Globe Rolls Out Fiber Broadband Internet Connection in Public Schools

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom rolls out its fiber broadband internet connection in public schools to encourage adoption and application of technology among students and teachers in line with the company’s vision of ushering the Philippines into becoming a digital nation by 2020.

The initial recipient of Globe fiber connectivity with speeds of up to 100 mbps is Manila Science High School (MaSci), the first pilot science high school in the Philippines located in Taft Ave., Manila. It is one of the schools under Globe Telecom’s Global Filipino School (GFS) program, a long-term educational initiative designed to transform select public schools into centers of excellence in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and innovative teaching methods.

As a GFS, MaSci enjoys free internet service; ICT tools for learning such as tablets, netbooks, projectors, and a mobile cart; and teacher training on how to maximize technology in the classroom. MaSci Batch 91, on the other hand, will provide a collaborative working space in the school.

“With today’s fast-paced advancements in technology and ever changing educational landscape, we would like our schools to take advantage of the best educational information and services that they can get.  If all local government units will work with us to realize our vision of developing connected communities, other GFS schools aside from MaSci would likewise be able enjoy the enormous benefits of high-speed home broadband deals internet such as higher download and upload speeds, lower latency, and faster internet browsing which bring dynamic resources into the classrooms,” said Martha Sazon, Globe Senior Vice President for Broadband Business.

There are, at present, 80 schools under GFS impacting more than 7,000 teachers and 40,000 students around the country with 60 more GFS schools to be launched next year. Globe aims to share the GFS Program to all 221 DepEd divisions by 2020.

A 2015 study released by Taylor Nelson Sofres, shows how the GFS program was able to improve digital skills among teachers and students, particularly on usage of mobile technology and computer software; enable 21st Century Learning Outcomes such as creativity, communication, collaboration and creativity; increase student engagement in classroom activities; and enhance school culture through readiness in ICT integration. For more information on how you can contribute to the program visit www.globalfilipinoschools.com, TEXT GFS to 21580-437 for donations, or email bridgecom@globe.com.ph for partnership opportunities.

Early this year, Globe appealed to local government units to support the deployment of fiber optics in 20,000 barangays by 2020, which will provide ultra-fast internet access to around two million homes nationwide. Parallel to this, Globe will also pour significant investment in capacity enhancement for both mobile and wireline using different technologies that include 3G, LTE and even Wi-Fi. The city government of Manila, led by Mayor Joseph Estrada, was the first LGU to respond to the call.

PHOTO CAPTION: Globe Telecom and Manila Science High School (MaSci) Silver Jubilarians (Batch 1991) showcase their collaborative efforts to make MaSci a Global Filipino School.  MaSci is a recipient of Globe Telecom’s fiber broadband internet connection. (L-R): Martha Sazon, Globe Senior VP For Broadband Business, Atty. Laura C.H. del Rosario and Ma. Margarita U.  Baula , Masci '91 25th Alumni Homecoming Steering Committee Representatives; Dr. Dante Bermas, Education Program Supervisor, DepEd Division Office of Manila; Eva Nacion, MaSci School Principal.

New Era to Become the Official Headwear Partner of the NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League

Wazzup Pilipinas!

New Era and the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today an expanded global licensing partnership that makes the brand the official authentic headwear provider of the NBA, Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and NBA Development League (NBA D-League).

As the league’s official authentic headwear provider, New Era will exclusively produce caps for marquee NBA events, including the NBA Draft presented by State Farm, Conference Finals and NBA Finals, with key products like the NBA Draft Cap and Official Locker Room Championship Cap. The multi-year deal comes as the NBA celebrates its 20-year relationship with New Era, and will include marketing and retail activations within league and team platforms.

“We’ve been a partner of the NBA for many years and are excited for the opportunity to continue to work with such a storied league and its outstanding teams,” said Chris Koch, President & CEO, New Era. “We’re looking forward to using team and league logos to bring unique designs and styles to the market for both players and fans.”

As part of the expanded partnership, New Era launched the 59FIFTY fitted headwear collection for the start of the 2016-17 season, and will unveil lifestyle-inspired products during NBA All-Star 2017 in New Orleans. Additionally, New Era will produce all headwear silhouettes with current team marks, including the 9FIFTY Snapback, internationally.

“We’re very excited to grow our relationship with New Era and explore new ways to share premium product with our fans,” said NBA Vice President, Global Partnerships Lisa Piken Koper. “The NBA Draft and Finals will reflect our refreshed approach to the category.”

Merchandise will be available at www.NBAStore.com, www.neweracap.com, the Flagship NBA Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City, all NBA team venues, and at New Era flagship stores and retailers around the world.

Proactiv+ Green Tea Moisturizer Product Review

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I got a sampler of the Proactiv+ Green Tea Moisturizer so this is an opportunity to try out the product. The product arrived only 4 days ago but I used it every night since the first day. I swear that after a few nights of using the Proactiv+ Green Tea Moisturizer, it makes me feel so nice because it leaves my skin feeling so soft and with a really pretty glow. It's nice and light and also smells so good.

I could very well used the product to sooth or calm my skin when I feel it's sort of flaky and itchy. Thus, it could be a luxurious way to pamper dry, tired, acne-prone skin. I could probably get comfortable using it for a long time to keep my skin pampered. 

For its suggested retail price of Php999 for the 30ml 1fl.oz, it's undeniably worth the price considering all the benefits that the product boasts. It also is available for free delivery for Online and Hotline order if purchased along with Proactiv Solution Combination Therapy 30day or 60 day kit.

The Proactiv+ Green Tea Moisturizer is a lightweight, non-greasy formula that contains Green Tea EGCG, a potent antioxidant designed to fight free radicals while helping to soothe and calm the skin, to help fight free radicals and is rich in mineral and botanical extracts. It has been designed to help soothe dry skin without clogging pores and is the perfect moisturizer for blemish prone skin because it restores moisture to dry or irritated skin with soothing antioxidants & botanicals. It also improves the appearance of wrinkles and is ideal for men and women with dry skin associated with acne medication because it helps maintain skin moisture and a soft, supple tone. 

It is said to provide relief to dry, irritated skin and is non-Comedogenic (won't clog pores). It features hydration ingredients and minerals and emollients that are designed to nourish and soothe the skin. 

Flash PH Rolls Out Longer-Lasting, High-End Smartphones at the Most Competitive Price Yet!

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Smartphones have evolved as one of the most indispensable innovations of digitalization. Over the years, it has revolutionized the way people live given its evolving capabilities in enabling how people live, play and work.

However, as the demand for these gadgets continues to grow, experts say that nowadays, smartphone users consider buying devices that are long-lasting. In a recent survey, global environmental organization, Greenpeace Philippines, noted that nine out of 10 Filipinos believe that the durability is an important aspect they look for in smartphones. Also, 98 percent of the 1,000 respondents also consider battery life of smartphones as another important feature.

In response to this demand, Flash Philippines—one of Asia’s rising developers of lifestyle and smart devices—rolls out its flagship phone, the Flash Plus 2, with superior and highly durable built-in features valued at the lowest price of Php 6,190.

“Flash Plus 2 received positive reviews from its users as we first introduced it in the country earlier this year. This model is developed to bring out superior functions while giving a more efficient and durable smartphone unit for the users,” Sheree Gayas, Flash Philippines’ marketing manager.

Among the pioneering features of Flash Plus 2 include its sleek metal case, a fast-charging battery, fingerprint recognition, high definition phone camera, and Hi-Fi audio capacity. These attributes allow for more durability, efficiency, and convenience.

Continuing Restoration To Bring Back Power After the Storm--Energy Sec. Cusi

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) and its attached agencies are implementing continuous monitoring, coordination and restoration of energy facilities affected by supertyphoon Lawin and typhoon Karen.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said: "We are fast-tracking the restoration of power facilities to bring back electricity supply to typhoon-hit areas."

Cusi also gave due recognition to the dedication of the linemen and crews of electric cooperatives (ECs), the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and National Electrification Administration (NEA) as well as DOE’s partners in the private sector.

“They have been doing restoration efforts round-the-clock just to keep the public safe from dangling electric lines in order to provide access to electricity again,” he said.

Per the report of the NGCP, there are a total of 192 damaged poles (105 leaning and 87 toppled), including other line defects. The status of restoration of transmission facilities in typhoon-hit areas is as follows:

 I. RESTORED LINES (AS OF 5:00 P.M. OF OCTOBER 23)

 

·        All 230 kiloVolt (kV) and 115kV have been normalized. No toppled tower reported.

·        All affected 69kV lines in La Union, Ilocos Norte and Sur have been fully restored.

·        Transmission facilities servicing Benguet & Mountain Province are 100% restored.

·        Transmission facilities servicing Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, Cagayan, Kalinga and Apayao are 35% restored. There are three (3) remaining 69 kV still down and restoration is ongoing. Seven (7) out of seventy (70) toppled transmission structures (wood & steel poles) have been restored. Most of the structures are located in the  difficult and mountainous areas.

 

 II. TRANSMISSION LINES FOR RESTORATION:

·        Cauayan-Reina Mercedes 69kV line servicing ISELCO I (24 October)

·        Gamu-Ilagan-Naguilian -Reina Mercedes 69kV line servicing ISELCO I, ISELCO II (24 October)

·        Tuguegarao-Cabagan 69kV line servicing ISELCO II (24 October)

·        Santiago-Cauayan 69kV line servicing ISELCO I (24 October)

·        Tuguegarao-Magapit-Ca malaniugan-Sta. Ana 69kV line servicing CAGELCO I, CAGELCO II (24 October for CAGELCO I; 29 October for CAGELCO II)

·        Tuguegarao-Tabuk 69kV line servicing CAGELCO I, Kalinga-Apayao Electric Cooperative (KAELCO) (24 October for CAGELCO I; 31 October for KAELCO)

 

Moreover, the NGCP reported that the following facilities are ready for energization but remain de-energized upon the request of the respective distribution utilities:

·        Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC)

·        Currimao-Langayan 69-kV line

·        Currimao-San Nicolas 69-kV line

·        Laoag-Marcos 69-kV line

·        Laoag-San Nicolas 69-kV line

On the distribution side, NEA and the ECs reported the status of rehabilitation as follows:

III. DISTRIBUTION UTILITIES REHABILITATION STATUS (AS OF 6:00 P.M. OF OCTOBER 23)

·        Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative – 30% rehabilitated

·        Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative –80% rehabilitated

·        Abra Electric Cooperative –1% rehabilitated due to roads being unpassable

·        La Union Electric Cooperative –99% rehabilitated

·        BENECO – Of the 14 towns, 7 were partially restored

·        MOPRECO –Of the 11 towns, 3 were partially restored (Bauko, Tadian & Sabangan)

·        Ifugao Electric Cooperative –Of the11 towns, 7 were partially restored

·        KAELCO –Still under restoration process

·        CAGELCO I –Still under restoration process

·        CAGELCO II –Of the 22 towns, 10 were ready to receive power

·        ISELCO I –Of the 15 towns, 13 were partially restored (Alicia, Angandanan, Cabatuan, Santiago, Cordon, Echague, Jones, Ramon, San Agustin, San Isidro, San Mateo, Cauayan, San Guillermo)

·        ISELCO II –Of the 21 towns, 1 was partially restored

·        Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative –Of the 15 towns, 13 were partially restored

·        Quirino Electric Cooperative –Of the 7 towns, all were partially restored (Aglipay, Diffun, Cabarroguis, Maddela, San Agustin, Nagtipunan and Saguday)

     

“Meanwhile, NEA’s Task Force Kapatid (TFK) will assist the restoration of CAGELCO I and ISELCO II. The TFK is a bayanihan of electric cooperatives to fast-track any restoration efforts of disaster affected electric cooperatives in the country. “ Cusi explained.

 “The restoration for the affected areas was easier due to the NGCP, NEA and ECs’ implementation of disaster preparedness and emergency response, which also minimized the adverse impact of the supertyphoon,” Sec. Cusi concluded.

International Recording Artist Billy Crawford Goes on the Ultimate BROcation in Hong Kong

Wazzup Pilipinas!

International pop and R&B sensation, singer, dancer, host and song writer Billy Crawford recently landed in Hong Kong for the filming of The Ultimate BROcation, a new reality TV series created by action entertainment TV channel KIX and Hong Kong Tourism Board.

The five-episode show follows the adventures of four male celebrities as they embark on an all-expenses paid ultimate vacation to prove that Hong Kong is indeed the ultimate guy’s playground.

The boys will be taking viewers along for the ride – living it up at the best parties, trying exhilarating activities, eating fantastic food, meeting beautiful ladies, and getting their hands on cool gadgets. They may be starting off as strangers but will definitely end up as “bros” after experiencing the exciting things that Hong Kong has in store for them together.

Billy adds his hyperactive personality, biting wit and often bizarre sense of humor to this new mix of bros which includes popular Thai TV and radio host DJ PK; multi-talented and award-winning Malaysian singer, rapper, song writer and graffiti artist SonaOne; and Singaporean maverick chef and restaurateur Bjorn Shen.

Joining the four in a cameo appearance is Hong Kong martial arts star Philip Ng. Most recently seen on the hit action TV drama A Fist Within Four Walls and the martial arts epic Once Upon a Time in Shanghai, Philip will show the bros his city and act as an advisor during their “brocation”.

Billy has been in the spotlight since he was a child, and his frequent travels and exposure to different cultures have influenced his thirst for adventure and love for life. He’s quintessentially a guy’s guy, so there’s really no better bro to go on “brocation” with.

“My life and my career have never been conventional, and this show is the next chapter of what has been an incredible adventure. As a person who has always relished traveling, working and performing abroad and being exposed to different cultures and experiences, I really can’t wait to discover the highlights of Hong Kong, one of the most vibrant, cosmopolitan and exhilarating destinations in the world, especially for bros,” Billy shares.

The Ultimate BROcation is produced by KIX’s parent company, Celestial Tiger Entertainment - operator of the largest bouquet of Pan-Asian channels dedicated to Asian entertainment, and Endemol Shine Group, the global production house responsible for the award-winning MasterChef, Big Brother series, in collaboration with Hong Kong Tourism Board, Cathay Pacific and the Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel.

The Ultimate BROcation will air first and exclusively on KIX in December 2016.

KIX is available on Cablelink Ch.54, Cignal TV Ch. 133, Destiny Cable Ch.63, Gsat Ch. 18 and SKYcable Ch.63.

For more information, log on to DiscoverHongKong.com

2016-17 NBA Season Tips Off Oct. 26

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 

The National Basketball Association (NBA) will tip off its 71^st season on Wednesday, Oct. 26 with three games on opening night.   The NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers will host the New York Knicks at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the second game, the Portland Trail Blazers will host the Utah Jazz at 10 p.m. ET.  For the third game, the San Antonio Spurs will visit the Golden State Warriors at 10:30 p.m. ET for a matchup of the teams with the league’s best records last season.  

Here is a preview of the opening night matchups:

New York at Cleveland: The Cavaliers will receive their championship rings before facing the new-look Knicks, who added former Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose and former Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah in the offseason.  Jeff Hornacek will make his head-coaching debut with New York.  Cleveland’s Tyronn Lue will coach his first regular-season opener after taking over as head coach last January and leading the Cavaliers to their first NBA title in franchise history.  Four-time Kia NBA MVP LeBron James of Cleveland opens the season needing 114 points to pass Hakeem Olajuwon for 10th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

Utah at Portland: The Trail Blazers, who have won an NBA-record 15 consecutive regular-season home openers, feature one of the NBA’s best backcourts in two-time All-Star Damian Lillard and 2015-16 Kia NBA Most Improved Player CJ McCollum.  The two guards led Portland to its third consecutive playoff appearance last season.  The Jazz, looking to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2012, added veterans Boris Diaw, George Hill and Joe Johnson in the offseason to complement a promising young core.  Utah’s Gordon Hayward, who averaged a team-high 19.7 points last season, will miss the game with a finger injury.   

San Antonio at Golden State: Kevin Durant will make his debut with the Warriors, who signed the four-time scoring champion and 2013-14 Kia NBA MVP after a league-record 73-9 season and a loss to Cleveland in The Finals 2016.  Durant joins two-time reigning Kia NBA MVP Stephen Curry and fellow All-Stars Draymond Green and Klay Thompson to give the Golden State a potent offense.  The Spurs will have a new look with six-time All-Star Pau Gasol at center in place of NBA legend Tim Duncan, who retired after 19 seasons with San Antonio. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has a 17-2 record in regular-season openers.

 

Below please find the NBA broadcast schedule in the Philippines on Oct. 26

·         New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers, Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 a.m. on NBA Premium TV

·         Utah Jazz at Portland Trail Blazers, Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. on Basketball TV

·         San Antonio Spurs at Golden State Warriors, Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 10:30 a.m. on ABS-CBN S+A and NBA Premium TV

Miss Earth 2016 Candidates at the Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Voted as the 2016 World Travel Awards Winner for Philippines' Leading Serviced Apartments, the Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila, is also a proud venue and home for the Miss Earth 2016 candidates for several activities including a Meet & Greet with the press, and the long gown competition.

The management of the hotel gave a few words to formally welcome the beauty queens coming from the different countries.

Aside from the comfortable beds in the stately and fully-furnished suites, the Miss Earth 2016 candidates enjoyed the many amenities of the hotel including invigorating dips in their eco-friendly indoor pool and the adjacent Jacuzzi. They were able to swim in the chemical-free salt water lap pool with soothing underwater music for their ears. 

The Nostalgia Dining Lounge's breakfast buffet has surely serve as a great start for the beauty queens' day! But the girls enjoyed the complete gym equipment at the Fitness Center by Oakwood to remain fit, flexible and fab.

Above is just one of the many videos we took from the Meet & Greet with the Miss Earth candidates. You may check them out at the official YouTube channel at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas

Below are just some of the photos of the Miss Earth candidates that we took during the Meet & Greet event held on October 10, 2016.

More photos are available at the official Facebook fan page of Wazzup Pilipinas at http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas

Solo photos of Miss Earth 2016 candidates courtesy of our partner photographer Collin Sarthou Yap

Synergy 2016 to Focus on the Development of Smart Communities

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This four-day academic convention has always been a venue of sharing ideas for those in the field of Electrical and Electronics Engineering to explore related career paths to help them build and develop the nation. On its fifth year, Synergy encourages the students to develop and promote technological innovations for safer and smarter communities.

This November 8-11 2016, Synergy would be having its five main events; TECHNO TALK, a discussion including topics on security and information and INGENIOUS IDEAS, a problem-solving competition involving the participants and panel, REVOLUTIONARY ROBOTICS, a competition with autonomous robots, DYNAMIC DISCOURSE, an immersive company tour, and CORPORATE CONNECTION, the culminating event of SYNERGY. The first two events would occur in the first day (November 8) and the following days (November 9-11) would have the aforementioned events respectively.

University of the Philippines Engineering Radio Guild has always aimed to bring together the EEE student body for the betterment of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering industry. Synergy is one of the mediums which the organization uses to achieve this goal. Synergy will potentially increase the quality of Engineers and Developed technologies. Synergy would act as a basin for EEE students to output their accumulated knowledge and skill for the improvement of the country’s tomorrow.

The organization began when Electrical Engineers and some radio enthusiasts led by Solon Matthew Dakis pushed towards acquiring a license to put up a radio station. UP ERG found both a name and home in the UP Campus in the year 1935.

To learn more, visit up-erg.org, or e-mail us at execom@up-erg.org

Filipino Short Film “Caretaker” Wins in Egypt

Wazzup PIlipinas!

The short film “Caretaker,” directed by advocacy filmmaker Seymour Barros Sanchez and produced by Red Room Media Productions, recently won second place in the short fiction category of the sixth CAM International Festival for Short Films in Cairo, Egypt.

The film, which is co-written by Kristine Camille Sulit and Sanchez, is about a newly hired custodian of a vacation house who finds the gruesome conclusion of a fraternity’s initiation rites too much to handle. Rolando Inocencio plays the title role with John Paul Duray, Raymond Rinoza, Jomari Angeles, Luis Ruiz, Ryan Sy, Vince Rillon and Ron Nacianceno providing support.

The film festival, organized annually by the Egyptian Arab Society for Culture, Media and Arts, aims to promote cinema as a means of combating ignorance, terrorism and poverty.

“Plankton” by Russian filmmaker Giovana Olmos edged “Caretaker” for the top prize in the short fiction category while “Jasmenco” by Syrian director Wathec Salman placed third. “The Daughters of Mother India” by Indian filmmaker Vibha Bakshi topped the documentary category while “Sintel” by American animator Colin Levy, “Bear Story” by Gabriel Osorio Vargas of Chile and “Empsillnes” by Jakub Grygier of Poland led the entries in the animation category. The comedic film “Ave Maria” by British-Palestinian director Basil Khalil bagged the Jury Prize. Meanwhile, Morocco’s entry “Houkak” directed by Younes Yousfi was hailed Best Arabic Film.

Arab Film TV School director and cinematographer Dr. Mona El Sabban headed the CAM film festival jury comprised of members Dr. Nagwa Mahrous and actress Nada Bassiouny from Egypt, film critic Yusuf Shayeb from Palestine and Dr. Bou Shoaib El Masoudi from Morocco.

Jahzeel Abihail Cruz, Third Secretary and Vice Consul of the Embassy of the Philippines in Cairo, received the second prize trophy and certificate from CAM film festival director and chairman Alaa Nasr on behalf of the “Caretaker” team during the awarding ceremonies last October 13.

“Caretaker” has also been selected as one of the ten finalists in the Active Vista International Human Rights Film Festival short film competition currently being organized by the DAKILA artist collective. The film previously won the Golden Philippine Eagle award and Best Actor trophy for Inocencio at the third Singkuwento International Film Festival co-organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts last February. It was also shown at the 22nd annual Filipino International Cine Festival (FACINE) at the Roxie Theater in San Francisco, California and the International Film Festival Manhattan at the Producers Club in New York City. 

Sanchez is a lecturer at the Digital Filmmaking department of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts, the Department of Communication of Far Eastern University and the Arts and Education program of the College of the Holy Spirit-Manila. He also currently serves as adviser of the FEU Film Society. Apart from graduating from Brillante Mendoza’s first directing class, he is also a graduate of Ricky Lee’s 14th scriptwriting workshop and a member of Writers Studio. He previously worked as a producer for CNN Philippines, Solar News and TV5.