Holiday Non-Stop Bus Extends Service

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The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has granted an extension of the special permit for the temporary Premium Point-to-Point (P2P) Bus Service until January 31 in view of the popularity of the service.

“We are pleased with the positive reception of the bus service, given the increase in ridership over the holidays. The service offers the riding public access to a convenient transportation option that can attract private car owners to shift to public transportation,” said Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Jun Abaya.

The premium P2P bus service is a new public utility vehicle (PUV) sub-category created by the DOTC that offers commuters another safe and reliable mode of transportation. It allows shorter travel time, as buses depart on a fixed schedule and travel directly from the terminal to the drop-off point.

“Aside from providing significant travel time savings and enhanced passenger experience, this can lessen the number of cars on the road and make more efficient use of road space through higher-capacity vehicles,” added Abaya.

AirAsia Celebrates Sinulog Festival with Special Treats and Promos

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AirAsia, the world’s best low cost carrier for seven consecutive years, is giving away free party passes, discount treats and other exciting freebies in line with this year’s celebration of Sinulog Festival in Cebu.

From January 12 to 16, all AirAsia passengers bound for Cebu from Manila, Incheon (Seoul) and Kuala Lumpur and vice versa will each receive a Red Hot Sinulog festival kit which provides them free and exclusive access to festival concerts, parties, tours and discount coupons to popular restaurants, cafes and clubs. Limited edition Sinulog t-shirts from AirAsia and Island Souvenirs are also available for purchase onboard AirAsia flights starting today for only P250.00.

AirAsia services Manila-Cebu route with 8x flights daily with international flights from Incheon (Seoul) and Kuala Lumpur to Cebu. Promo fares to/from Cebu and other AirAsia destinations from the Philippines are also up for grabs now until January 10, 2016 at www.airasia.com with all-in fares from as low as P799 only. The promotional fares are also available on AirAsia mobile Application that can be downloaded via iPhone and Android, and at mobile.airasia.com.

For more updates on AirAsia Philippines and its latest promotions and activities, follow them on social media through Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaPhilippines) and Twitter (twitter.com/AirAsiaPh).

Why Do We Need to Study Language?

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As we all know, language is our medium of communication. Thus, it is only a priority for us to study about and refine our knowledge and skills when it comes to our language.

Firstly, language is very interesting. It is quite enjoyable and it is just one of the many things we’d just love to learn about. Moreover, language serves as our key for us to access each other’s minds and hearts, so to speak. There are ideas and even the simplest but most heartwarming words waiting for us. After all, language is the most powerful instrument ever bestowed upon us. As proven by things like literature and inspirational speech.

With that said, even the most powerful of things have the simplest yet most essential of components. Although the macro skills such as speaking, writing, reading and the like may seem all that familiar and simple, they actually comprise of many more details, technicalities and facts than what we may think. It has many functions, from business, to public speaking, to instruction, to relaxation, and even to affection - and we can appreciate each of them better if we take the time to study. Even if it may seem difficult, it is actually quite enjoyable and it may even give the learner a sense of wanderlust or longing to explore and be adventurous.

Facebook's Oculus Rift: Now Available for Pre-Order

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"After years of development, our virtual reality experience, Oculus Rift, is now available for pre-order!

When you put on Oculus, you'll feel like you instantly teleported into adventures like deep-sea diving, piloting a starfighter or playing in a band on stage. More than 100 virtual reality games and other experiences are coming this year. And long term, I believe virtual reality has the potential to change the way we live, work and communicate in many ways. Today is an important step towards that future.

You can pre-order your Oculus Rift for $599 at shop.oculus.com and we’ll be shipping at the end of March to 20 countries initially.

Oculus Rift is the product of years of cutting edge research and engineering. I'm proud to work with Palmer, Brendan, Nate, Michael and everyone who has worked so hard to open up new worlds for us." - Mark Zuckerberg

The real world is already amazing enough for me. But sometimes you need a virtual world in order to be able to do things that you can not do in real world. The real world could sometimes be pretty shitty - that's why people take drugs. In the real world you cannot slay dragons, or shoot aliens and giant robots.

This is truly revolutionary with endless possibilities. Flight and all sorts of simulation, exploring the human anatomy from the inside, having virtual lessons and seminars, exploring the universe and its composition, having first hand outdoor experiences to name a few.

Imagine combining this technology with our basic education, our daily communication, and even expressing oneself for arts sake. When we come up with new technologies, there will always be the cons but why focus on those when there are tons of positive use for it. It is our own perspective that we should really be responsible for. Kudos to all the people changing our world for the better.

The SOPA 2016 Awards for Editorial Excellence Announces Call For Entries

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The Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA), an organization dedicated to best practices in professional publishing, is pleased to announce the call for entries for the "SOPA 2016 Awards for Editorial Excellence". Entering its 18th year, the premier publishing awards represent the most outstanding journalistic accolade in Asia Pacific. Deadline for entries is February 25, 2016.

The 2015 SOPA Awards received a record number of entries from across Asia Pacific competing in 18 categories among English and Chinese regional, local print or digital publications and wire services. To encourage wider participation, SOPA members who submit entries are eligible for a discount in the submission fee. Other publications are encouraged to join and to support SOPA, a not for profit organization.

The judging criteria for the award category "Journalist of the Year" will remain the same as last year, in which entries from Group A, B and C will be combined for judging resulting in only one winner. Journalist of the Year is designed to honor the journalist who has best demonstrated excellence in editorial achievement.

For the purposes of the awards, Asia-Pacific is defined to include the region of Afghanistan and the Central Asia republics, in addition to the Indian subcontinent, North and East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands.

DOE Seeks Collaborative Effort to Secure Mindanao Power Facilities

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Given the heightened insurgency concerns affecting stable and reliable electricity in Mindanao, the DOE strongly calls on the assistance of all stakeholders, especially the Local Government Units (LGUs) to ensure safety and security of vital power infrastructures (i.e., transmission systems, distribution lines and substations), as well as from any obstructions (i.e., bush burning along transmission highways, and planting of trees) under their respective jurisdictions.

The DOE has been constantly coordinating with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), National Power Corporation, concerned LGUs and other energy stakeholders as well as the Mindanao Development Authority, and of course the Office of the Executive Secretary, which is making direct coordinations with the police and the military, to discuss strategies on how to address the situation.

All 14 of the 15 transmission towers that have been toppled or damaged have already been restored, while only the Agus2-Kibawe Line in Ramain, Lanao del Sur is yet to be repaired due to some local issues.

“We appeal to the public in general, particularly to the LGUs and land owners to cooperate with the NGCP, the Concessionaire of the national transmission lines, in securing the transmission system which is crucial to bringing electricity to the people of Mindanao,” DOE Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada said.

Energy Secretary Monsada also reminded the public that damages to transmission facilities may eventually be part of the transmission’s recovery cost, which is subject to the approval of Energy Regulatory Commission; so cooperation is highly encouraged from everyone. Hence, the DOE requests the people’s vigilance to report suspicious activities in critical areas through the NGCP’s hotline number: 0917-8791-077.

Four Arrested in Cebu for Subscription Fraud as Globe Steps Up Campaign Versus Scams

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Four fraudsters in Cebu City were recently arrested by a joint police and Globe Telecom security team after they submitted fake documents in applying for postpaid accounts that included provision for high-end smartphones.

Arrested were Girly Belleza, Allen Marie Almario, Gerald Anthony Lizares and Wildredo Arabis, all employees of Kia Motors SM Cebu City.

Based on investigation, the four individuals all submitted fake documents, using fictitious names, in acquiring postpaid subscription with high end phones. This prompted a joint police and Globe security team to set an entrapment operation against them.

A police report revealed that Belleza, a sales agent of Kia, managed to get high-end units namely 2 units of iphone 6+ and iphone 5 while Almario, a cashier of Kia, managed to also get an iphone 6, an iphone 6+ and a Galaxy Core Prime. On the other hand, Lizares, also a sales agent of Kia, got 2 units of iphone 6+ while Arabis, an administrative employee of Kia, got a Lenovo handphone and 2 units of iphone6.

The four arrested employees of Kia were detained by police authorities and appropriate criminal charges will be filed against them.

Sentro 1771: Not Just Your Ordinary Culinary Favorites

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It's not my first time to dine at Sentro 1771. But this is the first time I've tried more than two dishes at a time. What can I say, it was a feast fit for a king, and I was so cheerful enough that my seat that day was seemingly like a throne and as if I was wearing a crown privileged to be worn by royalty.

I don't really need to spell it out and you've obviously guessed by now that it was nothing short of a delightful dining experience. I wish there were more words to appropriately give meaning to what I experienced that day. My vocabulary is not enough to accurately express what went on in my mind.

Just like any other event, we were treated with a meal since it was during the lunch hours. But this one seems to be a bit more special since the food served were generously world class. I have to say some of it was very familiar but the way they made the taste become so spectacular is beyond any adjectives available in the dictionary.

Sentro 1771 keeps on surprising me with its tasty dishes that more than just comfort food for me. They may be hinting on Filipino dishes but it's like home-cooked elevated to the next level.

Market Basket Seafood Paluto: Lunch Is Served and Very Well Indeed

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Seafood has been number one on my list ever since childhood. It will be forever on the top as it has never failed to please me whatever culinary style the chef comes up with. For me, whether it fusion or traditional, spicy or insanely out of this world, nothing beats seafood dishes.

This is why whenever someone asks me where I prefer to eat, I always would loudly utter anywhere that serves seafood! You can't simply miss out on really splendid dishes if its main ingredient is a creature from the sea.

I recently discovered a seafood restaurant in Tagig after a friend suggested we go there for lunch.

Market Basket is under the Chefs’ Quarter Group  which are composed of Chefs’ Quarter Restaurant, Beurre Blanc Restaurant and Wine Bar, Old Vine Grille, Kuse Traditional Filipino Cuisine, Uncle Cheffy’s Brick Oven Global Cuisine, and a few more. It was no surprise to see an Uncle Cheffy's resto  combined with the restaurant. You can actually order from both restaurants and eat them at any part of the joint venue.

Of course, I preferred to order seafood as it has always been my top choice when ordering for a meal outside of our home. Though I also try my best to persuade my wife to only serve the healthier seafood and an occasion of chicken dishes when we are all getting tired of eating fish, but still manages to sneak in pork and beef dishes because she says she can't fight the temptation to have them. She never had the convenience to eat them during her childhood so she always craves them to feel good about herself now that she can afford to buy them.

Bistro Ravioli: You Can't Get Enough Of This Pizza and Pasta Heaven

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You'll definitely keep coming back for more! From the raviolis to the pizza and even the dessert that are way better than the "exclamated" word "Awesome!"

Coming up with a new word -"exclamated"  - only means I was so satisfied with our dining experience that it deserves a round of applause and so many recommendations of the highest kind.

Truth be told, I am not a real lover of pasta dishes, but Bistro Ravioli undoubtedly changed my mind. It is not an exaggeration. I really flipped over the delightful experience. I was not hungry that lunch time since I had a late rice breakfast. But the food were just so good to resist. I ended up bloated yet with a sincere smile on my face.

Though I never got to see the menu because it was not a restaurant review event. I'm sorry but I was so overwhelmed that I forgot to even take a photo of the names of the dishes so if in case you know them, do put them in the comments section.

Bistro Ravioli definitely deserves a lot of exclamation points for having pasta dishes that are both superb in taste and appearance. You'll be tempted to dig in immediately as soon as the dishes are served. You'll keep eating after one bite.

Do I need to say more? Come visit their branch at SM Mall of Asia - they are somewhere in the middle - and get ready for a gastronomically explosive moment that you'll want to experience again and again.

Enjoy the photos below!!!

Addicted To The MyPhone Rio Pixie That Comes With Its Own Selfie Stick

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Weeks had passed and I've enjoyed it so dearly because of my recent selfie gadget - the MyPhone Rio Pixie which comes with its own matching color "selfie stick." The monopod is inside the box itself!

Mine had a light yellow "selfie stick" in the box aside from the usual charger and earphone. This is no ordinary selfie stick as its grip is really tight enough to keep that smartphone intact.

I used to experience smartphones falling from the selfie stick because of poor grip of low quality versions thus this combo was a real blessing to make me join the millions of selfie lovers to frequently do selfies in every occasion that deserves some immortality - to keep in memory as an unforgettable experience.

It's a great conversational piece since many have been noticing how often I use it. There was even a foreigner who would often photobomb, and videobomb, my shots. Needless to say, the MyPhone Rio Pixie smartphone is great for both photo and video shoots.

It's the best excuse to do group photos or "groupfies" as most people want to join you in the shot - all ready with their own smile and pose. If I had a bigger memory card, I would be doing selfies all day.

It's a great gadget to bring along for trips to different destinations in the country and even outside. You'll cherish lots of shots taken using the MyPhone Rio Pixie which can be purchased at a price competitive with many smartphones of its range.

Battle Of The Machines Is On With Ground-Breaking Robot Combat League

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Taking ultra-modern times into a whole new level is Robot Combat League, a one-of-a-kind game of wits and brute force. By combining tremendous human will and the super strength of machines, this is an ultimate showcase of first-class action. With 12 equally deserving teams, each composed of a “robo-jockey”- the fighter, and a “robo-tech” – the robotics engineer.

Wearing exo-suits allows the human controllers dictate the machine’s movements, these fighters crash, collide and basically take to destroy each other to provide exhilarating action to viewers. The participants come from extremely diverse backgrounds – witness a race car driver, a National Guard pilot, even an Olympian (among others) take the stage.

There are a dozen robots, each with its unique look and power features. Each fight consists of three rounds, with the winner advancing to the next match.

Where is Rey Skywalker in the New Star Wars Monopoly Game?

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"The Star Wars: Monopoly game was released in September, months before the movie's release, and Rey was not included to avoid revealing a key plot line that she takes on Kylo Ren and joins the Rebel Alliance." - Hasbro

Are you in agreement to this excuse? Well, why not. There seems to be some truth in the statement. Though the Force will not be as strong for this one. But maybe not. Because this gives Hasbro a great excuse to come out with another version of the Monopoly game which will now include Rey Skywalker.

Hopefully, to join Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Darth Kylo Ren and Finn (FN-2187), will be Rey Skywalker since she is after all the lead star of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie. This can be clearly seen on the movie posters. Lucas Films and Disney has made it very evident that Rey has a lead role. Though it would really have been a spoiler if she was seen using a light saber as a weapon. But that could have been easily avoided if they just let her pose with her original weapon.

Daisy Ridley also deserves to have her spot on all the new Star Wars merchandises. Girls who adore her as a role model would want to play with her. Even boys with raging hormones would want to "play" with her image. lol!

Windows 10 Now Active on 200M Devices

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2015 was a busy year for Microsoft’s Windows and Devices Group, from the launch of Windows 10, Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book to new experiences and games for Xbox One.

In less than six months, Windows 10 is now active on over 200 million devices around the world.

With this level of adoption, Windows 10 has the fastest growth trajectory of any version of Windows – ever. One of the ways Microsoft measures progress is looking at how people are using Windows. Recently Microsoft reached another milestone, noting people have spent over 11 billion hours on Windows 10 in December alone, spending more time on Windows than ever before. Customer preference is on the rise as well and since Black Friday, US retail PC share for Windows 10 grew 16 points to 62% compared to the prior four weeks, with Windows 10 mix of PCs rising to 87% from 58% prior to the holiday.

Windows 10 devices are also off to a running start in 2016, with Surface Book soon to be available in new markets: Austria, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, as well as extending availability to additional retailers in Australia.

In closing out 2015, Xbox had a strong 2015 holiday with Xbox One setting engagement and sales records.On December 28th, more fans logged on to Xbox Live on Xbox One than any other day in Xbox history.



Check out the Windows Experience Blog or tweets from @yusuf_i_mehdi, @satyanadella, @tmyerson,@panos_panay and @XboxP3 for more details on the latest with Windows 10 and Windows 10 devices.

Michelin’s Tyres for Dakar 2016

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Michelin will be the most active tyre manufacturer on the 2016 Dakar, the world’s best-known cross-country rally and an event that permits open competition between tyre manufacturers.The French firm will provide rubber for the majority of the 354 vehicles entered for January’s competition.

Peugeot Sport, which made its Dakar comeback in 2015, has entered four Peugeot 2008 DKRs for this year’s rally. They will be in the hands of Cyril Despres, Dakar rookie Sébastien Loeb, Stéphane Peterhansel and Carlos Sainz who will all run on the new MICHELIND16 (D16: ‘Dakar 16’) which was developed especially for the front-wheel drive car.

The MICHELIN D16 is much more than a mere evolution of the D15which made its Dakar debut last January. It has been revised from A to Z and features both a new construction and a new tread pattern. It is also lighter.

It was designed to match the demands of the latest Peugeot 2008 DKR and delivers improved grip on all types of ground, enhanced driving comfort and greater stability under braking. A busy test programme in 2015, which included visits to the Moroccandesert, enabled the two partners to sign off the latest version which will allow the French team’s drivers to enjoy improved performance and safety.

“Our involvement in cross-country rallying represents a very big challenge and sends out a strong signal,” saysMichelin Motorsport Director Pascal COUASNON. “We use all the disciplines in which we compete as laboratories to developnew technologies and the Dakar stands out as one of the most extreme testsof them all. Cross-country rallies are the best way to collect data in conditions that are difficult to reproduce, but they are also a formidable adventure where we work with world class drivers and riders.”