DOE to Implement Stringent Oil Price Monitoring

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) is set to issue a policy for the stringent monitoring of the prices of petroleum products as part of its initiative to protect the interest of the consumers.

Targeted to be issued by the end of June this year, the new policy enables the unbundling of the base prices of petroleum products – gasoline, automotive and industrial diesel, kerosene, jet fuel, bunker fuel oil and household and automotive liquefied petroleum gas.

“Identification of the costing for the major components of these petroleum products that may affect the pump prices would provide a higher level of transparency for our consumers, particularly the motorists,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi explained.

In preparation for the issuance of the new policy, the DOE, through the Oil Industry Management Bureau, is currently conducting consultations with industry stakeholders.

Initial consultations with various companies were held last May 2 at DOE’s headquarters in BGC, Taguig City.

The DOE has scheduled the conduct of two more focused-group discussions within the month to finalize the new policy.

Under the new policy, the DOE will require the oil companies to provide a weekly notice of the price adjustments (decrease, increase or no adjustment) alongside with the computation of their products’ components based on the elements involved in the international price movement, the biofuels cost and the capital/operational cost recovery.

“The weekly oil pricing updates will also be announced publicly by the oil companies to guide the consumers in making informed decisions in the management of their fuel oil requirements,” Cusi added.

Likewise, the DOE policy will require the oil companies/bulk suppliers and retail outlets to submit baseline data every end of the year for the unbundling of their base price and to comply as well with the mandatory price display board.

The new policy is pursuant to DOE’s mandate under Republic Act No. 8479, or the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998, to monitor both international and domestic price movements of petroleum products.

Roll Out of Crucial Energy Projects to Move Faster Now - Cusi

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi announced today that important energy projects will now move faster following the issuance of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Executive Order No. 30 (IRR of EO30)

Signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in June last year, EO 30 created the Energy Investment Coordinating Council (EICC) to streamline the regulatory procedures affecting energy projects of national importance.

“With the IRR in place, the stakeholders can now expect the prompt delivery of basic energy services to our people with the realization of vital energy infrastructures, while providing additional economic investments for us to truly compete globally,” Cusi explained.

Cusi said the IRR marks the end of slow-moving energy projects that are impeding the economic development in the country because they are hampered to a large extent by the rigid regulatory processes.

The Department of Energy (DOE) issued the IRR on 25 April 2018 through Department Circular No. DC2018-04-0013 to put into operation EO 30.

It was published in newspapers of general circulation on May 4, 2018 and is taking effect immediately.

Under the IRR, the processing of permits and licenses shall be within a maximum period of 30 days for projects declared as Energy Projects of National Significance (EPNS).

The IRR outlines the scope of EPNS and the general framework for the processing of the EPNS applications.

The 30-day deadline starts from the submission of the complete documentary requirements to the relevant agencies involved in the permitting process.

It likewise highlights the application of the principle of presumption of prior approvals. This means that a holder of the “EPNS Certificate” is presumed to have already complied with the requirements and permits from other government permitting agencies.

The IRR is consistent with the mandate of the EICC to establish a simplified approval process and harmonize the relevant rules and regulations of all government agencies involved in obtaining permits and regulatory approvals to expedite the development and implementation not only of EPNS but  other energy projects as well.

Rome Trinidad Taps Filipino Legend’s Services in Second ONE Championship Outing

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Filipina warrior Rome “Rebel” Trinidad will walk to the ONE Championship cage on Saturday, May 12 with a mixed martial arts legend by her side.

Andrew Benibe, a household name in the established local mixed martial arts scene in the Philippines, will be part of the entourage of Trinidad as she is scheduled to square off with hometown hero Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol on the undercard of ONE: GRIT AND GLORY in Jakarta, Indonesia.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for a young and dedicated cage competitor like Trinidad when she yielded to Thai standout Rika Ishige in her promotional debut this past December.

Trinidad suffered a second-round submission loss to Ishige at ONE: WARRIORS OF THE WORLD in the Thai dynamo’s homebase of Bangkok, failing to ace her maiden assignment under the ONE Championship banner.

Although the thrilling atomweight bout against Ishige put fans at the state-of-the-art Impact Arena on the edge of their seats, Trinidad was left disappointed with the outcome of the match.

“I believe that I could have done better in that match, but I came up short. I just realized that there was something missing,” she admitted.

“It was my first time to fight internationally, and I lost. It gave me motivation to keep going, get better, and be more aggressive. Most of all, it taught me to be humble in all aspects of my life,” Trinidad added.

The submission defeat to Ishige forced Trinidad to reassess on how she handles her training camp when she prepares for an upcoming bout.

During her time of contemplation, Trinidad found a much-needed help in Benibe, a former Philippine bantamweight champion who currently works a mixed martial arts trainer at Maic’s Gym in Marikina City.

“Right now, I have a tremendous support system in my training, especially with the help of my coach Andrew Benibe. He knows how to bring out the best in me,” Trinidad said of Benibe.

Having 17 professional bouts under his belt, Benibe has been a staple of the Philippine mixed martial arts circuit since 2006 and has shared the stage with the industry’s notable figures such as Mark Eddiva, Jessie Rafols, Will Chope, Reysaldo Transmonte and Mark Striegl.

Moreover, Benibe made a one-off appearance inside the ONE Championship cage when he took on Team Lakay’s Honorio Banario at the organization’s first event on Philippine soil in August 2012.

Now sitting on the coach’s stool to oversee Trinidad’s training, Benibe claimed that his pupil is ready for anything as they have been working on all elements of the game in preparation of her cage encounter with Gaol.

“We have trained her for both stand-up and grappling in anticipation of anything,” he shared. “But whatever the condition, Rome Trinidad’s best bet is a stand-up game and finishing the match with striking.”

The partnership between Trinidad and Benibe will be tested for the very first time as the Filipina combatant returns to action on Saturday to face the hot-streaking Gaol at ONE: GRIT AND GLORY.

Gaol has won two-straight matches to kick off her 2018, defeating Malaysia’s Audreylaura Boniface via first-round stoppage last January before submitting Filipina newcomer Krisna Limbaga a month later.

The 21-year-old Marikina City resident seeks to make an astonishing statement in her second ONE Championship outing as she battles Gaol at ONE: GRIT AND GLORY.

“I want to win so bad. I have dreams and aspirations as a competitor. In order to turn those into a reality, I have to win first. This is the first step,” she stated.

With the desire to reinsert her name into the winner’s column, Trinidad is confident that her support system has geared her up splendidly for her three-round clash with Gaol on Saturday

“I have the best coach in my corner. I trained with the most talented athletes in the sport for this bout. With that said, I’m oozing with confidence coming into this match because I have my team behind me,” she concluded.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Foreign Teams, Organizers Impressed with Filipino Crowds, Hosting of FIVB World Tour Manila Open

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines proved to the world that it can host a magnitude of an event such as the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open.

   

Beach Volleyball Republic co-founder Charo Soriano was delighted that as first-time hosts, the country was able to hold a successful international beach volleyball tournament. 

   

"I'm very much humbled and very happy. It's was very fulfilling to see the number of people watching and the amount of support that we are getting for beach volleyball -- not only for the Philippine team but even for other athletes as well," said Soriano. 

   

Playing in front of a big appreciative crowd that packed Sands SM By The Bay, Japan’s Ayumi Kusano and Takemi Nishibori won their first World Tour women's gold medal following a quick 21-14, 21-18 conquest of Spain’s Maria Belen Carro and Paula Soria in the final.

   

Germany’s Max-Jonas Karpa and Milan Sievers also snatched their first-ever FIVB World Tour men's gold, beating Russia's Petr Bakhnar and Taras Myskiv in come-from-behind fashion, 15-21, 23-21, 15-9.

   

Filipino fans were treated to and spoiled with world-class beach volleyball action in the four-day, one-star tournament.    

   

"Hopefully this is the start. This can be the catalyst for what we really want, which is beach volleyball to be here in the Philippines. And it’s a sport for the masses talaga. A sport that people can enjoy and that everybody can learn to love as well," Soriano said.

   

Among the four Filipina pairs that competed, Sisi Rondina and Dzi Gervacio advanced the most, making it to the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, reigning BVR national champions Karen Quilario and Lot Catubag secured a round-of-12 spot and were just a point away from advancing to the top eight. Both feats, Soriano considered to be a breakthrough for the sport in the country. 

   

The Filipinas defied tremendous odds - especially with Rondina and Gervacio beating much taller and experienced pairs from the United States and Canada, and Quilario and Catubag, who pushed reigning Asian U19 champions Thailand to three extended sets before losing in a valiant effort.

   

"It's a very momentous event, this one," said Soriano, who herself competed along with Bea Tan. "First, because a lot of the Philippine teams really didn't have programs prior to this event. We have BVR, we have regional tours, we have national championships. But in terms of having a proper national training pool program, it's still non-existent. But despite that, we were able to garner wins in the first-ever FIVB tournament that we are entering as national team. 

   

"Napakasaya po kasi we are very proud of the rest of the Philippine delegation. Even though our men's teams didn't really win, you can really see that they were competent. They were competitive." 

   

The FIVB World Tour is a good gauge for those vying for slots in future beach volleyball tournaments like next year's Southeast Asian Games that the Philippines is hosting. 

   

Soriano thanked Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. acting president Peter Cayco and secretary-general Ricky Palou for their support and overseeing the event. The event is supported by Dataland, Dataland Residentials, The Olive Place, Rebisco, Creamline, Globe, Maynilad, Gatorade, Tryp and Hotel 101.

   

"We just need the proper support and of course, continous programs in time for SEA Games next year. That's really the goal and that's why we wanted to push for an international tournament as well in preparation for next year's SEA Games," said Soriano. 

   

With the way the Manila Open has turned out, another one-star tournament in the coming years is not far fetched.

   

"For sure, it won't be the last," said Soriano. "Being the first-time hosts and speaking as an organizer, we had setbacks as well, we had problems, but nothing that teamwork cannot fix."

The event is promoted by E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd and organized by Beach Volleyball Republic Inc.

Moms on Fleek: Celebrating Fabulous Mothers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Make your mom feel good, attractive, and stylish this Mother’s Day! Join Araneta Center’s “Moms on Fleek” and give your fabulous mother a pampering treat she truly deserves on her special day. Every P600 single purchase receipt at any Araneta Center establishment on May 13 entitles mommies to avail the following services for free:

Skin analysis by Diana Stalder, eyebrow shaping and grooming by J.Cat Beauty, eyebrow threading by Nails.Glow, and make-up tutorial by Natural Looks at the Gateway Mall; express diamond peel by Vanity First, eyebrow shaping and grooming by Detail Makeover, and make-up tutorial by blogger mom Mhaan Arambulo-Delos Santos at the Farmers Plaza; free express diamond peel by Nisce skin and make-up tutorial also by Mommy Mhaan at Ali Mall.

Participating moms will also receive gift packs containing beauty and skin care products from Natural Looks, Detail Makeover, Diana Stalder, and Dove.

Taking part in the Mother’s Day celebration, the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (the CSR arm of the Araneta Group) is giving five lucky moms from Gawad Kalinga Tanay a makeover with free hair styling by Tony & Jackey and facial service by Vanity First. Each mom will also be treated to a dinner with one kid at Four Seasons Buffet and Hotpot in Manhattan Parkview.

Celebrate Mother’s Day 2018 at the Araneta Center and help your mom stay fabulous and on fleek!

For more information, visit Araneta Center’s official website www.aranetacenter.net and follow @AranetaCenter on Facebook and Twitter and @TheAranetaCenter on Instagram.

Japan Defeats Spain, Wins Gold in Women’s Division of FIVB World Tour Manila Open

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Japan's Ayumi Kusano and Takemi Nishibori put up a dominant performance over Spain's Paula Soria and Maria Belen Carro, 21-14, 21-18, to claim the gold medal in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open yesterday at the Sands SM By The Bay. 

     

After the Spaniards saved three match points, Nishibori delivered the championship kill from a sublime Kusano and completed a perfect 6-0 campaign in the tournament organized by the Beach Volleyball Republic.

     

"So happy. Perfect," Kusano said. 

     

Japan overcame Spain's height advantage with its speed and superb sand court coverage to claim the $1,000 top prize.

     

"We used our brains," said Kusano, who also won the Spike for Peace invitational championship at the Philsports Arena three years ago     

     

Paraguay's Erika Bobadilla and Michelle Amarilla meanwhile got a big bounce back after missing the semis in Langkawi last week, winning the bronze at the expense of the other Japanese team made up of Tanaka Shinako and Fujii Sakurako, 21-17, 21-16.

     

It was Paraguay's first-ever medal in the FIVB World Tour, and Bobadilla and Amarilla will head back to South America with a lot of great Manila memories.

     

"Well, we finished fifth (in Langkawi) so this was a lot better because we made it to the semifinals. Playing the last game I think is one of the best things for every player. You are so prepared mentally coming to a tournament. Playing in three days, four days or five days," said Bobadilla. 

     

The top-ranked duo, Bobadilla and Amarilla simply enjoyed playing in front of an appreciative Filipino audience and were simply awed by the high-level of international beach volleyball attendance.

     

"We loved Manila. We were so easily adjusted here. Having people being supportive for us is really, really great for us," Bobadilla added.

     

Earlier, Kusano and Nishibori defeated Shinako and Sakurako in an all-Japan women's semifinal, 21-13, 21-16, while Soria and Carro fashioned out a 21-16, 21-15 victory over Bobadilla and Amarilla in the other pairing.     

     

In the men’s division, Russia's Peter Bakhnar and high-serving Taras Myskiv arranged a gold medal showdown with Germany's Max-Jonas Karpa and Milan Sievers, posting contrasting wins in the semifinals.

     

Bakhnar and Myskiv, who came all away from last Thursday's qualifiers, outlasted brothers Alejandro and Javier Huerta of Spain, 21-18, 17-21, 20-18, while Karpa and Sievers swept Switzerland's Michiel Zandbergen and Gabriel Kisling, 21-17, 21-16.  

     

The Philippines' debut in the one-star tournament saw Sisi Rondina and Dzi Gervacio making it to the quarterfinals, and reigning BVR national champions Karen Quilario and Lot Catubag in the round. Other Filipina bets were DM Demontaño and Jackie Estoquia, and Charo Soriano and Bea Tan.

The event is promoted by E-Plus Global Sdn Bhd and organized by Beach Volleyball Republic Inc.

Cusi Assures Ample Energy Supply for May 14 Polls

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"We have enough energy supply for the synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on 14 May."

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi gave this assurance as the Department of Energy (DOE) on Friday (4 May 2018) convened the Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER) to discuss plans to deal with the possible contingencies during the local elections.

Members of the TFER include the DOE, National Electrification Administration, National Power Corporation, National Transmission Corporation, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Philippine National Oil Company and Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation. 

The TFER also invited to  the meeting the national security group which included the National Security Council, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Coast Guard.

DOE Undersecretary Jesus Cristino P. Posadas emphasized that “adequate and uninterrupted supply of energy is a very crucial function of the government during the election period.”

“As this is a national concern, the DOE, together with the members of the Task Force on Energy Resiliency, fully supports the Duterte Administration in achieving its goal to hold free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections,” Posadas said.

Posadas added that close coordination among concerned government agencies is needed to implement the measures to minimize, if not prevent, any disruptions when Filipinos cast their votes on 14 May.

The DOE will issue a Department Circular that will create an Energy Task Force composed of the energy family, stakeholders and the security group to ensure adequate and reliable energy supply for the polls.

On Monday, May 7, the Energy Team will also attend the Commission on Elections’ command conference with various national government agencies in preparation for the political exercise.

Home 168 Manila Offers Business Opportunities

Wazzup Pilipinas!

You probably encounter at least one of your friends complaining about traffic and high transportation fare on a regular basis.  Thus, Home 168 Manila Management sought to provide a profitable solution to Manila’s most prevalent traffic and transportation problems. 

Home 168 Manila has become an affordable home near the school or workplace for young dreamers. At Remedios Circle – the heart of Malate, it has established a safe and chill tenant community composed of 520 beds pacers. 

According to Home 168 Manila Management, they try as much as possible to provide as much service while offering an affordable price so those on the entry-level of their career can save, level up and go further towards their dreams. 

Home 168 Manila is a spacious 1,332 sqm. dormitory compound with RFID-equipped gate entry.   The monthly rate is guaranteed all-inclusive with water, electricity, Wi-Fi, hot and cold distilling station, private locker, cable TVs, monthly cleaning and pest-control. 


Business and Partnership Opportunity
Home 168 Manila wants to share the stable profitable opportunity to young entrepreneurs who have minimal capital by being the first to offer its business for lease or sale.  Through lease, investors will only need a capital outlay of at least 104,000 pesos.  And, if you buy your own business unit, you only shell out 1,000,000 pesos.  Given the minimal capital, labor required and with an already established market, this is an excellent entry-point for those who want to have their own business. 

Corporate Tie-Ups
Home 168 Manila also extends their housing facilities to corporations with more generous and flexible terms and conditions. Housing arrangements are designed to help partners companies secure employees on a long-term basis so companies can save on recruitment costs.  Aside from just housing, it also offers marketing support.  It currently has partnerships with manpower agency and BPOs and are looking to expand more.         
         
For more information about Home 168 Manila located at 1929 J. Bocobo St. Malate Manila (between San Andres Sports Complex and Remedios Circle Police Station), you can like and follow them on facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/manilahome168. 
Home 168 Manila is also open for viewing 24/7 so check them out!     

PLDT Home Smart Page: Smart Life Anywhere

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Whether you are a student, employee or a business executive, you need a journal to organize and keep track of your daily lives.  Everyone is used to jot and scribble down notes with pen and paper.  But, what if we could add a digital page that could transform your life into a Smart Life?  With Auratech’s PLDT Home Smart Page, you can boost your life with its added functionalities.

Smart Planner - Input, edit and monitor your schedule with the system planner.  We all live in a busy life with so many agendas, it could be:

1. home-related such as doing chores, cleaning and repair schedules, meal planning and budgeting

2. work-related such as project planning, goals, schedule, time management and deadlines

3. personal-related such as friend outings and trip

Whatever activities we have planned, we can easily sort and manage them all with Smart Planner. 

Smart Home Controller – The Smart Home Controller app’s 3D IR remote control works with any device already in your home.  Control your TV, Cable Box, Home Theater, Radio, DVD Player, Projector, Aircon and more with Smart Page.

Smart Connect Home – Connect through 4G, PSTN or VOIP

Smart Entertainment – Play games with its quad-core 1.3 Ghz processor

Smart Capture – Take photos of your lectures right in front of you with ease with its 8 MP rear camera or join group video conversations with its 2 MP front camera

Smart Presentation  - Presentation your ideas in a smart way.  Digitize and animate your brochures, poster, PowerPoint and more for greater audience impact. 

Smart Home Care- Live a healthy lifestyle through Smart Page’s Home Care app.  Watch your body weight, body fat rate, bone mass, muscle mass, BMI, BMR, Visceral fat and body temperature with Home Care.

So let’s all live a Smart Life with Auratech’s Smart Page now.  Exclusive for PLDT Subcribers, only P 599/Monthly plan with broadband speedup (1Mbps boost up on your existing plan) + 1 year free Netflix. #SmartPage4SmartLife

Fotogo Pocket Photo Printer: Photo Share Everywhere

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We live in a social world where everything is shared and celebrated with others. Whether it’s on social media or on a more personal level, we post and we share.  If possible, we want to keep a photo of each and every moment.  With Auratech’s Fotogo Pocket Photo Printer, we can do that easily and conveniently!

Fotogo lets you photo share everywhere!  With its pocketable size, use-friendly app, instant printing and water-proof coating, you can capture, print and share everywhere you go.

Technical Details:
Printer dimensions: 3.0” W x 5.2” L x 1” D (78.2 x 132.4 x 25.4 mm)
Print size: 2.1” x 3.4” sticker photos – water-proof and finger-print proof
Printing time: less than 1 minute

To use:
Load cartridge
Turn on Fotogo
Connect to your Iphone or Android Phone via Bluetooth
Open Fotogo App
Edit and add some captions and emojis if you like
Watch the printing process – First white, Second Red, Third Yellow then Water-proof coating!
Share, stick and enjoy


Fotogo will be available in leading distribution stores Nationwide.

#Fotogo #FotoShareAnywhere