PUV Modernization Program Gains Steam, 484 Cooperatives Formed

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The PUV Modernization Program, the biggest transformational initiative of the Duterte administration, is gaining steam with 484 transport cooperatives formed within a year of implementation.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are currently processing over 400 applications from cooperatives as part of effective industry consolidation. This strategic merging of smaller transport industry players aims to give drivers and operator better access to funding and other benefits. 

The DOTr-LTFRB has set up a One-Stop-Shop (OSS) facility in Mandaluyong, which houses different government agencies for faster and efficient processing of franchise and new route applications, among others. 

“The scale and the impact of this program is huge. At ito po talaga, direkta na mararamdaman ng mga kababayan natin.  Mas mabilis, mas maginhawa, at mas ligtas na ang kanilang pag-biyahe. Kaya kahit marami pong pagsubok sa implementasyon nito, hinding-hindi po natin yan susukuan,” said DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade. 

Apart from consolidating franchises, the DOTr-LTFRB is also currently in the process of identifying and studying new and developmental routes all over the country.

As of 17 September 2018, 49 out of 59 batches have finished the two-part course in drafting the Local Public Transportation Route Plan (LPTRP). The route plan is tasked to the Local Government Units (LGUs) who are in a better position to identify local public transport service requirements. Capacity Building is expected to conclude on 05 October 2018. 

“From the start, we have been campaigning for better public transport and accessibility options for the public. We have been engaging our LGUs to help us move things forward. They know the needs of their constituents better because they are on the ground, and with this, we hope that all routes nationwide will be properly served,” said DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport Mark Richmund De Leon.

Since its launch last year, the PUVMP has opened 15 operational routes for modern jeepneys in the National Capital Region (NCR), Region VI and Region VIII. 

Four Habits That Can Make A Successful Gambler

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Every gambler who has visited a casino like Novibet can relate with the fact that there must be ups and downs at any point in time. However, there are some habits which when adopted can maximize a player's returns.

These habits or methods have been implemented by the most successful gamblers in recent times, and here are some of them.

1. The art of self-control

Gambling comes with a significant amount of fun for players. Therefore, it's a no-brainer that anything that produces such fun also comes with a compulsion that influences those who are attracted to it. You can easily get carried away.

That's where developing self-control is important as it ultimately helps significantly in the long run. A good gambler must be able to keep a level head regardless of the various enticements. It ensures that you derive fun but also don't throw caution to the wind.

Regardless of how long you've been in the game, always monitor your bankroll. You must be able to decide how much you're willing to spend before going in.

2. Adopt a positive outlook

It's no more news that gamblers treat their adventures in a casino in a similar way to going out to see a movie or witness a concert. Therefore, it is only natural that no one would force themselves to sit through or stand through an unappealing movie or concert.

The same ideology should be applied to gambling. Once you discover that you're getting pissed or frustrated over the outcome of the game you're playing in a casino, the wisest thing to do is to take a step back and take a break.

3. Make clear goals

You must identify the target you want to achieve in the process of gambling. Everyone is looking forward to hitting a jackpot, but a wise gambler must not be deluded and be realistic in his targets.

What is your target for your bankroll? Before you answer, remember that the higher the goal in this context, the more difficult it will be to reach it.

Identifying your goals is one of the habits that will make you a highly effective gambler but you must stand by the choice you make and stick to it like a ritual when it starts bringing benefits.

4. Embrace patience

You must learn to bide your time and avoid chasing losses. The habit of chasing losses never ends well and this is one habit a gambler who aims to be successful must avoid.

You must understand that you don't wield any supernatural powers to make you determine when the games you play will start paying out. You must put a halt to your playing if you discover that your entire planned budget has been lost in the process.

It is advisable to consider how you place bets and adopt a more conservative approach in the future.  If you decide to keep on playing even after your playing budget has been exhausted you'll end up losing significantly more than you envisaged.

Universal Records' New Breed of Artists to Perform at Ayala Mallls

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Universal Records, the Philippines' leading independent record label is proud to present its New Breed of artists in "THE NEW VIBE: LIVE," at Ayala Malls.

The New Breed is composed of young, fast-rising, and talented artists that bring about a new generation of Original Pilipino Music. Each artist has their own take and genre of OPM, already having made several achievements individually and as a collective. In total, the New Breed has 100 Million cumulative streams on Spotify, with many of these artists being featured as the cover of New Music Friday Philippines, being added to various Spotify-curated playlists, and charting in multiple countries all over the world.

The New Breed line-up for the Ayala Malls shows include millennial heartthrob Donny Pangilinan and his sister Hannah, singer/songwriter/producer Fern., ambient pop singer TALA, Spotify Sensation Kyle Juliano, pop-rock artist Mark Oblea, indie pop singer-songwriter Paolo Sandejas, acoustic darling Angelina Cruz, and YouTube personality Janina Vela. Also joining them in the shows is Claudia Barretto. 

THE NEW VIBE: LIVE is happening on September 21 (Friday) 6pm at Ayala Malls Vertis North, September 22 (Saturday) 6pm at Ayala Malls Feliz, and September 30 (Sunday) 6pm at Ayala Malls The District, Imus.

Two Bidders Arrested Over Falsified Documents During Airport Project Bidding

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Two bidders for the M’Lang Airport Development Project of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) were arrested for falsifying public documents.

During the Opening of Bids for the airport project in Cotabato yesterday afternoon, representatives of Granby Trading and Construction and Kwan Sing Construction were asked to submit a list of equipment that their companies will pledge as part of the contract. 

However, upon careful evaluation, the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the DOTr Bids and Awards Committee found that the two companies submitted similar LTO documents. 

The Certificates of Registration for the vehicles showed different company details, but some reflected same registration dates and chassis numbers.

It was also found that both companies authorized the same person, Alexander Ullani, to drop the bidding documents and represent the companies, hinting at a possible conspiracy. 

Meanwhile, Raymundo Vargas, Sr., who claimed that he was representing Granby Trading and Construction on behalf of a colleague, was not allowed to represent the company due to lack of authorization. He was allowed to stay as witness to the proceeding. 

Ullani and Vargas denied that they knew each other. However, a TWG member who could understand Ilocano overheard the two speaking in the vernacular and that their conversation hinted that they did.

When both bids were opened, the TWG noted that the bidding documents had the same format and showed several similar details. 

“What these people did was an insult to the institution. Our government does not deserve to be treated this way. Ang lalakas ng loob na lokohin ang gobyerno, pero sinasabi ko sa inyo, hindi uubra ‘yan sa amin. Gusto namin ipakita na mabilis tayong umaksyon at mag-desisyon pagdating sa mga ganyang bagay,” said Assistant Secretary for Procurement and Vice Chairman of the DOTr-BAC Giovanni Lopez.

The DOTr-BAC called the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) police to the DOTr Central Office in Clark to handle the situation. Ullani and Vargas were then turned over to the Mabalacat Police were they were charged with falsification of public documents and are currently detained. Inquest proceedings are scheduled for tomorrow.

“Let this be a warning to individuals and companies who think they can fool the government and then get away with it. Ibahin niyo po kami. Kung akala nila makakalusot, nagkakamali sila,” added Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs and Chairman of the DOTr-BAC Mark Steven Pastor.

The Opening of Bids was livestreamed via the DOTr Facebook Page. 

Livestreaming of all bidding processes was ordered by Secretary Arthur Tugade last year to promote transparency in government. He also required bidders to file their bids and other correspondences via e-mail to foster a fast, free, convenient and secure bidding procedure.

Here is the link to the livestreaming of bids yesterday. You may check starting 2:00:00 to see how the Bids and Awards Committee found the discrepancies: 

https://www.facebook.com/DOTrPH/videos/2090226104574229/

Energy Forum Highlights Mini-Grids

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Department of Energy Senior Undersecretary Jesus Cristino P. Posadas delivered the welcome remarks on behalf of Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi during the opening of the Philippines Mini-grid Business-to-Business (B2B) Forum. The three-day event was launched Wednesday, 19 September, at the Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Manila.

In his speech, Cusi encouraged forum participants to focus on innovative electrification solutions not only to help expand electricity services but also ensure the most reliable and cost-effective technologies and services to the unserved and underserved areas as the country scales up the utilization of clean energy.

The forum aims to identify opportunities for investments in rural electrification through mini-grids and renewable energy, share knowledge of innovative technical solutions and link key players in the Philippine energy sector with international mini-grid experts and potential financiers.

The event was organized by the Department of Energy and Alliance for Rural Electrification with the support of the European Union through its Access to Sustainable Energy Programme.

Climate-Smart Agriculture in Food Security Forum 2018

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Be part of the first ever Climate-Smart Agriculture Forum in the Philippines!

“UPLB Climate-smart Agriculture in Food Security Forum 2018”  is a joint-project of Upsilon Sigma Phi, UPLB Grange Association and UP Guild of United Minds - UP Praefects which aims to introduce the concept of Climate-Smart Agriculture in different agri-stakeholders in the country.

This is a one-day national conference with the theme “Recognizing the Role of the Integration of Agricultural Development and Climate Responsiveness in Food Security” to be held on October 22, 2018 from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm at D.L. Umali Auditorium and a simultaneous exhibit from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Baker Hall, University of the Philippines Los Baños.

It aims to strengthen the national leadership and coherence of agriculture and environment by integrating the link between climate change and agricultural modernization, and to serve as an avenue for a productive discussion between different sectors concerning food security in the Philippines.


Most relevant people in the country were invited to talk about this pressing issue. This forum aim to widen the knowledge of the agricultural sectors from the government, academe, research institutions, NGOs, private industries, and leaders of farmer and fishermen organization, regarding social issues, specifically on alleviating poverty and mitigating climate change. 

This forum is co-presented by Coalition for Agricultural Modernization of the Philippines (CAMP), UPLB Center for Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship (CTTE), Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources and Development (DOST - PCAARRD), School of Environment Science and Management (SESAM), and Project Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines (SARAI).

Don’t forget to register at http://bit.ly/CSAForum2018.

For more inquiries and details about this event, send an email to csaforum.uplb@gmail.com, and visit the official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/csaforum2018.

FEU Short Film Competes in Austria

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A short film about a fat girl, who is afraid to show up in her class reunion after being bullied by her former classmates due to her physical appearance, will compete in the annual International Youth Media Festival YOUKI in Wels, Austria from November 20 to 24.

Fat You, written and directed by Far Eastern University (FEU) senior Communication student and FEU Film Society treasurer Ronnel "Thirdy" Rivera III, is among the short films officially selected from about 500 entries to "Austria's biggest up-and-coming media festival with an international focus."

The film, which bagged first prize in the 19-21 age group category of the Manila Student Film Festival, stars Marry Grace Yagi, Lexcel Quina, Robby Delgado, Ron Christian Alos of FEU Theater Guild and FEU courtside reporter Sydney Allison Crespo, among others.

Rivera shot the film with the help of director of photography/editor Pj Muñoz, production manager Jamilla Chua, production designer Winter Delos Reyes, assistant director Diana Manguiat, associate producer Neo Torres and location manager Roselene Ariola.

YOUKI, which "offers an important platform for showcasing young Austrian and international filmmakers," was first held in 1999 as part of the KINOVA film festival. Previously called Young KINOVA, it screens outstanding films from directors aged 10 to 26.

A panel of judges awards prizes in three different age categories (10–14/15–20/21–26). The winners for the three groups will get cash prizes of 700, 1,100 and 1,500 euros, respectively.

In addition, the jury will also select the winner of an "Innovative Film Award," which focuses more on theme, content and current media developments rather than cinematic perfection, to receive 800 euros in cash.

Househusband Docu Vies for La Union Filmfest Prize

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A documentary from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde will compete in the open category of the Pagwanawanan Festival short film competition on October 5 to 7 at PUÓN/Alfredo F. Tadiar Library along Ortega Highway in San Fernando City, La Union.

Househusband, directed by James Fuentes Garcia and Eluigi "Luigi" Macalintal, follows the life of Oliver Siao, a 49-year-old father who breaks the norms and gender stereotypes "by choosing not to become the breadwinner of his family and letting his wife work abroad." Their film previously won Best Documentary at Sinepiyu XI, an annual intercollegiate film competition organized by the Far Eastern University Film Society and the FEU President's Committee on Culture.

"I wasn’t expecting that it would be accepted in film festivals. First was in SinePiyu XI, and now in Pagwanawanan," Garcia shared. He and Macalintal are set to graduate from the Digital Filmmaking Program of the DLS-CSB School of Design and Arts on October 6.

Househusband will contend against John Joseph Buenaventura's Alt, Kyle Jumayne Francisco's Whereabouts, Maria Isabel Jose's Pantun, Khurshid Kalabud, Jr.'s Mountain to Cry For, John Marco Pitlo's Sad Boys Club and Arjanmar Rebeta's Manoy Taghoy.

Meanwhile, "due to the many good film submissions that the festival received this year," the organizers have decided to add a student category. The selected films are Halal (Cebu)by Dahren Tagtag, Layag (Pangasinan) by Romsky Chelle Dela Cruz, Maling Akala by Elvin Jay Macanlalay and Arvileen Yongzon, Marangle (Pampanga) by Angeline Tabilog and Si Kokak at Ako (La Union) by Winstone Arradaza, Vince Basa and Ralph Santos. They will be shown on September 21 at the same venue. Awards night will be on September 22.

Pagwanawanan is organized by the La Union Conventions and Visitors Bureau and United Artists of La Union, in partnership with the Department of Tourism, La Union Soul, Local Government of San Juan, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Provincial Government of La Union and San Juan Film Camp.

Elements to Home Coziness

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            A home is a place to relax yourself and dump away all your negativity behind, with all the frigid hassle on weekdays, weekends are the best time to be spent indoors. Hence, coziness in your Bandar Sri Damansara newly bought home is the key for escaping from your tense week.

Lighting

            You may have the impression of coziness like sitting near a fireplace with your favourite person, warm socks on your feet and drinking cocoa with s’mores; however a fireplace is not applicable in tropical countries such as Malaysia. However, you may achieve this coziness using lighting in your home. Bright, white lights may boost your productivity in workplace but in home it might stress you out. 

Yellow and dim lights can boost the coziness and make you space warmer. You may also swap alternatives to candles or table lamps for a comforting feel. If you are worried with flames in the house, you may use a battery-operating candle to prevent any fire breakouts. Additionally, you may make use of string lights in your home too. For a starry look in your bedroom, lightweight LED string lights behind your translucent drapes may enhance your sleeping quality. 

You also may use string lights under your cabinet to prevent any accidents while navigating in the dark. String lights also come in handy when you need to accent the spotlight of your hanging décor in your home. If you would like a fancy table lamp, you may put some string lights in a jar or an old lantern to create an artsy lamp.

Greenish and scent

            A slight green is always good for a cozy home as they bring liveliness and freshness to your space. Greenery in your home may bring positivity to you such as walking down in a pine forest. You may include plants into your home décor by placing them on your floating shelves with your books or accessories to create a fresh and comforting look after a long reading. 

You may include some plants in your bathroom too by mounting them into your stones or wood accent bathroom walls. Ferns are a suitable choice in a bathroom. In the kitchen, you may place some little cactus, spice or tomato plants on the rack underneath your kitchen window. This may come in handy when you need a little spice leaves in your cooking. 

Flowers in your living space also a good aromatherapy option if you are not into scented candles and need a natural scent. You may have some flowers which give a strong yet comforting smells such as lavender and lemongrass in your living room to keep it fresh from time to time. Colourful flowers such as daisies and tulips also may add a little colour to your living space.

Music

            What feels better than soft jazz or soul music in a cosy living room at night with your beloved ones? Music in the air always accent the coziness in a space. With a good stereo system and soft music, you may relax your tired soul after a long day at work. Soft jazz or instrumental music are always the best choice to accent the atmosphere in the room. 

Bear in mind that the music shouldn’t be too loud to disrupt conversation in the room while you mingle with your guests or family members, also do not be afraid o explore more musical genre to create different atmosphere.

Textiles choice

            Most of us enjoy a soft yet warm blanket in a comfy bed that enhance our sleeping quality. You may have decorative pillows on your sofa too add some colours and comfort to your dull living room, also creating the impression of coziness using warm plaid made of natural wool. 

If you would not like cold feet on your floor, you may have a choice of your own rug on the floor to change the feeling of your space. A fluffy rug which favoured by people who likes a joy of fluffiness; natural fibre rugs can bring a little more classy to your space. You may also add crochet or knitted rugs on your coffee table to create the warm atmosphere in your living room. 

For curtains and drapes, there are variations of fabrics choices to achieve your desired looks in you rooms. Translucent fabrics may create a soft light into the room daytime without sunlight shines too much into your room making you stress; UV or sunlight cancelling drapes for those who like a dark room to sleep in during the weekends or holidays, and lastly some colourful drapes bring liveliness to the room.

Sign Up Now for ‘Adventure Time Run’ Happening on September 23

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Enjoy a fun-filled ‘Adventure Time Run’ this weekend, as ColorManila brings you the CN ‘Adventure Time Run’, which will be held on September 23, 2018, at McKinley West Event Grounds, in Taguig City.  

ColorManila VP Justine Cordero says, “We would like to invite all the Adventure Time fans out there to experience and enjoy Cartoon Network’s ‘Adventure Time Run’, set to take place this Sunday, September 23, 2018.  There’s still time to register, and enjoy a fun-filled weekend with your family and friends.”

There are 3 race kits which you can choose from, the Deluxe Kit, which is prized at P950, which comes with the event shirt, race bib, sunglasses, finisher’s medal, and a color packet.

The Rockstar Kit, on the other hand, priced at P1,500, comes with the event shirt, race bib, sunglasses, finisher’s medal, color packet, drawstring bag, and a P250 CM Lifestyle merchandise GC. 

While the VIP Kit, which costs P1,850, includes the event shirt, race bib, sunglasses, finisher’s medal, color packet, drawstring bag, finisher’s pillow, a P250 CM Lifestyle merchandise GC, and a VIP Access Pass.

Runners can choose from three (3) race distances - 3K, 5K and 10K.  Hurry up CN Adventure Time fans, register now at www.colormanila.com.