Manila Makes History This August With First-Ever History Con

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Join your favourite HISTORY stars at the first-of-its-kind event with interactive experiences, on-ground activities and exhibits

Date: 25 – 28 August 2016
Location: World Trade Center Manila
Website: HistoryAsia.com/HistoryCon
Official event hashtag #HistoryCon

FB: https://www.facebook.com/historyasia
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HistoryAsia
IG: http://www.instagram.com/HistoryAsia


Video links:
https://www.facebook.com/HISTORYasia/videos/10154400218013754/
https://www.facebook.com/HISTORYasia/videos/10154435645273754/


Talent Line-Up

ANCIENT ALIEN: Giorgio A.Tsoukalos
STORAGE WARS: Brandi Passante & Jarrod Schulz
GANGLAND UNDERCOVER: Damon Runyan & Ian Matthews
CELEBRITY CAR WARS: Bobby Tonelli, Joey Mead King, KC Montero, Marc Nelson, Gaby Dela Merced
PHOTO FACE OFF: Justin Mott


1) HISTORY Con Opening Ceremony & Press Conference: 25 August, Thursday
2) HISTORY Con Closing Ceremony: 28 August, Sunday


Events On-Ground

HISTORY’s Digital Host Talent Search

Can you out-crazy the craziest of hosts? You could be HISTORY’s next digital star! Submit a video of yourself reviewing one of our shows on @HistoryAsia’s Facebook page with the hashtag, #HistoryConAuditions. Come join us at the live finals on Sunday, 28 Aug at HISTORY Con!


Cosplay Contests

Come dressed at your favourite characters from HISTORY’s hit shows, from Pawn Stars to Vikings or rock your leather ensemble and strut in your best biker get-up. Register with us at the entrance for your chance to enter and you could win attractive prizes. May the best cosplayer win!


HISTORY Bee

Think you know your history? Local middle school and universities in Metro Manila have been invited to take part in the HISTORY Bee Inter-school Competition, a quiz based competition where the winning school will be crowned HISTORY Bee School Champion in Manila.


World Record Week III

HISTORY attempts to break the 3 world records at HISTORY Con

· The longest TV-watching marathon - currently set at 94 hours
· The most number of Quarter Pounders consumed in 1 minute
· The largest serving of Garlic Mushrooms


3D Experiences

Take an immersive experience into the Solar System with Titans of Space and into the wild jungles of HISTORY’s hit-series, ALONE.


Special historical exhibits

· Philippine Presidential Limousine displays
· WWII Reenactments


Tournaments & Demos

· Weaponry & Blade demonstrations
· Boxing Matches
· Wrestling Demonstrations

Public Interest Groups Weigh in on Telco Deal

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Public interest groups weigh in on telco deal and calls on new government regulator to review impact on consumers. 

The biggest telecommunications acquisition in the country draws deep concern as consumer welfare and public interest groups demand transparency after the telecom duopoly sought shelter in the courts from review by the country’s independent anti-trust body. 

In a forum organized by the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) and the Philippine chapter of Internet Society (ISOC PH), and hosted by the Ateneo School of Government (AsoG), groups said the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) should both take a closer look at the acquisition of assets involving the 700Mhz frequency band. 

ASoG Dean Ron Mendoza said there needs to be evidence-based discussions between the public and private sector to improve the competition environment in the country citing the merger as an important first-test case for the Competition Law of the country. The independent anti-trust body is currently reviewing the P69-billion sale of Vega Telecoms, San Miguel Corporation’s telecom business, to Globe Telecom and PLDT Inc. 

The two firms have brought the matter before the Court of Appeals. The appellate court’s 6 th division earlier denied Globe's petition to stop the PCC review. “We want a more competitive telecom industry so that Filipinos enjoy innovative and fast and reliable internet services at affordable prices and high network quality.” said Grace Mirandilla-Santos, an independent researcher specializing in telecommunications. 

The Role of Civil Society and ASEAN Bodies in Achieving a People-Centered ASEAN

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The final day of the ACSC/APF 2016 examined the progress and efficacy of ASEAN and its mechanisms in achieving a people-centered community.

H.E. Mr. Xanana Gusmao, Minister of Strategic Investment in Timor-Leste, engaging participants in an open dialogue, commented on the historical importance of ASEAN as a people’s movement, stating: “When Timor-Leste was suffering and the rest of the world had forsaken it, international civil society, ASEAN civil society, stood with us.”

Minister Gusmao also discussed the ongoing need for civil society to monitor and restrain the actions of the state, keeping the state accountable. To this end, he said, “We must celebrate the success of ASEAN…but we must have a growing sense of solidarity and plan of action for the future.”

Minister Gusmao concluded his address with a request for solidarity from ASEAN civil society, once again, in checking the actions of government. “I ask of you one last thing. The Timorlese have a final struggle to achieve our sovereignty. Determining our maritime boundaries is a matter of sovereignty. It is the final step in our struggle. We fought for sovereignty over our land, and now we are fighting for sovereignty over our seas.”

WWE Returns to the Philippines on September 9 at SM MOA Arena

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Sports entertainment brand World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) returns to the Philippines for their only Southeast Asia event this 2016!

This is happening on September 9, 2016 at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City. The door opens at 8 pm. Get to see all the action up close, or depending on which seats you can afford. It will surely be different when we watch it LIVE instead of from a TV or from a computer!

Who could best represent the WWE franchise but their biggest fighter. He was one of the hulking giants of the wrestling community, and you can't imagine the memories that was brought back after his appearance in Manila. It actually gave me goosebumps when I've heard of his upcoming visit but unfortunately I was scheduled somewhere else during his scheduled appearance and meet-up with media.

‪Dubbed as the World's Largest Athlete, specifically of Wrestling, Paul Donald Wright Jr. aka "The ‪Big Show"‬ visited Manila last July 26, 2016 at the SM MOA Music Hall for a press conference and meet and greet with fans. Hosting was Eric "Eruption" Tai who said the event was "electrifying and ecstatic."

The venue that night was jam-packed with fans, especially the Gen X generation, who can't help but reminisce their childhood watching him and his WWE colleagues fight it out on the ring. The fights were controversially seen as highly rigged and fake, but still it never stopped fans from watching the awesome spectacle as huge guys fought like crazy. It was entertainment to the max if you want adrenaline-pumping action, but would seem so violent for the faint of heart.

ANU Inks Deal with DLSU to Deliver Dual Program in Economics

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The Australian National University (ANU) and De La Salle University (DLSU) in the Philippines signed an agreement on 2 August 2016 at DLSU Campus, Manila, Philippines, to establish a new joint program of graduate studies in economics at both universities.

The partnership was made possible through the Australian Government’s Institutional Partnerships Program in the Philippines. In the photo above are Professor Veronica Taylor (Dean of ANU College of Asia and the Pacific), Dr Gerardo Janairo (DLSU Chancellor), Mr Mat Kimberley (Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy).

Under the new agreement, one year of graduate studies will be undertaken at DLSU and another year at ANU. Students who successfully complete the first year of studies will receive a Diploma in Development Economics from DLSU and will be granted entry into the ANU Crawford School to continue their graduate studies. Those who successfully complete studies at the Australian university will be awarded a Master of Environmental and Resource Economics (MERE) or a Master of International and Development Economics (MIDEC).

Mr Mat Kimberley, Australia’s Deputy Head of Mission to the Philippines was pleased to attend the signing, stating that “This is a wonderful development and one that we would like to see more of. Education plays a vital role in Australia-Philippine relations dating back to the 1950s when Filipino scholars were in the first cohort of the Colombo Plan. Since then, more than 3,000 young Filipinos have studied in Australia as part of the Australia Awards Program and each year 10,000 Filipinos study and train in Australia. Today, we are also sending Australia’s best and the brightest to study and train in the Philippines under the New Colombo Plan.”

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is also working with ANU to deliver The Philippines Update 2016 Conference on 2 - 3 September 2016. This conference will provide a forum to link Australian and Filipino officials and researchers’ together to support research on inclusive growth, trade and governance in the Philippines and to look at how development gains under the previous administration can continue under the Duterte administration. The Philippines Update 2016 conference is being presented as part of the 70th anniversary celebration of Philippine-Australia relations.

For updates on Australia-Philippines’ #First70Years, visit www.philippines.embassy.gov.au, like us on Facebook and follow us on @Ausembph.

The Problem of Encroachment: Shrinking Civic Spaces and Territorial Disputes in ASEAN

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Among the foremost concerns of civil society being prioritised at this year’s ASEAN People’s Forum is the issue of encroachment. This encroachment is being seen throughout the region, both in the form of shrinking civic spaces, as well as physical encroachment on land and maritime rights.

During yesterday’s sessions, representatives of organisations from Timor-Leste, Indonesia, and Vietnam respectively discussed the issues faced by their communities with regard to resource exploitation by Australia, encroachment on the rights of traditional fisherman via government regulations, and China’s strong-arming of ASEAN countries in the South China Sea.

“A good response to this issue is to build more people-to-people solidarity, especially between and among peoples of the contending or claiming countries, such as Australia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, China, and the like,” stated Mr. Augusto (Gus) Miclat Jr., Executive Director of the Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), based in the Phillipines.

Mr. Mark Batac, also representing IID as well as the Global Partnership for Prevention of Armed Conflict, heeded that we must further remember that, “Fighting encroachment is not a competition between the people of China and the people of ASEAN, or the people of TimorLeste and the people of Australia. While we celebrate our sovereignty as peoples, we should also be weary not to flame any conflicts between our peoples. We as the people’s movement in civil society must build bridges, not boundaries.”

Encroachment in the form of shrinking civil space also continues to plague ASEAN civil society. Mr. Andrew Khoo of the Malaysian Bar Council discussed how governments across ASEAN use means such as national security, censorship, and regulation to justify its encroachment on the rights of citizens.

Ms. Chalida Tajaroensuk of People’s Empowerment Foundation, Thailand, illustrated how these tools of oppression are used in Thailand, stating, “The justification behind the 2014 military coup was to ‘keep peace and order,’ and now Article 44 of the current version of the Constitution is being used under this guise to concentrate power with the government. They use Article 44 to justify the violation of rights, from land-grabbing to dragging human rights defenders into military court.”

Similarly, Mr. Victor Mambor of the Independent Alliance of Journalists (AJI Papua) discussed the repression that is taking place through silencing in West Papua, with police ‘categorising victims as terrorists and separatists, and arresting or killing them on these grounds.’ Mr. Mambor also shed light on the government’s tactic of preventing international media or NGOs from entering the country, further silencing any discussion of problematic issues.

Once again, greater solidarity among ASEAN civil societies to unite with a common voice against oppression, regardless of which country the offense is taking place in, was emphasised as a way forward. This further underscores the importance of the ACSC/APF forum in bringing representatives of ASEAN civil society together for open dialogue to discuss strategies and solutions in a safe space.

Timor-Leste Leads ASEAN Call for Increased Collaboration Between Civil Society and Government

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With the official opening of the ASEAN Civil Society Conference / ASEAN Peoples' Forum (ACSC/APF) 2016, there has been a resounding call for greater solidarity among ASEAN civil society, as well as for heightened collaboration between civil society and government. 

These themes have been embodied both in the consensus to hold the ACSC/APF 2016 in Timor-Leste, as well as by the presence of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Timor-Leste, H.E. dr. Mr. Rui Maria Araujo, at the opening ceremony. This was unprecedented—as it is the first time the head-of-state of an ASEAN nation has participated and engaged in an open dialogue with citizens—and must serve as an example to the ASEAN governments.

In his address to ACSC/APF 2016 participants this morning at the Dili Convention Center, Prime Minister Araujo illustrated the potential of a collaborative relationship between government and civil society using the example of Timor-Leste. Prime Minister Araujo stated, “The relationship between government and civil society in Timor-Leste is constructed upon the genuine conviction that civil society is an important partner during the process of nation-building in countries like ours where almost everything—from policy development, to implementation, to monitoring of results—have to be built from scratch, and have important implications in the day-to-day lives of people who struggled during 500 years of foreign domination.”

Prime Minister Araujo reminded the audience of the critical role that civil society has historically played in Timor-Leste, saying, “Our nationhood was shaped and our sovereignty restored through civil society activism, so the government did not have any doubt about the continued vital role of civil society in shaping the destiny of our nation.” The Prime Minister also drew attention to the fact that, “Despite the close relationship between the government and civil society organisations, the government has not expected civil society to stop criticising the government,” maintaining Timor-Leste as an open society.

“We want to lead by example,” said Prime Minister Araujo, referencing Timor-Leste’s track record of ratifying international human rights conventions. “This means implementing our commitments in these conventions.”

Prime Minister Araujo’s sentiments around increased collaboration were shared by the ASEAN Parliamentarians who participated in Tuesday’s Town Hall, as well as by President Taur Matan Ruak,

whose address was delivered by a representative during the welcome cocktail reception hosted at the President’s Palace on Tuesday night. The dialogue with ASEAN Parliamentarians highlighted the need for increased education among members of government on the treaties and underlying obligations of the human rights conventions to which their countries have acceded, and the Parliamentarians called on civil society, as the on-theground experts, to continue to guide government’s agenda and priorities.

President Taur Matan Ruak’s words also underscored the need for a less adversarial and more collaborative relationship between government and civil society, stating ‘we should not be afraid to be in the same room together,’ and attributing some successful measures Timor-Leste has taken towards recognising human rights to the initiatives of civil society.

Members of ASEAN civil society are cautiously optimistic about the collaboration with government, emphasising that this collaboration only makes sense if it is substantive and addresses the most painful issues of the region, such as the shrinking space for civil society and persecution of dissenting voices.

The ACSC/APF 2016 Conference is taking place on 02-05 August 2016, at the Dili Convention Center in Timor-Leste. The full programme of the ACSC/APF 2016 can be viewed at aseanpeople.org.

beep Card, Now Accepted in Select Froehlich Tours P2P Buses

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AF Payments, Inc. announced that starting August 8, Monday, commuters can use their beep card to pay for rides in select routes of Froehlich Tours, one of the premium point-to-point (P2P) bus systems in the metro. This covers the routes Trinoma to Glorietta 5 and vice-versa, and SM North EDSA to SM Megamall and vice-versa.

The standard fare for the Trinoma-Glorietta 5 route is P55. For the SM North-Megamall route, the standard fare is P40.

“This is the first time that we’re implementing the beep™ system for a premium P2P bus line. We hope that commuters enjoy the convenience using beep™ card and the comfort of Froehlich Tours’ modern bus fleet,” said Peter Maher, president and CEO of AF Payments, Inc. Froehlich Tours offers commuters a reliable mode of transportation, allowing shorter travel time as buses leave on schedule and travel from the terminal to the drop-off point without stops.

“This partnership with beep™ card is significant for us because it is true to our mantra of connecting the city. We’re positive that this will further improve the commuting experience of Froehlich bus riders,” said Chris Bauer, Froelich Tours Inc., CEO. 

Enjoy ROFLing Sundays on Sony Channel This Cheery Month of August

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This August, Roll On the Floor Laughing when you laugh out loud as Sony Channel brings you three of today’s outrageous comedies on primetime television.

Your Sundays will never be the same again when you enjoy your weekends in roaring laughter as Sony Channel tickles your funny bones with series that start your week on a happy note, beginning with the premiere of the brand new comedy Truth Be Told, and the second seasons of Playing House and Odd Mom Out.

ODD MOM OUT: Mom in Manhattan

In Season 2, writer Jill Weber (Jill Kargman) copes with the daily tasks of living with her wealthy in-laws in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in town. She returns to her fashion magazine job but encounters her old nemesis – her former boss. As Jill revives her career, her husband Andy (Andy Buckley) takes time off to take care of their kids, realizing it was harder than he thought. Couple Brooke (Abby Elliott) and Lex (Sean Kleier) deal with the aftermath of his affair. Jill’s best friend Vanessa (K.K. Click) and mother-in-law Candice (Joanna Cassidy) return to hilariously reprise their respective roles.

Jill Kargman serve as both creator and executive producer of the show. Other producers are Ken Druckerman, Tim Piper, Daniel Rosenberg, Banks Tarver, Tony Hernandez, Julie Rottenberg, and Elisa Zuritsky.

Odd Mom Out Season 2 airs every Sunday at 8:00 pm.

TRUTH BE TOLD: New Kind of Coosome Foursome

Two couples take on center stage as this lightweight comedy follows the story of Mitch
(Mark-Paul Gosselaar), a college ethics professor, his wife, Tracy (Vanessa Lachey), and their best neighbor buddies Russell (Tone Bell) and Angie (Bresha Webb). These couples are more than just your average partners; they are able to talk about their thoughts and feelings whether in private or amongst friends. Their personalities have that extraordinary chemistry that makes them the perfect conversationalists who can discuss anything under the sun- from sexuality to race to relationships.

Truth Be Told is created by DJ Nash and is directed by Pamela Fryman, director of CBS Network’s How I Met Your Mother.

Truth to be told airs every Sunday at 8:30pm.

PLAYING HOUSE S2: Adventures in Baby-Raising

Playing House returns for season 2 this August. Follow this season as best friends Emma Crawford (Jessica St. Clair) and Maggie Caruso (Lennon Parham) face life’s challenges together. In between them is Maggie’s adorable baby daughter Charlotte whom they care for tenderly. Emma’s boyfriend Mark adds more color to the adventures of the two best friends by sharing in their daily affairs. Will they be able to handle all the perks and challenges of their extraordinary living situation?

Keegan-Michael Key plays the role of Mark, Emma’s boyfriend. Real life best friends Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham serve as the show’s creators and executive producers. Playing House Season 2 is produced by Universal Cable Productions.

Playing House Season 2 premieres on August 14, Sunday at 7:00pm.


Sony Channel is seen on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60,

Global Destiny Cable Channel 62, and Cable Link Channel 39.

Pop Culture Explosion at AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016

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Pop culture lovers of all shapes, sizes, and fandoms are definitely in for an unusual treat at AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016 (APCC Manila 2016) as it brings in even more special guests for the biggest pop culture convention in the country!

Slated on August 26 to 28 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, APCC Manila confirmed another roster of talents in different pop fandoms, from music, beauty to comics, to grace this epic event.

J-Rock and anime music lovers rejoice, as renowned singer Hiroshi Kitadani is here to rock your favorite anime series’ worlds in APCC Manila 2016!

Kitadani is a singer and member of anison (anime music) supergroup JAM Project. He first entered the anime music scene when his solo debut single We Are! was used as the opening theme for runaway hit series One Piece, which led to performances for other series such as Yu-Gi-Oh! GX.

Kitadani joined JAM Project in 2002, and has been a regular performing member ever since, taking part in songs such as THE HERO!! ~ Ikareru Kobushi ni Honō o Tsukero~, the opening theme for cult favorite One Punch Man, as well as soundtracks from other action-packed titles such as Shin Getter Robo vs Neo Getter Robo, Shin Mazinger Impact Z!, Super Robot Wars Original Generation: Divine Wars, Transformers: Animated, and many more. 

Department of Transportation Encourages Commuters to Reload Beep Cards Outside Train Stations

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The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is encouraging train commuters to reload their BEEP or stored value cards in off-site reloading centers to shorten queues in ticketing stations and to reduce their commute time.

MRT-3 and LRT Lines commuters may reload their “tap-and-go” cards in 76 sites in Metro Manila, 16 of which are within walking distance (200 meters) from stations. Commuters may reload at Bayad Center and its partner outlets, Tambunting, Villarica, and SM Bills Payment centers.

Since its introduction in April 2016, the off-site ticketing system has generated over 50,000 top-up transactions.

By September, commuters will also have the option to reload in over 1,100 Metro Manila branches of 7-Eleven, Mini Stop, and Family Mart. This is on top of over 300 more Bayad Center branches that will allow top-up transactions.

The Department is also encouraging the over one million daily train commuters to shift from single journey tickets to stored value cards. As of June 2016, around 45% of passengers are still using single-journey tickets, falling in line at the ticket stations every time they ride the train.

The Beep card system, a unified ticketing system, was introduced last October 2015, allowing passengers to transfer from one train to another. The MRT-3 and LRT Lines 1 and 2 used to run on two different payment cards.

Exclusive Two-Night Omakase Dinner with Both New York and Manila Chefs of Nobu

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Nobu New York's Filipino Executive Chef, Ricky Estrellado, teams up with Nobu Manila’s Head Chef, Michael De Jesus, for a rare and exclusive two-night Omakase dinner.

The two chefs have collaborated to come up with a gastronomic feast that Nobu-fies timeless Filipino recipes with Japanese-Peruvian influences, for a special engagement on August 18 and 19.

The two-night event highlights the collaboration of two talented Filipino chefs who have both worked with the renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa for years. Chef Ricky, who has worked with Nobu for 22 years, is the Executive Chef in New York, overseeing both the Nobu New York in Tribeca and Nobu Next Door along Hudson Street. Chef Michael, a Fil-Am who grew up in the USA, started his nine-year career with Nobu in the Los Angeles restaurant then worked in Nobu Las Vegas, immediately before coming to Nobu Manila early this year.

The dinner’s indulgent eight-course menu highlights Nobu-style interpretation of Filipino classic cuisine starting with Sisig Foie Gras on a Gyoza Cone followed by Seared Tuna Kinilaw with Ceviche Gelee and Green Papaya Salad in Shiso Crepe and Lapu-Lapu with a choice of Jalapeno or Matsuhisa dressing. One of Nobu’s signature dishes, Yellowtail New Style, is reintroduced with a green mango salsa while the Spiny Lobster Tempura is served in Miso Sinigang Consomme. The evening’s entrees, Sous Vide Crispy Pata with Amazu Ponzu and Rencon Laing and Beef Short Ribs Kare-Kare Anticucho, proffer a refreshing perspective to the traditional Filipino pork and beef dishes. Before dessert, an array of sushi likewise incorporates local cooking methods and ingredients, such as Saba Tinapa Style, Local Tuna Toyomansi, Whitefish Sharsado Style, Salay Salay Paksew, and Mixed Seafood Kilawin Taco. The Nobu-Style Water Halo-Halo offers a delightfully sweet ending to the dinner’s full-on experience.

Akbayan Youth to Palace: Remember Mark Chua, Don't Revive ROTC!

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Akbayan Youth today appealed to palace officials not to push through with their plans to revive the compulsory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) for college students in memory of Mark Chua, the student from University of Santo Tomas who exposed corruption in the ROTC program and whose murder led to the passage of the "National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001" which rescinded ROTC as a pre-requisite to graduation.

"We hope Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo remembers how many young people fought for the abolition of mandatory ROTC in college, including Mark Chua who bravely exposed the corruption within their ROTC program and ended up giving his life for speaking truth against power," said Rafaela "Paeng" David, Chairperson of Akbayan Youth.

The youth group emphasized that instead of instilling discipline and patriotism, ROTC instead promoted bullying and violence in campuses. "At such a young age, ROTC exposes the youth to grueling and violent hazing practices, from physical to psychological abuse, to instill in them fear and blind obedience. Worse, it is their fellow youth who becomes perpetrators of this cyclical system of abuse. It is not love of country nor discipline that ROTC instills in the youth, but the greed for power and bullying." added David.

David also said that the program will only promote sexism and discrimination among the youth.

"If you are physically weak, feminine or gay, ROTC will force you to 'man up'! With premium on being 'macho', the ROTC openly discriminates against those who are weak or those who stand out of the mold of a standard cadet," David said.

The youth groups lastly urged government to instead bolster democratization within the school, not militarization.

"The colleges and universities must be safe spaces for the youth, where they can learn how to responsibly use their freedoms and learn how to be active citizens. Government thus must promote other citizenship-based education courses and community service programs that instead empowers the youth to act and creatively express their solidarity with their fellow Filipinos, not programs such as the ROTC that seek to silence, disempower and force the youth to conformity." concluded David.

Akbayan Youth has actively pushed for the abolition of the ROTC and has vowed to fight against efforts that seek to backtrack the reforms already achieved in making ROTC non-compulsory for college students.

DOE: Reliable Power Supply Ensures Sustained Economic Growth

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With the current power supply situation, the Department of Energy (DOE) is looking for mechanisms to ensure the adequacy, availability and stability of electricity necessary to sustain the country's economic growth.

The recent spate of Yellow Alert Status declaration by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) prompted the DOE to assess whether there are enough measures or standards for power generation companies to ensure their power plants are always in good condition and are able to meet their obligations to their respective customers. It has been observed that the lack of power supply or thinning power reserves for the past days have been due to the forced outages of various generating plants in Luzon.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said “We are keen on improving the power supply situation in the country. We will strengthen the policies and programs and we will work with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to ensure that all standards are enforced to ascertain reliable, stable and reasonably priced electricity, because we cannot let the people suffer from power interruptions.”

Mechanisms that are being studied by the DOE include looking into the provision of replacement power for contracted capacities and the creation of technical audit teams to assess the operations and contracts of generation companies and distribution utilities as well as strengthening the promotion of energy investments to augment the supply of electricity in the country.

Today (04 August), the power supply situation in Luzon was placed again in Yellow Alert Status following the forced/unplanned outage of various plants totaling to 1,297 megawatts (MW), including the 50MW Angat Main Hydropower Plant Unit 4, the 180 MW Kalayaan Hydroelectric Power Plant U1, the Makban Geothermal Power Plant U1 and U10 with a combined capacity of 83 MW, the 60 MW Limay Cogeneration Plant Block 5, the 382 MW Pagbilao Coal-Fired Power Plant U2, the 122 MW South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. Coal-Fired Power Plant U1, 280 MW Malaya Thermal Power Plant U1 and the 140 MW Southwest Luzon Power Generation Corp. Coal Fired Power Plant U2.

Meanwhile, the power plants on planned maintenance shutdown are the 180 Kalayaan U2, the 265 MW Sta. Rita U2, the 55 MW Bacman Geothermal Power Plant and the 600 MW Ilijan Natural Gas Power Plant Block B.

Based on the 6:00 a.m. advisory of NGCP, Luzon system capacity stood at 9,805 MW, while the system peak demand is projected to reach 9,128 MW at 11 a.m.leaving reserve capacity at 364 MW. Moreover, Visayas and Mindanao grids are operating on normal condition.

The DOE also reiterates its call to the public to judiciously manage energy consumption as this matter is better resolved with everyone’s cooperation.

#DutertePleaseAppointMe Trends After Appointment of Mocha Uson at BOC

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There's a new hashtag trending in Twitter, and even in Facebook, which apparently started after shocking news about Mocha Uson being appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as Social Medial Consultant at the Bureau i=of Customs (BOC).

However, as per BOC social media account on Twitter, Comm. Nicanor Faeldon has stated that it will not appoint her as consultant but she can write about BOC on her blog.

The information turned out to be false but it did not stop Twitter users from unleashing humor and some hugot using the hashtag ‪#‎DutertePleaseAppoint‬Me

"I will not defend mocha as she can do it her own damn self, but look at how easy it is to rile up people with nothing so much as the stench of meat. Some bit of gratification in the confirmation of "i was right, he's stupid" without confirming first or even after confirming following up on the news beat. This is why the triggered culture is dangerous. Opting for outbursts of opinion rather than dialogue, digging deep into the the toolbox of the old conservatist movements while supposing to espouse liberal values." -Brylle Latorre

"Binawi na ba talaga ang appointment kay Mocha Uson bilang Social Media Consultant ng Bureau of Customs? Balita ko gagawan talaga ng bagong department with 4 attached bureaus - bu for promoting male sexuality, bu for promoting multiple orgasms for women, bu for overcoming lgbt bias, bu for maintaining sexual virility among thunders"

Duterte Wants ROTC Mandatory Again

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"Another mandatory, obligatory, military training? When a "bright idea" is made mandatory and obligatory, 90-99% it is a stupid idea. People have to be coerced, mandated and arm-twisted to obey that "bright idea"."

Reviving the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is not a good idea. We all know that it trains the similar mindset just as what is taught to the military and police - follow orders without thinking or asking, like mindless drones that the government can manipulate or use for their own selfish purposes.

ROTC was a waste of time. Standing under the sun, marching around on dirt, and learning how to hold a wooden rifle is archaic. As much as possible ,a nation should avoid 'militarism' as it will lead to Fascism, which is a suppression by force, thus reducing man into mechanical tool instead of a human being.

Believing this will instill discipline and patriotism among the youth, is the thinking of a madman.

I'm not in favor of it, but I am in favor of a better funded and organized voluntary system that steers young men and women towards a solid reserve system with national guard like periodic training and development would be better, and money spent more efficiently. I'm talking about prioritizing Fitness training + self defense + survival training + first aid + disaster management, and not hours of marching under the sun.

The military and police have been rampantly used against the people. Contrary to what the government tells us, the presence of such forces only provokes other nations to counter by creating more of their own, thus war would always be inevitable if governments continue to raise arms in preparation for possible war or conflict. Only fools would believe that we will be safe if we hoard more military guns, ammunition, machines and reserves. We are only further assuring a greater chance to be annihilated when war suddenly surprises us in the middle of the night.

This is why people fear men in uniform for we will never really know who are genuinely concerned about our welfare and safety, and who are the real protectors and even co-masterminds of all these drug-related activities, robberies, syndicates, etc.

There's now a nationwide purging or cleansing going on. Many are cleaning up their association or links with the people who could easily point them.

We should not let our youth be brainwashed to think that they are obligated to become slaves of the government. Everyone has the right to question the actions of anyone even if he has the highest authority in the land.

We are constantly plagued by governments ran by only a few, which imposes laws selectively and without any public consultation. They just evolve into different forms yet are still the same crooked personalities.

Sec. Alfonso Cusi's Speech at PhilRECA Annual General Membership Meeting

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KEYNOTE SPEECH
Delivered by Sec. Alfonso G. Cusi
37th PHILRECA Annual General Membership Meeting
Wednesday, 03 August 2016, 10:00 a.m.
SMX Davao Convention Center, Davao City
"Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Philreca Board Members headed by Mr. Jose Raul A. Saniel, all the electric cooperative Board Directors, General Managers, Department Heads, and guests, good morning.

Allow me first to thank all of you for the very warm welcome to the industry. This is my first speaking engagement as Energy Secretary, and already we are seeing the vast potential of electrification in making a difference in the lives of our countrymen. Power has always been one of the top priorities of the government, not only for industrialization, but also as a way of embracing Filipinos through our shared goal of powering every home in the country.

The theme for PHILRECA’s assembly is “Lighting Homes, Improving Lives and Enhancing Inclusive Growth and Progress” which is very much in sync with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte of adjusting to the needs of the people, especially those in the marginalized sector. Pursuant to that mandate, we were able to help 2,082 households in the Meralco franchise area, barely a month in office, manifesting that with willingness to show genuine compassion for our kababayans, things can be done. Imagine the possibilities for the coming months and years ahead if we all work together.

According to the DOE transition report, the National Electrification Administration already reached its 100% Sitio Electrification Program (SEP) target (with a total of 103,000 sitios electrified) in March 2016. Our work, however, should not stop there as there are still those who have yet to see and enjoy light. It is therefore important that we reach out to you in efforts to forge a strong partnership for rural electrification since it is our duty in the government to support your endeavors that aim to uplift the lives of our countrymen.

Early this month, I met with some of the PHILRECA members to discuss the issues and concerns of the electric cooperatives. From that meeting, I learned about your issues on right-of-way, tax reforms and the non-privatization of major government power assets, among others. Given that President Duterte has declared power development as a critical driver of our growth, we, in the Energy Family, will see to it that your concerns are immediately responded to, to allow you to fast track rural electrification.

We will streamline policies and processes to encourage competitiveness, promoting ease in doing business for the industry especially here in Mindanao and in the far-flung areas. As we strive to improve public service, we urge electric cooperatives to be compliant in their Distribution Development Plan for the continuous improvement of your operations. DDP is a very critical tool in pushing forward our advocacies for empowering people, as this will open up opportunities in your areas, such as the establishment of small businesses through power development.

Alongside a good distribution plan, we also hope that ECs will strive for excellence by constantly improving your facilities and observing the procedures of the Competitive Selection Process before entering into power service agreements.

And most importantly, we need to comply with the provision of the law that mandates us to ensure the reliable, quality, secured, & affordable supply of electricity. Let us assure the communities we serve supply of electricity 24/7. And let us strive, work hard in finding ways to bring down our cost of power.

Let us learn from the challenges we had, aim to improve and give the best service to the people. Another key element is preparedness in dealing with disasters. Given that it is typhoon season once again, I encourage you to assess your cooperatives and come up with a disaster preparedness plan, so that we will be able to address the gaps and return to normalcy immediately after the occurrence of any natural calamity.

Along this line, NEA has come up with a Policy on Electric Cooperatives’ Resiliency Program which seeks to enhance design and construction standards of ECs’ distribution assets in anticipation of the increasing intensity of typhoons. The Policy directs electric cooperatives to establish buffer stocks of materials, build a regional pool of line men and electricians who will undertake power restoration works, so that no utility is caught flatfooted in emergency situations in order to mitigate difficulties of the consumers during power rehabilitation activities.

As I advocate a participative and consultative leadership process I therefore encourage all of you to assess the needs of your localities and look into the possibilities of how our programs such as the National Intensification Household Electrification Program, Sitio Electrification Program and the Barangay Line Enhancement Program can be maximized to help your member-consumers.

We have to exert more effort to reduce systems loss in order to lessen the cost of delivery of power to electricity consumers. On our part, we are looking at Malampaya fund to compensate the stranded cost and stranded debts, which are being passed on to consumers. We have to prioritize the welfare of our consumers.

We also enjoin you to link up with various institutions and organizations, local government units, non-government organizations and socio-civic groups to be able to assure that the needs of everyone are met. Let me repeat that the direction of the Department of Energy under President Rodrigo Duterte’s term will be geared toward the protection of Filipino consumers. We will therefore exhaust all efforts to ensure access to adequate, affordable, and reliable electricity as a recognition of the primary importance of power in enhancing the quality of life of all Filipinos, especially those living in the far-flung areas of the country. We can certainly accomplish our goals if we all work together to create the change we aspire to have.

Again, congratulations for 37 years of championing the goals of rural electrification and for being at the forefront of consumer advocacy. I wish to thank you for supporting DOE, and I hope that this assembly will bind us stronger in our shared goal of providing electricity to all Filipino households.

Thank you very much and good day.

Stop Calling Drug Dependents “Surrenderers”

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Amid the growing number of drug users who have reportedly voluntarily submitted to the authorities, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros urged the government to stop calling drug dependents “surrenderers”, saying it criminalizes them and makes it difficult for them to rehabilitate and reintegrate back to society.

The senator explained that by ceasing to use the negative term for drug users, the government takes the first important step in treating the country’s drug problem not only as a criminal issue but also a public health concern.

“Let us stop calling drug users as ‘surrenderers.’ They are not criminals. They are patients in need of important health care services and rehabilitation programs. The government must distinguish them from hardcore drug pushers and other violent offenders,” Hontiveros said.

The neophyte senator also called on the government to study the experiences of other countries, which viewed drug addiction as a public health concern and emphasized harm reduction strategies.

“There is a need to have a multi-perspective approach in responding to the drug problem. We cannot win the war against drugs through the lens of criminal justice alone," Hontiveros explained, citing Thailand’s law enforcement-centric war on drugs where drug users reported increased reluctance to seek healthcare and Mexico, which failed to invest in treatment and harm reduction programs.

"We must combine enforcement efforts with the complete mobilization of our healthcare system to address drug abuse and addiction,” Hontiveros added.

Hontiveros also cited the example of Vietnam which acknowledged that drug use is a social problem and dependents should be provided with treatment instead of punishment. She also highlighted the experiences of Malaysia, Portugal and Netherlands.

“Malaysia is reach in experience regarding its implementation of harm reduction programs. In Portugal, the government pushed for alternative therapeutic responses to dependent drug users. Meanwhile in the Netherlands, its government has a long-standing policy to provide comprehensive medical treatment for substance abuse, instead of jail, for nonviolent offenders,” Hontiveros said.

Samsung Releases All-New Galaxy Note 7

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Smartphone giant Samsung finally unveiled its all-new Galaxy Note 7 at its unpacking event in New York City, and its features are set to the bar yet again in mobile technology and innovation. Philippines’ #1 mobile brand Globe Telecom is gearing up to take pre-orders starting August 6, 2016via globe.com.ph/note7.

Maximizing a connected lifestyle, Globe complements the new Galaxy Note 7 with its customizable Globe myLifestyle plans. The myLifestyle postpaid plans provide a personalized online experience through its variety of lifestyle packs designed for different interests ranging from entertainment, music, fashion, to travel, among others.

“Globe Postpaid always ensures we give our loyal customers access to the latest devices in the market. We are thrilled to finally have the new Galaxy Note 7 with its groundbreaking features that elevate the Filipino digital lifestyle. Best enjoyed on our myLifestyle postpaid plans, each one of our customers will be able to customize and maximize all the Note 7 features attuned to their passions and interests – from the basic services of calls, texts, and mobile data to exclusive content,” said Globe SVP for Consumer Mobile Business Issa Cabreira.

Samsung CEO D.J. Kho led the unboxing in New York City, unveiling Galaxy Note 7’s latest features. Galaxy Note 7 carries the latest innovation – the first ever Iris scanner for added security, alongside the enhanced S-Pen with higher precision and responsiveness. Note 7 is also the world’s first mobile HDR video that can take footage in sharper colors and with high dynamic range. It also carries superior DSLR like Real Pixel Camera with the first ever dual photodiode sensor (2PD) in mobile, providing superfast autofocus and brighter and clearer images with f/1.7 lens that is excellent for low light. It is water and dust resistant, has an expandable memory up to 256GB and runs on an Octacore processor for smoother graphics.

To learn more about the perfect myLifestyle plan for you, you can visit www.globe.com.ph or visit the nearest store to you. Customers can follow Globe Telecom on Facebook www.Facebook.com/GlobePH and @enjoyGlobe on Twitter and Instagram for updates on pre-orders.

Suicide Squad: What They Say About DC's Latest Effort of Redemption

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"After all the hype and drama surrounding Jared Leto‘s performance as the Joker — the knee-jerk scorn unleashed by fans when that first image dropped, the endless stories from the cast and crew about Leto’s super-intense method process — it turns out his version of the Clown Prince of Crime is just … fine. He’s not terrible, and Leto and David Ayer deserve credit for trying to make the character their own, but Suicide Squad‘s Joker certainly isn’t giving The Dark Knight‘s Joker a run for his money."- Jet Rai

Seriously, the only reason we want to watch the Suicide Squad movie was the hype about Jared Leto's Joker and Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn. Apparently, you'll only appreciate the movie if you're a die-hard fan of the comic genre who do not miss on merchandise, which includes movies and TV series, such as this. 

I was looking forward to this but it's been getting trashed in the reviews by both critics and people who saw an early screening. Script that's a disaster and Jokers only in it for a few minutes so they could save him for a future movie.

The movie may not be as bad as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, but it's still bad. I feel it's still a botch job that should have been kept locked away. It made the latest Fantastic Four reboot look better. I hate to say anything harsher but that's just it. Nothing else good to say about the movie.

The early reviews should already make you think twice about watching it. "It's maybe an anti-hero film where the heroes are villains going after the super villain (Joker), still you'll not be impressed about anything. 

It's "practically every petty thing you have seen before—what else but a whirlwind of debris and yet another omen of failure." - Jonell Estillore

"I had it, DC. Stop continuing your cinematic universe immediately."

Sweet Escape: Hataw Galaw Promotes Diabetes Awareness

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Did you know that diabetes prevalence in the world has risen to 422 million in 2014? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one adult out of 10 will likely to have diabetes come 2030. This data alarms experts on the possible effect of the disease to the world population, if aggressive campaign to inform the lay about it will not be heightened.

With this, top endocrinologists and brands advocating in stomping out diabetes will gather at the press conference of this year’s Sweet Escape: Hataw Galaw. The event is a diabetes public awareness day brought to you by FAME (Friendly Alliances and Media Expressions), Inc. to promote diabetes education and awareness among the lay public. This event is held on August 12, 2016 (Friday), 10 am at the Fisher Mall, Quezon City.

Guest speakers include the Father of Philippine Endocrinology and president of Philippine Center for Diabetes Education Foundation Inc. (PCDEF) Dr. Augusto D. Litonjua who will tackle Diabetes Prevalence in the Philippines.

Dr. Joy Arabelle C. Fontanilla, Head of the Center for Weight Intervention and Nutrition Services (WINS) of St. Luke's Medical Center - Global City and editor-in-chief of DiabetEASE Magazine, will talk about the importance massive information dissemination on the burdens of the disease and how it can be prevented. Also present is Dr. Rafael Castillo, FAME, Inc. publisher who is also a cardiologist, to give his insights about diabetes and its effects to the heart.

Towards the program, different brands will talk about their commitment to help the Filipino people in maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent diseases, especially diabetes, through product highlights.

Immediately after the press conference, witness the Sweet Escape: Hataw Galaw Intercollegiate Urban Dance Competition, where eight universities shall showcase how they dance diabetes away with an active lifestyle. Eight competing universities include: Bulacan State University, Taguig City University, University of Makati, AMA Makati, Centro Escolar University, ICCT Colleges Cainta, PATTS College of Aeronautics, and STI Caloocan.

The event will also feature a Zumba party, diabetes lay forums, booth exhibition, and games for people living with diabetes, families, advocacy and support groups, magazine readers and diabetes specialists.

Dulaang UP Stages Ang Katatawanan ng Kalituhan

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Without questions, there will be no REVELATIONS.

In commemoration of William Shakespeare’s 400th death anniversary, Dulaang UP stages Ang Katatawanan ng Kalituhan, Guelan Varela-Luarca’s Filipino translation of William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors. The play is a cleverly crafted tale of mistaken identities, loves lost and found, families gone astray and made whole again.

Direction: Alexander Cortez Dramaturgy: Judy Ick Costume Design: Gino Gonzales Set Design: Ohm David Technical Direction and Lighting Design: Meliton Roxas, Jr. Sound Design: Jethro Joaquin Choreography: PJ Rebullida Video Design: Winter David Photography: Jojit Lorenzo Art Direction for Photography and Poster Design: Paolo Santillan

August 24, 25, 26, 31 (7 p.m.) August 27, 28 (10 a.m. & 3 p.m.) September 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 (7 p.m.) September 3, 4, 10, 11 (10 a.m. & 3 p.m.)

Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd floor Palma Hall, U.P. Diliman, Quezon City. 

For ticket, sponsorship, and show buying inquiries, contact Arkel Mendoza (0908 814 9975), Joshua Chan (0917 677 5141), Zia Parcon (0915 338 5227) or email dulaangupmarketing@gmail.com. You may also call the Dulaang UP Office at 926-1349, 433-7840, 981-8500 local 2449 or email dulaangupmarketing@gmail.com.

#DUP41Revelations DUPKatatawanan

A Traveler’s Guide to Mobile Phones Before Flying Off

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We all agree that when traveling, one of the first things that we have in our pocket or bag (besides passport and air ticket) is our mobile phone. Your phone is like your lifeline for keeping in touch with people and the world, wherever you may be. You can use it in case of emergencies, get in touch with family and friends back home, post your latest adventure on social media, check your emails, do a google search, and so much more! It is simply convenient to have a phone to rely on whenever you are abroad.

However, activating your phone’s roaming service can get pretty pricey; nobody wants to go home and find a huge bill waiting for them at the end of the month. Other scenarios that you should consider are not being able to even use your phone or even worse, it gets lost or stolen. The following are some things that you should know before taking your mobile abroad.

Questions to ask your provider when taking your phone abroad

If you are planning to use your phone a lot, the first thing that you should do before getting to the airport is to get in touch with your provider and ask about their roaming service. By doing this, you will know if you can or cannot use your phone abroad. Here are questions that you should ask your carrier:

●     Will my phone work abroad? Most of the providers today do have roaming services but they require activation, so you can opt to do so. If you don’t want to use service abroad, some carriers can opt to temporarily deactivate your service if you want to save on roaming charges.

●     How much will I be charged for roaming? If your provider does offer roaming service, then you should ask how much it costs to make international calls, use the Internet, make local calls, etc.

●     Is my phone locked? If the answer is yes, then you might want to unlock your phone or use an R-sim. Some carriers do lock their phones. If you are to insert a new SIM card (subscriber identity module), it wouldn’t work especially if your phone is included within your mobile plan. Alternatively, you can buy a disposable phone, where you can still call and text. If the answer is no, then you can buy a local SIM card once you reach your destination.

Some tips when taking your phone overseas

Traveling abroad without your phone is like crossing a bridge, without an actual bridge. Many travelers today rely on their phones for finding tourist destinations, affordable hotels, restaurants, checking reservations, posting on social media, getting in touch with people back home, maps, translating, and so much more! So whether you can use roaming service or not, here are great tips to maximize your phone’s usage abroad:

Turn off everything that needs cellular data

If your provider doesn’t provide roaming service or you simply don’t want to, then it is advisable to turn off your cellular data, data roaming service or any such apps. It would also be helpful to turn off any automatic features that would require apps to connect to the internet such as emails, social media, automatic updates, etc. While abroad, you can also make great use of your phone’s airplane mode feature or call your provider to temporarily deactivate your SIM and reactivate it once you are back.

Use ONLY WiFi to connect to the Internet

Your phone is a tool to help you search and explore information from the Internet. It allows you to stay connected with friends and to find out about a certain place or a destination. Even without cellular data, you can still access the Internet via WiFi. Before you travel, download all the apps that you use frequently or your favorite social media apps (though using this requires you to connect to the Internet, you would be surprised at how not getting notifications every minute is simply refreshing and therapeutic). You can also download offline travel apps and interactive maps so that you don’t have to rely too much on the Internet. In doing so, there is no need to worry about finding a hotspot if you want to get connected. Most hotels, restaurants, and other facilities have free WiFi so that you can access everything that you need.

Maximize using apps to communicate

Apps are simply heaven sent for travelers to stay connected. If in the event you can’t use your phone or simply don’t want a huge bill filled with data roaming charges, all you need to do is maximize your using WiFi. Skype, WhatsApp, Messenger, etc., which are useful ways to communicate to your loved ones while you are abroad. It is also a great way to communicate with your friends locally. You don’t need to have cellular service to receive a message. All you need to do is connect to the Internet via WiFi and you can instantly chat, send and receive messages in no time.

Buy a disposable SIM card abroad

Perhaps one of the most popular option for travelers is using a disposable SIM as it is convenient. Not only will you have local service, enable cellular data, you can also make calls both locally and internationally, and send text messages. However, some providers do lock their phones as mentioned above. You need to unlock your phone or use an adapter or R-sim to be able to use the local SIM. At the end of your trip, you can simply deactivate the service and be on your way.

Worst case scenario - stolen phone

Probably the worst thing that could happen to you abroad is losing your phone. You should be extra careful when taking out your phone in unfamiliar places as pickpockets, thieves, and swindlers often target unassuming tourists. As much as possible, never let anyone carry your phone or let it out of your sight. Not only will you lose your contacts and information, unauthorized use of your phone can result to hundreds of dollars’ worth of charges made to your phone bill. On top of that, personal photos, passwords, and emails might also be compromised. So, never lose sight of your phone while you are traveling.

If in the event that your phone is lost or stolen, do contact your provider immediately to deactivate the service, even if there is still a chance to finding it. You can opt to temporarily deactivate it just in case. You can also ask your provider to further block anyone from using your phone by blocking its IMEI (International Mobile Station Equipment Identity). To know your phone’s IMEI, you can dial #60# or simply look behind its battery. Along with your phone’s model number, take note of these set of digits if in case your phone goes missing.

Phone locating apps downloaded earlier into your phone are handy as they can be used to trace your phone and remotely wipe all information in it such as findmyiphone and Android Device Manager. This way you can fully remove all the sensitive information, lock your phone, and make your phone ring remotely.

Make it a point to check your mobile insurance policies to see if they cover lost or unauthorized use of your phone.

Conclusion

Your phone is one of the most important gadgets that you must always have with you at all times while you travel. It is a great tool for many travelers to quickly do a search, stay connected, and communicate through the Internet. If you are travelling abroad with your phone, it is important to get in touch with your provider about roaming service and charges before you fly off. If you don’t want to wind up with a huge phone bill at the end of the month, turn off your cellular data and roaming service, put your phone on airplane mode and simply use WiFi. You can also opt to temporarily deactivate your phone and use a local SIM card throughout the duration of your trip. Make it a point to have your important and personal information and contacts either written down or saved into another device. If you accidentally lose your phone abroad, get in touch with your provider immediately, block call-making services and wipe out all the information on your phone. According to a survey from iprice, when planning to travel, you are recommended to bring along an international travel adaptor so that you can charge your phone wherever your destination.

With a bit of time and effort upfront, you’ll know exactly what options you have when you are abroad and still have an affordable, connected trip with smartphone in hand. Bon voyage!

Contributed by Marjorie Mae Mendoza 

Marjorie is a Filipino-freelance writer currently based in Kuala Lumpur and have been writing professionally since 2010. On top of her superb writing skills, her great command of the English language paved way to enrich her career in radio broadcasting, working with some of the biggest names in radio. To enhance her skills, Marjorie is continuously working as a creative writer who constantly improves and develops her own style with iprice.

DOE Statement: Power Supply Situation (2 August)

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The Department of Energy (DOE) continues to closely monitor the power situation amidst the normalization of the power supply situation following the resumption of operations of several power plants.

Based on the reports from industry players, the 647 MW Sual Coal-Fired Power Plant (SCFPP) Unit 2, the 360 MW Kalayaan U3 & U4 are already back online, while the 300 MW Calaca Coal-Fired Power Plant U2, 280 MW and 280 MW Malaya Thermal Power Plant (MTPP) U2 are expected to supply additional power to the grid within the day.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) declared having a normal situation for the three main grids (Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao).

The DOE is also closely coordinating with NGCP and the generators on the status of the plants that are still out, including the 302 MW GN Coal-Fired Power Plant U1, the 382 Pagbilao Coal-Fired Power Plant U2, and the South Luzon Therma Energy Corporation (SLTEC) U1 & U2 with a combined capacity of 245 MW, the 180 MW MTPP U1; while the 180 MW Kalayaan U2 and the 250 MW Sta. Rita Natural Gas Power Plant U2 are on planned maintenance shutdown.

As of 10:30 a.m., the available capacity in Luzon Grid stood at 9,705 MW, while peak demand is projected at 8,542 MW, leaving the grid with more than 1,100 MW reserve capacity.

For the Typhoon Carina-hit areas, NGCP reported that linemen were able to repair and completely restore the Magapit-Sta. Ana 69-kiloVolt (kV) line which serves the Cagayan II Electric Cooperative (CAGELCO II) and its franchise area in Buguey, Sta. Ana, Sta.Teresita, and Gonzaga in Cagayan province since yesterday afternoon.

Likewise, the National Electrification Administration reported that there are towns and barangays that were scheduled for restoration in the franchises of Cagayan I Electric Cooperative (CAGELCO I) and Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC).

Ten HealthTech Solutions Advance to Takeda Digital Healthcare Innovation Challenge Pitching Competition

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Ten HealthTech startups have been selected to advance to the final Pitching Competition for Takeda’s Digital Healthcare Innovation Challenge (DHIC) on August 6, 2016 in Manila, Philippines.

The finalists include six from the Philippines, two from USA, one from Malaysia and one from Thailand. DHIC is a HealthTech pitching competition sponsored by Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. with technical assistance from TechTalks.ph. HealthTech is a term generally used to define software or tech-enabled solutions geared for the healthcare industry.

Following the open call for submission of applicants from around the world last May 10 to June 27, 2016, Takeda DHIC chose the top 10 entries with the most suitable and most relevant tech solutions for Oncology.

The finalists include a variety of mobile and web solutions from electronic medical records, to early cancer detection and diagnosis, telemedicine, wellness platform, e-prescription and blood donation platform.

Mark Carpio "Hiling" Album Launch Videos

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Check out our YouTube channel at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas for the video coverage of performances during Mark Caprio's Hiling album launch held on July 15, 2016 at Historia Bar & Cafe located at Sgt. Esguerra Street in Quezon City.

He sang all the songs included in the album plus a few more songs which are not included n the album. His brothers Jeffrey and Jerome also did a few performances so I've included them as well. Some of the songs I've uploaded at our official Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas

The 8 songs included in the album are Hiling, Naghihintay Sa Yo, Kay Tagal, Tampuhan, Kahit Gaano Kalayo, Someday, Imp[ossible and The Move.

The album is released under Warner Music Philippines and with the help of producer Jonathan Ong.

His carrier single, Kay Tagal, has gained popularity when it was used as the soundtrack in a Koreanovela.

The album launch was attended by his family, relatives, friends and colleagues from both the music industry and their family's real estate business, Grand Monaco.