Shangri-La Plaza Welcomes Man’s Best Friends to a One-day Only Pooch Party

Wazzup Pilipinas!

To ring in the Year of the Dog, Shangri-La Plaza opens its doors to everyone’s canine best friends in a special One-Day-Only fun-filled party. Mall guests can bring their pooch over on February 16 during mall hours. Just show proof of an anti-rabies vaccination to the guard upon entrance and keep dogs leashed at all times.

Then, the first 88 participants who register from February 8 to 16 at Bow & Wow, located at Level 6 of the Main Wing, can join Shang’s Pooch Pawty happening on February 16 from 3PM to 6PM at the East Atrium. Be sure to bring a copy of your pet’s photo and a current anti-rabies vaccination record upon registration.

Shang’s Pooch Pawty is organized by the Philippine Canine Club Inc. and pet store Bow & Wow, with activities and prizes that both pet owners and their lovable pups can enjoy.  Paw-ticipants can look forward to activity booths like a Pampering Station for a brushing and an aroma spray, a Grub Station for dog food sampling, Photo Booth, and Selling Station for Bow & Wow products; plus, freebies like Doggie Treats, doggie pee pads, , and Doggie Food Bowl. Dog owners can enjoy their welcome drinks by Bo’s Coffee while their pets try out the Agility Course Free Play, catch an amazing dog tricks show, participate in a fashion show where pets can strut their stuff, and get a chance to win awesome prizes from Shangri-La Plaza.

It’s bound to be a doggone wonderful day for mall guests and their beloved pets at Shangri-La Plaza on February 16.

For inquiries, call 370-2597 or 98 or visit www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial. Follow the Shang on Instagram: @shangrilaplazaofficial.

Dusit International Now Accepts Alipay at its Hotels and Resorts in Thailand

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Now offering more convenience for Chinese travellers

Dusit International, one of Thailand’s foremost hotel and property development companies, has rolled out Alipay at its hotels and resorts in Thailand to cater to Chinese travellers who prefer to make quick and secure payments via mobile.

With over 520 million users and counting, China-based Alipay is one of the world’s largest mobile payment platforms which allows its users to pay for goods and services by scanning QR codes on their smartphones or tablets. Its presence is ubiquitous in Chinese cities, where mobile payments are fast becoming a way of life.

Dusit International already accepts Alipay at all of its hotels and resorts in China. Alongside Thailand, it also plans to roll out the system at its international properties soon.

“The Chinese market is a key segment for our hotels in Thailand, so it is important our properties are equipped to meet the needs of those who prefer to pay via mobile, now the method of choice in China,” said Mr Lim Boon Kwee, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “Alipay can certainly enrich and enhance the guest experience for all our Chinese travellers.”

Dusit Hotels & Resorts in Thailand now accept Alipay at their restaurants, spas, participating outlets, and for hotel rooms upon check-out. The properties also accept China’s other major mobile wallet, WeChat Pay.

Dusit properties in Thailand include Dusit Thani Bangkok, Dusit Thani Hua Hin, Dusit Thani Pattaya, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Dusit Thani Beach Resort Krabi, dusitD2 Chiang Mai, dusitD2 Khao Yai, Dusit Princess Srinakarin Bangkok, and Dusit Princess Chiang Mai.

Alipay is operated by Ant Financial, an affiliate of Alibaba Group Holding Limited, a Chinese multinational e-commerce, retail, and technology conglomerate which is one of the top 10 most valuable companies in the world.

Universal Records Signs 17-Year -Old Singer-Songwriter Paolo Sandejas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Paolo Sandejas, son of TV personality Christine Jacob-Sandejas, has signed a record deal with Universal Records. At just 17 years old, Paolo is one of the youngest artists currently signed to the label. The contract signing was held at the Universal Records office in Quezon City. Present during the signing are Universal Records General Manager Kathleen Dy Go, Operations Manager Peter Chan, Head of OPM Production Ito Rapadas, Momager Christine Jacob-Sandejasand Paolo.

Paolo Sandejas said: "I feel truly humbled to be part of the Universal Records family. They are the home to so many amazing artists that I admire.” He now joins Gary Valenciano, Christian Bautista, Noel Cabangon, The CompanY, Parokya ni Edgar, Gloc-9, Sponge Cola, Aiza Seguerra, Claudia Barretto, Donny Pangilinan, Shanti Dope, Julie Anne San Jose and Elmo Magalona, in the elite roster of Universal Records’ prime artists.

Paolo is currently preparing to record his original songs and is set to release his debut single in April 2018. Follow him on Instagram @paolosandejasand Twitter @paolo_sandejas.

Here's How You Can Have the Perfect Horseback Safari with Your Family and Kids

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Family safaris should be fun and trouble-free for everyone. The USA has several outback trails, safaris in national parks and reserves. When there are kids involved, you need to spend a little more time planning the safaris. Camping and bonfires in the wild take significantly more preparing irrespective of the destination when children are part of the group.

So here are five tips you need to remember to make the safari and trip enjoyable for all:
Pick the spot in an informed way
Don't pick a safari by browsing through trail pictures. Even the most beautiful trails can have significant threats for kids.

Although safaris in the USA do not pose as many risks as tropical safaris, there are factors you need to be aware of. Read up on local flora and fauna. Find out the prevalence of mosquitoes, midges, ticks, poison-ivies, giardia, yellow fever, and ciguatera before you start planning your trip. Talk to the pediatrician about vaccines, preventive medication, and skin-friendly insect repellents as per necezssities.

Talk to the kids

Kids might become excited thinking about watching animals from up close and riding horses but talk to them about the exhaustion, challenges of riding at a stretch and living outdoors for at least a night. Watching trotting horses on the Fair Grounds Race Trackis a lot different from riding them. Horseback safaris are a lot harder for kids if they have never seen a horse up close or ridden one. Get them to practice grounds several times before you hit the trail.


Find lodging that’s kid-friendly

Kids are energetic, creative, imaginative and they need to be comfortable after a day's trip. Children need comfortable accommodations to enjoy safaris just as much as you would. Pick hotels and lodges that have children's play areas, activity centers, and sitters, in case your child does not want to go on safari with the adults. Many hotels have ongoing kid's clubs that can keep your child engaged throughout the day.


Pick child-friendly activities

Specific activities including long treks during the safari, multi-day outdoor camping and canoeing might not be kid-friendly. Unless your child has been training for such activities for years, it is better to omit them and go for simpler activities like short trail safaris, car safaris, outdoor fishing, parent-kid campfires in the evenings. Many travel centers and outdoor activity booking agencies have kid-friendly options you can ask for.


Pack smart, pack light

While packing your bags always include a first-aid kit, snacks, energy bars and ORS. Children can be very fussy about packing, and that can be challenging during safaris. The most natural solution is to pack for your kids like the way you usually pack for yourself. Always let them carry their own stuff (or at least a part of it) during the travel to the lodge. On the safari, only allow them to carry the essentials and carry a little bit of backup in your backpack too.

Most lodges that house safari enthusiasts usually have necessary first-aid and are happy to cater as per dietary restrictions (including allergies). Intimate them a couple of days in advance about your allergies and food preferences. Keeping these five simple tips in mind will help you and your family enjoy a safari equally.

Author Bio :

Silvia Watson  is a freelance content writer. She has written many good and informative articles on different categories such as technology, health, fashion, education, career, travel etc. She is a featured author at various authoritative blogs in the health and fitness industry and currently associated as a blogger with https://www.tvg.com/

DOTr Steps Up Efforts to Comply With Anti-Red Tape Act

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In the spirit of transparency, good governance, and continuing commitment to provide timely and quality service to the public, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), under the leadership of Secretary Arthur Tugade, has stepped up initiatives to comply with the provisions of Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 (ARTA).

In a report to Civil Service Commission (CSC) Anti-Red Tape Task Force, the DOTr reported the various efforts and reforms being instituted to ensure that procurement procedures, transactions, and other frontline services are fulfilled in a manner that is efficient, timely, and corruption-free.

“We should not make the public wait. What we can solve at our level, we solve at our level. Wala na dapat pasa-pasa. Ayoko ng may mga natutulog na papel,” said Secretary Tugade.

The transportation chief is known to leave the office late, as he pays unscheduled visits to the offices of department heads to check whether there are papers or requests that are not being acted upon.

Speedy resolution of requests

The DOTr has activated its digital media and public assistance arm to receive and resolve complaints from the public. Complaints received through the DOTr’s digital platforms are forwarded immediately to concerned attached agencies. The DOTr Facebook Page has over 170,000 followers, from only around 20,000 in mid-2016, and responds to hundreds of inquiries, concerns, and complaints daily.

The DOTr was also recognized as one of the top performing departments/national agencies during the first year of implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) portal. As of today, the DOTr has received 218 requests for information (208 requests resolved), making it among the most requested agencies in the portal. The DOTr was hailed fully compliant with EO No. 2 or the implementation of FOI in the executive branch, and was also recognized for being the first government agency to enroll all its attached agencies and offices into the FOI portal.

The DOTr’s Action Center continues to receive, process, and resolve complaints and reports from the public via the agency’s Hotline 7890. 

Transparency in procurement

The DOTr, through its Communication’s Office, has started live streaming bidding and procurement processes for the agency’s projects. From 29 May 2017 to 8 December 2017, a total of 42 livestreaming posts had been streamed on DOTr’s official Facebook page.  These posts consisted of 98 projects: pre-bidding (48 projects) and opening of bids (50 projects).

The DOTr Internal Audit Office (IAO) also reported that the Department has displayed tarpaulins showing procedures for procurement of infrastructure projects. These tarpaulins, which also showed DOTr’s and prospective bidders’ responsibilities with timelines, were posted on conspicuous areas of the agency premises. 

Undersecretary for Administration and Finance Garry De Guzman also issued a memorandum, instructing all officials of the DOTr and other attached agencies to ensure that contracts and transactions with suppliers and external parties are paid within 15 days. He also issued a memorandum ordering them submit a status report of action taken regarding the processing of request from the public within 15 working days through the IAO.  

Public information and awareness

Several features on the DOTr’s official website (www.dotr.gov.ph) aim to inform and promote transparency.  These include the Build, Build, Build infrastructure program of the Duterte administration, the FOI manual and request form, Transparency Seal, an ARTA section showing steps on procurement and infrastructure, online complaint forms, Citizen Charter, operations report of the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (i-ACT), and other announcements.

Further, the DOTr continued with the distribution of fans, bumper stickers, bookmarks with anti-red tap messages and phone numbers of the agency and its attached agencies to stakeholders, clients, and the public.  Public assistance desks and suggestion boxes were also set up, while the public is encouraged to answer customer feedback and survey forms. 

The DOTr also continues to monitor its frontline agencies and offices such as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Land Transportation Office with regard to the implementation of their respective ARTA programs and activities. 

DTI Reviews Philippine National Standard on Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS)
undertakes review of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) 49:2002, Steel bars for concrete reinforcement – Specification (PNS 49:2002) through the BPS Technical
Committee on Steel (BPS/TC 11) Sub-Committee on Steel for Long Products (SC 01).

The PNS 49:2002 specifies the requirements for deformed steel bars for concrete
reinforcement. It applies to steel bars manufactured from prime billets or ingots,
supplied as rolled or hot-rolled with subsequent quenching and self-tempering.

DTI-BPS Director Engr. James E. Empeño emphasizes, “The BPS periodically reviews
a PNS to ensure that the standard remains relevant and useful to its consumers. The
urgent review of PNS 49 is necessary to consider global developments and
subsequently assist the Philippine government, industry, and, consumers.”

The revision of PNS 49 began on August 2017 and is expected to be finished within the year, depending on issues that will be raised and decided by the TC. The BPS
Technical Committee will conduct its third meeting on 25 January 2018 to discuss the
provisions on sampling procedures and alignment of the standard to the recent National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP).

Conforming to the BPS Directives in developing, reviewing and promulgating a PNS, the BPS TC 11 is composed of representatives from the academe, trade and industry, consumers, professional association/s, research institution/s, government agencies, and, testing Institution/s.

As the National Standards Body of the Philippines, the Bureau of Philippine Standards is tasked to develop/adopt, promulgate, implement and promote Philippine National Standards mandated by the Republic Act (RA) 4109 Series of 1964.

For more information on the review of PNS 49:2002, send an email to bps@dti.gov.ph.

Yugto Theater Ensemble Proudly Presents Dating Stranger

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Love is like a loop, even tangled chances… This is for us to decipher."

This love month, Yugto Theater Ensemble's (YTE) latest offering entitled "DATING STRANGER" will be joining Fringe Manila 2018 in celebration of the national arts month. “Dating Stranger” is a twin bill production in collaboration with Mapua Tekno Teatro (MT2). The twin bill production's title can be read in two ways, in english as “Dating a stranger” and in filipino tag-lish “’Dating’ stranger” meaning “Formerly a stranger”. This production showcases, MT2 Dramafest17’s multi-awarded play “Date”, and YTE’s “Hello Stranger”. This twinbill production aims to showcase the complexity of love in two different scenarios. It shows two different perspective depicting how and why people choose to stay or to let go. Everything still boils down to love. 

Here are the synopsis of the said performances:

Mapua Tekno Teatro’s “Date” Written by Jean Gladys Vicente | Directed by Anggoy Jalla

"February 14 is definitely a remarkable date for Jen and Jed. They first met in a restaurant during Valentines day and their anniversary also falls on that date. It has been their tradition, more like a ritual frankly, to celebrate their “First-Day-of- Meeting” Valentines day/anniversary in the only restaurant that they love. For the third time, they will eat and reminisce their memories. For the second time, some-one is not making new memories. For the first time, someone will stop—maybe."

Yugto Theater Ensemble’s “Hello Stranger” Written by Julio Garcia | Directed by Antonio Luis Mercado

"Two old friends, Tupe and Pat, attends a ‘love mixer’ event. During the event, the two shared laughter about their memories. They had drinks and played games facilitated by the event’s host. As the event progressed though, little by little, their past mistakes unravels that will prompt them to suddenly decide whether they should stay as friends or just be strangers."

DATING STRANGER shall have its run on February 14, & 15 10:30am & 3:00pm at Mapua University (Muralla St., Intramuros, Manila City) and February 23, 24, & 25, 7:30pm at Dulo MNL (4992 P. Guanzon St. Poblacion, Makati City)

Tickets are priced at Three Hundred and Fifty Pesos (Php350.00)

For more information and details visit our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/yugto.yugto and our event page: https://goo.gl/NsQ9Qv

For tickets reservations, show-buying and sponsorship inquiries, contact Ren Ren Billiones (+63 977 841 6940) or e-mail yugto.theater.ensemble@gmail.com

You can also purchase tickets for our Dulo MNL shows at https://www.ticketworld.com.ph

Gateway Cineplex Lets Couples Celebrate Love with Fun and Games

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Araneta Center, Gateway Cineplex and Ali Mall Cineplex are giving couples 18 years old and above a thrilling chance to “Celebrate Love with Fun and Games” at the Gateway Activity Center this February 10, Saturday, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Planning on surprising your loved one with a movie treat and a fancy dinner this Valentine’s Day? Why don’t you make things more exciting and work—or should we say, play—together to score that romantic deal for free?

Araneta Center, Gateway Cineplex and Ali Mall Cineplex are giving couples 18 years old and above a thrilling chance to “Celebrate Love with Fun and Games” at the Gateway Activity Center this February 10, Saturday, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Couples will have to participate in five games that are custom-made to test their coordination, cooperation and willingness to go the extra mile for the amazing prizes in store. These games are cake-eating contest, kiss off game, egg game, newspaper dance and perfect match. Who said Valentine’s Day celebrations always have to be the usual? These games will definitely spice things up for participating pairs.

The winning couple will win hotel accommodation at Novotel Manila Araneta Center for Valentine’s Day, movie passes that can be used in both Gateway and Ali Mall Cineplex, dinner date at iHOP and Max’s Restaurant, and organic skin care products and fragrances from New Looks.

The Gateway Cineplex and the Ali Mall Cineplex are the first and only real Cineplex in the Philippines. They offer an unforgettable viewing experience to moviegoers with their large screens, incredible sound system, imported seats and wall-to-wall carpets.

“Celebrate Love with Fun and Games” is only the first of many other activities lined up in Araneta Center’s celebration of the love month. For more updates, visit www.aranetacenter.net.

The Flying Circus Aerosuperbatics WingWalkers at #PIHABF22

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Wingwalking is a stunt done up in the air on top of a plane but it has never been done on Philippine soil, errr air, yet. But now we recently witnessed a jaw-dropping display of acrobatic manoeuvres from these team of stunt men and pilots at the 22nd Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta #PIHABF22!

We've seen a female celebrity connected with a popular TV station tried itbout herself even days before the actual event scheduled from February 8 to 11, 2018 so we are extremely envious of her very special opportunity. But Gretchen Ho claimed it hurt her a bit though it was surely all worth it because noone else is probably as lucky as her.

The Flying Circus Aerosuperbatics WingWalkers, the world's only aerobatic formation wing walking team, performed manoeuvres like loops, rolls, stall turns and even inverted flight for the first time in the Philippine skies!

Pilots Martyn Carrington and Dave Barrell are well-trained based on their performance on the first day of the event. But our hearts also go for the ones who walked on the wings of the plane.

Well not literally walking, but they seem warriors up there on top of their flying machines ready to rage war against the enemies.

According to their official Facebook page, WingWalking always requires a high level of health and fitness. Diet plays an important role in this process. So I could imagine the need to be physically fit, but also the courage to withstand the fury of the wind smashing on to your face, plus the adrenaline within you either spiking, or you could just faint from the fear, when the plane twists or turns. Ciuld you even raise a foot or two? I know you'll be tightly strapped in safety but your nerves should be as tough as steel to even try it.

Requirements to those who wants to fly with them:

*Minimum passenger age 18 years
*Height limit 6'1"
*Weight limit 85kgs

Gretchen Ho is an athlete all her life so she is fit and fab enough to manage such a feat. However, I don't think somebody with my weight and body shape could even allow the plane to get off land.

Congratulations, WingWalkers! You are a great addition to the #PIHABF22 event dubbed as the Weekend Where Everything Flies!

Visit www.aerosuperbatics.com/beawingwalker for more detailed information on their wingwalking experiences.


Photography by Collin Yap

DOE, IAEA Discuss Technical Cooperation on Nuclear Energy

Wazzup Pilipinas!

NUCLEAR ENERGY MEET: Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi (R) discusses the nuclear energy option with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Yukiya Amano (L). The high-level meeting included topics on human resource development, nuclear safety, legal and regulatory framework, international standards, cooperation with international community, stakeholders involvement and challenges which includes the closure on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant issue. This came as the Philippines plans to establish the option on the safe, secure and peaceful utilization of nuclear energy. Also in the photo along with Secretary Cusi and IAEA Dir. Gen. Amano are (R-L) is Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO) Chairperson and DOE Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos, Undersecretary Benito L. Ranque, NEPIO Vice Chairperson and DOE Assistant Secretary Gerardo D. Erguiza Jr and former Ambassador Maria Zenaida Angara Collinson.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi and the officials of the Department of Energy met with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headed by its Director General, Yukiya Amano, during the courtesy call on 8 February at the Department of Energy in Taguig City.

Cusi said the bilateral meeting "comes at an opportune time as the DOE will submit its recommendations to President Rodrigo Duterte on the country’s position on the civilian use of nuclear technology following a series of technical cooperation with IAEA.”

“Based on the technical assessment, the use of nuclear technologies, including nuclear energy, is seen as a long-term energy option for the country. The possible inclusion of nuclear power in the current energy mix is consistent with the national policy towards a technology-neutral energy sector,” Cusi pointed out.

HIGH LEVEL DISCUSSION ON NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Yukiya Amano and Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi meet to discuss the safe, secure and peaceful utilization of nuclear energy on Thursday (8 February) at the DOE Conference Room.

The DOE’s recommendations on the country’s national position included the results of the energy planning studies implemented under  IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Projects, namely: PHI 2011 Assessing the Development of a Nuclear Power  Program in the Philippines for ‎2016-2017 and PHI ‎2016 003 Development of Nuclear Infrastructure in the Philippines, Phase II  for ‎2018-2019.

The meeting also discussed the scope of IAEA’s work and its role in assisting member-states in attaining the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the use of nuclear science technology for socio-economic development in the country.

Aside from the on-going technical cooperation, the DOE presented its activities concerning the crafting of a national position. The report touched on the possible cooperation in other areas, such as human resource development, nuclear safety, legal and regulatory framework, international standards, cooperation with international community, stakeholders involvement and challenges which includes the closure on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant issue.

In addressing the queries on the other uses of nuclear technology, IAEA Director General Amano discussed the wide ranging applications of nuclear science in the areas of health and medicine, agriculture, water treatment and sanitation and the environment. He categorically stated that the commitments made in COP 21 may not be achieved without the use of nuclear technology.

IAEA took the opportunity to invite the Philippines in the upcoming Nuclear Science Applications Ministerial Conference which will be held in the 3rd quarter of the year. He also announced that a Nuclear Energy and Climate Change Conference will be one of the side events in the next UNFCCC Conference.

In order to address the inclusive participation of the Filipino youth, Sec. Cusi requested the IAEA to assist the Philippines in providing nuclear courses and trainings for PH schools on nuclear science for energy, medicine, agriculture, environment and climate change.

The meeting was organized by Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO) Chairperson and Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos. Officials from the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), National Power Corporation, and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Ambassador Cleofe Natividad and former Ambassador Zenaida Collinson also took part in the meeting.