ShopFest Set to Become the Philippines’ First Stop for Year-end Shopping

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Resolving information asymmetry for shoppers by helping them locate lifestyle purchases and best buys tailored to their needs.

Starting your year-end shopping has never been better with ShopFest, a four-month long shopping festival organised by ShopBack, your one-stop lifestyle e-commerce portal empowering smarter online purchases. With over 300 Stores participating online, ShopFest, which will be held from 1 September to 2018 to 3 January 2019, will introduce you to a new world of online shopping where you will not just get the best value for your money but also amazing cashback!

ShopFest is catered to bring together online marketplaces in the Philippines to provide you an effortless shopping experience while empowering sales in the digital economy. ShopBack is committed to its mission to help its Filipino customers get the best savings and convenience out of their online shopping, making shopping more affordable for Filipino customers with all the must-have vouchers, promotions and cashbacks at their fingertips.

“Christmas countdown starts in September for all Filipinos and that’s the main driving force for us to spend during the year-end period,” said Mr. Prashant Kala, Country Head of ShopBack Philippines. “With this consumer insight in mind, we set out to construct a meaningful platform that efficiently connects both retailers and shoppers  for the year-end period when shoppers are prepared to spend in preparation for the most important festive season of the year.”

ShopFest is set to become the first stop for year-end hassle-free shopping by onboarding over 300 participating retailers to satisfy all your shopping needs. ShopFest with its partners will impact the 6 major sales event (9.9 Rewards Day, 10.10 Perfect Ten, 11.11 Singles’ day, Black Friday/Cyber Monday, 12.12 Online Revolution and Christmas & New Year sale) as shoppers explore the endless number of deals with ShopBack’s platform, contributed directly by the participating retailers.

From grocery shopping, health and beauty, to travel needs and dining, ShopFest’s partner retailers such as Booking.com, Lazada, Traveloka, Foodpanda, and more are gearing up to give the best deals to customers when it comes to lifestyle shopping.


Gamifying shopping journeys to deliver the ultimate experience for shoppers

To further elevate the joy of year-end shopping, ShopBack created the ShopFest Ultimate Experience together with other participating online retailers. Shoppers get to earn points by performing the following actions:
Making purchases via ShopBack during ShopFest and/or
Searching for special keys to unlock Treasure Chest via the ShopBack app

“Booking.com is delighted to partner with ShopBack for ShopFest Ultimate Experience. With over 28.9 million accommodation listings available on Booking.com across the globe including everything from homes, villas and apartments to world-class hotels and resorts, we provide accommodation options for every kind of customer throughout the region. That’s why we are providing the ShopFest Ultimate Experience Grand Prize, so Shoppers can go out and stay in some of the amazing places we have on offer. Connecting travellers with unique places to stay anywhere in the world is the reason Booking.com exists.” Said Stewart Jones, Regional Director of Strategic Partnerships, APAC, Booking.com.



ShopFest, by ShopBack

Since ShopBack’s launch in the Philippines in 2015, the company is now a dominant player in the Southeast Asia e-commerce cashback market. Having established its presence in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan and most recently, Australia, ShopBack is well on its way to becoming every online shopper’s top pick for a cashback site.

For more information about ShopBack, visit www.shopback.ph or download the ShopBack app for free on the App Store or Google Play Store. Follow Shopback on Facebook www.facebook.com/ShopBackPhilippines/ and Instagram @shopbackph. Also, do not forget to check out the biggest year-end shopping sales at www.shopfest.ph.

Five OFW Jobs in Japan You Didn't Know About

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Filipinos value their families above all else. They will do whatever it takes to make sure their loved ones are well cared for, even if it means traveling to different countries and taking on challenging jobs to earn a living. Japan has long been a popular choice for OFWs because of the high pay and quality of life. As of 2017, Filipinos are the third largest group of foreign workers in Japan. 

With Japan’s aging population, the country is looking to hire even more foreign workers. But aside from hiring caregivers, domestic helpers, and other common jobs you might see online, here are a few unique jobs that might catch your interest.

1. Tokoshu Seiso: The Lonely Death Cleaner
Many OFWs work as housekeepers and domestic helpers, but there is another kind of cleaner needed in Japan. With an aging population, Japan has an increasing number of kodokushi or “lonely deaths.” Thus, there is also a high demand for tokoshu seiso—people who are hired to clean up the deceased person’s belongings. It is not a simple task, knowing that the owner of the house has passed on, so the cleaner usually says a prayer for the deceased person before entering the place. 

Watch this video to see a Pinoy tokoshu seiso in action. 

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/759278184241078/posts/1055207234648170/

Youtube: http://bit.ly/BDOKabayanJAPAN

2. Ninjutsu: Part-time Ninja Trainers
Filipinos are known for their talents in singing and dancing, which is why a lot of entertainers get hired to work on theme parks and cruise ships. In Japan, some establishments are also looking for “ninja trainers” to help promote tourism and teach kids all about ninja etiquette. So if you’ve always dreamed of being a ninja and have a few stunts up your sleeve, then this job is for you.

3. Sakura: The Decoys
Also known as a “hospitality supporter,” the decoys are hired as fake guests in weddings, meetings, or other events. One company also offers fake lovers and funeral guests. Since Pinoys are naturally friendly and sociable, this is a good option to consider.

4. Narabiya: The Professional Queuer
Imagine you’re standing in line, waiting for your turn to get your driver’s license renewed, when you suddenly remember that you left the stove on at home. What do you do? Call someone to stand in line for you! In Japan, it’s totally possible. And if you’re willing to do this for a few hours, you could earn as much as JPY 15,000 (PHP 7,000).

5. Kensetsu Sagyo-in: Construction worker for the 2020 Olympics
Preparations for the upcoming Olympic games in Tokyo are in full swing! Huge stadiums and other structures are being built and Japan needs to hire more people to get them done on time. Whether you're a carpenter, engineer, or architect, you'll most likely find an opening to suit your skill set. Not only will you be able to work in Japan, you'll also be able to say that you're a part of this historical event.

If you're an OFW, you work hard to earn money, grow your savings, and prepare for your family’s future. No matter what the job entails, you're willing to make sacrifices and do the work to be able to send money for your loved ones.

While they find ways to earn for their families back home, BDO finds ways to safeguard their keep and provide innovative options to send this money to their loved ones.   With 5000+ Cash Agad partners, 4000+ BDO ATMs, and 1000+ branches nationwide; BDO makes it easy and convenient for beneficiaries to withdraw the remittances. 

For more information, you may visit this link (https://www.bdo.com.ph/kabayan-remittance-services). 

Magnificent September Auction 2018 at Leon Gallery Features Breathtaking Masterpieces

Wazzup Pilipinas!


Art, Antiques, and Exceptional Historical Memorabilia 

León Gallery is pleased to announce The Magnificent September Auction 2018 featuring important works of Philippine art, fine antiques and furniture on the 8th of September 2018, starting at 2PM at Eurovilla 1, Legaspi Street corner Rufino Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City.

This auction is in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Arts and Design (MCAD) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, as part of its Funding the Future project in order to raise funds for its academic endeavors in modernizing its programs in terms of research and artistic exchanges in the contemporary visual arts. Works donated by renowned contemporary artists shall be auctioned off, in part, to benefit the programs of the MCAD.

Headlining our sale of Philippine art is an important work by National Artist Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco. “The Nose Flute” (1955) depicting a courtship ritual of two lovers in the context of the Cordilleras. It is considered as one of the finest masterpieces made by the artist in his lifetime and was once owed by Lovina-Palileo family. This work is considered as one of the best and biggest masterpieces of the artist and was painted during his best period. Also, this was last seen by the public in 2012 when it changed ownership and has taken a decade to make its way back to the country.

A major highpoint of the upcoming auction is “Pila sa Bigas (Queuing for Rice)” a mixed-media work by Vicente Manansala. It features 17 ordinary folks all lined up and with tin cans waiting for their turn to buy or maybe even ask for rice. Another fantastic work by the artist is “Mga Sabungero (The Cockfighters)”, all from the collection of the late Ambassador J.V. Cruz.

Another highlight is “Saeta 52” (1958) by the foremost abstractionist Fernando Zóbel y Montojo. This painting has been repatriated back in the Philippines. It was first exhibited at the prominent Philippine Art Gallery (PAG) and is considered as one of the rarest large-scale canvasses of this series by Zóbel. This is considered an exceptional painting because there are only 10 known paingings of this size painted by the artist and most of these are in museums and public collections already.

“Cross-Section/Ascension” (1956-57) by the modernist Alfonso Ossorio is one of the most riveting symphonies of color that the expatriate Filipino-American artist has ever produced. It is believed that Ossorio painted this for his friend Jackson Pollock since it was done right after the death of the latter who was on his way to Ossorio’s house in the Hamptons when he had a tragic car accident.

Painted by Fernando Amorsolo, “Dalagang Bukid (The Country Lass)” (1927) is considered as one of the earliest known works centered on Amorsolo’s ideal muse in his idyllic rural pastures bathed in sunlight. The work has a stellar provenance and was previously owned by the painter Fernando Zóbel.

Other important works or art include a masterpiece by National Artist Jose Joya, “Carnival” (1964), rediscovered from the Mark and Naheed Houshmand Collection and two important works from the “Stations of the Cross” series by Ang Kiukok.

Commanding pieces from BenCab, Cesar Legaspi, Arturo Luz, H.R. Ocampo, Nena Saguil, Lee Aguinaldo, Juvenal Sanso, Romeo Tabuena, Malang Santos, Pacita Abad, Romulo Olazo and Romulo Galicano, Manuel Ocampo, Ronald Ventura, Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, Rodel Tapaya, Emmanuel Garibay as well as the works of today’s young guns, Mark Justiniani, Jose John Santos III, Keb Serda, and Louie Cordero are also highlights of the forthcoming auction.

Significant pieces of antique furniture are also featured in this auction, carrying distinguished pedigrees attached to them. Furniture designed and carved by the master Eduardo Ah-Tay and his Binondo workshop, known for their impeccable workmanship and meticulously detailed carvings of Filipino and Chinese motifs are highlights in this sale. A significant piece is a four-poster Ah-Tay bed commissioned by the Pardo de Tavera Family, one of the most affluent families in the 19th century. Also included is a pair of estilo Louis Quinze arm chairs done in the third quarter of the 19th century also done by Ah-Tay.

One of the gems of this auction is a kamagong cabinet crafted in the second quarter of the 19th century from the estate of Dr. José Fernandez Fabella, one of the pioneers of modern Philippine healthcare system and the Secretary of Health in Quezon’s cabinet. This cabinet was carved with fine inlays of carabao bone and actuated on its top with urn-like finials, which have been lined with silver and lanite. Important furniture featured from the collection of Dr. Alejandro Roces Legarda is also on offer. A secretary desk (better known as an escritorio) drawn from the Edwardian-style of the 20th century that has been created from narra.

Noteworthy in this sale are items of fine Philippine objet d’ art, starting with a gilded silver monstrance used in receiving in communion of the Catholic liturgy, made in the second quarter of the 18th century and a set of 19th century ornate silver crowns commissioned to adorn religious images; both have been sourced from the Richard and Sandra Lopez Collection.

Exceedingly rare and historically important documents such as the “Decalogue” or Ten Commandments of the Katipunan which was handwritten by Andres Bonifacio will also be included in the auction. A letter from Josephine Bracken to El Presidente Emilio Aguinaldo plus a letter from National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal to the Scottish millionaire based in the Philippines, Mr. Alejandro Macleod, whom he personally thanked for giving shelter to his sisters, Lucia and Trinidad.

Once a recruit was inducted into the society, their ranking shall be determined by the “Kataastaasang Sangguinian” (Supreme Council) as represented by a ceremonial medal featuring two crossed bolos. These important documents and artifacts were sourced from the collection of the eminent Philippine scholar Epifanio de los Santos, whose literature and scholarship helped in detailing the true narrative of the Philippine Revolution.

It is fitting that in anticipation of the release of an upcoming film “Goyo” featuring Gregorio del Pilar, military memorabilia from his own regiment will be on the auction block. Two epaulets and hand-drawn designs of the revolutionary uniform created by none other than Juan Luna will go under the hammer. These designs were commissioned by his brother, General Antonio Luna.

The preview of “The Magnificent September Auction 2018” shall run from September 1-7, 2018 at León Gallery located in Eurovilla I, Legaspi Street corner Rufino Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City.

For more information, visit www.leon-gallery.com, call +632 8562781 or email us at info@leon-gallery.com

More photos can be foundcat our Wazzup Pilipinas Facebook page at https://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas

Smart Boosts Communication, Preparedness Efforts in Legazpi City

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Residents of Legazpi City, Albay, can now benefit from Smart Infocast, a text message broadcast solution developed by PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications.

Smart Infocast is a web-based platform that can send out several short message service (SMS) to a specific group of people as defined by an organization.

In the case of the governing body of Legaspi City, the facility can readily send out news broadcasts, weather bulletins, and other critical information to residents via text message, making it an effective emergency communications solution for the LGU. Smart Infocast also allows registered subscribers to send reports or feedback to the system administrator.

Gracing the launch of Smart Infocast are representatives of Smart and the city and provincial governments, led by Mayor Noel Rosal, Gov. Al Francis Bichara, and PLDT-Smart chief technology and information advisor Joachim Horn and consumer business for customer development regional head John Palanca.

“Smart Infocast will enable the Legazpi local government unit to communicate with the constituents in times of calamities and help in information dissemination, using our cell phones. It will make connecting with all the 70 barangays here in Legazpi so much easier,” said Rosal.

FDCP and Intramuros Administration Partner for #WeAreIntramuros Film Challenge

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Combining film artistry with appreciation of heritage and history, the Film Development Council of the Philippines has partnered with the Intramuros Administration to launch #WeAreIntramuros, a 24-hour filmmaking challenge focusing cultural awareness on Filipino values. 

During a Press Conference held last August 30 at FDCP's Cinematheque Centre Manila with Intramuros Administrator Atty. Guiller Asido, Chairperson Liza Dino explained that this activity is in line with the aim to encourage more young filmmakers to explore their creativity and craft. "This challenge will surely need our filmmakers to be on their toes and make use of every resources and minute that they have. We look forward to seeing the types of films that they will be coming up with," she said. 

The goal is also to make Intramuros as a viable location for FILM or A/V production. The historical backdrop and interesting venues within the perimeters of INTRAMUROS will hopefully be highlighted by the creativity of the young participants.

The film projects can be of any topic as long as it is promoting the outstanding values of the Filipino people like hospitality, valuing family, hard work, and resourcefulness. Through the Wall Production Fund, ten (10) chosen participants will get an allowance to produce three to five-minute films. The competition is open to all young aspiring filmmakers in High School and College around Manila.

Qualifications include the following:
1.     Participants should be a Filipino citizen and must be 16 years old and above
2.     Applicant must be a student of an educational institution in the Metro Manila area.

The production crew TEAM (max of 4 members total) with the proponent will have to come from the same educational institution they’re connected with.


Mechanics for submission:
1.     Completed PDF Document of the Entry Form: Concept paper with synopsis

2.     Scanned copy of current school ID and registration form. If applicable, any government issued ID ex. Postal ID, Passport, Voter's ID, etc.

3.     Proponent may submit a maximum of two (2) entries but only one (1) will be selected.

4.     All submissions must be done online

5.     All entries must be original.

6.     Preferences must be cited properly and with permission

7.     Project must include Intramuros as a viable location.



Finalists can win the following awards:
1.     Best Film Award with Php 20,000.00 cash prize, trophy & certificate

2.     Jury's Choice Award with Php 15,000.00 cash prize, trophy & certificate

3.     People’s Choice Award with Php 10,000 cash prize, trophy & certificate (most viral video)

4.     Consolation Prize of Php 5,000 for the eight (8) production teams with certificates

5.     Special Award that the Jury might feel rewarding, Php 5,000 for one or two (1 or 2 ) production teams with certificates.

Interested applicants may download and submit their forms at www.fdcp.ph/we-are-intramuros

On the Granting of Preliminary Injunction to Angkas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

DOTr-LTFRB PRESS STATEMENT

06 September 2018

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are saddened by the decision of the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court to grant a preliminary injunction to the ride-hailing service, Angkas. The decision keeps the government from interfering, whether directly or indirectly, with the operations of Angkas.

The DOTr-LTFRB, as a regulator, is being faithful to its mandate when it ordered Angkas to cease operations. 

Our position is that motorcycles registered in the service are not authorized to conduct business and offer public transport under Republic Act 4136. For them to be allowed, the law has to be amended by Congress.

Apart from engaging in unfair business practice, the safety of patrons and commuters are also put at risk, as motorcycles are not considered as a safe mode of public transport.

If Angkas is to continue accrediting motorcycles registered as private vehicles to book rides and accept passengers for a fee, it is considered as without authority from the government regulators, and, therefore, are considered colorum vehicles.

The DOTr-LTFRB will exhaust all legal remedies to ensure that our roads are cleared of colorum vehicles, such as Angkas motorcycles. 

Safety is our priority. Following our laws is our priority. Obviously, Angkas is just interested in making profit, and profit, alone.

Boyz II Men and the Divas Back-to-Back Concert on December 15

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Back-to-Back Concert of the Year. The best-selling R&B group of all time, Boyz II Men, is coming back to Manila for a one-night concert on Saturday, December 15th at the Araneta Coliseum, together with the DIVAS – comprised of KZ Tandingan, Yeng Constantino, Kyla and Angeline Quinto.

Boyz II Men, best known for their emotional ballads and acapella harmonies, is comprised of Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman. The group’s biggest and most requested hits include “End of the Road”, “I’ll Make Love To You”, “On Bended Knee”, “Water Runs Dry”, “4 Seasons of Loneliness”, “Motownphilly”, “In The Still of the Nite (I’ll Remember)”, “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” and “One Sweet Day” – which still holds the record of the longest running Billboard Hot #1 song, staying at the top for 16 weeks. The legendary group holds four Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, nine Soul Train Awards, three Billboard Awards, and a star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Leading the all-star female DIVAS collaboration is Asia’s Soul Supreme, KZ Tandingan – after being hailed the Grand Winner of the X Factor Philippines in 2012 and remarkably landed as a finalist at the China Singer 2018 alongside Jessie J and Chinese superstars.

Pop Rock superstar Yeng Constantino started her career in Pinoy Dream Academy in 2006 as the Grand Star Dreamer, now a multi-awarded singer-songwriter and iconic hitmaker.

The country’s R&B Queen Kyla has recently marked her 18th year in the industry as a certified platinum and most celebrated soulful phenom. She remains to be one of the most invited by international artists for collaborations.

Completing the list is Angeline Quinto, also known as the Queen of Themesongs, was hailed as the Female Pop Superstar of Star Power. Many of her chart-topping hits have become love anthems of the Filipinos. These four talented and empowered DIVAS equally hold numerous awards and hits to their name.

BOYZ II MEN with DIVAS: Live in Concert is presented by Wilbros Live and Cornerstone Concerts. Tickets go on-sale on September 15 via TicketNet.com.ph or call 911-5555 for more details. For more information, follow Wilbros Live and Cornerstone Concerts on social media.

Facebook.com/WilbrosLive

Twitter @WilbrosLive

Instagram @WilbrosLive

Araneta Center Fetes Bond Between Grandparents and Grandchildren

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There is nothing quite like the relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren as it transcends generational differences.

On September 9, Grandparents Day, Araneta Center fetes this familial link in “Junior & Senior Day: Celebrating the Bond of Grandparents and Grandchildren” at the Gateway Mall, Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza.

For just a minimum single receipt purchase worth P500 from any Araneta Center establishment, a grandparent and his/her grandchild will get the chance to participate in the activities and avail of the services and souvenirs in the three malls.

Aging should not be a reason for the grandparents to look old and feel old. And at the Gateway Mall, elders who embody youth in both their look and outlook will get the chance to be “modelolos” and “modelolas” as they walk in the fashion competition “Look Young, Feel Young Outfit Contest.”

Seniors who still love to sweat out and stretch their muscles will also have a grand time at the Zumba sessions at the Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza.

Health and wellness are definitely important for the grandparents, and this is why medical checkups and wellness talks will also be conducted in the three malls.

Grandparents and their grandchildren may also participate in various games that will put their teamwork to a test. Handsome prizes will also be drawn. All these activities and more will ensure a bonding moment grandparents and their grandchildren will definitely treasure.

For more updates, visit www.aranetacenter.net, and follow Araneta Center’s social media pages: @aranetacenter on Facebook and Twitter and @thearanetacenter on Instagram.

Photo caption: Avail of free medical checkups for your grandparents for a single-receipt purchase worth P500 in Gateway Mall, Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza activity areas

BenCab Conferred With Doctor of Humanities by University of the Cordilleras

Wazzup Pilipinas!

National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto "BenCab" Cabrera was conferred the honorary degree Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa by the University of the Cordilleras (UC) during its 72nd Commencement Exercises held last August 24, 2018 in recognition of his contributions in the field of culture and arts.

In his speech, Cabrera recalled being introduced to the region's rich culture in the 60's describing it as "truly original." He also noted the aesthetic qualities of the region's artworks which are presently showcased at the BenCab Museum.

"As residents of these mountains and valleys, it is important that we acknowledge and respect this shared heritage [and] making sure that our environment is protected is equally important," Cabrera said.

BenCab also underscored the importance of taking care of the environment which is among the advocacies of the BenCab Art Foundation.

Pinoy Wrestlers Fight Their Way to the Top in Manila Wrestling Federation's Road to Fate on Sept. 8

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Manila Wrestling Federation – the country’s fastest rising live sports, theatre and entertainment company –

continues its “AksyoNovela” brand of professional wrestling for its rapidly growing audience with “MWF 4: Road to Fate”.

Venue: Bahay ng Alumni at the University of the Philippines Diliman Campus on September 8, Saturday. Gates open at 6 PM.

The explosive event will be headlined by a match of international proportions:

MWF co-pioneer Mr. Lucha is scheduled to go one-on-one against his mentor, Singapore Pro Wrestling Southeast Asian Tag Team Champion The Eurasian Dragon.

Eight Pinoy competitors will also fight to advance in the inaugural MWF Championship Tournament, including the high-flying Robin Sane, fan favorite Aldrin Richards, the enigmatic Ninja Ryujin and the street bully Fabio Makisig.

The “Kapa-FEDs” will also be treated to MWF’s unique audio-visual presentations, highlighted by the ongoing short film series “Sagot Kita” featuring action hero Gigz Stryker, now on its fourth episode entitled “Okay Ka, Stryker Ko!”

MWF has also partnered up with event ticketing app Ticket2Me, making it more convenient for Pinoy wrestling fans to buy their tickets online and pay through a variety of outlets such as Paypal, local banks, and 7-11 stores nationwide.

Get your tickets to ”MWF 4: Road to Fate” at MWF’s official news website www.mwfinsiderblog.com !

For inquiries and ticket reservations, please send a message to the Manila Wrestling Federation’s official Facebook page www.facebook.com/ManilaWrestlingFederation, or contact +63 9178431194.