Laugh and Stack Open Mic Showdown: Laughing Out Loud All Night with the Boys of Comedy Cartel

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Being a stand-up comic is really hard work. For one, you need to match your jokes to your audience profiles. You can only find out what tickles their fancy once you're already in the middle of the stage and doing your thing. Thus, you need to have a lot of stuff as reserve. Find their soft spot first by trying out a few short jokes, serve the similar ones that clicks, and continue pushing the experience further to that point where they will really laugh out loud, and you're good for the rest of the night.

The experience on stage and performing for a huge crowd must have been totally out of this world. I can imagine the stage fright, and that "mental block" state when you forgot all of your lines, plus all the sweaty foreheads and armpits due to nervousness especially if the crowd does not react to your initial jokes. I would have fainted and almost died immediately.

I therefore admired those who were able to finish their few minutes of fame or shame, whatever they may call it, but the courage they showed to get up on that stage really points more to respect towards the boys of Comedy Cartel during the Laugh and Stack Open Mic Showdown held at Relik Tapas Bar and Lounge located at Bonifacio Global City last July 12, 2014.

The night was filled with jokes coming from both newbies and veteran stand-up comics who all fought for the votes of the audience on who will emerge as the crowd's favorite. With special guests like Uli Oposa and Mike Unson, the night promised to be full of laughter.

Ryzza Mae Dizon Wows the Crowd at the Loom Band Magic Show

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Young and old alike, everyone loves Ryzza Mae Dizon - that cute and cuddly "Aleng Maliit" that we see almost everyday from Monday to Saturday at the popular noon time show Eat Bulaga which airs on GMA 7 and also has her bubbly and vibrant show dubbed as The Ryzza Mae Show.

I've witnessed how the children adored the child star and former Little Miss Philippines winner who has consistently amazed the crowd with her charming personality and an aura that fascinates everyone inside the Solaire Resort and Casino Grand Ballroom. The Loom Bands Magic Show, with Ryzza Mae and Rico the Magician as headliners, was jam-packed with half of the audience being children of all ages.

Though there were many other performers that were equally amazing, it was still Ryzza Mae who got a standing ovation and literally the security couldn't stop everyone, especially the children, to go up front towards the stage to see the child star up close. Everyone was truly starstruck and if it were not for the security, everyone would have asked for a photo ops or "selfie" with the little wonder girl.

Wazzup Pilipinas is proud to have been a media partner of the event as everyone in the family really love Ryzza Mae. It was actually my second time to see her in person but I still couldn't stop myself staring at her performance. I am that kind of person that is hard to impress but there is something in the child that always triggers the child in me.

Manila in Fragments WTA Architecture and Design Studio in La Biennale 2014

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Metro Manila continues to witness major transformations on its landscape. What were once barren districts are now thriving with structures that host multinational companies and iconic commercial and residential developments.

Long-standing buildings from old avenues are being preserved through furthering its purpose and role in the growth of its provenance. The number of city centers, or at least those that are aspiring to serve as one, is on the rise—bringing together the live-work-play aspects in a single dense area to fulfill the promise of convenience and modern living.

Despite such renovations, the paths that identify the richness of Manila’s history are still visible— how the metropolis sprung from cohesion of small communities in the form of barangays, as well as the influence of the colonial era. Picturing these elements, when combined, the city has an immense contrast of edifices that help strengthen the character and diversity of its entirety.

These are just some of the ideas that make up WTA Architect and Design Studio’s installation for the Global Art Affairs Foundation Architecture Exhibition, a collateral event for the 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale. Carrying the theme "Fragments: Uncertainties and Characters," WTA will be presenting the various cultural, social, and political influences that mold the urban character of cities in the Philippines, particularly that of Metro Manila. Dissecting Manila’s Urban Fabric “Our exhibit seeks to elaborate how uncertainty and informality allow for a greater growth and creativity,” shares Founder of WTA Architect William T. Ti.