DOE Partners with PUP for Institutional Capacity Building

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Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, Undersecretary Raul B. Aguilos, Mr. Pascualito Beltran Gatan, Vice President for Branches and Campuses along with Dr. Junithesmer D. Rosales, Dean of the PUP Graduate School were present for the signing the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the conduct of MPA for DOE employees on Monday, 3 December 2018.

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) on Monday (3 December) at the DOE Multi-Purpose Building.

Under the MOA, PUP will conduct post-graduate classes for qualified DOE employees for its Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA). DOE in turn, will transfer PhP 4,199,958 to PUP to cover tuition fees, miscellaneous fees and honorarium of professors and lecturers.

Secretary Cusi said, “It is our intent to further enhance the future leaders of the Department. On the technical aspect of capacity building, we are continuously updating our knowledge through local and foreign trainings, especially for modern technologies. Through this MOA, we aim to nurture a primed workforce that is adept in the administrative aspect of our day-to-day operations. This would ease our processes within the Department, ensuring that we will be able to serve the public more efficiently and at a higher standard.”

There are 42 DOE employees who qualified for the post-graduate degree program after a stringent selection process.

“We wanted to make sure that the best employees within the Department were given this privilege, especially those with aspirations in a long-term career in public service.” Secretary Cusi added.

The MPA degree program will run from CY 2018 to 2020 and the qualified participants will be required to maintain a General Weighted Average (GWA) not lower than 2.0 as part of the standards set in the MOA.

2nd World of Consumer Electronics Expo (WOCEE) and the 2nd World of Safety and Security Expo (WOSAS) Happening Until Dec 8

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The technology and security expo that will lead the Filipinos toward a safer future is now open!

The 2nd World of Consumer Electronics Expo (WOCEE) and the 2nd World of Safety and Security Expo (WOSAS) is now open starting December 5 and happening until December 8 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.

The simultaneous events were graced by the presence of the following VIPs (above photo): 

<L-R> Ms. Tessie Roque - WSI Director, Police Director Guillermo Eleazar - National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Regional Director, His Excellency Dr. Aman Rashid - Embassy of Pakistan, Her Excellency Capaya Rodriguez Gonzzales - Embassy of Venezuela, Mr. Joseph L. Ang - WSI Founding Chairman, USec. Ruth Castelo - Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Sec. Delfin N. Lorenzana - Department of National Defense (DND), Mrs. Levi S. Ang - WSI Co-Founder and Ms. Jill Aithnie Ang - WSI Managing Director

Giving of the WOCEE WOSAS 2018 Token of Appreciation:

The WOCEE WOSAS guests of honor receiving the token of appreciation together with the WSI Executives. 

<L-R>: Arch. Francisco Flameño Jr. - WSI Executive Director, Ms. Jill Aithnie Ang - WSI Managing Director, Mr. Joseph L. Ang - WSI Founding Chairman, Usec. Ruth Castelo - Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Sec. Delfin Lorenzana - Department of National Defense (DND), Director Gen. Oscar Albayalde - Philippine National Police (PNP), Mrs. Levi Ang - WSI Co-Founder and Ms. Tessie Roque - WSI Director

A Holiday Feast Awaits at World Bazaar Festival 2018

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Aside from the joys of gift-giving and the cheers of festivities, just the thought of all the gastronomic delights to be had during the Christmas season is enough to stir up the excitement among food lovers. Luckily for foodies, the World Bazaar Festival – the country’s longest annual running charity bazaar – on its 18th edition is back to host not only the biggest holiday shopping extravaganza of the year but also, a splendid food feast for shoppers and eager eaters alike!


Woobie’s Food World

WBF is known for its larger-than-life bazaar presentations and exciting pocket events that surely make for a unique holiday experience. But on top of all that, WBF is also an ideal destination to satiate one’s yuletide cravings. This year, WBF 2018: A Boogie Woobie Christmas, is thrilled to offer a wide selection of food stalls and food products from various local food sellers to truly give bazaar goers a satisfying holiday food trip experience.

At Woobie’s Food World, one can choose from over 50 booths that will be serving up a delectable range of snacks and food varieties. Among the participating food stalls at this year’s WBF include World of Fries, Waffles & Soda, Monster Belly, Crazy Tako, Sushie Kenzie, and Café Sultan to name a few. Here, bazaar goers can also freely relax, unwind, and recharge from all the shopping action as well as enjoy the live stage activities all the while munching on the delectable eats.

Woobie’s Goodies

Nothing evokes the Christmas spirit quite like our all-time favorite goodies and staple pinoy delicacies. Attesting that WBF truly is a foodie’s paradise during the holiday season, Woobie’s Goodies is a signature WBF pavilion where one can find an array of baked goods, snacks, and delicacies from across the country. From savory cakes and exotic delicacies such as toasted cashews, nuts, and sweet and spicy dilis anchovies by Chef Roger’s to the unique coffee blend of Starkaffea, Woobie’s Goodies is where you can find sweet and delectable treats to bring home and share with your loved ones.

Regional eats

Another foodie highlight that awaits bazaar goers at this year’s WBF is a special pavilion presented in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Aimed at highlighting the local food products and likewise empower farmers and local business owners this holiday season, the DA x BFAR pavilion will be featuring an impressive display of regional goods that will make for one-of-a-kind Christmas presents or simply as enjoyable treats to feast on this season.

Among the mouthwatering food products to be found at the pavilion include the assortment of flavored fresh milk by DVF Dairy Products from Nueva Ecija; ready-to-eat bottled food such as Pork Bicol Express, Tinapa Bicol Express, Regular and Spicy Laing, and Bicol Chili Paste by HML Foods Corporation; organic teas and food supplements by IMEKS Food Enterprises; organic rice by Joyful Organic Farm; and the festive Fruit Wines by Vino Arsan Enterprises.

Organized by Worldbex Services International and presented in partnership with ABS-CBN, the 18th WBF is happening on December 12 to 22, 2018, from Sunday to Thursday (12:00nn to 10:00pm) and Friday to Saturday (10:00am to 12:00mn) at the World Trade Center Manila. For more information, follow @worldbazaarfestival on Facebook and Instagram, call (02) 656-9239, or email inquire@worldbexevents.com.

Natural Disaster Flick 'The Signs' Hits Cine Lokal

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Man’s fight for survival against a super typhoon is front and center in John Stephen Baltazar’s The Signs which is featured in FDCP’s Cine Lokal theaters in SM starting December 7.

The Signs tells the story of Tony Hughes whose famous meteorologist father died while researching about typhoons. He discovers a manuscript predicting a series of signs that lead into a catastrophe—the mother of all typhoons. As the signs of the super typhoon unfold, he is responsible for ensuring his town’s safety. He discovers another threat that is much worse than the previous signs.

“I’ve always wanted to make a natural disaster film. Given the fact that we live in a country where floods, storms and earthquakes are part of our normal lives in the Philippines, it is time to inform and educate young people using the power of entertainment,” said The Signs film director/writer/producer/director of photography John Stephen Baltazar.

The disaster film stars promising actors and actresses, including Michael Kumar, Anna Reyes, Andrew Torres, and Enzo Ferrari Arciaga.

The Signs opens on December 7, 2018 in Cine Lokal’s seven (7) SM Cinemas: SM Manila, SM Southmall, SM Bacoor, SM Sta. Mesa, SM North Edsa, SM Fairview, and SM Megamall at 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 6:00 PM, and 8:30 PM. 

Tickets are at P150. 

Pinoy Broadcast Executives Tampok sa Singapore Leaders' Summit

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Ang mga executives mula sa pinakamalalaking networks sa Pilipinas ay magsasama-sama para magbahagi ng kanilang insights sa media at entertainment industry ng bansa sa Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) Leaders’ Summit. Ang nasabing event na may theme na “The Next New,” ay tututok sa pagtuklas ng latest trends at tutugunan ang mga creative challenges sa entertainment content industry ng Asya.

Tampok sa nasabing panel sina Carlo Katigbak, Chief Executive Officer ng ABS-CBN Corporation, Guido Xavier Zaballero, Chief Marketing Officer ng Cignal TV, Inc., at Vincent “Chot” Reyes, President and Chief Executive Officer ng TV5 Network, Incorporated. Ang Leaders' Summit ay parte ng ATF at Singapore Media Festival (SMF) kung saan ang Pilipinas ang Country of Focus ngayong taon sa ilalim ng leadership ng Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). 

“We're proud that the Leaders' Summit will highlight a panel focusing on Philippine entertainment content with no less than the big bosses of our country's most influential networks as panelists. Film and TV are inevitably entwined in the same industry and we're grateful that Singapore recognizes the important role of the Philippines in the development of the whole region content-wise. This comes at a great time especially now that for film particularly, we are celebrating the One Hundred Years,” (“Ipinagmamalaki namin na ang highlight sa Leaders' Summit ay ang panel na nakatuon sa Philippine entertainment content, na binubuo ng mga big boss mula sa most influential networks ng ating bansa. Ang telebisyon at pelikula ay entwined sa iisang industriya at kami ay nagpapasalamat na kinikilala ng Singapore ang mahalagang papel ng Pilipinas sa development ng buong region, content-wise. Dumating ito sa napakagandang pagkakataon kung saan ipinagdiriwang rin natin ang Sandaang Taon ng Pelikulang Pilipino,” sabi ni FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño.

Bukod sa Leaders' Summit sa ATF, ang FDCP ay magdadala ng 30 companies na binubuo ng film at content producers, buyers, distributors, animation companies, at service providers upang lumahok sa iba’t-ibang activities at gumawa ng collaborations para sa future projects. 

Ang SMF ay ang leading international media event ng Southeast Asia na hosted ng Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). Ito ay isang pagdiriwang ng Asian storytelling na layuning pagsamahin ang creative at media professionals at ipakita ang pinakamahuhusay na talento, trend, at content ng region, kabilang na ang telebisyon, pelikula, at digital media.

Ang ATF Leaders' Summit ay gaganapin sa December 4, 2018 mula 2:50 PM hanggang 3:15 PM (14:50 to 15:15) sa Level 4, Roselle Ballroom sa Marina Bay Sands.

Ang Singapore Media Festival ay nagsimula na noong November 28 at tatakbo hanggang December 9, 2018.

Energy Investments are Top Priority – Cusi

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INVEST, INVEST, INVEST: DOE Sec. Alfonso G. Cusi addresses the stakeholders on the government’s aggressive call to capitalize and develop business opportunities in the country during the Energy Investment Forum 2018 at the Shangri-La at the Fort on Tuesday (4 December) for the National Energy Consciousness Month.

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi today emphasizes that the call to invest in the energy sector is the Duterte Administration’s top priority.

“Ensuring reliable, sufficient and affordable electricity in the country entails close cooperation and collaboration with all our partners in the industry,” Sec. Cusi said.

“We need to step up to further strengthen and sustain our partnership, especially in terms of building energy resilient infrastructures, as well as in the exploration and development of our indigenous energy resources,” he added.

As a policy support to the Ease of Doing Business Act, the DOE is closely working with the legislators for the passage of the Energy Virtual One Stop Shop (EVOSS), which enables the streamlining of the permitting process of energy projects for their entire project cycle.

Sec. Cusi laid down the needed investments for the country, including the power requirement of a total of 43,765 megawatts of additional capacity by 2040. He underscored the DOE, National Electrification Administration and Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives’ strengthened collaboration to provide electricity to unserved and underserved areas by 2020, as well as initiatives to develop mini-grids.

The DOE chief also highlighted the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program for petroleum (PCECP), which entices investors to “Explore, Explore, Explore” the 14 pre-determined areas (PDAs) for oil and gas exploration in the country.

Likewise, Sec. Cusi mentioned the new option to nominate development areas outside of the 14 PDAs. “You will nominate and apply for it, then we will process it accordingly.”

On natural gas prospects, Sec. Cusi announced that the DOE continues to welcome proposals for the establishment of an integrated liquefied natural gas receiving and distributing facility, and storage facilities that would support the emergence of a strong strategic petroleum reserve for the country.

Sec. Cusi made these pronouncements during his keynote address at the 2018 Energy Investment Forum with the theme, “Transcending Investments: Role in Encouraging”, held at the Shangri-La at the Fort as part of the National Energy Consciousness Month celebration.

Also present in the investment forum as panelists are Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Rodel M. Batocabe, DOE Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella, Energy Regulatory Commission‘s Judith L. Mangosing, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines‘ Darryl Lon A. Ortiz, Board of Investments' Nestor P. Arcansalin and Asian Development Bank’s Andrew Jeffries.

DOE Assistant Secretary Robert B. Uy closed the program by emphasizing the wide range of business ventures to explore in the Philippines.

OTHER PHOTO:

GUARANTEED PROCESSING: “We guarantee timely processing for energy projects of national significance,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said during his keynote address at the Energy Investment Forum 2018 on 4 December at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.  He added that ensuring the Philippines will achieve energy security, sustainability and self-sufficiency is the government’s top priority. “I don't want you to waste time waiting for your projects," Sec. Cusi said.

Indie-Siyensya to Honor Winning Science Films on Nov. 28

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The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute will award the winners of the third Indie-Siyensya science filmmaking competition on November 28, Wednesday, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

The winners were chosen by Indie-Siyensya's distinguished board of judges from the final entries submitted in the Youth and Open categories, with the themes "What My Community Needs Now" and "What My Country Needs Now," respectively.

Three films from each category will receive trophies and cash prizes: 100,000 pesos for the Best Film, 50,000 pesos for the second prize and 25,000 pesos for the third prize. The competition's main organizer will also give a special Viewer’s Choice Award, with a cash prize of 10,000 pesos, to the film with the most number of votes from the Indie-Siyensya audience.

Judging this year's Indie-Siyensya are advocacy filmmaker and educator Seymour Sanchez from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Digital Filmmaking program and Far Eastern University Department of Communication; Prof. Patrick Campos, director of the University of the Philippines Film Institute; Prof. Garry Jay Montemayor, chair of the Department of Science Communication, College of Development Communication, UP Los Baños; Dr. Mudjekeewis "Mudjie" Santos, father and founder of the Genetic Fingerprinting Laboratory under the Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute; and astrophysicist and data scientist Dr. Reinabelle "Reina" Reyes, who became known as "the Filipina who proved Einstein right" with her work on his Theory of Relativity.

The judges screened more than 300 film concept proposals for short documentaries that capture science as it works to answer the needs of communities and the country. The criteria for judging are Scientific Content and Adherence to the Theme (50% for the Youth category and 40% for the Open category), Execution of Idea (30% for both categories), and Film Techniques (20% for Youth and 30% for Open).

“We were surprised by the number of individuals and groups interested in joining this year’s Indie-Siyensya. We’re hopeful that projects like this will encourage more students to choose science courses,” DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo shared.

Indie-Siyensya partnered with the Film Development Council of the Philippines to hold a free science communication and film workshop last July 6 at the Cinematheque Centre Manila. The workshop, which aims to help equip participants with the skills needed to create visually appealing and credible science films, was facilitated by Montemayor, 2017 Breakthrough Junior Challenge Challenge winner Hillary Diane Andales and director of photography Joshua Reyles.

Aside from organizing Indie-Siyensya, DOST-SEI primarily spearheads the country’s premier science scholarship programs and conducts teacher training and science promotion programs for the youth.

Planning a Holiday To Philippines? Incorporate a Visit to Calauit Safari Park – A Great Safari Experience

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When the word Safari is mentioned, most people only think of an African Safari adventure mainly due to the African jungle and the abundance of wildlife choice available for sighting in the African bush. However, unknown to many, Philippines is home to Calauit Safari Park that is located in the Calauit Island which is part of the Calamin Islands chain.

If you are planning to have a holiday in Philippines, then you seriously need to consider making a visit to Calauit Safari Park. The park was established in the year 1976 after H.E. President Kenyatta (Then President of the Republic of Kenya) made a request to other countries to help in protecting African wildlife that was threatened by the war and drought.

The Government of Philippines opted for Calauit Island due to the fact that it was ideally located and had vegetation, size, and terrain that was ideal for the wildlife park. The tribes that resided in the island were thus relocated so that they could make way for 8 different species of the African wildlife.

Wildlife to Spot in Calauit Island
By visiting Calauit Island, you will likely spot the following animals:

Reticulated Giraffe – It is also referred to as Somali Giraffe and it originates from the Horn of Africa. Mainly, this species resides in Northern parts of Kenya, Somalia, and Southern part of Ethiopia.  As of the year 2017, it was reported that there were twenty-seven reticulated giraffes in Calauit safari park.

Grevy’s Zebra – This is usually the largest zebra species. Even though only fifteen zebras had been brought from in to the park, as of the year 2016, it was reported that there were about 34 Grevy’s zebra in the park. The increased population of the Zebra has been attributed to the absence of natural predators in the park.

Philippine Crocodile – At the moment, there are four Philippines crocodiles residing in the park even though there has been attempts to increasing the crocodile population through breeding with success been experienced as some of the eggs that had been laid by the female crocodile were hatched.

The Palawan Bearded Pig – This is one of the endangered pig species. As a result, the management of the park have dedicated a lot of efforts to ensuring that the pigs are safeguarded.

Mousedeer – It is also referred to as Balabac Chevrotain and in Filipino (Philippines native language), it is referred to as Pilandok. The population of the mousedeer in Calauit safari park is more than twenty-two.

Bearcart – This is usually a viverrid native to South and Southeast Asia. It is quite endangered as 30% of its population is reported to have died in the last 30 years. There are a few bearcats in Calauit safari park.

Therefore, if you hoping to visit Philippines anytime soon, you might consider including a visit to Calauit safari park in your itinerary – you definitely will love the experience.

Written by Ray Kiarie. A senior safari consultant at Safari Fellows. Ray has spent much of his time travelling to various safari destinations in East Africa region. When not designing custom safaris, you are likely to find him on a safari with his camera gear as he is in love with wildlife photography.

Leading Emerging Markets Real Estate Platform Lamudi Receives Investment from Ringier AG and Axel Springer

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Lamudi, one of the leading real estate platforms today, announced that the company has recently welcomed two of the world’s largest media and online classifieds companies, Axel Springer SE and Ringier, as new investors. Both companies will share a seat in the advisory board, which will for now be taken over by Ringier. The funding amount is not made public, but Kian Moini, Co-Founder and CEO of Lamudi, states that “the majority of funding can and will be spent on growth given the company’s comfortable financial situation and a clear path to breakeven.”

Launched in late 2013 with Rocket Internet, Lamudi is a leading global real estate platform focusing exclusively on emerging markets. The fast-growing platform has active property portals available in Asia (Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka) and Latin America (Mexico, Colombia, Peru). Lamudi counts well-known investors including Asia Pacific Internet Group (APACIG), a joint venture of Rocket Internet and Ooredoo, Holtzbrinck Ventures, and Tengelmann Ventures.

"We have proven to be of high value to consumers and industry players along the search and marketing of real estate. The new funding round will help us accelerate that, as well as significantly expand our efforts to add value along the transaction,” Kian Moini says. “Beyond the capital, we look forward to benefiting from the learnings and knowledge of the marketplaces and transactional property businesses which are part of the portfolios of Axel Springer and Ringier.”

Ringier AG, Switzerland's leading international media enterprise, is a prominent digital marketplaces investor in emerging markets across CEE, Africa, and SEA. Robin Lingg, Head of Marketplaces at Ringier, states “Ringier stands for investing in sustainable value creation. Lamudi very much matches our vision, as well as our interest in localized business models and country footprint. We have been deeply impressed by the company’s operative level of sophistication, its global and local management team’s capabilities, and eagerness to create value. We believe that Kian and his team will drive significant change in the real estate industry in SEA and Mexico.”

Andreas Wiele, President Classifieds Media Axel Springer SE, adds “The team of Lamudi has built, under the leadership of Kian Moini, a fast-growing business in attractive markets. As one of the largest operators in the digital real estate space, we are convinced that we can help to further this development with our know-how and expertise.”

“With this latest round of funding, we're positive that Lamudi, which is already positioned as the number one player in the market, will continue its growth path more aggressively in the Philippines,” says Lamudi Philippines CEO Bhavna Suresh. "It will fast-track our development into the provinces and help bring more industry practitioners online, thus making sure their businesses flourish. We are connectors and we believe that through digital, we bring transparency to the real estate market. This funding is going to help us move the needle much further in this regard."

Ergo & Wellness Show Philippines 2019

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The Ergo & Wellness Show will be the first ever conference and experiential trade show to encourage and promote ergonomics and wellness practices in the Philippines. Different comfort zones will highlight different work and lifestyle aspects where ergonomics and wellness can be applied.

>> Website: http://bit.ly/ErgoPhil

The show aims to educate attendees, provide business opportunities for exhibitors, and build a happy, healthy, and comfortable community in the country.

With 100+ participating companies, 20+ activities, workshops, and talks to be held, and 250+ products to be showcased, the show expects to attract over 10,000 local and international visitors.

For more information, please contact us at +65 6506 0964 or chloe@ergoworldshow.com

Event: Ergo & Wellness Show Philippines 2019
Date: 17 - 19 May 2019
Venue: SMX Convention Centre, SM Aura, Taguig, Philippines
Website: http://bit.ly/ErgoPhil
Email: chloe@ergoworldshow.com