Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Bataan Nuclear Power Plant: Should We Revive This 30-Year Old Mothballed Project or Not?

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"In line with the President's vision, an essential component of the country's energy plan involves a long-term initiative of developing a sustainable, diversified and balanced energy mix that is responsive and supportive of the country’s growing economy. Ultimately, the collateral goals include not only reducing our emissions, but also paving the way for the possible entry of other emerging technologies. Nuclear power is an emerging--or more accurately, "re-emerging"--alternative, as far as the country is concerned." - Sec. Alfredo Cusi, DOE

Experts are saying all our fears about nuclear power plants are false. The disinformation is staggering and has made Filipinos hesitant of ever allowing such power plants to exist in our country.

But the real question is, will this 30-year old unused Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) still work even after a USD 1 Billion rehabilitation?

The BNPP project was mothballed in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. But then, clamor for the reopening of the Bataan Nuclear power plant was revived during the power crisis in the 90s and the skyrocketing of oil prices in 2007.

But then the Fukushima nuclear plant incident happened in 2011, creating global panic and concerns about the safety and integrity of nuclear plants. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, the incident virtually led to an undeclared moratorium on all plans to go nuclear for power generation.

If these weren't enough, adding to these various setbacks, the emergence of natural gas, wind and solar energy pushed nuclear power deeper into dormancy.

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The "Honda New Model Launching & Media Track Day" was held on September 11, 2016 at Max's Restaurant located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). All attendees were excited to see the newest motorbike models from Honda, specifically the 2016 Honda CBR150R, which will definitely make any rider feel like a racer.

The looks are something to brag about, and there's three models to choose from with prices varying so little in difference. Depending on your style, you may want to choose the one that suits your needs or personality. You can match them with your current gears, or create a totally new look to ride away to the sunset feeling so proud of yourself.

Who wouldn't want to flaunt these beauties on the road. These motorbikes are not to be stuck inside the garage. They are meant to be seen and admired so many would gawk at the new CBR 150 models.

Of course, we could all further customize them to become really one of a kind, but the bikes all look good as it is.

Prices ranges around Php 150K - now that's value for your hard-earned money.

Below are some photos of the new Honda CBR 150 and several videos taken during the media launch of the Honda CBR 150 dubbed as The Red Zone, where Honda cordoned a portion of BGC to serve as the venue and track of the Honda Red Zone launch which was open to riders and the public.

Get to see more videos at our official YouTube channel at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas

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

Awesome Pampering Exclusive for Men at The Men's Room

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Whether men will admit it or not, they still get distracted or annoyed when in the company of women. Imagine the scenario when men visit salons for some pampering services. You might witness some a bit shy or awkward being seen serviced at the same room with the women.

Admittedly, men do need some quality time away from women. So they could be with the guys, and simply relax like being in the comfort of their own homes - minus the female homo sapiens of the family. We sometimes call it the man cave - our place of refuge where we can be ourselves without the glaring eyes of our lover or wife, or some random women like the ones who would suddenly stepped in a unisex salon.

This is why the owners of The Men's Room have decided to built this special place where men can be assured there would be almost zero presence of women except for the staff at the reception and the masseuse or physical therapists who would do your massage or body spa.

There's currently three barbers working there, and all are men since it's very rare to see women who are experts in manly haircuts. Of course, women will do the massage and both scrubs since most men do not want to be touched by another man.

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Every time October is near, I can't help but get extremely excited because it means I get to have an excuse to celebrate a day or two with my loved ones. We are always off to somewhere special for lunch or dinner. I love it when my birthday falls on a weekday since it usually means having to celebrate twice - one during the weekday and another one on the weekend. But, if it were up to me, I would celebrate my birthday for the entire month of October. Lol!

It also means friends, colleagues and neighbors would soon be visiting our home for another weekend of binge drinking. Nah! I'm just kidding. My friends are the ones who know guys who drink moderately are the sexier kind. Being drunk would mean losing control of ourselves, both physically and emotionally. I've never seen my friends abusing their health because they avoid drinking too much.

Needless to say, one of my errands when the big day is near is to purchase special liquors - the best "my" money can buy. That's with emphasis on "my" since I don't have that much money to spend. Still, I make sure they won't be disappointed with my choices.

Thus, I would like to thank the guys from The Booze Shop with their liquor recommendations. They made it easier for me to choose the liquor I would bring home for the weekend celebration.

The Booze Shop is a friend's highly recommended liquor shop located at Unit 1-A Mila Holdings building. That's at #28 Jupiter Street, Barangay Bel-Air in Makati city, which is a right turn if you're coming from the Paseo De Roxas street. I actually used Google map to find the shop but it pointed me to the opposite direction. I had to do a U-turn along Jupiter street in the middle of a traffic congestion since it was already nearing after office rush hour.

I told the staff at the shop my budget and asked them to recommend their bestsellers. I got the liquors within just a few minutes only. They even helped me carry the drinks back to the car. Wow! Happy customer here. The only thing left is to drink these beauties this weekend for my birthday party celebration. Lol!

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Twitter is introducing enhanced customer support features to help businesses globally provide even better customer service on the platform. Businesses can now indicate that they provide support, which adds that information to suggestions when people search for a business, mention a business in a Tweet, or find a business in Direct Messages.

Additionally, businesses can display hours of availability on their profile to help set people’s expectations for when they are likely to reply. These businesses’ profiles will also display a more prominent button to start a Direct Message so people know the business offers support privately. SMART Philippines is among the first in Southeast Asia to leverage the new support features for better customer service.

The latest enhancements complement previously announced improvements for customer service, including Direct Message links and Customer Feedback cards to help businesses provide better service on Twitter.

“Our followers used to go through multiple stages just to reach out to us, but Twitter’s Customer Service has allowed us to streamline our process and consequently increase our engagement with our beloved customers. Over the trial period alone, we saw a 32% increase in direct messages, which allow us to handle the concerns of our customers efficiently and get their feedback so we can continuously improve our service,” said Raymund A. Rivadelo, Vice President and Head of Customer Care, SMART Philippines.

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The Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (FBDC) has caught up with the newest trending business opportunity intended to target SMEs and startups. It is without any doubt that entrepreneurs are now greatly composed of even as young as new college graduates thus bringing assortment to the usual demographics.

I hear more and more newly grads that have set their eyes on opening their own business, either in a form of startup for those who need investment opportunities, or small and medium scale enterprises using capital borrowed mostly from their parents.

True enough, quite a lot of my younger friends are thinking of just spending a year or two with an employer but then soon resigning to setup their own business ventures. It is not only cool to become our own boss but also quite a remarkable achievement to be able to stand up on our own and receiving the full benefits and rewards once a business turns successful.

Though still one has to contend with very little financing capability thus many of these small time visionaries are eyeing on making a formal physical presence at coworking spaces. We all know that it's a lot better to meet our clients or partners at an office which we could call our own instead of lounging at coffee shops or restaurants.

Recently I've been getting a lot of event invitations that features new or expanding coworking spaces (shared offices) which confirms how popular this business venture has become. In a span of two weeks, I've been to four coworking spaces already, and this does not include the others that I've visited the past months of this year.

Square One BGC is a new coworking space offering of the FBDC that's strikingly huge. Located at the ground floor of the Bonifacio Technology Center which you can find at 31st street cor 2nd Avenue, its 200 sqm Social Hall alone could fit quite a lot of like-minded peeps for special events or gatherings. These minds are all aiming to soon become among the industry giants, and I am extremely hopeful that many would follow this trend, both coworking spaces and youth entrepreneurship.

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A whopping 1,013,340 hectares covering both the coastal and offshore waters of Cagayancillo, plus 80,000 hectares of Aborlan in the Philippine province of Palawan were recently declared as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

This is part of a two-country initiative by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Fondation Segré to rebuild the fish stocks of the Coral Triangle by changing the way people view protected areas.

MPAs are portions of the sea which are protected by law. According to MPAtlas, the Philippines hosts 1557 – more than any in Southeast Asia. Established largely through local government initiatives and administered by coastal communities, these undersea enclaves provide vital safe havens for marine life, while also attracting droves of tourists.

Sadly, many MPAs are plagued by a lack of funding. Perhaps just over 100 MPAs are properly administered. Many are negatively viewed by coastal people as deterrents to their ability to fish in front of their homes.

This is because most MPAs have been designed to protect marine biodiversity rather than to replenish fish stocks and support local economies. “Fishermen were initially concerned that they would no longer be allowed to fish,” recalls Aborlan Barangay Captain Zabalo. “But proper zoning allocated areas for fishing.”

Over the past decade, WWF has been trying to put people’s needs first by focusing on the value of MPAs to maximize fisheries production instead of merely protecting biodiversity. So effective has the move been that the people of Cagayancillo clamored to have their waters protected because they benefited from the bounty of the nearby Tubbataha Reefs plus their own marine conservation efforts in Cagayancillo.

“Since WWF introduced marine conservation in early 2000, we have been vigilant. The reefs sustain our need for food and income. For years, we have had an abundant fish supply. I really believe some of them come from Tubbataha, especially the big ones,” shares Cagayancillo-based conservationist Nison Abados. Though composed of both offshore and coastal zones, Cagayancillo is now the largest MPA in the country – due mostly to an ordinance under Republic Act 7611.

Collaborative management is the key to effective and sustainably-funded MPAs. Roles, responsibilities and benefits are shared between national and local authorities, communities, the private sector and other resource users.

Realizing that sustainability means business viability, the initiative works with the local seafood and tourism sectors to finance and manage MPAs and sustainable fishing initiatives.

“The ease and speed by which Aborlan protected its waters was due to a three-year initiative by local provincial, municipal and village governments, the Environmental Legal Assistance Center, Western Philippines University and WWF,” says WWF-Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma.

The move heavily involves local fishermen and communities in the management of marine resources by helping them gain exclusive rights to fisheries located in or near MPAs and by working with them to improve the health and productivity of their fisheries.

An example would be Seven Lines, a coral reef system in Aborlan. “Seven Lines supplies fish to smaller coral reefs in the region. This means fisherfolk don’t need to travel far for fishing,” says Aborlan Municipal Agriculture Officer Cacatian. This means that even if certain areas are off-limits to fishers, the spillover effects of protection will seed large areas with life.

The project aims to expand the network of critical marine areas that are protected, effectively-managed and sustainably financed in the Coral Triangle. “Through well-managed MPAs, coastal communities can realize that conservation is the surest way to secure tomorrow’s fish,” concludes Palma.

As of 2016, the projects of WWF and its allies are protecting 904,000 hectares of MPAs in the Philippines.

NBA Global Games Herald Start of New NBA Season

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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

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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.