Wazzup Pilipinas Radio 2nd Episode: Dissecting Anime and Cosplay in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We've just completed another episode of Wazzup Pilipinas Radio over 8Trimedia Network and broadcasted live on DZRJ 810 AM, plus livestreaming on Facebook Live and YouTube Live. The best about our show is that you can easily go back and watch the episode just in case you missed it, or is not an early riser as the 6 to 7 am time slot is indeed too early for a Sunday.

Wazzup Pilipinas Radio guests were Emerson Anthony Lacson, Ferrari Lacson and Ronald Guanzon from the Anime and Cosplay community. Thank you to my co-host, David D'Angelo (aka Master Pogi) for reaching out to these guys and inviting them to our show.

We've learned that the twins (Emerson and Ferrari) are very active in the cosplay community and had a very interesting past engagement with Ronald whom they consider as a major influence and mentor.

We heard Emerson talked about his cosplay of John Wick (Keanu Reeves) while his twin brother cosplays Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), and a surprise re-launch of We Are Anime (WAA) from Ronald Guanzon, who is the man behind its popularity way back when anime was just starting in the country. You could consider him as a pioneer of the anime community in the Philippines. He even showed us an image of an anime character he named as "Waa" of which I jokingly said it could also be called as Waa-zzup Pilipinas!

Wow is just not enough to express our appreciation of the discussion of many topics as they express their thoughts and opinions about the community. They should return for a part two of our discussion as the topics are almost endless. I'm sure many are interested in finding out more about anime and cosplay.

Mutya ng Taguig 2017: Beauty with Conviction, Confidence and Action

Wazzup PIlipinas!

SM Aura Premier of Taguig shined with the radiance of the most beautiful, and the brightest of Taguig city's young ladies, as the Mutya ng Taguig 2017 grand coronation was held at their SMX Convention Center on the night of May 21, 2017.

Congratulations to the newly crowned Mutya ng Taguig 2017, Lovely Ely Lamptey. 21 year old Lovely Ely is representing Barangay Central Bicutan of Taguig city. She believes in volunteerism for camaraderie.

"Thank you City of Taguig for choosing me to be your Mutya ng Taguig 2017 and giving me a chance to represent my Barangay (Brgy. Central Bicutan) in this pageant I am beyond thankful and gratified to wear this crown today" says Lovely Ely on her Facebook page.

Daniella Mariz Lamptey, Lovely Eley's sister, also posted a special message to her sister "2017 is truly a lucky year for both of us, Congratulations my dear sister Ely Lamptey for winning Mutya ng Taguig 2017, God has given you the crown because of your determination ang hardwork, you are truly beautiful tonight and you deserve that crown, Congratulations and Godbless."

True to her given name, Lovely Ely, is now Taguig city's "loveliest" Mutya ng Taguig 2017, as she takes over in being an ambassador of her beloved Taguig city.

24 Korean Exhibitors Lead International Food Firms at IFEX Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Twenty-four Korean companies showcased their leading food and products at IFEX, making it the top foreign exhibitor country at the three-day international food trade fair which started on Friday, May 19, and runs until Sunday, May 21.

This year’s Korean delegation had 23 returning companies and 1 new entrant, presenting their native as well as innovative food and beverages.

Among the group are the top two Korean leading firms in food distribution, manufacturing and service: the CJ Group, a conglomerate that holds both CJ Freshway and CJ Cheiljedang; and the Daesang Corporation, which have a combined annual revenue of around $19.8 billion dollars.

“Here in the Philippines, we are looking to create more opportunities for trade and improve our relations with the local companies. We are aware that Filipinos are particularly fond of our product and we are also interested in the tropical products here, especially seafood,” said Shen Shin, Executive Vice President of CJ Freshway.

Targeting the Philippines and Asia’s trade buyers, Korean exports included the iconic seaweed snacks, kimchi, and health beverages. Other products were Gam Moon Yeoun’s soybean paste, Brandacumen’s korean red ginseng, banana milk from Yonsei University Dairy, and Applease Korea Brewery’s Apisode, an apple carbonated hard cider made of fermented Korean apple. There were natural and organic products such as 3B Netrorks’ Smart Bar, made from blueberry, almond, peanut, oat, green tea, and brocolli; and Natural Dream Co.‘s Preto Acai powder, and green tea spreads that seemed to be targeting the younger and trendy market.

Agricultural products from Gyeongbuk Corporation were Apple, Pears, Persimmon, and fruit juices and aloe vera drink from Tulip International.

Food industry experts from ASEAN-KOREA CENTRE Trade Facilitation Workshops in the Philippines also held seminars on Purchasing Trends and Import Procedures of Seafood products, by Mr. YOON Jae-sik; Seafood Merchandiser at CJ Freshway; and Sourcing Trends and Import Procedures of agricultural products by Mr. SONG In-su; Assistant Manager at DAESANG; and Packaging Trend of Food Products and strategy for global market access, by Mr. LEE Young-hwan; Specialist of Strategic Purchasing Team (Packaging team), CJ Cheiljedang.

A total of 85 foreign exhibitors are participating this year, with Korea leading the pack, followed by China with 19 exhibitors, and Taiwan with 11, based on the latest tally.