CEM Career Expo 2018 Scheduled on June 1 and 2

Wazzup Pilipinas!

• This coming June 1 and June 2, 2018, the College of Economics and Management Alumni Foundation, Inc. (CEMAFI) together with the College of Economics and Management Student Council (CEM SC) and the College of Economics and Management Senior Class Council (CEM SCC) will be organizing the first ever Career Expo in the College at the Rural Economic Development and Renewable Energy Center (REDREC) grounds with the theme, “Equipping the Next Generation of Professionals towards a Globally Competitive Career Path”

What is Career Expo 2018? 

Career Expo 2018 is a two-day event that expose students to a diverse range of jobs to suit their equally diverse fields of specialization, and providing companies with excellent graduated who are willing to give back to the Filipino People.

During the first day of the event, speaking engagements from different Alumni of the College of Economics and Management of different fields of expertise will take place from 8:30 A.M onwards. The topics that will be included in the event are (1) Resume Making, (2) What to do Before, During and After an Interview, (3) Power Dressing, (4) Corporate Business, (5) Finance and Marketing and lastly (6) Start-up Industries. On June 2, companies from different industries will be joining the event during the Job Fair.

#CareerExpo2018

Do you want to be a partner of Career Expo 2018? Contact Ramon M. Gonzales at 0917 325 3318 or at rmgonzales@up.edu.ph

A1 Celebrates 20th Year Anniversary via a Reunion Concert!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The much-awaited reunion of well-loved 90s band A1 is finally happening! This time, fans will surely be thrilled as Paul Marazzi joins his original band mates Ben Adams, Mark Read, and Christian Ingebrigtsen for the British-Norwegian band’s 20^th Anniversary “Reunion” Tour 2018. The band is scheduled to hold a concert on the 21st of October 2018 at Kia Theatre, Araneta Center, Quezon City.

Ben, Mark, and Christian expressed their excitement on having Paul back on stage with them:

“We're unbelievably excited that Paul will be joining us again and bringing the original line up of A1 together for the very first time in nearly 15 years, as we approach the 20th Anniversary of when we released our 1st single & album Here we Come. There was always an amazing dynamic and energy when the four of us performed together. So what better place to bring that magic back than to the part of the world that has always embraced us with such incredible love and support, South East Asia, more specifically, the Philippines, Indonesia & Singapore. We absolutely cannot wait to see our friends and fans over there once againand bring them a show that will remind us of all the great times we had together. It will surely be a show to remember and not to be missed.” 

Paul, who left the band in 2002 due to personal reasons, likewise conveyed his thoughts on the reunion tour. He said, “This time 20 years ago i was just starting out on an amazing journey that would take me to all four corners of the earth.  I was lucky enough to see some amazing places and meet some very kind and wonderful people too.  I can’t think of anywhere better to continue this journey once again than to South East Asia and what better company than my old friends Mark, Ben and Christian.  I have so many fond memories of my time there and feel so privileged to be able to visit once again.  See you all soon.”

A1 had their first breakthrough in the UK in 1999 with a collection of hit singles from their debut album. They went on to have international Top 10 and number 1 hits like Caught in The Middle, Same Old Brand New You, their cover of the A-Ha classic Take On Me, Everytime, and Heaven by Your Side.

The band also achieved huge success in the UK, Europe and across Asia, including a Brit Award for ‘Best British Breakthrough Act’ in 2001. A1 has accumulated over 10 million record sales worldwide.

Originally a quartet, A1 enjoyed success from late 90s to early 2000s. The band has formed a bond that they decided to get together seven years after their split and represent Norway for “2010 Eurovision Song Contest” with Don’t Wanna Lose You Again.

In February 2012, A1 performed with Blue and Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees in “The Greatest Hits Tour,” which took them to Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia. They loved their two-week stay and charity work here that they held a benefit show in November for the underprivileged kids of Cebu.

The following year, A1 appeared in the TV documentary The Big Reunion along with Blue, Five, Damage, 3T, 911, Girl Thing, and 5th Story, and went on a UK tour. The boys also worked on their album and released “Waiting for Daylight” and “Rediscovered” in UK in June 2015.

A1 fell in love with the Philippines and a two-night comeback concert in Manila and Cebu was held in October 2016.

Presented for the second time by Concert Republic, A1's 20^th Anniversary “Reunion” Tour will be held at the Kia Theatre on October 21, 2018 (Sunday, 8PM).

Tickets will go on sale starting Friday, June 1, 2018 at 12 noon, available at all TicketNet outlets or log on to Ticketnet.com.ph or call (02) 911-5555 for more details. 

A1 Music Videos

Everytime - https://youtu.be/kRgIHJOJ2Y4
Like a Rose - https://youtu.be/FK3rLHSwEv8
Take on me - https://youtu.be/EbCsIKI6HEU
Same old brand new you - https://youtu.be/zPKvxYrgBV4

#A1ReunionTourMNL

​68th Palanca Awards Issues Last Call for Entries

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Calling all writers and aspiring Palanca awardees! With the deadline of submission set on 31 May 2018 until 6pm ONLY, participants are highly encouraged to send in their entries now.

Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your entries to the 68^th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. As a reminder, you may submit only one entry per category. This year’s Palanca Awards is accepting entries for 20 categories:

·         English Division - Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry Written for Children, One-act Play, and Full-length Play;

·         Filipino Division - Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tulang Para sa mga Bata, Dulang May Isang Yugto, Dulang Ganap ang Haba, and Dulang Pampelikula;

·         Regional Languages Division - Short Story-Cebuano, Short Story-Hiligaynon, and Short Story-Ilokano;

·         Kabataan Division - Kabataan Essay and Kabataan Sanaysay

o   Kabataan Essay: “How will you encourage the Filipino youth to read more books?”

o   Kabataan Sanaysay: “Paano mo hihikayatin ang mga kabataang Pilipino na magbasa pa ng mga aklat?”

Entries may be submitted directly or by mail or courier to the Palanca Foundation office at Ground Floor, Greenbelt Excelsior Bldg., 105 C. Palanca Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City.

Winners will be honored in a special ceremony later this year.

For more information, visit the websitewww.palancaawards.com.ph or contact cpmawards@gmail.com / (632) 843-8277. Look for Ms. Leslie Layoso.

DOTr Crackdown Againat Corruption Continues, 2 LTFRB Employees Face Possible Dismissal for Extortion

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Two employees of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are now facing possible dismissal from service, after being allegedly involved in corruption.

On 23 May 2018, the LTFRB assisted in filing an estafa case at the Quezon City Prosecutors Office against Jean Gunda, an employee of LTFRB-NCR, for allegedly collecting money in exchange of a taxi franchise.

Mr. Rogelio Colita, a taxi franchise applicant from Mandaluyong City sought the help of the LTFRB Main Office to formally lodge a complaint against Gunda.

According to LTFRB Board Member Aileen Lizada, Colita’s sworn affidavit says that Gunda promised to help him secure a taxi franchise sometime in April 2016 in exchange of PhP175,000.

“Although there was no written agreement, the complainant allegedly personally handed over PhP175,000 to Gunda in her office in Quezon City. But, after more than a year of waiting and constant follow up, not a single franchise surfaced, which prompted the complainant to bring the matter to proper authorities,” BM Lizada said.

According to Colita, Gunda offered to pay him PhP5,000 every month, but he declined as he needed the money in full. 

Meanwhile, Amelia Dela Cruz, transportation development officer of LTFRB-NCR is also facing a complaint filed before the Ombudsman for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, dishonesty, grave misconduct and falsification of documents, and was directed to present her counter affidavit and witnesses before the Ombudsman.

A video of Dela Cruz surfaced extorting PhP250,000 from an unnamed complainant in exchange of a UV Express franchise.

LTFRB Chairman Atty. Martin Delgra, upon the instructions of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, has ordered thorough investigation and filing of appropriate administrative charges against the involved employees.

“Patunay ito na wala tayong kinukunsinte. Mataas o mababa ang posisyon, basta may iligal na aktibidad, tayo mismo ang magsusuplong sa kanila. Hindi ako papayag na sayangin nila ang pagod natin na linisin ang hanay ng LTFRB”, said Delgra.

For his part, Tugade issued a fair warning not only to corrupt employees but to the public as well. 

“Dumaan po tayo sa proseso. Ang pagsupil sa korapsyon, two-way ‘yan. ‘Wag niyo ilapit sa tukso ang mga empleyado kasi tayo po mismo ang naglalagay sa mga sarili natin sa alanganin. Gawin natin ang tama. Paalala lang sa lahat: Kung ayaw ninyo kaming maging korap, ‘wag niyo kaming korapin. Doon naman sa magpapatukso, yariin ko talaga kayo. Alam niyong hindi ako nagbibiro,” said Tugade.

Paw-some! Araneta Center is Now Pet-friendly

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Already considered as the premium live-work-play community in the country, Araneta Center opens its doors to the cutest members of your families—your pets—as it officially becomes a pet-friendly destination.

Already considered as the premium live-work-play community in the country, Araneta Center opens its doors to the cutest members of your families—your pets—as it officially becomes a pet-friendly destination.

Araneta Center will be celebrating the paw-sitive development when it launches its Pet Pals program with a pet soiree on Sunday, May 27, at the Gateway Mall Activity Area.

Pet owners and their fur babies will be treated to an afternoon of bonding and talks on taking care of pets despite the owners’ busy schedules and on first aid for pets facilitated by experts Jester Jo Onchuan and Dr. Flori-Ann Buiser. A handful of cute freebies—including leashes for the early birds—will also be given to the attendees and their pets. The Quezon City Hall Animal Care and Disease Control Division will also administer free rabies vaccination.

Binibining Pilipinas Supranational Jehza Huelar and Binibining Pilipinas Grand International Eva Patalinjug will also join in the fun and share their fun stories about their own pets.

Now that it is pet-friendly, Araneta Center will start allowing owners to bring their pets to the Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, Farmers Plaza and other parts of the Center, provided that they have secured the Pet Pals ID.

Owners who want to apply for the Pet Pals ID only have to submit the following requirements to the malls’ concierges: original and photocopy of rabies vaccination record, 1x1 colored photos, and Pet Pals ID application form, which is also downloadable on www.aranetacenter.net. The ID will be given for free.

The temporary Pet Pals Day Pass IDs will also be available to those who have yet to complete the requirements.

Even after they have secured their Pet Pals ID, pet owners still have to be responsible in bringing their pets around the Center by keeping them on a leash while they are walking, carrying them while riding escalators and elevators and cleaning after their wastes.

For other guidelines on this initiative, visit Araneta Center’s website and follow it on its social media pages: @AranetaCenter on Facebook and Twitter and @TheAranetaCenter on Instagram.

CAPTION: Binibining Pilipinas Supranational Jehza Huelar, a dog lover, will grace Araneta Center's Pet Pals launch on Sunday, May 27, at the Gateway Mall Activity Area.

We Hate to Brag, But Online is the NOW and the FUTURE!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Warning: "Yabang" mode in 1, 2, 3 ... and GO!

The blessings keep pouring in.

It's a daily scenario, but this morning is uncanny as we were swamped. Most of our emails were all about offers for paid article and link collaborations for Wazzup Pilipinas.

We basically charge a standard rate of $50 per article or link collaboration, and double ($100) if we are to write the article on our own.

Yes, we are like Chinese, we charge a small fee but our customers are plenty. We know many would charge higher than Mt. Everest, but we are modest enough to realize we are not full-pledged "influencers" influential enough to motivate people with just one tweet, or post, or whatever thingy that leads to a viral or trending fad. Sorry, but we're not showbiz material....or should we say, we don't run a "call center" campaign....We prefer to be real and organic, and focus only on our preferred target markets. The rest are just on a window-shopping spree....hehehe!

But one of the highest we got is $200 from a very generous client. Foreigners know the value of online presence, and unlike in our country, they may haggle but offer a fair price....and don't just give out a mug, or a notebook or a shirt to show their appreciation.

Many are repeat clients who already sent more than a dozen so far...we actually lost count already. Just as how we lost count of awards..Lol!

Seriously, online rules! For a couple of minutes of work, we get paid a significant amount already. Attendance to events usually requires us to spend more than what we bring home, but the real worth is gaining the holistic experience from the personal encounters. There are so much to learn and gain out there that we won't get from a press release sent to our email.

Like many are saying, to be invited to an event is already an honor. The freebies, perks, privileges, etc, that we get are merely bonuses. If you'll look in my room, half of it is already a collection of boxes containing what we got from our 5 years of existence. The only stuff we touch are the perishables and those that expire like food, and many go to charity, or to less fortunate folks we meet in the streets.

Our attendance at events are merely for our "entertainment" because we love persuading people do the iconic Wazzup Pilipinas shout-out, and find pleasure seeing others get owned by our aggressiveness or "ka-bibo-han"! Lol!

Of course that is a joke, what we love most is learning new stuff and sharing them to our readers. We're genuinely attracted to what we can learn from the event, new acquaintances for potential partnerships, etc, but more on what we could do for the brand or company.

Yup! Our craving for knowledge remains at a high because there is so much information out there that is ever growing at a "hyperspeedy" rate that we can't possibly catch up with this "undepleteable" phenomenon brought about by the influence of social media powered by the vast and global network of computers (which includes mobile phones) we call the Internet....let's just call it "online."

Thank you "mobile" and "online" for revolutionizing media. Traditional media may not want to admit they're going extinct like dinosaurs, but then you see them incorporating online strategies and investing more on related moves. Facebook Live coverage, hiring peole for social media and online content, YouTube talents, etc,. Evolving? No, they've gone online too before they are declared dead.

Online is the NOW and the FUTURE. Almost all the information we need is accessible through our mobile phones that could access the Internet.

We are glad we are among the pioneers that have already made a mark....and will continue to become prominent for generations to come.

#WazzupPilipinas #PambansangBlogger

ColorManila All Set for Newly Updated CM Challenge Manila at McKinley West on June 3

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The country’s number one fun-run organizer - ColorManila, is all set for the newly updated CM Challenge Manila, co-presented by Honda Philippines, to be held at McKinley West, Taguig City, on June 3, 2018.

ColorManila’s last event in Metro Manila, the CM Blacklight Run, held January this year, saw 5,000 runners brighten the streets of McKinley West. For this upcoming event, the organizers are anticipating around the same number of participants.

Participants can look forward to 20 new obstacles while running the 5k route; such as inflatable slides, spider maze, inflatable tire skip, military crawl obstacles, among others. Apart from which, runners can listen to the latest music while going through the various challenges.

ColorManila VP Justine Cordero says, “We’ve updated the CM Challenge Run to make it more exciting, by adding more challenges in the 5K route. CM Challenge Manila is a perfect mix of both a ‘fun-run’ and an ‘obstacle course run’. And yes, it is still capped by our CM Festival. But this time, it will be continuous, there will be a CM Festival which would take place every hour, so if you’ve joined the first wave, there’s no need to wait until the final wave to finish…Our followers will surely enjoy this newly updated version of the CM Challenge Run.”

There are 3 types of race kits and packages to choose from, there’s the Single Kit, which is at P1,500, and includes the event shirt, race bib, single entry tag, finisher’s medal, sunglasses, baller ID and a color packet.

While the Unlimited Kit, which is priced at P2,500, includes an event shirt, race bib, unlimited entry tag, finisher’s medal, sunglasses, baller ID and a color packet.

Finally, the Squad Package, good for 5 people, is priced at P6,000, and includes event shirts, race bibs, single entry tags, finishers’ medals, sunglasses, baller IDs, color packets and passes good for 5 people.


Registration is still ongoing. For more information, visit www.colormanila.com for more details.

Can’t Get Out Of The City This Summer? Check Out These 3 Camping Spots Near Metro Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Summer is in full swing, and most of the young urban professionals in Metro Manila are booking flights to popular vacation destinations such as Palawan or going out of the country for some much-needed R&R. But if you don’t have a lot of vacation leave or if you’re short on cash, you may think that you’re doomed to be stuck in the city with nothing to do but go to the mall—again. If you can relate, don’t fret—there are lots of places that you can go to near the city, and the best thing is that it doesn’t take long to get there, nor does it have to cost an arm and a leg.

If you’re in search of a new adventure this summer, consider going on a camping trip. Not only is it a great way to get away from the stifling heat and noise of the city, but it’s a chance to reconnect with nature and bond with your family and friends. So gather your crew, pack up your camping essentials, and check out these 3 camping spots near Metro Manila.

Manuel Uy Beach Resort, Calatagan, Batangas

Batangas, which is only a three-hour drive from Manila, is famous for its beaches, but if you don’t relish the thought of spending thousands of pesos to stay at a posh resort, then why not camp on the beach instead? Believe it or not, there are still a few privately owned beaches in Batangas that are open to the public, and some even allow campers to set up their tents right on the sand for a small fee. Manuel Uy Beach Resort in Calatagan is one such place to check out if you’re craving for a quiet place where you can relax and enjoy the sound of the waves with your buddies. Apart from your tent, it’s advisable to take some cooking gear with you so you can make your own meals while roughing it. There’s a wet market that’s only one tricycle ride away from the beach, so you don’t have to worry about where to get your food if you’re not quite up to fishing on your vacation.

Mount Purro Nature Reserve, Rizal Province

Rizal is only a two-hour drive from Makati and is home to Mount Purro Nature Reserve. It’s perfect for families as it features cottages where you can spend the night, but they also have a dedicated space where visitors can set up their own tents. If you don’t have a tent, you can rent one for only Php 500 a night. Explore the hiking trails near the area and afterward, you can have a relaxing dip in the swimming pool. Kids can frolic in the children’s nature playscape or have a go on the mini-zipline. You can also go horseback riding in the area or enjoy a relaxing massage for less than Php 400 at the reserve’s spa area.

BLOC Camp Site, Cavinti, Laguna

If you want a slightly more upscale camping experience, head to Cavinti, Laguna and go glamping at BLOC Camp Site. This is where you can enjoy a luxurious stay in nature. Sure, you can stay at an ordinary tent on the campgrounds. But if you’re on a romantic getaway with your significant other, consider renting a deluxe tent on the Floating Dock. 

You can bring your own food and drinks, so take advantage of the BLOC’s grilling stations and have a barbecue with your loved one. The site also has a nightly bonfire so you can socialize with other guests while eating s’mores. At the BLOC you can also enjoy other activities such as movie watching by the lake, island hopping, and kayaking.

You can have an enjoyable summer getaway without breaking the bank. Try visiting any of these camping destinations near Metro Manila and have a wonderful time reconnecting with nature.

7 Reasons Why You Need That Staycation

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With countless deadlines, meetings, events, and other tasks one has to tackle these days, regular unwinding is now a necessity for those looking to recharge. But let’s face it—planning a long vacation can be just as tedious, and sometimes you feel even more tired when you get back home!

Thank goodness, then, for the proliferation of quality hotels right within your city—which makes it easy to book a staycation anytime you need it. On May 30 to 31, the Hotel Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMA) will make it even easier to do so, as the group will be holding its first Great Room Sale at the Glorietta 3 Activity Center in Makati City.

Expect discounts of up to 60 to 70 percent, plus a room category upgrade when you book at these hotels and resorts: Ascott Residence, Astoria Hotels and Resorts, Azalea Hotels and Residences, Bayleaf Hotels, BE Resorts, Best Western Hotel (La Corona Manila and Oxford Suites), Bluewater Resorts, Citadines Apart’Hotel, Conrad Hotels, Dusit Thani Manila, Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila, Hotel 101, Island Cove, Las Casas Filipinas, Manila Marriott Hotel, Manila Ocean Park, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Phinma Microtel Hotels Inc., Roxaco-Vanguard Hotel, SEDA Hotels, Siglo Suites, Sheridan Beach Resort, Somerset Serviced Residence, and Resorts World Manila. Other participating merchants include Slimmers World. 

And that’s just one reason you should finally take that staycation! If you need more convincing, just think of these seven other benefits you’re sure to enjoy:

1. Me time. You’ll get to do whatever you want without anyone bothering you, at least for a day or two.

2. No chores. Since you’ll be staying in a hotel/resort with a cleaning service, you won’t have to worry about leaving too much of a mess.

3. Room service. Have breakfast—and lunch and dinner—in bed; or, if your hotel offers the service, have a massage right in the comfort of your room.

4. Netflix galore. Binge, binge, binge on your favorite series, since most hotels and resorts have speedy internet connections.

5. A chance to unplug. You can also opt to use the time to step away from your phone and just enjoy some quiet with a book and a hot cup of cocoa.

6. More snooze time. With no commitments on your mind, it’ll be fun to sleep in and enjoy the warmth of those fluffy sheets. A revitalizing sleep will also bring out the best version of you.

7. And, finally, a new perspective. Sometimes it’s nice to be a tourist in your own city. Who knows, you may even discover something new!

Plan that well-deserved time off and enjoy the best staycation deals at the first Great Room Sale on May 30 and 31. It’s time to #sleepwell, #eatwell and #feelwell, so you can recharge and be the best version of yourself! For details and inquiries, follow HSMA on Facebook @HSMA(Hotel Sales and Marketing Association International).

HSMA To Hold 2018 Virtus Awards

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The HSMA has issued the call for entries for the forthcoming Virtus Awards—otherwise known in the industry as the Oscars of hotel sales and marketing executives. The prestigious contest was first launched in 2015 as a unique platform for hotel sales and marketing professionals in the country to tell their stories of excellence and success.

Virtus recognizes outstanding sales and marketing practitioners who are role models and inspirations to current and aspiring players in the travel and tourism industry in the Philippines and Asia-Pacific, thus fulfilling HSMA’s vision to contribute to the robust growth of Philippine tourism.

Now on its fourth year, the Virtus Awards’ categories include: Outstanding Sales and Marketing Associate; Outstanding Sales and Marketing Manager; Outstanding Sales and Marketing Leader; and Outstanding Marketing Campaign of the Year.

Nominees for individual categories must be regular employees who have served in a HSMA member-property for at least one (1) year, including the covered period of April 1, 2017 to March 30, 2018, and should have no past and/or pending administrative or criminal case.

Nominators, on the other hand, must come from an HSMA member-property to ensure familiarity with the performance being cited. Entries may be sent online at www.hsma.online/virtus-awards. Deadline of submission is on June 29.

Winners will be announced on August 8 at the Virtus Awards 2018 Night at the Manila Marriott Hotel.

“Through this annual competition, we hope to ignite the passion and drive of hotels and resorts through their all-important sales and marketing team to excite the market, deliver vigorous business, make hearts beat a little faster, and yes, shake our world,” said Rose Libongco, chair of the Virtus Awards.