The Countdown to Renouveau

Wazzup PIlipinas!

It's been a long time coming, but we're (almost) here. After four years - for some, even more - it's finally our turn to show the world what we've got. But before that, let's look back at what has been.

UP CMC VOX 2017, together with Calbee Potato Chips, Great Taste Viet Latte, Maxx Gums, Pascual Consumer Healthcare Corp., and Philippine Wacoal Corp., as well as Bakers Maison and Frappe La Rue, present Renouveau: The Maskom Graduation Ball. Let's celebrate our journey on June 14, 2017, 8:30PM at Warehouse Eight, Makati City. The countdown is on - and when the clock strikes midnight, we'll end our college lives with a bang!

Shimmer in your best #ootn and indulge as Bacardi makes sure we all have a good time dancing to the beats of our guest DJ, Migs Santillan. After all that we’ve been through in the university, we definitely deserve this night!

Wazzup Pilipinas is a proud media partner.

For more information, follow @_renouveau on Twitter or contact 09176225422.

Oil Price Situation for Week of June 12

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Pursuant to its function of monitoring oil trading in the international market and analyzing its impact on the domestic prices of petroleum products as mandated by law, the Department of Energy (DOE) noted that last week’s international oil trading may cause movements in the domestic prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene as follows:

1) Gasoline may decrease by around P0.80 per liter;
2) Diesel may decrease by around P0.90 per liter; and,
3) Kerosene may decrease by around P1.10 per liter.

However, these findings could still be affected by the trading activities on Friday, 9 June, which can be accessed today Monday, 12 June.

Resulting price adjustments concerning petroleum products are implemented every Tuesday of the week.

Meanwhile, the DOE encourages the public to be vigilant in their rights as consumers and immediately report to the DOE Consumer Welfare Office (Landline - 429 2900 look for Ms. Helen Arias) any violation of the law, rules and regulations by petroleum products suppliers (i.e., quality and/or safety issues).

DOTr Orders PCG Control and Supervision of Security Operations in All Seaports

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Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade ordered the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to take over the control and supervision of security operations in all seaports nationwide in light of the security threat posed by the Maute Terrorist Group which has besieged Marawi City and resulted in the President’s declaration of Martial Law in the entire Mindanao.

By virtue of Department Order (D.O.) No. 2017-008 issued on June 5, 2017, the Transport Chief directed the PCG,”... to take over the security supervision of ports, and shipping, whether public or private, including the egress and ingress to all waterways from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).”

Under the D.O., Secretary Tugade instructed the PCG to control movement of all vessels in seaports and harbours; designate security zones for maritime security purposes; enforce ports and ships identification system; regulate access to ports, vessels and waterfront facilities; inspect cargoes to prevent the transport of contrabands; and to set and enforce appropriate security levels in all ports in Mindanao, pursuant to the provisions of the International Ships and Ports Security (ISPS) Code.

This allows the PCG to arrest, seize and detain persons, cargo and vessels found violating maritime security and other pertinent laws and to file the necessary charges.

In addition, the Coast Guard is to strictly enforce maritime security communications; supervise, regulate and control port police and private security guards, K9 entities, divers and underwater operations in all maritime-related facilities and infrastructure.

The Order took effect immediately after its issuance and will remain in full force and effect until Martial Law in Mindanao is lifted.

Solving the Affordable Housing Backlog One Step at a Time

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As the housing backlog continues to be a relentless problem, top real estate marketplace Lamudi is doing its share through the upcoming Lamudi Affordable Housing Fair

Housing for all is maybe one of the biggest challenges the Philippine government has faced. According to The Philippine Housing Industry Roadmap: 2012-2030, presented by the Subdivision & Housing Developers Association Inc. (SHDA) to the Bureau of Investments (BOI), if nothing is done or no special housing program is created, the country’s housing backlog will reach 6.5 million by 2030. Unfortunately, recent reports revealed that the country’s housing backlog is already estimated at 5.7 million.

Moreover, with this number it can be said that over 20 million Filipinos have no decent homes of their own and figures could still go up as natural disasters could hit the country anytime.

As government agencies and private institutions continue to see and acknowledge the gravity of the situation, baby steps are being taken to lessen if not totally eradicate the housing problem. The solutions offered were still in the trial-and-error stage and the way to resolve the housing crisis is still yet to be found.

One move by government-owned financing agency Pag-IBIG Fund is providing a 3% interest rate, the lowest ever offered to minimum-wage earners. Metro Manila-based workers earning Php15,000 per month or (or Php12,000 for those based in the provinces) are eligible to avail of this offer. Minimum-wage workers can now get a loan for properties with selling prices not exceeding Php450,000.

Private Sector’s Take on the Housing Problem

David Leechui, CEO of Leechiu Property Consultants Inc., stressed that helping generate jobs is one viable solution to the low-cost housing problem. “Instead of losing so much money in socialized housing projects, it is better to put the focus in generating jobs. The more jobs created, the more affordable the houses become,” Mr. Leechui shared.

Mr. Leechiu also added that at least the country is on the right track as the unemployment rate is at the lowest it has ever been and he is quite optimistic that the trend will continue.

On the other hand, Michael McCullough, Managing Director of local Savills associate KMC MAG Group suggested a solution that doesn’t cost taxpayers any money. He said that there’s a ton of government land in Metro Manila that can be rented to developers. The private sector can then rehabilitate and build affordable housing inside Metro Manila, exactly where employment opportunities are available for them.

“I believe that the current administration has the will and strength to push something like that through. The traditional response of the government is to take people out of Metro Manila and send then a hundred miles away, which is not going to work because the jobs are here [in the capital],” Mr. McCullough explained.

“We need people to live, work and play in walkable communities because at the moment we cannot afford to build [transport] infrastructures that will cost us approximately $30 billion. Just build an affordable housing in and around the CBD’s and traffic is solved,” Mr. McCullough added.

Evidently, creating jobs closer to home is the immediate solution in the escalating housing problem.

Lamudi Affordable Housing Fair

Home ownership continues to be an elusive achievement for the majority of Filipinos, and this can be attributed to various factors including the sheer inaccessibility of government housing projects, poor quality of socialized housing, and insufficient financial assistance. Another major factor is the lack of information of what is readily available for the affordable market. This is what the upcoming Lamudi Affordable Housing Fair aims to address: to make affordable housing for all achievable by showcasing a wide range of affordable homes and sharing valuable investment information.

Lamudi is also introducing an enjoyable house-hunting experience through their event. The fair is staged not only to display affordable housing options but to let buyers take advantage of exclusive property discounts and get exciting freebies and promos.

Property auctions, virtual reality in real estate, and forums facilitated by experts tackling investment and affordable housing will simultaneously happen at the event.

The first Lamudi Housing Fair was a three-day event successfully held in November 2016 and was attended by more than 5,000 visitors. The upcoming affordable housing-focused edition is expecting even more as a big chunk of the market looks for value-for-money homes.

To know more about the Lamudi Affordable Housing Fair, visit www.lamudi.com.ph/events

Tugade Urges Filipinos to Rally Behind Duterte's Campaign for a Better Philippines

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Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade urged Filipinos to rally behind President Rodrigo Duterte in his fight for a crime, drug, and corruption-free Philippines.

During the Independence Day celebration in Tuguegarao City yesterday, Tugade, a native of Cagayan, said that Duterte’s campaign to rid government of corruption is important to move the country forward.

“Palayain natin ang ating mga sarili at bayan mula sa korapsyon. Katulad nga ng laging binabanggit ng ating Pangulo, iwaksi natin ang korapsyon sa ating sistema upang makapagtayo tayo ng mas maayos na samahan, na may matibay na pundasyong dulot ng tiwala at matapat na pamamahala. ‘Yan ang pamahalaang itinataguyod ng ating Pangulong Duterte. ‘Yan ang pamamamalakad na nais nating mayakap ng sambayanang Pilipino,” Tugade said.

Tugade also urged Filipinos to support government efforts to fight illegal drugs and criminality and make the streets safer.

“Suportahan natin ang kampanya ng ating pangulo at kapulisan sa pagsugpo ng mga gawaing ito na sumisira sa kinabukasan ng ating kabataan,” he added.

He likewise addressed the prevailing division among some sectors because of difference in opinion. Tugade said nothing good will ever come out of being “utak-talangka” or the crab-like mentality of Filipinos of pulling others down.

“Tandaan nating lahat na magkakaiba man ang ating mga prayoridad o paniniwala, ang kaluluwa ng ating pagkabansa ay nakasandal sa “TAYO” at “ATIN”, hindi sa AKO at SILA,” he said. “Hindi ngayon ang panahon para manaig ang mga utak talangka. Hindi ngayon ang panahon upang maghilaaan tayong pababa.”

Finally, the transportation chief asked Filipinos to pray for Duterte, whom he said is doing all he can to bring back people’s trust in government. Duterte’s heart, he said, is in the right place.

“Magtiwala kayo sapagkat ang puso at kaluluwa ng ating Pangulong Duterte ay para sa Pilipino at para sa Pilipinas. Pabaunan natin sya ng tiwala at dasal,” he said.

The Yamaha Club Ride Out to Help Out

Wazzup PIlipinas!

The Yamaha Club is known for being a group of passionate riders that are united for their love of riding. But they stand for much more than that and they have been a beacon of hope for Filipino Communities with their charitable activities in different areas of the Philippines.

Most recently, they went to Magsaysay Elementary School in Siniloan, Laguna. The focus of the activity was their support for the continued education of the students as they donated school supplies to Day Care kids all the way to 6th Graders. They clubs gave School Bags,Books & Notebooks, Raincoat, and Supplies such as Papers Pencils/ Crayons. The company also showed its support with a donation of Computers and Painting Materials.

The program wouldn’t just be about a turnover of items but also complete with entertainment to spread the fun and joy with the children and the hardworking staff of the school. Revvy Bear, Yamaha’s adorable icon, was also in attendance to the delight of everyone.

The event was a collaborative endeavour between multiple club groups, namely:

The program wouldn’t just be about a turnover of items but also complete with entertainment to spread the fun and joy with the children and the hardworking staff of the school. Revvy Bear, Yamaha’s adorable icon, was also in attendance to the delight of everyone.

• Vega Force Mantis Riders Club
• Vega Force i Owners Philippines
• Mio i 125 Riders Club Philippines
• Club SZ-R PH
• Yamaha One
• Yamaha United
• NMAX Pilipinas Touring Club
• Mio Elite Scooter Club


They came together and made the future brighter for more than 300 students in Magsaysay Elementary School. It is very important for the Yamaha Club to not just showcase an act of kindness through sharing but also to instil this value to every member and be an example everywhere they go.

Dad Deserves a Break at Gumbo

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Your daddy dearest deserves a break on his special day! On Father’s day, treat him with this sumptuous dishes at Gumbo especially made for him. For only P1,999.00 your dad and the whole family will enjoy Delicious Southern Style Combo which includes a choice of seafood feast or family feast, Cajun rice and sampler platter, served with two carafe of pineapple lemonade. This treat is available the whole month of June at all Gumbo outlets located at the 2nd Level Entertainment Hall, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay; 3rd Level Robinsons Manila Midtown; 2nd Level SM City The Block, North EDSA: Gateway Mall in Araneta Center, Cubao; Robinsons Magnolia; and at the 2nd Level Atrium Bldg. in SM Megamall.

Also do not miss other Gumbo’s mouth-watering and sumptuous dishes like Seafood Jambalaya, Bayou’s Stuffed Crabs, Shrimp Etouffe, Bourbon-Style Baby Back Ribs, Southern-Grilled Chicken Caesar, Cajun-Style Fried Chicken, Baked Bread Pudding ala Mode, etc. For reservations and inquiries, please call 5560238, 4420106, 6353015, 5671820, 4404632 and 5271925.

Daddy’s Day Out at Burgoo

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Your daddy deserves a treat on his special day! On Father’s day bring him at Burgoo American Bar and Restaurant where he and the whole family can enjoy this Caribbean Jerk Barbecue Combo for only P1,999. 00. A combination of Jerk chicken and Oklahoma baby back ribs, with cucumber salad, triple cheese lava nachos, rice pilaf and 2 carafe of four seasons iced tea, this treat is available the whole month of June at all Burgoo outlets located at T. Morato in Quezon City; Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Makati; The Podium in Ortigas; Gateway Mall in Araneta Center Cubao; Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas; SM City The Block in North EDSA; Mall of Asia in Pasay; SM City Marikina; SM Southmall in Alabang, The District in Cavite; 3rd level Terraces Mall in Fairview; Starmall in Taguig, and Burgoo Solenad in Nuvali. Surprise gift awaits all dads on June 18, Father’s day.

Other well-loved dishes at Burgoo worth a try are: such as Supreme Caesar Salad, Grilled Pork Chops, Seafood Linguini, Fish &Chips, Chicken Dianne, Raspberry or Brownie Cheesecake, among others. For reservations and inquiries, please call 9277424, 8381815, 6875254, 7263578, 9136112, 5560091 or 6336256.

Protecting Your Organization from the WCry Ransomware

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 

Ransomware has become the fastest growing malware threat, targeting everyone from home users to healthcare systems to corporate networks. Tracking analysis shows that there has been an average of more than 4,000 ransomware attacks every day since January 1, 2016. 

On May 12, FortiGuard Labs began tracking a new ransomware variant that spread rapidly throughout the day. It is a highly virulent strain of a self-replicating ransomware that has impacted such far-flung organizations as the Russian Interior Ministry, Chinese universities, Hungarian and Spanish telcos, and hospitals and clinics run by the British National Health Services. It is especially notable for its multi-language ransom demands that support more than two-dozen languages.

This ransomware is being referred to by a number of names, including WCry, WannaCry, WanaCrypt0r, WannaCrypt, or Wana Decrypt0r. It is spread through an alleged NSA exploit called ETERNALBLUE that was leaked online last month by the hacker group known as The Shadow Brokers. ETERNALBLUE exploits a vulnerability in the Microsoft Server Message Block 1.0 (SMBv1) protocol.

Note: More information below as well as in these other related blogs.

Critical Update: WannaCry Ransomware

WannaCry: Evolving History from Beta to 2.0

Revisiting the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine for Independence Day

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"The Aguinaldo Shrine is a National Shrine of the Philippines located in Kawit, Cavite in the Philippines, where the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain was declared on June 12, 1898. To commemorate the event, now known as Araw ng Kalayaan or Independence Day, a national holiday, the Philippine flag is raised here by top government officials on June 12 each year. The house is now a museum." - Wikipedia

Through the years, Aguinaldo Shrine has evolved from being just a historical landmark to one that's a place where people meet, eat and enjoy the fantastic displays of the old mansion.

This is a 1, 325 square meters mansion of General Emilio Aguinaldo which he himself donated to the government “to perpetuate the spirit of the Philippine Revolution of 1896 that put an end to Spanish colonization of the country. located in Kawit, Cavite.

The old house of General Emilio Aguinaldo, first president of the Philippine republic, is a unique house where the rich and the brilliant minds gathered and orchestrated the plan for the revolutionary government against Spain and America. This house also has a lot of secret passages and tunnels connected to different escape routes evading government authorities at that time.

As part of Independence Day celebrations, the government once had set up a video mapping show at the the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite that reenacts significant events in Philippine history. I'm not really sure if they're going to do this again this year.

To commemorate Independence Day, we opted to share to you some of our photos from the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine.