Class Recess: Diversion, You Die in this Version

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Every year new versions of things come around. Gadgets, cars, clothes, even relationships aren’t safe from the inevitable; sooner or later everything upgrades. Good thing though, some upgrades are not total overhauls of the things we know and love. An example of this is a party staple in Los Baños: Class Recess.

For ten incredible parties, the UPLB DeMolay Club and the International Order of DeMolay Mt. Makiling Chapter has quenched the thirst of ‘Elbi’ people for some old school “walwalan” with CLASS RECESS. This year, we will try to up the ante by giving you a new version of the classic party this April 20, 2017 with CLASS RECESS: DIVERSION, You Die in this Version.

By “die” we mean the figurative death you’ll experience from having too much fun (we promise there will be no deaths in this party). And since we are talking about “death” here are 7 ways party-goers can die in this version with CLASS RECESS: DIVERSION.

Run for the Mountains

Wazzup Pilipinas!

On May 21 2017, run with your family and chill on a barbeque cookout setting with inflatable parks.

See the mangyans,igorots and aetas athletes strut their skills in a ninja warrior type atmosphere. Run with smokey mountain football players scholars.

Every step you take supports their community towards a better future. Proceeds will go to the improvement of the Smokey Mountain Community Field of Dreams and the Indegenous People.


Register through the link below:

http://goorahna.com/#/event/runforthemountains/register

#RunWithAPurpose #RunForTheMountains

Please share the link to help change the lives of the Children from Smokey Mountain.

Photography Exhibition at Yuchengco Museum Sheds Light on OFWs

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A nine-piece black-and-white photography exhibition at Yuchengco Museum reveals the hardships that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), especially domestic workers, endure in France. Entitled Chicken Hands: Photographs by Ryan Arbilo, the exhibition features portraits of Filipina housemaids, with a particular focus on their tired, weary, chicken feet-like hands. The images were taken by Ryan Arbilo, a Filipino photographer and videographer based in Paris. Chicken Hands will be on view from April 25 to June 17, 2017 at Yuchengco Museum.

Filipino emigration to France has a face, a female face. The women portrayed in Arbilo’s photographs just want to support their families back in the Philippines. Arbilo’s ‘chicken hands’ images have the power of an intimate face-to-face encounter. They are portraits with no touch-ups, of women, of mothers, holding out their bare damaged hands—the only tool they have. As visitors look through the photographs, they read the loneliness marked on their faces and the stories told through their hands, revealing the perseverance and endurance of these Filipino women.

Since 2009, Arbilo has been photographing the struggles of Filipino housemaids who travel to France for a better life for their family. “The significance of seeing their bare hands…. their ‘Chicken Hands,’ as a symbol of the sacrifice and demeaning treatment they endure, both inspired and moved me to tell their story the best way I knew how: through the art of photography,” shares Arbilo.

Philippine Enterprises Should Step Up Measures for Cyber Security—Fujitsu PH

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Fujitsu Philippines, a global leader in providing information and communications technology solutions, urges enterprises in the country to step up their cyber security measures against cybercrime as it recently releases its latest Threat Predictions report for 2017, identifying 10 of the greatest security risks to enterprises.

Based on the real-world intelligence in monitoring ongoing threats, Fujitsu noted that the most significant of these cybercrime threats is the failure to keep up with the basic IT security processes.

“While this [problem] is the easiest to remedy, lax security will continue leading to breaches that can be easily avoided. However, a number of enterprises in the Philippines don't carry out simple, yet vital housekeeping tasks that cut down on risks," said Cricket Santiago, Fujitsu Philippines Chief Executive Officer.

The country also has a high number of cybercrime cases as of last year. The latest report of the Philippine National Police-Anti Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) [P1] noted that 1,865 cases were filed with them in 2016. Thirty-six percent of them are internet threats and scams that may lead to data loss, data theft or external disruption of their systems.

Fujitsu urges businesses to take immediate measures to better protect themselves through more effective vulnerability patching and ensuring that only current users have access to critical systems. It is due to Fujitsu’s findings that show many organizations are too generous when it comes to system access privileges for regular users.

Another particular weakness identified by the Fujitsu security experts relates to encrypted channels that provide external access to the heart of critical computing systems. These are designed to give remote workers easier access to networks, but when taken over by a cybercriminal, can mean suspicious activities are largely undetectable. This is described as a blind spot, with attacks over encrypted channels being missed due to the lack of SSL inspection capabilities.

Meanwhile, companies should also be more vigilant in managing banking applications, another favorite for cybercriminals. PNP-ACG also reports that it comprises 12 percent or 215 cases of cybercrime last year. Fujitsu predicts that 2017 will see more attacks in banking payment systems and expects further growth in banking Trojans targeting older, more vulnerable back office applications. Although international banking networks are moving to establish mandatory controls, Fujitsu states that it still presents a window of opportunity for cybercriminals.

Smart cities will also find themselves targeted. Many of the protocols designed for smart connected devices have their own potential flaws and vulnerabilities. Fujitsu warns that implications could include allowing hackers to disable smart lighting grids in entire cities.

The state-of-the-art Fujitsu Security Operations Center (SOC), which protects customers by detecting, analyzing and neutralizing threats, also foresees that the increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities will become game changers in enterprise security since it can immediately identify anomalies like web traffic patterns. Such early warning systems allow security professionals to take a proactive approach to risk mitigation, aiming to eliminate threats before they become problems. However, Fujitsu also warns that cybercriminals will also be turning to these technologies to launch previously unseen types of attack.

Santiago further noted, “Stepping up cyber security is a matter of reducing your business’ vulnerability to cyberattacks. The latest report from the Fujitsu SOC ensures that your company has the essential steps to take so that you will not be needlessly exposed to potential risks of data loss, data theft or external disruption of its systems.”

Kevin Belingon Eyes Emphatic Victory Over Toni Tauru

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Filipino fighter Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon is seeking a statement-making victory as he is set to face Toni “Dynamite” Tauru on the undercard of ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY in Manila, Philippines on 21 April.

The 28-year-old Baguio City native has had his fair share of highs and lows inside the ONE Championship cage since making his promotional debut five years ago, but he wants nothing short of leaving a lasting impression.

Belingon, a Wushu Sanshou practitioner who prefers to clobber a straight right-left hook combination and throw hard kicks at all levels but particularly to the legs, notched a first-round stoppage of Russia’s Yusup Saadulaev in October 2012.

Meanwhile, Belingon thwarted Australian stalwart Than Vu in April 2013 by delivering a high kick before unleashing a volley of power punches that resulted in a second-round finish.

“The Silencer” attained a highlight-reel knockout of David Aranda Santacana in December 2013 when he uncorked a thunderous left hook that brought the Spaniard’s first ONE Championship outing to a dramatic and decisive close.

Belingon stressed that if the opportunity to score a finish presents itself against Tauru, he will not think twice to grab it.

“Of course, I want that finish. I am always looking for that. If there’s an opening to get the knockout or submission, I will go for that in a split second,” he said.

God Catches Our Fall, Ex-Beauty Queen Tells the DOE Family

Wazzup Pilipinas!
The Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary, Alfonso G. Cusi, believes that "energy empowerment and women empowerment go hand-in-hand". This was the message he made as he graciously gave the stage to the women of the DOE during the culminating activity celebration of the 2017 National Women’s Month.

The DOE Gender and Development chaired by Electric Power Industry Management Bureau, Dir. Mylene Capongcol, invited Miriam Quiambao-Roberto to talk about her life's challenges, struggles and victories.

If her name sounds familiar, it’s because she's the former Miss Miriam Quiambao- the 1999 Miss Universe first runner-up.

Who says the life of a beauty queen would be a walk in the park?

Ms. Miriam Quiambao-Roberto narrated that her slip onstage in the 1999 Miss Universe led to a triumphant stance as she stood up and walked confidently back to center stage, eventually finishing second to Miss Botswana.

She said her international beauty queen status brought her to fame and fortune, but also heartaches as her marriage to Italian business tycoon Claudio Rondinelli ended in divorce after only two years.

She shared how she fought depression brought about by the failed marriage, her attempt to commit suicide, and her spiritual renewal with the help of her second husband, author and business entrepreneur, Ardy Roberto.

Hydropower Plant Restored

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Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi witnessed the start of the first concrete pouring and remedial works of the spillway plunge pool area of the 435 megawatts San Roque Hydropower plant and dam. This hydropower plant rehabilitation is facilitated by construction firm D. M. Consunji, Inc. (DMCI). 

In photo, Sec. Cusi is being briefed by San Roque Power Corporation President Kenshi Iseri, Former DTI Secretary Peter Favila and San Roque Power Plant Operation Personnel during his visit at the said hydropower plant and dam in San Manuel, Pangasinan last week.

DOE Reminds Public To Adopt Energy Disaster Safeguards; Pushes Energy Resiliency Plans

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi today reminded the public to adopt safety precautions in using energy to avert possible danger to lives and property amid a series of earthquakes that rocked Batangas, Mindoro and other adjacent areas over the week.

“We want to remind everyone to adopt appropriate safety precautions and be prudent in their energy use to ensure their family is safe when a disaster, such as an earthquake, strikes,” Cusi said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that between 3:07 p.m. and 3:09 p.m.yesterday (April 7) successive earthquakes with a magnitude 5.6 and 6.0 respectively joltsed Mabini, Batangas affecting houses and major infrastructures, including energy facilities.

Among others, Cusi suggested that a periodic check for earthquake hazards posed by appliances that could move and cause rupture of electrical or gas lines. Following a similar check should be done before using those appliances.

Cusi also said fire hazards and flammable fluids, such as kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), solvents or cleaning products should be stored properly.

In addition, Cusi reminded the public to prepare their own earthquake emergency kit at home that could include, food, water, medicine, flashlight, whistle, as well as plan to communicate with their family in times of emergency or disaster.

Meanwhile, Cusi bared that Department of Energy- Energy Policy and Planning Bureau (DOE-EPPB) is drafting a policy on resiliency planning and programs in the energy industries which include the power, upstream and downstream oil, energy resource development and renewable energy sectors, among others.

He said the energy resiliency plan aims to strengthen existing infrastructure facilities to withstand adverse weather conditions, incorporate mitigation improvements into the restoration of infrastructure damaged by adverse weather conditions so that recurrence will cause less damage; and improve operational and maintenance standards and practices to ensure expeditious restoration of energy supply after adverse weather conditions.

While the earthquake caused power interruptions, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) reported it fully restored at 3:45 p.m. yesterday (8 April 2017) all transmission facilities in areas affected by the tripping of generation plants due to the earthquakes that occurred at 3:08 p.m. of the same day.

According to the NGCP’s report, the Batangas-San Lorenzo Lines 1-2 were affected with an initial report on a toppled tower; and the switchyard at the San Gabriel Natural Gas Power Plant was also damaged due to the earthquake.

The report also stated a generation loss of 2,584 megawatts, which affected the power supply and services of various provinces in Luzon, including Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija.

“David Blaine: Beyond Magic” Promises More Mind-Blowing Illusions this April on AXN

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Street magician and illusionist David Blaine brings back his unique brand of magic in his latest TV show David Blaine: Beyond Magic, which premieres on AXN in April.

Three years after his last television event, Real or Magic, Blaine embarks on another of his escapades as he performs a new set of unbelievable tricks for many of his favorite entertainers.

This time, Blaine gets the worldwide attention he deserves as he once again baffles his audience through some of the most mind-boggling and even death-defying stunts he has never done before, eliciting all kinds of reactions – from amazing to hysterical – from A-list celebrities, including Margot Robbie, Jennifer Lawrence, Emma Stone, David Beckham, Johnny Depp, John Travolta, Patrick Stewart, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, among others.

This latest performance has pushed David Blaine’s limits further beyond human comprehension that defy explanation as he expertly shows how magic can be raised to a whole new level of disbelief and amazement.

David Blaine: Beyond Magic premieres on April 16, Sunday at 9pm. First & Exclusive on AXN.

AXN is available on SKYCable Channel 49, Destiny Cable Channel 61, Cignal Channel 121, Dream Satellite TV Channel 20, G Sat Channel 51, and Cablelink Channel 38. AXN HD is available on SKYCable Channel 247.

SAP Digital Boardroom Improves Public Transport Insights on Repairs, Delays, and More

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The public transport industry is a heavy innovator. Trains and railways are equipped with IoT sensors to measure performance, delays, and incidents. Bus, subway, and train repair, and maintenance costs are intensely watched due to budget pressures. In the meantime, passengers are more critical and demand immediate action whenever downtimes or delays occur.

In various interactions with public transport industry customers, I’ve noticed they are generally well informed regarding delays, have good insights on maintenance and repair, maintain remote visibility on infrastructure incidents, and are equipped with rolling budgeting models. The thing is that these insights tend to be isolated. None of the customers I spoke to has integrated and consolidated insights on them all, so they are like “blind men in the wood” when I ask which unexpected repair incidents affect which train delays.

Challenges

The major areas of interest for public transport companies are:

·         Incidents management: including both infrastructure incidents and incidents in the actual train, bus, subway, and so on.

·         Repair costs and maintenance: focusing on supplier management, unplanned downtime, and cost reduction.

·         Delays management: tied to narrowing the gaps between planned and actual arrival/departure times, rankings, and geospatial insights.

As I said above, today’s key challenge for the industry is not measuring those individual subject areas, rather it’s in consolidating and interrelating them. The key is the ability to understand how an issue in one subject area affects an issue in another one, and to what extent.

More Challenges

Are we done with challenges? No, we aren’t. Today’s competitive public transport market requires more than just consolidating insights. It also requires agility, meaning analysts must be able to consolidate insights in real time, to continuously compare their actuals against budgets and forecasts, and even to be able to adjust and simulate them while analyzing. We call this the closed-loop portfolio of monitoring, budgeting, and forecasting. And last, they need instant insights from massive data volumes; remember, they all use IoT devices – and we know what they generate.

So in summary, insights must have:

·         Real-time reporting

·         Predictive-forecast capability

·         The ability to handle massive data

·         Closed-loop capabilities of combining monitoring, planning, and predicting metrics on the fly while analyzing

·         Simulation functionality

SAP Digital Boardroom Insights

I used the SAP Digital Boardroom on top of in-memory platforms to analyze over 30 million records of public transport delays, incidents, and maintenance data. The SAP Digital Boardroom uses three touch screens to provide insights in real time on the transactional level. (This article describes how the SAP Digital Boardroom works.) What impresses me most is its ability to combine versions of actual, planned, forecasted, and predicted data; in other words, I can analyze, adjust, predict, simulate, and re-analyze the end result. Now we’re talking!

It all starts with creating an agenda that lists the various insights required. The agenda items refer to models and stories with real-time insights. You can skip between agenda items with a single click, and every single insight can be further explored with new attributes, filters, or simulations.

Watch the video below for a full overview of using the SAP Digital Boardroom to address the challenges I’ve described. Please be aware that I anonymized the data though the algorithms, structures, and “cadence” of the data from a real-world example.

For more detail on the analysis, read Iver’s blog post, Part II-Public Transport:How to Get Insights on Repairs, Maintenance, Delays, and Vendors with SAP Digital Boardroom.

This post has been syndicated from the D!gitalist Magazine and has been republished with permission.

- See more at: http://blog-sap.com/analytics/2017/01/18/sap-digital-boardroom-improves-public-transport-insights-on-repairs-delays-and-more/#sthash.fvbsAVFy.dpuf