National Civil Engineering Summit 2018: A Primer

Wazzup Pilipinas!

At the core of civil engineering is service. In the 13th National Civil Engineering Summit (NCES), UP Association of Civil Engineering Students (UP ACES) challenges its delegates to fortify the pillars upon which the civil engineering profession is built—to build for the nation.

With more than 5,000 delegates from 13 regions in the Philippines, UP ACES once again holds the biggest gathering of civil engineering students and professionals in the country. Stretching to a 7-day event, we understand you might get lost somewhere so here’s a complete guide of NCES 2018.

Day 1: Jumpstart

On September 12, NCES will be launched in the UP Institute of Civil Engineering (UP ICE) with a thanksgiving ceremony, followed by a luncheon open for everyone. This event highlights the ribbon-cutting of an exhibit showcasing civil engineering in action.

Day 2: InCEthink

On September 15, InCEthink will be held for its high school participants in UP NISMED Auditorium and UP ICE. Together with the Bridge Building Competition, High School Laboratory Tour and Career Talk are also held to give them an overview of the profession.

Day 3 & 4: CE Career Fair

The newest addition to the bigtime events of NCES is the CE Career Fair to be held on September 18-19 in UP ICE. This event aims to connect students of UP ICE to corporate entities such as DMCI Homes to jumpstart their career through Job Fair and Company Talk.

Day 5 & 6: National Civil Engineering Symposium

On September 20-21, the National Civil Engineering Symposium will embark with a big crowd of more than 4,000 delegates at the UP University Theater. With the theme At the Forefront: Highlighting the Role of Civil Engineering as a Catalyst in Nation-Building, distinguished professionals will share their expertise in fields such as transportation, construction, and environmental engineering. Simultaneous with this are the following events: Job Fair, Company Talk, College Laboratory Tour, and lastly, AdvanCE: The Six Fields of Civil Engineering.

Day 7: National Civil Engineering Quiz

On September 22, the National Civil Engineering Quiz (NCEQ), the biggest civil engineering quiz bowl in the country, will be held at GT Toyota, UP Diliman. With questions from different facets of civil engineering, 120 teams compete for academic supremacy to win a total cash prize of 100,000 Php. Along with the NCEQ, Job Fair and Company Talk will also be held.

The green light has been signaled. The National Civil Engineering Summit 2018 commences this September 12. There’s a question waiting to be answered:

What do you want to build for the nation?

#TheHowsOfUs of KathNiel Leaves Twitter in an Emotional Whirlwind

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Team KathNiel deals with a dilemma on love and career aspirations

The much-awaited comeback of Daniel Padilla (@imdanielpadilla) and Kathryn Bernardo (@bernardokath) in the big screen has finally happened, and KathNiel fans tuned in on Twitter as they countdown on the premiere and show their full support on KathNiel’s new movie, The Hows Of Us (@TheHowsOfUs).

As the preferred platform to share#WhatsHappening in Philippines’ entertainment scene, Twitter brings to light the dedication and commitment of fans in the Philippines and around the world for the Teen King and Queen. Below is the heat map on the movie premiere day.

#TheHowsOfUs tells the story of a long-time couple who have very different career aspirations: Primo played by Daniel Padilla  (@imdanielpadilla), is a member of a rock band chasing stardom, while his partner George played by Kathryn Bernardo (@bernardokath) has her eyes set on being a doctor. The film is directed by Cathy Garcia Molina (@cgm1326).

From the announcement of the release date of the movie up to the premiere, you can feel the KathNiel fever. Fans have been all out on Twitter from expressing their praises for the jam-packed movie mall shows, and as the movie received highly coveted Grade A rating from the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB) and Rated PG by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

This particular comeback of KathNiel is even bigger with the release of the#THOUBook or The Hows Of Us: How to love and unlove book that made a lot of fans even more excited on what will happen in the movie. The book is a compilation of all the answers from the netizens about their love stories and thoughts together with the love story of Primo and George.

Fans were overwhelmed by the rawness and reality of the movie, which still came as a refreshing surprise to them. Tweets upon Tweets of appreciation and praise poured as quickly from favorite lines and scenes in the movie,

People were all praises for the veteran director, Cathy Garcia-Molina (@cgm1326)for being able to create such compelling movies that move the hearts of those who watch it.

A lot of celebrities and co-stars of KathNiel came on Twitter to express their love and praises on the movie and the Teen King and Queen.

The film is produced by Star Cinema and is now showing across cinemas nationwide. In for some major hugot with your loved ones? Be sure to check this movie out and don’t forget to Tweet your thoughts using#TheHowsOfUs.

#PinoyPride as Two Filipinos Join the Roster of the 2018 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World

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Two Filipinos bring pride to the Philippines as they enter the roster of this year’s JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (JCI TOYP).

HIV advocate and educator Ronivin “Vinn” Pagtakhan, and political analyst and academician Richard Javad Heydarian are joining eight other young active global citizens as honorees of the 2018 JCI TOYP. Other honorees came from Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Romania, Syria, Turkey and United Kingdom.

Humanitarian-Voluntary Leadership

For his compassion for those living with HIV and dedication to empower the LGBT community, Vinn Pagtakhan has been named JCI TOYP Honoree in the category of humanitarian and voluntary leadership.

Over the past decade, cases of HIV have increased exponentially in the Philippines, one of the few countries with a rising incidence of the disease at an average of 31 diagnoses per day. The growth is attributed to the lack of knowledge on HIV prevention, care and support, which has worsened by the stigma around HIV causing many individuals to hide and avoid seeking help. 

Pagtakhan started on Twitter by giving honest and accessible health advices to people asking, mostly about HIV and sexually transmitted infections. This brought Pagtakhan and six of his friends to establish the organization LoveYourself in 2011. 

LoveYourself aims to open self-sustaining resource clinics for the youth and LGBT communities, offering free HIV-related services such education, testing and counseling, treatment, care and support, as well as become a model community to other community-based HIV organizations around the Philippines.

To date, Pagtakhan’s group is serving free HIV testing to around 30,000 clients yearly on its three community centers, and free HIV treatment to around 2,500 Filipinos living with HIV. The organization bridges the gaps in the HIV continuum of care by scaling up HIV testing, linking diagnosed persons with treatment and counseling, and creating a community that has led to reduced loss of life.

Moreover, Pagtakhan empowers the LGBT community and the Filipino youth to recognize their own value and self-worth, take care of their health and well-being, and in the process, join in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

Political, Legal and Governmental Affairs

As a leading global expert on security issues across Asia, Richard Javad Heydarian earned a spot in this year’s JCI TOYP.

Heydarian primarily uses his communication skills -writing - for Filipinos to further understand the country’s geopolitical and national issues in an effort to influence a better socioeconomic and political thinking of the Philippine society. 

Along with writing renowned publications including How Capitalism Failed the Arab World and most recently The Rise of Duterte: A Populist Revolt Against Elite Democracy, Heydarian serves as a non-partisan policy advisor and socially-engaged scholar to explore the most pressing political and socioeconomic challenges of our time.

Heydarian has written around 1000 articles and a common resource person by leading local and international media outlets. 

Through these regular media engagements, Heydarian was able to inform not only the Filipinos but all citizens of the world, and raise consciousness about the key challenges facing the world for a more constructive national and international dialogue, inspiring a new generation of leaders who will push boundaries to create positive and lasting change for a better Philippines and a better world.

Beware of LPG-Refilled Butane Canisters — DOE

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi on Friday warned the public on the emergence of illegally LPG-refilled butane canisters that circulate in provincial markets following the buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Cebu City Police Office Station 1 in Barangay T. Padilla public market last 24 August.

Sec. Cusi also reiterated the DOE's mandate to ensure the safety of the people by monitoring the quality and quantity of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) being sold in the market. 

The Energy Secretary said the buy-bust operations are part of the continuing efforts of the DOE and PNP to eliminate the proliferation of LPG-refilled butane canisters in the province. He urged consumers to refrain from patronizing said products.

“LPG-refilled butane canisters are extremely dangerous, especially since butane canisters should only be used once. Refilling these tin canisters with LPG could cause fire and also greatly endangers the lives of our consumers,” Sec. Cusi said in a statement.

Sec. Cusi also noted that a number of fire incidents caused by leaking canisters refilled with LPG have already been reported. 

The Energy Chief commended the efforts of the DOE-Visayas Field Office (VFO), the province of Cebu, particularly the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue, as well as the local police for enforcing the laws that protect the public against illegal practices in the LPG industry. 

Three individuals were arrested in Parian, Cebu for trading LPG-refilled butane canisters. They were identified as Ramir Amaca, Romeo Apparece and Romeo Cuevas, according to the report by the DOE-VFO.

The three were arrested for violating Batas Pambansa 33, as amended by Presidential Decree 1865 after being caught selling and possessing 638 illegally refilled and empty canisters.

DOE-VFO records also show that in Cebu province alone, more than 30 individuals have already been arrested after being caught trading LPG-refilled butane canisters.

The proliferation of this illegal practice is becoming even more pronounced given that 63,055 LPG-refilled and 150,821 empty butane canisters were confiscated in Cebu from early 2017 until August 2018. 

The DOE is also urging local government units and their officials to stop such illegal activities in their jurisdictions and to support the #ESafety campaign of the agency to protect the people.

The DOE further encouraged PNP members in all localities to intensify their law-enforcement campaign against illegal traders of energy products.

The Energy Department assures the public they will continue to monitor illegal activities in the energy industry that pose a threat to the lives of the people. It will likewise provide technical assistance to the police authorities on the apprehension of individuals involved in illegal practices.

Nakalimutan Ko Nang Kalimutan Ka

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September 19 in Cinemas Nationwide

“Dahil ang totoong pag-ibig, hindi basta lang nakakalimutan”

 

Multi-talented actress Alex Gonzaga is a broken-hearted girl who remembers her ex-lover through every word and phrase she voices out in her latest drama-comedy flick NAKALIMUTAN KO NANG KALIMUTAN KA.

 

Gonzaga, who plays Jaz Cruz, considers changing her heart, literally. The now distraught girl walks alone in a bid to forget her past love, which is revealed to be portrayed by hunk actor Vin Abrenica.

 

Jaz’s world seems to have stopped every time she remembers all the memories of her past with her ex-lover. In a quest to forget their moments together, she turns to Doctor Rolex (portrayed by veteran actress Candy Pangilinan) and best friend (portrayed by Jerald Napoles) for help.

 

The movie is full of bittersweet moments and “hugot”, guaranteed to keep you swooning, laughing, and crying as you go along on Jaz’s mission to free herself of the memories.

 

Also starring Rufa Mae Quinto, Jayson Gainza, Loisa Andalio, Alora Sasam, Joj Agpangan, Jai Agpangan, Ricci Chan, Juan Miguel Severo and Keiko Necesario. The film is written and directed by Fifth Solomon. Produced by Wilbros Films – a new film company by top concert promoter, Wilbros Live. Showing on September 19 in cinemas nationwide – Philippines.

 

Follow @WilbrosFilms on social media to know more about the film and get exclusive contents from #NakalimutanKoNa

View FULL TRAILER: https://youtu.be/Yz5-DdsL480

Download FULL TRAILER and POSTER here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iBs_ALfn7U-Y1WEvwtdPlnuFlaEuP9ol

beep Card Hits 1 Billion Transactions, Over 5 Million beep Cards Issued to Date

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Last Aug. 8, 2018 (8-8-18), beep had its 1,000,000,000^th transaction in the light rail network (LRT 1, LRT 2, MRT 3), just two months short of its third anniversary in the market. Of this number, 56 percent are beep card transactions while 44 percent are cash via single journey tickets.

However, the trend in the use of beep cards is still increasing – in July 2018, some 59 percent of fares were paid using beep cards.

“Reaching this milestone is a testament that we were able to create a robust and dependable payment solution for mass transit that has brought convenience to millions of the city’s rail riders over the last three years,” said Peter Maher, president and CEO of AF Payments Inc., the consortium behind beep.

The Ayala Corp.-Metro Pacific Investments Corp. consortium won the permit to operate an automated fare collection system as a Public-Private Partnership project in 2013.

“Our team works day and night in partnership with the DOTr and the rail operators to ensure that the system meets the demanding performance standards set out in the Concession Agreement,” Maher said.

Strong online and on ground support helped customers easily adapt to the new system. Even commuters attest to the improvement of their journey in the elevated trains because of the beep card. Aside from time saved in falling in line, commuters enjoy seamless transfers between train lines and automatic savings for most rides, among others.

Nicko Abeleda, who frequently rides the LRT 1 from his home in Malabon City to his workplace in Makati, finds it convenient that he can proceed to the turnstiles and tap his way to the train.

“Mas madaling gamitin yung beep card kasi ita-tap mo lang. Mas mabilis kaysa sa magnetic card dati na hindi mo agad alam kung aling side ipapasok. Kumpara naman sa SJT, malaking bagay ‘yung natitipid kong seven pesos bawat LRT ride kapag beep card gamit ko (It is easier to use the beep card because you just tap it, unlike the previous magnetic card. Also, compared to the SJT, the savings of seven pesos per LRT ride is a big help for me),” he said.

Meanwhile, Charisma Geminiano, who frequently rides the LRT 2 and MRT 3, appreciates the easy transfer between rail lines that the beep card made possible. She finds it convenient not having to line up twice to get tickets.  “The beep card saves me time because I can load the amount that I need for a week or month. I can easily use the loading machine instead of lining up at the counters, where queues are usually longer,” she said.

Some commuters even note that having a beep card is more hygienic since it lessens the need to fumble with cash, particularly coins, which have been previously handled by so many people. Others are pleased that the beep card is user-friendly for all members of the family, even for senior citizens who get to enjoy their 20 percent discount with their beep Concessionary Card.

Recently, beep launched a mobile app which enables cardholders to check the load and transactions on a daily basis for up to five cards. The app is available for FREE in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

“Our customer surveys have consistently shown that the ease and convenience of using the beep card is among the top three reasons why commuters prefer to take LRT 1,” according to Light Rail Manila Corporation President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso. “Complemented with more trains, more trips, and lesser waiting time, the beep card has contributed to the reduction of the passengers’ travel time.”

Over 5 million beep cards have already been sold. Aside from the LRT and MRT, other modes of transport accepting payment via beep card are the point-to-point buses of Froehlich, HM Transport, RRCG, TAS Trans, and DNS, as well as the BGC Bus, Citylink Coach Services, Lancaster New City shuttle service, and BBL Trans (Balibago-Buendia route). For more information, visit the website and official beep™ card Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.

DOE Participates in LPG Philippines Summit 2018

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy - Oil Industry Management Bureau (DOE-OIMB) Assistant Director Rodela I. Romero delivered the opening remarks of Assistant Secretary Leonido J. Pulido III yesterday (30 August) at the launching of the two-day LPG Philippines Summit 2018 at the SMX Convention Center Aura, BGC, Taguig City.

The LPG Philippine Summit is a venue for the government and the private sector to share valuable information and unified strategies in addressing the numerous concerns of the growing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) industry in the country.

“The DOE calls on our LPG industry players to be guided by the existing government rules and policy directions to provide fair competition and consumer protection. Our goal is to help the consumers get a good deal and the contentment that they deserve,” said Pulido in his speech delivered by Romero.

The DOE also took the opportunity to encourage the participants to take part in the E-Power Mo movement. E-Power Mo has four principles, namely:

E-POWER MO - to develop and utilize energy resources available to Filipinos for wealth creation and global competition.

E-SAFETY - to undertake safety and savings measures through energy efficiency.

E-SECURE - to secure the delivery of quality, reliable and affordable energy services.

E-DISKARTE - to empower consumers through a wide range of options in utilizing conventional, renewable and alternative energy sources.

Mariah Carey: Live in Manila on October 26

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Brand NEW SHOW. Brand NEW TOUR. The one and only, MARIAH CAREY – the butterfly is coming back to Manila for a special one-night concert on October 26th at the Araneta Coliseum. The pop diva is set to perform her number ones and more, bringing a new and bigger tour for her Filipino ‘lambily’.

Mariah Carey is the best-selling female artiste of all time with more than 200 million records sold worldwide to date and eighteen Billboard #1 singles (seventeen self-penned) including ‘Hero’, ‘Fantasy’, ‘Always Be My Baby’, ‘Honey’, ‘One Sweet Day’, ‘Without You’, ‘Touch My Body’, ‘We Belong Together’, ‘Don’t Forget About Us’ and the global smash hit Christmas single ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’, more than any solo artiste in history. With her distinct five-octave vocal range, prolific song writing, and producing talent, Mariah has defined the modern pop performance. As a singer, songwriter and record producer, she has been recognized with five Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, Billboard's "Artist of the Decade" Award, the World Music Award for "World's Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium," and BMI's "Icon Award" to name a few.

‘Mariah Carey: Live in Concert’ is presented by Wilbros Live. Tickets on-sale now at TicketNet.com.ph or call 911-5555 for more details. For more information, follow Wilbros Live on social media.

Buying Your Dream House? The Top 4 Important Details To Think About

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We all have our dream homes, but not everyone believes that they can come to life. If you are on the look for that dream house of yours, here are some important factors to deliberate over before investing.

1. Aesthetic/Architectural Design
What is your dream house? Is it an apartment, a condo unit, a townhouse, or a simple bungalow-type? How many rooms will it have? Will your home require a big space? Would you need a guest room? Will it give off a modern, minimalist, or rustic vibe? It is important to think these tiny details through when deciding to buy a home. It is your dream house, after all. The way our home looks affect the way we feel and perform. Assess yourself which of these are your top priority.

Buying a house is considered as the most important and most expensive decision one would ever make in his/her life so might as well go for the best and for what you really like. Learning what you want and what will make you feel comfortable and ‘at home’ early prepares you for the possible expenses you are about to encounter.

2. Location
You can buy a house and renovate it to meet your ideal home style, but you can never ever change a home’s location once the decision is done. Location is one of the most important yet often disregarded aspects of buying a home, especially when practicality comes first. Most oft thetime the best locations also have the ‘finest’ price, which results in simply settling down to what is ‘okay’.

You can choose the type of house you want to live in, but never forget that you can also choosewho your neighbors will be and what kind of community you are willing to take part in. Being atpeace and at ease with your surrounding makes the house a home.

Check if your prospect location has the following qualities:

● In close proximity to the living essentials: transportation access, market, mall, hospital,
school/workplace, etc.
● Meets your lifestyle means and needs
● Safe and secure

Generally, central business district areas provide the convenience to all things mentioned above, but living within one isn’t always the most practical decision. Try to scout for potential home locations in the nearby areas around the CBD. You might be surprised to discover ah hiddengem that would require a few more walks, less money, but would still allow you easy
access to these CBD perks.


3. Financial Matters
Now that you have clearly painted in your head your future dream house in the best location possible, the next concern is how can you afford it? Money matters, especially in terms of buying a property, sound overwhelming.

Let this not make you think that you don’t deserve a house you cannot afford as of the moment.

Getting a house once you have the money is ideal but saving up for a house might take a long while. There are various housing loans to help you and let you enjoy the comfort of your own home early:

● Government: PAG-IBIG Fund Loan, SSS, NHMFC, SHFC
● Bank Housing Loan
● Developer Assisted Housing Loan

Interest rates and terms for housing loans differ from one option to another. Carefully study all your available options and assess which one would work best for you and your budget.

4. Timeline
How critical is it for you to have your own place? Is it urgent? Or do you still have time to save up? Timing plays a critical role in decision-making because it will determine what your next actions would be.

The time to turn your dream house into a reality has come. Considering all these aspects ahead will guarantee your money spent wisely. Investing in a house is a big move involving a huge fortune. Make sure that you invest your money in the best possible home that will satisfy you
and your needs.

General Assembly 2018: Mix n’ PItch

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Junior Financial Executives – PUP Manila welcomes the new Academic Year through a general assembly with the theme: “Mix ‘N Pitch: The Voice of Leadership | Harmony of Fashion and Music”.

This will be attended by the 1300 members of the organization and it will happen on September 1, 2018 at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila.

This will be a two-installment event. First installment will be a seminar-type program that will feature the showcasing of talent of JFINEX’s sub organizations, recognition of Dean’s Listers, launching of the General Plan of Activities of JFINEX for the entire academic year and more activities that our members will surely enjoy. The second installment will be a Music festival-type of party with loud music and different kind of booths. This event will be held to give the members a chance to take a break from their academic responsibilities and enjoy and relax for a while.

ABOUT JUNIOR FINANCIAL EXECUTIVES – PUP:
The Junior Financial Executives PUP – Manila is the official student-run organization of the Department of Banking and Finance, known as one of the biggest JFINEX chapters in the Philippines with over 1300 active members. Together its mission and vision of moulding the students to be a professional practitioners
and uphold awareness in banking and finance field, the organization conducts interactive academic and non
– academic events. The goal of the organization for the academic year 2018-2019 is to bind the organization,
the students and future partners during its promotion of financial literacy. The organization aspires to have
a lasting impact not just to its members but also to the whole PUP Community.
Contact Person: DIANE JESSICA BALBOA
 Vice President – Marketing
 balboadianejessica@gmail.com

For more information, check: www.facebook.com/JFINEX.ORG.PUP