Once Upon a Mattress: An Explosion of Theatrical and Comedic Energy Set to Open on January 20

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ephesus Teatron Group, Inc. is all set to transport all of us to a magical world of musical theater as it proudly kicks off its first production for 2017 with “Once Upon a Mattress” at the Tanghalang Yaman Lahi Theater, Emilio Aguinaldo College located at 1221 Gen. Luna St. Ermita, Manila.

The schedule of performances are as follows: Jan. 20 – 22 (Fri. – Sun.) at 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm.

“Once Upon a Mattress” is from the Book by Jay Thompson, Marshall Barer and Dean Fuller. Music by Mary Rodgers. Lyrics by Marshall Barer. (Based on the story The Princess and the Pea by Hans Christian Andersen.)

The original 1959 Broadway production featured the debut of stage and TV personality Carol Burnett, and received two Tony Award nominations for Best Musical and Best Leading Actress. A 1960 London production was produced together with an original cast album recording. In 1996, Sarah Jessica Parker stepped into the leading role in a Broadway revival production together with Jane Krakowski which was nominated for the 1997 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. An Off-Broadway production had a limited run last January 2016. Adaptations for television were aired in the US in 1964, 1972, and lastly in 2005.

Synopsis:

Due to an unhappy curse, King Sextimus is unable to speak. Meanwhile, his terror-of-a-wife, Queen Aggravain, has taken over control of the kingdom. Most importantly, in an attempt to keep Prince Dauntless single, she has decreed that only the princess that can pass her test may marry her son. Further, no one else in the kingdom may marry until Prince Dauntless does. Lady Larken and Sir Harry are extremely disturbed by this fact since Lady Larken is now pregnant with Sir Harry's baby. Luckily, Sir Harry is able to find an amazing princess, Winnifred the Woebegone. She instantly catches the attention of Prince Dauntless, and in the end, is able to pass the Queen's supposedly impassable sensitivity test. When the Queen still tries to prevent the Prince Dauntless from marrying, he tells her to 'shut up' which ends up breaking the curse on the king. Now able to speak, King Sextimus regains his rightful position as leader of the kingdom, and all is well.

For the Manila production, “Once Upon a Mattress” will be directed by Steven Conde who recently megged critically-acclaimed plays “Suicidal, Incorporated” and “Dog Sees God” for Twin Bill Theater.

“Once Upon a Mattress” is a silly, sassy, and a funny modern fairy tale musical with many amusing moments bursting at the seams featuring an assemblage of first-rate pros loaded with showbiz pizzazz and comic artistry from the Philippine theater industry.

Carla Guevara-Laforteza and Cara Barredo shall alternately play the role of Princess Winnifred the Woebegone. She is a feisty, outspoken, independent, strong, optimistic, and free-thinking princess from the swamp lands. She isn’t too good with manners. She wants to get married, but must go through the queen's unfair test as well. The Prince, naturally, falls madly in love with her.

Niño Alejandro will play the role of Prince Dauntless. A nice, not too smart, everyday type of young Prince who desperately wants to get married, but is prevented by his mother's strict tests that she gives to all potential candidates.

Hans Eckstein and Chino Veguillas shall alternately play the role of Sir Harry. He is the Queen’s Champion-in-Arms - the Lancelot of Knights - the macho, slightly egotistical, brave, romantic knight who decides to leave the kingdom to search for a princess, and finds Princess Winnifred in the swamp. Easily jealous, but loves Lady Larken with all his heart. Harry cannot marry Lady Larken until Prince Dauntless has found a suitable bride.

Milay Guinid will essay the role of Queen Aggravain. The loud, talkative woman who really rules the country. She is an overprotective, stubborn, sly Mom who is trying to keep her son, Prince Dauntless, from getting married.

Raymund Concepcion will play the role of King Sextimus. A kind, expressive, playful, and comedic character who is silent due to a curse placed upon him by a witch before the birth of Dauntless. He likes to chase girls through the corridors of the castle. Needs good improv skills.

Arion Sanchez and Chino Veguillas will alternately play the role of Minstrel. The handsome narrator of the story, as well as in the musical story line. He becomes smitten with Lady Larken and tries to persuade her to flee to Normandy with him. He and the Jester join forces to stop the Queen's plans.
Steven Hotchkiss plays the role of the Jester. An energetic and peppy man who is the King's right-hand man and assists him with every endeavor. The Jester also plots with the Minstrel to spoil the Queen's plans.

Onyl Torres and Alex Dagalea shall alternately play the role of the Wizard. The egotistical, ex-performer who directly serves the Queen. He is the Queen’s Henchman and thinks of all the Princess’ tests. He prides himself in his position and basically obeys all of the Queen’s orders.

Yanah Laurel and Jill Ita-as alternately essays the role of Lady Larken. She is the Queen’s Lady-in-Waiting but is put in charge of Princess Winnifred. She is madly in love with Sir Harry and desperately wants to marry him because she is pregnant with his baby. She tries to flee the Kingdom after having an argument with Sir Harry, but is convinced by Winnifred to reunite with him.

Sweet Samaniego- Buchanan plays the role of Princess No. 12. She is the first Princess that the audience sees who is performing the rounds of tests. Very eager, smart, thinks well on her feet – of course the Prince wants to marry her.

The Ladies-in-Waiting and Knights and are all waiting for the Prince to get married so that they can get married to each other. These are character roles and are not just part of the chorus.

The Queen’s Ladies-in-waiting will be played by Sweet Samaniego- Buchanan, Ayam Eckstein, Tina Macaraeg, Jill Ita-as, Mica Fajardo, Meggy Katigbak, Nicole Herrera, and Ash Factor.

The knights will be played by Vincent Kevin Pajara, Josh Cabiladas, Gry Gimena, Edrei Tan, Arion Sanchez, and Alex Dagalea.

The artistic team of “ONCE UPON A MATTRESS” are as follows: Steven Conde (Director); Sweet Samaniego – Buchanan (Artistic Director), Jay Pangilinan (Musical Arranger); Joseph Mattheu (Light Designer); Stephen Viñas (Choreographer); and Kayla Teodoro (Costume/Set Designer).

The production team is composed of the following: Sweet Samaniego – Buchanan, Danielle B. Eckstein, Vincent Kevin Pajara (Production Managers); Mary Joyce Tejero (Stage Manager); Toots Tolentino (Publicist); Roman Arambala (Assistant Stage Manager).

Ephesus Teatron Group, Inc. has Board of Directors composed of Gerry Buchanan (Chairman); Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan (President and Artistic Director), Emmanuel S. Martinez (Corporate Secretary and Company Manager).

For tickets and inquiries, call Ticketworld at 8919999; tel. nos. 632-1330 and 646-9330 or visithttp://ephesusteatron.com; email: sweetbutler@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ephesusteatrongroupinc.

See you at the theater !!!!!

DOE Pushes Simulations to Safeguard Consumers During Malampaya Scheduled Maintenance

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi pushes to firm up measures by each concerned agencies and power stakeholders during the course of the Malampaya maintenance repair from 28 January to 16 February 2017 to ensure readiness of all stakeholders and by way of ensuring consumers are protected from any market abuses.

The Department of Energy (DOE) will closely coordinate with all Malampaya stakeholders including the Malampaya Consortium, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corp., Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) and power generation companies and other distribution utilities to ensure sufficiency of power supply during the shutdown period.

Initially, Sec. Cusi instructed that “Materials, equipment and other assets necessary for the maintenance of Malampaya should all be delivered by January 15 and these should be ready for deployment to make sure that the repair activities should remain on schedule.”

The DOE noted that during the maintenance activities, some power plants are on scheduled maintenance as well. Based on initial study, the lowest projected power supply capacity during the period stood at 8,747 MW on 18 February, while highest demand is projected to reach 8,610 MW on 9 February.

To ensure sufficient power supply, the DOE requires the affected natgas power plants to run on alternative or replacement fuel but it is more expensive than natural gas. Natural Gas as fuel only costs around P4/kilowatt-hour and replacement fuel, such as diesel which costs around P6-P8/kWh.

Sec. Cusi then emphasized that “the Department is exploring all possible options and remedies to maximize protection for consumers.”

Moreover, to augment power supply, the DOE readies the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) in which around 900MW are enrolled.

Further, the DOE also encourages consumers to practice effective “demand-side management.”

The Secretary of Energy also enjoined that “The public should also be proactive in computing the effect of price adjustments to be provided in the simulations given by the agencies concerned to for consumers to practice efficiency measures to avoid price shocks.”

NEC Automates Large-Scale Data Prediction for Business Systems

Wazzup Pilipinas!

NEC Corporation announced the development of a “Predictive Analytics Automation Technology” that completely automates the process for large-scale data predictive analytics performed by relational databases that are widely used for business systems.

Currently, when analyzing relational databases composed of multiple databases, a great deal of work is required for processes that include the discovery and association of complex relationships between databases by skilled scientists, as well as the adjustment of prediction models by machine learning. Moreover, there is a shortage of well-trained data scientists capable of handling the rapidly growing need for advanced data analysis. As a result, there is heavy demand for highly accurate analysis methods that quickly perform large-scale data analysis and are user friendly for non-experts.

NEC’s Predictive Analytics Automation Technology, developed as part of its cutting-edge portfolio of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, NEC the WISE (*1), automates the series of processes for predictive analysis, from the extraction and design of a data item (feature that is effective for analysis, to the creation of the most suitable predictive model. As a result, even if an individual lacks advanced data analysis skill, it is possible to perform predictive analysis in a short time that is equal to or better than the accuracy of a well-trained data scientist.

Joint trials carried out by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and NEC (*2) confirmed that this technology successfully maintained accuracy and reduced predictive analysis to just one day, in comparison to conventional methods that require 2-3 months of work by a professional analyst.

“This new technology can contribute to the acceleration of business decisions, including strategic planning, hypothesis verification and policy implementation, based on the discovery of new potential needs,” said Akio Yamada, general manager, Data Science Research Laboratories, NEC Corporation. “We aim to provide this technology as a service within the 2017 fiscal year for companies seeking to independently perform effective big data analysis.”


Key features of this technology include the following:

1) Strengthens NEC’s “Automatic Feature Design Technology” and automatically discovers feature quantities for relational data bases

This technology strengthens the “Automatic Feature Design Technology” that NEC announced in 2015 and automatically designs the feature for the relational databases that are widely used for business systems.

Based on the relationship of multiple databases, AI searches for and discovers hypotheses at high speed for combinations of data items (feature quantities) that are effective for prediction. Moreover, the system automatically creates the large number of queries to generate features from the databases.

As a result, the time and labor for analysis is significantly shortened since neither large amounts of work are necessary for feature hypothesis planning, which is dependent on analysis experience and knowledge about data, nor are database operations required for creating feature quantities. Furthermore, in comparison to manual analysis, a great deal more hypothesis searching can be executed in a short time, more accurate analysis results can be achieved, and new findings that may not have been noticed by manual processes may be discovered.


2) The “Automatic Prediction Model Design Technology” enables the automatic design of the most suitable model for the data.

Based on feature data, a wide range of prediction models are created using various machine learning methods, such as NEC’s “Heterogeneous Mixed Learning,” logistic regression and decision trees. The prediction model that provides the most suitable analysis results for a user’s goals is selected. Reasons for the predicted value calculated by the prediction model are also provided.

Since users are able to understand the basis of the prediction, they are also able to make the most suitable judgement and implement the most appropriate plan in response to a situation.

NEC also developed a Graphic User Interface (GUI) for intuitive operation, where a display provides users with easy to understand instructions to search for feature quantities and create predictive models.

Power Restored to More Than 1 Million Households in Typhoon Nina-Affected Areas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With its 24/7 power restoration efforts, the energy family, spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE) together with its private institution partners, has resumed electricity supply to 1,003,519 households or about 57% re-energization of Typhoon Nina-affected areas as of 4 January 2017.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said, “After restoring power in town centers and nearby communities, our ground personnel are working round the clock, even double time to bring back the power supply to all affected households in Southern Luzon and Bicol regions.”

Specifically, Cusi relayed, “We, through the National Electrification Administration (NEA), already deployed 982 personnel from 52 participating energy companies and distribution utilities through Task Force Kapatid to help restore power supply in the affected 99 municipalities and 7 cities.”

On transmission facilities, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines reported that it deployed close to 600 personnel working 24/7 to attain 100% restoration of transmission lines by today. NGCP is focusing on the last three transmission service connected to NGCP customers that are still undergoing rehabilitation as of yesterday (3 January), which include Tabaco 20 Megavolt Ampere (MVA) Load-End Substation (LES) serving Albay Power & Energy Corp. (APEC); Malinao 5 MVA LES serving APEC; and Albay Agro-Industrial Development Corp. (ALINDECO) LES serving AboitizPower Renewable Incorporated’s Tiwi Geothermal Plant.

The following is the status of restoration in the affected provinces as of 4 January 2017:

A) On-Grid Areas:

For Sorsogon, the NEA reported that 46,366 households have been restored under the franchise area of Sorsogon II Electric Cooperative (SORECO II), while SORECO I is currently undergoing clearing and restoration of their distribution facilities.

Albay province, through the report of Albay Power and Energy Corporation (APEC), has restored 31% of all affected areas or a total of 68,668 households.

In Camarines Norte, all power facilities are up and running supplying electricity to its locals, while in Camarines Sur, there are still 296,219 households to be energized spread over the franchise areas of four (4) electric cooperatives in the province.

As reported by NEA, Quezon Province has reached 50% restoration status for all typhoon-affected areas, especially under the Quezon I Electric Cooperative.

For Batangas, NEA reported that Batangas II Electric Cooperative (BATELEC II) has attained 100% restoration, while BATELEC I stood at 90% or around 16,000 remaining households to be energized.


B) Off-Grid Areas:

In the hard-hit province of Catanduanes, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) reported that the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) has counted 48,000 affected households undergoing restoration. Moreover, the National Power Corporation (NPC) reported that all affected government-owned power plants in the province are already in operation with a dependable capacity of 7.8 megawatts (MW), while among the privately-owned generation facilities totaling to 8.5 MW, only the 2.8 MW Sun West Corporation Hydroelectric Power is still non-operational due to flood water.

For Mindoro Island, NEA reported that 99% of households in Occidental Mindoro have been restored, while Oriental Mindoro stood at 68% re-energization or 120,682 households have experienced resumption of power supply.

While Marinduque’s generation and transmission facilities have been restored by NPC, there are still 43,200 affected households that are yet to be restored by Marinduque Electric Cooperative (MARELCO) as NEA reported.

All other off-grid areas (Masbate, Batangas, Camarines Sur and Marinduque Mini-Grids) under the supervision of NPC are back in operation awaiting restoration of distribution facilities.

“We’ve already added personnel and augmented assets through private institutions and we are continuously monitoring the progress of power restoration,” said Cusi.

Cusi concluded "We are exhausting all possible remedies to bring back the power in the affected areas the soonest possible. We cannot leave our kababayans until we have lighted each and every household affected by Typhoon Nina.”

Paws' Official Statement Regarding the Dog Killed in the MMFF Movie "Oro"

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In the investigative meeting with the MMFF Executive Committe (the ORO team and the PAWS representatives were met by the MMFF ExeCom separately), several things were established:

1. The ORO filmmakers lied to the MMFF Screening Committee. When the filmmakers were asked repeatedly during the initial screening of the film if the dog was harmed in the scene, they said “No.”

But during the inquiry yesterday, the filmmakers eventually admitted that the live dog shown at the start of the controversial scene and the dead dog being gutted is one and the same.

2. The filmmakers maintained that they (director, producer, actors & crew) did not kill the dog. They just happened upon the killing as this was a regular occurrence in the location where they were filming.

Note: PAWS Board Member Rich Ilustre, a director himself, made the observation that using actual footage of dog killing and editing it seamlessly into a scene with actors is extremely difficult. A copy of the ORO script that PAWS was able to secure yesterday showed that the graphic dog-killing segment was indeed part of the scene. And based on the final edited film, the production obviously planned how to properly stage the scene (the actors were blocked, the set was lit and the cameras and mics were positioned) to obtain the needed shots.

3. The killing of dogs is a crime as per RA8485 and the filmmakers did not report the illegal act after they filmed it. They also did not declare to the MMFF ExeCom that they filmed an actual crime up until they were asked again as a result of PAWS’ official request for an investigation.

4. Director Alvin Yapan texted an MMFF ExeCom member that the production crew bought the dog.

The dog was allegedly being sold by its owner for slaughter. This statement implies that while the filmmakers may not have had a direct hand in killing the animal, they gave the animal to dog killers knowing full well that the animal will be slaughtered.

Killing an animal for dramatic purposes or entertainment is ethically reprehensible.

The director, producer, crew, and (possibly) the actors and extras, violated the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) by procuring a dog for slaughter, and actually having it killed - whether by them directly or by some other people - for the movie.

The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) or RA 8485, as amended by RA 10631 imposes a penalty of 2 years and 1 day to 3 years imprisonment, and/or a fine not exceeding P250,000 if the offense is committed by an person who makes business out of cruelty to an animal.

This is no different from illegal "crush" videos where animals are procured to be "crushed" and tortured on video. In “crush” videos, animal cruelty is purposely committed and documented to be sold to willing viewers.

The only difference between the people behind “crush” videos and the people behind ORO is that the “crush” video producers sold videos of real acts of animal cruelty to people who were informed about what they were watching.

Moviegoers in the MMFF as well as the MMFF ExeCom and screening committee did NOT know that when they watched ORO, what they were seeing was an actual crime being committed.

For this, PAWS asked the MMFF ExeCom to pull out the film in cinemas, revoke all awards given and impose administrative sanctions on the director and producers of ORO.

PAWS is preparing to file criminal case against those who killed the dog and against the people who watched/filmed the crime as it was happening and did nothing to stop it.

Our investigation has not yet determined whether the former and the latter are one and the same.

We call upon the actors and crew members who may have personal knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the killing of the dog. The non-disclosure contract that you signed is null and void as there was an immoral and criminal act that was committed.

Please help us seek justice for the death of this dog and uphold humane standards for the use of animals in the entertainment industry.

PAWS calls upon the MMFF ExeCom to require the ORO filmmakers to submit the raw footages of the dog killing and help us complete our investigation.

We implore members of the entertainment industry to call out their colleagues when they commit acts of atrocities towards animals in the making of films and TV shows.

Animals should never be harmed, killed or reduced as mere props to be discarded after the shooting of a movie.

The Philippine entertainment industry must take an active role in the recognition of animals as sentient creatures capable of feeling fatigue, hunger and pain.

The use of animals must be avoided as much as possible if scenes can be depicted using inanimate substitutes and computer generated imagery or CGI.

If ever the use of live animals in a scene cannot be avoided, the animals should be treated humanely and always given the respect that should be accorded to living creatures.

We must all collectively stand up against what the director of ORO wants us to do -- to turn a blind eye against animal cruelty.

The end does not justify the means, Mr. Alvin Yapan, and you must answer for the crime that has been committed against the dog that was killed for your movie.

Network Security in the Era of the Millennials

Wazzup Pilipinas!

One of the toughest gigs in IT is the job of keeping an organization’s network safe. It is also one that is getting tougher with the rise of the millennial generation.

Millennials - those in their 20s to mid-30s - are starting to dominate workplaces around the world. More than one-in-three workers in the US are millennials, a 2015 study by Pew Research Center found. And this demographic group will account for half of the global workforce by 2020, according to PwC.

The term “millennial” has many connotations. Among them: They like sharing on social media. They won’t put up with bad user experiences. They want a flexible approach to work. They move on quickly if their expectations are not being met. These characteristics will define the culture of the future workplace. They will also put the current network security regimes of many organizations to a stern test.

Here are three considerations.

1. Social media

To block or not to block? Many organizations have probably considered this question when it comes to their employees’ use of social media in the workplace.

A study by HR software provider CareerBuilder, which polled employers from North America, found that 37% of employers see social media as one of the major productivity killers at the workplace, behind mobile phone and texting (55%), using the Internet (41%), and gossiping (39%). Three in four employers say two or more hours are lost a day in terms of productivity because employees are distracted.

From a network security perspective, social media is a vector for malware and socially engineered attacks. How many links that are shared innocently enough end up bringing users to compromised websites? And even if employees use social channels in a professional way, their friends and contacts are under no such obligation.

It is easy to ban or restrict social media sites at the network level. Static URL filters in Web filtering software can block or monitor specific URLs. The category-filtering feature can block entire groups of websites.

But that doesn’t mean CIOs should start blocking social networks at the workplace.

A better approach is to relook at how network security is being enforced holistically. Having a clear social media policy and training for staff is a good start. For instance, sales staff should be reminded of the security and business risks that might result from checking in their locations at customer sites via social channels like Facebook.

The most important safeguard though, is to have a robust, layered security infrastructure. It is a surer bet than having to rely on employees never erring in their clicks, taps, and swipes with their social media accounts.

2. Know thy security layers

Layered security, whereby different layers of security controls combine to protect data, devices, and people, is widely adopted today. It ensures that when attacks occur at different sources, whether at the network, application, device, or user level, they can be detected and stopped before they spread. It also offers an effective safeguard against different types of threats.

With the changing workplace habits brought on by millennial workers, CIOs should relook at how they are setting up each layer of protection.

Consider, for instance, the use of personal devices in the workplace. According to a McKinsey & Company study, around 80% of enterprises now allow employees to use personal devices to connect to corporate networks. And increasingly, employees expect their IT departments to support their personal devices with access to corporate applications like email and calendar. This trend, termed BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), poses a number of new security threats.

In particular, CIOs should look at bolstering security at the device layer. The first step to take is to shore up the devices themselves through mandating some combination of firewalls, anti-malware software, MDM (mobile device management) solutions, and regular patching. A BYOD culture also puts organizations at risk from having their employees' smart devices hacked because of poor passwords. Having policies and education on strong passwords are musts.

Device types can also be identified so that less secure devices, such as mobile phones, can be restricted from some parts of the network. Sessions should also be secured, such as by preventing users from visiting unsafe websites.

Similarly, defenses of the user layer should also be shored up to mitigate the rising risks of internal threats. This layer is often the trickiest to manage due to the need to balance security and convenience. You can also use a variety of authentication methods to identify network users and allow varying levels of access. Instilling awareness and educating staff are important steps to take.

3. Tackle shadow IT

Shadow IT is a term used to describe the use of applications and services, often cloud based, not sanctioned by the organization. Its uncontrolled nature poses a security threat and governance challenge.

Consider the scenario of employees using their smartphone to open a file. It is likely the phone will make a copy of the file, which could then be sent to an unapproved online storage destination when the phone performs its routine automatic backup. Just like that, your secure corporate data has been moved to an insecure location.

In the same way, the many social collaboration apps favoured by millennials can shift sensitive company information to insecure locations.

Mandating that staff stop using non-sanctioned devices and applications is unlikely to stop their growth in the organization. Frankly, with the ubiquity of smartphones, employees are using social networks and their personal cloud apps whether your policies prevent it or not.

What could be more effective is to educate users, as well as implement technology - such as data encryption, access control, and traffic monitoring - to manage the issue.

From a larger perspective, shadow IT happens when your staff is not happy with the solutions provided by the organization. While CIOs may not be able to prevent staff from seeking out alternative apps for, say, collaboration, they can keep things in check by being attuned to their needs.

Wriiten by Jeff Castillo, Country Manager, Fortinet Philippines

DOH Thanks Everyone for Successful Anti-Firecracker Campaigns

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“We would like to extend our gratitude for the support of other national agencies, the local government, non-government organizations, and the media during the anti-firecracker campaigns. Every year, we see the things that we need to strengthen in order to achieve our goal, and eventually, we do hope that we will attain zero casualties from fireworks/firecrackers during the holidays. The cooperation of local government units to organize public firework displays contributed to success of this campaign” Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial expressed.

As of 6:00 AM, January 1, 2017, a total of 350 fireworks-related injuries were recorded by DOH sentinel sites. This is 520 cases (60 %) lower than the five-year (2011-2015) average and 524 (60%) lower compared to the same time period last year. Of the total 350 cases, 348 were from fireworks/firecrackers injuries, and 2 cases of fireworks/firecrackers ingestion.

132 (38%) out of 348 injuries were caused by Piccolo, a prohibited firecracker in the country. Other fireworks causing injuries were from kwitis (44 cases or 13%), luces (19 cases or 5%), and fountain (19 cases or 5%).

Most fireworks-related injuries came from the National Capital Region (NCR) with 211 cases (60%), followed by Western Visayas with 34 cases (10%), and Central Luzon with 29 cases (8%). In NCR, most cases were from Manila with 81 out of 211 cases (38%), 48 cases (23%) were from Quezon City and 23 cases (11%) from Marikina. Majority of cases, are children less than 15 years old (58%).

The Firework/Firecracker related Injuries Surveillance of DOH started last December 21, 2016 and will end in January 5, 2017. Consolidated report of 50 hospitals reporting to DOH nationwide will be disclosed on January 6, 2017.

“Nais naming pakiusapan lalo na ang mga bata na huwag mamulot ng paputok na nagkalat sa kalsada. Siguraduhin din na pumunta sa ospital kung ikaw ay nagkasugat ng dahil sa paputok, maliit man o malaki ang sugat na iyong nakuha, dapat pa rin itong lapatan ng tamang gamot, Ang tetano ay nakamamatay, at ito ay nakukuha sa sugat nananggagaling mula sa paputok” Secretary Ubial added.

The health chief added that it is the responsibility of adults, especially parents or guardians to make sure that after the festivities, their surroundings must be cleaned up immediately so that children will not be tempted to pick-up firecrackers on the streets.

DOH clarified that the Iwas Paputok Campaign will not end in January 2017. It will strengthen its campaign by pushing the approval of the Executive Order to ban individual firecracker use and foster community fireworks instead in local government units, in order to achieve its goal of zero casualties due to firework/firecracker related injuries.

“Ngayong 2017, bigyan natin ng magandang simula ang ating pamilya. Hangad ng DOH na magkaroon tayo ng isang malusog, ligtas at manigong BagongTaon,” Secretary Ubial concluded.

FDA Issues Cease and Desist Order vs Sanofi

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Summons with Cease and Desist Order against pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur Inc. for airing television and radio advertisements of its dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia. The airing of the advertisement is in violation of Administrative Order No. 65 s. 1989, prohibiting advertisement in any form of prescription or ethical drug.

The FDA's Center for Drug Regulation and Research (CDRR) has monitored the airing of the advertising materials on dengue vaccination. It has also reported the unauthorized promotion of dengue vaccine in the malls.

In the Summons issued by FDA last December 13, 2016, Sanofi was directed to cease and desist from disseminating advertisements for Dengvaxia in any form of mass or social media. Sanofi was also directed to stop activities promoting and marketing the vaccine. However, as of December 15, 2016, the company has failed to comply with FDA’s directive to take down the said advertisements.

"Since Sanofi has not complied, we have issued summons directing them to cease and desist from airing the advertisements and Show Cause why they should not be penalized for violating the law." FDA Director General Nela Charade G. Puno said.

Puno added that to ensure immediate compliance, "the FDA already sent letters to TV and Radio Stations directing them not to air the said unauthorized ads."

Puno also said the FDA will monitor compliance by Sanofi and the stations.

"We are looking forward to their cooperation in our mandate to ensure that the public is provided only with the correct information on the food, drugs, cosmetics, and health devices that they use,” Puno pointed out.

MMFF ExeCom Withdraws FPJ Memorial Award of Oro Due to Death of Dog

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Above is a screenshot of the poor dog that was killed in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) movie "ORO". The dog was put in a sack, beaten to death, skinned and gutted. Are the good reviews and awards the film got worth it at the cost of an an innocent creature's life?

ORO truly boasts of an excellent ensemble of actors with superb acting skills! Truly world class, no doubt! Surely no one will dare question all the recognition and citation they are getting for they are all indeed well-deserved. These things make us proud that we are Filipinos. But I'd be bold and daring and go ahead and say the whole team stopped their advocacy right there! While the actors display stellar performance, sad to note that film making is objectionable! In the process, an innocent dog was killed. Though they claim that the dog was not slaughtered for the movie itself, they opted to show the ordeal. The fear and panic in the eyes of the dog was unbearable to watch. I tried to cover my eyes but the whimpering sounds lingered. It broke my heart and had to see the rest of the film pained and preoccupied with the unfortunate fate the dog suffered. We call on everyone who plans to see ORO. DON'T!!! An innocent life was taken. A DOG WAS KILLED!!!!"" - Ann Millendez

Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) executive committee has announced the withdrawal of Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award granted to Alvin Yapan’s “Oro” after receiving several complaints on one of its scenes.

Here is the full text of MMFF execom’s statement:

'Upon consultation with the family of the late Fernando Poe, Jr., the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Executive Committee announces the withdrawal of the Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award recently granted to the film "Oro." Without making any judgment on the artistic merit of the film or cinematic depiction, the MMFF finds the present controversy on the alleged killing of a dog in the course of the filming of the movie effectively casts a doubt on the movie's ability to exemplify the human and cultural values espoused by the late Fernando Poe, Jr.'

In the film, a disturbing dog-slaughter scene has caught the attention of the viewers, which served as the basis of a formal complaint filed by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) on Monday.

However, Yapan, earlier, denied the alleged dog abuse. “Hindi po totoo na pumatay kami ng aso para lang sa pelikula. Hindi rin totoo na kinain iyong aso sa set. Sa pagkakatanda ko ibang araw shinoot iyong inuman scene doon sa mismong pagkatay ng aso. Baboy ang ginamit nila. Nasa pag edit na po iyon,” he said.

Aside from the stripped award, Oro bagged two other awards during the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal including the Best Actress for Irma Adlawan and Best Ensemble of Cast.

Six: History’s New Military Drama Series Debuts In January 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Six, the much-anticipated Navy SEAL drama on History, is set to premiere 19 January 2017, Thursdays at 10:00 pm.

The series depicts the personal and professional lives of the men of Navy SEAL Team Six, America’s elite special operations unit, as they embark on a dangerous mission to eliminate a Taliban leader in Afghanistan, which goes awry when they uncover a U.S. citizen working as a jihadist fighter with the terrorists.

The eight-episode first season, inspired by real-life combat missions of Navy SEAL Team Six, the special forces unit famous for killing Osama bin Laden, authentically portrays the world of these brave and gallant men, how they react when faced with grave danger, how they cope with life-and-death situations, and how they deal with their complicated personal lives.

In the season premiere, team leader Richard “RIP” Taggart (Walton Goggins) makes a questionable decision while on a mission. Two years later, he is captured by the West African terrorist group, Boko Haram.

Now, his former Seal Team Six brothers – led by Joe “Bear” Graves (Barry Sloan), Alex Caulder (Kyle Schmid), and Ricky “Buddha” Ortiz (Juan Pablo Raba) – have to do everything in their power to locate their former leader and attempt a daring rescue mission in the heart of enemy territory – before it’s too late.

HISTORY is available on Sky Cable Ch 67; Cable Link Ch 43; Dream Satellite Ch 30; Destiny Cable Ch 57; and Cignal Ch 125. HISTORY HD™ is available on Sky Cable Ch 165.

Converge ICT: Redefining Internet Experience

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Redefining internet experience. Dennis Anthony Uy, president and CEO of Converge ICT, recently spoke about the importance of internet connectivity in leveraging business operations in the country during a corporate event held at the Prohibition Lounge, Greenbelt 3, Makati City. More than a hundred corporate leaders and business personalities from different sectors gathered as Converge ICT presented its line-up of new business plans for its clients. “Converge ICT has always been dedicated to bringing better connectivity for Filipinos through the capabilities of pure fiber technology. That is why we are upgrading our network and improving our operations as part of our commitment to provide a better experience for our customers." These developments include strengthening its international peering capacity and improvements in its content delivery network.

Better connectivity experience from Converge ICT. Alan Smyth, head of corporate sales of Converge ICT, affirmed corporate leaders and personalities from different sectors that Converge ICT has been upgrading its network and improving its operations as part of its commitment to provide a better experience for its customers. This was during a corporate event, which was attended by the company’s current corporate partners. Converge ICT highlighted the line-up of developments with a goal to strengthen its international peering capacity and improvements in its content delivery network. 

Heeding the call for efficient operations for businesses. Jesus Romero, chief operating officer of Converge ICT, shared the company’s current line-up of plans for their customers in a corporate event held recently at the Prohibition Lounge, Greenbelt 3, Makati City. Romero said that the company has already initiated their plans in upgrading its network and improving its operations as part of its commitment to provide a better experience for its customers. Some developments mentioned by Romero are efforts done to strengthen its international peering capacity and improvements in its content delivery network.

Game On with Lenovo – Introducing the Y710 Cube and League of Champions, ESL One Partnership

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Global technology leader Lenovo continues to excite the gaming industry with its recent announcement of the latest addition to the Y-gaming series, a collaboration with Lenovo-Intel for a championship tournament and a strategic partnership with Microsoft.

The easy-to-carry and VR-ready Lenovo IdeaCentre Y710 Cube allows gamers to fully immerse themselves in the world of gaming as it is designed for portability and maximum fun. Built from the ground-up for demanding gamers who like powerful, VR-ready desktops that save on space for gaming at home, the IdeaCentre Y710 Cube is portable enough to be moved from the desk to the couch and beyond.

“It’s a great time to be a gamer nowadays. The playing experience has become more enhanced, interactive, and competitive. All thanks to video game streaming, virtual reality, and augmented reality,” said Michael Ngan, Country General Manager of Lenovo Philippines.

“Lenovo is able to provide these experiences with our premium Y-gaming series. With a wide range of products from this series, we are able to provide the best gaming arsenal that appeals to hardcore and new PC gamers, alike,” added Ngan.

Beyond its range of high-performance and highly customisable products, Lenovo also continues to bring the next level in gaming through strategic partnerships, both locally and regionally. Lenovo is partnering with Garena and Intel to bring “League of Champions” a test of skill and wits to fans and players of League of Legends, a game known as having the world’s most active competitive scene. 

Cha Ocampo and Her Tweets: A Lesson on Dating Girls with High Standards and Expectations

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"I DISAGREE WITH YOU, CHA OCAMPO.

The real lesson for all girls is: don't be the hoe who dates guys for the sake of eating at fancy places and for feeding your ego. Date someone who has good intentions. Because at the end of the day, money really isn't everything. I'd rather date a broke man who respects me and has values rather than dating a rich douchebag.

Please don't have a mindset like hers." - Stephanie Escasiñas Toledo

"I DISAGREE WITH YOU, STEPHANIE ESCASIÑAS TOLEDO. Stop romanticizing poverty. This ain't a telenovela!

To all the people who are calling Cha Ocampo a gold digger, tigilan nyo kakapanuod ng telenovela na feeling nyo cute na may mayaman at mahirap. Bakit di nyo i-strive na pareho kayo maging mayaman? Hindi puro love-love, lablabin ko kayo dyan eh. Di naman kayo mapapakain nyang pagmamahal na yan. Gusto nyong broke? 'Pag pareho kayong gutom o ikaw lang nagpapakain sa kanya, tignan natin kung mamahalin mo pa yan.

"The real lesson for all LADY? 

First, DON'T BE A LADY WHO CALLS OTHER LADY A "HOE." 

Second, sure, money is not everything but do not live in your little LaLaLand where you think that "when you are hungry, love will keep you alive." 

Cha Ocampo, the original poster, never implied in her tweets that she would date a guy for her to eat at fancy places and to feed her ego. She's just realistic enough to know that dating a man who can't move his ass to even take you to a nice dinner or even a movie is not worth her time. 

Ladies, respect your self and know your self-worth, know what you deserve. You should not aim for a rich guy but aim for someone who can afford to reach your dreams with you.
Finally, do not fucking settle for a "broke man" just because he respects you and values you. BE WITH A MAN WHO MIGHT BE BROKE BUT RESPECTS AND VALUES YOU ENOUGH TO MOVE HIS ASS AND WOULD NOT WANT BE BROKE HIS WHOLE DAMN LIFE.
Not his fault that he was born broke but it would be his fault if he would not even try. 

PS: Never in my post did I say that I need a man to finance me or the man should be the provider. Stop telling me that I'm a gold digger because I am self-made and I earn my own money. Exactly the reason why I can't be with a dependent guy na laging magpapalibre sa akin. I know the value of money kaya hindi rin ako nagpapalibre. This applies to both men and women! Work so you won't be a burden to your partner and so you can enjoy things together. 

I won't lower my standards because I know what I deserve." - Jackylynne Lambino

Microsoft Holds “Hour of Code” for Gawad Kalinga Students

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Microsoft believes that all young people should have the opportunity to learn new skills that will prepare them for the future workplace and an ever-transforming world.

Microsoft invited 30 students from Gawad Kalinga to the Microsoft Philippines office to participate in the Hour of Code, a global movement to encourage more youth to develop an interest in coding. The children were introduced to basic coding through Minecraft Designer, a free online tutorial on Code.org that teaches users to use computer science commands to bring the Minecraft world to life. The tutorial is set of 12 puzzles that includes creating their own game which can be shared with their friends or played on their phones.

For this year’s Hour of Code, Microsoft Philippines and Gawad Kalinga engaged with 6,000 youth and trained 250 teachers from La Union, Nueva Ecija, Iloilo, Davao, and Compostela Valley.

To try the new tutorial:

aka.ms/hourofcode

To learn more about how Microsoft Philanthropies is helping to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, please visit www.microsoft.com/philanthropies. For more information about using “Minecraft: Education Edition visit http://education.minecraft.net.

Hit Musical CareDivas Opens PETA’S 50th Theater Season

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Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) comedy musical Care Divas returns to open its 50th anniversary with a whopping 50 shows from February 3, 2017 until March 19, 2017 at The PETA Theater Center.

Care Divas a disarmingly funny and candid musical drama about 5 transgender Overseas Filipino Workers in Israel who work as care givers in the morning and transform into glamorous drag queen performers at night. While desperate to make ends meet, they also struggle to search for acceptance in a foreign land.

The musical dominated the 2011 Philstage Gawad Buhay! Awards, bagging seven trophies including Outstanding Stage Direction, Outstanding Musical Direction, Outstanding Musical Production and Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical.

The play’s wickedly funny text, written by award-winning playwright Liza Magtoto, tells of the lives of the main characters: the kind and loving Chelsea, the often-sarcastic group leader Shai, the ditzy Thalia, the bubbly Kayla, and the ill-tempered Jonee.

Vincent de Jesus’ musical score leaves audiences humming tunes as it weaves through the narrative. Under the direction of Maribel Legarda, the creative team behind the show includes costume designer John Abul, lighting designer Jonjon Villareal, visual artist and set designer Leo Abaya, and contemporary dancer and choreographer Carlon Matobato.