DOE Pushes for PH Natgas Dev't in Japan High-Level Conference

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Officials from the Department of Energy (DOE) led by Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi are in Tokyo this week as part of the country’s delegation to the fifth regular meeting of the Philippines-Japan High-Level Committee on Infrastructure and Economic Cooperation.

The DOE delegation will reinforce discussions on the Philippine energy industry with potential Japanese investors, while the other leaders of President Duterte’s economic team continue their high-level dialogues with the Japanese Ministry of the Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), on the administration’s flagship infrastructure projects under the Build Build Build program.

Secretary Cusi will focus on encouraging natural gas companies in Japan to invest in the Philippines’ liquefied natural gas (LNG) Hub Terminal project in anticipation of the Malampaya Gas Field’s depletion by 2022.

Cusi said, “The strategic location of the Philippines, as well as the fair and competitive playing field policy for natgas would entice investors to engage in the LNG terminal project.”

Currently, major Japanese gas companies such as Tokyo Gas are among those in serious talks for the project.

“In addition to discussions on LNG investments, our top officials and staff are undergoing extensive training to effectively monitor, regulate and supervise the upcoming Philippine LNG industry,” Cusi added.

DOE Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos and two ranking technical staff began an extensive training program on LNG value chains in Japan last Monday. They are expected to complete the course by the end of the month.

To date, natural gas from the Malampaya gas field off the coast of Palawan provides the fuel requirements of five gas-fired power plants, all located in the province of Batangas, with a combined capacity of 3,211 megawatts (MW).

“The construction of strategic natural gas facilities, which includes LNG receiving terminals and distribution pipelines, are necessary to ensure the security and diversity of the energy supply in the Philippines. It also provides the option of expanding the use of natural gas in the Philippines,” Cusi concluded.

Jeremy Miado Sharpens Fangs for Another Stringent Clash Against Thai Powerhouse

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It has not been an easy run for Filipino dynamo Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado as he received a lukewarm reception when he joined ONE Championship in 2017.

After losing his first two matches in ONE Championship, Miado was given a chance to turn his luck around three months ago, sharing the promotion’s famed circular cage with a celebrated Muay Thai legend.

Miado took full advantage of the opportunity before him, and in the co-main event of ONE: IRON WILL in Bangkok, Thailand this past March, he managed to surprise everyone in attendance at the Impact Arena by knocking out former ONE Strawweight World Champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke in front of his hometown crowd.

The 25-year-old Marikina City resident connected with a perfectly-timed right hook, which sent Amnuaysirichoke crashing to the canvas.

The referee quickly rushed forward to stop the contest before Miado was able to land any follow-up shots, with the end coming at 1:29 of the opening round.

Miado became the first person to finish Amnuaysirichoke in mixed martial arts competition and now owns the second-quickest knockout in ONE Championship’s strawweight history.

Although Miado expected to walk out victorious at ONE: IRON WILL, he did not anticipate knocking out a Thai kickboxing icon like Amnuaysirichoke.

“The game plan was to counter his aggressiveness and throw out combinations,” he shared. “The plan was to defeat Dejdamrong, but the knockout was unexpected. I felt really shocked because I defeated my idol.”

The impressive conquest of Amnuaysirichoke was a much-needed win for Miado, who has experienced a rough start to his tenure in the organization.

“All the hard work in the gym has finally paid off. I am really grateful,” he said. “I felt really strong and at my peak on that night. I showed everybody the real me, which I was not able to do so in my last two bouts.”

“Against my idol Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke, I made sure that my performance would speak about the effort that I’ve done in training,” Miado added.

Miado will attempt to build on the amazing feat of defeating Amnuaysirichoke last March when he meets 13-time Thai national wrestling champion Kritsada “Dream Man” Kongsrichai on June 29.

Both man are slated to square off against each other on the undercard of ONE: SPIRIT OF A WARRIOR, which takes place at the iconic Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar.

“Here we are again. Another tough challenge is on our way. To be able to compete against a highly-decorated wrestler like my next opponent, it will only be good for my experience as a martial artist,” Miado stated.

Kongsrichai won two of his last three outings in ONE Championship, scoring first-round stoppage triumphs over the likes of Adrian Mattheis and Rabin Catalan.

The 26-year-old Thai grappler aims to place himself back on the winning track after his first-round stoppage of Robin Catalan in March was reversed to a disqualification loss.

Kongsrichai initially earned a first-round technical knockout victory over Robin Catalan as he suplexed his opponent and finished him off with punches at the 1:40 mark.

However, company head honcho Chatri Sityodtong issued a statement via Facebook hours later that the move was illegal, and as a result, Robin Catalan was awarded with the win via disqualification.

“I can really feel that my opponent wants to win in our fight because of what happened. It’s disappointing on his part because he was already declared as the winner. That kind of mindset makes him more dangerous. He is hungry to win. But I am ready for him,” Miado opined.

Miado views this upcoming strawweight tilt with Kongsrichai as the perfect platform to see where his talent truly stands.

“I consider myself a striker first and foremost, but I can take the bout to the ground. I am capable of competing anywhere, whether it is on the feet or on the mat. I have been working a lot on my wrestling and my Jiu-Jitsu, so I am confident I can handle any situation that happens in the cage,” he explained.

According to Miado, the way he sees things is that if he continues to win, it will inevitably lead to his dream of becoming the ONE Strawweight World Champion.

“I want people to know that I am a simple guy with a big dream. And I have the goal of becoming a world champion in my division. One win at a time,” he ended.

​For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.​ ​  ​

New "Gee-gee At Waterina" Musical Opens in August

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Artist Playground will stage a new original Filipino musical, Gee-gee At Waterina, based on the fictionalized retelling of the friendship between two gay men, this coming August at Arts Above in Quezon City.

The arts and performance company turns J. Dennis Teodosio‘s bittersweet tale of an evening in the life of a flamboyant city councilor and a sentimental comfort gay, into a musical to be directed by “King of Comedy Bars” Andrew De Real.

Actor-designer Norman Peñaflorida will play the role of Gee-gee, the politician benefactor of Waterina, to be portrayed by actor-director Roeder Camañag.

Noted musical director and composer Jesse Lucas and dancer, choreographer and theater actor Lezlie Dailisan will provide the show’s music, with lyrics by Teodosio, and choreography, respectively.

The original straight play version was first presented at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Virgin Labfest in 2005. Lou Veloso and Paolo Cabañero shared the stage, with the direction of Roobak Valle.

A short film version starring Veloso and Cabañero was produced for Cinemalaya a year after. Teodosio co-directed the film with Gawad Urian-winning filmmaker Mariami Tanangco.

Artist Playground aims “to create artistic projects that reflect, celebrate and explore the bravery of Filipino artists and to create opportunities that facilitates a collaborative environment for artists from all fields of art.”

The musical runs on August 18, 19, 25 and 26, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Arts Above, Artist Playground II, West Avenue Building, 112 West Avenue, QC. For inquiries, please contact Kimberly Somoza at 0975-9193179.

Senate Cooperative Launches Modern Jeepneys Compliant with PUV Modernization Program

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Senate Employees Transport Service Cooperative (SETSCO) will now roll out their new public utility jeepneys (PUJs), that are compliant under the PUV Modernization Program.

SETSCO is composed of 22 operators headed by its Chairperson Remedios Venturina, and is among the 3 pre-selected cooperatives to participate in the initial implementation of the PUVMP.

At the media launch held on Monday afternoon, 18 June 2018, 15 out of the total 35 modern PUJ units, which will ply the route of StarCity/CCP to PICC, GSIS/Senate to MOA to PITX and back by tomorrow, was initially be launched. A ribbon cutting amidst two of the vehicles was done, and a short program where .

The 20-person seating capacity vehicles are airconditioned, have 4 CCTV cameras, has GPS for monitoring, and you can stand inside where they allow up to 3 passengers standing.

DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Tim Orbos and LTRFB Chairman Martin Delgra III were present and were joined by Senate President Vicente Sotto, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

Chairperson Remedios Ventura

Other personalities from both the government and transport sector were also there to witness the launch.

Isuzu Philippines was the chosen vehicle provider as voted upon by the key people at SETSCO, just as how Euro4 Diesel was also selected. Going electric vehicle was not very popular since they believe the industry is not yet capable of providing convenient facilities and fair-priced consumables like batteries, etc.


Below is the official press release:

DOTr-LTFRB, Senate Transport Coop Roll Out Modern PUVs

 

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), yesterday rolled out the first batch of modernized public utility jeepneys (PUJs) under the Senate Employees Transport Service Cooperative (SETSCO), an important milestone in the implementation of the government’s PUV Modernization Program (PUVMP).

 

Starting today, 19 June 2018, an initial 15 out of the total 35 modern PUJ units will ply various routes along Metro Manila, which include: Star City / CCP to PICC, and GSIS / Senate to MOA to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and back. The official turnover of the certificate of the approved route was also handed to SETSCO during the event.

 

Senate President Vicente Sotto III led the official launch, along with DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Tim Orbos, LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III, and Office of Transport Cooperatives (OTC) Chairman Emmanuel Virtucio. Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian were also present.

 

“The most efficacious way of making a difference is to lead by example, which is what we are doing now. We are giving the Philippine transport system a new face: a transport system that is innovative, safe, and environment-friendly,” Sen. Sotto said.

 

Usec. Orbos hailed the event as the start of a new way of transporting commuters in a safe and secure manner.

 

“This is very historic. Later on, when our children are used to these kinds of jeepneys, they will not remember anymore how difficult it was for us. Ito po ay proof of life — the very first batch of modern jeepneys to carry our commuters. Sila naman po ang pinaka-importante sa lahat ng ito. It’s the duty of the government to make sure that we bring them from point A to point B in the most convenient, most efficient, and safest manner possible,” Usec. Orbos added.

Consistent with the theme “Arangkada sa Pagbabago,” the brand new and modern PUJs are classified as Euro-4, which is equal to 40% less carbon emissions. Electric jeepneys are also being considered in future projects.

Composed of 22 operators, SETSCO was among the three pre-selected cooperatives that would participate in the initial implementation of the PUV Modernization Program. Pre-selection was done by the OTC, whose recommendation was based on the cooperative’s good standing, financial capability, and its established management structure.

 

SETSCO is the second cooperative to have been granted a franchise to operate following its compliance to the program. It was also able to obtain a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

The remaining 20 modern PUJs for the given Pasay routes are targeted to be out by July. The DOTr and the LTFRB are also working double time to process the applications of more than 1,000 new jeepneys. Around 100 - 200 more are expected to be on the road by the first half of July 2018.

#WazzupPilipinas #PambansangBlogger #SETSCO

Ma Hao Bin Expects Big Reward if he Triumphs at ONE: PINNACLE OF POWER

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“The Southern Eagle” Ma Hao Bin has always possessed the drive and talent to achieve all of his lofty goals as he has capitalized on every opportunity that has come his way in his professional mixed martial arts career.

The 24-year-old Chinese national freestyle wrestling champion is unbeaten on the ONE Championship stage, acing his six assignments in the promotion with flying colors.

Making his professional debut in 2016, Ma took home the ONE: DYNASTY OF CHAMPIONS (CHANGSHA) Flyweight Tournament Championship, defeating Wu Ting Shen and Bu Huo You Ga in a single evening of action.

Since then, Ma has strung together an impressive win-loss slate of 11-2, which includes four wins by submission and two by knockout.

In his most recent outing this past January, Ma turned in another well-rounded performance to claim victory via unanimous decision against battle-tested veteran Sotir Kichukov of Bulgaria.

Ma has the chance to cement his status as one of the best flyweights in the world today as he is set to square off with former world title challenger Danny Kingad on the undercard of ONE: PINNACLE OF POWER in Macau, China on Saturday, 23 June.

Although a tall order is in front of him, Ma remains optimistic that he will have his hand raised in triumph as he is driven by his desire to become the best competitor in the organization’s 61.2-kilogram weight class.

“Nothing is easy. A person has to go through hardship to become successful. I know it will be hard, but I am willing to dig deep and get that victory. In order to be a winner, you have to endure. I am here to endure all the hardships because I want to be the best in the division,” he stated.

As Ma crosses paths with an opponent, who is a premier flyweight combatant from the famed Team Lakay of Baguio City, the highly-touted Chinese prospect artist sees a big reward if he plays his cards right against Kingad.

Holding a professional record of 9-1, the 22-year-old Baguio City native is a tremendous striker who possesses well-rounded grappling skills.

“He is so talented as a fighter. I can say that he is exceptional for a flyweight like me. That’s why I am exerting my best effort in training. He is an opponent worthy of a good battle. This match excites me,” Ma said of his three-round flyweight encounter with Kingad.

Following an unsuccessful challenge for the ONE Flyweight World Championship this past November against Moraes, which ended in his first professional defeat, Kingad rebounded with an impressive win over Kichukov four months later.

“We both faced Sotir Kichukov in ONE Championship, and we did walk away with respective victories. Honestly, I believe that I’ve done better than him against Sotir. In our ring clash this Saturday, the commitment to hone and perfect my craft will once again be in full display against Danny,” he shared.

“He is blocking my way. I want that gold around my waist. I have to defeat him in order to reach my ultimate destination in this sport,” Ma added.

Ma hopes that if he secures a convincing victory over Kingad, it will bring him an inch closer to a shot at the coveted ONE Flyweight World Championship.

ONE Championship’s undisputed flyweight crown will be at stake on Saturday as division kingpin Adriano Moraes is slated to lock horns with interim champion Geje Eustaquio in a highly-anticipated rematch, serving as the event’s headliner.

 

“My initial goal is to continue winning until I get closer to the title and become a champion. I want this win. I want to have a remarkable winning result, and then I want to move forward onto that flyweight belt,” Ma ended.

​

For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Best Tips for Selecting a Sleeping Mattress to Avoid Back Pain

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Sleeping on the wrong mattress can lead to back pain or worsen an already existing back pain. We all know how excruciating back pains can be. It makes every sleeping moment a hard experience, and waking moments are even harder.

A good sleeping mattress will give you a great sleeping posture, and also gives you a relaxed sleep. Getting a quality mattress is one of the most important decision you will make for your home, and it is also one of the most important furniture you can get for your home.

Getting a mattress that supports your sleeping posture is a great decision, but if your current mattress doesn't really fit your body type or sleeping position, then the best decision is to change your mattress.

According to Dr Jeffrey N Katz, a professor of medicine and orthopedic surgery at Harvard Medical School, changing your mattress can make a vital difference in your back pain rehabilitation.

It is true, there is nothing like a perfect mattress, but there is always a perfect mattress for your body type, sleeping position, and your backpain (if you have one). A good mattress is great for your spine, and getting that mattress to address your back pain can be a life changing decision.

Getting that perfect mattress for you can be a herculean task, from overly ambitious salespeople to the confusion over the best type of mattress, and also the financial commitment involved in getting a quality mattress.

To get yourself the perfect mattress, the best practice was going to the mattress store, and testing out different mattresses till you find the perfect one for your body posture, and sleeping position, and at the same time, overly ambitious and aggressive salespeople breathing down your neck to close the sales.

These days the buying process has changed, with customers able to order for mattresses online, and getting to test the mattress for a week, if they feel comfortable with the mattress then they can purchase it, but if they don't, they can return of for little or no fee at all.

Best mattresses for different types of sleepers

There are different types of mattress that suits different categories of sleepers, this section will identify the best mattress that best suits your sleeping position.
Stomach sleepers:  Stomach sleepers adopt this position mostly because of back pain, and the best type of mattress that suits this sleeping position is a firm mattress.


2. Side sleepers:   Side sleepers relax their body on their shoulders and hip, and need to mattress that will serve as a cushion to the hips and shoulder. The best mattress that fits this sleeping position is a soft mattress.


3. Back sleepers:   For back sleepers, they need a mattress that is soft and hard at the same time. The best mattress to accomplish this objective is a medium-firm mattress.


Popular mattress types to consider

Adjustable beds:  Adjustable beds are great for people with pain in different parts of their body. And as the name suggests, the bed can be adjusted to accommodate the part of the body feeling the pain at the moment.


Air mattress:  This mattress offers a unique level of comfort and support, and it allows you to adjust it to the level of firmness comfortable enough for you. Air mattresses have an air like chamber covered by bed cushion, which makes it look like a normal bed.


Innerspring mattress:  This type of mattress is extremely popular and features hundreds of springs paddings and coils, and the level of firmness depends on the strength of the coil and paddings used.

Specialty foam mattress: Specialty foam mattresses uses foams to mimic your body type, and provide enormous support. Foams used includes latex, memory, and polyurethane.


Best tip for buying a mattress good for your back

Tip 1: Don't buy firm mattresses:   If you already suffer from back pain, or you're just avoiding it. It is better to keep off firm mattresses. For patients suffering from back pain, a medium firm mattress is the best way to go.

Sleeping on a mattress that is extra firm puts extra pressure on the back, which ultimately results in more back pain if you already suffer from one. So if you have back pain or trying to avoid back pain, keep off extra firm mattresses.

Tip 2: Consider your body type:  You have to consider your body type before making that pocket unfriendly decision of getting yourself the best type of mattress. Tall or short, top heavy, bottom heavy, or lightweight, getting a mattress that supports your body type is major. Soft, firm, or medium-firm mattresses don't matter if it doesn't support your body type.

Tip 3:  Know the best time to buy:    This might just be the best tip you will need, pocket-wise at least. A report from the National Sleep Foundation, the new models for mattresses usually hit mattress stores between May and September. So during that period, you should get a great mattress deal.

Tip 4:  Price don't always mean quality:    When you want to get the best mattress that fits your body type, sleeping position, and great for your back, the price is not a major deciding factor. Because a mattress is expensive doesn't mean that mattress is the best for you. Going for the mattress to avoid back pain depends on the technology behind its creation.

So a mattress that fits your body type might be expensive or cheap, but the price doesn't decide the value it offers to your back.

Tip 5:   Ask for professional opinion:   Knowing the cause of your back or body pain is the best way to start planning the best mattress to buy. Why did you get back pain, how did you get it? You need to get a professional opinion on the issue, then decide on the best mattress that would help correct the why and the how.

If you can address the cause of your back pain, then it is a great tip for you not to get confused when trying to purchase the perfect mattress for you.


AUTHOR BIO
Lana Hawkins is an architecture student from Sydney, Australia. She enjoys cooking, but her truly passion is writing about home décor. Also, Lana loves reading about sustainability and it's inspired by green architecture.

How to Use a VPN to Stream the 2018 World Cup in HD

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With more than 190 countries offering live broadcasts, the 2018 World Cup is expected to be the single biggest sporting event of the year. That said, if you don’t have cable, you might have a hard time streaming.

Fortunately, there are simple tricks you can use to bypass those pesky cable restrictions. If you’re not sure where to stream 2018 soccer World Cup in HD, you’re in luck. Here’s how you can use a VPN (virtual private network) to watch every match live.
VPNs let you stream in HD

When you connect to a VPN, you’re able to access the web in ways you never could before. That’s because VPNs make it possible for you to stream content in other countries. For years, people have been using VPNs in countries like China to unblock popular sites like Facebook and YouTube. They’re a safe and easy way to browse the web without boundaries.



With dedicated apps available for laptops, desktops, smartphones, and more, you can use a VPN to simultaneously hide your location as you take on another in a different city, state, or even country.
How VPNs work

Everything you do online is tied to your specific IP address: it’s how webpages communicate with your web browser and how you’re able to access certain sites. Ever tried to watch a video on YouTube only to get a notice that the content was blocked in your area? That’s because your IP address was outside the video’s geographic boundaries.

When you use a VPN, you’re able to access the web from a different area. Every time you connect to a VPN server you simultaneously hide your real IP address as you assume another IP in the location of your choice. A person browsing in the U.S. can connect to a VPN in the UK and instantly unblock British content.
How to use a VPN to stream the World Cup

Now that you know how VPNs work, you can start using one to unblock soccer streams. There are tons of broadcasts options to choose from, but when it comes down to it, the BBC’s ITV is arguably the best option. With free-to-stream coverage spanning all 64 matches, it’s the best option available.

To stream the World Cup on ITV, simply use your VPN to connect to any British-based VPN location, head to ITV and search for World Cup streams. You’ll notice that with the VPN off the site is restricted, but once your VPN is activated you should have no problem streaming.

And that’s all there is to it. You don’t need to sign up to stream or need to download some super extravagant package; all you need is a VPN and little know-how. That said, you’ll want to make sure you use a VPN that offers servers where you want to connect.

You’ll also want to look for VPN providers that offer apps on the device (or devices) you own. Most VPN subscriptions today cover multiple devices, so you should have no problem using a single subscription to download a VPN on your phone, desktop, and even your laptop. Happy streaming!

Viber Makes Messaging Even More Powerful and Personal with New Chat Extensions

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Viber, one of the world’s leading messaging apps, announced new and innovative Chat Extensions, giving its one billion registered users exciting new ways to express themselves and easily manage their conversations.

Viber’s Chat Extensions enrich users’ conversations, without the need to leave the chat—from instantly finding and sharing GIFs and YouTube videos to sending songs from Spotify, places to eat from Yelp and more.

The new Chat Extensions :

Viber Shouts is a new fun way for Viber users to share messages with colorful backgrounds in chat for important updates they want to make stand out from the rest. With more than 20 message bubble background options at launch, Viber will introduce additional backgrounds globally and locally in the future.

Favorites is a new useful Chat Extension that keeps all of the user’s favorite and important GIFs, links and YouTube videos in one handy place. Users can long-tap any GIF, link or YouTube video they’ve received inside Viber and save them into their Favorites. Later on, they can easily access them using the Chat Extension inside different chats on Viber and instantly share them with a single tap.

Location is a new rich location-sharing experience with more relevant information on nearby places to instantly share in chat. The new location message includes an “Open” button of the specific location, that allows the users to choose their navigation app of choice. In terms of privacy, this feature is enabled only for users who grant Viber access to their location and the location is requested only when users actively tap on the Location Chat Extension to share it with their friends.

Since launch, Viber has partnered with over 20 content and service partners globally and locally on various Chat Extensions, such as GIPHY and Tenor for GIFs, YouTube for online video, Spotify for music streaming and others for news, entertainment, sports, and food. In the past year, Viber users accessed the various chat extensions over 4.5 billion times, making it one of the fastest growing ways of communication inside the app.

Viber Shouts, Favorites and Location chat extensions will roll out gradually around the world and will be available on the Viber mobile app on iPhone and Android.

“Viber is constantly striving to enrich the communication experience for the people who use it so passionately around the world. Introducing our three new and innovative Chat Extensions is consistent with our strategy to keep Viber as the powerful and expressive tool it is, offering exciting ways to chat in different styles and fashions. We are thrilled and confident these chat extensions, along with our ongoing commitment for simplicity and privacy, will continue to make the experience on Viber unique and exceptional for everyone.”  says Djamel Agaoua, CEO of Viber.

DOE Empowers New Batch of Girl Scouts

Wazzup Pilipinas!

HAPPY ENERKIDS: Grade 5 Girl Scouts together with their mentors participated in the 3rd Enerkids Program conducted by DOE-CWPO staff led by Division Chief Helen B. Arias, and DOE resource speaker, Electric Power Industry Management Science Research Specialist Eduardo B. Fernandez. Aside from attending lectures on energy efficiency, the 43 Girl Scouts also role-played as geologists and identified different types of rocks as part of energy sector career exposure activities.

The Enerkids Program intends to raise a smarter generation of Filipinos by teaching them to value the importance of energy in their lives, and by committing to become Energy Cost Busters.

The Department of Energy (DOE) conducted the 3rd Enerkids Program for this year at the Energy Center in Bonifacio Global City on 13 June 2018.

This is in line with Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi’s objective to provide energy education programs to members of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines and empower the country's young women. The program was facilitated by the DOE-Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office (CWPO).

Mandaluyong Elementary School, Andres Bonifacio Integrated School, and Eulogio Rodriguez Integrated School sent their second batch of Grade 5 Girl Scouts to undergo the Enerkids Program.

Artinformal Greenhills Presents NIL, an Exhibition Curated by Erwin Romulo and Neil Daza

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Curators Erwin Romulo and Neil Daza proudly presents a disturbing graphical collection of photos entitled NIL. They are on display at the Artinformal gallery’s Greenhills location. The exhibitioned opened on June 9, 2018, and will run until July 14, 2018.

I was present at the opening night and though I've been warned that I'll be seeing crime-related images, it never occured to me that they consider suicide as a crime. But why not, taking our own lives is indeed a crime against ourselves because I do not believe that life could be all hopeless and frustrating enough to take our own lives.

There's no coming back if you kill yourself. Maybe those who end their lives think there will be reincarnation where they will be given an opportunity to run their lives all over again. But sadly, we can not fully control the outcomes of our lives no matter how hard we work on it. There would always be an obstacle, small or big, and if we want to win, it takes a lot of self-realization that nothing in this world should put us down forever. We should always lift ourselves up and try again every time we fall.

By the way, check out my interviews with Neil Daza, one of the curators. There's also one with Tina Fernandez, the Artinformal gallery proprietor. And I was also introduced to the one who did the interviews with the photojournalists of People's Journal.

I posted all interviews on our Facebook fan page so it could reach more people as possible. What we need right now is a continuous eye-opener especially for the younger generation before they read or believe all the rewitten history that has been proliferating all over. Everyone needs to be aware about the truths of the past so we could correct them in the NOW and the FUTURE.

Unfortunately, those in power and influence would always gain an upperhand. But do not let that reality stop us from doing the right thing. Life is just too short to hesitate in making a difference.

I believe resorting to violence, whether toward ourselves or to others, is never the right move. I know karma would balance everything out soon in one way or another. We just don't have to lose hope. Life is supposed to be fair at some aspects. We just need to keep ourselves open and aware of how we can find and connect to our ultimate purpose.

Taking their cue from Daza’s Blacksoup exhibition in 2006, Romulo and Daza are mounting their new show of crime scene photographs taken between the years 1987 to 2002. Also included in the exhibition are video works by Cinema Regla. These are interviews with the crime photographers or photojournalists shown in black and white. I was expecting some gruesome images in the video but was relieved there were none. The photos all over the gallery were already enough to shock you, that is if you are still in the dark about what has been happening all around us. It is not surprising that violent crimes have been existing for years back, and until now. If you've not seen the dates written at the back of the photos, you will think they are recent. But no, crimes as horrible as these have been happening even before social media and smartphones with cameras made it more possible for anybody to capture and post incidents online for the whole world to see. Now that we are capable of being media ourselves, the news have been very noisy that traditional media have been evolving and reinventing themselves without admitting they have been killed by the power of the Internet.

Raw and at times graphic, the show asks: “Is there really such a thing as ‘the good old days’?”

Editor, writer, producer, and composer Erwin Romulo curated Everyday Impunity: Ang Mga Walang Pangalan, an exhibition based on the work of photographer Carlo Gabuco at Art Fair Philippines 2018 as well as an exhibition of sound art and multi-media art during the fair’s 2017 and 2015 edition, respectively. He was also one of the curators of Wasak! Filipino Art Today, shown in Berlin in 2015.

Filmmaker and photographer Neil Daza is known for his work in films like Bwaya, Emir, and Dekada ‘70, among others. In 2017, he marked his 25 years in the film industry with an exhibition at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, 25 Times: Images From Behind The Camera. He has curated several shows of photography for arts space Blacksoup in Cubao, including KAMBYO, an exhibition of cellphone images, and Detritus, featuring photographs from which this current exhibition is based.

Filmmaker collective and guerrilla media outfit Cinema Regla is an online magazine and channel run by documentary filmmakers Rico Ibarra, Blair Camilo and Jun Sabayton. Founded by visual artist, animator and director Roxlee, it is dedicated to covering Filipino culture, with a focus on (in no particular order) art, photography, music, literature, science, politics, history, environment, crime, violence, truth, sex, drugs, and budotz.

Here's what is written on the wall:

NIL.

Wala. Pero meron talaga.

NILalaman ng pagtatanghal na ito ang ilang mga eksena ng kawalan―ng malay, ng katinuan, ng bait, ng karapatan, ng buhay. Nakagugulantang ang mga imahe pero hindi nakagugulat sa karamihan ang ipinapakita. Naging laman ng mga balita, isinuka para sa maralita, habang nagpaparaya ang mga may-kapangyarihang dapat talagang makakita.

Sa KamayNILaan nakunan o saan man, ang mga litrato rito ay sumasalamin sa realidad na may nagtutunggaling mga panig sa anumang usapin. Sa isang banda, ihahalintulad ng ilan ang mga larawang ito sa basura, na dapat idispatya at huwag nang ilantad kaninuman. Sa kabilang banda, hindi kaunti ang maghahalintulad ng mga ito sa mga bagay na pampagising ng diwa, dala ng pagpupukaw na maaaring maranasan kung pagmasdan at pag-isipan ang makikita rito.

Iba’t ibang buhay man ang panandaliang iNILalahad rito, nagkakaisa ang mga litratong ito sa pagpapakita ng katiwalian. Ngunit sino ang tunay na tiwali? Ang mga nasa larawan? O ang lipunan o sangkatauhan na kaNILang NILalarawan?

Ang mga tao na makikita―karamihan ay mga DaNILo (hindi tunay na pangalan), may ilang mga BeNILda (hindi tunay na pangalan)―ay NILason ng gutom, hirap, poot, pighati o kaya, oo, maling asal at hindi wastong diwa. NILabas ang anumang armas o nagtangkang tumakas. NILamon ng kabaliwan, kamunduhan, kasakiman, kahirapan. NILusob, ng sarili man o ibang pwersa, ang sana’y mapayapa NILang mga tahanan, barangay o kinatatayuan. NILamas, hindi NILinis, ang pagkatao. NILunok ang dangal, NILamangan ng mga mapang-api, NILapastangan ng mapanghusga, NILoko ng matatakaw na kapwa tao na halimaw ang kalooban. Binalot ng trahedya, sinaksak ng pulitika, NILaglag ng sistema.

Ang masuwerte sa kanila ay NILalamok, NILalanggam sa selda. Hindi man makapag-NILagang paborito o relyenong gusto, maaari pang magbago, maaari pang lumaya. Ang iba rito ay NILagutan ng hininga, ninakawan ng pag-asa kapalit ng paglaya mula sa pang-habangbuhay na rehas nitong malupit na mundo.

Ang malungkot pa rito, bagama’t ilang taon na ang nakalilipas nang makuha ang mga larawang ito―noon kapanahunang hindi pa NILalabas ang pinagsanib na kamera at telepono―hindi pa rin nawala sa ating bansa ang ganitong mga eksena. Kung hindi natin papansinin ang mga detalye sa ilalim o paligid ng bawat litrato, iisipin natin na kahapon lang o nung makalawa nakunan ang mga nakalarawan dito.

Sa pagsulyap sa mga litratong ito, marahil ay mapapatanong tayo: May pag-asa pa ba ang mga Pilipino, lalo na ang kagaya NILa na karamiha’y dukha? May pag-asa pa ba para sa lipunang marahas? May pag-asa pa ba para sa ating iisang bayan na, sa kabila ng lahat, ating sinisinta?

Marahil ang sagot ay oo kung tatanggapin natin, pagniNILay-NILayan at gagawan ng paraan ang katotohanang ito: Sila ay tayo. Tayo ay sila.