Unique Vacation Ideas You Need to Try Out

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Living in an archipelago, it’s natural for Filipinos to frequent the country’s many beaches as vacation spots. After all, most of us are maybe one to three hours away from the nearest body of open water—wherever we are in the country. But you’ll have to admit that after a while, spending some vacation time by the sea on sandy beaches can feel old pretty quickly. So if you’re looking for something new to do for the next long weekend, here are five unique vacation ideas you can definitely try out.

Undertake Volunteer Work

It may not be the most obvious choice, but embracing your altruistic side could indeed be a great way to spend your vacation. Beyond helping out a community that’s in great need, you can even choose a place with a scenic view and take in some fresh air.

Indeed, in addition to helping out an underserviced community, you can tour the surrounding areas during your downtime. No matter where you choose to volunteer, you’ll definitely have a truly unique and fulfilling vacation experience.

Gaze at the Stars

As towns and cities become more and more populated, their residents inevitably erect streetlights for nighttime safety. But with all the resulting light pollution, we forget how much the night sky is filled with planets, stars, and other heavenly bodies.

Thankfully, you won’t need to venture far, even if you’re based in a metropolitan area. For example, Metro Manila residents can get easily take a drive to Tanay, Rizal and go to Big Handy’s Grounds for public stargazing events. If you’re a photography enthusiast, you can even take a clear picture of the night sky and the Milky Way galaxy under the right conditions. And once you and your friends or family are done craning your necks towards the skies, there are other things you can still do.

You can even step things up by doing a more luxurious take on the traditional camping activity. “Glamping” is the latest craze for many groups who want to forgo the usual stargazing trips at the usual resorts. There are now many glamorous camping spots around the country that offer this unique experience. Places like Zambales, Clark, and Tagaytay have upscale camping areas with all the amenities that a high-class resort can offer and more.

Get on a Yacht

If you’re feeling like you deserve having a bit of luxury sprinkled on your next vacation, then why not enjoy the open sea with a party on a yacht? And before you balk at the cost, we’ll remind you that you don’t have to buy a yacht just to enjoy one.

In fact, you can get a taste of luxury by renting a yacht. If you’re knowledgeable about boating yourself, you can go for a bareboat charter and skipper the vessel yourself. But depending on the package that you can find, some yacht charters can also be skippered. This means it includes a captain and a complete crew. Though definitely still costlier than most items on this list, you’ll definitely end up with the most fun memories by having a fun party on a yacht.

Of course, if you want to go all out, there are many places that offer yachts for sale in the Philippines. Companies like Europa Yachts Philippines cater to those specifically looking for high-end vessels that can fulfill their need for a luxury vacation in amazing locations like the islands of Palawan, the coves in Batangas, or the various diving spots in Mindoro.

Go on a Spontaneous Road Trip

This may be the simplest option on this list. All you need is a car, enough money to last for a couple of days, and a sense of adventure. You can go for more planned trips by taking on oft-traveled yet still amazing trips like a drive across the Cordilleras.

You can even plan your road trip around a specific activity that’s unique to a particular destination. Do you love surfing and other activities by the sea? Then why not take a trip to Baler for some fun under the sun and the surf. If you’re more of a foodie, then when Pampanga is a great place to visit for some of the most delectable dishes the country has to offer.

Alternatively, you can just pick a direction and go where the wind takes you. No matter which path you end up taking, it’s best to feel free and enjoy the spontaneity of your road trip. And whenever you and your companions are tired, just stop at the nearest hotel or inn and take in as much of the local culture and cuisine as you can.

We’ll be the first to admit that some of the above suggestions may not have even crossed your mind before. Or you may have previously eliminated them from contention for other reasons. But if you’re looking for a more unique getaway on your next vacation, then you can’t go wrong with trying something new.

Lenovo Rolls Out Largest Portfolio of Intel Optane-powered Devices in PH

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In a bid to deliver the latest technology to its customers in the Philippines, Lenovo, a global leader in PC and smart devices development, is announcing the launch of a portfolio of devices featuring Intel Optane memory technology. It is designed to bring greater efficiency and a more powerful experience to all Filipinos customers.

Intel® Optane is a system acceleration solution found in 8^th Generation (or newer) Intel Core™ Processors that boosts a computer’s responsiveness to end-user requests, including launching applications, finding and moving large files, and even loading levels in video games. It is designed to store commonly used data and programs closer to the processor. The system can access information more quickly with improved overall system responsiveness.

Official benchmarking results have shown the technology to be delivering up to 65 percent faster gameplay and up to 5x faster web browsing.

“With the new range of devices that features Intel Optane technology, Lenovo users can now complete tasks significantly faster with shorter wait time than before. This is a huge boost in work efficiency and will allow students as well as working professionals greater productivity to achieve much more. In addition, the technology provides gamers a near-uninterruptible gaming experience, allowing them to fully immerse into their games,” saidLenovo Philippines Country General Manager Michael Ngan.

Ngan also notes the cost-effectiveness of Intel® Optane™ devices; its abilities allow HDD (Hard Drive Disk) systems to run nearly as fast as devices with expensive SSDs (Solid-state Drive), removing the need for users to upgrade.

The technology is now available on Lenovo’s latest product range that runs on Intel’s 8^thGeneration processors and upwards, including the following:

●       Legion Y530-15ICH – with 8^th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-8750H processor; PHP 78,995

●       IdeaPad 330-17ICH – with 8^th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-8750H processor; PHP 64,995

●       IdeaPad 330S-15IKB – with 8^th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-8550U processor; PHP 55,995

●       IdeaPad 330S-15IKB – with 8^th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-8250U processor; PHP 42,995

Continuing innovation

The release of Intel® Optane™-powered devices is just part of Lenovo’s objectives in bringing innovative technology to the market. This partnership with Intel is specifically aimed at providing end users across demographics with powerful devices that deliver high performance in every task. Lenovo is expected to release other products across its consumer, commercial, and enterprise lineups with Intel® Optane™ to make the technology’s benefits more accessible to the public.

“Be it at work or play, slow loading time can impact user experience. In more serious cases, it can lead to decreased productivity and revenue loss for businesses. Our partnership with Intel aims to help users avoid these unnecessary problems, by providing a seamless and near-uninterruptible experience to all Lenovo users,” said Ngan.

Intel® Optane™-powered Lenovo devices are available in major electronics stores.

Lenovo Introduces 2-in-1 IdeaPad D330 Laptop for On-the-go Users

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Leading PC and smart devices maker Lenovo has recently launched the IdeaPad D330 hybrid laptop. This new product features enhanced power and portability for professionals in today’s modern workplace, as well as young adults that value productivity and mobility.

A 2-in-1 device, the IdeaPad D330 is both afull-fledged laptop and feature-rich tablet. It can switch seamlessly between the two by detaching the laptop’s keyboard, allowing it to turn into a powerful tablet that boasts a convenient trackpad, Dolby® Premium Audio, and a 10” screen with HD display.

The new IdeaPad has four usage modes – the Notebook, Stand, Tablet, and Tent. Each mode is designed to enhance the user experience in various situations such as writing, sketching, viewing photos or videos, or creating presentations.

The IdeaPad D330 offers real computing power and performance to keep up with everyday demands, be it for work or play, at anytime and anywhere. The machine is powered with an Intel Pentium Silver N5000 processor, 4GB of RAM, and equipped with Intel Integrated Graphics, 128 GB eMMC storage and the latest USB 3.1 Type-C support with power display, making charging quicker than average.

Weighing just 1.13 kg (2.5 lbs.), the IdeaPad 330 is one of Lenovo’s lightest products. The tablet weighs 600g, while the keyboard is at 525g. It also boasts of having up to 12 hours of battery life, making it ideal for those who want to continue to work or stream movies on the go. Moreover, the device runs on the Windows 10 Home operating system. It also has a 2MP front camera and a 5MP rear camera.

For the modern workers

The launch of the IdeaPad D330 further strengthens Lenovo’s position as a global leader in providing innovative products. This new device targets the growing market of young business professionals and students who are on the lookout for a powerful yet affordable device that can keep up with their on-the-go lifestyles.

“Customer satisfaction is at the core of our business and it has always been our mission to provide game-changing devices that suit the needs of our customers. The new D330 was born because of that very reason – it is an easy-to-use and powerful device that can perform several tasks on the go, whether for entertainment or business purposes. We believe this is exactly what our users need,” said Lenovo Philippines Country General Manager Michael Ngan.

In the last quarter, the company posted a double-digit growth and improved profitability as its revenue reached $11.91 billion, a 19-percent year-on-year growth.  According to Gartner^[1], Lenovo secured the number one spot in PC shipments.

Ngan believes that further growth is expected as Lenovo continues to expand its convertible and hybrid line-up, starting with the IdeaPad D330.

“As the market becomes younger and more mobile, we at Lenovo will continue to focus on providing innovative, portable devices that provide new and unique experiences for every user. This is something that we have been working on since day one, which is a key factor in solidifying our position as a global leader,” said Ngan.

Starting price for the IdeaPad D330 is P24,995. It is available at leading electronics stores.

DOE Family Secures Power Services in Areas Hit by Usman

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“Generation and transmission facilities are generally back to normal,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi announced Friday (4 January) after the members of Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER) inspected Typhoon Usman-hit areas on the same day.

“Our team worked 24/7 even on holidays just to ensure the safety and continual provision of our services to our kababayans who mostly needed energy and other assistance. Nais nating iparating na walang iwanan kahit anong kalamidad pa man ‘yan,” Sec. Cusi relayed.

Sec. Cusi said, “All generation facilities are secured except the diesel-fired power plant in Viga, Catanduanes.” According to the National Power Corporation –the operator of the said plant, flooding in the plant continues to subside and target plant restoration is on 7 January to normalize the power system in the island grid."

On the transmission system, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines reported that it has normalized all affected transmission assets since 31 December 2018.

"In the case of distribution facilities, the remaining households for re-energization account for a total of 8,258 households,” Sec. Cusi informed.

According to the National Electrification Administration (NEA) restoration report, out of the 41 distribution utilities affected, only five (5) electric cooperatives (ECs) covering 17 barangays and 1 sitio are left for restoration.

NEA Administrator Edgardo R. Masongsong mentioned that once the places affected by the landslides and floods are readily accessible to the restoration teams, the normalization of the power systems of the remaining electric cooperatives can be completed in seven (7) days.

The energy chief also underlined that “price freeze” applies to household LPG and kerosene for 15 days upon the declaration of the state of calamity in an area. The price freeze declaration means no increase in prices of the affected goods.

DOE Undersecretary Alexander S. Lopez, Usec. Felix William B. Fuentebella, NEA Admin. Masongsong, NEA Deputy Administrator Artis Nikki Tortula, NEA Acting Dir. Eric Villar and Bicol Electric Cooperatives Association President Edwin Lamadrid checked the situation in Bicol region to assess what the other energy needs are in the calamity affected areas.

DOE Intensifies Call for an Energy-Efficient Lifestyle

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) continues to promote the adoption of an energy-efficient lifestyle for all Filipinos.

During yesterday's (3 January) press conference, DOE Spokesperson and Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella again underscored the importance of making wise energy choices with the DOE's recent launch of its "Save Save Save" campaign for 2019.

“The Secretary and the DOE urges everyone to have a new outlook for energy efficiency, especially as we welcome 2019," he said.

The Energy Chief, through USec. Fuentebella, also emphasized the Department’s energy resolutions and reminded Filipino consumers to embrace an energy-efficient lifestyle.

Sec. Cusi reiterated six tips toward fuel efficiency:

1. Save fuel by driving at a steady speed. By reducing speed from120 to 80 kph, tests conducted with popular cars indicated a 25% improvement in fuel economy.

2. Save fuel by anticipating stops. Tests prove that vehicles driven at 60 kph can travel a distance of 650 meters with gradual halts do not consume additional fuel.

3. Save fuel by minimizing vehicle load. Transporting unnecessary weight in your car results in an additional 10% fuel consumption.

4. Save fuel by trying “Ang-cash Tipid” (Carpooling Program). Carpooling is an arrangement whereby several individuals travel together in a private vehicle. Carpoolers share the costs of gas and often take turns to drive to their common destination.

5. Save fuel by driving less. By taking public transport such as the MRT and LRT, you can help lessen traffic congestion and at the same time provide seamless journey for the travelling public.

“Let us continue to ‘Save Save Save’ by using our energy wisely. Maximizing our energy ability would enable us to become globally competitive and usher in a new wave of economic prosperity for the country,” Sec. Cusi concluded.

DOE Assures Fair Implementation of TRAIN Law

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As the implementation of the second tranche of the TRAIN Law for petroleum products took effect starting 1 January 2019, the Department of Energy (DOE) yesterday assured the public it has taken measures to prevent abuse and ensure fair and effective implementation of the taxation scheme.

“The Department of Energy is mandated to ensure that the pricing of oil products is carried out within the parameters of the TRAIN Law,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said in a statement.

He added, "Over the process of the implementation of the first tranche of the TRAIN Law, we have reached out to our stakeholders, especially the oil companies for their cooperation and we will continue our coordination with them throughout the second tranche."

He stressed that the DOE will be even more vigilant in monitoring the implementation of the second tranche of the TRAIN Law for petroleum products.

“We will ensure the fuel stocks for 2018 will be utilized first and sold at the pre-implementation prices,” Sec. Cusi said.

As a result of its stringent monitoring operation, the Department has already asked several gas stations to explain why they implemented fuel price hikes as early as 2 January 2019.

Under the second tranche of TRAIN Law's implementation, an additional excise tax of P2.00 will be imposed per liter of diesel and gasoline, and P1.00 per kilogram on Household LPG. There will also be an additional 12 percent value added tax, which totals to P2.24 for both diesel and gasoline, and P1.12 for LPG.

However, the DOE pointed out that the increase in pump prices of petroleum products resulting from the imposition of the second tranche of fuel excise tax will still be smaller. This is due to the offsetting effect of the rollbacks implemented in 2018 and January 2019.

While there is an uptick in the price of oil in the world market, Sec. Cusi pointed out that industry forecasts do not see crude oil prices hitting record high prices, such as in October 2018 when Brent crude oil price breached the $80 per barrel level.

“If the trend continues, we do not expect it to have as much impact on fuel prices as it did last year. Besides, we can cushion the effect of any new oil price increases by becoming more efficient in our use of energy,” he said.

Through its E-Power Mo movement, the DOE has been providing the public with tips for an energy-efficient lifestyle, particularly in the use of fuel and electricity.

"We might have to spend a little more, but that little sacrifice would translate to huge benefits for the country,” the energy chief emphasized.

“Let us remember that the revenues from TRAIN will fund important programs, such as free education, increase in the salaries of our public school teachers, as well as crucial infrastructures under the ‘Build, Build, Build program. All these would sustain our economic growth towards Ambisyon 2040 by providing more jobs and livelihood opportunities for our people,” Sec. Cusi concluded.

Cusi on Fuel Excise Tax Implementation: Cooperate, Don’t Violate

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi emphasized the urgent need for all petroleum retail outlets to heed the implementing guidelines on the second tranche of fuel excise tax, or face closure.

“The Secretary has been very clear - cooperate, don’t violate. We have been actively explaining and clarifying the implementation process for this second tranche. Dahil klaro ang lahat, mas mainam na tayo’y sumunod kaysa naman kapapasok pa lang ng bagong taon, isasara tayo,” DOE Spokesperson Felix William B. Fuentebella said in a press briefing held yesterday (7 January) at the agency’s headquarters.

(Given that everything is clear it is better that we follow rather than close down at the start of the new year.)



STRINGENT MONITORING OF OIL STOCKS

Oil Industry Management Bureau OIC-Director Rino E. Abad and Assistant Director Rodela I. Romero further explained that since last year, the DOE has undertaken steps to ensure the stringent monitoring of inventories in anticipation of the second tranche’s implementation.

A DOE directive dated 11 September 2018 required oil companies to submit per-depot and per-product ending inventory reports as of 31 December 2018 and daily withdrawal reports of such ending inventories starting 1 January 2019 until its full exhaustion. This ensures that the first tranche of excise tax will continue to be imposed on the 2018 ending inventories, while the second tranche of excise tax shall be imposed only on new inventories imported or produced from local refineries in 2019.

In addition, oil firms were also required to submit a notarized Year-End Inventory Report (as of 31 December 2018) covering petroleum products with the old excise tax rate. Said reports are to be submitted by 8 January 2019 in time for the submission of the Official Registry Book to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

“These will help the DOE validate the exhaustion of old inventories. We also requested for Last Withdrawal Certificates stamped by the BIR as ‘Stocks On-Hand Prior to Applicable Date of Effectivity’. These would indicate the last removals of petroleum products subject to the old tax rates. On the other hand, the First Withdrawal Certificates with no BIR stamp would indicate the first removals of petroleum products with the new excise tax rate,” Asst. Dir. Romero expounded.

On violations, Director Abad stressed that aside from breaching tax laws, violators may also face criminal charges, particularly estafa.

Other measures being carried out by the Department include the inspection of retail outlets that already implemented the new excise tax, and the issuance of Show-Cause Orders to give concerned retail outlets the opportunity to explain.



CONSUMER POWER OF CHOICE

USec. Fuentebella emphasized that “Consumers need to be aware. The DOE asked retailers to display notices of the additional excise tax implementation in a one-meter by one-meter tarpaulin for transparency. This would empower the consumers with the ability to choose where to buy fuel.”

He added, “Do I go ahead and buy from this station already implementing the new excise tax, or do I gas up somewhere else? This is another exercise in consumer empowerment.”



TOWARDS ‘AMBISYON 2040’

The DOE continues to assure the public that it is closely monitoring the fair implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

“We are watching closely and coordinating with the BIR and the Bureau of Customs to ensure accurate data reporting and monitoring. As Secretary Cusi said earlier, we should recognize the value of proper tax remittance. The revenue collected by the government will finance the establishment of key infrastructure, provide educational assistance, as well as other forms of poverty alleviation for our people,” the Energy Undersecretary asserted.

Czech Drama “Little Girl Blue” screening in Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Gracing the Filipino audience with the final installation for the year-long “Czech Movie Gems” film festival, the Czech Embassy in Manila and the Film Development Council of the Philippines is proud to bring the Czech drama, “Little Girl Blue” (2007), awarded as the “Best Film” in the Czech Lion Award of 2007.

Produced by Oscar winning director Jan Svĕrák, this film written and directed by Alice Nellis reveals a poetic tale of Julie, a forty-year old translator woman in the midst of an expansive mid-life crisis in the changing city of Prague. Witness how her seemingly perfect and happy family life traverses a crossroad after one passing unveils her to impulsively reflect on her mechanical married life that led her to pursue life-altering decisions.

Played by Iva Bittová, a Czech avant-garde violinist, singer, and composer who started her career as an actress, Julie’s life was also filled with significant decision initiated by her choice to purchase a used piano for the vast living room. The film also stars Karel Roden, a notable Czech actor successful both in his home country and in Hollywood.

Aside from the story line, the cinematography also asserts a sensible and witty portrayal of sparkly images accompanied by life thrumming tunes that perfectly frolic with each scene.

The film is set to be screened on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 6:30 pm in Cinematheque Center Manila. This is the final film for the year-long Czech Movie Gems which aim to bring award-winning movies to Filipino audience on the occasion of 100 years of independence of Czech statehood.

Admission is free. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to capacity.

Developing Destiny Chaser: Update 1.0.61

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Greetings, Valkyries!

Enjoy better performance and minor bug fixes for a more enjoyable gaming experience!

Your favorite dimension-hopping game just got better! This quick update includes a major fix to the “Moot” Community plugin in-game and a few bug fixes to the 5x Game Speed buff and Dungeon and Challenge modes to ramp up your game.

WHAT’S NEW
Optimized performance for Android 9.0 users
Fixed minor bugs

Happy Chasing!

Bug fixes
- Optimized performance and Community for Android 9.0 users.
- Fixed a bug where 5x Game Speed causes the game to crash.
- Fixed a bug in battle entry count in Dungeon mode.
- Fixed a gameplay issue in Dungeon and Challenge mode.

Key Features:

No. 1 Stylish 3D Action - Idle RPG

Enjoy HD Visual Effects in 3D

Thrilling and Colorful Battles with no Stress!

Endless Idle RPG

5x Max Speed! Extreme speed to explore the New World

Infinite growth through Rebirth

Full RPG experience on the GO

Easy Battle in High-level Strategic Play

Blockbuster RPG Style - Collect & Evolve!

Summon Unique Stylish Characters & Pets

Over 300 powerful equipment to use

Systematic level-up for your infinite growth

Tap to conquer Quests, Dungeons and Bosses

Exciting rewards and contents as you get stronger

About Destiny Chaser

Destiny Chaser is a free to play mobile idle RPG developed by Spoon Games. The gameplay features stylish 3D graphics with idle real-time fighting. There are hundreds of unlockables that include weapons, costumes, pets, and classes available to collect and customize.

Official Links:

Download Destiny Chaser on Google Play Store:

https://destinychaser.page.link/PlayNow

Destiny Chaser Facebook Page:

https://web.facebook.com/DestinyChaserM/

Game Trailer:

https://bit.ly/2E1TTXQ

Destiny Chaser Moot Page:

https://moot.us/lounges/77/

Official Website:

https://www.spoon-games.com/

UPLB Chemical Society Proudly Presents Kapnayan 2019

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The UPLB Chemical Society, a duly recognized academic organization with a primary objective of promoting enthusiasm for and awareness in the field of Chemistry, will be hosting KAPNAYAN 2019, a nationwide Chemistry fair, which will be held on January 14-19, 2019 at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

KAPNAYAN is a triennial, weeklong Chemistry fair consisting of activities revolving around a specific theme. This year’s theme, “Sustainable Development Through Advancements in Green Chemistry and Renewable Energy Technology”, focuses on the role of Chemistry in producing alternative energy sources with minimal environmental hazard while ensuring the quality of sustainable human development.

The weeklong event, which is the fifteenth Chemistry fair to be hosted by the organization, will feature various activities such as seminars, exhibits, audio-visual presentations, educational tours and nature trips, extemporaneous speech, essay-writing, investigatory projects, poster-making contests, photo contest, the Chemical Magic Show, and the much anticipated nationwide Chemistry Quiz Contest.

The organization is recognizing the crucial role of the youth in addressing social, economic, and environmental issues along with the members of the local scientific community in an attempt to influence the masses to respond to the struggle of ensuring safe human development. Through these activities, the UPLB Chemical Society aims to empower the youth to immerse themselves into scientific courses that may address the needs of the environment, and in the long run, of all life.