The War on Drugs is a National Nightmare

Wazzup Pilipinas!

More killings. Less public approval.

That's what Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros' message on the SWS survey saying that fewer Pinoys are satisfied with the war on drugs.

This is how she sees the latest SWS survey which pointed to an 11-point drop in public net satisfaction rating for the Duterte government's war on drugs.

The government's war on drugs may have had massive popular support at the start, but inevitably it has turned into a national nightmare. As long as the government's anti-drug campaign continues to create a climate of fear, impunity and killing, this war is a losing battle with less and less supporters.

The SWS survey is also a slap in the face for EJK deniers. For a second consecutive time, the majority or 73 percent of Filipinos are worried that they or someone they know would become victims of extrajudicial killings. The fear is real. EJKs are a reality. The government's attempt to massage its original data and/or reintroduce new and questionable data on the killings attributed to the drug war cannot hide this fact.

Our nation is now farther away from the order and security that President Duterte promised during the campaign. Our people are living in fear, among the ghosts of the drug war victims, without any semblance of justice in sight. It's time for the public to wake up from this national nightmare and set things right by holding all those responsible for these killings accountable alongside the implementation of a public health agenda on the anti-drugs campaign.

Delish Food Crawl at BGC's Summer Food Fest

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Bonifacio Global City (BGC) definitely knows how to throw a party! From art events, concerts, product launches to food fest and all kinds of festivities, whether modern or cultural, this place truly rocks with coolness.

Kicking off the Summer on the Street festivities at BGC, specifically at the Bonifacio High Street (BHS), was Summer Food Fest held along 9th Avenue. The event gathered homegrown and well-loved food brands and food trucks. 

We were treated to a food crawl as we go from one food stall to the next to try out the food and drinks served by different food brands where some even came from far places just to participate in the event.

From Burgers, Pizza, Ice Cream, to Bourbon candied bacon and cheese empanadas, the choice was ours! 

I particularly liked the Julius Hotdog at Schmidt's, the Mango Chicken Wings at Fireout Wings, and the Elote at El Jefe. But ther were more food stalls, and food trucks, that I was not able to visit since the tummy couldn't take any more. 

Nowadays when food parks are becoming a fad, pop-up food markets during weekends, night time, or special occasions like the holiday season, are no longer new. People are now patronizing them since you could find a lot of tasty discoveries. Many of the big and well established brands are also joining these food markets probably to also promote their brand and reach out to the customers. 

The great thing about doing it along BGC High Street, the whole stretch is conducive to hanging out since they have an equally long park areas where you could sit down to enjoy the food, and at the same time, certain entertainment have been hired to perk things up and make it a lot more interesting.

There was also several performances that seemed non-stop like live music, art activities (also a shirt printing service), and even a playground  where children could play, that made the food fest thrice the fun!

Bonifacio High Street Holds ‘Summer on the Street’ Anew

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Bonifacio High Street (BHS), a kilometer-long expanse that serves as the heart of the action and entertainment in BGC, is once again hosting a summer revelry from March to May. Dubbed as “Summer on the Street,” this campaign believes that it’s truly more fun outside and encourages BGCitizens and visitors alike to go out and live their passions, or discover new ones.

BHS is the perfect playground this summer as it dedicates every weekend to a different celebration of passions in all shapes and forms—be it Pets, Food, Fitness, Prayer, The Outdoors, Music and the Arts, or random Geekery—whoever you are, whatever it is that you love, you will surely find something just for you at Bonifacio High Street.

Of Food, Art, and Fun

Kicking off the festivities this March 25 to 26 is a Summer Food Fest with Bite Me Manila along 9^th Avenue that will gather homegrown and well-loved food brands and food trucks. Burgers, Pizza, Ice Cream, Bourbon candied bacon and cheese empanadas, the choice is yours! Live music, art, and a kid’s playground makes this food fest thrice the fun!

Dog Day Afternoons

Pet-friendly parks & walkways make Bonifacio High Street the best setting for you & your furry friends. In BHS, petting is not only allowed, it’s even rewarded!

All pet owners and lovers are welcome to participate in a Pet Summit on April 2 at the BHS Park for an adorable showcase of a variety of animals, including a few exotic ones. Waggin’ Tails follows on May 21 at BHS Park, where man’s best friend will be treated to a whole day of fun activities and endless treats!

Walkway: Stations of the Cross

For those who will be on staycation for the Holy Week (April 9-16), don’t miss BGC’s tradition of commemorating the Stations of the Cross through interactive, larger-than-life displays along the entire stretch of Bonifacio High Street.

This week-long reflection culminates with a concert by the international rock band Switchfoot at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater on April 16, 7pm. Get a free ticket for a minimum spend of P2,000 from any Bonifacio High Street shop or restaurant, simply exchange your receipts (single or accumulated) at any of the BHS concierge booths beginning March 27.

Easter Carnivale

Egg hunt adventures, magic shows, a petting zoo, carnival booths, and loads of treats await kids and the kids-at-heart this Easter, April 16, 4pm at the BHS Activity Center.

Fitstreet

Get fit and have fun! Health, Fitness, and Wellness take center stage on April 22-23, with free community workouts, a fair for all things organic, and fun games and challenges at the BHS Amphitheater. This event is in partnership with Lifestyle Network.

Glamping in the City

For anyone who has always wanted to go camping but dreads the hassles that come with it, glamping is the way to go. A portmanteau of “glamor” and “camping,” glamping affords the same outdoor experience but better. On April 29-30, a campsite will rise in the middle of the city at the BHS Park where the whole family can enjoy survivor-type challenges and workshops, a boodle fight, s’mores making, and more. Summer camp has never been more fun!

It’s All Geek to Me

Geek is the new chic at United Geekdom 2, celebrated alongside World Comic Book Day on May 7. Expect hordes of comic enthusiasts who’ll bring the house down with their passion for all things geek.

Our Moms, Our Heroes

There’s no better way to thank our dear moms than to celebrate everything they love with everyone they love! In partnership with TLC, the leading international travel and lifestyle channel, there will be surprise activities so bring all the moms in your life at the BHS Amphitheater this May 14.

Summer Ender Treat

Before we bid the summer season farewell, take the whole squad and end it with a free concert at the BHS Amphitheater, 6pm. The final line up or artists will be announced through the BGC’s Facebook page.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/BoniHighStreet or follow @bonifaciohighstreet on Instagram.

NEC and EnspireME to Build Europe’s Largest Battery Energy Storage System in Germany

Wazzup Pilipinas!

NEC Corporation and NEC Energy Solutions, an NEC subsidiary, announced that they have reached an agreement with Germany-based EnspireME, a fifty-fifty joint venture established between Mitsubishi Corporation and Eneco, a Netherlands-based integrated energy company, to build a large-scale battery energy storage system in Jardelund, Germany. The system is scheduled to begin operating in December 2017, with a power capacity of 48 MW and a storage capacity of over 50 MWh, which will be the largest stationary type system in Europe.

EnspireMe will utilize this battery energy storage system to supply sustainable reserve capacity to balance the European electricity grid. Mitsubishi Corporation and Eneco will also start a pilot project involving the storage of locally produced surplus wind energy.

The European Union (EU), as a leader in alternative energy initiatives, has set a goal of meeting 20 percent of energy consumption within its member states through renewable energy by 2020. In Germany, where renewable energy has been actively introduced to provide a large, stable volume of energy to electric power systems, a market has already been established for ancillary services that maintain electric power quality, including frequency and voltage, in electric power systems.

“The market for battery energy storage systems is expected to grow significantly with the expansion of the renewable energy market. Leveraging this large-scale project in Germany, the leading market for the introduction of renewable energy, and NEC’s comprehensive battery energy storage know-how, we aim to globally expand the business of battery energy storage systems,” said Michihiro Ezawa, General Manager, ESS Division, NEC Corporation.

Chailease to Finance PhilJets' Fifth Airbus H130

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Chailease Finance, the Taipei-based financial institution, confirms it will be financing PhilJets' upcoming brand new Airbus H130 during the inaugural Rotorcraft Asia in Singapore on 18th to 20th April, 2017

The Taiwanese financial conglomerate has been growing its portfolio of customers throughout Southeast Asia, including PhilJets Group, as one of its major customers and partners in the Philippines.

PhilJets is expected to take delivery of its fifth Airbus H130 within the next three months, and has developed an expertise in operating its flagship helicopter type, making the boutique aviation group as one of the major operators of H130 in the Southeast Asian region.

It is the second aircraft in PhilJets' fleet to be financed by Chailease. With this, the two companies intend on enriching their stronger partnership further, and look forward to more business opportunities and undertakings in the future. 

Philjets Becomes Largest Airbus Helicopter Operator in Philippines with New Orders

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Leading boutique business aviation operator PhilJets Group deepens its relationship with Airbus Helicopters with a new order of one brand new H145 and two H130 helicopters. With this additional order, PhilJets which currently operates six Airbus rotorcraft including four H130, one EC130B4 and one AS350B2, becomes Philippines’ largest operator of Airbus’ helicopters in the country, with a total of nine.

Both the twin-engine H145 and the two single-engine H130 helicopters are scheduled for delivery in the last quarter of 2017. These new helicopters will used to support PhilJets’ growing VIP, corporate and tourism businesses throughout the Philippine archipelago, with the possibility of adding new missions, as the operator explores expansion plans into the emergency medical services and cargo transport sectors.

“The limited Oil & Gas and military markets contributed to an understated helicopter market in the Philippines as a whole, especially when the market remains fragmented with a multitude of medium and small operators, and numerous individual owners operating one to two helicopters each at most,” said Thierry Tea, Founder and CEO of PhilJets Group. “Establishing PhilJets in 2013, our goal was to develop the business aviation market in the Philippines to a state where it can receive the attention it deserves. Airbus’ helicopters served our needs very well and we have full confidence of the continued reliability and performance as we grow our fleet to bolster our operations”.

“We are excited at the opportunity of strengthening our relationship with PhilJets with the new helicopter orders. It is remarkable how our customer has grown by leaps and bounds in just over three years, and we are honoured to be part of its expansion journey”, said Lionel De Maupeou, Managing Director, Airbus Helicopters in the Philippines. “We are confident that Airbus’ helicopters will serve the needs of our customer well in the country, and remain committed to growing our support for PhilJets”.

Club de Damas Latinas to Hold Latin Charity Ball and Silent Auction 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

HOLA.

We are excited to announce that the Latin Charity Ball 2017 is in its final stages to ensure that, once again, it will be a truly amazing evening as only the Latins knows to do!

This year the theme is "The Great Gatsby"

Latin Charity Ball and Silent Auction
"Giving with Love "

Date: May 13th
Place: Fairmont Hotel, Makati
Time: 18:30
Dress Code: Formal

The program:

18:30 -20:00 Silent Auction & Cocktail hour. 

We will have amazing prizes for the Silent Auction which include Baskets with representative products from our culture and countries. 

And products from well known brands like Jewelmer, Fashion Interiors, Instituto Cervantes, hotels like Amanpulo, Seda, Fairmont, etc. just to mention some.

20:00 -22:00 Four (4) course menu with a choice of Beef or Fish or Vegeterian.
Unlimited wines (red and white), Bacardi cocktails and soft drinks all included 

22:00 till ... Live entertainment and the amazing Mai Castro Banda Latina and DJ

23:00 Silent Auction closing time.

24:00 "La Hora Loca"
(The party time)

To obtain your ticket please contact Lissette Romero at
latinballtickets@gmail.com or 0917-678-7153.

The donation is 4,800php per person

You know the best tables go fast. Hurry and make your reservation now!
Do not miss it!!

Los esperamos! Chao.

Another Top Podium Win by Team Suzuki Pilipinas at the SAC Round 2

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Team Suzuki Pilipinas had it again at the 2017 Suzuki Asian Challenge (SAC) Round 2 after taking home another top podium win at Chang International Circuit. After getting a back to back win during the Round 1 in Malaysia, the team was on it once more by giving the country its 3rd top finish. April King Mascardo took home the top spot just a few weeks after his powerful performance at the previous round which landed him in pole position and a 1st place finish at Race 1. Cebu’s pride Mario Borbon Jr. on the hand dominated the Race 1 of Round 1.

Starting on 5th grid, April strategically managed to stay at the right position over the other riders on the first laps then focused on following the leader of the race. When he got the perfect timing to lead the pack, he made sure he to secure the lead until the final lap. His exceptional performance outstood the other riders including the Thai and SAC Class of 2015 2nd placer Patis Chooprathet.

Race 2 was a tight battle for all of the riders especially for Team Suzuki Pilipinas’ Eane Jay Sobretodo and April King Mascardo who were leading the pack. Sobretodo unfortunately crashed while leading the 4th lap after an accidental hit by another rider causing him to not finish the race. During the last lap at the final corner of the race, one rider fell affecting the six riders on his trail including Borbon, Jr. and Mascardo. Even after the series of crashes, Mascardo finished 5th and Borbon made it at 12th place. 

STI, DepEd Strengthen Alliance to Boost ICT Literacy Through Mobile Schools

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Education (DepEd) and STI Education Services Group, Inc. (STI ESG) signed an agreement that will equip students with ICT literacy through hands-on trainings and specialized curriculum to be taught in public elementary and secondary schools nationwide.

In the agreement, the STI Mobile School is an innovative approach and auxiliary training facility for DepEd schools, providing students with a foundation on computer literacy and pertinent ICT tools that will be relevant when they pursue higher education.

In her message, Secretary Leonor Magtolis-Briones expressed her excitement for the deployment of mobile schools in remote areas. "This partnership allows us to advance at an exponential rate, with a focus on technology that will capacitate both our learners and teachers," she said.

STI faculty members will train students with applicable learning modules developed by STI in identified DepEd schools. These modules include computer concepts, application software, basic coding and programming, mobile app development, multimedia and animation tools, audio editing, and movie presentation, among others.

Hack of the Day: Tell Netflix Exactly What You Want

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“Custom-made” is the hottest lifestyle trend right now, with everything from our newsfeeds to sneakers tailored to our exact, individual tastes. The snowflakes that we all are, with Netflix even our entertainment destinations are personalized, with recommendations based on what and how we’ve watched before. If you think it’s a gimmick, just try sharing your Netflix password and allowing someone else to use your Netflix profile!

With powerful algorithms, you can help Netflix help you discover new and exciting content tailored for you.

Help Netflix personalize your experience even better by taking control: a simple thumbs-up and thumbs-down lets you shape your recommendations and provide active feedback on what you really love.

A thumbs-up tells Netflix that you like something and want to see similar suggestions and a thumbs-down says you aren’t interested in watching that title. In either case, using thumbs will help you get recommendations for the shows and movies that you want to watch. Additionally, each title will have a personalized match % catered to your unique taste. You can now teach Netflix what you like and be amazed with titles you'd love.

With this personalized rating you can get the best recommendations on Netflix for you and not have to look at shows and movies your friend, spouse or ex (God forbid) viewed. Thumbs up your guilty pleasure and the documentary you loved to get the best match in both categories. No matter what your taste is, there will always be something for you to watch.