Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Monday, June 27, 2016

Royal Enfield Holds Grand Opening of its First Exclusive Store in Manila

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There's an all new 972 sq.ft motorcycle showroom that recently re-opened after a major renovation. It's located at 7462 Bagtikan Street, San Antonio Village, Makati City, and it's called Royal Enfield.

We got invited to witness the grand opening and blessing of this fabulous new store that's ready to satisfy the craving of all Royal Enfield fans. Even motorcycle enthusiasts may suddenly want to purchase their own motorcycles after seeing these beauties proudly displayed at this amazing showroom where some decors came from motorcycle parts. I'm not a biker, but I might change my mine already after climbing into a few of these machines that somehow made me manly enough to want to ride it out of the store and show it off to everyone I pass on the streets.

True enough, these two-wheeled machines are works of art, and I kind of fancy the fact that we are encouraged to customize the bikes based on our preferences. That would surely bring out our imagination into the wild. I wonder what design I could think of to make these bikes stand out.

But why bother? They're already a beauty with their simplicity, yet would definitely make us look astonishingly good especially when we match it with those Royal Enfield branded shirts, jackets, boots, helmets, gloves and even belts.

I'm so excited to get an opportunity to ride one of these magnificent motorcycles as soon as they have a unit for testing.

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Introducing the Ekobuds Lifetones! Affordable audiophile-quality earphones are now within reach. With 4 different colors to choose from, these earphones will suit anyone's mood and personality.

A Good Friend To Everybody. To Anybody.

The Ekobuds LifeTones can be used with most portable audio playback devices such as smartphones, feature phones, tablets, MP3 players, and is even useful for quickly auditioning professional audio interfaces.

Extra earcaps in various sizes are provided to help you find that perfect in-ear fit.

Welcomes You To The Cool Kids' Table.

To make the Ekobuds LifeTones not only sound good, but also look good, we took advantage of advanced CNC technology to craft every hardware component with stunning precision.

Sings Your Songs Perfectly.

The Ekobuds LifeTones is able to produce its distinct deep, warm, and clear sound with the help of moving membrane coil technology that responds to bass frequencies better and amplifies them in a way that nicely complements the entire audio frequency spectrum.

SPECS:

Driver Type: Single Moving Coil
Sensitivity: 91± dB
Impendance: 16 Ω
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
Cable Length: 120cm
Plug Pin: 3.5mm

SRP: 299

beep card & BGC Bus Tie-Up, a Win for Commuters

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Bonifacio Global City (BGC) employees, residents and visitors will enjoy carrying one less card in their wallets as AF Payments Inc. officially announced that its beep™ card is now accepted in all seven BGC Bus routes. It replaced the TapBGC stored value cards.

With the objective of making beep™ an all-in-one travel card for Filipinos, AF Payments Inc. started venturing with other public transportation operators in Metro Manila. It has recently outfitted all BGC Buses with the beep payment system and completed a limited public trial from June 11 to 26. Full roll-out will happen on June 27, Monday.

BGC is a financial and lifestyle district in Taguig City. It is home to contemporary office blocks, storied high streets, and parks. It has grown into an urban oasis of unique selections for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

“We want to make going around BGC much easier for workers and other visitors by simplifying the payment system. Now that we are live, the beep™ cards they used in the MRT and LRT can be used to pay for their BGC Bus rides. It’s a win for the commuters,” said Peter Maher, CEO and president of AF Payments Inc..

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The recent Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) bout between celebrities Baron Geisler and Kiko Matos has been a much talked about topic mainly because it was intended to settle a recent dispute between the two who quarreled over what would be considered as a trivial matter gone haywire due to arrogance and pride.

However, despite the hype and ballyhoo surrounding the feud, the fight between actors Kiko Matos and Baron Geisler ended in a draw in URCC Fight Night on June 25, 2016, instead of an expected intense bloodbath to settle their differences.

The judges ruled out 19-19 unanimous decision between the two fighters at the URCC Fight Night at Valkyrie, The Palace located in Uptown Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Kiko Matos and Baron Geisler hug it out after their fight. They hugged and made peace after their fight. Is this really the end of their rift?

The verdict may have been a draw but Baron Geisler gave credit to Kiko Matos for incurring more damage.

Do they want a 3rd round to settle the score? Baron Geisler and Kiko Matos are talking about a possible rematch. Is this likely to be a publicity stunt to once again entice the people to get excited for another URCC match. Was this all for show?

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Not everyone can be a model. You need to have the "look" and "attitude" that would make you stand out among the rest. You need to be able to flaunt the outfit you are wearing to effectively promote it to the audience.

Prestige Models Management aims to train, manage, and represent aspiring individuals for them to further advance in their career in modeling.

Thus, all the training discipline you will need to be a promising model can be achieved if you join this organization which specializes on modeling.

Among the many event where the group joins to feataure their models is the Prestige Brand Ambassador 2016 Fashion Show that was held on June 18, 2016 at Fisher Mall in Quezon City and featured the James Paul Collection.

Several fashionable pieces were presented to the lucky guests who got to witness fabulous designs conceptualized by the featured designer, James Paul.

With white as the domineering color of the day, the models looked astoundingly vibrant presenting themselves and their outfits on the runway while impressed people admiringly ogle on the creatuve designs.

Microsoft and DepEd Hatch EGG - Self-Contained Classroom for Remote Areas in the Philippines

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Leading the launch of Microsoft and Department of Education's EGG, a mobile and self-contained classroom with Internet connectivity and its own water and power system, on June 24, 2016 at the DepEd Main Office are DepEd Undersecretary Rey Laguda, David Tapang Microsoft Philippines’ Education Lead and Microsoft Philippines’ Managing Director Karrie Ilagan.

This is not the first that a similar effort has been conceptualized by other organizations (both private and public) but what's new here is that the Internet connectivity will be coursed through the Whitespace technology (the unused VHF and UHF TV channels) which were recently made available when San Miguel Corporation (SMC) sold the 700 MHz frequency to telecommunication companies Smart/PLDT and Globe. Also, the Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) technology (a device that extracts water from humid ambient air. Water vapor in the air is condensed by cooling the air below its dew point, exposing the air to desiccants, or pressurizing the air. Unlike a dehumidifier, an AWG is designed to render the waterpotable) is being used to provide the water system, and solar panels for the power system.

Microsoft has also supplied Lenovo tablets for 16 seats and another 1 for the teacher or instructor. However, the seating capacity of the EGG can be maximized up to 32 students. The EGG also has a huge LED monitor to be used as additional tool in replacement of blackboards or whiteboards.

The EGG mobile classroom can completely run off-the-grid and can also double as a storm shelter for emergency cases. Below are illustrations to further show the details of the contents and functions of the EGG.

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Thanks to its many great locations, retiring in the Philippines is a no-brainer, even if you’re a foreigner

With an estimated 7,407 islands featuring gorgeous beaches, upland communities, and busy metropolises, the Philippines offers retirement options for almost any person of any lifestyle. Thousands of islands can be challenging to choose from, especially if you are a nonresident retiree. Fortunately, by taking into combined consideration cost of living, the presence of basic necessities, and the overall retirement atmosphere of an area, it becomes just a little bit easier to narrow the list down.

1. Imus, Cavite

Imus, Cavite. Photo by Ramon FVelasquez via Wikimedia Commons

Imus is an ideal retirement location because it is very close to Metro Manila (approximately 19 km south of the capital), giving foreign retirees a quiet suburb to live in that is not too far from the conveniences of the capital. Earning cityhood in 2012, Imus itself is not one to lack in lifestyle amenities, as it is currently home to 14 commercial centers. While very urbanized, Imus still retains most of its provincial charm. There are also a number of residential developments to choose from, a few of which are upcoming projects by Ayala Land, Vista Land, and Megaworld.

Rent per month: Range from Php4,000 for a two-bedroom townhouse to Php13,000 for a three-bedroom house and lot

Hospitals: 5
Commercial centers: 14

2. Bacoor, Cavite

Bacoor, Cavite. Photo by Lawrence Ruiz via Wikimedia Commons

Widely described as a bedroom community where many of its residents are employees who commute to and from Metro Manila, Bacoor is currently transitioning from being a mainly agricultural economy to one that’s focused on residential and commercial development. Property developers have been keen on developing projects in rural–urban fringes like Bacoor, which will become the future southern terminus of the Manila Light Rail Transit System. Also, part of the city will be traversed by the future Cavite–Laguna Expressway, making travel to nearby Laguna very easy.

Along with several shopping centers, the city has a number of resorts, cultural landmarks, and festivals. And similar to Imus, it is very near Metro Manila but still has a laidback, rural atmosphere, making it an ideal place for retirees.

Rent per month: Range from Php6,500 for a three-bedroom house to Php25,000 for a house in Avida Settings Cavite

Hospitals: 8
Commercial centers: 14

3. Tagaytay City

Taal Lake and Volcano as seen from Tagaytay Ridge. Photo via Shutterstock

While widely known as a tourist destination, Tagaytay City is also an ideal retirement destination thanks to its cool climate. Located in relatively short distance from Metro Manila, it is still far enough to provide the peace and quiet that many come to the area for—not to mention spectacular views of the Taal Lake and Volcano. Although Tagaytay’s popularity as a vacation spot makes it quite costly to live in compared to the other cities on this list, Cavite’s agricultural areas ensure that fresh produce here at least is very cheap. Further, if retirees suddenly feel a need to soak up some sun, the sandy coves of Nasugbu are just a short drive away.

Hospitals: 2
Commercial centers: 4 (including partially opened Twin Lakes’ retail area)

4. Cebu City

Downtown Cebu City. Photo via Shutterstock

Among the Philippines’ top three cities, Cebu may not seem like the best place for a retiree. But on the contrary, it is actually ideal because of the comprehensive urban amenities it offers. And being an island locale, it is very near a good number of tropical resorts and natural attractions, including the white sand beaches of Mactan Island. Properties can sometimes be a little costly in Cebu given that it is a major city, but this also means that there are many options available in various estates developed by some of the country’s biggest real estate companies.

Rent per month: Range from Php18,000 for a two-bedroom townhouse in Lahug to Php140,000 for a five-bedroom house in Banilad

Hospitals: At least 16 major hospitals
Commercial centers: 29

5. Santa Rosa, Laguna

Santa Rosa City poblacion area. Photo by Ramon FVelasquez via Wikimedia Commons

Another area predominantly serving as a suburban residential community of Metro Manila, Santa Rosa is situated a mere 38 kilometers south of the National Capital Region. The premiere city and hub of South Luzon, the city is often called the Makati of the South due to its economic activity sans the density and level of urbanization. The city is popular for being the location of Nuvali, a massive estate developed by Ayala Land. Sta. Rosa is also home to a number of special economic zones, industrial parks, and master-planned communities resulting in the increase of the city’s comprehensive modern amenities.

Rent per month: Range from Php19,000 for a newly built house in Avida Parkway to Php80,000 for a five-bedroom house in Pramana Residential Estates

Hospitals: 9
Commercial centers: 11

6. Calamba, Laguna

View of Mount Makiling from Calamba. Photo via Shutterstock

Calamba is often referred to as the Resort Capital of the Philippines because of its many hot spring resorts located on the slopes of Mount Makiling. However, the city has as of late come to be known as a residential destination as well, thanks to the emergence of developments like Ayala-Greenfield Estates and Ciudad Verde.

To complement the resort-like living retirees can enjoy in Calamba, its local economy is fueled by a number of lifestyle and commercial centers, providing residents’ basic needs. If the city gets too crowded for a retiree’s liking, however, the very laid-back campus of the University of the Philippines Los Baños and the National Arts Center are just a short drive away.

Rent per month: Range from Php8,000 for a one-bedroom house to Php150,000 for a six-bedroom house in Brgy. Canlubang

Hospitals: 10
Commercial centers: 9

7. Subic Freeport Zone, Zambales

Subic Bay. Photo via Shutterstock

Renowned for being a former overseas U.S. military installation, the Subic Freeport Zone is perfect for foreign retirees who want to continue their American suburban lifestyle in the Philippines. Along with its duty-free shopping, there are also a number of great schools, hospitals, and hotels and resorts in the city. While there is plenty to do and see in the Freeport Zone, probably one its biggest draws as a retirement area is the location’s cleanliness and orderliness.

Hospitals: 3
Commercial centers: 5

8. Dumaguete City

Dumaguete City. Photo via Shutterstock

More popularly known as the “City of Gentle People,” Dumaguete City is the capital and primary seaport of Negros Oriental. Typical of a provincial capital of an island province, the city is full of beach resorts and dive sites, and is considered one of the best places for beachfront living on a budget. In fact, the city was listed among some of the most affordable and ideal places to retire to in the 2014 Retire Overseas Index.

Rent per month: Range from Php13,000 to Php18,000

Hospitals: 3 (tertiary)
Commercial centers: 5

9. Bacolod City

Bacolod City. Photo via Shutterstock

Identified by the Department of Science and Technology as a center of excellence for business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology, the city hosts a number of BPO companies and voice call centers. While this has resulted in rapid urbanization, sugarcane plantations and heritage houses are still typical sights in the city. Like the island locale that it is, Bacolod also has a number of beach and resort properties suitable for retirement.

Hospitals: 10
Number of malls/commercial centers: 20

10. Cagayan de Oro City

Cagayan de Oro Press Freedom Monument. Photo by Amarkgio via Wikimedia

Cagayan de Oro City has long been Mindanao’s melting pot. Situated along the northern shores of the island, its economy is driven by agricultural activity and real estate developments, most notably commercial and leisure projects. However, the city also offers plenty of natural attractions, including white-water rafting in Cagayan de Oro River.

While highly urbanized and currently ranked the 10th most populated city in the Philippines, Cagayan de Oro is ideal for retirement thanks to still being somewhat rural and laid-back but also being a place with plenty of leisure and medical facilities. The city is also very accessible, with regular scheduled flights to Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

Rent per month: Range from Php16,000 for a fully furnished three-bedroom house to Php90,000 for a five-bedroom, 400-sqm house

Hospitals: 11
Commercial centers: 18

11. Davao City

Davao City’s Chinatown. Photo by Shubert Ciencia via Wikimedia

Arguably Mindanao’s commercial and business center, Davao City is a budding business hub and a popular tourist destination that many expat retirees have chosen as their retirement destination. It helps that the United States, Japan, Palau, and Malaysia have consular offices here. For such a fast-growing city, the cost of living in Davao is relatively affordable. The city is served by an international airport with regular scheduled flights to Manila, Cebu, and even Singapore, while it is also a jump-off point to Samal Island for those who would like a weekend R&R.

Rent per month: Range from Php18,000 to Php90,000

Hospitals: 31
Commercial centers: 18

12. Baguio City

Baguio City. Photo via Shutterstock

Although Baguio City has experienced rapid urbanization in the last two decades, the City of Pines has retained most of its old charm. It continues to have the trappings of a highland resort, such as quaint B&Bs, cozy cafés, breezy tourist spots, and fresh produce from neighboring La Trinidad Valley. This, coupled with the cool climate, makes the city popular with vacationers and retirees alike. Although it is significantly smaller than other cities like Manila or Cebu, it is by no means inconvenient. It has a good number of commercial centers, BPO centers, good schools, and hospitals within its boundaries.

Rent per month: Range from Php13,000 to Php110,500 for a forest cabin-style property

Hospitals: 5
Commercial centers: 6

13. Tagum City

Kayaking in Nabintad River, Tagum City. Photo by S5Switch via Wikimedia Commons

Although this city has always been overshadowed by its more popular neighbor Davao City, Tagum (the provincial capital of Davao Del Norte) has been getting a lot of attention in recent years. It is cited as one of the most livable cities in the Philippines, and is home to a number of festivals including one that celebrates music and another that celebrates bananas (one of its main crops is the beloved fruit enjoyed all over the world). The city also has a number of good hospitals, branches of national banks, tertiary schools, and shopping centers, and is conveniently accessible to Davao’s international airport through the Pan-Philippine Highway.

Hospitals: 6
Commercial centers: 4

14. Lipa City

Lipa City’s poblacion area. Photo by Ramon F Velasquez via Wikimedia Commons

A recreational, religious, commercial, industrial, and educational center for the province of Batangas, Lipa City offers an adequate deal of urban amenities set upon a rural backdrop. Its location between Mount Malarayat and Mount Makulot gives it a relatively cooler climate compared to its neighboring towns, making it an ideal location for leisure estates that target vacationers and retirees alike. It is home to a number of health resorts, golf estates, and gated communities.

Rent per month: A typical newly built, three-bedroom house rents for Php25,000

Hospitals: 10
Commercial centers: 2 (major shopping malls)

15. Batangas City

Port of Batangas. Photo via Wikimedia Commons

The largest city and provincial capital of Batangas, it is deemed as one of the fastest growing cities in the Philippines. Dubbed as the industrial port city of the CALABARZON region, Batangas City’s economy is mainly driven by trade, services, and manufacturing. Despite all this, the city is still relatively laid-back. Living in Batangas City gives retirees a central location that is accessible to beach resorts and trek sites. It is also the jump-off point to Puerto Galera in Mindoro Island.

Rent per month: A typical newly built, three-bedroom house rents for Php25,000

Hospitals: 5
Commercial centers: 9

Main image via Shutterstock

Saturday, June 25, 2016

Genesis: Red Carpet's Greek-Themed Champagne Pool Party

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Held at an undisclosed venue which was now announced as the Penthouse of Fairways Towers which is located in the middle of the most prestigious crest of the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) with a breathtaking view overlooking the lush verdant fairways of the Manila Golf Club, and the entire skyline sensation filled sights of the City of the future, the Geek-themed Genesis Champagne Pool Party event held on June 19, 2016 was organized by Red Carpet in celebration of their 7 years in existence - a grand anniversary celebration fit for Gods and Goddesses.

True enough, lots of glamorous men and women graced the anniversary pool party with performances from top DJs and the Fire Goddess herself, Rachel Lobangco. We also saw her equally charmingly tall and slender daughter at the event and the gorgeous Ana Capri who seemed ageless because the years were obviously so kind on her that she looked the same as the last time we saw her - and that was several years ago! Amazing!

I have to admit that I was flabbergasted with the many beautiful ladies like Chantal May, Mirtle Keith, Alenka Babskaya, Luna VDL, and a lot more.

I would have joined the lovely ladies at the pool wearing their skimpy swimsuits, but I forgot to bring my shorts. Lol!

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Congratulations to the winners of Miss Manila 2016 beauty pageant announced during the Coronation Night on June 24, 2016 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) at the CCP Complex in Pasay City.

Grand Winner : Cristelle Tolentino
1st Runner-Up : Mercegrace A. Raquel
2nd Runner-Up : Ganiel Krishnan
3rd Runner-Up : Kristel Nones Guelos
4th Runner-Up : Joanna Rabe

Partner Photographer Edmund Chua

Johnson Health Tech Circuit Pentathlon Showcases Awesome Fitness Machines

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Johnson Health Tech Inc., is among the world’s largest and fastest-growing fitness equipment manufacturers and is home to some of the most respected brands in the fitness industry, including: Matrix, Vision, Tempo and Horizon. The company manufactures a wide assortment of powerful brands of fitness equipment for both Commercial and Residential use, including treadmills, elliptical trainers, exercise bikes and strength training equipment. In addition to its manufacturing and distribution strength, JHT is a listed company in the Taiwan Stock Exchange, it is also the world’s largest specialty fitness retailer with more than 230 retail stores, with 24 wholly-owned subsidiaries, spanning 5 continents and over 60 distributors globally. JHT’s global management headquarters is based in Taichung, Taiwan, with global product development, marketing and engineering based in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, USA.

As the company aims to effectively serve their customers around the world, bringing the world’s best products to life, they recently hed the Corporate Launch of Johnson Health Tech’s 23rd wholly-owned subsidiary -JOHNSON HEALTH TECH (COMMERCIAL) PHILIPPINES, INC., on the 21st of June 2016, 3pm at the Ballroom 2 of the Fairmont Hotel in Makati,

They made the Corporate Launch a little more exciting as they challenge attendees to race against the machines and join the Johnson Health Tech (Commercial) Philippines’ first ever CIRCUIT PENTATHLON! Sled, Run, Krank, Row and Cycle. Almost everyone earned themselves a medal, and the bragging rights that comes with it, from the very first pentathlon event in the country.

I even found myself joining the circuit pentathlon like I was in tough shape to manage to stay alternately for 5 minutes on those 5 machines that were all proudly setup on stage. Being recognized with a medal for the effort is already rewarding. Thank you also for the goodies given to us after the event plus the sumptuous food served for dinner before we finally left the event with maybe a little aching joints but a sincere smile on our face.

This event is a historical undertaking for JHT, as they strive to become the best, largest and happiest fitness company in the world!

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In an effort to offer affordable computers that would fit the budget of the average Filipino, as well as reduce software piracy, PC Express, Microsoft and Intel has partnered together to bring us low-priced desktop solutions.

The PCX Brand Launch was held on June 24 at the SM City North EDSA Cyberzone and will last until June 26. It is open to the public to get a first-hand trial of the actual PCs plus a lot more interesting accessories and peripherals. There's a huge interest on their virtual reality gaming setup aside from the the small yet powerful enough Intel NUC or PCX Cobalt computer solution which practically shrunk the desktop into a very small size.

They have desktop solutions with prices around 12k - perfectly in time for this school year when most students will be cramming for assignments, research works, thesis and similar activities which would require them to make use of computers as their tool in preparing documents and for browsing the Internet for information.

The desktop solution packages takes advantage of their "Orig Na, Mura Pa" tagline bringing forth discounted prices on both hardware and software especially from Microsoft.

I was able to try out most of these setups and was especially thrilled with the virtual reality gaming sections. I personally would like to buy one for myself and it would be fun to be able to bring home that marvelous setup.

Representatives from PC Express, Microsoft, and Intel were present to give short messages. Jesse Tan, VP of Sales & Marketing and one of the two founders of PC Express hosted the event. I will update this blog posts as soon as I get the names of the people who went up on stage to share their short speech.

Stars Shine Bright And Walk In Style On Sony Channel

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This July, catch all your favourite stars and glamour of the rich and famous as Sony Channel brings you the 3rd season of Stars in Style.

The best designers and stylists talk about fashion at the most important Hollywood events. See them as they rate each star’s evolution in style and the best and worst dressed of each occasion. From red carpet premieres to film festivals and other fashionable gatherings, Stars in Style shines the light on the iconic pieces and enviable attire that ever walked the runway.

Stars in Style premieres July 4 and airs Monday to Thursday at 8:20pm, first and exclusive on Sony Channel.

Sony Channel is available on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cable Link Channel 39.

Cemex Holdings Philippines, Inc. Obtains SEC Pre-Effective Approval for Its IPO

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On 17 June 2016, the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued the pre-effective approval for the proposed Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) of CEMEX Holdings Philippines, Inc. (“CHP”). CHP is offering up to 2,032,980,830 common shares with a par value of Php1.00 per share with a stabilization option of up to 304,947,124 common shares (collectively, the “Offer Shares”) representing up to 45% of CHP’s capital stock. Also on 17 June 2016, the Philippine Stock Exchange (“PSE”) approved CHP’s initial listing application for the listing of its shares on the PSE as announced in the PSE’s website on June 20, 2016. The PSE’s approval is subject to CHP’s compliance with all post-approval requirements of the PSE.

Proceeds from the IPO would be used by CHP to pay debt owed to a subsidiary of CHP’s ultimate parent company and/or to pay any debt used to refinance the debt owed to the subsidiary of CHP’s ultimate parent company, which may include debt owed to BDO Unibank, Inc. and/or CHP’s principal shareholder. Citigroup Global Markets Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Singapore Branch and J.P. Morgan Securities PLC serve as the Joint Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners and BDO Capital & Investment Corporation serves as the Domestic Lead Underwriter for the transaction.

CHP is one of the leading cement producers in the Philippines, based on installed annual capacity. CHP produces and markets cement and cement products, such as ready-mix concrete and clinker, in the Philippines through direct sales using its extensive marine and land distribution network. Moreover, CHP’s cement manufacturing subsidiaries have been operating in the Philippines for over 17 years, and have well established brands, such as "APO," "Island," and "Rizal," each of which has a multi-decade history in the country.

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Paris is this year’s Global Earth Hour Capital. WWF’s Earth Hour City Challenge recognizes the “City of Light” as a role model for climate action and awards Paris for its ambitious vision and successful engagement with business, civil society and other cities on its journey toward sustainability.

Paris hosted last year’s historic global climate summit and has shown strong climate leadership, creating a model for other city governments to replicate. In addition to setting up an effective centralized Climate Agency, ensuring clean vehicles, extending public transportation and developing waste-to-fuel conversion, Paris has also incorporated a regular review process to ensure that the city is on track to meet its sustainability goals as well as the current and future needs of its citizens.

“As the world works to bring the Paris climate agreement into action, the ‘City of Light’ is leading by example,” said Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International. “Winning WWF’s Earth Hour City Challenge reflects Paris’ commitment to inspire global action to reduce emissions and build environmental sustainability through green urban development.”

Selected from a shortlist of 18 national finalists, Paris impressed the international jury with its innovative actions, long-term vision and willingness to collaborate and share knowledge capital with cities around the globe.

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This was the strong statement of Akbayan Youth against Senator-elect Manny Pacquiao on Friday as it recalled the shooting that happened in a gay club in Orlando in the United States last June 12. The shooting claimed 49 lives, many of which were members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender [LGBT] community.

The statement was released in commemoration of June as LGBT Pride Month.

According to the youth group, the celebrated boxer is guilty of committing hate speech against the LGBT that could potentially incite violence among his many supporters.

Early this year, Pacquiao came under fire when he called gays as “worse than animals” in an interview during the campaign for his bid to the Senate. Pacquiao also posted on his Instagram account a quote from Letivicus that prescribes that gays “should be put to death”. The said post has long been deleted after receiving flak from the online community.

Yesha Tolentino, Akbayan Youth’s spokesperson for LGBT concerns, claimed that Pacquiao’s “homophobic public pronouncements are loading the guns that will kill gays and lesbians”. She also said that sooner or later, Pacquiao’s hate speech will inspire others to take a violent stance against people who identify as LGBT.