Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

NCCA Leads Dayaw 2016 Festivities as Part of Commemorating Indigenous People's Month

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The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) held on October 19, 2016 a press conference at its office lobby in Intramuros, Manila to formally initiate the start of the series of activities lined up as part of the commemoration of Indigenous People's Month. It is said that we are to expect a month-long series of activities that will end sometime third week of November.

The main event of Dayaw will be held in Manila from November 21 to 23.

Forming the panel of key personalities involved in the celebrations were OIC-executive Director Marichu G. Tellano; Dr. Edwin Antonio, Head of the National Committee on Northern Cultural Communities; Cirio Pastolero, Director IV from the Office of the Cabinet Secretary; Lee Arroyo, OIC-Executive Director of the NCIP; and Dr. Al-Anwar Anzar, Commissioner of the SCCTA.

At this media launch, the organizers also incorporated traditional music and dances as part of the program to both entertain and inform the press conference attendees of our cultural history.

Everyone in the panel gave their opening messages, as well as closing messages after a Q&A to answer all inquiries from the media and other people present at the event.

OIC-executive Director Marichu appreciates the attendance of the media and mentioned that they are grateful for the support in disseminating information. She also replied to an inquiry about partnering with the Department of Education (DepEd) in integrating the knowledge about IPs and other related matters by making it as part of the curriculum or as a subject or topic discussed in school. Our understanding is that they are already collaborating with DepEd and may soon come out with more visible solutions.

An exhibit at a nearby room was also formally opened through a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

International Organisations are recognizing the Philippines as one of the leading Innovation Hubs in the region. Thus, the local startup scene will be shaken up with a major event happening this week, the organizers are Impact Hub Manila, one of the country’s leading startup incubator/accelerator, and LaunchGarage, one of the top innovation and coworking hubs in the metro,

They host the first ever Bootstrap Manila 2016, an international innovation conference, on October 22, 2016 at Green Sun Hotel, Makati from 8:00 AM to 5:00PM.

The one-day conference highlights the emerging startup scene in the country with an exciting speaker lineup of innovators and disruptors namely: Luis Buenaventura of Bloom Solutions, a fintech and cryptocurrency expert; Manny Ayala, Managing Director of the Philippine office of Endeavor, a global nonprofit focused on accelerating high-impact entrepreneurs; and Ibba Rasul-Bernardo, an IT entrepreneur committed to bringing technology to the BOP (base of pyramid).

Joining them are experts from the vibrant and established ecosystems of Berlin, Jakarta, and Bangalore - Rainer Seider the Head of Unit European and International Co-operation, Ministry for Economics, Technology and Research; Deepesh Agarwal, CEO MoveInSync Technology Solutions Pvt Ltd.; Fajar Anugerah of Bali Recycling; Geraldine de Bastion, Founder of the Global Innovation Gathering; Yatan Blumenthal, Co-Founder Betahaus/Hardware.co; and Paula Schwarz, Founder of Startupboat.

Slots are limited and tickets are available online at Bootstrap Manila.

Bootstrap is part of the four-city StartHubs AsiaBerlin Startup and Innovation Roadshow that includes Berlin, Bangalore, and Jakarta. It is an initiative of the City Senate of Berlin in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to shine the spotlight on the four important startup hubs and foster cooperation among these diverse yet interconnected ecosystems. With better communication and coordination, including knowledge sharing, among the different hubs, this innovative project aims to develop opportunities and initiatives relevant to current global concerns,

Representing the Philippine delegation are Matthew Cua, Founder and CEO of SkyEye Inc.; Joe Maristela, serial entrepreneur, member of the Manila Angel Investors Network and CEO of Katalyst.ph; Pia Angeli Bernal, Social Enterprise Investments Manager of Kickstart Ventures; Jay Fajardo, serial tech entrepreneur and CEO of LaunchGarage; and Mathias Jaeggi, serial entrepreneur, Co-Founder of both Impact Hub Manila and Sporttrip GmbH.

Another highlight of the conference is the formal presentation of the winners of the Impact Hub Fellowship Program on Sustainable Energy Solutions, in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-Philippines and Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Cleverheat, a solar-powered refrigeration system, HiGi, environment-friendly briquettes for cooking, and Solar Sari-Sari Store, portable solar charging stations, share the accolade for the best innovative ideas designed to address the needs for sustainable energy solutions in the country today.

Government Open Data to Improve with Data Sharing Directives

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The free-flow of information within the government is expected to improve with the National Privacy Commission’s (NPC) issuance of its latest memorandum circular (NPC MC 16-02) on Data Sharing Agreements Involving Government Agencies.

This latest issuance from the NPC reinforces its mandate to support the free-flow of information and safeguard the right to privacy of information. Privacy Commissioner Raymund Enriquez Liboro said the law was intended to strike a balance between the need for information freedom and data privacy as indispensable components of nation building. “Freedom of information is more than just access requests to government, it is about responsible data sharing. Open data will contribute significantly to improving government services and coming up with new ones, supporting innovation and growth,” Liboro said.

The Freedom of Information (FoI) Executive Order was recently issued by the government, and the privacy commission clarified that the Data Privacy Act (DPA) cannot be used as a shield against FoI. It pointed out that the DPA is for the protection of any personal data that may be contained in government records that is not relevant to the freedom of information request, particularly when it affects private citizens.

The government is considered the largest collector and repository of personal data. E-governance initiatives and innovations in public services allow for citizens to avail of these services online, eliminating the need to queue up or having to fill out paper-based forms with personal data that the government already has.

The Data Sharing Issuance requires that personal information controllers (government agencies) to implement safeguards for data sharing. These safeguards include adhering to data privacy principles, entering into Data Sharing Agreements, reviewing technical security measures when allowing online access, and providing for the return, destruction or disposal of transferred personal data. Violation of directives contained in the issuance may lead to sanctions.

Mustard Seed Holds Business & Tech Blogging Seminar for Bloggers

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Mustard Seed Systems Corporation recently invited business and technology bloggers to a Business & Tech Blogging Seminar on September 29, 2016 held at the Limbaga 77 Cafe & Restaurant located in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

The seminar's guest speaker was Chay Lazaro, Creative Director for Gadgetmatch and a contributor for Rappler. She discussed techniques on blogging and gaining more followers for blogs.

It was a bit off since both online publications or media outfits do not consider themselves as blogs. But what separates blogs from news, or reviews and features, sites? I believe there is a thin line already on how to make your site, whether it's a blog or anything else, as long as it's online, they would follow the same rules and principles just like any other site.

Since the main owner, Josh Villanueva, of Gadgetmatch also came from Rappler, we would see the reason why their site also gained momentum. I've been seeing Josh even at product launching and events outside the country, and though they reviews some gadgets on loan from the brands, Chay has revealed that they also pay for their own travel fares and some times also buy their own units too to passionately put content on their sites.

They also made extra efforts on their video productions since Gadgetmatch was originally known for their YouTube video channel. This is where Chay's strength comes in as she is the Creative Director of the team handling the "creative" requirements of the site. This includes making their videos memorable by being graphically pleasing and interesting enough.

UP ACES Proudly Presents Blackout 2016: Tidal Revelry

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The University of the Philippines Association of Civil Engineering Students (UP ACES) is a non-stock, non-profit, duly recognized organization at the UP College of Engineering.

Established as the premier organization of the UP Institute of Civil Engineering in 1954, UP ACES continuously promotes academic excellence, professional growth and social awareness to its members and the community through its meaningful activities. The organization is one of the top organizations in the UP College of Engineering, producing distinguished alumni and garnering numerous achievements in the University. This October 21, UP ACES proudly presents one of the biggest college parties in the university – BLACKOUT. Now on its 7th year, BLACKOUT 2016 is themed Tidal Revelry and will be held in Le Reve Events Venue.

Mid-semester chill

Happening on a mid-semester, BLACKOUT aims to provide an opportunity for college students to take a well-deserved break from all the hustle and bustle of the university life. BLACKOUT will surely give students from all over the metro a night of unwinding and overloading fun they surely would not want to miss.

High-profile DJs and MC

Prepare yourself for the #Arrgasm-ic beats delivered by the one and only, DJ Arra Pascual.

Known as “Asia’s most dominant female DJ”, DJ Arra Pascual garnered the title by not only showcasing her exceptional talent in the Philippines, but also in other countries in Asia such as Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and India.

Free-flowing booze and drinking gimmicks

Raves are not complete without free-flowing booze served to the participants. What makes BLACKOUT a must-attend rave party is the free-flowing Bacardi booze everyone’s going to enjoy! BLACKOUT is one of the first college parties in the university to have free-flowing Bacardi. Not just that, BLACKOUT will also feature an Alcohall of Fame, an exciting drinking gimmick where people will drink their way to the Alcohall of Fame, and a Breezer pong game, as well. In this year’s Blackout, Bacardi will show the crowd that #ItsNotAPartyWithoutBacardi.

Benefit party

Nothing feels better than having fun for a cause. BLACKOUT aims to raise funds for a chosen charity and all of the event’s proceeds will go to this institution.

Ensnare your senses. Indulge in tidal revelry. Prepare to be blacked out.

Schedule/Venue

Le Reve Events Venue

28 Sgt. Esguerra Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila

October 21, 2016

The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 Debut Sizzles as the Best Performing English OP Premiere of 2016

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AXN has delivered yet another stunning original production (OP) with the adrenaline-fueled The Amazing Race Asia Season 5. The highly anticipated series raced to the top during its premiere amongst all English general entertainment channels on Thursday, October 13 at 9pm, becoming the best performing English OP to premiere in Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines this year.*

“AXN responded to a huge demand for the return of The Amazing Race Asia and we have delivered a series that has captivated audiences across the region. The journey our intrepid racers embark on is a rollercoaster of emotion: it’s stressful, dramatic, endearing and funny,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia. “We have a wonderful line-up of racers whose quirky personalities, diverse relationships and comedic antics make for a fantastic viewer experience. We are very encouraged by the initial performance and know that it will gather even more momentum as the series builds.”

“Asia’s Got Talent was a record-breaking OP for the broadcast industry last year so we are thrilled that AXN has out-performed itself yet again with the premiere of The Amazing Race Asia Season 5. AXN is truly Asia’s home of powerful, premium original productions,” said Virginia.

Filipino viewers embraced their national teams: married couple Eric & Rona and beauty queens Maggie & Parul, ensuring AXN clinched the number one spot in the series’ timeslot amongst 22 English general entertainment channels.

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"In the Philippines, when a window closes, another door opens." - James Deakin

What does sitting in an airport waiting for a flight for almost two days does? Well, for James Deakin, it means more time to post humorous stuff like memes on his Facebook wall so he could at least share some laughter to his friends and followers. Talk about somehow making wasted time a bit more productive.

I find it funny to be seeing posts that poke fun of the "No More Window Hours" traffic scheme of i-ACT led by the MMDA. It surely is somewhat funny to be so literal in the meaning of "window" and how it should not be allowed on the roads.

Filipinos are truly humorous by posting their own collection of photos where riders use their motorbikes to carry and transport almost everything possible. Like what most people are saying "If there's a wheel, you'll find a way" or something close to that effect. Lol!

Who wouldn't be impressed with these riders or back-riders for being able to balance on a motorbike almost everything they could think of. It is also quite baffling that they are getting away with it...or I wouldn't really know since I haven't seen any news about traffic enforcers stopping and giving tickets to such cases.

"I wish them luck on their business endeavors so that they'll be able to buy a decent delivery truck, they look like a hard working people..." - RJ Nicolas

"Couldnt even put these on any 4 wheel drive without roof racks... the ingenuinity of the pinoy when trying to avoid the 300 pesos delivery charge hahaha good ol trusty yamaha kawasaki..."- Amy Abay

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"Sales of SUVs have surged over the past few years, but Maserati didn't have one to sell. Its portfolio consisted of luxury sedans, the Quattroporte and the Ghibli, and sumptuous GT cars like the GranTurismo. Now they have the Levante - Maserati's SUV."

The Maserati Levante was recently launched marking it a very historical moment as per statement of Wellington "Willy" Soong. Chair and President of Autostrada Motore Inc., during the night of October 12, 2016 when we personally witnessed these amazing vehicles proudly displayed at the Palace Pool Club in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig city.

Indeed, the Levante is a turning point in Maserati’s history." But it was a necessary turn.

"The Levante was conceived around three main pillars: design, exclusivity and performance, and it represents the optimum blend of these three elements in the SUV world."

Interviewing Willy, he revealed that the Maserati Levante costs around Php 8 to 9 million and upwards. What would make you buy a high-end SUV? Please do check out our video interview with him for his answer that we may agree or find debatable depending on our lifestyle, and also probably on how we perceive our precious moments here in this world. Do we really deserve to pamper ourselves with a very much rewarding luxury or do we need to spend our money for only the necessities?

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We are once again asking for your support for our Bb. Grand International Philippines Nicole Ignacio Cordoves as she competes for the Miss Grand International beauty pageant to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on October 25 (Las Vegas, USA) 7:30PM, October 26 (Manila, Philippines) 10:30AM.

Nicole is a perfect global ambassadress for Miss Grand International. She's an eloquent speaker which is an advantage for this pageant's cause. After seeing her in various interviews lot of people are saying now what a great public speaker she is.

I would agree. She's very well spoken which is a great quality for a Miss Grand International to have. Even if she's talking about eating candy or going to get a burger, she makes it fun! She makes you want to listen to her.

She's very charming and look at that body! She may have some stretchmarks at her ass, but she's confident to the max!

Since nobody is indeed perfect, physically, intellectually, socially and other known aspects, we are counting on her to give a great fight for the Miss Grand International crown.

It's also time to showcase our beautiful costumes from the Philippines. Did the national costume worn by Nicole here suits her features? Is it also authentic to the Philippine culture?

The design is great, however the color might just be a little off in reference to Filipino traditional wear. I mean, black and green? I've seen so many Filipino cultural dress on the Internet and we have so many fabulous carnival-like costume like what we see at Masskara or Sinulog festivals which are undeniably so colorful. Would it be a greater blast if Nicole wore something as colorful as our fiestas?

In any case, our full support goes out to Nicole. Knowing Filipinas, their beauty are truly competitive among many other nationalities. We have proven that so many times as we get a spot at almost every top position of most beauty pageants.

Good luck to her on October 25. Lose or win, she would remain one of our amazing beauty queens we can be sincerely proud of.

Oyayi: The Newest TV Program That Kids and Families Will Surely Love

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CBN Asia, Inc. and the National Council for Children's Television proudly present Oyayi, the newest TV program that kids and families will surely love!

In the photo are Oyayi characters Kuya Maki and Kuwago Zhibago with kiddie hosts Clarence Delgado and Mutya Orquia last October 17, 2016 on the morning show Umagang Kay Ganda of ABS-CBN TV network.

Oyayi or Hele, which means Lullaby, is the newest children's TV program produced by CBN Asia, Inc., in partnership with the National Council for Children's Television. Children and their parents will have another reason to bond and have fun, while learning valuable lessons together at the comfort of their homes.

The show aims to cultivate, promote, and rekindle among the youth timeless lessons such as love for family and for others, appreciation for arts and culture, preservation and conservation of our environment and natural resources, wise and responsible use of technology and social media, disaster preparedness and much more!

It seeks to ignite kids' passion and love for country, encourage them to be responsible citizens, and equip them to be responsible citizens, and equip them to use and maximize their talents and skills to its greatest potential that will benefit the country and future generations to come.

Oyayi will begin airing this Sunday, October 23, 9:30 am on ABS-CBN.