Energy Sector’s Election Preparation Nears Completion

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The Power Task Force Election (PTFE) 2016, led by the Department of Energy (DOE), is almost done with preparatory works to ensure that power supply is sufficient, stable, and reliable before, during, and after the conduct of national and local elections on 09 May.

“We are nearing completion of preparations to ensure the readiness of the systems and power stakeholders who have roles to play during the Election Day,” said Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada. She emphasized that the entire Energy Family is in close coordination to provide uninterrupted electricity services as we all desire for a clean and unquestionable holding of elections.

The PTFE met with power generators on April 25 (yesterday) to discuss their work plans and commitments for the critical election period (one week before and one week after), especially that the conduct of scheduled maintenance services of the power plants have been carried out earlier to ensure readiness during the critical period.

As reported in the meeting, all power generators will be running at full capacity during elections except for the 180 megawatts (MW) Kalayaan Unit 4 which extended its maintenance until 14 May 2016. In Mindanao, dispatch of water resource for hydropower plants is being managed to ensure that there will be higher production during the critical period.

PHL hosts 41st ASEAN Senior Transport Officials Meeting

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Transport officials and delegates from the 10-Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened today in this bustling business district to discuss initiatives that will enhance transport connectivity in the Region.

The Philippine Government, through the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), is hosting this year’s 41st Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM).

According to the DOTC, around 120 senior transport officials and delegates from the 10-Member States and from the Dialogue Partners will meet until Thursday, 28 April 2016 to discuss the status of various transportation projects and policy measures that will enhance regional cohesion.

The transport sector will also embark on new projects and programs as it adopts the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan (KLTSP) 2016-2025, the successor document that outlines 30 specific goals, 78 actions and 221 milestones in the five (5) areas of transportation namely: air, land, maritime, transport facilitation and sustainable transport, to guide the ASEAN economic integration from 2016 to 2025.

In her Opening Statement as Chairperson of the Meeting, DOTC Assistant Secretary for Planning Sherielysse Bonifacio said, “Today’s event also allows us to pursue further cooperative work in the transportation sector that will enhance regional cohesion and provide higher quality of life for the people.”

Ernest Cu Recognized as Best CEO in the Philippines

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It's a grand time for Globe Telecom as they bag three citations from Finance Asia, a leading publisher of financial news in the Asia Pacific region, and voted Most Committed to Corporate Governance and Best in Investor Relations while Ernest Cu, Globe President & CEO, was recognized as Best CEO in the Philippines

Overall, the company was given two major company awards and an individual category citation. The same citations were awarded to Globe by Finance Asia in 2015.

The citations were based on a survey conducted by Finance Asia involving investors on their views on which listed companies around Asia they consider to be best managed, with the best senior executives. Finance Asia received responses from 129 portfolio managers and buy-side analysts from around the world, running mandates that included, or dedicated to, Asian listed companies.

“It is an honor to receive the various recognitions. It is a testament that we continue to improve our communication lines with our stakeholders, consistent with the company's commitment in providing exemplary results not only in terms of its financial performance but also in subscribing to the principles of good corporate governance and investor relations,” Globe Acting Chief Finance Officer Rizza Maniego-Eala said.

In December last year, Globe also bagged the Bell Awards for Corporate Governance, awarded by the Philippine Stock Exchange, in recognition of the leading telecommunication company’s commitment in upholding the principles and best practices in governance. The award ushered a grand slam win for Globe for practicing good corporate governance, following a similar citation given to the company by the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF). Globe was in the Top 3 in corporate governance among listed companies in the Philippines and Top 50 among listed companies in ASEAN region.

Also in 2015, Cu was included in the elite list of Global Telecoms Business Power 100. Cu was the only Filipino executive to make it to the Power 100 and among the top 10 in Asia. The recognition was based on his success in steering the company to hold its own despite intense competitive environment in the telecoms markets in the Philippines.

Globe Telecom posted a remarkable performance in 2015, surpassing its business results in the previous year, as it booked new highs in service revenues, EBITDA and net profit. The company’s impressive performance was driven by broad-based data-driven growth across its key services.

Captain America: Civil War Movie Review

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"I believe in family, & I'll protect them, no matter what."

That's what Captain America is fighting for in the movie so being Bucky as his long-time friend even before he met Tony Stark and the others, I guess he made the choice of protecting the Winter Soldier rather than taking sides with Iron Man. 

But teh tiyle Civil War may be to exaggerated because it's merely a war between a small group which escalated just because they caused havoc and chaos within the city.

"I'm sorry Tony you know I wouldn't do this if i had any other choice.... but he's my friend.."

"So was I..."
Will Captain America win against Iron man? Is it because of the fact that the main character should not lose in his own movie? However, there are some movies where the hero loses, for several creative reasons that would make him, or the movie (or the story), look better. But, I wouldn't want to spoil so I will never tell who wins.

But do I really need to spell it out when it's a bit obvious?

But imagine how if Cap loses, though. In his own movie. I like the realism in that idea, and how you know, not everything is so cliché about it, because the main hero might not "live happily ever after", or "save the day".  The marvel cinematic industry is known for its tempering with comic book story lines.
Will Iron Man's side win? In the comics, Cap gets killed and Bucky (The Winter Solider) takes his place as Captain America to honor his fallen friend. But for sure it's not exactly the same as in the comics... that would be too predictable for many! They wont go with the comic book story line because that story line doesn't build up well for Infinity War. The ugly truth is that no one will win.

It is pretty much a given that Cap wins since Chris Evans already set to return in Avenger 3 (and willing to do more movies). Announcing those multi movie deals tends to spoil things a little.

I see this movie as just being a huge build up for Captain America since hes been voted many times as the least favorite Avenger.

By the way, everyone is talking about Captain and Iron Man but can we acknowledge Black Panther's debut!

Also, anyone else see the hint?

Republicans & Democrats? Republicans are Tony stark, Democrats are Captain America...DIVIDED WE FALL. Also the fact that this movie is called "Civil War" goes to show Hollywood entertainment might be foreshadowing America's future, with all the political bull crap happening right now. 

Yes, I know this is from a Marvel story line, but has it ever crossed your mind that a lot of these things are written out for the future? I don't see the world getting any better with what's currently happening, I mean Turkey just shot down a Russian fighter jet that was in above Syrian ground.

On a serious note, is this movie be as good as the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice movie...or should I rephrase that to ..is it as bad as the BvS movie?

I have to say it's beyond comparison as the two movies are entirely different to be compared. Just watch it for yourself and you be the judge.

UP Tomo-Kai Proudly Presents Hiyaw: A Cultural Night

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Just like the red poppies featured here which mean "fun loving" in Hanakotoba, UP Tomo-Kai wishes to bring you the fun loving spirit of Japan and the Philippines on its 25th year!

Join us in shouting out in glee at Hanakotoba's culminating event, Hiyaw: A Cultural Night.

Song and dance performances from our guests liven up the stage while you explore your way through Hiyaw's version of a gakuensai (school festival).

Visit various booths by UP Tomo-Kai as well as other Japan-related organizations from different schools, play games, and more!

This event is co-presented by ZALORA, MPIII, Jack 'n Jill Calbee Potato Chips, Nissin Yakisoba, Jack ‘n Jill Quake Overload, and ELMNO PH.

In cooperation with the UP Diliman-Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts (UP Diliman OICA).

Special thanks to Accenture in the Philippines

Partner Organizations: HallyUP, UP KAISA (K1), University of the Philippines Anime Manga Enthusiasts, UP Art Studies Society, UP Sandiwa, PNU NAMI, GakUEn-REALM, Thomasian Nihon Kyoukai, Hinomoto, and BPSU-FiNiCS.

Media Partners: arkadymac.com, magnetic-rose.net, DZUP, Wazzup Pilipinas, Post Your Event, AKTIVshow and 1 Digimedia Audiovisuals Inc.

Ateneo blueREP Proudly Presents Shared Spaces

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As its final installment of the 24th season, blueREP is proud to present an original production, Shared Spaces, a monologue and song-cycle series. Set in a world where grander issues obscure individual experiences, Shared Spaces celebrates and reiterates the experience of the individual.

Six people blur the line between the enormity of contemporary concerns and their intimate circumstances. Through humour, discourse, or tears, they lay out their personal encounters with sexuality, religion, depression, relationships, and more, in pursuit of a representation of present day’s society; a community of individuals, with lives far more intricate than we are led to believe. With music by Kerrigan-Lowdermilk accompanying the written pieces, Shared Spaces aims to establish fresh, member-created productions as a stable part of Ateneo Blue Repertory's repertoire.

The artistic team is composed of current and former blueREP members, combining experience with youth. Bibo Reyes is leading the show as the director, with Sab Jose as co-director. Abi Sulit serves as the musical director, alongside Celine Bengzon, who is working as the assistant musical director. Mica Fajardo is in charge of choreography, with Kyla Frencillo as the assistant choreographer. Set design is being taken care of, once again, by CJ Francisco, while Miggy Panganiban takes charge of lighting design. Ariel Quitangon is the costumes and make-up designer. Wrapping up the artistic team is Lara Antonio, who serves as the writing mentor.

MMD Philippines Launch Together with New Monitors from AOC and Philips

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At home or at work, and even on the road, displays are now an extension of your window to the world. As fast as the speed of light, technology and innovation in our modern world are rapidly moving. 

This is why a household name all over the world – Philips, and the Worldwide Leader in Display Manufacturing – AOC, continue to raise the standards for design and performance of award winning and high-performance monitors that also offer smart innovations, vivid imagery and timeless style to make the most of every minute you spend behind the screen.

TPV, an internationally-renowned PC monitor and TV manufacturer, has established MMD (Multimedia Display) in 2009. Seeing a massive market for innovation, MMD Philippines was officially launched on April 20, 2016 at Vu's Bar Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, Pasig City.

MMD is a wholly owned company of TPV established in 2009 through a brand license agreement with Philips. MMD exclusively markets and sells Philips branded LCD displays worldwide. By combining the Philips brand promise with TPV’s manufacturing expertise in displays, MMD uses a fast and focused approach to bringing innovative products to market.

MMD serves worldwide markets from major regional offices including Amsterdam, Prague, Shanghai, Singapore, São Paulo and Fremont (EPI). Through its network of local sales teams MMD works with all major IT distributors and resellers. The company’s design and development center is located in Taiwan. 

A. Refinery Launches First Concept Store in Metro Manila

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A retail concept store specializing on audio-related products debuts in Metro Manila, specifically in Quezon City, with its inaugural location grand opening on April 23, 2016.

Audio Refinery Inc., a new player in the Audio and Lifestyle industry with  existing branches in Cebu and Davao, announces the debut of its new retail concept they named as A. Refinery. 

The branch is located at the 2nd Level of UP Town Center, one of Ayala Mall’s latest shopping centers located along Katipunan Avenue. The store features products under the slogan Lifestyle – Music - Technology.

Incidentally, A. Refinery has confirmed two additional store locations in the Philippines slated to hold their own grand opening later this year, A. Refinery Ayala Center Cebu and A. Refinery Abreeza Mall Davao.

This makes three concept stores as of present, and we are sure the numbers will soon increase as many of us Filipinos are music lovers.

During the celebration of the grand launching of the UP Town Center location, A. Refinery hosted programs throughout the whole day event. These included some raffle times in which a Harman Kardon Esquire speaker was the Grand Prize, a limited time sale that features products at 30% off from 3 to 5 p.m. only.

Miss Tourism Philippines 2016 Media Presentation of Candidates

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Miss Tourism Philippines, one of the biggest national beauty pageant in the Philippines is founded by Mr. Francisco Z. Blanco Jr., Chairman and Managing Director, together with Mrs. Amelia Sunio-Abarquez.

Once again, they welcome the growing number of official representatives from the many different provinces, cities and municipalities, who will all compete for the title as the new queens of this prestigious national beauty pageant.

The Miss Tourism Philippines does not focus only on beauty, talent and fitness, but also on global culture, arts and tradition, and promotions of world peace. The pageant aims to propagate and develop tourism through fostering closer relationship with the different provinces, cities, and municipalities of the Philippines. This pageant also showcases their heritage and culture for everyone to appreciate and enjoy their uniqueness.

There are a total of 41 candidates during the media presentation at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City on April 22, 2016, while the grand coronation night will soon be held at the Resorts World Manila in Pasay on May 28, 2016.

The Miss Tourism Philippines is co-organized with Icon 888 Productions as their official production outfit.

Chiz Escudero at Pandesal Forum of Kamuning Bakery

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Vice Presidential candidate Chiz Escudero, who's recently at the third spot of surveys as of the latest, was the guest at earlier's Pandesal Forum of Kamuning Bakery.

It was not a surprise that the place was jam-packed with journalists from many publications. Even the ones that I do not usually see on political forums were there today. We are having one of the candidates for the top position in the country so the huge number of media was expected.

However, all questions asked and answers given this day were not as sensational as the ones from the debates because Escudero seems to be playing on the safe side. As he confirms, he is the type of person who does not want to be enemies with anybody.

This is something I would not agree with since having one of the top positions in the country requires you to take a stand against someone or some things whenever necessary. We cannot be always aiming to be compromising as that will weaken our goals, and will open us to temptations of accepting "sweet mutually beneficial deals" just to make everyone happy.

As we should not negotiate with terrorists, we must not also lower our ideals just because we want to please everybody. Aiming to be friends with everyone will be our hindrance to success.

This is probably why the media present that day were not motivated enough to ask questions as Chiz's answers were not as hard-hitting as Duterte's.

I've recorded some excerpts from the interviews so please do watch out for it on our YouTube channel at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas