Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Friday, August 14, 2015

Condos Connected To MRT Train Stations Are More Expensive

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Choosing to live in an area that’s within striking distance of a train station is expensive, but how much more homebuyers are expected to pay is the more appropriate question.

Looking at the listed prices of condos close to MRT stations along EDSA, global property portal Lamudi Philippines (www.lamudi.com.ph) found that an average condo located within 100 meters of an MRT station is at least Php16,645 more expensive per square meter than a similar, newly built condo situated more than 500 meters away. The price gap becomes even wider depending on the condo and its developer.

Lamudi picked two MRT stations (Boni and Magallanes) with a number of condo developments around them, and analyzed the price difference between the condos that are directly connected to the MRT station with similar ones that are situated more than 500 meters away. In addition, Lamudi chose only those condos with more than 15 for-sale properties listed in the platform.

In the case of Boni Station in Mandaluyong, there were two condo developments that are directly connected to the MRT station. If property buyers opt to choose any of these two properties, then they should pay Php31,572 and Php16,645 more per sqm compared to a similar, newly built condo in the same area but situated more than 500 meters away from the train station.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Finding true love isn’t easy. Despite the available means with today’s technology, many people still wonder if and when they’ll find their perfect match.

In her new Eve series, Psychic Matchmaker, Deborah Graham uses her special gift to help connect people psychically with their true soulmate. She has helped hundreds of people – both believers and skeptics - find the love of their lives and believe in love once more. While Deborah’s unconventional methods may not be for everyone, she has some tips that could make the soulmate-search much easier:

1. Acknowledge your positive and negative energy.

The “love myself first” movement has a point - finding true love involves more self-evaluation than simply finding a person that fits an ideal set of criteria. Knowing who you are – your strengths, weaknesses, faults, tendencies, your general well-being or energy as Deborah calls it, etc. – is one step ahead in finding someone who needs to get you. Moreover, know the difference of what you think you want and what is actually good for you. If you don’t know who you are and the things you need in life, then don’t bother finding someone to put up with your confused state of being at all.

2. Let go of your baggage.

Admit it. Everyone who might be looking for love must have had his or her piece when it comes to pain. Heartbreaks might not be in the same degree or intensity for everybody, but in order to find anyone at all, acknowledging this negative energy and then letting the baggage go is the best way to let someone in. Stop letting your tragic stories turn into issues that can prevent you from opening yourself up to another person.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We keep complaining about the government cheating us out of our hard-earned money via the automatic tax deductions, E-VAT on consumer goods and services, implementing fees and strict guidelines on businesses, and other horrifying stories like the realities of corrupt politicians running away with our taxes using dummy programs, overpriced projects and ghost foundations, etc..

However, everyone else, may he be the small, big, average citizen to the multinationals or corporations, does the same ludicrous but serious offenses of going against the law or working around it by avoiding paying the right taxes or business fees, failing to follow basic traffic rules, polluting our air, rivers and streets (and our minds), false advertising of products and services (like the unlimited Internet by telcos) and a lot more absurdities that are circumvented by either connections, friends or relatives working for influential or authority figures, or powerful set of lawyers that can bend, delay or request for TROs, and plenty more magic tricks up our sleeves.

We keep on blaming the government when our next door neighbor is equally guilty of an offense but we accepted it as justifiable because we think the government doesn't deserve to "play" and "profit" with our taxes in the first place. So we commit our very own "cheats" in order to get even.

The world will continue to rot if we keep on thinking like this. It's a never-ending cycle of getting even, and all of us, and our children, will eventually suffer from the inequities we have brought upon ourselves.

It may be a bit frustrating when the world seems to be against you because you choose to be different. But it is a lot comforting knowing you can sleep soundly at night and that you fought for your personal beliefs.

It only takes one person to live a life that's just and fair, and hopefully the others will follow (even if it will take years and several lifetimes). I hope that person is you!

Public Opinions on Uber Versus LTFRB and DOTC

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Below are just some of the selected statements made by the public about the situation revolving around the legitimacy of UBER-type of services that have become so popular in the Philippines. Many are crying out loud why the government is trying to get rid of the new and innovative way of hailing public transport, while some understand why enforcing very strict guidelines is part of the standard regulations implemented for obedience of the law and security of the riding public. But still many are caught in-between since both parties do have certain agreeable and disagreeable points that we could all ponder.

I still believe this confusion and thoughts of conspiracy is all because of the failure for information dissemination and how some media release has tried to exaggerate the issue into just one perspective. I would have wanted to post everything said here but that will be too lengthy so I selected only a few which seems to say everything in balance.

"And now the truth comes out. No wonder the LTFRB and DOTC are so unreasonably hard on Uber. They are starting their own service called premium taxi, which is just another racket and another inept way of reinventing the wheel! What the hell?? This is appalling!!! And the only ones allowed to operate will be those who buy 20 brand new 2.0-litre cars at a time. Way to go, guys. Way to go...
P.S. No need to ask permission to share. We need all the help we can get because this needs national (if not international) attention." - James Deakin

"Isn't this the consultation for TNVs? It doesn't say that the government is engaging in this business, even so, I do not think the government can engage in business ventures when it is not in their mandate. I think you are all exaggerating." - Norman Culateros

"No, they may not directly engage in the business, but look at the requirements. Only someone with money can get into the business. Which means they have their hands in the pockets of operators. Also local poor Juan can no longer drive for Uber or GrabSedan kasi they can't afford the 20 car fleet and franchising fee. Sino talo dito? Consumer saka poor Juan." - Ethan Mallari

To be a Premium Taxi (TNV) driver/partner you need to be a part of a TNV (Uber, GrabTaxi, EasyTaxi, etc) Because you need to use their app to do it. Unless you develop your own app, that's the only time you can engage in this business. So a regular Juan can still drive, but with the assumption that they have to be part of Uber, GrabTaxi, etc. This call is not for individual drivers but for operators. Just like in any mode of transportation, you would need an operator, a franchise and of course the vehicle. So all your fears are uncalled for and maybe you should've asked first before you reacted violently." - Norman Cualteros

"They want to regulate the business to favour their own operators and drive legitimate, consumer friendly (and loved) services out so that they create a monopoly. No exaggeration here, bro. In fact, I'm surprised at how calm everyone is." - James Deakin

Yahoo Launches Livetext in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Yahoo announced the global roll out of Livetext and is bringing this new way to communicate to the Philippines. Yahoo Livetext blends the immediacy and simplicity of texting with the expressiveness of video without the audio, and it is now available around the world in every major language.

Hundreds of millions of us are addicted to our phones, most of us (71%) even sleep with them; yet, the way we use these devices to communicate doesn’t fit seamlessly into our daily lives. While texting is quick and easy, you often miss the meaning of a message, have to explain your reaction (“LOL”), or wait hours before getting a response. And to actually talk on the phone, you not only have to be available, but you also have to be in a place where you can speak.

Connecting with your friends should be spontaneous, easy but also fleeting - just like a real-life conversation. Yahoo Livetext combines video to make your conversations more authentic, and text to bring you a quick and non-intrusive way to connect.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A 12-episode anime series, Mekakucity Actors is produced by Shaft in collaboration with Aniplex of America and 1st PLACE. Based on Jin’s Kagerou Project, the series is directed by Akiyuki Shinbo.

After living in solitude for years, a NEET named Shintaro is led back into the outside world by a mysterious female character who infiltrates his computer and causes a breakdown. Desperate to fix his beloved computer, he heads to a department store and in one fateful moment he is thrown into a life of action and crime-fighting adventure.

A group of criminals break in and hold shoppers hostage. Among the crowd happens to be a group of teenagers who call themselves “Mekakushi Dan” (or the Blindfold Gang). Wielding powers using their eyes, they are able to stop the criminals from carrying out their evil plans and force Shintaro to join them.

Witness how this young man adjusts and flourishes in his new life this August in Animax.

Mekakucity Actors premieres August 18 at 10pm, Mon – Tues, two episodes back to back, first and exclusively on Animax Asia.

Animax is seen on SKYCable Channel 46, Cignal Digital TV Channel 34 and Dream Channel 7.

New Ekogadgets from Ekotek

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Meet the newest additions to Ekotek's growing line up...

First up is the Ekopack Slim 6000mAh. It comes in the same slim and sleek design you’ve come to know and love. Only this time, it has more juice to power up your gadgets whenever, wherever. Best part is… it's compatible with most phones, tablets and other USB devices and comes in 4 eye catching colors: Lime, Orange, Black and White.

And of course, the Ekotab you’ve all been waiting for. You wanted 3G, we’re giving you the Encore 3G!

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the Encore is back and this time it’s equipped with 3G functionality! Not only does this 7” Quad-Core beauty come with the Kitkat OS, the Encore 3G is now armed with an enhanced camera as well as an upgraded memory and storage system. You can now take more pictures, update your Facebook, Instagram and so much more without having to look for WiFi!

Hurry up and get your Ekotab Encore 3G for an introductory price of only P4,799 until August 31, 2015.*

The Ekopack Slim 6000mAh and Ekotab Encore 3G are available in all 10 of our kiosks and online: http://j.mp/ekoteklazada. The Ekopack Slim 600mAh is also available in selected Office Warehouse Branches.**

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Your friendly neighborhood Pambansang Blogger was invited by Cinema One and the Philippine Star to the media launch of their first ever mini-series on wealth management and millennial life entitled "Single\Single" top-billed by Shaina Magdayao and Matteo Guidicelli. The presscon was held on Thursday August 13, 2015 at 11 am at Resto 9501 located at the 14th floor of ABS-CBN ELJ Building .

Single\Single stars Shaina Magdayao and Matteo Guidicelli plays the roles of Joee and Joey respectively. An odd couple forced to share an apartment for practical reasons. Will sharing the rent be disaster or a happy ever after?

I'm guessing that the similarity of their names play a vital function in the story. Maybe they got into the predicament of living in the same apartment because of it. I hope I was not able to predict it since that would mean it's a bit predictable. But the director told us they are already on the 8th episode so we just have to wait until the pilot episode comes out on August 29 at 8 pm in Cinema One.

The questions from media were mostly about Matteo's boxer shorts and how we was uncomfortable wearing it in the presence of Shaina Magdayao. It will be the first time they will be working together even though they are both at ASAP during weekends. Since Shaina is a dancer and Matteo is a singer, they have not yet been on the same performance in the noontime show. I asked about Matteo's abs since he probably went into regular workouts to have or maintain them for the show so he will look good on TV, and I also asked if Shaina, who was wearing a gorgeous backless outfit that day, if she will be wearing something daring and as sexy like a swimsuit or bikini since Direk Pepediokno did say they are able to become more daring in the cable channel since it is less strict in censorship. Shaina said as for now, she was only asked to wear short shorts. Hhhmmm, but if she was asked to wear something a little more revealing, will she do it?

Publications Use Sexual Innuendos on Maria Ozawa and Robin Padilla Cancelled Movie Project

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"Japanese actress Maria Ozawa expressed disappointment at Robin Padilla after his premature withdrawal from the tightly scheduled shooting of their film to be entered in time for this year's Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Official." - Inquirer.net

Entered. Premature withdrawal. Tightly. Japanese. Maria ozawa. I could write millions of puns on this article. I believe the pun was obviously intended. I see what Inquirer did here. I'm sure a lot more publications did the same, or are about to do the same. The temptation to use sexual innuendos was just too hard to resist.

Thus, netizens react with all their might. It was naturally expected. This was not the first time the publication resorted to word play. I'm sure it was what Inquirer intended. For everyone to cum ... I mean come ... out and react. It was an intentional bait to lure everyone to engage with the article. This issue will be going viral and trending soon on social media.

"You must be so proud of yourself Inquirer, for that funny, funny wordplay laced with sexual innuendo because, hey, she's a porn star. And why stop with one phrase, why not go overboard funny utilizing her apparently rich background in the porn industry. And you, you clever reader, you got it. You must be very proud of yourself too aren't you. All for a few laughs and some ego boost right." - Camille Tosca

"I agree. Got nothing against porn industry etc. but this writer thinks too highly of his "wit". And everyone's all "biro mo early withdrawal at tight schedule daw! Laugh out loud!". Its a newspaper thats read by people of all ages, including children. You gonna explain to your kids what this means? Nah, more likely you'll back off like this "writer" and look incredulous "huh? Wala naman, baka ikaw madumi and iniisip" <heehee tight schedule heehee>" - Alfie Wee Sit

Wazzup Pilipinas!

High-ranking officials from the Department of Justice, Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Science and Technology, signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the country’s Cybercrime Prevention Act at the New World Manila Bay Hotel last August 12, 2015. Among the signees were DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima, DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo, and DILG Undersecretary for Operations Edwin Enrile.

Also known as RA 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act aims to extend the reach of the law in the digital space. “The imperative of having a legal framework that penalizes cybercrime and its many evolving forms provides for strong international cooperation, given the transnational nature of cybercrime, and lays out an effective implementation strategy anchored on the regime of electronic evidence,” said Secretary Leila M. de Lima. “It is our mandate to ensure that all crimes ought not to go unpunished; that wherever cyber-criminals may be found, the full force of the law must apply.” she added.

Representing the outgoing DILG Secretary Mar Roxas was Atty. Edwin Enrile, Undersecretary for Operations who acknowledged the hard work of the composite Technical Working Group that conducted 4 public consultations involving more than 40 organizations and entities. He also assured netizens that their welfare is top priority in the creation of the IRR, “We would like to protect everyone against cybercrime offenses such as illegal access, computer-related forgery, identity theft and fraud, cybersex and online libel.” Undersecretary also expressed the DILG and PNP’s commitment and effective enforcement of the provisions of the Cybercrime Law and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Indoor and outdoor pollution caused by the burning of traditional fuels and diesel are causing the premature deaths of over 10 million people in Asia every year. LPG, as a modern, clean burning fuel, is a cost effective solution to pollution, energy poverty and distributed energy for the Philippines and the industry should be further developed to reach its full potential.

In line with this, there will be an upcoming LPG Philippines Forum 2015 on August 24 and 25, 2015 at SMX Aura, Manila, Philippines with delegations of over 200 of the top energy and environmental leaders in the country participating at the LPG Philippines Forum 2015.

The Asian LP Gas Summit has been successfully conducted in Manila, Philippines in 2011, and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam in 2013. There was a hiatus in 2012 as the World LP Gas Forum was conducted in Bali, Indonesia. Another one was held last March 10-12, 2014 at the Manila Hotel.

The LPGas Summit was established in 2011 to organize the Asian LP Gas Summit. The event seeks to encourage the growth of the LPG industry and to promote discussion and industry networking for the sustainable growth of the LPG industry with a focus on technology adoption, safety and consumer education.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Starting strong in 2015 with 37.9% growth in total production for all lines and channels on the first quarter of the year compared to the same period of 2014, MAPFRE Insular is optimistic on projection of growth of its business for the year.

The company’s growth in Q1 is attributed in the Fire Insurance line which alone doubled versus its performance in 2014 delivering over 299 million in premiums for the Company. Following Fire Insurance, Casualty and Marine Cargo insurance are the second and third respectively in terms of growth.

2015 is a year of consumer-centric innovation for MAPFRE Insular. Along with continuous brand building and awareness efforts, the Company is focused on becoming the trusted insurance company of choice for the Filipinos by delivering superior and efficient insurance solutions for their different needs.

“We at MAPFRE Insular are continuously strengthening our geographical presence to make our services easily available and affordable to more Filipinos nationwide through our various distribution networks,” says, Tirso Abad, President and CEO of MAPFRE Insular. “Our multi-channel offices and sales offices have grown in total production by 37.6% and 146.9% respectively in the first quarter. These channels have been driving growth in the Accident, Fire and Motor business through an active agents’ network focused on selling retail products,” Abad adds.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Epson recently announced that its Replaceable Ink Pack System (RIPS) technology had been recognized by Buyers Laboratory LLC (BLI), a leading provider of independent information to the imaging industry, with the Outstanding Achievement in Innovation Award for the summer 2015 test season. The awards are made to companies that provide something new to the market and set new standards and goals to which others can aspire.

Used with Epson’s acclaimed series of WorkForce Pro Replaceable Ink Pack Printers, RIPS technology solves many of the issues associated with office printing by using super-high-yield ink supply units for printing up to 75,000* pages between ink changes. The result of this is less wasted time and resources, and predictable print costs.

In its citation, BLI noted that printers using the technology achieved:
Phenomenally high tested yields for all colors.

Ultra-long-life consumables, which help maintain office productivity and reduce pain points for IT administration.

User-friendly replacement and maintenance procedures.
Compact and low waste packaging advantage, which will suit space-constrained office environments.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With the crucial Azkals game against a strong Uzbekistan squad less than a month away, one Azkals player who is feeling the pressure is Filipino-Iranian midfielder Misagh Bahadoran.

Although nobody is putting the pressure on him, Bahadoran feels he has to bring his game one notch higher than his outstanding performances in the last two Azkals games where he nailed the team’s first goal against Bahrain and five days later against Yemen in the ongoing 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

The two wins gave the Philippines six points, second after North Korea in Group H. North Korea is leading the group having scored one more goal (5-4) than the Philippines in two matches.

“The expectation (on me) is high. The pressure is there. It’s harder being in that position now,” Bahadoran said in an interview after a morning training session at the Emperador Stadium in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. His goal against previous Azkals tormentor Bahrain last June 11 was doubly significant for him as it was his first international goal in football.

But being no stranger to pressure in the past, Bahadoran appears ready for the demands building up around him presently. He acknowledges that the ongoing games are tougher being part of the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup, the most widely viewed and followed sporting event in the world.

“I have to be prepared, physically and mentally. I have to be disciplined,” he stressed.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We are proud to announce that we are an official media partner of the biggest festival of 10-minute plays in the Philippines - Short+Sweet Theater Manila 2015!

Last time we attended their press briefing held at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura, and we were so excited about the many possibilities for coverage that we expressed our support to be one of their media partners to help out in the information dissemination, as well as to proudly boats of the talents that will be competing in the event.

What make Short+Sweet Theater Manila 2015 more interesting is that they are offering Master classes facilitated by local and international experts are also available. For only P 500, you'll get to listen to knowledgeable professionals that can help you become the next popular film maker. Now that would surely be a blast. To learn from experts in the film industry will definitely boost the morale of newbies and aspiring movie-makers, and lead them to a brighter future in the movie-making industry.

It is undoubtedly quite more challenging to create a 10 minute performance since you only have very little time to impress your audience with content that should be able to catch their attention but at the same time provide them with valuable entertainment.

September is just a few days away so we all encourage you to get tickets as soon as possible.

Tickets are available at all SM Tickets 60+ locations nationwide: SM Cinema outlets, SM Tickets Online, and SM Business Centers. They are also available at Lucky Chinatown Concierge and Eastwood Mall Concierge.
Tickets are priced as below:

VIP: PHP 1060
PATRON: PHP 795
PREMIUM: PHP 530
WILDCARDS: PHP 530

Don't you dare miss this.

Below is their official press release and the Master Classes Schedule and other details.