Celebrities and Athletes to Join Under Armour’s ‘Test of Will’ on March 25 & 26

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With the recently concluded Under Armour ‘Test of Will’ national Heats in Malaysia and Thailand, the spotlight is now focused on the Philippines; as to who will be the Philippine representatives to the much awaited regional competition of Under Armour’s ‘Test of Will’.

Celebrities and athletes such as Gretchen Ho, JC de Vera, Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, 2x Jiu-jitsu world champion Meggie Ochoa, fitness trainer Elle Adda, MMA fighters Mark Mugen and AJ Matthews are all expected to make an appearance during this weekend’s highly anticipated local leg of the regional event.

The Philippine national Heats is set to take place on March 25 & 26 at Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City. The winners on said dates, will then face-off against representatives from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei during the final round on May 6, 2017, set to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Participants can still sign up for UA ‘Test of Will’, which is on its second year, and designed as “the most advanced urban fitness challenge.” It offers athletes the chance to compete in a simple 4-minute circuit consisting of Burpees, One Arm Thruster, TRX Rows and Sandbag Throw. Each competitor will be scored based on the maximum number of repetitions they can achieve within 60 seconds. The highest scoring man and woman of the national Heats from each respective country will win an all-expense paid trip to compete in the regional finals, happening in Kuala Lumpur. This year’s overall champion of the regional finals will walk away with S$2,500 cash prize, or around Php 88,000.00, winners will also get free head-to-toe gear and special discounts.

Newly signed Under Armour Ph athlete, Bellator fighter AJ “the Filipino Punisher” Matthews, who has an 8-5 record, is also expected to join the UA ‘Test of Will’ on said dates.

AJ Matthews also called out to other Philippine participants, who can still sign up for the event, set on March 25 & 26. “Go test your will and join Under Armour’s event, and see what your body is capable of achieving. I will see you there”, says the FIlipino Punisher. Matthews is expected to head-to-head with One Championship fighter Mark Mugen on the first day of the event.

For more information regarding ‘Test of Will’ and other events, you may visit www.tripleready.com/events. Make sure to follow Under Armour Philippines via @underarmourph on Instagram and Twitter for updates as well as Facebook at www.facebook.com/underarmoursea.

LoveYourself and Partners Beef Up HIV Awareness After Anvil Win

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Advocating for greater HIV awareness, LoveYourself and its partner Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., which is the corporate social responsibility arm of the Shell Philippines Exploration (SPEX), B.V., has continuously strengthened their HIV programs for businesses, students and the youth, and other vulnerable sectors.

LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin G. Pagtakhan said, “We need to be aggressive and varied with our programs to curb HIV and AIDS, especially now that there are 27 Filipinos getting infected every day from only four (4) individuals in 2010.”

“Through our LoveYourself Caravan, our volunteers are sweeping through schools and private companies in key cities in the National Capital Region to educate the participants on correct and consistent condom use, timely testing and treatment, and safe and satisfying sex (TSC) as well as how companies can implement an HIV Policy in their respective offices,” Pagtakhan relayed.

Recently, LoveYourself Caravan’s Philippines Business Sector Response (PBSR) to HIV, which a SPEX-funded program and implemented largely by LoveYourself, has won a Silver Anvil Award last 10 March for helping address the key health issues of the country. 

Receiving the Silver Anvil Award on 10 March 2017 at the Makati Shangri-La are (L-R) PBSR Senior Officer Dr. Stella Flores (2nd from left), PSFI Project Manager Marvi Trudeau, PSFI Executive Director Edgar Veron Cruz, SPEX Managing Director Don Paulino, LoveYourself Executive Director Ronivin Pagtakhan, PBSR Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Julius Elorpe, LoveYourself Deputy for Strategic Communications Raybert Domingo and members of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines.

This is the first time that a LoveYourself-implemented program has been awarded an Anvil award, considered the most prestigious recognition for public relations campaigns in the country. The PBSR program won in the category of Public Relations Programs: Directed at Specific Stakeholders, External Consumers, Communities and Special Interest/Advocacy Groups.

The PBSR is a program dedicated to businesses or enterprises which entails HIV awareness, testing and facilitating the creation and implementation of an HIV Policy in the Workplace.

Apart from PBSR, LoveYourself also has a committed program for schools and universities providing HIV education and screening. The LoveYourself Caravan programs are in cooperation with the Department of Health-Philippine National AIDS Council (DOH-PNAC), the UNAIDS, and the PSFI.

“We’ve gone through various companies and academic institutions in the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Quezon Pasay, San Juan, Taguig and even Puerto Princesa in Palawan to support their needs towards HIV education and policy requirements,” informed Earl Patrick B. Penabella, LoveYourself PBSR and Caravan Program Officer.

LoveYourself Caravan and TestMNL.org provided HIV education, counseling and testing to the FEU Tamaraws in Manila last 08 March.

Penabella added that in 2016, the PBSR team conducted HIV related trainings to the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) member-participants in Metro Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.

Based on January 2017 DOH data, there were 844 new individuals diagnosed to have been infected with HIV, which is 5% higher compared to the same period last year and the highest reported cases since 1984.

Currently, LoveYourself Caravan is being boosted through the TestMNL (testMNL.org) campaign, which is an adaptation of the TestBKK in Bangkok, Thailand funded by the Elton John AIDS Foundation through the APCOM, a regional organization that promotes HIV issues that affect the lives of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender people, including rights, health and well-being.

On 24 March, LoveYourself Caravan and TestMNL will be conducting an alternative learning experience to the Pre-Medical Society of the University of the Philippines-Diliman in Quezon City concerning HIV and AIDS, which also includes HIV counseling and testing.

To answer queries on HIV and other sexual health inquiries, LoveYourself Volunteers set up booths during PUP’s celebration of LGBT Pride last 10 March.

In March alone, LoveYourself Caravan and TestMNL have conducted HIV education, counseling and testing at the Far Eastern University (08 March), Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Sta. Mesa (10 March), Philippine Normal University (11 March) and UP Los Baños (13 March).

For more details on other LoveYourself’s services, individuals may visit the group’s official website at www.loveyourself.ph or follow and like its social media channels: Facebook- @loveyourself.ph, Twitter- @loveyourselfph, and Instagram- @loveyourself.ph.

Kaye Morales: Designer, Lesbian Icon’s Quest for Equality

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The month of March celebrated the woman; her achievements, her independence, and her total empowerment. Our world today is not perfect and inequality continues to cast its shadow across the darkest corners of our day to day lives. In our world today, being a woman is not just a personal experience, but a political one as well.

Today’s women are motivated to defy convention with every step they take and there’s no other woman who embodies those forward-thinking ideas quite like fashion designer, Kaye Morales.

“With all the emerging talents in the fashion industry, being a woman in 2017 means pushing myself harder”, says Kaye Morales.

Progressive and fashion-forward, Kaye Morales has grown to become one of Manila’s youngest and hottest street-wear designers. Her latest collection, Identity, broke through the gender-binary with pieces that were adaptable to people of all genders and body types. Since its launch in December 2016, Identity has become a critical and commercial success.

“This is my revolution of self, my freedom”, Morales shares, as she looks at Identity’s success. “It is a spectrum of emotions and experiences that I want to express.”

Morales came out about her sexuality in 2015 and expressed a desire in making the fashion industry a welcoming place for people all genders and sexual orientations. As a part owner of LGBT nightclub, Nectar, Morales launched Girl Nation – an event she hosts every Tuesday night for lesbian and queer women alike. Her efforts have cemented her place as an icon in the local LGBT community.

“Ngayon lang n​a​gkaron ng ganito sa Manila ​and my main goal is to build relationships within the community ​para maging closer ​yung members ng ​LGBT”, says Morales. “That's my main goal.

Morales is currently hard at work, working on her next collection, Vomit. Away from the design studio, Morales is a dedicated triathlete and is training for her next triathlon. 

“I believe that to be able to cope up with the physical and mental requirements that my job requires, I need to stay fit and healthy”, shares Kaye Morales. “Being a woman in 2017 is being a woman who takes control of her life and future.”

If there’s anything that truly sets Kaye Morales apart from her peers, is her ability to embrace the experiences of all women and to channel that into all of the work she does. Whether, it’s in the design studio, on the track, on in a club, Kaye Morales’ work inspires people to be themselves in the face of a world on the cusp of acceptance.

Hit Reality Show “The Amazing Race” Returns for Season 29 on AXN

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Get ready for a race unlike any before when the worldwide hit reality television show, The Amazing Race, returns for its 29th edition on AXN.

Unlike in previous seasons, this season offers a fresh, new format in response to the clamor of The Amazing Race fans for years. When the race begins on March 31, all 22 contestants are complete strangers who meet for the first time on the starting line.

They compete in a challenge that will determine the order for choosing a teammate, based on nothing but first impressions. Then, these new teams engage in fierce competition as they complete a series of physical and mental challenges while racing around the world, spanning 17 cities in nine countries across five continents.

These odd couples of newfound partners, which include an army drill sergeant, a professional snowboarder, a Wall Street banker, an auctioneer, and a college drum major, among others, discover for themselves how they handle the pressure and cope with the tension of competing and traveling with someone they just met.

The first team to arrive at the final finish line will win the grand prize of US$1 million and crowned the winners of The Amazing Race.

New Zealand television personality Phil Keoghan returns as host in this latest installment of the competitive reality series.

The Amazing Race Season 29 premieres on March 31, every Friday at 8:50pm within 12 hours of the U.S. telecast. First & Exclusive on AXN.

AXN is available on SKYCable Channel 49, Destiny Cable Channel 61, Cignal Channel 121, Dream Satellite TV Channel 20, G Sat Channel 51, and Cablelink Channel 38. AXN HD is available on SKYCable Channel 247.

City of Dreams Manila Fosters Employee Engagement and Gives Back to the Community

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Employee engagement and involvement in the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts are among the key drivers that foster employee satisfaction and well-being in City of Dreams Manila. Inspiring action, recognizing and expressing belief in the potential of its employees, the luxury integrated resort’s motivational and fun undertakings recognize outstanding performance, showcase diverse talents and promote sociability, alongside employee volunteerism that boosts morale.

"As City of Dreams Manila celebrates its second year anniversary, we recognize that human resources are one of our most invaluable assets and we are committed to deliver delightful and engaging experiences for our employees through our various activities. We endeavor to inspire them to take pride in their profession and have a sense of belongingness. As we stress the importance of observing work and life balance and being more productive and creative in their respective jobs, we motivate them to be actively involved in community outreach programs,” Property President Geoff Andres states. 

 
Employee Engagement

To recognize outstanding performance, the luxury resort presents “President’s Award,” a prestigious annual recognition given by the Property President for six outstanding employees from the ranks of associate to managerial level and front-of-the-house and heart-of-the-house categories. Selecting the best from some 5,000 employees, a stringent nomination process draws out the most outstanding performers. The awardees receive a trophy and pin, cash prize and gift vouchers, and a special dinner with the Property President. Two of the awardees last year also represented City of Dreams Manila in the regional BMW Hotelier Awards 2016 held in Macau.

Fun and engaging employee activities include a monthly “Pasikatan” talent competition from which the year’s grand prize winners are awarded a cash prize of P8,888, an overnight accommodation at Nobu Hotel for two persons and gift vouchers for the complex’s various facilities. Other competitions held last year were holiday décor-making among the various departments, which awarded P15,000 to the grand prize winner; a poster-making contest that revealed latent artistic talents vying for the plum prize of P10,000; and the spectacular annual employees Christmas party.

The first Mr. and Ms. City of Dreams Manila pageant was launched late last year, where a series of preliminary rounds screened over 38 contestants vying for the title, as 16 finalists composed of eight men and eight women competed in their sportswear, cocktail and evening long gown. Iriz Bjergh Rodrin, Bell Captain, at Nobu Hotel and Elena Faith Cariño, Human Resources Training and Development Assistant were announced as Mr. & Ms. City of Dreams Manila 2016 respectively. Aside from a cash prize of P20,000 each and other attractive prizes, they were given the opportunity to attend the Miss Universe 2016 Governor’s Ball.

City of Dreams Manila also recognizes the importance of work and life balance for its employees, encouraging them to take scheduled vacations for rest and recreation – for which “Picture Perfect”, an enjoyable activity wherein employees submit their most interesting holiday travel photos. Zumba Nights, and “Palarong Pinoy” mini-olympics fostering team camaraderie and local culture are held for fun and fitness, while livelihood workshops and seminars are also offered for employees and family members.

“These undertakings advocate the well-being and productivity of our employees and develop their multi-faceted talents as they stand committed to create a positive impact for the community at large”, adds Andres. 

CSR Participation

Supporting City of Dreams Manila’s corporate culture and vision towards community service, its employees actively volunteer their time and services in charitable and civic institutions, building homes and rehabilitation for indigent communities, participating in environmental activities such as tree planting and coastal cleanup, Red Cross blood donation drives, and visits to various orphanages, homes for the elderly and nursing homes. .

For its year-round “Spoonful of Dreams”, City of Dreams Manila’s has adopted Parañaque’s Bahay Aruga orphanage as its key CSR beneficiary. Since the resort’s pre-opening, it has been conducting feeding programs, rehabilitating the facilities, and hosting field trips and varied activities that bring joy and learning to the children. Other children institutions supported by City of Dreams’ volunteerism program are My Father’s House in Sucat, Hospicio de San Jose and Virlanie Foundation in Metro Manila. Early this year, the integrated resort hosted cancer-stricken children of Child Haus Manila, in support of the Cabinet Spouses Foundation, and businessman Hans Sy’s and entrepreneur Ricky Reyes’ adopted charity. The children were treated to a day of fun at DreamPlay, the DreamWorks animation-inspired interactive play space.

For “Connecting Dreams”, the employees have also volunteered their time, provided meals and interacted with senior citizens at Anawim Home for the Aged and Graces Home for the Elderly; and persons with disabilities at the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan.

“Building Dreams”, another City of Dreams Manila CSR program, sees volunteers building shelters for impoverished communities. Together with Gawad Kalinga, employees participated in the construction of new houses to improve the living conditions of some 1,000 families presently residing at Gawad Kalinga Mangahan Kawayan in Parañaque. The activity targets to build roughly 600 homes within the next three to five years.

“Growing Dreams” is City of Dreams Manila’s tree-planting activity in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Employees donated over 1,600 seedlings for the project, while close to 100 volunteers planted trees in Barangay Perez, Calauan, Laguna.

City of Dreams Manila’s employees actively embrace their role in environmental conservation, participating in the Annual International Coastal Cleanup program. Last year, over 100 volunteers mostly from Security and Table Games departments partnered with about 70 members of the 107th squadron of the Philippine Coast Guard and initiated a coastal cleanup along the Manila Bay area, covering a shore-to-bay distance of roughly 10 meters by a shoreline distance of close to 100 meters. The efforts yielded hundreds of kilos of rubbish which were moved off the water’s edge and later on collected by the local city government.

City of Dreams Manila’s continuing CSR with The Philippine Red Cross engages employees in regular blood donation drives, for which it was recognized last year with a Diploma of Service during the Philippine Red Cross’ Annual Recognition Ceremony, celebrating the heroism and selflessness of volunteer blood donors.

Gina Iniong Aims to Impress in ONE Championship Debut

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Considered as one of the best female Filipino fighters that the local Philippine mixed martial arts (MMA) scene has ever produced, Gina “Conviction” Iniong has finally found her way to ONE Championship.

Iniong will make her much-awaited promotional debut at ONE: KINGS OF DESTINY in Manila, Philippines on 21 April as she is booked to square off with Filipino-English stalwart Natalie Gonzales Hills in a three-round atomweight contest.

The 27-year-old Baguio City native is a member of the renowned Team Lakay and has a professional MMA record of 4-2. Three of her four career victories have come by thrilling finish, which includes two impressive submissions.

Team Lakay’s 5-foot-2 atomweight standout also owns notable victories over the likes of French fighter Nathalie Heidel and Japanese veteran Mei Yamaguchi.

In her last bout under a regional MMA promotion in January 2016, Iniong astonishingly submitted Spanish combatant Vanessa Rico Fernandez with a heel lock in the first round.

Now competing on a global stage like ONE Championship, Iniong sets her sights on establishing a lasting impression as she shares the cage with Hills on 21 April.

“I am grateful for the opportunity that has been given to me by this well-respected MMA promotion. ONE Championship is the premier MMA organization in Asia. With my debut taking place this April, it’s a chance to show the world what I am capable of doing inside the cage,” she said.

“I’m not going to waste this wonderful opportunity. I am here to give every Filipino MMA fan who is going to watch the event live a night to remember,” Iniong added.

Iniong admitted that she feels the pressure, but Mark Sangiao’s talented female ward stressed that she thrives on it as it brings out the best in her.

“There will always be pressure, but it is about channeling it in a right way. Being nervous before a fight can be good in a certain way. I thrive on it because it motivates me to overcome it by doing my best,” she stated.

As a fierce cage competitor with the ability to finish opponents in a variety of methods, Iniong seeks a statement-making victory in her first assignment as a ONE Championship athlete.

“I’ve been out for over a year. I cannot explain how excited I am to step inside the ONE Championship cage for the very first time. Of course, I want that finish. I am always looking for that. If there’s an opening to get the knockout or submission, I will go for that in a split second,” she ended.

​For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

The Largest Property Expo in the Philippines to Launch on May 27, 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The 4th Philippine Property Expo, the country’s largest real estate expo will launch on May 27, 2017 and will run for 2 days at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.

Philippine Property Expo is the perfect place for interested home buyers and real estate investors to find the best deals on top property developments, as well as real estate home supplies.

This 2-day event will feature over 100 Property Developers and Home Suppliers, Real Estate Brokerage Firms, Real Estate Marketing Agencies, Property Investment Firms and Consultancies, Vacation Membership Clubs, Home and Office Furniture, Construction Suppliers, Home Technology Solutions, Real Estate Online Portals and expected to be visited by over 6,000 visitors.

The expo will also feature a Property Industry Leadership Talk giving interested home buyers, property investors and real estate professionals the latest overview of the country's property market.

For the past 3 years, some of the biggest names in real estate have exhibited at the Philippine Property Expo such as Shang Properties, Ayala Land, Vista Land, SMDC, DMCI HOMES, Megaworld, Century Properties Group, Amaia Land, Filinvest Land, New San Jose Builders, Robinsons Land, PICAR Development, Phinma Properties, P.A Properties, PDB Properties, Sta. Lucia Land, Property Company of Friends, Geo Estate Development, Masaito Development, Jade Group Real Estate Developers, Greenfield Development, Zhongfa Development, Elanvital Enclaves, Sterling Properties, DDC Land, Merry Leaf Realty, Regus, Lamudi Philippines, ListingIN, Capitarise Property Management, Rider Levett Bucknall Philippines, Power Steel Specialist Trading, Cavite Form Modules, and many more.

WSI Highlights McAfee Security and How to Combat Against Cyber Attacks

Wazzup Pilipinas!

With billions of IT devices coming online during the next several years, the threat of cyber-attacks is very real.

There were over one million web attacks against people each day throughout the world. Cybercriminals continue to take advantage of vulnerabilities in legitimate websites to infect users. These cybercriminals have given the opportunity to access mass quantities of sensitive and personal information through the use of advance technologies.

Wordtext Systems Inc., the oldest pure IT distributor in the Philippines held an informative press launch last March 22 at the Discovery Primea, Makati City to keep up the importance of having dependable software security solutions that is intended for home and corporate environments.

Intel Security, the world's largest dedicated security technology company unveil strategic partnership to create an independent McAfee product lines that opt to deliver proactive and proven security solutions and services that help secure systems and networks around the world. It protects consumers and businesses of all sizes from the latest malware and emerging online threats. These software security solutions that WSI distributes were designed to work together, integrating anti-malware, anti-spyware, and antivirus software with security management features that deliver unsurpassed real-time visibility and analytics, reduce risk, ensure compliance, improve Internet security, and help businesses achieve operational efficiencies.

Shopback Redefines Smart Online Shopping with Cashback System

Wazzup Pilipinas!

E-commerce has increasingly changed the way people shop for consumer goods. Online stores like Lazada and Zalora in particular are favored in large part by Filipinos due to the huge discounts they offer on top of the added convenience of delivering purchased goods directly in their doorsteps.

Since its launch last year, the Philippine franchise of Southeast Asia's largest and fastest growing online loyalty platform has been making a good thing even better for thousands of online shoppers. Offering rebates they call “cashbacks,” ShopBack has been returning up to 30 percent of what consumers pay for a particular item or service. This is on top of any discount the online store is already offering.

Such cashbacks are not only given to shoppers of Lazada and Zalora but also to over 350 other popular online shopping destinations. 

“We at ShopBack not only help Filipinos get the best deals and discounts, but we even give cashbacks which is actually giving your cash back,” explains ShopBack Philippines country head Kristina Ay-ay.

“Here’s how it works. When you shop online at say, Lazada or Zalora through ShopBack, a portion of your purchase is returned to you within 48 hours in your ShopBack account even if your mode of payment is cash on delivery to the store. This translates to extra, unlimited savings whenever you shop online.”

Ay-ay said the cashback is made possible through commissions earned by ShopBack from partner merchants with every completed sales transaction. ShopBack then shares a portion of its commission with the shopper.

“Our partner merchants reward us with a commission for referring you to shop on their site. But instead of keeping the commission to ourselves, we are sharing them with our consumers,” Ay-Ay pointed out. 

Although ShopBack employs a loyalty scheme similar to other point system rewards programs and credit card rebates, what sets ShopBack apart from the rest is that the cashbacks are immediately credited to registered users.

Once the amount of cashback accumulates to a certain point, it is then deposited to the shopper’s bank, GCash or PayPal account which he or she can either withdraw or use as payment for future purchases.

This sharing system, developed by six enterprising individuals in Singapore, began when ShopBack was founded in 2014. Following the very favorable public reception there, ShopBack was subsequently introduced in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines and will be launching in Thailand within the year.

Now with over 1,300 global and local e-retailers in the Southeast Asian region, ShopBack is now the leading player in its field.

With almost half a million subscribers within a span of one year, ShopBack is obviously a big hit for Filipino consumers. But Ay-ay is not stopping there as she intends to make ShopBack an even more indispensable shopping portal and further evangelize on the benefits of its cashback system.

ShopBack will soon provide aggregated reviews and head-to-head comparisons in order to provide consumers with more informed decisions when they shop on the site.

“We want every Filipino to be able to save as much as they can when shopping online. That’s ShopBack’s promise,” Ay-ay concluded.

Indeed, smart shopping has never been this rewarding.

Better #InternetForAll is coming to Metro Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Smart Communications is serious about giving everyone in the Philippines access to better Internet (the target is to cover 95% of the country’s cities and municipalities with LTE by end of 2018) and the work never ends. After completing its network improvement efforts in Boracay and Davao (where the company boosted 3G signal and expanded both indoor and outdoor LTE coverage) Smart is now working on giving residents and visitors of Metro Manila and the nearby Rizal province a much improved mobile internet experience.

The Metro Manila LTE rollout is expected to be completed very soon, but as early as now, tests already show massive improvements in mobile data speeds and coverage in key areas of NCR and Rizal. In a matter of weeks, people can expect better mobile internet to be experienced in more areas in the metro, even when inside establishments, workplaces, and residential buildings.

This network upgrade is aligned with Smart’s three-year nationwide network improvement plan. While these upgrades are happening, Smart explains that there will be unavoidable service interruptions, but they promise it will be worth the wait. Soon enough, more people from all over the country will get to use and experience what they call “Smart’s best network yet”.

Watch the video below:

CMLI 39th Annual Summer Convention: Dream Aloud! Empowering a Generation of Visionary Leaders towards the Growth and Sustainability of our Nation

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Now in its 60th year, the Children's Museum and Library, Inc. is a youth-oriented organization geared towards providing avenues for unleashing the excellence and leadership potential of the Filipino youth.

In line with this, the CMLI Junior Council - National Executive Board 2017 invites all grade school and high school students from all over the country to the 39th Annual Summer Convention, with the theme "Dream Aloud! Empowering a Generation of Visionary Leaders towards the Growth and Sustainability of our Nation." This five-day convention will be held on May 8-12 at the Villa Soledad Beach Resort in Bolinao, Pangasinan.

This year, the Annual Summer Convention will focus on empowering student delegates to become visionary leaders that can provide solutions to the many pressing problems that our country continues to face through various group discussions, workshops, and competitions.

Inspiring action through fun, the Commission Discussion, which is regarded as the heart of CMLI conventions, is a series of group activities and group discussions which aims to provide the delegates with a better understanding of the theme of the convention.

In addition to this, guest speakers will administer different workshops in order to further develop the talents and skills of the delegates. This year’s workshops will include Project Feasibility Study, Journalistic Writing, Creative Writing, Public Speaking, and Theatre.

Lastly, Competitions for Excellence and Entertainment will also be conducted in order to inspire the delegates to bring out the best in every single one of them. The Competitions for Excellence will include Essay Writing, News Writing, Editorial Writing, Poster Making, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Photojournalism, while the Competitions for Entertainment will include OPM Solo Singing, Talent Variety Show, Hip-hop Dancing, and the much-awaited Mr. and Ms. SummerCon.

Are you ready to #DreamAloud and #DreamForTheNation? Then don't miss out on this year's Annual Summer Convention!

For more details, visit us at www.facebook.com/CMLIOfficial on Facebook or follow us at @cmlijcneb on Twitter. For inquiries, contact us at 0915-871-8994, 435-0008, 924-2304 or cmlijcneb2017@gmail.com

Water Philippines Opens its 4th Edition with the First Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The 4th staging of Water Philippines 2017, co-locating the first-ever Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RE EE) Philippines 2017, opens on a high note as the most prominent personalities in the water and waste water industry gather during the Opening Ceremonies.

Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, leads the Opening Ceremony as she emphasizes the importance of water sanitation and vital reforms in her Keynote Speech. "We must bear in mind that sanitation towards national sustainability is a shared responsibility", she also added.

As emphasized by Mr. M. Gandhi, President of UBM Exhibitions Philippines Inc., this year’s edition is 30% bigger featuring an even wider scope of the latest and best in water supply and sanitation, sewerage, industrial wastewater practices, trends and technologies.

“As we are about to begin the 4 th edition of Water Philippines 2017 and 1st edition of RE EE Philippines 2017, we are always reminded of how these two events create significant difference not only to businesses in the Water and Renewable Energy industry, but most importantly, its benefit to the community by sharing valuable information and knowledge to our practitioners and even to the end-users”, Mr. Gandhi also added.

Honorio Banario Says Renewed Confidence Is Biggest Difference

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario dropped five straight losses following his title-clinching performance over compatriot Eric Kelly in 2013, but has recently turned a new leaf, impressively winning three straight over top flight opponents. A renewed wave of confidence he says is what made a world of difference.

On Friday, 21 April, Banario (11-6) will return to action against tough and durable Australian foe “Ruthless” Rob Lisita (14-9) in a three-round lightweight bout that is being considered an early candidate for Fight of the Night honors.

His belief in himself, Banario explains, is at an all-time high.

“My recent wins have given me my confidence back. I’m happy that I’m now able to show the positive outcome of my hard work. Those losses didn’t put me down, they gave me the strength to push forward,” said Banario.

“It changed my outlook on life, my outlook on this sport.”

By the time Banario had dropped his fifth straight contest, a 56-second submission loss to Ev Ting, the proud Igorot warrior said he had already contemplated surrender and calling it a day. But it was those closest to him -- his family, friends, teammates at the Team Lakay MMA gym, coach Mark Sangiao -- who urged him to fight on.

“I knew it wasn’t over. I had so many fans, true fans, telling me to soldier on and keep fighting and that they still believed in me. Hearing all the words of encouragement, how can you continue to feel down after that?” said Banario.

“Coach Mark [Sangiao] kept a close eye on me and tried to observe my body language. He wanted to see if my confidence would ever come back. I had to remain positive. I knew whatever I needed to find was still inside of me.”

Now, Banario has won his last three bouts, the most impressive of which was a first round armbar victory over top Indian lightweight prospect Rajinder Singh Meena last December, in front of his hometown crowd in Manila.

This April however, Banario knows he has his work cut out for him. Lisita is one of the toughest fighters in ONE Championship, regardless of weight class.

“He (Lisita) is the type of fighter who will never give up no matter what. In a way, he’s just like me. It doesn’t matter if he’s tired, beat up or losing a fight. There’s no quit in the man. That’s why they call him ‘Ruthless’,” said Banario.

“But I’m prepared for anything. Whatever style he wants to bring to the cage. Whether it’s his usual fast-start, looking for the quick finish, or a more technical, drawn out approach -- I’m ready. I’m happy to fight him because I want to be able to test myself against him. He’s a real fighter.”

With the success he has enjoyed at this juncture of his career, Banario surprisingly admits that he feels no pressure at all in trying to extend his winning streak. He says that even though Lisita will be the one inside the cage with him, that he’s not worried about the Australian.

“The only person I’m concerned with is myself,” said Banario.

“I have to stay calm, and ease the pressure. The previous losses only served to teach me a valuable lesson. I’m not really going to battle with another person, I’m going to battle with myself. It’s my own fears and the negative feelings that I have to conquer. If I can beat myself, only then can I get to the next level,” Banario concluded.

​For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Singapore Ambassador Kok Li Peng and Award Winning Poets Celebrates World Poetry Day at Kamuning Bakery

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Singapore Ambassador Madame Kok Li Peng joined award-winning poets Jose F. Lacaba and Marra Pl. Lanot on March 21 morning to celebrate UNESCO’s “World Poetry Day” at the Pandesal Forum of 78-year-old Kamuning Bakery Café in Quezon City. The envoy also discussed Philippine-Singapore relations and Asean issues with the media and intellectuals at the two-hour forum. This artisanal café also gave away free coffee or tea drinks the whole day to all people who came to pay with their original poems, in a unique civic and cultural project.

To celebrate “World Poetry Day”, Kamuning Bakery Café’s Wilson Lee Flores invited Singapore Ambassador Kok to recite one of her favorite poems entitled “The road not taken” by Robert Frost. Lacaba and Lanot both also each recited their original poems in the Filipino language.

During the free-wheeling Pandesal Forum with local and international media, Ambassador Kok extolled the warm diplomatic and economic ties between the Philippines and Singapore, as well as the general optimism of the Asean region as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with a high-level summit hosted by chairman the Philippines. She said that there are high hopes on the RCEP economic agreement being worked out between the 10-member nations of Asean region and China, that she thinks both this RCEP and even the TPP are all good initiatives to promote freer global trade.

DOT Secretary Wants Media to "Tone Down" Reports on EJK

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Here's what to expect if we make Mocha Uson as the new "Darna" aka "Narda"

Mocha: "Digong, ang bato!"
Digong: "Putang-inang bato yan! Ikaw batuhin ko!
Bato (Dela Rosa): "Sir, baka ako hinahanap niya! Pagsampalin ko na ba?"
Bato (stone): "Need nyo pa ba ako? Di ba may Oplan Tokhang na? Patay na mga adik sa Pilipinas"
Wanda Tulfo-Teo: "Guys, tone down on your statements. Nahihirapan ako i-promote ang Philippine tourism!"

“’Yung mga statements na ganoon, nahihirapan kaming i-sell ang Philippines so I hope we could kung puwede even… this does not only refer to VP Leni but also to the media to please medyo i-tone down natin yung [reports] on extrajudicial killings.” ~Tourism Sec. Corazon Wanda Tulfo-Teo

Statements like these just prove how insensible our current leaders are. They would rather "tone down" the truth about what's really happening in the Philippines just to let tourists keep coming in. When you tone-down, that could also mean telling a lie about the reality. You then put tourists in danger and the entire Philippines as a liar.

She's barking on the wrong tree! She should tell her boss, President Rodrigo "Digong" Duterte to stop his  Extra-Judicial Killings (EJK) disguised as a "War on Drugs" so she could have it easy with her job as Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary.

Tone down EJK operations instead - so that media has nothing "negative" to report about the Philippines.

"Typical "Best-and-the-Brightest" appointee in Duterte's mediocre cabinet. Unable to discern the real issues.

The main reasons she was appointed are: #1 Taga-Davao #2 Owns a travel agency #3 MonTulfo's sister. No competence in international marketing, attracting investors, sector planning.

If she was slightly more competent, she would have tried to make "lemonade out of lemons".

She could run a whole series of 'More Fun in the Philippines' ads around our latest selling propositions: EJKs, Death Squads, Tokhang-for-Ransom, Masked Mummies, Fake News, Cursing, Kowtowing to China, Death Penalty, Sex Tapes, Jet Skiing to Chinese-stolen islands. The possibilities are endless.

We would attract all the war-freaks, murderers & idiots from around the world. That's a large, gullible market to add to our own burgeoning pool.

And hell no. It is not safe in the Philippines. Just look at the murder stats. 51% up since Duterte became president." - Bernard Ong

Even the appointed Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer (COO), Cesar Montano, has been in the spotlight for anomalies within the TPB, and the worst is that his own staff are the ones complaining about his ways and methods touching on absurd spending personal travels, using public funds on non-related tourism activities like rallies, and hiring relatives and gardeners, and many more in redundant positions.

Even the appointment of Katherine Espin, Miss Earth 2016, as Ambassadress for the DOT, to promote Eco Tourism all over the nation, will not be enough to counter all that news about poor people getting killed by the police. It's so safe in the Philippines that you also get killed even inside the Camp Crame, the home of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and where the PNP Chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, resides.

As usual, there will always be people who will remain blind of the truth because they want to look their best to the one whom they owe their positions. You can't expect them to bite the hand that feeds them. There's what we call "Utang na Loob" that has always been the main reason for every downfall.

In our case, all of the Digong supporters are getting positions in government, or special favors if they do not want to be tied up in government. Never mind if there are more qualified people out there, the President knows who to thank by assigning them top responsibilities within his administration. He already kicked out Vice Presidnet Leni Robredo for going against him, and other officials who had to resign by force of because they couldn't stomach anymore the ludicrous ways of this administration.

Steak Affordable for Graduates at Gumbo

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Celebrate your graduation and make it extra special by treating your family with this “Steak Affordable at Gumbo”! Grab this “Buy One Take One Steak” until the end of April at Gumbo for as low as P595.00. 

Choose from sumptuous chicken steak to tender-juicy pork loin to USDA Country-style steak, among others, served with choice side dishes like mashed potato, corn and carrots, coleslaw, rice pilaf, etc. Aside from this delicious treat, special freebies/gift await all graduates of 2017!

Enjoy quality dishes plus huge savings at Gumbo located at the 2nd Level Entertainment Hall, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay; 3rd Level Robinsons Manila Midtown; 2nd Level SM City The Block, North EDSA: Gateway Mall in Araneta Center, Cubao; Robinsons Magnolia; and at the 2nd Level Atrium Bldg. in SM Megamall. 

For reservations and inquiries, please call 5560238, 4420106, 6353015, 5671820, 4404632 and 5271925.

Marvelous Treats for Graduates and Families at Burgoo

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This graduation, share the love, joy and success to the whole family as Burgoo makes available “Marvelous Family Combo" for only P1, 999.000. 

It includes four sumptuous flavors of Wild Wild Wings, a bucket of French Fries, a bowl of rice pilaf, Tomato-Basil Spaghetti, two karaffe of iced tea or lemonade and one full slab of Oklahoma-style Grilled Baby Back Ribs.  

Enjoy that special moment the whole family as you share sumptuous dishes and relaxing ambiance at Burgoo located at T. Morato in Quezon City; Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Makati; The Podium in Ortigas; Gateway Mall in Araneta Center Cubao; Robinsons Galleria in Ortigas; SM City The Block in North EDSA; Mall of Asia in Pasay; SM City Marikina; SM Southmall in Alabang, The District in Cavite; 3rd level Terraces Mall in Fairview; Starmall in Taguig; and newly-opened Burgoo in Solenad, Nuvali. 

For reservations and inquiries, please call 9277424, 8381815, 6875254, 7263578, 9136112, 5560091 or 6336256.

This Marvelous Family Combo is available until the end of April. All graduates will receive extra freebies and gift!

Clarificatory Statement on Microsoft Press Release

Wazzup Pilipinas!

On 8 March 2017 Microsoft Philippines held an event entitled “Data Privacy Act: A Priority for Businesses” at the event, Microsoft issued a press release that stated:

“In 2012, it passed into law, the Philippine Data Privacy Act (Republic Act No. 10173) that aims to protect every individual’s information recorded on any IT and communication system in both government and private sectors. 

While it has been a law for the last 5 years, businesses and organizations are required to comply with it by September 9, 2017.”

The National Privacy Commission (NPC) would like to clarify that the law is explicit in its provisions and has been in effect since 2012. Businesses and organizations that collect and process personal data are already required to be compliant with the DPA. As such, for data processors in both private and government sectors, appointing an accountable officer in the person of a Data Protection Officer is a must and shouldn’t be delayed any further.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the DPA however, which took effect on 8 September 2016, provides for a transitory period of one year for Personal Information Controllers (PICs) and Personal Information Processors (PIPs) to register their data processing systems with the NPC, subject to the requirements of section 47 (Registration of Personal Data Processing Systems) of the IRR.

According Privacy Commissioner Raymund Enriquez Liboro; “The NPC is working with PICs and PIPs in government and various industries in developing a culture of privacy, and building resilience against data breaches from the ground up. We are committed in helping businesses as well as citizens in becoming self-reliant in personal data protection.”

“While technology tools are important, these alone will not prevent the violation of data subjects’ rights and ensure compliance with the DPA As, such, the Commission is not endorsing any particular vendor looking to promote the data protection features of their products” Chairman Liboro said.

About the NPC: The National Privacy Commission is a regulatory and quasi-judicial body organized by virtue ofRA 10173, otherwise known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012. The agency is mandated to uphold the right to data privacy and ensure the free-flow of information, with a view to promoting economic growth and innovation.

5 Reasons to Take Summer Workshops

Wazzup Pilipinas!
 
It’s summertime!

Many people are most likely getting ready to take their much-awaited vacation to the beach or to a Disneyland. Some, especially those students who just finished their thesis last semester, just want to spend their summer vacation catching up on sleep and just chillin’. But if you’d like to make your summer more memorable, productive and impactful, you can spend it attending summer workshops.

Today’s world is fast-paced and competitive. It is almost a requirement to turn your hobbies and interests into usable skills. The good news is that there are courses that would not take years or even semesters to finish. From performing arts such as singing and dancing, sports like basketball and tennis, and other interests like baking and photography, there are summer camps and summer clinics practically on almost all types of interests in various locations in the metro.

Above photo shows the latest batch of Voiceworx - basic voice acting and dubbing workshop

For more than a decade, my own company has been offering voice acting workshops every summer. Voiceworx – Basic Voice Acting and Dubbing Workshop – is an 8-Saturday workshop that teaches the fundamentals of voice acting, including creating character voices, voice care, and script analysis and translation. I’m proud to say that this workshop – the first and only in the country – has opened the doors of what was once an elusive industry to those who have the passion and dedication to master the craft.

I myself have been an advocate of short courses like summer workshops. I have studied month-long courses in other countries to deepen my knowledge for my own passions and interest – leadership, youth empowerment, among many others. That’s why I also encourage the people I meet to do the same.

TaskUs Partners with Color Manila for CM Challenge Run Held in Clark, Pampanga

Wazzup Pilipinas!

TaskUs, headquartered in Los Angeles, and best recognized by Inc. 500 as one of the 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in America, is rapidly expanding in the Philippines today. It currently has 7,500 employees and five sites, and is best known as the “secret behind the phenomenal scaling of some of the world’s companies”, such as Twitter, Groupon, Tinder, Shopify and Whisper, among others.

Known as ridiculously good at powering tech startups; it has partnered with Color Manila, the country’s most aggressive ‘concept fun-run’ organizer, for its CM Challenge Run held last March 19, 2017, at Clark Parade Grounds in Pampanga.

The partnership makes perfect sense, “As a company that cares deeply about affecting people in meaningful and revolutionary ways, TaskUs finds a kindred spirit in Color Manila, as they find purpose in bringing color to people's lives. We genuinely care about our employees' overall well being, and this includes their physical and emotional health. Work-life balance is important, so a colourful fun run that defies norms and gives people the opportunity to not just explore an avenue for healthy recreation but also create connections with other human beings who enjoy the same things, is something that we definitely support”, says Rey Salazar Jr., Brand Director of TaskUs.

Thousands of runners trooped to Clark as early as 4 a.m., to participate in the race’s various finishes, such as 3K, 5K and 10K. Runners also enjoyed taking selfies and were given limited edition goodies as they immersed with employees at the TaskUs branded color station inside Clark Parade Grounds. TaskUs employees from the House Teamwork Nepo, Angeles site also took the opportunity to join the colorful and challenging event.

“TaskUs today is expanding rapidly and has transformed to something more than just a company. It is a movement. We change what it means to work in this industry; not by idly accepting the status quo, but by taking smart risks, and finding new ways to do things better”, adds Ma.Isabel Bernal, VP of Culture.

For more information about TaskUs, please visit www.taskus.com and facebook.com/taskusph

See a TaskUs site open in Batangas City this March 2017

Philips Monitors Launches the “Summer Escapade” Raffle Promo

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Summer is here and Philips Monitors is up to take you to one of the Philippines’ best summer destinations!

Purchase any Philips Monitor (15.6" to 43") from March 15 to May 15, 2017 from any of our authorized partners and get a chance to win a trip for two to Boracay, Palawan, or Bohol!

Authorized partners:

Metro Manila: Acenet, Dynamic PC , Dynaquest, EasyPC, Octagon, PC Chain, PC Corner, PC Express, PC Worx, Think PC, Vivocom

Visayas: HYW I.T. Distributor, Joyo Marketing, Nutech, Perfect Star PC Shoppe, PC Quickbuys, Thinkingtools

Mindanao: Altech Computer, Davao Futurebright, Digital Interface, Powerpoint Computer System, RASI, Thinkingtools

To join the raffle promo, submit your proof of purchase and complete information at www.philipsmonitorspromos.com. Three (3) winners will be drawn on May 17. Announcement of winners through the Philips Monitors Official Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/philipsmonitors) is on May 27, 2017. Below are the prizes:

Grand Prize: Trip for two to BORACAY

1^st Prize: Trip for two to CORON, PALAWAN

2^nd Prize: Trip for two to BOHOL

All prizes are INCLUSIVE of airfare, hotel accommodation for 3 days/2 nights, and tour package and are EXCLUSIVE of pocket money.

See posters for complete promo mechanics.

Join now and get ready for the best summer experience!

DOE Readies Mechanisms in Managing Energy Supply

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) is readying measures to ensure the sufficiency and stability of energy supply in the years to come, especially during the summer when the power supply is traditionally lean.

In line with this, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has issued the appropriate directives to the Electric Power Industry Management Bureau, the Energy Utilization Management Bureau and the entire DOE to conduct a massive information, education and communication (IEC) drive.

The goal set by the DOE chief is to ensure the implementation of an effective demand-side management program for energy supply.

On the Post-Malampaya Scheduled Maintenance Shutdown coordination meeting among industry players, the following inputs were discussed and submitted to support the Secretary's directive:

1.     To continue the close coordination among the stakeholders in monitoring the entire energy supply chain (i.e., from energy resource development to the power plants to the distribution utilities up to the consumers composed of the industrial, commercial and residential levels);

2.     To continue the advocacy for the development of indigenous energy resources, in which the permitting system must be addressed by giving importance to energy projects and classifying such as projects of national significance;

3.     To ensure delivery of power to the consumers by:

a.     ensuring the completion of power plants in time for the summer months. For instance, the Limay Coal-Fired Power Plant in Bataan that have already been delayed for various reasons to go online;

b.     monitoring the output of the power plants through the conduct of performance assessment and audit. For instance, the maintenance schedules of the power plants during the summer months like the Pagbilao Coal-fired Power Plant;

c.      preparing the availability of the Malaya Thermal Power Plant as a back-up generation to ensure sufficiency of supply and d. ensuring the readiness of the Interruptible Load Program (ILP), in which the DOE is looking into a change in policy where the differential in the cost of running the generators will not be passed on to the consumers, but instead to be paid for by power plants that went on forced outage.

ILP serves as an option for Distribution Utilities (DUs) like the Manila Electric Company and electric cooperatives to ask their big load customers to serve their own power needs by using their own generator sets to augment power supply capacity in times of Red Alert Status or when power supply reserves are thin.

“We have to give our consumers options on how to manage their use of energy without sacrificing their productivity,” Cusi emphasized.

           

“The DOE is already conducting an IEC campaign to the top government load users like the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), etc., and energy tips for consumers,” Cusi said.

Meanwhile, Cusi said “the DOE is also looking at the quick resolution of the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) by the Supreme Court. Under the RCOA regime, the contestable customers and the retail electricity suppliers are compelled to be more efficient in the delivery and use of energy resources."

Additionally, the DOE is looking at the pending applications of DUs and electric cooperatives on modern mechanisms for demand-side management with the Energy Regulatory Commission, like the smart grid and the pre-paid electricity technologies.

In conclusion, Sec. Cusi reiterates the energy saving tips for the consumers as follows:

1.     Bawasan ng dalawang (2) oras ang paggamit ng aircon araw-araw. Makatitipid ng 30.50 kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay PhP346.50 na tipid kada buwan.

2.     Ilagay ang thermostat ng aircon sa 25 ^oC. Makatitipid ng 12.6 kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay PhP138.60 na tipid kada buwan.

3.     Bawasan ng isang (1) oras ang paggamit ng TV (mula 10 oras gawing 9 oras). Makatitipid ng 1.8 kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay PhP19.80 na tipid kada buwan.

4.     Ilagay sa “Low” ang electric fan sa halip na “High”. Makatitipid ng 4.8kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay PhP52.80 na tipid kada buwan.

5.     Bawasan ng isang (1) oras ang paggamit ng ilaw araw-araw. Sa isang ilaw, makatitipid ng 0.45 kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay PhP4.95 na tipid kada buwan.

6.     Bawasan ng isang (1) oras ang paggamit ng computer araw-araw. Makatitipid ng 4.5 kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay PhP49.50 na tipid kada buwan.

7.     Mas mainam gumamit ng laptop dahil mas mababa ang konsumo nito kaysa desktop. Makatitipid ng 30kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay PhP330.00 na tipid kada buwan.

8.     Iwasan ang pag bukas-sara ng refrigerator kung hindi kailangan. Makatitipid ng 2.59 kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay PhP28.40 na tipid kada buwan.

9.     Bawasan ng isang (1) oras ang pag plantsa kada linggo, gawin itong Sabado o Linggo para makaiwas sa “peak hours.” Makatitipid ng 4kWh na konsumo, katumbas nito ay Php44.00 na tipid kada buwan.