DOE Statement on Power Situation (Yellow Alert)

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) is closely monitoring the power supply situation in Luzon following the Forced Outage of the 122 megawatts (MW) of the South Luzon Thermal Energy Corporation’s (SLTEC) coal-fired power plant and 300 MW-Block B of the Ilijan Natural Gas Power Plant resulting in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) Yellow Alert declaration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. of 19 July, 2016.

As of 9:00 a.m. of the said date, the available capacity stood at 9,981 MW, while the demand is projected to reach 9,479 MW.

In response, Manila Electric Corporation (MERALCO) already coordinated with its Interruptible Load Program (ILP) participants to augment the supply. As of 11 a.m., there are about 154 ILP participants that have confirmed their availability equivalent to 315 MW.

The DOE constantly reminds the public to practice energy efficiency and conservation measures.

ASEAN @ 50 - Is Integration Doable?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Over 150 delegates from various peoples’organizations, social movements, and civil society organizations gathered at the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) to kick off the two-day Philippine Peoples’ Summit on ASEAN 2016 to discuss various local, national and regional issues as they relate to ASEAN. 

The summit focused on how the ASEAN has changed in the last 49 years and examined the challenges for a regional economic integration. Is a regional integration doable or is it just a delusion? “Peoples’ engagement with ASEAN has been a long and arduous journey,”said Dr. Ed Tadem, President of the Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) and lead convenor of the Philippine Process on ASEAN, citing challenges such as the Mekong region countries being more integrated with China than with the ASEAN region, the social inequalities within and between ASEAN countries, the ASEAN’s failure to issue a joint communique on the South China Sea territorial dispute, and the regional human rights mechanism’s inability to respond to reports of human rights violations. 

Tadem further said that “ASEAN has been a disappointment because the governments have not responded to the demands and proposals from the people. ASEAN has failed in providing for a better life for citizens and member countries. Unrestrained economic growth has only deepened poverty and social inequalities.” 

But if such is the case, is it still worthwhile to pursue engagement with ASEAN or is there an alternative to ASEAN? 

“Integration should be based on solidarity. And by solidarity, it means putting yourself in the position of the other. It should be pro-people and premised on friendship and peaceful co-existence,” said Antonio Tujan, Jr. of IBON International. This has not been the case for ASEAN. 

However, Tujan said there is still value in our engagement with the ASEAN, as this is the proxy organization for Asia, not only in relation to ASEAN affairs but also because of its role in the regional and global arena. 

Although there is a huge imbalance in the space, ASEAN still provides opportunities to people. CSO scan show the way to regional integration, one that starts from below. The ACSC/APF for instance provides a space where people from the region are able to discuss issues, share ande xchange experiences and solutions. 

Representatives from sectors of children, youth, elderly, women and persons with disabilities gave their reactions on what ASEAN integration can do for their sectors. Persons with disabilities said they are not looked at as a relevant sector to the point of being invisible. They see no regional level

solution for their sector. In the case of women, they see alternative regional is one that should ensure women’s enjoyment of their rights and gender equality. 

To further explore local issues in relation to ASEAN, the Summit participants went into breakout sessions to discuss issues on labour and migration, food sovereignty, human rights and repression, trade and foreign policies, peace and security, economic issues and inequality, climate, and gender, inclusivity and intersectionality. 

Recommendations from the different sectors include addressing the cultural, ideological and economic causes of inequality and marginalization. This means clarification and reaffirmation of principles, the exploration of alternatives, establishment of instruments and mechanisms (engagement, transparency and accountability, formal mechanisms and funds), and strengthening of civil society and social movements. 

On July19, the Summit conducted workshops towards a better understanding of what a people-centered ASEAN is all about, as the country prepares for the 50th anniversary of ASEAN in 2017, when the Philippines will assume chairship. 

The Philippine Peoples’ Summit on ASEAN is organized by the ASEAN CivilS ociety Conference/ ASEAN Peoples’ Forum 2016 (ACSC/APF2016) Philippine Process, a broad network of civil society organizations, peoples’ organizations and social movements that seeks to analyze ASEAN issues faced by the Philippines and its neighboring countries.

Mario Sismundo Ready for the Biggest Fight of His Life on July 30

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Mario Sismundo, who will fight on July 30 for the World Series of Fighting Global Championship 3: Philippines vs. the World card at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, says that he is more than just Manny Pacquiao’s doppelgänger.

Mario, who once doubled for Manny Pacquiao for a TV commercial, and also hails from General Santos City, also has plans of his own to be a world-renowned fighter.

The resemblance is striking, in fact, when he trains at Fitbox Gym in Makati, he is often mistaken as Manny Pacquiao.

Sismundo says, “Sobrang na inspire ako na kamukha ko si Manny Pacquiao kasi yung kamukha ko o kahawig ko ay di ordinaryong tao, kungdi, sikat sa buong mundo dahil sa kanyang galing sa boxing, at isa pa siyang Senador ngayon. Baka sa pagtiyatiyaga at sipag sa mga laban ko, isang araw, masundan ko rin ang yapak ng idolo ko.”

Sismundo continues, “Malaking bagay na nakasali ako sa ganitong kalaking organization, na galing pating Amerika. Tulad sa akin, na galing sa General Santos City na matagal nang naghintay ng pagkakataon makalaban sa malaking audience, malaking bagay po talaga. Matagal ko po itong pinangarap at dinasal.”

This will be Mario Sismundo’s biggest fight in his entire boxing and MMA career, fighting for the first time in a 15,000-seater stadium in Quezon City, alongside fighters from all over the world.

Sismundo says that his family, specially his father, has been supportive of his career all this time.

It is bittersweet though that at the biggest fight of his life, wherein his fight will be the co-main event on July 30, that his father won’t be able to watch it since he passed away just weeks ago.

“Sa pinakamalaking laban ng buhay ko, na matagal niyang hinintay, wala na siya…pero hindi iyon hadlang para ako manghina o mawalan ng gana lumaban, bagkos, lalo ko pang pag-iigihan ang training ko para manalo sa laban na ito, dahil inaalay ko sa kanya ang laban na ito”, Sismundo says.

“At alam ko kahit wala na ang aking ama, manonood siya kahit nasa ibang mundo na siya”, adds Sismundo.

WSOF-GC will host WSOF-GC 3 Philippines at Smart Araneta Coliseum on July 30, 2016. Tickets start at PHP300 with ringside seats available for PHP4000. Tickets are now on sale at http://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2988982/wsof-global-championship-3philippines-quezon-city-smart-araneta-coliseum. Smart Araneta Coliseum has been host to many great events over the years, but is most notably known for Ali vs Frazier III ‘The Thrilla in Manila’.

A lucky member of the audience on July 30, 2016 at Smart Araneta Coliseum will win P1,000,000.00. Visitwww.wsofgc.com/raffle for details. Promo period June 16 - July 30, 2016, DTI-NCR PERMIT #6130.

Arroyo Acquittal: Sad Day for Justice

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros today expressed her sadness and disappointment with the Supreme Court's decision acquitting former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from a P 366 million plunder case the senator filed in 2011 together with two other co-petitioners.

"It's a sad day for justice," Hontiveros said.

In an 11-4 ruling, the high court voted to acquit Arroyo, thereby freeing her from 4 years of hospital arrest due to the case.

Hontiveros, along with former Brigadier General Danilo Lim and social activist Jimmy Regalario, filed the PCSO plunder cases before the Ombudsman in 2011.


Strong case

“The case we filed is strong. In fact, it was one of the two PCSO plunder cases admitted by the Office of the Ombudsman under Conchita Carpio Morales, and subsequently filed before the Sandiganbayan”, she recalled.


Ombudsman confirmed misuse of funds

Hontiveros said that the Ombudsman confirmed the diversion of funds from PCSO’s operating budget to the confidential or intelligence fund, which can be withdrawn or accessed any time and with few restrictions.

It was reported that the diversion of funds did not meet any legal requirements aside from the approval of the President.

“The Ombudsman also confirmed that the said funds were converted, misused and illegally-transferred the funds for their own use in the guise of fictitious expenditures”, added the Senator.



"Tuloy ang laban"

Hontiveros said that she would confer with her co-petitioners on the best course of action to take to pursue justice and accountability from the corrupt Arroyo government.
“I am shocked with the high court’s ruling”, remarked Hontiveros. “But we will not lose hope”.

“Tuloy ang laban para sa katarungan," Hontiveros concluded. #

DOE: We Will Follow What’s Good for Us

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In the wake of President Rodrigo Duterte's pronouncement that the administration will not honor the December 2015 Paris agreement on climate change which the Philippines adopted along with 200 countries, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said today the country will implement an energy policy that meets our specific economic requirements.

"We will chart our own course in so far as energy is concerned to ensure energy supply security considering that developing countries like the Philippines have low carbon emissions. President Duterte is correct in saying that the country is still in the process of industrialization. We must therefore use whatever energy resources are available and affordable for power generation," Cusi said.

"While we signed the Paris agreement last year committing ourselves to limit our carbon emissions, we cannot ignore the fact that our level of economic development at this point does not allow us to rely completely on renewable energy sources or clean energy," Cusi added.

"We need diversified energy sources to support our growing economy. The Department of Energy is formulating a strategic fuel policy mix to propel the country's growing economy," Cusi emphasized.

"We need to build more baseload power plants while also aggressively pushing for clean energy," he added.

“The DOE,” Cusi stressed, "stands firm in promoting energy efficiency and conservation to complement its thrust for clean energy development following the country's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions on climate change mitigation efforts."

Cusi added, “We will continue to adhere to internationally accepted environmental standards in our energy use." The DOE is working with the National Economic Development Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Climate Change Commission to develop a balanced and sustainable energy policy framework.

President Duterte said the Paris agreement on climate change is "blocking the progress of developing countries like the Philippines" and that the industrialized countries are “dictating the destiny” of developing ones by requiring them to cut carbon emissions.

During the election campaign, Duterte said that industrialized nations should help developing ones comply with the Paris agreement by providing financial assistance to cope with climate change.

DICT Should Enable the Sector by Getting Rid of Bureaucratic Red Tape

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DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima’s has called for “good public service” from telco operators in the country. Globe said that it remains committed to its purpose of strengthening the nation through ICT by continuing investments in the sector. “Globe invests millions of dollars annually for network expansion and service improvements,” said Globe General Counsel Froilan Castelo. In terms of capital expenditures, the Philippines ranks second to China with almost 30% of telco revenues spent on CAPEX, the second highest in Asia.

“Further, Secretary Salalima’s proposed executive order to help rationalize the permitting process for telco infrastrusture, once in place, would be a respite from the difficulties we encounter in putting up cell sites and right-of-way issues for fiber optic cables,” added Castelo. The reduction of bureaucratic red tape was also presented by the company as a key measure that local government units can implement to help the sector, during the recently concluded Regional Competitiveness Summit, chaired by Guillermo Luz of the National Competitiveness Council of the Philippines. It is important for the government to play its role not only as a regulator but also as an enabler of the sector. If put into action, “this bodes well with what the public really wants, a better internet experience,” said Castelo.

Castelo also said that Globe will continue to roll out new network capacities using the spectrum assets it gained as a result of the joint buyout of SMC's telco assets. Reacting to the recent statement of the PCCI, Castelo clarified that the company is not hindering the PCC from doing its job. “We are not in any way blocking the PCC from performing its mandate. In fact, we repeatedly invited the PCC to exercise its plenary powers under Section 12 of the Competition Act to investigate the conduct and behavior of the companies on this transaction for possible violations of the Act. Globe has consistently relayed to the PCC its willingness to submit to this investigation, and Globe is confident that all its actions pertaining to this transaction are all legal and above-board as certified by its legal counsels,” he said.

All parties should abide by the provision of Memorandum Circular 16-002 and this includes the PCC who is expected to uphold its own rules and the Philippine Competition Act. "Globe followed to the letter the rules of the PCC, and the same should be appreciated by the PCC,“ Castelo added.

NEC Announces New AI Technology Brand, “NEC the WISE”

Wazzup Pilipinas!

NEC Corporation announced that it will be branding its lineup of artificial intelligence (hereinafter, “AI”) technologies as “NEC the WISE”(*) and globally launching this new brand and its mark as part of NEC’s efforts to contribute to the realization of a safe, secure, efficient, and equal society in which people work together with AI to enhance technological advancements.

In recent years, AI technologies have experienced tremendous breakthroughs amidst the explosive growth of data volume resulting from the increased sophistication of analysis engines (i.e., software) and the improved processing capabilities of computers. These technologies are currently attracting attention for their usefulness in complementing human abilities, solving societal issues, and creating a more convenient society.

“We have named our lineup of cutting-edge AI technologies ‘NEC the WISE’ to reflect NEC’s strong desire to facilitate cooperation between people and AI as we continue to leverage our advanced wisdom to solve the increasingly complex and sophisticated problems confronting society,” says Katsumi Emura, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO). “To accelerate the development and use of state-of-the-art AI technologies supporting advanced fields such as IoT, Big Data, and Security, which are at the core of NEC’s Solutions for Society, NEC will be focusing its efforts on providing innovative solutions that contribute to not only the resolution of societal problems but also the transformation and growth of enterprises.”

NEC has promoted the development of AI-related technology for nearly half a century in the domains of visualization, analysis, and control and guidance. As a result of these efforts, many of NEC’s AI technologies, including speech recognition, image and video recognition, language and semantic understanding, machine learning, prediction and detection, and optimal planning and control, are either unprecedented or ranked No. 1 in the world. (**)

NEC’s lineup of cutting-edge AI technologies

NEC’s AI technologies are already being utilized for a variety of solutions, including an immigration control system equipped with facial recognition technology boasting the world’s highest degree of accuracy(**), a failure sign monitoring system for large-scale plants that can be used to discover imperceptible changes and recognize them as a sign of failure, and a retail ordering system based on highly accurate demand forecasting that uses machine learning technology. These solutions can be applied to the creation of safe and secure environments in the realm of Public Safety, the monitoring of large-scale social infrastructure, and enterprises looking to enhance their marketing abilities and operational efficiency.

“Going forward, AI will make it possible to provide people with suggestions for problems without a clear single answer, such as management decisions and the development of new products. NEC is therefore committed to offering advanced solutions that will help people make decisions from a broader point of view. We will also be proactively leveraging open innovation and utilizing a wide array of AI technologies to maximize the value we provide to our customers,” says Katsumi Emura.

Optimization of intellectual and creative activities through collaboration between people and AI

Note:

(*) NEC the WISE is a portfolio of AI technologies developed by NEC for enriching human intellect and creativity. This portfolio represents our strong determination to harness the wisdom of humans and AI working together to resolve the increasingly complex and intertwined issues society is facing today.

The NEC the WISE mark is a simple, opaque triangular pyramid with a cube in the center. The keen edges and futuristic shape of the pyramid represent our intention to hone our technologies to precision and use them as a cornerstone of future innovations. The cube is the core of wisdom collected as AI technologies.

The orientation of the mark expresses our goal of bringing stability to societies and creating a brighter world for everyone by harmonizing people, society and AI.

(**)

http://www.nec.com/en/global/solutions/biometrics/technologies/nist_proven_accuracy.html

Online Car Classified Carmudi Opens 2016-2017 Scholarship Program

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Online Car Classified Carmudi formally announced its third scholarship program that aims to help third and fourth year undergraduate students who are academically outstanding but economically challenged.

The Scholarship Program is a bi-annual search that provides scholarship grants for deserving students in the country. It is open to all incoming senior college students of the participating universities and colleges. Carmudi PH holds this program as one of their many ways to uphold the company’s continuing concern for the socio-economic development of the country.

The scholarship program targets students from the fields of Economics, Business, Marketing, Communications, Media, IT, Engineering, and other relevant majors in the university. A financial aid worth of P30,000.00 per semester will be given to the grant sole recipient.

At present, Carmudi Philippines has already granted 2 scholarship program from University of the Philippines Visayas and Ilocus Sur Polytechnic University. Aljohn T. Torreta who is a son of a fisherman and a vendor was the first scholarship grantee who recently graduated as a Summa Cum Laude, while Kristine Ian De Guzman—a single mother—was chosen as the second scholarship recipient for her academic excellence.

With the Philippine automotive industry growing at breakneck speed, Carmudi Philippines supports the Filipino consumer by empowering them with widest choices, best prices and authoritative reviews, all at their fingertips. The company serves as the guaranteed safest marketplace for car selling and buying.

To know more about the scholarship program, visit www.carmudi.com.ph or go directly to www.carmudi.com.ph/scholarship

#DenimCitizens Fashion Show at SM Megamall

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The SM Youth |SM Men  #DenimCitizens fashion show has a series of leg out  across the country. The second leg out of #DenimCitizens held last July 10 at the Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

Fans and fashion enthusiasts witnessed a one of a kind fashion show and able to meet and greet all the SM Youth ambassadors. They present a receipt/purchase one item of either top or bottom denims from SM Men or SM Youth Departments from SM Store.

Denim is emerging as hottest trend.  It is comfortable, fits incredibly well and perfectly made. A fashion and lifestyle label for all the young Filipino that’s what SM Youth and its ambassadors represents.

The SM Youth Ambassadors is led by LA Aguinaldo, Tommy Esguerra, Janna Tee, Richard Juan, and their newest additional members who also winners of SM Go-see Season 1- Kyle Perry and Kaila Estrada. They embodied what the brand stands for.

LA Aguinaldo is a supermodel not only the Philippines but he’s also popular in Asia because he was awarded as Asia Star Model 2015 together with other models in Asia. LA is the latest cover photo of Cosmopolitan Magazine (Philippines)

Tommy Esguerra did some TV commercial and becomes more popular of being an ex-housemate in the reality show, Pinoy Big Brother 737 Edition last year.  Tagged as ‘Pretty Boy ng Las Piñas’, Tommy did several appearances in ABS-CBN shows and paired to his real-life girlfriend, Miho Nishida who won as the grand winner of the said reality show.

Richan Juan who is also an ex-PBB housemates. Aside from his ‘Chinito’ image, Richard graduated Cum Laude in UP.

Janna Tee, a stunner.  Her modeling career started when she was a college student from Ateneo.

Carlo Atendido is also a DJ and considered life of the party.

Kyle Perry and Kaila Estrada join the group when they both won in SM GO-see Season 1. Kaila is the daughter of Celebrities, John Estrada and Janice de Belen.

Check out the nice outfits of the models, they’re all stylish and trendy. Everyone can get enough as the models walked in the runway.

More photos can be found at the Wazzup Pilipinas official Facebook page

Full schedule is as follows:

July 8 CEBU: SM Seaside City 4PM
July 10 MANILA: SM Mega Fashion Hall 4PM
July 15 DAVAO: SM Lanang Premier 6PM
July 23 MANILA: The Block SM City North EDSA 4PM

For more information, follow:

Twitter & Instagram: @SM_Men and @SM_Youth

Facebook: facebook.com/SMyouthlifestyle

Contributed by Rizza Garingo

Globe Customers in VISMIN Now Enjoy Additional Data Capacity for Faster Mobile Internet

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Customers of Globe Telecom in Visayas and Mindanao stand to benefit from the accelerated deployment of its additional allocation in the 2600 megahertz band as the company continues to step up its capacity-enhancement initiative to provide better mobile internet experience.

The company’s additional allocation in the 2600 MHz frequency is among the spectrum assets that it gained following the joint buyout of San Miguel Corp.’s telecommunications assets. In VISMIN, the total number of sites equipped with the 2600 MHz frequency has reached 500 sites, to cover big businesses and highly urbanized populated residential areas.

Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Program Governance, Network Technical Group, emphasized the accelerated deployment of the 2600 MHz provides additional data capacity through the Carrier Aggregation technology, using this spectrum with other LTE frequencies. “This will give customers faster data speed capabilities to serve growing demand for bandwidth. With 500 sites already activated, our customers in Visayas and Mindanao will be experience faster internet service and the reliability that this band provides,” Agustin said.

While lower frequencies such as the 700 MHz band provide better signal penetration and offering stronger indoor coverage, the higher frequencies, such as the 2600 MHz band, provide additional capacity for broadband data, Agustin said. Utilizing the 2600 MHz provides additional capacity layer over existing 3G and LTE capacity layers, providing customers with additional capacity and improving their internet experience as data traffic carried on other frequencies are off-loaded, he added.

Aside from the 2600 MHz frequency, Globe is also aggressively rolling out the 700 MHz spectrum in different locations in the country as part of initiative to provide additional network capacities.

Five Technologies Poised To Shape PH Real Estate

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Advancements in technology are paving the way for great and exciting tools poised to shape the Philippine real estate industry

The unstoppable progress of technology has a massive effect on how businesses are carried out, and real estate is one of the industries that have reaped many of its rewards.

Many new and exciting advancements in technology are being developed to make property selling and buying more convenient. These technologies narrow the gap between real estate sellers and buyers.

Leading real estate platforms Lamudi Philippines and MyProperty.ph have put together a list of technological innovations that are shaping the face of Philippine real estate.

Smart Online Listing Platforms

Over the last few years we have seen the proliferation of online real estate listings platforms, most of which follow generic designs and offer good content. This is a boon to consumers, who now can do their initial selection of properties for rent or sale without having to leave the house. All they have to do is just visit these online listing platforms, where thousands of properties for sale and for rent are literally right at their fingertips.

MyProperty.ph’s Map View

However, what set the smart platforms apart from their competitors are features such as completeness of inventory, easy-to-use features, and overall awesome performance. These platforms show consumers the available properties’ details, such as location, property owner info, pictures, and price. Advance search filters also allow users to view only the type of home they want to see down to specific locations. Buyers can also compare listings side by side to help them narrow down the properties that they’d like to view in person. While others, such as home-grown real estate website MyProperty.ph, show where these properties are located on a map view.

Mobile-friendly Websites and Apps

In today’s mobile-first consumers, mobile apps and responsive websites are being developed to let consumers browse properties using virtually any device. In addition, numerous real estate apps have been launched that make searching for properties faster for buyers, and uploading listings more convenient for real estate brokers, agents, and owners.

Drones

Drones are now being used in real estate photography. Drone photography provides aerial shots of properties that look good from an elevated point of view, and also captures the neighborhood where the property is located to increase its appeal. Drones are not only easy to handle, but they are also a lot cheaper than renting a helicopter to give you the best aerial shots.

Augmented Reality

With the use of a smart device, apps integrated with augmented reality combine the physical world seen through its camera with a digital overlay, which could contain information about what the camera sees. In real estate, it could display a property’s details, and could also show the interested buyer more information about the location, which can save both the buyer and the real estate agent time and money.

Virtual Reality Tour

Virtual reality (VR) is currently the rage in video games, and the technology has also found its way to the real estate industry. A special tool is used to capture 360-degree panoramic images of a property, which are then stitched together to create a “virtual tour.” This allows homebuyers to “walk through” a property to check it out as though they are actually inside it, clicking at certain spots on the images to view certain details up close.

On September 3 and 4, 2016, property buyers and sellers can experience first hand the use of VR in real estate by heading to the Bonifacio High Street Activity Center in Taguig, where the first-ever Lamudi Philippines VR Expo will be held.

Guests will experience how VR is making real estate more exciting as they use VR goggles and touch-screen monitors to explore various properties built by some of the country’s top developers. To know more about the event, visit www.lamudi.com.ph/events.

7 out of 10 Customers Highly Recommend Home Credit Philippines' Services

Wazzup Pilipinas!

For those who do not own a credit card and are unbanked, finding credit is a challenge. Consumer financing company Home Credit Philippines has made it possible for Filipinos to be informed about financial inclusion as it focuses on responsible lending to people with little to no credit history.

In a recently conducted survey for consumer financing, 7 out of 10 customers highly recommend the services that Home Credit has to offer – an easy, simple, and fast way of getting the best and latest gadgets and appliances in the market, as it has partnered with leading electronic brands such as Samsung and Oppo, as well as top retail partners to include SM Appliance Center, Abenson, and Silicon Valley, among others.

At the height of technology and social media, Home Credit has grown its customer base to over 280,000 customers, 180,000 of which were acquired within a short span of 9 months.

Now that the “millennials” are capable of owning their dream gadgets in as little as 20 minutes, it has become a recommended alternative for people who want to make purchases without the hassle of credit cards.

More Filipinos should take advantage of Home Credit's safe and innovative consumer financing services and avail of the gadgets, appliances or electronics that can enable them to improve their quality of life.

More information about Home Credit can be found in their website at http://www.homecredit.ph/ and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/homecreditph/.

A+E Networks Manila Makes History This August With First-Ever History Con

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Mark your calendar as HISTORY Con, A+E Networks’ HISTORY Asia’s very first-ever convention, will be opening in Manila on August 25. This can’t-miss event is jam-packed with activities and displays that will bring the channel to life and immerse visitors in the HISTORY® experience. Like the channel, HISTORY Con will be epic in scale and cover a broad range of genres and interests, with dedicated areas for the paranormal/sci-fi, survival and adventure, motoring, history and culture. The four-day ticketed event will be held at the World Trade Center and will be opened to the public. The convention passes are now available for sale at HistoryAsia.com/HistoryCon.

“We are thrilled to make history with the conception of HISTORY Con, the biggest entertainment convention of its kind, in Manila. HISTORY Con reinvents the way we connect with our local audiences, as an on-ground extension of our brand that offers something for everyone, whether they’re our loyal fans who just can’t get enough of HISTORY, or they’re curious onlookers who are new to our brand. We’re creating an experience beyond the television screen to engage our visitors at a deeper level that allows them to feel, live and see history come alive in an entertaining way,” said Prem Kamath, Deputy Managing Director, A+E Networks Asia.

HISTORY Con will feature a star-studded lineup of popular HISTORY personalities who will make appearances, sign autographs, host talks and conduct workshops. Fans will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with ANCIENT ALIEN’s Giorgio Tsoukalos; STORAGE WARS’ Brandi and Jarrod; GANGLAND UNDERCOVER’S Damon Runyan; PHOTO FACE-OFF’s Justin Mott; and the cast of CELEBRITY CAR WARS, which includes several Filipino celebrities like KC Montero, Joey Mead King and Marc Nelson and professional car driver, Gaby Dela Merced. The latter is HISTORY Asia’s brand-new original production that follows celebrities as they compete in automotive challenges. 

Case-Mate Features Apple Watch Bands to Complete Your Collection

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Apple Watch is arguably the ultimate lifestyle accessory. It’s highly personalized as you can customize the watch face to fit your style, and you can dress it up or down with an assortment of bands to complement your outfit.

If you’re looking to shake up your #OOTDs, try switching Apple Watch bands. It’s guaranteed to change your look and get you a lot more compliments. Following are some on-trend pieces to add to your collection.

Case-Mate Sheer Glam Band in Champagne

Semi-transparent elastomer

When you’re in the mood for something chill or laidback but still like a little sparkle, opt for a flexible elastomer band with shiny flecks. It’s casual enough for everyday use, but makes it easy to add a little elegance to any look.

Case-Mate Turnlock Band in Shocking Pink

Bangle-style

For days when you can’t be bothered by locks and clasps, there are bangle-styled bands that you can just slip on and off your wrist. Keep it fashionable by picking one in an interesting design like a chain link and opt for a pop of color to take your outfit from drab to fab!

Case-Mate Signature Leather Band in Black, Alligator Band in Brown,

Double Wrap Leather Band in Black, and Edged Leather Band in Brown & Blue

Leather

Leather is a good investment since the material itself lasts a long time. Leather makes any watch stylish enough to stand changes in trends and it’s a timeless look that goes with almost all outfits. It is especially suited for formal settings, when you need to look polished or business-like. For your Apple Watch, you can go for the classic leather band, or spice it up with different textures, styles, and colors.

Case-Mate Linked Band in Black

Stainless steel links

The linked bracelet is another must-have in every collection. It’s easily adjustable by adding or removing links and the classic design exudes style and sophistication.

Actress Chienna Filomeno (@chiefilomeno) wears her Apple Watch with the Case-Mate Brilliance Band in Silver, available at Power Mac Center.

Day-to-Night

Take your Apple Watch anywhere from brunch to board meeting to party in the club with this one-of-a-kind genuine crystal and leather Brilliance band. It is actress Chienna Filomeno’s current favorite as it matches her personality and completes her OOTDs. If you’re looking to make a fashion statement, this is enough to do the trick. Wear it wherever the night takes you.

Case-Mate Apple Watch bands are available at Power Mac Center stores nationwide.

Premium accessories brand Case-Mate was born in 2006 out of the simple desire to craft accessories ingrained with individuality, purpose, quality, and style. It is for people who know who they are yet crave for something more, something extraordinary. Case-Mate Apple Watch bands made an appearance at the recently concluded 20th Philippine Fashion Week. More information may be obtained from Power Mac Center’s 26 branches or at <www.powermaccenter.com>.

Hontiveros Bats for Longer Maternity Leave, Add'l Allocation for Alternate Caregivers and Adopters

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Good news for women workers.

A bill was filed at the Senate pushing longer maternity leave and the expansion of the maternity benefit's coverage.

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros filed Senate Bill No. 215 otherwise known as the "Expanded Maternity Leave Law of 2016" to bring the country's maternity leave law at par with international standards and make it more responsive to the everyday realities of working women.

Hontiveros said her bill seeks to provide women workers in the public and private sectors, married or not, 120 days of maternity leave, and an additional 30 days for solo mothers.

The Senator explained that the additional 30 days can be allocated by entitled women workers to alternate caregivers such as their spouses, common law partners, or relatives up to the 4th degree of consanguinity. It can also be extended to adopters or any person who has adopted a minor.

"The government must carry a new and progressive perspective on how it responds to women workers' pre and post-natal health care needs. It must radically reform the traditional maternity law and update it according to international standards," Hontiveros said.

"The country's maternity law must have a strong emphasis on reproductive work, which has historically been the onus of women, and has largely been left with minImum respect and recognition in Philippine society," Hontiveros added.

The Philippines' maternity leave law falls short of the standard set by the International Labor Organization (ILO) that mandates a minimum 98 days of maternity leave. Currently, women workers may take a maternity leave of 60 days pay. For women who undergo caesarian deliveries, they are entitled to take a leave of 78 days with pay.

The country is also lagging behind its ASEAN neighbors; Vietnam provides its women workers 120 to 180 days of maternity leave credits, Singapore, 112 days, and 84 days for Cambodia, Indonesia and Thailand.