Katarina Rodriguez is Miss Intercontinental 2017 First Runner-up

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Philippine representative Katarina Rodriguez made the Philippines proud with her first runner up finish at the Miss Intercontinental pageant held in Hurghada, Egypt on Thursday, January 25 (Manila time).

Katarina wowed the judges with her impressive performance in the swimsuit and evening gown portions. Proving that she has both form and substance, she garnered tremendous applause during the question and answer portion when she said that she was inspired by the Arabic word “meraki” and that the greatest lesson she learned while participating in the pageant was “to do all things with soul, passion and creativity.”

As the top Asian candidate in the competition, Katarina was also named Miss Intercontinental Asia and Oceania. Katarina also placed in the top 3 of the pageant’s online poll.

In a Facebook video posted by Miss Intercontinental, Katarina said, teary-eyed, “Okay lang ito. I miss all of you. I miss my country. It was a tough ride – it was a lot of work, a lot of hours. Mabuhay! Mahal kita!”

Mexico’s Veronica Salas was adjudged Miss Intercontinental 2017. Rounding up the Top 6 were the Netherlands’ Cathelijne Heppenhuis, Brazil’s Amanda Cardoso, Colombia’s Lizeth Villanueva, and online poll winner Lee Su Jin of Korea.

Katarina, whose advocacies include peace and HIV-Aids awareness, duplicated the first runner up finish of 2015 Philippine bet Christi Lynn McGarry. Last year’s representative, Jennifer Hammond, placed in the Top 15.

Katarina, along with the other Binibining Pilipinas 2017 queens, proved the Philippines remains a powerhouse in the pageant world. Nelda Ibe won first runner up in Miss Globe. Elizabeth Clenci placed second runner up in Miss Grand International. Rachel Peters and Chanel Olive Thomas emerged in the Top 10 of Miss Universe and Miss Supranational, respectively.


Photo: Katarina Rodriguez (Photo from Binibining Pilipinas / Raymond Saldaña)

Millions of Girl Scouts to Get Trained on Energy

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) will train some 2.2 million Girl Scouts in the country on E-Safety Mo energy conservation as part of its E-Power Mo EnerKids Program.

DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi and Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) National President Susan Locsin will formalize the educational partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding on 30 January 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the agency's Public Affairs Office, PNOC Building 5, Energy Center, Taguig City.

Under the partnership, the DOE will conduct lectures on basic electricity concepts and energy consumption of various appliances to batches of Girl Scouts nationwide. DOE's E-Power Mo Lecturers will also conduct hands-on experiments for Girl Scouts in the provinces.

Cusi said the DOE hopes to engage the Girl Scouts especially in the elementary level to be active in its EnerKids Program, where students are taught to practice E-Safety Mo energy-saving measures at home as “Energy Cost-Busters.”

The DOE-GSP MOU intends also to encourage Girl Scouts to pursue energy-related careers by stimulating their interests and passion despite the challenges in gender stereotyping.

Cusi has always envisioned the involvement of the youth in programs that put theories into action to build their confidence in facing the technological hurdles of the digitalized economy.

On 8 February 2017, GSP officials visited the Energy Research and Testing Laboratory Services (ERTLS) that provides first-hand knowledge on the testing services being offered by the DOE and the facilities that are covered in the educational tour of students.

During the visit, the GSP officials expressed interest in the information and education campaigns of the DOE, including the E-Power Mo Career Talk, and sent some of their Senior Girl Scouts to join E-Power Mo events held in various public secondary schools.

The MOU provides for the DOE and GSP to organize and conduct educational and training programs geared towards encouraging young girls to take up courses on science, technology and energy; implement other activities that would promote energy conservation and formulate guidelines defining the specific activities, roles and responsibilities of the DOE and the GSP in the implementation of the E-Power Mo Programs.

UP ALCHEMES Proudly Presents ChESSPH 2018

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The most prestigious summit for chemical engineering students.

Step into a new era with ChESSPH 2018

The Chemical Engineering Students Summit Philippines (ChESSPH) is a nationwide event organized by UP ALCHEMES.

ChESSPH has always envisioned being at the forefront of promoting academic welfare and awareness on current scientific advances among chemical engineering students across the country.

Since its humble beginnings in 2008 as a one-day summit, ChESSPH has grown to include various seminars, workshops, and plant tours throughout the course of a three-day event.

In an aim to spur the minds of these aspiring Filipino chemical engineers, professionals of the field are invited to conduct talks and share their experiences, providing the students an extensive view of the field and inspiring them to contribute to the development of chemical engineering in the Philippines.

This year, in an effort to promote sustainable development, ChESSPH is unveiling the newest addition to the sub-event lineup, entitled the Sustainability Design Competition (SDC).

This is an interschool competition wherein the participants must apply their chemical engineering knowledge in creating sustainable solutions for a community problem.

With over 1800 participants since 2012 from NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, last year’s ChESSPH was another success, with the event being named the Outstanding Academic Project of the Year by PIChE-JCL.

Now on its eleventh year, ChESSPH continues to aid chemical engineering students nationwide in preparing for today’s challenges and the future’s possibilities by providing them with a clearer and richer understanding of their chosen course.

ChESSPH 2018 will be held on February 8-10, 2018 at the University of the Philippines - Diliman.

The event is presented to you by Trampoline Park Philippines. Special thanks to Monde Nissin, and The Bamboo Company.

The media sponsors: Inquirer.net, InqPOP!, When In Manila, ClickTheCity, and Wazzup Pilipinas.

How Would Glasses Change Apple's AR?

Wazzup Pilipinas! 

For quite some time now there have been rumors concerning Apple’s interest in providing its legions of customers with augmented reality glasses, or even a headset of some kind. This is one of the few areas of personal tech in which Apple is actually lagging behind to some degree. Both Google and Samsung have already put out VR headsets that are compatible with huge ranges of smartphones. Apple took its own path, making AR its signature with last fall’s iPhone and software updates. 

But it’s sounding more and more like they’re also in the process of designing their own glasses or headsets to make their AR even more engaging. The most recent reports have them meeting with suppliers during CES to talk about AR glasses. 

This presents an interesting question. With Apple having already made its AR apps a hit, what exactly would glasses or goggles change for users? What would be better, or different, about using these and other apps with equipment, rather than just a phone? These are impossible questions to answer definitively at this stage, but there are a few theories that make perfect sense. 


VR Will Arrive
Much has been made of Apple’s decision to forego virtual reality in favor of AR. Tim Cook, the company’s CEO, has actually made a point of expressing this intent, and so far it seems to have worked out quite well. While plenty of companies are dabbling in VR, Apple has managed to stand out with its early forays into AR. Indeed, Google has very similar tech for its mobile devices, yet it’s Apple that’s viewed as leading the way in augmented reality.

It may well have been a brilliant marketing decision, if nothing else, for Apple to bide its time and bank on one rather than the other. However, even if this remains Apple’s stated and apparent intent, glasses would probably change things. VR with nothing but a phone (the way Apple’s AR currently works) just isn’t that compelling. 

With glasses or goggles in play, however, VR experiences will be every bit as possible, and at that point it’s probably out of Apple’s hands. Developers will work on VR experiences for Apple’s equipment to the extent such developments are possible. 

Gaming Will Be More Precise
As wonderful as Apple’s early work in augmented reality has been, there are some aspects of it that are still somewhat inconvenient and imprecise. For example, if you’ve tried one of the dozens of AR games that are already available, you may have noticed that you have to find a perfect surface for your phone to recognize before the game will work, and that even then too much movement can mess with the illusion or disrupt the game. 

With glasses or goggles, surfaces will still matter for AR, but it should be easier to keep games stable and, as a result, to interact with them precisely. Plus, without having to hold your phone still “looking” at the game, you won’t be as rooted to the spot. 

Bigger Games Will Be Possible
As thrilling as it’s been to get to know AR gaming via Apple (and Google) phones, any game that has to be viewed through a phone screen is fundamentally limited. With glasses, even AR can introduce more expansive gaming environments, which opens the door to bigger types of games. 

Imagine for instance some of the strategy/combat games that have emerged, and picture a larger game map that surrounds you completely – it could make games like Civilization or Age Of Empires natural AR adaptations. 

imagine casino games, which thanks to transitions to 3D formats and live gaming options have been knocking on the door of VR and AR for some time already. With glasses, you could see not only a card game or slot machine materialize in front of you, but a whole set of similar games in your immediate surroundings. The examples could go on, but the point is just that glasses will make games bigger immediately. 

Additional Equipment Might Be Required  
As you may well know, headset-based VR equipment tends to require additional material in order to work properly. While there are exceptions, most headsets need either additional sensors or handheld controllers to facilitate games. This may ultimately be true of Apple’s AR glasses as well. 

This is a company that thrives on minimalism and the power of individual devices, so we wouldn’t guess that additional equipment will be fully required from the beginning. However, it’s a good bet that there will be equipment that can be used for certain experiences, available as an option for people who want to get the very most out of the devices. 

How to make visiting the USA your dream trip.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

When talking about creating a dream trip, that you’ll always remember, I am pretty sure that each and every one of us thinks of something slightly different. And why not? I mean we all have different interests and things we enjoy.

And this is exactly what proves that what is the perfect trip for one, might be just a casual visit for someone else. This got me to thinking, what are the things that actually matter when traveling and what should we all keep in mind when visiting such places as the USA.

Well, I think I got the answer, but I have to tell you now, that I am not going to talk about some specific places you should visit or some crazy things you should do. No! What I want to put more emphasis on is what makes your travel possible altogether.

Because at the end of the day, just I said, the thing we want to enjoy and experience are just to different to put together a list that everyone could follow and truly enjoy.

Plus, I know for a fact that there are some things that truly matter when it comes to visiting the USA. Actually, they matter so much that without making them happen, you would never have the chance to visit the USA in the first place.

Get your travel authorization approved

Before you start looking for places to visit and make contacts with hotels about when you want to spend a night at each place, get this thing done. Obtain travel authorization that would allow you to legally travel to the USA.

It seems to be one of those things that everyone is aware of and therefore, there should be no problems with obtaining travel authorization.

Well, the reality is different. There is still a significant number of travelers who have planned out their visit to the USA and are aware of all of the basic things that they need to know. However, all of their plans have to change simply because they forget to get the documents right. And in most cases, we are talking about travel authorization.

So yes, getting your Visa ready might just be the first thing you need to take care of when planning to visit the USA. What you have to keep in mind is that obtaining a Visa could take a lot longer than you have planned. And this is exactly why we constantly remind people, to start off the planning with getting their Visa’s ready.

Not all of you need a Visa

And then there is another interesting thing regarding USA travel authorization, which a lot of people are not aware of.Not everyone who visits the USA needs a Visa. Instead, citizens of one of the Visa Waiver Program countries not to obtain an ESTA.

Why does it matter to you? Well, if you are citizens of any of the VWP countries, your life could get a lot easier when it comes to visiting the US. Simply because ESTA has been designed to improve travel freedom. Which means that you can put more effort into planning your trip, rather than spending your time trying to obtain the regular Visa!

Why does this matter

No matter how well you plan out your trip and no matter the places you include in your trip around the USA, you won't get to enjoy any of that if you get denied entry into the USA.

So there is a good reason to keep these things in mind and follow the changes in laws related to travel authorization.

Basically, obtaining travel authorization and making sure you are holding a valid passport are the first steps to take when you are on your way to enjoying your dream trip over the US.

That is not all

However, if you really want to feel what the USA is all about, there are three directions of choices you have to look at when traveling. And yes, this is where we are actually looking some things you have to do, instead of what you need to take care of. So enjoy.

First of all, you have to visit at least one of the major National Parks in the country. I know, I know it seems like visiting a park is nothing special. But these places are truly spectacular and there is no other place where you will be able to enjoy nature the way you can in National Parks. Do at least one!

After that, visit at least one of the largest cities. There is something about visiting places like New York that makes you look at people and the work that we do differently.

And of course, there is no other place on the face of the earth that is even slightly similar to New York. I know, I said before that we all have different interests, but this experience is worth it for everyone. Believe me.

People all over the world have different stereotypes about Americans. Well, guess what? This is your chance to actually meet them and have a talk with them. This will not only change the way you look at the USA and Americans, but allow you to actually find the best destinations. Because there is no-one else who knows their surroundings as well, as the people who live there.

Last but not least

Make sure you get good travel insurance covering you. Seriously, if anything happens you won't be too happy about the amount of money you have to pay for medical or any other services in the USA. And I am not even kidding!

I mean, you should always have travel insurance when going somewhere. But when it comes to the USA, there is just no way you can travel without it. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you can actually get to the country you want to visit and that you are all ok after the trip is over.

Colors of Love Fun Run on February 18

Wazzup Pilipinas!


STORE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

GARMIN NORTH EDSA ANNEX UG
GARMIN UPTOWN MALL BGC 3F
GARMIN GLORIETTA 5 3F
GARMIN MALL OF ASIA CYBERZONE
GARMIN ALABANG TOWN CENTER 2F

Online Registration is NOW OPEN 💖💖💖
https://reg.goorahna.com/#/event/colors-of-love-2018

Assembly Time: 4:30
3K - Php550.00
5K - Php650.00
10K - Php800.00

Inclusion of Racekits
3K and 5K
- Event Shirt / Race Bib / Medal / Color Powder / shades
10K
- Singlet / Finisher Shirt / Race Bib / Medal /
Color Powder / Shades

For inquiries:
Joey Santos - 09239436564
Jhune Ligtas - 09274795790

#colorsoflove

https://www.facebook.com/events/147279279355915/

PCS HS Family Fun Run Scheduled on February 3

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Family, relatives, friends and PCS Alumni, the Pateros Catholic School  (PCS) Junior High School Family Council are inviting you to please support their first ever Family Fun Run to be held on February 3, 2018.

Proceeds from the PCS Family Run will be used to purchase LED TV’s for all the classrooms and upgrading of CCTV’s.

SCHOOL REGISTRATION IS EXTENDED UP TO JAN. 26, 2018

The following are included in the event:

Zumba
Bubble Show
Magic Show
Face Paint
Inflatables
Special Raffles
Giveaways
Photowall
Photobooth

I graduated from PCS high school, thus it gives me great pleasure to help out in their fund-raising activities. Both the LED TVs and CCTVs would highly benefit the students in their learning and safety. The LED TVs could help teachers with their multimedia presentations to give better learning experience to the students. Whike the CCTVs would provide a valuable assistance in the security and safety of their students.

#pcshsfamilyfunrun2018

Contact person: 09273646311

Philippines Suspends OFWs Deployment in Kuwait

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“One more incident about a woman, a Filipina being raped there, I’m going to stop, I’m going to ban."- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte

And so he did!

On the issue of maids and expatriate labor in Kuwait, the foreign ministry summoned Ambassador of Philippines to Kuwait Renato Pedro Villa, Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Sulaiman Al- Jarallah announced. The Filipino envoy met at the ministry with the assistant foreign minister for consular affairs, who notified the ambassador about Kuwait’s regret and bewilderment towards his president’s decision to suspend the dispatch of workers to Kuwait. Such a stance contradicts the nature of the distinctive ties between the two countries and does not serve their common interests.

The Kuwaiti side noted to the ambassador that freedoms and rights enjoyed by the expatriate communities in the country have contributed to raising the number of Filipino workers to 276,000.

Moreover, the Kuwaiti side expressed readiness to host Filipino diplomats to discuss the conditions of the community and follow up on Filipinos’ problems.

I personally found the statement worthwhile. The president is the head of the state and he is defending the rights of his citizens, and this is a good thing. In fact, this is the normal duty of every president to ensure the safe living conditions of his citizens abroad.

There are about 250,000 Filipinos in Kuwait, according to the Philippine foreign ministry. Filipinos in Kuwait constitute the third largest community in Kuwait, after Indians and Egyptians.

I’m all for the ban but it should depend on the type of work you are going to do. If you're not on expat package, the government should not allow you.

Sounds better than getting beaten and locked up and not getting anything at all. $11 is still higher than the current minimum wage.

Actually, not getting any money while in your country and free is better than being a slave elsewhere.

I'm sure the president of the Philippines took many things in consideration here. I know there are many good Filipino people of honor and integrity that work hard to serve the Kuwaiti people and also send money home to support their families.

We should cry for that Filipina in Kuwait who was most probably murdered after being sexually abused, etc., and worse her body mutilated with her organs collected without her family's consent!

We should not let another Filipino suffer again from abuse and maltreatment that leads to major damage such as trauma, suicidal tendencies or death.

It is better to totally ban the deployment of our domestic worker to Kuwait.

As of now, Kuwait imposed some strict laws against expats including Philippines. Investigation is ongoing but whatever the results, please stop sending household workers in Kuwait until Kuwait employers will surely follow what are stated on the contract with monitoring program from the employment agencies and the government.

I hope that Filipino Nationals in Kuwait will not be adversely affected.

I also hope for the good people of honor and integrity in Kuwait to help enlighten their officials and countrymen. I know that every country has both wonderful kind considerate people, but also people who use and abuse everyone they possibly can.

"I do not want a quarrel with Kuwait. I respect their leaders, but they have to do something about this." -President Rodrigo Roa Duterte

8 Surprising Reasons Music Makes for a Healthier You

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Here’s a guest post from Samantha Griffo, a music and arts and crafts lover at Zingcrafts.com, who is almost as obsessed about music and health as we are!

We’re getting pretty health conscious these days. Smoking rates are down, we look at what we eat more closely and try to exercise. But did you know that just listening to a few songs can also help? Here are 8 surprising reasons music makes for a healthier you.

Natural painkiller
Instead of loading your body up with dozens of different pills to combat every ache and pain you’re experiencing, it turns out just listening to the right kind of music has a pretty powerful impact on your body’s ability to regulate pain sensations.

Supercharged immune system
You know when you see a group of people in a music video or film walking in slow motion with some epic music playing in the background? Well it turns out that just listening to a couple of absolute bangers for an hour has the same effect on you, at least on the inside.

Increased mental fortitude
Depression is one of the most common problems in our society, and it’s not easy to treat. Now, we’re not saying that simply listening to any old bit of music is going to make all of your problems go away, but it turns out that music can help with treating depression. Listening to sad songs won’t help though, instead you’ll have to pick some more positive in tone.

Less stress
You know how some people love to treat themselves to a day at the spa, perhaps with a good massage (not that kind, get your mind out of the gutter,) well it turns out that simply listening to some of your favourite relaxing music is roughly the equivalent of that, with the added bonus that it won’t cost a fortune.

Stay slim
Obesity is something of an epidemic at the moment, and it brings dozens of other problems along for the ride such as increased risk of diabetes, lethargy and lower mood. Listening to music won’t actively make you shed the extra weight, but it will help you to eat less if you have some music in the background whilst you’re dining.

Reduced heart disease risk
Following on from the previous point of problems that come along for the ride with obesity, heart disease is one of them. As luck would have it, a regular dose of music can help you tackle that before it becomes a problem.

Improved cardiovascular function
If you’re looking to exercise more, or just don’t want to feel so out of breath next time you have to run up a few flights of stairs, it’s time to bust out the tunes. Listening to music makes it easier for your body to regulate blood flow and heart rate, resulting in improved performance.

Goodbye insomnia
Have you ever tried pulling an all-nighter and then instantly regretted it the day after? Perhaps you don’t even have a choice in the matter as your brain just will not shut down. Sleep deprivation is extremely bad for your health, both physically and mentally, and it gets worse with each subsequent night of poor or limited sleep. Relaxing instrumental music is actually better than total silence for helping you drift off faster.

All told, it seems like the next time you go to visit your doctor you should ask what album you should listen to rather than which pills you need to take. Of course, these surprising reasons music makes for a healthier you aren’t a substitute for actual medicine, but it’s quite impressive just how much your body can do for itself when it has the right soundtrack.

Requirements for Bloggers Seeking Accreditation by PCOO

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has opened its doors to bloggers who want access to the President's activities. It should now become easier for bloggers to personally witness the events or press conferences of the government, more importantly the ones held at the Malacanang Palace.

We all know that mainstream media has an unfair advantage over bloggers because they have been specially prioritized. However, it has gone to their heads making them too arrogant to the point that they believe they are above everyone else including the government.

As bloggers, our community is glad that the PCOO thinks highly of bloggers as crediblr source of information. They have drafted its social media policy for accrediting bloggers so those interested would finally be at par with mainstream media.
While the PCOO will require social media publishers and users to disseminate its press releases, it will also ask them to “validate the truthfulness of the news content that they generate, publish and share.”

Many bloggers out there have more followers because most of these online influencers do not worry about sponsors or advertisers backing out of their contracts or special arrangements.

If bloggers seek accreditation by the PCOO, here are the requirements that you will need to attach on the application form that you can download at the link below:

https://pcoo.gov.ph/downloads/Application-for-Social-Media-Accreditation.pdf

1. Hard copy (print out) of HomePage of Blogsite for consideration in this application include URL & date retrieved

2. Hard copy of four original postings/content for each month of the preceding six(6) months from application. Copy should indicate URL and date retrieved.

3. Hard copy of Proof of Following URL and date retrieved.

4. Hard Copy of proof of Engagement for each month of 6 months prior to application.(one sample per month include URL)

5. Photocopy of government issued identification, such as but not limited to

6. Passport, Driver's License, Postal Identification, IBP Card, SSS Card and TIN Card (Original to be presented on request)

7. Proof of registration of Alias or Stage name in accordance with REPUBLIC ACT 6085 (Original or Certified True Copy) if using Alias on the Blogsite or Website.

8.Barangay Certification of Residence.

Note: Applications which are approved by the Social Media Office shall still be subject to security cleareance by the Presidential Security Group