IMPOSSIBLE's Explosive Street Magician MAGICAL BONES Coming to Megaworld Lifestyle Malls

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Get a sneak peak of the World's Greatest Magic Show coming your way this holiday season at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. Fusing death-defying stunts, technological trickery, grand stage illusions and close-up magic in a fast-paced breath-taking performance, IMPOSSIBLE reinvents the biggest illusions in history in the greatest magic show on earth. Catch IMPOSSIBLE's explosive street magician MAGICAL BONES via a series of special live shows on November 19, 5PM at the Uptown Mall and 7PM at the Eastwood Mall, and on November 22, 5 PM at the Lucky China Town Mall.

South London street conjurer and break-dancing master Magical Bones is considered the world’s best hip-hop magician. Starting out in the music industry as a dancer for the likes of Madonna and the Black Eyed Peas, Bones has since turned his attention to wowing the public with expert sleight-of-hand, and there’s no doubt the tricks up his sleeve will stump any seasoned sceptic.

Be captivated as Magical Bones promises a magical experience. For more details, call MegaWorld Lifestyle Malls at 709-9888, 0917-8380101, or visit www.MegaworldLifestyleMalls.com.

Meanwhile, guests can also see the full IMPOSSIBLE show on December 25 to January 3 at the Araneta Coliseum. Be mesmerized and baffled as IMPOSSIBLE brings together six of the world's most mind-blowing acts showing off a stunning range of magical artistry. For tickets, visit TicketNet.com.ph.

Japan Wins Fourth Asia Super Team: Adventure to Dreams

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Japan’s BUN Corporation was recently announced as the grand winner of the fourth Asia Super Team competition, organized by Bureau of Foreign Trade and executed by TAITRA, besting six other participating teams from Asia.

BUN Corporation is a famous franchisee with over 1,300 employees and 57 stores across Japan.

With the theme “Adventure to Dreams”, ASIA SUPER TEAM this year invested corporate teams from seven countries in Asia to challenge themselves in Taiwan over two days, including cooking local signature dishes, baking, modern dance performances, and finding answers throughout local history. At the culminating event, each participating team performed a theater play around Taiwan in early 20th Century, and demonstrated how people in different industries pursued their objectives.

Based on local contests, online voting and stage performance at during press event, BUN Corporation from Japan won the championship, and brought back US$50,000 of MICE awards in Taiwan.

One: Immortal Pursuit in Singapore Complete with 10 Bouts

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced the full card for ONE: IMMORTAL PURSUIT, set for 24 November at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Fans will be treated to another exciting evening of authentic martial arts action, as the best martial artists in the world take to the ONE Championship cage. In the main event, reigning ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben “Funky” Askren will defend his title against former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki. It is Askren’s final bout as a professional before he retires from professional competition, and takes an executive position with ONE Championship.

Ticket information for ONE: IMMORTAL PURSUIT is available at www.onefc.com.

A former NCAA Division I All-American and US Olympian, Ben “Funky” Askren is a collegiate wrestling legend and one of the finest martial artists in the world today. Askren joined ONE Championship in 2014, taking the promotion by storm and capturing the ONE Welterweight World Championship with a resounding technical knockout victory over Nobutatsu Suzuki. Since then, Askren has successfully defended the title on multiple occasions, and has stopped six of his last seven opponents to maintain a perfect 17-0 professional record. In what is being billed as the last bout of Askren’s illustrious professional career, the American is set to defend his title against the legendary Shinya Aoki of Japan.

Global martial arts veteran Shinya “Tobikan Juda n” Aoki of Shizuoka, Japan, is one of the world’s most decorated athletes. He is the DREAM Lightweight Champion, former Shooto Welterweight Champion, and the former ONE Lightweight World Champion. The 34-year-old Aoki is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under the famed Yuki Nakai and has won multiple grappling tournaments all over the world. Aoki also holds a black belt in judo and is widely considered one of the best pure grapplers in professional martial arts competition today. In his next bout, Aoki makes his ONE Championship welterweight debut, taking on reigning ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben Askren of the United States for the title.

22-year-old Singaporean top lightweight contender Amir Khan is a martial artist with a stellar professional record of 8-2. He is considered one of the most promising young talents to represent Singapore on the international stage of martial arts. Khan is currently riding a five-bout win streak, with all of his victories coming by way of scintillating finish, including one by submission and four by devastating knockout. In his most recent outing, Khan needed less than one round to finish Jaroslav Jartim with a combination of punches and kicks. Next in line for Khan is the always-dangerous Adrian Pang.

Adrian “The Hunter” Pang is a martial arts veteran from Queensland, Australia, with a 22-10-2 professional record. The veteran Pang has decimated opponents with his incredible power and no-frills approach to striking in nearly two decades as a professional. He is known for his astounding durability and overwhelming strength, with the ability to walk through opponents with little to no resistance. Pang will need to muster all of his strength however, when he takes on rising star Amir Khan of Singapore in his next appearance inside the ONE Championship cage.

Leandro “Brodinho” Issa is a 34-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion black belt from Sao Paulo, Brazil, who trains and competes out of the world-renowned Evolve Fight Team in Singapore. With a record of 14 wins and six losses, including nine wins by submission and two by knockout, Issa has proven to be an exciting competitor with a penchant for spectacular victories. A pioneer of ONE Championship’s bantamweight division, Issa will take on Dae Hwan Kim in his next assignment.

30-year-old South Korean martial artist Dae Hwan Kim owns a professional record of 12-1 with one draw. He joined the promotion in 2013, posting victories over Thanh Vu and Kevin Belingon in his first two bouts in ONE Championship. In 2014, Kim challenged Bibiano Fernandes for the ONE Bantamweight World Championship. With incredible striking prowess and solid grappling ability, Kim is one of the top contenders at bantamweight, and will look to make his return to the ONE Championship cage a successful one when he takes on Leandro Issa.

Singaporean female strawweight contender “Mighty” May Ooi is a martial artist with a professional record of 3-2. A former champion swimmer, Ooi represented Singapore in the 1992 Summer Olympics held in Barcelona. Today, she is one of the country’s most talented martial artists, and a hard-working competitor possessing well-rounded striking and grappling skills. In her most recent contest, Ooi scored a thrilling upset, defeating Malaysia’s Ann “Athena” Osman by first-round submission in her promotional debut. Ooi is now set to make her second appearance inside the ONE Championship cage opposite Cambodia’s Vy Srey Khouch.

Vy Srey Khouch is a highly-regarded Cambodian martial artist and former female boxer who competed in numerous international competitions. She is also a national Khun Khmer champion in her native Cambodia. She made her professional debut in 2015, winning by decision at ONE: KINGDOM OF KHMER. In her most recent bout, Srey Khouch fell just short of victory against Malaysian icon Ann Osman at ONE: THRONE OF TIGERS. In her next bout, she will take on Singaporean women’s martial arts standout, May Ooi.

22-year-old Li Kai Wen of Tianjin is the ONE Featherweight Beijing Tournament 2014 Champion and is one of the most fearsome young competitors from China. Li utilizes his tremendous striking ability and aggression to overwhelm foes with his offense, which has resulted in a series of impressive highlight reel stoppages so far in his young career. On his way to becoming a complete martial artist, Li will be faced with a tough challenge in fellow rising star Ahmed Mujtaba.

Ahmed “The Wolverine” Mujtaba is a Pakistani martial artist competing in ONE Championship’s stacked featherweight division. He owns an impressive professional record of eight wins with only one defeat, with almost all of his wins coming by spectacular finish. Mujtaba is known for his tremendous grappling technique which has led to four submissions out of eight total victories. Mujtaba makes his highly-anticipated return to the ONE Championship cage against Li Kai Wen.

34-year old Japanese martial arts veteran Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi is a female atomweight standout and a former ONE world title challenger from Tokyo. She is the DEEP Jewels Featherweight Champion, and owns seven submissions and two knockouts in her 27-bout professional career. In 2016, Yamaguchi challenged Angela Lee for the inaugural ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship in an epic showdown that would later win multiple ‘Bout of the Year’ honors from international media publications. In her last bout, Yamaguchi submitted top contender Jenny Huang impressively within two rounds. Yamaguchi will now take on fast-rising Gina Iniong.

Top Filipino women’s martial arts contender Gina “Conviction” Iniong of Baguio City, Philippines, is a six-time national wushu champion and member of the renowned Team Lakay. She owns a professional record of 6-2, with four of her six victories coming by thrilling finish, including two highlight-reel submissions and two knockouts. In her last bout, Iniong impressed once again, defeating tough competitor Priscilla Hertati Lumbangaol by TKO. Next up, Iniong takes on veteran Mei Yamaguchi.

37-year-old Arnaud “The Game” LePont is a lightweight veteran from France who sports a professional record of 11 wins and five losses. A fixture in the Asian martial arts scene, LePont is well-known in local martial arts circles and lives and trains in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A Pan-Asian Absolute BJJ Champion, he made his promotional debut in 2012, and has since notched two hard-earned victories in the ONE Championship cage. He now returns to action after a short break to take on Richard Corminal.

Filipino lightweight competitor Richard “Lion Heart” Corminal is a Filipino martial artist based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He holds a professional record of four wins and two losses, with each of his career victories to date coming by way of knockout. In his most recent bout, Corminal debuted inside the ONE Championship cage opposite Thai martial arts star Shannon Wiratchai. Corminal now aims for redemption, as he takes on Arnaud LePont in his second appearance in the promotion.

Yang “The Pugilist” Fei of Hubei, China, is a newcomer to ONE Championship, and one of the most promising young Chinese martial arts talents in the game. He sports a professional record of two victories and only one defeat, with both of his wins coming by finish. Making his promotional debut, Yang will seek victory against Muhammad Aiman in a three-round bout.

Former amateur standout Muhammad Aiman of Malaysia is one of Malaysia’s top martial artists. Featuring a well-rounded skill set, Aiman has impressed in his time inside the ONE Championship cage, defeating Hisyam Samsudin by unanimous decision in his first fight inside the ONE Championship cage before stopping Brazilian grappler Eduardo Novaes in his second outing. The 22-year-old is now set to take on another top test when he goes up against Yang Fei.

Tiffany “Soul Crusher” Teo is a female martial artist who competes in ONE Championship’s women’s flyweight division. She holds an unblemished professional record of six wins and no losses, including two submissions and two knockouts. Born in Brunei and raised in Singapore, Teo began training in taekwondo before moving on to compete in boxing and Muay Thai and eventually transitioning to the ONE Championship cage. In her last bout, Teo impressed with a thorough decision victory over Rebecca Heintzman. Teo’s next assignment is against Puja Tomar.

Flyweight competitor Puja Tomar is a martial artist from India with a professional record of three wins and one loss. With a penchant for showcasing her solid striking skills, Tomar has recorded all three of her victories by knockout. Competing largely in her home country of India, the former India wushu champion Tomar now makes her way to the biggest stage in Asian martial arts as she is set to make her ONE Championship debut against top Singaporean talent Tiffany Teo.

Chinese bantamweight prospect Miao Li Tao and Cambodian Khun Khmer practitioner Sim Bunsrun are set to kick off all the action at ONE: IMMORTAL PURSUIT in the evening’s first bout offering. The two strikers will lock horns in an exciting three-round contest, setting the pace of what should be an amazing night of martial arts competition.

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.

DOE Sets New Standard for Diesel

Wazzup Pilipinas!

QUALITY DIESEL FOR CONSUMERS: Spearheaded by the DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB), oil industry stakeholders held the signing ceremony of the Philippine National Standard (PNS)/DOE Quality Standard (QS):004:2017 on coco-methyl ester (CME)-blended automotive diesel oil specification last 7 November at the Energy Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. In photo are the DOE-OIMB team, Technical Committee on Petroleum Products & Additives (TCPPA) members from petroleum manufacturers and marketers, car and motorcycle manufacturers, NGOs, consumers, academe, government agencies and invited technical experts.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi announced Friday (17 November) that the Department of Energy (DOE) has established an upgraded standard for automotive diesel oil to further improve fuel quality and lessen its impact on the environment.

“The new Philippine standards for automotive diesel oil is in line with our mandate to implement programs and policies that will complement and comply with existing international and environmental standards for fuel,” Cusi said.

He stressed that the task of ensuring fuel quality is equally important alongside the government’s mission of maintaining stable supply of oil in the country.

Although spearheaded by the DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB), oil industry stakeholders contributed in the effort by reviewing and approving the Philippine National Standard (PNS)/DOE Quality Standard (QS):004:2017 on coco-methyl ester (CME)-blended automotive diesel oil specification

To formally signify the adoption of the new fuel quality standards, a signing ceremony was held last 7 November at the Energy Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The DOE-OIMB team, Technical Committee on Petroleum Products & Additives (TCPPA) members from petroleum manufacturers and marketers, car and motorcycle manufacturers, NGO’s, consumers, academe, government agencies and invited technical experts participated in the event.

The new PNS for automotive diesel oil contains revised technical provisions to upgrade fuel quality requirement, such as reduced sulfur content limit in compliance with Euro-4 emission standard, and test methods for more accurate evaluation of fuel quality.

It is separate and distinct from the standards of the Industrial Diesel Oils, which has distinct standard designation, specifically PNS/DOE QS 013:2017.

“The primary impact of the new PNS for diesel strengthens the government’s consistent and continuing program towards the use of cleaner fuels and promotion of indigenous and sustainable energy resources with the end view of reducing dependence on imported oil,” Cusi said.

The new PNS for automotive diesel oil also supports the country’s commitment in the international community to reduce carbon emissions through smarter and more efficient use of automotive fuel for transport.

DOE, EU to Support Sustainable Energy in Rural Areas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ADDRESSING ACCESS TO SUSTAINABLE POWER AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY: The 3rd ASEP Steering Committee Meeting was held last 15 November at the DOE-Audio Visual Room in Taguig City. Representing the DOE were (seated L-R) Dir. Angelina Manga-Administrative Services, Dir. Araceli Soluta-Financial Services, Usec. Felix William Fuentebella, (standing L-R) Dir. Mylene Capongcol-Renewable Energy Management Bureau (REMB), Arthus Tenazas-Legal Services, Dir. Mario Marasigan-Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (EPIMB), Dir. Jesus Tamang-Energy Utilization and Management Bureau and DOF officials, together with counterpart representatives of the EU Delegation were (seated R-L) Dir. Danielle Marie Rieza Culangen-Legal Services, Josephine Tioseco-Non-Key Expert Energy Efficiency, Mr. Enrico Strampelli-Head Development Section, discussed the synchronization of work plans towards the total rural electrification vision of the government using sustainable energy and energy efficiency to empower the Filipinos.

The government will exert greater efforts to provide sustainable energy to rural communities through its ongoing partnership with the European Union's Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (ASEP), the Department of Energy (DOE) said today.

During the 3rd ASEP Steering Committee Meeting held at the DOE AVR room last 15 November, Energy Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella said “Energy Sec. Alfonso G. Cusi requires that ASEP work plans should be synchronized with the Philippine Energy Plan and the sectoral roadmaps.”

“We have to focus on energy efficiency and capacity building to further empower our people, especially those living in the rural communities,” Fuentebella emphasized.

A 6-month progress report covering April-September 2017 submitted to the DOE enumerated work programs already met under the subcomponents of rural electrification, energy efficiency and capacity development programs.

As to rural electrification, completed and undergoing final review by the DOE were: the policies for Missionary Electrification Subsidy Rationalization, Streamlining and Harmonizing Power Contracting Process for Off-Grid and its Implementing Rules and Regulations together with the Enhancing Policy and Regulations to Attract Off-Grid Investments,

For energy efficiency, completed while the preparation of recommendations on Product Particular Requirements (PPRs) for TVs, washing machines and electric fans will continue were: the program for appliance standards and labeling, including the development of PPRs for LED lamps.

Fuentebella said “The DOE-ASEP cooperation initiated a market survey for LED lamps and the design of energy labels for LED, aircon and refrigerators.”

“We are also working with EU-ASEP in drafting a national strategy for energy efficiency in the power sector, strengthening the Government Energy Management Program through building energy performance standards and benchmarking, including reviewing the Energy Efficiency Bill for finalization,” the Energy Official added.

On the capacity development subcomponent, Fuentebella clarified that there will be workshops for the implementation in 2017 until mid-2018 with high-level study abroad, among others.

All of these efforts according to Fuentebella will contribute to fulfilling the three key results areas for the program:
         

1. Strengthening the capacity of energy sector stakeholders to pursue a pro-poor sustainable energy policy and institutional reforms;

2. Facilitating investments aimed at increasing access to renewable energy in rural, remote and high-poverty areas, especially in Mindanao; and

3. Promoting pro-poor and disaster-resilient innovative energy solutions for job creation and wider access, such as solar or hydropower pumps, solar lanterns and solar dyers.

The ASEP is a joint undertaking of the DOE and the EU to promote total electrification, energy security, efficiency and sustainability in the Philippines.

“The DOE remains committed to empowering all Filipinos, especially those who are marginalized and underprivileged, through sustainable and affordable energy options,” Fuentebella concluded.

Travelling Worry Free to Other Countries

 Wazzup Pilipinas!

Here's a tip - when visiting a new place, avoid the heavily beaten track, i.e. tourist spots.

I am a proud Pinoy and have traveled all over the Philippines, plus 46 other countries in Europe, North America, Asia, including Australia - many of them I have visited more than once. I have chatted with a local in Zaragoza (north of Spain) in Spanish about the history of his town.

The Next Eight Semi-Finalists of Asia’s Got Talent Revealed

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The first eight semi-finalists gave it their all and wowed the judges in the first semi-final episode of Asia’s Got Talent. At the end of the episode, it was revealed that Indonesian singer Angela July won the unanimous Judges’ Pick and will now head straight to the Grand Finals. The remaining seven acts are up for voting and only the two acts with the most votes will move on.

The same episode unveiled the next eight semi-finalists performing in next week’s episode of Asia’s Got Talent:

· Mafarikha (#AGTVote10) received a standing ovation from the audience when she belted out the classic Mariah Carey’s “Hero”. Mafarikha sees Asia’s Got Talent as her second chance to launch her singing career so the stakes are extremely high.

· The Sacred Riana’s (#AGTVote11) performance on Asia’s Got Talent went viral globally. Her performance clip on Facebook has over 40 million views, resulting in her winning many new fans. Will these fans be enough to vote her through to the Grand Final? 

· Fitri Cerado (#AGTVote12) didn’t make it last season but she’s back and made it through to the semi-finals with David Foster’s approval. With so many talented singers in this season of Asia’s Got Talent, Fitri will need to bring her A-game to the semi-finals.

· 218 Crew (#AGTVote13) from Vietnam blended LED dance with Vietnamese culture, inciting cheers from the audience. The judges were absolutely blown away by their performance and they hope to see more of their skill in the semi-finals. 

· Nicknamed “Smooth Syah” by Anggun, Syah Riszuan (#AGTVote14) from Singapore proved that you can be 12-years-old and still have an old soul. Will he be able to shine on the stage during semi-finals? 

· Japanese dance crew XTRAP (#AGTVote15) let their fingers do all the talking during their performance at the Judges’ Auditions. David Foster commented that he has never seen anything quite like them before, so no pressure guys!

· DMX (#AGTVote16) from The Philippines floored the audience with their hair-flipping dance performance and they became the judges’ favorite. With their passion and touching backstory, will fans vote for them?

· Jay Park’s Golden Buzzer, ADEM Dance Crew’s (#AGTVote9) performance went viral with their Mortal Kombat-inspired animation dance, putting Kyrgyz Republic on the map. ADEM Dance Crew has so much more to prove during the semi-finals, will they deliver?

In each semi-final episode, the eight acts will perform a dazzling new piece. At the end of each episode, the act that impresses the judges the most will win the Judges’ Pick and head to the Grand Final directly. The seven remaining acts will be up for public voting, and the two acts with the most votes will head to the Grand Final. Voting starts on Thursday night via Facebook Hashtag and Facebook Messenger and Google Search. For more information on voting, visit www.AXN-Asia.com/AGTVote.

A new episode of Asia’s Got Talent airs every Thursday at 8:30pm on AXN. To follow the journey of this season’s acts, check out #AXNAsia and #AsiasGotTalent.

Asia’s Got Talent is the 67th adaptation of the Guinness-World-Record-breaking hit “Got Talent” format, which was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by FremantleMedia. The “Got Talent” format is officially the most successful reality TV format in history and currently airs in 186 countries.

Asia’s Got Talent is supported by presenting sponsor Traveloka, the leading travel booking app for all flight and hotel needs; sponsoring partner Great Eastern Life, the market leader in the conventional life insurance business and the largest life insurer in Malaysia by asset size; and GoDaddy, the world's largest cloud platform dedicated to small, independent ventures.

In the Philippines, Asia’s Got Talent is brought to you by Cherifer, Tangkad Sagad, KFC Delivery and Vivo Smart Phone.

Marina Bay Sands, Asia’s leading business, leisure and entertainment destination, is the official venue partner of Asia’s Got Talent.

@AsiasGotTalent / #AXNAsia / #AsiasGotTalent / #AsiasGotTalentAuditions

www.AXN-Asia.com/AsiasGotTalent

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

Disney Olaf's Frozen Adventure Launched at SM Fairview

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas especially when you get invited to a lot of Christmas Tree lightings of many companies.

Among the many brands who conduct a lot of these seasonal activities is SM Supermalls as they also have different kinds of Christmas celebration decors, special sales & promos, and activities related to the holidays.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

SM Fairview recently launched their grand launch on November 11, 2017 of their main Christmas setup located at the mall's Atrium. Get to see Olaf and the rest of Arendelle as they come together for the search for the best Christmas tradition at their Disney Olaf's Frozen Adventure Christmas activities during the holiday season.

Among the celebrities that graced the occasion were the family of Oyoboy Sotto and Kristine Hermosa-Sotto together with their three kids. They help lit up the giant Christmas Tree and greeted the attendees too with a short message. Though they were quite late to arrive at the event due to the traffic congestion at that time, the spirit of Christmas continues especially when seeing a whole family endorsing the event. True enough, the season is for the entire family especially the children who doubly adore the celebrations, from the extravagant decors to the sumptuous meals and lavish gifts and generosity that exchange among fellowmen.

We never got to see any Olaf mascot during the event but were treated to a special song number presented by some adorable kids who lit up the stage with their winter outfits, plus the confetti and balloon shower during the Christmas Tree lighting added glamour and fun to the activity.

There were also some politicians present at the event including Alfred Vargas representing the fifth district of Quezon City who is also a celebrity doing some movie and TV appearances every once in a while like the "Ang Guro Kong Di Marunong Magbasa" which is scheduled to be shown this December.

Krem-Top Bagong Timpla Songwriting Competition Reveals Top Ten Finalists

Wazzup Pilipinas!
A media launch of the Krem-Top Bagong Timpla Songwriting Competition was held on November 09, 2017 at the Restaurant 9501 located at the 14th floor of ELJ Center building of ABS-CBN in Mother Ignacia corner Sct. Albano Avenue in Quezon City.

The event presented the four Krem-Top barkada - ambassadors Inigo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, Ronnie Alonte and Yassi Pressman, and the top ten finalists (composed of the singer and songwriter) of the songwriting competition based on their songs chosen as the top ten among the many entries submitted to Krem-Top Philippines.

The media were able to ask questions to the four ambassadors and finalists of which video coverage could be found on our YouTube channel. We were also given the first opportunity to vote for our top choice to win and the top 5 to get the chance to perform at the Bagong Timpla concert on December 8, 2017, together with one of the popular bands, Parokya ni Edgar, in the country, including Miles Experience and the Krem-Top Barkada, aside from the other prizes - P50,000 and a music video.

The number of YouTube views will comprise 25% of the criteria for judging for the top 5 finalists, while Facebook shares will be 25% as well. You can also visit Krem-Top Cafés located in different .locations and watch the digital gigs at the soundtrip booths. Take one Krem-Top sample and you'll be given a coaster which you can use to vote. You can also buy Krem-Top packs for more votes.

MRT-3 Train Detachment Incident

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This refers to the unfortunate "train detachment" incident that happened at the MRT-3 Ayala station yesterday, 16 November 2017.

First, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Metro Railway Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) management wish to reiterate that it is desirious of addressing the safety issues of the MRT system.

Upon initial investigation of the unfortunate incident, it was found that the Messma Card of the decoupled Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) #68, the 3rd car in Train No. 5, is missing. The Messma Card functions like a black box that records all applied interventions.

MRT-3 Safety Chief Technician Ruel Jose, who led the initial investigation, said there was no electrical fault, as there was no damage to the mechanical parts of the coupler.

"Imposibleng magkahiwalay ang coupler kung walang human intervention," Jose said.

We ask: What is the motive? Who has the capability of removing the black box? Was this an attempt to cover up a mistake on the operation of Train No. 5? Or was there an effort to sabotage the entire operation?

These questions are being addressed right now through proper and scrupulous investigation.

Meanwhile, in response to calls to temporarily stop the operations of the MRT-3, we want the public to know that the DOTr has been considering this option since the first quarter of this year. But, while the DOTr and Secretary Arthur Tugade are aware of the system's current condition, we must also consider the 500,000 commuters that rely on the MRT-3 system daily.

"Basta sa pagsisikap at kasiguruhan ng technical team na ligtas pa rin ang pagsakay sa MRT, tuloy pa rin ang byahe. Bagamat nandyan pa rin ang option na itigil pansamantala ang operation kung ito na talaga ang nararapat na gawin," DOTr Sec. Tugade said.

The DOTr and the MRT-3 management understand the public's dismay. We hear you. We are not belittling the magnitude of the problem, but, we assure the public that the maintenance team is doing all it can, and working overtime to ensure the safety of the entire system. In fact, since the MRT-3 was put under internal management, fewer unloading incidents have been recorded and more number of trains are being rolled out consistently.

The MRT-3 problem is not easy. We acknowledge that it cannot be solved overnight. But, the government is not giving up. The DOTr will not give up. We will do our best until the Filipino people get the service they deserve.