Cupping Competition Showcases Quality of Ifugao Coffee

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Twenty coffee samples will be rated for their quality in cup and taste in the 1st Coffee Cupping Competition to be held on 16 April 2019 in Asipulo, Ifugao.

The Peace and Equity Foundation, in partnership with Philippine Coffee Board Inc. (PCBI) and Hojap Multi-Purpose Cooperative (HMPC), spearheads this coffee cupping and bean grading competition to boost promotion of the local coffee industry in Asipulo, Ifugao.

The event is in line with Hojap’s coffee productivity program that seeks to increase the income of 400 Asipulo farmers through quality coffee bean production. Coffee farmer-members of HOJAP submitted one kilo of coffee to be subdivided for grading, roasting and sampling.

Each entry received feedback and recommendations from coffee experts from the PCBI based on their aroma, flavor, acidity, body, uniformity, balance, sweetness, and cleanliness.

The grand prize winner will receive PHP 15,000. Second and third placers will also get PHP 10,000 and PHP 7,000, respectively.
The awarding ceremony on April 16 coincides with the town’s Kulpi Ad Asipulo celebration or rice festival. In Ifugao, the kulpi is celebrated after the planting season to ask the gods and spirits for a good harvest.

The PEF and Hojap MPC have been partners in the development of Asipulo farmers,
with PEF investing in farmers’ enterprises to meet the quality and productivity
requirements of a changing global coffee industry.

Car Gadgets To Address What Every Driver Wants In 2019

Wazzup Pilipinas!

More people in the Philippines are getting behind the wheel and looking for improved experience when doing so. In 2017, we saw 10,410, 814 vehicles were registered in the country and 1,040,108 of those vehicles registered were cars. In addition, the car gadget market has exploded with new devices in the past few years, all aimed at improving the driver and passenger’s driving experience. These gadgets can be a great help in making your drive hassle-free, smooth and in some cases, save you in an unexpected situation. Whether you're a local or new to the area and looking to explore the beautiful attractions in the Philippines, check out a few new must-have additions for your car.

Bluetooth Enabled Key Finder

One of the most common items that people tend to misplace is their keys. Thanks to Bluetooth enabled gadgets such as the TileMate and other Bluetooth key trackers, those moments where you just can't seem to recall the last place you left them will become a thing of the past. Key finders were around before 2019, but new versions and upgrades continue to take the market by storm. While you have the more expensive versions such as Orbit’s HButler ($29 or ph 1512), other more budget-friendly versions like Nonda’s IHere ($13 or ph 678) is just as good and comes with a rechargeable battery. Simply placed on your keychain, the device also allows you to connect the key finder to your phone as well.

Sweat Absorbent Steering Wheel Cover

The Philippines is known for its tropical and sometimes humid climate. In some months (particularly May), temperatures can reach up to 32 degrees Celsius or higher. These conditions can promote the sweaty road trip for many drivers, particularly on long drives. That is where sweat absorbent steering wheel covers come in handy. Typically, drivers use steering wheel covers for added grip or design. New gadgets such as the A-Lighting Coarse Flax Cloth Automotive Steering Wheel Cover can keep your hands dry and helps to prevent slips. This is a great little hack to help your steering, and in turn, improve your control when driving your car.

Solar Powered Tire Pressure System

Any driver will testify that it always pays to be prepared for emergencies when driving. This includes the standard protocol of storing a spare tire and accessories to change a flat tire if it ever occurs unexpectedly, and of course, taking the time and gadgets to monitor your vehicle for any problems. Take advantage of the sunny weather in the Philippines and include a solar powered tire monitoring pressure system such as Zeepin’s Solar Powered Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The sensors are attached to each of your tires and alerts you when there is a leak or low pressure. This is a handy gadget to have, and helps to reduce those 'Oh no!' moments where you are caught unaware. As a bonus, it is solar powered, meaning there is no remembering to replace batteries or spending additional money to maintain the device in its lifetime.

Multi-Port Phone Charger

Gone are the days where the driver and occupants in the car will fight over the car charger. Now there are car chargers on the market with multiple charging ports available. Brands such as Incipo, PowerBear and Aukey now offer dual port USB models for any price range. PowerBear’s model boasts the ability to charge your mobile to 75 percent battery capacity in just under 45 minutes. The Aukey Dual Port Car Charger With Quick Charge 3.0 comes in at a reasonable $19 (or ph 990) while the pricier Incipregisters costs $35 (ph1824). The latter comes equipped with a lightning cable which is already built in. If you're willing to go high tech, consider a wireless car charger like the model offered by VanMass. It supports phones between 4 and 6.5 inches, and comes with great adjustability for optimal viewing when driving.

So if you're looking to upgrade your driving experience, look no further than these suggestions. They are a great starting point and cover some of the main concerns for drivers, including diagnostics, control and comfort - with a few added bonuses too.

Rehabilitated Marinduque Airport Reopens to Commercial Flights

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Nearly six years since halting its commercial flight operations, the Marinduque Airport has now resumed commercial service with the completed rehabilitation of its Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) and extended runway.

The development of the Marinduque Airport, located in Barangay Masiga in the municipality of Gasan, was initiated to address the growing demand for commercial aviation service in the Southwestern Tagalog region.

Operating since 2010, the Marinduque Airport had its last regular commercial flight before rehabilitation in May 2013.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade led today’s inauguration, expressing that the development of the Marinduque Airport forms part of the Duterte administration’s transport infrastructure campaign to enhance mobility and connectivity throughout the country.

“In making the Filipino life comfortable, as instructed by President Rodrigo Duterte, I want the farthest regions and the farthest provinces to be connected with one another, and integrated to Metro Manila. Maganda 'ho that we put things in the right order,” Secretary Tugade said.

For the airport’s PTB, improvements include the replacement of accordion walls with glass walls, and the installation of air conditioning units, CCTV cameras and X-ray machines, making for a more convenient, safe, and secure airport facility.

Additionally, a more efficient runway comes into play with the completion of its concreting project last 9 November 2018. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) extended the usable length from what was previously 1,400 meters of asphalt runway into a 1,534-meter concrete runway that will allow the airport to accommodate turbo prop aircrafts such as ATR and Q400.

The newly-rehabilitated Marinduque Airport will further undergo improvement projects until 2020, which will include the provision of a canal, power house, communal toilets, and the construction of a covered pathway and waiting areas.

With a rehabilitated PTB and extended runway, Cebu Pacific officially launched its inaugural flight on 1 April 2019, servicing Manila to Marinduque and vice versa. Flights will operate thrice a week during Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

Secretary Tugade added that the DOTr will work closely with the Department of Tourism (DOT) as the development of the Marinduque Airport is seen to deliver a boost to the province’s trade, economy, and tourism.

"Nandito 'ho kaming lahat, ang DOT, maging ang mga kinatawan ng aviation sector para ipakita sa inyo na suportado namin ang programang ito at ipinapakita ang kahalagahan ng Marinduque sa aviation ng Republika ng Pilipinas. Handa kaming makipag-ugnayan nang sa ganon ay matulungan kayo na mamayagpag ang turismo dito sa Marinduque,” the transportation chief said.

Also present in the inaugural ceremony were Marinduque Governor Romulo Bacorro, DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Manuel Antonio Tamayo, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Communications Goddes Hope Libiran, DOT Assistant Secretary Myra Paz Abubakar, and CAAP Deputy Director General for Administration Ricardo Banayat.