Over 10, 200 Suzuki Riders Gathered at the Raider R150 Summit 2018 fir the One Suzuki for Marawi

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Suzuki Philippines once again priven their supremacy in bringing together thousands of riders in one roof for another epic event.

Over 10,200 Suzuki riders filled the World Trade Center Manila on January 28, 2018 at the annual gathering of the legendary Raider R150.

We would like to believe that these riders went there not only because if the manybraffle and competition prizes, including 5 motorcycles, but also because of a good cause to help the people of Marawi.

A new story of supremacy unfolds as the whole Team Suzuki Family come together to help in the fast rehabilitation of Marawi for the One Suzuki for Marawi donation drive in partnership with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya, Inc. (ALKFI).

Year on year Suzuki, through the Raider R150 Summit, is committing itself to do an
advocacy campaign as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.

In 2017, Suzuki focused in underscoring the importance of road safety awareness to its riders through a road safety lesson which has inked the country in the Guinness World Records as the host for the Largest road safety lesson with over 4200 participants.

This year, the brand and Suzuki Foundation Inc. (SFI) focused in rebuilding Marawi.

Everybody is well aware of what happened in Marawi and Suzuki Philippines understands that they need the biggest aid.

The damage to property and the people, needless to say the trauma is huge that the rehabilitation will certainly take long.

Suzuki Philippines, together with its riders, dealers, trade partners and employees joined together as one family to fast track rebuilding Marawi.

Suzuki and ALKFI placed a donation station during the Raider R150 Summit wherein
members of Team Suzuki family were encouraged to place their cash donations.

The brand alongside its thousands of riders, dealers, trade partners and employees were able to pull together a total of over 2.6M pesos during the event.

Proceeds of these donations will be used in ALKFI's Sagip Kapamilya operations which will be dedicated this time in the long-term rehabilitation in Marawi.

The donation was turned over by SPH executives led by its President Hiroshi Suzuki, SFI President and SPH Managing Director Norminio Mojica and SPH Motorcycle Sales and Marketing General Manager Mr. Jun Bulot.

Accepting the pledge were ALKFI's Managing Director Susan Afan and Marketing's Rino Ramos and Sheryl Gabuya.

Kapamilya stars and Team Suzuki's Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil were also present in the gathering.

Cosplayer and celebrity endorser Myrtle Sarossa also performed to entertain the thousand of riders present at the event.

Just like the previous year, celebrity Roxanne "Roxy" Barcelo, co-hosted the event together with an official from Suzuki Philippines.

Wazzup Pilipinas is among the media partners who attended the day-long event.

Cusi Holds Energy Coordination Meeting on Mayon Volcano Eruption in Albay

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi held a coordination meeting on 29 January (Monday) in the Province of Albay with the members of the energy family (Generation, Transmission and Distribution Sectors), officials of the local government units of Albay headed by Governor Al Francis Bichara, Representatives Christopher Co and Rodel Batocabe from AKO Bicol Party List.

In his opening remarks, Cusi emphasized the significance of implementing the recently issued energy resiliency policy in which energy stakeholders are tasked to submit their compliance plan reflecting the energy resiliency measures they opt to undertake.

“Your experience in resiliency must be seen in this current situation with Mayon (Volcano),” Cusi said.

The generation sector was represented by AP Renewables, Inc., Philippine Geothermal Production Company Inc. and Energy Development Corp., which owns and operates Tiwi and BacMan geothermal plants in the Province of Albay, respectively. The companies reported that the output of the two geothermal plants remain the same and that they are already implementing their resiliency plans that include the protection of their employees.

The transmission sector, represented by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), reported that the facilities are under normal operations. The NGCP is particularly looking into the protection of NH transmission facilities that connects the Luzon and the Visayas. It also conducted preventive maintenance procedures that included the cleaning up of the lines which in a manner that did not result in any power interruption.

For the distribution sector, the National Electrification Administration and Albay Electric Cooperative Inc., with its concessionaire, Albay Power and Energy Corporation, stated that the distribution services are generally under normal conditions with the exception of a few barangays in the danger zone. They also stated that they are closely coordinating with the NGCP in the distribution operations.

Additionally, due to ash fall, Rep. Christopher Co raised the need to address the distribution poles that obstruct the road expansion and rehabilitation projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Sec. Cusi stated that there is a joint issuance signed by the DOE and DPWH. It already addressed the funding issue where the infrastructure project covers the transfer of the distribution poles. It prevents another “pass on” item to consumers.

During the open forum, Gov. Al Francis Bichara thanked the Secretary for coming and meeting the energy stakeholders in Albay

Your Ultimate Guide to a Vacation in Macau

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The special administrative region of Macau is situated on the southeast coast of China. At just 27.5 square kilometers, Macau is a small yet exotic corner of China that’s increasingly catching the eye of Filipino holidaymakers. Macau is an area with an intriguing history and an exciting future. Once an abode for Portuguese merchants and missionaries some 500 years ago, Macau was taken back into Chinese hands before the turn of the millennium and has since reinvented its image in a big way.

In fact, the area has been revolutionized as the casino capital of Asia. Macau’s casino culture has been in existence since the middle of the 19th century, but only in the last couple of decades has this former Portuguese colony has become a serious contender to Las Vegas for the tag of the world’s casino capital, with 30 million visitors to its shores in 2016. With more than 30 casino resorts, a plethora of fine-dining eateries, exclusive bars and nightclubs, it’s little surprise that Macau has become the fourth richest territory on the planet at a per capita GDP of $91,000.

Some of Macau’s casino entertainment and nightlife has to be seen to be believed. In 2014, gaming revenues in Macau reached a peak of $45 billion, with the Cotai Strip bustling when the sun goes down thanks to a raft of big-name casinos such as the Wynn, The Venetian and MGM, which have become popular tourist attractions.

Macau’s plentiful cultural and historical sites of interest are best explored on foot. The city’s main square, Senado Square, is the most significant symbol of Macau’s Portuguese past, with elegant Portuguese and Baroque-style buildings framing this busy part of downtown Macau. Further north of downtown you’ll find the Ruins of St. Paul’s, a former screen wall of St. Paul’s Church. One of the longest-preserved forts in the city, Monte Fort is also within walking distance of St. Paul’s Church. Those wanting to better understand the history of Macau should also take in the Museum of Macau, which features three stories of exhibitions on Macau’s traditions, customs and culture.

The area is also world-renowned for one of the best street racing circuits on the planet. The Macau Grand Prix is the world’s only street circuit that plays host to both car and motorbike races and has attracted some of the all-time greats of motorsport to its shores, including the late Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard.

What’s great about a vacation in Macau is that there is no specific low season, with muggy daytime temperatures from January to December. Tourists tend to flock all year round to the region and hotel rates are subsequently consistent throughout. As Macau is the only place in China where casinos have been legalized, it is a very popular place for the Chinese to flock, especially during the Lunar New Year and the Golden Week in early October. The most comfortable time to visit is in autumn when the days are mild, and the evenings are pleasantly cool.

A city with a fusion of cultures, Macau is a vacation destination to stir the senses. With flights from Manila to Macau operating at least twice a day, and flight times a little over two hours, it’s the ideal city break if you want to let your hair down, soak up some culture and feel alive. What are you waiting for? Get booking!

Photo by Tristan Schmurr / CC BY