BREAKING

Saturday, September 11, 2021

Duterte wants Red Cross to submit themselves to government audit


Wazzup Pilipinas!?

President Duterte has threatened to stop all government transactions with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) as he continued to slam its chairman Senator Richard Gordon for leading the investigation into the alleged overpriced procurement of pandemic supplies.

Duterte said he will write a letter to PRC, a private entity, to open up its financial records for government audit.

“Either you submit an auditing procedure or we quarrel.”

Duterte says he will disassociate with the PRC if Senator Gordon won't allow the Commission on Audit (COA); to audit PRC

It would be a dereliction of his duty as head of the COA if Chairman Michael Aguinaldo refuses to audit the PRC.

Nag-tantrums na naman nang hindi nag-aaral si Duterte. 

Why would Duterte threaten the PRC during a health crisis?

PRC has always been at the forefront in the country's fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

From COVID-19 testing & vaccination, isolation facilities, emergency field hospitals, and so much more..

Didn't Duterte know PRC conducts more tests than other Government testing facilities? 

PRC also has the cheapest RT-PCR rates in the country and they’ve done a lot during the pandemic. 

Now tell me who's going to suffer when you stop transacting with PRC?

Independent and autonomous pero obligasyon ng gobyerno na kilalanin ang Red Cross. May international laws na pinirmahan ang Pilipinas na kumikilala sa Red Cross bilang isang humanitarian organization. Ire-revoke na rin ba ni tatay ang mga iyon tulad ng Rome Statute? 

Tsaka di yata siya aware sa RA 10072 or "The Philippine Red Cross Act of 2009?" Di ba lawyer siya at alam ko expert sa Public International Law si Roque (who was not seen on their meeting or more appropriately pre-recorded and edited talk show)? Bakit ganiyan sila sa MalacaƱang?

Sabi sa unang sentence ng Section 3:

The Philippine Red Cross shall be recognized as a voluntary, independent and autonomous non-governmental society auxiliary to the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines in the humanitarian field, to assist said authorities in discharging the obligations set forth in the Geneva Convention and the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement."

Mamang taga-Davao, mahirap po bang ma-gets na wala sa sakop ng COA ang PRC? Hanap ho kayo ng elementary student, para i-explain sa inyo. Kaya tayo ganito ngayon eh, simpleng bagay palang sablay na kayo...

It's quite clear to see why Duterte wants the COA to audit the PRC in spite of the COA's statement that it has no jurisdiction over the PRC:

Because Gordon is the head of the Blue Ribbon Committee which is investigating the dealings of those connected to Duterte.

Hindi kami interesado sa corruption sa PRC, kung meron man.Kahit ginagamit ni Gordon na milking cow ang PRC, hindi pera ng bayan yan. 

What we are more concerned about is how this syndicate government was able to manipulate procurement procedures to favor Pharmally.



We're now at 26K daily cases and Duterte is very busy digging up dirt on Drilon, Gordon and trying to blackmail the PRC.

#RightinformationThisElection


Service Contracting Program of DOTr


Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Muling aarangkada ang Service Contracting Program ng Department of Transportation (DOTr) at Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) matapos ilunsad ang Phase II o ikalawang bahagi ng programa nitong Biyernes, 10 Setyembre 2021.Sa pagpapatuloy ng programa na ngayo’y sa ilalim ng P3 bilyong pondo na bahagi ng General Appropriations Act 2021, balik operasyon din ang Libreng Sakay para sa health and medical frontliners, essential workers, at Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APORs). Nakatakda itong simulan sa Lunes, 13 September 2021.

“Nandito kami, malugod at masaya kaming inilulunsad ulit ang Service Contracting Program Phase II pagkat ito ay mabuti sa lahat, mabuti sa sambayanan, mabuti sa ekonomiya, mabuti sa paglago ng negosyo (sa tinatawag ng new normal),” ani DOTr Secretary Art Tugade.

Paliwanag ni Sec. Tugade, mas pinalawig ang Service Contracting Program dahil sakop na rin ng programa ang iba’t-ibang rehiyon sa bansa.



“Noon, sa Libreng Sakay, limitado ang operations nito sa Metro Manila. Ngayon ay mas pinalawak natin ang coverage nito. Sakop na po ng programa ang ibang rehiyon at lugar sa bansa, at maging ang mga APORs at essential workers,” paliwanag ni Sec. Tugade.

“Ginagawa po natin ang mga ito dahil ang Kagawaran ng Transportasyon ay naniniwala na hindi lamang ito pang-hanapbuhay ng tsuper at operator—ito po ay kaakibat sa paghahanap-buhay ng iba pa nating kababayan sa Republika ng Pilipinas,” dagdag pa ng Kalihim.

Umabot ng 31.6 milyong Pilipino ang tumangkilik sa Libreng Sakay habang nakapagbigay naman ng halos P1.5 billion total payout ang LTFRB sa mga operators at mga tsuper na lumahok sa programa habang nasa P3.388 billion naman ang inilaan para sa payouts ng mga operator at tsuper na lumahok sa programa.

Sa pamamagitan ng Service Contracting Program, binibigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga public utility vehicle operator at mga tsuper na kumita ayon sa bilang ng kanilang pasada na itinakbo kada linggo, may sakay man o wala. Sa ilalim ng GAA 2021, babayaran ang mga operator at tsuper linggu-linggo.

Muli namang hinikayat ni LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III ang mga operators at tsuper na makilahok sa Service Contracting Program upang magkaroon sila ng sapat at tuluy-tuloy na kita sa gitna ng pandemya at makapagbigay-serbisyo rin sa mga health workers at APORs.

“The program provides for operators and drivers an opportunity to earn based on the number of trips they run per week and make their public utility vehicle (PUV) operations sustainable whether they have passengers or none,” ani Delgra.

Samantala, nagpa-abot naman ng pasasalamat si Land Bank President and CEO Cecilia Borromeo sa DOTr at sa LTFRB sa pagkakataong maging bahagi ng Service Contracting Program at makatulong sa mga operator at mga tsuper.

"We thank the DOTr and LTFRB for this another opportunity for Land bank to take part in continuing efforts to advance the country's transportation sector. We welcome this collaboration to deliver financial assistance to PUV operators nationwide towards ensuring pay and uninterrupted operations of public transportation in the new normal," pahayag ni Borromeo.

SpectaculART 2: An auction of art, jewelry and homeware


Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Calling all art lovers and collectors!

 

The Santuario de San Antonio Parish Francisfest joyfully presents SpectaculART 2:

An auction of art, jewelry and homeware.

Both pristine and pre-loved pieces are up for grabs!

The proceeds of the auction shall assist in the numerous Social Services and development ministries of SSAP and its sister parishes.  

SpectaculART 2 will feature:

Fine Jewelry, Estate, Artisan and an assortment of diamonds, pearls and colored stones.

The homeware collection will feature European, Asian, and locally sourced pieces ranging from antique, vintage, and contemporary furniture and home dƩcor.

This year, SpectaculART 2 shall showcase a carefully curated selection of meaningful works created    by esteemed artists namely: National Artist for Visual Art Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Impy Pilapil, Romeo Tabuena, and Anita Magsaysay Ho. Unique pieces by renowned Filipino Visual Artists Gus Albor, Ramon Diaz, Jojo Guingona, Noli Principe Manalang, Isabel Campa, Ivy Lim and Marivic Rufino are pooled together in a celebration of Philippine Art  in the last few decades.    Unique prints by Salvador Dali and John Lennon will also be for sale.











SpectaculART 2 also gathers numerous up-and-coming artists to give them an opportunity to reach a wider audience and also to showcase their work.  They may just dominate the scene in the years to come.   A bid on their work            gives a heartwarming sense of validation and accomplishment. A ray of positivity and inspiration during these troubled times.  A win-win situation.  

SpectaculaART kicked off

its first edition last year

in response to the pandemic and the quarantine restrictions imposed upon us.

So let us bid, buy and invest in art, jewelry and unique pieces for your home while helping the Santuario de San Antonio Parish Ministries.  Support SpectaculART 2.

ONLINE VIEWING BEGINS on September 25 at www.spectaculartph.com

PREVIEW of SELECTED ITEMS starts on September 25 in the San Antonio Parish Center. By appointment.

ONLINE BIDDING is from October 1 to 3 at www.spectaculartph.com

 

For more information visit us at:

www.Instagram.com/SpectaculArt.ph

www.Facebook.com/SpectaculArt.ph

Or email us at

hello@spectaculartph.com

 

-

SOCIAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT MINISTRIES

Livelihood Assistance

Here, impoverished mothers are given the chance to build a source of income through numerous livelihood assistance programs. Hope, for them, is made palpable through empowering opportunities in generating remuneration.

Medical Assistance - PGH

This ministry provides assistance to patients most in need. It assures that the suffering of our marginalized brothers and sisters in need of medical attention is alleviated.

Relief and Rehabilitation

The numerous demand for relief throughout a year normally marred by calamities of all sorts is addressed by this ministry. The unfortunate occurrence of the pandemic has aggravated this need, and donations largely help to touch the lives of others in this light.

Health Care Ministry

HCM seeks to provide and extend compassionate and quality care to parishioners by raising awareness on current health and wellness issues through free seminars, offering regular exercise sessions and extending to sick parishioners healing Masses for spiritual upliftment.

Medical Assistance – Rizal Medical Center

This ministry renders tender loving care and services to the indigent patients in the pediatric ward of Rizal Medical Center. Aside from providing financial assistance by giving medicines to the patients, they also extend health-related and spiritual guidance.

Restorative Justice Program

This ministry strives to show the face of God to persons deprived of liberty (PDL) through spiritual and socially inclusive activities. While all efforts are focused primarily on the PDL, the ministry is slowly transitioning to a more wholistic approach to reformation by looking into the concerns of the PDL’s family and community which is now recognized to be integral to ones restoration and conversion. 


Scholarship Assistance


This ministry is dedicated to provide education, spiritual and moral values formation through scholarships and guidance to indigent youth in order to develop them into responsible Christian Filipino citizens (Kristiyanong Mamamayan) to indigent young Filipino men and women.

Pastoral Care for Franciscan Vocation

This ministry finances the tuition, lodging and other fees of Franciscan seminarians, who are in their last 2 years of their formation. It has been able to produce 12 ordained priests, who are now sent to spread God’s word to the Philippines, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

Household Accompaniment Program

A group of household helps gather in the Parish for spiritual formation through regular catechism classes, as well as for activities to promote camaraderie and social development through community.  

Eco-Justice

 

Eco-Justice Ministry currently assists very poor communities in building an environment that can address the problems of climate change, at the same time uplift the lives of the people in the surrounding area. For now, the EcoJustice Ministry supports the aeta community in building their environment as well as their livelihood.

 

WRITE UP ON ART PIECES

Paalam Anak II 

Egai Talusan Fernandez, 2020 

Soft pastel on paper

 

Paalam, Anak II 

Executed by noted social realist Egay Talusan Fernandez, at the inception of the pandemic in 2020, at a time when mystery surrounded the Corona virus. Many doctors and nurses caught the virus from their patients and surroundings. Many died.

Paalam Anak II depicts a mother, tucking in her daughter in bed, shortly before going off to her nightly hospital duties, not knowing whether this goodbye is for now or for all time.

 

CELESTE

by Impy Pilapil

1984

 

Painted during that historical interlude between the assassination of Ninoy Aquino in 1983 and the Edsa Revolution in 1986. The economy was in shambles and people were getting restless. Pilapil's silkscreens on double glass call to mind the confetti floating down in protest from buildings on Ayala Avenue, a prelude to the overthrow of the government.

 

Per noted art critic Eric Torres:

“Tension occurs between symmetrical static vertical stripes and tiny vertical flakes, fluttering across them…..As one shifts his point of view from one side of the work to the other, he experiences optical illusions of lines blending, expanding and contracting, of linear and spatial transmutations, working on him. All this illusionism is but another aspect of Pilapil’s penchant for beguiling the eye…..”

 

Exhibit brochure 1986, featuring “Celeste”accompanies the painting

 

LA JOTA

NA Carlos V. Francisco

1948

Watercolor on paper

 

National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco’s LA JOTA captures the elegance and refinement of this Philippine dance. In this extraordinary work, Francisco portrays not only a dance routine; he also gracefully depicts the characters’ playful spirit. 

 

With a certificate of authenticity signed by Beatriz Ventoza

 

BEADED HEADDRESS

Hand-beaded headdress from the Kuchi nomads of Afghanistan. There aren't very many of them left practicing their traditional nomadic lifestyle since some have become farmers or settled in towns and cities, and with the present situation, they will probably be dispersed further, making this piece a prized cultural and artisanal relic.

 



OTHER ITEMS

Anita Magsaysay Ho print

Mary of Magdala Cross by Miladay

Quartz Marquise by Janina Dizon

Albino horn 3 layer rings necklace by Silnag

Emerald Waves by Seb Chua

Nganga Betel Nut Box Set

Thai Low Chairs and Table set

Ombudsman Martirez willing to be removed from office than make SALNs public


Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Ombudsman Samuel Martires: “Even if I will be bashed, even if I will be removed from office, I will not bat into that.”

Most probably, he already has enough for his retirement that he is willing to be removed from  office. Sa dami ba naman ng missing funds from the government, especially the DOH/PS-DBM/Pharmally billion-worth of contract,  the undisclosed intelligence fund of the office of the president, the many flagged transactions of almost all government agencies, the budgets given to PCOO, NTF-ELCAC, etc., and a lot more.

This Ombudsman “has always consistently been blocking attempts of the public to hold officials publicly accountable by refusing to release copies of the president's SALN.”  

It's the Ombudsman job to promote transparency, an not be the one to encourage our government officials to hide it. The Constitution also guarantees our right to comment on matters of public concern—including the SALNs.

The Supreme Court says while custodians of SALNs like Ombudsman Martires can regulate how SALNs can be inspected or copied, “such discretion does not carry with it the authority to prohibit access, inspection, examination, or copying”

At this point, the Ombudsman's mental capacity is obviously deranged and needs medical help.

Huwag naman masyadong magpahatang may itinatago ang Duterte administration.

#KalmaAkoLangTo: Harry Roque did not truly apologize after going ballistic towards a group of doctors?


Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Filipinos are now poking fun at the hashtag #KalmaAkoLangTo, which is often seen in Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque’s attempt to be humorous on Facebook, after Roque was seen seemingly having a meltdown while he berates a group of doctors.

Roque blew his top during the online IATF meeting last Tuesday after a group of doctors opposed the government’s decision to relax the quarantine protocols in NCR despite the soaring COVID-19 cases.

A furious presidential spokesperson Harry Roque tells a group of doctors, “Do not sit there as if you’re the only ones right… How dare you think that we are not considering steps to prevent the loss of lives?”



There are so many things wrong in his reply. Here, i’ll list them all down for you:

1. Him raising his voice over a statement of FACTS by MEDICAL EXPERTS is inexcusable. The goal of their meeting is to lay out all the facts and work from there. The facts itself reflect the administration’s poor response! And any good PUBLIC SERVANT would know well to listen to EXPERTS and ACCEPT criticism. They serve the COUNTRY, not their FRAGILE EGOS.

2. GCQ was not for small bussineses (at least not in the admin’s intentions). They refuse to continue the ECQ because then they would be forced to give out Social Amelioration to those constituents on lockdown.

Health and people’s lives WILL ALWAYS be above the economy. We can always find ways to boost our economy. But the people who died because of this poor response will never —be brought back.

So yes, the “wokes” have once again crticized the government for the abrupt change in MECQ. Because so many people have already prepared for GCQ, spending so much on preparations to open their stores and go back to work again, only to be told on a fucking whim that ONCE AGAIN the government has changed their mind.

Roque does not have the right to berate our HCWs since they are the experts who would know better that this government is failing in its pandemic response.

The HCWs have the right to criticize and contradict the government's decision, because the fact is, this administration has not made any logical move based on the recommendations of those who are actually on the ground risking their lives facing the virus head on.





Roque thought he was going to get brownie points for standing up for the "hungry Pinoys" by being abrasive towards what's holding back the Grim Reaper from everyone. How's that working out so far?

Everyone’s tired of this pandemic, but it doesn’t give Roque the license to berate people, especially those in the frontlines fighting this virus and trying to keep us safe.

When you're just a spokesperson yet you have the audacity to berate the very same people who are laying down their lives for millions of people because of the inadequacy of the people you are speaking for. Paano pa pag naging senador ka? Ang yabang mong feelingero!

Ewan ko sa 'yo Roque, burned out ka na ano day. Basta't kami ay kalmado. Kalma pa more is the key!



Sa kasagsagan talaga ng pandemya, may mga taong ang mukha at pitaka, parehong makapal. Paldo sa pondo. Buwis ng tao man o mga inutang ina nyo, mamamayan pa din magbabayad.

O siya, I will say something good about government response. The Office of the Vice President has been responding well with the help of LGUs and private sector. Halos lahat ng tasks pinasa sa LGU but they were able to hold on.

Sa side ng Duterte administration, walang good about the government's pandemic response. Pero dahil laging linyahan ng DDS na gobyerno rin naman daw ang OVP, oh ayan, may nasabi na akong maganda. Tumahimik na si Roque at mamigay na kamo sila ng ayuda mula sa kinita ng Pharmally.

People died(are dying!), Harry. No one gives a fuck about your fragile masculinity. Just say your administration is NOT interested in expertise that do not align with your stupid agenda and GO!

Nakakasuka yung ganitong klase ng behavior from any official and the doctors are right, he should apologize. He is a mere spokesperson whose task is to relay the President’s pronouncement. He is not a lawyer for the president nor the IATF.


 
The truth? Roque DID NOT ask for an apology. Instead, IT asked for an "abiso", or "notice". It is a spokesdoggy at that. IT never apologized. Remember that, medical frontliners. Remember that, Filipinos. We fought for you, and we are losing.

He said he is apologizing for his meltdown, but not if the message he conveyed in a shrieking manner.



Sana gamitin ng teachers ang meltdown video ni Harry Roque to teach kids about anger management, ethics in civil service, political opportunism, and citizen dialogue with public officials.


 

#KalmaAkoLangTo

Friday, September 10, 2021

Michael Yang and Pharmally execs grilled at the Senate hearing, arrest warrant for them sustained for being evasive


Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Former presidential adviser Michael Yang, who is being linked to Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation, appeared before the Senate blue ribbon committee on Friday.

The Chinese businessman joined the Senate hearing from a hotel in Davao – the home city and bailiwick of Duterte. 

The Senate Blue Ribbon is currently looking into the purchase of at least P8.6 billion worth of face masks, face shields, and PPEs by the DBM-PS with Pharmally. Michael Yang earlier denied any relations with Pharmally.

Pharmally president Huang Tzu Yen admitted that they borrowed money from former presidential adviser Michael Yang. 


Michael Yang denied any relations with Pharmally, the firm which bagged billions worth of government contract for the procurement of medical goods. 

However, Linconn Ong, a Pharmally official, disclosed that Yang had “guaranteed” for them when they were sourcing PPEs. 

Nearly 6 hours into the hearing, Pharmally’s Huang Tzu Yen says Michael Yang lent money to the company to pay for goods it supplied to the govt. Yang earlier said he had no dealings with Pharmally.  

Yang has been insisting he did not have anything to do with Pharmally.

Yang explains that Pharmally Pharma is different from Pharmally Biological.

Pharmally is able to keep its business with government going through the former presidential adviser, not only guaranteeing but also lending them money. No letters of credit involved, only words, & billions sent to China through UnionBank.  

This again brings into question the capability of Pharmally to supply medical goods and PS-DBM to order medical goods on behalf of the government. 

What's in question also is Yang's earlier statement that he had no link to Pharmally only to admit later that he not only acted as guarantor, but also lent money to Pharmally. 

And now, the cat is out of the bag, and until now he Yang is still being evasive.

After this, Duterte can't possibly say that there's no conflict of interest here.



Yang denies involvement in Pharmally, but admits introducing them to suppliers.

Ong said that it's Yang who guarantees with the Chinese suppliers whenever Pharmally cannot pay the suppliers. Letters of credit scarcely used, it was mostly Yang, said Ong. 

Denial is expected as the trending name of the game in the Duterte government. Yang is also the denial king of drug syndicate operation in the Philippines.  

And what's with the need for an interpreter? Either he talks Tagalog or English or Rody can speak and understand Chinese. 

Paano naging presidential adviser ni Duterte tong si Michael Yang when he can’t even speak English? So, all communications niya with Duterte before had to be translated pa?

Yang says he has been living in the Philippines for 22 years. Hindi siya Naruto man lang throughout those years. Puro intsik lang ba kausap niya? Exclusive business dealings only with Chinese people?

"Yang is not a criminal", says the part-time lawyer, part-time president of the Philippines, who is also a part-time human for having the guts to do all these appaling acts towards his countrymen.

Yang and at least one business associate have been tagged in a police intelligence report as being involved in the illegal drug trade, although Yang denies this.

Have you seen this development in Clark?

It's Yang's newest firm, Paili Holdings Corporation, that seems the busiest these days. It is constructing a massive mixed-use real estate development called Clark Majestic World along Prince Balagtas Avenue in the Clark Freeport Zone.

And how about Dennis Uy, with newly acquired Malampaya oil rig. How many companies was he able to acquire and build during the term of Poon in palasyo?

Hay Duterte. From the very start of his term till the end, it’s all Chinese-related controversies.

Feels like there is a Chinese syndicate operating on this. Where did the money came from? Lin Weixiong! POGO money!

Despite attending the Senate hearing, the Blue Ribbon Committee approves a motion to sustain the arrest order against Chinese businessman Michael Yang and Pharmally Pharmaceutical director Linconn Ong for being evasive in their responses to the questions of senators. 

Yang, through his interpreter, confirms his place of residence in the PH is #19 Narra Street in Forbes Park, Makati. Senate panel tried to serve subpoena to this address, but a driver told the subpoena server that Yang supposedly doesn't live there. 

Michael Yang, through is interpreter, confirms his place of residence in the PH is #19 Narra Street in Forbes Park, Makati. Senate panel tried to serve subpoena to this address, but a driver told the subpoena server that Yang supposedly doesn't live there. 

Yang was trying to distance himself from Pharmally eh si Duterte mismo ang nagsabi na itong si Yang ang middleman regarding that BILLION peso transaction with Pharmally!

Hindi yata naayos yung cooking script. Gisa gisa din sa sariling mantika, may magic sarap pa. Acting 'naive' kuno. Bistado rin sa huli.

Senators are dumbfounded at how Pharmally was able to supply billions worth of supplies with just a guarantee from former Presidential Economic Adviser Michael Yang to Chinese suppliers that they will be able to pay after being paid by the government. 

And the billon peso negotiations were made mostly via phone and We Chat only.

This is the people's Senate. And we must uphold the right of every citizen to ferret out the truth behind these anomalies surrounding the Department of Health. 

Akala ko ba galit sa oligarchs ang taga Davao nating presidente? Yun pala nasa Davao lahat ng bagong-pisang oligarchs - from Uy to Yang.

Davao used to be known as a flourishing city. Now, it's slowly coming down as a place where corruption has long been thriving. Is this part of Duterte's many secrets?

With all the evidences of corruption and crime against humaniity since Duterte took office, no serious move to impeach him was ever made.This murderous man may have played his cards right - putting men he can control in the right positions & flooding their houses with cash.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. This government has turned the pandemic into one huge milking cow and they're bringing home thousands of milk bottles while giving the people just a few small drops.

Saab Magalona-Bacarro and La Germania share the secret to making the perfect steak din



Wazzup Pilipinas!?

There’s nothing like enjoying a delicious steak dinner to mark special occasions. While it may not be advisable to dine out and have this juicy classic in your favorite restaurant just yet, the good news is that you can cook this dish right in the comfort and safety of your home!

Actress and musician Saab Magalona-Bacarro, alongside her husband, businessman and Cheats frontman Jim Bacarro, make it a point to still hold romantic date nights with some good ol’ steak and mashed potatoes. “We enjoy preparing steak and potatoes because it's delicious, hearty, and fancier than our usual meals, but also really easy to prepare,” Saab shared. Aside from having steak on date nights, they even repurpose them into steak fried rice for their kids.

In the first episode of La Germania’s recent Masterclass Series, the famous couple shared their secrets to making this dish at home. While you can watch the full episode on La Germania’s Facebook page to see how they prepare this classic dish, here’s the recipe you can try at home:



Ingredients:


Steak

● 500g rib eye steak

● Salt

● Pepper

● Butter

● Garlic

● Thyme



Mashed Potatoes

● Potatoes (5 large potatoes)

● 250ml Cream

● Beef cube

● Butter

● Parmesan Cheese

● Parsley

● Olive oil

● Stevia

● Cayenne pepper

● Paprika



Procedure:
Make sure your steak is at room temperature for at least 10 minutes.
 
Season the tray or cutting board first. 30% of the seasoning disappears when you cook beef, so make sure you season liberally.

Then, rub both sides of the beef on the tray.
Season the beef again until it looks encrusted in seasoning.
 
Put the stove at a low temperature before putting the meat. The meat must be cooked in piping hot heat, so you have to be ready.
Meanwhile, you cut the potatoes, and boil them for about 12 minutes. Use a fork to check how soft the potatoes are. Then, you mash the potatoes.
 
Deglaze the pan with some red wine if you want some sauce alongside your steak.
Put butter gradually on your potatoes. Taste test the potatoes so you can gauge how much seasoning you need to after.
 
Once you season the potatoes to your preference, you can add some garlic.
 
Fry some garlic with half a tablespoon of olive oil on low heat. Then add the cream, beef cube, and herbs of your choice.
 
Put the sauce on the potatoes using a strainer. Add the garlic chunks if you would like. Then, put it back on the stove. Mix it around, and taste test if it’s seasoned according to your liking.
 
If you like your steak medium, you should cook your steak for 4 minutes on each side. Leave it to cool down for about ten minutes, and enjoy immediately.



For Saab and Jim, it’s not just about the way you cook your steak and potatoes. The secret is to use the best ingredients and invest in good quality kitchen equipment like La Germania. “With our La Germania stove, we can speed up the process of cooking our favorite dishes because it has multiple burners. It’s easy to control, and child-friendly too since it’s an induction stove,” Saab mused. “If you’re raising a small family like us, having a reliable kitchen partner like La Germania makes everything easier to manage. From everyday dishes to more elaborate recipes, we can have fun and experiment in the kitchen.”

Built according to the highest European standards in terms of construction and design, La Germania appliances allow you to prepare restaurant-worthy dishes in an efficient and easy way. With guaranteed durability and superior quality, they’re a good investment for you to channel your inner chef, and unleash your kitchen genius.

La Germania products are available online through La Germania’s official e-commerce website www.lagermaniaph.com and e-commerce platforms on Shopee and Lazada. For more information on La Germania and its products, you may follow the official Facebook and Instagram accounts of the trusted kitchen and appliance brand.

Pinoy teen inventors feted at 4th imake.wemake competition




Wazzup Pilipinas!?

 

A hands-free computer interface with a built-in medical scanner, a living computer-monitored wastewater filtering and management system, and a smart assistant for the visually impaired—all invented by Filipino teenagers. These are just the highlights of dozens of inventions submitted from schools all across the country to the recently-concluded fourth annual imake.wemake: create. innovate. collaborate competition.  

 

Organized by the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) with support from the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF), the contest was overseen by a rigorous team of judges comprised of veteran engineers from the country’s top universities. 

 

“This year’s entries highlight the brilliance and creativity of our young students,” said DOST-SEI Director Josette Biyo. “It’s a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that they were able to create, innovate, and collaborate despite the pandemic.” 

 

“We hope that these initiatives help ensure a pool of quality STEM professionals who can contribute to the Philippines’ national development in the future,” said GBF Executive Director Grace Colet. 

 

Youth Innovation Prize 

 

The Youth Innovation Prizes (YIP) went to Cavite Science Integrated School’s Jimuel Clarence Z. Malimban, John Kenneth V. Sanchez, and Aira Gayle Pugeda; Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial-Dumaguete Science High School’s Ericka Elaine Diputado, Anjeli L. Merecido, and Shauna E. Tifora; and the Science and Technology Education Center of Basak, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu Senior High School’s Johann Emir G. Margallo, Kate Ashley P. Liao, and Ron Marc L. CaƱete. 

 

Cavite Science Integrated School’s winning entry is a hands-free computer interface that also doubles as a warning device that monitors the health of its users. It helps to minimize the risk of infection from contact with infected surfaces by using 

a computer-enabled camera to interpret users’ movements to potentially control everything from house appliances to ATMs. It also monitors users’ vital signs and is capable of sending an alert to authorities if it senses anything out of the ordinary. The winning project was submitted under the title, “ABSCISSA: An Arduino-Based Smart Contactless Interface Integrated with Syndromic Surveillance and Alert System for Fomite-Mediated Transmission Mitigation.” 

 

Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial-Dumaguete Science High School came up with a unique wastewater management system that uses live plants to filter out harmful chemicals in water that would otherewise be flushed down the drain. The water passes through a biofilter of Tangan-tangan (Ricinus communis) plants, which naturally absorb toxic chemicals, before it goes through a standard filter setup. The whole process is carefully overseen via computer-enabled sensors that constantly monitor the water quality. The entry was entitled, “Project WWW: A Multifunctional Waste-Water Web for Agrobotics.” 

 

The Science and Technology Education Center – Cebu Senior High School’s winning entry was a smart assistant that helps visually impaired users to know what’s around them and even to read nearby signs and text. The head-mounted device not only alerts of the presence of nearby obstacles but also indicates the distance of these objects. The system can also identify and read aloud text in the environment, such as on street signs and billboards. The project was called Project BlindSpot: Arduino-Based Object Distance Measurement, Identification and Optical Character Recognition Using YOLO Algorithm.” 

 

The YIP Awardees each bagged a Php 200,000 cash prize and a trophy. 

 

Young Scientist Awardees and Scholars 

 

Imake.Wemake also conferred the GBF Young Scientist Award to Jimuel Clarence Z. Malimban and John Kenneth V. Sanchez, both from Cavite Science Integrated School; and Anjeli L. Merecido of Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial – Dumaguete Science High School.  

 

The award is bestowed by the GBF to the finalists who demonstrated global competence through their innovation. ​ The awardees also received the GBF STEM Scholarship for Excellence—a conditional scholarship amounting to Php 85,000 per academic year—which allows them to pursue a STEM course of their choice at any of the country’s colleges or universities.  


Gear Up to 2022: Quick Guide to Find the Right Cloud Solution


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Choosing the right cloud solution is a challenging task. Various options are available in the market. At first glance, all their features seem to be the same. But in reality, they are not.

When you decide to pick one that fits you, you have to understand some factors. The in-depth analysis for a particular business requirement is one. Security and reputation are other features to check out.

To lighten your options, here is a quick guide for the right cloud solution.


Check Cloud and Data Security

Cloud and Data Security is a primary concern of any business. It encompasses data backup if ever any hardware or software failure occurs. Also, it protects the information stored from unauthorized third-party access. Therefore, it keeps your files safe from viewing, copying, and even modifying from others.

A cloud service means you store data somewhere else. That’s why it is your right as a consumer to demand high data security from the provider. NTT DATA is a provider of SAP with Microsoft Azure. They serve both growing and established businesses and are known for their regard for data security.

When choosing the right cloud solution, check if they have strict security standards. Make sure security is their utmost priority. Also, verify if the provider complies with measures like the ISO 27000 series. Finally, assess if the presented certifications are valid.

Furthermore, look into the server location. Take note that local laws vary. Ensure that you have control over your data where it is stored, processed, and managed, with proper consideration of its jurisdiction.


Assess Cloud Compliance

A remarkable cloud architecture helps meet compliance standards. Without it, your organization will have difficulty standing long on this platform. Or possible chaos in the long run.

It is a must that you have at least a few understanding about the whatnots to achieve compliance. Remember, it is not strict on a specific kind of framework. So whether it beholds GDPR, PCI DSS, SOC 2, HIPAA, or others, learn how to comply.

Assessing the cloud agreement helps you feel safe and secure once your data is up in the public cloud infrastructure. Nevertheless, be responsible enough to know where your responsibilities lie. Also, point out which aspect your provider will significantly help you check off. 


Review Reliability and Performance

In any kind of cloud solution, downtimes are inevitable. It is such a headache nobody wants to have, but it unexpectedly occurs. We have no choice about it.

Although, the number of times how often it occurs matters. It is not the sole factor you have to consider when choosing the right cloud solution. What’s foremost essential is the capability of the provider to solve the situation in time. Immediate action for any issues shows how reliable a company is.

Excellent performance is not only during the uptime. Instead, it highly reflects its capability to move forward and cope up when a problem occurs.

Check information about this. You must review the provider’s processes, responsibilities, and roles. Also, you have to look into their tools and disaster recovery provisions.


Consider The Architecture

The cloud architecture helps in the overall workflow. Also, it creates a significant impact in the future. So, it must have excellent integration.

As an example, an organization under a Microsoft universe has a sense of proceeding to Azure. All because Microsoft provides customers free credits and licenses. Meanwhile, if the investment relies more on Google services, it is best to look for company profiles that ease integration and consolidation.

In addition, considering cloud storage architectures are beneficial. Although most of the major providers have similar structures, they offer different types of storage. Each of these fits ideally based on the client’s needs.

Find out the similarities and differences of every available cloud solution. Understand how it works. Some services offer storing data and retrieving data options frequently (hot storage) and infrequently (cool storage). Most of the time, the latter costs less but with several restrictions.


Identify Manageability

Just like any storage, the software requires maintenance and updates, too. The Web tends to change. When this happens, conflicting issues might occur with the current software. That’s how necessary having regular compliance with the update.

Once you get a cloud solution, it’s the provider’s responsibility to check all the new updates. Also, it is a must that each upgrade is fresh and compatible.

Furthermore, identifying the manageability of the right cloud solution is from the uptime. So guarantee that your chosen provider has a high uptime - as much as possible 99%. Or else, you’ll face the consequences like losing access to your website. Or you’ll have no access to essential software and applications. Remember, the longer the downtime lasts, the higher risk it poses to your data.

To avoid these, read reviews about the web hosting providers. Check out forums related to SaaS Cloud providers. Nobody else can tell you these but the previous and current clients of the provider you’re eyeing.

Keep in mind that getting a cloud partner is a serious and long-term investment. So make your money worth with reliable ones.


Learn The Service Levels

Trust is a must when choosing the right cloud solution. If something wrong happens, a legal agreement must be available to back it up. That’s why before you dive into a provider, learn the different service levels.

Businesses highly consider this factor. It reflects the capability of the platform in terms of availability and capacity. Don’t forget to add the response time and support.

Cloud Service Level Agreements or Cloud SLAs are vital. It bridges and establishes a clear contractual relationship between the cloud service provider and the cloud service client.

Although it is a must to understand every detail, pay attention to the legal requirements needed for the security of the data. Specifically, it must be in line with GDPR.


Look For Technologies and Support

Cloud services are available to provide an easy and convenient life for all. That’s why it is essential to have excellent tech support for it. So when the time comes that specific trouble occurs, you can resolve it without too much fuss.

When choosing the right cloud solution, make sure that it is always available 24/7. The quick resolution is at least accessible in email form. Better yet, it has a contact support team via phone call. It provides safer and secure communication.

In this manner, it only requires a minimum effort. If a more complicated issue arises, you have direct contact with competent assistance.

Furthermore, the best cloud platform must have alignment with the current technical environment. Therefore, the service, standards, and architecture must be compatible with the workload and management preferences.

So before finalizing your decision, assess the re-coding and other necessary adjustments. Take note that the whole process of migration support and assistance must fit well with what you currently need.


See The Company Profile

Reputation indeed plays a crucial role when choosing the right cloud solution. As always, working with a legitimate company is strongly recommended.

Look into the company profile. Make it a habit to check the history of stability of the provider. Ensure that it has no record of legal issues like a data breach.

Moreover, it is a must to see the current financial positions of the company. See to it that it is healthy and free from any economic problems.

In addition, know who runs the whole institution. All information placed in your account is critical. So it is best if experienced managers oversee the overall performance of the cloud company.


Calculate The Costs

Above all else, the cost is essential when choosing the right cloud solution. Although it is not the single nor the most important consideration, it impacts your final decision.

To ease your dilemma, check both the sticker price and associated fees. Preferably, it must include the staff hired to manage your needs.

Various ways affect the expenses. Nevertheless, you have the means to choose which one you prefer. Every provider indicates how payment works. It can be Pay-as-you-go, Reserved, or Volume Discounts.

Other companies charge bills through instances per second. Or bills customers based on the demand. Whichever you prefer, make sure you have the financial capacity to pay it off.

Cloud services offer great assistance to every individual and businesses needs. It provides collaborative working and data storage capacity with security features. So when choosing the right cloud solution, make sure it is reliable, flexible, and suits your needs.

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