Will China Telecom Usher in Better Internet?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Filipino people have been paying the most expensive yet the poorest Internet connection.

When Telstra was reported to enter the Philippines as another Internet Service Provider, we thought we'll be getting a better alternative. But it seems it got bought down by the big players.

Now a provider from China is lurking around the corner.

The only good thing about China Telecom joining in our telco competition is that current providers such as PLDT or Smart, Globe, Sky Broadband, etc. will up their game.

Other internet providers from Australia, Japan, etc. have expressed their desire to setup shop here way earlier than this news. Why do you think China Telecom was chosen?

The government should break the monopoly of all utility companies not only on telcos or Internet but on electricity as well. Our people deserve fast, cheap and dependable services.

Many were excited to hear the news that China Telecom was invited by our government to operate as 3rd telco player in our country.

It is interesting to note that China Telecom, the no.1 telco in china, is state-owned. They are using government-owned telco infrastructure.

In the Philippines, we still have to see government investing the same. The ZTE project during Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's term was the one, unfortunately, Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III shelved it most probably due to the issues of corruption surrounding its transactions.

No third player will succeed without the government's investment. That is why Telstra backed out.

"Historically, China Telecom used to be the sole telecommunications service provider in China as the operational arm of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. Through a series of restructurings beginning in 1994, partly triggered by popular dissatisfaction with China Telecom’s services, the Chinese government’s telecoms operations were divided among three state-owned entities: China Unicom, China Mobile and China Telecom."

Honestly, opening more players in the telco industry is a nice move for the general consumers. Hopefully, they can go beyond what our existing telcos have neen forcing on us.

We are already in the digital age that almost everything can be done online yet telcos are suppressing our freedom to fully maximize what we have been paying for.

Another thing which we should consider is that China implements internet censorship. In their country, they had blocked Google, Facebook, YouTube, Yahoo, Twitter, Wikipedia, Instagram, Pinterest, Dropbox, Vimeo, Flickr, Tumblr, WhatsApp, Blogspot, etc. so even if they are ranked higher over us in speed it could be because they don't encounter Internet traffic as we do.

China Telecom could be a poor choice in giving better service to the Philippines.

Mistaken Identity: Innocents Killed by Misinformed Cops

Wazzup Pilipinas!

At least two people were killed and two more are in critical condition after police mistakenly opened fire at a vehicle that was transporting an injured woman to the hospital.

Mandaluyong City Police chief S/Supt. Moises Villaceran revealed the white van, which police shot at because they were told was carrying suspects from a prior shooting, was actually carrying the victim.

The woman was shot in an earlier incident by unknown assailants. Good samaritans came to her rescue and carried her into a vehicle to be taken to the hospital. Police opened fire at the vehicle after barangay watchmen claimed that it was the getaway vehicle of the woman's assailants.

Investigators say the police officers opened fire more than 40 times at the vehicle carrying the seven unarmed civilians. One of the men died on the spot, the woman who was previously injured died after being rushed to the hospital, two more are in critical condition, and the rest have been taken into police custody. Most of the victims were construction workers.



"According to report on GMA 7 morning news program "Unang Balita", victim Jonalyn Ambaan was attempting to intervene in an argument when she was shot and injured by an LPG delivery man in Barangay Addition Hills at 10:20 p.m.

Companions put Ambaan in a vehicle and attempted to rush the shooting victim to hospital.

However, barangay watchmen mistakenly thought that the suspect who shot Ambaan was in the vehicle and was attempting to get away.

Some of the watchmen were allegedly armed and they shot at the vehicle.

Responding police officers, having been told by the watchmen that the vehicle carried an armed suspect, and seeing that the watchmen themselves had opened fire, started shooting."



The Philippines has turned into a wild west cowboy country. The culture of violence is brought to us by the Duterte administration. The policemen are now among the criminals.

You just do not open fire on anybody without confirming their identity first. The 40 shots means intent to murder and not to apprehend or disable.

Dangerous times because of police force that is ill-trained and trigger happy, with no respect to human rights and the process of the rule of law.

And they say the streets are safer. I hope justice is served, it can’t be an “oops sorry” situation where NOBODY is going to be found at fault.

Cusi: Clean Energy Renewable Portfolio Standard Will Not Result in Higher Rates for the Consumers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The pursuit towards clean and renewable energy (RE) will not burden electricity consumers. This is the assurance of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi to the energy family and industry players.

“The RPS for On-Grid rules outlined various safety nets to protect the electricity end-users and to ensure that this new venture will not result in higher electricity rates,” Sec. Cusi pointed out.

“The DOE, after consultations with consumer groups and industry players, clarified this policy and placed the ‘no higher rates’ condition in the Department Circular itself,” Cusi emphasized.

The energy chief said that the DUs and other mandated participants shall undertake a Competitive Selection Process (CSP) in sourcing their compliance to ensure the “no higher rates” policy. Moreover, the DUs have the obligation to look for the optimal supply mix and ensure a level playing field among the power developers. Essentially, all the RE options available (like encouraging Net-Metering installations and implement the Green Energy Option program that empowers a customer to choose RE as part of its supply) should be explored.

According to Sec. Cusi, the requirement to comply with the CSP ensures a transparent mechanism that ascertain least cost procurement of power supply and ensure competition among the players.

Following a laborious technical studies and public consultations since 2011, the Circular on RPS for On-Grid Areas also contains the following safeguards:

1. The RPS for On-Grid areas is initially anchored on the country’s aspirational target of 35% RE share in the energy mix by 2030, which will be reviewed under the forthcoming updating of the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP);

2. The minimum RE sourcing will not be imposed immediately but on the third year (2020) considering 2018 and 2019 as transition years only to prepare the mandated participants in developing their compliance plans to the minimum RPS requirements; and,

3. The RPS also entails the timely and rigorous review and assessment by the DOE through a composite team.

Sec. Cusi recently signed the Department Circular that prescribes the rules and guidelines in the establishment of Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards (RPS) for On-Grid Areas on 22 December 2017. Department Circular No. DC2017-12-0015 mandates distribution utilities (DUs), retail electricity suppliers including those power generation companies serving directly-connection customers to source or produce a certain percentage of their electricity requirements from eligible RE resources.

The Circular provides that eligible RE participants may use the following resources and technologies: biomass, waste-to-energy technology, wind energy, solar energy, run-of-river hydroelectric power systems, impounding hydroelectric power systems, ocean energy, and geothermal energy, among the other systems as defined in the RE Act.

“A regular review process on RPS will be conducted by the DOE to ensure the compliance all the participants to the RPS, determine the impact to the consumers and whether the imposed minimum RE generation requirement should continue or be adjusted upon accordingly.”

Sec. Cusi also stated that a holistic information, education and communication (IEC) campaign and hands-on training will be undertaken to guide the DUs and other relevant stakeholders with an aim to impart various developments in the implementation of the policy and the other pertinent policy issuances of the DOE.

Firecrackers Should Be Banned at Every Celebration

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Philippine National Police (PNP) warns the public about Republic Act 7183: An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers.

The Department of Health (DOH) said this year’s “Oplan: Iwas Paputok” campaign seeks to encourage revelers to just watch fireworks displays in their communities.

We all know that there is no truth to the old superstition that those noisy and damaging firecrackers drive away evil spirits. In fact, they could even invite in nasty limb or life-threatening casualties to put bad luck on your first day of the year.

But knowing some people, there would always be some hard-heads who would still lit a firecracker and endanger not only himself or herself but also others, pets, and even properties.

We should strengthen community awareness on the "Iwas Paputok" campaign this Yuletide Season. Letvus be a role model for our community and encourage firecracker-free celebrations. Of course, this includes the banning of indiscriminate firing usually committed by irresponsible gun owners.

We deserve complete limbs, eyes and other body parts, and our precious life, for ourselves and our families. Let us help in monitoring against possible perpetrators of illegal activities. The government has not been capable of totally eradicating the bad elements of society since our President favors violent means. The undesirable and less diplomatic acts only invite more irregularities especially from China which is the number one source of questionable transactions.

We cannot deny that behind all those cheap products are possible corruption and unfavorable conditions for our Filipino businessmen. We should not let other countries manipulate us. We should lift the lives of our countrymen by advocating the purchase and patronage of Filipino products and services.

Many of the firecrackers, including the "lusis", sold in the country come from China and though it competes with locally manufactured ones, neither of the two sources should be patronized. We do not need to risk lives and property just to end, or start, the year. There are better ways to celebrate that would be more advisable towards achieving a fruitful year ahead.

Thrift-Shopping in Baguio City: Ukay-Ukay or Segunda Mano Fever

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Almost everyone would like to always look their best even after waking up (woke up like this). We love going out in our best OOTD or Outfit Of The Day even if it means spending a fortune.

But in Baguio city, similarly in Metro Manila,there is another attraction that has gained popularity, and it is called bought in UK or Ukay-Ukay, or SM as others would call it, short for Segunda Mano (Second Hand).

They say the best choices are in Baguio especially when it comes to jackets, hoodies and coats fit for the cold season. You'll surely find a wide assortment of previously owned but branded clothes, shoes, bags, jeans, shorts and other stuff that came from many countries.

Who said thrift-shopping is gross? It may be if you fear possible germ infestation (if there is indeed something like it). Though some stuff are still in great condition, and even have tags intact, it is advisable to have them washed before wearing. We couldn't say the items for sale there are hygienic since they've also been passing from one customer to the next, and some may have tried wearing them to see if they fit. Yuck? That is the risk you have to take if you insist on buying cheap pre-owned products.

Ukay-ukay should never be an excuse for splurge shopping. We should just buy when we really need to. It takes a bit more effort but buying less will help us evaluate which clothes have the most versatility.

These items are also useful if you just plan to wear them once or a few times like for an event or costume party, or just for everyday wear at home or Friday (wash day)clothes at work.

Though there have been reports of smuggled ukay-ukay, that is already beyond our control. The government should pursue stricter entry and customs obligations in the country. But since we are a country composed of a multitude ofvislands, there are just several ways of illegal entry especially when they are matched with corrupt individuals aiming to earn extra from the unauthorized transactions.

You can definitely look good already with just a few pesos since prices are way below what you see in malls or even online shopping, and if you seek diligently or come across a fresh batch of clothes, you would surely encounter great finds at very cheap prices.

New Marawi Resettlement Energized

Wazzup Pilipinas!

TASK FORCE KAPATIRAN IN ACTION: Distribution lines and house wirings are installed by linemen of Mindanao electric cooperatives which have been helping the Department of Energy, the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative and the Task Force Bangon Marawi to fast-track the provision of power supply in the newly built Sagonsognan Transitional Shelter Site.



To provide light is to spark hope.

This is the underlying philosophy behind the efforts of the Department of Energy (DOE), through the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO) and other stakeholders, to rush the completion of the installation of power facilities and streetlights at the Sagonsongan Transitional Shelter Site for displaced households in Marawi after the siege.

“I am pleased to announce that we have already energized the newly built transitional shelter in Sagonsongan, creating a symbol of hope for our kababayans who have been heavily affected by the armed conflict in the area,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.

Cusi pointed out that the DOE would extend all necessary support to the people of Marawi so they can recover faster, and help them build better lives after their city was torn apart by the siege.

Overseeing the installation of the power facilities in the area, DOE Assistant Secretary Redentor E. Delola said the energization of the distribution lines and streetlights was fast-tracked by the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative with the help of the other electric cooperatives in Mindanao, the Manila Electric Co. (MERALCO), National Grid Corp. of the Philippines and the National Power Corporation (Napocor) under the Task Force Bangon Marawi.

Delola and DOE Undersecretary Benito L. Ranque are in Marawi to grace the turnover ceremony of the Sagonsongan Transitional Shelter Site to its household beneficiaries.

Last 16 December, the DOE, led by Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella, turned over 400 solar-powered lamps to Task Force Bangon Marawi and 131 solar-powered street lights to LASURECO, which were installed to light the most affected areas.

The solar lamps and streetlights, through the coordination of DOE Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office, were donated by Pepsi Co. and Phinma Corp. and fabricated by the Correctional Institute for Women through the Liter of Light organization. For its logistics, the support came from the Department of National Defense through the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Napocor, MERALCO, Task Force Bangon Marawi and LASURECO.


Other Photos:




LIGHTING MARAWI SHELTERS: Some of the transitional shelters in Sagonsongan, Marawi now with access to electricity as of 26 December 2017. The installation of power lines and meters was facilitated by the Department of Energy and the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative in partnership with other energy stakeholders, including other electric cooperatives in Mindanao, the Manila Electric Co., the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines and the National Power Corporation under Task Force Bangon Marawi.




A SPARK OF HOPE: Linemen and personnel of electric cooperatives demonstrate the bayanihan spirit in completing the installation of commercial street lights at the Sagonsongan Transitional Shelter Site to light up roads at night.

G.SKILL Releases World's Fastest 64GB (4x16GB) SO-DIMM Kit at DDR4-3466MHz CL17-17-17-37

Wazzup Pilipinas!

G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world’s leading manufacturer of extreme performance memory and gaming peripherals, is announcing the world’s fastest performance 64GB DDR4 SO-DIMM memory running at DDR4-3466MHz CL17-17-17-37 at 1.35V with a 4x16GB kit configuration. Constructed with rigorously hand-selected Samsung B-die DDR4 IC components, this new Ripjaws DDR4 SO-DIMM memory kit elevates the computing power of small-form-factor (SFF) PCs to a whole new realm of memory performance, allowing you to design a miniature powerhouse system for virtually any tasks ranging from content creation to gaming.


The Perfect Trio: High Capacity, High Frequency, Low Timings

The need of faster and larger capacity memory kits continue to rise as modern day workloads increases in both capacity and weight. To tackle this need, G.SKILL is expanding the delivery of maximum memory performance across all memory capacities; and by using 16GB SO-DIMM modules, high-end machines and workstation PCs can now be built in the size of a SFF system that can fit into a shoebox. Shown in the following screenshot is the high capacity 64GB SO-DIMM memory kit running at DDR4-3466MHz CL17-17-17-37 and being tested for over 6 hours on the ASRock X299E-ITX/ac mini-ITX motherboard with the Intel® Core™ i9-7900X processor.



The Ultimate Performance

Below is the screenshot of the same DDR4-3466MHz CL17 64GB (4x16GB) SO-DIMM memory kit achieving 95231MB/s read, 94856MB/s write, and 90639MB/s copy on the AIDA64 memory benchmark.



XMP 2.0 Support & Availability

This new ultra-capacity high performance G.SKILL Ripjaws DDR4 SO-DIMM memory kit is equipped with the latest Intel XMP 2.0 technology for easy one-click memory overclocking, and will be available from authorized G.SKILL distribution partners in 2018 Q1.

Implementation of Kerosene and Household LPG Price Freeze Upon Declaration of State of Calamity

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Upon a declaration of a State of Calamity, the Department of Energy (DOE) is implementing a ‘price freeze’ on kerosene and household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

For its implementation, the DOE reminds the public of the following:

1. The price freeze is applicable for 15 days, commencing one day after the declaration;

2. “Household LPG” refers to 11 kilograms and below of LPG in cylinders;

3. Price movements for kerosene are implemented every Tuesday of the week; and,

4. Price movements for LPG are implemented at the beginning of each month.

Through the Oil Industry Management Bureau and its Field Offices, the DOE is closely coordinating with oil industry players in the implementation of the Republic Act (RA) 7581, as amended by RA 10623, which imposes a "price freeze" on these basic energy products being sold in the areas affected by the calamity.

The DOE calls on the public to be vigilant and to report any violation on the price freeze implementation to info@doe.gov.ph or to Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office at tel. no. 479-2900 loc. 329.

DOE Fast-tracking Energy Restoration in Vinta-hit Areas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

After the completion of the power restoration in areas affected by Tropical Depression Urduja at the barangay level on Christmas Day, the Department of Energy (DOE) is now mobilizing all its resources to restore energy in areas affected by tropical storm Vinta.

“Our personnel and staff will continue working during the Christmas break to rehabilitate affected energy facilities, and to coordinate, monitor and report the developments for easy and fast mobilization of assets in places that need assistance,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

“I would like to commend them for braving the storm and sacrificing their holidays just to ensure that energy is safe, accessible and reliable, and it’s no easy task,” he added.

The energy chief urged the public to "ensure safety first amidst all these natural calamities and to report to the nearest authority any problem they may encounter. For energy concerns, they may contact us at 4792900 or email us at info@doe.gov.ph.”
Based on the consolidated report of the DOE and its attached agencies, the National Power Corporation (NPC) stated that there was no damage on all of its energy power plants/lines in areas affected by Vinta.

All compromised transmission facilities were already restored at 2:10 p.m. of 24 December as reported by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

For its part, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) reported that nine (9) electric cooperatives were severely affected by Vinta, resulting in power interruption in some towns in their franchise areas.

Distribution utilities/electric cooperatives and towns still under restoration are the following:

• Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO) – portions of Marawi City, Piagapo, Madalum, Madamba, Ganassi, Pualas, Pagayawan, and Tuburan;

• Surigao del Sur II Electric Cooperative (SURSECO II) –San Miguel, Cagwait, Bayabas, Marigatag and Portions of Tago;

• Davao del Norte (DANECO) - portions of Asuncion and New Corella;

• Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative (LANECO) –portions of Baloi, Matungao, Tubod, and Salvador, Munai, and Tangkal;

• Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (ZANECO) –total blackout

• Zamboanga del Sur II Electric Cooperative (ZAMSURECO II) –Sirawi, Siocon, Baliguian, and Portions of Titay;

• Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO) –portions of Veruela, Bunawan, Loreto, San Luis, La Paz, Talacogon, Sibagat, San Francisco, and Rosario;

• Misamis Oriental-I Rural Electric Service Cooperative (MORESCO I) –Talakag and Portions of Cagayan de Oro City but expected completion by today;

• Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO) –Brooke’s Point, Narra and Aborlan;

For the private distribution utilities, Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC),

Cagayan Electric Power & Light Co., Inc. (CEPALCO) and Iligan Light and Power, Inc., their engineers reported that some households are still without power due to the dampened outlets and wiring caused by the rain and the flood waters.

Flooding, landslides and downed infrastructures like bridges generally make the restoration of the affected power facilities more difficult. Nonetheless, the DOE is targeting its completion within the week.

The DOE also reminded oil industry players to observe the price freeze in areas placed under a state of calamity. The DOE-Oil Industry Management Bureau and DOE- Field Offices, together with the Department of Trade and Industry, are monitoring the prices of household LPG and kerosene in Biliran and Davao.

The Usual MMFF Box Office Favorites Still Favored by Pinoy Moviegoers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Have you been to the movies lately? Specifically for the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2017?

Well, below are the movies showing since December 25, but sadly the same tradional formula for Pinoy movies are getting the bigger share of the audience.

All Of You (Dan Villegas)
Ang Larawan (Loy Arcenas)
Ang Panday (Rodel Nacianceno)
Deadma Walking (Julius Alfonso)
Gandarrapiddo! The Revenger Squad (Joyce Bernal)
Haunted Forest (Ian Loreños)
Meant To Beh (Chris Martinez)
Siargao (Paul Soriano)

As expected, the movies of Vic Sotto and Vice Ganda, all-time favorites of MMFF patrons, are leading in ticket sales.

Movies like Ang Larawan, Siargao and Deadma Walking are reportedly being snubbed in the local cinemas. Some even put two slots for Vice Ganda's movie in SM cinemas.

The play-turned-film and musical has been dropped from almost 30 theaters nationwide, a mere two days into the festival.

This goes to show how much businesses value money more than artistry and culturally significant films.

The movies mentioned should be valued more in the Philippine cinema. Though, the 'expected' frontliners were dominant in movie houses, we must at least learn to appreciate significantly substantial movies. I am just hoping that people see the essence and moral significance of movies rather than supporting senseless ones.

Ang Larawan is the best Filipino-made film I have ever watched based on cinematography, plot, and musical score.

The said movie can be described as being the most different, most unusual of all the 8 finalists that made it into this year's festival roster.

There is no other film in the recent festival that would be able to match its prominence, substance and reputation!

It's such a shame that it had been a tradition for Filipino families to patronize these absurd fantasy movies instead of supporting other entries of the MMFF.

While MMFF continues to reflect being "makamasa," it also proves how low quality Philippine cinema is. The high-caliber, National Artists-decorated Ang Larawan is the best in the biggest Film Fest in the country but we see it being pulled out because MMFF is shamingly commercial.

The Revenger Squad - the shitty, half-assed high school project that aced it because the people who did it are bribing kiss-asses albeit its trashy existence.

Ang Larawan - the fruition of hardwork, zest, creativity, ART & resourcefulness that deserve the victor's spoils.

Below are just four of the many reasons why Ang Larawan should be patronized by movie-goers:

A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino written by National Artist Nick Joaquin

Translated by National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera

Libretto by National Artist Rolando Tinio

Music by Ryan Cayabyab


"So if you want to support what is good, what is quality and worthwhile, let your voice be heard. Fight the good fight with us. CONTRA MUNDUM (Defy the world!) is the battlecry of the lead characters, Candida and Paula. WATCH ANG LARAWAN NOW to keep it alive in the theaters!" - Rachel Alejandro

Please #ShowLarawanSomeLove! Spread the word about #AngLarawan.

http://anglarawan.com
#ShowLarawan
#TeamLarawan
#MMFF2017