Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Inter-Agency Task Force Enforces Security Measures on Energy Facilities for May Elections

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Securing Energy Facilities (IATFSEF), headed by the Department of Energy (DOE), enforces security measures to ensure power supply adequacy reliability during the local and national elections in May.

Following the issuance of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 10067, concerned members of the IATFSEF are deputized to provide sufficient personnel to secure power assets nationwide, implement clearing of trees, infrastructures and any obstructions beneath the transmission facilities, safeguard the area of the transmission Tower No. 25 located along the Agus 2-Kibawe 138kV line enabling rehabilitation to proceed, and provide pertinent information to cause prosecution of violators of the election code.

The IATFSEF, in close coordination with COMELEC, notes that these measures are in response to the earlier bombing incidents and right-of-way issues compromising the power supply security in Mindanao grid that caused the isolation of Agus 1 and Agus 2 Hydro Power Plants, depriving Mindanao customers with 82 megawatts of generation capacity, resulting in power trippings and rotating outages in some provinces.

“The Government, through the IATFSEF, is in full force to implement all necessary measures to ensure sufficient supply of electric power ahead of the critical election period,” said Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada, emphasizing that the immediate repair and restoration of Tower No. 25 will help stabilize the power supply in Mindanao in time for the elections.

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Originally performed at the Magic Castle in Hollywood back in the early 2000, Masters of Illusion was revived for regular airing on television.

Featuring some of the best magicians in the world, each episode is a visual treat. Whatever your brand of magic is, the show has something for you. See mentalists, illusionists, and escape artists, just to name a few. Relive your love for this classic entertainment that’s full of modern twists.

Viewers should brace themselves for mind-boggling illusions, amazing sleight of hand, breath-taking escapes and even laugh out loud comedy routines.

Hosted by Dean Cain, Master of Illusions airs weeknights at 7:55pm, first & exclusive on Sony Channel .

Sony Channel is seen on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cable Link Channel 39.

Why OFWs Come Home to Manila to Get Their Hair Back

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The Philippines is fast becoming the go-to place for hair restoration procedures.

Medical findings show that about 30% of the adult population experience some degree of hair loss, even up to their 40s and 50s. Nearly two-thirds of men start to go bald at various stages and ages in their life. Due to the great psychological value attached to having a full head of hair, thinning hair and hair loss are a big issue for people young and old, especially for men.

MAXiM Hair Restoration, an 11-year old hair transplant clinic, says the number of foreigners, medical tourists and vacationing Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) coming to their clinic for hair transplants has been steadily growing through the years. Clients from the US, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Middle East, Canada, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Australia are growing in number.

OFWs with more disposable income are seeking ways to improve their appearance and raise their self-esteem. “Employers perceive younger-looking, well-groomed people to be more attractive and competent. So when we look good and appear younger, we get more job opportunities,” says Mateo Cepe, a contract worker from Dubai.

“Hair transplants in Manila cost less and are world class. MAXiM has a long track record and international experience. It is famous and reputable among us OFWs,” says Leonardo Eguia, a former OFW from Taiwan.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This is a March full of adventure for the young and the young-at-heart on Discovery Kids, Discovery Science and Discovery HD World.

Discovery Kids

Go on an adventure with a very special knight in Rusty Knight.

In this imaginative animated family film, Rusty lives with his dragon Cole and friend Bo in the kingdom of Scrapland, a magical world completely made of scrap-metal. With dreams of winning the great knights' tournament, Rusty acquires a speed engine for his horse, Chopper, that propels them into first place. But when the engine turns out to be stolen from ambitious Prince Novel, brave Rusty must redeem his knightly honor, save the kingdom and prove that true friends always stick together. The new series Rusty Knight premieres March 14, airing daily at 4:25 PM.

Sherlock Yack is a zoo's manager as well as its detective. As soon as a crime is committed, he investigates with his young assistant, Hermione. With her help, he finds suspects, clues and proofs...while inviting the young viewer to lead the investigation and find the culprit at the same time. Solve crime and unravel mysteries with Sherlock Yack – Zoo Detective as it premieres March 28, airing Monday to Friday at 4:00 PM.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Nagbabalik... ang mas pinabilis, mas pina-todo at mas pinasayang Pinakamahabang Todo Patintero 2016!

Yayain na ang barkada at pamilya ngayong March 13, 9AM sa UP Sunken Garden.

Bumuo na ng grupo at mag-register sa http://bit.ly/Patintero2016

Prizes:
1ST PLACE - P5,000
2ND PLACE - P3,000
3RD PLACE - P2,000

Handog sa inyo ng UP ABAM at Yabang Pinoy!

Game! Mag-ensayo na!

BayaniBoto Empowers Youth Electorate to Vote for Right Senators

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Aiming to introduce the senatorial candidates and their platforms through an open dialogue with the youth electorate, The Outstanding Students of the Philippines Alumni Community-National Capital Region (TOSPAC-NCR) partners with YouthVote Philippines, Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan and Adamson University, to conduct BayaniBoto, Senatorial Forum.

The event will be held on March 12, 2016 (Saturday) at the Adamson University Theater of Adamson University from 1 pm to 5 pm. Senatorial candidates participating in the event include Valenzuela city 1st District Representative Sherwin Gatchalian, Former Manila Councilor Greco Belgica, Former MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, Accomplished Lawyer Atty. Lorna Kapunan and Former Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla who will present their detailed plans should they be elected. Aside from invited student delegates from different colleges and universities in Metro Manila, the half-day forum is open to all registered voters, whether college students or young professionals. The forum also recognises that electing the right senators is equally important as choosing the right president and vice president of the country.

The Outstanding Students of the Philippines Alumni Community – National Capital Region (TOSPAC-NCR) recognizes the importance of youth participation in the electoral process and in this upcoming national elections. In 2013, TOSPAC-NCR founded BayaniBoto, a voters’ engagement campaign as its response to the challenge of developing a fully informed electorate. The goal of Bayaniboto, since its inception, has been to educate youth voters and inspire them to go above and beyond their duty to vote because they believe that “ang bawat kabataang bumuboto, bayani”.

Party Hard for HIV Prevention at Cherry Poppin’ – The 2nd Comin’ on March 19

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Refreshing its HIV Awareness campaign, LoveYourself, Inc., in collaboration with Køsmos, will host the Cherry Poppin’ - The 2nd Comin’ on March 19 at the Century City Mall event center in Makati City for the benefit of the organization’s testing clinics and community centers.

Introduced last year, Cherry Poppin’ is a LoveYourself fund-raising activity through a fun-filled man-date auction while in a rave party. A donation of PhP300, which will help fund the organization’s activities, grants one ticket to the party inclusive of a free drink.

The party gates will open at 8PM with electronic dance music from up-and-coming DJ Geert Major aka Garuda supported by other resident Køsmos DJs Deej Diaz, Kazwal, and Mike Lavet. A Dutch native and music producer, DJ Garuda has been performing at top clubs in Manila, Netherlands and Thailand.

Cherry Poppin’ party guests (donors) can get a chance to bid on and go out on a date with 15 eligible bachelors, including models, young actors, dashing doctors, hunky professionals, and the reigning Mr. Gay World - Philippines 2016, Christian Lacsamana. Donors who win in the auction will go on a guaranteed romantic dinner with the chosen auctionee, yet more intimate surprises await the winning bidder for higher bids.

Knowledge Channel and Fatty Brain Toys Advocate Play and Technology for Smarter Kids at ‘SKY Alive!’

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Passionate in making learning more fun and interactive for Filipino children, Knowledge Channel along with Fatty Brain Toys will join SKY Cable Corporation in celebrating its 25th year of service in the Philippines. The first ever cable fair catering to Filipino families, the silver anniversary is tagged as ‘SKY Alive’ and will host all the networks under SKY on March 12 and 13 at the SMX Convention Center.

“'SKY Alive!’ is an innovative way to really bring the world closer to Filipino homes and it echoes SKY and ABS-CBN’s same vision to constantly be in the service of the Filipino people.” said March S. Ventosa, Chief Operating Officer of Sky Cable Corporation.

The only all-educational TV channel in the country with localized content simulcast nationwide, Knowledge Channel not only provides DepEd-curriculum based video episodes for the different subjects and grade levels in K to 10 to supplement public education, but also online instructional games, professional teacher trainings and other interactive forms of learning for mature audiences and out-of-school students.

Knowing that progressive education would open up a world of opportunities to underprivileged Filipino learners, Rina Lopez-Bautista co-founded Knowledge Channel 16 years ago to empower public schools with DepEd-aligned educational media and technologies that help improve learning.

Singapore Airlines First to Introduce ‘Companion App’ For Inflight Entertainment System

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Singapore Airlines is raising the travel experience to an exciting new level with the introduction of a first-of-its-kind mobile application that offers customers greater control over their in-flight entertainment (IFE) experience - even before boarding the aircraft.

The companion app, which was developed for Singapore Airlines by Mobile Travel Technologies (MTT) in conjunction with Panasonic Avionics, enables customers to review the IFE video and audio content that will be available on their flight, create pre-selected favourites lists, and control the seat-back IFE system – all using their personal electronic devices. The app is now available on iOS and Android tablets, with availability on iOS and Android mobile phones in the second quarter of 2016.

To make use of the app, customers can install the SingaporeAir tablet application on their device prior to the aircraft’s departure. Once on board, they can link their device to the IFE system using the aircraft’s in-flight WiFi network. Connecting to KrisWorld, the Airline’s award-winning IFE system, will then allow for movies, TV shows or music to be launched on the seat monitor, directly from their list of favourites or from the entire media list.

Linking the app to the IFE system also enables the personal device to be used as a remote control, to pause, play, or skip through media content. SIA will be the first airline in the world to enable this on a Panasonic in-flight entertainment system. Customers will be able to multi-task, thereby maximising their experience of KrisWorld, such as by browsing through the index of KrisWorld content on their device while watching a movie on the seat monitor. Customers can even access real-time information on the flight progress and flight path without interrupting their movie viewing.

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The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has announced nine bouts for ONE: GLOBAL RIVALS which takes place 15 April at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. Fans in the Philippines will witness all the action live as ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben “Funky” Askren returns to defend his title against hard-charging Russian opponent Nikolay Aleksakhin.

CEO of ONE Championship, Victor Cui stated: “We have an absolutely stacked card planned for fight fans in Manila, and we’re happy to be back at the Mall of Asia Arena for another awesome night of MMA. Each time out, our Manila show gets bigger and better, and this year is no exception.”

Tickets for ONE: GLOBAL RIVALS are available at www.smtickets.com.

Former NCAA Division I All-American and Olympian Ben Askren is a collegiate wrestling legend and one of the finest mixed martial artists in the world today. In just a few fights in ONE, Askren was able to seize the ONE Welterweight World Championship with a resounding technical knockout victory over Nobutatsu Suzuki. The highly-skilled Askren is widely considered to be the absolute best in his division and one of the best fighters in the world pound for pound. His next challenge is a tough one, as he goes head-to-head with Russia’s Nikolay Aleksakhin.

A veteran welterweight from Russia, Nikolay Aleksakhin will make his highly-anticipated return to the ONE Championship cage in Manila this April. Aleksakhin was impressive in his debut for the promotion when he submitted Burenzorig Batmunkh with a rear naked choke within three rounds. Now, Aleksakhin gets the call to face ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren and will look to surprise the crowd with intense action.

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With the full implementation of the K-12 program this June with onset of the additional 2-year senior high school program, an education technology company out to improve the teaching and learning experience is now offering its services in Cebu.

Yuki Naotori, Country Manager of Quipper, said the launching at Tisa Elementary School, which is plagued by many of the same challenges besetting high schools nationwide, exemplifies the company’s vision for a world where everyone has easy access to quality education.

“This year is a pivotal one for Philippine education, with an estimated 1.2 to 1.6 million students beginning grade 11 in June. By providing excellent, K-12 aligned content on a platform that helps teachers streamline their teaching methods and class management while simultaneously providing students with an engaging yet effective learning experience, we hope to make this transition easier for both public and private schools in Cebu and the rest of the country,” said Naotori.

To access the platform and content, teachers need to sign up at school.quipper.com, register their school, then invite their students to create accounts and join their class. Once students have signed-in, teachers can send assignments or exams and communicate with students via the platform’s messaging system. Educators are also able to upload their own content and access analytics on their students’ performance. The platform is gamified, so students get instant feedback upon answering, and earn ‘coins’ for correct answers, which they can use to ‘buy’ desktop wallpaper for their Quipper account. The use of Quipper School and all its features is free of charge.

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100% Filipino-owned Profil Holidays, one of the Philippines’ leading travel and tours company, is celebrating the 25th year in the business as among the leaders in the industry. With this, they have recently unveiled 6 exciting new travel packages including budget travels that will suite the more tight on the budget yet adventurous type of traveler.

Profil actually stands for Professional Filipino, meaning they probably thought of the names 25 years ago to indicate how dedicated and determined they are in providing Filipinos the opportunity to travel around the world and see different tourist spots and destinations in the most affordable yet memorable package.

Profil Holidays had helped thousands of Filipinos explore more than 100 countries in five continents, giving them a lifetime’s worth of unforgettable experiences. True enough, they are also launching a mobile app they call Travel Scout that will also help travelers for added convenience in targeting their desired destinations. Soon the mobile app will undergo additional improvements and add-ons to make it a lot more better to serve more in seeing the world. The app is now available for download at Google Play for Android smartphones and at the App Store for iPhones.

From the media conference held at the iconic Manila Hotel on March 8, 2016, it is surprising to find out that many still perceive Filipinos as "babies" with regards to their attitude in traveling. Rosanna "Anne" Inchiong, General Manager of Profil Holidays, and Benilo "Bomg" Tabang, Sales Director of Profil Holidays both agree that Americans and Europeans are more mature in dealing and communicating with people around the world. Filipinos tend to expect more pampering while the said foreign customers are thrilled to travel backpacker style.

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"The COMELEC found itself in a state of emergency on Tuesday, March 8, after a Supreme Court ruling practically required the poll body to overhaul crucial processes that took months to finish." - Rappler

"This may go against the celebratory mood of most people but the SC decision on the printing of receipts as VVPAT mechanism for PCOS might create more problem than solution. Why?

1) As per COMELEC statistics, we have 54.3 M registered voters divided in 92,509 Clustered Precincts (CP), so in theory, you'll have 586 voters per CP. Printing of receipts will take 13 seconds while reading and confirming might take 20-30 seconds (note: this is a conservative estimate not yet considering our special needs sector) so that's 33-43 seconds per voter. Thus, voting time will have to be extended by 19338 seconds (5.37 HOURS)- 25198 (6.99 HOURS). Considering the 2013 elections that operated from 7am to 7pm, we're looking at closing precincts now at around 12AM-2AM.

2) The need to reconfigure 96,096 PCOS considering printing of receipts is not included in the present model. I'm not yet sure if they have to reconfigure the software or/and hardware of the machines.

3) Remember that we are not allowed to bring receipts outside the polling center because they need to be surrendered and put into ballot boxes? Yup, we have to buy those ballot boxes too. Let's assume that 1 CP needs 1 ballot box, so we will be needing 92,509 ballot boxes. 1 ballot box will incur 3,000 pesos ( AES watch versus COMELEC) so that's an additional cost of 277 M pesos for an election that's already spending 12 BILLION already. I'm not yet mentioning the 1.2 M additional rolls of thermal paper.

DLSU BMS Proudly Presents Unplugged

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"RELAX. UNWIND. UNPLUG.

DLSU Business Management Society Proudly Presents:

UNPLUGGED
March 12, 2016 - Saturday
Track 30th, Bonifacio Global City
6PM onwards

JAM OUT to the freshest sounds brought to you by Metro Manila’s up and coming artists, including your SoundCloud favorites while you INDULGE YOUR TASTEBUDS on food served by only the finest food start-ups!

Treat yourself with a night of GREAT FOOD ang GREAT MUSIC—this will be an event you definitely won’t want to miss!

#RelaxUnwindUnplug

https://www.facebook.com/BMSUnplugged
https://twitter.com/BMSUnplugged
https://instagram.com/BMSUnplugged"

Home Credit Promotes Health and Financial Literacy

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Promoting health and financial literacy. A mother reads a comic book on saving and budgeting money to her child at a medical mission activity conducted by consumer finance company Home Credit at Nagpayong High School in Pasig. More than 100 families were given free check-ups and vitamins, as well as consultations with Home Credit volunteers on how to better take care of their finances. Aside from receiving free comic books, interested parents also joined teachers of the high school in an interactive game which aims to teach financial literacy in a fun and engaging way. Home Credit considers financial literacy as one of its primary advocacies, and has so far done community engagements in areas in Metro Manila, Laguna and Cebu, with more areas still lined up.