Russia Seeks Stronger Economic & Military Ties With Philippines, Supports Duterte Anti-Drug Efforts

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Russian Federation Ambassador Igor Khovaev on November 29 at the Pandesal Forum of 77-year-old Kamuning Bakery Café in Quezon City expressed optimism on strengthening of Philippine-Russia diplomatic, economic, military, cultural, anti-crime and anti-terrorism cooperation after what he described as “the successful meeting between President Vladimir Putin and President Rody Duterte in Lima, Peru”. He said Russia looks forward to President Duterte’s 2017 state visit to his country as “a historic event”, that details are still being planned by both sides, that President Duterte prefers not to go to Moscow during the cold winter.

Khovaev stressed that Russia is against any closed military alliances which usually target third-party countries, that is why Russia has no military alliances in Asia but just close strategic partnerships with China, Vietnam and India. In the same way, Ambassador Kovaev said Russia seeks partnership with the Philippines, but not any military alliance.

Ambassador Kohvaev added that Russia can sell and export modern military equipments and arms to the Philippines, that Russia does not sell second-hand weapons or vehicles, that their military sales shall also include support for military training and technology transfers. He cited as a good example of a good customer for Russian military exports for decades is the country of Vietnam.

Ambassador Khovaev said he likes the Benguet province high mountains’ Arabica coffee served at Kamuning Bakery Café (he drank 4 cups), urging the Philippines to be more aggressive in exporting agriculture and food products to Russia. In eating the pugon-baked pandesal breads and trying the old-style pugon baking process of Kamuning Bakery Café, Khovaev also said Russia is today the world’s No. 1 biggest wheat producer but the Philippines still doesn’t import any Russian wheat yet. 

Color Manila Announces 2017 Events and Entry to International Market

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The story of Color Manila seemed like a love story. When Jay Em, President of Color Manila, stepped up on stage and told us their story, we thought we would then again turn teary-eyed after hearing him out.

But it was not as tearjerker as our teleseryes since Jay told us more about their many accomplishments which made us overwhelmingly happy for them. Not just because of their success as a company, but because they are also making a name for our country the Philippines. We were smiling more when they told us about their future collaborations in the international market like Dubai. With just five years, you'd think they are still a baby, but no, they are all grown up to compete even globally.

Fun Runs were never the same when they introduced their "color" concept in the country, and many other fun runs tried to emulate their style. But sure enough, nothing compares with the original. Watching the video presentation while waiting for the program to start gave us a positive outlook of Color Manila as they successfully captured the fun and excitement of being a part of the biggest fun run organized by fellow Filipinos.

The Color Manila media launch was held at Kerry Sports, Shangri-La the Fort on November 29, 2016. The event was hosted by Nikko Ramos and attended by the founders themselves, Jay Em and Justine Cordero - President and Vice-President of Color Manila respectively, together with International Relations Vincent Narciso, Fitness Coach and Athlete Chris Everingham, Running Coach and Color Manila Ambassador Ico Ejercito, Color Manila Events Manager Thera Reyes, and Ilocos Sur's Jose Paolo Gallardo, plus a special video presentation of Joshua Atkinson from Dubai announcing the international collaboration.

Flash Plus 2 Now Exclusively Sold at Lazada

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Give your loved ones the best gift this Christmas! 

Flash Philippines is making this year’s yuletide season extra special for those who are looking for sleek and high-quality smartphones with both the stylish and future-forward features of Flash Plus 2. There are 2 memory variants for this, which are 2GB RAM with 16GB ROM and 3 GB RAM with 32 GB ROM.

Experience Flash Plus 2’s set of superior attributes which has been making an incredible mark with its fingerprint scanner, high-quality audio capabilities, and premium camera functions, all enclosed in a sleek metal casing.

In keeping the joy of the holiday season, you may now grab Flash Plus 2 for yourself and your loved ones for only. It is exclusively sold in Lazada.com with two color options— Luna Silver and Venus Gold. For the update prices, please visit link link – http://bit.ly/BuyFlashPlus2.

One: Age of Domination Media Launch at Vikings MOA

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The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship (ONE), held a luncheon for select members of the media at Vikings Mall of Asia late Tuesday, 29 November. Athletes in attendance included ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon “The Truth” Vera, ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes, and world title challenger Reece “Lightning” McLaren, as well as Filipino fighters Danny Kingad and Eugene Toquero.

Fighters are set to compete at ONE: AGE OF DOMINATION which takes place Friday evening, 2 December at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. Headlining the massive fight card is Brandon Vera who will defend his ONE Heavyweight World Championship belt against Japanese MMA standout Hideki Sekine.

Brandon Vera, ONE Heavyweight World Champion, stated: “I’m ready to fight and defend my title. Training has gone great. I’m excited to step back inside the ONE Championship cage. I love the Philippines, this is my home. I’m here to help all of our Filipino fighters. I’m going to make sure I won’t be the last Filipino heavyweight world champion.”

Bibiano Fernandes, ONE Bantamweight World Champion, stated: “I’ve competed all across the globe against the world’s best fighters, but even though I am a world champion, I feel I am still constantly improving. Martial arts is a continued pursuance of self-improvement and greatness. As long as I continue to improve and take on the biggest challenges, I am happy. Reece McLaren is the latest challenge and I am ready to face him.”

Reece McLaren, world title challenger, stated: “I’ve been an underdog my entire life. I excel in this position, it invigorates me. Bibiano Fernandes is a big hill to climb, but my skills and achievements have brought me to this stage in my career and I am going to do everything I can to take home the belt. This is a rare opportunity so I have to do my best.”

DOTr to Automatically Exempt Returning OFWs from Paying Airport Terminal Fee

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The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday announced that returning Overseas Filipino Workers, whose tickets were purchased abroad, will be exempted from paying terminal fee by March 2017.

During the “Kapihan sa Manila Hotel” organized by Samahang Plaridel yesterday morning, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal said that airlines have agreed in principle to automatically relieve OFWs who purchased their return tickets to the Philippines abroad from paying terminal fee.

Currently, the P550 terminal fee of returning OFWs are integrated with their ticket fee, and is refunded through MIAA refund counters in Philippine airports, which somehow causes inconvenience to OFWs.

“Airline have already agreed in principle, so, hopefully by March 2017, mawala na ang pangamba ng ating mga OFWs sa pagbabayad ng terminal fee,” Monreal said.

Monreal explained that the exemption will be fully implemented by March 2017 to give airlines time to update their programs and systems for this policy.

The DOTr, MIAA, and airline companies is yet to enter into a memorandum of understanding to formalize the agreement.

This announcement came on the back of other accomplishments of the DOTr in the aviation sector.

Among these achievements is the enforcement of a slot management system to ensure that flight departures are on time. The system has improved the on-time performance of airlines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from 47 percent to 71 percent since the new administration took over.

To address traffic congestion in the airports, MIAA is also coordinating with Villamor Airbase to allow vehicles to pass through, especially along Andrews Avenue.

A two-minute waiting time is also being implemented for people welcoming and sending off passengers at the airport.

“Kaugalian ng mga Pilipino na kahit isa lang ang aalis eh napakarami nang naghahatid. Isinasaayos natin ‘yan,” Monreal said.

Capt. Jim Sydiongco, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, also boasted of the addition of Legzapi, Butuan, Dumaguete, and Caticlan airports to the country’s night-rated airports. Roxas airport will also be able to accommodate evening flights before Christmas.

Importance of Emergency Powers

In the same forum, DOTr officials also reiterated the need for emergency powers to push for further improvements in the transportation sector.

DOTr Assistant Secretary for Communications Cherie Mercado assured the public that the Emergency Powers sought for will expedite service delivery, and will not be abused.

“Emergency Powers was proposed to get projects moving fast. May mga safeguards tayo dyan [such as] Congress oversight, TROs/injunctions to be filed only in the Supreme Court, and its compliance with the FOI,” Mercado said.

Mercado also guaranteed that the Department, led by Sec. Arthur Tugade, continues to perform while waiting for the emergency powers to be granted.

“Si Sec. Tugade ay nagtratrabaho nang tahimik. [He] is a man of accomplishments. He’s impatient for accomplishments, but he’s also a man of transparency.”

Lenovo Unveils the World’s First Tango-Enabled Smartphone

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Augmented Reality (AR) took the country by storm this year thanks to Pokémon GO but fans of the technology will have another reason to rejoice as Lenovo Philippines unveiled the much-awaited Phab 2 Pro.

Lenovo Phab2 Pro, the world’s first Tango-enabled smartphone provides users an elevated AR experience with Google’s Tango technology. The said feature can map physical spaces and overlay it with virtual effects, track objects, and map indoor spaces. Those abilities allow for new types of apps, experiments, and designs that previously couldn't be carried out on standard AR-enabled phablets out in the market.

At the launch, Lenovo Philippines Country General Manager Michael Ngan expressed that the arrival will open up new opportunities. “With the limitless capabilities provided by Tango, we hope that the Phab 2 Pro can raise our customers to new heights by making them into designers, innovators, and builders with no boundaries stopping them.”

Buyers of the Phab 2 Pro are in for atreat as well as Google recently launched 25 Tango-enabled apps on Google Play. Want to turn your living room into a scaled-down version of the Solar System? Well, then Solar Simulator app should be just right up your alley! Once enabled, the app can automatically scale the entire Solar System to fit inside your room.

Innovation in Real Life Education

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TWO GIANTS in the education sector in the country and e-learning industry worldwide, STI and CYPHER LEARNING respectively, recently forged an agreement to provide students an innovative and engaging platform that will augment learning experience inside and outside the classroom.

Created by CYPHER LEARNING, STI utilizes NEO, a world-class and award-winning Learning Management System (LMS) used by schools and universities across the globe. NEO was ranked as #2 LMS for Higher Education in the “Top 50 LMS 2016 Rankings Report” by Craig Weiss, a distinguished e-learning industry analyst.

NEO LMS is cloud-based e-learning tool that gives teachers and students a two-way platform where they can collaborate, assign and submit homework, take assessments, and track learning progress among others.

“Integrating technology in the learning process helps students and teachers stay engaged and connected. Through NEO LMS, students and teachers can discuss online anytime, anywhere,” said Peter K. Fernandez, President and COO of STI Education Services Group, Inc. 

PhilBike Expo 2016 Wraps with Incredible Finish

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The PhilBike Expo, the only international-standard trade and consumer cycling show in the Philippines, closed its three-day weekend with an incredible demo from international powerhouses, Kenny Belaey, The Super Kids, and Viki Gómez held last November 25-27, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia.

Mutliple-World Championship rider, Kenny Belaey marveled audiences with a demonstration of “Balance” atop various obstacles inside the convention. He was followed by Japanese protégés, The Super Kids (14-year-old Yu Shoji and Takumi Isogai), who showed off their incredible flatland skills before a tremendous crowd. They were joined by their mentor, Flatland innovator & 3x flatland world champion, Viki Gómez. 2016 marks the Spaniard’s second trip to the Philippine islands where he returned to welcoming crowds who could not get enough of his gravity-defying skills.

In addition to its star-studded line-up featuring world-champion cyclists, the PhilBike-Expo was pleased to announce the arrival of Canadian Geoff Gulevich who began his career at the age of thirteen and rose to prominence as one of the best Mountain Bikers in the world. He is a highly-decorated risk-taker, known for his versatility and passion for the sport. 

Adto 'mo Didto!: OFW & SME Business Christmas Expo comes to Cebu!

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As part of the 15th year anniversary of Ex-Link Events, the OFW & SME Business Christmas Expo goes to Cebu for the first time! As a way of thanking its partners for the past 15 years, Ex-Link Events gives opportunities for home-based and community livelihood enterprises to exhibit at the Expo.

Partnering with various organizations, such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Rotary Community Corps, Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc., Department of Trade and Industry, Cooperative Development Authority, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Junior Achievement of the Philippines Inc., and the Rotary Club of Mutya ng Pasig (District 3800), this first leg of the Expo outside of the country’s capital is expected to be a grand showcase to a variety of products and services for everyone!

There's more to this year's Expo: We are raffling off trips to Asia and Europe and Negosyo Packages to visiting OFWs, Seafarers and Families - to register, text OFWSME <space> REG <space> Facebook Email <space> Full Name and send to 0917-810-8983! Terms and conditions apply.

See items and offerings that will suit your taste this holiday season at the OFW & SME Business Christmas Expo this coming December 2 to 4, 2016, Friday to Sunday, from 10am to 8pm at the Cebu Trade Hall of SM City Cebu.

The OFW & SME Business Christmas Expo is supported by the following sponsors Metrobank, Landbank, Cebuana Lhuillier, PLDT Home, Citibank, Brother Philippines, Orchard Property Management Corporation, Azalea Vacation Club and Megaworld.

Special thanks to media partners Buhay OFW, Rotary on Air, Light Network, EntrepTV, Star Music, Malaya Business Insight, BusinessMirror, InfoTxt, Asenso Pinoy, The Manila Times, Pisig Ad Network, Diary ni Gracia, PSST.ph, MetroCebu News, Wazzup Pilipinas, YuneOh, Sun.Star Cebu and WhatsHappening.com.ph.

For information, contact (02) 633-0153, 643-3887, 0920-924-2532, 0920-981-4376 or email info@exlinkevents.com.

5th Globe Media Excellence Awards – Mindanao Winners Announced

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Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom announced the winners of the 5th Globe Media Excellence Awards - Mindanao who have shown exemplary communication skills in promoting sustainable development and bringing social issues to the attention of the public via print, broadcast, or digital media.

The awards covered media organizations in four major cities in the region namely General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga and Davao.The outstanding media professionals and digital media practitioners were feted during the awarding ceremonies held in Marco Polo Hotel on November 22. They bested 432 other entries in the 12 categories.

“The critical role of media organizations and online communities in forming and shaping public opinion makes it imperative for organizations like Globe to institutionalize an award-giving body that recognizes outstanding, incisive, and impactful reportage. We see GMEA as an opportunity to give back to our media friends and our blogger and influencer partners, the honor that they deserve as we collectively create a world that is purposive and wonderful,” said Yoly Crisanto, Senior Vice President, Globe Corporate Communications during her opening remarks.

For this year, GMEA was anchored on Globe Telecom’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to help create a Wonderful Philippines. The winning entries did not only embody quality and relevant content but also focused on any or a combination of four areas such as care for environment, care for people, positive societal impact, and digital nation.

Nippon Paint Reveals Winners of Prestigious Design Competition

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Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines recently revealed the first winners of its prestigious design competition, Asia Young Designer Award (A.Y.D.A) during the awarding ceremony held at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. Nippon Paint executives together with industry professionals, competition judges and guests attended the event to witness the gold winners of the Architecture and Interior Design category who will be representing the country in the regional grand competition slated early next year in Jogyakarta, Indonesia.

A.Y.D.A, formerly known as Nippon Paint Young Designer Award was re-launched this year to reflect its widening reach and its increasing significance to the design scene in Asia. From its debut with 87 entries solely from Malaysia, the competition has grown to collect over 3,500 entries from last year across 12 different countries, namely the Philippines, Singapore, Bangladesh, Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, China, Japan, Hong Kong its place of origin Malaysia. This year, AYDA was extended to three additional countries, namely Sri Lanka, India and Taiwan. The design tilt was first opened in the Philippines in 2014.

This year, the combined number of entries for both Architecture and Interior Design totalled to over 1,200 submissions coming from 27 major institutions all over the country. With the theme “Be Bold. Be Free. Be You”, the young designers are challenged to produce new and refreshing concepts or designs that encapsulate boldness, freedom and originality. 

History’s Hit Survival Series Alone Returns With A Brand New Season This December

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Season 3 of the hit survival series, Alone, premieres on December 14, every Wednesday at 9:00 pm on HISTORY.

The new season takes the series to the next level as the most qualified group of hardcore survivalists face new challenges unlike those seen in the past seasons as they put to the test their capability and ingenuity to survive in a remote South American region with one mission - to stay alive. There are no camera crews, no teams, and no gimmicks. At stake is a $500,000 cash prize awarded to the person who can last the longest.

Equipped only with limited gear, their wilderness experience, and cameras to self-document their journeys, these brave and self-confident 7 men and 3 women are completely separated from one another. To survive, they must hunt for food, find water, build shelters, and fend off deadlier predators, from wild boars to vicious rodents, while experiencing unpredictable weather conditions in a new and remote location.

The harsh conditions of the cold and isolated region of Patagonia in Argentina have made this the most dangerous season yet!

HISTORY is available on SKYCable Ch 67; Cable Link Ch. 43; Dream Satellite Ch 30; Destiny Cable Ch 57; and Cignal Ch 125.

Enteng Kabisote and The Abangers: Set To Save the World from Digital Menace

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In the tradition of offering family-friendly fare, Vic Sotto and his Dabarkads are back for another blockbuster fantasy-adventure movie based on the well-loved Pinoy pop culture icon! Kids are in for a treat as Bossing reprises his beloved role as Enteng Kabisote in the latest instalment of the movie series titled: Enteng Kabisote 10 and The Abangers.

The comedy-adventure movie follows the reluctant hero in his latest fantastical escapade. Through hard work and determination, Enteng Kabisote has used his talent to “butingting everything” to become an ironworks and robotics magnate. Since his last adventure in Engkantasya, he has settled down to becoming a successful businessman, community leader, and a doting grandfather to his cute and bubbly grandchild Benokis, as his son Benok (Oyo Boy Sotto) tackles fatherhood and his duty as a law enforcer. Little does he know that trouble is brewing and he will be called on once again to save the world.

Enteng’s nemesis is Kwak-kwak (played by Epi Quizon), a power-obsessed villain who was booted out from Engkantasya. He has the capability to control minds who has launched a virtual reality game that transmits his mind control to anyone who plays it. The villainous plot is helped along by Bibi, Kwak-kwak’s devoted second-in-command and Bibe, his moronic but useful sibling, along with A1/ALLAN & A2/ALLAINE, the two creators of the viral game app which Kwak-Kwak uses as a channel to spread his psychic powers to control humankind.

Find Yourself a New PC Love this Warm and Fuzzy Season

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We had sort of a Speed Dating event during Microsoft's Find Your New PC Love event held on November 22, 2016 at the Happy Garden Cafe at the Sunshine Place along Jupiter street in Makati city.

The event was all about an effort to inform us that there are new PC devices that support Windows 10 and takes advantage of the new technologies available, plus the participation of leading laptop brands namely Dell, Lenovo, HP, Acer and Asus.

We have to admit that our beloved PCs, whether it's a laptop or desktop eventually becomes slow and troublesome after a few years of usage. There will come a time that we need to replace them with a new faster and more powerful model using the latest technologies available. This means we would have to let go of the old and welcome the new especially when the old is no longer working as it was originally bought or if there's a new machine that can provide more convenience to us.

I have a lot of stories to tell you about the event but since I'm sort of busy right now because of weekend events, I couldn't work and edit on the videos I took at the event. I usually write, edit and/or upload videos during weekends but since I needed to attend  events happening on both Saturday and Sunday, I've also posted the press release for the meantime so you get to hear about the news already, and will embed the video(s) about my actual experience as soon as I get some time to sit down and work on it.

Vic Sotto: Proud of Enteng Kabisote’s 10th Big Screen Installation

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“Enteng Kabisote” will always be associated with Vic Sotto. Definitely, it’s one of the ace comedian’s most-loved characters on screen. Over the years, it has successfully built a cult following among a diverse range of viewers especially children. The material’s box-office appeal is like vintage wine which gets even better in the passing of times. That’s why there’s always a strong clamour to bring it back on the big screen, something that Vic granted this 2016 with “Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers” which is jointly produced by OctoArts Films, APT Entertainment and M-Zet Production.

“Yes! I’m happy to pitch in to avid movie buffs the tenth installation of Enteng Kabisote on the big screen. I can say that it’s the grandest but hardest to mount, story and cast-wise. I’m hats-off to our directors Tony Y. Reyes and Marlon Rivera for coming up with a great entertaining film. They really did their best to make it another must-see just like its predecessors. Kudos to them! I’m very sure the public will love it,” he avers.

Many are curious how different the movie is from the previous Enteng materials.

“For one, we have to show something new considering that it’s our 10th sequel. Our loyal supporters deserve that. We made sure that the film will have a totally fresh look that even the so-called Millenials will get to appreciate it. The plot is very contemporary and there are a lot of scenes where they can relate well.