Rally de Espana (WRC): 300th world win for Michelin! 4th title for Ogier/Ingrassia

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Victory on the 2016 RallyRACC Catalunya was enough for Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia to secure their fourth consecutive FIA World Rally Championship title. The French pair also chalked up Michelin’s 300th WRC win. Hyundai NG i20 WRC/Michelin drivers Dani Sordo and Thierry Neuville finished on the Spain podium’s other two steps, and there was a Skoda/Michelin one-two in WRC2. 

Sébastien Ogier collected his fifth win of the year after a thrilling dice with local star Dani Sordo who led after Leg 1 which visited gravel stages made treacherously slippery by heavy rain. 

The Frenchman bounced back on Saturday’s asphalt tests, however, to close the gap to the Spaniard and take control after SS14. The ‘off’ of Mikkelsen (VW/Michelin), his chief remaining threat in the title chase, provided him with a red-carpet ride to a fourth straight crown with two rounds remaining. 

For the fifth time, Sordo had to settle for second spot on his home event, although he had the satisfaction of beating Hyundai team-mates Neuville and Hayden Paddon (Hyundai/Michelin). Norway’s Mads Ostberg (Ford/Michelin) was fifth. 

Briton Kris Meeke (Citroën/Michelin) dropped time on SS2 (roll) before being betrayed by his engine on Sunday morning. Jari-Matti Latvala (VW/Michelin) had to restart on Saturday under the Rally2 ruling due to suspension damage but he was accredited with seven fastest times from 19, including the Power Stage. 

In WRC2, Jan Kopecky and Pontus Tidemand produced a one-two finish for Skoda/Michelin. The class’s title contender Teemu Suninen (Skoda/Michelin) was forced out by mechanical trouble on Day 1. 

The RallyRACC Catalunya set the scene for Michelin’s 300th world class win since the championship’s creation in 1973. The French tyre manufacturer has extended its commitment to the WRC until 2019. 


Watch the video on Youtube: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o761-5uDXdk 

Jennifer Hammond Made it to Top 15 of Miss Intercontinental 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"A Top 15 finish is quite a feat! Congratulations to Binibining Pilipinas 2016 Jennifer Hammond, whose beauty and strength was a shining light at this year’s Miss Intercontinental pageant in Colombo, Sri Lanka on October 16." - Binibining Pilipinas.

We kept on winning in this particular beauty pageant but our rank keeps getting higher except for this year when we only reached the top 15. Based from the previous years, we were expecting a win:

2013 - 3rd Runner Up
2014 - 2nd Runner Up
2015 - 1st Runner Up

2016 - Top 15
Still, being part of the Top 15 makes it an accomplishment for the Philippines. Not all countries can boast of being always among the top recognition.

We are sending our sincerest congratulations to Jennifer Hammond - another beauty queen that the Philippines should be proud of.

Let's Support Jennifer Hammond for Miss Intercontinental Competition Today

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Please support our very own, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental 2016 - Jennifer Ruth Alviar Hammond, as she competes to be the next Miss Intercontinental today, October 16 at 8:30 pm Philippine time!

Jennifer hails from the province of Laguna and stands at 5-foot-7.5 inches and measures 34- 24- 36. She was a Miss World Philippines 2013 candidate. She is also the younger sister of Mutya ng Pilipinas-World 1978 Louvette Hammond Fowler, one of the Philippines title holder during her time. 

The Miss Intercontinental event has grown to become an ultimate show and icon of female beauty and success. The world has changed a lot over the years and Miss Intercontinental has mirrored those changes. Titleholders have gone on to high-profile careers in government, business, finance, film and fashion. These are women of power and grace, commitment and intelligence, style and substance.

The Miss Intercontinental has become the UN of glamour and beauty. Well known as as showcase for the world´s most poised, stunning women.

Pageant Schedule:

October 16:
8:30pm (Ph time)
6:00pm (Sri Lanka time)

You can watch the live streaming via this link. 

The 8th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition is an annual event that puts on never-before-seen spectacle of lights and colors where the night sky and sea meet as staged by the world’s leading pyrotechnic experts.This competition will not only paint the Manila sky with brilliant bursts of vivid color, but will also be the venue to showcase the emerging artistry and evolving sophistication of Filipino fireworks technology.

As always, the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition will be imbued with the awesome fanfare and delightful displays of the world’s leading pyrotechnic events, but done with that distinct Filipino flourish that will surely bring together eager audiences from all over the region.

Next year's event will feature opening and closing fireworks show from Platinum Fireworks, Inc., and two fireworks companies per country competing per day starting on February 11 until March 18, 2017. The countries participating are Germany, China, Canada, UK, France and Australia. Again, there will still be two shows in one day. 2 different companies of the same country.

Below is the long awaited schedule for the 8th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2017:

Feb 11th: Opening show, Platinum Fireworks, Inc.
France, Pyragric

Feb 18th: Germany, Steffes-Olig Feuerwerke
Germany, Nico Events

Feb 25th: China, Polaris Fireworks
China, Lidu Fireworks

March 4th: Canada, Garden City Display Fireworks
Canada, Hands Fireworks

March 11th: UK, Pyrotex Fireworks
UK, Jubilee Fireworks Ltd.

March 18th: Australia, Skylighter Fireworx
Closing show, Platinum Fireworks, Inc.


Photo by Daryl Lou Manalansan showing Platinum Fireworks' closing display for the 7th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

Argumentum Ad Hominem: When Attacks Become Personal and Below the Belt

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Ad hominem, short for argumentum ad hominem, is a logical fallacy in which an argument is rebutted by attacking the character, motive, or other attribute of the person making the argument, or persons associated with the argument, rather than attacking the substance of the argument itself." - Wikipedia

Does anyone else have any suggestion on how we deal with this latest bashing? 

There's a recent discussion going on and it started out with a message that was re-shared by a blogger who was known as our diligent detractor who keeps posting negative updates about our founder.

The best thing to know is that there were also other bloggers who were concerned about it and sided with us by reporting what this blogger has done. They sent us screenshots of the discussion via private message and have encouraged our founder to speak out against the maligning post.

Hesitant but he obliged hoping they would come to their senses when our founder shows them proof of his innocence. 

However, even when he has proven that he did not gatecrash and was officially invited, instead they dig up past issues and attack his personal traits. Someone even criticized the manner of how he texted or sent an SMS saying it lacked courtesy. They are clearly steering away from the real issue and finding other irrelevant faults instead.

Again, our founder showed proof of his invitations, yet it is being ignored.So perhaps their intent is not to find the truth, but simply to malign him.

It's getting tiring to explain because they are now clearly attacking him as a person. It is not about the issue of gatecrashing anymore.

Mocha Uson is New Brand Ambassador of Crossfire Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Crossfire just recently announced the appointment of Mocha Uson as Brand Ambassador of Crossfire Philippines, a popular online massive multiplayer First-Person Shooter (FPS), and they will be creating an in-game character resembling or molded after the image of Mocha.

They revealed that there will be two kinds of outfits that the in-game character of Mocha will be wearing. I was hoping it would be the skimpy and revealing kinds but Rene Parada, Product Manager of Crossfire Philippines, said they chose Mocha because she embodies the personality of what they envision as a Filipina that can pass the standards of a James Bond girl.

Now that makes their preferred woman beautiful yet tough, sexy yet classy, sultry yet smart - I could go on and on but my mind is having a party right now just thinking about what the in-game character of Mocha would look like.

Mocha could indeed be the appropriate model for a Crossfire character who could easily handle a gin and shoot at enemies. Mocha has been known as tough online personality as well since she openly supported President Rodrigo Duterte, but then she revealed that she has more friends now than before she was an avid supporter of the former Mayor from Davao and now President of the Philippines.

Just like Duterte, Mocha was able to let out her sentiments during the press conference intended for the launch of Gameclub Philippines' Crossfire event namely the CFS Invitational Manila and the Philippine National Finals scheduled on October 4 to 16, 2016, and secondary is the announcement of her as Brand Ambassadoer of Crossfire Philippines. Mocha has made a statement intended for her bashers so please do watch it on the videos below, and more at our official YouTube channel at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas

SM Southmall Holds NBA 2K17 Philippines Preliminary

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The NBA 2K17 PS4 Asia Tournament – Philippines Qualifier kicked off its first two qualifier legs on October 15 and 16 at the SM Southmall, premiere mall of the South metro, located in Las Pinas city.

Present at the preliminary is Aminolah "Rial" Polog Jr. who was also hoping to compete again this year for NBA 2K17. We had an interview with him during the event at SM Southall where he eagerly shared his triumphant experience from last year. He also shared a few gaming tips and strategies that he uses including which NBA team to choose, which NBA 2K17 in-game character is the best, and to advise gamers to constantly practice, practice, and practice. He emphasized that a gamer should always play with an opponent to enhance their skill. 

Rial won first place and USD 2,500, while Wilmer “Ming” Magno, another Pinoy player, was awarded the second place and USD 1,200 at the Playstation 4 NBA 2K16 Asia Tournament in February last year, grabbing the top 2 winning spots.

Rial and Ming finished in the top two spots after making it to the top 6 finalists at the Taipei Game Show. The two competed against each other and the other 4 finalists from Taiwan and Hongkong in a round robin format.

The final match between the two Filipinos had Rial winning with the Oklahoma Thunder, 51-40 over Ming’s Cleveland Cavaliers.

Getting Ready for Typhoon Karen

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Upon the instruction of Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, the Department of Energy (DOE) and its attached and partner agencies are closely monitoring the status and readiness of areas to be affected by Typhoon Karen, DOE Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella said today.

Secretary Cusi's marching orders to the DOE energy family is to minimize the impact of the storm on energy facilities. Typhoon Karen is expected to make land fall over the Quezon-Aurora area early Sunday morning, according to the weather bureau PAGASA.

Secretary Cusi directed the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to ensure the easy mobilization of assets for the rehabilitation of affected areas.

Among the measures are close coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NRRMC), the release of regular advisories and assigning on a 24/7 basis technical people for monitoring, preparedness and rehabilitation efforts.

NGCP has reported that the Sorsogon-Irosin 69kV line servicing Sorsogon I and II Electric Cooperatives (SORECO I and SORECO II) had an outage at 12:49 p.m. today and restoration is underway.

The affected towns were Gubat, Irosin, Bulan, Sta. Magdalena and Matnog.

Meanwhile, the Gumaca-Lopez-Tagkawayan and the Camarines Norte Electric Cooperative (CANORECO) 69kV lines, which tripped earlier, were promptly put back online.

The sole transmission concessionaire has committed to inspect and restore the lines in the affected areas as soon as the weather would allow.

On the distribution side, NEA has provided advisories to all affected electric cooperatives to initiate pre-and post-Typhoon disaster risk reduction measures.

"The cooperatives must implement contingency measures such as the inspection and conduct of preventive maintenance and rehabilitation in the entire distribution system, in coordination with concerned government agencies and local government units," Sec Cusi recommended.

Secretary Cusi is urging the public to immediately report to the nearest authority any incidents affecting the power supply facilities.

The public is also advised to exercise emergency and safety measures as follows:

1. Charge flashlights and mobile phones
2. Be informed on the latest news updates
3. Switch-off circuit breaker and other electrical systems to avoid electrocution, among other electrical mishap.
4. After the typhoon, check first before using the electrical systems to avoid short circuits.

"Generation, transmission, and distribution facilities must be all operational to normalize power situation in the affected areas," Secretary Cusi concluded.

NBA 2K17 Is Now Available

Wazzup Pilipinas!

2K today announced that NBA 2K17, the next iteration of the top-selling and top-rated NBA video game simulation series*, is now available for purchase at retail and online vendors worldwide. Continuing the success of one of the most dominant entertainment franchises over the last decade, NBA 2K17 introduces an all-new MyCAREER storyline featuring award winning actor Michael B. Jordan, in addition to the most realistic on-court NBA simulation to date. Additionally, fans that participated in “The Prelude”, a free downloadable experience available prior to launch, can continue their MyCAREER experience onward today as they progress through the NBA Draft presented by State Farm and to their NBA team.

“We’re thrilled to deliver an even more ambitious and authentic basketball experience in NBA 2K17,” said Greg Thomas, President of Visual Concepts. “Both new fans and NBA 2K veterans will have the most comprehensive experience in our franchise’s history, starting with an unparalleled MyCAREER showcase placing gamers throughout a unique, compelling storyline.”

NBA 2K17 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC delivers dynamic new features including: 

• Best-in-Class Gameplay: NBA 2K17 puts shot creation and making in your hands like never before. Advanced Skill Shooting gives you complete control over the power and aim of your perimeter shots as well as your ability to finish inside the paint;
• USA Basketball: Take the court as the USA Basketball Men’s National Team with Coach K on the sidelines, or relive the glory of the ’92 Dream Team. Earn USA Basketball MyTEAM cards and gear up your MyPLAYER with official USA Basketball wearables;
• MyCAREER: It’s all-new and all about basketball in 2K17 – and you’re in control. Your on-court performance and career decisions lead to different outcomes as you determine your path through an immersive new narrative, featuring Michael B. Jordan. Additionally, new player controls give you unparalleled supremacy on the court;
• Unrivaled Presentation: The most realistic and dynamic in-game commentary to date featuring the most broadcasting talent ever assembled in a sports game, including new additions Chris Webber, Steve Smith, David Aldridge & Brent Barry. For the first time in a sports videogame, broadcast teams will change from game to game to ensure a unique experience each time you play; 
• 2K BEATS: Imagine Dragons, Grimes, Noah “40” Shabib of OVO Sound and Michael B. Jordan curate another electric 2K soundtrack, featuring 50 songs;
• MyNBA2K17 Mobile Companion Application: Available for free in the App Store for iOS and on Google Play for Android, MyNBA2K17 directly connects players to the console version of NBA 2K17, including the debut of all-new face simulation technology, enabling fans to bring their visual appearance in-game. 

“We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate the launch of NBA 2K17 as the franchise continues to set the standard for sports simulation authenticity,” said Alfie Brody, VP of Marketing for NBA 2K. “We consistently challenge ourselves to bring our fans new, compelling ways to connect with our brand and, more importantly, each other through an unparalleled digital experience that will be found in this year’s title.”

The NBA 2K17 Standard Edition is now available in both digital and physical formats for US$59.99 on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, and Windows PC platforms. The NBA 2K17 Kobe Bryant Legend Edition is also available in digital and physical formats for US$79.99 on Xbox One and PlayStation®4 system. Also available is the NBA 2K17 Kobe Bryant Legend Edition Gold offering fans the ultimate value at US$99.99 with all of the regular NBA 2K17 Legend Edition contents plus bonus items. All fans who pre-ordered any version of NBA 2K17 received their copy at Early Tip-Off four days early, September 16.

Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA 2K17 is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.

Follow @NBA2K on social media and look for the hashtag #ThisIsNotAGame for the latest NBA 2K17 news.

*According to 2008 - 2016 Metacritic.com and The NPD Group estimates of U.S. retail video game sales through August 2016.

2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

Online Account (13+) required to access online features. See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details.

FOR ACCESS TO NBA 2K17 VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/user/2KGamesAsia/videos

Hontiveros Visits Zika Epicenter, Pushes Barangay-Led Prevention Measures

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In Barangay Benedicto, Iloilo City where four cases of Zika virus have been reported, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros’ visit on Saturday served as a positive challenge to push for barangay-led prevention measures.

“Sa barangay nangyari, sa barangay ang solusyon”, urged Hontiveros. In a meeting with local leaders and residents, the neophyte Senator explained that the frontline of health systems is at the barangay level and should be harnessed in matters of public health.

Yesterday, the Department of Health also reported Zika cases in Makati and Mandaluyong. These bring the number of Zika cases in the Philippines to 17. The senator urged the public to stay calm and asked the government to heighten its response.

“The best response to the Zika virus is education and prevention. We must strengthen our information, detection and monitoring drive to prevent the further spread of the disease, and to provide immediate care to those infected with the virus,” Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also distributed in Iloilo City ‘anti-Zika packets’ that contained commodities against mosquito-borne infections like Zika. The packets included mosquito nets, education materials and others.

The Akbayan Senator said the activity is part of the health promotion and disease prevention strategies that she wants all barangay health units to implement to reduce the public’s risk of contracting the virus.

“Coming here is a gesture: the message is that fear should not cloud our action towards preventing the spread of Zika”, Hontiveros said