GQWest Implements Resource Conservation Measures

Wazzup Pilipinas!

GQWest Inc the country's premiere water franchising company has taken another step towards greening its operations by installing resource conservation methods in its Superstore.

As part of its Green Mindset Program the company installed solar panels and a system of underground and overhead cisterns to reduce its resource consumption. The company's Superstore located in Lincoln street Quezon City is its industrial grade water station that caters to its institutional clients like SM malls and Globe Telecom.

The solar panels installed will allow the company to reduce its electrical consumption. At the same time, the cisterns installed will store rainwater and help reduce water consumption and eliminate wastage. The company expects to benefit from these twin measures as it seeks to pair environmental sustainability and greater operational efficiency.

Since it began operations, the company has been committed to reducing its carbon footprint through its Green Mindset Program. Apart from its latest initiatives the company has also been a longtime supporter of environmental NGO's like Haribon having regularly participated with the group's tree planting program.

Register and Vote for Sangguniang Kabataan

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Inspired by the popular movie franchise Superman, Akbayan Youth trooped to Comelec national headquarters today to mark the ‘return’ of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and call for the active participation of young people for the upcoming local youth council elections in October 2016.

“A better, bolder and stronger SK awaits young people”, said Von Yacob, Akbayan Youth spokesperson for SK affairs. “We are excited to participate in the SK elections because after several postponements and an enacted SK reform law, it is finally here”, he added.

The SK Reform Law was signed by then President Aquino last year, championed by Akbayan Partylist in the House of Representatives and Senator Bam Aquino in the Senate.

The reformed youth institution is historical, being the first enabling law against political dynasties. Among the reforms are the expansion of the age-range from 15-30 years old and the creation of local youth development councils.

Akbayan Youth is positive that the SK will impact youth development to the community level. Yacob urged young people to participate in the budgeting process in forwarding their agenda. The Local Government Code allots 10% of barangay funds to youth development programs and projects.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set the registration for the barangay and SK elections from July 15 to 30 of this year. The youth group, on the other hand, urged Comelec to conduct massive voters’ registration drive so as not to disenfranchise young people.

“We should get the information out there”, the youth group said in a statement. “15 days of voters’ registration may not be enough if people are not informed”, Yacob argued.

Akbayan Youth also recommended that Comelec partners with the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to excuse students when they register to vote during school hours.

Government Partners with Telcos on Creation of Emergency Hotline 911

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Globe Telecom signed an agreement with the government to support the creation of a new nationwide emergency hotline number, which is 911, to replace Patrol 117.

Effectively, the use of 911 will begin August 1, which is also the commencement of the transition period. Globe also agreed to provide technical support during the period.

In addition, Globe also agreed to support a recommendation to be submitted to President Duterte for the issuance of a new Executive Order transferring the authority of the Patrol 117 Commission to a new legal entity to handle the 911 system.

Aside from Globe, other signatories to the agreement are the country’s major telecommunications providers that include the company’s units Bayan Telecommunications and Innove. Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu signed the agreement for Globe.

“As a telecommunications provider, Globe recognizes that communication is critical for an emergency response mechanism to be effective. We are hopeful that the 911 system will be an effective tool in addressing the country’s emergency concerns,:” said Cu.

Signatories on the government side include Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Rodolfo Salalima, National Telecommunications Commission Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, among others. Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez served as a witness.

Created in 2002, Patrol 117 is the country’s emergency hotline number for incidents like police assistance, fires, medical, calamities, and other emergencies. The system is supervised by the DILG.

Registration for Barangay & Sangguniang Kabataan Elections Starts July 15

Wazzup Pilipinas! 

"Voter registration is a non-partisan activity. It is a voter-empowerment affair; increasing the size of the electorate; broadening democracy."
Based on Commision on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution no. 10148, the COMELEC will conduct the Barangay Elections on October 31, 2016 pursuant to Republic Act (RA) no. 9340 entitled 'An Act Amending RA no. 9164, Resetting the Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections, and for Other Purposes.'

Because of new SK Reform Law, all individuals ages 18 to 30 years of age will vote at both Barangay and SK elections. The 16-day registration starts on July 15. 2016 and ends on July 31, and can be done at any COMELEC office from 8 am to 5 pm, including Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. This is open to everyone who hasn't been previously registered and those who need to have their status reactivated. Registered voters as of May 9, 2016 NLE shall automatically be included in the list of voters. Previously registered voters do NOT have to register anew; but you might have to REACTIVATE your registration if deactivated.

Four million young voters are likely to register for the SK elections and two million for the barangay polls. Voters must be Filipino citizens, residing for at least six months in the barangay where they intend to vote on election day and not disqualified by law.

The scheduled barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections later this year may call for a higher budget, given the need for more poll workers and the implementation of a new law giving higher honoraria for them. The COMELEC has earmarked the cost to around P695 million for printing and delivery of election forms and ballot boxes both elections.

There were clamors to move the SK election by COMELEC Commissioner Andres Bautista himself, but it seems it was not substantial to delay the inevitable.

SK Elections Calendar of Activities:

▪️Voters' Registration - July 15-31, 2016
▪️Filing of Candidacy - October 3-5, 2016
▪️Campaign Period - October 21-29, 2016
▪️SK Elections - October 31, 2016 7AM-3PM

Age bracket for Barangay voters: 18y/o & up
Age bracket for SK Voters: 15-30y/o
Age bracket for SK candidates: 18-24

WSI Is Authorized Distributor of Polycom Products

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The above photo shows WSI President Juan Chua receiving a certificate from Regional Manager Thep Ritrangka of Polycom to formalize its designation as authorized distributor of Polycom products in the Philippines - From L-R, Frederick So, Country Sales Manager of Polycom; Juan Chua, President of WSI, and Thep Ritrangkla, Regional Manager of Polycom.

Polycom is one of the most popular provider of voice/video conferencing solutions, and the day was also focused on the presentation of Polycom's newest solutions including demos on the capability of their video cameras to track currently active voice so it can zero in on the one speaking during a video conference, the 360 degree video coverage capability, and lots more features which were shown by Sales Engineer Kim Malinao using a live collaboration with their counterpart located in India.  The Polycom solutions include RealPresence Debut, Trio 8800, Media Suite and Web Suite. 

The event was hosted by WSI Marketing Manager Jacqueline Sy-Tong, and WSI Procuct Specialist Erashee Ritchie gave an introductory message to officially start the event.

More information will be published as soon as they send us their official press release.

Watch out for our video interviews with the key personalities of this partnership soon at our YouTube channel at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas

From the interview, we learned that WSI as the longest-running IT distributor in the country, and the fast-paced development in technology specifically in collaboration solutions that can be incorporated in many industries including health and education. However, we are disappointed with our continued dependence on bandwidth for better voice and video conferencing which can only be achieved if we have tolerable connectivity. Here is another shout-out to our telecommunication providers to implement better infrastructures so that all these technologies can be fully utilized.

More photos are available at our official Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas

Hospitals Should Admit Emergency-Case Patients or Face Severe Penalties

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Hospitals may face harsher penalties and even revocation of their license to operate if they continue to refuse admission to patients who fail to make advance payments or deposit.

The bill amending Republic Act 8344 or ‘An Act Prohibiting Demand of Deposits or Advance Payments for the Confinement or Treatment of Patients in Hospitals and Medical Clinics in Certain Cases’ was filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros. Hontiveros, a known health advocate, said that she is ready to go against private hospitals “if lives and rights of patients are at stake”.

Erring hospital administrators may face up to 6 years imprisonment, a fine of 1 million pesos and on repeated violations may cause revocation of the license to operate. On a lighter note, however, Hontiveros shared that her proposed legislation would provide incentives to hospitals that comply, including tax deductions, to encourage the partnership of public and private hospitals to close the healthcare gap.

The newly-elected senator said that the strengthening of the current law against hospital deposits is urgent, citing cases of private and public health facilities refusing to admit patients that have led to miscarriage and death. “We will expand the definition of ‘emergency’ by including women in active labor and at risk of miscarriage and fetal distress”, Hontiveros explained.

“Providing healthcare should not be just a money venture; it should first and foremost be a public service”, Hontiveros said. Hospitals have a social responsibility of contributing to the accessibility and availability of healthcare services in the country, she concluded.

Appstart Academy: Creating Apps and Bridging Gaps

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In our world, there are those who create and design bridges. Structures that are integral in getting others to their destinations. Coming as a mission to help others erase the distance between them and their goals, Technopreneur Ann Jacobe along with her team have built a school from the ground up, a school that will launch students in the ever changing world of App Development- Appstart Academy.

 

An Awesome Headstart

Appstart Academy is built with the concept of progression in mind. With a constantly-evolving program that fits well with the demands of the times. To set things off is a 12-week immersive program that will enable students to launch their own iOS app in the said timeframe. “We believe that the process is as precious as the outcome. You will create as you learn and we are looking forward to that.” says Ann Jacobe. 

Breaking and Reaching

Opening their doors this coming June 20, this is more than just a school, it’s a place where barriers are broken and goals are reached. Where visionaries can finally make their ideas happen, where everything can now be applied to something actual and workable. With a roster of knowledgeable iOS experts and the vast international network, students can launch their dream apps soon. 

Going Global

Equipped with competitive learning strategies that match international standards, Appstart Academy guarantees an immersive learning experience that can catapult their students to global status. Appstart Academy is designed to introduce each student to vast and rich fields of opportunities here in the Philippines and beyond. With globally competitive apps under their belts at the end of the program, the possibilities are endless.

Appstart Academy is located at Unit 221 Atrium Bldg, Makati Avenue, Makati Philippines

Interested parties may visit http://www.appstartacademy.io/ or call (02) 828 2298 for inquiries.

Ethiopian Airlines Anticipates its Dreamliner Service with 787 Dream Adventure Treat

Wazzup Pilipinas!
In time for its 70th anniversary globally and first in the Philippines, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline and aviation technology leader, is about to welcome its 787 Dreamliner, a new generation Boeing aircraft, to service the Manila – Addis Ababa Route. To celebrate this milestone, Ethiopian Airlines is offering travel deals from Manila to dream destinations in Africa, America and Europe via Ethiopian Airlines 787 Dream Adventure Treat.

For a minimum spend of $787 [US Dollar] for Economy Class and $1787 [US Dollar] for Business Class, passengers from Manila are given roundtrip travel opportunities to over 90 international destinations all over the world including Addis Ababa, Cairo and Capetown in Africa; Paris, Rome, Madrid, London and Frankfurt in Europe; and Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Toronto and Sao Paulo in the Americas.

For flights with long layovers, Ethiopian Airlines provides a free stopover to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, which covers meals and transit visas.

Ethiopian Airlines also provides travel time-out opportunities to passengers who would like to break their journey to explore and stay longer in Addis Ababa for an additional fee. Tour recommendations are generously provided to those interested to explore the country.

Ethiopian Airlines has won various awards for its exceptional international services, playing a significant role in connecting Africa to the rest of the globe. Winning the 2016 and 2013 Skytrax Award for Best Airline Staff Service in Africa, and the Passenger’s Choice Award for Best Airline, it operates new, ultra-modern, and environment-friendly aircraft and provides exceptional in-flight service for both economy class and “Cloud Nine” (business class) passengers.

For its exclusive 787 Dream Adventure promo, Economy Class flyers get to enjoy a total of 46kg baggage allowance, inclusive of fresh and varied meals of the highest quality, and a complete range of beverages including a choice of excellent red and white wine.

Ethiopian Airlines passengers flying on “Cloud Nine”, its Business Class service, are entitled to 64-66kg baggage allowance, a personal in-flight entertainment system, full-course meals made by proficient and experienced chefs, and a selection of signature drinks that can be enjoyed as aperitif or compliment to their meals.

For flight bookings, please visit www.ethiopianairlines.com or call the Ethiopian Airlines Reservations Office (632)8489878/79, (632)5222095 or (632) 5224869. For more information on destination packages to Ethiopia, please visit https://www.ethiopianholidays.com/

Promo period is from 15 July 2016 to 15 August 2016. Travel period is from 1 August 2016 to 1 August 2017.

Surfing the Menu: Next Generation on TLC

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This July 18, Dan Churchill and Hayden Quinn of Surfing the Menu: Next Generation are taking you to an exciting adventure in Australia with GiGi, their trusty, rusty fifty-year-old VW Bug.

On the journey they learn to sail, four-wheel-drive in the desert, drive cattle on an outback cattle station, share a Tongan feast, snorkel on the Ningaloo and Great Barrier Reefs, catch mud crabs, swim with Manta Rays and prove that they’re possibly the worst, or perhaps the unluckiest fishermen in Australia.

They share experiences with indigenous communities like looking for native bees that nest underground, swim at a secret waterfall, search for bush medicines and bush foods, ride horses, and surf in some remarkable locations.

Along the way, they meet passionate producers of everything from heritage tomatoes, cheeses, beef, goats, mangoes, herbs, exotic mushroom, shrimp, rum, salt and everything in between. Then the boys turn these fresh ingredients into simple, healthy and delightfully delicious recipes that will inspire you.

Join Dan and Hayden as they explore Australia one dish at a time on Surfing the Menu: Next Generation on TLC at 9pm. Channel 62 (Skycable), channel 53 (Destiny Cable), channel 29 (Cignal), channel 26 (Dream Sattelite TV), channel 32 (Sky Direct).

Bill to Exempt Startups From Taxes on First Two Years – Senator Bam Aquino

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Speaking in the Cebu press launch of the upcoming Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) international tech conference, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV announced that he is refiling a bill exempting startups from taxes on their first two years of operation.

Senator Bam Aquino has consistently shown support to startups or innovation-driven enterprises based on apps, saying proper support for the homegrown startup community may yet produce the next Facebook or Twitter.

“The bill encourages the growth of more Filipino startups by giving them enough time to stand on their own. This reaffirms the government’s recognition of the importance of startups and commitment to innovation,” said Senator Bam Aquino.

Filed by Senator Bam Aquino last May 7, 2014 as Senate Bill 2217, the Startup Business Bill which was not made into law in the previous congress will be refiled by the senator after the opening of the 17th Congress later this month.

He will also be giving a keynote speech during the fourth GOAB, a one of a kind conference that combines the latest tech development with a fun environment which will be held in Bellevue Hotel in Panglao, Bohol this August 25-26, 2016.