WeeXpress App Is Here To Deliver Your Gifts This Christmas Holiday

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This holiday season, delivering gifts to your friends, colleagues and loved ones is now becoming more easier as WeeXpress App is set to be your friendly companion in gift-giving.

WeeXpress, a trusted, Filipino made service and mobile application aims to fulfill customers' everyday delivery needs with their courier and delivery services all over Metro Manila. The company's vision is to become the Philippines' most efficient delivery app, leading in eco-friendliness through their efforts to promote environment-friendly services with couriers making use of bicycles and motorcycles on deliveries.

The app is proudly made by Filipino developers dedicated to giving the Philippines a more efficient way of transporting documents, parcels, and packed food. At the same time, it aims to solve a portion of the Philippines’ societal issues by providing jobs to the unemployed who are willing to make deliveries on bicycles and motors, given that they have the required government clearances.

You can download the WeeXpress App on Google Play (for Android users) or AppStore (for IOS users) and follow the four-step delivery procedure. With their guaranteed same day (eight-hour guaranteed delivery), it's sure to make your parcels and documents just right in time of your need.

1. Book a Pick-Up point

2. Wait for your rider to pick-up your item

3. Track your parcel through our app. You'll get notified once the receiver gets the item.

4. Delivery done!

The base rate is at (50) pesos for the roadside pick up and (60) pesos for the door to door deliveries within the first three kilometers. Succeeding distance would be charged (12) pesos per kilometer.

WeeXpress gives money back guarantee for all deliveries in Metro Manila, giving satisfaction to its clients. The said policy guarantees payment refund for all deliveries that exceeds more than 8 hours from the time of pick-up to delivery.

WeeXpress is created by a group of logistics minds with vast experience on shipping and transportation and knows deeply the complete cycle of end to end deliveries.

For every delivery, WeeXpress donates (2) pesos to the My Superhero Friends Foundation Inc.

Michael Maranan who is a biker himself founded the WeeXpress with the aim to make logistics services affordable and eco-friendly.

“We are the first logistic services courier to push bicycles as alternative mode of transporting parcels and deliveries in the Philippines. We want this to be the mainstream mode of transporting small goods here in our country due to its pro-environment advantages, Maranan claims.

Christmas Is Home at the Star-Studded Araneta Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Wazzup Pilipinas!


One of the most anticipated activities at The Araneta Center is happening on the night of Friday of November 16. We witnessed Araneta Center lit up as it switched the stunning 3000 LED lights on it's iconic giant assortedly decorated Christmas tree at Times Square food park, with a constellation of stars, led by Sarah Geronimo and Vice Ganda, descending in the country's premiere Lifestyle hub. Also there were the Kid's Choice jurors, popular love teams,

This 37-year old tradition has never failed to mezmerize the crowd as the Christmas Tree is considered the centerpiece of Yuletide season.

The Araneta Center also partnered with the Parent Advocates for Visually Impaired Children (PAVIC) to treat 19 blind kids.

The Binibining Pilipinas' Queens, led by Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray, also graced the Christmas Tree Lighting. Together with Stella Marquez Araneta, the Bb Pilipinas queens officiated the gift-giving to PAVIC .

The area is also the new home of the well-loved and returning Christmas on Display which will have it's own festive launch on November 23

Check out our photo albums at our official Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com/WazzupPilipinas

For more updates, visit www.aranetacenter.net


and the social media pages of The Araneta Center @AranetaCenter on Facebook and @TheAranetaCenter on Instagram


#WazzupPilipinas #PambansangBlogger #TheAranetaCenter#ChristmasTreeLighting #Xmas #Yuletide #ChritmasIsHome

Pacsafe Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Pacsafe celebrates two decades of providing secure and stylish travel gear for all travelers.

For two decades, Pacsafe has been at the forefront of innovating anti-theft carry solutions and helping people around the world enjoy life’s adventures knowing their gear is safe. It all began in 1998, when two Australian travelers combined their love for travel and technology with a vision to help travellers across the globe. They chose a turtle for the Pacsafe® logo as a tribute to the sea creatures who navigate the world with their protective homes on their backs. The constantly moving, forever exploring mindset became part of the brand’s DNA, not just in travel, but in developing and improving quality products as well. In 20 years, Pacsafe has garnered multiple industry accolades for their innovative, consumer-focused design.

The patented anti-theft Pacsafe Technology™ is at the heart of it all: smart closures, easy and secure locking systems, RFID blocking material — protecting your bag, belongings and identity.

As a testament to its success, Pacsafe is available in 40 countries including the Philippines, where it is currently in its 11th successful year. In celebration of its 20th year, including its phenomenal Philippine run, Pacsafe releases 18 new styles for its Fall/Winter 2018 collection: from backpacks to messenger bags and portable safes, each new style is testament to how far the brand has come.

To celebrate 20 years of safe travels, Pacsafe launched a Travelsafe and Vibe backpack made with Econyl® - a yarn made from regenerated nylon waste including fishing nets, which means less rubbish in our oceans.

Pacsafe for its 20^th year is releasing two limited edition EconylThe bags are made from regenerated nylon wastes gathered from the oceans

Pacsafe Travelsafe (Php 4,390)

Pacsafe Vibe (Php 8,190)

One of the highlights from the Fall/Winter 2018 collection is the Citysafe CX collection now in Blue Orchid - made for every style-forward city dweller, with seven different styles in an irresistible blue and gray floral print.

The Citysafe CX backpack (Php 6390) in the new Blue Orchid color can be converted to a shoulder bag.

Pacsafe Citysafe CX Square Crossbody (Php 4490)

Pacsafe Citysafe CX Wristlet Wallet (Php 2890)

Pacsafe Citysafe CX Tote (Php 8890) 

Another highlight is the Stylesafe collection—stylish travel essentials for professionals, travelers and professional travelers alike—now available in a refreshing Kombu Green colorway.

Pacsafe Stylesafe Backpack (Php 6090) in the new Kombu Green colorway

Pacsafe Stylesafe Convertible Crossbody (Php 6090)

Pacsafe Stylesafe Sling Backpack (Php 5490)

Pacsafe Stylesafe tote (Php 6690)

Magnus McGlashan, Pacsafe Co-Founder, looks forward to the brand’s next 20 years as the world’s leading maker of safe travel gear. “Fueled by the spirit of constant innovation, we have steadily built a team dedicated to inventing ground-breaking carry solutions that keep people’s gear safe when they are on the go. We won awards for our technology, gathered more than 40 patents, and most importantly solved a whole range of security issues,” said Magnus McGlashan, co-founder of Pacsafe®. “Whether it’s bags that work as portable safes, backpacks that are easy to lock yet hard to break into, or wallets that help prevent RFID scan scams, it’s all designed to keep your mind at ease when out in the world, so you can do more, see more, and be more.”

And following the lead of the global Pacsafe brand, local distributor United Limsun aims to further bring Pacsafe products closer to its Filipino audience. Dustin Lim, CEO of United Limsun International Trading Corporation shares: “For the past decade, Pacsafe has been well received by Filipinos. We have also acquired a good number of loyal followers. Our next goal is to make the brand omnipresent in all malls and strengthen our online presence, making the brand more accessible to our customers. At present, we are in 173 doors: 7 Pacsafe stores, 33 major department stores, and 133 multi-brand chains. 14 of these multi-brand chains is URBANIZE—a local brain child of United Limsun International Trading Corporation.” With 20 years of innovation and millions of miles covered, Pacsafe remains to be the 1 trusted brand for travelers who want to embrace life’s adventures knowing their gear is secure.



PACSAFE is located in the following malls: Glorietta 5 G/F, SM Mall of Asia G/F and SM Seaside Cebu 2/F, SM North EDSA The Block 3/F, SM Lanang Premier UG, and Ayala Centrio GF. It is also available at all branches of Urbanize and at urbanize.com.ph. For more information about Pacsafe products, visit www.pacsafe.com or follow Pacsafe on Facebook and Instagram at /PacsafePH. #Pacsafe20Years

Understanding Sleep Disorder and How To Save Big On Medicines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Various study reports have estimated the total expenditure for insomnia in the United States can range from $35 billion per year to $107 billion per year. The costs are inclusive of the direct treatment expenditure that consists of physician visitation and prescriptions and the associated and indirect costs like the utilization of medical services, increased accident risk, and a loss of workplace productivity.

Understanding sleep disorders

In this era of increasing communication, information and scrutiny, the sleep medicine centers and networks, the different businesses in the sleep medicine R&D as well the patient himself must know the costs of insomnia. However, patients can now rest easy because, through the Prescription Discount Program presented by Pharma Quotes. Here, they now have the option to save up to 75% on various generic and branded drugs including sleep disorder prescription drugs.

There are various forms of sleep disorders;

(i) Narcolepsy

(ii) Sleep-apneas

(iii) Circadian rhythm disorders; delayed sleep phase

(iv) Restless legs syndrome and other insomnia related movement disorders

(v) Para-somnias also known as night terrors

Around 25-30% of the American population suffers from insomnia according to the National Institutes of Health, USA. All over around the world there has been a growing trend of people suffering from various sleep disorders and has been officially classed as a mental health disorder. It is quite a shocking fact that sleep disorder is now twice as common in occurrence as clinical depression or anxiety.

Chronic insomnia is most common in adults, and the condition usually worsens with passing age. It is sad but true the fact that a patient who has insomnia suffers a higher rate of medical morbidity as well as psychiatric morbidity. What adds on to the worsening quality of life for the patient is usually the financial burden of such a vexing disorder. 

The symptoms

· difficulty in falling and staying asleep

· daytime fatigue

· irritability and anxiety

· lack of concentration

· depression

Diagnosing Sleep Disorders

The specialist will perform specific tests including:

· polysomnography to evaluate oxygen levels, body movements, and brain waves

· electroencephalogram to assesses electrical activity in the brain and detection of potential problems

· genetic blood testing for the diagnosis of narcolepsy

The treatment

The treatment generally consists of a combination of prescription drugs and lifestyle changes.

Medical Treatments

· sleeping pills

· melatonin supplements

· cold medication

· breathing device or surgical procedures (in the case of sleep apnea)

· a dental guard (in case of teeth grinding)

Lifestyle Changes

These include,

· increased intake of vegetables and fish in the diet; reducing sugar intake

· reducing levels of stress through exercises

· a regular sleeping schedule

· low water consumption before bedtime

· limiting the caffeine intake

· decreased tobacco and alcohol use

Having a good sleeping habit, going to bed and waking up at regular times is the only way to cope with sleeping disorders. Practicing a healthy lifestyle along with the prescription medications will help you sleep better and supply the much-needed drive and energy to tackle the problems of life.

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Iran Diaz Make Weight Ahead Of One: Kingdom Of Heroes

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), announced today that WBC Super Flyweight World Champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai of Thailand and challenger Iran “MagnifiKO” Diaz of Mexico have both made the contracted weight limit at today’s official weigh-in and are expected to be ready for all the action which takes place this Saturday night. Srisaket tipped the scales officially at 52kgs (114.6lbs), while Diaz easily made weight for the first world title contest of his professional career at 52.1kgs (114.8lbs).

Ticket information for ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES is available at www.onefc.com.

For photos of the official weigh-in, click here: http://bit.ly/2IDw4FX

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Iran Diaz are set to square off in the main event of ONE: KINGDOM OF HEROES, set for Saturday, 6 October, at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. The bout will be for the coveted WBC Super Flyweight World Championship. In the co-main event, ONE Super Series Kickboxing Atomweight World Champion “Killer Bee” Kai Ting Chuang of Chinese Taipei will defend her title against ONE Super Series debutant Stamp Fairtex.

Also on the card are the absolute best in local and international martial arts talent, including big names such as Shinya Aoki, Ev Ting, Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, Leandro Issa, Petchmorrakot Wor. Sangprapai, Singtongnoi Por Telakun, Rika Ishige, and Petchdam Kaiyanghadao.

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, WBC Super Flyweight World Champion, stated:

“I feel very strong and I have trained very hard for this. My weight is on point and I am expecting a tremendous showing this Saturday night. I am definitely looking to finish him within the distance. This will not go to a judges’ decision. Everyone who knows me, and is a fan of mine, knows what I bring to the table. They all know how I fight. Everytime I step into the ring, my mind is always thinking knockout. This time will be no different. I’m looking to put on a show for my hometown fans!”

Iran Diaz, World Title challenger, stated:

“This is the biggest opportunity of my career, and I have worked extremely hard in camp preparing for it. Srisaket is a great champion, and he is well-loved by his people. But I’m coming in here looking to seize the moment. This is my time to shine. I have the best team in my corner. They have helped get me ready to capture the gold. I feel so strong and ready. Making weight was no problem for me. I have one thing on my agenda, and that’s to take the belt back home to Mexico. The champion better be ready, because I’m coming at him with my best!”

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.

Setup of Qatar Visa Centers to Benefit Migrant Workers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I was called upon by the Second Secretary of the Qatar Embassy to discuss about the setup of Visa Centers to benefit migrant workers. This was quite thrilling since my last encounter with expats was when I worked for the United Nations as their ICT Officer which gave me a working environment were most are expats coming from different countries like the USA, Myanmar, Korea, Australia and many other countries. I even thought they were summoning me because we were already about to go to Qatar for a fam or media tour. They mentioned the idea a few months ago so I was actually eager to pack my bags and visit their country. Hopefully that would materialize soon.

For now, we talk about the Visa Centers and how they would benefit migrant workers. The locations of the Visa Centers were carefully selected in terms of availability of general transportation and services within the vicinity to ensure the workers convenience and comfort. I believe this is a very important deciding factor since a far-flung Visa center would be a terrible service as the workers would have to spend more in transportation.

Aside from ensuring the rights of the said Migrant workers by documenting the contracts they agreed on, including the sated provisions, before leaving the country, this action will minimize the stories of exploitation that some employers and intermediaries may wrongly practice.

The Visa Centers would also ensure that the applicants will not pay additional amounts or fees other than the standard or required recruitment process fees. There are just some unscrupulous individuals who would try to victimize eager applicants for extra money. The Visa Centers would also help returning workers to their countries if accrued that they are not qualified to obtain a residence permit in the state of Qatar. The facilitation of the recruitment process will be more convenient as all required procedures will be completed by the worker in their country  as one of the legal requirements of entering the state of Qatar and obtaining a residence permit. This includes signing of work contracts, medical examinations, fingerprinting and the processing of other vital data.

All these will allow the workers to approach their jobs immediately after entering the country and they will be entitled to get their wages directly.

These initatives had prompted the International Labour Organization (ILO) to commend the State of Qatar for such actions. The ILO Board of Directors has praised the important legislative achievements and reforms adopted by the State of Qatar in its ongoing efforts to  to protect the rights of expatriate workers. To be specific, the commended reforms were the abolition of the exit visas, the establishment of a Workers' Support Fund, the establishment of joint labor committees, and the study of a minimum wage.

The ILO Board Members also welcomed the constructive cooperation and partnerships undertatken by the Qatar government to support efforts to implement reforms with a number of governments including the United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland, the Netherlands, as well as social partners represented by the Employers' Organization, the International Federation of Building and Wood Workers and the International Transport Workers' Federation.

Mohammed Hassan Al Obaidly, Assistant Secretary for Labor Affairs at the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs, said that Qatar is willing to ensure a productive working environment for all parties of the work system in compliance with international labor standards and ratified conventions, and to ensure all partners to provide a safe working environment and protecting the rights and interests of all production parties.

The Assistant Secretary also expressed his thanks and appreciation to the partners of friendly governments and employers and workers' organizations for their support to the efforts of Qatar and ILO in achieving the activities and objectives of the Technical Cooperation Program.

Its A Glitter Critter Christmas at SM City North EDSA this 2018

Wazzup Pilipinas!

What is amazing about SM Supermalls is that it's malls don different themes for its decors whether it be Valentines, Halloween or Christmas. It probably spends a fortune coming up into fruition with their Christmas vibe design ideas.

And to top it all up, there would always be a ceremony at most malls to officially start-off the Christmas season either by a Christmas Tree Lighting or something unique and different like what was done at SM North EDSA- a 39ft modern Glitter Critter Play Christmas Tree.

Again, there is no copy-cats here, the celebrations are uniquely mall-based and not centralized among the malls into just one concept. SM Mall of Asia had a Winter Wonderland theme and SM Megamall had Dreamland complete with trapeze artists.

The Gliter Critters is an original idea by SM North EDSA. The Glitter Critter Characters visit the mall from the outside world to experience Christmas for the first time and will take over SM City North EDSA in granting wishes and giving joy to Northern shoppers.

SM North EDSA had the Glitter Critter Christmas launch. Decorations are in and out of the malls including the fireworks and attractions at the Sky Garden, so check it out too. The Glitter Critter Christmas launch entertained the kids with the appearances of not just the outer space colorful Glitter Critters Cap, Boom, Chum, Lox, Oola and Lala, Puchik, Ching, Twinkle, Mick, Baloo, and Baba but also of Pikachu, Nutty Scientists professors and the complete Doraemon cast. A popular hunky singer also went around to serenade the audience.

Days before the launch, there were webisodes posted online sharing the journey of the Glitter Critters and their discovery of Christmas.

In the 8 episode videos, these cute Critters of Planet Hapitu make their biggest discovery and found a spectacular place full of wonder and joy, SM City North EDSA. Cap, the captain of the expedition and the wisest of all the Critters, looked for explorers from the citizens of Planet Hapitu to join him on his mission towards the happiest place in the universe.

The Glitter Critters supposedly transformed The Block and Skygarden into a happy play park in glittering lights where the Glitter Critters play around and enjoy the holiday season.

Plus there was a presentation of the Share-A-Bear charitable program now benefitting the kids with Down Syndrome.

Everything is merry and bright at SM City North EDSA as it celebrates a Glitter Critter Christmas for kids of all ages for the entire Christmas season. At the launch were kids wearing colorful outfits, lots of finger food and some drinks, crafts to try by the kids including experiments at the Nutty Professor booth, and special appearance of SM Supermalls executives including SM COO Steven Tan and SVP for Marketing Joaquin "Jonjon" San Agustin on our video and photo coverage. There was also an Opening message from Jocelyn Clarino, AVP of Operations at SM North EDSA. Of course the Glitter Critters were also joined by Santa Claus too.

There were also the appearance of some celebrities, both young and adult, including their families, husband and kids, joining the stage especially on the countdown to light up the huge Christmas installation with the words PLAY, and the others located at different parts of the mall. Notable celebrities are Kids' Choice juror Xia Vigor, actress and TV host Dimples Romana, Aubrey Miles, troy Montero, Camille Pratts, Princess Velasco, ....and not to forget SM Elevator Girl who is always present at every launch of all SM Supermalls

Majority of our videos and photos are posted on our official Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas

Congratulations SM North EDSA fir the original concept unlike using the traditional Christmas Trees and the new characters that they can also use as their adorable mascots.

ONE Conquest of Champions Kick Off Press Conference in Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), recently held the official ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS Kick-Off Press Conference last Tuesday, 20 November at the City of Dreams in Manila. In attendance were Chief Financial Officer of ONE Championship, Mr. Hua Fung Teh, ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera, world title challenger Mauro “The Hammer” Cerilli, former ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, and Singaporean star Amir Khan.


Also in attendance were CMO of Zilingo, Marita Abraham, and Vice President, Gaming Operations of COD, Mr. Roger Lwin.


Announced at the Press Conference were news of ONE Championship’s new athleisure business and the launch of the official ONE Championship online store, offering global fans direct access to a wide range of urban lifestyle streetwear. Available at https://shop.onefc.com/, consumers will be able to purchase the newest merchandise and pre-order special limited edition products globally online, anytime and anywhere.


Ticket information for ONE: CONQUEST OF CHAMPIONS is available at www.onefc.com.


For official photos of the Press Conference, click on this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FtOQhHzv0CgdaRUCgM50PQd3uloqYOnd?usp=sharing


Hua Fung Teh, CFO of ONE Championship, stated:


“It is always great to be back in Manila because the Philippines is one of the countries that truly and deeply appreciate martial arts. This is the reason why ONE Championship continually upkeeps holding blockbuster shows for our passionate Filipino fans. Brandon Vera and Eduard Folayang, two of the biggest superstars in the Philippines are ready to see action against incredibly tough opponents. It’s going to be an amazing evening of action. On Friday, Manila, let us make history again. Thank you and see you at the Mall of Asia Arena!”

Brandon Vera, ONE Heavyweight World Champion, stated:


“I owe the Philippines a lot for inspiring me to work harder than I ever have before. Am I ready after spending two years away from the cage? Hell yes. I’ve prepared very hard for this bout. I’ve trained every day, in between traffic, shoots, and everything in the middle. I am confident of victory. I’m still hungry and I want it more now. Mauro [Cerilli] is a worthy opponent, he’s been knocking guys out while I was away, and I am in no way underestimating him.”


Mauro Cerilli, ONE World Title Challenger, stated:


“Thank you to ONE Championship. I am very happy to be here. The way ONE promotes martial arts is true to my character. I know Brandon [Vera] is the local hero, and I have all the respect for him. But I will do my best to win the title. If you would have told me years ago I would be facing a legend like Brandon, I would not have believed you. I’ve worked very hard to get to this point, so I am grateful for the opportunity.”

Eduard Folayang, ONE Athlete, stated:


“Thank you all for coming and for all the support. Last year, things didn’t go as I expected. I lost the title. But this year is a new chapter. I worked extremely hard to come back here for another opportunity at the belt. I’ve been inspired by my teammates, my coach, and all the fans. This is the biggest bout of my career, and I am excited to give the best performance of my life.”


Amir Khan, ONE Athlete, stated:


“I’m so happy to be fighting again in Manila. This is actually the second time. I fought here four years ago. I have all due respect for [Eduard] Folayang, he is a great martial artist. But I am coming for the title. I’ve worked extremely hard on my game since the beginning of my career, and I am one hundred percent confident of becoming world champion. Winning that title means everything to me. Me and my coach, we have a solid game plan for this fight. The odds may be stacked against me. I’m fighting the hometown hero, but I won’t let it affect my performance.”


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.

Bacolod is Ready for MICECon, Philippines' Biggest Industry Gathering for Travel and Tourism Practitioners

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Excited to attend the MICECon or MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) conference in Bacolod on Nov. 27-29 at the SMX Convention Center of SM City Bacolod and Resorts Negrense in Bacolod City, dubbed the “Sugar Bowl of the Philippines”.

Thank you to the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism, for the invitation to attend this event. This would be a great opportunity to know more about the MICE industry and to also tour Bacolod and its tourists spots, culinary specialties and delicacies, and the people as well. I will be staying until December 1 so I have two extra days to roam around Bacolod for my vlogging to feature not only some of its tourist spots but also its culinary specialties and delicacies as well as the culture and its people.

Experts in various industries from different parts of the world are flying to the country for the MICECon, the biggest industry gathering of its kind and a highly anticipated educational event for travel and tourism practitioners.

Participants will receive a fully comprehensive and incentivized MICECON 2018 program that includes discussions on global trends on travel and tourism, sales and marketing, business and professional development, convention and exhibition management, incentive travel, events design as well as corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and networking opportunities during the themed social functions.

MICE is a major contributor to the growth of Philippine tourism, and aims to establish the Philippines’ standing as the preferred destination for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions as outlined in the MICE Roadmap 2030, which targets to increase revenues derived from the MICE industry to some P25 billion by growing annual MICE arrivals to 3 percent, and increasing the total usable space for exhibitions to over 170,895 square meters.

The TPB has gathered an impressive roster of local and international speakers, namely: Susan Sarfati, founding chief executive officer of The Center for Association Leadership and executive vice president of the American Society of Association Executives; Liz Jackson, vice president of Association Management Group and president of Associated Luxury Hotels; Peng Ee, of the Global Commerce Business unit of TTG Asia Media; and Jerry Sibal, founder of Jerry Sibal Design and a world-renowned event designer and florist.

Aside from the learnings derived from the expected to be engaging talks from the mentioned speakers, the MICECON 2018 program is also an opportunity for networking especially during the themed social functions. Bacolod City be highlighted as they get to showcase what the city has to offer as a MICE venue, while further upgrading its capabilities in targeting and handling the MICE market.

Bacolod is ready for the many Tourism and Travel practitioners about to set foot in their city, and I hope Bacolod is also ready for the Pambansang Blogger. We'll be doing the iconic Wazzup Pilipinas  shout-out soon so I'm thrilled to be there for my video blogging as I explore the wonders of the city.

See you soon, Bacolod!

King Sue Premium Christmas Hams: The Star of the Noche Buena During Christmas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Even as early as September, Filipinos would already setup their Christmas decorations. The so called Ber month namely September, October, November and December has been a very glorious 4 months as almost everyone starts getting the Christmas spirit.

I for one would already send out a Christmas shout-out greeting on Facebook and other social media networks when September 1 strikes. Malls and TV stations will start playing Christmas songs especially those made famous by the iconic Jose Mari Chan. 

Visitors from other countries could only wonder in amazement how locals are able to allot the entire latter third part of the calendar year to celebrating Christmas. Foreigners would say the Philippines is where the best Christmas happens because it is in no other country is Christmas more special than in the Philippines. Here, it’s more than tradition—it’s so ingrained in every Filipino’s hearts that our every action suddenly reflects the spirit of the yuletide season. we suddenly become more generous and forgiving. Wouldn't it be more fun in the Philippines if the same spirit is ongoing for the entire year? or better yet, not just in the country but worldwide?

Now, just as the Christmas Tree is the star of all the decorations next to the lantern and Santa Claus images, the star of our Noche Buena, and even Media Noche, feasts is the ham. The gatherings with family and friends is made extra special if a ham is at the centerpiece. No matter how big or small, Filipino gatherings have a way of making one feel more loved and closer to each other. Filipinos are more bonded with families and relatives and a great looking and tasting ham would be a very nice conversational piece to set the mood for talks or chats while enjoying the highlight of the feast. When lechon is the star at fiestas and other gatherings, hams are the stars for the Christmas season, and always first to everything else like the queso de bola or the sparkling wines. This is a tradition King Sue Ham & Sausage Co. Inc. understands very well . That is why they try their best to make us feel like royalty by providing Premium Quality processed meats that deliver a taste fit for a king, a queen, a prince or even a princess - for all members of the family!

But hams are not only made as centerpices but also as an ingredient in many dishes as well. That is why even spaghetti. lasagnas, sandwiches, etc. could also have hams to make them so much more special.

Its founder, Mr. Cu Un Kay, came to Manila from China as a 12-year-old on board a vessel. Even at a young age, he knew the importance of hard work and was employed as a cook by his uncle who owned a cold storage facility in Echague. There, he met a German who later taught him to manufacture hams and cold cuts.

Using this knowledge, Mr. Cu Un Kay started his own business and sought to perfect the meat production process using only aluminum cauldron over three adobe stones. He concentrated on producing hams, especially the Bone-in-Chinese Ham, which his business became known for.

At the end of World War II, the brand “King Sue” was born. “KING”, the family surname, implies royalty and enormity while “SUE”, means small in Fookien. The two names, while seemingly contradicting, actually tells the story of how Mr. Cu Un Kay may have had modest beginnings, but his dreams and ambition are big.

King Sue has a wide variety of Premium Christmas Hams that are sure to suit every palate, budget, and preference from the popular Chinese Ham Bone-In, Pina Ham, Sweet Ham, Hawaiian Ham, to its Pear-Shaped Ham. “There’s a ham for everyone regardless of age, gender, and lifestyle. It can also be enjoyed not just during the Christmas season but all year round as well,” says Romana Go, Marketing Manager for King Sue.

Served these during breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the ham is always a favorite for our family, and most often we also give these away as gifts during the season. It is no surprise then that Filipinos who wish to make a lasting impression to special people in their lives choose to celebrate it with hams as their highlighting dish.  

Indeed, King Sue is as part of Filipino Christmas tradition as the various lucky round fruits we complete at least a few days before Christmas eve. and its quest to satisfy the Filipino taste and their ever-changing lifestyle will always be at its core values.