Michelin's Grand Prix Sees Cruthlow on Top Down Under

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Michelin saw the momentous occasion of the first-ever Michelin® Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix marked with more significant events at Phillip Island today as Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda) powered to his second MotoGP™ victory and became the first British rider to win a motorcycle Grand Prix on Australian soil.

Starting from second on the grid Crutchlow chose the hard-front MICHELIN Power Slick - paired with a medium rear - and the Honda man made a steady start as he put heat in the hard front tyre. Pol Espargaro (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) made the holeshot from the line, before he was passed by newly-crowned champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda), Crutchlow crossed the line in fourth at the end of the first lap, as Marquez set about building a lead. The British rider then moved into contention as he chased down and passed the riders in front of him, cutting into the leader’s advantage and setting the fastest lap of the race in the process. Marquez had made the same tyre choice as Crutchlow, choosing the hard front and medium rear, but the Spaniard made a mistake on lap-10 and braked too late, causing him to hit the white line and crash. Crutchlow was now in the perfect place to take the lead and push at the front to strengthen his position, he did this and took the victory after the 27-lap race by a commanding four-seconds, taking the position of First Independant Rider at the same time and strengthening his overall lead at the top of that championship.

Following two days of awful weather that gave heavy rain and gale force winds, causing one of the free practice sessions to be cancelled, it was a relief for all to see blue skies and sunshine on race-day. With so little dry weather practice all riders had to make their tyre choices with the data from this morning’s warm-up. This resulted in all choosing the medium option rear tyre and the majority going with the asymmetric soft front, the exceptions being Crutchlow, Marquez, Maverick Viñales (Team SUZUKI ECSTAR), Aleix Espargaro (Team SUZUKI ECSTAR) and Jack Miller (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS) who all opted for the hard asymmetric front. Joining Crutchlow on the next step of the Michelin podium was Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP), the Italian started from 15th on the grid and fought his way through to second after an exciting battle with several riders. Viñales had an equally exciting race as he made his way from 13th at the start to take a hard-fought final podium place, with Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) fourth, giving a quartet of different manufacturers in the top-four. Early leader Espargaro came home in fifth, with Jorge Lorenzo (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) sixth. An intense battle filled the remaining top-ten positions as Scott Redding (Octo Pramac Yakhnich) steered his Ducati to seventh, followed by Bradley Smith (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) in eighth. Danilo Petrucci (Octo Pramac Yakhnich) ninth and home favourite Miller taking tenth.

Michelin will now leave Phillip Island - the site of the first MotoGP race that it has been title sponsor at - and head to Malaysia for the 17th and penultimate round of the championship, due to be held on Sunday 30th October at the impressive Sepang International Circuit. 

Uncoordinated Demolition Led to Traffic Chaos at NAIA T3

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Heavy traffic congestion experienced by passengers of NAIA Terminal 3 last Friday, 28 October 2016, was due to the demolition of the existing Skyway ramp of NAIA-Ex, without due coordination with the Inter-agency Council on Traffic (I-ACT). It was bad timing especially that it was a long weekend and people àre trooping to the provinces for the Undas to honor their dead love ones.

As soon as it has come to the attention of DOTr Secretary Tugade, he directed the IACT to call the attention of SOMCO/Skyway management and asked to immediately suspend the works in the ramp which was causing congestion due to the influx of airline passengers in NAIA.

Thus, DMCI, their contractor, immediately stopped the demolition works, but one lane has already become unpassable.

Engr. Alec Cruz, head of Tollways operation of Skyway went to the site and verified the situation and checked whether it was possible to open another ramp to alleviate the pressure on the one that they closed.

Manny Bonoan, President of SOMCO/ Skyway, announced later that NAIAX Ramp 1 was temporarily opened @ 1641H to relieve the Terminal 3 and Andrews Ave of traffic congestion. This is an additional access to the elevated section towards Makati and south bound areas like Alabang.

Traffic started to move slowly due to heavy volume of vehicles. Skyway traffic patrollers were also deployed in the Terminal 3 area as far as sales interchange helping the IACT traffic patrollers manage the flow of traffic.

The traffic situation yesterday and today in the Andrews Ave and Sales Bridge area has been light to moderate with the entrance to Terminal 3 as moderate to slow moving.

Ricky Lee Receives IFFM Lifetime Achievement Award in New York

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Veteran screenwriter Ricky Lee was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Scriptwriting by the International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM) in New York.

Lee personally received the plaque of recognition from festival director Luis Pedron last October 20 during the IFFM awards night held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in New York City.

The award-winning writer also conducted a scriptwriting workshop from October 17 to 19 at the Producers Club Theaters & Bar. He has been holding workshops in the Philippines since 1982, producing hundreds of graduates who are now part of the movie and TV industry. He has mentored several budding writers and he vows to continue to help more of them reach their full writing potential in his upcoming workshops.

Lee has written more than 160 scripts for Filipino films since 1973. Many of these have won awards here and abroad. Among them are Himala, Karnal, Moral, Salome and other films directed by acclaimed Filipino filmmakers, including the late National Artists for Film Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal.


Aside from being a screenwriter, Lee is also a book author, fictionist and playwright. He has written Trip to Quiapo, a scriptwriting manual; Si Tatang at mga Himala ng Ating Panahon, a collection of short stories; Pitik-Bulag Sa Buwan Ng Pebrero, a playbook; the novels Para Kay B (O Kung Paano Dinevastate ng Pag-ibig ang 4 out of 5 sa Atin) and Si Amapola sa 65 na Kabanata; and screenplay books like Brutal/Salome, Moral, Bukas May Pangarap and Jose Rizal. His script for Salome has also been translated into English and published by the University of Wisconsin for its film studies.

Energizing the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao

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President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi on Saturday (October 29) led the ceremonial switch lighting and turning over of electrification funds for almost ten thousand households in Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, Lanao, Basilan and Sulu under the DOE’s Nationwide Intensification Household Electrification (NIHE) at the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao Compound in Cotabato.

A check amounting to P13.833 Million symbolized the release to the Maguindanao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MAGELCO) for 3,689 households in the municipalities of Ampatuan, Buldon, Matanog, Barira, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Piang, North Upi, Parang, South Upi, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, Sultan Sa Barongis, Rajah Buayan, Talayan, Guindulungan and Talitay to be electrified.

Isko’t Iska, Dula Mula sa Masa, Patungo sa Masa Opens this November for its 39th Installment

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Isko't Iska 2016: Daluyong ng Pagbabago will be shown for free on November 8, 9, and 10, 7PM. at the D.L. Umali Auditorium, University of the Philippines – Los Baños.

Former USC Councilor Karlyn Oblacion (Obley) is missing. She was last seen at La Pagan, a community jeopardized by land grabbing and commercialization. As part of the investigation, Isko, Iska and Pegaraw recount their memories with Obley as a student leader and a friend.

Outside the campus, Maria Balangit or Nanay MB, the peasant leader at La Pagan, suspects that the minds behind the demolition in their community are also responsible for Obley’s disappearance. Tao, Isko’s father, worries just as much because his son shares the same sentiment as Nanay MB. It is now up to them to uncover the mystery of this disappearance and find the location of Obley before it’s too late.

Isko't Iska is an annual theater production of Umalohokan Inc. that features a student ensemble that gives life to pieces written and directed by fellow students from UPLB. While encouraging appreciation of progressive art, the play also aims to mirror the lives of different UP students (named as Isko/Iska in the play) and their travails in seeking their identities as true Iskolars ng Bayan.

It has been highly acclaimed for depicting social issues and heightening awareness in a creative manner and has become a part of the university's rich tradition and history. It is traditionally shown free of charge not only to UPLB students but also to the members of the neighboring communities.

WATCH: Actors share why they joined Isko’t Iska

Founded in 1977, Umalohokan, Inc. (formerly known as Teatro Umalohokan) is a UPLB-based community organization that has been known to utilize the diverse aspects of art and media in portraying social issues and educating the people, especially the Filipino youth.

For more inquiries, contact Francis De La Cruz at 0926 571 3131. Updates are also posted in Umalohokan Inc.'s official Facebook page: facebook.com/umal.inc

Globe Underscores Need for Govt Support in Building Telco Infrastructure Even as it Ramps Us Network Investments

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Globe Telecom Chief Technology and Information Officer and Chief Strategy Officer Gil Genio (extreme left) underscores the need for government support in developing telco infrastructure and harnessing the full potential of the ICT industry during a Philippine Trade Summit panel discussion organized by the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines. 

Genio emphasized that while Globe is ramping up network investments, government support is critical in rationalizing the permitting process for telecommunication infrastructure such as cell sites and fiber cables, claiming Globe needs to secure at least 25 permits to construct one cell site. 

Genio is joined in the panel by (from left) Samie Lim, Chairman Emeritus, Blims Lifestyle Group, Senen Perlada, Department of Trade and Industry export marketing bureau director; Mike Toledo, Head of MVP Group of Companies Media Bureau; and Cielito Habito Chief of Party, USAID Trade-Related Assistance for Development (TRADe) Project, who was the event’s moderator.

A3BIDA Proudly Presents HEIGHTS: 35th Flying Year Across The Sky Of Creativity

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We'll take you something higher this November!

Get ready to fly high as the BAPR 3-3D (A3BIDA) brings the Polytechnic University of the Philippines College Of Communication in the Department Of Advertising and Public Relations to the grandest and highest celebration on this year's Ad Week in: "HEIGHTS: 35th Flying Year Across The Sky Of Creativity" - an annual celebration of week filled with splashing fun events to celebrate the creativity within every BAPR student that boosts the department to soar high competitively in the field of art, words and everything under the sky of creativity.

Watch out the different events, games and contests all prepared by the organizers for every BAPR student. There will be booths along the classrooms that will be running throughout the whole week; games and contest that will help you explode the creativity in you. The annual search for the next face of the BAPR will also be happened organized by BAPR 3-1S as they bring MR & MS ADPR 2016 on the third day of the event. Aspiring videographer and filmmaker may find their spotlight on the fourth day of the event as BAPR 3-1D brings the annual video production competition in this year's TV SCENE AWARDS. And there’s no greater way to end the celebration than by bringing foods, awards, booze, and the dance floor all in one place as departure takes place on a closing semi-formal party that will be happening on the last day of the event.

This event will run from November 15 to 19, 2016. For more details and inquiries about HEIGHTS: 35th Flying Year Across the Sky of Creativity, visit its Facebook page at facebook.com/adpr3d; and for real-time updates, check out its Twitter and Instagram acount: @adpr3d. See you there and enjoy your flight.

Globe Telecom, The Pokémon Company and Niantic, Inc. Enhance The Pokémon GO Experience for Filipino Gamers

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The Pokémon Company, creators of one of the most popular entertainment properties in the world, Niantic, Inc., innovative developer and publisher of ‘real world games’, and Globe Telecom, the Philippines leading mobile brand, today have officially announced a new partnership.

“Pokémon GO fever has certainly taken over majority of Filipinos’ digital lifestyle. From walks to ‘lure parties’ the take-up on the mobile game continues to grow. We want to give our customers more reasons to enjoy the game, and the launch of new PokéStops and Gyms is just the start of our collaborative efforts,” says Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business, Dan Horan.

Starting October 28, Pokémon GO trainers will find that Globe retail locations and charging stations have become PokéStops and Gyms in game, with more and more PokéStops sprouting across the country. To help spread more Pokémon GO joy, Globe will be working with its partners, namely Ayala malls, Puregold, Robinsons Malls and SM Supermalls. With this, players will be able to see more of these markers on their Pokémon GO apps for more chances of catching Pokémon to expand their Pokédex.

Globe will also ensure its customers have better accessibility to the app through different mobile offers. On Globe Prepaid’s leading GoSURF50 mobile promo, customers will be able to access Pokémon GO as one of the free apps within the bundle. Globe customers can also download the free Pokémon GO promo on the Globe Switch app. Included in the partnership are distribution rights to Pokémon merchandise, including digital connectors, cool gadgets and a selection of apparel that is perfect for the holiday season.

Globe held today the first ever Pokémon festival in the Philippines during Halloween weekend. Free and open to all, guests had a wonderful time meeting Pikachu, enjoying original Pokémon screening, costume contests and many more family surprises. Pokémon GO players also took part in walks and tours around BGC, Taguig.

To get updates on Globe and its latest events and offers just visit the Globe official Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/GlobePH or @EnjoyGlobe on Twitter and Instagram.

Photo Captions

1 – Globe Telecom together with The Pokémon Company and Niantic confirmed their partnership to make the Pokémon Go experience more accessible and enjoyable to Filipinos. Leading the announcement for this exclusive partnership were Globe Chief Commercial Officer Albert De Larrazabal, Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business Dan Horan, Niantic Chief Executive Officer and founder John Hanke, and Susumu Fukunaga, Corporate Officer of The Pokémon Company. One of the highlights of the partnership was that Globe retail locations and charging stations have become PokéStops and Gyms in game. To help spread more Pokémon GO joy, Globe will also be working with its partners, namely Ayala malls, Puregold, Robinsons Malls and SM Supermalls.

2 – Pokémon fans trooped to the Globe ICONIC store at BGC for the first ever Pokémon Fest presented by Globe

3 – Guests had fun with Pikachu – from dance numbers to parades around the venue. Globe also held meet & greet sessions with Pikachu

4 – Niantic Chief Executive Officer and founder John Hanke join Globe Telecom during the announcement of its exclusive partnership for Pokemon Go. 

Duterte Switches On DOE Electrification Projects In ARMM

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The Duterte administration is accelerating the electrification of the provinces comprising the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as part of its peace and development efforts in Southern Philippines.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi on Saturday (October 29) led the ceremonial switch-on of electrification projects of the DOE and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) held at the ARMM Regional Government Compound in Cotabato City.

On-grid electrification projects include the DOE's Nationwide Intensification of Household Electrification (NIHE) and ER 1-94 Electrification Funded Projects and NEA's Sitio Electrification Program and Barangay Line Enhancement Program.

For Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, a total of P371.71 million worth of electrification projects from 2015 to 2016 will benefit some 34,238 households in the two provinces. Next year, a P4.84 million electrification projects will benefit 166 households.

For Tawi-Tawi, a total of P91.62 million worth of electrification projects in 2015 to 2016 will benefit some 1,620 households. For 2017, a P18.31 million electrification project will benefit 2,263 households.

For Basilan, a total of P60.6 million worth of electrification projects in 2015 to 2016 will benefit 889 households in the province. For 2017, a P2.81 million electrification project will benefit 270 households.

And for Sulu, a total of P50.3 million worth electrification projects will benefit 2,628 households. In 2017, a P10.88 million electrification project will benefit 1,345 households.

For off-grid electrification, the DOE has initiated the Household Electrification Program (HEP) where electrification projects worth P610 million will be implemented by electric cooperatives in ARMM until 2017.

Duterte and Cusi also graced the ceremonial turn-over of 30 units of photovoltaic (PV) solar home systems to ARMM.

The DOE completed a total of 3,868 PV solar home system units in the provinces of Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Sulu under its HEP. Next year, the DOE will deliver a total of 3,878 units of the PV solar home system in Tawi-Tawi (2,263 units), Basilan (270 units) and Sulu (1,345 units).

The DOE also donated a total of 30 units of 30Wp PV solar home system to ARMM. This was received by ARMM Governor Mujiv S. Hataman on behalf of household beneficiaries in the three provinces.

The President's last stop was the ceremonial awarding of a cheque worth P13.833 million to Maguindanao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MAGELCO) for the implementation of the NIHE program that will benefit 3689 households within its franchise area.

Under the NIHE program, the DOE provides assistance amounting to at least P3,750 as grant subsidy to each eligible household for the cost of house-wiring and additional service drops per housing unit.

The NIHE program will be implemented by MAGELCO in the municipalities of Ampatuan, Buldon, Matanog, Barira, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Piang, North Upi, Parang, South Upi, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, Sultan Sa Barongis, Rajah Buayan, Talayan, Guindulungan and Talitay.

The cheque was received by MAGELCO General Manager, Sultan Ashary P. Maongco.

Miss Ecuador Wins Miss Earth 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Miss Earth 2016 coronation night concluded at around 9 pm with results quite not good for the Philippines since Miss Philippines Earth, Imelda Schweighart, failed to even make it to the first cut, which was the Top 16.

Since the country is hosting the Miss Earth 2016 beauty pageant, and based from previous runs, many were expecting to see Imelda to be at least part of the top 4 finalists but many were somehow surprised that the country's candidate did not even made it to the top 16. 

However, we are sending our congratulations to our new Elemental Queens for 2016:

Miss Earth 2016: Katherine Espin Ecuador
Miss Air: Michelle Gomez Colombia
Miss Water: Stephanie De Zorzi Venezuela
Miss Fire: Bruna Zanardo Brazil

Congratulations to Miss Ecuador for winning the Miss Earth 2016 title. We hope this Earth Warrior advocates passionately the true meaning of being an ambassador for the planet.

Obviously I was a bit sad for the Philippines, but still I have to go on with my coverage as people would also need to know who will win this beauty pageant.

The sadness increased when someone said that Miss Philippines did not make it because of her "attitude" problem.