Mediatrix of UST Proudly Presents Hexenringe Musical

Wazzup Pilipinas!

On its 21st year, Mediartrix, the university-wide multimedia organization of the
University of Santo Tomas, proudly presents Hexenringe! An original musical production written by Anna Esguerra.

Find out how the fates of your not-so-average student couple, Joshua and Arwen will unfold as they are lured by the Ringmaster in to what would appear to be nothing short of the greatest traveling circus to have ever existed.

Under the direction of John Mark Saga, Lian Karl Castro, and Louise Jen Manalo,
technical direction of Kristine Alexandra Mendez, production design of Jason Clet, and production management of Jenine Alyssa Micu, this musical production will be staged at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium at the University of Santo Tomas.


Show dates are as follows:

January 31 (4pm-6pm & 7pm-9pm), February 1 (6pm-8pm), February 3 (6pm-8pm),
February 5 (6pm-8pm), February 9 (7pm-9pm), and February 10 (6pm-8pm).


For tickets and inquiries, you may contact:

Pamela Recio (09369514821)
John Christian Calungsod (09178604360)
Jenine Alyssa Micu (09298057751)
or visit us at Room 4B, Tan Yan Kee Student Center, University of Santo Tomas.

You may also follow our social media accounts to learn more about Mediartrix and follow our official hashtags to stay updated for Hexenringe:

#HexenringeMDX #MediartrixEntersHexenringe
Facebook: Mediartrix - UST
Twitter: @MediartrixUST
Instagram: @mediartrixust20

See you there and don't get left behind!

Eye-Popping Laptops from Lenovo’s Latest ThinkPad X1 Series

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The ThinkPad X1 family offers the thinnest, lightest, and most elegant products for professional users, providing uncompromised durability, seamless productivity, and a smarter PC experience.

The new X1 Tablet, X1 Carbon, and X1 Yoga all boast ultra-premium designs packed with new state-of-the-art innovations, such as Dolby Vision™ HDR1, for unsurpassed performance, flexibility, and style.


Highlights of the new line-up include:

X1 Carbon and X1 Yoga are the first PCs announced that will support Dolby Vision high dynamic range (HDR) imaging1.

New 13-inch form factor for X1 Tablet with a 3K display that is compatible with HDR2
ThinkShutter physical webcam cover for camera security confidence

Omnipresent Type C charging for cross-platform compatibility

Universal Docking solutions for widespread compatibility and key-lock security

New Far-Field microphones deliver unsurpassed voice capability including hands free Amazon Alexa3

Bloatware free Lenovo “Crystal” Windows 10 software preloads

Near borderless bezels for new 4K UHD ThinkVision X1 Monitor


ThinkPad X1 Tablet Highlights:

Uncompromising PC performance with Intel 8th Gen Intel® Core™ processors and full-function ThinkPad keyboard experience

Enhanced user interaction with new vibrant 13-inch HDR Ready2 3K display and Lenovo Pen Pro

Legendary ThinkPad durability with Mil-Spec testing and robust security with IR Camera and Fingerprint Reader in combination with Windows Hello


ThinkPad X1 Carbon and X1 Yoga Highlights:

World’s first laptops announced to support Dolby Vision HDR1 and an exceptionally bright display supporting up to 500 NITS peak brightness

The new 360o Far-Field Communication microphones support Wake on Voice function and hands-free Amazon Alexa3

Replace camera-covering sticky notes with ThinkShutter Camera Privacy physical webcam cover

Glance eye tracking with IR camera offers heightened productivity and security

X1 Carbon remains the world lightest 14-inch commercial laptop4 with a virtually unbreakable chassis built using advanced carbon fiber composite

X1 Yoga is the world’s only convertible with integrated pen and Global LTE-A capability5


New State-of-the-Art Innovations:


Dolby Vision HDR

The X1 Carbon and X1 Yoga are available with a stunning new display boasting 100 percent Adobe RGB color gamut and support up to 500 NITS peak brightness, which offers an unbelievable viewing experience. Both devices will support Dolby Vision pending a future software update, a superior HDR experience developed by Dolby. 

Leveraging the HDR innovation that powers Dolby’s most advanced cinemas around the world, Dolby Vision transforms entertainment experiences by delivering greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors.

Dolby’s deep expertise in bringing advanced technologies from the cinema to the home and on the go, has led to distinct features that enable Dolby Vision to deliver extraordinary viewing experiences to consumers on Lenovo PCs.

In addition, a multi-touch option is now available on the X1 Carbon, the world’s lightest 14” commercial laptop4.


ThinkPad X1 Carbon with Dolby Vision HDR

ThinkShutter Camera Privacy:

One of our customers’ top concerns is webcam privacy and the fear of being “spied upon” through unauthorized control of their webcam.  That’s why we designed the new ThinkShutter Camera Privacy on X1 Carbon and X1 Yoga to address this pain point. It functions as a physical webcam cover, so no more sticky-notes.

World Class Docking Solutions:

ThinkPad X1 Carbon supports the most extensive docking portfolio in the industry, including a new side mechanical dock using standard USB-C connectors giving maximum flexibility and keylock security to the user.  Customers can also opt for alternative docking solutions including USB-C and Thunderbolt™ 3. Our extensively tested portfolio offers simple home, hot-desk or huddle room docking flexibility. Users will get quick access to remote resources, high-speed Input/Output and dual 4K display capability, all while their ThinkPad battery continues to be charged.

Amazon Alexa Enabled3:

With Amazon Alexa on the new X1 series you can play music, get news, control your smart home or shop just using your voice. Alexa is always getting smarter, delivering new capabilities automatically. Using Alexa on the new X1 series is simple and hands free – just ask, and Alexa will respond instantly.


Lenovo Crystal Image:

Crystal Image is an enhanced, minimal-profile software preload based on the highly praised Microsoft Signature image.  ThinkPad Crystal Image streamlines and reduces the number of preloaded Apps, lays the foundation to support the future of customer deployment and imaging via Microsoft AutoPilot.


ThinkPad X1 Series in Detail:

ThinkPad X1 Tablet: Reengineered for Premium Mobility

The redesigned 3rd generation ThinkPad X1 Tablet brings full PC performance and function into an all new detachable form factor powered by Intel 8th Gen Intel® Core™ processors. A new vibrant 13-inch 3K display compatible with HDR2, an improved full-function ThinkPad keyboard experience and optional global LTE-A connectivity offer uncompromised productivity and mobility. 

We designed the ThinkPad X1 Tablet to withstand nearly any work environment with MIL-SPEC testing for ruggedness and durability. Understanding that the desk may not be the digital professional’s everyday work space, X1 Tablet supports natural interactions with a new pen, facial recognition via IR camera and all-day battery life6.  The optional Lenovo Pen Pro supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and provides a natural and responsive writing experience with tilt-to-shade function and up to 26 days of battery life on a full charge.

ThinkPad X1 Tablet features a new 3K 13-inch display

ThinkPad X1 Carbon 6th Gen: The World’s Lightest 14-Inch Business Laptop4
Tested to survive water, extreme heat and ice7, the latest ThinkPad X1 Carbon merges beauty and legendary durability to create a laptop packed with distinctive engineering. New USB-C mechanical side docking make office connectivity a breeze and your productivity soars with Glance eye tracking as you navigate around your multi-monitor configuration, if you can tear your eyes away from the stunning premium Dolby Vision capable Display. The new microphones with 360o Far Field Communication can reach you up to four meters away, so voice control and web calls remain productive while multi-tasking. And remember to slide across the ThinkShutter if camera privacy is a major concern.

When you leave the office, it gets even better. Global LTE-A wireless connectivity option keeps you in touch virtually everywhere and up to 15 hours of battery life6 will keep you powered throughout the day. With the Rapid Charge battery, a brief one-hour charge adds up to 12 more hours of productivity if you really need it. Laptops are at their most vulnerable on the road, but anti-spoofing fingerprint reader and facial recognition will keep out unwanted users, and provide simple authentication with Windows Hello.

If you want touch display on the thinnest commercial laptop, we now offer FHD touch on the X1 Carbon without any thickness or weight impact. 


ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the world’s lightest 14-inch business laptop at 2.49 pounds4

ThinkPad X1 Yoga 3rd Gen: The Most Capable Professional 2-in-1
The X1 Yoga, known for its unique retractable keyboard and integrated ThinkPad Pen Pro, takes the innovative capabilities of the X1 Carbon and places them in a convertible form. This means multi-mode enthusiasts can get 8th Gen Intel® Core™ processors and the all-new Premium Dolby Vision capable display in a flexible form-factor. The new 360o Far-Field Communication microphones support Wake on Voice function and offer superior audio and video conferencing. And the ThinkShutter Camera Privacy securely covers the webcam – a simple solution, but quite an engineering feat in such a thin package.

Stay agile and connected on the road with Global LTE-A wireless and rest assured that 12 Mil-Spec tests and more than 200 quality checks means the X1 Yoga is built to survive daily business battles. Facial recognition (with the optional IR camera) and fingerprint reader will ensure your data is protected, even if the worst was to happen.

The ThinkPad X1 Yoga adds an all-new level of professional capability to the convertible market

Complementary Accessory Eco-System
The ThinkPad X1 series comes with an extensive list of optional accessories to enhance the user experience and flexibility at work or home. From new docking options to carry cases and privacy filters, we have an option to match virtually every requirement.

For example, augment your home office environment with the new ThinkVision X1 monitor. The updated 27-inch UHD display features one of the world’s slimmest profiles at just 4.7mm and four-side near borderless bezels. The ThinkVision X1 is not just about appearance though. The Thunderbolt™ 3 port offers a true one-cable solution for this display that boasts more than 99 percent sRGB 10-bit color gamut to produce images that are bright and vivid. The webcam features a unique “Motor-Camera” system with dual-array microphones that automatically raises and lowers when the user needs it.

Pricing and Availability:

All Lenovo products will be available on www.lenovo.com.

ThinkPad X1 Carbon 6th Gen will be available from January 2018, starting at $1,709 (USD)

ThinkPad X1 Yoga 3rd Gen will be available from January 2018, starting at $1,889

ThinkPad X1 Tablet 3rd Gen will be available from March 2018, starting at $1,599

ThinkVision X1 monitor will be available from January 2018, starting price coming soon

Specs for the ThinkPad X1 Carbon 6th Gen can be found at http://bit.ly/2EPBVp6

Specs for the ThinkPad X1 Yoga 3rd Gen can be found at http://bit.ly/2lPAazS

Specs for the ThinkPad X1 Tablet 3rd Gen can be found at http://bit.ly/2lNaAw7

Specs for the ThinkVision X1 display can be found at http://bit.ly/2CBugMU

More details on the ThinkPad 2018 portfolio and new side docking solution can be found here: http://lnv.gy/2CxXOep

Full 2018 CES press kit at http://news.lenovo.com/CES2018
Discover more at www.lenovo.com/ces.
Intel Inside®. Extraordinary Performance Outside.

1 Dolby Vision will be enabled a future software update

2 HDR support expected in future builds of Windows 10

3 Amazon Alexa will be coming to ThinkPad X1 Series in the US during the first half of 2018

4 Based on 14-inch business-class laptops from vendors shipping more than 1 million units annually, as of 01/08/18

5 Based on convertible laptops from vendors shipping more than 1 million units annually, as of 01/08/18

6 Measured using BAPCo MobileMark 14

7 ThinkPad X1 Carbon passes MIL-STED 810G tests including operating temperatures up to 43 degrees C and down to -21 degrees C. The keyboard spill tray is designed to cope with up to 500ml of liquid.

Harnessing the Full Potential of Social Media for Business - Tips You Cannot Ignore

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Today Messenger apps are quite popular in the world. Studies have shown that nearly 60% users have seen an increase in their business in the past few years because of their using messaging services for their business. Almost 50% people said they preferred to message a business center rather than call them. More than 45% people felt they would prefer to, instead, shop with businesses which allowed messaging services. In this article, you will learn about ways in which you can use Facebook messenger app for your business and generate good revenues.


1. Present your contents

The easiest and simplest way you can deliver your contents to your followers is via email. However, research has shown that using messenger is a more advantageous alternative. You can skip sending your readers to fill out the form and instead directly give them access to your content via messages. Readers will appreciate this because they will feel they do not have to spend their valuable time in filling out forms. Using this strategy will give you more clicks and views, studies had shown that an increase of over 200% in view rates and 600 % click rates are registered when customers received contents directly via messengers. So if you use this tip, you are likely to get more people to see your content, which will generate in creating more subscribers and consequently more revenues.


2. It is free

Messenger is a free app, and it will continue to remain free regardless of the fact how many messages get sent. It is also easy because it creates a direct communication between your business and the reader. You can use chatbots to send your messages. Remember to give an element of personal touch to the messages you send.


3. Give your followers relevant content

You can use messenger to help followers get content that is relevant to them; this will generate in your followers getting more interest in your messages because they will know that contents sent by you are useful to them. Messenger chatbots are quite efficient in helping followers find those articles which they have interests in and would love to read. This is very helpful for your content marketing as it will provide non-intrusive ways for you to present relevant and personalized contents to your followers.


4. Engage your participants in events

You can send your followers important information regarding events which they have signed up to. You can engage them in debates and competitions and memes. This practice will generate an element of interaction between you and your audience. The target here is to make your messages feel interesting to the reader so that would look forward to them. This will also allow them to share exciting contents which will help you in getting more exposure to other people and thus you will get more followers.


5. Promote your business through personal messages

Understand what your followers need and send them personalized messages about how you can provide the products or services which would serve them well. Generate trust between your company and your followers.

Conclusion
Messenger for marketing via social media is an upcoming concept and with proper techniques and patience, you can use it to great advantage to boost your business.

Data Recovery — Should You Attempt DIY or Call an Expert for the Job?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

You never know when your hard drive can crash, and in the process, you lose sensitive data that is important for your company. You will panic as the downtime will cost your company dear, and you will try to attempt to recover the data on your own. If you are sound in IT skills you can be a success, however, if you are not adept at IT skills, make the smart choice and call in professionals for the task.


3 Reasons not to recover lost data yourself

In a bid to save time and money, it is apparent that you will make the desperate attempt to recover the lost data on your own. Chances are you will damage the situation further. The following are the key reasons why you should not attempt to recover data on your own-

Permanent loss of data – You never know when you can permanently lose data and cause severe damage to your company. Be wise and call in licensed professionals that have experience and skills in the task.

More costs – Yes, in case you damage the situation further, you would need to incur more costs to repair the problem, and there is no guarantee that you will receive your data back.

A loss to the company- If you lose sensitive data and information, this will be a loss to your company, and you might even lose customers. There have been instances where companies have lost loyal customers in the process of making personal attempts to get the lost data themselves.


Reasons to call in experts for your data recovery needs

The following are the top reasons as to why you should call in experts for the need-

Experience – As mentioned above experience matters. Ask them to look into the problem and take the appropriate steps. They will identify loopholes and counsel you accordingly.

Skills - These professionals have the skills that are needed for data recovery and so big or small- no project is hard for them. They focus on data recovery, and this is why they can be relied upon when it comes to getting data recovery services for emergencies and your general needs.

Licensed – They have licensed professionals, and so you know your systems are in safe hands.

Privacy – It is crucial for you to retain the confidentiality and the privacy of your company while professionals are working on data recovery services. You will have peace of mind as company data, and vital information will never leak out

Safety – You need professionals that will work safely and ensure you get the best for your individual needs. They will guide and counsel you on the measures that you must take for data recovery services. They will submit reports and help you resolve concerns and problems as well.

Ask for price quotes and compare prices
Data recovery Philadelphia experts say you should shortlist the names of the data recovery services in your area and compare their services along with price quotes. Some companies give you free estimates, and with them, you can get a general idea about the nature of the services they provide if there are cases of data recovery of lost or corrupt data in your company.

Check the after - service support
After service support is an important criterion that you should check on when you are going in for data recovery services. This support might cost you money, but at the same time, it will help you get the peace of mind when you need to call these professionals again for data recovery immediately after their primary service.

Call professionals and speak to them
Check the attitude and the friendliness of the professionals that are making data recovery for you. Ask them questions and see how they respond to your queries. They should be patient and have the enthusiasm to answer all your queries and concerns successfully.

Bank on reputed professionals only
Credibility has a value and so ensure that the experts you call for data recovery have integrity and goodwill in the market. You must research well and check proven track records so that you can be reassured when they step in to manage your data recovery needs. Read customer testimonials and check on what their ratings are. Read honest reviews and always speak to the professionals for any clarifications you might have.

Therefore, from the above, it is evident that you should always call in professionals over trying to recover lost data on your own from the hard drive. Once you have managed to rely on a good data recovery company, you can save their number and call them over every time you need help when your drive crashes, and you have lost your data!

Author Bio:
Sujain Thomas is a data recovery manager with https://americantechpros.com/, and she says take time and research well when you are looking for competent data recovery professionals for your company needs.

SAGC Speech During Signing Ceremony: Donation of E-Trikes For Marawi City

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Below is the speech of Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi during the signing ceremony of the donation of E-Trikes for Marawi City in Mindanao:

"Task Force Bangon Marawi Chairman and concurrent HUDCC Chief Eduardo Del Rosario, Partners and friends, good morning.

Welcome to the ceremonial signing for the donation of E-Trikes for Marawi city. Today’s event is a significant step in our persistent efforts to rebuild Marawi.

Under president Rodrigo R. Duterte’s directive not just to rebuild, but to rebuild better, the department of energy is among the many government agencies working very hard with Task Force Bangon Marawi for this tremendous cause.

Providing our brothers and sisters in Marawi with E-Trikes is not only about providing them with an energy-efficient mode of transporation. These E-Trikes also represent a means to support their livelihood and jumpstart increased economic activity in the area.

To further enhance the benefits of these E-Trikes, the doe, together with our stakeholders in Mindanao, is expediting the establishment of charging stations to maintain and increase the durability of these energy efficient vehicles.

I commend the Task Force Bangon Marawi, our colleagues in the government, members of the energy family, as well as our electric cooperatives, particuarly Lasureco, in all your efforts to ensure the speedy re-energization of the city.

Our dear partners for change, we assure you that we will not rest until Marawi returns to the beautiful and culturally rich city it truly is. Maraming salamat po at magandang umaga po uli sa ating lahat."

Sec. Alfonso G. Cusi
DOE Media Center
12 January 2018

DOE Donates 200 E-Trikes to Marawi

Wazzup Pilipinas!

E-TRIKES for MARAWI: Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi driving an energy efficient Electric Tricycle, one of the 200 E-Trikes donated by the DOE to Marawi through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding today Friday at the Energy Center in BGC, Taguig City.

The Department of Energy (DOE) donated 200 units of energy efficient electric tricycles to the local government units (LGUs) of Marawi as part of its efforts to help rebuild the city.

The donation was made through Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the turnover of the E-Trikes.

The MOU between Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi and TFBM Chairperson and HUDCC Secretary Eduardo D. Del Rosario was signed today, Friday, January 12 at the DOE Headquarters witnessed by local government unit (LGU) of Marawi and other DOE officials.



The vehicles are expected to help those affected by the siege for their livelihood and daily movement from point to point.

The E-Trikes donation comes as Marawi City is undergoing rebuilding after the end of a five-month take-over by terrorists that resulted to more than P17 billion in property damage and opportunities lost.

“Under President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s directive to rebuild, the DOE is among the many government agencies working very hard with Task Force Bangon Marawi for this tremendous cause,” said Cusi.



According to Cusi, the rehabilitation for Marawi aims to develop sustainable and equitable resettlement areas for the affected population of the siege.

Cusi said, “More than having an energy-efficient mode of transportation, the DOE E-Trikes for Marawi will provide livelihood to its beneficiaries and jumpstart economic activities in the area.”

The DOE E-Trikes are alternative transportations that are safe, comfortable with relatively reduced noise and environment-friendly compared to other common tricycles.

Local commuters can use the E-Trikes for their daily trips to and from relocation sites, schools, health centers, markets, places of worship and other destinations.

The E-Trikes can be charged at home through common electrical outlets.

The DOE, with the help of the stakeholders in Marawi/Mindanao, is also expediting the establishment of charging stations to maintain and increase durability of these energy efficient vehicles.

Cusi assured that “the DOE will continue to uphold its mandate in providing secure, reliable and sustainable energy to spur sustained growth with inclusivity.”

The signing ceremony was attended by the DOE family and representatives from the TFBM, National Economic Development Authority, LGU of Marawi led by City Mayor Majul Gandamra, Officials of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), Asian Development Bank, and members of the media.

The DOE is the implementing agency of the Market Transformation through the Introduction of Energy-Efficient Electric Vehicles Project otherwise known as the Electric Vehicle Project and is in the process of deploying the same.

TFBM, which was established under Administrative Order (AO) No. 3 issued by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on June 28, 2017, is a group of different government agencies tasked to facilitate the rehabilitation, recovery and reconstruction of Marawi City.

The mandate of the Task Force is to develop and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery program based on a post-conflict needs assessment.

DepEd Advances Indigenous Peoples Education Through Committed, Sustained Dialogue with IP Communities

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones reaffirmed the Department of Education’s (DepEd) commitment to further strengthen the Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) Program through continuous consultations with IP elders, leaders, and community representatives during the 2017 National Indigenous Peoples Education Gathering on January 10 in Davao City.

The Gathering commemorated 10 years of meaningful dialogue between DepEd and IP communities all over the country that led to the birth of various policy issuances that provide appropriate directions for IPEd Program implementing regions and divisions, so that initiatives are responsive to the aspirations and educational needs of IP learners.

A prayer-blessing also opened the second decade of dialogue, with community elders and leaders expressing their hopes for a deepening relationship between IP communities and DepEd, and praying for the guidance and well-being of all those involved in implementing the IPEd Program.

In her keynote message, Briones highlighted specific education concerns that have direct bearing on IP learners and communities and the implementation of an education that is geared toward a more quality, accessible, relevant, and liberating basic education for all.

She underscored the importance of environmental protection in the curriculum as one way to contribute in keeping IP learners and communities safe, as their identity, culture, and livelihood are shaped by the natural environment surrounding their communities.

“So kailangan talaga, tayo na umaasa sa natural environment, dapat tayo ang mangunguna sa pag-protect nito… I-protect ang ating livelihood dahil ang katutubo, hindi lang nagpuputol ng kahoy, hindi ba? Pinapalitan iyan dahil alam naman natin na iyon ang nagshe-shelter sa atin, ” Briones said.

She called on DepEd to be a champion of the environment as this is a concern of all, not only of IP communities.

The Education chief also mentioned the significance of utilizing technology in ensuring that the cultures of various IP communities in the country are nurtured and protected: “Kailangan gamitin natin ang technology para ipalaganap ang ating kultura, pamamaraan, at pamumuhay.”

Briones committed that as DepEd continues its efforts to enhance the curriculum, concerns of IP learners and communities will be included. “Marami pang pagbabago ang gagawin natin sa curriculum, pero ang importante, hindi natin iiwan ang mga katutubo.”

Furthermore, she conveyed her message not just for IP learners but to all Filipino learners, "You have to be brave, you should be courageous, you should not be afraid even as you know that the world is changing and by the time that you graduate, it will change even more.”

Also present at the event were Undersecretaries Alberto Muyot, Jesus Mateo, Lorna Dino, Alain Del Pascua, Annalyn Sevilla, and Victoria Catibog; Assistant Secretaries Revsee Escobedo and Josephine Maribojoc; and former Education Secretaries Jesli Lapus and Mona Valisno.


Notable milestones

As of 2016, the IPEd Program has reached 16 regions, 31 cities, and 80 provinces; established mechanisms for engagement and partnership with 170 Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) in 290 communities nationwide; developed more than 500 contextualized lesson plans in collaboration with 60 ICCs located in over 200 communities nationwide; and conducted basic training on IPEd and the use of contextualized lesson plans to 2,718 schools serving IP learners.

The IPEd Program is also working on the development of the basic requirements —orthography, dictionary, grammar book, and reading materials—to implement the Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) with 65 ICCs.

In support of the program, DepEd continuously crafts policies based on community feedback through consultations and relevant studies that will address the education concerns of IP communities. Concerns addressed by policies formulated in the five years of IPEd Program implementation include the recognition of non-profit private schools serving IP learners, cultural sensitivity in dealing with aspects of IP culture, curriculum contextualization, and hiring of teachers for schools implementing IPEd, among others.

With the opening of the second decade of dialogue, future directions include institutionalizing the mechanisms of dialogue towards effective curriculum contextualization and program implementation, strengthening and expanding school level implementation of the IPEd Program, and systematizing the delivery of DepEd services—both formal and ALS—in far-flung IP communities, among others.

AFPI: New P5 coin will be accepted at LRT / MRT Ticket Vending Machines by March

Wazzup Pilipinas!

AF Payments Inc. (AFPI), the company behind the Automated Fare Collection System beep™ and the supplier of the self-service Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) in LRT1, LRT2 and MRT, has begun the calibration needed for TVMs to accept the new five peso coins released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) late last year.

The calibration work will be conducted in Germany where the supplier of the coin acceptor unit used in the machines is based. AFPI’s partner in Germany is one of the leading suppliers of vending machine coin acceptors in the world.

Taking into consideration any unforeseen delays in the process, the new coins are expected to be usable at all TVMs across the three elevated railways (LRT 1, LRT 2, and MRT 3) this March.

“For the protection of our consumers and the train operators we serve, we only work with experienced and reputable suppliers who have the capability to perform this type of sensitive system upgrade” said Agnes Padilla, spokesperson for AF Payments, Inc.

In the meantime, AFPI advises the commuting public to double-check their five peso coins before inserting them into the TVMs to avoid any inconvenience. It also reminds passengers that they can opt to buy Single Journey Tickets and even replace their new coins for old ones at the station tellers.

Lastly, the company reminds the public that they can purchase and reload the tap-and-go beep™ cards at FamilyMart, Circle K, SM Bill Pay, Robinsons Business Center and Bayad Center outlets as well as at the stations.

DepEd Receives Training Course Manual for Child Protection Specialists

Wazzup Pilipinas!
As part of its continuing efforts to promote the Child Protection Policy, the Department of Education (DepEd) received 1,500 copies of the manual entitled “Breaking the Chain of Violence Against Children: A Specialized Training Course for DepEd Child Protection Specialists” from Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation on January 9.

The donated training course manuals will be given to all the trained and designated child protection specialists (CPS) of DepEd, and will be used by the participants of the second level training, to help them gain expertise on providing technical advice and referring child protection cases, advocating for the protection of children, and disseminating information to their respective schools and offices.
On behalf of the Department, Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Alberto Muyot received the manuals officially turned over by Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation’s Managing Director, Atty. Carmela Andal-Castro.

In his foreword message for the manual, Muyot expressed the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment for learners; “DepEd recognizes that for a teaching-learning environment to be truly beneficial and meaningful for learners, it should promote all their rights, especially their right to be protected from all forms of abuse.”

Castro also expressed her hopes that the publication of the CPS training manual would help teachers, school officials, and even parents combat abuse, neglect, and exploitation of learners.
The training course manual contains the training program, materials for the training modules, and the references used such as the DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012 or the DepEd Child Protection Policy and the Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

Pursuant to Department Order No. 131, s. 2016, and to further boost the implementation of its policies on child protection, DepEd shall train and designate CPS who will provide technical guidance to the schools and their respective schools divisions on complex or serious cases of child abuse brought to their attention, and recommend actions to address the same based on existing Child Protection-related laws and pertinent DepEd issuances.

The CPS shall also assist in referring cases to concerned government, non-government, or other agencies for appropriate interventions or further case management.
There are two levels of training for CPS: (1) National Training of Trainers on Child Protection; and (2) Child Protection Specialist Training.

To date, there are 290 trained and designated CPSs in Regions 1, 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 6, 7, 8, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and National Capital Region (NCR). There will be additional three batches for the Second Level Training in February and March, with participants from Regions 2, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13.

“We hope that this training course can adequately address the needs of our child protection specialists. It is our goal to train individuals to be knowledgeable on the holistic approaches to child protection,” Muyot concluded.


Photo caption: DepEd Undersecretary Alberto Muyot receives 1,500 copies of training course manuals for Child Protection Specialists (CPS) donated by Consuelo Zobel Alger

Celine Dion Announce Live 2018 Tour to Play in Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Tickets Go On Sale To The Public Beginning 18 January 2018

World-renowned singer Celine Dion has announced she will head overseas this summer with her highly anticipated LIVE 2018 Tour to perform in seven cities across the Asia-Pacific region. Scheduled to kick-off 26 June in Tokyo, the CELINE DION LIVE 2018 Tour will see Celine return to cities she hasn’t performed in for ten years, including Tokyo and Macao, and cities she will perform in for the first time ever, including Singapore, Jakarta, Taipei, Manila and Bangkok.

Tickets for CELINE DION LIVE 2018 in Manila will go on sale to the public beginning 18 January at 10 a.m. Members of TeamCeline will have access to purchase tickets before the public through an advance pre-sale from 16 January to 17 January. The tour is produced by AEG Presents and co-produced by Ovation Productions in Manila.

Tickets for CELINE DION LIVE 2018 Tour in Manila will go on-sale to the public beginning 18 January.

For tickets and information visit celinedion.com and smtickets.com.



CELINE DION LIVE 2018 Tour Dates:

26 June
Tokyo
Tokyo Dome

29 June
Macao
Cotai Arena at The Venetian Macao
3 July
Singapore
Marina Bay Sands Grand Ballroom

4 July
Singapore
Marina Bay Sands Grand Ballroom

7 July
Jakarta
Sentul International Convention Center

11 July
Taipei
Taipei Arena

13 July
Taipei
Taipei Arena

19 July
Manila
Mall of Asia Arena

23 July
Bangkok
Impact Arena

One of the most immediately recognized, widely respected and successful performers in pop music history, Celine Dion has sold almost 250 million albums during her over 30-year career. She has earned five Grammy Awards, two Academy Awards and seven American Music Awards.

In 2004, Celine received the Diamond award at the World Music Awards recognizing her status as the best-selling female artist of all time. In 2016, the Billboard Music Awards presented her with the lifetime achievement Icon Award.

Celine continues to break records with her ongoing Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace which has played over 1,000 shows to more than four million fans.