NBA Global Games Herald Start of New NBA Season

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Question: How do you know that the NBA regular season is about to begin?

Answer: There’s a lot of buzz worldwide about the NBA pre-season including the Global Games.

The NBA Global Games are a series of NBA games played outside of the United States and Canada where NBA teams play against fellow NBA squads or foreign ball clubs.

The first official overseas game featuring an NBA team was played on Sept. 7, 1978 when the Washington Bullets traveled to Israel to take on Maccabi Tel Aviv in an exhibition game. More games would be played across Europe and the Soviet Union until 1988. In 1990, the first regular season NBA Games outside the United States were held in Tokyo featuring the Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz.

With the league expanding its international footprint, the NBA Global Games have been staged in various parts of the world including Spain, England, Brazil, Istanbul, Italy, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei and the Philippines. The NBA and SM staged the first-ever NBA preseason game in the Philippines between the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 10, 2013. Since 2004, thirteen NBA teams have played in Greater China specifically in Beijing, Guangzhou, Macao, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Taipei.

The 10th edition of NBA Global Games China, featuring the New Orleans Pelicans and the Houston Rockets, will be staged in Shanghai at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on Oct. 9, followed by a rematch in Beijing on Oct. 12 at The LeSports Center. This will be the Rockets’ fourth trip to Greater China following visits in 2004, 2010 and 2013.

NBA Global Games China 2016 will feature a variety of off-court activities, including the fifth Fan Appreciation Day presented by Dongfeng Nissan on Oct. 7 in Shanghai, providing thousands of fans with the chance to participate in on-court games and watch the Pelicans and Rockets in open practice. The league will also conduct NBA Cares and Jr. NBA community events and league partners will host interactive fan activities.

This year’s batch of Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA All-Stars will watch their favorite Pelicans and Rockets players in Shanghai along with other Jr. NBA All-Stars from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines 2016 All-Stars is composed of Kai Zachary Sotto, Tracy Carl Dadang, Fritz Felix Valencia, Harold Alarcon, Julian Jugo, Miguel Tan, Andrei Lechoncito, Rhic Gatuz, Jearico Nunez, Isaiah Blanco Hontiveros, Rozie Amatong, Florence Jill Talas, Aloha Marie Betanio, Maria Cecilia Quelenderino and Darle Regasajo.

Local celebrity Gerald Anderson and #ShootLikeTheNBA winners Kat Tan and Paolo Miguel Bernardo will also travel to Shanghai to watch the NBA Global Games.

100 Days Accomplishment Report of Department of Energy

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The targetted ten thousand (10,000) household electrification of depressed areas was achieved within the President Duterte’s first 100 days through the DOE’s partnership with MERALCO and the National Housing Authority.

As of September 29, 2016, the 13,224 households were energized in the towns of Gaya-Gaya (Towerville), San Jose del Monte, Malolos, Balagtas, Sta Maria in Bulacan; Lucena City in Quezon province; Masinag in Antipolo; Cainta; Marikina; Angono; Calamba and San Pablo in Laguna; Isla Puting Bato in Parola; Happy Land Aroma and the BASECO Compound in Tondo; Espana; Malate; Tutuban; Balagtas; Balintawak; Paranaque City and Caloocan City.

The DOE facilitated private sector participation for the provision of adequate supply of electricity in the following missionary areas:

• Camotes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Camotes Islands)
• Quezon Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Polillo Island)
• Tawi-Tawi Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Bongao)
• Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative, Inc. (additional supply in Siquijor)
• Lubang Electric Cooperative (Lubang Island)
• Marinduque Electric Cooperative, Inc. 

The DOE ordered the technical audit of the power generating plants in response to recent spate of power interruptions (yellow and red alert occurrences) in July and August of 2016.

The DOE signed Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) with the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC)-accredited Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) and the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME). These professional associations, known for their technical knowledge, expertise and competence to assist the DOE in addressing the current power situation, are providing pro-bono services to augment the DOE’s Technical Audit Team for the country’s generation, transmission and distribution facilities.

Similarly, the DOE directed the technical audit of all electric cooperatives served by the NPC-Small Power Utilities Group in order to ensure the reliable quality, and affordable supply of electricity which started in Oriental Mindoro. This includes the review of all their power supply contracts.

Further, DOE directed NEA to come up with their recommendations in addressing the financial and management problems of the ten (10) ailing cooperatives, namely:

1. Abra Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ABRECO)
2. Pampanga III Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PELCO III)
3. Camarines Sur III Electric Cooperative (CASURECO III)
4. Albay Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ALECO)
5. Masbate Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MASELCO)
6. Maguindanao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MAGELCO)
7. Lanao Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LASURECO)
8. Basilan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BASELCO)
9. Sulu Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SULECO)
10. Tawi-Tawi Electric Cooperative, Inc. (TAWELCO)

DOE has successfully intervened on behalf of the electricity consumers of BUSECO and FIBECO from having their electricity supply disconnected. 

Consistent with its mandate to protect the consumers, the DOE endorsed to the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) the exemption of the Systems Loss Charge from VAT because it is not actually used by the consumers and to attain the policy of true cost under Republic Act No. 9136 otherwise known as EPIRA.

The Philippine government, with the DOE as lead agency, hosted the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC) Conference on the prospects of nuclear power in the Asia-Pacific region from 30 August to 1 September 2016 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

This is part of the country’s commitment in exploring all energy resources to ensure supply security and stability.

The DOE actively participated in the 34th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM34) and its Associated Meetings in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, where DOE Secretary Cusi was elected as Vice Chairman.

As the Chair of the ASEAN in 2017, Secretary Cusi formally accepted, on behalf of the Philippine government the hosting of AMEM35 and its Associated Meetings in Manila from 18 to 22 September 2017. The country hosted the same meetings twice- in 1997 and 2004.

On-going set-up of One-Stop Shop for DOE services with the USAID assisted Energy Virtual One Shared System (EVOSS) scheduled for full launch in the 4th Quarter of 2016.

The EVOSS is designed to serve as platform to investors and other government’s agencies to monitor and update on the status of the various applications. At present, on-going activities include the improvement of the system and web portal, data gathering and including the pilot testing. Attached is the EVOSS schedule of activities.

The DOE is currently reviewing the DOE’s Citizen Charter to further streamline the permitting process for power development projects. This will significantly reduce the time to process applications.

To make frontline services responsive to the people’s needs, the DOE launched the DOE Rapid Response & Delivery (RRD-AC), with the on-going transfer to the DOE Records Section and the development of the DOE Citizen Action and Response Enhanced System. The DOE-RRD-AC will have information kiosks for the processing of permits and will have an Officer of the Day on duty for immediate assistance to investors.

The DOE finalized the APEC-funded Guidelines on Improving Energy Resiliency in Off-grid Areas applicable to APEC member countries. This forms part of the economy’s readiness and adaptation to climate change.

Completed the Philippine Energy Plan 2016-2030 Update which will roadmap the strategic direction for the short, medium and long term energy sub-sectors such as renewable energy, oil and gas exploration, oil downstream and upstream and energy efficiency. A Power Development Plan 2017 -2030 based on economic growth, forecast assumptions and elasticity has been initiated.

The DOE has tightened its link with the academe, opening its doors to a succession of groups of students at various levels from elementary to college from all over the country through lectures, discussions and experiments related to the electricity supply chain, energy efficiency and conservation. At the DOE Lighting and Testing Laboratory, they learned about comparing and calculating the energy efficiency cost of operating various household appliances. Certificates of Pledges of Commitment as “Energy Cost Busters” were given encouraging especially the children to apply practical measures in saving energy and money.

Pursuant to the Department of Energy’s commitment to maintain and strengthen the predictability, certainty and consistency of investment rules of the country, the DOE affirmed its position in its Motion for Reconsideration pending before the Commission on Audit that the income tax of the Malampaya contractor shall form part of the 60% government share.

Task Force Kapatid facilitating the repair/rehabilitation of lines and restoration of electric service during disasters in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) is in place along with an Electric Cooperatives Resiliency Program intended for the putting up of material buffer stocks needed for immediate line repair/rehabilitation. Likewise, implementing Rules relative to Vulnerability Risk Assessment (VRA) and Emergency Response Planning (ERP) to mitigate the impact of calamities is being adhered to.

DOE tightened its synchronization efforts with the ERC as strategic partners in ensuring quality, reliable, secured and affordable electric power supply.

Designer Kaye Morales Highlights Her Identity at Manila FAME

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Fashion designer Kaye Morales will present her latest capsule collection at the upcoming Manila FAME on October 20 to 22, 2016 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. Her new bag collection as well as limited edition series of colorful and edgy accessories that reflect her identity and her vivacious personality will be featured at the event.

An outspoken LGBT advocate, Morales’ interests in water sports & pop-art inspired her latest collection.

“I’ve been fascinated with bags that have unusual designs, from there, I thought of starting my line and creating my own customized bags that speak about my identity and jolly personality and the things that I like,” Morales said.

Kaye Morales has been in the fashion industry for almost a decade now. Her last collection, Rebel, was released at Philippine Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016 before she departed for London to further her studies. Morales’ past collections have been featured not just locally, but at internationally recognized fashion shows such as: Vancouver Fashion Week 2013 and Los Angeles Style Fashion Week 2014.

PH Mobile Internet Ranks 6th in APAC in Latest Akamai Report

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For the first time in many years, Akamai Technologies included the Philippines in the country ranking for mobile internet speeds. And the results did not disappoint Filipino consumers.

With an average speed of 8.5 Mbps, the Philippines ranked 6th in the average mobile internet connection speed according to the 2nd Akamai State of Internet Report. The latest Akamai report also reveals that the Philippines also achieved 105.1 Mbps peak mobile speed which in the third highest in Asia Pacific next to Australia and Thailand.

Globe Telecom’s efforts to improve internet experience of its customers advanced significantly in the first 100 days of the Duterte administration, as the company managed to drive the mobile internet speed ranking of the Philippines with its 1st world internet campaign.

Globe President & CEO Ernest Cu reiterated the company’s commitment to improve the state of internet in the Philippines in order to make the nation admired globally. “More and more Filipinos are becoming dependent on fast and reliable internet connectivity, it is imperative that telco operators like Globe work closely with the government in expanding and improving telecommunication services,” Cu said.

Cu emphasized Globe is maximizing the use of additional frequency assets it obtained from the sellout of San Miguel’s telco assets in line with its commitment to the National Telecommunications Commission to deploy about 4,500 multiband, multimode software defined radio base station equipment to 95% of total municipalities and cities in the country, intended to improve overall customer experience in terms of speed and reliability of mobile internet services.

To date, Globe has already completed deployment of LTE 700 in 200 sites, mostly in Metro Manila as well as LTE 2600 in 900 sites, mostly in Visayas and Mindanao. According to Cu, sites where the LTE 700 and LTE 2600 have been deployed cover major business districts and highly-urbanized and populated areas in the country.

Cu further disclosed that Globe also expanded its GoWiFi network as it recently completed deployment of the service in close to 500 sites that include Ayala Malls, fast food chains, bus terminals, convenience stores and other public places. He added that Globe is working on widening its WiFi coverage and plan to deploy GoWiFi services in close to 1,000 sites across the country. This will provide WiFi coverage not only Metro Manila but also in Davao, Cebu, Bulacan, Cavite, Cagayan Valley, Cagayan de Oro, Nueva Vizcaya, Dumaguete, Zamboanga and Boracay.

Launched in 2015, GoWiFi, the company’ premium open national WiFi network, is now serving close to 3 million customers per month. The company’s national WiFi network is open to any customer with a WiFi enabled device. While customers are able to access the service for free for 30 minutes a day, customers can easily purchase GoWiFi credits which they can use in any GoWiFi hotspot.

According to Cu, the company is also about to complete deployment of free Wi-Fi services in all MRT Line 3 stations, enabling Globe customers riding the MRT to efficiently make use of their transit time as they are now able to access the internet for free.

The deployment of free Wi-Fi services is expected to benefit around 350,000 daily passengers of MRT Line 3. Each passenger will be given free Wi-Fi access for 30 minutes daily, said Cu, emphasizing that provision of free WiFi services in all MRT3 stations is part of the company’s initiative to enhance network capacities.

Aside from MRT Line 3, Globe also signed an agreement to provide free Wi-Fi services in all 20 LRT stations. In addition to deployment of WiFi services, Globe will also provide fiber optic cable system that will extend the length of the entire LRT 1 and cover all LRT stations and LRMC’s depot in Pasay City. Globe also recently signed with the Metro Manila Development Authority a similar agreement that will allow the telco provider to deploy wireless infrastructure in MMDA controlled areas as part of its efforts to enhance network coverage and capacities.

The 2Q Akamai report also showed the Philippines has average internet speed of 4.3 Mbps in fixed broadband, up by 24% QoQ and 27% YoY. The country registered the strongest growth in Asia Pacific region in terms of “above 4Mbps connectivity adoption” at 33% adoption rate, growing 79% QoQ and 116% YoY.

For above 10 Mbps connectivity adopted, the country showed a 5% adoption, growing by 86% QoQ and 683% YoY. For 15Mbps connectivity adoption rate, the country is at a nascent 2.1% adoption, up 109% QoQ and 872% YoY.

Linksys Unveils New Routers Allowing Faster Wi-Fi Access on Several Devices

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I'm probably one of the many nowadays who no longer watch on TV. My favorite past time is to go on a movie and TV series marathon during weekends, and whenever there are several new content online, I browse through all the videos and music available on the many social media and video channels. These, together with so many other online tasks aside from my regular blogging, I could say I spend a great number of hours online almost everyday.

Now that's just me on my laptop and three mobile phones. There's still my wife who always chat with her friends and previous colleagues, and three kids who are equally engaged online doing their own interests like watching anime, playing multiplayer games, etc. That's around 10 devices (tablets, smartphones, laptops) at our home including our Smart TV where we can freely watch online streaming videos anytime.

I'm sure everyone of us would want to stream movies, play video games, listen to music, shop, check e-mail and more - all at the same time. But it would be a total disappointment if we'll just be facing buffering or loading time delays. I hate to watch a movie when it stops every few minutes.

Linksys Philippines now has a solution as they recently launched their newest routers equipped with Qualcomm MU / EFX MU-MIMO technology which helps to provide up to 3X faster speeds.

Jane the Virgin Shows More of Her Lovable Antics in Upcoming Season

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Avid viewers of Jane the Virgin are surely in for a surprising treat when everybody’s favorite telenovela returns to Sony Channel for a third season this October. 

The new season begs an all-important question: Will Jane finally lose her virginity? And if she does, to whom? Will it be to her husband Michael (Brett Dier), who has loved her for a long time? To her boss Rafael (Justin Baldoni), who starts to have feelings for her? Or to Sam (Miles Gaston Villanueva), a childhood crush who suddenly vies for her affection? 

Jane continues to manage the many things going on in her life as she endures an unexpected change, and her life suddenly becomes as dramatic and complicated as the telenovelas she has always loved.

Jane the Virgin Season 3 premieres within 12 Hours of the U.S. telecast on October 18, every Tuesday at 8:50 pm. First & Exclusive on Sony Channel

Sony Channel is seen on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, GSat Channel 48, Global Destiny Cable Channel 62, and Cable Link Channel 39.

Quesarito: A Quesadilla and Burrito Mash-Up Only at Taco Bell

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Torn between two classic Taco Bell favorites? No need to choose as Taco Bell rolls out its newest item on its menu – the Quesarito.

The Quesarito, as the name suggest, is a mash-up between cheesy gooey quesadilla and beefy meaty burrito. Imagine a Quesadilla made with Taco Bell’s signature three cheese blend and nacho cheese sauce wrapped around a burrito filled with seasoned beef, Mexican rice, cool sour cream and creamy jalapeno sauce. Its two delicious flavors coming together to create something truly extraordinary!

Try the new Quesarito exclusively available for a limited time only at Taco Bell branches in Gateway Mall, TriNoma and Alabang Town Center. Priced at P129 ala carte and P169 with nachos and a drink, this is a mash-up you wouldn’t want to miss.

For more updates, visit Taco Bell’s official website at www.tacobell.com.ph or follow on Facebook and Intsagram.

PH Has Highest Number of Depressed People in Southeast Asia, Mental Health Law Pushed

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Many Filipinos are suffering a crisis in the dark; the silent burden of impaired mental health."

This was the statement of Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros as she pushed for a measure to address the mental health needs of the Filipino people.

Together with former Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani, the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA), celebrity endorser Jerika Ejercito and other advocates, Hontiveros filed on Thursday Senate Bill No. 1190 otherwise known as the“Philippine Mental Health Act of 2016.”

Hontiveros, who is the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, said that the Philippines is one of the few countries in the world without a comprehensive mental health law.

1 in 5 Filipinos suffer from mental disorder

The senator, citing several studies and government statistics, said that the country has the highest number of depressed people in Southeast Asia with schizophrenia as the top mental health disorder among Filipinos.

"1 in 5 adult Filipinos suffer from mental or psychiatric disorder. This represents an average of 88 reported cases of mental illness per 100,000 Filipinos. Also, the number of suicide cases in the country has steadily risen over a period of 20 years from 1992 to 2012," Hontiveros explained.


Lack of psychiatrists

In the rural health centers, Hontiveros said that 50% of adults visiting rural health centers in remote barrios were diagnosed to have some form of psychological illness. The senator also underscored the lack of psychiatrists in the country. As of 2014, she said that there are only 490 psychiatrists currently licensed to practice in the Philippines.


Rights of persons with mental health needs

Hontiveros’ bill seeks to identify and solidify the rights of persons with mental health needs such as the right to receive mental health services at all levels of the health care system. The bill is also pushing for the establishment of psychiatric and neurologic service in regional, provincial, and all tertiary level hospitals, recognition of other forms of treatment/non-medical alternatives and integration of mental health in the education curriculum.

“For the longest time, many people with mental health needs are silently suffering in the dark due to the lack of a comprehensive mental health law. It's time we uphold the people's right to mental health and protect the rights of those who require mental health services," Hontiveros ended

Macgyver Debuts as Highest Rated Series Premiere on AXN Since 2012

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The premiere of MacGyver delivered the highest ratings for a drama series on AXN since 2012. The highly anticipated action series premiered on Thursday, September 29 at 9:45pm and emerged as the #1 show for English general entertainment channels in the Philippines.

Paying homage to the original series, MacGyver stars Lucas Till as a 20-something Angus “Mac” MacGyver who creates a clandestine organization within the U.S. government where he uses his extraordinary talent for unconventional problem solving and vast scientific knowledge to save lives.

“MacGyver is such a beloved franchise and we are not surprised at how well-received it is,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia. “Our viewers have come to expect action, adventure and compelling stories from the AXN brand, and MacGyver delivers it all.”

During MacGyver’s premiere, AXN dominated at #1 amongst 22 English general entertainment channels with a 53% share. Apart from a strong drama series premiere, its evening primetime slot includes variety series Top 20 Funniest and reality series American Ninja Warrior. During the telecast of American Ninja Warrior, AXN is the top rated English general entertainment channel.

MacGyver also stars George Eads (CSI) and Sandrine Holt (House of Cards) and executive produced by Lee David Zlotoff (original series creator), Henry Winkler (original series executive producer), Peter Lenkov (Hawaii Five-0) and James Wan (Saw, The Conjuring).

MacGyver airs every Thursday at 9.45pm first and exclusive on AXN. Catch up on the first episode of MacGyver on http://www.axn-asia.com/programs/macgyver/videos/macgyver-episode-1.

Source: Kantar Media Philippines, Target: Pay TV2+

BFGoodrich Tires Announces Return to the Dakar Rally

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Michelin Philippines Chief Representative Michael Nunag relayed the announcement on October 4, 2016 from Greenville, South Carolina that BFGoodrich Tires is set to return to its rich history of winning at the 2017 Dakar Rally as the official tire supplier of the Dakar Rally.

When the Dakar Rally kicks off in Asunción, Paraguay in January, BFGoodrich Tires will be back on competitors’ vehicles on a large scale for the first time since 2012. In addition BFGoodrich will roll out the BFGoodrich Dakar Service Center, through which competitors will benefit from 24/7 technical expertise. The rugged terrain and unpredictable elements that racers face over two weeks and more than 5,000 miles of punishing competition across three countries is exactly the sort of proving ground that BFGoodrich seeks.

“BFGoodrich has a long-tenured racing heritage, and we’re excited to continue our global involvement in racing in the dirt with our official return to the Dakar Rally,” said Michelin and BFGoodrich Motorsport Director Pascal Couasnon. “Cross-country rally racing is a distinct challenge, and this race features some of the most complex terrains on the planet. As with other forms of racing where BFGoodrich competes, our commitment stays the same in this discipline. We continue to use all the technical information we learn in racing laboratories around the world to develop new technology and constantly improve our products while taking on the toughest conditions on Earth.”