Basilan Kid, 11 Other Young Football Aspirants to Represent PH in Astro Kem Bola Training Camp in KL

Wazzup Pilipinas!

After almost two months of traveling around the country, Globe Telecom has finally picked 12 of the best young aspiring football players to represent the Philippines in the prestigious Astro Kem Bola Advanced Training Programme in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from September 13-17, 2016.

The qualifiers, aged 10-12, include Roniel Vincent Delumpines, a sixth grader from Isabela City, Basilan who even traveled eight hours by boat and 15 hours by land just to reach Davao City where one of the TM Football Para sa Bayan (TM FPSB) camps of Globe was held.

TM FPSB was tapped by Astro Kasih, the corporate foundation and corporate social responsibility arm of Malaysian media and entertainment powerhouse Astro, to be its partner in discovering talented kids and helping them further harness their craft. This is in line with Globe Telecom’s sports advocacy which aims to uplift the lives of the youth especially those from the marginalized sector and provide them with a platform to showcase their talents.

“The Astro Kem Bola programme aims to provide a comprehensive learning and football development experience. Through it, we have seen talented kids grow into well-rounded athletes playing in the Malaysian national youth team on an international platform. We are privileged to be able to play a role in their development and look forward to do the same for the youth of Philippines and other ASEAN countries,” said Datuk David Michael Yap, Vice President - Community Affairs of Astro.

Delumpines is joined by Leoven Jay Gatungay, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental; Lance Lawrence Locsin, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental; Martin Joshua Meriño, Binan, Laguna; and Jared Alexander Peña and Ryan Philip Johansson both from Metro Manila.

For the girls division, the representatives include two from Davao City – Jasmine Casandra Agustin and Isabelle Renee Taojo; three from Metro Manila – Astrid Heiress Ignacio, Stella Maria Divino, and Ysabella Samonte; and Mikaela Jacqueline Villacin from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

The children were scouted from some 600 young athletes who participated in the TM football clinics held in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo; Talisay City, Negros Occidental; Davao City; and Metro Manila. They will compete with their counterparts from Singapore and Malaysia to get a chance to fly to Europe for two weeks of all-expense paid professional football training in December this year.

“For four years now, Globe through TM Football Para sa Bayan has been reaching out to kids especially those from the countryside and from the marginalized sector in order to develop their skills and give them the opportunity to secure a good future, Thus, we are thankful to Astro for partnering with us in this undertaking which we believe will help uplift the lives of the youth and bring them closer to their dreams,” said Fernando Esguerra, Globe Director for Citizenship.

The kids were selected not only based on talent but also on other criteria such a teamwork; discipline, behavior and sportsmanship; communication on and off the pitch; positive attitude towards teammates, volunteers, and coaches; ability to listen to instructions; and good personality.

Ray Guinoo, TM Portfolio and Brand Head added: “TM, being a brand for the youth, is always after the development of our young people. One of the ways to do this is through TM Football Para sa Bayan. We are using the power of sports to instill in the youth the importance of possessing the right attitude, good values, and a good education. Hopefully, through the sports communities and the tie up with Astro, we can create more opportunities for the kids across the country.”

The TM football clinics were handled by Green Archers United (GAU), a professional football league which has been Globe Telecom’s implementing partner in developing the football grassroots program.

Würth Philippines Switches Services to Globe Telecom

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Leading Philippine telecommunications company Globe Telecom, through its enterprise information and communications technology arm Globe Business, was recently chosen by Würth Philippines, a worldwide wholesaler of tools, installation and connecting materials, automotive hardware, and chemicals, as the new provider for Würth’s communication needs.

Recognizing the importance of communications in day-to-day operations and sales, Würth switched to Globe Business for its fast, reliable, and cost-efficient mobile plans and handsets all tucked in the Globe Business mobility solutions suite. In addition, Würth also signed up for Globe Business connectivity solutions, specifically direct Internet.

Ever since availing of Globe Business’ services, productivity and employee morale has improved according to Würth Managing Director Ariel de Jesus, “We chose Globe Business because they offer more flexible plans and quality products and services. Ever since distributing the phones to our sales and operations teams, output has drastically improved and communicating has been easier. General sentiment and feedback from everybody is that we have better coverage, better service, and the switch is indeed an upgrade for the better.”

Globe Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT-Enabled Services Group Mike Frausing commends Würth Philippines in their decision to shift to Globe Business saying that “the wonderful testimony from Würth further cements Globe Business as the trusted business advisor of choice for enterprises and we couldn’t be happier that companies such as Würth are better because of the right technology, infrastructure, and know-how that Globe Business offers.”

The Würth Group is a global market leader in its core business, and trade in assembly and fastening material. It currently consists of over 410 companies in 84 countries and has more than 65,000 employees on its payroll. In addition, The Allied Companies of the Würth Group, which either operate in business areas adjacent to the core business or in diversified business areas, round off the range by offering products for DIY stores, material for electrical installations, electronic components as well as solar modules and financial services.

Globe Business puts premium to its new partnership with Würth and looks forward to more business with the worldwide wholesaler. To know how Globe Business can also drive your company’s passion with its wide range of products and services, visit business.globe.com.ph or get in touch with your respective account managers.

Train to Busan Full Movie Clickbaits and Memes for Zombie-Loving Moviegoers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Everyone's raving about one of the newest zombie movie "Train to Busan."

Forget about George Romero's blockbuster zombie flicks and all the rest of the movies with zombie-like infestations leading to the apocalypse. This year it's all about zombies on trains. The Koreans know how to make a zombie film, that's for sure. This is f*cking scary!

Where you among those who anticipated watching the movie? or did you watch out for leakages of the movie online?  There were so many clickbaits tempting netizens to click so they can watch the movie in full, but instead all they got were the trailers and cut-scenes, or the links leading to a site which required them to register. Lol!

Memes of the movie have surfaced as well, and of course we would find the ones pertaining to teh local Philippine scene a lot more funnier because we can relate.

While a zombie-virus breaks out in South Korea, passengers struggle to survive on the train from Seoul to Busan. What came into my mind is when the same scenario hits the Philippines, we would surely be unable to run. Aside from the crowded train stations (MRT and LRT), the entire length of the train rides are too short. Zombies will surely infect us all in no time.

The movie is about Sok-woo and his daughter Soo-ahn who both boarded the KTX, a fast train that shall bring them from Seoul to Busan. But right at the moment of their departure, the train station is overrun by zombies which kill the train driver and several others, while most of the passengers were unaware.

Martial Law is declared in the country as the mysterious viral outbreak pushes Korea into a state of emergency. Those on an express train to Busan soon learned of the infected within their midst. The virus outbreak in the train soon turns more passengers into zombies and all hell breaks loose. The rest of the passengers must now fight for their own survival. 

By the looks of it, the train ride was the only safe place to be while the rest of the world is in a zombie apocalypse. Their only hope is to reach Busan which was said to be the only place safe from zombies.

In the Philippines, I don't think there is no place safe to run as you could never really run due to the immense population of the country. Do we even have a designated place assigned by the government where people can feel safe and secure? Unlike during floods and typhoons, the classrooms, covered courts and gyms could not protect the people from zombie attacks.

The Korean movie continues to be a huge success all over the world. The film set a record as the first Korean film of 2016 to break the audience record with over 10 million theatergoers. And it has remarkably grossed US$80,201,768 worldwide.

Netizens, especially those who have watched the movie already, couldn't stop themselves in comparing Train to Busan with Train to Taft - how we would fare if the similar incident occurred in the Philippines? Which would be spookier? Do we ever have a chance to survive if it happens at our very own Metro Rail Transit or Light Rail Transit?

Call for Startups! Join this year's Mobile Challenge Asia Pacific!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Do you have a new innovative idea related to mobile?
Do you have an early stage start up in the mobile sector?
Are you an entrepreneur at heart?


START IN YOUR COUNTRY, END IN BARCELONA

Global Mobile Challenge is an entrepreneurship competition where innovators from around the world first compete in their global region to win a trip to Barcelona to take the overall crown. In partnership with 4YFN (Four Years From Now) and Mobile World Congress, The Global Mobile Challenge brings together teams from every continent through regional competitions culminating in a finals in Barcelona in 2017.

This is the biggest mobile application competition for young entrepreneurs & innovators from all over the world featuring apps, IOT and other mobile solutions in both software and hardware.


PHILIPPINES TIMELINE

August 2016
Online Team Registration open
www.mobile-asia.com

September 2016 - Acceleration Days

Sign up for slots now!
Sept. 10 (Makati City)

Click here for details and updates for Manila
Sept. 14 (Cebu City)
Click here for details and updates for Cebu
*Online mentoring will be scheduled to support teams who cannot attend Acceleration Days.

October 17, 2016
Deadline of Submission of Proposals

November 2016
Selection of Top 20 Teams
Philippines Country Finals


Top 3 teams will represent the Philippines at the Asia Pacific Regional Finals for a chance to join the Global Finals in Barcelona Spain during the Mobile World Congress on Feb 27 - March 2, 2017.

ELIGIBILITY
- The team must consist of 2-6 applicants
- At least one applicant from the team has to be between the ages of 18 and 35
- At least one applicant from the team has to be a resident of a participating country
- Applicants should not have any current Venture-Capital funding of more than USD $250,000


Eager to transform your ideas into reality? What are you waiting for? Sign up now and join MCAP Philippines 2016!!!

Feel free to share this to startups and entrepreneurs in your network. For more information, visit our website at www.mobile-asia.com and follow us on Facebook. You can also contact MCAP team at info@mobile-asia.com

Globe Telecom Signs P20 Billion Term Loan Facility

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Globe Telecom, Inc. signed a 12-year and 15-year P20 billion term loan facility arranged by First Metro Investment Corporation with Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company as lender. The loan shall be used to finance the acquisition of a fifty percent (50%) equity interest in Vega Telecom, Inc., Bow Arken Holdings Company, Inc. and Brightshare Holdings Corporation (collectively, the “Companies”), including capital expenditures related to the acquisition.

Referring to our related disclosure of May 30, 2016, Globe Telecom’s acquisition relates to the Companies owning and operating telecommunications services including frequencies, licenses, and all other assets. Given that Philippine telcos are having difficulty improving the quality of mobile data services because of continued challenges with site acquisition for cell sites and the intensely bureaucratic permitting process of many local government units, having the additional spectrum will provide some relief as it will immediately add new capacity with the existing number of sites.

Mobile internet customers are expected to benefit from the added capacities and greater geographic coverage that the additional spectrum can provide, particularly that of the 700 MHz frequency. This exemplifies Globe Telecom’s continuous commitment and investments in improving the network and quality of service. These investments will enable Globe to support the data needs of existing and new customers and allow them to enjoy their digital lifestyles.

Globe, PNP Sign MOU to Operate Text Bato Hotline for Crime Prevention

Wazzup Pilipinas!

PNP officials led by PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa (2nd from right) , leads the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the country’s telco providers. Globe Telecom General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo (2nd from right) signs on behalf of the telco operator.

Globe Telecom signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine National Police to operate Text 2286 (Bato), a SMS hotline providing an access for the public to directly report incidents to PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.

Aside from ensuring inbound and outbound SMS accessibility for Text Bato, Globe is also providing an interactive platform for the hotline that would immediately address police concerns. “Globe is aware that the availability of an affordable and accessible communications system is an effective tool in crime prevention. We hope that a system integrator for Text Bato will significantly enhance the PNP’s readiness to address the public’s police concerns and thus improve the peace and order situation in the country in general,” Globe General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo said.

The MOU provides that in addition to providing an alignment of the integrator and vendor of the SMS platform that provides the hotline for the PNP, Globe will also extend support in disseminating information on the Text Bato hotline to increase public awareness.

Fortifying Wireless Security Key To A Robust Network

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Most organizations think they have their security taken care of but ironically, CIOs today are not accounting for how their network is actually accessed. A single user may be logged on through multiple devices: a phone, a tablet, and a laptop. There could also be myriads of devices on the network that IT doesn’t even know about.

According to Fortinet, the global leader in high-performance cybersecurity solutions, this disconnect is driven by Shadow IT - the result of unbridled use of unapproved devices and services on the network. Shadow IT includes consumer or enterprise applications in the cloud, such as file sharing apps, social media, and collaboration tools. There is often no corporate policy or decision to allow this, and most of the time it is unknown by anyone on their IT team.

“The fact is, about 90 percent of employees and guests are connecting to their network wirelessly and yet wireless APs are often less secure than the wired perimeter. The proliferation of devices and applications is posing serious challenges for organizations that need to ensure the protection of their entire network and guard against advanced cyber security threats,” said Jeff Castillo, Country Manager, Fortinet Philippines. “It is critical that a security solution map users to devices and control access accordingly and accurately.”

Gartner Group predicts that 33 billion endpoints will be connected by 2020, of which the majority of these devices will be wireless. As more and more wireless devices enter the workplace, companies are striving to maintain the security of their wireless networks.

“When it comes to devices in the workplace, one often thinks of smart phones, laptops, and tablets. But today’s wireless endpoints comprise more than those traditional devices. Organizations may also deploy wireless IP cameras, location-based beacons, and other small devices which often are not capable of supporting traditional security solutions. So this means companies have more and more vulnerabilities to protect for the foreseeable future,” said Castillo.

The growing number of small devices that are not able to support security is one challenge. But even traditional wireless devices – smart phones, laptops, tablets – can create security gaps due to the number of mobile applications they run, both for personal and professional use. Contact management apps, games, shopping websites, and even legitimate online news outlets may be infected with malware without the user’s knowledge. This can, in turn, affect the enterprise network as a whole. Users sharing their log-in credentials with guests, or not changing their passwords regularly can also lead to security gaps.

Securing business communications, personal information, financial transactions, and mobile devices involves much more than network access control. It also requires actively scanning for malware, preventing access to malicious websites, end-point integrity checking, and controlling application usage. Protecting Access Points (AP) is paramount to a sound wireless security strategy, and to securely extend physical coverage for users. Today’s APs not only need to support high density environments, but also support security features like Application Visibility & Control (AVC), Wireless IPS (wIPS), and Rogue monitoring —all without the loss of performance.

“Companies need a fabric with deeply integrated security systems that share information across all areas, including wired, wireless, VPN, and cloud environments. When the integration is coupled with machine learning capabilities, the system can flag abnormalities more accurately and more rapidly, and coordinate responses between different security deployments. All of this contributes to better response time for organizations in mitigating threats,” said Castillo.

Debunking Outsourcing Myths

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Outsourcing is an emerging strategy used by many organizations today to keep their business operations efficient and profitable.

Outsourcing allows companies to assign certain business operations to outsourcing firms rather than accomplishing it internally, thereby, reducing manpower expenses and other operational costs without sacrificing operational efficiencies.

However, despite its obvious benefits, there are still some companies that do not yet fully appreciate the advantages outsourcing brings to a business. In fact, they often look at the practice as an added expense rather than an opportunity to cut costs.

Prople, Inc., one of the leading business outsourcing companies in the country, lists some misconceptions about outsourcing and what are the truths behind these myths.

1.    Outsourcing can only reduce costs

Truth be told, outsourcing primarily reduces costs.  However, this is only one of its many benefits. Outsourcing also helps increase productivity because the personnel assigned to the task is usually highly trained for the job. This means that less or no training is needed for the task to be done. In the long run, it increases efficiency and productivity because it allows companies to focus on their core business instead of spending time, effort, resources and manpower on these processes.

2.    It saves money but the quality of the services are at risk

When a job is outsourced, it is assigned to a group of people with the prerequisite skills set. This means that the people working on the job are experts who know what needs to be done, thus, reducing the chances of poor work quality.

3.    Less management control over the specific task and results

Even if the job is outsourced, it doesn’t mean that clients have no control of the output or the outsourced staff. It is a standard among BPO firms to guarantee timely and specific deliverables ensuring that the integrity of the output is maintained and that the staff assigned perform at excellent levels at all times. Companies that outsource usually interface regularly to make sure that the quality of the work is sustained.

4.    SMEs cannot benefit from outsourcing

While outsourcing seems to be done mostly by large companies, what many don’t realize is that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can benefit better from outsourcing. Hiring people will mean that resources are allocated for salaries, benefits, and other mandatory government payments. Outsourcing takes away the need to pay the required salaries as the fees paid to an outsourcing firm are based on a specific set of deliverables. Once the task is completed, the costs discontinue.

5.    Outsourcing causes loss of jobs

BPOs cut down the workloads of an enterprise by accepting minor tasks, like for payroll and tax services among others. Instead of hiring people to work on these, a company may open other positions that will help them focus more on their business core. Furthermore, outsourcing opens up employment opportunities for people who prefer working on a per project basis.

Prople Inc. was established to assist local enterprises of any size. As one of the leading business processes outsourcing companies, it delivers proven, best-in-class methodologies and solutions to ensure their customers’ business stability and progress.

It is staffed by value-driven employees, such as accountants, auditors, project managers, business analysts, engineers and IT professionals, who are rich in adequate professional experiences that may help companies realize true benefits of outsourcing.

Overall, it aims to produce practical outputs including increase of efficiency, immediate start on new projects, control of capital costs, reduction of labor costs, maintaining the focus on the business core and preventing risks that threaten the success of enterprises, and these are what Prople, Inc. desires to provide.

For a complete list of Prople, Inc.’s services, kindly visit its website at https://www.propleinc.com/.

A New Generation of Filipino Contemporary Dance Emerges in “Bagong Sayaw” this September 10 – 18

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Six brave choreographers are set to push the boundaries of dance with the young dancers of Ballet Philippines II this September with “Bagong Sayaw”, to be staged at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater).

Translated as “new dance”, this production celebrates just that – the emergence of fresh ideas expressed in various choreographic forms. The choreographers featured in this production are Al Bernard Garcia, Erl Sorilla, Gia Gequinto, Bonifacio Guerrero Jr., Danilo Dayo Jr., and John Ababon.

“’Bagong Sayaw’ is a venue for us to give our young dancers and choreographers the necessary challenges and for them to be able to grow as artists,” says Ballet Philippines artistic director Paul Alexander Morales. “They say that experience is the best teacher, but more than that, we also think it’s important to let their voices be heard.”

Taking the stage for this production are the dancers of Ballet Philippines II, BP’s junior performing company. It is composed of the most outstanding apprentices and scholars of the company and the Ballet Philippines Dance School. Through various performance opportunities, the dancers not only develop their talents in performance and choreography, but they ultimately help fulfill BP’s commitment to the development of the youth and of dance in the country.

“Bagong Sayaw” will be staged at the Tanghalang Huseng Batute (CCP Studio Theater) from September 10 & 17 at 6:00PM and September 11 & 18 at 3:00PM. Tickets are priced at Php 600, with discounts for students, senior citizens, and government employees.

Connect to Ballet Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/balletphilippines
Twitter: @balletph
Instagram: @balletphilippines
YouTube: balletph

To join in the Ballet Philippines conversation, use our official hashtags: #balletph, #bagongsayaw

The Future of Education – Understanding the Generation Z

Wazzup Pilipinas!

What does the future of education look like? Will online learning platforms and touch-enabled 3D images replace textbooks, classrooms, and… teachers?!

I personally believe that technology will NEVER replace teachers. Regardless of how high-tech our world can get, no touchscreen device or voice-activated bots can educate our children on values, life skills and human interaction.

However, I also believe that there is a need for the education sector to realize that times are indeed changing, and whether we like it or not, the way WE used to learn in the classroom is no longer effective in the 21^st century.

Because of technology, kids today do not need adults in order to get information. The internet has given kids access to uncensored content too much too soon, and it is our responsibility as parents and teachers to provide the CONTEXT – to guide them in organizing and interpreting what they see.

This, together with some helpful ways of understanding today’s youth, is something that I was blessed to share as one of the speakers at the recently concluded 8^th Education Summit in Balanga, Bataan on August 30 and 31. The summit was organized by the City of Balanga in partnership with the Department of Education, gathering thousands of parents and teachers to learn about the latest developments in the field of education.

Public Advisory: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Replacement

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In light of the official announcement by Samsung to voluntarily replace the Galaxy Note 7 of its customers, Globe is closely coordinating with Samsung for specific guidance on the detailed replacement process.

We will facilitate the replacement of your device with a new Note 7 as soon as Samsung is able to provide the replacement units. If you do not wish to wait, you may opt to replace your Note 7 with another preferred device based on availability.

We will get in touch with you directly via SMS or our official social channels within the next 3 days to know your preference for device replacement. Be assured that we will make this process as easy and convenient for you as possible.

Your safety is important to us. For our customers who continue to use the Note 7 please take the necessary precautions. Use only the original battery charger that came with the unit.

For any questions or clarifications, you may get in touch with us via talk@globe.com.ph. To view Samsung’s official statement, visit http://news.samsung.com/global/statement-on-galaxy-note7.

TE SubCom Announces Completion of Third Network Upgrade to South-East Asia Japan Cable System

Wazzup Pilipinas!

TE SubCom, a TE Connectivity Ltd. company and an industry pioneer in undersea communications technology, announced the on-schedule completion of its third network upgrade to the South-East Asia Japan Cable (SJC) System.

The upgrade of the system, which connects Brunei, mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and the Philippines, increases system capacity by 6.3 Tb/s using TE SubCom’s latest 100 Gb/s coherent transmission technology (C100U+). The third upgrade of the 8,986 km system is in service and meets the growing capacity needs for businesses and communications across the Asia-Pacific region.

“TE SubCom strives to bring value to its customers by delivering state-of-the-art systems on schedule and at the highest standard of reliability,” said Debbie Brask, Managing Director, Project Management and Marketing Communications, TE SubCom. “We are delighted to continue our relationship with the SJC members by providing a crucial technological advancement to an area in need of significantly more capacity than has been available to date.”

The SJC consortium is composed of Brunei International Gateway Sendirian Berhad (BIG), China Mobile International Ltd. (CMI), China Telecommunications Corporation (China Telecom), China Telecom Global Limited (CTG), Donghwa Telecom Co. Ltd (DHT) (a subsidiary of Chunghwa Telecom, Co., Ltd.), Globe Telecom, Inc., Google, KDDI Corporation, Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel), PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin a subsidiary of PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia, Tbk), and TOT Public Co., Ltd. (TOT).

iDEFEND Questions "State of Lawless Violence"

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND) strongly condemns the Davao City Night Market bombing which resulted in the deaths of 14 people and injuries to 67 others. This calculated, deliberate, and brutal assault on defenseless civilians is intolerable, and the perpetrators of this most atrocious act should be brought to justice through diligent, affirmative, yet lawful actions by the Duterte administration.

iDEFEND commiserates and sympathizes with the loved ones of the victims of the bombing, and extends its sincerest condolences and solidarity. We strongly disapprove that the issues of terrorism, drugs and extrajudicial killings are being conflated when these are distinct issues requiring different approaches. 

Moreover, mobilizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines to become direct participants in the issue of drugs, will further escalate rights violations of various kinds. Instead of abating the Extrajudicial Killings, this will even increase its uptake. There have already been too many deaths - including those of very young children- since the President’s assumption into office. We know, being a grassroots movement, that nationwide conditions is far from the threshold of “lawless violence” as stipulated in section 18 of ARTICLE VII of the Philippine Constitution. For this reason we question the nationwide mobilization of the military. There is no widespread absence and breakdown of law, peace, conditions of disorder and chaos, despite a bombing event in one city. What warrants a nationwide red alert now when in previous years, a spate of bombings in Davao merited only a state of emergency in the city? 

What is clear, however, is that the state’s widespread and hard-lined approach on drugs, including the statesanctioned and unaddressed killings, has compromised the safety of the public. IDEFEND calls on President Duterte to act with discernment and prudence. We urge for a level- headed and well-planned government response, firmly anchored on the respect for human rights, particularly the right to life of ALL Filipinos, as well as democratic tenets and safeguards enshrined in our Constitution. 

This well- considered solution should be proportionate to what confronts us, and should be free from unnecessary excesses. We believe that an exaggerated government response will give rise to new problems such as the further escalation of violence and disregard for human rights. 

Militarization, especially in a situation where authorities have not clearly spelled out what the state of lawlessness means, will usher in a climate of fear and an overall chilling effect for everyone. We are perplexed by the fact that the President has chosen the path of militarizing the PNP mandate, publicly pronouncing that “security forces will run the country according to his specifications” and that “the military and police can really do what they want to address the problem.” Such a top-heavy response and a wanton declaration of lawlessness is perilous and misleads from what the national situation really is. 

In line with principles of transparency and accountability, iDEFEND asserts the need for inscribing formally on paper his “state of lawlessness” decree so that its parameters can be better understood and the risks it presents can be effectively checked. 

In light of President Duterte’s consistent attitudes towards human rights, we are concerned that this decision will further overstep the boundaries of law. It is lamentable that the statements of Pres. Duterte and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana attribute the bombings to democracy. Similarly, the statements of Presidential Spokesperson Peter Tiu Laviña attributing the bombings partially to political opposition is very irresponsible and begs explanation, and presents itself as the real threat to democratic space. 

iDefend also calls on the President to ensure that the work of all branches of government, primarily the Senate, Judiciary and all Constitutional Commissions remain unrestricted, independent and effective. We also appeal to the Duterte administration to ensure the safety of civil society groups and individuals, whether or not his views are shared by these indispensable actors for change.

Who Decides Which Species Deserve the Right to Survive and Thrive?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

During these times of extreme global warming, the preservation of marine ecology should be of utmost importance. The rich marine life has provided food for many people for the past centuries and has allowed us to live the way we do. Over-fishing and predatory decimation of ocean species by humans is a deplorable and irresponsible practice. What does it take to act on protecting marine life and not wait for an ecological collapse? 

Shark populations in the world's ocean's are the barometer by which life as we know it now sadly stands. In decline. Scientifically, sharks are at the top of food chain and they maintain a good balance of the populations of other fishes in the marine ecosystem. Take them out and you'll eventually cause an ecological imbalance. Every extinction of a species results to a damaging disturbance in life as we know it. 

The Philippines' marine biodiversity is one of our most precious resources that we must protect. Not too many countries can boast of having the same. Marine conservationists have been calling on the international community to include Thresher sharks in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) this coming September. CITES, an international agreement between governments, aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Though Daanbantayan has declared its municipal waters as a protected area through an executive order of Daanbantayan Mayor Augusto Corro specifically declaring Monad shoal and Gato islet a shark and ray sanctuary last June 2015, the Thresher shark population continues to be hunted, fished, and traded at other locations in the country. This will eventually cause the rest of the marine eco-system to be destabilized and potentially collapse. Shark finning should be recognized as a barbaric practice and should no longer exist except as an ugly footnote in history books. These Thresher sharks need to be protected to ensure a healthy balance in our oceans.

If we continue to purge the oceans of the Thresher sharks, this would disturb the marine ecology of the country, bringing forth unforeseeable consequences in our way of living. Please take a stand regarding this. Protect this species and support its listing on CITES to stop the international trade of its fins and meat. 

Please take note that the Thresher sharks are worth far more alive to the local economy than dead. A Thresher alive supports Filipinos through tourism income throughout its lifetime, a Thresher dead makes only ~$2 from meat. Sharks also put human consumers of shark meat and fins at a health risk. Since sharks are predators, living higher up in the food web, their tissues tend to accumulate and concentrate toxins. It makes no sense to continue to treat these sharks as a food commodity. 

"A pound of shark meat sells for only Php 50 in the market (although their fins fetch much higher when exported to HK and Taiwan for shark's fin soup) while a live one generates millions in revenue through ecotourism, like in Malapascua. In the Philippines, the heart of the coral triangle, only the Oceanic Manta (Manta birostris) and Whale shark (Rhicodon typus) are protected."

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has to acknowledge that the Filipino people will also greatly benefit if Thresher sharks are protected in the Philippines. The government should have an intensive campaign to stop the fishing of these species. 

Atty. Chad Estela of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources office of Cebu said, “It is the logical obligation of the Philippines to call on the world to include thresher sharks in the Appendix II as we are the only country in the world that can boast to having an established thresher shark dive tourism industry. Scuba divers at Monad Shoal off the coast of Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan can see these sharks in the early morning hours, almost everyday.”

"This September 24 through October 5, we will have an opportunity to protect the Thresher as well through trade regulation. The Conference of Parties (CoP) 17 in Johannesburg, South Africa seeks to include three species of thresher sharks in the Appendix II of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). For that to happen however, our delegation headed by BFAR and DENR, has to vote yes. If they do and this passes, all trade of Thresher sharks will be required to be sustainable in nature."

Tourists visit Malapascua Island of Cebu to experience scuba diving at the "cleaning station" located at Monad shoal to witness the beauty of the pelagic Tresher sharks as they get cleaned by cleaner and moon wrasses.  You'll be smitten with these unbelievably graceful creatures with their sweet, dark-eyed faces. These majestic creatures, distinguished by their white mottled abdomen and relatively small eyes, don't deserve the brutal hand of human devastation. 

Contrary to what others believe, they are absolutely not life-threatening. They are the ones who are being threatened. Trading of Thresher sharks must be controlled in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival.

To learn more about Thresher Sharks, you may visit and watch the videos located at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkSzpW1YennDr0uTqM4rTSs7rKZOxBQR

Let the Philippines be a conservation leader in Asia as it was for the whale sharks and the manta ray. Continue to give the tourists a reason to keep coming back to the Philippines. Let's do everything to guarantee that Thresher sharks not only survive, but thrive. 

I visited and joined the Thunderclap and Change.org appeals at: https://www.thunderclap.it/projects/46510-filipinos-treasured-threshers?locale=en and https://www.change.org/p/philippines-vote-yes-for-threshers

You may also want to do the same so that we can encourage more to participate in this movement that aims to keep our marine eco-system intact.

 

More information can be found here:

Save Thresher Tala

http://www.savephilippineseas.org/savethreshertala

http://www.sharkdefenders.com/2015/04/save-thresher-tala.html

CITES Proposal

https://cites.org/sites/default/files/eng/cop/17/prop/060216/E-CoP17-Prop-43.pdf

IUCN says Yes

https://www.nrdc.org/experts/elizabeth-murdock/iucn-votes-increase-protections-sharks-rays

Their Future Our Future

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSkSzpW1YennDr0uTqM4rTSs7rKZOxBQR

Thresher sharks in the PH (press coverage)

http://www.greenpeace.org/seasia/ph/press/releases/Protect-threshers-sharks-now--Conservationists-tell-the-government/

http://metrocebu.com.ph/2016/05/cebu-marine-conservations-call-for-inclusion-of-thresher-sharks-in-cites/

http://www.cebu.gov.ph/news/groups-want-thresher-sharks-included-september-convention/

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2016/05/28/include-thresher-sharks-cites-476347

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2016/04/20/conservationists-appeal-protection-thresher-sharks-468873

All photos taken by Noel Guevara in Monad Shoal, Malapascua.

#SaveThresherTala #StoptheThresherHunt #PHsayYes

The Extraordinary Story of an Unlikely Hero in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

To quote Winston Churchill, “It has been said that Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”

In politics, perception matters. Voters elect the newbie when they are hopeful, but fall back on the familiar when they are afraid. Crafty political consultants employ tricks of the trade to convince voters to elect a candidate. They are creatures from the darkest recesses of the political system, not averse to doing terrible things for terrible reasons for even, potentially, terrible candidates. We're coaxed into applauding a candidate we're supposed to loathe. The mere agreement to work in politics is akin to selling one's soul.

Yet, President Rodrigo Duterte already had a lethal yet effective charm delivery system. He doesn’t need to do much to win the public over since an amusing persona is inherent in him. Duterte is one tough, cynical and angry politico. He is a highly disreputable character who does not care how he looks or comes off especially in his home turf, Davao. All those curses and slurs during his crass and grimy campaign made him stand-out among his opponents who all did the tried and tested formulas.

He may not be one who splurged on fat cigars and a gilded lifestyle, and was known more for an assortment of dead civilians cluttering his past. Thus, it’s hard to know whether to marvel or weep to his rise to Presidency. It boggles many on how an unlikely hero managed to win the highest form of leadership in the country.

However, spin-doctors are battling down in the Philippines to swing and sustain a tricky, off-putting Presidential ploy to a public who would probably want none of it if it hadn't for his traditionally packaged competitors who all failed to enchant the voting public with the usual appeal.

The process of “framing” Duterte to look like something he isn’t could be the stuff of a rambunctious comedy. Duterte;s communication team should be astute enough to deviously work around the people’s conscience. They should continue to do a menacing Nosferatu of a spin - give the sickening issues its moral center and let the people thrive on "esprit de corps."

His campaign was already a precursor to an impending tragedy. But they had the numbers to emerge as the winners of the election. The political strategists who did a bang-up job of getting the wrong man elected are like agents of catastrophe.

I have expressed my exasperation several times over how voters are so easily duped by manipulative candidates.

I gasps with disappointment at how ordinary civilians parrot the Duterte’s crisis-branded message—tickled that he has steered this desperate country away from the charismatic younger candidates with the message of change.

Only a nihilist would not be alarmed by the endless reverberations of extrajudicial killings masqueraded as a war on drugs — and by its suggestion of a systemic separation of modern politics and the national good.

Let me now be your shrewd guide to the chicanery of politics, at least until things get really serious, and the spectre of real-world fallout emerges from the woodwork. I'll be there for the love of the game. I could imagine now all that planning and scheming, the pulse-quickening, pawn-sacrificing brinkmanship as circumstances develops.

We'll soon spend reels or so languishing in helpless fits of nausea and vomiting into waste-paper baskets.

I can't help it if I feel the incidents are merely casting a skeptical eye at the gospel of lawless violence that’s preached by Duterte’s team. My outrage is more directed at my cynicism. This loathing is really foreplay. Politics is sex for those who want to keep their clothes on.

Crisis is an invaluable buzzword for geeing up all kind of dark-horse campaigns, but is the last thing any of us, and even the most slickest operators or "fixers," can deal with in full discreet.

How does one succeed to manipulate via crisis? Just make sure you have enough of an anchor of truth, then insert the hopefully believable fabricated tangents and detours designed to ultimately serve your purpose.

There’s nothing new about this political smoke-and-mirrors. This is a labored but unoriginal play on political black arts whose ending is blind panic pretending to be measured redemption – not a total nosedive on an otherwise worthwhile trip, but more of a bumpy landing that would ultimately shake us into submission.

What comes next is for them to scare us into believing that we are in a full-blown crisis to effect Martial Law, or anything remotely close to it but branded with a different name, and that only Duterte could manage to save us. Their ultimate piece of political wisdom: "Deaths are unavoidable if we want this country to finally be free from its shackles." In reality, we're being beheaded to follow blindly like fanatics all willing to sacrifice each other just to feel safe in the midst of a chaos.