beep Card Hits 1 Billion Transactions, Over 5 Million beep Cards Issued to Date

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Last Aug. 8, 2018 (8-8-18), beep had its 1,000,000,000^th transaction in the light rail network (LRT 1, LRT 2, MRT 3), just two months short of its third anniversary in the market. Of this number, 56 percent are beep card transactions while 44 percent are cash via single journey tickets.

However, the trend in the use of beep cards is still increasing – in July 2018, some 59 percent of fares were paid using beep cards.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament that we were able to create a robust and dependable payment solution for mass transit that has brought convenience to millions of the city’s rail riders over the last three years,” said Peter Maher, president and CEO of AF Payments Inc., the consortium behind beep.

The Ayala Corp.-Metro Pacific Investments Corp. consortium won the permit to operate an automated fare collection system as a Public-Private Partnership project in 2013.

“Our team works day and night in partnership with the DOTr and the rail operators to ensure that the system meets the demanding performance standards set out in the Concession Agreement,” Maher said.

Strong online and on ground support helped customers easily adapt to the new system. Even commuters attest to the improvement of their journey in the elevated trains because of the beep card. Aside from time saved in falling in line, commuters enjoy seamless transfers between train lines and automatic savings for most rides, among others.

Nicko Abeleda, who frequently rides the LRT 1 from his home in Malabon City to his workplace in Makati, finds it convenient that he can proceed to the turnstiles and tap his way to the train.

“Mas madaling gamitin yung beep card kasi ita-tap mo lang. Mas mabilis kaysa sa magnetic card dati na hindi mo agad alam kung aling side ipapasok. Kumpara naman sa SJT, malaking bagay ‘yung natitipid kong seven pesos bawat LRT ride kapag beep card gamit ko (It is easier to use the beep card because you just tap it, unlike the previous magnetic card. Also, compared to the SJT, the savings of seven pesos per LRT ride is a big help for me),” he said.

Meanwhile, Charisma Geminiano, who frequently rides the LRT 2 and MRT 3, appreciates the easy transfer between rail lines that the beep card made possible. She finds it convenient not having to line up twice to get tickets.  “The beep card saves me time because I can load the amount that I need for a week or month. I can easily use the loading machine instead of lining up at the counters, where queues are usually longer,” she said.

Some commuters even note that having a beep card is more hygienic since it lessens the need to fumble with cash, particularly coins, which have been previously handled by so many people. Others are pleased that the beep card is user-friendly for all members of the family, even for senior citizens who get to enjoy their 20 percent discount with their beep Concessionary Card.

Recently, beep launched a mobile app which enables cardholders to check the load and transactions on a daily basis for up to five cards. The app is available for FREE in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

“Our customer surveys have consistently shown that the ease and convenience of using the beep card is among the top three reasons why commuters prefer to take LRT 1,” according to Light Rail Manila Corporation President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso. “Complemented with more trains, more trips, and lesser waiting time, the beep card has contributed to the reduction of the passengers’ travel time.”

Over 5 million beep cards have already been sold. Aside from the LRT and MRT, other modes of transport accepting payment via beep card are the point-to-point buses of Froehlich, HM Transport, RRCG, TAS Trans, and DNS, as well as the BGC Bus, Citylink Coach Services, Lancaster New City shuttle service, and BBL Trans (Balibago-Buendia route). For more information, visit the website and official beep™ card Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.

DOE Participates in LPG Philippines Summit 2018

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy - Oil Industry Management Bureau (DOE-OIMB) Assistant Director Rodela I. Romero delivered the opening remarks of Assistant Secretary Leonido J. Pulido III yesterday (30 August) at the launching of the two-day LPG Philippines Summit 2018 at the SMX Convention Center Aura, BGC, Taguig City.

The LPG Philippine Summit is a venue for the government and the private sector to share valuable information and unified strategies in addressing the numerous concerns of the growing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) industry in the country.

“The DOE calls on our LPG industry players to be guided by the existing government rules and policy directions to provide fair competition and consumer protection. Our goal is to help the consumers get a good deal and the contentment that they deserve,” said Pulido in his speech delivered by Romero.

The DOE also took the opportunity to encourage the participants to take part in the E-Power Mo movement. E-Power Mo has four principles, namely:

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

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

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

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

Mariah Carey: Live in Manila on October 26

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Brand NEW SHOW. Brand NEW TOUR. The one and only, MARIAH CAREY – the butterfly is coming back to Manila for a special one-night concert on October 26th at the Araneta Coliseum. The pop diva is set to perform her number ones and more, bringing a new and bigger tour for her Filipino ‘lambily’.

Mariah Carey is the best-selling female artiste of all time with more than 200 million records sold worldwide to date and eighteen Billboard #1 singles (seventeen self-penned) including ‘Hero’, ‘Fantasy’, ‘Always Be My Baby’, ‘Honey’, ‘One Sweet Day’, ‘Without You’, ‘Touch My Body’, ‘We Belong Together’, ‘Don’t Forget About Us’ and the global smash hit Christmas single ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’, more than any solo artiste in history. With her distinct five-octave vocal range, prolific song writing, and producing talent, Mariah has defined the modern pop performance. As a singer, songwriter and record producer, she has been recognized with five Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, Billboard's "Artist of the Decade" Award, the World Music Award for "World's Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium," and BMI's "Icon Award" to name a few.

‘Mariah Carey: Live in Concert’ is presented by Wilbros Live. Tickets on-sale now at TicketNet.com.ph or call 911-5555 for more details. For more information, follow Wilbros Live on social media.

Buying Your Dream House? The Top 4 Important Details To Think About

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We all have our dream homes, but not everyone believes that they can come to life. If you are on the look for that dream house of yours, here are some important factors to deliberate over before investing.

1. Aesthetic/Architectural Design
What is your dream house? Is it an apartment, a condo unit, a townhouse, or a simple bungalow-type? How many rooms will it have? Will your home require a big space? Would you need a guest room? Will it give off a modern, minimalist, or rustic vibe? It is important to think these tiny details through when deciding to buy a home. It is your dream house, after all. The way our home looks affect the way we feel and perform. Assess yourself which of these are your top priority.

Buying a house is considered as the most important and most expensive decision one would ever make in his/her life so might as well go for the best and for what you really like. Learning what you want and what will make you feel comfortable and ‘at home’ early prepares you for the possible expenses you are about to encounter.

2. Location
You can buy a house and renovate it to meet your ideal home style, but you can never ever change a home’s location once the decision is done. Location is one of the most important yet often disregarded aspects of buying a home, especially when practicality comes first. Most oft thetime the best locations also have the ‘finest’ price, which results in simply settling down to what is ‘okay’.

You can choose the type of house you want to live in, but never forget that you can also choosewho your neighbors will be and what kind of community you are willing to take part in. Being atpeace and at ease with your surrounding makes the house a home.

Check if your prospect location has the following qualities:

● In close proximity to the living essentials: transportation access, market, mall, hospital,
school/workplace, etc.
● Meets your lifestyle means and needs
● Safe and secure

Generally, central business district areas provide the convenience to all things mentioned above, but living within one isn’t always the most practical decision. Try to scout for potential home locations in the nearby areas around the CBD. You might be surprised to discover ah hiddengem that would require a few more walks, less money, but would still allow you easy
access to these CBD perks.


3. Financial Matters
Now that you have clearly painted in your head your future dream house in the best location possible, the next concern is how can you afford it? Money matters, especially in terms of buying a property, sound overwhelming.

Let this not make you think that you don’t deserve a house you cannot afford as of the moment.

Getting a house once you have the money is ideal but saving up for a house might take a long while. There are various housing loans to help you and let you enjoy the comfort of your own home early:

● Government: PAG-IBIG Fund Loan, SSS, NHMFC, SHFC
● Bank Housing Loan
● Developer Assisted Housing Loan

Interest rates and terms for housing loans differ from one option to another. Carefully study all your available options and assess which one would work best for you and your budget.

4. Timeline
How critical is it for you to have your own place? Is it urgent? Or do you still have time to save up? Timing plays a critical role in decision-making because it will determine what your next actions would be.

The time to turn your dream house into a reality has come. Considering all these aspects ahead will guarantee your money spent wisely. Investing in a house is a big move involving a huge fortune. Make sure that you invest your money in the best possible home that will satisfy you
and your needs.

General Assembly 2018: Mix n’ PItch

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Junior Financial Executives – PUP Manila welcomes the new Academic Year through a general assembly with the theme: “Mix ‘N Pitch: The Voice of Leadership | Harmony of Fashion and Music”.

This will be attended by the 1300 members of the organization and it will happen on September 1, 2018 at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila.

This will be a two-installment event. First installment will be a seminar-type program that will feature the showcasing of talent of JFINEX’s sub organizations, recognition of Dean’s Listers, launching of the General Plan of Activities of JFINEX for the entire academic year and more activities that our members will surely enjoy. The second installment will be a Music festival-type of party with loud music and different kind of booths. This event will be held to give the members a chance to take a break from their academic responsibilities and enjoy and relax for a while.

ABOUT JUNIOR FINANCIAL EXECUTIVES – PUP:
The Junior Financial Executives PUP – Manila is the official student-run organization of the Department of Banking and Finance, known as one of the biggest JFINEX chapters in the Philippines with over 1300 active members. Together its mission and vision of moulding the students to be a professional practitioners
and uphold awareness in banking and finance field, the organization conducts interactive academic and non
– academic events. The goal of the organization for the academic year 2018-2019 is to bind the organization,
the students and future partners during its promotion of financial literacy. The organization aspires to have
a lasting impact not just to its members but also to the whole PUP Community.
Contact Person: DIANE JESSICA BALBOA
 Vice President – Marketing
 balboadianejessica@gmail.com

For more information, check: www.facebook.com/JFINEX.ORG.PUP

MARINA Stirs PH Cruise Industry

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The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) stirs local cruise shipping industry as it endorses the acquisition and operation of cruise ships in the Philippines. 

“We are encouraging companies to operate cruise ships in the Philippines. By stirring the cruise shipping industry, we aim to advance local maritime industry through the boosting of Philippine tourism,” MARINA Administrator Rey Leonardo Guerrero said. 

However, despite the advocacy to venture into local cruise shipping industry, the MARINA assures it will be uncompromising in the regulating the industry. 

Come September 2018, the MARINA will implement strict policies for the acquisition and operation of local cruise ships to ensure maritime safety and security, one of which is the rule on the accreditation of cruise ships. 

To guarantee the quality of ships plying over the Philippine seas, the MARINA will only accredit cruise ships that are operational for not more than 20 years.  

Moreover, cruise ships, whether newly-built or previously-owned, are required to be classed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) to warrant its adherence to technical standards and requirements, ensuring maritime safety and environmental protection. 

While all Philippine cruise ships are required to be manned by Filipino seafarers, the MARINA is open for granting special permits to foreign cruise ships to engage in local cruise shipping industry in areas that are not serviced by local cruise ships. 

Award-Winning Pinoy Film "Santa Nena!" Competes in Iraq

Wazzup Pilipinas!

An award-winning short film from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Design and Arts (SDA) has been officially selected to compete at the 3rd Slemani International Film Festival in Iraq from October 10 to 16.

Tim Rone Villanueva‘s “Santa Nena!” follows fellow Benildean filmmaker Shallah Montero’s “Papa’s Shadows,” which represented the Philippines at the Slemani IFF’s international short film category last year.

"Santa Nena!" tells the story of a miraculous patron saint (Elora Españo in the titular role) who springs to life at night. One day, while talking to her friend, an angel (Jelson Bay), she received a message from God. She has to be the child-bearer for the second coming of the Messiah on earth with Manuel (Ross Pesigan), “the boy with the golden balls.” Fellow thespians Mailes Kanapi, Rolando Inocencio and Martha Comia play supporting characters.  

Villanueva, who hails from Kawit, Cavite, said he was inspired by Santa Maria Magdalena of Kawit Church, or more popularly known as Santa Nena to Kawiteños, in coming up with the short film.  Advocacy filmmaker and BenildeFilm mentor Seymour Sanchez served as creative producer of the capstone project.  

"In Philippine culture, having devotion to a saint or patron is a huge part of it. Most people believe in the miracles of different patrons of the church to accommodate their request. But what if the situation turns around and saints were to ask people a favor? Will the people grant a saint’s request? This film challenges what happens if you reverse the situation of men and saints," the young filmmaker explained.

The black comedy earlier won several accolades such as Best Short Film (Student Category), CineFilipino Film Festival 2018; Best Director and Best Production Design (Student Category), Pelikultura 2018: The CALABARZON Film Festival; Honorable Mention (Short Feature Category), 29th Gawad CCP Independent Film and Video Festival; Gold Picture Prize, Outstanding Direction, Outstanding Performance for Españo and Technical Excellence awards (Maningning Category), CineSB7 Film Festival; Best Narrative Short Film, Best Director, Best Script and Best Actor for Pesigan, Ateneo Video Open 2017; and Best Narrative, Best Performance and Best Production Design (Intercollegiate Category), Sinepiyu XI.

"Santa Nena!" was also screened last July 5 at the DLS-CSB SDA Cinema as part of the One La Salle Film Festival. Last year, it figured prominently in two film events in Mindanao -- competing at the Philippine shorts competition of the fifth Salamindanaw Asian Film Festival in General Santos City and being part of the official selection of Cinema Rehiyon 9 in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley.

Villanueva’s capstone project under the Digital Filmmaking program will slug it out with 19 other similarly notable short films from Afghanistan, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Estonia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Lebanon, Kyrgyzstan, Palestine, Spain and Turkey.

UP OVPEA Proudly Presents the Filipino Youth Summit

Wazzup Pilipinas!

For the first time, the Office of the Vice President for External Affairs (OVPEA) of the University Student Government is organizing the first Filipino Youth Summit, an advocacy-based youth conference in the country where student-leaders gather to participate in reviewing local and national government initiatives, addressing national issues, and collaborating towards a more empowered and progressive nation. The summit will be composed of collaborative discussions, and issues-centered talks to further unite the Filipino Youth of common interest.

The summit will be divided into 5 pillars and composed of mainly: Business Ethics, Education, Environment, Human Rights, and Public Health. Each delegate will thoroughly discuss specific issues in relation to ther respective pillars. In addition an activity entitled “Cross Talks” will be facilitated wherein 5 distinguished guests are invited to discuss relevant topics outside the 5 pillars of the conference. These topics outside the pillars aim to engage and focus the youth into adapting better lifestyles, addressing other issues the best way they can, and improve themselves in society today. It will feature topics on healthy living, solid waste management, maximizing social media platforms and building a career at a young age to name a few.

This coming August 30-September 2, the very first FILIPINO YOUTH SUMMIT will be pioneered by outstanding Filipino students all over the world.

For more info their website, www.filipinoyouthsummit.org or their Facebook page

DOE Apprehends Gas and LPG Stations Violating Consumer Protection Rules

Wazzup Pilipinas!

LIQUID FUEL INSPECTION: Members of the Focused Inspection Team evaluates a gasoline station in San Juan, Siquijor.

The Department of Energy (DOE) recently concluded another round of compliance monitoring inspections for establishments involved in the distribution and sale of petroleum products in the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor on 13-17 August 2018.

The “Focused Inspection (FI) on the Downstream Oil Industry” was conducted in partnership with concerned Local Government Units (LGUs), the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Science and Technology, the Philippine Information Agency, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine National Police.

Spearheaded by the Energy Industry Management Division of the DOE-Visayas Field Office (VFO), the FI seeks to ensure that all petroleum products being sold in the market adhere to national quality and quantity standards that protect the consumers.

A total of 162 liquid fuel retail outlets and 115 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) establishments were inspected. It was revealed that 84 percent of liquid fuel retail outlets operate without the Certificate of Compliance required by the DOE.

For the distributors of LPG, about 98 percent of the LPG establishments are without Standards Compliance Certificates in violation of the Amended Retail Rules and LPG Industry Rules. Furthermore, 11 percent of the total liquid fuel retail outlets inspected was found to have under-delivering dispensers. These were immediately referred to the LGUs for immediate corrective measures, without prejudice to the appropriate cases that may be filed later.

The DOE-VFO regularly conducts compliance monitoring activities throughout the Visayas to uphold the welfare of consumers in the region.

OTHER PHOTOS:

LAB TEST VERIFICATION: Samples collected from inspected establishments are brought to the DOE’s laboratory for further testing.

ENSURING LPG QUALITY AND QUANTITY: Members of the Focused Inspection Team examine an LPG cylinder to determine its  compliance with national quality and quantity standards.

DOE Presses Standards for Energy Efficient Appliances

Wazzup Pilipinas!

COMING TOGETHER FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Department Of Energy officials along with EU-ASEP leaders and staff pose for a group photo with industry players for the lighting and appliance industries.

The Department of Energy (DOE) in partnership with the European Union Access to Sustainable Energy Program (EU-ASEP) conducted the forum on “Directing the Compliance with the Philippine Energy Standards and Labeling Program (PESLP)”, for the final presentation of the Implementing Guidelines of Department Circular (DC) No. DC2016-04-0005 on 24 August at the Makati Diamond Residences.

The draft DC entitled, “Declaring the Compliance of Importers, Manufacturers, Distributors, and Dealers of Electrical Appliances and other Energy-Consuming Products with the PESLP as a Policy of the Government”, was presented to ensure that said items being sold in the market adhere to Philippine minimum energy performance standards.

“The PESLP is vital to the DOE’s E-Power Mo! Movement as it provides consumers with the energy ability to make informed choices. Proper labeling of appliances will bring greater understanding of power consumption, thereby encouraging people to adopt more energy-efficient lifestyles,” said Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi.

A total of 131 participants attended the forum, which included representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry, appliance manufacturers and retailers from the private sector, as well as members of the academe. An overview of the PESLP was presented, followed by two breakout sessions on Lighting and Air-Conditioning.

Prior to the event, the DOE conducted public consultations nationwide from March to December 2017 to come up with the Implementing Guidelines.

The event was made possible through the technical support of the energy efficiency experts of the EU-ASEP led by Programme Manager Willy Hick alongside the Energy Utilization Management Bureau and the Energy Research and Testing Laboratory Services of the DOE.

“It is important for consumers to be made aware of the products and appliances that bring more value for their money,” Cusi concluded.

OTHER PHOTOS:

INTENSIFYING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION: Senior Undersecretary Jesus Cristino P. Posadas delivers the keynote address during the Final Presentation on the Implementing Guidelines for DC2016-04-0005 at the Makati Diamond Residences on 24 August.

SOLIDIFYING THE ROLE OF THE DOE IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY: DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Jesus T. Tamang presents the overview of the PESLP and how the labeling program would bring energy efficiency at the forefront with better informed consumers.

TIMELINE ON THE FINALIZATION OF THE IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES: DOE-Energy Research and Testing Laboratory Services Director Amelia de Guzman discusses the timeline for the signing of the guidelines for DC2016-04-0005. The DOE aims come out with the signed guidelines within 30 days upon this culminating activity of the PESLP.