i-ACT and LGUs Start Working on Unified Ticketing System

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In an effort to strengthen the cooperation between the national government and the Local Government Units (LGUs) in addressing traffic woes, the Inter-agency Council on Traffic (i-ACT) conducted today a Workshop on the Unified Traffic Enforcement System.

129 personnel from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), PNP-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) and LGU traffic managers participated in the workshop, which aims to organize and integrate Single Enforcement System and to harmonize Traffic Laws Ordinances and Circulars of all LGUs and the i-ACT.

This show of cooperation follows a special meeting of the i-ACT and the Metro Manila Council, wherein Metro Manila mayors agreed to pass uniform ordinances on traffic violation fines and penalties.

Participants discussed the following agenda for a smooth implementation of the unified ticketing system: Organizational Structure, Disposition of Personnel, Disposition of i-ACT Communications, Single Ticketing System, Harmonization of Laws, Radio Communicating System and Uniform.

To further strengthen traffic enforcement in Metro Manila, i-ACT is hoping to gather 13,000 traffic enforcers which include 6,663 integrated enforcers of MMDA, LTO, LTFRB, and Local Enforcers of different LGUs. Last Saturday, around 500 volunteers graduated from the i-ACT Traffic Enforcement and Operations Seminar.

Sandra Cam Tipped Off PNP and Duterte on Whereabouts of Fugitive Drug Lord Kerwin Espinosa

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Whistleblower Association of the Philippines president Sandra Cam revealed that it was her who tipped off the Duterte administration and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the whereabouts of fugitive Kerwin Espinosa, the notorious drug lord son of Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr. of Albuera, Leyte province. Cam revealed that Kerwin Espinosa might possibly become a state witness, who shall reveal the names of certain corrupt politicians and other personalities involved in the illegal drugs trade.

It was on her birthday, October 8, that she was notified by her staff in Abu Dhabi that the latter had seen and taken a cellphone photo of Kerwin Espinosa, and after using her UAE connections to verify the immigration and visa records of the fugitive, Sandra Cam called Secretary Bong Go at 12:30 a.m. past midnight and then she later received a phone call at 3:00 a.m. from PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. It was also Sandra Cam who expedited the UAE visas of the PNP operatives who flew from Manila to Abu Dhabi to arrange for the detention of Kerwin Espinosa.

She thinks alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa shall be extradited back to the Philippines in three weeks from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to the Philippines in 3 weeks and might turn state witness to reveal names of politicians in illegal drugs trade.

Sandra Cam expects the extradition process for bringing Kerwin Espinosa from UAE to Manila to take at least “three more weeks”, and she hopes to fly to Abu Dhabi to be with the alleged druglord when this happens. Cam said she is not interested to get any reward money for tipping off the PNP about the alleged drug lord, asking that any reward money be donated for building of more rehabilitation centers, because she said: “I am doing all these and my anti-illegal drugs advocacy for the country and in full support of the courageous leadership of President Duterte. I believe the Duterte administration is upholding human rights and rule of law in this war against illegal drugs and crimes, because we are upholding the human rights of the citizens and of the numerous innocent victims of heinous crimes often caused by illegal drugs. Let us support the government’s anti-drugs and anti-crimes campaign to strengthen our Philippine democracy. I ask foreign countries to also support the Philippines in this anti-drugs and anti-crimes campaign.”

This revelation was held on the morning of October 25, 2016 at the non-partisan “Pandesal Forum” of 77-year-old Kamuning Bakery Café in Quezon City owned by veteran columnist Wilson Lee Flores.

Complete video coverage, divided into several parts, will be uploaded soon at our official YouTube channel at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas

More photos at our official Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas

11 Lawin-Related SMS Alerts Sent Out to Customers in Northern Luzon

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Globe Telecom transmitted a total of 11 text messages, warning customers of potential dangers coming from typhoon Lawin in compliance with what is prescribed by law.

According to Globe Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto, transmittal of the text messages was undertaken in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) at no cost to consumers. “Globe will continue to support government initiatives specially in using our network to disseminate information to help ensure the safety and security of our customers,” Crisanto said.

Taking exception to claims made by Sen. Grace Poe that were relayed to the press on Sunday, Globe said 9 of the total 11 text messages directed to customers in Northern Luzon were sent out prior to the typhoon’s landfall while 2 SMS blasts were released after the landfall. NDRRMC crafted all the messages and relayed to Globe for transmittal, Crisanto said.

Globe sent out the initial text message at around 11:29 am on Wednesday, October 19, to more than 1.5 million mobile numbers. The text message read as follows: “TY LawinPH severe danger over Cagayan, Isabela, Kalinga, Ifugao & Mt. Province, Moderate to heavy damage. Evacuation is advised. On the other hand, the last message, which was sent out to around 3.5 million customers at around 8:15 am last Thursday, October 20, read as follows: Typhoon Signal #3: STY #LawinPH severe danger over La Union, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Northern Aurora in 18 hours. Moderate to heavy damage. Stay in safer evacuation areas.”

Crisanto said the mobile disaster alerts sent by Globe includes critical information that communities at risk can use to prepare for and respond to disaster. The alerts were directed to customers in Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Mt. Province, Kalinga, Ifugao, and Calayan group of islands.

Separately as part of its #StaySafePH advocacy, Globe Telecom’s prepaid brands namely Globe Prepaid and TM also sent out SMS messages, reminding customers of precautionary steps prior to the typhoon’s landfall. Within 24 hours of the typhoon’s landfall, Globe was able to restore telecommunications services even in the areas badly hit by the typhoon. With mobile signal and internet services fully available, the company immediately provided Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging and Libreng Internet services in 46 areas. On top of the free services, Globe deployed relief operations in 4 areas namely Ilagan City, Isabela; Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Vigan City, Ilocos Sur and Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

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