Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Environmental Youth Conference 2016

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The UP Society of Human Settlements Planners proudly brings to you the first Environmental Youth Conference 2016 (EYC 2016) with the theme: Empowering and Mobilizing Youth for a Climate Change-Resilient Philippines.

The Environmental Youth Conference 2016 is a 1-day conference where Filipino youth will learn more about Climate Change and the COP 21 agreement. The EYC, indeed, recognizes the importance of a youth-led climate movement and the substantial role of the youth in nation building and in promoting sustainable development.

With this, EYC will serve as an avenue where over 250 delegates from different from the different regions in the country can gather to discuss and share ways and ideas on how to mitigate and adapt to Climate Change. It will be held on January, 23 2016 at SMX Aura Convention Center, Taguig City, Philippines.

Apply now and be part of this national youth gathering! Application period is until December 30, 2015 (Application form: http://goo.gl/forms/BMN60o8fFE).

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Ara Vista Village, Picar Development’s township real estate project in General Trias, Cavite ushers in the Christmas season with a fun and festive holiday display at the village façade. Christmas lanterns and curtain lights adorn the entry way to Ara Vista Village, which glows glows with warm white and yellow lights at nightttime.

The ornamental, star-shaped Christmas adornment, the “parol” is uniquely Filipino. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the Filipinos’ hope and goodwill evident not only during the Christmas season.

The Ara Vista Village holiday display is an annual tradition that residents look forward to during the most wonderful time of the year. Last year, Christmas trees greeted Ara Vista home owners also at the village façade. This year, the Ara Vista community will certainly feel the holiday spirit and the good vibes and bright cheer by appreciating the display of “parols” and curtain lights on their way to their holiday itineraries such as heading to the church within the enclave for the Misa de Gallo or “simbang gabi.”

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Sports and Recreational Training Arena, otherwise known as SPARTA, once again heralds another first in the field of sports-facility management in the country. Come 2016, it is set to open the first and only triathlon concept store named, Maximus Athlete's Shop Café, which caters to Multi-sport athletes such as cyclists, runners, swimmers, as well as coffee connoisseurs.

Owned by well-known triathlon Coach Andy Leuterio, Maximus will be a 280-square meter area, within the hectare-wide SPARTA facility, which will showcase different bikes, garments, equipment and accessories for Multi-sport athletes. Among the brands and products it will carry will be Lynskey titanium bicycles, Specialized bikes & accessories, Newton running shoes, Brooks running shoes, Muc-Off bike detailing supplies, CW-X compression gear, GoPro action cameras, Oakley eyewear, Knight composite racing wheels, Stages power meters, Kuat bike racks, Transition One apparel, TYR swimming gear, Swiftwick compression socks, Body Geometry FIT, among others.

Andy Leuterio says that he got sold with the concept when he toured the SPARTA facility a couple of months ago and envisioned the concept store, which he named after his son, Maximus.

He wanted a venue for Multi-sport athletes where they can buy their equipment, gear, accessories and get their bikes washed at the bike spa. Leuterio says, "While doing this, they can also have a sip of their specialty coffee as well at Maximus. We will be using Coffee Roasters specialty blends and single origin beans. After all, coffee and cycling go hand-in-hand."

Election 2016: Who's Your Bet for the Philippines?

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Are we still going to follow the method of choosing who easily comes into our heads as our choice for the coming 2016 elections?

We may not be aware of it, but the problem lies on this particular method of selection. We are taken over by who we perceive as popular and not really based on intellectual reasoning.

I can't blame you all because we really do not have enough access to credible data and most of the information we get out there are either fabricated or sponsored. If you research by Googling online, the results will be mostly articles or social media posts that could have been rigged to spread all over the Internet.

I hate to admit it, but character profiles ca easily be proliferated by hiring enough writers to fill up the social media or Internet networks. Never trust trending or viral posts because they can also be rigged to perpetuate erroneous information to either assassinate a person's character or otherwise promote aggressively so news about a person will be on page one of search results.

Thus, if we really want to put good men in position, it would take a lot of effort and convincing to people why we should research thoroughly on the better candidate. Choosing among the many presidentiables, vice-presidentiables, senatoriables, etc., and picking the name would sometimes end on who's the first ones on the top of our minds, so if a name is new and lacks the machinery to advertise himself, he tends to be the last choice even though he is well-deserving than the rest. The worst situation is people may not know him at all, so he ends up with very little votes.There are a lot of great men out there only to lose against celebrities or the rich fellow candidates or opponents.

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Smartphones have transitioned from being merely a communication device to an all-in-one mobile technology that complements the lifestyle of different people. While functionality and simplicity are often considered by mobile phone users, a new factor comes in: how the phone feels in the hand of the user.

Back in 2010, consumers believed that a 3.5-inch screen best meets their expectations of having a handy phone that easily slips into their pockets. Five years later, the norm has changed—most mobile phone users opt for smartphones that fall under the five-inch category to get the overall experience of a tablet and a mobile device in one handset.

“Since the trend of owning a five-inch phone boomed in 2015, most mobile phone manufacturers now lean towards developing products that may be classified under that category. However, some of them are missing out on the rather more important considerations in an attempt to ride with the wave,” said Michael Chen, Deputy General Manager & Product Strategy Director of Mobile Internet Group, TCL Communication. “The thing is, consumers are looking for both functionality and sophistication in one mobile device, and that’s just what we’re going to offer.”

Alcatel Flash, one of the leading mobile phone developers in Asia Pacific, launches its Flash 2 phone to offer an ergonomically designed smartphone that fits perfectly in the user’s hand. According to Michael Chen, the new flagship phone offers a perfect feel in the hand due to its remarkable workmanship.

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The Department of Transportation and Communications’ (DOTC) first Public-Private Partnership Project, the Contactless Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS), has reached Full Systems Acceptance (FSA), marking the end of the trial period.

“We have reached another milestone through the rollout of a modern, unified ticketing system. We have been informed that we are the fastest in the world to achieve FSA, which means the system passed the standards and requirements we have set. This is certainly the fruit of the hard work of DOTC, LRTA and MRT-3 personnel, in coordination with AF Payments, Inc. (AFPI).” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.

“Furthermore, we are the only ones with an AFC System wherein the government is paid instead of us paying a subsidy. We are proud of this achievement.” added Abaya.

The tap-and-go ticketing scheme was made available as early as July for LRT-2, August for LRT-1 and October for MRT-3. The limited public trial aimed to address glitches in the system including the contactless beep card, station computers, gates and vending machines.

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Home Credit Philippines, a consumer finance company, announces the results of its Study on Filipino consumer’s Christmas gift-giving behavior and preferences. The survey was held during the last week of November with 336 respondents (168 males and 168 females). More respondents preferred to give and get Gadgets this Christmas.

Twenty-four percent of the total respondents plan to buy gadgets as Christmas gifts for their family. Clothes & Accessories came in at second with a 23% share, followed by Food & Drinks (13%).

If you are expecting a gift from a male family member, it is more likely that you’ll receive a gadget: study showed that 30% of male respondents put the item as their top planned gift; but there’s also a chance that you’ll get Clothes & Accessories (20%) or Food & Drinks (13%). On the other hand, you may expect Clothes & Accessories from female family members: 26% of the female respondents said that they are looking to give out this item; Gadgets only accounted for 18% and Food & Drinks had 15%.

Likewise, more respondents (24%) are looking to get Gadgets for themselves this Christmas. Eight percent of them are wishing for Clothes & Accessories and 6% had a desire for a Car. Interestingly, the survey results showed that consumers are almost twice more likely to get Gadgets for themselves now compared to ten years ago.

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That well-known writing rule has taken on a different meaning for these established and budding Filipino authors and artists, as they proactively take on the fast-growing HIV epidemic with their words and images.

This year, the Philippines reported the highest number of HIV cases on a daily basis: 22 people testing positive–a huge jump from the 17 people in 2014. Since 1984 when the first HIV case was documented in the Philippines, the country has leapfrogged to 29,079 cases as of October 2015.

As a collaborative platform raising HIV and AIDS awareness via pop culture, pioneering HIV organization The Red Whistle has spearheaded various creative and productive collaborations to stop the rise of HIV here in the Philippines.

With its soon-to-be-launched folio, Red Letter Days, the organization brings together respected and up-and-coming voices in the art and literary scene to again bring discussions of HIV and AIDS, sex, and sexuality closer to young Filipinos.

“Through this folio, we were able to gather opinions and interpretations by respected voices from the art and literary community on HIV and AIDS, gender identity, sexual expression, and sexual health,” says Ronald Ramos, Red Letter Days folio editor, former president of the University of the Philippines’ Ugnayan ng Manunulat (UP Ugat), and fellow of the 1st Palihang Rogelio Sikat. “By bringing their thoughts together, we aspire to make discussions on HIV, sexual health and empowerment, as well as gender and equality, less taboo and more mainstream.”

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Recognizing the significance of promoting gender equality, the Department of Energy (DOE) presented in a Soft Launch the “Gender Toolkit for the Energy Sector” last December 10 in H20 Hotel in Manila.

Working together with the energy Gender and Development-Focal Point System (GAD-FPS) led by outgoing Energy Undersecretary Loreta G. Ayson, CESO I, the Philippine Commission on Women, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the DOE aims to provide a set of guides and reference materials to its internal units, attached agencies, and other offices and organizations in the sector on how to make their operations and programs more aware of, and responsive to the gender concerns of their clients.

Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada said in a message delivered by OIC-Asst. Secretary Patrick T. Aquino that “Balancing the gender fulcrum requires complementing initiatives from both genders,” emphasizing that the toolkit will bring both genders together and bridge the gap caused by gender disparity and difference in the energy sector.

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Recognizing the impact of technology in the education system, Globe Telecom through its information and communications technology (ICT) arm Globe Business, realizes that the integration of technology and innovative education solutions could answer issues confronting the Philippine education system. Working with the education sector, Globe Business targets the ubiquity of mobile access and its growing connected base, improving the service and answering the difficulties with innovative solutions.

Globe partnered with top companies such as Brightspace of D2L, Educube of Globals and Flipside to find innovative solutions to offer Philippine schools and students access to a global learning experience. Brightspace provides more than a simple course of management capabilities on a Learning Management System (LMS). It is the only accessible, intuitive and Integrated Learning Platform that provides an engaging learning experience and predictive data-driven analytics while empowering teachers to teach the way they prefer to and inspiring students to learn the way they want them to learn.

Educube, a school management system recognized worldwide, is a cloud-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for schools that help streamline and automate the school’s business processes.

Davao Entrepreneurs Learn the Ropes of Digitizing Their Business Through Biggest Digital Solutions Caravan

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In keeping with its mission to provide SMEs with effective business solutions to improve and enhance their business, Globe myBusiness rolled out its one-stop SME exhibit, Globe myBusiness Day. To cap off the year, the caravan made its final stop for 2015 at one of the fastest growing cities and the largest economy Southern Philippines, Davao.

The Globe myBusiness Day caravan was held at SMX Convention Center at Lanang and was open to all who are interested to learn about new opportunities to grow and improve their business through new technologies.

The exhibit highlighted three main zones names the Cost Cutting Zone, Revenue Generating Zone and the Operations Improvement Zone. Cost Cutting Zone allowed customers to learn how to maximize expenses and save on unnecessary cost by introducing digital solutions. The Revenue Generating Zone on the other hand features products and solutions that can help a business owner earn more; while the Operations Improvement Zone lets guests explore new solutions that can boost operational performance. Apart from the various zones, convenient services for businesses were present for easy, onsite fulfillment like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for assistance is business names and permits.

"I’m happy that Globe is supporting MSMEs in Davao. The myBusiness Day in Davao is very timely as it allows MSMEs to be equipped with ICT tools that will enable them to compete more aggressively in the marketplace, both locally and globally. Today, Region XI has the 7th highest concentration of MSMEs, comprising about 5% of total MSMEs in the country. Adopting to a digitally-enabled business opens up new opportunities for expansion, higher employment, and better economic value for the province, to this city and the people of Davao," shares Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

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Golden Ticket Events has just awoken the force within every Star Wars fan with the exclusive screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, held one day ahead of its December 17 release in the Philippines. The screening was held at SM Megamall Cinema 3 to a sold-out crowd.

Despite the popularity of the movie, the reception was still unexpected. “The screening was held in the middle of pre-holiday festivities,” said Kendrick Go, Marketing Director of Golden Ticket Events. “In spite of their busy schedules, inclement weather, and holiday traffic, our patrons were still able to make time for the screening. It gives me great pleasure that Golden Ticket Events is able to continuously provide a memorable movie theatre experience in the Philippines.”

In celebration of the movie’s exclusive Philippine premiere, Golden Ticket Events amped the ante and treated patrons to free popcorn, bottled water, and 1,000 PHP worth of goodies and gift certificates. Even the movie ticket itself, The Golden Ticket, can be used to claim free skin care services from Forever Beautiful, a facial and slimming spa located in SM Megamall.

Released more than ten years after the film series’ last instalment (Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith), Star Wars: The Force Awakens is slated to be the much awaited movie of the decade. With J. J. Abrams--the man who helped reinvigorate the Star Trek franchise--at the helm alongside fan favorites Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher, the movie is expected to break box office records and earn $1 billion in profits.

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Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (APEA) 2015, the region’s most prestigious awards for entrepreneurs, has chosen Globe Telecom executive Glenn Estrella as winner in the Most Promising Category for his efforts and perseverance.

Estrella’s selection was based primarily on his performance as Vice President for Globe Digital Media and his accomplishments as member of the board of directors of Yondu, Inc., a Philippine provider of IT and mobile services. Yondu started as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globe before its majority stake was sold to Xurpas last September.

"The award is a recognition of the culture we have in Yondu and Globe. We have a culture that promotes an environment of true camaraderie (mutual trust and friendship). We know the value of having fun in what we do, we correct each other when needed, we depend on each when faced with challenges, and when the day is done or the task is done we say thank you and congratulate one another. I know how to do my job, but I love it because of the people I work with," Estrella said.

The research and analysis carried out by the team of APEA 2015 analysts noted that Estrella’s excellent business foresight and managerial style, particularly in turning around Yondu Inc., was one of the key factors for him being considered a winner.

Ready To Look And Feel Our Best This Holiday Season

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The yuletide season is just around the corner and for us Filipinos that only means one thing – endless parties and gatherings with families and friends you haven’t seen all year.

It’s that one time of the year when people take their minds off deadlines and just spend quality time catching up with loved ones over great food. With Christmas time and all the reunions that come with it fast approaching, it is mandatory for everyone to put their best face forward. I'm betting there would be numerous selfies with everyone all throughout the days and nights to immortalize the photos into unforgettable memories.

Selfies would be great if we have flawless, acne-free skin so we do not need to use a filter to enhance our photos. In real life, no one is spared from acne, or the pimples that result with it. Breakouts can put a blow on your confidence and hold you back from being your social and fun self.

Good thing Proactiv Solution got you covered so you can look good and feel good this holiday season.

Proactiv is your ultimate skincare tool for prepping for the holiday season. I haven't experienced a better product yet that can promise to give the same benefits.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

More dirt, grime and hugely challenging cleans are coming your way! Follow a group of admittedly obsessive cleaners as they hop from house to house, all of which are in dire need of a major cleanup. Together, these people with such contrasting compulsions will explore how their different behaviours affect their lives. Catch the new season of Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners this December 18, Fridays at 8:10 pm.

Meanwhile, Theresa Caputo gathers the whole family for a charity event at her dad’s firehouse, where she and Larry dress up as Mr. & Mrs. Clause. With all of her capability, Theresa gives people the ultimate of gifts - reuniting people with their deceased loved ones. She reconnects a grieving couple with their son and reunites a single mom with the husband she lost to cancer. Be sure not to miss out on heartfelt reunions and merry celebrations in the holiday special of Long Island Medium, premiering this December 24, Thursday at 9:00 pm.

This December, young designers and fashion victims takeover TLC as Project Runway: Threads features kiddie designers wannabes.

The fashion industry is in need of fresh ideas. Now it’s time for the kids to step up and show what they’ve got. Hosted by Vanessa Simmons and featuring judges Christian Siriano, Gina Kelly, Jasmine Snow, and Ingrid Nilsen, watch as 7-14 year old designers battle it out in style with Project Runway: Threads, a spin-off airing Thursdays at 10pm.