Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Monday, June 13, 2016

#ISDS2016: Local Summit Encourages Digital Strategies

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The Digital Strategies for Development Summit (DSDS) was held last June 8-10 2016. This year they launched Innovative Strategies Development Summit or ISDS with a hashtag of #ISDS2016.

ISDS was presented by 60 valuable speakers all over the world who did presentations on current digital development in their area of expertise. 600 attendees were present to hear the seminar. Networking was of high value and encouraged by the presentor.

Innovative Strategies for Development Summit 2016 (ISDS 2016), designed to look at technology, particularly ICT, as an enabler for innovation and effecting developmental impact. ISDS 2016 will be global as it brings together a consortium of high level thinkers and leaders from various local, national and international key organizations. It aims to facilitate dynamic discussions, create connections, strengthen relations, and exchange knowledge on best practices in the use of ICT innovation in the context of Sustainable Development. -DSDS Mayor of CDO

The purpose of ISDS is to create connections and exchange creations. The attendees of this said event are interested in the same topic which is digital innovation. They are quite techs-savvy, comes from private and local sectors around the Philippines, part of the NGO, IT practitioners and/or digitally curious.

#RP612fic: What If Pinoy Heroes Are Still With Us Right Now

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Filipinos online celebrated Independence Day creatively again as they post witty tweets on Twitter this June 12, 2016 putting our real life Filipino or Pinoy "Bayanis" or Heroes living today as among the millennials or depicting what they would probably be posting or texting if ever they are living with us during these times.

From our national hero Jose Rizal, to the rest like Juan Luna, Apolinario Mabini, Andres Bonifacio, Marcela Agoncillo, Emilio Aguinaldo, Padre Damaso, etc.

However, some have even included fictional characters like mother and sons Sisa, Crispin and Basilio, as well as president-elect Rodrigo "DU30" Duterte as among the characters conversing with these Filipino heroes.

Paintings like the Spolarium were not spared also as these imaginative netizens came up with humorous captions that will surely put a smile on your face, if not making you laugh out loud or rolling on the floor laughing like a loony.

June 12 is never a sad day as these jokes kept on coming until this moment of writing. We would love to put everything here but that would be too much and we would want to save you from dying because of too much pain laughing.

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Congratulations to the winners of Miss Philippines Earth 2016 held during the grand coronation night on June 11, 2016, the eve of our Independence Day, at the UP Theater Diliman, Quezon City.

Miss Philippines Earth 2016:
Imelda Schweighart, Puerto Princesa City

Miss Philippines Air 2016:
Kiaragiel Gregorio, London

Miss Philippines Water 2016:
Loren Mar Artajos, Laoag City

Miss Philippines Fire 2016:
Shannon Rebecca Bridgman, Rosales, Pangasinan

Miss Philippines Eco Tourism 2016:
Melanie Mader, Vienna

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Adam Levine of Maroon 5 is the newest celebrity endorser of Proactiv Philippines. Let us share to you his Proactiv story so you would be inspired.

For those who do not know Adam Levine, he is the lead singer of the Grammy Award winning band, Maroon 5, and has made a name for himself with a signature voice that is sure to sweep women off their feet. Maroon 5’s releases have gone gold and platinum, setting records for most #1 singles and he’s been a judge on the Emmy Award-winning The Voice. He also starred in the indie film Begin Again, where his 222 Records label track Lost Stars was nominated for a Best Original Song at the Academy Awards.

While most women are swooned by the “Sexiest Man Alive” of 2013 with his hot looks and remarkable talent, men also aspire for the same kind of charisma and confidence that he evokes. Little do they know that like most of us, Adam Levine struggled to regain confidence during his teenage years. He suffered from severe acne breakouts, which took away much of his confidence and forced him to stay away from the crowd.

“I was just ashamed of my acne,” Adam shared. “I had horrible breakouts. I would hide from cameras, hide in my room. Acne just shows up and causes trouble and it messes with my confidence.” And even today, when his schedule gets busy, the stress can take a toll on his skin. “I am a very active person and it kind of lead to zits, which is unfortunate but a reality for me,” he chuckled.

“My life for now is unbelievably busy and I feel fortunate and blessed every day,” Adam said. He also shared that unlike most people’s belief about celebrities having to look so good on screen or otherwise, they also suffer from the same skin problems that make many people lose their self-confidence and hide away from many of the good things in life. “I always want to make sure that people understand that even though we are celebrities or successful, we are no different than anybody else.”

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“Sixty-percent of all security breaches result in stolen data starting within minutes of the breach and go undetected due to in effective threat monitoring and security event correlation. In addition, the lack of a holistic view across organizations’ entire distributed, multi-vendor networks and the growing quantity and complexity of threat information create big-data security challenges. With the acquisition of AccelOps, Fortinet extends its Security Fabric to address these challenges by combining security and compliance monitoring with advanced analytics for multi-vendor security solutions, enabling automated and actionable security intelligence from IoT to the cloud.” - Ken Xie, founder, chairman of the board and chief executive officer, Fortinet

Fortinet, the global leader in high-performance cyber security solutions, today announced its acquisition of AccelOps, a leading provider of network security monitoring and analytics solutions. The acquisition further extends Fortinet’s recently announced Security Fabric strategy by enhancing network security visibility, security data analytics and threat intelligence across multi-vendor solutions.

AccelOps solutions will become FortiSIEM and become part of the Fortinet Security Fabric. This will provide customers with greater visibility across both Fortinet and multi-vendor security solutions, thereby enabling more comprehensive end-to-end network segmentation strategies, from IoT to cloud. Security correlation and analytics results will feed directly into the Security Fabric allowing automated threat prevention.

Next Generation Security Information and Event Management, or Next Gen SIEM, capabilities from AccelOps coupled with FortiGuard Labs global threat intelligence and third-party threat feeds will be integrated into the Fortinet Security Fabric. Enterprises will benefit from prioritized, coordinated responses and actionable threat intelligence across the distributed network on a subscription basis.

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Art is such an amazing, diverse, and powerful thing since it serves as a medium for people to express themselves with passion and emotion. The term "art" encompasses countless kinds and forms, ranging from traditional drawing, poetry and drama to slightly different fields like graffiti, food art, and with the dawn of advanced technology, there's digital art.

Digital art makes use of a drawing tablet connected to a computer, which unlocks more features that are beyond the limits of traditional drawing, such as having numerous custom brushes and settings at your disposal and the whole color wheel as your palette. Having said that, every form of art has its own advantages and disadvantages; it just depends on the person and what medium of art they find best.

Anyway, ever since my dad gave me a drawing tablet last May 20, 2015, I've been exploring the world of digital art and I grow more familiar whenever I get to use it. Now that I think about it, some of the benefits I've had being a digital artist were:

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World Series of Fighting – Global Championship (WSOF-GC) is conducting an international ring girl search in Philippines. Their next global event will take place on July 30 at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Interested contestants and aspiring models who are looking to compete in this fun and exciting competition to crown the next Official Decagon Girl of WSOF Global, should submit their application by emailing RINGGIRL@WSOF.ASIA(Contestants should include their contact details, recent photos, and links to all of their social media accounts).

Ten women will be selected to compete in an online competition where the fans vote for their favorite ring girl. The five women with the most votes will compete in a live ring girl contest at Araneta Center on July 23. The lucky winner will win Php 50,000 and represent Philippines at the biggest MMA event of 2016 in Manila. Four runners up will also win cash prizes and be selected to be the Global certified promotional models at the event.

“As a young woman, I competed in many beauty pageants here in the Philippines. I know that they can open doors for a lot of people,” relayed WSOF Global Owner, Dunesa Hesser. “My choice to be a modeling contestant led me into my current career path. I now have the opportunity to promote my own events and grant other women the opportunities that were given to me. Our events are aired all over the world and available in over a billion homes. This type of opportunity isn’t available every day. I hope I can find Philippines’ next top model.”

Manila X Festival Exceeds Expectations

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Last Saturday, June 04, Manila X exceeded expectations as the first ever proudly local style and music festival in the country. The grandest fusion of music and fashion brought a multi-sensual feast accessible to every Filipino

Zalora was the first to present its romantic summer collection with music from The Juans Thyro and Yumi. This was followed by Myrrh Lao To's Coachella show led by stars Angel Locin, Pokwang, K Brosas, KZ Tandingan and Ylona Garcia. Up Dharma Downserenaded the crowd with their laidback hits as models strutted the runway.

John Paul Dizon went sleek with sophisticated looks to match his celebrity models led by Wynwyn Marquez, Jake Ejercito, Phytos Ramirez, Yasser Martha, Koreen Medina, Pauline Medina and Roxanne Barcelo. This was accompanied by performances from Kiana Valenciano and Yeng Constantino in collaboration with DJ Mars Miranda.

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Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. launched the Digital Healthcare Innovation Challenge in a TechTalks.ph meetup last 19th May 2016 at A Space Makati. The Takeda Digital Healthcare Innovation Challenge, also known as Takeda DHIC, is a search for digital solutions in the area of Oncology. It is the first time for Takeda Global to hold this event. Philippines was the lucky country they chose to pilot from among their emerging markets.

Mr. Gabriel Georgy, Country Manager of Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc., with his leadership team, graced the event. The meetup became a venue to share Takeda’s commitment to innovation and discuss the current status of digital healthcare in the Philippines.

It was an interesting presentation from the panelist including Mr. Georgy himself; Jerome Wang, Digital Explorer for Emerging Markets of Takeda Pharmaceutical which is based in Singapore; and the invited speakers, Dr. Iris Thiele Isip-Tan from UP Medical Informatics, and Dr. Ryan Banez, founder of Healthylitics.

“Takeda is committed to innovation, and that is what we do every day and we are going to extend this. We want to come up with digital innovations and technologies that would improve the lives of those we care about - patients and their loved ones, physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals,” said Mr. Georgy.

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The Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI) has expressed big hopes for entrepreneurs after hearing President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s plans for the sector over the last few days.

Duterte has bared his 8-point economic agenda, which his administration plans to implement once he officially assumes office. He has also vowed to end red tape and corruption in the government to fast-track business processing, promising to cut business registration to only three days.

“We’ve been hoping to hear something like this from our would-be leader even before the elections,” says AFFI Executive Vice President Ricardo Cuna. “We’re ranked pretty low in terms of ease of doing business here in the country, and that’s primarily because of our current entrepreneurial ecosystem. I think most of us in the industry agree that it’s the first thing we need to improve.”

Cuna cited the latest World Bank Group’s Doing Business 2016 report, where the Philippines ranked 103rd out of 189 economies with regard to “processing business permits and registrations”. It also came 6th place among its ASEAN counterparts, with Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, and Vietnam outranking the country for the first five slots.

“This situation is one of the factors that slows down the growth of entrepreneurship in the country. Hearing directly from President-elect Duterte that he plans to focus on resolving that gives us confidence that this will all change soon,” mused Cuna.

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Taco Bell launched the new Gordita Supreme last June 8, 2016 in their Gateway Mall branch.

Gordita Supreme is touted as a best selling and well loved taco in other countries such as US and UK. It is available in the Philippines for a limited time.

It features a tasty twist and a next level taco experience.

It is truly a delight to the tastebuds with its right combination of seasoned beef, fresh shredded lettuce, cool sour cream and diced tomatoes in a warm pillowy flatbread..

Bloggers were enjoined to view how the Gordita Supreme was prepared.

Taco Bell also has a promo for the Gordita Supreme. Titled Snap & Share, 10 lucky pairs could each get a Gordita Supreme combo by sharing a photo of their Gordita Supreme on either Facebook or Instagram.

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Civil Engineering Society of De La Salle University - Manila brings you CE Focus 2016: Green Urbanization Symposium. CE Focus 2016 is a one-day symposium that aims to promote and advocate green building and its environmental, economical, social and health benefits in today’s global status. With the nation’s leading experts such as Dr. Alvin Culaba, Arch. Rowena Ramos, Mr. Alexander Ablaza, Arch. Felino Palafox and Dr. Ricardo Sigua, it would surely be an event that any engineer and architect could benefit from. This is surely an event to be checked out from your academic bucketlist!

The registration process is divided into three (3) options. Follow the procedures for each option below:

Option A: Individual Registration

1. Accomplish the online registration form at bit.ly/GUS2016-reg. You will receive an email confirming the receipt of your form.

2. Deposit the registration fee to the following BDO account:

Account name: Rupert Joseph R. Mella

Account number: 004580415070

1. Send a scanned copy or photo of the bank deposit slip to dlsuces.gus@gmail.com. This may be done as a group.

FILENAME & SUBJECT: GUS2016_BDS_<School Initials> (e.g. GUS2016_BDS_DLSU)

CONTENT: Name of participants whose payments were made

1. Wait for an email confirming your registration. Kindly inform us if you have not received an email within two (2) working days of sending the photo of the deposit slip.

Option B: Group Registration

1. Download and accomplish the group registration for at bit.ly/GUS2016-group-reg.

2. Collect and deposit the payment of all the participants to the following BDO account:

Account name: Rupert Joseph R. Mella

Account number: 004580415070

3. Send the accomplished group registration form and scanned copy or photo the bank deposit slip to the dlsuces.gus@gmail.com. You may send the form first, then send the bank deposit later (on or before June 13, 2016).

FILENAME & SUBJECT: GUS_<FORM/BDS>_<School Initials>_group

e.g. if submitting both the form and bank deposit slip:

GUS2016_FORMBDS_DLSU_group

if submitting the form only (BDS to follow):

GUS2016_FORM_DLSU_group

4. Wait for an email confirming your registration. Kindly inform us if you have not received an email within two (2) working days of sending the photo of the deposit slip.

Option C: DLSU Booth Registration

From June 13-16, there will be a registration booth in DLSU where Lasallians can register (regular registration). For those who have already registered as an early bird or as a group, you may also settle your payment at the booth. Further details will be announced through Facebook page.

For more information and for interested participants, you may visit CE Focus 2016: Green Urbanization Symposium Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CEFOCUS2016/ or you can contact Ms. Danielle Tan at 0922 823 5211 for details. See you there!

Of Independence, Freedom and True Filipino Hospitality

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118 Years of Bitter-Sweet Independence

It was the 12th of June 1898, at the Balcony of the Aguinaldo residence in Kawit, when the general himself waved the first flag of the Philippines and proclaimed the independence of the country from the Spaniards. It was a bitter sweet memory as the Filipino people embraced the freedom and autonomy that many men fought and died for centuries ago – the glory of the first republic.

With some stumbling blocks along our path, here we stand at the dawn of the 16th Republic as the great grandchildren of the generations before us, enjoying the finest wine that aged through time – the wine of Democracy.

Five Years of Freedom, and Two fruitful years of True Filipino Hospitality

It is known to many foreign lands that Philippines is the most hospitable race in the planet. Every Filipino home knows how to esteemed their guest, and provide them with utmost comfort during their visit. This is a trait that made Filipinos remarkable, most especially, in the industry of Tourism and Hospitality.

And in this industry – a highly competitive one – lies a remarkable hotel located in the heart of Ortigas Central business district. A place that provides true Filipino Hospitality at its finest – The Linden Suites.

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Congratulations again to all the winners of Miss Global Philippines 2016 held on June 4, 2016 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila.

Miss Global Philippines 2016
Miss Camille Hirro

Tourism Ambassador 1st runner up
Miss Perlyn Ocampo

Tourism Ambassador 2nd runner up
Miss Janelle Olafson

Tourism Ambassador 3rd runner up
Miss Sammie Anne Legaspi

Tourism Ambassador 4th runner up
Miss Christine Horstmann

Below are the striking candidates in all their glory wearing only two piece bikinis during teh swimsuit portion of the event.

I just hope that the new government led by its new president, Rodrigo Duterte, would not abolish the swimsuit portions of every beauty pageant as we believe it is necessary to actually see what our ladies look like without clothes that would most of the time hide the imperfections or flaws. We deserve winners with beautiful bodies to be among the many factors of a beauty queen aside from being smart and having pleasing personalities.

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Agreement with MRT Line 3 expected to improve mobile internet experience of riding commuters and customers along EDSA

Above photo shows Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu (2nd from right) shakes hands with MRT Line 3 General Manager Roman Buenafe (2nd from left) following the signing of a memorandum of understanding to provide mobile internet and wifi to commuting public along EDSA. Joining them are Joel Agustin (right), Globe Senior Vice President for Project Governance and Joel Erestain, MRT Line 3 Head Executive.

Globe Telecom secured the support of the DOTC to use train stations around the metropolis to host network infrastructure that would significantly improve the mobile internet experience and connectivity of the commuting public.

The company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Metro Railway Transit (MRT), an attached agency of the Department of Transportation and Communication allowing Globe to deploy wireless internet infrastructure in all MRT Line 3 stations along EDSA.

“In line with the two organization’s commitment to continuously improve the lives of its customers and the Filipino people in general; this partnership is a milestone that is expected to improve the experience of the public riding the MRT, including those in the communities surrounding the MRT stations. With the support of government agencies such as the operators of the MRT Line 3, we hope to change the experience of our customers in high foot traffic areas and strategic locations such as public transport systems,” said Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Program Governance, Network Technical Group, noting that many of the company’s customers seek internet connectivity not only in their offices or at homes but even while they are in transit.

“By providing a reliable mobile and Wi-Fi internet connectivity, our customers will be able to catch up on emails, keep updated on online entertainment and other communication requirements to further enhance their digital lifestyle even while on their way to work or after work,” he said.

Agustin said the project will also help address existing challenges on mobile signals along EDSA especially during rush hours. The additional capacity brought by the macro sites and small cells deployment will help decongest peripheral areas around the train stations, providing improved mobile experience to customers. In addition to expanding network capacities in major areas where there is commuter traffic, Globe will also provide free Wi-Fi services in all MRT Line 3 stations. This is expected to benefit about 350,000 who will have free Wi-Fi access for 30 minutes daily.

Globe has set aside for 2016 a capital expenditure of $750 million, bulk of which will be used to boost data capacity and expand network reach. In line with its vision of ushering in a digital nation, the network build will also increase the capacity of its network for both mobile and wirelines using different technologies including 3G, LTE and Wi-Fi. In addition, Globe also launched early this year an initiative of creating an internet superhighway by deploying fiber optic cables in 20,000 barangays all over the country to provide faster and more reliable Internet access in about 2 million homes nationwide. The infrastructure build is expected to take 5 years and will extend network coverage to more areas that currently have no connection or spotty service.