Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Eleven Years of Marketing the Philippine Energy Sector

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With the fast evolving landscape and developments in energy policies, the Department of Energy (DOE), through the Investment Promotion Office, has been conducting regular investment fora in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao to promote investments in the Philippine Energy Sector by facilitating the process of doing business and availment of incentives in the country.

In observance of the National Energy Consciousness Month, the DOE held its last Energy Investment Forum for 2015, now on its 11th year, on December 04 (today) from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the InterContinental Hotel in Makati City.

Energy Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos said that the DOE urges the private sector to invest more and for timely installation of committed projects, adding that “We hope to see the infusion of investments in the coming years to be able to provide for reliable supply of electricity in the country.”

The Energy Investment Forum presents the current energy climate including the demand-supply outlook, potentials in the power sector, and developments of conventional, renewable and alternative energy resources.

Exciting Biscoff Biscoveries for Christmas

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It is once again the sweetest time of the year and making the holidays even sweeter is Europe’s favorite cookie with coffee[1], Biscoff. An original from Belgium, Biscoff is spreading its sweetness in Manila. Long known as the perfect partner for any coffee break, Biscoff is now also being introduced as the perfect culinary partner.

Just in time for the holidays, Biscoff gives away easy to make, do-it-yourself recipes that are perfect for the holiday season. Whether to use as gifts or as holiday party treats, Biscoff offers delightful bites that everyone will enjoy making at home.

Rice Crispy Treats with Biscoff Spread[2]

With only 15 minutes preparation time, Rice Crispy Treats with Biscoff Spread is easy to make and has minimal ingredients.

Ingredients:

· 3 tablespoons butter
· 1/3 cup of Biscoff spread
· 1 10 oz. package of about 40 regular marshmallows or 4 cups of miniature marshmallows
· 6 cups rice crispy cereal

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When guests are expected at home, serving a heavenly chocolate cake appears to be a sure crowd pleaser. Red Ribbon—one of the country’s biggest bakeshops—is bringing back one of its best-selling round chocolate cake that’s sure to delight your family and friends.

Red Ribbon’s Rocky Road Cake is now making a grand comeback, carrying with it more delicious toppings that will definitely add more texture and flavor to the family’s time.

The Rocky Road Cake is made of three layers of rich chocolate cake with choco-cream filling, topped with fluffy white cream rosettes, chocolate kisses, soft, white marshmallows and chocolate drizzles.

What makes the Rocky Road Cake even more special this year compared last year isthe addition of Red Ribbon’s signature brownies. These chewy brownie bits are topped along with the cake’s other toppings, giving the cake a more moist and chewy texture. Additional sprinkles of cashews and marshmallows are sandwiched in between the cake’s layers, creating a perfect combination of sweetness, softness and crunchiness from the inside and out.

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I've recently been affected by a "ransomware" where the malicious "virus" encrypted our documents (including photos and videos) and required us to pay for a decryption key if we want to decrypt our files. It also comes with a time limit where the decryption offer would only last a few days, after that it won't be available anymore.

Unfortunately, our back-up is done on a weekly basis thus we lost all our files done in a week and could only restore from the backup the previous files coming from the backup storage drive.

The one week of files is still a big thing for us as we had several files saved throughout the past week. I could almost cry in desperation when I couldn't find any solution no matter how I Google for an answer.

I'm not sure if that particular "ransomware" already existed for a long time or if it's an updated version of the previous virus release. Sadly enough, no anti-virus developers have found a solution to this threat. The only solution for this instance is to have backed-up on a daily basis. It may mean a lot of hard work yet it's the safest way to ensure we won't lose our precious data. If only I knew about this virus in advance then I could have encouraged myself to back-up daily.

It's a great thing that companies like Fortinet is making initiatives in determining what could be the next virus threat. Though announcing, and learning about, possible upcoming threats may also work against us. The people who intend to make us suffer via their sophisticated or "viruses."

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The Department of Energy, along with its partners, successfully hosted this year’s Don Emilio Abello Energy Efficiency Awards at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria recognizing individuals and companies whose exemplary energy efficiency initiatives significantly reduce their energy consumption.

Celebrated every December since 1982 as part of the National Energy Consciousness Month, the DEAEEA was named after the former Meralco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Emilio Abello, who also held the position of Chairman of the Energy Conservation Movement in the country.

The energy efficiency initiatives of the DEAEEA companies have resulted to a total of 776.3 Million Kilowatt Hours of electricity equivalent to Php 6.34 billion (more than 202.6 Million Liters of Oil Equivalent) in energy savings. According to DOE data, the industrial and commercial sectors are among the top four highest consuming sectors in the country taking up more than 40% of Final Energy Demand in 2014.

Energy efficiency and conservation is also one of the DOE’s measures in ensuring energy security for the country. This is especially significant given the current power scenarios of the nation and in light of El Nino.

Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950 XL Launch

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At a media launch held at the Aracama restaurant in Bonifcaio Global City on the very first day of the month of December, the Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950 XL was announce to be available on December 14 and priced at Php 28990 and Php 32990 respectively.

It will be the first to come with Windows 10 OS. It also has new PureView cameras with 20 megapixel sensors and triple LED natural flash that shoot 4k video. Now that means mobile photography, and videography, at its best....well, so far. It's not surprising if after a month, another announcement will take it further up to a higher level.

That is the fascinating fact about smartphones in general. There will always be a new technology to be introduced making the next version a much sought after item that all those who would like to maintain personally having the latest gadgets would definitely watch out for new releases or models.

The difference between the 950 and 950 XL aside from the size? The processing speed and gorilla glass version is obviously better on the 950 XL but only the 950 makes use of liquid cooling technology.

Liquid cooling is not a new technology since PC players would install that feature that were previously done on gaming or multimedia desktops. The installed so they can use the mileage everywhere where there's a lot of more beneficial thoughts.

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The Philippines’ transport industry—privatized yet heavily regulated—is a textbook example of how public transport shouldn’t be run. It is inefficient, and the ones who lose are the riding public. This is one of the reasons tech disruption, in the form of ride-sharing and taxi-hailing apps, are very successful. Smartphone apps like Uber and GrabTaxi are changing how the public is demanding service: whenever and wherever they need it. Although the response of taxi companies and regulators is to maintain the status quo, the public marches on with technology.

Which begs the question: what if there could be an Uber of Philippine real estate? If tech innovation could disrupt an inefficient industry, what’s to stop others from disrupting real estate? In fact, whether the industry likes it or not, property hunters’ behavior is rapidly shifting, and they’re taking their home-search online. Here’s why:

1. Tech innovations put the power to homebuyers

In the not-too-distant past, people looking for properties drive by neighborhoods or leaf through pages of Sunday classifieds to find apartments for sale or for rent. This is quickly changing.

A 2014 survey by Lamudi Philippines found that 9 out of 10 real estate agents said that the Internet is now the preferred tool during the house-hunting process, while a 2015 survey conducted by the real estate portal found that Facebook, Google, and other online means are used by homebuyers in looking for properties 92 percent of the time.

This puts the power to homebuyers, who until recently have to rely on information fed to them by real estate agents. Homebuyers now can choose the property that falls within their requirements, regardless of which broker is handling it. In effect, they get to choose the property that falls within their budget, and let the agent do the grinding later.

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Shopping online may be the “in” thing these days, but for most people, nothing can beat the physical experience of going to malls to meet up, bond with family and friends, have fun, and indulge in activities that cannot be experienced anywhere else.

Malls are not just places to shop, they are activity centers that fulfill many functions for mall goers. Learning nooks, workout places, lifestyle destinations, dining hubs, entertainment venues, and more, malls are woven into the colorful social fabric of countless communities.

Vista Malls are community malls that have been designed by its developer, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc., to be ALL ABOUT YOU. Within each meticulously designed commercial complex are a variety of retail options – all tailor-fit for the communities in the various Vista Land developments. Because of that, no one Vista Mall is the same as the other in terms of look or feel. Each one reflects the community that it serves.

“What makes VISTA MALL unique from other retail centers is that we focus on the communities we cater to. We don’t aim to offer everything, but we take great effort to understand our communities and give them what they need. This is the central concept of ALL ABOUT YOU,” says Camille Villar, Managing Director of Vista Land, that has created over 30 master-planned communities all over the Philippines in the past 40 years.

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Most companies nowadays add Christmas Bonus on top of the mandatory 13th month pay to show appreciationfor their employees.It’s only a few days until you get your hands on the most coveted company benefit, and here are the ways you can maximize your hard-earned money.

1. Apply the 70/30 Budget Plan

By now you may already have plans in spending your bonus.To maximize your money, it’s always best to set up a budget plan. This budgeting ratio is very effectiveif followed correctly.

The 30% of your bonus may be dividedas shown below:

10% should go to paying yourself first. Add this amount to your savings. You know how much you can afford to save and the expenses you need to prioritize. A little goes a long way as long as you set aside something for your savings.

20% should go to giving yourself a well-deserved treat and/or Christmas gifts for your loved ones.

The 70% of your bonus should go to your personal expenses such as rent, gas, loans, and utility bills. These might cause a setback in your finances if neglected, so your diligence in following the 70/30 budget plan is important.

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Another cool way to tour around the Philippines is via the AAP-Petron Drive Tour Caravan. This shows how possible it is to bring your own vehicle and take it along with you on the trip. In our case, we were around 15 vehicles in a seemingly VIP convoy escorted by policemen and with an ambulance ready to serve us just in case we encounter an accident or any of the participants needed immediate first aid.

AAP is the Automobile Association Philippines who partnered with Petron to provide a "drive-tour caravan" experience to interested participants who would like to see the Philippines through their unique way. They've been doing this for a few years already and now they've introduced a tour around Cavite. With coordination from the local government units and tourism offices of the province, the "drive-tour caravan" takes you on a delightful journey of selected stops at different tourist destinations to also promote the province and cities included in the itinerary.

I was invited to join the two-day "drive-tour caravan" through a media friend whom I met at a previous Department of Tourism event at La Union. This is actually the second time he recommended me to the organizers starting off with the Oriental Mindoro for the very first MIMAROPA Festival held in Calapan, now he again said good words about me for the AAP-Petron Cavite Drive-Tour Caravan held on November 28 to 29, 2015.

Overwhelmed at how my friend believes in my capacity, I am somewhat challenged to do more than my very best so I can fully show the organizers that I am indeed rightful to be part of the event.

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The year 2015 was an eventful one for Philippine real estate. It was a roller-coaster ride that coursed through both news of optimistic growth, and the not-so-positive issues that affected everyone involved in the real estate business. Either way, these happenings helped shape the local real estate scene to what it is now, and could give us an indication of what’s in store for 2016. To refresh your memory, MyProperty.ph offers a look back at 10 of the biggest real estate-related news of the year.

A way to monitor real estate prices. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is preparing to launch a residential real estate price index (RRPI) that aims to track property prices in Metro Manila, as well as nearby provinces. According to the BSP, the RRPI, which will include information on costs of construction materials and types of houses being built, will help determine the formation of a housing bubble so that preventive actions can be taken.

Rise of the townships. The year 2015 saw the rise of townships all over the country by different property giants. Megaworld Corp. alone launched five townships this year: Sta. Barbara Heights (Sta. Barbara, Iloilo), The Upper East and Northill Gateway (both in Bacolod, Negros Occidental), Westside City (Bay City, Parañaque), and a still-unnamed township in San Fernando, Pampanga. Ayala Land added two townships to their growing portfolio: Cloverleaf in Balintawak, Quezon City; and Capitol Central in Bacolod. Meanwhile, Vista Land and Lifescapes, Inc. is ramping up the development of Vista City, a 1,500-hectare “communicity” located at the boundaries of Cavite, Laguna, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa; and SM Prime is continuing to expand the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay.

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No less than Jose Javier Reyes or Direk Joey, the director of My Bebe Love (#KiligPaMore) has total admiration for the phenomenal "accidental love team"of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, known more as Yaya Dub, as mentioned on one of his posts in his blog titled "Choking on my Adobo."

On one blog entry, he states that Alden is "not just a pretty face. He sells" and enumerates that the kid has the looks, knows his camera, well-mannered and has the talent. He further questions why it took an "accident" to reveal those qualities to the world.

Similarly to Alden, the Massacre Movie Queen dub-smashing yaya also rise to fame because of the same accident. This situation would make you think that it's probably the new yet uncanny match, coupled with the crazy existence of the familiar Dabarkads, that has made the couple a real stand-out to an otherwise somewhat traditional noontime entertainment.

"Her rise to fame is accidental and she seems to be having fun. Her addition toEat Bulaga's roster of Kabarkads is a case of absolutely perfect timing. When she assumed the character of Yaya Dub, much harassed caregiver to Wally Bayola's hilarious Lola Nidora, that whole gang with Jose Manalo and master chameleon Paolo Ballesteros raiding the baranggays of Manila exploded with a new adrenaline overload.

Duterte for President: Are We Ready for Digong the Punisher?

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He has been called the mayor with an iron fist, a bloody one that is, since he is rumored to be killing offenders minus the benefit of a trial. They say if you cross him, you'll end up dead on the streets with a label that says "Kriminal! Huwag Tularan!" Very outspoken, he could very well be openly claiming all killings of alleged criminals who operated in Davao.

"Duterte is noted for transforming the city from the murder capital of the nation to what tourism organizations there now call "the most peaceful city in Southeast Asia." He's been suspected of being involved with the vigilante outfit Davao Death Squad and has been criticized by human rights groups for tolerating extrajudicial killings of alleged criminals."

Is majority of Davao living in fear that is why they are afraid to irk the Mayor? or are they really in favor of his ways since Davao is also known as one of the safest cities in the Philippines? Safe because no one dares to commit any crime if they want to remain among the living.

But the recent news shows even some more of the worst sides of the Mayor Rodrigo Duterte showing him as a womanizer and disrespectful to the highest Catholic leader, the Pope. However, many still find him the better option compared to the rest of the presidentiables.

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In celebration of its 86th anniversary, the Adventist Medical Center Manila (AMCM) conducted anew a medical mission in collaboration this time with the US-based Florida Hospital. The program was conducted at the AMCM premises on November 11-17 this year, providing consultation services for 132 internal medicine patients, 49 pediatric patients, and 129 optometric patients. A total of 352 dental treatments were also given for tooth extraction and restoration, and even oral prophylaxis. As for the surgical services offered, 125 minor cases, 93 major cases, 13 obstetrics-gynecology cases, and 8 ophthalmology cases were assisted.

While this had been one of AMCM’s many medical missions for years, this was the first joint mission with Florida Hospital. This was Florida Hospital’s maiden project under its Global Mission Initiatives in Asia. The foreign team brought with them modern medical equipment and a great amount of medicines to the benefit of the patients. At the end of the one-week mission, the US medical professionals were treated to a grand Filipino fiesta-style program showcasing Pinoy folkdances, traditional songs and native Filipino foods. Delighted by the success of the mission, Florida Hospital team promised to return with an even larger contingent and supplies next year.

From its humble beginning as a small clinic in Malate, Manila in 1929, AMCM currently stands proud in the heart of Pasay City as a non-stock and non-profit tertiary hospital equipped with highly-trained, professional medical team and fortified with efficient technology. AMCM carries out its regular medical missions in furtherance of its quest of ‘Sharing Jesus Christ’s Healing Ministry’ for the less and the needy regardless of their religious creed or political beliefs. “By far, this was the biggest among the medical missions organized by the hospital”, said Abdul Rajagukguk, anniversary celebration chairman.

Globe Sustains Growth of Prepaid Business with Co-Branding Partnership, Better Offers

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Globe Telecom is looking to sustain growth momentum of its prepaid business after several quarters of strong performance with a co-branding partnership with leading mobile phone manufacturer Cherry Mobile.

Consolidated Globe prepaid customer base reached 47.8 million as of end-September 2015, up 17% from previous year’s 40.7 million. Globe Prepaid customer base posted growth of 14% year-on-year, while the TM base grew by 20% on the back of offers that recognize the youth and mass market’s shift to the digital lifestyle.

Globe Prepaid has made strides in positioning itself as the digital brand for the youth with offers which are bundled with free access to top social networking and messaging apps such as Facebook and Viber, premium apps and content such Spotify, as well as top mobile games such as Clash of Clans. Globe Prepaid also enhanced its revolutionary GoSAKTO, which now allows customers to create more than 200 million call, text, and app combos that fit their needs, budget, and lifestyle.

On the other hand, its TM brand, specifically targeting the value prepaid market, has been strong with innovative value for money offerings with the most affordable call, text and surfing promos, including TM Extend which allows customers to extend the validity of TM call and text promos for as low as P5 for 1 day. Over the years, TM has achieved steady growth trajectory, making it the fastest-growing mobile brand in the value prepaid category.