Award-Winning Film Maestra Screens at Cine Lokal Starting December 8

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Maestra, an award-winning film which pays tribute to teachers as modern-day heroes, will be shown at Cine Lokal in eight SM cinemas — Megamall, Mall of Asia, North Edsa, Southmall, Manila, Sta. Mesa, Fairview and Bacoor — starting December 8.

The film, directed by Lemuel Lorca, features three generations of courageous teachers who will share significant lessons in life as they cross paths in a journey of dreaming to achieve, struggling to succeed and pursuing to find life’s greater meaning — as teachers.

Maestra recently won Best Actress for Anna Luna and Special Mention for Best Screenplay for Archie del Mundo in the feature films section of the Five Continents Film Festival at Puerto La Cruz in Venezuela.

Luna, who previously won Best Supporting Actress trophies for Paglipay at the 2016 ToFarm Film Festival and for Bendor at the 2013 Cinema One Originals, essays the role of Iah Seraspi, a poor dreamer from Looc, Romblon who passionately pursued her studies to reach the top. The story of Seraspi, who managed to place second in the nationwide Licensure Exam for Teachers, became viral on social media and was featured on television.

Gawad Urian Best Actress Angeli Bayani plays Gennie Panguelo, an Aeta-Ilocana parateacher who dreams of passing the LET exam. Panguelo, more popularly known as Ma’am Gennie, defies the odds by walking four hours everyday to school just to teach young Aeta students. She helped build the Tarukan Elementary School for children who mostly have slim chances of completing a school year.

Queen of Visayan Movies Gloria Sevilla portrays the character of Esperanza Bautista, a respected teacher and most outstanding principal. Bautista, or Ma’am Espie to her students, can also compose and deliver poems on the spot as part of her inspirational talks. Now more than 80 years old, she still refuses to retire from teaching.

The veteran actress was able to relate a lot to her role as a tireless educator. “Kahit may edad na ako, gusto ko pa ring mag-artista dahil kaligayahan kong maging artista. I want to enjoy myself. I want to make people happy. Kahit may edad na ako, nandito pa rin ako. Kapag nasa dugo mo ang isang bagay, go for it,” she said.

“I really like the story. This is about the plight of teachers na hindi masyadong napapansin ng mga tao. Ang mga teachers ang siyang nagmo-mold ng utak ng mga kabataan,” she added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Carl Balita, who runs 94 branches of his review center nationwide, produced his second advocacy film after the success of his first production Nars, a film about Filipino nurses. “I want to pay forward to the teachers’ community who has helped me a lot. I realized that they’re really the unsung heroes of our generation,” the popular educator said.

Balita, who is also an entrepreneur and media personality, revealed that he knows of several other inspiring stories of teachers. “There’s so much to say. There’s so much to tell. Beyond three is probably too crowded. It’s blending three different stories in one harmonized script.”

Maestra also stars Lou Veloso, Lui Manansala, William Martinez, Yayo Aguila, Suzette Ranillo, Karl Medina, Bong Cabrera, Paul Salas, Star Orjaliza and Balita as himself. A co-production with the Carl Balita Review Center and Spotlight Artists Centre, the film also competed at the Sydney World Film Festival, Warsaw Avenue Film Festival, 24th annual Filipino International Cine Festival and NPS International Children’s Film Festival in India.

Balita explained why he also decided to take the festival route. “I believe in the movie. I got the right people. I got the right production team. I got the right artists. I know we got a good story. I’ll let it speak for itself.” The film was Graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board.

Cine Lokal is a cinema line that houses independent, award-winning films and Film Development Council of the Philippines programs in select SM Cinema branches across the country. The CBRC branches will be in charge of further local distribution of the film.


MAESTRA trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvepDD0FtKk

Katy Perry Witness The Tour Comes to Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In the wake of the North American tour’s stellar reviews and added concerts, Katy Perry announces the Asia leg of WITNESS: The Tour. Produced by AEG Presents and Ovation Productions, Katy Perry will visit Manila on 02 April 2018 at the Mall Of Asia Arena. Besides Manila, WITNESS: The Tour Asia leg also includes Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Jakarta.

This announcement follows the addition of a South American leg in March, Mexico, UK and European legs kicking off in May of 2018, and an Australian/New Zealand leg commencing in July of 2018.

Tickets for the 02 April 2018 show go on sale 12 noon of 11 December 2017 via KatyPerry.com. Ticket prices are P19,540/ 16,370/ 13,200/ 6,870/ 2,640. See itinerary via www.smtickets.com.

The North American leg, which began in September, has received rave reviews.


“Eye-popping” – USA Today

“Ms. Perry was as confident and adept onstage as she’s ever been” –The New York Times

“Enormous, colorful sets with eye-popping props, strong vocals that kept her at the front of top-40 live performers, and a presence now more refined than radicalized” – Los Angeles Times

“Fast-paced and fun” – Boston Globe

“Katy Perry’s Witness Tour Looks Are Out of This World” – InStyle

“Colorful, sparkling spectacle” – Billboard

“As concert productions go, Perry’s is the definition of top-notch and an Instagram dream: a highly choreographed, sensory overloaded assault that sparkles, swings, struts, and even flies.” – Variety

With Witness, Katy finds liberation, in the changes in her own life and in the world around her, delivering songs that inspire both thought and movement. The singles released thus far – the Platinum-certified “Chained to the Rhythm” featuring Skip Marley, and the singles, “Bon Appétit” featuring Migos and “Swish Swish” featuring Nicki Minaj – hint at the breadth of the musical and thematic elements found on Witness.

WITNESS: the Tour is an imaginative trip from outer-space to inner-space, from the planets to the bottom of our oceans, and a musical journey through Katy Perry’s biggest milestones and mega-hits right up to her latest album. The dramatically original staging means that there isn’t a bad seat in the house, when Katy brings out her band and dancers, along with all the bells and whistles.

WITNESS: The Tour is Katy’s first run since the sold-out, 151-date Prismatic World Tour, which concluded in 2015 and was hailed by Rolling Stone as "a show to damage retinas and blow minds." Sponsors include KATY PERRY PARFUMS.

Katy made her Capitol Records debut with 2008’s One of the Boys after signing to the label in 2007. She cemented her status as a global superstar with the follow-up album, Teenage Dream (2010). PRISM, her 2013 album, debuted at No. 1 on iTunes in 100 countries and has sold more than 12.5 million adjusted albums worldwide. With the singles “Roar,” “Firework” and “Dark Horse” each surpassing the 10 million threshold including song sales and streams, Katy is the first female artist to earn three RIAA Digital Single Diamond Awards. In her 10 years with Capitol, she has racked up a cumulative 18+ billion streams alongside worldwide sales of more than 40+ million adjusted albums and 125+ million tracks. She is the most-followed person globally on Twitter, and the first to surpass 100 million followers.

AEG Presents is one of the largest live music companies in the world. The company is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including producing and promoting global and regional concert tours, music events and world-renowned festivals. AEG Presents promotes more than 8,000 shows annually worldwide. For more information, visit www.aegpresents.com

December Delights at AG New World Manila Bay Hotel

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Discover sumptuous fares and indulgent stays this season

‘Tis the season to yet again indulge and satisfy your cravings for heart-warming comfort food that will remind you of priceless moments and unforgettable holidays spent with those who matter the most.

This season, AG New World Manila Bay Hotel spreads the holiday cheer with indulgent stays and a sumptuous fare of holiday favorites that will set your December off to a delightful start. Plan your holiday vacation ahead and be rewarded with exclusive rates and discounts starting at PHP 4,800++. Benefits include welcome drinks for two (2) adults at the Lobby Lounge, breakfast buffet for two (2) adults and two (2) children aged 12 years and below at Market Café, guaranteed late check-out until 3:00 P.M. (guaranteed late check-out applicable to Christmas package only), turndown Christmas or New Year’s Eve amenity, and exclusive restaurant discounts, and access to amenities.

For those looking to indulge the palate, satisfy your soul with your fill of epicurean delights starting off with a Festive Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Lounge featuring Old English fruit cake, traditional scones, holiday cookies, and savory bites for PHP 600 nett. For a hearty feast, visit Market Café’s all-day international buffet and get your fill of slow-roast turkey, succulent Christmas ham, along with a selection of holiday fares from the Chinese, Filipino, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Western stations. On Christmas eve, rates start at PHP 2,800 nett for lunch and PHP 3,200 nett for dinner; and on Christmas day, rates start at PHP 3,200 nett for lunch and dinner; dinner rates are inclusive of free-flow soda, chilled juices, beer, ice tea, and wine. On New Year’s eve, enjoy a special rate of PHP 3,600 nett inclusive of free-flow soda, chilled juices, beer, ice tea, and wine. Welcome the year with a lunch or dinner buffet at PHP 2,018 nett.

For an intimate dinner affair, book a table at The Fireplace and experience one of Manila’s hidden gems with carefully curated set menu of Peppered certified angus beef tenderloin steak with sauvignon glaze, foie gras, poach salmon with minted peas, and duck breast with sweet potato puree. Christmas and New Year set menus are priced at PHP 2,500 nett per person and PHP 2,200 nett for Club Epicure members.

Family holiday gatherings call for Li Li’s cozy private dining rooms. For Christmas eve and Christmas day, guests and diners have an option between the Festive Yumcha at PHP 1,688 nett per person (inclusive of free-flow iced tea and soda) or the Christmas lunch and dinner set menus starting at PHP 2,888 nett per person.

Count down to the new year with live music by guest DJs and a magnificent view of the surrounding fireworks display by the bay at the New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at the roof deck. In-house and walk-in guests enjoy three rounds from a selection of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. Rates are at PHP 1,800 for walk-in guests and PHP 1,500 for in-house guests and restaurant diners. Lucky guests get a chance to win special raffle prizes such as: an overnight stay, Market Café buffet, All You Can Eat Dimsum at Li Li, and other exciting prizes.

Celebrate the holidays at AG New World Manila Bay Hotel and discover your gateway to exhilarating getaways.

SM, Globe Team Up to Boost Supermall Internet

Wazzup Pilipinas!

SM Supermalls, in partnership with Globe Telecom Inc., boosts free internet services in selected SM malls nationwide starting November this year. With speedy and reliable internet connection, more shoppers and mall goers will be able to access everything they need online to make their mall-going experiences enjoyable, seamless, and convenient.

Being #AlwaysConnectedAtSM, customers can check out movie schedules, tune in to their social media accounts, book a ride and get first dibs on the latest dining spots and fashion finds that SM malls have in store for them. Mall goers only need to connect to @SMFreeWiFi via their mobile device, tablet, or laptop to enjoy one hour of free internet service.

To make the fun last longer, SM’s GoWiFi Auto will also be available for customers to experience up to 100Mbps of high-speed internet connection with affordable promo packages starting at P15/day. All they need to do is open their device’s WiFi settings, connect to @GoWiFi_Auto hotspot, and follow the easy step-by-step instructions on the pop-up screen.

Being two of the most loved brands, SM Supermalls and Globe have teamed up to provide mall goers access to high-speed internet services, and together, bringing new and extraordinary experiences in SM malls across the country.

Malo Fest: Malolos Music Festival 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This December 09, 2017 17 different genres and artists are going to make the MUSIC AS ONE!

Get ready to celebrate music with Foam, Holi Powder and Water as we bring Malo Fest- Malolos Music Festival 2017 the biggest Music Fest in Malolos

Prepare yourselves cause Malo Fest are going to be BIGGER, BOLDER, FASTER, STRONGER and BETTER for this year end party that you'll never forget!

Get your heads up high and let's celebrate life with us through beats and jumps. What are you waiting for?

HURRY AND TAG YOUR WHOLE SQUAD NOW!


Co Presented by:
Kai Energy Drink
Jack N’ Jill Nova
Jack N’ Jill Puff Corn
Smart Communications
Gluta Gold Spa

Major Sponsors:
John Robert Powers
JCE Inflatables and Party Needs
Office of the Governor, Bulacan
Office of the Mayor, Malolos
Office of the Mayor, Calumpit

Minor Sponsors:
Hawk Bag
IPrint
Hotel Sogo
Nature Spring
Kremistry

Official Media Partners:
Voice of the Youth
Creativ Voices
Wazzup Pilipinas
Asitg PH
Entrep Negosyo
ClickTheCity
XRappler

Brought to you by:

Music Makes One Production

Powered By:

RC lights and sounds
MFX Professional

Official Merchandiser:
Chakigun Manufactory

Official Studio Partner:
Stellar Productions

Official Food Partner
Peaches N’ Cream Snackhauz
Pink N Purple

See you there Malo Fest Nation!

#MaloFest2017
#MalolosMusicFestival2017
#PaintTheSkyWithNoLimits

Color Manila Holds Blacklight Run at Clark, Pampanga

Wazzup Pilipinas!

On Saturday, December 2, 2017, Color Manila, one of the most prominent fun run organizers in the country, held another well-attended fun run at Clark Freeport Zone Parade Grounds in Pampanga.

With three race categories of 3k, 5k, 10k, the event venue was filled with runners of all ages – from little kids to teen and adults, and even senior citizens, and joined the CM Blacklight Run, a series of fun runs being held all over the country as far as places outside Metro Manila like Ilocos Sur.

From what I’ve seen, the 10k category probably had the most number of runners as I’ve seen a bigger crowd running from the starting line and then getting wet from the water coming from a firefighter’s hose. I don’t know if that has been the practice as before but it seems they are soaked wet to probably reduce the heat and comfort them, or so that the color powders to be thrown at them later would surely stick on their singlets and bodies.

The event was also graced by beauty queen Zara Carbonell, Miss World Philippines 2nd Princess, who was one of the hosts of the event program. She added a “shining, shimmering, splendid” brightness to the night which was also made more beautiful by the colorful fireworks display that sparked the beginning of the after-event party.

Harana (A Night to Remember): For the Legacy of Our Senior Citizens

Wazzup Pilipinas!

At a press conference held on December 1, 2017 at Congo Grille restaurant in Tomas Morato, Quezon city, the Republika ng Barya organization announced the singing competition entitled Harana (A Night to Remember) for the legacy of our senior citizens that will culminate to the public next year 2018 on their anniversary on March 9, 2018.

The venue of the event will be at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

The event aims to revive the Philippine Kundiman music through Harana to be performed by our loving Senior Citizens and Special Entertainment Artists. It will bring senior citizens together to socialize and connect with a purpose and to express their singing talents, reviving the old music like Kundiman.

But the experience goes even deeper with the sensory-rich activities offered by Republika ng Barya that were designed to reduce depression, as well as increase engagement, joy, and self-esteem. The event brings an infusion of youthful energy and enthusiasm that is truly priceless to our senior citizens.

The singing contest event is directed by Direk Supremo Pepe and co-directed by Direk Kristara Lynn Gamboa. Musical Director is Minerva Mabanag.

ECSEA Chamber Hosts First Business Briefing and Networking Night in Southeast Asia for the Benefit of Hurricane Victims in the Caribbean Region

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With 5 hurricanes previously ravaging the Caribbean region, there is no surprise that there would be organizations that would be calling out for help to aid the afflicted areas. This includes a call for business ventures from other countries as the Caribbean could also be a prime target for opportunities in many possible fields.

At a networking night held on November 29, 2017 at One Café of One Corporate Center located in Ortigas Center, Pasig city, we’ve learned that the event was organized to get together like-minded individuals sharing the same hope and passion towards believing that the Caribbean could also be a preferred destination not only for tours, but for business opportunities as well. They are inviting potential investors to take a second look at the Caribbean as a potential investment.

Since the Caribbean had its share of devastation brought about by the destructive nature, it would also mean that the rise and development from the rubbles could also require several demands on many areas like infrastructure, medicine, agriculture, etc.,

Traveling to the Caribbean via cruise ship, or traversing the roads of its islands and mingling with the residents, could then be more than just a great experience, and surely not as feared as what we see in movies like the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise starred by Johnny Depp where dirty pirates loomed in the seas seeking victims to loot, rape and kill. The real life offers a lot more beauty and hope for a more rewarding adventure.

Davao Aguilas FC Holds Successful Youth Football Day With LA Galaxy

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Mindanao-based Davao Aguilas Football Club (DAFC), along with LA Galaxy coaches Wes Meadows, Job Quevedo and Chris Howe, had their first Youth Football Day at McKinley Stadium, at Bonifacio Global City (BGC), last weekend.

Over 100 kids, with ages ranging from 8-16, got to participate in the free event hosted by Davao Aguilas FC. The kids represented various schools in Metro Manila such as Don Bosco Tech Institute Makati, Letran Manila, Paco Catholic School, PAREF Woodrose School, Saint Pedro Poveda College, San Beda College Alabang, East Rembo Elementary School, Global Leaders International School, St. Anthony School Manila and La Salle Greenhills.

The LA Galaxy coaches, along with Davao Aguilas FC coaches and players Marko Trkulja, Matthew Hartmann, Jordan Jarvis, Gerald Layumas, Princeton Josue, Stephen Burda, Kim Versales, Brad McDonald, Richard Talaroc and Andy Esswein, ran the said event.

Head Coach Marlon Maro, who is currently in Taiwan for the CTFA International Tournament, says, “It is a good start for Davao Aguilas FC to develop international cooperation with a big club like LA Galaxy. At the same time, helping Philippine football in the development of young footballers.”

Maro continues, “Events such as this one also showcases the technical capability of the club in finding future footballers in the country.”

LA Galaxy Coach Wes Meadows on the other hand says, “It has been great to partner up with Davao Aguilas, their staff, and players as well. Obviously for us, with 100 kids being here, we needed additional staff, and they have been very accommodating. It is great to work out and have this activity with a club here locally.”

As for the participants, Coach Meadows had this to say, “The kids have been great. And for us, LA Galaxy, we are fortunate to travel all over the world, and domestically, be able to see a lot of players. I think here in the Philippines, there’s a lot of potential here. Overall, we are certainly pleased with the level.”

Before arriving in Manila, the LA Galaxy coaches came from Korea, where they had tryouts for their second team for 10 days, before stopping in Guam for another youth football event there.

With the success of its first Youth Football Day, Davao Aguilas FC thus intends to hold similar events in other parts of the country in the near future.


For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/DAFCofficial.

Parenting From Overseas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We all know a mother will do anything for her children – even enduring extended periods of separation to work in another country to provide for their needs.

One of MoneyGram Idol Awardees is Johmary Martinez, whose mother embodies the sacrifices of every OFW who has left their children behind in their motherland in order to prepare a better future for them.

(L-R) Event host Roxanne Barcelo, Head of Asia Pacific for MoneyGram International Yogesh Sangle, Marketing Lead China, Northeast Asia, Russia and CIS for MoneyGram International Sabrina Chan, MoneyGram Idol Award winner Johmary Martinez, Ambassador for MoneyGram International Robin Padilla, and Philippine Country Manager for MoneyGram International Alex Lim

A mother’s love

In the Philippines, there are many families whose parents live apart from their children. These parents go abroad to seek their fortune so they can send enough money home to meet their family’s daily needs and put children through school. In the case of Johmary Martinez’ family, it is her mother, Mary Jane, who found work as a housekeeper in Malaysia.

Although Mary Jane would say that her employers were kind and she could come home at least once a year, she missed her family fiercely. Mary Jane would send her remittances without fail, always calling and reminding Johmary to take care of her siblings. Through her support, Johmary was able to finish her schooling and graduate with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

In a home shared by her father and her siblings, Johmary devotedly raises their two children, Shazrick John and Sharine Janeah, and takes care of her younger brothers and sisters, as her mother requests. With such a large household, resources can be a little stretched. Her youngest sister is only nine and goes to school in the village. Her husband is employed as a construction worker in Manila, while her father works in the fields around their home town in Cagayan Valley.


Love on your cellphone

For years, Mary Jane’s remittances were sent through the regular ways, and until the family discovered MoneyGram, they have never been completely satisfied. “Moneygram has helped our family a lot because it is fast and has no extra charges,” says Johmary. That’s important – when every peso counts, you want to cut out as many unnecessary expenses as possible.

It has been a while, and the family has used the service consistently, valuing the benefits that only the online app can give. “Simula nang nagamit namin ang MoneyGram, yun na po ang pinagkatiwalaan namin for six years. (Since we began using MoneyGram, we’ve trusted it for six years)”

Consistency, love, and loyalty, all in one place.