CNN Philippines: On The Record Discusses the Controversial Rise of Fake News

Wazzup Pilipinas!

CNN Philippines: On The Record tackles the controversial surge of fake news as sociologist Nicole Curato moderates a discussion among key players in the field of media, communications and politics.

Fake news is a tense point of discussion in media today. On the Record: Breaking Fake News will discuss what it is, why it matters and what we can do about it.

On the panel are Jonathan Ong, Associate Professor of Media Studies at the University of Massachusetts—currently in the country to conduct research of the rise of the fake news industry—who will discuss the public’s responsibility to spot fake news. CNN Philippines Senior Correspondent Ruth Cabal and Mark Saludes of the Photojournalists Center of the Philippines will explain rules of ensuring the quality of news in the newsroom and sanctions for erring journalists. Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary Ana Maria Banaag will join the discussion to delve the Duterte regime’s stand on free speech.

On the Record: Breaking Fake News airs on Thursday, August 17th at 8 p.m., followed by replays on August 18, 19 and 20. Tune in to CNN Philippines on facebook.com/CNNPhilippines as the episode will be streamed live on social media.

ALC Foundation Celebrates World Bamboo Day with ​​‘Camp Kawayan’ Bamboo Planting Event

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Got nothing to ​​do this September? Are you looking for an exciting adventure with a cause for your family and squad? Join Kawayanihan 2017: Camp Kawayan and be a bamboo warrior!

In celebration of World Bamboo Day 2017, ALC Foundation is organizing a bamboo planting trail dubbed as “Camp Kawayan” under its Kawayanihan project. The half-day event hopes to gather around 2,000 volunteers from Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and South Luzon along the riverbanks of San Mateo, Rizal (starting from Dulongbayan 1) on September 23, 2017, 6:00A.M onwards.

It is hoped that this unique and worthwhile initiative will become a yearly event, as part of the World Bamboo Day celebration. Camp Kawayan aims to raise awareness about the benefits and potentials of bamboo, as well as to encourage community bamboo planting and growing as a way of climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The event is spearheaded by ALC Foundation Inc., in coordination with the Rizal Provincial Government and the Municipality of San Mateo, Rizal. ALC Foundation, Inc. is a non-stock and non-profit organization committed to promote the advancement of environmental preservation and climate change mitigation through bamboo growing initiatives in identified communities deemed most vulnerable from the adverse effects of climate related disasters.

Registration fee is Php 300.00 inclusive of bamboo sapling, event shirt and certificate of participation. So what are you waiting for? Register now at bitly.com/KawayanihanRegForm. To know more about the event, visit ALC Foundation’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/alcfoundationph.

Int’l Fintech Firm Payoneer Supports Geeks on a Beach for the Second Year

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International financial technology firm Payoneer is supporting the global startup conference Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) for the second straight year as one of this year’s most awaited event’s silver sponsors.

Miguel Warren, Payoneer Philippines Country Manager, said the company is delighted to once more take part in this year’s GOAB which will be held at Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines on August 24-25, 2017.

“We are in Geeks on a Beach to talk about the huge potential of e-commerce, freelancing, and outsourcing in the Philippines; and how Payoneer can help these fields with their online and cross-border payments.” said Warren.

This year’s GOAB, which has been done annually since its first staging in Boracay Island in 2013, again promises to bring together some of the biggest names of the tech, design, and startup world from across the world.

“We really like to see the kind of folks gathered together in Palawan for the Geeks on a Beach – startups, techies, and corporates – to see how we can help them facilitate payments on an easy, convenient, and cost-efficient way,” said Warren.

Warren is part of the panel on “Corporate Digital Transformation: Becoming Victorious in a Collision between Businesses and Today's Challenging Digital Forces” during the second day of the GOAB conference.

His fellow panelists include Robertson Chiang of Dragonpay Corporation, Arup Maity of BlastAsia & Xamun Inc., Joey Limjap of PLDT Innolab, Ramon Escueta of Philippine Chamber of Commerce, and Annabelle Ong of the Puerto Princesa Chamber of Commerce.

This panel is especially envisioned for corporates and businesses wishing to jumpstart their digital innovation by incorporating automated processes and tools, using software to reach out to new customers and expand profits, harnessing the power of social media and digital marketing techniques to increase revenue and boost their branding, and partnering with experienced and trusted digital experts.

PLDT, Smart, Voyager, PayMaya, ePLDT, Smart DevNet, PLDT Enterprise, and PLDT Innolab, Ideaspace and QBO are supporting GOAB as co-presenters while ASPACE Philippines is co-producer. GOAB is held in partnership with the City Government of Puerto Princesa, Palaweño ICT Association, and DOST-PCIEERD.

GOAB is organized by TechTalks.ph, powered by Sym.ph, branding by Happy Garaje, and pr by PRWorks. For registration or partnership information or further details, visit www.GeeksOnABeach.com, follow on Twitter/Facebook Geeks On A Beach, or contact hello@GeeksOnABeach.com.

CNN Philippines Presents: Malang Celebrates Life of the National Artist

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CNN Philippines tells the story of a national artist whose life, career and creations elevated the status of art and design in the country. CNN Presents: Malang is an ode to Mauro “Malang” Santos, the Filipino cartoonist, illustrator and painter whose illustrious career has produced a body of work that remains to be one of the pinnacles of modern Philippine art.

At 89 years old—and 70 years from his humble beginnings as a comic strip creator for a daily broadsheet in 1947—Malang passed away on June 10, 2017. His death left his remarkable works, first as an illustrator—as seen in his politically-themed cartoons Kosme the Cop and Chain Gang Charlie—and painter, when he started creating critically-acclaimed works on canvas such as Barrio Fiesta, commissioned for the FGI-Insular Life Building and is considered to be one of his best works.

CNN Presents: Malang posthumously surveys his life and his iconic contributions to local art, as told by members of Malang’s close circle. Hear never-before-heard narratives on the artist from his children Soler and Sarah, his grandchildren, Malang’s trusted staff, and renowned art patrons who have faithfully recognized Malang’s remarkable works of art.

Art patron Sari Ortiga, who owns The Crucible Gallery where Malang’s art is often displayed, says at one point in the special: “I think [Malang] was the most controversial artist of his time... He lived it, he breathed it, he created it. He was controversial in his crusade against the authenticity of the art… [It’s his one] legacy that we will never forget.”

Celebrate Your Kiddie Birthday Parties with Chickie Boy at Max's Chicken Restaurant

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Chickie Boy just had his Birthday Party at Max's Chicken Restaurant located in Sct. Tuazon in Tomas Morato on a Saturday August 5, 2017.

That cute and huggable mascot of Max's Chicken Philippines is simply to adorable to ignore. It got the attention of the children immediately when it went up on stage to perform some dance numbers together with some dancers.

As expected, lots of kids were present together with their Mommies and Daddies to celebrate the special occasion. Just after the registration where kids will immediately get party hats, you'll s first see the colorful line-up of cakes that you could also have when you celebrate your own kids' birthday at Max's chicken restaurants.

But chicken may have built the restaurant to one of the giant restaurant chains in the country, they also have several specialties available for everyone's food craving. But for this day, what was available were the food design to satisfy the children. With food coming from sister restaurants of Max's, like donuts from Krispy Kreme, pizzas from Yellow Cab, and healthy drinks from Jamba Juice.

‘Filipino’ for the Young Filipino: 2017 Art In Island On-The-Spot Painting Competition

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Art In Island will be having its first ever ‘On-the-Spot Painting Competition,’ open to all talented and young Filipino artists ages 12 to 18 years old. Interested students from different public and private schools will compete on September 30, 2017, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm in Art In Island Museum, Quezon City. The painting competition will have the theme ‘Filipino.’ The word ‘Filipino’ has different meanings and the finalists will have to show it through their paintings. Art In Island would like to promote and recognize the talent of the young Filipino artists here in the country.

If interested as participant and for more information, visit facebook.com/artinisland or call us at 421-1356.

Chateau Royale Hotel Resort and Spa of Batangas Launches New Resto and Cafe

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Congratulations to Chateau Royale hotel resort & spa which recently opened up new attractions
.
Chateau Hotel Resort & Spa, is definitely the biggest of its kind in Batangas, and we are proud to have been able to visit it at this time when they are continuously upgrading its facilities, plus the opening of a new restaurant called The Orchid Asian Grill that features Asian dishes, and a coffee shop that offers coffee like how Batangenos would like it.

The Orchid Asian Grill boasts of Asian dishes like Japanese, Korean Chinese and Mongolian, that will surely have you wanting for more once you tasted them. It's located within an orchid garden where you could appreciate the beauty of the plants, and dine at your heart's and stomach's content.

We had Executive Sous Chef Billy Francisco on video to show us some of the dishes available and also a short video message from him so people would know whom to look for when at Chateau Royale.

But wait, there's more, because dishes here are inspired to make like Teppan Yaki Style wherein they cook the actual food, coming fresh with farm ingredients, in front of customers.

Glaiza De Castro, Mocha Uson, Richard Gordon Joins PCCAI Officials at Photo Exhibit Launches

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The Philippine Chinese Charitable Association Inc., (PCCAI) successfully held two launches of their photo exhibit featuring their years of work and charitable activities.

The first launch was held on July 25, 2017 at the Fisher Mall located in Quezon City and the second one on August 2, 2017 at the Lucky Chinatown Mall located in Binondo, Manila City.

Gracing the first launch is Glaiza De Castro, who was recently appointed as the PCCAI ambassadress of goodwill, and Senator Richard Gordon, who has been very supportive of PCCAI throughout the years, gave an inspiring message to all after the speech of PCCAI President James Dy.

For the second launch, Philippine Communications Operations Office (PCOO) ASec Margaux "Mocha" Uson and Congressman Conrado Estrella, were the honored guests who also spoke a few messages to the attendees immediately after PCCAI President James Dy's speech.

Also present is Dr. Benito Goyokpin, PCCAI Chairman of the Board, and their other officials and board members.

Enjoy an Ultimate Tech Festival During August Cybermonth at SM Supermalls

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Get your fix of the latest gadgets this August as Cybermonth 2017 kicks-off at SM Supermalls.  

This will be the ultimate tech festival for mallgoers in 63 SM Supermalls especially now that almost everyone is fascinated with gadgets like smartphones, tablets, laptops and other gadgets. Techies. gamers and gizmo lovers rejoiced upon this announcement.

A media launch was held on August 1, 2017, at the 4th floor of The Annex, SM North EDSA, Quezon City, specifically at the Cyberzone area where many technology and gadgets vendors from computers to smartphones are available for sale at the many stores in the area.

Cosplayers prominent at the launch were all technology-based characters like Iron Man and Transformers like Optimus Prime, Bumble Bee, Megatron and others.

Featured brands at the event were Vivo, Asus and Smart who had representatives talk about the brand and their latest products.

McCoy De Leon, a brand endorser of Vivo, was a featured celebrity who performed a few song numbers.

Mall shoppers would enjoy amazing month-long gadget sales where they can get up to 50% off on select gadgets and accessories.

There will also be the Game Con happening every weekend of August where you can discover the latest in gaming products and technologies.

ROG Masters: The Philippine Qualifiers is a partnership between SM Supermalls and Asus where live gaming competitions will happen for DOTA2 and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO) where Php200,000 worth of prizes is at stake. 

We could also join a digital promo where we need to share our gadget discoveries, use hashtags #FirstDibsAtSM and #SMCybermonth to get the chance to win them.

To find out more about Cybermonth, visit http://www.instagram.com/smsupermalls

AirAsia is Geeks on a Beach Official Airline Partner

Wazzup Pilipinas!

AirAsia Philippines is the official airline partner of this year’s Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) international tech and startup confab.

This year’s edition of GOAB, renowned for its unconventional work and play by the beach format, will be held in Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa Hotel in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on August 24-25.

AirAsia, which has been supporting GOAB since 2015, is servicing several flights to Puerto Princesa, Palawan from Manila and has recently introduced flights from Davao and Cebu to Palawan last April.

“For the third straight year, AirAsia is supporting GOAB as part of our efforts to support promising startups and grow the tech scene in the Philippines,” said Captain Dexter Comendador CEO of AirAsia Philippines.

The airline, known as Asia’s leading and largest low-cost carrier, is also renowned for transforming air travel into a more convenient experience with tech innovations like web, mobile app, e-boarding pass and kiosk services.

“By giving startups, creatives, and tech entrepreneurs a global stage for new learnings and opportunities for meeting potential partners, GOAB has more than made a difference and we are thrilled to partner with AirAsia, a truly Asean airline and a global brand,” said Tina Amper, TechTalks Founder and GOAB Lead Organizer.

Some of the brightest minds in the industry from the USA, Singapore and other countries will be present at this year’s GOAB. Invited to speak are Yobie Benjamin of Token.io and ClickSWITCH.com, Chris McCann of Greylock Partners, Kay-Mok Ku of Gobi Ventures, Manny Ayala of Endeavor, Aldo Carrascoso of GylcoProX Biosciences, Prasad Vanga of Anthill Ventures, Robertson Chiang of Dragonpay Corporation Miguel Perez of Ayannah, Jason Torres of Ticketbase.com, and Chris Tran of North Ridge Partners.

PLDT, Smart, Voyager, PayMaya, ePLDT, Smart DevNet, PLDT Enterprise, and PLDT Innolab, and Ideaspace are supporting GOAB as co-presenters while ASPACE Philippines is co-producer. GOAB is held in partnership with the City Government of Puerto Princesa, Palaweño ICT Association, and DOST-PCIEERD.

GOAB is organized by TechTalks.ph, powered by Sym.ph, branding by Happy Garaje, and pr by PRWorks. For registration or partnership information or further details, visit www.GeeksOnABeach.com, follow on Twitter/Facebook Geeks On A Beach, or contact hello@GeeksOnABeach.com.

Coke Studio: OPM Artists Collab for Special Music Offerings on TV5

Wazzup Pilipinas!
We often see singers, musicians, artists, and many others in similar fields in entertainment collaborate to produce alternative offerings to their fans or audience. You'll see them partner with each other at albums, concerts and gigs, but I believe this is the first time that a collaboration as big as this one, spearheaded by Coca-Cola Philippines, has ever been made.

The softdrink brand has put together several artists in one project which grouped several artists into two, to come up with musical offerings that fans would go gaga over - preferably for a long time and not just a fad.

Based on studies, OPM artists are still preferred as second to foreign ones. Filipinos still love to hear music from foreigners rather than our very own Filipino musicians. Well, we need not tell you that we still have a long way to go to reach 100% patriotism, which also probably why it makes us a lot more knowledgeable when it comes to content outside the Philippines. Interesting enough, we would see foreign artists frequently being flown in the country for special concerts at fabulously high ticket prices, while Filipino artists get an itsy bitsy of that.

We have to commend Coca-Cola for sponsoring such an activity, and TV5 for broadcasting these special collaborations among artists. We need more of these to keep OPM alive and kicking because we believe that we can soar higher with regards to the music industry if only we make and maintain OPM as cool as foreign music.

Court Denies TRO on PUV Modernization

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The PUV Modernization Program is still a go.

This, after Quezon City RTC Branch 80 denied yesterday, 14 August 2017, the application for Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) filed by Angat Tsuper Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator ng Pilipinas - Genuine Organization Inc. (Stop & Go) against the implementation of Department Order No. ‎2017-011, otherwise known as the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG), issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) last 19 June 2017.

In a statement, Atty. Reinier Paul Yebra, DOTr Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and Procurement, emphasized that the granting of a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) to PUV operators is not a right, but a mere privilege, subject to police power of the state through the DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Usec. Yebra likewise argued that there is no urgency and irreparable injury that will justify issuance of the TRO as the target roll-out and full implementation of the PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP) is still in 2018, and that LTFRB has not yet issued the necessary Memorandum Circulars as basis of specific implementation schedules.

As a major component of the PUVMP, the OFG introduces reforms in granting of franchises by implementing new rules in planning routes and improving standards for operators and vehicles. Under the Guidelines, local government units (LGUs) will plan public transport routes based on the current travel patterns in their areas. These routes will be reflected in the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) of LGUs which will serve as basis for the issuance of franchise by the LTFRB.

The release of the OFG has paved the way for the lifting of the moratorium on the acceptance of new applications for the issuance of CPCs, which was in force since 2003. This forms part of the PUVMP that seeks to provide safer, more comfortable and environmentally sustainable mode of public transport to commuters by upgrading vehicles to meet international safety, energy efficiency and emission standards.

Other proposed specifications of vehicles under the PUVMP include an Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS), closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, a GPS navigation system, dashboard cameras, Wi-Fi, and speed limiters.

Mga Awit At Tula Sa Wikang Pilipino Sa Byahe sa Metro

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Maligayang Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa ngayong Agosto!

Isang lupon ng iba ibang grupo sa musika at pagtula ang kasalukuyang nagtatanghal sa loob ng LRT 2 Stations simula noong Agosto 10 hanggang Agosto 31. Layon po nila na tumulong sa pagpapalaganap ng kaalaman sa mga tao ng ating pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa 2017 sa pamamagitan ng libreng pagtatanghal sa wikang Pilipino ng mga awit at tula. Sa pakikipagtulungan ng pamunuan ng LRTA, sila po ay sumusuporta sa gawain at adhikain ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino para sa buwan na ito.

Ang slogan sa taong ito ay "Filipino Wikang Mapagbago" at naniniwala sila na malaki ang maitutulong ng pagpapalaganap sa paggamit ng wika sa larangan ng turismo, edukasyon, kultura (kasama na ang musika at tula, hanggang sa media) gayun din pagpapakilala sa talento ng Pilipino. Sa pamamagitan din nito, nais nila maibalik ang interes ng tao sa musikang Pilipino maging sa iba pang uri ng sining na pinakilala ang Pilipinas.

Sila ay nagsimula sa pagtatanghal sa mga kalye nuong Oktubre 2014 kung saan kami po inilathala din ng Interaksyon TV5 at nakapagdaos na din ng isang maliit na konsyerto noon sa People's Park In The Sky sa pahintulot ng Munisipyo ng Tagaytay kung saan sila ay tumugtog ng mga pinasikat na awiting Pilipino at inilathala ng Wazzup Pilipinas at Rappler. Ito ang kanilang unang pagtatanghal na lahat ng awit at tula ay sa ating sariling wika.

Ang mga musikang kanilang aawitin ay mga pinasikat na awit sa wikang Filipino at mga sariling obra sa wikang Filipino ng mga kasamang manunulat. Gayundin din ay kanilang ipapakilala ang mga likhang tula, tulang liham at talumpati sa Wikang Filipino ng ilang kasamahan na naglaan ng panahon para sa gawaing ito. 

Yamaha Club Unveils New System and Sponsors

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Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc. has built an incredible community for riders where they can thrive through their passion and dedication for riding. The Yamaha Club began with a special discount privilege for all their members and this 2017, they have created a rewards system to give their riders a greater level of exclusivity.

During their pressconference at the Y-ZONE last August 12,2017 they announced that the purchase of any Yamaha Club member of any Yamaha parts,Apparel, Yamalube, and Helmets will now have an equal amount of points which they can exchange for premium items or an inclusion to a special Yclub event.

Also, it was the introduction of the sponsors of the club. The Consumer Care Products Incorporated, Petron Corporation, FDR Tires, and Racing Boy. They stated that the involvement of their brand is not only a testment to their dedication to Yamaha Club riders but also the fusion of innovation between the companies.

Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc. Sales and Marketing Director Kaoru Ogura alongside Marketing Section Senior Manager, Ryan Jude Camus led the official contract signing and a celebratory toast that marked the beginning of great things for the Yamaha Club.

The Necessary Theater All Set for Olivier Winner for Best Play 'Blackbird' on September 1

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Winner of the Olivier Award for Best Play, Blackbird is a deeply complex portrayal of two people whose ruined lives are inextricably intertwined.

Una, a 27-year-old woman, comes to visit Ray, a 55-year-old man, at his office. They are clearly not comfortable in other's company, and we soon find out why: 15 years before, when Una was only twelve, Ray seduced Una over the course of three months and finally took her away to a hotel for the weekend. Ray spent several years in prison for statutory rape, and Una was ostracized from her community after the incident. Now, she has found him by accident, and the play delves into their complex feelings for each other. Though clearly, and definitional, sexual abuse has occurred, the play that ensues is also part of a love story -- a horrible love story, but a love story all the same.

*Synopsis taken from: stageagent.com

CAST:

BART GUINGONA as RAY

MIKKIE BRADSHAW – VOLANTE as UNA

ARTISTIC TEAM

      Playwright David Harrower

            Direction Topper Fabregas

            Set design Joey Mendoza

            Lights design John Batalla

            Sounds design Jethro Joaquin

Photography Paul Lao

Poster Design Steven Tansiongco

PERFORMANCE DATES:

            First Week:

            September 1 (Friday) – 8PM

            September 2 (Saturday) – 8PM

            September 3 (Sunday) – 3PM

           Second Week:

            September 8 (Friday) – 8PM

            September 9 (Saturday) – 8PM

            September 10 (Sunday) – 3PM

           

Venue: Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium

            4/F RCBC Plaza, Makati City

Ticket Price: PhP 1,200.00 Orchestra center

PhP 1,000.00 Orchestra sides

and orchestra back

                        PhP 800.00 Loge

                        PhP 500 Balcony

For inquiries, please contact: 

Dodo Lim                    Ivy Baggao

Producer                      Prod Manager

0928-5072924             0915-4676443

OFWs May Now Avail of Terminal Fee Exemption Via Ceb Mobile App

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Pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Transportation – Manila International Airport Authority (DOTr – MIAA) and all airlines operating at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Cebu Pacific has updated its booking systems to ensure that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) shall be exempt from paying terminal fee upon online booking of tickets.

Starting July 8, OFWs who choose to book their flights via the Cebu Pacific mobile app only need to tick a box before payment is processed to be exempted from paying the Php550 International Passenger Service Charge (IPSC) or terminal fee. Exemption has been applied to hotline and website transactions since April.

Under the MOA, the fee shall be waived for OFWs, pilgrims, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) delegates, and others authorized by law and the Office of the President to travel outside the Philippines. Effective 30 April 2017, exemption was initially honored upon face to face purchase of tickets, but by the end of July, the exemption was also applied to online purchases. Prior to this, migrant workers and delegates needed to queue for refund when departing from NAIA.

Exempted passengers are required to present valid documents upon check in to verify their eligibility for exemption.

The MOA was signed last 15 March 2017 with all 40 airlines operating in NAIA agreeing to make the exemption automatic upon booking. The move is consistent with the objectives of the DOTr and the directive of President Duterte to give OFWs a seamless and hassle-free experience at the airport.

It can be recalled that the IPSC Integration Project implemented in February 2015 was met with opposition from concerned OFW groups and advocates as it required OFWs to go through a refund process.

Rotary Clubs in Pasig, District 3800 Team Up with PBEX for Unlad-Kaakbay Market and Expo Promotion

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The Rotary Club of Mutya ng Pasig, Pasig Business Club and Ex-Link Events opened the 8th Philippine Business and Entrepreneurs’ Expo at the Megatrade Hall 1 of SM Megamall with a bang, as representatives from government and civic organizations attending the said occasion.

Among the guests present in the opening are Cooperative Development Authority OIC Chief for Project Development and Assistance Division Mr. Julio Casilan, Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines’ Director for Industry Relations Mr. Miguel Angelo C. Villa-Real, Pasig City Business Club President Ms. Elvie Tarrobal, Ortigas Center Association Inc. General Manager Ms. Malou B. Reyes, Rotary International District 3800 Governor for RY 2017-2018 Atty. Salvador C. Quimpo, Rotary Club of Mutya ng Pasig President for RY 2017-2018 Ms. Mary Ann Ong Santiago, and Rotary Club Presidents from the Pasig City area.

Ex-Link Events Chief Executive Officer Ms. Michelle D. Ballesteros gave emphasis on the Unlad-Kaakbay Community Livelihood Expo Promotion and Market-Matching Project, wherein the Rotary Club of Mutya ng Pasig and Ex-Link Events help community entrepreneurs in showcasing their products and services to the general public, taking into account how Ex-Link has been helping entrepreneurs to grow their business almost seventeen years ago with its first Hobbies Turned Business Fair.

This year’s beneficiaries are community livelihood enterprise from Pasig City selling desserts, peanut butter, bracelets, curtains and rags; Live for Others Movement supported by the Rotary Club of Mutya ng Pasig; and the Kabuhayan sa Waterlily livelihood project of the Rotary Club of Pasig.

The 8th Philippine Business and Entrepreneurs’ Expo is sponsored by AXA Philippines, Eastwood Global Plaza Luxury Residences, Golfhill Gardens, CDO, Citibank, Jack N’ Jill Calbee, Nissin Ramen, Brother Philippine, Enchanted Kingdom and Hotel Sogo; and supported by Rotary International District 3800 – Zone 6, the Rotary Club of Mutya ng Pasig, Pasig City Business Club, Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines, Department of Trade and Industry, Ka-Entrep Micro and Small Entrepreneurs Organization of the Philippines, and Chase Technologies Corporation; with media partners GMA, Barangay LS 97.1, Asenso Pinoy, EntrepTV, Light Network, Star Music, 702 DZAS, Business Café, Malaya Business Insight, BusinessWorld, The Manila Times, MoneySense magazine, Locale City Guide, Azrael’s Merryland, Astig.ph, PSST.ph, Negosentro, World Executives Digest, Wazzup Pilipinas, Pisig Ad Network and Young Entrepreneurs’ Society of the Philippines.

Mr. and Ms. Chinatown 2017 Media Launch

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The 15 female and male contestants of the 4^th Mr. and Ms. Chinatown: New Dynasty were presented to the media at the Solaire Resorts and Casino. This year’s batch of hopefuls come from Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao and other key cities around the country, all competing for the prestigious beauty title.  During the program, Ms. Joy Wu and Mr. Jacob Munes were chosen as the evening’s Darling of the Press. Mr. and Ms. Chinatown 2017 Grand coronation will be on September 1, 2017 at Solaire Resorts and Casino. 

Undeniably, pageants have become an inextricable part of the Filipino culture. In fact, the country has recently been dubbed as a powerhouse in pageantry. This love for pageants, they say, is ingrained in our system and could be traced back to the American colonial period, when women from different regions across the country gathered in traders’ fairs to represent and promote their localities. Now, almost every Filipino town and institution has its own local competition where winners are expected to personify the attributes and values of the community.

Mr. and Ms. Chinatown was created from this concept. Since its creation in 2013 Chinoy TV, together with the Miss Chinatown Foundation has been staging the grand competition every year. With various themes that highlight the grandeur of Chinoy life, it is the much-awaited annual event of the Chinese-Filipino community.

This year’s pageant theme is “New Dynasty” which seeks to create a re-defined image of the Chinoy, characterized by the graceful combination of traditional values and a contemporary, progressive stance. Mr. and Ms. Chinatown: New Dynasty is anchored on the belief that the modern Chinoy is open-minded and ready to brave change and new heights.

Mr. and Ms. Chinatown 2017 Grand coronation will be on September 1, 2017 at Solaire Resorts and Casino.

Ms. Joy Wu and Mr. Jacob Munes were chosen as the evening’s Darling of the Press.

                                  

Cover Photo Caption:

Left to Right (Middle) Mr. Willord Chua, Host, Mr. Alvin Kingson Tan, President Fil-Chi Media Productions Inc. – Ms. Loraine Tan, COO, Fil-Chi Media Productions Inc., Mr. Ron Lim, Admin Manager Oriental Group and Mr. Jay Ang Marketing Manager Oriental Group

Heartwarming Comedy “Playing House” Returns for New Season on Sony Channel

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Season 3 premieres August 20, Sundays at 7:30pm

Your favorite “sisters” continue their adventures as their friendship faces its biggest challenge yet in the new season of the comedy series Playing House, which premieres on Sony Channel this August.

Childhood best friends Maggie Caruso (Lennon Parham) and Emma Crawford (Jessica St. Clair) are back, and they are bringing their fun friends with them.

In the new season, the tables are turned as Emma needs all the support she can have from Maggie after she is diagnosed with breast cancer. With the people who love her by her side, Emma undergoes treatment and emerges somehow happier and more fulfilled than she has ever been.

Despite their differences, Maggie and Emma get through the hard times as they complement each other the way only best friends can - by facing the challenges of their past, present and future together.

Playing House Season 3 premieres August 20 and airs every Sunday at 7:30pm, part of ROFLing Sundays first and exclusive on Sony Channel.

Sony Channel is available on SKYCable Channel 35, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cignal Channel 120, G Sat Channel 48, and Cablelink Channel 39.

Online Tax Assistance Platform Taxumo is the First Digital Startup to Get Four-Year Tax Holiday from BOI

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As part of the government’s thrust to spur the digital startup industry and technological innovations in the Philippines, pioneering online tax assistance platform Taxumo was recently granted a four-year income tax holiday so it can focus its resources on growing its business. 

This recent move makes Taxumo the first digital startup firm approved by the Board of Investments (BOI) under the 2017 IPP (Investment Priorities Plan.) 

Taxumo is an easy online tax filing and payment web app that revolutionizes tax processing for Filipino solo entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and freelancers. Says EJ Arboleda, Taxumo’s CEO: “We are grateful that the BOI has given the attention to Taxumo, which sets a precedent for the tech startup industry to get the support it needs to move forward, which in turn will generate jobs and ease business operations. We are proud to be leading the way for the industry.” 

“Digitalization is a great equalizer that levels the playing field among small and large firms. Adopting an innovation-led business model, like the integration of digital strategies and e-commerce, enables MSMEs to scale-up their status and become competitive in the long run,” Trade Secretary and BOI Chairman Ramon M. Lopez said. 

“We must effectively tap the potential of MSMEs as it forms a significant part in of our country’s growth resurgence and nurturing them not just as backbones of our economy but also one of the prime movers of both domestic and regional growth.” 

Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo said: “BOI supports entrepreneurial startups as an engine for economic development and as a key driver of economic diversification and job creation. While the Philippine start-ups sector is at a nascent stage, our large young internet-savvy population and growing economy make the country a hot-bed for technology-driven activities.” 

He stressed “the need to have a forward thinking mentality that is anchored on providing entrepreneurs and startups with the necessary support to start and grow right from the earliest stages of development.” 

Through Taxumo, users simply enter their income and expenses in the system regularly, which then provides real-time information on tax dues. 

This will also be a great help for independent contractor taxes. The platform also autofills the relevant tax forms (BIR Form 2551M for Monthly Percentage Tax Payments, Form 1701Q for Quarterly Income Tax Payments, and soon, Form 1701 for Annual Income Tax Payments) with calculations based on the data entered by the user. 

From there, they can easily file and pay their tax dues online through Taxumo as well. Users can avail of paid subscription packages on the platform, depending on their needs.