DOE Buckles Down To Work

Wazzup Pilipinas!

To jumpstart efforts to further improve electricity services in Manila and its nearby provinces, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi discussed today with Manila Electric Company officials at the DOE compound in this city the July rate changes and how to address the problem of “flying connections” within the power company’s franchise area. 

This is in line with the mandate of the Duterte administration to ease the plight of electricity consumers, especially those belonging to the marginalized sectors. 

Present during the meeting with DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi were (L-R): Meralco Senior Corp. Communications Associate Michael D. Garcia, NASECORE President Pete Ilagan, DOE Energy Chief of Staff Jesus P. Posadas, Meralco Public Information Office Head Joe R. Zaldarriaga and Meralco Utility Economics Head Lawrence S. Fernandez.

Announcing the 5th Annual WebGeek DevCup 2016

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For the fifth consecutive year, WebGeek will host its annual hackathon, DevCup, on August 20-21, 2016 at the Meralco Multi-purpose Hall in Ortigas.

DevCup aims to bring together amazing developers, designers, and technology professionals to create innovative apps and showcase the Philippine developer talent. Participants are provided with a theme in which they must develop their app and they are given two days to complete their app to be presented to the judges.

Last 2015, 70 teams battled it out for the DevCup championship title. Out of the 70 registered teams, 60 apps were presented at the end of the event for the judges to select. The winning team of Jose Marco Padillo, Giovanni Angelo Balaguer and Micah Andrew Bule of Cynder, presented their app First Response which provides crowdsourced notifications for information dissemination during a disaster or calamity . On second place are Jezer Crespo, Marc Levinson B. Suarez, Reynaldo Del Rosario Jr of Xudoer with Xonar and CodeBuddy was third place with Connectify, with members Patrick Ofilada and Rommel David.

Jujeath Nagaowa Ready to be the Face of Filipina MMA Fighters

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Benguet-native Jujeath Nagaowa who has a 2-0 record for MMA, having fought for another international MMA organization is back in action with Las Vegas-based World Series of Fighting Global (WSOF Global). Her much anticipated comeback is slated on July 30 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum for WSOF GC 3’s Philippines vs. The World Fight.

Her MMA fans would remember her exciting bouts in her previous fights, wherein she would compete for the undercard. Most fans recall that they had to make sure that they arrive at the stadium on time to catch her fight, which was usually the first one in a card of ten matches. Fans from up North would also trek down to Manila just to watch her fight.

The Philippines has yet to see its best Filipina MMA fighter. Jujeath Nagaowa is its best bet. A trained boxer and a former titleholder for the Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) light flyweight division, she was also a former WBC Asian Boxing Council Female Atomweight titleholder. She was once interviewed in Wall Street Journal, which had a headline that read, ‘Female Boxer Fights to Open Mixed Martial Arts Doors for Filipino Women’.

Nagaowa says, “I’m more than ready, I’ve been waiting to stage a comeback. Buong puso ko at buong isip ko ibibigay ko sa laban na ito. Gusto ko ipakita sa kababayan natin na kaya ng Pilipina lumban sa mag taga ibang bansa.” Jujeath is set to go against Japanese MMA fighter Yuko Kiryu, in WSOF GC3’s fight card, which highlights Philippines vs. the World.

SPARTA Presents Biggest Calisthenics Event in the Country, Hari ng Baras

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SPARTA Calisthenics Academy (SCA), which is housed in the hectare-wide sports facility - SPARTA along Pioneer Avenue in Mandaluyong City, is set to present another groundbreaking calisthenics event in the country, called HARI NG BARAS.

SPARTA Calisthenics Academy created the biggest gathering of calisthenics practitioners and followers last year, when it launched its SPARTA Battle of the Bars event. The event saw an attendance of 300 followers and participants. It sparked an interest in the fitness industry after thefirst calisthenics event was held in the country, and this year, it expects to have a “bigger and better event”, this according to Amanda Fernandez, owner of SPARTA.

“Since last year’s event, I feel more people have practiced their endurance, strength, and creativity. I can't wait to see how the past contestants improved since the last calisthenics competition. We may even have those who couldn't make it last year finally come by this year”, Fernandez continues.

SPARTA Calisthenics Academy’s Founder Ton Vergel de Dios says, “SPARTA Hari ng Baras this year is a level up from SPARTA Battle of the Bars last November. This year, a mobile bar set up will be used outdoors for the event. The rig was designed specifically for showcasing skills and strength with bodyweight movements.”

“Competitors from last year's battle of the bars can expect tougher competition this year at SPARTA Hari ng Baras. There will be athletes coming from all over the country including Baguio and Iloilo”, Vergel de Dios adds.

Participants who are part of Philippine Street Workout and Calisthenics Association or PSWCA may register for free while non-members may easily join the group or pay a small fee to join the reps battles. 1x1 and 2x2 skills battles registration is nearly complete and those interested may message SPARTA Philippines on Facebook.

Prizes at stake include cash prize, gear from 2xu and Vamos socks. Event sponsors include Vita Coco and Gatorade.

SPARTA is located along Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong City. For more information, please call 6553799 or 0977-7634402.

Boracay Youth Soars to Podium Finish at Kiteboarding World Championships

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Young water sport champ Christian Tio reached for the skies and the top spot, finishing third in the U19 (under 19) Men’s category, at the 2016 Kiteboarding Youth Cup (KYC) held from June 27 to July 3, 2016 at Camping La Ballena Alegre in the coastal region of Costa Brava, Spain. Maxime Chabloz from Switzerland and Roman Giuliano from France came in at first and second places, respectively.

The first four days saw Tio, a Boracay native and the Philippines’ first-ever Red Bull international sponsored athlete, weathering unfavorable wind conditions and rendered him initially unable to complete a full run on testy waters. In time, the tides turned and Tio pulled through with an impressive combination of his signature moves – easily knocking out his quarter-final competitor but failing to surprass the Frenchman Giuliano in the Semi-Finals due to sporadic winds and consistency.

Tio has competed and ranked number 2 in the world twice before: in the consecutive riding seasons of 2014 and 2015 at what was then dubbed the Junior Virgin Kitesurfing World Championships also held in Costa Brava.

Organizers of the KYC, recognizing 15-year-old Tio’s above average skill level, moved him up from the U17 (under 17) category to the U19. Despite the age discrepancy, the young athlete was still the number 1 seed among fellow competitors – further proof of his exceptional, world-class talent.

#BawatBato: Millennials Join Campaign Against Marcos Burial at LNMB

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This Wednesday, 6 July 2016, Wednesday, 4:30 PM In front of Vinsons Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City, millennials take the call and join the campaign against the burial of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng nga Bayani.

Join youth leaders as they lay stones with the names of their fellow youth and student leaders who became heroes and martyrs under the Marcos dictatorship, below the “Monumento ng mga Bayani”, in front of the Vinzons Hall.

This solemn action follows the #BawatBato initiative done last Sunday which campaigns against the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

The activity will be joined by former CHR Chairperson Loretta “Etta” Rosales, along with other ML activists and prominent human rights defenders. Participating groups include Martial Law Chronicles Project, Claimants 1081, Task Force Detainess, PAHRA, SAMASA Alumni, Bantayog ng mga Bayani, Alyansa UP Diliman, Akbayan Youth, Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking, and Filipinos against Historical Revisionism.

Get on the Bigger and Better GoSURF50

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Customers can now enjoy 1GB data for surfing plus unlimited all-net texts.

Globe Prepaid’s top selling GoSURF50 promo is now upgraded and supersized with 1 GB of mobile data for surfing alongside unlimited all-net texts and Free Facebook for just 50 pesos, valid for 3 days.

The new GoSURF50 is packed with more than double the data at 1 GB compared to its original 350 MB allocation, together with unlimited All-Net Texts and Free Facebook. GoSURF50’s 1 GB of data gives customers 700 MB to surf all sites while the remaining 300 MB can be used to access free content from the roster of lifestyle packs available.

Customers can choose from lifestyle packs such as Social (access to Snapchat); Chat (Viber); Music (Spotify); Video (YouTube + Daily Motion); and Games (Clash Royale, Clash of Clans)

Starting July 2, customers can subscribe to the new GoSURF50 and choose their free content via *143#. To check remaining MBs just send GoSURF STATUS to 8888. Customers will be notified immediately upon consuming 100% of the MB allocation.

To know more about the new GoSURF50 visit glbe.co/B1GGERGoSURF. For Globe Prepaid’s latest offers, visit http://www.globe.com.ph/surf/plan/gosurf50.

Discovery Channel Brings Extra Speed and Extra-Terrestrial Sightings this July

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After the road action, take a step back and explore another side of life – or even life beyond our planet.

NASA’s Unexplained Files dares to figure out the age-old mystery of outer space life. Astronauts and scientists come together in this one-hour special to try to uncover the truth behind personal sightings and NASA records of UFOs and extra-terrestrial life. Seek the truth through NASA’s Unexplained Files as it premieres July 13 and airs Wednesdays, 9pm.

Meanwhile, Idris Elba has a need for speed.

This month, viewers can go for a ride with this Hollywood superstar as he explores the history and mysteries of cars in Idris Elba: King of Speed. This documentary, all fueled with adrenaline, takes on the underground racing scene and ties speed history and modern driving culture together. Watch Idris drive on the edge as he takes the wheel and learns Japanese drifting and test drives incredible cars - an elite American NASCAR vehicle, a vintage Ford V8 and a Metro 6R4 - all with the help of some friends.

Catch Idris as he takes the ride of his life on Idris Elba: King of Speed airing Thursdays, 9pm, starting July 7. 

Shark Week Returns June 27 with Jawmazing Lineup on Discovery Channel

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Shark Week holds a week-long of exciting shows. Premiering on June 27, Monday at 8pm is The Return of Monster Mako, which centers on the transformation of giant mako sharks, also called granders, and the adventures of Joe Romeiro’s team as he jumps into the deep blue at night to get more close and personal. Isle of Jaws, which airs June 27, Monday at 9pm, follows Emmy award-winning cinematographer, Andy Casagrande and his team, through his discovery of male great white sharks off an uncharted island.

On June 28, Tuesday at 8pm, Jaws of the Deep showcases the world’s largest great white shark, Deep Blue from the lenses of two robot subs that can dive up to 2000 feet. Airing on June 28, Tuesday at 9pm is Tiger Beach, an exciting and revealing show about 40 tagged and tracked tiger sharks, some passive, some aggressive, but all powerful.

Wrath of a Great White Serial Killer air on June 29, Wednesday at 8pm. Shark experts hope to find an explanation behind the migration of great white sharks to the far north, specifically the Pacific Northwest. On June 29,Wednesday at 9pm, Sharks vs. Dolphins: Face Off airs. This show intends to bring to light the truth behind the relationship and behavior of sharks and dolphins toward each other.

Air Jaws: Night Stalker, which premiers June 30, Thursday at 8pm, is back with Chris Fallows for his 8th Air Jaws escapade, along with his team, for a night adventure with the sharks, discovering how they hunt at night in total darkness. It is narrated by Lena Headey from Game of Thrones. Catch Deadliest Shark as it airs on June 30, Thursdayat 9pm, and get a history lesson from Dr. Michael Domeier and Dr. Barry Bruce as they explore the supposed deadliest sharks in the world, the white tip sharks. Their very lives are in danger as they dive dangerous waters.

On July 1, Friday at 8pm, Nuclear Sharks premieres, showing the travels of Philippe Cousteau, the grandson of legendary underwater explorer and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau, and his wife, Ashlan, to Bikini Atoll. Exploring a once nuclear bombed marine environment, the team uncover reef sharks, which are supposedly non-migratory. Aside from this, the couple discovers illegal fishing activities affecting the sharks and their well-being. Lastly, Jungle Shark premieres July 1, Friday at 9pm. In this show, viewers can see bull sharks in a different light, rather, in different waters. Dr. Craig O'Connell and Andy Casagrande figure out why baby bull sharks swim up to the Serena River and how they deal with the crocodiles in that habitat. Shark Week also unearths something that could possibly save human lives.

New DOE Chief: We Will Serve The People

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“The measure of the Energy Family’s success under the Duterte Administration is how well we serve the electricity and fuel needs of the people,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi emphasized today during the flag-raising and turnover ceremonies at the Department of Energy (DOE).

In line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s policy directives, Cusi will see to it that corruption, drugs and criminality will have no place within the DOE organization first and foremost.

The permitting processes for electric power and fuel operations where the DOE and other government agencies are involved should be transparent and predictable because at the end of it all, the electricity and fuel consumers are the ones waiting to be served, he said.

Cusi also wants to take a look at the electricity being charged for the depressed areas where the less privileged may be exploited by the unscrupulous.

Before Cusi was appointed as the new Energy Secretary, he was the Chairman of Starlite Ferries, Inc., which started operations in 1995 plying the Batangas-Calapan, Mindoro and Roxas-Caticlan routes.

Today, Starlite Ferries, based in Batangas, is leading the way in modernizing the Philippine maritime industry with the acquisition of brand-new roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) inter-island vessels from Japan.

Pay On Time, Save Your Dime With Home Credit’s SM Hulugan Pinagaan

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Pay monthly installments on time and waive your last one or two installments

Global consumer financing company Home Credit Philippines, in partnership with SM Appliance Center, brings the newest gadgets, home appliances, and other electronics right at the tip of your fingers with SM Hulugan Pinagaan. Customers can get a hold of today’s home and gadget must-haves in an easy, simple and fast way, made even more affordable in selected SM Appliance stores as the last one or two installments are waived when monthly payments are made in a timely manner.

As part of its financial literacy advocacy, Home Credit highly encourages its customers to become good and responsible payers, and rewards those who do. With this exclusive offer for customers who choose to pay for their product through a loan term of 12 months, the last installment will be waived if the first 11 payments have been made on time. Whereas for those who prefer a loan term of 24 months, the last two payments are waived if the first 22 payments are paid on time.

According to Home Credit Philippines Head of Sales Adam Bernasek, this is the company’s way of encouraging their customers to be more financially savvy. “This is to highlight that being financially responsible is very rewarding – you save money by simply being responsible with your payments. We hope they take advantage of our special offer so they can avail of the things they need through Home Credit’s affordable installment loans. “

Datu Puti Adobo Movement Taken to the Next Level Adobo’s Best Awarded at Mercato Centrale

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How much do you love your Adobo?

In celebration of the cultural gastronomic heritage that is the Adobo, NutriAsia’s Datu Puti put Pinoys to task in finding and feting the best adobo recipes at the recent Datu Puti Adobo Challenge held last Saturday, June 11, at the Mercato Centrale food market in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Co-presented with Mercato Central and Our Awesome Planet, The Datu Puti Adobo Challenge was part of the thrust to take the Datu Puti Adobo Movement a step further this 2016. Launched in 2015, the Datu Puti Adobo Movement was created to push for Adobo to be our pambansang ulam. It is a movement that hits close to home because Adobo is a dish that is as personal, as it is national. Each household has its own signature Adobo, and the shared flavor defines families, identifies us as Filipinos, and boosts us as a nation. This event is also supported by partners Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (PCHM) and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

The push for Adobo has reached much acclaim and has even been echoed by efforts in Congress. In fact, Bohol First District Representative Rene Relampagos filed House Bill 3926 in 2014, which sought to formally declare it as the national dish. The Datu Puti Adobo Movement has drawn support for the bill through a petition since the launching of the advocacy in June 2015. 

Narantungalag Jadambaa Stops Eric Kelly With Emphatic Knockout

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The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), returned to China for another electrifying evening of world-class mixed martial arts action. The packed Hefei Olympic Sports Center played host to another edition of ONE: DYNASTY OF CHAMPIONS, as top local and international ONE athletes took to the cage to showcase their skills. In the main event, former ONE Featherweight World Champion Narantungalag Jadambaa delivered a stunning knockout victory over top Filipino featherweight Eric Kelly.

Visit the official ONE: DYNASTY OF CHAMPIONS (HEFEI) photo gallery by clicking: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ivh34n9pza3q94o/AADwuMwRg-gnDecd5AIBoQyTa?dl=0

In the main event of ONE: DYNASTY OF CHAMPIONS (HEFEI), former ONE Featherweight World Champion Narantungalag Jadambaa needed less than a minute to dispatch top Filipino featherweight contender Eric “The Natural” Kelly, winning via emphatic knockout in a much-awaited contest between elite ONE Championship athletes. Despite Kelly’s willingness to exchange strikes, Jadambaa showcased his monstrous knockout power with an explosive right hand and a thunderous follow-up shot that prompted the referee to call off the fight in less than a minute.

In the Hefei Flyweight Tournament Final Bout, Bu Huo You Ga earned a unanimous decision after two rounds to be crowned tournament champion. After a careful start from both fighters, things began to open up when Li landed two huge high kicks. Bu countered with a huge takedown to get Li to the mat, with the two fighters going on to exchange strikes and positions. The second round saw much of the same back-and-forth action, with Bu Huo You Ga doing just enough to edge Li in a unanimous decision victory.

Put Your Emotions in Pole Position to Enter the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Experience

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It doesn’t matter if you’re driving a Ferrari on the race track or racing a toy car in the playground, the thrill and adventure behind the wheel brings out instinctual emotions and memories in every passionate driver.

To connect consumers’ emotions with Michelin’s passion for driving, Michelin is launching the “MICHELIN Driving Passion” Facebook campaign.

Showcasing motoring enthusiasts from around the world and tapping into their love for driving, the “MICHELIN Driving Passion” Facebook campaign aims at igniting conversation about passions behind the wheel.

The campaign features 4 short videos showcasing drivers from all backgrounds ranging from 24 Hours of Le Mans 2015 Winner (Earl Bamber) and Singapore’s only female race car driver (Claire Jedrek) to Thai motorsport enthusiast (Dr. Top Nathasedh Poonsapmanee) and 7 times Guinness World Speed Record Holder (Mike Newman). 

You can join the Michelin Driving Passion Facebook Campaign. Here’s how:

Simply watch the 4 videos featuring Michelin ambassadors’ excitement and driving passion. Like each video and comment on www.facebook.com/MichelinDrivingPassion, sharing your own passion, emotions, sensations and memories of your driving experiences.

The best comments, the most inspiring stories and images will be rewarded with the ultimate driving experience: a day at the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Experience event (MPSE) 2016.

Business Law Conference, Now on its 3rd Year

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Following the success of the Second Business Conference, Ley La Salle, DLSU’s premier professional organization for Legal Management students and future lawyers, is currently gearing up for the upcoming launch of its Third Business Law Conference.

Looking to educate its participants on business start ups and expansion, this year’s edition of the Business Law Conference will focus on “Millennials Towards Building a Nation”. Ley La Salle hopes that the conference will serve as a great opportunity to prepare the youth on becoming future business and government leaders and bring change in this country in relation to a possible implementation of Federalism in the country. As we head towards a more progressive and business-minded future, it is only right that the youth be presented with an opportunity to be empowered.

The Business Law Conference 2016 will be held on July 15, 2016 from 8:30a.m. to 12:00p.m. for the first session and 1:00p.m. to 4:30p.m. for the second session at the 5th Floor, Henry Sy Sr. Hall, De La Salle University, Manila. The speakers for the event are entrepreneurs and other notable personalities from both the business and legal field.

For more details, contact Kaye Palad at (0916) 645 6637 or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LEYLASALLEBLC.

By Patrick Ranchez