Kylie Versoza Wins Miss International 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We would like to congratulate Kylie Fausto Verzosa - the new Miss International for 2016.

At the coronation night held on October 27, 2016 at around 2 pm (Philippines time) in Tokyo, Japan, I was expecting already that she will be included in the top 15 finalists composed of (in order of announcement) Nicaragua, Indonesia, Mexico, Finland, USA, Japan, El Salvador, Canada, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Philippines, Australia, Russia, Thailand, Poland.

She was actually most people's favorite bet for the Binibining Pilipinas 2016 title and we knew she would soon make a name as an international beauty queen going beyond the local scene here in the Philippines.

But I believe she made it real easy for the judges to choose her as the grand winner because of her answer to the Q&A:

"Three things come to mind when I think of Miss International – Culture, education and international understanding. These three works together to make the brand of the Miss International beauty pageant relevant to the global community and to our time.

If I become Miss International 2016, I will devote myself to cultural understanding and international understanding because I believe that it is with developing in each of us sensitivity to other cultures that weexpand our horizons, tolerate difference, and appreciate diversity.

All these enable us to achieve international understanding. And I believe I’m prepared to take on this responsibility.

Domo arigatou gozaimasu."

Though there were others who also answered brilliantly, I believe the Filipina beauty stood out among the other candidates. They may be all beautiful, but Kylie truly deserves the highest spot in this beauty pageant.

Congratulations, Kylie! You deserve it!

Manila Hosts International Startup And Innovation Conference

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 

Manila played host to the first ever Bootstrap Manila 2016, A Startup and Innovation Conference, held last October 22, 2016 at Green Sun Hotel, Makati.  Organized by two of the country’s leading coworking spaces and incubator/accelerator hubs - Impact Hub Manila and Launchgarage, the one-day conference boasted an exciting lineup of speakers from the ecosystems of Berlin, Bangalore, Jakarta, and Manila.

ROADSHOW FOR AN INTERCONNECTED INTERNATIONAL ECOSYSTEM

Bootstrap Manila is part of the StartHubs AsiaBerlin Roadshow that runs from October 18-27, 2016, with Bangalore as the first stop, followed by Manila, then Jakarta.  StartHubs AsiaBerlin is a project within the Asia-Pacific Weeks 2016 initiated by the Berlin Ministry of Economic Affairs in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.  It seeks to shed light on the four important startup hubs and build an open platform for interconnectivity, networking, direct communication and cooperation, and collaboration among the partner cities.  It is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Delegates kicked off the Manila leg of the roadshow with a tour of the world-class MANILA FAME, Design and Lifestyle Event, at the World Trade Center, and an al fresco dinner at Nayong Pilipino’s Orchidarium at Rizal Park, Manila on October 21.  Both activities were hosted by the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Slingshot Philippines, a program that aims to nurture and grow the local ecosystem through capacity building, funding, and policy support for startups.  In his welcome remarks, Senen Perlada, DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau Director, recognized the importance of startups saying, “Creativity and innovation are the currency of today.”

STRENGTHS AND OPPORTUNITIES OF EACH CITY

Impact Hub Manila’s Co-Founder LizAn Kuster and Launchgarage’s Jay Fajardo formally opened the whole day conference on October 22.  Fresh from the Bangalore leg of the roadshow, Fajardo gave the audience an overview of what to expect during the day-long event, while Kuster delivered an insightful introduction on what it means to bootstrap as an entrepreneur.  “Bootstrapping is more than just building your solutions without external fundings, it means growing your enterprise with people and connections. Thus StartHubs AsiaBerlin is extremly valuable for our ecosystem,” Kuster states.

Rainer Seider, Head of the International Unit for Cooperation of the Berlin Ministry for Economic Affairs, gave the keynote address.  He described Berlin’s diverse and vibrant ecosystem, and outlined the goals and plans of StartHubs AsiaBerlin  to create a “single intercontinental startup ecosystem through structured channels, such as a online platform which will launch soon and everyone can join” despite each city’s different intricacies.

Seider was joined by other members of the keynote panel - Deepash Agarwal of MoveInSync from Bangalore; Fajar Anujerah from Bali Recycling; Ces Rondario, Impact Hub Manila Co-Founder; and Jay Fajardo.  Moderated by Kuster, the panelists shared the characteristics, strengths, challenges, and opportunities of their respective ecosystems.

Agarwal shared Bangalore’s mutually beneficial partnership and coordination with the government, thanks to the latter’s recognition of the success and contribution of the BPO/IT industry.  Bangalore is considered India’s tech capital, and enjoyed the most startup funding in 2014.

Jakarta, Indonesia’s largest city, on the other hand, enjoys a fast growing economy that affords plenty of opportunities for new enterprises and entrepreneurs.  Anujerah revealed how the megacity is quickly becoming home to a number of tech startups and attracting more Indonesian investors.

On the Philippine startup community, Rondario described it as a “good base for social entrepreneurship.”  Fajardo, on the other hand, recognized the exemplary skill of Filipino engineers, but acknowledged the need to improve the quality of local mid- to high-level management talent familiar with the workings of the startup scene.

INNOVATORS AND DISRUPTORS SHAPING UP THE ECOSYSTEMS

Bootstrap Manila 2016 was marked by highly interesting and informative talks by movers and shakers from each ecosystem.

Following the keynote panel was Geraldine de Bastion, Founder of Global Innovation Gathering (GIG), a network of grassroots innovators, social entrepreneurs, founders, makers, and hackers.  Speaking about Innovation in the Global South, she showed examples of innovative and creative ideas and solutions from GIG’s network.

Yathan Blumenthal, Founder and Accelerator Chief of Hardware Co., gave a talk on Accelerating Business, Methodologies, and Co-Working, based on first-hand credible experience and the successful Berlin-based co-working hub, Betahaus.

The winners of Impact Hub Fellowship on Sustainable Energy Solutions with PEF, WWF and ADB, namely SolarSolutions, HiGi and CleverHeat were also given a few minutes to pitch their startups.

The afternoon session continued with talks from Filipino speakers starting off with Luis Buenaventura of Bloom Solutions and a cryptocurrency and fintech expert, who spoke about blockchains and how the Philippines is starting to use it in OFW remittances.

Also on the lineup was Paula Schwarz, Founder of Startupboat, who gave a personal account of how her growing up years in a Greek island contributed to her work with migrant refugees landing in their shores.  Startupboat leads a program for workplace and community integration for refugees.

The final speakers for the day were leading Filipino entrepreneurs and innovators - self-confessed “entreprenerd” Ibba Rasul-Bernardo, who showed the audience how DSCVR, an app that creates 360 VR stories work; and Manny Ayala, Managing Director of Endeavor Philippines, a global non-profit, who gave an information-laden and inspiring talk about high impact entrepreneurship.

Chosen fellows of the recently-awarded Impact Hub Fellowship on Sustainable Energy Solutions, done in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) - Philippines and Peace and Equity Foundation, and supported by the Asian Development Bank - Cleverheat, HiGi, and Solar Sari-Sari Store, were also given the chance to the present their winning ideas to the international delegation.

The conference ended on a high note, and a “groufie” with Seider extending an invitation to the next AsiaPacific Weeks in 2017 and the succeeding roadshow among the four ecosystems.

StartHubs network partners are in Jakarta: PLUS - platform usaha sosial; and Bangalore: AHK Indo German.

Bootstrap Manila 2016 is supported by Slingshot Philippines, Converge Pure Fiber Internet, Proudcloud, Nayong Pilipino, UHop, and Signature Ads.

I-ACT, LGUs Join Forces in Multi-Agency Approach to Solve Traffic Problems

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Two months since the formation of the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (i-ACT), the single authority in traffic management in the metropolis, Metro Manila mayors and traffic managers from various Local Government Units (LGUs) have expressed support and optimism in the direction being taken to solve traffic woes.

In a workshop in Camp Crame yesterday, LGU traffic managers joined officials and personnel from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and PNP-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) in drafting guidelines to ensure smooth implementation of a unified ticketing system. This, after local chief executives agreed to pass uniform ordinances on traffic violation fines and penalties. The move is consistent with the i-ACT’s vision to harmonize traffic laws and ordinances and integrate a single enforcement system under one chain of command.

Apart from strict enforcement along national roads, the i-ACT also intensified its campaign against illegally-parked and colorum vehicles. From July 6 to October 26, 2016, the i-ACT impounded 236 colorum vehicles, towed 5,696 illegally-parked vehicles, and cleared 2,330 sidewalk vendors. The council have also issued 25, 635 traffic violation tickets.

LGUs have also expressed their desire to align their traffic rules with the i-ACT, such as implementing the suspension of window hours in their cities and areas of jurisdiction.

This multi-agency approach is seen as a welcome change in the traditional system that tolerated uncoordinated laws and ordinances by national government agencies and LGUs. Such development required a brand of leadership that is anchored on strong political will, something that agency heads attribute to Transportation Secretary Art Tugade.

“Sec. Tugade's leadership paved the way to utilize a multi-agency approach in solving traffic and transportation issues in Metro Manila. This has never been done before,” said MMDA Chairman Tim Orbos.

PNP-HPG Chief Gen. Antonio Gardiola, the over-all Chief Traffic Enforcer of i-ACT, said he acknowledges the fact that solving traffic is indeed very difficult, but Tugade’s values and strong political have helped them face the odds.

The Highway patrol Group and the entire Philippine National Police supports the integration of all traffic management and enforcement units/offices under a single, unified entity through the i-ACT to harmonize government approaches in alleviating the transport crisis in Metro Manila, and to serve as a template for other cities in the country as envisioned by Sec. Tugade,” he said.

Tugade’s management initiatives to solve traffic and corruption were also hailed.

“Secretary Tugade, with strong management initiatives, has taken the heavy challenge of addressing traffic congestion,” said LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra.

Asec. Ed Galvante of the LTO added: “The LTO is very serious in implementing anti-corruption measures in line with the thrust of Sec. Tugade to eradicate corruption among its ranks and DOTr's attached agencies.”

DICT Statement on President Duterte's Speech in China

Wazzup Pilipinas!

During his speech of acceptance at the Philippine IT-BPM Roadmap 2022 launch hosted by the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Secretary Rodolfo Salalima reassured BPOs on the commitment of the DICT to maintain strong collaboration between the government and the industry. This, also, is an elaboration of his previous statement regarding President Duterte’s declaration during his visit to China.

Below is the transcript of the official statement during the IBPAP event. The same statement will also be posted on the DICT website.


Official Statement of Secretary Rodolfo A. Salalima:

"ln view of the recent statement made by President Rodrigo Duterte in his visit to Beijing, China last October 19, 2016 that the country is “separating” from US, allow me to illuminate this statement:

ln Political and lnternational Law, a State is defined as a “group of people, more or less numerous, occupying a definite portion of a territory, having a government of its own and free from external control”. Freedom from external control means external sovereignty or independence, meaning the Philippines, as an independent State, is independent of or separate from all other states like the USA as our country is not part of or a colony or protectorate of the latter, hence, a SEPARATE STATE.

Thus, our President is correct when he stated that we are separating from the US the Philippines is separate and distinct from because in TRUTH, lN FACT and the US, with the sovereign right to track our own foreign policy and international alignment. This has been avowed way back when we declared our country's independence. When the President therefore also said of the troika of the Philippines,Russia and China “against the world”, he was merely being metaphorical and exuberant of our country's status as a sovereign state as borne out by his subsequent clarificatory statements.

Hence, consistent with the commitment of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to the BPO sector, the Department of Information and Communications Technology shall continue to fulfill its duties and maintain our strong collaboration with our BPOs. It is clear that the creation of the DICT will make the country a prime spot for the BPO. lndustry and we assure you that the same objective and mandate of our department will remain and be pursued.

To the BPO lndustry, the Philippine government envisions a developed nation that will be dubbed as a “world-class ICT services provider “. Together, we will work on this. The Philippine Government through the DICT shall continue what has been started with regard to the BPO lndustry. Contracts that has been enforced and still existing shall be respected and will continue until their full implementation. As the country aims to develop an lT-enabled workforce, expand the reach of lnternet

Access and services to the citizens, enhance lT service management and create an industry, your presence, your collaboration, unending support and partnership will play an important role to reach these objectives. Let us remain steadfast in reaching these goals."

Exciting Properties For Auction At The Lamudi Housing Fair

Wazzup Pilipinas!

One of the most recommended ways to acquire real estate when you do not really have a particularly large budget is to attend a property auction. Recently gaining more popularity in the Philippines, a property auction is a great way to learn more about real estate and to get your dream home -- most of the time, at hefty discounts.

The common misconception in a property auction is that you have to allocate a big sum in order to compete for a lucrative investment, but in truth you can get a decent, value-for-money property that is not readily available elsewhere. In the Philippines, these events are organized by banks, government agencies, financial institutions and real estate brokerage firms and the properties they offer are often priced below market value.

This year, Lamudi Philippines and partner banks RCBC Savings Bank and Philippine National Bank are opening up the chance for the public to participate in a property auction at the Lamudi Housing Fair.

RCBC and PNB will offer various foreclosed properties for auction at the biggest housing fair to happen in the country. The event is scheduled on November 18 to 20, 2016, at Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Attendees of the fair can take part in the auction and some will be fortunate enough to go home with his dream investment under his name.

Some of the bank properties that are up for grabs at the Lamudi Housing Fair are townhouses and house and lots with land sizes ranging from 80 to more than 2,000 square meters. Some of the featured property locations are Cavite, Laguna, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Bacolod, and myriad others.

One property up for auction at the fair is the 183 square meter, two-storey house and lot in Sta. Rosa, Laguna by RCBC. This property is perfect for families who are looking for ample space for their growing needs and a good neighborhood near the metro but do not have a hefty amount to spare.

Apart from the auction, the Lamudi fair will also feature the widest selection of properties and offer exclusive discounts to home buyers and property investors. Investment and homebuying seminars and virtual reality application in real estate can also be learned and experienced at the event.

For more information visit www.lamudi.com.ph/housing_fair/

Suzuki Live Featured Jessie Mendiola, Inigo Pascual, Loisa Andalio, Sofia Andres and More

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It is very rare to expect the head honcho of a big company doing a glamorous entertainment number to shock and surprise the audience. That is what Suzuki Motorcycles Philippines President Hiroshi Suzuki did last night as we saw and hear him sing and dance supported by sexy dancers during the opening number of Suzuki Live: A Celebration of Victory in Harmony, which is actually a dealers convention and awards night.

Held on the night of October 26, 2016 at the new and fabulous Conrad Hotel located at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay city, the attendees, mostly composed of dealers, friends, colleagues, Suzuki Motorcycle Philippines employees, and media friends were both amazed and delighted of Hiroshi's every move which ended with him leaving the stage hooked up on the ceiling away into the back of the Forbes function room of Conrad Hotel.

Needless to say, he truly rocked our world that night. We were still smiling from ear to ear while he made a short speech on stage amidst the huge and growing family of Suzuki Motorcycle Philippines.

We are also appreciative that the company even flashed the names of their media outfits after showing those of the dealers. Wazzup Pilipinas is proud to be included as one of their many media partners. Seeing our publication name projected on stage, and seen by the many attendees, is totally amazing.

One Bantamweight World Championship Bout Added to One: Age of Domination

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Tickets for One: Age of Domination are available at https://smtickets.com/events/view/5040

Victor Cui, CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “One: Age of Domination is shaping up to be one of the most exciting fight cards we have ever put on in Manila. With the addition of another title bout, fans in the Philippines and all around the world can look forward to an amazing night of world-class mixed martial arts action. Bibiano Fernandes of Brazil is one of the most humble and honorable champions in the world and he is set to take on rising star Reece McLaren.”

36-year-old Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes of Brazil is the reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion and widely considered one of the best bantamweights in the world. He made his promotional debut back in 2012 and captured the title in 2013, and has since then remained unbeaten inside the ONE Championship cage. A winner of his last 11 bouts, including three submission wins and two knockouts, Fernandes is set to defend his title against rising star, Reece McLaren.

25-year-old Reece “Lightning” McLaren is a Filipino-Australian professional mixed martial artist from Toowoomba, Australia. He made his ONE debut in 2015 with a spectacular submission victory over top bantamweight contender Mark Striegl, and then followed up that win with a unanimous decision over highly-regarded prospect Muin Gafurov. McLaren has showcased a tremendous striking arsenal paired with a robust grappling skill set in his career to date. In his next bout, he takes on the toughest test of his career against Bibiano Fernandes.

Leandro Ataides of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is set to return to the ONE Championship cage this December. The 30-year-old professional mixed martial artist owns a professional record of eight wins and three losses, with only two of Ataides’ victories reaching the final bell. The hard-charging Ataides remains a force to be reckoned with at middleweight and will look to excite the crowd by defeating his next opponent, Mohamed Ali.

34-year-old fight veteran Mohamed “Flex” Ali is a professional mixed martial arts fighter who hails from Egypt. He owns a diverse 10-10 professional MMA record, which includes seven victories by stunning knockout. The well-travelled striker has competed in various countries in his MMA career. Initially a Muay Thai practitioner, he has finished most of his opponents by stoppage, a clear indication of his powerful striking ability. In his next bout, Ali takes on Leandro Ataides.

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Pokémon GO Partners with Globe Telecom In The Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Pokémon Company and Niantic, Inc. announced their partnership with Globe Telecom and to kick-off with first Pokémon Festival on October 28, 2016.

Before we move ahead and start out topic, we would suggest all the pokemon fans to visit minionaccounts.com and get the best Pokemon go accounts in no time.

The Pokémon Company, creators of one of the most popular entertainment properties in the world, Niantic, Inc., innovative developer and publisher of ‘real world games’, and Globe Telecom, the Philippines leading mobile brand, today have officially announced a new partnership. The three companies will work together to bring Filipinos a richer and more enjoyable mobile entertainment experience centered around Pokémon GO, including activating Globe retail locations and charging stations as PokéStops and Gyms within the game, and allowing Filipinos to catch, battle and train at any of Globe’s many outlets throughout the country. Globe will kick off the Pokémon GO partnership during the first Philippine Pokémon Fest, being held on October 28 and 29.

“Pokémon GO is a huge hit with Trainers here in Philippines and we're excited to give them greater access to PokéStops and Gyms through our work with Globe.” said John Hanke, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Niantic. “Combining our resources with Globe will be a huge win for all Pokémon fans.”

“We are excited to work with one of the most innovative companies in the Philippines. We hope this partnership will bring joy and more opportunities for kids to be in touch with Pokémon more often” says Susumu Fukunaga, Corporate Officer of The Pokémon Company.

“These are exciting times for all Pokémon fans in the country. This partnership with The Pokémon Company and Niantic, opens up a lot of new opportunities at Globe to provide our customers with new ways to enjoy content on their mobile devices. Not only will we be able to provide access to the app, but everyone can look forward to more surprises in the coming months,” says Globe’s Chief Commercial Officer, Dan Horan

Just in time for Halloween, the event will bring Pokémon to life through appearances, screenings and many other activities. A free event opens to Pokémon fans and game enthusiasts alike, the Philippine Pokémon Fest will feature walks and tours, costume contests and Pokémon GO battles throughout the weekend.

To receive updates on the Pokémon Fest, just follow the Globe official Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/GlobePH or @EnjoyGlobe on Twitter and Instagram.

Globe, Molave App Challenge Cebu 2016: Helping Children Read and Write in Cebuano

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Globe Telecom, in partnership with Molave Development Foundation, launches App Challenge Cebu 2016 to encourage the creation of educational Android apps that will teach K-3 pupils about reading and writing in Cebuano.

“We want to advance Globe Telecom’s education initiatives by coming out with top-quality content in learning areas that are underserved. The tri-lingual system is a key cause of lack of basic reading comprehension. With poor reading skills, students are ill-equipped to learn other key subjects such as Math and Science. Literacy in the mother tongue is an essential component in the foundation of early learning. Thus, we didn’t hesitate to accept the request of Molave Development Foundation to mount an app challenge encouraging developers to create an educational app that can teach K-3 students about reading, writing, and comprehending Cebuano,” said Michelle Tapia, Head of Education and Digital Learning under Corporate Strategy and Business Development Group of Globe.

At present, a lot of students have minimal-to-no usable material for in-classroom learning or for self-study especially for fundamental skills like mother tongue literacy in K-3, thus, while they are able to speak and to understand their main language or dialect, their reading and writing abilities are limited.

On the other hand, many teachers all over the country are saddled with additional work on content development to compensate for the lack of available good-quality materials instead of being able to focus on improving student outcomes.

i-ACT Advisory for Oplan Undas and Expanded No Window Hours

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In line with the observance of All Saints Day / All Souls Day, the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or the Number Coding Scheme shall be automatically lifted on October 31 and November 1, 2016.

However, in order to further assist commuters going to and from their provinces, Number Coding shall be lifted ONLY for provincial buses on November 2&3, 2016.

Meanwhile, the implementation of the extended Number Coding hours from 7am-8pm as well as the expanded coverage of the "No Window Hours" policy shall take effect starting November 2, 2016. The following roads shall now be covered under the policy:

1.   EDSA                                                                

2.    C5                                                                   

3.    RECTO AVENUE                                             

4.    QUIRINO AVENUE                                          

5.    ARANETA AVENUE                                          

6.    C6                                                                   

7.    ROXAS BOULEVARD                                       

8.    TAFT AVENUE (CALOOCAN)

9.    SLEX                                                                 

10.  SHAW BOULEVARD

11.  ORTIGAS AVENUE

12.  MAGSAYSAY BOULEVARD

13.  AURORA BOULEVARD

14.  QUEZON AVENUE

15. COMMONWEALTH AVENUE

16. A. BONIFACIO AVENUE

17. RIZAL AVENUE

18. DEL PAN

19. MARCOS HIGHWAY

20. MCARTHUR HIGHWAY

21. ALABANG-ZAPOTE ROAD (MUNTINLUPA)

22. SAMSON ROAD

23. A. MABINI STREET (CALOOCAN)

The following vehicles are automatically exempted from the UVVRP per MMDA Memorandum Circular No. 3 Series of 2011:

1. Ambulance, fire trucks, police patrol cars, military vehicles with permanent marking indicating the vehicles as such. Ambulance and fire trucks, which are privately owned and properly marked as such, shall likewise be exempted.
2. Vehicles commandeered by the government directed by a person in authority/or by a medical practitioner for military relief or emergency purposes.
3. Vehicles carrying person/s needing immediate medical attention.
4. Diplomatic vehicles with diplomatic plates.
5. Government vehicles with government plates or appropriate LTO stickers with permanent markings expressly showing the name of government agency or office, including those vehicles of members of Congress with officially issued LTO Protocol plates while being utilized in the performance of their functions.
6. MMDA accredited tow trucks provided that the accreditation papers must be carried and ready for presentation upon request.
7. Vehicles on a mission to carry relief goods to identified calamity or highly depressed areas.
8. Motorcycles provided that motorcycle drivers are complying with the prescribed motorcycle helmets under the Republic Act 10054.
9. Official and marked media vehicles.

Meanwhile, owners / operators of the following vehicles may apply for an exemption from the UVVRP subject to evaluation and approval:

1. School buses and company shuttle vehicles
2. Unmarked vehicles of media practitioners  
3. Emergency care doctors
4. Persons with disabilities
5. Vehicles for perishable goods
6. Department of Tourism accredited tourism vehicles