How To Successfully Plan Your Retirement?

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Retirement planning is all about having a vision of your later life from the financial point of view. You would not be able to constructively plan your retirement, if you do not have a vision. To ensure that you are able to plan your retirement properly and without any worries, you can also consult with the investment planner or financial planning expert. They would be able to guide you in the right direction to ensure that you have enough to enjoy your retirement life.

Retirement planning is all about starting to save early, investing in long term growth funds and planning schemes. You would be able to slowly but surely achieve your financial goals. The benefit of planning your retirement early is that you get ample amount of time to save, and ample amount of time your savings get to mature and give you good returns.

First of all, you need to decide how much money you would need monthly for all your expenses, and to maintain the kind of lifestyle you need. It should be able to cover your basic expenses, along with providing you enough for your travel plans, vacations, trips, and other indulgence, which the retirees generally plan for during the retirement. Here are the few tips you need to follow to make sure that you are able to plan your retirement successfully –

Make sure that you start planning your retirement early, sooner the better.

Consult with the financial expert on what you can do for long term wealth creation.

Invest in pension funds and retirement funds. You can also read pension reviews to get more idea.

Invest in 401(k) to get the benefit of pre-tax money.

Invest in tax free investment programs for retirement planning.

Invest in mutual funds.

Invest in stock market to provide generous returns over a long period of time.

Save before you spend.

Do not indulge in luxury too often, or do not spend more than you can afford.

More you save and invest the better.

Invest in sure return programs, as well as in risk investment tools to balance your investments.

Invest in system investment planning schemes.

These are the few tips that would help you plan your retirement successfully. You would be able to enjoy financial freedom you want after your retirement with these easy tips. So, start now, before it’s too late.

"FRA Financial Group Founder Joe RoosEvans is an industry veteran who has built one of the nations’ most successful Independent Marketing Organizations – Financial Resources of America and its affiliated companies, including FRA Financial Group."

International Filipino-Irish Artist Andreah to Open for Sam Smith's Sold Out Manila and Southeast Asian Shows

Wazzup Pilipinas!

17 year-old emerging international artist ANDREAH is set to open the slew of sold out Southeast Asia shows for hit international singer-songwriter Sam Smith – including his Manila show tonight October 5^th at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Andreah’s performance at the concert serves as sort of a homecoming, as the young performer actually has Filipino descent. The Filipino-Irish singer-songwriter started learning the ropes of the music world at an early age – taking piano and voice lessons, and learning how to play guitar and write songs as well. This love for music eventually sparked her interest in pursuing a music career, with one of her earliest achievements having been invited to open for the Irish pop band  The Script for their shows in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Manila earlier in 2018. Aside from this feat, Andreah has also released her debut single “Best Friend”, an original composition that she wrote as a personal ode to her long-time best friend who was migrating to another location.

Aside from the Sam Smith concert, Andreah is is slated to take part of the “It’s A Girl Thing” event at the ABS-CBN Vertis Tent on October 20^th.  These concerts and events are set to launch local and regional tours – both in Manila and her other home-base, Singapore, to promote “Best Friend” and her upcoming single “You.”

Given her ambition and musical talent, Andreah is an artist to watch out for in the coming years. 

Listen to her debut track Best Friend on Spotify at: http://smarturl.it/andreahbestfriend/spotify

Follow her on social media at:

Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/andreah.music/ 

Twitter:                https://twitter.com/AndreaHMusic 

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/ANDREAH.live/ 

Tugade to Public Officials: Set a Good Example, Respect Security Protocols

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Having an access pass gives you the opportunity to enter the area but that does not exempt you from following the protocols there. All of us must follow and respect protocols.", this is how Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade views the recent incident involving an alleged security breach at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 on Saturday, 29 September 2018.

On Sunday, a netizen posted a video on social media showing ACTS OFW Rep. Aniceto John Bertiz III deliberately disregarding security protocol. The solon was seen forcibly taking the identification card of the Screening Security Officer (SSO) from the Office of Transport Security (OTS) personnel later on identified as Hamilton Abdul. 

In the viral video, which earned the ire of netizens, the lawmaker was also seen to be flaunting his identification card.

Although the incident is currently subjected to further investigation, Secretary Tugade believes that no one, most especially public servants, are entitled to violate international safety and security protocols. 

"Dapat yung pagdidisiplina, may kasamang political will. Kung pabayaan mo, uulit at uulit ‘yan. Protocols are set to safeguard security and order in our transportation hubs", Sec. Tugade said.

In a statement, Rep. Bertiz issued a public apology, but insists that there were Chinese-looking men who were ahead of him and were let pass security protocol.

However, contrary to Rep. Bertiz' allegations, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal said that after having reviewed the CCTV Footage prior the arrival of Cong. Bertiz at the final screening area of the NAIA Terminal 2, there were no Chinese looking men being assisted by NAIA staff who were let pass security protocol. 

Further, GM Monreal said he finds no reason to doubt the SSO’s performance of duty citing that it is his duty to implement standard operating procedures to all departing passengers. 

"Nareview natin CCTV footage, halos 20 to 29 minutes iyon before the incident pero wala tayong nakitang allegedly Chinese looking men being assisted by NAIA personnel. Pero kung mayroon siyang maipapakitang ebidensya o video ng ibang nakalagpas iimbestigahan din natin,” said GM Monreal.

For his part, OTS Administrator Arturo Evangelista reminded the Congressman, and all other passengers, to abide by the laws pertaining to boarding the aircraft.

“Kung ayaw mo magpa-tanggal ng sapatos, kung ayaw mo magpa-search, okay lang, pero ‘wag ka sumakay sa eroplano. Kasi nasa kontrata yan... Nung bumili ka ng ticket, nakalagay yan dun, na dapat magpa-search ka, pati yung luggage mo. The airline has all the rights not to allow you boarding, kung ayaw mong magpa-search," Usec. Evangelista said.

Meanwhile, Secretary Tugade assured all concerned groups and individuals that fair judgment will be carried out in the course of investigation.

“The incident is far from being over as this should be an eye-opener for public servants to stay humble. We need to follow best practices overseas. We will uphold what is right and what is best for the greater good. We should set a good example as public servants,” Secretary Tugade said.

Suzuki Wheeltek's Jacob Buncio Headed to a Great PSBK Race Season Finale

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The conclusion of the Philippine Superbikes (PSBK) Nationwide Championships 2018 season looks positive for the fastest lady rider in the country today - Suzuki-Wheeltek Racing Team's flag bearer Jacq Buncio with her Suzuki GSX-R1000R. Jacq is competing in 2 events of the PSBK where she is both holding the top ranks and she is on to defend her position at the finale this weekend - October 7, 2018 at Clark International Speedway.

Jacq is racing at the PSBK Nationals Rookie category making her the youngest and the first ever female participant of the event and the PSBK Cup or better known as the Pirelli Cup Heavyweight A class. These two are 6-leg races running under the 2018 National Motorcycle Championships. Considered as another milestone in the country's motorsport history, the Rookie Category is a new addition to the Philippine Superbike National Championships and is a step for the Philippines inspired from the MotoGP, the most sought after motorsport competition in the world.

Our lady rider Jacq might just be the first ever PSBK Nationals Rookie Rider of the Year that the country will see being the frontrunner in this category with 238 points versus her contenders BJ Ang with 168 points and Pocholo Panlilio with 125 points on 2nd and 3rd spots respectively. For the Pirelli Cup, we will see Jacq defending her position with her current points at 188points followed by Pocholo Panlilio with a close 183 points and Rod Valdez with 127 points. The race this weekend will be very intense as we look forward to Jacq protecting her positions to give her fans a sweet back-to-back championship season finale.

Jacq Buncio's success goes alongside the big return of Suzuki on the superbikes racing scene with one of its top dealers Wheeltek Motor Sales Corporation. The partnership between these 3 strong names in the country's motoring scenes aim to continue the unfinished business of the legendary Maico Buncio - one of the most decorated and fastest riders that the Philippines has ever seen. Jacq is racing on board the Suzuki GSX-R1000R which her dad and Team Manager Gregorio Buncio said to be very lightweight even an 18 year old can handle it well. It is the 6th generation and the latest GSX-R sportbike and is considered as the most powerful, hardest-accelerating, cleanest-running GSX-R ever built. It is also the most compact, the most aerodynamic and the best-handling GSX-R1000, with smoother throttle response and better combustion efficiency.

Gary V on Fire!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

One of the most enduring names in the concert scene, Gary Valenciano mounts a concert as a way of giving thanks for his second lease on life.

Only a few names come to mind when you hear the word "longevity."

Gary Valenciano is one of them.

At 50, Mr. Pure Energy is still on top of his game. 

After all, the multi-awarded performer, recording artist, producer, actor, host, and celebrity judge has been in love with music and performing since the age of 14. And the public loved him back. 

In 1978, a very young Gary appeared in a commercial for Fress Gusto, the defunct soft-drink brand of San Miguel. 

Gary then made his official foray into local showbiz a few years later, in 1982. He marked his first showbiz milestone some two years later, or in 1984, when he staged his first solo concert at the Araneta Coliseum. 

From then on, there was no looking back for the talented fellow. Gary made hit after hit, milestone after milestone, collecting awards and plaudits as he went along.

As a recording artist, Gary did a number of albums, some of which were released internationally. He holds the distinction of winning the "Best Male Recording" in Awit Awards 12 times.

As an actor, Gary has worked on 14 full-length movies, appearing alongside such famous actresses as Vilma Santos, Sharon Cuneta, Lorna Tolentino, Maricel Soriano, to name a few.

As a concert performer, Gary has performed at sold-out venues in the Philippines and beyond. He's been dubbed as the "Michael Jackson of the Philippines" thanks to his high-octane or "hataw" dance moves on the concert stage.

On top of being an OPM legend, he's been involved in some charitable projects. In 2008, he marked his tenth anniversary as a UNICEF Ambassador.

So it is not surprising that Gary Valenciano, even after successfully dealing with a major health scare this year, is raring to go back to the stage. It's where his heart belongs. This time around, he's not staging a concert for the sake of entertainment. He's doing it for charity as a way of giving thanks for getting a second lease on life. 

Titled "Gary V: Mr. Pure Energy in XS," this concert is a musical event that would help raise funds for the Xavier School charities. It will be held on October 13, 2018 at the Xavier Sports Center in Greenhills, San Juan City. “Gary V, Mr. Pure Energy in XS” will be more memorable because his very own daughter Kiana Valenciano will be joining him on stage.  

For ticket inquiries, call 911-5555 or visit www.ticketnet.com.ph. Presented by Wilbros Live. 

Iloilo and Palawan Back Localized RE Planning

Wazzup Pilipinas!

PALAWAN LEG: Representatives from the civil sector organizations, academe, National Power Corporation, Palawan Electric Cooperative, financial institutions, local government units and the provincial government of Palawan participate in the DREAMS Palawan Stakeholders’ Meeting from 28 to 30 September 2018 held in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The Department of Energy (DOE) today said the provincial government of Iloilo and Palawan threw their support behind the agency’s project encouraging localized planning to support the development and use of renewable energy (RE).

DOE-Renewable Energy Management Bureau through its “Development for Renewable Energy Applications Mainstreaming and Market Sustainability” (DREAMS) project, concluded a series of consultations with the provincial governments of Palawan (4 September) and Iloilo (26 September).

Aside from supporting the DREAMS project, officials of the two provinces stressed the need for additional knowledge and strengthened capacity in preparing localized RE plans. They noted that such plans should focus on helping boost investments in the RE sector, ensuring compliance with the policies and guidelines of the RE Law and reaching out to unserved communities.

The Energy Committee of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Palawan partnered with the DOE-DREAMS to assist off-grid communities in the towns of San Vicente, Aborlan, Cagayancillo, Brookespoint and Balabac as part of the province’s RE planning strategy.

Similarly, the provincial government of Iloilo expressed desire for additional skills and knowledge on developing an energy to reach out to island barangays with RE resources but are currently relying on diesel power plants, particularly in the town of Carles, Iloilo.

The consultations were attended by key energy players such as the Palawan Electric Cooperative, Iloilo Electric Cooperatives, National Power Corporation, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and representatives from the private sector, academe, NGOs and indigenous peoples’ groups. 

DOE-DREAMS is a five-year project (2017-2022) with the support of the United Nations Development Programme and the Global Environment Facility.

BDO President Ranks 1st in Best CEO in PH List

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Nestor V. Tan, president and CEO of BDO Unibank, was recently voted as the Best CEO for Emerging Markets (Philippines) in this year’s poll of investors and analysts conducted by New York-based magazineInstitutional Investor.

The said category is a key feature of the All-Asia (excluding Japan) Executive Team, an annual ranking done by the publication which often serves as industry benchmarks. Apart from the Philippines, the countries in the Emerging Markets category include Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

All the winners are determined by voting. This year, the publication had over 4,500 qualified voters, of which around 80% are portfolio managers/ analysts from the buy-side. The remaining 20% are analysts from the sell-side.

“Each voter can nominate up to four CEOs based on their investor engagement efforts. All votes are weighted by place (first, second, third, fourth) and Mr. Tan has received the highest score among all CEOs in Philippines,” Institutional Investor said.

Joining Mr. Tan in the list of the country’s bests are JG Summit Holdings president and CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei (ranked 2^nd) and Ayala Corporation chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala (ranked 3^rd).

Institutional Investor is a leading international business to business publisher, focused primarily on international finance.

FDCP Leads Philippines as Country of Focus for Busan Int'l Film Fest

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In recognition and celebration of the One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema, the Philippines has been announced as the Country of Focus of the 23rd BUSAN International Film Festival. As part of the official announcement by the organizers, Philippine Cinema will be highlighted in a number of activities and events during the Festival whose delegation will be headed by the Film Development Council of the Philippines. 

FDCP leads the country in one of the biggest film festivals in Asia and the world, bringing in a huge delegation composed of filmmakers and producers who will be participating at the film market, film exhibitions, special screenings and talks as part of the celebration.

"We cannot stress how great of an honor it is to be selected as the Country of Focus in Busan just in time for our centennial. More than highlighting our Cinema, being the Country of Focus means greater exposure for our filmmakers and more platforms for us to showcase this work. Our target for our next hundred years is to go global not just through the prestige of being in festivals but in finding opportunities for coproduction and distribution, and Busan is the best place to start because it offers both when it comes to film market, festival, culture and industry," said FDCP Chairperson Liza Dino during the Agency’s send-off Press Conference for Busan delegates last October 2, 2018 in Quezon City.

Special Program in Focus - Cinema as a Response to the Nation

BUSAN’s Special Program focusing on the Philippines will feature ten (10) Filipino classics in Retrospective. Entitled Cinema as a Response to the Nation, the lineup includes A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino directed by Lamberto V. Avellana (1965), Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon? directed by Eddie Romero (1976), Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos directed by Mario O’Hara (1976),  Ang Panday directed by Fernando Poe, Jr. (1980), Cain at Abel directed by Lino Brocka (1982), Moral directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya (1982), Himala directed by Ishmael Bernal (1982), Bayaning 3rd World directed by Mike De Leon (2000),  Dekada‘70 directed by Chito S. Rono (2002) and Ang Damgo ni Eleuteria directed by Remton Siega Zuasola (2010).

This program was curated with the help and support of National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Commission on Cinema, head of Subcommission on the Arts, Mr. Teddy Co, Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino member Mr. Tito Valiente, Screenwriter, Director and Author Mr. Doy Del Mundo, and Filim Historian and Professor Mr. Nick de Ocampo of Center for New Cinema and UPFI.

These films were provided through the assistance given by FPJ Restoration, ABS-CBN Restoration, Cinema One Originals and Solar Films with special thanks to award-winning director, Mike De Leon.

Filipino Films at Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)

A Window on Asian Cinema Section

Included in A Window on Asian Cinema Section are Citizen Jake directed by Mike De Leon (2018), Alpha: The Right To Kill directed by Brillante Mendoza (2018), The Eternity Between Seconds directed by Alec Figuracion (2018), Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus directed by Dwein Baltazar (2018), Lakbayan directed by Lav Diaz, Brillante Mendoza and Kidlat Tahimik (2018) and Signal Rock directed by Chito Rono (2018).

Wide Angle Section

The Wide Angle Short Film Showcase includes Last Order directed by Joji Alonso and Manila is Full of Men Named Boy directed by Stephen Lee and the Wide Angle Documentary Showcase will feature Land from God directed by Kevin Piamonte (2018).

Book Launch of the Commemorative Book on Philippine Cinema and Spotlight: Philippines

In further support, BIFF will also publish a special book entitled, “Centennial Anniversary of the Philippine Cinema,” on October 5, 2018 at the Busan Cinema Center to be introduced by Professor Nick Deocampo, Mr. Tito Valiente and Mr. Teddy Co who contributed their individual essays to the publication.

Right after the book launch will be the Spotlight: Philippines, Cinema Centennial Talks with the topic, “Cinema as a Response to the Nation” featuring Christopher de Leon (Cain at Abel, Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?, Dekada 70s and Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos), Joel Torre (Bayaning 3^rd World), Sandy Andolong (Moral), Piolo Pascual (Dekada 70s) who star in the films featured in the Special Program.

THE PHILIPPINE CINEMA IN 100 YEARS

Cinema Un/Bound: Archipelagic Cinema of the Philippines Exhibit

FDCP will also be holding an exhibit on the history of Philippine Cinema entitled Cinema Un/Bound: Archipelagic Cinema of the Philippines at the Busan Cinema Center on October 6-11, 2018. Curated in partnership with Professor Nick Deocampo, the exhibit will explore the journey of cinema from the past to its future.

Philippine Cinema Talks and Networking Hour

To showcase the many aspects and opportunities for partnership with Philippine Cinema, FDCP is hosting a Philippine Cinema Talks with our filmmakers, producers and experts at the Exhibit Venue to be followed by the Cocktail hour for networking with guests. This is the perfect venue for everyone to know more about the Filipino filmmaking and the Philippine Cinema.

Here are the topics and the time and dates of the Philippine Cinema Talks:

1.   Philippine Cinema Talks: Regional Cinema

           October 7 at Outdoor Dome, Busan Cinema Center.

2. Philippine Cinema Talks: Producing Films in the Philippines

           October 8 at the Outdoor Dome, Busan Cinema Center.

3. Philippine Cinema Talks: The Future of Philippine Cinema 

     October 9, at the Outdoor Dome, Busan Cinema Center.

4.  Philippine Cinema Talks: Filipina Cinema

          October 10 at the Outdoor Dome, Busan Cinema Center.

Asian Film Market (AFM)

From October 6-9, FDCP is also hosting a Philippine Pavilion at the Asian Film Market featuring nineteen (19) Filipino companies.

The Asian Film Market (AFM) runs alongside Busan International Film Festival as a total film market covering all stages of film industry from pre-production to film sales. As with other film markets, AFM focuses on the business side of filmmaking, giving an opportunity for its participants and attendees to buy and sell films, equipment, license, secure production or co-production projects and partnerships, trade information and such other activities relevant to the business of filmmaking, research companies network among film professionals.

Asian Project Market (APM)

For this year, a Filipino project entitled Fan Girl by Antoinette Jadaone and produced by Dan Villegas and Bianca Balbuena is a selected project at the Asian Project Market from October 7-9, 2018.

Asian Project Market is a co-production platform that offers emerging filmmakers the opportunity to meet international leading film professionals. Each year APM discovers fresh feature film projects ranging from big-scale commercial film projects to low-budget indies and links them with global film investors, producers and distributors. Numerous APM projects have already made it through to completion and received positive responses from both film festivals and international audiences. As such, APM continues to earn greater interest from filmmakers around the world.

Platform Busan

In partnership with the festival as well, eleven (11) Filipino delegates were accepted to this year’s Platform Busan. Included in the delegates are FDCP’s Sine Kabataan’s Best Short Film winner Ardinian Jaq Sanque and Lorys Plaza as well as Kita Kita director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo.

Platform BUSAN is a networking platform where independent filmmakers in Asia can share their experience and seek out opportunities for collaboration. By providing the network for young and emerging filmmakers and professionals based in Asia, Busan International Film Festival will not only continue to be the central channel for Asian cinema, but also lead the future of Asian cinema.

Asian Film Academy

The Asian Film Academy (AFA) is being held from September 27-October 14, 2018 and there are currently five (5) Filipino participants in the Academy.

Asian Film Academy (AFA) is an educational program hosted by Busan International Film Festival, Busan Film Commission and GKL Foundation to foster young Asian talents and build their networks throughout Asia. Over the past 13 years, 313 alumni from 32 countries have been standing out in filmmaking field all over the Asia and in the prestigious festivals throughout the world.

  

Asian Film Commissions Network (AFCNet)

The Asian Film Commissions Network (AFCNet) is a network of film commissions and professional film support agencies in Asia launched to facilitate information sharing in regards to filming locations, regulations and incentives and to support member organizations’ efficient interactions with foreign production companies and/or related industry-supporting agencies.

FDCP is this year’s newly elected member of the Board of Directors, while producer Bianca Balbuena has been selected as the AFCNet Producer of the year.

Link of Cine-Asia

LINK OF CINE-ASIA is organized to show a wide spectrum of Forum sessions including the latest technology and issues among film and visual industry, promotion of regional exchange in Asia, support project and so on. In addition, it has a BIZ Matching for Film commissions & Institutions (Group A), Projects (Group B), and Investment & production companies (Group c) that are interested in international co-production and shooting abroad while providing Project Pitching session introducing Asia’s various transmedia projects such as Feature Films, Web Toon, Web Drama, Animations, VR Contents. Participants also get a broad networking chance by visiting the assorted themes of Lounges, the Opening Reception, and diverse Networking parties.

LINK OF CINE-ASIA was launched by Busan Film Commission and is a global event presenting Asian Film Forum & Business Showcase, held every October since 2016. It runs from October 7-9, 2018. Two (2) Filipino companies are included in AFCNet’s business matching program.

Philippine Cinema Night at Busan IFF 2018

In honor of the Filipino delegates and to present them to our international partners for exposure and collaboration, FDCP is organizing a Philippine Cinema Night to be attended by Honorable Raul S. Hernandez, Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea and approximately 100 delegates from the Philippines.

The 23rd BUSAN International Film Festival will run from October 4 to 13, 2018 in Busan, South Korea.