Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Oyayi Children's Show Holds Grand Launch at Mind Museum

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CBN Asia, in partnership with the National Council for Children’s Television (NCCT), is proud to present its newest kiddie show for the whole family entitled “Oyayi” during the grand launch held on November 18, 2016 at the Mind Museum Auditorium in Taguig city.

Oyayi, a Filipino word which means lullaby, is based on a children’s storybook written by Fernando Rosal Gonzalez. It was the chosen winner in the NCCT Nationwide Search for the Coolest Television Proposal in 2012. The show aims to create an awareness among the Filipino children about the environment, culture, family, and arts through educational and fun-filled episodes that teach them to be wise citizens at their young age.

Hosted by the delightful duo of Pocholo "The Voicemaster" Gonzales and Jing Castaneda of ABS-CBN, the grand launch was started by an opening prayer from Peter Kairuz, CBN Asia's President and CEO, who also thanked everyone involved in realizing the creation of the children's show.

The honorable and youngest councilor from District 2 of the Taguig Local government unit, Amparo Maria Zamora gave the welcome remarks, and also told us about how her niece, eventhough she was "maarte," loves the show very much.

To excite the students in the audience, TeleBobby,one of the characters in the Oyayi TV show whose head is shaped like a television, held a "Dok Pil in Da Blanks" warm-up trivia game. One eventually emerged as the winner but everyone who participated was given small prizes for the effort.

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Here are the top takeaways I got from the 16th Achievers & Leaders Summit which was recently held at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel on November 9, 2016.

The summit had Etiquette Expert, Author and Speaker Jacqueline Whitmore as its featured speaker for the day along with a few more speakers like Gerry Plana, Carlo Mata, David Sutherland, Luigi Mapa and Bo Sanchez. However, I was only able to attend the morning session which had only three speakers. So that's supposedly half of the entire summit but maybe not because I feel that the bulk of the enlightening topics were discussed in the afternoon.

So instead of telling the entire story, which I could not really do since I was half-present, lol, I will just echo the most memorable sayings or statements during the morning talks composed of Gerry Plana, Carlo Mata and Jacqueline Whitmore.

A speaker emphasized on the art of 'listening" of which I also believe was greatly important if you really want to understand others. Most of the time we are deaf to what others want to tell us because we insist on making our own ideas stick out and is seldom open to accept our own mistakes. The root of understanding is the ability to listen and "absorb" like a sponge what other people are saying. It is a very important personal leadership brand that we should never take for granted.

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Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi has written a letter to Charie Villa offering the department's sincerest sympathies on the unexpected death of her brother, Atty. Francisco Villa.

He said the Department, together with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), is resolute in finding out the truth behind the allegations and issues raised.

"We need a strong energy regulator and a united energy family. Our strength should be based on the truth. As the leader of the sector, I enjoin everyone to be fair," Cusi said.

"We need to ensure that ERC personnel are able to recover immediately. They are also affected by the loss of their colleague but their service is needed by our country," Cusi said.

"I have spoken to the commissioners of the ERC. I am pleased that they too want to get to the bottom of this. I have assured them of the department's support in carrying out their mandate in protecting electricity consumers," Cusi said.

"This is a challenge for all of us. Our commitment to fairness and the truth will be tested. I am confident that we will come out stronger after this," Cusi said.

#SalamatApo: When the #MarcosBurial Was Done Like a Thief in the Night

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"The Marcoses fast tracked the burial to stop protests from snowballing and to stop a national conversation that was dangerous to their interests." - Inday Espina-Varona

The surprising Supreme Court (SC) decision to give the former dictator Ferdinand Marcos a hero's burial has triggered protests. It is a decision that has truly divided the nation. The SC said that it could not deny the former president his "rightful place" at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB). SC Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin says “President Marcos—being… a two-term President of the Philippines, a Medal of Valor awardee, a veteran of World War II, a former Senator and Senate President, and a former Congressman, by any of which was qualified to have his remains be interred in the LNMB.”

"Considering that the subject decision is not yet final and to foreclose the projected motion/s for reconsideration from being rendered moot by a precipitate burial of the late President Marcosin the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani, it is respectfully manifested and prayed that the Honorable Supreme Court may consider reissuing the status ante order."

But when we suddenly learned about the equally surprising and rushed, like a thief in the night, burial of his remains at the LNMB, we have to say that this country is beyond repair anymore. If we are talking about legalities, the SC decision was not yet final. There is still the Motion for Reconsideration (MR). So the Marcoses did defy the law in this case.

Petitioners against the burial of late dictator will file a motion to cite in contempt the Marcoses and the military for the "premature" interment of the late dictator, saying the SC's decision is not yet final. "They had hidden wealth, hidden human rights abuses and now a hidden burial - with complete disrespect for the rule of law."

PH User Per Cellsite Density Highest in Asia

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Amid continuing permitting challenges relating to the establishment of new facilities, telecommunication providers in the Philippines serve more customers per site compared to other operators Asia, Globe Telecom said.

According to Globe Chief Information & Technology Officer Gil Genio, user-per-site density in the Philippines is about 2,244, based on estimates of 21,000 total cell sites against internet users of around 47.1 million.

In Vietnam, which is similar in size to the Philippines, has a much lower user-per-site density of only 860, based on total number of cell sites of 55,000 against internet users of 47.3 million, which is also almost equal to the Philippines’ total internet users of 47.1 million. Malaysia, with total cell sites of 22,000 against internet users of 20.6 million has a user-per-site density of 937. Japan with 220,000 cell sites against internet users of 115 million has a user-per-site density of 522 while China with 1.18 million cell sites against internet users totaling 688 million, has a user-per-site density of 566.

Currently, Globe Telecom has a cell site backlog of around 3,000 sites owing to difficulties in securing permits from various local government units, homeowners associations and other government agencies, that cause considerable delay in the construction of such facilities, said Genio. According to him, at least 25 permits are needed to put up one cell sites and the permitting process takes at least 8 months to complete barring major concerns from various agencies. He stressed that construction of additional sites is critical in improving internet services in the country, pointing out that this will provide more bandwidth for local internet users.

While some special interest groups have proposed for the adoption of open access model in the Philippines, Genio emphasized that such policy is good only for mature economies with good infrastructure investments. The open access model allows the sharing the physical infrastructure across multiple operators which can contribute significantly to improving cost effectiveness.

In the country, however, such model should be applied only in industries where players contribute infrastructure investment on a reciprocal basis. “The problem is congestion because of disproportionate number of cell sites versus traffic. Tower sharing will not alleviate congestion as current sites are in same locations. Tower co-location will not solve anything if we maintain same number of cell sites; rather, we need to build more sites,” Genio emphasized.

To improve cell site per user density in the Philippines, the government needs to prioritize infrastructure builds for the telco industry. The government, particularly at the local level, should simplify the acquisition process for cell sites and rationalize permitting process including tower fees, he said. He also said spectrum management and monitoring by the National Telecommunications Commission is also important. “Spectrum allocation is a function of site density in order to serve customers effectively. Spectrum must not be left in the hands of private companies that do not use it to benefit consumers,” he said.

Genio said Globe also supports an update on the country’s ICT strategy and plan including the development of a national broadband plan to improve delivery of government services; promote process efficiencies for public service and provide WiFi services in public areas and internet connectivity in public schools. The company also supports calls for an amendment on existing laws as the Telecom Policy Act of 1935 and Republic Act 7925 or the Public Telecommunications Act of 1995 to reflect 21st century requirements and enable rationalization of the management, allocation or assignment of radio frequency spectrum in a manner that is transparent, fair, and economically efficient and effective, he added.

Philippines: Eric & Rona Singing to Stay in the Race!

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Leg six of The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 kicks off with a piece of good news for Eric & Rona and Parul & Maggie – the teams are going to their home city: Manila, Philippines! In Manila, the teams need to head to Quiapo Market with a shopping list of essential items that will help the Red Cross Pasay Chapter.

“We are still here, second last is better than last. We can be first today….from the back!” JK muses.

The teams navigate through the busy streets of Quiapo Market, buying items including rice, sugar, first aid kit and an umbrella. The Philippines teams are right at home at Quiapo Market, they speak Tagalog and easily get help and directions from the locals. Not surprising, Eric & Rona and Parul & Maggie are the first two teams to complete this task.

“She’s the shopping queen, she does all our shopping…basically I’m just her butler,” says Eric describing his retail experience with Rona.

“I just see this list of things. I don’t cook and I never do grocery shopping,” Chloe tells Yvonne. “Dried fish? I don’t even know what a whole dried fish is supposed to look like!”

After getting the essential items, they must head to the Red Cross Pasay Chapter where disaster-affected families cheer at their arrival. The racers reflect on helping the less fortunate and how good it feels to give back.

“The family that we donated to, one of them had no higher limbs. We wished we could have spent more time with them,” Maggie reflects. “We did however have extra money, so it was nice to give back to people who are less fortunate.”

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Once again we celebrate Filipino music, art and culture with special homage to the life of the hero Andres Bonifacio from where the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig got its name.

The BGC Passionfest is an annual event happening at BGC where people, especially its residents, are treated with grand, colorful parades, street dances, variety shows, games and workshops, and sumptuous food. It is spearheaded by the Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation.

Though it's only my third time to be part of this event, the BGC Passionfest has been ongoing for five years already. Be sure to remember the dates of November 25 to 27, 2016 as this would be another weekend of festivities along Bonifacio High Street and the city center.

BGC has never been so brighter and livelier everytime the BGC Passionfest is held. The experience from one point to the end leaves you reminiscent of the past when we used to be more extrovert by participating in outdoor activities. - Did I hear about a giant Slidefest? Wow! Now, that would be something to look forward to.

Nowadays, due to the advancement in technology, most of the activities could now be simulated by a mobile app, or a virtual walkthrough in 360 degrees presentation. But it is undeniable that the real-life personal hands-on experience will never beat any simulated experience. Technology still has its limitations especially when we need to socialize or witness the most sincerest feelings visually and emotionally. Nothing beats seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of people which becomes magical when in unison with a lot more people. Together we become a memorable showcase of delighted individuals with fascinating experiences.

Smart backs DevCon Summit 2016

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Leader in innovation Smart Communications supported the recent Developer Connect Philippines Summit 2016 at the SMX Convention Center, to help provide relevant information and resources to the growing developer community in the Philippines.

Dubbed as the country’s biggest developer conference, “Dev Future Forward” was participated in by more than 1,500 developers, students, and IT industry leaders.

“We appreciate Smart for supporting initiatives like this. We all know that Smart is at the forefront of innovation. By supporting DevCon, it is basically telling everyone that the industry welcomes up and coming developers to help spur innovation here in the Philippines,” said Mon Ibrahim, Program Director, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). “To all the developers, please continue acquiring knowledge and making meaningful innovations for the country.”

The two-day conference featured talks and panel discussions on The State of the Philippine Programming Talent, Developing Augmented Reality Apps, Best Practice in Software Development, Rediscovering Developer Opportunities in the Philippines, Government Initiatives for the IT Industry, Bridging the Gap Between the Academe and IT Industry, Service Leadership, Developing Apps and Platforms for Emerging Markets, Trends in Mobile and Web, and Philippine Developer/Tech Communities.

“A lot of the tools we have been using are actually created by these developers. This is a venue to open up new opportunities to innovate,” said Paul Pajo, Developer Evangelist of Smart DevNet, during the panel discussion on Rediscovering Developer Opportunities in the Philippines.

Aside from providing venues for innovation, Smart also provides training and equipment to partner educational institutions so that the culture of innovation starts at school. “Through this, we hope to bridge the gap between the industry and academe so that graduates can easily transition to become the country’s future innovators and technopreneurs,” said Steph Orlino, Smart Public Affairs Senior Manager.

During the conference, Voyager Innovations and PayMaya Philippines likewise showcased its growing suite of APIs for developers, including APIs for payments such as PayMaya Checkout and PayMaya vault, the freenet SDK for enterprises for easy whitelisting of apps and mobile website, as well as the Chikka API which allow developers to create and integrate SMS-based platforms and integrating multi-carrier SMS capabilities to their apps.

“I believe our developers as young as they are, can actually be the future in building this nation. Their technical know-how is very much vital in creating the products that can actually change or make a dent in the society, that’s why we at Voyager supports the DevCon,” said Justin Dayrit, Business Unit Head of Communications Technology, Voyager Innovations, the digital innovations arm of PLDT and Smart.

"It was a blast to be here in DevCon Summit for the first time. As students, a lot of what you learn from here motivate you to continue pursuing your course and never stop encoding your dreams. Strive hard even if it's difficult, because nothing is easy," said Alyssa Mae Marcial and Alex Alfred Villanueva, IT students from Cavite State University.

DevCon is a non-profit, non-government organization comprised of volunteer developers and non-developers that organize events and talks to improve the talent of Pinoy IT and create a community where they can interact with other developers.

This communication is intended solely for the use of the addressee and authorized recipients. It may contain confidential or legally privileged information and is subject to the conditions in http://www.smart.com.ph/corporate/disclaimer.

OFW & SME Business Christmas Expo set on December at SM Cebu and Megatrade Hall

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Small and Medium Enterprises compose a large part of the economy – home-based and community livelihood enterprises are also part of this segment. From delicious food items to beautiful and elegant decorations, it is a no-brainer that these business thrive through the support of the consumers whom its products are reaching out to. The thing is, most of them are not that easily noticed by the mainstream market.

On its 15th year anniversary, Ex-Link Events is reaching out to home-based and community livelihood enterprises to gather and showcase their best products and services at the OFW & SME Business Christmas Expo this December.

Aside from the exhibits, the OFW & SME Christmas Business Expo is poised to be the grandest Christmas gathering for OFWs, Balik-bayans, SMEs and Community Livelihood Enterprises, partnering with various government and private organizations such as the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration, the Rotary Community Corps, Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc., the Department of Trade and Industry, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Junior Achievement of the Philippines, Inc. and the Rotary Club of Mutya ng Pasig to kick off the yuletide season with a bang with a mix of activities that everyone will enjoy!

The OFW & SME Business Christmas Expo will be held at the Cebu Trade Hall of SM City Cebu on December 2 to 3 (Friday to Sunday) and at the Megatrade Hall 2 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City on December 21 to 23 (Wednesday to Friday).

For inquiries, reservations and partnerships, contact (02) 633-0153, 643-3887, SMS 0920-924-2532 or email info@exlinkevents.com.

22nd ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting Ends Today

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The weeklong meetings among transport ministers and officials of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) concluded at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila today, with several transport initiatives and policies considered and adopted.

The 22nd ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting (ATM) chaired by Department of Transportation Secretary Art Tugade was preceded by the 42nd Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM) and related discussions with dialogue partners, Japan, China and Korea.

The ministers commended the strong start in the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan (KLTSP) 2016-2025 and reaffirmed commitments to intensify cooperation to realize the AEC 2025 vision, which calls for a deeply integrated region that would contribute towards a highly cohesive ASEAN economy.

The Ministers also adopted and launched the ASEAN Road Safety Booklet as a tool for dissemination of key highlights from ASEAN Regional Road Safety Strategy in enhancing public awareness on the importance of the road safety in the region.

“The collective aspiration is to cut down accident rate to almost zero. We have to adopt to solutions such as road engineering,” Minister Khaw Boon Wan of Singapore said in a press conference.

Further, the ATM welcomed the adoption of ASEAN-United States Aviation Cooperation Terms of Reference, which would include areas of aviation safety, efficiency, harmonization, security, as well as economic regulation.

The ministers also applauded the efforts of the Philippines to “Build, Build, Build,” which is consistent with the ASEAN objective of seamless connectivity.

“We aim to enhance trade, attract investments, facilitate movement of goods and people, and boost tourism. With aggressive transportation infrastructure and sustainable transport policies, we hope to ultimately provide a better and higher quality of life to our people,” said DOTr Undersecretary for Maritime Felipe Judan, who represented ATM Chairman Sec. Arthur Tugade.

The 23rd ATM Meeting will take place in Singapore in 2017.

Paper Documentation Still on the Rise — ePDS

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Despite the prevalence of digitization today, consumers still prefer holding physical copies of their documents, specifically account statements, as compared to having a digital copy, according to ePDS, Inc., a local leader in Document Management Services (DMS) and Customer Communication Management Solutions.

“The demand for data printing continues to be strong despite the growing presence of digital media,” said Minetta Tangco, EVP and General Manager of ePDS. “This is particularly true for financial institutions, banks, and credit companies, as well as utility companies handling telecommunications, power, and water where majority of their clients expect to receive statements of their accounts via physical documents. Additionally, when it comes to bills, consumers value physical mail as a record-keeping tool, thereby serving as payment reminders,” said Tangco.

“Nevertheless, more and more companies are switching to the digital dimension driven by the increasing trends of big data, cloud technology, end user focus, social sharing information, and security. More and more companies are now targeting and working on achieving a workspace that depends less on paper,” added Tangco.

In today’s digitally connected world, the expectation that information will be available on demand and accessible on any device is likely to be the norm for companies to boost their efficiency. A digital Document Management System addresses the issues of traditional filing systems head on, helping to create more efficient and secure solutions to improve document workflows.

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The PhilBike Expo, the only international-standard trade and consumer cycling show in the Philippines, returns for its third annual convention this November. The event kicks off on Nov. 25 and allows cycling enthusiasts’ access to the most diverse range of local and international products and demonstrations.

Organized by Phil-Bike Convention Inc., the event has seen over 17,000 enthusiasts pack convention centers for two years.

To mark its third year anniversary, this year’s expo shall be headlined by a few of the best in the sport today:

Regarded as one of the biggest names in the bike trail world scene, “The Magician” Kenny Belaey is a 24-year veteran of the sport. Since his debut in 1992, Belaey has brought the sport to the mainstream as a constant innovator and professional. He is the record holder of the most medals won at the World Cup and World Championships. His latest video project, “Balance”, saw him crossing a slackline on the top of the French Alps, a feat that had yet to be accomplished by any other biker before him.

The Superkids are Japanese prodigies made up of Yu Shoji (14) and Takumi Isogai (15). This dynamic duo has been making a name in the Flatland scene with their cutting edge and flair for pushing innovation to its limits. Shoji is the first place winner of the 2015 Voodoo Jam and the second runner-up for the 2014 FlatArk Novice. Isogai was the first place winner of the 2014 FlatArk Expert and came in at eighth place for the 2016 FlatDev Pro.

Accompanying the Superkids is their mentor, Viki Gómez, who is returning to PhilBike for the second year in a row. Hailed as one of the best in the world, the 35-year-old Spaniard is known for his constant creation of new tricks that combine flow and rhythm and surpassing the limits of imagination. The Red Bull athlete is a three-time Champion of the Flatland World Circuit Series, as well as a three-time Red Bull Circle of Balance Champion. He is also a two-time winner of the European X-Games.

Rounding out this incredible line-up is a special, one-day only performance from Canadian, Geoff Gulevich. With a career that started at the age of 12, the Rocky Mountain Bicycle ambassador is among the best in his field, combining passion with a strong sense of perseverance that sets him apart from his peers. He is the fourth runner-up for Jumpship 2011, and came in fifth for both the Red Bull Rampage 2010 and the Crankworx Joyride 2011.

Sari-Sari Stores in the Philippines See a Refreshing Future with Coca-Cola

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It has been two years since Carmencita Aspiras turned around her home-based business – a sari-sari store that she used to help augment her family’s daily finances, including the allowances and requirements of her children who were earning their college degrees.

Like most sari-sari stores in the country, Aspiras ran it for the first two years based on her own perception of how the business ought to be managed. But joining and completing the Coca-Cola 5by20 Sari-sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program in 2014 changed the course of her business, and her life. “From earning P2,500 to P3,000 daily, by implementing what I learned from the program, my store now earns an average of P5,000 daily.

More than doubling her store’s daily earnings, Aspiras said that what struck her most in the Coca-Cola STAR program was how it helped her become a better wife, mother, and person. “I am what I am today because of the (Coca-Cola STAR) program. I was able to let my children finish school, business is thriving, and if not for the program, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to be here in front of you,” Aspiras said during a roundtable meeting with John Murphy, the president of the Asia Pacific Group of The Coca-Cola Company.

Coca-Cola, with its 19 manufacturing facilities in the Philippines, and over 10,000 strong labor force, is proactive in promoting women empowerment through 5by20, a global initiative that aims to empower 5 million women worldwide by the year 2020. Locally, the 5by20 initiative targets the empowerment of 200,000 women through the STAR Program.

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A big ‘Mabuhay!’ to Team Philippines’ Eric & Rona and Parul & Maggie as the teams make their way to Manila, Philippines in this episode of The Amazing Race Asia Season 5. In Manila, teams put the competition aside as they lend a helping hand to the Red Cross and put together a Disaster Preparedness Kit for the less fortunate. Will Team Philippines gain a home ground advantage in this leg of the Race? Only six teams remain, who will be eliminated this week?

Catch the all-new exciting episode of The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 every Thursday at 9pm only on AXN.

For behind-the-scenes clips and extra footage, visit www.AXN-Asia.com/TARA or join the conversation on Facebook at TheAmazingRaceAsia.

AXN is seen on Cable Link Channel 38, Cignal Digital TV Channel 61, Global Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Channel 20, GSat Channel 51, and SKYCable Channel 49. AXN HD is seen on SkyCable Channel 247.

Revolutionize Coal Business to Lower Electricity Cost - Cusi

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Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi today expressed to the coal industry stakeholders during the Coal Business and Policy Forum 2016 on Wednesday (16 November) at the New World Hotel in Makati City that “What we’re trying to address is to bring down the electricity cost, by finding the right energy formula that will also reduce carbon emissions as part of climate change mitigation. The DOE will be working with you [coal industry stakeholders] to help cushion the power financial burden to our consumers."