"G-Force Project Sembreak" Dance Workshop

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"G-Force Project Sembreak" Dance Workshop back on its 5th year is all about building the dance artists’ community! It is an offshoot of the annual G-Force Project Summer Dance Workshop which began in 2008. G-Force, at its 11th year, is offering the perfect way to spend and maximize your sembreak holiday at G-Force Dance Center, the Home of the Celebrity Choreographers.

After weeks of workshop, the students from different classes namely are all set to conquer the dance floor and give their best performances!

Dance Concert is set on October 29 at Music Museum with 2 shows at 3:00PM and 7:30PM. Don’t miss the chance to watch them live and be amazed by their talents. So what are you waiting for? BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Tickets are available at G-Force Dance Center located in IL Terrazzo Penthouse 305 Tomas Morato Ave Cor. Sct. Madriñan St. Quezon City.

Check out @gforcedancenter on social media for more updates or you may call/ text 0917.8GFORCE (436723) / 0998.52FORCE (36723) / 709.6077

Oyayi Children's Show to Debut on October 23 at 9:30 a.m. on ABS-CBN

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The National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT) and Christian Broadcasting Network Asia (CBN Asia) inked on January 7, 2015 a memorandum of agreement to co-produce the full season of “Oyayi,” the first grantee of the National Endowment Fund for Children’s Television which NCCT administers.

It was pitched by writer Fernando Gonzales during NCCT’s search for children’s television program ideas in 2012. Shortly after being chosen by the search committee and Council Members from among some 15 entries, NCCT and CBN Asia co-produced its pilot episode that was completed in December 2013.

"Oyayi," or lullaby in the English, strives to instill environmental consciousness and cultural appreciation among Filipino children through topics relating to nature and community. Characters in the program are inspired by indigenous endangered species such as butanding (whale shark), pilandok (mouse deer), tarsier, and tamaraw, among others. “Oyayi” will go on air starting October 23, 2016 and will air every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on ABS-CBN.

Republic Act No. 8370 or the Children’s Television Act of 1997 created the National Endowment Fund for Children’s Television to develop and produce high-quality, culturally relevant, and developmentally-appropriate television programs specifically created for the Filipino children.

The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 Episode 1 Recap

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After a much-needed rest, the teams depart early for their second leg of the race to Taman Mini Indonesia. Although Alphaeus & Brandon are the first to arrive, Taman Mini Indonesia only opens at 6am, giving all the other teams an equal footing at the start of the challenge.

Here, the nine remaining teams have to ride on Grab bikes to spot marked letters that spell out the clue to their next destination – BANDUNG. JK & Mike make great progress, finding the clues first while Yvonne & Chloe and Alex & Will misread their clues, putting them behind in the race.

After Taman Mini Indonesia, the teams race to Cikole National Park for their next Detour challenge. They need to decide between ‘Basket Bikes’ and ‘Bandung Biathlon’. In ‘Basket Bikes, teams must ride along a 5KM bicycle trail and deliver 2 dozen sellable eggs in their baskets to the egg merchant. In ‘Bandung Biathlon’, teams must hit a set of targets with traditional bamboo guns while trekking in a pair of tandem land skis.

JK & Mike (#TARAJKMike), Parul & Maggie (#TARAMagParul), Rach & Vicky (#TARAVickRach) and Alphaeus & Brandon (#TARABrandonAlph) choose ‘Basket Bikes’ while Tom & Anita (#TARATomAnita), Eric & Rona (#TARAEricRona), Will & Alex (#TARAAlexWill), Yvonne & Chloe (#TARAChloeYvonne) and Treasuri & Louisa (#TARATrezLou) choose ‘Bandung Biathlon’. 

Duterte's China visit: A Missed Opportunity to Present a Truly Independent and Progressive Foreign Policy

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There is no question that the Philippines needs to move towards a more independent and progressive foreign policy position. To achieve this, the government must make a strong commitment against superpower games to accumulate power and influence against each other.

An independent and progressive foreign policy must be founded on the principles of equality and human rights, particularly the right to life and dignity. It must have strong gender and ecological lens in finding peaceful resolutions to sovereign disputes. It must also be in solidarity with different countries, pursuing principled cooperation based on mutual respect of each other's national sovereignty and integrity.

"From one colonial master to another"

Unfortunately, President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to China missed the unique opportunity to present such a foreign policy. He missed the chance to represent the collective aspirations and independence of the Filipino people. Behind President Duterte's fiery anti-west rhetoric is a confused foreign policy riddled with contradictions.

President Duterte must understand that the country cannot possibly have a respectable foreign policy by ditching the chains of one colonial master in exchange for another, by rejecting US imperialism only to accede to the Chinese government's regional bullying and "social-imperialism", by preferring another power because it turns a blind eye on the government's alleged human rights violations. Sadly, it appears that President Duterte has capitulated to the very same superpower realpolitik that he wants to veer away from.

The shelved Hague ruling

Equally disheartening is the government's decision to shelve our historic victory at the Hague tribunal in its bilateral talks with China. This victory was the product of determined diplomatic work on the part of our foreign affairs representatives and the thousands of ordinary Filipinos who marched to the streets to defend our sovereignty. President Duterte's attempt to make a deal with China in grave disregard of the Hague ruling is wrong. That we have to get China's "approval" in order for our fishermen to gain access to Philippine marine resources is absurd. This renders our hard-fought victory hollow and our sovereignty severely compromised.



The risk of Chinese loans

I also raise my concerns on the multi-billion loans that the Duterte government received from China. Firstly, it appears that we traded the West Philippine Sea to China for these loans. On this basis alone, we are at the losing end of this "bargain." Secondly, Chinese loans, while devoid of attached neoliberal economic prescriptions, come with grossly unfair and unconscionable terms that will bind us to Chinese contractors and Chinese state industries. The implementation of these loan-funded projects also lacks transparency and integrity. We do not have to go too far back in history to find evidence against Chinese loans: the hallmark of Chinese-funded NBN-ZTE and Northrail projects during the time of the Arroyo government was high-level, high-value corruption. It is also worth remembering that China attempted to illegally lease 1M hectares of Philippine agricultural lands, violating patrimony and land reform laws. While loans are not inherently bad, President Duterte himself must see to it that these will not be abused, he must ensure that these will not compromise our laws and sovereignty; these loans must benefit the people without imposing an unnecessary burden.

We should not underestimate the importance of a concrete strategy when it comes to foreign affairs, the promotion of national interests and peaceful cooperation with other countries. I urge the president to conduct extensive foreign policy dialogues and consultations with his Cabinet, the legislature, foreign affairs experts and other stakeholders to craft a foreign policy truly reflective of the Filipino people's interests and aspirations.

An extremely important matter such as this simply cannot be left to the mere judgment of one man alone.

- Statement of Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros

Duterte Witnesses Signing of Globe with Huawei, Nokia, Wuhan FiberHome

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Increasing investments to continuously improve internet services in the country, Globe Telecom signed several agreements involving its technology partners Huawei Technologies, Nokia and Wuhan Fiberhome International Technologies amounting $750 million over a period of 5 years to accelerate use of new LTE technologies to enhance its data services and improve customer experience.

"Globe is deeply committed in giving a wonderful experience to our customers by continuing to build and invest on our network. We are confident that our collaboration with Huawei, Nokia and Wuhan FiberHome will translate into a more robust Globe network that will meet the country’s future digital demands,” Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu said.

The agreements signed by Globe include the deployment of new LTE spectrum in the country. Specifically, Cu and Globe Director Fernando Zobel de Ayala signed a memorandum of confirmation with Chen Yuhua, the head of Nokia international business, relating to the implementation of this project in Visayas and Mindanao. A similar memorandum of confirmation was signed between Globe and Huawei CEO Kevin Gao relating to deployment of LTE spectrum in Luzon.

This project aims to provide wider LTE coverage and better indoor penetration, through an estimated 4,600 sites in the country. The project will increase data and fixed-wireless broadband capacity to provide telecommunications services in many areas in the country that at present have no access to broadband services. In addition, the project will strengthen telecommunications infrastructure and address the adverse impact of typhoons that constantly hit the country as well as enhance support to the government’s thrust for higher availability of broadband internet services.

Mike Wang, President at Nokia Networks Greater China, said: “This is a significant agreement with a longstanding collaborator. It strengthens Nokia’s position as Globe Telecom’s premier end-to-end solution provider. We are committed to delivering technologies that allow operators to smoothly transit to intelligent, virtual networks and seamless connectivity, to change how people communicate and connect.”

“Huawei is very happy to sign the MoC and through these cooperation, we hope to provide high quality products and professional services and work with our Philippine partners to bring a better connected service to this country,” Gao said.

Globe also signed a separate memorandum of confirmation with Huawei and Nokia relating to a capacity expansion program for its corporate data network. The fixed line network modernization project will improve the quality of its corporate network with capabilities, capacities, features and functionalities that are constantly responsive to business and enterprise requirements. The project will re-design and transform the network to make it future-proof and meet specified minimum engineering and technology end-state requirement, making the network more agile in serving the heavy data traffic of its enterprise customers.

In addition to these, Globe signed another memorandum of confirmation with Huawei and Wuhan FiberHome relating to the company’s plan to build a fiber infrastructure to support the rollout of fixed broadband lines in Filipino homes. With a robust fixed broadband network, more customers will be better served by high speed internet connections.

Globe signed the agreement with Wuhan Fiberhome International Technologies President Zhiqiang Fan, Wuhan Fiberhome International Technologies Philippines CEO Hui Liu and Huawei CEO Kevin Gao.

“It is a great honor to be the partner of Globe on its nationwide broadband building program which will provide Filipinos with the state-of-the-art fiber technology. We believe that FiberHome’s expertise in telecommunications over the last 40 years will be of great value to Globe Telecom’s infrastructure build. We are proud to contribute to a vision of building a fiber network that will benefit Filipinos nationwide and we look forward to further enhancing our partnership with Globe," said Fan.

Aimed at improving the coverage and capacity of Globe Telecom’s fixed broadband network, the project involves deployment of fiber optics in 20,000 barangays by 2020, which is expected to provide ultra-fast internet access to around 2 million homes nationwide.

Restoration of Energy Facilities in Full Swing - Sec. Cusi

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As Typhoon Lawin heads out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi directed concerned energy agencies to execute full and immediate restoration of power facilities damaged by the typhoon.

"Restoration of power facilities are underway to bring back electricity service in the typhoon-hit areas in Northern Luzon," said Secretary Cusi.

The Secretary said, “Public safety is the primary consideration when it comes to rehabilitation, so we have to first check and assess the effect of the typhoon to these facilities.”

“I am also urging our kababayans to coordinate with their local officials and authorities on any incidents affecting these facilities and for their families to take extra caution in using their electrical equipment,” Cusi advised.

“On the distribution lines, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) is monitoring and assessing the status of electric cooperatives (EC) for rehabilitation.”

“The typhoon-affected areas are covered by 14 ECs including the Cagayan I & II Electric Cooperatives (CAGELCO I & II), Isabela I & II Electric Cooperatives (ISELCO), Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative (NUVELCO), Quirino Electric Cooperative (QUIRELCO), Abra Electric Cooperative (ABRECO), Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO), Mt. Province Electric Cooperative (MOPRECO), Ifugao Electric Cooperative (IFELCO), Kalinga Electric Cooperative (KAELCO), Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC), Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative (ISECO) and La Union Electric Cooperative (LUELCO).”

Secretary Cusi informed, “As of October 20, 2016, 7:00 pm, the ECs have partially or totally restored electricity service in 31 municipalities out of the 248 municipalities or 12.5% of the typhoon-affected areas as follows: two in BENECO, seven in ISECO , 12 in LUELCO, one in ISELCO I and nine under NUVELCO.”

As of 2:00 p.m., the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported the status of the rehabilitation on the following transmission lines servicing the provinces of La Union, Kalinga, Apayao, Isabela, Cagayan, Abra, Benguet, Mountain Province, Ilocos Norte Sur, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino:

In Search of the Truth About the Controversial Dengue Vaccine

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"The majority of the people are not really aware on how Dengue really attacks the body. I do believe if we can educate them the chances of surviving will increase dramatically and we may even reach a point that dengue deaths will be zero. Thus, this advocacy." - Dr. Richard Mata

Sanofi Pasteur, a French multinational pharmaceutical company, led by Dr. Bouckenooghe, Mr. Joshua_Nealon, and Dr. Ruby Dizon, recently conducted a media conference about the dengue vaccine.

The event was held at the Dusit Thani hotel in Makati city on October 20, 2016. It allowed us the opportunity to ask them several questions about the dengue vaccine, including the many issues that has made it very controversial.

While the Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial assured that the newly registered vaccine was safe for use, there has been an awful lot of questions about this sudden, undue haste in providing the dengue vaccine. The vaccine is the first ever approved for use to prevent dengue, a mosquito-borne disease endemic in the Philippines. Should we express concern that children in the Philippines are being used as “guinea pigs” since the country was the first in Asia to implement the vaccination?

The government purchased the dengue vaccine in March this year and was delivered in the same month. The vaccine was just registered by the Food and Drug Authority on Dec. 22, 2015. The Department of Health (DOH) started to give the first of three doses of the vaccine from April to July this year to almost 500,000 children in Metro Manila, Southern Luzon and Central Luzon.

Disney and Globe Launch Disney Princess: I Dare to Dream

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In one way or another, girls all over the world have seen themselves as a Disney Princess. Disney Princesses are an inspiration to most and inspire young girls to dare to dream big and make it a reality.

Inspired by the empowering values of Disney Princesses, in association with Globe, a first-of-its-kind, digital reality-series comes to life with Disney Princess: I Dare to Dream. The producers are calling on all girls aged 9 to 16 years old to join the open auditions to be one of the six that will be chosen for the show.

Auditions will be held on October 22, 2016 at Cortes delas Palmas, Alabang Town Center, and on October 23, 2016 at Ayala Center Cebu, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Disney Princess: I Dare to Dream celebrates the aspirational values of the beloved Disney Princesses who have achieved their dreams, and hopes to encourage and inspire young girls in the Philippines to dare to dream, too. In the web series, the chosen girls will be staying in a house where they will be paired with a mentor who excels in the field that they aspire to be. The audience will be able to join their journey as they take that first step in living their dreams through a 10-episode web series.

“We are proud to bring to our customers our very first original content in collaboration with Disney. I Dare to Dream gives us an engaging platform to that will possibly change the lives of its participants. Not only are we able to give new and fresh entertainment content to our customers, but we also become part of a meaningful project,” says Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan.

Apart from the live auditions, interested participants may also submit their video auditions via www.idaretodream.ph. In the video, the contestant needs to introduce herself and talk about her big dream. Submission of entries will be until November 4, 2016.

The time has come for girls who look up to their favorite Disney princess to embrace their ambitions, achieve their potential, and above all, dare to dream!

To stay updated on the digital reality series, just visit www.idaretodream.ph. For more information, just follow Globe and its official Facebook page as well as at @enjoyGlobe on Twitter and Instagram.

DOE Wins Thrust Towards Full Implementation of RCOA, Ensuring Consumer Choice in the Power Industry

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Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi welcomed the Supreme Court (SC) issuance, which is pivotal to the implementation of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) that gives the electricity consumers the power of choice.

On 10 October 2016, the Department of Energy (DOE) together with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) scored a victory with the recent Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by the SC in allowing the full implementation of the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) provision of the EPIRA.

Secretary Cusi emphasized that “The DOE and the ERC are pushing reforms to implement the provisions that gives the consumers the power of choice. But some distribution utilities are preventing it.”

“The Supreme Court saw the need to uphold the role of the DOE - ERC in giving consumers the power of choice,” Cusi said.

“With RCOA in place, “Constestable Customers” or those consuming 1 megawatt (MW) of electricity are now able to choose their power supplier/s to reduce their costs.”

Cusi explained, “In the previous set up, electricity customers were captured by the distribution utilities within their franchise area and were forced to pay the contracted supply of their respective distribution utilities.”

“Currently, the DOE is undergoing the preparatory stage to include consumers consuming 750 kilowatts as Contestable Customers.”

The SC issued a TRO enjoining the Regional Trial Court, Branch 157, Pasig City, from continuing the proceedings in the Petition for Declaratory Relief filed by the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) against the DOE and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

In the said Petition, MERALCO sought to nullify DOE Circular No. DC2015-06-0010 (released 19 June 2015) and related resolutions issued by the ERC, enjoining the DOE and ERC from implementing them. Under DC2015-06-0010, electricity end-users with a monthly average peak demand of at least 1 MW for the preceding 12 months will be the Contestable Market upon initial implementation of the RCOA. Two (2) years afterwards, the threshold level for the Contestable Market will be reduced to 750 kilowatts (kW). Subsequently, the ERC is required to evaluate the performance of the electricity market and gradually reduce the threshold level until it reaches household demand level.

Globe Brings the Hottest Party at Masskara Festival with Loudfest 2016

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One need not go far to see festivals or masquerades in other countries as “The City of Smiles,” Bacolod, gears up for another weekend celebration for their annual Masskara Festival.

The festival is a visual treat of locals garbed in elaborate and ingenious costumes, fabrics of cheerful colors and patterns, shiny sequins, and gigantic headgear. But the most iconic is the mask worn by participants. These are always adorned with smiling faces that have become the trademark for the celebration.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you will enjoy Bacolod for the street parties and festivities, and Globe is tagging along to party with you! From October 21-23, starting at 4:00 p.m., head to Lacson Street in Bacolod City for LOUDFEST 2016 and paint the town with all the colors you love! Dance the weekend away to the beats and mixes from the country’s most sought after DJs like Mars Miranda, Callum David, Funk Avy, Katsy Lee, and many more.

“The Masskara festival is just one of the most colorful festivals Filipinos will ever experience! Globe joins this celebration by making the experience more wonderful with on-ground events filled with surprises and the best dance music perfect for a festive weekend,” says Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business, Dan Horan.

Because Globe makes everything more fun with events like the Masskara Loudfest 2016, extraordinary and unforgettable experiences are guaranteed. Put your party hat on and join the festival of smiles! For more updates on #GlobeMasskara and how you can enjoy the weekend just visit the official Globe Facebook page or follow @enjoyGlobe on Twitter or Instagram.

Globe Provides Free Calls and Text to Super Typhoon Victims

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Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom reaches out to victims of Super Typhoon Lawin by providing free calls and text for one day and by setting up Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging stations in severely affected provinces.

Globe gave active TM customers in Cagayan Province, Kalinga, Apayao, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Batanes, Aurora, and Abra free Unli Intra SMS + 50 Allnet SMS + 10 Minutes Call to TM/GP valid for 1 day while active Globe prepaid customers in the said provinces were provided with free Unli Allnet SMS + 10 Minutes Call to GP/TM valid for 1 day to assist with their communication needs.

At the same time, Globe offers Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging centers in Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Mountain Province, and Cagayan. Libreng Internet is also available in select stations.

“Globe, through our Bangon Pinoy program, continues to help Filipinos affected by disasters by providing communications facilities so that they can easily connect to their families and friends to request for aid if necessary or assure them of their safety,” said Fernando Esguerra, Globe Director for Citizenship.

The Libreng Tawag and Charging stations are open until October 23 from 8am to 6 pm in Cauayan, Isabela and until October 24 in the following locations:

Province	Location
Isabela	Across Cauayan City Hall
Isabela	Globe PD Store - along National Highway across Ilagan Public Market
Isabela	Cabagan Municipal Hall
Isabela	Tumauini Municipal Hall
Ilocos Norte	Provincial Capitol, Brgy 10 JP Rizal Street, Laoag City
Ilocos Norte	Paoay Civic Center, Poblacion
Ilocos Norte	Badoc Municipal Hall
Ilocos Sur	Vigan Public Market
Ilocos Sur	Bantay Arcade
Ilocos Sur	Sto Domingo Public Market
Mt Province	Poblacion, Bontoc
Benguet	Brgy Hall, Dominican Hill, Baguio City
La Union	Poblacion, Bacnotan (across Municipal Hall)
La Union	Bangar Public Market
Cagayan	Brgy Namabbalan Norte, Tuguegarao City
Cagayan	Brgy. Pengue Ruyu, Tuguegarao City
Cagayan	Brgy. Gosi, Tuguegarao City
Cagayan	Brgy Buntun, Tuguegarao City
Cagayan	Brgy Carig, Tuguegarao City
Cagayan	Onon Marketing Office, Tuguegarao City
Cagayan	Onon Marketing Warehouse, Tuguegarao City
Cagayan	Brgy. Dadda, Tuguegarao City
Cagayan	Brgy. Tagga, Tuguegarao City
Cagayan	Brgy. Larion, Tuguegarao City

NBA League Pass Launches New Monthly Subscription Package and Highlights Feature

Wazzup Pilipinas!

NBA League Pass, the league’s live games subscription service, will tip off the 2016-17 NBA season with new features designed for basketball fans outside of the United States. Throughout the season, fans will have the option to select NBA Game Choice, a new monthly subscription, which enables fans to select any two live games per week (eight live games per month).

This season, NBA League Pass will also introduce NBA Rapid Replay, a new highlights feature providing fans with in-the-moment updates on great NBA action from around the league. NBA Rapid Replay can be accessed as part of the live game experience from the NBA App on iOS and Android.

To tip off the season, NBA League Pass will have a week-long free trial beginning with the first night of the season on Wednesday, Oct. 26 and running through Wednesday, Nov. 2.

From a variety of game packages to multi-screen views of the action, NBA League Pass will deliver more ways to experience the NBA. This year’s features include:

·         BEST PLAYS OF THE DAY: This new series wraps up the day’s action with the best content from around the league.

·         ON-DEMAND CHOICES: Fans have the ability to download replays of full-length games or condensed games for convenient on-the-go viewing.

·         VIDEO ARCHIVES: NBA League Pass opens up the NBA vault providing fans with more access than ever before to classic games, interviews, highlights and documentaries, including 60 hours of new content.  Throughout the season, new NBA content will be added to the Video Archives.

Along with the new offerings and features, NBA League Pass will continue to offer its traditional, comprehensive full season package providing access to every NBA regular season game, as well as the entire NBA Playoffs, the NBA Finals and the 66^th annual NBA All-Star Game. 

NBA Team Choice, available for all 30 teams, will return to give fans the option to follow one team and watch their favorite players all regular season long.  In addition, NBA League Pass will enable fans to watch individual live games throughout the season.

Fans will be able to enjoy the subscription-based service across computers, tablets and mobile devices (iPhone and iPad; Android phones, tablets), as well as a wide variety of connected devices including the Apple TV; Android TV; Chromecast; ROKU; XBOX One; PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 and Amazon Kindle.

NBA League Pass is also available through Globe Telecom, the official wireless and broadband services partner of the NBA in the Philippines.  Globe provides its customers with three service offerings—NBA499 for a 30-day premium access, NBA299 for 7 days, and NBA50 for a 24-hour access—to enable sports fans to watch the NBA on their mobile devices through its streamlined registration process.

To subscribe to NBA League Pass, visit www.nba.com or www.globe.com.ph/nba and follow the NBA on Facebook (www.facebook.com/philsnba) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/nba_philippines) for all the latest news and updates.  

The Pink Run: D’Feeting Breast Cancer

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The Philippine Society of General Surgeons, Inc. (PSGS) is a fellowship of highly competent, safe, compassionate and ethical surgeons dedicated to pursuing excellence in the art and science of general surgery as a distinct specialty. The PSGS is recognized for its pioneering achievements in continuing surgical education, training and research. It is dedicated to promote the welfare of its members, and provide compassionate and quality health care, responsive to the needs of the community. 

For this year the PSGS organized the 6th fun run called “The Pink Run: D’Feeting Breast Cancer” which aims to raise funds and to raise awareness against breast cancer. This event will take place at the FILINVEST CITY/FESTIVAL MALL ALABANG, MUNTINLUPA CITY on October 30, 2016 (Sunday) at 5:00 am.

Race category in 3 KM, 5 KM, 10 KM and 16 KM runs. 

All runners in all categories will receive medals and free Breast Exam. Top finishers per category will receive special prizes and medal

For the benefit of Project Pink:

There is an ongoing online registration at goorahna.com. Onsite registration are available at Toby’s Festival Mall, Asian Breast Cancer Institute at Asian Hospital and PSGS Office (Ms. Ollie M. Palma (psgs_secretariat@gmail.com /09178098853/456-8411/926-8432).

PH Privacy Commission Gets International Accreditation

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The Philippines’ newly formed data protection and privacy authority, The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has received international recognition for its data protection regime from several notable international authorities. The NPC was created March of this year.

The International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners (ICDPPC) recently accepted the NPC as a member of the organization. Accreditation by the ICDPPC signifies that a country’s Data Protection agency meets stringent standards, and out of the 12 applications received by the ICDPPC Executive Committee this year, only 5 were approved including the NPC. The ICDPPC has been the premier global forum for data protection authorities for 40 years, providing global leadership in data protection and privacy by connecting the efforts of over 110 privacy and data protection authorities from around the world.

NPC Chairman Raymund E. Liboro was pleased with the recognition of the Commission’s efforts of to upgrade the standards of privacy and data protection in the Country. "Admission to the ICDPPC augurs well for the Philippines, it recognizes that we are committed to international standards in protecting personal data and privacy in the country, and that the commission is viewed as independent and vested with the authority to do so". Chairman Liboro said.

Earlier last month the Hogan Lovells Chronicle on Data Protection posted an article on its website featuring the release of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (R.A. 10173) the article mentioned that “the IRRs represent a significant development in data privacy regulation in the Philippines, and will affect multi-national businesses that use or provide services in or from the Philippines, as well as local vendors with data processing facilities in the Philippines. It is fair to say that the IRRs set one of the higher bars for compliance standards in the Asia-Pacific region”

This is good news for the Information Technology - Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry as it reinforces the Philippines’ reputation as an ideal IT-BPM destination. According to Benedict Hernandez of the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), the industry association for the IT-BPM sector , “With IT-BPM being a key employment generator and one of the country's growth pillars, the fact that our Data Privacy Standards meet International Standards means we can expect more companies to prefer the Philippines over other countries.” Mr. Hernandez said.

SAP Announces SAP HANA, Express Edition, for Rapid Application Development on a Personal Computer or in the Cloud

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SAP SE announced SAP HANA, express edition, a streamlined, downloadable version of its in-memory platform optimized for fast and continuous development of data-driven applications. This latest release provides developers with ubiquitous access to the SAP HANA platform to build applications free of charge on a laptop or desktop, or in the cloud.

SAP HANA, express edition, supports the rising demand for developers with SAP HANA experience — identified as one of the top-paying skills in a recent 2016 Dice Salary Survey. SAP now delivers a downloadable version of SAP HANA along with tutorials, sample code and a vibrant SAP developer community to help developers get up to speed quickly with flexible deployment environments.

“With this new starter SAP HANA, express edition, we have been able to jump-start our development immediately, using our existing personal computers,” said Jean Safar, chief architect, Calypso Technology Inc. “With the preconfigured virtual machine option, it has been really simple to get hands-on experience with in-memory technology and develop our initial version on sample risk-related data sets. Additionally, the availability of flexible upgrade options to full-use editions will help us further experiment and leverage SAP HANA to support our future technology innovation plans.”