DOE Interactive Expo Gives Consumers the E-Power Mo Experience

Wazzup Pilipinas!

LET THE ENERGY FUN BEGIN: Officials from the DOE and PIA-NCR formally open the Interactive Energy Expo 2018 to the public. (L-R) In photo are PIA-NCR Officer-in-Charge Emver P. Cortez, PIA Staff Director Emelyn Q. Libunao, DOE Asec. Robert B. Uy, DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Jesus T. Tamang, and DOE Energy Efficiency and Conservation Division Chief Artemio P. Habitan. 

The Department of Energy (DOE) in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency - National Capital Region (PIA-NCR) launched the Interactive Energy Expo 2018 earlier today at the Activity Center of SM City Fairview. This two-day event (6-7 July 2018) is part of the DOE's E-Power Mo campaign, which seeks to empower consumers with the knowledge to adapt an energy smarter lifestyle and actively contribute to securing the country's energy future. 

"We are earnest in encouraging consumers to join the E-Power Mo movement. When done individually, each wise energy choice made may seem like a tiny drop in a pond. However, when considered collectively, each contribution creates ripples that redound to the benefit of our country's energy security," said Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi.

Central to the expo is the use of an interactive approach to engage visitors of all ages, allowing them to participate in activities that impart lessons on intelligent energy utilization and management.

Activities include the "Wall Alive", which features a life size touch screen display where visitors are able to select smart energy consumption habits and discover the corresponding monthly electricity bill savings. 

After being inspired by this knowledge, guests are given the opportunity to pledge their commitment to use energy responsibly through the "Sketch to Life.” Pledge drawings and statements made on paper are instantly brought to life as part of a projected wall display. 

DOE Assistant Secretary Robert B. Uy, DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Jesus T. Tamang, PIA-NCR Officer-in-Charge Emver P. Cortez, and PIA Staff Director Emelyn Q. Libunao led the ribbon cutting ceremony with other members of the E-Power Mo family from the DOE and PIA-NCR. 

The E-Power Mo movement uses four principles to capture President Rodrigo R. Duterte's energy roadmap:

E-POWER MO - to develop and utilize energy resources available to Filipinos for wealth creation and global competition. 

E-SAFETY - to undertake safety and savings measures through energy efficiency. 

E-SECURE - to secure the delivery of quality, reliable and affordable energy services. 

E-DISKARTE - to empower consumers through a wide range of options in utilizing conventional, renewable and alternative energy sources. 

The next Interactive Energy Expo will be conducted in August in one of the university belt campuses.

E-POWER MO LIFESTYLE: DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Jesus T. Tamang gives an overview of the interesting experiences awaiting the public at the Interactive Energy Expo 2018 being held today and tomorrow at the SM City Fairview Activity Center. The exhibit is part of the DOE's E-Power Mo Movement, which educates consumers on efficient energy consumption choices. 

PHANTOM MENACE: DOE Asec. Robert B. Uy tries the Phantom Buster Load Game. This activity teaches players how to avoid the "phantom load", or the unnecessary consumption of power resulting from appliances that are left unplugged when not being used. 

7 Best Drinks That You Need for Weight Loss

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Living in a society where everyone is brand conscious and care about their reputation, it is essential to have a healthy lifestyle. You have to look perfectly well while going out in the company of your friends. And that’s only possible if you take care of your body and diet. Having a slim and fit body doesn’t only make you look beautiful but also boosts your confidence. Now to get a perfect physique we think dieting and starving are some of the best ways. Actually they are not, as it will make your immune system weak and you won’t get proper nutrition. To lose weight all you need is some homemade natural drink instead of heavy workout or exercise. Just to start, get some coffee beans and a coffee maker. You can see some of the best coffee maker reviews to buy the finest coffee maker.

Here are some best drinks that are known for weight loss.

Green Tea:

Green tea is a standard beverage in our daily life. With time, it is gaining more and more popularity because of its potential for weight loss. The flavonoids caffeine present in green tea is useful for fat oxidation. Also, it helps in boosting metabolic rate and insulin activity.

Moreover, there are various other procedures for loosing weight such as weight loss surgery. But, such surgeries are usually recommended when your weight leads to serious health related issues. There are different types of weight loss surgeries such as Private Gastric Band Surgery, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass Surgery.

Ingredients:

1 cup water
Tea leaves or powder

Boil the water and then add leaves in it. You can prepare it the way you like.

Raw Honey and Cinnamon mix:

The raw honey and cinnamon are the natural ingredients that are good for health and skin as well. The antioxidants present in cinnamon helps in cleansing the blood and weight loss. Having this drink in the morning helps in improving your digestive system and increasing metabolism. It results in weight loss without affecting your diet.

Ingredients:

1 cup warm water
1 Tsp Honey
2 Tsp Cinnamon

Mix honey and cinnamon in water until it is mixed perfectly. Remember not to put the honey when water is hot; as it inactivates all the healthy enzymes of honey. This drink also aids in increasing our energy level.

Black Coffee:

Black coffee is the best drink to lose weight. People often think that coffee increases your weight and makes you fat. But the case in rather opposite, it is the sweeteners, milk, and cream in the coffee that makes you fat. Coffee is a calorie-free beverage. The caffeine present in coffee contains antioxidants that increase body temperature hence increasing the metabolism. Also, it provides you extra energy that keeps you fresh for a longer time. Check out the best coffee maker reviews to buy yourself a coffee maker. Once you have it, start having a cup of black coffee every morning and you will see incredible results yourself.

Lime and Raspberry Juice:

Lime is enriched with vitamin C and antioxidants that are good for fat loss. In addition to detoxification, it boosts your digestive system and makes your liver healthier to increase secretion of bile and acids. On the other hand, the raspberry contains ketones that are responsible for cutting calories. Also, they are very healthy for skin growth. Blend all the ingredients in a blender and enjoy your healthy drink.

Ingredients:

1 Lime (juice)
½ Cup Water
Chopped Raspberries

Ginger and Lemon Water:

Lemon contains a right amount of ascorbic acid that is antioxidant and essential for digestion. Lemon also produces white-blood cells that enhance the immune system, hence resulting in weight loss. Also, pectin fiber present in lime keeps your stomach full for a longer time. Therefore you won’t feel hungry. Ginger is widely used as folk medicine. It works as an appetite suppressant and helps in losing fats.

Ingredients:

Fresh Water
Grated Ginger
Lemon Juice
Mix them in a jug and drink one glass daily.

Cucumber and Grapefruit Drink:

Cucumber is known as antidiuretic that is essential for detoxifying liver and removing the toxins and calories out of it. Also, it keeps the body hydrated. Grape fruit is enriched with Vitamin C which increases the metabolic rate and works as an immune booster.

Ingredients:

½ Sliced Cucumber
1 Slice Lemon
1 Medium Sized Grapefruit
Mint Leaves
1 Cup water

Add all the ingredients in a blender and blend until they are mixed thoroughly.

Fat burning Detox Water:

Fat burning detox water is an ideal drink you need to lose weight. All you have to do is just add a sliced apple and cinnamon powder in a jug of water. Whenever you feel thirsty, have a glass of it. Apple will serve as an appetite suppressant, and cinnamon helps in increasing metabolic rate.

Wazzup Pilipinas Goes to Singapore

Wazzup Pilipinas!

For a small nation, they say Singapore specializes in defying expectations.

Well, I will be going there soon, from July 16 to 20, to personally see for myself if it is true.

Home to the world’s best airport, some of Asia’s most stunning architecture and a delicious food scene that borrows from its neighbors’ top culinary traditions, Singapore offers a complete travel experience disproportionate to its size.

Where to go and what to try first, then what to do next, and next?

My daunting task right now is to plot my itinerary, as I try to squeeze in the tour of the country, while I attend the second edition of Speciality & Fine Food Asia and Restaurant Pub & Bar Asia from July 17 to 19 that will be held at Suntec Singapore Convention Center.

I am obviously excited for the experience. This means your Pambansang Blogger of Wazzup Pilipinas will now officially do another iconic shout-out soon - Wazzup Singapore!!!!

I would like to thank ZNTR Travel and Tours for arranging my flight and accommodation for the 5 days and 4 nights stay.

Just a few days to go before the trip so I would appreciate a step-by-step guide to go from one tourist spot to another, what rides to takes, estimated fare cost, what day and time to go there, and other valuable tips to make it more convenient and less costly for me as I will do a DIY tour.

My accommodation will be at Jalan Besar, but I would sometimes be coming from Raffles Boulevard where Suntec is located.

Grateful for the trust and opportunity. This will definitely be one of my best travel experience, so I will make sure I share as many stories as possible.

See you soon, Singapore!

#WazzupPilipinas #PambansangBlogger #Singapore #Travel #Tour #Tourism #ZNTRTravelAndTours

Coco Martin Endorses King Cup Sardines by Permex

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ang Probinsyano lead actor Coco Martin once again supports King Cup A1 Sardines of Permex Producer and Exporter Corporation as they launch their new brand label designs at an event at Luxent Hotel in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

The Hari ng Primetime endorses another king in taste "Hari ng Sarap" when it comrs to sardines. Based in Zamboanga, the biggest and highly efficient tuna and sardine-making city in the country, Permex is headed by born-and-raised from Davao  Jimmy Yap, with his sons Engineer Jaydrick (Vice President of Sales and Marketing) and Eilugene Yap (Chief Finance Officer). The company has grown and expanded throughout its more than 30 years in operation, but just like other companies, they started small but are now big enough to even enter other Asian countries and also Europe. It is the only Philippine fish cannery to attain a 'Double Triple A' rating by thecDepartment of Fisheries and Oceans of Canada in. 1991, and the first fish cannery to receive the Golden Shell Awards for Excellence in Exports, also in 1991.

A certified Filipino staple and one of the most versatile and sustainable canned products of all time, sardines is not just a meal for the broke. Full of nutrients like iron, calcium, B Vitamins, and heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids, the skin and bones are completely edible too!

Coco Martin is a great choice for Ambassador as the actor enjoys popularity because of his primetime teleserye. He is also a Permex product patron so the partnership was meant to be. Coco has mass appeal that probably any product or service, or person, he endorses would end up patronized by fellow Filipins.

In partnership with Luxent Hotel Executive Chef Kim Dalisay, here are some of the recipes you can create with King Cup Sardines that are totally a luxurious treat anytime of the day.

Pasta Aglio Olio with Sautéed King Cup Sardines

Filling and comforting, this is the ultimate representation of a quick and easy weeknight pasta dish. Additionally, it packs a ton of flavors without the calorie-laden ingredients!

Ingredients: 

2 cans    King Cup Sardines with Chili, drained
4kg        Angel hair
500 ml   Pure olive oil
500g      Garlic
10g        Garlic powder
4g          Pepper
250g      Parmesan cheese
250 g     Parsley

Procedure: 

1. Boil water with salt in a pot. Add angel hair pasta and boil it for 10 minutes until al dente.
2. In a pan, add pure olive oil, then sauté garlic, and King Cup Sardines on medium heat.
3. Add the pasta and toss well, then sprinkle with salt, ground pepper, garlic powder, and chili flakes.
4. Garnish with parsley and serve.


Sicilian King Cup Pizza

Punched up with cheese and herbs, this recipe is also perfect on toast. Deliciously affordable and a healthier alternative when you don’t feel like ordering pizza from a fast food, you can also serve this baked dish with a simple salad to complete this comforting meal.

Ingredients: 

2 cans   King Cup Sardines in Tomato Sauce
500g Pizza crust
350g Mozzarella cheese
120g Parmesan cheese
200ml Tomato sauce
20g Dried oregano
200g Onion rings

Procedure: 

Top the pizza crust with tomato sauce (make sure to leave about an inch of bare dough around the edges of the crust), mozzarella cheese, parmesan, dried oregano, onion rings, and sardines.
Bake until the cheese and crust begin to brown, about 20 min.
Let cool for 5 min.
Slice into square and serve.

Herbed Butter Crostini with King Cup Sardines Pâté

Impress family and friends with a creamy pâté that’s surprisingly inexpensive and simple to make. But instead of liver, this recipe is made of King Cup Sardines that provides a rich and mellow flavor. Great on toasts and salads too, so it makes the perfect accompaniment when entertaining at home.

Ingredients: 

1 can    King Cup Sardines, drained
2g French bread
7g Butter
3g Garlic
1g Parsley
.05g Lemon zest
1.5g Butter (for pâté)
1 tsp Fresh thyme


Procedure: 

Pre-heat oven to 425 °F.
Melt the butter on a heavy skillet over medium heat.
Add the sardines and stir until they dissolve, around 3 minutes.
Stir in the herbs, garlic, and lemon zest.
Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet.
Brush the top of the bread slices on a baking sheet.
Bake until the bread is golden and toasty, around 7-10 minutes.

King Cup has two variants: King Cup Sardines in tomato sauce and King Cup Sardines in tomato sauce with chili added are available at all leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide.

For more information, visit www.permex.com.ph and follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KingCupA1Sardines/. Contact the Sales and Marketing at (02) 3666054 located at 232 Baesa Industrial Terminal Quirino Highway Q.C.

Tokyo Travel Itinerary 3 Days

Wazzup Pilipinas!
If one wants to learn, live, make memories and experience different cultures, then traveling is the answer. Travelling is one pack of all these things leaving you with memories for a lifetime. Traveling to a distant new place can not only rejuvenate a person physically but also mentally. Travelling can heal your mind, soul, and heart. And makes you more creative in your respective field.

Traveling to a far away, outrageous, isolated place can teach to better ways of living life. Tokyo is a lovely place to travel. It is capital of Japan and one of world's most famous conurbation. It consists of various cities, towns, and villages to travel. Today Tokyo has inexhaustible options for shopping, culture, entertainment, and food to explore. Tokyo has a pleasant weather for most of the year.

Overview of the unique culture of Tokyo

The culture of Tokyo raised from ethnic Jomon culture. Now with the mixture of Chinese, Korean, Greek, Indian, European and American, Japan derives its own special distinctive culture. Tokyo's beautiful culture consists of many activities and art forms. Ikebana is a flower arranging activity stands out a Japanese art representing "living flowers".

Also, origami which is paper folding activity. Then crafts like doll making and pottery. Kabuki is a Tokyo's tradition drama and dance performance in complicated costumes. Bunraku is a puppet theatre you can enjoy in Tokyo. Kamishibai is also a beautifully executed storytelling affair with animations, sounds, and music. Tokyo also has cultural games such as Onsen where local people use hot springs as public bathing tubs. Also, don't miss Tokyo's tea festival.

Talking about festivals Tokyo celebrated so many religious festivals and rituals. Starting from the year, Tokyo has its calendar filled with many cultural festivals. April is the best month to visit Tokyo to have experience of their cherry blossom affair. To be accepted by the people of Tokyo it is important for a visitor to know about their culture in advance.

Adventurous affairs in Tokyo
Tokyo has a lot of versatility in adventurous activities. There are any adventurous activities worth a try in Tokyo. Such activities are bicycling, skiing, tennis, golf, and hiking. Tennis is really famous among youngsters of Tokyo. Tokyo has a large number of tennis courts about hundred in Roppongi only. Tokyo has bike side path along all the rivers in the city and bicycles are usually found on them.

If you are one of those who loves swimming and surfing then there are many beaches around Tokyo. And other aquatic activities can be done at Sumida River. Skiing can also be done around Tokyo. During warm weathers rides on a cruise can also be enjoyed in Sumida River and Tokyo Bay. Cruise ride passes through beautiful bridges which gives romantic vibes due to lights in the night. Also, during March-April when cherry blossom is happening the sight is must watch.

Other things like Disneyland tour, Mount Fuji, relaxing in sento should also be considered. This is for sure that a visitor in Tokyo can never be bored because there is a lot to be experienced.


Cuisine not to miss

While traveling to a new place cuisine is one thing you can't miss. Especially a place like Tokyo which serves so many options of authentic Japanese food. You can have them anywhere either street food or at some fine-dine fancy restaurant. Foods like Sushi, Ramen, Tempura, Sashimi, Sukiyaki, Suba, Udon, Miso soup all add up to the traditional food of Tokyo. Some Tokyo specialties have come international famous and favorites.

Tokyo is a hub of many international communities and these specialties reflect in their food. Shin Okubo-Korean Town, Kagurazaka- France Town, Ikebukuro- China Town all as these names suggest a variety of food from different regions Tokyo serves.

Tokyo for Shopaholics! 

If you are Shopaholic then you are going to love Tokyo. This is because Tokyo has so many varieties to shop from. From high-end fashion to quirky styling, vintage wares and so many to shop in Tokyo. Ginza is the place you must visit. It has fancy boutiques, malls, departmental stores. You can find cultural crafts also here. Asakusa is a place with small, crowdy lanes but will surprise you with a wide variety of home décor stuff. 

This place also offers a wide variety of famous Japanese culinary with small shops. If you are looking for a watch to shop in Tokyo then The Watch Company has so many elegant and classy watches to shop from. For more to explore you can check Kuramae, Kōenji and Kichijōji, Shibuya, Akihabara and many other places. 

But keep in mind that there are many places in Tokyo which offer tax-free shopping over some particular decided price so carry your passport for proof. Also, while shopping in small lanes do carry cash instead of credit card. Unlike other Asian countries, you can't bargain in Tokyo. Tokyo is a place which will give you memories and experiences forever and worth your time and money.

7 Mistakes To Avoid Making If You Are A First-Time Visitor On Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Philippines is a relatively easy destination to visit and enjoy, even by South East Asian Standards. Most of the people there speak English and it is a beautiful country full of happy people with a relaxing vibe.
However, there are some mistakes that are easy to make, especially for someone who has never visited Philippines before. Fickle weather and a large number of islands can mess up any plans in a second. This is why more than knowing what to do, it's also good to know what not to do if you are first time visitor on Philippines.

1. Planning too much
This can apply to any destination but Philippines especially. As stated already, the weather is fickle and you can't really know for sure at what time you'll be able to see what. Vesta Trantham, a Travel Blogger at UK Writings explains: “Boats and busses don't have a steady schedule that you are used to, and they can change their direction pretty quickly. Maybe the hotel will not be to your taste or the beach will not suit you – the point is, don't make stead-fast plans. Leave plenty of room to go somewhere else if your arrangements fail”.

2. Not bringing any cash
Philippines may be one of the most popular tourist location, but it certainly doesn't accommodate to all of their needs. Payment options being one of those needs. You'll likely be unable to find a working ATM even on some of the most popular islands and cities. That's why you need to come prepared and bring enough money in cash to last you until you are sure that what you see is a fully functioning ATM.

3. Not studying the weather
Before deciding to go on this trip, take a good look at what the weather might be like in that particular month and what some predictions are. “Otherwise you'll just end up disappointed that it's always raining and you haven't seen any of the beautiful beaches that you've dreamed of. Some parts of the country are dry while it's raining in Manila so, chose your destinations accordingly. Typhoons are not so easy to deal with, but keep checking on relevant websites”, - comments Alexandra Phaneuf, a Travel advisor at Essay Roo.

4. Not acting like a local
The best way to see this wonderful location is by becoming one of the locals. Eat the food that they eat and do the things they do. Ride on their busses and boats, walk on the same streets and immerse yourself in their culture.

5. Not going to a hotel because you think private accommodation is cheaper
Getting a AirBnB apartment may seem like a good idea but you'll just spend more money than you need to. That apartment is probably more expensive than any decent, mid-range hotel in Manila or Cebu. For a lot less money, you can get a good service, a concierge and a quality accommodation while at AirBnB you would spend a lot of money and end up with no guidance or help which is a bad way to start your trip  in a big city like Manila.

6. Getting annoyed just because you spent some extra money
Philippines is probably a lot less expensive than most of European and American destinations. So, when it happens that you have to pay a few extra pesos for something, it's not a good idea to make a big fuss out of it. “You probably spend a lot more where you live and you don't pay much attention to it. This can only run your vacation and confuse the locals It's common knowledge that people in Asia don't like to raise their voice or being yelled at”, - says Martin Davis, a Travel writer at Boom Essays and Stateofwriting

7. Not joining tours
With so many beautiful places to visit and all the islands that you can see, it could be a terrible mistake not to take tours. Those guides can take you to some of the most amazing places on earth and you wouldn't be able to find them on your own.

Takeaway
There are many mistakes that a first-time visitor in Philippines can make. Most of them are easy to fix but the biggest one would be not enjoying your time there. Have fun and embrace the peaceful vibes of these wonderful islands.



Written by:

Freddie Tubbs is a travel writer and editor at Paper Fellows. He also works as a blog content writer at Academized and contributes expert posts to Australian help blogs.

Bell Films Launches Big Comeback Movie Kontradiksyon

Wazzup Pilipinas!

BELL FILMS, the film production arm of Universal Records Philippines, has relaunched its operations, featuring their big comeback film “KONTRADIKSYON,” during THE NEXT ATTRACTION concert held on June 30, 2018 (Saturday) at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

After over 23 years, Bell Films is proud to make its comeback into the realm of film production as it strives to enter the digital age of quality and relevant Filipino films. Bell Films was one of the early independent film production outfits that brought international quality films to the Filipino audience way back in the 1960s. The company has also produced films such as Twin Fists for Justice (1974) starring Ms. Vilma Santos and Hong Kong Martial Arts Superstar/Actor Meng Fei, and two movies featuring the Universal Motion Dancers: Sige… Ihataw Mo! (1994) with Claudine Barretto and Wowie De Guzman, and its sequel Ibigay Mo Ng Todong-todo (1995).

The Next Attraction concert aimed to showcase world-class Filipino musical talent, while exploring the different worlds and genres that can be featured on film. Big name OPM Icons and artists such as Freddie Aguilar, Vina Morales, Christian Bautista, Gloc-9, Julie Anne San Jose, and Shanti Dope performed at the event.

The event also served as the media presentation for Bell Films’ 2018 debut production, Kontradiksyon starring Jake Cuenca, Kris Bernal, John Estrada, Paolo Paraiso, and Elizabeth Oropesa, among many other stars featured on the film. The action film, which is directed by multi-Palanca award-winning Writer Njel De Mesa, is set to be an intense ground-breaking, in-depth, critical, and edge-of-your-seat look on the Philippines' current drug war. which will have the audiences see the various aspects and opposing views of the big issues in the country. The film is expected to premiere later this year.

Follow Bell Films on social media: Bell Films (facebook.com/bellfilmsph) on Facebook, YouTube, and @bellfilmsph on Twitter and Instagram.

TraXion To Bring Financial Inclusion to 89 Million Unbanked Filipinos

Wazzup Pilipinas!

TraXion, a fully-featured financial services platform for the unbanked and underbanked, is enabling full financial inclusion for everybody in the Philippines. To create a ready-to-go solution, it blends a very new technology—blockchain—with decades-old technologies like text messages and leverages a broad network of existing brick-and-mortar shops.

Eight out of 10 families in the Philippines are unbanked or underbanked. This means they have never had access to financial services that the middle class takes for granted. Being stuck in a cash-only economy limits people's financial options, putting their financial security at risk, and stifling their economic potential.

TraXion is offering full-featured savings accounts that enable payments, low-cost remittances, peer-to-peer loans, savings accounts, a full range of insurance options, investment consultancy and a philanthropic crowdsourcing platform.

A Pragmatic Approach

To accomplish this feat, TraXion is using existing infrastructure: mobile phones and convenience stores. TraXion has developed a mobile e-wallet that works on even the most affordable feature phone through the proven power of SMS. They're also rolling out e-wallets to the estimated 600,000 merchants operating ubiquitous privately-owned "sari-sari" convenience stores all across the Philippines.

The whole system is powered by blockchain technology and automated by smart contracts. Blockchain tech keeps funds safe and secure, while TraXion's TXN token helps to ensure speedy, low-cost remittances, taking mere seconds for an international money transfer instead of the average processing time of one-to-five business days. A much larger-than-average percentage of the Philippine population works abroad, remitting money back home every month to support their families—who often withdraw this money in one envelope of cash. This represents an extended market base that TraXion is eager to reach.

"After establishing our customer base in the Philippines, we will expand first to Indonesia and other countries where there are a lot of overseas migrant workers to better facilitate their remittances. Our first client contract with a seafarer's cooperative is a move in that direction, onboarding up to 1 million maritime entrepreneurs," said TraXion Founder and CEO Ann Cuisia.

Being on blockchain means TraXion is platform agnostic, allowing it to be easily adapted for different technologies and approaches in different countries. While they are focusing on sari-sari store integration in the Philippines, for example, the higher smartphone penetration in Indonesia will make it easier for TraXion to access the market directly.

Cuisia is also the Founder of GavaGives, the most popular online charity crowdsourcing platform in the Philippines, which will be connected to the overall TraXion platform. The TraXion team is dedicated to combating poverty, having promised to allocate 2% of their tokens as rewards for top philanthropists on GavaGives. The charity platform was a testing ground for TraXion's e-wallet and the underlying blockchain technology. GavaGives uses Hyperledger Fabric to track contributions through the value chain, greatly increasing accountability.

GavaGives has recently partnered with Coins.ph, Southeast Asia's leading e-wallet. The partnership will draw more attention to TraXion's blockchain method of verifying trustworthy NGOs, by bringing up a list of top-performing philanthropy organizations operating on the GavaGives site whenever someone uses Coins.ph to make a donation. This will greatly reduce charity fraud across the region.

There are a number of other companies also currently working on financial inclusion solutions. Among them, She Counts is giving unbanked women in Tanzania and Indonesia access to mobile banking services, Paysafe enables cash payments online in many countries around the world, and IDBox combines a solar-powered Raspberry Pi with a fingerprint scanner to offer power–main free access to financial services in Papua New Guinea. While none of these companies offer the full scale of services that TraXion is ready to launch, Cuisia-Lindayag remains hopeful for their success.

"We aim to work together with other companies that make e-wallets, not compete with them," said Cuisia. "At the end of the day, we're all working together for the common good. We must not lose sight of this."

TraXion's TXN token pre-sale has already begun, and their crowd sale begins on August 1st. More than $4 million has already been raised in their private sale. For more information and to learn more about the KYC process, visit https://www.traxion.tech.

Additional Facts and Figures:

According to the World Bank's most recent Global Findex, 22% of all humans on Earth remain unbanked.

In the Philippines, 89 million people are unbanked or underbanked, and credit card penetration is only 3%.

2.2 million migrant Filipinos work overseas at any time, making the Philippines the third-largest remittance-receiving nation in the world, according to a recent World Bank report.

The Philippines has a very high rate of mobile phone penetration, at 75% according to a 2017 joint report by We Are Social and Hootsuite.

"Sari-sari" convenience stores account for 40-45% of company sales in the country according to a recent estimate by Procter & Gamble Philippines.

DOTr, CAAP to Inaugurate Maasin Airport's New Passenger Terminal

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is set to inaugurate the new Passenger Terminal Building of the Maasin Airport on July 2, 2018.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade will lead the inauguration with DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo, and CAAP Director General Capt. Jim Sydiongco.

The airport’s new Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) aims to upgrade the airport from a community airport to a standard Principal Class 2 airport, so that it can meet increasing air transport demands. 

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said the Maasin Airport Project is expected to enhance the city’s economic accessibility. 

“Gusto natin inclusive growth, kaya kung mapapansin ninyo, agresibo tayo sa pag-implement ng mga proyekto sa mga probinsya. Gaya nitong bagong terminal ng Maasin airport na siguradong makakatulong sa economic activity ng Leyte,” he said.

Maasin Airport is one of the community airports under the CAAP National Airport System, and is the only airport serving the region of Southern Leyte.

In 2013, Maasin Airport served as a backup entry point for relief goods and medicine deliveries during the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda— proving its capability and potential to serve as an alternate airport to Tacloban City’s Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport.

Local officials of Leyte, led by Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla and Vice Governor Atty. Carlo Loreto, together with Maasin Mayor National V. Mercado and Vice Mayor Maloney L. Samaco will also be present at the inauguration.

A budding city discovering its potentials, Maasin City’s attractions include the eco-treat of Cagnituan - a huge subterranean cave, cool waterfall, and a refreshing lagoon; an 18th century church which is a pilgrimage site, while its neighboring towns are known for dive sites.

DOE Encourages Young Women to Join the Energy Workforce

Wazzup Pilipinas!

GENDER EQUALITY:160 students from Tanauan City National High School took part in the Department of Energy-Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office's ENEReady campaign. With the theme, “Breaking Gender Stereotypes in the Energy Workforce”, it was held last Thursday (28 June2018) in Batangas. The campaign seeks to encourage the country’s youth, particularly the female students, to take courses in science, technology, 

The Department of Energy (DOE) continues to invite more young women into the field of science, technology and engineering, as part of its strategy for energy security of the country. 

On 28 June 2018, the DOE held its 12th ENEReady event for 160 Grade 10 students in Tanauan City High School, with the theme “Breaking Gender Stereotyping in the Energy Workforce.” Through this program, the DOE is encouraging students to enroll in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Track in Grade 11. The DOE, through its Gender and Development advocacy, is also focusing on women to harness their potential as they constitute half of the Philippine population.

During the event, the students were provided insights on technical career opportunities in the energy industry by linking them with the different bureau functions of the agency. At the same time, they were introduced to the concept of energy resiliency.

The lady speakers from the DOE Renewable Energy Management Bureau and Energy Resource Development Bureau shared their work experiences, as well as the benefits that they derive from their respective vocations in the energy department. They emphasized that among the adaptive capacity indicators of a country is the number of engineering graduates per year, as a percentage of the total population. For the Philippines, this stood at a meager 0.07% in 2016. 

The school’s principal Lilibeth L. Cabrera expressed her appreciation to the DOE for presenting a wide array of technical disciplines in the energy sector, as well as the various opportunities in energy industry. She said that before the ENEReady Program, their career counselling was limited to the more common jobs available in the market, such as nursing, medicine, accounting, and information technology. 

The Batangas event was held in collaboration with the Junior Chamber International’s (formerly the Philippine Jaycees, Inc.) Tanauan Mabini Chapter, through its President, Anna Marie Quarer and Engr. Edison Subala.

DOE-Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office headed by Division Chief Helen B. Arias spearheaded the ENEReady Program. Since its inception in 2016, the program already inspired more than 2,000 students to take up engineering and science courses.

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YOUTH EMPOWERMENT:Helen B. Arias, Head of the Department of Energy Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office, invited high school students to pursue science, engineering and technology courses.  The DOE ENEReady program was held in Tanauan City High School in Batangas last 18 June 2018 (Thursday).