Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Globe Telecom’s Proposed Open Access Law Possible as Priority in Next Congress

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The Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) of the House of Representatives may include in its priority list in the next Congress the proposed Open Access Law of Globe Telecom for the telecommunications industry.

In a letter to Globe, CPBRD requested for additional details on the telecommunication company’s proposal of an Open Access Law as a way to mitigate bureaucratic red tape and other political hurdles that stand in the way in the deployment of telecommunications and broadband infra such as cell sites.

Globe General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo emphasized that an Open Access legislation for the telecom industry would help minimize bureaucratic red tape and expedite the issuance of all relevant permits for all telecommunication facilities at the local government level. “Legislation of an Open Access law is extremely important if we are to support growth and development of the next generation. The interest that the CPBRD has shown for our proposal further motivates us to remain aggressive in developing a robust telecom infrastructure that we hope will support business capabilities of local industries,” Castelo said.

According to Castelo, the quality of existing telecommunication infrastructure in a given locality is oftentimes a direct result of the LGU permitting environment. He pointed out that securing different permits at LGU level could become very challenging, from the sheer number of permits to the different political personalities that mobile operators have to deal with.

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Most Filipinos can tell the difference between the skylines of Makati and other cities around the globe - and now it seems the rest of the world can, too. The Philippine’s skyline is the most recognizable of any in the emerging markets, according to a new survey from global property portal Lamudi.

The multiple choice survey asked participants in the developed world - as well as countries in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa - to identify emerging market cities by their skylines. The survey presented respondents with skyline images of Medellín, Colombia; Lima, Peru; Karachi, Pakistan; Colombo, Sri Lanka and Makati, the Philippines.

The survey found that approximately 58 percent of Westerners were able to identify the Makati skyline, making the Metro Manila city the most recognizable. The skyline of Colombo was the least recognizable, with 52 percent.

According to survey results, Westerners were able to identify these five cities with surprising ease. Each city was identified correctly by more than 50 percent of respondents, regardless of their regional origin. These results point to a growing consciousness of emerging markets in the West.

DOTC Awards More MRT-3 Improvement Projects

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The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has awarded more Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) improvement projects that aim to provide passengers a better commuting experience and enhanced system reliability.

Innovalite Electrical Enterprise bagged the P2.10-million contract to supply new industrial fans for greater air flow and ventilation at station areas, such as the platforms and concourses. The fans will be installed within 90 calendar days from issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP).

The contract for new traction motors that will replace depleted rotational spares was awarded to Ad Lib-YongJi Joint Venture for P79.86 million. These motors should have the same performance specifications as the current ones and should be delivered within 300 calendar days from issuance of NTP.

The MRT-3 will also acquire a new multi-purpose road-rail vehicle that will be used for the maintenance of the overhead catenary system. The Joint Venture of Kempal Construction and Supply Corporation and Maquinaria del Eo, the winning bidder for the P46.39-million contract, will deliver the maintenance equipment within 330 calendar days from issuance of NTP.

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Aquabest has renewed its partnership with BPI Family Savings Bank as an accredited franchisor for its BPI Family Ka-Negosyo Franchising Loan.

The company was among the pioneer batch of accredited franchisors and has been recognized as a Best Listbrand by the bank. The company's prospective franchisees can enjoy favorable and flexible financing terms from BPI Family Savings Bank.

"Our renewed partnership with BPI Family Ka-Negosyo is a testament to our company's hard work to building a strong brand and business that has helped our franchisees succeed as entrepreneurs. At the same time, it continues to make it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs to set up their dream business" says Carson Tan, Aquabest's President and CEO.

For a franchise to be included in the Best List means it is an established, profitable and franchisee-friendly brand. Most of the companies in the list are profitable, having a return on investment (ROI) of less than three years. Aspiring entrepreneurs taking out a BPI Family Ka- Negosyo Franchising Loan on Aquabest can enjoy incentives such as no collateral loan, shorter processing time and no processing fee.

Bonheur Leverages ‘SAP Business One’ for Improved Business Efficiency

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SAP AG announced that Bonheur Marketing Corporation, one of the front-runners in the Philippines that provides distribution capabilities to its partners in the fast-moving-consumer-products industry, integrated the SAP Business One software to address their data management and finance processes needs.

SAP Business One is a business management software designed to meet the needs of dynamically growing companies as well as subsidiaries of large enterprises. The solution is available both on premise and in the cloud, providing clients with unparalleled SAP functionality. The implementation was spearheaded by SAP channel partner, DataFront Solutions, Inc. (DFSI), which leverages IT and business consulting to provide advanced solutions to clients across industries.

According to Marty Alvarado, Executive Vice President for Bonheur, disparities in report generation as well as inventory costing inaccuracies required them to tap SAP Business One software to gain clarity across their business, and restore confidence in their day-to-day operations.

“There were delayed submissions of financial and government mandatory reports prior to the installation of the SAP Business One solution,” Mr. Alvarado said. “Our in-house system failed to consolidate our data and our reports were prone to human errors, hindering accurate business visibility. We were looking for a solution to consolidate our warehouse data and gain better insight into our delivery process. Now, we are able to realize more accurate, up-to-date data across all our sales, finance and administration reports, which helps us much better in developing and managing the business for future growth.”

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In aggressively fulfilling international commitments and promoting indigenous sustainable energy, the Department of Energy (DOE), through the facilitation of its Renewable Energy Management Bureau, has awarded renewable energy service contracts (RESCs) accounting for about 1,700 megawatts (MW) potential capacities.

These projects are on top of the additional total potential capacity of 12,128 MW recorded in November 2015. If all these projects are aggregated and realized, the country's installed capacity could reach up to about 20,000 MW by 2030, which is higher than the initial National Renewable Energy Program target.

Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada emphasized that “We are committed to increase our RE capacity and maintain a minimum of 30% share in the power generation mix in the coming years.”

Through this government intervention, the country will be able to achieve its undertaking to triple installed RE capacity by 2030, reflecting its 21st Conference of the Parties pledge and proactively responding to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s aspiration of doubling RE capacities of member-economies from 2010 level by 2030.

Towards the last quarter of 2015, the newly appointed Energy Secretary has greenlighted the following RE projects after having meticulously reviewed each contract (Please see attached list of RE Projects).

The DOE would also like to call on concerned government agencies and local government units to extend utmost assistance to the project proponents to fast track the timely realization of these vital RE projects.

Globe Readies PH Education Sector For 21st Century Learning With Innovative ICT Solutions

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Globe Telecom is priming Philippine schools for 21st century learning with the use of innovative information and communications technology (ICT) solutions that transform the delivery of education.

Through its IT Enabled Services Group, Globe was chosen as the ICT education solutions provider of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) for its Brightspace Learning Management System under the Globe Education Solutions suite.

Globe Education Solutions is the telco’s pursuit into strengthening education delivery in the Philippines through the use of ICT. With the aspiration to mold the youth into world-class and global citizens through technological innovations in education, the Brightspace learning platform seamlessly connects digital content, learning analytics, mobile and collaboration tools, adaptive learning with an ecosystem of applications, resources, and services. Its key benefits include optimized, outcome-based, and student-centered learning; increased faculty productivity and efficiency; improved performance, attainment, and success rates; and improved student engagement and retention among others.

"The digital shift is upon us and now is the best time to bring the benefits of technology to education. This will definitely impact not only the delivery of education but the learning experience of students today and in the future. Our partnership with De La Salle Benilde demonstrates our commitment to transform learning in the country and bring the PH education sector to greater heights and in a global scale,” said Globe President and CEO Ernest Cu.

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Get ready for a rip-roaring laughter from the Comedy Cartel as they return to Big D's Smokehouse at Eastwood City's , City Walk 2 (above Starbucks & beside 711) this Friday January 8, 2016, 9:30pm.

Bring your whole family and friends and hear rib-tickling comedy performances along side the best melt in your mouth smoked ribs and other house specialties!

Tickets at P200.00 only! For seat & show reservations, call or text 0917-8860706.

See you there.

Football Fundamentals For Adults Program Now Offered At Sparta Football Academy

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Whether you are a die-hard football fan who wants to get into the sport, or simply just looking for a new form of exercise, you may be interested in joining the Football Fundamentals for Adults Program at the Sparta Football Academy.

Sparta Football Academy is located inside the 10,000 square-meter Sports and Recreational Training Arena or SPARTA, along Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong City, and is best known for the first and only FIFA certified 1-star indoor football field in the country.

According to SPARTA's owner Amanda Fernandez, "The program was set-up so that adults can experience the beauty of the sport for the first time. It is also meant to teach the basics of football and expand the football community in the Philippines."

"Expected results for this crash course revolve around having a very good understanding of the basic skills and rules of football, as well an appreciation for the sport", she adds.

The program will be headed by Head Coach Joel Villarino and Assistant Coach Joseph Villarino.

The program will start February 3 and will be held every Wednesday from 2-4 in the afternoon for the entire month.

For more information, please call 6553799 or 0977-7634402.

DOTC: More New MRT-3 Coaches On The Way By End Q1 2016

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With the second of forty-eight (48) light rail vehicles (LRV) for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) system assembled and set to be tested this month, passengers will soon have shorter waiting times at stations.

“Commuters will experience increased passenger convenience and service reliability with the arrival of more new LRVs. If the evaluation of the first set is found to be satisfactory, we are expecting one new train to be operational by the end of this quarter,” said Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Jun Abaya.

Once the necessary checks on the different electrical components are completed within the week, the vehicle will be subjected to dynamic testing to ensure the reliability of parts. This includes the required 5,000-kilometer run, which will be done on the main line during non-revenue hours.

Meanwhile, two (2) more LRVs will be delivered by February, and then four (4) per month will be shipped from March until January 2017.

Teen Wolf To Unveil Second Half Of Its Fifth Season: Reconciliation And New Intrigue

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When Scott McCall wished to be more than an ordinary teenager, he did not expect things to take a supernatural turn. Bitten by a werewolf just before he starts sophomore year, his life is turned upside down – as if your regular teenager did not already have enough issues to deal with. Scott is forced to deal with a double life as he struggles to protect his loved ones and keep up a front of being a “normal” teen.

The series set in the town of Beacon Hills is on its 5th season. Coming off the midseason cliffhanger, the new episodes will unfold with Scott’s attempts to reunite his group and other characters picking up broken pieces of their relationships damaged by past conflicts. Tune in to also find out if more light will be shed on what exactly Parrish the hellhound is up to.

Developed by Jeff Davies and starring Tyler Posey as lead actor, Teen Wolf airs every Monday at 8:50 pm. First and exclusive on Sony Channel.

Sony Channel is seen on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cable Link Channel 39.

Jr. NBA/Jr.WNBA Philippines 2016 Presented By Alaska To Encourage Youth Basketball Participation

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The Jr. NBA /Jr. WNBA Philippines 2016 presented by Alaska will return to the Philippines for the ninth consecutive year from Jan. 23-April 24. The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program is free and open to boys and girls between the ages of 10-14.

Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA, the league’s global youth basketball participation program for boys and girls, teaches the fundamental skills as well as the core values of the game at the grassroots level in an effort to help grow and improve the youth basketball experience for players, coaches and parents. During the 2015-16 season, the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program will reach more than 6.5 million youth in 32 countries.

The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines 2016 presented by Alaska is comprised of four stages: skills clinics in schools and communities, Regional Selection Camps, a National Training Camp and an NBA experience trip. The skills clinics will be held nationwide from January through April with stops in Bukidnon, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Dagupan, Davao, Iloilo, Metro Manila and Puerto Princesa, and first-time locations in Batangas, Catanduanes and Cavite. Select players from these clinics will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in tryouts during the Regional Selection Camps, which will be held in Baguio (Feb. 20-21), Davao (Feb. 27-28), Cebu (March 5-6) and Metro Manila (April 9-10). The top 50 boys and 24 girls from the Regional Selection Camps will advance to the National Training Camp in Manila April 22-24.

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Customized malls that reflect the heart and soul of their community are the gifts of the New Year for Vista Land residents. Vista Land & Lifescapes Chairman Manuel B. Villar welcomed the tenants and investors of Vista Malls at a pre-Christmas Investors’ Night at the Laurel House in Vista Shaw, Mandaluyong City to tell them about the wonderful things in store for Vista Land’s commercial projects in 2016.

Six community Vista Malls are already up, Mr. Villar announced: the flagship Vista Mall at EVIA in the heart of Vista City in Daang Hari, the yuppie-oriented Vista Mall at Trevi Residences in Pasong Tamo, Makati City; the scenic Vista Mall Lakefront in Sucat, set on a hill overlooking Laguna de Bay; Vista Mall Pampanga, a center for upscale fashion boutiques and diverse dining options; Vista Mall Antipolo, a mall-next-door that acts as a “big backyard” for its huge community of families; and Vista Mall CDO, an activity hub complete with biking trails, running paths, and pit stops for outdoor sports enthusiasts that will surely delight the active community that it serves.

The exciting news is that more Vista Malls are in the works beginning 2016, Villar shared with mall tenants and partners. With over 80 projects nationwide, Vista Land never forgets to think of ways to give their homeowners all the conveniences and amenities to live the lifestyle they have always dreamt of in Vista’s trademark COMMUNICITIES, he said. These amenities, which are at the center of all Vista Land township projects, house facilities to match the personalities of the communities that they serve.

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The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) seeks to clarify news reports on the Commission on Audit (COA) findings regarding the so-called “unspent P1.2-B fund for poor students.” COA’s latest report which was posted on their website early this week contains the annual audit report executive summary and outlined observations and recommendations on CHED accounts and operations in 2014. The report also enumerated CHED’s courses of action based on the agreements in the Commission’s exit conference with COA in July 2015.

At the time of the exit conference, documentation for the obligation of funds from the CHED regional offices still needed updating, but to date, these reports have already been completed. In fact, by December 31, 2015, the remaining P1.2-B 2014 budget which had a validity of two years, had been fully obligated with an assurance that the beneficiaries will be paid.

It can be recalled that at the end of 2013, the Supreme Court declared the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) unconstitutional. In response, lawmakers realigned their PDAF allocations to the calamity fund and six agencies, including CHED for scholarship assistance to students.

As a consequence, CHED’s Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs) composed of scholarships, grants-in-aid and loans totaling 58,155 slots in the amount of P997-M in AY 2013-2014, ballooned nearly seven times to 391,817 slots in AY 2014-2015 amounting to P4.87-B, testing the carrying capacity of the agency.

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This year, make it your resolution to learn and go on adventures more, even just through the screen. Discovery Channel, Discovery Science and Discovery Kids will make it easy to stick to your commitment with a line-up of interesting programs for all age groups!

Discovery Channel

Adventures abound as the abalone dive crews of Port Lincoln confront greater challenges this season. Spotting sharks proves a little trickier as an early winter brings vicious swells that cause poor water visibility. Adding to that, a pod of orca whales attack and kill a shark at Neptune Islands, forcing the Great Whites to flee the area. The big sharks now roam the waters off Port Lincoln: where they’ll appear next, no one knows. Despite the deadly challenges, the dive crews continue to enter the water, continuing to risk their lives in search of the lucrative green-lipped abalone. The new season of Abalone Wars premieres January 25, airing Mondays at 9PM.

The image above show Bear Grylls with: (clockwise) Ferguson, Hudson, Rodriguez and Winslet

Airing also this January is the new season of Running Wild With Bear Grylls. Bear Grylls is accompanied by all kinds of celebrities and sent off to the wild. Each of the actors and athletes will partner with Grylls for two days for a one-on-one adventure, tackling everything from skydiving to repelling as they journey through some of the world’s most unforgiving wildernesses. This season will take viewers from the jungles of Panama to the far reaches of the Italian Alps and then to the Colorado Rocky Mountains and the Red Rocks of Utah. The series guests include Drew Brees, James Marsden, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Kate Hudson, Kate Winslet, Michael B. Jordan, Michelle Rodriguez and Ed Helms.

A one-episode special of the show aired on December featured US President Barrack Obama joining Bear Grylls in the wild.

The new season of Running Wild With Bear Grylls, which premiered on January 5, airs Tuesdays, 9PM.