Pinoy Boyband Superstar Finalist Mark Oblea Releases Debut Single Langit Pag Nandiyab Under Universal Records

Wazzup Pilipinas!

A Pinoy Boyband Superstar finalist is ready to make his mark into the OPM scene with the release of his debut single 'Langit Pag Nandiyan'.

23-year-old singer-songwriter Mark Oblea was first discovered in the hit reality singing competition Pinoy Band Superstar (the show originally aired in 2016), in which he made it as one of the Top 7 finalists.

Though he did not win the competition, Mark, with his penchant for writing his own songs and playing guitar, still decided to pursue his music career.

Having signed a recording deal with Universal Records in December 2017, Mark is now set to release his first single entitled 'Langit Pag Nandiyan.' The song was written by Gracenote lead vocalist Eunice Jorge, and produced by hit-making producer Ito Rapadas. Talking about the meaning behind the song, Mark says "The song is about honoring someone [special in your life]. It can be a song for a friend, a loved one, a relative, or [anyone who's always there to support you despite different setbacks and challenges.] At the same time, it is also a personal anthem for all the people who've been a part of my journey to pursue my dreams"

With his rugged good looks, charm, and musical talent, Mark is bound to win the hearts of many fans worldwide.

Mark is also slated to sing the theme song ‘Fiona’ for an upcoming indie film “Bakwit Boys,” produced by T-Rex Productions. Next on his list is his debut EP, which feature songs written by Mark himself.

Langit Pag Nandiyan is now available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon under Universal Records.

Follow Mark on Twitter @iammarkoblea, Instagram @markoblea, and Facebook

at https://www.facebook.com/MarkObleaOfficialPage/

The Philippines Showcases 7,641 Islands in Tourism Expo at Grand Central Terminal, NYC

Wazzup Pilipinas!

New York’s iconic Grand Central Terminal will provide the backdrop to showcase the 7,641 islands that make up the Philippines, which is promoting its vacation destinations.  With a launch by Philippine Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo, the Explore Islands Philippines runs from Wednesday, May 9, through Saturday, May 12.   

On May 9, Explore Islands Philippines kicks off at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony graced by Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia. Secretary Teo will be joined by Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Teodoro Locsin Jr., President of the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board Cesar Montano, as well as other high-ranking officials from New York State and the Philippines.

Speakers from the Philippine Tourism will talk on May 9-10 about various tourism initiatives including beautiful destinations, students and millennial tours, diving tourism, cuisine, retirement, as well as Philippine arts, culture, and history.  The flagship carrier of the Philippines, Philippine Airlines, will also give a special presentation.

Explore Islands Philippines will celebrate arts and culture in the final two days, May 11-12, showcasing artists and artisans from the United States and the Philippines.  Day 3’s program will include presentations from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Parangal Dance Company, Philippine martial artists, weavers, artisans, and fashion designers. 

The expo is free to the public and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The event’s venue, Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall can be easily accessed by the Pershing Square, 42nd Street entrance. Grand Central can be reached by all major subways (4, 5, 6, 7 as well as the S train).

Explore Islands Philippines is presented by JS Productions, the Philippine Department of Tourism, and the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board.

For more information, visit: ExploreIslandsPhilippines.com.

Video trailer: https://youtu.be/4flBvmpolXE

DOTr, AFP Sign Agreement to Give Free MRT rides to All Active Military Personnel

Wazzup Pilipinas!

ADOTr, AFP Sign Agreement to Give Free MRT rides to All Active Military Personnel s a token of gratitude and gesture of appreciation, all active military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are now entitled to free rides at the MRT-3.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed today by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), MRT-3 Management, and the AFP to give free rides to all active military personnel for an entire year starting today, April 25. They may avail of the free ride upon showing their AFP identification cards that will serve as their access pass.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said the free train ride is a way of recognizing the sacrifices of our military.

“Simple as it may seem, this offer of respect, this offer of gratitude, comes from the bottom of our hearts. Idol namin kayo. Mahal namin kayo. Kung meron kaming isang maliit na bagay na mabibigay sa inyo, gaya ng libreng sakay at libreng pamasahe, ibibigay namin sa inyo ‘yan dahil kinikilala namin ang inyong katungkulan, kinikilala namin ang inyong pagmamahal sa bayan,” said Tugade.

In return, the AFP will be providing the DOTr-MRT-3 media mileage through its Civil Service Relations-AFP (CRS-AFP) office, as well as ambulance and medical teams for assistance during emergency and crisis situations upon advance coordination and when available.

During the ceremony, Secretary Tugade also said that all active military personnel can use all airport lounges throughout the country free of charge.

“Nagbigay po ako ng instruksyon last year na kung saan all enlisted personnel are entitled to the free use of all lounges in the Republic of the Philippines. Sapagkat ang ating mga sundalo, pag kayo ay bumabyahe, bitbit niyo yung katungkulan kung saan kaya niyong i-atang ang inyong buhay. Dapat lang naman buksan namin ang aming mga airport lounges para sa inyo,” Tugade added.

Secretary Tugade, DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan, MRT-3 General Manager Rodolfo Garcia, and CRSAFP Commander and Brig. Gen. Bienvenido Datuin, Jr. signed the MOA. The agreement was noted by Batan and AFP Chief of Staff Carlito Galvez, Jr. and approved by Secretary Tugade and Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. 

Last year, a MOA was also approved and signed between the AFP and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), granting all uniformed personnel free rides until December 2018 at the LRT-2 as a gesture of appreciation for the soldiers who risked their lives during the Marawi City siege.

McKinley Kyle Paz: Stamps His Class in Australian ARRC Leg

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Yamaha Motor Philippines is currently competing in the Asia Road Race Championship (ARRC), a continental championship competition of the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme). The Australian leg recently wrapped up with 17-year-old wonder boy McKinley Kyle Paz holding his own against the best riders in Asia.

His first time on the Bend Motorsports Park during practice session allowed Kyle to show his skills by recording the fastest time on the track (2:18.93). In the qualifiers he placed 4th on the grid, and finished 6th overall for his first race. The 2nd race was where he pulled out all the stops to with an outstanding 2nd place finish for the Yamaha Maju Motor Asia Team. He rode the Sniper 150 which is a blur on any road with its speed and precision. Its reputation of being the best in its class in starting and passing acceleration was clearly seen in this competition. Kyle’s performance was powered by UMA Racing parts and Racing Boy.

Now considered as a worthy adversary by his fellow competitors, the full potential of this teenage sensation will continue to be realized as the competition goes on. He will suit up for the next round of the ARRC in Japan on June 1-3 at the Suzuka Racing Circuit. They will compete using the YZF-R25, part of the performance packed lineup of the R-Series masterfully crafted for racing. For that battle he will be joined by veteran stalwart, “The Chairman” Masato Fernando.

Experience an Action-Packed Day with AXN RED Summer 2018

Wazzup Pilipinas!

SURF. SEA. SAND. That’s what summer is made of. But throw AXN into the mix, and prepare for a thrilling summer! AXN turns up the heat with an all-day action-packed event as it kicks off its summer campaign in the surfing capital of the north in AXN RED Summer 2018 on Saturday, April 28, at 8am in San Juan, La Union.

AXN dares its participants to push themselves to the limit with both physical and mental activities in AXN RED Summer Challenge. It’s an obstacle course that requires speed, wit, and endurance that is sure to give the participants an adrenaline rush. It’s perfect for the avid AXN fans who can’t get enough of all the thrill and excitement that its shows have come to offer.

The top three male and top three female challengers will win cash and exciting prizes from AXN and our sponsors!

Play and enjoy the booths from AXN’s sister channels’ Sony Channel, Animax and GEM.

Listen to music from Dayaw, and Nathan & Mercury.

Get active and enjoy the summer, only with AXN.

The Business of Football - Philippines Set for May 18 at New World Hotel in Makati

Wazzup Pilipinas!

AFC, La Liga and Dentsu headlining the first 1-Day Football Business Conference in the Philippines

Riding on the heels of the historic Asian Cup 2019 qualification the Philippine Men’s National Team, more popularly known as The Azkals, the Philippines is set as the perfect venue for the upcoming “The Business of Football - Philippines” one-day Conference. 

The event is organized by MMC Sportz Asia, best known for delivering the high-caliber annual SPIA Asia - Asia’s Sports Industry Awards & Conference (www.spiaasia.com), recognizing and celebrating Asia’s top achievers within the sports industry.

“The Business of Football – Philippines,” sanctioned by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), is the first of its kind to take place in the country on 18 May 2018, from 10am to 5pm, at the New World Hotel Makati.

The one-day Summit will bring together all the key stakeholders of the football community in the Philippines from the rights holders, football clubs, agencies, brands, media, retail, real estate, and of course, the fans.  The overall objective is to educate and to discuss the current state of football in the Philippines, with the goal of being able to determine the strategy to make it the biggest spectator sport in the country.

“There is so much un-tapped potential in the football-business in the Philippines, that we felt like it is time to bring all the key stakeholders together in one room, and to discuss the state of the game, and how we can develop the sport in the Philippines,” states Eric M. Gottschalk, CEO of MMC Sportz Asia Inc., the organizer of the conference.

“The inauguration of the professional football league in 2017 and the recent international successes of both the men’s and the women’s national football teams should be a springboard for the sport to finally take off in a basketball dominated country.  But we noticed that the key stakeholders are still adapting a “wait-and-see” approach.” continues Gottschalk, “private investment is needed in sports infrastructure, retailers need to offer a wider range of equipment options to the participants, and the media needs to make football a regular news feature.  We are proud to launch this first get-together of the “Who is Who” in Philippines football with the overall aim to listen and learn about the vision for football in the country from a professional point of view, delivered by our partners from the AFC, PFF, PFL, La Liga, and supported by research and analytics from Dentsu, and SMG Insight.  We are excited to bring this event to Manila, and hoping for it to impact the development of football in the Philippines, and for it to become a regular feature on the annual sports events calendar.”

Philippine Azkals Team Manager Dan Palami says, "The Business of Football - Philippines, is timely, since it gathers all the relevant stakeholders in Philippine football in one venue.  It is high time we get our act together, and elevate the level of the sport, in time for the upcoming Asian Cup 2019.  Wherein the country, and the Philippine Azkals will have the opportunity to make a mark, and create history in the international football scene."

The conference will cover topics such as Football in South East Asia, State of Football in the Philippines, Why Brands Should Get Involved, Developing Football in Asia, Asian Cup 2019, Youth Academies, among others.

The event will also feature a Job Fair, wherein participants can explore careers in football, learn from industry leaders, and get to network with key executives in the industry.

Confirmed speakers include AFC Director Member Association Development Mr. Stuart Larman, La Liga Managing Director for SEA, Mr. Ivan Codina, Men’s National Team Manager Mr. Dan Palami, Men’s National Team Head Coach Mr. Thomas Dooley, Philippines Football League CEO Mr. Lazarus Jansen Xavier,  MMC Sportz Marketing CEO Mr. Eric M. Gottschalk, SMG Insight Managing Director Mr. Frank Saez, and PFF General Secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes, among many others.

Organized by MMC Sportz Asia, the event is sanctioned by the Asia Football Confederation (AFC) and the Philippines Football Federation (PFF) and sponsored by La Liga, Dentsu, SMG Insight, RSportz and Platinumlist.

Delegate passes are available online at Platinumlist (The Business of Football - Philippines) and priced at P2,750 for regular delegates and P1,500 for the student pass.


For more information, please visit: The Business of Football - Philippines

Foundation for Media Alternatives Revisits Comelec Breach of 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With two years already having elapsed since the Philippines’ biggest government data breach grabbed hold of global headlines, non-government organization, Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA),has released a briefing paper providing a summarized account of the events surrounding the infamous hacking incident.The document proposes some major takeaways and action points, both on the part of government and the private sector.

When news of the so-called “Comeleak” first broke out, the ensuing public panic was exacerbated by wildly conflicting accounts from the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the hacker groups claiming responsibility for the incident (i.e., Anonymous Philippines and LulzSec Pilipinas), and law enforcement authorities. It would take a months-long investigation carried out by the then newly-minted National Privacy Commission (NPC) before some degree of clarity was achieved, through the agency’s December 2016 Decision, and the brief Preliminary Report it issued a few months prior.

If one recalls, the NPC found the Comelec and its then-Chairman, Andres Bautista, both liable for violating a number of provisions of the country’s Data Privacy Act (DPA). It went so far as to recommend to the Department of Justice the filing of criminal charges against Bautista, whilemaking no other findings of liability on the part of the other respondents initially named in the case.

With the case now pending before the appellate court, the world has since bore witness to a number of other election- or voter-related data crises. Mexico and the U.S., for instance, suffered even bigger information leaks just weeks after the incident. Then just these past month, thisFacebook-Cambridge Analytica controversy has highlighted anew the extent by which misuse of data—even as innocuous as that shared via online quizzes—can threaten the very foundations of a democratic society.

In its paper, FMA looks back at that historic moment before suggesting to the various stakeholders some steps it deems necessary to prevent similar privacy breaches in the future, namely:

•        All Filipinos need to take data privacy seriously.
•     The NPC must be competent (from the Commission proper down to its operations staff), well-resourced, and independent.
•        Additional data protection policies must be developed to help government agencies and the private sector comply with the DPA.
•        State capacity in other areas (e.g., cybersecurity, cybercrime investigations, etc.) should also improve.
•        Extreme caution should be observed when dealing with data-intensive systems.
•        Civil society must continue advocating for privacy and data protection measures in government and the private sector.

These measures become even more relevant today as the Philippines prepares for another set of elections.

BDO Leasing, First Privately-owned Financial Institution to Finance Modern Jeeps

Wazzup Pilipinas!

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'ModernJeepneys' coming soon in streets near you.

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State-of-the-art jeepneys will soon ply the Metro Manila route—and eventually the rest of the country—with BDO Leasing and Finance, Inc. (BDOLF) at the driver's seat of this trailblazing milestone.

A subsidiary of BDO Unibank that caters to the leasing and financing market, BDOLF became the first privately-owned financial institution in the country to enter into a loan agreement to finance modern public utility jeepneys (PUJs), in connection with the jeepney modernization program of the government. As of now, Landbank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines are the only two banks that have allocated funding specifically for the jeepney modernization program.

Under this program, the government plans to replace all old PUJs aged 15 years or older with environment-friendly jeepneys that have safety features to promote safer and more environment-friendly transport options. Based on an initial study done by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), around 180,000 jeepeys nationwide face replacement under the program.

BDOLF partnered with Transport Equipment Aggregator and Management, Inc. (1-TEAM), a company that manages and consolidates PUVs under a unified management system, to provide funding for five units of modern jeepneys or BEEP (shortened name forBagong Jeep).

Incidentally, the BEEPs will be supplied by IKK Ichigan, Inc., a former BDOLF client and an existing BDO commercial banking client.

1-TEAM is the first and only fleet management company in the country to consolidate around 30 individual PUJs under a single fleet system.  Its services include the provision of logistical support, manpower selection and training, equipment repair and maintenance, and the operation of public land transport services such as but not limited to, jeepneys, taxis, buses and UV express vans.

Each BEEP unit is air-conditioned and powered by a Euro IV compliant diesel engine.  With a size almost as big as a mini bus, each BEEP unit will also have a seating capacity of 24 passengers plus driver and will be have various safety features such as a speed limiter, closed-circuit television camera, Global Positioning System, dashboard camera, and outfitted with an automated fare collection system.

The units shall be deployed to various SM Mall Terminals to provide public utility jeepney shuttle service. At present, a number of PUJ units of 1-TEAM are already providing shuttle services from SM Mall Terminals to various end points. Among these terminals are SM City Baguio, SM City Clark, SM City Marikina, SM City Sta. Mesa and SM City Fairview.

Develop Creative “Cheeseventions” with Cheez Whiz!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Moms, did you know that it’s important to help develop kids’ creativity? Being creative does not only mean they will be good in doing art, it also helps develop them mentally, socially and emotionally. It is every mom's important role to foster creativity in their child in every way they can.

What is a better idea to foster creativity than to let them create their everyday snacks?

Cheez Whiz, the number one cheese spread in the country, has been spreading goodness during snack time for over 50 years. What makes it the leading cheese spread in the county is its thickness and amazing cheesy flavor.

Cheez Whiz' thickness is an explosion of flavor that goes with everything. Cheez Whiz is not only for making Creamy Cheesy Sandwiches but for creating different “Cheeseventions” snacks as well.  Kids of all ages can enjoy creating and mixing Cheez Whiz with other ingredients. Its two amazing flavors Original and Pimiento can drive kid’s imagination to create snacks! Make a sandwich tower! Cheez Whiz Mac and Cheese!  Use Cheez Whiz as a dip! The possibilities are endless!

Here’s one example moms and kids can create:

Solar Cheestem:
A delicious snack that’s out of this world!

Ingredients:
* Cupcakes
* Cheez Whiz 220g
* Planet toppers

Procedure:
Spread thick Cheez Whiz on top of the cupcakes.
Lay out the Solar System placemat on the table.
Place a cupcake on each planet outline.
Stick the toppers into the cupcakes.

Now, it’s time to create your Cheeseventions and submit them at cheeseventions.com for a chance to win 10,000 pesos and be featured in the Cheez Whiz (@CheezWhizPH) Facebook page.

TPB Volunteers Help Families Displaced by Mayon Volcano Eruption

Wazzup Pilipinas!

On January 13, 2018, a phreatic eruption occurred at Mount Mayon in Legazpi, Albay, leading to the evacuation of nearby residents. The event was followed by sporadic eruption, lava flow, ash fall and volcanic earthquakes, forcing the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS) to raise the status to alert Level 4, which resulted to the displacement of more than 61,000 families from different barangays in just less than a month.

Three months later, Mayon Volcano's alert level status has been downgraded to Level 2 by authorities and most of the affected families have returned to their respective homes.

Yet, the volunteers for the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) continued on their mission to aid those affected by Mayon's wrath, unleashed after nearly four years of stillness.

Headed by Marivic Sevilla and Mariel Angelica Dimaano of the Corporate Planning and Business Development Department, 12 kind hearts went to Legazpi and Guinobatan on April 19 and 20 to pack and distribute rice and grocery bags to 498 families with the assistance of the Department of Tourism Region 5.

The team also paid a courtesy call on Mayor Ann Gemma Ongjoco of Guinobatan, Albay before heading to Brgy Muladbucad Pequeno, one of the barangays within the 6-9 km radius of the crater that was largely affected by the eruption and where the distribution of relief goods took place.
Despite the sweltering heat, the operation was conducted in an orderly manner, and the helping hands were greeted with sincere and warm smiles. According to Sevilla, the activity was not originally part of the year-round program until COO Cesar D. Montano saw the need to help the victims. She also noted that the Bicol contingent was the smallest group to implement a CSR program so far, but it turned out successful, thanks to the assistance of the DOT Region 5 office.
For volunteer Princess Elefante of the Office of the Corporate Board Secretary, the CSR experience was an unforgettable one. "I have witnessed how this activity can lead to social awareness and build good working relationships," she said.

One lesson resonated throughout the program; a venerated one from the late great poet and activist, Maya Angelou: “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed".

And the blessing not only gave hope to the families who have managed to survive weeks of uncertainty but also the volunteers who are now more inspired to continue the journey of giving a helping hand.