Got Talent (most recently at the ten-year Grand Final compilation of past contestants) and have become enormously successful internationally. Notably, they have performed for over 30 million people in Japan on Music Station on two separate occasions, completing a tour there and winning a Gold Disc award for top international artist alongside Sam Smith and Meghan Trainor. They have also completed two US tours and signed a major US record deal.

They performed to 7 million people on ITV’s Soccer Aid 2016 to critical appraise, garnering excellent reviews from the press and have been confirmed on the bill of the inaugural ‘Stages’ Cruise in 2018. For more info: www.collabroglobal.com

Event Info:
Collabro – Live in Manila
Venue:
Newport Performing Arts Theater – Resorts World
Date:
Monday, February 26 - 8pm (doors open 7pm)
Tickets:
To Be Confirmed

Slimmers World International Presents Great Bodies 2017 Winners

Wazzup Pilipinas!

25 mercenaries battled it out but only 2 survived the combat. But wait, there were a few more because of the runner-ups and special awards.

Congratulations to the victors of Mr. & Ms. Great Bodies 2017 on November 7, 2017 at Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila.

Of course, this fierce annual competition was brought to us by Slimmers World International! Slimmers World International, the leader in Slimming, Health, Fitness and Beauty is now on its 39th year of promoting GREAT bodies and GREAT skin. With over thirty (30) centers strategically located all over Asia and the Pacific, Slimmers World International continuously finds better, innovative ways to answer its clients’ needs for greater health and fitness.
Once again your Pambansang Blog, Wazzup Pilipinas, is a media partner of the most prestigious body-building competition in the Philippines. Is there any other competition of a similar nature in the country that matches the prestige of this one.

With competitors coming from the different branches of Slimmers World, the event not only motivates their clients to work hard on their shaping up discipline, it also showcases how impressive the facilities of Slimmers World for it would be difficult to build yourself up to a fine specimen of a man or woman if not for the provision of quality equipment, facilities and atmosphere within the fitness center.


Winners:
Mr. Great Bodies : Art Guerrero
1st Runner-Up : Joseph Villalobos
2nd Runner-Up : Arnold Salas

Ms. Great Bodies 2017 : Cheska Gonzales
1st Runner-Up : Selvina Ching
2nd Runner-Up : Charlotte Prado

Congratulations to our Mr. & Ms. Great Bodies winners! You all have been a true #fitspiration!

You guys are the epitomy of what a fitspiration is all about! #GreatBodies2017 #GB2017

Photos by Edmund Ong Chua II

Manny Pacquiao Foundation is Beneficiary of Ishin-Denshin International Music Festival

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In an effort to combat poverty in the Philippines through providing medical assistance, promoting children’s education, and providing help for those suffering from natural disasters, the Manny Pacquiao Foundation was established by the boxing world champion, senator, businessman and philanthropist.

Similarly, eventhough the Pambansang Kamao seemingly has it all, there's no stopping generous individuals, organizations and corporations to partner with him in generating funds for his foundation. Aside from his personal money, Pacquiao is open to accepting any help coming from everyone who would especially want to touch the hearts of others through his foundation.

Among the many kind-hearted entities out there are the organizers of the Ishin-Denshin International Music Festival who plans to hold the event next year by February 10, 2018. Most proceeds, if not all, of the festival would go to the Manny Pacquiao Foundation to specifically help the people of Marawi who were affected by the recent several months-long siege that displaced many residents and destroyed both their properties and source of livelihood.

At the media launch held at F1 Hotel in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) located in Taguig City, Manny Pacquiao graced the event to announce the partnership with the festival. We have a video coverage uploaded on our YouTube channel so please do check our videos to personally listen to the announcement and Q&A portion.

Buddha-Bar Manila Lights Up Their Uniquely Towering Christmas Tree

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It is undeniable that Christmas is coming since many establishments have been setting up their respective holiday season decorations of which the number one that can be seen worldwide is the Christmas Tree.

The Christmas Tree has always been the heart of every Christmas decoration, may it be within the biggest and grandest malls or our humble abodes right at home. Nothing compares to how fun it is to decorate and light up a tree that symbolizes a center where the whole family could all gather, exchange gifts and feast on delightful dishes.

Among the many establishments in the Philippines, Buddha-Bar Manila has recently lit their own Christmas Tree. But their is one of a kind and distinctively unique as compared to other Christmas Trees that I've seen throughout the years. You could very well see how different and highly extraordinary it is.

I've had the opportunity to talk with the two designers who were both present during the lighting ceremony held on November 20, 2017 just infront of Buddha-Bar Manila. Just at the other side of the bar is a display of the Mercedes Benz luxury car that is also at stake in their raffle promo. One lucky customer will get to win the car soon next year. That's another mighty prized moment at Buddha-Bar Manila.

Gaining Advantage Against Cancer with RGCC

Wazzup Pilipinas!

They don't call it the Big C for nothing. Unfortunately, many people are instantly depressed when they hear this dreaded disease. many quickly lose hope when they hear that they are afflicted with cancer since it has been highly known as incurable.

I've seen so many families devastated by cancer since treatment is a nightmare for both physically, emotionally and financially. Many believe that when you are diagnosed with cancer, you are just waiting for your time to eventually die. Such heart-breaking news for everyone, not only for the patient but also for his family, friends, colleagues and relatives.

With cancer becoming more and more prevalent among Filipinos, the quest to find ways to outsmart cancer is shared by medical practitioners, patients and the public with loved ones afflicted by it.

What if a precision cancer test is now within reach? One that could tell the exact aggressiveness of the tumor, at which part of the body it is likely to manifest, and what treatment will be most effective.

At a media forum held on November 14, 2017 at Sentro 1771, Capitol Commons, Meralco Avenue corner Shaw Boulevard, Kapitolyo, Pasig City, one of the doctors behind the development of these genetic cancer tests, Dr. Ioannis Papasotiriou, was in Manila to hold a series of talks on the advantages of genetic cancer screening in winning the fight against cancer. Dr. Papasotiriou is the CEO and Medical Director of RGCC.

Krooberg to Sponsor Tsinelas King with 100 Pairs of Rubber Soles per Month

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Elmer "Tsinelas King" Padilla has taken a leap from merely being a street vendor who takes pride in his toy creations made out of old rubber soles of slippers that he gathers from the streets and garbage dumps around the vicinity of his neighborhood. He sells his toy creations, mostly of superheroes, at certain areas along the streets as his means of providing food and basic necessities for his family.

Ever since a good Samaritan uploaded on social media a video of him doing the tasks, many forms of media like television networks searched for him to air his story. It was also an opportunity to meet another icon in the comics, cosplay, animation and pop culture industry, Jerry Santos - a life-size toy sculptor, to get to know him and eventually become his Manager.

Now, Krooberg Philippines has also taken notice of the Tsinelas King as they are to provide Elmer with a monthly supply of 100 pairs of rubber soles that he could use for his work. Elmer will also be receiving merchandize from Krobberg making him sort of an endorser for the brand. Along with his Manager, Elmer will be going around conventions to promote both Krooberg and his toys.

During an interview held at the launch of Krooberg's new lineup of Shox and Exo shoes (as well as the introduction of Elmer Padilla as an endorser), Elmer revealed that he already has a lot of orders. But since he is doing his creations by hand, he could only create a few on a daily basis. The team has no plan to do a mass creation since the beauty of the creations is because they are done by hand with passion.

Capturing Amazing Photos and Videos of Ilocos Province with the Vivo V7+

Wazzup Pilipinas!

One of the features I look for when choosing a mobile phone is having a dependable high-resolution camera. I need clear and vibrant photos and videos especially with my work as a blogger and media personality. The ability to capture images instantly is primarily necessary for us who cover news and events. There should always be a smartphone handy enough for easy point and click, and of course to match it with enough storage space to keep all those photos and videos safe and intact.

It has come to a point when my mirror-less camera takes a back seat as it is most preferred to share news immediately via social media, and that would only be possible with smartphones which would allow us to quickly upload on social media like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and the rest.

Though there are already cameras with built-in connectivity, the portability of using smartphones makes it more convenient to use. Nothing can match the lightness of a smartphone as compared to any of the existing cameras out there. I'm hoping very soon that there would come a time when smartphone cameras will take the place of the bulky DSLRs, mirror-less' and point-and-clicks. The future looks so bright and I'm feeling a bit optimistic that it would soon be the reality.

But I think the future is here as I am witness to how smartphones can be used for even professional videography.

Piolo Pascual is Brand Ambassador of Mober Mobile App for On-Demand Delivery Vans and Trucks

Wazzup Pilipinas!
One of the top brand ambassadors, Piolo "Papa P" Pascual, of the country has just added another brand under his name and that is Mober, a mobile app that lets you hire delivery vans and trucks on demand.

Why wait for several days when you could have your items delivered the same day, and without hassle because it's through an app that you could also use to monitor and make sure your items are well secured and in good hands.

The best thing about this new service is that it also allows delivery of pets  from dogs to cats and whatever is in existence that we have. Our pets get a transpo service by its own (if well-trained) or in the company of its owner or any pet caretaker.

Piolo obviously embraces technology since he knows the can find convenience using the Mober app and since he is also in the process of moving stuff to a new house, the Mober app is quite a tool that he could use to facilitate his easy transfer of his beloved possessions.

Since he mentioned that he already lost stuff, like his prized trophies and awards, he is now very careful and selective in choosing the right service provider. And now, since he also has trucks under his businesses, he is also thinking of converting some of his trucks and vans to Mober. Now that makes Piolo an official Mober partner.

A media launch was held at the Metropolitan Club in Makati a few days ago where Piolo was interviewed by members of the media.

I am waiting for an opportunity to try out the service as soon as I have some stuff to be delivered. Itr would be cool to expect a truck or van arriving at home the same day I prompted for it using the mobile app, and then find Piolo as one of the delivery boys. Lol!

We also have special interviews with the Founder and CEO of Mober, Mr. Dennis Ng. Actual coverage of the event are also uploaded on our social media accounts like YouTube, Facebook, etc.

Getting Ready for the Holidays: Your Safe Online Shopping Guide

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Online retailers are gearing up for the biggest shopping day of the year. With more consumers doing their holiday shopping online, additional compute resources and warehouses bulging with inventory ensure that shoppers won’t experience any delays in finding what they want, or making online transactions.

Unfortunately, merchants and shoppers aren’t the only ones getting ready. The holiday shopping season is also a big event for cybercriminals. Fake web sites, intercepting your financial data, charity scams, email phishing attacks, fake shopping sites, texting and SMS scams, and more are all designed to steal you personal and financial information.

So, in addition to checking your credit card balances and making out your shopping lists, you also need to take precautions before doing your holiday shopping online. If done right, it can be a safe and convenient way to buy gifts – if you follow a few simple rules.

Pay attention to where you are

 
In just the past few weeks we learned that WPA2, the encryption protocol used to protect data moving between a computer and the wireless device that connects it to the Internet has been broken. Which means you may want to think twice about doing your online shopping using the public Wi-Fi at your local coffee shop.

And that’s just the start.

Public W-Fi sites are a haven for criminals looking intercept your connection and use it to steal your credit card information, passwords, and other personal data. For example, that guy over in the corner with his laptop open is broadcasting his device as “Free Coffeshop Wi-Fi.” Which means that when you connect to it, he then connects you to the Internet through his device. Which means he can capture all the traffic moving between you and your online shopping site, bank, or social media accounts.

In addition, your phone is always searching for the wireless devices you usually connect to. Once your phone finds a familiar network it will automatically try to connect to it. But there are now tools out there that can detect the name of the devices your phone is searching for and mimic them, allowing a hacker to use that fake connection to steal your data. So be aware of the name of the wireless device you are connected to. If you are in a coffee shop at the mall, and your device thinks it is connected to your home wireless network, then someone is probably trying to steal your data.

Use protection

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself when shopping online.

· Make sure all your devices are updated and patched. Providers issue regular security updates designed to protect you from known threats. Sometimes people assume that their mobile device is more secure than their laptop, but that is simply no longer true.

· Be careful when downloading new holiday apps, especially on Android phones, because we are seeing a spike in infected or fake apps – especially those not downloaded from official app stores.

· Use your credit card and not your debit card. Most credit cards have built-in fraud protection. Check with your bank or your card provider to learn more about what protections your card provides.

· Make sure your connection is secure. When you are about to make a purchase, look at the address bar of your browser and make sure that it starts with https:// rather than http://, or look for a small lock icon on your browser. These mean that your transaction is protected.

· Consider using a VPN (virtual private network) service. There are a number of low cost/no cost services that will ensure that all your connections are always protected.



Be careful when using unfamiliar sites

If you are shopping at an unfamiliar online store, then you may want to take precautions:

·         Don’t click on links in advertisements sent to your email or on web sites unless you check them first. If you hover your mouse over a link you should be able to see the URL. Look at it carefully. Is the name too long or does it contain lots of hyphens or numbers? Does it replace letters with numbers, such as amaz0n.com? It is best to never open an email or click on an attachment from someone you don’t know – especially when it includes an enticing subject line, such as a cash reward or a bill for something you didn’t purchase.

·         Use your search engine to look for online reviews and ratings of an unknown or unfamiliar site before you shop there. Use words like fraud or scam in your search.

·         Look at the website design. Does it look professional? Are the links accurate and fast? Are there lots of popups? These are all bad signs.

·         Read the text. Bad grammar, unclear descriptions, and misspelled words are all giveaways that the site is probably not be legitimate.

·         Be skeptical. Unusually low prices and high availability of hard to find items are red flags for scam sites. Sure there are some good deals out there. But people invented the phrase “too good to be true” for a reason.

·         Make sure the online retailer uses a secure checkout system that accepts major credit cards. Avoid sites that require direct payments from your bank, wire transfers, or untraceable forms of payment.

As our ability to purchase items, make online transactions, and connect to others through smart devices gets easier, we need to understand that these conveniences come with risks.

Cybercriminals are determined and informed on the latest trends and how to exploit them. Which is why we need to take the time to educate ourselves - and our friends and family – about shopping carefully so we can have a happy, and safe Holiday season.

Written By: Anthony Giandomenico
Senior Security Strategist/Researcher - FortiGuard Labs
Fortinet

National HUMSS Confab Set on February 2018

Wazzup Pilipinas!

CEREBRO is calling all senior high school students taking up the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand and teachers handling HUMSS-related subjects to attend the National Conference of Humanities and Social Sciences Students on Teachers on February 24-25, 2018 at the Angels' Hills Foundation in Tagaytay City.

Best-selling author and UST professor Eros S. Atalia will be the keynote speaker for the event with the theme "Appreciating the Humanities and the Social Sciences in the Age of Millennials".

Aside from lectures, several individual and group competitions (literary writing, poetry writing, news writing, speech choir, and quiz bee) will also be held, and the Network of Humanities and Social Sciences Teachers (HUMSS Net) will meet for the first time to elect its first set of coordinating officers and to accept new membership registrations.

For more information about this activity, interested participants may contact Mr. Jonald Justine Itugot, project director, at (0917)886-5402/cerebrocavite@gmail.com.