AMEM35 to Intensify Cooperation on Energy Resiliency and Sustainability

How should the members of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ensure access to, and adequate supply of, resilient and sustainable energy?

That's the main agenda of the 35th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM35) and Associated Meetings hosted by the Department of Energy (DOE) on Sept. 27 to 29.

“We envision dynamic and robust collaboration within ASEAN and dialogue partners as well as relevant international agencies,” said DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi in describing the upcoming event at Conrad Manila, Pasay City.

With the theme “One ASEAN Community to Resilient and Sustainable Energy,” AMEM 35 will lay the groundwork for enhanced cooperation under the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) ‎‎2016-2025, Phase 1: ‎‎2016-2020, according to Cusi.

APAEC is a series of policy guidelines to implement energy cooperation as part of regional integration towards a globally competitive ASEAN.

A closed-door meeting between the ASEAN energy ministers and CEOs on strategies to address power demand in the region will highlight the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) 2017 Conference which will run concurrent with AMEM35.

The series of ministerial meetings under AMEM35 also include the 14th AMEM+3 (China, Japan and Korea), the 11th East-Asia Summit Energy Ministers Meeting (EAS-EMM) and the 1st AMEM-International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Dialogue. 

Concurrent with the AMEM35 is the Powertrends International Exhibition at the SMX Convention Center. 

AMEM and AEBF will jointly open the event in the morning on September 27. The 2017 AEBF Conference will culminate with the closed-door ministers-CEO dialogue late in the afternoon.

AMEM35 is an annual gathering of the Energy Ministers which provides guidance and directions in the development and implementation of key energy sector priority initiatives and work programs in the region consistent with the directives of heads of states/governments of ASEAN.

The Philippines hosted the same meeting in 1997 and in 2004. 

The ASEAN was established to promote economic growth and prosperity in the region.  The member-countries include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Damaged Power Infra by Maring and Lannie Almost Fully Operational –DOE

Power infrastructure and facilities in areas affected by typhoons Maring and Lannie will all be back in operation soon, with power already restored in 456 or 57 percent of the affected barangays as of Friday, according to the reports submitted to the Department of Energy (DOE).

Generally, the generation, transmission, the Manila Electric Co. and other affected electric cooperatives franchise areas are already 100 percent operational.

For Quezon Province, electricity was fully restored Thursday night in the town proper of the Municipality of Perez in Alabat Island as it assured the public that total power restoration will be achieved at the soonest possible time with repairmen working round the clock.

According to the National Electrification Administration (NEA), power in 456 out of 804 barangays in Quezon has been restored Thursday afternoon. The 456 barangays account for 104,093 households which is equivalent to 60.16 percent of the entire household serviced by the distribution utility.

NEA is targeting 100 percent restoration of power by September 20 following the detailed assessment and inspection of the typhoon-affected facilities.

DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi emphasized, “We need to ensure that the infrastructures, wirings and meters in the typhoon hit areas are safe before energizing them. We want to protect the people from any harm, including those who are conducting the restoration activities.”

Millennials, Why Is it Better To Own Than To Rent

Global property portal Lamudi’s advice to Filipino millennials: it’s a great time to invest in your own property

Dubbed as the most mobile and transitional generation, millennials are known to be quite averse to staying in one location for long. They are also well-traveled, both for work and leisure. These young professionals can also work just about anywhere: in coffee shops or at the comforts of their own home. Because of the freedom to locate wherever they prefer, renting is perhaps the most suitable option for this age group.

But is it really wise to dedicate a huge part of your monthly paycheck in filling your landlord’s pocket? Global real estate portal Lamudi Philippines shares why investing in property is one of the best ways to build wealth for this young and adventurous generation.

Real Estate for Income

The financial burden of investing in a home is not appealing for people who see themselves moving in the foreseeable future. However, it should be noted that getting in the real estate game does not necessarily equate to settling in the space you just bought.

From an investment perspective, buying a property can provide additional cash flow. If you are leasing a costly apartment each month, you understand the woes of giving away your hard-earned cash to your landlord. However, imagine if the tables were turned and you become the property owner who rakes in passive income every month. Sweet with no sweat, isn’t it?

Purchasing a property is a big investment decision, but for young professionals who have capabilities to acquire a piece of land or condominium, buying will surely reap exciting returns in the years to come. Real estate is a tangible asset that increases in value over time. Aside from the rental income that you can get, you can also enjoy a sizable amount when you decide to sell after the property’s value has increased.

However, if you decide to keep the property and just enjoy the rental income, having a property under your name also means that you are assured of a place of your own should the need arrives. Furthermore, it may also serve as your retirement home when the time comes.

Home You Can Call Your Own

Your very first step to your own welcome-home mat is an overwhelming feeling. This is especially true if you have secured the keys at such a young age. But beyond the fulfillment, obtaining a property while you are young has many advantages.

For buyers who take this step earlier in life, you can avail longer loan durations to keep your monthly amortizations low. At this rate, the amount you are paying for rental fees may be much expensive that your would-be monthly amortization if you invest now.

Home ownership is also a significant indication that you are moving ahead in life. For some it is a status symbol that signals stability and commitment.

As investment is such an empowering achievement, more and more millennials are now exploring home-buying. Because of this, a myriad of newly launched developments now take into consideration the lifestyle of Generation Y. Amenities and facilities are carefully planned to ensure the convenience of young buyers.

The fast take-up of these millennial-focused properties is proof that the young generation now appreciates the value of owning a home. This is more economical rather than allocating a big chunk of salary each month for rent that will never add to any future equity.

Choosing a viable location is important too. For young professionals who work in major central business districts, there are suitable properties in neighboring areas that offer the same convenience but a more competitive price. So instead of renting, you can just invest in a nearby location and walk to work.

Lamudi Housing Fair 2017

To fully appreciate the edge of investing early, millennials are encouraged to head on to the next installment of the Lamudi Housing Fair this year. Slated to happen on October 13–15 at the Megatrade Hall 1 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong, the event will feature investment experts that will talk about investing for everyone.

The Lamudi Housing Fair will again bring together the biggest developers and the coolest real estate offers in one venue. Freebies, exclusive discounts, and prizes also await attendees.

For more information, visit www.lamudi.com.ph/housing_fair

Delicious Choices Daily with FamilyMart All-day Value Meals

There’s no need to go far for a delicious and satisfying meal that won’t break the bank, because from breakfast, lunch, and even great afternoon snacks, your go-to convenience store, FamilyMart, has got you covered. With a number of different options on its menu, the popular Japanese convenience store makes sure you won’t run out of choices any time of the day.

While you’re on your way to work early in the morning, you’ve got Everyday Breaky Treats from 6AM to 9AM to jumpstart your day. Buy any of the breakfast meals or sandwiches, and get 20% off on an 8oz UCC Coffee Café Americano.

Have your coffee along with a hearty breakfast of your favorite “silog” meals like Cornsilog, Tocilog, Hotsilog, and Tapsilog. For an option that can be easily eaten on-the-go, choose from FamilyMart’s different sandwiches like Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad, Egg Salad, Ham & Cheese, Corned Beef & Egg, or Sausage & Egg.

For lunch, from 11AM to 2PM, FamilyMart brings you Noontime Treats. Have any Donburi meal that suits your cravings for the day and get 20% of on any 12oz juice to go with tasty servings of Sisig, Pork Binagoongan, Pinakbet with Bagnet, Pork Steak, Chicken Adobo, Beef Teriyaki, Beef Caldereta or Katsudon.

To recharge yourself in the afternoon, you can look forward to Mid-day Treats from 3PM to 5PM. Beat the afternoon heat by getting 20% off on a 12oz Calamansi Zing or Taro Slush Super Freeze when you pair it with a Chicken Cheese Dog Sandwich, Chicken Nuggets, or Lobster Balls.

You won’t have such a hard time choosing what or where to eat every day when you head on over to FamilyMart for a scrumptious meal to satisfy your cravings for breakfast, lunch, and merienda.

For updates, exciting products, and awesome deals, like and follow FamilyMart Philippines on Facebook, @familymartph on Instagram, and @FamilyMartPH on Twitter.

For store locations or more information on FamilyMart Philippines, log on to www.familymart.com.ph.

FamilyMart is the 2nd largest convenience store chain in the world with over 18,000 stores across Asia. In the Philippines, FamilyMart has branches in Makati, Ortigas, Quezon City, San Juan, Manila, Mandaluyong, Marikina, and Fort Bonifacio Global City.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

FamilyMart brings you Everyday Breaky Treats from 6AM to 9AM to jumpstart your day. Buy any of the breakfast meals or sandwiches, and get 20% off on an 8oz UCC Coffee Café Americano.

Have your coffee along with a hearty breakfast of your favorite “silog” meals like Cornsilog, Tocilog, Hotsilog, and Tapsilog.

Match your favorite Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad, Egg Salad, Ham & Cheese, Corned Beef & Egg, or Sausage & Egg with an 8oz UCC Coffee Café Americano.

For lunch, from 11AM to 2PM, have any Donburi meal and get 20% of on any 12oz juice.

Choose from Sisig, Pork Binagoongan, Pinakbet with Bagnet, Pork Steak, Chicken Adobo, Beef Teriyaki, Beef Caldereta or Katsudon  Donburi to suit your cravings.

To recharge yourself in the afternoon, you can look forward to Mid-day Treats from 3PM to 5PM. Beat the afternoon heat with 20% off on a 12oz Super Freeze

Chicken Cheese Dog Sandwich or Chicken Nuggets go well with the Calamasi Zing, while Lobster Balls and Taro Slush make another great combo

Michaela to Mark its 12th Year Anniversary!

MICHAELA started as young and sweet when they open their first branch in the heart of Juan Luna, Binondo back in the year 2008. From then, MICHAELA continue to cope with the increasing demands and ever-changing trends by providing eco-friendly, exquisite, topnotch and outstanding quality that reflects the simple yet dignified character of the brand.

That is no doubt that from 1 boutique, MICHAELA can now be found in all 124 major department stores in Metro Manila and provincial malls and also to 27 branches operating to serve every one of us. Moreover, the brand has expanded its product line from bag into footwear, apparel, umbrellas, pouches and ladies’ accessories.

For the past twelve years, MICHAELA has been part of our lifestyle as how they deliver quality, trending and sophisticated design bags.

On September 30, let us celebrate together as MICHAELA mark its 12th year in their industry at Robinsons Place Ermita, Manila, 11AM-7PM together with Ms. Sarah Geronimo and Mr. Jak Roberto hosted by Mr. Steven Silva and Ms. Stephany Stefanowitz!

For event tickets and more details, please visit their official Facebook page @ www.facebook.com/MICHAELA.Philippines and website www.michaela.com.ph

We’ll see you all there!

Miss Scuba Phillipines 2017 Candidates

Let us welcome the 15 official candidates of Miss Scuba Philippines 2017 namely Karren Arias, Kristine Eiriel Nolasco, Nicole Aguilar, Florinda Talosig, Helga Cerbo, Aliyana Ibnohajil, Angela Gene Valdes, Jolina Anne Roque, Elle Hollmann, Mirtle Keith Gimenez, Daniela Joy Acuna, Aivana Elma, Mary Maureen Quiambao, El Fel Shane Banaybanay and Sherlyn Legaspi Doloriel.

These 15 Ocean Ambassadors were presented to the members of the media held at Belmont Hotel in Resort World Manila on September 14, 2017.

Emerging as Darling of the Press is Sherlyn Legaspi Doloriel, while El Fel Shane Banaybanay and Angela Gene Valdes were the runners-up.

Miss Scuba Philippines 2017 candidates were presented by National Director Cindy Madduma, winner of the 2015 Miss Scuba International title,  together with Athena Catriz and Andrea Delgado.

The pageant advocates the protection and preservation of a sustainable marine biodiversity. The organization will give light to the issues and problems that our oceans are facing and what they can do to create an impact and reverse that destruction. The core principle of the organization is "Saving Ocean Through Beauty" as it upholds not only showcasing physical beauty but also the necessity for our ambassadors to have a heart for the ocean.

The grand coronation night will be held at the Plaza of Resorts World Manila on October 10, 2017 and will also have a delayed nationwide telecast on PTV 4 on Sunday, October 22 beginning at 3pm.

There will be a live streaming on Miss Scuba Philippines Official Facebook Page during the coronation night.

The grand winner of Miss Scuba Philippines 2017 will represent the country to the 7th edition of Miss Scuba International in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia on November 17, 2017.

Ang Goldfish Ni Professor Dimaandal

Inihahandog ng Artistang Artlets, ang Opisyal na Samahang Pang-teatro ng Pakultad ng Sining at Panitik ng Unibersidad ng Santo Tomas, ang isa nanamang natatanging pagtatanghal para sa kanilang taunang Seniors' Theater Literacy Program para sa kanilang ika - 37 na taon.

ANG GOLDFISH NI PROFESSOR DIMAANDAL ay hango sa tunay na pangyayari sa buhay ng manunulat na si Eljay Castro Deldoc. Isa ito sa mga natatanging dula na naipalabas sa Virgin Labfest noong 2014 at 2015. Ang pagtatanghal ng Artistang Artlets ay sa ilalim ng direksyon ni Ma.Diane Gundaya at sa pamamahala ni Elaine Grace Veloso.

Ito ang mga sumusunod na araw at oras ng pagtatanghal:

September 20, 21 & 22, 2017

1PM | 3PM | 5PM | 7PM

Lugar ng pagtatanghal:

Tan Yan Kee AVR, Tan Yan Kee Student Center, University of Santo Tomas.

Ang dulang ito ay BLANK TICKETED.

Maaaring tawagan o i-text si Elaine Grace Veloso sa 09954577319 para sa mga tanong at iba pang detalye o maari din kaming ma-contact sa mga sumusunod:

Facebook page: fb.com/ArtistangArtletsUST

Twitter: @artstngartlts

Instagram: @artistangartlets

Website: http://artistangartlets.wordpress.com/

Kita Kits!

The Bitter Blogger Who Tried to Prove He Is Better

Somebody was not invited to the Comic Con Asia 2018 media launch, so the "bitter" tried to prove they are "better."

Pag sikat ka talaga, maraming bashers sigurado na watching your every move. Para silang CCTV na nakatutok sa atin... Meaning...sabi nga ng isang blogger, "confused fans" ng Pambansang Blogger na sinusubaybayan rin naman ang Wazzup Pilipinas at nag-aabang ng pwedeng pansinin dahil siguro slow day na naman for them. ...Bigyan ng event yan para maging busy!!! Lol!

Pasensiya na po, ako lang yata invited doon na online. Mostly trad media covering entertainment at beauty pageants kilala ko doon.

Don't bash me if I got invited. Hindi po ako ang organizer...media partner lang po. Hahaha..

Hindi rin po ako nag-claim na knowledgeable or master ako sa mga "geek" or pop culture. I'm a fan, but only because I love great drawings, animations and stories. But life is too short to focus my attention on just one or a few niches. Kayo na lang gumawa ng sangkatutak na blogs of different niches. Marami kayong time eh.






Papa-invite ko na lang mga nasa list ninyo...para sumaya naman kayo kahit papaano. Lol!

The Second or Nth Coming of Wazzup Pilipinas!

Before being a blogger, I used to be a systems administrator handling ICT - servers, networks, sat phones, radios, CCTVs, etc., doing regular system monitoring and updates, backups, security, repairs, maintenance, etc., including the planning, budgeting, and purchase of equipment, plus getting the necessary permits from government agencies, licenses from software companies, and conducting training as well.

But then my bosses keep asking me to do their digital presentations for them. I got so interested since aside from the need to be knowledgeable in software, you need to be artistically inclined too. You need it to mix and match colors, fonts, images, animations, etc.

I was also opinionated. I always want to defend the the underdogs. I keep butting in at online discussions or forums and giving my onsolicited thoughts and opinions. Some even called me a troll because of my frequent participation at similar threads.

But it was also during these times that somebody suggested I create a blog instead. But I created so many blogs before I finally settled with one....and that was not yet Wazzup Pilipinas. My very first blog was too personal but was an outlet for me.

It was only in 2013 when I created Wazzup Pilipinas after a very unpleasant experience writing for an online publication that was more concerned about kissing the ass of their sponsors rather than siding with their correspondents.

I got so motivated to focus on Wazzup Pilipinas because I believe blogging should share the truth whether the story will be favorable to the sponsors or not. We are also entitled to our own style. Nobody should dictate what we want to share to our readers. The sponsors should not dictate or screen our content. There should be ultimate freedom in blogging. Our blogs, our rules. Like it or not.

Wazzup Pilipinas will soon strongly implement these principles. There will be many changes soon. Get ready for a better Wazzup Pilipinas!

Get Ready for a Better Wazzup Pilipinas!

Before being a blogger, I used to be a systems administrator handling ICT - servers, networks, sat phones, radios, CCTVs, etc., doing regular system monitoring and updates, backups, security, repairs, maintenance, etc., including the planning, budgeting, and purchase of equipment, plus getting the necessary permits from government agencies, licenses from software companies, and conducting training as well.

But then my bosses keep asking me to do their digital presentations for them. I got so interested since aside from the need to be knowledgeable in software, you need to be artistically inclined too. You need it to mix and match colors, fonts, images, animations, etc.

I was also opinionated. I always want to defend the the underdogs. I keep butting in at online discussions or forums and giving my onsolicited thoughts and opinions. Some even called me a troll because of my frequent participation at similar threads.

But it was also during these times that somebody suggested I create a blog instead. But I created so many blogs before I finally settled with one....and that was not yet Wazzup Pilipinas. My very first blog was too personal but was an outlet for me.

It was only in 2013 when I created Wazzup Pilipinas after a very unpleasant experience writing for an online publication that was more concerned about kissing the ass of their sponsors rather than siding with their correspondents.

I got so motivated to focus on Wazzup Pilipinas because I believe blogging should share the truth whether the story will be favorable to the sponsors or not. We are also entitled to our own style. Nobody should dictate what we want to share to our readers. The sponsors should not dictate or screen our content. There should be ultimate freedom in blogging. Our blogs, our rules. Like it or not.

Wazzup Pilipinas will soon strongly implement these principles. There will be many changes soon. Get ready for a better Wazzup Pilipinas!