Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Thursday, May 12, 2016

On Pages And Changes

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This weekend, I celebrated my birthday. Another fruitful year of my life has passed… a year of necessary endings and meaningful beginnings, meeting new friends and partners, traveling to new places, and motivating and empowering more of my fellow Filipinos. As I turn the page of a new chapter in my life, I am looking forward to new adventures to encounter and conquer.

This is also a crucial period for our country, because the National Elections that has been talk of the town for several months is finally happening. In a matter of weeks, our country will have a new set of leaders… leaders that have promised to bring about the “change” Filipinos have been yearning for.

CHANGE is such a funny thing. We want it so badly from other people but not for ourselves. We know it’s “the only constant thing in this world,” yet we resist it when it’s upon us. In a world where people got used to living out a routine, it’s quite understandable how change can be frightening and uncomfortable for most people.

Today, I’d like to challenge your perception on change. Instead of fighting change, why don’t you INITIATE change?

When I was 16 years old, I left my home in Mariveles, Bataan to study in the University of the Philippines, Diliman. It was also then when I began my voice acting career after winning a radio drama contest in DZMM. Since then, my life has taken twists and turns that I have never imagined for myself, and I mean that in a good way. Traveling the world as a youth advocate, building my own business, becoming a motivational speaker, creating the largest youth media organization in the country… none of those were part of the plan. But when life presented me with those opportunities, I knew it was my choice whether or not to take it. So I did.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In a country where traffic congestion is a perennial problem, a cycling app that aims to connect biking enthusiasts and provide bicycle-friendly neighborhoods caught the designing community’s fancy. Developed by Trisha Tobias, We are Here was chosen the winner of the Mobile App Design for Social Good category and recipient of the Lucille Tenazas Design Excellence Award at the recent adobo Design Awards.

Connecting friends and other bikers in the neighborhood who share the same route to places like office and school, the app establishes a common spot to meet up and creates a route to an area near their destinations, providing opportunity for people to establish bike groups or for people to simply undertake a lifestyle change together. Globe supported Mobile App Design for Social Good category to recognize entries in the mobile application format that presents creative solutions to social issues.

“Design is not just about making an artifact but it’s also about creating a strategy. It’s also about creating an impact. I think the idea of using bicycles as a mode of transportation is something that is being underused in our country. I think from the standpoint of design, this design solution enhances civic behavior. The designer in this case was able to present a solution that will impact society. It goes back to what I’ve always thought; design is not just about making things. It’s about making things happen.” said Lucille Tenazas, founder and principal of Tenazas Design, as she explained her choice for the award.

For her part, Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto stressed “the app fits the bill for a technological innovation that drives positive societal change. We hope this will further inspire development of technological concepts that will benefit our society as we all strive in creating a wonderful Philippines,” Crisanto said.

In her entry, Tobias emphasized that cycling is a good solution to reduce carbon footprint and cut back on costs. However, there is lack of awareness of bike rules and etiquette, which often leads to accidents and even death. Instead of seeing a road to progress, people see risks, so they choose not to bike. She said studies have shown that vehicular drivers are more cautious when there are more bikers and pedestrians in the vicinity. There is safety in numbers and encouraging people to bike together is the first step to changing mindsets.

Aside from connecting bikers living or working in the same community, the app also features weather forecast in a given location to provide bikers an insight on whether the day is optimal for riding as well as upcoming events where bikers will be able to respond to invitations from friends, or browse for a community bike rides in their area. Facebook page for the movement also aims to inform people of bike rules.

Photo caption: Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto (2nd from left) presents the Mobile App Design for Social Good category at the recent adobo Design Awards to Trisha Tobias (3rd from right), developer of We are here, a cycling app that gives cycling and biking communities the means to connect while driving positive societal change. Crisanto is joined by Angel Guerrero (2nd from right), President and Editor-in-Chief of adobo; Janelle Squires (3rd from left) adobo Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; and event hosts Rovilson Fernandez and Marc Nelson.

Suicide at SM North EDSA

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We are here to bring you the news of another alleged suicide at one of the popular malls, if not the most, in the country.

It was not very long ago, sometime February of this year, that a person apparently jumped from a floor of SM Megamall where most have speculated to be suicide, but until now there was no confirmation about the incident. Sometime March, a foreigner, reportedly a German national, was also killed when he jumped from one of the floors, allegedly the 3rd floor, of SM Bacolod. We regret to inform you that it is another SM mall that's involved in another supposedly suicide, and this time, it's the SM North EDSA branch.

Yesterday at around 1:45 in the afternoon, there was a report of a suicide which immediately caught our attention and we can say that Wazzup Pilipinas was the first online media outfit to report the incident through our official Facebook fan page at http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas. The post garnered thousands of shares from our followers which made it one of our most shared posts.

We are yet to get a statement from the SM Manageent regarding the details of the incident, and to get to know more about the identity of the victim. Until now, there has been nobody coming forth to personally claim knowledge of the victim.

We are deeply saddened by these news as we are equally shocked and horrified to even think of what could have driven these people to end their lives, if they truly committed suicide. Of course, we understand SM why they never try to expound on these stories as they are indeed not really good for business.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Wilhansen Li, professional programmer, co-founder of a software development company, and part-time instructor at Ateneo who read through the source code of the Automated Election System on a pro-bono basis, explains why the accusations of the Bongbong Marcos camp, referring to poll cheating where they claim the votes have been altered during transmission, could not be possible.

The camp of Sen Bongbong Marcos alleged that a new computer command was introduced to the COMELEC Transparency Server that could have boosted the votes of Leni Robredo. They are saying that the server hash codes were altered and suddenly Robredo overtook Marcos with the new incoming votes.

"We received an unsettling information that at past 7:30 pm on May 9, election day, a new script was introduced to the Transparency Server," the camp of Marcos said in a statement.

"Apparently, the execution of this computer command was able to alter the hash code of the packet," they added.

They pointed out that after this new script was introduced, Marcos' lead over Robredo started to "erode at a rather distinctive pattern."

Leni Robredo's spokesperson says "if there is basis for Bongbong Marcos' accusations, we ask that they be forwarded to formal channels."

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Dance.MNL’s week of performances kick off with “The Winners’ Circle” on June 21, 8:00PM at the CCP Main Theater. This program brings together just some of the numerous Filipino dance artists who have won recognition and awards both locally and internationally.

Among the laureled dancers coming home for this event are Candice Adea of BalletMet, Christine Rocas of Joffrey Ballet, Jared Tan of Atlanta Ballet, and Nazer Salgado of Singapore Dance Theatre, and Jasmine Cruz of Westlake School of Performing Arts. “The Winners’ Circle” will also feature the world premiere of Martin Lawrance’s ‘Amid Shadows’, a work made especially for Christine Rocas and the Ballet Manila principals.

“The Winners’ Circle” also highlights the many locally based dancers who have garnered awards in major dance competitions. These include Ballet Philippines dancers Jean Marc Cordero, Garry Corpuz, Monica Amanda Gana, and Denise Parungao, Philippine Ballet Theatre dancers Matthew Davo, Regine Magbitang, Ian Ocampo, Lobreza Pimentel, and Veronica Ylagan, and Ballet Manila dancers Katherine Barkman, Rudolph Capongcol, Pia Dames, Anselmo Dictado, Gerardo Francisco, Elpidio Magat, Dawna Mangahas, Abigail Oliveiro, Romeo Peralta, and Joan Emery Sia.

These dancers have represented the Philippines in various ballet competitions such as the Asian Grand Prix, Beijing International Ballet and Choreography Competition, Boston International Ballet Competition, Helsinki International Ballet Competition, Japan International Ballet & Modern Dance Competition, New York International Ballet Competition, Rudolf Nureyev International Ballet Competition, Seoul International Dance Competition, USA International Ballet Competition, World Ballet Competition, and Youth America Grand Prix. They have also won local recognition in the CCP National Dance Competition and the National Music Competition for Young Artists.

Take A Class With Your Ballet Idol In The Dance.MNL Intensive Workshop On June 14-26

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Dance schools and companies from all over the metro are set to converge from June 14-26, 2016 at the first-ever Dance.MNL: The Philippine Dance Festival.

Presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Ballet Philippines in cooperation with Philippine Ballet Theater and Ballet Manila, this inaugural festival will feature 11 performances, a 10-day dance intensive, and two-day conference, gathering more than 500 dance professionals in the metropolis. Dance.MNL is supported by the National Commision for Culture and the Arts and the Manila Broadcasting Company.

The Dance Intensive offers a rich lineup of teachers in 30 dance classes and 11 Master Classes throughout the festival.

Students can take classes in Classical Ballet, Modern, Contemporary Dance, Improvisation, Street Dance, Children’s Contemporary & Creative Movement, as well as Introduction to Ballet and Introduction to Modern.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

After being performed in the USA, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, China, and most recently, Indonesia and Korea, Ballet Philippines brings its highly celebrated touring repertoire, “Master Pieces” to the CCP Main Theater as part of Dance.MNL: The Philippine Dance Festival.

BP will showcase “Master Pieces”, a mixed bill showcasing a collection of some of Ballet Philippines’ most acclaimed works. The repertoire has garnered glowing reviews and standing ovations since it was first toured, with raves such as “a stellar display of the diversity of our culture”, “extraordinary ballet worthy of world-class audiences”, and “The show has it all – atmosphere, romanticism, poetry and the indomitable Filipino spirit.”

As a testament to the company’s versatility, the works are an array of classical ballets, neo-classical works, modern & contemporary dances, and excerpts from full-length modern ballets.

The repertoire includes works by George Birkadze, William Carter, Augustus “Bam” Damian III, Tony Fabella, Alden Lugnasin, Paul Alexander Morales, Carlo Pacis, and National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes.

“Master Pieces has evolved since we last performed a preview of it during our Blue Moon Gala two years ago,” notes BP artistic director Paul Alexander Morales. “We are very excited to bring these landmark choreographic works back to our home stage to give our audiences here a chance to see what we’ve been bringing out to the rest of the world.”

Wazzup Pilipinas!

TCL continues to revolutionize premium home entertainment with its innovative industry design and immersive picture quality. Through the years, it has gained universal praise as one of the world’s most respected TV brands, recently bagging the CES Innovation Award for its cutting edge design and engineering work on TCL 110’’ curved Ultra High-Definition (UHD) TV.

As a top-tier brand for consumer electronics products, TCL wants to pursue an innovation-driven growth by introducing QUHD in the Philippines. Equipped with a unique Quantum Dot Display Technology which far exceeds UHD TVs in terms of display effects, definition and color purity, QUHD TV Series attempts to bring the cinematic experience into the household while also offering functional and interactive features in the product. QUHD TV line also makes use of supreme home entertainment technologies and top hardware configurations to create the strongest high-end portfolio across the market.

In its efforts to expand the QUHD TV line, TCL introduces Cityline (C1)—one of the first-rate products of QUHD to be released in the Philippines on the first half of 2016. Available in both flat and curved designs, with sizes ranging from 50” and 55” to 65”, it redefines upscale watching experience with its stunning image quality, elegant design, powerful hardware and ultimate entertainment content. “The QUHD Product line carries TCL’s most advanced TV technology in terms of picture quality, features, and hardware,” CEO of TCL Philippines, Mr. Eason Cai, shares in an interview. “However, our main advantage over our competitor’s high end products is our ability to produce the same quality and innovative technology at low cost.” The product also takes pride of its elegant feel, equipped with a 9.9mm slim screen, metallic body and bezel design.

This year, TCL is taking steps in bringing The Creative Life to an entirely better place with its top-notch selection of TitanGold air conditioners. Unlike its contemporaries in the local market, TitanGold air conditioners aim to provide cooling solutions fit for the needs of every Filipino household. “We want the Filipino consumer to know that TCL is not only a TV brand but is a brand that will deliver quality appliances from home entertainment to home appliances,” Cai clears. “We want TCL to be a staple in the Filipino household and that we are a brand that they can trust and continue to rely on.” Aside from its reliable features, TitanGold Airconditioners are eco-friendly and packed with 5-in-1 Health Filters ─ Photocatalyst Filter, Silver Ion Filter, Active Carbon Filter, Catechin Filter and a Vitamin-enriching Filter, providing safe and healthy breathable indoor air for you and your family. It takes pride of its gold-plated aluminum louver fins, ideally built to prevent and withstand extreme rusting and corrosion through its unique hydrophilic properties.

TCL Product Launch

Both Cityline series C1 and TitanGold air conditioners were officially launched in the Philippines at the Grand Ballroom of Marriott Hotel, with the lovely Megan Young as host. With her stunning elegance and grace, the former Ms. World embodies the positive qualities that gave TCL a competitive edge as a leading brand in display technology and consumer electronics innovation.

Distinguished pool of dealers and media personalities were there to witness the unveiling of TCL’s latest line of consumer electronics products. A press conference was also held at the Grand Ballroom to accommodate questions from the press.

TCL OBC Marketing Director Mr. Ranjit Gopi, TCL Aircon Division Director Mr. Bill Cheng, Brand Marketing Consultant, Aircon Division, Mr. Byeong Woo Park and the newest TCL Philippines CEO, Mr. Eason Cai, addressed the questions of the press regarding the future plans of TCL as well as its efforts to strengthen its extensive line of home entertainment products with the release of Cityline series C1 and TitanGold air conditioners in the Philippines.

TCL’s wide selection of luxury TVs were also displayed at the exhibit area of the Grand Ballroom. The venue was filled to the brim with regal interiors and elegant design, perfectly exuding the vibe of TCL as a brand. Cityline C1 itself, considered to be the TCL crown jewel for 2016, was revealed in a non-conventional way, with princesses walking on the red carpet while the high-end TV is being elevated on stage.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

ePLDT Unit Reaffirms Quality Management System Excellence

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ABM Global Solutions (AGS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ePLDT and a leading business IT consulting company, successfully renewed its ISO 9001:2008 certification following a series of positive surveillance audits conducted by the Philippine office of TÜV Rheinland, a global provider of technical, safety and certification services.

The renewal of ISO 9001 certification covers AGS’ provision of spend management services, particularly sourcing and procurement.

“AGS was first certified in 2008. Our continuous recertification says a lot about our commitment to continuously deliver quality software solutions and services at par with the world’s best,” said Luigi Lopa, AGS General Manager. “More than regulatory compliance, our ultimate goal with this recognition has always been customer satisfaction.”

AGS has been into business management solutions implementation and consulting since 1993. It has provided and continues to provide best-of-breed business applications and implementation and support services to more than a thousand companies not only in the Philippines but also in Indonesia and other Asia Pacific countries.

ISO 9001 is regarded as the global standard for quality management system excellence. Only companies that have demonstrated the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet both customer and regulatory requirements are being conferred with this certification.

#RP69fanpic: Brian, Paolo, Sandro, Baste, Luis, Jake and Junjun

Wazzup Pilipinas!

These fascination with the sons of the politicians who ran for government positions this #Election2016 have gone way too far to obsessions leading to obscenity.

There's a hashtag now trending on Twitter namely #RP69fanfic that fantasizes with the said individuals like Brian Poe, Paolo Roxas, Sandro Marcos, Baste Duterte, Jake Ejercito, and even Junjun Binay. They may want to add Luis Hontiveros.

But it seems the real target is Sandro Marcos most probably due to the recount issue he and his father Bongbong Marcos has been crying out against a possible cheating on the vote counting.

We've seen Vice Presidential candidate Leni Robredo now overtaking Bongbong Marcos with hundreds of thousands of votes starting early morning and the Marcos camp is seriously considering to file a protest against reported discrepancies especially on the errors made displaying some counts on another candidate Chiz Escudero who is also running for the same Vice Presidential position.

Conspiracy theories have been going around and those loyal to BBM can't help but voice out their concerns on social media.

But what sparked the #RP69fanfic thread on Twitter that motivated many others to follow? We can't say if these fan fiction stories are coming form the creative imaginations of the youth or of a particular sex among the LGBT community since the stories revolve around gay sexual relationships.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Cosplay celebrity Alodia Gosiengfiao, together with her mom Mariglor Arraiza and sister Ashley, just had an awesome meeting earlier with TV5 executives namely Artist Center Head Director Bebong Munoz, Sports Head Coach Chot Reyes, VP and Head of D5 Studio Mr. Lloyd Manaloto, and asks her fans

"If for example.... We come up with a show... What kind of shows do you wanna see? (Fanta Serye? X-Men ish? Action? Drama? Comedy? Jap Gameshow ish? Gaming?)"

Of course, lots of suggestion from her fans came pouring in non-stop which focused mainly on her gaming and cosplay icon background. Below are just some of the hundreds of suggestions given by her numerous followers who were all hoping for a reply from the queen of cosplay.

"Gamer girl, that slips in and out reality by daydreaming about how to answer everyday problems with correlation with, anime, gaming world and game show like style. Para magamit cosplay and acting prowess of cosplayers." - Benedict Villanueva

"Maybe a magazine show focusing on all sorts of Gaming (board, esports, console) with the touch of anime and cosplay. That would SUGOIIIII" - Philip Mejorada

"Jap Gameshow-ish where contestants hav to wear anime/game costumes.. xD" - Julian Yu

"Horror/sci-fi/escapist anthology series ala The Twilight Zone. That would give a lot of cosplay possibilities and use it for good effect too." - Justine Dreco

"I wanna see you on drama shows.. cosplay and superhero games stuff is so common to you, so.. I wanna see diff side of Alodia Gosiengfiao smile emoticon and not speaking English pure Tagalog smile emoticon goodluck smile emoticon" - Se Yun

" I recommend a travel show. If you want, I can recommend "HKT48 no Odekake" or Jounetsu Tairiku na Pinoy version."- Vol Ventura

TV5 may not be the top mainstream network but they embrace concepts and ideas other station wouldn't even touch. As what another fan said, I believe they should bring back the Animega concept in primetime. That was one of their leverages back when they were starting the channel.

My kids are fans of anime and they can't get enough of it.

I've known Alodia ever since she was still cosplaying Ragnarok characters popularized by the Level Up games company which I was a part of as Systems Administrator back when it was starting to be a hit among Filipino online gamers specifically on the MMORPG. The role-playing games was a sensation back then and Alodia was the leading cosplayer whom male gamers adored and even dreamed of since she is a real beauty.

Now that Alodia is taken already by no other than Eric Ejercito, a grandson of Erap himself, and also involve din the world of gaming and cosplay, the fandom heat continues to burn.

*Photo credit to Alodia's FB account

First-ever #TwitterElection Showcases the People Power of the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!
The people made over 35 million elections-related Tweets since the start of the year, with over 4 million Tweets sent on Election Day alone.

After three months of watching, hearing, and talking about the political candidates, the Filipino public has cast its vote and has elected a new set of government officials in the national and local levels. But what marked the difference for the election this year is the higher level of inclusiveness Filipinos enjoyed through the country’s first-ever #TwitterElection. Engaging the first-time voters who are heavy social media users, or one-third (17 million) of the country’s 50 million registered voters, is critically important for any candidate to win the election. And the people’s voices have been heard on Twitter with over 35 million elections-related Tweets sent since the start of the year, of which over 4 million Tweets came on Election Day (May 9th) alone.

There was global interest in the Philippines general election and this was reflected in the #TwitterElectionconversation, too. When you zoom out on the heatmap below, you can see the elections-related conversations on Twitter over the past 30 days from all over the world - from the US to UK to Europe to the Middle East to Asia Pacific - including Tweets from many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). For example, the three #PiliPinasDebates2016 Presidential TV debates generated Twitter conversations worldwide, nearly 5 million Tweets combined, with the last one on April 24, 2016 shown on the heatmap.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"For more than 3 months, my boss Andy Bautista received a lot of flak from media, the politicians, and the general public. But he took the criticisms like a man.

Today, with his head held high, he can proudly report:

81% voter turnout--the highest in years;
94% transmission--the quickest in years; and
450,000 overseas voters--3x the size of 2013.

Great job, Chairman Andy!

Congratulations, sir!" - Kris Ablan of COMELEC

I hope you would agree that COMELEC has a very fast turnaround time. They have finally started coping up with technology. Kudos to the people responsible - to Comelec Chairman Andy Bautista, his team and to all the teachers or BEIs, poll watchers, volunteers, PPCRV, NAMFREL, and the rest of the unsung heroes in this election.

Hats off also to the debates which may not be 100% satisfying but at least gave everyone a glimpse of the candidates for President and Vice President. I know it would be very difficult for a senatorial debate since there are just too many candidates for the position.

In the above photo taken by COMELEC's Kris Ablan are COMELEC Chairman Andy Bautista, Commissioner Luie Tito Guia and NCR Director Temie Lambino.

I like how the COMELEC Chairman smiles after every interview , reassuring us that everything will be OK. I am in awe how he can be so chill amidst all the criticism. He has been so patient, explaining again and again. He will have to keep being patient as there are always people whining and complaining. I saw how gracious and dignified Mr. Andy Bautista was, during his pre-election interviews...and despite the criticisms, he remained straightforward in his answers. Thank you everyone for all your efforts and may you be blessed a hundredfold! Congratulations Chairman Bautista for your huge contribution towards nation building-we salute you on a job well done!

Survival is the Name of the Game on Discovery Channel

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This month of May, Discovery Channel highlights two kinds of survival: getting through the most dangerous tests to secure a perilous job, and lasting in a tough environment with barely nothing to get by.

In Deadliest Job Interview, the spotlight is on eight of the most extreme and perilous professions in the world. Told from the perspective of the rookies, or "greenhorns," Deadliest Job Interview will follow these tough men and women as they enter the workforce of eight dangerous jobs, as they risk everything to secure a highly challenging - and dangerous - position.

This six-episode series follows arborists climbing 200 feet high in the Redwood Forest, volcanologists climbing to the top of the explosive Stromboli to wind turbine technicians in some of the windiest conditions on Earth.

With the threat of danger around every corner, there is no room for mistakes. These rookies must learn the ropes as the lowest person on the totem pole and prove their skills and determination to their mentors and peers. The stakes are higher than ever because it's not just their job on the line - but also their lives! Deadliest Job Interview premieres May 16, airing Mondays at 11PM on Discovery Channel.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The efforts and preparations of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the members of the Power Task Force Election (PTFE) have ensured adequate, stable and reliable electricity supply for the critical period this national and local elections.

“There was no major power problem that occurred before and during this election, and we are thankful for the Task Force members for ensuring the provision of adequate supply of electricity all throughout,” said Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada in a press briefing in Ortigas this afternoon. However, she emphasized that the PTFE shifts its focus on ensuring power supply to the canvassing centers and remaining voting precincts.

Sec. Monsada also extends her gratitude and appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the PTFE Members composed of the DOE, National Power Corporation (NPC), National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO), National Electrification Administration (NEA), National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and its satellite centers, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC), the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) and other Distribution Utilities (DUs), Philippine Rural Electric Cooperative Association (PHILRECA), Philippine Federation of Electric Cooperatives (PHILFECO), Philippine Electric Plant Owners Association (PEPOA), Philippine Independent Power Producers Association (PIPPA), Retail Electricity Suppliers Association (RESA), and other supporting organizations in ensuring the delivery of power supply across the country.

Similar to yesterday, Sec. Monsada reported that all grids (Luzon, Visayas, & Mindanao) remained in normal state as of 2:00 p.m. today (May 10, 2016). The nation’s grid power situation stood at: