Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Puerto Galera: Malaparaisong Dalampasigan at Mamamayang Disiplinado (Part 1 of 2)

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Puerto Galera boasts of being one of the most beautiful bays in the world. It's known to be famous "above and below." They say "above" because of its mountains and waterfalls like the Tukuran, Tamaraw and Aninuan falls found within its mountains. Though they are a bit far from the beaches, they are worth the visit because they are like the hidden treasures of Puerto Galera, just around 1.5 hours from town where half of the way you have the option to walk or ride a carabao-pulled transport, and "below" because of its numerous scuba diving and snorkeling sites like the Coral garden and Giant Clam garden under their waters rich in marine life. Puerto Galera is well known for its numerous scuba diving spots and has some of the most diverse coral reef diving in Asia.

Puerto Galera has also become a family-oriented tourism destination since many have been going there for family gatherings and celebrations. The popular getaway located in Oriental Mindoro is attributed by some as the poor man's Boracay because it's obviously more affordable to go there but is almost as similar to the party destination of Panay island. Boracay is located in the municipality of Malay in the Aklan province so it's more expensive to plan a trip there if you're from Manila or another country.

Puerto Galera has 4 major points of entry, namely, Sabang Pier, Muelle Pier, Balatero Pier and White Beach. If you are from Manila like me, you can get there via ferry from the Batangas Port. There are many shipping companies plying the Batangas-Puerto Galera route. The major passenger ferries are: FSL or Father and Son Shipping Lines, MSL or Minolo Shipping Lines and Galerian Lines. Our destination was at Muelle Pier where the Tourism office is located, and we got on board the Minolo Shipping Lines, specifically the Golden Vulture, to take us there. It was noticeable later on our succeeding boat trips that the shipping lines always has "golden" bird names for their ferry boats.

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Are you aware of the fact that mobile apps have completely changed the business scenario today?

With billions of new apps being developed everyday, the future has finally evolved.

Why Businesses are Focusing on Creating Mobile Apps?

1. Smartphones and tablets have surpassed the number of PCs.
2. The average time spent on Mobile Apps is 64%.
3. On an Average, people check their mobile phone every 6 minutes.
4. People use mobile Apps 6 times more than the websites.
5. 79% smart-phones users use their mobile to make purchasing decisions.
6. 50% users make purchase on Mobile within 1 hour as compared to 1 month on Desktops.
7. 73% of Business Owners use Mobile Apps daily.
8. Business owners also use Mobile Apps for Customer Engagement.

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Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) remains the undisputed leader in the dot matrix printer category, with a market share of 97%. The latest data shows an increase from the previous year’s market share of 90.3% among all dot matrix manufacturers selling in the Philippines.

According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), Epson remains the top choice for the Dot Matrix category for CY2013.

Since it was established in 1998, Epson Philippines has continued to grow its leadership in the dot matrix printer category. In the past few years, Epson has continued its legacy of providing top-level dot matrix printers with greatly improved speed and reliability.

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The Entrepreneur and Franchise Expo (EFE) 2014 - “Your Step to Success”, the country’s biggest integrated expo dedicated to empower innovative entrepreneurs and growing franchise businesses as well as the Entrepreneur Success Summit (ESS) 2014 – #Step2Success were officially launched on May 20, 2014 at the Privato Hotel in Pasig City.

The press conference was attended by local and international entrepreneurs and business executives from various industry sectors, who gave a short introduction of what to expect when visiting the expo and what attendees will learn at the summit.

Among the invited guests were RUDOLF KOTIK, founder of Filipino International Franchise Association (FIFA); RANDELL TIONGSON, director of the Registered Financial Planners Institute Philippines; JANETTE TORAL, founder of DigitalFilipio.com, KIAN KAZEMI, president of Persia Grill; JORGE AZURIN, regional director of Freelance.com; MITCH MALLI, co-founder of Draft Gastropub, Imperial Ice Bar & Beso Cusina Vinoteka; CHRISTOPHER TAN, founder of Flippish.com; KAREN BORDADOR, president of SisterSecrets.com.ph; Navin Uttamchandani, president and COO of Esquire Financing; DAVID ABRENILLA and CHRISTIAN RAEUBER of MediaCom Solution Inc., organizer of the EFE and ESS together with guest of honor Mandaluyong City Councilor and Vice Chair for MSME Development Council, the honorable CHARISSE ABALOS.

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Secretary Jun Abaya of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) vows to uphold transparency regarding the allegations made by Czech Ambassador Josef Rychtar that certain government officials tried to extort money from him in exchange for the contract to supply the Metro Rail Transit III (MRT-3) system with additional coaches. Abaya emphasized that his agency bid the project out in line with its policy of open and public bidding, which resulted in government saving billions of pesos.

The DOTC chief and other officials from the DOTC and MRT-3 Office have been invited to appear before the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability of the House of Representatives on May 27. So has the Czech envoy, who accused MRT-3 General Manager Al Vitangcol of attempted extortion through a private citizen.

Representative Oscar Rodriguez of the 3rd District of Pampanga, also Chairman of the Committee, scheduled the probe following separate resolutions filed by Representatives Neri Colmenares and Toby Tiangco.

Abaya has previously pointed out that Inekon, the Czech company which Rychtar pushed for, wanted not only to secure the supply contract through a government-to-government arrangement instead of public bidding, but to do so at a price that it would dictate: US$ 3.35 Million for each coach, or $174.46 Million for 52 coaches.

The winning bidder, Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Company, offered to supply 48 coaches for only $1.8 Million each, or a total of $86.4 Million.

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The UNWTO - ASEAN International Conference on Tourism and Climate Change was held on 19 – 20 May 2014 in Legazpi City, Province of Albay. It was the third global event after concluding a series of international meetings which included the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) National Tourism Organizations (NTO) Meeting and the 26th United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Joint Meeting of the Commission for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP) and Commission for South Asia (CSA).

The event convened world leaders and experts who presented and shared their views to create solutions and address the challenge of climate change and its effects on tourism. The two-day conference on tourism and climate change was divided into three sessions: Policy and National Strategies on Tourism and Climate Change, Opportunities on Sustainable Tourism for Building a Low Carbon Development, and Stimulating Consumer Behavior on Innovative Climate Change and Mitigation and Adaptation Actions.

Hon. Joey Salceda, Governor of the Province of Albay, gave the welcome remarks to the delegates. It was followed by the opening address of UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai who said that tourism has become a central global phenomenon in the 21st century. Secretary General Rifai noted that 1.87 billion people travelled internationally in 2013, generating 1.4 trillion US dollars worth of income, one out of 11 jobs in the world, and 9 percent of the world GDP. In 2013, the Philippines recorded a 9.56 percent growth in international arrivals with almost 4.7 million visitors from 4.3 million, while tourism receipts grew by 15.1 percent or equal to 4.4 billion US dollars (186 billion pesos).

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A few lucky individuals gained basic underwater photography skills that will help them capture the underwater world when Power Mac Center, the most reliable Apple partner in the Philippines, teamed up with consumer electronics accessory company LifeProof and offered an underwater photography seminar dubbed Underwater Snaps.

Free to the public, Underwater Snaps aimed to teach participants the fundamentals in capturing images of marine creatures using an iPhone or a DSLR camera, allowing them to get the most out of their photography equipment.

Core topics discussed in Underwater Snaps were basic tips on picture composition, shooting in Macro or Wide lens, going manual, the challenges of shooting underwater using a DSLR camera, and caring for your underwater equipment.

“The Philippines has one of the richest and most diverse marine life in the world that’s worth discovering. Power Mac Center and LifeProof, through the Underwater Snaps workshop, hope that we can help underwater photography enthusiasts create more memorable underwater adventure by equipping them with the rudiments in underwater photography free of charge,” said Power Mac Center Marketing Director Joey Alvarez.

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Open and public bidding for the second lot of the Department of Transportation and Communications’ (DOTC) Capacity Expansion Project for the Metro Rail Transit III (MRT-3) system has begun, as part of government’s effort to improve the rail transit’s services.

“As we increase MRT-3’s capacity in order to improve its facilities and provide better services to more passengers, we need to upgrade its ancillary systems as well. With our policy of open and transparent bidding, we know that competition will lead to a more advantageous deal, and therefore, more savings for government,” said DOTC Secretary Joseph Abaya.

In the Invitation to Bid published today, the DOTC disclosed that the approved budget for the contract is in the amount of P 836,463,049.86. A pre-bid conference for interested bidders is scheduled on May 28, which is also the day when bid documents will be issued.

The ancillary systems entail the upgrading of the rail line’s traction sub-power station and of its depot facilities, as well as the construction of the North Avenue turnback and the Taft Avenue pocket track extension.

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2014 has seen a healthy and steady increase in the number of startups establishing themselves in the Philippines. With its strong economy and westernized perspective it is clear to see why e-commerce sites have become the bread and butter of many Filipinos’ shopping rituals.

These factors have also contributed to the internet incubator phenomenon that has taken interest in the diverse, multi-cultural country, aiding the entrepreneurial spirit that is a fundamental characteristic of the Filipino business industry.

Below we have listed our top five sites for 2014, giving you an opportunity to discover the ever expanding e-commerce startups in the Philippines.

Market Tour of Old Manila: A Visit to the Vibrant Yesteryears

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One sunny day of summer is an almost perfect time to do a tour of the market area of old Manila and get a taste of true Filipino culture. All kinds of merchandise from local medicine herbs, birds, flowers, candles, statues, clothing, fruits etc., can all be found here.

The tour will give visitors a glimpse of the not-so vibrant part of the Manila streets and discover the infamous Chinatown and see how Filipino cuisine is deeply fused with old Chinese recipes and traditions.

We went first to the Quiapo Church. It was a Friday (notably Quiapo day) so it was expected that there will be a lot of people attending church that day. We didn't go inside the church because there was a mass going on and it was too crowded because of the numerous devotees.

There was a lot of things to buy outside the church from sampaguita to saint's figure, rosary and other religious items. There was also a booth selling color coded candles which you can light if you want to wish for something or you want your prayers answered.

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WHY "MUNI MARKET DAY"?

Historically, markets were not only places of trade, but venues for cultural exchange. Here, people from different cultures met and exchanged food, literature, knowledge, and philosophies.

MUNI Market Day aims to educate consumers on ways to shop, eat, and live more mindfully, and give them an opportunity to get to know the makers and the stories behind local and/or eco-friendlier products through a 1-day fair integrating learnings workshops, and stirring conversations on some mindful lifestyle topics like conscious consumption, healthy eating, personal wellness, culture & craft traditions, green practices, and so on.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?

Now more than ever, we feel like people are becoming more and more conscious of their impact in the world, and we feel more and more people want to be able to move with more purpose in the world and live a little more meaningfully everyday, even through their daily decisions. And to help facilitate that, we want to:

• Showcase makers of mindfully created goods & services
• Educate people on conscious consumption and increase their options
• Bring together like-minded individuals, who want to live healthier, more socially and environmentally-conscious lifestyles

OPM's Mission: EO 255 Ran Away With a Successful Awareness Campaign

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I was already at the Greenhills Shopping Center ground early Sunday morning for a run to support Filipino music. I was invited by a friend to run a 5k distance. After a year without run, I'm now going back to the track. I don't think I will be able to finish the race like before when I was still a fit and well trained.

Run for Executive Order 255, a run to support the EO executed way back former President Corazon Aquino's term that states that radio stations must play at least four OPM song's every hour. The fun run was supported by friends from different organizations, also the officers of the OPM (Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit) like Gary V. , Christian Bautista, Ogie Alcasid, Mitch Valdez, Jose Mari Chan, Julie Ann San Jose and Noel Cabangon.

It was a jam-packed fun run with numerous participants joining the advocacy run. They woke up so early to join and participate in this event. We all know that waking up early is not so easy especially for these very busy celebrities, especially for those who also came from far locations. Two thumbs up for all of you.

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CATCH YOUR LIGHT! - The new Armin Only Tour is going to be the most intense show you’ve ever seen from Armin van Buuren.

It’s going to be the brand new solo event by the world’s #1 DJ, named after his album which was released in May.
More than ever Armin Only Intense will revolve around show and theatre, creating a sight with which the Dutch DJ wants to surpass all his previous concerts, naturally with the best sounds you can expect of him.

BIGFISH INTERNATIONAL
PROUDLY PRESENTS

ARMIN
ONLY
INTENSE

Armin Only is an all-night dance event featuring solo performance by Armin van Buuren. The event consists of trance music, light, laser and firework shows and supporting acts of vocalists or artists such as Sharon den Adel, Nadia Ali, Racoon, Ilse de Lange, Audrey Gallagher, Eller van Buuren...

Accelerating the Future of 3D Printing

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We would like to share with you some big news straight from Autodesk President and Chief Executive Officer Carl Bass. To help drive the new industrial revolution, 3D design solutions provider Autodesk is announcing two major contributions to the 3D printing industry: One is the open software platform for 3D printing called Spark and the introduction of Autodesk’s own 3D printer that will serve as a reference implementation for Spark.

"For years, I’ve been fascinated by the promise and frustrated by the reality of 3D printing. Today, Autodesk is announcing two contributions to help make things better. First is an open software platform for 3D printing called Spark, which will make it more reliable yet simpler to print 3D models, and easier to control how that model is actually printed. Second, Autodesk will be introducing our own 3D printer that will serve as a reference implementation for Spark. It will demonstrate the power of the Spark platform and set a new benchmark for the 3D printing user experience. Together these will provide the building blocks that product designers, hardware manufacturers, software developers and materials scientists can use to continue to explore the limits of 3D printing technology.

Spark will be open and freely licensable to hardware manufacturers and others who are interested. Same for our 3D printer –the complete design of the printer will be made publicly available to allow for further development and experimentation. The printer will be able to use a broad range of materials, made by us and by others, and we look forward to lots of exploration into new materials.

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Another one of the country’s premier tourist destinations will soon boast of a world-class international airport, after the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) awarded a US$ 82.9-Million design-and-build contract for the Puerto Princesa airport to Korea’s Kumho Industrial Co. Ltd.-GS Engineering & Construction Joint Venture (Kumho-GS).

“The eco-tourism showcase that is Puerto Princesa, as well as the rest of Palawan, will soon have a modern, world-class airport which we can be as proud of as the destination itself. With beaches and other natural wonders attracting throngs of visitors from all over the globe, it will finally have a gateway that is befitting of its stature,” said DOTC Secretary Joseph Abaya.

In compliance with its Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract, Kumho-GS will begin with the design component by the third quarter of this year. While the joint venture is preparing the airport’s detailed engineering design, it will likewise begin mobilizing its equipment and securing various project permits.