Ten Ideas for Decorating Your Home for Halloween

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Are you excited about the spookiest night of the year? Perhaps you are planning a party. Maybe you are just considering giving some trick-or-treat kids a fright! We are here to help you make the most of this opportunity to be gruesome. Leading real estate portal MyProperty.ph has prepared 10 spooky tips for Halloween home decoration.

1. Innovative Pumpkin Carving

Look up some unique pumpkin carving designs. There are many techniques you can use to make your pumpkins look even spookier, such as moulding and drying wax onto them to create a scary lumpy texture, or creating different surfaces for the light to fall through. The uglier and more unique your pumpkins the better. You could even hang them on chains!

2. Orange Globe String Lights

Put orange globe string lights behind white blinds to give your home a spooky, orange glow. This is also useful for creating a backdrop for your silhouettes (see the next tip).

3. Spooky Silhouettes

Either make your own or purchase some black figures to place in front of your spookily lit windows… Skeletons, witches, ghosts, and ghouls are a great choice. How about a crazy scientist? Just make sure that they are positioned in terrifying poses.

4. Ominous Green Bottles of Poison

Fill up large jars with green liquid and line the entrance of your home with these terrifying bottles of poisonous doom. Place a cauldron in your kitchen and fill it with water and red food colouring to make it look like a witch’s cauldron of blood… Invite guests to stir the cauldron with an ominous wooden spoon; don’t forget to cackle (and to protect your surfaces!).

5. Ghosts Dancing Around a Campfire

Create some scarecrow-like figures for the garden and wrap them in white sheets… Stuff their heads so that they look like people. People will think they are ghosts! Place them in a circle, hand in hand. In the center of the circle, place a messy pile of orange and red LED lights, which are suitable for the outdoors. This will look like a bonfire. Enjoy the look on the faces of passers-by as they walk past a circle of dancing ghouls.

6. Front Garden Graveyard

Invest in some plastic headstones for Halloween… This is a fantastic way to decorate your outdoor space, and it does not cause too much mess.

7. Poison Ivy

How about draping artificial ivy around your dinner table, doorways, or mantle piece? Not only does this add greenery to your space during this fun holiday, it will also create a fun and poisonous look for your home.

8. Creepy Halloween Mirror

This one is a fantastic DIY tip to create a creepy home. Buy an old mirror from a garage sale or take a look in your own basement for an old creepy looking mirror that nobody uses. Find an old photograph or a printout of a scary face that is about the same size as your own. Purchase some steel wool, some transparent tape, some acetone, and find some paper towels. You will also probably need gloves, a screwdriver, and a cloth. With the steel wool, make the mirror look aged by scratching it. Take care not to strip off all the material. Fix the photo behind the glass, and you will have an eerie wall piece to scare all your indoor guests.

9. Spider Web Doorways

Either use cotton wool or a specially made spider web gun to create spooky spider webs in your doorways. You can even spruce up your webs with some realistic-looking plastic creepy crawlies. Just make sure that you and your guests can still get through the door and that you do not create a fire hazard!

10. Hold “Dark Dinner Night”

Nothing says creepy better than eating in the dark… Cover your windows with dark sheets and provide each of your dinner guests with a candle and a blindfold as they walk in. As your guests make their way to their seats with candles in hand, explain that you will serve them shortly, but that before you do, they must help their neighbour put a blindfold on so that everyone in the room is drenched in darkness for the entire evening. Make your guests food with interesting and unusual textures. You will give your guests a unique dining experience and make Halloween super memorable for them!

Have a spooky ghoulish Halloween!

Coding Hours to be Extended, “No Window Hours” Policy to be Expanded

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Inter-agency Council on Traffic (i-Act) and the Metro Manila Council (MMC) have agreed to extend coding hours under the current Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or the Number Coding Scheme, as well as expand the coverage of the “no window hours” policy for coded vehicles.

From the existing 7AM to 7PM, coding hours will now run from 7AM to 8PM. Further, the “no window hours” scheme for coded vehicles shall also cover all radial roads (R1 to R10) and circumferential roads (C1 to C6) in Metro Manila. These measures shall take effect on November 1, or five days after publication of a Resolution signed by the Metro Manila Mayors.

The extended coding hours and expanded coverage of the “no window hours” policy are aimed to decongest traffic flow and reduce volume of vehicles on national roads in Metro Manila.

Today, the “no window hours” policy was implemented in EDSA, C5, Mandaluyong, Roxas Blvd., Alabang-Zapote Road, Las Piñas, and Makati. Metro Manila Mayors and traffic managers responded positively to the measure, paving the way for the expansion of the policy.

The affected Metro Manila roads for the “no window hours” policy are as follows:

C1: CM Recto to Padre Burgos Street

C2: Abad Santos to Quirino Avenue

C3: Libis Gocheco St. to Buendia

C4: EDSA

C5: Mindanao Avenue-NLEX to Sucat Road

C6: Bulacan-Rizal-Manila-Cavite Regional Expressway

R1: A. Bonifacio to A. Soriano Highway

R2: Taft Ave. to Tagaytay – Talisay Road

R3: SLEX to Southern Tagalog Artertial Road

R4: Pasig Line to Taytay Diversion Road

R5: V. Mapa  to Manila East Road

R6: Legarda to Marikina – Infanta Highway

R7: Lerma to San Jose del Monte – Norzagaray Road

R8: Quezon Blvd. to Rosario – Pugo Road

R9: Rizal Avenue to MacArthur Highway

R10: Tondo to Manila-Bataan Coastal Road


R1: Roxas Blvd.
R2: Taft Avenue
R3: SLEX
R4: Shaw Blvd.
R5: Ortigas Avenue
R6: Magsaysay Blvd./Aurora Blvd.
R7: Quezon Avenue/Commonweath Avenue
R8: A. Bonifacio Avenue
R9: Rizal Avenue
R10: Del Pan/Marcos Highway/MacArthur Highway

i-ACT and Metro Manila Mayors Agree on Unified Rates for Traffic Violations

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In a show of cooperation, national government agencies and Metro Manila mayors agreed to come up with a unified ticketing system for traffic violations.

In a special meeting of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) and Inter-agency Council on Traffic (i-ACT) earlier today, local chief executives committed to pass uniform ordinances on traffic violation fines and penalties. The MMDA, Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) also agreed to modify their rates.

This initiative is consistent with the government’s move to establish a single traffic authority through the i-ACT, which aims to centralize and solidify traffic enforcement in Metro Manila under one chain of command. Among the goals of the i-ACT is to get LGUs to eventually agree on a single ticketing system.

In the current set-up, the MMDA, LGUs, LTO, and LTFRB have different rates for different traffic violations. Apprehended motorists would have to pay different fines, depending on who flagged them and where.

Different agencies were able to come up with an agreement following a workshop conducted by the i-Act with LGU traffic managers last Friday.

This cooperation between the national government and the LGUs is seen as a positive move towards addressing traffic and transportation issues in the metropolis.

A Perfectly Balanced Sweet-Salty Goodness You Can’t Resist!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Red Ribbon introduces its cheesiest, creamiest ensaimadas yet

Snacking with your family is definitely more enticing with the cheesy goodness of classic Red Ribbon ensaimadas. That is why it has been a favorite mainstay treat for the young and the young-at-heart.

Now, Red Ribbon, one of the leading bakeshop chains in the Philippines, makes a good thing even so much better with the all-time favorite Red Ribbon Cheesy Ensaimada.

The cheesy goodness of the ensaimadas has now leveled up to achieve the perfect balance of sweet and salty taste. This new and exciting flavor is brought by the perfect combination of butter and sugar toppings covered with long and thick strands of creamy cheese. 

Aside from the new twist, Red Ribbon Cheesy Ensaimada also introduces two new flavors that will surely satisfy your every ensaimada craving. 

The Strawberry Cheesecake Ensaimada is topped with a rich layer of luscious strawberry and cream cheese for that perfect complement to the salty cheese toppings while the Red Ribbon Salted Caramel Ensaimada is generously smothered with salted caramel topping and long strands of creamy cheese. These two new flavors are guaranteed to be the best snack time must-have in any lunch box.

Red Ribbon Cheesy Ensaimadas are available for P25 only while the Red Ribbon Strawberry Cheesecake Ensaimada and Red Ribbon Salted Caramel Ensaimada are priced at P35 each.

“We always want to serve new flavorful treats for our customers,” said Ned Bandojo, Head of Marketing of Red Ribbon. “These Cheesy Ensaimadas promise to deliver what our customers truly deserve, which is to have more reasons to make ordinary moments with family and friends so much sweeter.”

With Red Ribbon’s new and improved Cheesy Ensaimadas, snack time will be ever so memorable.

Red Ribbon Ensaimadas are now available in all stores nationwide.

Stricter Government Handling of Personal Data Ordered in Privacy Commission Issuance

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Personal data in the hands of government offices and all branches of government including state-run schools and colleges are expected to be made more secure with the issuance of the National Privacy Commission’s (NPC) first memorandum circular (#16-001) on the “Security of Personal Data in Government”. According to Commissioner Raymund E. Liboro, Chairman of the Commission, the circular is about “preventing and mitigating” potential data breaches. “Heightened awareness and setting the appropriate security measures will lower the risk of security incidents and breach,“ Liboro said.

As part of its mandate to provide public services, the government holds personal data of its citizen, as well as visitors from other countries; in fact, the government is considered the biggest repository and collector of personal data. With more and more services becoming more available online and with the increasing prevalence of cybercrimes like identity theft and hacking, it is vital that personal data of citizens be kept secure.

Among the obligations of government agencies contained in NPC Memorandum Circular 16-01 is the designation of a Data Protection Officer, the conduct of a Privacy Impact Assessment for processes that use personal data. The circular also obliges government agencies to create privacy policies, conduct regular training on privacy policies for its employees and contractors and register data processing systems that process personal data of at least one thousand (1,000) individuals. The circular likewise outlines rules on the storage, access, transfer and disposal of personal data in government IT systems.

Compliance of government institutions to this latest issuance by the NPC means that there will be less incidences of personal data breach like the one that happened to COMELEC in March this year, wherein millions of voter records were compromised. “Lessons from the incident and consultations with government agencies themselves through the CIO Forum (a nationwide association of government CIO’s) guided us in drafting the circular,” Liboro said.

Commissioner Liboro is confident that government institutions will be able to comply with the NPC’s memorandum circular. “The responsible processing of personal data is a vital component of e-government which is a major thrust of the Duterte administration. As more and more government records are digitized and services go online, we must make sure that citizen’s personal data is kept secure. It should be a top priority,” Chairman Liboro said.

Rally de Espana (WRC): 300th world win for Michelin! 4th title for Ogier/Ingrassia

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Victory on the 2016 RallyRACC Catalunya was enough for Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia to secure their fourth consecutive FIA World Rally Championship title. The French pair also chalked up Michelin’s 300th WRC win. Hyundai NG i20 WRC/Michelin drivers Dani Sordo and Thierry Neuville finished on the Spain podium’s other two steps, and there was a Skoda/Michelin one-two in WRC2. 

Sébastien Ogier collected his fifth win of the year after a thrilling dice with local star Dani Sordo who led after Leg 1 which visited gravel stages made treacherously slippery by heavy rain. 

The Frenchman bounced back on Saturday’s asphalt tests, however, to close the gap to the Spaniard and take control after SS14. The ‘off’ of Mikkelsen (VW/Michelin), his chief remaining threat in the title chase, provided him with a red-carpet ride to a fourth straight crown with two rounds remaining. 

For the fifth time, Sordo had to settle for second spot on his home event, although he had the satisfaction of beating Hyundai team-mates Neuville and Hayden Paddon (Hyundai/Michelin). Norway’s Mads Ostberg (Ford/Michelin) was fifth. 

Briton Kris Meeke (Citroën/Michelin) dropped time on SS2 (roll) before being betrayed by his engine on Sunday morning. Jari-Matti Latvala (VW/Michelin) had to restart on Saturday under the Rally2 ruling due to suspension damage but he was accredited with seven fastest times from 19, including the Power Stage. 

In WRC2, Jan Kopecky and Pontus Tidemand produced a one-two finish for Skoda/Michelin. The class’s title contender Teemu Suninen (Skoda/Michelin) was forced out by mechanical trouble on Day 1. 

The RallyRACC Catalunya set the scene for Michelin’s 300th world class win since the championship’s creation in 1973. The French tyre manufacturer has extended its commitment to the WRC until 2019. 


Watch the video on Youtube: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o761-5uDXdk 

Jennifer Hammond Made it to Top 15 of Miss Intercontinental 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"A Top 15 finish is quite a feat! Congratulations to Binibining Pilipinas 2016 Jennifer Hammond, whose beauty and strength was a shining light at this year’s Miss Intercontinental pageant in Colombo, Sri Lanka on October 16." - Binibining Pilipinas.

We kept on winning in this particular beauty pageant but our rank keeps getting higher except for this year when we only reached the top 15. Based from the previous years, we were expecting a win:

2013 - 3rd Runner Up
2014 - 2nd Runner Up
2015 - 1st Runner Up

2016 - Top 15
Still, being part of the Top 15 makes it an accomplishment for the Philippines. Not all countries can boast of being always among the top recognition.

We are sending our sincerest congratulations to Jennifer Hammond - another beauty queen that the Philippines should be proud of.

Let's Support Jennifer Hammond for Miss Intercontinental Competition Today

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Please support our very own, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2016 - Jennifer Ruth Alviar Hammond, as she competes to be the next Miss Intercontinental today, October 16 at 8:30 pm Philippine time!

Jennifer hails from the province of Laguna and stands at 5-foot-7.5 inches and measures 34- 24- 36. She was a Miss World Philippines 2013 candidate. She is also the younger sister of Mutya ng Pilipinas-World 1978 Louvette Hammond Fowler, one of the Philippines title holder during her time. 

The Miss Intercontinental event has grown to become an ultimate show and icon of female beauty and success. The world has changed a lot over the years and Miss Intercontinental has mirrored those changes. Titleholders have gone on to high-profile careers in government, business, finance, film and fashion. These are women of power and grace, commitment and intelligence, style and substance.

The Miss Intercontinental has become the UN of glamour and beauty. Well known as as showcase for the world´s most poised, stunning women.

Pageant Schedule:

October 16:
8:30pm (Ph time)
6:00pm (Sri Lanka time)

You can watch the live streaming via this link. 

The 8th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition is an annual event that puts on never-before-seen spectacle of lights and colors where the night sky and sea meet as staged by the world’s leading pyrotechnic experts.This competition will not only paint the Manila sky with brilliant bursts of vivid color, but will also be the venue to showcase the emerging artistry and evolving sophistication of Filipino fireworks technology.

As always, the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition will be imbued with the awesome fanfare and delightful displays of the world’s leading pyrotechnic events, but done with that distinct Filipino flourish that will surely bring together eager audiences from all over the region.

Next year's event will feature opening and closing fireworks show from Platinum Fireworks, Inc., and two fireworks companies per country competing per day starting on February 11 until March 18, 2017. The countries participating are Germany, China, Canada, UK, France and Australia. Again, there will still be two shows in one day. 2 different companies of the same country.

Below is the long awaited schedule for the 8th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2017:

Feb 11th: Opening show, Platinum Fireworks, Inc.
France, Pyragric

Feb 18th: Germany, Steffes-Olig Feuerwerke
Germany, Nico Events

Feb 25th: China, Polaris Fireworks
China, Lidu Fireworks

March 4th: Canada, Garden City Display Fireworks
Canada, Hands Fireworks

March 11th: UK, Pyrotex Fireworks
UK, Jubilee Fireworks Ltd.

March 18th: Australia, Skylighter Fireworx
Closing show, Platinum Fireworks, Inc.


Photo by Daryl Lou Manalansan showing Platinum Fireworks' closing display for the 7th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

Argumentum Ad Hominem: When Attacks Become Personal and Below the Belt

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Ad hominem, short for argumentum ad hominem, is a logical fallacy in which an argument is rebutted by attacking the character, motive, or other attribute of the person making the argument, or persons associated with the argument, rather than attacking the substance of the argument itself." - Wikipedia

Does anyone else have any suggestion on how we deal with this latest bashing? 

There's a recent discussion going on and it started out with a message that was re-shared by a blogger who was known as our diligent detractor who keeps posting negative updates about our founder.

The best thing to know is that there were also other bloggers who were concerned about it and sided with us by reporting what this blogger has done. They sent us screenshots of the discussion via private message and have encouraged our founder to speak out against the maligning post.

Hesitant but he obliged hoping they would come to their senses when our founder shows them proof of his innocence. 

However, even when he has proven that he did not gatecrash and was officially invited, instead they dig up past issues and attack his personal traits. Someone even criticized the manner of how he texted or sent an SMS saying it lacked courtesy. They are clearly steering away from the real issue and finding other irrelevant faults instead.

Again, our founder showed proof of his invitations, yet it is being ignored.So perhaps their intent is not to find the truth, but simply to malign him.

It's getting tiring to explain because they are now clearly attacking him as a person. It is not about the issue of gatecrashing anymore.