#1 Music Video Community Musical.ly Seals Partnership with Globe

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Gives Filipinos access to a platform to enjoy their favorite hits and create their own videos.

Musical.ly, the currently rated #1 music video community seals its first ever telco partnership with the Philippines’ #1 mobile brand, Globe. Musical.ly is the world’s fastest growing online video community for creating, sharing and discovering 15-second videos.

With this collaboration, Musical.ly and Globe aim to give the best online experience to customers through easy access to a platform that allows creation of original content, and published by users themselves.

“We are delighted to have this partnership with Musical.ly because their platform combines 2 of the biggest things that Filipinos love – music and original video creation. There are countless trending videos online showcasing how talented Filipinos express themselves through original content and Musical.ly will be an enjoyable platform for that,” says Globe Chief Commercial Officer, Albert de Larrazabal.

Musical.ly US President, Alex Hofmann also said that, “This partnership with Globe sets a global trend for us at Musical.ly. With a partnership focusing on consumer content, Musical.ly is sure to be the future of creation and engagement. With Globe we hope to provide a more seamless access to more Filipinos so they can enjoy the app right on their favorite device.”

UP Playwrights' Theatre Proudly Presents Distrito De Molo

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We would like to announce the world premiere of Professor Emeritus Leoncio P. Deriada's (2016 Gawad sa CCP Para sa Sining in Literature) Distrito De Molo directed by Professor Emeritus Tony Mabesa (2016 Gawad sa CCP Para sa Sining in Theatre). This will be staged in its original English version and in a Filipino translation by the Palanca Award winner Allan Palileo.

The illustrious district of Molo in Iloilo City is the setting of three different plays, each taking place in a different timeline. Molo was originally the Parian of Iloilo, the area where all Chinese residents must live. Each play is a journey that brings us the history, magic and myths of the revered district of Molo.

The first play, Tres Hermanas de Molo, is set in the 50’s and revolves around the post-war lives of the wealthy Locsin sisters. All three are unmarried, and are each carrying a dark secret from their past. The second play, Atlas de Molo, set in contemporary time, is about Eric and Lorena Avanceña. The newlyweds return to their ancestral home. Atlas, the statue in their garden, comes to life and changes their lives forever. The last play, Venus de Molo, set in the 30’s, revolves around Don Guillermo Arroyo and his obsession with the statue of “Venus de Milo.” He employs the local sculptor, Crispino Marañon, to reproduce the statue but without compensation. Things turn around when Laonsena, a goddess, visits Marañon and reveals a shocking secret Don Guillermo.

The cast of Distrito De Molo includes homegrown artists and professional actors in the field of theatre. This includes Stella Cañete-Mendoza, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Adriana Agcaoili, Astarte Abraham, Dolly De Leon, Katte Sabatte, Ronnie Martinez, Flordeliz Salanga, Monette Flores, Carlo Cannu, Ron Biñas, Carlo Tarobal, Missy Maramara, Ian Ignacio, Leo Rialp, Jacques Borlaza, Arvin Trinidad, Brian Arda, Sue Prado, Liway Gabo, Chase Salazar, Neil Ryan Sese and Candy Pangilinan.

The artistic team includes Nick Deocampo (set design), Shax Siosoco (lights design), Eric Pineda (costume design), and Jethro Joaquin (sound design).

This project between Professors Mabesa and Deriada runs from 12 - 30 October 2016, from Wednesdays to Fridays at 7:00 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd Floor Palma Hall, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

Tres Hermanas de Molo

Set in the late 1950s the play revolves around the post-war lives of the wealthy Locsin sisters living in a mansion in Molo, Iloilo. All three are unmarried, and are each carrying a dark secret from their past. Visitacion, the eldest, is cold and cruel, and she believes that being unmarried is a form of penance they must endure. Her sisters, Asuncion and Salvacion on the other hand, are discontented and lust for a more exciting life. After a series of arguments among the sisters, Asuncion and Salvacion confess their transgressions, to the horror of VIsitacion. However Visitacion is not spared from her own transgressions. In the end Asuncion and Salvacion relent and comfort their elder sister as they call on the ghosts of their past and pray for freedom from their own burdens. Feeling reborn after revealing their transgressions, the three sisters, along with Maura, their loyal nanny, laugh, cry and look forward to a new dawn.


Atlas de Molo

Set in contemporary times, Eric and Lorena Avanceña are young newlyweds that have recently moved into the crumbling Avanceña home in Molo. In the garden, there is a statue of the Greek Titan Atlas standing in the middle of a dry fountain. One evening, the statue comes to life, puts down the earth that he carries on his shoulders, and shares a conversation with Eric. After much taunting from Atlas, Eric agrees to carry the earth on his shoulders as a test of his strength. It is too late for Eric to realize that this is a trap. The next day, the dry fountain bursts forth with water.


Venus de Molo

Set in the 1930s, the play involves the eccentric Don Guillermo Arroyo, who is obsessed of reproducing his own “Venus de Milo.” He employs the local sculptor, Crispino Marañon, to craft a marble of “Venus de Molo” for him. Crispino, without any compensation of his work, is visited by the goddess Laonsena, who learns of Don Guillermo’s cruelty. When Crispino unveils his work, Don Guillermo is shocked to set eyes on Laonsena as his Venus de Molo. As Laonsena leaves, Don Guillermo begs Crispino to help him, but he refuses, and the Don is left alone in his dilemma.


The play has themes of: History, Identity, Hopes, and Dreams.

UP 49ers: Sixty-Two Years of Unmatched Distinction

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Since 1954, the UP Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Association, Inc. or the UP 49ers has been the home to exceptional professionals, engineers, and most especially leaders, in the fields of mining, metallurgical, and materials engineering and its academe. For 62 years, as the premier academic organization in the said field, the UP 49ers has been unrivalled in its dedication to the pursuit of holistic development; for 62 years, the UP 49ers has been producing top-notch individuals who are committed to academic excellence, and as well as social awareness.

This year, as the UP 49ers marks its 62nd year of yet nonpareil excellence, grander events are in store. One of these is the National Mining and Metallurgical Engineering (NMME) Summit 2016, now on its 7th year, which convenes future mining and metallurgical engineers from all over the country to foster responsible engineering by tackling not only advancements but also relevant social issues in the industry. Participated in by delegates from all over the country, NMMES is a 3-day event which consists of talks from well-renowned speakers, a quiz bee, a plant tour, a mini-conference, and a socials night to build bonds among the budding engineers in the fields of mining and metallurgy.

National Mining and Metallurgical Engineering Summit 

September 22-24, 2016 

University of the Philippines – Diliman 

Woodridge Heights Residential and Commercial Estates, Marikina City

September 22 – Company Talks | Quiz Bee

September 23 – Lecture Series | Mini Conference 

September 24 – Plant Tour | Socials Night

Hontiveros Meets Workers, Pledges to Push for Anti-Contractualization Law

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“We must stop the exploitation of workers”.

This was the statement of Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday as she met with the participants of the Anti-ENDO Caravan organized by the NAGKAISA labor coalition, Partido Manggagawa (PM) and the Philippine Airlines Employees' Association (PALEA).

In the meet-up at the Senate stop of the said caravan yesterday, the Senator pledged to push for the passage of an anti-contractualization law that will provide “work with dignity to our workers”.

Hontiveros filed Senate Bill No. 217 or the Security of Tenure Bill to protect workers from unscrupulous and discriminatory contracting and sub-contracting.

The Senator also welcomed the directive of the current administration “to end endo”. Endo is the colloquial term for “end of contract”, a system by enterprises and employers that contract workers to 4-6 months in order to avoid regularizing workers and providing them social security benefits.

“We must fight for regular and decent jobs. It is time for a strong policy that will protect our workers from contractualization and other schemes that continue to deprive them of their full benefits, Senator Hontiveros concluded.

Globe Interconnection with Competition Extends to Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran

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Interconnection enables customers to call customers of other providers without long-distance calls.

Globe Telecom said interconnection of its landline service Globelines with its competition continue to expand as the two parties recently agreed to extend the collaboration to include the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran.

The interconnection enables Globelines customers in the Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran provinces to call customers of other telco providers without additional charges as they no longer have to pay for long distance charges when calling one another. The interconnection, which took effect last September 1, will allow customers to realize substantial savings.

Prior to the interconnection, landline customers of Globelines and other telco providers were charged with long distance rate when making phones to one another. With the interconnection, Globe customers can simply dial the seven-digit telephone number to connect with other telco providers and vice-versa.

“As interconnection reduces the cost of connectivity among our customers, Globe will continue to pursue interconnection in line with our commitment to provide affordable and easily accessible ways of communication, necessary to further enhance economic growth,” Globe General Counsel Atty. Froilan Castelo stressed.

Interconnection among telco providers is in line with provisions for compulsory interconnection of authorized public telecommunications carriers under Republic Act 7925. The law aims to create a universally accessible and fully integrated nationwide telecommunications network to encourage more infrastructure investments from the private sector that would benefit the consumers.

In addition to Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran, Globe has existing interconnection agreement with its main competition in Metro Manila, Cavite, Iloilo, Batangas, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Leyte, Davao City, Pampanga, Bulacan, Zamboanga, Laguna, Quezon, La Union, Nueva Ecija, Benguet, GenSan/South Cotabato, Tarlac, Davao del Norte, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Ilocos Sur, Capiz, Cagayan, Nueva Viscaya, Iloilo, Bataan, Isabela and Camarines Norte.

Youth to Imee Marcos: Forgiveness Demands Justice!

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Akbayan Youth joined fellow youth and student groups today in conducting the "Honk for Justice" Noise Barrage, Candle-lighting, and Banner Hanging in commemoration of the 44th year of Martial Law (ML) Declaration.

"Our search for justice for the heroes and martyrs who fought the Marcos dictatorship remains elusive, even after 44 years since Martial law was declared. Forgiving Marcos and giving him a hero's burial while justice remains out of reach for many Filipinos promotes a culture of impunity. Forgiveness without justice is an invitation to repeat the sins of the past," said JC Tejano of Akbayan Youth.

The groups said this in response to an earlier call of Imee Marcos to the Filipino people to forgive his father, the late dictator, President Ferdinand Marcos and to have him buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

"Marcos, his family and cronies, still haven't returned the money that they have stolen from us. How can we forgive the Marcoses who not only continues to whitewash their role in one of the darkest moments in our history, but also continues to live off of the money of the people," added Tejano.

The PCGG estimates that the Marcoses amassed a total of USD 5-10 Billion and have yet to return USD 1.4-6.4 Billion to the Filipino people.

The youth groups finally called on their fellow youth to use this opportunity to know more about the Martial Law years.

"The youth must join the search for truth and justice if we do not want history to repeat itself. Those who came before use did not allow themselves to be silenced and spoke truth to power. It is our generation's responsibility to honor their memory by echoing their voices and standing by the truth, especially when the truth is being silenced by those in power," concluded Tejano.

beep Card Expands Usage to RRCG P2P Buses

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Mega Manila commuters can count on their beep card for rides on another point-to-point (P2P) bus line. AF Payments Inc. announced that it has implemented its tap-and-go payment system in RRCG Transport’s P2P buses from Alabang Town Center (ATC) to Greenbelt 1 (Makati City) following a successful public trial last week.

The route operates from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM with a bus that leaves every 30 minutes. The promo fare (extended until further notice) is P50, while the one-way discounted fare for senior citizens, PWDs, and students is P40. For concessionary beep cardholders, the discount is automatically deducted while students who wish to avail of the discount will have to pay in cash. There will be selling booths stationed at the ATC and Greenbelt 1 terminals for those who want to purchase or reload their beep™ card.

“After our rollout in northern Metro Manila P2P buses, we’re catering now to commuters down south. The RRCG Transport P2P bus service is a welcome option for commuters from the south. We are pleased that riders can use the multi-purpose beep card to pay for their fares,” said Peter Maher, President and CEO of AF Payments Inc.

The RRCG Transport premium P2P service aims to provide a more convenient and reliable transportation system to residents of southern Metro Manila. These buses provide free Wi-Fi to passengers and are equipped with CCTV cameras for additional security. Compartments underneath have provisions for storing bikes, wheelchairs, and other equipment. 

Fortinet Recognized in Visionaries Quadrant of Gartner’s Latest the Wired and Wireless LAN Access Infrastructure Report

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Fortinet, the global leader in high-performance cyber security solutions, today announced their position as a Visionary in Gartner’s latest Magic Quadrant for the Wired and Wireless LAN Access Infrastructure. Fortinet believes its secure networking innovations like the Secure Access Architecture, an integral component of Fortinet’s Security Fabric, were key drivers for the company’s positioning in the latest Magic Quadrant.



Report Highlights

· “Enterprises continue to tell Gartner during inquiries that they prefer a common set of security, policy enforcement and management across both their wired and wireless access networks.”

· “[Customers] want the flexibility to deploy these network applications on-premises within the enterprise, in a private cloud or in a public cloud to address a variety of implementation scenarios, such as multiple, remote branch offices in addition to large campus environments.”

· “The only glimmer of innovation has been vendors that continue to extend their network fabric from the data center or cloud to the edge of the network to provide "microsegmentation" of IoT devices. Clients continue to cite network service applications and unified-access layer management not only as market drivers, but also as differentiators, when looking at vendor solutions.”

The Maker’s Setup: A Celebration of Passion Projects

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Long conversations about things we love over beverages are one of the sweetest things in life. It’s intimate, educational and engaging — at least that’s what the people over at Warehouse Eight and WHOAREMARO believe in which is why they’re dedicating an event just for that.

Warehouse Eight is a co-working and events space in the artist’s compound of La Fuerza in Makati along Chino Roces and they’re known for their creative and artistic brand.

On October 7, Warehouse Eight in collaboration with WHOAREMARO — a marketing and events team dedicated to creating independent creative events will be having The Maker’s Setup: A Casual Conference Dedicated To Local Passion Projects.

It’s the event equivalent of having talks over drinks. The setup will be comprised of five established speakers representing their own respective fields (tech, business, non-profit, food & beverage and design) talking for 30 minutes each while they’re in the middle of a crowd seated on the ground with drinks on hand.

The current lineup for The Maker’s Setup will be:

Brian Cu - CEO of Grab PH and co-founder of Zalora
Camille Meloto - Co-founder of Human Nature
Jericson Co - Co-founder of The Curator and EDSA Beverage Design Group
Prim Paypon - Founder of The Dream Project
Dan Matutina - Founder of Plus 63 Design Co.

The Maker’s Setup was created to celebrate passion, creativity and discovery — that’s why all the speakers come from different fields because attendees are expected to learn something from field they might not have considered before. It’s a casual conference dedicated to people who make stuff and influence others to do the same. It’s a way of building a community that fosters passion, discovery and inspiration — not to mention sharing a few drinks with cool people.

The event is on October 7 at 7-11PM. If you want to avail for early bird the P500 tickets, you can inquire by emailing kayla@warehouse-eight.com. You could also drop by Warehouse Eight and pay P600 at the door to attend.

Event link: http://bit.ly/2czVRQx

Warehouse Eight Coworking & Events Space Contact: 812 8643 (loc. 203)
0917 537 9438

The Fall Of Usher Sets Six Performances on Oct. 7 - 8

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Theater House of Black, whose members recently staged the Filipino adaptation of Federico Garcia Lorca's "The House of Bernarda Alba, " seems to have a penchant for houses that are shrouded in mystery.

Next off from the group is "#14 Leandro Road," a Filipino theatrical adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's most celebrated short story, "The Fall of the House of Usher," first published in 1839.

Devised by Jay Crisostomo IV and C.K. Bautista, "#14 Leandro Road," which is set on the dark chilly outskirts of Baguio City, is scheduled for six performances at Power Mac Center Spotlight in Circuit Makati on October 7 and 8, 2016.

"As a group, we wanted to stage stories that talk about families and stories that have been forgotten or are deemed underrated by the world," said Harry David, producer-production manager. "At the same time adapt them in Filipino and apply a Philippine twist to the stories so they would be more relevant and relatable to our audience."

Pinocchio, The Live Marionette Musical is All Set to Open on September 23

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Carlo Collodi’s popuplar story about a puppet named Pinocchio will come to life on stage by premiere kid actors of the country under Kids Acts Philippines. The first in the country doing musicals for kids and by the kids, is the company’s 14th Musical Theatre Season offering for school, parents, children and the entire family.

Kids Acts Philippines proudly presents “PINOCCHIO” with script, lyrics and direction by LUIGI NACARIO, and music by EUGENE BELBIS. The group won an award from ALIW Awards through Hansel and Gretel as Best Production for Children wherein all featured actors of the musical were kids. Belbis and Nacario’s collaboration of creating children’s musicals can be considered works of the masters, that may lead them to be christened as Fathers of Philippine Children’s Theatre.

Pinocchio is a of a puppet boy who dreamed to become a real boy. The story begun, one fine day, that a piece of wood found itself in the shop of an old carpenter named Master Cherry to make the leg of a table. As he was about to give the first blow of his hatchet, he heard a wee, little voice coming from the wood. His face had changed and fright had turned him to death. To appease his terror, he gave the piece of wood to his friend Geppetto who took it to make himself a marionette, a puppet that will dance, fence and turn somersaults. He called it Pinocchio, the first pranks of the marionette, the name that will make his fortune. 

The adventure of Pinocchio started right after he was fashioned by his father Geppetto. He went out of his way to explore the world of wonders and never returned home. He met the Talking Cricket, the Puppets in the Marionette Theater, The Fox and the Cat who robbed his five gold pieces given by the Fire Eater and the Blue Fairy named Fairy Azure who promised him to become a real boy. To grant his wish, he must obey and be honest to all his undertakings. He had a nose that grew long when he tells a lie. As he wandered around the village, a Pigeon informed him that his father Geppetto was swallowed by a Terrible Whale while riding in a small boat to look for him. And that started his venture to find his father in the vast sea until he was also gulped down by the same whale. Inside the whale’s stomach, Pinocchio and the weak Geppetto were reunited. They made their way to get out of the whale’s body through the courage of the wooden boy. Both were tossed high and low by the big waves until they landed on the shore. To revive his father’s strength, Pinocchio offered good deeds to the villagers to gain food to nourish, water to quench and pennies to buy clothes. The Blue Fairy was so happy of what Pinocchio has done, she granted precious reward to his good deeds. She made her magic worked and on the next day, Pinocchio woke up as real boy. And they both lived happily ever after together with all the people and animals in their village. 

Come, Watch and Discover how the Adventures of Pinocchio touch everyone’s lives in his heartwarming promise not to tell a lie to get rid of his nose that elongates when he tells one, to become obedient to elders and his unconditional love to his father. The play features TheCampArt Kid Actors of Kids Acts Philippines namely: Noel Comia Jr and Nathan Flores as Pinocchio; Hya Leonado and Angel Yu as The Blue Fairy Azure; Justin Orolfo as Geppetto; together with Ella Gonzalez, Allen Orolfo, Jewel Yu, Shanelle Comia, Liam Crisologo, Ivan Jacosalem, Liza Marcos, Walline Calderon, Joshua Ang, Princess Manaloto, Aliyah Rabara, Jana Adorable, Welcy Calderon, Aizeah Gonzales, Murline Uddin, Chelsea Sangco, Zoey Taberna, Denise Arteta, Leani Columna, Kris Robles, Rechelle Balasoto, Hyannah Estanislao, Danna Cordova, Audrey Morgan, Ivien Jacosalem, Dani Mejia, Alex Mejia, Patricia Dimaano, Omar Uddin, Ryan Nubla and Ken Soleta

The artistic and production team of PINOCCHIO, THE LIVE MARIONETTE MUSICAL is composed of Luigi Nacario (Choreography, Costume Design & Stage Direction); Eugene Belbis (Music & Orchestration); Manuel Edralin (Poster & Set Design); Joash Santiago (Lights Design); Mica Sabariaga (Photography); Marian Alix (Production Management); Emma Doverte (Stage Management) and Princess Tuason (Assistant Stage Manager). 

 
Family Day & Press Preview: SEPTEMBER 24, 2016, Saturday at 2:00PM
Regular Run: SEPTEMBER 23, 24, 35, 30, OCTOBER 1 & 2, 2016.
Time: 10:00AM, 2:00PM & 6:00PM
Venue: ST. CECILIA’S HALL, St. Scholastica’s College, Leon Guinto St., Malate, Manila.
Ticket Price: Php 500

Buy tickets at TicketWorld Manila at 891.9999 and SM Tickets at 470.2222 (All ticket charges apply)

For further inquiries, please call 507.3396 / 09154478959 / 09194338565
Or visit Facebook page – www.facebook.com/kidsactsphilippines
Follow us on Twitter – www.twitter.com/KidsActs
Instagram: @kidsactsphilippines 

Criminals are Better Off Dead Than Undergo Due Process of Law

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Extra Judicial killings and fear are becoming a norm for control to address social issues. Now we see democratic balances destroyed as it is portrayed as evil. It is heart breaking to see that we are not able to confront and make our leaders accountable. Democracy is eroding before our eyes." - Jess Lorenzo

Does it mean I'm wrong if I am outnumbered?

Last time I looked I thought we were in a democracy, and that even a single voice matters.

A single voice that never falters may be all that it takes to put some sense to those who have given up on others just so their kind are kept safe and secured. They are willing to sacrifice the weak so they could remain in control.

It saddens me to know that there are people who can soundly sleep at night knowing their fellow men are being slaughtered while they are happily tucked away in their beds.

It frightens me to be living with people who would wish me dead instead of rehabilitated if ever I commit a criminal offense.

I am not happy about what is happening to the Philippines.

I'm sorry but I never meant to force my ideas down anybody's throat. If I wanted to, it wouldn't be on social media where emotions and sincerity cannot be felt. That is the dilemma of being online, we become "disconnected in a connected world."

I thought we post on social media so we can get some form of feedback, reaction or comment, whether positive or negative. We should expect to receive both.

If we want to keep something to ourselves, then we would not post anything at all, unless you believe social media is just your "outlet" to let out your frustrations. That everyone should just agree with what we are posting regardless of their own beliefs.

Similar to how Duterte should accept all the criticism because he should know that he is not perfect and that he should not over-promise and exaggerate.

I was actually more concerned on the promise of 3 to 6 months to eradicate crime. We all know that is impossible. But many were too gullible and believed in him. Now let's see if he will fulfill his other promise of allowing himself to be killed if he can't do it within 6 months. I am betting he will again break this.

Dami ring kasing satsat ni Duterte. He should just let his communications team handle the talking for he is never good in that task. Lagi na lang sasabihin na misinterpreted siya. He is just not a good communicator even though he means well. Sana lang how I wish he does mean well...and puro kayabangan lang lahat yung threats at pagmumura niya. Mas OK pa kung tahimik na lang siya ang we just see the CHANGE rather than puro satsat pero di naman pala kaya within 6 months.

Duterte is like any other trapo... the same broken campaign promises... the 3 to 6 months should have included even all the whining. No excuses.

Digong is the president. He is a public servant. He deserves to know what we think, otherwise he wouldn't know if we approve of his actions or not. We can rave all we want if we see a good act, but we should also be allowed to rant if we see something wrong. That is what we call a democracy.

I am not against him. I am against his ways and thinking. There's a big difference. If he acts good, then I will support him. If he acts bad, then I will not spoil him.

There's actually a lot of suggestions out there but I don't see Duterte's camp doing them.

One is, when they questioned cops intentionally killing drug personalities, people suggested the cops should wear cameras so they could record if there were truly resistances from the suspects. But I don't see any buy-bust operation doing it.

Hindi nga ma-prove na nanlaban sila eh. It's the cops testimonial against the suspects families or relatives. Kaya nga they were advsied to wear cameras para maipakita nila na tunay ngang nanlalaban ang mga hinuhuli nila. Pero wala namang gumagawa. Lol.

That could have stopped all the speculations.

They are the ones in question. They can easily silence the complaints just by presenting at least one proof of resistance. Of course it's not for everyone to see. That would be submitted for their documentation and available for viewing by those who have authority to verify. Also, cops should be trained how to incapacitate instead of killing. We should keep drug personalities alive so they could squeal their sources - the big fish.

What they are now doing smells fishy. It is just like trimming a shrub to look like something cute and adorable, but the shrub remains to be a shrub with its roots intact. Pampaganda lang ng impression niya pero wala naman talagang impact dahil yung true source or origin ng drug menace ay mga buhay pa.

It may be wrong to assume that the masterminds themselves are the ones killing each other, or anybody under them. They should be strengthening their group instead of weakening their forces.

But this president encourages extrajudicial killings. Yun ang problema. Kahit ikaw pa ang pinakamasamang tao sa balat ng lupa, entitled ka pa rin sa due process of law. The moment we try to give a reasoning na palpak naman kasi ang justice system natin so we ignore the law and become judge, jury and executioner, that makes us a criminal too. Of course, you should expect others to retaliate. It would be a never-ending cycle of hate.

Let us not stoop down to their level. We should show them the proper way to act and behave even though most people take civility for granted.

Again, killing is not the solution because we will probably be also forsaking the innocent dahil hindi dumaan sa due process of law.

I am proposing that Duterte focus more on eradicating poverty instead - the root of most crimes and misinformation. The drug menace was caused by poverty. Drug dependents should be cured not killed.

How do we eradicate poverty? Begin with improving education. Raise the salary of teachers to attract more promising educators. Ang nangyayari kasi ay teaching becomes the least choice dahil maliit ang sweldo thus it affects the youth taught in schools.

There are many other ways instead of killing. When you don't make an effort to stop the EJK, that is also a form of encouraging.

Begin with improving education. Raise the salary of teachers to attract more promising educators. Ang nangyayari kasi ay teaching becomes the least choice dahil maliit ang sweldo thus it affects the youth taught in schools.

You can't totally get rid of drugs while poverty and lack of education is still here. Also, we should get rid of this drug menace by rehabilitating instead of killing the drug dependents.

The government should also make it easy for entrepreneurs and startups to setup their business so they can compete with international brands. We should also patronize more local brands.

The key is to empower the Filipinos so they would live a life worth living. Not scare them to obey. 

Don't believe everything you watch on TV or movies, even documentaries are not accurate. Each one of us is unique. We should not be getting just one kind of punishment. Killing is not the answer.

Now, people are more scared even in the comfort of their own homes because police might come knocking on their doors and kill them without due process of the law. Unlike before when we fear only the criminals, now we also fear cops who easily get away with excuses as silly as "Nanlaban kasi" or "Nang-agaw ng baril"

BY HOOK OR BY CROOK is a totally wrong mindset. When you stop believing in a Eutopian world, then you will remain stuck in a nightmarish reality. You cannot stop CRIMINALITY if you become a criminal yourself.

Instead of increasing the army and police budget, put it in education instead. So better teachers can teach students how to behave in a civilized world.

They say people under the influence of drugs only gets violent when they are suddenly confronted. Normally, they just sit there wasted. Drug users are like exaggerated versions of drunkards who also violently react at similar environments.

There were many instances when it is hard to believe what the cops are saying. BTW, what would be your first impulse when somebody comes creeping in your homes by force and unannounced and starts pointing a gun at you? Of course you would react violently because you would tend to defend yourself. You would try to point the gun away from you.

You guys are assuming the drug suspects were high on drugs when they got killed. Were there investigations done proving they were under the influence when they got kill'ed? SOCO would not even go to the point of testing the victims' drug toxicity levels.

We should all take part, but not with the killings. Our participation ends, when immorality begins.

Instead of killing, rehab should be prioritized. REAL rehab and not similar to the Q&A routine of DSWD. This may be a slow process but it is SURE. Sabi nga nila SLOWLY but SURELY. Killing is the lazy man's way. It maybe fast but it will only eventually create more problems.

Our rehab centers are not really rehab centers but merely a depository. There is no budget allocated for REAL rehab. The way they do it in other modernized countries.

BTW, most big-time criminals are actually those who are and were former army, police, politicians, etc...not the drug users who are mostly doing petty crimes and busy getting high.

Ever wondered how these bank robbers and kidnappers get financing for their state of the art weapons and getaway vehicles?

Circumstances should never make me lose hope of humanity. Hindi naman lahat ay masama. Maraming biktima rin ng circumstances. I believe man is basically good, and that they can change. Killing them is not the solution. The evil comes when we stop believing that truth.

Are we saying they should be killed instead because they are no longer fit for society. No amount of rehab can ever cure them? Maybe advancement in technology can soon find a cure if efforts are concentrated on it.

Until one is proven guilty, you should not brand anyone as a criminal. That is what is lacking of Duterte's methods. What he is doing is the lazy man's way. Like putting all that dirt under the carpet, instead of permanently throwing them outside.

There were cops who tried to persuade me to allow them to plant illegal drugs on an enemy who did me wrong so he would rot in jail. I refused because that would make me worst than him. But those cops were just transferred to a different station when I reported them.

Komo the past administrations chose not to disgrace our country with a war on drugs campaign. wala na agad nagawa? Duterte is doing more damage than good. International media, UN, political analysts, etc., na mismo ang nagsasalita na he is merely a foul-mouthed arrogant president who is making foreigners scared of going to the Philippines. Asan na yung pangako niya na FOI? Puro exceptions, Asan na yung end of contractualization. All he did so far was to try to bury Marcos at LNMB, public shaming his political detractors with misogynist remarks, release unverified lists of people involved in drugs, etc.

I never said my opinion was better than anybody else's.

When you can't stand a heated discussion, don't ever dare try getting in the frying pan called social media. Social media was meant for us to socialize - open for feedback, comments, reactions, whether positive or negative. It's not a one way street. Expect differing opinions aside from like-minded thoughts. If you don't want others to say their piece, then I guess you should not be posting on social media.

Do you really want me to give up on you? Kahit ikaw pa pinakamasamang tao sa buong mundo, I will never give up on you in order to wake you up from the nightmare you believe is a dream come true.

It's an example that this is how we should work on our drug dependents. Never give up on them no matter how hard. It may seem to be shoving down their throats, but I am willing to be perceived that way just so they'll realize people still care for them. 

That maybe our big difference. Some people just easily gives up on their fellow men just so they could move on to the easy way out.

Who ever said we are trying to outdo each other. I thought it was a discussion so we can both learn from each other and not keep close-minded. We should try to absorb all our point of views and never shut down each others' thoughts.

Is it wrong for me to share my opinions on a friend's page even though I know very well that she supports the killings of suspected drug users? Or should I be given the benefit of having the most sincerest concern towards what I deem as her misguided understanding of what is really happening? Or am I the one who is lost in interpreting the ultimate goal of a foul-mouthed and barbaric President?

I believe supporting Duterte should not mean we should ignore his wrongdoings and consider them deemed necessary to achieve an end result. Are the means no longer significant and that we should only concern ourselves with the final outcome? Are collateral damages necessary sacrifices that everyone should accept so that real change can come at last?

I could never live in a world where our lives become nothing more but expendable. Have we lost our humanity in this miserable quest for change?
Interpret it whatever you want. At least I kept trying and will never lose the drive to continue because giving up should never be an option. Just as how determined you are to prove me wrong. I guess there's still hope for the rest of us.. Don't worry, six years is not that long. We could probably manage to survive since Filipinos are known to be resilient. I would hate to say "I told you so" when that time comes. With how things are going, it might be sooner.

Never Again: Voices of Martial Law

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In response to the growing myths and misconceptions about the Martial Law era, a new group has launched a series of plays about living and dying during the Marcos regime beginning on September 21, 2016 at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani auditorium.

Entitled Never Again: Voices of Martial Law, these nine plays produced by Ladies Who Launch (LWL), are designed to create awareness about the harsh realities of living during the years after the declaration of Martial Law, the people who lived and did not live through it, their work, and the effects of Martial Law on people until today.

Included in the lineup are the Palanca Award-winning “Bulong-bulongan sa Sangandaan” by Ramon Jocson which will be directed by theater luminary Audie Gemora; “Loyalist Redux,” a comedy written and directed by Kanakan Balintagos, first staged at the 12th Virgin Labfest and will now star Pinky Amador in the title role; and “Duyan Ka Ng Magiting,” written and directed by Erika Estacio, first seen at the People Power Experiential Museum. LWL says, “Our goal is to unearth these stories and make them visible, visceral, and palpable. We want those alive today to remember the victims as people, not just as statistics or bios on a website. 

Above all, we want to ensure that the evils of Martial Law are never forgotten, never repeated.” The six original plays created for Never Again: Voices of Martial Law are: “Princess Lilli” written by Layeta Bucoy and directed by Tuxs Rutaquio; “Disco 1081” written by George de Jesus III and directed by Melvin Lee; “Shhh” written by Allan Lopez and directed by Jenny Jamora; “Indigo Child” written by Rody Vera and directed by Jose Estrella; “Thingy (Or Ang Pak na Pak Ganern na Ganern na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Milenyo, D’ Great Pokemon Hunter) ” written by Chris Martinez and directed by Dennis Marasigan; and “Ang Lihim na Kasaysayan ng Huling Habilin ni Ferdinand Edralin Marcos (Spiritual King Solomon of Israel) Hinggil sa Pamanang Kayamanan ni King Bernardo Carpio at Jose Protacio Rizal Para sa Pagpapaunlad ng Bansang Pilipinas na Siyang Nalalaman ni Mang Ambo, Taxi Driver” written by Guelan Varela-Luarca and directed by Roobak Valle. 

The play will have its gala premiere on September 21, the anniversary of the proclamation of Martial Law. Weekend performances will run from September 23 until October 16. The production is also scheduled for school and city tours after this initial run at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani.

For the regular run, tickets are at PhP 500 per show consisting of three plays while a festival pass allowing entry to three shows to watch all 9 plays is at Php 1,300. For inquiries and ticket reservations, email ladieswholaunch.ph@gmail.com or contact +639178047191.

Moliere PMS: A Hilarious Mix of Hypocrisy and Honesty

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Egg Theater Co together with the PARC Foundation and Pineapple Lab presents Moliere PMS, a fusion of three Moliere play adaptations: Praning (The Imaginary Invalid), Maniacal (The Learned Ladies), and Schism (The Misanthrope) on October 1 & 2 at PARC Foundation, 494 Lt. Artiaga St., San Juan City and at Pineapple Lab, 6071 Palma Street, Rockwell on October 7-9 and October 14-16.

Transporting Moliere’s French Society to an imagined theater world that serves as a microcosm of Philippine society, the fusion of the three plays is a satirical comedy that pokes a searing look at the foibles and travails of theater artists divided and polarized by the ills of hypocrisy and pretentiousness.

Adapted and directed by Palanca award-winning playwright, George de Jesus III, the three plays have all been separately staged before: Praning in 2012 as a thesis production of Technical Theater and Production Design Program of the School for Design and Arts of the DLSU College of Saint Benilde, Maniacal and Schism by the Egg Theater Co as part of the Fringe Manila Festival in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

Moliere PMS centers on Alex, a playwright whose anger at the pretentiousness of the people around him, compels him to consider quitting theater. Helen, an actress and Alex’s best friend, tries to dissuade him by making him remember why he fell in love with theater in the first place. As they argue and discuss while waiting for a show (an adaptation of Moliere’s The Misanthrope directed by upcoming director, Don) they are watching a second time to begin, Alex’s thoughts manifest on stage as a reenactment of his own adaptations of Moliere’s The Learned Ladies (Maniacal) and The Imaginary Invalid (Praning).

Ateneo Blue Repertory Presents “Real-Life Fairytales” A Musical Scene-Cycle From Sept 20 – Oct. 1

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ateneo Blue Repertory presents “Real Life Fairytales”, a blueREP original play, for it’s 25th Season Premiere. Real-Life Fairytales is a series of six unique vignettes about how fantastical real life can be, or alternately, how fantasy isn’t so different from real life. Contemporary issues such as mental health, body image, and drug use are examined through the lens of the magical and unusual.

This musical scene-cycle is written and musically directed by a homegrown blueREP talent, Ejay Yatco; who is a composer, musical director and pianist. In 2013, he represented the Philippines in the World Championship of the Performing Arts where he made it to the top 3 and took home a gold and three silver medals. He was also nominated twice for Best Musical Direction and once for Best Music at the BroadwayWorld.com Awards. Lastly, he composed and arranged music for well-known companies such as City of Dreams, PNB, Resort's World, Bonanza Foods, Pepsodent, Pepsi, SM, Arlington and IBPAP.

Alongside Ejay Yatco, Real-Life Fairytales is directed by Missy Maramara who is a renowned instructor in the Theater Arts Program of the Ateneo's Department of Fine Arts. She holds an MFA in Drama (Performance) from the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville), through the International Fulbright Scholarship program. Since her return to the Ateneo in 2014, she has directed several plays: blueREP's "Urinetown", Upstart Productions' "Gruesome Playground Injuries", Ateneo Fine Arts' "Iphigenia and Other Daughters", "Authorial Intent" and "The Sound of a Voice". Aside from drecting, she has also served the theater community through performing in several productions. The most recent are Ateneo Fine Arts' "Purgatorio", Dulaang UP's "The Dressing Room", Ikarus' "It's April What Are We Doing Here", and New York United Solo Festival's "Clytemnestra".