Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Monday, September 21, 2015

DSDS 2015: Accelerating Inclusive Development through ICT Innovation

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In this digital age, most people rely on digital technology to perform daily activities. The emergence of information and communications technology (ICT) paved the way for better delivery of services from different organizations including the government, private sector and nonprofits to the consumption of the general public. However, digital divide still exists where some people, mostly located in the rural areas, don’t have access to digital resources.

Now on its second year, Digital Strategies for Development Summit (DSDS) 2015: A Knowledge Exchange Forum for Asia-Pacific Region and Beyond aims to address this problem by promoting digital inclusion. Organized by DOST-ICT Office, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and managed by Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation, the event will be held on Sept 22-24 at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Philippines. DSDS 2015 is sponsored by Intel, Accenture and Microsoft.

With the theme, Accelerating Inclusive Development through ICT Innovation, DSDS 2015 brings together international development partners, policy makers, regulators, telecentre operators and managers, content and services developers and providers and key players from the public sector, NGOs, industry and academia. This dynamic circle of participants equips each attendee to bring home best practices and lessons learned from real experiences on ICT innovation.

Among the globally renowned speakers were International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary General Houlin Zhou, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario Montejo, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Director of Poverty Reduction, Gender, and Social Development Division Bart Edes, Intel Corporation Regional Director for Corporate Affairs, Asia Pacific & Japan, Anjan Ghosh and DOST-ICTO Assistant Secretary Bettina Quimson.

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To be awarded for all our efforts to make our site stand out. loud and proud, is the best recognition that is very much appreciated by the WazzupPilipinas.com team. We have been receiving awards from different award-giving bodies since we founded WazzupPilipinas.com in 2013 and received our very first recognition as one of the Top Emerging Influential Blog Site by DigitalFilipino.com. It was soon followed by an overwhelming series of awards every year coming from different award-giving bodies.

These awards have always been our inspiration to continue our advocacy in providing relevant news and information despite some shortcomings and obstacles, and exaggerated issues fabricated against us. We all know that we wouldn't be very controversial, and highly-talked about, if we were not really making a big difference. The continued patronage of many brands and organizations who partner with us for the promotion of their events, products and services only shows that we continue to be among the top blog sites in the Philippines.

WazzupPilipinas.com was conceptualized entirely to promote the Philippines as the most preferred destination. This is why we targeted to partner initially with the government agency we know as the Department of Tourism (DOT). We further reached out to other government agencies like the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Department of Health (DOH), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and many more, even reaching out to the Office of the President in Malacanan Palace.

The tagline of being the "Pambansang Blog ng Pilipinas" was mainly used because of that objective. We wanted to be the online media partner of not only our government but also of the many colleges and universities of the country, the many businesses and entrepreneurships belonging to the big corporations and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to the startups and advocacy programs of our countrymen and the many organizations that support everything about the Philippines.

Tanghalang Ateneo’s 37th Season Presents “R.U.R (Robot Unibersal Ni Rossum)”

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Tanghalang Ateneo, the longest-running theater company of the Loyola Schools of the Ateneo de Manila University, is celebrating its 37th season with the theme "Staging Revolution/s". The company will stage this season three works that have been deemed revolutionary when they were first unleashed to the world.

Opening the season is R.U.R. (ROBOT UNIBERSAL NI ROSSUM), a science fiction classic by Czech writer Karel Capek. Originally written in Czech, this Tanghalang Ateneo production will use a new Filipino translation by Palanca winner Guelan Varela-Luarca. Introducing the word “robot” to the English language, the play depicts the rebellion of human-like creatures that leads to the extinction of the human race. The danger of man’s desires of a utopian and totalitarian world is one of the play's central themes.

Avie Alcantara plays the role of Harry Domin, the general manager of R.U.R who envisions a world where humans are free from the shackles of labor.

Gel Basa and Sabrina Basilio alternate for the role of Helena Glory, daughter of the president who becomes the object of affection for the five men who run the robot factory called R.U.R.

Gab Tibayan portrays Fabry, the engineer and general technical director of the factory.

Jerome Ignacio plays Dr. Gall, head of the physiological department.

Jego Mallillin portrays Dr. Hallemeier, chief psychologist and educator of the robots.

Cholo Ledesma and Geo Celestino alternate for the role of Busman, the factory’s general marketing director and chief consul.

Jerome Flor plays Alquist, the architect of R.U.R who sticks to religious views and questions the morality of producing robots.

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There's a new restaurant at Greenfield District, specifically at The Portal, that will surely keep you coming back for more once you've tasted what they have to offer. According to their Facebook page, Splice Resto and Bar serves a fusion of classic Filipino and modern European cuisine. They actually sent us into a food coma when we visited but it was probably because they were just too excited to let us try out their specialty dishes (which was practically everything but the kitchen sink).

I would have written about them even earlier but I have been sick for so many days that I didn't have the mood to write about food (and just about everything else). I just wanted to bum around the house or go out at events being held just nearby.

Now, I'm a lot better after five days of stay in Bohol covering a diving tour. I'm ready to bounce back into blogging especially that I just recently received another award for being the Best Filipino Community Blog Site.

Yup! Your friend;y neighborhood Pambansang Blogger is back to writing after just being able to post press releases from our partner organizations and brands. The rest and wonder I got from the Bohol trip and the new recognition for WazzupPilipinas.com is a great wayto motivate me back again to writing and expressing myself.

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Two people behind the quickest private messaging app, and a member of the fly boys of the Philippines recently graced a visit to the coolest tech startup community radio show in the country anchored by Elison Barcelo, Arne Barcelo, the Cheerleader of the Startup Community, and your Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas, Ross Del Rosario, the self-declared National Blogger of the Philippines and founder of WazzupPilipinas.com.

Veems founder and CEO Iddo Goren, Veems Communications head Irene Enriquez, also known as Geek Girl because of her blog, and Matthew Cua, founder and CEO of Sky Eye Inc, which provides drone services for aerial mapping, were the very special "Vigattin" guests of the Vigattin Radio show of Radyo Inquirer DZIQ 990 AM last Saturday, September 19, 2015 between 10 to 11 am.

Filipinos are a social and friendly race that is why social media networks have been very widely used in the country. Now adds a new messaging app that boasts of Veemers would rejoice to find out that the number of subscribers to the Veems app has already reached half a million making it already one of the very popular mobile apps in the Philippines. The most interesting information to take note about the app is that it is very easy to use in quickly sending customized messages - instantly even to several individuals all at the same time. Veems also lets you express your voice by creating photos with sound and sharing them with friends and the community of Veemers. You can add your unique take on any users photo by ReVoicing their images.

Sky Eye is an organization that many should support and even fund because of what they are doing. Unlike Google Map that has not updated all of their satellite shots, the fly boys does not need the technology of others to help them with their mapping. They can innovatively create their own flying drone equipped with a high-resolution camera that can be used for many purposes to help in understanding our geography, climate change, potential environmental hazards, and many others. It was great to find out that Matthew is also involved in other organizations that would also help put Filipinos in the map for innovative products and services., aside from hanging around with Apl de Aps of the Black Eyed Peas, one of his investors in his other company called Awesome Lab - an experimental research lab with an interdisciplinary team of designers, engineers and scientists.

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The adorable Ryzza Mae "Aleng Maliit" Dizon accompanied proudly receives the award for GMA 7 noontime show Eat Bulaga for Best Noontime Show, at the Golden Globe Annual Awards for Business Excellence by the National Data Research Examiner and Marketing Services (NADREMS), Philippine Best Companies.Com, Sinag News Magazine, and Sinag Foundation.

Flanked by several fans who were also among the many awardees that night wanted to have a photo of the cute and lovable star of the Ryzza Mae Show and Eat Bulaga. Ryzza was heard thanking everyone for their continued support of the accidental love team we all know as Aldub - Alden Richards and Yaya Dub of the "Kalyeserye" popularity from the Juan For All, All for Juan segment of Eat Bulaga. She told everyone that "kahit kaming mga artista ay love namin ang Aldub love team."

The annual awards night, held this year at the Manila Hotel on September 19, 2015, is a celebration of the achievements of several companies who embody business excellence that was certified and validated using a rigid six-point criteria of the NADREMS which includes innovative business practices, quality of products and services, value proposition and pricing, customer concern and engagement, reputable and ethical business image, and truthfulness in business management.

Outstanding Filipino Achievers who have noteworthy achievements were also recognized that night. The recognition aims to recognize and pay tribute to all Filipinos around the world that bring pride and honor to the country. The recognition highlights the individual's milestones of success and victory worthy of commendation and high regard. Among the many Filipinos that were recognized are from the fields of Public Service, Entrepreneurship, Business Management, Culinary Arts and others.

Your Pambansang Blog ng Pilipinas, WazzupPilipinas.com, was also awarded as Best Filipino Community Blog Site in the National Category.

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The Philippines is a Catholic country that piously observes the many Catholic feasts among which is the Feast of the Holy Rosary.There are actually many shrines in the Philippines bearing the title of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary and one of them is the one at Manaoag, Pangasinan.

Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag, or the longer name in Spanish of Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario de Manaoag, is the most famous church of Pangasinan. Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag was the title given to Our Blessed Virgin Mary by the natives of Pangasinan who regarded her as the "Lady Who Calls."

"Documents dating back to 1610 claim that a farmer walking home heard a female voice calling him (hence, “Manaoag” from the word taoag—tawag—“to call”). The voice came from an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding a rosary in her right hand while carrying the Infant Jesus on the other. The apparition told the farmer that she wanted her church to be built where she appeared. A chapel was built on the spot of the apparition and the town grew around it."

This favorite pilgrimage site in Pangasinan, has been formally elevated to a minor basilica in solemn rites on February 17, 2015 granted by Pope Francis.

The church is often always among the destinations frequented by both local and foreign tourists if ever they want to visit this part of the country and would often be alongside their primary visit of the Hundred Islands in Alaminos.

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Contemporary over-water villas is primarily what makes Huma Island Resort & Spa really attractive. It's something different from the usual beachfront villas situated in startling white sand beaches which the resort also has within the enclave that also has a lush rainforest landscape.

The best thing there is for peeps like me was the fact that there is a huge telco tower that allows us the convenience of Internet access to stay connected even while on the island. Though some would prefer not to be interrupted by these distractions of the busy business world. It's quite different for me who prefers to manage my other obligations even while having a great time away from Manila. Who says you cannot effectively manage both work and leisure together at the same time. But I guess being a freelancer does have its advantage over a traditional employee. I am the boss of myself so I get to chose when to be serious and busy, or when to take it calm and easy.

Palawan has been a dream destination and it sure feels great to stay at one of the most luxurious resorts. Getting pampered by its lavish accommodation, sumptuous buffet meals, enticing pools and beaches, and other spectacular water sports and activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, island hopping, kayaking, etc., aside from the wonderful amenities like the gym, spa, archery range, and wall climbing area, makes Huma Island Resort & Spa an idyllic premium hideaway ideal for honeymooners and couples who want the most memorable weekend of their lives.

But why stay only during the weekend? Spend more than just a couple of days. Make the most of it and stay for an entire week. Believe me, you'll never get bored bumming around the pool or beaches. This is a great place to relax and refresh so when we go back to Manila, or any other location around the world, we will feel rejuvenated and filled with renewed vigor.

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Don't you dare miss out on the popular tourist spots whenever you're in Cebu. It should always be a part of your itinerary especially when visiting for the first time. The excitement of finally seeing the famous landmarks that we usually see in photos and travel blog sites are totally splendid. We would see ourselves taking lots of photos from different angles repeatedly so we could properly capture the beauty of the sites. It's never everyday we get to hang around these locations so we might as well make the most of it.

This is why your friendly neighborhood Pambansang Blogger specifically requested for an extension of my stay after attending a particular event in Cebu. Instead of joining the early flight back home to Manila, I requested to take the last flight back home so I would have plenty of time for a day tour even if it means I need to rent a private car to tour me around the city to visit the most popular but conveniently along the way back to the airport before boarding the plane back to Manila.

Cebu has always been a favorite destination in the Philippines. "The name Cebu came from the word “SEBU” meaning animal fat. Long before the coming of the Spaniards, it was a fishing village ruled by Rajah Humabon. Being the first and oldest city in the country antedating Manila by 7 years, having University of San Carlos, as the oldest school, and being the cradle of Christianity in the Far East (i.e. Magellan’s cross planted in Cebu as a symbol of natives embracing the Christian faith), Cebu is replete with historical firsts."

I believe it was worth every peso. The Php 1,500 payment for a travel agency's private car with my own driver to take me to the nearest tourist spots around was reasonable enough for me. The driver was courteous and respectful and would always take the initiative to take my photos at every location except those that would require him to park the car from somewhere far. I had to ask other people around to take my photo instead.

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Five days exploring the diving sites of Bohol seems like a long time already. But with a few unavoidable limitations for both body and equipment (plus the fact that there's a lot more equally popular places to see within Bohol), we can only go underwater at a particular length of time.

Both the local and foreign dive experts/photojournalists from different countries explained that the oxygen tank being used in our diving tour can last roughly an hour depending on the diver. They say men consume more air since they have bigger lungs than women. Also, professional divers who are already familiar in breathing properly underwater would be able to conserve their air to last them longer. Newbies usually breathe in air faster since they would sometimes panic.

The depth of the dive site and the movement of water current are also considerations since you will tend to consume more air if any of the situations are present. Basically, the more you move around underwater and the more effort you exert in swimming will determine how long your air last.

This is why you have to regularly check on your equipment to see if you still have enough air with you. The problem with underwater photography, we tend to be enthralled with the awesome beauty of the marine life that we would sometimes be tempted to go further down under or stay underwater longer.

Thus, dive buddies like divemasters are recommended to be there to keep you safe and reminded of the limitations. You will understand what I mean once you go down under and experience the beauty surrounding you. The marine life is so stunning that you'll be amazed of how diverse the creatures we can find under the depths of the sea.