Cusi Optimistic About the Future of Solar Power Plants with Reliable Storage Facility

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said Friday that he sees Renewable Energy like solar energy contributing more in meeting the power requirements of the Philippines in the years to come.

Cusi made the forecast as he attended the groundbreaking of a 150 megawatt (MW) solar power project in Concepcion, Tarlac.

According to the project proponent Solar Power Philippines, the solar farm will be utilizing Philippine-made solar panels and could power around 300,000 households once completed later this year.

“Currently, the country’s power demand is at 13,000 MW and our supply is barely 14,000 MW, hence we need more power as well as reserve power,” said the DOE Chief.

Technology neutral, the DOE nonetheless sees the continuous increase of solar power in the years to come, especially in helping attain the 25% ideal power reserve requirement of the country.

“The power storage of the plant’s proponent is a welcome development for the DOE and for the country because if solar can be stored already, we can source more of our power from solar energy,” said Cusi.

“Solar plants without a reliable storage facility would only be good for peaking and mid-merit, especially during daytime when the electricity demand spikes,” he added.

"Solar power plants with reliable storage capability can be most useful in island countries like the Philippines," Cusi clarified.

Cusi revealed that the renewable energy share of the country now stands at around 32%, which is the highest in the Southeast Asian region.

“We are mandated to secure sufficient, quality, reliable and reasonably-priced electricity and to develop our indigenous energy resources, thus we are open to any technology to achieve these objectives,” Cusi concluded.

SAP Cloud Platform Intelligently Connects People, Things and Businesses

Wazzup Pilipinas!

SAP SE announced the expansion of SAP Cloud Platform, formerly known as SAP HANA Cloud Platform, with new capabilities and enhancements to provide an industry-leading platform as a service (PaaS). With a comprehensive set of new business services, SAP Cloud Platform addresses the most critical business needs by making it easy and fast to build new applications, expedite the extension and integration of SAP apps, power innovative Internet of Things (IoT) scenarios, accelerate Big Data projects and enable machine learning and artificial intelligence applications. This announcement was made at Mobile World Congress being held February 27–March 2 in Barcelona.

“Since the launch of our PaaS offering three years ago, it has evolved to become the digital enterprise platform of choice that enables customers, partners and developers to build differentiating solutions that intelligently connect people, things and businesses,” said Bernd Leukert, ‎member of the Executive Board of SAP SE, Products & Innovation. “To represent its breadth of capabilities, it has been rebranded as SAP Cloud Platform. This platform creates digital differentiation by connecting a rapidly growing number of smart devices and machines with people and processes to achieve superior business outcomes.”

Numerous SAP enterprise apps and over 1,000 partner apps have already been built on SAP Cloud Platform. New services are continually being added to SAP Cloud Platform providing the foundation for SAP Leonardo, SAP’s portfolio of IoT solutions that connects intelligent devices with people and processes; SAP Clea, the portfolio of machine learning solutions and services; and the SAP BusinessObjects™ Cloud solution portfolio, including SAP Digital Boardroom.

Lamudi Releases Innovative App for Real Estate Brokers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Real estate agents need to be able to manage their listings reliably, fluidly, and on the move, especially since real estate is moving online. The new version of property portal Lamudi’s app brings real estate brokers an efficient and highly functional way of listing and selling properties.

An App for Filipino Real Estate Brokers

A typical day in the life of licensed real estate broker is fast-paced, and in an effort to make things easier for them, Lamudi has launched an enhanced app that responds to the rapidly changing face of real estate. More than ever, house-hunters are going online to find property rather than looking for paper listings. Kian Moini, co-founder and managing director of Lamudi Global, notes that “an increasing number of house-hunters in the emerging markets are heading online to search for and to buy property. Real estate agents have to adapt to a rapidly changing environment to meet customer demands, and to provide the best customer experience possible.”

The Rise of the Smartphone

In many emerging and frontier markets, such as the Philippines, new Internet users are skipping desktop and heading straight to the smartphone with its plethora of apps and social media outlets. In fact, according to Ericsson Mobility Report released in mid-2016, the Philippines’ number of smartphone users is expected to double from approximately 40 million to 90 million in 5 years, a boom that is driven by the increasing affordability of these hand-held devices. In the first quarter of 2016 alone, about 3.5 million smartphones were shipped to the Philippines, according to data from the International Data Corporation. Therefore, Lamudi’s app responds to this exciting trend by giving sellers and brokers access to the millions of house-hunters who are actively seeking a home using their smartphones.

How Does the Lamudi App Work?

From uploading new properties and managing inventories, to receiving client messages and performing advanced analysis, brokers can take care of everything at the tap of a finger thanks to the application. The app’s top priority is to help brokers to showcase their business in the most impressive way possible. Through creating a detailed profile and a thorough description of their services, brokers and sellers can demonstrate their reliable and transparent services and gain the trust of potential clients. Clients can see photos of each property, complete contact details, and precise information about each service.

Attractive Layout for Property Services

The app’s design is important, especially for clients, who value not only usability but also a clean and attractive design. This makes using the app a more pleasant experience. Recent updates include the integration of a progress bar on the “Manage Properties” tab. Brokers can now preview their properties as they go along and monitor the speed of uploads when they add new information or new images. In addition, it is now possible to add breaks in property descriptions, making the layout of each property description more visually appealing to house hunters.

Listings Are Visible to Investors on a Global Scale

The world of real estate is constantly being transformed by technology, and the Internet has played a large part in the globalization of real estate investment. Presenting properties on Lamudi’s international platform opens up agents’ listings to investors from all over the world. When listing properties, agents can now add a currency code. Each property’s price can show up both in US dollars and in Philippine peso, whatever suits the agent’s target market best.

Through innovation and global expertise, Lamudi offers brokers and house-hunters flexibility and a wealth of enhanced features. Selling and renting has never been easier, and the engineers at this platform are always striving to go further.

Marriott Manila Joins Earth Hour with Dinner in the Dark

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As the whole world turns off lights on March 25 for Earth Hour, Marriott Hotel Manila brings back their illustrious Dinner in the Dark at Cru Steakhouse. Due to popular demand, this unique dining experience returns in the most perfect and darkest night.

Dinner in the Dark first came to the Philippines at Cru Steakhouse last October 2016. It returns this year with a 4-course exceptional fete for only Php 2,500 per person. How does it work? Blindfolds are provided to be worn as you take a seat and finish the last dish. Dishes are kept hidden for you to unfold by your tasteful judgement. A guide stands by for basic instructions and descriptions of what’s on your plate. Without the sense of sight, all your other senses will awaken to appreciate every flavor of the food and your ability to see.

Don’t just hide yourself in the dark on Earth Hour. As nature takes rest, jump up your appetites for this rare dining experience. Hit the dial button and see you in the dark! 

For more information, please call 988 9999 or visit www.manilamarriott.com. To join ongoing conversations, like Facebook.com/MarriottHotelManila, follow @marriottmanila on Twitter and @manilamarriott on Instagram.

I-Pay Partners with MYEG, Malaysia’s Leading e-Government Service Provider

Wazzup Pilipinas!

I-Pay Ventures Commerce Ventures, Inc. (I-Pay) signed a joint-venture agreement with MY E.G. Services Bhd (MYEG) on March 15, 2017. The 60/40 joint venture will be focused on enabling government and large enterprises to offer services online supported seamlessly by a Payment Gateway, and other value-added services.

Both parties envision the joint venture will replicate the business model of MYEG in Malaysia.

“We are super excited to work with I-Pay to offer a superior G2C user experience in the Philippines. Our unique model provides significant cost savings and increased efficiency to all stakeholders and combined with I-Pay’s established operating record, we are confident of achieving mass adoption in the coming years,” says TS Wong, Managing Director - My E.G. Services Bhd.

"Our partnership with MYEG gives us access to world class technology that can upgrade Internet infrastructure and government services in the Philippines. The ultimate goal of our partnership is to improve delivery of government services for the Filipino people. We have deep conviction behind our joint-venture with MYEG." says Enrique Y. Gonzalez, President of IP Ventures Group.

MYEG is Malaysia’s fastest growing company as the civil service embraces the digital way of providing services to the public. MYEG provides a multitude of government services which is available online in Malaysia which include online renewal of foreign workers permit and insurance, as well as online renewal of vehicle road tax and insurance and online transfer of vehicle ownership.

The tie-up with the Immigration Department and Road Transport Department has resulted in the company recording euphoric growth in its top and bottom lines.

According to its latest annual report, MYEG recorded a 36.8% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue for the five years between 2011 and June 2016 while its profit grew at a CAGR of 45.1% over the same period.

MYEG has also been constantly recognized by Forbes as one of Asia’s “Best Under A Billion” companies.

I-Pay is a payment processing provider and a direct agent of Western Union in the Philippines. IPCVI is backed by renowned investors such as IP Ventures Inc. (leading technology and retail conglomerate in the Philippines), Kaikaku Fund (Softbank affiliated fund), JJ Atencio (Founder and CEO of 8990 Holdings Inc.) and Derrick Chiongbian.

I-Pay’s vision is to enable Government and enterprises to provide its services through technology encompassing Internet, automation, big data and electronic payments.

I-Pay is the payment processing investment of the IP Ventures Group (IPVI). IPVI has successfully built market leading companies in the data center space, IP Converge Data Center Inc. (CLOUD); online gaming space, IP E-games (EG); and business outsourcing, PCCW Teleservices Philippines, Inc.

I-Pay is also a direct agent of Western Union in the Philippines, which has won various awards such the “Asia Pacific Best Newcomer” in 2010, and “Asia Pacific Fastest Expanding Network” in 2011.

Photo caption: From left to right:  Derrick Chiongbian – Chief Advisor, I-Pay Commerce Ventures, Inc.; Datuk P.S. Jaya – CEO, PDX.COM SDN. BHD.; Wong Thean Soon – Managing Director, My E.G. Services Bhd; Enrique Y. Gonzalez – President & CEO, IP Ventures Inc.; Ronald Allan M. Aquino – President, I-Pay Commerce Ventures, Inc.; Ron Lau – Group Head of Sales, My E.G. Services Bhd; Leon Loo – Business Development Manager, My E.G. Services Bhd

NEC's Video Face Recognition Technology Ranks First in NIST Testing

Wazzup Pilipinas!
NEC Corporation announced that NEC’s face recognition technology achieved the highest performance evaluation in the recent Face in Video Evaluation (FIVE, *1) testing performed by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (*2). Results were released in NIST's Interagency Report 8173: Face In Video Evaluation (FIVE) Face Recognition of Non-Cooperative Subjects.

NEC's face recognition technology took first place for the fourth consecutive time following the 2009 Multiple Biometric Grand Challenge (MBGC 2009), 2010-2011 Multiple Biometrics Evaluation (MBE 2010-2011), and 2013 Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT 2013).

Video face recognition technology identifies the faces of moving subjects in real-time as they walk naturally without stopping in front of a camera. The benefits of high-speed video analysis enabled by this technology include the prevention of potential incidents through detection of suspicious individuals and recognition of individuals at the gateways of critical facilities.

Using video images from standard cameras for face recognition requires highly-advanced techniques when compared to still images. This is because images are greatly influenced by environmental conditions, such as camera location, image quality, lighting and subject size, in addition to the behavior of a subject, including walking speed, face direction and sight line.

To achieve reliable face recognition of a video image, NEC developed feature point extraction technology that enables enhanced face recognition to a level where an individual can be identified with high precision from within a group, even if their face is partially hidden, or the image is taken from different angles. NEC’s face recognition technology also uses deep learning technologies for face matching to increase accuracy to a level where an individual can be identified by a low resolution face image captured by a distant camera.

"It is a great honor that our face recognition technology received a first place evaluation for the fourth consecutive time from the NIST,” said Masakazu Yamashina, Senior Vice President, NEC Corporation. “We will further expand global business by offering innovative biometric solutions, such as the video face recognition system, throughout a wide range of fields, including security, transportation, finance and retail."


Evaluation examples from the NIST FIVE testing

· Entry-exit management at an airport passenger gate

Tests were conducted to recognize one individual at a time as they walk through an area without stopping or acknowledging the camera. NEC’s face recognition technology won first place with a matching accuracy of 99.2%. The error rate of 0.8% is less than one-fourth of the second place error rate.

· Detection of suspicious individuals at an indoor stadium

Tests were conducted with an individual situated far from the camera with their face direction changing frequently. NEC’s face recognition technology won first place with an error rate half that of the second place error rate.


For nearly 30 years, NEC has been developing face recognition technology by defining it as one of the key technologies to help achieve a safer and more secure society. The technology has now been implemented in more than 100 systems in 40 countries worldwide. NEC will continue to develop solutions that leverage face recognition technology as part of its portfolio of AI technologies “NEC the Wise” (*3), and to deliver the solutions for a wide range of fields, including social infrastructure and private sector facilities.


(*1) https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/face-video-evaluation-five

(*2) Results shown from the Face In Video Evaluation (FIVE), the Multiple Biometric Grand Challenge (MBGC), the Multiple Biometric Evaluation (MBE) and the Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT) do not constitute endorsement of any particular product by the U.S. Government.

(*3) http://www.nec.com/en/global/rd/crl/ai/index.html?

Papa J, formerly Papa Jack, Joins Energy FM This Monday - March 20, 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

After all the confusion, mixed with excitement, John Gemperle, widely known as Papa Jack, sat down alongside Energy FM executive Rebecca Ann Sy. The contract signing happened in PBA Cafe, Metrowalk on March 17, 2017. He will be on air from 9pm to 1am, starting Monday - March 20, 2017.

Papa J, John's new monicker, is welcomed by Energy FM Executives and DJs; Sheena and Lindsay. Attending the contract signing are a bunch of online media, bloggers, radio enthusiasts, fans, and supporters, who call themselves Team Eyebags.

John was a former DJ of Love Radio. It was such a surprise when he announced with sadness his final airing date last December 22 from his 12 year relationship with Manila Broadcasting Company. Afterwhich, he enjoyed 3 months of vacation, and just recently looked for a job.

As he defines it, he was not really looking for a job, he was looking for an employer. Luckily, Energy FM appeased his longings for a new home. He did not declare much of his new paycheck, but subsequently, he says it would suffice to take care of him, his daughter, and his 4 dogs.

That "Gay Moment" Backlash Over Live-Action "Beauty and the Beast" Movie

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"I was innocent and certain. Now I'm wiser but unsure." – Belle 

My wife and I went to the Beauty and The Beast live action movie premiere dressed as Belle and the Beast.

I'm still a bit pressed for the director obviously didn't watch the original Disney classic...or was it intentional for him to reboot some portions of this classic animated movie?

I just realized the kiddos watching this new Beauty and the Beast version will now know Emma Watson as Belle, and not Hermione Granger of Harry Potter anymore.

But the real story is that the rumors are true - a character is gay. Dozens of children left weeping. Several puked blood. Lol!

This "tale as old as time" movie which originated from an animated movie classic still opened in several Southeast Asian countries amid controversies surrounding a gay character in the film--the first in Disney's history.

The only right way to respond to this whole Beauty and The Beast situation in Malaysia is "WHAT THE FUCK?!"

Is the movie ostracizing 95% of faith-driven consumers by pushing LGBT propaganda in a children's movie?

For those who don't know, Malaysia is not showing this movie because they think people will turn gay. Well, I watched Lion King, so now I'm a lion, of course. But why are people more offended by a gay person than a woman falling in love with a buffalo? On the other hand, does seeing inter-species couples on the screen make your kids fall in love, or fuck, with a buffalo?

Seriously, It was mentioned before that Disney refuses to edit the gay content from the movie. At that point, if Be Our Guest wasn't a full-on orgy, many girlish boys was gonna be pissed. Now that we've seen the movie, we are in between cringing and worrying about the future of children's stories. Disney just decided to pull it out, instead of cutting the 4.5 minute scene. Disney isn't budging, even if it means the movie will be banned in some places.

The Beauty and the Beast movie has openly gay characters. Is having a homosexual character bad for the movie? But would you really request it to be banned just because of 4 minutes of "gay" scenes? So undoubtedly people will want to turn gay because of Le Fou (which by the way means The Fool in French). Just like people have wanted to rape, kill, grow claws, shoot spider webs, tear down buildings from watching movies. Is your faith so weak, that for 4 minutes of gayness will make you gay as well?

Was the gay scene necessary? In Twitter, I needed more than 140 characters to vent my frustration on those of you blaming Malaysia over the whole Beauty and the Beast fiasco. The homophobes boycotting Disney's Beauty and the Beast won't be happy with the way Scar is portrayed in the Lion King live-action remake.

Is it our problem if we're too sensitive towards it? Do we stop being petty and let filmmakers make their films however they want? Just because a lot of people agree with something does not make it right. I think we can agree that a dancing scene between 2 guys is not gonna change anyone's life at all. Why make it a big deal? In this case, it's about differing views.

It may not change lives but sometimes mainstream values need to be considered. But should Malaysian mainstream values of censorship of free speech and of differing values and religious indoctrination be considered? Why is it a 'sensitive' and 'touchy' issue? What problems may rise from screening elements of that nature in public?

This is no Indie film where the production or director can be rudely experimental. Is the portrayal of LGBT activities in moviesagainst the LPF (Malaysia's film censorship board) guidelines.

Is it because LGBTs are generally still not the norm for our society? Do you think scenes with gay people should be "snipped" out of film? Many would beg to differ! It isn't a sensitivity issue.... It is homophobic. Homophobia is hatred towards LGBT oriented peeps.

I believe all the proposed revisions are understandable as some people just want to make the film grounded. But don't worry, everything else is still magical.

It was such a small scene, but are we forgetting that it's supposed to be a movie for kids. Yes, adults can watch it anytime, but do we really need to expose children to this at an early age? Well, there's already openly gay kid at the teleserye Ang Probinsiyano.

"Cheer up, child. It'll turn out all right in the end. You'll see." – Mrs.Potts

Eduard Folayang’s Newborn Baby Adds Inspiration to Upcoming Title Defense

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Filipino fighter Eduard “Landslide” Folayang feels extra motivated in his first defense of his ONE Lightweight World Championship title next month as he and his wife have welcomed a bouncing baby girl to their family.

His spouse Genevieve gave birth to their first-born child on an early Monday morning, 13 March at the Pines City Doctor's Hospital in Baguio City. The couple tied the knot in April 2015, with Folayang describing his wife as his lifetime coach.

Folayang named his daughter Yeshuareigns, which means “Jesus reigns.” The 33-year-old mixed martial artist is a devoted born-again Christian and is also known for the public expression of his faith.

As a first-time father, Folayang was at a loss for words when he first saw and held his newborn child.

Quite similar to his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career, Folayang admitted that raising his daughter properly will pose a challenge.

“This is a huge blessing for our family. It felt like I won another world title in mixed martial arts. I am so happy. This is one of the most momentous moments in my life. I hope and pray that I can be a good role model to my daughter. I will be the best father that I can be,” he said.

With over a month to go before he steps inside the ONE Championship again, Folayang stressed that his daughter will be his driving force to win.

“I can truly say that I am super motivated for my upcoming fight in April. My newborn daughter gives me the much-needed inspiration with the challenge that is ahead of me,” he stated.

Folayang will defend his ONE Lightweight World Championship belt against Malaysian-Kiwi sensation Ev “E.T.” Ting in the main event of ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY, which takes place at the 20,000-seater SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines on 21 April.

“I know how exceptional Ev Ting's talent is. I am in a tough preparation for my first title defense. My main advantage over him is my experience as a fighter, especially in the lightweight division. We all know that Ev Ting came from the featherweight division, so I'm more used to fighting in this division,” Folayang said about his marquee match-up with Ting.

Knowing that Ting is driven to make history as the first Malaysian combatant to win a world title in MMA, Folayang vows to do everything in his power to make sure that he keeps the coveted lightweight strap around his waist.

“Ev Ting is an amazing competitor and has obviously earned the opportunity to challenge for the title. He is the complete package, with good striking and a really good ground game. I need to be at my absolute best to make sure I can defend the belt successfully,” he ended.

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

Top 30 Entries in DPC-PLDT Visual Arts Competition on Exhibit Prior to Awards

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Thirty entries from all over the Philippines were chosen out of 87 art works submitted for the 31st edition of the DPC-PLDT Visual Arts Competition (VAC31) which challenged fine arts students nationwide to interpret the theme “Habang May Buhay, May Pag-asa”.

The finalist entries consisted of realistic, abstract and graphic paintings that depict how Filipinos look at life, what they value and how they remain cheerful and hopeful in spite of adversities that they face.

Prior to the final judging and the awards night scheduled on March 23, 2017, the finalist entries will be displayed in an exhibit at Pasilyo Vicente Manansala at the Cultural Center of the Philippines from March 18 to 23. The exhibit is open to the public and admission is free.

The top three winners will have their works on the covers of the Philippine Long Distance Company’s telephone directories for 2017-18, both for the DPC (Yellow Pages) and the PLDT (White Pages). The first place winner will also receive P100,000 in cash and the VAC31 Grand Prize Trophy, plus a P40,000 donation to his/her school’s fine arts program. Second and Third Prize winners will receive P75,000 and P60,000 in cash, respectively, trophies, plus corresponding donations to their respective schools.