PH, NZ Sign Amendment on Geothermal Energy Cooperation

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines and New Zealand signed an amendment on their arrangement on geothermal energy cooperation.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi and New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines David Strachan signed the amendment on Tuesday (November 14, 2017) at the New World Hotel in the presence of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern as witness.

The signing of the amendment extended the arrangement signed on October 2012 until October 2020.

The amendment aims to further strengthen and enhance the cooperation between the two countries on geothermal energy cooperation through government-level collaboration and the facilitation of private sector activities.

The amendment also provides for the continuous exchange of experiences and technical assistance in the field of geothermal energy exploration, development and utilization through capacity building and share of information, knowledge and current trends on geothermal energy.

The signing ceremony is part of the ASEAN Summit hosted by the Philippines.

Squad Goals for World AIDS Day

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Dubbed as #LoveSquad, LoveYourself encourages interested groups and individuals, who are seeking life-saving medical intervention like HIV screening, to register at go.loveyourself.ph/lovesquad.

LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin G. Pagtakhan said “We are getting more aggressive in our strategies to reach the untapped populations for HIV screening, education and other interventions.”

Pagtakhan pointed out, “The incidences of HIV infection already reached 30 individuals per day according to latest DOH data, and that is something we want to see reversing the soonest.”

“This HIV screening day will serve both groups and individuals, and we promise, as always, to ensure utmost confidentiality and promptness of procedure to best protect and serve our clients,” Pagtakhan underlined.

#LoveSquad is completely anonymous because only a code and contact information are given. It eliminates the filling out of lengthy identification forms leading to reduced screening period and increased efficiency.

Relatively, #LoveSquad will be using 3rd generation rapid test kits that only a small pinprick and drop of blood will be needed. Thus, the waiting time of the results will only take 15-20 minutes from the time of pricking.

Over the course of the HIV screening, #LoveSquad counselors will also provide information on safer sex practices to lower the risk of contracting the virus, and an explanation on the test results.

Groups and individuals who will sign up at go.loveyourself.ph/lovesquad will just need to arrive on the said testing venue between 10:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m. to avail of the free, anonymous, and fast community-based HIV screening.

The #LoveSquad is also LoveYourself’s contribution to the commemoration of World AIDS Day, apart from its major participation in holding the first Love Gala -the Asia’s Premier and Awards event which entails the pioneer Ripple Awards for outstanding HIV and AIDS movers in the Philippines and Asia.

#LoveSquad is supported by DOH- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., Blued, Victoria Court, and Save the Children.

For more details on LoveYourself’s services, individuals may visit the group’s official website at www.loveyourself.ph or follow and like its social media channels: Facebook- @loveyourself.ph, Twitter- @loveyourselfph, and Instagram- @loveyourself.ph.

DOTr Update on Maria Isabel Lopez

A summon has already been issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to Ms. Lopez yesterday, 12 November 2017, for committing the following violations:

1. Disregarding traffic signs

2. Violation of the Anti Distracted Driving Act

3. Reckless driving

LTO Chief Edgar Galvante says that proper investigation procedures will be observed, and that LTO shall ensure that their decision will be anchored on the truth, and adherence to the rule of law.

No Plans by RM De Leon

Archivo 1984

Pasillo 18

2241 La Fuerza Compound 1

Chino Roces, Makati City

Archivo 1984 proudly presents "No Plans", a solo exhibition by RM De Leon featuring his new paintings which runs until 28 November 2017. The exhibition takes a direction of randomness from which no specific visual agenda or narrative is imposed. Here, discontinued or unseen permutations archived through the years are repurposed, only stopping when the composition has achieved a sense of formal elegance. The outputs have resulted in vibrantly humorous paintings, which embody an unexpected order amidst the offbeat. All this manifests a playful irony, as seen in found images reworked with blotted lines, and repetitious stamp-like figures.

De Leon’s practice has often tackled established formal standards of painting and image-making. He explores the possibilities of crossbreeding painterly acts and graphic design sensibilities. Pop culture images, the cartoonish and kitsch, and even the banal are processed with a seemingly personalized Warholian approach. De Leon presented just that in his first solo exhibition at Archivo 1984: “Dust Drawings and Other Works” (2015), which showcased a survey of several early period pieces. These were produced under the mentorship of Roberto Chabet in the 1980s, combined with recent works based on rudimentary images he has collected overtime. In his practice, De Leom has mastered the cancellation of the obvious; the result is an amalgamation of images that straddle the boundaries between representation and abstraction; painting and graphic design. He creates works that seemingly embody the contemporary nature and obscurity of the overwhelming bombardment of fleeting images in today’s technological armageddon.

RM De Leon finished a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Major in Painting at the University of the Philippines in 1984.  With an artistic practice that spans almost three decades, his work has been exhibited in numerous solo exhibition and group shows both in the Philippines and abroad. An accomplished artist, De Leon was one of the recipients of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Thirteen Artists Awards in 1990. He was the first Filipino awardee of the Vermont Studio Center, Studio Arts Program for Painting. He is currently an art professor at the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde.

ASEAN CSOs March Against Human Rights Abuses and Inequitable Development

Heads of State are demanded to put social dimension to regional integration   

On the first day of the 31st ASEAN Summit Heads of State, hundreds of representatives of civil society and social movements across Southeast Asia participating in the parallel ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN Peoples’ Forum marched to the People Power Monument today to protest the human rights atrocities, breakdown of the rule of law and unjust and inequitable economic policies in the region. They pushed for transformative changes in the ASEAN and demanded for a social dimension in the ASEAN economic integration.

Srey Sotheavy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Conflict Transformation Organization in Cambodia pointed out the need to review the non-interference policy of the ASEAN, which she says “has served as an excuse for ASEAN governments to remain silent on human rights violations of authoritarian governments.”

“The ASEAN virtually condone these brutal acts as they hide behind the shield of ‘non-interference,” said Jelen Paclarin, Chair of the ACSC/APF Regional Steering Committee.

Paclarin saw the “crucial need to reform ASEAN's decision-making processes” as she noted that “the non-interference policy blocks ASEAN to seriously address issues on the ground."

“ASEAN must respond to and act on the various human rights violations in the region,” said Sunsanee Sutthisunsanee of Pro-Rights Foundation in Thailand. She also stressed that the ASEAN must engage more with the people and civil society.  

“When it comes to decision-making, ASEAN should consult with the people and civil society before adopting a treaty or an instrument because this impacts on the people.” She emphasized the need for the “participation of peoples in the monitoring of the implementation of the ASEAN blueprint.”

Meanwhile, Soe Min Than of Singapore, who is among the organizers and host of next year’s ACSC/APF in Singapore said they “envision a region where all stakeholders can openly engage and work on the issue of human rights and social concerns to allow greater collaboration, better and more sustainable solutions.”

He said the ASEAN member states’ current emphasis on the ASEAN Economic Community “does not include issues which affect marginalized communities and groups to ensure that they are not left behind.” According to him, the ASEAN ‘”should ensure that policies are grounded in regular consultation with all stakeholders to push towards greater economic prosperity.”

Jane Aileen of  Indonesia Legal Aid Foundproation (YLBHI) hopes to see an ASEAN that “embraces everyone without any discrimination,  preserves the culture and local languages, protects  the environment  and empowers people.”

Yasinta Lujina of Timor Leste hopes her country becomes a member of ASEAN. She said she envisions “an ASEAN that respects human rights, human dignity and the contribution of peoples organizations and their indispensable participation.” She further said that the “ASEAN should be a region that is safe for everyone.”

The march rally concludes the four-day ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN Peoples Forum that brought together people’s organizations, social movements and NGOs of youth,  children, women, workers, older people, indigenous groups, persons with disabilities, LGBTIQ and other sectors, including academics from the ten (10) ASEAN countries plus East Timor. The delegates substantially discussed issues on human rights and access to justice, corporate greed and power, labor mobility and mixed migration, decent work,transformative social protection and life of dignity for all, peace and human security.

The delegates vowed to forge stronger alliances, continuously engage the ASEAN and push for alternative regionalism and practices.

Award-Winning Agencies Mount Campaign for Love Gala

Creative experts from the advertising industry come together to produce a video campaign for the Love Gala, Asia's premier charity and awards event to be held this Dec. 01, World AIDS Day.

The video campaign, dubbed as Celebrate Love (http://bit.ly/CelebrateLoveFB), is a collaborative project of Black Maria Productions and Dentsu JaymeSyfu. It is a call for love and solidarity, with a fresh take on the old adage: "Love is all you need."

The one-and-a-half-minute video, directed by Black Maria Productions' Michael Manalastas, celebrates love in all shapes and forms, and features dedicated advocates and passionate influencers doing their part in ending HIV and AIDS in the country.

According to the June 2017 HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP) report, there are now an average of 30 new cases of HIV infections per day in the country. Males who have sex with males (MSM) and the youth from ages 15 to 24 are the most vulnerable segments of the population.

Manalastas shared, “I feel proud to have contributed to the Love Gala campaign, as the cause of HIV awareness and education is close to my heart.”







“Shooting the teaser required us to work with both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic but totally inexperienced volunteers. What was great about all this was that everyone, no matter the level of experience, came together to achieve one singular goal,” said Manalastas about filming the advocacy video.

He added, “I'm looking forward to seeing how love is celebrated by everyone within our community and without. I know that the Love Gala will touch many people's lives in the same way it touched mine.”

For her part, Gabbie Santiago, Group Account Director at Dentsu JaymeSyfu said, “Seeing as HIV and AIDS can affect everyone regardless of age, gender, or social class, it was important for us to send a message that is inclusive.”

“We decided to go back to the basics by thinking of the many ways we express love as human beings. Our relationships, our passions, our tastes, our desires, our quirks—they all shape who we are. These are also the kinds of things that inspire us to do more and reach out,” Santiago pointed out.

According to Santiago, it is already a huge milestone that people with various interests and political views, in different fields and social circles, have come together for an important cause like the rise of HIV in the Philippines and inspire the public to sign up for an HIV test or to advocate safe sex practices.

The Faces of Love can be viewed online on the Love Gala’s official Youtube channel (http://bit.ly/CelebrateLoveVid).

The Love Gala organization believes that “as we continue the fight against the HIV pandemic in the Philippines, the video reminds us that love can be our greatest weapon.”

ACSC/ASEAN Peoples’ Forum Criticize ASEAN’s Exclusivist Character, Shrinking Civic Space; Calls for Alternative Regionalism

The ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ ASEAN People’s Forum 2017 pinpointed today ASEAN’s characteristic exclusion of marginalized peoples and underprivileged sectors since the regional organisation’s inception 50 years ago and called for an alternative regionalism that puts utmost premium to peoples’ rights and concerns in development programs and regional integration.

Jelen Paclarin, Chair of the ACSC/APF Regional Steering Committee, deplored the shrinking civic space given to civil society and peoples’ organizations in ASEAN processes and mechanisms.

“Since the start of this year, the ACSC/APF has been persistently seeking dialogues, interactions and engagements with ASEAN leaders in order to bring to their attention key issues faced by the peoples of Southeast Asia and develop alternatives that address social injustices. However, these have virtually fallen on deaf ears as ASEAN Heads of States and Ministers give least priority to our proposals and initiatives. They do not even give time to meet and discuss with us,” she said.

Paclarin explained that among the reasons they organized a Town Hall meeting entitled “Addressing Shrinking Civic Space in Southeast Asia” in the ACSC/APF activities today was precisely to raise the issue of limited CSO participation in the ASEAN. A town hall meeting is designed to be a venue for civil society, parliamentarians and government representatives to learn from one another on key democracy and human rights issues in the region.

“We organized our own gathering expecting that ASEAN leaders would come upon our invitation and fully listen to peoples’ voices and concerns. Unfortunately, ASEAN leaders chose to grant only token representation by sending ASEAN representatives to our meeting, who are not in positions of significant influence although they may be committed in engaging the people.”

The ACSC/APF further said that over the past 50 years, “the ASEAN and its member-states have generally ignored the plight and demands of farmers, fisherfolk, workers, women, indigenous groups, youth and children, persons with disabilities, and LGBTIQ.”

The ASEAN civil society network said these sectors have historically been excluded in the ASEAN’s development targets as governments pursue pro-trade liberalization policies that are damaging to peoples’ livelihoods and jobs and further worsen inequalities.

"While we persist in our engagements with ASEAN, we are also building and developing an alternative Southeast Asian regional integration based on alternative practices on the ground among communities and social movements,” said Dr. Ed Tadem, co-convenor of the ACSC/APF Philippine National Organizing Committee. “We also want to ensure a social dimension to the ASEAN, create a Social ASEAN that fulfils the rights of people and guarantees social protection, decent work and essential services, especially healthcare, for all.”

“This framework challenges the neo-liberal model of development and links local practices in the ASEAN’s economic, political, and socio-cultural dimensions along the principles of cooperation, solidarity, mutual benefit, the commons, and joint development," he added.

Paclarin further pointed out that “under the existing ASEAN integration, many remain vulnerable to greater risks, particularly women migrant workers who are mostly in low-skilled sectors and in the informal economy.”

Paclarin said the ASEAN integration has failed to recognize the social cost of migration, particularly the impact on families and children left behind. She stressed the urgent need for the ASEAN to adopt the instrument on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of All Migrant Workers immediately to protect the workers and their families.

On the second day of the ASCS/APF at the UP Diliman campus, over 1000 delegates gathered to discuss in plenary and workshop groups critical issues concerning the ASEAN, such as pursuing a social dimension in regional integration towards a life of dignity for all, impact of corporate greed and power, human rights and access to justice, and labor mobility and mixed migration.

The conference will continue until November 14 as participating people’s organizations, social movements and NGOs, and academics from the ten (10) ASEAN countries plus East Timor substantially tackle issues and firm up unities in their continued engagements with the ASEAN.

Etihad Airways Marks Opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi with Spectacular A380 Fly-By

‘From Abu Dhabi to the World’ - Airline celebrates capital’s new architectural wonder

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Hundreds of visitors from around the world, attending yesterday’s official public opening celebrations of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, were treated to a low-level fly-by of the Jean Nouvel designed museum by one of Etihad Airways’ flagship Airbus A380 aircraft.

Sporting the airline’s ‘Facets of Abu Dhabi’ livery, the aircraft chosen for the display now also features Louvre Abu Dhabi’s official logo on each of its four engines, to promote the opening of the institution.

Etihad Airways also took the opportunity to capture a series of spectacular images from the fly-by, and commissioned a short video directed by up-and-coming Emirati director, Ahmed Abdulqader, shot from the flight deck of the aircraft and from within Louvre Abu Dhabi, to celebrate the historic occasion. Two specially equipped helicopters were also positioned above the capital to capture air-to-air filming of the aircraft as it flew over the museum, located in the UAE capital’s Saadiyat Cultural District.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: “Echoing the sentiments from the signing of our landmark partnership agreement with Louvre Abu Dhabi last month, Etihad Airways is today honoured to play its part in the inauguration of this hugely important universal institution.

“Abu Dhabi can now proudly take its place among the world’s foremost cultural destinations, and we, as the UAE’s national airline, are poised to play our part in bringing millions of guests to our home to experience this modern wonder of art and humanity first-hand.”

The Etihad Airways Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 fleets feature multi award-winning interiors influenced by Abu Dhabi’s architecture and landscape. These include ceiling designs and light projections in the boarding zones, Lobby Lounge, First Class and The Residence cabins of the A380s, and stylised sconce lighting in the Business Studios of both aircraft types - all inspired by Louvre Abu Dhabi’s spectacular dome and its ‘Rain of Light’ effect, mimicking the way sunlight streams through the fronds of palm trees in a desert oasis.

Etihad Airways is the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s official airline partner, having signed the first exclusive platinum partnership in October.

As a Platinum partner, Etihad Airways will work closely with Louvre Abu Dhabi on areas of brand partnership, marketing, social media, public and media relations, events and exhibitions, cultural exchanges, cargo support, inflight programming, and travel trade support. Etihad Airways’ destination management company, Hala, will collaborate with the museum on bespoke tour packages in Abu Dhabi.

To coincide with the opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi, Etihad Holidays, the airline’s holiday division, is launching a set of all-inclusive destination packages which showcase the many varied attractions of Abu Dhabi and which feature the museum prominently.


COVER PHOTO: An Etihad Airways Airbus A380 conducts a low-level fly-by of the new Louvre Abu Dhabi

DOTr Statement on Ma. Isabel Lopez

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) supports the move of the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to recommend the suspension or cancellation of actress Maria Isabel Lopez’s driver’s license for deliberately removing the cones and entering into the ASEAN lane along EDSA.

The DOTr leadership, under Secretary Arthur Tugade, fervently believes that no one is above the law, and that all violators should be held accountable for their actions.

Government agencies concerned in traffic and transportation are one in implementing and enforcing rules and regulations concerning the use of roads and major thoroughfares, especially with the country hosting an international event, such as the ASEAN.

Ms. Lopez's actions, which she even posted on social media, does not only show a blatant disregard of traffic rules and regulations, but also puts at risk the Summit delegates and other persons who might replicate her actions.

Engelbert Humperdinck in Manila for 50th Anniversary Tour on Nov. 23, 28, 30

International music legend Engelbert Humperdinck will celebrate with Pinoy fans his 50th anniversary in the music industry with an array of classic love songs and romantic ballads when he returns for a live concert on November 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

The pre-Christmas presentation from Ovation Productions is part of a three-city concert series that also includes shows on November 23 at the LausGroup Event Centre in San Fernando Pampanga and November 30 at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan City, Laguna.

It is part of the Asian leg of “Engelbert Humperdinck 50th Anniversary Tour,” a global touring celebration of half century of the successful musical career of a singer considered as one of the hottest male pop idols of the ‘60s.
The milestone pays tribute to the outstanding achievements of the crooner dubbed as “King of Romance” and who has charmed millions worldwide with his rich repertoire that encompasses a broad range of genres.

It will take the audience to a memorable time of love and romance as it showcases the musical brilliance of Humperdinck, an ultra-smooth balladeer whose beautiful interpretation of lyrics and excellent vocal technique have earned him an enduring place in pop music.

Among the hit songs he has popularized in his sweet, powerful voice are “Release Me,” “Quando, Quando, Quando,” “The Way It Used To Be,” “The Last Waltz,” “After The Loving,” “Man Without Love,” “Spanish Eyes,” “Love Me With All Your Heart,” “Am I That Easy To Forget,” and many more.

Engelbert Humperdinck’s passion for music drew inspiration from a life lived with a love for music that started at an early age when, as Arnold George Dorsey in Leicester, England, he began studying music and playing the saxophone at the age of 11 and discovered his vocal talent for impersonation at 17.

With the outrageously memorable name of Engelbert Humperdinck (after the Austrian composer of the 19th century opera, “Hansel and Gretel”), and with his deep voice and thick sideburns, he burst into the music scene in the ‘60s along with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Tom Jones, and was catapulted almost instantly to the status of world icon.

His debut single “Release Me,” became an instant hit when it went into the Guinness Book of Records for staying 56 weeks in the charts and became No. 1 in 11 countries.

Humperdinck was subsequently hailed by The London Times as “the premier voice of the 20th century” for his inimitable three-and-a-half octave range and ultra-smooth onstage charisma that captivated fans of every generation in many parts of the world.

During the next four decades, he has generated record sales in excess of 150 million records, including 64 gold albums and 24 platinum albums, and won four Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Aside from touring the world before sold-out crowds in Great Britain, United States, Australia, Germany, Belgium, Canada and Southeast Asia, Humperdinck has performed for Queen Elizabeth II, several US presidents and many other heads of states.

In 2007, he marked four decades in the music industry with his critically-acclaimed 40th Anniversary Tour, a 100-city worldwide celebration that coincided with the release of “The Winding Road,” his album which featured “contemporary British classics” by such great musicians as John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Sting, Eric Clapton, Christine McVie and James Blunt.

Five years later, he represented the United Kingdom in the finals of the Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he set a record by being the oldest singer to participate in the competition at the age of 76.

His double-CD of duets, “Engelbert Calling,” was released in the United Kingdom by Conehead Records last March 17, 2017 and charted in the UK Top 40.

The album features the singer in the studio with musicians like Charles Aznavour, Elton John, Il Divo, Johnny Mathis, Lulu, Willie Nelson, Olivia Newton-John, Cliff Richard, Smokey Robinson, Kenny Rogers, Neil Sedaka, Ron Sexmith, Gene Simmons and Dionne Warwick

Together with Humperdinck’s other hit, “I Followed My Heart,” the “Engelbert Calling” album is now available to stream in Spotify and other major streaming platforms.

“Engelbert Humperdinck 50th Anniversary Tour” will bring back the 81-year-old singer to the Philippines for the fifth time in the past 12 years after completing its swing across major US cities in September following shows in the United Kingdom, other parts of Europe and Asia over the past few months

As he embarks on his sixth decade in music and show business, Humperdinck remains a formidable figure in pop music, a true icon of entertainment who radiates excellence in his honeyed, mellow voice and inspires people of the present age who exalt him as an extraordinary performer and a quintessential romantic balladeer.

(Engelbert Humperdinck 50th Anniversary Tour” is presented by Ovation Productions. Tickets for the Smart Araneta Coliseum concert available through www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 911-5555. Tickets for the Laus Group Event Centre in San Fernando Pampanga and Alonte Sports Arena in Binan Laguna tickets available through www.smtickets.com or at SM Customer Service).