FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Opened on May 3

Wazzup Pilipinas!
The Philippines takes centerstage as first-time FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour hosts unveil the men's division qualifiers at the Sands SM By The Bay earlier at 8 a.m today (May 3).

Sisi Rondina, the three-time UAAP champion who played in last year's 29th Southeast Asian Beach Volleyball Championships in Singapore, vows to make the country proud when the 16-team women's draw blasts off tomorrow (May 4).

"It’s an overwhelming feeling. First, because we’re hosting this world event. Second, because we are playing for the country. Sobrang nakaka-proud," said Rondina, who will be paired with Dzi Gervacio in the one-star tournament organized by the Beach Volleyball Republic.

As the top Philippine duo wrap up their preparations today, Rondina and Gervacio are more than ready to face a tough international competition in the four-day event which has a $10,000 cash prize and ranking points for other FIVB beach volley tourneys.

"We’re training very hard. Since the league is the FIVB World Tour, we expect taller and really very strong competition. What we’re focusing on is how we can strengthen our bonds and connect with each other on court. So far, in training, we have developed good communication with one another and have started to jell,” Rondina added.

The three other Filipina pairs competing are Charo Soriano and Bea Tan, two-time Beach Volleyball Republic national champions Karen Quilario and Lot Catubag, and wildcard entries DM Demontaño and Jackie Estoquia.

BVR national champions Jade Becaldo and Calvin Sarte, Kevin Juban and Raphy Abanto, James Pecaña and KR Guzman, and Ranran Abdilla and Edwin Tolentino comprise the Filipino casts in the men's division

Four slots in the main draw are at stake in the men's division qualifiers today. The main draw for women and men is set tomorrow, with the schedule to be released tonight.

The round-of-12 and quarterfinals are scheduled on Saturday, with the semifinals and finals on Sunday. 

The event is promoted by E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd and organized by Beach Volleyball Republic Inc.

FamilyMart Brings You a Daily Dose of Delicious Treats

Wazzup Pilipinas!

FamilyMart gives you the chance to go on your #SQUADGOALS vacay with a trip for four to Bali, Indonesia, and a trip for four to the beautiful island of Siargao through the 5x the Summer Fun Raffle Promo which runs until May 31.

Enjoy filling treats as fun and tasty as summer. Your favorite Japanese convenience store, FamilyMart, is stocking up on awesome food choices to keep your mood up during the warm season.

For only P29 each, grab a breakfast classic – crisp and golden Hash Browns – to start your day right or spice up your snacking in between with Spud Hub Spiral Fries, a flavorful twist to fries. You can also up the ante with some hot Jalapeño Poppers for only P49. These delicious options are available at select FamilyMart stores.

Need something to perk you up for the rest of the day? Have a complete snacking treat like the Cheesy Ensaymada or Ube Ensaymada for only P35 each.

Getting all these treats also make your summer more rewarding as FamilyMart celebrates its 5^th anniversary in the Philippines with awesome discounts and an amazing raffle promo.

Celebrate FamilyMart’s 5^th year in the Philippines by getting P5 off on select items like the Hershey's Dark Choco SuperFreeze, Calamansi Zing SuperFreeze, Frozen Cafe Latte, and Milo Shake. Snap card holders can also earn 5X Bonus Points on these What’s Snappening items plus other products in-store.

Start your day right with Hash Browns for only P29 each 

Jalapeño Poppers for only P49

spice up your snacking in between with Spud Hub Spiral Fries for only P29 each

FamilyMart is also giving you the chance to go on your #SQUADGOALS vacay with a trip for four to Bali, Indonesia, and a trip for four to the beautiful island of Siargao through the 5x the Summer Fun Raffle Promo

You can also bag a chill #STAYCATION with the #FAMBAM, because there will be one winner each of staycation packages either at Hotel H20 Manila, Nobu Hotel City of Dreams Manila, or Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

Every purchase worth P80 in a single receipt until May 31, earns you one raffle entry. Gain more chances of winning by earning bonus raffle entries for a minimum spend of P50 on participating sponsor products. Just make sure to register via mobile by typing PFM Summer along with your name, complete address, email and send to 292-908. You’ll then receive a unique bCODE which you’ll scan at the counter every time you make a purchase. Registration is for one time only. Per DTI-FTEB Permit No. 3663. Series of 2018

Head to FamilyMart on the daily, for more chances of going on that dream summer trip!

For updates, exciting products, and awesome deals, like and follow FamilyMart Philippines on Facebook, @familymartph on Instagram, and @FamilyMartPH on Twitter.  For store locations or more information on FamilyMart Philippines, log on to www.familymart.com.ph.

FamilyMart is the 2^nd largest convenience store chain in the world with over 18,000 stores across Asia. In the Philippines, FamilyMart has branches in Makati, Fort Bonifacio, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Pasay, Alabang and Laguna.

Yoshitaka Naito Has No Plans of Wasting Opportunity to Reclaim Gold in Jakarta

Wazzup Pilipinas!

After grotesquely relinquishing his possession of the ONE Strawweight World Championship this past December, Yoshitaka “Nobita” Naito has been handed a golden opportunity to win back the gold-plated strap that he once called his and against the only man to ever defeat him.

The 34-year-old native of Matsudo, Japan has been granted a rematch against newly-minted division kingpin Alex “Little Rock” Silva in the main event of ONE: GRIT AND GLORY, which takes place at the Jakarta Convention Center on 12 May.

Nearly five months ago, Naito bowed down to Silva, who demonstrated his rapidly-evolving striking game to beat the then-undefeated Japanese champion by unanimous decision at ONE: WARRIORS OF THE WORLD in Bangkok, Thailand.

“Alex had more superiority in the cage on that night. I could not dictate the pace and do what I wanted to do. I was adapting throughout the match. In every aspect, my game plan failed,” he recalled.

Naito admitted that he was caught off guard by the pesky striking arsenal of Silva, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion who previously exhibited his grappling prowess with five consecutive submission victories as he surged into world title contention last year.

“In the beginning, I thought his weakness was striking since he is a multi-titled Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. However, it turned out that his strikes hurt a lot,” he confessed. “That was my first time meeting an athlete who is good at everything. After the loss, I felt I was not good enough at anything.”

Although Naito revealed that it took him a few months to accept the outcome of his unsuccessful title defense against Silva last December, the disappointing defeat to the Brazilian gave him a renewed hunger to improve his craft.

“At first, it was very hard to accept. You can say that it was a rude awakening, but the loss gave me a fresh perspective. The heartbreak was transformed into a drive to win again,” he said.

While Naito has rededicated himself to progressing both his striking and his grappling skills, perhaps the biggest evolution is one that cannot be physically seen.

“I hope I got stronger. But what I am sure about is that my heart is definitely stronger than before,” he stated.

As he prepares to step inside the ONE Championship cage with Silva once more on 12 May, Naito now holds his Brazilian rival in high regard as he vows to try his best to capitalize on the golden chance that lies before him.

“I am so happy to get another chance to have a rematch against him. I really respect him. He is a great athlete,” he asserted.

“The championship belt is special for me. I am so honored to be able to fight the strongest athlete in the division whether I win or not. I can fight the strongest athlete, and I have a chance to get the championship belt. That makes it very special for me,” Naito added.

Almost five months removed from losing his coveted title belt to Silva, Naito’s competitive fire is burning intensely and is more driven than ever to return to glory.

“I will get my belt back. My ultimate goal is to become a champion again,” he assured.

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.

PRO-FRIENDS Developments Moving To Cashless with beep

Wazzup Pilipinas!

AF Payments Inc. (AFPI), operator of the tap-to-pay beep card, has partnered with real estate developer Property Company of Friends, Inc. (PRO-FRIENDS) to expand beep™ card acceptance in their master-planned communities.

PRO-FRIENDS started as a provider of low-income homes before moving on to township projects for higher market segments. Under the partnership, PRO-FRIENDS major developments in Cavite ─ Lancaster New City and Bellefort Estates ─ will accept beep™ card as a mode of payment.

PRO-FRIENDS will release beepTM-enabled Lancaster New City and Bellefort Estates Resident ID cards to enable residents to pay for their transport, and soon, other amenities. Automated loading kiosks will be set up in key locations for convenient card loading. beep™ cards can also now be loaded from funds held in a COINS.ph wallet on NFC enabled Android phones.

“Part of the PRO-FRIENDS brand of customer service is finding ways to make life easier and more convenient for our homeowners. We believe that the beepTM payment system can bring added convenience to our residents. We are thrilled that Lancaster New City and Bellefort Estates are now part of the growing beep™ card ecosystem,” said Juny Santillan, PRO-FRIENDS senior vice president and Strategic Business Unit 1 Head.

Lancaster New City is a thriving community where residents enjoy amenities like the clubhouse, playground, basketball court, swimming pool, church, and school. At present, there are buses that travel from Lancaster New City to Coastal Mall terminal in Pasay via CAVITEX. Meanwhile, Bellefort Estates boasts of an enviable location at the “Golden Triangle” as it is connected to the main roads leading to Cavite, Alabang, and Laguna, allowing for easy access to important commercial establishments and institutions.

Part of PRO-FRIENDS’ selling proposition is the proximity of its developments to Metro Manila and the airport, and accessibility through major transport hubs. beep™ card acceptance in these developments thereby extends the convenience of secure payments and seamless transfers, as well as overall better consumer experience.

“At the core of the creation of the beep™ card is the desire to make everyday transactions more convenient through cashless payments. We are excited that an industry prime mover such as PRO-FRIENDS has partnered with us to extend the benefits of cashless payments to more Filipinos,” said Peter Maher, President and CEO of AF Payments Inc.

The beep™ card will be accepted in Lancaster New City starting June 1, 2018 and in Bellefort Estates beginning July 1, 2018. The ID cards will be sold through the developments’ respective Administrative Offices.

beep™ card is a tap-and-go smartcard used to pay for fare in all elevated train stations, select bus lines, in CAVITEX, NLEX, and at select FamilyMart, Robinsons Movieworld, Wendy’s, and select Circle K and 7Eleven branches. It can be reloaded at any train station teller or ticket vending machine, select convenience stores and bills payment outlets, and the Coins.ph mobile app for NFC enabled Android smartphone users. For more information about beep™, visit the website and its official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.

Cover Photo Caption: L-R Chona Basilio, AF Payments Inc. CFO; Peter Maher, AF Payments Inc. President and CEO; Juny Santillan, PRO-FRIENDS SVP and Strategic Business Unit 1 head; and Terence Crisostomo, PRO-FRIENDS VP and Estate and Asset Management head lead the contract signing that turns PRO-FRIENDS developments into cashless communities powered by beep™ card.

DOTr MRT-3 Facilitates Quick Recovery of Bus Passenger’s Lost Belongings

Wazzup Pilipinas!
The Department of Transportation - Metro Rail Transit 3 (DOTr MRT-3) facilitated on Wednesday, 2 May 2018, the swift and easy retrieval of belongings inadvertently left by a passenger in one of the Point to Point (P2P) buses meant to augment MRT-3 operations.

Kariza Salonga, a 23-year old auditor in a company in Ortigas, took a P2P RRCG bus on the same day from MRT-3 North Avenue station to Ortigas station at around 7:30 am. However, upon checking her belongings after drop-off, she realized that she left important work-related documents inside the bus.

Salonga immediately sent a message to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) via social media to seek assistance, and was then advised by MMDA to contact the management of DOTr MRT-3.

Soon as Salonga sent a message via Facebook, DOTr MRT-3 responded promptly and asked for her ticket number, which was instantly endorsed and coordinated to the management of RRCG.

At around 12:30 pm, DOTr MRT-3 informed Salonga that her belongings were recovered and may already be retrieved at the MRT-3 Araneta Center - Cubao Station. Salonga went to the station at around 7:30 pm to claim her lost documents, which were returned by DOTr MRT-3 to her as the rightful owner in good condition.

After retrieving her belongings, Salonga thanked and commended the DOTr MRT-3 through a phone call for attending to her concern swiftly and with utmost importance.

"Thankful ako kasi lahat ng na-contact ko, inassist agad ako -- from MMDA to DOTr to RRCG. Natutuwa po ako dahil sa pag-assist nila sa akin ng mabilisan. Kahit nga po na nakailang tawag na ako sa kanila, talagang in-assist po nila ako. Sobrang thankful po ako dahil nagtutulungan sila. Kahit po sa social media accounts po nila, ang bilis po sumagot kaya thankful po talaga ako," said Salonga.

As of 2 May 2018, the bus augmentation project for MRT-3 passengers was able to serve 168,228 passengers with 2,337 bus units deployed and 2,764 trips made.

Win Delonghi, KitchenAid Appliances in Marketplace by Rustan’s Summer Surprise

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Over 32,000 summer treats and three major raffle prizes are up for grabs in Summer Surprise, an online game from Marketplace by Rustan’s and Rustan’s Supermarket. Joining is easy: just visit the link http://supermarketsurprise.com to register using your mobile phone number.

Follow the mechanics that pop up on your screen and try to match three items of the same kind to win the product. Among the treats to bag are a Coke Zero Can 330 ml, Del Monte Bone Smart Orange Juice 1L, Nescafe Gold White Espresso 20g, Nescafe Gold Cappuccino 20.5g 4’s, Nescafe Gold White Espresso 25 g 4’s, Lucky Me Pancit Canton Kalamansi Cup 70g, Lucky Me Pancit Canton Chili Cup 70g, Snapmax Party Mix 150g, and Snapmax Coated Green Peas 80g.

Major raffle prizes also await three lucky registrants who will be selected via raffle draw. Third prize is a Delonghi Espresso and Cappuccino Maker, second prize is a KitchenAid Food Chopper, KitchenAid Hand Mixer and KitchenAid Wesserkessel, and the grand prize is a KitchenAid Artisinal Mixer.

The game is on until June 13, 2018. Per DTI FTEB Permit No. 4978 series of 2018.

The Summer Surprise Digital Game runs  until June 13, 2018. Play for a chance to win exciting prices!

Win exciting prices like a Delonghi Espresso and Cappuccino Maker, KitchenAid Food Chopper, KitchenAid Hand Mixer and KitchenAid Wesserkessel, and a KitchenAid Artisinal Mixer.

Joining the Summer Surprise Digital Game is easy: just visit the link http://supermarketsurprise.com to register using your mobile phone number.

Joining the Summer Surprise Digital Game is easy: just visit the link http://supermarketsurprise.com to register using your mobile phone number.

For more info, visit www.rustansfresh.com, follow and like rustansfresh on Facebook, and @rustansfresh on Instagram and Twitter.


Marketplace by Rustan’s are located at San Antonio Plaza, Rockwell Power Plant Mall and Central Square Bonifacio High Street, Connecticut San Juan, Eastwood City, Shangri-La Plaza, Paseo de Roces, Santolan Town Plaza, and Three Central. Also, visit Rustan’s Supermarkets located at Makati Area: Glorietta, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Magallanes, Alphaland Makati Place, Paseo Center, Century City Mall. North Area: Gateway Mall, Katipunan, Tomas Morato, P. Guevarra, Corinthian Hills, Village Center Antipolo, The Grove by Rockwell, Ayala Malls The 30th. South Area: Ayala Alabang Village, Evia Lifestyle Center, Uptown Mall BGC. Cebu: Oakridge Business Park, Ayala Center, Arcenas Estate CDO: Ayala Centrio Mall.

Power Mac Center Gives you a Chance to Win a Trip to El Nido!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Dreaming of #FindingParadise this summer?

Summer days are made for adventure and fun and luckily for us, the Philippines has no shortage of beautiful places to discover. This summer, Power Mac Center (PMC) is giving you a chance to explore one of the best islands in the world ─ El Nido, Palawan!

The premier Apple partner flew its brand ambassadors ahead to explore the amazing islands of El Nido to show how you can conquer new grounds and make unforgettable memories. Bringing their favorite summer adventure must-haves from Power Mac Center, Iza Calzado, Kaila Estrada,Daniel Matsunaga, Tommy Esguerra, Vanessa Matsunaga, and Ben Wintle were all out in their journey to escape the city and truly enjoyed a life without worries.

You too can take the first step to #FindingParadise by joining Power Mac Center’s ultimate summer giveaway! Simply visit Power Mac Center and purchase any of the featured products from participating lifestyle partners Catalyst (waterproof cases), DJI (drones), GoPro (action cameras), LACIE(external hard drives), Marley (wireless headphones), STM (laptop bags), and Thule (travel bags) to earn raffle entries.

It’s the perfect excuse to get those new accessories you’ve been eyeing. Whether it’s a fancy drone for capturing breathtaking sceneries, the latest action camera to record your inner daredevil, or perhaps a heavy-duty hard drive for when you just can’t leave work even when on holiday, there’s certainly something Power Mac Center can offer the digital nomad in you. Make sure your beloved iPhone or MacBook is protected from the elements so you can lounge all you want with a good book and some music to keep you company.

“These days, gadgets and accessories are part of our lifestyle. If summer to you means sun on your shoulders, sand in your toes, and the melodious crashing of the waves, then by all means, go ahead. Power Mac Center proves that you can take your favorite stylish tech accessories to any adventure ─ paradise included,” said Power Mac Center Marketing Director Joey Alvarez.

Three very lucky winners will get free roundtrip tickets for two (2) to El Nido, Palawan via AirSWIFT, plus hotel accommodations in Casa Kalaw at Lio Beach for 3 days and 2 nights. AirSWIFT is the only airline offering flights from Manila to El Nido, whereas Casa Kalaw is nestled within Lio Tourism Estate, the first eco-masterplanned development in the island. It’s indeed the ultimate dream vacation anyone can ask for!

Promo runs from May 1 to 31, 2018. For the full mechanics and contest details, visit Power Mac Center (@powermaccenter) on Facebook,Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube.

Per DTI-FTEB Permit No. 4168. Series of 2018.

Hannah Pangilinan Signs with Universal Records

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Hannah Pangilinan, daughter of TV personalities Anthony Pangilinan and Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, and sister of teen heartthrob Donny, has signed a record deal with Universal Records. At 18 years-old, Hannah has a bright future in the music industry, already garnering a big online following through her vlogs, song and dance covers on YouTube. The contract signing was held at the Acacia Hotel Manila in Alabang. Present during the signing was Universal Records General Manager Kathleen Dy Go.

She now joins her brother Donny, Gary Valenciano, Christian Bautista, Noel Cabangon, The CompanY, Parokya ni Edgar, Gloc-9, Sponge Cola, Ice Seguerra, Claudia Barretto, Shanti Dope, Fern., Julie Anne San Jose, and Elmo Magalona in the elite roster of Universal Records’ prime artists.

Hannah is currently preparing to record her original songs and is set to release her debut single soon.

Follow her on Instagram @hannahpangilinan, Twitter @hannahkathleenp, and her YouTube channel Hannah Kathleen.

Princesses for a Day at Cre8 Salon!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Parasols, sunglasses, and sweltering days galore---Summer has finally made its presence, which means more vacations, catching up with the crew, and managing unruly hair.

Our professor always told us to always be presentable in the face of the world. Despite having a reputation for natural beauty, Filipino women don’t always have the luxury to maintain locks that are just as glowing. Even if they do, oftentimes, they would have to go through lengths just to achieve such gorgeous tresses. Really though, they could even be pampering themselves as they get them.

Luckily, Bridgette and I had found at just Dr. Sixto Antonio Avenue, Caniogan, Pasig City a dashing salon whose stylists are waiting to cater to our hair’s needs, that is, Cre8 salon. Soon to be one of many Filipinas’ pastimes, Cre8 salon is willing to give us the best services when it comes to hair care and good grooming, all while not being too hard on the pocket.

As we entered the premise, all these promos and tints adorned this table located just in front of the entrance where we saw their friendly staff. 

Unlike other salons, the staff examined and analyzed our hair to find out what exactly we need. Soon we found ourselves sitting in their salon and excited to get pampered.

Although Bridgette went to get a rebond not too long ago, it turns out that the rebond process at her last salon actually damaged her hair. The damaged strands could be especially seen in the scalp area. Once the staff had decided on the services we needed, Bridgette and I got our hair washed. 

Bridgette got the Powerdose Treatment to revive her hair, while I, whose hair had never experienced any sort of salon treatment before, got their Brazilian Keratin Treatment. As the Cre8 Salon staff  cared for our hair, Bridgette shared how the rebond at her last salon felt painful and left strands which looked dry, broken and burnt. The staff shared some tips and suggestions on how to take care of her hair.  

The staff applied different treatments, treatments that suited to our hair’s different conditions and needs. After application, we waited a few minutes for the treatment and its magic to sink in and take effect.

Bridgette before the Cre8 Salon effect - her hair
was also rebonded but damaged at her last salon; 

Bridgette's hair after the Cre8 Salon effect -
straight, flowing, and beautiful hair

Both of us were advised to keep our hair dry for two days to maximize the effect of the treatment. 

We also got these TRESemme Shampoo and Conditioner products - which are especially used for salon-treated hair - for free after their services.

In conclusion, Cre8 Salon is a must-go-to salon that offers quality yet affordable services. It is not only accessible, located in Caniogan, Pasig City, but also worth your time and money especially for those who want to see a superb hair transformation. The staff were friendly and accommodating.

Written by Hannah Krystelle Del Rosario

Prestone Philippines Reveals the 9 Anak ng Mekaniko Scholars

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Prestone, a leading innovator of cutting-edge coolants, brake fluid, and motor oils, announces, today, the nine recipients of the ANAK NG MEKANIKO Scholarship Program at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.

In line with Prestone’s 90th anniversary, the ANAK NG MEKANIKO Scholarship Program was launched last year to give back to their loyal customers—the auto mechanics. The nationwide search aimed to provide a free college education to deserving children of local auto mechanics to help them achieve their dreams and ensure a brighter future.

“For parents, education is the best gift they can give to their children and Prestone resonates with this message,” said Monique Gonzales, brand manager of Prestone. “We hope that in the future, these nine deserving scholars will become successful individuals in their chosen endeavors.”

The nine ANAK NG MEKANIKO Scholars were selected through their submitted essays with the theme I am a Proud Anak ng Mekaniko. Their essays were based on their Content – 50 percent, Grammar and Syntax – 20 percent, and Style and Originality – 30 percent. Aside from the full tuition to a four-year course of their choice in any STI Colleges campus nationwide, the scholarship grant also includes miscellaneous fee and a stipend.

There were 44 entries for the essay writing and was shortened down to 27 entries before choosing the nine scholars The nine ANAK NG MEKANIKO Scholars who were chosen were Jaime Kent Abesamis – Matina, Davao; Christian Diamante – Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental; Helen Joyce Maquincio – Dagami, Leyte; Jojo Peñada – Burauen, Leyte; Keith Bryan Perez – San Isidro, Antipolo; Edmajea Aguinaldo – Bangkal, Makati; Kristina Eñales – Bolton, Davao; Aulinda Buban – San Isidro, Antipolo; and Melver Masangkay – Bauan, Batangas.

“As we officially present the grant to them, Prestone’s commitment to supporting them is only the beginning. We will still continue to be there to help them every step of the way as they embark on this new chapter of their lives,” said Gonzales.

Since the program was initiated, Prestone held pocket events in Antipolo, Makati, Quezon City, Tacloban, and Davao, to inform the auto mechanics about the scholarship grant and to also present ways on the proper application of Prestone products, which will be helpful in fixing their customers’ vehicles.

To learn more about PRESTONE and its cutting-edge products, visit their website at www.prestone.com.ph or follow them on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/prestonephilippines.