8 Startup Teams Awarded for Cohort Phase of Impact Hub Fellowship on Sustainable Energy Solutions with WWF and PEF

Wazzup Pilipinas!

About 16 million people in the Philippines, according to published report, still do not have access to electricity, forming part of the 130 million in Southeast Asia who still live in the dark.

Indeed when we talk about poverty, most are focused solely on financial poverty but staggering numbers show that it is also in the barest necessity like electricity that people continue to be deprived of. Having identified such an issue, the pressing question lies in how are we solving it?

With a growing interest in battling climate change, it has been imperative for many impact-minded organizations to stand together to do its share in promoting energy entrepreneurship.

Eradicating Energy Poverty

With the aligned vision to educate, encourage and empower energy entrepreneurship in the country, Impact Hub Manila, World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) and Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) have collaborated to search for ideas on sustainable energy solutions through the the Impact Hub Fellowship Program on Sustainable Energy Solutions.

After an application period of 5 weeks, 16 teams were pre-selected by the experts from Impact Hub Manila, PEF and WWF through a gruelling deliberation on July 28, 2016. The chosen entreprenuers were then given the opportunity to pitch before a jury panel. These judges awarded the 6 to 8 teams and gave them the opportunity to be part of the Cohort Phase.

Free Wi-Fi Services in LRT Stations

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Globe Telecom is the country’s first telecommunications company to provide free Wi-Fi services in all 20 LRT stations as part of its commitment to address growing customer demand for constant connectivity. The agreement is expected to benefit around 400,000 passengers daily.

Under an agreement signed by Globe and the Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the concessionaire of the Light Rail Transit System-Line 1 (LRT1), the telecommunications provider agreed to provide Wi-Fi services that will be accessible to LRT1 passengers and employees, said Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Program Governance, Network Technical Group.

According to Agustin, Globe will also provide fiber optic cable system that will extend the length of the entire LRT 1 and cover all LRT stations and LRMC’s depot in Pasay City. In addition, the telco provider will also enhance its wireless infrastructure by deploying cell sites in each of the LRT stations. “Globe will also deploy the new LTE700/1800/2600 MHz spectrum to provide adequate capacity to handle the massive mobile traffic volume at these stations,” he said. Globe recently gained access to the 700 MHz band and acquired additional allocation in the 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz frequencies following its recent joint buyout of San Miguel’s telco assets.

“As the purveyor of the Filipino digital lifestyle, we, at Globe, recognize customer demand for constant connectivity even as they are on the go. We are confident that the deployment of free Wi-Fi services in all LRT stations will bring better communication or even improve work productivity for our customers,” Agustin stressed.

He explained that deployment of fiber optic cables and enhancement of the company’s wireless infrastructure along LRT 1 would improve mobile coverage and enhance network capacities. Once completed, this is expected to improve customer experience not only of customers riding LRT 1 but also those plying the Taft Ave. and Rizal Ave route.

In early June, Globe also signed a similar agreement to provide free Wi-Fi connectivity in all 13 MRT stations along EDSA. Globe has set aside for 2016 a capital expenditure of $750 million, bulk of which will be used to boost data capacity and expand network reach. In line with its vision of ushering in a digital nation, the network build will also increase the capacity of its network for both mobile and wire lines using different technologies including 3G, LTE and Wi-Fi.

*Photo caption: From left are Globe Senior Vice President for Program Governance, Network Technical Group Joel Agustin; PHAR Managing Director-Asia Prem Bhatia; Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu; LRMC & President Jesus Francisco; and LRMC Business Development Head Janet Bautista. 

Pacquaio Favors Return of Death Penalty and Claims It Is Approved by God

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"In his first privilege speech, Manny Pacquiao, a born-again Christian, mentioned no less than the bible as his basis for saying that death penaltyis justifiable."

The abolition of the death penalty back in 2006 was mainly due to the mounting pressure from religious groups. Yet first-term Senator Manny Pacquiao is saying that God permits death penalty? After filing three bills on restoring the death penalty, the boxer cum politician took center stage to explain that the ''Death penalty is a lawful, moral, and a sanctioned governmental action.''

"Are we greater than God because God is allowing death penalty in every nation and country?" - Manny Pacquiao

"I am convinced that God is not just a God of mercy, but also a God of justice." - Manny Pacquiao

“When the government punishes, it’s not an individual act. That’s approved by God” - Manny Pacquiao

We all know Pacquiao is not deserving of any government position. He won merely by popularity. He is just a clown or mascot at the Senate. Therefore, what he says pertaining to law or anything related can be considered as nothing more but garbage. He is not even qualified to speak in behalf of God, or religion. He does not know what he is talking about.

Pacquiao even jokes about hanging as the preferred method of death "Sisispain lang po yung upuan"

"Para po sa akin, ang nananaig ngayon ay yung hanging or firing squad," Pacquiao said.
"Dahil mura?" Sotto, who started to laugh.
"Sisipain lang ang upuan," Pacquiao said, laughing, in describing how hanging is done.

That was an example of an opportunity to intellectually explain his recommendation lost because he preferred to fool around with another silly Senator who is also not deserving of a seat in the Senate.

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte said that while the death penalty strikes many as “inhuman”, it is the fitting punishment for crimes just as “inhuman” like rape and the murder of infants. His statement is not surprising since the former Mayor of Davao has been accused of extrajudicial killings so he prefers death to suspected criminals without giving them a chance for due process.

Now, the entire country has been plagued by similar extrajudicial killings openly brought about by the police whose usual defense is that the suspects retaliated. However, most of the incidents were severely contradicted since it is highly unthinkable for the suspects to fight back when they are obviously outnumbered by the police.

I'm worried about those who believe that the death penalty should return. You should avoid these kind of people for they are mentally unstable and could cause chaos anytime soon. These are the type of people who would readily kill when given a chance. They will be among the very first to hurt you when no one is looking. They have given up on humanity that they want every accused or suspected criminals to be dead instead of being rehabilitated.

We all know that our justice system is weak therefore there will be a great chance that the innocent will be sentenced to death. The law never favors the poor because it is too expensive for the ordinary citizen. Thus, the affluent and influential can easily get away with crimes.

We've seen how our government officials have deceived us with their lies and deception. Yet, many of them continue to get re-elected.

Additionally, man has no right to end any life. The death penalty has been proven to be a cruel and unusual form of punishment. It has no place in our world.

The commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill' has absolute value, and concerns both the innocent and the guilty," says Pope Francis

When we talk about criminal justice reform, I believe it is time for our country to join almost every other country on Earth in saying no to the death penalty. At a time of rampant violence and murder, we should not be part of that process.

Tsip Bato: Ang Bumangga Giba Mobile Game App Launch

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There's a new officially sanctioned Android-based mobile game app called Tsip Bato: Ang Bumangga Giba that will let you play as PNP Chief Police Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa or President Rodrigo "DU30" Duterte. 

Players will be entertained as they control Bato or Duterte in third-person perspective as they ride on the back of a police pickup truck through a four-lane highway. Bato or DU30 can be moved through the lanes by swiping left to right.

"The objective of the game is to shoot or run down criminals (seen wearing green masks) while avoiding vehicles, parked pedicabs, pedestrians, sidewalk vendors (in the outer lanes), and those orange barriers seen along EDSA. Hitting any of these would end the run.

The process of avoiding can be taxing as players have to be accurate in their swipes and quick enough to avoid barriers, which increasingly become closer to each other as the run progresses.

Players can also capture coins featuring silhouettes of criminals. These tokens would increase the chances of several power-ups appearing, such as magnets (captures, or rather kills enemies without having to move to the corresponding lane), speed boosts (makes the character's vehicle faster), and bags of coins, which can be used to buy power-up upgrades.

Unlike “Temple Run,” players of the PNP mobile game do not have to make in-game purchases that require actual monetary transactions; they simply need to play the game more to collect coins to purchase."

PNP Chief Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa tests the new mobile game application, "Tsip Bato: Ang Bumangga Giba" during its official launch on August 8, 2016 in Camp Crame. The game app is part of the PNP's strengthened campaign against illegal drugs.

Cleanup the streets from criminals as Tsip Bato and El Presidente Du30! Android

Patrol the roads and fight crime. Apprehend as many bad guys as you can while avoiding obstacles.

This mobile game app was developed in support of the Philippine Government's fight against crime and illegal drugs. In partnership with PNP Police Community Relations Group (PCRG), the team in-charge of PO1 Bato mascot and ‪Tatay Digong‬, Chief Bato, PO1 Makisig and Da Adiks Puppets.

Features:

* Features the likeness of General Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa!
* Features the likeness of President Duterte.
* Fast paced and fun endless runner game.
* Shoot or run down criminals to apprehend them.
* Powerups to improve your game.
* 100% Pinoy made!

Visit the website at www.ranidagames.com for more details.

Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Be At HISTORY Con 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Manila makes history this August with first-ever History Con!

Join your favourite HISTORY stars at the first-of-its-kind event with interactive experiences, on-ground activities and exhibits.

Mark your calendars! HISTORY Con, A+E Networks’ HISTORY Asia’s very first-ever convention, will be opening in Manila on 25 August. This can’t-miss event is jam-packed with activities and displays that will bring the channel to life and immerse visitors in the HISTORY® experience. Get ready for an epic event that covers a broad-range of genres and interests, with dedicated areas for the paranormal/sci-fi, survival and adventure, motoring, history and culture.


Where:World Trade Center Metro Manila
WTCMM Building, Gil Puyat Ave. Extension cor. Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. Pasay City
When:25 – 28 August, Thursday to Sunday
Time: 10am – 10pm


How to buy tickets:

The convention passes are now available for sale at HistoryAsia.com/HistoryCon or you can buy them on the event day at World Trade Center during the event days.


1) HISTORY’s star-studded line-up - Meet your favourite HISTORY stars up close and personal!

ANCIENT ALIEN’s Giorgio Tsoukalos,
STORAGE WARS’ Brandi Passante & Jarrod Schulz
GANGLAND UNDERCOVER’S Damon Runyan & Ian Matthews
PHOTO FACE OFF’s Justin Mott
CELEBRITY CAR WARS’ KC Montero, Joey Mead King, Marc Nelson, professional car driver, Gaby Dela Merced & host Bobby Tonelli


2) Be the first the Asia to attend Giorgio Tsoukalos’ Ancient Aliens talk! Giorgio will be giving a special talk on Saturday, 27 Aug and Sunday, 28 Aug.

For more details on how to get your tickets – log on to HistoryAsia.com/HistoryCon for the latest updates closer to the event day!

3) Think you’ve got what it takes? Stand a chance to be HISTORY’s first digital star. Submit a review of any HISTORY show, and try to out-crazy the craziest of hosts! Post your review video on HistoryAsia’s Facebook page with the hashtag #HistoryConAuditions and you could be on your way to stardom.

https://www.facebook.com/HISTORYasia

4) Join the fun at the biggest entertainment convention! With exhibitors ranging from cars to motorcycles, outdoor gears or tech gadget, HISTORY Con has something for the whole family.

5) Into sports? Try your hand at our sporting booth with arm wrestling contests, boxing tournaments and archery games, we guarantee that you’ll be working up a sweat!

6) Calling all history buffs – soak in local history with our special display of Philippine Presidential limousines, as well as World War II exhibits. Tip: Stay throughout the day to catch a glimpse of World War II reenactors who will be performing scenes from the Battle of Manila, to the Battle of Bataan.

7) Win attractive prizes when you come dressed in your best HISTORY character. From the iconic Las Vegas cast of Pawn Stars to your Scandinavian best from Vikings – we’re on the lookout for the best dressed HISTORY character throughout the event!

8) Love HISTORY? Now you can be part of it. We are aiming to break the record for the longest TV-watching marathon – currently set at 94 hours! If you’re interested to apply, drop us an email at makehistory2016ph@gmail.com

9) Immerse yourself in another world with our VR experience that takes you from the wild jungles of ALONE to the great outer space.

10) Who doesn’t love a good discount? Check out the best deals from our exhibitors and partners and you could score a great buy!

Ang Katatawanan ng Kalituhan Opens Dulaang UP's 41st Season

Wazzup Pilipinas!

REVELATIONS - the theme of Dulaang UP’s 41st season is brought to life by its opening production, “Ang Katatawanan ng Kalituhan”, Guelan Varela-Luarca’s Filipino translation of William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors. The production not only resonates the theme of the season but also serves as a commemoration of the great playwright William Shakespeare’s 400th death anniversary.

“Ang Katatawanan ng Kalituhan” merges the glorious past and the present-day era into a narrative of mistaken identities, loves lost and found, families gone astray and made whole again. The play evolves around a father named Egeon who is in search of his identical twin sons who were separated from him in a shipwreck that happened a long time ago. He visits the city of Ephesus for this search without knowing that one of his missing sons, Antipholus of Syracuse is also visiting the city. His other son, Antipholus of Ephesus is a prominent citizen in Ephesus, and the presence of his two identical twin sons in the city leads to confusion, and yes, a comedy of errors. Characters are mistaken for one another without disguises or the intent for pretensions which leads to chaos and confusion but ultimately ends with revelations, forgiveness, and felicity.

Alexander Cortez, known for his deft handling of Shakespearean plays (DUP’s Macbeth and Richard III), directs the play. The production boasts of a formidable and talented artistic team: Judy Ick (dramaturgy), Gino Gonzales (costume design), Ohm David (set design), Meliton Roxas Jr. (technical direction and lighting design), Jethro Joaquin (sound supervision), Arvy Dimaculangan (sound design) PJ Rebullida (choreography), Winter David (video design), Jojit Lorenzo (photography), Pow Santillan (art direction for photography and poster design) and Jean Edfhel Pascual (dramaturg - assistant).

“Ang Katatawanan ng Kalituhan” runs from August 24 to September 11, 2016 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd floor Palma Hall, U.P. Diliman, Quezon City. 

For ticket, sponsorship, and show buying inquiries, contact Arkel Mendoza (0908 814 9975), Joshua Chan (0917 677 5141), Zia Parcon (0915 338 5227) or email dulaangupmarketing@gmail.com. You may also call the Dulaang UP Office at 926-1349, 433-7840, 981-8500 local 2449 or email dulaangupmarketing@gmail.com.

#DUP41Revelations
#DUPKatatawanan

Questions and Concerns Regarding Duterte's List of Drug Personalities

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I laud the government's resolve in pursuing its anti-drug campaign, particularly in bringing to justice alleged narco-politicians, judges and bad cops who have contributed and/or benefited from the drug menace.

However, I would like to raise some questions and concerns on how this war is being waged, especially on the latest list made public by President Duterte.


Case build-ups and dangerous precedent

Is the list the result of judicious case build-ups? Is it backed up by sufficient evidence that can stand the scrutiny of our courts? Will the government file the appropriate charges?

Does this not set a dangerous precedent? Does this not violate due process? What prevents other public officials from making their own lists? What prevents them from including in the list political rivals, dissidents and activists? Whatever happened to the foundation of the judicial system and respect for individual liberties and rights, where one is presumed innocent until proven guilty?

Batangas to Pioneer LED Street Lights with CCTV and WiFi in the Country

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Batangas will soon be the first province in the country to bring LED-based smart technology that provides free WiFi while providing CCTV coverage.

The provincial government has entered into an agreement with Korean technology company Korecen which will install 90 LED (Light Emitting Diode) street lights in the Provincial Capitol which are equipped with WiFi internet connectivity and CCTV cameras.

Partnership with a company from Asia’s most advanced country in telecom technology, assures manifold benefits for Batangas: cost-savings and environment-friendly street lighting; free WiFi for Batagueños within the coverage radius, and, significant CCTV coverage for traffic management and security.

LED lights consume 70% less electricity than their halogen counterpart for the same degree of brightness. LED lights are also known to last up to 10 times longer.

Korecen’s local partner, Perl Tech Consulting International Inc. (PTCII) will be providing data connectivity for the LED Security Lights with WiFi and CCTV as well as helping the provincial government develop a command center where the CCTV video feeds will be received and monitored.

PTCII plans to use TV White Space (TVWS) technologies to provide wireless Internet connectivity for the WiFi Hotspots as well as the transmission of video feeds from the CCTV cameras embedded in the LED Lights. 

Hontiveros to Conduct Inquiry on Violations of Hospital Deposit Law

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros vowed to conduct a senate inquiry on the reported violations of several hospitals of Republic Act 8344 or the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law, which prohibits any hospital and medical facility to demand any deposit or any other form of advance payment, as a prerequisite for admission or medical treatment of a patient to prevent death or serious harm.

Hontiveros, who is the newly-elected chairperson of the Senate' Committee on Health expressed alarm regarding cases of some hospitals’ refusal to follow the law. She said her committee will investigate the said cases and other reports of hospital negligence "to end the cruel practice of giving premium to profits over and above the public's health."

"Kahit saan natin tignan, mas mahalaga ang buhay ng tao kaysa anumang deposito. Ang deposito ay mababayaran. Ang buhay na nawala ay hindi maibabalik o matatawaran," Hontiveros said.

Early this year, University of Santo Tomas (UST) Hospital came under fire when Andrew Pelayo took to social media to air his grievance regarding his wife’s miscarriage due to the hospital’s refusal to provide treatment before any deposit was made. In 2014, Hontiveros slammed the Butuan Doctors Hospital over the death of a 10-year old girl who was refused hospital care because her family failed to produce the P30,000 deposit demanded by the medical establishment.

Recently, another case of neglect is being investigated by the Department of Health (DoH) at the Casimiro Ynares Sr. Memorial Hospital. While no deposit was asked in exchange for medical assistance, a two-year old child lost her life when the hospital made her wait in line for hours.

To address this growing concern, Hontiveros filed Senate Bill No. 216 [SB216] which seeks to impose heavier fines for hospitals that violate the law and possible nullification of erring hospitals’ license to operate. The bill also provides tax deduction for hospitals that admit indigent or poor patients in cases of emergency.

The said senate bill also hopes to create a Health Facilities Oversight Board, chaired by a Department of Health representative. “The Board will provide a clear channel for redress of grievances by patients and ensuring their rights and welfare”, Hontiveros said.

“Hospitals should know that their primary duty is to save lives. The government must make an example of medical establishments who believe profits are more important than the lives of the people." Hontiveros ended.

Should Marcos Be Buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he has authorized burial of the former President, Ferdinand Marcos - the dictator, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

"Burying a murderer and a thief in the Libingan ng mga Bayani is not moving on....it is teaching our children to honor murderers and plunderers....It is not going to heal the nation nor will it unite us...it will only deeply divide us, reopen deep wounds of those who suffered, causing them to relive the gnawing pain and memory of loved ones jailed, tortured, murdered, salvaged or who disappeared because of the tyranny and oppression of the dictatorship.
How can one forgive when there is neither remorse nor atonement on the part of the Marcos family?" - Kiko Pangilinan

Those who have been dishonorably discharged from service, or personnel convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude, do not qualify for interment at the cemetery.

Utterly bereft of valid arguments to rebut it, you evade the issue and involve matters totally irrelevant to the Marcos burial. In fact, if we want to be consistent if Napoles and the others are corrupt, Marcos who has been acknowledged as one of the most corrupt leaders of the world, should be treated like them and not rewarded with a hero's burial which he is most undeserving of. We cannot move on without justice. We cannot move on without making Napoles and the others answerable for their crimes. The same is true with dictator Marcos.

"Move on na tayo. Mag move on na din tayo at patawarin ang mga adik at pushers kasama ng mga kriminal. Mukhang nakapag move on naman na tayo kila GMA, Tanda, Pogi at Sexy pati na kay Napoles. Pakawalan at patawarin na din si Vhon Tanto. Stop extrajudicial killings at mag move on na tayo. Sunugin nyo na yan druglords and protectors druglist ninyo at patawarin na sila. Ayos!" - Sarcasm

Were moving on with the marcoses anyway. Let this move on thing be universal and not exclusive to a freakin' wax.

Duterte does not have the legal authority to have Dictator Marcos buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. It is contrary to Law. It is not the President who is empowered to decide on this but the Board on National Pantheon composed of the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Public Works and Communications and the Secretary of Education and two private citizens to be appointed by the President of the Philippines with the consent of the Commission on Appointments (R.A. No. 289). 

The purpose of the National Pantheon is to perpetuate the memory of all the Presidents of the Philippines, national heroes and patriots for the inspiration and emulation of this generation and of generations still unborn. 

Dictator Marcos, who is responsible for the torture, murder, disappearance and illegal detention of thousands of Filipinos who stood for freedom and democracy as well as the shameless plunder of the people's money does not qualify for emulation, most specially when the "Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013"(R.A. NO. 10368) declares that it is the policy of the State to "recognize the heroism and sacrifices of all Filipinos who were victims of summary execution, torture, enforced or involuntary disappearance and other gross human rights violations committed during the regime of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos covering the period from September 21, 1972 to February 25, 1986 and restore the victims’ honor and dignity." 

One cannot recognize the heroism of those who are victims of Martial Law and at the same time give Marcos a hero's burial. It will be a great injustice to the countless of Filipinos who were victims of Marcos' human rights violations and a desecration of their memory if Marcos is allowed to be buried there.