IBM Philippines and Foundation for Media Alternatives at Radyo Inquirer's Vigattin Show

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As always, your favorite VIGATTIN (Victory In Governance And Technology Through Information Network) radio show had an awesome line-up of guests last Saturday, February 20, 2016, namely Thomas Neil Brill Wagan and Lope Doromal, the Brand and Communications Officer for External Relations, and the Chief Technologist of IBM Philippines respectively, and Christina Lopez, the Program Assistant for Gender and ICT of the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA).

Also as my co-anchors were Leonel Fred Alea Ador aka Ads from AMA Online University and Mitchie Tabirao from 8Layer Technologies.
IBM Philippines discussed about Cognitive Computing and its possible applications to our everyday lives. We also tackled about IBM Watson, a supercomputer who once beaten others in a Jeopardy TV game show, and can now also function as an expert in Medicine with the role of a Doctor, and even concocting up dishes like a Chef just by letting it know what are the available ingredients on our fridge.

This technology is a lot bigger than mere Artificial Intelligence and it was an overwhelming experience knowing such a computer now exist. I could probably accurately say that most of the technologies from our Science Fiction movies are quickly becoming a reality. Both Lope and Thomas were all eager to share with us their knowledge and the bright hi-tech future we will soon be witnessing thanks to tech companies like IBM. Ultimately, the world, the universe rather, will continue to be "rewritten" in software code, while the "cloud" is now the new platform for digital builders.

Solar FIT Race Deadline

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) through the Renewable Energy Management Bureau is ready to validate the projects of renewable energy (RE) developers rushing to meet the 15 March 2016 deadline for the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) System for Solar.

The procedure for the Certificate of Endorsement (COE) for FIT Eligibility was outlined in the Department Circular No. DC2013-05-0009 entitled “Guidelines for the Selection Process of RE Projects under FIT System and the Award of the Certificate for FIT Eligibility.”

Under DC2013-05-0009, the DOE is tasked to validate “successful commissioning” and affirm the date of start of commercial operations within 15 working days from the date thereof, and issue the COE-FIT Eligibility on a first-come-first-serve basis. RE developers may request for validation at 80% electro-mechanical completion of the project. As a gentle reminder, only RE developers with complete documentary requirements for solar energy projects, including a valid Renewable Energy Service Contract (RESC) and confirmed Declaration of Commerciality (DOC), shall be considered and shall be required to send a formal letter addressed to the DOE Secretary for final validation.

The validation activities shall be based on the approved DOC, particularly on the designed development scheme, and any deviation shall be subject to prior approval of the DOE. Only projects which are 100% commissioned and in commercial operation upon final validation will be eligible for COE-FIT.

The Manila Hotel Modernizes World-Class Standards Through Microsoft Solutions

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Microsoft Philippines has been chosen by The Manila Hotel to further upgrade its world-renowned 5-star standards.

Considered as the Philippines’ flagship hotel since 1912, the luxury establishment has been the premiere choice of both distinguished local and international guests, which include former British Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden, US President John F. Kennedy, and iconic entertainers such as Michael Jackson and The Beatles.

While it has always been known for being a traditional Filipino landmark that is rich in local heritage, The Manila Hotel recently decided to modernize several aspects of the establishment. It underwent a series of dramatic renovations in 2008, wherein all guestrooms were redesigned to showcase more updated Philippine interior design. However, the team went beyond just making aesthetic improvements by equipping the guestrooms with more modern facilities and amenities.


“Technology plays a major role in offering world-class services to our guests,” said Nian Liwanag-Rigor, Assistant Vice President for Public Relations and Corporate Communications. “That’s why we wanted to innovate to provide the right network and infrastructure so that our guests are always connected.”