DOTr - PPA Moves Toward the Use of Renewable Energy in its Ports Nationwide

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), is pursuing the use of renewable energy in all its controlled ports nationwide in a bid to reduce the carbon footprints from ports and to to be at par with international maritime stakeholders.

The “Green Port” project is in accordance with the 25-year port development roadmap adopted by Philippine port stakeholders in a summit held in April this year.

This is also a commitment of the PPA to the Ambisyon Natin 2040 program adopted by the current administration.

“Our international shipping counterparts have already agreed to reduce carbon emissions by a certain percentage in the next decade or so and it is only fitting to do the same in our ports,” says PPA Assistant General Manager for Operations Hector E. Miole.

“The initial outlay might be overwhelming, but its long-term effect to the financial aspect and environmental conservation outweighs all of that,” he added.

For a start, the PPA will replace all its existing fluorescent, incandescent lamps, and bulbs with LED (Light Emitting Diodes) lights in its Corporate Office Building by the middle of this month.

PPA is likewise making an inventory of all streetlights from the South Harbor Expanded Port Zone, the access roads going to its VTMS control tower, as well as the PPA offices at the South Harbor and the North Harbor.

The agency is looking at forging a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine National Oil Company-Renewable Corporation (PNOC-RC) in enforcing this notable project.

Under the proposed MOA, PNOC-RC will provide technical expertise, review and design for the best kind of renewable energy sources, which will be used by the PPA in bidding out the said project. The result of the review is expected to be operational in 6 months upon signing of the MOA. The PPA, for its part, will determine the initial ports that will undergo the same ‘greening’ project.

Initially, the PNOC-RC is offering a guaranteed 100-kilowatt solar panel to be installed at the PPA Head Office, which is enough to cover at least a third of the agency’s lighting requirements. The facility, however, will still be connected to the current electric grid system to source out the remaining power requirement of the office.

Aside from the ‘Greening project’, the 25-year Development Roadmap also includes plans for cruise shipping, industrial ports/zoning management, long-term infrastructure development, inter-connectivity, and supply chain development.

Own the Racetrack: Suzuki GSX-R1000R Invitational Test Ride

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The King of Sportbikes is about to reach the Philippine shores and Wheeltek Motor Sales Corporation together with Suzuki Philippines Inc. are making sure that the preparation is set for the royal arrival by gathering two of the country’s most esteemed sportbike riders to put the most awesome GSX-R ever produced to test.

Fresh from testing with Team Suzuki Ecstar, the two GSX-R1000R units were flown from Australia for its debut appearance in the Philippines at the 11th IR Bike Fest and Trade Show. Following this, the country became the first ASEAN nation to test ride the unit. One of the two GSX-R1000Rs was ridden by Philippine Superbikes Champions Miguel Bichara and Anthony Roman at Clark International Speedway (CIS) wherein they would prove that this machine has got what it takes to own the racetrack.

Miguel Bichara is a renowned Superbikes Champion in the Philippines. In 2008, he won the Philippine Superbikes Championship title for Masters Class category with his GSX-R1000 (2006 model). Bichara is considered as an elite superbike rider who races in the country and abroad. He is also a certified motorcycle instructor.  Anthony Roman also known as the Roman Emperor, on the other hand is a well-known underbone racer in the country before shifting to Superbikes. He is a pioneer in the MotoIR category of the Inside Racing Grand Prix. In 2012, Roman won the Philippine Superbike Championships title for the Novice category. He was raced alongside the legend Maico Buncio.

The event ran on individual testing and had it in two parts for the riders – the calibrating lap and the race lap which were all supervised by Team Suzuki Philippines and Wheeltek’s Service Group. Bichara rode the bike first followed by Roman. Superbike riders in the Philippine media were also able to test the unit namely – Maynard Marcelo for C! magazine, Joey Rivero of Driven2Ride and Lifestyle on Wheels TV, John Defensor of Inside Racing and Torque magazines and Aris Ilagan of TopGear Philippines. A press interview was also hosted during lunch to discuss about the performance of the bike.

Energy Efficient ASEAN

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The Department of Energy (DOE) hosted the 21st Annual Meeting of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency and Conservation Sub-Sector Network (EEN&C-SSN) and Associated Meetings at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila on 2-5 May 2017. With Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi (center) are (L-R) Ms. Rabiah Al Adawiyah T. Hussein (ASEAN Secretariat); Ms. Maria-Jose Poddey, ASEAN-German Energy Programme (GIZ); Mr. Amphilin Sengsoulin, Mr. Xaysavanh Latthachak (Lao PDR); Mr. Hamizan Bin Husain (Malaysia); Undersecretary Jesus Cristino P. Posadas (DOE); Dr. Sanjayan Velautham, Executive Director (ACE); Mr. Sarat Prakobchat, EE&C-SSN Coordinator (Thailand); Ms. Aye Kay Khaing Soe (Myanmar); Director Patrick T. Aquino (DOE); Mr. Watcharin Boonyarit (Thailand); Dr. Francisca Indarsiani, Cowater International (Canada); Ms. Kathleen Lim Dematera, Clean Air Asia (GIZ). Not in picture: Ms. Emily McQualter (UNEP); Mr. Takashi Kanazawa and Mr. Yoshitaka Ushio (Energy Conservation Centre, Japan).

All-New Season of Space Adventure Series “Killjoys” Premieres on AXN this May

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Sci-fi drama returns Thursdays at 9:45pm

The hunt continues as AXN brings more of the space action and adventure in the new season of Killjoys which premieres this May.

The futuristic world of interplanetary bounty hunters Dutch (Hannah John-Kamen), Johnny (Aaron Ashmore), and D’avin (Luke Macfarlane) becomes complicated when they find themselves in the middle of a brewing conflict that threatens to destabilize the galaxy.

Their situation becomes even more aggravated when D’avin has been kidnapped by Dutch’s childhood mentor, Khlyen (Rob Stewart), and joins the ranks of their enemies out to challenge them in their sworn duty to protect the Quad, their planetary system.

As they continue to pursue deadly warrants, Dutch and Johnny embark on a new mission to rescue their brother-in-arms and unravel Khlyen’s mysterious agenda.

With their pasts coming back to haunt them, the battle-hardened space marshals will have to work hard to keep themselves, and their friends, alive.



Killjoys Season 2 airs every Thursday at 9:45pm.

AXN is available on SKYCable Channel 49, Destiny Cable Channel 61, Cignal Channel 121, Dream Satellite TV Channel 20, G Sat Channel 51, and Cablelink Channel 38. AXN HD is available on SKYCable Channel 247.

Volkswagen PH Introduces Jetta, Golf GTS

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Volkswagen Philippines will release by end of May two new versions of its passenger cars, the Jetta and the Golf GTS. This move is in line with its 2017 goal of doubling the record-breaking sales output in 2016, thus solidifying its leading position among European brands.

Later this month, Filipinos will get the chance to bring home the new version of Volkswagen Philippines’ number one-selling sedan in 2016, the Jetta

In six generations, the Jetta has sold over 14 million units worldwide, making it among the most successful sedans in the German marquee’s history. Each Jetta that rolls out of the assembly is “Made for Everyday Driving,” with its stylish looks, feature-packed amenities, and remarkable comfort features. In the Philippines, the Jetta will be available in four variants: The Business Edition+, Business Edition, Highline, and Comfortline.

Being the only diesel model in the segment, its advanced technology and safety features reinforce the Jetta’s value-for-money proposition.

The Business Edition+ and Business Edition are equipped with Bi-Xenon headlights, Adaptive Front Lighting System, and LED daytime running lights. The 17” Lancaster alloy wheels and front fog lights are also available in the Highline. Standard for all variants is the sunroof.

In the interior, the Business Edition+, Business Edition, and Highline feature the Fender 8-speaker sound system, dual zone Climatronic air-conditioning, rain sensor, and 6-way power driver seat plus lumbar adjust. Standard for all variants are leather seats, Keyless-Go with Push Start and the 5.8” Touchscreen Color Display Audio.

Safety highlights for the Business Edition+ include the Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Alert with Lane Assist, and Front Assist with Forward Collision Warning.

The Jetta is powered by a 2.0-liter Turbo-charged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engine mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission system which generates 150Ps of power at 3,500-4,200 rpm and a class-leading 340Nm of torque at 1,750-3,000 rpm.

Available exterior colors for the Jetta are Black, Platinum Gray, Toffee Brown, Cardinal Red Metallic, Reflex Silver, Blue Silk, Pure White, and Moon Rock Silver. Black interior is offered for all while beige interior is also available for the Business Edition+, Business Edition and Highline.

For all these features, the Jetta is priced at P1.1 million for the Comfortline, P1.2 million for the Highline, P1.25 million for the Business Edition and P1.3 million for the Business Edition+.

Along with the Jetta, the new Golf GTS will be available later this month. In over seven generations of production, the Golf has sold over 30 million units, even overtaking the well-loved Beetle. In the Philippines, the Golf GTS comes in as the only diesel model in its segment.

Let’s #TestMNL This May!

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Leading advocacy group on HIV Testing and Treatment, LoveYourself, Inc., started on Labor Day in Boracay its series of activation and HIV testing activities this month of May through its TestMNL (testMNL.org) and Philippine Business Sector Response (PBSR) programs.

A TestMNL ambassador, together with LoveYourself volunteers in the booths, engages the youth passing by in the alleys of Boracay to provide HIV 101 education during the Labor Day weekend.

“We prepared a series of activities this May to instill in the consciousness of the key target populations the importance of taking care of one’s self, especially in terms of their sexual health,” said LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin G. Pagtakhan.

Pagtakhan informed “Last March, there are 968 new cases of HIV infection according to the latest Department of Health data, which inspires us to stand firm on our advocacy to resolve this still evolving problem.”

On 28 April to 1 May, the TestMNL team, supported by BLISS, initially went to the majestic island of Boracay during the #LaBoracay2017 weekend to raise awareness on HIV and AIDS among the tourists who flocked in the island.

Creating a major buzz on its straight forward campaign tagline: Suck F*#k Test Repeat, Pagtakhan clarified “The tagline is blunt, because we want to emphasize to the people the importance of repeating the test and protecting themselves more than anything else. Many people are still stigmatized, so we needed an aggressive campaign to rally against this disease.”

One Championship Announces Two Additional Bouts to One: Dynasty of Warriors

Wazzup Pilipimas!

The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship (ONE), has just announced two additional bouts to complete a stacked fight card at ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES set for the Singapore Indoor Stadium this 26 May. Former world title challenger Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio of Baguio City, Philippines is scheduled for a highly-anticipated rematch against Anatpong “Mak” Bunrad of Thailand. Also, Indonesian National Grappling Champion Jeremy Meciaz makes his ONE Championship debut against Chen “Rock Man” Lei.

ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES features a spectacular main event bout with ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee of Singapore taking on rising star Istela Nunes of Brazil. In the co-main event of the evening, ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben “Funky” Askren returns to the ONE Championship cage to defend his title against young Malaysian welterweight standout Agilan “Alligator” Thani. All four fighters have unblemished professional records.

Flyweight competitor Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio is one of the most efficient wushu practitioners in the Philippines. His solid striking and grappling skillset has led him to big wins over the course of his career in ONE Championship. Training in the high altitudes of Baguio City, Eustaquio hones his craft with his world-class teammates at the famed Team Lakay. Known for his ability to keep his composure while facing adversity, Eustaquio is set to do battle against Anatpong Bunrad in a highly-anticipated rematch.

Anatpong Bunrad is one of the most talented offensive fighters in the promotion. He defeated highly-regarded Filipino flyweight Geje Eustaquio in their first encounter at ONE: VALOR OF CHAMPIONS in 2015, taking a razor thin split decision. Bunrad utilizes lightning quick and powerful strikes to subdue his opponents, but also possesses solid submission skills to round out his overall game. He is set to face Eustaquio once again in a rematch of their epic clash.

Unbeaten 28-year-old Chen “Rock Man” Lei of Changsha, China is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner and the Shanghai Open BJJ Champion. His ability to grapple has led Chen to four straight victories as a professional martial artist. Chen’s opponent, 25-year-old Indonesian National Grappling Champion Jeremy “Predator” Meciaz is making his professional debut. Both fighters are talented grapplers with unique styles, and are great additions to the growing ONE Championship roster. The two are set to face off on the preliminary card of ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES at a catchweight of 69.0kg.

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.

Ticket information for ONE: DYNASTY OF HEROES is available at www.onefc.com.

Galleria Duemila Proudly Presents Form | Kata by Roberto Robles

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Roberto M. A. Robles Form 

Kata Recent Works

Post-Sculpture Works

Anthropocentric View 

EXHIBITION RUN: May 6–27, 2017

Roberto M. A. Robles, returns to the basicity of form and examines a piece as a post-sculptural work. He rediscovers light and shadows through tones of gray, black and white that result in a new dimensional angle.

An accomplished artist, Roberto M. A. Robles is both a painter and a sculptor that has been educated in the Philippines and Japan. His work has been exhibited in the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Vargas Museum, 17th Asian International Art Exhibition Daejeon Municipal Museum of Art, South Korea, Jiyu Group Exhibitions Tokyo Metropolitan Museum, Japan. He has also had a retrospective in Ateneo Art Gallery in 2011.

Kata runs from May 6 – 27 2017 in Galleria Duemila, 210 Loring St. 1300 Pasay City. •

For more information you may call us at 831-9990 (tel), 833-9815 (fax) or at 0927-629-4612 (mobile); you may also email us at hello@galleriaduemila.com or at art@ galleriaduemila.com; visit our website at http://www. galleriaduemila.com and follow us for updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @galleriaduemila.

Filipino Artist Lindslee's Newest Exhibit Entitled, Your Personality is Your Worst Enemy

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Your Personality is Your Worst Enemy.

Lindslee

June 3 – July 29, 2017

Galleria Duemila, 210 Loring St. 1300 Pasay City

Extremities and contradiction. Lindslee channels his art-­‐making in various media from the more traditional canvas to the more eccentric taxidermy chicken. He plays on the power of outrageousness and simplicity to define his art. Lindslee’s art aims to give the viewers a fresh perspective may it be from a historical or aesthetical framework with the premise of an intellectual challenge drawn in color and material. “Your personality is your worst enemy” delves on the idea of self-­‐ humoring and finding wit in the otherwise mundane day-­‐to-­‐day life.

A recipient of NPO S-­‐AIR Sapporo-­‐Artist in residency winter program, Japan Foundation in Sapporo & Tokyo, Japan in 2014 and two-­‐time finalist at the National Art Contest in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Manila, Lindsey James Lee has been active in participating in group exhibits since his graduation in University of Santo Tomas in 2000 and his stint at the Art Students League of New York in 2001. He has had several solo exhibits starting from the Public Library in New York back in 2002 and comes back this 2017 with a fresh set of comical works on display at Galleria Duemila on June 3 – July 29 2017.

ASEAN Foundation and SAP Partner to Create Positive Social Impact

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 

The ASEAN Foundation and SAP SE recently announced a strategic partnership to create positive social impact in South East Asia. This joint effort will focus on areas of Education, Volunteerism and Entrepreneurship. Through this partnership, the ASEAN Foundation and SAP aim to support the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in building a cohesive regional community and deliver inclusively-shared economic benefits by encouraging strategic and innovative participation of youths and social entrepreneurs.

The Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations is a part of SAP’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy to equip youths with the skills they need to tackle society’s problems and thrive in the digital economy; build the capacity of innovative social enterprises that put young people on the path to successful careers and build a skilled workforce for the IT sector with training and workforce development programmes. Key initiatives that will be executed under this agreement will focus on driving digital literacy to support sustainable growth for the communities that the programmes aim to benefit.

“A sustainable ASEAN community lies in the hands of ASEAN’s youth. I believe that our joint initiatives with SAP will increase the involvement of ASEAN youths in national and regional activities to give them an opportunity to actively contribute to the ASEAN community,” says Elaine Tan, the Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation.

Youth empowerment has been a salient topic in ASEAN since the Declaration of Principles to Strengthen ASEAN Collaboration on Youth that was presented in Bangkok in 1983. “The three initiatives under the ASEAN Foundation and SAP partnership have touched upon five priority focus of the most recent ASEAN Work Plan on Youth 2016-2020 which include youth entrepreneurship, youth employment, youth awareness, youth volunteerism and leadership, as well as youth resilience,” Elaine added.