Beware of the Deceiver Who Claims Ownership of WaZZup

Wazzup Pilipinas! 

Sadly, there's this blogger who has been deceiving people.

He is claiming ownership of the domain name WaZZup and tries to prevent us from using it eventhough he very well knows that we were the first to use it for our domain name.

First and foremost, he cannot claim ownership of that domain since it's freely available for anyone who wants to use it as a domain name or any other purpose.

For everyone's information, we are originally WazzupPilipinas.blogspot.com before we bought the domain WazzupPilipinas.com. Since it was accepted when we registered, it only means it has no identical domain name existing. During that time, we have no knowledge of him or his blog site. We were the more active blog site and he even joined as member of our Facebook group.

His site was WaZupPhilippines but we did not see him as a threat since our blog is more of an advocacy and it was not meant to compete but just as an outlet where we can share our thoughts and opinions as well as to help in promoting everything about the Philippines. Besides, there were other sites which were using the WaZZup word as part of their domain name...and he was using WaZup and not WaZZup.

waZup is not waZZup

But then he changed his domain from WaZup into WaZZup making it almost identical to our domain name for WaZZup Pilipinas. He did this eventhough he knows we are already using WaZZup. He even informed us that he changed his domain name from WaZupPhilippines to WaZZupPhilippines, but it never got into his mind that he may be even further confusing people about our sites. He was keen on using that domain because he said he was benefiting from the fact that people mistaken his site for mine, since during that time, my blog was already among the leading blogs in the Philippines.

When issues arise against us, he then opted to change his domain name so as not to be mistaken for my site. This was a reverse in his thinking since now there was black propaganda being spread about our site and our members. Many saw the false accusations as mere intent to ruin our reputation so they can reclaim their status in the blogging community.

However, he deceived people by claiming he changed his domain name to a dot PH, but unknown to many, he still retained the almost identical domain name of WaZZupPhilippines.

So some people, especially the foreigners who do not recall the Tagalog word "Pilipinas" would mistake his site for ours. Thus, there still exist confusion.

When the domain name WaZZup.com.ph was given to me as a gift, he went berserk online and created a damaging thread saying we were creating confusion. Ironically, as a way to get back on us, he then purchased the domain WaZZupPilipinas.com.ph to create further confusion.

He then tried to bargain with us to exchange the domain WaZZup.com.ph with his WaZZupPilipinas.com.ph

We argued that it would be better if he just give us the WaZZupPhilippines domain instead so the confusion will really end. But he would not accept our counter-offer for reasons very vague for us. If he really wants to avoid confusion, he should just let go of WaZZupPhilippines.

But we do not really care if he keeps it or not. We are not competing with anybody so we are not really bothered if somebody uses WaZZup since we have no ownership of that word. But it also means we can freely use it as well for our own purpose if that is the case.

So unless he could legally claim ownership of that word, everyone has the right to use it. We should not let bullies like him to keep us from doing what we believe is right.

These arrogant cyber bullies will soon have their last days on Earth. The good people will fight back against these filthy animals who are only brave when online but act meek offline. These devious bandits of mischief deserves a lot of spanking until their butts turn black and blue.

WSOF Global Championship Official Weigh-Ins Complete

Wazzup Pilipinas!

World Series of Fighting – Global Championship (WSOF-GC) has finished with their weigh ins and all fights are a go. All main card fighters made weight without incident, including the Heavyweight Title Main Event, Russia’s Evgeny Erokhin (230) vs United States’ Richard Odoms (262).

Official Weights Below:

Evgeny Erokhin (230) vs Richard Odoms (262)
Mario Sismundo (145) vs Maimaitituoheti (140)
Yusaku Nakamura (125) vs Tim Moore (125)
Jujeath Nagaowa (106) vs Yuko Kiryu (105)
Lawrence DiGiulio (125) vs Marcel Adur (126)
Ahmed Mujtaba (143) vs Neil Larano (143)
Jenelyn Olsim (115) vs Nayara Hemily (113)
*Jessdan Dela Pena (162) vs Kelvin Ong (156)
**Yadwinder Singh (125) vs Uloomi Karim (125)
May Ooi (116) vs Katherine Roy (115)

World Series of Fighting – Global Championship will air LIVE and FREE in its entirety this weekend, starting at 6am EST this Saturday, July 30 in United States at wsofgc.com. Fans can access the entire 10-fight event at wsofgc.com, as well as throughmmaweekly.com, globalcombatnetwork.com, and fightnewsaustralia.com.

Another unique element that WSOF-GC is bringing to their fans is a 360-degree perspective of the fights courtesy of their new partner, Livit. Fans can access this through the LivitNow app to watch the event from a perspective like no other. Fans will have the capability to control how they see the action and the crowd that night.

In addition to the live, free event, wsofgc.com is hosting a FREE weekend of its Global Fight Library. Fans can log on to the website and see not only this weekend’s bouts, but previous events including previous fights from WSOF-GC affiliates (United Kingdom’s ICE FC, Argentina’s ULLAMP, Italy’s SLAM FC, Costa Rica’s Calvo Promotions, Puerto Rico’s Royalty Combat, and Philippines’ Underground Battle MMA).

WSOF-GC will host WSOF-GC 3 Philippines at Smart Araneta Coliseum on July 30, 2016. Tickets start at PHP300 with ringside seats available for PHP4000. Tickets are now on sale at all Ticketnet Outlets or online athttp://www.etix.com/ticket/p/2988982/wsof-global-championship-3philippines-quezon-city-smart-araneta-coliseum.

World Series of Fighting Global’s ultimate mission is to bring together the best athletes from countries and organizations across the world to compete for a true, globally-recognized world champion. Media inquiries should be sent to Jason Lilly, Vice President of Operations of World Series of Fighting Global, at jlilly@wsof.asia. Follow them on Twitter @WSOFGlobal.

* Jessdan Dela Pena failed to reach his contracted weight of 155, coming in at 162. His opponent, Kelvin Ong, came in at 150, so he was given two hours to cut to 160 in order for both fighters to be within 10 pounds, but failed to do so. His opponent weighed back in at 156 and the fight was declared official. Jessdan and Kelvin agreed to a 50% of Jessdan’s total fight purse, which will be given to Kelvin.

** Yadwinder Singh failed to make weight on his first attempt (127.5) but managed to make the 125-lb mark within an hour.

Shark Sundays this August on Animal Planet

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This month, Animal Planet makes a big splash and brings you even more Sharktastic programmes!

Follow marine biologist and shark expert Barbara Block in SHARKTOPIA as she explores the Blue Serengeti – a vast, rich and hidden world, now more visible with breakthrough camera technology.

Philippe Cousteau explores Bikini Atoll to discover how sharks repopulated the once destroyed nuclear testing during the Cold War in NUCLEAR SHARKS.

With increasing shark encounters, SHALLOW WATER INVASION explores the recent increase in shark encounters in the shallows along coastlines.

To complete the lineup, Dr. Craig O’Connell explains a system he developed that will prove sharks and people can peacefully coexist and live in SHARKS AMONG US.

Don’t miss the fun and learning as Shark Month starts August 7, airing Sundays at 8:05pm on Animal Planet.

Aside from the sharktastic lineup is a discovery of beauty across varied environments. Premiering August 1 on Animal Planet is Life at the Extreme – a showcase of survival of the most extraordinary animals on the planet living in the most hostile environments.

Tech Buffs Set to Geek Out in Bohol

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It’s full steam ahead for the 2016 “Geeks on a Beach” (GOAB) technology and startup conference at the Bellevue Hotel in Panglao Island in Bohol on Aug. 25-26.

But as GOAB is fast approaching and getting more of the public’s attention, some people had become curious and wondered what are geeks, and what does the word “geek” mean.

Movies characterize them like nerds: skinny or chubby but oddly dressed, smart but socially inept or introvert, with sleek or unkempt hair, dental braces, oversized spectacles, and with the ever-present backpack worn on two shoulders.

However, contrary to the stereotype popularized by Hollywood, geeks look and act ordinarily just like the rest of the human race in mainstream society, and also have a normal social life.

People like Microsoft developer Bill Gates, Apple CEO Steve Jobs, and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg are geeks and may have one or a combination of the above-mentioned attributes, but they appear outwardly ordinary and don’t have eccentric behaviors.

Milwaukee Bucks’ Michael Carter-Williams Headlines NBA 3X Philippines 2016 Presented By Panasonic

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The 3-on-3 competition returns to Manila this August with Panasonic as new Presenting Partner. The registration begins July 29 at www.nba3x.com/philippines

The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that 2013-14 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams of the Milwaukee Bucks will headline NBA 3X Philippines 2016 presented by Panasonic, which returns to Manila from Aug. 19-21 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. Registration for NBA 3X Philippines 2016 begins July 29 at www.nba3x.com/philippines.

Returning for the sixth consecutive year, NBA 3X Philippines 2016 will include a 3-on-3 tournament featuring 200 men’s and women’s teams from all over the country, as well as performances by local artists and DJs. The event will showcase authentic NBA entertainment and activities free for fans of all ages to experience throughout the weekend. Carter-Williams will be present throughout the event to inspire the athletes and interact with fans.

“I’m excited to visit the Philippines and experience Filipino fans’ passion for basketball during the NBA 3X,” said Carter-Williams. “Being a part of this event is a great opportunity to see the growth of the game internationally, and I look forward to working with these talented athletes.”

“We are proud to stage the sixth edition of NBA 3X in the Philippines, which continues to provide fans with a platform to interact with some of the league’s marquee talents,” said NBA Philippines Managing Director Carlo Singson. “In collaboration with our new presenting partner Panasonic, NBA 3X will once again bring out the players’ competitive spirit and showcase the NBA experience to thousands of Filipino fans through a weekend of fun and entertainment.”

Con-Ass Goes Against Democracy and Active Citizenship

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I believe that charter change is a fundamental and necessary component of any attempt to reform and overhaul our political system, such as the platform of my party, Akbayan, to shift to parliamentary & federal forms of government.

However, the plan of the House of Representatives to push for a constituent assembly (Con-ass) rather than a constitutional convention (Con-con) to amend the country's charter goes against the interest of democracy and active citizenship, especially with a House where the heavy hand of the Executive was so plain to see.

We cannot set aside democratic processes and dismiss people participation simply because the fiscal cost of such democratic endeavors are allegedly staggering and/or expensive. This is a dangerous thought. This is the seed of undemocratic politics. It assumes that democracy is a luxury rather than a right that developing countries like ours cannot fully enjoy. It assumes that democracy has a price tag and that it can only be enjoyed by the people,subject to the availability of funds.

The attempt for a "cheaper and faster" mode to amend the constitution also raises concerns that the shift to federalism is being done haphazardly. I urge the government to take the necessary time in fulfilling the important and difficult requirements in order for the shift to federalism to become successful. This includes breaking up political dynasties, dismantling private armies, and building financial sustainability, among others.

Likewise, I am extremely worried that some vested quarters are pushing for Con-ass as this is less prone to public scrutiny and more susceptible to the control of big business, political dynasts and traditional politicians. I am wary that this will renew desires to relax constitutional limits on foreign ownership of land and businesses. It can be recalled that during the campaign, President Duterte mentioned that he is open to lifting the Charter's restriction on foreign ownership of Philippine corporations. This is completely opposite to the principles of federalism. Federalism's goal is to equitably distribute development and resources to the regions. The government cannot effectively redistribute wealth by giving premium to foreign interests.

I urge the House of Representatives and President Duterte to reconsider their take on this matter. I am confident that the government has enough resources to fund the necessary costs of building the democratic infrastructure and processes for people to directly participate in progressively amending our constitution.

The process of revising the constitution must be participatory and democratic. There should be no shortcuts in democracy. The political and economic ambitions of a few cannot lord over the people's interests.

Contributed by by Senator Risa Hontiveros

Fil-Am International Artist JEFRЁ Reconnecting With His Filipino Roots

Wazzup Pilipinas!

JEFRЁ – a name that’s been steadily gaining recognition in the Manila creative scene. As the internationally acclaimed public artist and former landscape architect brings his considerable talents from his Florida studio to create even more thought-provoking pieces here at home, it won’t be long ‘til JEFRЁ becomes a Filipino household name.

Born and raised in Chicago to parents who were natives of Ilocos Sur and Laguna, Jefre Manuel Figueras studied at the Art Institute of Chicago before pursuing a degree in Landscape Architecture from Ohio State University.

“I went into the arts at the Art Institute of Chicago in the beginning 'cause I wanted to pursue my passions from high school into college. But then my parents were concerned about the struggles of a starving artist, saying, how am I gonna make money in art? So I went to Ohio State to study Urban Design and Landscape Architecture to be a city planner.”

His first decade out of college had him working for established firms like Skidmore Owings and Merril; and working for clients and involved in partnerships with some of the biggest industry names Santiago Calatrava, BIG Architect’s, Zaha Hadid and Philippe Starck – until a heart attack changed his view of the world and the legacy he wanted to leave. 

DOE to Ensure Continuous Power Supply in the Country

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) is reinforcing efforts to ensure continuous power supply in the country by requesting the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to look into the recurring Yellow and Red Alert Statuses due to the lack of power supply for the period 25 to 29 July 2016.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi specifically asked ERC to look into whether there is the existence of an anti-competitive behavior from industry players. He was pleased to learn that ERC is already looking into it.

The coordination between the DOE and the ERC was triggered following the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ declaration of the Yellow Alert status from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Red Alert status from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Yellow Alert by 5:00 p.m. today (29 July).

As an immediate response, Manila Electric Corporation (MERALCO) has already coordinated with its Interruptible Load Program (ILP) participants to augment supply. As of 8:45 a.m., there were about 156 ILP participants that had confirmed their availability equivalent to 311.22 megawatts (MW).

The DOE is likewise closely monitoring developments in the plants that have undergone Forced Outage accounting for a total of 1,451 MW.

The DOE earlier stated that it will create technical audit teams for generation companies and distribution utilities to assess the reliability of the entire power industry.

Social Protection Laws Vows to Protect Sectors from Inequality

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"In times of growing inequality, the duty of the government is to protect the people not neglect them."

This was the statement of Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros as she filed four (4) new bills that she said will help "reduce inequality and address the exclusion of the most marginalized and vulnerable sectors in the country."

Hontiveros described social inequality as the unequal distribution of wealth and power that alters rights and privileges, social status and access to important social services. Her proposed measures tackle the concerns of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, informal settlers, small fisherfolks, and coconut farmers, groups that she said are some of the most vulnerable sectors of society.


Farmers and fisherfolks

Hontiveros said she is pushing for the passage of the Coco-Levy Trust Fund law to create a trust fund for the sole use of the coconut farmers from the PhP 73-billion coco-levy fund. "The Coco-Levy Trust Fund will ensure that the money is collectively owned by small and poor farmers to promote their welfare and help revitalize the coconut industry by developing global and domestic markets."

The Senator also planned to establish a separate agency for fisheries and fisherfolks’ concerns through the Department of Fisheries Act. Hontiveros said that the Filipino fisherfolks are one of the poorest sectors”, citing the Comprehensive National Fisheries Industry Development Plan 2016-2020 that reported that poverty incidence in the sector is at 39.2 % in 2014. “It’s time to develop our oceanic activities, especially in the light of our victory in the Permanent Court of Arbitration, to benefit our small fisherfolks without compromising ecological sustainability," she said.


Informal settlers and the LGBT

Meanwhile, Hontiveros filed the In-City Resettlement Act to protect informal settler communities who are in danger of violent and illegal demolitions by mandating the government to provide in-city or near-city resettlement.

The neopyhte Senator also pushed for the enactment of the Anti-Discrimination Bill, which seeks to penalize all forms of discrimination according to gender identity, ethnicity and religion in schools and workplaces. A similar bill has been filed by Dinagat Islands Representative Kaka Bag-ao and co-authored by Bataan 1st District and first transgender Congresswoman Geraldine Roman in the House of Representatives.


"Fight inequality"

"Through these bills, we will address inequality by protecting the people from its multiform effects such as poverty, violence, inhumane treatment and discrimination. We must fight inequality to promote a more sustainable approach to development. This will guarantee the rights of all people and safeguard democracy," Hontiveros concluded.

An exXhilarating Day for Suzuki Gixxer Riders

Wazzup Pilipinas!

 The Marikina Riverpark became the center of attention of Gixxer riders as the first ever Suzuki Gixxer Day commenced in the area with no less than 200 astig riders participating on July 23. 

Established in partnership with the Road Warriors Club (RWC) – a club of Gixxer riders and the city government of Marikina, Team Suzuki presented various activities that will certainly benefit the Gixxer riding community – a safety riding seminar, free service, spare parts selling and fun surprises. 

One of Suzuki’s most reputable clubs – the Thunder Riders Organization of the Philippines (TROOP) was also serving as event marshals. 

It was a one stop shop for all the Gixxer riders as Suzuki presented simultaneous activities for everyone. A free motorcycle check-up and tune-up were offered as well as selling of Suzuki Genuine Parts including Suzuki Genuine Oils. The beautiful Suzuki ladies also joined the festivity and gamely posed with the riders for photo ops. 

While their Gixxers are being checked up, the riders were given a Safety Riding Clinic by the Suzuki Safety Riding Authority composed of Mr. Noel Villapando, Mr. Sherwin Florendo and Mr Rey Abat.