Winning Writers Celebrated at 68th Palanca Awards Ceremony

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Thirteen-time Palanca winner and 2001 Hall of Famer, Alfred “Krip” Yuson was conferred the Gawad Dangal ng Lahi award at the 68th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature for his contributions to the advancement of Philippine literature. With him are (from left) Sylvia Palanca-Quirino, Carl Anthony Palanca and Criselda Cecilio-Palanca. Yuson was the speaker and guest of honor in the annual literary awards in a ceremony recently held at The Manila Peninsula.

It was a night of celebrating literary excellence as the 68^th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature honored the authors of the competition’s winning entries recently at the Peninsula Manila in Makati City.

A total of 54 writers, 28 of which were first-time awardees, were chosen as this year’s batch of winners. Two authors each bagged prizes in two separate categories. A total of 20 regular categories were opened this year. The winning entries were evaluated and chosen by an elite roster of literary personalities from various fields.

This year’s awarding ceremony had as Speaker and Guest of honor multi-awarded writer Alfred “Krip” Yuson. He was conferred the Gawad Dangal ng Lahi for his contributions to the Philippine literary scene, including novels, poetry collections, short fiction, essays, and children’s stories. Yuson is a recipient of 13 Palanca Awards across various categories and was elevated to the Palanca Hall of Fame in 2001.

Named after businessman and philanthropist Don Carlos Palanca Sr., the Palanca Awards continuously seeks to cultivate Philippine Literature by providing incentives for writers and serving as a treasury of these literary gems. It is considered the gold standard in writing excellence, highly-coveted by Filipino writers, young and old alike.

Following is the list of winners of the 68^thPalanca Awards:

KABATAAN DIVISION

KABATAAN SANAYSAY

1st Prize          Jack Lorenz Acebedo Rivera             Paglaya Mula sa Pagtakas    

2nd Prize         Jacob Renz R. Ambrocio                   Sino ang Lumansag sa Lunday ni Lola Basyang?

3rd Prize          Maria Jamaica S. Columbres            Gulugod sa Pagsibol ng Binhi

KABATAAN ESSAY

1st Prize          Floriane T. Taruc                                Worlds Behind Words

2nd Prize         Jaz Varon Villanueva                          Boundless

3rd Prize          Jana Gillian Ang                                A Passage to Reading

FILIPINO DIVISION

MAIKLING KUWENTO

1st Prize          Eugene C. Soyosa                              Gina

2nd Prize         Andrew A. Estacio                             Ang Kanonisasyon ng mga Santa Santino

3rd Prize          Luna Sicat Cleto                               Tatlong Proposisyon ng Puting Hangin

           

MAIKLING KUWENTONG PAMBATA

1st Prize          Jerwin Eileen G.C. Tarnate                Ang Higad at ang Paru-paro

2nd Prize         Eugene Y. Evasco                              Siyap ng Isang Sisiw

3rd Prize          Early Sol A. Gadong                          Maraming-Maraming-Marami

SANAYSAY

1st Prize          Engr. Gil A. Dulon Jr.                          Amoral Ang Siyensya Subalit May Boses Din Ang Mga Maso

2nd Prize         Adelma L. Salvador                            Kambak-kambak

3rd Prize          Iza Maria G. Reyes                             Hindi Ako Dalisay

TULA

1st Prize          Paul Alcoseba Castillo                        Luna't Lunas

2nd Prize         Mark Anthony S. Angeles                   Ang Babae sa Balangiga at iba pang Tula

3rd Prize          Noel Galon                                      Ang Bata sa Panahon ng Ligalig: Mga Tula

                                                                              sa loob at labas ng Bayan ng San Diego

TULA PARA SA MGA BATA

1st Prize          Paterno B. Baloloy Jr.                         Paumanhin ng Kuting

2nd Prize         Will P. Ortiz                                       Himbing na Kuting at iba pang Tula sa Ilalim ng Araw

3rd Prize          Noel P. Tuazon                                  Klik Madyik

DULANG MAY ISANG YUGTO

1st Prize          Michelle Josephine G. Rivera            Kaharian ng Pinto

2nd Prize         Maynard Gonzales Manansala           Tao Po

3rd Prize          Allan B. Lopez                                River Lethe

DULANG GANAP ANG HABA

1st Prize          WALANG NAGWAGI

2nd Prize         WALANG NAGWAGI

3rd Prize          Rolin Cadallo Obina                            San Nicolas (Ang Sarsuwela)

DULANG PAMPELIKULA

1st Prize          James Ladioray                                  11 Septembers

2nd Prize         Arden Rod B. Condez                         John Denver Trending

3rd Prize          Andrian M. Legaspi                             Pandanggo sa Hukay

REGIONAL DIVISION

SHORT STORY – CEBUANO

1st Prize          Januar E. Yap                                     Baradero

2nd Prize         Dave T. Pregoner.                              Sunog

3rd Prize          Leoncio P. Deriada                             Dili Baya ko Bugoy

SHORT STORY – HILIGAYNON

1st Prize          Early Sol A. Gadong                           Sa Lum-ok Sang Imo Suso

2nd Prize         Alice Tan Gonzales                             Haya

3rd Prize          Dulce Maria V. Deriada                      Candelaria

SHORT STORY – ILOKANO

1st Prize          Ariel Sotelo Tabag                              Gasanggasat

2nd Prize         Paul Blanco Zafaralla                         Sarming

3rd Prize          Jaime M. Agpalo Jr.                           Nakakidem-a-Simumulagat

ENGLISH DIVISION

SHORT STORY

1st Prize          Joe Bert Lazarte                                 Describe the Rapture

2nd Prize         Francis Paolo M. Quina                      Pigs

3rd Prize          Matthew Jacob F. Ramos                  The Final Bullet

SHORT STORY FOR CHILDREN

1st Prize          NO WINNER

2nd Prize         NO WINNER

3rd Prize          Maryrose Jairene Cruz-Eusebio         I have Two Mothers

ESSAY

1st Prize          Jefry Canoy                                        Buhay Pa Kami:  Dispatches from Marawi

2nd Prize         Ronnie E. Baticulon                            Some Days You Can't Save Them All

3rd Prize          Chuck D. Smith                                  Origin Story

POETRY

1st Prize          Rodrigo V. Dela Peña Jr.                    Self-portrait with Plastic Bag

2nd Prize         Shane Carreon                                   The Gods who Dissolved under our  Tongues and other Poems

3rd Prize          Jose Luis B. Pablo                              To Desire in Liturgy

POETRY WRITTEN FOR CHILDREN

1st Prize          Maria Amparo Nolasco Warren          Lola Elina Maria's Savory-Sweet Cookbook of Poetry

2nd Prize         Sigrid Marianne P. Gayangos            Of Monsters, Math and Magic

3rd Prize          Roselle Eloise B. Bunayog                 Brave, Undying Warriors

ONE-ACT PLAY

1st Prize          Katrina M. Bonillo                                Burying Mamang in Sugar

2nd Prize         Joe Bert Lazarte                                 Senator Pancho Aunor's Blue Balls ofDespair and Disillusionment

3rd Prize          Luciano Sonny O. Valencia                Leavings

FULL-LENGTH PLAY

1st Prize          Beryl Andrea P. Delicana                   Mango Tree

2nd Prize         Patrick James M. Valera                    Symphony

3rd Prize          Dominique La Victoria                      Toward the Fires of Revolution

Ilonggos to Get Hold of the E-Power Movement

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) continues to empower the Filipinos with the E-Power Mo movement, which will be held on Tuesday (9 October) at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel.

The E-Power Mo is the DOE’s move to impart crucial knowledge to Filipino energy consumers and stakeholders by providing objective and helpful information.

The theme of the E-Power Mo Iloilo leg is “Empowering Filipinos through Informed Energy Plans and Policies.”

 “E-Power Mo is a great avenue for us to create a discourse on our many social issues regarding energy, and how we can resolve related concerns by understanding the facts and contributing to the general discussion,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.

The Energy Chief further emphasized, “We envisioned that by bringing the energy family closer to the public, more Filipinos would know, utilize, patronize and benefit from the many existing government programs and projects, thereby becoming empowered on their choices. The results should bring in more wealth, not only on each Filipino family but also to the community.”

The morning session of the E-Power Mo event will highlight the following topics: Philippine Energy Plan 2017-2040, TRAIN Law and its effects on the energy sector, Executive Order No. 30 for faster processing of energy investments, and the country’s establishment of its position towards nuclear energy use.

In the afternoon, there will be detailed discussions on the six (6) sub-sectors of the energy industry through breakout sessions on Downstream Oil Industry and Natural Gas, Upstream Oil and Gas Industry, Renewable Energy, Power and Electric Industry, Alternative Fuels and Energy Efficiency, and Consumers.

On 10 October (Wednesday), the DOE E-Power Mo will also have an extended conference for the local media through a series of Energy 101 on the different sub-sectors of the industry to help them guide in their reporting.

The E-Power Mo is in partnership with the Presidential Communications Operations Office, the Philippine Information Agency and the B-LEADERS Project of USAID. 

Its four tenets summarize the energy policy agenda of President Rodrigo R. Duterte:

1. (E-POWER MO) Develop and utilize energy resources available to Filipinos for wealth creation and global competition 

2. (E-SAFETY) Undertake safety and savings measures through energy efficiency 

3. (E-SECURE) Secure the delivery of quality, reliable and affordable energy services 

4. (E-DISKARTE) Empower consumers through a wide range of options in utilizing conventional, renewable and alternative energy sources. 

UP ACES Proudly Presents Blackout: Retro Bliss

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Prepare for another night you'll never forget as the UP Association of Civil Engineering Students - UP ACES together with Review Innovations and DMCI Homes brings you, Blackout: Retro Bliss.

Get lost in time as the rave party we know and love meets the 80s'. Expect a night of striking colors, classic bangers, bottomless drinks, and nostalgic arcade machines.

Join us on October 19 at the Circle Events Place to be part of a once in a lifetime experience. Together, let’s make heaven a place on earth.

With beats by:
Curse & Bless
Zaiten
DJ Drey

and MC Monti Comia on the mic

Co-presented by:
Tanduay Rhum official
Arcadis Manila GEC
JACMI (Jose Aliling Constructions Management Inc)
Privé Estética
Mystery Manila
Kettle Korn
Caronia Philippines
ASPIRE Philippines
Trampoline Park - Zero Gravity Zone

In cooperation with:
San Miguel Brewery Inc.
12CAD.com

Also brought to you by:
TandeM Engineering Consultancy
Unitec Pipe Mfg. Corp.
Boysen Paints
DDT Konstract, Inc.
Microcadd Institute Inc
Orange Segment Print and Design Studio
Adarna House
NESCAFÉ
Mr. Laba-Luvah Katipunan Branch

Our media partners:
Monster RX93.1
DZUP
Rave.PH
ASTIG.PH
Wazzup Pilipinas

Our Organization partners:
Major Partners:
UP Progressive Responsive Innovative Movement in Engineering - UP PRIME
UP Circuit
TAU ALPHA
UP Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Association, Inc.
UP Tau Lambda Alpha Sorority
UP Diliman Golden Z Club
UP Gears and Pinions
UP Beta Epsilon Fraternity

Minor Partners:
UP Chemical Engineering Society Inc.
UP Center for Student Innovations
Swimming Enthusiasts' Association UP
Miriam College Junior Marketing Association

Official Documentation Partner
UP Iris

Ticket Prices:
PHP 250 - Pre-Selling
PHP 280 - Gate Price

You may buy your tickets at the UP ACES Tambayan located at the 1st Floor Lobby, Melchor Hall, UP Diliman.

For meet-ups within or near UP Diliman, please contact:

PK - 09081119278 or
Hanah - 09055149053

#Blackout2018
#RetroBliss

Ang Buhay Ni Galileo Musical at PETA

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Ang Buhay Ni Galileo" is a highly intelligent FILM. You need to listen intently to the dialogue to learn and understand what the musical is all about.

I was deciding whether to watch it or not.

Having decided to go and watch this 1981 revival of PETA's 2nd play, I was well pleased.

I believe God was teaching me and talking me thru the play's story.

Galileo discovered that the planets revolve around the sun instead of the previous notion that all the planets in our solar system including the sun revolve around the earth.

The last song at the first half of the musical was singing about how we should not be "sunud-sunuran" and that we should learn and discover things on our own so that  we can elevate to a higher level in our own lives.

The theme of the current generation of Galileo was that everyone was always just following their leaders blindly.

We are called to be people that will champion science and to discover new inventions that can ultimately make life better for the whole of mankind.

This play encourages one to have democracy, to have good discourses and to foster open forums/discussions about new ideas/inventions for groups to discuss. Who knows? Someone that is not being noticed actually has the cure for cancer or the secret ingredients or formulas to create a TIME-MACHINE!

Written by David Ferro

Roman Baths Scrubbing Salon in SM Megamall

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I was fortunate enough to experience their services a few weeks after their opening and was able to share my thoughts and review about them on my social media vlogs I posted on Facebook.

I'm sort of liking more to upload my videos on Facebook rather than YouTube because it's a lot faster and convenient on my part. So please do check out my videos about Roman Baths on either my personal Facebook page or at the official Facebook page of Wazzup Pilipinas.

Speaking of faster, I'm experimenting on vlogging instead of blogging since I want to improve this particular craft that could be useful in public speaking or hosting. It teaches me to effectively share my thoughts, and boosts my self-confidence.

Incidentally, body scrubbing also helps in many ways to improve both our external and internal features. This is because scrubbing smoothens skin texture, minimizes pores, prevents acne and break-outs, fights signs of aging, evens out skin tone, allows better absorption of skin products and improves blood circulation.

Treat yourself to Roman Baths Scrubbing Salon signature natural scrubbing services that will leave you feeling lighter, cleaner and more refreshed!

I experienced a Body Scrub for only P720 and a Facial Scrub for only P380 last Wednesday September 4. Ask me about it! 

Visit them at the 5th Floor Building A of SM Megamall. Call 09237297292 to book for an appointment.

Below is the official press release given during the launch.

Previously, everyone thought that scrubbing was a luxury that only the rich could afford, as it was often offered as a side service to massage packages. Now everyone can enjoy quality exfoliation at reasonable prices.

Roman Baths Scrubbing Salon and their specialized & professional skin scrubbing services goes beyond the usual pampering options being offered in the market today.

This salon, owned by Ocel Fabian and Merci Hilario, promises to make its mark by making skin exfoliation an important part of one’s regimen.

Roman Bath’s services range from a very affordable knee or elbow scrub valued at Php 160 to a thoroughly relaxing Body Scrub package (complete with massage) priced at P720.

Roman Baths Scrubbing Salon uses natural ingredients like Himalayan salt and brown sugar which gently scrub out the dead skin, dirt and grime from your skin’s pores, making you feel clean and refreshed.  These scrub basics, mixed with oils such as Chamomile, Lavender, and Green Tea, offers its patrons the perfect ambience of tranquility and calm.

“Our therapists are trained to give our clients a uniquely memorable scrubbing experience that will leave them wanting to come back for more. We make sure that we only give the best quality scrubbing service even as we make it accessible to more Filipinos,” says Merci Hilario, co-owner of Roman Baths. 

Enjoy an ultimate body scrubbing at Roman Baths Scrubbing Salon, located at 5th Floor SM Megamall, Building A. Open d aily from  10am – 10pm. You may book an appointment at +639237297292 or at rbscrubbingsalon@gmail.com. To know more, visit facebook.com/romanbathsmanila/ or follow us on IG @romanbathsmanila.   

Hackuna App Defends Your Mobile Phones Against Hackers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Aiming to make the cyberspace safer for businesses and individuals, Cryptors Cybersecurity Inc. popularly known as “Cryptors” launched Hackuna Anti-hack, a mobile application that serves as weapon against mobile hackers.

Developed by 21-year-old CEO Alexis Lingad, the Hackuna app, derived from famous Lion King movie statement “Hakuna Matata” (means no worries), claims to be the first of its kind in the world.

By downloading the app, which is available now in Google Play and soon to be in App store, it boasts its capability to blocks hackers within the network from hacking the user. Through pressing the button WiFi Blocker, the user can now track the one who hacked her/him making the world different now, as hackers are the one who should be afraid of hacking the users on public WiFi.

“Before, we have to be extra careful in connecting to free WIFI on public areas such as train stations, coffee shops, malls and government offices because these are the places where WIFI hackers mostly catch their victims. But because Hackuna app is already here to protect your mobile phones against these threats, you don’t need to worry anymore” Lingad said.

Meanwhile, by clicking the Permission Analyzer button in the Hackuna app, it will detect the apps that have unreasonable permission to access the user's private data, camera, mic, SMS, GPS, call logs and contacts without the user knowing.

“There are a lot of apps that seems trusted just because we downloaded it on Play Store but there are still apps that go beyond the security of the platform. For example the Pitu app, it is a trendy app in but it has been discovered that it collects too many private data in our smartphone and invades our privacy. A simple Flashlight app in Play Store meanwhile is asking a lot of permission in your smartphone to access private data that is unreasonable to access. By using Hackuna, you will be able to detect these unknown hackers and track them down, it is a truly beautiful weapon”, Lingad explained.

Moreover, its Malware Buster has the ability to detect the hidden spy apps and the trojans that hackers use in hacking and controlling users phone remotely.

The Hackuna app boasts its 10,000 downloads in Google play in just one month which most of the subscriptions coming from The United States and The Philippines.

“Usually, a mobile security apps takes a month to have its 1000 installments. Hackuna just did 10 times of that. In just 1 month after its public launch,. it gained 10,000+ downloads. Usually, there are only 1% - 5% daily active users in a security mobile apps but in Hackuna, we have 30% - 40% daily active users, ” he added.

Save your friends in the digital world now by downloading this app. Fore more information, please visit www.cryptors.org .

4 Reasons Why You Must Have a Travel Pillow

Wazzup Pilipinas!

If you’re not the kind of person who can afford flying first-class wherever you go, I recommend coming to the airport prepared. In my book, this includes a travel pillow and an eye mask, but I find the pillow a lot more important (see below why).

#1: Comfort, Comfort, Comfort

You don’t need to be a spoiled princess to own a comfortable travel pillow – you just need to travel often enough that your neck starts to hurt from the uncomfortable chairs and weird snoozing. Regardless of the fact that you travel by plane, boat, or bus, you are forced to occupy the confining space of your seat for the entire duration of the trip.

While I am a small person, and this gives me some room to move in the seat, my neck still has to suffer. I used to get out of the transportation vehicle with a stiff neck and back pain which took about two or three days to go away. This is definitely not my idea of fun!

So, I recommend a travel pillow to anyone who wants the slightest bit of extra comfort while traveling. Even more, buying one that is snug and wraps around your body is a fantastic idea!

#2: No Extra Wrinkles

I know that traveling has a permanent effect on my body and skin. I see it happen, as jetlag whoops me into chronic fatigue for days on end, and when I catch my face in the mirror. However, this is a risk I must take since this is what I love doing. But, I will not take any risks I can avoid, such as getting more lines on my face (than necessary).

Having a travel pillow allowed me to keep my face away from seat covers, blouses, or other materials my head may fall over.

#3: You Can Have Your Pick

The thing I like about these products is the wide and varied offer. Nowadays, there are inflatable pillows, memory foam designs, with a hood attached, pillows that have an inner structure, and more.

I started with an inflatable one because it was cheap and only took little space in my travel bag. However, the material on the side that touched my neck and face started wearing down after a while, so I had to give it up.

The second type of pillow I love is the memory foam design. True, it takes a lot more space, but it is so much more comfortable! The material changes position as you change position and creates the ideal shape for your needs. Sure, you’ll get a little bit hot, but it is worth it!

Finally, the one I have now is like a scarf with an inner structure that can be fixated on your neck. So, the structure supports your head while the material keeps your neck warm and cozy. Honestly, I like this one the best because it’s small and customizable.

#4: Extremely Useful

Like most of the new travelers, I was a skeptic at first. What, that tiny thing will help me feel better? No way! But, as I started using them, I learned their true usefulness and now I don’t leave home without one. Even more, they’re not expensive, they’re almost everywhere, and they’ll change your life as a traveler forever!

Grand Central Park Welcomes Newest Grand Hyatt Manila Residences

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Prime real estate developer, Federal Land Inc., forges ahead in realizing its master-planned, New York inspired community in North Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig – Grand Central Park.  A testament to the company’s mission of reshaping the skyline and reimagining the country, this 10-hectare mixed-use development heralds the transformation of North BGC as it features architectural marvels set to be the cradle of upscale lifestyle and business with fully integrated residential, commercial, retail, and special interest spaces.

Designed according to global standards, Federal Land’s Grand Central Park gives Filipinos a taste of New York living marked by style, mobility, convenience, and being at the forefront of what’s new and trending. Much like its Western counterpart, this integrated community pulsates with opportunities and activities with key financial, cultural, and lifestyle districts well within reach.

Enticing Filipinos to bite into the promise of the Big Apple way of life are the most iconic structures in the community: the shimmering glass towers of Grand Hyatt Manila and Grand Hyatt Manila Residences.

Grand Hyatt Manila hotel, opened early this year offering a myriad of exciting experiences and dramatic restaurant concepts echoing the philosophy of #LivingGrand and promising to bring moments of more.  Beside the hotel lies the 50-story Grand Hyatt Manila Residences, which carry the renowned Grand Hyatt brand of hospitality and service.

Grand Hyatt Manila Residences melds luxury services and design efficiency giving dwellers the chance to live out the signature level of grandeur delivered by Grand Hyatt.

Continuing this tradition of grand dwellings is the new addition to the Grand Hyatt legacy in Manila – a second tower completing the Grand Hyatt Manila Residences in Grand Central Park. Towering at 50 stories, the second tower has a separate podium next to Grand Hyatt Manila endowing utmost luxury and privacy. This new tower will also have larger minimum unit size, a balcony for each unit, added amenities, and more.

Owning a home here also means having exclusive membership to the World of Hyatt loyalty program that lets members enjoy special in-hotel rewards each time they stay or dine in any Hyatt hotel worldwide. As World of Hyatt members, future residents can earn points when they avail of hotel services and redeem rewards such as dining and spa experiences and room upgrades.

Indeed, exciting developments abound as Grand Central Park further takes shape.  To get updates and to know more about Grand Hyatt Manila Residences, visit https://federalland.ph/properties/grand-hyatt-manila-residences/ or call (02) 551-1212.