Big Thanks, Bigger Perks on Globe 917 Day

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Globe says thank you to its customers with a celebration that begins this weekend!

The number 917 is turning out to be the most favored number of the year as Globe celebrates its iconic 917 prefix with a day overflowing with gratitude for all its customers.

Inspired by last year’s massively successful celebration, the country’s leading mobile brand commemorates the wonderful connections it has made by rewarding its customers with upgraded offers, surprise treats, and not-to-miss events leading up to September 17 (9/17).

Now on it’s third year, 917 Day is all about giving back and letting loyal customers and partners feel the love and gratitude that everyone at Globe has for them. 917 Day is one big thank you from Globe for being part of our family all these years. We are #GratefulEveryday for allowing us to create and share experiences with you.

The countdown to 917 Day begins with a weekend of sweet deals and giveaways. On September 15, Saturday, dine at KFC or shop at Bench or Marks & Spencer stores nationwide. Use your Globe Rewards points as cash and receive delightful surprises from these partner establishments!

It’s the VIP treatment for long-time Globe customers. As a little extra thank you for those who have been with us through the years, Globe is giving exclusive perks like free data for longtime TM and Prepaid customers, at least 100 Rewards points for Postpaid and Platinum customers depending on tenure, free volume/speed boost, Rewards points and other goodies for Globe At Home, Globe Business, and Globe myBusiness customers.

 Have fun, get pampered on the best 917 Day yet

From September 17 to 23, Globe Prepaid will visit select schools nationwide and will bring fun booths, movie screenings and free snacks for students. Want to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends instead? TM has you covered at its tambayan nooks in public parks for film screenings and free bags of chips to enjoy.

Globe Postpaid also gets in on the 917 fun. True to its promise of delivering extra value, ThePLAN PLUS customers will get a special coffee surprise on September 17.

Stock up on cool accessories and exclusive merch from Globe Lifestyle with the various flash sales at the Globe Online Shop! Get exciting discounts on powerbanks, phone cases, speakers, and screen protectors. Own a pair of exclusive 0917 shirts for only P917 for purchases made on September 20. Stay tuned for the complete list of promos by visiting shop.globe.com.ph/happy-917.
 
Learn more by following Globe on Facebook and Twitter.

How Can You Maintain a Good Credit Score to Save Your Money?

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Financial management can be a tricky situation sometimes. Whether you are just beginning the journey to your financial independence or searching for new ways to enhance your present credit score, you can follow a few easy steps to attain your desired result. With a few easy techniques, you can manage your finances in an easier way than you thought was possible. In this way, you can boost your credit score that can help you get into a better financial situation.

There are times when you might notice specific errors that can and will affect your overall credit score. There are also other situations such as theft of identity and fraudulent dealing of cards that can damage your credit report. If you have an understanding of how to maintain your credit score than you can enjoy many benefits. You can get a comparatively lower interest rate on your loans and cards. Not only that but if you can manage a good credit score report, then you can be sure to save money on your insurance policies and also deposit amounts. You can follow the basic rules mentioned below to get a good credit score and use it to your advantage.

Some things to keep in mind while maintaining a good credit score

If you do a little research and find out about good credit reports, you can effectively manage it and get advantage from it. You need to know these few vital information when you are calculating a good credit record report.

They are as follows:

The amount of debt

How old the credit is

Record of payment

When calculating this, you also need to understand that not every aspect of your financial history is relevant or affect your credit report. Just consider what is important here.

The amount of time needed to change one’s credit record

The question people keep asking the most is how long it takes for one to get his credit record on point. If you are one of the people who is just starting out on their financial journey, then this is a fundamental question for you. So, exactly how much do you need to improve your credit record? There is no simple answer to that. You may see many companies who claim to improve your credit score almost in a day, but truth be told, there is not a hard and fast rule to do this. Also for every individual’s problem, the solution would vary depending on the situation. For some, it may take months to improve their credit score as every person's financial situation is different.

Here are a few steps you can do to improve your credit score

The first thing you need to do is get control of your credit score. For this, you have to have the proper plan and decide that you need to have control over your current situation. The first step is inside your head, and you need to decide that running around will not get your problem solved. You need to keep a check on your overall credit score. This score is significant as it can affect your whole financial situation considerably. Not only that, but it also can influence your future in ways you cannot perceive at your current position. You need to understand that a good credit score can save you money in the long run, in direct and indirect ways. If you are planning to start your own business and apply for loans, then you need to keep and maintain a good credit score. It will help in stabilizing your present financial situation and get you opportunities beyond your imagination.

How to find out your credit score

It may sound scary in the beginning, but you need to get control over your fear and find out your credit score situation or else you cannot optimize it. The best possible solution to get a hangover any problem is to understand the case inside out. So you shouldn't be afraid to find out your score. It is a crucial indicator to understand the present situation of your financial health and also it will help your future lenders to recognize your worth as a creditor. That can help you apply for loans easily in the future as well.

Understand your financial situation better so that you can make wiser decisions

There is a connection between finding a solution to your problem and the mindset you have regarding it. Just obsessing and stressing over the issues will not help you in any way. To get out of a problem and optimize your credit score, you need to understand the situation thoroughly first. If you do this, then you can make better financial decisions in the future that will impact your credit score and also help you utilize your money in a better way. If you understand clearly the factors that affect your financial situation and credit score, then you can calculate the steps needed for you to create the perfect financial condition for you to prosper.

Pay your bills on time to keep a good credit record

Getting your credit report often reviewed and paying your bills on time can help in getting your broken financial situation fixed. Once you stop worrying and start working on the problem and assess the loopholes, you will begin observing progress. Factors like excess credit inquiry can help you understand the negative aspects of your finance. So you can avoid making the mistakes that caused it in the first place and refrain from them in the future.

The best piece of advice anyone can give you regarding this is that you always need to monitor your credit score to help you keep from making bad choices. Whatever your credit scores may be, it is still a smart decision to keep it under check and always be aware of your situation before any problem arises. After all, the best solution is prevention rather than finding a cure.

Express Yourself Party Season 2 by Expressions

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Make your own Expression - the bannering tagline of this year’s biggest self-empowering event  “Express Yourself Party” by Expressions.

Express Yourself Party pioneered last year that aims to promote positive self-expression among individuals. Express Yourself Party is an art-based activity that ignites one self-interest in art, culture and social interaction. The activities featured in this fun-filled event are painting, doodling, calligraphy, and crafting.

The success of last year’s  Express Yourself Party resulted to expand the event and reach more stores this time around. From 26 stores last year to 34 this year. Aiming with the same objective, this year, it’s still easy to join. Purchase among these merchandises, Tumbler, Cap, Eye Mask, Apron, T-shirt and Coaster priced affordably. By just simply purchasing one of those merchandises anyone will be given access to join the party. Buffet of art and craft materials are available and free on the day of the event wherein they get to choose the materials they want to use to personalize their merchandise. Materials comprise of different color of paints, brushes, pens, fabric markers, calligraphy pens, beads, and loads of other art and craft materials. These materials are provided by Expressions event partners, among them are Marvy Uchida, Colleen, Deli, Valiant, Prestige Paper Products, ICre8, and Elmers. Selected partners also have activity booths in most of the event locations, participants can experience and enjoy their products and activities.

On top of that, participants are given a chance to meet art enthusiasts wherein they can get inspiration and share their thoughts and experiences.

The event begins this September and ends this coming October. The event is scheduled every weekend at different locations across the country. It is a whole day activity that runs from 10 am to 5 pm.

As more and more individuals discover their inner self, Expressions will continue to make an avenue wherein fun, learning and creativity meet. Expressions expect a double result this year because they are aiming to bring this event to all Expressions stores nationwide next year.

Registration is open until the event date. Interested participants should register at the chosen participating store. Check the link to know how to join.  http://bit.ly/EYPS2ParticipatingStores

Wazzup Pilipinas is a proud media partner.

Written by Ave Marie U. Gonzales

2018 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) Awarding Ceremony and Exhibit Opening Set

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The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) will recognize this year’s awardees of theMetrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) on September 20, 2018 (Thursday), 5:00 PM, at the Le Pavillon, Metrobank Ave., Metropolitan Park, Roxas Blvd. Cor. EDSA Extension, Pasay City. US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Yong Kim and Cultural Center of the Philippines chairperson Margie Moran-Floreindo will serve as Guests of Honor.

Under the Painting Recognition Program, “Kanya-kanyang Tinik, Kanya-kanyang Landas, Iisa ang Ginagalawan” by Noel Elicana and “Destroyed” by Alex Ordoyo will receive the Grand Award, while “The Sacrifice” of Francis Eugene Andrade and “The Diminishing Memories of Home” of Roland Llarena will be given the Special Citation. On the other hand, as a partnership with Federal Land, Inc. (FLI), the Sculpture Recognition Program awards Maria Ronna Lara-Bes’ “Interconnected” the Grand Award. 

The Grand Awardees will each receive a financial assistance worth PhP500, 000 and the “Mula” glass trophy designed by 2009 Metrobank Prize for Achievement in Sculpture Awardee Noell El Farrol. The Special Citation awardees, on the other hand, will each receive a special cash incentive and a “Mula” trophy.   

The evening ceremonies will also unveil the “DISCOVER” Exhibit which will showcase the works of this year’s MADE semi-finalists as well as the “Voyage of the Senses” Exhibit which will display the artworks of past MADE awardees such as Rolando Ventura, Eugene Jarque, and Clarence Eduarte.

A two-day art lecture entitled Panoramic Endeavors will also be held in the same venue—“Art and Design as Personal Advocacies” on September 21 and “Hubs for Creative Ingenuity” on September 22 from 9:30AM to 5:00PM.

Old Navy's Biggest Denim Event on September 16

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For one day only, Buy One, Get One on all jeans for the fam!

Double up on denim as Old Navy celebrates its biggest denim event of the year. Mark your calendars on September 16, 2018 and enjoy Buy One, Get One on all jeans for the entire family at all Old Navy stores in Metro Manila. Powered by denim, Old Navy is paying homage to the ultimate wardrobe staple – jeans. Celebrating that trusty, go-to outfit that is with you through thick and thin, Old Navy’s jeans are made for real-life challenges with fits for the entire family to enjoy.

The Power Jean (a.k.a. The Perfect Jean)
Find the power in perfection. Who needs coffee when you have The Power Jean to fuel your everyday success? This season’s “It!” jeans, designed for the straight-shooting power women of today, is straight-fitting, timelessly stylish and feels fabulous thanks to the added oomph of stretch. The cut is clean and goes straight down the leg with just enough stretch to flatter every body (and booty).

24/7 Denim
Big news for Fall, Old Navy’s 24/7 super-stretch technology is now available for everyone in the family. In addition to the women’s Rockstar and girl’s Ballerina, the men’s Slim and boy’s Karate fits are now part of the 24/7 family! It’s a super-soft knit that looks just like normal denim and fits like a glove. This season’s 24/7 collection is paired with retro looks – think vintage-inspired ringer tees, nostalgic hits of plaid and metallic in shirts and bombers and bold, colorful graphic tees.

Secret-Slim Pockets
A hot new look for the season is the Rockstar fit jeans with Secret-Slim Pockets. These innovative front pockets are sewn directly into the zipper, which means they deliver clean lines that flatter and hold the wearer in. Plus, the higher waist elongates the frame. These jeans really do smooth and flatten in all the right places and come in a range of sizes. And what’s the best way to show off these waist-defining jeans? Style them with back to dark florals, boldly striped tees or the sueded moto in fall colors – tucked in obviously!

DOTr to Pursue Multi-Airport Strategy in PH

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In a bid to enhance mobility and connectivity, and to help address congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade once again reiterated his position to develop multiple airports in the country.

In a senate hearing to discuss issues and proposed solutions in line with the NAIA mishap involving Xiamen Air held last Monday, 10 September, Sec. Tugade reiterated that the direction of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is to construct new airports, and improve/rehabilitate/expand existing gateways, such as the NAIA.

"We have our Aviation Roadmap. Phase 1 is to improve and enhance our primary gateways such as NAIA and Clark International Airport. Kasama din nito ay ang paghahanap ng bagong airports such as Sangley and Bulacan," Sec. Tugade said.

Expansion of the Clark International Airport, which is pushed as an alternative to the premier gateway NAIA, is currently underway. The new passenger terminal building (PTB) broke ground on December 20, 2017, only six months after NEDA Board approval. 

The new PTB is designed to accommodate an additional 8 million passengers every year. Construction of the new terminal, which is now 10% complete, will complement other infrastructure projects in the area such as Manila-Clark Railway, Subic-Clark Cargo Railway, and the New Clark City. 

The MIAA Board has also recommended the granting of Original Proponent Status to the NAIA Consortium for the NAIA rehabilitation project, which includes the improvement and expansion of terminals, construction of additional taxiways, and other support infrastructure. The Concession Agreement will run for 15 years. 

The DOTr is finalizing the Terms of Reference and completing all the documentary requirements that will be submitted to NEDA ICC. 

Further, the DOTr is likewise working to develop and rehabilitate regional airports, and make them available for night-rated operations. 

"Before we came, nasa 15 lang, ngayon higit 20 na ang commercially-operated airports na night-rated. Kasama nito ang improvement ng runway," he added. 

Meanwhile, the new Rapid Exit Taxiways (RETs) at runway 06-24 of the NAIA Terminal 1 had been inaugurated yesterday. These runway exits aim to decongest the long lines of departing aircraft as they allow an aircraft to leave the runway at a faster speed. 

“This has been conceived a long time ago. It's only now that [because of] political will, [we are able] to do it. Indeed, this is a milestone project and will benefit our passengers,” said Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, who witnessed the inauguration along with Tugade, DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Manuel Antonio Tamayo, MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal and CAAP Director General Jim Sydiongco. 

Moreover, Sec. Tugade explained that proposed airports in Bulacan and Sangley, Cavite, are part of the Aviation Roadmap, which will address the congestion issue in NAIA. 

The Concession Agreement for the new Bulacan airport is being finalized, while the legal framework for the implementation of the Sangley airport project must first be identified by the Cavite Provincial Government.

Come to the European Higher Education Fair on 10 October 2018 at Shangri-La Plaza

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EHEF 2018 slated on October 10, to feature more than 20 institutions from the EU region

Education will always be a main priority for Filipinos and in a world that’s getting more and more connected, it always pays to have a world–class higher education.

On 10 October 2018 at the Shangri-La Plaza, the European Union provides this opportunity as it opens its doors to Filipino students looking to expand their horizons through post-graduate studies.

Organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines together with EU Member States’ Embassies and Campus France, Instituto Cervantes, Philippine-Italian Association, Goethe Institut in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the EHEF will feature universities and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from Europe.

This year’s theme, “Sustaining Innovation and Excellence,” further promotes EU as a center of excellence and quality in higher education.

EU Ambassador Franz Jessen said that this year's exciting fair will once again be a platform for the EU to offer a fusion of “old and excellent teaching and cutting–edge, innovative higher education.”

Getting a postgraduate degree from the European Union offers many advantages.

An EU degree affords better possibilities for those who want to move up on their professional careers. It is also an excellent destination for academic and scientific research opportunities.

An educational experience in the EU provides a new dimension to learning new languages, immersing in its member states’ many rich and diverse cultures, and being part of an international network of students and peers.

Studying in Europe also proves to be a cost-effective investment.

With an array of scholarship options available, international students can pursue postgraduate degrees. One such option is the Erasmus+ programme, which encourages deserving individuals to take further studies in the EU.

The EHEF is designed to enable students to get quick yet comprehensive information on higher education and mobility programmes.

Filipino youth can learn more about the EU educational system and way of life through lectures and direct interaction with university and HEI representatives, alumni volunteers, and Erasmus+ alumni.

There will also be country presentations from each member state to showcase all the best reasons in studying in Europe.

Admission to the fair is free. Interested parties can pre–register online for the country presentations via www.ehef–philippines.com.

For more information, visit @EHEFPhilippines on Facebook, Instagram, and on Twitter.

Last Call for Orgs to Showcase Innovations at 2018 EAS Congress Exhibition

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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) is calling on organizations to join the 2018 East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress Exhibition happening on November 27 to 29, 2018 at the Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo City.

With only two months left before the EAS Congress, a few booths remain up for grabs for organizations who want to showcase their innovations and progress on various aspects of sustainable coastal and ocean management, including tools, technologies, products, experiences and best practices. The triennial exhibition coincides with the EAS Congress International Conference that will see some 1,000 local and international delegates in attendance.

Themed “25 Years of Partnerships for Healthy Oceans, People and Economies: Moving as One with the Global Ocean Agenda”, the 2018 EAS Congress Exhibition aims to share information on various initiatives and tools contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 14 or Life Below Water), the Sustainable Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS- SEA) and blue economy development in the region.

With categories such as Governance & Management, Science & Technology and Blue Economy & Industry, the exhibition aims to provide a venue for sharing contributions and initiatives within the ocean community, as well as provide a platform for partnership/networking to connect with other experts and organizations towards accelerating the achievement of sustainable development targets for coasts and oceans.

The 2018 EAS Congress Environmental Exhibition is open to institutions, organizations and groups who wish to showcase their innovations and progress on various aspects of the sustainable coastal and ocean management, not only in the East Asia Seas but also around the world.

Registration for the exhibit is until September 30, 2018. For more details on how to participate, download the 2^nd Exhibitors’ Prospectus by visiting the EAS 2018 Congress website at http://eascongress2018.pemsea.org/.

Palawan Store Owners Benefit from Smart Load Sales

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Store owners and small business proprietors in Palawan have reported a boost in their livelihood, thanks to additional income streams brought about by sales of Smart Communications prepaid products, specifically, load credits.

For Glecy de Lima, owner of a sari-sari (small grocery) store at a fishing community in Roxas, being a Smart retailer has given her another source of income. “I get an additional amount of at least P500 a week from selling Smart load, which I use as additional investment for my business,” said De Lima.

Load retailers are part of Smart’s Ka-Partner loyalty and rewards program, which gives incentives to help them grow their businesses and enhance their livelihood, while enabling communities to stay connected.

Ka-Partners or load retailers are usually found at our neighborhood sari-sari or grocery stores. Sometimes, they can also be our friend or relative from whom we can buy load, wherever they may be.

De Lima, who has been a Smart load retailer for three years now, said most of her load buyers are students and fishermen. “They are Smart users because the signal here is strong,” De Lima said.

Ryan Abadilla, customer development manager, sees more opportunities for Smart Ka-Partner retailers in Palawan, considered one of the most beautiful island destinations in the world. “With improved connectivity, tourists can upload photos, update their social media, and keep in touch with their families via messaging apps faster.” With more tourists coming in, “local businesses will also flourish.”

In Puerto Princesa, Honda Bay area store owner Evelyn Juntado has seen more than 100 percent increase in her Smart load sales. From P2,000 last year, she is now able to sell about P5,000 worth of load in a week.

Load sales account for a significant share of Smart’s revenues—a fact that does not go unrecognized. To pay tribute to load sellers for their significant contribution to the company’s growth, Smart holds an annual national convention for its Ka-Partner retailers.

Thousands of load retailers from all over the Philippines attend the Smart Ka-Partner retailers conventions, which feature entertainment, games, and raffle prizes. Up for grabs are grocery items, mobile gadgets, a brand-new motorcycle or car, and cash prizes of up to P1 million.

This year, Smart will hold five retailer conventions in various locations across the country, with the theme “Bilis Asenso sa LTE,” as more and more load retailers are seeing increases in their earnings because of Smart LTE.

Smart’s fast LTE connection is felt by De Lima’s customers, who usually avail of regular Smart load or call, text and data packages such as All Out Surf 30 and Giga Surf 50. “They use it to surf the internet, browse Facebook, and call relatives abroad,” she said.

The data bundles allow mobile users and tourists to share with their family and loved ones photos and videos of their beach and island getaways, plus give them free access to YouTube for one hour daily.

High-speed internet also allows store owners like Juntado to earn more. She is active on Facebook because she also has an online selling business, which has gotten more inquiries and transactions with the fast LTE network of Smart.

Smart is rolling out more LTE sites across Palawan, the country’s largest province in terms of land area. Initial internal tests in areas like the Puerto Princesa International Airport and Honda Bay wharf have shown LTE download speeds between 12 and 60 Mbps, depending on the device.

DOE Spurs Energy Sector Typhoon Readiness

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The Department of Energy (DoE) yesterday kicked into high gear to ensure appropriate contingency measures and response mechanisms are in place to minimize the adverse impact of Typhoon Ompong (international name Mangkhut) on energy infrastructure and people’s lives.

Acting through the inter-agency Task Force on Energy Resiliency, Energy Secretary Alfonso G.  Cusi directed energy industry players to secure the safety of personnel and facilities, as well as the strategic supply of power and oil.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Typhoon Ompong is expected to cross the area of Northern Luzon after entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday afternoon.

“We directed the energy family and the industry players, particularly those who will be hit by the typhoon based on the forecast, to monitor and report the situation in their respective areas of responsibility,” Sec. Cusi said.

Cusi also advised them to undertake precautionary measures and adopt established safety protocols, contingency and action plans to prepare for the onslaught.

The DOE and the Philippine Information Agency are continuously releasing #ESafety tips to guide consumers on the safe utilization of energy in times of emergency.

Some #ESafety tips to observe during typhoons include:

•preparing fully charged flashlights, moving electrical equipment to higher ground, turning off electrical switches, and unplugging electric appliances before evacuating to safer places

•after the storm, consumers are advised to avoid downed and drowned electric posts and wires, wear safety gear such as rubber boots and gloves, have their electrical system tested by licensed electricians, and check the fuse of their main switch before turning it on.