Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Monday, November 3, 2014

Software and App Downloads for WD My Cloud Reaches 4 Million

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WD My Cloud mobile apps have been downloaded more than four million times. This statement is according to WD, a Western Digital company and a world leader in connected storage solutions. Users can easily remotely connect to their My Cloud personal clouds to view photos, stream video and access their files from anywhere on their smartphones or tablets.

WD also released WD My Cloud operating software (OS) version 1.5 to make the experience even better by delivering new versions of the WD My Cloud device firmware as well as the WD My Cloud mobile app. WD My Cloud OS 1.5 introduces new media navigation, viewing and search features. The free upgrade is available on the full suite of My Cloud products including My Cloud, My Cloud Mirror, My Cloud EX2 and My Cloud EX4.

“WD recognizes the overwhelming task that consumers face in organizing and controlling all of the music, movies, photos and other digital files we collect across our various computers and mobile devices,” said Jim Welsh, executive vice president, WD Content Solutions Business and worldwide sales. “The more than four million downloads of our WD My Cloud app offerings to date show our software provides tremendous value to our customers, and we are committed to continuing the mission of WD My Cloud OS to simplify the digital chaos we all face with the growing amount of digital content in our lives.”

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Asia’s largest mixed martial arts organization with a 90% market share, ONE Fighting Championship (ONE FC) has added four exciting bouts to ONE FC: WARRIOR’S WAY, which is set to take place onDecember 5 at the state-of-the-art Mall of Asia Arena (MOA) in Manila, Philippines.

Top bantamweights Koetsu Okazaki and Kevin Belingon will clash while former ONE FC Featherweight Champion, Honorio Banario returns to the ONE FC cage to face Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist, Herbert Burns. Light heavyweight contenders, Roger Gracie and James McSweeney will also battle it out in Manila while light heavyweight standout Jake Butler seeks redemption against Sylvain Potard in a highly anticipated rematch.

CEO of ONE Fighting Championship, Victor Cui, stated, “ONE Fighting Championship is set to end the year with a blast by making ONE FC: WARRIOR’S WAY the biggest and most exciting MMA event of 2014! We have added some truly massive fights on the already astounding fight card. Team Lakay warriors Kevin Belingon and Honorio Banario seek redemption inside the ONE FC cage while Filipino-American Brandon Vera makes his debut. Fans can definitely expect an unforgettable night of world class and adrenaline-pumping mixed martial arts action! ”

Tickets for ONE FC: WARRIOR’S WAY on 5 December in Manila are on sale now at SM Tickets (http://www.smtickets.com). Ticket categories begin with the full Red Carpet and cageside experience for VIPs at PHP 6,360 followed by Patron PHP 3,180, Lower Box PHP 1,280, Upper Box PHP 640 and General Admission PHP 220. Prices include ticketing fee. Pre-sale packages are currently available.

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Airline passengers using the country’s second-busiest gateway airport can expect better, more customer-oriented services soon as the GMR-Megawide consortium formally took overthe operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) last November 1st.

“This is a major step in our thrust to modernize our transportation facilities, and in delivering world-class services that the public deserves. As a major international destination for business travelers and tourists alike, we are excited to bring the Mactan-Cebu airport at par with the best in the world,” said Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Jun Abaya.

With O&M functions turned over to GMR-Megawide, passengers can expect immediate enhancements within the next three months. One of the first improvements will equip the immigration section with passport readers and computers and will relocate it to a larger area. This will shorten queuing time and maximize the use of airport space, as MCIA’s annual passenger count is expected to increase from 4.5million today to 12.5 million in 2018.

To provide a more pleasant, comfortable experience for the public, basic airport facilities will also be modernized through interior design improvements. These include simple enhancements such as importing new seats for the waiting areas and rehabilitating comfort rooms.In addition, an air-conditioned room will be constructed at the arrival area to accommodate greeters and well-wishers.

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Animax, Asia’s first channel specializing in anime programming, is set to premiere the action-packed anime series, VALVRAVE The Liberator in November! As the channel’s latest blockbuster title, the edgy sci-fi and mecha series will bring exhilarating action into our world with 2 explosive seasons airing back-to-back.

Created by Sunrise animation studio (Cowboy Bebop, Mobile Suit Gundam), VALVRAVE The Liberator is set in a world where 70% of the human population lives in space. The story follows a peace-loving high-school student named Haruto Tokishima. The once peaceful world he lived in has come crashing down when his home is invaded by the military forces of Dorssia Military Pact Federation.

In a strange twist of fate, he discovers a mysterious humanoid weapon called the VALVRAVE. To operate the mecha (machine) and save his loved ones, Haruto has to give up his own humanity. Will he be able to liberate the world with his newly acquired powers?

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The story starts with a student in her poetry class, namely Caitlin. Mr. Frederick, her teacher, asked them to write a poem about anything for their project.

Later at night, her friend Ellie called her, begging her to come to her house so Caitlin did. Caitlin found Ellie in the bathroom of her house, holding a blade, and crying so hard. Caitlin helped her so she’d stop cutting herself and asked her what happened. Ellie said that she has problems with her family, that everyday, her parents always fight leaving her scared. Sometimes her dad would hurt her just because of a simple mistake.

Caitlin decided to write a poem about Caitlin’s experiences which won the appreciation of her classes but she’s still sad because she realized how vicious our world has become.

In this story, you'll learn that we shouldn’t physically abuse other people because it will have a big effect on them.We shouldn’t cut ourselves or attempt suicide because we can always seek God for help and guidance. You'll also learn that we should be ready to help other people when they are feeling down.

Below is our short story for the day.

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Storytelling is an age-old tradition of the world. It has been practiced to pass on information, make sense of experiences, and understand one another. It has the power to immortalize individuals and events, incite ideas and action, and bring people together. It is in the spirit of this powerfully unifying practice that Hero Of D Day and CSR World bring to you Share a Story, Save the World: A Volunteers’ Meet-up.

On the 8th of November, Saturday, 6:00 PM, aspiring and seasoned volunteers from the youth sector will meet at Co.Lab, Brixton St., Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City to tell their own tales and listen to others. Php 250 will avail participants of a Hero Of D Day kit, certificate, food, drinks, and an invaluable storytelling experience.

There will be an opportunity to share volunteer stories with fellow volunteers. Juana Change, an advocate of freedom, justice, good governance, and social change is slated to speak at the event. Geoanna Corneby, a Corporate Social Responsibility officer and an active volunteer for various NGOs that further youth development, empowerment of the poor, and nation building, will be conducting a writing workshop for the participants as a culminating activity as well.

Share a Story, Save the World: A Volunteers’ Meet-up is led by two groups one in the cause – Hero Of D Day and CSR World. Hero Of D Day is a social media organization that believes there is a hero in every one. Focusing the lens on the everyday hero, it recognizes great and small acts of heroism by collecting stories and publishing them online. CSR World is the youth department of Benita and Catalino Yap Foundation that ensures the knowledge and experience of young people on CSR 3.0 – Citizenship, Sustainability and Responsibility – are comprehensive and will enable them to be better citizens.

Bridging Social and Health Inequities: The GIDA Experience

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Persistent health inequities in the country would mean health services are still beyond the reach of amny Filipinos, especially the poor. Eliminating a complex problem like these require a systematic approach that the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) believes must start with the health leader which should be the municipal mayor alongside his municipal health officers and community workers.

The far-off rural communities would have the least opportunities to take advantage of government health products, services and facilities. This is because of several reasons such as weak health systems, poor health-seeking behavior, absence of adequate road infrastructure and lack of transportation facilities.

Eight municipal mayors from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA) shared their health challenges experienced by GIDA residents, as well as the reforms to address those health gaps with the help of their communities and the ZFF in a colloquium entitled "Bridging Social and Health Inequities: The GIDA Experience."

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It was time for another Open Rice Philippines foodie meet-up at another notable restaurant in the Metro. My taste buds was highly anticipating another tasty treat this time at a Japanese ramen house known as Ryu Ramen & Curry located at the SM Jazz Residences in Makati. You'll find the restaurant facing the Nicanor Garcia street side just opposite the Crown Center building where One Asia Center, our virtual and office-sharing home, is holding office.

Ryu Ramen & Curry currently have other branches located in Tomas Morato in Quezon City and Up Town Center in Katipunan Avenue, also in Quezon City. I'm sure they will eventually expand into more branches soon just like every other restaurant in the country. The proliferation of restaurant chains in the country is a testament that Filipinos really love eating, may it be local or international-inspired culinary dishes.

Ryu Ramen & Curry takes pride in offering authentic Japanese specialty dishes that satisfactory pleases the Filipino taste. Their spicy dishes can be served in mild version so that even children can appreciate the flavorful culinary treats that lingers even after hours of eating from the restaurant.

Our Open Rice Philippines foodie meet-up at Ryu Ramen & Curry takes us to experience their fabulously flavorful Tantanmen dishes. They have five variations of the Tantanmen but unfortunately only four were served due to the unavailability of the tender Angus beef that is the main ingredient in one of the Tantanmen varieties.

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Business Network International (BNI) Philippines recently launched its networking and referral marketing organizations at a grand inauguration night led by BNI Philippines co-National Directors Dexter Ortega and Edward Ling, last October 28, 2014 at the luxurious Manila Polo Club located in Makati city.

I also saw a very familiar face in the event, namely Vivian Velez, who apparently must be a business or career woman already since I haven't seen her around showbiz lately. The former actress widely known before as Ms. Body Beautiful of Philippine movies during her younger years led the raffle draw sometime before the event program ended and proceeded to a dance and networking.

The organizations are namely their BNI Genesis Chapter, Makati and BNI Pioneer Chapter, Ortigas - composed of small and medium enterprises and professionals seeking growth without necessarily increasing costs. The induction of officers and members of the two chapters was the evening's highlight.

The event was attended by several business owners mostly from SMEs joined by government officials, representatives of embassies and chambers of commerce, and foreign delegates from BNI all over the world. Since SMEs account for 99.6 percent of total registered enterprises, BNI is primarily targeting SMEs to become members since many of them have limited resources in growing their businesses thus a networking group would be totally helpful to expand their opportunities towards growth and development.

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Easy Taxi, the number one taxi hailing app in the world, formally announced it partnership with four great brands at a special launch held at Eastwood Open Park last October 30, 2014. The night unveiled the four product cars from the partner brands namely Belo Medical Group, WeChat Philippines, Smart Communications and Sun Cellular, each with a distinctive offering for its passengers from freebies to free Wi-Fi in every vehicle. A short presentation, interview and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, with a sky full of fireworks to cap off the evening. The promo aims to give Filipinos a unique, fast, and safe riding experience with the launch of the Easy Taxi Product Cars.

The taxi app company has been sharing teasers in their Facebook page showing images representing the four brands, and some bloggers and online media have been sharing teaser articles to further announce to the public the upcoming launch with a hashtag #Oct302014 claiming October 30, 2014 as Easy Taxi day.

At the launch, we found out that there will soon be customized Easy Taxi cabs bearing the images of the four brands coupled with some promotional gimmicks to further attract customers to use the Easy Taxi app in booking their taxi cab rides. The pimped taxi cabs will be a great treat to the passengers as they get the chance to bring home some freebies.

The two-month long promo to officially start on October 31, and will last until December 31, 2014. Get a chance to have your Easy Taxi ride for free, anywhere within Metro Manila and for one destination only, plus other amazing prizes and perks, when you book using the Easy Taxi app. Easy Taxi Product Cars will be roving around the streets of Manila, giving free rides to Easy Taxi users while offering a one-of-a-kind in-cab experience.