Stabilizing the Mindanao Power Situation

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Speaking before the 8th Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee Principals Meeting held in Manila on Tuesday (Nov. 15), Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi stressed the need to come up with a cohesive policy direction for the island of Mindanao to ensure reliable and stable power supply. He also urged the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to interconnect the Luzon and Mindanao grids to encourage manufacturing firms to come in and create more jobs. Potential locators and investors want to have adequate logistics and power, he said, so he has organized a team to really find ways to provide cheaper electricity.

The meeting was attended by the key officials from the Department of Energy, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), National Electrification Administration (NEA), National Power Corporation (NPC), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM), Mindanao Electric Power Alliance and Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives. Among those in attendance were Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee Chairperson Datu Abul Khayr D. Alonto and DOE Undersecretary Benito Ranque.

Make Your Kiddie Birthday Party the Most Fun and Colorful Yet

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Red Ribbon’s Dedication Cake has always been a part of every Filipino celebration. The cakes' chocolatey goodness and the special touch from the personalized message written on it never fails to tug at the heartstrings of the family. No wonder, it became a mainstay treat on occasions, especially during birthday parties.

This time, however, Red Ribbon adds a colorful twist to the delectable treat as it launches the new Red Ribbon Rainbow Dedication Cake.

“Red Ribbon Dedication Cake is well-loved by both kids and moms alike. That is why we curated the ultimate kiddie birthday cake through the new Rainbow Dedication Cake," said Ned Bandojo, Head of Marketing of Red Ribbon. "The colorful and chocolatey goodness inside and out will certainly make birthday celebrations even more memorable.”

The said cake is made up of colorful layers filled with luscious chocolate. It is also covered with rich chocolate icing and topped with chocolate rosettes, multi-colored confetti, and lollipops.

"Customers can also put their own heartfelt greeting on the cake because we know how important it is to let our kids know that we love them, especially on their birthday," Bandojo added.

The Ribbon Rainbow Dedication Cake is now available in two sizes, 8x12 for only P550 and the 8x8 for only P350.00.

“Red Ribbon dedicates this cake to all the moms who want to give their kids the ultimate kiddie birthday treat because we believe that every celebration deserves to be fun, colorful and memorable,” he added.

The new Red Ribbon Rainbow Dedication Cake is now available in all Red Ribbon stores nationwide for a limited time until November 30, 2016.

As one of the leading and fastest growing bakeshop chains in the country, the company is dedicated to serving new and exciting flavors of cakes, breads, and pastries that will make each moment with friends and loved ones sweeter.

To know more about Red Ribbon’s many delights, visit www.redribbonbakeshop.com.

Suzuki Helps Typhoon Lawin Victims

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Suzuki, together with ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation once again extended their helping hand to our countrymen affected by Typhoon Lawin. This is the 3rd time that Suzuki is working with the foundation in this endeavour – the first two were during typhoons Yolanda and Lando. Suzuki, which is the only integrated motorcycle, automobile and outboard motors company in the country, has been consistent in providing aid to our fellowmen who were stricken by natural disasters. This time, residents of the affected areas will be receiving aid from Suzuki and ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya.

Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH) President Mr. Hiroshi Suzuki and Suzuki Foundation Inc. President Mr. Norminio Mojica were present for the turnover of the donation. The donation also includes a collective monetary contribution of SPH employees. Accepting the pledge was ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya’s Program Director Mr. Higino Dungo who in turn handed over the Certificate of Donation from the donee.

Mr. Hiroshi Suzuki shared during the turnover, “We have been distributing automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor products in the Philippines and it is time to give back to the community. We would like to ensure that we help those who are in need especially during these hard times.”

Suzuki Foundation, Inc. President and concurrent Managing Director of Suzuki Philippines, Inc. Mr. Norminio Mojica also conveyed his gratitude towards ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya, “Our partnership with ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya can be traced back in 2013 during typhoon Yolanda and this is our third time in doing this deed. We share the same passion and advocacy of lending a hand to those who are affected by calamities and so here we are fulfilling our commitment to our countrymen. We are also encouraging everyone to extend help. Your contribution will go a long way to rebuild the lives of typhoon affected communities.”

Even before the donation to ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya, Suzuki has already initiated its efforts to address the needs of the motorists affected by Typhoon Lawin through its SHARE Program. SHARE also known as Suzuki Helps Aids and REbuilds is the umbrella program of Suzuki Philippines’ Motorcycle Division in its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. Part of this program is the FREE Service Campaign wherein Free Check-Up, Tune-Up, Oil and Oil Filter are offered to all Suzuki motorcycle owners affected by typhoons. Free snack and limited edition keychain are also provided for participating motorists. The main objective is to ensure that our countrymen commuting ride is working well to aid them recover faster from the onslaught of the typhoon. For Typhoon Lawin, Suzuki tapped the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra and La Union through its 111 dealer branches.

Cash Cab Season 2 Philippines Hits the Road with Celebrity Guests this November on AXN

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Get ready for the ride of your life as Ryan Agoncillo gets back on the road in Season 2 of Cash Cab Philippines premiering November 17, Thursday at 8.30pm.

Cab Cab Season 2 takes you on a wild and exciting journey with celebrity guests including Marc Nelson, Rovilson Fernandez, Epy and Ronnie Quizon, Iza Calzado and Ben Wintle and the Philippine teams from The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 – beauty queens Maggie Wilson-Consunhi and Parul Shah, and married couple Eric and Rona Samson-Tai.

Ryan Agoncillo takes on the role as a cabbie as he picks up unsuspecting passengers and drives them to their destination while asking them trivia questions. Passengers stand a chance to win generous cash rewards but they might be left on the curb if they get too many incorrect answers.

Cash Cab Philippines Season 2, is an AXN original production presented by Petron and Cebuana Lhuillier, premieres November 17, every Thursday at 8:30 pm right before The Amazing Race Asia Season 5.

AXN is seen on Sky Cable Channel 49, Cable Link Channel 38, Cignal Digital TV Channel 61, Global Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Channel 20, and GSat Channel 51.

AXN HD is seen on Sky Cable Channel 247.

Senator Risa Hontiveros Pushes for Debt Audit in 2017 Budget

Wazzup Pilipinas!

An audit of loan agreements challenged as illegitimate, fraudulent and/or wasteful was pushed in the proposed P1.9 trillion 2017 national government budget by Senator Risa Hontiveros.

In her maiden budget interpellation on Tuesday, Hontiveros proposed the inclusion in the said budget of a special provision to “hold in trust” interest payments for at least 20 loan agreements pending a thorough review through a congressional debt audit.

Hontiveros assured that debts validated to be aboveboard will continue to be serviced. However, those proven to be illegitimate or riddled with questionable processes, contractual obligations, purposes and use will be subjected to renegotiation and/or repudiation. Subsequently, funds allotted for their payments will be re-channeled to augment the government’s spending for important social services.

“It is only apt that the Duterte government’s first proposed appropriation law dubbed as ‘a budget for real change,' has a specific policy language to safeguard the nation’s coffers from illegitimate loan agreements. It is only common sense that we should not pay what we don’t owe. A congressional debt audit is a step in the right direction to scrutinize these debts and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past,” Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros explained that the country endured paying for illegitimate debts in the past like the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) and the defunct Austrian Medical Waste Incinerator Project. She cited a study by the Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) which has identified 20 questionable loan agreements amounting to P 900 million (please see attached) in the proposed 2017 budget. The debt watchdog said that many of the loans came from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the World Bank (WB).

Senator Loren Legarda, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, and principal sponsor of the proposed budget, agreed to a congressional debt audit.

 

“BNPP revival a public health risk”

Meanwhile, Hontiveros opposed the government’s plan to revive BNNP, saying it poses a serious risk to public health. She said that one of the primary consequences of radiation exposure is DNA damage while long term risks include an increased probability of contracting thyroid cancer and leukemia. The senator also argued that nuclear experts couldn’t provide a fail-safe measure to dispose of nuclear waste.

Hontiveros added that the proposed revival of the BNPP runs contrary to the prevailing attitudes of more experienced nations regarding the future of nuclear energy.

“In the wake of the Fukushima disaster, Germany, through its Energiewnede program, has pledged to fully close all of its nuclear energy plants by 2022. The risks to human health and the environment cannot be overstated. We live in an age where our actions directly shape the natural world. Our existing laws such as the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 represents our commitment to renewable energy and increase its share in our energy mix.”

Everything You Need to Know Before Joining a Property Auction

Wazzup Pilipinas!

To prepare interested participants of the most-anticipated activity set to happen at the Lamudi Housing Fair on November 18 to 20, property portal Lamudi Philippines listed down some basic guidelines for the property auction. Led by partner banks RCBC Savings Bank and Philippine National Bank and My Saving Grace Realty & Development Corporation, the property auction will showcase hundreds of properties that can be taken home by the highest bidder.

Ramil Alquileta, owner of MSGRDC, a brokerage that specializes in property auctions and foreclosed properties, shared important reminders for the public to be ready with the basic requirements when attending an auction.

Proper Identification and Show Money

As with any other public events, aspiring bidders in a property auction need to bring all legal identifications that he or she can provide. Government-issued ID’s with signature and picture is a must. Prior to the start of the public auction, a bidder needs to present his or her name and a valid ID. Subsequently, a paddle to bid will only be given upon registration and deposit of show money. The required show money per property varies on the bidding amount that you wish to place. For Php1 million and below minimum bid price per property, a show money of Php10,000 is required while for Php1 million and above, a Php25,000 show money per property must be deposited. This can be in the form of cash or Manager’s Check.

For winning bidders, the show money will be considered as a reservation fee and will be deducted to the total price that they will pay. On the other hand, unsuccessful bidders will get their show money back.

For bidders who cannot be physically present during the auction proper, an authorized representative may stand on his or her behalf. The authorized representative on auction day must submit a Letter of Authority signed by both the Bidder and the Representative. For signature verification purposes, the Representative must likewise present photocopies of the Bidder’s valid government issued ID with a clear imprint of the Bidder’s signature.

Bidding Rules and Regulations

The bidding is presided over by a representative of the Selling Entity or owners of the properties subject for bidding. An auction officially starts when the selling entity announces the minimum bid on a particular property. The price will then progressively increase following the standard increment for others to challenge until such time that only the highest bidder remains.

Upon the fall of the hammer, the selling entity will announce the paddle number of the winning bidder, likewise, the selling entity reserves the right to reject any or all bids for whatever reason it deem fit. After winning the bid, an Award Certificate will be given to the winner bearing the name, amount and description of the property.

After the issuance of the Award Certificate but before execution of Contract to Sell, the selling entity shall conduct whatever investigation (i.e., court case checking, credit investigation, etc.) over the winning bidder. Should there be negative findings that the Winning Bidder did not disclose, the selling entity has the right to cancel the Award Certificate and forfeit any amount paid.

Tips and Advice

Other documents such as Marriage of Certificate (if applicable) and valid Community Tax Certificate will also come in handy to fast track your papers in case you are the highest bidder. It will also be helpful if you can bring financial documents, such as Certificate of Employment and Income or pay slip issued in the last three months, Income Tax Return (ITR) and bank statements.

In addition, Alquileta also recommended that studying the properties before participating in the actual bid is crucial and necessary, after all big financial decisions such as home-buying requires due diligence.

Lamudi Philippines and partner MSGRDC will showcase some of the 15,000 foreclosed properties that they manage and will offer it for auction to the public at the Lamudi Housing Fair on November 20. On the other hand, RCBC will conduct its property auction during the Housing Fair on November 18, while PNB on November 19. All auctions will start at 2 p.m.

Take advantage of the property auction only at the biggest housing event in the country this 2016. Apart from the auction, the Lamudi fair will also feature the widest selection of properties and offer exclusive discounts to homebuyers and property investors. Investment and homebuying seminars and virtual reality application in real estate can also be learned and enjoyed at the fair.

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

Trek Valdizno's Space Dust on Exhibit at Galleria Duemila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Space dust. A whiff and a puff on the canvas. The artist explores geometrical and biomorphic figures, a niche beyond his comfort zone of abstraction. The looseness and fluidity of colors are turned into shapes of imagined realities.

The play on metallics is a muted method of elegance, a style that besets the artist’s works. Like sorcery, a belief of undetermined results highlights a being in conscious, present in a chaotic world yet ascending to a greater consciousness. Space Dust. A magic cast on the canvas.

Trek Valdizno is a graduate of the University of the Philippines with a degree in Fine Arts major in Painting. His works has been exhibited in Ayala Museum, Vargas Museum and Cultural Center of the Philippines. He also did commissioned and collaborative works in various international institutions in Australia, Hong Kong and France. •

The exhibition will run from Nov. 12 to Dec. 31, 2016 at Galleria Duemila, located at 210 Loring St. 1300 Pasay City. 

For more information, please email them at hello@galleriaduemila.com or at art@galleriaduemila.com. Visit their website at www.galleriaduemila.com and follow us them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @galleriaduemila

Space Dust
Trek Valdizno

EXHIBITION RUN: Nov. 12 - Dec. 31, 2016
OPENING RECEPTION: Nov. 12, Saturday, 4pm

Exhibition curated by Sandra Palomar

Get "Blown Away" with Glass Blowing and Glass Sculpting by Czech Artist Jiri Pacinek at Museo Orlina

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Museo Orlina in Tagaytay City presents a rare demonstration of hot glass blowing and glass sculpting,
to be conducted by prominent Czech glass artist Jiri Pacinek from November 18 - 20.

This will be held on the stage of the amphitheater of the Sculpture Garden.

Mr. Pacinek has shipped in from the Czech Republic his portable furnace and annealer, as well as other glassblowing and sculpting equipment.

He and his team of experts will be creating sculptural pieces on the spot, live on our stage,
and will call on volunteers from the audience to try simple glassblowing and hot sculpting.

The program will also include a brief lecture, an interview portion and a tour of his exhibition “Blown Away”
of 30 recent works at the Reflections Gallery of Museo Orlina, curated by the eminent art critic and scholar Cid Reyes.

A special invitation goes out to:

1. Art Practitioners for Friday, Nov 18, 2016
2. Fine Art Students and Faculty for Saturday, Nov 19, 2016.

We are offering two sessions for the workshops on November 18 and 19, 2016:

1. 10.00am-1.00pm
2. 2.00pm-5.00pm

Nominal workshop fees apply per session. For those interested please pre-register online:

Online Form Link for students/faculty: https://goo.gl/2RJPcN

Online Form Link for art practitioners: https://goo.gl/4IR8hu

Please do not hesitate to contact us at 09175315108 or tel nos 7815918/7496439 for any inquiries. 

Chef Laudico's Feast is Now Open at SM Clark in Angeles, Pampanga

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"#FeastAllYouCan with our wide spread of dishes, from all time Pinoy favorites to amazing fusion dishes, each recipe is made from the freshest ingredients with all natural spices and flavoring."

Chef Laudico's Feast - a festival of food just as how we Filipinos love to celebrate every occasion with a festive feast. Their newest buffet restaurant located at SM Clark in Angeles, Pampanga may not be as big as some of the other brands out there in Manila, but aside from the flavorful select dishes, the restaurant has a big heart to offer only the best for your health - like no MSGs or artificial and instant seasonings, just like their other restaurants carrying the Laudico brand.

They use only natural spices and flavoring and never the branded ones which offer instant flavorings that contain unwanted and unnecessary ingredients that would eventually only cause more harm than good.

What I love about the Laudicos is that they serve only what's best for you. Like in our interview earlier, though I was encouraging everyone to come visit the restaurant daily, Chef Roland immediately said that's not advisable because we might get a heart attack if we abuse our food intake. Lol!

This is probably why my cover photo is the sushi and not the "meaty" dishes, I am for a bountiful feast but as what Chef Roland implied, we don't need to abuse our health by pampering ourselves with a buffet meals occasionally only. But just how can you resist coming back to a smorgasbord of gastronomic delights? Well, some people say we only live once, so our lifetime should be spent experiencing everything possible before regrets come in to haunt us. However, we also need to live a good, productive and fruitful life so we can leave a legacy worth remembering.

Globe and PHIVOLCS Team Up in Developing Hazard and Risk Information Maps

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Globe Telecom has teamed up with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) in developing data base for 56 provinces. The information are integrated with the PHIVOLCS-developed Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (REDAS) software, a tool which can be used in developing hazard and risk information.

REDAS, a hazard simulation software of PHIVOLCS that aims to produce seismic hazard and risk maps immediately after the occurrence of a potentially damaging earthquake, can be used as a tool for emergency preparedness, and contingency planning, Globe Chief Finance Officer and Chief Risk Officer Rizza Maniego-Eala said.

“Globe Telecom, as a telecommunications provider, is cognizant of the fact that availability of telecommunication services especially during times of emergencies is critical not only in minimizing casualties but also in providing rescue and rehabilitation efforts. We hope that the effective utilization of REDAS can provide deeper understanding and appreciation of earthquake hazards and risks that will hopefully lead to a more comprehensive planning and active formulation of an effective disaster prevention program and policies that will benefit not only service providers like Globe but also the entire country,” Eala said.

Specifically, Globe provided financial support for the creation of the additional REDAS hazard database. The built-in database consisted of multi-hazard maps from PAGASA and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) as well as census and base maps from government institutions.