ePLDT Enhances Network Performance, Data Security as Amazon Web Services Direct Connect Partner

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Moving to the cloud has ceased to become a novelty for enterprises as they recognize its many benefits, but as the number of innovative cloud solutions in the market increase, it is necessary for enterprises to thoroughly evaluate how to implement a proper cloud transformation strategy into their organization to ensure that they maximize their cloud investments. One important aspect of going cloud is the connectivity to link to your resources. These connections should be fast, reliable, secure, and cost-efficient, if an enterprise were to implement an effective hybrid cloud strategy – that being having an on-premise infrastructure and multiple cloud services working harmoniously together.

To spur enterprise hybrid cloud adoption, ePLDT, the digital enterprise enabler of the country's leading telecoms and digital services provider, PLDT Inc., has once again achieved a milestone in its capabilities to deliver cloud solutions, reliable & SLA-driven connectivity, and expert support. ePLDT recently upgraded its partner level, achieving Amazon Web Services (AWS) Direct Connect Partner status.

“Leveraging on the PLDT Group’s superior international data network as well as ePLDT’s cloud expertise, our elevation to AWS Direct Connect Partner reflects our continuous commitment to help enterprises leverage on the cloud to drive business growth,” said Nerisse Ramos, ePLDT Group Chief Operating Officer. “With AWS’ Direct Connect, enterprises can enjoy an enhanced cloud experience with reliable network performance and lower latency that only a dedicated connection to the Amazon Web Services cloud can provide.”

DOE Committed to Implement Mechanisms in the RE Law

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The Department of Energy (DOE) upholds the advancement of the implementation of the policy frameworks and programs under the Republic Act 9513 otherwise known as Renewable Energy (RE) Law of 2008, which supports the promotion of RE resources’ development, utilization and commercialization.

Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada said “We have a binding law which is the RE Law, and the DOE is mandated to implement it.” Sec. Monsada emphasized that the policies and programs currently being executed by the government have undergone stringent procedures following the guidelines provided under the law.

Following a series of stakeholders’ consultations nationwide since 2011, the DOE conducted on 16 June 2016 its 8th public consultation concerning the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) at the Shangri-La Fort, Bonifacio Global City. This is in an effort to present the shared perspective on the provisions of the issuance for further fine tuning. The RPS refers to a market-based policy that mandates participating companies to source an agreed portion of their energy supply from eligible RE resources.

“The outcome in the discussions will help us finalize the Department Circular on RPS prior to its issuance,” said Sec. Monsada. She further stated that the DOE still welcomes position papers until 22 June 2016 from industry participants and stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach, and all suggestions are noted and heard. Copies of the proposed RPS issuance and comments and or recommendations submitted are available at www.doe.gov.ph.

Meanwhile, the implementation of the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) is in full swing consistent with Department Circular No. DC2013-05-0009 or “Guidelines for the Selection Process of RE Projects under FIT System and the Award of the Certificate for FIT Eligibility,” which outlines the procedure for the Certificate of Endorsement (COE) for FIT Eligibility (COE-FIT). The DOE issues the COE-FIT after undergoing validation and review of technical requirements.

Attached is the list of those with issued COE for FIT endorsed to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). The increased capacity in COE FIT can be attributed to the completion of the second tranche of the 500 MW solar FIT installation target entitled to P8.69/kWh.

Sec. Monsada said "the DOE, through the Renewable Energy Management Bureau, has worked day and night to ensure that each eligible solar developer strictly followed the process and technical requirements." She added that the DOE assures the best interest of the public and all RE developers particularly in meeting the country's commitment towards sustainable and cleaner energy.

Pursuant to RA 9513 or RE Act of 2008, the government shall grant incentives through FIT scheme. Under the FIT System, qualified developers of emerging RE sources are offered at a fixed rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of their exported electricity to the distribution or transmission network. This scheme excludes the energy utilized from RE plants eligible for own use.

Along with the Net-Metering Program and RPS, FIT is one of the policy mechanisms provided in the law being implemented by the DOE to encourage the development of RE industry as it aims to maintain the share of RE of at least 30% in the country’s power mix.

Chatri Sityodtong Revolutionizing MMA in Asia with Expansion of ONE Championship

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Every once in a while, someone comes along with an idea -- something so profound that it changes his life and the lives of those around him. Multi-millionaire Thai entrepreneur Chatri Sityodtong spent his entire existence abiding by the principles of martial arts which he holds dear, bringing him success and prosperity from his extremely humble beginnings.

The teachings and principles of martial arts, to which he says he owes his life to, has led Sityodtong to pioneer a revolutionary transformation in Asia, uniting its people under one banner -- mixed martial arts, or more commonly known as MMA -- today the fastest growing sport in the world.

Just in the last couple of years alone, MMA’s viewership has exploded across Asia and is shown in over 118 countries all over the world.

Though the allure and excitement of martial arts in a safe and competitive environment has drawn fans from all corners of the globe, the sport’s popularity in Asia can be attributed to Sityodtong and his tremendous work in building MMA promotion ONE Championship from a promising, young upstart to the largest sports media property in Asia in a span of just five years.

Today, ONE Championship is the premier MMA organization in Asia.