Agent Zero: Reviving Environmental Consciousness

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Adamson Junior Marketing Association (ADJMA) and the Physics Society of Adamson University (PSAU), an academic and co academic recognized student organization of the Office of Student Affairs will be spearheading a yearlong university wide project entitled “Agent Zero: Reviving Environmental Consciousness”

Agent Zero: Reviving Environmental Consciousness is an environmental activity that raises awareness, pursues an initiative for a zero waste lifestyle, and to act upon the advocacy to create sustainable actions for the betterment of the university.

As another academic semester is about to unfold, Physics Society of Adamson University (PSAU) and Adamson Junior Marketing Association (ADJMA) envisions a year round of progressive actions and a disciplined community. The launch of the whole campaign will transpire on 2019.

You are an agent of change. Yes to Zero Waste. Let us altogether be a catalyst of social transformation in our society.

17 Y/O International Artist Andreah is Poised to Launch Her Music in Her Mom’s Homeland – Philippines!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

 

Born in Manila August 2001 to a Filipino Mum and an Irish Dad, music has played an everyday part in ANDREAH’s life from a very early age. Inspired by her mother and singing in the local church choir, she participated in school music events and joined her first band in Year 6, performing during graduation. ANDREAH took up piano at the age of eight, began singing lessons at ten and starting to write songs with friends ‘for fun’ at thirteen.

ANDREAH has traveled extensively throughout the region and spent a great deal of time in both Singapore and Manila where her father’s companies are based. Hence the choice to launch her musical career in the region.

By the age of 14 she was writing on her own and teaching herself to play guitar, thus enabling her to develop more songs. At 15, her first serious solo creation wasMagic a song based on a personal experience, which she has chosen to share with us all. Her first release and Asia POP 4O’s recent BUZZ track, Best Friend was written as a parting gift to her best friend whose family moved to another country. “I hope my music can help people through rough and difficult times, as it has helped me,” she states whilst providing an insight to her life story, which the young singer/songwriter describes as a somewhat “scary” experience.

ANDREAH’s love for performing, which she embarked on locally several years ago, resulted in an invitation to support The Script in Singapore Hong Kong and Manila in April of 2018. More recently she headlined Singapore’s Heartstrings concert at the Repertory Theatre in August on behalf of the Children’s Cancer Foundation.

She cites both The Script and Ed Sheeranas the driving forces behind her love of songwriting and aspiration to continue performing. “It was simply a dream come true to be up there in front of such large audiences, and I enjoyed every minute,” she shared.

Los Angeles based producer Qura Rankin, who joined her band on stage for these performances, heard ANDREAH sing and believing “she has what it takes if she wants to take it”, offered to record and produce a selection of her early songs.

The two spent some time at Thailand’s Krabi Road studios in April. There is nothing pedestrian about the mood and narrative these first six recordings captured in the most natural of environments. To have recorded so close to home where her songs were written, is an integral part of this narrative.

As an active member of her local school, she enjoys all school activities, playing both soccer and basketball. In 2017, she spearheaded a fundraising talent contest to help build a school in Cambodia and attended its opening ceremony there. Insisting that her priority remains to complete her education and, with exams scheduled later in the year, ANDREAH’s foray into Japan, Australia and European markets will have to wait until mid-2019.

    To listen to 'Best Friend', click here -

http://smarturl.it/andreahbestfriend/spotify

A LIVE version of 'Best Friend' from HK is on YouTube together with the

lyric video ( link below).

Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/andreah.music/ 

Twitter:                https://twitter.com/AndreaHMusic 

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/ANDREAH.live/ 

YouTube:         www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOTKhWGAdwI

MP 3:                http://gofile.me/24t46/XCLJ2nezM 

Website:           http://www.andreah.live/

Observing and Dealing with Several Tech Start Ups

Wazzup Pilipinas!

For the past years, I've been observing and dealing with several start up company around the world. I've seen several start up founders talk about its craft in the Tech Summit. And how passionate and excited they are pitching as well as showing its unique masterpiece. Lately was last month, I've encounter great tech talks from several founders and grit tech enthusiast from different parts of the globe. 

As a common observation they wanted the be the next Jack, Mark, Elon or Jeff of the Tech business world. They were hungry in making solution to several problems. Observing and Dealing with Several Tech Start Ups made me realized that each creation will lead to another creation. And they always wanted to be cooler than the current one. 

Travel With Executive Chauffeur Cars

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There was a time when properly aligned chauffeur driven cars outside high-end hotels were associated with a marriage ceremony or some ambassador arrival. Time has changed considerably. The mindset of the common people is no longer confined to the erstwhile approach. The soaring oil prices consequently raised the taxi charges which has made people realize hiring executive chauffeur cars for a group of people is actually the best available alternative today.

The approach is both practical and smart since nowadays hiring a chauffeured car is much affordable. Moreover, you get to experience the chauffeur driven services that comes along with the car. The impressive quality services that you will discover will only make you feel good about your decision all about writing assignments. The elegant services are worth a try.

On a business meeting or some important occasion, you would not have to stress your mind driving the entire distance. Certainly, waiting for a taxi would not help you either when you are running short of time. Now there is somebody to take care of that even if you plan to travel during chilling nights.

With a well-experienced chauffeur in charge, you will not have to worry about the journey from point A to point B. You will reach your destination well on time and with an undisturbed state of mind.
The chauffeur provided is well trained to suit your purpose responsibly. To reach the destination safely and staying punctual will be the foremost priority. The chauffeurs are accustomed to driving under the most demanding conditions. You will feel the service worth every penny of your expense. The chauffeur driven services will help you relax during the whole journey time.

The car will be available at your front door at a pre-arranged time. All you need to do is choose a car from the range of opulent shiny executive chauffeur cars and provide the small important details. The excellent condition of the chosen exquisite car is guaranteed. There are lot of companies with glossy banners offering executive chauffeur cars like limousine and sedans.

While looking for a name, the reputation of a company is the most important aspect that you must pay heed to. Paying up for inefficient services is preposterous. With the right car adding a touch of glamour to your journey, the VIP style treatment is in the store that you will love to relish. Putting aside all the hassle and commotion, you can now travel miles in the most hunky-dory way.

Mindanao Key to Progressive Philippines, More Infra Projects Underway

Wazzup Pilipinas!

BDO Economic Forum in Davao

Mindanao plays key role in gov't infra program. Under the Duterte administration's ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program, the infrastructure masterplan for Mindanao includes a number of expansion and modernization projects, as explained during the recently-held BDO Economic Forum in Davao. Speaking during the event are (left to right) Tomas Lorenzo, president and CEO of Torre Lorenzo Development Corp.; Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade as keynote speaker; Edgar Saavedra, chairman of Megawide Construction Corp.; Vincent Perez, founder and CEO of Alter Energy Partners; and Eduardo Francisco, president of BDO Capital and Investment Corp.

RICH in economic resources, Mindanao is considered a key to a progressive Philippines. If further developed, the island region poses continued if not an unprecedented growth for the country, said Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade at the recently held BDO Economic Forum in Davao.

The forum, which carried the theme “Progressive Philippines”, was attended by nearly 600 Davao-based businessmen who bank with BDO.

Citing a World Bank study, Sec. Tugade said efforts to further grow the economy will be futile unless Mindanao is developed alongside the other regions. And progress, he added, cannot be achieved without first and foremost – infrastructure.

“Every nation, every country, every region that has experienced growth and development is always predicated on the kinds of plans it has on infrastructure. And therefore, we say, unequivocally, you want development, let's have infrastructure. And therefore, we say, you want development in infrastructure, you do it also with Mindanao,” he said during his keynote speech.

Under the Duterte administration's ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program, Sec. Tugade said the infrastructure masterplan for Mindanao include expansion and modernization of various airports, seaports, and maritime facilities, the development of the Mindanao Railway System, and the modernization of the region's public transportation system which will pilot test in Davao. All these are part of the P7-trillion budget the government has allocated for infrastructure spending until 2022.

For instance, he said, airports in Cotabato, Dipolog, Ozamis and Pagadian are underway to be night-rated, which means people and cargo can travel to and from these locations even during the night. Sec. Tugade added another welcome development is the ground-breaking of the Bukidnon airport, which may happen by the end of the year and the near completion of the Cagayan de Oro Port new passenger terminal, which will be the country's biggest with a capacity of 3,000 passengers.

These infrastructure projects were welcomed by the invited panelists, namely, Edgar Saavedra, chairman of the Megawide Construction Corporation, Vince Perez, Founder and CEO of Alter Energy Partners, Ed Francisco, President of BDO Capital and Investment Corporation, the investment banking arm of BDO Unibank, and Tomas Lorenzo, president and CEO of Torre Lorenzo Development Corp.

In lauding the efforts of the government, Lorenzo, a Mindanao native said, future investments in the region should also include education, technical and vocational education in particular to address the growing shortage in skilled workers. Based on experience, he said his company has to import skilled workers from Manila and Cebu, where many have relocated for a higher pay. He added the issue of perception should also be addressed, as Mindanao is “very healthy, wealthy and with Martial Law, safe”.

Meanwhile, Perez, a former secretary of the Department of Energy, said increasing the power capacity in Mindanao is also key to sustaining growth in the region especially now that infrastructure projects are in full swing. He cited the region’s electricity consumption last year already grew 6.9 percent, faster than the national average. Higher consumption is expected as more businesses are expected to be put up with improved infrastructure. Perez added increased power capacity also presents more opportunities to Mindanaoans. “This is the concept of latent demand. The more you bring capacity to a rural community, the more they want to consume.”

Saavedra for his part underscored the importance of having a good working relationship with the government to avoid delays in the implementation of infra projects, thus called for the cooperation and support of the current administration.

Speaking on behalf of BDO, Francisco,meanwhile, committed support to both the government and the private sector. “We're really here to support everyone, the SMEs, as well as the MSME. We intend to be there to assist in their growth. BDO has various subsidiaries to support them because the objective really is the trickledown effect.”

4 Misconceptions about Exchange

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Exchange is an exhilarating once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the diverse people you will meet to the exciting activities you will take part in, the opportunity will expand your horizons, change the way you view the world, and help you realize your true potential. In just a few month’s time, exchange will shape you to be the best version of yourself.

But with every big decision that we have to make comes our common fears and inhibitions. What if it is difficult to go on exchange? What if I will feel alone when I get to the host country of my choice? What if I do not get the experience I envisioned myself to be in?

Let AIESEC shatter your fear of the unknown, as we debunk 4 misconceptions about exchange:

1. It is difficult to go on Exchange

Many exchange hopefuls are held back by the logistical difficulties they think they might encounter. After all, booking your flights, arranging your accommodations, and processing your visa is no walk in the park. On top of that, you have to coordinate with your host in the country of your choice, set expectations for the trip, and create an itinerary for yourself. Sounds pretty daunting, right?

But never fear, AIESEC is here! An Exchange Manager from AIESEC in the Philippines will be assigned to guide you through your exchange journey— from beginning to end. Once you have successfully chosen an exchange country of your choice, your Exchange Manager will talk to you about the iconic exchange experience, provide you with an exchange brief to walk you through the planning stage, and consult with you about your expectations, fears, and everything in between. Even when you touchdown in your host country, your Exchange Manager will never leave your side. He will constantly ask for updates, check on you, and give you insights to help you make the most out of the experience. When you arrive back in the Philippines, your Exchange Manager will still be there to debrief you about exchange, ask questions about your trip, and synthesize all that you learned. Needless to say, you can be assured that AIESEC in the Philippines will hold your hand as you embark on exchange!

2. It is expensive to join the Exchange program

Some people say that exchange will empty your wallet. Covering your expenses abroad can be costly, especially when you have flights, lodging, meals, and other things to spend on. Because of this, people think that they must have a large sum of cash before they can even consider to go on exchange.

But this isn’t always the case! AIESEC does the best they can to make exchange affordable for everyone, because we believe that exchange is the greatest gift we can give the youth. Some exchange opportunities cover anything that you will need— from your accommodations, to meals, and everything in between. Other programs even offer monetary compensation for some students who choose to participate in their exchange opportunity. Now, everyone can go on exchange and enjoy the opportunities it has in store!

3. Only the top students can go on Exchange

A few aspiring exchange applicants believe that the top students are the top picks for exchange. People believe that the exchange application process is similar to the ones offered by their universities— applicants are ranked based on their academic standing, extra- curricular activities, and other endeavors, assessed on their backgrounds and abilities, then offered an exchange opportunity. Supposedly, only the best students are given an immediate exchange invite, while the lower ranked students do not make the cut at all.

However this is far from the truth, unlike other exchange programs, AIESEC opens exchange to all! We believe that everyone has the potential to be a leader, so we allow everyone to go on exchange to explore their capabilities. We do not process applications based on your grades, org activities, amongst others. Rather, we conduct interviews to get to know you better— what topics interests you, what experience you are looking forward to, what kind of worker you are. From your answers, we will match you provide you with a shortlist of exchange opportunities that we think you will enjoy.  With this application process in place, AIESEC ensures that all exchange participants get the experience they deserve and maximize their fullest potential!

4. If I go on Exchange, I will get delayed

Most college students think that going on exchange means flying out during the semester, missing out on classes, and ultimately getting delayed. Since graduating on time is of utmost importance for most students, they completely forego their dream of participating in exchange. They lose sight of the life-changing opportunities that exchange can give them, simply because they are trying to chase the graduation clock.

But time is never a problem with AIESEC exchange! You can go on exchange at any time, during any season, on any given date. All you have to do is choose an opportunity that fits perfectly into your schedule, apply for the program, and viola— you get to go on an exchange! Now, you can get the best of both worlds— you can graduate on time with all your block mates and friends, while enjoying the sights, wonders, people, and places when you are on exchange. Isn’t that great?

Now that we have shattered these misconceptions on exchange, you have no more excuses to wait! Your exchange journey starts with your decision to make a difference, break free from your comfort zone, and explore the world around you. Finally, you can Create Tomorrow, Today with AIESEC exchange!

To know more about AIESEC, visit our website at www.aiesec.org. Follow us also on
www.facebook.com/AIESECPH for more updates!

Written By: Colleen Anne Chua

Cusi Launches “Mindset Revolution” Program

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Reiterating previous calls to veer away from a “business-as-usual” attitude, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi launched yesterday (23 August) a department-wide “Mindset Revolution” Program (MRP) in a move to raise the benchmark of public service within the DOE.  

“We always talk about change and how lasting change begins from within. This entails altering our perspectives. Huwag tayo magpabihag sa mga nakasanayan na. Hindi dapat gawing dahilan yung ‘yan na yan’ o ‘yan na kasi ang inabutan ko eh’,” Sec. Cusi said  

(We should not allow ourselves to be stunted by routine. “It is what it is”, or “It is already what I came into”, should not be used as an excuse.) 

Under the MRP, all members of the DOE family are encouraged to self-reflect, particularly on how things are being done at the Department and transform them for the better. All officials and employees are invited to submit to the Office of the Secretary their ideas, suggestions or solutions that would further enhance the agency’s processes and overall functions, as well as foster the spirit of innovation within the Department.  

Proponents of proposals that will be implemented will receive, among others, a Certificate of Recognition and the fulfillment of translating his or her vision into action.  

Sec. Cusi further underscored that for deep-rooted developments to occur, such mindset revolution should start from within. 

“We should be the change we are espousing. If there are errors, let us immediately correct it. If there are blind spots, let us fix it. If something could be improved further, then let us do it. Mula sa atin para sa ikagiginhawa ng lahat,” the Energy Chief emphasized.  

([Changes] from ourselves for the benefit of everyone.)

UST Rules Maynilad-backed BVR on Tour Manila Open

Wazzup Pilipinas!

University of Santo Tomas ruled Tour Manila Open, the sixth leg of the Beach Volleyball Republic’s BVR On Tour Series for 2018.

University of Santo Tomas ruled both the men’s and the women's division, with UST’s Krung Arbasto and newcomer Jeron Requinton fashioning out a 21-19, 21-14 conquest of National University's Bryan Bagunas and James Natividad in the Finals.  In the women’s division, Growling Tigress Sisi Rondina and Babylove Barbon scored a 21-18, 21-19 win over Perlas' Dzi Gervacio and Bea Tan in the gold medal match.

For the bronze, Smart's team of Grethcel Soltones and Alyssa Eroa carved out a 21-12, 21-14 victory over Kempal's Roma Doromal and Chantal Rodriguez in the women’s division. University of Perpetual Help System Dalta's Jayjay Solamillo and Gilbert Balmores also achieved a podium finish, rallying from a set down to escape with a 12-21, 21-19, 18-16 win over Air Force's Ranran Abdilla and Jessie Lopez.

The women's and men's champions took home P20,000 cash prize, with the second and third placers received P10,000 and P5,000, respectively courtesy of Maynilad.

A total of 32 teams - 16 in the women's and men's division - joined the three-day spikefest where the best collegiate and professional beach volleyball players converged.

Water services provider Maynilad gave the Beach Volleyball Republic and beach volleyball a renewed boost by partnering anew with BVR for its just finished Tour Manila Open tournament at Sands SM By the Bay. Maynilad became the beach volleyball circuit’s official hydration partner beginning with the highly-successful FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open last May. 

All players who participated in this leg were hydrated by ice cold Maynilad bottled water.

"We’ve been blessed to have long-term partner in growing this sport and I’m very happy that Maynilad has been there to support us in our legs this year," said BVR founder Charo Soriano."I would to thank the players who competed. We all know that you trained so hard for this tournament," said Soriano during the closing ceremony.

The Manila Open is the 32^nd leg of traveling beach volleyball tournaments organized by the BVR since it began in 2015.

COMELEC Commends DOE

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) received a commendation from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) today for ensuring sufficient power supply during the nationwide Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on 14 May 2018.

COMELEC Acting Chairman Al A. Parreño presented the award to DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi in appreciation of the Department’s unwavering commitment to protect the country’s democratic processes through genuine public service.

In support of the Duterte Administration’s objective to ensure orderly and peaceful elections, the DOE convened the Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER) in May.

The TFER is composed of representatives from the National Electrification Administration, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, National Power Corporation, National Transmission Corporation, Philippine National Oil Company, and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation.

The Task Force also worked closely with the national security group, which included the National Security Council, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Coast Guard during the election period.

MARINA Beefs Up Preps for Maritime Audit

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) beefs up its preparations for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) scheduled in 2021.

To ensure the preparedness of the Philippine maritime industry for the mandatory audit, the MARINA drafted a proposed bill to ensure the country’s implementation of five (5) IMO conventions, specifically the Safety of Life at Seas (SOLAS), International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), Convention on International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), International Convention on Load Lines, and International Convention on the Tonnage Measurement of Ships.

“The proposed bill is a proof of MARINA’s proactive approach to the issues confronting the Philippine maritime industry. With this, we hope to boost our collaboration with the legislators in passing laws that will enable the Philippines to effectively implement IMO conventions,” MARINA Administrator Rey Leonardo Guerrero said. 

The MARINA actively facilitates the translation of international maritime laws into national legislations in the performance of its obligations and responsibilities as an IMO member. 

In fact, MARINA aligned its proposed bill with House Bill 456 which ensures full and effective implementation and enforcement of several IMO-issued conventions to promote maritime safety and security. The MARINA’s proposed bill will support the implementation of House Bill 456 once it is finally passed into a law. 

MARINA Legal Service Director Atty. Maximo Banares, Jr. explained that the proposed bill aims to address the gaps in the mandates of maritime agencies.

“Our proposed bill will ensure proper delegation of authorities among maritime agencies by determining which should be given full and complete effect to a particular IMO convention,” Atty. Banares said.  

As part of its preparations for the IMSAS, the MARINA also conducted a mock audit of the country’s compliance with IMO agreements in the second quarter of 2018. Corrective action plans for the local maritime industry were developed based on the results of the mock audit.