Energizer Enhances World’s First Lithium Battery with More Power, Longer Run-Time

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Energizer is enhancing the consumer device experience with its improved Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA battery. This advancement fuels devices with more power for even longer to meet consumers’ evolving battery needs.

“Lithium batteries are known for their long-lasting, high performance – and just one of many uses for these top-performing batteries is the Internet of Things,” said Michelle Atkinson, Chief Consumer Officer at Energizer. “Our lives are increasingly powered by a network of high-tech devices, operating behind the scenes to make everyday tasks easier. These technologies work together to heat our homes with smart thermostats and provide security assurance through monitoring systems. Such conveniences are made possible by lithium batteries—and can now perform even better due to the enhanced Energizer Ultimate Lithium.”

With its run-time and performance improvements, this Energizer battery helps devices operate at peak performance and is the world’s highest energy premium AA battery. This means that flashlights shine brighter for longer, camera flashes turn over faster for longer and consumers can use wireless remotes from farther away through marathon gaming sessions.

Enhancements to the battery design will enable the improved Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA to boost run-time performance by 8 to 15 percent, making it the “World’s Highest Energy and Longest Lasting” AA battery.

“Today we enhanced our lithium batteries to feature even more power and longer run-time,” Atkinson said. “Our scientists are looking toward the future to continue our innovation journey to develop groundbreaking ways to produce batteries that meet our consumers’ changing needs and deliver long-lasting performance.”

The improved Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries are available in all leading stores nationwide.

To get more information and news, follow Energizer on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/energizerPH/ and visit their website at http://www.energizer.com.ph/Energizerv2/.

NEC Philippines Announces Partnership with MEC to Distribute its Unified Communications Solutions

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NEC Philippines, Inc., announced today its new partnership with MEC Networks Corporation (MEC) to distribute its wide range of unified communication solutions such as voice communication platforms and applications in the Philippines.

A ceremonial signing to mark the start of the partnership was held on 25 January at the MEC Headquarters in Quezon City Philippines, attended by executives from both NEC Philippines and MEC. NEC Philippines plans to organize a partnership launch event for MEC resellers on 21 February.

NEC delivers smart business communications to small, medium and large sized organizations. With easy-to-manage innovative solutions that includes core software, phones, wireless handsets and robust applications such as contact center solutions and a suite of mobile capabilities, NEC’s communications solutions adhere to industry standards, offer the highest reliability and unprecedented freedom and flexibility to empower today’s workforce for greater IT-enabled connectivity and mobility.

“We are honored to be able to forge a partnership with a global technology leader such as NEC, whose mission resonates with our company’s dream of creating an ICT-enabled Philippines of tomorrow,” said Merrick Chua, President, MEC Networks Corporation.

“I am pleased to welcome MEC as one of our partners to help us deliver world-class technology communications solutions. The strength of this partnership comes from the superior quality of NEC technology plus the exceptional service coming from MEC’s experience of providing innovative solutions for over 20 years,” said Elizabeth Pangan, President, NEC Philippines.

Photo caption: From left to right: Joel Carbonilla (MEC) – AVP, Sales & Solutions Marketing; Rell Perez (NEC Philippines) – Channels Officer; Sheryl Go (MEC) – SVP, Sales, Merrick Chua (MEC) – President and Owner;
Elizabeth Pangan (NEC Philippines) – President; Marivic Segismundo (NEC Philippines) – Sales & Marketing Director; Maureen Chua (MEC) – Executive Vice President

#2017TravelBucketlist: Things to Consider While Planning Your Next Trip by Travelpros

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Travel has become one of the well-planned activity that usually requires attention and preparation. From airfare, hotel accommodation, itinerary, travel documentation and insurances. This is one hell of hard work to do but through an organized plan, your journey will never be as chaotic and squabble all along.

And speaking of organized travel management, Take Off Philippines just partnered with Travelpros, One of the Best Travel Agencies in the Country, a pillar in Local and International Tour Package Services since 1993. Member of PTAA and IATA. The pioneers in mall-based ticketing operations to help you out in all your travel concerns.

Today, we’ve listed things you should consider while planning your next big trip with your family, friends or that special someone of yours.

1.) Do Background Check on your Destination

The best thing to utilize your staycation is to look for a review or a research by simply listing down the following: Where to stay, where to roam around the vicinity and where to eat around the metro. It is pretty good to know this simple questions so that you won’t waste your time looking and searching for places. I encourage you to read a blog review and DIY Itineraries. It will help you a lot in providing travel tips and information on your destination.

Need an itinerary for your next trip? Just click the link here for more details.

2.) Ensure your Safety

We Filipinos love discounts and promos obviously, that’s how thrift shop have been known for. In flights, we are very fan of Piso Fare that some airlines do offer. Through their good and convincing marketing strategy of “Php 1” airfare, a lot of customers are entice to book on their site. Thus, always remember that Piso Fare includes taxes and surcharges for estimates. Insurances are usually removed by the airline that makes it seem cheaper by the price. Nonetheless, we should take in consideration to add up travel insurance every flight for your own good.

Safeguard yourself! Get a Travel Insurance today. Just click the link here for more details.

3.) Always remember to bring necessary Travel Documents

Travel is not just about fun and relaxation. It also teaches us how to be systematized. During every flight, your travel documents and forms should be there always in your safe keep. This would assure you for any possibilities if the immigration or airport security would ask for it. Some common travel documents are the DFA-issued passport, unexpired visa, return ticket, Affidavit of Support with Undertaking, DSWD-issued Travel Clearance and more.

Want a Hassle-Free Processing of your Travel Documents? Just click the link here for more details.


4.) Check out the List of Holidays and Long Weekends

Before filing for a Leave make sure to check out the list of Holidays and Long weekends this 2017 so to make sure that you will have an enjoyable and hassle-free Vacation.

5.) Go Attend Travel Fairs for more Discounts and Tour Packages

Every year travel community gathered together to launched a travel tour expo wherein you can get exclusive travel deals for Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Davao, and more. You can grab some best airline seat sales, discounted hotel accommodations, and all-in tour packages.

The Biggest Travel Expo in the Country happens this Friday! Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) organized the 3-Day travel event, 24th Travel Tour Expo 2017. It showcases an array of Best Travel Deals and Tour Packages to be held on February 10 - 12, 2017 at SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

Visit TRAVELPROS Booth #23A/23B, 24, 25 this week at the PTAA 24th Travel Tour Expo 2017. Their Friendly and Accommodating Staff will be happy to assist you.

Like their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/travelprosph

Follow them on Twitter: @tpiph

Check out their Official Site: http://travelpros.ph/

After checking out this list above you can start your own #2017TravelBucketlist, write down all the activities you want to try on your chosen destination this year.

Alex Silva Willing to Trade Strikes with Roy Doliguez

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Even though Roy Doliguez seems to have the upper hand in the striking department, Brazilian combatant Alex “Little Rock” Silva has no qualms when it comes to trading kicks and punches with the Filipino fighter.

Silva is slated to face Doliguez on the undercard of ONE: THRONE OF TIGERS, which takes place at the 12,000-capacity Stadium Negara in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 10 February.

Despite coming into the scheduled three-round strawweight encounter as the heavy favorite, many cageside observers believe that a tough test awaits Silva in the stand-up exchanges due to his opponent’s boxing background.

Doliguez is a former professional boxer, who has nearly 50 fights under his belt. He captured the WBO Asia Pacific light flyweight title in September 2002.

“I know he has a good striking game because he is a boxer. He is also explosive and strong,” Silva said of Doliguez.

SAP Continues Strong Growth Trajectory in Asia Pacific Japan in 2016

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SAP SE recently announced robust growth in Asia Pacific Japan (APJ) for the fourth quarter and full year ended 31 December 2016.

In the fourth quarter in APJ, cloud and software revenue was up 9% (IFRS) and 5% (non-IFRS at constant currencies), with cloud subscriptions and support revenue growing by 54% (IFRS) and 48% (non-IFRS at constant currencies). In APJ, SAP had double-digit software licenses revenue growth in India and Japan.

For the full year, cloud subscriptions and support revenue grew by 45% (IFRS) and 43% (non-IFRS at constant currencies). Cloud and software revenue in APJ grew by 8% (IFRS) and 6% (non-IFRS at constant currencies). Revenues totaled €3.377 Billion.

“Digitalization is reshaping the operating landscape for private and public organizations alike. It can be an economy of limitless opportunities for some or a matter of disruption and displacement for others. Our customers, large and small, continue to choose SAP to compete in the digital era. The Asia Pacific Japan region holds tremendous opportunity for SAP and we are focused on supporting our customers’ desire to more rapidly consume SAP innovation through our growing cloud portfolio,” said Adaire Fox-Martin, President, SAP Asia Pacific Japan.

Orica in Australia and JBF Industries in India have selected SAP S/4HANA to support their digital transformation journey. Orica is the world’s largest provider of commercial explosives and innovative blasting systems to the mining, quarrying, oil and gas and construction markets. It chose SAP to support its business transformation journey by simplifying and standardizing its business processes across the globe and to gain greater visibility of its business. JBF Industries Limited is a leading polyester value chain company. It aims to be future-ready, adopt innovations such as Internet of Things by integrating machines with SAP S/4HANA, reduce human intervention in the areas of production, warehousing and dispatch, and to provide better employee experience by eliminating duplication and increasing productivity.

Business Outlook 2017

The Company is providing the following 2017 outlook:

– Based on the continued strong momentum in SAP’s cloud business the Company expects full year 2017 non-IFRS cloud subscriptions and support revenue to be in a range of €3.8 billion − €4.0 billion at constant currencies (2016: €2.99 billion), in line with the previous 2017 ambition which was raised at the beginning of 2016. The upper end of this range represents a growth rate of 34% at constant currencies.

– The Company expects full year 2017 non-IFRS cloud & software revenue to increase by 6% − 8% at constant currencies (2016: €18.43 billion).

– The Company expects full year 2017 non-IFRS total revenue in a range of €23.2 billion to €23.6 billion at constant currencies (2016: €22.07 billion). This is above the previous 2017 ambition which was raised at the beginning of 2016.

– The Company expects full-year 2017 non-IFRS operating profit to be in a range of €6.8 billion − €7.0 billion at constant currencies (2016: €6.63 billion). This is above the previous 2017 ambition which was raised at the beginning of 2016.

While the Company’s full-year 2017 business outlook is at constant currencies, actual currency reported figures are expected to be impacted by currency exchange rate fluctuations as we progress through the year. The 2017 business outlook at constant currencies replaces the formerly communicated 2017 ambition which was at actual currencies.

Ambition 2020

Looking beyond 2017, SAP is also raising its 2020 ambition to reflect the Company’s consistent fast growth in the cloud, solid software momentum and operating profit expansion as well as the exchange rate development. Assuming an exchange rate environment comparable to 2016 SAP strives to reach the following in 2020:

– €8.0 − €8.5 billion non-IFRS cloud subscriptions and support revenue (previously €7.5 − €8.0 billion)– €28 − €29 billion non-IFRS total revenue (previously €26 − €28 billion)

– €8.5 − €9.0 billion non-IFRS operating profit (previously €8 − €9 billion)

SAP continues to expect the share of more predictable revenue (defined as the total of cloud subscriptions & support revenue and software support revenue) to reach 70% − 75% in 2020.


SAP will discuss the key drivers behind the long-term growth aspirations at the Company’s Capital Markets Day in New York on February 9th, 2017.

DOE Prioritizes Assessment of Sual Plant

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The Department of Energy (DOE) has sent a team to the Sual Power Station Monday to assess the restoration of its generating units that went offline.

"We need to make Team Sual aware that we are checking on them and all the others,” DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

Aside from verifying reports, DOE wants to ensure the safety and reliability of the plant.

“Our goals are getting the correct reports and pushing them to a higher degree in doing their jobs,” Cusi said. “It's not just them giving the right account of what's going on. More importantly, it's the higher standard we are after.”

The Secretary said that in the end, audit teams must push and convince plant operators to procure quality materials to achieve a higher level in performing their functions.

"To achieve higher standards, rewards and penalties, monitoring and a fair system of grading should be in place."

Cusi added, “When we visit plants, we always show concern for the workers. We put pressure on the owners to provide the best resources for the workers to excel. Best equipment, facilities and fair benefits will result to better performance.”

Sual Unit 2 went online at 5:21 a.m. while Sual Unit 1 went offline at 10:15 a.m. of Monday, 06 February 2017, due to a possible condenser tube leak but the power situation in Luzon is still manageable, according to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

“The grid is still normal (at this time),” NGCP said in a statement. Based on the most recent update of NGCP, the Luzon grid will have a net reserve of 1,089 megawatts during the afternoon peak today. "

"Sual Unit 2 is running at 647 megawatts and Malaya TPP Unit 2 will be utilized at minimum stable capacity of 130 megawatts to maintain normal system conditions."

According to Team Energy Sual, Sual Unit 1 is expected to return on line within 3 to 4 days. They will provide DOE periodic updates with regard to the plant conditions.

The Sual Power Station is the largest coal-fired power plant in the Philippines generating and supplying 1,294 megawatts for the Luzon Grid.

Death Penalty Against Drug Traffickers Will NOt end the Drug Problem

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A senator opposed to the reimposition of the death penalty said that capital punishment will not solve the country’s drug problem.

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros said that countries which imposed the death penalty even on high-level drug traffickers did not curb illegal drug trafficking. The Senator cited the example of Iran where the authorities have admitted the death penalty doesn't work, even after executing thousands of drug traffickers.

“According to the report by the Amnesty International, thousands of people have been executed for drug offenses since 1959 in Iran. In 2015, Iran had 829 executions, 571 for drug-related offenses. However, the Iranian government itself admitted that the death penalty has failed to reduce drug trafficking in the country,” Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros also cited the experiences of Hong Kong and Singapore which have identical murder rates, despite the former abolishing the death pen in 1993 and the latter mandatorily imposing the death pen for murder & other crimes.

Hontiveros said that the death penalty is a dangerous shortcut. She also said that it is irreversible and irreparable.

The Senator asserted that what is needed are reforms in the country's justice system and a rules-based and modern drug law enforcement strategy targeting big-time drug syndicates. She said that the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) must take the lead, with the Philippine National Police (PNP) taking a coordinative role in the conduct of anti-drug operations.

“The government must bring the campaign versus the drug lords and not to the poor. Side by side with a public health approach to the drug problem, our drug law enforcement strategy must shift focus to organized drug syndicates. We must focus on crimes associated with big drug operations, such as money laundering and extortion. We must also strengthen border control in international airports and seaports, and heighten operations against cross-country narco trafficking,” Hontiveros explained.

On Monday, Hontiveros filed Senate Bill No. 1313 otherwise known as “the Barangay Health and Rehabilitation Strategy Act of 2017” to replace the government’s corrupt and abusive anti-drug campaign with an “alternative health and law enforcement strategy” to address the country’s drug problem.

Globe to Equip 1,000 Private School Teachers with Digital Literacy Skills

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As the world goes digital, education has gone beyond books, pen and paper, and even beyond the classroom. Both teachers and students now face the challenge of integrating technology in their lessons and making it an effective tool for learning anytime, anywhere.

The changing landscape has prompted Globe Telecom, a strong advocate of education and digital learning, to come out with PRISM, a professional development program designed to help Filipino educators from private high schools, particularly those teaching the new Media and Information Literacy (MIL) subject in Senior High School, to become proficient in technology-enabled instruction and content development.

One thousand private school teachers from all over the country are set to participate in a three-week digital literacy program sponsored by Globe, which includes a two-day immersive boot camp, blended project-based learning, and personalized coaching. There will be one boot camp each in Metro Manila, Naga City, Pampanga, Cebu City, and Cagayan de Oro City, running from January to June this year.

A key component of the blended learning component is the teachers’ access to Brightspace Integrated Learning Platform. The teachers will be enrolled online to undergo distance learning for three weeks where they will have access to the global Brightspace Community, multimedia resources to guide them through the learning process, and a seamless platform to collaborate with learning coaches and teachers in real time. While they may be far apart during this time, the technology is there to ensure that learning and close collaboration continuously happen.

Roots Music Festival 2017: A Night of Music and the Arts at UP Fair

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This Feb 18, the UP Economics Society and the UP Underground Music Community bring you the fifth instalment of the Roots Music Festival! Catch Parokya ni Edgar, Franco, gloc-9, Ang Bandang Shirley, and more of the best local acts in a night of music and the arts on February 18, UP Fair Saturday at the UP Diliman Sunken Garden.

Along with this year’s advocacy of promoting Philippine culture and the arts, Roots also gives opportunities to the beneficiaries of the UP Economics Society Scholarship Fund, of which all the event's proceeds will go.

Roots is presented by the UP Economics Society, UP Underground Music Community, Uber,
and SM Accessories

Together with: Back Alley Barbershop, Crescendo, Anytime Fitness

In cooperation with:

Jump Yard, Manang’s Chicken, Maroon FM, One Music PH, Wazzup Pilipinas, Philippine Concerts, UST Tomasian Cable, Blog-PH.com, Rakista Radio, DZUP, Monster RX 93.1, Clavel Magazine, ClickTheCity.com, Inquirer To Be You, Revival, Indie Manila, Manila Concert Scene, Radio Republic, Greater Good Philippines, The Neighborhood, MYX PH, Banda Pilipinas, UP Optics

Also brought to you by Kratos, UCC, Pinoyboxdelivery.com, Quiznos

Special Thanks to Timezone, EGG, Barenaked, The Men's Room, Whytstone, Orange Segment, Secosana

Our Partner Organizations: UP Statistical Society, UP Geology Majors Society, UST Musikat, UP Sikat, UP Variates, UP Circle of Entrepreneurs, UP Weightlifting Club, UP Saulog Sugbo, UP Club Ecotour, UP CRAdLe, UP Tourism Management Society, UP CURSOR

Get your tickets at: http://tiny.cc/Roots2017Tickets

For more details on tickets and lineup, follow our social media accounts

Facebook: facebook.com/upfair.roots
Twitter: twitter.com/upfair_ROOTS

Roots Music Festival
UP Fair Saturday
UP Sunken Garden
February 18, 2017

Saiful Merican on Facing Filipino Fighter Again: ‘Not Personal, Just Business’

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Malaysian standout Saiful “The Vampire” Merican will face an exciting Filipino fighter in his much-awaited return to the ONE Championship on 10 February as he is set to lock horns with Burn “The Hitman” Soriano in a three-round bantamweight clash.

The bout will be one of the featured attractions at ONE: THRONE OF TIGERS, which takes place at the 12,000-seater Stadium Negara in Merican’s hometown of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Merican, who makes his bantamweight debut against Soriano, is coming off a first-round knockout loss to Team Lakay’s Geje Eustaquio in January 2016.

Although he has the chance to settle the score with a Filipino combatant in his comeback bout, to the 28-year-old Malaysian stalwart was quick to shot down the notion that he is out to avenge his setback to Eustaquio with a win over Soriano.

“It’s not personal. This is purely business against Burn Soriano. I hold no grudges win or lose. At the end of the day, it is a sport,” Merican said.