Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Salarium Payroll Automation Software Unveils Major Overhaul in Core Product

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Salarium, a cloud based payroll platform from the Philippines, announced a major update and overhaul to their application particularly in their attendance and approval modules. The new attendance module provide employers new features to better manage their workforce. Some of the highlights include weekly timesheet views, inclusion of hour types, shift visibility, multiple projects/tags, time disputes via messaging, and a significantly improved user interface.

The approvals module has been overhauled resulting in a mobile friendly version which gives employers the ability to pre-approve requests or override a subordinate’s requests when the user is higher up in the approval workflow.

“Salarium aims to constantly delight our users, we have always been heavily focused on R&D and this is highlighted by our nearly weekly feature release. The new attendance however is a major overhaul and replaces a significant chunk of the core application” Daniel Bahna, VP of Product.

The attendance page will now feature a full breakdown of the daily employee attendance. Time records of clock ins and outs are now grouped by day. A new Hours Worked page where you can add Regular, OT, Night or OT during Night hours. These new features are aimed to better serve our clients by addressing their needs for better management and visibility of their workforce.

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ePLDT, the digital enterprise enabler of the PLDT Group, was recently granted the much-coveted Gold Level status for providing Microsoft Office 365 to enterprises. Microsoft Gold Partners get exclusive support and resources direct from Microsoft, thereby ensuring that ePLDT’s clients are provided with best-in-class services.

“Achieving Gold Level in cloud productivity reflects our commitment to providing the best industry knowledge and technical skills to our customers. Working towards the upgrade involved producing more certified professionals through rigorous training and passing Gold level standards, which means that our Microsoft Office 365 clients can expect global-quality technical support,” said Nico Alcoseba, Head of PLDT Group’s Disruptive Business Group (DBG).

“In ensuring the best experience for our customers, we work closely with partners like ePLDT. We leverage on their knowledge and capability to provide customers with world-class technology solutions and industry expertise and service,” said Karrie Ilagan, Microsoft Philippines Managing Director. “We congratulate ePLDT on joining the ranks of some of the best partners that Microsoft has around the world, as one of only 30 Gold Competency partners in Asia.”

ePLDT began its Cloud Productivity partnership with Microsoft in 2014 as a Silver Partner. This allowed ePLDT to offer enterprise-level Office 365 plans and subscriptions.

“Microsoft solutions for businesses enable organizations to work collaboratively,” said Ilagan. “With Office 365, organizations can benefit from a breadth of tools for the modern workplace that are constantly updated and scalable with latest productivity features for employees to get things done."

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The Department of Energy (DOE) earnestly calls on the cooperation of the public to undertake energy efficiency and conservation initiatives despite normalization of power supply following the prolonged forced outages of some plants coinciding with other plants’ maintenance shutdown.

Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada said “In facing this critical phase concerning our power supply, we are counting on the collective effort of everybody to practice energy efficiency and/or by adjusting the usage period of any electric appliances away from the peak hours (i.e., 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), such as, ironing of clothes, unnecessary use of computers, and even laundering of clothes using washing machine and drier, as any contribution really does matter.” She added that energy consumers are urged to set the thermostat of air-conditioning units installed in their offices and households at 25˚Celsius.

This appeal came as today’s peak demand has reached 9,255 MW breaching the highest recorded peak demand for the third time for this month alone, which can attributed to the hottest El Niño to date.

Meanwhile, the DOE received a latest report from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the system operator, that the power supply status is already back to “normal” as Sual Unit 2 accounting for about 647 MW was already back online at 7:24 p.m. last night. Additionally, the Tiwi Geothermal Plant Unit 6 with a dependable capacity of 43 MW is also back in operation since early yesterday.

Telco Company Leads Digital Transformation in PH Enterprises With Strong Growth in Data, Broadband Segment

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Globe Business, the enterprise information and communications technology (ICT) arm of Globe Telecom, has led the digital transformation of the country’s top enterprises in 2015 following the strong performance of its enterprise data and broadband segments.

Full-year enterprise revenues in 2015 have grown by 12% versus previous year, while EBITDA increased by 15.7%, primarily driven by the growth in data business at 18%. Various IT-enabled enterprise services have also seen strong take-up such as Enterprise Infrastructure-as-a-service (IAAS) with revenues growing by 190%, Managed Security Services with revenue growth of 2233%, and Business Applications growing by 428%.

“Understanding that speed is integral in establishing a real competitive advantage, Globe Business is accelerating the adoption of data and digital services across Philippine enterprises. We are proud of our technological arsenal, which boasts of a complete portfolio of connectivity solutions that enable our enterprise clientele to get ahead with the fast-changing market landscape,” affirms Mike Frausing, Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT-Enabled Services Group.

The connectivity solutions of Globe Business cover data, Internet and managed connectivity capabilities, delivering high-speed data spanning across the world, assuring enterprises of reliability and traffic fluidity through its cable diversity. This enables cost-effective and resilient connectivity to other countries and other international submarine cable systems.

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Tune into Sony Channel on 17 April to fracture your funny bone when “Dr. Ken” takes its place alongside “Baby Daddy”, “Younger”, “Bad Judge” and “Odd Mom Out” as part of the ROFLing* line-up on Sony Channel each week night. Dr. Ken prescribes more ROFLing on Sony Channel.

Ken Jeong is a funny guy known for his scene stealing abilities in “The Hangover” and “Knocked Up” but did you know he is a qualified M.D too? This latest sitcom is a perfect pairing of host and subject. Created, written, and co-executive produced by its lead actor, Ken Jeong; “Dr. Ken” is just what the doctor ordered.

Based on Ken Jeong’s own experiences in his career and family life, “Dr. Ken” pokes fun his everyday life. A perfect prescription of what not to do when dealing with complaining patients to working alongside colleagues or facing the daily trials of fatherhood; Dr. Ken creates drama with his impatient and way-too honest bed-side manner and over-zealous parenting style.

“Dr. Ken” stars Ken Jeong as Dr. Ken Park, Tisha Campbell-Martin as the no-nonsense receptionist Damona, Jonathan Slavin as his faithful nurse Clark, Kate Simses as Julie, the sweet, naïve resident, and Dave Foley as Pat the hospital administrator.

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What a festive April 9 afternoon for the Binibining Pilipinas 2016 Grand Parade of Beauties!
Binibining Pilipinas 2016 candidates recently did their yearly Parade of Beauties. They are seen with their gorgeous smiles and waving hands to spectators all around Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City riding on remarkable sporty looking vehicles.

The rides used are Mazda, specifically the Miata models, vehicles in cooperation with Miata Club Philippines.

The beauties are all wearing stunning Pegarro Swim outfits by Julius Jaguio & Domz Ramos. They are a Tribute to all LGBT Handlers of our Queens .
"Much to the delight of pageant aficionados and the media, the 40 lovely candidates of ‪#‎BbPilipinas2016‬ paraded the streets of The Araneta Center riding trendy Miata cars on Saturday, April 9.

All eyes were on this year’s Top 40 as they toured the Center in stylish rainbow-colored swimsuits designed by Domz Ramos. Bringing more cheer to summer, the ladies wore headdresses of multi-colored summer blooms.

The parade started at Novotel Manila Araneta Center and ended at the green gate of the Smart Araneta Coliseum where a throng of supporters gathered to get a closer look at the gorgeous ladies."

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippines celebrates the Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor on April 9. Every year, we honor and pay tribute to the Filipino and American soldiers who laid their lives for our country during World War II. We salute the thousands who have suffered and died defending our country in the historic “Bataan Death March.”

I am proud to have been born and raised in Bataan, in our humble home in Mariveles. Perhaps this is where I developed my love and appreciation for history. Perhaps this is where my passion for heroism grew.

Whenever we hear of the word HERO, we immediately think of bravery and courage, mainly because of the idea that a hero died for the sake of his/her country. Or, perhaps in the modern age, we imagine heroes to have capes, an x-ray vision or a Batmobile in order for them to save the day.

Who is a hero?

Today, being a hero does not only mean having to give up one’s life for the sake of another (although that is still heroism).

Energy Sector’s Preparations in Full Swing for National and Local Elections

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The Power Task Force Election (PTFE) 2016 with the Department of Energy (DOE), as lead agency, met with power stakeholders as part of measures and synchronize efforts in preparation for the elections on 09 May 2016.

From Mindanao, Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada said, “We are here to check the Agus 6 and 7 Hydropower plants in Maria Cristina, Iligan City as well as the Power Task Force Election headquarter within the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) – Iligan Regional Disaster Command Center (RDCC) to ensure that the systems are in place, working and ready ten (10) days prior to and after elections.” She emphasized that the Filipino voters deserve a clean and unquestionable elections with the stable provision of electricity during the election period.

PTFE members are scheduled to visit the PTFE Visayas headquarter in Banilad Cebu City on April 15, while for Luzon and National Capital Region to follow. Moreover, there will be a dry run on 21 April 2016 to ensure that all systems of communication will be working well between assigned NGCP RDCC headquarters in North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to the Overall Disaster Command Center of NGCP in Diliman.

Note that the activities of the PTFE and its members involving the conduct of information, education, and communication campaign with the local communities are also in compliance with the deputization of the DOE and various energy agencies by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to ensure adequate, stable and reliable power supply before, during and after the national and local elections in the country.

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The Final Screening for the Miss Global Philippines 2016 was recently held at the Symphony Tower, Sgt. Esguerra St. cor. Timog Ave., Quezon City.

The Miss Global Philippines pageant, a search for deserving Filipino women who will serve as a Tourism Ambassador promoting Philippine heritage and its world-class destinations here and abroad, is organized as a way of initiating its own support to the country’s tourism sector. Their mission is to be a national beauty pageant known for fielding outstanding and deserving Filipino women who will work towards the promotion of Philippine tourism and its culture. Their vision is to provide support to government initiatives, both on national and local levels, in promoting Philippine tourism through the concerted efforts of the organization and the pageant’s eventual winners.

The organization believes that a beauty pageant is an effective platform to showcase what the Philippines has to offer. Exuding beauty and charm, the eventual winners of the pageant will embody the hospitality of the Filipinos known all over the world in helping the government strengthen its tourism campaign.

Moreover, the pageant embraces both single and single mothers who possess not just beauty, but also the passion to serve and the commitment to make a difference for the Philippines and its people.

Here we have a glimpse of what transpired with professional photography by our partner photographer Collin Sarthou Yap.

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The national costumes of the Philippines varies in design and concept depending on the province, and of course, the designer who creatively imagines every style, curve, twist and turn of the fabric. Almost every year, we see them getting better and more intricate in design and challenging in the materials used.

"The ladies displayed the creations of some of the country’s established and emerging fashion designers. While many designers stuck to the familiar, tried-and-tested ternos, there were others who took bolder steps in crafting gowns inspired by indigenous culture." - Interaksyon.com

Though the overall concept remains to be sophisticated, the designs eloquently tries it best to bring out the allure and beauty of every candidate.

The 40 candidates of Binibining Pilipinas 2016 recently showcased their respective national costumes on Wednesday night, April 6 at the Kia Theatre, Araneta Center. As expected, the venue was jampacked with an audience all eager to witness the beauties strut their national costumes on stage.

At the end of the night, the chosen 6 Best in National Costume (in no particular order) are the following:

Suzuki Wows Riders at the Grandest Bike Fest and Trade Show in the Philippines

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Thousands of motorcycle riders and enthusiasts visited the Suzuki Booth last April 2-3, 2016 during the 10th Inside Racing (IR) Bikefest and Trade Show at the World Trade Center and got a chance to see the future of Suzuki GSX as well as the Japanese giant’s frontrunner bikes. Suzuki Big Bikes were displayed led by the infamous GSX-R1000 MotoGP model as well as the addition to the brand’s pool of higher-cc rides – the GSXS1000, the GSX-R750 and the motocross model – the RM-Z250. The small bikes comprised of the Underbone King - Raider R150, the charmer and global scooter - Address and the solo backbone that gives you an exXhilirating ride – Gixxer.

The Future of Suzuki

GSX Suzuki unveiled another breakthrough at the Philippine motorcycle industry on the first day of the bikefest which gathered no less than 10,000 people. Suzuki showcased the GSX Concept Bike which brought the riders in awe as Suzuki executives led by President Hiroshi Suzuki, Managing Director Mr. Norminio C. Mojica and Motorcycle Division General Manager Mr. Jun Bulot formally launched the well coveted model which is the inspiration of the future GSX motorcycles. Fresh from the Tokyo International Motor Show, the GSX Concept Bike made this occasion its second public appearance. The GSX Concept Bike aptly called as the Concept GSX has all the potency that characterizes the GSX Series. Suzuki’s powerful and responsive inline-four engine brings together low fuel consumption and durability. The same technology is featured throughout the GSX Series, including the GSX-R1000, Hayabusa, and GSX-S1000.

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Looking for a good place to laugh & unwind on a payday Saturday evening? Watch the Comedy Cartel's live comedy series entitled "Scarlet Nights" at Scarlet Wine Lounge at the Fort Strip BGC on April 16, Saturday, 8pm! Featuring one of GMA 7's Bubble Gang's writer Rene Cruz Jr., Laugh & Stack Season 1 First Runner Up Sherwin Cunanan & ABS CBN's Pilipinas Got Talent Season One Finalist - Mr. Ruther Urquia! Laugh 'til your face turns red w/ laughter and get your much needed comic relief! Reserve your tickets now! Call or text 09178860706 for reservations!

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Tires Fitted to the BMW M4 GTS

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Specially developed versions of the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires will be the sole original equipment fitment on the new limited special model BMW M4 GTS.

As a track car that is approved for road use, the job of Michelin’s engineers was to design an ultra-high-performance tire which is able to operate safely in a variety of road and track conditions around the world. To this end, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for the BMW M4 GTS were produced using not only Bi-Compound asymmetric tread patterns but also an asymmetric casing design. This offers the optimum balance between handling, grip and tire life.

During the development process Michelin produced and tested more than 1,000 prototype tires and 400 special series tires which were tested by both Michelin and BMW M test drivers.

To achieve all of the performance characteristics demanded by BMW M, Michelin’s engineers focused on the interaction between the tire’s tread compounds, architecture and profile, and between the tires on each axle. This ensured not only good road manners in terms of steering effort and response, balance and comfort but also fast lap times and consistent performance on track – with a particular objective to limit heat build-up and wear.

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Summer just heated up as Worldbex Services International, the country’s leading events and exhibitions organizer, presents the hottest automotive trade show in the country – the annual Manila International Auto Show or simply MIAS. Running on its 12th year, MIAS 2016 opened its doors last April 7 and will be ongoing until April 10 at the combined venues of the World Trade Center and the Philippine Trade Training Center.

To officially kick-off the 4-day automotive extravaganza, an opening program and ceremonial ribbon cutting were held at the lobby of the venue. In attendance at the event were VIPs, members of the diplomatic corps and notable industry icons including WSI’s Joseph Ang, Levi Ang, Jill Aithnie Ang, Rene Ramos, Tessie Roque, MIAS co-organizers - Alvin Uy, Jason Ang, Ulysses Ang, and guest of honor, MMDA General Manager - Ms. Corazon Jimenez representing MMDA Chairman - Emerson Carlos, and AAP President - Mr. Gus Lagman among others. Later that evening, the APP “Driver of the Year” Gala Awards Night was respectively held.

Driving up to the future

Headlining the theme of “Smart Mobility”, MIAS 2016 takes things to a whole new dimension, as it delivers not just your typical automotive displays and whatnots. But rather, it is an unforgettable presentation of the most state-of-the-art technologies that are at the core of today’s most innovative automobiles and accessories – officially taking over a total of 30,000 square meters of indoor exhibition space and beyond.

As the world enters a new era, so does the automotive industry as it materializes a new breed of models and accessories that possess elements and characteristics that were once only deemed as science fantasy. At this year’s MIAS, attendees are given a unique opportunity to witness first hand the groundbreaking products of tomorrow. From cars that can maneuver itself into parking spaces to vehicles with interactive cruise control, attendees are sure to get their fill of the action as countless booths house actual smart automobiles. Moreover, exhibitors are more than willing to demonstrate how fun and safe these models are.

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Beat the heat this summer with an I.T. School’s latest offerings for kids and teens!

Informatics Philippines, the only I.T. school in the Philippines that gives international certifications and global recognition to students, and Wazzup Pilipinas, a popular community blog composed of passionate bloggers from the Philippines, recently partnered to organize a bloggers event to launch the latest offering of the school: Informatics Senior High School: World-class Senior High Education, and the Summer Programs for Beginners (for kids Ages 7 to 15), for school year 2016 to 2017.

Select bloggers from the Wazzup Pilipinas community were invited to the event which was also aimed to share the strengths of Informatics, and what ICT has to offer in today's digital world. Held on April 7, 2016 at Cafe Enye in Eastwood, Libis Quezon City, the event was attended by Informatics executives namely Ms. Yolanda A. Soliveres, Vice President for Operations; Ms. Charlynne S. Ebetuer, Vice President for Academics; and Ms. Katrina N. Pastor, Vice President for Marketing, who also shared their insights and success stories from Informatics. Mr. Ross Del Rosario, founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, welcomed and congratulated the bloggers for being part of the very first bloggers event held by the I.T. school, while Mr. Alfred Serrano, also from Informatics, hosted the event.

Everyone would agree that our choice of Senior High School for our kids would be a major factor contributing to the success of their future. Whether it be a high-paying job or a successful business.... whether they choose to be an entrepreneur or a professional in the future… a specialization in I.T. is the most lucrative path to their future. For this reason, Senior High School is now being offered at Informatics.