Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Monday, January 30, 2017

Hontiveros to Government: End Corrupt War on Drugs Permanently

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"Kung ano ang puno, siya rin ang bunga. Kung korap ang nagpapatupad, korap din ang kampanya. The Duterte government is guilty of implementing a corrupt war on drugs. It is but right for them to heed the people's demands to stop it."

This was Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros' reaction to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronaldo dela Rosa's order to stop the war on drugs as the police force focuses on "internal cleansing." Dela Rosa issued this statement following President Rodrigo Duterte's admission that 40 percent of the police force is corrupt at a midnight press conference on Monday.

"Ako ay nagagalak at tumugon ang PNP Chief sa aking panawagan na itigil ang abusadong war on drugs na bumibiktima sa maraming inosenteng mamamayan at sumisira sa imahe ng PNP," Hontiveros said.

"With this move, the PNP owns up to its abuses and confirms that indeed the war on drugs operates on similarly corrupt foundations," Hontiveros added.

Public health approach and rules-based law enforcement

Hontiveros said that there is absolutely no need for the government to resume the abusive war on drugs, amid conflicting pronouncements of the PNP to stop it and Duterte's pronouncement that he will extend the drug war until the last day of his term in 2022. As an alternative, the senator proposes a strong public health framework to respond to the drug problem together with a regular and rules-based law enforcement approach to drug-related crimes.

72,000 deaths until 2022

"This should spell the end of the flawed anti-drug campaign. Internal cleansing will only restore moral authority to the PNP if the war on drugs, the unwarranted killings, is stopped permanently. As it is, the government's war claims an average of 1,000 lives a month. To continue with this human rights-deficient anti-drug campaign until 2022, we will be looking at 72,000 deaths. This means creating the Philippines' very own 'killing fields'," Hontiveros remarked.

PNP worth saving

Hontiveros said that the PNP is not beyond redemption but warned that Duterte's statement on police corruption might pave the way for the creation of a "Metrocom-style" police force which will further undermine human rights.

"I am wary that the government, in the guise of internal cleansing to address police corruption, might create a new narco police force that is far deadlier than what some abusive officers and personnel have made the PNP today, to amplify the authoritarian tendencies of the Executive," Hontiveros said.

"I believe that many in the police force are honest. The PNP as an institution is worth saving. What we need are deep-cutting reforms such as stricter requirements at the recruitment level, better police benefits, capacity enhancement and infrastructure modernization. Through a professional and corrupt-free police institution, we strengthen our judicial institutions, we protect our citizens and foreign guests, and we keep our streets safe," Hontiveros ended.

Enhance Visa's Nursing Career Expo prepares Filipino nurses for employment in Canada

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Filipino nurses aspiring to work abroad can fill a brewing labor shortage in Canada through Enhance Visa’s series of events for nurses in the Visayas.

Graduating students, fresh graduates and registered nurses from all over Cebu City gathered at the Radisson Blu Hotel as they took part in the first Canada Nursing Career Expo on Saturday, January 28, 2017.

Nurses have long been on the skills shortage of Canada. The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) had predicted that Canada would be in need of at least 60,000 nurses by the year 2020 to fill labor shortages.

Occupations listed in Canada's labor shortage include specialized nurses in burns, dialysis, cardiology, as well as psychiatric nurses and nurse technicians.

Featured in the event was guest speaker, Tony Burke, vice president of the OMNI College of Nursing in Vancouver, Canada.

"The average age of a nurse in Canada is 55 years old. If we don't get younger nurses into the workforce, there'll be an even greater gap that the country would need to fill in the future," said Burke.

The OMNI College of Nursing specializes in training internationally educated nurses in getting the skills required to meet Canadian standards and language in preparation for the Canadian Nursing Licensure exam.

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In Medieval folk literature, Faustus was a scholar who came to the unhappy realization of his limitations as a human being- both in knowledge and access to life's pleasures. He struck a deal with the devil to overcome all obstacles that prevented him from enjoying the fruits so unjustly denied to him, thus, he obtained the powers he desired at a very dear price. After some time he was forced to relinquish a priceless possession: his eternal soul.

Although the legend is thought to have originated from a specific and a real person, Doctor Johann Georg Faust −who lived in Germany around the turn of the 15th century −it has proved to be deeply resonant and has lived on over the centuries through numerous plays, novels, operas, artworks, puppet shows and other cultural forms. Joining the list of the retelling of this legend, Dulaang UP is staging Rody Vera’s adaptation of Wolfgang von Goethe's Romantic tragic masterpiece, FAUST.

(Top, L-R) Andrei Vegas, Jojo Cayabyab, Nico Varona; (Bottom, L-R) Charm Aranton, Sheryll Ceasico, , Bunny Cadag, and Ade Valenzona

Neil Sese and Jack Yabut alternate in the title role of FAUST while Paolo O’Hara and Mailes Kanapi alternate as Mephisto. Karen Gaerlan plays the innocent and pious Margarita.

FAUST is directed by José Estrella with her artistic team lead by Sir Anril Tiatco, Jem Javier and Bryan Viray (Dramaturgy), Barbie Tan-Tiongco (Lights), Carlo Pagunaling (Costume), Ed Lacson (Set), JM Cabling (Choreography), Jon Lazam (Sounds), and Joyce Garcia (Video).

The entanglement of religion, morality and folk narratives was problematized in the play. FAUST also joins in the celebration of the University of the Philippines Diliman Month 2017 Salaysayan: K’wentong Bayan, Kaalamang Bayan, which also is the campus-wide celebration of National Arts Month in February.

Jack Yabut alternates as Faust

FAUST will open on 15 February 2017 (Wednesday), 7:00pm at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theatre, Palma Hall, UP Diliman.

The performance dates are: February 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 28, March 1, 2, 3, 7:00pm and February 18, 19, 25, 26, March 4 and 5 10:00am and 3:00pm.

For further inquiries, please contact Arkel Mendoza, Marketing Manager at 0917-9673616.

Wazzup Pilipinas is a proud media partner.

#DUP41Revelations
#DUPFaust

STI, TTC Forge Tie-Up to Reinvent Agricultural Education

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STI Education Services Group, Inc. (STI ESG) and Tony Tan Caktiong, Chairman and Founder of the largest Asian food service company, Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), recently signed an agreement in an effort to boost agricultural education in the country.

For the two giant players in the education and food service industry, the agriculture sector is indispensable in the Philippine’s strategy for inclusive growth. STI and Mr. Tan Caktiong share a common vision of a farm-to-table school that will offer agricultural courses, as well as courses on managing quick-service restaurants that are focused on developing the technical and entrepreneurial skills of students, and in the process creating significantly more business and employment opportunities.

“My experience in JFC has given me unique perspectives on the challenges and importance of having a consistent and reliable supply of high-quality agricultural products. I am excited with this collaboration as it will help to uplift the agricultural and related sectors through education, another potential means for us to contribute to nation-building,” said Tony Tan Caktiong.

Recent studies show that the average age of farmers is 57 years old, which raises alarm over the possible future gap in human resource requirements for agriculture and poses a threat to food security and sustainability, unless a new generation replaces the current farmers,who are expected to retire in a decade or so.

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After 63 years, Iris Mittenaere of France wins for the second time the Miss Universe title. The 1st Runner Up is Haiti, followed by Colombia at 2nd Runner Up.

That seems to be a close one between Haiti and France. France seemed to be the total package. But don't even fight me on this. Miss Haiti's answer had way more substance than France's. Well, the judges have the final decision on who to put on top. France may have won the crown, but they say Haiti won the crowd.
Iris Mittanaere made history in #MissUniverse as first non-performer at Moulin Rouge allowed to wear the cabaret costume in the competition. She is the second candidate to win a crown from her country. First was in 1953.

I seldom see France in hot top picks during the preliminaries but she proved to us that an unpopular can nail the Miss Universe crown.

I saw the eyes of Ms.Colombia she badly want to be Miss Universe. Maybe because they almost had it last year if not for the wrong announcement that was immediately corrected leaving Philippines as the real winner.

Malacanang, specifically by Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, also sent out a congratulations to France for being the new Miss Universe for 2016, and to Maxine for making it to the Top 6 finalists.

It was humorous when Pia interrupted the announcement to give @IAmSteveHarvey his eyeglasses before he reveals who among Haiti and France won the top title. "A year late but thank you" say Steve. Unknown to many, that scene was actually rehearsed earlier to bring in some comedy to the pageant.

"If this happens again, I will not leave the Philippines" remarks Steve.

I was waiting for Steve to say he messed up but when he said "I'm Steve Harvey, and I got it right!" as his final words, that's the real result. There's no error for bespectacled Steve Harvey this time.

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Out of 86 candidates, host Steve Harvey finally announced the Top 13 candidates for the Miss Universe beauty pageant grand coronation day (for the Philippines) or night(for the US). 12 of which was selected by the judges while the 13th was selected via online votes by the people.

With an opening number by Flo Rida to entertain the audience with a mix of his popular songs, the Miss Universe grand coronation officially started at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, with Steve Harvey once again hosting. As expected, he can't help but make fun of his memorable mistake from last year when he wrongly announced Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez as the winning Miss Universe 2015, which he eventually retracted and apologized as the real winner was Pia Wurtzbach of the Philippines.

These ladies are making a difference just by being a candidate at this very prestigious pageant which is considered as the biggest and most popular competition in search for not only confidently beautiful but with heart.

We wish every candidate good luck, though we cannot hie our support for our very own candidate Miss Philippines Maxine Medina. Like they said, love your own!

Here are the #MissUniverse Top 13:

Kenya
Indonesia
USA
Mexico
Peru
Panama
Colombia
Philippines
Canada
Brazil
France
Haiti
Thailand

So Miss #Thailand got the highest online votes at the #MissUniverse 2016 poll results. What happened #Philippines ? Are we no longer the top in social media? But still, our very own Miss #Philippines Maxine Medina made it to the top 13 finalists. Hoping for the best!

Steve Harvey is having fun since the Miss #Colombia Andrea Tovar is also in the Top 13. It would be hilarious if the two would be among the top three and Harvey would have to announced again the winners. Lol!

Miss Universe 2016 Judges:

Dayanara Torres
Leila Lopez
Mickey Boardman
Cynthia Bailey
Sushmita Sen
Francine LeFrak

Swimsuit competition came up next.

Since there was already a preliminary competition for #MissUniverse swimsuit, long gown and national costume, the judges have already pre-selected the winners per category. The presentation during coronation day is merely a formality to showcase to the audience the ladies wearing the said outfits.

"Maxine slayed the swimsuit round!"

"Thailand works out for 3 hours a day. Girl, it shows!"

For all the candidates in swimsuit "Whew, it's over!" - releases stomach in and starts breathing normally again

The results are in for the #MissUniverse Top 9:

USA
Thailand
France
Mexico
Kenya
Colombia
Canada
Haiti

They delayed the announcement of the #MissUniverse Top 9 ninth spot which was revealed after the commercial break. "Trust me, it will be worth the wait" says Steve Harvey. ...and we all wanted it to be #Philippines

The National Costume winner came up next. With Myanmar announced as the winner from the preliminary competition. Her outfit is something like a marionette - a puppet controlled from above using wires or strings....but she is without a puppeteer which is also called a marionettist.

Evening gown is next at #MissUniverse and we are still rooting for Miss #Philippines with her glittery red and silver outfit

All top six finalist to be announced next. This time Steve promises not to keep us hanging.

#MissUniverse Top 6:

France
Kenya
Colombia
Philippines
Thailand
Haiti

The #MissUniverse Finalists Update still has #Philippines among the Top 6. The excitement is nerve-cracking for #WazzupPilipinas, your #PambansangBlogger of the country.

#MissUniverse Question and Answer portion came up next. #Philippines is first! OMG!

"What is the most significant change you've seen in the last ten years?" was the question for Maxine Medina.

"We are one. As one nation, we are all together." Are you satisfied with her answer. Seems a bit lacking in substance. She was already given the chance to speak her mind clearly using our mother tongue but she didn't. Still a good run even though we could her feel her hesitance and nervousness..

Kenya was asked about Trump, but had difficulty in answering at first but eventually rephrased an answer but ran out of time to finish.

Thailand is asked to name a world leader she admires. and she mentioned the king of Thailand working tirelessly and being a father to the Thai people.

France is asked if countries have the responsibility to accept refugees. She said the countries have the right to open or close their borders. But n France they have open borders., and wishes everyone to allow open borders.

Haiti is asked if she was able to participate in the Women's March last January 21st, what would she have been marching for?

Colombia is asked why violence is prevalent in today's society and what can she do about it. She said she came from a country with violence but they were able to unite and to have a social transformation to educate their children.

#MissUniverse Top 3:

Colombia
France
Haiti

Better luck next time for Miss #Philippines for #MissUniverse as Maxine Medina did not make it to the Top 3. We are still proud of our girl for making it up to the Top 6 finalists.

"You can't serve lechon in your own home and take it back to your kitchen because you want more" - Gloria Diaz.

Last round for #MissUniverse is another Q&A using the exact same question:

Colombia is first to answer the question "Name something over the course of your life that you failed at, and tell us what you've learned from that experience"

France is next with the same question. followed by Haiti answering "If I am here today, is because I am living my dream."

All candidates used an interpreter.

Hilarious and awful. Not one of the women answered any of the questions with a straight answer. Not really sure if the interpreter has something to do with it.

Boyz II Men is now performing at the #MissUniverse grand coronation and serenading the Top 3 finalists before the final announcement of winners.

Pia Wurtzbach has set the standards for Miss Universe title holders. She is not only confidently beautiful with a heart...but intellectual as well. She now does her farewell walk on stage. "Mga kababayan, maraming salamat po. Mahal ko kayo!"

The #MissUniverse judges have spoken:

2nd Runnner Up is #Colombia

Pia hands over glasses to Steve Harvey before reading the final winners:

1st Runnner Up is #Haiti

The new Miss Universe for 2016 is #France

#MissUniverse #WazzupPilipinas #PambansangBlogger

Miss Universe Livestreaming: Wishing for a Miss Universe Back-to-Back Win for Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Today is the day. The most beautiful day in the universe!

86 "confidently beautiful" women, 1 crown by DIC worn by Paulina Vega and Pia Wurtzbach, and Ariadna Gutierrez for a few minutes, so far. Who will win? It all goes down here in Manila.

Today will be the day Maxine will or will not prove them haters wrong. For sure, one life will be changed today.

Our bet, Maria Myka Maxine Medina, is probably so nervous now because in only a few hours she will finally walk on stage amidst a live audience, and live streaming TV and online broadcast, coming from all over the world and all hoping that their own specific bets will win.

"Is the Miss Universe pageant is slowly redefining beauty, breaking stereotypes, and truly celebrating diversity? We'll find out later at with the happenings at the SM Mall of Asia Arena this January 30, 2017."
Are we confident Steve Harvey won't commit same Miss Universe blunder he did last year? The Miss Universe Organization (MOU) must have made sure he won't be confused again with the preparation of a better designed cue card from which he will read the names of the winners.

Our advise to the Miss Universe 2016 candidates? Be in the present moment and focus your energy on feeling good. "A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it. It just bloom. Be like a flower."

For our official country representative, we believe in you Maxine! May the Universe be with you! Be the Brightest Star in the Universe today! Go, Maxine Medina! Go Ms. Philippines! Let's show Gloria Diaz - I mean the universe, that back-to-back win is possible. Win that crown again for the Philippines!

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Below are some of the photos of the Miss Universe 2016 candidates from the Red Carpet event held on January 29, 2017:

Chan Lim Family of Artists and Students Showcase Hand-Painted Scrolls and Plates at SM North EDSA

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Behind all those brushstrokes is a family of artists and their students who creatively use their imagination and passion for the arts to come up with fabulous works of art. Every piece in the collection could be considered as a masterpiece especially for the individual creators.

Since art is truly in the eyes of the beholder, what seems to be stunning for our senses, more specifically our vision, could be a different experience for others. I've seen so many works of art that has been priced in millions and with so many styles and medium that can be used to create paintings, sculptures, or even digital versions, there would always be some works that will definitely catch your eyes and give them more than a second look.

Art also inspires many to personally dabble into the same process to answer their yearning to create their own masterpieces. Every brushstroke could have meanings known only to the artists, and interpreted differently by the ones who appreciates them. All in all, there will soon bound to be one that would turn out as a favorite among the equally astonishing pieces.

The Chan Lim Family of Artists and Students at exhibit located at the Atrium of The Block at SM North EDSA was intentionally displayed during the Chinese New Year celebration season and showcases so many interesting creations that would inspire you to either buy or even create your own artwork. From the paper scrolls to the plates, each piece are strikingly impressive.

Even though the Chan Lim siblings Alex, Felix, Rolex and Jolex have no background in the arts, and are actually licensed engineers connected with multinational companies representing various industries, it was Jose Chan Lim who got them interested in visual arts and painting. The siblings embraced their Chinese roots and learned how to use a Chinese brush on rice paper as early as 11 years old.

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Yup! I'm actually exaggerating on the title, particularly on that "Marry an Aussie" part. But who knows, there's a;ways a possibility. A night of mingling with new-found friends from Australia could lead to something more intimate other than just sharing a night of drinks while listening to the live band, watching sports channels, or playing a few game of billiards or darts.

Just a few days before the Chinese New Year is another well celebrated event recognized all over the world - Australia Day! Since this is not my first time to celebrate Australia Day at their place, you may want to read my previous article about it so you'll get an idea.

If you are one of those that enjoy a fantastic time shopping for healthy breakfast items, or attending the wine masterclasses, at the Australian Festival held at the Marketplace by Rustan's in Powerplant Mall located at Rockwell, Makati, or you are also sending your good luck to Caris Tiivel on her Miss Universe 2016 bid, then that could mean you love everything about Australia. Perhaps you may also enjoy your nights hanging out at bars where Aussies are frequent.
The night of January 26 was reserved for lots of eating, drinking, chatting and everything else beyond and in between. I have to admit I'm not the extrovert type who loves going out and spending the night hours at a bar or anywhere else that has intoxicating liquor or spirits as a prime commodity, but but it's somehow different at Skippy's Bar & Grill. You can read the articles from the links here so you'll get to know more about this restaurant located at Forum Bonifacio Global City (BGC). It's just opposite the site where Mercato Centrale is held and now there's the Maybank Performing Arts Theater just across the neighborhood of this business. leisure, arts and entertainment center of Taguig city.

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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.

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