Sepang F1 Circuit Blazes Anew with 2016 Michelin Pilot Sport Experience

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport Experience (MPSE) blazes its way back to the Sepang International F1 Circuit in Malaysia for the 12th consecutive year. For over 25 days in August and September, Michelin will treat more than 600 selected invitees from Asia, the Middle-East, Oceania and Europe to another round of excitement and sheer driving pleasure in the iconic Malaysian track.

Dealers, brand stake-holders, influencers and media were invited to participate in the event together with twenty-five (25) lucky consumers from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Japan and Korea. They won their MPSE trip by participating in Michelin Driving Passion, a social media campaign conducted recently that reached 70 million consumers in the region. Campaign participants were invited to describe and share the emotions they experience when they are behind the wheels.

A shared passion for beautiful speed machines that will elicit unique emotions awaits everyone at the MPSE. Guided by an elite team of professional racing drivers and instructors, participants will drive premium racing vehicles such as the Citroen DS3 R1, the Formula 4 car, the Renault Clio IV, the Lamborghini 2014 GT3 and a Formula Le Mans 2-seater exclusively designed for this event.

Meeting motorsports champions who embody the spirit of the race and getting to connect with them is part of what makes this year’s MPSE unique. Special VIP guests in 2016 include Earl Bamber, former MPSE instructor who raced his way to victory and became 2015 Le Mans champion, and Kris Meeke, winner of the 2016 WRC Rally Finland.

At the MPSE, Michelin will launch its new MICHELIN Pilot Sport 4 tyre, the newest arrival in the MICHELIN Pilot Sport family. This tyre is specifically designed for premium sedans and sport cars whose owners desire enhanced driving pleasure through superior performance, a unique looks and safety. Participants will experience first-hand the tyre’s excellent steering control and high level of reactivity during a dedicated workshop.

Why does Michelin continue to organize and enhance MICHELIN Pilot Sport Experience, year after year? “There is nothing that can better convey our passion for performance than sharing it with our key stake-holders right where it is most apparent; on fantastic cars, in an iconic setting, with real racers, where one can feel, touch and even smell the difference that MICHELIN tyres can make”. Michael Nunag, Chief Representative of Michelin Philippines, said.

“The enthusiastic comments and the stronger engagement with the Michelin brand which we see in our invitees every year are a clear confirmation that MPSE is an extraordinarily effective platform to share our brand values and make a lasting impression”.

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport Experience was first launched at the Sepang International Racing Circuit in 2006 and has grown today into a key Michelin annual event in the region.

For more information about the MPSE, please visit its website: http://pilotsportexperience.michelin.com/

Hontiveros, Community Leaders File Alternative Mining Bill

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Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday filed a bill to limit mining operations and ensure the protection of communities and the environment through taxes and heavy fines.

Together with community leaders and advocates from Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), the neophyte Senator filed the Alternative Minerals Management Bill or Senate Bill #1069 to "rectify the failure of Republic Act 7942 or the Mining Law of 1995", the country's current law governing mining.

"There is a need to overhaul our current mining policy to ensure the proper management and utilization of our mineral resources", Hontiveros said.

The Senator also lamented the "low return and high costs of mining", citing that the industry only contributes 0.7% to the country's gross domestic product" while incurring high costs in terms of environmental degradation, loss of livelihood and human rights violations.

Hontiveros, also an environmental advocate, seeks to factor climate change in the government's mining policy framework by inculcating environmental tax and the establishment of a Calamity and Human Rights Protection Fund.

"It's time for mining companies to ensure that their operations do not harm the environment and are a source of contribution to the community", she added. "Super-heavy fines and revocation of licenses to operate await mining companies that violate the law", warned Hontiveros.

"The bill also limits the areas of operations of mining companies", she further explained. The bill protects watershed, key biodiversity areas, critical habitats and geo-hazard areas are no-go zones for mining companies.

Aside from the bill, Hontiveros supports a comprehensive review of all existing mining applications and licenses of all mining countries to determine what companies and mining areas, including places near settlements and biodiversity areas, are compliant with their respective environmental compliance certificates (ECCs) and those that have repeated records of abuse and exploitation. The Senator is also supporting the call of environmental advocates for a thorough investigation on the real economic benefits of mining.

Fast, Reliable Internet for Philippine Homes

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Converge ICT, a world-class provider of ICT products and personalized services, now offers a more reliable and high-speed internet solutions for homes with its FiberX plans.

Despite the presence of several internet service providers (ISPs), the struggle to access information needed for daily living still remains challenging.

The Philippines is one of the countries in the world that is notorious for its slow and unreliable internet connection. In the recent ranking among Asia Pacific countries, it emerged as second slowest with an average speed of 3.64 megabits per second (Mbps), a disturbing mile behind more than 100 Mbps of Hong Kong and Singapore which are on top of the list.

According to Dennis Anthony Uy, Converge ICT president and CEO, FiberX uses pure fiber optics that allows symmetric connectivity. It enables the users to experience superior internet connection and reliability since it neither congests nor degrades data as it passes through, allowing for a speedy downloading and uploading process.

“Fiber technology offers many benefits to both households and businesses because it provides higher bandwidth. What this means is that, people can now enjoy faster internet and that translates to better productivity,” Uy said.

Converge ICT’s FiberX technology provides 100 percent end-to-end fiber technology from its node to the subscriber. This makes for fast browsing, video-streaming, and seamless gaming, among others.

Furthermore, Converge ICT’s pure fiber technology offers better security because unlike copper wire, which is the conventional material used by other providers, fiber is dielectric. This means that it does not transmit energy so conversations on LAN are fully secured.

FiberX comes in different packages that are tailor-made depending on the needs of the consumers. They may avail of Converge ICT’s FiberX with a 20 Mbps, 50 Mbps or 100 Mbps bandwidth, respectively.

Converge ICT has already connected its fiber-powered capabilities to cities like San Juan, Las Pinas, Manila, Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Makati, Pasig, Taguig, CAMANAVA Area, Pasay, and Muntinlupa , Angeles in Pampanga and Tarlac City and Subic.

Converge ICT is licensed to operate nationwide. More than 6,700 km. of fiber optics cables (FOC) were rolled out nationwide with the use of the latest micro- trenching technology.

For more details, please visit the website at http://www.convergeict.com/about.php.

Selfie-Optimized Mirrorless Camera Fujifilm X-A3 Hits the Global Market

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Millennials will have a field day with the global announcement of Fujifilm’s newest innovation, the selfie-optimized mirrorless digital camera X-A3.

Designed with the younger, selfie-loving generation in mind, the X-A3 offers outstanding image quality with the company’s proprietary color reproduction technology. For easy self-portraits, the X-A3 has an LCD screen that is not blocked by the camera when tilted by 180 degrees, thus maintaining 100% visibility. Other features such as Eye Detection AF are designed to improve self-portrait shooting even more, and the new Portrait Enhancer mode includes the option to brighten the skin-tone. The X-A3 can shoot approximately 410 frames per charge, and, when fitted with the supplied lens “XC16-50mmF3.5-5.6 OIS II,” it can focus on a subject at a distance of approx. 7cm from the front edge of the lens for macro photography.

Furthermore, the X-A3 is a mirrorless camera that combines a newly developed sensor and color-reproduction technology that has been refined over 80 years to deliver premium-quality portraiture. It enables users to record the subject’s texture, form, and even the atmosphere of the scene. In a few words, the shots look palpably alive.

Further enhancing the X-A3’s appeal is its retro design that no doubt is coveted by younger users. The top cover, front plate and top dials are made of aluminum. The newly developed faux leather has significantly enhanced the overall texture.

The use of two Command Dials means you only need a thumb to quickly adjust aperture, shutter speed and exposure settings. Frequently used functions such as white balance, continuous shooting and the self-timer can be assigned to standalone function buttons, eliminating the need to go through the Menu screen each time you need to change settings.

And since the younger generation tends to be impatient and always on the go, they will love the X-A3’s extended battery life of approximately 410 frames per charge. The energy-efficient design has extended the battery life to a class-leading level, allowing you to concentrate on shooting pictures without having to worry about remaining battery power.

The X-A3’s class-leading minimum working distance allows users to approach a subject up to the class-leading distance of approximately 7cm from the front edge of the lens to enable macro photography while the built-in pop-up flash supports the Super Intelligent Flash that accurately controls light output according to individual scenes.

What’s more is that the X-A3 can also be used for full HD video recording. The Film Simulation function can be applied to video recording for a diverse range of creative effects. You can shoot beautiful video blogs and do cool selfie using a camera with a flip screen, which will undoubtedly be very useful.

Turning on the electronic image stabilization function delivers the five-axis image stabilization that combines optical and electronic stabilization, significantly reducing a variety of camera shakes that could occur during video recording. This function allows you to record high quality video with reduced camera shake while walking around with the camera in your hand.

The X-A3 also comes equipped with enhanced autofocus settings and versatile shooting functions including the electronic shutter with the maximum speed of 1/32000 sec.

Not the least of the X-A3’s outstanding features is its wireless communications functionality, which enables remote shooting from smartphones and tablets. One can transfer photos immediately from their camera to their favorite social media platform.

Versatile, multifunctional and innovative, the new FUJIFILM X-A3 is a product of FUJIIFLM’s 80-year history and expertise in photographic film manufacturing.

Healthway Medical, Vivian Sarabia Optical Offer Free Eye Examination in Celebration of ‘Sight Saving Month’

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Healthway Medical, the country’s most trusted and preferred network of mall-based clinic, in partnership with lifestyle eyewear shop, Vivian Sarabia Optical, announces its joint program, ‘Pamper Your Eyes with Eye Care 360’ in celebration of August as Sight Saving Month.

The partnership allows interested customers to avail free quality eye examination and minor eye frame repair for the month of August by simply visiting the Vivian Sarabia Optical booth located in Healthway Medical’s Greenbelt 5 branch.

This strategic venture is part of the clinic’s mission of making health and wellness part of an everyday lifestyle among the general public.

“Healthway Medical and Vivian Sarabia Optical forged this partnership to support the advocacy. We’ve seen the need to educate the public on the importance of eye care and wellness because it is one of the most neglected health issues in the country,” said Carmie de Leon, Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Healthway Medical.

According to Vivian Sarabia, CEO of Vivian Sarabia Optical, many people take eye care for granted as they often neglect visiting optometrists until the problem is irreversible. Eye problems like glaucoma, cataracts, and errors of refraction are usually ignored until the condition gets worse. But more importantly, an eye check-up can be used to detect early signs of diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, among others.

Vivian Sarabia Optical will also participate in Healtway’s wellness roadshow. This will allow customers experience a holistic approach to health and wellness.

“With the similar campaign that our both clinics want to push, we are opening the door to Filipinos to live a healthy and proactive lifestyle,” said Carmie de Leon, Healthway Medical’s Vice President for Sales and Marketing.

For more information, you can check their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/healthwaymedical/ or visit their website at https://healthway.com.ph/.

Photo Caption: (L-R) Shown in the photo are Healthway Medical representatives Carmie de Leon, Vice President for Sales and Marketing and Racquel Cagurangan, General Manager with Dr. Vivian Sarabia, CEO and Jan Vincent Sarabia Ong, Corporate Partners Director of Vivian Sarabia Optical.

DOE, PSME to Conduct Joint Technical Audit of Power Industry Facilities

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“Public interest demands an appropriate intervention from both the government and the private sector to ensure consumer protection,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said as the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) yesterday (25 August 2016) at the DOE’s Central Office in Taguig City.

With the PSME providing pro-bono services, the MOA boosts the DOE’s technical audit of the country’s generation, transmission and distribution facilities.

The PSME is the only accredited professional association of registered and professional mechanical engineers in the country.

The PSME is composed of 84,000 members who have the necessary technical knowledge, expertise and competence to assist the DOE in addressing the current power situation.

Earlier, the DOE also signed a MOA with the Integrated Institute of Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE) to assist the DOE in the technical audit of power facilities.

Secretary Cusi said “the DOE is determined to immediately address the recurring challenges in the power supply chain that affects the productivity of our people. The entry of PSME will strengthen DOE’s technical audit teams.”

Present during the signing ceremony with Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi and PSME National President Dr. Murry F. Demdam were (L-R) PSME Manila Host Director Cesar S. Galang, PSME Technical Committee Member Edwin F. Delgado, Assist of Chairman 64th PSME J Christopher T. Perez, National Secretary Edgardo C. Camering, Assistant to the 2016 National President Rolando C. So, Chairman 64th PSME National Convention Roger G. Reyes, DOE Spokesperson Wimpy B. Fuentebella, DOE Spokesperson Atty. Richie Ramos, Engr. Arwin Ardon, Atty. Gerardo Erguiza Jr. and DOE Legal Services Director Arthus T. Tenazas.

The DOE remains committed in ensuring reliable, stable, sustainable, sufficient and reasonably priced electricity to the public.

Ricky Lee Workshop Selection Process Set on Sept. 4

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Writers Studio, in partnership with the University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI), will spearhead the screening and interview of applicants to Ricky Lee's 15th Film Scriptwriting Workshop at the UPFI Film Studio on September 4. Applicants may come to the venue anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Lee, a multi-awarded scriptwriter, has written more than 160 films such as “Himala,” “Karnal,” “Brutal,” “Moral,” “Salome,” “Cain at Abel,” “Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara,” “Deathrow” and “Mila.” He last conducted his workshop, which has produced hundreds of graduates who are now part of the movie and TV industry, in 2002. Writers Studio is a group composed of his workshop fellows and students.

Supporting Writers Studio and UPFI in organizing the selection process are the UP Department of Broadcast Communication, UP Broadcasting Association, Far Eastern University (FEU) Film Society, University of the East (UE) Buklod Sining, Think Creative, Inc. and Red Room Media Productions.

Lee, who started conducting workshops in 1982, when he was still new to the industry, thinks writing is sharing. “I believe that while you’re learning, you should share, rather than store, all the knowledge that you get.” He considers this more dynamic as he believes that creating comes hand in hand with sharing.

Those who have yet to submit the workshop requirements will have to fill out the Google form found at https://triptoquiapo.wordpress.com on or before August 28. Those who fail to do so may still come to the venue on the said date but they need to answer the essay questions on the form on the spot.

The selected individuals will make up Batch 15 of Lee’s workshop, which will be held every Sunday starting this November. Application to the free workshop is still open. For more details and other inquiries regarding the workshop, email rickyleebatch15@gmail.com or check out the Ricky Lee (Official) Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TripToQuiapo) or Twitter account @triptoquiapo (SBS).

Converge ICT Offers Fiber-Powered Connectivity To Homes, Businesses

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The emergence of fiber-powered internet has accelerated recently, powering up homes and enterprises with high-speed internet that boosts productivity and provides optimum entertainment to users.

With the increasing need for fast internet, Converge ICT—a provider of world-class ICT products and personalized services to customers in the Philippines—rolls out next-generation broadband services that are set to improve lives and empower enterprises.

Converge ICT develops relevant and world-class solutions for its clients, creating productive working environments for businesses and optimizing home entertainment for every internet use at home.

According to Dennis Anthony Uy, Converge ICT president and CEO, access to internet is becoming more available, with more homes and small and medium enterprises as well as established ones recognizing the benefits that come with fiber internet’s integration into their operations.

“For businesses, slow internet speeds result to loss of productivity and efficiency; for homes, this means their inability to do research and watch their favorite TV show when they need and want it,” Uy added. “But with high-speed connectivity, you can enjoy its fullest potential.”

Duterte Says His Threat to Take the PH Out of the UN was Only a Joke

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Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay: "Duterte was ‘tired, disappointed, hungry’ when he threatened to take PH out of UN. We must give him leeway. He is only human."

Lately, Duterte says it was merely a joke. Lol!

Duterte supporters should be appointed as "interpreters" because they would always give positive meaning to whatever the President says. You have to give them credit for it would always be an extreme effort to find something good out of all the garbage spewing from his dirty mouth.

Supporters are implying we should read, or listen, between the lines. That what we perceive of Duterte is not what common sense dictates. That Duterte means good even though he is already making a mockery of the Philippines by quarreling with supposed to be allies like the UN.

They are trying to say they know Duterte better than most of us because they seem to know that all that barking is something else other than what is obvious.

Everyone should be aware that the UN has made significant contributions to improve our welfare especially during times of disaster or conflict, of which our local authorities failed to do so because they are focused on something else other than being proactive and capable during times of crisis.

Bridging the Gap for Better Workforce Management Operations

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Fujitsu Philippines, Inc., a leading information technology (IT) solutions integrator, recently ties up with Aspect Software, a provider of fully integrated consumer engagement, workforce optimization and self-service, solutions, to integrate its workforce management solutions to the existing Fujitsu cloud services in the country. 

The said partnership aims to optimize manpower industry in the country by introducing cloud-based platforms that feature intuitive dashboard-based UI; a centralized visibility into employee characteristics, preferences, schedules and performance; sophisticated forecasting algorithms that support multiple business objectives; and a simplified management of workforces across multiple sites and outsourced locations, among others. 

Photo caption: L-R: Mr. Sanjay Gupta, Head of Cloud Business – APAC, Aspect Software Inc.; Mr. Mark Pandy - Managed Services Business Unit Head, Fujitsu Philippines Inc.; Mr. Cricket Santiago, Chief Executive Officer, Fujitsu Philippines Inc.; Mr. Jagannath Narendran, Senior Vice President - APAC & Middle East, Aspect Software Inc.; Mr. Richard Loberas, Head of Sales – ASEAN & Korea, Aspect Software Inc.

Stars are Aligned at AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016 with its Roster of Celebrity Headliners

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Fandoms unite! Stars from some of your favorite series are coming to Manila for the biggest pop culture gathering in the country dubbed, AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016 (APCC Manila), which is slated on August 26 to 28 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Headlining the roster of Hollywood celebrities are Nicholas Hoult, Joe Dempsie, Claire Holt,and Millie Bobby Brown.

Hoult, who made his acting debut with the 1996 Canadian-British film Intimate Relations, is best known for playing mutant scientist Beast in X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Days of Future Past, War Boy Nuxin Mad Max: Fury Road, protagonist Jack in Jack the Giant Slayer, and R in Warm Bodies.

His most recent movie appearances were in Drake Doremus' film Equals, a futuristic drama written by Nathan Parker, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, as well as the British independent production Kill Your Friends, based on the novel by the same name by John Niven.

He has also recently finished shooting writer/director Danny Strong's directorial debut Rebel in the Rye, in which he plays a young J.D. Salinger. Hoult will also be seen in the film Sand Castle for director Fernando Coimbra, in which he portrays an American soldier on a mission to help a village at the end of the war in Iraq. 

Four-Peat Champions, New Winners Named at NBA3X Philippines 2016 Presented by Panasonic

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Three-on-three basketball competition reached new heights at NBA 3X Philippines 2016 presented by Panasonic as 2013, 2014 and 2015 champion team EGS-Elite succeeded in scoring a four-peat in the Men’s Open Division on Sunday, August 21, 2016.

EGS-Elite waged the only successful four-peat attempt in NBA 3X Philippines as last year’s two other three-peat achievers—Team Alcaraz led by actor Marco Alcaraz in the Celebrity Division, and Three-Point Shootout King JC Baltazar—were replaced by new champions in their respective categories.

The Celebrity Division was won by Team Yan, headlined by TV personality Bobby Yan and anchored by Azkal footballer Aly Borromeo, Jun Macasaet and 3-time NBA 3X Slam Dunk Champion David Carlos. Other personalities who saw action in this division included running guru Rio de la Cruz, PBA Legend Alvin Patrimonio, ex-PBA players and collegiate stars Vince Hizon, Christian Luanzon and Derick Hubalde, musicians Yael Yuzon and Mong Alcaraz, and media personalities TJ Manotoc, Mark Zambrano, Nikko Ramos, and Marco Benitez.

“We have been looking forward to this tournament all year and have kept ourselves active ever since to play well on this stage. NBA 3X has inspired us to work harder on improving our skills and chemistry for future competitions,” said Ian Garrido, who together with playing coach Rocky Acidre, Rutger Acidre and Mark Anthony Dolimon, aced their fourth appearance in the tournament with solid rebounding, consistent outside shooting and strong defensive play.

Grow Your Business More at the 7th Philippine Business & Entrepreneurs' Expo

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The country's economy is changing as time goes by, and all of a sudden, we'll be part of a bigger economic community in the next few years. Unlike before, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will now have to compete in a much larger market which also involves neighboring countries.

To get ahead of the rest, you must equip yourself with knowledge in new trends going around the MSME industry, and if there's one place that we recommend you to do that, it's the Philippine Business & Entrepreneurs' Expo.

The Philippine Business and Entrepreneurs' Expo (PBEX) is an event that is part of our conscious effort in cultivating and nurturing the MSME Industry. This three-day event gathers a lot of visitors, and has been running for six years and counting.

This year’s event highlights various conferences that cater to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise industry. On the first day, the ASEAN MSME Business Forum will gather key resource speakers from parts of the ASEAN region to discuss ideas to help MSMEs expand to the region.

The Business Sustainability and Resiliency Seminar will take place on the second day, covering topics related to business preparedness and how to mitigate possible business troubles. On the last day, the MSME Success Forum will gather business owners and businesses for a day of knowledge- and idea-sharing.

Aside from the conferences, there will be a Business-to-Business (B2B) meetup on the first day and exhibits from different business throughout the whole expo.

If you’re in for three days of fun activities, come join the 7th Philippine Business and Entrepreneurs’ Expo at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 1 in Mandaluyong this August 26 to 28. Admission is FREE, and you can register online at http://www.philippinebusinessentrepreneursexpo.com to avoid queuing and receive updates.

For more information, visit the Philippine Business and Entrepreneurs’ Expo on Facebook, call 633-0153, SMS 0920 924 2532 / 0920 981 4376 or send an email at info@exlinkevents.com.

SAP PartnerEdge Cloud Choice Helps Partners Accelerate Their Cloud Business and Expand SAP's Channel Focus

Wazzup Pilipinas!

SAP SE recently announced the availability of SAP PartnerEdge Cloud Choice, profit option. The innovative SAP PartnerEdge Cloud Choice model will enable SAP partners to accelerate cloud sales, profit from selling in the cloud and deliver digital solutions to help businesses run live. It is part of SAP’s plan to accelerate cloud adoption with partners.

The new model will help partners who have concentrated on traditional on-premise solutions — as well as new partners — to establish and maintain a profitable cloud business. It removes the financial liability and risk from partners, allowing them to focus on driving cloud adoption across their organization and customer landscapes. Partners should now be able to realize a steady revenue stream that’s locked in for the life of the customer and partner relationship.

“We are 100% committed to working with our partners in the cloud space,” said Rodolpho Cardenuto, president, Global Channels & General Business, SAP. “That’s why we are taking a cloud-first approach. It removes the guesswork and immediately gives partners the opportunity to earn a revenue share on contracts, as well as over the life of the relationship. As a key cloud player, SAP must rely on our network of partners to tap into this expanding market and help our mutual customers succeed on the path to digital transformation.”

The profit option of SAP PartnerEdge Cloud Choice allows partners to choose how they want to engage with SAP based on their individual capabilities, resources and expertise. The option eases the transition from on-premise to cloud environments. Unlike the traditional models where partners manage every aspect of the transaction, the new model and profit option supplement the partners’ activities with elements such as contracting, invoicing and collections.

Additionally, SAP will offer a larger, more predictable revenue stream that may go directly toward partners’ bottom lines with the aim of increasing the revenue-share percentage for partners selling cloud solutions from SAP over the total lifetime of the contract.

For more information, visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews.

Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights Hearing on Extrajudicial Killings

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Here is the opening statemnet of newly-elected Senator Risa Hontiveros during the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights Hearing on Extrajudicial Killings

"Magandang umaga sa ating lahat.

Ang yumao kong asawa ay isang pulis. Alam ko ang nadaramang takot at pangamba ng mga katulad kong babae tuwing ang kanilang mga mister o partner ay papasok sa trabaho upang gampanan ang kanilang tungkulin. Hanggang ngayon, tanda ko pa ang pang-araw-araw na pangamba, kahit noong magkasintahan pa lang kami, paano kung siya ay mapahamak, o magbuwis siya ng kanyang buhay sa pagtupad ng sinumpaang tungkulin?

Naranasan ko rin ang sakit na mawalan ng asawang pulis. Bagama't ang aking asawa ay hindi pumanaw sa engkuwentro, siya ay binawian ng buhay sa gitna ng kanyang assignment at malayo sa amin.

Sa mga kababaihang asawa o partner ng mga pulis, at sa ating buong kapulisan, hangad ko po ang inyong kaligtasan at panatag na loob ng inyong mga pamilya. Makakaasa po kayo sa akin, makakaasa si PNP Chief Doroy Dela Rosa, ang Mistah ng aking yumaong asawa. Gagawin ko ang lahat ng aking makakaya bilang Senador upang masiguro ang inyong kaligtasan at maprotektahan kayo sa panganib sa kampanya ng gobyerno laban sa droga. Kasama ng maraming mga mamamayan, hangad ko na magtagumpay kayo at magkaroon tayo ng mapayapang bansa.

Pero sana maintindihan din po ninyo na gagawin ko rin po ang lahat ng aking makakaya upang ipagtanggol ang karapatang pantao ng bawat mamamayan. Ito po ay isang tungkulin na ating sinumpaan, lalo na ng ating kapulisan.

Ang ating kampanya laban sa droga ay hindi dapat mauwi sa simpleng pagbibilang ng mga napatay. Dapat ang sukatan ng matagumpay na kampanya laban sa droga ay ang pagdami ng bilang ng mga buhay na napabuti, naituwid at nailigtas. The war on drugs should not be reduced to killings. It must be a just campaign to promote new beginnings.

I believe that in the government's war against drugs, we cannot play gods and decide whose lives matter and whose lives don't.

Sabi nga, "ano ang sukat ng halaga ng isang buhay"? Paano natin tinitimbang ang buhay na mahalaga, at ang buhay na pwede na lamang balewalain at pwedeng kitilin? Ano ang batayan na magsasabing ang isang buhay ay may silbi pa at ang isa nama'y wala nang pag-asa? Sino ang lalagyan ng cardboard o sunod na ilalagay sa kill scoreboard?

Hindi lang iisang tao, o iisang grupo, ang may kapangyarihan na husgahan ang kapwa Pilipino. May justice system ang ating demokrasya. Mabagal man o may kahinaan, hindi ito pwede isantabi. Dito po dapat patas na tinitimbang o sinusukat ang paglabag sa batas, at sa makataong paraan po ipinapataw ang karampatang parusa.

Madam Chair, to the PNP leadership and to all the guests of this committee today, we must shift the focus of this war on drugs from vendetta to real justice, from shortcuts to reforms, from punishment to treatment, from mere killing to healing. This approach is not only restorative and just, it is also the more humane path. Let us not lose our humanity in the face of fear and barbarity." - Senator Risa Hontiveros

G-Force Project Sembreak Dance Workshop

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"G-Force Project Sembreak" Dance Workshop is now back on its 5th year! It is an offshoot of the annual G-Force Project Summer Dance Workshop which began in 2008. G-Force, at its 11th year, is offering the perfect way to spend and maximize your sembreak holiday at G-Force Dance Center, the Home of the Celebrity Choreographers.

Students have a variety of classes to choose from that cater to different ages namely Hip-Hop, Lyrical Hip-Hop, DanceHall, Quickstep, AT’s Quirk, Zumba, and Kids Class. Schedules are as follows:

Batch 1: September 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25

Batch 2: October 08, 09, 15, 16, 22, 23

Workshop fee is at PHP 6,500 for 6 sessions with Dance Concert that is set to happen on October 29 at Music Museum. So what are you waiting for??? Make the most out of your Sembreak by learning only from the best! ENROLLMENT IS ONGOING! BOOK A CLASS NOW! 

OPTION A:

Payment thru bank deposit
BDO Account Name: GFORCE DANCE CENTER CORPORATION
Account Number: 001240139037
Email deposit slip within the day of payment to workshop@gforceofficial.com
or send via Viber/ WhatsApp at 09178436723


OPTION B:

Enroll at G-Force Dance Center (from 1:00PM to 8:00PM)
Located in IL Terrazzo Penthouse 305 Tomas Morato Ave. Cor. Sct. Madriñan St. Quezon City

Check out @gforcedancenter on social media for more updates or you may call/ text 0917.8GFORCE (436723) / 0998.52FORCE (36723) / 709.6077 or send an email to workshop@gforceofficial.com.

Joe Dempsie from Game of Thrones to Visit PH for APCC Manila 2016

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Joe Dempsie of ‘Game of Thrones’ to Visit Philippines for AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016, Completes List of Hollywood Headliners

“Still rowin’?” But who would have thought that he would get here! Joe Dempsie aka Gendry of the HBO hit series Game of Thrones (GoT) is coming to town for AsiaPOP Comicon Manila 2016 (APCC Manila), the biggest pop culture convention slated on August 26 to 28 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Other than his role in GoT, Joe Dempsie also starred in the Skins and various British television series such as Peak Practice, Doctors, Sweet Medicine, and The Fades, among others. He appeared in the films One for the Road, Heartlands, and Monsters: Dark Continent, to boot.

Currently, he stars in BBC’s modern thriller mini-series One of Us. For APCC Manila, Dempsie joins X-Men’s Nicholas Hoult, Vampire Diaries’ Claire Holt, and Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown as its Hollywood celebrity headliners.

For the fans of Dempsie, APCC Manila is offering Autograph and Photograph session tickets with the actor, which will be available soon for purchase on SM Tickets website, https://smtickets.com/, or at all SM Tickets outlets. Autograph and Photograph tickets will also be available for purchase on event days.

APCC Manila 2016 tickets are now available via SM Tickets with ticket prices PhP550 (one-day pass), PhP850 (two-day pass), and PhP1,050 (three-day pass). All these will give the ticketholder access to stage activities, performances, and the main show floor. The event is free for children aged five years and below for all days, but a valid identification is required for verification purposes before entering the show floor.

For more information and event updates, please visit asiapopcomicon.com/manila and official Facebook Page facebook.com/apccmanila.

Masa: The New Official Government Publication is a Tabloid

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"The new official government publication is laid out and edited like a tabloid. Actually. This is not a joke. I can't make this shit up." - Carlos Celdran

Since there has been a lot of negative news about President Rodrigo Duterte, and he did declare a ban on other media aside from PTV4 and blogs/social media pages like Mocha Uson blog and other online news sites, his administration has decided to create their own radio, TV and newspaper outfits. Lol!

The newspaper (in tabloid format) is labelled as "Masa" with a top title of "Mula sa Masa, Para sa Masa" and a subtitle of "Kasangga sa Pagbabago," while the TV show would be "Mula sa Masa, Para sa Masa." I'm not sure about the radio show yet.

"Making government communications more directly accessible to the masses by choosing attention getting formats that they are familiar with and appeal to them is genius." - Tony Ahn

If Duterte is serious about being the man of the masses, the headline should read "Pilipinas, Wagi sa Gyera Kontra Droga"

He should not claim his "success" only on his own effort, unless he is doing all the "work" and the men under him are incompetent or merely followers of the orders he "dictates" whether "shoot-to-kill" or "leave no one alive."
The media would not leave him alone? He then creates his own media outfits to serve his own purpose and obviously to print only the positive news about him. What a waste of taxpayer's money! They dont like whats being shown on tv/papers, so they made their own. This is absolutely a waste of taxpayers money because it will only contain deceptions orchestrated by his office. We won't be reading, or watching, any contradicting statements from detractors which makes it so ridiculous.

But since the newspapers are offered for free, why not. The gullible "masa" would feast on the freebies. If my memory serves me right, in the first few years of The Philippine Daily Express, it was also in tabloid format. Print media propaganda. Hitler had that. Marcos, North Korea. Dictatorship is looming. This is the modern day Daily Express, the broadsheet propaganda machine of Marcos!

Just like a tabloid - it's propaganda and disinformation that one is reading and potential slander through publication of "lists" that are unverified.

Mind conditioning! Of course he will succeed and this will be his greatest act: a man-made miracle. We are turning like the North Korea brainwashing the citizens with that piece of shit. 

In Davao, the "Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa" TV show is a program that announces the achievement of the past week. What the Davao government did, possible plans and improvement. Duterte plans to have this same setup in a nationwide reach. Wait until Duterte orders every TV station to broadcast his show. It'll just be like when Hugo Chavez was in power in Venezuela. 

Very familiar. I think this happened in every dystopian novel I've read so far. Starts off with propaganda, then brainwashing, and then complete and utter chaos. To name a familiar few: Hunger Games, Divergent trilogy, Maze Runner, and the Running Man by Stephen King. Good reads.

All communist totalitarian barbaric country or what ever you call it have all their state-owned TV/media/publication for the purpose of brainwashing the citizen. This is so dangerous specially in a country full of ignorance like Philippines. Spreading lies, slogans not solution, propaganda & misleading info.

But only thing I am sure suppressing people will ultimately succumbed in the end but we have to pay the big price if we are not early enough to stop it.

Nations on earth lose so many lives to choose revolution to overthrow tyranny in the past, now we are going back on those dark past that other country vowed not come back again. I believe that 16.6 million should have their own world, would China absorb them?