Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Netflix: Not All Regions Are Created Equal

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On January 6, 2016, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings announced that Netflix was going live globally. That is great news, but did you know the new netflix regions have a maximum number of 600 TV and movie titles available compared to 14,156 TV and movie titles available right now across 24 Netflix regions.

The service became available in 130 new countries. See the full list of countries Netflix supports on their website: https://help.netflix.com/en/node/14164

You can also see the full list of titles available on the new Netflix regions at https://www.filmefy.com/stats by selecting the Netflix region you want to see.

The expansion is a great initiative to improve access to content in countries where Netflix wasn’t available, but not all Netflix regions are created equally. For example, Netflix South Africa has 678 TV and movie titles available. Netflix India has 739 titles available. Compare that with the 5,659 titles available on Netflix United States.

You might be interested to know about how you can get more from your Netflix account.

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We at the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) always strive to promote the ideals of good governance with our policy of open and transparent bidding. We have nothing to fear because we maintain that the procurement process of the three-year Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) maintenance service provider was completely aboveboard.

According to news reports, the complaint was filed by Vito Gaspar Silo, the Secretary General of the Alliance for Consumerism and Transparency or ACTION.

We will review the complaint once we receive an official copy, but rest assured that we will fully cooperate with the investigation, just as we always have with institutions established to fight corruption in the government. We have faith that the impartiality and courage of Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales will lead to fair proceedings that will shed light on this matter.

Due to the urgency of the system’s need for a maintenance provider and in order to restore vital public services, as many passengers rely on the service every day, the DOTC resorted to an alternative mode of procurement under the Government Procurement Reform Act, which the Department of Justice (DOJ) opined to be justified and was unanimously approved by the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB).

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Indigo was once widely favored by the local weaving industry as a traditional way of adding color to fabrics due to its excellent resistance from fading or running. Yet, over the years, this natural dye was pushed to the sidelines by the emergence of cheaper and easier to obtain synthetic dyes which were quick to be embraced by textile manufacturers.

But not all is lost. A collaborative network of non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations in South and Southeast Asia called Non-Timber Forest Products – Exchange Programme (NTFP-EP) has started working on The Indigo Project which reaches out to indigenous populations in upland and rural communities in the Philippines and Indonesia. These artisans include members of Mangyan Alangan, Mangyan Hanunoo and Mangyan Iraya of the island of Mindoro; Higaonon of Bukidnon, Palaw'anon and Tagbanua of Palawan, T'boli of South Cotabato, Maguindanao weavers and those of Negros.

The Indigo Project promotes the development and implementation of environmental and social standards in hand-woven textiles production. It supports production and sourcing of environmentally friendly natural dyes and fibers, establishes eco-friendly product standards, and scales production of eco-textiles.

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Ekotek is bringing the classics back with the Rock of Sages promo! The Ekophone Sages take center stage and for the warmup: their whopping discount for the Ekophone Sage 2:

Get a 64 bit quad core LTE phone for just 3499!

The Ekophone Sage 2 LTE is on a massive discount (from 6099, that's almost 50% off!) and you wouldn't want to miss it. Grab one now while the promo lasts!

And the hits just keep on coming, because they have another track to their playlist:

Their Rock of Sages continue with the sleek Ekophone Sage Lite! Have a blast with your favorite tunes as the Sage Lite comes with FREE headphones. Not only that, but for and additional 100 pesos you can have opt in for a duet with:

THE DOUBLE BUNDLE: Get a phone for just 100 pesos! The Ekophone Atlas is a feature phone that packs a lot of punch!

THE POWER BUNDLE: Power up with an Ekopack 3000 mAh for just 100 pesos! The perfect companion for your new Sage Lite.

Grab them while they're on tour!

*Online prices are subject to change
**Available in SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Sangandaan, SM Muntinlupa, SM Las Piñas, SM Southmall, SM City Pampanga, SM City Clark, SM San Fernando Downtown, SM San Mateo, SM Valenzuela, SM Manila, and Victory Mall Pasay

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Every family staycation deserves a grand meal for all the members of the family. My wife and three kids all deserve nothing but the best meals and where else can they conveniently get it but from only a few floors below from our 20th floor hotel room.

I know one of the giant malls in the metro is just nearby with so many restaurants to choose from within its floors. But why go far when there is already a restaurant that can already provide quality meals.

Aside from the 9th floor where the indoor pool and gym are located, the other most important floor at The Linden Suites is the 2nd floor where the Mesclun Restaurant and Cafe is located and ready to serve you for breakfast from 6 am to 10 am during weekdays and until 11 am during weekends.

The M in their logo is of course means Mesclun which is actually a salad mix of assorted small, young salad green leaves, that originated in Provence, France. It's what they named the restaurant at The Linden Suites which became our family weekend dining destination for our dinner and breakfast meals during our stay at the hotel.

Normally, some hotels will provide complimentary breakfast only. But this time, we were treated with a very sumptuous order-all-you-want dinner at the said restaurant.

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"Dado Banatao is using his intellect, influence, and resources to break the cycle of poverty through technology. He understands poverty very well as he himself came from a very humble background. Hope more and more Filipinos that have 'made it' emulate his example."

Did you know that the 16-bit microchip (the first single-chip graphical user interface accelerator that made computers work a lot faster) was invented by a Filipino?

Diosdao "Dado" Banatao's love for mathematics has taken him from the Cagayan mountains to the heights of Silicon Valley. This guy shows leadership by example. He leads by goodwill and not by authority. That is a breath of fresh air.

His father's job is a rice farmer while his mother is a housekeeper. "He maybe came from a poor family but it doesn't make him less." Rising from poverty to become a successful computer engineer and venture capitalist at Silicon Valley, he is considered the Philippines' version of Bill Gates.

Banatao was born the son of a farmer in the rural Philippines. He grew up in poverty, without shoes or access to electricity. He used to walk barefoot along the dirt roads of his hometown in Cagayan Valley. He pursued his secondary education at the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Tuguegarao.

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To The Hardworking Men and Women of the DOST:

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) supports the proposed Salary Standardization Law IV that is bound to increase the basic salaries of civilian government personnel including S& T workers nationwide.

Likewise, the DOST unswervingly upholds the spirit of RA 8439 which recognizes & properly compensates the efforts of S&T workers in laying down the cornerstones of development in the country.

We will continue to support further moves to safeguard the gains of RA 8439 or the "Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other S & T Personnel in the Government".

In line with these, certain provisions to further strengthen the SSL 4 ,particularly in safeguarding the Magna Carta, have been discussed together with your employee representatives and already forwarded by the DOST’s legislative liaison group to our fellow workers in government presently working on the proposed SSL 4.

I would like to assure everyone that the concerned members of the legislature and that of the executive have accepted these proposals warmly.

Therefore, as the SSL 4 reaches a crucial stage in the bicameral conference committee we trust that the committee composed of members from the Senate and the House of Representatives would arrive at a win-win solution that would address the vital issues and arrive at a final version acceptable to all parties.

To the DOST family, let us keep up our dedication to our work as we hold on to what is just and fair to us as government workers who toil very hard to move the country forward.

Duterte-Cayetano Says Philippines on the Brink of Becoming a Narco State

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The tandem of presidential bet Davao City Mayor Rodrigo "Rody" Duterte and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano today warned that if the disorder brought by illegal drugs will not end, the country will become a narco state. The tandem commits to end the "drug chaos" for the benefit of the Filipino people.

In a statement, Duterte said the country is showing alarming signs of becoming a narco state. "In the national capital region (NCR) where the country's capital is situated, the government admitted that 92 percent of barangays are already infiltrated by illegal drugs. If Manila, the country's seat of power, is helpless to address this, what more the other parts of the country where government presence is weak?" The tough-talking mayor said.

Duterte also noted the presence of international drug syndicates in the country, such as the Sinaloa drug cartel, a Mexican-based group considered the largest and most powerful drug trafficking organization in the west.

"This is a clear national security threat. This is an invasion of a new kind. Drug lords, domestic and foreign, have declared a war against our families and children, and the government is helpless about it," Duterte said.

The duo said if elected, they will implement a combination of national, regional and international strategies to combat drug trafficking. "On the national level, we will strengthen and capacitate our security forces. We will cleanse the ranks of the police and military of the corrupt, provide better salaries and incentives and modernize their anti-narcotics infrastructure," Cayetano explained.
"We will also strengthen the five pillars of our criminal justice system. Drug trafficking thrives best in countries where there is grave insecurity and injustice," Cayetano added.

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The Peninsula Manila presents Luminescence DREAMSCAPES 2016, the 18th solo exhibit of new mixed media by MARÍA VICTORIA RUFINO.

Opening Cocktails on Tuesday, 2 February 2016 at 6:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. to be held at The Gallery, of Peninsula Manila. Proceeds will benefit Child Protection Network Foundation. Exhibit runs from Feb 3 to 7, 2016 Gallery hours: 10am-7pm

María Victoria Rufino - Filipino artist, writer, concert producer and businesswoman – graduated with honors from Marymount Manhattan College, New York with a Liberal Arts degree, major in Theater Arts and English Literature.

Born in the Philippines, she attended high school in Barcelona, Spain and Rome, Italy where she graduated valedictorian.She studied painting in both the Western and Chinese tradition (Ling Nan) under various masters in Manila and New York. She has held 17 solo exhibitions in Madrid, Spain; Paris, France; San Francisco, California and Manila. A regular columnist for Business World newspaper, her first book, “Beyond Brushstrokes”, an anthology of profiles of significant Filipinos (Bookmark 1995) was launched at the Ayala Museum, Manila. She has written essays for various award winning anthologies and publications. “ROMANZA” a book of poetry by Virgilio S. Almario (RIO ALMA) National Artist for Literature, with translation by Marne L. Kilates, and artworks by Marivic Rufino was launched in Manila, 2009 and at Museo Nacional de Anthropologia in Madrid, 2011 together with her solo exhibition.

As President and executive producer of Maverick Productions, she has produced dinner theatre plays in the Philippines, and musical concerts in the United States, Italy, Hongkong and the Philippines. In 1990, she won a national award ‘Gawad CCP for “Best Television Special” from the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Ms. Rufino has served as Board Member and Vice president of Alliance Française de Manille (1998-2005). She serves as vice-chairman-director of Philippine Red Cross - Makati City Branch of Rizal Chapter.

Twin Bill Theater Presents Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead

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Twin Bill Theater presents "Dog Sees God"

February 11, 12, 13, 14 and 26 at 8PM and February 14 at 2:30PM
Venue: Staple and Perk, Eco Plaza, Pasong Tamo Ext. Makati.

Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead is a play written by Bert V. Royal.

An "unauthorized parody," the play imagines characters from the popular comic strip Peanuts as teenagers. Drug use, child sexual abuse, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion, sexual relations and identity are among the issues covered in this drama.

In 2004 it was one of the breakout hits at the New York International Fringe Festival, winning the Excellence Award for Best Overall Production, as well as Theatermania's Play Award of 2004, the GLAAD Media Award for Best Off-Off-Broadway production, Broadway.com's 2006 Audience Award for Favorite Off-Broadway Production and the 2006 HX Award for Best Play.

Featuring Nelsito Gomez, Sarah Facurii, Gab Medina, Vince Lim, Maronne Cruz, Kathleen Francisco, Brian Sy, and Camille Velicaria.

Cast Announced for Manila Production of Les Miserables

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The full company has been confirmed for the Manila season of Boublil & Schönberg's legendary musical LES MISÉRABLES. Presented in Manila by Smart Infinity, the anticipation remains high for the forthcoming arrival of the musical.

Following an extensive search, Cameron Mackintosh is thrilled to reveal the talented cast for the highly-anticipated Manila engagement of LES MISÉRABLES.

“I am excited to now be bringing the new production to The Theatre at Solaire, which has proved just as successful all over the world as the original production that has celebrated its thirtieth anniversary in London last October – the only place in the world where you can still see the original production. Having created my new production over five years ago to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of LES MISÉRABLES, it is now in its second year on Broadway, having broken box office records across America and in Canada for over three years, with separate companies in Japan, Korea, Spain and of course Australia, where it swept all the top awards and closed last week after an incredible nineteen month run. I am delighted to bring this hugely successful new production to Manila with this incredible cast.” Cameron Mackintosh said.

Playing the iconic role of Jean Valjean is established actor and musical theatre star Simon Gleeson, fresh from his stint as Prisoner 24601 in Australia. Simon has worked extensively in theatre, film and television in Australia and the UK, including performing in London’s prestigious West End. His portrayal as Jean Valjean has earned him a Helpmann Award for Best Male Actor in a Musical. “I’m so thrilled to be playing Valjean for the Manila season of LES MISÉRABLES,” Simon said. “With arguably the most breathtaking score in musical theatre history, LES MISÉRABLES transformed musical theatre when it first opened. The show remains iconic and relevant today because it deals with themes of love, courage, the human spirit and the difficult choices we make which define who we are and what we stand for.”

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Enter the world of Gabriel Barredo’s acclaimed creation in Ballet Philippines’ season ender, “Opera”. This production brings a synergy between artists and art forms, with French choreographer Redha transforming the groundbreaking installation into a contemporary ballet premiering at the CCP Main Theater on February 13 & 14, with a Fundraising Gala on February 16 at 8:00PM.

The original “Opera” exhibition was first presented at Silverlens Galleries in January 2015, and was recently toured to Singapore last November in time with the opening celebrations of the National Gallery Singapore. For the ballet, Barredo is creating a staggering array of new sculptures, which will comprise the production’s set design.

Redha’s choreography will guide us along a journey into a new experience of art. Envisioning his dancers on bare feet, pointe shoes, and stilettos, he is set to present a work that is stimulating, sensual, and groundbreaking. “Being part of this production is a great thrill for me,” shares Redha. “Meeting Gabby [Barredo] and seeing his work up close was very inspiring.”

“’Opera’ is shaping up to be one of the most innovative productions that Ballet Philippines has produced in a long time,” muses BP’s Artistic Director, Paul Alexander Morales. “We invite everyone to support it and to catch its limited performance run.”

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We first knew thirteen year old Fil-Brit Bailey May as the "Gwapito from UK" on the recent Pinoy Big Brother 737 edition in which he happily landed 4th place and a promising showbiz career ahead.

Who would have thought Bailey just recently launched his self-titled solo CD album under Star Music to the delight of his "Baileynatics" supporters. According to insider reports, his fans really wanted him to come up with an album right after his PBB stint.

After coming across his YouTube covers online some of which went viral, Inspirational Diva, Ms. Jamie Rivera became interested with Bailey's singing potential and immediately came up with a six-track album, two of which are her original compositions.

She penned, "Can You Be My Girl" and the carrier single out now, "Gusto Kita".

“I'm so blessed to have my own album and to have worked with such great writers and producers. It's also an awesome blessing that my dream has come to be a part of the Star Music Family. God is good,” beamed Bailey.

Philippine Government University Industry Research Roundtable Meeting for Agribusiness

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Farming is a back-breaking job that is not appreciated by many. But farmers are there to feed the country.
I was not surprised to know that the average age of farmers in the country is 57 years old. That, very soon, we may lose our farmers who primarily plant the crops that provides our basic and staple food like rice, root crops, vegetables and fruits.

This is a reality that we may have to face soon if we will not be able to attract or encourage the youth to continue farming as their work or business. The only reasonable

Attending the Philippine Government University Industry Research Roundtable (PGUIRR) Meeting for Agribusiness organized by the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) of the United States Agency International Development (USAID) opened our eyes for the potential of Agribusiness as one of the key solutions for the growth of the Philippines.

The USAID STRIDE invites Philippine academic institutions in Batangas, Bohol/Tagbilaran, Cagayan De Oro, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa/Palawan and Zamboanga, to submit applications for research in agribusiness, fisheries, and food manufacturing which has a direct link to inclusive economic growth.

The meeting was held on January 21, 2016 at the Crowne Plaza galleria in Quezon City, and was led by Dr. David Hall, COP, USAID STRIDE who also conducted the event introduction and opening remarks.

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For centuries now, this little island between the U.K. and Ireland has recognized no king, but that’s all about to change! David has convinced his wife Pam and twelve-year-old daughter Grace, to move to the island and discover what it really means to be royalty.

David Howe may seem like an average American, but he’s discovered a startling secret. He’s an heir to the throne of the Isle of Man, a descendant of its king before the land was claimed by the British Crown.

Catch David’s royal journey in the all-new series Suddenly Royal, premiering on January 27, airing Wednesdays at 11 PM on TLC.

TLC is a global lifestyle and entertainment destination presenting non-scripted and scripted programming featuring real life stories and universal themes that resonate with viewers around the world. TLC’s programming is told through the lens of larger than life characters and adaptable formats, celebrating everything from relationships and life stages, to makeover and transformation to food and travel. Launched in Asia Pacific on September 1, 2010, TLC is currently distributed to over 150 million subscribers in the region.

For more information, visit TLC at www.tlcasia.com.