Nat Geo and WWF Outfit Mindoro Tribesmen and Rangers with Solar Lamps and Patrol Kits

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The National Geographic Channel (NGC) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) recently gave 50 portable solar lamps to the Taw’Buid – an indigenous Mangyan group inhabiting the remote mountains of Mindoro. Park rangers protecting the Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park also received new hammocks, raingear and all-weather patrol uniforms from the Primer Group of Companies.

The deployment is part of NGC’s Earth Day Run, which has been supporting WWF projects since 2013. Race proceeds reforested Isabela forests with 20,000 fruit-bearing trees in 2013 and deployed fibreglass bancas for Palawan fishermen in 2014.

Proceeds from NGC’s 2015 race funded the solar lamp deployment, which was held inside the Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park last 3 September. About 15 million Filipinos lack regular access to electricity and Mindoro’s Taw’Buid tribesfolk are no exception, relying on kerosene and firewood to light their homes.

“We gave portable solar lamps because burning fossil fuels accelerates climate change,” says WWF-Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma. “Solar energy is an economical and safe power source because there are no emissions to trigger respiratory ailments. Our goal is to cover basic Filipino needs while fighting climate change.”

The photo above shows newly-outfitted park rangers and their Taw’Buid tracker spot wildlife from the summit of Mt. McGowen in the Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park, last refuge of the critically-endangered Tamaraw, a legally-protected species.

10 Bungalows for Sale in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A style of property that originated and is still common in Southeast Asia, bungalows continue to be the ideal choice for Filipino homebuyers with close family ties.

Featuring only a single story (while those with second floors are kept low by being built into a sloping roof), bungalows are ideal for residents with impaired mobility, such as retirees or those relegated to wheelchairs. Its low-rise design also makes it the ideal living space for children, where the worry of them being left unsupervised in an entirely different floor or tumbling down the stairs by accident is minimized.

Being that the Philippines is a popular retirement and vacation destination, and Filipinos’ having a cultural affinity for living with or close to family where members of the household often including seniors and children, bungalows are indeed a popular choice in the country. The property’s modest size compared to homes with multiple floors also makes it more favorable from a price standpoint.

There are a number of quality bungalows currently for sale in the Philippines, most of which are listed on leading real estate platforms Lamudi Philippines and MyProperty.ph, who shares 10 that can give potential buyers the best value for their money:

1. Two bedroom, two bathroom bungalow on the Island of Panglao

Located in a gated community situated in the Libaong area of Panglao, Bohol, this bungalow is presently on available for an asking price of P4.95 million. Featuring two bedrooms and two bathrooms, interested buyers get their money’s worth with the property’s total land size of 165 square meters, which is inclusive of car space, and access to the guarded community’s big common swimming pool and tropical garden.

More information 

2. Collinwood Village bungalow with proximity to Mactan, Cebu

Situated right across Mactan’s Gaisano Grand Mall, Collinwood Village is the ideal place for the retiree bungalow owner, as it is less than a handful of minutes away from Mactan Doctor’s Hospital and ten minutes away from a number of Mactan beach resorts and hotels. For only P2.7 million, one can own a 120 square meter lot with a two bedroom bungalow in Basak, Lapu-Lapu City closed community.

More information

3. Three-bedroom bungalow for less than three million in Angeles City

Priced specifically at P2.93 million, this 68.65 square meter bungalow in Angeles City provides great value for money with its three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Sitting on a 180 square meter lot, the property also includes provisions for two cars, and is in a secured subdivision which feature amenities such as a swimming pool, park, clubhouse, and 24-hour security, to name a few.

More information

4. Semi-furnished bungalow with a garden and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms

Situated in a gated subdivision near landmarks like the Clark Airport and the Clark Freeport Zone, this bungalow brings great value with its location and notable lot area of 500 square meters. Add to that having three bedrooms plus one maid’s room and three bathrooms plus a powder room, and the bungalow’s initial asking price of P7.3 million seemingly becomes a worthy investment.

More information

5. Bungalow with spacious frontage for sale in Las Pinas City village

A fully renovated bungalow in BF Resort Village in Las Pinas, this home is currently listed for an asking price of P7.8 million and features as many as five bedrooms, and three toilets and bath. With a lot size of 282 square meters, it also includes a single car garage and a front yard with a landscaped garden, and is semi-furnished with a split-type air-conditioner, refrigerator, cook top and washing machine.

More information

6. BF Homes bungalow with a floor area of 250 square meters

Found in one of Metro Manila’s most recognized residential areas, this bungalow in BF Homes, Paranaque is currently listed on for a negotiable asking price of P9.5 million. This price garners the future owner a 2016-built home with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and car spaces for two vehicles, all in a community with amenities such as a pool, tennis and volley ball courts, and a function hall, among others.

More information

7. Muntilupa bungalow situated near Ayala Alabang and Portofino

Ideal for the retiree or family wanting to live within the National Capital Region, this bungalow in Muntinlupa City provides owners convenient proximity to Ayala Alabang and Portofino. Given its location and lot area of 300 square meters, the asking price of P5 million can be considered one of the better ones on the market, particularly when compared with other NCR located three bedroom, two bath homes.

More information

8. Three bedroom bungalow in Antipolo, Rizal
Marketed as an ideal retirement home, this three-bedroom bungalow is situated in the quiet Inarawan barangay of Antipolo, Rizal. The elegantly styled single-detached home features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a two-car parking space, and for its asking price of P8.25 million, gives the potential buyer ownership of a lot measuring a total of 386 square meters.

More information

9. Zen-inspired beach house just thirty minutes away from the shore

Retirement properties are always in demand in the Philippines thanks to its many beaches, and one looking to retire in a bungalow can find one in the municipality of San Narciso in Zambales. Featuring Zen-inspired architecture, the P5.9 million property includes four bedrooms and one maid’s room, the entirety of which are air conditioned, parking space for two cars, and a porch with ocean views, among others.

More information

10. Exceptionally affordable bungalow in General Trias City

Presently listed on MyProperty.ph at an asking price of only P600,000, this bungalow provides a great deal of value for only a little investment. The property is located in the Lessandra Estates of Camella Homes in General Trias City, and is marketed to be in an area that is completely flood free. Sitting on a 70 square meter lot is a Camella-designed “Sophia” bungalow, which includes two bedrooms and is semi-furnished.

More information

Microsoft Merges Security, Analytics, and Real-Time Communication Into Office 365 E5

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Collaboration is the key to every successful business, and this could only be successfully implemented if there is quality and security in our means of communication. Of course, we also need to effectively gauge our transaction performance using accurate data analytics.

In today’s complex data-driven enterprises, the productivity and profitability of businesses now depends on the said requirements in order to achieve our ultimate goal.

Microsoft Philippines continues to lead the digital transformation of the workplace as it brings office technology to a new level. It has recently launched the latest enhancement in its productivity tool which they call Office 365 E5.

Held at the New World Hotel in Makati city, the launch introduced us to the capabilities of Office 365 E5 via talks and demo conducted by the people from Microsoft Philippines namely Cian O'Neill, Chief Operating & Chief Marketing Officer; Christian Lim, Office Marketing Business Group Lead; Yvette Watson, Technology Solutions Professional. A Q&A was also conducted to answer the inquiries of the attending members of the media.

As mentioned from the article headline, Office 365 E5's advanced features on security, analytics, and real-time communication is now merged into a single suite, making it unique from previous Office 365 Suites. 

Acceler8 Turns 1 and Launches 2nd Coworking Space at Paseo De Roxas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Congratulations to Acceler8 for turning 1! But the celebration does not stop there for on top of their 1st year anniversary, they also officially opened their second coworking branch in 111 Paseo de Roxas. That's a double celebration that really needs to be punctuated with an exclamation point!

It seems coworking spaces or shared offices are becoming highly in demand right now especially for startups whom we all know probably do not have enough financial capacity to rent or own their own offices. I've had the opportunity to visit several of these establishments from all over Makati and Bonifacio Global City who also invited us to help share the news about their special offer that all entrepreneurs should take advantage.

An office space, though no longer as necessary as before for this digital generation - especially for Millenials, is still more convenient to have if we want to project professionalism. It is still highly prestigious to meet with clients or customers at a presentable place instead of a coffee shop or restaurant. 

It is more economical to avail of coworking spaces to lessen a business' operating expenses or overhead. This is also why a group of businessmen are trying to negotiate with mall owners to give startups special rates while they are in the process of growing their business. All these effort is to encourage more entrepreneurs to setup their own business ventures. 

We see these visionaries getting younger and younger, and already planning as early during their college days. Making it easier for them to start with minimal cash out or capital would be very helpful. The government should also reduce, if not able to eliminate, the lengthy, tedious and expensive, bureaucratic procedure in applying for a business permit.

Aside from the media launch where the founders gave their opening speeches, Accler8 also organized different discussions and talks that will surely help in our business' development.

Don Papa Rum Brings Michel Dame of Cocktail Boutique Netherlands to Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Bartenders may be having so much fun being in the presence of all kinds of liquors at their disposal to come up with a masterpiece drink that will either tame or bring out the beast in you. Thus most bartenders bring their status up to notches higher by really understanding the science behind mixing drinks.

Indeed, it requires you to become a "mixologist" to make bartending level up to its highest form. Frankly, the great ones don't just mix everything together, shake or stir, but also look at the profile of his customer and concocts something appropriate. Now, that's another social expertise that bartenders may apply if they want to go beyond just serving drinks from a bar.

The craft can also be artistic because even the choice of glass, as well as how you make the presentation look more interesting by adding slices of fruits like lemons, apples, and other fruits, may spell a big difference in how customers would appreciate the drink.

For a night showcasing the Art of Bartending, the Don brings the Dutch to Manila to let media peeps experience the basics, and even more, of being a bartender, of which involves being both artistic and scientific. There was a media challenge where teams compete for the best drink, which includes the Don Papa Rum, that they could concoct that night. We have to congratulate the Umali husband and wife team for winning the media challenge.

DOE Takes Active Role in ASEAN Energy Summit

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines is taking an active role in meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the subject of energy.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi was elected as Vice Chairman when he attended the 34th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM34) and Associated Meetings from 21 to 23 September 2016 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.

During the series of Ministerial Meetings of the 13th AMEM+3 (China, Japan and Korea), the 10th East-Asia Summit Energy Ministers Meeting (EAS-EMM) and the 6th AMEM-International Energy Agency (IEA) Dialogue, Secretary Cusi shared about the broad energy sector direction under the Administration of President Rodrigo Duterte including the possible entry of emerging technologies such as Liquified Natural Gas; revisiting the merits of nuclear energy as an option for power generation and sustaining capital flows from potential investors through policy reforms in the approval process of energy projects.

With the theme “Towards Greener Community with Cleaner Energy” the meetings set into motion greater cooperation on the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2016-2025, Phase 1:2016-2020 within ASEAN and Dialogue Partners together with relevant international agencies.

As part of the Philippine Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017, Secretary Cusi formally accepted the hosting of AMEM35 and its Associated Meetings in Manila from 18 to 22 September 2017. The Philippines hosted the same meetings twice in 1997, with the most recent in 2004.

The ASEAN Ministers of Energy Meeting provides political guidance and directions in the development and implementation of key energy sector priority initiatives and work programs consistent with the directives of the Heads of States/Governments of ASEAN.
Held annually, the hosting of such is on a rotation basis following the alphabetical sequence of ASEAN member-countries. The ASEAN was established to promote economic growth and shared prosperity in the region. The member-countries are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

DOE SOLIDARITY FOR ASEAN ENERGY: Ministers of Energy of the ASEAN Member-States (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines) hold hands symbolic of solidarity during the 34th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM), where Philippine Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi (5th from right) was Vice-Chair. In the same event, Sec. Cusi accepted in behalf of the Philippine government the hosting of the AMEM next year.

Sear Steak Scullery: Reward Yourself with Sumptuous Steaks You Can Even Cook Yourself

Wazzup Pilipinas!

If you want to impress someone really special, or reward yourself for a job well done, there's only one thing that comes in mind - steak!

Since it's always a great excuse to dine on great food when lunch or dinner time comes, where else should we spend our hard-earned money but at restaurants that will truly satisfy our taste and ease our hunger. Thus, we go to the very best resto every payday to munch on the best dishes that our money can buy.

Western-themed Sear Steak Scullery serves a wide range of premium and imported steak selections, coupled with modern Asian fusion dishes that will not disappoint you. The resto is also a great choice to bring your children for they will also love their other dishes, especially their milkshakes.

I'm positive that even the teens would enjoy visiting this steak dining haven for it also offers interactive dining experience where you and your friends get to rough it up like camping outdoors and cook your own steak right at your own table via a stone grill. Medium rare or well-done, it's up to you how you want your steak cooked. The power is in your hands, while you wear their cowboy hats for photo ops. Upload those pics on social media and become the envy of all your friends. 

Anvil Summit 2016: Giants Leveled Up and Extended Their Boundaries

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Anvil Business Club commemorated its 25th Anniversary on September 9, 2016 (Friday), from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Marriott Hotel Manila, at one of its flagship events, the ANVIL SUMMIT 2016: Giants Level Up! Extending Your Boundaries, where they featured business leaders and maverick entrepreneurs who have dared to change the game and make the world a better place.

These stellar lineup of key business leaders are namely Tallwood Venture Capital’s Managing Partner, Mr. Diosdado P. Banatao. Dado is a trailblazing entrepreneur who made it big from the sleepy town of Iguig, Cagayan to the bustling tech companies of Silicon Valley. Other confirmed speakers include : Aboitiz Equity Ventures ex-President JON RAMON ABOITIZ,who reinvented their declining transport business into a powerhouse in power generation and other industries; Concepcion-Carrier Air Conditioning’s CEO RAUL JOSEPH “Jojo” CONCEPCION, who upgraded to world class manufacture and entered several strategic international partnerships; Megawide Corporation President/COO Engr. EDGAR B. SAAVEDRA, whose innovation in construction created spectacular growth and has now entered green energy and won the Mactan Airport bid; and ANDERS BÄRLUND, a Partner at Mckinsey & Company, who leads us into the future through the behavior of the Digital Consumer. 

These are luminaries from diverse industry experiences and backgrounds so imagine the knowledge that we could have squeezed out of these speakers if only there was more time to ask questions.

The business leaders shared their stories in a public forum for their members and esteemed guests. But before their valuable wisdom and inspiring experience, the team from Anvil which include Anvil President Marcelo Co, and Anvil Chairman Emeritus George Siy, gave opening messages. 

Balangayan Sa Unibersidad 2016: A Quest for LeaderSHIFT

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Land Ho! Drop your anchor as we steer the wheel to the second expedition of Bulacan State University – Office of the Student Organizations “Balangayan Sa Unibersidad 2016 – A Quest for LeaderSHIFT” from September 28 – 30, 2016. This is the most awaited flagship activity that will converge student organizations and unleash the veil of the student leaders with the series of activities expressly contrived for every BulSUans. What to look forward to?

Join us to the Opening Ceremony and feel the milieu of PAGODA: ORG TRADE AND BOOTH FAIR Ribbon Cutting on September 28, 2016; 8:00am at BulSU – Activity Center and Rizal Park.

Gear up and send two representatives for the ANGKLA: LEADERSHIP SEMINAR WORKSHOP "Steadfast decision-making, transforming goals into action" 12:00nn – 5:00pm at CS AVR. Visualizing every organizations to keep their hopes high anchored by absolute decisions, focusing on their vision for time of action.

Captivate and have an entry to LARAJUAN: PHOTO EXHIBIT a photography contest with the theme “Pagsulyap sa Kalagayan ni Juan sa ating Lipunan”. To put a twist and innovation to this competition, photographs should be able to capture any community or people that will be considered as the future extension projects of the BulSU-OSO.

Engage to ANG TAGAPAG-BUNSOD SA BAGONG KALIKASAN: ECO-FRIENDLY DEVICE a competition of devices made out of recyclable materials.

LARAJUAN at ANG TAGAPAGBUNSOD SA BAGONG KALIKASAN will be exhibited at Lover’s Lane for three consecutive days and have a visit, make your vote count.

Don’t miss out the PAROLA: RECOGNITION DAY, the annual ceremony of recognition for all student organizations September 29, 2016 at BulSU Activity Center.

Match wits to DALUY: PROJECT PROPOSAL COMPETITION create a project that will benefit the environment of our own university in the long run September 29, 2016 at CS AVR. It is a test of creativity and innovative thinking of BulSU students to implement an eco-friendly university project that will benefit the organizations in the process.

Stupefy and party in to DAUNGAN: THE BALANGAYAN AWARDS NIGHT cheers up to the feats and efforts of every organizations who participated the activities of Balangayan 2016 and to give acknowledgement to the hailed outstanding advisers, student leaders and organizations for the year 2015 but wait there’s more, it is a great opportunity to build connections and a time to get to know each other, student leaders! September 30, 2016; 6:00pm at BulSU Activity Center. Make your organization shine!

ENGAGE in every activities

ROPE IN every member

LIVE IT UP for the Balangayan sa Unibersidad 2016!

For more inquiries, you may reach us through our official facebook page, BulSU OSO and you may contact:

Maricar M. Ronquillo- Head of the Balangayan 2016 Opening Ceremony at 09351663051

Shamah Domingo & Rogelio Casaje – Head of PAGODA: ORG TRADE AND BOOTH FAIR at 00359089756

Paulo R. Celis – Head of PAROLA :RECOGNITION DAY at 09358843058

Geline T. Fajardo – Head of ANGKLA: LEADERSHIP SEMINAR WORKSHOP at 09974227069

Adrian Daruel C. Adriano – Head of LARAJUAN: PHOTO EXHIBIT at 09056042062

Pergentino Galang I and John Tyrone Balingit – ANG TAGAPAG-BUNSOD SA BAGONG KALIKASAN – ECO-FRIENDLY DEVICE at 09051118781

Rani A. Esguerra​ - Head of DALUY: PROJECT PROPOSAL COMPETITION at 09055865920​

Christian A. Marcos – Head of DAUNGAN: THE BALANGAYAN AWARDS NIGHT at 09368147943

Paulo Anthony Dela Cruz – Head of ORG FLAGS


#BALANGAYAN2016 #OSOEB1617

Papa John's: Passionate About Pizza, Pasta and More

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I could never get tired of eating pizza. If I am at home for a weekend movie marathon, pizza will be the first thing I would order for delivery. When I want something to bring home for my loved ones, among my choices would include pizza. Nothing else is as convenient and satisfying for my craving for comfort food that I'm sure I couldn't go wrong.

For the ultimate pizza experience, I can sincerely say that there's only a few pizza restaurants that can truly satisfy my craving for the taste that won't disappoint.

I've tried and tasted several kinds from different brands and nothing pleases me more than those brands that really offers fresh meat, cheese and vegetables like Papa John's Pizza.

I guess I lost count already of how many times I've ordered pizza from this restaurant, including take-outs of my favorite kinds like All The Meats and Pepperoni. Yeah, I love all kinds of meat for my pizza, but I'm also the one who loves pineapple bits as my choice of toppings. Thus The Hawaiian is also a runner-up for third favorite.

Lately, we were invited to try out Papa John's specialties at their SM Megamall branch. It was probably an introductory event for the launch of their new products of which a couple were introduced that day. I was proud to have been able to try out two new dishes, the Strombolis, that are yet to be launched this December. Now, that's only a few months from now, but I'm honored to be among the first ones to experience these new offering from Papa John's.