#NoPlaceForHate Campaign Should Rule on Social Media

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"We reserve the right to create a safe space where our readers may speak freely AND respectfully. For a constructive conversation among all kinds of individuals, a tolerance of others' opinions must always go with the courage to speak your mind.

You may curse and insult in your own pocket of the web, but at Rappler, we do not condone this, and we encourage a conversation that moves the topic forward.

Pag-aaari po namin ang aming Facebook page and we have the right to instill particular rules in our comments section. This is not unusual. Many pages have comment moderators with guidelines, and this is no different." - Rappler

#NoPlaceforHate was launched by Rappler as a means to empower our readers and make Rappler's comments sections engaging and progressive again. This move is to show that there is a way of criticizing that does not involve hate speech or death threats.

There's nothing wrong with expressing what you feel. What's unacceptable is when you attack other people and make baseless allegations that contribute nothing to the discussion.

Examples of Unacceptable Hate:

1. Name-calling--mean-spirited or disparaging words directed at a person, organization or group of people.
2. Aspersion--mean-spirited or disparaging words directed at an idea, plan, policy, or behavior.
3. Lying--stating or implying that an idea, plan or policy was disingenuous.
4. Vulgarity--using profanity or language that would not be considered proper in professional discourse.
5. Pejorative for speech--disparaging remark about the way in which a person communicates.

All of the commentators in social media cannot deny that at one point in our lives, we have made a disrespectful statement. Don't be a bigot or hypocrite to deny it. People are too polarized, hate will continue because some agendas are so apparent. Rappler is a news organization and not a PR firm. Comments are all welcome provided, as stated, all should adhere to moderations policy.

While I'm a free speech absolutist, I would have to agree with Rappler's decision. In any case, these folks have a host of other outlets. Spam from troll bots limits the freedom of expression of actual readers.
Communication can be difficult at times, sometimes what we say isn't always taken how we imagined it would be taken. Sometimes, our words can be perceived in one way, and sometimes, they can be perceived in another.

Can't we all just resort to a civilized and kind discussion? 

Stripping your right of expressing through hate doesn't mean stripping your freedom of expressions, this is the way of educating you people which you also learned from school. To become civilized.

Your freedom ends where another else's begins. In all things that you do, apply the principle of universality. Ergo, your freedom of speech ends when it starts to harass and cause harm to another.

How can you have a civilized conversation if some people only want to post slurs and retarded things. And in the end when that person lose to an argument he/she will attack the persons identity and sometimes the family.

Respect begets respect but the owner of the house defines the rule of the house. You're free to rant in your own living room. It's yours. But if you do it in someone else's living room, you can expect to be kicked out if you don't behave. That's basic decency.

If you don't like the rules, you can simply leave the page, unfollow it, or go and make your own. Their space, their rules.

If you can't share your thoughts without resorting to abuse, they're not worth sharing in the marketplace of ideas.

People should not be "moralized" by the media. Our values are inherent. To even say that you choose who to respect is appalling. You respect EVERYONE regardless of any behavior, character, gender, etc.

I think the positive thing about this policy is that commenters are assured they can freely express their objective opinions without the risks of getting bullied by anonymous trolls who resort to personal tirades that even go as far as creating a meme out of their profile photos.

This is to remind us to be more discerning of the proper forum for meaningful interactions and civil discourse in our use of the democratic space available to us, and to learn to discard the superfluity of untamed and uncivil comments. 

Logic will win the day. It's okay to be passionate or fanatic about something or someone but sometimes that blinds us in seeing the actual truth.

Like what our parents used to say, "If you cannot say something nice or something that has been thought out, do not say anything at all."

“I keep hearing ‘with freedom comes responsibility.’ I don’t think people have watched Spider Man. It’s with great power comes great responsibility. With freedom comes the obligation to defend it against any attempt to abridge it in any fashion whatsoever.” - Teddy Locsin Jr.

BPI Deadline Causes Panic Among Its Clients

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Kudos to the media for causing alarm and probable loss of clients for BPI. Were you among those who joined the BPI Madness?

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has recently announced that there is a deadline for clients to comply with information requirements in on September 30, and not on August 31 as it originally said. BPI corporate communications head Tricia Quiambao clarified that the "deadline should be by the end of September, not August.

But this announcement pertains only to a few clients whom they contacted individually, and not everyone. Their latest announcement is that there is no deadline for everyone else.

Their recent advisory didn’t sit well with many of their customers who took to social media to lash out at the bank. The ir branches were even full the past days because of the panic among BPI clients who had to rush to their respective branches to update their bank information. BPI gave a deadline for clients to update their information before they lose all electronic access to their bank accounts but it was not clear if hey were referring to a few or all of their clients.

"Pursuant to BSP Circular 706, clients are requested to update their information on or before September 30, 2016.

How? 

1. Fill out and sign the Customer Information Sheet (CIS) and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) Form. You can visit your branches or download the forms via BPI Express Online. 2. Present the accomplished form and submit a photocopy of one valid, recent and photo-bearing ID.3. Submit to your nearest branch or send via mail.
If you have updated your client information this year, you may disregard this advisory."

I smell something fishy here. Why all of a sudden do we need to update our personal information? Maybe there is a loophole or exploits within the bank since the other banks have no similar announcement?

The downloaded forms to be printed and then to be presented to the bank totaled four copies and mind you, with colored layouts. It will entail expensive printing costs. Just go to the bank and ask for the forms to be filled out so that we will not shoulder any printing costs.

What about seafarers mam? How will they comply with the requirement?

Mocha Uson Blog Uses the Term "Presstitutes" to Describe Philippine Media Outfits

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Mocha Uson blog recently used the term "Presstitutes" to define "either an individual, reporter or news broadcaster, or a media newsgroup, that reports to be unbiased but is in fact tailoring their news to suit someone's goal, usually corporations or big business political affiliates." 

The coined term, taken from the words "press" and "prostitutes," is not new because it has been used before. However, what is striking is that the blog included the logos of popular TV networks and publications as if to indicate these media outfits are "presstitutes."

Shouldn't it be "purports" and not "reports"? Lol!

There is semblance of truth especially corporate manipulations to maneuver truth to result to half truths or half lies, but who is not for sale in the Philippines nowadays? However, Mocha Uson will be gone and forgotten after DU30's term, but the real journalists' work will remain credible and a source of informative content. Those who spread misinformation and "disinformation" will eventually be identified and should receive the wrath of the people.

How about a Propaganslut? Like someone (or something) that makes government propaganda for money, power, or just for the heck of it..

What more can be expected from a faux journalist like her? She only thinks with her brain in the box.

These organizations are labeled "presstitutes" because their viewers and readers do not like what they hear. Many stories are bumped off the line up for every program because the producer deem them useless or not sensational enough for national interest. The president back then, wasn't a superstar, now the president is a rockstar because of "disinformation" that makes him look like everyone's superhero all ready to save the country from the "traditional" politicians,

Dear Duterte supporters, please do not bash or resort to name-calling. Support nation-building by criticizing everything necessary and not selectively so we can achieve a real unbiased society.

Stephen Amell Irked by Arrow Rip-Off Alyas Robin Hood?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Dark hooded vigilante that prowls the night with bow and arrows as his weapon of choice.

The brain-drain for prime time shows continue. This is making me cringe! Barry Allen, or the Flash, must have fucked up the timeline and created the Alyas Robin Hood universe. Lol!

Whether they like it or not, this show would be ripped to shreds for being an Arrow ripoff. C'mon man! There are lots of local heroes waiting to be discovered.

Stephen Amell, the actor portraying the superhero Green Arrow on CW Network's TV Series known as Arrow, personally reacted to GMA Network's upcoming TV series entitled Alyas Robin Hood. Most of the comments states that GMA's TV series doesn't have originality and even the design and concept were just copied, especially the promotional but rumored-to-be fan-made poster which came out showing Dingdong Dantes wearing a similar outfit worn by Amell in his role as Green Arrow.

'Uulitin ko para malinaw po: ang lumabas na artikulo mula sa Lionheart tv na may kasamang poster daw ng Alias Robin Hood ay misleading kasi ang ginamit na poster doon na rip off mula sa Arrow ay hindi po materyal na galing sa Gma7. Hindi po ata ito niresearch na mabuti ng nasabing blog page at inassume agad na ito ay mula sa Gma7. 

Ang nasabing poster po ay maaaring fan made. O di kaya ay ginawa lang para siraan din ang Alias Robin Hood para palitawin itong rip off ng Arrow. So useless na pagdebatehan na ito ay rip off kasi hindi sa Alias Robin Hood ang nasabing poster. 

Wala pa po kaming inilalabas na poster nito liban sa teaser na napanood na sa aming network. 

Ibang iba po ang kwento ng Alias Robin Hood sa Arrow. Malayo.
Ang Alias Robin Hood ay homage / inspired sa Robin Hood, at ito ay Filipino modern retelling nito lalo't ang nasabing Briish Folktale na tumatalakay ng social injustice ay napapanahon pa rin. Hindi ito gaya sa Arrow (na palagay ko ay mula sa Green Archer/Robin Hood at Batman hehe) o sa Green Archer na pawang mga inspired din sa dakilang obra na Robin Hood pero binigyan din nila ng ibang twist.
Salamat po!" - Suzette Severo Doctolero

The writer 's statement implies that there was failure of a certain blog to state that the poster was fan-made and did not came from GMA 7 or was probably created to give Alyas Robin Hood a bad image.

English Translation from the page of the writer herself, Ms Suzette Severo Doctolero:

"For the record and again the article that came out from a showbiz site accompanied with a poster associating "Alyas Robin Hood" IS MISLEADING because the poster that was ripped off from the Hit TV series Arrow is not in anyway associated with GMA7. 

It is possible that the said material is fan made or was created to spread rumors against "Alias Robin Hood" to make it look like it ripped off Arrow. It is useless to debate that it is a ripoff because the said poster is not a material used nor created by GMA7. We haven't released any poster or any print ads except for the show's teaser which can be viewed on GMA7. Alias Robin Hood is a homage/ Robin Hood Inspired show, it is a Filipino modern retelling of the said British Folk Hero, especially the said folk tale tackles social injustice which is sadly felt in this modern age, it is not like Arrow or Green Archer that were also inspired by the great Folk tale that is Robin Hood. Salamat po! (Thank You!)"

GMA 7 writer Suzette Doctolero called someone "gago" online over criticisms on "Alyas Robin Hood." Shouldn't GMA Corp Comm intervene?

It was said that Dingdong Dantes has no stunt doubles in this upcoming primetime series which will feature the story of Robin Hood with a Filipino touch. Will this be enjoyed by the viewers who would like to know how the creators will present the Pinoy version? Probably out of curiosity, but for sure this will be merely a source of a lot of laughter in the end after seeing how the Pinoy TV series rips off the concept from the original.

For sure, there will be several variations from the original but this copycat will surely wiggle its way out with so many excuses like referencing Robin Hood instead of Arrow which is obviously the more popular topic known by the current generation rather than the story of Robin Hood, or the Green Archer.

GMA 7 should realize that the popularity of "Arrow" would obviously connect to Alyas Robin Hood since it's the most recent image of the original, may it be Robin Hood or any other hooded hero with a bow and arrow. It is not surprising that people will think first of Arrow, and accuse Alyas Robin Hood as a copycat even if the story is totally different.

LionhearTV should not have used GMA 7's logo in their own poster because it somehow implies that they are in partnership with the TV station in the creation of the poster, or even the TV series itself.

Alyas Robin Hood will also feature, Megan Young, Andrea Torres, Paolo Contis, Sid Lucero, John Feir, Lindsay De Vera and Jacklyn Jose.

"My name is Dingdong Dantes. After five years in hell, I came back with only one goal: to save my city. But my old approach wasn't enough. I had to become someone else. I had to become something else... I had to become Robin Hood."

Telco Steps Up Anti-Spam Campaign

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Aimed at further reducing, if not eliminating, spam/scam messages that goes through its network, Globe Telecom further stepped up its anti-spam/scam campaign and is now able to block annoying unsolicited messages coming from other telco providers.

Anton Bonifacio, Globe Chief Information Security Officer revealed that Globe started blocking an estimated 100,000 spam/scam messages per day coming from other networks, beginning last August 16. “We now block an average of 300,000 spam/scam messages daily coming from both Globe and other networks,” Bonifacio said.

The company activated in February this year a fully automated mechanism to rid its network of spam and scam messages. Under the first phase of the program, the anti-spam mechanism blocked spam/scam messages coming from Globe network SIMs. Entering into the second phase of the program, Globe further enhanced its anti-spamming tool to include messages sent by other network SIMs.

“Globe is now a step closer towards totally eradicating the transmittal of spam and scam messages to our customers. The company will continue with the optimization process of the blocking mechanism to stamp out transmittal of such messages whether or not they are coming from the Globe network,” Bonifacio said.

“The company has already blocked around 50 million spam/scam messages since February this year when its new blocking tool was set in place, with a daily average blocked messages of around 200,000 from Globe network alone,” Bonifacio said. The enhanced mechanism now covers the company’s mobile postpaid customers of more than 2.5 million and majority of its prepaid customers of close to 59 million.

Globe Telecom’s blocking tool comprises a new hardware and software solution with complex anti-spam algorithms, with a capacity that can filter up to 1 billion SMS a day. By design, the filtering mechanism can be reconfigured to address the kind of spam and scam messages that goes through the Globe network. Prior to the establishment of a new blocking mechanism in February this year, Globe first operationalized an automated filtering functionality that reduced the number of messages going through the Globe network in September 2014.

New Regulation on Flight Delays

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) is coming out with a resolution on passenger convenience in cases of long tarmac delays.

The following are the highlights of the resolution:

1. Resolution 49 requires airlines, foreign and domestic, thru their Piot-in-Charge (PIC) to immediately start deplaning procedures of passengers once tarmac delay hits two (2) hours. Tarmac delay count starts from the time aircraft door closes, whether before take off or after landing.

Domestic Flights – should be deplaned by the third hour
International Flights – should be deplaned by the fourth hour

2. In cases where passengers cannot be deplaned at the said time frame, the air carrier shall have burden of proof and present adequate and reasonable evidence.

Possible circumstances for not starting deplaning procedures after two-hours include:

· Safety and security related reasons (determined by Pilot-In-Command upon consultation with airport officials)
· Air Traffic Control (ATC) advises PIC disembarkation will significantly disrupt airport operations
· PIC receives notification the flight can depart within 30 minutes of two-hour threshold

3. Air carrier should provide adequate food and potable water no later two hours after delay

4. There should be operable lavatory facilities and medical attention when needed while aircraft is on tarmac

5. The PIC should give status update announcements to its passengers every thirty minutes starting from the first half hour of the delay.

6. After deplaning, airlines must provide as much as practicable, accommodation, when necessary, food and communication services, and give timely and accurate update to passengers regarding status of their flights

7. Air carriers or its ground handlers should make prior coordination with relevant government agencies such as BoC, BI, OTS etc. for any deplaning or disembarkation procedures

8. Air carriers should assign a point person or person of authority to monitor effects of delay, address passenger queries and provide passenger guidance on updates on status of delayed or cancelled flights


This resolution will be effective 15 days after publication.

Publication targeted for Wednesday, 31 August 2016

Privacy Act IRR Released – NPC to Educate Public about Privacy

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act (DPA) of 2012 was officially submitted to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) for publication on the Official Gazette by the National Privacy Commission (NPC) after several months of public consultations nationwide with various stakeholders. The IRR will officially take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication.

Photo 1: Commissioners, Mon Liboro, Ivy Patdu and Dondi Mapa of the NPC (form R to L) listed to inputs from health information and research stakeholders at a public consultation on R.A. 10173's IRR (photo courtesy of Ramon Duremdes Jr. )

Civil Society organization, Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) was instrumental in organizing Public Consultations for the Implementing Rules, According to FMA Director Alan Alegre; “The FMA is pleased with the spirit of inclusive participation of stakeholders in the development of the DPA’s IRR, Kudos to all stakeholders who participated in the public consultations, submitted comments online and offline, and produced position papers.”

Personal Information Controllers and other stakeholders participated in five public consultations and several meetings with the NPC. These stakeholders included representatives from banks, retail, education, research, health Informatics, civil society, business process management, the migrant sector and Government organizations. Among the organizations that helped organize public consultations were the Philippine Computer Society, U.P Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Development (OVCRD), Department of Health, Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, Ateneo de Davao University, UP-PGH, National Telehealth Center and the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA). 

National Privacy Commission Press Release

The NPC will focus on conducting public information campaigns aimed at educating the public and organizations on the importance of data privacy in its first year of operations. According to Privacy Chairman Raymund Liboro, “With the prevalent use of personal data in access devices, social media, smartphone apps as well as the delivery of basic services, it is extremely important that the public and organizations be made aware of the need to responsibly handle personal information., Commissioner Liboro explains.

Commissioner Liboro emphasized that the DPA and its IRR were developed with the rights of the individual should be given priority. “The rules were made with the citizen's protection and the country's progress in mind. Personal data are your personal assets that should be guarded. Collectively, they become a national asset too.” Chairman Liboro added.

The Data Privacy Act applies in general to any person or organization, whether from the government or private sector, that is involved in the collection, processing and any further use of personal data. Personal data is any information that may identify a person, such as names, identification numbers, and personal circumstances. It may involve sensitive information such as contents of a medical record which a person normally does not intend to disclose to the public.

According to Chairman Liboro; “Everyone must be aware on how to secure them from threats. The Data Privacy Act was enacted to build trust on the country's ICT systems. To make sure every Filipino benefits from ICT and not to fall victims to data use negligence and internet abuse.”

The Privacy Commission is hopeful that they will get full cooperation from industry, government, civil society groups and other stakeholders on the conduct of its public information campaign and other activities. NPC Deputy Commissioner Ivy Patdu said, “To truly embrace a culture of privacy requires multi-sectoral coordination. The Commission has a big job ahead and the support and cooperation of various industries and Government will go a long way in protecting personal data.”

“Privacy is a fundamental human right. Promoting free flow of information should not be seen as incompatible with upholding the right to information privacy. We just need to realize that the benefits gained from use of personal data comes with a duty of respecting rights of data subjects” Commissioner Patdu said.

About the National Privacy Commission - The National Privacy Commission is an independent body mandated to administer and implement the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and to monitor and ensure compliance of the country with international standards set for data protection.

The Perfect Pair at Gumbo

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Looking for a perfect pair to satisfy your big cravings? Get it at Gumbo! For only P995 you can have this sumptuous large Seafood Jambalaya and Bourbon Riblets with U.S. Fries the whole family and barkada can enjoy!

Seafood Jambalaya, New Orleans’ answer to paella with fresh mussels, Pacific clams, shrimps and calamari with andouille sausage, cooked with Cajun-spiced long grain rice is paired perfectly with Gumbo’s Bourbon Riblets, seasoned pork riblets char-broiled to perfection, basted with Bourbon-style barbecue sauce. This Perfect Pair promo is available for limited time only so avail them now at all Gumbo restaurants are located at the 2nd level, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia; 2nd level, The Block, SM City North Edsa; 3rd level, Robinsons Place Manila Midtown; 2nd level, Atrium Bldg., SM Megamall; Gateway Mall Araneta Center; and Robinsons Magnolia.

Likewise enjoy other sumptuous treats at Gumbo such as Cajun Blackened Salmon, Barbecued Shrimps, Family Feast, Baked Artichoke Formagio, Cream Dory with Mango Salsa, Seafood Jambalaya, Seafood Gumbo, Fish & Chips, Ultimate Seafood Feast, Halibut Pesto, delightful pizzas and pasta and must-try desserts! For reservations and inquiries, please call 5560238, 4420106, 5671820 and 6353015.

Burgoo Peri Chicken and Riblets

Wazzup Pilipinas!

For only P699, you and your loved ones will enjoy this awesome combination of Peri Chicken and Riblets from Burgoo! Juicy and flavorful, these peri chicken (a spicy dish with roots from Africa and Portugal) and riblets (young and tender ribs) are marinated overnight and baked to perfection. Served with three warm tortillas, rice pilaf, pico de gallo and ranch dressing, a value-for-money indeed!

One of the newest and delicious offerings of Burgoo, Peri Chicken and Riblets are available for limited time only! Have a taste of it now at all Burgoo outlets located at T. Morato in Quezon City; Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Makati; The Podium in Ortigas; Gateway Mall in Araneta Center Cubao; Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas; SM City The Block in North EDSA; Mall of Asia in Pasay; SM City Marikina: SM Southmall in Alabang, The District in Cavite, The Terraces Mall in Fairview, Vista Mall in Taguig and Solenad 3 in Sta Rosa Laguna.

From appetizers, salads to pasta, pizza and main entrees, Burgoo has also made available quality and sumptuous dishes for your dining pleasure like Mozzarella Sticks, Fried Calamari, Gambas al Ajillo, Seafood Caesar Supreme, Shrimp Pomelo Salad, Frutte de Mare and Garden Fresh Pizza, Seafood Jambalaya Pasta, Seafood Linguini, Linguini with Clams, Shrimp Arrabiatta, Tomato Basil Spaghetti, Shrimps and Chips, Seafood Jambalaya,, Spinach Grilled Salmon, and Friday Fish Fry. For sweet endings, highly recommended are Raspberry Cheesecake, American Fruit Salad, Brownie ala Mode, etc.

For reservations and inquiries, please call 9277424, 8381815, 6875254, 7263578, 9136112, 5560091, 6336256 or 4420115.

Youth to Senators: Defend SK, Don't Delay Polls a Third Time

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Youth leaders called on senators not to postpone the upcoming SK Elections a third time. The senate committee of local government recommended in their committee report to postpone the SK Elections to October 30, 2017 and is expected to be voted upon by the senate later today.

"A third postponement of the SK polls sends a dangerous message that youth participation is optional. We hope our legislators do not mean to disenfranchise the youth once again and instead heed our call not to delay the SK elections," said Ellah Delerio from the SK Reform Coalition.

The youth groups emphasized that the postponement is de facto abolition of the youth institution.

"The SK is effectively abolished, with the SK remaining vacant for at least another year. The youth are once again robbed of their right of suffrage and right to participate in village governance," said Delerio.

The groups further warned that the proposed postponement have led to renewed calls to abolish the youth institution.

"With the planned postponement of the SK polls, calls to abolish the SK have surfaced once more, coming from House Speaker Alvarez no less. Those debates have already been settled in the last congress with the passage of the SK Reform Act." said Rafaela David, Chairperson of Akbayan Youth.

The groups further lambasted comments that belittle the youth's contribution as "useless" to governance at the village level.

"We have many youth leaders who have served their communities well through the SK and such misinformed and irresponsible statements fail to recognize the substantial contribution of the youth in the past," said David.

The youth groups instead sought the support of the senators in ensuring the full implementation of the SK Reform Act.

"Instead of pushing through with the planned postponement, we hope our legislators would put their weight behind the full implementation of the reformed SK and show their commitment to the youth. It is time to give the new SK a chance," concluded David.

Hinterview: Tips in Acing Interview through Psychology

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Watch out for the hints as HR’s will give future applicants the tips on how to ace interviews through Psychology.

On September 3, as the fourth year students of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Bachelor in Advertising and Public Relations will bring you HINTERVIEW: TIPS IN ACING INTERVIEW THROUGH PSYCHOLOGY as part of the two-day seminar, FOR HIRE: ROAD TO JOB AVENUE happening at PUP Claro M. Recto Hall, Sta. Mesa Manila starting from 9am to 12pm.

Be ready to know how simple gestures affect the overall state of an interview and hear useful yet mind-blown tips that students may use when they face their first interview. Hinters from HR departments with their Psychology backgrounds will discuss hints they usually observe in an interview and share them to students. Workshops and activities are included in which every guests and students will surely be entertained by.

Geeks Invade Bohol at Geeks on a Beach 4 Tech Convention

Wazzup Pilipinas!

For the 4th time, Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) returns better and "awesomer" as the organizers once again gathered geeks to talk about investments, startups, tech and design. The event was held on August 25 to 26, 2016 at the Bellevue Resort located in Panglao, Bohol where the beach is just a few steps away from the pavilion where the convention took place.

I am delighted to be back for the second time and hoping to attend all the future events of GOAB not just to cover for this online publication but also to learn from these peeps who live and breathe innovation and technology. 

Since I am also in the field of technology being an Electronics and Communications Engineer whose career dabbled more into Information and Communication Technology, I take pleasure in hearing about the updates and developments in the ICT scene that is now penetrated as well by technopreneurs and startups with the vision to make a difference.

GOAB is organized by TechTalks.ph, co-organized by Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and co-presented by PLDT SME Nation, Ideaspace, SmartDevNet, PLDT Innolab, and Smart.

We arrived in Bohol via Tagbilaran a day early, August 24, so we could settle down, do an early registration at the venue, and attend Techstars sponsored dinner at Muro Ami Inn and Restaurant. There was a Techstars APAC Regional Summit private meeting held on Aug 22 to 24, and the dinner was their concluding activity.

Davao's Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps Brings Finger-licking Feasts to Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Davao's Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps is finally here in Manila, and will soon be ready to serve customers sometime within the month of September. This phenomenal seafood restaurant has opened a branch at SM North EDSA and is truly well deserving to be among the fine restaurants that will eventually be a crowd favorite as well here in Manila just as it is in Davao. Their finger-licking feasts does not fall short of expectations. Get ready to be among the very first customers in Metro Manila to taste their gastronomically satisfying dishes.

This newest branch at the Block of North EDSA is their third but the owners and franchisees revealed during the grand media launch that there will soon be two more branches opening - a fourth one in Davao and a fifth one at SM Mall of Asia - and a few more branches within Metro Manila during the next coming years.

Wow! There seems to be nothing stopping this famous seafood restaurant from Davao in also conquering Metro Manila. We are looking forward in getting messy but savoring their delightful shrimps and crabs dishes, as well as their other offerings.

We've already shared videos including interviews with the owner and franchisees during the media launch at our official YouTube channel http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas and lots of photos at our official Facebook fan page http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas including GoPro video shots before we ultimately dig in to the messy but finger-linking fabulous feast. We were not able to take videos of our messy dining due to the account that both our hands were busy with the sumptuous crabs and shrimps. Lol!

Globe Goes Full Steam Ahead on LTE 700 MHz Deployment

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In line with commitment to improve internet services, Globe Telecom is in full steam ahead in its aggressive deployment of the 700 megahertz (MHz) band by rolling out recently more than 150 sites mostly in Metro Manila as part of its commitment to improve the mobile internet in the country.

Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Program Governance, Network Technical Group revealed that Globe is fast-tracking the rollout of LTE service nationwide using the 700 MHz frequency under the co-use agreement approved by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). "We are confident that more and more of our customers will experience improved services as adoption of LTE-capable devices increases and as we continue to deploy LTE 700 in more sites. This is consistent with our strategy of continuously improving internet services using the previously idle 700 MHz spectrum that the NTC now allowed us to co-use,” Agustin said.

According to Agustin, the LTE 700 sites cover major business districts and highly-urbanized and populated areas in the country, noting that customers using LTE 700 devices are steadily increasing in these areas. Citing Quezon City, where Globe activated the first LTE 700 site in the country, Agustin said the technology now covers a majority portion of the city after the LTE 700 sites activated by Globe increased four times from the initial rollout of just 11 sites.

The company plans to activate more than 500 LTE 700 sites across the country by the end 2016, Agustin said. He added that majority of these sites are located in Metro Manila, enabling Globe to deliver close to 100% coverage of LTE 700 for the entire metropolitan area. This is turn, is expected to substantially improve mobile internet experience of customers in the region.

Globe Telecom is maximizing the use of the 700 MHz band in fulfillment of its commitment in the co-use agreement with BellTel following the sellout of San Miguel’s telco assets. The company committed to deploy about 4,500 multiband, multimode software defined radio base station equipment to 95% of total municipalities and cities in the country. This will improve overall customer experience in terms of speed and reliability of mobile internet services.

Aside from the 700 MHz, the NTC-approved co-use agreement also provided Globe with access to additional allocation in the 1800 MHz, 2300 MHz, and 2600 MHz bands. This supports the capacity enhancement initiative launched by the company early this year amid growing customer requirement for bandwidth-intensive multi-media content. Globe also launched early this year an initiative of creating an internet superhighway by deploying fiber optic cables in 20,000 barangays all over the country to provide faster and more reliable Internet access in about 2 million homes nationwide.

DOE, Private Sector to Make Safer Power Available for Poor Communities

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Indigent families and informal settlers had to meet all the legal and financial requirements to get access to electricity. But now, they will be given a chance to enjoy the benefits of electricity services through the Department of Energy’s Electrification Program in collaboration with Manila Electric Company (MERALCO).

From 08 July 2016 to the present, the DOE-MERALCO partnership has electrified a total of 5,263 households in such areas as Gaya-Gaya in San Jose del Monte and other municipalities in Bulacan, Laguna and some parts of Rizal and Happy Land Aroma, BASECO Compound, Isla Puting Bato and Parola in Tondo, Manila.

By helping indigent families secure legal electrical connections, the DOE together with the help of distribution utilities can further reduce the risk of fire hazards, which may be caused by the illegal use of electricity.

The unlawful use of electricity is prohibited under Republic Act No. 7832, otherwise known as the Anti-Pilferage of Electricity and Theft of Electric Transmission lines/Materials Act of 1994. Among the prohibited acts include: wire-tapping, tampering, installing, or using tampered electrical meter, jumper, current reversing transformer, shorting or shunting wire, loop connection or any attempt to destroy any accessory of the metering device box which encases an electric meter or its metering accessories.

The Magna Carta for Residential Consumers also disallows consumers from performing acts related to the pilferage of electricity. The Code reinforces the Anti-Pilferage Act by reiterating the circumstances that constitute prima facie evidence of the illegal use of electricity.

These policies serve as DOE’s guidelines to safeguard the welfare of the consumers against any untoward incidents such as fire that may have been triggered by faulty electrical wiring destroying properties and even resulting in loss of lives.

The DOE enjoins local officials and leaders to get more actively involved in ensuring safe legal electrical connections to protect communities thereby allowing the cities and municipalities to also earn more revenues from delivering better services to the people.

The DOE remains committed to fulfill its household electrification program, especially benefiting those living in economically depressed communities by providing them legal, secure, safe and stable supply of electricity.